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HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS 
 
 jj^lA 
 
 NEW JERSEY: 
 
 Past and Present: 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
 A GENERAL COLLECTION OF THE MOST INTERESTING FACTS, 
 TRADITIONS, BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, ANECDOTES, ETC., 
 
 RELATING TO THE 
 
 HISTORY AND ANTiaUITIES, 
 
 GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL THE IMPORTANT 
 PLACES IN THE STATE, 
 
 AND THE STATE CENSUS OF ALL THE TOWNS IN 
 
 186a. 
 
 Illustrated by mimerous Engravings, 
 
 BY JOHN W. BAEBEK, 
 
 Auraoa of several historical works, etc. 
 
 ASSISTED Br 
 
 HENRY HOWE, 
 
 author op the "memoirs op eminent AMERICAN MECHANICS," BTC. 
 
 NEW HAVEN, CONN. 
 
 PUBLiaHED BY SUBSCRIPTION, BY JOHN W. BARBBB. 
 
 1368. 
 
Z'- 
 
 
 Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1869^ by 
 
 John W. Barber -.•■» ~- 
 
 In the Clerk's office of the District Coivt of Connecticut. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 Thk object of this work is to give an account of the most important and interestmg 
 events which have occurred in the State of New Jersey, togetlier with geographical de- 
 scriptions and numerous engravings. In selecting the extracts which are introduced in 
 the course of the volume, care has been taken to avoid dry detail and tedious official 
 documents, which usually appear in regular, formal history, and to give those selections 
 likely to interest the feelings, refresh the memory, and instruct the mind. 
 
 We are aware there are historical items in these pages which may seem to some too 
 trivial, or perhaps too much beneath what is termed " the dignity of history." It may 
 be observed, however, that we are not always competent judges of what may be val- 
 uable or interesting to posterity. Much important information has undoubtedly been 
 lost to the world by fastidious views on this subject ; and of that preserved, much at the 
 time considered comparatively insignificant, has proved the most useful and instructive. 
 In view of the great variety of subjects introduced, and the almost impossibility of 
 producing a publication of this kind without errors and imperfections, it is with a degree 
 of diffidence that it is submitted to the public, especially when we consider who are to be 
 our readers. Travellers, in giving accounts of foreign countries, can make statements at 
 random which may pass for truth, when there is none at hand able to detect their errors. 
 This publication will ccnie before many persons who have better means of information 
 and more knowledge on some subjects introduced than can reasonably be expected from 
 the authors. Tliis is especially true in relation to the descriptive part of the book, for we 
 were obliged to obtain much of that kind of information at second hand, and consequently 
 were liable to adopt the errors or misrepresentations of many informants. 
 
 In collecting the materials for this work, we have travelled over the State, conversed 
 with her most intelligent citizens, among whom were survivors of the Revolution, and 
 obtained from them descriptions of their respective localities, and many items of histori- 
 cal value. We have, moreover, solicited written communications from gentlemen in all 
 parts of the state, embodying facts of great value, which could be properly prepared 
 only by those who resided on the spot. These solicitations have been met with a prompt- 
 ness altogether unexpected, and the materials thus obtained have much enhanced the 
 value of this publication, and placed us under lasting obligations. 
 
 It will be perceived that numerous quotations are made in this volume from a variety of 
 authorities ; in most instances of which credit has been given. As a general rule, wo 
 have preferred each account to appear as originally written, in the author's own words, 
 from which the reader can draw his <,wu inferences. 
 
 Since the above preface was written, important changes have taken place in New 
 Jersey. Her population has almcst, if not quite doubled. Her wealth and resources 
 have rapidly increased; and it may be said in a certain sense, that a new and val" 
 uable territory is springing into existence within Iier borders. It is now upwards 
 of twenty years since the first edition of this work was published. Altliough 
 several editions have been reprinted since, the work is now out of print. During 
 the summer and autumn of 1867, we have personally visited all the important 
 places in the State ; taken new drawings, and as far as it was practicaljle, cor- 
 rected the statistics up to the present time, including the population of every 
 town, given according to the State Census of 18G5. 
 
The statistics of many of the more interior towns in which but little change has 
 Lioen made, remain as they wore printed in the firs'i edition, except those in regard to 
 I'.ie population. These statistics of the past, properly belong to history, and as 
 such, are often of interest to the present generation. Tlie fonms nnd appoainnces 
 of structures and tlieir surroundings with which we were familiar in our childhood, 
 may be suddenly destroyed, or be made to disappear in the ravages of time, but on 
 the printed page, they will remain entire, to be looked upon by generations yet to 
 come. 
 
 Whatever may be the future of New Jersey, her History of the Past is secure. — 
 In her treatment of the Aboriginies, her record is without a stain. Said an Indian 
 orator, when addressing the New Jersey Legislature, " Not a drop of our blood 
 have you spilled in battle. — not an acre of our land have you taken but with our 
 consent." In the struggle for Independence, her territory became the " Battle 
 field of the Revolution," and her patriot sons in pubUc stations were hunted and 
 pursued like felons on their native soil. — While American history remains extant, — 
 while patriotism and bloody sacrilices for freedom are appreciated, so long will the 
 History of New Jersey be an object of interest in every part of this Republic. 
 
 J. W. B. 
 
 ADDITIONS, CORRECTIONS, &c., TO 1868. 
 
 C^'^In addition to the following list, new engravings have been taken of nearly 
 all the prominent places in the State, and inserted in then* proper places in the 
 body of the work. 
 
 New Counties and Townships, 513 
 
 Centh.vl New Jersey, .517 
 
 Hammonton (2 views), .518 
 
 Vincland (2 views), 521 
 
 Historical Items from the Vineland 
 
 Antiquarian Society, 523 
 
 Notice of Dr. Anderson the Engraver, 
 
 now of Jersey City, 534 
 
 Atlantic City (I view), ^30 
 
 Egg IlaTbor, >quan, &c.. 531 
 
 Jersey City, Map of Hudson Co.,. ..532 
 IIupsoN Co., cities, &c., . . . 533 
 
 Glass Works at Winslow (view), 524 Jersey City; Hobokcn, 533 
 
 Ocea:* CorXTY, 513JlIudson City (1 view), .534 
 
 Tom's River (I view), 52(jiCiTy of Bergen, 535 
 
 Bricksbnrg (1 do.), 52.3 <X)Utinental and Mansion Houses at 
 
 Jackson; Plumstead, .528 Long Branch, 536 
 
 Manchester (I view), 52;^ Elizabetliport (1 view), 530 
 
 Stafford; Union, _53(!jCamdcn, Newton, Haddonfield Hist. 
 
 Union County, 513 Items, 537 
 
 Drew Theological Seminary, STGlList of the Goverrors of Now Jersey. 
 
 Ancient Map of New Jersey 2ii 
 
 U. S. Watch Co s Establishment at 
 
 Manun, Hmlson Co , 225 
 
 Drew nieologioal Scmmary, 370 
 
 Eiizabethtown in 184:i 540 
 
 Si afford, Unum. b'iO 
 
 ' 'iissionist Monastery, Hoboken h?o 
 
 Caiiidon, Newton, Haddonfield, 538 
 
 Moiitclair view, «fec. 541 
 
 Map of Union and Essex counties,. . .541 
 
 Culture of Cranberries, 531 
 
 New Jersey during the late Civil 
 
 War 542 
 
 List of the Governors of New Jerae^'.-o-ii 
 
 C9gr" NoTF — TTte accompanying new map shows the latest dividons of 
 lUBties to ISfiR, icUh the railroads. 
 

 m 
 
 D O'N /<r^^riXM>^-^^^ i-'iy'tp. Bay 
 
 t\Si'tlfJ'.-'vi/lr 
 
 Morris villrji 
 
 MVDDLE 
 
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INDEX. 
 
 Howe, Sir William, anecdote of 314 
 
 Howe, Sir William, his account of the evacua- 
 tion of New Brunswick 314 
 
 Huddy, Capt. Joshua, cruel murder of. 365 
 
 Huts of the American army 453 
 
 Hyler, Capt. Adam, exploits of 3J6 
 
 Indians, history and customs of 
 
 Indians, last remnant in New Jersey 
 
 Indian chief, Brant, humanity of. 
 
 Indian chief, Calviu, interesting account of 
 
 Indian relics 384,400, 
 
 Indians, missionary among 
 
 Indian method of cooking clams 
 
 Indian names, with their significations 
 
 Indian incursions 465, 469, 479, 484, 503, 
 
 Indian woman, kindness of 204, 
 
 Indian Will, notice of 
 
 Jersey Blues, origin of the name 198 
 
 Jersey Line, mutinies 413 
 
 louet, Cavalier, letter to Gov. Livingston 165 
 
 Journal, ancient '24 
 
 Kalm's description of New Brunswick in 1748. . 312 
 
 Kearney, Maj. anecdote of 357 
 
 Kegs, battle of 101 
 
 Kelly, Col. bravery of ■*'* 
 
 Lafayette 84, 221 
 
 Laws, early moral 35 
 
 Leaming and Spicer's collections, notice of 130 
 
 Lee, Gen. Chas. taken prisoner 444 
 
 Leslie, Capt. death and grave of 440 
 
 Little, Capt. e,\ploits of 184 
 
 Long bill in chancery 159, 173 
 
 Lucretia Emmons, heroism of. 365 
 
 Mannington, midnight incursion into 428 
 
 Matrimonial knot, ancient method of tying 131 
 
 Maurice river, why so called 147 
 
 Mendham, singular origin of the name 382 
 
 Mercer, Gen. death of 272, 274 
 
 Mermaid, wrecked 69 
 
 Mey, Capt. Cornelius Jacobse, egotism of 123 
 
 Minisink, interesting article upon its settlement... 506 
 
 Military execution 454 
 
 Mineralogical region, interesting 481 
 
 Molly, Mrs. Capt. notice of • 342 
 
 Monckton, Col. death of. 341 
 
 Monckton, Col. grave of. 347 
 
 Monmouth, battle of 330 
 
 Monmouth, battle, anecdotes of the 341 
 
 Monmouth, British depredations in 344 
 
 Moody, iionnal, the tory leader, adventures of.. 474 
 
 Morrell, Rev. Thomas, notice of 161 
 
 Moravians, history and customs of 492 
 
 Morris Canal 231, 401 
 
 Morris, Lewis, improvements at Shrewsbury 358 
 
 Morris Co. Swamp 375 
 
 " First church in 380 
 
 Morristown Ghost 394 
 
 Occurrences, remarkable, in olden times 49 
 
 69 
 
 , 73 
 
 412 
 
 91 
 
 392 
 
 Perseverance, affecting account of its being 
 
 wrecked 135 
 
 Pine Region of New Jersey 6:i 
 
 " Robbers, thrilling account of 351 
 
 Philosophic Solitude, poem upon 162 
 
 Pirate Tree 92 
 
 Poor, Gen., funeral of 84 
 
 Potts, Misa, narrow escape of 298 
 
 Powwowing 149 
 
 Preacher, the sleeping 150 
 
 Presbyterian church. First, with services in En- 
 glish 160 
 
 Prices, profits, and currency in 1670 47 
 
 Princeton, Battle of 267 
 
 Packet, English, capture 
 
 Paterson Falls, death of a lady at 
 Penii, Wm., reproves for smoking 
 Pennsylvania line, mutinies 
 
 Prmters, early • 44,91 
 
 Privateers' rendezvous 108 
 
 Privateer, Gov. Livingston 139 
 
 Pulaski, defeat of 109 
 
 Pulaski, his expert horsemanship 387 
 
 Rahl, Col., death of 298 
 
 Railroad arch 99 
 
 Ray, Col., escape of 343 
 
 Red Bank, battle at 211 
 
 Refugee boat attacked 69 
 
 Revolutionary anecdote 98 
 
 " reminiscences of, at Mendham 384 
 
 " incident 156 
 
 Robber, death of 377 
 
 Robbers, pine 351 
 
 Rogerines, notice of 401 
 
 Sandy Hook, curious Indian document respecting 361 
 Salem Co., interesting military operations at 416, 426 
 
 Sassafras exported 108 
 
 Scattergood, Thomas, notice of 110 
 
 Seal, Great 33 
 
 Sea, encroachments of, at Cape Island 127 
 
 Shrewsbury, incursion into 368 
 
 Silver coin, ancient 98, 363 
 
 Simcoe, Lieut. Col., wounded at Monmouth 337 
 
 " military operations in Salem 421 
 
 u 11 Somerset 456 
 
 Singing, troubles respecting 398 
 
 Sliipwreck, appalling 109, 135 
 
 Skunk, adventures of the 134 
 
 Slavery 37 
 
 Sloop, the making of 108 
 
 Snake stories 141,241 
 
 Springfield, battle of. 192 
 
 Spring, chalybeate : 364, 403,489 
 
 Southard, Samuel L., teaches school at Mend- 
 ham 383 
 
 Southard, Samuel L., extract from address upon 
 
 Indian claims 511 
 
 Stout, Mrs., remarkable preservation of 259 
 
 Superstition, lecture upon 148 
 
 Swamp, the Morris 249 
 
 Swarlwout's Pond, Indian barbarities near 479 
 
 Taylor, Rev. James Brainerd, allusion to 263 
 
 Tea burnt at Cohansey in the Revolution 145 
 
 " first introduction of, into Cape May 126 
 
 Tennant, Rev. Wm., remarkable trance of.... . 347 
 
 Thanksgivings and Fast days 37 
 
 Theological Seminary 267,311 
 
 Transport, a British, taken 134 
 
 Travelling in 1680 ,■.• 41 
 
 Trenton, battle of 281 
 
 " bridge 286 
 
 Treen, Cat',. Wm., Aeroism of 1^ 
 
 Twins, reinarkable coimection of 381 
 
 Uncle Philip, eccentricities of 466 
 
 Vessels, British, capture of 134 
 
 Visits and refreshments 436 
 
 Wampum, manufacture of, at the present day. . 72 
 
 Washington, anecdotes of 82, 386-89, 407, 462 
 
 " farewell address 461 
 
 " head-quarters 385,461 
 
 " heroic devotion of 276 
 
 " reception at Trenton in 1789 301 
 
 " plan to capture him 377 
 
 " proclamation against gaming 388 
 
 Washington's Rock 201 
 
 Wayne, Gen., anecdote respecting 373 
 
 Whales caught at the present day 369 
 
 Webberly West, the deei hunter 364 
 
 Webb, Capt., the preacher 261 
 
 Well's Falls 242 
 
 Windmill Island, execution of pirates at 204 
 
 Wild beasts, bounties on 40 
 
 Witches' Tree 92 
 
 " concert of 93 
 
 » pranks of 466 
 
 William the Fourth at Mt. Holly H2 
 
 Woodhull, Rev. Mr., patriotism of 366 
 
« 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Woodbridge, skirmishes near 325 
 
 Woolmaii House, view of 114 
 
 Yankee, trick of the 363 
 
 Young, Henry, anecdote of 133 
 
 '/iric, the only locality of, in the Union 4611 
 
 ZinzLMidurf, Count, interesting anecdote of 496 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES AND NOTICES. 
 
 Commodore William Bai.nbridge. . . . 277 
 
 Coi,. Aaron Burr 280 
 
 Rev. James ('ali)\veli • 168 
 
 Hon. Aukaham Clark 18'J 
 
 Re.. Jo.natiia.v Dicke.nson 167 
 
 Gen. Eue.nezer El.«er 140 
 
 Gk.n. Daviu Forman 246 
 
 Hon. Frederick FnELiNGHUYSEN . . . 459 
 
 Piiii.ip Freneau 3.'j5 
 
 Hon Joii.N JIart 262 
 
 Hon Fra.ncis IIopkinson 101 
 
 Hov. JOSIAII IIORNBLOWER 155 
 
 Coi, Joab Hoijghton 262 
 
 WiuiON P. Hunt 262 
 
 Thomas P. Johnson, Esq. 251 
 
 (^APT. James Lawrence 96 
 
 Gov. William Livingston 162 
 
 Gen. Daniel Morgan 395 
 
 (iov. William Paterson 314 
 
 Gen. Z. 31. Pike 326 
 
 Hon. Ja.me.s Schure.man 313 
 
 Aauent Schuyler 155 
 
 ('apt. Richard Somers 64 
 
 Hon Henry Southard 446 
 
 Hon. Sa.muel L. Southard 446 
 
 Hon Richard Stockton 277 
 
 Lord Stirling 445 
 
 John Wool.man H4 V 
 
 EPITAPHS. 
 
 Ae\. J. F. Armstrong 302 
 
 Gen. John B.nlty 303 
 
 Dr. .Vichola-s Belleville SUS 
 
 Hon p;iias Itoiiiliiiot 89 
 
 Dr. M'is.s lihK.nitieia 320 
 
 Maria Salimw liliini 41)7 
 
 Hon. William liradford 89 
 
 Hon. David Br.arly 303 
 
 President A. Burr 278 
 
 Rev. William Budd IWi 
 
 Dr. Edward Carroll 319 
 
 Rev. James Oldwell 171 
 
 Mrs. Caldwell 171 
 
 Rev. Joseph Campbell 498 
 
 Dr. John Chetwood 172 
 
 Guy Chew 280 
 
 Dr. John Condit 187 
 
 Silas Coiidit, Es(] 396 
 
 Hon. Abraham Clark 190 
 
 Rev. David Cowell 302 
 
 I'ri-jident i>amucl Davies 279 
 
 Rev. John De Witt 318 
 
 Rev. J. Dickenson 171 
 
 Amos Dodd 187 
 
 Rev. Jonathan Edwards 278 
 
 Hon. Charieti Ewing 3tt» 
 
 U B. FaesMli 39ti 
 
 S; .1 -i Fu.ay, 8.T.D 279 
 
 I <il. Chilian Kord 397 
 
 Col. Uracl ^ord 397 
 
 Kev.Wm Fn./ir :«)3 
 
 Gen.Johi. I.l.ntr' ..jen 451 
 
 Bev. Joliii I 1. , ... ;ri 452 
 
 H«)n. Fredfiirk : i...ii(;huy8in 460 
 
 Thomas (Jordon 309 
 
 Rev.'rimcilhy Johnes ;t97 
 
 Thoiiins Kint 362 
 
 Chrisi(>|iher Kern 4lh2 
 
 t<he|iherd KoUnck, K-n) ]7-2 
 
 Mrs Dinah Hnrdenhcrph 317 
 
 Rev. J. II. HardenlxTeh 317 
 
 Hon. II. D. Ilalibiirton, and others 362 
 
 E«v. Am Hillyvr It^ 
 
 Capt. James Lawrence 97 
 
 John Lawrence 190 
 
 Aaron Leainiiig, Esq 130 
 
 Capt. Wm. Leslie 440 
 
 Rev. J. H. Livingston 318 
 
 Rev Robert M'Kean 309 
 
 Prof. J. Alaclean 
 
 Col. William McCullough 489 
 
 Rev. Dr. Macwhorter 185 
 
 Rev. John Merrick 107 
 
 Prof. Waller Miiito 380 
 
 Mrs. Maria Micheau 172 
 
 Rev. Selah Woodhull 318 
 
 Brigadier A. W. White 319 
 
 Gen. Matthias Ogden 171 
 
 Mary O-den 185 
 
 Conrad Oniensetter 497 
 
 Mrs. Madilaiiie Panbel 39C 
 
 Gov. Will. S. Pennington 185 
 
 Rev. Isaac Pierson 188 
 
 Mrs. Ruth Pierson 326 
 
 Gen. Enoch Poor 84 
 
 Gen. Jonathan Rhea 303 
 
 Rev. Aaron Richards 190 
 
 Rev. T. r. Ronieyn 452 
 
 Gen. Zachariah Rossell 354 
 
 Col. Jacob Spicer 128 
 
 Jacob ^picer 128 
 
 Mrs. Judith Spicer 128 
 
 Peter Sonmans, Esq 172 
 
 Rev. Elihu Spencer 302 
 
 Rev. Calib Smith 187 
 
 Pres. S. S. Smith... 279 
 
 William Stewart 498 
 
 Capt. J. Swain and sons 362 
 
 Rev. Daniel Taylor 187 
 
 Col. Richard Varick 84 
 
 Rev. Ellas Van Buiischotcn 318 
 
 Rev. John S. Vredenburg 452 
 
 Mrs. Ann Wade 199 
 
 Henry Wnddell, D.D 303 
 
 Capt. Cornelius Williams 199 
 
 Pres. J. Witberspoon 390 
 
NEW JERSEY. 
 
 OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 Soon after the voyages of Columbus, John Cabot and Sebastian 
 his son, two Venetians, in the service of Henry VII. of England, 
 were commissioned " to discover the isles, regions, and provinces 
 of the heathen and infidels, which had been unknown to all the 
 nations of Christendom, in whatever part of the globe they might 
 be placed." Under this commission, on the 24th of June, 1497, the 
 Cabots discovered the island of Newfoundland. From thence they 
 sailed downward along the coast, it is believed, as far south as Cape 
 Florida. It does not appear that they made any attempt to form 
 settlements ; but they landed at various places, and took possession 
 of the country in the name of the English king. 
 
 From a variety of causes, the English took no further advantage 
 of their discoveries till nearly a century afterwards. In 1584, 
 Queen Elizabeth of England, by patent, granted to Sir Walter 
 Raleigh authority to discover, occupy, and govern " remote, heathen, 
 and barbarous countries," not previously possessed by any Christian 
 prince or people. Under this commission, Raleigh and his asso- 
 ciates sent two ships to America, commanded by Amidas and Bar- 
 low. These men landed at Roanoke, took possession of the coun- 
 try for the crown of England, and called it Virginia. An attempt 
 was made to establish a settlement in 1585 and in 1590, both of 
 which were unsuccessful. In 1606, King James, without regarding 
 Raleigh's right, granted a new patent of the country of Virginia, 
 the bounds of which were considered as extending from the south- 
 ern boundary of North Carolina to the northern boundary of Maine. 
 This tract was divided into two districts ; the one called North, the 
 other South Virginia. The southern district was granted to Sir 
 Thomas Gates and his associates, chiefly resident in London, and 
 therefore styled the London Company. North Virginia was grant- 
 ed to Thomas Hanham and his associates, who were styled the 
 Plymouth Company. 
 
 In 1609, Henry Hudson, an English mariner, in the service of the 
 Dutch East India Company, in attempting to find a passage through 
 the American continent, entered Delaware bay, on the 28th of Au- 
 gust. Finding the navigation somewhat difficult, on account of 
 shoal water, he proceeded but a short distance. Following the 
 eastern shore of New Jersey, he anchored his ship (called the Half- 
 moon) within Sandy Hook, on the 3d of September, 1609. 
 
 2 
 
10 OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 On the 5th of September, Hudson (as it appears from his journal) 
 sent his boat ashore, for the purpose of exploring and sounding the 
 waters lying to the south, within Sandy Hook, and forming now 
 what is called the Horse-shoe. Here the boat's crew landed, and 
 penetrated some distance into the woods, in the present limits of 
 Monmouth county. 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 represented as having been found in great plenty, and 
 of a 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 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 observes, ' a good depth 
 of water was found,' and within a large opening, and a narrow 
 river to the west ; in 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 w^ay in returning to the ship, 
 towards night, they were attacked by the natives, in two canoes ; 
 the one carrying fourteen men, the other twelve. A skirmish en- 
 sued, in which one of Hudson's men, named* 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 in- 
 terred 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." 
 
 On the 11th of September, Hudson sailed through the Narrows, 
 eyitered the river which bears his name, w^hich it appears he ex- 
 plored as far as Albany. On the 4th of October, Hudson came 
 out of the river, and, without anchoring in the bay, proceeded direct- 
 ly on his voyage to Europe. 
 
 " The Dutch immediately began to avail themselves of the ad- 
 vantage which the discovery of Hudson presented to their view. 
 In 10 10, 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 attraction to this part of the new world. In 
 1614, a fort and trading-house were erected, on the spot where Al- 
 bany now stands, and called Fort Orange ; and about the same 
 time another fort and trading-house were established on the south- 
 west point of Manhattan island, and called New Amsterdam. The 
 whole colony received the name of New Netherlands." 
 
 Tli(^ precise date of the first European settlement, wdthin the 
 limits of New Jersey, does not distinctly appear. It is believed 
 that the first S(>ttlement commenced at Bergen, about the year 1018,' 
 by a number of Danes or Norwegians, who accompanied the Dutch 
 colonists who came over to New Netherlands. It appears that, as 
 
OUTLINE HISTORY. H 
 
 early as 1614, a redoubt was thrown up on the right bank of Hud- 
 son river, probably at the present Jersey City point. 
 
 In 1621, "the privileged West India Company" was formed in 
 Holland: this company, in 1623, dispatched a ship, under the com- 
 mand of Cornelius Jacobse Mey, with settlers, fully provided with 
 means of subsistence, and with articles of trade. Mey 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 at Techaacho, upon a stream 
 called by the natives Sassackon. This stream, now called Timber 
 creek, empties into the Delaware, a few miles below Camden. The 
 fortification was called Fort Nassau, and its erection may be con- 
 sidered as the first attempt to establish a settlement on the eastern 
 shore of the Delaware. 
 
 " The West India Company, under whose direction the enterprise 
 had been attempted, endeavored, by the offer of many advantages, 
 to induce others to engage therein. They even granted charters 
 to individuals, giving to them the exclusive right to large portions 
 of land, subject only to the Indian claim. A number of persons 
 took advantage of this privilege, and sent out agents to select and 
 purchase tracts. One was obtained, in this way, thirty-two miles 
 in length, and two in breadth, upon the western side of the bay. 
 Another, sixteen miles square, on the peninsula of Cape May, was 
 bought of nine Indian chiefs ; and other portions were taken up in 
 a similar manner." 
 
 " The possessors of these claims formed an association among 
 themselves, having in view the permanent settling of these lands, 
 as well as the prosecution of trade. They dispatched a vessel, un- 
 der the command of David Peiterson De Vries. He left the Texei 
 December 12th, 1630, and arrived in the Delaware in the course 
 of the winter. It is stated that De Vries found none of the Euro- 
 peans who had preceded him, and that Fort Nassau had fallen into 
 the hands of the Indians. Misfortune also awaited the new set- 
 tlers. Having erected a fort, the commander returned to Holland ; 
 and during his absence a feud arose with one of the native tribes, 
 which at length terminated in the massacre of every one of the 
 colonists." 
 
 " De Vries returned shortly afterward with a new company, and 
 >vhile he mourned the loss of his former companions, he narrowly 
 escaped a similar fate. Pressed for provisions, he was compelled 
 to conceal his resentment, and to continue an intercourse with the 
 natives ; and they, under the pretence of giving a supply, directed 
 him to proceed up the river and enter the Timmerkill, a small 
 stream, now called Cooper's creek. He was saved by the kindness 
 of an Indian woman. She informed him that treachery was in- 
 tended, and that the entire crew of a vessel had already been de- 
 stroyed in that place Disheartened by repeated disasters, the 
 
 Dutch soon afterward abandoned the country ; and for some years 
 not a single European was left upon the shores of the Delaware." 
 
12 OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 " It was next visited by another people, the Swedes. It is not 
 easy to determine the precise objects of the Swedish immij^rants, 
 or upon what ground their claims were founded. By one of their 
 own historians, it is said that they had acquired the right both of 
 the English and of the Dutch, either by grant or by purchase ; but 
 this declaration is wanting in other support. At a subsequent pe- 
 riod, indeed, after they had been sometime in the country, applica- 
 tion was made by Chancellor Oxenstiern, the Swedish embassador, 
 to have the rights of the English yielded up ; but it does not ap- 
 pear that even then any agreement was concluded. But whatever 
 was the nature of their claim, tlie Swedes proceeded in the prose- 
 cution of their plans. Extensive grants had been made by the 
 government, giving to certain companies the full right to the lands 
 they should purchase of the natives, and conferring also the power 
 of making laws, subject only to the control of the crown." 
 
 "In the year 1637, two Swedish shij)s arrived in the Delaware, 
 bringing a number of settlers. They landed on the western shore, 
 but purchased lands on both sides of the river. They were soon 
 followed by other companies ; and in the year 1642, John Frintz, a 
 military oflicer, w^as sent over as governor of the colony. He es- 
 tablished himself upon an island called Tennckeng, or, as the word 
 is now pronounced, Tinnicum ; and this island was given to him in 
 fee by the Swedish queen. Here he erected a fort, planted an or- 
 chard, and built a church and several dwellings. For himself it is 
 said he built a fine house, and called it, from his own name, 'Printz 
 Hall,' At the same time with the governor came John Campaniuss 
 Holm,* a clergyman, and the future historian of the colony ; and 
 in the same company was Lindslrom, an engineer, Avho afterward 
 published a map of the Delaware and the adjacent parts." 
 
 " If ever the Dutch had relinquished the claim to their posses- 
 sions upon the Delaware, they seem to have paid but little regard 
 to the agreement : for we soon find them again established at Fort 
 Nassau, and attempting settlements at other places. For a time 
 the country was occupied by the two nations in common ; and it is 
 hinted, by some writers, that an agreement was concluded between 
 them in order to resist the pretensions made by the English. How- 
 ever this may be, a difference soon arose between themselves ; and 
 the Swedes, either aggravated by injury or injustice, or moved by 
 a feeling of jealousy, made a demand for the surrender of certain 
 places held by their rivals. The demand being refused, the places 
 were taken by force ; and the violence thus committed was the 
 commencement of general hostilities. The Dutch had powerful 
 aid at hand, in the settlements of their countrymen at New Am- 
 sterdam ; and Stuyvesant, the governor at that place, immediately 
 departed, with a strong ibrce, to the Delaware." 
 
 He first descended upon the fort at Elsingburg, and, having cap- 
 
 • The latter name, Holm, " was added because of Stockholm being the place of his 
 reiidence." — Clay's Annals of the Swedes. 
 
OUTLINE HISTORY. 13 
 
 tured the garrison, proceeded at once to the reduction of other 
 places. The Swedes had no adequate means of resistance, and 
 were finally compelled to give up all their possessions. The fort 
 on the island of Tenneking, with all the improvements, fell into 
 the hands of the conquerors. These occurrences took place toward 
 the close of the year 1655. Thus terminated the Swedish au- 
 thority."* 
 
 * Printz, the governor of New Sweden, (as this part of the country was called,) con- 
 tinued his authority till he returned to Sweden, about 1654, having first deputed his son, 
 John Papegoia, governor in his stead. Papegoia soon returned to Europe, and left the 
 government to John Claudius Rising. "Soon after Mr. Rising became governor, he 
 invited ten of the Indian chiefs to a friendly conference. It was held at Tinnicum, on 
 the 17th of June, 1654. He saluted them, from the Swedish queen, with assurances of 
 her favor, put them in mind of the purchase of the lands already made, and requested a 
 continuation of their friendship. He distributed various presents among them, and gave 
 a. good entertainment to them and their company. They were much pleased, and assured 
 him of a faithful affection. Mr. Campanius has given a very particular account of this 
 conference, in which he represents one of their chiefs, named Naaman, as making a 
 speech, in the course of which ' he rebuked the rest lor having spoken evil of the Swedes, 
 and done them an injury, hoping they would do so no more, for that the Swedes were 
 very good people.' He also observed that ' the Swedes and the Indians had been as one 
 body and one heart, and that thenceforward tiiey should be as one head, at the same 
 time making a motion as if he were tying a strong knot ; and then made this compari- 
 son, that as the calabash was round without any crack, so they should be a compact 
 body without any fissure.' 
 
 Campanius represents tlie Indians as having been frequent visitors at his grandfather's 
 house. In the conversations he there had with them, we are told, ' he generally succeed- 
 ed in making them understand that there was one Lord God ; that he was self-existent, 
 one and in three persons ; how the same God had made the world from nothing, and 
 created man, from whom all other men had sprung ; how Adam afterward, by his diso- 
 bedience, had sinned against his Creator, and involved in the penalty of that sin all his 
 descendants ; how God sent upon earth his only Son, Jesus Christ, who was born of the 
 Virgin Mary, for the redemption and salvation of mankind ; how he died upon the cross, 
 and was raised again the third day ; and, lastly, how after forty days he ascended to 
 heaven, whence he will return at a future day to judge the quick and the dead, &c.' The 
 Indians took so much interest in these instructions, and seemed so well disposed to em- 
 brace the Christian religion, that Mr. Campanius was induced to learn their language, 
 that he might the more effectually bring them acquainted with these great truths. He 
 translated the catechism into their language ; and, if he did not convert many of them 
 to the Christian faith, they at least acquired so much knowledge of it as to be led to see 
 and admire its great beauty and excellency. 
 
 The above facts suggest the remark, that the Swedes may claim the honor of having 
 been the first missionaries among the Indians, at least in Pennsylvania ; and that, per. 
 haps, the very first work translated into the Indian language, in America, was the trans- 
 lation of Luther's Catechism, by Campanius. 
 
 Notwithstanding Gov. Rising's disposition to live upon good terms with his Dutch 
 neighbors, the Swedes were soured by the encroachments they had made upon their ter- 
 ritory, in building a fort at Sandhuken, or Newcastle ; and, finding remonstrance useless, 
 soon came to the determination to drive the Dutch back to the eastern side of the river. 
 They accordingly, in the year 1654, took Fort Cassimir by storm, and expelled the Dutch ; 
 after which, the fortifications were greatly strengthened and improved by the engineer, 
 P. Lindstrom, and it was named Trefalldighert, or Trinity Fort. 
 
 The Dutch had too good an opinion of their o>wn numbers and prowess, not to feel 
 disposed to retaliate on the Swedes the injury they had received in the loss of their fort. 
 Yet they went to work with caution, resolving, when they gave the blow, to make it the 
 more felt from its being sudden and unexpected. There seems to have been a want of 
 good faith, or at least the practice of some deception, on the part of the Dutch, as we 
 arc told by Campanius that ' the differences appeared to have been amicably settled, in 
 the year 1654, between the Swedisii governor, John Rising, and the Dutch governor, 
 Peter Stuyvesant.' This amicable settlement seems to have been only a cloak to prepa- 
 
14 OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 The country upon the Delaware, now entirely under the control 
 of the Dutch, was governed by directors, who received their ap- 
 pointment from the governor of the colony at New Amsterdam. 
 The first who exercised the office was Johannes Paul Jaquet, who 
 was succeeded by Peter Alricks, Hinojossa, and William Beekman. 
 These officers granted lands, and their patents make part of the 
 titles of the present possessors. At this period the Dutch acquired 
 largo tracts of country upon the eastern side of New Jersey ; and 
 it maybe reasonably supposed that there were some settlements on 
 the road betw^een the colonies on the Hudson and Delaware. 
 
 The claim of the English, founded on prior discovery, to the ter- 
 ritory now occupied by the Dutch, was never abandoned. As early 
 as 1040, a number of emigrants from the New Haven colony set- 
 tled on the left shores of the Delaware ; and it is said that some 
 of their descendants are to be found in Salem, Cumberland, and 
 Cape May counties. The attempts of the English to form settle- 
 ments on the Delaware were resisted, both by the Swedes and 
 Dutch. In one instance their trading-house was destroyed ; in 
 others, their goods were confiscated and their persons imprisoned. 
 These proceedings occasioned long and angry controversies between 
 the New England and Dutch governments. 
 
 In the year 1664, Charles II. resolved upon the reduction of New 
 Netherlands. Before any formal declaration of war with Holland, 
 Sir Robert Carr, Col. Richard Nichols, and some others, with a 
 small fleet and some land forces, were sent over to take possession 
 of the territory. This expedition arrived before New Amsterdam 
 the latter part of the year 1664. Stuyvesant, the Dutch governor, 
 though a brave soldier, was, on account of the defenceless state of 
 the place, obliged to surrender. Sir Robert Carr, with two frigates 
 was sent to compel the submission of the colony on the Delaware ; 
 " which he effected with the expenditure of two barrels of powder 
 and twenty shot." 
 
 Immediately upon the subjection of the Dutch, and even before 
 this had been accomplished, Charles, the English king, made an 
 extensive grant of territory to his brother, the Duke of York. This 
 was done by a royal charter, dated 20th of March, 1664. Upon 
 the 23d of June, in the same year, the duke conveyed a portion of 
 this territory to two other persons. Lord Berkeley and Sir George 
 Carteret. The conveyance to these individuals was made by an in- 
 strument in the form as follows : 
 
 " This indenture, made the three-and-twentieth day of June, in 
 
 rations for more offcctual Iiostility ; for ' the next year, on the 30tli of August, the Dutch 
 sailed from Manluittan, or New Amsterdam, (now New York,) with seven shi])s, and 
 six or seven hundred men, under the command of the said Stuyvesant ; and fell una- 
 wares on the Swedish settlements.' Assailed under such circumstances, and by such a 
 force, resistance was of little avail. One Swedish fort after another fell into the hands 
 of the invaders, who ' laid waste the houses and plantations, killiiij^ the cattle, and plun- 
 dering the inhahitants of every thing they could lay {heir hands on.' The officers and 
 principal people were made prisoners, and carried to New Amsterdam ; while the Dutch 
 retained possession of the country." — Clay^s Annals of the Swedes. 
 
OUTLINE HISTORY. I5 
 
 die sixteenth year of the Raigne of our Sovreign Lord Charles the 
 Second, by the Grace of God of England, Scotland, France, and 
 Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith — Anno Domine 1664. Be- 
 tween his Royal Highness James Duke of York and Albany, Earl 
 of Ulster, Lord high Admiral of England and Ireland, Constable 
 of Dover Castle, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, and Governor 
 of Portsmouth, of the one part, John Lord Berkeley, Baron of 
 Stratton, and one of his majestie's most honorable privy Council, 
 and Sir George Carteret of Sattrum in the County of Devon, 
 Knight, and one of his majestie's most honorable privy Council, of 
 the other part, Witnesseth that said James Duke of York, for and 
 in consideration of the sum of ten shillings of lawful money of 
 England, to him in hand paid, by these presents doth bargain and 
 sell unto the said John Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret, all 
 that tract of land adjacent to New England, and lying and being 
 to the westward of Long Island. Bounded on the east part by the 
 main sea, and part by Hudson's river, and hath upon the west Dela- 
 ware Bay or river, and extendeth southward to the main ocean as 
 far as Cape May at the mouth of Delaware Bay, and to the north- 
 ward as far as the northernmost branch of said bay or river of 
 Delaware, which is in forty-one degrees and forty minutes of lati- 
 tude, and worketh over thence in a straight line to Hudson's river — 
 which said tract of land is hereafter to be called by the name, or 
 names of Nova Cesarea, or New Jersey."* 
 
 This appears to be the first instrument in which the bounds of 
 New Jersey are regularly defined. In addition to the consideration 
 of ten shillings, mentioned in the above agreement, there was to 
 be a rent of " one pepper-corn," to be paid on the day of the nativity 
 of St. John the Baptist, if legally demanded. " The two proprie- 
 tors formed a constitution for the colony, securing equal privileges 
 and liberty of conscience to all, and appointed Philip Carteret 
 governor. He came over in 1665, fixed the seat of government at 
 Elizabethtown, purchased land of the Indians, and sent agents in- 
 to New England to invite settlers from that quarter. The terms 
 offered were so favorable, that many accepted the invitation." 
 
 The constitution granted by Berkeley and Carteret was the first 
 constitution of New Jersey, and it continued entire till the province 
 became divided, in 1 676. This instrument was entitled " The con- 
 cessions and agreement of the Lords Proprietors of the province of 
 New CcEsarea or New Jersey, to and with all and every of the new 
 adventurers, and all such as shall settle or plant there." The fol- 
 lowing items, &c., are extracts : 
 
 " 9. Item. That the inhabitants being freemen, or chief agents to others of the prov- 
 ince aforesaid ; do, as soon as tliis our commission shall arrive, by virtue of a writ, in 
 our names, by the governor, to be for the present (until our seal comes) sealed and signed, 
 make choice of twelve deputies or representatives, from amongst themselves ; who being 
 chosen, are to join with the said governor and council, for the making of such laws, or- 
 
 * It is said the name was given in compliment to Carteret, who had defended the 
 island of Jersey against the Long Parliament, in the civil wars. 
 
16 OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 dinanccs and constitutions as shall be necessary for the present good and welfare of the said 
 province : But so soon as parishes, divisions, tribes, and other distinctions are made, that 
 then the inhabitants or freeholders of the several respective parishes, tribes, divisions and 
 distinctions aforesaid, do by our writs, under our seals, (which we ingagc shall be in due 
 time issued,) annually meet on the first day of January, and choose freeholders for each 
 respective division, tribe or parish, to be the deputies or representatives of the same: 
 Whicli body of representatives, or the major part of them, shall, with the governor and 
 council aforesaid, be the general assembly of tiie said province ; the governor or his dep- 
 uty being present, unless they shall wilfully refuse ; in which case they may appoint 
 themselves a president during the absence of the governor, or the deputy-governor 
 Which assemblies are to have power. 
 
 First. To appoint their own time of meeting, and to adjourn their sessions from time 
 to time, to such times and places as they shall think convenient ; as also to ascertain the 
 number of their quorum ; provided, the said number be not less than a third part of the 
 whole, in whom (or more) sliall be the full power of the general assembly. 
 
 Secondly. To enact and make all such laws, acts and constitutions as shall be neces- 
 sary for the well government of the said province, and them to repeal : Provided, tliat 
 the same be consonant to reason, and, as near as may be, conveniently agreeable to the 
 laws and customs of his majesty's kingdom of England : Provided, also, that they be 
 not against tlie interest of us the lords proprietors, our heirs or assigns, nor any of those 
 our concessions, especially that they be not repugnant to the article for liberty of con- 
 science above mentioned ; which laws, &-c. so made, shall receive publication from the 
 governor and council, (but as tlie laws of us and our general assembly,) and be in force 
 for the space of one year, and no more ; unless contradicted by the lords proprietors ; 
 within which time they shall be presented to us, our heirs, &-c. for our ratification ; and 
 being confirmed by us, they sliall be in continual force, till exjjircd by their own limita- 
 tion, or by act of repeal, in like manner to be passed as aforesaid, and confirmed. 
 
 Thirdly. By act as aforesaid, to constitute all courts, together with the limits, powers, 
 and jurisdictions of the same, as also the several offices, and number of the ofiiccrs be- 
 longing to each court, with their respective salaries, fees, and perquisites, their appella- 
 tions and dignities, with the penalties that shall be due to them, for the breach of their 
 several and respective duties and trusts. 
 
 Fourthly. By act as aforesaid, to lay equal taxes and assessments equally to raise 
 moneys or goods upon all lands, (except such as belong to us tiie lords proprietors before 
 settling,) or persons within the several precincts, hundreds, parishes, manors, or wliatso- 
 ever other divisions shall hereafter be made, and established in the said pro\'ince, as often 
 as necessity shall require, and in such manner as to them sliall seem most equal and 
 easy for the said inhabitants, in order to the better supporting of the public charge of 
 the said government, and for the mutual safety, defence, and security of the said prov- 
 ince." 
 
 " And that the planting of the said province may be the more speedily promoted — 
 First. We do hereby grant unto all persons who have alrc;u!y adventured into the said 
 province of New Ctesaria, or New Jersey, or shall transport thrmsclves or servants be- 
 fore the first day of January, which shall be in the year of our Lord 1665, these follow- 
 ing proportions, viz : To every freeman that shall go with the first governor from tho 
 port where he embarks, (or shall meet him at the rendezvous he appoints for the settle- 
 ment of a plantation,) there armed with a good musket, bore twelve bullets to the pound, 
 with ten pounds of powder and twenty pounds of bullets, with bandaliers and matches 
 convenient, and with six months' provision ; for his own person arriving there, one bun- 
 dred and fifty acres of land, English measure ; and for every able man-servant, that 
 he shall carry with liim, armed and provided as aforesaid, and arriving there, the like 
 quantity of one hundred and fifty acres of land, English measure ; and whosoever shall 
 send servants at that time, shall have, for every able man-servant he or she shall send 
 armed and provided as aforesaid, and arriving there, the like quantity of one hundred 
 and fifty acres ; and for every weaker servant or slave, male or female, exceeding the age 
 of fourteen years, which any one shall send or carry, arriving there, sevcnt^'-five acres 
 of land ; and to every t'hristian servant, exceeding the age aforesaid, after the expiration 
 of tlieir time of service, seventy-five acres of land for their own uses. 
 
 Secondly. Item. To every master or mistress, that shall go before the first day of 
 January, which shall be in the year of our Lord 1665, one hundred and twenty acres 
 of land ; and for every able man-servant, that he or she shall carry or send armed and 
 provided as aforesaid, and arriving within the time aforesaid, the like quantity of one 
 
OUTLINE HISTORY. IT 
 
 hundred and twenty acres of land ; and for every weaker servant or slave, male or fe- 
 male, exceeding the age of fourteen years, arriving there, sixty acres of land ; and to 
 every Christian servant, to their own use and behoof, sixty acres of land. 
 
 Thirdly. Item. To every freeman or free-woman, that shall arrive in the said province, 
 armed and provided as aforesaid, within the second year, from the first day of January, 
 1665, to the first day of January, 1666, with an intention to plant, ninety acres of land, 
 English measure ; and for every able man-servant, that he or she shall carry or send, 
 armed and provided as aforesaid, ninety acres of land, like measure. 
 
 Fourthly. Item. For every weaker servant or slave, aged as aforesaid, that shall be so 
 carried or sent thither within the second year, as aforesaid, forty-five acres of land, of 
 like measure ; and to every Christian servant that shall arrive the second year, forty-five 
 acres of land of like measure, after the expiration of his or their time of service, for 
 their own use and behoof." 
 
 A few years after Gov. Carteret began his administration, the 
 colony began to be disturbed by domestic disputes. Some of the 
 inhabitants, having purchased their lands of the Indians before the 
 conversance from the Duke of York, refused to pay rent to the pro- 
 prietors. This, with other causes of dissatisfaction, produced, in 
 1672, an insurrection among the people. The governor, Philip 
 Carteret, was obliged to leave the province, and seek redress in 
 England ; his officers were imprisoned, and their estates confiscated. 
 The people now prevailed on James Carteret, a weak and dissolute 
 natural son of the governor, to assume the government. 
 
 In 1673, war having taken place with Holland, a small squadron 
 was sent over by the Dutch, which arrived at Staten Island July 
 30th. Gov. Lovelace being absent from New York, Capt. Man- 
 ning, who had charge of the town, rejected the aid of the English 
 inhabitants, who offered to defend the place, sent a messenger to 
 the enemy, and struck his flag before their vessels appeared in sight. 
 As the fleet advanced. Manning forbade a gun to be fired, under 
 pain of death ; and surrendered the place unconditionally to the 
 invaders. He was afterward tried by a court-martial, and plead- 
 ed guilty to all the charges preferred. His sentence was as extra- 
 ordinary as his conduct : it was that, " though he deserved death, 
 yet, because he had, since the surrender, been in England, and 
 seen the king and the duke, it was adjudged that his sword should 
 be broke over his head, in public, before the city-hall ; and himself 
 rendered incapable of wearing a sword, and of serving his majesty 
 for the future, in any public trust in the government." 
 
 The Dutch dominion, so suddenly restored, existed but a short 
 period, as, by a treaty of peace the following spring. New Nether- 
 lands, (the territory of New York and New Jersey,) so called by 
 the Dutch, was again surrendered to the English. Some doubts 
 having arisen as to the validity of the Duke of York's title, on ac- 
 count of the Dutch conquest, he deemed it prudent to procure a 
 new patent, including the same territory as the former. In 1674, 
 Maj. Edmund Andross, so well known by his tyrannical usurpa- 
 tions, came over as governor (under the Duke of York) of the 
 province of New York. Andross also claimed jurisdiction over the 
 Jerseys, insisting that the conquest by the Dutch divested the pro- 
 prietors of all their rights. 
 
 3 
 
18 OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 In the commencement of 1675, Philip Carteret returned to New 
 Jersey, and resumed the government of the settlements in the east- 
 ern part of the province. The inhabitants having suffered some- 
 what by the Dutch conquest, and the arbitrary rule of Andross, 
 readily received him ; " and as he postponed the payment of their 
 quit-rents to a future day, and published a new set of * concessions^ 
 by Sir George Carteret, a peaceable subordination was once more 
 established in the colony. These new ' concessions,' however, re- 
 stricted the broad grant of political freedom originally framed." 
 
 Much uneasiness, however, still continued, for several years, on 
 account of the efforts of Andross to enforce the duke's unjust pre- 
 tensions. Gov. Carteret, in hope of obtaining for his people the 
 advantages of commerce, attempted to establish a direct trade be- 
 tween New England and New Jersey. This was opposed by An- 
 dross, as being injurious to New York. He confiscated the vessels 
 engaged in such trade, and went so far as to dispatch a force to 
 Elizabethtown to arrest Gov. Carteret, and convey him prisoner to 
 New York. 
 
 Lord Berkeley, having become dissatisfied with the pecuniary 
 prospects in his adventure in colonization, offered his share of the 
 province of New Jersey for sale. His right or interest was pur- 
 chased by John Fenwick and Edward' Byllinge, members of the 
 Society of Friends. The conveyance to these individuals was exe 
 cuted to the former, in trust for the latter, for the sum of one thou 
 sand pounds. The tract thus purchased was afterward known as 
 Wc.tt New Jersey. In 1075, Fenwick set sail to visit the new pur- 
 chase, in a ship called the Griffith. *' Arriving after a good pas- 
 sage, he landed at a pleasant rich spot, situate near Delaware, by 
 him called Salem, probably from the peaceable aspect it then bore. 
 He brought with him two daughters and many servants, two of 
 which, Samuel Hedge and John Adams, afterward married his 
 daughters. The other passengers were Edward Champness, Ed- 
 ward Wade, Samuel Wade, John Smith and wife, Samuel Nichols, 
 Richard. Guy, Richard N^oble, Richard Hancock, John Pledger, 
 Hipolite Lufever, and John Matlock : these, and others with tiiem, 
 were masters of families. This was the first English ship that 
 came to West Jersey, and none followed for near two years, owing 
 probably to a difference between Fenwick and Byllinge." 
 
 Byllinge, it appears, was the principal proprietor, as, after the 
 purchase of West Jersey, an award was made, by which it was 
 determined that the whole should be cast into one hundred parts, 
 ten of which should be conveyed to Fenwick. and the remaining 
 ninety parts should belong to Byllinge. Not long after the de- 
 parture of Fenwick lor America, Byllinge, in consequence of losses 
 in trade, was brought into difficulty, and rendered unable to pursue 
 his plans. His property was intrusted to Willia/n Penn, Gawen 
 Lawrie, and Nicholas Lucas, (all Friends, or Quakers.) to be used 
 for the benefit of his creditors. " These trustees, under the pres- 
 sure of circumstances, sold a considerable number of shares of the 
 
OUTLINE HISTORY. i9 
 
 undivided moiety to different purchasers, who thereby became pro- 
 prietaries, in common with them. These proprietors agreed upon 
 a form of government, comprising many of the provisions of the 
 instrument formed by Berkeley and Carteret, together with others 
 originating with themselves. The constitution or form of govern- 
 ment thus made was entitled, " The concessions and agreements of 
 the proprietors, freeholders, and inhabitants of the province of West 
 New Jersey, in America." The following is an extract from this 
 instrument, (chap. 3 :) 
 
 '• That hereai'ter, upon the further settlement of the said province, the proprietors, 
 freeholders, and inhabitants, resident upon the said province, shall and may, at or upon 
 the five-and-twcntieth day of tlie month called March, which shall be in the year, ac- 
 cording to the English account, one thousand six hundred and eighty ; and so thence, 
 forward, upon the five-and-tv.'cnticth day of March yearly, by the ninth hour in the 
 morning of the said day, assemble themselves together, in some public place to be or- 
 dered and appointed by the commissioners for the time being ; and upon default of such 
 appointment, in such place as they shall see meet, and then and there elect, of and 
 amongst themselves, ten honest and able men, fit for government, to officiate and exe- 
 cute the place of commissioners for the year ensuing, and until such time as ten more, 
 for the year then next following, shall be elected and appointed ; which said elections 
 shall be as followeth : that is to say, the inhabitants, each ten of the one hundred pro- 
 prieties, shall elect and choose one, and the one hundred proprieties shall be divided into 
 ten divisions or tribes of men. 
 
 " And the said elections shall be made and distinguished by balloting trunks, to avoid 
 noise and confusion, and not by voices, holding up of the hands, or otherwise howsoever ; 
 wliich said commissioners, so yearly to be elected, shall likewise govern and order the 
 affairs of the said province, (pro tempore,) for the good and welfare of the said people, 
 and according to these our concessions, until such time as the general free assembly 
 shall be elected and deputed in such manner and wise as is hereafter expressed and con- 
 tained." 
 
 The constitution, of which the foregoing is an extract, is wit- 
 nessed and signed in the following manner : 
 
 " In testimony and witness of our consent to and affirmation of these present laws, 
 concessions and agreements, we, the proprietors, freeholders, and inhabitants of the said 
 province of West New Jerse)', whose names are underwritten, have to the same volunta- 
 rily and freely set our hands — dated this third day of the month commonly called March, 
 in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred seventy-six. I Or J c 
 
 " Gawen Lawrie, Wm. Penn, VVm. Emlcy, Josh. Wright, Nicho. Lucas, Win. Haig, 
 Wm. Peachec, Rich. Matthews, John Harris, Francis Collins, Wm. Kent, Benj. Scot, 
 Tho. Lambert, Tho. Hooton, Henry Stacy, Edw. Byllinge, Rich. Smith, Edw. Nelthorp, 
 John Penford, Dan. Wills, Thomas Olive, Tho. Rudyard, William Biddle, Robert Stacy, 
 John Farrington, Wm. Roydon, Rich. Mew, Perciyal Xowle, Mahlon Stacy, Tho. Budd,'' 
 Sam. Jenings, John Lambert, Will. Heulings, George Deacon, John Thomson, Edw. 
 Bradway, Rich^^Guy, James Ncvill, Wm. Cantwell, Fospe Ontstout, Machgijel Baron, 
 Casper Herman, Turrse Psese, Robert Kemble, John Comeliessc, Gerrat Van Jumne, 
 Wm. Gill Johnson, Mich. Lackerouse, Markus Algus, Evert Aldricks, Hendrick Ever- 
 son, Jilles Tomesen, Claas Janscn, Paul Doequet, Aert Jansen, John Surige, Tho. Smith, 
 James Pearce, Edw. Webb, John Pledger, Rich. Wilkison, Christo. Sanders, Renear 
 Van Hurst, William Johnson, Charles Bagley, Sam. Wade, Tho. Woodrofe, John Smith, 
 Tho. Peirce, Will. Warner, Joseph Ware, Isaac Smart, And. Thomson, Thomas Kent, 
 Henry Jenings, Rich. Wortsaw, Christopher White, John, Maddocks, John Forrest, 
 James Vickory, William Rumscy, Rich. Robinson, M a rk K ee vcTTnonlas Watson, Sam. 
 Nicholson, Dan. Smith, Rich. Daniel, Will. Penton, Will. Daniel, Robert Zane, Walter 
 Peiterson, Anthony Page, Andrew Bartlcson, Woolley Woollison, Anthony Dixon, John 
 Derme, Tho. Benson, John Pain, Rich. Briffington, Sam. Lovett, Henry Stubbens, Will. 
 Willis, George Haselwood, Roger Pcdrick, Will. Hughes, Abra. Van Highest, Hipolitaa 
 Lefevei; Will. Wilkinson, Andrew Shenneck, Lause Comelious, Sam. Hedge, Will 
 Masslel John Grubb, John Worlidgc, Edw. Meyer, Tho. Barton, Robt. Fowel, Tho 
 
20 OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 Harding, Matthew Allen, Bernard Devenisli, Thomas Stokes, Thomas French, Isaac 
 Marriott, John Butcher, George Hutchcson, Tlio. Gardner, Tho. Eves, John Borton, John 
 Paine, Elcazer Fenton, Samuel Oldalc, Will. Black, Anthony Woodhouso Dan. Leeds, 
 John Pancoast, Francis Bchvicke, A\'ill. Lusvvall, John Snowdon, Rich. Fencmore, 
 Gruna Jacohson, Tho. Scholcy, Tho. Wright, Godfrey Hancock, John Petty, AbrahaiD 
 Heulings, John Ncwbould, John White, John Roberts, Jolm Wood, John GosUng, Tho 
 Revell." 
 
 The next business of the new proprietors was to effect a division 
 of the province, so that they might determine what part was to fail 
 under their control. This was concluded by a deed, between Sir 
 George Carteret of the one part, and the trustees of Byllinge on 
 the other, dated July 1st, 1676. The divisional line is thus defined 
 by William Penn and his associates : " We have all that side on 
 Delaware river from one end to the other ; the line of partition is 
 from the east side of Little Egg Harbor, straight north, through the 
 country, to the utmost branch of Delaware river ; with all powers, 
 privileges, and immunities whatsoever. Ours is called New West 
 Jersey; his is CixWmii New East Jersey" Penn and his associates 
 now having the control of AVcst Jersey, issued a declaration, set- 
 ting forth the situation in which they stood, and the designs they 
 had in view. Their statements were so satisfactory, that many 
 persons were induced to emigrate, particularly members of the 
 Society of Friend.s. 
 
 '• Among other purchasers of the West Jersey lands were two 
 companies, one made up of some Friends in Yorkshire, (as hinted in 
 the concessions,) the other of some Friends in London ; who each 
 contracted for considerable shares, for which they had patents. In 
 1677, commissioners (agreeable to expectation given) were sent by 
 the proprietors, with power to buy the lands of the natives ; to in- 
 spect the rights of such as claimed property, and to order the lands 
 laid out ; and in general to administer the government, pursuant 
 to the concessions. These commissioners were Thomas Olive, 
 Daniel Wills, John Kinscy, John Ponford, Joseph Helmsley, Robert 
 Stacy, Benjamin Scott, liichard (luy, and Thomas Foulke.* They 
 came in the AV/tf, Gregory Marlowmaster, being the second ship from 
 London, to the western parts. After a tedious passage they arrived 
 at New^castle, the 16th of the sixth month, O. S. King Charles the 
 Second, in his barge, pleasuring on the Thames, came alongside, 
 seeing a great many passengers, and, informed whence they were 
 bound, asked if they were all Quakers, and gave them his blessing. 
 They landed their passengers, two hundred and thirty in number, 
 about Uackoon creek, where the Swedes had some scattering habi- 
 tations; but they were too numerous to be all provided tor in 
 houses: some were obliged to lay their beds and furniture in cow- 
 stalls and apartments of that sort. Among other inconveniences 
 to which this exposed them, the snakes were now plenty enough 
 to be frequently seen upon the hovels under which they sheltered. 
 
 * Richard Guy came in the first ship. John Kinsey died at Shackamaxon soon after 
 his landing : his remains were interred at Burlington, in ground appropriated lor a bury 
 ing-ground, but now a street 
 
OUTLINE HISTORY 21 
 
 Most of the passengers in this ship were of those called Quakers : 
 some of good estates in England. The commissioners had before 
 left them, and were by this time got to a place called Chygoe's* 
 island, (afterward Burlington,) their business being to treat with 
 the Indians about the land there, and to regulate the settlements, 
 having not only the proprietors' but Gov. Andros's commission for 
 that purpose ; for in their passage hither, they had first dropped 
 anchor at Sandy Hook, while the commissioners M^ent to New 
 York to acquaint him with their design ; for though they had con- 
 cluded the powers they had from the proprietors were sufficient to 
 their purpose, they thought it a proper respect to the Duke of 
 York's commission to wait on his governor upon the occasion. He 
 treated them civilly, but asked them if they had any thing from 
 the duke, his master. They replied, nothing particularly ; but that 
 he had conveyed that part of his country to Lord Berkeley, and he 
 to Byllinge, &c., in which the government was as much conveyed 
 as the soil. The governor replied. All that will not clear me ; if I 
 should surrender loithout the duke's order, it is as much as my head is 
 worth; but if you had. hut a line or two from the duke, I sJwuld be as 
 ready to surrender it to you as you would be to ask it. Upon which 
 the commissioners, instead of excusing their imprudence in not 
 bringing such an order, began to insist upon their right, and stren- 
 uously to assert their independency. But Andros, clapping his 
 hand on his sword, told them that he should defend the government 
 from them till he received orders from the duke, his master, to sur- 
 render it ; he, however, softened, and told them he would do what 
 was in his power to make them easy, till they could send home to 
 get redress ; and in order thereto, would commissionate the same 
 persons mentioned in the commission they produced. This they 
 accepted, and undertook to act as magistrates under him, till fur- 
 ther orders came from England, and proceed in relation to their 
 land affairs according to the methods prescribed by the proprietors. 
 "When arrived at their government, they applied to the Swedes 
 for interpreters between them and the Indians. Israel Helmes, 
 Peter Rambo, and Lacy Cock were recommended. By their help 
 they made a purchase from Timber creek to Rankokas creek an- 
 other from Oldman's creek to Timber creek. After this they got 
 Henric Jacobson Falconbre to be their interpreter, and purchased 
 from Rankokas creek to Assunpink ;f but when they had agreed 
 
 * From Chygoe, an Indian sachem, who lived there. 
 
 T The deed for the lands between Rankokas creek and Timber creek bears date the 
 \()th of September, 1677; that for the lands from Oldman's creek to Timber creek, the 
 27th of September, 1677; and that from Rankokas creek to Assunpink, the i^th of Oc. 
 toher, 1677. By the consideration paid for the lands between Oldman's and Timber 
 creek, a judgment may be formed of the rest. It consisted of 30 matchcoats, 20 guns, 
 30 kettles and one great one, 30 pair of hose, 20 fathom of dufFclds, 30 petticoats, 30 
 narrow hoes, 30 bars of lead, 15 small barrels of powder, 70 knives, 30 Indian axes, 70 
 combs, 60 pair of tobacco-tongs, 60 scissors, 60 tinshaw looking-glasses, 120 awl-blades, 
 120 fish-hooks, 2 grasps of red paint, 120 needles, 60 tobacco-boxes, 120 pipes, 200 
 bells, 100 Jewsharps, 6 anchors of rum. 
 
22 OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 upon this last purchase, they had not Indian goods sufficient to pay 
 the consideration, yet gave them what they had to get the deed 
 signed. They were, however, obliged to agree with the Indians 
 not to settle till the remainder was paid. Having travelled through 
 the country and viewed the land, the Yorkshire commissioners, 
 Joseph Helmsley, William Emley, and Robert Stacy, on behalf of 
 the first purchasers, chose from the falls of Delaware down, 
 which was hence called the first tenth ; the London commissioners, 
 John Penford, Thomas Olive, Daniel Wills, and Benjamin Scott, on 
 behalf of the ten London proprietors, chose at Arwaumus, (in and 
 about where the town of Gloucester now is.) This was called the 
 second tenth. To begin a settlement there, Olive sent up servants 
 to cut hay for cattle he had bought. When the Yorkshire com- 
 missioners found the others were like to settle at such a distance, 
 they told them if they would agree to fix by them, they would join 
 in settling a town, and that they should have the largest share, in 
 consideration that they (the Yorkshire commissioners) had the best 
 land in the woods. Being few, and the Indians numerous, they 
 agreed to it. The commissioners employed Noble, a surveyor, who 
 came in the first ship, to divide the spot. After the main street 
 was ascertained, he divided the land on each side into lots ; the 
 easternmost among the Yorkshire proprietors, the other among the 
 Londoners. To begin a settlement, ten lots of nine acres each, 
 bounding on the west, were laid out ; that done, some passengers 
 from Wickaco, chiefly those concerned in the Yorkshire tenth, ar- 
 rived the latter end of October. The London commissioners also 
 employed Noble to divide the part of the island yet unsurveyed 
 between the ten London proprietors, in the manner before mention- 
 ed. The town thus by mutual consent laid out, the commissioners 
 gave it the name first of New Beverley, then Bridlington, but soon 
 changed it to Burlington. Some of the masters of families, that 
 came in the ship last mentioned, and settled in that neighborhood, 
 were Thomas Olive, Daniel Wills, William Peachy, William Clay- 
 ton, John Crips, Thomas Eves, Thomas Harding, Thomas Nositer, 
 Thomas Fairnsworth, Morgan Drcwet, William Pennton, Heiuy 
 Jenings, William Hibes, Samuel Lovctt, John Woolston, William 
 Woodmancy, Christopher Saunders, and Robert Powell. John 
 Wilkinson and William Perkins were likewise, with their families, 
 passengers ; but, dying on the passage, the latter were exposed to 
 additional hardships, which were however moderated by the care 
 of their fellow-passengers. Perkins was early in life convinced 
 of the principles of those called Quakers, and lived well in Leices- 
 tershire ; but seeing an account of the country, wrote by Richard 
 Hartshorne, and terming views of advantage to his family, though 
 in his fifty-second year, he. with his wife, four children, and some 
 servants, embarked in this ship. Among the latter was one Mar- 
 shall, a carpenter, particularly serviceable in fitting up habitations 
 for the new-comers ; but it being late in the fall when they arrived, 
 the winter was much spent before the work was begun. In the 
 
OUTLINE HISTORY. 23 
 
 interim they lived in wigwams, built after the manner of the In- 
 dians. Indian corn and venison, supplied by the Indians, was their 
 chief food. These people were not then much corrupted with 
 strong liquors, but generally very friendly and helpful to the Eng- 
 lish ; notwithstanding, it was thought endeavors had been used to 
 make them otherwise, by insinuations that the English sold them 
 the small-pox in their matchcoats. This distemper was among 
 them, and a company getting together to consult about it, one of 
 their chiefs said, ' In my grandfather's time the small-pox came ; 
 in my father's time the small-pox came ; and now in my time the 
 small-pox is come.' Then, stretching his hands toward the skies, 
 he said, ' It came from thence.' To this the rest assented. 
 
 " Having traced this ship's company into winter-quarters, the next 
 in course is the Willing Mind, John Newcomb commander : she 
 arrived from London in November, and dropped anchor at Elsing- 
 burgh — brought about sixty or seventy passengers. Some settled 
 at Salem ; others at Burlington. Among the former were James 
 Nevill, Henry Salter, and George Deacon, with their families. In 
 this year, also, arrived the ' Flie-boat Martha,' of Burlington, 
 (Yorkshire) — sailed from Hull the latter end of summer, with one 
 hundred and fourteen passengers, designed to settle the Yorkshire 
 tenth. Some masters of families, in this ship, were Thomas Wright, 
 William Goforth, John Lynam, Edward Season, William Black, 
 Richard Dungworth, George Miles, William Wood, Thomas 
 Schooley, Richard Harrison, Thomas Hooten, Samuel Taylor, 
 Marmaduke Horsman, William Oxley, William Ley, and Nathaniel 
 Luke ; the families of Robert Stacy, and Samuel Odas ; and 
 ; Thomas Ellis and John Batts, servants,* sent by George Hutchin- 
 son, also came in this ship. Twenty of the passengers, perhaps 
 more, were living forty-five years afterward." — Smithes Hist. N. J. 
 
 The following, extracted from a letter from Mahlon Stacy, one 
 of the first settlers of New Jersey, to his brother Revell, and some 
 others, is descriptive of West Jersey at this period. It is dated 
 the 26th of the 4th month, 1680 : 
 
 " But now a word or two of those strange reports you have of us and our country : 
 I affirm they are not true, and fear they were spoke from a spirit of envy. It is a coun- 
 try that produceth all thing-s for the support and sustenance of man, in a plentiful man- 
 ner ; if it were not so, I should be ashamed of what I have before written. But I can 
 stand, having truth on my side, against and before the face of all gainsaycrs and evil 
 spies. I have travelled through most of the places that are settled, and some that are 
 not ; and in every place I find the country very apt to answer the expectation of the 
 diligent. I have seen orchards laden with fruit to admiration, their very limbs torn to 
 pieces with the weight, and most delicious to the taste, and lovely to behold. I have 
 seen an apple-tree from a pippin-kernel yield a barrel of curious cyder ; and peaches in 
 such plenty that some people took their carts a peach-gathering : I could not but smile 
 at the conceit of it. They are a very delicate fruit, and hang almost like our onions that 
 
 * Many that came servants succeeded better than some that brought estates : the first, 
 inured to industry, and the ways of the country, became wealthy ; while the others, obliged 
 to spend what they had in the difficulties of first improvements, and others living too 
 much on their original stock, for want of sufficient care to improve their estates, have, 
 ir many instances, dwindled to indigency and want. 
 
24 OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 are tied on ropes. I have seen and Icnown, this summer, forty bushels of bold wheal 
 of one bushel sown ; and many more such instances I could bring, which would be too 
 tedious here to mention. We have, from the time called May until Michaelmas, frrcat 
 store of very jrood wild fruits, as strawberries, cranberries, and hurtleberries, which are 
 like our bilberries in England, but far sweeter : they are very wholesome fruits. The 
 cranberries are nmch like cherries for color and bigness, which may be kept till fruit 
 come in again ; an excellent sauce is made of them for venison, turkeys, and other great 
 fowl ; and they are better to make tarts than either gooseberries or cherries. We have 
 them brought to our houses by the Indians, in great plenty. My brother Robert had as 
 many cherries this year as would have loaded several carts. It is my judgment, by what 
 I have observed, that fruit-trees in this country destroy themselves by the very weight 
 of their fruit. As for venison and fowls, we have great plenty : we have brought home 
 to our houses, by the Indians, seven or eight fat bucks of a day, and sometimes put by 
 as many, having no occasion for them. And fish, in their season, are very plenteous. 
 JMy cousin Rcvell and I, with some of my men, went last third month into the river to 
 catch herrings ; for at that time they came in great shoals into the shallows. We liad 
 neither rod nor net, but, alter the Indian fashion, made a round pinfold, about two yards 
 over, and a foot high, but left a gap for the fish to go in at ; and made a bush to lay in 
 the gap to keep the fish in ; and when that was done, we took two long birches and tied 
 their tops together, and went about a stone's cast above our said pinfold : then hauling 
 these birch boughs down the stream, where we drove thousands before us, but so 
 many got into our trap as it would hold. And then we began to haul them on shore, as 
 fast as three or four of us could, by two or three at a time ; and after this manner, in 
 half an hour, we could have filled a three-bushel sack of as good and large herrings as 
 ever I saw. And as to beef and pork, here is great plenty of it, and cheap ; and also 
 good sheep. The common grass of this country feeds beef very fat : I have killed two 
 this j'ear, and therefore I have reason to know it. Besides, I have seen this fall, in Bur- 
 lington, killed eight or nine fat oxen and cows, on a market day, and all very fat. And 
 though I speak of herrings only, lest any should think we have little other sorts, we have 
 great plenty of most sorts of fish that ever I saw in England, besides several other sorts that 
 are not known there — as rocks, catfish, shads, shcf^p's heads, sturgeons ; and fowls 
 plenty — as ducks, geese, turkeys, pheasants, partridges, and many other sorts that I can- 
 not remember, and would be too tedious to mention. Indeed the country, take it as a 
 wilderness, is a brave country ; though no place will please all. But some will be ready 
 to say, he writes of conveniences, but not of inconveniences. In answer to those, I 
 honestly declare, there is some barren land, as (I suppo.se) there is in most places of the 
 world, and more wood than some would have upon their lands ; neither will the country' 
 produce corn without labor, nor cattle be got without something to buy them, nor bread 
 with idleness — else it would be a brave country indeed. And I question not but all then 
 would give it a good word. For my part, I like it so well I never had the least thought 
 of returning to England, except on the account of trade. Mahlox Stacy." 
 
 In a letter to William Cook of Shefiield, and others, Stacy wrote thus : 
 
 " Tliis is a most brave place ; whatever envy or evil spies may speak of it, I could 
 wish you all here. Burlington will be a place of trade quickly ; for here is way for trade : 
 I, with eight more, last winter, bought a good ketch of fifty tons, freighted her out at our 
 own charge, and sent her to Barbados, and so to sail to Saltertugas, to take in part of 
 her lading in salt, and the rest in Barbados goods as she came back ; which said voyage 
 she hath accomplished very well, and now rides before Burlington, discharging her lad- 
 ing, and so to go to the West Indies again. And we intend to freight her out with oiu" 
 own corn. We have wanted nothing since we came hither but the company of our 
 good friends and acquaintance. All our people are very well, and in a hopeful way to 
 live much better than ever they did ; and not only so, but to provide well for their posterity. 
 They improve their lands, and have good crops ; and if our friends and countrymen come, 
 they will find better reception than we had by far at first, before the country was settled 
 as now it is. I know not one among the people that desires to be in England again — 
 I mean since settled. I wonder at our Yorkshire people, that they had rather live in 
 servitude, and work hard all the year, and not be three-pence the better at the year's end, 
 than stir out of the chimney-corner, and transport themselves to a place where, with the 
 like pains, in two or three years they might know better things. 
 
 I never repented my coming hither, nor yet remembered thy arguments and outcry 
 against New Jersey with regret. I live as well to my content, and in as great plenty 
 as ever I did ; and in a far more likely way to get an estate. Though I hear some have 
 
ANCIENT MAP OF NEW JERSEY. 
 Constructed from Provincial Maps published in London. 
 Figures 1,1, Line claimed by the Proprietors of New Jersey as their 
 Northern limit; 2, 2, Jurisdiction line between New York and New Jersey ; 
 3, 3, the Northern line as contended in favor of the Crown and the Pro- 
 vince of New York. 
 
 The two maps from which the above is constructed were evidently drawn with much care, 
 the oldest of which was published on June 23d, 1755, by Lewis Kvans. according ti> Act of 
 Parliament, sold in Pall-mall by R. Dodsley, Londun, and by the Author in Philadi-lphia; 
 it is entitled "A General Map of the Middle British Colonia, viz: Mariland, Delaware, 
 Pensilvania, New J.rney, tJonnecticut and Rhode Island, tA Aauanithu'onigy, thf country 
 of the Coufidt-rate Indians, &;c. Ac' (A copy nf this, printed on satin, is now in the col- 
 lections of the New Jersey Hist. Soc. at Newark.) The other map, from wliich the division* 
 are copied, was drawn by Thomas Jeffeo's, (ieoerapher to his .Majesty, was entitled " The 
 Provinces of New York, New Jersey, with part of Pensilvania, 4c. 4c." 
 
OUTLINE HISTORY 25 
 
 thought I was too large In ray former, I affirm it to be true ; having seen more with mine 
 eyes, in this time since, than ever yet I wrote of. Mahlon Stacy. 
 
 " Froin the Falls of Delaware, in West New Jersey, ) 
 the 26th of the 4th month, 1680." (, 
 
 " Sir George Carteret, sole proprietor of East Jersey, dying in 
 1679, by will, ordered that province to be sold, to pay his debts; 
 which was done accordingly, by his widow and executors, by in- 
 denture of lease and release, bearing date the 1st and 2d of Feb- 
 ruary, 1681-82, to William Penn, Robert West, Thomas Rudyard, 
 Samuel Groome, Thomas Hart, Richard Mew, Thomas Wilcox, of 
 London, (goldsmith,) Ambrose Rigg, John Haywood, Hugh Harts- 
 horne, Clement Plumsted, and Thomas Cooper, their heirs and as- 
 signs ; who were thence called the twelve proprietors. They, being 
 together so seized, in this year published an account of their coun- 
 try, a fresh project for a town, and method of disposing of their 
 lands." The following items are extracts from the account re- 
 ferred to above : 
 
 " Second. The conveniency of situation, temperature of air, and fertility of soil is 
 such, that there are no less than seven considerable towns, viz : Shrewsbury, Middletown, 
 Bergen, Newark, Elizabethtown, Woodbridge, and Piscataway ; which are well inhabited 
 by a sober and industrious people, who have necessary provisions for themselves and tam- 
 dies, and for the comfortable entertainment of strangers uid travellers. And this colony is 
 experimentallv found generally to agree with English constitutions." 
 
 * * * * * * * * * * 
 
 " Fourth. For fishery, the sea-banks there are very well stored with variety of fish— 
 
 for not only such as are profitable for transportation, but such also as are fit for food 
 
 there ; as whales, cod-fish, cole and hake-fish, large mac-kerel, and also many other sorts 
 
 of flat and small fish. The bay also, and Hudson's river, are plentifully stored with 
 
 sturgeon, great bass, and other scale-fish, eels, and shell-fish, as oysters, &c., in great 
 
 plenty, and easy to take." 
 
 *^-'* » « * * « * * * * 
 
 " Seventh. The land or soil (as in other places) varies in goodness and richness ; but 
 generally fertile, and witii much smaller labor than in England. It produceth plentiful 
 crops of all sorts of English grain, besides Indian corn, which the EngUsh planters find 
 not only to be of vast increase, but very wholesome and good in its use; it also produ- 
 ceth good flax and hemp, which they now spin and manufacture into linen cloth. There 
 is sufficient meadow and marsh to their uplands ; and the very barrens there, as they are 
 called, are not like some in England, but produce grass fit for grazing cattle m summer 
 season. 
 
 " Eighth. The country is well stored with wild deer, conies, and wild fowl of several 
 sorts, as turkeys, pigeons, partridges, plover, quails, wild swans, geese, ducks, &-c., in 
 great plenty. It produceth variety of good and delicious fruits, as grapes, plums, mul- 
 berries ; and also apricots, peaches, pears, apples, quinces, watermelons, &c., which are 
 here in England planted in orchards and gardens. These, as also many other fruits, 
 which come not to perfection in England, are the more natural product of this country. 
 
 " Ninth. There is also already great store of horses, cows, hogs, and some sheep, which 
 may be bought at reasonable prices, with English moneys or English commodities, or man's 
 labor, where money and goods are wanting. 
 
 " Tenth. What sort of mines or minerals are in the bowels of the earth, after-tirae 
 must produce, the inhabitants not having yet employed themselves in search thereof; 
 but there is already a smelting furnace and forge set up in this colony, where is made 
 good iron, which is of great benefit to the country. 
 
 " Eleventh. It is exceedingly well furnished with safe and convenient harbors for ship- 
 ping, which are of great advantage to tbat country ; and affords already, for exportation, 
 great plenty of horses, and also beef, pork, pipe-staves, boards, bread, flour, wheat, bar- 
 fey, rye, Indian corn, butter and cheese, which they export for Barbadoes, Jamaica, Ne- 
 vis, and other adjacent islands ; as also to Portugal, Spain, the Canaries, &.c. Their 
 whale-oil and whale-fins, beaver, mink, raccoon, and marten-skins, (which this country 
 produceth,) they transport to England." 
 
 4 
 
26 OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 " Thirteenth. The Indian natives in this country are but few, comparative to the 
 neighboring colonies ; and those that are there are so far from being formidable or inju- 
 rious to the planters and inhabitants, that they are really serviceable and advantageous 
 to the English — not only in hunting and taking the deer, and other wild creatures, and 
 catching of fish and fowl fit for food, in their seasons, but in the killing and destroying 
 of bears, wolves, foxes, and other vermin and peltry, whose skins and furs they bring 
 the English, and sell at less price than the value of time an Enghshman must spend to 
 take them." 
 
 " As for passage to this province, ships are going hence the whole year about, as well 
 in winter as summer, Sandy Hook bay being never frozen. The usual price is five pounds 
 per head, as well masters or servants, who are above ten years of age ; all under ten 
 years, and not children at the breast, pay fifty shillings : sucking children pay nothinj. 
 Carriage of goods is usually forty shillings per ton, and sometimes less, as we can agree. 
 The cheapest and chiefest time of the year for passage is from midsummer till the latter 
 end of September, when many Virginia and Maryland ships arc going out of England 
 into those parts ; and such who take then their voyage, arrive usually in good time to 
 plant corn sufficient for next summer. 
 
 " The goods to be carried there are, first, for people's own use ; all sorts of apparel and 
 household stuff; and also utensils for husbandry and building : secondly, linen and wool- 
 len cloths and stuffs, fitting for apparel, &c., which are fit for merchandise and truck 
 tliere in the country, and that to good advantage for the importer — of which further ac- 
 count will be given to the inquirer. 
 
 " Lastly. Although this country, by reason of its being already considerably inhabited, 
 may aflbrd many conveniences to strangers, of which unpeopled countries arc destitute, 
 as lodging, victualling, &.C., yet all persons inclining unto those parts must know that, 
 in their settlement there, they will find their exercises. They must have their winter, as 
 well as summer. They must labor before they reap ; and, till their plantations be 
 cleared, (in summer time,) they must expect (as in all those countries) the mosquitos, 
 flies, gnats, and such like, may, in hot and fair weather, give them some disturbance, 
 where people provide not against them — which, as land is cleared, are less troublesome." 
 
 The plan and proposals of the twelve proprietors became quite 
 popular, particulary among the Scotch, many of whom came over 
 and settled in East Jersey. " The twelve proprietors did not long 
 hold the province to themselves, but, by particular deeds, took each 
 a partner: their names were James, {Earl of Perth,) John Drum- 
 mond, Robert Barclay, Robert Gordon, Aarent Sonmans, Gawen 
 Lawrie, Edward Byllinge, James Braine, William Gibson, Thomas 
 Barker, Robert Turner, and Thomas Warne. These, with the other 
 twelve, were called the twenty-four proprietors : to them the Duke 
 of York made a fresh grant of East New Jersey, bearing date the 
 14th of March, 1G82." 
 
 At this period there were " supposed to be about seven hundred 
 families settled in the towns of East Jersey, which, reckoning five 
 to a family, were three thousand and five hundred inhabitants ; be- 
 sides the out plantations, which were thought to contain half as 
 many more." Philip Carteret continued governor of East Jersey 
 after the " quinty partite" division, till about the year 1(581.* The 
 sessions of the assembly were mo.stly held at Elizabctlitown, occa- 
 sionally at Woodbridge, and once or more at Middlctown and Pis- 
 cataway. 
 
 * His salary was generally ±"50 a year, paid in country jiroduce, at i)rices fixed by 
 law ; and sometimes four shillings a day besides, to defray his charges while a sessions 
 was held. The wages of the council and assembly, during their sitting in legislation, 
 was to each member three shillings a day. The rates for public charges were levied at 
 two shillings per head for every male above fourteen years old. 
 
OUTLINE HISTORY. 27 
 
 •'Some of the first laws, as published by the legislature at Ehz- 
 abethtown, were, m substance: That persons resisting authority 
 should be punish;d at the discretion of the court; that men, from 
 sixteen to sixty years of age, should provide themselves with arms, 
 on penalty of one shilling for the first week's neglect and two for 
 eve^ry week after; that Ibr burglary, or highway robbery, the first 
 offence burning in the hand, the second, in the forehead-in both 
 to make restLuon-and for the third oftence, death For stealing 
 he fi^S offence, treble restitution, and the like for the second and 
 third offence, with such increase of punishment as the court saw 
 cause, even to death, if the party appeared incorrigible ; but if not, 
 and unable to make restitution, they were to be sold lor satisfac- 
 tion, or to receive corporal punishment. That conspiracies or at- 
 tacks upon towns or forts, should be death ; that undutiful children, 
 smiim^ or cursing their father or mother, except provoked there- 
 unto for self-presfrvation, upon complaint of, and proof from their 
 pLrents, or either of them, should be punished v^Mh death; hat in 
 case of adultery, the party to be divorced, corporally punished, or 
 banished! or either or all of them, as the court should judge proper ; 
 thTfor night-walking and revelling, after the hour o mne, the 
 parties to b! secured by the constable, or other officer, ti I morning, 
 Td then, not giving a Satisfactory account to the -^-^^^^^^ 
 bound over to the next court, and there receive such Punishment as 
 should be inflicted. That the meeting of the assembly should be 
 always on the first Tuesday in November, yearly a..doften^^^^^^^ 
 the governor and council thought necessary; and that they should 
 fix the governor's salary-the deputies of each town to be chosen 
 on the first of January, according to the concessions Any deputy 
 absenting himself, at such times, was to be fined forty shillings tor 
 ev^ry day's absence. That thirty pounds should be levied for pro- 
 vincial charges-i e., £5 to be paid by each town, in wmter-wheat 
 at five shillings a bushel, summer-wheat at four and six-pence, peas 
 at three shillings and six-pence, Indian corn at three shilhngs rye 
 ft four shiUinls, barley at four shillings, beef at two-pence ha'- 
 penny per pound, and pork at three-pence half-penny That no 
 son, daughter, maid, or servant, should marry without the consent 
 of hisor^hei; parents, masters, or overseers without being three 
 times published in some public meeting or kirk, near the party s 
 Xde, or notice being set up in writing at some public house near 
 where ^hey lived, for fourteen days before ; then to be solemnized 
 Tsome approved minister, justice, or chief officer, who, on penalty 
 of twenty pounds, and to be put out of office, were to marry none 
 who had not followed those directions." -n . * t> lo.r 
 
 Among the new proprietors of East Jersey was Robert Barclay 
 of Urie, a Scottish gentleman, who had adopted the sen iments of the 
 Friend; or Quaker?, and was the author of the celebrated ''Apology 
 in their defence Bv the unanimous choice of his colleagues, he 
 was appointed for uL first governor of East Jersey, under the new 
 administration, with dispensation from personal residence, and 
 
28 OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 authority to nominate his deputy. Thomas Rudyard was appointed 
 deputy-governor, and arrived at his government about the begin- 
 ning of 1683. He was superseded, however, at the close of the 
 year, by Gawen Lawrie, also of London, who had been one of 
 Byllinge's trustees for West Jersey. The successor of Lawrie was 
 Lord Niel Campbell, who was succeeded by Alexander Hamilton, 
 Esq. 
 
 About the year 1680, West Jersey, by the accession of many 
 settlers, became somewhat populous. Samuel Jennings, having 
 received a commission from Byllinge as deputy-governor, came 
 over to West Jersey, called an assembly, and with them agreed 
 upon a constitution of government, on the 25th of November, 1681. 
 From this period, yearly assemblies were held, courts established 
 in different places, and justice was administered in due course of 
 law. The successors of Jennings in the administration of the gov- 
 ernment were Thomas Olive, John Skeine, William Welsh, Daniel 
 Cox, and Andrew Hamilton, who continued governor till the pro- 
 prietary charter was surrendered to the crown. 
 
 "The year 1686 seems to have been a dangerous one in East 
 Jersey, if the law then passed against wearing swords was prop- 
 erly founded. According to that, several persons had received 
 abuses, and were put in great fear from quarrels and challenges : 
 to prevent it for the future, none, by word or message, were to 
 make a challenge, upon pain of six months' imprisonment, without 
 bail or mainprize, and a ten-pound fine. Whoever accepted or 
 concealed the challenge was also to forfeit ten pounds. No person 
 was to wear any pocket-pistols, skeins, stilladers, daggers, or dirks, 
 or other unusual weapons, upon pain of five pounds' forfeiture -for 
 the first offence, and for the second to be committed, and on con- 
 viction imprisoned for six months ; and moreover to pay a fine of 
 ten pounds. No planter was to go armed with sword, pistol, or 
 dagger, upon penalty of five pounds. Officers, civil and military, 
 soldiers in service, and strangers travelling upon lawful occasions, 
 were excepted. This law, for any thing that appears, is yet in 
 force. 
 
 " The settlers, in both West Jersey and Pennsylvania, about the 
 year 1687, were put to difficulties on account of food; their crops 
 having in great part failed. Several families had already sjunt 
 their last, and were forced to subsist on what was spared by such 
 of their neighbors as were better provided. These were few in 
 proportion to the mouths to be tilled. Some nigh the rivers liad 
 lived weeks upon fish: others were forced to put up with herbs; 
 but unexpectedly to many arrived a vessel from New England to 
 Philadelphia, laden with corn, which proved an agreeable supply. 
 This vessel meeting with a good market, others soon followed ; so 
 that the settlers were not afterward exposed to the like necessity 
 for want of food." 
 
 The year 1701 was a memorable era in the history of New Jer- 
 sey, on account of the disturbances and confusions that violently 
 
OUTLINE HISTORY. 39 
 
 agitated the minds of the people. Each province had many 
 and different proprietors, who promoted separate and intervening 
 schemes and interests. To promote particular purposes, one party 
 would have the choice and management of the governor, while 
 another refused any but of their own nomination ; and a third 
 objected to proposals from either. Discord prevailed, and every 
 expedient to restore order, union, and regularity proved unsuccess- 
 ful. The disorders in East Jersey made such an impression on the 
 minds of many of the people, that they readily hearkened to over- 
 tures made for a surrender of the proprietary government. A con- 
 siderable part of West Jersey was also, for similar reasons, dis- 
 posed to a resignation. The proprietors, weary of contending with 
 each other, and with the people, drew up an instrument, whereby 
 they surrendered their right of government to the crown, which 
 was accepted by Queen Anne on the 17th of April, 1702. 
 
 Immediately upon the transfer of the right of government to the 
 crown. Queen Anne reunited East and West Jersey into one prov- 
 ince, and intrusted its government, as well as that of New York, 
 to her kinsman, Edward Hyde, Lord Cornbury, grandson of the 
 chancellor. Earl of Clarendon. The commission and instructions 
 which Cornbury received formed the constitution and government 
 of the province, until its declaration of independence. The new 
 government was composed of the governor and twelve councillors, 
 nominated by the crown, and an assembly, of twenty-four mem- 
 bers, to be elected by the people, for an indefinite term, whose ses- 
 sions were to be holden, alternately, at Perth Amboy and Burling- 
 ton. Among the numerous instructions given to the governor was 
 one directing him " to permit liberty of conscience to all persons, 
 (except Papists,) so they may be contented with a quiet and peace- 
 able enjoyment of the same, not giving offence or scandal to the 
 government ;" also one stating that, " Forasmuch as great incon- 
 veniences may arise by the liberty of printing in our said province, 
 you are to provide, by all necessary orders, that no person keep any 
 press for printing, nor that any book, pamphlet, or other matters 
 whatsoever, be printed without your especial leave and license first 
 obtained." 
 
 At this period the province was supposed to contain 20,000 in- 
 habitants, of whom 12,000 belonged to East, and 8,000 to West 
 Jersey. The militia amounted to 1,400 men. The trade of the 
 province was considerable. Its exports consisted of agricultural 
 produce, which supplied the West Indies ; furs, skins, and a little 
 tobacco, for the English market; and oil, fish, and other provisions, 
 which were sent to Spain, Portugal, and the Canary islands. 
 
 Lord Cornbury arrived in New Jersey in August, 1703. He con- 
 tinued in the office of governor of New Jersey and New York 
 till 1708; when the complaints of the people were such that the 
 queen was compelled to revoke his commission. When deprived 
 of his office, his creditors put him in prison in the province he had 
 governed, where he remained till the death of his father elevated 
 
30 OUTLINE HISTORY 
 
 him to the peerage, which entitled him to hberation. " We nevei 
 had a governor," (says a writer who knew him well,) " so univer- 
 sally detested, nor any who so richly deserved the public abhor- 
 rence : in spite of his noble descent, his behavior was trifling, 
 mean, and extravagant. It was not uncommon for him to dress 
 himself in a ivoman's habit, and then to patrol the fort in which he 
 resided. Such freaks of low humor exposed him to the universal 
 contempt of the people ; but their indignation was kindled by his 
 despotic rule, savage bigotry, insatiable avarice, and injustice, not 
 only to the public, but even his private creditors." 
 
 John, Lord Lovelace, Baron of Hurley, being appointed to suc- 
 ceed Cornbury, he summoned the council to meet him at Bergen, 
 December 20th, 1708. The hopes entertained, from his exalted 
 character, of a happy administration, were frustrated by his death, 
 on the succeeding 5th of May. The administration now devolved 
 on Lieutenant-governor Ingoldsby, who laid before the assembly 
 the design of the crown respecting an expedition against Canada. 
 " The assembly prepared three bills, one for raising £3,000,* an- 
 other for enforcing its currency, and a third for the encouragement 
 of volunteers going on the Canada expedition. These bills having 
 received the governor's assent, the house was adjourned to the first 
 of November, to meet at Burlington. In November they met ac- 
 cordingly, but deferred business till December ; when they sat 
 ten weeks, passed eighteen bills, were then adjourned, and after- 
 ward prorogued, from time to time, till dissolved by Governor 
 Hunter, in 1710." 
 
 Governor Hunter commenced his administration in 1710, and in 
 1720 resigned in favor of William Burnet, (son of the celebrated 
 bishop,) and returned to England. " He had a ready art at pro- 
 curing money: few loved it more. This foible, it is said, drew 
 him into schemes, gaming, and considerable losses. Though not in 
 all respects accomplished, his address here was engaging and suc- 
 cessful : he assented to most of the laws the people wanted, and 
 filled the offices with men of character. 
 
 * Here began the paper currency in New Jersey. The care of the legislature respect- 
 ing it, in this and all the succeeding emissions, being to render the funds for sinking, 
 according to the acts that created it, secure, and to prevent the currency failing in value ; 
 by changing the bills as they became ragged and torn, and allowing no re-crnissions on 
 any other account whatsoever. It has thence, from the beginning, preserved its credit, 
 and proved of great service to the proprietors in the sale of their lands, and to the set- 
 tlers in enabling them to purchase and contract, and pay English debts, and go on with 
 their improvements. The securities, when issued on loan, were double the value in lands, 
 or treble in houses, and five per cent, interest; but now (1765) there is none current on 
 this footing. The funds for sinking, by tax, the money created for the expedition, and 
 other purjwses, are mortgages (secured in the acts that make the respective emissions) 
 on the estates, real and personal, in the province ; hence they arc secured as firmly as 
 the province itself. They are a legal tender to all the inhabitants in the province, and 
 elsewhere, but not to others, except while in the province. The remittances of this 
 province to England, being chiefly from New York and Philadelphia, and the bills no le- 
 gal tender there, they can never operate to the prejudice of English debts, let exchange 
 be as it may ; because none there are obliged to take them. This is a particularity only 
 belonging to the state of trade of New Jersey, and renders a paper currency there free 
 from the objections usually made against it in England. — Smith's Hist. N. J. 
 
OUTLINE HISTORY 31 
 
 Some of the most remarkable acts of the assembly, during Gov. 
 Burnet's administration, were, that for the support of government, 
 in which the salary of the governor was fixed for live years, at 
 £500 per annum, and that authorizing the issue of £40,000 in 
 bills of credit, with the view, principally, of increasing the circu- 
 lating medium of the colony. The country, as the preamble to the 
 act sets forth, had been wholly drained of a metallic currency ; 
 and, as the paper currency of the neighboring colonies was not a 
 legal tender in the payment of debts, much embarrassment was 
 produced. The payment of taxes was occasionally made in broken 
 plate, ear-rings, and other jewels : and the law authorized their 
 payment in wheat. Forty thousand pounds, in bills in value from 
 one shilling to three pounds, were issued by the government to 
 borrowers, on the pledge of plate, or real estate, at five per cent, 
 per annum. The whole sum was apportioned to the counties in 
 which loan-offices were established : the bills were made current 
 for twelve years, and were made a legal tender for debts. In 1730 
 another act added £20,000 to this medium, and were made current 
 for sixteen years. All these issues (although at one period they 
 were at a discount of sixteen per cent.) were fully and duly re- 
 deemed.* 
 
 " Gov. Burnet, after this, continued to preside over New York 
 and A^ew Jersey, till 1727; when he was removed to Boston, and 
 succeeded by John Montgomerie, Esq. He continued till his death, 
 which happened in the summer of 1731. To him succeeded Wil- 
 liam Cosby, Esq. He continued till his death, in 1736. The gov- 
 ernment herp then devolved on the president of the council, John 
 Anderson, Esq. He died about two weeks afterward, and was 
 succeeded by John Hamilton, Esq., (son of Andrew Hamilton, 
 governor in the proprietors' time.) He governed nearly two years. 
 In the summer of 1738, a commission arrived to Lewis Morris, Esq., 
 as governor of New Jersey, separate from New York. He con- 
 tinued till his death, in the spring of 1746. He was succeeded by 
 President Hamilton. He dying, it devolved upon John Reading, 
 Esq., as the next eldest councillor. He exercised the office till the 
 summer of 1747, when Jonathan Belcher, Esq., arrived. He died 
 in the summer of 1757, and was succeeded by John Reading, Esq., 
 president. Francis Bernard, Esq., arrived governor, in 1758 ; was 
 removed to Boston, and succeeded here by Thomas Boone, Esq., in 
 1760. He was removed to South Carolina, and succeeded here by 
 Josiah Hardy, Esq., in 1761. He was removed, and afterward ap- 
 pointed consul at Cadiz." 
 
 Gov. Hardy was succeeded in his office, in the spring of 1763, 
 by William Franklin, Esq., the last of the royal governors, and the 
 son of Dr. Benjamin Franklin. The year 1 763 was distinguished by 
 a treaty of peace between Great Britain and France, by which 
 Canada was ceded to the British king, and the colonies secured 
 
 * Sde Gordon's History of New Jersey, pp. 94-96. 
 
32 OUTLINE HISTORY 
 
 from the ravages of French and Indian wars, which had continues 
 for more than half a century. When Mr. Pitt, tht^ celebrated 
 British minister, called upon the colonial government to make an 
 effort to destroy the French power in America, " the assembly of 
 New Jersey, instead of raising reluctantly five hundred men, doub- 
 led that number, and, to fill the ranks in season, offered a bounty 
 of twelve pounds per man, increased the pay of the officers, and 
 voted a sum of £50,000 for their maintenance. They at the same 
 session directed barracks to be built at Burlington, Trenton, New 
 Brunswick, Amboy, and Elizabethtown. competent each for the ac- 
 commodation of three hundred men This complement of 
 
 one thousand men New Jersey kept up during the years 1758, 
 1759. and 1760 ; and in the years 17G1 and 17G2 furnished sLx hun- 
 dred men, besides in the latter year a company of sixty-four men 
 and officers, especially for garrison duty ; for which she incurred 
 an average expense of £40,000 per annum." 
 
 At the commencement of the revolutionary period. New Jersey 
 was among the foremost of her sister colonies in resisting the aggres- 
 sions of British t3Tanny. Early in July, 1774, the inhabitants of 
 the several counties of New Jersey assembled in their county 
 towns, and passed resolutions strongly disapproving the acts of 
 parliament — closing the port of Boston. 6cc. They nominated depu- 
 ties to meet in convention for the purpose of electing delegates to 
 the general congress about to meet in Philadelphia. The New 
 Jersey delegates reported the proceedings of congress to the 
 assembly, January 11th, 1775, by whom they were unanimously 
 approved: "such members as were Quakers excepting only to 
 such parts as seemed to wear an appearance, or might have a ten- 
 dency to force, as inconsistent with their religious principles." 
 
 The joint action of the colonies was opposed by their royal gov- 
 ernors, who threw every obstacle in their power to prevent its ac- 
 complishment. Gov. Franklin refused to summon the assembly, 
 notwithstanding the petitions of the people ; therefore the first del- 
 egates to congress were elected by a convention. The second pro- 
 vincial convention met at Trenton, May 23d, 1775, and directed 
 that one or more companies of eighty should be formed in each 
 township, or corporation ; and, in order to raise necessary funds, 
 imposed a tax of £10,000. The provincial congress of New Jer- 
 sey reassembled August 5th, 1775, and directed that fifty-four com- 
 panies, each of sixty-four minute-men, be organized. These troops 
 were formed into ten battalions : in Bergen, Essex, Middlesex. 
 Monmouth, Somerset, Morris, Sussex, Hunterdon, and Burlington, 
 one each ; in Gloucester and Salem, one ; Avhile in the counties of 
 Cumberland and Cape May were independent light infantry and 
 rangers. But the chief measure of this congress was the perpetu- 
 ation of the authority which they had assumed ; they therefore re- 
 solved and directed that, during the continuance of the controversy 
 between Great Britain and America, the inhabitants qualified to 
 vote should yearly choose deputies to the provincial congress, who 
 
OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 33 
 
 now took upon themselves the management of the affairs of the colo- 
 ny, relating to their rights and liberties. 
 
 Gov. Franklin convened the legislature November 16th, 1775. 
 He made an address, the prominent objects of which seem to have 
 been to obtain from the assembly an assurance of personal safety, 
 and a disavowal of all intention to proclaim independence. On 
 the 6th of December he prorogued the house till January 3d, 1776, 
 but it never reassembled ; and thus terminated the provincial legis- 
 lature of New Jersey. 
 
 [The above is copied from an impression of the original " Great 
 Seal of the State of New Jersey," in the secretary of state's office, 
 at Trenton. It is the one used at the present time, though much 
 worn.]* 
 
 The provincial congress of New Jersey convened at Burlington, 
 June 10th, 1776. At this period the general congress of the United 
 Colonies was in session in Philadelphia, and, on the memoY^XAe fourth 
 of July, declared themselves independent of Great Britain. On 
 the 18th of the same month the provincial congress assumed the 
 title of the " State Convention of New Jersey." During the pro- 
 gress of these events. Gov. Franklin was compelled to stand by 
 an almost idle spectator, as the torrent of public opinion was too 
 
 * The following is the report of the committee appointed to prepare this seal : " The 
 joint committee appointed by both houses, to prepare a great seal, beg leave to report — 
 That they have considered the subject, and taken the sentiments of several intelligent 
 gentlemen thereon, and are of the opinion tiiat Francis Hopkinson, Esq., should bo 
 immediately engaged to employ proper persons, at Philadelphia, to prepare a silver seal, 
 which is to be round, of two and a half inches diameter, and three-eighths of an inch 
 thick ; and that the arms shall be three ploughs in an escutcheon, the supporters Liberty, 
 and Ceres, and the crest a horse's head. These words to be engraved, in large letters, 
 round the arms, viz : ' The Great Seal of the State of New Jersey.' 
 
 "Princeton, 3d Oct. 1776. Pjr order of the committee: Richard Smith, chairman." 
 
34 OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 Strong for him to attempt to turn its course. He however, by pro- 
 clamation of the 30th of May, summoned the house, in the name 
 of the king, to meet on the 20th of June. The provincial congress, 
 seeing the mischief of the measure, resolved, by a vote of thirty- 
 five to eleven, that the proclamation of William Franklin, late 
 governor, ought not to be obeyed ; and, as he had shown himself to 
 be an enemy to the liberties of his country, his person should be 
 secured. This was accordingly done ; and, by an order of the 
 continental congress, on the 25th of June, the defKJsed governor 
 was sent, under guard, to Gov. Trumbull of Connecticut, who was 
 desired to take his parole, and in case he refused to take it, to 
 treat him agreeably to the resolutions of congress respecting pris- 
 oners. This request was immediately complied with. On his re- 
 lease, he sailed to England, where he received a pension for his losses. 
 
 The first legislature of independent New Jersey convened at 
 Princeton, August 27th, 1776, and on the 31st of the same month 
 William Livingston, Esq., Avas, in joint ballot, chosen governor of 
 the state ; and, being annually re-elected, was continued in office 
 for fourteen years. During his administration, the state was the 
 theater of war for several years. In the revolutionan.^ struggle, 
 her losses, both of men and property, in proportion to the popula- 
 tion and wealth of the state, was greater than any other of the 
 thirteen states. When Gen. Washington was retreating through 
 the Jerseys, almost forsaken, her militia were at all times obedient 
 to his orders ; and for a considerable time composed the strength 
 of his army. There is hardly a town in the state, that lay in the 
 progress of the British army, that was not signalized by some en- 
 terprise or exploit. At Trenton the enemy received a check, which 
 may bo said, with justice, to have turned the tide of war. 
 
 In the summer of 1778, Sir Henry Clinton retreated, with the 
 British army, from Philadelphia, through Xew Jersey to New York. 
 The battle of ^Monmouth signalizes this retreat. The military ser- 
 vices performed by the soldiers of New Jersey, and the suffl'rings 
 of her people, during the revolutionary war, entitle her to the 
 gratitude of her sister states. By her sacrifices of blood and trea- 
 sure, in resisting oppression, she is entitled to stand in the foremost 
 rank among those who struggled for American freedom. 
 
 Gov. Livingston died in 1790, and in October of that year was 
 succeeded in office by William Paterson. He was re-elected in the 
 autumn of 1791. In the spring of 1792, he was appointed a judge 
 of the supreme court of the United States, and on the 23d of May, 
 in that year, he resigned the office of governor. Richard How- 
 ell was elected June 3d, 1792, and continued in office till October, 
 1801 ; when he was succeeded by Joseph Bloomfield. In 1802, 
 there being no choice of governor, John Lambert, vice-president 
 of the council, performed the duties of governor for that year. In 
 October, 1803, Gov. Bloomfield was elected, and continued in office 
 till 1812 ; when he was succeeded by Aaron Ogdcn ; who, in 1813, 
 W£LS in turn succeeded by William S. Pennington. In 1815, Gov. 
 
OUTLINE HISTORY 35 
 
 Pennington was succeeded by Malilon Dickerson ; who, in turn, 
 was succeeded by Isaac W. Williamson, in 1817, Gov. Williamson 
 continued in office till 1820, and Garret D. Wall was chosen to 
 succeed him. This gentleman, on the 2d of November, declined 
 the appointment, by letter ; and on the Gth of the same month Pe- 
 ter D. Vroom was elected. He continued in office till 1832, when 
 he was succeeded by Samuel L. Southard. On the 23d of Februa- 
 ry, Gov. Southard was elected to the senate of the United States ; 
 and on the 27th of that month Elias P. Seeley was chosen in his 
 place. In 1834, Gov. Vroom was elected governor, and in 1836 
 was succeeded in office by Philemon Dickerson ; who in turn was 
 succeeded by William Pennington, in 1837. In 1843, Gov. Pen- 
 nington was succeeded by Daniel Haines. 
 
 The following miscellaneous items of history, &c., will serve to 
 throw light on the history of the times to which they refer. They 
 are, for the most part, extracted from a series of articles recently 
 published in the Newark Daily Advertiser. 
 
 EARLY MORAL LAWS. 
 
 " 'Concerning the beastly vice, drunkenness,' the first laws inflicted fines 
 of one shilling, two shillings, and two shillings and sixpence, for the first 
 three offences, with corporal punishment, should the offender be unable to 
 pay; and if unruly, he was to be put in the stocks until sober. In 1682 it 
 was treated more rigorously : each offence incurred a fine of five shillings, 
 and if not paid, the stocks received a tenant for six hours ; and constables, 
 not doing their duty under the law, were fined ten shillings for each neglect. 
 This increase of punishment indicates a growth in the vice, which may have 
 been attributable in part to the removal of restrictions on the sale of liquors 
 m small quantities, which had previously been imposed. 
 
 " In 1668 each town was obliged to keep an 'ordinary' for the relief and 
 entertainment of strangers, under a penalty of forty shillings for each month's 
 neglect ; and ordinary-keepers alone were permitted to retail liquors in less 
 quantities than two gallons. In 1677 the quantity was reduced to one gallon. 
 In 1683 ordinary-keepers were debarred the privilege of recovering debts 
 for liquor sold, amounting to five shillings ; but whatever good this might 
 have done was destroyed by the assembly authorizing others than keepers 
 of ordinaries to retail strong liquors by the quart. In 1692, ' forasmuch as 
 there were great exorbitances and drunkenness observable in several towns, 
 occasioned by tolerating many persons in selling drink in private houses,' 
 an attempt was made to establish an excise ; but the following year it was 
 repealed, and the licensing of retailers confided to the governor. 
 
 "The observance of the Lord's day was required, by abstaining from all 
 servile work, unlawful recreations, and unnecessary travelling ; and any dis- 
 orderly conduct could be punished by confinement in the stocks, fines, im- 
 prisonment, or whipping. In 1704, under the administration of Lord Corn- 
 bury, many of the early prohibitions were re-enacted ; but by that time, it 
 
36 OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 would seem, the use of ardent spirits began to be considered necessary 
 keepers of public houses were not to allow ' tippling on the Lord's day, ex- 
 cept for necessary refrcshmcni.^ 
 
 "Swearing, or 'taking God's name in vain,' was made punishable by a 
 shilling fine for each otlence, as early as 1008, and such continued to be the 
 law until 1082, when a special act provided that the fine should be two 
 shillings and sixpence ; and if not paid, the offender was to be placed in the 
 stocks, or whipped, according to his age, whether under or over twelve. 
 
 " ' All prizes, stage-plays, games, masques, revels, bull-baitings, and cock- 
 fightings, which e.xcite the people to rudeness, cruelty, looseness, and irre- 
 ligion,' were to be discouraged and punished by courts of justice, according 
 to the nature of the offence. Night-walkers or revellers, after nine o'clock, 
 were to be secured by the constable till morning; and, unless excused on 
 examination, to be bound over to appear at court. 
 
 "The resistance of lawful authority, by word or action, or the expression 
 of disrespectful language referring to those in office, was made punishable 
 either by fine, corporal punishment, or (as from 1075 to 1082) by banish- 
 
 In 1070 all liars were included — for the second offence incurring a fine of 
 twenty shillings; and if the fines were not paid, the culprits received cor- 
 poral punishment, or were put in the stocks." 
 
 " The name of Mr. Basse is first met in connection with the affairs of New 
 Jersey in July, 1097, when he was commissioned by ten proprietors as govern- 
 or of the eastern province. He arrived the following spring — presented his 
 commission to the council on the 7th April, and on the following dav had 
 it publicly proclaimed. His authority was immediately acknowledged, the 
 fact not being then generally known that his commission had not received 
 the signatures of 5/a:/e<'n proprietors, the number required to render it valid — 
 which subsequently, with other reasons for opposition, rendered his continu- 
 ance in office impracticable. The common seal of the twenty-four had for 
 one of its mottoes, " Righteousness exalteth a Nation ;" and, judging from 
 a proclamation issued at the time his commission was published. Governor 
 Basse appears to have entered upon the discharge of his duties with proper 
 views of the truth of the sentiment, and the necessity for vigilance on the 
 part of the executive in upholding the measures best calculated to insure 
 the growtli of morality and religion among the people. This proclamation, 
 which the writer believes has never appeared in print, was as follows: 
 " BY THE GOVERNOR— A PROCLAMATION. 
 
 " It being very necessary, for the good and propriety of this province, that our princi- 
 pal care be, in obedience to tlic laws of God and tlie wholesome laws of tliis prov- 
 ince, to endeavor as much as in us lycth the extirpation of all sorts of looseness and 
 prophanity, and to unite and join in the fear and love of God and of one another, that by 
 the religious and virtuous carriage and behavior of every one in his respective station 
 and calling, ail heats and animosities and dissensions may vanish, and the blessing of 
 Almighty God accompany our honest and lawful endeavors, and that we may join our 
 affections iu the true support of his majesty's government over us, wlio has so often and so 
 generously exposed his ruyal person to imminent danger to redeem us from the growing 
 power of |)opcry ami ari)itrary government, and hath, by a singular blessing attending 
 his endeavors, procured our deliverance and a happy and honorable peace, and is a great 
 example and encourager of religion and virtuous living, — I have therefore tiiought fit, by 
 and with the advice of the Council of this province of East Jersey, strictly to prohibit 
 all inhabitants and sojourners within this province from cursing, swearing, innnoderatc 
 drinking, sabbath breaking, and all sorts of lewdness and i)rophane behavior in word or 
 action ; and for the true and effectual performance hereof, I do, by and with the advice 
 
OUTLINE HISTORY. 37 
 
 aforesaid, strictly charge and command all Justices of the Peace. Sheriffs, Constables, 
 and all other officers within the province, that they take due care that all the laws made 
 and provided for the suppressing of vice and encouraging of religion and virtue, particu- 
 lar!) the observation of the Lord's day, be duly put in execution, as they will answer the 
 contrary at their peril. Given under the seal of said province this eighth day of April, 
 Anno Dom. 1698, in the tenth vear of the reign of our Sovereign Lord William the third 
 over England, &c. King J. BASSE. 
 
 " By the Governor's command. 
 
 "John Barclay, Dep. Sec'y ^ Reg'r." 
 
 " Thanksgiving and Fast-days. — Although it does not appear that the de- 
 scendants of the Puritans introduced an annual festival of thanksgiving into 
 New Jersey at as early a date as did the good people of New England into 
 their section of the country, yet special days were appointed, from time to 
 time, on which to render homage to the Most High, for his overruling provi- 
 dence and goodness, soon after the government became firmly established. 
 
 " In 1676 the General Assembly designated the 2d Wednesday of Novem- 
 ber to be observed as a day of thanksgiving, for ' the signal demonstration 
 of God's mercy and favor towards us in this colony, in the preserving and 
 continuing our peace in the midst of wars round about us, together with many 
 other mercies, which we are sensible of.' 
 
 " Nov. 26tii, 1679, was appointed a day of thanksgiving, ' in considera- 
 tion of the great deliverance of our nation from that horrid plot of the pa- 
 pists to murder the king and destroy all the protestants ! and for the mercies 
 of God to us in our province, delivering us from that infectious disease the 
 small-pox, and other diseases, and from the trouble of the Indians, and all 
 other of his mercies which we have received in the year past.' 
 
 "June 11th, 1696, was a day of thanksgiving, by a proclamation of the 
 governor, ' for the discovering of a most horrid and barbarous conspiracy 
 of papists, and other traitorous persons, against the life of his most sacred 
 Majesty,' William III. 
 
 " These are all the thanksgiving days on record, but there are grounds 
 for believing that others were kept prior to the surrender of the government 
 by the proprietors. Under the royal governors the writer has observed no 
 notice of a thanksgiving day before 28th Nov. 1750, and then not again un- 
 til 24th Oct. 1760, ' for successes in Canada,' and on 25th Aug. 1763. 
 
 " The only fast-day that has been noticed previous to the Revolution was 
 25th April, 1760." 
 
 SLAVERY. 
 
 " The introduction of slavery into New Jersey was coeval with its settle- 
 ment. At least, no preventive measures were adopted, and it is doubtful, 
 with the then prevailing views relative to the slave-trade, and the support 
 extended to it by the British government, that any measures could have 
 been devised foi its prohibition within the limits of the province, the legality 
 of which could not have been questioned. But where were slaves not then 
 found ? The mother country, for a century and more, had formally recog- 
 nized their existence as property — the adjoining provinces possessed them— 
 even New England was not exempt. 
 
 " When, therefore, we consider what public sentiment was at that time 
 in relation to slavery, there seems to be unauthorized harshness in the re- 
 buke of Lords Berkeley and Carteret in Bancroft's History, (2d vol. p. 316, 
 
3s OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 9th edition,) where he says, they, ' more true to the prince, (the Duke of 
 York, President of the Royal African Company,) than to humanity, offered 
 a houniy of seventy-five acres for the importation of each able slave ;^ particu- 
 larly as, by separating this bounty from the others with which it is connect- 
 ed in the Concessions, an erroneous impression is conveyed ; the proprietors 
 being impliedly charged with encouraging a direct traffic in slaves. But 
 that such was their intention is very doubtful. 
 
 " The Concessions were dated February, 1664-5, and offered as an induce- 
 ment to each freeman who would go with Gov. Carteret, then soon to em- 
 bark, or meet him at such place in the province as he might appoint, 150 
 acres of land for himself, and the same quantity for each able man-servant, 
 and 75 acres for every iveaker servant or slave, over 14 years, carried with 
 him or sent. Similar phraseology is used in specifying the respective do- 
 nations for the emigrant during the ensuing three years, the quantity de- 
 creasing each year, so that eadh ' weaker servant or slave, carried or sent,' 
 the third year entitled his or her master to only 30 acres, instead of 75 
 This decrease alone is an indication that subserviency to the duke was 
 less their object, than to encourage the rapid translation of settlers and la- 
 borers to their province. The grants of land promised for those servants 
 or slaves, taken at once, certainly could not have applied to such of the 
 latter as were not then actually held to service in England or Scotland, and 
 there is nothing to prove that the grants for subsequent years had reference 
 to any other, but rather to the reverse.* 
 
 " Whether any slaves were actually brought to New Jersey under these 
 Concessions, is uncertain ; but if so, they must have been few in number, 
 and after the provinces passed into the hands of subsequent proprietors, it i.s 
 very doubtful that any were introduced. The East Jersey records through- 
 out do not designate any of the ' servants' brought over as ' slaves,' and in 
 all documents referring to the distribution of land, the word is no longer 
 made use of, which would not have been the case had there been slaves to 
 receive a less quantity per head than other servants. It is evident, there- 
 fore, that the proprietors cannot with any certainty be charged with encourag- 
 ing, particularly, the importation of slaves at the period of settlement, al- 
 though there can be no doubt of the existence of slavery in the province 
 before it was transferred to the royal governors, for as early as 1696, the 
 Quakers of New Jersey united with those of Pennsylvania to recommend to 
 their own sect, the propriety of no longer employing slaves, or at least, to 
 cease from further importation of them ; but it docs not appear that the ex- 
 ample was followed by other classes or denominations of Christians. — (Gor 
 don's New Jersey.) 
 
 " The instructions to Lord Cornbury from her majesty Queen Anne, were 
 of such a character, that any disposition felt to put a stop to the traffic in 
 slaves must have been effi?ctually checked. The Royal African Company 
 was particularly brought to the notice of the governor as deserving his en- 
 couragement, and the instructions then proceed : ' And whereas we are 
 willing to recommend unto the said company, that the said province may 
 have a constant and sufficient supply of merchantable negroes, at moderate 
 rates, in money or commodities ; so you are to take especial care that pay- 
 ment be duly made, and within a competent time, according to agreement.' 
 
 • " The Concessions of the West Jersey proprietors were very similarly wordccl, bui 
 ' or slaves' were omitted." 
 
OUTLINE HISTORY. , 39 
 
 * And you are to take care that there be no trading from our said province 
 to any place in Africa within the charter of the Royal African Company, 
 otherwise than prescribed by an act of parliament, entitled an act to settle 
 the trade of Africa. And you are yearly to give unto us an account of 
 what number of negroes our said province is yearly supplied with, and at 
 what rates.' — (Smith's New Jersey, p. 254.) 
 
 " The returns, here directed to be made, if they are yet preserved in the 
 archives of England, can alone determine to what extent the traffic was en- 
 gaged in by the people of New Jersey. The writer has heard of barracks 
 of considerable size that once stood in Perth Amboy, in which the slaves were 
 immured as imported ; and there, as in almost every place, the labor of 
 families, with very few exceptions, was exclusively performed by blacks for 
 many years previous to the revolution. In 1757, a young gentleman in 
 England, writing to his father in New Jersey, begs that he may be favored 
 with a young negro boy to present to a brother of the then Duke of Grafton, 
 to whom he was under obligations, as ' a present of that kind' would be very 
 acceptable. 
 
 " There are notices to be found of two or three ' risings' that disturbed 
 the peace of the province. One occurred in the eastern division, in the vi- 
 cinity of the Raritan, early in the year 1734, in consequence of which one 
 negro (if not more) was hung. The design of the insurrection was to ob- 
 tain their freedom, (kept from them they believed contrary to the express 
 directions of the king,) by a general massacre, and then join the Indians in 
 the interest of the French. That they were at that time numerous in the 
 province is pretty evident, as is also the fact that, although generally treated 
 with kindness and humanity, there was a severity of discipline and rigor of 
 law exercised towards them which must ever exist to a greater or less de- 
 gree wherever slavery is found. The newspapers contain frequent allusions 
 to crimes and punishments in which the offence and its consequence are 
 brought into astonishing proximity, burning alive being a punishment fre- 
 quently resorted to.* Perth Amboy was the scene of one of these judicial 
 murders on the 5th July, 1750, the victims, two in number, suffering in two 
 weeks after the commission of their offence, which was the murder of their 
 mistress. The negroes were all summoned from their several homes to wit- 
 ness the execution, in order that they might be deterred from similar enor- 
 mities, and the day was long remembered. 
 
 " The act under which these and other negroes were tried and condemned 
 was passed in March, 1714, which provided for trials for murder and other 
 capital offences before three or more justices and five principal freeholders 
 of the county, the pains of death to be suffered ' in such manner as the ag- 
 gravation or enormity of their crimes (in the judgment of the said justices 
 and freeholders) shall merit and require;' (Neville's Laws, I. p. 19:) and 
 although the mode of trial was changed in 1768, even then the manner in 
 which death should be inflicted was not specified. 
 
 " In 1772 an insurrection was anticipated, but was prevented by due pre- 
 cautionary measures. In connection with this ' rising,' a sort of colonization 
 abolitionist made his appearance in the public prints, urging the passage 
 
 * "An instance of this is recorded in the New York Gazette of 28th January, 1733. 
 A negro attempted an assault upon a white woman on Friday 20th ; he was tried, con- 
 victed by summar)' process, and was burnt alive on Thursday 26tli. In 1741, the "ne- 
 gro plot," which had its exis/enrc only in the fanic-stricken minds of the people of 
 New York, caused many executions both by hanging and burning. 
 
40 OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 of a law, by parliament, obliging the owners of slaves to send them all back 
 to Africa at their own expense. 
 
 '' In 1713 an act was passed, for a limited period, levying a duty upon 
 every negro imported, which was permitted to expire, and no attempt was 
 made to renew the duty until September, 1762. An act was then passed, 
 but, having a suspending clause, was, for certain reasons, never laid before 
 the king by the lords of trade. The duty it imposed was forty shillings in 
 'the eastern, and six pounds in the western division — an inequality obviated 
 in subsequent laws passed in June, 1767, and November, 1769 ; — the for- 
 mer was limited to two years, the latter to ten, and it consequently remained 
 in force until the revolution severed the connection with Great Britain. 
 The amount of duty laid by these acts was fifteen pounds proclamation 
 money, to be paid by the purchaser of every slave. 
 
 "On the 24 February, 1820, the act was passed which gave freedom to 
 every child born of slave parents subsequent to 4th of July, 1804, the males 
 on arriving at twenty-five years, and the females at twenty-one years of 
 age ; and under the operation of this act slavery has almost disappeared 
 from the state of New Jersey. Previous to its passage the number of slaves 
 had materially diminished. There were in the state in 
 
 1790 11,428 
 
 1800 12,422 
 
 1810 10,8.51 
 
 1829 7,557 
 
 1830 2,254 
 
 1840 674" 
 
 BOUNTIES ON WILD BEASTS. 
 
 " In June, 1682, a bounty of fifteen shillings per head for wolves was 
 oflfered by each county, and fifteen shillings additional were paid by the 
 town within whose limits the animals might be killed ; excepting the towns 
 in Somerset, where seven shillings were paid. In 1695 these bounties were 
 repealed, and it was left to the discretion of each town to adopt such measures 
 as might be necessary to exterminate the wolves. 
 
 " General legislation, however, was again resorted to, in March, 1714, 
 and the bounty was extended to panthers and red foxes. A certificate for 
 the heads of three of the latter is in the possession of the writer, worded as 
 follows: 
 
 " ' These are to Certifie That Thomas Warn hath brought unto me the 
 heads of two Red Foxes, and William Carhart one, from which the eares 
 were Cutt off as the Law Requires, for which you are to pay to them as by 
 Law appointed. Witness my hand this twelfth day of Februarv Anno 
 Domini 1714 5. THOMAS GORDON, Just. &"Quo. 
 
 " ' To Col. Parker, Collector of the County of Middlesex, these.' 
 
 " In July, 1730, another law was passed repealing this, so far as the 
 foxes were concerned, and fixing the bounty for a full-grown wolf at twen- 
 ty shillings ; for a ' whelp not able to prey,' five ; and for panthers, fifteen 
 shillings. But these being found insufficient, they were increased, in 1751, 
 to sixty shillings for wolves, and ten shillings for whelps." 
 
 THE FISHERIES. 
 
 "The advantages afforded by the fisheries of the province were always 
 dwelt upon, in the various publications of the proprietors ; and whaling es- 
 pecially was expected to prove exceedingly profitable. Samuel Grooms, 
 
OUTLINE HISTORY. 41 
 
 in order to effect the establishment of this branch of commerce, was very 
 anxious for a speedy arrangement with the Indians, whereby the lands near 
 Barnegat might be secured ; and along the whole coast whales and seals 
 were frequently seen, the latter venturing even into the harbor of Amboy. 
 Vanderdonck, in his ' Description of the New Netherlands,' says the whales 
 would not compare in fatness with those of Greenland, but they ' are nu- 
 merous in the winter on the coast and in the bay, where they frequently 
 ground on the shoals and bars.' De Vries, however, who engaged in the 
 whale-fishery during one of his voyages on the coast, in 1632-33, pro- 
 nounced the business an unprofitable one. 
 
 " Previous to the purchase by the twenty-four proprietors, attempts were 
 made to establish the whale-fishery on a permanent footing ; but with what 
 success is uncertain. On the 1.5th February, 1668, a commission was 
 granted to a company in Elizabethtown to take whales, &c., for three 
 years, and all other persons prohibited from doing so, for one-twentieth part 
 of the oil in casks ; and should Staten Island fall within the province, a town 
 for twenty-four families was to be granted the company, at some convenient 
 place. While this grant was in force, a whale was cast ashore at Never- 
 sink, and delivered up to the company. On the 14th February, 1678, a 
 similar commission was granted to another company at the same place. 
 
 " In 1684, we are told that some persons were engaged in ' whaling upon 
 the coast,' and that large quantities of fish were caught in all the rivers 
 with long sives, or nets; and that one sive would secure from one to two 
 barrels of fish, which the inhabitants salted for their own use. Gawen 
 Laurie was instructed to encourage the whale-fishery; and, for fear that 
 fishermen might be drawn elsewhere, he was authorized to make use of the 
 proprietors' effects in furthering the object. We have no information, how- 
 ever, of any particular movement toward its establishment at that time ; and 
 it appears subsequently to have ceased being regarded as a business spe- 
 cially adapted to the inhabitants of the province. The writer has in his 
 possession, however, a letter dated at Amboy, July 4th, 1755, in which the 
 arrival of a sloop, with one whale, is alluded to, in terms that indicate her 
 having been out on a regular whaling voyage." 
 
 ROADS, TRAVELLING, ETC. 
 
 " Previous to 1675 and 1676, when the legislature adopted some general 
 regulations for the opening of roads, the only road laid out by Europeans, 
 within the limits of New Jersey, appears to have been that by which the 
 Dutch at New Amsterdam communicated with the settlements on the Dela- 
 ware. It ran from Elizabethtown Point, or its neighborhood, to where New 
 Brunswick now stands ; and was probably the same as that now (widened 
 and improved) known as the 'old road' between those places. At New 
 Brunswick, the river was forded at low water, and the road thence ran al- 
 most in a straight line to the Delaware, (above where Trenton is now situ- 
 ated,) which was also forded. This was called the ' upper road,' to distin- 
 guish it from the ' lower road,' which branched off about five or six miles 
 from the Raritan, took a sweep toward the east, and arrived at the Delaware 
 at the site of the present Burlington. These roads, however, were very 
 little more than foot-paths, and so continued for many years, affording facil- 
 ities to horsemen and pedestrians principally. Even as late as 1716, when 
 a ferry had been established at New Brunswick for twenty years, provision 
 was only made, in the rates allowed by the assembly, for ' horse and man,' 
 
 6 
 
42 OUTLINE HISTORY 
 
 and 'single person. Previous to that time, however, the road had been im- 
 proved, and was considered the main thoroughfare to Pennsylvania ; for, in 
 1695, the innkeepers ?ii Piscataway, Woodbridge, and Elizabethtown, were 
 made subject to taxation, for five years, to prevent its ' falling into decay.' 
 The sum required annually to keep this road in repair, at that time, was 
 only ten pounds. An opposition road was opened by the proprietaries, in 
 the hope of drawing the principal travelling to their seat of government ; 
 but without success. They express a wish to Deputy-governor Laurie, in 
 July, 1683, that ' it might be discovered whether there may not a convenient 
 road be found betwixt Perthtown (Perth Amboy) and Burlington, for the en- 
 tertaining of a land conveyance that way.' This was done by Laurie the 
 ensuing year, and he connected with the road a ferry-boat, to run between 
 Amboy and New York, ' to entertain travellers.' Finding however that 
 the other road continued to be preferred, Gov. Basse, in 1698, was directed 
 to bring the matter before the assembly, and have an act passed that would 
 ' cause the public road to pass through the port-town of Perth Amboy, 
 from New York and New England to West Jersey and Pennsylvania ;' but 
 Basse's authority was of such limited duration that nothing was done. 
 
 " Such were the two routes travelled between New York and Philadelphia, 
 under the proprietary government; but no public conveyance for the trans- 
 portation of either goods or passengers existed on either. One DeJIatnan 
 was permitted by Gov. Hamilton to drive a wagon on the Amboy road, but 
 had no regular prices or set time for his trips. 
 
 "In April, 1707, the assembly, enumerating their grievances to Lord 
 Cornbury, complained that patents had been granted to individuals to trans- 
 port goods on the road from Burlington to Amboy, for a certain number of 
 years, to the exclusion of others ; which was deemed not only contrary to 
 the statute respecting monopolies, but also ' destructive to that freedom 
 which trade and commerce ought to have.' The governor, in his reply, 
 gives us an insight into the facilities afforded by this wagon. After stating 
 the difficulties which had previously attended the carriage of goods upon 
 the road, he says, ' At present, everybody is sure, o?ice a fortnight, to have 
 an opportunity of sending any quantity of goods, great or small, at reason- 
 able rates, without being in danger of imposition ; and the settling of this 
 wagon is so far from being a grievance or a monopoly, that by this means, and 
 no other, a trade has been carried on between Philadelphia, Burlington, Am- 
 boy, and New York, which was never known before, and in all prohahility 
 never zvould have been.' As none of the grievances suffered under Lord 
 Cornbury's administration were removed until his recall, in 1710, it is prob- 
 able this wagon continued to perform its journey 'once a fortnight' till then, 
 if no longer. Soon after, however, the road seems to have been more open 
 to competition. 
 
 " The first advertisement respecting the transportation on this route, which 
 I have met with, is in Andrew Bradford's Philadelphia ' Mercury,' of March, 
 1732-33. It is as follows: 
 
 " ' This is to give notice unto Gentlemen, Merchants, Tradesmen, Travellers, and 
 others, that Sotoinon Smith and James Mnore of Burlington: kecpeth two Stage 
 Wagons intcndinir to go from Burlington to Amhoy, and back from Amlioy to Burling- 
 ton again, Once every Week or ofiVcr if tiiat Ihisincss presents. They have also a very 
 good store liousc, very CJoiiunodious for the Storing of any sort of Merchants Goods free 
 from any Charges, wlicrc good Care will be taken of all sorts of Goods.' 
 
 " ALbout this time, also, a line ran by the way of New Brunswick, and in 
 1734 the first line via Bordentown was established, running from South 
 
OUTLINE HISTORY 43 
 
 river, the proprietor of ^\ Inch would be at New York ' once a tveek, if wind 
 and weather per7nit, and come to the Old-slip.' 
 
 '• In 1744, the stage-wagons between New Brunswick and Trenton ran 
 twice a week. 
 
 " In October, 1750, a new line was established, the owner of which re- 
 sided at Perth Amboy. He informed all gentlemen and ladies ' Avho have 
 occasion to transport themselves, goods, wares, or merchandise, from New 
 York to Philadelphia,' that he had a 'stage-boat' well fitted for the purpose, 
 which, 'wind and weather permitting,' (that never- forgotten proviso,) would 
 leave New York every Wednesday for the ferry at Amboy on Thursday, 
 wliere, on Friday, a stage- wagon would be ready toproceed immediately to Bor- 
 dentown ; where they would take another stage-boat to Philadelphia — nothing 
 being said (verj'' wisely) of the time when they might expect to arrive there. 
 He states, however, that the passages are made in forty-eight hours less time 
 tiian by any other line. This was probably the case, for the route was so 
 well patronized that, in 17.52, they carried passengers twice a week instead 
 of once, endeavoring 'to use people in the best manner;' keeping them, be 
 it observed, yVom^^re to seven days on the way ! 
 
 "The success of this line seems to have led to an opposition, in 1751, 
 originating in Philadelphia; which professed to go through in twenty-four or 
 thirty hours, but which nevertheless appears to have required the same num- 
 ber of days as the other. Great dependence was placed upon the attrac- 
 tions of the passage-boat between Amboy and New York, described as hav- 
 ing a fine commodious cabin, ^<te(Z up loith a tea-table, and sundry other articles. 
 
 " In 1756, a stage line between Philadelphia and New York, via Tren- 
 ton and Perth Amboy, was established, intended to run through in three days. 
 This was followed, in 1765, by another to start twice a week ; but nine 
 years had worked no increase of speed. The following year a third line 
 of ' good stage-wagons, with the seats set on springs,' was set up, to go 
 through in two days in summer, and three in winter. These wagons were 
 modestly called ' Flying Machines,' and the title soon became a favorite 
 with all the stage proprietors. These lines ran, I believe, by the way of 
 Blazing Star ferry, and put an end to the transportation of passengers on 
 the old Amboy route. 
 
 " From 1765 to 1768, attempts were made by the legislature to raise 
 funds, by lottery, for shortening and improving the great thoroughfares ; but 
 without success. Gov. Franklin, alluding to them, in a speech to the as- 
 sembly, in 1768, states that ' even those which lie between the two principal 
 trading cities in North America are seldom passable, without danger or dif- 
 ficulty.' Such being the condition of the roads, it was a great improvement 
 to have John Mersereau's ' flying machine,' in 1772, leave Paulus Hook 
 three times a week, with a reasonable expectation thai passengers would 
 arrive in Philadelphia in one day and a half. This time, however, was 
 probably found loo short, for two days were required by him in 1773-74. 
 
 *' The mails, beingcarriedonhorseback,movedatthis time with rather great- 
 er speed than passengers ; but they had been a long time acquiring it. To 
 Col. John Hamilton, son of Gov. Andrew Hamilton, of New Jersey, (him- 
 self at one time acting governor, as president of the council,) were the colo- 
 nies indebted for devising the scheme by which the post-office was established. 
 This was about the year 1694. He obtained a patent for it, and afterward 
 sold his right to the crown. It is presumed that an attempt was soon made 
 to carry the mails regularly; but speed was little regarded. 
 
44 OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 "In 1704, ' ill the pleasant month of May,' a New York paper says, 'the 
 last storm put our Pennsylvania post a week behind, and is not yet com'd in.' 
 
 "In 1717, 'advices from Boston to Williamsburg, in Virginia, were com- 
 pleted in four weeks, from March to December, and in double that time in 
 the other months of the year;' but there is some probability that the mails 
 south of Philadelphia did not continue to be carried regularly some time 
 thereafter. 
 
 " About 1720, the post set out from Philadelphia every Friday, left let- 
 ters at Burlington and Perth Amboy, and arrived at New York on Sunday 
 night; leaving there Monday morning, on its peregrinations eastward. 
 
 '' In 1722, a Philadelphia paper states that the New York post was ' three 
 days behind his time, and not yet arrived.' 
 
 " In 1729, the mail between the two cities went once a week in summer, 
 and once a fortnight in winter; and this continued to be the case till 17.54, 
 when Dr. Franklin became superintendent, and improved the condition of 
 the post-office materially. In October, notice is given that until Christmas 
 the post would leave the two cities three times a week, at eight o'clock, A. M., 
 and arrive the next day at about five o'clock, P. M. ; making thirty-three 
 hours. After Christmas, ' being frequently delayed in crossing New York 
 bay,' (the route was via Blazing Star ferry,) it would leave only twice a 
 week. Further improvements were made in following years, and in 1764, 
 * if weather permitted,' the mails were to leave every alternate day, and 
 go through in less than twenty-four hours ; and such was the rate at which 
 they travelled until the revolution put a stop to their regular transmission, 
 
 "In 1791, there were only six offices in New Jersey — Newark, Eliza- 
 bethtown, Bridgetown, (now Rahway,) Brunswick, Princeton, and Trenton. 
 The total of their receipts, for the year ending October 5th, 1791, was $.530. 
 of which the postmasters received $108.20 — leaving $421.80 as the netl 
 revenue." 
 
 FIRST PRINTING PRINTERS, ETC. 
 
 " The first newspaper printed in New Jersey was the New Jersey Ga- 
 zette, the publication of which was commenced Dec. 5th, 1777. Imprint — 
 ' Burlington, printed by Isaac Collins. All persons may be supplied with 
 this Gazette at ttvenfy-six shillings per annum. Advertisements of a moder- 
 ate length are inserted for seven shillings and six-pence each the first week, 
 and two shillings and six-pence for every continuance ; and long ones in pro- 
 portion.' It was printed on a folio sheet about one foot by eight inches. 
 It was discontinued in 1786. Before this period, however, a magazine of 
 some note was published at Woodbridge, in Middlesex county. It was 
 styled ' The American Magazine,' was the first periodical in the province, 
 and only the second monthly magazine of the kind on the continent. The 
 first number appeared in January, 1758, and it continued to be issued 
 monthly until Marcii, 1760, when it was discontinued for want of patronage, 
 and some years thereafter many copies were sold in sheets by the printer 
 as waste paper. Each number contained about forty pages octavo, and in 
 variety and interest it will compare with many modern publications in good 
 repute. A history of America and a traveller's diary, were pui)lished in con- 
 nection with each number, paged separately, in order to form distinct vol- 
 umes ai the end of each year. The appellation ' new,' was to distinguish 
 it from its only predecessor, at Philadelphia, which, however, it superseded, — 
 
OUTLINE HISTORY. 45 
 
 the publication beinw im.nediately relinquished on the appearance of this 
 new competitor. The writer has never met with any of these magazines 
 save in the New York Historical Library, and one volume which is in his 
 own possession ; probably but few others exist. 
 
 " The New American Magazine was edited by the Hon. Samuel Neville, 
 of Perth Amboy, under the cognomen of Syhanus Americanus, and printed 
 by James Parker ; and the two gentlemen who were thus instrumental in 
 the introduction of a periodical literature into the province, certainly merit 
 a place in the remembrance of Jerseymen. 
 
 " Samuel Neville had received a liberal education in England, and pre- 
 vious to his coming to America, had been editor of the London Morning 
 Post. Even the few memorials that are now to be found of him, indicate 
 the possession of character and talents of no ordinary kind. Becoming in- 
 terested in the soil of New Jersey from a connection by marriage with the 
 Sonmans, (who were large proprietors and deeply involved in the concerns 
 of the province at one time,) he came over about 1735, and settled at Perth 
 Amboy, then the capital of the eastern division. He soon rose to eminence, 
 and became a judge of the court of common pleas, mayor of Amboy, (then 
 no trifling station.) second judge of the supreme court of the province, and 
 filled several other important offices to the credit of himself, it is believed, 
 and to the satisfaction of the government and the well-disposed among the 
 people. He was a member at various times of the provincial assembly, 
 and one of its strenuous supporters during the dissensions which occurred 
 in Governor Morris's administration ; he was equally energetic in upholding 
 the eastern proprietors in their difficulties with the rioters at Elizabethtown 
 and Newark, and so exasperated were the latter against him in consequence 
 of the ability displayed in protecting the rights of the proprietors, that threats 
 of vengeance against him and his property were publicly made, — failing in 
 execution, we have every reason to believe, not through any want of will on 
 the part of those who made them. 
 
 " In 1752, while holding the office of second judge of the supreme court, 
 Mr. Neville published the first volume of an edition of the laws of the 
 province, in 2 vols, quarto, under the auspices of the provincial assembly, — 
 the second volume not appearing until 1761. This was a valuable service 
 to the province, simplifying greatly the labor of subsequent compilers. On 
 the death of Chief-justice Morris, he would probably have been raised to 
 the vacant bench, but the infirmities of age rendered the performance of its 
 duties impracticable. He died soon after, (October 27, 1764,) in the 67th 
 year of his age, leaving a name unsullied by the slightest stain, so far as 
 the writer can discover. His wife preceded him to the grave, dying in 1755, 
 and their simple headstones yet mark their places of sepulture in the yard 
 of the venerable Episcopal church at Amboy. They left no children. A 
 stranger to his blood and family, out of respect to the memory of a man 
 whom he conceived worthy of a place among the eminent men of other days, 
 recentl}' caused the spot where his remains were deposited to be rescued 
 from the neglect and decay to which time had assigned it. 
 
 " James Parker, the printer of the New American Magazine, was the son 
 of Samuel Parker, of Woodbridge, and was born there in 1714. In 1725 
 he was apprenticed to William Bradford, the first printer in New York, who 
 in that year com.menced the publication of the New York Gazette. From some 
 cause, not now known, he ran away from his employer in May, 1733, and 
 was advertised in the Gazette of the 21st of that month ; but we find him 
 
46 OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 again in New York, in good credit, and at the head of an establishment 
 himself in less than nine years thereafter, and fostering no ill-will towards 
 Bradford, to whom, at his death in 1752, he gives an excellent character in 
 an editorial article published in liis paper. The New York Gazette having 
 been discontinued by Bradford, it was ' revived in the weekly Post Boy,' by 
 Mr. Parker, in 1742-3 : where he had been residing previously is not 
 known. This weekly sheet oi' folio foolscap, ' containing the freshest ad- 
 vices, foreign and domestic,' advertisements, &c., issued from his press for 
 many years, and is now one of the few sources of original information, 
 whence the antiquary and historian can obtain a knowledge of the ' olden 
 time.' 
 
 " In 1751 Mr. Parker established the first press in New Jersey at Wood- 
 bridge, and from time to time printed the proceedings of the legislature and 
 other official documents. In January, 1753, he commenced a partnership 
 with William Weyman, which continued until January, 1759, he residing 
 most of the time in Woodbridge, attending to the interests of the press there, 
 which he conducted on his own account ; but the limits of a newspaper ar- 
 ticle will not admit of an extended notice of Mr. Parker's business connections. 
 
 " In 1752 the ' Independent Reflector,' edited by William Livingston — 
 afterward governor of New Jersey — and others, was printed by Parker and 
 Weyman ; but the fear of men in authority, whose ire might be excited by 
 its independent character, led the former to decline the responsibility of its 
 continued publication. Although he remained connected with the presses 
 in New York, he resided principally at Woodbridge, where, in 1758, he 
 printed the magazine which has been noticed. In 1755 a partnership with 
 John Holt, (who subsequently removed to New York and attended to the 
 business there,) led to the establishment of a press at New Haven, from 
 which the ' Connecticut Gazette,' the frst newspaper in that province, was 
 issued. 
 
 "In 1761 he printed the second volume of Neville's compilation of the 
 laws of New Jersey,* the imprint being ' Woodbridge in New Jersey. 
 Printed by James Parker, printer to the king's most excellent majesty, for 
 the province.' In 1762 the press in New York was leased to Holt, but 
 Mr. Parker resumed it in 1766, in connection with his son, (Samuel F ) and 
 it was carried on by them until a few months before the death of the father 
 in 1770. In 1764 Mr. Parker compiled and printed a ' Conductor Gener- 
 alis' for justices of the peace, he then holding that office in Middlesex coun. 
 ty, and the following year moved his press from Woodbridge to Burlington, 
 for the accommodation of the author of the History of New Jersey, (Smith,) 
 but on the completion of the work it was returned to the former place 
 Twice was Mr. Parker brought before the assembly of New York for 
 printing matter reflecting upon some of the ' pillars of the state,' and 
 obliged to give up the authors, to pay fines, be confined, &c. ; but, al 
 though he may have been rendered more cautious, it is doubtful if hi? 
 sentiments in favor of the rights of the people were changed by such 
 logic. It would seem that he was ever an opponent to the oppression of the 
 ' higiicr powers,' which in his day was too apt to be exercised. He died 
 July 2d, 1770. 
 
 * " Thomas, in his History of Printing, states that he printed these laws in 1752 ; 
 the first volume was given to the public in that year, but all the copies the writer lias 
 seen l)ear the imprint of ' Wm. Bradford, printer to the king's most excellent majesty, 
 &,c.' " 
 
OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 47 
 
 "He had been long an invalid, and obliged to letire from business in a 
 great measure for a considerable time before his death, which occurred at 
 Burlington while residing there for the benefit of his health. He was a 
 correct°and neat printer," understanding his business perfectly, and at his 
 death his contemporaries gave him credit fur possessing a sound judgment 
 and extensive knowledge,"for industrious habits, integrity, benevolence of 
 heart, and fairness of character. His career was certainly one of great and 
 extensive usefulness. He was for some years postmaster in New York, 
 performing its duties while carrying on his business in that city, which, of 
 itself, one would think, would have been sufficient to engross all his time — 
 for no one, unacquainted with the avocations of a printer in these days, can 
 form an idea of the time which was devoted to the service of his customers. 
 
 " If a man had a horse or cow to sell — a house to rent — a vessel to freight 
 —a servant to hire, &c., &c. — he referred to the printer.; and it is amusing 
 ^ look over the columns of the Post Boy and see the strange variety of em- 
 ployments, pursuits, wants, and notices, to which Mr. Parker was made a 
 party. At the time of his death he was comptroller and secretary of the 
 post-office for the northern district of the British colonies, and held several 
 local offices. Great respect was manifested towards his remains on their 
 way from Burlington to Woodbridge for burial. The New York Journal 
 of July 5, 1770, states that ' his remains were attended for five miles out of 
 Burlino-ton by a considerable number of gentlemen of that place, and at 
 Amboy met by a like number who attended the corpse to Woodbridge, where 
 a numerous congregation assembled at his house, and about six o'clock he 
 was interred near liis parents,* in the meeting-house yard. The service was 
 performed by the Rev. Mr. Preston, minister of the church at Amboy.' 
 
 " The writer is indebted to Thomas's History of Printing — a valuable, 
 thoucrh now a rare work on the typography of America, the only one on 
 the subject — for most of the facts detailed in the foregoing notice of Mr. 
 Parker. The most light, however, is thrown upon his character by his own 
 newspapers and those of his contemporaries." 
 
 PRICES, PROFITS, CURRENCY, ETC. 
 
 " From various sources, the following statements, relative to the value of 
 produce, have been obtained ; those for the earlier years containing the 
 prices established by authority : 
 
 Winter-wheat, per bush. 5s. 
 Summer-wheat, " 4s. Gd. 
 Peas, " 3s. 6d. 
 
 Indian corn, " 33 
 
 Rye. '• 4s 
 
 1668. 1678. 
 4s. 6d. 
 4s. 
 
 166S. 
 
 4s. 
 
 Barley, per bushel, 
 Beef, per pound, 2d. 
 
 Do. per bbl. (1675,) 50s. 
 Pork, per pound, Sjd. 
 
 Do. per bbl. (1675,) 70s. 
 
 1678. 
 3s. 6d. 
 2d. 
 40s. 
 
 3d. 
 60s. 
 
 2s. 6d 
 3s. 6d 
 "In 1675, tried tallow 6d. per lb. ; green hides 3d. per lb. ; dry hides 
 6d. per lb. ; good tobacco 4d. ; good bacon 6d. 
 
 " In 1677," ' ordinary-keepers' were authorized to charge for strong 
 liquors, retailed by the gill, not exceeding 10s. 8d. per gallon ; per quart 
 2s 6d. Good wine was to be 7s. per gallon ; cider 4d. per quart; meals, 
 
 * " The head-stone of the father is yet standinfr, but there is nothing to designate the 
 spot where the remains of the first printer in New Jersey were deposited." 
 
48 OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 each, 8d. ; oats 9d. per peck ; pasture of horse 6d. per day ; by the week, 
 in surrimer, Is. 6d. ; in winter Is. 8d. 
 
 " In 1684, Deputy Gov. Lawrie states that pork and beef were 2d. per 
 pound ; wheat 4s. per bushel ; Indian wheat (corn) 2s. 6d. ; venison Is. 6d. 
 per quarter, or Id. per pound ; eggs 3d. per dozen ; oats 20d. ; barley 2s. ; 
 mutton 3d. per pound. Their currency, at that time, was one ffth more 
 than sterling ; to reduce the foregoing prices, therefore, to sterling money, 
 one fifth must be deducted. Servants' wages were not under 2s. per day, 
 besides victuals ; and at Perth Amboy, where buildings were going up, they 
 were 2s. 6d. 
 
 " In 1683, twenty-eight per cent, is stated to be the usual profit on goods 
 brought from England ; but Samuel Groome observes, ' when I pay work- 
 men and laborers, I pay them in goods rated cent, per cent., New York 
 money. But then I must pay them two or three parts silver.' 
 
 " The currency of New Jersey, throughout the whole of its colonial ex- 
 istence, was of a much more stable character than that of the neighboring 
 provinces ; so that we at no time meet with such a state of things as is de- 
 scribed in the following extract from Madam Knight's Journal. She refers 
 to Connecticut, in 1704. ' They give the title of merchant to every trader, 
 who rate their goods according to the time and specie they pay in, viz : pay, 
 money, pay as money, and trust. "Pay" is grain, pork, beef, &c., at the 
 prices set by the general court that year ; " money" is of eight rials, or 
 Boston-bay shillings, (as they call them,) or good hard money, as sometimes 
 silver coin is termed by them — also wampum, (viz. Indian beads,) which 
 serve for change ; " pay as money" is provisions, as aforesaid, one third 
 cheaper tlian as the general court sets it ; and "trust" is as they and the 
 merchant may agree for time.' Of course the price of every article varied 
 with the difference in pay. 
 
 "In November, 1764, the heads of nearly fifty families, in and about 
 Elizabethtown, entered into an engagement to retrench the usual unneces- 
 sary expenses of funerals and mourning, ' as the giving of scarfs, gloves, 
 and liquor, at funerals, and wearing black apparel as mourning ; nothing 
 but a black crape round the arm being allowed for the future.' The follow, 
 ing September, Thomas Clark, Esq., one of the judges of the county, was 
 buried ' according to the new mode, none of his relations or friends appear- 
 inw in mourning, and no liquor being given at the funeral.' This was one 
 of the economical measures adopted in anticipation of the troubles of the 
 revolution ; and in 1765 it was concurred in by the best families in New 
 York, Boston, and Philadelphia." 
 
 Continental Money. — "A witty old gentleman, who kept an account of its 
 rapid depreciation, used to say that a fast-trotting horse could not keep pace 
 with it. An old merchant, who preserved a scale of its depreciation, 
 gave it as follows, to wit : 
 
 Value of $100 in Specie, in Continental Money. 
 
 1777. 1778. 1779. 1780. 1781. 
 
 January, 105 325 742 2934 7400 
 
 February, 107 350 868 332Q 7500 
 
 March, 109 370 1000 37:^6 0000! 
 
 April, 112 400 1104 4000 
 
 May, 115 400 1215 4600 
 
 June, 120 400 1342 6400 
 
 July, 125 425 1477 8900 
 
 August, 150 450 1630 7000 
 
 1778. 
 
 1779. 
 
 325 
 
 742 
 
 350 
 
 868 
 
 370 
 
 1000 
 
 400 
 
 1104 
 
 400 
 
 1215 
 
 400 
 
 1342 
 
 425 
 
 1477 
 
 450 
 
 1630 
 
OUTLINE HISTORY. 49 
 
 
 1777. 
 
 1778. 
 
 1779. 
 
 1780. 
 
 September, 
 
 175 
 
 475 
 
 1800 
 
 7100 
 
 October, 
 
 275 
 
 500 
 
 2030 
 
 7200 
 
 November, 
 
 300 
 
 545 
 
 2308 
 
 7300 
 
 December, 
 
 310 
 
 634 
 
 2593 
 
 7400 
 
 Nothing ' 
 
 " From an original bill of my friend Col. Allan McLane,* e purchase of 1781, to wit : 
 Capt. A. McLane Bo't of W. Nicholls— 
 
 Jan. 5, 1781 : 1 pair boots ...... ^600 
 
 6J yds. calico, at 85 ds. - - - - - 752 
 
 6 yds. chintz, at 150 d. . - . 900 
 
 4i yds. moreen, at 100 d. - - - . 450 50 
 
 4 hdkfs. at 110 400 
 
 8 yds. quality binding, $i . . - 32 
 
 1 skein of silk .... 10 
 
 If paid in specie, jCIB 10s. $3,144 50 
 
 Rec'd payment in full, for Wm. Nicholls : Jona. Jones." 
 
 "In 1682, the pay of members of assembly was fixed at four shillings 
 per day, and the following year it was decreed that they should be fined 
 Jive shillings per day when absent. In 1686, the pay was reduced to three 
 shillings, to be paid in money, pork, or corn ; ' being desirous to ease the 
 charge of the country in paying great salaries, as much as in us lies.' In 
 1698, the pay was increased to Jive shillings, and councillors were to have 
 six. The Bergen members were allowed pay for two days' travel, going 
 and returning, and those from other counties for one day ; excepting the 
 members from Woodbridge and Amboy, who received no allowance. The 
 pay of the governor was at first only fifty pounds, with four shillings a day 
 extra during the sessions of the assembly." 
 
 REMARKABLE OCCURRENCES. 
 
 " In November this year, [1737] came to these provinces, by land from 
 Boston, (where he had arrived from London,) Sheck Scidit, a native of 
 Berytus, in Syria, (about sixty miles north of Jerusalem.) He was said to 
 be prince of Syria ; but the credentials he produced under the sign-manual 
 and privy signet, called him Unus ex nobilibus civitatis Berytus ; having 
 letters of safe passport, and recommendation to the charity of those where 
 he passed. 
 
 " He was reported to have suffered much for his religion in his own 
 country, being by profession a member of the eastern church, though situ- 
 ate under the Mahometan or Turkish government, and a tributary prince of 
 that empire. His pretence was — 
 
 " That a greater quota of soldiers was exacted from him than he was 
 able to furnish, having other tribute to pay, and his country, by several 
 years' distress from locusts, and blasts of other kind, so impoverished, that 
 both quota and tribute could not be collected ; that the grand seignior taking 
 umbrage at this, sent for his head ; of which he, by means of the Czarian 
 embassador, having received private intelligence, fled to the Czarina's court; 
 that in the mean time his country was .seized, and his wife and children 
 kept prisoners : while there, the Czarina gave him expectations, that in her 
 treaty with the Turks, she would take care and provide for him when peace 
 was made ; that after some stay at the Russian court, he obtained letters 
 recommendatory to their embassador at London ; and being by this means 
 
 * Father af the late secretary of the treasurr. 
 7 
 
50 OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 taken notice of, he obtained the credentials aforesaid, with which he trav- 
 elled through most of the corporations in England, where it was thought he 
 collected two thirds or three fourths of what was due from him to the grand 
 seignior ; but was nevertheless encouraged to come to America, where he 
 also received considerable. 
 
 "Contributions were made for him in New York and New Jersey ; he was 
 everywhere received with distinguished respect ; it was said he received 
 from the different congregations in and about Philadelphia, two hundred and 
 fifty pounds. 
 
 " He was a well-proportioned, lusty man, with a grave aspect, and 
 clothed after the eastern manner, with a turban on his head, and wore 
 whiskers, spoke and wrote the Arabic language ; his conversation and de- 
 portment were graceful and easy, and seemed to bespeak him of a noble 
 education. 
 
 " At Philadelphia he met with a handsome entertainment, his expenses 
 were borne while he stayed, and provision was made for him in the vessel 
 he went." — Sjnith's History of New Jersey. 
 
 " In the summer of this year, [1749] three natives of Greenland passed 
 through the province, dressed in seal-skins, with the hair on after the man- 
 ner of their own country ; they were two young men and a young woman, 
 converted to the Christian religion by the Moravian missionaries : they had 
 left Greenland about two years before in a Moravian ship, (which had car- 
 ried a house ready framed, for worship, to be erected there, that country 
 affording no wood for building,) and had since visited the brethren in seve- 
 ral parts of Europe ; as England, Holland, and Germany. Their eyes 
 and hair were black, like the Indians here ; but their complexion somewhat 
 lighter. Two Indian converts from the Moravian mission at Berbice, near 
 Surinam, were also with them : they together went to the Moravian set- 
 tlement at Bethlehem, in Pennsylvania ; there they met with some Dela- 
 ware and Mohickon Indians, converts also of the Moravians ; and though 
 their native lands are so vastly remote as the latitude of 5, 41, and 65 
 north, yet what they observed of each other's hair, eyes, and complexion, 
 convinced them that they were all of the same race ; they could find, how- 
 ever, no similitude in their several languages." 
 
 In November, 1726, " a small earthquake was felt ; it began between the 
 hours of ten and eleven at night." — Smithes History of New Jersey. 
 
 September 5th, 1732, " about noon a small shock of an earthquake was 
 felt." — Smith's History of New Jersey. 
 
 " The 7th December, this year, [1737] at night, was a large shock of an 
 earthquake, accompanied with a remarkable rumbling noise ; people waked 
 in their beds, the doors flew open, bricks fell from the chimneys ; the con- 
 sternation was serious, but happily no great damage ensued." — Smith's 
 History of New Jersey. 
 
 " About the 22d of the month called February, [1741] appeared to these 
 provinces, in the east, and continued upwards of six weeks, a comet or 
 blazing star, with a long bright tail ; it was supposed to be near the equi- 
 noctial at its first appearance, but moved five degrees near north in twenty- 
 four hours, and continued moving till it disappeared ; toward the last if 
 was very much increased in length of tail and bigness." — Smith's History 
 of New Jersey. 
 
 " The 18th of November, [1755] at four o'clock in the morning, was a 
 considerable shock of an earthquake, which lasted about two minutes ; the 
 
OUTLINE HISTORY. 
 
 51 
 
 weather for seven clays successively before, had been remarkably clear and 
 siill, and all that nigh*^ vas so, with a clear full moonshine ; the two days 
 following continued also very still and clear, not a cloud to be seen till to- 
 ward evening of the second day after it happened. It did not begin with 
 so much of a rumbling noise as that in 1737, but was thought not to fall 
 short in the concussion." — Smith's History of Neio Jersey. 
 
 "■ The 20th of the month called July, [1764] at about forty minutes past 
 seven in the evening, an uncommon ball of fire was seen in the northeast, 
 about fifty degrees above the horizon ; it took its course nearly northwest ; 
 its diameter seemed as large or larger than the sun, especially at one time, 
 when it opened so as to seemingly separate. It appeared like sheets of fire 
 inclining together ; its sound as it went in some places, was said to resemble 
 Uiat of a great fire urged by a strong wind ; it kept near one height all the way, 
 till it had crossed the meridian to the north about twenty degrees; there a 
 small cloud seemed to attract it ; mounting higher, just as it approached the 
 outward edge of the cloud, it appeared to shatter into innumerable pieces." 
 — S7nith^s History of Neto Jersey. 
 
 " The Rev. Mr. Sandel (says Mr. Clay in his Annals of the Swedes) 
 has noticed some meteorological and other occurrences which happened in 
 his time. He states, that on Michaelmas-day, the 10th of October, 1703, a 
 quantity of snow fell, that laid on the ground for twenty-four hours; and 
 that the oldest people said such a thing had not before happened in their 
 time. On the 18th of the same month, in the evening, a hurricane arose, 
 which did great damage. In Maryland and Virginia, many vessels were 
 cast away, several driven to sea, and no more heard of. Roofs of houses 
 were torn off, and large trees blown down. The storm reached to England, 
 where also it was destructive. 
 
 " In 1704, in the latter part of November and December, and in Janua- 
 ry, 1705, there were many great and lasting snow-storms. Few persons 
 could remember so severe a winter. 
 
 '• The winter of 1708 was very cold ; and it continued so very late. On 
 the 5th of April the cold was so intense, that water thrown upon the ground 
 at noon immediately froze. 
 
 " For six weeks in June, July, and August of 1705, there was a great 
 deal of bad weather. 
 
 "The beginning of 1714 was uncommonly warm. Mr. S. saw a wild- 
 flower in the woods on the 8th of February. The spring was also very 
 nnild. Some rye was in the ear on the 10th of April. 
 
 " There was an appearance of locusts in 1715, of which Mr. Sandel has 
 given the following account : — ' In May, 1715, a multitude of locusts came 
 out of the ground everywhere, even on the solid roads. They were wholly 
 covered with a shell, and it seemed very wonderful that they could with 
 this penetrate the hard earth. Having come out of the earth, they crept 
 out of the shells, flew away, sat down on the trees, and made a peculiar 
 noise until evening. Being spread over the country in such numbers, the 
 noise they made was so loud that the cow-bells could scarcely be heard in 
 the woods. They pierced the bark on the branches of trees, and deposited 
 their eggs in the opening. Many apprehended that the trees would wither 
 in consequence of this, but no symptom of it was observed next year. Hogs 
 and poultry fed on them. Even the Indians did eat them, especially when 
 they first came, boiling them a little. This made it probable that they were 
 
52 INDIAN HISTORY 
 
 of the same kind with those eaten by John the Baptist. They did not con. 
 linue long, but died in the month of June. 
 
 " The same year was very fruitful. A bushel of wheat cost two shillings, 
 or two shillings and three-pence; k bushel of corn twenty-two pence ; of 
 rye twenty pence. A barrel of cider cost six shillings." 
 
 HISTORY OF THE INDIANS IN NEW JERSEY. 
 
 " It would be vain to pretend to give a particular account of all 
 
 the different tribes or nations of Indians that inhabited these prov- 
 inces before the Europeans came among them, there being proba- 
 bly a tribe in some parts for every ten or twenty miles, which were 
 commonly distinguished by the names of creeks or other noted 
 places where they resided ; thus, there were the Assunpink,* the 
 Rankokas,f the Mingo, the Andastaka, the Neshamine, and the 
 Shackamaxon Indians ; and those about Burlington were called 
 the Mantas ;J but these and others were all of them distinguished 
 from the back Indians, who were a more warlike people, by the 
 general name of the Delawares. The nations most noted from 
 home, that sometimes inhabited New Jersey, and the first settled 
 parts of Pennsylvania, were the Naraticongs, on the north side of 
 Raritan river, the Capitinasses, Gacheos, the Munseys, the pomp- 
 tons, the Senecas, and the Maquaas ;|| this last was the most nu- 
 merous and powerful. Different nations were frequently at war 
 with each other, of which husbandmen sometimes find remaining 
 marks in their fields ; a little below the falls of Delaware on the 
 Jersey side ; at Point-no-point in Pennsylvania, and several other 
 places, were banks that have been formerly thrown up for in- 
 trenchments against incursions of the neighboring Indians, who, in 
 their canoes, used sometimes to go in warlike bodies from one prov- 
 ince to another. 
 
 " It was customary with the Indians of West Jersey, when they 
 buried theii- dead, to put family utensils, bows and arrows, and 
 sometimes money (wampum) into the grave with them, as tokens 
 of their alfection. When a person of note died far from the place 
 of his own residence, they would carry his bones to be buried there ; 
 they washed and perfumed the dead, painted the face, and followed 
 singly ; left the dead in a sitting posture, and covered the grave 
 pyramidically. They were very curious in preserving and repair- 
 ing the graves of their dead, and pensively visited them ; did not 
 love to be asked their judgment twice about the same thing. They 
 generally delighted in mirth ; were very studious in observing the 
 
 • " Stony Creek. t Lamikas, or Chichequas was the proper Indian name; they 
 
 did not pronounce the r at all. 
 
 t " Frogs : a crttk or two in Gloucester county are called Mania, or Mantau, from a 
 larger tribe that resided there ; the Indians were probably both of the same stock. 
 
 II " The Five Nations hirorc tlie sixth was added ; but few of these had their residence 
 in New Jersey. Tliey arc supposed to have been sometimes in fishing seasons among 
 the others here ; the Dutch called them Mahakuase. 
 
INDIAN HISTORY. 53 
 
 virtues of roots and herbs, by which they usually cured themselves 
 of many bodily distempers, both by outM^ard and inward applica- 
 tions : they besides frequently used sweating, and the cold bath.* 
 They had an aversion to beards and would not suffer them to 
 grow, but plucked the hair out by the roots. The hair of their 
 heads was black, and generally shone with bear's fat, particularly 
 that of the women, who tied it behind in a large knot ; sometimes 
 in a bag. They called persons and places by the names of things 
 remarkable, or birds, beasts, and fish ; as pea-hala, a duck ; cau- 
 hawuk, a goose ; quink-quhik, a tit ; pulluppa, a buck ; shingas, a 
 wild-cat ; and they observed it as a rule, when the rattle-snake gave 
 notice by his rattle before they approached, not to hurt him ; but 
 if he rattled after they had passed, they immediately returned and 
 killed him. They were very loving to one another ; if several of 
 them came to a Christian's house, and the master of it gave one of 
 them victuals and none to the rest, he would divide it into equal 
 shares among his companions ; if the Christians visited them, they 
 would give them the first cut of their victuals ; they would not eat 
 the hollow of the thigh of any thing they killed. Their chief em- 
 ployment was hunting, fishing, and fowling ; making canoes, bowls, 
 and other wooden and earthen ware ; in all which they were, con- 
 sidering the means, ingenious : in their earthen bowls they boiled 
 their water. Their women's business chiefly consisted in planting 
 Indian corn, parching or roasting it, pounding it to meal in mortars, 
 or breaking it between stones, making bread, and dressing victuals ; 
 in which they were sometimes observed to be very neat and clean- 
 ly, and sometimes otherwise : they also made mats, ropes, hats, and 
 baskets, (some very curious,) of wild hemp and roots, or splits of 
 trees. Their young women were originally very modest and 
 shamefaced, and at marriageable ages distinguished themselves 
 with a kind of worked mats, or red or blue bays, interspersed with 
 small rows of white and black wampum, or half rows of each in 
 one, fastened to it, and then put round the head, down to near the 
 middle of the forehead. Both young and old women would be 
 highly offended at indecent expressions, unless corrupted with 
 drink. The Indians would not allow of mentioning the name of a 
 friend after death. They sometimes streaked their faces with 
 black, when in mourning ; but when their affairs went well they 
 painted red. They were great observers of the weather by the 
 moon ; delighted in fine clothes ; were punctual in their bargains, 
 and observed this so much in others, that it was very difficult for a 
 person who had once failed herein, to get any dealings with them 
 afterward. In their councils they seldom or never interrupted or 
 
 * " The manner was first to inclose the patient in a narrow cabin, in the midst of 
 which was a red-hot stone ; this fre((ucntly wet with water, occasioned a warm vapor ; 
 the patient, sufficiently wet with this and his own sweat, was hurried to the next creek 
 or river, and plunged into it : this was repeated as often as necessary, and sometimes 
 great cures performed. But this rude metliod at other times killed, notwithstanding the 
 hardy natures of the patients ; especially in the small-pox and other European disor- 
 ders. 
 
54 INDIAN HISTORY 
 
 contradicted one another, till two oi' them had made an end of 
 their discourse ; for if ever so many were in company, only two 
 must speak to each other, and the rest be silent till their turn. 
 Their language was high, lofty, and sententious. Their way of 
 counting was by tens, that is to say, two tens, three tens, four tens, 
 &c. ; when the number got out of their reach, they pointed to the 
 stars, or the hair of their heads. They lived chiefly on maize, or 
 Indian corn, roasted in the ashes, sometimes beaten and boiled w.jh 
 water, called hommony ; they also made an agreeable cake of their 
 pounded corn ; and raised beans and peas ; but the woods and 
 rivers afforded them the chief of their provisions. They pointed 
 their arrows with a sharpened flinty stone, and of a larger sort, 
 with withs for handles, cut their wood ; both of these sharpened 
 stones are often found in the fields. Their times of eating were 
 commonly morning and evening ; their seats and tables the ground. 
 They were naturally reserved, apt to resent, to conceal their re- 
 sentments, and retain them long ; they were liberal and generous, 
 kind and affable to the English. They were observed to be un- 
 easy and impatient in sickness for a present remedy, to which they 
 commonly drank a decoction of roots in spring water, forbearing 
 flesh, which if they then ate at all, it was of the female. They 
 took remarkable care of one another in sickness, while hopes of 
 life remained ; but when that was gone, some of them were apt 
 to neglect the patient. Their government was monarchical and 
 successive, and mostly of the mother's side, to prevent a spurious 
 issue.* They commonly washed their children in cold water as 
 soon as born ; and to make their limbs straight, tied them to a board, 
 and hung it to their backs when they travelled ; they usually walk- 
 ed at nine months old. Their young men married at sixteen or 
 seventeen years of age, if by that time they had given sufficient 
 proof of their manhood, by a large return of skins. The girls married 
 about thirteen or fourteen, but stayed with their mothers to hoe 
 the ground, bear burdens, &c., for some years after marriage. The 
 women, in travelling, generally carried the luggage. The mar- 
 riage ceremony was sometimes thus: — the relations and friends being 
 present, the bridegroom delivered a bone to the bride, she an ear of 
 Indian corn to him, meaning that he was to provide meat, she bread. 
 It was not unusual, notwithstanding, to change their mates upon 
 disagreement ; the children went with the party that loved them 
 best, the expense being of no moment to either ; in case of differ- 
 ence on this head, the man was allowed the first choice if the chil- 
 dren were divided, or there was but one. Very little can be said 
 as to their religion : much pains were taken by the early Christian 
 settlers, and frequently since, to inform their judgments respecting 
 the use and benefit of the Christian revelation, and to fix restraints ; 
 
 • " That is, the children of him now king will not succeed, but his brother by the 
 mother, or children of his sister, whose sons (and after them the male children of her 
 daughters) were to reign ; for no woman inherited. 
 
INDIAN HISTORY, 55 
 
 but generally with unpromising success, though instances have 
 now and then happened to the contrary. They are thought to 
 have believed in a God and immortality, and seemed to aim at 
 public worship ; when they did this, they sometimes sat in several 
 circles, one within another ; the action consisted of singing, jump- 
 ing, shouting, and dancing ; but mostly performed rather as some- 
 thmg handed down from their ancestors, than from any knowledge 
 or inquiry into the serious parts of its origin. They said the great 
 King that made them dwelt in a glorious country to the southward, 
 and that the spirits of the best should go there and live again. 
 Their most solemn worship was the sacrifice of the first-fruits, in 
 which they burnt the first and fattest buck, and feasted together 
 upon what else they had collected ; but in this sacrifice broke no 
 bones of any creature they eat ; when done, they gathered and 
 buried them very carefully ; these have since been frequently 
 ploughed up. They distinguished between a good and evil ma- 
 netta, or spirit ; worshipped the first for the good they hoped ; and 
 some of them are said to have been slavishly dark in praying to 
 the last for deprecation of evils they feared ; but if this be true in 
 a general sense, some of the tribes much concealed it from our 
 settlers. They did justice upon one another for crimes among 
 themselves, in a way of their own ; even murder might be atoned 
 for by feasts, and presents of wampum ; the price of a woman 
 killed was double, and the reason, because she bred children, which 
 men could not do. If sober, they rarely quarrelled among them- 
 selves. They lived to sixty, seventy, eighty, and more, before rum 
 was introduced, but rarely since. Some tribes were commendably 
 careful of their aged and decrepit, endeavoring to make the re- 
 mains of life as comfortable as they could : it was pretty generally 
 so except in desperate decays ; then indeed, as in other cases of the 
 like kind, they were sometimes apt to neglect them. Strict ob- 
 servers of property, yet, to the last degree, thoughtless and inactive 
 in acquiring or keeping it. None could excel them in liberality of 
 the little they had, for nothing was thought too good for a friend ; 
 a knife, gun, or any such thing given to one, frequently passed 
 through many hands. Their houses or wigwams were sometimes 
 together in towns, but mostly moveable, and occasionally fixed 
 near a spring or other water, according to the conveniences for 
 hunting, fishing, basket-making, or other business of that sort, and 
 built with poles laid on forked sticks in the ground, with bark, flags, 
 or bushes on the top and sides, with an opening to the south, their 
 fire in the middle ; at night they slept on the ground with their 
 feet towards it ; their clothing was a coarse blanket or skin thrown 
 over the shoulder, which covered to the knee, and a piece of the 
 same tied round their legs, with part of a deer-skin sewed round 
 their feet for shoes. As they had learned to live upon little, they 
 seldom expected or wanted to lay up much. They were also mod- 
 erate in asking a j)rice for any thing they had for sale. When a 
 company travelled together, they generally followed each other in 
 
56 INDIAN HISTORY. 
 
 silence, scarcely ever two were seen by the side of one another ; 
 in roads the man went before with his bow and arrow, the woman 
 after, not uncommonly with a child at her back, and other burdens 
 besides ; but when these were too heavy, the man assisted. To 
 know their walks again, in unfrequented woods, they heaped stones 
 or marked trees. 
 
 " In person they were upright, and straight in their limbs, beyond 
 the usual proportion in most nations ; their bodies were strong, but 
 of a strength rather fitted to endure hardships than to sustain much 
 bodily labor, very seldom crooked or deformed ; their features reg- 
 ular ; their countenances sometimes fierce, in common rather re- 
 sembling a Jew than Christian ; the color of their skin a tawny 
 reddish brown ; the whole fashion of their lives of a piece, hardy, 
 poor, and squalid. When they began to drink, they commonly con- 
 tinued it as long as the means of procuring it lasted. In drink 
 they often lay exposed to all the inclemencies of the weather 
 which introduced a train of new disorders among them. They 
 were grave, even to sadness upon any common, and more so upon 
 serious occasions ; observant of those in company, and respectful 
 to the old ; of a temper cool and deliberate ; never in hasle to 
 speak, but waited for a certainty that the person who spoke before 
 them had finished all he had to say. They seemed to hold Euro- 
 pean vivacity in contempt, because they found such as came among 
 them apt to interrupt each other, and frequently speak all together. 
 Their behavior in public councils was strictly decent and instruc- 
 tive ; every one in his turn was heard, according to rank of years 
 or wisdom, or services to his country. Not a word, a whisper, or 
 a murmur, while any one spoke ; no interruption to commend or 
 condemn ; the younger sort were totally silent. They got fire by 
 rubbing wood of particular sorts, (as the ancients did out of the 
 ivy and bays,) by turning the end of a hard piece upon the side of 
 one that ^vas soft and dry ; to forward the heat they put dry rotten 
 wood and leaves ; with the help of fire and their stone axes, they 
 would fell large trees, and afterward scoop them into bowls, &c. 
 From their infancy they were formed with care to endure hard- 
 ships, to bear derision, and even blows patiently ; at least with a 
 composed countenance. Though they were not easily provoked, it 
 was generally hard to be appeased whenever it happened. Liber- 
 ty, in its fullest extent, was their ruling passion ; to this every other 
 consideration was subservient. Their children were trained up so 
 as to cherish this disposition to the utmost ; they were indulged to 
 a great degree, seldom chastised with blows, and rarely chided : 
 their faults were left for their reason and habits of the family to 
 correct ; they said these could not be great before their reason 
 commenced ; and they seemed to abhor a slavish motive to action, 
 as inconsistent with their notions of freedom and independency : 
 even strong persuasion was industriously avoided, as bordering too 
 much on dependence, and a kind of violence ofi'ered to the will. 
 They dreaded slavery more than death. They laid no fines for 
 
INDIAN HISTORY. 57 
 
 crimes, for they had no way of exacting them ; the atonement was 
 voluntary. Every tribe had particulars in whom they reposed a 
 confidence, and unless they did something unworthy of it, they 
 were held in respect : what were denominated kings, were sachems 
 distinguished among these ; the respect paid them was voluntary, 
 and not exacted or looked for, nor the omission regarded. The 
 sachems directed in their councils, and had the chief disposition of 
 lands. To help their memories in treaties, they had belts of black 
 and white wampum ; with these closed their periods in speeches, 
 delivering more or less, according to the importance of the matter 
 treated of ; this ceremony omitted, all they said passed for nothing. 
 They treasured these belts when delivered to them in treaties, kept 
 them as the records of the nation, to have recourse to upon future 
 contests ; governed by customs and not by laws, they greatly re- 
 vered those of their ancestors, and followed them so implicitly, that 
 a new thought or action seldom intruded. They long remembered 
 kindnesses ; families or particulars that had laid themselves out to 
 deal with, entertain and treat them hospitably, or even fairly in 
 dealings, if no great kindness was received, were sure of their 
 trade : this also must undoubtedly be allowed, that the original and 
 more uncorrupt very seldom forgot to be grateful, where real ben- 
 efits had been received. And notwithstanding the stains of perfidy 
 and cruelty, which, in 1754, and since, have disgraced the Indians 
 on the frontiers of these provinces, even these, by an uninterrupted 
 intercourse of seventy years, had, on many occasions, given irre- 
 fragable proofs of liberality of sentiment, hospitality of action, and 
 impressions that seemed to promise a continuation of better things. 
 But of them enough at present. 
 
 " Among a people so immediately necessary to each other, where 
 property was little, and the anxiety of increasing it less, the inter- 
 course naturally became free and unfettered with ceremony: hence, 
 every one had his eye upon his neighbor ; misunderstandings and 
 mistakes were easily rectified. No ideas of state or grandeur ; no 
 homage of wealth, office, birth, rank, or learning ; no pride of house, 
 habit, or furniture ; very little emulations of any kind to interrupt ; 
 and so much together, they must be friends, as far at least as that 
 term could be properly applied to them ; this was general in some 
 of the tribes : attachments of particulars to each other were con- 
 stant and steady ; and in some instances far exceeding what might 
 be expected. Companies of them frequently got together to feast, 
 dance, and make merry ; this sweetened the toils of hunting : ex- 
 cepting these toils, and the little action before described, they 
 scarcely knew any. A life of dissipation and ease, of uncertainty 
 and want, of appetite, satiety, indolence, and sleep, seemed to be 
 the sum of the character, and chief that they aimed at. 
 
 " Notwithstanding their government was successive, it was, for 
 extraordinary reasons, sometimes ordered otherwise : of this there 
 is an instance in the old king Ockanickon, who dying about this 
 time at Burlington, declared himself to this effect : — 
 
 8 
 
08 INDIAN HISTORY. 
 
 " ' It was my desire that my brother's son, lahkursoe, should come 
 to me, and hear my last words ; for him have I appointed king af 
 ter me. 
 
 " ' My hrotJicr's son, this day I deliver my heart into your bosom ; 
 and mind me. I would have you love what is good, and keep good 
 company ; refuse what is evil, and by all means avoid bad com- 
 pany. 
 
 " ' Now, having delivered my heart into your bosom, I also de- 
 liver my bosom to keep my heart in : be sure always to walk in a 
 good path, and if any Indians should speak evil of Indians or 
 Christians, do not join in it, but look at the sun from the rising of it 
 to the setting of the same. In speeches that shall be made be- 
 tween the Indians and the Christians, if any wrong or evil thing be 
 spoken, do not join with that ; but join with the good. When 
 speeches are made, do not you speak first ; be silent, and let all 
 speak before you, and take good notice what each man speaks, and 
 when you have heard all, join to that which is good. 
 
 " ' Brother's son, I would have you cleanse your ears, and take all 
 foulness out, that j'ou may hear both good and evil, and then join 
 with the good and refuse the evil ; and also cleanse your eyes, that 
 you may see good and evil, and where you see evil, do not join 
 with it, but join to that which is good. 
 
 " ' Brother's son, you have heard what has passed ; stand up in 
 time of speeches ; stand in my steps, and follow my speeches : this 
 do, and what you desire in reason, will be granted. Why should 
 you not follow my example ? I have had a mind to be good and 
 do good, therefore do you the same. Shcoppy and Swampis were 
 to be kings in my stead, but understanding, by my doctor, that 
 Sheoppy secretly advised him not to cure me, and they both being 
 with me at John HolUngshearTs house, I myself saw by them, that 
 they were given more to drink, than to take notice of my last 
 words ; for I had a mind to make a speech to them, and to my 
 brethren, the English commissioners ; therefore I refuse them to be 
 kings after me, and have now chosen my brother's son lahkursoe 
 in their stead to succeed me. 
 
 " ' Brother's son, I advise you to be plain and fair with all, both 
 Indians and Christians, as I have been ; I am very weak, otherwise 
 I would have spoken more.' 
 
 " After the Indian had delivered this counsel to his nephew, T. 
 Budd, one of the proprietors, being present, took the opportunity to 
 remark, that ' there was a great God, who created all things ; that 
 he gave man an understanding of what was good and bad ; and 
 after this life rewarded the good with blessings, and the bad ac- 
 cording to their doings.' He answered — ' It is very true, it is so : 
 there are two ways, a broad and a straight way ; there are two 
 paths, a broad and a straight path : the worst and the greatest 
 number go in the broad, the best and fewest in the straight path.' 
 This king dying soon afterward, was attended to his grave in the 
 Quaker's burial-place in Burlington, with solemnity, by the Indians 
 
INDIAN HISTORY 59 
 
 in their manner, and with great respect b^ many of the English 
 settlers ; to whom he had been a sure friend. ' 
 
 The foregoing history of the Indians, &c., is copied from Smith's 
 History of New Jersey. The following is from a series of articles 
 recently published in the Newark Sentinel, entitled " Glimpses of the 
 Past in New Jersey ;" 
 
 " During the dominion of the Dutch, hostile relations existed on two or 
 three occasions. De Vries tells us, (New York Historical Collections,) that, 
 in 1630, thirty-two men were killed by the Indians on the Delaware ; and 
 he gives a detailed account of difficulties with those of East Jersey, in 1640 
 and 1643. In the former year, an expedition, fitted out against those on 
 the Raritan, accused, although wrongfully, of having committed thefts and 
 other trespasses, caused some of the leading chiefs to be maltreated, and 
 led to retaliatory measures upon the settlers of Staten Island, who were 
 killed, and their plantations broken up. 
 
 " This matter, in connection with the refusal of the Indians to give up the 
 author of a murder subsequently committed, brought on hostilities. The 
 Dutch authorities were guilty of great duplicity, (New York Colonial Re- 
 cords, in Historical Collections,) in beguiling the natives into the belief that 
 no evil was brewing against them; for they directed that 'the kind inter- 
 course and the trade in corn should be continued with them as before, till 
 God's will, and proper opportunity is offered.' This opportunity came early 
 in 1643. The Indians in the vicinity of Fort Orange, (Albany,) having 
 commenced a war with their more southern brethren, Gov. Kiefl joined with 
 them ; and, on the night of the 25-26th of January, a detachment of troops 
 was sent over to Pavonia, and eighty Indians were murdered in their sleep, 
 or in attempting to escape. ' This was the feat,' says De Vries, alluding to 
 a remark of the governor in relation to it, ' worthy of the heroes of old 
 Rome, to massacre a parcel of Indians, and to butcher them in the presence 
 of their parents, and throw their mangled limbs into the fire or water. 
 Other sucklings had been fastened to little boards, and in this position they 
 were cut to pieces. Some were thrown into the river, and when the parents 
 rushed in to save them, the soldiers prevented their landing, and let parents 
 and children drown.' As the orders given to the officer commanding the 
 expedition, as they appear on record, were 'to spare as much as it is pos- 
 sible their wives and children, and to take the savages prisoners,' we might 
 attribute this cruelty entirely to the excited passions of the men ; but the 
 same author tells us they were rewarded, and that ' the same night forty 
 Indians more wore murdered at Corlaer's plantation.' 
 
 Sucli a warfare could not fail to exasperate the natives ; and we are told 
 that, so soon as they became aware that these massacres were by tlie whites, 
 (for, from the secrecy observed, and the darkness of the night, they thought 
 they had been attacked by llieir enemies, the Maquas,) they murdered in the 
 country all the men they could find ; but, more humane than the whites, 
 spared the females and children. Houses and barns, grain and hay, were 
 destroyed, and war waged for a month or more. In March, a peace was 
 concluded, which lasted only till October; when three or four soldiers, sta- 
 tioned at Pavonia for the protection of a family, having been attacked, war 
 was renewed ; and so serious was its character, that, in March, 1644, the 
 authorities of New Amsterdam proclaimed a solemn fast, to deprecate the 
 anger of Jehovah. 
 
60 INDIAN HISTORY. 
 
 *' Peace was permanently restored the following year ; and as, in their 
 distress, they had fasted, so now the good burghers rejoiced, and kept a day 
 of public thanksgiving and praise. We hear of no further disturbances 
 from this time ; and in 1664 the English came into possession of the coun- 
 try. Of course, the unsettled state of the intercourse with the Indians had 
 interfered most materially with the settlement of this portion of the New 
 Netherlands. 
 
 " There are no data by which a true estimate can be formed of the num- 
 ber of Indians within what are now the limits of New Jersey, when first 
 population began to change the character and aspect of the country ; but 
 probably there were more than two thousand when the province was taken 
 under the domination of the English. An old pamphlet in the Philadelphia 
 Library, printed in 1648, to induce emigration under the grant to Sir Ed- 
 ward Ploydcn, (Plantagenet's New Albion, p. 22,) states that the natives 
 in this section of the country were under the dominion of about twenty 
 kings; that there were 'twelve hundred under the two Raritan kings on 
 the north side, next to Hudson's river, and those come down to the ocean 
 about Little Egg bay and Sandy Barnegate ; and about the South cape two 
 small kings, of forty men apiece, called Tirans and Tiascans ; and a tliird 
 reduced to fourteen men, at Reymont.' The seat of the Raritan king is 
 stated to have been 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 preci- 
 pice, 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.' 
 
 " The writer is at a loss to locate this ' Mount,' and ' retired paradise,' 
 if such actually existed, save in the imagination of ' Beauchamp Plantage- 
 net, Esq.;' as he knows of no plane answering the description. On early 
 wiaps of New Jersey, an Indian path is designated, running from the mouth 
 of Shrewsbury river in a northwesterly direction, crossing the Rarilan a 
 little to the westward of Amboy ; and thence in a northerly direction to 
 Minisink island, in the Delaware river, near the northern boundary of the 
 state. This was probably their "reat thoroughfare. The Sanhicans, the 
 deadly enemies of the Manhatae, but whom De Laet characterizes as a bet- 
 ter and more decent people, inhabited that part of the province lying west 
 of Staten Island ; and further south were the Naraticongs, Maravancons, 
 and other branches of the great Delaware tribe. 
 
 " When the province came into the possession of Lords Berkeley and 
 Carteret, they consulted the peace and happiness of the settlers, by the es- 
 tablishment of the best regulations for intercourse with the natives. They 
 say to their governor and councillors, should they 'happen to find any na- 
 tives in our said province, and tract of land aforesaid, that then you treat 
 them with all humanity and kindness, and not in anywise grieve or op- 
 press them, but endeavor by a Christian carriage to manifest piety, justice, 
 and charity, and in your conversation with tliem ; the manifestation where- 
 of will prove beneficial to the planters, and likewise advantajjeous to the 
 propagation of the gospel.' — (East Jersey Records.) And, in order that 
 they might be protected from the arts of designing men, their lands were 
 not allowed to be purehased excepting through the governor and council, 
 in the name of the lords proprietors. 
 
 '* It was to be presumed, however, that intercourse with such varied 
 
INDIAN HISTORY 61 
 
 characters, as ever constitute the first population of a new country, would 
 present many causes for outbreaks and disputes. The assembly, therefore, 
 early took measures to guard against such difficulties by prohibiting all 
 trade with them ; and in 1675, when some apprehensions were entertamed, 
 the sale to them of ammunition was prevented, as well as the repairing of 
 their firearms ; and the continuance of peace was, in subsequent years, 
 still further secured, by prohibiting the sale, gift, or loan to them of any 
 intoxicating drink. These wholesome restrictions, modified as occasion re- 
 quired, continued in force under the government of the twenty-four proprie- 
 tors, and that of the crown which succeeded. Mrs. Mary Smith, m a man- 
 uscript account of the first settlement of Burlington, quoted in Watson s 
 Annals, says, ' the Indians were very civil, brought them corn, venison, and 
 bargained also for their land.' It was said that an old Indian king spoke 
 prophetically, before his death, of the increase of the whites, and the dimi- 
 nution of his race. Such predictions were current among them, as early 
 as 1680. At the time Perth Amboy was settled, (1684,) there appears to 
 have been only a few natives in that vicinity ; and those who visited the 
 place are represented as very serviceable to the settlers, from the game they 
 caught, and the skins and furs they procured and sold to them." 
 
 " The first serious outbreak occurred in 1755 ; but, so soon as a nostile 
 feeling became apparent, the legislature appointed commissioners to examine 
 into the causes of dissatisfaction. A convention was held at Crosswicks, 
 for the purpose, in January, 1756 ; and in March, 1757, a bill was passed, 
 calculated to remove the difficulties which had grown out of impositions up- 
 on the Indians when intoxicated, the destruction of deer by traps, and the 
 occupation of lands by the whites which they had not sold. — (Neville's Laws, 
 vol. ii., p. 125.) During this year, however, and the first part of 1758, 
 the western borders of the province were in much alarm from the hostile 
 feeling prevalent among the Minisink and neighboring tribes— from May, 
 1757, to June, 1758, twenty-seven murders having been committed by them 
 on the West Jersey side of the Delaware. A constant guard was kept un- 
 der arms, to protect the inhabitants ; but it was not always able to check 
 the predatory excursions of the savages. 
 
 " In June, 1758, Gov. Bernard, of New Jersey, consulted Gen. Forbes 
 and Gov. Denny, of Pennsylvania, as to the measures best calculated to put 
 a stop to this unpleasant warfare ; and through Teedyescung, king of the 
 Delawares, he obtained a conference with the Minisink and Pompton Indians, 
 protection being assured them.— (Smith's New Jersey, pp. 447, 448.) It 
 shows no little regard for truth, and the prevalence of a humane and for- 
 o-iving spirit, on the part of the whites, as well as confidence on the part of 
 the Indians, that the one party should venture, after what had passed, to 
 place themselves so completely in the hands of their enemies, and the other 
 to profit not thereby. 
 
 " The conference tooK place at Burlington, August 7th, 1758. On the 
 part of the province, there were present the governor, three commissioners 
 of Indian affiiirs of the house of assembly, and six members of the council. 
 Two Minisink or Munsey Indians, one Cayugan, one Delaware messenger 
 from the Mingoians, and one Delaware who came with the Minisinks, were 
 the delegates from the natives. The conference opened with a speech from 
 the governor. He sat, holding four strings of wampum, and thus addressed 
 them : ' Brethren, as you are come from a long journey, through a wood 
 
62 INDIAN HISTORY. 
 
 full of briers, with this string I anoint your feet, and take away their sore- 
 ness ; with this string I wipe the sweat from your bodies; with this string I 
 cleanse your eyes, ears, and mouth, that you may see, hear, and speak 
 clearly ; and I particularly anoint your throat, that every word you say 
 may have a free passage from the heart. And with this string I bid you 
 heartily welcome.' The four strings were then delivered to them. The 
 result of the conference was, that a time was fixed for holding another at 
 Easton, at the request of the Indians ; that being, as they termed it, the 
 place of the ' old council-fire.' 
 
 "The act passed in 1757 appropriated £1,600 for the purchase of Indian 
 claims ; but, as the Indians living south of the Raritan preferred receiving 
 their proportion in land specially allotted for their occupancy, 3,044 acres, in 
 the township of Evesham, Burlington county, were purchased for them. 
 A house of worship and several dwellings were subsequently erected, form- 
 ing the town of Brotherton ; and as the selling and leasing of any portion 
 of the tract was prohibited, as was also the settlement upon it of any per- 
 sons other than Indians, the greatest harmony appears to have prevailed 
 between its inhabitants and their white neighbors. — (Allinson'sLaws, p. 2'21.) 
 
 "On the 8th October, 1758, the conference commenced at Easton. It 
 was attended by the lieutenant-governor of Pennsylvania, six of his coun- 
 cil, and an equal number of the house of representatives ; Gov, Bernard 
 of New Jersey, five Indian commissioners, George Croghan, Esq., (deputy 
 Indian agent under Sir William Johnson,) a number of magistrates and 
 freeholders of the two provinces, and five hundred and seven Indians, com- 
 prising delegations from fourteen different tribes. Gov. Denny being obliged 
 to return to Philadelphia, the business of the conference was mainly con- 
 ducted by Gov. Bernard, who, in its management, evinced no small degree 
 of talent and tact. It was closed on the 26th October; and the result was 
 a release, by the Minisink and Wapping Indians, of all lands claimed by 
 them within the limits of New Jersey, for the sum of £1,000. Deeds were 
 also obtained from the Delawares and other Indians, and they were all de- 
 sired to remember ' that by these two agreements the province of New Jer- 
 sey is entirely freed and discharged from all Indian claims." At least such 
 was the opinion of Gov. Bernard and the Indians ; but the assembly, the 
 ensuing March, in answer to the governor's speech, mention a small claim 
 of the Totamies, and some private claims, still outstanding. The minutes 
 of this interesting conference are printed at length in Smith's History. The 
 governor recommended to the succeeding assembly the continuance of a 
 guard, and the establishment of a regular trading-house ; but neither meas- 
 ure was adopted. The amicable relations, thus happily begun, remained 
 undisturbed for several years. In 1764, a frontier guard of two hundred 
 men was again kept up for some time, in consequence of disturbances in 
 Pennsylvania ; but the alarm soon subsided. 
 
 " In 1709, Gov. Franklin attended a convention held with the Six Na- 
 tions, by several of the colonial governors, and informed the assembly, on his 
 return, that they had publicly acknowledged repeated instances of the justice 
 of the New Jersey authorities in bringing the murderers of Indians to condign 
 punishment; declared that they had no claim or demand whatsoever on the 
 province ; and in the most solemn manner conferred on its government the 
 distinguished title of Sagorighwiyogstha, or the great arhjter, or doer of jus- 
 tice — a name which, the governor truly remarked, reflected high honor up- 
 on the province. — (New York Journal, Oct. 26.) 
 
ATLANTIC COUNTY. 63 
 
 " In 1802, the small remnant of these original possessors of the soil, re- 
 maining in Burlington county, obtained permission to sell their lands and re- 
 move to a settlement on the Oneida lake, in the state of New York, where 
 they continued until 1824; when, with other Indians, they purchased from 
 the Menominees a tract bordering on Lake Michigan, and removed thither. 
 [n 1832, the New Jersey tribe, reduced to less than forty souls, applied to 
 the legislature of the state for remuneration on account of their rights of 
 hunting and fishing on unenclosed lands, which they had reserved in their 
 various agreements and conventions with the whites. Although no legal 
 claim could be substantiated, yet the legislature, in kindness, and through 
 compassion for the wanderers, directed the treasurer to pay their agent two 
 thousand dollars, upon filing in the office of the secretary a full relinquish- 
 ment of all the rights of his tribe. — (Gordon's New Jersey.) Thus was 
 extinguished every legal and equitable claim of the Indians to the soil of 
 New Jersey — a fact which must gratify every citizen of the state." 
 
 ATLANTIC COUNTY. 
 
 ATLANTIC COUNTY is bounded NE. by Burlington co., SE. by the 
 Atlantic ocean, S. by Cape May co., SW. by Cumberland co., and 
 NW. by Gloucester co. It is about 30 miles long by 20 wide ; and 
 was formed from the eastern part of Gloucester co., in 1837. The 
 principal streams are the Great Egg Harbor, running through it near- 
 ly centrally ; the Little Egg Harbor, separating it from Burlington 
 CO. ; and the Tuckahoe, on its southern boundary. These streams 
 are navigable for many miles, and facilitate the transportation of 
 timber and cord- wood to market, which form the most valuable pro- 
 ducts of this part of the state. Clams, oysters, and fish abound in 
 the numerous bays and inlets on its coast ; and many of its inhab- 
 itants gain their livelihood by oystering and fishing. Ship-building 
 is carried on in the little settlements on the streams ; and glass- 
 houses and furnaces are scattered here and there among the pines. 
 Agriculture is but little pursued, there being but few farms. 
 
 The pine-region of New Jersey extends over about one third of 
 its territory, comprising the whole of this, and parts of Middlesex, 
 Monmouth, Burlington, Salem, Gloucester, Cumberland, and Cape 
 May counties. This immense tract is very thinly settled, there 
 being many square miles on which there is not a single inhabitant ; 
 " where deer, ibxes, and rabbits are abundant, and the bear finds a 
 lair to protect its race from extirpation." Through these wilds 
 wind numerous roads, by mazes almost inextricable . v-.r-.r. 
 
 Thirty years since, this immense forest was of little value ; but the 
 introduction of steamboats and anthracite coal has created such a 
 
64 ATLANTIC COUNTY 
 
 demand for fuel, that the lands have risen from ten cents to four or 
 five dollars per acre ; and in some instances, where convenient to 
 market, bring from fifteen to sixty dollars. Where the pine has 
 been cleared, oak springs up ; and frequently, vi^here the oak has 
 been cut, the pine again succeeds. Upon the clay and loam soils 
 oak abounds, of an excellent quality for ship-building. In tho 
 sandy region are extensive swamps bearing white cedar, very 
 valuable, and worth from one to three hundred dollars per acre. 
 
 Atlantic co. is divided into ■••- townships, viz: Atlantic City. 
 
 Ecrrr HarboF. Hamilton, Mullica, Weymouth, Galloway. 
 
 This is the most thinly-settled county in the state. In 1830, the 
 townships now comprising it numbered 8,1G4 souis ; in 18 ("5,11344 
 
 EGG HARBOR. 
 
 Egg Harbor was incorporated in 1798. It is about 11 miles long 
 by 10 broad ; and is bounded NE. by Galloway, SE. by the ocean, S. 
 by Great Egg Harbor bay, separating it from Cape May co., SW. 
 by Great Egg Harbor river, dividing it from Weymouth, and NW. 
 by Hamilton. Its surface is level, and principally covered with 
 pines. On the coast is a marsh, four miles wide, studded with twenty 
 or thirty islets, encircled by bays and arms ol the sea. Beyond 
 these, next to the ocean, Absecum beach stretches along parallel 
 with the coast, for 9 miles. Bargaintown, 10 miles SE. of May's 
 Landing, has a Methodist church, and about 30 dwellings. Leeds- 
 ville, on the shore, 1 mile SE. of Bargaintown, contains 15 or 20 
 dwellings. Somers Point, on Great Egg Harbor bay, is quite a 
 place of resort in the summer. Here are good boarding-houses for 
 the accommodation of strangers. From this place along the shore, 
 to Absecombe, there is an almost continuous line of houses. Ac- 
 cording to the United States census, in 1840, the population of tiiis 
 township was 2,739. It contained 10 stores, capital $10,600 ; 3 
 grist-mills, and 4 saw-mills ; $9,800 capital employed in manufac- 
 tures ; 10 schools, 810 scholars See page oil 
 
 Capt. Richard Somers, one of the most gallant and intrepid offi- 
 cers that ever did honor to the United States navy, was a native 
 of this township. He was the youngest child of Col. Richard 
 Somers, a prominent man, in this vicinity, in the American revo- 
 lution. The subject of our notice was born about the year 1778, 
 at Somers Point. He first attended school at Philadelphia, and af- 
 terward at a celebrated academy in Burlington. About the year 
 1794, Somers, then 15 or 16 years of age, first went to sea, in a 
 coasting vessel, Irom Egg Harbor, Two years after, he received 
 a warrant as a midshipman, and made his first cruise in the frigate 
 United States, in company with Decatur ; both of whom became, 
 for the remainder of life, generous professional rivals, and strong 
 personal friends. In 1801, Somers was promoted to a lieutenancy, 
 and at the time of his death was appointed master-conmiandant 
 
ATLANTIC COUNTY. 05 
 
 In 1803, at the period of the difficulties with the Barbary powers, 
 Lieut. Somers was appointed to the command of the Nautilus, a 
 beautiful schooner of 12 guns, attached to the Mediterranean 
 squadron ; which sailed in the summer and autumn of this year, 
 and became so celebrated under the orders of Preble. 
 
 While at Syracuse, on this, or perhaps a previous occasion, where 
 the American vessels made their principal rendezvous, a charac- 
 teristic anecdote is related of Somers, by his biographer. He was 
 walking in the vicinity of the town, in company with two brother 
 officers, when five Sicilian soldiers, carrying swords, made an at- 
 tack on the party, with intent to rob. One of the gentlemen had a 
 dirk, while Somers and the other were unarmed. The officer with 
 the dirk used the weapon so vigorously as soon to bring down one 
 assailant ; while Somers, seizing the sword-blade of his antagonist, 
 was severely cut in the hand by the unsuccessful efforts of the 
 Sicilian for its recovery ; but finally he wrested it from him, and 
 plunged it into his body. This decided the matter, the three rob- 
 bers taking to flight. 
 
 When the American squadron under Preble was maintaining 
 the blockade against Tripoli, in 1804, he distinguished himself in its 
 early stages, as well as on the occasion in which he lost his life. 
 At one time he was engaged in a gunboat, within pistol-shot, . 
 against a force at least five times superior. In the end the enemy 
 were obliged to make off, and he brought off his boat in triumph. 
 On another occasion, as his boat was advancing to her position, an 
 incident occurred which marked his presence of mind. Somers. 
 while leaning against the flagstaff, saw a shot flying directly in a 
 line for him, and bowed his head to avoid it. The shot cut the 
 staff', and on measuring, it was certain he escaped death only by 
 the timely removal. 
 
 After several unsuccessful enterprises to force the enemy to 
 terms, it was resolved to fit up the ketch ^'Intrepid " in the double 
 capacity of fire-ship and infernal, and to send her into the inner 
 harbor of Tripoli, there to explode, in the very centre of the ves- 
 sels of the Turks. As her deck was to be covered with a large 
 quantity of powder, shells, and missiles, it was hoped the town 
 would suffer not less than the shipping. The panic created by such 
 an assault, made in the dead of night, it was fondly hoped would 
 produce an instant peace ; and more especially the liberation of 
 the frigate Philadelphia, whose officers and crew were thought to 
 have been reduced to extreme suffering by the barbarity of their 
 captors. 
 
 The imminent danger of the service forbade the commodore or- 
 lering any of his officers upon it ; and Somers, with whom the 
 conception of this daring scheme is supposed to have originated, 
 volunteered to take the command. 
 
 " On the afternoon of the 4th of September, Somers prepared to 
 leave the Nautilus, with a full determination to carry the ketch 
 into Tripoli that night. Previously to quitting his own vessel, he 
 
 9 
 
66 
 
 ATLANTIC COUNTY. 
 
 felt that it would be proper to point out the desperate nature of the 
 enterprise to the lour men he had selected, that their services 
 might be perfectly free and voluntary. He told them that he 
 wished no man to accompany him, who would not prefer being 
 blown up to being taken ;* that such was his own determination, 
 and that he wished all who went with him to be the same way of 
 thinking. The boats now gave three cheers in answer ; and each 
 man is said to have separately asked to be selected to apply the 
 match. Once assured of the temper of his companions. Somers 
 took leave of his oliicers ; the boat's crew doing the same, shaking 
 hands, and expressing their feelings, as if they felt assured of their 
 fate in advance. . . . Each of the four men made his will 
 verbally ; disposing of his effects among his shipmates, like those 
 about to die. . . . Several of Somers' friends visited him on 
 board the Intrepid before she got under way. Among them were 
 Stewart and Decatur, with whom he had commenced his naval 
 career in the United States. These three young men, then about 
 twenty-six years of age each, were Philadelphia-bred sailors, and 
 had been intimately associated in service for the last six years. 
 They all knew that the enterprise was one of extreme hazard, and 
 the two who were to remain behind felt a deep interest in the fate 
 of him who was to go in. Somers was grave, and entirely with- 
 out any affectation of levity or indifference ; but he maintained his 
 usual tranquil and quiet manner. After some conversation, he took 
 a ring from his ffnger, and breaking it into three pieces, gave each 
 of his companions one, while he retained the third himself" 
 
 Two boats accompanied the ketch to bring off" the party just af- 
 ter setting fire to the train. In the whole there were thirteen men, 
 all volunteers. 
 
 About nine o'clock in the evening Lieut. Reed was the last to 
 leave tlie ketch for his own vessel. " When he went over the side 
 of the Intrepid, all communication between the gallant spirits she 
 contained and the rest of the world ceased. At that time every 
 thing seemed propitious. Somers was cheerful, though calm ; and 
 perfect order and method prevailed in the little craft. The leave- 
 taking was affectionate and serious with the officers, though the 
 common men appeared to be in high spirits." 
 
 The ketch was seen to proceed cautiously into the bay, but was soon 
 obscured by the haze on the water. " It was not long bei'ore the 
 enemy began to tire at the ketch, which by this time was ((uite 
 near the batteries, though the reports were neither rapid nor nu- 
 merous. At this moment, near ten o'clock, Capt. Stewart and 
 Lieut. Carrol were standing in the Siren's gangway, looking intent- 
 ly toward the })lace where the ketch was known to be, when the 
 latter exclaimed, ' Look ! see the light !' At that instant a light 
 was seen passing and waving, as if a lantern were carried by some 
 
 * It was supposed that the enemy were nearly out of ammunition, and if the ketch had 
 fallen into liicir Iraiuls, tiiuy would have had a sufficient supply. This was the reason 
 for adopting, if necessary, this dreadful alternative. 
 
ATLANTIC COUNTY. G7 
 
 person in quick motion along a vessel's deck. Then it sank from 
 view. Half a minute may have elapsed, when the whole firma- 
 ment was lighted with a fiery glow ; a burning mast with its sails 
 was seen in the air ; the whole harbor was momentarily illumi- 
 nated ; the awful explosion came, and a darkness like that oi" doom 
 succeeded. The whole was over in less than a minute ; the fiame, 
 the quaking of towers, the reeling of ships, and even the bursting 
 of shells, of which most fell in the water, though some lodged on 
 the rocks. The firing ceased, and from that instant Tripoli passed 
 the night in a stillness as profound as that in which the victims of 
 this explosion have lain from that fatal hour to this." 
 
 In the American squadron the opinion was prevalent, that 
 Soraers and his determined crew had blown themselves up to pre- 
 vent capture ; but subsequent light has rendered it more probable 
 that it was accidental, or occasioned either by a hot shot Irom the 
 enemy. " Thus perished Richard Somers, ' one of the bravest ot the 
 brave.' Notwithstanding all our means of reasoning, and the 
 greatest efforts of human ingenuity, there will remain a melan- 
 choly interest around the manner of his end, which, by the Al- 
 mighty will, is forever veiled from human eyes, in a sad and 
 solemn mystery." 
 
 In person, vSomers was rather below the middle stature ; stout in 
 frame, and exceedingly active and muscular. He was mild, amia- 
 ble, and affectionate, both indisposition and deportment; though of 
 singularly chivalrous notions of duty and honor. As a proof of 
 the estimation in which he was held, several small vessels have 
 been called after him ; among which is the beautiful little brig 
 " Somers," which recently has been the scene of a thrilling tragedy 
 on the high seats.* 
 
 GALLOWAY. 
 
 Galloway was incorporated in 1798. It is 16 miles long, 
 and 8 wide, and is bounded NE. by Little Egg Harbor bay and 
 river, separating it from Burlington co., SW. by Egg Harbor town- 
 ship and Hamilton, SE. by the ocean, and NW. by Mullica. Its 
 surface is level and covered with pines. The ocean-side is bor- 
 dered by a marsh several miles in width, in which are numerous 
 arms of the sea, and bays with many small islands. Outside of these 
 is Brigantine Beach, where were formerly works for the manufac- 
 ture of salt from sea-water. Absecombe, in the SE. corner, 13 miles 
 from May's Landing, contains about 30 dwellings. Port Republic 
 is a village of about the same size upon Nacote creek, a branch of 
 the Little Egg Harbor. A considerable business is done here in 
 ship-building. Smithville is a small village 7 miles N. of Abse- 
 combe. There is a Methodist church at each of these places. The 
 
 « The foregoing account of Somers is drawn from an interesting biography by J. Fenni- 
 more Cooper, in Graham's Magazine for October, 1842. 
 
68 
 
 ATLANTIC COUNTY. 
 
 townsnip contains 7 stores, capital $9,700 ; 1 glass factory, 3 grist- 
 mills, 3 saw-mills ; capital in manufactures. -$47,500 ; 8 schools, 
 016 scholars. Population, ;nl8fi5,2,593.. 
 
 In the American •revolution mere was a consioerable settlement 
 at the forks of Little Egg Harbn" -'ver now gone to decay. It 
 contained about 30 dwellings, mlianited principally by persons en- 
 gaged in "running goods" when Philadelphia was in possession of 
 the British. Little Egg Harbor riv^er was a favorite resort for pri- 
 vateers to land their cargoes ic^ this purpose. At Chestnut Neck 
 some storehouses for the reception of merchandise were burnt by 
 the British. At that time a breastwork was erected there, and the 
 inhabitants to the number of 1,.500 collected for its defence. The 
 enemy coming up the river in strong force in barges, compelled 
 them to retreat. 
 
 HAMILTON. 
 
 View of the County Buildings, May's Landing. 
 
 Hamilton is about 16 miles long by 11 wide, and is bounded 
 NE. by Galloway, 8W. by Cape May county, SE. by Egg Har- 
 bor, and NW. by part of Gloucester county. The Great Egg 
 Harbor river passes through its whole length, drviining a wide ex- 
 tent of sandy soil and pine forest. The township contains 8 stores, 
 capital $14,800; 1 furnace. 1 forge, 2 grist-ir'lls, 3 saw-mills; 
 capital in manufactures, 822,150 ; 6 schools, 910 scholars. Popu- 
 lation, 1 ,5G5. 
 
 May's Landing, the seat of justice for the county, is on the Great 
 Egg Harbor river, at the head of navigation, 16 miles from the At- 
 lantic ocean, and 73 from Trenton. It is divided into two portions 
 about a quarter of a mile apart. Hamilton, the up{)cr village, is 
 on both sides of the river, over which is a bridge. May's Landing 
 is on the west side of the river, and was first settled. There are 
 
ATLANTIC COUNTY qq 
 
 in the village and vicinity about 70 dwellings. Its inhabitants are 
 principally engaged in ship-building, and in transporting cord-wood 
 and timber to market. The above view shows on the right the 
 courthouse and other county buildings. That on the extreme right 
 is the jail. These are handsome brick edihces, situated on the 
 north bank of the river, about 60 rods east of the bridge. There, 
 are two churches in the village ; a Methodist, (formerly occupied 
 by Methodists and Baptists,) and a Presbyterian church lately 
 erected, a handsome brick edifice with a spire, situated near the 
 county buildings, in a grove of venerable forest-trees. 
 
 May's Landing was first settled in 1710, by George May, who 
 bought the land on which the village stands. He opened a store 
 and supplied vessels which put in here with wood. His dwelling 
 was standing until about 1830. on the north side of the river, about 
 10 rods above the mouth of Babcock's creek, near the willow-trees. 
 It was a small gambrel-roofed building, a story and a half high, 
 fronting on the river. After the American revolution Colonel 
 Richard Westcott removed here from the forks of Egg Harbor, and 
 became a large owner. This gentleman died about twenty years 
 since, at the advanced age of 102 years. A Baptist church was 
 built in the village in 1782, in which the clergyman at Tuckahoe, 
 where there was then also a church of this denomination, occasionally 
 preached. Catawba, 4 miles SE. of the courthouse, has a Metho- 
 dist church and about 20 dwellings. Weymouth, on the river, 6 
 miles NW. of the courthouse, contains a Methodist church, a fur- 
 nace, forge, saw and grist mill, and about 40 dwellings. These 
 works belong to the heirs of Samuel Richards, Esq., deceased, and 
 give employment, directly and indirectly, to several hundred men. 
 
 The following extracts from the New Jersey State Gazette, pub- 
 lished at Trenton in the war of the revolution, relate to incidents 
 off this coast. 
 
 March 31, 1779. — In the late snow-storm, the transport ship Mermaid, of White- 
 haven, England, with troops from HaUfax, bound to New York, was driven on shore and 
 bilged at Egg Harbor. After being in this miserable situation from five o'clock on Mon- 
 day morning until noon on Tuesday, a boat came off to their relief, and saved only 42 
 souls out of 187. Perished — Capt. Snowball, Lieut. Snodgrass, 112 sergeants, drum- 
 mers, and privates, 13 women, 11 sailors, and 7 children; total, 145. Saved — 5 ser- 
 geants, 25 privates, 7 sailors, and 5 officers ; total, 42. 
 
 Sept. 11, 1782. — Last week Capt. Douglas with some of the militia of Gloucester co., 
 attacked a refugee boat at Egg Harbor, with 18 refugees on board, of whom 14 were 
 shot or drowned ; the others made their escape. 
 
 Dec. 18, 1782. — Capt. Jackson, of the Greyhound, on the evening of Sunday, last 
 week, with much address captured, within tlie Hook, the schooner Dolphin, and sloop 
 Diamond, bound from New York to Halifa.x, and brought them both into Egg Harbor. 
 Those vessels were both condemned to the claimants, and the amount of sales amounted 
 to £10,500. 
 
 Aug. 25, 1779. — By a sailor from Egg Harbor, we arc informed, that on Wednesday 
 last, the schooner Mars, Capt. Taylor, fell in with a vessel mounting 14 guns, which he 
 boarded and took. She proved to be a packet from Falmouth to New York. Capt. 
 Taylor took the mail and prisoners, 45 in number ; but on Saturday last, fell in with a 
 fleet of 23 sail, under convoy of a large ship and frigate, when the latter gave chase to 
 the packet and retook her. Capt. Taylor got safe into Egg Harbor. 
 
 The annexed account of a naval exploit of a minor character, 
 
70 ATLANTIC COUNTY. 
 
 performed off this coast in the late war, was communicated by a 
 resident of May's Landing. 
 
 In the latter part of 1813, as several small coasters were sailing around Cape Maj, 
 from the Delaware river, bound for Egg Harbor, they came in contact with a British 
 armed schooner, lying at anchor oft' the Cape. She put cliase, fired upon, and took the 
 schooner Ncv? Jersey, from May's Landing, which was manned by the master, CapL 
 Burton, and 2 hands. Having placed on board as prize-master a young midsliipma.i, 
 with three men, (two Englishmen and an Irishman,) she ordered the sloop to follow her, 
 and continued the pursuit of the other vessels. As thcj' neared Egg Harlor, the ap- 
 proach of night compelled her to desist from the chase, and she then put about for tho 
 Cape. The sloop followed, but made little headway, the young midshipn)an in com- 
 mand being an indifferent seaman. He at length placed the sailing of the vessel i.sjder 
 the directions of Capt. Burton, directing him to steer for the Cape. He designedly 
 steered the vessel so that no headway was made. Morning dawned and found them off 
 the mouth of Great Egg Harbor. Burton feigned ignorance of the place. Shortly af- 
 ter, a man was sent aloft to look out : the prize-master and one of his men went below to 
 examine the charts, leaving the three Americans and one of the enemy on deck. Bur- 
 ton availed himself of the opportunity. He and his two men secured the one on deck, 
 fastened the two in the cabin, and having thus made them all prisoners, in an hour, with a 
 fair wind, brought his vessel to anchor oft" Somers Point, within a short distance of 
 home. The prize-master, after a short confinement in prison, was exchanged. The two 
 Englishmen hired out in the vicinity, and the Irishman enlisted on board a gunboat and 
 fought valiantly for the stripes and stars. 
 
 MULLICA 
 
 MuLLicA, the NW. township of the county, was formed in 1838, 
 from Galloway. It is about 13 miles long, 8 wide, and is bounded 
 NE. by Burlington county, SW. by Hamilton, SE. by Gallo- 
 way, and NW. by Gloucester county. Surface level, and covered 
 by a pine forest. Gloucester, Pleasant Mills, and Hammonton, are 
 settlements. Gloucester is in the SE. part, on a branch of the Little 
 Egg Harbor or Mullicus river, where there is a lurnace giving em- 
 ployment to about 100 men, a grist m., saw m., and about 25 
 dwellings. The iron works, now the property of John Richards, Esq., 
 were founded in 1813, previous to which there was no settlement. 
 Pleasant Mills, on Atsion river, a branch of the Mullicus, contains 
 an extensive cotton factory, a Methodist church, and about 30 
 dwellings. Hammonton is the name of a locality in the W. part 
 of the township, where there are glass works and a few dwellings. 
 The township contains 10 stores, cap. $10,900 ; 1 furnace, 3 grist 
 m., 7 saw m., cap. in manufac. $19,300; 5 schools. 29G scholars. 
 Population 1.056 in 1865,1,465, (See page ftib.; 
 
 WEYMOUTH. 
 
 Weymouth was incorporated in 1798 It is 9 miles long, 7 broad, 
 and is bounded N. E. by Great Egg Harbor river, separating it 
 from Egg Harbor and i)art of Hamillon, S. and W. by Tuckahoe 
 river, dividing it from Cape May and Cumberland counties. The 
 portion of the township bordering Tuckahoe and Great Egg Harbor 
 river is mostly marsh ; the remaining portion generally covered 
 with pine forest. On Stevens' creek, a branch of the last named 
 
BERGEN COUNTY. 71 
 
 river, 5 miles south of May's Landing, are Estell's glass works, 
 employing about 80 men ; a Methodist church, a grist and saw 
 mill, and a few buildings. The village of Tuckahoe is on both 
 sides of the Tuckahoe river, partly in this and partly in Cape May 
 CO. The township contains 8 stores, capital $16,000 ; 1 forge, 1 
 grist-mill, 6 saw-mills ; capital in manufactures $14,000 ; 6 schools, 
 336 scholars. Population 1,106 
 
 BERGEN COUNTY. 
 
 Bergen county was bounded, by the act of 1709, as follows: 
 " That on the eastern division the county shall begin at Constable's 
 Hook, and so run up along the bay and Hudson river to the parti- 
 tion point between New Jersey and the province of New York, 
 and along that line between the provinces, and the division line of 
 the eastern and western divisions of this province, to Pequanock 
 river ; thence by such river and the Passaic river to the sound ; 
 thence by the sound to Constable's Hook, where it began." These 
 original bounds have been much reduced by the formation of Pas- 
 saic CO., in 1837, and Hudson co., in 1840. It is now bounded N. 
 by Rockland co., (New York,) E. by Hudson river, S. by Passaic 
 and Hudson counties, and W. by Passaic co. It is 19 miles long, 
 E. and W, ; breadth on the E. line 14, and on the W. 9 miles. The 
 surface of the central part is generally level or undulating. On 
 the W. it is mountainous, and on the E. the lofty trap-ridge, known 
 as the " Palisades," extends the whole width of the county, border- 
 ing on Hudson river. The soil, particularly in the valleys, is fer- 
 tile, and productive in early summer vegetables, apples, straw- 
 berries, &c., which find a market in the city of New York. The 
 inhabitants are of Dutch origin : many still speak that language, 
 preserving much of their primitive simplicity of manners. In the 
 valleys of the Hackensack and Saddle rivers, and on the adjacent 
 hills, are many small and beautiful farms, with neat cottages, in the 
 Dutch style, painted white, surrounded by shrubbery ; the whole 
 presenting an air of rural content and thrift. The county is divided 
 into the following ^ townships, all of which, excepting Lodi and 
 Washington, were incorporated in 1798: 
 
 Franklin, Harrington, New Barbadoes, Washington. 
 
 Hackensack, Lodi, Saddle River. Hohokus 
 
 The population of the county, in 1866, was 24.636* 
 
 FRANKLIN. 
 
 This township measures across it, N. and S., 10 miles, and the 
 same E. and W. It is bounded N. by Rockland co., (New York,) 
 E. by Washington and New Barbadoes, S. by Saddle River and 
 
72 BERGEN COUNTY. 
 
 Manchester, Passaic co., and W. by Pompton, Passaic co. The 
 Saddle river courses on its E. boundary and the Ramapo through 
 its western portion. The surface is undulating, and on the W. 
 mountainous. The soil is well-cultivated and productive. In 1840, 
 the products of the dairies were valued at $19,800, being more 
 than double that of any other township m the county ; the products 
 of the orchard, $15,547. There were raised 24,003 bushels of oats, 
 18,750 bushels of rye, and 18,652 of Indian corn. There were 5 
 paper-mills, and 6 cotton manufactories — in the latter of which 
 was invested a capital of $22,810, and the value of the cotton 
 cloth made $30,812; 15 grist-mills, 25 saw-mills; capital in 
 manufactures, $40,633 ; 13 schools, 462 scholars. Population, 4.010. 
 Paramus, Hohokus, New Prospect, and Hopper's, are localities in 
 the township ; the first of which, 7 miles NW. of Hackensack, 
 contains a Reformed Dutch church, and a few dwellings. The re- 
 mainder are manufacturing vicinities. Ptpirr lyb5, 2,1^3. 
 
 Wampum, or Indian money, is to the present day made in this 
 county, and sold to the Indian traders of the far west. It has been 
 manufactured, by the females in this region, from very early times 
 for the Indians ; and as every thing connected with this interesting 
 race is destined, at no distant period, to exist only in history, we 
 annex a description of the manufacture. 
 
 The wampum is made from the thick and blue part of sea-clam- 
 shells. The process is simple, but requires a skill only attained by 
 long practice. The intense hardness and brittlcness of the material 
 render it impossible to produce the article by machinery alone. It is 
 done by wearing or grinding the shell. I'he first process is to 
 split ofi" the thin part with a light sharp hammer. Then it is 
 clamped in the sawed crevice of a slender stick, held in both hands, 
 and ground smooth on a grindstone, until formed into an eight- 
 sided figure, of about an inch in length and nearly half an inch in 
 diameter; when it is ready for boring. The shell then is inserted 
 into another piece of wood, sawed similarly to the above, but fasten- 
 ed firmly to a bench of the size of a common stand. One part of 
 the wood projects over the bench, at the end of which hangs a 
 weight, causing the sawed orifice to close firmly upon the shell in- 
 serted on its under side, and to hold it firmly, as in a vice, ready 
 for drilling. The drill is made from an untempered handsaw. 
 The operator grinds the drill to a proper shape, and tempers it in 
 the flame of a candle. A rude ring, with a groove on its circum- 
 ference, is put on it ; around which the operator, (seated in f" xit 
 of the fastened shell,) curls the string of a common hand-bow. The 
 boring commences, by nicely adjusting the point of the drill to the 
 centre of the shell ; while the other end is braced against a steel 
 plate, on the breast of the operator. About every other sweep of 
 the bow, the drill is dexterously drawn out, cleaned of the shelly 
 particles by the thumb and finger, above which drops of water 
 from a vessel fall down and cool the drill ; which is still kept re- 
 volving, by the use of the bow with the other hand, the same as 
 
BERGEN CCUNTY. 73 
 
 chough it were in the shell. This operation of boring is the most 
 difficult of all, the peculiar motion of the drill rendering it hard 
 for the breast ; yet it is performed with a rapidity and grace inter- 
 esting to witnebs. Peculiar care is observed, lest the shell burst 
 from heat caused by friction. When bored half way, the wampum 
 is reversed, and the same operation repeated. The next process is 
 the finishing. A wire, about twelve inches long, is fastened at one 
 end to a bench. Under and parallel to the wire is a grindstone, 
 fluted on its circumference, hung a little out of the centre, so as to 
 be turned by a treadle moved with the foot. The left hand grasps 
 the end of the wire, on which are strung the wampum, and, as it 
 were, wraps the beads around the fluted or hollow circumference 
 of the grindstone. While the grindstone is revolving, the beads 
 are held down on to it, and turned round by a flat piece of wood 
 held in the right hand, and by the grinding soon become round and 
 smooth. They are then strung on hempen strings, about a foot in 
 length. From five to ten strings are a day's work for a female. 
 They are sold to the country merchants for twelve and a half cents 
 a string, always command cash, and constitute the support of many 
 poor and worthy families. 
 
 HACKENSACK. 
 
 This township is 10 miles long, with a width varying from 3 to 
 5 miles. It is bounded N. by Harrington, E. by Hudson river, S. 
 by part of Hudson co., and W. by Lodi and New Barbadoes. On 
 the E. the Palisades skirt along the Hudson. The W. part is gen- 
 erally lovel, and contains much meadow-land in the valleys of 
 Hackensack river and English creek. The raising of garden 
 vegetables for the TVew York market furnishes support for many 
 of the inhabitants. The value in 1840 was 811,726; being more 
 than double that of any other township in the county. There are 
 4 bridges over the Hackensack, in the township, — one near the vil- 
 lage of Hackensack, and at New Milford, at Old Bridge, and at 
 New Bridge. These three, with Schraalenberg, Closter, and Mount 
 Clinton, contain each a few dwellings. English Neighborhood is a 
 thickly settled vicinity, in the south part, .5 miles from Hoboken, 
 where there is a Reformed Dutch and a Christ-ian church. The 
 township contains 5 stores, 9 grist m., 6 saw m. ; cap. in manufac- 
 $300 ; G schools, 281 scholars. Population, 2,631. in I8fi.'i,7 1 12. 
 
 The Palisade rocks, with their bold and rugged fronts, commence 
 a short distance above the city of New York, and form the western 
 bank of the Hudson to I'appan, a distance of twenty miles. Re- 
 markable for their picturesque and sublime appearance, they are 
 justly considered among the most interesting objects of natural 
 scenery in America. In some places they rise almost perpendicu- 
 larly from the shore, to the height of five or six hundred feet, and 
 form for miles a solid wall of dark frowning rock, impressing the 
 
 10 
 
BERGEN COUNTY. 
 
 X 
 
 Palisades. Hudson River. 
 
 Stranger, as he sails along their base, with the aspect of nature in 
 her sterner forms. The summit is slightly undulating table-land, 
 averaging in width about two miles, and generally covered with 
 wood. From thence the mountain gently descends to the west, and 
 is cleared and cultivated, with many neat farm-houses at its base. 
 Still further on, is seen the Hackensack quietly coursing through a 
 beautiful fertile valley; and in the perspective, the blue outlines of 
 distant hills in the interior of the state. 
 
 Fort Lee is a small village on the Hudson, 5 miles SE. of 
 Hackensack, and 9 above New York. It consists of about 30 
 dwellings, irregularly grouped in a nook at the foot of the Pali- 
 sades. It derives its name from the fort built in the war of the rev- 
 olution, on the summit of the rocks, about 300 feet above the river, 
 overlooking the village. Traces of the ruins of the fortress still 
 exist, and until within a short time some of the stone huts used by 
 the soldiers were standing. They were small, low, rude structures, 
 only large enough for one or two men. In digging the cellar for 
 the hotel, a few years since, swords, bullets, bayonets, and other 
 military relies were found. The site of the fort is overgrown with 
 low trees. 
 
 Fort Washington is on the opposite side of the Hudson, about 
 three mili>s above. When it was taken, Nov. 10, 1770, and the 
 garrison i)ut to the sword, tradition aliirms that Washington stood 
 on " Bluff Point" a high eminrnce just N. of Fort Lee. and with a 
 spyglass witnessing the massacre, appeared greatly agitated, and 
 
\ 
 \ 
 
 BERGEN COUNTY. 75 
 
 wept. Four days after, the Americans evacuated Fort Lee. The 
 following account is from the " American Crisis," by the author of 
 "Common Sense." 
 
 - As I was with the troops at Fort Lee, and marched with them to the edge of Penn- 
 sylvania, I am well acquainted with many circumstances which those who lived at a 
 distance knew a little or nothing of. Our situation there was exceedingly cramped, the 
 place being on a narrow neck of land, between the North river and Hackensack. Our 
 force was inconsiderable, being not one fourth as great as Howe could bring against us. 
 We had no army at hand to have relieved the garrison, had we shut ourselves up and 
 stood on the defence. Our ammunition, light artillery, and the best part of our stores 
 had been removed, upon the apprehension that Howe would endeavor to penetrate the 
 Jerseys, in which case Fort Lee could be of no use to us, for it must occur to every 
 tliinking man, whether in the army or not, that these kind of field forts are only for tem- 
 porary purposes, and last in use no longer than the enemy directs his force against the 
 particular object whicii such forts are raised to defend. 
 
 Such was our situation and condition at Fort Lee on the morning of the 20th of No- 
 vember, when an officer arrived witli information that the enemy with two hundred boats 
 had landed about seven or eight miles above. Major Gen. Greene, who commanded the 
 garrisoji, immediately ordered them under arms, and sent an express to his Excellency 
 Gen. Washington, at the town of Hackensack, distant by the way of the ferry six 
 miles. Our first object was to secure the bridge over the Hackensack, which laid up 
 tlie river between the enemy and us ; about six miles from us, and three from them. 
 Gen. Washington arrived in about three quarters of an hour, and marched at the head 
 of the troops toward the bridge, at which place I expected we should have a brush. How- 
 ever, they did not choose to dispute it with us, and the greatest part of our troops went 
 over the bridge, the rest over the ferry, except some which passed at a mill on a small 
 creek between the bridge and ferry, and made their way through some marshy ground 
 up to the town of Hackensack, and there passed the river. We brought off as much 
 baggage as the wagons could contain ; the rest was lost. The simple object was to 
 bring off the garrison, and to march them on until they could be strengthened by the 
 Pennsylvania or Jersey militia, so as to be enabled to make a stand. We staid four days 
 at Newark, collected in our outposts, with some of the Jersey militia, and marched out 
 twice to meet the enemy on information of their being advancing, though our numbers 
 were greatly inferior to theirs. 
 
 " A few miles below Fort Lee, at the base of the Palisades, is an- 
 other small village called Bulls Ferry, from a ferry which has ex- 
 isted there for more than half a century. Immediately below the 
 village stood, in the war of the revolution, a small blockhouse, in 
 possession of the enemy. It was unsuccessfully stormed by Gen. 
 Wayne. The account of this event is thus given by Washington. 
 
 Head Quarters, Bergen Co., July 21, 1780. 
 
 Sir — Having received information that there were considerable numbers of cattle and 
 horses in Bergen Neck, within reach of the enemy, and having reason to suspect that 
 they meant shortly to draw all supphes of that kind within their lines, I detached Brig. 
 Gen. Wayne on the 2Uth, with tlie first and second Pennsylvania brigades, with four 
 pieces of artillery attached to them, and Col. Moylan's regiment ot dragoons, to bring 
 them off. I had it also in contemplation, to attempt at the same time the destruction of 
 a blockhouse erected at Bulls Ferry, which served the purpose of covering the enemy's 
 wood-cutters, and giving security to a body of refugees, by wliom it was garrisoned, and 
 who committed depredations upon the well-affected inhabitants for many miles around. 
 
 Gen. Wayne having disposed his troops in such a manner as to guard the different 
 landing-places on the Bergen sliore, upon whieii tiic enemy might throw over troops from 
 York Island to intercept his retreat, and having sent down tiie cavalry to execute the 
 business of driving oft' the flock, proceeded with tlie first, second, and tenth regiments, 
 .and the artillery, to the blockhouse, whicli he surroundrd by an abattis and stockade. 
 He for some time tried the effect of his field-pieces upon it, but tliough the fire was kept 
 up for an hour, they were found too light to penetrate the logs of which it was construct- 
 ed. The troops during this time being galled by a constant fire from the loopholes of the 
 house, and seeing no chance of making a breach with cannon, those of the first and sec- 
 
76 BERGEN COUNTY. 
 
 ond regiments, notwithstanding the utmost efforts of the officers to retain them, rushed 
 through the abattis to the foot of the stockade, with the view of forcing an entrance, 
 which was found impracticable. This act of intemperate valor was the cause of the loss 
 we sustained, and which amounted in the whole to 3 officers wounded, 15 non-commis- 
 sioned officers and privates killed, and 46 non-commissioned and privates wounded. 
 The wounded officers are Lieutenants Hammond and Crawford, of the first, and Lieut. 
 D'Heart of the second, since dead. I cannot but mention his death witii regret, as he 
 was a young gentleman of amiable qualities, and who promised fair to be serviceable to 
 his country. 
 
 The dragoons in the mean time drove off the stock which were found in the Neck ; 
 tlie sloops and wood -boats in the dock near the blockhouse were burnt, and the few peo- 
 ple on board them made prisoners. 
 
 I have been tims particular, lest the account of this affair should have reached Phila- 
 delphia much exaggerated, as is commonly the case upon such occasions. 
 I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, 
 
 Your Excellency's most obedient servant, 
 
 GEORGE WASHINGTON, 
 To his Excellency, Samuel Huntington, Esq. 
 
 It is Stated by tradition, that at the time the Americans drew off, 
 the enemy had but a single round left. Had they persevered ten 
 minutes longer, the fort would have fallen into their hands. Wayne 
 was much chagrined at his want of success, and, on witnessing his 
 brave men brought off mortally wounded, shed tears. 
 
 The following are extracts from letters published in the news- 
 papers of the time : 
 
 Extract from a letter dated New Barhadoes, Bergen Co., April 22, 1779. 
 
 Yesterday evening Capt. Jon. Hopper, a brave and spirited officer of the militia of 
 this county, was basely murdered by a party of ruffians from New York. He discovered 
 them breaking open his stable door and hailed them, upon which they fired and wounded 
 him : he returned to his house — they followed, burst open the door, and bayoneted him 
 in upwards of 20 places. One of tliem Iiad formerly been a neighbor of his. 
 
 Extract of a letter dated Closter, May 10, 1779. 
 
 This day about 100 of the enemy came by the way of New Dock, attacked this place, 
 and carried off Cornelius Tallman, Samuel Demarest, Jacob Cole, and George Buskirk • 
 killed Cornelius Demarest ; wounded Hendrick Demarest, Jeremiah Vestervelt, Dow 
 Talliniui, &c. They burnt the dwelling-houses of Peter Demarest, Matthias liogart, and 
 Cornelius Huyler, Samuel Demarest's liouse and barn, Jolin Banta's house and barn, and 
 Cornelius Bogarl's and John Vestervelfs barns. They attempted to burn every building 
 they entered, but the fire was in some places extinguished. They destroyed all tlie fur- 
 niture, &.C., in many houses, and abused many of the women. In their retreat they were 
 so closely pursued by the militia, and a few continental troops, that they took off no cat- 
 tle. They were of Buskirk's corps, some of our Closter and old Tappan neighbors, joined 
 by a party of negroes. I should have mentioned the negroes first, in order to grace the 
 British arms. 
 
 Extract of a letter from New Barhadoes, July 22, 1779. 
 
 On Sunday afternoon, the 10th instant, a party of refugees and lories, in number 
 about 20, under the connnand of a Lieut. AValler, (as it is said,) landed at Closter Dock, 
 and advanced to the neighborhood called Closter. from wiiicli they collected and drove 
 off a considerable number of cattle and horses, in order to carry them on i)oard a sloop 
 which they had brought up for that purpose. They were pursued by Ca])tain Barring 
 and Thf)mas Branch, Esq., at the head of a few of their neighbors, hastily collected, 
 who recovered all the cattle except two, and a calf, and all the horses save one, and an old 
 mare, which they had got on board previous to tlie arrival of Ca])tain Harring. The 
 Captain took two prisoners, seven stand of arms, and three suits of clothes, and obliged 
 the enemy to cut their cable, conceal themselves below deck, and let their vessel drive 
 with the tide, notwithstanding above 20 vessels in the river attempted to protect them 
 by cannonading Captain Harring." 
 
BERGEN COUNTY 
 
 77 
 
 HARRINGTON. 
 
 This township was reduced, in 1840, about one half, by the form- 
 ation of Washington from the western portion. It approaches in 
 form to a square, and measures across it, each way, about 5 miles. 
 It is bounded N. by Rockland co., (New York,) E. by Hudson river, 
 S. by Hackensack, and W. by Washington. The Palisades skirt it 
 on its eastern boundary, and the Hackensack river divides it from 
 Washington. The soil is fertile, and the township produces large 
 quantities of orchard-fruit. The township contains 3 stores, 4 grist- 
 mills, 4 saw-mills ; capital in manufactures S5.200 r G schools, 
 154 scholars. Population, 1,130. m 1865^ 1.748. 
 
 Place of the Execution and Grave of Andre. 
 
 The village of Tappan is just over the boundary line, in the state 
 of New York. The place where Maj. Andre was executed is 
 about a quarter of a mile west of the village, within a few hun- 
 dred yards of the New Jersey line. It is on an eminence, over- 
 looking, to the east, a romantic and fertile valley. A small heap 
 of stones, thrown carelessly together, with an upright stake, marks 
 the place of his execution and grave. In August, 1831, the Brit- 
 ish consul at New York. (J. Buchanan, Esq.) caused the remains 
 of Andre to be disinterred, and conveyed to London. 
 
 The following account of the execution of Andre, which took 
 place October 2d, 1780, is given by an eye-witness: 
 
 ' I was at that time an artificer in Col. Jeduthun Baldwin's regiment, a part of which 
 was stationed witliin a short distance of the spot where Andre suffered. One of our men, 
 (I believe his name was Armstrong,) being one of the oldest and best workmen at his 
 trade in the regiment, was selected to make his coffin, which he performed, and painted 
 black, agreeably to the custom in those times. 
 
 " At lliis time Andre was confined in what was called a Dutch church, a small stone 
 building, with only one door, and closely guarded by six sentinels. When the hour ap- 
 pointed for his execution arrived, which I believe was two o'clock, P. M., a guard of 
 three hundred men were paraded at the place of his confinement. A kind of procession 
 was formed by placing the guard in single file on each side of the road. In front were 
 a largo number of American officers, of high rank, on horseback. These were followed 
 by the wagon containing Andre's coffin ; then a large immber of officers on foot, with 
 Andre in their midst. The procession moved slowly up a moderately-rising hill, I should 
 
78 BERGEN COUNTY. 
 
 think about a fourth of a mile to the west. On the top was a field without any enclo- 
 sure. In this was a very high gallows, made by setting up two poles or crotches, laying 
 a pole on the top. The wajjon that contained the coffin was drawn directly under the 
 gallows. In a short time Andre stepped into the nind end of the wagon ; then on his 
 coffin — took otf his hat and laid it down — then placed his hands upon his liips, and 
 walked very uprightly back and forth, as far as the length of his eoifin would permit ; at 
 the same time casting his eyes upon the pole over his head, and the whole scenery by 
 which he was surrounded. He was dressed in what I should call a com|)lete British 
 uniform : his coat was of the brightest scarlet, faced or trimmed with the most beautiful 
 green. His under-clothes, or vest and breeches, were bright bufF, very similar to those 
 worn by military officers in Connecticut, at the present day. He had a long and beauti- 
 ful head of hair, wliich, agreeably to the fashion, was wound with a black riband, and 
 hung down his back. All eyes were upon him ; and it is not believed that any officer in 
 the British army, placed in his situation, would have appeared better than this unfortu- 
 nate man. 
 
 " Not many minutes after he took his stand upon the coffin, the executioner stepped 
 into the wagon, with a halter in his hand, on one end of which was what the soldiers in 
 those days called a hangman's knot, which he attempted to put over the head and around 
 the neck of Andre ; but b}' a sudden movement of his hand this was prevented. Andre 
 took off the handkerchief from his neck, unpinned his shirt-collar, and deliberately took 
 the end of the halter, put it over his head, and placed the knot directly under his right 
 ear, and drew it verj^ snugly to his neck. He then took from his coat-pocket a handker- 
 chief, and tied it over his eyes. This done, the officer that commanded (his name I 
 have forgotten) spoke in rather a loud voice, and said ihat his arms must be tied. Andre 
 at once pulled down the handkerchief he had just tied over his eyes, and drew from his 
 pocket a second one, and gave to the executioner ; and then replaced his handkerchief. 
 His arms were tied just above the elbows, and behind the back. The rope was then 
 made fast to the pole overhead. The wagon was very suddenly drawn from under the 
 gallows, which, together with the length of rope, gave him a most tremendous swing 
 back and forth ; but in a few moments he hung entirely still. During the whole trans- 
 action, he appeared as little daunted as Mr. John Rogers, when he was about to be burnt 
 at the stake ; but his countenance was rather pale. He remained hanging, I should 
 think, from tvveny to thirty minutes ; and during that time the chambers of death were 
 never stiller than the multitude by which he was surrounded. Orders were given to cut 
 the rope, and take him down, without letting him fall. This was done, and his body 
 carefully laid on the ground. Shortly after, the guard was withdrawn, and spectators 
 were permitted to come forward to view the corpse ; but the crowd was so great that it 
 was some time before I could get an opportunity. When I was able to do this, his coat, 
 vest, and breeches were taken off, and his body laid in the coffin, covered by some un- 
 der-clothes. The top of the coffin was not put on. I viewed the corpse more carefully 
 than I had ever done that of any human being before. His head was very much on one 
 side, in consequence of the manner in which tiie halter drew upon his neck. His face 
 appeared to be greatly swollen and very black, much resembling a high degree of morti- 
 fication. It was indeed a shocking sight to behold. There were at this time, standing 
 at the foot of the coffin, two young men, of uncommon short stature — I should think not 
 more than four feet high. Their dress was the most gaudy that I ever beheld. One of 
 them had the clothes, just taken from Andre, hanging on his arm. I took particular 
 pains to learn who they were, and was informed that they were his servants, sent up from 
 New York to take care of his clothes ; but what other business I did not learn. 
 
 " I now turned to take a view of the executioner, who was still standing by one of the 
 posts of the gallows. I walked nigh enough to him to have laid my hand upon his 
 shoulder, and looked him directly in his face. He appeared to be about twenty-five years 
 A age, his beard of two or three weeks' growth, and his whole face covered with what 
 appeared to me to be blacking taken from the outside of a greasy pot. A more fright, 
 ful-looking being I never beheld : his whole countenance bespoke him to be a fit instru- 
 ment for the business he had been doing. Wishing to see the closing of the whole 
 business, I remained upon the spot until scarce twenty persons were left; butthecof- 
 fin was still beside the grave, which had previously been dug. I now returned to my tent, 
 with my mind deeply imbued wilii the shocking scene I had been called to witness." 
 
 The following account of the massacre of Col. Baylor's troop, in 
 October, 1778, is taken from Ramsay's History of the American 
 Revolution, (vol. ii.) This bloody transaction took place (it is 
 
BERGEN COUNTY. 79 
 
 ,tated) about two and a half miles SW. of Tappan, in a barn which 
 .brmerly stood near Hackensack river. 
 
 " One of the most disastrous events which occurred at this period of the 
 campaign, was the surprise and massacre of an American regiment of light 
 dragoons, commanded by Lieut. Col. Baylor. While employed, in a de- 
 <ached situation, to intercept and watch a British foraging party, they took 
 up their lodging in a barn, near Tappan. The officer who commanded the 
 party whicl) surprised them was Maj. Gen. Grey. He acquired the name 
 of the ' no flint General,'' from his common practice of ordering the men un- 
 jer his command to take the flints out of their muskets, that they might be 
 confined to the use of their bayonets. A party of militia, which had been 
 stationed on the road, by which the British advanced, quitted their post, 
 without giving any notice to Col. Baylor. This disorderly conduct was the 
 occasion of the disaster which followed. Grey's men proceeded with such 
 iilence and address, that they cut off a sergeant's patrol, without noise, and 
 (jurrounded old Tappan without being discovered. They then rushed in 
 upon Baylor's regiment, while they were in a profound sleep. Incapable 
 of defence or resistance, cut off from every prospect of selling their lives 
 dearly, the surprised dragoons sued for quarters. Unmoved by their sup- 
 plications, their adversaries applied the bayonet, and continued its repeated 
 thrusts while objects could be found, in which any signs of life appeared. 
 A few escaped, and others, after having received from five to eleven bayo- 
 net wounds in the trunk of the body, were restored, in course of time, to 
 perfect health. Baylor himself was wounded, but not dangerously. He 
 lost, in killed, wounded, and taken, 67 privates, out of 104. About 40 were 
 made prisoners. These were indebted for their lives to the humanity of 
 one of Grey's captains, who gave quarters to the whole fourth troop, though 
 contrary to the orders of his superior officers. The circumstance of the at- 
 tack being made in the night, when neither order nor discipline can be ob- 
 served, may apologize, in some degree, with men of a certain description, 
 for this bloody scene. It cannot be maintained that the laws of war re- 
 quire that quarters should be given in similar assaults ; but the lovers of 
 mankind must ever contend, that the laws of humanity are of superior ob- 
 ligation to those of war. The truly brave will spare when resistance 
 ceases, and in every case where it can be done in safety. The perpetra- 
 tors of such actions may justly be denominated the enemies of refined so- 
 ciety.. As far as their example prevails, it tends to arrest the growing hu- 
 manity of modern times, and to revive the barbarism of Gothic ages. On 
 these principles, the massacre of Col. Baylor's regiment was the subject of 
 much complaint. The particulars of it were ascertained, by the oaths of 
 sundry credible witnesses, taken before Gov. Living.ston, of Jersey ; and 
 the whole was submitted to the judgment of the public." 
 
 LODI. 
 
 This township was formed from New Barbadoes, in 1825, and 
 \. educed in limits, in 1840, by the formation of Hudson co. Its 
 Ic.igth is about 6 miles. It is bounded N. by New Barbadoes, E. 
 h), Hackensack, S. by Hudson co., and W. by Hudson co. and Saddle 
 Ri rer. The Saddle river courses on its western, and the Hacken- 
 
30 BERGEN COUNTY 
 
 sack on its eastern boundary. As tending to show the preservation 
 of the ancient Dutch names in this region, it is mentioned that in 
 a sabbath-school, formed in this township, in 1827 or 1828, out of 
 41 scholars, 40 bore the name of Yierriance. This township con- 
 tains a dyeing and printing establishment, 3 grist-mills, 3 saw-mills ; 
 capital in manufactures. $70,000 ; 2 schools, 52 scholars. Popula- 
 tion, 687. in 1865^,2,134, 
 
 NEW BARBADOES. 
 
 This township is about 7 miles long, and 3i wide. It is bounded 
 N. by Washington, E. by Hackensack, S. by Lodi, and W. by Saddle 
 River and Franklin. The Hackensack is on the eastern, and 
 Saddle river on the western boundary. The surface is ganerally 
 level, or undulating ; the soil is highly cultivated and productive. 
 Several sloops ply, on the Hackensack, between here and New 
 Yo k. laden with the wood and produce of the country. Popula- 
 liouIiiJ8tt5/,4lUo 
 
 Hackensack, tne seat of justice for Bergen co., is on the west 
 bank of Hackensack river, 13 miles from New York city. The 
 town was originally settled by six or eight Dutch families, and in- 
 cluded in a patent, granted by the proprietors of East Jersey, to 
 Capt. John Berry, commencing about 5 miles below the town, at 
 what was then called the Boiling Spring road, and extending to the 
 north of it about 2 miles ; and bounded on the E. by Hackensack, 
 and W. by Saddle River. It was subject to a quit-rent : all the 
 titles to lots in the town are derived originally from this grant ; 
 but no quit-rents have been paid since the revolution. 
 
 At the commencement of the revolutionary war Hackensack 
 contained only about 30 houses. It now has over 200, and a popu- 
 lation of about 1,.500. There are 4 churches. The Ref Protestant 
 Dutch church is a handsome stone edifice (shown in the annexed 
 engraving) on one side of the public green. It is the third built on 
 that site. The first was erected in 1696, and the present one in 
 1791. There is another in the lower part of the town, erected 
 by a congregation formed from the first, styled the " True Re- 
 formed Dutch church." The third one, called " The Independent 
 church." was formed from the last. There is also a Methodist 
 church in the village. The last three are wooden structures erect- 
 ed within a few years. The courthouse built in 1819, a handsome 
 brick building, is the fourth erected, [acct. i/i"1842-] 
 
 Hackensack is one of the most pieasant villages in the state, 
 stretching along through the meadows, on two main streets, for a 
 mile or more : back of these is a new street recently laid out. 
 There are four streets leading from the front to the rear streets. 
 There are several elegant mansions in the town, and a great addi- 
 tion is made to its appearance by the cultivation of shade-trees and 
 shrubbery. 
 
BERGEN COUNTY. 
 
 81 
 
 ITorfhernVieiD of the Public Buildings in HacTcensacTc, K J. 
 The en-ravin- shows the appearance of several public buildings situated 
 arouml the public square or green in the central part of the place. The Court 
 Ho se Surrogate's office, &(^, are seen on the right; on the left .s seen part of 
 SrWasHngron Mansion House, on the extreme right, part of the Hackensack 
 House; the ancient Dutch church appears in the central part, having the tol- 
 lowing inscription on its front, 
 
 Rpformpd Protestant Dutch Church, erected A. D 16%. and -ebuilt 1723, rebuilt 1791. 
 How uminble are thy liiliernacles, O Lord of hosts. Psalm b4, J. 
 Under the shade of the ancient willows, standing by the church is the grave 
 of Gen. Poor. (See page 84.) Over it now stands a tabular monument witli 
 the following added to the original inscription : 
 
 W.shin-toa Lafayette, and a portion ct the American army attended the funeral of 
 Gen PooV in I8i4 Lafayette^isited this grave, and turning away much aft.cted, 
 exclaimed, "Ah I that was one of ray pnerala! ' 
 
 Hackensack is now connected with New York by a railroad ; it now has 
 7 churches, several academies and boarding schools and 12 Sunday Schools in 
 the township, and according to the State census of 1865, a population of 7,112. 
 
 We are indebted to the kindness of an eye-witness, for the fol- 
 lowing detailed account of military operations in this place and 
 vicinity in the war of the revolution. 
 
 "After the evacuation of Fort Lee in Nov., 177G, and the sur- 
 render of Fort Washington to the British, Washington, at the head 
 of his army, consisting only of about 3,000 men, having sent on his 
 baggage to Acquackanonck, crossed the New Bridge into the town. 
 It was about dusk when the head of the troops entered Hacken- 
 sack The night was dark, cold, and rainy, but I had a fair view 
 of them from the light of the windows, as they passed on our side 
 of the street. They marched two abreast, looked ragged, some 
 without a shoe to their feet, and most of them wrapped in their 
 blankets. Washington then, and for some time previous, had his 
 head-quarters at the residence of Mr. Peter Zabriskie, a private 
 house, the supplies for the general's table being lurnished by Mr. 
 
S2 BERGEN COUNTY. 
 
 Archibald Campbell, the tavern-keeper. The next evening, af- 
 ter the Americans had passed through, the British were encamped 
 on the opposite side of the river. We could see their fires about 
 100 yards apart, gleaming brilliantly in the gloom of night, ex- 
 tending some distance below the town, and more than a mile up 
 toward the New Bridge. Washington was still at his quarters, 
 and had with him his suite, life-guards, a company of foot, a regi- 
 ment of cavalry, and some soldiers from the rear of the army. In 
 the morning, before the general left, he rode down to the dock 
 where the bridge now is, viewed the enemy's encampment about 
 ten or fifteen minutes, and then returned to Mr. Campbell's door 
 and called for some wine and water. After he had drunk, and when 
 Mr. Campbell was taking the glass from him, the latter, with tears 
 streaming down his face, said, ' General, what shall I do, I have a 
 family of small children and a little property here ; shall I leave 
 it V Washington kindly took his hand and replied, ' Mr. Campbell, 
 stay by your property and keep neutral,' then bidding him ' good- 
 bye,' rode off. About noon the next day, the British took posses- 
 sion of the town, and in the afternoon the green was covered with 
 Hessians, a horrid, frightful sight to the inhabitants. There were 
 between 3,000 and 4,000, with their whiskers, brass caps, and ket- 
 tles or brass drums. A part of these same troops were two months 
 after taken prisoners at Trenton." 
 
 "In the latter part of March, 1780, a party of about 400 British, 
 Hessians, and refugees, passed through Hackensack on their way 
 to attack some Pennsylvania troops at Paramus. It was about 3 
 o'clock in the night when they entered the lower part of the town. 
 All was quiet. A small company of 20 or 30 militia, under Capt. 
 John Outwater, had retired for the night to the barracks, barns, and 
 out-houses, where those friendly to the American cause generally 
 resorted to rest. One half of the enemy marched quietly through. 
 When the rear, consisting mostly of Hessians, arrived, they brtrt^e 
 open the doors and windows, robbed and plundered, and took pris- 
 oners a few peaceable inhabitants, among whom was Mr. Archi- 
 bald Campbell. This gentleman, who had been for several weeks 
 confined to his bed with the rheumatism, they forced into the street 
 and compelled to follow them. Often in their rear, they threatened 
 to shoot him if he did not hasten his pace. In the subsequent con- 
 fusion he escaped and hid in the cellar of a house opposite the 
 New Bridge. He lived until 1798, and never experienced a return 
 nf the rheumatism. 
 
 The Hessians burnt 2 dwellings and the courthouse. The latter 
 stood on the west side of the green, 8 or 10 rods from Campbell's 
 tavern. Fortunately the wind was from the west and drove the 
 flames and sparks over the green, and the tavern was saved by the 
 family throwing water over the roof. At this time those in the out- 
 houses were aroused, and the militia hastened across the fields, 
 mounted horses, and alarmed the troops at Paramus. By the time 
 the enemy had arrived at what is now the Red Mills, 4 miles from 
 
BERGEN COUNTY. 83 
 
 Hackensack, they ascertained the Americans were on their way to 
 meet them. Disappointed, they retraced their steps, and when 
 near Hackensack turned off to the north, on the road leading to 
 the New Bridge, to the left of which there is a range about half a 
 mile distant from the road, the intervening ground being level. 
 Here the continentals and militia were hurrying over, kept how- 
 ever at a distance by large flanking parties of the enemy, who, on 
 arriving at the bridge, were detained about two hours in replacing 
 the plank torn off by the Americans. In the mean time their par- 
 ties were skirmishing with our people. Having crossed over, they 
 marched down the east side of the Hackensack through the Eng- 
 lish Neighborhood, being pursued 12 miles, to a considerable distance 
 within their lines, down to Bergen woods. They lost many killed 
 and wounded. There Avere none killed on our side. A young 
 man of the town was wounded by a spent ball, which cut his up- 
 per lip, knocked out four front teeth, and was caught in his mouth. 
 Capt. Outwater received a ball below the knee, which was never 
 extracted. He carried it for many years, and it was buried with him. 
 
 The following account of an exploit performed about one and a 
 half miles from the New Bridge, by the celebrated Aaron Burr, then 
 in the revolutionary army, is from a statement made by Judge 
 G. Gardner. 
 
 "In September, 1777, the regiment called Malcom's regiment 
 lay at SufFren's, in the Clove, under the command of Lieutenant- 
 colonel Burr. Intelligence having been received that the enemy 
 were in Hackensack in great force, and advancing into the coun- 
 try. Col. Burr immediately marched with the effective men, except 
 
 a guard to take care of the camp We arrived at Para- 
 
 mus, a distance of 16 miles, before sunset. There were considera- 
 ble bodies of militia in great alarm and disorder, and doing much 
 mischief to the neighboring farms. They could give no intelligence 
 of the enemy but from rumor. They supposed them to be within a 
 few miles and advancing. 
 
 " Col. Burr set some of the militia to repair the fences they had 
 destroyed, and arranged them as well as time would permit ; and 
 having taken measures to secure the troops from surprise, and also 
 for the protection of the cornfields, he marched immediately, with 
 about 30 of the most active of the regiment, and a few of the mi- 
 litia, to ascertain the position and numbers of the enemy. About 
 10 o'clock at night, being 3 miles from Hackensack, we got certain 
 intelligence that we were within a mile of the picket guard of the 
 enemy. Col. Burr then led the men into a wood, and ordered them 
 to sleep till he should awake them, of which Ave had great need, 
 having marched more than 30 miles since noon. Col. Burr then 
 Avent alone to discover the position of the enemy. He returned 
 about half an hour before day and waked us, and told us that he 
 was going to attack the picket of the enemy ; that we had only to 
 follow him, and then forbid any man to speak or to fire, on pain of 
 death. He then led us between the sentinels in such a way, that 
 
84 BERGEN COUNTY. 
 
 we were within a few yards of the picket guard before they sus- 
 pected our approach. He then gave the word, and we rushed up- 
 on them before they had time to take their arms, and the greater 
 part were killed. A lew prisoners and sorae accoutrements were 
 brought oli" without the loss of one man. Col. Burr immediately 
 sent off an express to Paramus, to order all the troops to move, and 
 to rally the country. Our little success had so encouraged the in- 
 habitants, that they turned out with great alacrity and put them- 
 selves under the command of Col. Burr. But the enemy, probably 
 alarmed by these threatening appearances, retreated the next day, 
 leaving behind them the greater part of the plunder which they had 
 taken," 
 
 The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the 
 graveyard annexed to the church. The first is on a tall granite 
 monument in the rear of the building, and the last on a flat 
 stone lying horizontally upon the ground, under the willow seen 
 in the preceding engraving. {Seepage 81) 
 
 " In memory of Col. Richard Varick, lormerly mayor of the city of New York, and 
 at the time of his decease, president of the American Bible Society. Born 25th March, 
 1753. Died 3Uth of July, 1831, aged 78 years, 4 months, and 5 days." 
 
 *' In memory of Peter Wilson, LL.D., who was born in the parish of Ordignhill in 
 tlie shire of BamfT, Scotland, Nov. 23d, 1746, and emigrated to this county in 1763. 
 For many years jjc was tiie etlicie«t and successful principal of the academy in this 
 place, and afterward of that at Flatbush, L. I., and for 26 years officiated as professor 
 of languages in Columbia College. A zealous and successful patriot and Christian, and 
 exemplary in all the public, social, and domestic relations which he sustained, he closed 
 a life of indefatigable activity and constant usefulness, on the 1st of August, 1825, in 
 the 79th year of his age. ' Blessed arc the dead who die in the Lord. They rest from 
 their labors and their works do follow them.' " 
 
 " In memory of the Hon. Brigadier-general Enoch Poor, of the state of New Hamp- 
 shire, who departed this life on the 8th day of September, 1780, aged 44 )'ears." 
 
 At the time of the death of General Poor, the American army 
 was at Kincrhamach, near the line of New York and New Jersey. 
 The funeral was attended by Washington and Lafayette, and the 
 procession, composed of a long line of soldiers, both foot and horse, 
 extended from the church to the upper end of the town. They 
 had 2 field-pieces, which were not discharged, probably on account 
 of the vicinity to the enemy. Lafayette, on his last visit to this 
 country, was shown the grave. He was much aifected, and on 
 turning away, exclaimed, " Ah ! that was one of my generals !" 
 
 SADDLE RIVER. 
 
 Saddle River, previous to the formation of Passaic co., com- 
 prised within its limits what is now Manchester of that co. It was 
 then shaped like a saddle, from which it derived its name. It is 
 now 7 miles long and 2 wide, and is bounded N. by Franklin, E. 
 by New Barbadoes, SE. by Lodi, and W. by Acquackanonck and 
 Manchester. The Passaic courses its western and the Saddle 
 
BURLINGTON COUNTY. 85 
 
 river its E. line. The latter merges into the former at the S. point 
 of the township. The surface is level, and the soil well-cultivated, 
 and very productive in garden vegetables. The township contains 
 4 grist-m., 1 saw-m. ; 5 schools, ifii scholars. Pop 1,063 
 
 WASHINGTON. 
 
 Washington was formed from the western part of Harrington in 
 1840. It is about 7 miles long, 5 wide, and is bounded N. by Rock- 
 land CO., N. Y., E. by Harrington, S. by New Barbadoes, and W. 
 by Franklin. The Saddle river courses on its W., and the Hacken- 
 sack on its E. boundary. The surface is level and well watered. 
 The dairy business is extensively carried on. Paskack, is the name 
 of the post-ofRce in this township, 10 miles N. of Hackensack, and 
 73 from Trenton. The township contains 6 stores, cap. $7.300 ; G 
 grist-m., 14 saw-m.; cap. in mauufac. $5,200 ; f schools, V^'l schol- 
 ars. Pop. 1,833. in 1865, 3038u 
 
 BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 The bounds of Burlington co. were first established (though not 
 with much particularity) in 1694. They were definitely settled by 
 the act of 1710. The limits were reduced in 1710 by the forma- 
 tion of Hunterdon co., by which the Assanpink creek was made the 
 northern boundary, and still further in 1838 by the erection of Mer- 
 oer CO., when the township of Nottingham was annexed to the new 
 county. This county derives its name from the town of Burlington, 
 which was early settled by English Friends. It is a long tract, ex- 
 tending from the Delaware river to the Atlantic ocean ; being the 
 only county that reaches across the width of the state. Its extreme 
 length is about 50 miles ; breadth on the NW. about 22, and near 
 the SE. end about 13 miles. It is bounded NNW. by the Delaware 
 river, N. by Mercer co., ENE. by Monmouth co., SE. by the Atlan- 
 tic ocean, and SW. by Atlantic and Gi">ucester counties. The 
 county is of an alluvial formation, composed of sand, gravel, loam, 
 and clay, and its surface is generally level or undulating. In the 
 interior, a few miles from the Delaware, is a strip of exceedingly 
 fertile land several miles wide, on which are some of the finest 
 farms in the state, highly cultivated, and much improved by the 
 marl which abounds there. The prominent agricultural products 
 of the county are wheat, corn, rye, oats, grass, beans, and potatoes. 
 Beyond the above tract, for about forty miles, nearly to the sea-shore, 
 the whole country is generally a light sandy soil covered princi- 
 pally^ with pines, in which are but i'ew inhabitants, who are occu- 
 pied in cutting timber for transportation, or are 'employed in the 
 glass works and iron foundries scattered here and there over its 
 surface. Along the sea-shore is a narrow strip of fertile land. 
 
86 BUKLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 The S. AV. part of the county is bounded by Little Egg Harbor river, on the 
 easterly by Monmouth and Ocean Counties, northerly by the Delaware river, 
 and southerly by the Atlantic ocean ; it is now divided into the following town- 
 ships : 
 
 Bordentown, Cinnaminson, New Hanover, Washington, 
 
 Burlington, E*^csham, Northampton, Westhampton, 
 
 Bass River, Little Egg Harbor, Pemborton, Willingboro. 
 
 Beverly, Lumberton, Shamong, 
 
 Chesterfield, Mansfield, Southampton, 
 
 Chester, Mcdford, Springfield, 
 
 The population of the county in 1810, was 23,745; in 1820, 25,189; in 
 1840, 32,836 ; in 1855, 46,442, and in 1865, 50,719. 
 
 BURLINGTON. 
 
 The extreme length of Burlington is 7 miles. It is bounded NE. 
 by Mansfield, SE. by Northampton, SW. by Willingboro, and NW. 
 by the Delaware river. Pop. 3.434. Its surface is level, or gently 
 undulating, and its soil fertile Pop,iDlNbD,7,323. 
 
 Burlington city, of Burlington touoisiuf), Bur mgton county, 20 
 miles NE. from Philadelphia, 15W h'om Washington city, and 12 
 SW. from Trenton, is pleasantly situated upon the river Delaware, 
 opposite Bristol in Pennsylvania. Among the original purchasers 
 of West Jersey lands, were two companies, one composed of some 
 "■ Friends" in Yorkshire, and the other of some " Friends" in Lon- 
 don, who each contracted and had patents for considerable shares. 
 In 1667, commissioners were sent by them empowered to buy lands 
 of the natives, &c. (For the names of the commissioners, see 
 Smith's History of New Jersey.) They embarked in the Kent, 
 (being the second ship from London to the western parts.) Charles 
 11, pleasuring in his barge on the Thames, came alongside and gave 
 them his blessing. In June of that year, said commissioners ar- 
 rived at an island in the Delaware on the Jersey shore, (now at- 
 tached to the main land by causeways and bridges.) called from an 
 old Indian chief, Chygoe's Island. Here the two parties above re 
 ferred to agreed to unite in settling a town. Noble, a surveyor 
 who came in the first ship, was employed to divide the spot. The 
 main street (now High-street) being ascertained, he divided the 
 land on each side into lots, the eastern among the Yorkshire pro- 
 prietors, the other among the Londoners. To the town, thus by 
 mutuiil consent laid out. the commissioners gave the name first of 
 New Beverly, then of Bridlington, and finally Burlington. Corpo- 
 ration privileges were first granted to it by the General Assembly 
 of New Jersey, in May, 1693, and May, 1695 — the bounds extending 
 only to the island. It was incorporated bylett(M-s patent of George 
 II, A. D. 1734, extending the limits to the township. The present 
 charter bears dale Dec. 21st, 1784, and declares it to extend the 
 length of 3 miles on the river Delaware, and one mile into the 
 county frem the river at right angles. Prior to 1676, the site of 
 
BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 87 
 
 St. Mary^t Eail, and Chapd, and Bishop Odenhdmer's Residence. 
 
 [The annexed engraving is a repreeentatioa of St. Mary's Hall and Chapel seen oq 
 the left, and of Biahop Odenheimer'B residence, a Gothic structure, seen on the right.] 
 
 this town was holden by 4 Dutch families, one of whom kept an 
 inn for the accommodation of travellers passmg to and from the 
 settlements on the west shores of the Delaware and New York 
 It contains about 500 dwellings, and about 3,200 inhabitants, of 
 whom about 300 are colored. It has places for divine worship as 
 follows: 1 Methodist Episcopal,! of the Society of Friends (ortho- 
 dox,) 1 Baptist, 1 Protestant Episcopal, 1 Presbyterian, and two 
 meeting-houses of people of color. It has also a city hall and mar- 
 ket ; aS arsenal ; a lyceum belonging to an incorporated company 
 which originated in 1835; a valuable and ancient pubhc library ; 
 a humane society for the recovery of drowned persons ; an hospital ; 
 two large beneficial societies, one formed on the principle oi total 
 abstinence from all intoxicating drinks ; a large temperance society ; 
 two Dorcas societies; a vigorous and highly commendabe society 
 instituted in the year 1796, and since incorporated, called Ihe 
 Friendly Institution," and composed chiefly of ladies, ior the pri- 
 vate relief of distress, and having for its motto the line, 
 
 " To spare the modest blusli,— to give unseen." 
 
 The city is supplied with the purest of water by an aqueduct 
 comoanv (incorporated A. D. 1804) which obtains its supplies from 
 some' springs in' high ground in the neighborhood The city also 
 owes much to an incorporated meadow company which has stopped 
 out the tide, and converted the marshes into excellent meadows. 
 It has a celebrated boarding-school conducted by Charles^^Atherton, 
 successor to John Gummere and Samuel Aaron ; also, St. Marys 
 Hall, a large and magnificent boarding-school for girls, delightlully 
 situated on the Green Bank, under the exclusive direction ot the 
 bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church m this state. 
 
S8 BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 There is in the city a free-school, chiefly maintained from the rents 
 of Mattnicunk, or Burlington Island, given for that purpose by act of 
 assembly, Sept. 28th, 1682. This island contains about 300 acres, 
 and IS divided into two farms. It is in the Delaware, (which is at this 
 place over a mile in width,) opposite the city. There are also, a school 
 endowed by the Society of Friends, a number of common schools 
 lor white, and one for colored children. There is a large and 
 Nourishing steam saw and grist mill. There are three fire com- 
 panies. The Mechanics' Bank of this place does a good and safe 
 business, and in public estimation ranks among the first in the state. 
 There are four physicians, several practising attorneys, a consider- 
 able number of well-conducted and well-supplied stores, devoted 
 to general merchandise ; one large drug-store, and several mainly 
 devoted to that business. Shoes are extensively manufactured. 
 The number of mechanics is large, and these are nearly all pledged 
 to total abstinence, together with many other inhabitants, which 
 adds to the moral tone for which this city has ever been remarka- 
 ble. Burlington w^as originally the capital of New Jersey, and 
 also the seat oi justice of the county, but was deprived of these 
 advantages in consequence of its location not being sufficiently 
 central. The regulation of the city is intrusted to a mayor, re- 
 corder, and three aldermen, appointed by the legislature, and six 
 common council-men annually elective. It is a place of summer 
 resort, on account of its salubrity. The harbor is good. The Cam- 
 den and Amboy railroad passes through one of the principal streets ; 
 and by means of this and the numerous steamers plying on the 
 Delaware, great facilities are afforded for communication with 
 Philadelphia. 
 
 By reference to a fair original record now extant, we find that a 
 monthly meeting of the Society of Friends was regularly organ- 
 ized in Burlington "the 15th of y« 5th mo"" 1078." The first item 
 of business of this body was to agree " that a collection be made 
 once a month for y« use of y" poor." In September of the same 
 year it is recorded, " Friends also stak't or mark't out y* burying 
 ground, and gave order for y" fencing of itt." The corner-stone of 
 the Episcopal church was laid March 25th, 1703. This church, in 
 the first charter, granted Oct. 4th, 1704, was called St. Anne's, after 
 th(! name of the queen. But a more ample charter being granted 
 in 1709, the church was named St. Mary's, on account of the cor- 
 ner-stone having been laid on the day of the annunciation. This 
 building has been within a few years enlarged and beautilied. The 
 river shore is occupied with handsome residences, and the prome- 
 nade in front of these, called " Green Bank," is of surpassing beauty, 
 and is justly the admiration of all visitors, and of passengers in the 
 steamers. 
 
 The precodinnr statistics, Ac, relative to Burlington, were given in 184o TT,^ 
 
 population in isrto was 7.323. St. Mary s Church on th > nf.-r. • ' , 
 
 aa a Parish and Sunday School. In the Seste n part of . vI^V^^'' '' "'"V "'''^ 
 superior Church is erected, with a chitneTs bell. " ' "^ """^ ""^ ''''^' 
 
BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Ibi2 
 
 St. Mary^s Church and Graveyard. 
 
 The above is a view of St. Mary's church, and some of the monu- 
 ments in the adjoining graveyard. The monument of Elias Bou- 
 dinot, LL.D., the first president of the American Bible Society, is 
 seen on tlie right, having the following inscription : — 
 
 Here lies the remains of the Honorable Elias Boudinot, LL.D. Born on the 2d day 
 of May, A. D. 1740. He died on the 24th day of Oct., A. D. 1821. His life was an 
 exhibition of fervent piety, of useful talent, and of extensive benevolence. His death 
 was the triumph of Christian faith, the consummation of hope, the dawn and the pledge 
 of endless felicity. 
 
 To those who knew him not, no words can paint ; 
 And those who knew him, know all words are faint. 
 
 Mark the perfect man and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace. 
 
 The following is a copy of an inscription on another monument 
 in this yard : — 
 
 Here lies the remains of WILLIAM BRADFORD, Attorney-general of the United 
 States under the Presidency of WASHINGTON ; and previously Attorney-general of 
 Pennsylvania and a Judge of the Supreme Court of that state. In private life he had 
 acquired the esteem of all his fellow-citizens. In professional attainments he was learned 
 as a lawyer, and eloquent as an advocate. In the execution of his public offices, he was 
 vigilant, dignified, and impartial. Yet in the bloom of life ; in the maturity of every 
 faculty that could invigorate or embellish the human mind ; in the prosecution of the 
 most important services that a citizen could render to his country ; in the perfect enjoy. 
 ment of the highest honors that public confidence could bestow upon an individual ; 
 blessed in all the pleasures which a virtuous reflection could furnish from the past, and 
 animated by all the incitements which an honorable ambition could depict in the future — 
 he ceased to be mortal. A fever, produced by a fatal assiduity in performing his official 
 trust at a crisis interesting to the nation, suddenly terminated his public career, extin- 
 guished the splendor of his private prosperity, and on the 2.3d day of August, 1795, in 
 the 40th year of his age, consigned him to the grave — Lamented, Honored, and Be- 
 loved. His widow erected this monument to his memory. / c „ ^nafre 87^ 
 
 The following notice of the early settlement of Burlington by 
 the English, communicated to the Hist. Soc. of Pennsylvania, by 
 John F. Watson, was copied from the original autograph of Mrs. 
 Mary Smith, a Friend, who arrived with the primitive colonists, 
 when she was only four years of age : 
 
 12 
 
90 BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 " Robert Murfin and Ann his wife, livinjr in Nottinghamshire, England, had on« 
 daughter born there in the year 1674, the 4th of the 2d month, named Mary, (the writer 
 of this account, who married the first Daniel Smith of Burlington.) After that, they 
 had a son called Robert. 
 
 " Some time after, it came in their minds to move themselves and family into West 
 Jersey in America ; and in order thereto, they went to Hull and provided provisions suit- 
 able for their necessary occasions, — such as fine flour, butter, cheese, with other suitable 
 commodities in good store ; then took their passage in the good ship, the Shield of Stock- 
 ton, with Mahlon Stacy, Thomas Lambert, and many more families of good repute and 
 worth : and in the voyage there were two died and two born ; so that they landed as 
 many as they took on board. And after about sixteen weeks sailing or on board, they 
 arrived at Hurlington in the year 1678 ; this being the first ship that ever was known to 
 come so high up the Delaware river. Then they landed and made some such dwellings 
 as they could for the present time ; — some in caves, and others in palisade-houses secured. 
 With that, the Indians, very numerous, but very civil, for the most part, brought corn 
 and venison, and sold the English for such things as they needed ; so that the said Eng- 
 lish had some new supply to help their old stock, which may well be attributed to the 
 good hand of Providence, so to preserve and provide in such a wilderness. 
 
 " I may not omit some English that came the year before, which landed lower down 
 the river, and were gotten to Burlington, who came in some small vessels up to Burling, 
 ton before us, — and was so consented to by the Indians. 
 
 " The first comers, with the others that came near that time, made an agreement with 
 the Indians for their land, — being after this manner : — From the river to such and such 
 creeks ; and was to be paid in goods, after this manner, say — so many match-coats, guns, 
 hatchets, hoes, kettles ; two full boxes, with other materials, all in number as agreed 
 upon of both Indians and English. When these goods were gotten from England and 
 the Indians paid, then the above-mentioned people surrendered some part of the land to 
 settle tliein selves near the river — for they did not dare to go far fro.m it at first. 
 
 " I must not forget, that these valiant subjects, both to God and their king, did buy 
 their land in old England before they entered (upon this engagement,) and after all this, 
 did submit themselves to mean living, taking it with thankfulness, mean and coarse ; as 
 pounding Indian corn one day for the next day ; for there was no mill, except some few 
 steed-mills, and (we) thought so well of this kind of hard living, that I never heard them 
 say, ' I would I had never come !' which is worth observing, considering how plentifully 
 they lived in England. It seems no other than the hand of God, so to send them to 
 prepare a place for the future generations. I wish they that come after may consider 
 these things, and not be like the children of Israel after they were settled in the land of 
 Canaan, forgetting the God of their fathers and following their own vanities ; and so 
 bring displeasure, instead of the blessings of God, upon themselves ; which fall and loss 
 will be very great on all such. 
 
 " Now to return to Robert Murfin and his wife : after they came into this land, they 
 had one son called John; and in the year 1681, they had another son called William; 
 and in the year 1684, they had a daughter called Johanah. Robert and John died young.* 
 
 " It may be observed how God's providence made room for us in a wonderful manner, 
 in taking away the Indians. There came a distempcrt among them so mortal that they 
 could not bury all the dead. Others went away, leaving their town. It was said that 
 an old Indian king spoke prophetically before his death and said, ' the English should 
 increase and the Indians decrease ." " 
 
 In a few years after the first settlement, it would seem as if this 
 place had grown to be a place of the first importance, or at least 
 comparatively so, as its meridian and latitude was assumed for the 
 calculation of the first Almanac, the title-page whereof was as fol- 
 lows, to wit : — 
 
 ".An Almanac for the year of the Christian account, 1687, particularly respecting 
 
 * " Mary Smith was found drowned with her horse, in the year 1739, near the Long 
 Bridge, in the Northern Liberties ; supposed to have occurred from her intending to give 
 her horse water, where it was very deep :" that was then the direct and only " road to 
 Burlington." 
 
 t This was the small-pox, (brought amongst them by the colonists) which, from the 
 manner of treatment, by sweating and then plunging into cold water, was very fatal. 
 
BURLINGTON COUNTY. 91 
 
 the Meridian and Latitude of Burlington, but may indiffer mtly serve all places adja- 
 cent. By Daniel Leeds, Student in Agriculture. Printed and sold by William Brad, 
 ford,* near Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, Pro Anno, 1687." 
 
 The early Quaker inhabitants of Burlington were distinguished 
 as well for their intelligence as for their piety. Dr. Franklin found 
 among them minds congenial to his own, whose society he much 
 enjoyed. To go still further back, the following may interest our 
 rekders as one of the pleasant little traditions of the good old times. 
 William Penn, when governor of Pennsylvania, used to sail up in 
 his barge from Philadelphia to his manor house at Pennsbury, a 
 few miles above Bristol. He would frequently stop on his way to 
 visit Governor Jennings, of New Jersey, (who was also a distin- 
 guished Quaker minister,) whose house in Burlington is still stand- 
 ino- On one occasion, Jennings and some of his friends were en- 
 ioving their pipes,— a practice which the gentlemanly Penn disliked. 
 On hearing that Penn's barge was in sight, they put away their 
 pipes, that their friend might not be annoyed, and endeavored to 
 conceal from him what they were about. He came in upon them, 
 however, somewhat suddenly, and pleasantly remarked that he was 
 glad they had sufficient sense of propriety to be ashamed ot the 
 practice. Jennings, rarely at a loss for an answer, rejoined that 
 they were not ashamed, but desisted to avoid hurting a weak 
 brother. Another anecdote we will give, illustrative of the sim- 
 plicity and genuine hospitality of early days. Somewhere about 
 the year 1753, the family of John Smith, (brother to Smith the his- 
 torian,) then occupying the venerable, and, in those days, imposing 
 mansion of the late excellent Mr. Coleman, were sitting at then- 
 tea-table under the trees at their door in the main street. A gen- 
 tleman (a stranger) passing along, was invited to partake of their 
 fare, and was induced, by the conversation that ensued, to settle m 
 the T)lace. He became one of the most efficient and valuable citi- 
 zens of Burlington, and his family, in the second and third genera- 
 tions, are among the most respectable inhabitants. This was the 
 first Burlington printer— editor of an ably conducted paper, which 
 was commenced Dec. 5th, 1777, and was employed successively by 
 the colony and the states. Throughout the war it was the leading 
 vehicle of information to the whigs, and Governor Livingston and 
 others wrote many effective essays for it. He printed Livingston s 
 Philosophic Solitude, a large edition of the Bible, the Burlington 
 Almanac, and probably the first continental money. 
 
 We will now relate a tradition of a very different nature. 1 here 
 were two old trees of haunted memory. The first is Vie Witches 
 Tree a larn-e and noble buttonwood, still standing on that beautitul 
 portion of Green Bank formerly occupied by William Franklin, 
 when governor of New Jersey. It was planted, by his direction, 
 by old Adam Shepherd, father to the well-known Ben. Shepherd. 
 
 * It is believed that W. Bradford set up his, the first printing-press, at Kcnslnjrton, 
 near the Treaty Tree. He landed in 1682 or '3, where Philadelphia soon afterward waa 
 laid out, and before a house was built. This almanac was his first publication. 
 
99 
 
 BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Ancient Tree, Burlington. 
 
 This was held to be the favorite resort of witches, who (though 
 they were, like all the early reminiscences of the place, strictly 
 English) danced around it after the manner of the Kettentanz of 
 the German witches on the Hartz mountains. The other was Tlu- 
 Pirate Tree, a large black-walnut, the enormous stump of which 
 may still be seen in the tanyard on Wood-st. Superstition held 
 it famous, as the place of deposit for gold and silver, by Blackbeard 
 and his associate pirates. It is said that they landed one stormy, 
 terrific night, loaded with an unusual quantity of plunder, which 
 they buried in silence at the root of this tree, which took its name 
 from this circumstance. They covered the gold with " a broad fiat 
 stone," and having done so, their chieftain called aloud, " Who'll 
 guard this wealth ?" We should have mentioned, that the transac- 
 tion was performed in darkness, as well as in silence ; but at this 
 question, a vivid flash of lightning revealed the pale and appalled 
 countenances of the pirates, who, though ready at all times to dare 
 death and to trample on the laws of Heaven and of man, were yet 
 unwilling to offer themselves a sacrifice, to be murdered in cold 
 blood. Some one, however, must be interred with the gold to pro- 
 tect it from depredation ; and at last one of the most reckless out- 
 laws, a Spaniard, who had long merited the honors of the neigh- 
 boring G((/loirs Hill, stepped forward and ofiered himself as their 
 victim. He was shot through the brain by Blackbeard, with a 
 charmed bullet, which penetrated without occasioning a wound, 
 thus leaving him as well prepared as ever for mortal combat, ex- 
 cept the trilling circumstance of his being stone dead. He was 
 buried in an erect position; and so well has he performed his trust, 
 that, for any evidence we possess to the contrary, tlie treasure re- 
 mains there to the present day. On one occasion, it is said, an at- 
 tempt was made to regain it ; but the hazardous deed will not be 
 likely to be repeated while the attendant circumstances are remem- 
 
 \ 
 
BURLINGTON COUNTY. 93 
 
 3ered It is suspected by some (though tradition is silent on this 
 Doint) that a black dog was buried with the pirate, since an appa- 
 rition of that shape has been seen in Wood-st. by the believers. 
 These supernatural appearances are rarely beheld m the present 
 iay — for want, doubtless, of that faith which is the only possible 
 evidence of certain unseen things. We will close this legend, for 
 the introduction of which we crave our readers' pardon, with an 
 admirable specimen of the characteristics of an old witch song, 
 which is represented as having been heard from the witches dancing 
 with linked hands around their favorite tree on the night of the 
 Spaniard's interment. Just at its close, they were intruded upon 
 by some beings of mortal mould, and uttering something like the 
 exclamation of the ancient Scottish witches, 
 
 " Horse and hattock in the devil's name," 
 
 they were all instantly seated upon broomsticks, and rode away at 
 a speed exceeding that of the forked lightning. Their next voy- 
 age, it is said, was disastrous and fatal. 
 
 CONCERT OF WITCHES. 
 
 Merrily daunce we, merrily daunce we, around the sycamore tree ! 
 
 Full many will daunce this terrible night, but none will be merry but we. 
 
 The ships shall daunce on the yesty waves, the billows shall daunce and roll, 
 
 And many a screech of despair shall rise from many a sin-sick soule 1 
 
 Be merry, be merry ; the lightning's flash itself were sufficient light. 
 
 And we've got us a phosphor-gleaming corse to be our candle to-night. 
 
 There never was night more foul and black— there never was fiercer blast— 
 
 Oh many a prank the winds will play, ere this terrible night be past ! 
 
 Be merry ; the fiends are roving now— and death is abroad on the wind — 
 
 Join hands in the daunce, to-morrow's light full many a corse shall find. 
 
 Our sisters are out on mischief bent— the cows their milk shall fail, 
 
 The old maid's cat shall be rode to death, and her lap-dog lose his taile. 
 
 The farmer in vain shall seek his horse — ivho fastened his stable door 
 
 With key and with bolt—ii he has not nailed a horsc-shoe firmly o'er. 
 
 1st witch. 
 
 I saw dame Brady sitting alone. 
 And I dried up the marrow within her hip bone. 
 When she arose she could scarcely limp, — 
 Why did I do it ? — she called me foul imp 1 
 
 2d witch. 
 
 I scratched the Justice's swine on the head — 
 When he wakes in the morning he'll find them dead. 
 And I saw the Pirates land on the shore, 
 Loaded with gold, but crimsoned with gore. 
 
 3d witch. 
 I saw them bury their golden store at the root of the Pirate tree : 
 Bold Blackbeard cried, " Who'll guard this wealth ?" and oh ! 'twas mercy o sec 
 How even the wretch who fears not hell, turns pale at the thought of death . 
 But one bold knave stood bravely out and offlTcd himself for scath. 
 « I'll watch it," quo' he—" for these forty years, I've wandered o cr land and sea, 
 And I'm tired of doing the devil's work— so bury me under the tree : 
 And better I'll rest as I guard tiiis wealth, than you in the realms below, 
 Where the soul cannot burst amid endless groans— where the Pirate's soul must ga 
 So they shot him dead with a charmed ball, and they laid a broad fiat stone 
 Deep in the earth above the gold, and they stood the corpse thereon. 
 
94 BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Now wo betide the daring fool who seeketh that gold to win. 
 
 Let mortals beware of the noble wretch who standeth that grave within 
 
 4Tn WITCH. 
 
 I saw the Pirates enter their boat. 
 
 Sullen they looked, as well they mote — 
 
 I wore a shape which they shook to see, 
 
 And they made the sign of the cross at me. 
 
 But the sign of the cross avails not those 
 
 Whose sins have made all the saints their foes. 
 
 And they fired at me an idle shot. 
 
 For powder and ball could harm me not. 
 
 But skaith and ruth shall be theirs, I ken ; 
 
 We brook not defiance from mortal men. 
 
 There they go rowing adowne the streame, 
 
 I sec their oars in the lightning's gleame, 
 
 They are singing the dirge of their comrade low , 
 
 Sisters, what say you — let's curse them now. 
 
 CONCERT OF WITCHES. 
 
 Away I away ! the night is foule, but fouler by far are ye ! 
 
 The storm is fierce, but fiercer by far is your terrible destiny ! 
 
 Your vessel shall sink amid mountain waves, and the fearful blasts ol hell, 
 
 And you'll dwell for aye with the foule, foule fiend, whom here you have served eo well 
 
 Some shall go down with a bubbling groan on the ocean's pathless way. 
 
 Some shall be dashed on the flinty rocks — the vulture and sea-bird's prey, 
 
 Some shall be washed alive on shore, to die on the gallows tree. 
 
 But gold, or wife, or children deare, none, none shall live ever to see. 
 
 Away, away, while the tempest howls, and the thunders are heard in wrath, 
 
 Away on your errand of guilt and blood, and destruction attend your path ! 
 
 The following, communicated by an aged and highly respectable 
 gentleman, (still living,) briefly relates an attack upon Old Bur- 
 lington : "In the twelfth month, 177G, Count Donop, commanding 
 a detachment of Hessians, (say 400,) entered Burlington, and were 
 encamped on the premises of Thomas Wetherill, below York 
 bridge. Two brass field-pieces were placed in the road, near Robert 
 Deacon's corner ; their muskets were stacked in the middle of the 
 street, and guards placed near — the troops cooking their provisions. 
 Prompted by curiosity, and having obtained permission from home, 
 I entered their encampment. Amused with the novelty of the 
 scene, so entirely new to me, I for a tiix^e forgot both friends and 
 home, and tarried longer than prudent. My parents in the mean 
 time had become uneasy at my stay, being ignorant of the cause ; 
 and my father arrived, in search of me, just as the row-galleys in 
 the Delaware, opposite the town, began firing — which apprized us 
 of the necessity of seeking a place of safety. On our way home, 
 M hen we arrived at John Neal's, corner of York and Broad streets, 
 he was standing at his door ; and hearing the reports of the can- 
 non, fired in quick succession, he accosted my father with, 'Mr. 
 , these are perilous times.' At that instant an eighteen- 
 pound double-headed shot struck the back of the house, within less 
 than twenty yards of us, broke a large hole through the wall, and 
 lodged in the fireplace, driving the ashes out of the front door ; 
 which my father observing, said he thought they were firing 
 red-hot balls. His wife was standing on the sill of the door, 
 and in her fright sprang beyond the porch. On our way home we 
 
BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 95 
 
 had to face the cannon, as they fired up York-street. My father 
 bade me watch the f,ash, and immediately fall flat, which we both 
 did ; and were favored to arrive safe. We found the family had 
 retired to the cellar, which was the retreat chosen by numbers. In 
 the spring of 1778, on a first-day afternoon, a number of women 
 and children (myself amongst them) assembled on the bank, in 
 front of James Kinsey's house, above the town-wharf, to view the 
 British naval armament, that had been up the Delaware and de- 
 stroyed the American frigates and row-galleys ; and as they had pass- 
 ed up peaceably the preceding day, it was not supposed they would 
 fire on the town. Now a large sloop, with cannon in her bow, (I 
 believe a twenty-four pounder,) approached the wharf. A man 
 stood on the quarter-deck, waved his hat, and called aloud, ' The 
 women and children must leave the bank ; we are going to fire !' 
 I immediately took shelter behind Abraham Hewling's brick store, 
 on the wharf, and watched their movements. I distinctly heard 
 the word ' Fire !' (being not two hundred yards from the vessel.) 
 The first shot struck Adam Shepherd's stable, below the wharf, 
 where several men were standing ; all of whom escaped injury. 
 Supposing myself out of danger, I continued an attentive spectator 
 to their valiant attack on the peaceful city of Burlington. The 
 wind being ahead, the sloop had to tack, and continued firing un- 
 til she passed the city. Providentially, not one human being was 
 injured, so far as I can learn." 
 
 J ff .^ Water Street 
 
 P e a rl 
 
 12 
 
 Street 
 
 10 
 
 e-X ^ 
 
 M 
 
 Alloy/ gf ^ c- r— 7 — 
 
 JB r o a d 
 
 |2 Street 
 
 Ancient Plan of Burlington. 
 [Refirences.—l, 1. Old Market-houses. 2. Courthouse, (taken down in 1795 or 1796.) 
 3. Gov. Franklin's mansion. 4. Grounds of do. 5. Horace Binney's. G. Mrs. Ches. 
 ter's. 7. Market-house. 8. Place of occasional meetiiijrs of the legislature. 9. Resi- 
 dence of Samuel Smith, treasurer of the colony. 10. St. Mary's church. 11. Ferry. 
 house, (kept by Mr. Shepherd.) 12. Hay's Burlington House, (new.) 13. J. H. Ster. 
 ling's house, (built in 1731.) 14. Town-wharf.] 
 
96 BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 The above is an ancient plan of Burlington, showing the situa 
 tion of the most noted buildings, &c., in ancient times. It appears 
 that the legislature, both of the colony and state, sat at various 
 places besides the courthouse — sometimes at taverns, and other 
 public places, and sometimes at private residences. No. 8, on the 
 above plan, was a large wooden building, at or near the site of 
 James Sterling's celebrated store. No. 9, the residence of Treas- 
 urer Smith, was a large brick building, in which the meetings of 
 the council were frequently held. It was afterward owned, for 
 many years, by Mr. Joshua M. Wallace. It was bought by the late 
 Rev. Joseph Maylin, and by him taken down in 1832. 
 
 James Lawrence, a captain in the United States navy, was born 
 in Burlington, October 1st, 1781 ; and was the son of John Law- 
 rence, Esq., an eminent counsellor. Having a strong predilection 
 for a sea- faring life, his friends procured for him a midshipman's 
 warrant, when he was between sixteen and seventeen years of age. 
 When war was declared against Tripoli, he was promoted to a 
 lieutenancy, and appointed to the command of the schooner Enter- 
 prise. He volunteered his services in the hazardous exploit of de- 
 stroying the Philadelphia, and accompanied Decatur as his first 
 lieutenant. At the commencement of the war with Great Britain, 
 in 1812, he sailed in the Hornet sloop-ol-vvar, as part of the squad- 
 ron that cruised under Commodore Rogers. His second cruise was 
 under Commodore Bainbridge. On the 24th of February, 1813, 
 the Hornet, under the command of Capt. Lawrence, while cruising 
 off Demarara, fell in with the British brig Peacock, Capt. Peak, a 
 vessel of about equal force. The contest commenced within half 
 pistol-shot ; and so tremendous was the fire of the Americans, that 
 in less than fifteen minutes the enemy surrendered, and made a 
 signal of distress, being in a sinking condition. Notwithstanding 
 every exertion to keep her afloat, she sunk, with thirteen of her 
 crew, and three Americans, who perished in relieving a conquered 
 foe. The slaughter on board the Peacock was very severe ; and 
 among the slain was her commander. 
 
 Capt. Lawrence, on his return, was appointed to the command 
 of the frigate Chesapeake ; and while lying in Boston roads, nearly 
 ready for sea, the British frigate Shannon, Capt. Brooke, appeared 
 off the harbor, and made signals expressive of a challenge. Capt. 
 Lawrence immediately determined on accepting it, although it ap- 
 pears the Chesapeake was not in good order, and the crew not un- 
 der proper discipline. On the 1st of June, 1813, the Chesapeake 
 put to sea ; and coming up with the Shannon, both vessels ma- 
 noBuvred in awful silence until within pistol-shot, when the vShan- 
 non opened her fire, and both vessels almost at the same moment 
 poured forth tremendous broadsides. The havoc on both sides was 
 dreadful ; but the fire of the Shannon was peculiarly fatal, cutting 
 down most of the American officers. The Chesapeake had three 
 men successively shot down from her helm, which produced irreg 
 ularity in the steering ; and her anchor caught in one of the Shan 
 
BURLINGTON COUNTY. 07 
 
 ion's after-ports, and her guns could not be brought to bear upon 
 ihe enemy. At this juncture the Chesapeake was boarded, Capt. 
 Lawrence being mortally wounded. His last words were, as he 
 was borne bleeding below, ''Don't give up the shipT Resistance, 
 however, was vain, and the ship was surrendered. Capt. Law- 
 rence lingered through four days, in extreme bodily pain, and then 
 expired. * His body was wrapped in the colors of his ship, and was 
 buried by the British, at Halifax, with the honors of war. Thence 
 it was removed to Salem, Massachusetts, and finally to New York ; 
 where there is a monument to his memory, in Trinity churchyard, 
 with the following inscription : 
 
 " In memory of Captain James Lawrence, of the United States navy, who fell on the 
 1st day of June, 1813, in the 32d year of his age, in the action between the frigates 
 Chesapeake and Shannon. He had distinguished himself on various occasions, but par- 
 ticularly when commanding the sloop-of-war Hornet, by capturing and sinking his Bri- 
 tannic majesty's sloop-of-war Peacock, after a desperate action of fourteen minutes. His 
 bravery in action was only equalled by his modesty in triumph, and his magnanimity to 
 the vanquished. In private life, he was a gentleman of the most generous and endear- 
 ing qualities ; and so acknowledged was his public worth, that the whole nation mourned 
 his loss, and the enemy contended with his countrymen who most should honor his remains. 
 The Hero, whose remains are here deposited, with his expiring breath expressed his de- 
 votion to his country. Neither the fury of battle, the anguish of a mortal wound, nor 
 the horrors of approaching death, could subdue his gallant spirit. His dying words 
 were, ' Don't give up the ship !' " 
 
 Note.— The compilers of this work are mainly indebted for the account of Burlington 
 to a communication from Wm. J. Allinson, a gentleman living in the place. The his 
 torical part is evidently drawn up with care and accuracy. 
 
 CHESTER. 
 
 Chester is about 7 miles long, 5 broad, and is bounded NNE. 
 by Willingboro, SE. by Evesham, SW. by Waterford, Glou- 
 cester CO., and NW. by the Delaware. The surface is level and 
 undulating, and the soil fertile and under good cultivation. The 
 Rancocus flows on its N., and the Pensaukin creek on its SW. 
 boundary. The township contains 10 stores, cap. $25,200 ; 3 grist- 
 m., r3 saw-m. : cap. in manufac. $37,100; 9 schools, 467 scholars. 
 Pop. 2,603 inl 865,2,288. 
 
 The village ot Moorestown is pleasantly situated on the road 
 from Camden to Freehold, 9 miles from Mount Holly, and 9 from 
 Camden. It derives its name from an early settler named Moore. 
 It was probably early settled, as Smith, in his history published in 
 1765, alludes to it as one of the principal villages of the county. 
 It was then sometimes called Chester, and the lower part of it 
 Rodney town. Moorestown is well built, and stretches along the 
 road for about a mile, which being ornamented with trees, gives it 
 a pleasant appearance. It contains 2 hotels, 3 stores, 5 houses for 
 public worship, and about 100 dwellings in the village and vicinity. 
 The following is a view of the Episcopal church standing at the SW. 
 extremity of the village. It is a handsome stone structure, built 
 
 13 
 
08 
 
 BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 View in Moorestown. 
 
 in 1838, at an expense of $4,500. The Baptist church, a short dis- 
 tance further up the street, is a neat, plastered edifice. The Meth- 
 odist church is a substantial ait cr- structure in the central part of 
 the village. There are also two meeting-houses at the other end 
 of the town, belonging to Friends. There is scarcely a village in 
 the state which has so many houses for public vi^orship in propor- 
 tion to its ))opulation. 
 
 When the British army were on their march from Philadel])hia 
 to Monmouth, a part of it passed through this village. They en- 
 camped on the night of June 19th, 1778, on land now owned by 
 Amos Stiles and Benj. Warrington, about 300 yards from the 
 Friends meeting-house. The troops plundered many of the inhab 
 itants of the country through which they passed. The people re- 
 sorted to various methods to conceal their property. The follow- 
 ing anecdote is related of an individual who lived not far from this vi- 
 cinity. He had scarcely time to bury his goods under ground, when 
 the gleaming of bayonets from a distant hill warned him of the 
 approach of the enemy. Fearing the damp appearance of the 
 fresh earth would betray the hiding-place, he dashed a pail of wa- 
 ter over the spot, and throwing down a (juantity of corn called his 
 hogs. This well-timed stratagem probably saved his elfects. 
 
 Commodore Truxton, the distinguished naval commander, once 
 resided in a dwelling now standing about a mile and a half from 
 Moorestown on the road to Mount Holly. 
 
 West field, on the road from Camden to Burlington, one and a 
 half miles E. of the Delaware, contains about 15 dwellings and a 
 Friends meeting-house. There are also three other houses for pub- 
 lic worship in its vicinity, viz. : a Friends, a Christ-ian. and a Meth- 
 odist. Biidgeborough, a small village on the same road, and on 
 the Uancocus, contains 2 stores, a tavern, and a few dwellings. 
 
 Ten pieces of silver coin, about two hundred years old, were 
 ploughed up some years since in this township, on the farm of P. C. 
 Tinruiir;"., dated 1017, under Fred. Henry, Prince of Orange. 
 
BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 99 
 
 CHESTERFIELD 
 
 This township is about 10 miles long, with an average width of 
 5 miles, and is bounded N. by Hamilton, Mercer co., E. by Upper 
 Freehold, Monmouth co., and Hanover, S. by Springfield, SW. by 
 Mansfield, and W. by the Delaware river. Its surface is level or 
 undulating; soil sandy, with some clay and loam, and made pro- 
 ductive by marl. The township contains 22 stores, 3 grist-m. ; cap. 
 ia manufac. $127,780; 11 schools, 557 scholars. Pop. 1,384 
 
 1842, 
 
 Arch over the Railroad, Bordentown. 
 
 Bordentown, 9 miles from Burlington, 12 from Mount Holly, and 
 7 from Trenton, is at the head of steam navigation on the Dela- 
 ware. It is built on a level plain elevated above the river. It 
 contains 4 hotels, 8 stores, 1 Episcopal, 1 Baptist, and 1 Methodist 
 church, and a Friends meeting-house, and about 1,800 inhabitants. 
 The Bellevue Female Seminary, under the charge of the Rev. W. 
 H. Gilder, of the Philadelphia Conference, was commenced in this 
 place in Oct., 1842. Bordentown is not only remarkable for its 
 neat appearance, but as affording one of the most magnificent riv- 
 er views in the country. From the brow of the hill, on which the 
 town is situated, to the N. and W., the spectator sees nearly 100 
 feet beneath the whole country spread out level for many miles, 
 through which winds the Delaware until lost to view behind pro- 
 jecting headlands. An autumnal sunset, 
 
 " When the restless day 
 Expiring, lays the warbling world asleep," 
 
 is here a scene of glory ; when the forests are robed in brilliant 
 tints, the clouds brightened with warm gorgeous hues, and the wa- 
 ter reflecting the charms of the heavens and earth upon its sur- 
 face, where 
 
 "Shade, unpcrccivcd, softens into shade, 
 And all forming one harmonious whole." 
 
100 BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 The elegance of the scenery, and the purity of the air in the.sum- 
 mer, draws to this village many visitors. 
 
 Bordentown is on the direct railroad route from New York to 
 Philadelphia, 28 miles from the latter. The two railroads crossing 
 New Jersey, the one from Amboy and the other from Jersey city, 
 here merge into each other and form one continuous line to Cam- 
 den. The above engraving represents the arch over the railroad, 
 and under Main-st. It is of stone, 18 feet in height, 22i broad, and 
 831 feet long. The outlet lock of the Delaware and Raritan canal 
 is in front of the town. 
 
 This vicinity was first settled in 1681, by Thomas Farnsworth, 
 an English Friend ; but the village derives its name from Joseph 
 Borden, an early settler. In the revolutionary struggle, it was sev- 
 eral times in possession of the British troops. Early in May, 1778, 
 the enemy, then in possession of Philadelphia, sent an expedition 
 up the Delaware for the purpose of destroying several vessels 
 brought here for safety, and lying in Barnes' and Cros.swick's creeks. 
 Their force, consisting of two row-galleys and three other armed 
 vessels, with twenty-four flat-bottomed boats, carrying 600 or 800 
 troops, left that city about 10 o'clock in the evening, intending to 
 arrive here before morning. For the first 10 miles the wind was 
 fair ; it then died away, and they were obliged to row the remain- 
 der of the distance. Early dawn found them opposite Burlington, 
 and they did not reach Bordentown until late in the forenoon. Be- 
 fore landing, they burnt two frigates at the White Hills, just below 
 the village. Afterward they destroyed several smaller vessels, 
 the hulk of one of Avhich, at very low tide, is still to be seen in 
 Crosswick's creek. On arriving at the village, the enemy burnt 
 the dwelling and store of Mr. Joseph Borden, the former of which 
 stood in Main-st., on the present site of Mr. John M'Knight's store. 
 They also intended the destruction of the dwelling of a Mr. Em- 
 ley, an influential whig; but learning it had been sold, they com- 
 mitted no other mischief than breaking in the window-sashes and 
 doors with the breeches of their guns. Little or no opposition was 
 made to them. They remained but a few hours, and embarked on 
 board their vessels in the afternoon. The next day they proceeded 
 up the river as far as Bile's island, intending to make a descent 
 upon Trenton ; but meeting with unexpected opposition from ar- 
 tillery Gen. Dickinson had ordered down for that purpose, and the 
 militia having turned out with spirit to 0{)pose them, they judged 
 appearances too unfavorable to proceed. On their return, they 
 landed at Col. Kirkbride's farm on the Pennsylvania side of the 
 Delaware, and destroyed his buildings. Gen. Dickinson having 
 sent a detachment of militia down the river, they made prize of a 
 sloop the enemy had loaded with plunder, with six men on board. 
 
 The following additional particulars, relating to this incursion, 
 were derived from conversation with a resident at the time. Four 
 men were murdered in cold blood, after they had surrendered, in 
 the vicinity of what is now Hilton's tanyard, at the foot of Walnut- 
 
BURLINGTON COUNTY. 101 
 
 Street. They were Joseph Gregory, Edward Isdell, Sutton, 
 
 and another person from Burlington. An old lady, by the name 
 of Isdell, was shot in a dwelling then standing opposite the site of 
 the present post-office, in Main-street. A British spy, who had 
 come from Philadelphia with the troops, and while quietly reposing 
 on the river bank, was, through mistake, mortally wounded by his 
 friends. His protection was found in his pocket. 
 
 The British officers dined at the dwelling of Francis Hopkinson, 
 Esq. Himself and family were absent ; but an excellent dinner 
 was provided by Miss Mary Comely, their housekeeper, a young 
 lady of about eighteen years of age. While they were there, in- 
 formation was given to her that the soldiers were robbing the 
 dwelling of her mother and grandmother, on the opposite side of 
 the street ; the same that is now owned by Mr. William M'Knight. 
 She went in, and privately cut a piece from the skirt of one of the 
 soldiers' coats. When the troops were formed, previous to their 
 departure, the thief, through the kind interference of the officers, 
 was identified by the hole in his regimentals. By this means, not 
 only the property of her relations was restored, but some belonging 
 to her neighbors, which she had the art to claim, and afterward re- 
 stored to the proper owners. A whig, named Carter, residing in a 
 dwelling next above Kester's hotel, on hearing the enemy were 
 approaching, determined to disarm their hostility by a kind recep- 
 tion. He therefore killed a sheep, and, as the soldiers entered, ac- 
 costed them cordially, expressing joy at their arrival. He told them 
 he had some fresh mutton, and if they would wait he would pro- 
 vide them as good a dinner as in his power ; and then bade the 
 " good woman" to hurry, and have every thing in readiness for the 
 feast. The men were pleased with his apparent frankness and as- 
 siduity, but were obliged to leave before the meal was ready ; and 
 it was partaken of by a party of American lighthorse, under 
 Capt. Baylor, who entered the village in the latter part of the day. 
 
 Francis Hopkinson, one of the signers of the Declaration of In- 
 dependence, resided in Bordentown, at the time of the revolution. 
 He was born in Pennsylvania, in 1738. After the peace, he held 
 a place for some time in the loan-office ; and was afterward ap- 
 pointed a judge of the district court of the United States. He died 
 May 8th, 1791. He was distinguished for his vivacity and wit, 
 and published, during the r(;volution, several poetical pieces, which 
 were highly popular; among which was the "■Battle of the Ke<rs" 
 This ballad was occasioned by a real incident. In .lanuary, 1778, 
 while the British troops were in possession of Philadelphia, certain 
 machines, in the form of kegs, charged with gunpowder, were sen^ 
 down the river, to annoy their shipping, which was anchored be 
 for(! the city. The danger of these machines being discovered, the 
 British manned the wharves and vessels, and discharged their 
 small-arms and cannon at every thing they saw floating in the 
 river. The ballad consists of twenty-two stanzas, from which the 
 followmg are selected : 
 
102 
 
 BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 " Gallants, attend, and hoar a friend 
 
 Trill forth harmonious ditty: 
 Strange tiiiiijjs I'll tell, which late befell 
 
 In Philadelphia city. 
 
 'Twas early day, as poets say. 
 
 Just when the sun was rising, 
 A soldier stood on log of wood, 
 
 And saw a thing surprising. 
 
 ******* 
 ' These kegs, I'm told, the rebels hold, 
 
 Pack'd up like pickled herring ; 
 And they've come down t'attack the town, 
 
 In tills new way of ferry'ng.' 
 
 The soldier flew, the sailor too. 
 
 And, scar'd almost to death, sir, 
 Wore out their shoes to spread the news, 
 
 And ran till out of breath, sir. 
 ******* 
 Sir William he, snug as a flea, 
 
 Lay all this time a snoring ; 
 Nor dream'd of harm, as he lay warm 
 
 In bed ******** *. 
 
 Now, in a fright, he starts upright, 
 
 Awak'd by such a clatter ; 
 He rubs both eyes, and boldly cries, 
 
 ' For God"s sake, what's the matter V 
 
 ' Arise, arise !' Sir Erskine cries ; 
 * The rebels — more's the pity — 
 
 Without a boat are all afloat, 
 And rang'd before the city. 
 
 The motley crew, in vessels new, 
 With Satan for their guide, sir, 
 
 Pack'd up in bags, or wooden kegs, 
 Come driving down the tide, sir. 
 
 Therefore prepare for bloody war — 
 These kegs must all be routed. 
 
 Or surely we despis'd shall be, 
 And British courage doubted.' 
 
 The cannons roar from shore to shore ; 
 
 The small-arms loud did rattle : 
 Since wars began, I'm sure no man 
 
 E'er saw so strange a battle. 
 
 From morn to night, these men of might 
 
 Display'd amazing courage ; 
 And when the sun was fairly down 
 
 Retir'd to sup their porridge. 
 
 A hundred men, with each a pen, 
 
 Or more, upon my word, sir, 
 It is most true, would be too few 
 
 Their valor to record, sir. 
 
 Such feats did they perform that day. 
 Against those wicked kegs, sir, 
 
 That, years to come, if they get home, 
 They'll make their boasts and brags, sir. 
 
 1842. 
 
 Residence of Joseph Buonaparte, Dordentown. 
 
 The above is a rrprospiitation of the rosidonco of .Tosopli Buona- 
 parte, Count f1^ Surveilliers. the ex-kinj? of Naples and of Spain, 
 and the chlest brother of the Emperor Xjipoleon. He came to this 
 country in 1815. and settled here during the tbllowing season, where 
 he has generally resided most of the time since. He has, however, 
 recently been to Europe, where he has remained for three or four 
 years past, leaving his residence here in charge of Mr. Prince. 
 The park and grounds of the Count compris(> al)out fourteen hun- 
 dred acres, which, from a wild and impoverished tract, he has con- 
 verted into a place of beauty, blending the charms of woodland and 
 
BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 103 
 
 plantation scenery with a delightful water-prospect. His first man- 
 sion, which stood on the site of the present one, was destroyed by 
 fire, together with some rare pictures, from the pencils of the first 
 masters, whose merit made them invaluable. In the present build- 
 ing are busts of all the Buonaparte family, carved from the finest 
 Italian marble ; among which is that of Pauline, the Princess Bor- 
 ghese, the Emperor's favorite sister, who was considered one of the 
 most elegant women of her time. In the collection there is a most 
 exquisite statue of the infant Napoleon sleeping. The Count is 
 now about seventy-five years of age, polished in manners, and 
 charitable to the poor. While here, his time was occupied in plan- 
 ning and executing improvements upon his grounds. He did not 
 mingle in society ; but was frequently seen walking through 
 his park, attending to his workmen, or, with hatchet in hand, lop- 
 ping branches from the trees. 
 
 View of Crossicicks from the Bordeniown Road. 
 
 Crosswicks and Recklesstown are also villages in this township. 
 The latter, 5 m. SE. of Bordentown, is in a fertile country, and 
 contains 15 or 20 dwellings. Crosswicks, 4 m. E. of Bordentown, 
 on a creek of the same name, and on the road to Freehold, is sup- 
 posed to have derived its name from the Indian word Crossiveek- 
 sung, (signifying a separation,) originally applied to the creek, which 
 separates into two branches 2 m. E. of the village. It was first 
 settled about 1081, by Friends ; and, in the early history of the 
 county, was a place of some importance, — for we find that the pro- 
 vincial assembly met here in Oct. 1716. 
 
 The village is principally situated on a ridge considerably ele- 
 vated above the creek, across which is a handsome lattice-bridge 
 of Town's patent. On the opposite bank is a collection of dwellings 
 called Woodwardsville. There are here, including the latter set- 
 tlement, several mechanic shops, 4 stores, a grist and a saw mill, 
 2 Friends meeting-houses, a Methodist church, and about 70 dwell- 
 ings. Near the village is a bed of bog iron ore, formerly exten- 
 sively worked and the ore transported to furnaces in the pines. 
 
 When the British troops marched from Philadelphia on their way 
 
104 BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 to Monmouth, in June, 1778, they came through this part of the 
 country in three detachments — one by Mt. Holly, one through Co- 
 lumbus, and the third by Bordentown. The latter attempted to 
 cross Crossvvicks creek over a drawbridge near the latter place. 
 The continental troops, and a great part of the militia stationed in 
 that vicinity under Gen. Dickinson, had been withdrawn, excepting 
 those of Cols. Philips and Shreve, who had been previously de 
 tached to guard a ford one mile further up the creek ; and only the 
 three regiments of Cols. Frelinghuysen, Van Dike, and Webster 
 remained, when a party of the enemy appeared, and with great 
 zeal began to repair the bridge, the planks of which had been pulled 
 up, and the draw raised. For this purpose, they ripped off the 
 planks from an adjoining hayhouse. Upon their approach, the 
 troops rushed dowTi with the greatest impctuositj', and a small party 
 from one of the regiments, happening to be considerably advanced, 
 caused them to retire, with the loss of 4 killed and several wound- 
 ed. This detachment then united with the other two at Crosswicks, 
 and, in the course of the same day, attempted crossing the bridge 
 there, which had also been destroyed by the Americans. Another 
 skirmish occurred, in which a British officer and two or three men 
 were shot. The wounded officer was conveyed to the dwelling 
 now occupied by Mr. Thomas Newell. An American named Clev- 
 enger was killed. lie had cut away the last sleeper of the bridge, 
 and, while retreating, was shot in the back of the head, fell among 
 the high grass, and was discovered a few days after by the stench 
 of his decaying body. The next day the enemy repaired the bridge 
 and proceeded on their march. During this skirmish the Ameri- 
 cans, who were stationed on the Woodwardsville side of the creek, 
 fired several cannon-balls, one of which lodged in the Friends 
 meeting-house, and there remained until the house was repaired, a 
 few years since. Soon after the battle of Trenton the American 
 troops, for a time, occupied the Friends meeting-house for barracks. 
 On Sundays, the benches were arranged and worship held, as usual. 
 A gentleman with the troops during these skirmishes, says, in a 
 publication of the day, " The conduct of the militia saved, in my 
 opinion, Trenton and the country adjacent from rapine and desola- 
 tion. In short, their conduct during the whole time gave me the 
 most pleasing ideas of the strong love of liberty which is natural to 
 the human soul. Surely, while the farmers of the country are in- 
 duced, by the mere fondness of freedom, to leave all their domestic 
 concerns at this season of the year, and undergo ihe hardships of a 
 soldier's life — to sutfer the severest fatigues, and with pleasure face 
 every danger, — I say, while this continues — Ainencans must and 
 will be free /" 
 
 EVESHAM. 
 
 This township is 14 m. long, 8 wide ; and is bounded NE. and 
 E. by Northampton, S. by Washington and Waterford, Glouces- 
 
BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 105 
 
 ter CO., W. by Waterford, Gloucester co., and NW. by Chester. 
 The surface is level or undulating. In the S. p-^rt there is much 
 pine timber ; in the other portions, the soil is generally fertile, and 
 improved by marl. There are in the township 19 stores, 6 grist- 
 m., 12 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. 897,600 ; 21 schools, 167 schol- 
 ars. Pop. 5,060 in 1865,4308. 
 
 The village of Medtord is 7 m. S. of Mt. Holly. Sixty years 
 since, it was called Upper Evesham, and then contained but a few 
 houses. Twenty years later, its present name was given to it. The 
 
 1842, 
 
 View of the Friends Meeting-house, Medford. 
 
 village is mostly built in a compact manner, on a single street, and 
 many of the buildings are of brick. It contains 7 stores, several 
 mechanic shops, a bank, 1 Baptist and 1 Methodist church, 2 
 Friends meeting-houses, and a population of about 700. 
 
 The above is a representation of one of the Friends meeting- 
 houses, said to be the largest in the county — measuring 74 ft. long 
 by 42 broad. It is constructed of brick, and is a fair specimen of 
 the architecture adopted by Friends in their houses for divine wor- 
 ship, being substantial in material, and plain and unpretending in 
 finish. Marlton, 4i m. W. of Medford, is a new and flourishing 
 village, containing 2 stores, a Methodist and a Baptist church, and 
 about 30 dwellings. Lower Evesham has 2 stores, a Friends 
 meeting, and a few dwellings. At Taunton, 4 m. S. of Medford, 
 is a manufactory for edge tools. Chairville, where there is an ex- 
 tensive chair factory. Cross Roads, Hartford, and Green Tree, con- 
 tain each a few dwellings. 
 
 Capt. Jonathan Beesley, in June, 1778, having been mortally 
 wounded, was taken to the dwelling now occupied by Mr. Hinch- 
 man Haines, in this township, where he died. He was a captain 
 in the Cumberland co. militia, and had been in active service about 
 two years previous to his death. Arduous in the cause, and guided 
 by a sense of duty, he paid little regard to his personal safety. He 
 was in the neighborhood of Haddonfield whtn the Britisii were on 
 their march across the state from Philadelphia. He, with two 
 other ofticers, in reconnoitring, were fired upon by a party of Brit- 
 ish secreted in a rye-field. — when he fell, wounded, into thei'r hands. 
 
 14 
 
106 BURLINGTON COUxVTY. 
 
 He was conducted to the enemy's camp, and questioned by the 
 officers respecting the situation and probable movements of Wash- 
 ington's army ; but he peremptorily refused giving them any infor- 
 mation. Finding that neither entreaties or threats would prevail 
 in extorting any thing from him to the injury of his country, the 
 officer in command, seeing his agony, ordered his own surgeon to 
 attend him. and to take proper care of him, — at the same time re- 
 marking, " he was a brave man, and should not be treated with 
 indignity." He lived until the next day, — the enemy taking him 
 with them on their march to the dwelling above mentioned, where 
 he soon expired, and was buried by them with the honors of war. 
 His remains were soon after remov^ed to Haddonfield, and interred 
 there in the Friends burying-ground. 
 
 HANOVER. 
 
 This township is nearly triangular in form, its longest side 
 measuring 17, and the other two, 13 miles each. It is bounded E. 
 by Upper Freehold and Dover, Monmouth co., S. by the N. branch 
 of the Rancocus, separating it from Northampton, and W. by Ches- 
 terfield and Springfield. Pop. 3,045. The suriace is level, the 
 soil light, and in the N. part fertile and improved by marl. The 
 SE. portion is generally covered with pines. The township con- 
 tains 11 stores, 4 grist m., S saw m. ; cap. in manufac. 874,600; 9 
 schools, 474 scholars, ^See page i>'i .) 
 
 Pemberton, 6 miles from Mount Holly, near the SW. corner of 
 the township, is built on a gentle elevation between Budd's run and 
 the N. branch of the Rancocus. The land in this vicinity was 
 originally owned by David Budd, who, about the year 1758, sold 
 out to a company of four persons, who built a grist and a saw mill 
 on the Rancocus, and called the place " New Mills" in contradis- 
 tinction to a mill then standing on Budd's run, on the opposite side 
 of the town site. The village was incorporated in 1826 by its 
 present name, after James Pemberton. It is thriving, and contains 
 3 stores, 1 large saw, and 1 large grist-m., a turning-m., i pump 
 manufactory, 2 carriage makers, several mechanic shops, 1 Baptist 
 and 2 Methodist churches, and above 100 dwellings. The water- 
 power on the Rancocus, on which the mills are situated, is one of 
 the best in this region. Shelltown, Arneystown, Cookstown, Han- 
 over, Lisbon. Scrabbletown, Greenwood, Wrightstown. Jaeobstown, 
 and Plattsburgh, lately called Sykestown, are small villages and 
 localities in the township. At Jaeobstown there is a Baptist church, 
 and Methodist societies at Jaeobstown and Wrightstown. 
 
 The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the 
 graveyard adjoining the Methodist church : — 
 
 Sacred to the memory of the Rev. William Budd, who departed this Ufe 28tb Sept., 
 809, aged 67 years, 3 months, and 22 days — 
 
BURLINGTON COUNTY. 107 
 
 Stop, passing stranger, learn thy awful doom . 
 Ah ! why tliut solemn and dejected air ? 
 Is death so awful, that thou fear'st the tomb ? 
 Or life so sweet, thou wouldst not leave its care ? 
 
 The man who fears his God, dreads not the grave, 
 Nor is life sweet, when future bliss is sure: 
 Religion is the only power can save, 
 'Tis that alone can heavenly joys procure. 
 
 In memory of Rev. John Merrick, who departed this life, July 30th, 1798, ag«d 
 39 years — 
 
 Ye who survey with curious eye 
 This tomb where Merrick's ashes lie ; 
 His worth through various life attend, 
 His virtues learn and mourn his end. 
 
 LITTLE EGG HARBOR. 
 
 This township comprises the eastern point or section of Burling- 
 ton CO. It is about 17 miles long, with an average width of 7 
 miles, bounded N. by Northampton, E. by Stafford, Monmouth co., 
 W. by Washington, and S. by Little Egg Harbor river and bay. 
 The soil is light, and a great part of the surface is covered by 
 pines. In that part of the township adjoining the ocean, there is 
 a marshy tract along the shore from one to three miles in width. 
 Tucker's beach fronts the township, and in the Great and Little 
 Egg Harbor bays there are numerous islands. In the northern 
 part are extensive tracts covered with low pines and scrub oaks, 
 known as the East and West Plains, in which deer and grouse 
 abound. There are in the township 7 stores, 1 grist-m., 1 saw-m. : 
 cap. in manufac. $6,800 ; 7 schools, 285 scholars. Pop. 1, 433. 
 
 Tuckerton is situated at the head of an arm of the ocean JN. of 
 Little Egg Harbor inlet, about six miles from the sea, on both sides 
 of a stream called Tuckerton mill creek. It is a port of entry, 
 containing a custom-house, 2 houses for divine worship, 1 lor 
 Friends, and 1 for Episcopal Methodists, 4 stores, two ship-yards, 
 in which more or less vessels are built annually, a saw and grist- 
 m., several mechanic shops, and about 100 dwellings: distant 
 50 miles from Philadelphia, 200 from Washington, and GO from 
 Trenton. 
 
 The district of Little Egg Harbor, and port of Tuckerton, com- 
 prises all the shores, water-s, bays, rivers, inlets, and creeks from Bar- 
 negat inlet to Brigantine inlet, inclusive, 30 miles on the sea-coast, 
 and extends to Batsto, at the head of Mullica river, 30 miles more ; 
 within which boundaries are several furnaces and Ibrges, on'e cot- 
 ton factory, and one exten.sive paper-mill. Tluire are about 50 sail 
 of vessels enrolled and licensed at the port of Tuckerton. 
 
 Tuckerton was fir.st settled by the whites about the year 1G99, 
 by Edward Andrews, Mordecai Andrews, Jacob Andrews,* and 
 
 * Jacob Andrews was a considerable proprietor of lands on both sides of Tuckerton 
 mill creek. He was in those days a jovial companion, playing on the violin for the en- 
 
108 BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Daniel Gaunt, from Long Island. Edward Andrews purchased of 
 Samuel Jennings a large quantity of land on the east and west 
 side of an arm of the sea called Tuckerton creek. About the year 
 1704, he erected a grist and saw m. ; and about this time a num- 
 ber of settlers moved into this neighborhood by the name of 
 Shourds, Parker, Rose, Lippincott, Ong, Ridway, Falkenburg, Mott, 
 Carr, Mathis, Orsborn, and Willets. These persons settled each 
 side of the creek, then called Andrews mill creek, and the " Middle 
 of the Shore." The chief occupation of the inhabitants, then, was 
 hshing, fowling, ship-building, manufacturing lumber, such as pine 
 and cedar boards, rails and shingles, which were shipped coastwise 
 to the cities, and direct to the West Indies. About 1765, Reuben 
 Tucker emigrated from the state of New York and purchased the 
 whole of the island called Tucker's beach, extending from Little 
 Egg Harbor to Brigantine inlet, 10 miles in length, also a planta- 
 tion near Tuckerton. In 1778, his son, Ebn. Tucker, located him- 
 self in the settlement then called " Middle of the Shore," near An- 
 drews mill, then owned by the Shourds family, and at the close of 
 the revolutionary war purchased the farm of John and Joseph 
 Gaunt, on which the main part of Tuckerton is now built. He 
 soon laid out the tract into building lots, built houses, entered 
 largely into the mercantile and shipping business, importing his 
 groceries direct from the West Indies in exchange for lumber. In 
 1780, the people of the village and vicinity met, and resolved that 
 the village should be called Tucherton. In the early part of Wash- 
 ington's administration it was established a port of entry for tht 
 district of Little Egg Harbor, the collector to reside at Tuckerton. 
 
 " There used to be," says Watson, " a considerable exportation 
 of sdssdfrds from Egg Harbor. Some vessels went direct to Hol- 
 land with it ' north about,' to avoid, I believe, some British orders 
 of trade therein. The Dutch made it into a beverage, which they 
 sold under the name of sloop. This commerce existed before the 
 war of the revolution." 
 
 This was a place of great resort for American privateers during 
 the revolutionary war. A vast amount of property was brought 
 into this port, captured from the British. Among the rich ])rizes 
 were the ships Venus and Major Pearson from London. Sometimes 
 upwards of thirty armed American vessels have been in tin? har- 
 bor at one time. The Britisii generals, at New York, finding their 
 merchant ships and transports so much annoyed by the privateers 
 rendezvousing at Tuckerton, determined to destroy the place. For 
 this puipose they dispatched thither an armament of eight or ten 
 vessels and 700 men ; the tlag-shi]) being the Zebra sloop-of-war. 
 
 tertainmciit of his neighbors, and treating thom with rum and cider in their dances. He, 
 however, came to a sudden pause in this career, laid aside his violin, became a Friend 
 or Quaker in sentiment, and induced his neighbors for several miles around to come to 
 meetings at his house, by which means was established a respectable congregation. He 
 gave two acres of land, and with the assistance of his friends built a meeting-house for 
 the Society, in which, for many years, yearly meetings were held. 
 
BURLINGTON COUNTY. 109 
 
 Gen. Washington hearing of the expedition, dispatched Count Pu- 
 laski and his legion, and at the same time sent an express to Tuck- 
 erton, and gave information, so that the privateers escaped. Pu- 
 laski arrived at Tuckerton three days after the arrival of the Brit- 
 ish, who had landed and burnt the village of Chestnut neck, on 
 Mullica river, and 10 or 12 houses on Bass river, Tucker's mill, and 
 about 30 prize vessels lying in the harbor. As the armament and 
 troops retired, they landed at Osborn's island, 4 miles west of Tuck- 
 erton, in the night, and having captured a sentinel, compelled him 
 to lead them to the spot where Pulaski's picket-guard was station- 
 ed. This guard consisted of about 30 men ; they were completely 
 surprised by the enemy, who put every one of them to death. 
 They then retreated to their shipping, tearing up a bridge in their 
 progress, which prevented Pulaski from overtaking them. As the 
 enemy's fleet was going out of the harbor, the Zebra grounded, and 
 to prevent her from falling into the hands of the Americans, they 
 set her on fire ; and as the fire reached her guns they were dis- 
 charged, much to the amusement of the Americans who beheld the 
 conflagration. 
 
 During the revolutionary war, in the month of January, (1779, 
 it is supposed,) a dreadful shipwreck occurred on the east end of 
 Tucker's island. The ship was from Liverpool bound to New York, 
 with passengers, among whom were several ladies, and goods, 
 comprising heavy articles. She grounded on the bar during a gale 
 in the night, bilged, filled with water, but did not immediately 
 break to pieces. When the storm abated, it was found that every 
 soul on board had perished with the cold; about 30 bodies drifted 
 on shore on Tucker's beach, among whom were a number of ofli- 
 cers in their regimentals, who were buried on the island. The 
 ship finally went to pieces, but nothing of value was saved. Some- 
 where about the year 1800, a new inlet broke through Tucker's 
 beach, and at the same time closed up Brigantine inlet. This new 
 inlet is now the best on the sea-coast of New Jersey, into which 
 a vast number of vessels enter for shelter against storms. In 1829 
 and 1830, congress appropriated $15,000 to improve Little Egg 
 Harbor ; but owing to the bad management of those employed, 
 nothing of any use was eflected. In 1815, John Hallock, from New 
 York, settled at Tuckerton, and introduced the culture of the cas- 
 tor bean and the manufacture of castor oil, which for several 
 years yielded large profits. In 1810, Daniel Thatcher, from Mas- 
 sachusetts, introduced the manufacture of salt by the evaporation 
 of salt water, but this business with the other has gone down. 
 
 MANSFIELD. 
 
 This township is about 9 miles long, 5 broad ; and is bounded 
 N. by the Delaware river, E. by Chesterfield, S. by Springfield, 
 and W. by Burlington. The surface is generally level, and the soil, 
 
no 
 
 BURLINGTON COUNTY 
 
 of which there is a variety, well cultivated and productive. New- 
 bold or Biddle island, settled about the year 1683, lies in the Dela- 
 ware, opposite the township. The township contains 5 stores, 1 
 grist-m., 1 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. 'S12'^,500; 1 academy, 12 
 schools, 144 scholars. Pop. in 1865,1,873. 
 
 Columbus, the principal village, is in the south part, 12 miles 
 from Trenton, 5 from Bordentown, and 7 from Burlington and 
 Mount Holly. This vicinity was originally settled by Thomas 
 Scattergood, .an English Friend. Before leaving his native coun- 
 try, he purchased 160 acres, on Craft's creek, for which he paid five 
 
 18^2 
 
 Central part of Coliimhus. 
 
 shillings sterling. This farm, now in possession of Mr. C. G. Atkin 
 son, is about half a mile from the village. When he first came, 
 this region was an unbroken forest, excepting a few clearings made 
 by the Indians, for the cultivation of corn. His wife emigrated 
 with him. He dug out a cave, on the south bank of the creek, 
 where they lived, and reared a family of nine children. This cave 
 is now in existence, and near it a spring, from which they obtained 
 water. The Indians were very kind, and presented to him beans, 
 venison, corn, &c. The generosity of the natives, in his early trials, 
 was held in just remembrance. He died, leaving a large estate; 
 and in his will requested his children to act kindly, and allow them 
 the privilege of residing on his estate, and cutting timber for fuel. 
 Some of his descendants are yet living in the township. Columbus 
 was founded previous to the American revolution. The names of 
 some of the early settlers were Martin Gibbs, Abel Starkey, Thomas 
 Kerlin, and Michael BufHn. The place was first known as the 
 '■^Encroaching Corners" which name originated in a quarrel be- 
 tween two of the settlers, relating to the riirht of occupancy of 
 land. It was afterward changed to ^^ Black Horse" from a tavern 
 in the village, the sign of which had the representation of a black 
 horse. This sign is still in existence in the village, and among 
 
BURLINGTON COUNTY. Ij] 
 
 elderly people the place now bears this name. About one hundred 
 yards south of the tavern was formerly an Indian field, where the 
 children of the whites and natives mingled in play. On the estate 
 of Thomas Scattergood was an Indian burial-place. 
 
 Columbus is in a fertile and healthy country, and in the summer 
 is considerably resorted to by the citizens of Philadelphia. It has 
 a library, 3 mercantile stores, about 20 mechanic shops of different 
 kinds, 52 dwellings, and nearly 400 inhabitants ; and a Presbyte- 
 -ian, a Baptist, and a jNIethodist church. The Delaware and At- 
 lantic railroad, used principally for the transportation of timber, 
 commences on the Delaware, opposite Newbold island, passes 
 through this village in crossing the township, and terminates at or 
 near Greenwood, in the south part of Hanover, on the Kancocus. 
 Mansfield, about a mile north of Columbus, contains a few dwell- 
 ings, and 2 Friends meeting-houses. The Square, and Georgetown, 
 contain each a few dwellings. 
 
 NORTHAMPTON. 
 
 This township is about 30 miles long, with a breadth varying 
 from 4 to 1 1 miles. It is bounded NE. by Springfield and Hano- 
 ver, E. by Monmouth co. and Little Egg Harbor, S. by Washing- 
 ton, W. by Evesham and Chester, and NW. by Willingborough and 
 Burlington. The surface is generally level or undulating. The 
 south and east portion is mostly covered with pines and oaks ; the N. 
 and W. part is fertile, and has some of the finest cultivated farms in 
 the state. The township contains 7 grist-m., 11 saw-m. ; cap. in 
 manufac. i$-'38,100 ; 4 academies, 91 students, 6 schools, 386 schol- 
 ars. Pop inlbb5,3,878. 
 
 Mount Hoily, tne seat of justice for Burlington co., is in the 
 west part of the township, on the North branch of the Rancocus, 
 7 miles east of Burlington, and 19 from Trenton. The village is 
 pleasantly situated, in a very fertile country, and contains the county 
 buildings, 9 mercantile stores, a variety of mechanics, a saw, grist, 
 fulling, plaster, and a paper mill, a woollen factory, a bank, 2 news- 
 paper printing-offices, a large boarding-school, 1 Presbyterian, 1 
 Episcopal, 1 Methodist, and 1 Baptist church, 2 Friends meeting- 
 houses, between 300 and 400 dwellings, and about 2,000 inhabit- 
 ants. Mount Holly derives its name from a hill, or mount, seen on 
 the left of th(! engraving, called Mount Holly from the holly-trees 
 upon it. This eminence, about 200 feet above the level of the sea, is 
 said to be the highest land in the southern portion of New Jersey. 
 From its summit an uninterrupted prospect is had, in every direc- 
 tion — where no " Alps o'er Alps arise ;" scarce even the blue out- 
 lines of far-off hills are seen mellowing away in the distance. One 
 here beholds the earth beneath, like a carpeted lawn, interspersed 
 with woodland, cultivated fields, and smiling villas. 
 
 Mount Holly was settled by Friends, not long after the settle- 
 
lis 
 
 BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1842 
 
 Southwest View of Mount Holly. 
 
 ment of Burlington. A grist and saw mill was built on the Nonb 
 branch of the Raneocus at an early date. It originally bore the 
 name of Bridgetown, and previous to the American revolution was 
 a village of about 200 houses. "Some po7'c lies still remain, on the 
 more ancient dwellings, to revive the recollection of the social 
 manners which once prevailed, when neighbors freely and uncere- 
 moniously visited from house to house, taking the porches for their 
 sittings and conversation. They were the delight of the young, 
 for they facilitated visits and acquaintance between the sexes. The 
 moderns scout them, even while they desire their use." 
 
 In the war. Mount Holly was a place of considerable importance. 
 The legislature for a time held its sittings here, and some British 
 troops were temporarily quartered upon the inhabitants. The 
 houses where they resided were designated by nuinhers, some of 
 which remain, as relics of those perilous times. The late William 
 IV., then a young man, was here with the British troops ; between 
 whom and the Americans some slight skirmishes ensued. Musket- 
 balls are frequently found on Topetoy hill, and vicinity. The yel- 
 low-fever in Philadelphia, in 1793, and the massacre of St. Domin- 
 go, filled the town with a surplus population. The French, par- 
 taking of the volubility and gaiety of their race, made the place 
 lively with their conversation ; forming a strong contrast to the 
 staid, sober, but no less happy Quaker inhabitants, with whom, 
 
 " With silent coarse, which no loud storms annoy, 
 Glides the smooth current of domestic joy." 
 
 About this period, Stephen Girard, " famous for his riches and 
 gifts," landed at Egg Harbor, came across the country on a ped- 
 dling tour, and took up his residence in the village. He lived on 
 the site of Mrs. Rebecca Rogers' dwelling, in Mill-st., where he 
 opened a cigar-shop, and sold raisins, by the penny's worth, to 
 children. He is said then to have been " a little, uinioticed man, 
 save that the beauty of his wife, whom he married here, worried 
 and alienated his mind." 
 
BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 113 
 
 Western View of the County Buildings at Mt. Holly, JSf. J. 
 
 The courts of the county were removed from BurHngton to Mount Holly in 
 1796, and the present substantial county buildings were soon erected. In the 
 engi-avjng, the Court House appears in the central part, the county prison on 
 the right, and the clerk's office on the left. There are in the village several 
 elegant buildings, among which is the "Chinese Cottage," near the depot of 
 the Burlington and Mt. Holly Railroad. This structure, which is a combina- 
 tion of the English and Chinese cottage style, has attracted much attention to 
 visitors of the place ; the grounds connected with it are tastefully arranged, 
 and the general efTect of the whole is light, fjxnciful and picturesque. They 
 are situated at the foot of the mount at the western entrance of the town. In 
 former times, one of the curiosities of the place was the sign-post of one of the 
 hotels, much noticed from having been one of the masts of the Hyder Ali, a 
 noted privateer in the Revolutionary war. 
 
 In the war of the revolution a singular cannon was made by a 
 person who afterward lived in the village. It was constructed of 
 wrought-iron staves, hooped like a barrel with bands of the same 
 material, excepting there were four layers of staves breaking joint, 
 all of which were firmly bound together, and then bored and breech- 
 ed like other cannon. The artisan died only a few years since in 
 Pennsylvania. The annexed notice of his death is from a paper 
 published at the time. " Died on Sunday, the 19th ultimo, William 
 Denning, in the 94th year of his age. The deceased was an arti- 
 ficer in the irmy of the revolution, — he it was, who in the day of 
 his country'; need, made the only successful attempt ever made in the 
 world to mai.ufacture wrougiit-iron cannon, one of which he com- 
 pleted in M ddlesex, Penn., and commenced another and larger 
 
 15 
 
114 
 
 BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 one at Mount Holly ; but could get no one to assist him who could 
 stand the lndt, which is said to have been so severe as to melt the 
 lead buttons on his coat." The unfinished piece is now in the Phil- 
 adelphia arsenal. " The one completed was taken by the British 
 at the battle of Brandywine, and is now in the tower of London. 
 The British oiiered a stated annuity and a large sum to the person 
 who would instruct them in the manufacture of that article ; but 
 the patriotic blacksmith preferred ubscurity and poverty in his own 
 beloved country, though the country for which he had done so 
 much, kept her purse closed from the veteran soldier until near 
 the period of his decease." 
 
 Woolman House, near Mount Holly. 
 
 The above is a representation of the " Woolman Place," situated 
 a little out of the village of Mount Holly, on the road to Spring- 
 field. The house represent(^d was built according to the particular 
 directions of John Woolman, the celebrated travelling preacher 
 among the Friends, and in which his wife and daughter resided af- 
 ter his decease. John Wooliiian_\vas distinguished for purity of 
 heart and benevolence of principle, one of the genuine nobility of 
 the human race. He was born in Northampton, Burlington co., 
 N. J., in 1720. At a very early age his mind was drawn toward 
 religious subjects. When about eighteen years of age he was 
 powerfully impressed with religious truth, and with a strong and 
 prayerful desire to be delivered from the power of sin. 
 
 In his Journal he writes, "I kept steadily to meetings; spent 
 first-days' afternoon chieliy in reading the scriptures and other good 
 books, and was early convinced in my own mind, that true religion 
 consisted in an inward life, wherein the heart doth love and rever- 
 ence God the Creator, and learns to exercise true justice and good- 
 ness, not only toward all men, but also toward the brute crea- 
 tures — that as the mind was moved by an inward principle to love 
 God as an invisible, incomprehensible Being, by the same principle 
 it was moved to love him in all his manifestations in the visible 
 world — that as by his breath the llame of life was kindled in all 
 animal sensible creatures, to say we love God as unseen, and, at 
 the same time, exercise cruelty toward the least creature moving 
 
BURLINGTON COUNTY. 115 
 
 by his life, or by life derived from him, was a contradiction in itself. 
 I found no narrowness respecting sects and opinions ; but believed 
 that sincere, upright-hearted people in every society, who truly 
 love God, were accepted of him. As I lived under the cross, and 
 simply followed the openings of truth, my mind, from day to day, 
 was more enlightened." 
 
 Mr. Woolman lived with his parents and " wrought on his fa- 
 ther's plantation, till he was about twenty-one years of age, when 
 he hired himself to tend a shop and keep the books of a man who 
 did business at Mount Holly, about five miles from his father's 
 house. His employer, though a retailer of goods, was by trade a 
 tailor, and kept a servant-man at that business, of whom Mr. Wool- 
 man learned his trade. His first religious visit or tour was into 
 East Jersey, in 1743, and in 1749 he was married to Sarah Ellis. 
 Woolman, from the commencement of his religious course, felt 
 himself bound to give his testimony against slavery, then so preva- 
 lent in all the colonies, and even to a considerable extent among 
 Friends. He w^as frequently called to write wills for those who 
 resided in his vicinity, but although a profitable business, he re- 
 fused to write any in which the right of holding human beings as 
 property M^as acknowledged. 
 
 Until this year, 1756, I continued to retail goods, besides following iny trade as a 
 tailor, about which time I grew uneasy on account of my business growing too cumber- 
 some. I had begun with selling trimmings for garments, and from thence proceeded to 
 selling cloths and linens ; and at length, having got a considerable shop of goods, my 
 trade increased every year, and the road to large business appeared to be open ; but I 
 felt a stop in ray mind. 
 
 Through the mercies of the Almighty, I had, in a good degree, learned to be con- 
 tent with a plain way of living. I had but a small family, and on serious consideration, 
 I believed truth did not require me to engage in much cumbering affairs. It had been 
 my general practice to buy and sell tilings really useful. Tilings that served chiefly to 
 please the vain mind in people, I was not easy to trade in ; seldom did it ; and, when- 
 ever I did, I found it weakened me as a Christian. The increase of business became 
 my burden ; for, though my natural inclination was toward merchandise, yet I believed 
 Truth required me to live more free from outward cumbers ; and there was now a strife 
 in my mind between the two ; and in this exercise my prayers were put up to the Lord, 
 who graciously heard nie and gave me a heart resigned to his holy will. Then I lessened 
 my outward business, and, as I had opportunity, told my customers of my intentions, 
 that they might consider what shop to turn to, and in a while, wholly laid down mer- 
 chandise, following my trade as a tailor, myself only, having no apprentice. I also had 
 a nursery of apple-trees, in which I employed .some of my time in hoeing, grafting, trim- 
 ming, and inoculating. In merchandise it is the custom where I lived to sell chiefly on 
 credit, and poor people often get in debt ; and when payment is expected, not having 
 wherewith to pay, their creditors often sue for it at law. Having often observed occur- 
 rences of this kind, I found it good for mc to advise poor people to take such goods as 
 were most useful and not costly. 
 
 In the time of trading, I liad an opportunity of seeing, that the too liberal use of 
 spirituous liquors, and the custom of wearing too costly apparel, led some people into 
 great inconveniences ; and these two things appear to be olten connected one with the 
 utiicr ; for, by not attending to that use of things which is consistent with universal 
 righteousness, there is an increase of labor which extends beyond what our heavenly 
 Father intends for us ; and by great labor, and often by much sweating, thci'e is, even 
 among such who arc not drnnkards, a craving of some liquors to revive the spirits ; that 
 partly by the luxurious drinking of some, and partly by the drinking of others, (led to it 
 through immoderate labor,) very great quantities of rum are every year expended in our 
 colonics ; the greater part of wiiich we should have no need of, did we steadily attend to 
 pure wisdom. 
 
115 BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 During the French war in 1757, Aug. 9th, the military ofRcers 
 of Burlington county received orders to draft from the militia a 
 body of soldiers to go to the relief of Fort William Henry, then in- 
 vested by the French and Indians. The militia were reviewed at 
 Mount Holly and sent off under some officers. This was a time of 
 trial for many Friends ; but by the forbearance of the officers, 
 such as were drafted were allowed to remain at home. 
 
 On the fourth day of the fourth month, in the year 1758, orders came to some officers 
 in Mount Holly, to prepare quarters a short time for about one hundred soldiers ; and an 
 officer and two other men, all inhabitants of our town, came to my house ; and the offi- 
 cer told me he came to speak with me, to provide lodging and entertainment for two sol 
 diers, there being six sliillings a week per man allowed as pay for' it. The case being 
 new and unexi)ected, I made no answer suddenly, but sat a time silent, my mind being 
 inward ; 1 was fully convinced that the proceedings in war arc inconsistent with the 
 purity of the Christian religion ; and to be hired to entertain men who were then under 
 pay as soldiers, was a difficulty witli me. I expected they had legal authority for what 
 they did, and after a short time I said to the officer, If the men are sent here for enter- 
 tainment, I believe I shall not refuse to admit them into my house. But the nature of 
 the case is such, that I expect I cannot keep them on hire. One of the men intimated 
 that he thought I might do it consistent with my religious principles, to which I made 
 no reply, as believing silence at that time best for me. Though they spake of two. there 
 came only one, who tarried at my house about two weeks, and behaved himself civilly ; 
 and when the officer came to pay me, I told liim I could not take pay for it, having ad- 
 mitted him into my house in a passive obedience to authority. I was on horseback 
 when he spake to me ; and as I turned from him, he said he was obliged to me, to which 
 I said nothing ; but thinking on the expression, grew uneasy ; and afterward being near 
 where he lived, I went and told him on what grounds I refused pay for keeping the 
 soldier. 
 
 Mr. Woolman died at York, England, while on a religious visit 
 to that country in 1772. His opinions on plainness of dress, &c., 
 ■was carried to a greater extent than would be thought necessary 
 at this time. In the latter part of his life he allowed his beard to 
 grow, and when of an inconvenient length, clipped it with scissors. 
 He wore clothing of the natural color; the woollen white, the lin- 
 en flax. The following summary account of his life is from the 
 testimony of llie monthly meeting of Friends, prefixed to the vol- 
 ume entitled '* The Works of John Woolman." 
 
 A TESTIMONY of the monthly meeting of Friends, held in Burlington, the first 
 day of the eightii month, in the year of our Lord 1774, concerning our esteemed friend, 
 John Woolman, deceased. 
 
 He was born in Northampton, in the county of Burlington, and province of West New 
 Jersey, in the eighth month, 17:30, of religious parents, who instructed him very early in 
 the principles of the Christian religion, as professed by tlie people called Quakers, which 
 he esteemed a blessing to him, even in young years, tending to preserve him from the 
 infection of wicked ciiildren ; but through tlie workings of the enemy, and levity inci 
 dent to youth, he frequently deviated from those parental precepts, by which he laid a 
 renewed foundation for repentance, that was finally succeeded by a godly sorrow not to 
 be repented of, and so became acquainted with that sanctifying power which qualifies 
 for true gospel ministry, into which he was called about the twenty-second year of his 
 age ; and by a faithful use of the talents conunitted to him, he experienced an increase, 
 until lie arrived at the state of a father capable of dividing the word ariglit to the difTcrent 
 states he ministered unto, dispensing milk to babes, and meat to those of riper years. 
 Thus he found tiie efficacy of that power to arise, which, in iiis own expressions, " pre- 
 pares the creature to stand like a trum[)ct through which the Lord speaks to his people." 
 He was a loving husband, a tender father, and very humane to every part of the crea- 
 tion under his care. 
 
 His concern for the poor and those in affliction, was evident by his visits to them, 
 
BURLINGTON COUNTY. 117 
 
 whom he frequently relieved by his assistance and charity. He was for many years 
 deeply exercised on account of the poor enslaved Africans, whose cause, as he some- 
 times mentioned, lay almost continually upon him, and to obtain liberty to those cap- 
 tives, he labored both in public and in private, and was favored to see his endeavors 
 crowned with considerable success. He was particularly desirous that Friends should 
 not be instrumental to lay burdens on this oppressed people, but remember the days of 
 Buffering from which they had been providentially delivered, that if times of trouble 
 should return, no injustice dealt to those in slavery might rise in judgment against us ; 
 but, being clear, we might on such occasions address the Almighty with a degree of 
 confidence, for his interposition and relief, being particularly careful as to himself, not to 
 countenance slavery even by the use of those conveniences of Ufe which were furnished 
 oy their labor. 
 
 He was desirous to have his own and the minds of others redeemed from the pleasures 
 and immoderate profits of this world, and to fix them on those joys which fade not 
 away ; his principal care being after a life of purity, endeavoring to avoid not only the 
 grosser pollutions, but those also which, appearing in a more refined dress, are not sufii- 
 ciently guarded against by some well-disposed people. In the latter part of his life he 
 was remarkable for the plainness and simplicity of his dress, and as much as possible 
 avoiding the use of plate, costly furniture, and feasting ; thereby endeavoring to become 
 an example of temperance and self-denial, which he believed himself called unto, and 
 was favored with peace therein, although it carried the appearance of great austerity in 
 the view of some. He was very moderate in his charges in the way of business, and in 
 his desires after gain ; and, though a man of industry, avoided and strove much to lead 
 others out of extreme labor and anxiousness after perishable things, being desirous that the 
 strength of our bodies might not be spent in procuring things unprofitable, and that we 
 might use moderation and kindness to the brute animals under our care, to prize the use 
 of them as a great favor, and by no means abuse them ; that the gifts of Providence 
 should thankfully be received and applied to the uses for which they were designed. 
 
 He several times opened a school at Mount Holly for the instruction of poor Friends' 
 children and others, being concerned for their help and improvement therein. His love 
 and care for the rising youth among us was truly great, recommending to parents and 
 those who have the charge of them, to clioose conscientious and pious tutors, saying, 
 " It is a lovely sight to behold innocent children," and that " to labor for their help 
 against that which would mar the beauty of their minds, is a debt we owe them." 
 
 His ministrj' was sound, very deep and penetrating, sometimes pointing out the dan- 
 gerous situation which indulgence and custom leads into, frequently exhorting others, 
 especially the youth, not to be discouraged at the difficulties which occur, but press after 
 purity. He often expressed an earnest engagement that pure wisdom should be attended 
 to, which would lead into lowliness of mind and resignation to the Divine will, in which 
 state small possessions here would be sufficient. 
 
 In transacting the affairs of discipline, his judgment was sound and clear, and he was 
 very useful in treating with those who had done amiss; he visited such in a private 
 way, in that plainness which truth dictates, showing great tenderness and Christian for- 
 bearance. He was a constant attender of our yearly meeting, in which he was a good 
 example, and particularly useful ; assisting in the business thereof with great weight 
 and attention. He several times visited most of the meetings of Friends in this and 
 the neighboring provinces, with the concurrence of the monthly meeting to which he 
 belonged, and we have reason to believe had good service therein, generally or always 
 expressing at his return, how it had fared with him, and the evidence of peace in liis 
 own mind for thus performing his duty. He was often concerned with other Friends in 
 the important service of visiting families, which he was enabled to go through with sat- 
 isfaction. 
 
 In the minutes of the meeting of ministers and elders for this quarter, at the foot of 
 the list of members for that meeting, made about five years before his death, we find in 
 his handwriting the following observation and reflection : — " As looking oyer the 
 minutes niad(! by persons who have put olf this body, hath sometimes revived in me a 
 thought how many ages pass away ; so this list may probably revive a thought in some, 
 when I and the rest of the persons abov('d-named arc centred in another state of being. 
 The Lord who was the guide of my youth, hath in tender mercies helped me hitherto; 
 he hath healed me of wounds ; he hatii helped me out ol' grievous entanglements ; he 
 remains to be the strength of my life; to whom I desire to devote myself in time and 
 eternity." Sifrned, John Woolman. 
 
 Ib the twelfth month, 1771, he acquainted this meeting that he found his mind drawa 
 
118 BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 toward a religious visit to Friends in some parts of Enfrland, particularly Yorkshire. 
 In the first month, 1772, he obtained our certificate, which was approved and endorsed 
 by our quarterly meetinff of ministers and elders at Philadelphia. He embarked on his 
 voyage on the fifth and arrived in London on the sixth month following, at the time of 
 their annual meeting in that city. During his .short visit to Friends in that kingdom, 
 we arc informed that his services were acceptable and edifying. In his last illness he 
 uttered many lively and comfortable expressions, being " perfectly resigned, having no 
 will either to live or to die," as appears by testimony of Friends at York, in Great Brit- 
 ain, in the suburbs whereof, at the house of our friend Thomas Priestman, he died of the 
 small-pox, on the seventh day of the tenth month, 1772, and was buried in Friends' 
 burying-ground in that city, on the ninth of the same, after a large and solid meeting 
 held on the occasion, at their great meeting-house, aged nearly filly-two years ; a minis- 
 ter upwards of thirty years, during which time he belonged to Mount Holly particular 
 meeting, which he diligently attended when at home and in health of body, and his la- 
 bors of love and pious care for the prosperity of Friends in the blessed Truth, wc hope 
 may not be forgotten, but that his good works may be remembered to edification. 
 
 Siirned in and by order of the said meeting by Samuel Allinso.v, Clerk. 
 
 Read and approved at our quarterly meeting, held at Burhngton, the 29th of the 8th 
 month, 1774. 
 
 Signed by order of said meeting, Daniel Smith. Clerk. 
 
 Lumberton, two and a half miles from Mount Holly, on the south 
 branch of the Rancocus, contains a store, a ciJii? manufactory, a 
 ■« I't'-mill, a Methodist church, and 45 dwellings. It lies at the head 
 of navigation. A considerable number of vessels, sloops, scows, 
 &c., run from here to Philadelphia with lumber and charcoal. A 
 little more than half a century since, there were only 11 dwellings 
 in the place. The names of some of the inhabitants at that period 
 were Solomon Gaskell, a blind preacher ; Joseph and Richard Ed- 
 wards, storekeepers ; Eber More, carpenter : John Wilson, tanner ; 
 John Barefoot, James Rogers, John Arm.strong, and Isaac and 
 Thomas Smith. Eayrs-town, three and a half miles from Mount 
 Holly, on the south branch of the Rancocus, has a grist, saw, and a 
 fulling mill, and about 20 dwellings. Shreve's Mills are two and 
 a half miles from Mount Holly, on the A'orth branch of the Ranco- 
 cus. Buddsto\vn, on the 8top-the-jade creek, about eight miles 
 from the courthouse, on the edge of the pines, contains 2 stores, a 
 saw-mill, several mechanics, and about 30 dwellings. Birming- 
 ham, four miles E. of Mount Holly, on the North branch of the 
 Rancocus, contains a grist, saw, and fulling mill, and about 20 
 dwellings. There are several other localities, situated principally 
 among the pines. They are Red Lion, Mount Misery, Ong's Hat, 
 Burr's Mills, White Horse, Friendship, Bine Cabin, Tabernacle, 
 Retreat Factory, Pricket.s, Mary Ann, Half- Way, Turpentine, and 
 Timbuctoo. Vincent-town, five miles SE. of Mount Holly, at the 
 junction of Stop-the-jade creek with the South branch of the 
 Rancocus, is a flourishing village, mostly grown up since the revo- 
 lutionary war. 
 
 The village is compactly built, principally on a single street, 
 with a slight elevation to the southeast, of which the annexed view, 
 taken near the store of R. H. Woolston, is a representation. It 
 contains 4 stores, a grist, saw, and turning mill, an extensive tan- 
 nery, a select school, 1 Baptist, 1 INIethodist church, and a Friends 
 meeting, 90 dwellings, and about GOO inhabitants. In this vicinity 
 
BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 119 
 
 Central View in Vincent-town. 
 
 t cellent cuii jiti' inm,- is found. There was anciently a settle- 
 n„jnt of Indians about a mile west of Vincent-town, on Quakeson 
 cioek, where stood a log church, in which the Rev. John Brainard, 
 a brother of the celebrated missionary, occasionally preached. 
 Thii^ clergyman lived at Mount Holly during the American revolu- 
 tion, in a dwelling now occupied by John Gibson, in the E. part of 
 Brai,Mard-st., where he died. The Presbyterian church in which he 
 officiated at Mount Holly, was burnt in the war ; whether by acci- 
 dent cr design is unknown. 
 
 The following account of a hermit, residing near the western 
 line of the township over 60 years since, is extracted from a news- 
 paper of the time. 
 
 On the 19th inst. (Jan. 1778) died, in the 66th year of his age, Francis Furgler, tlie 
 hermit, who existed alone twenty-five years, in a thick wood about four miles from Bur- 
 lington, throucrh all the inclemencies of the seasons, without fire, in a cell made by the 
 side of an old log, in the form of an oven, not high or long enough to stand upright in, 
 or lie extended. His recluse manner of living excited the curiosity of strangers, by 
 whom he was often visited. His reasons for thus secluding himself from human society 
 we believe be never communicated to any person in these parts, but it is thought he 
 meant by it to do penance for crimes committed in his own country ; for he was a man 
 subject to violent passions. He subsisted upon nuts, and the charity of the people in 
 the neighborhood. F'rom whence he came, or who he was, nobody could find out, but 
 appeared to be by his dialect a German, yet he sjjoke that language imperfectly, cither 
 through design, or from some defect in his intellects. The evening before his death a 
 friend carried him a little nourishment, of which he partook, earnestly praying for his 
 dissolution ; and would not suffer himself to be removed to a more comfortable dwelling. 
 Next morning he was found dead in his cell, with a crucifix and a brass fish by his side ; 
 and on the 20th he was decently interred in Friends' burying-placc at Mount Holly. 
 
 SPRINGFIELD. 
 
 Springfield s triangular in form, its longest side measuring 10, 
 and the others T and i) miles in length. It is bounded N. by Mans- 
 
120 BURLINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 field, SE. ]>y Hanover, and SW. by Northampton and Burlington. 
 There are in the township 3 stores, cap, in manufac. $0,320 ; 7 
 schools, 411 scholars. Pop. 1, 653, The surface is mostly level, and 
 soil sandy loam, and generally very fertile. The township was 
 settled by Friends, between the years 1G82 and 1695, principally 
 emigrants from Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and the adjoining counties 
 in England. Some of the early settlers, however, were from Long 
 Island, and the state of Rhode Island. The Assiscunk and Barker's 
 creek, and also North run, formerly called Tomlinson's run, one of 
 the principal tributaries of Crosswick's creek, rises in the town- 
 ship. The two first head on the marl region, and have on them 
 large tracts of superior meadow. The farms of the township are 
 large, with substantial dwellings and barns, and are well adapted 
 to the culture of grain and grass. Large numbers of live-stock 
 are raised, particularly in the marl district. Juliustown, the largest 
 village, named from Julius Evans, is 7 miles NE. of Mount Holly, 
 and contains about 30 dwellings, and a Methodist church. Jobs- 
 town, 6 miles from Mount Holly, on the road to Freehold, contains 
 a few dwellings. It is named from Job Lippincott, who owned a 
 chief part of the land in the vicinity, and built a tavern there about 
 the year 1798. Jacksonville, in the NW. part of the township, has 
 2 stores, a Methodist church, and about 12 dwellings. There are 
 in Springfield 3 Friends meeting-houses, — one of brick, built at Up- 
 per Springfield in 1727, about 3 miles E. of Jobs-town ; one of 
 brick at old Springfield, half a mile E. of Jacksonville ; and one 
 of stone at the Mount, about a mile westerly of Juliustown. 
 
 WASHINGTON. 
 
 This township was formed in 1802, from Northampton, Evesham, 
 and Little Egg Harbor. It is nearly triangular in form ; its north- 
 em line measuring about 21, its eastern 15, and its southwestern 23 
 miles. It is bounded N. by Northampton and Evesham, E. by Little 
 Egg Harbor, and SW. by Mullica and Galloway, Atlantic co., and 
 Waterford, Gloucester co. The surface is level ; soil generally 
 sandy and covered with pines. It is thinly settled and has few in- 
 habitants, excepting such as are employed in the glass and iron 
 works. The vicinity of the Quaker bridge, in this township, is a 
 remarkably interesting botanical region, there being there many 
 rare and beautiful flowers. 
 
 There are large quantities of bog iron ore in the township. It is 
 an interesting fact, that after being dug, the deposit is in time re- 
 newed. In some places the period does not exceed twenty years. 
 The renewal of the ore arises from the circumstance that the soil 
 in which it is formed, is incessantly washed by springs containing 
 much iron in their composition. The Wading river and its branches 
 drain the central part of the township, and the Little Egg Harbor 
 river forms its SW. bomidary. These are never-failing streams. 
 
BURLINGTON COUNTY. 121 
 
 and furnish more natural water-power than is to be found in any 
 other township in this part of New Jersey. The township contains 
 4 stores, 2 furnaces, 5 grist-m., 8 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $70,000 ; 
 8 schools, 470 scholars. Pop ill 1865, 1,23 7. 
 
 At M'Cartyville, on Wading river, aoout 28 miles from Mount 
 Holly, is one of the largest and best paper-mills in the state, owned 
 by an incorporated company, and erected at a great expense. 
 There are there twenty or thirty houses. Green Bank, on the 
 Little Egg Harbor river, 3 miles below Batsto, contains 1 saw, 1 
 grist-mill, a glass factory, and about 20 dwellings. Lower Bank, 6 
 miles below Batsto, on the same stream, has a Methodist church 
 and about 30 dwellings. Martha, Speedwell, and Union Works, 
 are furnaces on Wading river, at present not in operation. Bridge- 
 port, at the head of navigation on Wading river, has a few dwellings. 
 Hampton, in the XW. corner of the township, contains a forge, 
 saw-mill, and 10 dwellings. The well-known Batsto furnace is on 
 Batsto river, near the forks of Little Egg Harbor river, on the SW. 
 line of the township, 28 miles !SE. of Mount Holly. The name is 
 supposed to have been derived from an Indian word signifying 
 Bathing, this having been a favorite resort of the natives Jbr that 
 purpose. It contains a large grist and saw mill, and the farnace ol 
 Jesse Richards, Esq., where are usually employed about 125 men; 
 and it is estimated that 700 or 800 persons clerive their subsistence 
 from these works. Batsto was founded in 1766, by Charles Reed. 
 In the American revolution it was owned by Col. John Cox ; at 
 which time the furnace was employed in casting cannon, shot, and 
 bomb-shells, for the American army. The workmen were organ- 
 ized into a military corps ; but were excused, by act of legislature, 
 from actual service, unless in case of an invasion of the county. 
 Atsion is on Atsion river, a branch of the Mullicas or Little Egg 
 Harbor. It lies at the angle of Burlington, Gloucester, and Atlan- 
 tic counties, 18 miles SE. of Mount Holly, and contains 1,5 or 20 
 dwellings, a Methodist church, and a furnace employing about 120 
 workmen. 
 
 Edgepelick is the name of a locality about 3 m. N. of Atsion, 
 where was the last Indian settlement in the state. The remnant 
 of the tribe, consisting of about 100 souls, emigrated to the West 
 nearly half a century since. There is, however, a single family — 
 but of mixed breed — residing in the vicinity, in a log hut. Brain- 
 ard, the missionary, for a time resided among the Indians at this 
 place. His dwelling stood about 8 rods S. of the saw-mill of God- 
 frey Hancock, on rising ground, the site of which is still marked 
 by a depression, showing the precise spot where the cellar was. 
 Within a few rods is the spring from which the family obtained 
 water. The natives had a saw-mill on the site of Nicholas S. 
 Thompson's mill, a quarter of a mile NE. of Brainard's house. 
 Their burying-ground was on the edge of the pond, about 40 rods 
 NW. of the same dwelling. In the vicinity stood their church, 
 
 16 
 
122 CAPE MAY COUNTY. 
 
 built of logs, and destroyed about 35 years since. After the Indiana 
 left, it M'as used by the whites for public worship. 
 
 WILLINGBORO. 
 
 This township is about 5 m. long, 3 wide ; and is bounded NE. by 
 Burlington, E. by Northampton, SW. by Chester, and NW. by the 
 Delaware river. Its surface is level ; soil fertile, and, in the eastern 
 part, productive in grain and grass, and in the western, in vege- 
 tables. The railroad between New York and Philadelphia passes 
 through the W. part of Willingboro. The township was early set- 
 tled by Friends. It contains 4 stores ; cap. in manufac. $3,100 ; 
 2 schools, 73 scholars. Pop. ill 1865, fiS^. 
 
 Cooperstown is on the Camden and Burlington road, 3 m. from 
 the latter place. It contains a Methodist and a Free church, 
 and a few dwellings. Dunks Ferry, a noted crossing-place on the 
 Delaware in the war of the revolution, contains a few dwellings 
 and an Episcopal church. Rancocus, 4 m. W. of Mt. Holly, on 
 the line of this and Northampton township, is a new and handsome 
 village, grown up within a few years, and containing a Friends 
 meeting and about 30 dwellings. 
 
 On the site of the Franklin Park Academy, on the bank of the 
 Rancocus, formerly stood the mansion of William Franklin, the last 
 of the colonial governors of New Jersey. It was destroyed by fire 
 a few years since. " Within sight of the academy was the first 
 Rancocus meeting-house of Friends — now down. An ancient tree 
 near there, of imported and unknown character, now shows the 
 graveyard, close to the tumulus formed by the graves of the In- 
 dians. There they used to be brought on wickers, on men's shoul- 
 ders, and were interred in sitting postures, surrounded and defend- 
 ed by upright wickers " 
 
 CAPE MAY COUNTY. 
 
 Cape May county is bounded N. by Atlantic co., E. and S. by the 
 ocean, and W. by Delaware bay and Cumberland co. : length, 30 
 miles ; greatest breadth, 14 miles. This county is level, and its 
 formation alluvial. Along on the seaside, several beaches, known 
 as " Two-mile Beach," " Five-mile," " Leaming's," " Ludlam's," and 
 " Peck's," unitedly extend the whole length of the county. They 
 are covered with grass, and afford excellent pasturage. West of 
 this is a marsh, from 2 to 3 miles wide, broken by many small salt- 
 water lakes, communicating by inlets with the ocean. There is a 
 similar marsh, thouij:h not interspersed with lakes, on the western, 
 and one on the northern boundary of the county. The soil of the 
 
CAPE MAY COUNTY 123 
 
 soil of the county is composed generally of sand, loam, and gravel, 
 M''hich in many places is covered with oak, and in the northern part 
 pine is found. The inhabitants are mostly engaged in agriculture ; 
 wheat, rye, oats, and Indian corn being the principal crops. Large 
 quantities of timber are annually exported to market. Nearly all 
 the hay is obtained from the salt-marshes. 
 
 This county derives its name from Cornelius Jacobse Mey, who, 
 in 1621, was sent out by the Dutch West India Company, with a 
 number of settlers ; and explored the coast, from Cape Cod to the 
 Delaware, and gave his own name to its northern cape.* In 1729, 
 the Dutch Company sent out three ships, with agents to purchase 
 lands of the natives; one of which entered the Delaware, and 
 bought, the succeeding year, of nine Indian chiefs, for Goodwin and 
 Bloemart, 16 square miles, on the peninsula of Cape May. Noth- 
 ing definite can be gathered of its first settlement, previous to 1691 ; 
 yet it is not improbable it was settled as early as 1640. A large 
 proportion of the original settlers came from Long Island, the whale- 
 fishery then holding out strong inducements for them to visit its 
 shores. Cape iNIay was first made a county by a proprietary law, 
 in 1692 ; by another, in 1694, it had its bounds better ascertained : 
 and by the act of 1710 they were definitely fixed. 
 
 Cape May co. is divided into 5 townships, viz : Cape I. C'ty, 
 Dennis, Lower, Middle, Upper. 
 
 Its population, in 1726, was 668; in 1738, was 1,004; in 1790, 
 was 2,571, (of whom 141 were slaves;) in 1810, was .?.632 : in 
 1830, was 4,936. (slaves 3;) in 1840, was 5,324. in lS65,7,6'i5. 
 
 DENNIS. 
 
 This township was formed in 1826. It is 13 miles long, with an 
 average width of about 6. It is bounded N. by Upper Township, 
 E. by the ocean, S. by Middle Township, and W. by Maurice river, 
 Cumberland co. Dennis creek runs through an extensive cedar 
 swamp. The whole township, except that part cultivated, or 
 meadow, is covered with oaks, pines, and cedars. There are in the 
 township 7 stores. 2 grist-mills, 6 saw-mills ; 4 schools, 205 scholars. 
 Pop.ir ]«b5.2.0l9, 
 
 Dennisville is a post-village, extending on both sides of the creek 
 for a mile. It is 8 miles north of the courthouse, 8 south of Tucka- 
 hoe, and 28 from Bridgeton. It contains 5 stores, about 70 dwell- 
 ings, a neat academy — the upper story of wdiich is used for a ly- 
 ceum, and for religious meetings. Ship-building and the lumber- 
 trade are carried on here. The Methodist church, at this place, 
 
 * Mcy must have possessed a due share of egotism, as he named the bay of New York 
 " Port Mey ;" the Delaware, " New Port Mey ;" its north cape, " Cape Mey ;" and ita 
 south cape, " Cape Cornelius." Only one of his designations has been handed down to 
 posterity, and that has undergone some change in its orthography ; the e being changed 
 to a. 
 
124 CAPE MAY COUNTY. 
 
 was the first erected in the county. It was finished in 1803. The 
 trustees were Constantine Smith, James Ludlam, Christopher Lud- 
 1am, Nathan Cresse, J. Tomlen. John Goff" is believed to have 
 preached the first sermon. The members of the class were Nathan 
 Cresse and wife, R. Woodruff", William and John Mitchell, John 
 Townsend, jr. and wife, Jeremiah Sayre and wife, Sarah Wintzell, 
 Mrs. Enoch Smith, and David Heldreth, who was a local preacher. 
 The number of members of the Methodist denomination in the 
 county is now upwards of 1,100. There is a Baptist church in the 
 eastern part of the township. West Creek, 4 miles NW. of Den- 
 nisville, is a thickly-settled agricultural neighborhood. 
 
 The following is from a manuscript of Thomas Leaming, who 
 died in 1723, aged 49 years; and was buried in the old burying 
 ground on the place of Humphrey Leaming, on the sea-shore. A 
 rough head-stone marks the spot. 
 
 " In July, 1674, I was born in Southampton, Long Island. When I was 
 18 years of age, (1692,) I came to Cape May ; and that winter had a sore 
 fit of the fever and flux. The next summer 1 went to Philadelphia, with 
 my father, (Christopher,) who was lame with a withered hand, which held 
 him until his death. Tlie winter following I went a whaling, and we got 
 eight whales, and five of them we drove to the Hoarkills, (Lewistown, Del- 
 aware;) and we went there to cut them up, and staid a month. The first 
 day of May we came home to Cape May, and my father was very sick , and 
 -the 3d day, 1695, departed this life, at the house of Shamgar Hand. Then 
 I went to Long Island, staid that summer, and in the winter I went a whal- 
 ing again, and got an old coio and a calf. In 1696 I went to whaling again, 
 and made a great voyage ; and in 1697 I worked for John Reeves all sum- 
 mer, and in the winter went to whaling again. In 169S, worked for John 
 Crafford, and on my own land ; and that fall had a sore fit of sickness, at 
 Henry Stites's — and in the year 1700 I lived at my own plantation, and 
 worked for Peter Corson. I was married in 1701 ; and in 1703 I went to 
 Cohansie, and fetched brother Aaron. In 1706 I built my house. Samuel 
 Matthews took a horse from me, worth j£7, because I could not train. 
 [Leaming was a strict Quaker at this time.] In 1707 we made the county 
 road." 
 
 It has been supposed by many, that the number of aborigines in 
 this state, when first visited by Europeans, was inconsiderable. 
 That they were very numerous in this county, there cannot be any 
 doubt, from the great quantities of shells found contiguous to the 
 seaboard. Many hundreds of bushels are to be seen, in numerous 
 places, in one mass : and the soil in many places abounds with 
 them, and is enriched thereby. There is a singular and, perhaps, 
 unaccountable fact, respecting these deposits : the shells are, uni- 
 versally, so broken that seldom a piece is found larger than a shil- 
 ling. Many Indian relics have been discovered, such as isinglass, 
 medals, stone-hatchets, arrow-heads, earthen-ware of a rough de- 
 scription, beads, javelin-heads, &c. , 
 
 Annexed is a copy of the oath of allegiance taken and signed, 
 by those friendly to the revolution, with the names of all the sign- 
 ers in this county : 
 
CAPE MAY COUNTY. 
 
 125 
 
 Oath of Allegiance. — " I do sincerely profess and swear, I do not hold 
 myself bound by allegiance to the King of Great Britain — so help me God. I 
 do sincerely profess and swear, that I do and will bear true faith and alle- 
 giance to the government established in this state, under the authority of the 
 people — so help me God. May 27th, 1778." 
 
 "John Taylor, 
 Ellis Hughes, 
 Elijah Shaw, 
 Levi Hand, 
 Aaron Swain, 
 Reuben Swain, 
 Daniel Cressee, 
 
 —Aaron Eldredge, 
 Constant Hughes, 
 Henry Stevens, 
 Matthew Whiliden, 
 Levi Eldredge, 
 David Johnson, 
 George Campbell, 
 Jacob Richardson, 
 Daniel Crowell, 
 
 ^Ezekiel Eldredge, 
 Jonathan Eldredge, 
 Abner Periman, 
 Simeon Izard, 
 Gideon Kent, 
 
 Humphrey Stites, David Corson, 
 
 -John Stites, Elijah Ganetson, 
 
 Silas Swain, Rem. Corson, 
 
 Constantine Foster, Joseph Ludlam, 
 
 Daniel Hewitt, Jonathan Townsend, 
 William Schellenger, Ezra Hand, 
 
 Mcmucan Hughes, John Goof, 
 
 Ellis Hughes, Jr., David Cressee, 
 
 Benjamin Ballenger, Jesse Corson, 
 Richard Stevenson, -James Godfrey, Jr., 
 
 Uriah Gandy, 
 Thomas Gandy, 
 Thomas Hand, 
 Stephen Foster, 
 John Nickleson, 
 David Townsend, 
 Joshua Ganetson, 
 Samuel Townsend, 
 John Goldin, 
 Peter Corson, 
 John Baker, 
 
 Zebulon Cressee, 
 Nezer Swain, 
 Lewis Cressee, 
 George Taylor, 
 Philip Godfrey, 
 Israel Stites, 
 
 James Hildreth, Jr., 
 Abner Corson, 
 David Hildreth, 
 Jacob Crowell, 
 Jeremiah Richardson, 
 William Shaw, 
 Henry Schellinger, 
 Nathan Hand, 
 Josiah Crowell, 
 Daniel Johnson, 
 Richard Matthews, 
 Isaac Matthews, 
 Samuel Peterson, 
 George Norton, 
 Arthur Cressee, 
 JoJin Foster, 
 
 Christopher Leaming, Richard Edmonds, 
 
 George Hollingshead, Jacob Smith, 
 
 William Yates, 
 John Izard, 
 Daniel Ganetson, 
 John Holmes, 
 Jonathan Hildreth, 
 
 Absalom Hand, 
 Jacob Stites, 
 Jesse Hughes, 
 Jonathan Learning.' 
 
 The aged people of the county can recollect, in the dark days of the 
 revolution, when the army was barefoot, and provisions so exceed- 
 ingly scarce, that their people boiled out, dried, and strung large 
 quantities of clams, and transported them to the army. No doubt 
 they were esteemed a luxury by the half-starved soldiery, and sub- 
 stituted, in some measure, beef and pork. Salt was then manufac- 
 tured, in considerable quantities, by the inhabitants. The remains 
 of a large establishment are yet apparent, near Townsend's sound, 
 on the James Townsend place. It was owned by a Dr. Harris, who 
 was odious to the British, because he sold gunpowder. They offered 
 a reward for him, and threatened the destruction of his works ; but 
 never dared put their threat in execution. 
 
 LOWER. 
 
 This, the most southern township in New Jersey, was incorpo- 
 rated in 1798. Its length, N. and S., is 8 m. ; width, E. and W., 
 the same. It is bounded N. by Middle Township, E. and S. by the 
 Atlantic ocean, and W. by Delaware bay. A great portion of its 
 surface is covered with a salt marsh and sea-beach. On the ocean 
 shore the soil is loamy ; the bay .shore is sandy, and the central 
 part sandy loam. There is much young timber in the township. 
 The inhabitants are mostly engaged in agriculture, or maritime 
 pursuits. There are in the township 6 stores, 3 saw-m. ; 6 schools, 
 240 scholars. Pop. 1, 355. 
 
 Among the early settlers of this township, who came here about 
 
126 CAPE MAY COUNTY. 
 
 1691, principally from Long Island, were Christopher Learning 
 and his son Thomas, Cesar Hoskins, Samuel Matthews, Jonathan 
 Osborne, Nathaniel Short, Cornelius Skellinks, (now Schellinger,) 
 Henry Stites, Thomas Hand and his sons John and George, John 
 and Caleb Carman, John Shaw, Thomas Miller, William Stillwell, 
 Humphrey Hevves, William Mason, and John Richardson. Very 
 soon, quite a business was done here ; as a town called Cape May 
 Town sprang up at Bay shore, for the accommodation of whalers, 
 which was probably the first town built in the county. From the 
 Journal of Aaron Lcaming, Esq., who was born in 1715, we extract 
 the following : " In 1691, Cape May was a new country, and, begin- 
 ning to settle very fast, seemed to hold out good advantages to the 
 adventurer. I never saw any East India tea till 1735. It was at 
 the Presbyterian parson's, the followers of Whitefield, that brought 
 it into use at Cape May about 1744-5-G ; and now it impoverish- 
 
 eth the country Christopher Leaming's remains were 
 
 interred at the place called Cape May Town, which was situated 
 above New England Town creek, and contained about 13 houses ; 
 but on the failure of the whale-fishery in Delaware bay, it dwin- 
 dled into common farms, and the graveyard is on the plantation 
 now owned by Ebenezer Newton. At the first settlement of this 
 county, the chief whaling was in Delaware bay ; and that occa- 
 sioned the town to be built there. But there has not been one 
 home in that town since my remembrance. In 1734 I saw the 
 graves. Samuel Eldredge showed them to me. They were then 
 about 50 rods from the bay, and the sand was blown up to them. 
 The town was between them and the water. There were then 
 some signs of the ruins of the houses." 
 
 Below is a copy of the inventory of John Story, who died in this 
 township in 1687. It is an interesting relic, showing the prices of 
 various articles at that time. The original spelling is preserved : 
 
 " A chest, and small things, 
 
 A gon, ...... 
 
 2 bras cities an on frying-pan, 
 
 2 axes an on shobel, 
 
 On sadell, ...... 
 
 On blanket, ..... 
 
 On hous an improvmcnts, 
 
 On stier, 4 ycr ould, 
 
 2 sticrs goin to ycr ould. 
 
 On bull, 
 
 On heifer whit calfe, .... 
 
 £ 
 
 s. tl 
 
 
 
 16 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 5 6 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 2 6 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 10 
 
 3 
 
 10 
 
 „ , . S JOHN BRIGGS, 
 
 rrased by us, ^ ALEXANDER HUMPHRIES." 
 
 The village of Cape Island is a favorite watering-j)lace in the 
 southern i)art of this township, 13 m. S. of the courthouse. It be- 
 gan to grow into notice as a watering-place in 1N12. at which time 
 there were but a few houses there. It now contains 2 large hotels, 
 3 stories high and 150 feet long, — and a third lately erected, 4 sto- 
 ries high and 100 feet in length; besides numerous other houses 
 
CAPE MAY COrXTY, 
 
 127 
 
 ?^^^ "t^ '^. 
 
 Vieio at Cape Idand City, Cape May Island, J^. J. 
 This celebrated watering place is now organized as a city and receives nu^ 
 
 r:iJ™teUa„.s.v,,ic;,r™„t the ocean for.. ^ 
 
 visitors, a lady and gel cman, ,n thcu- ''\* "« d.=ss^ ;«<;[ Episcopal, 
 
 in the city, one for ,«'=!' 'l'="°"'™'°'v"^'''°'i.,'e S ■•inhabto'sof 
 Baptist, Catholic, and otic for colored P«i J""- ^ » "'•?, "^J. ,„„, „, town is 
 
 In the late war, when the British fleet were blockading Dela- 
 ware bay a boat was sent ashore from the 74-gun-ship Poictiers, 
 wUh a flag of truce to Cape Island, with the request to Cap . 
 Hughes, commander of a small body of men stationed there to al- 
 low hem to obtain a supply of water. On his relusal, the boat 
 relur ed ; and shortly after, another was sent ashore with the 
 [hreahkt unless allowed peaceably to get water they would 
 lombard the place. Capt. Hughes, with the advice of his officers 
 d^srcetK acceded to their demand. He was, however, arrested on a 
 cna^ge oV treason, for giving supplies to the enemy, and narrowly 
 
 " cTd's^rinS ?otf^S!Tf the courthouse, is a thickly-settled agri- 
 cuhural neighborhood, containing about 40 houses withm the circle 
 of mi e It derives its name from an excellent spring of cold 
 wae? flowing up from the salt marsh, which is much frequented by 
 
128 CAPE MAY COUNTY. 
 
 sojourners at Cape Island. It contains an academy, a Methodist 
 church, (the second built in the county,) erected about 30 years 
 since, and a Presbyterian church, erected in 1823 on the site of 
 an old one. The history of this church is thus given by Johnson, 
 in his history of Salem : 
 
 " It is to be regretted that the records relating to the Presbyterian church in the county 
 of Cape May were lost, and we have to begin their date from the year 1754, when the 
 Rev. Daniel Lawrance officiated there, and lived on the parsonage which had been pur- 
 chased of the Rev. Jolin Bradnor, (in 1721,) who was a member of the Presbytery of 
 Philadelj)hia, and resided there, preaching for the people in that part of the county. The 
 Rev. Samuel Finley, (who some years after became tlie president of Princeton college,) 
 resided there, and officiated for the Cape May people. He, no doubt, was made instru- 
 mental in producing that extraordinary revival which was had among the Presbyterian 
 and Baptist chitrchcs, from the year 1740 to about 1743. 
 
 The parsonage was purchased by the following named constituents : 
 Humphrey Hughes, Barnabas Crowell, Nathaniel Rex, 
 
 George Hand, Jehu Riciiardson, Yelverson Crowell, 
 
 John Parsons, George Crawford, Josiah Crowell, 
 
 Col. Jacob Spicer, Benjamin Stitcs, William Mulford, 
 
 Shamgar Hand, Jeremiah Hand, \Yilliam Matthews, 
 
 Joshua Gulickscn, Samuel Eldridgc, Samuel Bancroft, 
 
 Samuel Johnston, Recompencc Jonathan Furman, Eleazer Nocault, 
 
 Constant Hughes, Ezekiel Eldridgc, .Joshua Croffijrd, 
 
 Cornelius Schcllenger, Eleazer Newton, Samuel Foster, 
 
 Jehu Hand, Joseph Wilden, John Matthews. 
 
 Nathaniel Hand, Nathaniel Norton, ^ 
 
 The present supporters of the Presbyterian church are principally the descendants ol 
 
 the above-named persons The Rev. James Watt succeeded Mr. Lawrance. 
 
 Abijah Davis was succeeded by David Edwards, who had removed from Salem county, 
 and became the pastor in 1804 — continued until his death in 1813. Mr. Ogden sue 
 ceeded Edwards, and resigned his charge in 182.5, and was succeeded by Rev. Alvin H. 
 Parker, who was succeeded by the present incumbent. Rev. Moses Williamson. 
 
 The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in an old 
 graveyard, now overgrown with timber, at Cold Spring. They 
 commemorate a father and a son who occupied prominent stations 
 in society in their day : — 
 
 In memory of Col. Jacob Spicer, who died April 17th, 1741, aged 73 years — 
 
 Death, thou hast conquered me, 
 I, by thy darts am slain. 
 But Christ shall conquer thee, 
 And I shall rise again. 
 
 Jacob Spicer, Esq., departed this life, Sept. 17th, 17G5, in the 49th year of his age— 
 
 If aught that's good or great could save, 
 Spicer had never seen the grave. 
 
 His wife, who lies by his side, has upon her monument — 
 
 Judith Spicer departed this life, Sept. 7th, 1747, in the 33d year of her age. 
 
 Virtue and piety give way to death, 
 
 Or else the entombed had ne'er resigned her breath. 
 
 Fishing Creek, on the bay shore, 6 miles SW. of the courthouse, 
 »s an agricultural vicinage similar to Cold Spring. A survey has 
 been made for a breakwater, at Crow's shoal in this township, near 
 the mouth of Delaware bay. When the wind is NE., a good har- 
 bor is alibrded at this place ; and sometimes as many as 100 ves- 
 
CAPE MAY COUNTY 
 
 129 
 
 sels are anchored off here. On a sudden change to the NW. 
 vessels are frequently driven ashore. The breakwater will be an 
 effectual protection against winds from this direction. 
 
 MIDDLE. 
 
 Middle Township was incorporated in 1798. It is 12 miles long 
 and 10 broad; and is bounded N. by Dennis, E. by the ocean, S, 
 by Lower Township, and W. by Delaware bay. Aboat half the 
 township is salt marsh or sea-beach ; the remaining portion is 
 mostly sandy loam. The township contains 12 stores, 2 grist-m., 
 2 saw-m. ; 5 schools, 328 scholars. Pop. ''i>^77 Goshen, 5 miles 
 NW. of the courthouse, has a handsome Methodist church and 
 about 20 dwellings. The village of Cape May Courthouse is in 
 the central part of the township, 110 miles from Trenton, and 36 
 SE. of Bridgeton, and contains a courthouse, a jail, and the county 
 offices, (shown in the accompanying view,) a Methodist and a Bap- 
 
 View in the Village of Cape May Courthouse. i842 
 
 tist church, and 30 or 40 dwellings in the vicinity. The Methodist 
 church at this place is of recent origin, but the Baptist is very 
 ancient. 
 
 " The Baptist cliurch at Cape May took its origin from a vessel which put in there 
 from England, in the year 1G75. Two persons, to wit, George Taylor and Phihp llil , 
 thou-rh not ministers, ofiiciateU as such in private families, until the Rev. Elias Reach 
 ordained one Ashton to be a deacon. After him, the Rev. Mathanicl Jenkins took the 
 9vcrsi<rht, and a churcii was constituted by Rev. Timothy Brooks, of Cohansey, in 
 171-2.'' The elders were Dickison Sheppard and Jcrerniah Bacon. The names of the 
 male constituents were, Rev. Nathaniel Jenkins, Arthur Cressee, Seth Brooks, Abraham 
 Smith, William Scagreavcs, Jonathan .Swain, .John Stillwell, Henry Stites, Benjamin 
 Hand, Richard Bowns, Ebenczer Swain, William Smith, John Taylor, Abraham Hand, 
 Christopher Church, Charles Robinson, and their wives. In 1714, the settlement had 
 well-ni 'h been depopulated by a grievous sickness, which swept off a vast number of 
 their people. Jenkins had by his wife, whose name was Esther Jones, nine children, viz : 
 Hannah, Phebe, Nathaniel, (his successor,) Tabitha, David, Jonathan, Esther, Abinadab, 
 and Jonadab ; these married into the families of the Shaw^, Scrleys, Downeys, Harrises, 
 Pooles, Lakes, and Taylors. Nathaniel Jenkins succeeded his father in the mmistry, 
 and died in 1769, and was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Hcuton, and he by the Rev. John 
 Siitton, and he by Rev. Peter Peterson Vanhorn, and he by Rev. David Smith, and he 
 
 17 
 
130 CAPE MAY COUNTY. 
 
 by Rev. Artis Seagreavc, who took the oversight of the church in 1785, and resigned in 
 1788." — Johnson's Hist, of Saletn. In 1789, John Stancliff came and remained until 
 his death in 1802. That year came Jonathan Germain, wno died in 1808 ; then Jea- 
 kins David, and continued until 1822 ; then Mr. Robinson, till 1831 ; Samuel Smith, 
 until 1838; and Peter Powell, until 1843. The present brick Baptist church was erect 
 ed on the site of that built in 1719. 
 
 The following, relating to land titles, &c., in this county, was 
 communicated by Dr. Maurice Beesley, of Dennisville, to whose 
 industrious researches the compilers are indebted for most of the 
 materials introduced respecting the county. 
 
 In 1688, the 95,000 acre tract was granted to Dr. Daniel Coxe, 
 of London, one of the West Jersey proprietors. The line com- 
 mences at the hammocks below Goshen creek, on the bay shore, 
 and in its passage across the county comes between Joseph Falken- 
 burge's and John M'Crea's, and thence on a direct line NE. by N. 
 over the head of Dennis creek to Tuckahoe river, including in the 
 tract all the lands SE. of this line. In 1691, Dr. Coxe conveyed 
 this tract and all his other lands in the state, to the West Jersey 
 Society, from whom the land titles of the county have mostly ema- 
 nated. This line, called the "Society's line," was first run in 1691. 
 
 Between 1740 and 1750, the cedar swamps of the county, then 
 very extensive, were mostly located ; previously they were not 
 considered of sufficient value to survey. In 1756, Jacob Spicer 
 the second, bought the interest of the West Jersey Society in all 
 the lands of the county, constituting what is called the " vacant 
 right," now owned by Jacob Learning, John Moore White, Esq., 
 and heirs of Spicer Learning. Aaron Learning and Jacob Spicer 
 were competitors in this purchase of the right of the society ; but 
 the latter overreached the former. Although these personages, 
 perhaps two of the most popular men of that time, were opposed 
 to each other at home in consequence of their land speculations, 
 yet when at Trenton, as representatives of their county, where 
 they served for about 30 years, they united their energies, and were 
 faithful and efficient public servants. The fact that the legislature 
 intrusted them to make a collection of state papers, termed '• Learn- 
 ing and Spicer-^s Collections," which must have been an arduous 
 duty, is proof of the high estimation in which they stood. 
 
 The first-named of these gentlemen was buried in the old Learn- 
 ing burying-ground, two miles above the courthouse. The follow- 
 ing is the inscription on his monument : — 
 
 In memory of Aaron Lcaming, Esq., who represented this county in assembly, 30 
 years. Died Aug. 28th, 1780, age of 65 years, I mo., 11 days. 
 
 Beneath this stone, here lies a name 
 
 That once had titles, honor, wealth, and fame : 
 
 How loved, how honored, now avails thee not, 
 
 To whom related, or by whom begot ; 
 
 A heap of dust alone remains of thee, 
 
 •Tis ail thou art, and all the proud shall be. 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNTY RECORDS 
 The first meeting for public business in the county was held at the bouse of Benjamin 
 Godfrey, in the year 1692. 
 
CAPE MAY COUNTY. 13X 
 
 In the second suit on record, " George Taylor accuscth John Jarvis for helping the In- 
 dians to ruin. William Johnson deposeth, and saith, that he came into the house of the 
 said Jarvis, and he found Indians drinking rum, and one of the said Indians gave of the 
 said rum to tiie said Johnson, and he drank of it with him ; the said Jarvis refusing to 
 clear himself, was convicted." 
 
 1G93. "The grand jury upon complaint made by Elizabeth Crafford, and we have 
 taken it into consideration, and we find that no fariner ought to rate ale or other strong 
 drink to ye inhabitants of Cape May, except they have a lyseiice for so doing. So thi^ 
 court orders that no person shall sell liquor without a license, and that JC40 be raised by 
 tax to defray expenses, with a proviso that produce should be taken at ' money price in 
 payment.' " 
 
 1698. "We the grand jury order that if any person will hang a gate anywhere be- 
 tween Joshua Carmans and old Elizabeth Carmans, and clear the old road to the gate, 
 and from the gate to the mill, they may do it, and that shall be the road ; and if tliat 
 wont do, let them hang a gate in the old road." Same court presents John Coston for 
 being drunk, and Henry Stites for breach of Sabbath in driving cattle and slaughtering 
 a steer. Joseph Ludlam admonished in court, " that for time to come he be careful in 
 taking an oath, and to mind to what it doth relate to.^' 
 
 The following is a specimen of the manner of tying the matri- 
 monial knot in olden time : — 
 
 "These may certify that on the 15th day of February, 1693, then and there came be- 
 fore me, Henry Stites and Hannah Garlick, and did each take the other to be man and 
 wife, according to the law of this province, being lawfully published according to order, 
 as witness their hands the day and year abovesaid. 
 
 Henry Stites, 
 Samuel Crowell, Justice. Hannah Garlick. 
 
 " Witnesses — John Carman, Jonathan Pine, John Shaw, Jonathan Osborne, Calel 
 Carman, Shamgar Hand, Ruth Dayton, William Harwood, Jacob Spicer, Ezekiel El- 
 dredge, Timothy Brandith." 
 
 1705. " The grand jury agree to have a prison built 13 feet by 8, and 7 
 feet high in the first story, upon the Queen's highway, eastwardly of Gravel- 
 ly run." Stocks and whipping-posts were ordered at the same time. 
 
 A license was granted this year, from Gov. Cornbury to Capt. Jacob 
 Spicer, of the sloop Adventure, owned by John and Richard Townsend ; 
 burden 16 tons. She traded from Cape May to Philadelphia and Burling, 
 ton, and no doubt was considered a vessel of some magnitude in those days. 
 
 1706. This year Shamgar Hand and Wm. Golden, commissioners for the 
 purpose, laid out the road from Egg Harbor to Cold Spring, and thence to 
 Town Bank, as follows, viz : " Beginning at a bush near the water's edge on 
 Great Egg Harbor river, and from said bush along Wm. Golden's fence to 
 the gate-post ; from thence along the fence to the corner thereof; thence by 
 a line of marked trees to the first run ; thence to the head of John Coston's 
 branch ; thence to the head of dry swamp ; thence to the head of Joseph 
 Ludlam's branch ; thence around the head of John Townsend's branch, to 
 the going over the branch between Abraham Hand's and Thomas Leon- 
 ard's ; thence to the bridge over Leonard's branch ; thence to the bridge over 
 the branch towards the head of Wm. Johnson's land, so on to the bridge over 
 the fork branch ; thence to the bridge over John Cressee's creek ; thence to 
 the bridge over crooked creek, so by a line of marked trees to the bridge 
 over Gravelly run ; thence to the bridge over Cressee's creek ; thence to the 
 old going over at John Shaws; thence to the old going over at Wm. Shaw's 
 branch ; thence to the head of John Taylor's branch ; thence to the turn, 
 ing-out of Cold Spring path, so on by a line of marked trees, partly along 
 the old road down to the bay side, between George Crawford's and the 
 hollow." 
 
132 CAPE MAY COUNTY. 
 
 Fifteen shillings a head bid by the court for wolves and panthers, and half 
 price for young ones. 
 
 1707. " John Townsend and Shamgar Hand, commissioners, laid out the 
 road from the head of John Townsend's creek to the cedar swamp ; so through 
 tlie same to a place called Ludley's bridge, and towards Maurice river as 
 far as the county goeth." Thus, after 14 years hard talking, for it appears 
 nothing else had been done until now, the road through the cedar swamp, 
 lying between the head-waters of Cedar Swamp creek and Dennis creek, 
 (then called Cedar creek, Sluice creek being named Dennis,) was laid out, 
 and according to records of the first Thomas Leaming, completed this year. 
 It is a question by what route the inhabitants had communication with the 
 other parts of the colony, as they appear to have been completely isolated 
 until this road was made. 
 
 1716. The old county road from Long bridge to the head of Tuckahoe, 
 and from thence to Gloucester Point, was made this year. 
 
 1740. This year Jacob Ludlam, jr., toolt license, and opened a house of 
 entertainment on the sea-shore. In 1750, Nicholas Stillwell at Egg Har- 
 bor. Both of these were in Upper Township. In 1752, Jacob Spicer at 
 Cold Spring. In 1761, Aaron Leaming on the sea-shore, two miles above the 
 courthouse. In 1763, Christopher Leaming where Humphrey Leaming 
 and Nathaniel Foster now live. In 1764, Daniel Hand at the courthouse. 
 In 1768, Memucan Hughes and James Whillden at and near Cape Island. 
 In 1790 a law was passed to build a bridge over the N. and S branches of 
 Dennis creek, and to lay out a public road from Thomas Leaming's ship- 
 yard, on the S. branch, to the road leading from the Long bridge to John- 
 son's mill. Daniel Townsend, Christopher Smith, Henry Ludlam, and 
 Jacoks Swain, were the surveyors. 
 
 UPPER. 
 
 This township was incorporated in 1798. It is 10 miles long, 
 with an average width of 7 ; and is bounded N. by Great Egg 
 Harbor bay and Tuckahoe river, separating it from Atlantic co., E. 
 by the ocean. S. by Dennis, and W. by Maurice river, Cumberland 
 CO. Pop. 1 575 Its surface is level ; soil sand and loam, and well 
 timbered witli cedar, oak, and pine. It contains 4 stores, 1 grist- 
 m., 4 saw-m. ; 5 schools, 219 scholars. 
 
 The village of Tuckahoe is situated on both sides of Tuckahoe 
 river, on the county line, 18 miles from the courthouse, 11 from the 
 sea, 28 from Bridgeton, and 13 from May's Landing. It contains 3 
 taverns, several stores, about 60 dwellings, and a Methodist church. 
 There are besides, in the township, 1 Baptist and 1 Methodist 
 church, and a Friends meeting-house. Wood, lumber, and ship- 
 building, constitute the business of the village. As early as IG92 a 
 ferry was established at Beesle/s Point, over Great Egg Harbor 
 river ; a proof there must have been inhabitants upon both sides of 
 the river at that early period. Thr* rates were 1^. for passengers, 
 2d. a bushel for grain, Ad. each for sheep or hogs, and I*, for cattle 
 per head. The toll-bridge over Cedar Swamp creek was not built 
 until 1762. Joseph Corson, James Willets, Isaac Banner, and John 
 
CAPE MAY COUNTY. I33 
 
 Mackey, were petitioners for it. Wagons were charged Qd. pas- 
 sengers Id. John Townsend, ancestor of all in the county of that 
 name, and of many in Philadelphia and elsewhere, emigrated with 
 three brothers to Long Island previous to 1080. They were mem- 
 bers of the Society of Friends. One settled in New England, one 
 in New York, John and the other came to Leeds Point, near Little 
 Egg Harbor. About or previous to 1690, John (the other brother 
 having gone to Pennsylvania) travelled to Somers' Point, crossed 
 the Egg Harbor river, and followed the seaboard down about ten 
 miles, until he came to a stream of water that he thought would 
 do for a mill. He returned to Egg Harbor, bought a yoke of oxen, 
 got them across the river, took the yoke on his back, as there was 
 not room lor the timber to drive his oxen abreast, and drove them 
 before him down an Indian path to the place of his future residence. 
 His wife's name was Phebe. They cleared land, built a cabin and 
 a. mill on the site of Thomas Vangilders. He died in 1722, and left 
 three sons, Richard, Robert, and 8ylvanus. John and Peter Corson 
 were the first of the name that came to the county, and were here 
 as early as 1692. The second generation was Peter, jr., John, jr.. 
 Christian, and Jacob. This family became numerous. There were 
 52 families, in 1840, of that name in this township. 
 
 All theTownsends in tlie county descended from the John Townsend above mentioned; 
 
 All the Corsons 
 
 from 
 
 Peter and John Corson 
 
 
 Learnings 
 
 " 
 
 Christopher Learning 
 
 
 Ludlanis 
 
 <t 
 
 Joseph Ludlam 
 
 
 Schellingers 
 
 (( 
 
 Cornelius Skellinks 
 
 
 Hughes 
 
 " 
 
 Humphrey Hughes 
 
 
 Whilldens 
 
 II 
 
 Joseph Whillden 
 
 
 Hewitts 
 
 i< 
 
 Randal Hewitt 
 
 
 Stites 
 
 (C 
 
 Henry Stites 
 
 
 Cresses 
 
 « 
 
 Arthur Cresse 
 
 
 Willets 
 
 « 
 
 John Willets 
 
 
 Goffs 
 
 <( 
 
 John Gotr 
 
 
 Youngs 
 
 I< 
 
 Henry Young 
 
 
 Eldredges 
 
 " 
 
 Ezekiel Eldredge 
 
 
 Godfreys 
 
 It 
 
 Benjamin Godfrey 
 
 
 Matthews 
 
 " 
 
 Samuel Mattiiews. 
 
 Henry Young was a man of some note in the county about a cen- 
 tury ago. He was impressed in England, his native country, when 
 very young, on board of a man-of-war, from which he made his es- 
 cape to a vessel bound to Philadelphia. Here, to elude pursuit, he 
 w^as secreted in a hogshead, in the hold of the vessel ; and as soon 
 as they put to sea he was reli(ived ; but not until nearly exhausted 
 for want of fresh air. He was justice of the peace from 1722 till 
 his (loath in 1767, and member of the legislature for 8 sessions. 
 
 71ier(i was an Indian killed on Foxborough Hill, at Beesley's 
 Point, in 1736, by old Joseph Golden, who got into a quarrel and 
 probably unintentionally killed his opponent. It is said the Indians 
 were so enraged against Golden, that he was for a long time 
 obliged to secrete himself to avoid their vengeance. A suit was 
 instituted against him in this county, which was removed to Bur- 
 lington, where he was tried and acquitted ; but its great cost 
 
134 CAPE MAY COUNTY. 
 
 obliged him to dispose of that part of his place NW. of the mam 
 road to the Point, to Nicholas Stillwell. 
 
 In the American revolution the inhabitants of Cape May, to pre 
 tect themselves from the incursions of the British and refugees, 
 armed and manned a number of boats and privateers. They 
 manifested great bravery and address, and were successful in 
 taking prizes. They had the most to fear from the refugees — as 
 their names were synonymous with burglary, arson, treachery, and 
 murder. Only two, as far as is known, were from this county. 
 They were finally taken prisoners. The following, chiefly extracts 
 from the New Jersey State Gazette, relate to incidents of the war, 
 principally off this coast : 
 
 " June 23d, 1779. An open boat, called " The Skunk," mounting 2 gurni, and 12 
 men belonging to Egg Harbor, sent in there, on Wednesday last, a vessel with a valua- 
 ble cargo — which makes her nineteenth prize since she was fitted out." 
 
 Upon one occasion tliis boat had quite an adventure, when commanded byCapt. Snell 
 and John Goldin. They thought they had discovered a fine prize, off Egg Harbor, in a 
 large ship wearing the appearance of a Merchantman. The boat approached cautiously, 
 and, after getting quite near, the little Skunk was put in a retreating position, stern to the 
 enemy, and then gave him a gun. A momentary pause ensued. All at once, the mer- 
 chantman was transformed mto a British 74, and in another moment she gave the Skunk 
 such a broadside that, as Goldin expressed it, " the water flew around them like ten thou- 
 sand whale-spouts." She was cut some in her sails and rigging, but by hard rowing 
 made good her escape, — with Goldin to give the word, " Lay low, buys .' lay low for your 
 lives I" 
 
 "June 2d, 1779. The brigantine Delight, Capt. Dawson, on the 20th ultimo, from 
 Tortula to New York, mounting 12 guns, with 29 hands, came ashore on Peck's beach, 
 in a fog, at Cape May. Her cargo consisted of 80 hhds. of rum, some sugar, &c. 
 Soon alter she came ashore, our militia took possession of both vessel and cargo, and 
 sent off the crew under guard to Philadeli)hia." 
 
 A few years since, the tide being very low, one of the cannon thrown overboard in the 
 attempt of the British to get her off, was found by Mr. Uriah Smith, and placed at tJie 
 corner of his yard for a fender. There were 3 balls in it. 
 
 "Oct. 6, 1779. On Friday last, Capt. Taylor, of Cape May, sent into Little Egg 
 Harbor a transport from New York to Halifax, with a quantity of drygoods, and 214 
 Hessians, including a colonel, who arc properly taken care of." 
 
 "Aug. 7, 1782. John Badcock took the Hawk, when commanding the Rainbow: 
 her cargo consisted of spirits, tar, flour, coal, and iron, — which was sold at James Wil- 
 let's, (who kept tavern where Capt. John S. Chattin now does,) for the benefit of those 
 concerned." 
 
 " Capt. Hand, of the Enterprise, and Capt. Willets, of another boat, on the 5th of May, 
 1782, chased ashore, near Egg Harbor, the refugee boat Old Ranger, mounting 7 swiv- 
 els and 1 three-pounder, connnanded by one Fryan, with 25 men, bound to the capes of 
 the Delaware, and up the same as far as Christiana, with orders to take prisoners whom 
 they plcaxcd. They afterward fell in with a schooner laden with corn, and another 
 with lumber, which they took." 
 
 "Jan. 3, 1782. William Treen and Joseph Edwards, commanders of the whale-boat 
 Unity, captured the Betsey, which lately sailed from Jones's creek, Delaware, loaded 
 with wheat, Indian corn, and flour, — which was taken in the Delaware by a British 
 cruiser, and retaken by said Treen and Edwards." 
 
 " Feb. 7, 1781. The brig Fame, Capt. William Treen, of Egg Harbor, about 10 
 days ago took the privateer schooner Cock, Capt. Brooks, bound from New York to 
 Chesapeake bay, and sent her into a port in New Jfersey." " On the night of the 22dof 
 the same month, the brig Fame, while at the anchoring-point near Egg Harbor inlet, in 
 a heavy gale from the NW. with some snow squalls, on the flood tide, was tripped and 
 upset — by which sad mishap some 20 lives were lost." 
 
 Capt. Trocn, Wm. Lacke, and three others, were on shore. 
 Thomas Adams, Eleazer Crawford, Jacob Corson, and Steelman, 
 
CAPE MAY COUNTY. I35 
 
 succeeded in landing on the point of the beach. The cold was in- 
 tense. Steelman, who was most active in cheering his companions 
 and freeing the boat, perished when near land. Four only of the 
 crew left on board were rescued in the morning, the rest having 
 perished by the cold ; these kept alive only by constant and unre- 
 mitting exertion — that being the only method of shaking off. the 
 sleep of death. 
 
 Capt. Wm. Treen (above mentioned) was bold and fearless, and 
 very successful in taking prizes. He was, however, run down on 
 one occasion by two frigates, for not immediately answering their 
 summons to surrender. Both frigates passed quite over his vessel. 
 Treen and a boy, only, caught to the rigging of one of the frigates, 
 and were saved. Others made the attempt, but had their fingers 
 and arms cut oft' by cutlasses. Treen implored for the lives of his 
 crew — among whom was a brother of Jesse Somers, now (1842) 
 living at Somers Point. This being refused, he boldly upbraided 
 them for their cruelty. They could not but admire his heroic bear- 
 ing, and, while with them, he was well treated ; but on their arri- 
 val in Xew York he was placed in that den of horrors, the New 
 Jersey prison-ship, and was one of the few that escaped with life. 
 In 1806 he went to the west. Nathaniel Holmes, who lived at the 
 courthouse, (a highly respectable man, who died about 9 years 
 since,) was, at one time, also confined on board this prison-ship. 
 
 In the latter part of December, 1815, the brig Perseverance, 
 Capt. Snow, bound from Havre to New York, with ten passengers, 
 and a crew of seven men, was wrecked on Peck's beach, opposite 
 the residence of Thomas Beesley, in this township.* 
 
 " On Friday, the day before she was cast away, a ship from New York was spoken, 
 which deceived them, by stating they were 200 miles east of Sandy Hook. It was with 
 great gratification that the passengers received this joyous news ; and, elated with the 
 hope of soon resting on ' terra firma,' gave themselves up to hilarity and merriment — 
 whilst the captain, under the same impulse, spread all sail to a heavy northeaster, with 
 high expectations of a safe arrival on the morrow. Delusive hope I To-morrow too many 
 of them were destined never to see. 
 
 " Thus she continued on her course until three o'clock, Saturday morning ; when the 
 mate, whose watch it was on deck, was heard to give the dreadful cry, ' Breakers ahead ." 
 The brig, by the instant etforts of her steersman, obeyed her helm ; but as she came 
 around, ahead off shore, her stern striking knocked off her false keel, deadened her head- 
 way, and she backed on the beach stern foremost. In less than fifteen minutes, the sea 
 made a clean breach over her. The scene, in the mean time, ' beggars description :' the 
 passengers rushed out of the cabin, some of them in their night-clothes ; six of whom, 
 and two of the crew, got in the long-boat. One of these was a young French lady, of 
 
 * The gentleman from whom the account of this shipwreck is derived says : " The Per- 
 severance had a very valuable cargo on board, of rich goods, china, glass, silks, &,c., 
 which were strewn for miles along the beach. The people of Ca[)e May were charged, 
 upon this as upon some other occasions, of having converted some small portion of the 
 goods, thus washed upon our shores, to their own use. I would ask, is there a spot up- 
 on the Atlantic coast, from Maine to Florida, where there would not be as much danger 
 of depredation as at Cape May ? I will go further : what would be the fate of a ship of 
 merchandise, scattered in the streets of our princi|)al cities, without a guard, for twenty- 
 four hours ? I do not intend to defend the person that will take that which docs not 
 belong to him : far from it ; but I do contend that the innocent should not suffer for 
 the guilty, and that there is as much honesty and integrity among the people of Cape 
 May as in any otfuir community, on the seaboard or elsewhere." . 
 
136 CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 
 
 great beauty. The remainder of the crew and passengers succeeded in reaching the 
 round-top, excepting a Mr. Cologne, whose great weight and corpulency of person com 
 pellcd him to remain in the shrouds. Soon the sea carried the long-boat and its passen- 
 gers clear of the wreck, when it was too late discovered she was firmly attached to it by 
 a hawser, which it was impossible to separate. Had it not been for this unfortunate cir- 
 cumstance, they might possibly have reached the shore. Their cries were heart-rending, 
 but were soon silenced in the sleep of death : the boat swamped, and they were all con- 
 signed to one common grave. The body of the lady floated on shore. 
 
 " Tlie sea ran so high that it wet those in tlie round-top ; and although many efforts 
 were made, on Saturday, to rescue them, it was found impossible, as the boats would up- 
 set by ' turning head over stern,' subjecting those in them to great danger. Capt. Snow 
 lost his life, in attempting to swim ashore. On Sunday the sea fell a little, and those on 
 the wreck were made to understand they would have to build a raft of the spars, and 
 get on it, or they could not be saved. The mate had fortunately secured a hatchet, with 
 which one was constructed; by which the survivors, (except a negro who was washed 
 overboard, and reached the shore in safety, whilst making the raft,) were rescued by 
 the boats. There were but four saved, out of the seventeen souls on board, viz : one 
 passenger, who was badly frozen, the mate, and two of the crew, including the negro. 
 Three perished in the round-top, and were thrown over. 
 
 " Mr. Cologne, who was in the rigging, and unable to descend from the shrouds, let 
 go and fell into the water, and was caught, as he came up, by his hair, and thus towed 
 ashore. He lived only three days after, although every possible attention was paid him. 
 He and his niece, the young French lady, were buried side by side, in the Golden bury, 
 ing-ground, at Beesley's Point. An eye-witness. Dr. Maurice Beesley, from whom the 
 above account is derived, says : ' I saw this young and beautiful female after she had 
 been transferred from the beach to the main. Her features were perfectly natural ; her 
 cheeks bore the crimson tinge of life ; and it was scarcely possible to realize that, in- 
 stead of a concentration of all the graces of the femeile form, animated by the fervor of 
 life, I was gazing upon a cold and lifeless corpse.' " 
 
 CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 
 
 Cumberland county is bounded SSW. by Delaware bay, NW. by 
 Salem co., NE. by Gloucester and Atlantic cc, and SE. by Cape 
 May CO. It is about 30 m. long, E. and W., and its extreme breadth, 
 N. and S., is 28 miles. It was included in Fenwick's tenth, and was 
 part of his colony. It formed a portion of Salem county until 1747, 
 when it was erected into a separate county, and named by Gov. 
 Belcher in honor of the Duke of Cumberland. The county was, 
 at its formation, divided into six townships, viz., Greenwich, Hope- 
 well, Slow Creek, Fairfield, Deerfield, and Maurice River, — to 
 which Millville and Dovvne have since been adaed. Along on its 
 SW. boundary, on the Delaware bay, is a tract of mar.shy land, 
 varying from one to six miles in breadth. This marsh extends up 
 the principal streams, Maurice river and Cohansey creek, for seve- 
 ral miles. The surface of the county is level — its soil of alluvial 
 formation, and generally a sandy loam, with some clay. A large 
 portion of the NE. part is covered with a pine forest. Cumber 
 land county is divided into ^ght townships, viz : 
 
 Deerfield, Fairfield, Hopewell, Millville, 
 
 Downe, Greenwich, Maurice River, Stow Creek. 
 
 Bridgeton, Landis. 
 
CUMBEKLAND COUNTY. 
 
 137 
 
 In 1810 tlie population was 12,670 ; in 1830 it was 14,093 ; and 
 by the State census of 1865, it was 26,233. 
 
 DEEKFIELD. 
 
 This township is bounded on the NW. and NE, by Salem co. and 
 S. by Bridgeton, which township was formerly within its limits. 
 The population in 1840, before its division, was 2,621 ; in 1865, by 
 the State census, it was 26,233. The two prmcipal villages are 
 Deerfield and Carlisburg. Deerfield is 7 miles N. faom Bridgeton, 
 a flourishing place containing some 40 or 50 dwellings. Carlisburg 
 is situated in the vicinity of the railroad which passes through the 
 central part of the township. 
 
 Vieu) at Bridgeton from below the bridge. 
 
 Bridgeton City, tlie county seat of Cumberland county, is 
 pleasantly situated on both sides of Cohansey creek 60 miles 
 from Trenton, 17 from Salem, and 8 from Delaware Bay. Ihe 
 view is taken on the wharf, on the west side of the stream about 
 40 rods below the bridge. The extensive Cumber and Iron 
 Works on both sides of the creek, are just beyond the bridge. 
 Steamers ply between this place &nd Philadelphia, lliere are 
 12 churches, viz : 5 Methodist (1 colored), 4 Presbyterian, 2 bap- 
 tist, 1 Episcopal and 1 CathoUc ; 3 newspapers and 1 bank A. 
 lar"-e amount of business of various kinds is done at tliis place, 
 wluch is at the head of navigation. According to the census ot 
 1865 the population in its three wards was 5,661. 
 
138 CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 
 
 The original name of this part of the country, on both sides of 
 the river, was Cohansey, — from an Indian chief named Cohanzick, 
 who anciently resided here. The first settlement of Bridgeton was 
 made at an early period : the precise date is unknown. There 
 was, doubtless, a convenient fording-place across the Cohansey 
 where the town now is ; and, in process of time a bridge being 
 erected, and a settlement springing up, it was known by the name 
 of Bridge Town, — and so continued until the establishment of a 
 bank, in 181G, when it was changed to Bridgeton. 
 
 The courts of the county were held at Greenwich until Dec. 
 1748, when they were adjourned to Cohansey Bridge, there then 
 being a few houses there. Since the revolution, the growth of the 
 town has been steady. Up to that period, and for several years 
 after, the houses were principally on the hill on the west side of 
 the river. The principal taverns, the post-office, courthouse, and 
 jail, were all on the hill. The courthouse was erected about 
 1750, and the present jail about 1790. Of late years, the larger 
 part of the town has been built on the east side of the Cohansey. 
 
 Until 1792, there was not any organized church in the town, neither was there a house 
 for divine worship. Many of the inhabitants were connected with the congregations at 
 Fairfield and Greenwich, and often had preaching at the comrthouse. In 1792, a Pres- 
 byterian church was organized in union with tlie one at Greenwich ; and it is worthy of 
 notice, that the burial-ground was presented to tiie society by a member of the Society 
 of Friends. The brick building at the west end of the town, now unused, was erected 
 in 1794, and the expense partly defrayed by a lottery. The Rev. Dr. Clarkson was the 
 pastor until 1801. In 1805 the Rev. Jonathan Freeman became the pastorof the united 
 churches, and continued until his decease in 1822. The churches were then separated, 
 and in 1825 the Rev. B. Hoft' became the pastorof that in Bridgeton, and continued 
 until 1834. To hhin succeeded the Rev. John Kennedy ; and after him, in 1839, the 
 Rev. Samuel B. Jones, the present pastor. The number of members in regular coimec- 
 tion is 208. Number of the congregation, about 800. The edifice now occupied, on 
 Laurel-st., was erected in 1838. A Methodist Episcopal church was organized in the 
 town, as part of the Cumberland circuit, in 1806, and a church erected in 1807. In 
 1823, this church became a station, and had the following succession of preacliers :»the 
 Rev. Messrs. Chas. Pitman, Walter Burrows, John Potts, James Smith, Robert Gerry, 
 William Wiggins, Bartholomew Weed, Thomas M'Carroll, Abraham Owen, Tliomas 
 Sovereign, John L. Lenhart, and James H. Dandy. The number of members in full 
 standing is 352, connected with 14 classes. Number of the congregation, about 850 
 The church on Commerce-st. was erected in 1833. 
 
 "The Baptist church on Pearl-st. was first opened for divine service in 1816, the 
 church worsliipping there remaining connected with the Roadstown church until 1828. 
 In that year thirty-eiglit individuals were constituted a separate church, and the Rev. 
 George Spratt chosen pastor. He was succeeded in 1831 by Rev. John C. Hopkins, and 
 he in 1835 by the Rev. Michael G. Frederick, who died in 1837 ; and in 1838 the Rev. 
 Charles Hopkins was chosen, and continues tlic pastor. The number of communicants 
 is 210, and that of the congregation about 400. In Oct. 1838, a second Presbyterian 
 church was formed, with seventeen members ; and in 1840 the stone church on Pearl-st. 
 was erected. Large and flourishing sabbath-schools are connected witli all the churches." 
 
 Johnson thus gives the history of the Deerficld Presbyterian 
 church : 
 
 " About the year 1732, a number of Presbjrtenan families, from different places, settled 
 in Deerficld. They were early induced to organize themselves into a religious society. 
 They therefore united in building up a good and convenient log. building, about the year 
 1737, in which worsbij) was held, and supplies affVirdcd them from time to time; 
 and in the absence of a minister the pr^ple regularly attended for worship on tha 
 sabbath-daj, an'l conducted the same according to the established order of the chiurch. 
 
CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 130 
 
 About the year 1740, the Rev. Samuel Blair, then the Rev. Gilbert Tennant, then, after 
 him, Rev. Samuel Finlcy, and a few others not recollected, dispensed the word of life to 
 this people ; and their ministrations were abundantly blessed, and there was a glorious 
 ingathering of many precious souls, through their instrumentality of preaching. The 
 Rev. Andrew Hunter, having labored here as a supply, accepted a call from the united 
 congregations of Greenwich and Deerfield ; and he was now constituted their first pastor 
 4th Sept. 1746. In tbeyear 17G0, the pastoral connection with Mr. Hunter was dis- 
 solved, and was destitute for four years, being dependent for supplies from the presbytery 
 until the Rev. Simon Williams came, in 1764, and resided with them for about the space 
 of twoj'ears; when, on the 9th June, 1767, the Rev. Enoch Green was installed pastor 
 of the Deerfield congregation, and so continued until Nov. 2d, 1776, when he died. In 
 the following year, 1777, the Rev. John Brainard (brother of David, the celebrated mis- 
 sionary) assumed the pastoral charge; and died on I8th March, 1781, greatly lamented 
 by his congregation. Rev. Joseph Montgomery, and others, officiated as supplies until 
 June 25th, 17^3, when Rev. Simon Hyde was ordained the pastor, and by a sudden ill- 
 ness died 10th Aug. 1783. The congregation were now dependent upon supplies until 
 June, 1786, when William Pickles (an Englishman) was installed their pastor. He 
 was very eloquent, and ibr sonic time exceedingly popular ; but his conduct becoming 
 loose, and unbecoming the character of a minister, he was deposed by the presbytery of 
 Philadelphia. The church was again assisted by supplies for almost eight years, when, 
 on the 12th August, 1795, the Rev. John Davenport was installed pastor; but, through 
 age and other infirmities, he was dismissed, in Oct. 1805. Again the church became 
 dependent on supplies for about three years, when the Rev. Nathaniel Reeve was installed 
 pastor, Oct. 1808 ; where he continued until he was dismissed, at his own request, by the 
 presbytery of Philadelpliia,' April 17, 1817. Afterward the Rev. Francis G. Ballentine 
 was installed the pastor, June 22, 1819 ; and so continued until, at a meeting of presby- 
 tery, held at Salem, June 8th, 1824, at his request, his pastoral relation witli that congre- 
 gation was dissolved. Then the Rev. Alexander McFarlane was ordained and installed, 
 April 27, 1826, where he continued to discharge his duties as their pastor until he was 
 dismissed from his charge, in 1830, and accepted of a professorship in Dickinson College, 
 Carlisle. Tlie Rev. John Burt then took the oversight of the church for some months, 
 when Rev. D. McCuenne was installed the pastor of this church ; and on 19tli Oct. 1836, 
 was dismissed from his pastoral relation, at his request. On the 18th Oct. 1838, the 
 Rev. Benjamin Tyler was ordained and installed the pastor thereof. 
 
 "Names of ruling elders since 1779, to wit: William Tullis, Recompence Jeake, 
 William Smith, John Stratton, William Garrison, Abner Smith, Joseph Moore, Ebenezer 
 Loomis, Joseph Brewster, Nathaniel Diaments, Ebenezer Harris, Ephraim Loomis." 
 
 The inhabitants of Bridgeton and vicinity were firm adherents 
 to the cause of" their country, in the war of the revolution. In 1775 
 a company of soldiers was raised here, of which the late Gen. Jo- 
 seph Bloomfield was captain, and the late Gen. Ebenezer Elmer a 
 lieutenant. This corps marched to the north, and joined the army 
 under Gen. Schuyler. Dr. Jonathan Elmer, who lived many years 
 in the place, and died there in 1817, was a member of the revolu- 
 tionary congress ; and was one of the first senators under the pres- 
 ent constitution of the United States. Simultaneously with the 
 whigs of Salem, in the autumn of 1774, a committee of safety was 
 appointed for the county, which consisted of two members from 
 each township, who met occasionally, at Cohansey Bridge, to see 
 that the association be properly attended to, and energetically and 
 punctually ol)served, in every particular. Toward the close of 
 1779, and spring of 1780, an association of whigs of this and Sa- 
 lem CO. built and equipped, at Bridgeton, a fine schooner, as a let- 
 tcr-of-marque, which, in compliment to the governor of the state, 
 was called the " Gov. Livingston." She made but one successful 
 trip ; and when on her second voyage, on her return home, having 
 a very valuable cargo on board, was captured, near the capes of 
 
140 CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 
 
 the Delaware, by a British frigate. No other attempts, of tLrs na- 
 ture, were n^ade here afterward. 
 
 The following notice respecting Gen. Elmer, of this town, is from 
 the "Bridgeton Chronicle," Oct. 21st, 1843: 
 
 " It is with deep sorrow that we record the death of our ohlest and most estimahle citi. 
 zen, Gen. Ebenezer Ei.mer, President of the New Jersey Cincinnati Society, and the 
 last surviving- officer of the New Jersey Hne of the revolutionary army ; who died on 
 Wednesday last, Oct. 18th, aged ninety-one years. 
 
 " Gen. Elmer was born at Ccdarvilic, Cumberland Co., N. J., and was the grandson of 
 the Rev. Daniel Elmer, who came from Connecticut to Fairfield, in tlic year 1727. He 
 studied medicine with his elder brother, the late Dr. Jonathan Elmer, and was about es- 
 tablishing himself in practice when hostilities commenced between America and Great 
 Britain. In Jan. 1776, he was commissioned an ensign in the company of continental 
 troops commanded by the late Gov. Bloomficld ; and served in that capacity, and as a 
 lieutenant in the northern army, until the spring of 1777, when, the army being reorgan. 
 ized, he was appointed a surgeon's mate. In June, 1778, he was appointed surgeon of 
 the second Jersey regiment, and served in that capacity until the clo.se of the war ; never 
 being absent from duty. After the war he married", and settled in Bridgeton, as a phy- 
 sician. In 1789 he was elected a member of assembly, and in several succeeding years 
 in 1791 and in 1795 he was speaker. In 1800 he was elected a member of congress, and 
 sat in that body six years, during the administration of Jefferson, of wliich he was a sup- 
 porter. He was adjutant-general of the militia of New Jersey, and for many years brig- 
 adier-general of the Cumberland brigade. During the last war with England, in 1813, 
 he commanded the troops stationed at Billingsport, in this state. In the year 1807, and 
 afterward in 1815, he was a member of the council of this state, and vice-president. In 
 1808, he was appointed collector of the port of Bridgeton, which office he resigned in 
 1817 — was reappointed in 1822, and continued in that office until 1832, when he again 
 resigned ; and having arrived at the age of fourscore, wliolly declined public business. 
 In his early years he was deepl}' impressed with a concern for his immortal interests, 
 and has been for many years a member of tiie Presbyterian church. His great ciiarac- 
 teristic, through a long and useful life, was stern integrity. His generosity and bcncvo. 
 lencc arc known wherever he was known, and ' his praise is in all the churches.' 
 
 " Gen. Elmer was buried on Friday. The funeral proceeded from his late residence to 
 the church in Broad-st., where the Rev. Ethan Osborne, one of his revolutionary com- 
 patriots, preached an appropriate sermon, from Matt. xxv. 21 ; and then the body was 
 interred in tiie Presbyterian burying-ground." 
 
 It is stated, in a late number of the paper from ^\"hicl^ the above 
 biographical sketch is taken, that Mrs. Sarah S.mith, who recently 
 died at Bridgeton, was a lineal descendant of the royal family of 
 Sweden. 
 
 " Her great-grandmother Elizabeth, in the troublous times of that kingdom, was com- 
 pelled to flee from her native country, when she was sixteen years old. She was con- 
 cealed in a hogshead, on board of a ship, at Stockholm, for some time before tiie vessel 
 sailed for America. She brought many valuable treasures with her across the water, 
 which were also concealed on board the ship ; but after the vessel had sailed over the 
 Atlantic, she was wrecked on the Jersey shore. This lady, with a few of the crew, 
 barely saved their lives. In her destitute condition, on the shore of a vast wilderness, as 
 New Jersey then was, she fell in with a hunter, by the name of Garrison. Tlieir ac- 
 quaintance grew into intimacy, and ripened into love. She married him, and by liim had 
 ten children. It is said that her youngest son, William, was born when slie was in her 
 fifty-fifth year. Siie died in the ninety-fiftii year of her age. She has a grandson now 
 living, in Bridgeton, who was brought up by lur, until he was about nine years of age, 
 to whom she related this narrative, and many of her interesting adventures. This gen- 
 tleman computes his grandmother's descendants in the country at more than 1,000 souls." 
 
 DOWNE. 
 
 This township is about 11 miles long, E. and W., and 9 broad 
 N. and S. It is bounded N. by Millvillc and Fairfield, S. and SW 
 
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.* 141 
 
 by the Delaware bay, E. by jMaurice river and township of that 
 name, and NW. by Fairfield. A great portion of the township, 
 that bordering on Delaware bay and Maurice river, is marshy land. 
 Downe was probably first settled by Swedes, between 1637 and 
 1654. Egg island, in the Delaware bay, belongs to this township. 
 From an original draft of a survey, made in 1691, it seems this 
 island then contained 300 acres ; but the continual encroachment 
 of the sea has reduced it to one acre and a half The township 
 contains 4 stores, 7 grist-m.. 4 saw-m. : cap. in manufac. $20,850 ; 
 7 schools, 250 scholars. Pop. in 1865, 2,644. 
 
 The village of Mauricetown Is on the nver, about 1 1 miles from 
 its mouth, and 18 SE. of Bridgeton. It was settled at an early 
 date, by the Petersons and Mattocks, and was known as Mattock's 
 Landing, until about 1812. It is pleasantly situated, on a high 
 bank, above the river ; and contains an academy, a Methodist 
 church, and about 30 dwellings. The following account of an 
 extraordinary den or burrow of rattlesnakes, found in this village, 
 about 40 years since, was lately published : 
 
 " In the early part of summer, Mr. Ichabod Compton, father of Mr. S. Compton, was 
 attracted, by the noise of some crows, to a small island, in a swamp, lying contiguous to 
 his farm. While in pursuit of the crows, he was startled by the sight of a large rattle- 
 snake. He killed this, and another of the same kind, that afternoon ; and, returning 
 the next day, he killed seven more, the last of which he found coming out of a hole in 
 the ground. This circumstance led to the suspicion that this might be the place where 
 the whole battalion had their usual winter-quarters. In the winter, young Compton, ac- 
 companied by two of his brothers, repaired to the spot, with implements for digging; 
 and after removing about eight inches of the turf, or upper surface of the ground, they 
 found immersed, in three inches of clean water, and lying side by side, twenty-eight rat- 
 tlesnakes, one large spotted snake, and four black-snakes. And, to complete this ' in- 
 teresting group,' there was, at least, a peck of spring-frogs associated with them. All 
 of these reptiles were in a torpid state. For several years, immediately preceding the 
 period above alluded to, from ten to twelve rattlesnakes had been destroyed, annually, 
 in the neighborhood. 
 
 " It is also stated that several dens, of a similar description, had been discovered in 
 the neighborhood of Buckshutem; in all, or most of which, several kinds of snakes, 
 and also frogs, were found grouped together." 
 
 Dividing Creeks is near the central part of the township, on a 
 creek of the same name, and 16 miles from Bridgeton. It has a 
 Methodist and a Baptist church, and about 40 dwellings. One of 
 the present members of the United States senate, from Mississippi, 
 was bred a shoemaker in this village, and by his enterprise and 
 industry won the way to his present .station. Charles Brown, Esq., 
 now a member of congress from Pennsylvania, was also bred here. 
 A Baptist church was very early established at Dividing Creeks. 
 
 " It was formed about the year 1749, from Cohansey, by Jonadab Sheppard, Thomas 
 Sheppard, William Dallas, with their families, and some others. About the year 1760, 
 Rev. Samuel Hcaton and John Terry removed there, from Cape May. Mr. Heaton's 
 wife's name was Abbey Tuttle. They had ten children. These married into the fami- 
 lies of the Colsons, Reeves, Lores, Garrisons, Clarks, Cooks, Johnsons, Terrys, and 
 Kelseys. From these have sprung a numerous people in the county. Heaton was sue- 
 ceeded by the Rev. David Sheppard, in 1764; and he by Rev. Peter Peterson Vanhorn. 
 and he by Rev. John Geurison." 
 
142 CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 
 
 Nantiixet, on a creek of the same name on the western line of 
 the township, has a Methodist and a Baptist church, and about 40 
 dwellings. Buckshutem, where there is a Methodist church, and 
 Port Norris, both on Maurice river, are small villages. 
 
 The annexed brief account of an action in Maurice river, oppo- 
 site Port Norris, is from a paper published Aug. 29th, 1781 : — 
 
 " Last week, 7 refugees were brought to town from New Jersey. They were taken in 
 Maurice river, a few days before, by a few Jersey militia commanded by Capt. James 
 Riggins. Tlie militia were in a shallop which the refugees attempted to board, when a 
 sharp contest ensued, during which 7 of the refugees were killed, when the rest submit- 
 ted. There were 15 in all ; and it is said their captain called out that he would give no 
 quarter, which occasioned the action to become desperate." 
 
 The following additional particulars of this event, are derived from Mr. Thomas Beese. 
 ley, of Cape May, then a boy, and a witness of the action. The brunt of the fight was 
 sustained by Capt. Riggins and John Peterson, several of the militia having at the com- 
 mencement jumped overboard and swam ashore, while others sneaked into the cabin. 
 Riggins killed 4 or 5 of the enemy on their attempting to board. He fired his musket 
 twice, and then made such good use of the breech, that at the end of the contest there 
 was little left besides the barrel. Peterson was wounded by one of the refugees, who, 
 thereupon, was about finishing him by cleaving his head open with an uplifted broad- 
 sword, when his little son shot the man dead. Every refugee not killed was wounded, 
 and some desperately. A boy only escaped, and a fox which was brought on board the 
 day previous by one of the slain, who had joined them at the mouth of the river. There 
 were a number of fowls on board, all of which were killed. The brave Capt. Riggins 
 lived to a good old age, having died only a few years since. 
 
 FAIRFIELD. 
 
 This township was named from Fairfield in Connecticut, from 
 which it was partially settled. It is about 1 1 miles long, 6 broad, 
 and bounded northerly by Deerfield, Greenwich, and Hopewell, 
 from the two last of which it is separated by the Cohansey river, 
 E. by Millville, and S. by Downe and the Delaware bay. The 
 land in the township produces good crops of corn, wheat, and oth- 
 er grain. There are some excellent tracts of land on the Delaware 
 bay. The surface is generally level. Many of the present inhab- 
 itants are descendants of the Harrises and Ogdens from Fairfield, 
 Connecticut ; and the Batemans and Diaments from Long Island. 
 About the year 1695, the first road laid out in the county was made 
 from Fairfield to Burlington, and passed through an Indian settle- 
 ment, a little east of Bridgeton, at a locality at present known as 
 the " Indian Fields" The township contains 7 stores, 2 grist-m., 
 1 saw-m. ; caD. in manufac. 844,015; 5 schools, 114 scholars. 
 Pop. 1,935. inl865,2,6r9. 
 
 Cedarville, on Cedar creek, 8 miles SE. of Bridgeton, is a village 
 scattered a mile and a half on the road, and contains 2 Presbyte- 
 rian, a Methodist, and a Baptist church, 2 stores, an oakum factory, 
 a tannery, saw-m., &c., and about 100 dwellings. Fairton, 4 miles 
 from Bridgeton, has a Methodist church, and about 50 dwellings. 
 New England Town is a small scattered settlement where there is 
 a Prebbyterian church. 
 
CUMBERLAND COUNTY. I43 
 
 The three Presbyterian churches in this township were until a few years since one. 
 The original church was constituted by emigrants from Fairfield, in Connecticut, in the 
 year 1697, who purchased that tract of land lying on the south side of Coesaria river, 
 or Cohansey, and the Delaware bay. It has been generally supposed that their minister 
 made one of their number, whose name was Rev. M. Bradnor ; next to him was Rev. 
 Mr. Exile. About the year 1705, the Rev. Howel Powel, from Wales, became the pas- 
 tor — then, in 1719, Rev. Mr. Hooker — then, in 1727, the Rev. Daniel Elmer, from Con- 
 necticut, became the settled minister until 1755 — then, in 1756, the Rev. William Ram- 
 sey became the pastor, until 1771, when he died. In 1773, the Rev. William Hollings- 
 head became the pastor, and so continued until 1783, when he removed to Charleston, 
 South Carolina. — Johnson's Hist, of Salem. In 1789, the Rev. Ethan Osborne, from 
 Litchfield, Connecticut, was settled over this congregation. In 1839, he preached his 
 half-century sermon. He still continues pastor over the original congregation, now 
 much diminished by the division. 
 
 GREENWICH. 
 
 The extreme length of this township is 6, with an average 
 breadth of about 3^ miles, and is bounded N. by Stow creek, E. 
 by Hopewell and Cohansey creek, which separates it from Fair- 
 field, S. by Delaware bay, and W. by L. Alloways Creek, Salem 
 CO. The township contains 3 stores, 1 grist-m. ; cap. in manufac. 
 $15,362; 3 schools, 105 scholars. Pop. 1,212. The land was pur- 
 chased from the Indians about the year 1677, who, judging from 
 the excavations in the earth, still to be seen, and the quantities of 
 stone mortars, axes, and Indian arrow-heads ibund, must have here 
 had a considerable settlement. This is corroborated by tradition. 
 The first purchasers of the soil were Nicholas and Leonard Gibbon, 
 from England, and the first settlers from New England and Ireland. 
 In the graveyard is, or lately was, a stone with this inscription : — 
 "Here lies Deborah Swinney, who died April 4, 1760, aged 77 
 years. She was the first white female child born at Cohansey." 
 Making the subtraction, it appears she was born in 1683. 
 
 Shortly after the first settlement, the town of Greenwich, which 
 is 6 miles SW. of Bridgeton, was laid out. The main street was 
 then made about 2 miles in length, and 100 feet in width, and an 
 Episcopal, a Presbyterian, and a Friends meeting-house erected. 
 The village, which is much scattered on this road, now contains 
 about 100 dwellings. In 1697, fairs were established at Cohansey, 
 as this country was then called, and held semi-annually in April 
 and October ; which for many years were much resorted to by 
 traders from Philadelphia. After the formation of Cumberland co., 
 the court was first held at Cohansey, May, 1748, and a log jail 
 erected, " AttorneJ^s' names appearing, were Daniel Mestayer, 
 Rose, and Hartshorne : the court sat in the meeting-house. Judges, 
 John Brick, Richard Wood, John Remington. Sheriff, Ananias 
 Sayre. Clerk, Elias Cotting." In December sessions of this year, 
 the court adjourned, and ordered the clerk to make the writs re- 
 turnable to Cohansey Bridge, now Bridgeton, where the courts 
 since have been held. 
 
 Johnson gives the annexed historical sketches of religious socie- 
 ties in Greenwich. 
 
144 
 
 CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 
 
 Protestant Episcopal Church at Greenwich. — Two of the emigrants from Gravesend, 
 in England, were brotliers, to wit, Nicholas and Leonard Gibbon; they purchased about 
 (j,000 acres of land near to Cohansick, or, as it is now called, Greenwich, which they 
 endeavored to settle by inviting their countrymen to emigrate and locate themselves 
 there. N icholas, the elder brother, built for himself in the village a good and substan- 
 tial brick house, which, in those days, was considered elegant for that part of the coun- 
 try in whicli lie resided, until about the year 1740, when he removed to the town of Sa- 
 lem. That liouse is now, or has been years past, in the possession of the Wood family. 
 Leonard Gibbon, the other brother, built a good and convenient stone house for his resi- 
 dence, on his part of the land, about, perliaj)s, two miles from Greenwich. Nicholas 
 Gibbon, Samuel Hedge, and Capt. James (iould carried on mercantile business together, 
 as spoken of before, and Gould being located in New York, the exports of the produc- 
 tions of that part of the country were consigned to him. The Gibbons, probably being 
 the most wealthy, and having a greater quantity of land to dispose of than others of the 
 adventurers, erected a neat, comfortable brick church, of the Episcopal order, in the 
 village, for the purpose of accommodating their own and neighbors' families. When it 
 was finished, they liad it consecrated in due form by Rev. Phinehas Bond, a clergyman 
 from New Castle, and John Pearsons, the settled minister of the Episcopal church of 
 Saint John's in Salem. The consecration of the church took place in the year 1 729, 
 and was named Saint Stephen's. The Gibbons contracted with Mr. Pearson to officiate 
 in their church for them as often as he could be spared from his Salem church ; but as 
 the tide of emigration set toward that part of Cohansey, so did the religious feelings of 
 the community tend toward the Quaker, Baptist, and Presbyterian sects, until, as a dis- 
 tinct body of Cliristians, the Episcoj)alians in a few years dwindled away. 
 
 Baptist Church at Cohansey. — So early as about the year 1683, some Baptists from 
 Tipperary, in Ireland, settled in the neighborhood of Cohansey. The most prominent 
 persons were David Sheppard, Thomas Abbott, and William Button. In 1685, Obadiah 
 Holmes and John Cornelius came from Long Island, and settled there. The Rev Tho- 
 mas Killingsworth officiated in that church in 1690. In 1710, Rev. Timothy Brooks 
 emigrated from Svvansey, in Massachusetts, and united there. Obadiah Holmes used 
 to preach for the people ; both he and Killingsworth were judges in the court of Salem. 
 Killingsworth used to preach occasionally in the house of one Jeremiah Nickson, in 
 Penn's Neck. He was succeeded by Rev. Timothy Brooke, and he by Rev. William 
 Butcher — then Rev. Nathaniel Jenkins — then Rev. Robert Kelsey, who was from Ire- 
 land — and he by Rev. Henry Smally, whose life of great usefulness, as a fervent and 
 faithful minister of Jesus Christ, was protracted to this present year, 1839. 
 
 Presbyterian Church at Greenwich. — The Presbyterians received a deed of gift for a 
 lot of land from Jeremiah Bacon, to Henry Joice and Thomas jMaskell, in trust for the 
 Presbj'terian church and congregation, as early as the month of April, 1717 ; but in 
 consequence of the parsonage house being burnt in 1739, all the books and papers be- 
 longing to the pastor and congregation were destroyed. As emigrants flocked into Co- 
 hansey from New England, Long Island, Wales, and Ireland, it is very probable that a 
 Presbyterian society was formed about the year 1700, or earlier. It has been generally 
 believed that a Mr. Black was the first pastor — then the Rev. Ebenezer Gould was in- 
 stalled as pastor, in 1723. The members and contributors to the old brick building 
 which was taken down in 1835, after standing 100 years, were — Ebenezer Gould, the 
 pastor, 
 
 Josiah Fithian, 
 William Watson, 
 Elias Cotting, 
 Samuel Clark, 
 Benjamin Dare, 
 Thomas Ewing, 
 Abiel Carll, 
 Thomas Buryman, 
 Abraham Reeves, 
 Jonathan Sayre, 
 Nathaniel Bishop, 
 Samuel .Miller, 
 John Miller, 
 Jonathan Holmes, 
 Thomas Waithman, 
 Matthias Fithian, 
 
 Constant Haskell, 
 John Woolsey, 
 Ananias Sayre, 
 Aaron Mulford, 
 Charles Fordham, 
 William Perry, 
 Belbe She])pard, 
 Francis Brewster, 
 James Caruthers, 
 Thomas Read, 
 Benjatnin Wooten, 
 John Woodruff, 
 Noah Miller, 
 Joseph INIoone, 
 John Pagget, 
 Harbcr Peck, 
 
 Nehemiah Veal, 
 Nathaniel Harris, 
 Francis Julis, 
 John Shaw, 
 Philip Vickers, 
 John Keith, 
 Uriah Bacon, 
 Robert James, 
 Stephen Jessup, 
 Moses Platts, 
 Samuel Morfclt, 
 John Fairlaw, 
 Joseph Simkins, 
 James M'Knight, 
 Charles Campbell, 
 
 John Alexander, 
 Ebenezer Ash Smith, 
 Nathan Lupton, 
 James Crawford, 
 James Robinson, 
 Nathaniel Moore, 
 John Tyler, 
 John Plumer, 
 William Tullis, 
 Elias Davis, 
 Deborah Keith, 
 Mercy Maskeil, 
 Samuel Bacon, 
 Josiah Parvin, 
 Thomas Pagget. 
 
CUMBERLAND COUNTY. I45 
 
 The Rev. Ebenezer Gould continued the pastor of that church from the year 1728 to 
 1740, when he removed to Long Island. This church was favored by the supplies of 
 ihe Rev. Samuel Finley, the celebrated preachers George Whitefield, Tennant, and oth- 
 ers, during all wliich times there was a remarkable revival of religion among that people. 
 Whitefield, in a letter to his friend, dated Salem, 20th November, 1740, says, — "Yes- 
 terday, at Cohansey, the Spirit of the Lord moved over the whole congregation ; what 
 reason have we to be thankful for the great things that we both see and hear !" 
 
 In 1746, the Rev. Andrew Hunter was ordained pastor over the united churches of 
 Greenwich and Deerfield. He continued to serve both those churches until 1760, when 
 he confined his labors to the Greenwich church until his death, which was in July, 1775 
 And here I must be permitted to mention, that he was an ardent friend to the liberties 
 of America, and, like his friend and coadjutor in that noble cause, the Rev. Samuel 
 Eaken, took an active part both in and out of the pulpit, and upon all suitable occasions, 
 to arouse the spirit of the people against the oppressive measures of the British gov- 
 ernment. 
 
 After the decease of Mr. Hunter, the church relied upon supplies until April, 1782, 
 when the Rev. George Faitoute was installed pastor. He continued to officiate there 
 until 1790, when he removed to Jamaica, Long Island, where he became the pastor of 
 that church, and so continued until he died in a good old age. 
 
 In 171)2, a Presbyterian church was organized in Bridgeton, and a union being agreed 
 upon by the two churches, the Rev. Mr. Clarkson took the oversight of them in 1794, 
 and so continued their pastor until 1801, when he relinquished his charge, and settled in 
 Savannah, in Georgia. In 1805, the Rev. Jonathan Freeman became their pastor, and 
 continued until his death, which was in November, 1822. The present incumbent, Rev. 
 Samuel Lawrance, succeeded Mr. Freeman. 
 
 Shortly after the destruction of the tea in Boston, the East India 
 tea company determined to trj^ whether they might not meet with 
 better success in sending a cargo into the Cohansey. Accordingly 
 the brig Grej/hound, with a cargo of tea bound to Philadelphia, 
 came up the river and discharged at Greenwich, depositing the tea 
 in the cellar of a house standing in front of the market ground. 
 In the evening of Thursday, Nov. 22d, 1774, it was taken posses- 
 sion of by about 40 men, disguised as Indians, who deliberately 
 conveyed the chests from the cellar, piled them in an adjoining 
 field, and burnt them in one general conflagration. 
 
 " The names of these bold and determined patriots," says John- 
 son, " deserve to be handed down to the latest posterity ; and as far 
 as can be recollected I herewith cheerfully record them. First, Dr. 
 Ebenezer Elmer, Richard Howell, afterward a major in the army, 
 and Gov. of New Jersey ; David Pierson, Stephen Pierson, Silas 
 Whitecar, Timothy Elmer, Rev. Andrew Hunter, Rev. Philip Tith- 
 ian, Alexander Moore, jr., Clarence Parvin, John Hunt, James 
 Hunt, Lewis Howell, Henry Stacks, James Ewing, father of the 
 late chief-justice of New Jcr.sey, Dr. Thomas Ewing, father of the 
 present Dr. William Bedford Ewing, Josiah Seeley, and Joel Fith- 
 ian. Esquires. 
 
 " This bold act of these men, (for they were all young fellows,) 
 produced much excitement in the lower counties with such persons 
 who secretly were disposed to favor the British interest. They 
 were loud in their denunciations against these patriots, for what 
 they called ' such wanton waste of property, and that they deserved 
 to be severely handled for it.' The owners of the tea, finding that 
 some commiseration for their loss had been excited among the 
 people in the neighborhood, thought proper to try whether they 
 
 19 
 
146 CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 
 
 could not obtain remuneration by having recourse to suits at law. 
 Therefore, previous to the sitting of the supreme court, in April, 
 1775, Capt. Allen, John Duffield, Stacy Hepburn, and others, brought 
 as many as half a dozen suits for damages against some of the 
 whigs. The advocates for the plaintiffs were Gen. Joseph Reed, 
 of Philadelphia, and Mr. Petitt. 
 
 " As soon as this transaction was known, a meeting of the whigs 
 took place, and they immediately resolved to raise, and did raise, a 
 considerable sum of money to defend their friends in the contro- 
 versy. Accordingly, they forthwith retained on the side of the 
 whigs, as their counsellors, Joseph Bloomfield, George Read, of 
 New Castle, Elias Boudinot, of Elizabethtown, and Jonathan Dick- 
 inson Sargeant, of Philadelphia, who used to practise in the courts 
 of the lower counties previous to the American revolution. Jo- 
 seph Bloomfield appeared as attorney for the whigs — ' On motion 
 of Mr. Sargeant, for Joseph Bloomfield, attorney for the defendants, 
 ordered that the plaintiffs, being non-resident, tile security for costs, 
 agreeable to act of assembly, before further proceedings be had in 
 these causes.' Frederick Smyth, the chief-justice, held the oyer 
 and terminer in Cumberland county, next after the burning of the 
 tea, and charged the grand jury on the subject, but they found no 
 bills. He sent them out again, but they still refused to find any 
 bills, for this plain reason — they were whigs. The foreman of that 
 patriotic jury was Daniel Elmer. But as the American contest 
 soon became serious, and hostilities were carried on in different 
 parts of the states, the suits were dropped, and never after renewed." 
 
 In the revolutionary contest, the inhabitants of the county upon 
 the shore of Delavi^are bay were frequently alarmed and sometimes 
 plundered by the refugees. When the British fleet ascended the 
 Delaware to attack Philadelphia, a party of armed men landed 
 and destroyed some cattle upon the salt marsh between the Cohan- 
 sey and Stow creeks. On the appearance of a few militia they 
 precipitately returned to their ships. 
 
 The soil of the township is very fertile, and highly cultivated. 
 The inhabitants are nearly equally divided between Presbyterians, 
 Baptists, and Friends. There are 2 fine libraries. A line of mail 
 stages runs twice a week to Philadelphia ; and the communication 
 by water is almost continuous — the Cohansey being one of the best 
 navigable streams in the state, and its mouth, at all seasons, a se- 
 cure harbor for vessels under 15 feet draught. 
 
 HOPEWELL. 
 
 Hopewell is 1 1 m. long by 4 in breadth, — and is bounded N. by 
 Upper Alloways Creek, Salem co., S. by Fairfield, E. by Fairfield 
 and Deerfield, and W. by Greenwich and Stow creek. The Co- 
 hansey forms its eastern and southern boundary line. The surface 
 is slightly rolling, — the soil, a clay loam. The township contains 
 
CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 1 17 
 
 5 stores, 1 forge, 1 flouring-m., 2 grist-m. ; cap. in manufac. 
 825,150 ; 12 schools, 973 scholars. Pop. 2,220. in 1865, I, To 2. 
 
 Bridgeton, the seat of justice for the county, is partially in this 
 township. Roadstown, on its western border, about 4 m. from the 
 courthouse, was early settled by the Mulford family, from Long 
 Island. It contains a Baptist church and about 40 dwellings. Shi- 
 loh, 2 m. NE. of Roadstown, has about 25 dwellings and a Seventh- 
 day Baptist church. 
 
 This church arose about the year 1737. The founders were John Swhiney, Dr. EHjah 
 Bowen, John Jarnian, Caleb Barrett, Hugh Dunn, Rev. Jonathan Davis, Caleb Ayres, 
 and some others, with their families. About the year 1790, a schism took place among 
 them — one part of the society holding the doctrine as promulgated by Winchester, 
 (which was that of Universalism,) — the other party retaining the creed of their fore- 
 fathers. 
 
 MAURICE RIVER. 
 
 This, the eastern township of the county, is, in extreme length, 
 19 m., breadth 10 m. It is bounded NE. by Hamilton and Wey- 
 mouth, Atlantic co., SE. by Upper and Dennis Creek, Cape May co., 
 S. by Delaware bay, W. by Downe, and NW. by Millville. The 
 soil is light, excepting on the margin of the streams, and a consid- 
 erable portion of its surface covered with pines. There are in the 
 township G stores, 2 glass-houses, 7 grist-m., 4 saw-m. ; cap. m 
 manufac. 848,060 ; 8 schools, 280 scholars. Pop. 2, 393. 
 
 This township derives its name from the river fornfiiug its west- 
 ern boundary, called by the Indians the Wnhatquenack . TtS present 
 name was given to it from the circumstance of a ship, •' the Prince 
 Maurice," being burnt by the Indians, and sunk, about half a mile 
 below Mauricetown, at a reach in the river known as the " no 
 man's friend.''* The Swedes very early formed settlements on 
 Maurice river, at Dorchester and Leesburg, — probably between 
 1637 and 1654. There was, anciently, a Swedish church a quarter 
 of a mile above Spring Garden ferry, on the eastern bank of the 
 river. Some tombstones in the graveyard still exist. Among the 
 descendants of these people are the Mosslanders, Vanamans, Peter- 
 sons, Millers, Cobbs, &c. 
 
 Port Elizabeth, the principal village, is on a small creek about 
 half a mile E. of Maurice river, and 16 m. SE. of Bridge ton. The 
 following is a view of the place as it appears on approaching it from 
 Millville. The large structure on the left of the engraving is the 
 Methodist church, the building with a spire is the academy, and 
 the covered bridge on the left is over the Manamuskin creek. 
 There are also in the village extensive glass-works, for the manu- 
 facture of window-glass, managed by Germans, — a Friends meet- 
 ing-house, and about 800 inhabitants. The village was laid out 
 about 1790, by Elizabeth Bodeley, a widow lady from Salem co., 
 who owned the land. There were then a few houses in the place. 
 It was thereupon made a port of entry, and named in honor of this 
 
148 
 
 CUMBERLANP COUNTY. 
 
 lH-i'2. 
 
 Northicest View of Port Elizabeth. 
 
 lady. The Methodist church was erected soon after. In 1827, the 
 old building was taken down and the present substantial edifice 
 reared. A few years after the Methodist church was built, the 
 Friends erected their meeting-house. There are also 4 other 
 churches in the township — viz., 1 JMethodist at Leesburg, 1 do. at 
 Cumberland furnace, 1 do. at Morris River Neck, and a Baptist, in 
 the southern part of the township, which is used for a schoolhouse. 
 Marshallsville, in the extreme eastern part of the township, on 
 Tuckahoe river, 25 m. from Bridgeton, has about 40 dwellings, and 
 extensive glass-works, for the manufactureof window-glass, owned 
 by Dr. Randolph Marshall and others. Considerable ship-building 
 is carried on there. Bricksboro, (founded by Joshua Brick, Esq.,) 
 Leesburg, and Dorchester, are small villages on Maurice river. 
 
 The principal portion of the following, relating to loitchcraft, &c., 
 in this vicinity, was delivered in a lecture before the Camden Ly- 
 ceum, in the winter of 1841-2. 
 
 In 1817 or '18, the hotel in Port EHzabeth was supposed to be possessed by an invisi- 
 ble spirit. At dusk there commenced, at intervals, in different apartments of tlic house, 
 a clattering of the windows, as if the sash had been violently struck with the hand. Tho 
 neighborhood, alarmed, nightly assembled to witness this strange occurrence. More 
 than a week elapsed ere the imposition was detected. Its author was discovered to be 
 a young and artful colored girl, who, soon as it became dark, would skip from one room 
 to another, give the terrifying knock, and then hasten back to the family with a counte- 
 nance expressive of fear. On detection, she declared she had been bribed by an old 
 witch in tlie village. There is another dwelling at Ewing's Neck that, about the same 
 time, had been successively abandoned by two tenants on account of its being haunted ; 
 and there was one room so particularly favored by invisible spirits that not any one dared 
 occupy it. The door would mysteriously fl}' open, sometimes a dozen times an hour, 
 without the intervention of human agency. The building stood tcnantlcss for several 
 months. At last a person was found who had the hardihood to occupy it. As our in- 
 formant was one day passing, he was invited by the tenant to examine into the mystery. 
 It was soon solved. The door was not hung perpendicularly — the upper part havmg an 
 inclination backward — and, the latch being rather loose, any little jar would cause it 
 to suddenly fly open and forcibly strike against the wall. Tlie evil was remedied, and 
 the spirits returned no more. 
 
 In olden times, when the belief in witchcraft was prevalent, and the power of charms 
 admitted, it was customary to hang upon the neck by a string a piece of dried beef cut 
 in the shape of a heart, with two needles stuck on in the form of a cross, as a protection 
 
CUMBERLAND COUNTY. I49 
 
 against witches. Another safeguard was in the horse-shoe, wliich originally was nailed 
 boldly over doors, and in places open to the eye ; but as supers^tition dispelled before 
 the light of a later day, those who pertinaciously clung to the ways of their fathers 
 placed it out of sight, under the door-steps, or in some other covert spots ; or else thev 
 would apply it to some ostensibly useful purpose, such as a hook to the well-sweep, or as 
 a catch to receive the gate-latch. It is well known, that in the spring it is customary to 
 take off the shoes from horses, and allow them to roam over wet meadows, so that their 
 hoofs, which become hard and brittle in the winter, may be softened by the dampness. 
 In those times, instead of taking off all the shoes, one was left to answer the valuable 
 purpose which this piece of iron was supposed to effect. Another favorite place for the 
 shoe, was on the inside of the hinder a.xle of wagons ; and even to the present day it 
 may be found nailed to the under side of the wheelbarrows of the negroes in the Phila- 
 delphia market. 
 
 Another harmless piece of superstition was in powowing. When a person was afflict- 
 ed with the fever and ague, or a burn, some individual invested with a knowledge of this 
 secret was called in to operate. It consisted in mumbling over in a confused manner, 
 certain unknown texts of Scripture, when, if the patient had faith, a cure would instan- 
 taneously follow. This secret could not be imparted by the possessor, excepting to one 
 of the opposite sex. The author of the lecture gives an anecdote of an occurrence wit- 
 nessed by himself, tending to show that even in our time humiliating mstanccs of such 
 weaknesses are found. While waiting on one occasion, at Philadelphia, for the ferry to 
 Camden, he overheard two young ladies in the room with him, express impatience at the 
 delay of the doctor. In a few minutes this individual appeared, in the person of a vul- 
 gar looking colored man. He rubbed his hands over a sort of cancerous wart on the lips 
 of one of the females, and after muttering some gibberish language, pronounced the sore 
 healed : and then pocketing %5 as his fee, disappeared. Whether the wart was healed, 
 our informant has neglected to testify. 
 
 Among the Dutch it was considered a bad omen to sweep the house after sunset, or to 
 sweep dirt into the fire. It was a good omen, when using eggs, to sprinkle salt on the 
 shells and throw them into the fire ; and bread they thought would not be light, unless 
 the sign of a cross was made on the dough. 
 
 MILLVILLE. 
 
 Millville is in extreme length N. and S. 16 miles ; E. and W. 15 ; 
 and is bounded NE. by parts of Atlantic and Gloucester counties ; 
 southerly by Maurice river, and Dovvne ; and westerly by Fair- 
 field, Deerfield, and Pittsgrove, Salem co. The township contains 
 5 stores, 5 glass-houses, 5 grist-m., \) saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. 
 8183,1)20; 5 schools. Pop. 1,771. in. 1865, 4,123. 
 
 Millville is at the head of tide, and principally on the E. bank 
 of Maurice river, 20 miles from its mouth, and 11 E. of Bridgeton. 
 The village and vidinity consists of about 150 dwellings, and 1 Bap- 
 tist, 1 Methodist, and 1 Presbyterian church. The land on which it 
 stands was purchased about the year 1796, by Joseph Buck, Eze- 
 kiel Foster, Robert Smith, and Eli Elmer, by whom improvements 
 were commenced. Previous to this period it was known as the 
 Maurice River bridge ; a tavern having been here a greater part 
 of a century. At that period rattlesnakes abounded on the mar- 
 gin of the river, but now have disappeared. The Methodist church, 
 the oldest in the village, was built in 1822 ; and the dedication ser- 
 mon preached by the Rev. Charles Pitman. The Presbyterian 
 church was built in 1838, and the Rev. John M'Coy was the first 
 settled clergyman. 
 
 The following view was taken on the w.\;tern bank of the river 
 
150 
 
 CUMBEELAND COrXTY 
 
 tSi-nt/irrn I'ifw irf AiiUviUe, i\. J., near the Bridge. 
 
 a sliort distance below the bridge over Maurice River, and shows some of the manu- 
 fiK'tiirina; osiablishments on the eastern sid.e of the river, wliicli is for a distance of 
 alioiit two miles down to Shutterville. well settled. The trlass works of Evans, Sharp 
 i'>:'\Vcs(>ott,are seen in the central \n\vt. Tlie coiton fiictory,V)leaoiiery and iron works of 
 "Wood & Garritt, are seen on the left in the extreme distant e. This tirm emi)]oys about 
 fi or 700 operatives in their various establishments. Wiiitall, Tatum <fe Co.'s works, at 
 which are employed al»out, oOO men and beys, are s< en on the right. About 15 vessels 
 of 150 tons burthen, are constantly emp.oyed in the inh.nd coast trade, and steamers 
 of 300 tons have come up as far as the furnace above the bridge, the head of navi- 
 iration. There are in the place 6 churches viz : 2 Methodist. 1 Prfsbyterinn, 1 Fpisco- 
 Ipa, 1 Hajitist, 1 Catholic. Miilville was incorporated a city in IbOi', ami will soon 
 be liglited by t;as. It has a population of ti.ut'iO inhfibitaiiis. 
 
 The followinj? extraordinary incident was communicated to the 
 editors of the Christian Advocate and Journal, l)y the Rev ~S\v. 
 Purdue, of Miilville, in Jan. 1843. 
 
 Mary Coombs, the suhject of the following biograpjiical skctcli, was born in ^larcli, 
 1794; and when aiiout JO years of age, she was convinced of her sinful state, and 
 brought to serious reflection and prayer by iicaring bcr mother read the Holy Scriptures. 
 One passage particularly, the recollection of which she still retains, made, even at tliat 
 tender age. an indelible impression upon iicr mind. It is Isaiah iii. 11 : " Wo unto the 
 wicked, it shall be ill with him ; for the reward of his hands shall be given him." 
 
 At the age of 13 years she experienced a clear sense of God's pardoning mercy, at a 
 Methodist quarterly meeting at Tuckahoc. For two years after this happy change, so 
 strong were her religious consolations, and so uninterrupted her peace, that, to use her 
 own language, she " had neither troubles nor trials." This truce, however, was succeed- 
 ed by a season of severe trial ; and she was reduced to " great heaviness through mam- 
 fold temptations." She was much harassed with a fear that she should never again en- 
 joy the same consolations, or be able to endure the trials and ditlieuUies of life. At a 
 class-meeting, held at the dwelling-house of Richard Penn, about 5 miles from this 
 place, on the '20i\\ of November, ]8()>!, she was unusually blessed, fell under the power 
 of God, and remained for seven days and niglits, in one of the most remarkable raptures 
 of which I have ever read or heard. 
 
 There was an uimsual coldness of the extremities, and an unnatural rigidity or stiff- 
 ness of the nmscular fibre of the whole body. But a very •inirular phenomenon was, 
 that every day, precisely at 6 o'clock, P. M., consciousness, and the powers of speech, 
 and voluntary motion, returned for a short time. 
 
 This was gradual, however, and always preceded by paroxysms of trembling, in which 
 her whole frame was violently agitated, accompanied by opening of the eyes, half-artic- 
 ulatcd words, and other signs of returning animation. The first words which siie usually 
 
CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 15[ 
 
 uttered so as to be distinctly understood, were, " Blessed Jesus !" " Lord, give me more 
 strength !" and some others of a like description. 
 
 This intermediate state was generally of about from 30 to 45 minutes duration ; and 
 as soon as she could sit up on the bed, she would commence exhorting those about her, 
 particularly the unconverted, to forsake their sins, and " flee the wrath to come." This 
 was done in the most earnest and serious manner, with an almost unearthly pathos, and 
 in the use of language, appeals, and arguments, altogether beyond her degree of mental 
 cultivation and intellectual capacity. This will seem the more remarkable, when it is 
 considered that she had scarcely any education, said but little on all occasions, and was 
 naturally diffident and retiring in her manners. 
 
 The singularity of the case, as might reasonably be expected, produced great excite- 
 ment in the neighborhood, and attracted crowds of people, even from a distance, to wit- 
 ness her exercises. The knowledge of " sins forgiven" was not considered the privilege 
 of believers, even by a majority of those who made a profession of religion in the neigh- 
 borhood. The miseries of the damned ; the necessity of immediate repentance ; and 
 the fact that sinners might know their sins forgiven in this life, were the principal themes 
 of her discourses. The effects produced by these exhortations were truly astonishing. 
 From Wednesday until the close of the week, the house was filled to overflowing every 
 night ; and but little was heard except the cries of the penitent, the prayers of the pious, 
 and the shouts of new-born souls till long after midnight. 
 
 Such was the state of excitement upon this occasion, and such the influence that at- 
 tended these exhortations, that persons, upon approaching the house, would be seized 
 with conviction for sin at hearing the sound of her voice, before entering the door. Af- 
 ter speaking about one hour, if the interval lasted so long, her voice would gradually be- 
 come more and more faint, until it ceased to be audible, and she would fall back upon 
 the bed, and remain apparently insensible to all external objects till the same time the 
 next evening. The sister, at whose house she remained, (now an old and worthy member 
 of tlie church at Port Elizabeth, in this state,) assured me that she asked for neither 
 food nor drink during the week ; and that the only nourishment she received was a few 
 spoonfuls of thin gruel, which was forced into her mouth at three different times. This 
 she received reluctantly, and would finally resist their efforts to force it upon her by 
 closing the teeth firmly together. 
 
 One circumstance which served greatly to excite the curiosity of the people, and draw 
 them to the place, was, that early in the week she stated that she would be exercised in 
 this way every evening till the next sabbath ; and that at the same hour on that day that 
 she had fallen into this rapture the previous sabbath, she would have finished her work, 
 and would return home. That consciousness, and the powers of speech, and voluntary 
 motion, should return every evening precisely at 6 o'clock, (as was found to be the case,) 
 when she could by no means have access to any time-piece, was perfectly unaccounta- 
 ble upon natural principles. Upon the following sabbath, (November 27, 1808,) the day 
 which she had designated for her return home, it was estimated that not less than fiire 
 hundred people were present to witness it. 
 
 At 2 o'clock precisely, one week from the time she had fallen into this rapture, she 
 seemed to recover as out of a sweet sleep, and quietly returned home with her friends. 
 On being asked, before she left the house, some questions relative to the subject which 
 liad occupied her whole attention during the preceding week, she calmly replied that she 
 had nothing more to say — that she had finished the work assigned her for the present. 
 I inquired particularly what influence this circumstance had upon her appetite and gen- 
 eral health, and was informed that there was no perceptible change. 
 
 A physician from Bridgeton, who visited her during the rapture, was asked his opinion, 
 upon which he remarked that he did not " understand the case." Sister Surran (her 
 name by marriage) is still living ; and although she has been called, in the providence of 
 God, to pass through the fires of temptation, and the waves of affliction, still retains her 
 integrity, and sustains an unblemished reputation for consistent piety. I sought an op- 
 portunity to converse with her, and requested to know all that she felt free to communi- 
 cate concerning her feelings and spiritual perceptions at the time. 
 
 She is, and always has been, reserved on this subject. So much so, that her nearest 
 relations have seldom ventured to converse with her concerning it. She stated to me, 
 however, that while speaking, she seemed altogether under the influence, and subject to 
 the control of a supernatural power ; that to speak required no effort, either of thought 
 or reflection, on her part. To use her own language, " The words were all put into my 
 mouth, and I had to speak them." 
 
 She described her sensations during the seasons of repose as peculiarly agreeable. She 
 beard the commingling of distant but harmonious sounds, such as would be produced by 
 
152 CUMBERLAND COUNTY. 
 
 numerous voices and instruments of music ; which seemed to be wafted upon every brceza 
 of heaven, and fell upon her ear in tones of enchanting melody. With reference to this 
 world, she was in a state of perfect intellectual abstraction. Not one of its difficulties, 
 cares, or even thoughts, intruded upon the sanctuary of her heart In conclusion, I 
 would remark, that the circumstances of the case utterly preclude the suspicion of col 
 lusion. 
 
 STOW CREEK. 
 
 Stow creek is about 5 miles long E. and W., and 4 broad N. and 
 S. It is bounded NW. by Upper and Lower Alloways creek, Sa- 
 lem CO. ; E. by Hopewell ; S. by Greenwich ; and W. by Lower 
 Alloways creek. It is 4 miles W. of Bridgeton ; soil and sur- 
 face diversified ; the township^ abounds in excellent marl. It 
 contains 2 grist-m., 1 saw-m. ; cap in manufac. 832,220 ; 4 sch., 
 K.O scholars. Pop. 846. in 1865; 1,IHT 
 
 A considerable trade is carried ou ni this country in the skins of 
 m'lskrats, which sometimes are sold as high as two dollars fifty 
 cents per dozen. This animal is a native of almost all parts of Ameri- 
 ca. It is about the size of a small rabbit, and has a thick short 
 head, resembling that of a water-rat ; its hair is soft and glossy, 
 and beneath the outward hair is a ftiick, fine down, very useful 
 in the manufacture of hats ; it is of a reddish brown color ; its 
 breast and belly are ash, tinged with red ; its tail long and flat ; 
 its eyes large ; ears short and hairy ; and it has two strong cut- 
 ting teeth in each jaw, — those of the under jaw are about an 
 inch long, but the upper ones are shorter. In their habits they 
 in many respects much resemble the beaver, and are remarkable 
 for sagacity and cunning. They are amphibious, and their tails 
 being broad and feet nearly web-footed, enables them to swim 
 with great facility. In travelling near the seashore, their houses 
 are seen numerously scattered over the salt marshes, resembling 
 so many hay-cocks in miniature. At the approach of winter, 
 several families associate together, and build their little huts, 
 commonly from three to five feet in height, composed of herbs 
 and rushes cemented with clay, forming a dome-like covering, ex- 
 ternally covered with rough reeds. They have each several cells, 
 whose tops are above high water, and are lined with soft grass : 
 in each of which there is, in the time of breeding in the spring, a 
 pair with their progeny, usually consisting of three or four young 
 ones. These dwellings are commonly built near the margin of a 
 creek or ditch ; from which there are usually two passages, one 
 near the top, and the other under ground from the bank o£ the 
 creek. In fresh marshes they have no houses, but burrow in the 
 banks. This animal lays up a stock of sedge roots for winter con- 
 sumption. They are neat in their habits, and wash these roots 
 very clean previous to storing them, by holding them in one paw 
 and rubbing them in the water with the other. They are caught 
 in traps or speared in their cells. The hunters sometimes take 
 
ESSEX COUNTY. 153 
 
 them in the spring, by opening their holes and letting the light 
 suddenly in upon them. At that time their flesh is excellent. 
 They make good pot-pies, and taste much like ducks. In summer, 
 the scent of musk is so strong as to render them unpalatable. 
 When hard pressed they run to the water, and dive to the bottom ; 
 but soon come up to breathe. If taken when young, they are 
 easily tamed, very playful, and perfectly inoflensive Their mor- 
 tal enemies are minks. , 
 
 ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 Essex county was first formed in 1675, and its boundaries were 
 definitely fixed by the act of Jan. 21st, 1709-10, comprising the ter- 
 ritory then known as Elizabethtown and Newark. Its original 
 limits have since been reduced. It is now about 20 miles long, 
 with an average breadth of 12 miles, being bounded N. by Passaic 
 and a small part of Morris counties; E. by Hudson co., Newark 
 bay, and Staten Island ; S by Middlesex co. ; and W. by Somerset 
 and Morris counties. The face of the county is generally level ; 
 the soil well cultivated, and highly productive. Two trap ridges, 
 known as the first and second mountains, (the latter sometimes 
 called the Short Hills,) enter the county on the SW. and cross the 
 w^estern part in a NE. direction, and pass into Passaic co. The 
 Passaic and Rah way rivers are the principal streams. In 1840 
 there were produced in the county 34,692 bushels of wheat ; rye, 
 34,244 ; Indian corn, 225,314 ; buckwheat, 39,588 ; oats, 181,261 ; 
 potatoes, 178,193 bushels. There were 203 stores, with a capital 
 of $524,650. Capital in the fisheries, 860,000 ; 6 fulling, 20 grist, 
 21 flouring, and 25 saw-mills; 18 paper factories, 3 woollen, and 2 
 cotton factories; 4 dyeing and printing establishments; 10 tanne- 
 ries, and 6 potteries. Capital invested in manufactures, $3,170,568. 
 
 The above statistics, <fec., were published in 184:2, and relate 
 to Essex County before its division by the formation of Union 
 County, from its territorial limits in 1858. (Sec page 516.) The 
 towns now included arc the following, 
 
 Belleville, Clinton, Milbnrn, South Orange, 
 
 Bloonifield, East Orange, Newark, West Orange. 
 Caldwell, Livingston, Orange, 
 
 BELLEVILLE. 
 
 Belleville was formed from the eastern portion of Bloonifield in 
 1839. It is 5 miles long, with a width of two miles : bounded N. by 
 
 20 
 
154 ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 Acquackanonck, Passaic co. ; E. by Harrison, Hudson co., from 
 which it is separated by the Passaic river ; S. by Newark ; and W. 
 by Bloomfield. The township contains 12 stores, 4 fulling m., 1 
 cotton and 2 woollen factories, 1 dyeing and printing establishment. 
 2 flouring-m., 1 grist-m. Cap. in manufac. $479,450. 7 sch., 31G 
 scholars. Pop. 3,425 The soil of the township is well cultivated and 
 productive. It is the seat of extensive manufacturing establishments 
 
 Eastern View of Belleville. 
 
 The village of Belleville is beautifully situated on the W. bank 
 of Passaic river, 3 miles N. of Newark. This place was anciently 
 called Second river ; and as early as 1G82 had a considerable pop- 
 ulation. The annexed engraving shows the prominent portion of 
 the village, as seen from the eastern bank of the river. The bridge 
 and the Reformed Dutch church are seen on the right — the Episco- 
 pal church, a Gothic structure, on the extreme left ; the Methodist 
 church is partially shown in the central part, and the Catholic 
 church in the distance beyond, on the hill. This is a pleasant place 
 of resort during the summer months, besides being one of consid- 
 erable business. There are in the village 4 churches, about a dozen 
 stores, many mechanic shops, several manufacturing establishments, 
 and about 200 dwellings. There are a number of vessels here, en- 
 gaged in transporting raw and manufactured products to New 
 York and elsewhere. F'ranklinvillc, formerly called Spring Garden, 
 a flourishing little manufacturing village, contains about 25 dwel- 
 lings, and a Methodist church, [•written in 1842.] 
 
 The following biographical sketches are from the 5th vol. of 
 Alden's Collection of Epitaphs, Notes, «fec. 
 
 The Rev. Gkrardus Haugevort came, with his consort, from Holland to America, a 
 Jittle before the middle of the last century. By the influence of Col. John Schuyler, he 
 was removed from the place of his first settlement, in the interior of New Jersey, to the 
 Reformed Dutch clmrch at Second river, now Belleville, in the townshiuof Bloomfield. 
 He was a man of talents, and for a considerable time was hif(hly acceptable to the peo- 
 pie of his charge. Beinjj, however, of an irascible temper, lie at length, by some un- 
 guarded speech, offended his principal patron. To get rid of the dominie, the Col. de- 
 clared himself an Episcopalian ; and in\-ited the Rev. Daniel Isaac Browne, rector of 
 
ESSEX COUNTY. I55 
 
 ■rrinity church at Newark, to officiate at Second river. For some time Mr. Browne per- 
 formed his ministerial functions in a private building near the margin of the Passaic, to 
 accommodate the Dutch people, many of whom showed a reluctance at changing their de- 
 nomination. Col. Schuyler was at the expense of a Dutch and English impression of 
 the Common Prayer Book. This was for many years used at Second river, but at pres- 
 ent it is not known that a single copy of it exists. Mr. Haugevort, for some time after 
 the unpleasant rupture, kept possession of his church, and statedly preached to his adhe- 
 rents ; while the new society, having left the private building, worshipped in the academy. 
 At length the doors of the Dutch ciiureh were clandestinely fastened. Mr. Haugevort, 
 not disposed to flee to another city, then preached from sabbath to sabbath to a few warm 
 friends, on the steps of his church door. His salary ceased, and his reduced flock could 
 do but little for him. He must have suffered for want of the necessaries of life, if he 
 had not brought property with him from his native country. He died about the close of 
 the Revolutionary war, leaving a son and grandson, both of whom bear his name, and 
 several daughters. He and his patron, who was a distinguished character in his day, 
 have long since left a world of imperfection, where good men sometimes unhappily dis- 
 agree, and, it is to be hoped, have entered that state in whicli no discordant passions ever 
 interrupt the pleasures of harmony and love. 
 
 Aarent Schuyler came to this country, from Holland, in early life, depending upon 
 his industry alone, under Providence, for a support. He at length, by liis diligence and 
 economy, acquired so much property as to venture on the purchase of a considerable 
 tract of rough and wild land, on the banks of the Passaic, opjjosite to the mouth of the 
 Second river. Here he toiled for years, till almost discouraged at tiie difficulty with 
 which he gained a subsistence. He was about to negotiate for the sale of his place, 
 when one day his old negro found a ponderous mineral substance on the farm, which so 
 attracted his curiosity that he carried a specimen of it to his master. Mr. Sc.liuyler was 
 impressed with the idea, from its appearance, that it must be something valuable. Ho 
 immediately carried it to New York, where it was ascertained to be coi)pcr ore. He 
 then gave up the purpose of selling his estate, and turned his attention to the riches 
 which his land embosomed. The ore was found in abundance, and was sent to Eng- 
 land to be wrought. Seldom has a mine been discovered, in any part of tiic world, con- 
 taining so great a proportion of pure metal. It is said that every ton of ore exported 
 yielded eighty per cent, of copper. Before the Revolutionary war vast treasures were 
 drawn from this mine, till the principal shaft was sunk to the depth of 150 feet. For 
 many years this fountain of wealth has been neglected, but at a future day will no doubt 
 claim the attention of some enterprising proprietor. 
 
 Mr. Schuyler was the father of Col. Peter Schuyler and Col. John Schuyler, both of 
 whom were highly respectable in life. The former was a distinguished officer in the 
 Provincial forces sent against the French and Indians of Canada, and his name is fre- 
 quently mentioned with great and just respect by the historians of his day. 
 
 The Hon. Josiah Hornblower, [who died Jan. 21st, 1809, at the age of 88 years,] 
 a man of most respectable and unblemished character, whose life was highly valued, 
 and whose death is deeply deplored, was a native of Staffordshire, in England. Without 
 the aid of a liberal education, but with a strong mind and studious habits, at a very 
 early period of life, he became perfectly acquainted with some of the most intricate, and 
 at the same time most noble branches of science. Mathematics, magnetism, electricity, 
 optics, astronomy, and in short the whole system of natural and moral philosophy be- 
 came his favorite studies. At the age of between 23 and 24 years, he was engaged to 
 come to this country, for the purpose of erecting a steam-engine at the copper-mine then 
 belonging to Col. John Schuyler; in the execution of which, as well as a mineralogist 
 generally, he discovered eminent industry, capacity, and genius, and received the most 
 unbounded confidence. Shortly after he was established in this country, he connected 
 himself in marriage with one of the most respectable families, and had a numerous issue. 
 In our Revolutionary struggle, he took a firm and decided part in favor of the indepen- 
 dence of this country ; and this was so well known, that he was early honored as a 
 representative in congress. He was for several years successively a member of our 
 state legislature, and 8i)eakcr of the house of assembly. He was appointed a judge of 
 the court, and sat on the bench with dignity, uprightness, and solidity of judgment. . 
 In his last illness, which was of the most painful kind, the exercise of every Christian 
 grace shone with peculiar lustre. 
 
l56 
 
 ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 BLOOMFIELD 
 
 Bloomfield is 5 miles long, 3 wide ; bounded N. by Acquacka- 
 nonck, Passaic co. ; E. by Belleville ; S. by Orange and Newark ; 
 and W. by Caldwell and Orange. The soil is highly productive ; the 
 surface on the W. mountainous. The Second and Third rivers, on 
 which are numerous manufacturing establishments, have their 
 sources near the foot of the mountains, and flow into the Passaic. 
 The Morris canal runs through the E. part. There are in Bloom- 
 field, 3 paper, 1 cotton, and 2 woollen factories; 1 dyeing and print- 
 ing establishment ; 1 fulling, 1 copper rolling, 2 grist, and 2 saw m. ; 
 and 1 button factory; cap. in manufac. $111,000. There are 3 
 academies, 8 schools, 255 scholars. Pop. in 1865,(),4:(J8. 
 
 View of the Presbyterian Church at Bloomfield. 
 
 The annexed is a view of the Presbyterian church on the milita- 
 ry common in Bloomfleld, 3^ miles NW. of Newark. It is a sub- 
 stantial stone edifice, erected in 1790. The village of Bloomfield 
 may be considered as extending about 3^ miles in a NW. direction, 
 including West Bloomfield. The number of houses within these 
 limits is about 300. There are also 2 Presbyterian and 2 ]\Ieth- 
 odist churches, 7 or 8 stores, and several manufacturing establish- 
 ments. Bloomfield was early settled by part of the colony of New 
 Englanders which founded Newark. Stone House Plains, in the 
 northern part of the township, was settled by the Dutch. It con- 
 tains 30 or 40 houses, and a Dutch Reformed church. Speertown, 
 in the same vicinity, is a somewhat smaller collection of dwellings. 
 The " Bloomfield Collegiate and Commercial School," the 
 " Bloonilield Female Seminary," and the " Mount Prospect 
 Boarding School" for boys, are respectable literary institutions 
 in this township. 
 
 During the Revolutionary war, all this section of country was 
 subject to frc(|uent depredations, by bands of marauders and free- 
 booters from the British posts, and especially from the garrisons at 
 
ESSEX COUNTY. 157 
 
 Bergen heights, opposite to New York. These acts of violence and 
 plunder were not permitted to pass without a suitable retribution. 
 The following well-authenticated incident illustrates the noble 
 daring which animated the true friends of their country in these 
 times of trial. — It was upon a cold, dark, wintry night, near the 
 close of the war, that a party of dauntless spirits, consisting of 
 Capt. John Kidney, Capt. Henry Jaroleman, Jacob Garlaw, and 
 Halmach Jaroleman, left their families and their firesides in search 
 of adventures. A deep snow covered the earth, and the howling 
 wind gave admonition to all to remain within ; but our party were 
 bent on having prisoners that night. Having provided themselves 
 with a pair of fleet horses, attached to a common wood sled, they 
 left the neighborhood of the above village, and laid their course 
 towards the heights of Bergen. They soon arrived in the vicinity 
 of the garrison ; and leaving their horses tied to the fence, they 
 went out to reconnoitre. They returned shortly after, having ascer- 
 tained that a school-house, some distance from the forts, was filled 
 with officers and soldiers rioting and dancing. Their plan of tak- 
 ing prisoners being matured, the company started, with Kidney at 
 their head. Coming upon the house, Kidney commenced giving 
 his orders to his different divisions to surround the house, while he, 
 immediately forcing himself in at the door, took good care that his 
 guard should show themselves and their bayonets at the threshold. 
 Those within were struck with astonishment. " Every one of you 
 are my prisoners," cried Kidney ; " surrender or you die !" Having 
 ordered them into line, he selected first a British officer, and then a 
 refugee — passed them along to the door, where they were muffled 
 and hurried away to the sled ; Kidney taking care to warn them 
 that " the first one who attempted to escape was a dead man." 
 When they reached the meadows they heard the alarm-gun fire, 
 but they were too far for pursuit. The prisoners were secured in 
 the Morristown jail, and our heroes returned well pleased at the 
 night's adventure, leaving their prisoners much chagrined at the 
 way they were taken. 
 
 CALDWELL. 
 
 Caldwell was formed from Newark and Acquackanonck, in 
 1798. It is about 7 miles long, with an average width of 4 miles ; 
 bounded N. by Acquackanonck and Manchester, Passaic co., and 
 Pequannock, Morris co.; E. by Bloomfield, S. by Orange and Livings- 
 ton, and W. by Hanover and Pequannock, Morris co. The Passaic 
 river forms its W. and N. boundary ; the First and Second Moun- 
 tains are in the eastern part, and the remainder of the township 
 is generally hilly. There are 4 stores, 1 fulling, 3 grist, and 10 
 saw-m., 1 woollen and 1 cotton fac. ; cap. in manufac. $36,715 ; 
 1 acad., 22 students, 7 schools, 310 scholars. Pop. 3,016. 
 
 The village of Caldwell, 10 miles NW. of Newark, contains 
 
158 ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 several stores, a Presbyterian church, and about 30 dwellings 
 Vernon, about 2 miles from Caldwell, contains 1 store, a Methodist 
 church, and about 20 dwellings. Fairfield is a rich agricultural 
 vicinity in the northern part of the township, where there is a 
 Dutch Reformed church. Franklin, about a mile W. of Caldwell, 
 contains about 12 dwellings. 
 
 CLINTON. 
 
 Clinton was formed from Newark, Elizabethtown, and Orange, 
 in 1831. It has an average length of about 4, with a breadth of 
 about 2\ miles ; bounded N. by Orange and Newark, E. by New- 
 ark, S. by Union, and W. by Springfield. It has 4 stores, 2 grist- 
 m. ; cap. in manufac. $6,500 ; 3 schools, 137 scholars. Pop. 3.676 
 The soil is generally fertile, producing abundant crops of Indian 
 corn and grass. Great quantities of fruit of different kinds are 
 raised in this section. 
 
 Irvington, 3i miles SW. from Newark, is a flourishing village, 
 containing 1 Presbyterian, 1 Episcopal, and 1 Free church, several 
 stores, and about 40 or 50 dwellings. During the Revolutionary 
 war, the American army encamped here for some time, from which 
 circumstance the place derives its name. 
 
 ELIZABETH. 
 
 Elizabeth is one of the oldest townships in the state. It received 
 its name from Lady Elizabeth Carteret, the wife and executrix of 
 Sir George Carteret. The original area of the township has been 
 much reduced. It is bounded N. by Newark, E. by Newark bay, 
 W. by Union, and S. by Rahway and Staten Island sound. The 
 soil is fertile, and is composed of red-shale, clay, loam, and marsh. 
 Large quantities of grass are cut, on the marsh, for manure. There 
 are in the township 22 stores, 3 potteries, 2 printing-offices, a grist, 
 saw, and oil mill ; cap. in manufac. 8297,250. There^ are 3 acad- 
 emies, ^50 students, 10 schools, .393 scholars. Pop 17,373. 
 
 Elizabethport lies on Staten Island sound, 2 miles Irom Jijlizabeth- 
 town, and 12 from New York, with which there is a daily steam- 
 boat communication. It is a new and thriving place, and. being 
 the commencement of the Elizabethtown and Somerville railroad, 
 having a cliurch, several manufacturing establishments, and aliout 
 100 dwellings. J^lizahcfhinwn is 4 miles from Newark, on Eliza- 
 bethtown creek. It contains a court-house, jail, a bank, an insiu'- 
 ance office, 4 churches, (1 ^it^tlK^list, 2 Presbyterian and 1 Epis- 
 coi>al,) 3 or 4 academies, upward of 400 dwellings, and about 
 . 2,500 inhabitants. (Se^. page 539) 
 
ESSEX COUXTY. 
 
 1^9 
 
 SoxUhern view in the central part of Elizabeth. 
 
 The precedinc; statistics relate to the township of Elizabeth in 1842. Since the 
 formation of Union County, Elizabethtown and Elizabetbpoi-t have been constituted 
 into one city by the name of Elizabeth the county seat. It is divided into six wards 
 and by the state census of 1865, contained a population of IV.SVS. The city now 
 contains 15 churches, (5 Presbyterian, 3 Catholic, 3 Episco]ial, 2 Methodist, 1 Baptist 
 and 1 Congregational,) 2 newspaper printing offices, 2 banks and 20,000 inhabitants. 
 The annexed engraving shows the appearance of the central part of the place as seen 
 from the bridge at the foot of Broad street. On the left are seen the Court house 
 and the Presbyterian church, on the right in the distance, the tower of the Episcopal 
 church. {See page 538.) Tlie "Borough of Elizabeth" received its act of incorporation 
 in the thirteenth year of the reign of George II, Feb. 8th, \1?>'d. 
 
 Elizabethtown was the third settlement made in the state of 
 New Jersey, and i\ie frst by the English. The land on which it 
 stands was purchased from certain Indian chiefs, residing on Staten 
 Island, in 1604, by John Baily, Daniel Denton, and Luke Watson, 
 of Jamaica, Long Island ; and Gov. Richard Nichols granted a pa- 
 tent for it to John Baker of New York, John Ogden of Northamp- 
 ton, John Baily, and Luke Watson. These, with their associates, 
 are those usually known as the "Elizabethtown Associates." The 
 land purchased by them from the Indians, and patented to them by 
 Nichols, was named the " Elizabethtown Grant." The associates 
 were seventy-four in number; and their descendants, bearing their 
 names, are very numerous in East Jersey. 
 
 The "Elizabethtown Grant" was claimed by another class of 
 people, under a title granted by the Duke of York. The claims 
 of the " Associates," and those of the grantees of the duke, came 
 often into terrible conflict, and gave rise to commotions deeply per- 
 plexing, and greatly injurious to the settlement. Philip Carteret, 
 the first governor of East Jersey, with thirty English settlers, came 
 
IGO ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 to this town in 1665 ; wliich he made the capital of the province, 
 and named it in honor of Lady Elizabeth, the wife of his brother, 
 one of the proprietors of East Jersey. On his arrival here, there 
 were only four log-huts in the town. In partnership with his 
 brother, Sir George Carteret, a little settlement was formed on the 
 bank of the creek, probably on the south side of Water-st., where 
 he built a house for his residence — the first government-house of 
 East Jersey, 
 
 For many years after the settlement of the province, Elizabeth- 
 town was the largest and most flourishing place in it. Here were 
 all the public offices, and here was the residence of most of the 
 officers of the government. The first general assembly, composed 
 of governor, council, and a house of burgesses, met here in 1668 : 
 and here it met (with few exceptions) up to 1682. In 1686, it met 
 at "Amboy Perth," and subsequently alternated between Amboy 
 and Burlington, occasionally meeting here, until it was perma- 
 nently located at Trenton. There is not a trace of the first public 
 buildings of East Jersey, nor does even tradition point out the place 
 on which they stood.* 
 
 The first inhabitants of this town formed a mixed population, 
 made up of emigrants from New England, England, Long Island, 
 and Scotland. It is easily inferred that Puritan influence predomi- 
 nated in the first colonial legislature, as we find some of the chief 
 features of the Puritan code transferred to the statute-book of New 
 Jersey. We infer that, in religious sentiments, the first inhabitants 
 of this town were mainly Presbyterians, or Congregationalists, from 
 the fact that they were mainly from the places above mentioned, and 
 that much of the emigration from England then was caused by the 
 intolerance of the established church. 
 
 The First Presbyterian congregation here is the oldest in the 
 town ; indeed, it is the oldest in the state organized for the worship 
 of God, in the English language. It dates its existence from 1666 
 or 1667. When the old church, in which the congregation wor- 
 shipped, was erected, is uncertain. Its ancient and venerable ap- 
 pearance is yet remembered, by many of the old inhabitants. It 
 stood where the First church now stands, and, fired by the torch of 
 a refugee, it was burned on the 25th of Jan., 1780. The present 
 commanding and noble superstructure was commenced immediately 
 on the close of the war ot the revolution, and was completed un- 
 der the ministry of Mr. Austin, in 1791 or 1792. During the revo- 
 lutionary war, this town was greatly harassed by the enemy, and 
 this congregation suffered severely. After their church was burnt, 
 they for some time worshipped in a large storehouse, fitted up for 
 the purpose. 
 
 The following, as far as known, are the names of the ministers 
 who have served in this church, down to the present day : 
 
 « rroiii a communication by the Kev. Dr. Murray, of Elizabethtown. 
 
ESSEX COUNTY. jgj 
 
 S^"!ed. Removed by death or dismission. 
 
 "Rev John Harriman Oct. 1,1687 1704 died 
 
 " Melyne June 1, 1704 ' 
 
 " Jonathan Dickenson 1707 or 1708 October 7, 1747, died 
 
 Ehhu. Spencer D. D (About) 1748 dismissed. 
 
 " trfr ,Y'T'"-- «^Pt.l4,1757 1759, dismissed. 
 
 » wT ^?'.'^^cll Deccm.,1761 Nov'r 24, 1781, died 
 
 Wilham L.nn, D. D Junel4, 1786 Nov'r 1, 1786, dismissed. 
 
 ?rn r^ " ?'P^^' 'I^^ ^^^y 4' l'»7 dismissed 
 
 " i^Z i%V-^-^ Juno24,1800 Oct'r 7, 1800, dismissed. 
 
 Henry kollock 9. fl Dec. 10, 1800 Dec'r 21, 1803, dismissed. 
 
 John M'Doweil, D. D Dec. 26, 1804.... Mav —is-i-l" 
 
 " x^icholas Murray, D.D July 23, l833. "^ ' 
 
 The College of New Jersey, now one of the most flourishing in 
 ne bnion, was chartered by John Hamilton, acting governo?, in 
 1740 ; and was commenced in this town, under the direction of the 
 Kev. Jonathan Dickenson, its first president. An old academy 
 which stood where the lecture-room of the First Presbyterian 
 church now stands, and which was burned down durin- the war 
 ot the reyolution, contained the first recitation-rooms of the first 
 classes ever attached to the College of New Jersey. That collec^e 
 was brought into existence mainly through the influence of Mr. 
 Dickenson ; but he was spared to preside oyer its interests only one 
 year. '' 
 
 The next oldest congregation in the town is the EpiscoDa] It 
 was organized in 1704, by the Rev. Mr. Brook, a missionary of the 
 Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts." The found- 
 ations^ of the church edifice were laid in 1706, since which it has 
 been twice enlarged ; and it is now a neat, though a comoaratively 
 small bmlding. Its first rector, Rev. Mr. Brook, died in^l707 In 
 U!7 ^r"" ^^"^ succeeded by Rev. Mr. Vaughn, who died in 
 1747, alter a ministry m it of thirty-eight years. He was succeed- 
 ed by Rev Mr. Wood, and he again by Rev. Dr. Chandler, who 
 continued its rector for forty years, and died in 1790. He was suc- 
 ceeded by Mr. Spagg, who died in 1794. Mr. Rayner was elected 
 his succes.sor, who remained here till 1801. He was succeeded by 
 Dr. Beasley, who left the parish in 1 803 ; and was succeeded by Mr 
 
 r^tir;dt'l';?2H Th 'T M ' 1>"^^^ ^^^""^^ ^^^^^^ "^ ^^^^ ^^'^ 
 rctued m 1826. The Rev. Mr. Pyne was elected in 1820, and re- 
 
 ri ^ Vf ^'- ^^^- ^^'- ^'>bl« -- elected in 1829, ancrr;tMl 
 183.J 1 he present rector, Rev. R. C. Moore, was settled in 1834. 
 
 Ihe ^econd Presbyterian church was organized in 1819, and it- 
 first and present minister is the Rev. Dr. Magie. 
 
 The Methodist church was first organized'' in 1785. The Rev 
 Thomas Morrell, one of the fathers of the Methodist church in 
 America, preached for many years at Elizabethtown. He was a 
 major m the revolutionary army, and distinguished himself on va- 
 rious occa.sions. In June, 1780, he began to preach as a local 
 preacher a this place, and in the following year commenced riding 
 as a travelling preacher. He was a man of' great energy and fer 
 vent piety. He died here in 1838, in the 91st year of his a^^e 
 
 21 
 
162 
 
 ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 View of the Livingston Mansion, EUznhethtown. 
 
 The above is a representation of the Mansion House formerly 
 the seat of William Livingston, LL. D., Gov. of New Jersey, and a 
 signer of the Declaration of Independence. This house, now the 
 residence of John Kean,Esq., is situated about a mile northward of 
 the village. Gov. Livingston ^ 
 
 ^^ 
 
 'Cfi-u 
 
 Facsimile of Gov. Livingstones Signature 
 
 in 174L He afterwards be- 
 
 was descended from a Scotch 
 family which settled in the city 
 of New York, (where he was 
 born, about the year 1723.) and 
 was graduated at Yale College 
 came a distinguished lawyer, and, upon his removal to New .Jer- 
 sey, was chosen a member of the tirst congress in 1774— havmg 
 previously signalized himself by his writings against the encroach- 
 ments of Britain. When the inhabitants of New Jersey had de- 
 posed Gov. Franklin, and formed a new constitution, in July, 1776, 
 Mr. Livingston was elected their first governor, and continued to 
 be annuaUy re-elected till his death. He was a delegate to the 
 convention Avhich formed the Constitution of the United States. 
 He died at his seat in Elizabethtown, July 25th, 171)0. Gov. Liv- 
 ino-ston was, from his youth, remarkably plain and simple in his 
 dr?ss and manners, and, in the opinion of his Christian friends, sin- 
 cerely pious. Besides his political writings, he was the author ot 
 various essays upon miscellaneous topics. His poem, entitled 
 " Philosophic Solitude, or the Choice of a Rural Life," was published 
 in 1717, when he was about 24 years of age. The following lines 
 are extracted from it : 
 
 " TiCt ardent heroes seek renown in arms, 
 Pant after fame, and rush to war's alarms ; 
 To sliining palaces let fools resort, 
 And dunces cringe to be estecm'd at court : 
 Mmc be the pleasures of a rural life, 
 From noise remote, and ignorant of strife ; 
 Far from the painted belle, and white-gloved beau, 
 
ESSEX COUNTY. 103 
 
 The lawless masquerade, and midnight show, — 
 From ladies, lap-dogs, courtiers, garters, stars, 
 Fops, fiddlers, tyrants, emperors, and czars. 
 
 Full in the centre of some shady grove, 
 
 By nature form'd for solitude and love, — » 
 
 On banks array'd with ever-blooming flowers, 
 
 Near beauteous landscapes, or by roseate bowers, 
 
 JVIy neat, but simple mansion would I raise, 
 
 Unlike the sumptuous domes of modern days, 
 
 Devoid of pomp, with rural plainness form'd. 
 
 With savage game and glossy shells adorn'd. 
 
 *«■*****« 
 
 No trumpets there with martial clangor sound ; 
 
 No prostrate heit)es strew the crimson'd ground; 
 
 No groves of lances glitter in the air. 
 
 Nor thundering drums provoke the sanguine war ; 
 
 But whitc-robcd peace and universal love 
 
 Smile in the field, and brighten every grove. 
 
 ******** 
 
 Oft would I wander through the dewy field, 
 
 Where clustering roses balmy fragrance yield ; 
 
 Or, in lone grots for contemplation made, 
 
 Converse with angels and the mighty dead ; 
 
 For all around unnuniber'd spirits fly, 
 
 Waft on the breeze, or walk the liquid sky ; 
 
 Inspire the poet with repeated dreams. 
 
 Who gives his hallow'd muse to sacred themes ; 
 
 Protect the just, serene their gloomy hours. 
 
 Becalm their slumbers, and refresh their powers. 
 
 «*«««*** 
 
 And when with age thy head is silver'd o'er. 
 
 And, cold in death, thy bosom beats no more, 
 
 Thy soul, exulting, shall desert its clay. 
 
 And mount triumphant to eternal day." 
 
 The following extracts from ancient newspapers will throw light 
 on the history of the times : 
 
 County of Essex, State of New Jersey. 
 
 Personally appeared before me, Isaac Woodruff, one of the judges of the inferior courts 
 for said county, Ephraim Marsh, Jun., of said county, of full age, and, being duly 
 sworn, deposeth and saith, that some time in February past, he, this deponent, was on 
 Staten Island, in company with Cortlandt Skinner, William Luce, and Philip Van Cort- 
 land, who are all, or have been said to be, officers in the British service ; and that the 
 said Cortlandt Skinner, who is called Gen. Skinner, asked him, the said deponent, if he 
 
 knew where that d -d old rascal Gov. Livingston was, (meaning the governor of the 
 
 state of New Jersey ;) and the said Cortlandt Skinner further said unto the s'd deponent, 
 
 that if he would bring over that old d -d rascal, (meaning the governor aforesaid,'* 
 
 that it would make his fortune forever, — for the minute that he was delivered on Staten 
 Island, he, the said deponent, should receive two thousand guineas, and a pension from 
 the crown of Great Britain during life. The same words were repeated by William Luce 
 and Philip Van Cortland, — who further said, tliat if he, the said deponent, would take 
 his life, (meaning the life of the governor aforesaid,) it would answer the purpose. The 
 said deponent further saith, that on the 24th day of May now last past, he was again on 
 Staten Island, and in comi)any with one certain Buskirk, who is said to be a colonel in 
 the British service, who said to the said deponent that he was surprised that he, the said 
 deponent, did not bring off the governor of New Jersey, or take his life, — as that would 
 be the means of putting an end to the rebellion ; and, as soon as either was performed, 
 the person that did it should receive two thousand guineas for their services. And further 
 this deponent saith not. 
 
 EPHRAIM MARSH, Jun. 
 
 Sworn before me this 19th of June, 1778. 
 Isaac Woouruff. 
 
164 ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 The following correspondence between Gov. Livingston and 
 Gen. Sir Henry Clinton is in a strain of amusing sarcasm and re- 
 tort : 
 
 Gov. Livingston to Gen. Clinton. 
 
 Elizabetiitowx, March 29th, 1779. 
 
 Sir — I bc{j leave to acquaint you that I am possessed of the most autlientic proofs of 
 a general officer under your command havinjsf offered a large sum of money to an inhabit- 
 ant of this state to assassinate me, in case he could not take me alive. This, sir, is so 
 repugnant to the character which I have hitherto formed of .Sir Henry Clinton, that I 
 think it highly improbable you should either countenance, connive at, or be privy to, a 
 design so sanguinary and disgraceful. Taking it, however, for granted, that you are a 
 gentleman of too much sjjirit to disown any thing you think proper to abet, I give you 
 this opportunity of disavowing such dark proceedings, if undertaken without your appro- 
 bation, — assuring you, at the same time, that if countenanced by you, your person is more 
 in my power than I have reason to think you imagine. I have the honor to be, with all 
 due respect, your excellency's most humble servant. 
 
 WILLIAM LIVINGSTON. 
 
 Gen. Sir Henry Clinton. 
 
 Gen. Clint on^s Reply. 
 
 New York, April 10th, 1779. 
 Sir — As you address me on a grave subject, (no less than life and death, and youi 
 own person concerned,) I condescend to answer you ; but must not be troubled with any 
 further correspondence with Mr. Livingston. 
 
 Had I a soul capable of harboring so infamous an idea as assassination, you, sir, at 
 least, would have nothing to fear ; for, be assured, I should not blacken myself with so 
 foul a crime to obtain so trifling an end. 
 
 Sensible of the power you boast, (of being able to dispose of my life, by means of in- 
 timates of yours, ready to murder at your command,) I can only congratulate you on 
 your amiable connections, and acknowledge myself your most humble servant. 
 
 H. CLINTON. 
 William Livingston, Esq., New Jersey. 
 
 Gov. Livingston, in a somewhat lengthy reply to the above, thus 
 apologizes for answering : " But by the laws of England, sir, (the 
 best of which we intend to adopt, leaving the rest to our old friends 
 of the realm,) he who opens a cause hath the privilege of conclu- 
 ding it." The governor then goes on to state, in a sarcastic man- 
 ner, the wonderful condescension of Sir Henry in deigning to an- 
 swer his epistle. After some further remark in relation to his 
 capability of harboring so infamous an idea as assassination, he 
 says — " How trijlinff an cud soever you may suppose would be ob- 
 tained by my assassination, you certainly thought my capture, not 
 long since, important enough to make me a principal object of 
 what was, in a literal sense, a very dirty expedition." The letter 
 concludes with the following paragraph : 
 
 " As to your ' must not he troubled with any further correspondence icith Mr. Living- 
 ston,'' believe me, sir, that I have not the least passion for interrupting your more useful 
 correspondence with the British ministry, — by which the nation will doubtless be great- 
 ly edilicd, and which will ])robably furnish materials for the most authentic history of the 
 present war. — and that you cannot be less ambitious of my correspondence than I am 
 of yours ; because — whatever improvement I might hope to receive from you in the art 
 of war, (and especially in the particular branches of conducting moonlight retreats* and 
 
 * In Sir Henry Clinton's account of his retreat at Monmouth, he states that he took 
 advantage of the moonlight, when, in reality, it took place several hours ajter the moon 
 had set. 
 
ESSEX COUNTY. 165 
 
 nlanning secret expeditions,*) — I should not expect, from our correspondence, any con- 
 siderable edification or refinement in the epistolary way. I am, therefore, extremely 
 willing to terminate it, by wishing you a safe voyage across the Atlantic, with the sin- 
 gular glory of having attempted to reduce to bondage a people determined to be free and 
 independent." 
 
 Extract of a letter from Gen. Washington to congress, dated 
 Head Quarters, Middlebrook, Feb. 26, 1779 : 
 
 " Yesterday morning a dctacliment of the enemy, from Staten Island, made an at- 
 tempt to surprise the post at Elizabeth Town. On receiving information of it. Gen. St. 
 Clair, with the Pennsylvania division, and Gen. Smallwood, with the Maryland division, 
 were put in motion, by ditFerent routes, to form a junction at the Scotch Plains, and pro- 
 ceed to reinforce Gen. Maxwell, and act as circumstances should require. Intelligence 
 of the sudden retreat of the enemy occasioned their recall before they had advanced far. 
 Tlie enclosed copy of a letter from Gen. Maxwell, ■will furnish all the particulars I have 
 received of this fruitless excursion." 
 
 Extract of a letter from Brigadier Gen. Maxwell to Gen. Wash- 
 ington, dated Elizabethtown, Feb. 25, 1779 : 
 
 Sir — The enemy attempted a surprise this morning. They disembarked about 3 
 o'clock, — at which time Col. Ogden, officer of the day, obtained Information and con- 
 veyed it to me. Their landing was made on our left, as It appeared the most unsuspect- 
 ed part, being a very difficult marsh. 
 
 Not knowing their design or numbers, after assembling the troops I marched them to 
 the rear of the town, that they might not turn our left flank or gain our rear. When 
 daylight ensued, we pressed upon the enemy, who were then retiring to their boats. In 
 the pursuit, many of them were killed, and some others fell into our hands. 
 
 During our absence from the town tliey collected a number of cattle and horses, which, 
 upon our advancing, fell into our hands. They returned by the same difficult and almost 
 inaccessible marsh, or salt meadow. Cols. Dayton, Ogden, and Barber, with select and 
 different detachments, pursued them ; but the quickness of their embarkation, added to 
 the difficulty of the marsh, prevented any other success than capturing one of their 
 boats, with the hands. 
 
 Our loss, I tliink, docs not amount to more tiian three or four men. Major Ogden, 
 who first reconnoitred the enemy, received a sudden wound by a bayonet ; but, it is 
 hoped, not dangerous. The militia assembled, on this occasion, with the utmost alacri- 
 ty, and, with Col. Shrlevc, from Newark, having early taken the alarm, marched imme- 
 diately to our sujiport. The enemy's design and expectation, by this movement, was 
 undoubtedly a complete surprise, — in which, I am happy to acquaint your excellency, 
 they were as completely disappointed. 
 
 The following letter, dated September 8th, 177G, was addressed 
 by Mr. Cavelier Jouet, of Elizabethtown, to the president of the 
 convention of New Jersey. He was one of those unfortunate per- 
 sons arrested on suspicion of being inimical to the cause of his 
 country. He was ordered by the convention to reside at Basking 
 Ridge, confining himself witliin a circle of four miles of that place. 
 This letter is written for the purpose of obtaining release, so as to 
 attend to his family, who were residents of Elizabethtown, and 
 liable to suffer from incursions of the enemy : 
 
 Sir — I presume to approach you without the ceremony of a formal introduction, by 
 slow advances, in studied phrases, and flattering circumlocutions cant. I am a plain, 
 and, I trust, however misrepresented, an honest man, who has never sought the ruin of 
 his country by insidiously endeavoring to sap the foundation of its liberties so much as 
 attempting to interrupt Its peace and quiet under any pretences whatever. As such, I 
 think it needless to trouble you with any complimentary strains, either upon your private 
 
 * All of his many secret expeditions wore singularly unsuccessful, — evincing a waut 
 of generalship. 
 
166 ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 character, (which — thoufjh I have not the honor of a personal acquaintance with you— 
 has reached my cars,) or upon your discharge of the jErreat public trust which has been 
 reposed in you ; nor yet to enter into any labored exculpation of myself from the cruel 
 suspicions which have been so unjustly excited (to use no harsher terms) by the selfish 
 and unfeeling. If my intrusion, sir, for its plainness, should be deemed impertinent, you 
 will, I hope, punish it only by neglect. The occasion of my addressing you is the un- 
 happy situation my poor family arc in, at Elizabcthtown ; for as to myself, thank God, 
 my afflictions are not yet greater than I can bear. Disagreeable as my state is, my phi- 
 losophy is full equal to my sufferings. Whilst other gentlemen, who have always been 
 suffered to act with more freedom than I dare make use of, were early making retreats 
 for their families, I was cautious and wary of doing it, lest I should be stigmatized with 
 an intention of discouraging the populace by a show of moving, — until, at last, my fam- 
 ily are left in the centre of Elizabeth, subject to every alarm, and destitute of any place 
 of refuge to fly to, and deprived of any assistance from him to whom a weakly wife and 
 an infant family have been accustomed to look up. Mrs. Jouct has already, besides her 
 sufferings in common with others, sustained a very dangerous miscarriage, and is left 
 in so weakly a state, that it is much out of her power to exert herself, in the manner she 
 would otherwise do, to get a place for the family ; and, whilst I am restricted to the 
 circle of four miles, it is not in my power to do any thing for her, — as no accommodations 
 are to be had within that compass. The favor I would therefore request of you, sir, is 
 to grant me your good offices and influence to obtain an enlargement of my parole, by 
 which to afford Mrs. Jouct the needed assistance in procuring a place for our family. I 
 humbly conceive, if my boundaries were extended anywhere above the Short Hills be- 
 tween Elizabeth and Passaic river, along the course of the Long Hill above Turkey, so 
 as not to come lower down than those heights, it would answer all imagined necessary 
 purposes to the country. This would afford some chance of procuring a settlement for 
 my family. For I trust I need not more than hint to you the difficulty of procuring ac- 
 commodations for a family at this juncture. However or in whatever way it may be the 
 pleasure of the convention to grant me an enlargement, and relieve Mrs. Jouet from her 
 difficulties, it will be gratefully received by, sir, your very humble servant, 
 
 Cavelier Jolet." 
 
 On Tuesday night, the 27th ult., (April, 1781,) about 200 regulars and refugees from 
 Staten Island, vmder the command of Maj. Beckwith, — who had eluded, by circuitous 
 routes, the vigilance of the different patroles, — entered Elizabcthtown in four divisions ; 
 where they captured ten of the inhabitants, one lieutenant and three privates of the state 
 troops, and two continental soldiers. They stayed about an hour and a half in town, 
 and then retreated, with the loss of one man killed and another taken prisoner. They 
 plundered the house of Mr. Joseph Crane to a very considerable amount. 
 
 From Rivington's Royal Gazette, Jan. 29, 1780. 
 
 On Tuesday night, the 2.5th inst., the rebel press at Elizabcthtown were completely 
 surprised and carried off by different detachments of the king's troops. 
 
 Lieut. Col. Buskirk's detachment, — consisting of about 120 men from the 1st and 4tli 
 battalions of Brig. Gen. Skinner's brigade, with 12 dragoons under the command of 
 Lieut. Stuart, — moved from Staten Island early in the night, and got into Elizabcthtown 
 without being discovered, between the hours of 10 and 11. With little resistance, they 
 made prisoners 2 majors, .'} captains, and -17 privates, — among whom were 5 dragoons, 
 with their horses, arms, and accoutrements. Few of the rebels were killed, but several 
 were wounded by the dragoons, though they alterwards escaped. 
 
 Maj. Lumm, of the 44th regiment, nuirclied Irom Powlcs Hook about 8 at night, 
 having under his command the flank companies of that regiment, with detachments 
 from the 42d Anspach and Hessian corps in garrison in this citj'. and, j)assing the rebel 
 patrols upon the banks of the Passaic, reached the town of Newark, unperccivcd by the 
 enemy, about an hour later than Col. Buskirk's arrival at Elizabelhtown. Small parties 
 were instantly posted to guard the principal avenues to the town, and ]\Iaj. Lumm seized 
 possession of tlie academy, which the rebels had converted into a barrack. A moment- 
 ary defence being attem])ted, seven or eight of the eneni)' were killed. The remainder, 
 consisting of 34 non-commissioned officers and private men, were taken prisoners, — as 
 were likewise a rebel magistrate, remarkable for his persecuting spirit, and another in- 
 habitant. The captain who commanded in Newark made his escape. The Lieut, is 
 said to be killed. 
 
 The services were performed without loss. The following are the names of some of 
 the rebel officers brought to town on Thursday last, from Newark : Joseph Haddon, ■ 
 
ESSEX COUNTY. 1G7 
 
 magistrate, and commissioner for the sale of the loyalists' estates m New Jersey ; Mr. 
 Robert Nott, an acting commissary. From Elizabethtown : Mcj. Eccles, of the 5th 
 Maryland regiment ; Col. Belt, of the 4th regiment, from Prince George co. ; Mr. B. 
 Smith, son of Peartise Smith ; Maj. Williamson and his brother. 
 
 The following biographical sketches of Rev. Jonathan Dicken- 
 son and Rev. James Caldwell, are extracted from memoirs recently 
 published in the New York Observer : — 
 
 Jonathan Dickenson was born in Hatfield, Mass., April 22d, 1688. He was gradua- 
 ted at Yale College in 1706. Where, or with whom he studied divinity, is now unknown ; 
 but in the year 1707 or 1708, and when he was about twenty-one years of age, he be- 
 came pastor of the P^irst Presbyterian church of Elizabethtown, N. J., of which he was 
 for forty years the devoted and beloved pastor. 
 
 A controversy which had existed for some time in the synod of Philadelphia, then 
 representing the whole Presbyterian church in the provinces, resulted in dividing that 
 synod into two parts in 1741, which were thereafter known as the synods of New York 
 and Philadelphia. From the time of their separation each made strong exertions to edu- 
 cate youth for the ministry, with the mingled purpose of raising the standard of minis- 
 terial education, and of strengthening their party. New Jersey went nearly unanimously 
 w^ith the synod of New York ; and as the Presbyterian church was much stronger there 
 than in New York, it was determined if possible to establish a college, and to locate it 
 in New Jersey. Dickenson was the leader of his party in the old synod of Philadelphia ; 
 and, after the separation, was the leading man in the synod of New York. He it was, 
 no doubt, that gave being and shape to the deliberations that resulted in the creation of 
 the College of New Jersey. He had been for several years a very successful and popu- 
 lar teacher of young men ; and when the institution was resolved upon, every eye turned 
 to him as the best qualified to lay its foundations, and to superintend its concerns. A 
 charter for the college was sought, and granted by John Hamilton, who acted as gover- 
 nor, (being the oldest member of council,) between the death of Gov. Morris, in May, 
 1746, and the induction of Gov. Belcher in 1747. The college thus founded was com- 
 menced in Elizabethtown, and Mr. Dickenson was chosen its first president. It is now 
 in a very flourishing state, with an able and extended faculty, with numerous buildings 
 and students ; but tlien, with the exception of an usher, the president was the only 
 teacher, and the number of students was about twenty, who boarded with the president 
 and with other families in the town. An old academy, which stood where the lecture, 
 room of the First Presbyterian church in that town now stands, and which was burned 
 down during the war of the revolution, contained the first recitation-room of the first 
 classes ever attached to the New Jersey College. Although brought into existence 
 through the energy and influence of Dickenson, he was spared to act as its president 
 but one year, as he died Oct. 7, 1747. The students were then removed to Newark, and 
 placed under the care of the Rev. Aaron Burr, who was elected to succeed Dickenson ; 
 and in 17.'J7, when about seventy in number, they were removed to Princeton, where the 
 first college edifice was erected, and which, in honor of William III. of England, prince 
 of Orange and Nassau, the assertor of Protestant liberty, was called Nassau Hall. This 
 great and good man died of pleurisy in the 60th year of his age, — though not full of years, 
 yet full of honors. 
 
 The first Presbyterian parish of Elizabethtown is now a very large one ; but when 
 under the care of Dickenson, it embraced Rahway, Wcstfield, Connecticut Farms, and 
 Springfield. Over this extensive field the pastoral labors of Dickenson were scattered. 
 And while a most laborious and faithful pastor, he was one of the most accomplished 
 teachers of his day. He was compelled by the smallness of his salary to cultivate a 
 farm, which he managed both with skill and profit. He was also a physician, possess- 
 ing a large practice, and obtained a considerable medical reputation. He was also an 
 ardent controvertist, and wrote largely on the Arminian and Episcopal controversies. 
 
 Mr. Dickenson left behind him three daughters. One of them married a Mr. Sar- 
 geant, of Princeton, N. J., of whom the Hon. John Sargeant, of Pliiladelphia, is a de- 
 scendant. Another married the Rev. Caleb Smith, of Newark mountains, now called 
 Orange, and the other became the wife of a Mr. Jolm Cooper. 
 
 It is stated that Mr. Dickenson and the Rev. Mr. Vaughn, rector of the Episcopal 
 church, entered Elizabethtown on the same day ; and after living forty years together, 
 and serving their churches as pastors, that they died on the same day. Although con- 
 troversy was at times very high between them, they never permitted it to embitter their 
 
168 ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 feelings, or to interrupt their personal intercourse. Dickenson died about three hours 
 before Mr. Vaughn. It was told to Mr. Vaughn in his dying hour that Dickenson was 
 no more. And among the last words that he was ever heard to utter, were these : " Oh, 
 that I had hold of tiie skirts of brother Jonathan 1" 
 
 Rev. James Caldwell. — We learn from some of his descendants, of whom there are 
 very many, that his family was of French origin. Driven from their country b}' the 
 fierce persecution against the Huguenots, they went over to Scotland. In the reign of 
 James I., a branch of the family emigrated to Ireland, and settled in the county of An- 
 trim. From this branch John Caldwell was descended, who came to this country, bring, 
 ing with him, besides his wife and children, four single sisters. He first settled in Lan- 
 caster CO., Pa., but soon removed to a settlement called Cub creek, in what is no^ Char- 
 lotte CO., Va. There James was born, the 3'oungest of seven children. At the age of 
 fifteen ho Vv-as sent to Princeton College, where he graduated in 1759. In about a year 
 afterwards he was licensed to preach the gospel ; and whilst the dew of his youth was 
 yet upon him, he was ordained and installed pastor of the P'irst Presbyterian church of 
 Elizabethtown, N. J., in December, 1761. On the 14th of March, 1763, he was mar- 
 ried to Miss Hannah Ogden, of Newark, who was, in every respect, a help-meet for him. 
 By her cheerful piety and unshaken fortitude she sustained and comforted him amid the 
 many dark and trying scenes through which he was called to pass. 
 
 Shortly after his settlement, those diffi-renccs between the colonies and Great Britain 
 commenced, which resulted in the war of the revolution, and subsequently in the inde- 
 pendence of these United States. Descended from the Huguenots, he early learned the 
 story of their wrongs, and may be said to have inherited a feeling of opposition to tyr- 
 anny and tyrants. Possessing warm feelings, and fine genius, and great muscular en- 
 ergy, he entered with all his heart into the controversy. He was elected chaplain of 
 those portions of the American army that successively occupied New Jersey. He ac- 
 companicd, in tliat capacity, the Jersey brigade to the northern lines; and such was the 
 confidence reposed in his skill and energy, that on his return he was made commissary. 
 He was high in the confidence of Washington, with whom he was on the most intimate 
 terms of friendship ; and in times of gloom and despondency, by his eloquent and pa- 
 triotic appeals, contributed much to sustain and excite the spirits of both officers and 
 soldiers. No man in New Jersey contributed so much to give direction and energy to 
 the movements of her citizens. His popularity with the soldiers and people was un- 
 bounded, and his practical wisdom was held in the highest estimation. 
 
 But the very things that made him popular with the friends of his country rendered 
 him odious to its enemies. And to avoid the dangers to which he was constantly ex- 
 posed from the tories and the enemy, then in possession of New York and Staten Island, 
 he was compelled to remove his residence to Connecticut Farms, about four miles from 
 Elizabethtown, where ho resided until the day of his murder. 
 
 He was sustained in his political action by his large congregation, and with scarcely 
 a single exception. The church in which he preached was yielded as an hospital for the 
 sick, and disabled, and wounded soldiers ; its steeple was the watch-tower, and its bell 
 it was that sent out the notes of alarm on the ap|)roach of the foe. In vengeance on 
 pastor and people, the cliurch was fired on the 2.5lh of Jan., 1780, by a refugee called 
 Iletfield, whose malignant wickedness will never be forgotten by the residents of East 
 Jersey. On the 25tli of the following June, whilst Gen. Knyphausen was on his way to 
 Springfield, Mrs. Caldwell was shot at Connecticut Farms, by a refugee, tlirough the 
 window of a room to which she had retired with her children for safety and pmyer — two 
 balls passing through her body. Her lifeless and bleeding body being laid in the open 
 street, the building v.'as fired, and soon the little village was laid in ashes. And on the 
 24th of Nov., 1781, Mr. Caldwell himself was shot at Eliz:ibethtown-point, whither ho 
 had gone for a young lady who had come under the protection of a fiag of truce from 
 New York. Taking in his hand a little bundle, containitig some articles of her clothing, 
 he was commanded by the sentinel to stofi ; whit^b lie hesitating to do, was shot by the 
 ruffian tlirouirh the heart. His corpse was conveyed to the house of ."Mrs. Noel, at 
 Elizabethtown, liis unwavering friend, whence it was buried ; Dr. ;\lc\V))ortfr, of New- 
 ark, preaching the funeral sermon from Eccl. viii. 8. He must have died in about the 
 40th year of his age, leaving a name as dear to the country as to the church of Jesus 
 Christ. Thus in less than two years the congregation which he served was bereft of 
 its church, and of the inestimable wife of the pastor, and of the pastor himself. And 
 as a j)roof f)f the estimation in which he was held, his name was given to one of the 
 towns of Essex co., N. J. 
 
 Mr. Caldwell was shot late on Saturday afternoon, and many of the people were ig- 
 
ESSEX COUNTY. Ifi9 
 
 norant of the tragical deed until they came to church on ths Sabbath. And instead of 
 sittinjr with drli<rht under his instructions, there was a loud cry of wailing over his melan- 
 choly^end. On the following Tuesday, there was a vast concourse assembled to convey 
 his remains to the tomb. After the services were ended, (he corpse was placed where 
 all might take a last view of their murdered pastor. Before the closing of the coffin, 
 Dr. Elias Boudinot came forward, leading a group of nine orphan children, and placing 
 them around the bier of their parent, made an address of touching eloquence to the mul- 
 titude in their behalf. It was an hour of deep and powerful emotion. The procession 
 slowly moved to the grave, weeping as they went. And as they lifted their streaming 
 eyes to heaven, they besought the blessings of God upon the fatherless and motherless 
 children, and his kind interference to crown with success their eflbrts against tiieir op- 
 pressors. 
 
 So deep was the impression made by this man upon the minds of the youth of his 
 charge, that after a lapse of sixty years their recollections of him are of the most vivid 
 character. His dress, appearance, conversation, manner of preaching, texts, are as fresh 
 in their minds as things of yesterday. And with a singular unanimity they agree in the 
 following description of him. He was of the middle size, and strongly built. His coun- 
 tenance had a pensive, placid cast, but when excited was exceedingly expressive of reso- 
 lution and energy. His voice was sweet and pleasant, but at the same time so strong, 
 that he could make himself heard above the notes of the drum and the fife. As a 
 preacher he was uncommonly eloquent and pathetic, rarely preaching without weeping 
 himself; and at times he would melt his whole audience into tears. He was among 
 the most active of men, and seemed never wearied by any amount of bodily or mental 
 labor. Feelings of the most glowing patriotism and of the most fervent piety possessed 
 his bosom at the same time, without the one interfering with the other. He was one 
 day preaching to the battalion — the next marching with them to battle, and, if defeated, 
 assisting to conduct their retreat — and the next administering the consolations of the 
 gospel to some dying parishioner. His people were most ardently attached to him, and 
 the army adored him. Let his naine be held in perpetual remembrance. 
 
 He was shot by a man called Morgan, who was tried and found guilty of murder. It 
 was proved on his trial that he was bribed to the murderous deed. He was hung, giv- 
 ing signs of the most obdurate villany to the last. The day of his execution was in- 
 tensely cold ; and a little delay taking place under the gallows, he thus addressed the 
 executioner with an oath : " Do your duty, and don't keep me here shivering in the 
 cold I" The place of his execution is about half a mile north of the church in West- 
 field, and is called Morgan's Hill to this day. 
 
 Mr. Caldwell left behind him nine children, all young, with but little provision to sus- 
 tain or educate them. But the Lord took them up, and raised up friends to protect and 
 educate them. They all lived, not only to become members of the church of Christ, 
 but to fill places of distinguished honor and usefulness. And down to the present day 
 the rain and dew of tlie Spirit are descending upon the third and fourth generations of 
 his ofls[)ring. 
 
 Margaret, tlie oldest child, became the wife of Isaac Canfield, of Morristown, and was 
 long known as a mother in Israel. 
 
 Haimali became the wife of James R. Smith, for many years a distinguished mer- 
 chant of New York, and subsequently the wife of Dr. Rogers. - 
 
 John E. was taken by La Fayette to France, where he was educated. For many 
 years he was a distinguished philanthropist of New York; was the editor of the Chris- 
 tian Herald, one of the first religious periodicals of the country, and did as much as any 
 other man in laying the foundation of the American Bible Society. 
 
 James B. was for many years a judge of the courts of (Gloucester co., and died in 
 Woodbury. 
 
 Esther became the wife of the late Rev. Dr. Finley, of Baskenridgc, afterwards the 
 president of Athens College, Georgia, whom she yet survives. 
 
 Josiah F. is now a resident of Washington city, and an officer in the general post- 
 office. 
 
 Elias B. was for some years tlie clerk of the supreme court of the United States, and 
 because of his distinguished efforts in the cause of colonization, one of the towns of Li- 
 beria in Africa is called Caldwell in honor of him. 
 
 Sarah became the wife of the Rev. John S. Vredenburgh, for many years a useful anej 
 beloved pastor of the Ileformed Dutch church of Somervillc. 
 
 Maria, who lay in her mother's bosom when she was shot, married Robert S. Robin- 
 Bon, of New York, who, with her husband, still survives. 
 
 22 
 
j.y0 ESSEX COUN'rY. 
 
 The followint' historical items are embodied in a petition pre- 
 sented to Congress in 1840, by the Trustees of the First Presby 
 terian Church, praying for indemnification for property destroyed 
 in the Revolutionary War. 
 
 The church of which we arc now the ecclesiastical and corporate officers, is the old- 
 est formed by the English in our State. It dates its origin from the year 1664, and 
 was organized by our fathers soon after the settlement of our town. They, in the in- 
 fancy of our community, erected a building for the worship of God, and dedicated it to 
 that holy purpose ; and for nearly fifty years it was here the only temple consecrated to 
 the service of Jehovah. Considering the time and circumstances of its erection it was 
 lar<re and commodious. As the population increased, it was enlarged by an addition ot 
 S) feet in 1760 ; when it was a substantial building, with galleries, a high steeple, a 
 bell and a town clock. And as this was the chief town for many years in the province, 
 it was always kept with great neatness, and in a fine state of repair. 
 
 On the first settlement of our town, a large town-lot was set apart for the use of the 
 nastor, on which our fathers early erected a parsonage-house as a residence for their 
 Successive ministers. It was a long building, a story and a hal high and ample for 
 the accommodation of a large family. It was, like the church, the public property ol 
 
 %eeUnl'a1eep solicitude for the education of their children, our fathers at a very 
 early da/in our history, here erected an academy. It was substantia ly bu.l of wood 
 two storis high, and amply commodious for all the purposes of its erection. For 
 rTnv vea^s it was the mos^t celebrated institution of the kind west of the Hudson In 
 Ha Burr who once filled the chair of President in your Senate Chamber and a Jona- 
 than Dayton, who presided in the House of Representatives, an Aaron Ogden, a Ste- 
 phen Van Rensselaer, and others not unknown to your council chambers, nor to heir 
 Country received the first rudiments of their education. In that academy were aid the 
 JounSions of the College of N. Jersey, now located in Princeton ; and within its walls 
 Pres derjonathan Dickenson taught the first classes ever connected with that inst>tu. 
 tion This also was the property, and was under the supervision of the trustees of our 
 
 ""'when the glorious war of our Revolution commenced, which resulted i" our Inde- 
 pcndence, thes^e buildings were all standing and in good repair, and each devoted to the 
 nurpo es of its erection The Rev. James Caldwell was then the pastor of this church 
 nTsTame and his fame are interwoven with the history of his country, and are as dear 
 to the sta'e as to the church of God. Influenced not less by his sense ol our wrongs 
 Ihan by he impulses of his vigorous mind and glowing enthusiasm, he became early 
 and deenlv interested in the conflict, and devoted all his powers no less to the Ircedom 
 o? his count yt an o the service of his God. Such was his influence oyer h.s peopk- 
 tLt .X ev^ exceptions, they became one with him m sent.ment and fading ; and 
 thenceforward he and they were branded as the rebel parson and parish, [o the ene- 
 mies of his country he was an object of the deepest hatred ; and such was their known 
 Tr t fo ," l£ that, while preaching the gospel of peace to his people, ho was com- 
 pelled to lay his loaded pistols by iiis side in the pulp.t. To avoid their vigilance and 
 v£cc, hJwas compelled to desert his own home, with his large family of ";"« ch den^ 
 and to seek a temporary residence in the interior. The parsonage thus vacated by him 
 Wme the rest ng.placc- of our soldiers. And to deprive them of its shelter, and to vent a 
 rankhn-r nnnty tovvard its rightful occupant, it was fired and burnt by the enemy. 
 
 Tli^d lii m which our fathers worshipped God also became the -f "g-f «> "^ 
 our soldiers on several occasions. There they lodged alter the labors of the d aj , ^hile 
 Us steeph) wL their watch-tower, and its bell pealed forth in quick succession the notes 
 of a arm orthe approach of danger. And for the purpose of depriving them of its 
 1 r aiiTout o/Jnmity tothe jSatriofe and do.,ient --'<-";/ 'g/"'?'^' >^ ^^^ 
 reduced to aslies by the enemy, on the mght of the ±Ah ol January, 1 -H ) 
 
 At the ^ouiul of the tocsin of war our academy was descrtod. At their count.7 8 
 call, its eholars ran from their masters, and with them to the rescue ; and it was on- 
 ve ted into a storehouse for the provisions of the American army. Tins. ^1«". ; Jjcr 
 p indering it of its provisions, was reduced to ashes by the en^ny, who nnmed.at ly 
 Retreated to their camp on Staten Island, carrying the beef and pork taken on the tops 
 
 °^Ari%«irw; suA-ered as much in the loss of our citizens in battle as any town of 
 the same pipolation in this land. The blood of our fathers and brothers and neighbors 
 
ESSEX COUNTY. 171 
 
 mingles with the soil of Flatbush, and Blonnioutli, and Princeton, and Trenton, and 
 Brandywine, and Gcrniantown. But for their sufferings and blood, we feel amply re- 
 paid in the possession of that broad inlieritance of civil and religious liberty which they 
 so dearly purchased for us. 
 
 As a congregation, we contributed our fair proportion to the civil and military service 
 of the Revolution. To the army we gave a Dayton, father and son, a Spencer, 
 an Ogden, and, as chaplain and commissary, our beloved Caldwell. To the state 
 and national councils we gave a Boudinot, a Livingston, a Clarke, a Dayton, an Og- 
 den. Where in our land is there another congregation which has made a like contri. 
 bution? And we feel not merely proud, but thankl'ul to God, that we were enabled to 
 send such men to the field and to the cabinet in the day of darkness and peril, when 
 wisdom to direct was as necessary as valor to execute. 
 
 Owing to our vicinity to Staten Island and New York city, the grand depots of the 
 enemy, we suffered very much as a people from midnight alarms and plunder, from the 
 burning of our houses and property, and from the taking of our citizens from their beds 
 and fields as prisoners, and incarcerating them in the famous sugar-house in New 
 York. But these things we regard as necessarily incidental to the great contest; and 
 a few old Romans there are yet among us who remember the cup of wormwood, but 
 who yet rejoice in sufferings that have resulted so gloriously. 
 
 For these things we ask no remuneration. Congress could grant us no equivalent. 
 We would not sell the laurels we have won in the Revolutionary contest for the public 
 domain. We mention these things merely to show you the amount of our contribution 
 to the wisdom, and valor, and firmness, and suffering, which achiered our glorious in- 
 dependence. 
 
 All that we desire now from our country is a compensation for our piihlic property 
 destroyed ; and destroyed because of being converted t» public purposes for the benefit 
 of the American army. And the evidence that our parsonage, and church, and acad- 
 emy, were so used, is hereby reepectfully submitted with this our memorial. 
 
 And such is our sense of honor, that we do not wish to draw from the national 
 treasury the small compensation hereby solicited, unless it is considered rightfully our 
 due. NICHOLAS MURRAY, Pastor. 
 
 The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the 
 graveyard of the First Presbyterian church : 
 
 Here lies the body of the Rev. Mr. Jonathan Dickenson, Pastor of the First Presby- 
 terian Church in Elizabeth Town, who died 7th October, 1747, astatis suae 60. 
 Deep was the wound, O Death, and vastly wide, 
 When he resign'd his useful breath, and died. 
 Ye sacred tribes, with pious sorrows mourn, 
 And drop a tear at your great pastor's urn ! 
 Concealed a moment from our longing eyes, 
 Beneath this stone his mortal body lies ; 
 Happy the spirit lives, and will, we trust, 
 In bliss associate with his pious dust. 
 
 Siicrcd to the memory of the Rev. James Caldwell and Hannah his wife, who fell 
 
 victims to their country's cause in the years 1780 and 1781. He was the zealous and 
 
 faithful pastor of the Presbyterian CImrch in this town, where, by his evangelical labors 
 in the gospel vineyard, and his early attachment to the civil liberties of his country, he 
 has loft in the hearts of his people a better monument than brass or marble. 
 
 Stop, Passenger ! 
 
 Here also lie the remains of a woman, who exhibited to the world a bright constella. 
 tlon of the female virtues. On that memorable day, never to be forgotten, when a Brit- 
 ish foe invaded this fair village, and fired even the tem])le of the Deity, this peaceful 
 daughter of Heaven retired to her hallowed apartment, imploring Heaven for the pardon 
 of her enemies. In that sacred moment, she was, by the bloody hand of a British ruf- 
 fian, dispatched, like-hcrolivine Redeemer, through a path of blood, to her lonrf-wished- 
 for native skies. 
 
 {See page h'in) 
 
 Sacred to the memory of General Matthias Ogden, who died on the 3lst day of 
 March, 1791, aged 36 years. In him were united those various virtues of the soldier, 
 the patriot, and the friend, which endear men to society. Distress failed not to find re. 
 lief in his bounty ; unfortunate men, a refuge in his generosity. 
 
172 
 
 ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 If manly sense and dijjnity of mind, 
 If social virtues, liberal and refined, 
 Nipp'd in their bloom, deserve compassion's tear, 
 Then, reader, weep ; for Ogden's dust lies here. 
 Weed his grave clean, ye men of genius, for he was your kinsman, 
 his ashes, ye men of feeling, for he was your brother. 
 
 Tread lightly on 
 
 In memory of Maria, wife of Doct. Paul Micheau, who departed this life August 
 15th, 1793, aged 20 years, 9 mos. and 18 days. 
 
 Closed are those eyes in endless night. 
 No more to beam with fond delight, 
 
 Or with affection roll ; 
 Eternal silence seals that tongue 
 Where sense and soft persuasion hung, 
 
 To captivate the soul. 
 
 Oh, she was all that thought could paint, 
 The mortal rising to the saint, 
 
 In every deed of life. 
 At once, the fatal arrows end 
 The fondest child, the kindest friend. 
 
 And most endearing wife. 
 
 Fair as the break of op'ning day. 
 Calm as the summer's evening ray. 
 
 Truth, virtue was her guide. 
 When sister spirits call'd her hence. 
 Obedience bow'd at life's expense, 
 
 She sigh'd, she sunk, she died .' 
 
 Immortal saint I supremely bright ! 
 Look down through skies of purest light, 
 
 And bid affliction cease. 
 Oh, smooth thy husband's lonely bed. 
 In visions hover round his head. 
 
 And hush his mind to peace. 
 
 Sacred to the memory of Gen. William Crane, who died July 30th, 1814, aged 67 
 years, — one of the firmest patriots of the Revolution. In the darkest period of his 
 country's oppression and danger, he volunteered in her cause, and was wounded in hei 
 defence. Probity, benevolence, and patriotism characterized his life. He lived be- 
 loved, and died lamented. His sons have caused tliis monument, a faint tribute of 
 
 gratitude and affection, to be erected over his grave. 
 
 In memory of Shepherd Kollock, Esq., an officer of the Revolution, who, after hav- 
 ing aided in the establishment of the liberty of his country, and for many years filled 
 with usefulness various civil stations, died in the full assurance of a glorious resurrec- 
 lion and blessed immortality, July 28th, 1839 ; aged 88 years. 
 
 The two following inscriptions were copied from monuments in 
 the graveyard of the Episcopal church : 
 
 Here lieth the body of Peter Son.maxs, Esq., one of ye Proprietors of this Province, 
 who departed this life the 26th day of March, Annoque Domini 1734, in the 67th year 
 of his age. 
 
 Sacred to the memory of John Chetwood, M. D., who died of cholera on the 13tli of 
 August, 1832, in tiie 64th year of his age. He fell a victim to that untiring benevo- 
 lence which for more than 40 years marked his professional course. The meridian sun 
 found him administering to liie suffering poor ; its next morning beams fell upon his 
 grave. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." 
 
 LIVINGSTON. 
 
 Livingston was formed a township in 1812. It is 5 miles long, 
 and 4} wide; bounded N^. by Caldwell, E. by Orange, S. by Spring- 
 field, and W. by Chatham and Hanover, in Morris co. The sur- 
 face on ihe cast is mountainous, elsewhere hilly, except on Passaic 
 river, which I'orms its western boundary. TIhm-c are in the town- 
 ship 3 stores, 1 .saw-mill ; cap. in manulac. •'iiii),r)15; 5 schools, 158 
 scholars. Pop. I,.'i94. Livingston, 10 miles west of Newark, 
 Cenlerville, Squiretown, and Northtield, are small settlements, at 
 the latter of which is a Baptist church. 
 
ESSEX COUNTY 173 
 
 NEWARK. 
 
 The town of Newark was settled in the month of May, 1G06, 
 by emigrants from Connecticut. The first English settlement this 
 side the Hudson was commenced at Elizabethtown in 1G64, two 
 years previous. In August of the following year, Governor Car- 
 teret arrived, and sent agents into New England to publish the 
 " concessions" or terms of the proprietors, and to invite settlers to 
 the new colony. These terms were liberal ; and early in the suc- 
 ceeding year (16G6) agents were dispatched from Guilford, Bran- 
 ford, and Milford, in Connecticut, to view the country, and to learn 
 more particularly the terms of purchase, as well as the state of the 
 Indians in the vicinity. They returned with a favorable report ; 
 especially of the district " beyond the marshes, lying to the north 
 of Elizabethtown ;" and were forthwith sent back with power to 
 bargain for a township, to select a proper site for a town, and to 
 make arrangements for an immediate settlement. To the good 
 judgment of these individuals, who were Captain Robert Treat, 
 John Curtis, Jasjyer Crane, and John Treat, are we indebted for 
 the plan of our town — our wide main streets, (the only ones then 
 laid out,) and the beauty and extent of our public squares. 
 
 These preliminaries being arranged, thirty families from the 
 above towns, and New Haven, embarked under the guidance of 
 the exploring agents, and after a passage as long and tedious as a 
 voyage at this time across the Atlantic, arrived in the Passaic 
 river early in the month of May. At this point, however, their 
 progress was impeded. The Hackensack tribe of Indians, who 
 claimed the soil granted to the agents of the emigrants by the 
 governor, met them here, and opposed their landing, until full 
 compensation should be made to them. 
 
 The manner in which this difficulty was disposed of, is set forth 
 at large in an affidavit by Capt. Robt. Treat, dated March 13th, 
 1G87, which we find among the documents accompanying the long 
 "Bill in the Chancery of New Jersey," filed in April, 174G, by 
 James Alexander, at the suit of John Earl of Stair, and other 
 claimants under Carteret and Berkely, against certain settlers in 
 Elizabethtown, for the recovery of the lands in that vicinity. 
 This bill* recites at great length the history of the English settle- 
 ments in East Jersey. The affidavit — which may be found on 
 page 118 of the bill — contains the following interesting narrative. 
 After setting forth that he was then, at the date of the affidavit, 
 *' about G4 years of age," and was " one of the company that first 
 settled at Newark," Capt. Treat proceeds : — 
 
 "That from my discourse and treatise with tlic governor, I expected that he would 
 have cleared the plantation from all claims and incumbrances, and given quiet posses- 
 sion, which he had promised to do ; but no sooner were we on the place, and landed 
 
 * Commonly called " the long bill in Chancery." It was printed in folio form, in the 
 city of New York, in 1747, by James Parker, and with its appendix, comprising a great 
 variety of valuable documents concerning the first settlement of East Jersey, makes a 
 roJume of ] 50 pages. 
 
174 ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 some of our goods, when I and some others were warned off the ground by the Hack- 
 ensack Indians, who seemed angry that we had landed any of our goods, although we 
 told them we had the governor's orders ; but they replied the land was theirs, and that 
 it was uni)urchascd ; thereupon we put our goods on board the vessel again, and ac- 
 quainted the governor with the matter, and he could not say it was bought of the In- 
 dians. I and most of the company were minded to depart, but the governor, with 
 other gentlemen, were loath to let us go, and advised and encouraged us to go to the In. 
 dians, and directed us to one John Captcen, a Dutchman, that was a good interpreter, 
 to go with us ; and I witii some others and said Capteen went to Hackensack to treat 
 with the Sagamores and other Indian proprietors of the land lying on the west side of 
 Passaic river, about purchasing said lands ; and one Perro (an Indian) laid claim to said 
 Passaic lands which is now called Newark ; and the result of our treaty was, that wc 
 obtained of a body of said Indians to give us a meeting at Passaic, and soon after they 
 came, all the proprietors, viz., Perro and his kindred, with the Sagamores that were able 
 to travel ; Oiatoii, being very old, but approved of Pcrro's acting. And at that meeting 
 with the Indian proprietors, we did agree and bargain with tiie said Indians for a tract 
 of their said land on the west side of Passaic river to a place called the Cove, by the 
 said governor's order and allowance, and upon information thereof he seemed glad of 
 it ; and I with some others solicited the govemor to pay for the purchase to the Indi;'.ns ; 
 which he refused, and would not disburse any tiling unless I would reimburse him again ; 
 and a bill of sale was made, wherein the ])urchase of said land will appear, and I can 
 and do testify that the said Indians were duly paid for it according to the bill wherein 
 we became debtors to the Indians, and not to the governor, as I judge, and Perro af- 
 firmed that he had not sold his land to any before this time. " 
 
 This tract, thus purchased of the Indians, is more particularly 
 described in a certificate from Samuel Edsal, who appears to have 
 been one of the negotiators, dated March 5th, 1G87, which we 
 find on page 117 of the same " Bill in Chancery." In this certifi- 
 cate the writer sets forth the purchase to be a "parcel of land 
 lying and being on the west side of the Kill Van Coll, beginning 
 at the mouth of a certain creek named Waweayack, (Bound 
 creek,) upon the bay side ; and from thence running up the said 
 creek to the head of a cove, and from thence westward to the 
 foot of the (Newark) Mountain, called by the Indians WatcJiiuig ; 
 thence running along the said foot of the mountain, until it meets 
 by an east line with a small river coming from the hills into Pas- 
 saic river, named Jantucuck, (3d river,) from thence running down 
 Passaic river, and Arthur Kull Bay, till it meets with the mouth 
 of Wawcayach, as above said." 
 
 These limits formed the original township of Newark, compre- 
 hending the present township of that name, and the townships of 
 Springfield, Livingston, Orange, Bloomfield, and Caldwell. The 
 price of this purchase was 130/. New England currency, 12 Indian 
 blankets, and 12 Indian guns. 
 
 It must be satisfactory to every townsman thus to know that 
 every foot of land lying within our bounds was honestly and open- 
 ly purchased of its original pro])rietors. However unjustly the 
 aborigines may have been dealt with elsewhere, no act of our an- 
 cestors can be pointed to with the slightest reproach by the most 
 jealous advocate of Indian rights. 
 
 The settlers first located themselves according to the towns 
 w^hence they came, in separate neighborhoods ; but the sense of 
 mutual danger soon induced a^jhange in this respect. On the 21st 
 of May, 1G66, delegates from the several towns resolved to form 
 
ESSEX COUNTY. 175 
 
 one township, to provide rules for its government, and " to be of 
 one heart and hand, in endeavoring to carry on their spiritual con- 
 cernments, as well as their civil and town affairs, according to 
 God and godly government." And for the more speedy accom- 
 plishment of their desires, " a committee of eleven were appoint- 
 ed to order and settle the concernments of the people of the place." 
 This committee consisted of Capt. Robert Treat, Lt. Samuel 
 Swain, Samuel Kitchell, Michael Tompkins, Morris Say. Richard 
 Beckly, Richard Harrison, Thomas Blatchly, Ed. Rigs, Stephen 
 Freeman, and Thomas Johnson. The articles of government 
 which they formed, possessed a full portion of the strict religious 
 spirit of the people. " No person could become a freeman or bur- 
 gess of their town, or vote in its elections, but such as was a 
 member of some one of the Congregational churches : nor be 
 chosen to the magistracy, nor to any other military or civil office." 
 " But all others admitted to be planters, were allowed to inherit 
 and to enjoy all other privileges, save those above excepted." 
 Disregarding the right of the English proprietors of New Jersey, 
 and apparently with a resolution of disclaiming all fealty towards 
 them, and of depending on their Indian grants, they also resolved 
 " to be ruled by such othcers as the town should annually choose 
 from among themselves, and to be governed by the same laws as 
 they had, in the places from whence they came." 
 
 In Nov. of this year, *• many of the inhabitants of Branford" 
 appear to have joined their associates in the enterprise. The fol- 
 lowing document, which we copy from the town records, appears 
 to have been signed by them on this occasion, and to have been 
 subsequently endorsed (in June, 1G67) by the other male settlers. 
 It will be seen by this document that in June, 1667, the whole pop- 
 ulation of the town consisted of sixty-five efficient men, "besides 
 women and children." 
 
 « October 30th, 1665. 
 
 ' At a Meeting Touching the Intended design of many of the Inhabitants of Brand. 
 ^ ■ iQ ford, tlie following was subscribed : 
 
 Deuter. i. lo. , j^^^^ That None shall be Admitted freemen or free Burgesses within 
 iiXod. xviii.^1. our I'own, upon Passaick River, in the Province of New Jersey, but 
 l)eut. xvii. 15. g^^Y^ planters as arc Members of some or other of the Congregational 
 Jcr. xxxvi. 21. (^jjui-ches ; nor shall any but such be Chosen to Magistracy or to Carry 
 on any part of Civil Judicature, or as deputies or assistants to have power to Vote in 
 Establishing Laws, and making or repealing them, or to any Chief MiHtary Trust or 
 oflice. Nor shall any But such Church Members have any vote in any such Elections ; 
 Tho' all others admitted to Be planters have Right to their proper Inheritances, and do 
 and shall Enjoy all other Civil Liberties and priviledges. According to Laws, orders, 
 Grants, which are or Hereafter shall Be Made for this Town. 
 
 ' P. 2d. Wc shall with Care and Diligence provide for the maintenance of the purity 
 of Religion professed in the Congregational Churches. Whcreunto subscribed the In- 
 habitants from Brandford — 
 
 Jasper Crane, Josiah Ward, Delivered Crane, Richard Johnson, 
 
 Abraham Picrson, John Ward, senior, Aaron Blatchly, Ebcnezer Canficld, 
 
 .Samuel Swaine, Ed. Ball, Samuel Rose, Richard Lauiauce, 
 
 Laurance Ward, John Harrison, Thomas Pierson, John Johnson, 
 
 Thomas Blatchly, John Crane, John Warde, Thomas L. Lyon, 
 
 Samuel Plum, Thomas Huntington, John Catling, (his mark.^ 
 
17G ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 ' And upon the Reception of tlieir Letters and Subscriptions, the present Inhabitants 
 in November followinfr, declare their Consents and readiness to do likewise, and at a 
 Meeting tl)c 2Uh of the next June following, in 1667, they also subscribed with their own 
 Hands unto the two fundamental Agreements expressed on the other side. Their names 
 as follows : 
 
 Robert Trcutt, Edward Rigs, George Day, Hauns Albers, 
 
 Obadiah Bruen, Kobcrt Kitchell, Thomas Johnson, Thomas Morris, 
 
 -Matthew Camticld, J. Brooks, (mark J. B.) John Curtis, Hugh Roberts, 
 
 Samuel Kitchell, Robert Lymens, Ephraim Burwell, Ephraim Pennington, 
 
 Jeremiah Peckc, (mark V.) Robert Dcnison, Martin Tichenor, 
 
 Michael Tomi)kins,^- Francis Links, \ (by his mark R.) John Browne, jun., 
 
 Stephen Freeman, (mark F.) Nathaniel Wheeler, Jonathan Seargeant, 
 
 Henry Lj-on, Daniel Tichenor, Zachariah Burwell, Azariah Crane, 
 
 John Browne, John Bauldwin, sen., William Campe, Sanmel Lyon, 
 
 John Rodgers, John Bauldwin, jun., Joseph Walters, Joseph Riggs, 
 
 Stephen Davis, Jonathan Tomkins, Robert Daglesh, "Stephen Bond. 
 
 It will be perceived by these names, comprising the whole 
 number, that a great majority of the original settlers of the town 
 are still represented b}^ a numerous posterity, as may be seen by 
 consulting the Directory. 
 
 At the first distribution of land, each man took by lot six 
 acres, as a homestead ; and as the families from each of the several 
 original towns had established themselves at short distances from 
 those of other towns, the allotments were made to them in their 
 respective quarters of the new settlement. Seven individuals, se- 
 lected for the purpose, assessed on each settler his portion of the 
 general purchase-money. The lands were eventually divided into 
 three ranges ; each range into lots, and parcelled by lottery — first 
 setting apart certain portions, called tradesmen's lots ; one of which 
 was to be given to the first of every trade who should settle per- 
 manently in the place — reserving also the present Upper Green. 
 of the town, (now Washington-square,) for a market-place, and 
 the Lower Green, (now called the Park,) for a military parade ; and 
 that part of the town in and adjacent to Market-st., where the tan- 
 neries now are, (then a swamp.) for a public ^vatering-place for 
 cattle. This last portion, having been sold by the town, is alto- 
 gether in possession of individual owners. 
 
 In 16(57, the Rev. Abraham Pierson, the first minister, com- 
 menced his ofiicial duties here. He is said to have been " episco- 
 pally ordained," at Newark, in South Britain, and to have named 
 this town after that of his ordination ; by which name it was some- 
 times called abroad, but was known at others by that of JMilford. 
 In the next year, the first "meeting-house," 20 feet wide, 34 long, 
 and 13 between the joists, was erected; the town voting thirty 
 pounds, and directing that every individual should perform such 
 labor as a committee of five might require, toward its completion. 
 It was a small frame building, and stood near the centre of the 
 town, fronting on Broad-st., on the lot now known as the old town 
 burying-ground, opposite to the present building of the First Pres- 
 byterian church. Mr. Pierson emigrated to the new world in 105.% 
 and, with a few followers, settled in or near Guiltbrd, Conn. He 
 was one of those who were dissatisfied with the corrupt and arbi- 
 
73 
 
 3 2 
 
 
 » g 
 
 9h 
 
 3 » 
 
 
ESSEX COUNTY. 177 
 
 trary cliaracter of church and state in England, and annexed him- 
 self to the party then called moderate Presbyterians. He was an 
 old man when the colony settled Newark, and appears to have 
 been eminent for his learning, wisdom, and piety. His salary 
 was fixed at £30. 
 
 Arrangements for the " meeting-house" having been completed, 
 the town meeting next appointed Henry Lyon to keep a tavern, for 
 the entertainment of travellers and strangrt's, and instructed him 
 *' to prepare for it as soon as he can." At the same meeting, in 
 the year 1608, Robert Treat and Sergeant Richard Harrison were 
 appointed to erect a "grist-mill on the brook at the north end of 
 the town ;" setting apart the second and sixth days of the week as 
 grinding days. John Rockwell, of Elizabethtown, was at the 
 same time voted a member of the communit}', upon condition " of 
 his moving here forthwith, and maintaining his present or other 
 sufficient boat, tor the use of the town." 
 
 Robert Treat and Jasper Crane were chosen the first magis- 
 trates, in 1G08, and representatives to thc^ first assembly of A'ew 
 Jersey, convened at Elizabethtown, 2C)th May of the same year ; 
 by which the first state-tax (£l2 sterling, of which the proportion 
 of Newark w^as 40 shillings) was laid.* Mr. Treat was also 
 chosen first recorder, or town-clerk ; and after a residence here of 
 many years, returned to Connecticut, where he became governor, 
 and died. The town also established a court of judicature, holding 
 annually one session, on the last Wednesday of February, and an- 
 other on the second Wednesday of September ; having cognizance 
 of all causes within its limits. On the 24th May, 1GG9, the first 
 selectmen, five in number, were chosen. The number was subse- 
 (juently increased to seven, who continued to administer affairs un- 
 til 17;3(>, when the present township officers were created by law. 
 And in this year Indian hostility appears to have displayed itself 
 in petty robberies and depredations, the increase of which, in 1G75, 
 induced the townsmen to fortify their church, as a place of refuge, 
 in case of general attack ; and to take proper measures of watch 
 and ward. 
 
 About this period the Rev. Mr. Pierson had become so infirm, 
 that the town made out a call to his son, Abraham Pierson, Jun., 
 to become his colleague. He had been educated at Cambridge, 
 and was distinguished for his talents and accomplishments, but 
 had neither the meekness nor prudence of his father. He contin- 
 ued here only a few years after his father's death, which occurred 
 in IGNO, but removed to Killingworth, Conn., where he died in 1708. 
 His reputation for learning was so high, that he Avas chosen the 
 first })resident of the College of Connecticut, (now Yale College.) 
 on its institution in 1701. Mr. Pierson was succeeded in the pas- 
 
 * This assembly consisted of seven in council, besides the governor, and ten burgesses ; 
 two from Bergen, two from Newark, two from Elizabethtown, two from Woodbridge, 
 and tw o from Middletown and Shrewsbury. 
 
 23 
 
J 78 ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 toral ofRce at Newark by Mr. .John Prudden, who finally relin- 
 quished it, after serving twelve or thirteen years, in favor of Mr. 
 Jabez Wakeman, a young man of distinguished attainments. Mr 
 W. died in 1704, and was succeeded by Mr. Nathaniel Bowers. 
 
 The year 1G7G was distinguished by the establishment of the 
 first school; and the selectmen "agreed with Mr. John Catlin to 
 instruct their children and servants in as much English reading, 
 writing, and arithmeti?; as he could teach." Mr. Catlin was also 
 chosen attorney for the town, and appears to have been the first 
 lawyer settled here. About the same time, measures w^ere taken 
 to invite mechanics to the place. The first shoemaker appears to 
 have been Samuel Whitehead, of Elizabethtown, who was form- 
 ally admitted a member of the community, on condition of his 
 supplying it with shoes. The first tannery v/as established in 1698, 
 at the " swamp or watering-place." 
 
 The town appears to have been early celebrated for its cider. 
 Gov. Carteret writes to the proprietors in England, in 1682: — " At 
 Newark are made great quantities of cider, exceeding any we 
 can have from New England, Rhode Island, or Long Island," 
 which is the first mention we find of this famous article. The 
 governor also speaks of the place at this time, as a compact town 
 of about one hundred families, and that it is the only place in the 
 province provided with a settled preacher, following no other em- 
 ployment. The town appears also to have obtained the character 
 abroad of being an unhealthy place, subject to fever and agues 
 and intermittents, which is supposed to have retarded its growth. 
 During the ministry of Mr. Bowers, a new and larger church 
 was agreed upon The walls were put up in 1708, a few steps 
 north of the first building on the same lot. This was a heavy un- 
 dertaking, much beyond the means of the people. Although the 
 place had been settled forty years, it is said that when the walls 
 were knee high, the whole population, men, women, and children. 
 '* could have sat upon them." The interior was not entirely fin- 
 ished within thirty years. It is said to have been the most ele- 
 gant edifice at that time in the colony. 
 
 On the 23d October, 1676, aAvarrant was granted by the gover- 
 nor, for 200 acres of land and meadow, for parsonage-ground, and 
 also for so much as was necessary for landing-places, school-house, 
 town-house, market-place, &c.; and in 1696, a patent from the 
 proprietaries to the town covered all the lots, in various parts of 
 the township, called " Parsonage Lands;" which have been since 
 divided, with some difilculty and contention, among five churches, 
 viz.: three of the Presbyterian, and the Episcopal, at Newark, and 
 the First Presbyterian church at Orange. 
 
 The London Church Missionary Society, about the year 1732, 
 sent out a number of missionaries, some of whom settled at Eliza- 
 bethtown, and other places in tne neighborhood of Newark, where 
 they occasionally preached. This gave rise to serious contentions 
 among the colonists on the subject of church government. In this 
 
ESSEX COUNTY. 179 
 
 town a few of the leading individuals declared themselves dissat- 
 isfied with the Presbyterian form, and in favor of the Episcopal 
 mode, as practised in South Britain. During this controversy, 
 which occurred under the ministry of Mr. Joseph Webb, the im- 
 mediate successor of Mr. Bowers, the present Episcopal church 
 was instituted. The church appears to have originated in 1734, 
 with Col. Josiah Ogden and others, who took occasion to leave the 
 Presbyterians, in consequence of the rigor with which he was 
 treated for saving his grain in a wet harvest on the Sabbath. The 
 present church edifice was built in 1808, on the site of the original 
 building. 
 
 Mr. Webb was dismissed in 1736. The Presbyterian church 
 then called the Rev. Aaron Burr, the father of the late Vice Presi- 
 dent of the United States, who was subsequently born in the town. 
 Mr. Burr was distinguished as an eminent scholar and divine, and 
 enjoyed reputation abroad as well as at home. He established a 
 Latin school soon after his settlement here, and the town in his 
 time, we are told, •' flourished exceedingly in trade, manufactures, 
 and agriculture ; growing in wealth, population, and respectability, 
 far beyond any thing which it had before attained." 
 
 In 1721, the first freestone was quarried for market; and this 
 article, celebrated for its excellent quality, has long been a subject 
 of export. 
 
 During the years 1745, '6, and '7, a great excitement existed in 
 the vicinity, arising out of contentions between the settlers and 
 the English proprietors concerning the title to the lands. The set- 
 tlers held under their Indian title, and refused to recognise any 
 other. In 1745 and '6, there were two great riots at Newark, in 
 each of which the jail was broken open by large mobs, and the 
 prisoners held by suits in favor of the English proprietors set at 
 liberty. The same parties liberated other prisoners for the same 
 cause, at Elizabethtown and Somerville. 
 
 In the year 1746, the College of New Jersey (now located at Princeton) was insti- 
 tuted at Elizabethtown, under the presidency of Jonathan Dickenson, who is reported to 
 have been an eminent scholar. Mr. D. died the next year, and the trustees then con- 
 fided the students to the care of Mr. Burr, at Newarli, who thus became the second 
 president of the college. Here the institution continued to flourish for eight years, at 
 the expiration of which period the trustees determined to locate it permanently at 
 Princeton. After* much controversy between the trustees and the congregation, Mr. 
 Burr's pastoral relation was dissolved in the winter of 1755, and in the October follow, 
 ing he removed to Princeton with the college, where he died in September, 1767. The 
 congregation continued without a pastor until 1759, when they united in a call to the 
 Rev. Alexander McWhorter. Mr. McWhorter preached his first sermon here on the 
 28th June of that year, and continued to preside over the church, with an intermission 
 of one or two years, until his death in 1807 — a period of nearly half a century. It 
 would hardly be just to the memory of this estimable and eminent man, not to add that 
 his labors, as a minister and a citizen, contributed largely to the character and increase 
 of the town. He stood foremost among the men whc adorned the American church 
 during the latter part of the last century, which is no mean praise. A marble slab in 
 the wall at the right of the pulpit in the church, which was built chiefly through his in- 
 strumentahty, worthily commemorates his worth, and the gratitude of the people for 
 whom and with whom he labored. "In 1765 the first public Hbrary was established. 
 
 At the commencement of the revolutionary war, the town was much divided upon 
 
jgQ ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 the questions agitating the country ; and on the Declaration of Independence by the 
 state, several families, among whom was Mr. Brown, pastor of the Episcopal church, 
 who had ministered from its foundation, joined the royalists m New York. From its 
 vicinage to that stronghold of the enemy, the town suflfered greatly by the visitations 
 of regular troops and marauders. On the 22d of November, 1776, Gen. ^\ ashmgton 
 entered Newark on his retreat through New Jersey, havmg crossed the Passaic by the 
 Aquackanonck bridge, with a force of 3,500, comprising Deal's, Heard's, and part of 
 Irvine's brio-adcs. Here the troops remained encamped until the morning of the JHth, 
 when Lord^'Cornwallis entered the town from New York, and the American forces re- 
 treated towards New Brunswick and the Delaware. Each army was thus for a season 
 quartered upon the inhabitants of the town, and the British commander, in pursuing the 
 Americans, left a strong guard behind, which remained here until after his discomfiture 
 at Trenton. Foraging parties, and bands of plunderers m the garb of the enemy, kept 
 the neiehborhood in continual alarm through several years. On the night of the J5th 
 of January, 1780, a regiment of 500 men, commanded by Colonel Lumm, came irom 
 New York, followimr the river on the ice, and burned the academy, then standing on 
 the upper green. This was a stone building, two stories high, with apartments lor the 
 teacher On the same night another British party, unknown to the first, fired the Pres- 
 byterian church at Elizabcthtown, the light from which alanned the mccndiancs at 
 Newark, and caused their hasty retreat. They carried away with them Joseph Heddcn, 
 Esq., an active whig, who iiad zealously opposed their previous depredations; dragging 
 him from a sick-bed, and compelling him to follow, with no other than his night cloth- 
 ins. The party returned by the route by which they came ; and a soldier, more humane 
 than his fellows, gave Mr. H. a blanket, a short time before they reached Paulus Ilook. 
 At this place Mr. H. was confined in a sugar-house, where he perished in a few days, 
 in consequence of his sufferings that night. r .u * t 
 
 About this period, and during the war, the average population of the town was less 
 than 1000. In the year 1777, there were only 141 dwelling-houses ; of which 38 were in 
 that part of the town now comprised within the limits of the North Ward, 50 in the South 
 Ward, 28 in the East Ward, and 25 in the West Ward. . „ ^ ., ^ _, , -„.^ 
 
 The present public bridge over the Passaic was originally built about the year 1 / J~. 
 Previous to the Revolution, and up to this period, the business on the river was chiefly 
 transacted at Lowe and Camp's dock, now known as the stone dock, some huml';^'! 
 yards north of the old bridge. The first public road to New York communicated with 
 Market-st., and led across the upland and meadow by a ferry near the bay. On the con- 
 struction of the present causeway, the " old ferry road" was abandone^d 
 
 The " Newark Academy" was cstabHshed by an association in 1/92 : it was subse- 
 quently distinguished for many years as one of the largest and most promment academic 
 
 institutions in the country. , , ., t> r . • r > *i „ 
 
 Soon after the close of the war, arrrangements were made by the Presbyterians for the 
 erection of another and better house of worship. The corner-stone of the First Presby 
 terian church was laid by Dr. McWhorter in 1787: on the first of January 1 / 91, it 
 was opened for public worship. After the completion oi this building, he old church 
 was converted into a courthouse, for which purpose it was used until tbc erection, in 
 1807, of the building destroyed by fire during the summer of 1835. In 18U1 the Kcv. 
 Edward D. Griffin, now president of Williams College, was associated with Dr. Mc- 
 Whorter, as coUeaguc. The entire charge of the congregation devolved upon Dr. G. at 
 the death of this fencrablc divine, in 1808. He resigned the station in 1809, for a pro- 
 fessorship at Andover, and was succeeded ^J the Rev Dr Richards who removed to 
 Auburn in 1823. The following year the church called the Rev. Wni. T. Hamdton, who 
 resigned in the fall of 1834, and was succeeded by the Rev. A. D^Eddy. Tlie Second 
 Presbyterian church was erected in 1808, and the Rev. Hooper Gumming installed its 
 first pastor. He was succeeded by Dr. Griffing, who resigned the charge on being ap- 
 pointed president of Williams College. The Rev. Philip C. Hay then became pastor of 
 ihe church. After his resignation the Rev. Mr. Chcever was called to the station. In 
 1824, the Third Presbyterian church was organized, under the Rev. J. I. Russell, who 
 was succeeded by the Rev. Baxter Dickinson. Mr. D. resigned the charge in 1835, for 
 a professorship in Lane Seminary, (Cincinnati,) and the congregation soon after made out 
 a call to Mr. Selah B. Treat, of Connecticut. The Fourtii Presbyterian church was in- 
 stituted in the ye^ 1831. A fifth Presbyterian church, known as the 1st Free church, 
 was organized during the year 1834. In 1836 a 2d Free (Presbyterian) church was or- 
 ganized ; and in January of the present year another society, entitled The Central Pres- 
 byterian church, was formed, and the Rev. C. Hoov*r, late of Morristown, mstaUed its 
 pastor. 
 
A PLAN OF THE PRINCirAL, PART OF BROAD ST., NEWARK, SHOWING THE BUILDi 
 INGS AND OCCUPANTS ABOUT THE YEAR 17!)6.« 
 
 Episcopal Church 
 
 John Woods, Newark Gazette Office.. 
 
 John Nesliit, Farmer. 
 
 P. Hill's residence, afterwards Rev. Dr. Oadcn. ■ 
 
 Mrs. Haltiekl... 
 
 Caleb Baldwin. . 
 
 Caleb Say res. 
 
 Jon. Sayres. 
 
 Academy. 
 Giffbrd rot, afterwards Wm. Tiittlc 
 W. Rudger'.* liouse and saddUi) • 
 TiKjnias Jones' stnrr.-- 
 Jasper Tenhronk, house and slcirr 
 il. Smilli liiirnet, walcli store 
 4. Pennington and Bruen't- store 
 MARKKT 
 Jesse Baldwin, house aril s!or< ..zr 
 Jahez I'arkliur.-i .... 
 Jo.sirdi ("onij.-ir's sKirc -- 
 5. Johnson Timle's tav.rii.--'' 
 6. Old Pre.shvterjan Cluirdi ■■''\m 
 Old County Jail..''^ 
 
 Luther Oobic, shoeniaker.-.J 
 Major Sanniel Sayres, tavtrii— ..g 
 
 10. Rev. Dr. M'Whorter's parsonage. Trg 
 7. Alex C. M'Whorter, lawyer. » 
 
 Jabez Brueii, shoemakpr.';^ 
 HILL ST. 
 Peter Hill. 
 
 Epi.scnpal Parsonage, 
 
 Dr. Griffiths. 
 
 - Robert Young. 
 
 — Poiiiicr House, and carpenter's shop. 
 G. Pintaid, yentlemau. 
 Jud^'e Eii^ha Boudinot, 
 
 Benjamin Johneon. L 
 
 I Dr. Uzal Johnson. 
 
 Bf-Osden Mansion. 
 ■-Gen. John N. Cumniings. 2. 
 Jt~ A roller Giflbrd's stage-house and tavern 
 
 ST. 
 p--John Burnet, postmaster. 
 )■— -Obadiah Crane. 
 feii'.'ni. Hay's house and store. 
 ~Olfice of the Sentinel of Freedom, by Pen* 
 ninyliiii and Dodge. 
 '"New Presbyterian Cliurcli, 
 
 Samuel Conpar, weaver.- 
 Ifatthlaa and Caleb Brucn, cabinet sliop.-- 
 
 Caleb Bruen's residenct-.^.-H 
 
 Eleazar Brown. ---i 
 8, Hon. Peter J. Van Cerckel i 
 
 
 -Joseph Banks, Hatter. 
 
 "Josiah Beach, farmer and wearer. 
 
 W- Judge William Burnet 3. 
 
 : Joseph Camp, farmer. 
 ■Capt. Nathaniel Camp. 
 
 bank in Newark, 
 
 1. Afterwards used for several eucrcssive years as a post-office by Matth. Day. 
 ■2. GiMi. Cumniings was a colonel in the Revolutionary aimy, and President of a 
 which was the first eslablishejl in New Jersey. 
 
 3. JudL'e Burnet was a disliiipuishcd surgeon in the Revolutionary army. 
 
 4. William S. Pennington was Governor of New Jersey in 1H)3 :'he wns the father of Wm. Pennine- 
 loM, iMf Governor of the Slate.— John Alling's blacksmith shop was ne\t to his store. 
 
 J. Now .'Stewart's Hotel. 
 
 i>. The old Pr.'rby teriaii Church, after the erection of the new one, w as used as a court house, and tHe 
 f>ld court hriuse as a jail. 
 7. Now ilie Mansion House. 
 
 ^ '!?"• ^''^Z^- y^" '^'-rckel was minister plenipotentiary from Holland to the United States 
 V;. ;,'",• *['•"''"''!: ** '•"'■ber shop adjoined or was next to Smith Burnet's watch storC 
 1(1. Col. Aaron Burr was born in this liouse. 
 
 iril^'il^belSto te't^rr^,!''' ""'*'"°" °^"°"'' °^ "" °"'''' ""^ """'' '"'^"'S™' """"^ "^ '*«*- 
 
182 ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 The Episcopal church was placed under the care of the Rev. Uzal Ogden soon after 
 the war. After hirn came the Rev. Joseph Willard, Rev. Lewis P. Bayard, Rev. H. P 
 Powers, and tlic Rev. Matthew L. Henderson. In 1808 the church edifice was rebuilt. 
 
 In 1801 the First Baptist church was constituted under the Rev. Charles Lahatt : a 
 raeeting-house was erected in 1804, and rebuilt in 1810. The following are the succeed- 
 ing pastors of this church, viz. : Rev. Peter Thiu-ston, installed in 1808 ; Rev. Daniel 
 Sharp, in 1809 ; Rev. Job Lamb, in 1812; Rev. Ed. Jones, in 1814 ; Rev. Daniel Put- 
 nam, in 1822 ; Rev. Ebenezer Loomis, in 1826 ; Rev. J. S. C. F. Frey, in 1828 ; Rev. 
 P. L. Piatt, in 1830 ; Rev. Daniel Dodge, in 1832. A second Baptist church was or- 
 ganized in 1833. 
 
 The first Methodist Episcopal society was formed in 1806, by the Rev. David Bartine. 
 The first chapel, in Hal.sey-st., was erected in 1810, at which time there were hut thirty 
 members, who enjoyed only such ministerial services as could be rendered by two preach- 
 ers, whose sphere of duty embraced large portions of Essex, Bergen, and Morris coun- 
 ties, including Staten Island, then known as "the Essex and Staten Island circuit." In 
 1818 the Society was greatly increased, under the labors of the Rev. Joseph Lybrand, 
 and from that time it has steadily jjrogrcssed. It has since been under the pastoral care 
 of the Rev. Messrs. Crcmer, Martiiidale, Thatcher, Lushing, Kennedy, Porter, Gelder, 
 Higgins, Thompson, Mattliias, and Atwood. 
 
 A Dutch Reformed church was established in the year 1834, and the Rev. Ransford 
 Wells elected pastor. The society have since built a large and elegant brick church in 
 Market-st. A Catholic church was commenced in 1824, and completed the year follow- 
 ing. The Primitive Methodists also iiave a church ; and there are 2 African churches. 
 The Univcrsalists formed a society a few years since. 
 
 In 1804 the Newark Banking and Insurance Company was chartered, with a capital 
 of $400,000 ; and this was for a number of years the only bank in this part of New 
 lersey.* 
 
 Newark city, port of entry, and capital of Essex co., is situated 
 9 m. from New York, and 49 from Trenton. It is on the west side 
 of Passaic river, 3 m. from its entrance into Newark bay, and is 
 the most populous and flourishing place in the state. The river is 
 navigable to this place for vessels of 100 tons burden, and the New 
 Jersey railroad and Morris canal pass through it. The Morris and 
 Essex railroad commences here. The place is regularly laid out, 
 the streets are several of them broad and straight, and many of 
 the houses are neat and elegant. Two large public grounds in the 
 heart of the city, bordered by lofty trees, add much to the beauty 
 of the place. The city is abundantly supplied with pure water, 
 brought by a company Irom a fine spring 2 m. distant. Several of 
 the churches are handsome buildings. The courthouse is built of 
 brown freestone, in a commanding situation in the west part of the 
 city, and is a large and elegant building of Egyptian architecture. 
 
 In 1843, there were 25 churches, viz. : 1st Presbyterian, A. D. 
 Eddy pastor ; 2d Presbyterian, E. Cheever ; 3d Presbyterian, H. N. 
 Brinsmade ; 4th Presbyterian, Wm. R. Weeks ; Central Presbyte- 
 rian, Wm. Bradley ; Free Presbyterian, Wm. L. Parsons ; Associate 
 Presbyterian; Colored Presbyterian, S. E. Cornish; 1st Methodist, 
 J. B. McKeever ; 2d Methodist, Isaac Winner ; 3d Methodist, Wm. 
 Roberts; Primitive Methodist, Wm. Sanders; 1st African Method- 
 ist, J. A. Williams ; Trinity, M. H. Henderson ; Grace, Anthony 
 Ten Broeck ; Reformed Dutch. .lames Scott ; 1st Bapti.st, Wm. Sym ; 
 2d Baptist ; Salem Baptist ; Christ-ian ; Bethel, Frederick Pilch ; 
 
 • For the preceding historical sketch, the compilers are indebted to " Pierson's Direc- 
 tory of Newark, for 1837-8." 
 
ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 183 
 
 Universalist, Rev. Mr. Raynor ; 1st Roman Catholic, P. Moran ; 2d 
 Roman Catholic, N. Balleis ; German, John F. Maschop. There 
 are 3 banks, an apprentices' library, a circulating library, a me- 
 chanics' association for scientific and literary improvement, and a 
 young men's literary association. 
 
 Front View of the Courthouse, Newark. 
 
 There is now upwards of 100 places in Newark for public worship and 
 about 100,000 inhabitants. It is the third city in the Union in man- 
 ufacturing importance. It has 800 factories and employs at present 
 a capital of eleven millions of dollars, producing the value of twenty- 
 one miUions of dollars. The Passaic flouring mill is a very conspicuous 
 object, as the city is entered by the rail road from New York. It is 
 eleven stories high and is the largest and most complete structure of 
 the kind in the world. It grinds two thousand barrels in a day. The 
 floors cover in the aggregate over two acres. 
 
 The following letter, giving an account of the outrages commit- 
 ted by the British troops in 1777, was written by a highly respect- 
 able inhabitant of this place to Mr. Wm. Gordon, of Roxbury, 
 Mass. It is dated at Newark, March 12th, 1777. 
 
 The ravages committed by the British tyrant's troops in these parts of the country 
 are beyond description. Their footsteps arc marked with desolation and ruin of every 
 kind. The murders, ravishments, robbery, and insults they were guilty of, are dreadful 
 When I returned to the town, it looked more like a scene of ruin, than a pleasant, well- 
 cultivated village. One Tliomas Hayes, as peaceable and inoffensive a nian as in thif 
 state, was unprovokingly murdered by one of their negroes, who ran him through the 
 body with his sword. He also cut and slaslicd his aged uncle in the same house in such 
 a manner tiiat he has not yet recovered of his wounds. Three women of the town were 
 basely ravished by them, and one of them was a woman of near seventy years of age. 
 Various others were assaulted by them, who happily escaped their lewd purposes. Yea, 
 not only the common soldiers, but officers went about the town by night, in gangs, and 
 forcibly entered into houses, openly inquiring for women. As to plundering, whig and 
 lory were treated with a pretty equal hand, and those only escaped who were happy 
 enough to procure a sentinel to be placed as a guard at tJieir door. There was oncCapt 
 
184 ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 Nutman, who had always hccn a remarkable tory, and who met the British troops in the 
 Broad street with huzzas of joy. He had his iiouse robbed of almost every thing. His 
 very shoes were taken off his feet, and they threatened hard to hang him. It was dili- 
 gently circulated by the tories, before the enemy came, that all those who tarried in thpii 
 houses would not be plundered, which induced some to stay, who otherwise would have 
 saved many of their effects by removing them. But nothing was a greater falsehood 
 than this, as the event proved : for none were more robbed than those that tarried at 
 home with their families. 
 
 Justice .lohn Ogden, whom you know, had his house robbed of everything they could 
 carry away. They ripped open his beds, scattered tiie feathers in the air, and took the 
 ticks with them ; broke his desk to pieces, and destroyed a great number of important 
 papers, deeds, wills, &,c., belonging to himself and others ; and the more he entreated 
 them to desist from such unprofitable and pernicious waste, the more outrageous they 
 were. They hauled a sick son of his out of bed, whose life had been despaired of some 
 time, and grossly abused him, threatening him with death in a variety of forms. The 
 next neighbor to Mr. Ogden was one Benjamin Coe, a very aged man, who, with his 
 wife, was at home. They plundered and destroyed every thing in the house, and insult- 
 ed them with such rage, that the old people fled for fear of their lives ; and then, to show 
 the fulness of their diabolical fury, they burnt their house to ashes. 
 
 Zophar Beach, Josiali Beach, Samuel Pennington, and others, who had large families, 
 and were all at home, they robbed in so egregious a manner, that they were scarcely left 
 a rag of clothing, save what was on their backs. The mischief committed in the houses 
 forsaken of their inhabitants, the destruction of fences, barns, stables, the breaking of 
 chests of drawers, desks, tables, and other furniture, the burning and carrying away of 
 carpenters' and shoemakers' tools, cannot be described. 
 
 With respect to those who took protections and their oath, some of these they robbed 
 and plundered afterwards ; but the most general way in which they obtained the effects 
 of such peojjje, was by bargaining with tliem for their hay, cattle, or corn, promising 
 them pay, but none witii us ever received any thing worth mentioning. I might have 
 observed, that it was not only the common soldiers that plundered and stole, but also 
 their officers ; and not merely low officers and subalterns, but some of high rank were 
 abettors, and reaped the protifs of their gallows-deserving business. No less a person 
 than Gen. Erskine, knight, had his room furnished from a neighboring house, with ma- 
 hogany chairs and tables ; a considerable part of which was taken away with his bag- 
 gage when he went to Elizabethtown. Col. M'Donald had his house furnished in the 
 same felonious manner, and the furniture was carried off as though it had been part of 
 his baggage. But there is no end of their inhuman conduct. They have not only 
 proved themselves cruel enemies, but persons destitute of all honor ; and there is no 
 hope of relief, but by expelling these murderers, robbers, and thieves from our country. 
 
 The following account of the exploits of Capt. Littell (which appear 
 to have taken place in the vicinity of Newark) is from " Garden's 
 Anecdotes of the American Revolution." 
 
 Capt. Littell, of New Jersey, was a partisan of great merit, and his personal appear- 
 ance was remarkably fine and imposing. In the winter of 1776 and '77, Washington's 
 successes at Trenton and Princeton gave a new turn to the war, and called into activity 
 the partisan warfare, in which Capt. Littell was much distinguished. " On the day that 
 the British force abandoned Newark, which they had occupied as a garrison, and marched 
 to Elizabethtown, a company of Waldeckers was dispatched on some particular service 
 towards the Connecticut Farms. Littell and his followers speedily discovered and fol- 
 lowed them. Dividing his small force into two bodies, he placed one ambush in the rear, 
 and a])|)earing in front with the other, demanded an immediate surrender. The Ger. 
 mans wished to retrograde, but meeting with the party exjiressly concealed to impede 
 their retreat, and briskly assailed in front, surrendered without firing a gun. The Brit- 
 ish general, exasperated by their capture, ordered out a body of Hessians to revenge the 
 affront ; but the superior knowledge of Littell and his associates enabling them to goad 
 the enemy at various points with spirited attacks, without any great degree of exposure, 
 they were also driven into a swamp and compelled to surrender to inferior numbers. 
 Mortified beyond measure at this second discomfiture, a troop of horse were ordered out ; 
 but they in turn were routed, and were only more fortunate than those that preceded them, 
 by being able, by the rapid movement of their horses, to escape pursuit. A tory, to whom 
 a considerable reward was offered for the perfonnance of the service, now led 300 men 
 
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 ^ -? 
 
ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 185 
 
 to the house of Capl. Littell, who, believing he was securely pent up within, commenced 
 a heavy discharge of musketry upon it from all sides. The captain, however, was not 
 to be so easily entrapped ; and while they were making preparations to storm the deserted 
 dwelling, they were attacked in the rear, being previously joined by another body of volun- 
 teers, and driven with precipitation from the field. Littell, in the interim, with a part of 
 his force, had formed an ambuscade along a fence side, and perceiving the enemy slowly 
 approaching, levelled and discharged his piece, and the commander fell. The British, 
 unable, from the darkness of the night, to make any calculation with regard to the num- 
 ber of their opposers, were intimidated, and sought safety in flight." 
 
 The following inscriptions, &c., are for the most part copied from 
 Alden's Coll. American Epitaphs. The first, written by the Hon. 
 William Peartree Smith, was copied from a tablet fixed in the front 
 of the First Presbyterian church in Newark. The second, Dr. Mac- 
 whorter's, was drawn by Rev. Edward Dorr Griffin, D. D., and 
 placed in the wall of the church, at the right hand of the pulpit. 
 
 JEdem banc amplissimam cultui Divino dicatam ex animo religioso et munificentia 
 valde prceclara Nov-Arc^ habitantes, cura sub pastorali rev. Alexandri Macwhorter, 
 S. T. D., primum qui posuit saxura, construxerunt anno salutis, 1787 ; Amer. Reipub. 
 Foederatce 12. Auspicante Deo, longum perduret in jevum. 
 
 [To Gon INFINITELY GOOD AND GREAT. Tliis spacious edifice, consecrated to the ser- 
 vice of God, the inhabitants of Newark, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Dr. Mac- 
 whorter, who laid the corner-stone, with pious zeal and distinguished liberality, erected, 
 in the year of our Lord, 1787, and of the independence of the United States of x\merica, 
 the twelfth. Through the good providence of God, long may it endure.] 
 
 Sacred to the memory of the Rev. Alexander Macwhorter, D. D. In him a vener- 
 able aspect and dignified manners were united with a strong and sagacious mind, richly 
 Btored with the treasures of ancient and modern learning. For a long course of years, 
 l>c was among the most distinguished supporters of literature and religion in the Amer- 
 ican church. He was a zealous assertor of his country's rights, a wise counsellor, a 
 pious and skilful divine, a laborious, prudent, and faithful minister, and a great benefac- 
 tor of the congregation over which he presided forty-eight years. To his influence and 
 zeal the congregation is greatly indebted for this house of God, the foundation-stone of 
 which he laid, Sept., 1787. In gratitude for his distinguished services, and from an af- 
 fectionate respect to his memory, the bereaved church have erected this monument. He 
 was born 15th July, 1734. He departed this life 20th July, 1807, aged 73 years. The 
 memory of the just is blessed. 
 
 Mary, the wife of Isaac Ogden, Esq., here rested from the hurry of life, on the 15th of 
 
 March, 1772, aged 26 years. 
 
 Could the softness and elegance which adorned, — could the piety and benevolence 
 
 which endeared human nature, — could tenderest friendship or purest love disarm the king 
 
 of terrors, — she had not died. 
 
 When every pain and every joy is o'er — 
 
 When fortune, age, disease, can wound no more ; 
 
 Virtues like hers with radiant lustre glow. 
 
 And breathe refulgent through the clouds of wo : 
 
 Kind spirits sooth the pangs of parting breath, 
 
 And strew with softest down the bed of death. 
 
 In memory of Hon. Peter I. Van Berckel, Esq., of Rotterdam, late minister pleni- 
 potentiary from the states of Holland to the United States of America, who departed 
 this life 17th December, 1800, in the 77th year of his age. 
 
 To the memory of William S. Pennington, who died the 17th day of September, A. D. 
 182(J, in the (JiHh year of his age. He sustained the ofiice of governor and chancellor 
 of the state of New Jersey, and various other important j)ublic stations, honorably to 
 himself and usefully to his country. His bereaved children, in grateful remembrance ol 
 an affectionate and revered parent, have erected this memorial. 
 
 Hoc marmore commemoratur — vir in sacris peritus, nee in literis humanis minus 
 Bciens : — Rebus divinis a prima setate deditus, — Fidei Christiance strenuus assertor,— 
 
 24 
 
186 ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 Et pietate nulli sccundus. Moribus facilis, vita beneficus, — OmnigencB charitatis ei 
 emplar : — Mille virtutibus instructus, quas sacra celavit modcstia. 
 
 Translation. — This marble is erected to the memory of a man imbued with sacred 
 lore, and no less experienced in all human knowledge. From his earliest youth he wai 
 dedicated to holiness — a strenuous advocate of the Christian faith, and second to none 
 in devotion. Of easy manners — humane in his conduct — an exemplar of every charity 
 ^-adorned with a thousand virtues which his modesty concealed. 
 
 NEW PROVIDENCE. 
 
 New Providence was formed from Springfield in 1809. It is 7 
 miles long and 2 wide, bounded NE. by Springfield. SE. bv West- 
 field, S. by Warren, Somerset co., and JVW. by Chatham and Mor- 
 ris, in Morris co. The surface is hilly, and in the eastern part 
 mountainous. The Passaic river forms the western boundary. 
 The township contains 4 stores, 1 paper fac, 1 saw-m. ; cap. in 
 manufac. $16,700 ; 1 school, 25 scholars. Pop. 832. The princi- 
 pal portion of the population is in the western part, where there is 
 a village, about 12 miles SW. of Newark, containing 4 stores, a 
 Presbyterian and a Methodist church. 
 
 ORANGE. 
 Orange is about 5 miles long, 3 wide ; bounded N. by Caldwell 
 and Bloomfield, E. by Newark, S. by Clinton, and W. by Livings- 
 ton. The surface on the west is mountainous, being crossed here 
 by the First and Second mountains : the eastern part is rolling, and 
 the soil well cultivated. Near the centre of the township is situ- 
 ated the " Orange Mineral Spring," formerly a place of considera- 
 ble resort. The Morris and Essex railroad passes through the 
 township. Capital employed in manufactures, 870,750 ; 8 schools, 
 330 scholars. 
 
 The above statistics, bound.arics, &c., relate to the township of Orange as originally 
 constituted. Its territory now is divided into 4 townships, viz : South, East and West 
 Orange, and Orange proper, ttic latter being constituted a city, divided into three 
 wards, having, according to the State census of 180^, a population of fi,Hr)3, 7 eluirches, 
 a polytechnic institute, a bank and a newsjiaper printing office. The engraving shows 
 on the right the 1st Prosbvterian ehurcli, about 3 1-2 miles from Newark, erected in 
 1813, and the Library building. In the distance is seen at the head of the street, the 
 Orange Cemetery, beyond which is the " First Mountain." The following is from a 
 recent publication : 
 
 "The first Presbyterian church of Orange, N. J., founded 148 years ago, recently 
 called its seventh pastor, Kev Eldridgo Mix, whoso installation wo have noticed. The 
 church was organized in 1710, fifty-three years after the settlement of Newark, as the 
 Mountain Society. Sixty-four years afterwards the parish was incorporated as the 
 Second Presbyterian church, of Newark. In 180(5, Orange, which till this date had 
 formed a part of the township of Newark, was incorporated as a town, and in 1811 the 
 Legislature changed the title of the church to the " First Presbyterian church, of 
 Orange." The terms of service of the difTerent pastors have been respectively 25, 14, 
 34, 32, 22 and 10 years, with intervals of terms when the congregation was ministered 
 to by temporary and stated supplies. All of its pastors have died among the people to 
 whom they ministered, except Dr. Chapman, who, after a service of 34 years, deemed 
 it wise to seek anotlier field of labor, because of outspoken and decided patriotic senti- 
 ments during the revolutionary struggle. In 1G3J the church will be 1.50 years old." 
 
ESSEX COUNTV. 
 
 187 
 
 View in Orange, N. J. 
 
 Th»j following inscriptions are from monuments in the old grave- 
 yurd, excepting the last two, which are from monuments in the 
 Orange cemetery. 
 
 Survivors, let's all imitate the virtues of our Pastor, 
 And copy after him, like as he did his Lord and Master. 
 To us most awful was the stroke, by which he was removed 
 Unto the full fruition of the God he served and loved. 
 Here lie the remains of the Rev. Mr. Daniel Taylor, who was minister of this parish 
 — years. He deceased 8th January, Anno Domini 1747-8, in the 57th year of his age. 
 
 This stone was erected as a monumental token of love and gratitude to our late pas- 
 tor, the Rev. Caleb Smith, who died 22d October, 1762, in the 39th year of his age. 
 Beneath this tomb the precious relics Ue, 
 Of one too great to live, but not to die. 
 Indued by nature with superior parts. 
 To swim in science, and to scan the arts, 
 To soar aloft, inflamed with sacred love, 
 To know, admire, and serve the God above; 
 Gifted to sound the thundering law's alarms. 
 The smiles of virtue, and the gospel's charms ; 
 A faithful watchman, studious to discharge 
 Th' important duties of his sacred charge ; 
 To say the whole, and sound the highest fame, 
 He lived a Christian, and he died the same. 
 A man so useful from his people rent, 
 His babes, the college, and the church lament. 
 
 Sacred to the memory of Doctor John Condit, a patriot soldier and surgeon during 
 the struggles of his country for freedom ; a member of the N. J. Legislature, and a 
 Representative and Senator in the Congress of the United States for thirty years in suc- 
 cession. His honors were awarded him by grateful constituents for his sound and vigor 
 ous intellect, stern integrity, and unwavering patriotism, in times of peril, and through- 
 out a long life. On the 4th of May, 1834, he died in Christian hope, revered, respected, 
 and beloved by all who knew him, aged 79 years. 
 
 In memory of Amos Dodd, who departed this life Sept. 20th, 1839, aged 71 years 
 and 8 months. This stone records the name of an idiot, familiarly known as the Dumb 
 Boy. Though he exhii)ited nothing of man but the material form, under its coarsest 
 aspect, and always required the care of a child, his protracted life attests the affection- 
 ate and dutiful kindness of the family to which he belonged. Twenty years ago a fond 
 mother resigned this object of yearning solicitude, under Providence, to a brother, who 
 his fraternal obligations and sympathies by raising this monument to the memory 
 Atnos. 
 
188 
 
 ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 Dr. Isaac Pierson, born \\ig. 15th, 1770, died Sept. 22d, 1833. He received lil 
 academic education at Princeton College, and was subsequently admitted a Fellow oi 
 the College of Surgeons and Physicians, New York. During nearly forty years, he 
 practised medicine in this village, and was a Representative of the State in the 20tb 
 and 21st Congresses. The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance. 
 
 Rev. Asa Hillyer, D. D., wag graduated at Yale College 1786, ordained a minister 
 of the gospel 1790, installed pastor of the Presbyterian church in Orange 1801, where 
 
 he continued to labor until his decease, Aug. 28, 1840, in his 77th year. Erected by 
 
 the Second Presbyterian Congregation of Orange, as a tribute of affection and esteem 
 for the deceased. 
 
 RAHWAY 
 
 (Engraved bj Dr. Anderson, of Jersey City, at tbe age ofOS. (See page 531.) 
 
 CerUral part of Eahway. 
 The original township of Railway was formed from Wcstfield and Elizabeth, and waa 
 about six miles long, with a breadth of about three, being bounded on the East by Staten 
 Island Sound. Its limits since have been mucli reduced. Tho statistics, &c.. on tho next 
 page, are descriptive of Rahway in 1842. Thocity of Rahway was incorporated in 1858, 
 and according to tliO State census of 1865, contained in its four wards a popnlatiou of 
 5,128. At tho present time the population is estimated at about 8,000. On the banks 
 of the Railway river which passes through tho township, there are numerous mills and 
 manufactories. There are 15 trains daily passing throu<rh tho i)lnco to and from New 
 York Great quantities of clothing are made here for the Southern market, and 30 car- 
 riage making ostablishmeuts in operation. 
 
 Railway was originally settled by the descendants of the set- 
 tlers of Elizabcthtown. The first dwellings appear to have been 
 built about 1720. The lower part of the village was almost 
 entirely settled by Friends. The place is supposed to have de- 
 rived its name from an Indian chief named Rahwack, who is said 
 to have lived where the town now stands. 
 
 The annexed engraving is a view of the hotel and some other 
 buildings in the central part of Rahway — a stopping-place for 
 
ESSEX COUNTY. 189 
 
 cars of the New Jersey railroad, 10 miles SW. of Newark, 19 
 from New York, 11 from New Brunswick, and 38 from Trenton. 
 The town or village of Rahway lies at the head of tide water, 5 
 miles from the mouth of Rahway river. Schooners of the largest 
 size are able to ascend the whole distance. It is divided by the 
 county line, Avhich mainly follows the river, into two parts, called 
 Upper and Lower Rahway. The latter, formerly known by the 
 name of Bridgetown, lies within the township of Woodbridge, 
 Middlesex co., and includes Leesville ; the former is a part of the 
 township of Rahway proper, and includes the small village of Mil- 
 ton. The population of the village in all its detached parts is 
 4,500. There are in the town 5 houses for public worship, 2 for 
 Friends, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Methodist, and 1 Baptist ; an Episcopal 
 church is now about being erected. Rahway enjoys excellent 
 advantages for a liberal education for youth of both sexes. It has 
 a classical boarding-school, where boys are prepared for college. 
 The Rahioay Female Institute, an excellent boarding-school for 
 young ladies, has been for several years in successful operation. 
 There are in the place a bank, an insurance-office, and about 30 
 stores. 
 
 Rahway derives its principal support from its manufactures. 
 These are chiefly carriage-making, in all its branches, hats, and 
 clothing. Previous to the late commercial embarrassments, there 
 were 12 large factories for making carriages, several large hat 
 factories, and the value of ready-made clothing amounted to about 
 half a million of dollars yearly. There are also manufactured 
 here stoves, earthen and stone ware : there is an extensive factory 
 for the dyeing, dressing, and printing of silks ; another for print- 
 ing calicoes, and a third for fulling cloth and the manufacture of 
 satinets. An iron foundry has been recently established. 
 
 Abraham Clark, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, 
 was born about one and a half miles from Rahway village, on the 
 upper road to Elizabethtown, Feb, 15th, 1726. He was the only 
 child of Thomas Clark, one of the aldermen of Elizabethtown. 
 He had naturally a weak constitution and a slender form, which, 
 though educated a farmer, prevented him from engaging in any very 
 laborious pursuits. His principal occupations in early life were 
 surveying, conveyancing, and giving legal advice. He was not by 
 profession a lawyer, but gave advice gratuitously, and by his gen- 
 erosity procured for himself the honorable title of the "Poo?^ Man's 
 Counsellor" He successively held the offices of high sheriff', com- 
 missioner for settling undivid(3d lands, and clerk of the colonial 
 assembly. In 1770 he was appointed one of the delegates to the 
 continental congress. He continued to be elected to a seat in 
 congress most of the time during the continuance of the old con- 
 federation ; and after the adoption of the federal constitution was 
 elected a member of the house of representatives of the United 
 States. Mr. Clark retired from public life in .Tune, 1794, and in 
 the autumn of the same year experienced a coup de soleil, or stroke of 
 
190 ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 the sun, which caused his death in two hours. " In private life he 
 was reserved and contemplative. Limited in his circumstances, 
 moderate in his desires, and unambitious of wealth, he was far 
 from being parsimonious in his private concerns, although a rigid 
 economist in public affairs." 
 
 The feelings which actuated Mr. Clark during his public life ap- 
 pear to have been very remarkably disinterested. He scrupulously 
 refrained from exerting his influence with congress in favor of his 
 sons, who were officers in the American army. In one instance, 
 however, paternal feeling was exercised with propriety. Thomas 
 Clark, one of his sons, a captain of artillery, was taken prisoner 
 and immured in a dungeon, with no other food than that which 
 was introduced by his fellow-prisoners through a key-hole. On a 
 representation of this fact to congress, retaliation was resorted to 
 upon the person of a British captain ; the desired result was pro- 
 duced, and Capt. Clark's sufferings were mitigated. 
 
 The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the 
 graveyard at Rahway : 
 
 Sacred to the memory of the Rev. Aaron Richards, of Raway, who deceased May 
 16th, 1793, aged 75 years, and in the 45th year of his ministry. 
 
 All who knew the man will join 
 
 Their friendly sighs and tears to mine ; 
 
 For all who knew his merits must confess, 
 
 In grief for him there can be no excess. 
 
 His soul was form'd to act each glorious part ; 
 J Of life unstain'd with vanity or art. 
 
 No thought within his generous mind had birth, 
 
 But what he might have own'd in heaven and earth. 
 
 In memory of Abraham Clark, Esq., who died Sept. 15th, 1794, in the G9th year of 
 his age. Firm and decided as a patriot, zealous and faithful as a public servant, he 
 loved his country, and adhered to her cause in the darkest hours of her struggle against 
 oppression. 
 
 Mr. John Lawrence, who, Nov. 6th, first drew his breath, and Oct. 16th, 1766, yield- 
 ed to death. 
 
 From London truly famed came I ; 
 Was bom in Stains, a place near by ; 
 In Raz-way at old age did die ; 
 And here intomb'd in earth must lie, 
 Till Christ ye dead calls from on high. 
 
 SPRINGFIELD. 
 
 Springfield was formed from Newark and Elizabeth, in 1793. 
 It is about G miles long, and 4 wide ; bounded N. by Livingston, E. 
 by Clinton and Union, SW. by Westfield and New Providence, and 
 W. by Chatham, Morris co. The surface is generally hilly ; the 
 Short Hills passing through it centrally. Rahway river, with sev- 
 eral branches, is on its eastern boundary, on which are numerous 
 mills and factories. There are in the township 11 paper-m., 3 
 
ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 191 
 
 grist-m., 2 saw-m. : cap. in manufac. 8158,694; 7 schools, 453 
 scholars. Pop. in 1865, 869. 
 
 The village of Springfield is on the turnpike road from Eliza- 
 bethtown to Morristown, 6 miles from the former, 11 from the lat- 
 ter, 8 SW. from Newark, and 50 from Trenton. It is at the foot 
 of the Short hills, or First mountain, near Rahway river. It is a 
 
 am 
 
 Western View in Springfield. 
 
 j.2easant village, containing about 200 houses, a Presbyterian and 
 a Methodist church, 5 stores, 10 paper-mills, v^^ith a number of hat 
 and shoe manufactories. The annexed engraving shows, on +he 
 right, the Presbyterian church ; on the left, the Methodist church 
 and the ancient parsonage. The parsonage was one of the few 
 dwellings preserved, when the British burnt the village and church, 
 in 1780. After the church was destroyed, public worship was for 
 some months performed in the parsonage, until the barn was ren- 
 dered in a measure convenient for that purpose ; where meetings 
 "ivere held until the present Presbyterian church was completed, in 
 1790 or 1791. 
 
 The following historical items were derived from two manuscript 
 sermons : one delivered by the present pastor of the Presbyterian 
 church. Rev. J. C. Hart, July 4th, 1840 ; the other by a former pas- 
 tor, in 1823. 
 
 The time the earliest white inhabitants established themselves 
 in Springfield, cannot now be ascertained with certainty. The 
 earliest accurate date is the year 1717, when the Briant family 
 came here, from Hackensack. The next authentic date is from a 
 tomb-stone of Mr. William Stites, in the old burying-ground, hav- 
 ing the date of 1727. When Mr. Briant's family came, there were 
 onl)' three houses between Elizabeth and Morristown. Springfield 
 originally belonged both to the township and parish of Elizabeth- 
 town ; and it is said that the people were accustomed to walk 
 thither to church, from this place, Union, and Westfield. In 1738, 
 it is believed that there were only three houses in the village of 
 Springfield ; which were occupied by Thomas Denman and the 
 
192 ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 Van Winckle and Whitehead families. It is probable that the 
 northern part of the township was first settled, inasmuch as the 
 first moeting-house and hurying-ground were situated there, about 
 half a mile north of the present residence of Mr. Aaron Dean. 
 
 The lirst Presbyterian church in this place was organized by the 
 presbytery of New York, in 1745 ; and was originally a branch of 
 that at Connecticut Farms. About that period the first church 
 was built. Jn 1746, the Rev. Timothy 8ymmes became pastor, in 
 connection with the church at New Providence, and continued un- 
 til 1750. He was the grandfather of Capt. Symmes, whose novel 
 theory of the structure of the earth excited so much attention, a 
 few years since. The second house of worship was probably 
 erected in 1761 or 1762, on the site of the present church. After 
 a vacancy of 13 years, the Rev. Mr. Ker, a native of Baskingridge, 
 was settled over the congregation, in 1763. He remained only two 
 years. In 1774, he was succeeded by Rev. Jacob Vanarsdalen, 
 who was dismissed on account of ill health, in 1801, and died in 
 this place, in 1803. His successor was Rev. Gershom Williams, 
 installed Aug. 1803, and dismissed in 1818. He was succeeded by 
 Rev. James W. Tucker, of Danbury, Conn., who was installed 
 Aug. 1818, and died in 1819. 
 
 The following account of the battle fought at Springfield, June 
 23d, 1780, and some of the previous events, are from newspaj)ers 
 published at the time : 
 
 Extract from a Letter from Morristown, June 9. — The day before yesterday the ene- 
 my came out from New York via Staten Island, and landed at Elizabetlitown about 
 5,000 men. Our army all moved to meet them. The militia turned out with spirit ; 
 skirmi-sliinif in abundance. One militia-captain, with four men, took si.xteen British. 
 It is said the enemy intended for this town. They have been between Connecticut 
 Farms and Springfield, and burnt every house in the former, (about twenty in number,) 
 e.xccpt one. They have been driven back to Elizabetlitown Point, where they lie behind 
 our old iiitrenchmcnts. Our army is at the Short Hills, this side of Springfield. The 
 militia arc near the enemy, and keep a constant popping at tliem. I believe New York 
 is very bare of troops. The torics were so sure of the enemy's succeeding, that they 
 sent word to their friends in Elizabethtovvn that they should pay them a visit the day 
 after the enemy came over. They arc balked ; the affair is not settled yet. Mr. Lud- 
 wig, of your city, and baker-general of the army, was in the action, and taken a pris- 
 oner. 
 
 Extract from a Letter frorn Baskingridge, dated June 10, 1780. — On Tuesday night, 
 the 6th inst., the enemy landed at Elizabetlitown Point, and early on Wednesday morn- 
 ing advanced in force as far as Connecticut Farms, within about two miles of Spring- 
 field. The Jersey brigade, which lay at Elizabeth, skirmished with them all the wa^' uj) ; 
 and such of the militia as could collect joined in opposing their progress, and fought in 
 such a manner as docs them great honor, and if possible exalts the reputation of the 
 Jersey militia. Their progress was stopped at a small bridge, by a single cannon, aided 
 probably by their own appreiiensions. 
 
 The skirmishing was very smart and bold on oui* part, so as to do them considerable 
 damage ; but as they continued to advance, but few of their killed and wounded fell in- 
 to our hands. They wounded four officers of the Jer.^ey brigade, and killed one — a Mr. 
 Ogdcn. I am uncertain of the number of men killed and wounded; and two of them 
 (British) have eoinc to this place, which is the nearest hospital. 
 
 Gen. Knyphausen eoimnanded in person, and it is said tliey brought with them seven 
 days' provisions, a great number of wagons, &c., as if they intended to make a stand 
 at some distance in tlie country, perhaps on the First mountain ; but a detachment of our 
 army, marching down as far as Springfield to meet them, arrived in the evening within 
 
ESSEX COUNTY. I93 
 
 two or three miles of the enemy, and halted until next morning, when a battle was ex- 
 pected. The enemy, in the mean time, not by moonlight, but under cover of a dark 
 o.loud, attended with some rain, retreated to Elizabcthtown Point, where they have re- 
 mained quiet ever since. Gen. Washington remains, with the main body of our army, 
 at the Short Hills. Gen. Maxwell, with some militia, lie as an advanced party, at or 
 near Elizabeth. 
 
 Since the enemy have been at Elizabcthtown Point, a party of sixteen of our militia 
 Inve been out upon a scout — fell in with seventeen of the enemy, whom they brought 
 oft', with their arms, without firing a gun. 
 
 We are informed that the enemy still continue at Elizabcthtown Point, inactive, ex- 
 cept scouting parlies, that are daily skirmishing with our militia ; in several of which 
 the militia have fought with great spirit, and been successful. Our loss is comj)utcd to 
 be about thirty killed and wounded, Capt. Reves being among the former. The enemy's 
 loss is said to be 150 killed, and as many more wounded. 
 
 Annexed is the report of Gen. Greene, relating to the action at 
 Springfield, and the burning of it by the British, June 23d, 1780. 
 In communicating this report to congress, Washington remarked : 
 
 The conduct of the enemy giving us reason to suspect a design against West Point, 
 on the 21st the army, except two brigades and the horse, (left under the command of 
 Gen. Greene, to cover the country and our stores,) was put in motion, to proceed slowly 
 towards Pomj)ton. On the 22(1 it arrived at Rockaway bcidge, about 11 miles from 
 Morristown. The day following the enemy moved in force from Elizabcthtown toward 
 Springfield. They were opposed, with great conduct and spirit, by Maj. Gens. Greene 
 and Dickinson, with the continental troops, and such of the militia as had assembled. 
 But, with their superiority of numbers, they of course gained Springfield. Having burnt 
 the village, they retired the same day to their former position. In the night they aban- 
 doned it, crossed over to Staten Island, and took up their bridge. I beg leave to refer 
 congress to Gen. Greene's report for particulars. 
 
 The enemy have not made their incursion into this state without loss. Ours has 
 been small. The militia deserve every thing that can be said, on both occasions. They 
 flew to arms universally, and acted with a spirit equal to any thing I have seen in the 
 course of the war. 
 
 Major General Greene''s Report. 
 
 Springfield, June 24, 1780. 
 
 Sir : I have been too busily employed, until the present moment, to lay before your 
 excellency the transactions of yesterday. 
 
 The enemy advanced from Elizabcthtown about five in the morning — said to be 
 about five thousand infantry, with a large body of cavalry, and fifteen or twenty pieces 
 of artillery. Their march was rapid and compact. They moved in two columns ; one 
 on the main road, leading to Springfield ; the other on the Vauxhall road. Maj. Lee, 
 with tiic horse and piquets, opposed the right column, and Col. Dayton, with his regi- 
 ment, the left ; and both gave as much opposition as could have been expected from so 
 small a force. 
 
 Our troops were so extended to guard the different roads leading to the several 
 passes over the mountain, that I had scarcely time to collect them at Springfield, and 
 make the necessary dispositions, before the enemy appeared before the town ; when a 
 cannonade commenced between their advance and our artillery, posted for the defence 
 of the bridge. The enemy continued manccuvring in our front for upwards of two hours, 
 which induced me to believe they were attempting to gain our flanks. My force was 
 small, and, from the direction of the roads, my situation was critical. I disposed of our 
 troops in the best manner I could to guard our flanks, to secure a retreat, and oppose the 
 advance of tiieir columns. 
 
 Col. Angcll, with his regiment and several small detachments, and one piece of ar- 
 tillery, was posted to secure the bridge, in front of the town. Col. Shrieve's regiment 
 was drawn up at the second bridge, to cover the retreat of those posted at the first. 
 Maj. Lee, with iws dragoons, and the piquets commanded by Capt. Walker, was posted 
 at Little's bridge., on the Vauxhall road ; and (>>1. Ogden was detached to support him. 
 The remainder of Gen. Maxwell's and Stark's brigades were drawn up on tiic high 
 grounds at the mill. The militia were on the flanks. Those under the command of 
 Gen. Dickinson made a spirited attack upon one of the enemy's flanking parlies ; but 
 his force was too small to push the advantage he had gained. 
 
 25 
 
194 
 
 ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 Plan of tTie 
 
 Battle of Springfield, fought 
 
 June 23, 1780. 
 
 [References. — A. Church. B. Parson- 
 age. E. First bridge on tlie main road. 
 C. Second bridge. J. Vauxhall bridge, 
 or Little's. D. Station of the Ameri- 
 can troops, on rising ground. F. Prin- 
 cipal pass over the Short Hills. H, G, I. 
 Other passes. K. High grounds and 
 mill, supposed to be the same as the first 
 range of hills in rear of Byram's tavern. 
 
 Note. — This map was drawn in 1842.] 
 
 While the cnem\' were making demonstrations on their left, their right column ad- 
 vanced on Maj. Lee. The bridge was disputed with great obstinacy, and the enemy 
 must have received very considerable injur}'; but by fording the river, and gaining the 
 point of the hill, they obliged the major with his party to give up the pass.* At this 
 instant their last column began the attack on Col. Angell. The action was severe, and 
 lasted about forty minutes, when su[)erior numbers overcame obs.tinate bravery, and 
 forced our troops to retire over the second bridge. There the enemy were warmly re- 
 ceived by Col. Shrievc's regiment : but as they advanced in great force, with a large 
 train of artillery, he had orders to join the brigade. 
 
 As the enemy continued to press our left, on the Vauxhall road, which led directly 
 into our rear, and would have given them the most important pass, and finding our 
 front too extensive to be effectually secured by so small a body of troops, I thought it 
 most advisable to take our post upon the first range of hills, in the rear of Byram's 
 tavern, where the roads are brought so near a point that succor might readily be given 
 from one to the other. This enabled me to detach Col. Webb's regiment, commanded 
 by Lieut. Col. Huntington, and Col. .Tacksnn's regiment, with one piece of artillery, 
 which entirely checked the advance of the enemy on our left, and secured that pass. 
 
 Being thus advantageously posted, I was in hopes the enemy would have attempted 
 to gain the heights ; but discovering in them no disposition for attacking us, and seeing 
 them begin to fire the houses in town, detachments were ordered out, on every quarter, 
 to prevent their burning buildings not under the immediate command of their cannon 
 and musketry. In a few minutes they had set fire to almost every house in town, and 
 begun their retreat. Capt. Davis, with a detachment of 120 men, several smaller par- 
 ties, with a large body of militia, fell upon their rear and flanks, and kept up a con- 
 tinual fire upon them, till they entered Elizabcthtown, wliich place they reached about 
 sunset. Stark's l)rigade was immediately put in motion, on the first appearance of a 
 retreat, which was so precipitate tiiat they were not able to overtake them. 
 
 The enemy continued at Elizabcthtown Point until 12 o'clock at night, and then 
 began to cross their troops to Staten Island. By six this morning, they had totally 
 evacuated Ihe Point, and removed tiieir bridge. Maj. Lee fell in with their rear-guard, 
 but they were so covered by their works, that little or no injurj' could be done thcni. He 
 made some refugee prisoners, and took some tories, which tliey abandoned to expedite 
 their retreat. 
 
 I have the pleasure to inform your excellency, that the troops who were engaged 
 behaved with great coolness and intrepidity, and the wliole of them discovered an im- 
 
 * Probably the first bridge. 
 
ESSEX COUNTY. 195 
 
 patience to be brought into action. The good order and discipline which they exhibited 
 in all their movements, do them the highest honor. The artillery, under the command 
 of Lieut. Col. Forest, was well served. I have only to regret the loss of Captain 
 Thompson, who fell at his side by a cannon-ball. 
 
 It is impossible to fix with certainty the enemy's loss ; but as there was much close 
 firing, and our troops advantageously posted, they must have suffered very considerably. 
 
 I herewith enclose your excellency a retiun of our killed, wounded, and missing, 
 which I am happy to hear is much less than I expected, from the heavy fire they sus- 
 tained. 
 
 I am at a loss to determine what was the object of the enemy's expedition. If it 
 was to injure the troops under my command, or to penetrate further into the country, 
 they were frustrated. If the destruction of this place, it was a disgraceful one. I la- 
 ment that our force was too small to save the town from ruin. I wish every American 
 could have been a spectator ; they would have felt for the sufferers, and joined to revenge 
 the injury. 
 
 I cannot close this letter without acknowledging the particular services of Lieut. 
 Col. Barber, who acted as deputy adjutant-general, and distinguished himself by his ac- 
 tivity in assisting to make the necessary dispositions. 
 
 I have the honor to be, &-c. N. GREENE, Major-General. 
 
 There were a number of prisoners made, but as they went to Morris, I had no return 
 of them. • 
 
 To his excellency General Washington. 
 
 Return of the killed, wounded, and missing, in the action of the 23d of June, 1780. 
 
 Springfield Artillery — Killed, 1 captain, 2 sergeants ; wounded, 2 matrosses. 
 
 Angell's Regiment — Killed, 1 sergeant, 5 rank and file ; wounded, 1 captain, 3 subs., 
 3 sergeants, 25 rank and file ; missing, 3 rank and file. 
 
 Shrieve's Regiment — Killed, 1 rank and file ; wounded, 1 sergeant, 2 rank and file ; 
 missing, 2 rank and file. 
 
 Dayton's Regiment — Killed, 2 rank and file ; wounded, 1 sub., 6 rank and file ; miss, 
 ing, 4 rank and file. 
 
 Spencer's Regiment — Wounded, 1 sergeant. 
 
 Lee's Detachment — Killed, 1 rank and file ; wounded, 4 rank and file. 
 
 Total — Killed, 1 captain, 3 sergeants, 9 rank and file ; wounded, 1 captain, 4 subs., 
 5 sergeants, 37 rank and file, 2 matrosses ; missing, 9 rank and file. 
 
 The return of Davis's detachment I could not get, he having marched off" the next 
 morning after the action. The return of the militia I cannot get. They had none killed, 
 but about 12 wounded. 
 
 (Signed) F. BARBER, Lieut. Col. 
 
 UNION. 
 
 Union was formed from Elizabeth in 1808. It is 5 miles long, 
 with an average width of 4i miles : bounded N. by Clinton ; E. by 
 Elizabeth ; S. by Rahway, and W. by Springfield and Westfield, 
 from which it is divided by Rahway river. The face of the town- 
 ship is undulating, the soil rich, easily tilled, very productive, and 
 well watered with fine streams. It is said that when Washington 
 was passing through this section, he pronounced it the " garden of 
 New Jersey," on account of its beauty and fertility. There are 
 large tracts of turf meadow in Union, containing probably about 
 500 acres, the largest of which lies directly south of the church. 
 The turf or peat is dug out in the summer, and dried under sheds 
 erected in the meadows, where it remains about one year to dry, 
 when it is used extensively as fuel. The inhabitants are principal- 
 ly agriculturists, who are generally in comfortable circumstances. 
 
jgg ESSEX COUNTY 
 
 There are 2 grist-m., 4 saw-m.; 1 academy, 5 schools, 183 scholars. 
 
 Pop Jii lfc65: 2,406 „ , ^, ^ ,. . 
 
 The villa^^e of Union, or, as it is generally known, Connecticut 
 Farms:' is in the northern part of the township, 4 miles ?^W. irom 
 Elizabethtown. SW. from Newark, and 47 from Trenton. It con- 
 tains the Post Office, Presbyterian church, and about 30 dwellings 
 in the immediate vicinity. This place was originally kno^yn as 
 "Wade's Farms;' from early settlers of that name, who resided in 
 this section. Previous to 1749, a number of families Irom Connec- 
 ticut purchased a large tract of land here, and divided it into farms 
 of a convenient size, and gave it the name of -'Connecticut t arms. 
 The favorable traits of New England character are still retained 
 among the inhabitants. , . i r u 
 
 The first pastor of the Presbyterian church at this place, ot whom 
 any information can be obtained, was the Rev. Mr. Horton ; but 
 the date of his settlement and removal is unknown. Ihe Uev. 
 Mr. Thane was settled in 1749, and removed in 1757. Rev. Mr. 
 Derbe was settled in 1758, and continued about two years ; Rev. 
 Benjamin Hait was settled in 1766, and died in 1779. Rev. Mr. 
 Fish was settled in 1789, and removed in 17-99. He was succeed- 
 ed by Rev. Samuel Smith in 1800, who died the next year. Rev. 
 Stephen Thompson, the next minister, was settled in 1802, and re- 
 moved in 1834, and was succeeded by Rev. Robert Street, the 
 present pastor, in 1835. , , , ^i 
 
 Durino- the revolution, this place was visited by the enemy, and 
 their path was marked by desolation and blood. When the British 
 army, under General Knyphausen, were on their march from Eliza- 
 bethtown toward Springlield, June 7, 1780, they burnt the church, 
 parsonage, and several dwellings at Connecticut Farms. These 
 were the houses of Benjamin Thompson, Moses Thompson, John 
 Wade, Robert Wade ; all on the road running east from the meet- 
 ing-house : Caleb Wade at the foot of the hill on which the church 
 stands. Before the dwellings were destroyed, they were searched, 
 and every thing of a portable character carried oil" Not any thing 
 was left. Even the beds were ripped open, the feathers thrown 
 into the street, and the ticking taken for clothing. The next day. 
 it is said, the feathers were seen thickly strewn upon the ground. 
 The few little valuables of the inhabitants, easily removed, were 
 secured, and sometimes in a singular manner. For instance, w^hat 
 little silver thev possessed, as spoons, &c., some would bury in the 
 ground, others "hide in the ash-hole, and some cast into the well. 
 
 In two or three years after, the meeting-house was rebuilt on 
 the same spot, and the parsonage also reconstructed on its former 
 site. 
 
 At the time the parsonage was burnt, and for a lew months pre- 
 vious, it was occupied by the family of the Rev. James Caldwell, 
 pastor of the First Presbyterian church at Elizabethtown, to which 
 they had resorted for greater security. 
 
 " Mrs. CaldweU was the daughter of John Ogden, Esq., of Newark. Her amiable 
 
ESSEX COUNTY. I97 
 
 disposition, piety, and exemplary deportment had obtai ned for her the very particular 
 respect and attaclnncnt of all who knew her. Her life had evinced she was worthy of 
 the sphere in whicli she had moved, and prepared for the event which now prematurely 
 befell her. She was the mother of nine children, the eldest of whom was sixteen years 
 old, and the younjrcst an infant. 
 
 "Althougli Mrs. Caldwell was apprized of the approach of the enemy in season to 
 escape, her mind was made up on this subject, and she resolved, in humble reliance on 
 Divine Providence, to remain at home. AVhen the enemy were entering the village, she 
 withdrew from the apartment she usually occupied, into one more retired, for the purpose 
 of devotion, as well as security, with her infant in her arms. The maid who had ac- 
 companied her to this secluded apartment, and had charge of the otlier small children, 
 on looking out of a window into the back yard, observed to Mrs. Caldwell that ' a red- 
 coat soldier had jumped over the fence, and was coming up to the window with a gun.' 
 Her youngest son, nearly two years old, playing upon the floor, on hearing what the 
 maid said, called out, ' Let me see! let me see ." and ran that way. Mrs. Caldwell 
 rose from sitting on a bed very near ; and at this moment the soldier fired his musket at 
 her through the window. It was loaded with two balls, which botli passed througli her 
 body. The surrounding buildings, and the house in which this deed was perpetrated, 
 were soon after set on fire. It was with difficulty the dead body of Mrs. Caldwell 
 could be preserved from the general destruction that ensued. After it had lain some- 
 time exposed in the open street, and in the hot sun, liberty was obtained to place her re- 
 mains in a small dwelling-house* on the opposite side of the road, which had survived 
 the genera! conllagration. 
 
 " The following night Mr. Caldwell spent at the Short Hills, near Springfield. He 
 retired to rest in the evening in excessive anxiety respecting the fate of his wife and 
 children. In his sleepless state he overheard two men in an adjoining room talking on 
 the subject of the death of Mrs. Caldwell. He rose quickly, and entered their room in 
 great agitation, and inquired what they liad heard on the subject. They represented it 
 only as a rumor, and probably a mistake, and persuaded him to return to his bed. The 
 remainder of the night was to him a season of painful suspense and anxiety. In the 
 morning Mr. Caldwell procured a flag, and proceeded with all possible speed to Connec- 
 ticut Farms, to visit his family, and ascertain their fate. While yet at some distance, 
 he discovered that tlie church and village were in ruins, and that the enemy had re- 
 turned to Staten Island ; and very soon he learned the truth of the afflicting rumor be- 
 fore received, that Mrs. Caldwell was no more. Her friends were assembled ; and the 
 funeral service performed, with as much solemnity and order as the desolation and 
 alarm universally jirevalent would permit." The inhuman murder of this estimable 
 lady, together with the wanton destruction of the village, produced a strong impression 
 on the public mind, and " served still more to confirm the settled hate of the well affect- 
 ed against the British government." 
 
 Among the tradilions of the revolution, the following are chroni- 
 cled in the meinory of .some of the aged at this place : 
 
 A house at Lyon's Farms, about three miles distant, was taken 
 po.ssession of during the war by twenty-five Hessians, and made a 
 place of rendezvous. Three daring men, viz. Matthias Wade, 
 
 Barnabas Carter, and Morehouse, determined to surprise and 
 
 rout them. The night was chosen, and their plan laid. Wade 
 was to shoot the sentinel in front of the house, the report of whose 
 gun was to be the signal for the other two to raise a shout back of 
 the dwelling and fire into the windows. The plan was completely 
 successful. The terrified Hessians, supposing they were surround- 
 ed by superior numbers, fled with all possible speed, leaving their 
 guns, ammunition, and other articles of value, to their victorious 
 enemies. 
 
 At another time, five Hessian soldiers obtained possession of a 
 
 * Then belonging to Capt. Henry Wade ; now rebuilt and occupied by Mr. Phineas 
 Crilley. 
 
J 98 ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 house near the present residence of Mr. Jonathan Mulford, in the 
 south part of the township. No sooner was it known, than the 
 dwelling was entered by Jonas and Matthias Wade, and Elijah 
 Terrill. The latter was immediately clinched, and would have 
 been overcome by the superior strength of his antagonist, but for 
 the timely assistance of one of his comrades, who ran the Hessian 
 through with his bayonet. The remaining four were then taken 
 prisoners. 
 
 About a quarter of a mile east of the meeting-house the road is 
 crossed by a small brook, on either side of which the ground is 
 considerably elevated. On the western eminence, about sixty of 
 the people planted themselves with only muskets, resolved to dis- 
 pute the passage of the British army on their march irom Eliza- 
 bethtown to Springfield ; and so well did they make their stand, that 
 for several hours they kept the enemy at a stand, and prevented 
 their progress until their want of ammunition compelled them to 
 retreat. 
 
 At this time, as the army were approaching the meeting-house, 
 a Mr. Ball had stationed himself behind a shop at the foot of the 
 church hill, across the road, to watch the movements of the enemy. 
 As he was looking from his hiding-place, to see how near they had 
 approached, a ball passed through his head, and brought him to 
 the ground. On the opi)osite side of the street, directly in the 
 rear of the store of Mr. Wade, Abial Hays and James W. Wade 
 were secreted behind a shoemaker's shop, and were eye-witnesses 
 to the fate of their friend. Unwilling to see him suffering without 
 affording assistance, Mr. Hays crossed the street in the face of the 
 enemy, carried away his wounded companion under cover of the 
 shop and house behind which the unhappy Ball had fallen, and 
 bore him to the house where Mr. Joel Searing now resides. 
 
 On the same day, the enemy were repulsed on their approach to 
 Springfield by a company of artillery under Capt. Little. This 
 corps were drawn up on the eastern border of Springfield, on the 
 bank of the Kahway river. As soon as the British rose the hill 
 near the stream, the}^ opened a fire upon them with so good an 
 effect as to bring them to a pause, having killed one horse, dis- 
 mounted a cannon, and wounded some of the men. In consequence 
 a council of war was held, and the march delayed until the next 
 day. 
 
 Jersey Blues. The origin of this name is somewhat curious. 
 It is said to have grown out of the following circumstance : A 
 volunteer company was formed in this vicinity, and furnished by 
 the patriotic females with tow frocks and pantaloons dyed blue. 
 They must have presented a singular appearance ; but they were 
 also singularly efficient in the day of trial. 
 
 The following inscriptions are from monuments in the grave- 
 yard adjoining the Presbyterian church. The first is that of the 
 mother of one of the first settlers. 
 
ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 199 
 
 Here lyeth ye body of Ann Wade, wife of Benjamin Wade, deceased ; who departed 
 this life July ye 31, A Domini 1737, in ye 88th year of her age. 
 
 Who knew him living must lament him dead. 
 Whose corpse beneath this Verdant Turf is laid. 
 Bonnel, in Private Life, in Public Trust, 
 Was Wise and Kind, was Generous and Just. 
 In Virtue's rigid Path unmoved he trod. 
 To Self Impartial, pious to his God. 
 Religion's Patron, and a Patriot True, 
 A general Good, and private blessing too, 
 What Bonnel was, and what his Virtues were, 
 The Resurrection day will best declare. 
 Joseph Bo.nnel, Esq., deceased March ye 14, 1747-8, in ye 63d year of his age. 
 
 In remembrance of Capt. Cornelius Williams, who died July 4, 1831, aged 77 years. 
 He served early and long in the revolution struggle ; was a brave soldier and a pleasant 
 commander. 
 
 WESTFIELD. 
 
 Westfield was formed from Elizabeth in 1794. Its extreme 
 length is 10 miles, with an average breadth of 5 miles. It is 
 
 Plainfield, from Randolph or Chestnut Hill. 
 
 bounded NE. by Springfield ; E. by Union and Rahway ; S. by 
 Piscataway and Woodbridge, Middlesex co. ; and westerly by 
 Warren, Somerset county, and New Providence. Much of the 
 soil is fertile, and in a state of high cultivation. Rahway river 
 forms a part of the eastern boundary, and Green brook the western. 
 There are in the township 12 stores, 1 paper fac, 5 flou/ing-m., 4 
 grist-m., 1 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. 8110.530; 2 academies, 70 
 students, 14 schools, 444 scholars. Pop.in, 1865, 1,082. 
 
 The large and thriving village of Plainfield is beautifully situ- 
 ated on Green brook, in the SW. part of the township of West- 
 field, on the line of the Elizabethtown and Somerville railroad, 20 
 miles from Newark, 16 SW. from Elizabethtown, 11 from New 
 
200 ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 Brunswick, 25 from New York, and 45 from Trenton. The view 
 from which the annexed engravinj? was copied, was taken from an 
 elevation on the road to Rahway, uf)ward.s of a mile from the vil- 
 lage. Phiintield contains 7 stores, 8 tailoring and G hat manufac- 
 turing establishments, 2 wheelwrights, 5 blacksmiths, 2 grist and 3 
 saw-mills, a Mutual Insurance company, established in 1832; 
 2 tire-engines, 2 boarding-schools, viz. "The Plainfield Family 
 School," and a Female Seminary. It has 7 houses for public 
 worship, viz. 1 Presbyterian, 2 Baptist, 1 Seventh-day Baptist, 2 
 Friends, and 1 Methodist ; there are about 300 dwelling-houses, and 
 nearly 1,500 inhabitants. "The country around the town is rich, 
 Weil cultivated, and healthy ; the society moral and religious, and 
 ambitious of improvement." The neighboring mountain, about a 
 m.lc N. of the town, atlbrds an abundant supply of cheap fuel, and 
 screens the valley from the violence of the N. and NW. winds ; and 
 froiu its summit a tine prospect is presented to the S. and E. over a 
 space of 30 miles. 
 
 The first frame-building in Plainfield was erected in 1735, at 
 which period there were but a few scattered log huts and Indian 
 wi,;\vams. In 1750 the first grist-m. was built, and in 17G0 the first 
 school-house. In 1788 the first meeting-house was erected by the 
 Friends. In 1808 the first hat manufactory was established. The 
 first Baptist church was erected in 1818 ; the Rev, Jacob Randolph 
 was pastor eight years, when he died. Rev. Daniel T. Hill was 
 settled as pastor in 1828 : he remained till his resignation in 1839, 
 when he was succeeded by Rev. Simeon J. Drake. The Presbyte- 
 rian church was built in 1826 ; the Rev. Lewis Bond being its first 
 pastor. The Methodist church was erected in 1832. The 2d Bap- 
 tist church, an elegant building, was erected in 1843; and Rev. 
 Daniel T. Hill chosen pastor. The Presbyterian society have laid 
 out a beautiful cemetery near the town. 
 
 The Scotch Plains, so named from having been settled by Scotch 
 emigrants about 1684, is a rich agricultural vicinity, in the west 
 part of the township, where there is a Baptist church. This church 
 (says Benedict, in his History of the Baptists) is a branch of the 
 ancient one in Piscataway, and was constituted in 1747, with 15 
 members. The first pastor was the Rev, Benjamin jNIiller, a native 
 of the place. He was ordained in 1748, and continued pastor till 
 his death in 1781. He is said to have been a wild youth, but met 
 with a sudden and surprising change, under a sermon of the cele- 
 brated Gilbert Tennent. Rev. Wm. Vanhorn was settled in 1785, 
 and died, in 1807, and was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Brown, of 
 Newark. From this church originated James Manning, D. D., the 
 first President of Brown University'. 
 
 Westfield is 7 miles W. from Elizabethtown, on the line of the 
 Elizabethtown and Somerville railroad. It is a neat village, con- 
 sisting of about 30 or 40 dwellings, in the vicinity of which is a 
 Presbyterian church. The following historical items are from a 
 discourse preached in January, 1839, by Rev. James M. Hunting, 
 .pastor of this church. 
 
ESSEX COUNTY. 
 
 201 
 
 This parish was settled ahout the year 1720, by the English. The most common 
 names among tiie early settlers here, were, as placed in alphabetical order, Acken, Badg- 
 ley, Baker, Bryant, Brooks, Crane, Clark, Craig, Cory, Connet, Davis, Denman, Dun- 
 ham. Frazee, Frost, Gennings, Hendrix, Hinds, High, Hetfield, Hole, Lambert, Littell, 
 Ludlu m, Meeker, Miller, Marsh, Mills, Pierson, Robinson, Ross, Spinnage, Scudder, 
 Tucker, Terry, Williams, Woodruff, Willcox, Yeomans. 
 
 Northeast View of Washington's Rock. 
 
 Previous to the erection of a church, the inhabitants attended 
 public worship at Elizabethtown. The fir.st place of public wor- 
 ship was a log house, built about 1730, which stood where Deacon 
 William Pierson recently resided. The congregation were called 
 together by the beating of a large drum. Soon after, a convenient 
 church was erected near the present site. In the revolutionary 
 war it was much injured by the enemy, and the bell carried to New 
 York. A minister was settled about 1730, by the name of Na- 
 thaniel Hubbel. The Mev. John Grant came in 1750 ; the Rev. 
 Benjamin Woodruff in 1759 ; the Rev. Thomas Picton in 1805 ; the 
 Rev. Alexander Frazee in 1819; Rev. Edwin Holt in 1827; and 
 the Rev. James M. Hunting in March, 1832. 
 
 At an elevation of about 400 feet, on the brow of the mountain 
 in the rear of Plainfield, stands Washins;ton''s Rock. It is one of 
 very large size — being about 25 feet in height, and from 30 to 40 
 
 20 
 
202 GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 
 
 in circumference. The bold projection which nature has given it 
 from the summit of the eminence, renders it a fine position for tak 
 ing an extensive view of the country below. 
 
 In the summer of 1777, the American army was stationed at 
 various places on the plain below — at New Market, Middlebrook, 
 &c. After the retreat of Sir Wm. Howe from New Brunswick, — 
 and upon his changing his movements, and marching from Amboy 
 toward where Plainfield now is, — Washington retreated to the 
 heights in face of the enemy. The advance guard of Howe's 
 army fell in with Lord Sterling's division. A skirmish ensued, 
 and, upon the approach of the column under Cornwallis, Sterling 
 was obliged to retreat. Howe pursued him to Westfield, and on 
 the next day returned to Amboy. Washington, at this time, was 
 on the rock, inspecting the operations of the armies on the plain. 
 
 At various times he resorted to this place to ascertain the move- 
 ments of the enemy. This circumstance has given the Rock a — 
 K.rt'c character to the people of the present day, which, in connec- 
 tion with the beautiful prospect it affords, has made it a place of 
 resort for parties of pleasure. The scene is one of uncommon 
 beauty. The whole country, apparently, lies as level as a map at 
 the feet of the spectator, for a circuit of (50 miles. On the lel't ap- 
 pear the spires of New York cit)*, part of the bay, Newark, Eliza- 
 bethtown. Rah way, and New Brighton. Directly in front are Am- 
 boy and Raritan bays. To the right New Brunswick, and heights 
 of Princeton and Trenton ; and far to the southeast the eye stretches 
 over the plains of Monmouth to the heights of Nevisink. Beauti- 
 ful villages bedeck the plain ; and cultivated fields, farmhouses, 
 and numerous groves of verdant trees, are spread around in pleas- 
 ing profusion. 
 
 GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 
 
 The average length of Gloucester co. is about 2G m., breadth on 
 the west end 26, and on the east 21 m. It is bounded NE. by Bur- 
 lington CO., SE. by Atlantic co., SW. by Salem co., and a small part 
 of Cumberland co., and NW. by the Delaware river. This county 
 was first laid out in 1077, and had its boundaries definitely fixed 
 in 1709. The SE. bounds were recently altered by the formation 
 of the four eastern townships into Atlantic co. Gloucester co. is 
 of alluvial tbrmation. In the NW. part reeds and other vegetable 
 deposits have been found many feet under ground. Further in the 
 interior, sea-shells are discovered in the soil. The surface of the 
 county is slij:;htly undulating, the soil in the NW. half generally an 
 admixture of clay and sand, and extremely fertile, yielding grain, 
 grass, fruit, and vegetables in abundance ; the '* jNIarl Region" 
 
GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 203 
 
 passes through this part of the county, and immense benefit has of 
 late years been derived from its use, whole tracts having been reno- 
 vated by its agency. Large quantities of cordwood and timber 
 are taken to market from the SE. part, which, excepting occasional 
 cultivated clearings, is covered with a pine forest interspersed with 
 villages, some of which contain glass-works. The county is wa- 
 tered by many streams : those emptying into the Delaware furnish 
 the means of transportation for the products of the county to Phil- 
 adelphia, the principal market for this section. The county is di- 
 vided into 10 townships, of which Deptford, Gloucester, Greenwich, 
 Newton, and Waterford, were incorporated in 1798. 
 
 The above statistics, &c., relate to Gloucester Co., before its divis- 
 ion in 1844, by the formation of Camden Co. Its townships now are, 
 
 Clayton, Franklin, Harrison, Woolwich. 
 
 Deptford, Greenwich, Mantua, 
 
 The population of the townships comprising Gloucester Co. in 
 1840, was 25,445 ; by the State census of 1865, it was 20,134. 
 
 CAMDEN. 
 
 Camden* was formerly embraced in Newton township, from 
 which it was set off, and incorporated into a city by a charter 
 passed on the 13th Feb., 1828. The corporate limits of the city, 
 containing in area about 2 square miles, are bounded on the N. and 
 E. by Cooper's creek and Newton township, on the S. by Little 
 Newton creek, and on the W. by the river Delaware. Within the 
 liberties are included several farms and forests ; the actual city 
 extending in detached villages along the river, and leaving to the 
 eastward " ample room and verge enough" for building and im- 
 provement. The most northerly of these villages is Cooper's Point, 
 at which place were established the first settlement and ferry ; 
 the next and largest is Camden proper, lying east of Windmill Isl- 
 and ; further down are South Camden and Kaighn's Point, lying 
 opposite the Philadelphia navy-yard, and reaching nearly to the 
 southern boundary of the city. The population in 1830, was 1,987, 
 and in 1840 it had increased to 3,300. 
 
 In 1078, Samuel Norris purchased the land now occupied by 
 Kaighnton and S. Camden, of Edward Byllinge and trustees; part 
 of which was sub.sequently conveyed by him to Robert Turner, and 
 by him to John Kaiglni. Further up, a tract was located on the 
 20lh Sept., 1081, by Wm. Royden, a purchaser I'rom the trustees of 
 Byllinge. This included the land between Kaighn's line and what 
 is now called Cooper's-st. This tract was sold in 1089 to Wm. 
 Cooper, who had before purchased " Pyne Point," the same now 
 called Cooper's Point. A descendant of this individual, Jacob 
 Cooper, bought from his predecessor 100 acres of land lying along 
 
 • Communicated for this work by Isaac Mickle, Esq., of Camden. 
 
204 GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 
 
 the Delaware from Cooper's-st. to Joseph Kaighn's line, for " the 
 sum of five shillinas, as well as for the natural love and affection 
 borne him" by the vendor. By a descendant of this gentleman 
 the town of Camden was laid out, receiving its name from an Eng- 
 lish nobleman who had shown himself favorable to the American 
 colonists. As early as 1695, a ferry to Philadelphia was established 
 here, and the place bore the name of Cooper's Point until changed 
 to its present appellation. — (MS. Lecture by Dr. Mulford.) In the 
 war of the revolution it was an outpost for the British during their 
 occupancy of Philadelphia, and the remains of the barracks built 
 by them are still visible on the farm of Joseph Cooper, Esq., at the 
 Upper Ferry. 
 
 There are some reminiscences connected with the early history 
 of Camden which it may not be uninteresting to record. In 1032, 
 when Capt. De Vries returned from Holland, and found the friends 
 he had left on the Delaware river murdered, and all the forts in 
 possession of the perfidious natives, " he was compelled to pardon," 
 says Gordon, " where he could not safely punish." He entered into 
 negotiation with the Indians, and his first care was to obtain pro- 
 visions, under the pretence of furnishing which the natives decoy- 
 ed him into Timmerkill, or Cooper's creek, where they designed to 
 murder him and his crew, as they had already others in the same 
 place on a former occasion. The persons thus betrayed, are sup- 
 posed by some to have been the colonists left a few years belbre 
 by Capt. Mey, in Fort Nassau, and by others the crew of a vessel 
 from Virginia. De Yries, not suspecting any snare, would have 
 met a similar fate, but for the kindness of an Indian woman, who 
 boarded his vessel by stealth, informed him that one company had 
 already been slaughtered in that place, and put him on his guard 
 against the meditated assault of her kindred. It is probable that 
 the scene of the intended massacre was that part of Cooper's 
 creek which lies opposite Ward's Mount : for here the bank rises 
 abrujjtly on one side to a considerable height, while the channel is 
 partially tilled with stones which have rolled down from the hill. 
 Having grounded the vessel, which was small, the Indians could 
 have assailed her with stones and arrows from the precipice, and 
 made her crew an easy sacrifice. This incident concurs with a 
 thousand others, to show that kindness is an essential quality of 
 the female heart, whether it beat in the savage or the belle ; and 
 the true lover of virtue cannot but regret that the name of De 
 Vries' beneAictress, because unknown, must remain forever unhon- 
 ored and unsung.* 
 
 Windmill Island was formerly connected with the Jersey shore at Cooper's Point. 
 The writer has before him a Mf''. letter from one Wm. Brown to Thomas l^cnn, dated 
 '• Pliiiiid., yth mo. 2(ltli. 17()1," — from which the followinjr is an extract: " I am now 
 willing to oli'er two hundred and fifty pounds for the whole island, rather than take the 
 lease proposed ; tho' John Kinsey, in his life-time, advised me to get a Jersey right for 
 
 * The incident here related forms the groundwork of a well-written tale in Miss Lea 
 lie's Magazine, called " Yacouta, a Legend of West Jersey." 
 
GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 205 
 
 it, as there had been g;rcat strife with the Jersey people about the grass, (tho' they tell 
 me where the gfrass grew tlien, it's gone, and gathered in this place,) and as that was not 
 called an island when our worthy proprietor bought the islands in the river with the 
 lower counties ; which I accordingly did. And, as a Jersey man informed me, he could 
 or did, when a boy, wade all the way from Cooper's Point to it ; and now it is very 
 shoal and stony ail the way over, so that they claimed the right to it, till I bought it of a 
 Jersey proprietor. Nevertheless, as our pro])rietors claim it, I am willing to pay them 
 for it, if I can have the whole for what I dare venture to give." The wharfs having 
 narrowed the western channel, and thrown an increased volume of water to the eastward 
 of the island, it is now severed from the Jersey shore. It now is most generally called 
 Smith's Island, from a man who purchased the Messenger of Peace, a Dutch vessel, 
 which brought out the news of the treaty of Ghent. The vessel, being condemned, was 
 run upon the northwest corner of the island, and turned into a pleasure-house, in which 
 parties and dances were frequently held until 1841. In olden times the island was used 
 as the place of execution for pirates. In 1798, three were hung there at one time, and 
 were left some days on the gibbet, a terrible example to " all others in like cases offending." 
 This island and bar being a great obstruction to the ferry navigation between Camden 
 and Philadelphia, the legislature of Pennsylvania authorized a ferry company, incorpo- 
 ted by New Jersey, to cut a canal through it. The work was begun in 1837, under the 
 superintendence of Charles Loss, Esq., engineer of the Camden and Amboy railroad 
 company, and of Joseph Kaighn, John W. Mickle, and Edwm A. Stevens, of the board 
 of direction of the ferry company ; and was completed at a cost of about ^40,000. It is 
 now passable at all tides, and greatly facilitates the intercourse between the two sides 
 of the river. 
 
 Within the memory of those living, the whole locality of Cam- 
 den was tilled as a farm, with but a few dwellings along the shore, 
 occupied by ferrymen. Then, long lines of black-cherry and mul 
 berry trees stood in the highways, and numerous apple orchards 
 allured the holyday and truant boys from Philadelphia. Towards 
 the end of the last centmy, indeed, the eccentric William Cobbett 
 and Matthew Carey fought a duel on a spot now the heart of the 
 city, unperceived by any one but their seconds. Camden is exclu- 
 sively the fruit of the nineteenth century, and her past growth 
 warrants every hope from the future. It is even now a place of 
 much business, — containing 17 mercantile stores, 5 churches, 
 (Friends, Episcopalian, Bapti.st, and Methodist, — the latter having 
 one house for the whites and another for the blacks,) a bank, 3 
 newspapers, 8 hotels, 4 lumber-yards, and many mechanical and 
 manufacturing establishments. There are several public gardens, 
 resorted to, during the summer, by thousands from Philadelphia, — 
 to which place there are 6 ferries, constantly plying, at low rates. 
 
 The above statistics of Camden are those of 1842. Camden 
 City is new [1868] divided into three wards, the IS'orth, Middle, 
 and South Wards, and is terminus of several railroads, the West, 
 Jersey, the Camden and Amboy, and the Camden and Atlantic. 
 There are 20 churclies, 6 Baptist, 7 Methodist, 3 Ei)iscopal, 2 
 Presbyterian, 1 Catholic and for Friends : there are two banks 
 the County buildings, gas works, &c. The population of the city 
 in 1800 was 14,358 ; in 1865, 18,313. 
 
20G 
 
 GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 
 
 I 
 
 Soldierh Mmument and Court ITouse, Camden, N J. 
 
 View of Camrlcn from Philadelphia. 
 
 Showing that part of the city as seen from tho foot of Walnut-ptreet Ferry. Windmill, 
 or Smith's Island appears in front, the canal through it oa the right. 
 
 DEPTFORD. 
 
 Deptford is about 7 m. lone:, (5 wide. Bounded NW. by the Dela- 
 ware river, NE. by Union and Gloucester, i^E. by Washington, and 
 SW. by Greenwich. Its surface is undulating, soil well-cultivated 
 and highly productive in fruit and vegetables. There are in the 
 township. 5 woollen fac, 1 cotton fac. ; 3 fulling-m., 2 saw-m. : cap. 
 in manufac. §32,U00 ; 7 schools, GG2 scholars. Pop 3,S07. 
 
GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 
 
 207 
 
 The first attempt to effect a settlement on tlic eastern shore of the Delaware, is be- 
 lieved to have been made within the limits of this township. About the year 1G21, the 
 Dutch West India Company dispatched a ship containing a number of persons fully 
 provided with the means of subsistence, and articles of trade, under the command of 
 Cornelius Jacobse Mey. This navigator entered Delaware bay, and gave his own name 
 to its northern cape. He explored the bay and river, and at length landed and built a 
 fort on Sassackon, now Timber creek, on tlie NE. boundary of the township, and named 
 it Fort Nassau. "The spot is one of great interest. Perhaps no vestiges now remain 
 to mark the place ; but it should be sought out and held in careful remembrance. The 
 rocky shore at Plymouth has almost become a nation's shrine — multitudes meet there 
 togetlier, on each returning year, to ofter the homage of grateful hearts to Him who 
 guides the affairs of men. There are age and infancy — the man in his strength, and the 
 maiden in her beauty and bloom ; a people are gathered as to one home, and a holy bond 
 of brotherhood seems to encircle the whole. The spot upon the Delaware may not be so 
 rich in interest. The chain connecting the events at that place with our present con- 
 dition, may not be so perfect and entire. The actors were not our own people. But 
 still, this was the first movement of civilized man upon our soil ; and we again say, let 
 the place be held in remembrance."* 
 
 " The site of old Fort Nassau is said to have been upon the farm of the Howell fam- 
 ily, just below the mouth of Timber creek. The colonists soon fell beneath the toma- 
 hawk of the Indians. They were induced on some pretence, it is said, to enter Cooper's 
 creek, with their vessel, on board of which they were attacked at great disadvantage and 
 murdered." 
 
 Court House ami Soldiers' Monument, at Woodbury, N. J. 
 "Woodbury, the .scat of justice for Gloucester Co., is pleasantly situated or 
 Woodbury, 9 rns. from I'liiladelphia and 39 from Trenton. The view shows 
 the Court House and tlie Soldiers' Monument, a most tasteful and fitting 
 structure in all its part.-;. On it is inscribed the names of 212 officers and men 
 who perished in the kte civil war. It is surmounted by the American eagle, 
 as if drooping in sorrow over the slain, and at the base a group of military 
 equipments, as if left by the departed. The moument is inscribed 
 
 " To her citizens who died in defence of the Union 
 during the late Rebellion, Gloucester County dedi- 
 cates this monument, 18G7." 
 
 Brigadier Generals, George Bashiel Bayard, Charles G. Harker, Joshua B. 
 Howell. — Cajitain, Edward Carlyle Norris. — Lieutenants, Mark H. Roberts, 
 Joseph H. Johnson, James S. Stratton, Joseph Pier.son. [Here follows the 
 non-coramit'sioned oflQcers and privates.^ 
 
208 GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 
 
 Woodbury is on tlie railroad line from Camden to Vineland, 
 Cape May Island, Millvillc and other places, and small vessels 
 can sail up AVoodbury Creek to the village. There are several 
 churches, classical schools, an academy, a bank, public libraries, 
 upwards of 100 dwellings, and over 1000 inhabitants. 
 
 ^ •••••- Woodbury was tirst settled in 1G84, by Richard 
 
 Wood, a native of Perry, in Lancashire, England. He had come 
 over with the first settlers of Philadelphia. Leaving his family in 
 that city, he ascended the creek in a canoe, and, with the aid of 
 the Indians, erected a rude dwelling. The whole process of build- 
 ing, and removing his family, was accomplished in the short space 
 of one week. A brother shortly after arrived, and settling higher 
 up the stream, named the locality Woodbury. 
 
 It seems the little colony soon became short of provisions, and 
 none being nearer than Burlington, the male colonists started off 
 in canoes lor that place to obtain some. A storm prevented their 
 return as soon as expected — the provisions left forthe women were 
 exhausted — and the poor creatures, overwhelmed with grief, looked 
 for nothing but starvation in a strange land, with none of their kin- 
 dred near to sooth their dying moments. Thus were they grouped 
 together at the bend of the creek, near where the graveyard now 
 is, Avatching, with tearful eyes, the flowing tide, and listening in 
 vain for the sound of the returning paddles, when an Indian avo- 
 man appeared on the opposite bank, saw they were in trouble, and 
 stopped. By their signs, she understood their wants, and then dis- 
 appeared in the shade of the forest. In an hour or two, (for she 
 had 2:one several miles.) she returned, loaded with venison and 
 corn bread. These she placed on a long piece of bark, and, walk- 
 ing a good way to tide ward, set it afloat, and gave it a push across. 
 It came to where the white women were, and its contents saved 
 their lives ; for their husbands returned not until such a length ol" 
 time, that, but for her, starvation would have been inevitable. 
 
 Lord Cornwallis w^as stationed in Woodbury, in the winter of 
 1777, with a body of British troops. His head-tjuarters were in the 
 dwelling now owned and occu])ied by Amos Campbell, Esq. It had 
 been vacated on the approach of the enemy. The soldiers pried 
 open the doors and cupboards with their bayonets, marks of which 
 remain to the present day. The following anecdote illustrates the 
 generosity of disposition of this ofiicer. k5ome of the soldiers seized 
 upon a valuable cow belonging to a strong whirr, who called upon 
 his lordship and requested the restoration of his property. Corn- 
 wallis questioned the man upon his political principles. He en- 
 deavored, though unsuccessfully, to conceal them. >^oon after his 
 arrival at home, the animal was returned to him. The lamented 
 Capt. James Lawrence, of the U. S. navy, was once a student at 
 the village academy, and resided with his brother John Lawrence, 
 
GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 209 
 
 Esq. He is remembered as an amiable youth, quiet in manner, and 
 genteel in person. 
 
 CouNTV Records. — The oldest book of records in the Clerk's office of the county ex- 
 tend from 1686 to 1712, cmbracinjr a period of 26 years. The courts were intended to 
 be holden at Gloucester and Red Bank alternately, but for some reason not explained by 
 the records, the latter place was soon abandoned ; probably on account of the inconveni- 
 ence of the location. Four or five county justices were generally in attendance, forming 
 the bench. The courts of March and Dec, 1692, and Sept. 1694, were presided over by 
 Edward Hunloke, deputy governor, in person. .Sept. 1698, the Hon. Jcrciniali Bass, 
 governor, was present ; and in March, 1700, the Hon. Andrew Hamilton, governor, pre- 
 sided. Bass appears to have been decidedly unpopular— oHicers and jurors could scarce- 
 ly be procured — and the courts under his administration did little more than meet and 
 adjourn. Hamilton, on the contrarj^ was a general favorite — six magistrates sat with 
 him, when^rn~tTie county — some of the most respectable and extensive families in the 
 county can claim members of that tribunal for their ancestry. The minutes of a court 
 held in June, 1703, concludes thus : " Here ends the Proprietary Government of ye Pro- 
 vince of West New Jarsie, in America." Allegiance to the crown is acknowledged at 
 the conclusion of every court afterwards, by inserting the phrase "God save the Queen." 
 (The proceedings of the next court, after the Declaration of Independence was issued, 
 prove that a disposition to alter the phraseology very materially was predominant. In 
 this instance " God save the People" brings up the rear ; and the worthy recorder ap- 
 pears to have entertained no conscientious scruples about the waste of ink.) 
 
 The first tax that was levied was for defraying county expenses, in 1697. Provincial 
 taxes commenced in 1692. The first ferry to Philadelphia was from Gloucester ; appli- 
 cation for the keeping of one was granted by the court to William Royden, in 1687 : 
 the next application was for one ovei Gloucester river, (Timber creek,) in 1693, which 
 was granted ; in 1695, applications for the present middle ferrry at Camden, and from 
 Gloucester to Wiekaco (Gre(!nwich Point,) were granted ; the first to Daniel Cooper, the 
 other to John Reading: the court established the rates. John Champion was authorized 
 to establish a ferry over Cooper's creek in 1702. A wolf bounty was established in 1688 ; 
 and in the following year a direct tax was laid for'defraying the expenses incurred there- 
 by. Panthers appear to have been included. The county was first divided into town- 
 ships, or constablewicks, in 1694, according to an act of assembly. Waterford, New- 
 ton, Gloucester, Deptford, and Greenwich, were the original townships. 
 
 At the court held in Dec, 169.5, it was ordered, " That a prison be, with all convenient 
 expedition, built, 16 feet long, 12 feet wide in the clear, and 8 foot high ; to be made of 
 loggs, with a floor of loggs above and below, covered with cedar shingles, and a parti- 
 tion in the middle." A modification of the above order was made at the next court. 
 The dimensions were altered to 20 by 16 feet ; also a " courthouse over the same, of a 
 convenient height and largeness, covered of and with cedar shingles, well and workman- 
 like to be made, and with all convenient expedition finished." In 1708, an addition was 
 ordered upon the following plan : " That it join to the south end of the old one ; to be 
 made of stone and brick, 12 foot in the clear, and 2 story high, with a stack of chimneys 
 joining to the old house ; and that it be uniform in breadth to the courthouse from the 
 foundation." Sept. 1690, two prisoners were convicted of burglary : the sentence was, 
 that they should be burnt in the hand to the bone with the letter T, or be sold to the 
 'master of some vessel in Barbadoes, Jamaica, or other adjacent island, for the term of 
 5 j-ears. Both chose transportation. Licenses for houses of entertainment were first 
 {rranted in 1()92 ; three were applied for — all in the town of Gloucester. Dec. 1693, 
 Richard Wliitaker was tried, and found guilty of selling rum to the Indians, contrary 
 to the laws of the province. Sentenced to pay .£3, with costs of suit. March, 1700, 
 the court ordered that such assemblymen as require pay, receive 3 shillings per day for 
 each day's service, with allowance for one day going up, and another day coming down. 
 In 1706, William Leak, of Egg Harbor, was fined .£1 \()s. 6</. for contempt of authority. 
 
 Fort Mercer is on the Delaware, within the limits of this town- 
 ship, and Fort Milllin on an island in the river ; distant a little 
 over 1 mile. These fortresses were scenes of important military 
 operations in the lall of 1777, just after the British troops had ta- 
 ken possession of Philadelphia. 
 
 The fortification at Red Bank was little more than an embank 
 
 27 
 
210 
 
 GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 
 
 ment of earth and a ditch filled with brush and sharj)ened timber 
 We annex the account of the attack on Fort Mercer, given by the 
 Marquis de Chastellux in his " Travels in North America." This 
 
 PLAN 
 
 Of Fort Mercer, at Red Bank, N. J.* 
 
 REFERENCES. 
 
 A End of the fort at which the Hessians 
 entered. 
 
 B Small ditch, cross embankment and lo- 
 cation of the masked battery. 
 
 C Remains of the hickory-tree used daring 
 the battle as a flag-staff. 
 
 D Ruins of a brick wall in the middle of 
 the artificial bank. — Gateway. 
 
 E Count Donop's grave. 
 
 F Louis Whitall's house. 
 Ai Monument, erected in 1829. 
 
 H Pleasure-house. 
 
 I Marks of the trenches in which the slain 
 were deposited. 
 
 K Road the Hessians marched to the at- 
 tack. — Reeve's old road. 
 
 L Tenant house. 
 
 M Road to Woodbury. 
 
 N Direction of Fort Mifflin 
 
 O Farm road. 
 
 Note. — The works represented extend 
 
 about 350 yards in a riglit line. 
 
 %Fort 
 
 I 
 
 gentleman was a major-general in the army of Count Rochambeau. 
 He visited the place in company with Lafayette and M. du Plessis 
 Mauduit. His very interesting narration of the action is related 
 with military perspicuity. 
 
 Our conductor was M. du Plessis Mauduit, who, in the double capacity of engineer 
 and officer of artillery, had the charge of arranging and defending this post, under the 
 orders of Col. Greene. 
 
 We had not gone a hundred yards before we came to a small elevation, on which a 
 stone was vertically placed, with this short epitaph : " Here lies buried Col. Donop."t 
 M. de Mauduit could not refrain from ex|)ressing his regret for this brave man, who died 
 in his arms two days after the action. He assured us that we could not make a step 
 without treading on the remains of some Hessians, — for near 300 were buried in the 
 front of the ditch. 
 
 * The compilers arc indebted to Messrs. T. S. & E. Saunders, of Woodbury, for the 
 plan of Fort Mercer, made by them from actual survey, for this work, in April, 161*2. 
 
 t Count Donop's remains have lately been disinterred and scattered abroad aa reUca, 
 to gratify an iincommendable curiosity. — Compilers His. Coll. of N. J. 
 
GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 211 
 
 Tlic fort of Redbank was designed, as I have said above, to support the left of the 
 chevaux-dc-frize. The bank of tlic Delaware, at this place, is steep ; but even this 
 steepness allowed the enemy to approacli the fort undercover, and without being exposed 
 to tlie fire of the batteries. To remedy this inconvenience, several galleys, armed with 
 cannon, and destined to defend the chcvaux-de-frize, were posted the whole length of the 
 cscarpcment, and took it in reverse. The Americans, little practised in the art of forti- 
 fications, and always disposed to take works beyond their strength, had made those of 
 Redbank too extensive. When I\I. de Mauduit obtained permission to be sent tiiilhcr 
 with Col. Greene, he immediately set about reducing the fortifications, by intersecting 
 them from cast to west, — which transformed them into a sort of large redoubt, nearly 
 of a pentagonal form. A good earthen rampart raised to the height of the cordon, a 
 fosse, and an abattis in front of the foss<5, constituted the whole strength of this post, — 
 in which were placed three hundred men* and fourteen pieces of cannon. The 22(1 of 
 October, in the morning, they received intelligence that a detachment of 2,.5()0 Mcssians 
 were advancing, — who were soon after perceived on the edge of a wood to the north of 
 Redbank, nearly within cannon shot. Preparations were making for the defence, when 
 a Hessian otRcer advanced, preceded by a drum. He was sufi'cred to approach : but his 
 harangue was so insolent, that it only served to irritate the garrison, and inspire tliem 
 with more resolution. " The King of England," said he, " orders his reheUious sub- 
 jects to lay down their arms; and they are warned, that if they stand the battle, no 
 tjtinrters VDhattctr icill be given.'''' The answer was, that they accepted the cliallcnge, 
 and that there should be no quarter on either side. At 4 o'clock in the afternuon, the 
 Hessians made a very brisk fire from a battery of cannon ; and soon after, tiiey opened, 
 and marched to the first intrenchmcnt, — from which (finding it abandoned but not de- 
 stroyed) they imagined they had driven the Americans. They then shouted victoria, 
 waved their hats in the air, and advanced towards the redoubt. The same drummer 
 who a few hours before had come to summon the garrison, and had appeared as insolent 
 as his officer, was at their head, beating the march. Both he and that officer were 
 knocked on the head by the first fire. The Hessians, however, still kept advancing 
 within the first intrenchment, leaving tlic river on their right. They had already reached 
 the abattis, and were endeavoring to tear up or cut away the branches, when they were 
 overwhelmed with a shower of musket shot, which took them in front and in flank ; for, 
 as chance would have it, a part of the courtine of the old intrenchment, which had not 
 been destroyed, formed a projection at this very part of the intersection. M. de Mauduit 
 had contrived to form it into a sort of caponiere, (or trench with loop-holes,) into which 
 he threw some men, who flanked the enemy's left, and fired on them at close shot. Of- 
 ficers were seen every moment rallying their men, marching back to the abattis, and fall- 
 ing amidst the branches they were endeavoring to cut. Col. Donop was particularly 
 distinguished by the marks of the order he wore, by his handsome figure, and by his 
 courage. He was also seen to fall like the rest. The Hessians, repulsed by the fire of 
 the redoubt, attempted to secure themselves from it by attacking on the side of the es. 
 carpement ; but the fire from the galleys sent them back, with a great loss of men. At 
 length they relinquished the attack, and regained the wood in disorder. 
 
 While this was passing on the north side, another column made an attack on the 
 south, and, more fortunate than the other, passed the abattis, traversed the fosse, and 
 mounted the berin ; but they were stopped by the fraises, and M. de Mauduit running to 
 this post as soon as he saw the first assailants give way, the others were obliged to follow 
 their example. They still did not dare, however, to stir out of the fort, fearing a sur- 
 prise ; but M. de Mauduit wishing to rej)lace some palisades which had been torn up, he 
 sallied out with a few men, and was surprised to find al)out twenty Hessians standing on 
 the berm, and stuck up against the shelving of the parapet. These soldiers, who had 
 been bold enough to advance thus far, — sensible that there was more risk in returning, 
 and not thinking proper to expose themselves, — were taken and brought into the fort. 
 M. dc Mauduit, after fixing the palisades, employed himself in repairing the abattis. He 
 again sallied out witii a detachment ; and it was then he beheld the deplorable spectacle 
 of the dead and dying, iieapcd one upon another. A voice arose from amidst these car- 
 cases, and said, in English, " Whoever you arc, draw me hence." It was the voice of 
 Col. Donop. M. dc Mauduit made the soldiers lift him up, and carry him into the fort, 
 
 * This corps were from Rhode Island, and were under the command of Col. Christo- 
 pher Greene. A great portion of them were negroes and mulattoes, and the whole in a 
 ragged, destitute condition ; but the fire of patriotism glowing within, rendered them com- 
 paratively indifferent to their personal sufferings. — Compilers His. Coll. of N. J. 
 
212 
 
 GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 
 
 where he was soon known. He had his hip broken ; but whether tliey did not consider 
 his wound as mortal, or tliat they were heated by the battle, and still irritated at the 
 menaces thrown out airainst them a few hours before, the Americans could not help say. 
 ing, aloud, " Well ! is it determined to give no quarter ?" " I am in your hands," re- 
 plied the colonel : " you may revcnire yourselves." M. de JVIauduit had no difficulty in 
 imposing silence, and em])loycd himself only in taking care of the wounded officer. The 
 latter, perceiving he spoke bad English, said to him, — " You appear to me a foreigner, 
 sir : wiio are you ?" " A French officer," replied the other. " Je suis content,'''' said 
 Donop, making use of our language : " je meurs cntre les mains de Vhonneur meme.'" 
 [I am content : I die in the hands of honor itself.] The next day he was removed to 
 the Quaker's house, where he lived three days, during which he conversed frequently 
 with M. de Mauduit. He told him that he had been long in friendship with M. de Saint 
 'Jermain ; that he wished, in dying, to recommend to him his vanquisher and benefactor. 
 He asked for paper, and wrote a letter, which he delivered to M. de Mauduit, — requiring 
 of him, as the last favor, to acciuuiiit him when he was about to die. The latter was 
 soon under the necessity of acquitting himself of this sad duty. " It is finishing a noble 
 career early," said the colonel ; " but I die the victim of my ambition, and of the avarice 
 of m)T sovereign." 
 
 Fifteen wounded officers were found, like him, upon the field of battle. M. de Man 
 duit had the satisfaction to eonduct them himself to Philadelphia, where he was ver;i 
 well received by Gen. Howe. 
 
 Red Bank, from the Delaware River. 
 
 An eye-witness, who the next day saw the Americans burying 
 the bodies of Donop's men, testifies that some of them were perfo- 
 rated with wad.s, and others literally blown to pieces with .shot — so 
 near were they to the fatal muzzles. Many of the wounded Hes- 
 sians were carried to the Whitall house, and those that died buried 
 in the vicinity. 
 
 The bravery of the rtien, in this action, was equalled by the hero- 
 ism of Mrs. Whitall. This lady, it is said, sat a spinning: in the 
 first house below the battle-ground during the conflict, until a can- 
 non-ball, whistling through the entry, induced her to take her 
 wheel into the cellar, where she continued to spin undisturbedly 
 through the whole engagement, although the dwelling was struck 
 several times by the shot from the British fleet playing on Fort 
 Mercer. 
 
 "Only 32 Americans wore killed, and many of these by the 
 bursting of one of their cannon.* A sword was voted by Congress 
 to Col. Greene, as a testimonial of his valor, — which, after the war, 
 was presented to his family, when he was no longer living to receive 
 
 * This piece is now in the vicinity, within one third of a mile of the fort. 
 
GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 213 
 
 it. He was, some time in the war, basely murdered by a band of 
 refugees. Attacked in his quarters, his single arm laid several 
 dead at his feet, when, overpowered by numbers, and having 
 fought until the flesh was literally hacked from his bones, he fell a 
 victim to their barbarity." 
 
 In commemoration of the battle of Red Bank, a handsome monu- 
 ment of gray marble has been erected just N. of the pleasure-house, 
 bearing the following inscription : 
 
 This Monument was erected on the 22d October, 1829, to 
 transmit to posterity a grateful remembrance of the patriot- 
 ism and gallantry of Lieut. Col. Christopher Greene, who, 
 with 400 men, conquered tlie Hessian army of 2,000 troops, 
 then in the British service, at the Red Bank, on the 22d Oct., 
 1777. Among the wounded was found their commander. 
 Count Do.vor, wiio died of his wounds, and whose body is 
 interred near the spot where he fell. A number of the New 
 Jersey and Pennsylvania volunteers, being desirous to per- 
 petuate the memory of the distinguished officers and soldiers 
 who fought and bled in the glorious struggle for American 
 Lidependencc, have erected this monument on the 22d day 
 of October, Anno Domini 1829. 
 
 "Fort Mifflin." says a late traveller,* " is still garrisoned with U. 
 S. troops. The line of the embankment at Port Mercer is yet 
 plainly seen ; and the place is now, as in the hour of our country's 
 peril, covered with a gloomy pine forest. Towards the close of a 
 fine afternoon I visited the battle-ground. Here and there a sail 
 dotted the Delaware, which lay calmly before me. A few solitary 
 fishermen were pursuing their accustomed avocations upon the 
 shore below the bank, and it .seemed as though this secluded spot 
 had ever been the abode of peace. I lingered until the shades of 
 evening began to darken the distant landscape and enshroud the 
 forest in gloom. The fishermen had gathered their nets, and re- 
 tired to their humble homes ; and I was left alone, with no com- 
 panions but my thoughts, and nothing to disturb save the gentle 
 rippling of the waves upon the smooth pebbly beach. With reflec- 
 tions suggested by the occasion, I was slowly departing, when the 
 distant roll of a drum from Fort Mifilin, summoning the soldiers to 
 evening parade, was borne on the still air across the intervening 
 waters, reminding me that war's dreadful trade was not over, — 
 that the time had not come ' when the lion and the lamb should lie 
 down together,* and all nations dwell in peace." 
 
 FRANKLIN. 
 
 Franklin was formed from Woolwich and Greenwich in 1820. 
 It is 15 miles long, 6i wide ; bounded NE. by Washington, SE. by 
 
 * From " Historical and Descriptive Letters on New Jersey," by the junior com- 
 piler of this work. 
 
214 GLOUCESTER COUNTY 
 
 Hamilton, Atlantic co., SW. by Pittsgrove, Salem co., and Millville, 
 Cumberland co., and NW. by Woolwich and Greenwich. Its sur- 
 face is level ; soil light, and a greater part of the township is cov- 
 ered with pines. There are in the township 4 glass-houses, 5 stores, 
 2 grist-m., 8 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $8S,000 ; 7 schools, 535 
 scholars. Pop. in 1865, 1,989 
 
 Glassboro is about ten miles SE. of Woodbury, in the NW. cor- 
 ner of the township, in a pine country. This village was settled 
 during the American revolution, by Stangeer & Co., seven brothers. 
 Avhn built some log dwellings, and established a glass factory, which 
 stood about fifty rods E. of the site of the present tavern. They 
 were originally from Germany, and had just previously been em- 
 ployed in W istar's glass-house in Salem co., the first of the kind es- 
 tablished in North America. Glassboro is an improving place, and 
 land has trebled in value within a few years by the use of marl, 
 lime, and ashes. It contains extensive glass-works now in opera- 
 tion, and owned by Thomas H. Whitney, Esq. ; 2 Methodist and 1 
 Episcopal church, an academy, 2 stores, 100 dwellings, aiAl about 
 GOO inhabitants. Franklinville, formerly Little Ease, 6 miles SE. 
 of Glassboro, contains a fine hotel, a saw-mill, a few mechanics, 
 and about a dozen dwellings. Malaga, at the angle of Gloucester, 
 Cumberland, and Salem counties, on the head-waters of Maurice 
 river, contains a tavern, glass factory, saw-mill, Methodist churcli, 
 and al>out 35 dwellings 1842. 
 
 Gloucester Fox-Hunting Club. A famous club for the purposes 
 of hunting in this county, bearing the above title, was established 
 in 1770. and continued in existence until the year 1818. It ranked 
 among its members some of the first gentlemen in this county and 
 Philadelphia. The revolutionary war for a time put a stop to the 
 affairs of the chase, when no less than twenty-two of its members 
 associated and formed the " First Troop of Philadelphia City Cav- 
 alry," its president, Samuel Morris, captain, nearly all of whom 
 faithfully served in the troop in the memorable campaigns of '76 
 and '77. The war completely ended, the club was revived, after 
 years of separation, to course again over the pines and plains of 
 Gloucester county, in the exhilarating pleasures of the chase. 
 
 The liiiiits, says the author of the memoirs of the club,* took place principally at 
 Cooper's creek, at tiie Ilorscheads, Blackwood. town, Heston's glass-works, and some- 
 times at Thompson's Point, on the Delaware, many miles to the soutii. Tho chase usu- 
 ally lasted from one to five or six hours, and sometimes in hot pursuit has been made 
 for eight or ten, alter an old, straight-forward, fleet-running Red Jacket, eonsequrntiy 
 coursing over a vast extent of country. It is needless to note how many in such enier- 
 gencies would give up the chase, or be lost sight of, and completely thrown out. In 
 1798, one of them carried the pack in full cry to Salem, forty miles distant. In olden 
 times, good hunts were made to view on the sea-beach at Egg Harbor. This change ol 
 position hud the advantage of novelty, and atlorded fine shooting in variety and abun- 
 dance. The increase of the mischievous crew of the Reynard family in Gloucester 
 afforded plenty of sport. The stock-sufTering farmer hailed the hounds and huntsmen 
 as friends, free to enter his enclosures and traverse his fields and -woods unmolested, 
 
 * Published at Philadelphia ia 1830, an octavo of 56 pagea. 
 
GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 215 
 
 from the 10th of October until the 10th of April, at which period the fences were re- 
 paired, and the ground tilled. Often liave we seen him, on hearing the music of the 
 dogs, hastily bridle his horse and mount him, frequently without a saddle, and gallop 
 after and joyfully augment the merry hunting train. It sometimes occurred, that they 
 were eminently useful aids ; serving as guides through the intricate labyrinths of the 
 woods and swamps, to ferret out Reynard's usual haunts and retreats, and when earthed, 
 to procure of some obliging neighbor the necessary implements, of an axe, pick, and 
 spade, accustomed to the use of which, they actively and efficiently assisted to dig foi 
 and capture the enemy in his den, generally excavated on the declivity of a hill with a 
 sf.uthern eij^owurc, for secure and comfortable winter-quarters. 
 
 Sometimes this intense fatigue-duty continued by spells for hours, and labor occa- 
 sionally found ample reward ; not in the game she captured, but in peals of loud laugh- 
 ter and mirth, especially at the last industrious diggers, on the taking of a skunk or a 
 ground-hog; when this happened, there was no generous contention or rivalry for the 
 brush; the first-named personage, we are told, on a memorable occasion in 1805, freely 
 offered the compliment of his tail to all within shooting range, hunters and dogs, until 
 he liberally and fairly exhausted the contents of his odoriferous sack or magazine. 
 
 Among the most valuable members of the club was Jonas Cattell. This extraordina- 
 ry hunter was over six feet in height, and very athletic. Although always on foot, he 
 appeared altogether tireless, when the riders' horses and hounds were jaded. He once 
 beat an Indian runner in a trial of speed. On another occasion, on a wager, he went 
 on foot from Woodbury to Cape Island, a distance of about 80 miles, in one day, deliv- 
 ered a letter, and returned the next with an answer. Old Jonas is or was lately living 
 in this county ; but the club, after an existence of over half a century, is no more. 
 
 GLOUCESTER. 
 
 Gloucester is 18 miles long, with an average width of 5 miles. 
 It is bounded NE. by Waterford, SE. by MuUica and Hamilton, 
 Atlantic co. ; SW. by Washington and Deptford, and NW. by 
 Union. The soil is light, and the surface generally covered with 
 pines, excepting in the western part, where are some fine farms, 
 productive in fruit and vegetables. There are 13 stores, 4 glass 
 factories, 2 flouring-m., 3 grist-m., 1 1 saw-ni. ; cap. in manufac. 
 $77,G50; 10 schools, 298 scholars. Pop.inl8G5,2,,S55. 
 
 Chew's Landing, on a branch of Big Timber creek, 5 miles E. of 
 Woodbury, at which place large quantities of cord- wood and timber 
 are shipped, contains 1 Episcopal, 1 Methodist church, and about 
 40 dwellings. Long-a-coming, on the N. line of the township, 15 
 miles from Camden, is situated among the pines, and contains 2 
 hotels, 4 stores, a Methodi-st church, and about 40 dwellings. 
 Blackwoodtown is a flourishing village on the south branch of Big 
 Timber creek, 6 miles SE. of Woodbury. It contains 1 Presbyte- 
 rian, 1 Methodist church, a grist and saw mill, 3 stores, and about 
 70 dwellings. Good Intent factory is an extensive woollen factory 
 near this village. Windslow, is in the SE. corner of the township, 
 on the Great Egg Harbor road, and contains a Methodist church, 
 3 glass factories, owned and conducted by William Coffin, Esq., and 
 50 or GO dwellings. Clementon, in the W. part of the township, 
 has a grist and saw mill, a tavern, and about 15 dwellings. At 
 this place formerly were in operation glass-works for the manu- 
 facture of hollow glass-ware. Seven Causeways, in the south 
 part of the township, where seven roads meet, contains a meeting- 
 
216 
 
 GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 
 
 house, a store, about 12 dwellings, and glass-works, now discontin- 
 ued. New Freedom, Blue Anchor, and Tansboro, which are mark- 
 ed on Gordon's map, contain one or more dwellings. 
 
 GREENWICH. 
 
 Greenwich is about 12 miles long, 5 wide ; bounded NE. by 
 Deptford and Washington, SE. by Franklin, SW. by Woolwich, 
 and NW. by the Delaware river. Its surface is level or undula- 
 ting : soil light and fertile. There are in the township L? stores, 4 
 2i:ioS lactones, 2 nouringr-m., .? grist-m., ) i* saw-m. : cap. in mann- 
 fac. 87 /,G5U ; 9 schools, ?9S scholars. Pop. 2 t'^i^^. 
 
 Central View at Mullica Hill 
 
 Mullica Hill is situated on gentle eminences on both sides of 
 Raccoon creek, partly in this and partly in W^oolwich township, 8 
 miles 8E. of Woodbury. It derives its name from Erick Mullica, 
 a Swede, who emigrated when a young man, and purchased here 
 a considerable tract of land. This was at an early period, when 
 the whole country was an unbroken forest. He lived to the age of 
 about 100 years. His dwelling stood on the N. side of the creek, 
 in or near the orchard of Mr. Joseph Doran. Originally, the name 
 of Mullica Hill was given only to that portion of the village N. of 
 the creek. The other part was called Spicersville, from Jacob 
 Spicer, an emigrant from East Jersey, who settled here, and built 
 the first dwelling erected on the S. side of lliiccoon creek. The an- 
 nexed is a view in the southern, and by far the most populous, por- 
 tion of the village, taken near Mrs. Wood's tavern, in the town- 
 ship of Woolwich. On the extreme lelt is shown the Friends 
 meeting-house ; and in the distance the principal stores, shops, etc., 
 in the place. There are at Mullica Hill 2 taverns, several mechan- 
 ic shops and stores, 1 grist-m., 1 woollen factory, a tannery, 1 Epis- 
 
GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 217 
 
 copal, 1 Methodist church, a Friends meeting-house, an academy, 
 about 60 dwellings, and upwards of 300 inhabitants. Large 
 quantities of lime are burnt near this place : marl of an excellent 
 quality abounds in the vicinity, and under its genial influence the 
 land yields heavy crops. 
 
 The following villages are on or near the NE. line of the town- 
 ship. Barnesboro contains 16 dwellings. Carpenter's Landing, 
 named from Mr. Thomas Carpenter, now an aged resident, is on 
 Mantua creek, and has 4 stores, a Methodist church, and about 50 
 dwellings. From this place large quantities of lumber and wood 
 are annually shipped to Philadelphia. Berkeley, or Sandtown, has 
 a store, and about 12 dwellings. Paulsboro contains a store, a 
 Methodist church, and about 20 dwellings. Billingsport, on the 
 Delaware river, contains a few dwellings. It was named after Ed- 
 ward Byllinge, the purchaser of Lord Berkeley's undivided moiety 
 of the province. The remains of a fort are still to be seen, which 
 was built by the Americans in the revolutionary war. It was con- 
 structed, with other works on the river, for the purpose of prevent- 
 ing the enemy's fleet from communicating with Philadelphia, then 
 in possession of the British. This fort was evacuated by the 
 Americans in the fall of 1777. The following particulars of this 
 event are derived from Botta's History of the War. 
 
 The English well knew the importance of opening for themselves a free communi- 
 cation with the sea, by means of the Delaware, since their operations could never be con- 
 sidered secure, so long as the enemy should maintain themselves upon the banks of that 
 river ; and accordingly they deliberated upon the means of reducing them. Immediate, 
 ly after the success at Brandywine, Lord Howe, who commanded the whole fleet, had 
 made sail for the mouth of the Delaware ; and several light vessels had already arrived 
 in that river ; among others the Roebuck, commanded by Capt. Hammond. That ofli- 
 cer represented to tien. Howe, that if sufficient forces were sent to attack the fort at 
 Billings Point, on the Jersey shore., it might be taken without difficulty ; and that he 
 would then take upon himself to open a passage through the chevaux-de-frise. The 
 general approved this object, and sent two regiments, under Col. Stirling, to carry it into 
 effect. The detachment having crossed the river from Chester, the moment they I.ad set 
 foot upon the Jersey shore, marched with all speed to attack the fort in rear. The 
 Americans, not thinking themselves able to sustain the enemy's assault, immediately 
 spiked their artillery, set fire to the barracks, and abandoned the place with precipitation. 
 The English waited to destroy, or to render uii.serviceable, those parts of the works whicii 
 fronted the river ; and this success, witfi the spirit and perseverance exhibited by the of- 
 ficers and crews of the ships un<ler his command, enabled Hammond, through great dif- 
 ficulties, to carry the princi[)al object of the expedition into effect, by cutting away and 
 weighing up so much of the chevaux-de-frisc as opened a narrow passage for the ship- 
 ping through this lower barrier. 
 
 NEWTON. 
 
 This township is about 6 m. long, 3 wide ; bounded N. and E. by 
 Waterford, S. and SW. by Union, and W. by Delaware river and 
 Camden. Its surface is level, and the soil, though light, is produc- 
 tive, and well adapted to grain and grass. There are in the town- 
 ship stores, 1 fulling-m., 1 woollen fac, 1 pottery, 3 j^rist-m. ; cap. 
 in luanufac. $21,190; 3 academies, 155 students; 5 schools, 245 
 scholars. Pop 5?.547. 
 
 28 
 
2jg GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 
 
 It was early settled by Friends. The following history was writ- 
 ten by Thomas Sharp, the first conveyancer and surveyor in Glou- 
 
 cester co. : — 
 
 Tp ^oLnsport themselves and fa.nelys into this wilderness part of America, and there- 
 Dubinin i eland, to%ne Thomas Lurtin, a friend in London, commander of a pink 
 
 ?aesa"d Thomas Lurtin was taken so ,11 that he could not perlorm ye same so that his 
 „f rr.A fnw.rds us we arrived at E sinburff, in the county of isaleni, upon ^rie i.nii oay 
 
 Robe? Zane, that had been settled there, who came along from Ire and with the 1 horn 
 Rons before hinted, and having expectation of our coming only bought a lott m ^-il"! 
 town upon e which he seated hunself uutill our coming, whose proprietary righ and 
 oJs bemg o tl e s,„,e nature, could not then take it up in Fenw.ck's tenth, and so be 
 Tn our ettlement; and although we were at times pretty hard bestead, having all our 
 provisions as'ar a's Salem to fetch by water, yett through the mercy^id ^^^i 
 find wc were preserved in health and from any extream difficulties. And immidialciy 
 SeJewL a meS sett upp and kept at the house of Mark Newby, and, in a ^l^ort time 
 t Sew and'ncSed, unfo' which William Cooper and famely that lived at the Poynte 
 resolted, ^nd sometimes the meeting was kept at his house, who had been settled some 
 
 '"Zealfand fervency of spirit was what, in some degree, at that time abounded among 
 
 for And that the rising generation may consider that the settlement of this country 
 ; dtcte'i by an inipufse^on the spirihs of God's people, not so -eh ^r he.^^^^^^^^ 
 and tranquillity, but mther for the posterity yt should be f/^"; ^" /f^;^ ^^^^ ^ Jrgood 
 \,eing planted with a good seed, might grow and inerease to ^''"l ^f^'^.^"^^;^^^^^^^^ 
 nusb^andman. But instead thereof, if for wheat it siiould bring forth t.. "''Tll'^i?', "^ 
 good huslKUKlman will be frustrate, and theythemselvesw.il ^"f " .^f ' /^ . J'"%7,"i^ ° " 
 I have thought good and requisite to leave behmd, as having had knowledge ol tlimgs 
 from the beginning. 
 
 Haddonfield is situated on the south side of Cooper's creek, 5 m. 
 SE. of Camden. The village is principally built on a snigle street, 
 ornamented by shade-trees. It consists ot about loO dwellings, 4 
 
GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 219 
 
 houses for public worship, 1 for Friends, 1 Baptist, 1 Metliodist, and 
 1 Episcopal, 5 mercantile stores, 2 grist-m., 2 tanneries, and a large 
 woollen factory. The annexed engraving represents the Friends 
 meeting-house, situated in the central part of the village. The 
 Baptist church was erected in 1818, the Methodist in 1835; both 
 
 Friends Meeting-house, Haddonfield Drawn in 1842, 
 
 these houses are substantial brick edifices. The Episcopal church 
 now (1842) erecting, is of wood. The first house of worship erect- 
 ed in this township was for Friends. It was built about the year 
 1690, on what is now called the Collins road, about 2^ miles SW. 
 of Haddonfield. This house was removed about 30 years since, 
 and the one near Camden line erected. The village of Haddon- 
 field derives its name from the family of John Haddon, who pur- 
 chased about 400 acres of land at this place, about the year 1710. 
 
 Having no sons, he sent his daughter Elizabeth, a young woman about 20 years of 
 age, to make a settlement on the land, build a house, &c., under an expectation that he 
 would remove himself and family to the place after the settlement was made. She built 
 a large brick house on the premises, in the year 1713, and the great road or king's high- 
 way being laid out through the land from Burlington to Salem, on which a town began 
 to be built. Some years afterwards, she married a distinguished Quaker preacher from 
 England, whose name was John Haddon, whom she survived a number of years ; they 
 had no children, and she returned to England and adopted one of her sister's sons, named 
 Ebcnezcr Hopkins, whom she brought over with her, witli an intention of making him 
 her heir. He married in this r.ountry a woman named Sarah Lord, and had a number 
 of children, and died a young man long before his aunt Estaugh, who left all the estate 
 intended for him amongst his children. 
 
 During the war of the revolution, Haddonfield had become a place of some note, and 
 the inhabitants were mostly, if not altogether, sound whigs ; and being of the Quaker 
 persuasion, they were not foimd fighting under the banners of carnal warfare. A guard- 
 house was kept by the Americans, on the premises of Wm. tiriscomb; and the British 
 army marching through, set fire to the building, and destroycil the house of Mr. Gris- 
 comb* and the adjoining one belonging to Thomas Redman, Uiey being both Friends or 
 
 * In front of Capt. James B. Cooper's dwelling is a button-wood tree, which was stand- 
 ing at the time those buildings were destroyed. The body of it was burnt out, and a large 
 cavity left, which was used after the war by children for a playhouse. The bark has 
 now grown around it, and the tree is in a flourishing condition. 
 
 Haddonfield was successively occupied by the American and British troops. Among 
 
220 GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 
 
 Quakars. A g^eat deal of their furniture was destroyed, as >vcll as their houses, but 
 no kyes lost. The British quartered their soldiers on the inhabitants of the village and 
 vicinity for several days, and made great destruction of the fences for fuel, so that the 
 inhabitants were truly eaten out of house and home. The congress sat for several weeks 
 in Haddonfield, during the war, in the house built by Matthias Aspden, and boarded 
 about among tlie inhabitants. 
 
 The first Friends meeting-house was built about the year 1720, and the present meet- 
 ing-house was built in the year 1760, on the same site. 
 
 The house built by Elizabeth Haddon stood about a third of a 
 mile from the centre of the village, back from the Camden road 
 about 30 rods. It was built of brick and boards brought from Eng- 
 land, and had upon it the date " 1713." It was accidentally de- 
 stroyed by tire, April 19th, 1842. 
 
 UNION. 
 
 Union is about 6 miles long, and 2| broad ; bounded N. by New- 
 ton, E. by Waterford, SE. by Gloucester, SW. by Deptford, and 
 W. by the Delaware river. The surface is generally level, and the 
 soil highly productive in corn, wheat, grass, and vegetables. There 
 are 3 schools, 105 scholars. Pop. 3,773. There are two small 
 villages in the township, viz. : Mount Ephraim, 5 miles SE. of Cam- 
 den, and Gloucester Point, 3 miles below Camden, on the Dela- 
 ware, where there is a ferry. 
 
 The land (says Mulford, in his lecture) between Timber creek 
 and the Kancocus was sold Sept. 10th, 1677, to John Kinsey and 
 others, from London, by Katamus, Sekappio, and three other In- 
 dian chiel's, for thirty guns, thirty axes, thirty small hoes, thirty 
 awls, thirty jewsharps, a hundred fishhooks, seven anchors of 
 brandy, &c. This purchase being made, a town was laid out, in 
 1689, on a large scale, at Gloucester Point, caHed by the Indians 
 Axwamus. A draft in the surveyor-general's olfice, at Burlington, 
 represents this town as extending back to Newton creek, and 
 nearly down to Timber creek. It was intended to have thirteen 
 streets, and an area in the middle of the town. Three chains 
 square was reserved for a market-place. High expectations were 
 indulged as to the prospective importance of the place. These 
 were not entirely realized, though it continued to be of some con- 
 sequence, being the place where the public business for this part 
 
 the former was a "bold dragoon," named Miles Sage, who had been sent on an errand 
 out of the village just l)cff)re the British entered. He executed his commission, and ro^ 
 back, as he su[)j)osed, to his Iricnds. He sto])ped at Col. Ellis's quarters, but finding it 
 filled with British officers, remounted his horse and galloped on his way. The stars and 
 stripes were still waving from the fiag-staff ; and, on passing, he gave three cheers for 
 " 'Washiiiistoii ami Jjidependciice." The British were formed in three ranks acrogfs tiie 
 street, n»';ix the site of the upper tavern. He bravely charged through two ranks, hut 
 his horse IcU at the third. The soldiers charged upon him with fury, and pierced litm 
 with nine or ten bayonet wounds, when a little Seoteli ntliccr c<inir up and bade tluni 
 desist. He asked him if he was alive ; and on receiving an atfirniatiTe answe», had him 
 conveyed to a neighhoiing dwelling and taken care of. JSage survived to fight in manj 
 a battle, and to tef! the talc of his scars to his prattling grandchildren. 
 
GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 221 
 
 of the province was transacted. A courthouse, erected here, was 
 standing within the memory of those now living. The lands in this 
 vicinity were taken up at an early period, and upon the draught are 
 represented the acyoining tracts, in their relative situation, with 
 the dates and names of purchasers. The last tract represented 
 adjoins Newton creek. But some of the very earliest purchases 
 were made still higher up, at the site of the present city of Cam- 
 den. 
 
 It is stated, in Gordon's History of New Jersey, that immediately 
 after the evacuation of Fort Mercer, in Nov. 1777, Cornwallis, with 
 a force of about 5,000 men, collected large quantities of fresh pro- 
 visions for the British army, and took post on Gloucester Point, 
 which was entirely under cover of the guns of the ships. " Gen. 
 Greene commanded an almost equal body of troops, in New .Ter- 
 se}', a part of which were militia ; and awaited the arrival of Glo- 
 ver's brigade from the north, in order to take offensive measures 
 against Cornwallis. But an attack upon the British, in their pres- 
 ent advantageous position, would have been unwarrantable. Yet 
 a small but brilliant affair was performed, by a detachment of 
 about 150 men, from Morgan's rifle-corps, under Lieut. Col. Butler, 
 and a like number of militia, under the Marquis Lafayette, who 
 served as a volunteer. They attacked a picket of the enemy, con- 
 sisting of about 300 men, and drove them, with the loss of 20 or 
 30 killed, and a great number wounded, quite into their camp ; 
 retiring themselves without pursuit. ' I found the riflemen,' said 
 Lafayette, in a letter to Washington, ' even above their reputation, 
 and the militia above all expectation I could have formed of them.' 
 Cornwallis soon after returned to Philadelphia, and Greene joined 
 the main army, under the commander-in-chief" 
 
 WATERFORD. 
 
 Waterford is a long, narrow township, stretching along the 
 whole length of the NE. boundary of the county, from the Dela- 
 ware river to Atlantic co. It is 24 miles long, M'ith an average 
 width of about 4 miles. It is bounded NE. by Chester, Evesham, 
 and Washington, (Burlington co,,) SE. by Mullica, (Atlantic co.,) 
 SW. by Camden, Union, Newton, and Gloucester, and NW. by the 
 Delaware river. Pop. 3,467. The south part is covered with 
 pines, and the north part is fertile, and productive in vegetables. 
 There are in the township 10 stores, 2 glass-houses, 2 grist-m., 10 
 saw-m., 1 oil-m. ; cap. in manufac. 892,115; 8 schools, 425 schol- 
 ars. Pop. 3,467. in 1865, 1,940, 
 
 This township was settled about the year 1712, principally by 
 Friends, who located themselves on large tracts of excellent soil, 
 in the north part, in the vicinity of Colestown and Cooper's creek. 
 The names of some of these e^rly pioneers were Kay, Cole, Spicer, 
 Ellis, Matlock, &c. Cooperstown, Waterfordville, and Ellisburg 
 
222 GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 
 
 are small settlements in the north part, containing respectively a 
 few dwellings. In the south part, among the pmes, are Jackson s 
 and Waterfbrd glass-works. The first has a glass-factory, and 
 about 20 dwellings ; the latter, two extensive glass-lactories, owned 
 and conducted b? Joseph Porter & Co., and also about 60 dwelhngs. 
 On Petty's island, in the Delaware, opposite this township, lies 
 the wreck of the famous continental frigate Alliance. She was 
 built at Salisbury, in Massachusetts ; and the alliance with France, 
 in 1778, induced our government to give her that name. After the 
 capture of the frigate Trumbull, in 1781, the Alliance and Deane 
 Ses composed the whole force of that class of ships in the 
 American navy. Her history furnishes many pleasing anecdotes 
 among which is the following. In an encounter with a British 
 vessel% shot entered the corner of the Alliance's counter, and 
 made its way into a locker, where all the china belonging to the 
 captain was'kept. An African ser^-ant of Commodore Barr> a 
 great favorite, ran up to the quarter-deck, and called out, Massa 
 
 dat Ingresse man broke all d. chana !"' You rascal, said 
 
 the commodore, " why did you not stop the ball ? " Sha. massa, 
 cannon-ball must hab a room !" 
 
 WASHINGTON. 
 
 Washington was taken from Deptford, in 1836 It is about 16 
 mileslongt4 broad; and is bounded NE. by Gloucester, SE. by 
 Hamilton. (Atlantic co.,) SW. by Franklin and Greenwich, and 
 NW by Deptford. The soil is light, and the surface principall} 
 ■ cove'red with pines. There are 6 stores, 1 woollen fac, 1 glass- 
 house, 1 grist-m., 8 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $104,2.50 ; 4 schools. 
 131 scholars. Pop. 1,545. m 1865, 1157 , r ,x, , „... 
 
 Williamstown, or Squankum, is in the central part of the to^^^l- 
 ship, 11 miles SE. of Woodbury. In 1800, there were but four or 
 five houses in the vicinity, within the sound of the conch-shel 
 One of these dwellings, then occupied by David Williams, is now 
 standing in the village. Paul Sears's tavern was erected about 
 this period, by William Williamson, and occupied as a private 
 dwelling. Some years later the Methodist church was erected. 
 The town slowly progressed, until within a few years, when glass- 
 works were established; since which it has rapidly improved. It 
 now contains 2 taverns, 3 stores, a Methodist '^"^^^ l^^/^^' ,^"^f 
 church, (lately erected,) glass-works, and about 60 dwelhngs. 
 There are a few farms in the vicinity. The soil is generally hght, 
 susceptible of improvement, and adaptf^d to grain and grass 
 Cross Kevs, 3 miles NE. of Williamstown. is a well-known tavern 
 and post-office, among the pines, where six roads corner. A house 
 of entertainment has been kept there for about 60 years. Chest- 
 nut Ridgp and Union Cross Roads each contain one or more fhwJl- 
 ings The county poorhouse is in the NW. oorner of the town- 
 
GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 223 
 
 ship, near Blackwoodtown. Attached is a farm of more than 200 
 acres — one of the best establishments of the kind in the state. In 
 the south part are several small ponds, with saw-mills at their 
 outlets 
 
 WOOLWICH. 
 
 This township is about 14 miles long, and 6 broad: it is bounded 
 NE. by Greenwich, SE. by Franklin, SW. by Pilesgrove and Upper 
 Penn's Neck, Salem co., and NW. by Delaware river. The face 
 of the township is generally level ; but on the NE. hilly, and 
 the southeastern part covered with pines. The soil is varied, 
 being in some parts sandy, others a rich loam, producing large quan- 
 tities of early vegetables. There are 2 fulling-m., 2 woollen fac- 
 tories, 5 grist-m., 4 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $25,500 ; 12 schools, 
 943 scholars. Pop. 3,67G. in 18{35,4,254, 
 
 The annexed is a view taken at tne northern entrance of the vil- 
 lage-street of Swedesboro. The village is situated at the head of 
 sloop navigation on the south side of Raccoon creek, about 5 miles 
 from its mouth. It contains 2 churches, 1 Episcopal, (seen on the 
 right of the engraving,) 1 Methodist, 6 mercantile stores, an exten- 
 sive woollen factory, an academy, and about 75 dwellings; 10 miles 
 from Woodbury, and 18 from Camden. Battentovvn is a village of 
 20 or 30 dwellings, at the southern extremity of Swedesboro, and 
 is rather a continuation of that village. Harrisonville, formerly 
 Colestown, situated 5 miles in a southerly direction from Swedes- 
 boro, on Old Man's creek, (the boundary line of Salem co.,) contains 
 about 20 or 30 dwellings ; near it is a Methodist church. There are 
 some excellent farms in the neighborhood. Bridgeport, formerly 
 called Raccoon Lower Bridge, about a mile fmm the mouth of the 
 creek, contains a Methodist church, and about 20 dwellings. 
 
 The first settlements in this township were commenced by the 
 Swedes at an early period, on Raccoon creek. In a map of Dela- 
 ware river and the adjacent parts, published by Lindstrom soon 
 after his visit to this country in 1G42, a station or settlement is 
 noted as being in existence on Raccoon creek. The ancient Swe- 
 dish church at Raccoon, as Swedesboro was formerly called, was 
 constructed of cedar logs, and stood near the site of the present 
 Episcopal church. This last structure was erected in 1784, at 
 which time the log church was taken down. At this period there 
 were about a dozen dwellings built, mostly of logs ; the school- 
 house, parsonage, and tavern being built of the same materials. 
 The Indians, at this time, lived on the borders of Raccoon creek, 
 and deer were quite plenty in this vicinity. The British visited 
 this place during the revolution, burnt several houses, and among 
 other things took the furniture and bedding of Col. Brown, and 
 consumed them by a bonfire in the street. 
 
 The churches at Raccoon and Penn's Neck appear to have been 
 
224 
 
 GLOUCESTER COUNTY. 
 
 somewhat connected with regard to their pastors. Jonas Aurtn 
 appears to have been the first pastor: he was appointed in 1697, 
 and died in 1713. He was succeeded by Abraham Lidenius in 
 1714, who remained till 1724, when he returned to Sweden. Petrus 
 Tran'bert^ and Andreas Windrufwa were sent over in 1726; they 
 divided t'he churches between them, and so continued until 1728. 
 
 Swedesboro. 
 
 when Windrufwa died. John Sandin, the next pastor, was ap- 
 pointed in 1748, and died the same year. Erick Unander, his suc- 
 cessor, was sent over the next year. He was succeeded by John 
 Lidenius in 1756. John Wicksell, the next pastor, arrived in 1/62 
 returned in 1774, and was succeeded by Nicholas Collin in 17/8, a 
 native of Upsal, in Sweden. rn • . i 
 
 Dr. Collin was the last of the Swedish ministers who officiated 
 at Swedesboro. In July, 1786, he was rector of Wicaco, (^ 1 ^^j;^- 
 delphia,) and the churches in connection. He presided over these 
 churches for a period of forty-five years, and died at Wicaco Oct. 
 7fh 1831. in the 87th year of his age. During the whole period 
 of iiis ministry he was much respected by his congregations. He 
 was a man of learning, particularly in languages Ihe on y A^ork 
 which he left behind him is a manuscript translation of Acnlius 
 Htsln, of New Sweden, which he undertook in 1790, at the request 
 of the Historical Society of New York, in whose possession it now 
 
 '^Tn'^'nes, the charter for the "Swedish Evangelical Luth.^ran 
 church" was granted, George III. being king, and Wdhani Fm k- 
 lin gov<Mnor Sf the colony of New Jersey, &c. The oHo^ '"S 
 names appear in the petition for the charter, viz : Rev. Jolm ^^ ick- 
 scll, Tlumuis Denny, John Denny, John Uambo James ^te^lman, 
 John llehn, Benj. llambo, Jonas Keen, Erick Cox acob Ardiei, 
 Isaac J iistison, Gilbert llinelds, Gabriel Strang, William Homan 
 Peter INlatson. Peter Keen, Andrew Jones, Hans Urien, John Hon- 
 
i 
 
 View of tlie works of the U. S. Watch Co., Mnrion, Hudson Co., K J. 
 
 The above shows (he appearance of the estahlishment Of the Tinted States "Watch 
 Company, Giles, Wales <t Co., at Marion, within the limits of Bergen City, as seen 
 from the New Jer*e\- Railroad, between Jersey Cit\' and Newark, 2^ miles from New 
 York. 
 
 This establishment, one oi the largest of the kind in the world, being of sufficient 
 capacity to aecommoilate one thousand workmen, w is founded for the purpose of 
 manufacturing watcht-s by machinery, in lStj.j, by Giles Wales &, Co., a large watch 
 importing house, doing business at 13 Mai'len Lane, New York. 
 
 Tiiis magnificent stru(;ture, is a striking object to the traveler who passes by in 
 the cars, and is probably the most elegant building used for manufacturiiuj purposes, 
 in the world, having a front of 253 feet on Newark turnpike and New Jersey Rail- 
 road, is composed of iron and glass, main building four stories, with a lofty spire 
 rising from the center, windows five feet wide, and iron columns between them, one 
 foot, being five feet of glass to onefoot of iron, thus giving the operatives the benefit 
 of light and yentilation almost equal to the open air; the building stands by itself, 
 on the western slope of Bergen Iliil, in the outskirts of the city. There are now 
 (18t;8) about 200 workmen in the est:il)lishment, and constant additions of machinery 
 and operatives are being made. Tiie watches manufactured by this compjiny, for 
 neatness of design, superiority of finish, and accnracj- as time-keepers, are said to 
 excel any yet produced in this country. 
 
 About 80 acres of the adjnining property was bought up by ijio " Miuion Building 
 Company" prcvions to the erection of the Watch Company's Works by tlie same 
 parties, for the erection of dwellings, stores, &c. At the ]>rcsent tune (ISi'.g) about SO 
 awellings and a large hotel, whieii will accommodate 100 guests, have oecu erected. 
 Parks and lawns have been laid out; wide streets lined with y nngjiliiido trees ; water 
 is brought by j>ipes from the Reservoir of tlio Jersey City NV ler >\'iirli9 : gas is also 
 provided, and sewer pi] jas are al>out bein? l;iid. Marion is access'lile hoth by steam 
 and horse cars and is rjipidly increasing, and it is s;iid that ihe inii>rovpmcnt8 made by 
 the enterprising firm, has, by calling tlie attention of eapitali>ts, eidiaiiccd ihe viUue of 
 taxable projicrty in Hudson Co. millions ot'dollars. The papulation of the tiirce wards 
 now comprisiiii} the city of Beri:eii is estimated at ll.Ooo. About 0,000 a'-res of marsh 
 ground west nf Hiickei'isack Rivur, Iliidsim City and Bergen, have l)"en r- d imed by 
 dyking, which, when perfected will bring a vust amount of wealth and resources to the 
 country. 
 
HUDSON COUNTY. . 225 
 
 man. Lawrence Strang:, John Derickson, Charles Locke, Erick 
 Ranels, Jacob Jones, William Matsen, James Halton, Andrew 
 Lock, Moses Holfman, Chas. Fullor, and Andrew Vanncman, in 
 behalf of themselves and others, inhabiting near Raccoon creek, 
 in the county of Gloucester, &c. 
 
 The following, respecting the customs, &c., of the early Swedish 
 settlers, is from "Watson's Annals of Philadelphia:" 
 
 To the church upon Tinicum Island all the Swedes, settled along the Delaware, used 
 to go in their canoes from long distances. They did the same in visiting the primitive 
 log church at Wicaco — almost all their conveyances were preferred by water. There 
 was a store upon Darby to which they always went by water, even when the land route 
 was often nearest. 
 
 The old Swedish inhabitants were said to be very successful in raising chick turkeys ; 
 as soon as hatched they plunged them into cold water, and forced them to swallow a 
 whole pepper-corn, — they then returned it to the mother, and it became as hardy as a 
 hen's chick. When they found them drooping, their practice was to examine the rump 
 feathers, and such two or three as were found filled with blood were to be drawn, and 
 the chick would revive and thrive. 
 
 Kalm, the Swedish traveller, who was here arnong his countrymen in 1748, has left 
 us such notices as follow concerning them, to wit : 
 
 The ancient Swedes used the sassafras for tea, and for a dye. From the persinnnon 
 tree they made beer and brandy. They called the mullein plant the Indian tobacco ; 
 they tied it round their arms and feet, as a cure when they had the ague. They made 
 their candles generally from the bayberry bushes ; the root they used to cure tooth-ache ; 
 from the bush they also made an agreeable smelling soap. The magnolia tree they 
 made use of for various medicinal purposes. 
 
 The houses of the first Swedish settlers were very indifferent ; it consisted of but one 
 room ; the door was so low as to require you to stoop. Instead of window panes of 
 glass they had little holes, before which a sliding board was put, or on other occasions 
 they had isinglass ; the cracks between logs were filled with clay ; the chimneys, in a 
 corner, were generally of gray sandstone, or, for want of it, sometimes of mere clay ; the 
 ovens were in the same room. They had at first separate stables for the cattle ; but 
 after the English came and set the example, they left their cattle to suffer in the open 
 winter air. The Swedes wore vests and breeches of skins ; hats were not used, but 
 little caps with flaps before them. They made their own leather and shoes, with soles 
 (like moccasins) of the same materials as the tops. The women, too, wore jackets and 
 petticoats of skins ; their beds, excepting the sheets, were of skins of bears, wolves, &c. 
 Hemp they had none, but they used flax for ropes and fishing-tackle. This rude state of 
 living was, however, in the country places principally, and before the English came, 
 who, rough as they must have also lived for a time, taught a comparative state of luxury. 
 
 HUDSON COUNTY. 
 
 Hudson co. was formed from the southern part of Bergen co., 
 teb. 22d, 1840. This is the smallest county in the state, contain- 
 ing only 75 sq. m. Its extreme length is 14 m., greatest width 7 
 m. It is bounded N. by Bergen, E. by Hudson river and New York 
 bay, S. by the Kill Van Kuhl, separating it from Staten Island, and 
 Passaic river, dividing it from Essex co., and W. by the Passaic, 
 separating it from Essex and Passaic cos. On the east, the Clostei 
 mountain extends through the township of North Bergen and part 
 of Bergen. The remainder of the county is generally level. In 
 
 29 
 
2-2G HUDSON COUNTY. 
 
 the valley of the Hackensack river, which courses centrally through 
 the county, dividing it into two nearly equal parts, \s an extensive 
 tract of salt marsh and swampy land, occupying about one third 
 of the area of the county. The cultivated parts of the county are 
 fertile, and considerable quantities of vegetables are raised for the 
 New York market. There were produced, in 1840, wheat, 2,300 
 bushels ; rye, 5,335 ; Indian corn. 10,875 ; buckwheat, 3,508 ; oats, 
 9,141. Cap. employed in manufac. -$411,850. It is divided into 
 the following townships, viz : — 
 
 Bayonne, Greenville, Hudson City, West Hoboken, 
 
 Bt'igen, Harrison, Jersey City, "Weehawken, 
 
 Communipaw, Hoboken, North Bergen, Union. 
 
 The population of the County in 1840, was 9,436 ; in 1855 it was 
 41,823 ; in 1865, 87,819. 
 
 BERGEN. 
 
 Bergen has been much reduced from its original limits. It now 
 comprises a small strip of land 7i m. long, and from 1 to 3 broad. 
 It is bounded N. by North Bergen, E. by New York bay, S. by the 
 Kill Van Kuhl, and W. by Newark bay and Hackensack river. 
 The soil is fertile, and it is inhabited by a thriving agricultural 
 population. 
 
 Bergen is supposed to be the oldest European settlement in New 
 Jersey. The village of Bergen is presumed to have been founded 
 about 1016, by the Dutch colonists to New Netherlands, and to 
 have received its name from Bergen in Norway. For several 
 years it was probably merely a trading post, to which the Indians 
 resorted for the sale of their game and fur. On the 30th .Jan., 
 1658-9, the Indians sold to "the Noble Lord Director-general, Pie- 
 ter Stuyvesant, and Councill of New Netherlandt," a tract lying 
 on the west side of North river, " beginning from the great Clip,* 
 above Wiehachan, and from there right through the land above the 
 Islandt Sikakes, and therefrom thence to the Kill Van Coll, and so 
 along to the Constables Hoeek, and from the Constables Moeek 
 again to the aforesaid Clip above Wiehachan." In consideration 
 for this tract, which included all the lavds between the Hacken- 
 sack and North rivers, and the Kills, the Indians received 80 lath- 
 oms of wampum, 20 fathoms of cloth, 12 brass kettles, guns, 2 
 blankets, 1 double brass kettle, and one half-barrel of strong beer, 
 and agreed to remove the first opportunity. 
 
 On the 22d Sept., 1668, a charter was granted by Gov. Carteret 
 and his council, " to the Towne and the Freeholders of Bergen, and 
 to the Villages and Plantations thereunto belonging ;" and the 
 boundaries fixed in the deed then given, remained unchanged until 
 the recent act of the legislature constituting the new county of 
 Hudson, when Jersey City was set oil". The township, in the deed, 
 
 * Dutch for stone — referring to the Palisades 
 
HUDSON COUNTY. 227 
 
 was estimated to embrace 11,520 acres, (perhaps not more than 
 half the actual quantity,) and it was about 16 miles long, by 4 in 
 width, including ''the said towne of Bergen, Communipaw, Ahassi- 
 mus. Minkacque, and Pembrepock," bounded on the E., S., and W. 
 by New York and Newark bays, and Hackensack river. The con- 
 ditions of this charter were admirable. By it, " the Freeholders 
 within the said Jurisdiction," were bound " to pay the Lords Pro- 
 prietors and their successors, on every 25th day of March, £l5," 
 as a quit-rent forever. They had power " to chuse their owne 
 magistrates to be assistants to the President or Judge of the Court, 
 and for the ordering of all Public Affaires within the said Jurisdic- 
 tion." They were also enjoined to provide for religious worship, 
 •' to chuse a minister for the preaching of the Word of God, and 
 the administering his Holy Sacraments," — " to lay out such a pro- 
 portion of Land for him, and the keeping of a Free School for the 
 Education of Youth, as they shall think fit ; which Land is to re- 
 maine and to continue forever without Tax or Rent." No person 
 was to be molested for religious opinions, provided they did not 
 *' extend to Licentiousness," &c., &c.* 
 
 The first settlement was doubtless at the village of Bergen, 2 
 miles west of Jersey City, on the summit of Bergen ridge, which 
 now contains about 30 dwellings and a Reformed Dutch church. 
 " The names of some of the early settlers in this region were, Pin- 
 horne, Eickbe, Berrie, Kiersted, Van Home, Van Winkle, Edsall, 
 Van Guellin, Van Vorst, &c. ; and their descendants have continued 
 to occupy the country to the present day, retaining much of their 
 primitive habits, their language, industry, cleanliness, and general 
 economy." 
 
 The following is a description of this country in 1680, taken from 
 Smith's History of New Jersey : — 
 
 Near the mouth of the bay, upon the side of Overprook creek, adjacent to Hackensack 
 river, several of the rich valleys were then (1680) settled by the Dutch ; and near Snake 
 hill was a fine plantation, owned by Pinhorne and Eickbe, for half of which, Pinhorne 
 is said to have paid .£50(). There were other settlements upon Hackensack river, and 
 on a creek near it, Sarah Kiersted, of New York, had a tract given her by an old Indian 
 sachem, for services in interprctinir between the Indiuils and Dutch, and on which sev- 
 eral families were settled ; John IJurrie had a large plantation, 2 or 3 miles above, wlicrc 
 he tiicn lived, and had considerable improvements ; as had also near him, his son-in-law, 
 Smit/i, and one Baker, from IJarbadocs. On the west side of the creek, opposite to Ber- 
 rie, were other plantations ; but none more northerly. There was a considerable settle- 
 ment upon Bergen Point, then called Constable Hook, and first improved by Edsall, in 
 Nicoll's time. Other small plantations were improved along Bergen neck, to the east, 
 between the point and a large village of 2U families, {Communipaw.) Further along lived 
 16 or 18 families, and opposite New York about 4U families were seated. Southward 
 from this, a few families settled together, at a j)laee called Duke's Farm ; and further up 
 the country was a place called Hoebuck, formerly owned by a Dutch merchant, who, in 
 the Indian wars with the Dutch, had his wife, children, and servants murdered by tlie 
 Indians, and his house and stock destroyed by them ; but it was now settled again, and 
 a mill erected there. Along the river-side to the N. were lands settled by William liaw- 
 rence, Samuel Edsall, anil (^apt. Bcinfield ; and at Ilaversham, near the Highlands, Gov. 
 Carteret had taken up two large tracts ; one for himself, the other for Andrew Campyne 
 and Co., which were now but little improved. The plantations on both sides of the neck, 
 
 * For this deed in full, see the Jersey City Advertiser of Feb. 1st, 1842. 
 
228 
 
 HUDSON COUNTY. 
 
 to its utmost extent, as also those at Hackcnsack, were under the jurisdiction of Bergen- 
 town, situate about the middle of the neck ; where was a court held by selectmen or 
 overseers, consisting of 4 or more in number, as the people thought best, chose annually 
 to try small causes, as had been the practice in all the rest of the towns at first ; 2 courts 
 of sessions were held here yearly, from which, if the cause exceeded £20, the party might 
 appeal to the governor, council, and court of deputies or assembly. 
 
 Bergen, a compact town which had been fortified against the Indians, contained about 
 70 families ; its inhabitants were chiefly Dutch, some of whom had been settled there 
 upwards of 40 years. 
 
 The following interesting facts, relating to the ecclesiastical his- 
 tory of the village, are from a manuscript historical discourse by the 
 Rev. B. C. Taylor, D. D., Bergen :— 
 
 In 1663, the inhabitants agreed to be taxed for a place of worship, and in 1664, the 
 church records commenced, and have been regularly kept ever since. ' About that period 
 the church was constituted, being the first church of any denomination in the state, and 
 one of the first Dutch Reformed churches in the Union.* Until 1G80, public worship 
 was held in a rude structure, probably of logs, which, tradition says, stood on the hill 
 within what is now known as the old graveyard. That year, the first regular church 
 
 Ancient Reformed Diitrh Church, Bergen. 
 
 rdifice was erected. It was built of stone, octagonal in form ; with pews around the 
 wall, solely occupied by the males, while the remainder of the floor was covered with 
 chairs for tiie females. A belfry rose from the roof, and when ringing, the sexton stood 
 m the centre of the church. In 1773, this church was taken down, and a new one 
 (shown in the annexed view) was erected, which stood until 1841, when the present 
 splendid church edifice, standing 15 or 20 rods south of the old one, was built. On it 
 is the appropriate inscription — "The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fa- 
 thers : kt him not leave us or forsake us." The territory over which the congregation 
 was originally scattered, comprised the whole of the ancient township of Bergen, in 
 which, for 162 years, it was the only organized church. On the hallowed spot where 
 the late house of worship stood, there was, at least for 140 years, the only house of wor- 
 ship. There, for over 160 years, successive generations worshipped tiie living God. 
 There arc now, (1843,) in the same limits, 1.5 temples in which public worship is held, 
 4 of which are in this township, viz : 1 Reformed Dutch and 2 Methodist churches at 
 Bergen neck, and 1 Reformed Dutch at Bergen. 
 
 The congregation, from its organization, was supplied with preaching from the Reform- 
 ed Dutch church at New York. In 1750, a call was made by the consistories of Staten 
 
 * Previous to this, there had been organized a church of this denomination at Albany, 
 one at New York, one at Kingston, and one at Flatbush. 
 
HUDSON COUNTY. 229 
 
 Island and Berg^en, on one Pctrus De Wint. He commenced as a candidate, and en- 
 deavored to procure his ordination as a minister, and installation as a pastor, of these 
 churches, from the part}- known as the Coetus.* Tlic call, however, was rclerred to the 
 Classis of Amsterdam for approval, from which body a letter vi'as subsequently received, 
 declaring' De Wint to be an impostor ; upon which he was discharged by the congrega- 
 tions. In 1752, the two churches unitedly called Wm. Jackson, a young theological 
 student, whom they sent to Holland to complete his education. 
 
 In 1757 he returned as an ordained minister, with a commission appointing three cler- 
 g'ymen of the Dutch church in this country to install him pastor over these churches ; 
 which took place Sept. 10, 1757. He was an able and devoted minister. On the lOtli 
 of December, 1789, the Classis of Hackensack recommended to him the propriety of re- 
 turning his call, by reason of sore mental afHiction. The church then secured to him, 
 through life, the parsonage and adjacent lands ; and administered to his wants until his 
 death, July 25, 1813, at the age of 82, and nearly 24 years after his release from the 
 churcli. On the 28th of November, 1792, this church united with that of English 
 Neighborhood in a call on the Rev. John Cornelison, which he accepted, and continued 
 in the double cliarge until December 1, 1806 ; from which time until his death, March, 
 1828, he was pastor of this church alone. On the 1st of July, 1828, the present pastor, 
 the Rev. Benjamin C. Taylor, D. D., entered upon his labors. It is a fact worthy of no- 
 tice, that there are now in this congregation 35 pew-holders with the prefix of Van to 
 their names ; of these there are 22 of the name of Van Vreeland. Other very numerous 
 names are the Van Winkles, Van Horns, Van Reypens, Van Boskircks, Newkirks, and 
 Cadmuses. Previous to the settlement of Cornelison, and during part of his ministry, 
 the services were in the Dutch language ; and the church records, until 1809, were in 
 Dutch 
 
 In the war of the revolution Bergen village was frequently suc- 
 cessively occupied by Anxerican and British troops on the same 
 day ; and there was much skirmishing between them. A fort was 
 erected by the Americans, about 200 yards E. of the centre of the 
 village, on land belonging to Garret G. Newkirk ; and one by the 
 British, on Van Yorst's hill, about a mile SE. They were simply 
 earthen breastworks covered with sod, with trenches in front. 
 The accompanying extract from an ancient newspaper, relates to 
 the murder of Stephen Ball by the refugees, Feb. 15th, 1781. Ac- 
 cording to tradition, he was hung on a small persimmon-tree, near 
 the tide-mill on Bergen Point. After he was dead the refugees cut 
 the rope, and his corpse fell into a grave dug by them. He was 
 subsequently reburied at Newark. 
 
 This unfortunate man was deluded by a declaration made by the commanding officer 
 on Staten Island, that all persons who would bring provisions should have liberty to sell 
 the same, and return unmolested ; in consequence of which declaration Ball carried over 
 four quarters of beef, with a full assurance of being well treated, and expected to return 
 undiscovered by iiis countrymen ; but soon after his arrival on that island, he was seized 
 by Cornelius lietfield, who conmiandcd a party of six or seven men, and was carried be- 
 fore (jlcn. Patterson, who reiused to call a court-martial to try him. From thence he 
 was carried before Gen. Skinner, in order for trial ; but he also refused, pretending to 
 shudder at the thought of trying and executing a person who came to bring tiiem relief. 
 Nevertheless, the said lietfield and his ])art3% being lost to every sense of humanity, af- 
 ter robbing their prisoner of what property he had with him, carried him across to Ber- 
 gen Point, and without even the form of a trial, immediately informed him that he had 
 hut ten minutes to live, and accordingly put their horrid design into execution, notwith- 
 standing the prisoner strenuously urged that he came with provision, agreeably to the 
 above mentioned declaration. And when he found they were determined to take his life, 
 he begged for a few minutes longer, but was answered that his request could not be 
 
 * The Coetus party were those who advocated the ordination of ministers in this 
 country, — the Conferentie party, those who would receive none but such as were ordain, 
 ed in Holland. 
 
2'M HUDSON COUNTY. 
 
 granted ; but if he had a desire any person should pray with him, one of their party 
 shouhl otficiate. When he was near expiring, James Hetfield, one of the banditti, put a 
 knife in his hand, and swore that he should not go into another world unarmed. The 
 persons who perpetrated tliis cruel act were Cornelius Hetfield, Job Hetfield, James Het- 
 field, sen., James Hetfield, jr., Elias Man, and Samuel Man — all late inhabitants of 
 Elizabctiitown ; and Job Smith, late an inhabitant of Bergen. When Ball's father be- 
 came acquainted with tlic tragical death of his son, he solicited a flag, which he ob- 
 tained, for the purpose of bringing over the corpse; but the enemy, with sp.vage brutal 
 ity, would not sufler them to land. 
 
 At the close of the revolution, Cornelius Hetfield, the principal in 
 this murder, fled to Nova Scotia. In 18U7 he returned to this 
 state, and was arrested for the crime. After his incarceration in 
 the Newark jail, he was shortly brought before Judge Pennington, 
 on a writ of habeas corpus. He was finally discharged by the 
 judge, who was of opinion, by the spirit of the treaty of 1783, that 
 he was not answerable for the transaction. 
 
 Communipaw is a small settlement, consisting of 12 or 15 houses, 
 facing the sea, on the shore, about 2 miles below Jersey city ; and 
 inhabited principally by fishermen. It was very early settled by 
 the Dutch ; and its inhabitants have long been noted for their 
 tenacity to the customs of their ancestors. Washington Irving, in 
 his history of New York, himiorously describes this place. 
 
 HARRISON. 
 
 Harrison was recently formed from the southern part of Lodi. 
 Its extreme length is 9, and average breadth about 3 miles. It is 
 bounded N. by Lodi, Bergen co. ; E. by Hackensack river, dividing 
 it from Bergen and North Bergen ; S. by Newark bay and Passaic 
 river, the latter separating it from Newark ; and W. by the Passaic 
 river, separating it from Newark and Belleville, Essex co., and 
 Acquackanonck, Passaic co. Pop.2,375. The surface is mainly 
 level ; and more than half of its territory (that bordering on the 
 Hackensack river) is a salt marsh. On the west, along the mar- 
 gin of the Passaic, extends a strip of fine arable and well-culti- 
 vated land, nearly 2 miles in width. Pleasantly situated on the 
 bank of the river, are a number of handsome country-seats, sur- 
 rounded by highly cultivated grounds, descending with a gradual 
 slope to the water's edge. 
 
 The New Jersey railroad crosses the southern part, and the Pat- 
 erson and Hudson railroad the northern portion of Harrison. The 
 Schuyler copper-mine is in the W. part of the township, near 
 Belleville. It was discovered about the year 1719, by Arent 
 Schuyler. It is a valuable deposit of superior copper ore, and has 
 been extensively worked, with varied success, at dilierent times. 
 
 JERSEY CITY. 
 
 Jersey Crrv lies on the west bank of the Hudson, opposite New 
 York, on a peninsula, the Indian name of which was Arese-heck 
 
HUDSON COUNTY. 231 
 
 It was sometimes called, by the Dutch, Areseck-Houck. Soon 
 after the arrival, in 1G38, of William Kieft, Director-general of the 
 Dutch West India Co., he had in his possession a farm, described 
 as a lot of land called Paulus Hoeck, which is the first application 
 of the name of Paulus Hook to this peninsula. 
 
 Powles Hook, from a very remote period, belonged to the Van 
 Vorst family ; and in 1804 was vested in Cornelius Van Vorst. 
 On the 10th Nov. 1804, an act to incorporate the Associates of the 
 Jersey Co. was passed by the legislature of the state, to whom the 
 title by this time was conveyed. On the 28th Jan. 1820, an act to 
 incorporate the City of Jersey, in the county of Bergen, was passed ; 
 under which, and the various supplements and amendments there- 
 to since passed, this city has continued to this time. 
 
 At the time of its inoorporanon in 1820, Jersey City contained only about 
 .300 iubabitaiitP. In Gordon's Gazetteer, publisliol in 1834, it is stated re- 
 specting Jersey City, '• the town is cotnmodiously laid out into lots, 25 feet by 
 100, distributed into 45 blocks, each 2 acres, with broad streets, and contains 
 many good buildings. The whole number of dwellings may be 200, and tlie 
 inhabitants about 1,500. There are here an Episcopal church of wood and a 
 new church being erected, and a Dutch Reformed church 2 select schools and 
 an academy owned by the public." There is now, [1868,] a population of 
 about 40,000. It has 22 churches: 4 Presbyterian 4 Dutch or Reformed 
 Presbyterian, 6 Methodist, (1 colored,) 3 Episcopal, 2 Baptist, 2 Catholic, and 
 1 Congregational ; — 3 printing offices, issuing 3 daily papers. A large 
 number of manufacturing establishments are in operation here, among which 
 are Glass Works, Sugar Refinery, Gutta Percha Factory, 2 Steel Works, 
 Fairbanks' Scale Works, 2 Ii-oa Foundries. Singer's Sewing Machine Co., Col- 
 gate's Soap Factory, 3 Jewelry Manufactories, and 2 Black Lead Crucible 
 Factories, &c. 
 
 This is now the principal starting-point of the great line of south- 
 ern travel. The New Jersey railroad commences here, and, in con- 
 nection with other railroads, extends to Philadelphia. The Pater- 
 son and Hudson railroad also commences at this place, diverging 
 from the New^ Jersey railroad at Bergen Hill ; thence running to 
 Paterson, a distance of 16^ miles. This road will ultimately ex- 
 tend and unite with the Erie railroad, in which event this city will 
 be vastly benefited. The Morris canal also terminates at Jersey 
 City, after pursuing a circuitous route, from the Delaware river, 
 of 101 miles. In its course it has a total rise and fall of 16G9 feet, 
 which is overcome by locks and inclined planes. The summit 
 level is 915 feet above the Atlantic ocean. From the magnitude 
 of the public works terminating at this point, Jersey City nmst fast 
 increase in importance and population, being closely allied to New 
 York, (distant one mile,) with which communication is had every 
 15 minutes, by a line of excellent ferry-boats, nowhere surpassed. 
 
 In the war of the revolution, the spot where Jersey City now 
 stands was an outpost of the British army, during their occupancy 
 
232 HUDSON COUNTY. 
 
 of New York. Their fort on Powles Hook, as the place was then 
 called, was located near the building lately used by the jNIorris 
 Canal and Banking Co., for their banking-house, at the corner of 
 Grand and Greene sts. The graveyard was near the site of the 
 Episcopal church. In grading the streets, a few years since, in that 
 neighborhood, human remains were disinterred, together with a 
 variety of military relics. In the latter part of the summer of 
 1779, this fortress was surprised by Maj. Lee ; the following ac- 
 count of which is from Marshall's Life of. Washington: 
 
 \Vhilc Sir Henry Clinton continued encamped just above Haerlcm, with his upper 
 posts at Kingsbridge, and the American army preserved its station in the Highlands, a 
 bo! I plan was formed for surprising a British post at Powles Hook, which was executed 
 wiili great address by Maj. Lee. 
 
 'J'his officer was employed on the west side of the river, with directions to observe the 
 situ ition of the British in Stony Point, but, principally, to watch the motions of their 
 ma ti army. While his parties scoured the country, he obtained intelligence which sug- 
 gested the idea of surprising and carrying off the garrison at Powles Hook, immediately 
 opi'osite the town of New York, perR-trating deep into the river. On the point nearest 
 New York, some works liad been constructed, which were garrisoned by four or five 
 hui dred men. 
 
 A deep ditch, into wliich the water of the river flowed, having over it a drawbridge 
 corriccted with a barred gate, had been cut across the isthmus, so as to make the Hook, 
 in nality, an island. This ditch could be passed only at low water. Thirty feet within 
 it was a row of abattis running into the river • and some distance in front of it is a 
 creek, fordable onlj' in two places. 
 
 This difficulty of access, added to the remoteness of the nearest corps of the Ameri- 
 can army, impressed the garrison with the opinion that they were perfectly secure ; and 
 this opinion produced an unmilitary remissness in the commanding officer, which did 
 not escape the vigilance of Lee. 
 
 On receiving his communication, Gen. Washington was inclined to favor the enter- 
 prise they suggested ; but withheld his full assent until he was satisfied that the assail- 
 ants would be able to make good their retreat. 
 
 The Hackensack, which communicates with the waters of the Hudson below New 
 York, runs almost parallel with that river quite to its source, and is separated from it 
 only a few miles. This neck is still further narrowed by a deep creek which divides it, 
 and empties into the Hackensack below Fort Lee. West of that river runs the Passaic, 
 which unites with it near Newark, and forms another long and narrow neck of land. 
 From Powles Hook to the new bridge, the first place where the Hackensack could be 
 crossed without boats, the distance is fourteen miles ; and from the North river to the 
 road leading from the one place to the other, there are three points of interception, the 
 nearest of which is less than two miles, and the farthest not more than three. The 
 British were encamped in full force along the North river, opposite to the points of in- 
 terception. To diminish the danger of the retreat, it was intended to occupy the roads 
 leading through the mountains of the Hudson, to tiie Hackensack, with a select body 
 of troops. 
 
 Every preparatory arrangement being made, the night of the 18th of August was 
 fixed on for the enterprise. A detachment from the division of Lord Stirling, including 
 300 men, designed for the expedition, was ordered down as a foraging party. As there 
 was nothing unusual in this movement, it excited no suspicion. Lord Stirling followed 
 with fjOO men, and encamped at the new bridge. 
 
 Maj. Lee, at the head of 300 men, took the road through the mountains, wliich ran 
 parallel to the North river ; and, having secured all the passes into York island, reached 
 the creek which surrounds the Hook, between two and three in the morning. He passed 
 first the creek, and then the ditch, undiscovered, and about three in the morning en- 
 tered the maiu work; and, with the loss of only two killed and three wounded, made 
 159 prisoners, including three officers. Very few of the British were killed. Maj. Suth- 
 erland, who commanded the garrison, threw himself, with 40 or 50 Hessians, into a 
 strong redoubt, which it was thought unadvisable to attack, because the time occupied 
 in carrying it might endanger the retreat. Wasting no time in destroying what could 
 easily be replaced, Maj. Lee hastened to bring off his prisoners and his detachment. 
 
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HUDSON COUNTY. 233 
 
 To avoid the danger of retreating up the narrow neck of land which has already been 
 described, some boats had been brought, in the course of the night, to Dow's Ferry, on 
 the Hackcnsa'"k, not far from Powles Hook. Tlie officer wlio guarded them was direct. 
 ed to remain u^ til the arrival of the troops engaged in the expedition, which, it was un- 
 derstood, would happen before day. The light having made its appearance without any 
 intelligence from Maj. Lee, the officer liaving charge of the boats conjectured that the 
 attack had been postponed ; and, to avoid discovery, retired with them to Newark. The 
 head of the retreating column soon afterward reached the ferry; and, fatigued as they 
 were by the toilsome march of the preceding night, were compelled to pass as rapidly as 
 possible up the narrow neck of land, between the two rivers, to the new bridge. A 
 horseman was dispatclied, with this information, to Lord Stirhng, and the line of march 
 was resumed. 
 
 About nine in the preceding evening, Maj. Buskirk had been detached up the North 
 river, with a considerable part of the garrison of Powles Hook, and some other troops, 
 for the purpose of falling in with the American party, supposed to be foraging about the 
 English Neighborhood. 
 
 On receiving intelligence of the disappointment respecting the boats. Lord Stirling 
 look the precaution to detach Col. Ball, with 200 fresh men, to meet Lee, and cover his 
 retreat. Just after Ball had passed, Buskirk entered the main road, and fired on his 
 rear. Taking it for granted that this was only the advanced corps of a large detach, 
 ment, sent to intercept the party retreating from Powles Hook, Ball made a circuit to 
 avoid the enemy ; and Buskirk, finding a detachment he had not expected, took the same 
 measure to secure his own retreat. The two parties, narrowly missing each other, re- 
 turned to their respective points of departure ; and Lee reached the new bridge without 
 interruption. 
 
 This critical enterprise reflected much honor on the partisan with whom it originated, 
 and by whom it was conducted. Gen. Washington aimounced it to the army, in his 
 orders, with much approbation ; and congress bestowed upon it a degree of applause 
 more adapted to the talent displayed in performing the service than to its magnitude. 
 
 It was at this place that the intrepid Champe, in his pretended 
 desertion from the American army, while being hotly pursued, at 
 the peril of his life, from near Tappan, by a party of Lee's legion, 
 of which he was the sergeant-major, embarked on board of a 
 British barge, and escaped to New York, for the purpose of getting 
 Arnold, by stratagem, into the power of Washington ; and thus 
 save the life of the unfortunate Andre. For a full and thrilling 
 narration of this event, the reader is referred to Lee's Southern 
 Campaigns. 
 
 NORTH BERGEN. 
 
 North Bergen was formed, in 1842, from that part of Bergen N. 
 of the New Jersey railroad. It is G miles long, and from 2 to 4 
 wide. It is bounded N. by Hackensack and Lodi, (Bergen co.,) E. 
 by Hudson river and Van Yorst, S. by Bergen, and W. by Passaic 
 river, separating it from Harrison. The Palisades enter the town- 
 ship on the north. Much of its surface is marsh ; elsewhere the 
 .soil is generally very fertile, and produces large quantities of vege- 
 tables for the New York market. 
 
 North Bergen is a scattered settlement, on the summit of the 
 ridge north of the New Jersey railroad, 2 miles west of Jersey 
 City, containing about 60 dwellings. Secaucus is an island, or 
 more properly a strip of firm land, surrounded by a marsh, in the 
 N W. part of the township. There is at that place a Baptist church. 
 
 30 
 
2H4 
 
 HUDSON COUNTY. 
 
 New Durham, 4 miles north of Hoboken, on the Hackensack turn- 
 pike, has 1 Reformed Dutch and 1 Baptist church, and about 50 
 dwellings. West Hoboken is a recent settlement, handsomely laid 
 out on the brow of an eminence, about 2 miles i'rom Hoboken 
 landing-. Hoboken, supposed anciently to be called Hoebuck, lies 
 on the Hudson, 1 mile from New York, with which constant com- 
 munication is had by ferry-boats. It contains an Episcopal church, 
 and from 50 to 70 dwellings. The pleasant and shady retreats, 
 delightfully situated at this place, on the banks of the river, have 
 long made it a favorite resort. 
 
 Duelling -Ground and Hamilton's Monument. 
 
 A short distance above Weehawken, and about three miles above 
 Hoboken, overhung by the Palisades, on the bank of the Hudson, 
 is the spot famous as the " duellinff-groundy Here several have 
 paid the forfeit of their lives to a custom at which humanity shudders, 
 and which all laws, divine and human, condemn. Here it was that 
 Gen. Alexander Hamilton fell in a duel with Col. Aaron Burr, Vice- 
 President of the United States, July 11th, 1804; an event at which 
 a nation mourned. A monument was erected to the memory of 
 Hamilton on the spot where he foil, by a society in New York, of 
 which the annexed view, taken many years since, by J. C. Ward, 
 Esq., is a representation. The moimment was destroyed by the 
 hand of violence, and the pieces carried off as relics. The piece 
 bearing the inscription was found in a low groggcry in New York, 
 when' it had been pawned for liciuor. It is now in possession of a 
 gentleman residing in the vicinity. 
 
 The annexed account is drawn from Coleman's Collections, rela- 
 tive to the death of Hamilton : 
 
 Hamilton's political opinions were at variance with those of Burr, and some expres- 
 sions he had dropped, derogatory to the Vice-President, were eagerly embraced by tho 
 
HUDSON COUNTY. 235 
 
 latter as affording sufficient grounds for sending him an insolent note, requiring him lo 
 acknowledge or disavow those expressions. General Hamilton refused to do either, and 
 a challenge from Col. Burr was the consequence. Much delay and deliberation on the 
 part of Hamilton was resorted to, but he finally accepted the challenge. 
 
 It was near seven in the morning when the boat which carried Gen. Hamilton, his 
 second, Mr. Pendleton, and their surgeon, Dr. Hosack, reached Weahawk. There they 
 found Col. Burr and his second, Mr. Van Ness, who had been employed since their ar- 
 rival, with coats off, in clearing away the bushes, limbs of trees, &c., so as to make a 
 fair opening. The parties were soon at their allotted stations : when Mr. Pendleton 
 gave tlic word. Burr raised his arm slowly, deliberately took aim, and fired. His ball 
 entered Hamilton's right side ; as soon as the bullet struck him, he raised himself invol- 
 untarily on his toes, turned a little to the left, (at which moment his pistol went off,) 
 and fell upon his face. 
 
 Dr. Hosack says : " When called to him, upon his receiving the fatal wound, I found 
 him half-sitting on the ground, supported in the arms of Mr. Pendleton. His counte- 
 nance of death I shall never forget. He had at that instant just strength to say, ' This 
 is a mortal wound, Doctor ;' when he sunk away, and became to all appearance lifeless. 
 I inunediately stripped up his clothes, and soon, alas ! ascertained that the direction of 
 the ball must have been through some vital part. His pulses were not to be felt ; his 
 respiration was entirely suspended ; and upon my laying my hand upon his heart, and 
 perceiving no motion, then I perceived him irrecoverably gone. I however observed to 
 Mr. Pendleton, that the only chance for his reviving was immediately to get him upon 
 the water. We therefore lifted him up, and carried him out of the wood to the margin 
 of the bank, where the bargemen aided us in conveying him into the boat, which imme 
 diately put off. During all this time I could not discover the least symptom of return, 
 ing life. I now rubbed his face, lips, and temples with spirits of hartshorn, applied it 
 to his neck and breast, and to the wrist and palms of his hands, and endeavored to pour 
 some into his mouth. When we had got, as I should judge, some 50 yards from the 
 shore, some imperfect efforts to breathe were for the first time made manifest; in a few 
 minutes he sighed, and became sensible to the impression of the hartshorn, or the fresh 
 air of the water. He breathed ; his eyes, hardly opened, wandered, without fixing upon 
 any objects ; to our great joy he at length spoke : ' My vision is indistinct,' were his 
 first words. His pulse became more perceptible ; his respiration more regular ; his sight 
 returned. I then examined the wound, to know if there was any dangerous discharge 
 of blood ; upon slightly pressing his side it gave him pain ; on which I desisted. Soon 
 after, recovering his sight, he happened to cast his eyes upon the case of pistols, and ob- 
 serving the one that he had in his hand lying on the outside, he said, ' Take care of that 
 pistol; it is undischarged and still cocked; it may go off, and do harm; Pendleton 
 knows (attempting to turn his head toward him) that I did not intend to fire at him.' 
 ' Yes,' said Mr. Pendleton, ujiderstanding his wish, ' I have already made Dr. Hosack 
 acquainted with your determination as to that.' He then closed his eyes and remained 
 calm, without any disposition to speak; nor did he say much afterwards, excepting in 
 reply to my questions as to his feelings. He asked me once or twice how I found his 
 pulse ; and he informed me that his lower extremities had lost all feeling ; manifesting 
 to me that he entertained no hopes that he should long survive. I changed the posture 
 of his limbs, but to no purpose — they had totally lost their sensibility. Perceiving that 
 we approached the shore, he said, ' Let Mrs. Hamilton be immediately sent for — let the 
 event be gradually broken to her; but give her hopes.' Looking up, we saw his friend 
 Mr. Bayard standing on the wharf in great agitation. He had been told by his servant 
 that Gen. Hamilton, Mr. Pendleton, and myself had crossed tiic river in a boat together, 
 and too well had he conjectured the fatal errand, and foreboded the dreadful result. Per- 
 ceiving, as we came nearer, that Mr. Pendleton and myself only sat up in the stern 
 sheets, he clasped his hands together in the most violent apprehension ; but when I called 
 to him to have a cot prepared, and he at the same moment saw his poor friend lying in 
 the bottom of the boat, he threw up his eyes, and burst into a flood of tears and lamen- 
 tations. Hamilton alone appeared tranquil and composed. We then conveyed him as 
 tenderly as possible up to the house. Tlie distresses of this amiable family were such 
 that, till the first shock was abated, they were scarcely able to summon fortitude enough 
 
 to yield sufficient assistance to their dying friend During the night he had 
 
 some imperfect sleep, but the succeeding morning his symptoms were aggravated, attend- 
 ed, however, with a diminution of pain. His mind retained all its usual strc^ngth and 
 composure. The great source of his anxiety seemed to be in his sympathy with his half- 
 distracted wife and children. He spoke to me frequently of them. ' My beloved wife 
 
236 HUDSON COUNTY. 
 
 and children,' were always his expressions. But his fortitude triumphed over his situa 
 tion, dreadful as it was ; once, indeed, at the sight of his little children, brought to the 
 bedside together, seven in number, his utterance forsook him ; he opened his eyes, gave 
 them one look, and closed them again until they were taken away. As a proof of his 
 extraordinary composure, let me add that he alone could calm the frantic grief of their 
 mother. ' Remember, my Eliza, you are a Christian!^ were tlic expressions with which 
 he frequently, with a firm voice, but in a pathetic and impressive manner, addressed her. 
 His words, and the tone in which they were uttered, will never be effaced from my 
 memory. At about two o'clock he expired." 
 
 After his death, a paj)er was found in his own handwriting, containing his reasons 
 for accepting the challenge — and also confirming his own words, that it was not his in- 
 tention to fire at Col. Burr. He gave his testimony against duelling in the same paper, 
 in those words : " My religious and moral principles are strongly opposed to the practice 
 of duelling. It would ever give me ])ain to be obliged to shed the blood of a fellow-crea- 
 ture in a private combat forbidden by the laws. My wife and children are extremely 
 dear to me, and my life is of the utmost importance to them, in various views." He 
 also gave unccjuivocal evidence of his firm reliance on the merits of a .Saviour for par- 
 doning mercy, and at his earnest request, the evening before his death, the sacrament of 
 the Lord's supper was administered to iiim. In his interview with the Rev. Dr. Mason, 
 a few hours before his death, he said, " Duelling was always against my principles ; I 
 used every expedient to avoid the interview ; but I have found, for some time past, that 
 my life must be exposed to that man. I went to the field determined not to take his life." 
 
 Immediately after his decease, the bells announced that he was no more. Early on 
 the morning of Saturday, the day of his funeral, all the bells were muffled and tolled 
 with little intermission until the procession reached the church, somewhere between one 
 and two o'clock. The ships in the harbor exhibited their colors at half-mast, and min- 
 ute-guns were fired from tiie forts. The procession consisted of the clergy of all de- 
 nominations — gentlemen of the bar — students at law — strangers — members of the dif- 
 ferent incorporated bodies, together with the citizens — all anxious to testify their sense 
 of Hamilton's worth. The side-walks were crowded with sj)ectators — the windows 
 were filled — and many climbed up into trees, and got upon tlie tops of houses. Not a 
 smile was visible — scarcely a whisper was heard — all was weeping, mourning, and wo. 
 When tnc procession reached Trinity Church, Mr. Gouverneur Alorris delivered an oration 
 from a stage that had been erected for the purpose in the portico of tlie church. Alter 
 the oration, the corpse was carried to the grave, where the funeral service was performed 
 by the Rev. Bishop Moore. The troops, which had formed an extensive hollow square 
 in the church-yard, closed the solemnities with three volleys over the grave. 
 
 On opening the will of the deceased, a letter was found addressed by him to Mrs. 
 Hamilton, written on the 4lli inst., in which he assured her he had taken all possible 
 measures to avoid the duel, except bv acting in a manner wliicii would justl}- forfeit her 
 esteem — that he had determined not to fire at him — and should certainly fall. He begged 
 her forgiveness for causing her so much pain, and commended her to that God who 
 would never desert her. 
 
 The whole nation v.-as now literally in tears. It has in fact been questioned whether 
 the death of Washington excited a more universal gloom. All party feeling was swal- 
 lowed up in grief — all united in the general voice of sorrow, " Our Haniillon is no more .'" 
 
 The following is from the Albany Centinel of August 29 : " On Sunday last, the af- 
 flicted Mrs. Hamilton attended divine service in this city with her tiiree little sons. At 
 tlic close of a prayer by the Rev. Mr. Nott, the eldest dropped on his face in a fainting-fit. 
 Two gentlemen innnediately raised him, and while bearing him out, tlie afflicted mother, 
 in the agonies of grief and despair, sprang forward towards her ajiparently lifeless s m. 
 The heart-rending scene with which she had recently struggled, called forth all the fine- 
 spun sensibilities of her nature, and seemed to say, that nature must and will be in- 
 dulged in her keenest sorrows. She was ovcrjiowered in the conflict, and likewise sunk, 
 uttering such heart-rending groans, as would have melted into sympathy even Burr him- 
 self. Botli soon recovered — and while the little son was supported, .'itunding on the steps, 
 yet speeciiless, the mo.it aflecting scene presented itself — a scene which, could it be placed 
 on canvass by the hand of a master, would be in the highest degree interesting and im- 
 pressive. The mother fastened upon her son, with her head reclining on his shoulder — 
 agony strongly painted on her countenance — her long flowing weeds — the majesty of her 
 person — the jiosition of both— and above all, the peculiarity of their trying situation in 
 the recent loss of a husband and father. Who could refrain irom invoking on the head 
 of the guilty author of their miseries, those curses he so richly merits ? — the curse of 
 
HUDSON COUNTY. 
 
 237 
 
 livin», despised and execrated by the voice of a whole nation — the curse of being held 
 up to the view of future ages — a monster and an assassin." 
 
 In July, 1780, Washington, having received information that 
 there were considerable numbers of cattle in Bergen Neck, in 
 reach of the enemy, detached Gen. Wayne to bring them oif, and 
 at the same time attack a blockhouse which stood on the Hudson 
 river, in this township, about half a mile below Bull's Ferry and 
 the present line of Bergen co. [See page 75.] It was on the oc- 
 casion of this expedition that Major Andre wrote the poem entitled 
 the " Cow Chacer which was printed by Rivington, printer to his 
 majesty, in New York. It consists of stanzas divided into three 
 cantos. It is said that Andre gave the printer the last canto the 
 day before he left New York, on the enterprise which cost him his 
 life. The poem appeared in the Royal Gazette on the morning 
 of the day he was taken. The following stanzas are selected from 
 it ; the last of which appears somewhat prophetic. 
 
 To drive the kine one summer's morn 
 
 The tanner took his way ; 
 The calf shall rue that is unborn 
 
 The jumbling of that day. 
 
 And Wayne descending steers shall know, 
 
 And tauntingly deride, 
 And call to mind in every low 
 
 The tanning of his hide. 
 
 Yet Bergen cows still ruminate 
 
 Unconscious in the stall, 
 What mighty means were used to get 
 
 And lose them after all. 
 
 For many heroes bold and brave, 
 From New Bridge and Tapaan, 
 
 And those that drink Passaick's wave, 
 And those that eat soupaan ; 
 
 And sons of distant Delaware, 
 
 And still remoter Shannon, 
 And Major Lee with horses rare. 
 
 And Proctor with his cannon : 
 
 I, under cover of th' attack, 
 Whilst you are all at blows, 
 
 From English Neighb'rood and Tinack 
 Will drive away the cows. 
 
 At Irvine's nod 'twas fine to sec 
 
 The left prepare to fight, 
 The while the drovers, Wayne and Lee, 
 
 Drew off upon the right. 
 
 Sublime upon his stirrups rose 
 
 The mighty Lee behind. 
 And drove the terror-smitten cows 
 
 Like chaff before the wind. 
 
 But sudden see the woods above 
 Pour down another corps ; 
 
 All helter-skelter in a drove, 
 Like that I sung before. 
 
 Irvine and terror in the van 
 
 Came flying all abroad ; 
 And cannon, colors, horse, and man, 
 
 Ran tumbling to the road. 
 
 In his dismay the frantic priest 
 
 Began to grow prophetic ; 
 You'd swore, to see his lab'ring breast, 
 
 He'd taken an emetic. 
 
 This solemn prophecy, of course, 
 Gave all much consolation, 
 
 Except to Wayne, who lost his horse 
 Upon the great occasion. 
 
 His horse that carried all his prog, 
 
 His military speeches, 
 His cornstalk-whiskey for his grog. 
 
 Blue stockings and brown breeches. 
 
 And now I've closed my epic strain, 
 
 I tremble as I show it, 
 Lest this same warrior-drover, Wayne, 
 
 Should ever catch the poet. 
 
238 HUNTERDON COUNTY. 
 
 VAN VORST. 
 
 Van Vorst was taken from Bergen in 1841 ; and named from the 
 Van Vorst family, who are extensive landholders in this section. 
 It has long been settled by the Dutch. Within its limits was the 
 ancient town or settlement known as Ahassimus. It is about 1{ 
 miles long, by | a mile wide. It is bounded on the N. by North 
 Bergen, E. by the Hudson river and Jersey City, S. by New York 
 bay, and W. by Bergen and North Bergen. It forms, with Jersey 
 Cit}-, an island, cut off from the remaining portion of the county by 
 the Creek of the Woods. The whole of this tract, including Jer- 
 sey City, is laid out in city lots, and is fast being built upon, and 
 ere many years will be densely populated. Van Vorst now con- 
 tains 1 Baptist church, 1 Dutch Reformed church, and a population 
 of about 1,500. 
 
 HUNTERDON COUNTY. 
 
 Hunterdon co. was set off from Burlington co., in 1713, and 
 named after Gov. Robert Hunter. Its limits have since been re- 
 duced by the formation of Warren, Sussex, Morris, and Mercer cos. 
 Its extreme length, N. and S., is 31 m. ; width, E. and W., 24 m. It 
 is bounded NW. by Warren co., S. by Mercer co., E. by Somerset 
 and Morris cos., and SW. by the Delaware river. It is somewhat 
 mountainous, though agreeably diversified with hills, table-lands, 
 and broad valleys. Sourland, or Rock mountain, extends along the 
 whole line between this and Mercer co. There is a continuous 
 ridge of hills running from Bool's island, on the Delaware, in a NE. 
 direction, crossing the S. branch of the Raritan at Williamsport, 
 extending nearly across the centre of the county, and terminating 
 in the Kushetunk or Hog mountain, near White House village. 
 The Musconetcong mountains extend from the junction of the Mus- 
 conetcong and Delaware rivers, across the N. tier of townships, to 
 Morris co., branching to the SE. as they approach Lebanon and 
 Tewksbury, into several distinct spurs, known as the Spruce Run 
 hills. Fox hill, &c. These elevations are sources of many never- 
 failing streams, that fertilize the valleys and furnish abundant 
 water-power. 
 
 The south branch of the Raritan is a noble mill-stream, entering 
 the county in a SW. direction from Morris co., through the German 
 valley. It there forms a crescent, gradually curving to the left, 
 watering seven townships, and then crossing the Somerset line. 
 The Alexsockin, Nechanic, Wickcchecoke, Laokatong, Nischisaco- 
 wick. Rockaway. and Spruce rivers, are considerable mill-streams. 
 
 There is a great variety of soil in the county. The south part, 
 
HUNTERDON COUNTY. ggg 
 
 embracing a strip of land about 2 miles wide, along: Sourland 
 mountain, is a cold, clayey, rocky soil : between this and the hills 
 v^xtending from Bool's island to Kushetunk, is a beautiful, highly- 
 cultivated, rolling country. The soil is principally red shale, lying 
 generally from one to six feet below the surface. On the summit 
 of this ridge, from Bool's island and next the Delaware, is a broad 
 table-land known as the Great Swamp, covering an area of nearly 
 50 square miles. Between the Great Swamp and Musconetcong 
 mountains, and bordering on the Delaware, is another similar tract 
 of red shale, extending over a greater part of Alexandria. East 
 of this, come the valleys of the Capoolen, South Branch, and Round 
 valley, where is the great limestone region of the county. The 
 soil is a rich clayey loam, generally highly-cultivated. Limestone 
 is also found in the German valley and along the Musconetcong 
 Bordering on Alexandria and Bethlehem, is another table-land, 
 about the same extent as the Great Swamp, called The Barrens. 
 Hunterdon County is divided into the following towns Li}».s, viz : 
 
 Alexandria, East Amwell, Lebanon, Tewksbury, 
 
 Bethlehem, Franklin, Raritan, Union, 
 
 Clinton, Kingswood, Readington, West Amwell. 
 
 Delaware, Lambertville, 
 
 ALEXANDRIA. 
 
 This township was incorporated in 1798. It is about 8 m. long, 
 6 wide ; bounded NW. by Greenwich, Warren co., SE. by King 
 wood, SW. by the Delaware, and NE. by Bethlehem. There are 
 in the township 10 stores, 6 flouring-m., 4 grist-m., 10 saw-m., 3 
 oil-m • pan. in manufac. $139,955; 9 schools, 420 scholars. Pop. 
 \a 1 805,3,894 
 
 Milford is m a fertile country, upon the Delaware ; 1 5 m. N W. 
 of Flemington, and 12 below Easton, Penn. The engraving shows 
 its appearance when approached from the south on the River-road. 
 The Presbyterian church is seen on the right. The Christ-ian 
 church is a substantial stone building in the central part of the 
 village. Thompson's hill, a beautiful, romantic eminence, 200 or 
 300 feet in height, appears in the background. Milford contains 
 3 stores, 3 taverns, 12 or 15 mechanic shops, 1 merchant and 2 
 saw m., 2 churches, and 45 dwellings. There is a fine bridge 
 across the Delaware, built in 1841, at an expense of about $20,000. 
 The lumber trade is carried on extensively in this thriving village. 
 Milford, forty years since, contained a grist and 2 saw m., a black- 
 smith shop, a store, and a few dwellings only. Its original name 
 was Burnt 3////.V, from some mills destroyed here by fire, at an early 
 day, and later it was called Lowreytown. For thirty-five years past, 
 it has borne its present name. The Christ-ian church was built 
 
240 
 
 HUNTERDON COUNTY. 
 
 about fifteen years since, and as females were admitted to partici- 
 pate iii the ministry, a Mrs. Roberds, for the first year or two, 
 preached to the congregation. The Presbyterian church was 
 erected in 1835, and the Rev. Mr. Henshaw was the first settled 
 clergymnn. 1^42. 
 
 Southern view of Mil ford in 1842. 
 
 The borough of Frenchtown 4 miles below Milford has several saw 
 and grist mills, 4 stores, 3 taverns, and in 1868, pop. about 1,600. 
 Little York, 4 miles N. of Milford, is a flourishing village, sprung 
 into existence within a few years. It has an oil-m., and 2 grist-m., 
 a store, 1 tavern, several mechanics, and about IG dwellings. 
 Mount Pleasant, 3 miles N. of Milford, is, as its name implies, plea- 
 santly situated upon rising ground, where there is a Presb}i^erian 
 church, a tavern, store, several mechanics, and about 15 dwell- 
 ings. Everittstown, in a handsome valley on the Nischisakawick 
 creek, 4 miles E. of Milford, is a village of about the same size as 
 the above, and contains a Methodist church. Pittstown, on the SE. 
 corner of the township, contains 2 stores, a tavern, grist-m., and 
 about 12 dwellings. 
 
 AMWELL. 
 
 This township was incorporated in 1798, It is 12 miles long, 
 extending across the southern line of the county, and is about 13 
 miles wide ; bounded NW. by Delaware and Raritan, JSE. by Hope- 
 well, Mercer co.; W. by the Delaware river, and E. by Hillsbo- 
 rough, Somerset co. Pop. 3, The Sourland or Rock mountain 
 extends along its SE. boundary. The soil of the northern portion 
 is fertile ; there are in the township 10 stores, 1 grist-m., 6 saw-m., 1 
 
HUNTERDON COUNTY. 
 
 241 
 
 Amwell is now divided into two townships. East Amwell, with a 
 population of 2,255, West Amwell, pop. 1,289. and Lambertville. 
 
 In the olden times rattlesnakes were numerous m this vicinity. 
 Smith in his history says — " One Robins, in Amwell, at a spot on his 
 own plantation, had upwards ot" ninety rattlesnakes killed in each 
 of three springs successively. The parties performing it barked 
 young chestnut-trees of the size of their own legs and tied them on ; 
 and thus accoutred, they ellected their business without much dan- 
 ger ; but the snakes frequently bit the bark." 
 
 View of Lanibertville from New Hope, Pcnn. 
 
 Lambertville is one of the most populous and flourishing places in Hunter- 
 don county. It is on the Delaware, opposite New Hope, Penn., 12 miles from 
 Flemingtnn and IG from Trenton, beautifully situated on a narrow plain, 
 bounded on the east by a range of hills. On the right of the engraving is seen 
 part of the bridge connecting it with New Hope. On the left is seen, first the 
 Blackwell Building, next the public school on the high elevation back of the 
 town, the Presbyterian church, and Smith's mill, 5 stories high. The small 
 spire or steeple in the distance is that of the Baptist church. The car-house 
 depot is seen above the bridge. The Belvidcre and Lambertville railroad 
 and the feeder of the Delaware and Raritan Canal, navigable for sloops and 
 schooners, both pass through the village. Large numbers of shad are an- 
 nually taken by the bridge and its vicinity. There is in this place 5 public 
 schools, 5 churches, an academy, a national bank, a paper mill, cotton factor}^ 
 steam saw mill, rubber factory, iron foundries and numerous stores and 
 mechanic shops. There is also an establishment for the manufacture of loco- 
 motives and cars. The pop ilation is about 4,000. 
 
 Lambertville is on the site of GonjeVs Fcrrij, which is a noted place in the 
 
242 HUNTERDON COUNTY. 
 
 war of the revolution. In 1732, Emanuel Coryel, who was of 
 French descent, removed from Somerset co., purchased here a large 
 tract of land, built a hut, and established a ferry. A stone tavern 
 shortly after built by him j^ ic.v occupied as a dwelling u i*» 
 about 20 rods below the bridge where the lerry then was. In 1748. 
 he sold to Job Wharford a small piece of land on what is now the 
 W. side of Main-st., about 120 feet from the corner of York-st., on 
 which the purchaser erected a tavern, and Coryel closed the one at 
 the lerry. In 1797 there were but four dwellings here, occupied 
 then by Joseph Lambert, George Hoppock, George Tanner, George 
 Coryel, &c. It was then called Georgetown, which name it retained 
 until the late war, when a post-office was established, and it was 
 named Lambertville, from its first postmaster, John Lambert, Esq. 
 The Presbyterian church was built in 1817, the Baptist in 1825, and 
 the Methodist in 1838. 
 
 In the disastrous retreat of the American army through New 
 Jersey, just previous to the victory at Trenton, a portion of the 
 troops crossed at Coryel's ferry. Cornwallis attempted to seize 
 some of the boats which they had used, but being well guarded by 
 Lord Stirling, his etlbrts proved abortive. Some time in the war a 
 portion of the American army were here under Washington, who 
 had his head-quarters in the dwelling of Richard Holcomb, a stone 
 mansion now standing about a quarter of a mile N. of the village 
 centre, and occupied by his son, John Holcomb, Esq. General 
 Greene's head-quarters were in the dwelling of George Coryel, now 
 down. 
 
 Just below Lambertville, on the Delaware, are Wclls^ Falls, where 
 the river descends about 14 feet in three fourths of a mile. The 
 passage of rafts at this place is an interesting sight. They shoot 
 down with great velocity, and as the stream is lilled with rock, 
 it requires the utmost care and skill in the raftsmen to avoid foun- 
 dering. \ 
 
 Mount Airy, Rocktown, Snidertown, and Clover Hill, contain each 
 a few dwellings. At the first is a Presbyterian, and at the last a 
 Dutch Reformed church. The village of Ringoes, in a delightlul 
 valley, (> miles S. of Flemington, contains about 20 dwellings, and 
 near it is a Presbyterian church. It derives its name from John 
 Ringo, who about 1720 settled in this place, then a wilderness. He 
 built a log cabin, where he was obliged to entertain travellers, there 
 being no house near, and he at a point where the paths crossed, 
 along which travellers occasionally ])assed from some setllcments 
 in Pennsylvania to the eastern ])art of Jersey. After a while this 
 became a noted resting-place for travellers, and the public iiouse 
 known as ''JiinQ;o's Old Tr^rcrn," was, according to tradition, kept 
 by John Ringo, his son, and grandson, for about 70 years. About 
 the year 1810, this old tavern, upon the sign of which was a por- 
 trait of Washington, and, in large letters, " Ringo's Old Tavern," 
 was destroyed by lire. The lirst proprietor and his descendants lie 
 buried in a small yard near the village, their graves marked with 
 
HUNTERDON COUNTY. 
 
 243 
 
 initial letters, and surrounded by a rude stone wall. The family 
 name is now believed to be extinct, though some of the descend- 
 ants on the female side are living. It is only retained in the name 
 of the village. Ringoes is also the name of the post-office, and the 
 only one so named in the world. Near the village was erected the 
 first Presbyterian church in the county. The time is not exactly 
 known, but it was more than a century since. 
 
 BETHLEHEM. 
 
 This township was incorporated in 1798. It is about 8 miles 
 long, 7 broad ; bounded NW. by Franklin, Mansfield, and Green- 
 wich. Warren co. ; SE. by Kingwood, SW. by Alexandria, and 
 NE. by Lebanon and Clinton. The Musconetcong mountains run 
 across the N. part of the township. There are several small ham- 
 lets, but no villages entirely within its limits. Clinton is partly on 
 its SE. corner, and Bloomsbury on the angle of Alexandria and 
 Bethlehem, Hunterdon co., and Greenwich, Warren co. The town- 
 ship contains r^ stores, 5 grist-m., 3 saw-m., 1 oil-m. : cap. in manu- 
 fac. 87,725; 6 schools, IGG scholars. Pop In 1865, 1/jyi 
 
 1842 Northern Vieic of Bloomsbury. 
 
 Bloomsbury is a thriving ---lilage, in the delightful valley of the 
 Musconetcong river, 18 miles from Flemington, 10 Irom Belvidere^ 
 49 from Trenton, and G from Easton, Pa. There arc here 2 stores, 
 1 tavern, several mechanic shops, an oil-m., weaving-shop, a large 
 merchant-mill, a cotton Axctory, a Methodist church, and 35 dwell- 
 ings. The annexed viev/, taken on the N. bank of the Musconet- 
 cong, shows the principal part of the village, which lies on the 
 Hunterdon side of the stream. The large building seen on the left, 
 near the stone bridge, is the merchant-mill of Green and Runkles, 
 and on the right the cotton factory belonging to that firm. The 
 building with a cupola, in the background, is the Methodist 
 
244 HUNTERDON COUNTY. 
 
 church ; and at the distance of a mile the Musconetcong moun- 
 tains are seen, rising to the height of several hundred feet. From 
 their summit a splendid view is had to the N., the eye stretching 
 over a great extent of country, diversified with mountains, hills, 
 and valleys ; and compn^hending within its range several pic- 
 turesque villages, and the borough of Easton, Pa. 
 
 Bordering on this and Alexandria township, are the table-lands 
 called '• Tlie Bnrrens,^^ occupying an area of nearly 50 square 
 miles. The soil is a mixture of clay, sand, and gravel, filled with 
 smooth pebbles. This tract was formerly little cultivated ; but 
 since lime was introduced as a manure, it has been ascertained 
 that the soil may be made very productive, and suffers no more 
 from drought than the alluvial bottoms. A considerable portion of 
 it is covered exclusively with chestnut-trees, owned by the farmers 
 on the lowlands, and kept by them as nurseries, from whence to 
 obtain fencing-timber. When the chestnut is cut off, a new 
 growth immediately sprouts out around the stumps, and in 25 or 30 
 years is large enough to cut again. Tradition asserts that the In- 
 dians used to burn over the barrens to supply themselves with 
 game, immense numbers of which there sought a covert. 
 
 CLINTON. 
 
 Clinton Avas formed from Lebanon, in 184L It is 8 miles long, 
 5 wide ; and is bounded N. by Lebanon, S. by Readington, E. by 
 Tewksbury and lleadington, and W. by Bethlehem and Kingwood. 
 The S. branch of Kariton river runs lor several niiles on the W. 
 boundary, and crosses the NW. corner. Pop 4,2'iO. Lebanon is on 
 the Easton and New Brunswick turnpike ; ana contains a tavern, 
 a store, several mechanic shops, a Reformed Dutch church, and 
 about a dozen dwellings. 
 
 ' The village of Clinton is in a delightful champaign valley, on 
 the south branch of the Rariton, on the post-road irom New Bruns- 
 wick, and 10 miles NE. of Flemington. It was formerly known 
 as Hunt's mills ; so named from an early proprietor of its valuable 
 water-power. Though the surrounding country was early settled, 
 the village has grown to its present size since the establishment of 
 a post-office in 1838. In 1820 there were but three houses in what 
 is now the compact part of the village, viz : the yellow house near 
 the mill, the dwelling owned by Henry N. Cline, Esq., a few rods 
 NE., and a small one now down, which stood on the hill. Besides 
 these there was a tannery in the vicinity, and several mills belong- 
 ing to Mr. E[unt. It now contains 3 mercantile stores, 2 large 
 merchant-mills, with one of which an oil-mill is connected ; 3 pub- 
 lic houses, about 15 mechanic shops of various kinds, a brick-yard, 
 a valuable limestone quarry, 3 churches, 62 dwellings, and 520 in- 
 habitants, ly-l'/d 
 
 The Presbyterian church was erected in 1830 ; and in 1831 a re- 
 
HUNTERDON COUNTY. 
 
 245 
 
 ligious society was constituted. The first settled minister, the Rev. 
 Alexande]- jMacklin, entered upon the duties of his office in April, 
 1832, and continued until near the close of 1835. He was succeed- 
 ed by the Rev. Arthur B. Bradford, June, 1835, who remained until 
 October, 1838. The present pastor, the Rev. Albert Williams, was 
 
 1849.) 
 
 View of Clinton from Quarry Hill. 
 
 called to the pastoral charge in December, 1838. The Episcopal 
 church was built in 1838: its first rector was the Rev. Wm. C. Crane, 
 who was succeeded in 1839 by the present incumbent, the Rev, 
 James Adams. The Methodist Episcopal church was built in 1840 : 
 and religious services have been regularly maintained by travelling 
 preachers. Two schools have been established in the village : one 
 is a grammar and classical school, founded and taught by the Rev. 
 Albert Williams, and promises a rich advantage for the dissemina- 
 tion of intelligence and literature to the adjacent community. The 
 region contiguous to the village is very fertile. In the valley are 
 immense beds of limestone, which for many years have proved a 
 valuable source of wealth to the proprietors, and a means of fertil- 
 izing a wide district of the surrounding country. About 3 miles N. 
 of the village, in the mountain range, which is a continuation of 
 8choolej-'s mountain, is an iron mine, which, half a century since, 
 yielded a vast amount of metal for the Union forge and furnace, 
 at the base of the mountain. The ore is still unexhausted ; the 
 working of the mine having been discontinued only on account of 
 the inconvenience of procuring fuel for the manufacturing estab- 
 lishment. 
 
 DELAWARE. 
 
 This township was formed from the NW. part of Amwell, in 
 1838. It is about 7 miles long, 6 broad ; and is bounded NW. by 
 
246 HUNTERDON COUNTY. 
 
 Kingwood, SE. by Amwell, NE. by Raritan, and SW. by the Dela- 
 wavr river. There are in the township 7 stores, G grist-m., G saw- 
 m., 1 oil-m. ; cap. in manulac. $12,3G0; 8 schools, 227 scholars. 
 Pop. 6y5o'6. It is watered by the Alexsockin, Wickhecheoke, and 
 Laokarong creeks, which empty into the Delaware. Sergeants- 
 ville, () miles SW. of Flemington, contains a store, tavern, nnd a 
 few mechanics; a neat Methodist church, lately erected, of stone, 
 and stuccoed ; and about a dozen dwellings. Head Quarters, G 
 miles from Flemington, contains a store, 2 grist-mills, and 8 dwell- 
 ings. Bool's Island, so named from an island in the Delaware, is 
 at the head of the feeder of the Delaware and Raritan canal, and 
 contains a store, tavern, and 12 or 15 dwellings. Prallsville, on 
 the Delaware river, 4 miles above Lambertville, contains a store, 
 tavern, a plaster, oil, grist, and saw mill, and a few dwellings. 
 Half a mile below is the Centre Bridge, over the Delaware. 
 
 The annexed account of the great freshet in the Delaware river 
 in Jan. 1841, is from the Hunterdon Gazette of that date : 
 
 Tlie heavy rain which fell last week, together with the melting of the large quantity 
 of snow and ice upon the ground, caused the streams to swell to a height not known be- 
 fore for many years. The ground, being covere.'i witli a crust of ice several inclies in 
 thickness, absorbed none of *tlie water upon its surface ; and consequently the whole 
 body was tiirown together into the small streams, and thence conducted into the larger 
 ones, causing them to rise to an unprecedented height, and destroy an immense amount 
 of property, in the shape of bridges, buildings of various kinds, lumber, flour, grain, 
 liousehold furniture, &,c., &c. More damage to bridges in this county, wc believe, was 
 done by the freshet of 1839, in consequence of the greater quantity of ice upon the 
 streams ; but the Delaware river never before made such havoc. We have heard that 
 not a bridge is left standing between Easton and Trenton ; those at Reiglesville, Centre 
 Bridge, New Hope, Taylorsville, and Yardleyville, having all yidded to the resistless 
 power of the flood. The cost of each of the two latter was about !§30,U00 ; the New 
 Hope $G9,00(I; the Centre Bridge probably $30,00(3 or .$40,000, and Reiglesville about 
 $20,000. The guard-lock of the feeder, at Bool's island, is torn away. Johnson's tav- 
 ern, a short distance below, is entirely swept away, with the principal part of its con 
 tents. The following letter gives some account of the damage done at and near Lam 
 bertvillc : 
 
 Lambertville, January 8, 1841, ) 
 (Friday Evening.) ^ 
 
 Rapid Rise in the Delmcare Rii-cr — Great Destruction of Property, iSj-c. — This 
 has been a day of general excitement throughout the village and neigliborhood, and 
 doubtless will be long remembered. We have just returned from witnessing a scene that 
 no pen can adequately describe. At an early hour this mornintr, we heard the roaring 
 of the waters, and hastened to the scene of destruction. The rivir was then tilled with 
 floating masses of timber, &c., consisting principally of jiiles of lumber, logs, and Irag- 
 ments of buildings. The river was then rising at a rajjid rate, and continued to rise un- 
 til about three o'clock, when it apjiearcd to be on a stand. It is now some five or six 
 feet higher than it was ever known before, by the oldest inhabitants. The canal had 
 rapidly tilled, in consequence of the river breaking in above this ])lace, and threatened 
 destruction to that part of the town, and to the extensive mills, &.c. on the Water-power 
 The citizens were preparing to leave their houses, when the large waste-weir, opposite 
 Holcomb's basin, about half a mile above the village, by the force of water, gave way ; 
 which seemed providential — else the consequence might have been serious indeed, if the 
 canal had given way in the town. The lumber-yards, storehouses, mills, &-c., and other 
 property iiluated along the river, were in imminent peril throughout the da)-. About 
 half past ten o'clock, fears began to be entertained for the safety of the New Hope Del- 
 aware bridge ; the river was then nearly up to the bridge. The ice and drift-stuff nj- 
 creased, and struck the piers and timbers of the bridge with tremendous force. Largfl 
 
HUNTERDON COUNTY. 247 
 
 «oal-boats, heavy saw-logs, and cakes of ice were lodging against it, and had forced 
 apart one or two of the piers, on the Jersey side. About 11 o'clock we heard the as- 
 tounding cry, from many voices, that Centre Bridge was coming down, as we antici- 
 pated. All eyes were ii.xcd upon two large massive pieces of the bridge, which were 
 seen floating down, a short distance above, by the resistless current, in terrific grandeur. 
 The feelings of the spectators, at that moment, were deep and thrilling, and may be 
 imagined, but cannot be described. One of the pieces struck about midway, with an 
 awful crash ; passed through, and carried away one of the arches of the bridge. Tlie 
 other soon followed, and took witli it another arch, on the Jersey side. The Jersey pier 
 Boon gave way, and the third arcli followed, and lodged a short distance below. Thus 
 one half of this noble structure, which has stood tlie freshets for nearly thirty years, has 
 been suddenly carried away. The other part, on the Pennsylvania side, still remained 
 when we left, although nmch shattered. 
 
 The destruction of property, along the whole line of the Delaware and Lehigh, we 
 fear, is very great ; and where it is to end, He who holds the winds and rain in the 
 hollow of his hand only can tell. The canal has doubtless sustained much injury. If 
 the river should take a second rise, the consequences may be still more awful. To de- 
 scribe the scenes we have witnessed to-day is painful in the extreme. Yours, &c. 
 
 Saturday Morning, (7 o'clock.) 
 
 I have just time to add, the river fell near two feet last night, and is still going down. 
 Our mills, &c., as far as we have heard, have sustained not the least injury. This is a 
 gratifying evidence of the security and permanency of our Water-power. The miUing 
 establishments, so important and bencfi."ial to the whole community, this morning stand 
 " firm as the surge-repelling rocks." 
 
 Perilous Situation and Providential Escape. — George B. Fell, of Centre Bridge, was 
 carried away by the freshet, and floated down the river to within about three miles of 
 Trenton, where he was taken up in a batteau. When he passed New Hope bridge, he 
 was upon a loose plank, and was obliged to lie flat upon it, to avoid touching the bridge. 
 Attempts were made in vain to rescue him, at that and various other places. When he 
 had passed under the Yardleyville bridge, and floated a few yards below, the whole 
 structure was precii)itated into the stream, just behind him. He continued to float on 
 with the current, gathering pieces of lumber, which he kept together ; forming a sort of 
 raft, by which he was enabled to steer into the still water, where he was taken up in 
 safety. 
 
 Mr. Fell had engaged to attend to the receipt of tolls, at Centre Bridge, during a tem- 
 porary absence of the gatekeeper ; and was crossing over the bridge, for tiiat purpose, 
 when it floated off. Fearing danger from the crushing of timbers overhead, and seeing 
 a portion of the roof of the bridge floating near him, he succeeded, by the aid of a plank, 
 in reaching it, and freeing himself from the main body of the bridge. He thus floated 
 down with the bridge, almost dry, suffering but little from cold, until he reached Yard- 
 leyville bridge ; where he struck a pier, and the water splashed upon and wet him, ren- 
 dering his situation more uncomfortable. After his rescue, he innnediately proceeded 
 to Lambertville, where he was received with the most extravagant demonstrations of joy 
 by the citizens, who immediately raised a telegrapli, announcing his safe arrival, and 
 fired a cannon, which was responded to from the ojjposite shore, in the most clamorous 
 shouts and cheering from the joyous multitude. Mr. Fell, being satisfied that his friends 
 were apprized of his safety, then retired to bed, and took a refreshing sleep ; and we pre- 
 sume crossed the river as soon as safety would permit, and returned to his anxious 
 family. 
 
 The Society of Dunkers have a church (a plain frame 
 building) in the central part of this township, about a mile NE. 
 from Head Quarters. This singular people appear to have had 
 their origin among the Pietists in Germany, in the year 1708. In 
 this year a society was formed, consisting of eight persons, whose 
 spiritual leader was a miller, b}^ the name of Alexander Mack, 
 who rebaptized them, as they considered their infant baptism as 
 unavailing. The word Bunker, by which they are known, is stated 
 to be a corruption of the German Tu/ikcr, the signification' of which 
 is Dippers, or Baptists by plunging — a title, as usual, given to them 
 
248 HUNTERDON COUNTY. 
 
 by others, because the person baptized by them was dipped or 
 plunged three times under water. 
 
 The sentiments of the Dunkers having extended among the Pie- 
 tists, they were somewhat persecuted. In the fall of 1719, Peter 
 Becker, with a company of Dunkers, came to Pennsylvania, and 
 settled in Germantown, where their numbers soon increased, and 
 societies were formed in other places. Their principal settlement 
 was at Ephrata, in Lancaster co. The following, descriptive of 
 the Dunkers at this place, about the year 1750, is probably true 
 with regard to their practices and tenets elsewhere : 
 
 " An apartment is appropriated to each person, that tlicir devotion may liave no inter- 
 ruption. Females have a portion of the town allotted to them : they have no coniniu- 
 nication with the men, except in matters of religion, and what may be necessary in the 
 management of their concerns. If any desire to marry, they leave the Society, and 
 they arc entitled to draw out of the pulilic treasury their shares; but they settle in the 
 vicinity of tiie Society, and send their children to be educated among their brothers and 
 sisters. Economy and piety are strictly observed. The winter's dress is a long white 
 gown, fastened with a belt around the waist : behind hangs the cap. They %vear no 
 hats — a waistcoat, shirt, trousers, and shoes. In summer their garments arc made of 
 linen ; in winter, of cloth. The women wear the same as the men, except that instead 
 of trousers they wear petticoats ; and they conceal their faces when they walk out of 
 their houses. The men let their beards grow, and crop their hair. Their nmnber con- 
 sists of about 300 men and women. Tliey live on vegetables, and will not touch animal 
 food ; hence they are lean of body, of a pale complexion, and apparently bloodless. 
 Their recreations arc connected with their religious duties. They worship lour times in 
 twenty-four hours. In lieu of beds, they sleep upon benches, and use a little wooden 
 block for a pillow. Each room is supplied with a couple of these conveniences. 
 
 " The President of the Dunkers received a regular education, at Halle, in Germany. 
 He was originally a minister of the Calvinist church ; but, becoming dissatisfied, he 
 .eft that church, and joined the Dunkers. He was open, afl'able, familiar, easy of ac. 
 cess, and agreeable in conversation. ' My principles, or rather those of my bretliren, are 
 as follows, (thus he says :) We retain both sacraments ; adults only are admitted to 
 baptism. We deny original sin. It is innnoral to use violence at any time, but our duty 
 to submit. We tiiink going to law is not according to Christianity, and is expressly for 
 bidden. We observe the Jewish sabbath. We have no regular form of worship. Oui 
 discourses treat of the Christian virtues — humility, temperance, chastity, fortitude, «Scc 
 Wo believe the dead had the gospel i)reached to them by our Saviour, and after his resur 
 rection the souls of the holy preached the gospel to those who had not the Scripture re 
 vealed to them, or who were ignorant of its truth and beauty. Wc deny eternal punish 
 ment. Those souJs who become sensible of God's great goodness and clenieney, and 
 acknowledge his lawful autliority, and that he is just, wise, and good, without a stain 
 or blemish, and tiiat Christ is the only true Son of God, arc received into iiappincss ; 
 but those who continue obstinate are kept in darkness, until the great day, wlicn hght 
 will make all happy.' " 
 
 Soon after the Dunkers emigrated to this country, they were 
 divided in sentiment respecting the observance of the sabbath ; 
 some contending it should be on the seventh, others on the lirst day 
 of the week. In the year 17:28, Conrad Beissel wrote a treatise in 
 favor of the seventh-day ob.servance ; and from that time onward, 
 says the Chrouicon, (a Dunker publication,) it was kept alike by 
 all the Society. JNotwithstanding the peaceable principles of the 
 Dunkers, they have had their troubles, as well as all other denom- 
 inations, in the management of their religious affairs.* The fra- 
 
 » From time to time schisms occurred among the Lancaster county Tunkers, and an 
 other distinct society was formed, near the Concstogoe, in opposition to Beissel. Tho 
 
HUNTERDON COUNTY. 049 
 
 ternity of Ephrata Dunkers is believed to be nearly extinct ; 
 and those of the name, in other places, differ but very little, in 
 their customs, &c., from other denominations of Christians. 
 
 KINGWOOD. 
 
 This township was formed in 1798. It is about 14 miles long, 4 
 wide, and is bounded NW. by Alexandria and Bethlehem, SE. by 
 Delaware and llaritan, E. by Clinton, and W. by the Delaware 
 river. The township contains 8 stores, G grist-m., 4 saw-m. ; cap 
 in manufac. 812,075; schools, 157 scholars. Pop. 2 ,4US'. The 
 Laokatong runs centrally through the township. Baptist-town, ^ 
 miles W. of Flemiiigton, contains a store, tavern, several mechan- 
 ics, 2 Baptist churches, and about a dozen dwellings. Quaker- 
 town, 6 miles from Flemington, has a tavern, store, 1 Friends 
 meeting-house, a Methodist church, and about 20 dwellings. Mill- 
 town is a small settlement near the SW. corner of the township. 
 Cherryville is a small flourishing settlement near Quaker-town. 
 Allerton, 4 miles from Flemington, contains a Baptist church, 1 
 steam saw-m., a store, a chair factory, and a few dwellings. 
 
 The tract known as the " Great Swamp'' extends into the town- 
 ship. One would suppose from the name that this region was cov- 
 ered with bogs and fens, but it is the dead level of the surface 
 which at certain seasons retains water, that has given rise to the 
 name. In some places where the land is cleared, the eye may 
 stretch for miles without resting on a solitary hillock. The soil is 
 cold and clayey, and in many places stony; but when limed and 
 well cultivated, yields heavy returns to the husbandman. The 
 population is more dense here than in any other portion of the 
 county of equal extent. 
 
 LEBANON. 
 
 Lebanon was incorporated in 1798, and reduced in 1841 by the 
 
 two societies now lived in open dissension. In relation to this, both the Chronicon and 
 Sangmcister, with a very serious air, tell the followin;^ anecdote : Joel, one of Bcissel's 
 brethren, went to tlie nuttinir of the Conostogoe peoph^ and solemnly stepped in among 
 them ; and, addressin(jr the leader of the confrrcjration, said, " To thee, J. H., these words, 
 Ihroufrh me, from the Lord. Thus saitli the Lord, from this day forth, thou shalt no 
 longer go out to preach to others. And on this day it shall appear whether ?ce or you 
 are the congregation of the Lord. If Cod shall tliis day do a miracle on my person ; 
 if here in your presence, and before your eyes, I fall down, like a dead man ; and if, by 
 your prayers, I be made to rise up again to life, — then God hath not sent me to you, 
 and you arc God's people. But if / do vol fall down like a dead man, but go, fresh and 
 hearty, out of that door, then shall ye know that God fmth indeed sent me, and that ye 
 are not the people of the Lord. A week ago I told you, in your meeting, that there was 
 a wolf among you : here, (taking one by the arm,) here is the wolf!" Upon this, Joel, 
 turning his back upon them, went out of the door, fresh and hearty. Our authors make 
 no further observation, taking it, probably, for granted that none was needed ; and that 
 tliis might stand for an indubitable proof that Joel was the man, and his people the 
 people. — Hazard's Keg. of Fenn., vol. v., p. 333. 
 
 32 
 
250 HUNTERDON COUNTY 
 
 formation of Clinton from its southern portion. It is about 7 milet 
 on^ 5 broad, and is bounded NE. by Washuigton Moms co. SE. 
 L'C Lon and Tewksbury, SW. by Bethlehem, -d N\V by Mans- 
 field Warren CO. In 1840, previous to the lormation of Ointon, 
 Us Dopuki ion was 3,848. Its surface is mountamous, the Musco- 
 netL.^g mountains occupying a great portion o^ it^/^^n and 
 watered by the Musconetcong, South branch of Raritan, anvl 
 Snruce run New Hampton, one of the oldest villages m this sec- 
 Uo Us I leasantly situated on the south bank of the Musconetcong 
 at he base of the Musconetcong mountams, about 18 miles Not 
 Fie nin-ton, and contains 2 stores, 2 taverns, several mechanic, 
 fmd about 'l8 dwellings. South Hampton, one quarter o a mile 
 from the Aillage, has a blacksmith and a wheelwright s shop. 
 Near he?c, on tbe road to Asbury, is a large and neat Presbyterian 
 church built of stone, stuccoed and pencilled. Clarksville, on the 
 ?oad 1 V^m New Hampton to Clinton, 5 miles from the latter, is in a 
 roma. tic and picturesque dell among the mountains, and co ta ns 
 L Sore! tavern^ a few mechanics' shops, a saw and grist mill, and 
 several dwellings. 
 
 RARITAN. 
 
 This township was formed from Amwell in 1838. It is about 7 
 miles lono-, 5 wide, and is bounded NW. by Rmgwood SE. b> Am- 
 u^ll NE bv Readington, and SW. by Delaware. The N. portion 
 Ts m^mitain'oit the S^ level, or undulating. The township contain 
 9 stores, 4 grist-m., 4 saw-m., 1 o. m- ; cap. in manulac. ^14.400 , 
 
 '' t:;:^" o^t!^^:. b:^;.ci^f R^ntan, on the road fVom 
 Lam'^"vnie'toSomerville,isa new and flourishing hUev.a^^^^^ 
 containing a tavern, store, a few mechanics, about a dozen d^^ el 
 in^ a a neat Pr;sbyterian church, lately erected Blemingo. 
 hrse"; of justice for I^unterdon county, is 23 miles N of Ire Uo 
 26 from New Brunswick, and 25 from Last on. Pa. It is pleasant 
 ly situated in the central part of the township. 
 
 Flcuun-^lon is principally built on a single street, on which are many hand- 
 some dwmn-^s, and the place has a flourishing appearance. There are 4 or more 
 Wh s an;;aden.y, ^Masonic hall, recently erected at an expense of aW 
 r.O 000 two printing offices, 4 hotels, the County budd.ngs, about 120 d ^cll 
 . -ri and 1 00 inhabitants. The place is supplied with gas and has a s^am 
 fir; enc^ine The engraving on the opposite page ,s a v.ew of the tounj 
 bu u"::: on the west side of the street. The Court House .s a large sto.c 
 stT l^e. with a Grecian front and Ionic columns, -^^^e m-erna ar.a g. 
 „.ents are convenient and the court room large, the smaU ^^^^\^^'^^';il^^^ 
 the ri-^ht contains the county clerk's and surrogate's offices. In he com I 
 com hang the portrait of Thomas Potts Johnson, Esq. The followmgnot.ee 
 of Uns gentlem 'n was written for this work by the Rev. Mr. Studd.ford, of 
 Lambertville, quite recently deceased. 
 
UL'N'TERDON COUNTY 
 
 •251 
 
 View of the County Buildings at Flemington. 
 
 Thomas P. Johnson. — Among the distinguished men who have adorned the New Jer- 
 sey bar within the last fifty years, few in their day were lield in liighcr repute for their 
 eloquence and extensive legal knowledge, and especially for intellectual vigor and versa- 
 tility of talent, than the individual whose name stands at the head of this article. He 
 was born about the year 17G1. His parents were Friends. His father, William Johnson, 
 a native of Ireland, emigrated to this country about the middle of the last century. He 
 married Ruth Potts, of Trenton, a sister of Stacy Potts, long known as a respectable 
 citizen of that place. Thomas was their second child. When he was quite small, the 
 family removed to Charleston, S. C, where his father established a flourishing boarding- 
 school, and gained much repute by his lectures on various branches of Natural Philoso- 
 phy. His fondness for such studies seemed to have been inherited by the son, who, even 
 in his later years, continued to turn his attention to them. The father died at the south 
 after a residence of some years. His mother, with five children, returned to her native 
 state, and, with the aid of her brother, opened a store in Trenton. There Thomas was 
 placed an apprentice to a carpenter* and joiner. After following this business some 
 time, he was compelled, by a ru[)ture of a blood-vessel in the lungs, to abandon it. He 
 then engaged in teaching youth, first in this county, afterwards in Bucks co.. Pa., and 
 then in Philadelphia. For this business, he had rare qualifications. Few men had such 
 powers of communication : icw could so simplify truth, and throw an interest around it 
 to ca])tivatc the youthful mind. Of this, he gave a striking proof in his later years ; 
 when he would amuse himself in instructing his [jnindchildrcn, creating a fondness for 
 knowledge, and. with hap])y facility, developing their mental powers. 
 
 While in Philadelphia, a mercantile liouse took him in partnership, and sent him to 
 Richmond, Va., where the firm opened a large store. There he became well acquainted 
 with the late Chief-justice Marshall, and often had the privilege of listening to the first 
 
 * The annexed anecdote was communicated to the compilers of this volume by a resi- 
 dent ot Trenton. At one of the neighboring courts a dispute arose between Johnson and 
 his o[)ponent, respecting a point of law, during which, the latter remarked in a taunting, 
 derisive manner, "that he was not to be taught law by a rarprtiter !" " May it please 
 your honors," replied Mr. J., " the gentleman has been pleased to allude to my having 
 been a carpenter: true, I was a carpenter, — I am proud of it, — so was the rejjuted fa- 
 ther of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ; and I could yet, give me a block of wood, 
 a mallet, and a chisel, heio out something that would very much resemble that gentle- 
 man's head; true, I could not put in brains, but it would have more manners.'" 
 
252 HUNTERDON COUNTY. 
 
 lawyers in tlie " Old Dominion." This, probably, led to his turning his thoughts to tlie 
 bar. After a few years, the loss of his store and goods by fire, caused him to return to 
 the scenes of his youthful days. He took up his residence at Princeton, and there mar- 
 ried a daugliter of Robert Stockton, Esq., and entered his name as a student of law in 
 the office of the Hon. Richard Stockton. In due time he was admitted to the bar, and 
 licensed first as an attorney, and then as a counsellor. Subsequently, he was raised to 
 the rank of a Serjeant at law. His career at tlie bar was brilliant ; whether arguing 
 points of law, or spreading a case before a jur^', he was always heard with fixed atten- 
 tion and lively interest. So lucid was he in arranging and expressing his thoughts ; he 
 knew so well how to seize hold of strong points in a case, and wlien he pleased to touch 
 the chords of feeling, that he seldom luiled of producing an impression. He was no 
 empty declaimer. Ilis style of thought and expression was simple and natural. Not 
 only at the bar, but in the social intercourse of life, his language was remarkably chaste 
 and j)ure. Rarely ever would be heard a word misapplied or mispronounced. Persua- 
 sion sat upon his lips. From impaired health, and especially the failure of his eyesight, 
 his attention to professional duties was much interrupted, and eventually he was com- 
 pelled to relinquish practice. Mr. Jolinson was no inditicrent spectator to the great po 
 litical questions, the contest of which Iiave ever divided wise and good men of the na 
 tion. With the majority of the New Jersey bar, he belonged to the Washingtonian 
 school, and exerted all liis energies in what lie honestly conceived his country's true in. 
 terests. For several years j)revious to his decease, he resided in the family of his son- 
 in-law, Rieliard D. Corson, M. D., of New Hope, Bucks co.. Pa. 
 
 Mr. Johnson possessed an enlarged acquaintance v/ith the principal departments of 
 literature and science; but experimentaF philosophy and natural history had been his fa- 
 vorite studies. He was a good anatomist and a superior chemist. He had a natural 
 fondness for mechanical pursuits; and tlie productions of his skill wonld not have dis- 
 graced the most experienced artists. While a youth, he made himself master of French, 
 BO as to read it with great fluency ; and in after years, his intimacy with several French 
 gentlemen, who had settled in the vicinity of Princeton, enabled him so to perfect his 
 pronunciation, that it could not be distinguished from that of a well-educated French- 
 man, even by natives of tliat country. 
 
 The subject of this notice was distinguished for a high sense of moral principle, and 
 great kindness of iieart. For his brctfiren of tlie New Jersey bar, he cherished a warm 
 attachment, and tiiey were forward in evincing their high esteem of his worth. A few 
 years before his death, a immber of them obtained the services of an artist, and had a 
 full-length portrait of him taken, which is now placed over the judge's chair in the court, 
 room at Flemington. Mr. Johnson entertained a profound regard for the Christian re- 
 ligion. Fully convinced of its truth, he was not backward in expressing his sense of its 
 importance. Sehiom could the scoff of infidelity pass unrehuked in his presence. In 
 his latter years, lie greatly improved in biblical knowledge. He was much interested in 
 the valuable works of L'Enfant and Beausobre, on the New Testament. He was accus- 
 tomed to have it often read to him by an estimable granddaughter, who died a week be. 
 fore him, and whose death probably hastened his own dissolution, whicli took place 
 March 12th, 1838. 
 
 There are near Flemington two valuable copper mines, the work- 
 ing of which has been suspended on account of the pecuniary 
 pressure of the times. This village derives its name from a Mr. 
 Fleming, who settled here previous to the American revolution. 
 In 17GG, a Baptist church was erected, and in 1701 the first court- 
 house within the present limits of the county. Previously the 
 courts were held at Trenton. This building, which was of stone, 
 Avas destroyed by lire in February, 1828, and the pres(Mit court- 
 house built" at an expense of about $14,000. In 171)3, the Presby- 
 terian church, a neat, substantial stone structure, was erected, and 
 the Rev. Thomas Grant was the first settled clergyman. His .suc- 
 cessors have been the Rev. Mr. Field, Rev. John F. Clark, and the 
 Rev. .Joseph j\I. Obnsfead. the present incumbent. The villasre at 
 that time contained two churches, a store, and about a dozen dwell- 
 
HUNTERDON COUNTY. 253 
 
 ings. In 1825, the Methodist, and in 1841 the Episcopal church, 
 was erected. 
 
 Annexed is an historical sketch of the Baptist church at Flem- 
 ington, furnished by its present pastor, the Rev. Charles Bartolette. 
 
 The beginning of any local interest of the Baptists in this place, as nearly as can 
 now be ascertained, is as follows: — In the year 1765, Thomas Lowry and James Eddy 
 gave a piece of land, about half an acre, for a Baptist meeting-house. This lot lies on 
 the northeast corner -J the main street, and the New Brunswick and Somerville roads. 
 The house was built in ITGf), under the direction of Thomas Lowry, James Eddy, 
 Gershom Lee, Jonathan Higgins, John Jewell, Esq., and others. This was tlie first Bap- 
 tist meeting-liouse in Amwell township, which at that time, together with tlie adjoin- 
 ing township of Kingwood, was a part of Bethle.hcm ; and latterly, Amwell being divi- 
 ded, now makes the house stand in Raritan. 
 
 There being no regularly constituted church, it was called the Baptist meeting of Am- 
 well, and chiefly supplied with preaching by the neighboring ministers. David .Sutton, 
 pastor of Kingwood, supplied them some time during the revolutionary war, but he, 
 though a very pious minister, was by Mr. Jewell shut out of the house, because he waa 
 thought to be too favorable to the British. About this time tbc American soldiers used 
 the house as barracks and hospital, the marks of their firearms being visible on the floor 
 not twenty years ago. After this, Nicholas Cox, a minister of considerable talent, then 
 at Kingwood, supplied a part of his time regularly, but in 1790, '91, declared himself a 
 Univcrsalist. This gave a general shock to their interests for some time, and they had 
 very little preaching for four years. Then Mr. J. Ewing, pastor of Hopewell, supplied 
 them ten months. In 1795, G. A. Hunt, pastor of Kingwood, engaged with them for 
 one third of his time. At this period the house was almost in ruins. 
 
 Their circumstances becoming more auspicious, the house was repaired, and in June, 
 1798, there were fifteen persons constituted into a regular Baptist church, called the 
 Baptist church of Amwell. They now elected their deacons, their clerk, and a board of 
 trustees. In 1804, they called James McLaughlin as their minister, in conjunction with 
 Kingwood. He left in 1809. In 1810, they called Dr. D. Sweeney, who only stayed 
 si.x; months. On the first of February, 181:2, they called their present pastor, Charles 
 Bartolette, and on the first of April ensuing, he brought his family from the county of 
 Philadelphia to Flcmington. The house was again repaired and painted. The number 
 of communicants at this time, and for several years, was about 70 ; but after this they 
 began to increase, and in 1817, built the meeting-house on Sandy Ridge, of stone, 30 feet 
 by 40, two stories. In 1818, they set oflT 14 members, who were constituted into a regu- 
 lar Baptist church. This was the second in Amwell. They have since set ofli" several 
 members, who now form tiie church at Weart's Corners, in Amwell. They have set off 
 and assisted in forming several other churches in the adjoining neighborhoods. A course 
 of prosperity attending them for several years, and their house being often repaired, it 
 was found too small, and unfit to enlarge. In 1836, the present handsome edifice was 
 built. The number of communicants for several years past ranges at about 300. 
 
 In the progress of the village, three persons have been hung for 
 murder. The first was in July, 1794. His name was James Va- 
 nata, a white man, about 30 years of age. He lived in Alexan- 
 dria, and having a dispute with a neighbor, with whom he had 
 long been at enmity, shot and buried him in a forest. The next 
 was Brom, a slave belonging to Mr. Philip Case, who in a quarrel 
 with a fellow slave, killed him in his master's kitchen with a tram- 
 mel. He was hung Nov. 11, 1803. Both of these executions took 
 place in the upper part of Flemington, near the Redding mansion. 
 The last execution was Nov. 28, 1828, in a field about 40 rods W. 
 of the village, on the N. side of the road to Centre Bridge. It was 
 that of James Bunn, a colored boy, aged about 14, who in Hope- 
 well beat to death an old lady named Beaks, with an ox-yoke, be- 
 cause she refused to lend him a gun. 
 
254 HUNTERDON COUNTY. 
 
 Sometime in the war of the revolution a detachment of the 
 American army encamped on Gray's hill, near the village, and 
 Washington had his head-quarters at the residence of a Col. Stew- 
 art, then a commissary. At the close of the year 1778, when the 
 British were in Trenton, a detachment of 500 troops were drawn 
 off, to march up through Ringocs to Flemington, lor the purpose of 
 plunder. They proceeded as far as Pennington, when, fearing dif- 
 ficulty from some part of Washington's army, they halted, and 
 sent forward as an advance-guard about 20 light-horsemen, under 
 the command of cornet Geary, which proceeded to Flemington, 
 where they destroyed a few firearms in a storehouse. This build- 
 ing, now standing near the centre of the village, then belonged to 
 Col. Thomas Lowr}', but is now the property of Hugh Capner, 
 Esq. Having placed upon it the king's seal, they returned the 
 same day. 
 
 This advance-guard had passed through Ringoes early in the 
 morning. The few male inhabitants then at their homes, aroused 
 by a militia captain named John Schenck, collected all the fire- 
 arms they possessed, with the powder and ball, amounting only to 
 a few rounds, and taking to the woods a little N. of the village, 
 awaited the return of the enemy. As they were coming back, no 
 doubt with the intention of giving information to the army that the 
 way was clear, the Americans poured in a fire upon them, each 
 man taking to a tree, or running from tree to tree, and their cap- 
 tain shouting at the top of his voice, as though at the head of a 
 large army. The cornet, who, its said, was of a noble family in 
 England — "a brave fellow,"' to use the expression of those engaged 
 against him — formed his men in the road and returned the fire. 
 But a few shots were exchang(>d, when he fell from his horse mor- 
 tally wounded. His men, panic-stricken, abruptly wheeled and re- 
 treated back towards Flemington, their cornet's horse keeping com- 
 pany. On passing a man named Housel, they forced him to pilot 
 them across the country to the road leading to New Brunswick, 
 and made speed back to the lines, without (as they were very hun- 
 gry) performing any other feat than robbing some children they 
 met, on their road to school, of their dinner. The detachment of 
 500 awaiting their return at Pennington, soon hearing the report 
 that the woods were full of rebels, hastened back to Trenton. Thus 
 this well-timed ambuscade saved this part of the county from being 
 overrun by the British troops. 
 
 The comet was buried in the edge of the woods near where he fell. The locality is 
 marked only by a rough unlettered stone at tiic head, and one at tiic foot of his grave. 
 The spot where this bravo officer was shot, or in the language of many in the vicinity, 
 " tiic place where the Hriti.sh regular was killed,"' was long considered haunted ; there 
 strange sights were seen, and dismal noises heard. About 30 years ago a gentleman re- 
 siding about half a mile distant, one evening, sitting with his family, was alarmed at 
 liearing hurried footsteps approaching, when suddenly a man burst into the house. 
 The gentleman seeing he was much frightened, inquired — 
 
 " Friend, what's the matter ?" 
 
 " Oh 1" replied the atFrighted man, " I tried to go, but couldn't go. Oh I there's such 
 a noise down yonder where the rcg'lar was killed ; the ground shakes and trembles so I 
 can't go." 
 
HUNTERDON COUNTY. 255 
 
 The gentleman, amused at his terror, agreed to accompany him to the place. As they 
 approached the mystery was explained to him, by hearing a bull of his neighbor's mak- 
 ing his usual low gram, hoo-icoo-woo ! .' 
 
 " Hark !" exclaimed the affrighted man. 
 
 " That," replied his companion, " is Mr. Q."s bull." 
 
 " That's no bull I" quickly rejoined the other in tones of terror. 
 
 •' Oh, yes it is," said the gentleman, " listen again." 
 
 By this time they reached the little bridge marking the spot, when the latter said, 
 
 " Now, if any thing attacks you so you can't go, you must hallo ; and if any thing 
 uiterrupts me so I can't go, I will hallo." 
 
 " You must holler quick.'" exclaimed the other in a trembling voice, " for I shall go 
 off very fast." And away he ran at full speed. 
 
 READINGTON. 
 
 This township was incorporated in 1798. It is 10 miles long, 5 
 wide ; and is bounded N. by Tewksbury, E. by Bedminster and 
 Bridgewater, Somerset co., S. by Raritan, and W. by Clinton and 
 Tewksbury. The township contains 9 stores, 6 grist-m., 2 saw-m., 
 and 1 oil-m. ; cap. in manufac. $2,825; 11 schools, 360 scholars. 
 Pop. 3.442. Whitehouse, 11 miles NE. of Flemington, on the 
 Rockaway creek, and the Easton and New Brunswick turnpike, 
 contains 2 taverns, 2 stores, a grist-m., &c. ; an academy, a Re- 
 formed Dutch church, and 11 dwellings. Mechanicsville, 1 mile 
 E. of the above, on the turnpike, has a tavern, a store, a number 
 of mechanic shops, and 15 dwellings. Readington contains a tav- 
 ern, store, mill, 8 dwellings, and a Reformed Dutch church. Cen- 
 treville, 7 miles NE. of Flemington, on the old York road, has a 
 store, tavern, and a few dwellings. 
 
 TEWKSBURY. 
 
 This township, incorporated in 1798, is about 6 miles long, 5 
 wide ; bounded N. by Wa?-hington, Morris co. ; E. by Bedminster, 
 Somerset co. ; S. by lieadington ; and W. by Clinton and Lebanon. 
 The northern part is mountainous ; the southern fertile, and well 
 cultivated. It is drained by Rockaway river and its tributaries, 
 and Lamington river, which forms its eastern boundary. There 
 are in the township 9 stores, 4 grist-m., 5 saw-m. ; cap. in manu- 
 fac. $7,450 ; 8 schools, 274 scholars. Pop. 'ni865, 4,014 
 
 New Germantown is in the SE. part of the township, on the 
 road from Somerville to Schooley's mountain, 14 miles NE. from 
 Flemington, and 45 from Trenton. The village is on a slight ac- 
 clivity descending to the N. It is built on several streets, at right- 
 angles to each other. The surrounding country is hilly, and very 
 productive of v/heat and corn. Much lime is burnt and used in 
 the vicinity ; and agriculture has, in consequence, much improved 
 within the last 15 years. It contains 4 stores, a tannery, 1 
 wheelwright, 1 cabinet-maker, 2 blacksmiths, 2 saddlers, 3 shoe- 
 makers, 1 cooper, 2 tailors, an academy, a Methodist and a Luther 
 an church, and 55 dwellings. 
 
256 
 
 MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 The annexed view was taken from Hylor's hill, a small emmencc 
 about J of a mile N. of the village. On the right is seen the acad- 
 emy, the building with a spire. The large structure near tne cen- 
 
 
 North View of New Germatflown. 1842. 
 
 tre of the engraving is the Evangelical Lutheran church, which is 
 built af stone, and plastered. It was first erected in 1750, and re- 
 built in 1830. The Methodist church, a neat edifice, situated in the 
 central part of the village, was erected about 18 years since. Pot- 
 tersville, on Lamington river, in this township, near the angle of 
 Hunterdon, Morris, and Somerset counties, contains a store, a foun- 
 dry, a grist and fulling m., and 8 or 10 dwellings. There is an ex- 
 tensive quarry of pudding-stone marble, near New Germantown, 
 which admits of a splendid polish ; but the proprietors, instead of 
 using it to "grace the column or capital," burn it into lime, and 
 thereby polish and enrich their fields. 
 
 MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 Mercer county was formed from Hunterdon, Burlington, and 
 Middlesex counties, Feb. 1838. and named in honor of Gen. Mer- 
 cer, who fell at the battle of Princeton. It is about 20 miles long 
 with an average width of 12 miles, bounded NW. by Hunterdon 
 CO.. NE. by Somerset and Middlesex counties, SE. by Monmouth 
 and Burlington counties,and SW. by Delaware river, dividing it from 
 Pennsylvania. It is watered by Stony Brook, a branch of the Rari- 
 tan, the Assunpink creek, with its branches and other smaller 
 streams emptying into the Delaware. The country south of Tren- 
 ton and Princeton is level, of an alluvial formation, soil light, but 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 257 
 
 productive. Above these places the surface is undulating, more 
 hilly as it approaches the north; mountainous on and near the 
 northern line. This portion is composed of a variety of soil, well 
 adapted to both winter and summer grains. Within the limits of 
 this county are located the capital of the state and her most im- 
 portant literary institutions. Here too were fought the battles of 
 Trenton and Princeton, memorable for turning the tide of the 
 American revolution. The county is divided into the 9 following 
 townships, all of which, except Ewing, Hamilton, and Princeton, 
 were incorporated in 1798. 
 
 East Windsor, Hopewell, Lawrence Princeton, Trenton, 
 Ewing, Hamilton. Washington. West Windsor. 
 
 The population of the county in IN G 5, wa? 41,478. 
 
 EAST WINDSOR. 
 
 East Windsor has an average length of about 10, and width of 5 
 miles. It is bounded NW. by West Windsor ; NE. by South Bruns- 
 wick and Monroe, Middlesex co. ; SSE. by Upper Freehold, Mon- 
 mouth CO., and SW. by Hamilton. The surface is level and the soil 
 light. The township contains 3 grist-m., 2 saw-m. ; cap. in mann- 
 fac. 815,965; 6 schools, 167 scholars. Pop. 1,989 inl865,ti4;-)4 . 
 
 1842 
 
 Central View in Hightstown. 
 
 The village of Hightstown is 14 miles E. of Trenton, on the 
 line of the Camden and Amboy railroad. The above view was 
 taken in the principal street of the place. The public building on 
 the right is the Bajotist church. Further down the street the rail- 
 road crosses Rocky Brook, in tressel work. Since the construction 
 of this road, the village has more than doubled in population, and 
 is now in a thriving condition. It contains stores, a grist and saw 
 mill, a variety of mechanics, 1 Methodist, 1 Universalist, and 1 Bap- 
 
 33 
 
258 MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 tist church, an academy, from 80 to 100 dwellings, and a popula- 
 tion of about 500. 
 
 The Baptist church is the oldest in the village. It formerly be- 
 longed to Cranbury, where it was constituted in 1745, with 17 
 members. In 1785 the society built a church in Hightstown. 
 
 " The first pastor," says Benedict, in his history of the Baptists, " was James Car« 
 man, who was remarkable for living by faith. He was born at Cape May in 1677, w«s 
 baptized at Statcn Island, near Now York, by Elias Keaeh, in the l.'ith year of his age • 
 after this, went first among the Quakers, then with the New Light Presbyterians, whom 
 he permitted to baptize one of his children. But in process of time he came back to his 
 first principles, united with the church in Middletown, began to preach in the branch of 
 it at Cranbury, and was ordained its pastor at the time it was constituted. Here he died 
 at the age of 79. For many years after his death this church had only occasional sup- 
 plies, and had nearly become extinct when Mr. Peter Wilson came amongst them in 
 1782. In nine years from his settlement over 200 persons were added to the church by 
 baptism ; upwards of 8U0 have been baptized by this successful pastor, during the whole 
 of his ministry here. The church is scattered over a wide extent of territory, and Mr. 
 Wilson, in his more active days, not unfrequently rode 15, and sometimes 20 miles, and 
 preached four times on a Lord's day. From this church originated the one at Trenton." 
 Tke Rev. Mr. Mulford is its present pastor. 
 
 EWING. 
 
 Ewing was formed from Trenton in 1834, and comprehends 
 "about all of what then constituted that township, excepting the 
 city. It was named in honor of Charles Ewing, LL. D., chief-jus- 
 tice of New Jersey, who died in 1832. It is about 5 miles long, 
 with a width of from 2 to 4 miles. It is bounded N. by Hopewell, 
 E. by Lawrence, S. by Trenton, and westerly by Delaware river. 
 The surface is generally level or undulating, and the soil very fa- 
 vorable for the production of oats. There are in the township 1 
 fulling-m., 1 woollen factory, 1 grist-m., 2 saw-m. ; capital employed 
 in manufac. 814,500 ; Sschools, 77 scholars. Pop. 2,011. 
 
 This township was settled about the year 1700, by emigrants 
 from Long Island, from East Jersey, and elsewhere. The following 
 is a list of part of the settlers : 
 
 Daniel Howell, Charles Clark, Jacob Reeder, 
 
 John Davis, Ebenezer Prout, Richard fScudder 
 
 William Reed, Abiel Davis, Isaac Reeder, 
 
 Robert Lanning, Simon Jacket, Jonathan Davis, 
 
 John Burroughs, John Lanning, John Deane. 
 
 HAMILTON. 
 
 Hamilton was originally a part of Nottingham, but in 1842 the 
 latter township was divided, and only the tract between Delaware 
 river and the Delaware and Raritan canal retained the original 
 name ; the remainder, being the greater part of its territory, was 
 incorporated into a township by the name of Hamilton. Its ex- 
 treme length is about 8, and its average width is about 5 miles • 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 359 
 
 bounded NW. by Lawrence and Trenton, easti riy by East and 
 West Windsor, S. by Chesterf'eld, Burlingtor) co., and westerly by 
 Nottingham. The surface is level, and tiie s.<il, though light, can b.3 
 made productive by the use of marl, which i-* found in abundance 
 wiihin its limit:--. The townsh^jj is watered by streams which in their 
 course through the light soil have worn deep guUeys. The popula- 
 tion is estimated to be about 4,388. The New Jersey railroad 
 passes along near the western boundary of Hamilton, and the 
 Camden and Ambo}' railroad passes the southern part. 
 
 This towiiship was originally settled by Friends. The house in 
 wiiich Mr. Benjamin Vanscoick now resides, aboui half a mile 
 from the State's Prison, was built in 1708 by Isaac Watson, an emi- 
 grant from Nottingham, England, from which the old township of 
 Nottingham derived its name. 
 
 HOPEWELL. 
 
 What time this township received it>s name, is not preol^'^ly known. 
 As early as 1699, the tract known as the township of Hopewell, 
 wo.s bounded by the Assunpink on the S., by the lin^ of East and 
 West Jeri^ey on the E., and by its present boundary on the N. 
 These limits have been greatly reduced. The township is now 
 about 10 m. long, and 6 broad. It is bounded N. by Amwell, Hun- 
 terdon CO., S. by Ewing and Lawrence, E. by Montgomery and 
 Princeton, W. by the Delaware river. The surface of the northern 
 part is hill\ ; the south, level and fertile. Pop. 4,07G. it is be- 
 lieved that most of the first settlers were English families, who 
 removed from Long Island about thq year 1700, or, perhaps, a few 
 years previous. The first settlers were the Stouts,* Goldens, Hough- 
 
 • Th-^ family of the Stouts are so remarkable for their number, origin, and character, 
 in ioih church and state, that their history deserves to be conspicuously recorded ; and 
 nc '_>!ace can be so proper as that of Hopewell, where the bulk of the family resides. We 
 have already seen that Jonathan Stout and family were the seed of the Hopewell church, 
 and the berinning of Hopewell settl. ment ; and that of the 15 which -c .cvk'*"' Ihe 
 church, nin were Stouts. The churt li was constituted 5it t'lc hj- ji a Stout, and the 
 meetings were held chiefly at the dwellings of the Stouts lor 41 yeiirs, viz. from the be- 
 ginning oi 'he settlement to the bulding of the meeting-house, bclore described. Mr. 
 Hart was of opinion (in 17!HJ; " that Irom first to last, half the members have been and 
 wtn of that name : for, in looking over tho church hook, (saith he,) I lind that near 200 
 of the name have been added ; beside.^ iibout as many more of the blood of the Stouts, 
 who h:id lost the name by marriatrcs. Th( present (1790) two deacons and four elders, 
 are Stoats; the late Zebulon and David Stout were two of its main pillars; tiic la.^t lived 
 to see his ofTspring multiplied into an 1 '.7 souls." The origin of this Baptist family is 
 no less remarkable : for they all sj^ran}. from one woman, and she as ^nod :ib dead ; her 
 history is in the mouths of most of Kcr posten'y, and ib ti ild as follows : " Shr was born 
 ut Amsterdam, about the year 1G02 ; her '"ather's name was Variprincis ; she and her 
 first husband, (who've name is not known,) 'aile^i for New York, rilien Ni-.v \msterdani,) 
 about the year 162U : the vessel was stranded at Sandy Hook; Ihc civv/ got ashore, and 
 marche.i 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 the wife tarried 
 m the wcods ; they hud not been lorig in the place, before the Indians killed them both, 
 (as they thought; ai.d stripped them to the skin ; however, Penelope came to, t)«ough her 
 
260 MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 tons, and Merrils, in the northern part, and the Burroughs, Harts, 
 Hunts, Mershons, Drakes, Baldwins, Tituses, PhiJlipscs, Moores, 
 Brooks. Smiths, Stophensons, Bakers, Temples, BoUens, Hoffs, VVell- 
 ings, and Cains, in the southern and middie parts of the township. 
 Jonathan, the ancestor of the Stouts, came iiere from MidJletown in 
 this state, in the year 1700 ; his family v/as one of the first three 
 which settled on the tract now called Hopewell. The place, then, 
 was a wilderness, and full of Indians. 
 
 1842. 
 
 i t .0 : "i .1 ^. ,11 n T 1 
 
 Pennington Male Seminary. 
 
 The village of Pennington is 8 m. N. of Trenton, on the great 
 road to Flemington, and the NW. part of the state. The village 
 contains 2 churches, 1 Methodist and 1 Presbyterian, 2 seminaries, 
 1 male and 1 female, and about GO dwellings. The Pennington 
 male seminary, represented in the engraving, is built of brick. 88 
 feet long and'44 wide. It was erected by the stock subscriptions 
 of persons principally residing in the vjllage and its vicinity, at an 
 expense of about 815.000. It was opened for the reception of stu- 
 dents in 1840, and is under the patronage of the New Jersey an- 
 nual conference of the M. E. church. It has a choice library, a 
 
 '^■- . 7j.' -'T. ' 
 
 skull was fracturec,' ' lier left shoulder so hacked, that she could never use that arm 
 like the other ; sh- w«s alijo cut across the abdomen, so that her J jwels appeared ; these 
 she kept in with her hand ; she continued in this situation for seven days, takin^r shelter 
 in a hollow tree, and eatinjj the excrescence of it ; the seventh day .she saw a deer pass- 
 ing by with arrows stickinfr in it, and soon after two Indians appiared, wl'.oni she was 
 glad to see, in hope they would put ner out of her misery; accordingly, one made to- 
 wards hrr to knock her on the head ; but the other, who was an elderly man, prevented 
 him ; and, throwing his m slclicoat about her. carried ner to his wigwam, and (rured 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 'he yalue in return. 
 It V as 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 22d year, and he in his 40th. She Iwrc him 
 seven sons and tliree daughters, viz : Jonathan, flounder of Hopewell.) John, Richard, 
 James, Peter, David, Benjamin, Mary, Sarah, and Alice ; the daughters married into the 
 families of the Hounds, Pikis, Throckmortons, and Skeltons, and so lost the name of 
 Stout; the sons rrmrried intu the families of Bullen, Crawford, Ashtori, Traux, &.C., and 
 had many children. The mother lived to the age of 1 10, and saw her offspring niulti 
 plied ■• 5o 502, in about 88 years." — Benedict's Higi. Baptists. 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 261 
 
 cabinet of minerals, and philosophical and chemical apparatus. 
 The Pennington lemale seminary is built of brick, 4 stories high, 
 and has been established for several years. There is also an acad- 
 emy for the accommodation of the children of the village, which 
 has a fund of upwards of 84,000, under the direction of trustees, 
 being the devise of Miss Abigail Moore, the interest of which is, 
 by her will, directed to be appropriated to pay the bills of tuition 
 of poor children who attend the academy. 
 
 There are 5 post-ollices in this town, one in each of the follow- 
 ing places, viz : Pennington, Woodsville, Columbia, Bernardsville, 
 and Titusville. Woodsville lies near the north line of the town, 
 13 m. N. of Trenton ; contains a store, tavern, and about 8 or 10 
 dwellings, on a slope of rising ground from which there is a fine 
 prospect of the surrounding country. Columbia, 17 m. N. from 
 Trenton, contains a Baptist church and about a dozen dwellings. 
 The ground on which this church stands, was the donation of John 
 Hart, Esq., one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. 
 Bernardsville, formerly called 8 Mile Ferry, is situated on the Dela- 
 ware ; has a tavern, store, and a canal basin, attached to the feed- 
 er of the Delaware and Raritan canal. There is a lattice-bridge, 
 opposite to this place, connecting it with Taylorsville. This is the 
 spot at which Washington crossed the Delaware previous to his 
 capture of the Hessians at Trenton. Titusville, 2 miles above 
 Bernai-dsville, contains a Presbyterian church, 8 or 10 dwellings, 
 and a number of mechanic shops. 
 
 The Presbyterian church of Hopewell (now Pennington) was organized by the first 
 settlers. The first authentic notice of its existence is found on the records of the Pres- 
 bytery of Philadelphia, in 1709, with which presbytery it was connected till 1757, when 
 it was transferred to that of New Brunswick. The first pastor was Rev. Robert Orr, 
 who was installed in 1715 ; the second pastor, Rev. Joseph Morgan, who was originally 
 from Great Britain, and settled about 1730; his successor was Rev. John Guild, from 
 Massachusetts, who took the pastoral charge in 1738, and continued till his death in 
 1785, a period of 47 years. He was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Rue, from Freehold, 
 Monmouth co., a pupil of Rev. Wm. Tcnncnt ; he died in 1826, having been pastor 41 
 years. His successor, Rev. Benjamin Ugdcn, was installed in 1826, and continued pas- 
 tor 12 years, when he removed to Michigan ; he was succeeded by Rev. George Hale, in 
 Feb. Ib42. The first house of worship, for this society, was a frame building; the sec- 
 ond, now standing, is of brick ; it was erected in 1766. 
 
 The first Baptist church of Hopewell, in Columbia village, was organized in 1715, nine 
 years after Mr. Stout and his associates removed into Hopewell; Mr. Stout's family 
 furnishing 8 of the 15 members who constituted the church at that time. The first 
 pastor settled over the church, was Rev. Isaac Eaton, who was ordained in Nov. 1748. 
 Mr. Eaton died in 1772 ; previous to his ordination the church had no permanent min- 
 ister. The present pastor is the Rev. John Boggs, who has had charge of the congrega- 
 tion 35 years. Harbourton, or the Second Baptist church in Hopewell, was constituted 
 in 1803; the first pastor was Rev. James McLaughlin, the present is Rev. Christopliur 
 Suydam. 
 
 Tiie first person of the Methodist denomination who preached in Hopewell, is supjjoi e<l 
 to have been Cajjt. Webb, a Britisii olliccr from New York, who visited this place about 
 the year 1768. The first regular class was formed by Joseph Pillmore, who was sent to 
 this country in 17()9. This place was also visited by John King, Francis Asbury, (af. 
 terwards Bislioj),) William Waters of Virginia, Freeborn Garretson, and other devoted 
 preachers, and the society rapidly increased in numbers. It continued in connection with 
 the Trenton circuit till 18,32, when they were made a separate charge, called " Penning- 
 ton Station." The society now has two liouses of worship, one in Pennington and 
 
262 MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 one 4 four miles distant, towards the Delaware, called the " River Church." Abouv 4 
 mile from Pcnning^ton village, on the road leading to the Delaware, formerly stood what 
 was usually called the " New Light Church,'" erected in 1741, by persons who seceded 
 from the Presbyterian church, during the period of the great revival under the labors of 
 the celebrated VVhiteficld, Tennents, and others. The last preacher of this church was 
 Rev. James Davenport, a preacher of some celebrity on Long Island and in Connecti- 
 cut. I\Ir. D. died in this place in 1757, aged 40 years ; after his death, the congregation 
 generally formed a sort of union with the old church, and their house of worship finally 
 fell into the hands of the Methodists. 
 
 John Hart, Esq., a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was a native of Hope- 
 well ; he was a deputy from Hunterdon co., in the Provincial Congress of 1775, and a 
 member of the Connnitte of Safety, and jn 1776, was a member of the Continental Con- 
 gress. Soon after the Declaration of Independence, New Jersey became the theatre of 
 war. The progress of the British troops was marked by rapine and wanton destruction 
 of ])roperty. 'I'he children of Mr. Hart escaped from insult by retiring from the neigh- 
 borliood of the troops, leaving the farm and stock to be pillaged and destroyed by the 
 Hessians. Mrs. Hart, at this time, was afflicted with a disorder which prevented her re- 
 moval, and which terminated in her death. Mr. Hart was driven from the bedside of 
 his dying partner, and hunted through the woods and among the hills. " While Washing- 
 ton's army was dwindling down to a mere handful, this old man was carrying his gray 
 hairs and infirmities about from cottage to cottage, and from cave to cave, while his 
 farm was pillaged, his property plundered, his family afflicted and dispersed ; he was, 
 through sorrow, humiliation, and suflcring, wearing out his bodily strength, and hasten- 
 ing the approach of decrepitude and death. Yet he never despaired, never repented the 
 course he had taken." At one time being sorely pressed for a safe night's lodging, 
 and being unknown, he was obliged to share the accommodations of a dog. Mr. Hart 
 died in 1780, leaving a bright example of patriotism and devotion to his country. His 
 residence was the one occupied now by William Phillips, Esq., near the village of 
 Columbia. 
 
 Col. JoAB Houghton, an active partisan officer of the Revolution, was a native ot 
 this township; he lived in the NE. part, in the house now occupied by Mr. Wm. Suy- 
 dam, and died in that occupied by Mr. Josc])h Swain. AVhilc this part of New Jersey 
 was overrun by the British and Hessians, tlicre were but few hardy enough to oppose 
 even the small marauding parties that were daily plundering for the British camp. 
 Nearly the whole of the active population had left their homes, some with the army under 
 Washington, and some to a place of safety. Pennington was occupied by the British 
 troops, and the inhabitants who remained, being aged, were peaceable, and lay at the mercy 
 of these plunderers. Col. Houghton being at that time at home, word was brought to 
 him by night, that the neighborhood of Moore's Mill had been visited by the enemy, and 
 that they would probably be out the next day. Early next morning. Col. H. collected a 
 few of his neighbors, and placed himself on the point of a neighboring mountain which 
 overlooked the surrounding country ; — presently he saw the party, who entered a house 
 near by where Col. H. and his men were stationed, after stacking their guns on the out- 
 side. The Colonel and his men now rushed from their hiding-place, seized first the 
 arms and then their owners — a Hessian sergeant, and twelve men, whom they found re- 
 galing thenisilvcs in the cellar with Metheglin. Col. H. remained in the field during 
 the war, after wliieli he was a member of the Legislature from Hunterdon co. He was 
 a member of the first Baptist church, and died at an advanced age about the year 1795. 
 
 Wilson P. IIu.nt, Esq., the hero of Irving's Astoria, was born in this township. He 
 was born in the house now standing on the property of Benjamin S. Hill, and served his 
 time in the store of his uncle, Abraham Hunt of Trenton. His adventurous and enter- 
 prising spirit brought him to the notice of John Jacob Astor of New York, who planned 
 an enterprise across the Rocky mountains. The command of this expedition was in- 
 trusted to Mr. Hunt, who with his parly reached the Pacific after much toil, suffering, 
 and perseverance. This was the first commercial enterprise that ever reached the 
 Pacific across the Rocky moim'ains. Mr. H. on his return, settled at St. Louis, and 
 died in 1842. 
 
 LAWRENCE. 
 
 Lawrence was originally incorporated under the name of Maid- 
 enhead, in 1798. Its extreme length is 9 miles; greatest width 5 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 263 
 
 miles. It is bounded NW. by Hopewell, NE. by Princeton and 
 West Windsor ; S. by Hamilton, and W. by Trenton and Ewing. 
 The Delaware and Raritan canal passes through the southern part 
 of Lawrence. It has 3 grist-m. and 1 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. 
 $14,600; 2 schools, 92 scholars. Pop. 1,556 1JI.1SI»5, 1,580. 
 
 This township was settled probably not far from the year 1700. 
 When the colonial assembly erected the county of Hunterdon, 
 they enacted that the Court of Common Pleas and Quarter vSes- 
 sions should alternately be held in Maidenhead and Hopewell, 
 "until a courthouse and jail should be built;" and it so happened 
 that the first courts of the county were held in Maidenhead, on the 
 second Tuesday of June, 1714. The magistrates present were 
 John Banbridge, Jacob Bellerjeau, Philip Phillips, William Green, 
 John Holcomb, Samuel Green, and Samuel Fitch. The first-named 
 gentleman was buried at Lamberton. in 1732, where his grave- 
 stone now is. He was a prominent and useful public officer, and 
 is supposed to have been the ancestor of the late gallant Commo- 
 dore Bainbridge. 
 
 Lawrenceville, anciently called Maidenhead, is 5^ miles NE. 
 of Trenton, and about the same distance from Princeton, on a road 
 connecting these two places. It is a small post-village, containing 
 a few houses, and a Presbyterian church, built in 1762. There are 
 also two literary institutions in excellent repute, and favorably 
 located for health and study. The " Lawrenceville Classical and 
 Commercial High School," under the charge of H. and S. M. 
 Hamill, is designed for preparing young men for professional 
 life. Among the pupils who here have been prepared for college, 
 was the late Rev. James Brainard Taylor. The " Lawrenceville 
 Female Seminary," under the direction of Miss Caroline S. Craig, 
 is highly recommended by the faculty of Princeton College, as a 
 place of education for young ladies. ig42.) 
 
 When the British had possession of Princeton and Trenton, this village was the com- 
 mon thoroughfare between those places. On the morning of tlie battle of Princeton, the 
 enemy passed through it. Previous totliis action, the village and adjacent country were 
 deserted by their inhabitants, most of the active men being with Washington in Pennsyl- 
 vania. Among these, was Mr. Elias Phillips, who wishing to know the condition of his 
 native village, returned with two companions to make it a nocturnal visit. Finding it 
 desolate and plundered by the enemy of every thing that could be carried off, and know- 
 ing of the constant passing of the British between the places, they determined to make 
 reprisals of the first party that shouhl pass. For this purpose, they secreted themselves 
 in a deserted shop. About break of day, as a baggage- wagon, guarded by three sol- 
 diers, was passing, the little party rushed out and made them prisoners. They were 
 taken to tlie American camp. Wasliington accepted the prisoners, but the wagon, and 
 stores therein, he directed Phillips to retain for his own Ix^nefit. Mr. PhiUips was in the 
 field during the whole war. Afterward, he was elected high-sheriti" of Hunterdon cc, 
 and died wliilc holding that office, lamented by all who knew him. 
 
 When the British troops were passing through Lawrenceville, after Washington's re- 
 treat through the Jerseys, a party of Hessians entered the dwellin)? of Jacob Keen, who 
 was a strong wliig. His wile, a woman of great courage and resolution, had locked up 
 her silver in a bureau. U[)on their entering, she dispatched one of her children in 
 search of an officer. She stood before her bureau, with the keys in her hand. They de- 
 manded, in tlieir own language, that she should open the drawers. She pretended not to un- 
 derstand their object ; and they, much enraged, were in the act of breaking the drawers 
 
264 MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 vnth the butts of their muskets, when an officer entered with the child, and the men re- 
 treated. The above anecdote is derived from a lady now living in Trenton, a daughter 
 of Mrs. K., at that time a child 6 years of age ; and who, on this occasion, was secreted 
 in an oven. 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 Nottingham originally included Hamilton, from which it was 
 separated in 1842. It is a narrow strip of land, about 6 miles long, 
 between the Delaware and l\aritan canal and the Delaware river. 
 On the N. it is less than half a mile wide ; and in the lower part 
 of it only a few rods. Its population is about 2,200. In 1842 its 
 northern part, comprising the villages of Mill Hill, Bloomsbury, and 
 L'.mberton, were formed into a borough called "the borough of 
 South Trenton," which is separated from the city of Trenton by the 
 As.sunpink creek, and is properly but a continuation of the city. 
 Within the limits of the borough are 4 churches, the county offi- 
 ces and courthouse, the state prison and arsenal ; and the bridge 
 across the Delaware connects the borough with Morrisville, Pa. 
 
 Lamberton, the southernmost village, contains about 70 dwell- 
 ings. It took its name from Mr. Thomas Lambert, who settled 
 there about the year 1G79. Mill Hill contains about 80 dwellings ; 
 and Bloomsbury 150. Both of these villages are separated from 
 Trenton by the Assunpink. The first lies a short distance back 
 from the Delaware ; the last upon it. As these different villages 
 (or localities, rather) may be in a certain sense considered as a 
 part of the city of Trenton, they will be described under that head. 
 [See Trenton.] The township of Nottingham in 1840, containe.d 
 28 stores, 3 furnaces, 3 fuUing-m., 3 woollen fac, 7 cotton fac. 
 6,500 spindles, 5 tanneries, 10 grist-m., 7 saw-m., 1 oil-m. ; cap. in 
 manufac. $596,770 ; 1 academy, 36 students, 13 schools, 348 schol- 
 ars. Pop. 5,109. 
 
 I 
 
 PRINCETON. 
 
 The township of Princeton was recently formed from the town- 
 ships of Montgomery and West Windsor. The village of Princeton 
 was incorporated as a borough in 1812, and was then situated partly 
 in Somerset and partly in Middlesex cos. The township is about 
 5 miles long, and 3 broad ; bounded N. by Montgomery, Somerset 
 CO. ; S. by West Windsor ; E. by Franklin, Somerset co., and South 
 Brunswick, Middlesex co. ; and W. by Hopewell and Lawrence. 
 Pop. 3, 722. The village of Princeton is situated on an elevated 
 ridge of land, which rises with a long and easy ascent, and com- 
 mands, to the east, a prospect of great extent. Besides the collegi- 
 ate buildings, there are in the village about 200 dwellings, I Pres- 
 byterian and 1 Episcopal church, also one or two houses of wor- 
 ship for colored persons, a bank, printing-oHice, &c. The population 
 .of the village is about 2,000. Distant 40 miles from Philadelphia, 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 265 
 
 50 from New York, 18 from Somerville, 25. from Freehold, 16 from 
 ,New Brunswick, and 10 from Trenton. The Delaware and Kari- 
 tan canal, and the railroad from New York to Philadelphia, pass 
 about a mile SE. of the college buildino:s. 
 
 The "College of New Jersey" was first incorporated in 1746; 
 and has ever maintained its rank among the first literary institu- 
 tions of this country. It o its origin to a dift'erence of religious 
 views in the Presbyterian es, which took place at the period 
 
 of Mr. Whitefield's labors country. In 1741 the Synod of 
 
 Philadelphia, which represented the whole Presbyterian church, 
 was divided into two bodies — the Synod of Philadelphia, and that 
 of New York. The mass of the Synod of Philadelphia lay to the 
 W., and that of the Synod of New York to the E. of the Delaware 
 river. The clergy of the Synod of New York were, to a man, the 
 warm friends and coadjutors of Mr. White field ; but those of Phila- 
 delphia were generally his decided opponents. The Synod of New 
 York reproached that of Philadelphia with introducing men to the 
 gospel ministry without due regard to personal piety ; and that of 
 Philadelphia recriminated, by charging that of New York with fa- 
 voring enthusiasm, and with licensing men to preach the gospel 
 without adequate literary attainments. 
 
 This last charge was believed by many, at that time, to have its 
 foundation in truth ; and they accordingly took measures to remove 
 the evil. The Rev. Jonathan Dickinson, of Elizabethtown, a lead- 
 ing member of the Synod of New York, " gave being and shape 
 to the deliberations that resulted in the creation of the College of 
 New Jersey." He had been for several years a very successful and 
 popular teacher of young men ; and when the institution was re- 
 solved upon, every eye turned to him as the best qualified to lay its 
 foundations, and to superintend its concerns. A charter for the 
 college was sought and granted by John Hamilton, who acted as 
 governor, (being the oldest member of the council,) between the 
 death of Gov. Morris, in May, 1746, and the induction of Gov. 
 Belcher, in 1747. The college thus founded was commenced in 
 Elizabethtown, and Mr. Dickinson chosen its first president. He, 
 with an usher, were the only teachers. The number of students 
 was about 20, who boarded with the president, and with other 
 families in the town. An old academy, which stood where the 
 lecture-room of the First Presbyterian church in that town now 
 stands, and which was burnt in the revolutionary war, contained 
 the first recitation-room of the first classes ever attached to the 
 New Jersey college. President Dickinson died October 7th, 1747. 
 The students were then removed to Newark, and placed under the 
 care of Rev. Aaron Burr, who was elected to succeed him. In 
 1757, the institution, then numbering about 70 scholars, was re- 
 moved to Princeton, where the first college edifice was reared. 
 
 The principal edifice of the College of New Jersey is called 
 Nassau Hall, and was erected in 1757. It is 176 feet long, 50 
 
 34 
 
266 MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 wide, and 4 stories high. Gov. Belcher was much interested in the 
 college, and made a " generous donation of his library of books, 
 with other valuable ornaments" to it. In consideration of this, 
 the trustees voted him an address of thanks, with a request that 
 they might be allowed to name the collegiate building then erect- 
 ing. This honor his excellency declined ; and requested they 
 would name it Nassau Hall, to "express the honor we retain," 
 (says the governor,) " in this remote part of the globe, to the im- 
 mortal memory of the glorious king William the Third; who was 
 a branch of the illustrious house of Nassau ; and who, under God, 
 was the great deliverer of the British nation from those two mon- 
 strous furies, Pojjery and Slavery," &c. The trustees, after the re- 
 cei|)t of the governor's letter, resolved, "that in all time to come," 
 it should be called by the name of Nassau Hall. At this early pe- 
 riod, the discipline in the collegiate institutions of the country was 
 materially ditl'erent from that of the present day. Many customs, 
 now considered absurd, were judged wholesome restraints, and as 
 enforcing salutary habits of obedience on the part of the pupil to 
 his superiors in rank. The annexed extract, from the Collegiate 
 Code of Princeton College in 1705, is an illustration in point: 
 
 Every scholar shall keep his hat off about ten rods to the president, and about five to 
 the tutors. Every scholar shall rise up and make his obeisance when the president goes 
 in or out of the hall, or enters the pulpit on da3's of religious worship. \Vhen walking 
 with a superior, they shall give him the highest place ; and when first coming into his 
 company, they shall show their respects to him by pulling off" their hats ; shall give place 
 to him at any door or entrance, or meeting him going up and down stairs, shall stop, giv- 
 ing him the banister side ; shall not enter into his room without knocking at the door, or 
 in any way intrude themselves upon him ; and shall never be first or foremost in any un- 
 dertaking in which a superior is engaging, or about to engage ; shall never use any inde- 
 cent or rude behavior or action in a superior's presence, such as making a noise, calling 
 loud, or speaking at a distance, unless spoken to by him, if within hearing ; shall always 
 give a direct pertinent answer, concluding with Sir ! 
 
 Nassau Hall was occupied as barracks by the British troops pre- 
 vious to the battle of Princeton. The basement story they used 
 for stables. Gov. Belcher's library, which he gave to the college, 
 consisted of 474 volumes. Many of these books were highly valu- 
 able ; but such of them as remained after th(* purloining by the 
 Briti.sh and American armies, when they successively occupied the 
 edifice, were nearly all consumed by fire on the fith of March, 1802, 
 which left nothing but the stone walls of the edifice standing. On 
 its being rebuilt, the walls, which were not materially injured by 
 the fire, remained as before, and the whole interior of the house, 
 except the chapel, was converted into lodging-rooms — the library, 
 refectory, and other public ai)artments being provided for in addi- 
 tional buildings. At the time of the battle of Princeton, the room 
 in Nassau Hall called the chapel, was adorned with a portrait of 
 George 11.; the Americans, in dislodging the I'rilish troops Irom the 
 building, fired a cannon-shot which passed through the walls, and 
 destroyed this picture. The frame, however, still remained sus- 
 pended on the walls of the chapel, within which is now a portrait 
 of Washington, painted bv the elder Peale. It is stated that Wash- 
 
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 2 ^ 
 ffi a 
 
 s- 
 
 cr 
 
 c 
 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 26^ 
 
 ington, in order to make good to the college the damage sustained 
 by the fire of his troops, made the trustees a present of 50 guineas, 
 which they expended in procuring the portrait of the general. 
 Among other relics of antiquity belonging to the institution, there 
 is in the Philosophic Hall the identical electrical machine used by 
 Dr. Franklin, and the orrery constructed by Rittenhouse. 
 
 The whole course of instruction at the College of New Jersey 
 requires four years, — namely, one year in each of the four classes 
 into which the students are divided. The college year is divided 
 into two terms or sessions. The annual commencement is on the 
 last Wednesday of September ; and the winter session begins six 
 weeks from that time, and closes on the first Thursday after the 
 second Tuesday in April. The summer session begins five weeks 
 after the close of the winter session, and ends on the last Wednes- 
 day of September. The college library contains 8,000 volumes ; 
 in the libraries of the two literary societies connected with the col- 
 lege are about 4,000 volumes, making 12,000 in all. The college 
 possesses a valuable set of philosophical, astronomical, and chemical 
 apparatus, a mineralogical cabinet, a museum of natural history, 
 and a large collection of drawings for the illustration of lectures 
 on architecture and astronomy. 
 
 The Theological Seminary, in the village of Princeton, is a highly 
 respectable institution. It was founded by the General Assembly 
 of the Presbyterian church of the United States, and is under its 
 control and patronage. The plan of the institution was formed in 
 1811, and the edifice for the use of the seminary was commenced 
 in 1813, and made habitable in 1817. It is of stone, 150 feet long, 
 50 wide, and four stories high. " This institution is conducted on 
 very liberal principles ; for, although supported by the Presbyterian 
 church, and primarily intended to promote the training of a pious 
 and learned ministry for that church, students of all Christian de- 
 nominations are admitted into a full participation of its benefits, 
 on equal terms. It is wholly unconnected with the college, but 
 enjoys by contract the free use of the college library." The course 
 of study is extended through three years. There is but one vaca- 
 tion in the year, which commences the third Thursday in May, and 
 continues 14 weeks. The number of students in 1842 was 120. 
 
 BATTLE OF PRINCETON. 
 
 The situation of the American army after the action at Assun- 
 pink or Trenton bridge, was extremely critical. If Washington 
 maintained his position on the south side of the Assunpink, it was cer- 
 tain that he would be attacked by a superior force, with the proba- 
 ble result of the destruction of his little army. Fires having been 
 lighted, immediately after dark a council of war was convened. 
 Washington, by the advice of Gen. St. Clair, Col. Reed, and others, 
 " formed the bold and judicious design of abandoning the Delaware 
 and marching silently in the night, by a circuitous route, along the 
 left llank of the British army, into their rear at Princeton, where he 
 
270 
 
 MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 knew they could not be very strong. After beating them there, he 
 proposed to make a rapid movement to Brunswick, Avhere their 
 baggage and principal magazines lay under a weak guard." 
 
 Plan of the battle of Princeton, fought January 3d, 1777. 
 
 = 17^ Re^. 
 
 9 y>/ 
 
 fe SJ t= -te ''T C^ ■ \ T ' 
 
 [ References. A., Bridge on the old Trenton road. B., Friends nicetinp-house. 
 C, T. Clark's house, in which Gen. Mercer died. D., The place where Gen. Mercer 
 was mortally wounded. E., Head of column when first seen by the British. F., Head of 
 column after Mercer's cng^afrement. 1, 2, The British 17th Re;^. 3, 4, Piercer's detach- 
 ment, commencing the action. 9, 10, The 17th Reg-., formed to dislodge Moulder. 11, 
 12, The Pennsylvania militia under Washington. 13, Hitchcock's regiment. 5, 6, Pur- 
 Buit of the Americans. 7, 8, Retreat of the British.] 
 
 The more effectually to mask the movement, (says Gen. Wilkin- 
 son, in his memoirs.) Washington ordered the guards to be doubled, 
 a strong fatigue party to be set at work on an intrenchment across 
 the road near the mill, within di.stinct hearing of the enemy, the 
 baggage to be sent to Burlington, ihe troops to be silently filed off 
 by detachments, and the neighboring fences to be used as fuel by 
 the guards to keep up blazing fires until towards day, when they 
 had orders to retire. The night, though cloudless, was dark, and. 
 though calm, exceedingly cold, and the movement was so cautious- 
 ly conducted as to elude the vigilance of the enemy. Taking the 
 lower road by Sandtown. across the Quaker bridge,'the Americans 
 reached fcJtony creek, wdiich having crossed, they came to a small 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 271 
 
 wood south of the Friends meeting-house, in the vicinity of Prince 
 ton, a little before sunrise. Here the main column wheeled to the 
 right, and turning the SE. corner of the wood, marched directly 
 for Princeton. Gen. Mercer, having under him captains Stone, 
 Fleming, Neal, and others, with about 350 men, was detached to 
 take possession of the bridge on the old Trenton road, lor the double 
 purpose of intercepting fugitives from Princeton, and to cover the 
 rear of the army against Lord Conwaliis from Trenton. 
 
 The morning was bright, serene, and extremely cold, with a hoar 
 frost, which bespangled every object. A brigade of the enemy 
 under Lieut. Col. Mawhood, consisting of the 17th, 40th, and 55th 
 regiments, with three troops of dragoons, had quartered in Prince- 
 ton the preceding night. The 17th regiment, on their march to 
 join Lord Cornwallis at Trenton, had passed the bridge over Stony 
 creek before they discovered the Americans. Col. Mawhood imme- 
 diately repassed the bridge, when he first discovered Gen. Mercer's 
 detachment marching up the creek at a distance of about 500 yards 
 from the bridge. Both parties then endeavored to get possession 
 of the high ground on their right. The Americans reached the 
 house and orchard of William Clark, but perceiving the British 
 line advancing on the opposite side of the height, and a worm fence 
 between them, they pushed through the orchard, and anticipated 
 the enemy by about 40 paces. The first fire was delivered by Gen. 
 Mercer, which the enemy returned with a volley, and instantly 
 charged. The Americans being armed only with rifles, were forced, 
 after the third fire, to abandon the fence, and fled in disorder. 
 
 On hearing the firing. Gen. Washington directed the Pennsyl- 
 vania militia to support Gen. Mercer, and in person led them on 
 with two pieces of artillery, under Capt. Wm. Moulder, who form- 
 ed in battery on the right of Thomas Clark's house. The enemy 
 had pursued the detachment of Gen. Mercer as far as the brow of 
 the declivity, when they discovered for the first time the American 
 army. They thereupon halted, and brought up their artillery. En- 
 couraged by the irresolution of the militia, they attempted to carry 
 Capt. Moulder's battery ; but being galled by his grape-shot, and 
 perceiving Hitchcock's and another continental regiment advancing 
 from the rear of the American column, they, after a few long shot 
 with the militia, retreated over the fields up the north side of Stony 
 brook. This action, from the first discharge of firearms to the re- 
 treat of the enemy, did not last more than fifteen or twenty min- 
 utes. They left their artillery on the ground, which the Ameri- 
 cans, for want of horses, could not carry ofi". The 55th and 40th 
 regiments of the enemy made some show of resistance at the deep 
 ravine, a short distance south of the village of Princeton, and at the 
 college, into which they precipitated themselves on the approach of 
 the Americans. It was, however, soon abandoned, and many of 
 them made prisoners. In this engagement upwards of 100 of the 
 enemy were killed, among whom was Capt. Leslie, whose loss they 
 much regretted, and nearly 300 taken prisoners. The numerical 
 
272 MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 loss of the Americans was inconsiderable, not exceeding thirty, 
 fourteen only being buried in the field ; but it was of great mag- 
 nitude in worth and talents — Colonels Haslet and Potter, jMajor 
 Morris, Captains Shippen, Fleming, and Neal were officers of much 
 promise. 
 
 In the death of Gen. Mercer, the Americans lost a chief who, for 
 talents, education, integrity, and patriotism, was qualified to fill 
 the highest trusts of the country. " The manner in which he was 
 wounded," says Gen. Wilkinson, '" is an evidence of the excess to 
 which the common soldiery are liable, in the heat of action, par- 
 ticularly when irritated by the loss of favorite officers. Being ob- 
 structed, when advancing, by a post and rail fence, in front of the 
 orchard, it may be presmned the general dismounted voluntarily; 
 for he was on foot when the troops gave way. In eiterting himself 
 to rally them, he was thrown into the rear ; and, perceiving he 
 could not escape, he turned about, somewhere near William Clark's 
 barn, and surrendered, but was instantly knocked down, and bay- 
 oneted thirteen times ; when, feigning to be dead, one of his mur- 
 derers exclaimed, 'Z) n him ! he is dead — let us leave him.'' Af- 
 ter the retreat of the enemy, he was conveyed to the house of 
 Thomas Clark, to whom he gave this account, and languished till 
 the 12th, when he expired." 
 
 The following, relative to the conflict at Princeton, was derived 
 from persons living in Princeton ; one of whom was an eye-witness 
 of some of the scenes described. Mr. Joseph Clark states that 
 Gen. Mercer was knocked down about 50 yards from his barn ; and 
 after the battle was assisted, by his two aids, into the house of 
 Thomas Clark — a new house, then just erected, which is still stand- 
 ing, now owned and occupied by Mr. John Clark, about one and 
 a quarter miles from the college, and about one fourth of a mile 
 from the house of Mr. Thomas Clark. The late Miss Sarah Clark, 
 of the Society of Friends, with a colored woman for an assistant, 
 took care of Gen. Mercer, while he lived ; and after his death his 
 body was taken to Philadelphia, where, after laying in state, it was 
 interred with military honors. The killed were buried about 200 
 yards north of Mr. Joseph Clark's barn, in a kind of drift-way. 
 Their bodies, frozen stiff, with their clothing mostly stripped ofli' by 
 the American soldiers, were piled into a wagon, and thus carried 
 to the grave. 
 
 The British being routed, the greater part retreated back to 
 Princeton, about a mile and a quarter distant, where they had, for 
 some weeks previously, occupied the college, and the large brick 
 Presbyterian church, as barracks. Washington pushed on to 
 Princeton, placed a few cannon a short distance from those build- 
 ings, and commenced firing upon them. The first ball is said to 
 have entered the prayer-hall, a room used as a chapel in the col- 
 lege, and to have passed through the head of the portrait of George 
 II., suspended on the wall. After a few discharges, Capt. James 
 Moore, of the militia, a daring ofiicer, (late of Princeton,) aided by 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 273 
 
 a few men, burst open a door of the building, and demanded their 
 surrender ; which they instantly complied with. In the building 
 were a number of invalid soldiers; but Washington, having no 
 time to spare, left those unable to travel, on their parole of honor, 
 and hurried off with the rest toward Brunswick. On reaching 
 Kingston, about three miles distant, a consultation of general offi- 
 cers was hastily held on horseback ; when a wish was generally 
 expressed, to move on to New Brunswick, fall on the British 
 troops, and secure the large supplies there laid up for their winter's 
 consumption. But the American troops had, besides the action in 
 the morning, been fighting atTi'enton the day previous, and marching 
 all night over rough and frozen roads : not half of them had been 
 able to obtain breakfast or dinner ; many were destitute of either 
 shoes or stockings, and the whole were worn down with fati2,ue. 
 Under these circumstances, Washington was reluctantly compelled 
 to fiJe off to the left, towards I'ocky Hill. By going down the val- 
 ley of the Millstone, he would avoid the British army under Corn- 
 wallis. then in hot pursuit, from Trenton. Although the prize at 
 Brunswick was rich and tempting, yet the danger of being held at 
 bay there till the overwhelming force of Cornwallis, rapidly ap- 
 proaching in his rear, should overtake his worn-out troops, pre- 
 vented him from making the attempt. Cornwallis arrived at Kings- 
 ton shortly after the Americans had left ; but, supposing they were 
 still on the road to Brunswick, he pushed on through Kingston, and 
 over Little Rocky Hill, on the main road to Brunswick, \vhich, 
 from rocks and frozen ground, was almost impassable. Here his 
 baggage-wagons broke down ; but, such was his anxiety to reach 
 Brunswick, he pressed on, leaving them in charge of a guard of 
 200 or 300 men, to bring them on the next morning. A small compa- 
 ny of 15 or 20 militia, from the neighborhood, having learned the 
 situation of this baggage, soon after dark assembled and arranged 
 themselves among the trees, in a semicircular form, around where 
 the soldiers lay guarding their wagons. On a concerted signal, 
 they set up a tremendous shout, and commenced firing. The Brit- 
 ish ^vere taken completely by surprise ; and having Ibund, by ex- 
 perience of the last ten days, that when they supposed their ene- 
 mies v^7'e the farthest off, they were the nearest at hand, and their 
 fears niagnifying the immber of their assailants, they hastily drove 
 off what few wagons were in a travelling condition, and left the 
 rest a prize to the militia-men, who took them the next morning 
 to the American camp. Here they were opened, and found to con- 
 tain what proved the most acceptal)le of all articles to the Ameri- 
 can troops — namely, woollen clothing. 
 
 About the close of the action at Princeton, Washington detached 
 a small party to destroy tlu; bridge over Stony Brook, at Worth's 
 mills, on the road from Princeton to Trenton. This party had 
 scarcely half completed their w^ork, before the British troops from 
 Trenton made their appearance on the hill a short distance west 
 of the dwelling of Mr. Worth, and commenced firing upon them. 
 
 35 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 The Americans, however, pushed on their work with renewed 
 vieor until the cannon-balls began to strike around them,-by 
 wMch t^me they had thrown off the loose planks into the stream,-- 
 Tnd then hastily retreated. The baggage and artillery ol the Brit- 
 fsh troops were detained at the bridge nearly an hour betore it 
 ^u d b? made passable. The troops, however, were ordered to 
 dtsh through the stream, (then swollen and filled with running ice. 
 an labou^ breast high,) and press forward as rapidly as possible to- 
 ward New Brunswick. The officer who commanded the detach- 
 ment oVdeTed to destroy the bridge, is said to have been Major (af- 
 ^rwa?ds Col) John Kelly, of Pennsylvania, who died about the 
 vear 1835 After the British appeared in sight, it was necessary 
 tha some part of the bridge should be cut away -which was an 
 ext emX l^a^ardous service under the f^re of the enemy. Maj 
 ke Iv d daining to order another to do what some might sa> he 
 wo fd not do himself, bravely took the axe and -mmenced cutting 
 off the lo-s on which the planks of the bridge were aid. fc>everal 
 
 ^af\hfnear approach of the British troops to Princeton, their 
 
 adduce divSon Z. suddenly brought to ^ f-/^^^^ ^^^^^rolMfe 
 nf n Kro-e 32-Dounder. This piece, now in the central part o me 
 ooHeci cfrounSs formerly belonged to the British ; which Washing- 
 otwL^rabtto take U him when he ^^ft P^^mceton^on ac 
 count of its carriage being broken. It was .^f^^ o.i /i tem^K^ ai> 
 breastwork, in the vicinity of the present 'f'^^'^fjl^l^^^^^^^^ 
 Miller near the west end of the town ; and was loaded b> tNxo or 
 ?h irp rso'ns and pointed towar<l the British army As U-- -^^ 
 vance guard Were coming up the rising ground, with n 300 or 400 
 vards it was discharged, which brought them instantly to a halt. 
 The enemv supposing that Washington had determined to niake a 
 Jta^d unTr rcove^r of the town, sent out their reconnoite^^^^ 
 narties of horsemen, and in the mean time cau iousl> appioaciieu 
 fhe breastwork with their main body, determined to carry it by 
 st^rm % these movements, they were delayed nearly an hom^ 
 ann-he7arrived at the breastwork and thetown, were astonished 
 to fmd them destitute of defenders. 
 
 The following, relative to thTb^tle of Princeton and death of 
 Gen Mercer, is from "The Custis' Recollections of the Lite and 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 275 
 
 Clark's house and barn, that Gen. Mercer, while exerting himself to rally 
 his broken troops, was brought to the ground by the blow of a musket. He 
 was on foot at this time, — the gray horse he rode at the begitming of the 
 action having been disabled by a ball in the fore leg. The British soldiers 
 wwe not at first aware of the general's rank. So soon as they discovered he 
 was a general officer, they shouted they had got the rebel general, and cried, 
 '• Call for quarters, you d — d rebel !'" Mercer, to the most undaunted cour- 
 age. united a quick and ardent temperament; he replied with indignation 
 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 hon- 
 ored soldier of liberty, lunged with his sword at the nearest man. They 
 then bayoneted him, and left him for dead. 
 
 Upon the retreat of the enemy, the wounded general was conveyed to 
 Clark's house, immediately adjoining the field of battle. The information 
 that the commander-in-chief first received of the fall of his old companion 
 in arms of the war of 175.5, and beloved officer, was that he expired under 
 his numerous wounds ; and it was not until the American army was in full 
 inarch for Morristown, that the chief was undeceived, and learned, to his 
 great gratification, that Mercer, though fearfully wounded, was yet alive. 
 Upon the first halt at Somerset Court House, Washington dispatched the 
 late Maj. George Lewis, (his nephew, and captain of the Horse Guard,) 
 with a flag and a letter to Lord Cornwallis, requesting that every possible 
 attention might be shown to the wounded general, and permission for young 
 Lewis to remain with him, to minister to his wants. To both the requests 
 his lordship yielded a willing assent, and ordered his staff surgeon to attend 
 upon Gen. Mercer. Upon an examination of his wounds, the British sur- 
 geon observed, that although they were many and severe, he was disposed 
 to believe they would not prove dangerous. Mercer, bred to the profession 
 of an army-surgeon 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 tlie most fatal. Yes, sir, that is a fellow that will 
 soon do my business." He languished until the 12th, and expired in the 
 arms of Lewis, admired and lamented by the whole army. During the 
 period that he languished on the couch of suffering, he exonerated his ene- 
 mies 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, — declar- 
 ing he only relinquished his sword when his arm had become powerless to 
 wield it. He paid the homage of his whole heart to the person and charac- 
 ter of the commander-in-chief, rejoiced with true soldierly pride in the tri- 
 umphs of Trenton and Princeton, (in both of which he had borne a con- 
 spicuous part,) and offered up his fervent prayers for the final success of 
 the cause of American Independence. 
 
 We shall give a single anecdote of the subject of the foregoing memoir, 
 to show the pure and high-minded principles that actuated the patriots and 
 soldiers of the days of our country's first trial : 
 
 Virginia at first organized two regiments for the common cause. When 
 it was determined to raise a third, there were numerous applications for 
 commissions ; and these being mostly from men of fortune and family in- 
 terest, there was scarcely an application for a rank less than a field-officer. 
 During the sitting of the House of Burgesses upon the important motion, a 
 
270 MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 plain but soldierly-looking individual handed up to the speaker!s chair a 
 scrap of paper, on which was written, "Hugh Mercer will serve his adopted 
 country, and the cause of liberty, in any rank or station to which he may 
 be appointed." This from a veteran soldier, bred in European camps — the 
 associate of Washington in the war of 1755, and known to stand higli in 
 his confidence and esteem — was all-sufficient for a body of patriots and 
 statesmen such as composed the Virginia House of Burgesses in the revo- 
 lution. The appointment of Mercer to the command of the 3d Virginia 
 regiment, was carried instanter. 
 
 The battle of Princeton, for the time it lasted, and the numbers engaged, 
 was the most fatal to our officers of any action during the whole of our rev- 
 olutionary war — the Americans losing one general, two colonels, one major, 
 and three captains killed — while the martial prowess of our enemy shone 
 not with more brilliant lustre, in anyone of their combats during their long 
 career of arms, than did the courage and discipline of the 17th British regi- 
 ment, on the 3d of January, 1777. Indeed, Washington himself, during 
 the height of the conflict, pointed out this gallant corps to his officers, ex- 
 claiming, "See how those noble fellows fight! Ah! gentlemen, when shall 
 we be able to keep an army long enough together, to display a discipline 
 equal to our enemies !" 
 
 The regular troops that constituted the grand army at the close of the 
 campaign of '76, were the fragments of many regiments, worn down by 
 constant and toilsome marches and sufferings of every sort, in the depth of 
 winter. The fine regiment of Smallvvood, composed of the flower of the 
 Maryland youth, and which, the June preceding, marched into Philadel- 
 phia 1,100 strong, was, on the 3d of January, reduced to scarcely GO men, 
 and commanded by a captain. In fact, the bulk of what was then called 
 the grand army, consisted of the Pennsylvania militia and volunteers, citi- 
 zen soldiers who had left their comfortable homes at the call of their coun- 
 try, and were enduring the rigors of a winter's campaign. On the morn- 
 ing of the battle of Princeton, they had been eighteen hours under arms, 
 and harassed by a long night's march. Was it, then, to be wondered at, 
 that they should have given way before the veteran bayonets of their fresh 
 and well-appointed foe ! 
 
 The heroic devotion of Washington was not wanting in the exigencies 
 of this memorable day. He was aware his hour was come to redeem the 
 pledge he had laid on the altar of his country, when first he took up arms 
 in her cause — to win her liberties or perish in the attempt. Defeat at Prince- 
 ton would have amounted to the annihilation of America's last hope : for, 
 independent of the enemy's force in front, Cornwallis, with 8,000 strong, 
 was already panting close on the rear. It was, indeed, the very crisis of 
 the struggle. In the hurried and imposing events of little more than one 
 short week, liberty endured her greatest agony. What, then, is due to the 
 fame and memories of that sacred band, who, with the master of liberty at 
 their head, breasted the storm at this fearful crisis of their country's 
 destiny ? 
 
 The heroic devotion of Washington on the field of Princeton, is matter of 
 history. We have often enjoyed a touching reminiscence of that ever- 
 memorable event, from the late Col. Fitzgerald, who was an aid to the 
 chief, and wiio never related the story of his generals danger, and almost 
 miraculous preservation, without adding to his tale the homage of a tear. 
 
 The aid-de-camp had been ordered to bring up the troops from the rear of 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 377 
 
 the column, when the band under Gen. Mercer became engaged. Upon re- 
 turning to the spot where he had left the commander-in-chief, he was no 
 longer there, and, upon looking around, the aid discovered him endeavoring 
 to rally the line which had been thrown into disorder by a rapid onset of the 
 foe. Washington, after several meffectual 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 lines are levelled. Can escape from death be 
 possible ? Fitzgerald, horror-struck at the death of his beloved commander, 
 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. 
 It was the shout of victory. The aid-de-camp ventures to raise his eyes : 
 oh! glorious sight, 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 his rowels in his charger's flank, and heedless of the 
 dead and dying in his way, flew to the side of his chief, exclaiming, " Thank 
 God ! your excellency is safe ;" while the favorite aid, a gallant and warm- 
 hearted son 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, affection- 
 ately grasped the hand of his aid and friend, and then ordered — " Awav, 
 my dear colonel, and bring up the troops : the day is our own !" 
 
 Richard Stockton*, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was born at the 
 ancient family seat of his forefathers, near Princeton, Oct. 1, A. D. 1730. He gradu- 
 ated at Princeton College in 1748, and devoting lumself to the study of law, soon rose 
 to eminence. Being possessed of a competent fortune, he visited Great Britain, where 
 he was received with much attention ; and while there, rendered valuable services to the 
 College of New Jersey. On the opening of the Revolution, he adopted with ardor his 
 country's cause, and rendered her important services in various stations. On the 30th 
 of November, 1776, he was, together with his friend and compatriot, Mr. Covenhoven, 
 (at whose house he was temporarily staying) captured by a party of refugee royalists ; 
 dragged from his bed by night ; plundered of his property ; carried to New York ; thrown 
 into the common jail, and treated with such barbarity, as to lay the foundation of the disease 
 which terminated in his death, February ^filh, 1781. Mr. Stockton's fortune, which had 
 been ample, was greatly diminished, both by the depreciation of the continental curren- 
 cy, and the ravages of the British troops. His complicated afflictions hastened his death, 
 which took place at his seat, near Princeton. His remains were carried to the College- 
 liall, where a funeral discourse was delivered by the Rev. Dr. S. S. Smith. They were 
 afterwards interred with those of his ancestors, in the Friends burial-ground, near Prince- 
 ton. " He was an accomplished scholar and statesman, a persuasive speaker, and an 
 exem[)lary Christian." 
 
 William Bainbiuugk, a Commodore in the American navy, was born in this town, 
 May 7th, 1774. His father, a respectable physician in Princeton, removed to New 
 York while he was yet a child, and he was left under the cure of his grandfather, John 
 Taylor, Esq., of Monmouth co., where lie received his education. He entered the sea- 
 service as an apprentice, on board of a merchant vessel, from Philadelphia. At the age 
 of eighteen, while mate of the ship Hope, on her way to Holland, the crew, taking ad- 
 vantage of u violent gale of wind, rose against the otHcers, seized the captain, and had 
 nearly succeeded in throwing him overboard. Young Bainbridge, hearing the alarm, ran 
 oa deck with an old pistol, without a lock, and being assisted by an apprentice-boy and 
 
278 MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 an Irish sailor, rescued the captain, seized the ringleaders, and quelled the mutiny. Id 
 July, 1798, he unexpectedly received the command of the United States schooner Rctali- 
 ation, 14 guns, to act against France. In 1800, he received a captain's commission, and 
 was appointed to the command of the frigate George Washington, in which he was sent 
 to Algiers, with presents which the United States had agreed to make that state. While 
 at Algiers, he was compelled by the Dcy to carry his ambassador and retinue with pres- 
 ents, to the Grand Seignior, at Constantinople. The George Washington arrived at this 
 place on the 12th of November, and wlicn the Turkish officers were informed it was a 
 United States ship, they replied they knew not of such a nation. Captain Bainbridge, by 
 explaining that America was the New World, was enabled to give them some idea of 
 this country. In 1803, he was appointed to the command of the frigate Philadelphia, 
 which proceeded to the Mediterranean, and joined the American squadron under Com. 
 niodore Preble. While cruising before the harbor of Tripoli, the Philadelphia grounded, 
 and her crew were obliged to surrender themselves prisoners. After a confinement 
 of nineteen months, Colonel Lear having negotiated a peace with Tripoli, they were 
 released. 
 
 Soon after the declaration of war with Great Britain, in 1812, Commodore Bainbridge 
 took the command of the Constitution, on the 29th of December ; while running down 
 the coast of Brazil, he fell in with the British frigate Java ; after an action of two hours, 
 the Java's fire was completely silenced, and her colors being down, Bainbridge supposed 
 that she had struck ; he therefore shot ahead to repair his rigging, but while hove-to for 
 that purpose, discovered that her colors were still flying, altliough her mainmast had 
 gone by the board. He, therefore, bore down again upon her, and having come close 
 athwart her bows, was on the jwint of raking her with a broadside, when she hauled 
 down her colors, being completely an unmanageable wreck, entirely dismasted, without 
 a spar of any sort standing. On boarding her, it was found that Captain Lambert, her 
 commander, was mortally wounded, and the Java so much injured, that it would be im- 
 possible to bring her to the United States ; and after the prisoners and baggage were re- 
 moved, she was blown up. The Java carried 49 guns and upwards of 400 men, and had, 
 in addition to her own crew, upwards of 100 supernumerary officers and seamen, for dif 
 fercnt ships on the East India station — among whom was a master and commander in 
 the navy, and also Lieut. Gen. Hislop, and his two aids, of the British army. The Java 
 had ()() killed and upwards of 100 wounded. The Constitution had 9 killed and 25 
 wounded. After peace was declared, he superintended the building of the Independence, 
 a ship of 74 guns, and had the honor of waving his flag on board of the first line-of- 
 battle-ship belonging to the United States that ever floated. He died in Philadelphia a 
 few years since. 
 
 i 
 
 The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the 
 Princeton graveyard : 
 
 M. S. revercndi adniodum viri, Aaronis Burr, A. M. Collegii Neo-Ciesariensis prffisi. 
 dis. Natus apud Fairfield, Connecticutcnsium, 4 Januarii, A. D. 1716. 
 
 S. V. Honesta in eadem colonia familia oriundus, coUcgio Yalensi innutritus, Novarcae 
 sacris initiatus, 1738. Annos circiterviginti pastorali nmnere fidelitcL functus. Collegii 
 N. C. praBsidium, 1748, acccpit, in Nassovia; aulam, sub finem 1756, translatus. De- 
 functus in hoc vico, 24 Septcmbris, A. D. 1757, S. N. nstat. 42. Eheu, quam brevis ! 
 Huic marmori subjicitur, quod nK>ri potuit, quod immortale vendicarunt ca^li. 
 
 Qua^ris, viator, qualis quant usque fuit ? pcrpaucis accipe. Vir corpore parvo ac tenui, 
 studiis, vigiliis, assiduisquc laboril)us, macro. Sagacitate, perspicacitc, agililate, ac sol. 
 ertia, si fas dicere, plusquam humana, pene angelica. Anima fernie totus. Omnigena 
 literatura instructus, theologia pra'stantior ; concionator volubilis, suavis, et suadus ; 
 orator facundus. Moribus facilis, candidus, et jucundus, vita cgregie liberals ac bene- 
 ficus ; supra vero omnia emicucrunt pielas ac benevolentia. Sed ah ! quanta et quota 
 ingenii, industrire, prudentiai, patienliai, cwterarumque omnium virtutum excmplaria, 
 marmoris sepulchralis angustia reticebit. Multum desiderutus, multum dileetus. humani 
 generis delicinj. O ! infandum sui dcsiderium, gemit ecclesia, plorat acadcmia ; at 
 ctelum plaudit, dum ille ingreditur in gaudium Domini dulce loquentis, euge bone etfide- 
 hs serve. 
 
 Abi, viator, tuam respice finem. 
 
 M. S. reverend! admodum viri, Jonathan Edwards, A. M. Collegii Novip-CtcsarecB 
 prffisidis. Natus apud Windsor, Connecticutcnsium, ;" Octobris, A. D. 1703. S V 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 279 
 
 Patre reverendo Timotheo Edwards oricndus, collegio Yalensi educatus, apud Northamp- 
 ton sacris initiatus, 15 Februarii, 172G-7. Illinc dimissus, 22 Junii, 1750, it munus 
 barbaros instituendi accepit. PriESCs aulce Nassovicfe creatus, 16 Februarii, 1758. De- 
 functus in hoc vice, 22 Martii sequentis, S. N. iEtatis 55, heu nimis brevis ! Hie jacet 
 mortalis pars. 
 
 Quails persona quEeris viator ? Vir corporc procero, sed graclli, studiis intcntissimis, 
 abstinentia, et sedulitate, attenuato. Ingenii acumine, judicio acri, et prudentia, secun- 
 dus nemini mortalium. Artium Hberalium et scientiarum peritia insignis, criticoruni 
 sacrorum optimus, theologus eximius. Ut vix alter aequalis, disputator candidus ; fidei 
 ChristianiB propugnator vaHdus et invictus ; concionator gravis, serins, discriminans ; et, 
 Deo favente, successu fffilicissimus. Pictate prsDclarus, moribus suis sevcrus, ast aUis 
 SBquus et benignus, vixit dilectus, veneratus — sed ah ! lugendus moriebatur. 
 
 Quantos gemitus discedens ciebat ! Heu sapientia tanta ! Heu doctrina et religio I 
 \missum plorat collegium, plorat et ecclesia ; at, eo recepto, gaudet coelum. Viator, et 
 pia sequere vestigia. 
 
 Sub hoc marmore sepulchral! mortales exuvifB reverendi perquam viri Samuelis Da- 
 vies, A. M. collegii Nov-Caesariensis pra;sidis, futurum Domini adventum proestolantur. 
 
 Ne te, viator, ut pauca de tanto tamque dilecto viro resciscas, paulisper morari pigeat. 
 Natus est in comitatu de Newcastle, juxta Delaware, 3 Novcmbris, anno salutis repa- 
 ratae, 1724. S. V. Sacris ibidem initiatus, 19 Februarii, 1747, tutelam pastoralem ecclesiae 
 in comitatu de Hanover, Virginiensium suscepit. Ibi per 11 plus minus annos, ministri 
 evangelici laboribus indefesse et, favente numine, auspicato perfunctus. Ad munus 
 praesidiale collegii Nov-CiEsaricnsis gercndum vocatus est, et inauguratus, 26 Julii, 1759, 
 S. N. Sed, proh rerum inane ! intra biennium febre correptus candidam aniinam ca3lo 
 reddidit, 4 Februarii, 1761. Heu quam exiguum vitse curriculum! Corpore fuit exltnio : 
 gestu liberal!, placido, augusto. Ingenii nitore, morum integritate, munificcntia, facili- 
 tate, inter paucos illustris. Rei literariae peritus ; theologus promptus perspicax ; in ros- 
 tris, per eloquium blandum, mcUitum, vehemens simul et perstringens, nulli sccundus. 
 Scriptor ornatus, sublimis, disertus. Praesertim vero pietate, ardente in Deum zelo et 
 religione spectandus. In tanti viri, majora meriti, memoriam diuturnam amici hoc 
 qualecunque monumentum, honoris ergo et gratitudinis, posuere. Abi, viator, ei aemulare. 
 
 Memoriae sacrum reverendi Samuelis Fixley, S. T. D. collegii Neo-Caesariensis prffisi- 
 dis. Armachae in Hibernia natus, A. D. 1715. In Americam migravit, anno 1734. 
 Sacris ordinibus initiatus est, anno 1743, apud Novum Brunsvicum Neo-Ca3sariensium. 
 Ecclesiae Nottingham! Pcnnsylvaniensium, munus pastorale suscepit, 14 kal. Jul. 1744 ; 
 ibique, academiaj celeberrimce diu prffifuit. Designatus praeses collegii Neo-Caesariensis 
 ofRcium inivit id. Jul. 1761. Tandem dilectus, veneratus, omnibus flendus, morti accu- 
 buit Philadelphias, 15 kal. Scxtilis, A. D. 1766. Artibus literisque excultus prae caeteris 
 praecipue innituit rerum divinaruin scientia. Studio divince gloriae flagrans, summisopi- 
 bus ad veram religionem promovendam, et in concionibus, et in sernione familiari operam 
 semper navabat. Patientia, modestia, mansuetudo miranda animo moribusque enitue- 
 runt. Oh charitatem, observantiam, vigilantiam.ergajuvenes fidei sua? mandatos fuit in- 
 signissimus; moribus ingenius, pietate sincera, vixit omnibus dilectus, moriens triumphavit. 
 
 Reliquiae mortales Joanms Witiierspoon, D. D. LL. D. collegii Nco-Caesaricnsis prae- 
 sidis, plurimum venerandi, sub hoc marmore inhumantur. Natus parochio Yestrensi, 
 Scotorum, nonis Februarii, 1722, V. S. Uteris humanioribus in univcrsitatc Edinburgcnsi 
 imbutus ; sacris ordinibus initiatus, anno 1743, rnuncre pastoral! per viginti quinque an- 
 nos fideliter functus est, primo apud Beith, deinde apud Paisly. Praeses designatus 
 aula} NassovicsB, anno 1767. In Americam migravit, anno 1768, idibusque Sextilis, 
 maxima expectatione omnium, munus pra'sidiale suscepit. Vir cximia pietate, ac vir- 
 tute ; omnibus dotibus animi prceccllcns; doctrina atque optimarum artium studiis, pen- 
 itus cruditus. Concionator gravis, solemnis, orationes ejus sacrne prmcoptis, et institutis 
 vitae praestantissimis, ncc non cxpositionibus sacrosancta; scripturtE dilucidis, sunt re- 
 plettE. In scrmone familiari comis, lejiidus, blandus, rerum ecclesiae forensium peritissi- 
 mus ; summa prudentia et in rcgcnda, et instltuenda juveiitule, prasditus. Existimationem 
 collegii apud pcregrinos auxit ; bonasquc litcras in co multum provcxit. Inter lumina 
 clarissima, et doctrinae, et ecclesiae, diu vixit. Tandem veneratus, dilectus, lugendus 
 omnibus animam efflavit, 17 kal. Dec. anno salutis rnundi 1794, actatis suae 73. 
 
 Hoc tumulo conditur Quod mortale fuit viri admodum reverendi Samuelis Stanhope 
 
280 MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 Smith, S. T. D., LL. D. Nuper CoUegii Neo-Cacsariensis Pr;; sidis. Et ejusdcm sac- 
 rosanctse Thcologise et PliilosophiiB moralis Professoris. Natus Pcquecs Pennsylvanien- 
 sium, A. D. MDCCL. Evangtlii niinistri insignis, filius ipse insignior ; Litcris human- 
 joribus in Aula Nassovica uiibutus: In eadein Tutor tres annos ; ordinibus sacris initi- 
 atus A. D. MDCCLXXIV. Acadcmiie Hampden iSydnicnsis apud Virginienses, Fun- 
 dator, ct primus Rector Inde revocatus ejus Abiia Matre, ad munus Professoris A. D 
 IMDCCLXXIX ; vice Praeses crcatus A. D. MDCCLXXXVI ; Denique Prajsidis digni- 
 tatc exomatus A. D. MDCCXCV ; Quibus muniis omnibus prceclaris et gravissimis sat- 
 isfccit, quanta ipsius laude, quantoijuc bono publico, alumni permulti studiosi et sibi de 
 vinetissimi ubique testantor. Sed eheu ! aliis inserviendo ipse consumitor. Laboris 
 fractus assiduis morbisque creberrimis. Sceptrum Acadcuiicum alteri dcdit A. D. 
 MDCCCXII, j5statis su;t LXIX. Theologia Philosophia omnique doctrina excultus ; In 
 rjocendo peritus, in scribcndo ornatus. In concionando perpolitis, gravis et valde diser- 
 tus ; Bcneficcntia, hospitalitate, urbanitatc, venustate prx-tans. Ecclesiop, Patria?, Lit- 
 crarum, Collcgii Decus. Hocce marmor, In memoriam operarum ejus, dotumquc ex- 
 iniiarum. Et revercntiffi suae, Curatorcs CoUegii Neo-Caesariensis Ponendura atque 
 inscribendum curaverant. 
 
 Walter Mi.nto, LL. D., Professor of Mathematics and Philosophy in the College o{ 
 N( w Jersey, was born in the county of Meroe, in Scotland, Dec. 5th, 1753; and died in 
 this town Oct. 21st, 1796. 
 
 LaUS DEO OI'TIMO MAXIMO. 
 
 Intra hoc sepulchrum, deposita? sunt spe resurrectionis beataj Reliquiae Mortales 
 JoiiANMS Maclean, M. D. Viri admodum venerandi ; omnibus dotibus animi prce- 
 cellcntis. Qui Glascuae Scotorum natus, Kal. Martii A. D. MDCCLXXI. In Ameri- 
 cam migravit Anno MDCCXCV. Physicaj Naturalis Scientia penitus instructus et 
 Arte Chemica prtrcipu6 florens. Earum Artiuin in Academia Nassovica Professor 
 designatus est. Prid. Kal. Oct. ejusdera anni Professoribus ac Juventuti in CoUegio Mire 
 dllcctus, atque observatus. Evita eheu ! dccessit omnibus plorandus Idibus Februarii, 
 MDCCCXIV. 
 
 In memory of Guv Chew, a Mohawk Indian, who departed this life April 19th, 1826, 
 aged 21 years 8 months. This youth continued in Pagan darkness until his 18th year, 
 wlicn, under the patronage of the U. F. M. Society, he was sent to the mission school 
 at Cornwall, Conn. Here he remained three years, experienced the renewing grace of 
 God, and became eminent for his benevolence, piety, and desire to proclaim the gospel to 
 his countrymen. While j)rcparing for this blessed work, he was by a mysterious Provi- 
 dence called away in the morning of his days. Reader, pray for the Indians. 
 
 The celebrated Col. Aaron Burr was buried in the Princeton graveyard 
 near his father, President Burr. He was interred with the honors of war; 
 the professors and students of the college, and some of the clergy and citi- 
 zens, united with the relatives and friends of the deceased in the proces- 
 sion. Col. Burr was born at Newark, Feb. 6th, 1756. Both his parents 
 died before he reached the third year of his age, and left him in the posses- 
 sion of a handsome estate. While under the care of Dr. Shippen of Phila- 
 delphia, when but about four years old, having some difficulty with his pre- 
 ceptor, he ran away, and was not found until the third or fourth day after- 
 ward : thus indicating, at this early age, a fearlessness of mind, and reli- 
 ance on himself, which characterized the subsequent acts of his life. At 
 the age of ten he ran away from his uncle, Timothy Edwards, for the pur- 
 pose of going to sea. He entered Princeton College, and graduated at the 
 age of sixteen years, receiving the highest academic honors of tlie institu- 
 tion, though his moral character at this period could not be considered of 
 the highest order. On the breaking out of the revolution, Col. Burr, im- 
 pelled by military honor, joined the American army, and was a volunteer 
 in Arnold's celebrated expedition through the wilderness to Quebec. He 
 was afterward ft)r a short period in the family of Washington, but becom 
 
I i; 
 
 "^^Mi^ 
 
 m 
 
 "fc 
 
 ;''''i!i| 
 
 ;ffiiliiHllliiili;!!i'li'llli!!i/II 
 
 MilllllWllllll 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 281 
 
 ing somewhat dissatisfied with that great man, he became aid to Gen. Put- 
 nam, and was afterward appointed lieutenant-colonel. Col. Burr next turn- 
 ed his attention to the study of law, was admitted to the bar in 1782, 
 and commenced practice in Albany. In 1791, he was appointed a Senator 
 of the United States, and in 1801, Vice-President. 
 
 In the autumn of 1806, a project was detected, at the head of which was 
 Col. Burr, said to be for revolutionizing the territory west of the Alle- 
 ghanies, and for establishing an independent empire there, of which New 
 Orleans was to be the capital, and himself the chief. Burr was appre- 
 hended, and brought to trial Aug. 1807; no overt act being proved against 
 him, he was acquitted. Col. Burr died at Staten Island, N. Y., September 
 14th, 1836. " It is truly surprising," says his biographer, " how any indi- 
 vidual could have become so eminent as a soldier, a statesman, and as a pro- 
 fessional man, who devoted so much time to the other sex as was devoted by 
 Colonel Burr. For more than half a century of his life they seemed to ab- 
 sorb his whole thoughts. His intrigues were without number ; his conduct 
 most licentious." 
 
 TRENTON. 
 
 Trenton, the capital of New Jersey, is situated on the east side 
 of the Delaware, at the mouth of Assunpink creek, opposite the 
 falls or rapids, and is in 40° 13' N. lat., and 75° 48' W. long, from 
 Greenwich, and 2° 16' E. long, from Washington. The first set- 
 tlements, made about the year 1679, at the Falls of the Delaware,'^ 
 by the Friends, were on both sides of the river. Those on the New 
 Jersey side were on the low land at the mouth of the Assunpink, 
 and on " the Plains" where Messrs. Norton and Laylor's farms and 
 Mill Hill and Lamberton are situated. 
 
 The Friends, who had left England on account of the persecution raised 
 against them for their religion, sought an asylum on the peaceful shores of 
 the Delaware, where they have, undisturbed, enjoyed the privileges of reli- 
 gious as well as civil freedom. For many years they had no public build- 
 ings for worship, hut their meetings were held in private houses. 
 
 " Governor William Penn, who, in the year 1G88, issued an order for the 
 establishment of a post-office, requested Phineas Pemberton carefully to 
 publish the information on the mcel/mr-house door, that is, on the door of the 
 private house in which the society of Friends was then accustomed to meet. 
 It was usual for Friends settled about the Falls, to assemble at the houses 
 of William Yardley, James Harrison, Phineas Pemberton, William Biles, 
 and William Beakes ; for the meeting-house at the Falls (or Fallsington) 
 was not built till 1690, nor the one at Burlington till 1696, nor the one at 
 Bristol until 1710." The meeting-house in Trenton city was built in 1739. 
 (See date on the meeting-house in Hanover street.) This house lias beenoc. 
 
 * " The Indians called the falls and its vicinity Sankhican, from a gun or firc-lock, 
 a name given by the Dclawarcs to a tribe of the Mohawks, who occupied this section of 
 country : they being the first who were supplied with muskets by the Europeans. 
 Assunpink (creek) signifies Stone water, or ' stone in the water,' this being the first 
 water or place where the Indians in going up the river found stone." — Communication 
 from Thomas Gordon, Esq., of Trenton. 
 
 36 
 
282 MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 cupied for the same purpose until this time. At the time of the separatimt [a 
 1828, one part of the society left this house, and now hold their meetings in 
 the buildint^ at the corner of Greene and Academy streets, formerly the 
 Methodist church. 
 
 It seldom happens but that disasters of some kind befall the first settlers 
 of a new country. Many of the inhabitants in the vicinity of the Falls 
 were visited with sickness, and were removed by death, by a malignant 
 fever, which prevailed among them in 1687, both in Pennsylvania and New 
 Jersey. 
 
 Phineas Pemberton says that on the 16th of 3d month, [that is, March 
 16th,] 1687, there was " a great land-flood," and on the 29th, "a rupture." 
 This is supposed to refer to the formation of the island at Morrisville, oppo- 
 site the Trenton bridge, which was at this time separated from the main 
 land. 
 
 The flood here mentioned is probably the same as that mentioned by Mr. 
 Smith, as occurring in 1692 ; and there appears to be an error in one of the 
 statements. For it is supposed that so great a rise in the waters as to over- 
 flow the banks on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware at the Falls, must 
 have swept away the settlement on the low lands at the mouth of the As- 
 sunpink ; and yet this is said not to have occurred until 1692. The lands 
 on the Jersey shore might, however, have been much higher than on the 
 Pennsylvania side; and probably they were, as they were tilled for many 
 years afterward. 
 
 About the year 1700 the settlements were commenced by persons who 
 purchased the lands from the original proprietors, or persons who had taken 
 up the lands ; and most of the deeds for plantations in the different parts of 
 the township bear date from 1699 to 1710. 
 
 From the year 1700 the settlement of the township increased by persons 
 from Long Island, from East Jersey, and other parts. Messrs. Daniel How- 
 ell, Ebenezer Prout, Isaac Reeder, John Burroughs, Charles Clark, Richard 
 Scudder, Robert Lanning, John Lanning, Jacob and Isaac Reeder, Wm. 
 Reed, Simon Sacket, John Deane, John and Abiel Davis, Jonathan Davis, 
 and others, settled in what is now Ewing, as appears from their deeds and 
 family records; and in April, 1703, Mr. John Hutchinson (only son and 
 heir of Thomas Hutchinson, who died intestate) conveyed a lot of land to 
 the inliabitants of Hopewell for a place of burial, and to erect a public meet- 
 ing-house thereon. 
 
 This was, probably, the first house which was built for public worship 
 in the township of Hopewell. It was occupied by the Episcopalians until 
 their church was built in Trenton, and occasionally for many years after. 
 
 The ground was long used as a place of burial by many families. The 
 remains of the widow of Col. William Trent were buried there. But few 
 vestiges remain to mark the spot where stood the Jirst temple of the Lord in 
 the then county of Hunterdon. 
 
 The Presbyterians obtained a lot of land for a place of burial, and on 
 whicli to build a church, from Mr. Alexander Lockart, who lived on the 
 plantation now owned by the children of the late Dr. Joseph Olden. The 
 deed bears date March the 9th, 1709. The land was granted in trust to 
 Richard Scudder, John Burroughs, Ebenezer Prout, Daniel Howell, John 
 Deane, John Davis, Jonathan Davis, Enoch Anderson, William Osborne, 
 Jacob Reeder, Cornelius Anilerson, John Siferons, Simon Sacket, George 
 Farley, Caleb Farley, William Reed, and Joseph Sacket. Not long after 
 this, probably in the year 1712, a house was built of logs for a place of 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 283 
 
 public worship, near tlie spot on which ihe brick church now stands. In a 
 few years after, the log building was taken down and a frame building 
 erected, which was occupied until the year 1795, when the present brick 
 church was built. We have no records to show with certainty the year 
 in which the frame church was built ; but from an inscription on a tablet 
 which was placed in the old stone church, in Trenton city, a little west of 
 the present Presbyterian church, (which is a branch from the church in the 
 country) it is pretty evident that it was built in the year 1726. The in- 
 scription is, "Founded in 1712 — built in 1726." These dates could not re- 
 fer to the house in the city, because, even at this last date, there was scarce- 
 ly one house where the city is now built. 
 
 Kalm, a Swede, who travelled in this country in 1748, says that his land- 
 lord in Trenton told him that 22 years before, (1726,) when he first settled 
 there, there was hardly more than oiie house. In August, 1814, Mrs. Je- 
 mima Howell, (youngest daughter of Mr. John Burroughs,) who was born 
 in the year 1725, informed the writer, that although she could not tell when 
 the frame church [in Ewing] was built, yet she remembered that she had 
 helped to scrub it, 70 years ago. She also welt remembered, she said, when 
 there were but two or three small houses where the city of Trenton is built ; 
 and that it was woods from the neighborhood of the frame church to Stacy's 
 (now Wain's) mills ; that they had only a foot-path for many years after : 
 and that the farmers carried their grain to that market on pack-horses. 
 
 Kalm says, that in 1748 there were near a hundred houses in Trenton. 
 The probability is, from the description he has given of the town of Tren- 
 ton, that he included the buildings on the north and south sides of the As- 
 sunpink. He says that there were two small churches ; one belonging to 
 the Church of England, and the other to the Presbyterians. It is probable 
 that these houses had been built but a few years. As Nottingham and Hope- 
 well were settled almost entirely by Friends, there is reason to suppose that 
 they were among the first to erect places for public worship ; and they prob- 
 ably were, as their house was built in 1739 ; and in 1726 there were " no 
 more than one or two houses" in this place. The large white brick-house, 
 now standing on the corner of Greene (formerly Queen) and Hanover 
 streets, was built in the year 1740. Nearly all the first buildings, in what 
 is now the city, were on or near the York road, (now Greene-street,) which 
 led from Mahlon Stacy's mills. The Presbyterian and Episcopal churches 
 were both branches of their respective churches in the country. Most of 
 the Episcopal families at first lived above the falls, in the vicinity of the 
 church they built on the ground granted by the Hutchinson family. As 
 Mr. Thomas Hutchinson died before this ground was appropriated for a buri- 
 al-place, the family selected a spot on the manor, where several of them, 
 and others, were buried. This spot is about 15 or 20 rods east of the road, 
 at the brow of the hill, anrl nearly in front of the old Manor-house, which 
 was on the farm now ownod by Mr. John Titus. 
 
 In August, 1714, Mahlon Stacy sold his plantation of 800 acres, lying 
 on both sides of the Assuiipink creek, on the Delaware, to Col. Wm. Trent, 
 of Philadelphia. Col. Trent was a gentleman of great respectability; and 
 was for several years speaker of the house of assembly in Pennsylvania ; 
 and in September, 1723, he was chosen speaker of the house of assembly in 
 New Jersey. In this year Wm. Trent and John Reading were appointed 
 commissioners for the county of Hunterdon. Mr. Trent died at Philadel- 
 phia, May 29, 1724. 
 
 The lot on which the courthouse was built, is now owned by the Trenton 
 
284 MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 Banking Company, and their banking-house stands upon it. It was con- 
 veyed to the Trenton Banking Company by the board of chosen freeholders 
 of the county of Hunterdon, May 8, 1814 ; just 100 years after it was 
 purchased by Wm. Trent, by whom, it is said, (I know not by what author- 
 ity, except traditionary testimony,) the lot was given to the county. And it 
 is probable this grant was made by Mr. Trent to the county about the year 
 1720 ; and that, in compliment to him for the gift, the place was called 
 Trenton, or, as it was first written, Trent's town. Until this time, what is 
 now known as the city of Trenton, and townships of Hopewell and Ewing, 
 was known as Hopewell ; for the courts of the county, until 1719, were 
 held at Wm. Yard's and A. Heath's, in Hopewell. 
 
 In September, 1719, the courts were held in Trenton. " It having been 
 represented to the governor that the holding of the courts alternately in 
 Maidenhead and Hopewell was attended with inconvenience, it was, in 
 March, 1719, ordained that the courts should be held and kept in Trenton 
 from the month of September next ensuing." The magistrates present at 
 the first court in the county, held at Maidenhead, were John Banbridge, Ja- 
 cob Bellerjeau, Philip Phillips, Wm. Green, John Holcomb, Samuel Green, 
 and Samuel Fitch. Wm. Green and John Reading were the first assessors 
 of Hunterdon, and Ralph Hunt the first collector. 
 
 The first grand jurors were W^n. Hickson, Daniel Howell, Robert Lan- 
 ning, Henry Mershon, Richard Compton, George Woolsey, Joseph Reeder, 
 jr., Thomas Standling, Richard Scudder, Timothy Baker, John Burroughs, 
 John Titus, Samuel J^^vorett, John Ely, and Richard Laiming. John Muir- 
 head, high-sheriff, complained to the court in 1714 and 1717, and in June, 
 1719, and in March, 1720, that there was no jail for the county. In 1728-9 
 John Dagworthy, Esq., high-sheriff, complained to the court that the jail 
 was so out of repair that escapes took place daily. " Ordered to be re- 
 paired." In 1724 it was enacted that the supreme court for the county of 
 Hunterdon should be held in July, at Trent's toion. 
 
 About the year 1721, a log jail for the county was built at the forks of 
 the roads leading from Trenton to Pennington, and from Pennington to the 
 8 mile ferry, nearly opposite the residence of the late Jesse Moore, Esq. 
 
 Although the sheriff complained to the court of the daily escapes from 
 the jail, there do not appear on the records of the court many criminal 
 cases presented by the grand jury. They found a bill, at one of the courts, 
 against a man " for stealing a book called the New Tcstainent ;'" and at an- 
 other court, against a man "for stealing a horsc-bell." Besides these, but 
 very few bills were found. 
 
 From the best information which can at present be obtained, it appears 
 pretty evident that there were but very few buildings in the place, until af- 
 ter 1730 or '35. Ai)0ut the year 1740, several buildings were erected. 
 Mr. Plasket built the Friends meeting-house in 1739 ; and Obadiah Ilowell, 
 the uncle of the present Obadiah Ilowell, sen., informed our citizen, Mr. 
 Thomas Ryall, that he put the date of 1739 on that house himself, lieing 
 then an apprentice to I\Ir. Plasket; and that the brick house, corner of 
 Hanover and Greene streets, was built by Thomas Tindall, in 1740. In 
 1748, there were nearly one hundred houses in the place. The flourishing 
 condition in which the town appears to have been at that time, and its ad- 
 vantageous location for business, led the inhabitants to anticipate its rapidly 
 increasing growth and prosperity ; and, supposing that both would be pro- 
 moted by an act of incorporation by the crown, conferring borouph privi- 
 leges, in the i9th year of the reign of King George II., (1746,) Gov. Lewis 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 285 
 
 Morris, and a number of the inhabitants of this district of country, sent a 
 petition to the king, stating that Trenton was the head of sloop navigation, 
 and that a variety of circumstances rendered the place favorable for busi- 
 ness, and that its interests would be greatly promoted by such an act. Ac- 
 cordingly a royal charter was granted for a borough, the limits of which are 
 described as follows, viz : '■^Beginning at the mouth of Crosswick's creek ; 
 thence up said creek to the mouth of Doctor's creek ; thence up the said 
 creek to Keith's line, between East and West Jersey ; thence along said 
 line, including Maidenhead and Hopewell, between Hopewell and Amwell, 
 to Delaware river ; thence down said river to the place of beginning : to be 
 known as the borough and toxon of Trenton.^'' Thomas Cadwallader, Esq., 
 was appointed chief burgess ; Nathaniel Ware, recorder ; David Martin, 
 marshal ; and Andrew Reed, treasurer. The other burgesses were Wm. 
 Morris, Joseph Warrell, Daniel Coxe, Andrew Smith, Alexander Lockart, 
 David Martin, Robert Pearson, Andrew Reed, Theophilus Phillips, Joseph 
 Decow, Samuel Hunt, and Reuben Armitage. 
 
 The common council were Joseph Paxton, Theophilus Severns, Benjamin 
 Biles, Jasper Smith, Cornelius Ringo, Jonathan Stout, Jonathan Waters, 
 Thomas Burrows, jr., George Ely, Johnjriunt, John Dagworthy, jr., Joseph 
 Phillips, John Welling, William Plasket, Daniel Lanning, and Benjamin 
 Greene. But the inhabitants not experiencing the benefits which were an- 
 ticipated from their charter, they surrendered it to King George 11. , in the 
 23d year of his reign, (1750.) 
 
 In the year 1756, George II. granted a patent, incorporating the Presby- 
 terian church of Trenton ; appointing Rev. David Cowell, Charles Clark, 
 Esq., Andrew Reed, Esq., Joseph Yard, Arthur Howell, William Green, 
 and Alexander Chambers, trustees, under the name of " Trustees of the 
 Presbyterian Church of Trenton." In 1790, Trenton was made the seat of 
 government of New Jersey. On Nov. 13th, 1792, the city of Trenton 
 was erected from a part of the township of Trenton, with the usual corpo- 
 rate city privileges. In the summer of 1793, the yellow fever prevailing 
 at Philadelphia, the public offices of the United States were removed here.* 
 
 Trenton city is situated on Delaware river, 55 m. SW. of New- 
 York, 30 NE. from Philadelphia, 10 SW. from Princeton, 26 SW. 
 from New Brunswick, and 1G6 from Washington. In 1840, the 
 population of Trciilon and the borough of South Trenton was up- 
 wards of 0,000. Of this number, there were in the city proper 
 4,035, the remainder in South Trenton. In the city proper, in 1840, 
 there were 103 persons engaged in commerce, 571 in manufactures 
 and trades, and 41 in the learned professions. The city is at the 
 head of steamboat navigation, is regularly laid out, and has many 
 handsome public and private buildings. The localities of Mill Hill, 
 Bloomsbury, and Lamberton, combined in the boi-ough of South 
 Trenton, extending upwards of a mile down the Delaware, would, 
 in a general description of Trenton, be considered as a part of the 
 city. 
 
 » For the preceding historical notice of Trenton, the compilers of this work are in- 
 debted to a series of articles recently published in the Trenton State Gazette, written by 
 the Rev. Eli F. Cooley, pastor of the Presbyterian church in Evvimr. 
 
286 
 
 MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 Easiem view of the State House at Trenton, N. J. 
 
 The city of Trenton is now divided into 6 wards and includps the borough of South 
 Trenton which now forms the third, fourth and, sixth wards of the city. The new State 
 House is one of the finest structures in the country constructed on a magnificent plan, its 
 grounds laid out with taste and most beautifully adorned witli shade trees, &c.. the 
 State Library, first established in 1756, most commodiously arranged, is at the western 
 extremity of the building, a city hall. State Normal school. State Prison, the arsenal. 
 27 public schools with 1500 scholars, 22 churches : 6 Presbyterian, 4 Catholic (of 
 which 2 are German,) 4 Methodist, 3 Baptist, 3 Episcopal and 2 for Friends. There 
 are numerous mills and manufacturing establishments for various purposes in different 
 parts of the city. Population by the State Census in 18C5 wos 20..')0P. 
 
 The Delaware and Raritan canal, forming a sloop navigation 
 from Bordentown to New Brunswick, passes through Trenton, and 
 is here entered by a feeder taken from the Delaware, 23 miles above 
 the city. The canal crosses the Assunpink creek, east of the town, 
 in a fine stone aqueduct. Above the falls, the Delaware is navi- 
 gable for large boats as far as Easton, Pa., which adds much tojjje 
 commercial advantages of Trenton. The railroad from Jersey City 
 to Camden passes Just east of the central part of the place. A 
 railroad branches oil' at the depot, crosses the Trenton bridge, and 
 continues down the west bank of the Delaware to IMiiladcIphia. A 
 company was chartered in 1831. with a capital of SxJOO.OOO, for 
 the purpose of taking the water from the river by means of a dam 
 and race-way, and carrying it along and below the city, which has 
 created a very extensive water-power for manufacturing purposes. 
 The Assunpink creek, which divides the city from the borough of 
 South Trenton, also furnishes considerable water-power. 
 
 About half a mile from the central part of Trenton, is the beau- 
 tiful covered bridge across the Delaware, justly considered one of 
 the finest specimens of bridge architecture, of wood, in the world. 
 This bridge, 1,100 feet in length, was commenced in May, 1804, 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 28': 
 
 and finished in Feb., 1806, at an expense of $180,000. It reflects 
 credit upon Mr. Burr, its architect, combining, as it does, the three 
 great objects, convenience of travelling, strength, and durability. 
 The lioor is supported by perpendicular iron rods hanging from the 
 arches. It withstood the great flood of 1841, unharmed ; while the 
 more fra'l structures of a later day were swept away. It ir ?»"oss- 
 ed by th? Philadelphia and Trenton railroad. 
 
 View of the County Buildings, South Trenton. 
 
 The annexed is an eastern view of the county buildings i» 
 Sv.ath Trenton, erected upon the formation of Mercer co. The large 
 building in the centre is the courthouse ; that on the left, the sur 
 rogate's, and the one on the right, the clerk's office. These edifices 
 are built of brick, in the Grecian style, and stuccoed. The steps 
 are of granite, and the basement of sandstone. These buildings 
 were finished in 1839, and cost, exclusive of ground, about $70,000. 
 
 References. 
 
 A. Observatory. 
 
 B. Entrance. 
 
 C. Porch. 
 
 D. D. Corridora 
 
 Plan of the State-prison. 
 
 The State-prison is situated in South Trenton, about three fourths 
 of a mile below the central part of Trenton, within a few rods of 
 
288 
 
 MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 the Delaware and Raritan canal, and the railroad from Jersey 
 City to Camden. It consists of a main building, m which reside 
 the family of the keeper, and his assistants. The two wings con- 
 tain the convicts. These buildings are surrounded by stone walls. 
 20 feet hi-h, and 3 feet thick, which enclose an area of 4 acres. 
 
 Bridge over Assunpink Creek at Trenton, N. J. 
 
 The above is a representation of the bridge over the Assunpink 
 
 Oreck taken on the soith, or ruther S. W. side, near E kahnweiler .^ 
 
 Co 's, Soap Factorv. The large building on the right adjoining he 
 
 .Vid is Sow used as a paper -UkTliere a^e three a^J^ets^ner^^^^ 
 
 iii^ii^nr^^s^rd^s-?^^ '-^ r^'^rf' r^r 
 
 erected, the later dates when additions were made The large building 
 on ?he i.'it somewhat in the distance is called the Temperance lal. 
 This spot is one of much historic interest. Here it was, m a 1 Probal.mt> 
 that the fate of the American Revolution was decided. Had the 1 
 
 li troops effected their passage across the bridge then ^^andnig on t ns 
 spot it seems hardly possible that Washington could have effected the 
 masterly movement to Princeton which saved his army. 
 
 Col., or as bo is Bomci.mes called Gen. Rabl died ^^^^;^l^,^?l:':l 
 (see page 298.)-In the journal of his licuUnant, as trauJalta ay mt. 
 corded as follows: . i i;,o i,„rimi in this ttloce •which he has 
 - Ue died on the following evening, and '-f J>» '"^ prcivtcrian church. Sleep 
 rendered .o fomousin the grave, m the ^r^^ve yard oithc Pre bytcrmn^ 
 «-Ml I dcir commander ! The Americans will heicauersii "I' " 7"" ,, ,..^ 
 iZo wSh thSSiption-'-/7,«- lie,t der OUr.t Rai d M,l .hrn ui aUes a V^ 
 
 grave 
 
 -Tr;^^e lie. Colonel Rani; all '^f^-^^^^f^^ »- - 
 
 nistorvofthcPreibyterinn Clmrch, buvo (U-ln.yod the fulfilment onu i 
 
 uipossible to identify the "hior" for the epit«ph. 
 
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 37 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 i>9l 
 
 The County Luildings in South Trenton, and those of the State 
 Prison^ ar§ now included within the limits of the third ward of the 
 city. The large trees now stanrling in front of these edifices, which 
 have grown uj) since they were constructed, are omitted. 
 
 It was designed that whenever it becomes necessary tor the ac- 
 commodation of additional prisoners, to build wings, v^^hich, like 
 the present, will radiate from the main building. The prison is 
 warmed by tubes of hot water, passing through the cells. In the 
 coldest weather, the cells can thus be warmed to a temperature 
 of 65°. They are ventilated by apertures in the exterior walls, 
 and also by a flue from each cell to the top of the roof The air 
 is pure, the outlet pipes perfectly ventilating the building. These 
 pipes are cleaned by water, about 15.000 gallons being daily 
 used for that purpose. 
 
 The Cottages. 
 
 Near the railroad depot, in the environs of Trenton, is the neat 
 and beautiful row of private dwellings designated Vi'^''' the cottages." 
 They were built a few years since, under the superintendence of 
 Messrs. Hotchkiss & Thompson ; and, while they reflect credit up- 
 on the skill of the architects, form a pleasing exhibition of an im- 
 proved taste in the construction of private residences. 
 
 BATTLE OF TRENTON. 
 The battle of Trenton, the turning point in the American revo- 
 lution, will ever render Trenton memorable in the annals of Ameri- 
 can history. To present all the fiicts which may be deemed of in- 
 terest respecting this important event, several accounts of the same 
 transactions will bo given. The introductory " notices of TYenton 
 as it was at the time of the capture of the Hessians," is from one of 
 a series of articles respecting the history of Trenton recently pub- 
 
292 
 
 MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 lished in the State Gazette, evidently drawn up with much care and 
 
 accuracy. 
 
 Queen ^now Greene) street commenced at the north end of the town, and ran due 
 ''tZ t c'-ircfd t Que^'a^ew^ ^dT^n^h '"/ the Assunpink bridge and e. 
 
 soutLweSerTy direction, by the old courthouse and jail, (now the Trenton Bank,) to 
 Front-st. 
 
 ♦■-'-;-— on on Kinc-st. E. Hessmns. who were obliged to 6 
 n. Gen. Dickinson's house. I. VVater-st. J. terry. 
 
 Washington on Kin^?-st. 
 King-st " ■" ~ r>--'-- 
 
 |}e".^nrwho.V;;r^u;^eni;:sun^^ -F^V^il^^ troops. 
 
 From the north end of King and Queen streets, the course of the ™f <° *^yj;'^^^ 
 of Maidenhead (6 miles distant) is NE. ; and from the above point, the general course 
 of the road to Pennington is about N. „ , , i, u ««■ ♦<> thp 
 
 One mile from TreLn, on the Pennington road, the Scotch road ^-"^.'j^^^ff \; J^ 
 left, and for about two and a quarter miles its course ,s NW., after wh.ch .t bends to the 
 NE. for a little distance, and thence its course is a little west of nor h. 
 
 The road which leads from McKonkey's ferry runs east of "°^ '> •' ^"'^^ 3^3""ff„,; 
 quarter miles from the river it crosses the River road at t'>*^ ^^^V^'nToT ' and one and 
 Trenton ; two miles further it crosses the Scotch road 7 m. from T ^"^«" ' /"^ °"" 
 a quarter m. still further, it meets the Pennington road, about 7 m. f^"-" J^^"^""- .,^3 
 From the Bear Tavern, on the River road, to Birmmgiiam, is three and a half m.les^ 
 and from Birmingham to Trenton four and a half m. Prom Birmingham ac^o s to Uie 
 Scotch road, whc'e it bends to the east, (as mentioned above,) is about a mile from 
 this point to its junction with the Pennington road, is two and a quarter m. , ana irom 
 
 ^^^rwlSr-r^ith the division under Gen. Green^.came t^s -tejrom Bi. 
 mlngham to Trenton. Part of the division went down Kmg-st., the remamder down 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 293 
 
 Queen-st, extending into the field to the left, toward the Assunpink creek, — the course 
 of which is from the northeast for a mile or two, until it passes the Iron Works, after 
 which it bends to the west, and runs by Trent's mills, in Queen-st., to the Delaware. 
 
 The division under Gen. Sunivan,on the River road, entered the town by Col. Dickin- 
 son's and Rutherford's, through Second and Front streets. So the enemy were hemmed 
 in by the Assunpink on the south and east, and by the American army on the west and 
 north. 
 
 The following is Washington's account of the battle of Trenton, 
 as communicated by him to congress in a letter dated Head-quar- 
 ters, Newtown, 27th Dec. 1776 : 
 
 I have the pleasure of congratulating you upon the success of an enter- 
 prise which I had formed against a detachment of the enemy lying in Tren- 
 ton, and which was executed yesterday morning. 
 
 The evening of the 25th, I ordered the troops intended for this service to 
 parade back of McKonkey's Ferry, [now Taylorsville] that they might be- 
 gin to pass as soon as it grew dark, — imagining that we should be able to 
 throw them all over, with the necessary artillery, by 12 o'clock, and that 
 we might easily arrive at Trenton by 5 in the morning, the distance being 
 about 9 miles. But the quantity of ice made that night impeded the pas- 
 sage of the boats so much, that it was 3 o'clock before the artillery could all 
 be got over, and near 4 before the troops took up their line of march. 
 
 I formed my detachment into two divisions, — one to march up the lower 
 or River road, the other by the upper or Pennington road. As the divisions 
 had nearly the same distance to march, I ordered each of them, immediately 
 upon forcing the out-guards, to push directly into the town, that they might 
 charge the enemy before they had time to form. The upper division ar- 
 rived at the enemy's advanced post exactly at 8 o'clock ; and in 3 minutes 
 after, I found, from the fire on the lower road, that that division had also got 
 up. The out-guards made but a small opposition ; though, for their num- 
 bers, they behaved very well, — keeping up a constant retreating fire from 
 behind houses. 
 
 We presently saw their main body formed ; but, from their motions, they 
 seemed undetermined how to act. Being hard pressed by our troops, who 
 had already got possession of part of their artillery, they attempted to file 
 off by a road on their right, leading to Princeton ; but, perceiving their in- 
 tention, I threw a body of troops in their way, which immediately checked 
 them. Finding, from our disposition, that they were surrounded, and they 
 must inevitably be cut to pieces if they made any further resistance, they 
 agreed to lay down their arms. The number that submitted in this man- 
 ner, was 23 officers and 886 men. Col. Rohl, the commanding officer, and 
 7 others, were found wounded in the town. 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. 
 
 I find that the detachment of the enemy consisted of the 3 Hessian regi- 
 ments of Landspatch, Kniphausen, and Rohl, amounting to about 1,500 
 men, and a troop of British light-horse ; but immediately upon the begin- 
 ning of the attack, all those who were not killed or taken pushed directly 
 down the road toward Bordentown. These likewise would have fallen into 
 our hands could my plan completely have been carried into execution. Gen. 
 Ewing was to have crossed before day, at Trenton ferry, and taken posses, 
 sion of the bridge leading to the town ; but the quantity of ice was so great, 
 
294 MERCER COUNTY 
 
 that though he did every thing in his power to effect it, he could not cross. 
 This difiiculty also hindered Gen. Cadwallader from crossing with the Penn- 
 sylvania militia from Bristol. He got part of his foot over, but, finding it 
 impossible to embark his artillery, he was obliged to desist. I am fully 
 confident that, could the troops under Generals Ewing and Cadwallader 
 have passed the river, I should have been enabled, with their assistance, to 
 have driven the enemy from all their posts below Trenton ; but the num- 
 bers I had with me being inferior to theirs below, and a strong battalion of 
 light-infantry being at Princeton, above me, I thought it most prudent to 
 return the same evening, with the prisoners and the artillery we had taken. 
 We found no stores of any consequence in the town. 
 
 In justice to the officers and men, 1 must add, that their behavior upon 
 this occasion reflects the highest honor upon them. The difficulty of pass- 
 ing the river in a very severe night, and their march tlirough a violent 
 storm of hail and snow, did not in the least abate their ardor, — but, when 
 they came to the charge, each seemed to vie with the other in pressing for- 
 ward ; and were I to give a preference to any particular corps, I should do 
 injustice to the other. 
 
 Col. Baylor, my first aid-de-camp, will have the honor of delivering this 
 to you ; and from him you may be made acquainted with many other par- 
 ticulars. His spirited behavior ilpon every occasion, requires me to recom- 
 mend him to your particular notice. 
 
 The annexed account of the battle of Trenton was published by 
 order of congress, who received it from the council of safety, as 
 coming from " an officer of distinction in the army." It is here ex- 
 tracted from the "Connecticut Journal," of Jan. 22, 1777. 
 
 Head-quarters, Newtown, Bucks co., Dec. 27. 
 It was determined, some days ago, that our army should pass over to Jersey, at tliree 
 different places, and attack the enemy. Accordingly, about 2,500 men, and 20 brass 
 ticld-picces, with his excellency Gen. Washington at their head, and Maj. Gen. Sullivan 
 and Gen. Greene in counnand of two divisions, passed over, on the night of Christmas, 
 and about three o'clock, A. M., were on their march, by two routes, towards Trenton. 
 The night was sleety and cold, and the roads so slii)pcry that it was daybreak when we 
 were two miles from Trenton. But happily the enemy were not apprized of our design, 
 and our advanced parties were on their guard, at half a mile from the town, wlierc Gen. 
 Sullivan's and Gen. Greene's divisions came into the same road. Their guard gave 
 our advanced parties several smart fires, as we drove 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 town. The enemy, consisting of 
 .ibout 1,500 Hessians, under Col. Uohl, formed, and made some smart fires from their 
 musketry and six field-pieces ; but our people pressed from every quarter, and drove them 
 from their cannon. They retired towards a field, behind a piece of woods, up tlie creek 
 from Trenton, and formed in two bodies, which I expected would have brought on a 
 gmart action from the troops, who had formed very near them ; but at tiiat instant, as I 
 came in full view of them, from the back of the wood, with his excellency Gen. Wash- 
 ington, an officer informed him that one party had grounded tlicir arms, and surrendered 
 prisoners. 
 
 The others soon followed their examjjle, exce|)t a part which had got off, in the hazy 
 weather, towards Princeton. A party of their lighthorse made off, on our first appear- 
 ance. Too much praise cannot be given to our officers and men, of every regiment, who 
 seemed to vie with each other; and, by their active and spirited behavior, they soon put 
 an honorable issue to this glorious day. 
 
 I was immediately sent off, with the prisoners, to McConkey's ferry, and have got 
 about 750 safe in town, and a few miles irom here, on this side of the ferry, viz : One 
 lieutenant-colonel, two majors, four captains, seven lieutenants, and eight ensigns. We 
 left Col. Rohl, the commandant, wounded, on his parole, and several other officers, and 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 295 
 
 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 assisted in securing their ar 
 tillery, wounded in both hands. 
 
 The annexed account of the battle of Trenton is from the " Penn- 
 sylvania Journal," of 1781 : 
 
 About eight o'clock in the morning, an attack was made on the piquet-guard of the 
 enemy. It was commanded by a youth of eighteen, who fell in his retreat to the main 
 body. At half-past eight the town was nearly surrounded, and all the avenues to it 
 were seized, except the one left for Gen. Ewing 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 must do. Washington sent him word to "ad- 
 vance with fixed bayonets." This laconic answer inspired the division wkh the firmness 
 and courage of their leader. The whole body now moved onward, in sight of the ene- 
 my. An awful silence reigned through 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 command of Col. (afterward Gen.) 
 Knox. The infantry supported the artillery with firmness. The enemy were thrown 
 into confusion, in every quarter. One regiment attempted to form, in an orchard, but 
 were soon forced to fall back upon their main body. A company of them entered a 
 8* Ijouse, which they defended with a field-piece, judiciously posted in the entry. 
 Lrtxyt. (afterward Col.) Washington 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 officer who had command of the gun, and claimed him pris- 
 oner. His men followed him, and the whole company were made prisoners. The cap- 
 tain received a ball in liis hand, in entering the house. In the mean while, victory de- 
 clared itself everywhere in favor of the American arms. 
 
 The Philadelphia lighthorse distinguished themselves upon this occasion by their bravery. 
 They were the more admired for their conduct, as it was the first time they had ever 
 been in action. An anecdote is mentioned of Capt. Samuel Morris, of this corps, which, 
 though it discovers his inexperience of war, did honor to his humanity. In advancing 
 toward the town, he came up to the lieutenant, who had commanded the piquet-guard. 
 He lay mortally wounded, and weltering in his blood, in the great road. The captain 
 was touched with the sight, and called to Gen. Greene to know if any thing could be 
 done for him. The general bade him push on, and not notice him. The captain was as 
 much agitated with the order as he was affected with the scene before him ; and it was 
 not until after the fortunate events of the morning were over, that he was convinced that 
 his sympathy for a bleeding enemy was ill-timed. 
 
 After having refreshed themselves, and rested a few hours in Trenton, the American 
 army returned, with their prisoners and other trophies of victory, to the Pennsylvania 
 side of the river, by the same way they came, with the loss only of three men, who per- 
 ished by cold in recrossing the river — an event not to be wondered at, when we con- 
 sider that many of them were half naked, and most of them barefooted. 
 
 The following interesting account of the battle of Trenton is be- 
 lieved to be the most particular and authentic yet given to the 
 world. It is from No. 13 of the series of historical articles publish- 
 ed in the State Gazette at Trenton, March 17, 1843. 
 
 On Wednesday, the 25th of December, 1776, General Washing- 
 ton, with his army, was on the west bank of the Delaware, en- 
 camped near Taylorsville, then McKonkey's ferry, 8 miles above 
 Trenton. The troops under General Dickinson were at Yardley- 
 Ville ; and detachments were encamped still further up the river. 
 The boats on the river had all been secured when Gen. Washington 
 had crossed with his army on the first of this month. The Penn- 
 sylvania troops were in two bodies : one at Bristol under General 
 
398 MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 Cadwallader, and the other at Morrisville, opposite Trenton, under 
 General Ewing.* 
 
 At this time the British under General Howe were stationed in 
 detachments at Mount Holly, Black Horse, Burlington, and Borden- 
 town ; and at Trenton there were three regiments of Hessians, 
 amounting to about 1,500 men, and a troop of British lighthorse. 
 Divisions of the British army were also at Princeton and New 
 Brunswick. 
 
 One part of the plan of Washington was to recross the Dela- 
 ware with his army at McKonkey's ferry, in the night of the 25th 
 of December, and for Gen. Ewing, with the part of the army under 
 his command, to cross at or below Trenton — thus both might fall 
 upon the enemy at the same time ; Ewing at the south, and General 
 Washington at the north end of the town. 
 
 At dusk the continental troops, commanded by General Wash- 
 ington in person, amounting to 2,400 men, with 20 pieces of artil- 
 lery, began to cross at McKonkey's ferry. The troops at Yard- 
 ley ville and the stations above, had that day assembled at this ferry. 
 Among the prominent and active men who were employed in ferry- 
 ing over the troops, were Uriah Slack, William Green, and David 
 Laning. It was between 3 and 4 o'clock in the morning before 
 all the artillery and troops were over and ready to march. Many 
 of the men were very destitute as regarded clothing. The present 
 Mr. George Muirheid, of Hopewell, informed the writer that he 
 noticed one man, whose pantaloons were ragged, and who had on 
 neither stockings nor shoes. The ground was covered with sleet 
 and snow, which was falling ; although before that day there was 
 no snow, or only a little sprinkling on the ground. Gen. Washing- 
 ton, (who had sat in silence on a beehive, wrapt in his cloak, while 
 his troops were crossing,) as they were about to march, enjoined 
 upon all profound silence during their march to Trenton, and said 
 to them, " / Jiope that you icill all fight like men." 
 
 General Washington wished to get twelve men who should be 
 mounted on horseback, without arms or uniform, in plain farmers' 
 habit, to ride before the army, to reconnoitre and get what infor- 
 mation they could, with respect to the British army, their out- 
 guards, &c. There were but three who would volunteer for this 
 service ; these were David Laning, of Trenton, and John Muirheid 
 and John Guild, of Hopewell. The following persons were also 
 guides and marched with the army, viz : Col. Joseph PhillipKs, Capt. 
 Philip Phillips, and Adjt. Elias Phillips, of Maidenhead ; Joseph 
 Inslee, Edon Burroughs, Stephen Burroughs, Ephraim Woolsey, and 
 Henry Simmonds, of Hopewell ; and Capt. John Mott, Amos Scud- 
 der, and William Green, of Trenton. 
 
 The army marched with a quick step in a body from the river 
 up the cross-road to the Bear Tavern, about a mile from the river 
 
 • In Sparks'fl Life of Washington this officer is called Ewing ; in Marshall, Irriat ; 
 and in Wilkinson, Irwing. 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 297 
 
 The whole army marched down this road to the village of Bir- 
 mingham, distant about 3i miles. There they halted, examined 
 their priming, and found it all wet. Capt. Mott, who had taken 
 the precaution to wrap his handkerchief around the lock of his gun, 
 found, notwithstanding, the priming was wet. " Well," says Gene- 
 ral Sullivan, " we must then fight them with the bayonet." From 
 Birmingham to Trenton, the distance by the River road and the 
 Scotch r9od is nearly equal, being about 4|- miles. 
 
 The troops were formed in two divisions. One of them, com- 
 manded by General Sullivan, marched down the River road. The 
 other, commanded by General Washington, accompanied by Gene- 
 rals Lord Stirling, Greene, Mercer, and Stevens, (with David Lan- 
 ing and others for their guides,) filed ofi' to the left, crossed over to 
 the Scotch road, and went down this road till it enters the Penning- 
 ton road, about a mile above Trenton. Scarcely a word was spoken 
 from the time the troops left the ferry (except what passed between 
 the officers and the guides) till they reached Trenton ; and with 
 such stillness did the army move, that they were not discovered un- 
 til they came upon the out-guard of the enemy, which was posted 
 in the outskirt of the town, at or near the house of the Rev. Mr. 
 Frazer,* when one of the sentries called to Laning,f who was a 
 little in advance of the troops, and asked, Who is there 1 Laning 
 replied, A friend. " A friend to whom ?" " A friend to Gen. Washing- 
 ton." At this the guard fired and retreated. J The American troops 
 immediately returned their fire, and rushed upon them, and drove 
 them into town. At the head of King-street, Captain T. Forrest 
 opened a six-gun battery, under the immediate orders of General 
 Washington, which commanded the street. Captain William Wash- 
 ington, and Lieut. James Monroe, (afterward President of the Uni- 
 ted States,) perceiving that the enemy were endeavoring to form a 
 battery in King-street, near where the feeder crosses the street, 
 rushed forward with the advance guard, drove the artillerists from 
 their guns, and took from them two pieces, which they were in the 
 act of firing. These officers were both wounded in this successful 
 enterprise. A part of this division marched down Queen-street, 
 and extended to the left so as to cut ofi" the retreat of the enemy to- 
 ward Princeton. 
 
 * This was just after daybreak, according to the testimony of several persons who 
 lived in the town, or in the nei^jhborhood, at the time. 
 
 t This Laning had, a few days before, been taken prisoner in the Scudder neighborhood, 
 near the Delaware river, by a scouting party, and carried to Trenton, and confined in the 
 house on Tucker's corner. Watching his opportunity, when there was a little commo- 
 tion among the guard, he slipped out of the l)ack door, sprang over a higli board fence, 
 and escaped to the house of Stacy Potts, wlio took him in and concealed liim that night. 
 The next morning Laning, dressed in an old ragged coat, and flapped hat, put an axe 
 under his arm, and went with his head down, limping along, and so passed in safety the 
 enemy's sentries in the character of a wood-chopper ; but when he got where the Pen- 
 nington and Scotch roads meet, looking in every direction, and seeing no person, he 
 threw down his axe, and took to Dickinson's swamp, and so escaped from the enemy. 
 
 t It is said that at the commencement of the engagement, when Washington, with 
 his Bword raibed, was giving his orders, a rausket-ball passed between his fingers, slight- 
 ly grazing them. He only said, " That has passed by." 
 
 38 
 
298 MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 The division of the army which came down the River road under 
 Gen. Sullivan, lell upon the advanced guard of the British at Ruth- 
 erford's place, adjoining Col. Dickinson's, near the southwest part 
 of the town, about the same time that Washington entered it at 
 the north. 
 
 Both divisions pushed forward, keeping up a running fire with 
 light-arms,* meeting with but little opposition until the enemy were 
 driven eastward in Second-st., near the Presbyterian churck, where 
 there was some fighting, the enemy having made a momentary 
 stand ; but finding themselves hemmed in and overpowered, they 
 laid down their arms on the field, between the Presbyterian church 
 and Park-place, then called the old Iron Works. 
 
 Gen. Rahl, who commanded the Hessians, and had his head- 
 quarters at the house of Stacy Potts, opposite Perry-st., on the west 
 side of Warren, (occupied for many years as a tavern,) was mor- 
 tally wounded early in the engagement, being shot from his horse 
 while exerting himself to form his dismayed and disordered troops, 
 but where or by whom is not at present known by the writer. He 
 has heard several statements on these subjects, but no two of them 
 agree. When, supported by a file of sergeants, he presented his 
 sword to Gen. Washington, (whose countenance beamed with com- 
 placency at the success of the day,) he was pale, bleeding, and 
 covered with blood ; and, in broken accents, he seemed to implore 
 those attentions which the victor was well-disposed to bestow upon 
 him. He was taken to his head-quarters, (Stacy Potts',) where he 
 died of his wounds. 
 
 '• The number of prisoners was 23 officers and 886 privates ; 4 
 stand of colors, 12 drums, 6 brass field-pieces, and 1,000 stand of 
 arms and accoutrements, were the trophies of victory. The Brit- 
 ish lighthorse, and 400 or 500 Hessians, escaped at the beginning 
 of the battle, over the bridge across the Assunpink, at Trent's Mills, 
 and fled to Bordentown. If Gen. Ewing, whose division of the 
 army was opposite Trenton, had been able to cross the Delaware 
 as contemplated, and take possession of the bridge on the Assun- 
 pink, all the enemy that were in Trenton would have been cap- 
 tured ; but there was so much ice on the shores of the river, that 
 it was impossible to get the artillery over." The Hessians lost 7 
 officers, and 20 or 30 men killed ; 24 of these were buried in one 
 pit, in the Presbyterian burying-ground, by the American troops.f 
 
 Immediately after the victory, which greatly revived the droop- 
 ing spirits of the army, Gen. Washington commenced marching 
 
 * A daughter of Mr. Stacy Potts was this morning at Miss Coxe's, opposite the Epis- 
 copal church, when the firing commenced ; and as she was running to her father's house 
 a musket-ball struck her comb from her head, and slightly injured her head. 
 
 t Some j^ars after this battle, several skeletons and cotTins were discovered, where tho 
 waters of tlie river washed the bank, at the southwest part of the town ; and many per- 
 sons supposed that the Hessians killed in this engagement were buried there. But it is 
 ascertained that the place mentioned was the ground where the soldiers and others, who 
 died in the barracks and hospital at Whitehall, were buried 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 299 
 
 his prisoners up to the eight-mile (or McKonkey's) ferry ; and be- 
 fore night, all were safely landed on the western shore of the Dela- 
 ware. But Mr. Muirheid (mentioned above) said that Gen. W. 
 would not suffer a man to cross, more than was necessary, until all 
 the prisoners were over. The Americans lost 2 privates killed, and 
 2 were frozen to death. The late Mr. Richard Scudder informed 
 the writer, that the night after the taking of the Hessians, sev- 
 eral of the American soldiers, worn down and poorly clad, and 
 having suffered much from the cold, stayed at his father's house, 
 which is about 2 miles below the ferry ; that several of them were 
 very sick in the night, and that two or three died. Might not these 
 have been the persons referred to in history as having frozen to 
 death ? 
 
 The next day, the British that were at Princeton marched on to 
 Trenton in pursuit of the American army, and went up the Scotch 
 road as far as Mr. Benjamin Clark's, now Edward S. Mcllvain's, 
 Esq., and inquired which route Gen. Washington had taken ; and 
 being informed that he had gone with his prisoners up the River 
 road, they compelled their son, John Clark, a lad of 12 years, to 
 guide them across to Birmingham : (some of the American soldiers 
 were at this time in Clark's house.) His mother, with true Spartan 
 courage, unwilling to trust her son with the enemy, pursued the 
 British and got him released. Soon after, the British, finding Wash- 
 ington had crossed the Delaware, returned to Princeton. 
 
 BATTLE OF ASSUNPINK. 
 It has been a matter of surprise to many, that the Battle of As- 
 smipink, or Trenton bridge, should be passed over so lightly by most 
 historians of the revolution. On the result of this action, appa- 
 rently, in a great degree, was suspended the fate of American in- 
 dependence. It is probable that more than twice the number of 
 British troops were killed, than either at the battles of Trenton or 
 Princeton. The first account of the action, here given, is from an 
 officer present in the engagement. It was published in the " Con- 
 necticut Journal," Jan. 22d, 1777. 
 
 Immediately after the taking of the Hessians at Trenton, on the 26th uh., 
 our army retreated over the Delaware, and remained there for several days, 
 and then returned and took possession of Trenton, where they remained 
 quiet until Thursday, the 2d inst. ; at which time, the enemy having col- 
 lected a large force at Princeton, marched down in a body of 4,000 or .'), 000, 
 to attack our people at Trenton. Through Trenton there runs a small riv- 
 er, over which there is a small bridge. Gen. Washington, aware of the 
 enemy's approach, drew his army (about equal to the enemy) over that 
 bridge, in order to have the advantage of ihc said river, and of the higher 
 grounil on the farther side. Not long before sunset, the eneniy marched 
 into Trenton ; and aftvr reconnoitering our situation, drew up in solid column 
 in order to force the aforesaid bridge, which they attempted to do with great 
 vigor at three several times, and were as often broken by our artillery and 
 obligt^d to retreat and give over the attempt, after suffering great loss, sup- 
 
300 MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 posed at least one hundred and fifty killed. By this time, night came on, and 
 Gen. Washinfrton ordered fires to be kindled and everything disposed of for the 
 night. But after all was quiet he ordered a silent retreat, drew off his army 
 to the right, marched all night in a round-about road, and next morning ar- 
 rived with his army at Princeton. All this was done without any know- 
 ledge of the enemy, who, in the morning, were in the utmost confusion, not 
 knowing which way our army had gone until the firing at Princeton gave 
 them information. 
 
 The following account of the battle of Assunpink is given as re- 
 lated by an eye-witness, and published in the Princeton Whig, Nov. 
 4th, 1842. 
 
 When the army under Washington, in the year '76, retreated over the 
 Delaware, I was with them. At that time there remained in Jersey only a 
 small company of riflemen, hiding themselves between New Brunswick and 
 Princeton. Doubtless, when Washington reached the Pennsylvania side of 
 the river, he expected to be so reinforced as to enable him effectually to pre- 
 vent the British from reaching Pliiladelphia. But in this he was disappoint- 
 ed. Finding that he must achieve victory with what men he had, and so 
 restore confidence to his countrymen, it was then that the daring plan was 
 laid to recross the river, break the enemy's lino of communication, threaten 
 their depot at New Brunswick, and thus prevent their advancing to Phila- 
 delphia ; which was only delayed until the river should be bridged by the 
 ice. But Washington anticipated them. I was not with the troops who 
 crossed to the capture of the Ilessians. It was in the midsf of a December 
 storm, that I helped to re-establish the troops and prisoners on the Pennsyl- 
 vania shore. The weather cleared cold, and in a few days we crossed on 
 the ice to Trenton. Shortly afterward a thaw commenced which rendered 
 the river impassable, and consequently the situation of the army extremely 
 critical. 
 
 In the morning of the day on which the battle of the Assunpink w-as 
 fought, I, with several others, was detached under the command of Capt. 
 Longstreet, with orders to collect as many men as we could in the country 
 between Princeton, Cranbury, and Rhode Hall, and then unite ourselves 
 with the company of riflemen who had remained in that neighborhood. We 
 left Trenton by the nearest road to Princeton, and advanced nearly to the 
 Shabbaconk, (a small brook near Trenton,) when we were met by a little 
 negro on horseback, galloping down the hill, who called to us that the 
 British army was before us. One of our party ran a little way up the hill, 
 and jumped upon the fence, from wlience he beheld the British army, within 
 less than half a mile of us. And now commenced a race for Trenton. We 
 fortunately escaped capture ; yet the enemy were so near, that before we 
 crossed the bridge over the Assunpink, some of our troops on the Trenton 
 side of the creek, with a field-piece, motioned to us to get out of the street 
 while they fired at the British at the upper end of it. Not being on duty, 
 we bad nothing to do but choose our position and view the battle. 
 
 Washington's army was drawn up on the east side of the Assunpink, with 
 its left on the Delaware river, and its right extending a considerable way up 
 the mill-pond, along the face of the hill where the factories now stand. The 
 troops were placed one above the other, so that they appeared to cover the 
 whole slope from bottom to top, which brought a great many muskets within 
 shot of the bridge. Within 70 or 80 yards of the bridge, and directly in 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 301 
 
 front of, and in the road, as many pieces of artillery as could be managed 
 were stationed. We took our station on the high ground behind the right, 
 where we had a fair view of our line, as far as the curve of the hill would 
 permit, the bridge and street beyond being in full view. The British did 
 not delay the attack. They were formed in two columns, the one marching 
 down Green-street to carry the bridge, and the other down Main-street to 
 ford the creek, near where the lower bridge now stands. From the nature 
 of the ground, and being on the left, this attack (simultaneous with the one 
 on the bridge) I was not able to see. It was repelled ; and eye-witnesses 
 say that the creek was nearly filled with their dead. The other column 
 moved slowly down the street, with their choicest troops in front. When 
 within about 60 yards of the bridge they raised a shout, and rushed to the 
 charge. It was then that our men poured upon them from musketry and 
 artillery a shower of bullets, under which however they continued to ad- 
 vance, though their speed was diminished ; and as the column reached the 
 bridge, it moved slower and slower until the head of it was gradually pressed 
 nearly over, when our fire became so destructive that they broke their ranks 
 and fled. It was then that our army raised a shout, and such a shout I have 
 never since heard ; by what signal or word of command, I know not. The 
 line was more than a mile in length, and from the nature of the ground the 
 extremes were not in sight of each other, yet they shouted as one man. The 
 Britisli column halted instantly ; the officers restored the ranks, and again 
 they rushed to the bridge ; and again was the shower of bullets poured upon 
 them with redoubled fury. This time the column broke before it reached 
 the centre of the bridge, and their retreat was again followed by the same 
 hearty shout from our line. They returned the third time to the charge, 
 but it was in vain. We shouted after them again, but they had enough of 
 it. It is strange that no account of the loss of the English was ever pub- 
 lished ; but from what I saw, it must have been great. 
 
 "The readers of Marshall's Life of Washington will remember the 
 peculiar and cordial welcome of the Father of his country at Tren- 
 ton, 12 years after his memorable achievements there, while on his 
 way from Mt. Vernon to the inauguration in New York. In addi- 
 tion to the usual martial display, the ladies of the place erected a 
 rich rural arch over the Assunpink, with appropriate devices, and 
 bearing this inscription : 
 
 The Defender of the Mothers 
 
 will be the 
 Protector of the Daughters. 
 
 " The General was met here by a company of matrons leading 
 their daughters dressed in white, with baskets of flowers, and sing- 
 ing these lines, written for the occasion by Gov. Howell : 
 
 Welcome, mighty Chief, once more, 
 
 Welcome to this grateful shore ; 
 
 Now no mercenary foe 
 
 Aims again the fatal blow, 
 
 Aims at thee the fatal blow. 
 
 Virgins lair and matrons grave, 
 Those thy conquering arms did save, 
 Build for thee triumphal bowers : 
 Strew, ye fair, his way with flowers. 
 Strew your Hero's way with flowers ; 
 
 and at the last line the flowers were strewed before him. On pass- 
 ing the arch, as the choir began the song, the general turned his 
 horse's head toward them, took ofT his hat, and listened, it is said, 
 
302 MERCER COUNTY. 
 
 with the deepest emotion. After receiving the salutations of the 
 citizens, he handed the following note to the Rev. J. F. Armstrong ; 
 for the publication of which we are indebted to the Trenton State 
 Gazette. 
 
 General Washington cannot leave this place without expressing his acknowledg. 
 ment to the matrons and young ladies who received him in so novel and grateful a man- 
 ner at the triumphal arch in Trenton, and for the exquisite sensation he experienced in that 
 affecting moment. The astonishing contrast between his former and actual situation at 
 the same spot, the elegant taste with which it was adorned for the present occasion, and 
 the innocent appearance of the white-robed choir who met him with the gratulatory song, 
 have made such impressions upon his remembrance as, he assures them, will never be 
 effaced. 
 
 Trenton, April 21s/, 1789. 
 
 "This note, brief and graceful, depicting most vividly the whole 
 scene and its impressions, was read to the ladies of Trenton, called 
 together for the purpose, at the house of Judge Smith. It was then 
 deposited in the hands of Mrs. Smith. At the death of the Judge 
 it passed into the hands of his adopted daughter, Miss Lydia Imlay, 
 who preserved it with the care due to its origin and associations, 
 until shortly before her death, when she gave it, as a valued lega- 
 cy, to the late Chief-justice Evving. By his care it was placed in 
 a handsome frame, and it is now preserved by his family as a most 
 precious relic. 
 
 " The arch was preserved on the premises of the Misses Barnes, in 
 Warren-st., near the Episcopal church, until 1824, when it was 
 placed in front of the state-house to grace the reception of Gen. 
 Lafayette, on his way to the assembly-room, where he was ad- 
 dressed by the mayor, Robert McNeely, Esq., and exchanged con- 
 gratulations with the citizens. The remains of the arch are now 
 in the possession of Dr. Francis A. Ewing, of this city. Mr. Ben- 
 jamin A. Disbrow has made several elegant boxes and other small 
 articles, which are inlaid from a part of the wood of the arch," 
 
 The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the 
 Presbyterian and Episcopal graveyards : — 
 
 In memory of the Rev. David Cowell, born in Dorchester, (Massachusetts,) 1^04; 
 graduated in Harvard College, Cambridge, N. E., 1732; ordained at Trenton, 173G ; 
 died the 1st December, tetatis 56, 1760. A man of penetrating wit, solid judgment, 
 strong memory, yet of great modesty, piety, and benevolence. 
 
 Beneath this stone lies the body of the Rev. Elihu Spencer, D. D., pastor of the 
 Presbyterian church in Trenton, and one of the trustees of the College of New Jersey, 
 who departed this life on the 27th of Dec, 1784, in the 64th year of his age. Possessed 
 of fine genius, of great vivacity, and of eminent and active piety, his merits as a minis- 
 ter, and as a man, stand above the reach of flattery. Having long edified the church by 
 his talents and example, and finished his course with joy, he fell asleep full of faith, and 
 waiting for the hope of all saints. 
 
 Sacred to the memory of the Rev. James Francis Armstrong, 30 years pastor of the 
 church at Trenton, in union with the church at Maidenhead. Born in Maryland, of 
 pious parents, he received the elements of his classical education under the Rev. John 
 Blair, finished his collegiate studies in the College of New Jersey, under the Rev. Dr. 
 Witherspoon, and was licensed to preach the gospel in the year 1777. An ardent patriot, 
 he served through the War of Independence as chaplain. In 1790, he was ciiosen a 
 trustee of the College of New Jersey. A warm and constant friend, a devout Christian, 
 
MERCER COUNTY. 303 
 
 n tender husband and parent, steady in his attendance on the judicatories of the church. 
 Throughout life, he was distinguished as a fervent and affectionate minister of the gos. 
 pel, and resigned his soul to his Creator and Redeemer, on the 19th of January, 1816. 
 " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." Amen I even so come, Lord Jesus. 
 
 Sacred to the memory of Gen. John Beattv, bom Dec. 10th, 1749, died May 30th, 
 1826. Educated as a physician, he early became distinguished for benevolence, assi- 
 duity, and skill. In the War of Independence, in important military stations, he faith- 
 fully served his country. By the public voice, he was called to the discharge of eminent 
 civil offices. In the state and national legislature repeatedly a rc])resentative, and al- 
 ways active and influential. For many years, a ruling elder of this church. In every 
 walk of life, amiable, honorable, and useful. He crowned the virtues of the man, the 
 patriotism of the soldier, and the sagacity of the statesman, by the pure piety and sin- 
 cere religion of the devout and humble Christian. 
 
 Under this marble rest the mortal remains of Charles Ewing, LL. D., Chief-justice 
 of the state of New Jersey. In intellect, vigorous and discriminating ; in industry, as- 
 siduous and persevering ; in integrity, pure and incorruptible ; in manners, affable, dig- 
 nified, and polished ; in morals, spotless. A profound jurist and upright magistrate ; an 
 accomplished scholar and patron of literature and science ; the advocate and supporter 
 of benevolent institutions, he won, in an eminent degree, the respect, love, and confidence 
 of his fellow-citizens. Happy in his domestic relations, home was the theatre of his 
 most endearing virtues, and the sphere in which he loved to move. He reverenced the 
 doctrines, and practised the precepts of the Christian religion. In the vigor of his men- 
 tal and bodily powers, surrounded by blessings, cheered by the approbation of his fellow- 
 men, with an extended prospect of service and usefulness before him, he was attacked 
 with a violent disease, which suddenly terminated his life on the 5th day of August, A. D. 
 1832, in the 53d year of his age. 
 
 This stone covers the remains of Dr. Nicholas Belleville, born and educated in 
 France. For 50 years, an inhabitant of this city. A patriot, warmly attached to the 
 principles of liberty ; a physician, eminently learned and successful ; a man of scrupu- 
 lous and unblemished integrity. On the 17th day of Dec, 1831, at the age of 79 years, 
 he closed a life of honor and usefulness, by all respected, esteemed, and lamented. 
 
 Sacred to the memory of the Hon. David Brearlv, Lieutenant-colonel in the army of 
 the United States, a member of the state and federal conventions, nine years Chief-jus- 
 tice of New Jersey. As a soldier, he was cool, determined, and brave ; As a judge, in- 
 telligent and upright ; as a citizen, an early, decided, and faithful patriot ; in private and 
 social life, irreproachable. He died much regretted 16th Aug., 1790, in the 45th year of 
 his age. 
 
 In memory of the Rev. William Frazer, of St. Michael's church, Trenton, and St. 
 Andrew's, Amwell, who departed this life the 6th day of July, 1795, aged 52 years. If 
 gentle and inoffensive manners, benevolence, and meekness, can secure the good-will of 
 man, as certainly as sincere piety will recommend to the favor of God, then has Frazer 
 joined the inhabitants of heaven, and not left an enemy on earth. 
 
 In memory of Henry Waddell, D. D., rector of St. Michael's church, Trenton, who 
 departed this life 20th Jan., 1811, in the 60th year of his age. A faithful and affection, 
 ate pastor, a sincere and zealous Christian, an amiable and honest man : his body is bu- 
 ried in peace, but his soul shall live for evermore. 
 
 Sacred to the memory of Gen. Jonathan RifRA.who died Feb. 3d, 1815, aged 56 years, 
 10 mo., 22 days. Eariy distinguished as a firm defender of his country, in our former 
 eventful contest with Great Britain, Gen. Rhea at an eariy age embarked in the military 
 service of the United States, and served with zeal and fidelity during the whole revolu- 
 tionary war, as an officer in the New Jersey line of the continental army. At the return 
 of peace, he practised many years at the bar of this state, where his integrity and sound 
 judgment were highly esteemed and respected. To tho.se who had the happiness of be- 
 ing connected with him, by the tender tics of domestic life, he was endeared by a most 
 exemplary performance in the interesting scenes portrayed in the character of father, bus- 
 band, master, and friend. We have hope to believe that, from the toilsome vicissitudes 
 
304 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 
 
 of this life, he has winged his flight to enjoy, in the mansions of eternal rest, the rewMck 
 prepared for the righteous. 
 
 He loved his friends with such a warmth of heart. 
 So dear of interest, so devoid of art, 
 Suoh generous freedom, such unshaken zeal, 
 No words can speak it, oui our tongues can tell. 
 
 Sacred to the memory of Gen. Zachariah Rossell, who was bom in Mount Holly, 
 Nov. 14th, A. D. 1788, and died in the city of Trenton, July 2lst, 1842. Early distin- 
 guished by virtuous patriotism, he entered the American army at the commencement of 
 the war with (ireat Britain, 1812. Having served his country gallantly and faithfully, 
 he retired to private life when peace was declared. He was soon after elected to the of- 
 fice of clerk of the supreme court of New Jersey, the duties of which he discharged with 
 singular fidelity till his death. The steadfast friend to the unfortunate, the benevolent 
 and enterprising citizen, the affectionate husband and fond parent, none have lived more 
 respected, or died more lamented. " So teach us to number oxur days that we may ap- 
 ply our hearts to wisdom." 
 
 WEST WINDSOR. 
 
 West Windsor is 9 m. lon^;, with an avt^rage breadth of 5 m. ; 
 bounded NW. by Princeton, A'E. by South Brunswick, Middlesex 
 CO., SE. by East Windsor, and W. by Hamilton and Lawrence. 
 The railroad from Jersey City to Camden, and the Delaware and 
 Raritan canal, pass through the northern part of the township. Its 
 surface is generally level, soil well cultivated, and produces abun- 
 dantly grain and grass. It has 2 grist-m., 1 saw-m. : cap. in manu- 
 fac. .${5,020 ; 3 schools, 87 scholars. Pop. 1,53('. hi 1865,1,497. 
 
 Edinburg, Williamsburg, Clarks Store, and Dutch ]\eck, are 
 localities in the township ; at the latter is a Presbyterian church. 
 
 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 
 
 Middlesex county was first formed in 1682, since which its boun- 
 daries have undergone considerable alteration. It is about 24 miles 
 long, 12 broad, and is bounded N. by Essex co. ; E. by Staten Isl- 
 and sound and l^aritan bay ; SE. by Monmouth co. ; SW. by 
 Mercer co.. and W. by Somerset co. It is watered by Raritan river 
 and its tributaries. The surface is level, and the soil varies from 
 light sand to heavy clay, and in many places is susceptible of the 
 highest cultivation. Lime has been advantageously used as a ma- 
 nure within the last five years. Large quantities of pine and oak 
 wood have been cut and transported to the New York market from 
 the SE. part of the county. The railroad from Jersey City to Bor- 
 dentown, and the Camden and Amboy railroad, pass through the 
 county ; the Delaware and Raritan canal commences in the coun 
 
MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 
 
 305 
 
 ty, and leaves it on the western boundary. It is di^idid into v.^vi-n 
 
 townships, viz : 
 
 Perth Amboy, North Brunswick, Monroe, Woodbridge, 
 South Amboy, South Brunswick, Piscataway. E.Brunswick 
 The popuL^tion in 1840, was 21,8941"^ 1865,3.5 916 
 
 PERTH AMBOY. 
 
 Perth Amboy township and city is situated at the head of Raritan 
 kKiy, at the confluence of Raritan river and Staten Island sound. 
 The township comprises 2,577 acres of land. Population. 2,753. 
 The city was incorporated under the proprietary and royal govern- 
 ments ; its present charter, embracing the provisions of the prior 
 ones, was granted in 1784. 
 
 '^•^i 
 
 Vitw of Perth Amhoy from Staten Island. 
 
 The above is an eastern view of Perth Amboy City, as seen from 
 Staten Island. The Presbyterian church and the Academy appear 
 on the left, and the Baptist church on the right of the engraving. 
 The Episcopal church, a brick structure, is beautifully situated on 
 the bank rising from the bay, in the southern part of the place : 
 the Methodist church is in the northern part. There are in the place 
 u male academy, in high repute; a large lock-factory, a stone ware 
 pottery, and a fire-brick manufactory ; the Lehigh Coal company 
 have an extensive depot for coal. The city or village consists of 
 about 140 dwelling.s, situated 14 miles from ISandy Hook, 2.5 from 
 New York, 10 from New Brun.swick, and 36 from Trenton. The 
 poft or harbor is considered one of the best on the continent, and is 
 easily approached from the sea. Perth Amboy City is a port ot 
 entry, and its collection district comprehends all that part of East 
 New Jersey south of Elizabethtown, excepting the district of Little 
 
 39 
 
g^g MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 
 
 Egg Harbor: New Brunswick and Middletown Point are ports of 
 
 "^^The'favorable site of Perth Amboy for a town was early noticed 
 by the agents of the East Jersey proprietors. The proprietors state 
 in their published account, that it is their intention, "if the Lord 
 permit, with all convenient speed to erect and build one principal 
 fo™ which, by reason of situation, must in all probability be the 
 mos 'con id;rable for merchandise, trade, and fishing in hose parts^ 
 Uh designed to be placed on a neck or point of rich and called 
 Amho Poml, lying on Raritan river, and po nting to Sandy Hook 
 bay and near adjacent to the place where ships in that great har- 
 bor 'commonly ride at anchor/' They follow up their description 
 wTth Xeir proposals for building the town, commencing with an as- 
 Tertion that "Ambo Point is a sweet, wholesome and delightful place. 
 
 » The selection of the site for a town was probably th^ work of Gov Carteret^ The 
 
 iliiiSBifiilii 
 
 folnt' hiving a double chimney made of sticks and c ay. He complams J^^t ; «;™ 
 why wc find them so scattered at the present day. 
 
 The growth of Amboy, although perhaps "ot rapid, was ve^ 
 considerable under the fostering care of the F^P^^^^Jf^- . J^^^^^^^^^ 
 rected the deputy-governor to reside in the P^^^««' ^^^^^^^^\77^'„'' 
 &c. in 1C84, making it the seat of government. ^^ ^he ^d of Jan 
 1683, they say, in their instructions to Lawrie, It is not to be lor 
 gotten that, as soon as can be, weekly markets and airs at fit sea- 
 sons be appointed at Perth-town ;" and accordingly, at the hret 
 s'Ln of t'h'e assembly at Amboy, in 1 686, Wednesd^- in eacMveek 
 was made the market-day, and two fairs annually ^^ere appointed 
 to be held. Notwithstanding the efforts of the proprietors to pre- 
 
MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 307 
 
 •cent it, New York, by her superior location, was enabled to over- 
 shadow her sister, " New Perth," in commercial importance. Being 
 the seat of government, however, some considerable foreign com- 
 merce continued to be carried on till the revolution. 
 
 The change of the proprietary to the royal government of the 
 province, appears to have had but little effect upon Amboy. It 
 continued to send two members to the general assembly, in addi- 
 tion to those from the county, as it had done under the proprietors, 
 and shared with Burlington the meetings of the assembly and the 
 presence of the chief officers. Each governor, on his arrival, would 
 march in procession to the courthouse, and, in the presence of the 
 assembled people, proclaim his commission from the sovereign of 
 England, receive the congratulations of the authorities, &c. 
 
 The first city charter was obtained in August, 1718, during the 
 administration of Gov. Robert Hunter, — William Eier being ap- 
 pointed Mayor, and Jas. Alexander, (the father of Lord Stirling, 
 an officer in the revolution,) Recorder, until an election should be 
 held. Previous to that time no local government, save the " Courts 
 of Common Right," as they were called, seems to have existed. 
 
 The Church of England was the first estabhshed here. The proprietors, by a reso- 
 lution passed 21st Feb. 1698, ordered one of their houses, built in 1685, (one stone of 
 which, bearing the date, is inserted in the rear wall of the present St. Peter's church,) 
 together with the lot on which it stood, a short distance south of the entrance to th» 
 property of Andrew Bell, Esq., to be given for the use of a church, — the first minister of 
 which was the Rev. Edward Perthuck, sent over to the province at that time by the 
 Bishop of London, at the solicitation of the proprietors. How long Mr. Perthuck re- 
 mained here is not known. After his retirement, the congregation was visited from time 
 to time by different missionaries ; and among them, Humphries (in his Hist. Acct. of 
 the " Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts") mentions the Rev. 
 Mr. Brook. This energetic clergyman was stationed at Elizabethtown, but extended 
 his labors over a section of country more than 50 miles in extent, — preaching at Eliza- ' 
 bethtown, Rahway, Amboy, Cheesequakes, Piscataway, Rocky Hill, and expounding 
 and catecltising 14 times a mouth besides. His labors were highly beneficial, but, it is 
 supposed, occasioned his death in the midst of his arduous duties. He received from the 
 society .£60 per annum. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Halliday was established here from 1711 to 1719, when again mis- 
 sionaries officiated until 1723, during which year the Rev. Wm. Skinner became the rec- 
 tor of the church, and so continued until his death in 1758. It was not until after Mr. 
 Skinner's arrival that tlic present church edifice was fully completed in its original form 
 and size. The collection of materials had commenced as early as 1705 ; and in 1718, 
 the congrcgation received a charter from the king, by his representative, Gov. Hunter. 
 Although during the revolution the church was turned into a stable, and the premises 
 desecrated in every possible way, by the British troops, yet the records were saved. 
 
 The burial-place now attached to the Presbyterian church, was 
 set apart originally as a public ground forever ; and the first inti- 
 mation of a Presbyterian congregation is in a petition to the proprie- 
 tors from sundry individuals, in July, 1731, stating that their parents, 
 w^ives, or children, had been buried in the ground mentioned, and 
 praying that it might be transferred to them to erect a meeting- 
 house thereon. Permission having been obtained, it is supposed a 
 house of worship was erected soon after, — which was standing just 
 previous to the revolution, in a very dilapidated state. We have 
 not beea able to ascertain who were the first settled ministers. 
 
308 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 
 
 The Courthouse Market, the present Sunday-school of St. Peter's 
 ihurch, (formerly the office of the secretary of the province,) the 
 barracks, and many private houses, are still abiding w^itnesses of 
 royal authority and munificence. The barracks were built in 1758 
 and '59, and were first occupied, it is thought, by the troops return- 
 ing from the siege of Havana, in 1761. A regiment of British 
 troops were generally stationed here. Perth Amboy was the resi- 
 dence of Gov. Franklin, who was made prisoner by the " Rebels," 
 so called, and sent to Connecticut for safe-keeping. William Dun- 
 lap, Esq., a painter and author of some celebrity, was a native of 
 this place. The following graphic description relative to " olden 
 times," is taken from his own memoirs in his " History of the Arts 
 of Design :" 
 
 I was bom in the city of Perth Amboy and province of New Jersey. My father, 
 Samuel Dunlap, was a native of the north of Ireland, and son of a merchant of Lon- 
 donderry. In early youth he was devoted to the army, and bore the colors of the 47th 
 regiment, " Wolfe's own," on the plains of Abraham. He was borne wounded from the 
 field on which his commander triumphed and died. After the French war, Samuel Dun- 
 lap, then a lieutenant in the 47th reiriment, and stationed at Perth Amboy, married Mar- 
 garet Sargent, of that place, and retired from the profession of a soldier, to the quiet of 
 a country town and country store. The 19th of Feb., 1766, is registered as the date of 
 my birth, and being an only child, the anniversary of the important day was dul}' cele- 
 brated by my indulgent parents. Education I had none, according to the usual accepta- 
 tion of the word, owing to circumstances to be mentioned ; and much of what is to the 
 child most essential education, was essentially bad. Holding negroes in slavery was, 
 in those days, the common practice, and the voices of those who protested against the 
 evil were not heard. Every house in my native place where any servants were to be 
 seen, swarmed with black slaves — every house save o«e, hereafter to be mentioned. My 
 father's kitchen had several families of them, of all ages, and all born In the family of 
 my mother excci)t one, who was called a new negro, and had his face tattooed — his Ian 
 guage was scarcely intelligible, though he had been long in the country, and was an old 
 man. These blacks indulged me of course, and I sought the kitchen as the place where 
 I found playmates, (being an only child,) and the place where I found amusement suit- 
 ed to, and forming my taste, in the mirth and games of the negroes, and the variety of 
 pisitors of the black race who frequented the place. This may be considered as my first 
 school. Such is the school of many a one even now, in those states where the evil of 
 slavery continues. The infant is taught to tyrannize — the boy is taught to despise la. 
 bor — the mind of the child is contaminated by hearing and seeing that which, perhaps, 
 is not understood at the time, but remains with the memory. This medley of kitchen 
 associates was increased during a part of the war of our revolution by soldiers, whc 
 found their mess-fare improved by visiting the negroes, and by servants of officers bil 
 leted on the house. 
 
 Perth Amboy being now in the possession of the British, my father returned with hii 
 family to his house, and I saw in my native town, particularly after the afl'airs of Prince- 
 ton and Trenton, all the varieties and abominations of a crowded camp and garrison 
 An army who had so recently passed in triumph from the sea to the banks of the Dela- 
 ware, and chosen their winter-quartcrs at their pleasure, were now driven in, and crowd- 
 ed upon a point of land washed by the Atlantic, and defended by the guns of the ships 
 which had borne them to the shore as the chastisers of rebellion. 
 
 I have elsewhere compared the scenes I now witnessed, to the dramatic scenes of 
 Wallenstein''s Lager. Here were centred, in addition to those cantoned at the place, 
 all those drawn in from the Delaware, Princeton and Brunswick ; and the flower and 
 pick of the army, English, Scotch, and German, who had at this time been brought in 
 from Rhode Island. Here was to be seen a party of the 42d Highlanders, in national 
 costume, and there a regiment of Hessians, their dress and arms a perfect contrast to the 
 first. The slaves of Anspach and Waldcck were there — the first sombre as night, tlie 
 second gaudy as noon. Here dashed by a party of the 17th dragoons, and there scamp- 
 ered a party of Yagers. The trim, neat, and graceful English grenadier, the carelesa 
 
MIDDLESEX COUNTY. ggg 
 
 •"i^^'^-^^^^^'^^'g'^^an'^er, with his flowing robes and naked knees, and the immovably 
 stiff German, could hardly be taken for parts of one army. Here might be seen soldiers 
 dnymg m cattle, and others guarding wagons loaded with household furniture, instead 
 of the hay and oats they had been sent for. 
 
 The landing of the grenadiers and light-infantry from the ships which transported the 
 troops irom Rhode Island ; their proud march into the hostile neighborhood, to gather the 
 produce of the farmer for the garrison ; the sound of the musketry, which soon rolled 
 back upon us ; the return of the disabled veterans wlio could retrace their steps ; and 
 the heavy march of the discomfited troops, with their wagons of groaning wounded in 
 the evening, are all impressed on my mind as pictures of the evils and the soul-stirrhiff 
 scenes of war. ^ 
 
 These lessons, and others more disgusting— the flogging of English heroes, and thump- 
 ing and caning of German ; the brutal licentiousness, which even my tender years could 
 not avoid seeing in all around, and the increased disorders among my father's negroes 
 from mingling with the servants of ofiicers,-were my sources of instruction in the win' 
 ter oi 1 / 7b-7. 
 
 The following inscriptions are from monuments in the eravevard 
 of St. Peter's church :— s J ^ 
 
 Sub spe beataj resurrectionis hie reponitur quod in THOMA GORDON mortale reper 
 tum est qui familia prisca de Pitlurgi in Scotia ortus prosapia si fas esset potuit gloriari 
 tamen lUi non defmt quo jure gloriaretur nam a secretis hujus provincial reipublica, 
 emolumentum ex ammo respiciens senatui quoad potuit optime consuluit bonis gratus 
 necessarus charus numinis eterni verus cultor vixit volens et decessit lubens 28 avo Die 
 Aprihs Anno Dommi 1722 do a^tatis vero 70 in memoriam Cujus uxor moerens qus hie 
 etiam condi expetic hoc qualecunque poni curavit vixit dum voluit dum fata volebant sic 
 nee vita gravis mors nee acerba fuit. 
 
 In meinory of the Rev. Robert McKean, M. A., practitioner in physic, &c., and mis- 
 sionary from the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, to the city 
 of Perth Araboy, who was born July 13th, 1732, N. S., and died October 17th, 1767 
 An unshaken fnend, an agreeable companion, a rational divine, a skilful physician, and, 
 Ibis m'cfnut'enr ^ ^'"'^ benevolent and honest man. Fraternal love hath erected 
 
 SOUTH AMBOY. 
 
 South Amboy is about 10 miles long, 6 wide ; and is bounded N. 
 by Raritan river, NE. by Raritan bay, SE. by Freehold and Mid- 
 dietown, (Monmouth county,) SW. by Monroe, and W. by North 
 Brunswick. Its surface is level, soil sandy, and a portion of the face 
 ot the country covered with pine and oak timber. The chief source 
 ot wealth to the township has been its wood. There ?-e in the 
 township 1 pottery, 1 paper-factory, 1 grist-m., I saw cap in 
 
 manufac. 824,100; 6 schools, 198 scholars. Pop. 3,280. 
 
 The village of South Amboy, on a safe and deep harbor on Rar- 
 itan bay, at the mouth of Raritan river, 12 miles below New 
 Brunswick, contains an academy, and about 25 dwellings. The 
 Camden and Amboy railroad terminates at this place. Stone-ware 
 IS extensively made, near the village, from clay of a superior qual- 
 ity, found in the vicinity. Old Bridge, on th<- South river, a branch 
 
 2 ^^'' cf.'iV*''"; "^""^ ''^ ^^"^ ''"'' ''^^^^' Camden and Amboy railroad, 
 7 miles S W. of South Amboy, contains about 35 dwellings. Large 
 quantities of pine and oak wood are sent to New York from here 
 At the head of Cheesequake creek is Jacksonville, where there is a 
 baptist and a Methodist church, and about 15 dwellings. 
 
310 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 
 
 NORTH BRUNSWICK. 
 
 North Brunswick is about 8 miles long, 7 broad ; bounded N. by 
 Raritan river, (separating it from Piscataway,) E. by South Amboy, 
 S. by South Brunswick and Monroe, and W. by Franklin, (Somer- 
 set CO.) The township contains 79 stores, 1 flouring-m., 2 grist-m., 
 1 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac SI 03,600; 18 schools, 686 scholars. 
 Pop. 5,860. mlb65, 14,671. 
 
 Washington is a village, 4 miles SE. of New Brunswick, at the 
 confluence of the South river with the Raritan. It contains about 
 50 dwellings, and in summer steamers ply between there and New 
 York, with the produce of the country. 
 
 New Brunswick, cit)', and capital of Middlesex co., is situated on 
 the western bank of the Raritan, about 14 miles from its mouth, ai 
 Amboy, 29 miles SW. from New York, and 26 NE. from Trenton. 
 The city was incorporated in 1784, and lies partly in North Bruns- 
 wick, and partly in Franklin, (Somerset co. ;) Albany-st. forming 
 the dividing line. The streets immediately on the river are narrow, 
 and the ground low ; but on leaving it the ground rises rapidly. 
 In the upper part of the city they arc wide, and there are many 
 fine buildings. The city contains a courthouse, jail, and 8 churches, 
 viz. 1 Dutch Reformed, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Episcopal, 1 Baptist, 1 
 Methodist, 1 Protestant Methodist, 1 colored Methodist, and 1 Cath- 
 olic ; 2 female seminaries, 1 bank , 120 stores, 800 dwellings, and 
 8,693 inhabitants. The Delaware and Raritan canal commences 
 here, extending 42 miles, to Bordentown ; is 75 feet wide, and 7 
 feet deep, admitting the passage of sloops of from 75 to 150 tons 
 burden. The Delaware and Raritan Co. was incorporated in 1830, 
 and completed their canal, with a feeder along the Delaware, 23 
 miles long, at an expense of about $2,500,000. There are two 
 bridges over the Raritan, at New Brunswick — one a toll-bridge, 
 now dilapidated, and not used, about 1,000 feet long, which was 
 built by a company, in 1811, at an expense of $86,687; the other 
 the railroad bridge, over which the New Jersey railroad passes 
 through the city, forming a part of the chain of railroads from New 
 York to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington. ( 1842.) 
 
 The annexed is an engraving of Rutgers' college, at New Bruns- 
 wick. It is constructed of dark-red freestone, and was completed 
 in 1811. It stands on a commanding eminence, on a site presented 
 to the college by the Hon. James Parker, of Amboy. This institu- 
 tion was chartered by George III., in 1770, and was named Queen's 
 College, in honor of his consort ; but, for want of necessary funds, 
 did not go into operation until 1781. It began and continued un- 
 der the instruction of tutors, and degrees were conferred by the 
 board of trustees, until 1786, when the Rev. J. R. Hardenbergh 
 was elected the tirst president. Dr. Hardenbergh died in 1790, 
 and in 1795 the college exercises were discontinued. The institu- 
 tion remained in this state until 1809, when a professor of mathe- 
 matics and a teacher of moral philosophy were appointed, and its 
 
MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 
 
 311 
 
 exercises resumed. In 1810 a union was formed between the trus- 
 tees and the general synod of the Reformed Dutch church, and Dr. 
 J. H. Livingston, professor in the Theological Seminary, was ap- 
 pointed president of the college, and Dr. J. Condict vice-president. 
 
 Rutgers^ College, New Brunswick. 
 
 The institution, however, languished ; and in 1816 its regular in- 
 structions were again suspended. During this and the former sus- 
 pension, the grammar-school still continued in successful operation, 
 under the supervision of the college trustees. 
 
 In 1825, the college-edifice was purchased by the general synod, 
 and, at the request of the trustees, the legislature of the state 
 changed the name from Queen's to Rutgers' college, in honor of 
 Col. Henry Rutgers, one of its distinguished benefactors. The in- 
 stitution was now revived under the patronage of the synod, and 
 so united to their theological seminary that the professors of the 
 latter were also professors of the former. The Rev. Philip Mille- 
 doler, D. D., was at this time appointed president. In 1840 Dr. 
 Milledoler resigned the office of president, and was succeeded in 
 the office, the same year, by Abraham B. Hasbrouck, LL. D. 
 
 At the close (says Gordon's Gazetteer) of the 17th century, the 
 place where the city now stands was covered with woods, and 
 called, after the name of its proprietor, " Prigmores Swamp." The 
 first inhabitant, of whom any account is preserved, was one Daniel 
 Cooper, who resided where the post-road crossed the river, and 
 kept the ferry, which afterward, in 171.3, when the county line 
 wai> drawn, was called Inian's Ferry. This ferry was granted by 
 the proprietors, 2d Nov. 1G97, for the lives of Inian and wife, and 
 the survivor, at a rent of five shillings sterling per annum. One 
 of the first houses is said to be still standing, at the foot of Town- 
 lane ; and Some other buildings, erected at an early period, may 
 be distinguished by their antique structure, in Burnet and Albany 
 sts. The first inhabitants, of European origin, were from Long 
 Island. About 1730, several Dutch families emigrated from Alba- 
 ny, bringing with them their building materials, in imitation of 
 their ancestors, who imported their bricks, tiles, &;c., from Holland. 
 
312 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 
 
 Some of them built their houses upon the present post-road, which 
 thence acquired the name of Albany-st. ; though originally it was 
 called French-st., in honor of Philip French, Esq., who held a large 
 tract of land on the north side of it. About this time the name 
 of New Brunswick was given to the place, which had, hitherto. 
 been distinguished as " The River." 
 
 Kalm, the Swedish traveller, who visited this country about a 
 hundred years since, has left us in his Travels some interesting facts 
 relating to New Brunswick. He says — 
 
 This morning [October 29, 1748] we 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 fir kind until 
 I came to New Brunswick. The ground was level, and did not seem to be everywhere 
 of the richest kind. In some places it had hillocks, losing themselves almost impercep- 
 tibly in the plains, which were commonly crossed by a rivulet. Almost near every farm- 
 house were great orchards. The houses were commonly built of timber, and at some 
 distance, by themselves, stood the ovens for baking, consisting commonly of clay. 
 
 On a hill, covered with trees, and called Rock/iill, I saw several pieces of stone or 
 rock, so big that they would have required three men to roll them down. But, besides 
 these, there were few great stones in the country ; for most of those which we saw, could 
 easily be lifted up by a single man. 
 
 About noon, we arrived at New Brunswick, a pretty little town, in the province of 
 New Jersey, in a valley on the west side of the river Raritan ; on account of its low 
 situation it cannot be seen (coming from Pennsylvania) before you get to the top of the 
 hill, which is quite close up to it. The town extends north and south along tlie river. 
 The German inhabitants have two churches, one of stone and the other of wood. The 
 English church is of the latter kind ; but the Presbyterians were building one of stone. 
 The town-house, likewise, makes a pretty good appearance. Some of the other houses are 
 built of bricks, but most of them are either made wholly of wood, or of bricks and wood ; the 
 wooden houses are not made of strong timber, but merely of boards or planks, which are 
 within joined by laths. Such houses as consist of both wood and bricks, have only the 
 wall toward the street of bricks, all the other sides being merely of planks. This pecu- 
 liar kind of ostentation would easily lead a traveller, who passes through the town in haste, 
 to believe that most of the houses are built of bricks. The houses were covered with 
 shingles ; before each door there was an elevation, to which you ascend by some steps 
 from the street ; it resembled a small balcony, and had some benches on both sides, on 
 which the people sat in the evening, in order to enjoy the fresh air, and to have the 
 pleasure of viewing those who passed by. The town has only one street lengthwise, 
 and at its northern extremity there is a street across ; both of these are of a considerable 
 length 
 
 One of the streets is almost entirely inhabited by Dutchmen, who came hither from 
 Albany, and for that reason they call it Albany-street. These Dutch people only keep com- 
 pany among themselves, and seldom or never go amongst the other inhabitants, living 
 as it were separate from them. 
 
 . . . The greater part of its [New Brunswick's] trade is to New York, which is about 
 40 English miles distant ; to that place they send corn, flour in great quantities, bread, 
 several other necessaries, a great quantity of linseed, boards, timber, wooden vessels, and 
 all sorts of carpenter's work. Several small yachts are every day going backward and 
 forward between these two towns. The inhabitants likewise get a considerable profit 
 from the travellers who every hour pass through on the high road. 
 
 The following historical items are from a map of New Bruns- 
 wick, published in 1829, by Messrs. Marcellus, Terhune, and Letson. 
 
 Reformed Dutch Church. — The present building is the third which this denomination 
 have occupied in this city. The first was erected previous to the year 1717 ; how long 
 before, is not known. It stood on the corner of Schureman and Burnet streets, and at 
 that date was called " the church of the River and Lawrence Brook," pud numbered 78 
 
Eastern view of New Brunswick, N. J. 
 
 The new bridge at the fort of Albany street, the Catholic church, and Rutger's Col- 
 lege, are seen on the left ; the New Jersey Rail-road over the Raritan and the Hertzog 
 Theological Seminary in the distance, are seen on the right. The Delaware and Raritan 
 Canal is seen passing along the river in front of the city. 
 
 n/^ //{/i^^€o?^y2>o 
 
 J^ i^^ 
 
 .^?^2^ J^ ^l^-^^^^^^-^-c^ (9^^ 
 
 Signers of the Declaration of Independence from Neiv Jersey. 
 
i 
 
 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 
 
 31? 
 
 members. In 1720, the Rev. Theodoras Jacobus Frelinghuysen, frun the classis o: 
 Amsterdam, Holland, became its pastor. He was succeeded about the year 1750 by th« 
 Rev. Johannes Leydt, during whose ministry the second church was built, on the site 
 of the present one. Mr. Leydt died in 1783, and was followed as pastor by Dr. Harden, 
 burgh in 1786, who also died m that office in 1790, and was succeeded in office by Dr 
 Ira Condict. Dr. Condict died in 1811, and in 1812 the present church was erected, 
 Since that time it has been successively under the care of Rev. J. Schureman, 1813; 
 Rev. J. Fonda, 1814 ; Dr. Ludlow, 1818 ; Rev. J. Ferris, 1821 ; Rev. J. B. Harbenburghi 
 1825. In 1828, a brick stuccoed steeple was placed on the house. 
 
 Presbyterian Church. — This congregation occupy their second house of worship. 
 The first was built either before or during the ministry of the Rev. Gilbert Tennent, who 
 became their pastor in 1726, and continued until 1740. The church stood in Burnet- 
 Btreet, below Lj-ell's brook, and its site is at present used as a place of interment. Mr. 
 Tennent was succeeded by the Rev. Thomas Arthur, and by the Rev. Israel Reed, who 
 became their minister sometime previous to the year 1759. Among the rest of the wan- 
 ton depredations committed by the British soldiers, in the winter of 1776 and 1777, was 
 the destruction of this church; and it was not until after the war, in 1784, that the 
 present edifice was erected. In 1786, the Rev. Walter Monteith became a colleao-ue 
 with Mr. Reed, and in 1797 Dr. Joseph Clark was installed their pastor, who died in 
 the year 1813. To him succeeded the Rev. Leverett I. F. Huntington, in 1815 ; who 
 also died in this office in 1820. In 1821, the Rev. Samuel B. How was installed, who 
 resigned in 1823, and was succeeded in 1825 by the Rev. Joseph H. Jones. 
 
 Episcopal CAurcA.— Christ-church was erected in 1743. The congregation for many 
 years were supplied with missionaries by the society in England, for " Propagating 
 the Gospel in Foreign Parts." The Rev. Mr. Wood became their first minister in 1747, 
 and was in 1754 succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Seabury, who afterward became the first 
 bishop of the United States. He was followed by the Rev. Mr. McKean, in 1757 ; the 
 Rev. Leonard Cutting, in 1764, and the late Dr. Abraham Beach, in 1767. In 1773 
 the steeple was built, which was afterward burned to the stone basement in 1802, and 
 rebuilt the same year. Dr. Beach resigned his rectorship in 1784, and was succeeded by 
 the Rev. Mr. Rowland the same year ; the Rev. Mr. Ogilvie. in 1787 ; the Rev. Mr. Van 
 Dyke, in 1791 ; the Rev. Dr. Hobart, (afterward Bishop of New York,) in 1799; the 
 Rev. Mr. Colton, in 1800, and Dr. John Croes, (Bishop of New Jersey,) in 1801. 
 
 Baptist Church.— TWis church was erected in 1810. Its first pastor was the Rev. 
 Tames McLaughlin, who was succeeded by the Rev. John Johnson, in 1818. The Rev. 
 G. S. Webbs was installed in 1821. 
 
 Methodist Episcopal Church.— The Methodist Episcopal church was built in 1811, 
 and continued under the ministration of circuit preachers until 1819, since which time it 
 has been successively under the pastoral care of the Rev. James Smith, Rev. Daniel 
 iMoore, Rev. Charles Pitman, Rev. Joseph Rushing, Rev. Samuel Doughty, Rev. Isaac 
 Winner, Rev. George C. Cookman, and Rev. Pharaoh Ogden. On the 19th of June, 
 1835, their church, which was constructed of brick, was blown down by a tornado : a 
 new one, built of wood, has since been erected. A Protestant Methodist, a Catholic, and 
 an African church, have been erected within a few years. 
 
 The Hon. J.vme.s Schureman was a prominent man in this vicinity 
 in the war of the revolution. In the early part of the war he grad- 
 uated at Queen's college. On a certain occasion the militia were 
 called out to go against the enemy. Their captain made a speech, 
 urging them to volunteer; but not one complied. Schureman, 
 then in the ranks, stepped out, and after volunteering himself' 
 addressed them so eloquently that a company was immediately 
 formed, which went to Long Island, and was engaged in the battle 
 there. In the course of the war Schureman and George Thomson 
 were taken prisoners by a party of British horse, at what is now 
 Bergen's mills, on Lawrence brook, 3 miles .south of New Bruns- 
 wick. They were confined a .short time in the guard-house in this 
 city, which stood near the Nelson mansion, where they were sup- 
 plied with food by Mrs. Van Deusen. From thence they were car- 
 
 40 
 
314 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 
 
 ried to New York, and imprisoned in the sugar-house. Philip Kis- 
 sack, a tor}-, pitying their suffering condition, furnished them with 
 money, with which they purchased food, and kept themselves Irom 
 starving. They bribed the guard to give them the privilege of the 
 yard ; and one night, having supplied them with liquor in which 
 there was a quantity of laudanum, they dug through the wall and 
 escaped to the upper part of the city, near where the old prison 
 stood. There they got on board a small fishing-boat, and with a 
 single oar paddled across the Hudson to Powles Hook, and from 
 thence proceeded to Morristown, where they joined the American 
 army. Schureman, in 1789, was elected a member of congress, in 
 which station he served four years ; then he was appointed to the 
 United States senate, and still later became mayor of New Bruns- 
 wick. 
 
 William Paterson, governor of New Jersey, one of the most tal- 
 ented men whose names appear in the annals of the state, was a 
 resident of New Brunswick. " He graduated at Princeton, in 1763. 
 He was a member of the convention which framed the Constitu- 
 tion of the United States. He was a senator from New Jersey in 
 the first congress. He was governor of New Jersey in 1790. He 
 was afterward a judge of the United States supreme court. He 
 died in 1806." 
 
 When the British had possession of New Brunswick, the head- 
 quarters of their commander. General Howe, was at the mansion 
 in Bernard-st., now the residence of Abraham S. Nelson, Esq. 
 Among the officers quartered upon the inhabitants was a sergeant 
 named M'Nally, who resided with Mrs. William Van Deusen, the 
 mother of Staats Van Deusen, Esq. This officer having used 
 abusive language towards this lady, she made complaint to the 
 general, who immediately sent for M'Nally, sternly reprimanded 
 him, and threatened, if he heard of any more like conduct from him, 
 he should he sent home in irons. 
 
 The enemy frequently sent out foraging parties into the countrj', 
 between whom and the inhabitants there was much skirmishing. 
 For the defence of the place they erected three forts, simply em- 
 bankments of sand. Two of them were on the hill in rear of 
 Rutgers' college, the remains of one of which are still to be seen. 
 The third was on the land of Wm. Van Deusen, Esq., just south of 
 New-street. 
 
 The following is the British account of the evacuation of New 
 Brunswick by their troops, in June, 1777, with the events of a few 
 days previous, as given in an extract from a letter by Sir William 
 Howe to Lord George Germain, which was published in the Lon- 
 don Gazette. 
 
 Having established a corps sufficient for the defence of Amboy, the amiy assembled 
 at Brunswick on the liith of June. The enemy's principal force being encamped on the 
 
MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 31 5 
 
 mountain above Quibbletown, with a corps of 2,000 men at Princeton, it was thought ad- 
 visable to make a movement in two columns from Brims wick on the 14th, in the morn- 
 ing, leaving Brigadier-general Matthew, with 2,000 men, to guard that post. The first 
 division, under the command of Lord Cornwallis, advanced to Hillsborough, and the 
 second to Middlebush, under the command of Lieutenant-general Be Heister, with the 
 view of drawing on an action if the enemy should remove from the mountain towards 
 the Delaware ; but on finding their 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 de- 
 termination returned to the camp at Brunswick on the 19th, and marched from thence 
 to Amboy on the 22d, intending to cross to Staten Island, from whence the embarkation 
 was to take place. 
 
 Upon quitting the camp at Brunswick, the enemy brought a few troops forward witli 
 two or three pieces of cannon, which they fired at the utmost range without the least ex- 
 ecution 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 necessary preparations being finished for crossing the troops to Staten Island, intel- 
 ligence was received that the enemy had moved down from the mountain and taken post 
 at Quibbletown, intending, as it was given out, to attack the rear of the army removing 
 from Amboy ; that two corps had also advanced to their left, — one of 3,000 men and 8 
 pieces of cannon, under the command of Lord Stirling, Generals Maxwell and Conway, 
 the last said to be a captain in the French service ; — the other corps consisted of about 
 700 men, with only one piece of cannon. 
 
 In this situation of the enemy, it was judged advisable to make a movement that 
 might lead on to an attack, which was done the 26th, in the morning, in two columns ; 
 the right, under the command of Lord Cornwallis and Major-general Grant, Brigadiers 
 Matthew and Leslie, and Col. Donop, took the route by Woodbridge, towards Scotch 
 Plains. The left column, where I was with Major-general Sterne, Vaughan, and Grey, 
 and Brigadiers Cleveland and Agnew, marched by Metuchin meeting-house to join the 
 rear of the right column, in the road from thence to Scotch Plains, intending to have ta- 
 ken separate routes, about two miles after the junction, in order to have attacked the 
 enemy's left flank at Quibbletown. Four battalions 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 700 men soon af- 
 ter passing Woodbridge, gave the alarm, by the firing 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 difficulty got off their piece of 
 cannon. 
 
 Lord Cornwallis, soon after he was upon the road leading to Scotch Plains from Me- 
 tuchin meeting-house, came up with the corps commanded by Lord Stirling, whom he 
 found advantageously posted in a country covered with wood, and his artillery well dis- 
 posed. The king's troops, vying 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, but were dispersed on all sides, leaving 3 pieces of 
 brass ordnance, 3 captains and 60 men killed, and upwards of 200 officers and men 
 woimded and taken. 
 
 His lordship had 5 men killed and 30 wounded. Capt. Finch, of the light company 
 of the guards, was the only officer who suffered, and to my great concern, the wound 
 proving mortal, he died the 29th of June, at Amboy. 
 
 The troops engaged in this action were the 1st light-infantry, 1st British grenadiers, 
 1st, 2d, and 3d Hessian grenadiers, 1st battalion of guards, Hessian chasseurs, and the 
 Queen's rangers. I take the liberty of particularizing these corps, as Lord Cornwallis, 
 in his report to me, so highly extols their merit and ardor upon this attack. One piece 
 of cannon was taken by the guards, the other two by Col. Mingerode's battalion of Hes- 
 sian grenadiers. 
 
 The enemy was pursued as far as Westfield with little effect, the day proving so in- 
 tensely hot that the soldiers could with difficulty 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 mountain. 
 
 The army lay that night at Westfield, returned the next day to Rahway, and the day 
 following to Amboy. On the 30th, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, the troops began to 
 cross over to Staten Island ; and the rear-guard, under the command of Lord Com- 
 wallia, passed at 2 in the afternoon, without the least appearance of an enemy. 
 
310 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 
 
 The embarkation of the troops is proceeding with the utmost dispatch, and I sha. 
 have tlic honor of sending your lordship further information as soon as the troops ar* 
 landed at the place of their destination. 
 
 Capt. Adam Hyler and Capt. Marriner, the enterprising whale- 
 boat privateers of New Brunswick, cruised between Egg Harbor 
 and Staten Island, and annoyed the enemy so much that an armed 
 force was sent to destroy their boats. They, however, built new 
 ones, took several ships, and continued to levy their contributions 
 on the New York fishermen, on the fishing banks. Marriner lived 
 several years after the war, at Harlem, and is remembered as a 
 facetious old gentleman. Hyler died at New Brunswick, in 1782. 
 He was the most successful of the two. The following extracts, 
 giving some of his adventures, evince boldness seldom equalled : 
 
 Oct. 7, 1781. On Friday last, Capt. Adam Hyler, from New Brunswick, with one gun- 
 boat and two whale-boats, wiUiin a quarter of a mile of the guard-ship at Sandy Hook, 
 attacked five vessels, and after a smart conflict of fifteen minutes carried them. Two of 
 them were armed ; one mounting four six-pounders, and one six swivels and one three- 
 pounder. The hands made their escape, with their long-boats, and took refuge in a 
 small fort, in which were mounted twelve swivel-guns, from which they kept up a con- 
 stant firing ; notwithstanding which he boarded them all, without the loss of a man. 
 On board of one of them was 2.50 bushels of wheat, and a quantity of cheese, belonging 
 to Capt. Lippcncot, bound to New York. He took from them 50 bushels of wheat, a 
 quantity of cheese, several swivels, a number of fusees, one cask of powder, and some 
 dry-goods ; and stripped them of their sails and rigging — not being able to bring the 
 vessels into port, in consequence of a contrary wind and tide. After which, he set all 
 on fire, save one, on board of which was a woman and four small children, which pre- 
 vented her from sharing a similar fate. 
 
 Oct. 15, 1781. On the 13th inst., Capt. Adam Hyler, of this place, with one gun-boat 
 and two whale-boats, boarded one sloop and two schooners, which all the hands except 
 two had previously left, and which lay under cover of the lighthouse-fort, at Sandy 
 Hook, and brought them oft'; but the sloop being such a dull sailer, and being much an- 
 noyed from a galley lying near Staten Island, she was set on fire, about three miles from 
 the fort. One of the schooners running aground, by accident, was stripped and left ; 
 the other, a remarkably fine, fast-sailing, Virginia-built pilot-boat, mounted with one four- 
 pounder, was brought, with two prisoners, to this place. 
 
 Extract of a Letter from New Jersey, June 19, 1782. — The exertions of the cele- 
 brated water-partisan, Capt. Hyler, have been a considerable annoyance to the wood- 
 shallops, trading- vessels, and plundering parties of the enemy, about Sandy Hook, Long 
 Island, and Staten Island, for several months past. You have heard that his attempt 
 to take an eighteen-gun cutter was crowned with success. It was indeed a bold and 
 hazardous attempt, considering how well provided she was against being boarded. He 
 was, however, compelled to blow her up, after securing his prisoners, and a few articles 
 on board. His surprising a captain of the guard, at the lighthouse, with all his men, a 
 short time ago, was also a handsome affair, and gained him much credit. He has none 
 but picked and tried men : the person who discovers the least symptom of fear or diffi- 
 dence, be he who he will, is immediately turned on shore, and never suffered to enter 
 again. In the next place, they are taught to be particularly expert at the oar, and to 
 row with such silence and dexterity as not to be heard at the smallest distance, even 
 though three or four boats be together, and go at the rate of twelve miles an hour. 
 
 Their captures are chiefly made by surprise, or stratagem ; and most of tiie crews 
 that have hitherto been taken, by these boats, declare they never knew any thing of an 
 enemy being at hand till they saw the pistol or cutlass at tiieir throats. 
 
 There was a droll instance of this, some weeks ago, as one of the prisoners, a shrewd, 
 sensible fellow, and late captain of one of the captured vessels, relates it iiimself. " I 
 was on deck,"' said he, " with three or four men, in a very pleasant evening, with our 
 nentinel fixed. Our vessel was at anchor, near Sandy Hook, and the Lion man-of-war 
 
MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 327 
 
 about one quarter of a mile distant. It was calm and clear, and we were all admiring 
 the beautiful and splendid appearance of the full moon, which was then three or four 
 hours above the horizon. Wliile we were thus attentively contemplating the serene lu- 
 minary, we suddenly heard several pistols discharged into the cabin ; and turning around 
 perceived, at our elbows, a number of armed people, fallen as it were from the clouds, 
 who ordered us to 'surrender in a moment, or we were dead men!' Upon this we were 
 turned into the hold, and the hatches barred over us. The firing, however, had alarmed 
 the man-of-war, who hailed us, and desired to know what was the matter. As we were 
 not in a situation to answer, at least so far as to be heard, Capt. Hyler was kind enough 
 to do it for us ; telling them, through the speaking-trumpet, that ' all was well !' After 
 which, unfortunately for us, they made no further inquiry." 
 
 After the notorious refugee, Lippencot, had barbarously murdered Capt. Huddy, at 
 Sandy Hook, Washington was very anxious to have the murderer secured. He had 
 been demanded from the British general, and his surrender refused. Capt. Hyler was 
 determined to take Lippencot. On inquiry, he found that he resided in a well-known 
 house in Broad-st., New York. Dressed and equipped like a man-of-war press-gang, he 
 left the Kills, with one boat, after dark, and arrived at Whitehall about nine o'clock. 
 Here he left his boat in charge of three men, and then passed to the residence of Lippen- 
 cot, where he inquired for him, and found he was absent, and gone to a cock-pit. 
 Thus failing in his object, he returned to his boat, with his press-gang, and left White- 
 hall ; but finding a sloop, lying at anchor, off" the battery, from the West Indies, and 
 laden with rum, he took lier, cut her cable, set her sails, and with a northeast wind sailed 
 to Elizabethtown Point ; and before daylight had landed from her and secured 40 hogs- 
 heads of rum. He then burned the sloop, to prevent her recapture. 
 
 The following account of the mine near New Brunswick is from 
 Morse's Gazetteer: 
 
 About the years 1748, 1749, 1750, several lumps of virgin copper, from 5 to 30 pounds 
 weight, (in the whole upwards of 200 pounds,) were ploughed up, in a field belonging to 
 Philip French, Esq., within a quarter of a mile of the town. This induced Mr. Elias 
 Boudinot to take a lease of the land, of Mr. French, for 99 years, with a view to search 
 for copper-ore. A company was formed, and about the year 1751 a shaft was com- 
 menced, in the low ground, 300 yards from the river. The spot selected had been 
 marked by a neighbor, who, passing it in the dark, had observed a flame rising from 
 the ground, nearly as large as the body of a man. At about 15 feet, the miners struck 
 a vein of blue stone, about two feet thick, between loose walls of red sandstone, covered 
 with a sheet of pure co])per, somewhat thicker than gold-leaf. The stone was filled with 
 grains of virgin copper, much like copper-filings; and occasionally lumps of virgin cop- 
 per, of from 5 to 30 pounds, were found in it. The vein was followed about 30 feet, 
 when the accumulation of water exceeded the means of the company to remove it. A 
 stamping-mill was erected, where, by reducing the ore to powder, and washing it, many 
 tons of pure copper were obtained, and exported to England. Sheets of copper, of the 
 thickness of two pennies, and three feet square, have been taken from between the rocks, 
 within four feet of the surface, in several parts of the hill. At about 50 or GO feet deep, 
 a body of fine solid ore was struck, in the same vein, but between rocks of white flinty 
 spar, which was soon worked out. 
 
 The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the 
 graveyard of the Dutch lleformed church : 
 
 Here lies the body of J. IT. Hardenbergh, D. D., late pastor of this church, who de- 
 parted this life the 30th day of October, 1790, aged 52 years, — months, and — days. 
 He was a zealous preacher of the gospel, and his life and conversation afforded, from his ear- 
 liest days, to all who knew him, a bright example of real piety. He was a steady patriot, 
 and in his public and private conduct he manifested himself to be the enemy of tyranny 
 and oppression, the lover of freedom, and the friend of his country. He has gone to his 
 Lord and Redeemer, in whose atonement he confidently trusted. He is gone to receive 
 the fruits of his faithful labors, and the reward of a well-spent life. Reader, while you 
 lament the loss to society and his friends, go walk in his virtuous footsteps ; and when 
 you have finished the work assigned you, you shall rest with him in eternal peace. 
 
 This monument is erected to the memory of Dinah Hardenbergh, relict of the Rev 
 
318 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 
 
 J. H. Hardenbergh, D. D., S. T. P. Of high attainments here in grace, now resting in 
 glory — died the 26th day of March, 1807, aged 81 years. 
 
 Tell how she climb'd the everlasting hills, 
 
 Surveying all the realms above ; 
 
 Borne on a strong-wing'd faith, and on 
 
 The fiery wheels of an immortal love. 
 
 Beneath this stone are deposited the remains of the Rev. John Schureman, D. D., 
 professor of pastoral theology, ecclesiastical history, and church government, in the the- 
 ological seminary of the Reformed Dutch church, at New Brunswick ; who, while en- 
 gaged in a course of active and highly useful labors, enjoying the confidence of the 
 churches, a*id the affections of iiis brethren, departed this life, May 15th, 1818, in the 
 40th year of his age. 
 
 rrDnnS Dn)i n^r 
 
 The Reverend Mr. Elias Van Bunschoten was born Oct. 2Gth, 1738, graduated A. B. 
 1768, licensed to preach 1773, and settled in the ministry first at Shagticoke, afterward 
 at Minisink. He died Jan. 10th, 1815. Established in the truth, and ardent in its de- 
 fence, from his youth to his old age he persevered in a good profession of faith, and in 
 a holy and exemplary life. In the ministry of the gospel he was faithful, and diligently 
 employed his talents in the service of his divine Redeemer. His zeal to promote the in- 
 terests of the church of Christ prompted him to make a very liberal donation to the 
 supj)ort of indigent students, and the benefit of the theological college at New Bruns- 
 wick. To perpetuate the memory of this venerable and charitable man, and to express 
 their gratitude, the Right Revd. Genl. Synod of the Reformed Dutch church have erect- 
 ed, at the public expense, this monument. 
 
 ""Ek iovXt iyaOi Ka\ iri^i.i 
 
 Sacred to the memory of the Rev. John H. Livingston, D. D., S. T. P. Born at 
 Poughkccpsie, state of New York, May 30th, 1746; educated for the ministry at the 
 University of Utrecht, in Holland ; called to the pastoral office of the Reformed Dutch 
 church, in New York, 1770 ; appointed by the general synod of the Reformed Dutch 
 church in America their professor in didactic and polemic theology, in 1781, and elected 
 to the presidency of Queen's college. New Jersey, in 1810. There, in performance of 
 the duties of his office, and blessed in the enjoyment of mental energy, high reputation, 
 and distinguished usefulness, he suddenly but sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, Jan. 20th, 
 1825, in the 79th year of his age, the 55th of his ministry, and the 4ist of his profes- 
 sional labors. In him, with dignified appearance, extensive erudition, almost unrivalled 
 talents, as a sacred orator and professor, were blended manners polished, candid, and 
 attractive, all ennobled by that entire devotion to his Saviour which became such a 
 servant to yield to such a Master. In token of their gratitude for his services and 
 veneration for his memory, the general synod have ordered this monumental stone to be 
 erected. 
 
 To the memory of the Rev. John De Witt, D. D., professor of sacred literature and 
 biblical criticism, in the Theological Seminary of the Reformed Dutch church, and of 
 logic and belles-lettres in Rutgers' college, who, after discharging the duties of a Chris- 
 tian pastor, with much zeal and success, during several years at Albany, entered. Sept 
 1823, upon his professional labors, which he executed with distinguished ability, and died 
 October 11th, A. D. 1831, aged 41 years and 10 months. This monument is designed 
 to express their high regard for the deceased. Ah ! nimium citus excessit 1 
 
 To the memory of the Rev. Selah S. Woodhull, D. D., professor of ecclesiastical his- 
 tory, church government and pastoral theology, in the Theological Seminary of the Re- 
 formed Dutch church, and of mcta|)hvsics and ])iiilosophy of the human mind, in Rutgers' 
 College. For 19 years, he was tiie acceptable j)astor of the Reformed Dutch church in 
 Brooklyn. November 14th, 1825, he entered upon his professional labors, and died the 
 following February, on the 27th day of the month, in the 40th year of his age — respected 
 for his learning, piety, industry, and zeal. His sudden removal from these important sta- 
 tions is deeply lamented. — [Erected by the general Synod.] 
 
 • The memory of the just is blessed. t Well done I good and faithful servant. 
 
MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 31 <j 
 
 The following inscriptions are from the Episcopal graveyard : 
 
 Brigadier Anthony Walton White, who departed this life on the 10th of February, 
 1803, in the 53d year of his age, rests beneath this monumental stone. He was an 
 atTectionate husband, a tender parent, a sincere and generous friend, a zealous and inflexible 
 patriot, and a faithful, active, and gallant officer, in the army of the United States dur- 
 ing the revolutionary war. 
 
 In memory of Edward Carroll, M. D., who departed this life 1840, M. 73. Formerly 
 of the island of Jamaica, but for many years a highly respected inhabitant of this town. 
 He was a physician, alike eminent for the Christian graces and virtues that adorned his 
 life, and for the medical skill and science that ranked him high in his profession. The 
 loveliness and purity of his character secured to him the esteem of all, and the friend- 
 ship of many. 
 
 " Rich in love 
 And sweet humanity, he was himself. 
 To the degree that he desired, beloved." 
 
 SOUTH BRUNSWICK. 
 
 South Brunswick is about 8 miles long, 7 broad, and is bounded 
 NE. by North Brunswick ; SE. by Monroe; SW. by East and West 
 Windsor, Mercer co. ; and NW. by Franklin. Somerset co. The 
 townsliip contains 8 stores, 4 grist-m., 5 saw-m. : cap. in manufac. 
 $30,850 ; 12 schools, 3G0 scholars. Pop 3.470. in the N. part are 
 some noted sandhills, covering a space ot several miles. The vil- 
 lage of Kingston is near the NE. corner of the township, at the inter- 
 section of the Delaware and Raritan canal with the New York and 
 Philadelphia turnpike, and on the line of Somerset co., 3 miles NE. 
 of Princeton. It contains 2 taverns, 4 stores, a grist and saw mill, 
 an academy, a Presbyterian church, and about 35 dwellings. Be- 
 fore the construction of railroads in the state, this was the great 
 thoroughfare between New York and the South. It is stated by 
 Gordon, that forty-nine stages, loaded with about 400 passengers, 
 have halted here at the same time, in front of Withington's inn. 
 Directly opposite this inn stood, in olden times, Vantilburgh's tav- 
 ern, long known as the favorite stopping-place of Washington, and 
 the governors of New Jersey, in passing from the eastern towns 
 to the state capital. It was at this village that Washington, with 
 the American troops, eluded the Briti-sh, on the day of the battle of 
 Princeton, by filing off to the left at the church, down the narrow 
 road leading to Rocky-hill, while the enemy in pursuit, supposing 
 he had gone to New Brunswick to destroy their winter stores, kept 
 on the main road. Cross-roads contains 2 taverns, 2 stores, and 
 about 15 dwellings. Plain.sborough has a store, tavern, a grist-m., 
 and a few dwellings. 
 
 Cranberry is partly in Monroe township. The village is princi- 
 pally built on a single street, and contains 2 Presbyterian churches, 
 2 academies, 73 dwellings, and about 000 inhabitants. The annexed 
 is a view of the First Presbyterian church and academy, at the 
 southern termination of the village. There is also a neat Presby- 
 terian church and an academy at the other end ol' the town. For- 
 merly a Presbyterian church stood in the graveyard, but it wag 
 
320 
 
 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 
 
 taken down many years since, A Baptist church, in olden times, 
 stood in the village. The society now worship at Hightstown. 
 Cranberry is one of the oldest places in this part of the state. It 
 was settled about the year 1697, by Josiah Prickett, butcher, of 
 
 View of the Presbyterian Church and Academy, Cranberry. 
 
 Bu.rlington. The following year he sold out to John Harrison of 
 Flushing, Long Island. About 50 years since there were only 15 
 houses here, eight on the south and seven on the north side of Cran- 
 berry brook. .lust previous to the battle of Monmouth, the Ameri- 
 can army passed through this place. 
 
 It was in the vicinity of Cranberry that David Brain erd, the 
 pious and devoted missionary, labored for a while among the Indi- 
 ans. Mr. Brainerd at first preached to the Indians in the woods, 
 between Stockbridge and Albany, but without much apparent suc- 
 cess. He then turned his attention to the Indians at the forks of 
 the Delaware, and at Crossweeksung and Cranberry, where his la- 
 bors were attended with remarkable success. " His life and diary 
 among the Indians," says an eminent English divine, " exhibits a 
 perfect pattern of the qualities which should distinguish the in- 
 structor of rude and barbarous tribes; the most invincible patience 
 and self-denial, the profoundest humility, exquisite prudence, inde- 
 fatigable industry, and such a devotedness to God. or rather such 
 an absorption of the whole soul in zeal for the divine glory and 
 salvation of men, as is scarcely paralleled since the age of the 
 apostles." The following extracts from Brainerd's journal will 
 show the effects which followed his preaching. 
 
 (Aufr. 8th, 1744.) In the afternoon I prcaclicd to the Indians ; their number was 
 now about sixty-five persons, men, women, and children. I discoursed from Luke xiv 
 16 — 23, and was favored with itiirowmnn freedom. 
 
 There was much concern amonfr them while I was discoursing publicly ; but afterward, 
 when I spoke to one and another more particularl}', whom I perceived under concern, the 
 power of God seemed to descend upon the assembly "like a rushing mighty wind," 
 »nd with an astonishing energy bore down all before it. 
 
 I stood amazed at the influence that seized the audience almost universally, and could 
 compare it to nothing more aptly than a mighty torrent, that bears down and sweeps be- 
 fore it whatever ie in its way. Almost all persons, of all ages, were bowed downed together 
 
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MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 321 
 
 and scarce one was able to withstand the shock of the surprising operation. Old men 
 and women, who had been drunken wretches for many years, and some little children, 
 not more than six or seven years of age, appeared in distress for their souls, as well as 
 persons of middle age. And it was apparent these children were not merely frightened 
 with seeing the general cgncern, but were made sensible of their danger, the badness of 
 their hearts, and their misery without Christ. The most stubborn hearts were now 
 obliged to bow. A principal man among the Indians, who before thought his state good, 
 because he knew more than the generality of the Indians, and who with great confidence 
 the day before told me " he had been a Christian more than ten years," was now brought 
 under solemn concern for his soul, and wept bitterly. Another man, considerable in 
 years, who had been a murderer, a powwaw, and a notorious drunkard, was likewise 
 brought now to cry for mercy with many tears, and to complain much that he could be 
 no more concerned when he saw his danger so great. 
 
 There were almost universally praying and crying for mercy in every part of the house, 
 and man}' out of doors, and numbers could neither go nor stand ; their concern was so 
 great, each for himself, that none seemed to take any notice of those about them, but 
 each prayed for themselves ; and were, to their own apprehension, as much retired as if 
 every one had been by himself in a desert, or, rather, they thought nothing about any but 
 themselves, and so were every one praying apart, although all together. 
 
 It seemed to me there was an exact fulfilment of that prophecy, Zech. xii. 10, 12, for 
 there was now " A great mourning, like the mourning of Hadadriinmon ;" — and each 
 seemed to " mourn apart." Methought this had a near resemblance to the day of God's 
 power, mentioued Josh. x. 14, for I must say, I never saw any day like it in all re- 
 spects ; it was a day wherein the Lord did much destroy the kingdom of darkness among 
 this people. 
 
 This concern was most rational and just: those who had been awakened any con- 
 siderable time, complained especially of the badness of their hearts ; those newly 
 awakened, of the badness of their lives and actions ; and all were afraid of the anger of 
 God ; and of everlasting misery as the desert of their sins. Some of the white people, 
 who came out of curiosity to " hear what this babbler would say" to the poor ignorant 
 Indians, were much awakened, and appeared to be wounded with a view of their perish- 
 ing state. 
 
 Those who had lately obtained relief, were filled with comfort ; they appeared calm, 
 and rejoiced in Christ Jesus ; and some of them took their distressed friends by the hand, 
 telling them of the goodness of Christ, and the comfort that is to be enjoyed in him, 
 and invited them to come and give up their hearts to him. And I could observe some 
 of them, in the most unaffected manner, lifting up their eyes to heaven, as if crying for 
 mercy, while they saw the distress of the poor souls around them. 
 
 Aug. 9th. In the afternoon I discoursed to them publicly. There were now present 
 about seventy persons. I opened and applied the parable of the sower, and was enabled 
 to discourse with much plainness. There were many tears among them while I was dis- 
 coursing, but no considerable cry : yet some were much affected with a few words spoken 
 from Matt. xi. 29, with which I concluded. But while I was discoursing near night to 
 two or three of the awakened persons, a divine influence seemed to attend what was 
 spoken, which caused the persons to cry out in anguish of soul, altiiough I spoke not a 
 word of terror : but, on the contrary, set before them the fulness of Christ's merits, and 
 his willingness to save all that came to him. 
 
 The cry of these was heard by others, who, though scattered before, immediately 
 gathered round. I then proceeded in the same strain of gospel invitation, till they were 
 all melted into tears and cries, except two or three ; and seemed in the greatest distress 
 to find and secure an interest in the great Redeemer. Some who had but little more 
 than a ruffle made in their passions the day before, seemed now to be deeply affected, and 
 the concern in general appeared near as prevalent as the day before. There was indeed 
 a very great mourning among them, and yet every one seemed to mourn apart. For so 
 great was their concern, that almost every one was praying and crying for himself, as if 
 none had been near. Guttummaukalummeh guttvmmatikalummch, i. e. " Have mercy 
 upon mc, have mercy upon me !" was the common cry. 
 
 It was very affectmg to see the poor Indians, who the other day were yelling in their 
 idolalrout feasts, now crying to God with such importunity, for an interest in his dear 
 Sun! 
 
 41 
 
322 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 
 
 MONROE. 
 
 Monroe was formed from South Amboy in 1838. It is about 8 
 miles long, 6 wide, and is bounded NE. by South Amboy ; SE. by 
 Freehold, Monmouth co. ; SW. by East Windsor, Mercer co., and 
 NW. by North and South Brunswick. The surface is generally 
 level, soil sandy, and in some parts covered with pine and oak. 
 The Camden and Amboy railroad passes through the township. 
 There are 8 stores, 1 paper factory, 4 grist-m., 18 saw-m. ; cap. in 
 manufac. $109,900 ; 1 academy, 8 schools, 285 scholars. Pop. 2,161. 
 
 Spotswood, on the line of the railroad, 10 miles from South Am- 
 boy, is supposed to have received its name from John Johnson, of 
 Spotswood in Scotland, who early settled in the vicinity. There 
 are in the village 3 stores, a grist and a saw mill, 2 churches, and 
 52 dwellings. The Episcopal church has long been established. 
 The Reformed Dutch church was organized August 5th, 1821, and 
 the Rev. John M'Clure, its first clergyman, was settled in the fall 
 of 1822 ; left in the autumn of 1824. Rev. Henry L. Rice was settled 
 September 24, 1825 ; left September 10th, 1834. Rev. John C. Van 
 Liew was his successor, and left in January, 1842, when he was 
 succeeded by its present pastor, the Rev. William R. S. Betts. Snuff 
 and cigars are extensively manufactured in this village. 
 
 William Lyon, a continental soldier, died in this township in 1841. He served through 
 out the war of the revolution, and was in most of the actions in which the Jersey troops 
 were engaged. About the time of the battle of Trenton, as he was marching with his 
 feet bare and bloody, over the frozen ground, he took from a clothes-line, near a dwelling, 
 a pair of stockings. The lady of the house came out to reproach him for the act. He 
 answered her by simply pointing to his lacerated feet. Further argument was unneces- 
 sary. She went back in tears. Washington saw him, and tapping him on the shoulder, 
 said, " My brave boy, you deserve a better fate." " Ah I" replied the heroic soldier, 
 " there is no danger of my feet freezing as long as the blood runs." 
 
 PISCATAWAY. 
 
 This township was incorporated in 1798. It is about 8 miles 
 long, 6 broad, bounded N. by Westfield, Essex co. ; E. by Wood- 
 bridge ; S. by Raritan river, and westerly by Franklin, Bridgewater, 
 and Warren, Somerset co. The township is supposed to have de- 
 rived its name from Piscataqiia, in Maine, a place from which some 
 of the first settlers emigrated to this place, which at the first was 
 called New Piscataqiia. A ridge of high land runs quite across 
 it east and west, dividing it into nearly equal parts, from which the 
 land slopes in a gentle declivity north and .south. The soil is most- 
 ly red shale, which in some sections is covered with loam and 
 gravel. The hind is fertile, and agriculture is in a high state ol 
 progressive improvement. Pop. 2, ,?j1. There are in the toAvnship 
 7 stores, 5 grist-m., 3 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $30,850 ; 8 schools, 
 222 scholars. 
 
 New Market, (formerly Quibbletown,) a village of some 15 or 
 20 houses, is the post-tovm. Brooklin, Samptown, New Durham, 
 
MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 333 
 
 Piscataway town, and Raritan Landing, are small villages in the 
 township. Piscataway town, containing about a dozen dwellings 
 and a church, and situated 3 miles E. from New Brunswick and 1 
 from Raritan river, was an old Indian village, and was the seat of 
 justice for the counties of Middlesex and Somerset as early as 1G83, 
 at which period the courts were held sometimes at this place and 
 sometimes at Woodbridge. Raritan Landing is situated 2 miles 
 above New Brunswick, and contains 25 or 30 dwellings, and seve- 
 ral stores. There is a bridge across the Raritan at this place. 
 
 The earliest authentic history of this township is gathered from 
 the public records, which state " that the large tract on the east side 
 of Raritan river, which comprises the towns of Piscataway, Eliza- 
 beth, &c., was purchased from the Indians in 1663. The purcha- 
 sers were John Bailey, Daniel Denton, Luke Watson, and others, 
 who obtained a patent in 1664 from Gov. Nichols, who acted under 
 the Duke of York." The names of the first settlers on record are, 
 the Gillmans in 16G3; the Blackshaws, Drakes, Hands, and Hen- 
 dricks, in 1677 ; the Dotys and Wolfs in 1678 ; the Smalleys, Hulls, 
 and Trotters, in 1679; the Hansworths, Martins, and Higgins, in 
 1680; the Dunhams, Laflowers, and Fitz Randolphs, in 1681; the 
 Suttoils, Brindleys, Bounds, and Fords, inT 1 682 ; the Davises and 
 Slaughters, in 1683; the Pregmores, in 1684; the Grubs and 
 Adamses, in 1685 ; the Chandlers and Smiths in 1687 ; the Mortons, 
 Molesons, and McDaniels, in 1689. It is supposed that most of these 
 persons were Baptists. The tradition is, however, that there were 
 but six professed Baptists, viz: Hugh Dunn, who was an exhorter, 
 John Drake, afterward their pastor, Nicholas Bonham, John Smal- 
 Icy, Edmond Dunham, afterward minister of the Seventh-day 
 Baptists, and Jqhn^Fitz Randolph. The above persons were consti- 
 tuted a Baptist church in the spring of 1689, by the assistance of 
 Rev. Thomas Killingsworth, who was then pastor of Middletown 
 and Cohansey churches. 
 
 The first preachers in Piscataway were three lay brethren, of the Baptist persuasion, 
 viz : Hugh Dunn, John Drake, and Edmond Dunham, who with three others were consti- 
 tuted a Baptist churcli as mentioned above, being one of the oldest Baptist churches in tlie 
 state. Jolin Drake was ordained pastor of this church, and so remained till his death in 
 173'J, when lie was succeeded by Rev. Benjamin Stclle, a native of New York, and of 
 French extraction; he died in IT.'iO, and was succeeded by his son, Rev. Isaac Stclle. 
 Mr. Stelle continued pastor till his death in 1781, and was succeeded by Rev. Reune 
 Runyan in 178.3, who continued pastor till his death in 1811. Rev. James McLaughlin 
 became the next pastor of this church in 1812, and continued such till 1817. In the 
 fall of 1818, Rev. Daniel Dodge was called to the pastorship, and continued till 1832, 
 and in 1833 was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Daniel D. Lewis. 
 
 The Seventh-day Baptist church was formed by 17 persons who seceded from the 
 Piscataway church in 1707, and signed a special covenant, and became a distinct so 
 ciety. Rev. Edmond Dunham was their first pastor; his son. Rev. Jonathan Dunham, 
 was his successor; Rev. Nathan Rogers was their next minister. This church, the only 
 one of its denomination in the state for 30 years, is now respectable in numbers and 
 wealth. Its present pastor is Rev. Walter 15. Gillette ; a branch from it formed anotiicr 
 church in the neighboring village of Plainfield in 1838. The Baptist church at Scotch 
 Plains was formed of members of the Piscataway church in 1747, from which the 
 Second Baptist church in Piscataway, known as the Samptown church, was formed in 
 1792. Their first pastor was Rev. Jacob Fitz Randolph, who was succeeded by Rev 
 
.>34 
 
 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 
 
 Lcbbeus Lathrop. Mr. Lathrop was succeeded by their present minister, Ivx,/. E. M 
 Barker. There is an Episcopal church in the township, which was estabhshed at a verj 
 earl)' period. Their society is at present rather small and feeble, but through the liber- 
 ality of an individual they have a neat and commodious house of worship. Tl)cre is a 
 small settlement of persons of the Dutch Reformed persuasion along the Raritan river, 
 north of Raritan lianding, but they have as yet no church in the township. Nine 
 tenths of the population are Baptists in sentiment. 
 
 WOODBRIDGE. 
 
 The extreme length of this township, E. and W., is about 10 
 miles ; breadth, N. and S., 9 miles. It is bounded N. by Rahway 
 and Westfield, Essex co. ; E. by Staten Island sound ; SE. by Perth 
 Amboy ; S. by Raritan river, and W. by Piscataway. The surface 
 is level, and the soil fertile, and very productive in grass. The 
 New Jersey railroad passes through the NW. portion of the town- 
 ship. There are in the tovvnship i cotton-m.. 1 academy, 43 students 
 16 schools, 491 scholars. Pop. in 3865, 4,022. 
 
 View in Woodhridge. 
 
 Matouchin, Uniontown, and Bonhamtown, the two first of which 
 are on the line of the railroad, contain respectively a few dwell- 
 ings. At Matouchin there is a Presbyterian church. The large 
 and flourishing village of Rahway is on the N, boundary, partly in 
 Essex county. Woodbridge was first settled by emigrants from 
 England, who came over with Gov. Carteret in 1005. It occupied 
 for many years a prominent place among the early settlements in 
 East Jersey. " In 1608, the lands were portioned out to the differ- 
 ent associates, and on June 1st, 1669, a charter was granted them 
 which created a township, to consist of not less than sixty families, 
 out of the tract, which was said to be six miles square." 
 
 The annexed is a view in the village of Woodbridge, which is 9 
 miles NE. of New Brunswick. On the left is seen the academy ; 
 on the right the Presbyterian church, and in the distance Trinity 
 church. There arc also in the village, a Methodist church, 2 tav- 
 erns, 4 stores, a grist and a saw m., an extensive pottery, and 50 
 
MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 305 
 
 dwellings. The Presbyterian society was organized in 1707, and 
 three churches have stood on the site of the present one. The 
 Episcopal church has been organized more than a century, and the 
 Methodist church within a few years. In the American revolution 
 the Rev. Dr. Azel Roe, pastor of the Presbyterian church, was 
 taken prisoner by the British in the night from the dwelling now 
 occupied as the parsonage, and carried to Staten Island. 
 
 The annexed extracts from ancient newspapers relate to events 
 which occurred in this vicinity in the war of the revolution : 
 
 Extract of a letter from an officer at Camp, dated Bonhamtown, April 15, 1777. — A 
 detachment under the command of Capt. Alexander Paterson, of the Pennsylvania 12th 
 regiment, commanded by Col. Cook, attacked the piquet guard of the enemy at two 
 o'clock this morning, about 400 yards from Bonhamtown, and after a short but obstinate 
 engagement, the whole of the guard, 35 in number, were either killed or taken prisoners. 
 Lieut. Frazier, of the 71st regiment, was killed on the spot. The enemy, though advan- 
 tageously posted, did not attempt to support their guard, but retired with precipitation to 
 their works. Our officers and soldiers behaved with the greatest coolness and courage 
 on this occasion. Their conduct would do honor to the best-disciplined troops. We 
 had Lieutenants M'Alharton and Reily, of Col. Cook's regiment, wounded, but not mor- 
 tally. 
 
 Extract from a letter dated Matouchin, April 22, 1777. — The night before last a party 
 of IG men of Col. Cook's regiment, under the command of Lieut. M'Cabe, attacked a 
 piquet guard at Bonhamtown, drove it in, killed one man, and wounded two, who were 
 left on the field. The enemy were soon reinforced ; but our party kept up their fire, 
 maintained their ground until daybreak, and then made a regular retreat. Last night 
 another party, under the command of Lieut. Lodge, attacked the same piquet ; but the 
 sentries being doubled, Lieut. M'Cabe was obliged to reinforce, which we soon accom- 
 plished, and then we drove them, — with some small loss, it is thought, on their side. 
 Our party sustained no damage, and, with only 32 men, we kept their troops in Bonham- 
 town under arms all night. 
 
 Post, near Bonhamtown, May 11, 1777. — I have the pleasure to inform you that yes- 
 terday part of Gen. Stevens' division attacked the Royal Highlanders and six companies 
 of light-infantry. It was a bold enterprise, — they being posted within two miles of 
 Bonhamtown, and about the same distance from Brunswick. The action continued 
 about an hour and a half. The continental troops behaved well, drove in the piquets at 
 Bonhamtown, attacked and drove the Highlanders out of a wood they had taken pos- 
 session of, near to Piscataqua town. The enemy were reinforced, but were again com- 
 pelled to give way. They were reinforced a second time, when, upon due consideration 
 of our situation with rospect to the enemy's difl'erent posts, (of Brunswick, Raritan Land- 
 ing, and Bonhamtown,) it was judged advisable to retire. The retreat was made in ex- 
 cellent order, and our loss is inconsiderable. I congratulate you on this advantage ob- 
 tained over the enemy's best troops. The Highlanders, obstinately brave, were too 
 proud to surrender, — which cost many of them dear. 
 
 April IGth, 1777. — From New Jersey we leani, that on or about the 20th ult. a young 
 woman, passing an evacuated hou.se in Woodbridge, saw, through the window, a drunk- 
 en Hessian soldier, who had straggled from his parly. There being no men within less 
 than a mile of town, she went home, dressed in man's apparel, and, armed with an old 
 firelock, returned to the house, entered it, and took the Hessian prisoner, — whom she 
 soon stripi>ed of his arms, and was leading him oft', when she fell in with the patrole 
 guard of a New Jersey regiment, stationed near Woodbridge, to whom she delivered her 
 prisoner. 
 
 June 20, 1782. — William Clarke, the noted horse-thief, is no more. He was shot, 
 somewhere in the vicinity of Woodbridge, on one of his customary excursions. This 
 man was an early refugee from Jersey, and has taken off, since the fall of 177G, upwards 
 of one hundred valuable horses, from Monrhouth, and other counties in the neighborhood 
 of the enemy, — for which he found a ready sale in New York, and on Long Island. 
 He had eluded the strictest vigilance of our guards and scouts for upwards of 5 years, 
 although it is pretty certain that he has passed at least half that time within our hnes. 
 He was destroyed at last by a stratagem, said to be as follows : A letter was conveyed 
 
326 MIDDLESEX COUNTY. 
 
 to him, as if from one of his confidents and accomplices in Sussex, signifying that if ho 
 came over at the time therein specified, he would find two excellent horses tied in a cer. 
 tain field, wliich might be conveyed to Staten Island with very little trouble or risk. 
 He accordingly came, and was instantly shot down by the persons who lay in wait for 
 him. 
 
 Trenton, June 7, 1780. — Thursday evening last a party of about 30 refugees, from 
 New York, landed at Stony Point, on Raritan river, and from thence went to Wood- 
 bridge, where thoy made Justice Freeman, Mr. Edgar, and six other white persons, and 
 two negroes, prisoners, whom they carried off to New York. 
 
 Zebulo.v Montgomery Pike was born at Lamberton, Mercer co., Jan. 5th, 1779 His 
 parents were natives of Woodbridge, where their son spent his youth. His father was 
 an officer in the army of the United States, and Zebulon, having received a common 
 school education, entered as a cadet into a company under his father's command, in 
 which he served on tiic western frontiers. He afterward received a lieutenant's com- 
 mission. In 1805, he was employed with a party of 21) men to explore the Mississippi 
 to its source, while Capts. Lewis and Clarke were sent on a similar expedition up the 
 Missouri. Within two months after his return, he was selected by Gen. Wilkinson for a 
 second perilous journey of hardship and exposure, in exploring the interior of the then 
 called country of Louisiana. After leaving the Osage village. Pike and his men were 
 overtaken by winter, unprovided with any clothing suitable for the season. Their horses 
 died, and for weeks they were obliged to explore their way through the wilderness, car- 
 rying packs of 60 or 70 pounds weigi)t, besides their arms, exposed to the severity of 
 cold, relying solely on the chase for subsistence, and often for two or three days williout 
 food. In the course of the expedition, tlie party visited Santa Fe, and on July 1st, 1807, 
 arrived at Natchitoches. On his return, he received the thanks of the government, and 
 was appointed captain, shortly after, a major, and, in 1810, a colonel of infantry. Dur- 
 ing the intervals of his military duties, he prepared for the press a narrative of his two 
 expeditions, which was published in 1810. 
 
 In the beginning of 1813, Col. Pike was appointed a brigadier-general. On the 25th 
 of April, at the head of 1,500 choice troops, he sailed from Sackett's Harbor on an ex- 
 pedition against York, the capital of Upper Canada. On the 27lh, the whole force land, 
 ed near York, and were led on by Gen. Pike in person against the British works. They 
 advanced through the woods, and after carrying one battery by assault in the most gal- 
 lant manner, moved on in columns towards the main work. The fire of the enemy was 
 soon silenced by the fire of the American artillery, and a flag of surrender was expected, 
 when a tremendous explosion suddenly took place from the British magazine, which had 
 been previously prepared for this purj)osc. An immense quantity of large stones were 
 thrown with terrible force in every direction, one of which struck Gen. Pike on the 
 breast, and inflicted a mortal wound. The troops, recovering from their confusion, were 
 instantly formed again ; and as a body of them passed bv their wounded general, he 
 said — " Push on, brave fellows, and avenge your general." While the surgeons were car- 
 rymg him out of the field, a tumultuous huzza was heard ; Pike turned his head, with 
 an anxious look of inquiry : he was told by a sergeant, " The British union-jack is com. 
 ing down, general — the stars are going up !" He heaved a heavy sigli, and smiled. He 
 was then carried on board the commodore's ship, where he lingered for a few hours. 
 Just before he breathed his last, the British standard was brought to him ; he made a 
 sign to have it placed under his head, and expired without a groan. 
 
 The following inscriptions are from monuments in the graveyard 
 in the village of Woodbridge : — 
 
 In memory of Dr. Moses Bloo.mkield, 40 years a physician and surgeon, in this town, 
 senior physician and surgeon in the hospital of the United States, representative in the 
 provincial congress and general assembly, an upright jnagistrate, elder of the Preshyte- 
 rian church, &c. Born 4tli Dec., 1729, died 14th Aug., 1791, in his 63d year. Tim. 
 i. 12, — I know in whom I liave believed. 
 
 Here is interred the precious remains of Mrs. Rum Pierson, wife of the Rev. Mr 
 John Pierson, and daughter of the Rev. Timothy Woodbridge, of Hartford, ir New Eng 
 land, who fell asleep in Jesus, 7th of January, 1732, aetatis 38. 
 
 Reposed to rest, in this cold bed do lie 
 
 Remains of meekness, prudence, piety : 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. 337 
 
 Best of Christians, parents, wives, and friends, 
 Grim death to this dark liouse remorseless sends ; 
 Once dear to all, still dear to Christ, who'll make 
 This dust revive, and in his likeness wake. 
 
 MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 Monmouth co. was first established in 1675, but its boundaries 
 were definitely settled in 1709-10 and 1713-14. Its extreme length 
 is 65, and extreme breadth 32 m. ; it is bounded N. by Raritan bay, 
 E. by the Atlantic ocean, SW. by Burlington co., and NW. by Mid- 
 dlesex and Mercer cos. The soil is generally light, and the middle 
 and southern part mostly covered with pines. The surface is level, 
 excepting in the township of Middletown. Agriculture is the chief 
 business of the upper part of the county, and there are there many 
 farms under the highest state of cultivation. Marl abounds in this 
 region, and land, once comparatively valueless, has been rendered 
 very productive by this manure. Peat, mixed with a small portion 
 of lime, is growing into use in the w^estern part of the county for 
 fertilizing the land, and this material, fortunately, is in most cases 
 found where most required, viz., without the limits of the marl 
 formation. In the central and southern portions of the county, 
 there are a few settlements and furnaces scattered among the 
 pines. Along the sea-coast are several flourishing villages, from 
 which large quantities of wood and charcoal are exported. From 
 these places sail many coasting vessels, manned by skilful seamen, 
 unsurpassed by any in the Union. This county was originally set- 
 tled by Dutch, Scotch, and some New England emigrants, who 
 removed here about the year 1664. Twenty years later, it was 
 the most wealthy county in the province, and paid the greatest 
 amount of taxes. In the war of the revolution it suffered severely. 
 Its easy access from New York, and the safe anchorage for vessels 
 within Sandy Hook, rendered it a favorite resort of the royalists 
 for forage and plunder. 
 
 The above statistics relate to Monmouth County, before its division 
 at the formation of Ocean Co. The population in 1840, was 32,873 ; 
 by tlve State Census of 1865, it was 42,868. The following is a list of 
 the townships : 
 
 Atlantic, Manalapan, Matawan, Upper Freehold, 
 
 Freehold, Marlborough, OceaH, Wall. 
 
 Howell, Middletown, Raritan, 
 
 Eolmel, Millstone, Shrewsbury, 
 
 DOVER. 
 
 This township was first formed from Shrewsbury, in 1767, and 
 incorporated by the state legislature in 1798. It is about 20 in. 
 
328 MONMOUTH COUNTY 
 
 long, 16 wide, and is bounded N. by Freehold, Upper Freehold, and 
 Howell, E. by the Atlantic ocean, !S. by Stafford, and W. by Nor- 
 thampton and Hanover, Burlington co. There are in the township 
 20 stores, 2 lurnaces, 2 forges, 4 grist-m., 6 saw-m. ; cap. in manu- 
 fac. $1,900 ; 10 schools, 824 scholars. Pop. 2,731. inl865,3,262. 
 
 Along the seashore is a strip of fertile land ; the remaining por- 
 tion of the township is covered with pine, oak, maple, and cedar. 
 Outside of Barnegat bay, parallel with the coast. Island and Squan 
 beach stretch along for about 20 miles. 
 
 The thriving village of Toms River is on both banks of the river 
 of the same name, which is crossed by a handsome wooden bridge. 
 It is 25 miles S. of Freehold, and contains about 70 dwellings, 5 
 mercantile stores, and a Methodist church. The chief business is 
 the exportation of cord- wood and timber, in which many coasting 
 vessels are engaged. Cedar Creek or Williamsburg, 7 miles S. of 
 Toms River, contains about 25 dwellings. Goodluck is a small set- 
 tlement about half a mile SW. of the latter. Forked River, 2 miles 
 below Goodluck, has about 20 dwellings, a grist-mill, 2 stores, and 
 several mechanic shops. Considerable wood and charcoal are ex- 
 ported from here. At the Phcenix and Manchester furnaces, in the 
 N. part of the township, large quantities of iron have been manu- 
 factured. A railroad has lately been constructed from the latter 
 place, 9 miles in length, to Toms River. Dover and Farrago fur- 
 naces are in the central part. There are saw-mills scattered on 
 the various streams by which the township is abundantly watered, 
 at which are annually prepared immense quantities of lumber for 
 market. 
 
 In the American revolution, a rude fort or blockhouse was erect- 
 ed a short distance N. of the bridge, at the village of Toms River, 
 on a hill about a hundred yards E. of the road to Freehold, on land 
 now belonging to the heirs of Elijah Robins, deceased. In the lat- 
 ter part of the war this blockhouse was attacked by a superior 
 force of the enemy. Its commander, Capt. Huddy, most gallantly 
 defended it until his ammunition was expended, and no alternative 
 but surrender lell. Atl;er the little brave garrison was in their 
 power, it is said they deliberately murdered five men asking for 
 quarters. From thence Capt. Huddy, Justice Randolph, and the 
 remaining prisoners, were taken to New York, when, suffering the 
 various progressions of barbarity inflicted upon those destined to 
 a violent or lingering death, those two gentlemen, with a Mr. Flem- 
 ing, were put into the hold of a vessel. Capt. Huddy was ironed 
 hand and foot, and shortlj^ after barbarously hanged on the shore at 
 the Highlands of Navisink. Annexed is the British account of 
 this expedition, taken from Rivington's Royal Gazette : 
 
 The authentic account of the expedition against the rebel post on Toms river, New 
 Jersey, under the Honorable Board of Associated Loyalists : ' 
 
 On Wednesday the 20th inst., [March, 1782,] Lieut. Blanchard, of the armed whale- 
 boats, and alKJUt eii;hty men belonging to them, with Capt. Thomas and Lieut. Roberts, 
 both of the hitc Bucks county volunteers, and between thirty and forty other refugee 
 loyalists, the whole under tlie command of Lieut. Blanchard, proceeded to Sandy Hook, 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. 320 
 
 under convoy of Capt. Stewart Ross, in the armed brig Arrogant, where they were de- 
 tained by unfavorable winds until the 23d. About 12 o'clock on that niglit, the party 
 landed near the mouth of Toms river, and marched to the blockhouse at the town of 
 Dover, [now Toms River,] and reached it just at daylight. On their way they were 
 challenged and fired upon, and when they came to the works they found the rebels, con- 
 sisting of twenty-five or twenty-six twelve months men and militia, apprized of their com- 
 ing, and prepared for defence. 
 
 The post into which they had thrown themselves was about six or seven feet high, 
 made with large logs with loop-holes between, and a number of brass swivels on the top, 
 which was entirely open, nor was there any way of entering but by climbing over. They 
 had, besides swivels, muskets with bayonets, and long pikes for their defence. Lieut, 
 Blanchard summoned them to surrender, which they not only refused, but bid the party 
 defiance : on which he immediately ordered the place to be stormed, which was accord- 
 ingly done, and though defended with obstinacy, was soon carried. The rebels had 
 nine men killed in the assault, and twelve made prisoners, two of whom are wounded. 
 The rest made their escape in the confusion. Among the killed was a major of the mili- 
 tia, two captains, and one lieutenant. The captain of the twelve months men stationed 
 there, is amongst the prisoners, who are all brought safe to town. On our side, two 
 were killed — Lieut. Iredel, of the armed boatmen, and Lieut. Inslee, of the loyalists, 
 both very brave officers, who distinguished themselves on the attack, and whose loss ia 
 much lamented. Lieut. Roberts and five others are wounded, but it is thought none of 
 thern are in a dangerous way. 
 
 The Town, as it is called, consisting of about a dozen houses, Ln which none but a 
 piratical set of banditti resided, together with a grist and saw-mill, were with the block- 
 house burned to the ground, and an iron cannon spiked and thrown into the river. A 
 fine large barge, (called Hylor's barge,) and another boat in which the rebels used to 
 make their excursions on the coast, were brought off. Some other attempts were intend- 
 ed to have been made, but the appearance of bad weather, and the situation of the 
 wounded, being without either surgeon or medicines, induced the party to return to New 
 York, where they arrived on the twenty-fifth. 
 
 FREEHOLD. 
 
 This township was incorporated in 1798. Its extreme length is 23, 
 breadth 10 miles. It is bounded NW. by South Amboy and Mon- 
 roe, Middlesex co. ; E. by Middletown, Shrewsbury, and Howell ; 
 S. by Dover, and W. by tFpper Freehold. Its surface is level or un- 
 dulating ; soil, sand, loam, and clay. The southern part is covered 
 with pines, the northern and middle fertile, abounding in fine farms, 
 fertilized by marl of an excellent quality. There are in the town- 
 ship 12 stores, 11 grist-m., 11 saw-m. : can. in nianufac. !$21,165; 
 17 schools, 637 scholars. Pop. 6,303. in 1865.3,769. 
 
 The above statistics relate to the township of Freehold before the 
 formation of Ocean County in 1850. The boundaries of this town- 
 ship, as well as those of Monmouth County were much reduced.— 
 Freehold, the seat of justice for the county, is in the north part of the 
 township, slightly elevated above the surrounding country, and distant 
 from Trenton 30 miles, and is connected with the Camden and Amboy 
 railroad by a branch railroad 11 miles in extent, and with the New 
 Jersey at Monmouth Junction, 17 miles distant. The village is hand- 
 somely built, containing many large dwellings with spacious grounds, 
 exhibiting evidence of wealth and refinement. The main street is 
 about one mile in extent, with a largo number of shops and stores. 
 There are 4 hotels, a young ladies seminary, 2 schools for young men, 
 the Woodhull, and the Young Men's Institute ; 2 newspaper printing 
 
 42 
 
330 
 
 MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 offices, an iron founder j, 6 churches, 1 Episcopal, 1 Methodist, 1 Re- 
 formed Dutch, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Baptist and 1 Catholic. Of this num- 
 
 TTezc of the Court Uouse, Freehold. 
 ber the Episcopal is the most ancient. It was standing in the Rev- 
 olutionary war, and used for barracks for the soldiers. Balls, memen- 
 toes of perilous times, have been found in its walls. This villape 
 properly dates from the period when the County Courts were held 
 here in 1735, and in olden times known by the appellation of "Mon- 
 mouth Court House.^^ 
 
 A short time after, the first Court House was erected just in front of the present one. 
 near the street. It was an antique structure of wood, had a peaked roof, and the main 
 body of the house was covered with shingles. The present Court House was erected 
 about the year 1800 : the additions on each side were recently constructed. This vil- 
 lage will ever be memorable in American history, on account of one of the most san- 
 guinary conflicts of the Revolution, " the battle of Monmouth" fought in the vicinity 
 June 28th, 1778. 
 
 BATTLE OF MONMOUTH. 
 The main army of the Americans, after crossing Coryell's ferry, 
 (now Lambertville, Hunterdon co.,) on the 20th and 21st of June, 
 proceeded by the way of Hopewell, Rocky Hill, Kingston, and 
 Cranberry, and on the 28th overtook, at Monmouth Courthouse, 
 the British army, then on their retreat through New Jersey from 
 Philadelphia to New York. Annexed is Washington's account of 
 the battle, given in a letter to the President of Congress. 
 
 Englishtown, July 1, 1778. 
 
 Sir — I embrace this first moment of leisure to give congress a more full 
 and particular account of the movements of the army under my command, 
 since its passing the Delaware, than the situation of our affairs would here- 
 tofore permit. 
 
 I had the honor to advise them, that on the appearance of the enemy's in- 
 tentions to march through Jersey becoming serious, I had detached General 
 Maxwell's brigade, in conjunction with the militia of that state, to interrupt 
 and impede their progress by every obstruction in their power, so as to givo 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. 33I 
 
 time to the army under my command to come up with them, and take ad- 
 vantage of any favorable circumstances that might present themselves. The 
 army having proceeded to Coryell's ferry, and crossed the Delaware at that 
 place, I immediately detached Col. Morgan, with a select corps of 600 men, 
 to reinforce Gen. Maxwell, and marched with the main body toward 
 Princeton. 
 
 The slow advances of the enemy had greatly the air of design, and led 
 n>e with many otiiers to suspect that Gen. Clinton, desirous of a general ac- 
 tion, was endeavoring to draw us down into the lower country, in order by 
 a rapid movement to gain our right, and take possession of the strong ground 
 above us. This consideration, and to give the troops time to repose and re- 
 fresh themselves from the fatigues they had experienced from rainy and ex- 
 cessive hot weather, determined me to holt at Hopewell township, about five 
 miles from Princeton, where we remained until the morning of the 25th. 
 On the preceding day I made a second detachment of 1,500 chosen troops, 
 under Brigadier-general Scott, to reinforce those already in the vicinity of 
 the enemy, the more effectually to annoy and delay their march. 
 
 The next day the army moved to Kingston, and having received intelli- 
 gence that the enemy were prosecuting their route toward Monmouth 
 Courthouse, I dispatched 1,000 select men under Brigadier-general Wayne, 
 and sent the Marquis de Lafayette to take the command of the whole of the 
 advanced corps, including Maxwell's brigade and Morgan's light-infantry, 
 with orders to take the first fair opportunity of attacking the enemy's rear. 
 In the evening of the same day the whole army advanced from Kingston, 
 where our baggage was left, with intention to preserve a proper distance for 
 supporting the advanced corps, and arrived at Cranberry early the next 
 morning. The intense heat of the weather, and a heavy storm unluckily 
 coming on, made it impossible for us to resume our march that day, without 
 great inconvenience and injury to the troops. Our advanced corps being 
 differently circumstanced, moved from the position it had held the night be- 
 fore, and took post in the evening on the Monmouth road, about five miles 
 from the enemy's rear, in the expectation of attacking them the next morn- 
 ing on their march. The main body having remained at Cranberry, the ad- 
 vanced corps was found to be too remote, and too far upon the right, to be 
 sup|)orted either in case of an attack upon, or from the enemy, which in- 
 duced me to send orders to the marquis to file off by his left toward Eng- 
 lishiown, which he accordingly executed early in the morning of the 27th. 
 
 The enemy, in marching from AUentown, had changed their disposition, 
 and placed their best troops in the rear ; consisting of all the grenadiers, 
 light-infantry, and chasseurs of the Ime. This alteration made it necessary 
 to increase the number of our advanced corps, and in consequence of which 
 I detached Major-general Lee, with two brigades, to join the marquis at 
 Englishtown, on whom of course the command of the whole devolved, 
 amounting to about 5,000 men. The main army marched the same day, 
 and encamped within three miles of that place. Morgan's corps was left 
 hovering on tl.j enemy's right flank, and the Jersey militia, amounting at 
 this time to about 700 or 800 men, under Gen. Dickinson, on their left. 
 
 The enemy were now encamped in a strong pnsition, with their right ex- 
 tending about a mile and a half beyond the courthouse, in the parting of the 
 road leading to Shrewsbury and Middletown, and their lefl along the road 
 from AUentown to Monmouth, about three miles this side of the courthouse. 
 Their right flank lay on the skirt of a small wood, while their left was se- 
 cured by a very thick one; a morass running toward their rear, and their 
 
332 MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 whole front covered by a wood, and to a considerable extent toward the left 
 with a morass. In this situation they halted, until the morning of the 28th. 
 
 Matters being thus situated, and having had the best information, that if 
 the enemy were once arrived at the heights of Middletown, 10 or 12 miles 
 from where they were, it would be impossible to attempt any thing against 
 them with a prospect of success, I determined to attack their rear the mo- 
 ment they should get in motion from their present ground. I communicated 
 my intention to Gen. Lee, and ordered him to make his disposition for the 
 attack, and to keep his troops constantly lying upon their arms, to be in 
 readiness at the shortest notice. This was done with respect to the troops 
 under my immediate command. 
 
 About five in the morning Gen. Dickinson sent an express, informing that 
 the front of the enemy had begun their march. I instantly put the army in 
 motion, and sent orders by one of my aids to Gen. Lee, to move on and at- 
 tack them, unless there should be very powerful reasons to the contrary ; 
 acquainting him at the same time that I was marching to support him, and 
 for doing it with the greatest expedition and convenience, should make the 
 men disencumber themselves of their packs and blankets. 
 
 After marching five miles, to my great surprise and mortification, I met 
 the whole advanced corps retreating, and, as I was told, by Gen. Lee's or- 
 ders, without having made any opposition, except one fire, given by the par- 
 ty under the command of Col. Butler, on their being charged by the enemy's 
 cavalry, who were repulsed. I proceeded immediately to the rear of the 
 corps, which I found closely pressed by the enemy, and gave directions for 
 forming part of the retreating troops, who, by the brave and spirited con- 
 duct of the officers, aided by some pieces of well-served artillery, checked 
 the enemy's advances, and gave time to make a disposition of the left wing 
 and second lines of the army upon an eminence and in a wood a little in 
 the rear, covered by a morass in front. On this were placed some batteries 
 of cannon, by Lord Stirling, who commanded the left wing, which played 
 upon the enemy with great effect, and seconded by parties of infantry de- 
 tached to oppose them, effectually put a stop to their advance. 
 
 Gen. Lee being detached with the advanced corps, the command of the 
 right wing was given, for the occasion, to Gen. Greene. For the expedi- 
 tion of the march, and to counteract any attempt to turn our right, I had 
 ordered him to file off by the new church 2 miles from Englishtown, and 
 fall into the Monmouth road, a small distance in the rear of the courthouse, 
 while the rest of the column moved on directly toward the courthouse. On 
 intelligence of the retreat, he marched up, and took up a very advantageous 
 position on the right. 
 
 The enemy, by this time finding themselves warmly opposed in front, 
 made an attempt to turn our left flank ; but they were bravely repulsed, 
 and driven back by detached parties of infantry. They also made a move- 
 ment toward our right, with as little success; Gen. Greene having ad- 
 vanced a body of troops, with artillery, to a commanding piece of ground, — 
 which not only disappointed their design of turning our right, but severely 
 enfiladed those in front of the left wing. In addition to this, Gen. Wayne 
 advanced with a body of troops, and kept up so severe and well-directed a 
 fire, that the enemy were soon compelled to retire behind the defile where 
 the first stand in the beginning of the action was made. 
 
 In this situation, the enemy had both their flanks secured by thick woods 
 and morasses, while their front could only be approached through a narrow 
 
, MONMOUTH COUNTY. 33.^ 
 
 pass. I resolved, nevertheless, to attack them, — and for that purpose or- 
 dered Gen. Poor, with his own and the Carolina brigade, to move round 
 upon their right, and Gen. Woodford upon their left, and the artillery to gall 
 them in front ; but the impediments in the way prevented their getting with- 
 in reach before it was dark. They remained upon the ground they had 
 been directed to occupy, during the night, with intention to begin the attack 
 early the next morning ; and the army continued lying upon their arms in 
 the field of action, to be ready to support them. In the mean time, the ene- 
 my were employed in removing their wounded, and, about 12 o'clock at 
 night, marched away in such silence, that, although Gen. Poor lay extreme- 
 ly near them, they effected their retreat without his knowledge. They car- 
 ried off all their wounded except four officers and about forty privates, whose 
 wounds were too dangerous to permit their removal. The extreme heat of 
 the weather, thb fatigue of the men from their march through a deep, sandy- 
 country, almost entirely destitute of water, and the distance the enemy had 
 gained by marching in the night, made a pursuit impracticable and fruitless. 
 It would have answered no valuable purpose, and proved fatal to numbers 
 of our men, — several of whom died the preceding day with heat. 
 
 Were I to conclude my account of this day's transactions without ex- 
 pressing my obligations to the officers of the army in general, I should do 
 injustice to their merit, and violence to my own feelings. They seemed to 
 vie with each other in manifesting their zeal and bravery. The catalogue 
 of those who distinguished themselves, is too long to admit of particularizing 
 individuals. I cannot, however, forbear mentioning Brigadier-general 
 Wayne, whose conduct and bravery during the whole action deserve par- 
 ticular commendation. The behavior of the troops in general, after they 
 recovered from the first surprise occasioned by the retreat of the advanced 
 corps, was such as could not be surpassed. 
 
 All the artillery, both officers and men, that were engaged, distinguished 
 themselves in a remarkable manner. 
 
 Enclosed, congress will be pleased to receive a return of our killed and 
 wounded. Among the first, were Lieut. Col. Bunner, of Pennsylvania, and 
 Maj. Dickinson, of Virginia, — both distinguished officers, and much to be 
 regretted. The enemy's slain on the field, and buried by us, — according to 
 the return of the persons assigned to that duty, — were four officers, and 245 
 privates. In the former was the Hon. Col. Monckton. Exclusive of these, 
 they buried some themselves, — as there were several new graves near the 
 field of battle. How many men they have had wounded, cannot be deter- 
 mined ; but, from the usual proportion, the number must have been conside- 
 rable. There were a few prisoners taken. 
 
 The peculiar situation of Gen. Lee at this time, requires that I should 
 say nothing of his conduct. He is now in arrest. The charges against 
 him, with such sentence as the court-martial may decree in his case, shall 
 be transmitted, for the approbation or disapprobation of congress, as soon as 
 It shall have passed. 
 
 Being fully convinced, by the gentlemen of this country, that the enemy 
 cannoi be hurt or injured in their embarkation at Sandy Hook, (the place 
 to which they are now moving,) and unwilling to get too far removed 
 from the North river, I put the troops in motion early this morning, and 
 shall proceed that way, — leaving the Jersey Brigade, Morgan's corps, and 
 other light parties, (the militia being all dismissed,) to hover about them, 
 countenance desertion, and prevent depredations as far as possible. After 
 
334 MONMOUTH COUN FY. • 
 
 the> embark, the former will take post in the neighborhood of Elizabeth, 
 town, the latter rejoin the corps from which they were detached. I have the 
 honor, &c. G. Washington. 
 
 Return of the killed, wounded, and missing, of the American army, in the battle of 
 Monmouth, on the 28th day of June, 1778. 
 
 Killed — 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 major, 3 captains, 2 lieutenants, 1 sergeant, 52 rank 
 and file. 
 
 Wounded — 2 colonels, 8 captains, 4 first lieutenants, 2 second lieutenants, 1 ensign, 1 
 adjutant, 8 sergeants, 1 drummer, 120 rank and file. 
 
 Missing — 5 sergeants, 126 rank and file. Some of the missing, dropped through fa- 
 tigue and hardship, since come in. 
 
 Artillery. — Killed — 1 first lieutenant, 7 matrosses, 1 bombardier. Wounded — 1 cap- 
 tain, 1 sergeant, 1 corporal, 1 gunner, 10 matrosses. Missing — 1 matross. Six horses 
 killed, and two wounded. 
 
 The following is extracted from the General Orders, issued the 
 day after the battle of Monmouth, and dated, Head-quarters, Free- 
 hold, June 29, 1778 : 
 
 The commander-in-chief congratulates the army on the victory obtained over the arms 
 of his Britannic Majesty, and thanks most sincerely the gallant officers 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. 
 
 Gen. Dickinson, and the militia of this state, are also thanked for their nobleness in 
 opposing the enemy on their march from Philadelphia, and for the aid which they have 
 given in embarrassing and impeding their motions so as to allow the continental troops 
 to come up with them. 
 
 It is with peculiar pleasure the commander-in-chief, in addition to the above, can in- 
 form Gen. Knox, and the officers of the artillery, that the enemy have done them the 
 justice to acknowledge that no artillery could have been better served than ours 
 
 The following is the British account of the battle of Monmouth, 
 given in a letter from Sir Henry Clinton to Lord George Germaine, 
 and published in the London Gazette of Aug, 24th, 1778 : 
 
 New York, July 5th, 1778. 
 
 My Lord : I have the honor to inform your lordship that, pursuant to his majesty's 
 instructions, I evacuated Philadelphia on the 18th of June, at three o'clock in the morn- 
 ing, and proceeded to (iloucester Point, without being followed by the enemy. Every 
 thing from thence being passed in safety across the Delaware, through the excellent dis- 
 position made by our admiral to secure our passage, the army marched at ten o'clock, 
 and reached Haddonfield the same day. A strong corps of the enemy having, upon our 
 approach, abandoned the difficult pass of Mount Holly, the army proceeded, without 
 any interruption from them, except by what was occasioned by their having destroyed 
 every bridge on our road. As the country is much intersected with marshy rivulets, the ob- 
 structions we met with were frequent ; and the excessive heat of the weather rendered 
 the labor of repairing the bridges severely felt. 
 
 The advanced parties of our light troops arriving unexpectedly at Crosswicks, on the 
 23d, after a trifling skirmish, prevented the enemy from destroying a bridge over a large 
 creek at that village; and the army passed it the next morning. One column, under 
 the command of his excellency Lieut. Gen. Knyphausen, halted near Imlay's town ; 
 and as the provision train and heavy artillery were stationed in that division, the other 
 column, under Lieut. Gen. Earl Cornwallis, took a position at Allen's town, which cov- 
 ered the other eticampmcnt. Tiius far, my lord, my march pointed equail}' toward Hud- 
 son river and Staten Island, by the Raritan. I was now at the juncture when it was 
 necessary to decide ultimately what eourse to pursue. Encumbered as I was by an 
 enormous provision train, Slc, to which impediment the probabihty of obstructions and 
 length of my march obliged me to submit, I was led to wish for a route less liable to ob- 
 Btacles than those above mentioned. 
 
 I had received intelligence that Gen. Washington and Lee had passed the Deltu 
 ware, with tlicir army, had assembled a numerous militia, from all the neighboring prov- 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. 335 
 
 inces ; and that Gates, with an army from the northward, was advancing to join them 
 on the Raritan. As I could not hope tliat, after having always hitherto so studiously 
 avoided a general action, they would now give in to it, against every dictate of policy, 
 I could only suppose his views were directed against my baggage, &c., in which prtrt I 
 was indeed vulnerable. This circumstance alone would have tempted me to avoid the 
 difficult passage of the Raritan ; but when I reflected that from Sandy Hook I should 
 be able, with more expedition, to carry his majesty's further orders into execution, I did 
 not hesitate to order tlie army into the road which leads through Freehold to the Navi- 
 eink. The approach of the enemy's army being denoted by the frequent appearance of 
 their light troops on our rear, I requested his excellency Lieut. Gen. Knyphausen to take 
 the baggage of the whole army under the charge of his division, consisting of the troops 
 mentioned in the margin.* Under the head of baggage was comprised not only all the 
 wheel-carriages, of every department, but also the bat-horses ; a train which, as the 
 country admitted but of one route for carriages, extended near twelve miles. The indis- 
 pensable necessity I was under of securing these is obvious, and the difficulty of doing 
 it, in a most woody country, against an army far superior in numbers, will, I trust, be no 
 less so. 
 
 I desired Lieut. Gen. Knyphausen to move at daybreak, on the 28th ; and that I miglit 
 not press upon him, in the first part of the march, in which we had but one route, I did 
 not follow him with the other division! until near eight o'clock. Soon after I had 
 marched, rcconnoitering parties of the enemy appeared on our left flank. The Queen''s 
 Rangers fell in with and dispersed some detachments, among the woods, in the same 
 quarter. Our rcar.guard having descended from the heights, above Freehold, into a plain 
 near three miles in length, and about one mile in breadth, several columns of the enemy 
 appeared likewise descending into the plain ; and about ten o'clock they began to cannonade 
 our rear. Intelligence was this moment brought me that the enemy were discovered 
 marching in force on both our flanks. I was convinced that our baggage was their 
 object ; but it being in this juncture engaged in the defiles, which continued for some 
 miles, no means occurred of parrying the blow, but attacking the corps which harassed 
 our rear, and pressing it so hard as to oblige the detachments to return from our flanks 
 to its assistance. 
 
 I had good information that Gen. Washington was up with his whole army, esti- 
 mated at about 20,000 ; but as I knew there were two defiles between him and the corps 
 at which I meant to strike, I judged that he could not have passed them with a 
 greater force than what Lord Cornwallis's division was well able to engage ; and had 
 I even met his whole army in the passage of those defiles, I had but little to apprehend 
 but his situation might have been critical. 
 
 The enemy's cavalry, commanded, it is said, by M. Lafayette, having approached 
 our reach, they were charged, with great spirit, by the Queen's Light Dragoons. They 
 did not wait the shock, but fell back, in confusion, upon their own infantry. 
 
 Thinking it possible that the event might draw to a general action, I sent for a 
 brigade of British, and the 17th Light Dragoons, from Lieut. Gen. Knyphausen's division ; 
 and having directed them, on their arrival, to take a position efFectually covering our 
 right flank, of which I was most jealous, I made a disposition of attack on the plain. 
 But before I could advance, the enemy fell back, and took a strong position on the 
 heights above Freehold courthouse. The heat of the weather was intense, and our men 
 already suffered severely from fatigue. But our circumstances obliged us to make a 
 vigorous exertion. The British Grenadiers, with their left to the village of Freehold, 
 and the Guards on the right of the Grenadiers, began the attack with such spirit, that 
 the enemy gave way immediately. The second line of the enemy stood the attack with 
 greater obstinacy, but was likewise completely routed. They then took a third position, 
 with a marshy hollow in front, over which it would have been scarcely possible to have 
 attacked them. However, i);irt of the second line made a movement to the front, occu- 
 pied some ground on the enemy's left flank, and the Light Infantry and Queen's Ran- 
 gers turned their left. 
 
 By this time our men were so overpowered with fatigue, that I could press the affair 
 
 * 17th Light Dragoons, 2d battalion of Light Infantry, Hessian Yagers, 1st and 2d 
 brigades British, Stern's and Loo's brigades of Hessians, Pennsylvania Loyalists, West 
 Jersey Volunteers, Maryland Loyalists. 
 
 t Hith Light Dragoons, 1st battalion of British Grenadiers, 2d ditto, 1st battaUon 
 cf Light Infantry, Hessian Grenadiers, Guards, 3d, 4lh, 5th brigades British. 
 
336 MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 no further ; especially as I was confident the end was gained for which the attack had 
 been made. 
 
 I ordered the Light Infantry to rejoin nic, but a strong detachment of the enemy 
 having possessed themselves of a post which would have annoyed them in their retreat, 
 the 33d regiment made a movement toward the enemy ; which, with a similar one made 
 by the first Grenadiers, immediately dispersed them. 
 
 I took the position from which the eneirty had been first driven, after they had quitted 
 the plain ; and having reposed the troops until ten at night, to avoid the excessive heat 
 of tlie d:iy, I took advantage of the moonlight to rejoin Lieut. Gen. Knyphausen, who 
 had advanced to Nut Swamp, near Middletown. 
 
 Our baggage had been attempted by some of the enemy's hght troops, who were re- 
 pulsed by the good dispositions made by Lieut. Gen. Knyphausen and Maj. Gen. Grant, 
 and the good countenance of the 40th regiment, whose piquets alone were attacked, 
 and one troop of the 17th Light Dragoons. The two corps which had marched against 
 it (being, as I since learn, a brigade on each flank) were recalled, as I had suspected, 
 at the beginning of the action. 
 
 It would be sufficient honor to the troops to barely say, that they had forced a corps, 
 as I am informed, of near 12,000 men, from two strong positions ; but it will, I doubt 
 not, be considered doubly creditable when I mention they did it under such disadvan- 
 tages of heat and fatigue, that a great part of those we lost fell dead as they ad- 
 vanced. 
 
 Fearing that my order had miscarried, before I quitted the ground I sent a second, 
 for a brigade of infantry, the 17th Light Dragoons, and the 2d battalion of Ligiit In- 
 fantry, to meet on the march, to which additional force had Gen. Washington shown 
 himself the next day, I was determined to attack him ; but there being not tiie least 
 appearance of an enemy, I suspected he might have passed a considerable corps to a 
 strong position, near Middletown ; I therefore left the rear-guard on its march, and de- 
 tached Maj. Gen. Grant to take post there, which was effected on the 29th. The whole 
 army marched to this position the next day, and then fell back to another, near Navi- 
 sink ; where I waited two days, in the hope that Mr. Washington might have been 
 tempted to advance to the position near Middletown, which we had quitted ; in which 
 case I might have attacked him to advantage. 
 
 During this time the sick and wounded were embarked, and preparations made for 
 passing to Sandy Ilook island, by a bridge, which by the extraordinary labors of the 
 men was soon completed, and over which the whole army passed, in about two hours' 
 time ; the horses and cattle having been previously transported. 
 
 Your lordship will receive herewith a return of the killed, wounded, missing, &c., of 
 his majesty's troops, on the 28th of last month. That of the enemy is supposed to have 
 been more considerable, especially in killed. 
 
 The loss of Lieut. Col. Monckton, who commanded the 2d battalion of Grenadiers, 
 is much to be lamented. 
 
 I am much indebted to Lord Cornwallis for his zealous services, on every occasion ; 
 and I found great support from the activity of Maj. Gen. Grey, Brig. Gens. Matthew, 
 Leslie, and Sir William Erskine. 
 
 I beg leave to refer your lordship, for any other particulars which you may wish to 
 be informed of, to Col. Patterson, who will have the honor of delivering these dis- 
 patches, and whose services in this country entitle him to every mark of your lordship's 
 favor. 
 
 I have the honor to be, &c. H. CLINTON. 
 
 Return of the killed, wounded, missing, §•€., of the troops under the command of Gen. 
 Sir Henri/ Clinton, in an engagement with the Rebel army, on the heights of Free- 
 hold, Monmouth county. New Jersey, the 28th of June, 1778. 
 
 Total British. — 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 4 sergeants, 56 rank and 
 file killed ; 3 sergeants, 45 rank and file died with fatigue ; 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant-col- 
 onel, 1 major, 7 captains, 5 lieutenants, 7 sergeants, 137 rank and file wounded; 7 ser- 
 geants, 61 rank and file missing. 
 
 Total German. — 1 rank and file killed, 11 rank and file died with fatigue, 11 rank 
 and file wounded. 
 
 General Total. — 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 4 sergeants, 57 rank 
 and file killed; 3 sergeants, 56 rank and file died with fatigue; 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant- 
 colonel, 1 major, 7 captains, 5 lieutenants, 7 sergeants, 148 rank and file wounded j 7 
 ■ergeants, 61 rank and file missing 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. 337 
 
 Names and rank oj the officers returned, killed and wounded, on the 28th of June, 1778. 
 Royal Artillery — Lieut. Vaughan, killed. 1 st Grenadiers — Capt. Gore, of the 5th com- 
 pany, killed. 2d Grenadiers — Lieut. Col. Hon. H. Monckton, of the 5th company, (com- 
 mandinsc the battalion ;) Lieut. Kenedy, of the 44th company, killed. 1st Grenadiers — 
 Capt. Cathcart, of the 15th company; Capt. Bereton, of the 17th company; Captain 
 Willis, of the 23d company, wounded. 2d Grenadiers — Major Gardner, of the 10th 
 company ; Capt. Leighton, of the 46th company ; Capt. Powell, of the 52d company ; 
 Lieut. Gilchrist, of the 42d company ; Lieut. Kelly, of the 44th company ; Lieut. Pau- 
 mier, of the 45th company ; Lieut. Goroffe, of the 52d company, wounded. Foot 
 Guards — Col. Trelawney, Capt. Bellue, wounded. 15th Regiment — Capt. Ditmas, (at- 
 tached to the 2d Grenadiers,) wounded. Marines — Lieut. Desborough, (attached to the 
 2d Grenadiers,) wounded. Queen's American Rangers — Lieut. Col. Simcoe, wounded. 
 
 H. CLINTON. 
 
 The annexed account of the battle of Monmouth is translated 
 for this work from a French publication, entitled " Historical and 
 Political Essays on the North American Revolution, by M. Hilliard 
 d'Auberteuil. Published at Brussels and Paris, 1782." The ac- 
 companying plan of the battle is reduced from one in this work. 
 
 Having arrived at the heights of Princeton on the 23d, Washington sent a new de 
 tachment, under the command of Marquis de Lafayette, to harass the enemy during their 
 march ; but this detachment being too feeble and incompetent to undertake more than 
 light skirmishes, he forwarded a considerable reinforcement The M. de Lafayette was 
 to keep command of these united bodies of troops, which were destined to pursue the 
 English in their march to Amboy, and hold them in check until Gen. Washington should 
 arrive with the main body of the army ; but Charles Lee, just delivered from imprison- 
 ment, iiad rejoined the camp, and availing himself of his seniority, claimed his right to 
 command. Instead of endeavoring to cut ofTthe English army in its passage, he made 
 only a feeble movement to gain the advance of the enemy near a small piece of woods, 
 a little below the village of Monmouth Courthouse, where the English army had passed 
 the night of the 27th of June. At this time the English column, deploying itself on the 
 left, detached a party of dragoons to advance to the right of the Americans, who left 
 the woods, and opened a discharge from two batteries of cannon, which they had ad- 
 vantageously stationed. Soon the American troops began to witlidraw, and to bui'y 
 themselves in the woods, from which they emerged in four columns, 1,200 paces above 
 their first position. They stationed two batteries within 300 paces of those of the ene- 
 my ; two bodies of troops formed to the right of these batteries, but their timid orders 
 obliged them to retire without a discharge. The other brigades, which were beyond the 
 village, retreated almost as quickly, without waiting for the enemy, and stopped at a dis- 
 tance of 300 paces, between two woods, in a position which they soon abandoned, to 
 throw themselves into a wood on the left. They were there vigorously attacked by the 
 English, and retreated still further, leaving behind them an advantageous position, from 
 which the English could not have driven them, without traversing a deep ravine, the 
 passage of which could be commanded by two pieces of cannon. It is not easy to see 
 the occasion of so many successive retreats, — so many multiplied mistakes. A panic 
 appears to iiave seized the detachment under Gen. Lee, or rather the general himself. 
 At length Washington arrived, and courage began to revive : the troops rallied in a po- 
 sition less favorable than most of those which they had abandoned, and there sustained 
 a discharge from the English infantry ; and Col. Stuart, with two pieces of cannon, dis- 
 persed the dragoons who made an attack upon them. 
 
 Wc can well imagine the indignation of Washington, on learning the disorders which 
 occurred before his arrival. Astonished at so many precipitate retreats, he hastened to 
 place the troops of Lee's detachment in the rear of two lines, which he formed on a 
 neighijoring eminence. Observing that the English infantry were preparing to make an 
 attack on the left, commanded by I^ord Stirling, he stationed there a battery, which told 
 80 well that the enemy was obligfid to rally in turn. Gen. Gtcnc led the riglit ; a battery 
 of six pieces of cannon, under command of Chevalier Plessis Mauduit, was stationed at 
 500 paces in advance, on the right, taking tiie English on the flank, and forced them, af- 
 ter two hours of incessant firing, to retreat a second time, whilst the corps detached by 
 Gen. Washington attacked them in front with great success. Thrice they rallied ; thrice 
 they were repulsed; finally they were compelled to quit the field, and in their flight to re. 
 
 43 
 
338 
 
 MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 PLAN 
 
 THE BATTLE OF MONMOUTH, 
 
 Where General Washington commanded the 
 
 American army, and General Clinton the 
 
 English army, 
 
 June 28th, 1778. 
 
 a Position occupied Ijy tlic Englisli on tFie eve of the 
 battle. 
 
 1 English column deploying itself to the left, from which 
 
 were detached the dragoons, to take a position on 
 the right of the American columns, which were de- 
 bouching (or emerging) from the woods. 
 
 2 First battery of the English, which discharged wliile 
 
 deploying. 
 
 3 Debouchcment of the 1st brigade of the detachment 
 
 of Gen. Leo, stationed in the woods, where the 
 rest of the detachment debouched in four columns. 
 
 4 Debouchenient of the four columns. 
 
 5 Second battery of the English. 
 
 6-7 First and secotiil batteries of the Americans. 
 S Troops formed at the right of the batteries 6 and 7, 
 which were ordered to retire without discharging. 
 
 9 Village of Monmouth, containing the courthouse. 
 
 10 Troops formed before Monmouth, which withdrew 
 
 without waiting for the enemy. 
 
 11 First position occupied by all the troops under com- 
 
 mand of Gen. Lee, where they did not wait for the 
 attack, and from which they threw themselves into 
 the woods on the left. 
 
 12 Fierce attack of the English on the troops thrown into 
 
 the woods during the retreat from position 11. 
 
 13 Second position occupied by the rest of the troops, 
 
 and from which they withdrew when charged by 
 the English dragoons, which were afterwards dis- 
 persed by Col. iJtuart. 
 
 14 Point from which debouched a body of English, hav- 
 
 ing fired on the rest of the troops which still occu- 
 pied position \'i. 
 
 15 Position taken by the troops on retiring from point 13, 
 
 and from which Gen. VVashington look them behind 
 the line which he had just formed at point 1(5. 
 
 16 Position which Gen. Washington occupied by the 
 
 troops which came to support Gen. Lee's detach- 
 ment. 
 
 n English column which advanced to attack the left, 
 and withdrew after reconiioitering. 
 
 18 Battery of six pieces, commanded hy Chevalier du 
 
 Plessis Mauduit, and supported by oOO men. 
 
 19 Position occupied by the English troops withdrawn 
 
 from points 14 and 17, and from which they were 
 repidsed with great loss. 
 
 30 Station occupied by the English after having been 
 driven from point 19. 
 
 21 New position taken by the English when Washington 
 attacked them, and from which also they were re- 
 pulsed. 
 
 83 
 
 Final posilioD of the Engligb, where thej ptsted the 
 nifbt. 
 
 #3 ^H^~ 
 
 2 \ / 
 
 ''''^i0F/>,p,j§\m"0'\ 
 
 ♦♦ 6 
 
 ' '^.i~^ 
 
 
 
 
 ImiU 
 
 JUn^lish'lhwn, 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. 339 
 
 pass the si me ravine which Gen. Lee had not been able to defend. At a moderate dis- 
 tance they halted, still preserving their front. Washington pursued them in good order, 
 and directed two brigades to advance on each of their flanks. This last attack resulted 
 like the preceding, but night came on, and interrupted the victory. 
 
 Clinton availed himself of the darkness, not choosing to wait for the hazards of the 
 morrow ; he hastened his march toward the road for Amboy, leavmg the Americans 
 masters of the battle-field, covered with wounded and dead. The Germans were so ex- 
 hausted by fatigue and the heat, that many were found dead who had received no wound. 
 Col. Monckton was slain. It was .said that, at the last, Sir Henry CUnton left, on the 
 field, a sack, containing a letter to Gen. Washington, recommending the wounded to his 
 humanitv. The number of English killed in this combat was as great as 300 ; and this 
 loss was" the more important, because Clinton had commenced his attack with veteran 
 grenadiers and light-infantry. Yet the objects aimed at by Washington were still unac- 
 complished ; his victory still imcertain. He -wished to prevent Clinton from passing be- 
 yond Monmouth and re-embarking, but his intentions were frustrated, and although he 
 had gained the victory, he could not reap from it any advantage. On the other hand, 
 Clinton, although vanquished and flying, had secured all he had promised to liimself 
 Washino-ton had accomplished all that liis valor and skill could effect, but the fate of the 
 day was compromised before he reached the field of battle. There was great complaint 
 against Gen. Lee ; he was even accused of having bargained with the English while he 
 was their prisoner ; his conduct was examined by a court-martial, whose decision, being 
 confirmed by an act of congress, obliged him to leave the service. 
 
 The following incidents relating to the battle, were mainly de- 
 rived from conversation with the venerable Dr. Samuel Forman, 
 now residing near Freehold, who was on the battle-field the day 
 after the action. His father, Mr. David Forman, and Mr. Peter 
 Wikofi', acted as guides to Washington, and testified to his extra- 
 ordinary coolness and presence of mind amid the exciting scenes 
 of the engagement. We have also drawn a map from personal 
 observation, giving the roads and other localities as at the pres- 
 ent day, together with the most important positions of the two ar- 
 mies as fixed by tradition. 
 
 The action commenced in the morning after breakfast, in the 
 vicinity of Briar Hill, (A. see map,) distant a half or three quarters 
 of a mile beyond the courthouse. From thence the Americans 
 under Lee slowly retreated before the enemy about three miles, 
 until they came in the vicinity of the parsonage, (P.) where a final 
 stand was made, and the principal action fought. Here Washing- 
 ton met Lee in the field immediately north of this dwelling, and 
 riding up to him, with astonishment asked, " What is the meaning 
 of this ?" * Lee being somewhat confused, and not distinctly under- 
 standing the question, replied, "Sir! sir!" Washington the second 
 time said, " What is all that confusion for, and retreat ?"f Lee re- 
 
 * This conversation has been variously stated in different accounts, and Weems's Life 
 of Washington imputes grossly insulting language to Lee. That given above is from 
 the testimony of Capt. Mercer and others, taken from the printed proceedings of the 
 General Court Martial, on the trial of Lee. 
 
 t Lieut. Col. Brookes, in his testimony at the trial, says, " On Washington's coming up 
 to Lee, he said, " What is the meaning of all tliis ?" Lee answered, the contradictory 
 intelligence, and his orders not being obeyed, was the reason of his finding them in that 
 situation. His Excellency, showing considerable warmth, said he was sorry Gen. Lee 
 undertook the command, unless he meant to fight the enemy, (or words to that effect.) 
 Gen. Lee observed that it was his private opinion it was not for the interests of America 
 or the army, (I cannot say which,) to have a general action, but notwithstanding was 
 
340 
 
 MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 plied, "He saw no confusion but what arose from his orders not be- 
 ing properly obeyed." Washington mentioned that " he had cer- 
 tain information that it was but a strong covering party of the ene- 
 my." Lee answered, " It might be so, but they were rather stronger 
 
 PLAN 
 
 OF THE 
 
 BATTLE OF MONMOUTH, 
 
 Fought Sunday, June 28, 1778. 
 
 REFERENCES. 
 
 S. Road to Shrewsbury. 
 M. do. " Middletown. 
 A. Briar HiU. 
 C. Road to Allentown. 
 
 E. Washington's main body. 
 H. Comb's Hill. 
 
 W. Advanced corps of Americans under 
 
 Wayne. 
 P. Parsonage. 
 G. Fence. 
 
 F. British main army. 
 
 I. Encampment of do. on the night after 
 
 the action. 
 L. Forest now standing. 
 
 than he was, and that he did not think it proper to risk so much," 
 or words to that effect. Washington said, " You should not have 
 undertaken it," and then passed by him. Shortly after, Washington 
 again met him, and asked " if he would take command there ; it 
 not, he (Washington) would ; if Gen. Lee would take command 
 there, he would return to the main army and arrange it." Lee re- 
 plied, that " his Excellency had before given him the command 
 there." Washington told him he expected he would take proper 
 measures for checking the enemy there. Lee replied that his or- 
 ders should be obeyed, and that he would not be the lirst to leave 
 
 the field ; and Washington then rode to the main army 
 
 Immediately after this. Col. Hamilton, in great heat, rode up to Lee, 
 and said, " I will stay here with you, my dear general, and die with 
 you ; let us (ill die here rather than retreat." 
 
 willing to obey his orders at all times ; but in the situation he had been in, he thought it 
 by no means warrantable to bring on an action, or words to that efl'ect. 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. 34 1 
 
 When the action had become general, the British army occupied 
 the eminence east of the brook, somewhere in the vicinity of F., 
 then covered by an apple orchard. The main body of Washington's 
 army were stationed at E. E., on land considerably lower than the 
 enemy. An advanced corps of the Americans under Wayne was on 
 high ground, nearly as much elevated as that of the British at W., 
 close by a barn (now down) about twelve rods back of the parson- 
 age, while a park of artillery w^ere on Comb's Hill, (H.) a height 
 commanding that occupied by the enemy. 
 
 The British grenadiers several times crossed the fence, (G.) and 
 advanced toward the barn, but were as often driven back by the 
 fire of the troops stationed there, and the artillery from Comb's 
 Hill. At length Col. Monckton, their leader, made to them a spirit- 
 ed address, which was distinctly heard by the Americans at the 
 barn and parsonage, distant only twenty or thirty rods. They then 
 advanced in beautiful order, as though on parade. Such was the 
 regularity of their march, that it is said a cannon ball from Comb's 
 Hill disarmed a whole platoon. As they approached within a few 
 rods of the barn, Wayne ordered his men to pick out the officers ; 
 they thereupon poured in a terrible fire, when almost every Brit- 
 ish officer fell, among whom was their leader, the gallant Col. 
 Monckton. The spot near where he was killed is marked to the 
 present day by an oak stump in the ploughed field about eight rods 
 NE. of the parsonage. A desperate hand to hand struggle then 
 occurred for the possession of his body, in which the Americans 
 finally succeeded, and the grenadiers were driven back, and did not, 
 it is believed, again advance beyond the fence. At night the ene- 
 my encamped for a few hours behind the woods L. L., in the vicin- 
 ity of I., and after the moon had set, secretly retreated towards the 
 highlands of Navisink. During the action, Morgan lay with his 
 corps at Richmond's (now Shumar's) mills, three miles south of the 
 courthouse, where he had for guides Col. Joseph Haight, Tunis and 
 Samuel Forman. For some unknown reason he did not partici- 
 pate in the events of the day. He was waiting for orders in an 
 agony of indecision, walking to and fro for hours within sound of 
 the conflict, uncertain what course to pursue. Had he received 
 directions to attack the enemy in rear with his fresh troops, when 
 exhausted by fatigue and heat, their whole army might have been 
 taken. 
 
 Comparatively few of the Americans were killed on the west 
 side of the brook ; those in the vicinity of the barn suffered severe- 
 ly. The most desperate part of the conflict was in the vicinity of 
 where Monckton fell. There the British grenadiers lay in heaps 
 like sheaves on a harvest-field. Our informant states that they 
 dragged the corpses by the heels to shallow pits dug for the pur- 
 pose, and slightly covered them with earth ; he saw thirteen buried 
 in one hole. For many years after, their graves Avere indicated by 
 the luxuriance of the vegetation. Among the enemy's dead was a 
 sergeant of grenadiers, designated as the " high sergeant." He was 
 
342 MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 the tallest man in the British army, measuring seven feet and four 
 inches in height. 
 
 The day was unusually hot even for the season, and both armies 
 suffered severely ; the British more than the Americans, because 
 in their woollen uniforms, and burdened with their knapsacks and 
 accoutrements, while the latter were divested of their packs and 
 superfluous clothing. The tongues of great numbers were so 
 swollen as to render them incapable of speaking. Many of both 
 armies perished solely from heat, and after the battle were seen 
 dead upon the field without mark or wound, under trees and beside 
 the rivulet, where they had crawled for shade and water. The 
 countenances of the dead became so blackened as to render it im- 
 possible to recognize individuals. Several houses in Freehold were 
 filled with the wounded of the enemy, left on their retreat in the 
 care of their surgeons and nurses. Every room in the courthouse 
 was filled. They lay on the floor, on straw, and the supplications 
 of the wounded and the moans of the dying presented a scene of 
 wo. As fast as they died, their corpses were promiscuously thrown 
 into a pit on the site of the present residence of Dr. Throckmorton, 
 and slightly covered with earth. 
 
 The story of a woman who rendered essential service to the 
 Americans in the battle is founded on fact. She was a female of 
 masculine mould, and dressed in a mongrel suit, with the petticoats 
 of her own sex and an artillery-man's coat, cocked hat and feath- 
 ers. The anecdote usually related is as follows. Before the armies 
 engaged in general action, two of the advanced batteries com- 
 menced a severe fire against each other. As the heat was exces- 
 sive, Molly, who was the wife of a cannonier, constantly ran to 
 bring her husband water from a neighboring spring. While pass- 
 ing to his post she saw him fall, and on hastening to his assist- 
 ance, found him dead. At the same moment she heard an officer 
 order the cannon to be removed from its place, complaining he 
 could not fill his post with as brave a man as had been killed. 
 " No," said the intrepid Molly, fixing her eyes upon the officer, " the 
 cannon shall not be removed for the want of some one to serve it ; 
 since my brave husband is no more, 1 will use my utmost exertions 
 to avenge his death." The activity and courage with which she 
 performed the office of cannonier, during the action, attracted the 
 attention of all who witnessed it, and finally of Washington himself, 
 who afterward gave her the rank of lieutenant, and granted her 
 half-pay during life. She wore an epaulette, and was called ever 
 after Captain Molly. 
 
 Among the American wounded was Lieut. Tallman. He was 
 shot through the throat, and crawh^d behind the barn to die. Two 
 soldiers came to his relief; he told them to let him alone, as he had 
 but a few minutes to live. They lifted him from the ground, and 
 were retreating with him across the orchard in the rear of the par- 
 sonage, when a musket-ball passing through the hat of one of them, 
 he hastily abandoned his charge, and ran away. The other sup- 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. 343 
 
 ported him to the dwelling of a Mr. Cook, in the vicinity ; where 
 also was carried another wounded officer, Capt. Nealey. They 
 were both confined a long time, and received the kindest treatment 
 from the family. Between the latter officer and a daughter of Mr. 
 Cook, who had assiduously attended upon him, arose a romantic 
 attachment, finally resulting in marriage. Capt. Cook, of the Vir- 
 ginia corps, was shot through the lungs. He was ordered by his 
 surgeon not to speak. An officer came into the room, and on his 
 not answering a question, went out and reported him dead. Upon 
 this intelligence, Washington ordered a coffin to be placed under 
 his window. This officer recovered, lived several years after, and 
 was a frequent visitor at the residence of a gentleman now living 
 near Freehold. 
 
 Among the officers of artillery was Col. David Ray, of whom 
 we introduce the following amusing anecdote. In the morning, 
 Ray, somewhat in advance of a militia regiment, observed a Brit- 
 ish dragoon leave his ranks and come toward him. As he ap- 
 proached, Ray perceived he was mounted on an elegant horse, and 
 as his own was an indifferent steed, he determined to possess him- 
 self of it. When within 50 or 60 yards, Ray, who was an excel- 
 lent shot, felt perfectly sure of the horse, and deliberately drawing 
 a pistol, coolly aimed and fired at the rider, but without effect. He 
 fired the other pistol, and that too missed. The trooper was now 
 within a few yards, dashing toward him at a furious speed, his 
 eyes flashing vengeance, and sword uplifted for the fatal blow. 
 There was no time for further ceremony. The colonel abruptly 
 w'heeled, put spurs to his horse, and galloped to a barn, the dra- 
 goon after him. Around the barn, and through one door and our, 
 at the other, went both pursuer and pursued. Ray galloped for 
 safety to the regiment, passed in front, the trooper still at his heels. 
 More than 100 muskets were discharged at him, but he escaped 
 unharmed, galloped back to his regiment, and was seen to take his 
 place in line. The colonel, in giving this incident to our informant, 
 laughed heartily, declaring he " never saw such a daring fellow." 
 
 The following anecdote, extracted from a French work, reflects 
 credit upon the humanity and forbearance of the British command- 
 er. A general officer of the American army advanced with a 
 score of men under the English batteries to reconnoitre their po- 
 sition. \ His aid-de-camp, struck by a ball, fell at his side. The 
 officers and orderly dragoons fled precipitately. The general, 
 though under the fire of the cannon, approached the wounded 
 man to see if he had any signs of life remaining, or whether any 
 aid could be aflbrded him. Finding the wound had been mortal, 
 he turned away his head with emotion, and slowly rejoined the 
 group who had got out of the reach of the pieces. General Clin- 
 ton knew that the Marquis de Lafayette generally rode a white 
 horse ; it was upon a white horse the officer who retired so slowly 
 was mounted ; Clinton desired the gunners not to fire. This noble 
 forbearance probably saved M. de Lafayette's life, for he it was. 
 
344 MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 The annexed account of the depredations of the British army, 
 when in this county, was communicated to the Jersey Gazette, a 
 short time after the battle of Monmouth. It is supposed to have 
 been written by Col. Thomas Henderson, an intelligent and active 
 friend of the American cause. His - dwelling was among those 
 burnt. He was a member of congress after the adoption of the 
 constitution, and vice-president of the council of New Jersey at 
 the time of Shay's insurrection, and was acting governor when 
 Gov. Howell was absent in Pennsylvania with some Jersey troops. 
 
 I have been waiting from the time the enemy passed through this country till the 
 present, in expectation sonic of your correspondents would, through the channel of your 
 paper, have given to the public an account of their conduct to the inhabitants ; but not 
 having seen any as yet, and as it has been such as every honest person ought to despise, 
 I take this opportunity of giving a short sketch of it, which, if you think will be any 
 satisfaction to your readers, you may insert in your paper. 
 
 The devastation they have made in some parts of Freehold exceeds, perhaps, any they 
 have made for the distance in their route through this state ; having, in the neighborhood 
 above the courthouse, burnt and destroyed eight dwelling-houses, all on farms adjoining 
 each other, besides barns and outhouses. The first they burnt was my own, then Ben- 
 jamin Covenhovcn's, George Walker's, Hannah Solomon's, Benjamin Van Cleavc's, Da- 
 vid Covenhoven's, and Garrit Vanderveer's ; John Benham's house and bam they wan- 
 tonly tore and broke down so as to render them useless. It may not be improper to ob- 
 serve that the two first houses mentioned burnt, adjoined the farm, and were in full view 
 of the place where Gen. Clinton was quartered. In the neighborhood below the court- 
 house, they burnt the houses of Matthias Lane, Cornelius Covenhoven, John Antonidas, 
 and one Emmons ; these were burnt the morning before their defeat. Some have the 
 effrontery to say, that the British officers by no means countenance or allow of burning. 
 Did not the wanton burning of Charleston and Kingston, in Esopus, besides many other 
 instances, sufficiently evince to the contrary, I think their conduct in Freehold may. 
 The officers have been seen to exult at the sight of the flames, and heard to declare they 
 could never conquer America until they burnt every rebel's house, and murdered man, 
 woman, and child. Besides, this consideration has great weight with me towards con- 
 firming the above, that, after their defeat, through a retreat of 25 miles, in which they 
 passed the houses of a number well-affected to their country, they never attempted to 
 destroy one. Thus much for their burning. 
 
 To enter into a minute detail of the many insults and abuses those inhabitants met 
 with that remained in their houses, would take up too much room in your paper ; I shall, 
 therefore, content myself with giving you an account of Gen. Clinton's conduct to one 
 of my neighbors, a woman of 70 years of age, and unblemished reputation, with whom 
 he made his quarters. After he had been for some time in her house, and taking notice 
 that most of the goods were removed, he observed that she need not have sent off her 
 effects for safety, that he would have secured her, and asked if the goods could not be 
 brought back again. The old lady objected, but upon the repeated assurance of Gen. 
 Clinton, in person, that they should be secured for her, she consented, and sent a person 
 he had ordered, along with a wagon, to show where they were secreted. W^hen the goods 
 were brought to the door, which was in the latter part of the day, the old lady* applied 
 to Gen. Clinton in person for permission to have them brought in and taken care of, but 
 he refused, and ordered a guard set over the goods. The morning following, the old lady 
 finding most of her goods plundered and stolen, applied again to him for leave to take 
 care of the remainder. He then allowed her to take care of some trifling articles, which 
 were all she saved, not having (when I saw her, and had the above information from 
 her) a change of dress for herself, or husband, or scarcely for any of her family. With 
 regard to personal treatment, she was turned out of her bedroom and obliged to lie with 
 her wenches, either on the floor, without bed or bedding, in an entry exposed to the pass- 
 ing or repassing of all, &-c., or sit in a chair in a milk-room, too bad for any of the offi- 
 cers to lie in, else it is probable she would have been deprived of that also. If the first 
 officers of the British army are so divested of honor and himianity, what may we not 
 expect from the soldiery ? 
 
 * This lady was Mrs. William Conovcr. She resided two miles west of the court- 
 house, on the Burlington road. — Compilers Hist. Coll. N. J. 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. 345 
 
 The annexed incident, which occurred in Freehold, in the war 
 of the revolution, evinces an act of bravery in a mere youth, that 
 renders it worthy of record. 
 
 On a fine morning in May, 1780, as the family of Mr. David 
 Forman, sherift" of the county, were at breakfast, a soldier almost 
 out of breath suddenly burst into the room, and stated, that as he 
 and another soldier were conducting to the courthouse two men, 
 taken up on suspicion at Colt's Neck, they had knocked down his 
 comrade, seized his musket, and escaped. The sheriff, on hearing 
 this relation, immediately mounted his horse, and galloped to the 
 Courthouse to alarm the guard. His son Tunis, a lad of about 17, 
 and small of his age, seized a musket, loaded only with small shot 
 to kill blackbirds in the corn-fields, and putting on a cartridge-box, 
 dispatched his brother Samuel* upstairs for the bayonet, and then, 
 without waiting for it, hurried otf alone in the pursuit. 
 
 After running in a westerly direction about a mile, he discovered 
 the men sitting on a fence, who, on perceiving him, ran into a 
 swamp. As the morning was warm, he hastily pulled off" his coat 
 and shoes, and dashed in after them, keeping close upon them for 
 over a mile, when they got out of the swamp, and each climbed 
 into separate trees. As he came up, they discharged at him the 
 musket taken from the guard. The ball whistled over his head. 
 He felt for his bayonet, and, at that moment, perceived that, in his 
 haste, it was left behind. He then pointed his gun at the man with 
 the musket, but deemed it imprudent to fire, reflecting, even if he 
 killed him, his comrade could easily master such a stripling as him- 
 self He compelled the man to throw down the musket, by threat- 
 ening him with death if he did not instantly comply. Then, loading 
 the prize from his cartridge-box, he forced his prisoners down from 
 the trees, and, armed with his two loaded muskets, he drove them 
 toward the courthouse, careful, however, to keep them far apart, 
 to prevent conversation. Passing by a spring, they requested per- 
 mission to drink. 
 
 " A'o !"' replied the intrepid boy, understanding their design. 
 " You can do as well without it as myself ; you shall have some 
 by and by." 
 
 Soon after, his father, at the head of a party of soldiers in the 
 pursuit, galloped past in the road within a short distance. Tunis 
 hallooed, but the clattering of their horses' hoofs drowned his voice. 
 At length he reached the village, and lodged his prisoners in the 
 county prison. 
 
 It was subsequently discovered that these men, whose names 
 were .John and Robert Smith, were brothers, from near Philadelphia, 
 that they had robbed and murdered a Mr. Boyd, a collector of taxes 
 in Chester co., and, when taken, were on their way to join the 
 British. As they had been apprehended on suspicion merely of 
 
 * Now Dr. Samuel Forman of ,FreehoId, from whose lips the compilers aad the nar- 
 ration. 
 
 44 
 
346 
 
 MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 being refugees, no definite charge could then be brought against 
 them. A few days after, Sheriff Forman saw an advertisement 
 in a Pennsylvania paper, describing them, with the facts aboA'e- 
 mentioned, and a reward of 820,000 {continental money) offered for 
 their apprehension. He, accompanied by his son, took them on 
 there, where they were tried and executed. On entering Phila- 
 delphia, young Tunis was carried through the streets in triumph 
 upon the shoulders of the military. In the latter part of the war, 
 this young man became very active, and was the peculiar favorite 
 of Gen. David Forman. He died within the last ten years. 
 
 Ancient Church near Englishtown. 
 
 Gen. DAvm Forman, above alluded to, was born near English- 
 town, in this township. In the war, he was the most influential 
 man in the county, commanded the Jersey troops at the battle of 
 Germantown, and was high in the confidence of Washington. 
 Afterward he was judge of the County Court, and a member of 
 the Council of the State. His person was commanding, his address 
 gentlemanly. Possessed of great fearlessness and energy, his name 
 struck terror to the wood-robbers and tories, toward whom he 
 exercised a vindictiveness, that only the severity of the times could 
 justify. Wo to the guilty culprits who fell in his power ; without 
 waiting for superfluous ceremony, the gallows was generally their 
 fate. His complexion was dark and swarthy, and such was the 
 terror he inspired among them, that he acquired the name of Black 
 David, and sometimes Devil David, in contradistinction to David 
 Forman the sheriff. Were it not for his exertions, the county 
 would have suffered far more from its intestine enemies. He died 
 about thirty years since [written in 1842.] 
 
 Near the battle-field of Monmouth stands the first Presbyterian 
 church of Freehold, erected in 1752. It is of wood, shingled, and 
 painted white. It stands partially enveloped in a grove of forest 
 trees, is surrounded by an old graveyard, and has an ancient arid 
 venerable appearance. It is on the site of a former one, and public 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. 347 
 
 worship has been held on this venerated place for about two cen- 
 turies. On this spot, within the walls of the church, Whitefield, 
 David Brainard, and the two Tennents, have labored and prayed. 
 
 At the time of the battle, a person, while sitting on a grave-stone 
 in the yard, was mortally wounded by a cannon-ball. He was 
 carried into the church, and there died. His blood stained the floor, 
 and remains plainly visible to the present day, a melancholy 
 memento, in this house of God, of those dark and troublesome times. 
 Col. Monckton, of the British grenadiers, killed at Monmouth, lies 
 buried within six feet of the west end of the church. He was a 
 gallant officer, and of splendid personal appearance. No monu- 
 ment is there, but his name, rudely cut on the building, marks the 
 spot. 
 
 The Rev. William Tennent, remarkable for his piety, and devo- 
 tcdness to the Christian cause, was, for a long period, the pastor of 
 this church. He came from Ireland in 1718 with his father, the 
 Rev. William Tennent, and was educated under his tuition, at the 
 Log College on the banks of the Neshaminey. Being of a serious 
 turn, he resolved to devote himself to the gospel ministry, and com- 
 menced the study of divinity under the direction of his brother, the 
 Rev. Gilbert Tennent, pastor of the church at New Brunswick. 
 While there, he was thrown into a remarkable trance, and remained 
 apparently dead for a number of days. The following account is 
 from a Life of Mr. Tennent, ascribed to Elias Boudinot, LL.D., 
 and first published in the Evangelical Intelligencer, a work printed 
 in Philadelphia:* 
 
 After a regular course of study in theology, Mr. Tennent was preparing for his exami- 
 nation by the Presbytery as a candidate for the gospel ministry. His intense application 
 affected his iiealth, and brought on a pain in his breast and a sliglit hectic. He soon be- 
 came emaciated, and at length was like a living skeleton. His life was now threatened. 
 He was attended by a physician, a young man who was attached to him by the strictest 
 and warmest friendship. He grew worse and worse, till little hope of his life was left. 
 In this situation his spirits failed liim, and he began to entertain doubts of his final hap- 
 piness. He was conversing one morning with his brother, in Latin, on the state of his 
 soul, when he fainted and died away. After the usual time, he was laid out on a board, 
 according to the common practice of the country, and the neighborhood were invited to 
 attend his funeral on the next day. In the evening, his physician and friend returned 
 from a ride in the country, and was afflicted beyond measure at the news of his death. 
 He could not be persuaded tliat it was certain ; and, on being told that one of the per- 
 sons who had assisted in laying out the body thought he had observed a little tremor of 
 the flesh under the arm, although the body was cold and stiff, he endeavored to ascertain 
 the fact. He first put his own hand into warm water, to make it as sensible as possible, 
 and then felt under the arm, and at the heart, and affirmed that he felt an unusual 
 warmth, though no one else could. He had the body restored to a warm bed, and in- 
 sisted that the people who iiad been invited to the funeral .should be requested not to at- 
 tend. To tliis the brother objected, as absurd, — the eyes being sunk, the lijjs discolored, 
 and the whole body cold and stiff. However, the doctor finally prevailed, and all proba. 
 ble means were used to discover symptoms of returning life ; but the third day arrived, 
 and no hopes were entertained of success but by the doctor, who never left liim nitrht nor 
 
 » The evidence establishing the truth of this trance, is undoubted. Another letter 
 was written by the Rev. Mr. Woodhull (the successor of the Rev. Wm. Tennent) to Mr. 
 Boudinot, in which he gives the account of the trance, as related to him by Mr. Tennent 
 himself. This letter, which wc have seen, is now in the possession of Professor Dod, of 
 Princeton. — Compilers His. Coll. of N. J. 
 
348 MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 day. The people were aj^ain invited, and assembled to attend the funeral. The doctor 
 Btill objected, and at last confined his request for delay to one hour, then to half an hour, 
 and finally to a quarter of an hour. He had discovered that the tongue was much swol- 
 len, and threatened to crack : he was endeavoring to soften it by some emollient oint- 
 ment put upon it with a feather, when the brother came in, about the expiration of the 
 last period, and, mistaking what the doctor was doing for an attempt to feed him, mani- 
 fested some resentment, and in a spirited tone said, " It is shameful to be feeding a life- 
 less corpse," — and insisted, with earnestness, that the funeral should immediately pro- 
 ceed. At this critical and important moment, the body, to the great alarm and astonish 
 ment of all present, opened its eyes, gave a dreadful groan, and sank again into apparent 
 death. This put an end to all thoughts of burying him, and every effort was again cm- 
 ployed in hopes of bringing about a speedy resuscitation. In about an hour the eyes 
 again opened, a heavy groan proceeded from the body, and again all appearance of ani- 
 mation vanished. In another hour, life seemed to return with more power, and a com- 
 plete revival took place, to the great joy of the family and friends, and to the no small 
 astonishment and conviction of very many who had been ridiculing the idea of restoring 
 to life a dead body. 
 
 Mr. Tennent continued in so weak and low a state for six weeks, that great doubts 
 were entertained of his final recovery. However, after that period he re-covered much 
 faster ; but it was about 12 mon-ths before he was completely restored. ' After he was 
 able to walk the room, and to take notice of what passed around him, on d Sunday af- 
 ternoon, his sister, who had stayed from church to attend him, was reading !in the Bible, 
 when he took notice of it, and asked her what she had in her hand. She answ'ered that 
 she was reading the Bible. He replied, " What is the Bible ? I know not what you 
 mean." This affected the sister so much, that she burst into tears, and informed him 
 that he was once well acquainted with it. On her reporting this to the brother when he 
 returned, Mr. Tennent was found, upon examination, to l)e totally ignorant of every 
 transaction of his life previous to his sickness. He could not read a single word, neither 
 did he seem to liave an idea of what it meant. As soon as he became capable of atten- 
 tion, he was taught to read and write, as children are usually taught, and afterward be- 
 gan to learn the Latin language under the tuition of his brotiicr. One day as he was re- 
 citing a lesson in Cornelius Nepos, he suddenly started, clapped his hand to his head, as 
 if something had hurt him, and made a pause. His brother asking him wliat was the 
 matter, he said that he felt a sudden shock in his head, and it now seemed to him as if 
 he had read that book before. By degrees his recollection was restored, and he could 
 speak the Latin as fluently as before his sickness. His memory so completely revived, 
 that he gained a perfect knowledge of the past transactions of his life, as if no difficulty 
 had previously occurred. This event, at tiie time, made a considerable noise, and af- 
 forded not only matter of serious contemplation to the devout Christian, especially when 
 connected with what follows in this narration, but furnished a subject of deep investiga- 
 tion and learned inquiry to the real philosopher and curious anatomist. 
 
 The writer of these memoirs was greatly interested by these uncommon events, and, 
 on a favorable occasion, earnestly pressed Mr. Tennent for a minute account of what his 
 views and apprehensions were while he lay in this extraordinary state of suspended ani- 
 mation. He discovered great reluctance to enter into any explanation of his perceptions 
 and feelings at this time ; but being importunately urged to do it, he at length consented, 
 and proceeded with a solemnity not to be described : 
 
 " While I was conversing with my brother," said he, " on the state of my soul, and the 
 fears I had entertained for my future welfare, I found myself, in an instant, in another 
 state of existence, under the direction of a superior Being, who ordered me to follow him. 
 I was accordingly wafted along, I know not how, till I beheld at a distance an ineffable 
 glory, the impression of which on my mind it is impossible to communicate to mortal man. 
 T immediately reflected on my happy change, and thought — Well, blessed be God I I am 
 safe at last, notwithstanding all my fears. I saw an inimmerable host of lKii)py beings, 
 surrounding the inexpressible glory, in acts of adoration and joyous worship ; but I did 
 not see any bodily shape or representation in tiie glorious appearance. 1 heard things 
 unutterable. I heard their songs and hallelujahs, of thanksgiving and praise, with un- 
 speakable rapture. I felt joy unutterable and full of glory. I tiien applied to my con- 
 ductor, and requested leave to join the happy throng, — on which he tapped me on the 
 shoulder, and said, ' You must return to the eaVth.' This seemed like a sword through 
 my heart. In an instant I recollect to have seen my brother standing before me dis- 
 puting with the doctor. The 3 days during which I had appeared lifeless, seemed to me 
 not more than 10 or 20 minutes. The idea of returning to this world of sorrow and 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. 349 
 
 trouble gave me such a shock, that I fainted repeatedly." He added, " Such was the 
 effect upon my mind of what I had seen and heard, that, if it be possible for a nuraan 
 being to live entirely above the world and the things of it, for some time afterward I was 
 that {)erson. The ravishing sounds of the songs and hallelujahs that I heard, and the 
 very words that were uttered, were not out of my ears, when awake, for at least 3 years. 
 All the kingdoms of the earth were in my sight as nothing and vanity ; and so great 
 were my ideas of heavenly glory, that nothing which did not in some measure relate to 
 it could command my serious attention." 
 
 It is not surprising that, after so affectmg an account, strong solicitude should have 
 been felt for further information as to the words, or at least the subjects of praise and 
 adoration, which Mr. Tennent had heard. But when he was requested to communicate 
 these, he gave a decided negative, adding, " You will know them, with many other par- 
 ticulars, hereafter ; as you will find the whole among my papers," — (alluding to his in- 
 tention of leaving the writer hereof his executor,) — which precluded any further solici- 
 tation."* 
 
 The writer of the Life of Mr. Tennent, having requested of the Rev. Dr. William M. 
 Tennent a written account of an anecdote relative to his uncle which he had once heard 
 him repeat verbally, received in reply the following letter : 
 
 Ahington, Jan. 11, 1806. 
 
 Sir — The anecdote of my venerable relative, the Rev. Wm. Tennent, of Freehold, which 
 you wished me to send you, is as follows : 
 
 During the great revival of religion which took place under the ministry of Mr. White- 
 field, and others distinguished for their piety and zeal at that period, Mr. Tennent was 
 laboriously active, and much engaged to help forward the work, — in the performance of 
 which he met with strong and powerful temptations. The following is related as re- 
 ceived, in substance, from his own lips, and may be considered as extraordinary and sin- 
 gularly striking : 
 
 On the evening preceding public worship, which was to be attended the next day, he 
 selected a subject for the discourse which was to be delivered, and made some progress 
 in his preparations. In the morning he resumed the same subject, with an intention to 
 extend his thoughts further on it, but was presently assaulted with a temptation that the 
 Bible, which he then held in hand, was not of Divine authority, but the invention of man. 
 He instantly endeavored to repel the temptation by prayer, but his endeavors proved un- 
 availing. The temptation continued, and fastened upon him with greater strength, as 
 the time advanced for public service. He lost all the thoughts which he had on his sub- 
 ject the preceding evening. He tried other subjects, but could get nothing for the peo- 
 pie. The whole book of God, under that distressing state of mind, was a sealed book to 
 him ; and, to add to his affliction, he was, to use his own words, " shut up in prayer." 
 A cloud, dark as that of Egypt, oppressed his mind. 
 
 Thus agonized in spirit, he proceeded to the church, where he found a large congrega- 
 tion assembled, and waiting to hear the word ; and then it was, he observed, that he was 
 more deeply distressed than ever, and especially for the dishonor which he fea«-ed would 
 fall upon religion, through him, that day. He resolved, however, to attempt the service. 
 He introduced it by singing a psalm, during which time his agitations were increased in 
 the highest degree. When the moment for prayer commenced, he arose, as one in the 
 most perilous and painful situation, and, with arms extended to heaven, began with this 
 outcry, " Lord, have mercy upon me !" Upon the utterance of this petition, he was 
 heard : the thick cloud instantly broke away, and an unspeakably joyful light shone in 
 upon his soulj^o that his spirit seemed to be caught- up to the heavens, and he felt as 
 though he saw God, as Moses did on the Mount, face to face, and was carried forth to 
 him, with an enlargement greater than he had ever before experienced, and on every page 
 of the scriptures saw his divinity inscribed in brightest colors. The recult was a deep 
 
 * It was so ordered, in the course of divine Providence, that the writer was sorely dis- 
 appointed in his expectation of obtaining the papers here alluded to. Such, however, 
 was the will of Heaven ! Mr. Tennent's death happened during the revolutionary war, 
 when the enemy separated the writer from him, so as to render it impracticable to attend 
 him on a dying bed ; and i)eforc it was po.ssible to get to his house, after his death, (the 
 writer being with the American army at Valley Forge,) his son came from Charleston 
 and took his mother, and his father's papers and property, and returned to Carolina. 
 About 50 miles from Charleston, the son was suddenly taken sick, and died among en- 
 tire strangers ; and never since, though the writer was left executor to the son, could 
 any trace of the father's papers be discovered by him. 
 
350 MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 solemnity on the face of the whole congregation ; and the house, at the end of the prayer, 
 was a Bochim. He gave them the subject of his evening meditations, which wai 
 brought to his full remembrance, with an overflowing abundance of other weighty and 
 solemn matter. The Lord blessed the discourse, so that it proved the happy means of 
 the conversion of about 30 persons. This day he spoke ol, ever afterward, as his har- 
 vest-day. William M. Tennent. 
 
 Mr. Tennent wa.s buried under the centre aisle of the church 
 represented in the engraving. On a tablet beside the pulpit is the 
 following inscription to his memory : 
 
 Sacred to the memory of the Rev. William Tennent, pastor of the first Presbyterian 
 church in Freehold, who departed this life the 8th of March, 1777, aged 71 years and 9 
 months. He was pastor of said church 43 years and 6 months, faithful and beloved. 
 
 Sacred to the memory of the Rev. John Woodhull, D. D., who died Nov. 22d, 1824, 
 aged 80 years. An able, faithful, and beloved minister of Jesus Christ. He preached 
 the gospel 56 years. He was settled first in Leacock in Pennsylvania, and in 1779 re- 
 moved to this congregation, which he served as pastor, with great diligence and success, 
 for 45 years. Eminent as an instructor of youth, zealous for the glory of God, fervent 
 and active in the discharge of all public and private duties, the labors of a long life have 
 ended in a large reward. 
 
 Englishtown lies near the line of Middlesex co., 5 miles NE. of 
 Freehold. It is a village of nearly the same size, containing about 
 40 dwellings and a Methodist church. 
 
 HOWELL. 
 
 Howell was taken from Shrewsbury in 1801. It is about 14 
 miles long, 1 1 wide, and is bounded N. by Shrewsbury, E. by the 
 Atlantic Ocean, S. by Dover, and W. by Freehold. The western 
 portion is fertile, the central partially covered with pines, and 
 abounding in marl of an excellent quality : on the seashore are 
 some fine farms. The surface is generally level, excepting in the 
 N. part, where there is a range of highlands called the Hommony 
 Hills. The township contains 16 stores, 10 grist-m., 8 saw-m., 4 
 furnaces; cap. in manufac. $4,000; 15 schools, 475 scholars. 
 Pop. 4.099. inl8B5,'/i,60S. 
 
 Blue Balls is a thickly settled neighborhood in the NW. part of 
 the township, 3 miles S. of Freehold, where there are about 25 
 dwellings, a Methodist and a Presbyterian church. Um)ei; Squan- 
 kum, near the Hommony Hills, contains a Methodist. Iriurch and 
 about 15 dwellings. Lower Squankum in the S. part is a settle- 
 ment about the same size as the above. Squan, a village on the 
 seashore, contains 2 stores, a neat church, and about 30 dwellings. 
 Several coasters sail from here with wood and charcoal. This 
 vicinity is much visited in the summer months for sea-bathing, and 
 there are several boarding-houses for the accommodation of visitors. 
 At the Howell Furnace, near the central part of the township, 
 where iron has been extensively manufactured, there are about 50 
 dwellings, principally occupied by the workmen, and an Episcopal 
 church. Burrsville, on the S. boundary, has 20 or 30 dwellings. 
 New Bargain is a small settlement near Lower Squankum. 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. ^ 35 1 
 
 The following account of an incursion of the British into this 
 township in the American revolution, is contained in a published 
 letter, dated Kildare, Monmouth co., April 9, 1778. 
 
 " About 135 of the enemy landed on Sunday last about 10 o'clock on the south side 
 of Squan inlet, burnt all the salt-works, broke the kettles, &c., stripped the beds, &c., of 
 some people there, who I fear wished to serve them ; then crossed the river, and burnt 
 all except Dirrick Longstreets : after this mischief they embarked. The next day they 
 landed at Shark river, and set fire to two salt-works, when they observed fifteen horse- 
 men heave in sight, which occasioned them to retreat with great precipitation : indeed, 
 they jumped in their flat-bottomed boats with such precipitation they sunk two of them." 
 
 THE PINE ROBBERS. 
 
 Superadded to the other horrors of the revolutionary war in this 
 region, the pines ^vere infested with numerous robbers, who had 
 caves burrowed in the sides of sand-hills, near the margin of 
 swamps in the most secluded situations, which were covered with 
 brush so as to be undiscernible. At dead of night these miscre- 
 ants would sally forth from their dens to plunder, burn, and murder. 
 The inhabitants, in constant terror, were obliged for safety to carry 
 their muskets with them into the fields, and even to the house of 
 worship. At length so numerous and audacious had they become, 
 that the state government offered large rewards for their destruc- 
 tion, and they were hunted and shot like wild beasts, until the close 
 of the war, when they were almost entirely extirpated. 
 
 Among the most notorious of these villains were Fenton, Fagan, 
 Burke, alias Emmons, Williams, De Bow, and West. Fenton was 
 originally a blacksmith, and learned his trade at Freehold. On 
 one occasion he robbed a tailor's shop in that township. Word 
 was sent him that if he did not restore the clothing within a 
 week, he should be hunted and shot. Intimidated by the threat, he 
 returned the property, accompanied by the following fiendish note — 
 
 I have returned your d d rags. In a short time I am coming to burn your barns 
 
 and houses, and roast you all like a pack of kittens. 
 
 In August, 1779, this villain at the head of his gang attacked at 
 midnight the dwelling of Mr. Thomas Farr, in the vicinity of Im- 
 laystown. The family, consisting of Mr. Farr and wife, both aged 
 persons, and their daughter, barricaded the door with logs of wood. 
 The assailffnts first attempted to beat in the door with rails, but 
 being unsuccessful, fired through a voHey of balls, one of which 
 broke the leg of Mr. Farr ; then forcing an entrance at the back 
 door, they murdered his wife, and dispatched him as he lay helpless 
 on the floor. His daughter though badly wounded escaped, and 
 the gang, fearing she would alarm the neighborhood, precipitately 
 fled without waiting to plunder. 
 
 After perpetrating many enormities, Fenton was shot about two 
 miles below the Blue Balls in this township, under the following 
 circumstances. Fenton and Burke beat and robbed a young man 
 named Van Mater of his meal as he was going to mill. He escaped, 
 and conveyed the information to Lee's Legion, then at the court- 
 
352 MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 house. A party started off in a wagon in pursuit, consisting of the 
 sergeant, Van Mater, and two soldiers. The soldiers lay on the 
 bottom of the wagon, concealed under the straw, while the sergeant, 
 disguised as a countryman, sat with Van Mater on the seat. To 
 increase the deception, two or three empty barrels were put in the 
 wagon. On passing a low groggery in the pines, Fenton came 
 out Mdth pistol in hand, and commanded them to stop. Addressing 
 Van Mater, he said : — 
 
 " You d d rascal ! I gave you such a whipping I thought 
 
 you would not dare show your head ;" then changing the subject, 
 inquired, " Where are you going ?" 
 
 " To the salt-works," was the reply. 
 
 " Have you any brandy ?" rejoined the robber. 
 
 " Yes ! will you have some V 
 
 A bottle was given him ; he put his foot on the hub of the wagon, 
 and was in the act of drinking, when the sergeant touched the foot 
 of one of the soldiers, who arose and shot him through the head. 
 His brains were scattered over the side of the wagon. Burke, 
 then in the woods, hearing the report, and supposing it a signal 
 from his companion, discharged his rifle in answer. The party 
 went in pursuit, but he escaped. Carelessly throwing the body 
 into the wagon, they drove back furiously to the courthouse, where, 
 on their arrival, they jerked out the corpse by the heels as though 
 it had been that of some wild animal, with the ferocious exclama- 
 tion, " Hc?'e is a cordial for your tories and wood-rohhers /" 
 
 Jonathan West, another of this lawless crew, in an affray with 
 some of the inhabitants, was wounded and taken prisoner to the 
 courthouse. His arm being horribly mangled was amputated. He 
 soon after escaped to the pines, and became more desperate than 
 before. He used the stump of his arm to hold his gun. Some time 
 later he was again pursued, and on refusing to surrender was shot. 
 
 Fagan, also a monster in wickedness, was killed in Shrewsbury 
 by a party of militia under Major Benjamin Dennis. The account 
 here given of the circumstances leading to his death is from Mrs. 
 Amelia Coryel, a daughter of Mr. Dennis, now living (January, 
 1843) at Philadelphia, and who, as will be seen in the narration, 
 narrowly escaped death from the ruffians. 
 
 On one Monday in the autumn of 1778, Fagan, Burke, and Smith 
 came to the dwelling of Major Dennis, on the south side of Manas- 
 quan river, four miles below what is now the Howell Mills, to rob 
 it of some plunder captured from a British vessel. Fagan had 
 formerly been a near neighbor. Smith, an honest citizen, who had 
 joined the other two, the most notorious robbers of their time, for 
 the purpose of betraying them, prevailed upon ihem to remain in 
 their lurking-place while he entered the house to ascertain if the 
 way was clear. On entering he apprized Mrs. Dennis of her dan- 
 ger. Her daughter Amelia, (now Mrs. Coryel,) a girl of fourteen, 
 hid a pocket-book containing $80 in a bedtick, and with her little 
 brother hastily retreated to a swamp near. She had scarcely left. 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. 353 
 
 when they entered, searched the house and the bed, but without 
 success. 
 
 After threatening Mrs. Dennis, and ascertaining she was unwil- 
 ling to give information where the treasure was concealed, one of 
 them proposed murdering her. " No /" replied his comrade, " let 
 
 the d .'/ rebel h h lice /" The counsel of the first prevailed. 
 
 They took her to a young cedar-tree, and suspended her to it by 
 the neck with a bedcord. In her struggles she got free and 
 escaped.* Amelia, observing them from her hiding-place, just then 
 descried .John Holmes approaching in her father's wagon over a 
 rise of ground two hundred yards distant, and ran toward him. 
 The robbers fired at her ; the ball whistled over her head, and 
 buried itself in an oak. Holmes abandoned the wagon and escaped 
 to the woods. They then plundered the wagon and went off. 
 
 The next day, Maj. Dennis removed his family to Shrewsbury, 
 under the protection of the guard. Smith stole from his compan- 
 ions, and informed Dennis they were coming the next evening to 
 more thoroughly search his dwelling, and proposed that he and his 
 comrades should be waylaid at a place agreed upon. On Wednes- 
 day evening the major, with a party of militia, lay in ambush at 
 the appointed spot. After a while, Smith drove by in a wagon in- 
 tended for the plunder, and Fagan and Burke came behind on foot. 
 At a given signal from Smith, which was something said to the 
 horses, the militia fired and the robbers disappeared. On Saturday, 
 some hunters, in a groggery, made a bet that Fagan was killed. 
 Search was made, and his body found and buried. On Sunday, the 
 event becoming known, the people assembled, disinterred the re- 
 mains, and after heaping indignities upon it, enveloped it in a tarred 
 cloth and suspended it in chains, vvitii iron bands around it, from a 
 large chestnut-tree about a mile i'rom the courthouse, on the road 
 to Colt's neck. There hung the corpse in mid-air, rocked to and 
 IVo by the winds, a horrible warning to his comrades, and a terror 
 to travellers, until the birds of prey picked the flesh from its bones 
 and the skeleton f( 11 piecemeal to the ground. Tradition affirms 
 that the skull was afterward placed against the tree, with a pipe in 
 its mouth, in derision. 
 
 MIDDLETOWN. 
 
 This township was incorporated in 1798. Its greatest length is 
 1.5 m., breadth 10 m. It is bounded N. by Raritan and Sandy Hook 
 bays, E. by the Atlantic ocean and Shrewsbury, S. by Shrewsbury, 
 
 * This lady on anoll)cr occasion came near being killed by a party of Hessians, who 
 entered lier dwcllinjr, and, after rudely accostin<r her, knocked her down with their mus- 
 kets, and left her for dead. In the July succeeding the death of Fagan, her husband 
 was shot by the robbers Kenton and Emmons, as he was travelling from Corycl's Ferry 
 to Shrewsbury. After the murder of her husband she married John Lambert, acting 
 governor of New Jersey in 1802. She died in 1835. 
 
 45 
 
354 
 
 MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 ami W. by Freehold and South Amboy, Middlesex co. The soil ia 
 various, but in general fertile, and much improved by marl, ltd 
 surface is the most uneven of any in the county, and the highlands 
 of Navisink are in the eastern part. There are in the township 33 
 stores, 3 lumber-yards, 2 fu\!ing-m. 3 tanneries, 1 1 grist-m., G saw 
 m. ; cap. in manufac. '$65,250 Mucademv, CO students ; 19 schools. 
 1,239 scholars. Pop. f>,0l>3, in 1865,4,275. 
 
 1842 
 
 MS ^^, ^f>. ^t'-^-^^i^.' t.-r.. 
 
 View >n Middletown. 
 
 Richard Ilartshorne, an English Friend or Quaker, emigrated to 
 this county in May, 166G, and settled about that time on the Navi- 
 sink river. This was among the first, if not the first permanent 
 settlement made in Middletown. His place, called Portland Point, 
 now remains in the possession of his descendants. " About this 
 time, this part of the county was a great resort for industrious and 
 reputable farmers. Many of the liUglish inhabitants were from 
 the west end of Long Island, and by degrees extended their settle- 
 ments to Freehold and vicinity. Some Dutch and Scotch, also, 
 early settled in the township. In 1682, Middletown was suj)posed 
 to consist of 100 families; several thousand acres Avere allotted for 
 the town, and many thousands for the out-plantations. John ]3owne. 
 Richard Hartshorne, and Nicholas Davis, had each Avell-improved 
 settlements here ; and a court was held twice or thrice a year for 
 Middletown, Piscataway, and their jurisdictions." 
 
 The village of Middletown is in a fertile country, near the heart 
 of the township, 16 m. NE. of Freehold, and 45 m. from Trenton. 
 The engraving is a representation of the village as it appears on 
 entering it from the east. The first building on the right, with a 
 spire, is the academy ; the second and third, the Baptist and Kt^form- 
 cd Dutch churches; the spire on the left is that of the Episcopal I 
 church. There are in the place 3 stores, several mechanic shops, k' 
 and 25 buildings The Baptist church is worthy of note, from ita f< 
 having been the first of this denomination established in the state, j 
 The annexed sketch of its origin is from Benedict's Hist, of tite n 
 Baptists. 
 
 For the origin of this church, we mnst look back to the year 1GG7, for that was Ih* 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 355 
 
 rpar when Middtetown was purchased from tlie Indians by 12 men ana 24 associates, 
 
 Their names are in the town book. Of them, the following wore Baptists : — 
 
 John Wilson, William Layton, 
 
 Walter Hall, William Compton, 
 
 John Cox, James Ashton, 
 
 Jonathan Holmes, John Bown, 
 
 George Mount, Thomas Whitlock, 
 
 William Cheesemaii, James Grovcr, junior. 
 
 It is probable that some of the above had wives and children of their own way of 
 
 thinking; however, the forcnamcd 18 men appear to have been the constituents of the 
 
 church of Middletown, and the winter of IGtiM the time. 
 
 1842 
 
 Richard Stout, 
 Joim Stout, 
 James Grover, 
 Jonathan Bown, 
 Obadiah Holmes, 
 John Buckman, 
 
 Central Vieic in Middletown Point, 
 
 Three churches have been built by this society. The present 
 one was erected in 1832, and the one previous had stood from 90 
 to 100 years. The Episcopal church has been organized more than 
 a century. The Reformed Dutch church was erected in 1836. 
 Jacob Beekman, John B. Crawford, and Alexander C. Millspaugh, 
 are the names of the successive pastors. 
 
 The village of Middletown Point, is upon a narrow point of land 
 formed by two branches of the Matteawan creek, 3 m. from Rari- 
 tan ba\', and 12 from Freehold. It was early settled by Scotch, 
 and called New Aberdeen. The view was taken in the principal 
 street. The large building, with a tower, is the Presbyterian 
 church, a neat edifice ; the smaller structure, on the extreme right, 
 is the academy. The Methodists have a church, erected in 1836, 
 distant about 200 yards from where the view was taken. This vil- 
 lage is a thriving business-j)lace ; a steamer plies between it and 
 New York. It contains a bank, 11 stores, 25 mechanic shops, and 
 about 70 dwellings, many of them large and commodious. 
 
 VmiAv Frknf.au, the most distinguished poet of our revolutionary 
 time, lived, in the latter part of his life, at Mount Pleasant, near 
 this village. He was educated at Princeton. Freneau enjoyed the 
 friendship of Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe, and 
 was in constant correspondence with the three last. " His patriotic 
 songs and ballads, which ar<^ superior to any compositions of the 
 kind then written in this country, were everywhere sung with en- 
 thusiasm." He was a man of naturally fine feelings, but an infidel 
 
356 MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 in sentiment ; and, late in life, of intemperate habits. lie perished 
 miserably, near Freehold, Dec. 18th, 1832, in the 80th year of h'8 
 age. 
 
 View of Keyport. 
 
 Keyport is beautifully situated on Raritan bay, about 2 m. from 
 Middletown Point, and 22 from New York. There is, from the 
 village, a splendid view of the l)ay, Staten Island, the Narrows, 
 ►Sandy Hook, and the ocean, cxhiliiliiiir on a pleasant day, when 
 the vast expanse of waters is dotted with sails, a scene of beauty. 
 The village was laid out about the year 1830, by a company who 
 sold building lots. Keyport, including Brown's Point, (a smaller 
 and older settlement in its vicinity,) contains 4 stores, 2 limekilns, 
 an extensive shipyard, several mechanic shops, and about 70 dwell- 
 ings. There is a Baptist and a Methodist church, the former seen 
 on the right, and the latter on the left of the engraving. This is a 
 flourishing village, manifesting the usual enterprise of a young and 
 growing place. The chief business is with New York. Several 
 sloops and schooners arc engaged in the carrying-trade, and a daily 
 steamboat communication is had with that city. High Point Chapel, 
 Riceville, Chanceville, and Baptist Town, are small villages in the 
 township, at the first of which is a Methodist, and at the last a 
 Baptist and a llt^formed Dutch church. Harmony, H m. NW. of 
 the village of Middletown, contains a Methodist church and a few 
 dwellings. Mount Pleasant, near Middletown Point, is also a small 
 collection of houses. 
 
 The noted highlands of Navisink extend along Sandy Hook bay 
 for nearly five miles. The range is about 300 feet in height, and 
 comes boldly down to near the water's edge. It is covered with 
 a forest, in which deer and other game find a covert. The annexed 
 engraving is a representation of the lighthouses on Beacon hill, 
 near the southern termination of the highlands. They are called 
 the His^Iihnid Light/iouscs, in contradistinction to the one on Sandy 
 Hook, five miles distant. They were erected in the administration 
 of John Quincy Adams, and are the first beacons seen by European 
 vessels entering the port of New York. Latterly they have been 
 
 I 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 357 
 
 fitted up with new and improved lights, of French construction, 
 which are seen by the mariner at a distance of 25 miles. About 
 a mile north of Beacon hill is a locality known as Gravelly Point, 
 
 Vierv of the Lighthouses and Telegraph on Navisink Hills. 
 
 where deep water is found near the shore. This is the spot where 
 the British army embarked after the battle of Monmouth, and 
 where the unfortunate Capt. Joshua Huddy was barbarously mur- 
 dered by the enemy. 
 
 In the spring of 1782 a slide of earth happened at Greenland 
 bank, the highest point of the highlands, situated two miles north 
 of Beacon hill. The noise was heard for a distance of several 
 miles. The annexed account was published at the time : 
 
 On the ridge of mountains, commonly called Navisink hills, in Monmouth co., 
 East Jersey, a considerable quantity of land, some say 40 acres, gave way, in April 
 last, and sunk directly down, a considerable depth ; forming a cavity equal in circum- 
 ference, at bottom, to the void space above. Tlie tops of the trees, that sunk with 
 the soil, and which were mostly of considerable bulk, are now nearly level with the 
 edges of the remaining ground. Round this again the earth opens, in one continuous fissure, 
 a foot or more in breadth, for a considerable distance; and, as is conjectured, from its 
 present appearance, will shortly go down also — the foundation being perliaps but a loose 
 quicksand. It is suj)posed, by the country people thereabouts, to have been occasioned 
 by the washing and undermining of tiie sea, to which it was contiguous. 
 
 The proximity of this part of the county to New York rendered 
 it, in the war of the revolution, peculiarly liable to the incursions 
 of British troops. Many of tlie inhabitants, although secretly fa- 
 vorable to the American cau.se, were obliged to feign allegiance 
 to the crown, or lose their property by marauding parties of refu- 
 gees, from vessels generally lying off vSandy Hook. Among those 
 of this description was Maj. Kearney, a resident near the present 
 site of Kcyport. On one occasion, a party of 30 or 40 refugees 
 stopped at his dw«!lling, on their way to Middletown Point, where 
 they intended to burn a dwelling and some mills. Kearney feigned 
 gratification at their visit, and falsely informed them there were 
 probably some rebel troops at the "Point," in which case it would 
 be dangerous for them to march thither. He ordered his negro 
 servant, Jube, thither, to make the inquiry; at the same time se- 
 cretly giving him the cue how to act. In due length of time, Jube, 
 
358 MONMOUTH COUKTY. 
 
 who had gone but a short distance, returned ; and hastily entering 
 the room where Kearney and the refugees were, exclaimed, in a 
 short, broken manner, as though out of breath, " Oh, massa ! mas- 
 sa ! the rebels are at the Point, thick as blackberries ! They have 
 just come I'rom the courthouse, and say they are going to march 
 down here to-night." The ruse succeeded ; the refugees, alarmed, 
 precipitately retreated to their boats, leaving the major to rejoice 
 at the stratagem which had saved the property of his friends from 
 destruction. 
 
 A similar anecdote is related of William Parker, a member of 
 the society of Friends. The late Gov. Howell, tlien a major in the 
 American army, was on terms of intimacy and friendshij) with him ; 
 and when in the neighborhood accepted the hospitalities of his 
 liouse. One evening he abruptly entered the room where Parker 
 and about a dozen refugees were at supper. Parker, with presence 
 of mind, promptly exclaimed, "Good evening, Dick ! why so late? 
 I cannot attend to that business to-night — 1 am engaged with some 
 friends. Call in the morning, and 1 will settle it." Howell took 
 the hint, and sought a less dangerous shelter. 
 
 SHREWSBURY. 
 
 Shrewsbury is 14 miles long, N. and S., and 13 wide, E. and W. 
 and is bounded N. by Middletown, E. by the Atlantic ocean, S. by 
 Howell, and W. by Freehold. The surface is level ; the southern 
 part sandy, and covered mostly with pines ; the northern fertile, 
 and containing excellent farms. There are in the township 34 
 stores, 1 furnace, 4 grist-m., 3 saw-m., cap. in manufac. $1G,240; 
 8 schools, 405 scholars. Pop. 5,917. m l8B5,'i,446. 
 
 Shrewsbury was first settled by emigrants Irom Connecticut, in 
 1664. In 1682 several thousand acres were under cultivation, and 
 the population was estimated at 400. " Lewis Morris, of Barba- 
 does, brother of Richard Morris, the first settler at Morrisiana, 
 j\ew York, and uncle of Lewis Morris, subsequently governor of 
 New Jersey, had iron-works and other considerable improvements 
 here." The village of Shrewsbury is in the north part of the town- 
 ship, 12 miles east of Freehold, and is situated in a thriving agri- 
 cultural district. In the annexed engraving, the building on the 
 right, partially hidden by locust-trees, is the Episcopal church. In 
 the distance, on the right side of the street, is shown the Presbyte- 
 rian church — a plain structure, without a spire ; and nearly opposite, 
 on the left, the Friends meeting-house. There is another house of 
 worship for Friends in the north(M-n part of the village ; also an 
 academy in the place, and about 30 dwellings. 
 
 There is no authentic record of the Presbyterian church in Shrewsbury, until the year 
 1735, when Rev. Samuel Blair preached liere, in connection with Londonderry, Pa. In 
 174'J, tiirouirh the influence of Gov. Ik-lchcr, a charter was obtained, in conmclion with 
 Freehold and Allentown. From 1757 to 1785, it is believed that the Rev. Mr. M.;Knighl, 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 359 
 
 for most of the time, ofBciated as pastor. From this period till the erection of their 
 present building, in 1823, the society were only occasionally supplied with preaching. 
 Rev. Nathaniel A. Pratt took charge of the congregation in 1823, and continued until 
 1825. The next minister was the Rev. James M. Hunting, who, in 1830, was succeed 
 ed by Rev. James Woodward ; and he, in 1830, by Rev. Rufus Taylor. 
 
 Central View in Shrewsbury. 
 
 Although the township was undoubtedly first settled by Presbyterians, or rather Con- 
 gregationalists, from Connecticut, yet the society of Friends was first organized. From 
 the best sources of information now to be obtained, it is evident the first members of the 
 society, most if not all of them, must have been emigrants from England. The family 
 of Hartshornes were already members of this meeting as early as 1672, only eight years 
 after the first settlement of the town. And at this time there were organized a " moiitii- 
 ly and general meeting, and a place of meeting being built."* The society was also 
 visited in the autumn of this year by George Fox, who is believed by some of the mem- 
 bers of the society to have performed a miracle while on this visit, by setting a man's 
 neck, which it was believed by the inhabitants was broken or dislocated by his being 
 thrown from a horse. It is true the man revived while Fox was working his head, and 
 was enabled to pursue his journey tlie following day. In the fall of 1702, the society 
 appears to have been disturbed by a visit of the Rev. George Keith to this place, who 
 had formerly been a minister in their society at Burlington, and iiad visited them when 
 such, but was now a missionary from " the Society in England for the Propagation of 
 the (iospcl in Foreisjn Parts," and suc.cecded in drawing several families from them into 
 the Church of England — among whom was the family of William Leeds, to whose lib- 
 eral bequest the Episcopal church in this place is indebted for the large globe, and the 
 funds they now possess. The cause of disturbance and secession appears to have origi- 
 nated in a difference of opinion in reference to the fundamental principles of the gospel.t 
 From this time until 1827, the society appears to have been quiet and prosperous, be- 
 coming one of the most numerous in the state. Here, however, as among the Friends 
 throughout the Union, a division has taken place. In the fall of 1827, the two parties 
 separated ; and from that to tlie present time two distinct meetings have been kept 
 up — those termed by their o|)ponerits the Hicksites, occupying the original building, being 
 the most rmmerous, and those called tiie Orthodox purchasing a building in which 
 they held their meetings until the fall of 1842, when they erected a new building, in 
 which they now assemble. By the decision of the Court of Chancery, confirmed by the 
 Court of Errors in 1833, in the case of Stacy Decaw and Joseph llendrickson versus 
 Thomas L. Shotwell, the Orthodox Friends are entitled to all the property originally be 
 longing to the society in the state of New Jersey; but in this i)laec they have waived 
 
 * Vide Fox's Journal. By general meeting is meant the " quarterly meeting." 
 t Vide Keith's Journal also Leslie's Snake in the Grass ; also the writings of Friends 
 generally 
 
360 MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 their legal right to the property, being content, as they say, in establishing in this trial 
 what were the true, original, and present principles of Friends ; while the other party are 
 equally confide nt that they are in principle and discipline the true successors and follow 
 ers of George Fox and his associates. 
 
 The EpiscopLiI church in this town, thongh not chartered until June 3d, 1738, was es- 
 tablished, and enjoyed at least occasional services, as early as 1702. In the autumn of 
 this year, the Episcopalians were visited by the Rev. George Keith, who had formerly 
 aeen a minister in the society of Friends, and had visited tlieni in that capacity in this 
 place. He appears to have been a man of considerable notoriety, as he for some time 
 filled the office of surveyor-genera! of the province, and run what is now known in the 
 public records of the state as "A'e///rs ////c," dividing East and West Jersey. 
 
 After his leaving the Friends, Mr. Keith united himself to the Church of Eng- 
 land, and returning to his native country, was ordained by the Bishop of London, and 
 soon after sent out by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, 
 on a mission to this country. He was accompanied in this visit most of the time by 
 the Rev. John Talbot, who afterward became the first rector of St. Mary's church, 
 Burlington, in this state. His success in this place, as well as most others, in winning 
 converts to the church, appears to have been considerable. Some of the principal fami- 
 lies in the church were brought in through the instrumentality of his ministry. Among 
 these was William Leeds, who was baptized by Rev. William Talbot. It was through 
 tiie generous munificence of this individual that the church now possesses a glebe of 
 nearly 600 acres of land, and also funds to considerable amount. The Rev. Mr. Irmes, 
 who resided at Middletown at this time, performed occasional services in Shrewsbury as 
 well as at the place of his residence.* The earliest records of this church coiinnence 
 with January, 173.3, when the Rev. John Forbs, a man of an excellent spirit, a mission- 
 ary from the society in England, officiated in this and the neighboring towns, particu- 
 larly Freehold and Middletown. In 1738 he was succeeded by the Rev. John Miln. 
 After whom, in 1746, the Rev. Thomas Thompson followed in the missionary labors of 
 this county, travelling from 60 to 70 miles, ministering the Word and Sacraments to the 
 thinly scattered inhabitants. In this manner he labored until 1751, when his missionary 
 spirit was directed to benighted Africa, where he went, under the direction of the so- 
 ciety, as the first missionary from the American continent to the inhabitants of the coast 
 of Guinea ; among whom he labored two years, when he was compelled by impaired health 
 to return to England, his native country, where he soon died. He published a journal 
 of his mission both in Shrewsbury and Africa — a work both rare and valuable. In this 
 parish he was succeeded by the Rev. Samuel Cook, in 1751, the last missionary from 
 the society in England, who continued to labor here until the commencement of the 
 revolutionary war, when, feeling it his duty to continue his allegiance to the British 
 government, he retired to the province of New Brunswick, where, in a short time after, 
 himself and son were drowned in attempting to cross the river St. Johns. From this 
 time to 17bd, the parish remained vacant, being occasionally visited by the clergy of 
 other towns, and also enjoying occasioiuil services from the lay readers. In 1788 the 
 Rev. Henry Waddell was formally inducted into the rectorship as the first rector of the 
 parish, by the senior warden, there being no canonical provision for the institution of a 
 minister in the diocese at this time. He was succeeded in 1799 by the Rev. Andrew 
 Fawler, who continued in the rectorship of the parish until 1806. Mr. J'awler, in addi- 
 tion to his ministerial labors, prepared and published a Practical Exposition of the Book 
 of Common Prayer, as well as several smaller works, designed to advance the interests 
 of the church. In 1809, the Rev. John Croes, jun., succeeded to the rectorship of this 
 parish, in which he remained until 1824, when he was followed by the Rev. Eli Wheeler, 
 who was succeeded in 1830 by the Rev. Harry Finch, the present incumbent.t 
 
 The village of Ued Bank is pleasantly .situated on Navisink riv- 
 er, 2 miles N. IVom Shrewsl)ury, 5 iVom the ocean, and 3o IVonn 
 ]\ew York. It is, with the exception of Keyport, in this county, 
 the most rapidly increasing village in the state. In 1830 it con- 
 tained but two houses, viz : the old tavern-house, on the river bank, 
 and the small dwelling now owned by John Tilton, Esq., about 12 
 
 * Vide Keith's Journal. 
 
 t For the preceding ecclesiastical histories the compilers arc indebted to a gentleman 
 in Shrewsburv. 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. 361 
 
 rods W. of the above. The principal source of its prosperity is the 
 trade with New York. Thirteen sloops and schooners sail from 
 here with vegetables, wood, and oysters, for that market ; and a 
 steamboat plies between here and the city. Vessels, week after 
 week, have taken oysters to New York, and returned with $600 or 
 8700 for their cargoes. Red Bank contains 7 mercantile stores, 1 
 hat manufactory, 2 wheelwrights, 2 lamber-yards, 2 blacksmiths, 2 
 shoe stores, 2 ladies' fancy stores, 4 tailors, 1 bakery, 2 tinners, 1 
 lime-kiln, 1 sash and bliiid factory, a Forum, for public meetings, 
 an Episcopal chapel, and GO dwellings. 
 
 The southern cape of llaiitan bay, known as Sandi/ Hook, be- 
 longs to this township. It changed its character from a promonto- 
 ry to an island in 1778, by an opening forced by the sea, termed 
 the old Shrewsbury Inlet. In 1800 the inlet was closed, and the 
 Hook again became a promontory until 1830, when it was re- 
 opened, and is now an island. Vessels pass through the inlet. At 
 certain stages of the tide, the waters rush through with a tremen- 
 dous roar. The Hook is 4i miles in length, and varies in breadth 
 from i to 1 mile in width. It is a low, sandy tract, a great part 
 of it covered with low trees and shrubs, principally red cedar, 
 interspersed with holly, wild cherry, &c. The accumulation of 
 sand fast extends the cape, so that two lighthouses have become 
 useless, being left too far inland. There are upon it two dwellings, 
 and a lighthouse near its northern extremity. 
 
 Sandy Hook was purchased by Richard Hartshorne, an early 
 settler in Middletown. It remained in the possession of his de- 
 scendants until 1816, when the United States, who had previously 
 owned 125 acres, where the lighthouse is, purchased the remain- 
 ing portion. The first lighthouse was erected about the year 1762, 
 which, in the American revolution, was fortified by the British and 
 refugees. An attack was made upon it by a party of Moinuouth 
 county militia, under Gen. David Forman, with two six-pounders ; 
 but their artillery being too light, and a British armed vessel ap- 
 proaching, they were obliged to retreat. 
 
 The following, copied Irom a curious document, relates to an 
 agreement between Richard Hartshorne and the Indians, in rela- 
 tion to plumming and fishing on Sandy Hook. 
 
 The 8th of August, 1G78. Whereas the Indians pretend that formerly, when they 
 Bold all the land upon Sandy Hook, they did not sell, or did except, liberty to get plumbs,* 
 or to say the Indians should have liberty to go on Sandy Hook to get plumbs when they 
 please, and to hunt upon the land, and fish, and to take dry trees that suited them for 
 cannows. Now know all men by these presents, that I, Richard Hartshorn, of Port- 
 land, in the county of Monmouth, in East Jersey, for peace and quietness sake, and to 
 the end there may be no cause of trouble with the Indians, and tliat I may not for the 
 future have any trouble with them as formerly I had, in their doggs killing my sliee[), 
 and their hunting on my lands, and their fishing, I have agreed as followeth : 
 
 These presents witnesseth, that I, Vowavapon, Hendricks, the Indians sonn, having 
 all the liberty and privileges of pluming on Sandy Hook, hunting, fishing, fouling, get- 
 ting cannows, &.C., by these presents, give, grant, bargain, sell, unto Richard Hartshorn, 
 
 * Great quantities of beach plums arc gathered to the present day 
 
 46 
 
302 MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 his heirs, and assigns forever, all the liberty and privilcdge of pluming, fishing, fowling, 
 hunting, and howsoever reserved and excepted by tiie Indians for him, the said Richard 
 Hartsiiom, his heirs and assigns, to have, hould, possess, and injoy forever, to say that 
 no Indian, or Indians, shall or hath no pretense to lands or timber, liberty, privileges, 
 on no pretense whatsoever on any part or parcell of land, belonging to the said Richard 
 Hartshorn, to say, Sandy Hook or land adjoining to it, in consideration the said Harts- 
 liorn iiath paid unto the said Vowavapon thirteen shillings money; and I, the said 
 Vovvavapon, do acknowledge to have received thirteen shillings by these presents 
 Witness my hand and seal. 
 
 Signed, sealed, and delivered ) VOWAVAPON, X his mark, 
 
 in presence of John Stout. ^ TOCUS, X his mark. 
 
 Many vessels, at various times, have been wrecked on Sandy 
 Hook ; and money and other valuables found cast upon its shores. 
 'J'radition affirms that it was a favorite resort of the famous pirate, 
 Capt. Kidd, to bury his ill-gotten treasures. 
 
 The following]: inscriptions are from monuments in a small grave- 
 yard, about forty rods northeast of the lighthouse : 
 
 Here lieth the body of Thomas Kent, of Longport, Staffordshire, England, who de- 
 parted this life suddenly, on the 2d of May, 1828, on board the ship New York, Capt. 
 Bennett, near Sandy Hook ; in which vessel he had left the city of New York, with his 
 wife and famil}', only the day before, to return to his native country. 
 
 Capt. James Swain, of Cape May, aged 49 years, was wrecked and drowned, together 
 with his sons, William and James, and three other men, at Sandy Hook, Jan. 23, A. D. 
 
 1808. 
 
 Un the inner shore of the Hook, about a mile south of the light- 
 house, once stood an elegant monument to the memory of a young 
 British officer, and thirteen others, cast away in a snow-storm, in 
 the war of the revolution. They were Ibund frozen, and were buried 
 in one common grave. The following was the inscription : 
 
 Here lie the remains of the Honorable Hamilton Douglass IIaliduuton, son of Shoto 
 Charles, Earl of Morton, and heir of the ancient family of Haliburton, of Pitcurr, in 
 Scotland ; who perished on this coast, with twelve more young gentlemen, and one com- 
 mon sailor, in the spirited disciiarge of duty, the 30th or 31st of December, 1783 — born 
 October the lOth, 17()3: a youth who, in contempt of hardship and danger, though pos- 
 sessed of an ample fortune, served seven years in the British navy, with a manly cour- 
 age. He seemed to be deserving of a better fate. To his dear memory, and that of his 
 unfortunate comj)anions, this monumental stone is erected, bj' his unhappy mother, 
 Katheriiie, Countess Dowager of Morton. 
 
 James Champion, Lieutenant of Marines. 
 Alexander Johnston, i 
 George Paouv, ^ Midshipmen. 
 
 Rorert Hevwood, 5 
 Charles Gascoigne, 1 ? T William Tomlinson, 
 Andrew Hamilton, l 1?*] Jo""^ M'Chair, 
 William SfOTT, ) i<=1 ^^ h-liam Si-rav, 
 
 David Reddie, J i (. Robert W'ood. 
 
 George Towers, Sailor. 
 Cast away, in ])ursiiit of dt'serters ; all found dead, and buried in this grave. 
 Of his Britannic majesty's ship Assistance: Mr. llALinuRTON, First Lieutenant. 
 
 About the year 1808, some barbarians, from a French vessel-of- 
 war, landed, and destroyed this beautiful monument of maternal 
 affection. Some few traces of it still exist. 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. 363 
 
 The annexed is from a paper publisher] at New York, during the 
 late war with Great Britain, entitled "The War:" 
 
 A Coup de Main. — On Sunday morning, July 4th, (1813,) the fishing-smack Yankee 
 was borrowed by Com. Lewis, who has command of the flotilla stationed at the Hook, 
 for the purpose of taking by stratagem the sloop Eagle, tender to the Poictiers 74, cruis- 
 ing oif and on Sandy Hook ; which succeeded to a charm. A calf, asheep, and a. goose 
 were purchased, and secured on deck. Tiiirty men, well armed, were secreted in the 
 cabin and forepeak. Thus prepared, the Yankee stood out of Musquito cove, as if go- 
 ing on a fishing trip to the Banks; three men only being on deck, dressed in fishermen's 
 apparel, wiili buft' caps on. The Eagle, on perceiving the smack, immediately gave 
 cliase ; and after coming up with her, and finding she had live stock on deck, ordered 
 her to go down to tlie commodore, tlien five miles distant. The helmsman of the smack 
 answered, " Ay, ay, sir !" and apparently put up tlie helm for tliat purpose, which 
 brought him alongside the Eagle, not three yards distant. The watchword, Lawrence 
 was then given, when the armed men rushed on deck, from their hiding-places, and 
 poured into her a volley of musketry, which struck her crew with dismay, and drove 
 tliem down so precipitately into tlie hold of the vessel, that they had not time to strike 
 their colors. Seeing the enemy's deck clear, Sailing-master Percival, who commanded 
 the expedition, ordered his men to cease firing ; upon which one of the men came out 
 of the enemy's hold, and struck the colors of the Eagle. She had on board a tliirty-two- 
 pound brass howitzer, loaded with canister-shot ; but, so sudden was the surprise, they 
 had not time to discharge it. The crew of the Eagle consisted of H. Morris, master's 
 mate of the Poictiers, W. Price, midshipman, and 11 seamen and marines. IMr. Mor- 
 ris was killed ; Mr. Price mortally wounded ; and one marine killed, and one wounded. 
 The Eagle, with the prisoners, arrived off the Battery, in the afternoon, and landed the 
 prisoners at Whitehall, amid the shouts and plaudits of thousands of spectators, assem- 
 bled on the Battery to celebrate the anniversary of our independence. Mr. Morris was 
 buried at Sandy Hook, with military honors. Mr. Price was carried to New York, 
 where, on Thursday, lie died ; and was buried with military ceremonies, on Friday, in St. 
 Paul's churchyard. 
 
 Trap is a small village in the southern part of Shrewsbury. On 
 the seashore is the popular watering-place known as Long Branch. 
 The land adjacent to the ocean rises perpendicularly from the 
 l)each about twenty feet. The boarding-houses are a short distance 
 back from the water, in front of which are pleasant lawns. In 
 summer, a line of stages run between here and Philadelphia, and 
 communication by .steamboat is had with New York. Its inhabit- 
 ants truly dwell at 
 
 " the noise of the sounding surge I when the dark rolling wave is near with its back of 
 foam 1" 
 
 Eatontown is a mile and a quarter S. of Shrew.sbury. It con- 
 tains 4 stores, a grist-mill, an academy, and 35 dwellings. It 
 derives its name from an Eaton family, who were among the early 
 settlers of the township. 
 
 The following is traditionary. About the year 1G70 the Indians sold out this sec- 
 tion of country to Lewis Morris for a barrel of cider, and emigrated to Crosswicks and 
 Cranberry. One of them, called Indian Will, remained and dwelt in a wigwam between 
 Tinton Falls and Swinnning river. His tribe were in consequence exasperated, and at 
 various limes sent messengers to kill him in single combat; but being a brave athletic 
 man, he always came ofi' eoiniueror. On a certain occasion, wliile |)artaking of a break- 
 fast of suppawn and milk at Mr. Eaton's witii a silver spoon, he casually remarked 
 that he knew where there were plenty of such. They promised if he would bring them, 
 they would give him a red coat and cocked hat. In a short time he was arrayed in 
 that dress ; and it is said the Batons suddenly became wealthy. About 80 years since, 
 in pulling down an old mansion in Shrewsbury, in which a maiden member of this 
 family in her lifetime had resided, a quantity of cob dollars, supposed by tiie superstitious 
 to liavc been Kidd's money, were found concealed in the cellar wall. This coin was 
 
364 
 
 MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 generally of a square or oblong shape, the corners of which wore out the pockets. Our 
 informant, a -cspcctablc revolutionary pensioner, in his younger days made shoe-buckles 
 from coin of this description. 
 
 Tinton Falls, 2^ miles SW. of Shrewsbury, is on a branch of 
 Navisink river, and contains about 25 d\vellin<?s. a furnace, a grist 
 and saw mill, 2 stores. In its vicinity is a Methodist church. It 
 is named from the cascade in the river, which here precipitates over 
 a sand rock about 30 iieet in height, filled with animal remains. 
 Below, the stream winds for some distance through a romantic dell 
 overhung by trees of variegated foliage. 
 
 . At the village is a chalybeate spring, once held in high repute by the Indians, who on 
 soiling out to the whites had reserved the spring and a small strip of surrounding land 
 for public benefit. The water is composed of iron, copper, sulphur, &,c. When taken 
 from the spring it is clear, but on standing a few hours it assumes the color of cider, 
 and discolors glasses in which it is placed. 
 
 When this country was first settled, deer and wolves abounded. Among tlic deer 
 hunters was one Webberly West, who died just previous to the war of the revolution. 
 He is said in the course of his life to have killed many hundred. Wolves were caught 
 in pits covered by brush, with meat on the top as a decoy. Snapping turtles were for- 
 merly numerous in the creek, and proved destructive to ducks ; they would catch them 
 with their claws, tear them in pieces, and devour them. Some of the turtles weighed 
 20 or 3U pounds, and were much valued by the settlers as an article of food. They 
 were so abundant tiiat in two hours a person could catch a bushel-basket full. They 
 laid their eggs in the sand, perhaps 30 or 40 in one spot ; which the foxes destroyed in 
 great numbers. The Indians used to catch large quantities of clams on the seashore 
 Their method of cooking was to dig |)its, heat them with wood, and then put in the 
 clams and cover them with seaweed and brush to confine the heat. They were consid- 
 ered a great luxury. 
 
 •sj^i 
 
 View of the dipt. Huddy Mansion, Colt's i\cck. 
 
 Colt's Neck, originally called Call's Neck from a resident of that 
 name, is 5 miles from Fre<>liold. on a neck of land formed by two 
 branches of Swimming river. It contains 3 stores, a church, and 
 2G dwellings. On Widow Tillotson's land, about a mile N. from 
 this place, in a clay bank beside a brook, is a cave formerly divided 
 into several rooms! The mouth being now broken in, it is destroyed 
 as an object of curiosity. It can only be entered when the stream 
 is low. 
 
 The above engraving represents the dwelling in which resided 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. 355 
 
 the brave Capt. Joshua Hucldy, of revolutionary memory, now 
 owned by Thomas G. Haight, Esq., and standing in the central part 
 oi* Colt's Neck, a few rods back from the main road. Huddy dis- 
 tinguished himself on various occasions in the war, and became an 
 object of terror to the tories. In the summer of 1780, a party of 
 about GO refugees, commanded by Tye, a mulatto, one evening 
 attacked this dwelling. Iluddy, assisted only by a servant-girl,* 
 aged about 20 years, defended it for some length of time. Several 
 muskets were fortunately left in the house by the guard generally 
 stationed there, but at this time absent. These she loaded, while 
 Huddy, by appearing at different windows and discharging them, 
 gave the impression that there were many defenders. He wounded 
 several, and at last, while setting fire to the house, he shot their 
 leader Tyef in the wrist. Huddy, finding the flames fast increas- 
 ing, agreed to surrender, provided they would extinguish the fire.t 
 
 It is said the enemy on entering were much exasperated at the 
 feebleness of its defenders, and could with difficulty be restrained 
 by their leader from butchering them on the spot. They were 
 obliged to leave, as the militia soon collected, and killed six on their 
 retreat. They carried off with Huddy several cattle and sheep 
 from the neighborhood, but lost them in fording the creeks. They 
 embarked on boai'd their boats near Black Point, between Shrews- 
 bury and Navisink rivers. As the boats pushed from shore, Huddy 
 jumped overboard, and was shot in the thigh as was supposed by 
 the militia, then in close pursuit. He held up one of his hands 
 toward them, exclaiming, " / avi Huddy ! I am Huddy /" swam to 
 the shore, and escaped. 
 
 Two years after, March, 1782, Huddy commanded a blockhouse 
 at Tom's River, which was attacked by a party of refugees from 
 New York, and taken after a gallant resistance. (See p. 328 of 
 this volume.) The prisoners were carried to New York ; from 
 thence Huddy was conveyed to Sandy Hook, and placed heavily 
 ironed on board a guard-ship. 
 
 While confined he was told by one of the refugees that he was 
 to be hanged, " for he had taken a certain Philip White, a refugee 
 in Monmouth county, cut off both his arms, broke his legs, pulled 
 out one of his eyes, damned him, and then bid him run." He an- 
 swered, " It is impossible I could have taken Philip White, I being 
 a prisoner in New York at the time, closely confined, and for many 
 days before he was made prisoner." One or two of bis comrades 
 
 * The name of this heroine was Lucretia Emmons, afterward Mrs. Chambers. She 
 (lied about 20 years since at Freehold. 
 
 + Titus, or Col. Tye, as he was commonly called, usuully commanded a mongrel 
 crew of nerrrocs and tories. He died of lockjaw occasioned by this wound. He was a 
 slave of John Corlies, and was born and bred in the south part of this township. He 
 was an honorable, brave, but hcadstroncr man. .Several acts of generosity are remem- 
 bered of liim, and he was justly more respected as an enemy than many of his brethren 
 of a fairer comjilcxion. 
 
 \ Marks of the fire are plainly discernible to the present day, (June, 1842 ;) and on 
 the eastern end of the house arc several bullet-liolcs. 
 
366 MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 corroborated this statement. Four days after, (April 12th,) Huddy 
 was taken by 16 refugees under Capt. Lippencot to Gravelly 
 Point, on the seashore at the foot of Navisink hills, about a mile 
 N. of the Highland lighthouses, where he was deliberately exe 
 cuted. lie met his fate with an extraordinary degree of firmness 
 and serenity. It is said he even executed his will under the gal- 
 lows, upon the head of that barrel from which he was to make his 
 exit, and in a handwriting fairer than usual. The following label 
 was attached to his breast. 
 
 We the refugees having long with grief heheld the cruel murders of our brethren, 
 and finding nothing hut such ineosures daily carrying into execution ; — ice therefore 
 determine not to suffer without taking vengeance for the numerous cruelties ; and thus 
 begin, having made use of Capt. Huddy as the first object to present to your view ; and 
 further determine to hang man for man, while there is a refugee existing. 
 
 UP GOES HUDDY FOR PHILIP WHITE 1 
 The gallows, ibrmed of three rails, stood on the beach, close to 
 the sea. Tradition states that Capt. Lippencot, observing reluc- 
 tance in some of his men to take hold of the rope, drew his 
 sword, and swore he would run the first through who disobeyed 
 orders. Three of the party, bringing their bayonets to the charge, 
 declared their determination to defend themselves — that Huddy was 
 innocent of the death of White, and they would not be concerned 
 in the murder of an innocent man. 
 
 The following circumstances, relating to the death of White, 
 were obtained jjrincipally by conversation with a highly respecta- 
 ble gentleman, a soldier of the revolution, now (June, 1842) a resi- 
 dent of this township. White, the refugee, was a carpenter, and 
 served his time in Shrewsbury. Six days after Huddy was taken, 
 he was surprised by a party of militia lighrhorse, near Snag swamp, 
 in the eastern part of the township. After laying down his arms 
 in token of surrender, he took up his musket and killed a Mr. Hen- 
 drickson. He was, however, secured, and while being taken to 
 Freehold was killed at Pyle's Corner, 3 miles from there. He was 
 under the guard of 3 men, the father of one of whom was mur- 
 dered at Shrewsbury, the year previous, by a band of refugees, 
 among whom was White, and he was therefore highly exasperated 
 against the prisoner. Some accounts state, that he was killed 
 while attempting to escape; others, with more probability, that 
 they pricked him with their swords, and thus forcing him to run, 
 cruelly murdered him. 
 
 The corpse of Huddy was carried to Freehold, and buried with 
 the honors of war. A funeral sermon was preached on the occa- 
 sion by the Rev. Mr. WoodhuU,* who afterward suggested to Gen. 
 David Forman the propriety of retaliation. Forman wrote to 
 this effect to Washington. The subsequent history of this affair 
 is thus given in Ramsay's History of the Revolution. 
 
 * This clergyman was originally settled over a congregation in Pennsylvania. He 
 was a strenuous whig, and wliilc tlicre, advocated the cause so cloquontiy from tiic pul- 
 pit, that he succeeded in enlisting as soldiers every male member of his congregation 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. 357 
 
 Gen. Washington resolved on retaliation for this deliberate mur- 
 der ; but instead of immediately executing a British officer, he 
 wrote to Sir Henry Clinton, that unless the murderers of Huddy 
 were given up, he should be under the necessity of retaliating. 
 The former being refused, Capt. Asgill was designated by lot for 
 that purpose. In the mean time, the British instituted a court- 
 martial for the trial of Capt. Lippencot, who was supposed to be 
 the principal agent in executing Huddy. It appeared in the course 
 of this trial, that Gov. Franklin, the president of the board of as- 
 sociated loyalists, gave Lippencot verbal orders for what he did ; 
 and that he had been designated as a proper subject for retaliation, 
 having been, as the refugees stated, a persecutor of the loyalists, 
 and particularl}^ as having been instrumental in hanging Stephen 
 Edwards,* who had been one of that description. The court, hav- 
 ing considered the whole matter, gave their opinion — "That, as 
 what Lippencot did was not the effect of malice or ill-will, but 
 proceeded from a conviction that it was his duty to obey the orders 
 of the board of directors of associated loyalists, and as he did not 
 doubt their having full authority to give such orders, he was not 
 guilty of the murder laid to his charge, and therefore they acquit- 
 ted hhn." Sir Guy Carleton, who, a little before this time, had been 
 appointed commander-in-chief of the British arm}^ in a letter to 
 Gen. Washington, accompanying the trial of Lippencot, declared 
 " that, notwithstanding the acquittal of Lippencot, he reprobated 
 the measure, and gave assurances of prosecuting a further inquiry." 
 Sir Guy Carleton, about the same time, broke up the board of as- 
 sociated loyalists, which prevented a repetition of similar excesses. 
 
 capable of bearing arms, he going with liicm as chaplain. In the spring of 1779, he 
 was settled over the 1st Presbyterian church of Freehold, where he continued until his 
 death, in Nov., 18i24. 
 
 * .Stephen P^dwards, a young man, in the latter part of the war left his home at 
 Shrewsbury, and joined the loyalists at New York. From thence he was sent, by Col. 
 Taylor of the refugees, a former resident of Middletown, back to Moimioufh co. with 
 written instructions to ascertain the force of the Americans there. Information having 
 been conveyed to the latter, Jonathan Forman, a captain of cavalry, was ordered to 
 search for him. Suspecting he might be at his father's residence, half a mile below Ea- 
 tontown, he entered it at midnight with a party of men, and found him in bed with his 
 wife, disguised in the nightcap of a female. 
 
 " Who have you here ?" says Forman. 
 
 " A laboring woman," replied Mrs. Edwards. The captain detected the disguise, and, 
 on looking under the bed, saw Edwards' clothing, wliich he examined, and found the pa- 
 pers given him by Col. Taylor. He then says, " Edwards, I am sorry to find you ! — You 
 see these papers — you have brought yourself into a disagreeable situation, — you know 
 the fatp of spies!" 
 
 Edwards denied the allegation, remarking, " he was not such, and could not be so 
 considcn^d." 
 
 This occurred on Saturday night. The prisoner was taken to the courthouse, tried by 
 a court-martial next day, and executed at 10 o'clock on the Monday following. Ed- 
 wards' father and mother had come up that morning to ascertain the fate of their son, 
 and returned home with his corpse. Edwards was an amiable young man. The For- 
 man and Edwards families had been on terms of intimate friendship ; and the agency 
 of one of the members of the former in the transaction, excited their deepest sympathies 
 for the unfortunate fate of the prisoner. This occurred at the period of the greatest trou- 
 bles in the county. — Compilers of the Hist. Coll. of New Jersey. 
 
3G8 MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 The war, also, drawing near a close, the motives for retaliation, as 
 tending to prevent other murders, in a great measure ceased. In 
 the mean time, Gen. Washington received a letter from the Count 
 de Vergennes, interceding for Capt. Asgill, which was also accom- 
 panied with a very pathetic one from his mother, Mrs. Asgill, to the 
 count. Copies of these several letters were forwarded to congress, 
 and soon after they resolved, " that the commander-in-chief be di- 
 rected to set Capt. Asgill at liberty." The lovers of humanity re- 
 joiced that the necessity for retaliation was superseded, by the 
 known humanity of the new British commander-in-chief, and still 
 more by the well-founded prospect of a speedy peace. Asgill, who 
 had received every indulgence, and who had been treated with all 
 possible politeness, was released, and permitted to go into New York. 
 
 The following is from an ancient newspaper : 
 
 On the 30th ult., (April, 1780,) a party of negroes and refugees from the Hook, landed 
 at ^Shrewsbury in order to plunder. During their excursion a Mr. Russcl, who attempted 
 some resistance to their depredations, was killed, and his grandchild had five balls shot 
 through him, but is yet living. Capt. Warner, of the jjrivatecr brig Elizabeth, was .made 
 prisoner by these ruffians, but was released by giving tiicm two half joes. This banditti 
 al.so took off several persons, among whom were Capt. James Green, and Ensign John 
 Morris, of the militia. 
 
 The annexed additional particulars were obtained by conversa 
 tion with a resident at the time. Mr. Kussel was an elderly man, 
 aged about 60 years ; as the party entered his dwelling, which 
 was in the night, he fired and missed. The}' returned it, and young 
 Russel fell. Wm. Gilian, a native of Shrewsbury, their leader, 
 seized the old gentleman by the collar, and was in the act of stab- 
 bing him in the face and eyes with his bayonet, when the tire 
 blazed up, and shedding a momentary light u])on the scene, enabled 
 the younger Russel, as he lay wovuided on the floor, to shoot Gilian. 
 John Farnham, a native of Middletown, thereupon aimed his mus- 
 ket at the young man ; but it was knocked up by Lipi)encot, wiio 
 had married into the family. The party then went oil'. The 
 ciiild was accidentally wounded in the affray. 
 
 STAFFORD. 
 
 This township was incorporated in 1798. Its greatest length is 
 10 miles, breadth 12 miles. It is bounded N. by Dover, E. and 
 SE. by bays of the Atlantic, and SW. by Little Egg Harbor town- 
 ship, Burlington co. ; Little Egg Harbor and Barnegat bays stretch 
 along in front of the township, to the east of which is an unbruken 
 beach, excepting at the Barnegat inlet, through which vessels 
 enter. On the main land, next to the water, is a strip ol" salt 
 marsh, varying from one quarter to three miles in width ; along 
 on the shore, below the main post-road, the soil is fertile and there 
 are some excellent farms. Inland, the surface is level, the soil 
 mostly gravel and sand, and covered with pine and oak. There 
 
RIONMOUTH COUNTY. 359 
 
 are in the township 9 stores. 1 e:rist-m., 4 savv-m. ; 7 schools, 215 
 Fcholars. Pop. 2J49.ini 865, 1,984. 
 
 Manahocking, a flourishing village 45 miles from Freehold, con- 
 tains a Baptist and a Methodist church, saw, grist, turning, and 
 carding mills, 2 taverns, 3 stores, and about 40 dwellings. Wood, 
 lumber, and cedar rails are exported in considerable quantities from 
 this village. About 15 or 20 coasting vessels sail from this and 
 the other places in the township, which carry off, with the other 
 products of this timber country, large quantities of charcoal, here 
 an article of increasing production. Barnegat, 4^ miles N. of Mana- 
 hocking, has 3 taverns, 3 stores, and about 30 dwellings. Waer- 
 town, 'Ji miles from Manahocking, has a tavern, store, and a few 
 dwellings. Westecunk, 5 miles below Manahocking, contains 2 
 stores, a tavern, saw-mill, and about 30 dwellings. 
 
 The following facts here given, relating to the catching of whales 
 on this coast, at this late era, may be unknown to many of our 
 readers. They are extracted from J. F. Watson's (MS.) trip to 
 Manahocking, made in July, 1833. He says : 
 
 I was surprised to learn from old Stephen Inman, one of the 12 islanders of Lono- 
 Beach, himself aged 75 years, that he and his family have never ceased to be lohale 
 catchers alonjr this -coast. They devote themselves to it in February and Marcli. 
 (jJenerally catch two or three of a season, so as to average 40 or 50 barrels of oil apiece. 
 Sometimes whales are taken making 90 barrels of oil. Whalebones of a large size arc 
 seen bleaching about tiie sand. 
 
 The followii-hg relating to the infamous John Bacon, one of the 
 refugees who had murdered several citizens and plundered many 
 defenceless families, is from the Jersey Gazette of January 8th, 
 1783: 
 
 On Friday, the 27lii ult, Capt. Richard Slircvc, of the Burlington county lighthorsc, 
 and Capt. Edward Thomas, of the Mansfield militia, having received information that 
 John Bacon with his banditti of robbers was in the neighborhood of Cedar creek, col- 
 lected a party of men and went immediately in pursuit of them. They met them at the 
 Cedar creek bridge. The refugees, being on the soutii side, had greatly the advantage 
 of Capts. Shreve and Thomas' jiarty in point of situation. It was, nevertheless, deter- 
 mined to charge tiicm. The onset, on tlic part of the militia, was furious, and ojjposcd 
 by the refugees with great firmness for a considerable time ; several of tliem jiaving 
 been guilty of such enormous crimes as to have no expectation of mercy should they sur- 
 render. They were, nevertheless, on the point of giving way, when the militia were 
 unexpectedly fired upon from a party of the inhabitants near that place, who had suddenly 
 come to Bacon's assistance. 
 
 This put the militia in some confusion, and" gave the refugees time to get off. Mr. 
 William Cooke, jr., son of William Cooke, E.sq., was unfortunately killed in the attack, 
 and Robert Reckless wounded, but is likely to recover. On the jjart of the rcl'ugecs, 
 Ichabod Johnson (for whom government has offered a reward of 25Z.) was killed on the 
 spot ; Bacon and three more of the party are wounded. The militia arc still in pursuit 
 of the refugees, and have taken seven of the inhabitants prisoners, who were with Bacon 
 in the action at the iiridge, and arc now in the Burlington jail, some of whom have 
 confessed the fact. They have also taken a considerable quantity of contraband and 
 stolen goods in searching some suspected houses and cabins on the shore. 
 
 In the .spring ensuing, Bacon was surprised and killed at Egg 
 Harbor by a detachment of Shreve's lighthorse, commanded by 
 Cornet Cook. 
 
 47 
 
370 
 
 MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 UPPER FREEHOLD. 
 
 This township is about 15 miles long, 10 wide, and is bounded 
 N. by E. Windsor, Mercer co., E. by Freehold, 8. by Dover, and 
 W. by Hanover, Burlington co. The surface is level, the south- 
 eastern part covered with pines. There are some excellent farms 
 in the township, particularly on a strip of land called Cream ridge, 
 running centrally across it. There are in the township 23 stores, 7 
 tanneries, 2 £:rist-m.. 1 saw-m. ; 18 schools, 1.200 scholars. Pop. 
 5,020 inl865,2,922. 
 
 AUentown was probably first settled about the year 1700. It is 
 on the road from Bordentown to Freehold, 8 miles from the former, 
 18 from the latter, and 11 from Trenton. It is a village of con- 
 siderable business, and contains an academy, a grist and two saw 
 mills, 6 mercantile stores. 1 Methodist church, 1 do. for colored 
 persons, a Presbyterian church, about 100 dwellings, and 5 or 600 
 inhabitants. A little west of the village, on the road to Trenton, is 
 
 ( 
 
 View of the Presbyterian Church, AUentown. 
 
 a woollen ftictory and several dwellings. The principal part of the 
 village is on the E. side of Doctors creek. On the western bank 
 of this stream, on a gentle elevation, stands the Presbyterian church, 
 a substantial brick structure erected in 1837 ; this society was 
 founded in 175(>, and the Methodist about the year 1810. Just 
 previous to the battle of Monmouth the British marched through 
 the village and encamped on Montgomery hill. 
 
 New Egypt, a flourishing village near the western line of the 
 county, contains 2 stores, and about 500 inhabitants. The soil is 
 light, but made fertile by marl and lime. Indaystown, Horners- 
 town, Prospertown, Goshen, Varmintown. Cat-tail, and Cabbage- 
 town, are small villages or neigliborhoods in the township ; the 
 first of which is a post-village, containing a store, tannery, a grist 
 and a saw mill, 1 wheelwright, 1 cabinet-maker, 1 saddler, 1 black- 
 smith-shop, and about 17 dwellings. 
 
 As previously mentioned, Monmouth co., in the American revo 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. 371 
 
 lution, suffered severely from its intestine enemies, particularh^ the 
 refugees, who took up arms against their former neighbors and 
 friends. Whole families were divided, fathers and brothers taking 
 different sides, and mingling in savage conflict in murderous oppo- 
 sition to each other. Between them occurred scenes of ferocity, 
 and incidents of individual daring, sufficient to fill a volume of hor- 
 ror. At one time the refugees gained the ascendency, and had pos- 
 session of Freehold village for a week or ten days, but at last were 
 driven out by the whigs. Some of them took to the swamps and 
 M'^oods, and, like the pine robbers, secreted themselves in caves bur- 
 rowed in sand, where their friends covertly supplied them with food. 
 The most ferocious of them were hung.* Those more mild, or 
 merely suspected, were put on their parole of honor or sent prison- 
 ers to Hagerstown, to prevent their communicating with the ene- 
 my, and at the close of the war had their propert}^ restored. Many 
 of the refugees fled from this state to New York, and were formed 
 into a military corps under the name of " The Associated Loyalists" 
 of which Wm. Franklin, the last royal governor of New Jersey, 
 was president. 
 
 This county was more afflicted by their marauding parties, than 
 all the rest of the state combined ; and the inhabitants, favorable 
 to the popular cause, were compelled to draw up articles of agree- 
 ment for the purposes of retaliation. Annexed is a copy of this 
 paper, with the names of the associators. It comprises the names 
 of prominent families in this county at the present day. The origi- 
 nal is in the secretary of state's office, Trenton. 
 
 Whereas from the frequent incursions and depredations of the enemy 
 (and more particularly of the refugees) in this county, whereby not only 
 the lives but the liberty and property of every determined whig are endan- 
 gered, they, upon every such incursion, either burning or destroying houses, 
 making prisoners of, and most inhumanly treating aged and peaceable in- 
 habitants, and plundering them of all portable property, it has become es- 
 sentially necessary to take some different and more effectual measures to 
 check said practices, than have ever yet been taken ; and as it is a fact,. no- 
 torious to every one, that these depredations have always been committed 
 by the refugees (either black or white) that have left this country, or by 
 their influence or procurement, many of whom have near relations and 
 friends, that in general have been suffered to reside unmolested among us, 
 numbers of which, we have full reason to believe, are aiding and accessary 
 to those detestable practices. We, the subscribers, inhabitants of the county 
 of Monmouth, actuated solely by the principles of self-preservation, being 
 of opinion that the measure will be strictly justifiable on the common prin- 
 ciples of war, and being encouraged thereto by an unanimous resolve of the 
 honorable the congress, passed the 30th of Oct., 1778, wherein they in the 
 most solemn manner declare that through every possible change of fortune 
 they will retaliate, do hereby solemnly associate for the purpose of retaliation, 
 
 * No less than 13 pine robbers, refugees, and murderers, were executed at different 
 times on one gallows, which stood near where Fagan was hung, in the vichiity of the 
 courthouse. Dr. Samuel Forman, of Freehold, from whom the above fact was obtained, 
 assisted in the erection of this gallows. 
 
;{72 MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 and do obligate ourselves, our heirs, executors, and administrators, and every 
 of them jointly and severally, to all and every of the subscribers and their 
 heirs, &;c., to warrant and defend such persons as may be appointed to as- 
 sist this association in the execution thereof; and that we will abide by and 
 adhere to such rules and regulations for the purpose of making restitution 
 to' such friends to their country as may hereafter have t^eir houses burned 
 or broke to pieces, their property wantonly destroyed or plundered, their 
 persons made prisoners of whilst peaceably at their own habitations about 
 their lawful business not under arms, as shall hereafter be determined on by 
 a committee of nine men auly elected by the associates at large out of their 
 number ; which rules and regulations shall be founded on the following 
 principles, viz : — 
 
 First. — For every good subject of this state residing within the county, 
 that shall become an associator, and shall be taken or admitted to parole by 
 any party or parties of refugees as aforesaid, that shall come on the errand 
 of plundering and man-stealing, the good subject not actually under or 
 taken in arms, there shall be taken an equal number of the most disaffected 
 and influential residing and having property within the county, and them 
 confine within Provost jail and treat them with British rigor, until the good 
 subjects of this state taken as aforesaid shall be fully liberated. 
 
 Second. — For every house that shall be burned or destroyed, the property 
 of a good subject that enters with this association, there shall be made full 
 retaliation upon or out of the property of the disaffected as aforesaid. 
 
 Third. — That for every article of property taken as aforesaid from any 
 of the associators, being good subjects, the value thereof shall be re- 
 placed out of the property of the disaffected as aforesaid. We do also fur- 
 ther associate for the purpose of defending the frontiers of this county, and 
 engage each man for himself that is a subject of the militia that we will 
 turn out at all times when the county is invaded, and at other times do our 
 proportionate part towards the defence thereof. We the associators do here- 
 by direct that a copy of this association be, as soon as the signing is com- 
 pleted, transmitted to the printer of the New Jersey Gazette, for publication, 
 and that the original be lodged in the clerk's office. Also we do request, that 
 the associators will meet at the courthouse on Saturday, the 1st of July, at 1 
 o'clock in the afternoon, for the purpose of electing a committee of nine 
 men, as before-mentioned, to carry the said association into effect. 
 
 Asher Holmes, .Joseph .Tolmston, John Van Schoick, WilHam Nivison, 
 
 John Smock, Josepli Holmes, Joiin Nivison, John Brown, 
 
 Elisha Walton, Daniel Denisc, John E. Leconte, Garrit Covenhoven, 
 
 Thomas Tliorn, Samuel Elliot, Matthias Van Dcripe, James Holmes, 
 
 John Schenck, (capt.) John Covenhoven,,-— Moses Sheppard, William Hulsart, 
 
 John Schenck, (lieut.) Joseph Willet, Bcnj'n Covenhoven, Jacob Van Pelt, 
 
 Win. Schenck, (lieut.) John Willet, Alex. Van Tenyckc, Benj. Van Cleave, 
 
 Barnes Smock, (do.) Peter Johnston, James Hampton, Harmon Sneider, 
 
 Jarrit Stihvell, George Hymes, John Alwood, Hendrick Sneider, 
 
 Samuel Pearsc, Joseph Van Cleave, Elias Conover, William Sneider, 
 
 Henry Strieker, Solomon Combs, llobert Laird, David Rhea, jr., (adjt.) 
 
 William Schenck, Sanmel Dorsett, Berryan Covert, William Anderson, 
 
 William Covenhoven, Godfrey Warner, Samuel Carhart, Daniel Hill, 
 
 Jonathan Forman, Peter Longstreet, Peter Van Derhoof, Patrick Bailey, 
 
 David Forman, Joseph Woolcy, Jacob Allen, Tunis Vanpelt, 
 
 Samuel Clayton, John Sutphin, John Van Brocle, James Mash, 
 
 Isaac Staates, Abra'm Hendrickson, Hendrick Hycr, Matthias Roberts 
 
 Benjamin Van Mater, Hendrick Williamson, Com. Covenhoven, Walter Vanpelt, 
 
 Lambert Johnston, Ruhf Covenhoven, Stout Holmes, Hendrick Vanpelt, 
 
MONMOUTH COUNTY. 
 
 373 
 
 Furrowcs Norrls, John Moore, 
 Joseph Broom, John Smith Hunn, 
 
 Thomas Stilwell, Ezekiel Lewis, 
 Corn. T. Vanderhoof, Natiian Nivison, 
 John Boman, Peter Tanner, 
 
 Manasseh Dunham, William Aumack, 
 
 Josiah West, 
 Matthias Tice, 
 William Rowier, 
 Richard Laird, 
 James Snialley, 
 Henry Rue, 
 William Lewis, 
 David Craij, 
 John Aumack, 
 Samuel Craig, 
 James Herbert, 
 Garrit Voorhees, 
 W. Laird. 
 John Davison, 
 John Parent, 
 Joseph Covenhoven, 
 Daniel Ketcham, 
 Robert Francis^ 
 Robert Sharp, 
 Oukey Leffertson, 
 John Truax, 
 John Hulsart, 
 Samuel Hayes, 
 Richard Postens, 
 John Morford, 
 David Hance, 
 Andrew Clark, 
 Peter Emmans, 
 Rutliffe Schenck, 
 Tunis Van Derveer, 
 Peter Van Dom, 
 Adam Strieker, 
 Matthias Conover, 
 John Chasey, 
 James Dorsett, 
 Cornelius Hance, 
 Koert Schenck, jr., 
 John Morlat, 
 James Willson, 
 John Willson, 
 
 Thomas Morris, 
 William Bowne, 
 Thomas Barber, 
 Samuel Bray, 
 William Willcocks, 
 James Kinsley, 
 Jacob Pippenger, 
 John Rouse, 
 Benjamin Sutphin, 
 Alexander M'Donald, 
 John Perine, 
 Aaron Davis, 
 Thomas West, 
 James M'Dutfee, / 
 David Gordon, (capt.) 
 David Brooks, 
 Lewis M'Kni^ht, 
 Tunis Van Derveer, 
 James English, 
 John Freeman, 
 William Craig, 
 Jonathan Forman, 
 John Ludlow, i 
 Aaron F. Welsh, 
 John Rue, 
 Lewis Carlton, 
 Cornelius Barkalow, 
 Henry Drake, 
 Joseph Clayton, 
 Daniel Lane, 
 Jacob Smith, 
 John Tilton, 
 Elias Longstreet, 
 Joseph Bowne, 
 John Stilwell, 
 Timothy Hughea, 
 Ken'tii Anderson, sen. 
 Ricliard Jefi'cry, 
 William Morrison, 
 Jacob Woolcot, 
 
 Jacob Quackenbush, James Green, (capt.) 
 
 John Emmans, 
 Peter Quackenbush, 
 Abraham Emmans, 
 John M'.Mullin, 
 John Wilkinson, 
 John Johnston, 
 Jacob Drgroof, 
 Cornelius Schenck, 
 Alexander Clark, 
 Samuel Rogers, 
 Stephen Barkalow, 
 William Currin, 
 Peter Vounk, 
 
 Joseph Vannoort, 
 Joseph Johnston, 
 
 John Lake, 
 
 Francis Herbert, 
 William Hcndrickson 
 Thomas Smith, 
 Samuel Forman, 
 James Craig, 
 John Craig, 
 Thomas Seabrook, 
 Peter Forman, 
 Nathaniel Scuddcr, 
 William Craig, 
 
 Cornelius M'Muilin, Thomas Edwards, 
 Richard Poling, Zebulon Baird, 
 
 Barzilla Baird, George Casler, 
 
 David Forman, 
 Kenneth Hankinson, 
 John Walton, 
 David Baird, 
 Nicholas Van Brunt, 
 Jacob Covenhoven, 
 Thomas Henderson, 
 Benj. Covenhoven, 
 William Johnston, 
 David Covenhoven, 
 John Freeman, 
 Derrick Sutphin, 
 Moses Laird, 
 John Jewell, 
 Michael Johnston, 
 Robert Van Schoick, 
 Peter Smith, 
 Alexander Low, 
 John Jamison, 
 Henry Perine, 
 John Anderson, 
 James English, 
 James Reid, 
 Joseph Sutphin, 
 James Tapscott, 
 Jacob Wickoff, 
 David Craig, • 
 John Sutphin, 
 Lewis Perine, 
 John Baird, 
 William Dewinney, 
 Matthias Mount, 
 William Rue, 
 David Sutphin, 
 Tunis Van Derveer, 
 Stephen Seabrook, 
 Jacob Bennit, ■ 
 William Sanford, 
 Stephen Fleming, I 
 Joseph Fleming, 
 James Willson, 
 Michael Sweetman, 
 Jaques Denise, 
 Ephraim Buck, 
 Hend'k Van Derveer, 
 William Hilsey, 
 Joshua Huddy, 
 Hendrick Voorhees, 
 Samuel Dennis, 
 Daniel Hendrickson, 
 Barnab;is Bennet, 
 , Benjamin Van Cleave, 
 Daniel Hampton, 
 John Covenhoven, 
 Dollance Hagerman, 
 Thomas Chadwick, 
 Hendrick Smock, 
 William Wikoft; 
 Hugh Newell, 
 Cornelius Stewart 
 Timothy Dorsey, 
 John Van Cleave, 
 Gilbert Shearney, i 
 
 A. Zutphin, 
 Edv.-ard Moore, 
 Ebenezer Kerr, 
 John Longstreet7 
 John Schenck, 
 John Campbell, 
 John Errickson, 
 Joel Bedel, 
 Nicholas Cottril, 
 David Smith, 
 George Crooksliank, 
 John Nivisink, jr. 
 Nicholas Clark, 
 John Yeatman, 
 Alexander Eastman, 
 James Yeatman, 
 John Lane, 
 William Gordon, 
 Michael Errickson, 
 Nehemiah Tilton, 
 Elias Bowne, 
 David Loyd, 
 Isaac Johnston, 
 Joseph Morford, 
 Jacob Lane, 
 John Johnston, 
 Adam Boice, sen. 
 William Lane, 
 John Reid, 
 William Forman, 
 David Baird, 
 IMatthew Anderson, 
 Henry Berry, 
 John Holmes, sen. 
 Garrit Wikoft', 
 Richard Pippenger, 
 Timothy Gordon, 
 Lewis Gordon, 
 George Taylor, 
 Samuel Pease, 
 Henry Vanderbilt, 
 Albert Hendrickson, 
 James Vankirk, 
 William Shell't, 
 Benjamin M"Donald, 
 Cornelius Clark, B. S. 
 Cornelius Sutphin, 
 Dar)iel Emmons, 
 John Berry, 
 James M'Knight, 
 John Simermorc, 
 Joiiii Hampton, 
 Aaron lieid, 
 Jonathan Clayton, 
 Joseph Emley, .— 
 Joseph Knox, 
 Jonathan Enbbly, 
 William Voorhees, 
 Josiah Holmes, 
 John Covenhoven, 
 Cornel's Covenhoven, 
 Samuel Henderson, 
 John M'Connill, 
 
374 
 
 MORRIS COUNTY. 
 
 Koert Van Schoick, John Aumack, 
 
 Joseph Combs, 
 Matthew Rue, 
 Jolin Rrid, 
 David Vaiidcrvccr, 
 Richard Ticc, 
 John Antonidas, 
 John VaJi Cleave, 
 John Clark, B. S. 
 
 William Postcns, 
 James Sickels, 
 Jacol) Vanderveer, 
 John Covcnhovcn, 
 Tunis Voorhces, 
 Thomas Erickson, 
 (jeorge Clinton, 
 Ebenezer Hart, 
 
 Hend'k Covenhoven, Abra'm Hondrickson 
 
 Aaron Sutphin, 
 Jonathan Clayton, 
 James Hoagland, 
 Tunis Vanderveer, 
 James Jonner, 
 John Morford, 
 Anthony Holmes, 
 William Covert, 
 Samuel Hingry, 
 John Brindley, 
 William Brindley, 
 John De CrafT, 
 Richard Marlat, 
 Joseph Vanderveer, 
 
 Peter Gordon, 
 James M'Chesney, 
 John Vanderveer, 
 Charles Postcy, 
 Andrew^ Mains, 
 Derrick Sutphin, 
 Joseph Goodcnough, 
 Benjamin Tilton, 
 Richard Rogers, 
 Arthur Williamson, 
 Richard Sutjjhin, 
 William Covenhoven 
 Abraham Sutphin, 
 John Reid, 
 
 William Checscman, Jonathan Reid, 
 Wm. Williamson, jr. Peter Van Cleave, 
 
 The number of signers to this 
 
 John Emmons, 
 Moses Mount, 
 James Runnels, 
 Richard Chew, 
 Albert Covenhoven, 
 John Barkalow, 
 Abraham Vangeldcr, 
 William Van Schoick, 
 Cliarles Gil more, 
 John Schcnck, 
 Thomas Walling, 
 Eleazcr Cottrill, 
 Edmund Robinson, 
 James Holmes, 
 Humphrey Willct, 
 Jonathan Pew, 
 Richard Pool, 
 Thomas Cottrill, 
 Garrit Vanderveer, 
 Hendrick Vounk, 
 Tunis Forman, 
 , George Brindley, 
 Elihu Chadwick, 
 Elisha Shej)herd, 
 John Chadwick, 
 Daniel Herbert, 
 
 association is 436. 
 
 Richard Russcl, 
 Job Throckmorton, 
 Samuel Forman, 
 Wm. A. Covenhoven 
 John Cooke, 
 Daniel Randolph, 
 Moses Robbins, 
 Daniel Griggs, 
 William Jenkins, 
 Reuben Potter, 
 William Wilbert, 
 Alburtus Showber, 
 Jacob Tilton, 
 Jacob Lane, 
 Samuel Bigelow, 
 Aaron Buck, 
 John Tilton, 
 John Tilton, jr. 
 William Brown, 
 Thomas Smith, 
 Joshua Studson, 
 David Ray, 
 Abel Aikin, 
 David Crawford, 
 Cornelius Lane. 
 
 4 
 
 MORRIS COUNTY. 
 
 MoBRis COUNTY was taken from Hunterdon county by act of As- 
 sembly of 15th March, 1738-9. It included in its original limits 
 the territory now comprised by Sussex and Warren counties, and 
 was named after Lewis Morris, at that time governor of the pro- 
 vince. The extreme length of the county N. and S. is 31 miles; 
 average breadth E. and W. 21 miles. It is bounded N. by Pa.'^saic co., 
 NE. by Pnssaic co., E. by Essex co., S. by Somerset and Hunterdon 
 co's., and NW. by Warren and Sussex counties. The northern and 
 western portion of the county is very mountainous ; the remaining 
 portions generally level or undulating. I'here is however a moun- 
 tainous tract 13 miles long, running northeasterly across the central 
 part of the county, called Trowbridge mountain, and an elevation 
 known as the Long hill, extending 1) miles on the SE. boundary. 
 The southern part of the county is of the primitive formation, and 
 the northern the transition. The county is well watered by the 
 Passaic river and its tributaries, and the south branch of the Rari- 
 tan. The Morris canal runs centrally across the county, and the 
 Morris and Essex railroad, terminating at Morristown, connects 
 that village with the city of Newark. Immense beds of magnetic 
 iron ore abound in the mountains of the north and west. In 1840, 
 there were manufactured 1,475 tons of cast, and 5,976 of bar-iron ; 
 capital invested i^446,850. 
 
MORRIS COUNTS. 375 
 
 The comity is divided into the ten following townships, of which 
 Morris, Hanover, Pequannock, Mendham, Roxbury, and Washing- 
 ton, were incorporated in 1798. 
 
 Chatham, Mendham, Randolph, Washington. 
 
 Chester, • Morris, > Roxbury, B,ockaway. 
 
 -Hanover, Pequannock, Jefferson, 
 
 The population of Morris countv in 1800 was 17,750 : in 1810, 
 21,828; in 1820, 21,308 ; in 1830, 23,666 ; in 1865,36,513. 
 
 CHATHAM. 
 
 This township was formed from Hanover and Morris in 1806. 
 It is 8 miles long, with an average width of about 4 miles. It is 
 bounded N. by Hanover, E. by the Passaic river, separating it from 
 Livingston, Springfield, and New Providence, Essex co., SW. and 
 W. by Morris. The soil is generally fertile, and the surface level 
 or undulating, except in the SE., where it is hilly. There are in 
 the township 10 stores, 1 fulling-m., 2 saw-m., 2 grist-m. ; cap. in 
 manufac. ($36,800 : 4 academies, 245 students ; 5 schools, 185 
 scholars. Pop. 3,601 
 
 The Great or Morris Co. swamp, lying in the townsliips of Chatham and Morris, is 
 about 7 miles long, and on an average 3 miles wide, extending from NE. to SW., its 
 upper end li miles west of the village of Chatham, its lower, one mile east of Basking, 
 ridge, where its waters enter the Passaic river, bounded east and south by a high ridge 
 of land called Long hill, northerly by another high ridge near New Vernon. This 
 swamp it appears was once a pond or lake, the bed of which inclined or sloped from N. 
 to S., and from E. to W., and was undulating. The whole was, until recently, covered 
 by a heavy growth of timber. About one half of the tract is cleared, and drained by 
 ditches, and near the upland is susceptible of tillage, the rest being excellent meadows, 
 producing very large crops of good " foul-meadow" hay. In the upper or eastern sec- 
 tion is a large tract of turf or peat, suitable for fuel, of various depths, in the midst of 
 which arc found limbs, knots, and trunks of trees, many feet below the surface : and 
 under this a very thin coat of white sand, covering a hard blue, argillaceous substratum, 
 nearly or quite impermeable to water. In the western part the soil is principally clay. 
 In the midst, and throughout the whole swamp, there are numerous ridges of dry land 
 rising like islands, of a sandy soil, and those uncleared covered with chestnut timber. 
 The whole is susceptible of being drained, and made into productive meadow, there 
 being 17 feet fall in the length of the swamp. The slope and undulating surface of the 
 bed is shown by the difference in the thickness or depth of the superimposed covering, 
 which to the eye ajjpears a perfect level, except the ridges or islands which rise a few 
 feet above it. This covering is several feet deeper in the upper than in the lower part, 
 where it empties into the river ; this difference being nearly or quite equal to the whole 
 descent, showing that it may have been deposited from the highlands surrounding : in- 
 deed much of it is alluvion. From these and other facts, we infer that this swamp was 
 once a pond or lake. Of the time when, or how long it e.visted, or since it ceased to 
 be, we have not facts, nor room for speculation. 
 
 Columbia, Green Village, and East Madison, contain each about 
 20 or 30 dwellings. At the latter place is an academy used by the 
 Methodists for public worship. 
 
 The village of Madison, once called " Bottle Hill,"* is on the line 
 
 * In relation to the origin of the name Bottle hill, tradition is somewhat vague. The 
 first, and perhaps the most probable, is, that in early days two or more Indians broke a 
 bottle as they came to quench their thirst at the spring, then bubbling from the side of 
 
376 
 
 MORRIS COUNTY. 
 
 of the Morris and Essex R. R., 4 miles S E. of Morristown. The annexed cut rep- 
 resents the old Gibbons mansion, at Madison, which in 1867 was dedicated by the 
 Bishops of the MeUiodist Episcopal Church as a Theological Seminary. This insti- 
 tution owes its existence to the princely liberality of Daniel Drew, of New York, 
 
 Drew Theological Institute at Madison. 
 
 who will have expended 8600,000 when all the buildings are completed. The 
 jjrounds, whicli were piven with the mansion, comprise a tract of 225 acres, with 
 spacious building?, well adapted to the desjo-n of tlie institution. — Madison was 
 settled prior to the American revolution, principally by etiii^'rants from Lonjr Island. 
 
 emigrants from Long Island, The following are the names of some 
 of the early settlers, with the places where they located. Ananias 
 Halsey lived and kept a public house on the place now owned 
 by Robert Albright.* Ellis Cook resided where now stands the 
 new dwelling of Mrs. Eliza Cook. He was a blacksmith, and had 
 his shop where the academy now stands. John Harris resided on 
 the place now occupied by Lilly Cook. Aaron Burnet settled on 
 the place at present owned by John B. jNIiller, — the house now 
 down. He died at the age of 100 years. He had four sons, James, 
 Matthias, William, and Aaron ; the first of whom occupied the 
 
 the hill, where now stands the carriage-house of Mr. Joseph S. Sayre, at that time sur- 
 rounded with trees. A second tradition is, that at a certain time now unknown, two men 
 engaged in fighting broke a bottle. A third tradition is, tliat a suspended bottle was the 
 sign of the first tiivcrn in the place ; kept in a house tlien standing in the rear of the 
 well in Mr. Slicrrill's garden. 
 
 In this then the traditions agree, that the name Bottle hill originated in the use of 
 the bottle, so common in those da3-s of dram-drinking. And though the origin of this 
 name adds little to the early fame of the village, yet the origin of her present name is 
 recorded as her peculiar crown of ^lory. As the former originated in the use, the latter 
 originated in the disuse of the bottle. Early in the progress of the grand femprrancc 
 reformation, that has i)assed over the land as the angel of mercy to tlie lost, tlie worthy 
 citizens in council asscmliled. decreed tiiat the ho/lle was no longer descrvi/>g a place in 
 their domestic circles, and hence that it should be broken, and the name cffiiced Irom 
 the latter history of the village, and also unanimously that the name of the village 
 should no more be Bottle Hill, but Madison, a name previously giten to, and inscribed 
 on the side inall of hrr fine two-story hriek academy. 
 
 * The first oublic house in the olacc was keot bv David Brant. 
 
MORRIS COUNTY. 377 
 
 corner where Mr. Sherrill resides, /osiah Miller resided where 
 his son JMajor Miller lives. Obadiah Lum settled where Mr. Jona- 
 than Harris resides. David Bruen came from Newark and settled 
 where Capt. Mallaby resides. The first Presbyterian church in 
 this region was located at Whipany. The church in this village 
 was formed from that about the time of the formation of the one 
 at Hanover, and was denominated " the church of South Hanover." 
 On the tombstone of the first pastor, in the old churchyard, is the 
 following inscription : " In memory of the Rev. Azariah Horton, 
 for 25 years pastor of this church. Died March 27, 1777, aged 62 
 years." This makes the organization of the church about the year 
 1752. The old church which stood in the graveyard, it is supposed, 
 was erected some time previous, probably about 1748. The pre- 
 sent handsome brick church, styled " the 1st Presbyterian church 
 of Chatham," now ornamenting the S. part of the village, was 
 dedicated in 1825. The Rev. Mr. Richards succeeded Mr. Horton. 
 He left Railway on account of the troubles incident to the war, 
 remained but a short time, and then returned. He was succeeded 
 by the Rev. Ebenezer Bradford, who left about 1781, and the Rev. 
 Alexander Miller came and remained three or four years, who was 
 in turn succeeded by the Rev. Asa Hillyer, D.D., pastor about ten 
 years. He was succeeded by the Rev. Matthew La Rue Perrine, 
 D.D., who was pastor between 9 and 10 years, and was then suc- 
 ceeded by the Rev. J. G. Bergen, pastor about fifteen years. After 
 a vacancy of about two years, he was succeeded by the Rev. Alex. 
 G. Frazer, pastor about one and a half years. The present pastor, 
 the Rev. Clifford S. Arms, was settled in the autumn of 1832. The 
 old parsonage is the house now owned and occupied by Dr. H. P. 
 Green. The village academy was erected in 1809 ; and the Ca- 
 tholic church, a neat edifice, in 1838, by the descendants of some 
 French families who emigrated from Guadaloupe about half a 
 century since. 
 
 In the " hard winter of 1780," when Washington lay at Morris- 
 town with his army, a party of British cavalry (says tradition) left 
 New York with the design of taking him prisoner. They came 
 by the way of Elizabethtown. During the night a violent storm 
 came on, of hail, snow, and rain, forming a thick crust, which cut 
 their horses' feet, and rendered the road so impassable, that, when 
 daylight dawned, having got no further than this village, they 
 deemed it prudent to return. Standing in fear of their guide, an 
 American spy, they enclosed him in the centre of a hollow square^ 
 and thus rode with their swords drawn. 
 
 The following is extracted from an ancient newspaper : 
 
 Sept. 18, 1782. — Last Thursday morning, a person in the neighborliood of Battle Hill, 
 near the Great Swamp, being early up, discovered two armed men pass by, — one of which 
 he supposed to be Caleb Sweczy, jun., late an inhabitant of Black River, but who had 
 joined the enemy, and, having many connections in this county who harbored him, was 
 enabled, by their information and a^ietance, to commit several atrocious robberies, which 
 induced the governor to offer $200 reward for apprehending him. This person who saw 
 them pnss gave information, when Capt. Carter and his officers, with 10 of their men, 
 
 48 
 
378 
 
 MORRIS COUNTY. 
 
 took the necessary steps for the apprehending them, and, knowing the propinqurty be- 
 tween Isaac Badgclcy's wife and Sweezy, sent a person to lay in ambush near said 
 Badgelcy's house, to be a spy upon their conduct, and, if possible, find out their lurk- 
 ing-place, — when he saw Badgeley's wife carry victuals into the swamp twice. Be- 
 ing thus fully informed, the party entered the swamp some miles from Badgeley's house, 
 to prevent tlic least alarm being given, and proceeded within a few rods of the house, 
 (placing sentinels, as they passed, at the avenues it was supposed they would endeavor 
 to make their escape through,) when they suddenly came upon them ; and being unpre- 
 pared for defence, the flints being out of tlieir pistols, they endeavored to make their 
 escape by fl'ght, — when Sweezy received the fire of one of the sentinels, which put a 
 period to his existence in a few minutes. The other one, John Parr, who was concerned 
 in the robbery of Mr. Stewart's house, at Hackettstown, was sUghtly wounded, and 
 taken, and is now confined in Morristown jail. 
 
 Central View in Chatham. 
 
 Chatham is a village containing 34 houses and 220 inhabitants, 
 3i miles E. of Madison, and on the line of Morris and Essex cos. 
 From the hills in the vicinity, a fine view is had of the broad and 
 fertile val[ey of the Passaic river, which stream passes through the 
 village. The annexed view was taken near the academy, in the 
 street on which the village is mainly built, and shows on the right 
 the Methodist, and in the distance the Presbyterian church, a neat 
 edifice of wood, erected in 1832. Immediately opposite this church 
 is seen a frame dwelling, in which Washington for a time had his 
 head-quarters. The " Short hills," in Essex co., appear in the dis- 
 tance. The Morris and Essex railroad passes near the village. 
 
 CHESTER. 
 
 Chester was formed from l\r«xbury in 1799. It is bounded N. by 
 Roxbury and Randolph, E. by Mendham, S. by Bedminster, Som- 
 erset CO., and W. by Washington. It is 8 m. W. of Morristown 
 The suriace is generally uivlulating, and the soil fertile. The 
 Washington turnpike, which runs from Morristown to Easton. Pa., 
 passes centrally through it. There are in the township 1 Presby- 
 terian and 1 Congregational church, 2 nublic houses, 3 mercantile 
 stores, 2 academies, 3 grain-m., 5 saw-m., and 3 clover-m. ; cap. it 
 manufac 823,250 ; 7 schools, 382 scholars. Pop. l,Se6. 
 
MORRIS COUNTY. 379 
 
 The inhabitants are mostly farmers, and the soil has been much 
 improved within the last few years, by the use of lime. Formerly 
 much attention was paid to the culture of orchards of apple-trees ; 
 but they are now neglected, and peach-orchards are rising in their 
 places. The village of Chester, where the post-office is located, 
 12 m. W. of Morristown, contains two churches and about 50 dwell- 
 ings. The first permanent settlement in the township was made 
 by emigrants from Long Island, who founded the Presbyterian 
 church. 
 
 HANOVER. 
 
 This township was first formed about the year 1700 by the name 
 Whipponong, and was then included in the limits of Hunterdon 
 county ; the name of Hanover was given about 1746. It is about 
 10 miles long, with an average width of 5i miles. It is bounded 
 N. by Pequannock, E. by Livingston, Essex co., S. by Morris and 
 Chatham, and W. by Randolph. The surface on the west is moun- 
 tainous ; elsewhere, generally hilly or undulating. The Rocka- 
 way river flows on the N. and the Passaic on the E. boundary. 
 It is also wpll watered by several smaller streams flowing into 
 Rockaway river, among which are Whipany and the Parcipany, a 
 small stream emptying into Whipany river. On these streams are 
 probably more mill-seats and mills than in any other township of 
 equal territory in the state, there being 21 mills, viz : — 4 cotton, 1 
 dyewood, 1 machine, 1 extensive rolling, 6 saw, 5 flouring, and 3 
 extensive paper-mills ; besides five forges. In prosperous times, 
 these establishments give life and energy to the business of the 
 country. The district of Troy, a very fertile tract, 2 miles long 
 by one wide, in good seasons fattens from one to three hundred 
 beeves of the largest kind, and sells about 500 tons of hay annually. 
 The county poorhouse, containing about 120 paupers, is in this 
 township. There are in Hanover 13 schools, 597 scholars. Popu- 
 lation inl865,2,994. 
 
 The township was first settled about 1685, soon after the settle- 
 ment of Newark, and is supposed to have been the earliest settle- 
 ment within the limits of what is now Morris and Sussex counties. 
 The first settlers were principally from Newark, Elizabethtown, 
 East Hampton, L. I., New England and England. They were pro- 
 bably drawn thither by the abundance of iron ore in the country, as 
 they erected several forges and entered extensively into the manu- 
 facture ; hence the locality soon after, at that early day, was called 
 " the Old Forges." The ore was brought on the backs of horses 
 from a locality about 20 miles west ; here manufactured, and then 
 conveyed in the same manner over the Orange mountains to New- 
 ark. The following are names of some few of the early emigrants, 
 whose descendants are living in this place and region : Timothy, 
 Samuel, and Joseph Tuttle, three brothers, from the N. of England, 
 
380 MORRIS COUNTY. 
 
 near the river Tweed ; Joseph and Abraham Kitchel, brothers, and 
 Prancis Lindsley, all from England. 
 
 The first church, a Presbyterian, in Morris county, was built in 
 Whipany in 1718, on the N. bank of the river, on a portion of the 
 land* since occupied as a public burying-ground. The congrega- 
 tion extended over a considerable portion of the territory now occu- 
 pied by those of Morristown, Madison, Parcipany, Hanover, and 
 Chatham village. The first clergyman was the Rev. Nathaniel 
 Hubbei : he was succeeded by the Rev. John Nutman, about the 
 year 1730, who left in 1745. The Rev. Jacob Green was installed 
 in Aov., 174(5, and preached in the original church edifice at Whip- 
 any until 1755, when a new meeting-house was erected at Hanover 
 Neck, and also one at Parcipany. The congregation vacated the 
 old church and divided between the two new ones. A few years 
 previous, in 1740, the people 8W. of here withdrew and formed a 
 church at Morristown, and, about 1748, those in the S. part of the 
 parish formed one at Bottle Hill, now Madison. The Rev. Mr. 
 Green, for about two years, preached at Parcipany and Hanover, 
 when he remained solely with the latter until his decease. May 
 24th, 1790, thus making his ministry a duration of nearly 44 years. 
 He was an active and devout man, and did much to enstamp upon 
 that generation a high moral and religious character. Rev. Calvin 
 White succeeded, June 29, 1791, and was dismissed at his request 
 Nov. 17, 1795. His ministry, though brief, was useful. Not long 
 after he was connected with the Episcopal church, and, as reported, 
 finally became a Catholic clergyman. The venerable Aaron Con- 
 dit, who had some years previous been installed pastor of a church 
 in New York state, commenced his ministerial labors at Hanover, 
 in July, 1796, and was installed the 13th Dec. following. Having 
 held the pastoral oiiice upwards of 35 years, his health so far failed 
 that, at his request, his relation with the church was dissolved in 
 October, 1831. In a recent half-century sermon preached by him 
 to the people of his late charge, it was stated, that in the course of 
 his ministry he had preached there and elsewhere about 4,300 
 times; attended 043 funerals; administered the Lord's supj)er 166 
 times; baptized 170 adults and 765 infants; and received teethe 
 communion of the church 627 persons. During his pastoral rela- 
 tion ten young men, who professed religion there, became ministers ; 
 and nine pious females the wives of clergymen. The Rev. Mr. 
 James Tutlle (it is believed) was the first clergyman settled at 
 Parcipany; he was ordained April, 1768. His successors were 
 
 * The followinir is extracted from an ancient deed of this ground : " I, John Rich- 
 ards, of \Viii])ponong, in the county of Hunterdon, schoohnastcr, for and in considera- 
 tion of the love and atTcction tliat I have for my Ciiristian friends and neighbors in 
 Whipponong, and for a desire to promote and advance the pubhc interest, and especially 
 for those wlio shall covenant and a^reo to erect a suitable meeting-house for the public, 
 worship of (Jod, 3i acres of land, situate and being in the townsliip of Whipponong, on 
 that part called I'ercipponong, on the northwestward side of Whipponong river: only for 
 public use, improvement, and benefit, for a meeting-house, school-house, burying-yard, 
 and training-field, and such like uses, and no other. Dated Sept. 2d., 1718. 
 
MORRIS COUNTY. 381 
 
 Dr. Darby, Rev. Joseph Grover, Rev. Mr. Benedict, Rev. Samuel 
 Phelps, and the present pastor, (1843,) the Rev. John Ford, settled 
 in 1816. 
 
 Boonton, 1 1 miles N. of Morristown, on the N. boundary of Han- 
 over, and on the line of the Morris canal and on Rockaway river, 
 has the most extensive iron manufactories of any village in the 
 state. The works belong to the East Jersey Iron Manufacturing 
 Company. '' They were erected in 1830 — with some important addi- 
 tions at a later period, at the original cost of 8283,000 — and consist 
 of a blast furnace 42 feet high, which produced at its last blast 
 1,050 tons good pig-iron ; and four blooming forges, capable ot 
 making 1,000 tons annually of malleable iron. The rolling depart- 
 ment of this establishment consists of a train for rolling sheets ; one 
 for hoops ; one for braziers' rods ; one for band iron ; one for the 
 various sizes of merchant bars, including nail bars and nail plates, 
 and also including tires for locomotive engines ; one set of slitters, 
 for rods and shapes of various sizes ; and a large train of prepara- 
 tory rolls sufficient to furnish stock for the action of all other trains. 
 The sheet mill is one of the best in the United States, and has turned 
 out, in a single month, 112 tons of good sheet iron. 
 
 " This company annually produce pig-iron to the amount of 40,000 
 dollars, and wrought iron, of the various sizes and kinds, of the 
 value of 280,000 dollars. Of this sum, more than two hundred 
 thousand dollars is paid out, directly and indirectly, for home labor. 
 The materials of which iron is composed are of little comparative 
 value, in their primitive state. They consist principally of ores, 
 limestone, coals, fire-sand, and clay ; all of which are estimated at 
 low prices until labor has been bestowed on them in mining and 
 transportation." There are also in the place a Presbyterian church, 
 established in 1831, 3 stores, and 31 dwellings. The scenery here 
 is uncommonly picturesque ; the river descends in a cascade of 
 about 30 feet fall, and furnishes abundance of water-power. The 
 population is about 350, and is composed principally of English 
 emigrants. 
 
 Whipany, anciently spelled Whipponong, is pleasantly situated 
 in the valley of the river of the same name, 4 miles NE. of Mor- 
 ristown. It contains 8 mills, viz. 1 clothing, 4 paper, and 3 cotton 
 mills ; 1 machine and 3 blacksmith shops ; 3 stores, a tavern, 2 
 churches, and, within the circle of a mile, GOO inhabitants. In 1833 
 those of this village connected with the Presbyterian church at 
 Hanover left, and organized as the first Presbyterian church of 
 Whipany by the Presbytery of Newark, with 40 members, under 
 the pastoral charge of the Rev. Wm. W. Newel, of South Boston. 
 They withdrew i'rom the Presbytery, and united, July 31, 1837, with 
 Ihe Congregational association of New York. Their church edi- 
 fice was dedicated June 19, 1834. The Methodist chapel was built 
 in 1825. The first military company in Morris co. was formed in 
 this vicinity, under Capt. Morris, in the I'all of 1775. Many of the 
 young men volunteered for a year's campaign to the north. The 
 
38a MORRIS COUNTY. 
 
 inhabitants of this place, excepting a single family, were ardent 
 patriots. 
 
 Parcipany, formerly named Parcipponong, 7 miles N. of Morris- 
 town, contains a Methodist church, built in 1830, a Presbyterian 
 church, founded in 1755; 5 stores, 2 taverns, an academy, 2 grist- 
 mills, and about 40 dwellings scattered along the road. Hanover 
 Neck, Littletown, Troy, Denville, and Monroe contain each a few 
 dwellings. 
 
 In the spring of 1842, while a well was being dug on a declivity 
 which rose in its rear about 20 feet in 50 rods, and had been exca- 
 vated to the depth of 22 feet, a roaring noise was heard. The per- 
 son at work in it was drawn up as soon as possible, swiftly pur- 
 sued by a gushing tide, which has since been running over the top 
 in a strong and rapid stream. In the same year there was born in 
 the township a pair of twins, not connected like the Siamese, by an 
 umbilical ligament, but by the whole breadth of their bodies, from 
 the middle of the breast to the bottom of the abdomen. Although 
 not separate, their persons appeared entirely distinct and perfect in 
 organization. They survived their birth only a short time. 
 
 MENDHAM. 
 
 This township is about 6 m. square ; bounded N. by Randolph, 
 E. by Morris, S. by Bernard and Bedminster, Somerset co., and W. 
 by Chester. The surface is generally hilly, and on the N. moun- 
 tainous. The soil is fertile, productive in wheat and grass, and 
 great numbers of peaches are raised. Limestone is quarried to a 
 considerable extent on the North Branch of the Raritan. The 
 township is well watered, and important branches of the Raritan 
 and Passaic take their rise within a mile of each other. There are 
 2 grist, 1 saw, 1 fulling m., 1 woollen, 1 cotton factory ; cap. in 
 manufac. $29,800 ; 3 academies, 95 students ; 5 schools, 183 schol- 
 ars. Pop. inl865, 1,680. 
 
 The earliest regular settlement in Mendham was on the North 
 Branch of the Raritan. As early as 1713 there were some few 
 squatters' cabins. At that time land was taken up by the Wills 
 family, but they did not settle until many years after. The village 
 of Mendham is in the central part, Gi miles SW. of Morristown. 
 Among the first settlers in the vicinity were the Byram, Gary, 
 Thompson, and Drake families. The grave-stone of the elder Eb- 
 enezer Byram, which is now standing in the graveyard, records 
 his death Aug. 9th, 1753, aged Gl. When he came, the locality 
 bore the Indian name, Ruxiticns. The name of a tavern which he 
 established was " The Black Horse," from its sign. Tradition as- 
 serts the neighborhood was rendered famous by the pranks of a 
 wild crew of fellows who lived there. Mr. Byram having been 
 told the nature of the society he had settled in, replied, " I'll mend 
 Vm," — an assertion he carried out literally : hence the name, 
 Mendham. 
 
MORRIS COUNTY. 
 
 383 
 
 The village of Mendham contains a Methodist and a Presbyte- 
 rian church, an academy for males, and the " Hill-top" Seminary, 
 for females ; several stores, 2 carriage establishments, and about 
 50 dwellings. When a young man, the Hon. Samuel L. Southard 
 taught school in Mendham. A considerable number of young men 
 have been prepared for college in this place, who finally entered 
 into the ministry of the Presbyterian church. 
 
 Presbyterian Church, Mendham. 
 
 The Presbyterian church, standing on a beautiful and command- 
 ing elevation in the southern part of the village, is seen, in some 
 directions, for a distance of many miles ; and it is asserted that 
 when the atmosphere is very clear it can be discerned from eleva- 
 ted land in Pennsylvania, distant 30 or 40 miles. The oldest stone 
 in the ancient graveyard adjoining this church, is that of Stephen 
 Cooke, who died Dec. 16th, 1749. The first person there buried 
 was Mrs. Drake, in 1745. There are two other burying-grounds, 
 though unused for many years. One is on a hill a quarter of a 
 mile E. of the N. Branch of the Raritan, within a few rods of the 
 Washington turnpike ; the other a mile S. of the village, on the 
 Baldwin farm, — which latter is now a cultivated field. 
 
 Some time previous to 1740, a small building was erected for 
 public worship by the Presbyterians, on the Morris turnpike, about 
 a mih) and a half west of the village. In October, 1743, Mr. Eliab 
 By ram, from Bridgewater, Mass., commenced preaching. In 1745 
 a new church was erected on the hill, which remained until a new 
 one was built in 1816. In 1835 it was burnt, and the present 
 handsome edifice reared. The following are the names of the pas- 
 tors of this society, with the dates of their settlement. Eliab By- 
 ram, May, 1744 ; .John Pierson, (son of President Pierson, of Yale 
 College,) spring of 1753 ; Francis Peppard, 1764; Thomas Lewis, 
 spring of 1769 ; John Joline, May, 1778 ; Amzi Armstrong, Nov. 
 29, 1796 ; Samuel H. Cox, July 1, 1817 ; Philip C. Hay, June 19, 
 1821 ; John Vanlieu, June 19, 1824; and Daniel H. Johnson, the 
 present pastor, June 27, 1826. Ralstonville and Water Street are 
 
384 MORRIS COUNTY. 
 
 small collections of houses in the township, — the first li miles W 
 and the last 3^ m. NE. of Mendham. 
 
 There was anciently an Indian village on the farm of Col. J. W. 
 Drake, on the hill-side about 40 rods from his dwelling. The 
 houses were scattered continuously around the hill. Indian arrow- 
 heads, stones, and other relics, have there been occasionally 
 ploughed up. In the winter of 1779-80, when the American head- 
 quarters were at Morristown,a portion of the army were barracked 
 in rude log huts, in this and Morris townships. The head-quarters 
 of two of the officers, Col. Robinson and Chevalier Massillon, a 
 French officer, were at the dwelling now occupied by Col. J. W. 
 Drake, about a mile from the village, on the road to Morristown, — 
 at that time the residence of his grandfather. On the breaking 
 out of the mutiny in the Pennsylvania line, the officers were ex- 
 tremely alarmed, and, in one or two instancos, ran from their camp 
 barefooted in the snow for 2 or 3 miles. Despairing of their coun- 
 try's cause, some of them wept. When here, the soldiers lived 
 miserably : broken down by disease and want, they depredated 
 upon the inhabitants, became filthy in their persons, and infested 
 with vermin. When the sickness was at its height, no less than 
 forty coffins were brought at one time, and piled against the barn 
 of Mr. Drake, which, together with the church, was used as an 
 hospital, — the latter having been divested of its seats for that pur- 
 pose. Callous and inured to the horrors that beset them, the sol- 
 diers, regardless of all, were seen playing cards upon coffins con- 
 taining the remains of their deceased comrades. 
 
 MORRIS. 
 
 Morris is bounded N. by Hanover, E. by Chatham ; S. by Warren, 
 Somerset co., and New Providence, Essex co. ; W. by Mendham 
 and Bernard, Somerset co. It is about 13 m. long, and 5 broad. 
 The surface is generally hilly and rolling, with occasional plains ; 
 the soil clay and sandy loam, and much of it highly cultivated. 
 Besides Morristown, there are several small villages or localities : 
 they are Logansville, New Vernon, Morris's Plains, and Spring 
 Valley. There are in Morris 2 paper-m., 5 grist-m., 6 saw-m. ; 
 cap. in manufac. 8137,380 : 3 academies, 116 students ; 10 schools, 
 341 scholars. Pop. iiil865,7,391. 
 
 Morristown, the seat of justice for Morris co., is situated on an 
 elevated plain, 50 m. from Trenton, 19 from Newark, and 20 from 
 New York. It is one of the most beautiful villages in the Union. 
 It is laid out into streets crossing at right angles, in some instances 
 adorned with trees, and many line private dwellings, with ample 
 yards and garden plots, giving an air of neatness and comfort. In 
 the centre of the town is a beautiful public square, on which front 
 many stores, the first Presbyterian church, and one of the most mag- 
 nificent hotels in the country. The village is supplied with pure 
 spring water by an aqueduct, the head of which is over a mile dis- 
 
MORRIS COUXTV. 
 
 385 
 
 Court House at Morrislown, N. J. 
 
 The American army under Washington had their winter-quar- 
 ters at Morristown and viciiv'ty, on two different occasion?. The 
 first time was in Jan., 1777, irimediately after the battles of Tren- 
 ton and Princeton. The second was during the winter of 1779-80, 
 The Pennsylvania line were also stationed here in the succeeding 
 winter. 
 
 The first season, Washington quartered in the old Freeman tav- 
 ern, which stood on the north side of the green. While here, he 
 was initiated into the mysteries of free-masonry, in the Moi'i-is ho- 
 tel, in the room over where the bar-room now is. That building 
 was l)uilt for a commissaries' storehouse, and the upper part reserv- 
 ed ibr a ball-room and a masons' lodge. The dwelling occupied 
 by Washington a.s his head-quarters, in the winter of 1779-80, is 
 situated about half a mile east of the public squarjp, on the New- 
 ark and Morristown turnpike, and is now the residence of Gabriel 
 Ford, Esq. It is of brick, covered with wood, and painted white. 
 Then it v/as the residence of the widow of Col. Jacob Ford, (the 
 father of the present resident.) who commanded the 1st regiment 
 of IVlorris co. milifia during Washington's retreat through the state. 
 The house fronts the south. The general and his suite occupied 
 the whole building, excepting the two rooms east of the entry, 
 which were retained by the family. The front room, west of the 
 door, was his dining-room, and that east, in the second story, his 
 sleeping apartment. There was a small log kitchen attached 
 to the eastern end, used by Washington's cook, and also a larger 
 log structure at the west end, in which Washington, Hamilton, and 
 
 49 
 
386 
 
 MORRIS COUNTY. 
 
 Tilghman had their ofllces. Two sentinels paraded in front, and 
 two in the rear constantly, day and night. The life-guard, com- 
 posed of about 250 men, under Gen. Wm. Colfax, were barracked 
 in about 50 rude huts which stood in the meadow formed by the 
 angle of two roads a few rods SE. of the dwelling. 
 
 Washington's Head-quarters, Morristown. 
 
 Several times in the course of the winter false alarms were giv- 
 en of the approach of the enemy. First, a distant report of a gun 
 would be heard from the most remote sentinel, and then, one near- 
 er, and so on, until the sentinels by the house would fire in turn. 
 From them, it would be communicated on towards Morristown, 
 until the last gun would be heard fa? to the westward at camp. 
 Immediately, the life-guard would rush from their huts into the 
 house, barricade the doors, open the windows, and about five men 
 would place themselves at each window, with their muskets broughl 
 to a charge, loaded and cocked ready for defence. There they 
 would remain until the troops I'rom camp were seen marching, with 
 music, at quick-step down towards the mansion. During one ot 
 these alarms, An amusing incident occurred, tending to show the 
 coolness of Washington. One evening, about midnight, when some 
 of the younger officers were indulging themselves over their wine, 
 in the dining-room, an alarm was given. A guest, a young man 
 from New York, something of a ban rivanf, was in much trepida- 
 tion, and rushing out into the entry, exclaimed, "' Where's the gen- 
 eral ? Where's the general?" Washington, just then coming down 
 stairs, met him, and in moderate terms, said, '• Be quiet, young man, 
 be quiet !" 
 
 Those who knew Washington, while here, have a vivid recollec- 
 tion of him. lie was reserved, and his mind appeared continually 
 in exercise. He united sound judgment with an extraordinary de- 
 gree of caution. These traits, with his commanding person, in- 
 
MORRIS COUNTY. 387 
 
 spired awe, and gave a natural dignity, of a far different kind from 
 that evinced in the bearing of inferior military men. The lady of 
 the general was herewith him, and they both frequently spent their 
 evenings with the family. On these occasions, although reserved, 
 he was more free than when in company with his officers. He 
 sometimes smiled, but is not recollected to have been seen laughing 
 heartily, except on one occasion. This was when he was describ- 
 ing Arnold's escape, and giving an account of his ludicrous appear- 
 ance as he galloped from the Robinson House, near West Point, to 
 embark on board the enemy's vessel. 
 
 He was generally accustomed to invite a certain number of offi- 
 cers to dine with him every day. An officer, who was with the 
 army while in New Jersey, thus gives his impressions of the 
 commander-in-chief, while partaking of the hospitalities of his 
 table : — 
 
 It is natural to viev? with keen attention tlie countenance of an illustrious man, with 
 the secret hope of discovering in his features some peculiar traces of excellence, which 
 distinguishes him from, and elevates him above his fellow mortals. These expectations 
 are realized in a peculiar manner in viewing the person of Gen. Washington. His tall 
 and noble stature, and just proportion.s, his fine, cheerful, open countenance, simple and 
 modest deportment, are alt calculated to interest every beholder in his favor, and to com- 
 mand veneration and respect. He is feared even when silent, and beloved even while 
 we are unconscious of the motive. The tabic was elegantly furnished, and the provisions 
 ample, though not abounding in superfluities. The civilities of the table were performed 
 by Col. Hamilton, and the other gentlemen of the family, the general and lady being 
 seated at the side of the table. In conversation, his excellency's expressive countenance 
 is peculiarly interesting and pleasing ; a placid smile is frequently observed on his lips, 
 but a loud laugh, it is said, seldom if ever escapes him. He is polite and attentive to 
 each individual at table, and retires after the compliments of a few glasses. Mrs. Wash- 
 ington combines, in an uncommon degree, great dignity of manner with the most pleas- 
 ing affability, but possesses no striking marks of beauty. I learn from the Virginia offi- 
 ccrs that Mrs. Washington has ever been honored as a lady of distinguished goodness, 
 possessing all the virtues which adorn her sex, amiable in her temper and deportment, 
 full of benignity, benevolence, and charity, seeking for objects of affliction and poverty, 
 that she may extend to the sufferers the hand of kindness and relief. Tliese surely are 
 the attributes which reveal a heart replete with those virtues so appropriate and esti- 
 mable in the female character. 
 
 Count Pulaski frequently exercised his corps of cavalry in front 
 of the head-quarters. He was an expert horseman, and performed 
 many feats of skill. He would sometimes, while his horse was on 
 full gallop, discharge his pistol, toss it in the air, catch it by the 
 barrel, and throw it ahead as if at an enemy. With his horse still 
 on the jump, he vv^ould lift one foot out of the stirrup, and, with the 
 other foot in, bend to the ground and recover the weapon. Some 
 of the best horsemen in the army, the Virginia lighthorse, attempt- 
 ed to imitate the feat. Once in three or four trials they would 
 succeed in catching the pistol ; none, however, were able to pick it 
 up from the ground, but in their attempts got some terrible falls. 
 
 Washington frequently rode out on horseback, accompanied by 
 Col. Hamilton and his mulatto servant Bill. On these occasions, 
 he was mounted on a light bay horse, so small that his feet nearly 
 reached the ground. 
 
 Hosack. in his Life of Clinton, gives the following anecdote, tend- 
 
388 MORRIS COUNTY. 
 
 ing to show the liberal sentiments of Washington in relation to re- 
 ligion : 
 
 While the American army, under the command of Washington, lay in the vicinity of 
 Morristown, it occurred that the service of communion (then observed semi-annually 
 only) was to be administered in the Presbyterian church in that village. In a nioriiing 
 of the previous week, the general, after his accustomed inspection of the camp, visited 
 the liousc of the Rev. Dr. Jones, then pastor of tliat church, and, after the usual pre- 
 liminaries, thus accosted him : " Doctor, I imdcrstand that the Ijord's supper is to be 
 celebrated with you next Sunday. I would learn if it accords with the canons of your 
 church to admit communicants of another denomination." The ]3ootor rejoined, " Most 
 certainly : ours is not the Presbyterian's table, general, but the Lord's ; and hence we 
 give the Lord's invitation to all his followers, of whatsoever name." The general re- 
 plied, " I am glad of it : that is as it ought to be ; but as I was not quite sure of the 
 fact, I thought I would ascertain it from yourself, as I propose to join with you on that 
 occasion. Though a member of the Church of England, I have no exclusive partiali- 
 ties." The doctor assured him of a cordial welcome, and the general was found seated 
 with the communicants the next Sabbath. 
 
 The following is one of Washington's " General Orders" while at 
 Morristown : 
 
 Head-quarters, Morristown, 8th May, 1777. 
 
 As few vices are attended with more pernicious consequences than gaminii'. — which 
 often brings disgrace and ruin upon officers, and injury and punishment upon the sol- 
 diery, — and reports prevailing, (which, it is to be feared, are too well founded,) that this 
 destructive vice has spread its baleful influence in the army, — and, in a peculiar manner, 
 to the prejudice of the recruiting service, — the commander-in-chief, in tlic most pointed 
 and explicit terms, forbids ALL officers and soldiers playing at cards, dice, or at any 
 games except those of EXERCISE, for diversion ; it being impossible, if the practice 
 be allowed at all, to discriminate between innocent play for amusement, and criminal 
 gaming for pecuniary and sordid purposes. 
 
 Officers attentive to their duty will find abundant employment in training and disci- 
 plining their men, providing for them, and seeing that they appear neat, clean, and sol- 
 dierlike. Nor will any thing redound more to their honor, afford them more solid amuse- 
 ment, or better answer the end of their appointment, than to devote the vacant moments 
 they may have to the study of military authors. 
 
 The commanding oflicer of every corps is strictly enjoined to have this order frequently 
 read, and strongly impressed upon the minds of those under his command. Ati}' officer 
 or soldier, or other persons belonging to or following the army, — cither in camp, in quar- 
 ters, on the recruiting service, or elsewhere, — presuming, under any pretence, to disobey 
 this order, shall be tried by a General Court Martial. The general officers in each di- 
 vision of the army arc to pay the strictest attention to the due exercise thereof. 
 
 The adjutant-general is to transmit copies of this order to tlie ditTerent departments 
 of the army. Also, to execute the same to be immediately published in the gazettes of 
 each state, for the information of officers dispersed on the recruiting service. 
 
 By His Excellency's command, Morgan Connor, Adj. Pro tem. 
 
 The army, in the winter of 1779-80, encamped on the hill back 
 of the courthouse. Their encampment extended several miles into 
 the country. The soldiers lived principally in small log huts ; some 
 of the remains of the stone chimneys are yet found in this and 
 Mendham townships. Thatcher, in his Military Journal, gives a 
 vivid description of the sufferings of the troops during " the hard 
 winter of 1779-80." He says : 
 
 Morristown, January 1st, 1780. — A new year cornmences, but brings no 
 relief to the sufferings and privations of our army. Our canvass covering 
 affords but a miserable security from storms of rain and snow, and a great 
 scarcity of provisions still prevails, and its effects are felt even at head-quar- 
 ters, as appears by the following anecdote. "We have nothing but the ra- 
 
MORRIS COUNTY 389 
 
 tions to cook, Sir," said Mrs. Thomson, a very worthy Irish woman, and 
 housekeeper to General Washington, " Well, Mrs. Thomson, you must 
 then cook the rations, for I have not a farthing to give you." "If you 
 please. Sir, let one of the gentlemen give me an order for six bushels of 
 salt." "Six bushels of salt, for what?" "To preserve the fresh beef, 
 Sir." One of the aids gave the order, and the next day his Excellency's 
 table was amply provided. Mrs. Thomson was sent for, and told that she had 
 done very wrong to expend her own money, for it was not known when she 
 could be repaid. " I owe you," said his Excellency, " too much already to 
 permit the debt being increased, and our situation is not at this moment such 
 as to induce very sanguine hope." " Dear Sir," said the good old lady, "it 
 is always darkest just before daylight, and I hope your Excellency will for- 
 give me for bartering the salt for other necessaries which are now on the 
 table." Salt was eight dollars a bushel, and it might always be exchanged 
 with the country people for articles of provision.* ^ 
 
 The weather for several days has been remarkably cold and stormy. 
 On the 3d instant, we experienced one of the most tremendous snow storms 
 ever remembered ; no man could endure its violence many minutes without 
 danger of his life. Several marquees were torn asunder and blown down 
 over the officers' heads in the night, and some of the soldiers were actually 
 covered while in their tents, and buried like sheep under the snow. My 
 comrades and myself were aroused from sleep by the calls of some officers 
 for assistance ; their marquee had blown down, and they were almost 
 smothered in the storm, before they could reach our marquee, only a few 
 yards, and their blankets and baggage were nearly buried in the snow. We 
 are greatly favored in having a supply of straw for bedding ; over this we 
 spread all our blankets, and with our clothes and large fires at our feet, 
 while four or five are crowded together, preserve ourselves from freezing. 
 But the sufferings of the poor soldiers can scarcely be described ; while on 
 duty they are unavoidably exposed to all the inclemency of storms and se- 
 vere cold ; at night they now have a bed of straw on the ground, and a sin- 
 gle blanket to each man ; they are badly clad, and some are destitute of 
 shoes. We have contrived a kind of stone chimney outside, and an opening 
 atone end of our tents gives us the benefit of the fire within. The snow is 
 now from four to six feet deep, which so obstructs the roads as to prevent 
 our receiving a supply of provisions. For the last ten days we have re- 
 
 * In a private letter to a friend, General Washington says, " We have had the virtue 
 and patience of the army put to tlic severest trial. Sometimes it has been five or six 
 days together without bread ; at other times as many days without meat ; and once or 
 twice two or tliree days without cither. I hardl}' tliought it possible, at one j)eriod, that 
 wo should be able to keep it tocrether, nor could it have been done, but for the exertions of 
 tlie majristrates in the several counties of this state, (Jersey,) on whom I was obliged to 
 call, expose our situation to them, and in plain terms declare that we were reduced to 
 the alternative of disbanding or catering for ourselves, unless the inhabitants would af- 
 ford us tiieir aid. I allotted to each county a certain proportion of flour or grain, and a 
 certain number of cattle, to be delivered on certain days ; and, for the honor of the magis- 
 trates, and the good disposition of the people, I ninst add, that my nujuisitions were 
 punctually complied with, and in many counties exceeded. Nothing but this great ex- 
 ertion could have saved the army from dissolution or starving, as we were bereft of every 
 hope from the commissaries. At one time tlie soldiers ate every kind of horse food but 
 hay. Buckwheat, common wheat, rye, and Indian corn, composed the meal which made 
 their bread. As an army, they imre it with the most heroic patience; but sufferings like 
 these, accompanied by the want of clothes, blankets, Slc, will produce frequent deser- 
 tion in all armies; and so it happened with us, though it did not excite a single mutiny." 
 
390 MORRIS COUNTY. 
 
 ceived but two pounds of meat a man, and we are frequently for six or 
 eight days entirely destitute of meat, and then as long without bread. The 
 consequence is, the soldiers are so enfeebled from hunger and cold, as to be 
 almost unable to perform their military duty, or labor in constructing their 
 huts. It is well known that General Washington experiences the greatest 
 solicitude for the sufferings of his army, and is sensible that they in general 
 conduct with heroic patience and fortitude. His Excellency, it is under- 
 stood, despairing of supplies from the Commissary General, has made appli- 
 cation to the magistrates of the stale of New Jersey for assistance in pro- 
 curing provisions. This expedient has been attended with the happiest suc- 
 cess. It is honorable to the magistrates and people of Jersey, that they 
 have cheerfully complied with the requisition, and furnished for the present 
 an ample supply, and have thus probably saved the army from destruetion. 
 As if to make up the full measure of grief and embarrassment to the 
 Commander-in-chief, repeated complaints have come to him that some of 
 tlio soldiers are in the practice of pilfering and plundering the inhabitants 
 of their poultry, sheep, pigs, and even their cattle, from their farms. This 
 marauding practice has often been prohibited in general orders, under the 
 severest penalties, and some exemplary punishments have been inflicted. 
 General Washington possesses an inflexible firmness of purpose, and is de- 
 termined that discipline and subordination in camp shall be rigidly enforced 
 and maintained. The whole army has been sufficiently warned and cau- 
 tioned against robbing the inhabitants on any pretence whatever, and no sol- 
 dier is subjected to punishment without a fair trial, and conviction by a 
 court-martial. Death has been inflicted in a few instances of an atrocious 
 nature, but in general the punishment consists in a public whipping, and 
 the number of stripes is proportioned to the degree of offence. The law of Mo- 
 ses prescribes forty stripes save one, but this number hasoflen been exceeded 
 in our camp. In aggravated cases, and with old offenders, the culprit is 
 sentenced to receive one hundred lashes or more. It is always the duty of 
 the drummers and fifers to inflict the chastisement, and the drum-major must 
 attend and see that the duty is faithfully performed. The culprit being se- 
 curely tied to a tree or post, receives on his naked back the number of lashes 
 assigned him, by a whip formed of several small knotted cords, which some- 
 times cut through the skin at every stroke. However strange it may appear, 
 a soldier will often receive the severest stripes without uttering a groan, or 
 once shrinking from the lash, even while the blood flows freely from his 
 lacerated wounds. This must be ascribed to stubbornness or pride. They 
 have, however, adopted a method which they say mitigates the anguish in 
 some measure ; it is by putting between the teeth a leaden bullet, on which 
 they chew while under the lash, till it is made quite flat and jagged. In 
 some instances of incorrigible villains, it is adjudged by the court that the 
 culprit receive his punishment at several different times, a certain number 
 of stripes repeated at intervals of two or three days, in which case the 
 wounds are in a state of inflammation, and the skin rendered niore sensibly 
 tender ; and the terror of the punishment is greatly aggravated. Another 
 mode of punishment is that of running the gauntlet ; this is done by a com 
 pany of soldiers standing in two lines, each one furnished with a switch, 
 and the criminal is made to run between them, and receive the scourge 
 from their hands on his naked back ; but the delinquent runs so rapidly, 
 and the soldiers are so apt to favor a comrade, that it often happens in this 
 way that the punishment is very trivial ; but on some occasions a soldier is 
 ordered to hold a bayonet at his breast to impede iiis steps. 
 
MORRIS COUNTY. 391 
 
 March. — The present winter is the most severe and distressing which we 
 have ever experienced. An immense body of snow remains on the ground. 
 Our soldiers are in a wretched condition for the want of clothes, blankets, 
 and shoes; and these calamitous circumstances are accompanied by a want 
 of provisions. It has several times happened that the troops were reduced 
 to one-half, or to one-quarter allowance, and some days have passed without 
 any meat or bread being delivered out. The causes assigned for these ex- 
 traordinary deficiencies, are the very low state of the public finances, in 
 consequence of the rapid depreciation of the continental currency, and 
 some irregularity in the commissary's department. Our soldiers, in gene- 
 ral, support their sufferings with commendable firmness, but it is feared that 
 their patience will be exhausted, and very serious consequences ensue. 
 
 May. — The officers of our army have long been dissatisfied with their 
 situation, conceiving that we are devoting our lives to the public service, 
 without an adequate remuneration. Our sacrifices are incalculably great, 
 and far exceed the bounds of duty, which the public can of right claim from 
 any one class of men. Our wages are not punctually paid ; we are fre- 
 quently five or six months in arrears, and the continental money which we 
 receive is depreciated to the lowest ebb. Congress have established a scale 
 of depreciation, by which the continental bills are valued at forty for one of 
 silver, and at this rate they have resolved that all their bills shall be called 
 in, and a new emission shall be issued, and received at the rate of one for 
 forty of the old emission. But the public confidence in paper money is 
 greatly diminished, and it is with extreme difliculty that proper supplies can 
 be procured to serve the pressing exigencies of our army. I have just seen 
 in the newspaper an advertisement offering for an article forty dollars a 
 pound, or three shillings in silver. This is the trash which is tendered to 
 requite us for our sacrifices, for our sufferings ana privations, while in the 
 service of our country. It is but a sordid pittance even for our common 
 purposes while in camp, but those who have families dependent on them at 
 home, are reduced to a deplorable condition. In consequence of this state of 
 things, a considerable number of officers have been compelled to resign 
 their commissions.* His Excellency General Washington is perplexed 
 with an apprehension that he shall lose many of his most experienced and 
 valuable officers ; and knowing the injustice which they suffer, he has taken 
 a warm interest in their cause, and repeatedly represented to Congress the 
 absolute necessity of making such provision as will encourage the officers 
 to continue in service to the end of the war. This subject he has pressed 
 with such earnestness and solicitude, as at length to effect the desired pur- 
 pose. Congress have resolved that all officers of the line of the army who 
 shall continue in service till the close of the war, shall be entitled to half 
 pay during life, and the depreciation of their pay shall be made good ; and 
 
 * The British in New York counterfeited our paper currency by cartfoads, and sent it 
 into the country, with the sordid view of increasing its depreciation. The officers of the 
 Jersey line addn sscd a memorial to their state lejrislature, scttintr fortli " that four months' 
 pay of a soldier would not piocure for his family a single liushel of wheat; that the pay 
 of a colonel would not purchase oats for his horse ; that a common laborer or express 
 rider received four times as much as an American oHicer." They urged that " unless a 
 speedy and ample remedy was provided, the total dissolution of Jicir line was inevitable " 
 The officers of whole lines announced their determination to quit the service. The per- 
 gonal influence of tJcneral Washington was exerted with the officers in preventing their 
 adoption of such ruinous measures, and with the states to remove the causes which led 
 to them. 
 
392 MORRIS COUNTY. 
 
 also that they shall receive a number of acres of land, in proportion to their 
 rank, at the close of the war. This measure meets the approbation, and is 
 satisfactory to those who are to be entitled to the provision ; but it includes 
 the officers of the line of the army, only; it is not extended to the medical 
 staff, and they consider themselves pointedly neglected. Why are the offi- 
 cers of the lino allowed this exclusive act of justice, a compensation for the 
 depreciation of the currency? If it is just for the line, what reasons can 
 be assigned why the staff officers should not be included, when the deprecia- 
 tion is known to be common to both ? Equal justice should be the motto of 
 every government. The officers on the staff have a right to think themselves 
 treated with the most flagrant injustice. 
 
 A committee have arrived in catnp from Congress, for the purpose of in- 
 vestigating the circumstances and condition of the army, and of redressing 
 our grievances, if in their power. 
 
 On the evening of the first of January, 1781, the Pennsylvania 
 line stationed in the vicinity of Morristown, having for some time 
 previous evinced great dissatisfaction, broke out into open revolt. 
 Bcilow^ is a full narrative of this event, from the work from w^hich 
 the preceding extracts are made. 
 
 Tlie Pennsylvania line of troops, consisting of about two thousand men, 
 in winter-quarters in the vicinity of Morristown, have come to the desperate 
 resolution of revolting from their officers. Though the Pennsylvania troops 
 have been subjected to all the discouragements and difficulties felt by the 
 rest of the army, some particular circumstances peculiar to themselves have 
 contributed to produce the revolt. When the soldiers first enlisted, the re- 
 cruiting officers were provided with enlisting rolls for the term of three 
 years, or during the continuance of the war, and as the officers indulged the 
 opinion that the war would not continue more than three years, they were 
 perhaps indifferent in which column the soldier's name was inserted, leaving 
 it liable to an ambiguity of construction. It is clear, however, that a part 
 enlisted for three years, and others for the more indefinite term "during the 
 war." The soldiers now contend that they enlisted for three years at fur- 
 thest, and were to have been discharged sooner, in case the war terminated 
 before the expiration of this term. The war being protracted beyond the 
 time expected, and the officers knowing the value of soldiers who have been 
 trained by three years' service, are accused of putting a different construc- 
 tion on the original agreement, and claiming their services during the war. 
 The soldiers, even those who actually listed for the war, having received 
 very small bounties, complain of imposition and deception, and their case is 
 extremely aggravated by the fact, that three half joes have now been offered 
 as a bounty to others, who will enlist for the remainder of the war, when 
 these veteran soldiers have served three years for a mere shadow of com- 
 pensation ! It was scarcely necessary to add to their trying circumstances, 
 a total want of pay for twelve months, and a state of nakedness and famine, 
 to excite in a soldier the spirit of insurrection. The officers themselves, 
 also feeling aggrieved, and in a destitute condition, relaxed in their system 
 of camp discipline, and the soldiers occasionally overheard their murmurs 
 and complaints. Having appointed a sergeant-major for their commander, 
 styling him major-general, and having concerted their arrangements, on the 
 first day of tiie new year they put their mutinous scheme into execution. 
 On a preconcerted signal, the whole line, except a part of three regiments. 
 
7 //fs />■//// /.v ii>f<ii'J 4'iviii ii pdititiiuj ili'fiosttcil /'I' Ihf Arii.^t , (ill' 
 tit,l I't WtL^ftitujfi'ii ) III till' J'rumhnll ('^,/Ui'n tif iVru'/fnvrn i\<tiii. 
 WajilaiHtt'toii h ivfiTV-rnti'iI viewniu f/ir enfiiiy just titifr the cnnfln't itt 
 'he ih'flc Ji^i/e -£vt'n- mirmtf firt/r/,' of'hi.i iin\<.< ih^wn to fhf bit/dvts 
 fhi' fnY^vnif.t or' In.-- hnrsfAr were tv/trl'iil/v Jmmi rrrm the nnoirmh 
 
MORRIS COUNTY. 393 
 
 paraded under arms without their officers, marched to the magazines, and 
 supplied themselves with provisions and ammunition, and seizing six field 
 pieces, took horses from General Wayne's stable to transport them. The 
 officers of the line collected those who had not yet joined the insurgents and 
 endeavored to restore order, but the revolters fired and killed a Captain Bil- 
 ling, and. wounded several other officers, and a few men were killed on each 
 side. The mutineers commanded the party who opposed them to come 
 over to them instantly, or they should be bayoneted, and the order was 
 obeyed. 
 
 General Wayne, who commanded the Pennsylvania troops, endeavored to 
 interpose his influence and authority, urging them to return to their duty, 
 till their grievances could be inquired into and redressed. But all was to 
 no purpose, and on cocking his pistol, they instantly presented their bayonets 
 to his breast, saving, "TFe respect and love you; often have yon led usintothc 
 field of battle, hut we are no longer under your command; ice warn you to he on 
 your guard; if you fire your pistols, or attempt to enforce your commands, we 
 shall ])ut you instantly to death." General Wayne next expostulated with 
 them, expressing his apprehension that they were about to sacrifice the glo- 
 rious cause of their country, and that the enemy would avail themselves of 
 the opportunity to advance and improve so favorable an occasion. They 
 assured him that they still retained an attachment and respect for the cause 
 which they had embraced, and that, so far from a disposition to abandon it, 
 if the enemy should dare to come out of New York, they would, under his 
 and his officers' orders, face them in the field, and oppose them to the ut- 
 most in their power. They complained that they had been imposed on and 
 deceived respecting the term of their enlistment, that they had received no 
 wages for more than a year, and that they were destitute of clothing, and 
 had often been deprived of their rations. These were their grievances, and 
 they were determined to march to Philadelphia, and demand of Congress 
 that justice which had so long been denied them. They commenced their 
 march in regular military order, and when encamped at night, they posted 
 out piquets, guards, and sentinels. General Wayne, to prevent their dep- 
 redations on private property, supplied them with provisions, and he, with 
 Colonels Stewart and Butler, officers whom the soldiers respected and loved, 
 followed and mixed with them, to watch their motions and views, and they 
 received from them respectful and civil treatment. On the third day, the 
 insurgent troops reached Princeton, and, by request of General Wayne, they 
 deputed a committee of sergeants, who stated to him formally in writing 
 their claims, as follows. 1st. A disciiarge for all those, without exception, 
 who had served three years under their original engagements, and had not 
 received the increased bounty and re-enlisted for the war. 2d. An imme- 
 diate payment of all their arrears of pay and clothing, both to those who 
 should be discharged, and those who should be retained. 3d. The residue 
 of their bounty, to put them on an equal footing with those recently enlisted, 
 and future substantial pay to those who should remain in the service. To 
 these demands, in their full extent. General Wayne could not feel himself 
 authorized to answer in the affirmative, and a further negotiation was re- 
 ferred to the civil authority of the state of Pennsylvania. General Wash- 
 ington, whose head-quarters are at New Windsor, on the west side of the 
 Hudson, received the intelligence on the 3d instant, and summoned a coun- 
 cil of war, consisting of the general and field officers, to devise tlie most 
 proper measures to be pursued on this alarming occasion. Great apprehen- 
 sion was entertained that other troops, who have equal cause of discontent 
 
 50 
 
394 MORRIS COUNTY. 
 
 would be excited to adopt a similar course. It is ordered, that five battalions 
 be formed by detachments from the several lines, to be held in perfect readi- 
 ness to march on the shortest notice, with four days' provision cooked ; and 
 measures, it is understood, are taken to bring the militia into immediate ser- 
 vice if required. 
 
 Intelligence of the revolt having reached Sir Henry Clinton, he cherished 
 the hope that, by encouraging a rebellion, and turning the swords of our 
 own soldiers against their country and brethren, he should have it in his 
 power to effect an object, which by his own arms he could not accomplish. 
 He immediately dispatched two emissaries, a British sergeant, and one Og- 
 den, of New Jersey, to the dissatisfied troops, with written instructions, that 
 by laying down their arms, and marching to New York, they should receive 
 their arrearages and depreciation in hard cash, and should be well clothed, 
 have a free pardon for all past offences, and be taken under the protection 
 of the British government, and no military service should be required of 
 them, unless voluntarily offered. They were requested to send persons 
 to meet agents, who would be appointed by Sir Henry Clinton, to adjust 
 the terms of a treaty, and the British general himself passed over to 
 Staten Island, having a large body of troops in readiness to act as circum- 
 stances might require. The proposals from the enemy were* rejected with 
 disdain, and the mutineers delivered the papers to General Wayne, but re- 
 fused to give up the emissaries, preferring to keep them in durance till their 
 difficulties could be discussed and settled. A committee of Congress was 
 appointed, who conferred with the executive council of the state of Pennsyl- 
 vania, and by the latter authority, an accommodation of the affairs with the 
 revolters has been effected, by giving an interpretation favorable to the sol- 
 diers, of the enlistments which were for three years or during the war, de- 
 claring them to expire at the end of three years. The insurgents now sur- 
 rendered the two emissaries into the hands of General Wayne, on the stipu- 
 lated condition, that they should not be executed till their affairs should be 
 compromised, or in case of failure, the prisoners should be redelivered when 
 demanded. They were eventually, however, tried as spies, convicted, and 
 immediately executed. A board of commissioners was now appointed, of 
 whom three were deputed from the revolters, authorized to determine what 
 description of soldiers should be discharged. The result is, that the soldiers 
 have accomplished their views ; the committee, from prudential motives, with- 
 out waiting for the enlisting papers, complied with their demands, and dis- 
 charged from service a majority of the line, on their making oath that they 
 enlisted for three years only. The enlisting rolls having since been pro- 
 duced, it is found that by far the largest number of those liberated had ac- 
 tually enlisted for the whole war. Thus has terminated a most unfortunate 
 transaction, which might have been prevented, had the just complaints of 
 the army received proper attention in due season. 
 
 About the year 1788, quite an excitement was created in this section by tlie Morris- 
 town Ghost. One liaiislbrd Rogers, a school-teaclicr from Connecticut, professed to 
 have a " deep knowledfje of cliemistry." This, he pretended, gave hini the power of 
 raising or dispelling good or evil spirits, through whose agency he couhl obtain hidden 
 treasures. There had long been a tradition among the superstitious of certain treasures 
 being hidden in Schooley's mountain. Rogers, taking advantage of it, assured certain 
 persons thai there were immense sums deirositcd in this phice, and that several persons 
 had been murdered and buried with it, to keep guard ; and, moreover, that it was ahso- 
 iutely necessary that their spirits simuld be raised and consulted, ere tlie money could be 
 obtamed. Rogers, having formed his dupes into a company, held secret meetings, and, 
 by the exercise of considerable cunning, and through the assistance of some whom he let 
 
/ 
 
 / 
 
 MORRIS COUNTY. 395 
 
 into the secret, impressed them with a belief of his supernaturul powers. He would fre- 
 quently get them into lonely places at midnight, draw them into " a charmed circle," 
 when compositions of gunpowder would mysteriously explode, — which trick wonderfully 
 increased their confidence in his power. He pretended to converse with the spirits, from 
 whom he ascertained it was necessary for each of the company to raise 12 pounds, and 
 as much more as they could, in order to give to tiie spirits, before the treasure could be 
 obtained. In this way he obtained upwards of ^1,300. In order to carry on the decep- 
 tion, and strengthen their faith, he appeared disguised as a ghost to various members of 
 the company. On one occasion, having drunk too freely, he blundered so much that 
 suspicion was aroused, and, " the ghost" being tracked to his residence, the whole plot 
 exploded. Rogers was imprisoned, but, being bailed out, absconded to parts unknown. 
 
 Daniel Morgan, a distinguished officer in the American army in the war 
 of the revolution, was a native of New Jersey, and, it is believed, was born 
 at Morristown. " He removed into Virginia when quite young, for he had 
 been residing there about 20 years when the war began. Little has been 
 recorded of his family or his education ; but it is said he was destitute of 
 property, and drove a wagon some time for a living. In the expedition of 
 Gen. Braddock against the French and Indians on the Ohio, which was un- 
 dertaken soon after, he served as a private, at the age of 22 or 23, and was 
 wounded. On a charge of contumacy to a British officer in this campaign, 
 he is said to have received 500 lashes ! One can hardly conceive of his 
 surviving such a severe punishment, and perhaps there was some favor 
 shown by the men who gave them. It is mentioned to his honor, that, in 
 the war of the revolution, he was humane and generous in his treatment of 
 the British officers who fell into his hands. After Braddock's unfortunate 
 expedition he resumed his former occupation, and soon acquired property to 
 purchase a small farm. For some years after he was 20, he was much 
 addicted to boxing and gambling, but soon became frugal as well as indus- 
 trious, and lamented the excesses of his early years ; yet his boldness and 
 courage were retained. 
 
 " When the war began, he was early appointed to command a troop of 
 horse in Virginia ; and with this company he marched to the American 
 army at Cambridge, in the summer of IT?.'}. Gen. Washington, who knew 
 him well, had great confidence in his bravery and patriotism ; and he de- 
 lached him to join the expedition against Canada, the following autumn. 
 No officer was more distinguished than Morgan on that memorable occasion ; 
 and when Arnold was wounded in the first assault, the command fell on him. 
 Soon afterward, when Gen. Montgomery was slain, Morgan, with others, 
 was taken prisoner. While in the hands of the British, he was oflered the 
 rank and pay of a colonel in that service, which he indignantly rejected. 
 The f)llowing year Morgan was exchanged, and immediately joined the 
 American army. VVasbington gave him command of a rifle corps, with 
 which he was detached to the assistance of Gates, then opposing the British 
 army in its advance from Canada. He bore a distinguished part in the bat- 
 tles which preceded the surrender of Burgoyne, near Saratoga, in October, 
 1777. When he joined the main army after that glorious event, he was 
 employed by the commander-in-chief in several perilous enterprises, which 
 he conducted with equal courage and judgment. In 1780, he found his 
 health declining, and retired from the army, — but was again induced to join 
 the army in the south, where the British were making depredations on the 
 inhabitants. He now received a commission as a brigadier-general, and 
 followed Gates into South Carolina. But Gates was obliged to retire with- 
 out accomplishing any thing, for the British were far the most numerous. 
 
396 MORRIS COUNTY. 
 
 Yet this did not discourage Morgan. He commanded in the attack on Col. 
 Tarleton at the Cowpr-ns, who was defeated ; and Morgan, Col. Howard, 
 Col. Washington, and Gen. Pickens, were honorably noticed by Congress 
 for their brave conduct on that occasion. When Gen. Greene was after- 
 ward appointed to the command of the southern army, Morgan continued 
 some time with him. The army was obliged to retreat, for want of men 
 and provisions ; and, it was said, Greene and Morgan did not agree as to 
 the route best to be taken ; and soon afler, he retired from the army, — some 
 said, ill disgust, but others, with more probability of truth, (for on a former 
 occasion he had yielded to Gen. Greene's opinion, and the letter had nothing 
 arbitrary in his deportment,) that his state of health made it necessary for 
 him to return to his family. Gen. Morgan served one term in congress, 
 from Frederick co. ; and he appeared in the field once more, having com- 
 mand of the Virginia militia, against the whiskey insurrection in Pennsyl- 
 vania, in 1794. He died in 1799, the same year in which the death of 
 Washinirton occurred." 
 
 The oldest graveyard at Morristown is in the rear of the 1st 
 Presbyterian church. The following inscriptions are from monu- 
 ments in this yard : 
 
 This monument is erected to the memory of Silas Condict, Esq., who was bom 
 March 7th, 1738, and departed this life Sept. IG, 1801, in the 64th year of his ag;o 
 Thy fatal stroke, O Death I who can evade 
 Or 'scape the terrors of tliy dreadful shade ? 
 The friend, tlie saint, the patriot, and the sage 
 Arc turn'd to dust by thy relentless rage. 
 
 This tomb is dedicated to the memory of our beloved brother, Richard BrinckerhofF 
 Facsch. He was second son of John Jacob and Elizabeth P'aesch. Was born 19th 
 of July, 1778, and departed this life 25th of October, 1820. Man goeth to his long 
 home, and the mourners go about the streets : or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden 
 bowl hv broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cis- 
 tern. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was ; and the spirit shall return 
 unto God who gave it. 
 
 t 
 I. H. S. 
 
 Ici reposent les restes d'Ellzabeth Madelaine Siette de la RousseViere, Cpousc de Louis 
 Paubel ; n^c.'i St. Benoit, Isle de Bourbon, Ic 6me Aoftt, 1763, et deced<5e it Bottle Hill, 
 Nouveau Jersey, Ic 12me Mars, 1818. Sa grandc p\6t6 et sa r<5signalion 4 la volorite de 
 iJieu font la consolation de son mari et de ses enfants, qui ne cesseront de la pleurer. 
 
 [Here repose the remains of d'Elizabeth Madelaine, wife of Louis Paubel; born at St. 
 Benoit, Isle of Bourbon, the Gth of August, 1763, and died at Bottle Hill, New Jersey, 
 March 12th, 1818. Her exemplary piety and resignation to the will of God, was the 
 consolation of her husband and her children, who cease not to weep for her.] 
 
 The three following inscriptions are copied from those in Alden's 
 Collection of Epitaphs : 
 
 Sacred to the memory of Colonel Jacob Ford, jun., son of Colonel Jacob Ford, sen. 
 He was born 19 February, anno Domini 1738, and departed this life 10 January, A. D. 
 1777, and being then in the service of his country, was interred in this place with niili- 
 tary honors. 
 
 In vain we strive by human skill The friends who read our tombs and mourn, 
 
 To avoid the shafts of death. And weep our early fall, 
 
 Heaven's high decree all must fulfil, Must be lamented in their turn, 
 And we resign our breath. And share the fate of all. 
 
MORRIS COUNTY. 397 
 
 In memory of Colonel C jlion Ford, who departed this life on the 19 of October, 1800, 
 nged 42 years, 9 montiis, and 23 days. He early showed his attachment to his country 
 by entering into her service at the commencement of her struggle with Great Britain, 
 and continued during the war an able and active officer in the artillery. He was a warm 
 friend, a tender husband, a kind father, and an honest man. 
 
 In memory of the Reverend Doctor Timothy Johnes, who was born on the 24 day of 
 May, A. D. 1717, and died on the 15tii day of September, A. D. 1794, in the 78 year of 
 his age and 54 of his ministry. 
 
 As a Christian, few ever discovered more piety ; as a minister, few labored longer, 
 more zealously, or more successfully, than did this minister of Jesus Christ. 
 
 PEQUANNOCK. 
 
 This township is named from the Pequannock tribe of Indians. 
 It is the largest in the county, being 16 miles long, 11 wide, and 
 containing an area of 74,000 acres. It is bounded N. by West Mil- 
 ford and Pompton, Passaic county ; E. by Manchester, Passaic co., 
 and Caldwell, Essex co. ; 8. by Randolph and Hanover, and W. by 
 Jefferson. The surface is much broken up by hills, and agriculture 
 is but little attended to, excepting in the eastern pait, where there 
 is an extremely fertile strip, known as the Pompton Plains, in the 
 valley of Pompton river, which at some remote period was pro- 
 bably the bed of a lake. The plains are about 6 miles long, con- 
 tain an academy and a Reformed Dutch church, and are inhabited 
 by thriving, industrious agriculturists. The wealth of the town- 
 ship consists in the immense beds of iron found in the hills. In 
 1840 there were within its limits 2 forges, and there was produced 
 1,375 tons of cast iron, 3,283 of bar iron ; there were employed in 
 the business 241 men, and a capital invested of ^237,000. There 
 are in Pequannock 22 schools, 873 scholars. Population 5 6 LI. 
 
 Copperas was formerly made at the Copperas Works, at the CoiJ- 
 pcras mountain, in the NE. part of the township. The Green 
 pond, on the summit of this mountain, is a favorite resort, abound- 
 ing in fish, and surrounded by wild, romantic scenery. At Mt. Hope 
 iron works, shot and shell were made for the American army in the 
 war of the revolution. 
 
 The village of Pompton contains a Refortned Dutch church and 
 a few dwellings. Montville lies in a deep valley, through which 
 passes the Morris canal by 2 inclined planes. It contains a Re- 
 formed Dutch church and a few dwellings. 
 
 Rockaway, 9 miles i\. of Morristown, is situated on undulating 
 ground on both sides of Rockaway river, here the boundary line 
 between Pequannock and Hanover, and also on the line of the 
 Morris canal. It derives its name from the l^ockawack tribe, who, 
 when the country was first settled, dwelt in the vicinity. Before the 
 war of the revolution there was here a Presbyterian church, a forge, 
 a gri.st and saw mill. In the war, a part of Sullivan's army, on their 
 expedition against the New York Indians, passed tlirough this place. 
 The soldiers encamped in an orchard belonging to James Jackson, 
 on the E. side of the river, while the officers were billeted in the 
 
398 
 
 MORRIS BOUNTY. 
 
 four or five dwellings then constituting the settlement. From that 
 period the village has grown to its present thriving condition, the 
 greatest element of its prosperity being the extensive iron mines 
 situated N. and W. of it. Since the Morris canal was constructed 
 it has doubled in population. A post-office was established in 1791. 
 In 1794 Joseph Jackson, Esq., was appointed postmaster under 
 Washin-i;ton, and continued in office nearly half a century, until 
 1842. Rockaway contains 2 churches, 4 stores, 1 grist, 1 saw, and 
 2 rolling mills, 1 steel furnace, 1 iron foundry, 1 machine shop, 2 
 forges, 3 blacksmiths, 2 cabinet and 2 carriage makers, and about 
 400 inhabitants. 
 
 View of the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches, Rockaway. 
 
 The foregoing is a view of the churches in Rockaway, situated 
 a few rods east of the centre of the village, on the line of the Morris 
 canal. That on the left is the Methodist church, a neat edifice of 
 wood, erected in 1834 ; the other, the Presbyterian, a handsome 
 brick structure, built in 1832. From an interesting discourse de- 
 livered at the dedication of this church, Sept. 6th, 1832, by the 
 pastor, the Rev. Barnabas King, the following facts, respecting the 
 history of this society, were obtained. The first church built in the 
 village was raised in 1752, although not completely finished until 
 1794. The first settled pastor was the Rev. James Tuttle, installed 
 in 1768 over this church and the one at Parcipany. He died 
 April, 1771. In April, 1784, Rev. Mr. Baldwin was installed over 
 this congregation, and continued pastor eight years. " He was a 
 worthy man, faithfully served the cause of his Lord and Master, 
 but his efforts were weakened by unhappy diff'erenccs of his peo- 
 ple in regard to singing." From " the Brief History of the church 
 at Rockaway," the following extracts show the common though 
 singular feature, of a want of harmony in those whose peculiar 
 duty it is to produce it. "That part of divine service pertaining 
 to the singing of psalms, and what version of psalms should be 
 
MORRIS COUNTY. 399 
 
 nsed in worship, having made great uneasiness and inquietude, in 
 April, 1786, it was voted to appoint four choristers to set the tunes: 
 * that Benj. Jackson, Francis McCarty, and Jacob Lyon be appoint- 
 ed choristers, that they sing in the afternoon without reading the 
 psalm line by line, and David Beeman to sing the forepart of the 
 day, unless otherwise agreed on by Mr. Beeman and the other 
 choristers ; and that they sing any tunes that are sung in the neigh- 
 boring churches, as they shall judge proper April, 1789, some 
 
 further difficulty having arisen respecting the singing in church, it 
 was voted at a parish meeting to have the psalm read line by line, 
 or by two lines, in singhig in future, except on particular occasions." 
 At a parish meeting, May 14, 1792, '* The mode o( singing- was 
 again adjusted by the appointment of Benjamin Jackson. Russel 
 Davis, and Daniel Hurd as choristers, and that they act discretion- 
 ary \\hen to sing without 7-eading the lines" In January, 1793, the 
 Rev. Mr. Carle was installed and ordained pastor over the church, 
 and continued until his dismission in 1801. Rev. Barnabas King 
 was installed and ordained pastor Sept. 25, 1808 ; though he had 
 previously, for a short time, supplied the pulpit. 
 
 RANDOLPH. 
 
 Randolph was formed from Mendham in 1805. It is 7 miles 
 long by 5 wide, and is bounded N. by Pequannock, E. by Hanover 
 and Morris, S. by JMendham and Chester, and W. by Roxbury. 
 The surface of the township is generally mountainous, Trowbridge 
 mountain crossing it on the SE., and Schooley's mountain on the 
 north. This is a manufacturing township, and in 1840 there were 
 produced 900 tons of bar iron, and 100 of cast iron ; 35 men were 
 employed in mining, and a capital invested of $100,000. It has 7 
 schools, 207 scholars. Pop. illl865,3,393. 
 
 The village of Dover is 8 miles NW. ot Morristown, in a beau- 
 tiful valley enclosed by mountains of a romantic character, near 
 the N. boundary ol" the township, and on the Rockaway river and 
 line of the Morris canal. The annexed view was taken near the 
 powder-house, about a quarter of a mile from the village centre. 
 The large building on the right, near the spectator, is the Method- 
 ist church, erected in 1838 ; and that in the distance with a tower, 
 the Presbyterian church, built in 1842. There is an academy, 
 erected in 1829, in which formerly public worship was held. Do- 
 ver has been a locality for the manufacture of iron for nearly a 
 century. In 1792 it contained but 4 dwellings and a forge. During 
 this year a rolling-mill was erected by Israel Caniield and Jacob 
 Losey. In 1810, it contained 10 or 15 dwellings. In 1820, the 
 village was incorporated, and about that time laid out into build- 
 ing-lots, since which it has rapidly ])rogressed. There are 3 houses 
 now standing that were here in 1792, viz. : the Beman, Augur, 
 and Doty dwellings. The first tavern was commenced in 1808, in 
 the building known as " the old tavern-house," when the Augur 
 
400 MORRIS COUNTY. 
 
 dwelling was enlarged for that purpose. In 1820, the post-office 
 was established. The Rockaway river here furnishes abundance 
 of water-power; the fall in the two dams being 17i feet, and by 
 the con-traction of a canal three quarters of a mile long, is capable 
 
 "H 
 
 -^^^»M All: 
 
 Northern view of Dover. 
 
 of much further increase. Dover has 2 rolling-mills, 1 chest for 
 converting steel, 1 foundry and turning-lathes, machinery for the 
 manufacture of spikes, rivets, nails, &c., 1 forging-shop with trip- 
 hammers, 1 circular saw, 4 blacksmiths, 3 wheelwrights, 2 canal- 
 boat yards, 1 saddler, 1 watchmaker, 1 cabinetmaker, 3 shoema- 
 kers, 1 tailor, 4 stores, 3 groceries, an academy, 2 churches, and 
 about 400 inhabitants. When in full operation the iron-works em- 
 ploy about 50 men. 
 
 Hon. Mahlon Dickerson,late Secretary of the Navy, resides on a 
 beautiful situation about 3 miles SW. of Dover. Adjacent is the 
 celebrated Suckasunny iron mine, remarkable for its excellent ore. 
 The deposits appear inexhaustible ; it is highly magnetic, yielding 
 by chemical process 82 parts in 100 of iron. Shafts have been 
 sunk to the depth of 70, and drifts driven over 120 ieet. The first 
 ore obtained in the county was taken from this mine, from 
 whence it was carried to Morristown, Hanover, and Essex co., in 
 leathern bags on the backs of horses, to be manufactured. The 
 land in the vicinity was first taken up in 1717 by .Joseph Kirkbride ; 
 previously the ore was free to all. For the last 30 years it has 
 been owned and skilfully wrought by the Hon. Mahlon Dickerson. 
 In the adjoining fields, Indian axes, arrows, and other relics, are 
 found, made from the ore. 
 
 ROXBURY. 
 
 Roxbury is 10 miles long, with a variable breadth of from 3 to 
 10 miles. It is bounded NE. by Jefferson, E. by Randolph, S. by 
 
MORRIS COUNTY. 401 
 
 Chester and Washington, W. by Independence, Warren co., and 
 NW. by Byram, Sussex co. There are in the township 9 stores, 
 1 forge, 2 lulling and 2 grist mills, 1 woollen factory, 1 tannery, 1 
 pottery ; cap. in manufac. ^8,300 ; 14 schools, 587 scholars. Pop. 
 
 Nearly the ^vhole of its surface is covered by Schooley's moun- 
 tain, excepting on the east, where the Suckasunny Plains occupy 
 a tract two or three miles wide, and several miles long. On the 
 summit of the mountain is Budd's pond, a small, but clear and 
 beautiful sheet of water, a favorite resort for visitors at the springs, 
 and for the baptismal rites of a Baptist church in the vicinity. 
 The Morris canal passes through the township, and here finds its 
 summit level at an elevation of 900 feet above the level of the sea. 
 It is supplied by a feeder from an outlet of the Hopatcong lake. 
 The project of the canal was originally conceived by Geo. P. 
 M'Culloch, Esq., of Morristown, while on a fishing excursion to 
 this lake, and through his exertions this stupendous enterprise, so 
 benelicial as an outlet to the manufactures of the country, but 
 ruinous to the stockholders, was commenced and carried through. 
 The natural obstacles were overcome by the adoption of a series 
 of locks and inclined planes of great lifts, adapted to boats of great 
 magnitude. The surveys were commenced in 1822, and the canal 
 completed in 183G. 
 
 On Lake Hopatcong there is a regular causeway of stone, run- 
 ning from an island nearly across to the shore, a distance of about 
 a quarter of a mile. It was no doubt made by the Indians, and 
 was a work of great labor, the lake being very deep. The water 
 is now a little above it, occasioned by the raising of the lake for 
 the Morris canal. On the opposite shore are found great numbers 
 of Indian arrows of beautiful shape, axes, and broken jars ; and ap- 
 pearances indicate it was the site of an Indian village. Drakesville, 
 on the Morris canal, Drakestown, on the S. boundary, and Flan- 
 ders in the southern part, are small villages, the latter containing 
 20 or 30 dwellings. Stanhope, on the line of the Morris canal, 
 and partly in Byram, Sussex co., 12 miles S. of Newton, and 10 
 NW. of Morristown, is a village containing 50 or 00 dwellings, 
 and the manufacture of iron has been extensively carried on there. 
 Suckasunny, 10 miles NW. of Morristown, is a small village in 
 the E. part of the township, situated on the plains of the same 
 name. After the surrender of Burgoyne, his park of artillery was 
 deposited for safe-keeping in the Presbyterian church at this place. 
 Some soldiers were akso quartered there. 
 
 There were a few families of Rogerincs. who located themselves 
 in secluded spots on Schooley's mountain at the first settlement of 
 the county, in the neigbborhood of the springs, and also between 
 Suckasunny plains and 1 loj)atcong lake. This fanatical sect had 
 their origin in Connecticut, some time previous to the revolution- 
 ary war. Tradition states that some 80 years ago, a company of 
 them, men and women, came one Sabbath to the Presbyterian 
 
402 MORRIS COUNTY. 
 
 church in Mendham, where they disturbed the congregation by 
 their conversation, and the females by knitting, consequently they 
 were thrust out of the church. The sect became extinct during 
 the war of the revolution.* 
 
 JEFFERSON. 
 
 Jefferson was formed from Pequannock and Roxbury, in 1804. 
 It is 12 miles long, 4 broad ; and is bounded AE. by West Milford, 
 (Passaic co.,) SE. by Pequannock, SW. by Roxbury, and NW. 
 by Hardiston, (Sussex co.) The surface is covered by mountains, 
 excepting a long, deep, and narrow valley, in the east part, running 
 the whole length of the township, through which courses the main 
 branch of the Rockaway river. The scenery of the mountains 
 enclosing the valley is bold and wild. There are not any villages 
 in the township, but a small settlement at Berkshire valley, con- 
 taining a Presbyterian church, and a few dwellings. There were 
 in the township, in 1840, 11 iron-wo»-ks, (587 tons of bar-iron pro- 
 duced, and a capital invested of 840,150 ;) 5 schools, 175 scholars. 
 Pop. ] ,570. Agriculture is comparatively little attended to, the 
 chief wealth consisting in iron and wood 
 
 WASHINGTON 
 
 This township is bounded N. by Roxburj-, E. by Roxbury and 
 Chester, S. by Lebanon and Tewksbury, (Hunterdon co.,) and W. 
 by Mansfield and Independence, (Warren co.) There are in the 
 township 17 stores, 1 lumber-yard, 1 forge, 1 tannery, 4 flouring, 6 
 grist, 8 saw, 4 oil m. : cap. in manufac. $127,900; 15 schools, 753 
 scholars. Pop. '2.^17- 
 
 The greater portion of the township is covered by Schooley's 
 moiKitain,f which rises to an elevation of 1,100 feet above the level 
 of the sea, and 000 above the adjacent country. The south branch 
 of the Karitan flows through the east part of the township. The 
 land is there very rich, and was early settled upon by Germans. 
 German Valley, Springtown, and Pleasant Grove, are small locali- 
 ties in this township. The last contains a Presbyterian church, and 
 a few dwellings ; the first a Presbyterian and a Lutheran church, 
 and 12 or 15 dwellings. In the place stands a church, built in 1775, 
 by Lutherans and Presbyterians. It has a singular, antiquated ap- 
 pearance, is constructed of s^tone, and stands in a graveyard con- 
 taining tombstones, on some of which are inscriptions in German. 
 
 Hier ruhet in Gott der alle entschlafcne Christopii Kern. Er ist geborcn den IGtcn 
 December, 1728, und ist gcstorbcn den 22ten Julius, 1796. Er brachte sein alter auf 
 
 * For an account of the origin of this sect, the reader is referred to the His. Collec 
 iions of Connecticut, by tlie senior compiler of this volume. 
 
 t" Schooley's mountain, sometimes called Schugl's hills, derjvcs its name from a family 
 once proprietors of the soil thereabouts. The latter name io probably a corruption or 
 abbreviation of the former." 
 
MORRIS COUNTY. 
 
 403 
 
 <n Jahr, 7 monat, und 6 tage. Leichen text, Psalm Ixxxiv., verse 11 : " Denn ein tag in 
 deinen vorhofen ist besser, denn sonst tausend. Ich will lieber dcr thiJre hiiten in nieinea 
 Gottes hausc, denn lange wolincn in der Gott-losen hiitten." 
 
 [Here rest in God the mortal remains of Christopher Kern, who was born December 
 16, 1728, and died July 22, 1796, aged 67 years, 7 months, and 6 days. His funeral ser- 
 mon was preached from the text of Psalm Ixxxiv. 10 : " For a day in thy courts is better 
 than a thousand : I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to dwell in 
 the tents of wickedness."] 
 
 Schooley^s Mountain. Spring House. 
 
 The celebrated spring on Schooley's mountain is on the western 
 declivity of the eminence, in a deep defile, between two beautifully- 
 wooded mountains, about 50 miles from New York, 22 from Som- 
 erville, and 20 from Morristown. This chalybeate was originally 
 known to the Indians, and used by them for rheumatic complaints 
 and cutaneous eruptions. It has been a place of fashionable resort 
 for about forty years. Previously, visitors erected tents and shan- 
 ties, for temporary accommodation. Now there are two splendid 
 hotels, pleasantly embowered by trees, usually thronged in the 
 summer months with strangers, drawn thither by various attrac- 
 tions, not the least of which is the fine bracing mountain air, and 
 the delightful landscape scenery in the vicinity. The spring is a 
 small rill, not larger in diameter than one's little finger, issuing 
 from a rock by the roadside, covered by a small, neat, wooden 
 structure, with a single apartment, and seats for visitors. The 
 water is pleasant and cooling to the taste : while drinking, one 
 scarcely perceives the difference from common water, the mineral 
 taste being but slightly perceptible. 
 
 The learned Dr. Mitchill says it contains a small quantity of 
 carbonated oxyde of iron, a little more of the muriate of lime, 
 more than three times the amount of either of the carbonate of 
 lime, with very small quantities of extractive matter, muriate 
 of soda, muriate of magnesia, sulphate of lime, and silex. All 
 the carbonic acid it contains is combined, and not free. On the 
 combination of iron with this water, a few particulars may be 
 mentioned. The water, which issues at the rate of about one gal- 
 lon in two minutes and a half, is at first transparent, but soon be- 
 
404 PASSAIC COUNTY. 
 
 comes turbid on exposure to the air, and gradually deposits a fine 
 ochre. Notwithstanding its ferruginous impregnation, the metal is 
 so precipitated and modified by boiling, that the infusion of tea- 
 leaves is not blackened or discolored at all ; but is as good as that 
 made with pure spring-water. When the hostess at the inn told 
 me this, I was so incredulous that I offered to bet her a bonnet and 
 a shawl that it would not turn out so. She declined the wager, 
 but said she would make the experiment. Water from the spring 
 was boiled; and employed for making an infusion of Chinese tea. 
 There was no discoloration whatever : whence I found that, if she 
 had had the courage to lay, I should have lost the stake. In like 
 manner, vrhen one of my friends requested me, a few years ago, 
 to make some experiments on a bottle of water he had brought 
 from the spring, I told him I would do so, and authorized him to 
 oring as many persons as he pleased to witness the proceedings. 
 The company assembled, and the tests for iron gave not the least 
 indications of its presence. We were all puzzled and disappointed. 
 Its virtues are more particularly extolled in cases of calculous con- 
 cretion, and obstruction of thq urinary passages. Though, in ad- 
 dition to its nephritic operation, it may be considered as a tonic to 
 the stomach, and gently strengthening the digestive organs, like 
 other chalybeates. So that, in connection with a change of air, 
 exercise, diet, and way of life, it may be productive of excellent 
 effects, in the cases of patients from the seacoast and crowded 
 cities. 
 
 PASSAIC COUNTY. 
 
 Passaic county Avas formed from the northern part of Essex, and 
 western part of Bergen cos., Feb. 7th, 1837. Its extreme length is 
 30 m., and its breadth varies from 2 to 16 m. It is bounded N. bj 
 Bergen co. and part of Orange co., N, Y,, E. by Bergen and Hud- 
 son COS., S. by Essex and Morris cos., and W. by Sussex co. The 
 surface is generally hilly, with broad and fertile valleys, excepting 
 in the extreme southeastern part, where it is level. The county is 
 watered by the Passaic, Pequannock, Kingwood, Pompton, and 
 Ramapo rivers. The Paterson and Hudson railroad, IGj miles in 
 length, commences at Jersey city, enters the county on the south- 
 east, and terminates at Paterson, It will eventually be extended 
 into the state of New York, and connect with the New York and 
 Erie railroad. The Morris canal, also, passes through the south- 
 ern part of the county. In the northern part are large deposits of 
 valuable iron ore, extensively used in the numerous ibrges of that 
 region. There is an excellent quarry of red sandstone at the vil- 
 lage of Little Falls. This county, although respectable in point of 
 agriculture, derives its chief importance from its extensive manu- 
 
PASSAIC COUNTY. 
 
 405 
 
 factories, principall)^ located at Paterson. The county is divided 
 
 into the five following townships : — 
 
 Acquackanonck, .v, ^..,..,^^,^, Paterson, 
 
 Pompton, West Milford. Wayne. ' 
 
 The population of Passaic co., in 18 65 was 34,856. 
 
 ACQUACKANONCK. 
 
 Acquackanonck is about 7 m. long, with an average breadth of 
 \ m. It is bounded N. by Paterson and Saddle river ; E. by Lodi 
 
 Eastern View of Acquackanonck. 
 
 Bergen co., and Harrison, Hudson co. ; S. by Belleville, Bloomfield, 
 and Caldwell, Essex co., and W. by Manchester. The Paterson 
 and Hudson railroad, and Morris canal pass through the township. 
 The soil is generally fertile, and the surface mountainous and hilly 
 on the west, elsewhere level. There are 8 stores, 1 cotton fac, 2 
 tanneries, 1 grist-m., 3 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $73,600 ; 1 acad- 
 emy, 3 schools, 130 scholars. Pop. 4,490. 
 
 The foundation of Acquackanonck was in March, 1679, when 
 " Captahem, an Indian sachem, granted a deed for Haqueqtienunck, 
 (afterward spelt ' Aqueyquinunke,') to Hans Diderick, Gerrit Ger- 
 ritson, Walling Jacobs, Hendrick George, and company, of Bergen ; 
 and another deed from the governor and council, for the same tract 
 with some small variation in bounds, is dated March 16th, 1684." 
 
 The village of Acquackanonck is situated on the .vest bank of 
 the Passaic river, and on the line of the Paterson and Hudson rail- 
 road, 5 m. SE. from Paterson, 9 m. NE. from Newark, and 11 m, 
 from New York. The Passaic river is navigable for sloops to this 
 village, 15 m. from its mouth; beyond here, the river affords in- 
 numerable mill-sites in its meanderings to its source. A number 
 of ffRjtories and mills are situated upon it, in its course through the 
 township. The above view was taken on the east bank of the Pas- 
 saic, just above the bridge, and shows the most dense part of the 
 
406 PASSAIC COUNTY. 
 
 village, together with the Reformed Dutch church, and the acad- 
 emy. In the west part of the place is another church, built of 
 brick, and ornamented with a cupola, and a tablet upon its front 
 bears the inscri])tion, " Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. — 1 Sam. 
 vii. 12. The True Reformed Dutch church of Achquakanonk, 
 erected A. D. 1825." There are also in the village 2 stores, and 
 about 50 dwellings. A number of sloops are owned here, which 
 trade with New York and other places. Blachley's mineral spring 
 is ^bout 1^ m. west of the village, and Weasel is the name of a 
 settlement extending several miles along the Passaic, in the north 
 part of the township. An officer of the revolutionary army, who 
 passed through Acquackanonek and Paramus in 1778, thus gives 
 his impressions. 
 
 " These towns are chiefly inhabited by Dutch people ; their 
 churches and dwelling-houses are built of rough stone, one story 
 high. There is a peculiar neatness in the appearance of their 
 dwellings, having an airy piazza, supported by pillars in front, and 
 their kitchens connected at the ends in the form of wings. The 
 land is remarkably level, and the soil fertile ; and being generally 
 advantageously cultivated, the people appear to enjoy ease and 
 happy competency. The furniture in their houses is of the most 
 ordinary kind, and such as might be supposed to accord with the 
 fashion of the days of Queen Anne. They despise the superfluities 
 of life, and are ambitious to appear always neat and cleanly, and 
 never to complain of an empty purse." 
 
 The village of Little Falls is on the Passaic river, 4 m. SW. of 
 Paterson. It derives its name from the rapids in the river, which 
 here descend 51 feet in half a mile, and may be used for turning 
 machinery to a great extent. The Morris canal crosses the river 
 by a beautiful stone aqueduct, of 80 feet span, ami a height of 50 
 feet. The village contains 4 stores, several manufacturing estab- 
 lishments and mills, 1 Reformed Dutch and 1 Methodist church, 
 and about 60 dwellings. There is here an excellent quarry of red 
 sandstone, which was used in the construction of Trinity church. 
 New York. From it has been carved some beautiful statuary, by 
 Mr. Thorn, the sculptor, a former resident of the village. 
 
 MANCHESTER. 
 
 Manchester was formerly part of Saddle River, Berj^en County, and 
 was taken from that townsliip at the formation of that Countv. ' The 
 village of Manchester formerly called Totowa, now forms the north 
 ward of Paterson. ■ 
 
PASSAIC COUNTY. 
 
 407 
 
 View of part of Patterson, I^. J. 
 The view slijws the several manufaetnrinj^ establi.-hments aseeen from the summit 
 of the cliff, about 40 yards distant fiora the falls. 
 
 Tiev) of Main Street in Pat.erson. K J. 
 
 The view Bhows the appearance of the principal business street in the city of Pat.eraon 
 aa seen from the houac of Wm. Richardson, on the northern side of the Passaic, looking 
 south across the bridge in front. This street is about one mile in extent, from the 
 bridge to the Court House, just discernablo in tlio distance. Tlie street is thicl<ly 
 studded on both sides witb merchant's and mechanic's shops, stores, and merchandise 
 of every description. 
 
408 PASSAIC COUNTY. 
 
 Patrr.^on is 13 niilos N. of Newark and 17 from New York and now 
 ineludt'S in its limits tlie former town of Manchester which now forms 
 irs North ward. The villap:e of Manchester opposite Passaic was for- 
 nierlv called Totoiva, and the falls anciently went by that name. This 
 flourishing place in which nearly every kind of manufacture is carried 
 on. was established by a society incorporated in 1191, being origina- 
 ted by the exertions of Alexander Hamilton. 
 
 The general object of the company was to lay the foundation ol 
 a great emporiuni of manufactures. The prominent purpose of the 
 society was the manufacture of cotton cloths. At this period the 
 great improvements introduced in the cotton manufacture by Ark- 
 wright were but little known even in Europe, and in this country 
 scarcely any cotton had been spun by machinery.* 
 
 The act of incorporation gave a city charter with jurisdiction 
 over a tract of six square miles. The society was organized at 
 New Brunswick in Nov. 1791, and the following gentlemen ap- 
 pointed as its board of directors, viz : William Duer, John Dew- 
 hurst, Benjamin Walker, Nicholas Low, Royal Flint, Elisha Boudi- 
 not, John Bayard, John Neilson, Archibald Mercer, Thomas Low- 
 ring, George Lewis, More Furman, and Alexander M'Comb. Wil- 
 liam Duer was appointed the principal officer. Having been duly 
 organized, the society, in May, 1792, decided upon the great falls of 
 the Passaic as the site of their proposed operations, and named it 
 Paterson, in honor of Gov. William Paterson, who had signed their 
 charter. There were then not over ten houses here. 
 
 " At a meeting of the directors, at the Godwin hotel, on the 4th July, 
 1792, appropriations were made for building factories, machine shops, and 
 shops for calico printing and weaving; and a race-way was directed to be 
 made, for bringing the water from above the falls to the proposed mills. 
 Unfortunately, the direction of these works was given to Major L'Enfan, a 
 French engineer, not more celebrated for the grandeur of his conceptions, 
 than his recklessness of expense ; and whose magnificent projects commonly 
 perished in the waste of means provided for their attainment. He imme- 
 diately commenced the race-way and canal, designing to unrte the Upper 
 Passaic with the Lower, at the head of tide, near the present village of 
 Acquackanonck, by a plan better adapted to the resources of a great empire 
 than to those of a private company. 
 
 "In January, 1793, Peter Colt, Esq., of Hartford, then comptroller of the 
 state of Connecticut, was appointed 'general superintendent of the atfairs 
 of the company, with full powers to manage the concerns of the society, as 
 if they were his own individual property,' Major L'Enfan being retained, 
 however, as engineer; but he, after having spent, uselessly, a large sum of 
 money, resigned his office in the following September. Mr. Colt, thus in 
 
 • TliP first cotton spun by machinery in America was at Pawtucket, Rhode Island, 
 Dec, IT'JU, by Samuel Slater, an English emigrant, who may be properly styled " the 
 parent of the American cotton manuracturc." As an evidence of the vast improvements 
 in the manufacture and culture of cotton, it is stated that at this period good cotton cloth 
 vrasji/tij cents pcT yard. For a more full history of this subject the reader is referred to 
 the memoirs of Arkwright, Ilargreaves, Cartwright, Slater, .and Whitney, in the Metiutii* 
 of Eminent Mechanics, by Uie junior compiler of tliia work. 
 
PASSAIC COUNTY. 409 
 
 sole charge of the works, completed the race-way, conducting the water to 
 the first factory erected by the society. The canal to tide-water had been 
 abandoned before the departure of the engineer. 
 
 " The factory, 90 feet long by 40 wide, and 4 stories high, was finished in 
 1794, when cotton yarn was spun in the mill ; but yarn had been spun in 
 the preceding year, by machinery moved by oxen. In 1794 also, calico 
 shawls and other cotton goods were printed ; the bleached and unbleached 
 muslins being purchased in New York. In the same year the society gave 
 their attention to the culture of the silkworm, and directed the superintend- 
 ent to plant the mulberry-tree for this purpose. In April of this year, also, 
 the society, at the instance of Mr. Colt, employed a teacher to instruct, gra- 
 tuitously, on the Sabbath, the children employed in the factory, and others. 
 This was probably the first Sunday-school established in New Jersey. 
 
 " Notwithstanding their untoward commencement, and the many discour- 
 agements attending their progress, the directors persevered in their enter- 
 prise ; and during the years 179.5 and 1796, much yarn of various sizes 
 was spun, and several species of cotton fabrics were made. But, at length 
 satisfied that it was hopeless to contend, successfully, longer with an ad- 
 verse current, they resolved, July, 1796, to abandon the manufacture, and 
 discharged their workmen. This result was produced by a combination of 
 causes. Nearly $.50,000 had been lost by the failure of the parties to cer- 
 tain bills of exchange purchased by the company, to buy in England plain 
 cloths for printing ; large sums had been wasted by the engineer ; and the 
 machinists and manufacturers imported, were presumptuous and ignorant of 
 many branches of the business they engaged to conduct; and, more than all, 
 the whole attempt was premature. No pioneer had led the way, and no 
 experience existed in the country, relative to any subject of the enterprise. 
 Besides, had the country been in a measure prepared for manufactures, the 
 acquisition of the carrying-trade, which our merchants were then making, 
 was turning public enterprise into other channels. The ruin of the com- 
 pany, under these circumstances, cannot now be cause of astonishment. 
 But to this catastrophe the children of Mr. Colt, now deeply interested in 
 the operations of the company, have the just and proud satisfaction to know, 
 that their parent was in no way auxiliary. On closing their concerns, the 
 directors unanimously returned him their thanks ' for his industry, care, and 
 prudence in the management of their affairs, since he had been employed in 
 their service ; fully sensible that the failure of the objects of the society was 
 from causes not in his power, or that of any other man, to prevent. 
 
 "The cotton-mill of the company was subsequently leased to individuals, 
 who continued to spin candle-wick and coarse yarn until 1807, when it was 
 accidentally burned down, and was never rebuilt. The admirable water- 
 power of the company was not, however, wholly unemployed. In 1801, a 
 mill-seat was leased to Mr. Charles Kinsoy and Israel Crane ; in 1807, a 
 second, and in 1811, a third to other persons ; and between 1812 and 1814, 
 several others were sold or leased. In 1814, Mr. Roswell L. Colt, the pre- 
 sent enterprising governor of the society, purchased, at a depreciated price, 
 a large proportion of the shares, and reanimated the association. From this 
 period the growth of Paterson has been steady, except during the 3 or 4 
 years which followed the peace of 1815. 
 
 " The advantages derivable from the great fall in the river here, have 
 been improved with much judgment. A dam of 4^ feet high, strongly 
 framed and bolted to the rock in the bed of the river above the falls, turns 
 
 52 
 
410 
 
 PASSAIC COUNTY. 
 
 the stream through a canal excavated in the trap-rock of the bank, into a 
 basin ; whence, through strong guard-gates, it supplies in succession three 
 canals on separate planes, each below the other ; giving to the mills on 
 each a head and fall of about 22 feet. By means of the guard-gate, the 
 volume of water is regulated at pleasure, and a uniform height preserved ; 
 avoiding the inconvenience of back-water. The expense of maintaining the 
 dam, canals, and main sluice-gates, and of regulating the water, is borne 
 by the company ; who have expended, in raising the main embankment, and 
 constructing the feeder from the river and new upper canal, and for works 
 to supply water to the third tier of mills, the sum of 840.000. 
 
 " The advantages whicli Paterson possesses for a manufacturing town are 
 obvious. An abundant and steady supply of water; a healthy, pleasant, 
 and fruitful country, supplying its markets fully with excellent meats and 
 vegetables ; its proximity to New York, whore it obtains the raw material, 
 and sale for manufactured goods ; and with which it is connected by the 
 sloop navigation of the Passaic, by the Morris canal, by a turnpike-road, 
 and by a rail-road — render it one of the most desirable sites in the Union."* 
 
 Eattent vieic ff (he Passaic Hotel. Paterson, N. J. 
 
 This house situated at thf> corner of Bank and River streets, is believed to be one of 
 the oldest if not the very oldest regular dwelling house now standing in the city being 
 it is supposed upwards of l.'iO years old. and has been the head quarters of Gen. Washing- 
 ton and Lafayette. It is now owned and kept as a Public Hou?e by John P. Zeluff. — 
 At the time Paterson was first established there were but ten houses all of which were 
 farm houses save one. the " Godwin Tavern" a place for the entertainment of visitors 
 to the falls, afterwards the " Washington House." The room in which Washington lod- 
 ged, and the one in which Gen. Godwin died are still shown to visitors. 
 
 Paterson is celebrated as affording one of the most romantic 
 waterfalls in the country, and the neighboring scenery is of a highly 
 picturesque character. A late traveller thus describes this wonder 
 of nature : 
 
 The fall in the river, which was originally 70 feet, has been increased to about 90 feet by 
 a dam above. From this dam, a short sluice conducts the water into a basin or reservoir, 
 partly prepared to tiie hands of the proprietors, and partly made by art and labor. A 
 
 » Gordon's Gazetteer 
 
PASSAIC COUNTY. 411 
 
 causey has been raised across an immense chasm, walled in by rocks, presenting almost 
 perpendicular sides from the bottom of the chasm to the upper edge of the precipice. 
 The rocks, being of basaltic character, are of rectilinear form, and perpendicular in their 
 position ; and this accounts for the comparatively smooth sides of this immense excava- 
 
 VfU) of the Paasaic Falls, at Paierson. 
 
 tlon. Tlie causey serves two very important purposes : it is at once a dam whiiJi de- 
 tains the water in the basin from which the milling power is drawn, and the bed of a 
 turnpike road. Below the causey, the terrific chasm continues in its natural state, un- 
 changed by human art, and, a few rods below, receives the remaining waters of tlic Pas- 
 saic, after it has supplied the heavy demand of the mills. Branching off from tlic larger 
 opening there is another, running nearly parallel with the river, whicli gradually dimin- 
 ishes to a mere crevice between tlie perpendicular sides of the rock. Into this crevice, 
 or opening, the waters of the Passaic, suddenly turning from their course, leap and dash 
 with an impetuosity which converts the whole mass into foam. It is an awful, grand, 
 and terrific sight, even now ; and we can readily imagine what it must have been when 
 the whole flood of the river, swollen by rain and the melting snows, tlirew itself into the 
 yawning gulf, from whose de])ths the bellowing thunders of the mighty flood, struggling 
 for an outlet, and resisted by the walls of its prison-house, were reverberated by the sur- 
 rounding hills with deafening roar. 
 
 The waters escape, and, rushing to the wide bosom of the immense chasm first de- 
 scribed, hurry over its rocky bed until they are tranquillized in the passage over a less 
 precipitous descent below the town. Some miles from Paterson, the river passes through 
 the romantic and picturesque village of Acquackanonck, and soon reaches the immense 
 flats which border the North river and the Bay of New York, on the Jersey side. 
 Thence it moves slowly and sullenly along, as if unwilling to mingle its pure stream with 
 the salt water of the ocean. 
 
 The short time allowed us for viewing this grand scenery, would not authorize as to 
 form any conclusive opinions as to the causes which have produced the phenomena 
 which present themselves at and near the Paterson Falls ; and even a part of this brief 
 space was devoted to tiie complicated works of human skill and ingenuity which the 
 factories contain. But we were led to think that the deep ravine in the rocks, which we 
 have described, has been made by the waters of the river, which originally fell into it at 
 the place where the basin now is. The regular and unifonn position of the rocks on ita 
 
412 PASSAIC COUNTY. 
 
 sides docs not warrant the supposition that the excavation was made by any convulsion 
 of nature ; and then nothinfj remains but to attribute it to the operation of water, from a 
 stream often swollen into a flood of tremendous power, by rain and melting snow, during 
 thousands of years in which it flowed in this channel. 
 
 The only facts which seem to oppose this opinion, are the evident appearances which 
 indicate that the river once found an outlet a considerable distance below even the pres- 
 ent falls ; which, as wc have said, is below the point at which we suppose it originally 
 escaped over the rocky barrier. But, allowing our supposition to be right, it may be rea- 
 dily imagined that the river would gradually wear down the more yielding impediment 
 of earth and stones directly in its course to the place at which it is presumed once to 
 have found an outlet ; and this outlet being subsequently blocked up by trees and earth, 
 washed down by the river, the waters again found their way into the channel it had 
 made in the rocks, but a little lower down than at the point from which it originally look 
 its leap into the chasm. But these are speculations which, without the records of his- 
 torj', cannot be reduced to any certain conclusion. The Indians have left us no records : 
 and, if they had, it is probable that most of the phenomena which now present them- 
 selves at the Falls of Paterson, existed at a long time anterior to that in which the red 
 man, — whom the pale-faces have driven away or exterminated, — sung his war-song ; 
 but where the busy hum of industry is now heard, the splendid creations of civilized 
 life surprise us by their number and variety, interest us by the complication of their de- 
 sign and structure, and astonish us by the magnitude and importance of their results. 
 
 From Alden's Collections, we take the annexed account of the 
 death of Mrs. Cumming. who perished at this spot about 30 years 
 since : 
 
 Mrs. Sarah Cumming, consort of the Rev. Hooper Cumming, of Newark, was a 
 daughter of the late Mr. John Emmons, of Portland, in the district of Maine. She was 
 a lady of an amiable disposition, a well-cultivated mind, distinguished intelligence, and 
 most exemplary piety ; and she was much endeared to a large circle of respectable friends 
 and connections. She had been married about 2 months, and was blessed with a flat- 
 tering i)rospcct of no common share of temporal felicity and usefulness in the sphere 
 which Providence had assigned her ; but oh, how uncertain is the continuance of every 
 earthly joy ! 
 
 On Saturday, the 20th of June, 1812, Mr. Cumming rode with his wife to Paterson, 
 in order to supply, by presbyterial appointment, a destitute congregation in that place, 
 on the following day. On Monday morning, he went with his beloved companion to 
 show her the falls of the Passaic, and the surrounding beautiful, wild, and romantic 
 scenery, — little expecting the solemn event which was to ensue. 
 
 Having ascended the flights of stairs, Mr. and Mrs. Cumming walked over the solid 
 ledge to the vicinity of the cataract, charmed with tlie wonderful prospect, and making 
 various remarks upon the stupendous works of nature around them. At length they took 
 their station on the brow of the solid roek, which overhangs the basin, six or eight rods 
 from the falling water, where thousands have stood before, and where there is a fine view 
 of most of the sublime curiosities of the place. When they had enjoyed the luxury of 
 the scene for a considerable time, Mr. Cumming said, " My dear, I believe it is time for 
 us to set our face homeward ;" and, at the same moment, turned round in order to lead 
 the way. He instantly heard the voice of distress, looked back, and his wife was gone! 
 
 Mrs. Cumming had cnin])lained of a dizziness earl}' in the morning ; and, as her eyes 
 had been some time fixed upon the uncommon objects before her, when she moved with 
 the view to retrace her ste[)s, it is ])robal)le she was seized with the same malady, tot- 
 tered, and in a moment fell, a distance of 74 feet, into the frightful gulf I Mr. Cum- 
 rning's sensations on the distressing occasion may, in some measure, be conceived, but 
 they cannot be described. He was on the borders of distraction, and, scarcely knowing 
 what he did, would have plunged into the abyss, had it not been kindly ordered in provi- 
 dence that a young man should be near, who instantly flew to him, like a guardian angel, 
 and held him from a stej) which his reason, at the time, could not have prevented. This 
 young man led him from tiie precii)iee, and conducted him to the groimd below the 
 stairs. Mr. Cunnning forced himself out of the hands of his protector, and ran with 
 violence, in order to leap into the fatal flood. His young friend, however, caught him 
 once more, and held him till reason had resumed her throne. He then left him, to call 
 the neighboring people to the place. Immediate search was made, and diligently con- 
 tinued through the day, for the body of Mrs. Cumming ; but to no purpose. On the ftl- 
 
PASSAIC COUNTY. 413 
 
 lowing morning, her mortal part was found in a depth of 42 feet, and, the same day, was 
 conveyed to Newark. 
 
 On Wednesday, her funeral was attended by a numerous concourse of people. Her 
 remains were carried into the church, where a pathetic and impressive discourse, happily 
 adapted to the mournful occasion, was delivered by the Rev. James Richards. Solemn 
 indeed was the scene. A profound silence pervaded the vast assembly. Every one 
 seemed to hang upon the lips of the speaker. In every quarter, the sigh of sympathy 
 and regret echoed to the tender and ati'ecting address. 
 
 POMPTON. 
 
 Pompton derives its name from the Pompton tribe of Indians. 
 It is 11 m. long, with an average width of 5 m. It is bounded N. 
 by part of Orange co., New York ; E. by Franklin, Bergen co. and 
 Manchester ; S. by Pequannock, Morris co., and W. by West Mil- 
 ford. The surface is hilly and mountainous, and a good proportion 
 of it covered with forest ; the soil is mainly clay and loam. Iron 
 ore abounds in the hills. The Ringwood river passes through the 
 township from N. to S., and the Ramapo river courses partially 
 on its E., and the Pequannock on its S. boundary. There are in 
 the township 8 forges, 1 furnace, 3 grist-mills, and 6 saw-mills ; 5 
 schools, 186 scholars. Pop. inl8ti5, 1,472. 
 
 Ryerson's, on Pequannock river, m a fertile valley about 9 miles 
 NW. of Paterson, contains 2 stores, a furnace, 3 grist-m., a Re- 
 formed Dutch church, an academy, and about 20 dwellings, con- 
 siderably scattered. Ringwood, Boardville, and Whinokie, are lo- 
 calities on Ringwood river, where there are forges. 
 
 In the winter of 1780-81, some of the Jersey troops were sta- 
 tioned part of the time at Pompton. After the successful mutiny 
 of the Pennsylvania line at Morristown, a part of the Jersey bri- 
 gade, composed chiefly of foreigners, revolted, on the night of the 
 20th of January, and demanded the same indulgence as that given 
 to the Pennsylvania line. On receiving the information, Washing- 
 ton dispatched a body of troops, under Gen. Howe, to bring them 
 to unconditional submission. Thatcher, who accompanied the de- 
 tachment, thus minutely relates the circumstances : 
 
 Marched on the 27tl), at one o'clock, A. M., eight miles, which brought us in view of 
 the huts of the insurgent soldiers by dawn of day. Here we halted for an hour, to make 
 the necessary preparations. Some of our officers suffered much anxiety ''^st the soldiers 
 would not prove faithful on this trying occasion. Orders were given to load their 
 arms — it was obej'cd with alacrity, and indications were given that they were to be 
 relied on. Being paraded in a line. General Ilowe harangued them, representing the 
 heinousness of the crime of mutiny, and the absolute necessity of military subor- 
 dination, adding that the mutineers must be brought to an unconditional submission, no 
 temporizing, no listening to terms of com[)romise, while in a state of resistance. Two 
 field-pieces were now ordered to be placed in view of the insurgents, and the troops were 
 directed to surround the huts on all sides. General Howe next ordered liis aid-de-camp 
 to command the nuitinccrs to apjjcar on parade in front of their huts unarmed, within 
 five mirmtes ; observing tliem to hesitate, a second messenger was sent, and they instant- 
 ly obeyed the connnand, and paraded in a line witliout arms, being in number between 
 two anil three hundred. Finding tliemf.elves closely encircled and unable to resist, they 
 quietly sul)miltcd to the fate wliicii awaited them. General Howe ordered that three of 
 ihe ringleaders siiould be selected as victims for condign punishment. These unfortu- 
 nate culprits were tried on the spot, Colonel Sprout being president of the court martial, 
 
414 PASSAIC COUNTY. 
 
 standing on the snow, and they were sentenced to be immediately shot. Twelve of the 
 most guilty mutineers were next selected to be their executioners. This was a most 
 painful task ; being themselves guilty, they were greatly distressed with the duty im. 
 posed on them, and when ordered to load, some of them shed tears. The wretched vic- 
 tims, overwhelmed by the terrors of death, had neither time nor power to implore the 
 mercy and forgiveness of their God, and such was their agonizing condition, that no 
 heart could refrain from emotions of sympathy and compassion. The first that suffered 
 was a sergeant, and an old offender : he was led a few yards distance and placed on his 
 knees ; six of the executioners, at the signal given by an officer, fired, three aiming at 
 the head and three at the breast, the other six reserving their fire in order to dispatch the 
 victim, should the first fire fail ; it so happened in this instance : the remaining six then 
 fired, and life was instantly extinguished. Tlie second criminal was, by the first fire, 
 sent into eternity in an instant. The third, being less criminal, by the recommendation 
 of his officers, to his unspeakable joy, received a pardon. This tragical scene produced 
 a dreadful shock, and a salutary effect on the minds of the guilty soldiers. Never were 
 men more completely humbled and penitent ; tears of sorrow and of joy rushed from 
 their eyes, and each one appeared to congratulate himself that liis forfeited life had been 
 spared. The executions being finished. General Howe ordered the former officers to take 
 their stations, and resume their respective commands ; he then, in a very pathetic and 
 affecting manner, addressed the whole line by platoons, endeavoring to impress their 
 minds with a sense of the enormity of their crime, and the dreadful consequences that 
 might have resulted. He then commanded them to ask pardon of their officers, and 
 promise to devote themselves to the faithful discharge of their duty as soldiers in future. 
 It is most painful to reflect, that circumstances should imperiously demand the infliction 
 of capital punisliment on soldiers, who have more than a shadow of plea to extenuate their 
 crime. These unfortunate men liave long suffered many serious grievances, which they 
 have sustained with commendable patience ; but have at length lost their confidence in 
 public justice. The success of the Pennsylvania insurgents, undoubtedly encouraged 
 them to hope for exemption from punishment. But the very existence of an army de- 
 pends on proper discipline and subordination. The arm of authority must be exerted, 
 and public examples be exhibited, to deter from the commission of crimes. The spirit of 
 revolt must be effectually repressed, or a total annihilation of the army is inevitable. Sir 
 Henry Clinton on this occasion had his hopes again excited ; ever ready to profit by 
 treachery or revolt, he dispatclied an emissary to encourage the insurrection, and to make 
 the most tempting offers to induce the mutineers to desert, and join the Britisii standard ; 
 but the messenger himself frustrated his hopes, by delivering the papers to our own offi- 
 cers. 
 
 WEST MILFORD. 
 
 West Milford was formed from Pompton in 1834. It is situated 
 NW. of Pater-son 15 m. It is 13 m. long, with an average width 
 of 7 m. ; and is bounded N. by part of Orange co., New York, E. 
 by Pompton, S. by Pequannock and Jefferson, Morris co., and W. 
 by Hardiston and "S'ernon, Sussex co. There are in the township 
 10 forges, 2 tanneries, 2 grist-m., 5 saw-m. ; 11 schools, 408 schol- 
 ars. Pop inl8t>5,*2,56]. 
 
 The surface is generally hilly or mountainous, and it is watered 
 by numerous small streams. There are several small ponds in the 
 south part, — their outlets flowing into Pequannock river : they are 
 Mackepin, Hanks, Cedar, Buck, and Bunker's ponds. Long Pond, 
 a favorite resort for anglers, extends from Orange co. into the N 
 part. The manufacture of iron is extensively carried on in the 
 township. New Milford is a thickly-settled' agricultural vicin- 
 ity, in the central part. There is at that place a Presbyterian 
 church, and the surrounding countrj' is fertile. 
 
SALEM COUNTY. 415 
 
 SALEM COUNTY. 
 
 Salem county,* the southwestern county of the state, is bounded 
 W. and S. by the Delaware river and bay, (the former merging into 
 the bay a few miles from the southern termination of the county,) 
 N. by Gloucester co., and E. and S, by Cumberland co. Its extreme 
 length, N. and S., is 28 m. ; breadth, E. and W., 25 m. The coun- 
 ty was named by John Fenwick. and distinguished as his tenth, 
 in 1675. The name and juriiidiction were settled by a proprietary 
 law in 1694. In 1709-10, the boundaries were definitely fixed, and 
 then included Cumberland co. within the limits; and in 1748, this 
 latter county w^as formed from it. The prominent streams are Sa- 
 lem river, Alloways creek. Stow creek, on the line of Cumberland 
 CO., and Oldman's creek, on that of Gloucester co. Salem river 
 rises in the eastern part of the county, and empties into the Dela- 
 ware river 3| miles below Salem. It is navigable for shallops 
 about 30 miles, and vessels of 100 tons come up as far as Salem. 
 The county is of alluvial formation, and generally level ; the soil, 
 mostly light sand, occasionally mixed with clay or loam. That 
 part bordering on the Delaware, is principally marshy land, strips 
 of which extend many miles up the country, on the borders of Stow 
 and Alloways creeks, and Salem river. The prevailing religious 
 denomination in the county is the Friends ; the Methodists and 
 Baptists rank next in numbers. The trade of the county consists 
 of wheat, rye, Indian corn, oats, and vegetables, for the Philadel- 
 phia market ; lumber, wood, clover, timothy, and particularly herd- 
 grass seed, large quantities of which are exported to New Eng- 
 land. The following is a list of the townships, 
 number : — Pitts grove 
 
 Upper Alloways Creek, Mannington, Upper Pitt'eGrovF 
 
 Alloways Creek, Upper Penn's Neck, Pilesgrove. 
 Elsinborough, Lower Penn's Neck, Salenij. 
 
 In 1810, the population of the county was 12,761 ; in 1820. 
 14,022; in 1830, 14,155; in 1840, 16.035.1. 1865,23, J fi2. 
 
 UPPER ALLOWAYS CREEK. 
 
 This township is about 8 m. in length, 7 m. in breadth, and is 
 bounded NE. by Pittsgrove and Pilesgrove, SE. by Deerfield, Hope- 
 well, and Stow creek, Cumberland co., SW. by Lower Alloways 
 Creek, and NW. by Elsinborough. There are in the township 1 
 
 * A large portion of the historical matter relating to Salem co., and part of that of 
 Cumberland co., is from the History of Salem, by R. G. Johnson, an 18mo of 173 pages 
 published in 1839. 
 
416 
 
 SALEM COUNTY 
 
 woollen fac, grist-m., 7 savv-m. : can. in manufac. $29,800 : 8 
 schools, 400 scholars. Pop. 2,235. ml8b5,'4.9oU. 
 
 Alloways creek, which runs through the township, derives its appel- 
 lation from an Indian chief, named Alloways, who lived in this coun- 
 try at the period of Fenwick's arrival, in 1G75. The township was 
 early settled. About the year 1748, a German Lutheran church, 
 called Emanuel's, was established at Freasburg, the constituents 
 of which are believed to have been all Germans. Their names 
 were Freas, Trollenger, Meyer HaJin, Born, Wentzell, Mackassen. 
 
 1842 
 
 
 Northern Entrance into Allowaystown. 
 
 Heppel, Ridman, Dillshoever, Sowder, Kniest, Tobal, and others, 
 with their families. These people worked at Wistar's glass-works, 
 21 miles above Allowaystown, which are said to have been the 
 first glass-works established in the Union. The church records 
 were kept in German, until 1832, when the Rev. Mr. Ilarpel took 
 the oversight of the same. In 1836, he was succeeded by Rev. Mr. 
 Reynolds. In Sept. of the same year, he w^as succeeded by the 
 Rev. Mr. Diiy, and he, in 1830, by the Rev. Mr. Town. 
 
 The above view of the northern entrance into Allowaystown, 
 taken near Reeves and Brother's mills, which appear on the right 
 of the engraving, shows the principal street in the place. This 
 thriving village is at the head of navigation, on Alloways creek, 6 
 m. E. of Salem. It contains a Baptist and a Methodist church, 
 several stores, and about 800 inhabitants. Ship-building is carried 
 on here to a considerable extent ; besides many small vessels, one 
 or two large ships of GOO tons burden have been constructed. The 
 white-oak of this region is said to be nearly equal, for ship timber, 
 to the famous live-oak of Florida. There are a few localities in 
 this township, known as Quinton's Bridge, Freasburg, Stockingtown, 
 and Guineatown ; the lirst of which contains 2 stores, a lime-kiln, 
 and about a dozen dwellings, ilcc/.. in 1842. 
 
 The annexed account of military operations in this vicinity, in 
 the revolutionary war, is from .Tohnson's History of Salem : — 
 
 It was about the 20th Feb., 1778, that a detachment of British troops 
 
SALEM COUNTY. 41 7 
 
 were sent from Philadelphia, by water, to Salem. They were in number 
 about 500 men, under the command of Col. Abercrombie, of the 52d regi- 
 ment. They came by water, and returned the same way, after remaining 
 a few days, and helping themselves to whatever they wanted. It was gen- 
 erally believed that they were sent here on a reconnoitering party, and to 
 ascertain the resources of the county. 
 
 On the 17th March, 1778, another British regiment, which had been se- 
 lected from the 17th and 44th regiments in the city of Philadelphia, and 
 mostly Scotchmen, under the command of Col. Charles Mawhood, and his 
 majors, Simcoe and Sims, said to have been from 1,200 to 1,500 strong, 
 marched into Salem early in the forenoon, having encamped the night be- 
 fore near Sharptown, and anticipating that they might surprise Col. Anthony 
 Wayne, the commander of the Americans, before he was aware of their 
 approach. But Wayne was too vigilant an officer to be surprised here. He 
 made good his retreat without any loss. As soon as the town was in pos- 
 session of the enemy, the tories hastened hither, and as many enlisted as to 
 make up two companies, who were called refugees. British officers were 
 put in command of them, and that they might be known from the foreign 
 troops, whose uniform was red, these refugees were dressed in a uniform 
 entirely different from the foreign, which was green, faced with white, and 
 cocked hats with broad white binding around them. 
 
 Col. Mawhood, having now an addition of two companies to his regiment, 
 composed of the most desperate and abandoned wretches that ever drew the 
 breath of life, and obtaining from them all the necessary information, learned 
 that our militia, under the command of Col. Benjamin Holmes, were about 
 300, who were posted on the south side of Alloways creek, at Quinton's 
 bridge, about 3 miles from Salem, and were determined to hold good their 
 standing there, and prevent him, if possible, from crossing into Alloways 
 Creek township. He resolved, therefore, to beat up their quarters, and, as 
 he publicly declared, chastise the insolent rehels, as he was pleased to call 
 our people, for having the impudence to dare to show resistance to his maj- 
 esty's arms. He sent out into the country around, and took from the farm- 
 ers as many horses as to complete a troop, which he had immediately 
 mounted with his best men, and attached it to the regiment. Col. Holmes, 
 anticipating a visit from the enemy, went on an exploring party with some 
 of his officers to Allovvaystown, about 2 miles above Quinton's bridge, for 
 the purpose of appointing a k\v trusty persons as videttes, with direcftions 
 to advance on the road from thence towards Salem, and watch the motions 
 of the enemy, lest he might send a detachment that way, cross the creek at 
 the bridge there, and attack him from that quarter. 
 
 Col. Mawhood, on the 18th March, sent out Major Simcoe from Salem 
 before daylight in the morning, with his battalion, who came undiscovered 
 within half a mile of the bridge, and there placed his men in that ambus- 
 cade which proved so fatal to a portion of our militia but a few hours after- 
 ward. On the left of the main road leading to the bridge, and within half 
 gunshot of it, there ran up a ravine leading from the creek, at that time a 
 thick swamp, grown up with maples and bushes of every kind ; this swamp 
 continued its course to where the road made a short turn ; at about half 
 way between this turn in the road and the bridge on the Alloways creek, 
 was a two-story brick house, with a barn and other outbuildings ; this 
 house was then in the occupation of Benjamin Wetherby ; the main road 
 to Salem ran close to the south end of the house, and the barn directly on 
 
 53 
 
418 SALEM COUNTY. 
 
 the opposite side, while the swamp, with its thicket of bushes, came within 
 80 or 100 feet of the north side of the house. In this swamp, dwelling- 
 house, and barn, the British troops were secreted. The family were driven 
 into the cellar. At the upper end of the lane, where the road made a turn, 
 there were woods ; from these, some few of the redcoats, (as the enemy 
 wore sometimes called,) with a small number of light-horsemen, would show 
 themselves, and march down the road in a taunting manner, as if challeng- 
 ing our people to a contest, and now and then advance near to the brick 
 house, and then retreat to the woods again. 
 
 During these petty manoeuvres of the enemy, the spirit of our soldiers 
 was excited to such a degree, as that there appeared to be an almost unan- 
 imous disposition in the militia to go over the bridge and chastise them. 
 The most wary of the officers opposed the movement proposed, because 
 the orders of the commanding officer had been peremptory, that they were 
 to stand their ground, and defend the bridge to the last extremity, should 
 the enemy attempt to force a passage in his absence. 
 
 During this parley among them, a little PVenchman by the name of De- 
 coe, a lieutenant, who was full of fight, represented to Capt. William Smith, 
 then the senior officer present, how easy it would be for them to go over 
 and "drub those insolent rascals." Capt. Smith being equally animated, 
 forthwith mounted his horse, and called upon his men to follow. They 
 immediately obeyed and marched on, or rather huddled promiscuously 
 along the road, with scarcely any military order. The decoying enemy, 
 seeing the confused manner in which the militia were approaching them, 
 feigned a retreat. Captain Smith, being in advance of his men, was call- 
 ing upon them to hasten on, saying, " We will have them before they get to 
 Mill-hollow," — a ravine over which the then road leading to Salem passed, 
 and about two miles from Quinton's bridge. 
 
 During this higgledy-piggledy marching, if I may so call it, no one 
 thought, while passing, to examine either the barn, dwelling-house, or 
 swamp in the rear of it. When the militia had advanced some yards be- 
 yond the house, the enemy rose up, and poured forth upon our people a 
 most destructive fire, from the swamp, house, barn, and fences, under 
 which many of them were secreted. The militia were thrown into confu- 
 sion. It was at this moment that Capt. Smith displayed great bravery and 
 presence of mind in attempting to rally his men, but they were so com- 
 pletely surprised that he could not form them into line. The light-horse 
 from the woods now came dashing among them ; but their horses, being 
 untrained, soon frightened at the clash of arms and report of guns, and 
 could not be brought within striking distance of the sabre, except in a few 
 instances. Our people retreated fighting in small squads, and although at 
 first surprised, and attacked in flank and rear, they made good their retreat 
 across the bridge, but with the loss of between thirty and forty of their 
 comrades. 
 
 Col. Hand, of the Cumberland militia, being informed by Col. Holmes 
 that the enemy were in Salem, put his regiment in motion, and was hasten- 
 ing to join Holmes at Quinton's bridge, and by an unforeseen Providence, 
 as designed, he arrived there at the very moment when the enemy was deal- 
 ing death and destruction among our people. Immediately on his arrival, he 
 placed his men in the trenches which our soldiers had but a little while 
 before left, and opened upon the pursuing enemy such a continued and 
 well-directed fire, as soon put a stop to their career, and saved our people 
 
SALEM COUNTY. 41 9 
 
 from being cut to pieces. Hand had with him two pieces of artillery, which, 
 when they opened, soon obliged the enemy to face about. Capt. Smith had 
 some of his ^air shot away from the back part of his head, a bullet grazed 
 his loins, and .his horse received two bullets in him, yet he carried his rider 
 safe over the bridge, and then fell dead under him. 
 
 One extraordinary act of consummate bravery and desperate daring 
 during the fight, deserves to be recorded. It was that which was performed 
 by Andrew Bacon, of the militia, a man whose life was protracted until he 
 was past eighty years of age before he died. After our militia had effected 
 their retreat across the creek to their works, Bacon seized an axe, and set 
 to with all his might, with a determination to cut down the draw of the 
 bridge, as it was apparent the design of the enemy was to beat and drive 
 our soldiers from their trenches, if possible ; he persevered in chopping, 
 (while the enemy were directing their shot at him,) until he cut away the 
 draw, and rendered it impassable ; as he was hastening to the trenches, he 
 received a wound, which, poor fellow, rendered him a cripple for life. The 
 enemy being now foiled, notwithstanding all their exertions to cross the 
 creek, and seeing the draw of the bridge cut away and destroyed in their 
 presence, were reluctantly obliged to give up the contest, and return to 
 Salem. 
 
 Colonel Mawhood, exceedingly chagrined that Major Simcoe, with his 
 fine battalion, could not drive our people from their intrenchments, was 
 determined not to permit them to bid defiance to his majesty's arms any 
 longer, and resolved on the morrow to make one desperate eflbrt, with all 
 his disposable force, to dislodge the militia from their stronghold, and crush 
 them for their insolence. Our troops being well aware that the pride of 
 the enemy was excessively mortified in being thus foiled by a raw and 
 undisciplined militia, in their attempt to take the bridge, employed the re- 
 mainder of the day in strengthening their breastworks and other defences — 
 in administering all the comfort in their power to their wounded comrades, 
 and in burying of the dead. Their feelings being now wrought up to the 
 highest pitch, on that night they entered into the most solemn resolutions, 
 that no " British soldier should eat bread or set his foot on that side of the 
 Alloways creek," as long as there was a man left to defend it. Accord- 
 ingly, as it was anticipated, on the next morning about ten o'clock the 
 whole British force appeared, approaching in battle array. 
 
 They imagined that they would strike terror into the hearts of our people 
 by playing upon all their martial instruments of music, as they boldly ad- 
 vanced to the foot of the causeway in columns of battalions, where they dis- 
 played and formed their lines on the edge of tlie marsh. The refugees 
 were there in the ranks on the right of the British regulars, and many of 
 them were recognized by our people, as men who had been inhabitants of 
 our own county, then in arms against their own neighbors. 
 
 Previous to the approach of the enemy, Cols. Holmes and Hand had 
 placed their men under cover in their intrenchments, both up and down the 
 creek, as far as the discharge of musketry would tell with good effect. 
 The creek running circularly towards the enemy, and from the position in 
 which their line was then f^jrmcd, they became exposed to the certain and 
 destructive fire from our people in front, and on both flanks. In this posi- 
 tion were they when our militia opened upon them such a well-directed 
 and destructive fire, that, brave as they were, they could not long stand it. 
 They then saw, to their woful disappointment, t!iat they could make no 
 
420 SALEM COUNTY. 
 
 impression upon our people ; they were not to be intimidated, for they felt 
 themselves secure under cover and upon a high bank, with the creek be- 
 tween them, and the bridge destroyed. For the enemy to make a despe- 
 rate effort to advance through the ma7-sh to the edge of the creek, would 
 answer no good purpose, but only expose themselves to certain destruction. 
 In their attempt to penetrate along the causeway to gain the bridge, they 
 were so galled by the incessant fire poured in upon their left flank from 
 what is now the ship-yard, as well as assailed by small-arms and the two 
 pieces of cannon in their front, that they were thrown into confusion, were 
 obliged to retreat back to Salem, and leave the small village of Quinton's 
 bridge in the possession of our gallant militia. 
 
 The next day a detachment of the enemy marched through a little settle- 
 ment called Guineatown, near to Allowaystown, situated at the head of 
 the tide-water, but returned, not venturing to cross the bridge there. 
 
 Mawhood now set about accomplishing the errand which he had been 
 sent to perform — which was to plunder the farmers of all the hay, grain, 
 cattle, horses, and, indeed, of every thing that might be of benefit to the 
 British. He therefore sent out his men and pressed into his service all the 
 teams that he could obtain, and set them to work under the supervision of 
 a military guard in transporting every thing he found necessary to the ves- 
 sels, which had been sent for that purpose ; — the like in number have 
 never been seen at one time in our creek, either before or since. These 
 productions of the farmers were carried to Philadelphia, where they were 
 very much wanted — that city being the head-quarters of the enemy. The 
 foragers were directed to explore Elsinborough, Lower Mannington, and 
 Salem, where he was sure no resistance could be offered to them. He 
 directed a strong party to attend the foragers into the township of Lower 
 Penn's Neck. The bridge over the main creek, and road leading from 
 Salem into the Neck, was situated about two miles higher up than where 
 it now crosses. 
 
 Captain Andrew Sinnickson lived at that time in Penn's Neck, and being 
 notified of the party approaching, hastily collected together as many of his 
 men as could be mustered, came upon the guard and their foragers, (in 
 what was then called the Long Lane.) and after a severe contest the enemy 
 was routed, and in the melee the commanding officer lost his hat and cloak, 
 and was obliged to flee to Salem without them. The next day Capt. Sin- 
 nickson sent a flag into the town, with the hat and cloak belonging to the 
 unfortunate officer, with something like this laconic message : " That he 
 had io regret the sudden departure of the officer, the owner of these articles, 
 but hoped that if he intended another visit into that township he might have the 
 pleasure of detaining him, until they became better acqtiainted.'^ 
 
 Below is the letter of the British commander to Col. Elijah 
 Hand, written a day or two after the aflair at Quintin's Bridge, 
 together with the reply : 
 
 Colonel Mawhood, commanding a detachment of the British army at Salem, in- 
 duced by motives of humanity, proposes to the militia at Quintin's Bridge and the 
 neighborhood, as well officers as private men, to lay down their arms and depart, each 
 man to his own home. On that condition, he solemnly promises to rc-cmbark his troops* 
 without delay, doing no further damage to the country ; and he will cause his commis 
 sarics to pay for the cattle, hay, and corn that have been taken, in sterling money. 
 
 If, on the contrary, the militia should bo so far dchulcd, and blind to their true intercsl 
 and happiness, he will put tlic arms which he has brought with him into the hands of 
 the inhabitants well aficctcd, called torics ; and will attack all such of the militia as re 
 
SALEM COUNTY. 42] 
 
 main in arms, burn and destroy their houses and other property, and reduce them, their 
 unfortunate wives and children, to beggary and distress. And, to convince them that 
 these are not vain threats, he has subjoined a list of the names of such as will be the 
 first objects to feed the vengeance of the British nation. 
 
 Given under my hand, at head-quarters, at Salem, the twenty-first day of March, 1778. 
 
 C. MAWHOOD, Colonel. 
 
 "Edmund Keasby, Thomas Sinnickson, Samuel Dick, Whitten Cripps, Ebenezer 
 Howell, Edward Hall, John Rowen, Thomas Thompson, George Trenchard, Elisha Cat- 
 tel, Andrew Sinnickson, Nicholas Kean, Jacob Hufty, Benjamin Holmes, William 
 Shute, Anthony Sharp, and Abner Penton." 
 
 COLONEL hand's REPLY. 
 
 Sir : I have been favored with what you say humanity has induced you to propose. 
 It would have given me much pleasure to have found that humanity had been the line 
 of conduct to your troops, since you came to Salem. Not denying quarters, but butch- 
 ering our men who surrendered themselves prisoners, in the skirmish atQuintin's Bridge, 
 last Thursday ; and bayoneting, yesterday morning, at Hancock's Bridge, in the most 
 cruel manner, in cold blood, men who were taken by surprise, in a situation in which 
 they neither could nor did attempt to make any resistance, and some of whom were not 
 fighting men, — are instances too shocking for me to relate, and I hope for you to hear. 
 The brave are ever generous and humane. After expressing your sentiments of human- 
 ity, you proceed to make a request, which I think you would desi)ise us if complied 
 with. Your proposal that we should lay down our»arms, we absolutely reject. We have 
 taken them up to maintain rights which are dearer to us than our lives ; and will not 
 lay them down till either success has crowned our arms with victory, or, like many an- 
 cient worthies contending for liberty, we meet with an honorable death. You mention 
 that, if we reject your proposal, you will put arms in the hands of the torics against us. 
 We have no objection to the measure, for it would be a very good one to fill our arsenals 
 with arms. Your threats to wantonly burn and destroy our houses and other property, 
 and reduce our wives and children to beggary and distress, is a sentiment which my 
 humanity almost forbids me only to recite ; and induces me to imagine that I am read- 
 ing the cruel order of a barbarous Attila, and not of a gentleman, brave, generous, and 
 polished, with a genteel European education. To wantonly destroy will injure your cause 
 more than ours ; it will increase your enemies and our army. To destine to destruction 
 the property of our most distinguished men, as you have done in your proposals, is, in 
 my opinion, unworthy a generous foe ; and more like a rancorous feud, between two con- 
 tending barons, than a war carried on, by one of the greatest powers on earth, against 
 a people nobly struggling for liberty. A line of honor would mark out that these men 
 should share the fate of their country. If your arms should be crowned with victory, 
 (which God forbid I) they and their property will be entirely at the disposal of your sove- 
 reign. The loss of their property, while their persons are out of your power, will only 
 render them desperate ; and, as I said before, increase your foes and our army. And 
 retaliation upon tories, and their property, is not entirely out of our power. Be assured 
 that these are the sentiments, and determined resolution, not of myself only, but of all 
 the officers and privates under me. 
 
 My prayer is, sir, that this answer may reach you in health and great happiness. 
 Given at head-quarters, at Quinton's Bridge, the 22d day of March, 1778. 
 
 ELIJAH HAND, Colonel. 
 
 The annexed plan of the " Affair at Quinton's Bridge," is a re- 
 duced copy of one drawn by Lieut. Col. Simcoe, accompanying his 
 Military Journal. Col. Simcoe was the celebrated commander of a 
 partisan corps, in the revolution, called the " Queen's Rangers," 
 and late in life was lieutenant-governor of Upper Canada, at which 
 time, although a gentlemanly man, he was noted for his prejudices 
 against the United States. His journal has been republished at 
 New York the present year, (1844,) by Bartlett & Welford. The 
 following is Major (afterward Lieut. Col.) Simcoe's account of his 
 operations in the vicinity of Salem : 
 
 An expedition was formed under tlie command of the late Colonel Maw- 
 
422 
 
 SALEM COUNTY. 
 
 hood, consisting of the 27th and 46th regiments, the Queen's Rangers, and 
 New Jersey Volunteers ; they embarked the 12th of March, and fell down 
 the Delaware. On the 17th, the Queen's Rangers landed, at three o'clock 
 
 [Scale one-half of a mile.] 
 
 Plan of the Affair at Quiiiion's Bridge, 18th March, 1778. 
 
 ' References. — A. The rebels in their works. B. Detachment of the 17th of Infant 
 ry masking the Bridge. C. The Light Infantry of the Rangers ambuscaded in a house. 
 D. A detachment commanded by Capt. Saunders in ambuscade. E. Huzzars and In- 
 fantry of Queen's Rangers in the wood. F. Detachment of the 17th, retreating in view 
 of the enemy. G. Rebels passing the bridge. H. Sally of the Light Infantry and pur- 
 suit of tiie Rangers. I. Flight of the enemy.] 
 
 in the morning, about si.x miles from Salem, the Huzzars carrying their ac- 
 coutrements and swords. Major Simcoe was directed to seize horses, to 
 mount the cavalry and the stalF, and to join Colonel Mawhood at Salem ; 
 this was accordingly executed. Major Simcoe, n)aking a circuit and pass- 
 ing over Lambstone's bridge, arrived at Salem, near which Colonel Mawhood 
 landed. The Huzzars were tolerably well mounted, and sufficient horses 
 procured for the other exigencies of the service ; Colonel Mawhood had 
 given the strictest charge again.st plundering; and Major Simcoe, in taking 
 the horses, had assured the inhabitants that they should be returned, or paid 
 for, if they did not appear in arms, in a very few days ; and none but offi- 
 cers entering the houses, they received no other injury. The Queen s 
 Rangers' infantry were about two hundred and seventy, rank and tile, and 
 thirty cavalry ; Colonel Mawhood gave directions for the forage to take 
 place on the 18th. The town of Salem lies upon a creek of that name 
 which falls into the Delaware nearly opposite Reedy island ; the Aloes, or 
 Allewas [Alloways] creek, runs almost parallel to the Salem creek, and 
 falls into the Delaware to the southward of it ; over this creek there were 
 three bridges: Hancock's was the lower one, Quintin's that in the centre, 
 and Thompson's the upper one. Between these creeks the foraging was to 
 commence ; the neck, or peninsula, formed by them was a! its greatest dis- 
 tance seven, and at its least four miles wide. The rebel nu.itia was posted 
 at Hancock's and Quintin's, the nearest bridges, which they had taken up 
 
SALEM COUNTY. 423 
 
 and defended by breast-works. Colonel Mawhood made detachments to 
 mas^k these bridges, and foraged in their rear : the officer who commanded 
 the detachment, consisting of seventy of the 17th infantry, at Quintin's 
 bridge, sent information that the enemy were assembled in great numbers at 
 the bridge, and indicated as if they meant to pass over whenever he should 
 quit it, in which case his party would be in great danger. Colonel Mawhood 
 marched with the Queen's Rangers to his assistance : he made a circuit so 
 as to fall in upon the road that led from Thompson's to Quintin's bridge, to 
 deceive any patrole which he might meet on his march, and to make them 
 believe that he directed it to Thompson's, not Quintin's bridge. Approach- 
 ing the bridge, the Rangers halted in the wood, and Col. Mawhood and Ma- 
 jor Simcoe went to the party of the 17th, but in such a manner as to give 
 no suspicion that they were part of a reinforcement ; the ground was high, 
 till within tv/o hundred yards of the bridge, where it became marshy ; im- 
 mediately beyond the bridge the banks were steep, and on them the enemy 
 had thrown up breast- works ; there was a public house very near the road, 
 at the edge of its declivity into the marsh, on the Salem side. Colonel 
 Mawhood asked Major Simcoe " whether he thought, if he left a party in the 
 house, the enemy would pass by it or not?" who replied, "that he thought 
 they would be too cowardly to do it ; but at any rate the attempt could do no 
 harm, and, if he pleased, he would try." Colonel Mawhood directed Major 
 Simcoe to do so, who accordingly, profiting by the broken ground of the or- 
 chard which was behind it, and the clothing of his men, brought Captain 
 Stephenson and his company into the house undiscovered ; the front windows 
 were opened, and the back ones were shut, so that no thorough light could 
 be seen ; the women of the house were put in the cellar, and ordered to be 
 silent ; the door was left open, and Lieutenant M'Kay stood behind it, with a 
 bayonet, ready to seize the first person whose curiosity might prompt him to 
 enter ; the Queen's Rangers were brought into the wood near to that part 
 where it ended in clear ground, and two companies, under Captain Saunders, 
 were advanced to the fences at the very edge of it, where they lay flat. 
 Colonel Mawhood then gave orders for the detachment of the 17th, who were 
 posted near the house, to call in their sentinels and retreat up the road in 
 full view of the enemy. This party had scarcely moved, when the enemy 
 laid the bridge and passed it ; a detachment of them went immediately 
 across the marsh to the heights on the left, but the principal party, about 
 two hundred, in two divisions, proceeded up the road ; Captain Stephenson, 
 as they approached the house, could hear them say, " Let us go into the 
 house," &c., but they were prevented, both by words and by action, by the 
 officer who was at their head : he was on horseback, and spurring forward, 
 quitted the road to go into the field, on the right, through a vacancy made 
 by the rails being taken for fires ; his party still proceeded up the road, and 
 the first division passed the house ; the officer, his sight still fixed on the 
 red clothes of the 17th, approached close up to the fence where Captain 
 Saunders lay ; he did not immediately observe the Rangers, and, it is prob- 
 able, he might not, had he not heard one of the men stifling a laugh ; looking 
 down he saw them, and galloped off; he was fired at, wounded, and taken. 
 The division that had passed the house attempted to return. Captain Ste- 
 phenson sallied, drove them across the fields. Captain Saunders pursued 
 them. The Huzzars were let loose, and afterward the battalion, Colonel 
 Mawhood leading them. Major Simcoe directed the 17th back to the house, 
 with the grenadiers and Highlanders of the Rangers, ready to force the 
 bridge, if ordered ; the enemy, for a moment, quitted it ; Colonel Mawhood 
 
424 SALEM COUNTY. 
 
 thought it useless to pass it. Some of the division, Avho passed the house, 
 were taken prisoners, but the greater part were drowned in the Aloes creek. 
 The officer who was taken proved to be a Frenchman. The Rangers had 
 one Huzzar mortally wounded ; and what was unfortunate, he was wound- 
 ed by a man whom in the eagerness of the pursuit he had passed, given 
 quarters to, and not disarmed ; the villain, or coward, was killed by another 
 Huzzar. The corps returned to Salem. 
 
 The rebels still occupying the posts at Quintin and Hancock's bridge, 
 and probably accumulating, Colonel Mawhood determined to attack them at 
 the latter, where, from all reports, they were assembled to near four hun- 
 dred men. He intrusted the enterprise to Major Simcoe, and went with 
 him and a patrole opposite to the place ; the Major ascended a tree, and 
 made a rough sketch of the buildings, which, by conversing with the guides, 
 he improved into a tolerable plan of the place, and formed his mode of at- 
 tack accordingly. He embarked on the 20th, at night, on board the flat- 
 boats ; he was to be landed at an inlet, seven miles below Aloes creek, when 
 the boats were immediately to be returned, and by a private road he was to 
 reach Hancock's bridge, opposite to whicl), Major Mitchell was detached 
 with the 27th regiment, to co-operate with him. Major Simcoe foresaw the 
 difficulties and dangers, but he kept them to himself: every thing depended 
 upon surprise. The enemy were nearly double his numbers ; and his re- 
 treat, by the ahsolute orders to send back the boats, was cut off; but he had 
 just confidence in the silence, attention, and spirit of the corps. By some 
 strange error in the naval department, when the boats arrived off Aloes 
 creek, the tide set so strong against them that, in the opinion of the officer 
 of the navy, they could not reach the place of their destination till mid-day. 
 Major Simcoe determined not to return, but to land on the marshes at the 
 mouth of the Aloes creek ; there were good guides with him : they found 
 out a landing place, and after a march of two miles through marshes, up to 
 the knees in mud and water, labors rendered more fatiguing by the carriage 
 of the first wooden planks they met with, to form bridges with them over the 
 ditches, they at length arrived at a wood upon dry land. Here the corps 
 was formed for the attack. There was no public road which led to Han- 
 cock's bridge, but that which the Rangers were now in possession of; a 
 bank, on which there was a footway, led from Hancock's to Quintin's 
 bridge. Hancock's house was a large brick house ; there were many store- 
 houses round it, and some k\v cottages. Captain Saunders was detached 
 to ambuscade the dyke that led to Quintin's bridge, about half a mile from 
 the quarters, and to take up a small bridge which was upon it, as the enemy 
 would probably fly that way, and if not pursued too closely, would be more 
 easily defeated. Captain Dunlop was detached to the rear of Hancock's 
 house, in which it was presumed the rebel officers quartered ; directed to 
 force it, occupy and barricade it, as it commanded the passage of the bridge. 
 Different detachments were allotted to the houses supposed to be the ene- 
 my's quarters, which having mastered, they were ordered to assemble at 
 Hancock's ; a party was appropriated to relay the bridge. On approaching 
 the place, two sentries were discovered ; two men of the light infantry fol- 
 lowed them, and, as they turned about, bayoneted them ; tlie companies 
 rushed in, and each, with proper guides, forced the quarters allotted to it. 
 No resistance being made, the light infantry, who were in reserve, reached 
 Hancock's house by the road, and forced the front door, at the same time 
 that Captain Dunlop, by a more difficult way, entered the back door ; as it 
 was very dark, these companies had nearly attacked each other. The sur 
 
SALEM COUNTY. 425 
 
 prise was complete, and would have been so, had the whole of the enemy's 
 force been present, but, fortunately for them, they had quitted it the evening 
 before, leaving a detachment of twenty or thirty men, all of whom were 
 killed. Some very unfortunate circumstances happened here. Among the 
 killed was a friend of government, then a prisoner with the rebels, old 
 Hancock, the owner of the house, and his brother. Major Simcoe liad made 
 particular inquiry, and was informed that he did not live at home, since the 
 rebels had occupied the bridge. The information was partly true ; he was 
 not there in the day-time, but unfortunately returned home at night. Events 
 like these are the real miseries of war. The roads which lead to the 
 country were immediately ambuscaded ; and Lieutenant Whitlock was de- 
 tached to surprise a patrole of seven men who had been sent down the creek ; 
 this he effected completely. On their I'efusal to surrender, he fired on them. 
 Only one escaped. This firing gave the first notice of the success of the 
 enterprise to the 27th regiment; with so much silence it had hitherto been 
 conducted. The bridge was now laid ; and Major Simcoe communicated 
 to Colonel Mitchell that the enemy were at Quintin's bridge ; that he had 
 good guides to conduct them thither by a private road, and that the posses- 
 sion of Hancock's house secured a retreat. Lieutenant-Colonel Mitchell 
 said that his regiment was much fatigued by the cold, and that he would 
 return to Salem as soon as the troops joined. The ambuscades were of 
 course withdrawn, and the Queen's Rangers were forming to pass the 
 bridge, when a rebel patroll passed where an ambuscade had been, and 
 discovering the corps, gallopped back. Lieutenant-Colonel Mitchell, find- 
 ing his men in high spirits, had returned, purposing to march to Quin- 
 tin's bridge ; but being informed of the enemy's patroll, it was thought best 
 to return. Colonel Mawhood, in public orders, " returned his best thanks to 
 Major Simcoe and his corps, for their spirited and good conduct in the sur- 
 prise of the rebel posts." Two days after, the Queen's Rangers patrolled 
 to Thompson's bridge ; the enemy, who had been posted there, were alarm- 
 ed at the approach of a cow the night before, fired at it, wounded it, and 
 then fled ; they also abandoned Quintin's bridge, and retired to a creek, six- 
 teen miles from Aloes creek. Major Simcoe, making a patrole with the 
 Huzzars, took a circuit towards the rear of one of the parties sent out to 
 protect the foragers ; a party of the enemy had been watching them the 
 whole day, and unluckily, the forage being completed, the detachment had 
 just left its ground and was moving off; the enemy doing the like, met the 
 patrole ; were pursued, and escaped by the passage which the foragers had 
 just left open. One only was taken, being pursued into a bog, which the Huz- 
 zars attempted in vain to cross, and were much mortified to .see above a dozen 
 of the enemy, who had passed round it in safety, within a k\v yards ; they 
 consisted of all the field officers and committee-men of the district. The 
 prisoner was their adjutant. The enemy, who were assembled at Cohan- 
 sey, might easily have been surprised; but Colonel Mawhood judged, that 
 having completed his forage with such success, his business was to return, 
 which he effected. The troops embarked without any accident, and sailed 
 for Philadelphia. 
 
 54 
 
426 
 
 SALEM COUNTY. 
 
 LOWER ALLOWAYS CREEK. 
 
 The extreme length of this township is about 13 m., with an 
 average width of 6 m. It is bounded N. by Upper Alloways Creek, 
 E. by Stow Creek and Greenwich, Cumberland co., S. by the Dela- 
 ware, and W. by Elsinborough. A great portion of the township 
 is marsh. Pop. in 1830, 1,222; in 1840, l,2r>2.inl865,l,4L5. 
 
 Canton, miles from Salem, contains 2 stores, a Ba])tist church, 
 and about 30 dwellings. Hancock's Bridge, upon Alloways creek, 
 5 miles S. of Salem, has about 40 dwellings, and a Friends meeting- 
 house. This society first built a house of worship in 1(585. The 
 leading men of the association were Richard Hancock, John Denn, 
 Jeremiah Powell, Nathaniel Chamney, &c. A Presbyterian church, 
 now extinct, was founded at Logtown in 1750. The families were 
 Moore, Sayre, Woodruff, Grier, Padget, Wood, &c. 
 
 View of an Ancient Dwelling at Hancock's Bridge. 
 
 The above is a view of an antiquated brick dwelling, standing 
 in the village, a few rods from the bridge over the creek, and known 
 as Baker's tavern. In 1778, when the British were in this county, 
 a party of them surprised, at night, a small body of Americans in 
 this house, who had been stationed there to guard the bridge. The 
 account given by Major Simcoe, who commanded the enemy, is 
 given on p. 424 of this volume. The following is from Johnson's 
 History of Salem : — 
 
 Massacre at Hancock's Bridge. — Tliat nigjht, the murdering party being selected, went, 
 as diiectcd, in boats, down Salem creek to tlie river — thence to Alloways creek — thence 
 up the same to a suitable distance from Hancock's Bridge, where they were to land, and 
 being favored by the darkness of the night, were to attack the picket in the house in 
 which they were stationed as their head-quarters, and put every man to death they found 
 there. In tliat house, the property of Judge Hancock, were he, Ciiarles Fogg, a very 
 
 aged man, Joseph Thompson, and Bacon, all Quakers ; a few others beside th?, 
 
 guard, cnm[)osed of a full company of men, were those persons in that house on that ill 
 fated night, all wrapt in sleep, worn dowfv with watching, nature exhausted, and many 
 of them doomed to sleep the long sleep of <ieath. The hellish mandate was issued at 
 head-quarters — "Go — spare no one — j)Ut all to death — give iif) tiuarters." These refu- 
 gees, only to be associated with their brethren, the imps of the inlernal regions, did their 
 best, and glutted their worse than savage passions in the innocent blood of their unof- 
 fending neighbors. They killed and desperately mangled, with fiendish ferocity, such 
 
SALEM COUNTY. 427 
 
 whom they saw writhing under the severity of their wounds, and thus destroyed more 
 than two thirds of all who were within that house. 
 
 It was currently reported, and that report believed to be true, that a negro man, who 
 went by the name of Nicholson's Frank, and a man from Gloucester co., called Jonathan 
 Ballanger, were the two persons who attended this murdering expedition as pilots. 
 
 Ballanger came to the house of John Steward, (a farmer, near Hancock's Bridge,) 
 armed, that very same night, some time before day. Steward said, " that he soon dis- 
 covered, from the looks and conversation of Ballanger, that some evil was about to be 
 done." With some persuasion, he prevailed upon him to go into the room and lie down. 
 When he went in, he turned the key in the door, nor did he open it until about daylight 
 in the morning. When Ballanger came out of the room he stayed but a few minutes, and 
 went away, carrying with him his musket. " A short time after he had left the house, 
 the report of a gun was heard in the direction in which Ballanger had walked, and by 
 the side of the fence along which he had gone but a few minutes before, was found Reu- 
 ben Sayres, mortally wounded, being a distance of not more than one-fourth of a mile 
 from Steward's house." 
 
 Ballanger was not seen by any person after he left Steward's, until several years after- 
 ward. The suspicion of the murder of Sayres could be fixed upon no one but him. Im- 
 mediately after the massacre of the picket and private citizens, the refugees returned to 
 Salem over the bridge, the draw of which they laid. Ballanger and the negro, no doubt, 
 returned by water with the boatmen. It could have been none of the refugees who were 
 at Hancock's. The circumstantial evidence against Ballanger was most assuredly of the 
 very strongest kind, amountmg pretty near to positive. Public opinion was decidedly 
 against him, for he was known to be a rank tory, and from the very hotbed of toryism — 
 of those who secretly traded with the British while they occupied Philadelphia. It was 
 but a short mile from Hancock's Bridge to where Sayres was found weltering in his 
 blood ; he had escaped thus far towards the woods or marshes, in his flight from the 
 nmrdcring refugees. Not a single individual of the enemy was seen anywhere near to 
 the field where Sayres was found. The murderer was always believed to be none other 
 than Jonathan Ballanger.* 
 
 A few names of some of those desperate villains, the refugees, which I here mention, 
 ought never to be forgotten. One fellow, who usually bore the name of Proud Harry, a 
 plasterer by trade, an insolent, swaggering scoundrel, a braggadocio ; another, by name 
 Jo. Daniels ; another, if possible, worse than Satan himself, — his name was John Hanks. 
 This fellow was brought up from a boy in the family of Morris Beesley. The son of 
 Morris, whose name was Walker, belonged to that company of militia. Hanks, with 
 another villain, rushed upon young Beesley to kill him. He begged of Hanks, in the 
 most pitiable manner, to protect him, and spare his life ; he urged upon him their friend- 
 ship and intimacy ; their having grown up from boys together. All his entreaties were 
 in vain ; the murderer heard his pleas, and then very sternly told him, that for their 
 former intimacy alone he was determined to kill him, and then stabbed him and left him. 
 The poor youth lived long enough to tell this tale of wo to those people who came to take 
 care of the dead and wounded. 
 
 Another instance I will mention, of a militia-man whose name was Darius Dailey, 
 who, escaping from the house, was pursued by two of the refugees ; while running, he 
 saw an English soldier ; he made towards him as fast as he could, calling out to him at 
 the same time to save him ; crying out, " Oh, save me, save me, soldier — I am your 
 countryman I Save me, save me — I am a Scotchman — I am your countryman !" The 
 very name of countryman, even coming from the mouth of an enemy, and in the midst 
 of slaughter, struck the tender fibres of the stern soldier's heart. He immediately put 
 himself in an attitude of defence, and stoi)pod the pursuing refugees, and told them that 
 he should protect the man at all hazards — that he had surrendered himself to him, and 
 that he was his prisoner. When his flurry had in some measure subsided, Dailey gave 
 
 * The following amusing anecdote was communicated to the compilers by Thomas 
 Gordon, Esq., of Trenton : — Some years after this, a son of Sayres, master of a small 
 vessel navigating the Delaware river, in bringing his vessel up to a wharf below Phila- 
 delphia, in a very dark evening, being a little intoxicated, accidentally fell overboard, but 
 was humanely rescued by a person who happened to be on the wharf. As soon as he had 
 sufficiently recovered, he discovered in the face of his deliverer a son of Ballanger, the 
 murderer of his father. He swore he would not owe his life to such a d — d rascal, im- 
 mediately threw himself into the river, and it was with no little difiiculty and risk that 
 his life was, a second time, saved from a watery grave. 
 
428 SALEM COUNTY. 
 
 his name to the soldier — the soldier his name to Dailey. They were both almost struck 
 speechless with astonishment ; they now found that they had been bosom friends and 
 schoolmates together, when boys, in Scotland. Dailey was conducted a prisoner, with a 
 few others, to Salem, whose lives had been spared by the English soldiers. 
 
 The names of the officers of that unfortunate company of militiu, who were so dread, 
 fully cut to pieces on that dreadful night, were Carlcton Sheppard, captain — Benjamin 
 Curlis, 1st lieutenant — Andrew Lowder, 2d lieutenant — WilHam Bresbey, ensign. 
 
 ELSINBOROUGH. 
 
 This is the smallest township in the county, being but 7 m. long, 
 and 3 m. wide. It is bounded N. by Salem and Lower Penn's 
 Neck, S. and E. by Lower Allowaj'^s Creek, and W. by the Dela- 
 ware. It has 2 schools, 8.3 scholars. Pop. .320 in 1865,655 
 
 A fort was anciently erected by the Swedish governor, I'rintz, at 
 Fort Point, on the eastern bank of Salem river, near itb mouth, 
 somewhere between the years 1042 and 1052. This fortress was 
 called by them Ilelsingborg, from which the name of the township 
 is derived. The Indian name of the place was Wootsessungsing. 
 The fortification commanded the Delaware, and enabled the Swedes 
 to compel the Dutch to strike the flag from the masts of their ves- 
 sels. It became untenable, from the great multitude of musquitoes, 
 and was nicknamed Myggcnborg, or Musquito Fort. 
 
 Col. ]Mawhood, the British commander, after his failure of in- 
 timidating the militia of this county, in March, 1778, and chagrined 
 by his want of success, sent a party of soldiers from Salem on an 
 excursion into this township. They went to the farm of Col. 
 Holmes, about 4 miles from Salem, drove his wife and family out 
 of doors, pillaged his property, and set his dwelling on Hre. This 
 gentleman was a strong and influential whig, and so dreaded by 
 the enemy, that Lord Howe offered £100 for him, dead or alive. 
 
 MANNINGTON. 
 
 Mannington was originally named East Fenwick, and afterward 
 changed to its present appeWation, from the Indian word Mancto. 
 It has an average length of about 8 m., and an average width of 
 5 m. It is bounded N. by Upper Penn's Neck and Pilosgrove, S. 
 by Salem, S. and E. by Upper Alloways Creek, and W. by Lower 
 Penn's Neck. In Mannington is an excellent nursery of iruit, be- 
 longing to Scimu( I Reeve. I'iS;i., which contains about 20.000 fruit 
 trees, of every variet}'. The township is one of the most fertile in 
 this ])art of the state. It has 7 schools, 109 scholars. Poj). 2 ^Mi'. 
 
 Mannington Hill is situated on a slight elevation in the central 
 part of the township, and contains or 8 dwellings. During the 
 American revolution, a small party of the enemy, at night, broke 
 into a house occupied by a Mr. Ambler in this village. The family 
 consisted of the old gentleman and wife, and two girls. The party 
 
SALEM COUNTY. 429 
 
 on entering, threatened to murder them if they lifted their heads 
 from under the bed-clothing. After riiling the ro oms of the valua- 
 bles, they decamped. This dwelling has been rebuilt, and is now 
 occupied by Mr. Joseph Shepard. 
 
 UPPER PENN'S NECK. 
 
 This is the northernmost township of the county. Its extreme 
 length is about 9 m., with a width of 7 m. It is bounded NW. by the 
 Delaware river, NE. by Woolwich, Gloucester co., S. by Manning- 
 ton and Lower Penn's Neck, and SE. by Pilesgrove. The soil is 
 light, and produces large quantities of vegetables for the Philadel- 
 phia market, which is the main source of the wealth of the town- 
 ship. It has :> schools, !};i scholars. Pop. 1,854. iiil865,3,433. 
 
 Pedrictown, on Oldman's creek, 3 miles in a direct line from the 
 Delaware river, has about 50 dwellings, a Friends meeting-house, 
 and near it a Methodist church. Sculltown, originally named Lock- 
 erton, from a Mr. Lock, is at the head of navigation on Oldman's 
 creek, 18 miles from its mouth, and on the line of Gloucester co. It 
 contains 2 stores, about 40 dwellings, and a Methodist church. It 
 is a thriving village, and large quantities of lumber and grain are 
 exported. Penn's Grove, a landing on the Delaware for steamers, 
 is a flourishing village which has sprung into existence within a 
 few years ; it contains about 25 dwellings. 
 
 LOWER PENN'S NECK. 
 
 This township is 8 miles long, with an average width of 31 miles. 
 It is bounded N. by Upper Penn's Neck ; E. and S. by Salem river, 
 which divides it from Mannington, Salem, and Elsinborough ; and 
 S. and W. by the Delaware river. Large quantities of vegetables 
 are raised for the Philadelphia market. The soil is rich, and on 
 'he margin of the Delaware and Salem rivers are large strips of 
 meadow. On the bank of the Delaware, 7 miles NE. of Salem, is 
 a small settlement called Kinseyvillc, where there is a ferry to 
 New Castle, two miles distant, on the opposite side of the river. 
 It has 5 schools, 185 scholars. Pop. 1^112. Fort Delaware is an 
 island opposite this township, which was formed by the sinking 
 of a New England vessel on a sand-bar. 
 
 The Swedes built a fort at Finn's Point in this township. Fen- 
 wick, among other unexecuted projects, conceived the plan of 
 laying out a town at this spot, to be called " Finnstown Point." 
 Lasse Hendricks, Stephen Yearnans, Matthias Spackleson, and 
 Erick Yearnans were Swedes, at that time living there, from 
 whom Fenwick purchased 1,000 acres, called Pumpians Hook, 
 opposite Delaware. Erick Yearnans he appointed bailiff over 
 the bailiwick of West Fenwick, now Penn's Neck. Another 
 
430 SALEM COUNTY. 
 
 town was to have been laid out at the cove, in Upper Penn's 
 Neck, to have been named " Bout-town Finns." 
 
 The Episcopal church in this township was originally a Swedish church of the 
 Lutheran order. Abraham Lidenius was appointed the first pastor over this church 
 in 1714. He returned to Sweden in 1724, and two years after Petrus Tranbcrg and 
 Andreas Windrufwa, in 17^6, divided their services between this church and Raccoon, 
 now Swedcsboro. Two years later Windrufwa died, and Tranberg officiated alone until 
 his death, in 1748. The same year John Sandin succeeded, and died in a few months. 
 He was succeeded by John Lidenius, the son of the first pastor. In 1759 Andreas 
 Borcll was sent from Sweden as Provost of the American Swedish churches. John 
 Wicksell officiated from 1763 lo about 1764, when he returned to Sweden. His sue. 
 cessor, the venerable Nicholas Collin, D. D., was the last of the Swedish ministers, and 
 officiated until about the close of the American revolution. He was succeeded by 
 Samuel Grey, and he by the Rev. Mr. Higby. In 1789, under the Rev. John Wade, a 
 vestry was chosen, and the church organized as a Protestant Episcopal church. In 
 1808 the present substantial brick church was erected in place of a wooden one fast de- 
 caying. 
 
 Like the Swedish churches in America, this mission was supported by the Swedish 
 king, and a glebe attached to each station. The glebe attached to this church was a 
 farm in Piles Grove. The following is a list of the Swedes dwelling in Penn's Neck 
 previous to 1680, who, it is supposed, belonged to this church : Erickson Yearneans, 
 two brothers Hendricks, Spackleson, Nielson, Giijeanson, Cornelius, Pederson, Oulson, 
 Benexson, Picters, Jacquette, Wooleyson, Barkleson, Jacobson. 
 
 The Presbyterian church of Penn's Neck was founded about 1748. In 1778 the 
 Rev. Samuel Eakin, the first minister of whom we have any record, took charge. The 
 families composing the congregation were the Nevils, Philpots, Lippincotts, Lambsons, 
 Dunns, Wrights, Staideys, Burdens, Healys, Congletons, and others. 
 
 Eakin continued until the close of the American revolution. They were then occa- 
 sionally supplied until the Rev. Nathaniel Harris took the oversight in 1797, who con- 
 tinued until he removed to Trenton, in 1800. He was succeeded by the Rev. David 
 Edwards, who remained until 1805. Since then the meeting-house has gone to decay. 
 There is a Methodist church in the township. 
 
 The Rev. Samuel Eakin, the pastor of the Presbyterian church 
 in the American revolution, was an extraordinary man, and con- 
 sidered scarcely inferior to the celebrated Whitefield. He was a 
 strong whig, and the idol of the soldiers. Wherever there were 
 military trainings, or an order issued for the soldiers to march, he 
 was, if in his power, always there to address them, and by his elo- 
 quence would excite their emotions of patriotism to the highest 
 pitch. 
 
 PILESGROVE. 
 
 This township derived its name from James Piles, anciently a 
 large landholder here. It is 8 miles long, 5 broad, and is bounded 
 NE. by Woolwich, Gloucester co. ; SW. by Mannington, and Upper 
 Alloways creek ; SE. by Pittsgrove, and NW. by Upper Penn's 
 Neck. The surface is level, and soil clay and loam, and produc- 
 tive in wheat, rye, oats, and corn. Pop. in 1830, 2,150 ; in 1840, 
 2,477. ill! 8(i5,'/>,8 14. 
 
 Woodstown derives its name from Jackanias Wood, an early 
 settler. It is on the north bank of Salem river, 9 miles NE. of 
 Salem. It contains about 100 dwellings, 6 stores 2 Friends meet- 
 ing-houses, 1 Bapti.st, 1 Methodist, and 1 African Methodist church. 
 The lands in this region have been much improved within the last 
 
SALEM COUNTY. 
 
 431 
 
 12 years by. the use of marl, which abounds here. In the marl-pits, 
 near the village, sharks' teeth and the bones of the fossil crocodile 
 are found. The public building shown on the left of the engraving 
 is the Friends' meeting-house, a substantial brick edifice. The 
 large tree in the road, fronting the dwelling beyond, now going to 
 decay, was standing in the American revolution. According to 
 
 Central View in Woodstown. 
 
 tradition, a party of British soldiers once stacked their arms against 
 its trunk. The township was principally settled by Friends. In 
 1726 a meeting was established at Woodstown by David Davis, 
 and others. Sharptown, on Salem river, 2\ miles west of Woods- 
 town, has a Methodist church and about 50 dwellings. Eldridge's 
 Hill, 1 mile NE. of Woodstown, contains a few dwellings. 
 
 PITTSGROVE. 
 
 This township was formed from Pilesgrove, and named after Sir 
 William Pitt. It is 12 miles long, 6i broad ; and is bounded N. 
 by Franklin and Woolwich, (Gloucester co.,) S. by Deerfield, (Cum- 
 berland CO.,) and U. Alloway's creek, E. by Millville, (Cumberland 
 CO..) and N. by Pilesgrove. It is centrally distant from Salem 10 
 miles. Large quantities of sumach-leaves are annually gathered 
 in this township, dried, pulverized, and sent to market. Land for- 
 merly considered nearly valueless, and thrown out in common, 
 has become, within the last few years, among the best, by the use 
 of marl of an excellent quality. There are in the township 6 
 stores, 1 woollen fac, 5 grist-m., 3 saw-m. ; 7 schools, 270 scholars. 
 Pop. 2,390. inl865,l,ia4. 
 
 Pittstown, Centreville, and Daretown are small villages in this 
 township. The Presbyterian church was the first established in 
 the township. " It was rganized 30th of April, 1 741. Their pastor 
 
432 SALEM COUNTY. 
 
 was the Rev. David Evans, a native of Wales. The covenant 
 was signed by the following members, believed to have been heada 
 of families : 
 
 Isaac Vanmeter, Francis Tully, Richard Sparks, 
 
 Henry Vanmeter, Jcreraiah Garrison, John Craig, 
 
 Cornelius Newkirk, Eleazev Smith, William Miller, 
 
 Abraham Newkirk, WilliamAldonnan Peter Haws, 
 
 Rarnet Dubois, Hugh Moorr. James Dunlap, 
 
 L<^ wis Dubois, John Rose, Jacob Dubois, jr. 
 
 Nathaniel Tarbel, Simon Sparks, Joshua Garrison, 
 
 Garrell Dubois, Thomas Sparks, Joast Miller. 
 
 John Miller, 
 The successors to the Rev. David Evans were Nehemiah Green 
 
 man, William Schenck, Glassbrook, Isaac Foster, Lay 
 
 COCK, Carll, Clark, Geo. W. Janvier." A Baptist churcl 
 
 " was founded about the year 1 743, by several families, who emi 
 grated from New England : such were the Reeds, Elwells, Cheese- 
 mans, Paullins, and Wallaces. The Rev. Mr. Kelsey took the over- 
 sight of the congregation. After Mr. Kelsey left, Mr. Sutton, and 
 other ministers, afforded occasional supplies. Rev. William Worth 
 then took the charge, and the congregation increased considerably 
 under his ministration, until he became deeply engaged in land 
 speculations, in the back country ; and, the opinion becoming cur- 
 rent that he had become tinctured with Universalism, the congre- 
 gation dwindled away almost to nothing. The constituents were 
 John Mayliew, Esq., Jacob Elwell, John Dickinson, Cornelius Aus- 
 tin, Samuel Brick, and their families." 
 
 SALEM. 
 
 Salem, the seat of justice for the county, is on the cast bank of 
 Salem river, 3i miles from its mouth, 65 miles S. of Trenton, and 
 34 SE. of Philadelphia. The township is level, in form nearly cir- 
 cular, and about 2 miles in diameter. It is bounded on the N. and 
 E. by Mannington, S. by Elsinborough, and W. by Elsinborough 
 and I^ower Penn's Neck. 
 
 The building on the next page, with a spire, is the Court House; over 
 the door is a tablet inscribed, " Founded l1S5,—Bfi-huiU 1817." The 
 building on the loft is the new Jail, erected in 18G6. Prisoners are 
 confined in the rear part of the building; the Clerk and Surrogate's 
 offices next the Court House, were erected in 1801. The old Jail stood 
 on the corner of Market street and Broadway, adjoining the Court 
 House. The buildings seen on the right, are the Nelson House, and 
 Washington Hall, in Broadway . There are eight houses of worship — 
 2 Friends, 1 Episcopal, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Baptist, 1 Methodist, and 
 2 African Methodist. There is a bank, market, 3 fire engines, 2 news- 
 paper printing oflTices, foundry, steam mills, &c. Salem is well built, 
 the sticets adorned Avith trees, and its general appearance is thriving 
 
SALEM COUNTY. 
 
 433 
 
 and pleasant, and has constant communication with Philadelphia, by 
 rail roads and steam boats. It is lighted by gas. 
 Population in 1840 was 2,006, in 1865, 5,724, 
 
 mmmsBs 
 
 VicKi of the County Buildings, Salem. 
 
 Although the first successful settlement made in the state, by the 
 English, was in Elizabethtown, in 1665, yet the first attempt at 
 setllempnt by them was made in this vicinity. In 1641, some Eng- 
 lish I'amilies, (pi-obably emigrants from New Haven, Conn.,) em- 
 bracing about GO persons, settled on Ferken's creek, (now Salem.) 
 About this period, the Swedes bought of the Indians the whole dis- 
 trict from Cape May to Raccoon creek ; and, in order to unite these 
 English with the Swedes, the Swedish governor, Printz, who ar- 
 rived from Sweden the year after, (1642,) was to "act kindly and 
 faithfully toward them ; and as these English expected soon, by 
 further arrivals, to increase their numbers to several hundreds, and 
 seemed also willing to be subjects of the Swedish government, he was 
 to receive them under allegiance, though not without endeavoring 
 to eff'ect their removal." In 16.54, the Swedes were compelled to 
 yield their possessions on the Delaware to the Dutch, and they in turn 
 submitted to the English, soon after the reduction of New Amster- 
 dam, (New York,) in 1664. 
 
 In 1664, the Duke of York conveyed to John, Lord Berkeley, and 
 Sir George Carteret, the province of New Jersey. The claim of 
 Lord Berkeley was then an undivided half, subsequently known as 
 West Jersey; which was, in 1673, purchased for £1,000, by John 
 Fenwick and Edward Byllinge, members of the society of Friends, 
 The conveyance was executed to Fenwick, in trust lor Byllinge. 
 This tract was afterward divided into 100 parts, called tciilhs ; nine 
 of which belonged to the latter, and one to the former. 
 
 "In 1675," says Smith, "Fenwick set sail to visit the new pur- 
 chase, in a ship, from London, called the Griffith. Arriving after 
 a good passage, he landed at a pleasant, rich spot, situate near 
 
 55 
 
434 SALEM COUNTY. 
 
 Delaware, by him called Salem : probably from the peaceable as- 
 pect it then bore." " He brought over with him three daughter^, 
 Elizabeth, Anna, and Priscilla ; also John Adams, the husband to 
 Elizabeth, with three children, Elizabeth, Fenwick, and ]\Iary. 
 Also Edward Chamneys, the husband of Priscilla, with two chil- 
 dren, John and Mary ; with his ten servants, viz : Robert Turner, 
 Gervas Bywater, William Wilkinson, Joseph Worth, Michael 
 Eaton. Eleanor Geere, Ruth Geere, Zachariah Geere, Sarah Hutch- 
 ins, and Ann Parsons. The servants of Edward Chamneys were 
 Mark Reeve, Edward Webb, and Elizabeth Waites." 
 
 Fenwick, well knowing that it would greatly advance his interest here if he could ef. 
 feet a purchase in a friendly and peaceable manner with the natives, convened tlicir 
 chiefs, and a contract was entered into with them for the sale of all their right and title 
 to the lands now known by the name of Salem and Cumberland counties. 
 
 The first purchase was lor the lands included within Salem and Old-man's creeks, — 
 which creeks were called by the Indians Mosacksa and Forcus. The grant to these 
 ands was made by the chiefs Tcspaminkey and Henaminkey. 
 
 The second purchase was for all tlie lands lying between Forcus creek, (or, aa it was 
 afterward called. Game creek, or Fenwick's river, and now Salem creek,) and the Can- 
 ahockink creek, now called Cohansey ; and by some of the first settlers it was called 
 Cohanzick, from a chief who resided on the south side thereof. This grant was from tl)e 
 chiefs whose names were Mahoppony, Allaways, Necomis and his mother Necosshehes- 
 co, Mylinppoiiy, and Shuccotery. Of all the water-courses within the county of Salem, 
 only the names of six are recollected which at this day retain their primitive or Indian 
 names : they are — 1st, — the Allaways ; 2d, — the Necomis, the run at the side of which 
 arc the marl-pits now the property of John Dickenson, Esq., near Sharptown ; 3d, — the 
 Mahoppony — that branch of Pledger's creek opposite to Clayton Wislar"s house, and oi.i 
 which there was formerly a tide-mill ; 4th, — the Mackinippuck, on which Richard Sec- 
 ley's mill stands, 2 miles NVV. of Greenwich ; 5th, — the Manimuska, the branch on 
 which is built the village of Port Elizabeth ; 6th, — a small branch of Morris river, called 
 Menantico, situate about half way between Millvillc and Port Elizabeth. 
 
 The third purchase was from the Canahockink, now Cohansey, to the Wahatquenack, 
 now Morris river. The grantors were, Mahawskey, Mohut, who styles himself the king, 
 Newsego, (^hechcnaham, Torucho, and Shacanum. So far as information has been ob- 
 tained, the tract of country included within the bounds of Old-man's creek and, Morris 
 river, was purchased from these chiefs for the foUowing-described goods, viz : 4 gun», 
 powder, and lead ; 10^ ankers of rum, equal to about 3;J6 gallons ; some shirts, shoes, 
 and stockings ; 4 blankets ; 16 match-coats ; 1 piece of match coating, and otiicr Eng- 
 lish goods. This purchase was made in the years 1675 and '76. 
 
 Emigrants were now arriving, and Fenwick having become the chief proprietor of this 
 large tract of country, which he called Fenwick's colony, sales were rapidly made of 
 large as well as small tracts of land, and so continued until his death, which took place 
 between the months of August, 1683, and April, 1684. 
 
 The following is extracted " From the First General Order, as 
 agreed upon by Fenwick and the lirst purchasers :" 
 
 And as for the settling of the town of New Salem, it is likewise ordered that the town 
 be divided by a street ; that the SE. side be for the purchasers, who are to take their lots 
 of 16 acres as they come to take them up and plant them, as they h.ippcn to join to the 
 lots of the purchasers resident, who arc to hold their present plantations, and all of them 
 to be accounted aa part of their purchases ; and the other part, on the N. and by E. and 
 by S., is to be disposed of by the chief projjrictor for the encouragement of trade, — he 
 also giving, for the good of the town in general, the field of marsh that lieth between the 
 town and Goodchild's j)lantation ; and. 
 
 Lastly, we do leave all other things concerning the setting forth and surveying the^aid 
 purchases, unto the chief proprietor, to order as he sees fit. 
 
 Signed accordingly, the 25th day of the 4th month, 1676. I-ExwrcK. 
 
 Edward Wade, John Smith, Richard Noble, Saml. Nicholson, John Addam.s, Mypo- 
 Ute LefevTC, Edward Champnes, Richard Whitacar, William Malstcr, Robert \Nade. 
 
SALE.M COUNTY. 435 
 
 IMPROVEMENTS AND TRADE IN THE COUNTRY. 
 
 Tide-mills and Wind-mills. — Man}' of the emigrants brought out with them hand- 
 mills for the purpose of griiuling their grain, but the settlers soon found it essential to 
 their cxistcnee to turn tiieir attention to the immediate crcetion of grist and saw mills. 
 Accordingly, then-: was a horse-mill erected for the grinding of grain, near what is now 
 called Kent's corner, in the upper part of the town of Salem. Of water-mills, the first 
 kind made use of were tide-mills. They were located in this now called Salem county, 
 i!i several places, — such as at Mill creek, in Elsinborough, Mill-hollow, near Salem, Ma- 
 hoppony creek, in Mannington, formerly Hill Smith's, Cooper's creek, in Beesley's Neck, 
 on the south side of Allawuys creek, and at Carney's point, in Upper Penn's Neck. 
 'I'iiere were also 3 wind-mills, — one near the old wharf in Salem, in Bradway-st., another 
 at Kinseyville, in Penn"s Neck, and the third on the farm of Samuel L. James, Esq. The 
 first saw-mill was erected by William Hampton, in the year 1682. 
 
 Salem a Port of Entry. — Salem, about the year 1682, by the increase of population, 
 had, by this time, become a place of some foreign trade, — so much so, that it was made 
 a port of entry for vessels entering and clearing therefrom, by exacting from all vessels 
 under 100 Ions, one shilling for entering and one shilling for clearing, and all vessels of 
 more than 10(1 tons, double that amount. 
 
 Market. — The same year, a weekly market was by law to be held on every Tuesday, 
 near what we now call the old wharf, then called the tower landing, and which had been 
 heretofore designated for the market-place. The grain, provisions, and other articles 
 brought into the town, must be carried there, and no sale take place before 11 o'clock ; 
 and should any person buy any goods or provisions before that hour, any informer caus- 
 ing the offender to be convicted of the offence, would receive the half, and the other half 
 go for the public use. 
 
 Fairs. — Fairs were established by law, to be held in Salem on the 1st and 2d May, 
 and the 20tii and 21st October, annually, at which all persons were at liberty to buy and 
 sell all manner of lawful goods, wares, and merchandise, and also were to be free from 
 arrest for the two fair days, and for two days before and two days after the fair. But 
 after some time this privilege came to be abused, — so much so, that a town meeting was 
 held on the 15th April, 1698 : " It being then taken into consideration, that since fairs 
 have been held in this town, that foreigners do flock from other parts, — not only of this 
 county, but of the neighboring provmce, — do sell liquor by retail during the time of such 
 fairs, thereby encroaching upon the privilege of the inhabitants of this town, who only 
 are authorized, and none else, to sell by retail as aforesaid : 
 
 " Be it therefore enacted, that no person or persons, from and after the date hereof, do 
 presume to sell liquors by retail during the time of the fairs, so held or to be holden, — 
 cither at the place of the fairs, or within the limits thereof, — but the inhabitants of this 
 town only. And that whosoever persons presuming, contrary to this act, to sell liquors 
 as aforesaid, shall, upon information, I)e lound guilty of the said breach, — shall forfeit 
 all liquors found in his custody at the said place of fair, or anywhere within the limits of 
 this town or creek, to be seized by virtue of a warrant from the burgess of this town ; 
 whereof one half of the said goods is to be allowed to the informer, and the other half to 
 the burgess. 
 
 " Signed, with consent of the meeting, nemine contradicente. 
 
 " Wm. Hall, Burgess." 
 
 Salem Incorporated. — In 1695, the town of Salcrn became incorporated, and the office 
 of burgess was created, by which that officer was clothed with authority to hear and de- 
 termine causes under 40 shillings, — was empowered to grant tavern licen.scs, and revoke 
 them as he might sec fit, — and to punish all persons who might be convicted before him 
 of rudeness, profaneness, and vicious practices. The office of burgess was continued 
 from 169.3 to 1703. In the month of March, 1693, the officers first chosen under their 
 act of incorporation, were John Worledge. burgess, Benjamin Acton, recorder, John Jef- 
 fery, bailiff, Richard Johnson, surveyor of the streets, bridges, and banks. All freehold- 
 ers were required to be punctual in their attendance at all their meetings. Absentees 
 were fined from ten pence up to five siiiilings. 
 
 There were five burgesses during the i)roprictary government of ten years, whose 
 names were — John Worledge, Jonathan Beere, Wm. Hall, Richard Johnson, and Tho- 
 mas Killingsworth. 
 
 Act passrd May 12, 1696. — An act to qualify officers uho are not free to take an 
 oath. — Whereas some persons, out of a principle of conscience, have not freedom to 
 take oaths : Be it enacted by the Governor, with advice of his Council, and consent and 
 agreement of the representatives in this present Assembly, met ai.. assembled, and it 
 
43G SALEM COUNTY. 
 
 is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That their not having freedom to taKe 
 oaths shall not disable or incaj);icitiite them for want thereof to hold or enjoy any office 
 of the government within tliis j)rovincc, whether magisterial or ministerial, to which he 
 or they arc duly elected, nor exclude him or them from any right or privilege which anv 
 of his majesty's subjects are capable to enjoy, lie or they signing the declaration of fide- 
 lity, and profession of tiic Christian faith, following, to wit : 
 
 By virtue and in obedience to the said act of Assembly, we, whose names are sub- 
 scribed, do sincerely ])romi8c and solcnnily declare, that we will be true and faithlul tc 
 William, King of England, and llic government of this province of West Jersey. Ann 
 we do solemnly profess and declare, that we do from our hearts abhor, detest and re- 
 nounce, as impious and heretical, that danniablc doctrine, that princes excomnmnicated 
 or deprived by the Pope, or any authority of the sec of Rome, may be deposed or mur- 
 tliered by their subjects, or any otiicr whatsoever ; and we do declare that no foreign 
 prince, prelate, state or ])otentate, hath or ought to have any power, jurisdiction, sujie- 
 riority, j)ie-cnnnence or authority, ecclesiastical or spiritual, within this realm. 
 
 The Christiini Bcllrf. — We profess faith in CJod the Father, and in Jesus Christ his 
 eternal 8on, the true (jlod, and in the Holy Spirit, one God blessed forcvermore. And 
 we do acknowledge the Holy Scrii)tures of the Old and New Testaments, to be given 
 by divine inspiration. 
 
 Here follow the names of the officers of the town of Salem, who subscribed the above 
 faith or creed. 
 
 Justices. 
 Jonathan Beerc, 1G97 Roynecr Van Hyst, 1700 John Bacon, 1703 
 
 Richard Darking, l(i98 John Holmes, Thomas Woodruff, 170G 
 
 Obadiah Holmes, 1G99 William Rumsey, 1702 
 
 Burgesses. 
 Wilham Hall, 1697 Richard Johnson, 1699 Saml. Hedge, Jr., 1703 
 
 Jonathan Beere, 1698 Jcpt. Woodruff, 1700 Thos. Killings worth, 170G 
 
 W^m. Hall, Recorder. Hugh Middlcton, Sheriff. Saml. Hedge, Clerk and Coroner. 
 
 Saml. Hedge, Recorder, 1702. 
 
 1697. — Fairs were established at Cohansey, and to be held thereon the 21th and 25th 
 April, and I6th or 17th Obtober, with the same privileges as Salem. 
 
 Visits and refres/iutents. — In those very early days, neighbors usually paid friendly 
 visits to each other, with a portion of their family, more generally m the winter than at 
 other seasons of the year. They commonly spent a few hours of the afternoon antl a 
 part of the evening together, in the most sociable manner ; and while the men would be 
 talking over their farming affairs, and discussing the market val-ie of the articles' they 
 had for sale, their wives and daughters would not be sitting in silencp, but chattering 
 freely about their yards of homespun linen and linsey woolsey, while their nimble fingers 
 gave rapid motion to their knitting needles ; for be it known, that in those early times 
 it would have been considered a stigma in a woman to have been sitting idle, while all 
 the rest were employed in knitting. That kind of innocent and rural amusement af- 
 forded the most perfect zest to their evening's gratification ; and instead of tea, eoflcc 
 and chocolate, as the fashion is now-a-days for our usual refreshment, they were regaled 
 with plenty of good dough-nuts, cheese, fine cider, or home-made beer. 
 
 Annexed are the histories of the religious denominations at Sa- 
 lem, from Johnson's History. 
 
 Friends at Salcin. — Shortly after Fcnwick. and those who were of that denomination 
 called Friends, had arrived from England, (which was on or about the 12th December, 
 1675,) and had settled themselves and their families, they resolved to associate togetiier, 
 and organize a meeting to be held in the town of Salem, twice in every week, for divine 
 worship, and also once in each month for church discipline. Among those assoeialors 
 were John Fenwick, Robert Zane, Sand. Nicholson, Edward Wade, Samuel Hed>rc, 
 John Thompson, John Smith, and Richard (Juy. During the first five years of their 
 residence, they held their religious nuetingsin private houses. In 1680. tluy purchased 
 a house of Samuel Nicholson, and had it fitted u|) for their better accommodation. In 
 1 700, they erected a brick house on that lot now their burying-ground, at a cost of 
 JC415 13,s-. 24(Z. 
 
 In 1772, the Friends found themselves under the necessity of providing more ampl> 
 
SALEM COUNTY. 437 
 
 for their accommodation, and purchased a lot of land fronting on Fenwick street, and 
 opposite to South street, on which they erected the present commodious and extensive 
 brick building. The architect was WiUiam Ellis. 
 
 Metliodist Episcopal church in Salem. — This church was consecrated in 1734. The 
 constituents were, Henry Firth, Cornelius Mulford, Hugh Smith, John M'Claskey, Ben- 
 jamin Abbot, Isaac Vaneman, John Murphey, Levi Garrison. 
 
 Salem Protectant Episcopal church. — I cannot say at what precise time the Episco- 
 pal churcli at Salem was instituted, but I have reason to think that worship of that 
 order was lield there in a wooden building, a considerable time before the brick building 
 was ercctel, which was about the year 1720. I am inclined to believe that Doctor 
 Dyer, Dootor Alexander Gaudovitt, John Kidd , and William Wcthcrby were members 
 of the churcli previous to the erection of the brick building ; and alter that, I am induced 
 to think tliat the first wardens were Benjamin Veining and Josrjjli C'olcinan. There 
 were other active members, such as George Frenchard, John Holbrook, John Roiph and 
 ot!)crs not now recollected. 
 
 About the year 1772, the edifice being much dilapidated, and the wood- work gone to 
 decaj', the congregation reSoIved upon having it put into a complete state of repair ; ac. 
 cordiiigly a committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions to procure such a sum of 
 money as might be considered sufficient to complete the work. That committee was 
 composed of Edmund Wethcrby, Robert Johnson, Thomas Sinnickson and John Carey, 
 Esquires, who contracted with John Maxwell, the carpenter, to complete the building. " 
 
 The names of ministers who, through the lapse of years, officiated in that church 
 were, as now recollected, the Rev. Messrs. Coleman, Allen^ Pearson, Wixcell, Thomp- 
 son, Parker, Grey, Higby, Cadle, Smith. 
 
 Baptist church in Salem. — At the first settling in and about the town of Salem, there 
 were but few Baptist families. The most prominent were those of Judges Holmes and 
 Killingsworth, at whose houses their meetings were held. Kiilingsworth lived on and 
 then owned the property now in the possession of the KeasJjcy family ; and Holmes 
 lived at AUaways Creek, on the farm some years ago belonging to the late Stephen 
 Willis, but now the property of George Hall. After the death of Holmes and Killings- 
 worth, meetings were held by ministers from Cohansey, at the house of Samuel Fogg, 
 near Quinton's bridge — at Daniel Smith's, Edward Quinton's, and Abner 'Sims'. In 
 1743, the Baptist meeting-house was built at Mill-hollow, and in 1757 the church 
 was constituted, and the following named persons were the constituents, to wit : Job 
 Sheppard, the honorable Edward Keasbey, Esq., Edward Quinton, Samuel Sims, Daniel 
 Smith, Temperance Quinton, Sarah Sims, Catharine Sheppard, Kercnhappuch Black- 
 wood, Sarah Smith, Prudence Keasbey, Phebe Smith, Rachel Sneathen, and Patience 
 James. The Rev. Job Sheppard then became their pastor, but lived oidy two years ; he 
 left eleven children, — their names were Elnathan, Belbe, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Job, Da- 
 niel, Katharine, Martha, Kesiali, Ruth, and Cumberland. Some of these married into 
 the families of the Pedricks, Townsends, Grays, Bowens, Mulfords, Kelseys, Matlocks, 
 and have helped materially to populate tiie township of AUaways Creek. Rev. Mr. 
 Sheppard was succeeded by Rev. John Sutton, and he by Rev. Abel Griffith — he by 
 William Worth, and he by Rev. Peter Peterson Vanhorn. 
 
 The congregation having greatly increased, it was thought necessary to build a new 
 house ; accordingly subscriptions were put into circulation, and that large and commo- 
 dious brick building was erected on York street, in the town of Salem, in 1787 — when 
 the Rev. Dr. Isaac Skilhnan, a graduate of Princeton college, became their pastor in 
 1791, and so continued until his death. The pulpit was supplied for some time by the 
 Rev. Obadiah Brewen Brown, now of Washington city — then by Rev. Thomas Brown — 
 then by Rev. Horatio G. Jones — then by Rev. Joseph Sheppard. 
 
 Judge Holmes, spoken of above, died in 17U1, leaving four sons, of whom the young 
 est settled here ; his name was Benjamin ; his first wife was a Smart, his second wife 
 an Elgar, by whom he had six children ; and from them descended several children, and 
 from them the name has been perpetuated to the present time. 
 
 Extracts from the County Records. 
 
 The first court of sessions began at Salem on 17th day of September, 1706. 
 
 Sept. 1G09. — Court orders, that no ordinary keeper in this county shall be allowed to 
 trust any transient person, or laborer, or single person, .above ten shillings, upon penalty 
 of losing their debts. Grand Jury present that an assessment be laid on the county, for 
 
438 SALEM COUNTY. 
 
 repairing courthouse and prison, and finding constables' staves, paying for wolf and 
 panthers' heads, hawks, woodpeckers, blackbirds and crows ; the value of XlOO to be 
 paid in money, wheat, butter, or cheese, at money price. 
 
 June, 171'J. (^retrory Empson, attorney. Grand Jury present Edmond Morphey, 
 for holding John Quiiiton under the water until almost drowned ; fined 5s. with costs. 
 
 Deceinhvr, 1711}. Timothy Brooks, of Cohaiisey, Anabaptist preacher, came into 
 court and t'lok the oaths, and signed the declaration according to law, and did acknow- 
 ledge and did allow of the thirty-nine articles excepted in an act for cxem))ling her ma- 
 jesty's Protestant subjects, dissenting from the Church of England, from the penalties 
 of certain laws made in their majesties' reign, May 24, 1689. 
 
 Sejjiemhrr, 1713. The grand jury present Eliza Windsor, with force and arms upon 
 the body of Elizahetli Rumsey, wife of Isaac Rumsey, of Salem, in the peace of Cod 
 and our said lady the queen, then and there being, an assault did make, and her with a 
 paddle over the head did strike, and also over the neck, and her collar bone did break, 
 to the great damage of the said Elizabeth Rumsey, &.c. 
 
 Nor. 17, 1716. Mary Hawk, of Cohansey, spinster, was publicly whipped in the 
 town of Salem, by order of tlie justices. 
 
 l~21. By order of court, tlie whipper's fees for whipping at the public whipping 
 post, l)e five sliillings — in the house of correction, two shillings and sixpence. 
 
 1729. Ruled and ordered by tlie court, that each respective public house keeper within 
 this county, take for their several measures of li(]uors hereafter named as followcth, and 
 no more, viz. : For each nib of punch, made with double-refined sugar and one gill and 
 a half of rum, ninepcnce — for each nib made witii single-refined sugar and one gill and 
 a half of rum, eightpencc — for each nib made of Muscovado sugar and one gill and a 
 half of rum, scvenpence — for each quart of tifT, made with half a pint of rum in the 
 same, ninepence — for each pint of wine, one shilling — for each gill of rum, threepence — 
 lur each quart of strong beer, fourpence — for each gill of brandy or cordial, dram, six- 
 pence — for each quart of metheglin, ninepence — each quart cider royal, eightpencc — 
 each quart of cider, fourpence, 
 
 Eatables for men — for a hot dinner, eightpencc ; for breakfast or supper, sixpence. 
 
 For horses — 2 quarts oats, threepence ; stabling and good hay, each night, sixpence , 
 pasture, sixpence. 
 
 Dec. Court, 1717. Ordered by the court, that the garret or upper part of the jail be 
 for the U.SC of a house of correction for the use of said county, and a whipping-post be 
 erected therein. 
 
 1713 Upon application of Richard Johnson, that Thomas Hill had lodged in his 
 hitids, being a magistrate, a remnant of silk, quantity 5^ yards, which tlie said Tiioni- 
 as secured with a certain person to him unknown, upon suspicion of the said person be- 
 ing a pirate, which person afterwards made his escape from the said Thomas — 
 
 Ordered, That the piece of silk in the hands of Richard Johnson, late sheriff, be de- 
 livered to John Rolph, Esq., collector of his majesty's custom, to be by him disposed of 
 for his majesty's use. 
 
 February, 1733-4. Ordered by the court, that Mary Kelly, for abusing the judge, 
 Mr. Acton, in her misbehavior to him in the execution of his office, do receive ten 
 lashes on her bare back, for her contempt, at the public whipping-post. 
 
 In tho revolutionary Struggle, the inhabilants* of this section took 
 a decided stand in favor of the whig cause. When the Bostonians 
 were sullering from the oppressions of General Gage, at a meeting 
 held Oct. 13th, 1771, by the inhabitants of this county, it was 
 " resolved, that Grant Gibbon, Esq., who was known to be one ol 
 the most popular and efiicient men of the county, and a patriot in 
 whom the public had unboimded confidence, be the man who should 
 take the burthen and trouble in soliciting relief from our people." 
 Gibbon succeeded in coUecting about $700, a large sum at that 
 time, which was sent for the relief of the distressed of that city. 
 
 » Among these were some of the prominent PViends. The following gentlemen, offi- 
 cers of militia, belonged to this society, besides others not reco.Vcted, viz : Tliomas Car- 
 penter, quarter-master, Major Edward Hall, Whittcn Cripps, and John Sniitii, Adjutant 
 
/ 
 
 SOMERSET COUNTY. 439 
 
 As mentioned on page 410, of this volume, the enemy from Phil- 
 adelphia made two incursions into this county in the war of the 
 revolution. Annexed are a few facts from Johnson, additional to 
 those already given, relating to their entrance into this town. 
 
 On Sunday, the 15th March, 1778, Col. Mawhood put his picked regiment on board of 
 his transports at Philadelphia, and dropped down to Billingsport, and there landed his 
 men, (the transports went on to Salem, and by them the regiment returned to the city,) 
 and then marched up to the Salem road at Mantua creek bridge, (the only place where he 
 could cross the creek,) where he was opposed on Monday, the 16th of March, by Capt. 
 Samuel Hugg, with his artillery, and other of our militia ; the names of several from our 
 county now recollected, were, Parker, Barrett, David Wetherington, John Cams, and the 
 venerable James Johnson, who died but a few years ago. In that skirmish two or three 
 of the enemy were killed. 
 
 Our people then retreateil, until tliey came to the farm now the property of Mr. Ton- 
 kins, where they halted, and cannonaded the enemy. That estate then belonged to Dr. 
 Otto, who was a colonel. The British burnt all his property during the fight, and, as a 
 monument to that skirmish, there stood but a few years ago a large black oak tree in the 
 middle of the road, and nearly opposite to the house of Tonkins, with the marks of the 
 cannon shot visible upon it. Our people being overpowered by numbers, filed ofT from 
 the main road, and gave up the contest. 
 
 After the fight at Doctor Otto's, the enemy came down and encamped for the night 
 near Sharptown, and came into Salem early in the forenoon. 
 
 Slavery. — There is reason to suppose there were slaves in the families of the early 
 Swedish settlers in this county. And there is no doubt the Dutch imported and sold 
 them wherever they could find purchasers. After the English came, considerable num- 
 bers were imported from the West Indies, and disposed as merchandise to the agricul- 
 turists. " As early as 1696, the Friends in their yearly meetings brought the subject of 
 trading in negroes before their society, and to their credit it is believed, were the first re- 
 ligious sect that advised its members to desist from and discourage the future importa 
 tion of them. From about that time the traffic in slaves became the subject of notice 
 in their annual meetings, until about the year 1758, when they passed a resolution de- 
 nying the right of membership to any of their people who should persist in detaining a 
 fellow-creature in bondage after that time ; but the resolution was not strictly complied 
 with until many years afterward." 
 
 SOMERSET COUNTY. 
 
 Somerset, the most central county in the state, was early settled 
 by the Dutch, and set off from Middlesex co., in 1G88. In the pre- 
 amble to the act, it was stated : " Forasmuch as the uppermost 
 part of the Raritan river is settled by persons whom, in their hus- 
 bandry and manuring their land, forced upon quite different ways 
 and methods from the other farmers and inhabitants of Middlesex, 
 because of the frequent floods that carry away their fences on the 
 meadows, the only arable land they have, and so by consequence 
 of their interest is divided from the other inhabitants of the said 
 county : Be it therefore enacted, &c." Its bounds have been al- 
 tered at different times, and in 1838, by the formation of Mercer 
 CO., when the S. portion of Nottingham township was annexed to 
 that county. Somerset co. is about 25 m. long, with an average 
 
440 SOMERSET COUNTY 
 
 breadth of about 15 m., and is bounded N. by Morris co., E. by 
 Essex and Middlesex, S. by Mercer co., and W. byJHunterdon co. 
 It is well watered by the Raritan and its branches. The Delaware 
 and Raritan canal enters at its SE. corner, and following up the 
 valley of the Millstone river to its junction with the Raritan, there 
 pursues the valley of that river to New Brunswick. The surface of 
 the county is diversified ; the central and SE. portion tolerably level, 
 the S. and SW. hilly, and the NE. quite mountainous. The soil of 
 the hills is mostly clay and stiff loam, the plains sandy loam, and 
 the mountain valleys limestone. The county is generally fertile, 
 particularly in the valleys, and produces a variety of crops. It is 
 divided into the following seven townships : — * 
 
 Bedminster, Bernard, Bridgewater, Franklin, 
 
 Hillsborough, Montgomery, Warren. Branchhnrg. 
 
 Somerset co. had in 1810, a population of 14,728 : in 1820. 
 10,508; in 1830, 17,689; in 1840, 17,451. ini8fi5.21 610. 
 
 BEDMINSTER. 
 
 This township is about 7 m. long, by 4 m. wide, and is bounded 
 N. by Chester and Mendham, Morris co., E. by Bernard. S. and 
 SW. by Bridgewater, and W. by Readington and Tewksbury, Hun- 
 terdon CO. There are in the townsliin 5 saw-m., 6 grist-m., 9 
 schools, 254 scholars. Pop. 1,589 inT.S65,2,463. 
 
 It is well watered by the N. branch of Raritan, Lamington river, 
 and their ^tributaries. Its surface is hilly, soil fertile, and Avell- 
 cultivated.^ Lamington, Pepack, Little Cross Roads, and Greater 
 Cross Roads, are small settlements, neither of which contains over 
 12 or 15 dwellings. At the first is a Presbyterian, and near the 
 last, a Reformed Dutch church. 
 
 Pluckamin, in the S. part of the township, 6 m. NW. of Somer- 
 ville, lies at the base of a high mountain, from the summit of which 
 is a very extensive view of a large extent of fertile country. There 
 are here, a tavern, 2 stores, several mechanics, an academy, a 
 Methodist church, and 35 dwellings. This was a noted place in 
 the war of the revolution. On the 4th of Jan., 1777, the day after 
 the battle of Princeton, the American army, then on their march 
 to Morristown, halted here. In the winter of 1778-9, part of the 
 American army lay at this place. 
 
 In the village burying-ground is the grave of the gallant Capt. 
 Leslie, of the British army, who fell mortally wounded at the bat- 
 tle of Princeton. The particulars of* the death of this unfortunate 
 officer, are thus given in the Custis's Recollections of the Life of 
 Washington : — 
 
 It was while the coniniiindcr-in-chicf reined up his horse upon approaching the spot 
 in a ploughed field where lay the gallant Col. Harslet mortally wounded, that he per 
 ceived some British soldiers supportittg a wounded officer, and upon inquiring his name 
 
SOMERSET COUNTY. 
 
 441 
 
 and ranii, was answered Capt. Leslie. Dr. Benjamin Rush, who formed a part of the 
 general's suite, earnestly asked, "A son of the Earl of Lcven ?" to which the soldiers 
 replied in the atKrmative. The doctor then addressed the general-in-chief : " I beg your 
 excellency to permit this wounded officer to be placed under my care, that I may return, 
 in however small a degree, a part of the obligations I owe to his worthy father for the 
 many kindnesses received at his hands while I was a student at Edinburgh." The re- 
 quest was immediately granted ; but, alas ! poor Leslie was soon " past all surgery.'^ 
 He died the same evening, after receiving every possible kindness and attention, and was 
 buried the next day at Pluckamin, with the honors of war. His troops, as they lowered 
 his remains to the soldier's last rest, shed tears over the remains of a much-loved com- 
 mander. 
 
 A plain monument marks . the spot, bearing the following in- 
 scription : — 
 
 In Memory of the 
 
 Hon. Capt. WILLIAM LESLIE, 
 
 of the 17th British Regiment, 
 
 son of the Earl of Leven, 
 
 in Scotland. 
 
 He fell January 3d, 1777, aged 
 
 26 years, at the Battle of 
 
 PRINCETON. 
 
 His friend, Benj. 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. 
 
 s 
 
 Two days after the battle, Gen. Washington (says Wilkinson, in 
 his Memoirs) sent his aid. Col. Fitzgerald, into the British camp 
 with a flag of truce. He was courteously received, and introduced 
 to the principal officers. The recital of Capt. Leslie's death, and 
 the respect with which his body had been treated, affected one of 
 the British generals so sensibly, that he retired to a window and 
 shed tears ; and when Col. Fitzgerald returned, he sent his acknow- 
 ledgments to Washington. 
 
 The annexed account of the celebration at this place," Feb. 18th, 
 1779, of the anniversary of the alliance with France, was published 
 at the time : 
 
 The anniversary of our alliance with France was celebrated on the 18th ultimo, at 
 Pluckemin, at a very elegant entertainment and display of fireworks, given by General 
 Knox, and the officers of the corps of artillery. It was postponed to this late day on ac- 
 count of his Excellency General Washington's absence from camj). General VVashing- 
 ton, the principal officers of the army, Mrs. Washington, Mrs. Greene, Mrs. Knox, and 
 the ladies and gentlemen, for a large circuit around 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 Pluckemin, on a piece of 
 rising ground, which shows them to great advantage. The entertainment and ball were 
 held at the academy of the Park. About ftiur o'clock in the afternoon, the celebration 
 
 56 
 
.142 SOMERSET COUNlY. 
 
 of the ALLIANCE was announced by the discharge of thirteen cannon, when the com- 
 pany assembled in the academy to a very elegant dinner. The room was spacious, and 
 the tables very prettily disposed, both as to prospect and convenience. The festivity was 
 universal, 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 fire- 
 works, conducted by Col. Stevens, arranged on the point of a temple, one hundred feet 
 in length, and proportionally high. The temple showed thirteen arches, each display, 
 ing an illuniinatcd painting. The centre arch was ornamented with a pediment, larger 
 than any of the others ; and the whole edifice supported by a colonnade of the Corinthian 
 order. 
 
 The illuminated paintings were disposed in the following order : 
 
 The 1st arch, on the right, represented the commencement of hostilities at Lexington, 
 with this inscription : — " The scene opened." 
 
 2d, British clemency. Represented in the burning of Charlestown, Falmouth, Nor- 
 folk, and Kingston. 
 
 3d, The separation of America from Britain. A magnificent arch broken in the centre, 
 with this motto : " By your tyranny to the people of America you have separated the 
 wide arch of an extended empire." 
 
 4th, Britain represented as a decaying empire, by a barren country, broken arches, 
 fallen spires, ships deserting its shores, birds of prey hovering over its mouldering cities, 
 and a gloomy setting sun. Motto : 
 
 " The Babylonian spires are sunk, 
 Achaia, Rome, and Egypt mouldered down ; 
 Time shakes the stable tyranny of thrones. 
 And tottering empires crush by their own weight." 
 
 5th, America represented as a rising empire. Prospect of a fertile country, harbors 
 and rivers covered with ships, new canals opening, cities arising amidst woods, splendid 
 sun emerging from a bright horizon. Motto 
 
 " New worlds are still emerging from the deep, 
 The old descending in tiieir turns to rise." 
 
 6th, A grand illuminated representation of LOUIS the sixteenth. The cncourager of 
 letters, the supporter of the rights of humanity, the ally and friend of the American people. 
 
 7th, The centre arch. The Fathers in Congress. Motto: '* iV// desperatidum 
 reipublictc." 
 
 8th, The American Philosopher and Ambassador extracting lightning from the clouds 
 
 9th, The battle near Saratoga, 7th Oct., 1777. 
 
 lOtii, The Convention of Saratoga. 
 
 II th, A representation of the sea-fight, off Ushant, between Count D'Orvilliers and 
 Admiral Keppie. 
 
 12th, Warren, Montgomery, Mercer, Wooster, Nash, and a crowd of heroes who have 
 fallen in the American contest, in Elysium, receiving the thanks and praises of Brutus, 
 Cato, and those spirits who in all ages have gloriously struggled against tyrants and 
 tyranny. Motto : " Those who shed their blood in such a cause shall live and reign for- 
 ever." 
 
 13th, Represented peace, with all her train of blessings. Her right hand displaying 
 an olive branch ; at her feet lay the honors of harvest; the background was filled with 
 flourishing cities ; ports crowded with ships, and other emblems of an extensive empire 
 and unrestrained commerce. 
 
 When the fireworks were finished, the company returned to the academy, and con- 
 cluded the celebration by a very splendid ball. 
 
 The whole was conducted in a style and manner that reflects great honor on the taste 
 of the managers. 
 
 The news announced to congress from the Spanish branch of the house of Bourlnin, 
 arriving at the moment of celebration, nothing could have so opportunely increased the 
 good-humor of the company, or added to those animated expressions of pleasure which 
 arose on the occasion. 
 
 BERNARD. 
 
 This township is about eight miles long, six broad, and is bound- 
 ed N. by Mendham, Morris co. ; E. by Morris, Morris co., from 
 
SOMERSET COUNTY. 143 
 
 which it is separated by the Raritan river , SE. by Warren, SW. 
 by Bridgewater, and W. by the north branch of Raritan, which 
 divides it from Bedminster. The face of the township is generally 
 mountainous or hilly, and the soil fertile and under good cultivation. 
 It has 1 fuUing-m., 9 saw-m., 5 grist-m., 2 woollen fac, 4 tanneries : 
 cap. in manufac. $37,939 ; 7 schools, 231 scholars. Pop. 2, 170. 
 
 Liberty Corners, 8 miles NE. of Somerville, is a village contain- 
 ing 1 temperance tavern, 2 stores, a grist and saw mill, about 20 
 dwellings, and a Presbyterian church, erected in 1838. Logtown, 
 Vealtown, and Millington, are hamlets. Baskingridge, 12 miles 
 NE. of Somerviile, and 8 SW. of Morristown, is a place of some 
 historic interest, and is no!ed for the prominent men who here have 
 had their dwelling-place. It is beautifully situated on a high ridge 
 commanding an extensive prospect to the east, overlooking a large 
 tract of lowland in the adjoining county, known as the Morris co. 
 Swamp. It contains 4 stores, several mechanics, an academy, a 
 Presbyterian church, and 40 dwellings. The academy was for- 
 merly in high repute when under the care of the Rev. Dr. Brownlee 
 and Rev. Dr. Finley. 
 
 Baskingridge was early settled by Scotch Presbyterians, and a 
 log church erected about the year 1700. In 1749, a wooden struc- 
 ture was built. In 1839, this was destroyed, and the present ele- 
 gant brick church, ornamented by a handsome spire, was erected 
 on its site. The Rev. John Cross, supposed to have Veen a native 
 of Ireland, was the first settled clergyman. He was succeeded by 
 the Rev. Mr. Lamb, who died in 1749, and in 1751 his place was 
 filled by the Rev. Samuel Kennedy, a distinguished Scotch divine, 
 who continued until his decease in 1787. In 1795 the celebrated 
 Dr. Finley, the projector of the African colonization scheme, took 
 the pastoral charge, and remained until 1817. when he accepted the 
 ofiice of President of Athens College, Georgia. The year after, the 
 'Rev. Dr. Brownlee, the well-known controversialist, came here and 
 remained until he was appointed a professor in Rutgers' College. 
 From 1820 to 1834, the clerical office was filled by the Rev. John 
 C. Vandervort. He was succeeded by the Rev. John Anderson, and 
 he in turn, in 1836, by the Rev. Oscar Harris, its present pastor. 
 
 The annexed is a view of the house where Gen. Charles Lee, who 
 ranked next to Washington in the army, was taken prisoner by a 
 party of British cavalry under Col. Ilarcourt. It is on rising 
 ground, at the SE. entrance of the village. At that time it was a 
 tavern kept by Mrs. White, a widow lady, and went by the name 
 of "lFA//e'.v Tacer/i" It has since been somewhat altered, and is 
 now occupied as a private dwelling. 
 
 This event took place on the morning of Dec. 13, 1776, a few 
 days after Washington's retreat through NeM'- Jersey to the western 
 bank of the Delaware. Lee had been I'requently ordered to join 
 the main army with his troops. He slowly obeyed, rather manifest- 
 ing to act independently and annoy the rear of the British army ; 
 and in opposition to the judgment of Washington, he proposed to 
 
444 
 
 SOMERSET COUNTY. 
 
 establish himself at Morristown. On being again urged, he was 
 reluctantly proceeding towards the Delaware, when he was taken 
 prisoner. At this time his troops lay at Vealtown, two miles distant ; 
 but he had with him a small guard as a protection to his person. 
 
 General Lee's Quiirtcis, Baskingrldge. 
 
 The following detailed account of this event is given by General 
 James Wilkinson, in his Memoirs, who was with Lee at this time. 
 
 General Lee wasted the niorninfr in altercation with certain militia corps who were of 
 his command, particularly the Connecticut Light-horse,* several of whom appeared in 
 large fulUhottomed perukes, and were treated very irreverently. The call ol the adju- 
 tant-fjcncral for orders also occupied some of his time, and we did not sit down to break- 
 fast before 10 o'clock. Gen. Lee was engaged in answering Gen. Gates' letter, and 1 had 
 risen from the table, and was looking out of an end widow, down a lane about one hun- 
 dred yards in length, which led to the house from the main road, when I discovered a 
 party of British troops turn the corner of the avenue at full charge. Startled at this un- 
 expected spectacle, I exclaimed, " Here, sir, are the British cavalry !" " Where ?" re- 
 plied the general, who had signed the letter in the instant. " Around the house ;" for 
 they had opened files and encompassed the building. General Lee appeared alarmed, 
 yet collected, and his second observation marked his self-possession : " Where is the 
 guard ? — d — n the guard, why dont they lire ?" and alter a momentary pause, he turned 
 to mc and said, " Do, sir, see what has become of the guard !" The women of the house 
 at this moment entered the room, and proposed to him to conceal himself in a bed, wiiich 
 he rejected with evident disgust. I caught up the pistols which lay on the table, thrust 
 the letter he had been writing into 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, but the men were absent. I stepped out of the door, and perceived the dragoons 
 t;hasing them in different dircctions,t and receiving a very uncivil salutation, 1 returned 
 into the house. 
 
 * One wanted forage, another his horse shod, another his pay, and a fourth his pro- 
 visions, &-C., to which the general replied, " Your wants are numerous ; but you have not 
 mentioned the last — you want to go liome, and shall be indulged, for you do no good 
 here." 
 
 t A respectable elderly lady, now a resident of Baskingridgc, (July, 1842,) and who 
 at the time Lee was taki ii lived in this vicinity, states that two of the guard retreated 
 about 10 rods in a northwesterly direction. They were pursued, overtaken, and relusing 
 to surrender, were killed. The cavalrj-, from fear of alarming the American tro<)|)s m 
 the vicinity, by the report of their fire-arms, used their sabres only, and hacked them so 
 terribly that it was found very difficult to remove their bodies to the graveyard, and 
 they were put in boxes and interred in the field where they fell. — Note by the oumpilera 
 of the Hist. Collections. 
 
SOMERSET COUNTY 445 
 
 Too inexperienced immediately to penetrate the motives ot this enterprise, 1 considered 
 the rencontre accidental, and from the terrific tales spread over the country, of the vio- 
 lence and barbarity of the enemy, I believed it to be a w^anton murdering party, and de- 
 termined not to die witlwut 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, I 
 awaited the expected search, resolved to shoot the first and the second person who 
 might appear, and then to appeal to my sword. I did not long remain in this unpleasant 
 situation, but was apprized of the object of the incursion by the very audible declaration, 
 " //' the General does not surrender in Jive minutes, I will set fire to the house ;" 
 which, after a short pause, was repeated with a solemn oath ; and within two minutes I 
 heard it proclaimed, " Here is the General, he has surrendered." A general shout en- 
 sued, the trumpet sounded the assembly, and the unfortunate Lee, mounted on my 
 horse, which stood ready at the door, was hurried ofl^in triumph', bareheaded, in his slippers 
 md blankct-coat, his collar open, and his shirt very much soiled from several days' use. 
 
 What a lesson of caution is to be derived from tliis event, and how important the ad- 
 monition furnished by it ! What an evidence of the caprice of fortune, of the fallibility 
 of ambitious projects, and the inscrutable ways of Heaven ! The capture of Genera! 
 Lee was felt as a public calamity ; it cast a gloom over the country, and excited general 
 sorrow. This sympathy was honorable to the people, and due to the stranger who had 
 embarked his fortune with theirs, and determined to share their fate, under circumstances 
 of more than common peril. Although this misfortune deprived the country of its most 
 experienced chief, I have ever considered the deprivation a public blessing, ministered 
 by the hand of Providence ; for if Gen. Lee had not abandoned caution for convenience, 
 and taken quarters two miles from his army, on his exposed flank, he would have been 
 safe ; if a domestic traitor,* who passed his quarters the same morning on private busi- 
 ness, had not casually fallen in with Col. Harcourt, on a reconnoitering party, the gene- 
 ral's quarters would not have been discovered ; if my visit and the controversy with the 
 Connecticut Light-horse had not spun out the morning unseasonably, the General would 
 have been at his camp ; if Col. Harcourt had arrived an hour sooner, he would have 
 found the guardt under arms, and would have been repulsed, or resisted until succor 
 could have arrived ; if he had arrived half an hour later the General would have been 
 with his corps ; if the guard had paid ordmary attention to their duty, and had not 
 abandoned their arms, the General's quarters would have been defended ; or if he had 
 obeyed the peremptory and reiterated orders of General Washington, he would have 
 been beyond the reach of the enemy. And shall we impute to blind chance, such a 
 chain of rare incidents ? I conscientiously reply in the negative ; because the combi- 
 nation was too intrica.e and perplexed for accidental causes, or the agency of man. It 
 
 must have been designed .So soon as Lieutenant Col. Harcourt retreated with 
 
 his prize, I repaired to the stable, mounted the first horse I could find, and rode full 
 speed to General Sullivan, whom I found under march toward Pluckamin. 
 
 One mile southeast of Baskingridge formerly stood the mansion 
 and farm of Lord .Stirling. His country seat was one of the most 
 splendid in the state. He had a fine garden, a park stocked with 
 deer, and prided himself upon his elegant horses. The annexed 
 biographical sketch is from the Encyclopaidia Americana : 
 
 William Alexander, 
 Lord Stirling, a major- 
 general in the service of 
 the United States du- 
 /y ring the revolutionary 
 
 '^ war, was born in the 
 
 city of New York, but 
 Facsimile of Lord Stirling's Signature. passed a portion of his 
 
 * Col. J. W. Drake of Mendham, in conversation with one of the compilers of this 
 volume, stated that the individual who acted as a guide to Col. Harcourt's party was a 
 Mr. Macklewraith, an elder of the Presbyterian church at Mendham. While walking 
 in the road, he was suddenly surrounded by a party of British cavalry, who pressed him 
 into their service. 
 
 t The morning being cold, and the sun bright, they had left their station, crossed the 
 main road, and were .sunning themselves on the south side of a house about 200 yardi 
 from the tavern, which enabled Harcourt to cut them oft' from their arms. 
 
 ^/^/^'Q^€^y^ f 
 
446 SOMERSET COUNTY. 
 
 life in New Jersey. He was generally styled through courtesy Lord Stirling, in conse 
 quence of being considered by many as the rightful heir to the title and estates of an 
 earldom in Scotland, from which country his fatiier came, though the government re- 
 fused to acknowledge the son's claim when he repaired to Great Britain in pursuit of 
 this inheritance. He was early remarkable for his fondness for mathematics and as- 
 tronomy, in which sciences he made considerable progress. Throughout the revolution 
 he acted an important part, and distinguished himself particularly in the battles of 
 Long Island, Gcrmantown, and Monmouth. In the first, he was taken prisoner, after 
 having, by a bold attack upon a corps commanded by C'ornwallis, cfFcctcd the escape of 
 a large i)art of his detachment. In the second, his divi^iion, with the brigades of Generals 
 Nash and Maxwell, formed the corps de lesrrve ; and in the last he commanded the left 
 wing of the American army- He was always warmly attached to General Washington, 
 and the cause which he had espoused. He died at Albany, January 15th, 1783, aged 
 57 years, leaving behind him the reputation of a brave, discerning, and intrepid officer, 
 and an honest and a learned man. 
 
 Hknry Southard was born on Long Island in Oct., 1747. When he was eight years o! 
 age his father, Abraham Southard, removed to the then colony of New Jersey, and set- 
 tied at Baskingridge, where the family have since continued to reside. The s(jn received 
 but an ordinary English education, and when a young man hired out as a common la- 
 borer for thirty cents a day, and by untiring industry collected sufficient to purchase a 
 farm. His energy and talents distinguished him from the mass, and he was early ap- 
 pointed a justice; and in upwards of nine hundred cases upon which he decided, in the 
 course of his experience, four appeals only were rnadc In tlie war of the revolution he 
 entered the service, and contributed a share toward the attainment of our indei)endence. 
 Among tlic earliest members of the state legislature, subsequent to the adoption of the 
 federal constitution, in 1789, he usefully served in that body for nine years, when he was 
 elected a representative in congress. This post of honor he held by successive re-elec- 
 tions for 21 years, when in 1821, admonished by the growing weight of years, he volun- 
 tarily retired, having then passed the ordinary limit of threescore and ten. A short 
 time previous his distinguished son had been elected a member of the senate, and they 
 had the pleasure of meeting in the joint committee of the two houses, upon whom, as a 
 final resort, had devolved the settlement of the famous Missouri question; a circum- 
 stance probably without a parallel in our political history. He died on the 2d of June, 
 1842, at the advanced aire of 9,i years, up to williin a few days of which he had been 
 blessed with the full possession of his mental faculties. Until within three years of his 
 decease, he had never worn glasses, or used a staff, and was accustomed to a daily walk 
 of three miles. Were it not for his silvery hair hanging in clusters down his neck, one 
 would not have supposed him to have been over fifty years of age. His memory was 
 strong ; he could not only recollect every question which had come before congress, 
 while a member, but mention the different speakers and their very arguments. 
 
 Samuel L. Southard, a distinguished son of the above, was born in Bask- 
 ingridge, June 9, 1787. At an early age lie was graduated with high 
 honor "at the college of New Jersey, and soon after went to Virginia, where 
 he spent several years, studying law, and at the same time supplying his 
 deficiency of fortune by his labors as a private tutor. Admitted to the bar 
 in Virginia, he returned to his native slate, where, after passing through the 
 requisite period of study, he received, in 1814, his license as counsellor. 
 He rose rapidly to the highest rank in his profession. In 1815, he espe- 
 cially distinguished himself by his argument upon the celebrated steamboat 
 case, which was discussed by counsel before the legislature of New Jersey. 
 On this occasion, Mr. Fulton, who was interested in procuring the repeal of 
 a law which had been enacted by the legislature two years before, had 
 brought with him to Trenton the most distinguished talent of the New "i ork 
 bar; and Mr. Southard, then a very young man in comparison, was employ- 
 ed by Col. Ogdcn and Mr. Dod, the adverse parties, as their counsel. Mr. 
 Southard's argument, upon this exciting occasion, was of so brilliant a char- 
 acter, that, upon its conclusion, a universal testimony of applause burst from 
 a crowded auditory, and it was with difliculty that the becoming order of a 
 
SOMERSET COUNTY. 447 
 
 legislative hall could be restored. From this time his position in the fore- 
 most rank of the men of promise in New Jersey was unquestioned. In the 
 latter part of the same year he was elected a member of the House of As- 
 sembly of the legislature, from the county of Hunterdon, his residence being 
 at that time at Flemington ; but he had been only a week in the house when 
 he was placed, at the early age of 28, upon the bench of the Supreme Court 
 of New Jersey. In this high station he remained until 1821, when he was 
 elected to the U. S. Senate, having little more than reached the age neces- 
 sary for a seat in that body. His talents here had a wider sphere, and he 
 soon earned for himself so distinguished a reputation, that, in 1823, President 
 Monroe, by the unanimous consent of the senate, conferred upon him the 
 appointment of Secretary of the Navy. Upon the accession of Mr. Adams 
 to the chief magistracy, Mr. Southard, at his earnest solicitation, remained 
 at the same post, and continued to discharge its duties until the close of Mr. 
 Adams' administration. The promptitude and energy with wliich he ad- 
 minstered the affairs of the navy were soon visible in their effects through- 
 out the service, and are yet remembered by those who have at heart the 
 interests of this arm of our national defence. The late South Sea expedition 
 owes its first conception to him. 
 
 Upon his return to New Jersey, at the close of Mr. Adams' administration 
 in 1829, he was immediately appointed by the legislature attorney-general 
 of the state; and before the expiration of his term of (iffice he was elected 
 governor. From this post he was transferred again, in 1833, to the United 
 States Senate, and immediately took his rank among the most conspicuous 
 members of that body during the most brilliant period of its history. Five 
 years later he was reinvested with the same office for another term of si.x 
 years, only one half of which had expired at the time of his lamented death. 
 In 1841 he was elevated by the senate to the office of president pro tempore, 
 and by the subsequent removal of Vice-president Tyler to the executive 
 chair, rendered vacant by the death of President Harrison, he became the 
 permanent presiding officer of the senate. The dignity and propriety with 
 which he presided over the deliberations of this body won for him the respect 
 of all parties. The untiring, self-sacrificing zeal with which he devoted 
 himself to the duties of the office, doubtless hastened the progress of the 
 disease which terminated in his death. He was compelled at length to retire 
 from his post, and on the 26th of June, 1842, he expired at Fredericksburg, 
 Va., among the relatives of his wife. 
 
 It is the lot of few men to leave behind them a more enviable reputation 
 than Mr. Southard's. He filled successively every high station of honor 
 and trust to which his native state could raise him ; and was never found 
 wanting under any responsibility laid upon him. In the various relations 
 of public and private life, his deportment was such as to win for him the de- 
 voted attachment of very many and the respect of all. Every generous and 
 noble enterprise found in him an earnest and eloquent advocate. His ser- 
 vices on behalf of the oppressed Indians, and his cordial support of the 
 Colonization and the Bible society, will not soon be forgotten by the friends of 
 humanity. It was peculiar to him to carry into the advocacy of whatever 
 seemed true and right a sincerity and warmth of feeling, which gave unu- 
 sual power to his argument, and imparted great grace to his benevolence. 
 As a public speaker he belonged to the first class. His appearance, his 
 manner of speaking, and his style of thought corresponded admirably with 
 each other. In person he was not above the common size; but the bold 
 
448 SOMERSET COUNTY. 
 
 features of his face, his deep-set and piercing eye, and his lofty and expand- 
 ed brow, indicated a marked character. His voice, though not highly cul- 
 tivated, possessed great compass and power, and seemed especially adapted 
 to give expression to the impassioned earnestness which formed one of the 
 most striking features of his oratory. His method of argument possessed 
 the same direct and forcible character which marked his appearance and 
 manner. His conceptions were always clear and distinct ; he saw his sub- 
 jects under a strong light, and he seldom failed to place them in the same 
 light before others. The clearness of his mental vision, and the sincerity 
 and deplli of his convictions, manifested by the distinct statement and lucid 
 order of his argumeats, and aided by the simple earnestness of his manner, 
 gave him always great power over his audience, and placed him in the 
 highest rank of our public speakers. He possessed that warm and suscep- 
 tible teni{)eramcnt, which is the natural soil of strong passions, but he was 
 capable be^' .id most men of exercising self control under the most trving 
 circumstances. The following incident directed his attention, early in life, 
 to the importance of subduing the temper and holding it under subjection to 
 the decisions of reason. When about eleven years of age his mother struck 
 him for some impropriety of conduct; he became enraged, and left his home 
 with the intention never to return. He had not proceeded far before ho be- 
 gan to reflect upon the rashness and wickedness of his conduct, and, seating 
 himself by the way-side, he wept long and bitterly, and rose up to return 
 home, beg his mother's forgiveness, and protfiise her that his temper should 
 never again become his master. How well he kept this way-side vow they 
 can testify who saw him amid the trying scenes of heated political warfare, 
 and under the still more trying inflictions of private wrong and injury. His 
 Marmth of manner, even when he was most impassioned, seemed to be no 
 more tlian the fitting expression of what was due to the subject or the occa- 
 sion. He carried with him the air of a sincere and earnest man, with a 
 mind devoted to great objects, and endowed with uncommon power to dis- 
 cern right ends, and the best methods of attaining them. His reputation is 
 a rich, an invaluable legacy to his native state ; her citizens will benefit 
 themselves by remembering him who in his life-time was known as New 
 Jersey's " favorite son." 
 
 BRIDGEWATER. 
 
 Bridgewater is bounded N. by Bedminstcr and Bernard, NE. by 
 Warren, SE. by Piscataway, Middlesex county, S. by Raritan river, 
 separating it from Franklin and Hillsborough, and 8W. by Read- 
 ington, Hunterdon co; greatest length 13, breadth 11 miles; sur- 
 lace on the NE. mountainous, soil fertile. There are in the town- 
 ship 16 stores. .3 woollen fac.t 5 tanneries, 5 grist-m., 2 saw-m ; cap. 
 in manufac. 800.050. Pop.^j-^i*'^'. 
 
 Somerville, the county-seat, is pleasantly situated in the valley of 
 the Raritan, about a mile N. of that stream, on the New Brunswick 
 and Easton turnpike, 10 miles from the ibrmer, and 28NE. of Tren- 
 ton. This village is principally built on a single street, running in 
 an easterly direction. 
 
SOMERSET COUNTY. 
 
 449 
 
 Court House, Vler/c's and /Surrogate's offices, at Somerville, N. J. 
 
 S^morville, the county seat of Somerset County, on the line of the Central KaLlroad 
 of New Jersey, is pk-asantly situated in the valley of the Earilan, about a mile from 
 that stream, 10 miles from New Brunswick, and 28 N. E. of Trenton. The village ia 
 principally situated on a single street, running in an easterly direction. Besides' the 
 tJounty buildings, there is an academy, 5 hotels, 6 churches ; 2 Dutch Eeformed, 1 Epis- 
 copal, 1 Methodist, 1 Baptist and 1 African ; 3 newspaper printing offices, 2 banks and 
 17 stores, and about 2,500 inhabitants. 
 
 In 1840, a very liberal charter for a company was granted by the 
 legislature, for the purpose of bringing into use the water-power of 
 the Raritan, at a spot situated near tSomerville. The company was 
 incorporated under the name of " The Somerville Water Power 
 Company," with a capital of !$200,000, and a right to increase it 
 one half. The company have now so far accomplished their enter- 
 prise as to be prepared for leasing water-rights. A canal or race- 
 way has been completed, and the water let in and ready for use. A 
 village plot has been laid out, and several mills already erected. 
 From the liberal inducements offered by the company, the amount 
 of water-power, and its favorable situation for market, this spot 
 may become at no distant period a thriving manufacturing village. 
 The Hon. Garret D. Wall is its President. 
 
 The village of Somerville is of modern date. In the American 
 revolution a tavern was kept on the site of the Somerville House. 
 After the burning of the courthouse at Millstone, Oct., 1779, by the 
 British, this place was made the county-seat, and about the year 
 1784 a courthouse and jail were built of logs. The former stood 
 about twelve rods east of the present courthouse, and the latter on 
 the site of the lower tavern. There were then but three or four 
 
 57 
 
450 SOMERSET COUNTY. 
 
 dwellings here. In 1798, the nr'^co.-t courthouse was erected. Up 
 to 1809 or '10, the place was called Raritan. From that period it 
 has borne its present name, and has rapidly increased from a mere 
 hamlet to a thriving village. 
 
 The following facts relating to the early history of this region, and 
 of the oldest church in this vicinity, are derived from a discourse 
 delivered by the Rev. Abraham Messier, July '21, 1832, at the lay- 
 mg of the corner-stone of the Reformed Dutch church of Raritan. 
 
 It is supposed that the first settlements along the Raritan were 
 made between the years 1664 and 1670, a short time after the set- 
 tlement of Elizabethtown, which was the first place settled by the 
 English in East Jersey. These settlers were probably Dutch and 
 French Protestants or Huguenots, who first emigrated to Long Island, 
 and thence, allured by the beauty and fertility of the valleys of the 
 Raritan and Millstone, to what was then an unbroken wilderness, 
 inhabited by the Naraticongs, a powerful tribe of Indian's who 
 principally dwelt on the north side of the Raritan. 
 
 The church of Raritan, (supposed to be one of the oldest religious societies in this sec- 
 tion of the state) was organized March 9th, lii'JO, by the Rev. Mr. Bartholf, who, on the 
 preceding day, preached, administered the sacrament, and baptized three children. These 
 services were held previous to the erection of any place of worship. It i.s supposed that 
 the first church in this district was built on the rise of ground a little beyond the junc- 
 tion of the North and South branches of the Raritan. That church appears to have been 
 called iVorZ/( Branch in the records, and was for a long time under the same pastor wiUi 
 Raritan and Millstone. 
 
 The first house dedicated within the bounds of the present congregation is believed to 
 have been built about the year IT.'JU, or perhaps earlier, on the banks of the Raritan, a 
 short distance below the residence of the late Michael Van Veghten, which was their 
 place of worship for nearly half a century. From its organization until 1720, the church 
 was only occasionally supplied with ministerial services. In the beginning of 1720 the 
 Rev. Tlieodorus J. Frelinghuysen came from Holland, and it is inferred that the 
 churches of Millstone and North Brancli were then in existence, and constituted with 
 this the charge of this pastor. 
 
 He is said to have been " a great blessing to the Reformed Dutch cliurch of America. 
 He was an able, evangelical, and eminently successful preacher. He left five sons, who 
 were all ministers, and two daughters married to ministers." He continued pastor about 
 twenty-seven years. 
 
 In 1747 a call from the congregations of Raritan, North Branch, and Millstone was sent 
 to the classis of Amsterdam for approval on the Rev. John Frelinghuysen, a son of the 
 above. This call was approved, and having been ordained in Holland, he landed in 
 America in 1 750, and assumed the pastoral charge. The ministry of this zealous and 
 gifted man was of short duration. He died in 1753, at the age of 25 years. In October, 
 1758, the Rev. Jacob i{. Hardcnburgh.a young man just finisliing his studies, was install- 
 ed over the five congregations of Raritan, North Branch, Millstone, New Shannack,and 
 Bedminstcr. In this extensive and laborious charge he continued until Oct., 17G1, when 
 Millstone and New Shannack called the Rev. John M. Van Harlingen, and Mr. Harden- 
 burgh retained the remainder. 
 
 In the year 1779 a British troop of horse, under Col. Simcoc, wantonly burnt the 
 church, leaving the congregation in a state of destitution until 1784, when they united 
 with the freeholders of the county and built the old courthouse. They contributed half 
 the expense, on condition of using it for religious worship. 
 
 During the time they were without a place of worship, it is understood that Mr. Har- 
 denburgh preached in what was called the Conil Martial IIoii.sc, a small building which 
 stood on the rise of ground along the turnpike, below the village, and is now called Mt. 
 Pleasant. It was subsequently moved to the spot now (July, 1^32) occupied by the 
 house and store of Judge Gaston, and was then used for a court-room and church. 
 
 In 176l, Mr. Hardenburgh accepted a call from the churches of INIombaccus and Hur- 
 ley, N. Y., and from thence afterward became President of Rutgers' College, where he 
 
SOMERSET COINTY. 45I 
 
 died in 1792. He was regarded as one of the fathers of the Dutch church in America. 
 July 4, 1784, the Rev. Theodorus Fielinghuysen Romeyn was installed pastor over tjfie 
 churches of Bedminster and Raritan. He preached lialf the time in Dutch and half in 
 Eng-lish, which was the beginning of English preaching in these congregations. He died 
 the following year, and was succeeded in the same congregations by the Rev. John Dur. 
 yea. In 17S8, the house which was rebuilt in 1832 was erected under the superintend- 
 once of Andrew Ten Eyck as manager, and Messrs. Rynier Veghte, Abraham Van Nest, 
 Peter D. Vroom, John Hardcnburgh, Robert Bohner, and Jacobus Winterstein, as a com- 
 mittee. In 1789, the consistory resolved that from henceforth their transactions should 
 be recorded in the English language. AH tlie previous records were in Dutch. In 1798, 
 the Rev. John Duryea removed to the pastoral charge of the church in Fairfield, and 
 the congregation remained without a pastor until 1809, when the Rev. John S. Vreden- 
 burgh became the pastor of the Raritan church alone, and remained until his death in 
 Oct., 1821. From 1826 to Aug. 5th, 1831, Rev. Richard D. Van Kleek was settled over 
 the congregation. In 1832 the Rev. Abraham Messier took the pastoral charge. 
 
 The Methodist church was built in 1832. The 2d Reformed Dutch church was 
 dedicated in 1834. Its first pastor was the Rev. Chas. Whitehead. The Rev. Talbot 
 W. Chambers was settled in Dec, 1839. 
 
 About two miles SW. of Somerville, on the old York road, stands 
 an antiquated stone mansion over a century old, now the property 
 of Ferdinand Van Derveer, Esq. ; once owned and occupied by the 
 Hon. William Paterson, deceased. He was a friend of Aaron 
 Burr, who, when a student at Princeton, part of the time made his 
 home here, and after graduating, pursued his studies in the old 
 mansion. Here the late venerated Stephen Van Rensselaer of 
 Albany found his accomplished lady, a daughter of Judge Paterson. 
 
 In a wild and romantic ravine in the mountains, about four miles 
 from the courthouse, is a noted rock called " Chimney Rock." It is 
 a singular, pyramidal-shaped stone, fifteen or twenty feet high, 
 on the summit of a bold and nearly perpendicular ledge, over a 
 hundred feet in height. Its base is laved by a mountain stream, 
 flowing through the dell, 
 
 " With woods o'erhung, and shagged with mossy rocks, 
 Whence, on each hand, the gushing waters play, 
 And down a rough cascade white dashing fall." 
 
 At the t)ase of the mountain, two miles N. of Somerville, is the 
 Bridgewater copper-mine, now closed, but once wrought with con- 
 siderable spirit, though unprofitably. " The ore," says Prof Rogers 
 in his Geological Report, " is usually very rich, being characterized 
 by the large proportion of massive red oxyde which it contains. 
 There has also been found a good deal of native copper, and also 
 the green carbonate and green phosphate, together with a minute 
 quantity of native silver." 
 
 The annexed inscriptions are copied from monuments in the 
 graveyard at Somerville : — 
 
 Sacred to the memory of Gen. John Frelingiiuysen, who died on the 10th day ol 
 April, A. D. 1833, in the 58tli year of his age. A life of active usefulness and humble 
 piety was distinguished by the affectionate esteem of his fellow-citizens. His native 
 county often l)cstowed upon him the public tributes of its confidence. Religion was 
 with him a matter of pervading principle. He felt it to be his great business, and whe- 
 ther in the halls of legislation, amid the cares of official duty, or at his own domestic 
 Vltar, in all his ways he sought to acknowledge GOD, and show forth the praises of his 
 Redeemer. Long will the grateful recollection of his kindness be cherished by the sons 
 
452 
 
 SOMERSET COUNTY. 
 
 and datighters of affliction. His heart and hand were always open to their claims. To 
 his bereaved widow and children remain the rich consolations of his exemplary life, and 
 tlie precious assurance that for him to die was gain. 
 
 This monument is erected by the Raritan congregation in memory of their three de- 
 ceased pastors, whose remains are here deposited. 
 
 Rev. John Frelinghoysen. The first pastor and missionary in this their then wil- 
 derness Zion, departed this life about 1754, aged 25 years : amiable in disposition, pious 
 in character, zealous in the work of his Master, successful in gaining friends and win- 
 ning souls, much beloved, much lamented. 
 
 Rev. Tiieodorus Fuelinghuysen Romeyn. Departed this life in August, 1785, aged 
 25 years. A short but faithful ministry. Mysterious Providence ! that one so useful, 
 ao filled with love to God and man, should so early be taken. It is the Lord. 
 
 Rev. John S. Vredenburgh, departed this life Oct. 4, 1821, aged 45 years, b months, 
 and 13 days He was prudent, amiable, and devoted to the service of God. He labored 
 successfully in the Gospel ministry 21 years, sowing much seed, and watering it with 
 his tears. His work being finished, the Lord of the harvest came and gathered in many 
 souls which will appear as crowns of his rejoicing in the last day. What I do, thou 
 knowest not now. But thou shalt know hereafter. 
 
 1842. 
 
 Southern View of Bound Brook. 
 
 North Branch and Bound Brook are also villages in this town- 
 ship. The former is situated 4 miles NW. of Somerville, on the 
 road to Easton, and on the north branch of the Raritan. There 
 are there 2 stores, a mill, tannery, several mechanics, about 20 
 dwellings, and a handsome Reformed Dutch church. As appears 
 from their own records, this religious society was organized as 
 early as 1719. Formerly this church was intimately connected 
 with the one at Somerville. The lirst record of an election, for 
 elders and deacons, is in 1751. They were John Van Nest, Peter 
 Montfort, elders ; and Abraham Dumont, deacon. 
 
 The village of Bound Brook is on the line of the Elizabethtown 
 and Somerville railroad, and the New Brunswick and Ea.ston turn- 
 j)ike, 4 miles cast of the county seat. It derives its name from 
 the brook which runs just east of the place, and forms the bounda- 
 
SOMERSET COUNTY. 453 
 
 ry line between Somerset and Middlesex counties. The village is 
 about a mile in length, and the upper part is called Middlebrook. 
 The above view was taken from the residence of Mr. John Staats, 
 on the southern bank of the Delaware and Raritan canal and 
 Raritan river, which last is crossed by a substantial wooden bridge, 
 a few rods to the right of where the drawing was taken. The 
 lower part of the village only is shown. On the right is seen the 
 Presbyterian church, a neat wooden structure. There are here a 
 Presbyterian church, an academy, 10 stores, several mechanics, 2 
 grist-m., 2 tanneries, 1 apothecary, 1 hay-press, 2 lumber-yards, 2 
 coal-yards, 4 taverns, 80 dwellings, 90 families, and 566 inhabit- 
 ants. This is a thriving place, and at certain seasons a very large 
 business is done in the purchase of grain, as uncommon facilities 
 are furnished for freighting to New York, either by the canal or 
 railroad. 
 
 Bound Brook has been settled over 150 years. It is alluded to in Smith's History, 
 published in 1765, as then being a village. The Presbyterian church has been organized 
 more than a century. The first clergyman was the Rev. Israel Read. At what time 
 he was settled is not known. He died Nov. 28th, 1793. The Rev. David Barclay was 
 ordained Dec. 3d, 1794, and dismissed in April, 1805. The Rev. Selah Strong Wood- 
 hull was ordained Dec, 1805, and dismissed Nov. 25, 180G. Mr. W. was afterward 
 settled over the Dutch churcli at Brooklyn, L. I., and was transferred to New Bruns- 
 wick, and became a professor in the Theological Seminary of the Dutch church. The 
 Rev. James 'Patterson was ordained Aug. 9, 1809, and dismissed Oct. 20, 1813. He 
 went to Philadelphia, and was settled over the First Presbyterian church, Northern Lib- 
 erties, where he died. The Rev. William A. McDowell was ordained April 6, 1814 ; 
 dismissed the succeeding October ; went to Morristown, and is now secretary of the 
 board of missions of the Presbyterian church. The Rev. John Boggs was installed Jan. 
 6, 1816 ; dismissed Feb. 5, 1828. The present pastor, the Rev. R. K. Rodgers, was in- 
 stalled in the pastoral office May 5th, 1830. The present church was erected in 1829, 
 the former having been taken down. The old church was built about the yesir 1 760. 
 
 In the winter of 1778-79, a portion of the revolutionary army 
 was barracked in this vicinity. The head-quarters of Washing- 
 ton were at Middlebrook. We here make two extracts from 
 Thatcher's Military Journal ; the first relating to the manner of 
 living among the troops, the last giving an account of a military 
 execution. 
 
 February. Having continued to live under cover of canvass tents most of the win- 
 ter, we have suffered extremely from exposure to colds and storms. Our soldiers have 
 been employed six or eight weeks in constructing log-huts, which at length are com- 
 pleted ; and both officers and soldiers arc now under comfortable covering for the re- 
 mainder of the winter. Log-houses are constructed with the trunks of trees, cut into 
 various lengths, according to the size intended ; and are firmly connected 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 
 tiie house, is made of similar but smaller timbers ; and both the inner and the outer side 
 arc covered with clay plaster, to defend the wood against the fire. The door and win- 
 dows arc 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 their officers and for themselves convenient 
 and comfortable quarters, with little or no exi)ense 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 dis- 
 
454 SOMERSET COUNTY. 
 
 tance, 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 divided into two apartments, 
 and are occupied by three or four officers, who compose one mess. Those for the sol- 
 diers have but one room, and contain ten or twelve men, with their cabins placed one 
 above another, against the walls, and filled with straw, and one blanket for each man. 
 I now occupy a hut with our field-officers. Col. Gibson, Lieut. Col. Brent, and Maj. 
 Meriweather. 
 
 April 20th. Five soldiers were conducted to the gallows, according to their sentence, 
 for the crimes of desertion and robbing the inhabitants. A detachment of troops, and 
 a concourse of people, formed a circle round the gallows ; and the criminals were brought 
 in a cart, sitting on their coffins, and halters about their necks. While in tliis 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 liis soldiers 
 They acknowledged the justice of their sentence, and expressed their warmest thankful- 
 ness 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 alTectionate and sym- 
 pathizing brother, which rendered the scene uncommonly distressing, and forced tears 
 of compassion from the eyes of numerous spectators. Tiiey repeatedly embraced and 
 kissed each other, with all the fervor of brotherly love, and would not be separated till 
 the executioner was obliged to perform his 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 
 
 FRANKLIN. 
 
 This township is about 14 miles long, with an average breadth 
 of 4 miles, and is bounded NE. by Piseataway, (Middlesex co.,) 
 SE. by North and South Brunswick, (Middlesex co.,) NW. by 
 Bridgewater, W. bj' Hillsborough, Montgomery, and Princeton, 
 (Mercer co.) The Uaritan river runs on its N. and NE. line, and 
 the Millstone river on its western. The Delaware and Karitan 
 canal follows the valleys of those streams, within the township. 
 Its soil is fertile, and surface undulating, excepting in the southern 
 part, which is hilly. There are, within the limits of Franklin, 14 
 stores, 5 lumber-yards, 2 fulling-m., 2 tanneries, 2 grist, 3 saw m. ; 
 cap. in manufac. $78,400; Rutgers' college, 1 academy, 11 schools 
 275 scholars. Pop. a, -SIS. 
 
 The city of New Brunswick is partly in this township, compris- 
 ing all that portion north of Albany-st., embracing the railroad 
 depot, college buildings, &c. Kingston is on its south, and Six 
 Mile Run village on its southeast boundary. Middlebush is a 
 small settlement, in the central part. Griggstown is a small set- 
 tlement in the southwest part, on the line of the Delaware and 
 Raritan canal, where there are about a dozen dwellings. About 
 a quarter of a mile south of it, in a ridge of trap-rock, is the 
 Franklin copper-mine, formerly extensively worked ; one of the 
 shafts having been sunk 190 feet. It is now in a dilapidated state. 
 
 HILLSBOROUGH. 
 
 This township is about 12 m. long, .5 wide ; and is bounded N. 
 by Raritan river, separating it from Bridgewater, S. by Mont 
 
SOMERSET COUNTY. 455 
 
 gomery, E. by Millstone river, dividing it from Franklin, and W. by 
 Amweli, Hunterdon co. Its soil is fertile, and surface level or un- 
 dulating, excepting on the SW., where the Rock or Nashanic 
 mountain extends over a considerable portion of its territory. 
 There are in Hillsborough 9 stores, 1 tannery, 1 pottery, 1 flouring- 
 m., 6 grist-m., 5 saw-m., 1 oil-m. ; cap. in manufac. $22,100 ; 10 
 schools, 256 scholars. Pop.inl-8B5,3,4fi8. 
 
 Weston, Flaggtown, Blackwells, South Branch, and New Shan- 
 nack, contain respectively a few dwellings, and the latter a Re- 
 formed Dutch church, which has been in existence about a century. 
 Millstone, 6 m. S. of Somerville, is situated on the W. bank of the 
 river of the same name, in the immediate vicinity of the Delaware 
 and Raritan canal. It is a place of considerable business, and 
 large quantities of grain are bought and stored here. There are 4 
 stores, 3 taverns, several mechanics, 3 storehouses for grain, an 
 extensive lumber-yard, an academy, a Reformed Dutch church, and 
 about 45 dwellings. The church, built in 1828 on the site of a for- 
 mer one, is a handsome edifice of wood, painted white, with a spire, 
 and partially surrounded by a grove of towering Lombardy poplars. 
 Millstone was early settled, and it is supposed that the church was 
 founded as early as 1720. It was, with that of North Branch and 
 Raritan, under the pastoral charge of the Rev. Theodorus J. Pre 
 linghuysen. The oldest record existing of an election for elders 
 and deacons, is for the year 1751 : they were Simon Van Arsdale, 
 L. Dorlant, John Wyckoff, elders ; Isaac Van Nuyse, Jacob Van 
 Arsdalen, and William Williamson. 
 
 The first courthouse in Somerset co. stood about 12 rods W. of 
 the old bridge in Millstone. In the latter part of Nov. 1779, a 
 party of British troops, under Lieut. Col. Simcoe, of the Queen's 
 American Rangers, landed near Amboy, from New York, and pro- 
 ceeded thence into this county, burnt some stores at Bound Brook, 
 18 boats at Van Veghten's bridge, the church at Raritan, and the 
 courthouse at this place. On their return, they were attacked by 
 a party of Americans in the vicinity of New Brunswick. Col. 
 Simcoe's horse was shot near De Mot's tavern, about 2 miles west 
 from that city, and both horse and rider came to the ground. A 
 militiaman was in the act of piercing Simcoe through the body, 
 when his bayonet was knocked up by James Schureman, (see page 
 313,) and he was taken prisoner. Among their pursuers was Capt. 
 G. P. Voorhies, of the 1st Jersey regiment, a very brave man, who 
 having, in his ardor, got ahead of his comrades, the enemy turned 
 upon him. In attempting to leap a fence on George's road, at the 
 end of the town lane, a mile SW. of New Brunswick, his horse 
 caugh,t and hung on the rails. The British, on coming up, hacked 
 him terribly with their swords, and he was brought into the town 
 by his comrades, on a feather bed, groaning and senseless : he died 
 in a few hours. The militia in pursuit killed three, and took six 
 prisoners, ere the enemy arrived at South Amboy ; and had not 
 their retreat been covered by a large body of troops, who landed 
 
456 SOMERSET COUNTY. 
 
 from ships previous to their embarkation, the whole of them would 
 have fallen into their hands. Dr. Ryker, Mr. John Polhemus, with 
 several others, were made prisoners by the covering party of the 
 enemy. 
 
 The following is Lieut. Col. Simcoe's account of this- expedition, 
 as given in his Military Journal : 
 
 On the 25th of October, by 8 o'clock at night, the detachment, which had 
 been detailed, marched to Billop's Point, where they were to embark. That 
 the enterprise might be effectually concealed, Lt. Col. Simcoe described a 
 man, as a rebel spy, to be on the island, and endeavoring to escape to New 
 Jersey : a great reward was offered for taking him, and the militia of the 
 island were watching all the places where it Avas possible for any man to 
 go from, in order to apprehend him. The batteaux and boats, which were 
 appointed to be at Billop's Point so as to pass the whole over by twelve 
 o'clock at night, did not arrive till three o'clock in the morning. No time 
 was lost. The infantry of the Queen's Rangers were landed : they am- 
 buscaded every avenue to the town. The cavalry followed as fast as pos- 
 sible. As soon as it was formed, Lt. Col. Simcoe called together the offi- 
 cers : he told them of his plan, — " that he meant to burn the boats at Van 
 Vacter's bridge, and, crossing the Raritan at Hillsborough, to return by the 
 road to Brunswick, and, making a circuit to avoid that place as soon as he 
 came near it, to discover himself when beyond it, on the heights where the 
 Grenadier Redoubt stood while the British troops were cantoned there, and 
 where the Queen's Rangers afterward had been encamped ; and to entice 
 the militia, if possible, to follow him into an ambuscade which the infantry 
 would lay for them at South river bridge." Maj. Armstrong was instructed 
 to re-embark as soon as the cavalry marched, and to land on the opposite 
 side of the Raritan, at South Amboy. He was then, with the utmost dis- 
 patch and silence, to proceed to South river bridge, 6 m. from South Am- 
 boy, where he was to ambuscade himself, without passing the bridge or 
 taking it up. A smaller creek falls into this river on the South Amboy 
 side : into the peninsula formed by these streams, Lieut. Col. Simcoe hoped 
 to allure the Jersey militia. In case of accident, Maj. Armstrong was de- 
 sired to give credit to any messenger who should give him the parole of l 
 " Clinton and Montrose." It was daybreak before the cavalry left Amboy. 
 The procuring of guides had been by Sir Henry Clinton intrusted to Briga- 
 dier Skinner : he either did not or could not obtain them ; for but one was 
 found who knew perfectly the crossroad he meant to take, to avoid the main 
 road from Somerset-courthouse, or Hillsborough, to Brunswick. Capt. 
 Sandford formed the advance guard, the Huzzars followed, and Stuart's 
 men 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 excuses when, in the American 
 idiom for courtship, he said " he had only been sparking," but sent him to 
 the rear guard, who, being Americans, easily comprehended their instruc- 
 tions, and kept up the justice's belief that the party was a detachment from 
 Washington's army. Many plantations were now passed by, the inhabit- 
 ants of which were up, and whom the party accosted with friendly saluta- 
 tions. At Quibbletown, Lieut. Col. Simcoe had just quitted the advance 
 guard to speak to Lieut. Stuart, 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. Sandford did not see them till he 
 
SOMERSET COUNTY. 457 
 
 had passed by, when, checking his horse to give notice, the huzzars were 
 reduced to a momentary halt opposite 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 
 were afraid to discover some thousand 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 assembling around, " that a party of Tories had made their escape 
 from Sullivan's army, and were trying to get into Staten Island, as Iliff 
 (who had been defeated near this very spot, taken, and executed) had for- 
 merly done ; and that he was sent to intercept them." The sight of Justice 
 Crow would, probably, have aided in deceiving the inhabitants ; but, unfor- 
 tunately, a man personally knew Lieut. Col. Simcoe, and an express was 
 sent to Gov. Livingston, then at Brunswick, as soon as the party marched. 
 It was now conducted by a country lad whom they fell in with, and to whom 
 Capt. Sandford (being dressed in red, and without his cloak) had been intro- 
 duced as a Freruch 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 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 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 im- 
 practicable to do so, — they not being joined in ranges, nor built of very 
 combustible materials. He proceeded without delay to Bound Brook, from 
 whence he intended to carry off Col. Moyland ; but he was not at Mr. Van- 
 horn's. Two officers who had been ill were there : their paroles were 
 taken, and they were ordered to mark " sick quarters" over the room door 
 they inhabited, which was done ; and Mr. Vanhorn 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 H. Clinton was in full march for Morristovvn, with the army. 
 The party proceeded to Van Vacter's bridge. Lieut. Col. Simcoe found 18 
 new flat-boats, upon carriages : they were full of water. He was deter- 
 mined effectually to destroy them. Combustibles had been applied for, and 
 he received, in consequence, a few port-fires : every huzzar 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 employed in this business. The country began to assemble in their 
 rear ; and, as Lieuf. 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. This house, with a magazine of forage, 
 was now consumed, — the commissary and his people being made prisoners. 
 The party proceeded to Somerset Courthouse, or Hillsborough. Lieut. Col. 
 Simcoe told the prisoners not to be alarmed, that he would give them their 
 paroles before he left the Jerseys ; but he could not help heavily lament- 
 ing to the officers with him, the sinister events which prevented him from 
 being at Van Vacter's bridge some hours sooner, — as it would have been 
 very feasible to have drawn off the flat-boats to the South river, instead of 
 destroying them. He proceeded to Somerset Courthouse. Three loyalists, 
 
 58 
 
458 SOMERSET COUNTY. 
 
 who were prisoners there, were liberated. One of them was a dreadful 
 spectacle : he appeared to have been almost starved, and was chained to 
 the floor. The soldiers wished, and it was permitted, to burn the court- 
 house. It was unconnected with any other building, and, by its flames, 
 showed on which side of the Raritan he was, and would, most probably, 
 operate to assemble the neighborhood of Brunswick at its bridge, to prevent 
 him from returning by that road. The party proceeded toward Brunswick. 
 Alarm guns were now heard, and some shots were fired at the rear, — par- 
 ticularly by one person, who, as it afterward appeared, (being out a shoot- 
 ing, and hearing of the incursion,) had sent word to Gov. Livingston, who 
 was at Brunswick, that he would follow the party at a distance, and every 
 now 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 thoy fired 
 another shot, he would burn every house which he passed." A manor 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 
 Princetown 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 acquainted* with every ad- 
 vantage 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 the front. He imme-. 
 diately galloped thither ; and he sent back Wright, his orderly sergeant, to 
 acquaint Caj)!. Sandford "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 narrow 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 Huzzars, determining to pass through this 
 opening, so as to avoid every ambuscade that might be laid for him, or at- 
 tack, upon more equal terms. Col. Lee, (whom he understood to be in the 
 neighborhood, and apprehended 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 enemy, his horse being killed with five bullets, and himself stunned 
 by the violence of his fall. 
 
 Col. Lee, the celebrated commandant of the Virginia Lighthorse, 
 thus speaks, in his memoirs, of the skill displayed in this affair : 
 
 This enterprise was considered, by both armies, among the handsomest 
 exploits of the war. Simcoe executed completely his object, (then deemed 
 very important,) and traversed the country from Elizabethtown Point to 
 South Amboy, .'j.'j miles, in the course of the night and morning, — passing 
 through a most hostile region of armed citizens — necessarily skirting Bruns- 
 wick, a military station — proceeding not more than 8 or 9 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 fa- 
 tigue. What is very extraordinary, Lieut. Col. Simcoe, being obliged to 
 feed once in the course of the night, stopped at a depot of forage collected 
 for the continental army, assumed the character of Lee's cavalry, waked 
 
SOMERSET COUNTY. 
 
 459 
 
 up the commissary aoout midnight, drew the customary allowance of forage, 
 and gave the usual vouchers, signing the name of the legion quarter-master, 
 without being discovered by the American forage commissary or his assist- 
 ants. The dress of both corps was the same — green coatees and leather 
 breeches ; yet the success of the stratagem was astonishing. 
 
 The Frelinghuysen Mansion. 
 
 The above is a view of the mansion in Millstone, which was the 
 rwiidence of the late Hon. Frederick Frelinghuysen. It was acci- 
 dentally destroyed by fire a few months after the drawing was taken 
 for this work. The annexed biographical sketch was furnished by 
 a friend. It is very brief, and by no means does justice to the sub- 
 ject of it ; but it is the best that could be obtained at this late day, 
 as all his cotemporaries, those who knew much of his revolutionary 
 history, are no more. 
 
 Frederick Frelinghuysen was born on the 13th April, 1753, and 
 died 13th April, 1804, aged 51 years. When only 22 years old, and 
 in 1775, he was sent by New Jersey to the continental congress; 
 which place be resigned* in 1777. He was next a captain of a corps 
 
 * The followinjr is a copy of a letter from Mr. Frelinghuysen to the speaker of the 
 House of Assembly of New Jersey, giving his reasons for not wishing to serve any longei 
 in Congres-'. It is full of the spirit of '76, patriotic and unassuming. 
 
 Sir : Agreeable to the appointment of the legislature, I repaired to Philadelphia in 
 
 the month of January last, and have since that time attended Congress until the public 
 business intrusted to my care in the county of Somerset rendered my absence unavoid- 
 able. 
 
 It is nee('less for me to remind the honorable legislature, that I did with great reluc- 
 tance accept of the appointment of a delegate for this state in Congress. I was then 
 sufficiently sensible that the trust was too important for my years and abilities. I am 
 now fully convinced that I should do injustice to my country did I not decline that 
 service. 
 
 In doing this I am conscious to myself that I am merely actuated by motives for the 
 public good, well knowing that whatever may be my abilities, they will be useless to the 
 state in the supreme council of the nation, and that the other appointment with which 
 the legislature of New Jersey have been pleased to honor mc in the county of Somerset, 
 is more than sufficient to employ my whole attention. 
 
 I might add some other circumstances which render my situation here peculiarly 
 disagreeable, but I fear the evils which might arise from my opening myself on this sub- 
 ject, would more than counterbalance any good it might probably answer. I trust, how- 
 
460 SOMERSET COUNTY. 
 
 of artiller}^, a volunteer company to the congress, for one year. He 
 was at the battles of Trenton and Monmouth. He afterward ac- 
 tively engaged in the war as a colonel in the militia of his native 
 county of Somerset. In 1793, after repeatedly receiving the testi- 
 monials of public confidence in various state and county offices, he 
 was chosen to a seat in the Senate of the United States, and contin- 
 ued in that station until domestic bereavements, and the claims of 
 his family, constrained him to resign in 1796. In the western ebc- 
 pedition, he was selected by the commander-in-chief to the com- 
 mand as major-general of the New Jersey and Pennsylvania troops. 
 He stood among the first at the bar of New Jersey, as a civilian. 
 He died beloved and lamented by his country and friends, and left 
 for his children the rich legacy of a life unsullied by a stain, and 
 that had abounded in benevolence and usefulness. He was the son 
 of the Rev. Mr. John Frelinghuysen, who had died many years be- 
 fore him, and who was, with four brothers, all ministers of the gos- 
 pel, the descendant of the Rev. Theodorus J. Frelinghuysen, a de- 
 voted minister, who came last from Holland in 1720, and preached 
 the gospel in the counties of Somerset, Middlesex, and Hunterdon, 
 in the state of New Jersey. His labors were greatly blessed to the 
 conversion of many souls to God. His son John was settled at 
 Raritan in New Jersey ; his son Theodorus at Albany in New York. 
 The other three sons died soon after they had entered upon their 
 ministry. Gen. Frelinghuysen left three sons, John, Frederick, and 
 Theodore, of whom only the last-named survives, and is now the 
 chancellor of the University of New York. 
 
 The following epitaph is copied from a monument in the family 
 burying-ground near Millstone : 
 
 Entombed beneath this stone lie the remains of the Honorable Frederick Freling- 
 HiTi-SEN, Esq., Major-General of the military forces, and Representative in the General 
 Assembly of this his native state. Endowed by nature with superior talents, he was be- 
 loved by his country. From his youth he was intrusted with her most important con 
 cerns. Until his death, he never disappointed her hopes. At the bar he was eloqueni 
 in the Senate he was wise, in the field he was brave. Candid, generous, and just, he 
 was ardent in his friendships, constant to his friends. The patron and protector of hon- 
 orable merit, he gave his lumd to the young, his counsel to the middle aged, his support 
 to him who was feeble in years. To perpetuate his memory his children have raised 
 
 ever, the representatives from New Jersey will not think it impertinent in one who has 
 faithfully endeavored to serve his country to declare to them, that the interests of Amer- 
 ica loudly call on them for extraordinary vigilance. 
 
 I shall say nothing respecting the amazing expense of attending at Congress, and my 
 inability to support it ; I am determined not to complain until the last farthing of my 
 little fortune is spent in the service of my country, and then perhaps I shall have the 
 consolation to see poverty esteemed as the characteristic of an honest man. 
 
 I conclude with observing, I am particularly moved to wish for a release from the ap- 
 pointment, as it has been hinted to me that my colleague, Mr. Fell, is exceedingly un- 
 easy that he is so often left alone to manage the weighty alTairs of state, and that^'he has 
 even expressed himself with warmth and temper on the subject in his letters to the legis- 
 lature. I shall only say. that I am ready at all times to give an account of my conduct 
 to those who appointed me. 
 
 I trust the legislature will take into consideration and gratify my request, of being ex 
 cased from further attendance at Congress. 
 
 I am, sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, 
 
 The Hon. Caleb Camp, Esq. FRED. FRELINGHUYSEN. 
 
SOMERSET COUNTY 4C1 
 
 this monument, a frail memorial of theii veneration for his virtues, and of tiieir grief for 
 the loss of so excellent a father. He died on the 13th of April, 1804, aged 51 years 
 
 MONTGOMERY. 
 
 This township is about 8 miles long, 5 wide, and is bounded N. 
 by Hillsborough, S. by Princeton, Mercer co., E. by Franklin, and 
 W. by Hopewell, Mercer co. The soil is fertile, and surface on the 
 S. and NW. hilly? elsewhere generally undulating. There are in 
 Montgomery 7 stores, 1 fulling-m., 1 woollen-fac, 1 tannery, 3 
 grist-m.. 3 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $5,800 ; 7 schools, 212 scho- 
 lars. Pop. 1 694.inl865 
 
 Harlingen is a pleasant village, 9 miles from Somerville, and 8 
 from Princeton ; it contains 2 stores, a tavern, several mechanic 
 shops, about 20 dwellings, and a Reformed Dutch church, in which 
 worship a large congregation. Blawenburg contains a store, 
 about 12 dwellings, and a Reformed Dutch church. Stoutsberg, 
 partly in Hopewell township, contains 1 store and 8 or 10 dwell- 
 ings. Rocky Hill, on the Millstone river and Delaware and Rari- 
 tan canal, 14 miles from Somerville and 4 from Princeton, contains a 
 store, tavern, a grist, a saw and a fulling mill, and about 20 dwellings. 
 
 General Washington wrote his farewell address to the American 
 army, Nov. 2, 1783, at a dwelling now standing in Rocky Hill, at 
 that time the residence of Judge Berrian. Congress was then in 
 session at Princeton, and the President addressed him in a com- 
 plimentary manner. The following remarks are extracted from 
 Sparks' Life of Washington. 
 
 To this address Washington replied in the presence of Congress, and then retired. 
 A house was provided for him at Rocky Hill, where he resided, holding conference from 
 time to time with committees and members of Congress, and giving counsel on such 
 subjects as were referred to his consideration. 
 
 A. large part of the officers and soldiers had been permitted during the summer to 
 retire from the army on furlough, and Congress issued a proclamation on the 18th of 
 October, discharging them from further service, and all others who had been engaged to 
 serve during the war. The army was thus in efTect disbanded. A small force only 
 was retained, consisting of such troops as had been enlisted for a definite time, till the 
 peace establishment should be organized. 
 
 This proclamation was followed by Washington's farewell address to the army, a 
 performance not less admirable in its principles and objects than his circular to the 
 States. To his cordial and affectionate thanks for the dcvotedncss of the officers and 
 soldiers to him through the war, and for the manner in which tlicy had discharged their 
 duty, he adds seasonable advice as to their conduct in rcsuuiing the character of private 
 citizens, and in contributing to the support of civil government. ' Let it be known and 
 remembered,' said he, ' that the reputation of the federal armies is established, beyond 
 the reach of malevolence ; and let the consciousness of their achievements and fame 
 still incite the men who composed them to honorable actions ; under the persuasion that 
 the private virtues of economy, prudence, and industry', will not be less amiable in civil 
 life, than the more splendid qualities of valor, perseverance, and enterprise, were in the 
 field. Every one may rest assured, that much, very much of the future happiness of 
 the officers and men will depend upon the wise and manly conduct whicli shall be 
 adopted by them, when they are mingled with the great body of the community. And 
 although the General has so frequently given it as his opinion in the most public and 
 expUcit manner, that unless the principles of the Federal Government were properly 
 supported, and the powers of the Union increased, the honor, dignity, and justice of the 
 nation would be lost forever ; yet he caimot help repeating, on this occasion, so inter- 
 
462 SOMERSET COUNTY 
 
 csting a sentiment, and leaving as his last injunction to every officer and every soldier 
 who may view the subject in the same serious point of light, to add his best endeavors 
 to those of his worthy fellow-citizens toward effecting these great and valuable purposes, 
 on which our very existence as a nation so materially depends.' 
 
 It was at this period that Dunlap, the painter, then a mere youth, 
 was a guest of Mr. Van Home, a gentleman then residing in this 
 vicinity. He has left us some interesting reminiscences of Wash- 
 ington, which are given with great simplicity and naturalness. 
 He says : 
 
 Before I left Princeton for Rocky-hill, I saw, for the first time, the man of whom all 
 men spoke — whom all wished to see. It was accidental. It was a picture. No painter 
 could have grouped a company of military horsemen better, or selected a background 
 better suited for effect. As I walked on the road leading from Princeton to Trenton, 
 alone, for I ever loved solitary rambles, ascending a hill, suddenly appeared a brilliant 
 troop of cavaliers, mounting and gaining the summit in my front. The clear autumnal 
 sky behind them equally relieved the dark blue uniforms, the buff facings, and glittering 
 military appendages. AH were gallantly mounted — all were tall and graceful, but one 
 towered above tiie rest, and I doubted not an instant that I saw the beloved hero. I lifted 
 my hat as I saw that his eye was turned to me, and instantly every hat was raised and 
 every eye was fixed on me. They passed on, and I turned and gazed as at a passing 
 vision. I had seen him. Although all my life used to tlie " pride, pomp, and circum- 
 stance of glorious war" — to tlie gay and gallant Englislimen, tlie tartan'd Scott, and 
 the embroidered German of every military grade ; I still think the old blue and buff of 
 Washington and his aids, their cocked hats worn side-long, with the union cockade, 
 their whole equipment as seen at that moment, was the most martial of any thing I 
 ever saw. 
 
 A few days after this incident I took up my abode at Mr. John Van Home's, by invi- 
 tation, witliin a short distance of the head-quarters of the commander-in-chief. He fre- 
 quently called, when returning from his ride, and passed an hour with Mrs. Van Home 
 and tlie ladies of the family, or with the farmer, if at home. I was of course introduced 
 to him. I had brought with me materials for crayon painting, and commenced the por- 
 traits of Mr. and Mrs. Van Home ; tlicse were admired far beyond their merits, and 
 shown to all visitors. I had with me a flute and some music books. One morning as I 
 copied notes and tried them, the general and his suite passed through the hall, and I 
 heard him say, " The love of music and painting are frequently found united in the same 
 person." The remark is common-place, but it was delightful to me at the time. 
 
 The assertion that this great man never laughed, must have arisen from his habitual, 
 perhaps his natural reservedness. He had from early youth been conversant witli jjublic 
 men and employed in public affairs — in affairs of life and death. He was not an austere 
 man cither in appearance or manners, but was unaflcctedly dignified and habitually polite. 
 But I remember, during my opportunity of observing his deportment, two instances of 
 unrestrained laughter. The first and most moderate was at a hon mot, or anecdote from 
 Judge Peters, then a member of congress, and dining with the general ; the second was on 
 witnessing a scene in front of Mr. Van Home's house, which was, as I recollect it, suffi 
 ciently laugh-provoking. Mr. John Van Home was a man of uncommon size and strength 
 and bulky withal. His hospitable board required, that day, as it often did, a roasting pig 
 in addition to the many other substantial dishes which a succession of guests, civil and 
 military, put in requisition. A black boy had been ordered to catch the young j)orker, 
 and was in full but unavailing chase, when the master and myself arrived from a walk. 
 " Pooh ! you awkward cur," said the good-natured yeoman, as he directed Cato or Plato 
 (for all the slaves were heathen philosophers in those days) to exert his limbs — but all in 
 vain — the pig did not choose to be conked. " Stand away," said Van Home, and throw- 
 ing off his coat and hat, he undertook the chase, determined to run down the pig. His 
 guests and his negroes stood laughing at his exertions and the pig's manifold escapes. 
 Shouts and lauijhter at length proclaimed the success of the cfidssciu; and while he held 
 the pig up in triumph, the big drops coursing each other from forehead to chin, over his 
 mahogany face, glowing with the effect of exercise, amidst the squealing of the victim, 
 the stentorian voice of Van Home was lieard, " I II show you hoin to run doicii a pig.'" 
 and, as he spoke, he looked up in the face of Washington, who, with his suite, had trotted 
 their horses into the court-yard unheard amidst the din of the chase and the shouts of 
 triumphant success. The ludicrous expression of surprise at being so caught, with his 
 
SUSSEX COUNTY. 463 
 
 attempts to speak to his heroic visitor, while the pig redoubled his efforts to escape by 
 kicking and squeaking, produced as hearty a burst of laughter from the dignified Wash- 
 ington, as any that shook the sides of the most vulgar spectator of the scene. 
 
 WARREN. 
 
 Warren was formed from Bedminster and Bernard in 1806. It 
 IS centrally distant NE. from Somerville 7 miles ; and is about 8 
 miles long by 4 wide. It is bounded NW. by Morris, Morris co., 
 and Bernard ; SE. by Piscataway, Middlesex co., and Westfield, 
 Essex CO. ; E. by New Providence and Westfield. Essex co., and 
 W. by Bridgewater and Bernard. Pop. 3,842. This township is 
 mountainous. A range of mountains runs through it in an east- 
 erly direction, enclosing a long fertile valley known as Washing- 
 ton's Valley. In the winter of 1778-9, a part of Washington's 
 army, then in a suffering condition, encamped there. The head- 
 quarters were then at Middlebrook. There are now to be seen 
 remains of the log huts, built by the soldiers on the lands of Isaac 
 Bolmar and John Martin. On a mountain in the SE. part of the 
 township, near the line of Westfield, is a noted rock, known as 
 Washington's Rock, described on page 201 of this volume. 
 
 SUSSEX COUNTY. 
 
 Sussex is the NW. county of the state. It was form.ed from Mor- 
 ris county in 1753. In 1824, its limits were reduced by the erection 
 of Warren county from its southern portion. It is 27 miles long, 
 and 21 broad. It is bounded northerly by Orange co., New York : 
 easterly by Passaic and Morris cos. ; southerly by Warren co., and 
 westerly by Delaware river. The central portion of the county is 
 generally level or undulating. The Blue mountains run through 
 the western part, and the Wawayanda and Hamburg mountains 
 are in the NE. part of the county. The SE. portion is also moun- 
 tainous. The county is watered by the Paulinskill, J'equest, Flat- 
 kill, Wallkill, and other smaller streams. There are in the county 
 many small ponds, some of which are on the summits of the moun- 
 tains. Several of them are called the White Ponds, from the fact 
 of their shores and bottoms being covered with small white shells. 
 Sussex county is one of the most interesting mineral tracts in the 
 world. Iron ore and zinc are found in the mountains of the east, 
 and marble and many rare minerals exist in the county. A large 
 amount of capital is invested in the iron manufacture. This also 
 is one of the best agricultural districts in the state. The principal 
 products are wheat, corn, and particularly butter, of which large 
 quantities are sent to the New York market. The county is divi- 
 
■164: SUSSEX COUNTY. 
 
 ded into tlie followships. Several of them were formed into pre- 
 cincts as early as 1754. 
 
 Andover, Hampton, Sandiston, Walpack, 
 
 Byi-am, Lafayette, Sparta, Wantage. 
 
 Frankford, Montague, Stillwater, 
 
 Hardiston, Newton, Vernon, 
 
 Tlie population of Sussex Co. in 1820 was 16,617; in 1865, it 
 was 23,929. 
 
 BYRAM. 
 
 This township is 1 1 miles long, breadth across its southern end, 
 7 miles ; bounded on the E. by Hardistown and Jefferson, Morris 
 CO. ; S. by Roxbury, Morris cc, and westerly by Newton and Green. 
 The surface is mountainous, and the township is rich in iron, and 
 abounds in rare minerals. There are 4 stores, 4 forges, 2 grist and 
 5 saw m. ; cap. in manufac. $34,360 ; 8 schools, 224 scholars. Pop. 
 in 18(^5, 1,406. 
 
 Stanhope, 1 1 miles S. of Newton, on the county line, and on the 
 Morris canal, is a village containing 50 or 60 dwellings, where the 
 manufacture of iron has been extensively carried on. Waterloo, 
 Ibrmerly called Andover Forge, is on the line of the Morris canal, 
 and contains a forge, a store, a grist and saw mill, and about 15 
 dwellings. 
 
 FRANKFORD. 
 
 • Frankford has an average length of 9, with a width of 5 miles. 
 It is bounded N. by Wantage, E. by Hardiston, S. by Newton, and 
 W. by Sandiston. The northwestern part of the township is gen- 
 erally uneven and stony, but is very productive. The southeastern 
 part is more level, abounding in limestone. The soil throughout 
 the township is very fertile, and well adapted to the growth of 
 corn, wheat, rye, buckwheat, oats, potatoes, &c. The attention of 
 the farmers for the last several years has been particularly directed 
 to the making of butter, which is the leading item of the produce 
 sent to market. They send also to market (New York city) large 
 quantities of pork ancl flour. About two miles SE. of the village 
 of Branchville, on a farm recently owned by William A. Gustin, 
 Esq., a quarry of marble was discovered a few years since. It has 
 Deen pronounced by competent judges a good article. It is of the 
 green serpentine order, and some of the specimens are very beauti 
 ful. The quarry is supposed to be very extensive, but has not yet 
 been opened to any considerable extent. 
 
 Culver's Gap is a pass through the Blue mountains, over which 
 runs the stage-road irom Newton to Milford, on the Pennsylvania 
 side of the Delaware. There are in the township 5 stores, 1 forge, 
 
SUSSEX COUNTY. 
 
 465 
 
 1 furnace, 6 grist, 8 saw m.; cap. in manufac. $45,405; 13 schools. 
 307 scholars. Pop. 2,410. ial865, 1,801. . 
 
 f^^^ti '^''^^iml&lm. 
 
 
 OJI^' 
 
 Central View in Branchville. 
 
 Branchville is on the road from Newton to Milford, 7 miles NW. 
 oi the former, and also on a branch of the Paulinskill, which empties 
 into the main stream about one and a half miles south of the village. 
 It is formed by the outlets of Culver's and Long ponds, two beautiful 
 sheets of water in the western part of the township, and afiords 
 fine facilities for manufacturing, there being a fall of about 300 feet 
 in two miles. Branchville was originally settled in 1690, by Wil- 
 •liam Beemer, but nearly all the buildings have been erected since 
 1830. It contains 4 stores, an academy, a free church, 3 grist and 
 2 saw m., 2 taverns, 1 cloth-dyeing and dressing establishment. 1 
 carriage manufactory, 1 harness and 2 cabinet makers, 2 black- 
 smiths. 2 weavers, 1 cooper, 32 dwellings, and about 200 inhabit- 
 ants. Augusta, two miles E. of Branchville, contains a Presbyte- 
 rian church, and 15 or 20 dwellings. Coursenville, 4 miles N. of 
 Augusta, contains a store, a grist-mill, and a few dwellings. 
 
 For the following communication relating to the township, the 
 compilers are indebted to a gentleman now residing in Branchville. 
 
 There are several places in this township which show evident 
 traces of having been once inhabited by Indians, though they had 
 entirely evacuated it prior to the establishment of any permanent 
 settlement by the whites. The first white settlers came principally 
 from Connecticut, and located themselves in the southeastern part 
 of the township, about the year 1700. Among the earliest settlers 
 were Isaac Colt, Robert Price, and John Gustin. There were also 
 several German families who settled here at about the same time. 
 Among them was Isaac and John Dewitt, and William Beemer. 
 
 Robert Price, one of the first settlers above named, when a small 
 boy, was taken a prisoner by the Indians at one of the massacres 
 in the eastern states. He and his mother were both marched off 
 
 59 
 
406 ^^rj.^. i.uuJVTY. 
 
 together, and she being somewhat conversant with the language of 
 the savages, soon learned from their conversation and gestures that 
 she was herself to be dispatched, and immediately communicated 
 the intelligence to her son. tShe told him that he must not cry 
 when they killed her, or they would kill him too. She marched 
 only a few rods further before she was killed, and the boy was 
 eventually adopted by one of the squaws as her child, she having 
 lost her own a few days previous. He lived with the Indians until 
 he was over 21 years old, and was then rescued by his friends. It 
 was a long time before he became thoroughly reconciled to civil- 
 ized society, and he sometimes expressed a desire to return to the 
 Indians, but the feeling gradually wore away. Several years after 
 his release, he removed to this township. 
 
 Some years since there resided in the northern part of this township a certain Mr. C, 
 more i'ainiliarly known among his acquaintances as " Uncle Philip." He was of Ger- 
 man descent, and his fatlier was among the earliest settlers of the township. Unflc 
 Philip, take him all in all, was no doubt the most singular specimen of human nature 
 the township ever produced. He was an implicit believer in witchcraft, ghosts, hobgoblins, 
 or any other creature of superstition of which he ever heard. No story, however marvel- 
 lous or improbable, could stagger his credulity, except that of the world's turning round 
 upon its own a.\is. This he hooted at as preposterous and imjjossible, a mere specula- 
 tion of bookish men ; and nothing did Uncle Philip hold in more sovereign contempt than 
 all " IhioI,- laritiiiir." But it is not strange that Uncle Philip discarded the Newtonian 
 system — he had a system of his own. He believed there were " more things in heaven 
 and earth" than such philosophers ever " dreamed of," and that the art of magic was 
 indispensable to the development of truths pertaining to the material or immaterial 
 world. 
 
 His perpetual brooding over dark mysterious subjects aided in giving a countenance, 
 naturally far from prepossessing, a still more wild and unnatural expression. An artist, 
 desiring to personily superstition, could not have chosen a better model. His long lank 
 form, bent and misshapen — his swarthy, lantern^awed, unshaven visage — dark shaggy 
 brows — a deep-set, wild and wandering eye, which scenjed ever and anon looking out fur 
 spectres — and then Iiis costume, constructed with utter disregard to fashion, set ofF with 
 a cap of colossal proportions, rudely fashioned from tiie skin of some hairy uncouth 
 animal, ornamented with its long bushy tail dangling over his shoulders — the whole form- 
 ing as grotesque and singular an outline as the wildest imagination could conceive. And 
 his manners were (juite as eccentric as his external appearance. 
 
 He seemed to regard almost every person with distrust, suspecting them of being 
 .eagued with witches and evil spirits against himself. Whenever he started upon a 
 hunting excursion, he studiously avoided all contact with any person, fearing, as he said, 
 that they would put a spell upon his gun ; and if, despite all his efforts to avoid it, he 
 should meet any person whom he deemed at all suspicious, he would give up his hunt in 
 despair. Near the close of his life, liowever, he discovered a composition which lie re- 
 garded as an infallible remedy for those evils. A very small quantity of this composi- 
 tion stored away in his pocket, afforded, as he believed, perfect immunity from all the 
 spells and machinations of demons and witches combined. 
 
 Among his superstitious acquaintancca Uncle Philip was as completely sovereign, as 
 was the knight of the burning girdle among the sorcerers and magicians of FJgypt. H 
 there was a spell or a charm to be broken, a witch to be chastised, a demon to be exor- 
 cised, blood to be stopped, a burn to be cured, or any other extraordinary thing requiring 
 the aid of magic. Uncle Philip was the man. No case was sufficientl}* desperate or mys- 
 terious to resist the restoring influence of his potent wand, provided, always, that a suf- 
 ticient quantum of faith was exercised by the patient. All the troubles and misfortunes 
 he suffered were charged upon the witches. 
 
 IMany were the fantastic tricks played u\mn Uncle Philip by the mischievous youngsters 
 of the neighborhood upon the credit of the witches. They very unjustly subjected the old 
 man to frequent annoyances. Often would they " make night hideous" by surrounding hia 
 dwelling and serenading liini with horns, kettles, drums, bells, «Si:-c., merely that they 
 might hear Uncle Philip the next day tell how the witches had used him. He gave it 
 
SUSSEX COUNTY. 457 
 
 out that he could find stolen goods by dreaming out the spot where they were deposited ; 
 and often did lie, on attempting to begin his work in tiie morning, find his axe, his flail, or his 
 ox-yoke, or one of the wheels of his wagon among the missing, and after he had dreamed 
 over his loss for several days, and searched every nook and corner, his property would 
 come back to him. He once started from home upon a journey about sundown, intend- 
 ing to drive all night, and so he did ; but having fallen asleep during the night, he awoke 
 at day-break the next morning before his own door. Loudly did the old man berate the 
 evil spirits for this manceuvre, though ma<!iy suspected that another kind of spirits had 
 done the mischief. 
 
 Uncle Philip was a most inveterate star-gazer. By studying them minutely, he pro- 
 fessed to be enabled to foretell coming events, the state of the weather, &c. In order 
 to facilitate his heavenly studies, lie at one time erected a sort of scaffold, supported by 
 four posts sunk a few inches in tiie ground. On the top of this scaffold, he placed a 
 wooden trough of sufficient dimensions to contain his body. Here, stretched out upon 
 his back, he pursued his researches for several evenings uninterrupted, and was so highly 
 elated with the invention, that he could not be persuaded to relinquish it for his bed until 
 very late at night. All went on swimmingly with Uncle Philip, until on a certain eve- 
 ning, after his family had retired for rest, they were suddenly aroused by a terrible crash, 
 succeeded by several groans, and on running out, found Uncle Philip's scaffold flat upon 
 the ground, and himself making a pretty terrible ado among the ruins. He proved to be 
 pretty severely, though not dangerously, injured. The story of his disaster was soon 
 fold. A certain mischievous old sow that Uncle Philip had for some time suspected of 
 being bewitched, was rubbing herself against one of the posts that supported the scaf- 
 fold, which being but slightly fixed in the ground, gave way, and of course brought Uncle 
 Philip and his trough both suddenly upon terra Jirma. So suddenly did the account of 
 Uncle Philip's misfortune circulate for miles around him, and so general and universal 
 was the laugh enjoyed at his expense, that it completely cured him of his star-gazing 
 propensity, and he shunned the society of his neighbors for several months after the 
 event ; and until his death nothing could sooner cause a frown upon his countenance, 
 than any allusion to the stars. 
 
 GREEN. 
 
 Green was formed in 1824 from Hardwick and Independence, 
 Warren co. It is 6 miles long, with a width of from 2 to 4 miles, 
 being the smallest township in the county. It is bounded NE. by 
 Newton, SE. by Byram, SW. by Hardwick and Independence, 
 Warren co., and NW. by Stillwater. It has 2 grist-m., 1 saw-m. ; 
 cap. in manufac. $5,200 ; 5 schools, 110 scholars. Pop. 1,153. The 
 surface on the SE. is mountainous ; elsewhere, hilly or undulating. 
 The Pequest river runs through it, and there are several small 
 ponds scattered on its surface, among which are Grass, Hunt's, 
 and Reading ponds. Greenville, 7 miles south of Newton, is a 
 small village, containing about 20 dwellings. 
 
 H ARDISTON. 
 
 This township is nearly triangular in form : it measures across 
 its N. side 8i miles, its SE. 12^, and its W. 14 miles. It is bounded 
 northerly by Wantage and Vernon, SE. by West Milford, Passaic 
 CO., and Jefferson, Morris co., and W. by Byram, Newton, and 
 Frankford. The township contains 10 stores, 3 furnaces, G forges, 
 8 grist-m., 13 saw-m. ; cap. in manufac. $68,075 ; 15 schools, 403 
 scholars. Pop. 1,685. The Wallkill flows N. through the central 
 part of the township. A great portion of it is mountainous 
 
468 
 
 SUSSEX COUNTY. 
 
 The Hamburg or Wallkill mountains cover its eastern portion 
 and Pimple hill, a high eminence, is in the western part. The 
 township is considered one of the most interesting mineral tracts 
 in the Union. Inexhaustible quantities of iron ore and zinc exist 
 in the mountains on the east. There was in 1840 invested in the 
 iron business in this township a capital of $116,955. 
 
 View of Sparta. 
 
 The flourishing village of Sparta is on the Wallkill, near the 
 western line of Hardiston, 7 miles E. of Newton. The above view 
 was taken near the female seminary. The large building to the 
 left near the spectator is the Methodist church ; the spire of the 
 Presbyterian church appears in the distance. This is one of the 
 most pleasant villages in this part of the state. The dwellings 
 are neat, many of them ornamented with shade trees, and the sur- 
 rounding scenery is of a bold and picturesque character. It con- 
 tains 5 stores, an academy and a female seminary, 2 churches, 2] 
 taverns, 2 grist-m., 6 forges for making bar iron, an anchor-factory,! 
 a fulling and clothing factory, a variety of mechanics, and about 
 400 inhabitants, in 1865, 2.714. 
 
 The following notice of this village, written in Aug. 1843, is 
 from the Newark Daily Advertiser : — 
 
 This villagfc oi" classic name has indigenous merits. We have made it the place ofj 
 our summer rustication, and shall ever remember it with pleasure. It is with places as] 
 with heroes, many a one goes uncelebrated merely for want of a poet ; and the prescnci 
 of a Lycurgus is only wanted to render this modern Sparta more famous, as it is be- 
 yond question more picturesquely located, than its ancient namesake at the foot of I 
 Mount Taygctus. The " Daily" must serve the place of both lawgiver and poet, and^ 
 spread its fame abroad. 
 
 Nature here wears some of her most bewitching charms, and enterprise is fast adding 
 to the attrartions of art. Within a brief period the village has doubled in size. The 
 Wallkill, which rises near, (and which empties into the Hudson at Kingston,) with two 
 or three other never-failing streams, turn the wheels of 4 forges, 1 anchor-factory, I ful- 
 ling-m., 3 saw-m., 1 shingle-factory, and 2 flour-m. : and many valuable mill-seats yet 
 invite occupancy. One of the flfiur-niills is the largest in Sussex co., and is the pro- 
 perty of I\lr. Morris, a ritizon, and brother of the Mayor of New-York. Much may be 
 •aid, too, of the agrccablcness of this vicinity. It has, in addition to its unsur})an.sed 
 
SUSSEX COUNTY. 4G9 
 
 beauties of scenery, an ornament of which any rural town in our country might justly 
 be proud, in a well-conducted Female Seminary. The fitness of the location, the ele- 
 gance of the building, and the experience of the Principal, (Mrs. Dayton,) conjoin to 
 make it attractive to those who would have their daughters acquire health with learn- 
 ing. I am happy to find that Mrs. D. is not unknown to some of your citizens. The 
 edifice stands on high ground at the southern extreme of the valley in which Sparta 
 lies. For several miles is seen stretching up between beautiful hill-sides a charming 
 vale, its bosom studded witii living lakes and green clusters of trees. To see, is to be 
 delighted with the prospect. 
 
 From a clear summit near by may be seen Newton and Augusta, surrounded by the just 
 now blooming buckwheat hills of Sussex, and in the distance, though distinctly visible, 
 the Delaware Water Gap and tlie Wind Gap of the Delaware, the Turnpike Gap, (scarce- 
 ly less admirable,) between Newton and Milford, and the blue hills of Pennsylvania and 
 New York. At the base of the summit lies a lake of remarkable beauty. No part of 
 our country more abounds in beautiful lakes. Some of these are peculiar as containing 
 white shells ; and this reminds me of the mineralogical and geological interest of the 
 locality. Prof. Rogers, of Philadelphia, has made repeated visits, and Dr. Samuel 
 Fowler has enriched the cabinet of the college of New Jersey with a few thousand spe- 
 cimens gathered here. He has also favored the Female Seminary of the place in the 
 same way. 
 
 This is the only locality of zinc in our country. A rich vein extends 4 miles, as we 
 know by its out-croppings. Companies from Boston and New-York have made efforts 
 to purchase it, but European labor is too cheap to permit them to pay a price worth 
 naming, and work it. Should a rupture occur between Europe and America, or should 
 regulations be made in trade so that this mine can ever be worked, it will prove an im- 
 mense source of wealth to the possessors. 
 
 Reader, when you would escape from " Vanity Fair" to enjoy nature in her most lux- 
 uriant retirements, come to Sparta. It is one of her banqueting halls, where she keeps 
 lioliday the summer through. For the languid frame and the sick heart, tliere is no- 
 thing like the pure elastic air, the reviving atmosphere of these mountain solitudes, 
 where every breeze visits the senses as if laden with the renovating spirit of life. You 
 will here learn, too, what few seem to know, that the most charming parts of New Jer- 
 sey are the least frequented. 
 
 Ogdensburg, 3 miles N. of Sparta, contains 15 or 20 dwellings. 
 Franklin is about 5 miles N. of Sparta, and 1 1 from Newton. It 
 is a thriving place, where the iron manufacture is extensively car- 
 ried on. Large quantities of pig iron are made, hollow-ware, stoves, 
 &c. It contains 2 forges, a cupola and a blast furnace, a grist 
 and 2 saw mills, a neat Baptist church built of stone, and 36 
 dwellings. 
 
 MONTAGUE. 
 
 This township is situated upon the Delaware, in the NW. corner 
 of the state, centrally distant NW. from Newton 16 miles. It is 
 81 miles long, with an average width of 6 miles. It is bounded 
 N. by part of Orange cc, N. Y., E. by Wantage, S. by Sandiston, 
 and W. by the Delaware. There are 4 grist-m., 1 saw-m., 6 
 schools, 143 scholars. Pop. 1,013. The eastern part is mountain- 
 ous, being covered by the Blue mountains, the western and middle 
 portion level or undulating, and extremely fertile. It is well wa- 
 tered by numerous streams, and a fine bridge crosses the Delaware 
 below Milford, Pennsylvania. 
 
 The following account of an Indian incursion into Montague, in 
 the war of the revolution, was verbally communicated to the com- 
 pilers by a resident, the Hon. Isaac Bonnell. 
 
470 SUSSEX COUNTY. 
 
 One morning about daylight, a party of about 30 Indians crossed 
 the Delaware in canoes, and attacked a dwelling occupied by a 
 family by the name of Jobs,* where they killed and scalped three 
 young men of the family, and took the remainder prisoners. From 
 thence they crossed Shimer's brook, to the dwellingf of Capt. Abra- 
 ham ^^himer, about fifty rods north. The Captain, who was of 
 German extraction, and a very brave man, had with him 5 or 6 
 negroes ; and, as he had incurred the deadly hatred of the Indians, 
 his capture was the prominent object of their incursion. One or 
 two of the savages had entered the house, ere the inmates were 
 apprized of danger. The negroes instantly rushed upon them and 
 forced them out. The captain, at that time in bed, was alarmed 
 by his slaves. He immediately ordered the doors and windows of 
 the lower story to be barricaded, and stationed the negroes at 
 them armed with axes, while he, with the only gun in the house, 
 went up stairs, placed a feather-bed against the window, leaving 
 one pane of glass uncovered, through which he fired at the Indians. 
 They returned the fire, and one of their balls entered through the 
 same pane,J and grazed the captain's face. Shimer shot one of 
 them, breaking his thigh, and he was borne off by his companions. 
 A small fort, at that time occupied by militia, stood on the banks 
 of the Delaware. Tidings had been conveyed to them of the ap- 
 proach of the Indians ; but thinking it was false, they paid no at- 
 tention to it, until hearing the firing at Shimers, they came to the 
 rescue. A skirmish ensued, and the Indians retreated across the 
 Delaware, abandoning in their haste all their prisoners, among 
 whom was one of the captain's negroes. 
 
 A few days after, the same party attacked a house a few miles 
 N., belonging to Mr. Patterson. They captured that gentleman 
 and his two sons, one five and the other seven years of age, and 
 then returned to their country on the Niagara frontier. Mr. Pat- 
 terson, being carelessly guarded, had several opportunities of escap- 
 ing, but as he hoped to save his sons, he continued with them until 
 within one day's journey of their villages, where he knew a cruel 
 death awaited him. In the night, when the Indians were asleep, 
 he took two horses which they had taken from him, and escaj)ed. 
 The second day, being without food, he killed one of them. The 
 other, alarmed at the scent of blood, broke loose, and Mr. Patter- 
 son going in pursuit, not only lost him, but was unable to find the 
 spot where his slaughtered companion lay. In the course of this 
 day he heard the Indians yelling in pursuit. He however eluded 
 them, and travelled on by the sun for five days, without any Ibod 
 excepting buds and roots, and a snake and a toad he had killed. 
 when he arrived at the head- waters of the Susquehanna. There 
 
 * The dwelling now occupied by Joseph Westbrook. 
 
 t This house is at present the residence of Jacob Hornbcck. It is the first two-storj 
 house ever built in the township. 
 
 t This pane of glass remained in the window until the summer of 1842, when the 
 house was repaired. 
 
SUSSEX COUNTY. 
 
 471 
 
 he crooked a pin for a hook, and attaching it with a worm at the 
 end of a line made of the bark of slippery elm, caught five fish, 
 and ate them raw. This appeased his hunger, and gave him 
 strength to construct a rude raft, on which he floated down to the 
 Wyoming settlements, and from thence returned home. 
 
 The sons were adopted by the Indians, became domesticated 
 among them, and thoroughly savage in their habits. Elias, the 
 youngest, when a man, returned to this part of the country and 
 married, still retaining many of his Indian customs. Here he re- 
 sided until 1838, when he and his wife left for the Tuscarora re- 
 servation. 
 
 NEWTON. 
 
 Newton is about 13 m. long; breadth on the E. end 9 m., and 
 on the W. about 1 m. It is bounded N. by Frankford, E. by Har- 
 
 S. E. View of the Court House, the Clerk's and Surrogate's Offices in Newton, N. J. 
 
 diston, SE. by Byram, SW. by Green and Stillwater, and W. by 
 Sandiston. The central part is level, and on the 8E. and NW. 
 hilly. The townshir. is very fertile, and is watered by the Paulins- 
 kill and the Pequest. There are 5 grist-m., 7 saw-m ; cap. in 
 manufac. $91.3-.>.''> : 3 acad. 155 students; 5 schools, 537 scholars. 
 Pop. 3,857. ini8e<5,2,oro. 
 
 Newton, tne sear ot justice Tor Sussex co., is in the central part 
 of the township; 68 miles from Trenton, 5(5 from New York, 40 
 from Easton, and 98 from Philadelphia. It is pleasantly situated 
 in a beautiful amphitheatre of encircling hills, on ground gently 
 sloping to the NE. and E., and terminating in what is called the 
 " Bog Meadows," which in very foggy weather appear like a vast 
 expanded sheet of water, covering many hundred acres, and ex- 
 tending almost to Lafayette, a distance of nearly 5 miles, through 
 
472 
 
 SUSSEX COUNTY. 
 
 which, fed by numerous springs, runs one of the branches of the Paul- 
 inskill a stream originally known to the Indians by the singular cogno 
 men of the Tockhockoneteunk . 
 
 The foregoing view was taken in the principal business f •"•^ place 
 aim ti. central part shows the Court House. The Clerk and Surro- 
 gate's offices are in the building seen on the left, in a small park-like 
 enclosure opposite the Court House, shaded by trees. The cut on this 
 page is from a drawing of the ancien* Court House taken in 1842, 
 
 View of the ancient (hurt House in Niwton. 
 
 Newton is situated at the terminus of the Sussex RailVoad, and con- 
 tains besides the County buildings, 5 churches, an academy, 4 ])ublic, 
 and several select schools, 2 banks, 2 newspapers, the New Jersey 
 Herald and Sussex Register,* 14 stores, 12 groceries, 3 cabinet, 5 
 wagon and 4 harness makers, 6 blacksmiths, 4 tailoring establish, 
 ments, 8 milliners and 5 apothecaries. In the State census of 1865 
 the township of Newton contained 618 white males, 712 white fe- 
 males ; colored males, 9, females 19. The township is situated in the 
 center of a rich agricultural district, and is one of the most wealthy 
 and thriving villages in the State. Population 2,010. _ 
 
 The villajje of Ne\\i;on might have been better located a quarter 
 of a mile SW. of its present site, but for a mistake on the part of the 
 legislature. The act authorizing the building of a courthouse for 
 Sussex CO., passed in 17(51, required it to be erected within half a 
 mile of Henry llarolocker's house, th(!n the only dwelling within 
 
 * This newspaper was established in 1813, and is the oldest in what is now Warres 
 Land Sussex comities. 
 
SUSSEX COUNTY. 473 
 
 the limits of what is now Newton village. By that proviso, it be- 
 came necessary to build the courthouse where it now is, or in a 
 less favorable place : for Harelocker lived where Amos Petit now 
 resides. If it had been run out in any other direction, the location 
 would, owing to the unfavorable form of the ground, have been 
 still worse. As it was, it is slyly intimated that the 40 chains did 
 not quite reach the present site ; but inasmuch as it would have 
 been inappropriate to put his majesty's ofjiciiia justiticB exactly at 
 the foot of a hill, and precisely over a stream of water, three or 
 four chains were thrown in for good measure and the building placed 
 partly up the hill-side. A few other buildings were in a short time 
 put up in the neighborhood of Harelocker's plantation, and in 1765, 
 the unique courthouse, a massive stone building, devoid of orna- 
 ment, was finished. It faces the village green, at that time cov- 
 ered with woods, and, although somewhat dilapidated, promises to 
 last another generation. Previously, the village of Johnsonburg, 
 in the present limits of Warren co., was the seat of justice for the 
 county. It was then called " the log jail" from a jail there con- 
 structed of logs. Newton has gradually grown up since the con- 
 struction of this edifice, deriving its chief support from the agricul- 
 tural interests of the surrounding country. 
 
 What is now called Spring st., because it leads out from the village in the direction 
 of the Big Spring, was formerly called the Gallows Road, on account of a number 
 liaving been hung along that road. The two most frequently spoken of, on account of 
 the aggravated nature of their crimes, and the peculiarly hard circumstances attending 
 them, are Mary Cole and Peter Brakeman, — the former hung on the right hand side of 
 the road, just below Dr. Stuart's residence, by Sheriff Green, in 1811, in what is still 
 called the Mary Cole field. This wretched woman killed, or aided in killing, her ven- 
 erable mother, and concealing the body under the hearth. Her husband was privy to 
 the murder, and, as many believe, the prime mover in the fiendish plot, actuated by a 
 desire to get possession of his aged mothcr-in-hiw's property ; and that he got his igno- 
 rant wife, the partner of his guilt, wlicn detection was certain to overtake them, to as- 
 sume the unnatural act, — assuring her that they could not hang a woman. Soon after 
 the murder, they moved away ; and the family who went into the house, before long 
 smelt the putrefying body, and search disclosed the accursed deed. They lived about 
 a mile north of Lafayette, in the woods. He was acquitted. 'Tis said, that on seeing 
 her husband smile at the gallows, the poor woman said, " Ah ! I could tell something 
 that would change that smile into tears." 
 
 Peter Brakeman was hung further down, in a hollow near Moore's pond, by Sheriff 
 Darrah, in June, 1820, for n)urdering a pcdler by the name of Nichols, with whom he 
 had travelled from Montrose, Susquehanna co., Pcnn., in the character of a friend, but 
 evidently with the intention of taking his life from the first, to j)osscss him.self of three 
 or four hundred dollars, which he knew he had. They were seen in different i)laces to- 
 gether, prior to the murder, — stayed 2 or 3 days at Predmorc's tavern. Lower Lafayette, — 
 played the game of .'Jl, played cards, stopjied togetlier at Sparta, were seen in company 
 4 or 5 miles further on. After that, Brakeman stopjjcd alone at a tavern 2 miles still fur- 
 ther, (Woods])ort,) called for supper, but took some lunch and went on, not waiting for 
 the supper. They were bound for Philadel])hia. Shortly afterward, a boy going along 
 the turni)ikc after the cows, with a little dog, the dog ran into the woods by the roadside, 
 and, almost in plain sight, began to bark. The boy went to sec what he had got, — when 
 the body, shockingly mangled, met his view. A large knife, and an ugly club which 
 Brakeman carried, were found be.side the body. The club he cut in the beach woods, and 
 carried with the large end down. Some persons spoke to him about it, as a barbarous- 
 looking weapon : 'twas generally noticed. He was a large, stout man, over G feet high. 
 Went to Philadelphia, and back to Montrose, where, some time after, he was taken, in his 
 school-room. Shirt and stockings of the pedler were in his possession. 
 
 It made a great excitement at the time of his apprehension and trial. The body of 
 
 60 
 
474 
 
 SUSSEX COUNTY. 
 
 the pedler was disinterred, and taken into the courthouse, to see if ho would put his hanc 
 on it, — many thinking that if lie did, and was guilty, blood would gush forth at his touch. 
 He seemed much affected at the sight, wept, called him a dear friend of his, and freely 
 put his hand on the bare body. No blood started therefrom, and this was considered, by 
 not a few, full evidence of his innocence. A pretended confession was published after 
 his death ; but the better opinion is, that only Brakcman, the pedler, and God, positively 
 know the perpetrator of the crime. Circumstances were strong against him, — so strong 
 as to require the forfeit of his life. 
 
 Moody's Rock. 
 
 For the annexed account of Moody the tory, and for the histori- 
 cal matter relating to Newton, the compilers are indebted to Nel- 
 son Robinson, Esq. 
 
 Two miles south of the village of Newton, and half a mile west of the stage-road 
 "eading to New York, aie two adjacent bodies of water, known as the Big and Little 
 Muckshaw ; the former lying immediately south of the latter, with which, in high water, 
 it forms a communication of several yards in width. Below these two ponds, to the 
 soutli and east, a marsh extends, for quite a distance, in many places abounding in 
 stagnant pools, and noxious weeds, or foul swampy shrnb.s, very difficult, if not totally 
 impossible to be traversed. On tlie west of this marsh, a point of land juts forward, 
 bounded northward by the sonth<'rn margin of the Big Muckshaw, eastward by the 
 marsh itself, upon which it abruptly fronts, and on the west, for considerable distance, 
 by an inlet of the pond, and a piece of marshy ground below ; while to the southward 
 it runs off into a ridge of irregular rocks, thickly shaded by a dense growth of trees, 
 which for many a long year have concealed the gloomy haunts within. 
 
 This is one of the numerous s])ots in New Jersey, around which hangs an interest, 
 a traditionary c(lcbrity, that is destined to endure as long as the great i>rinciples for 
 which her jiatriots of the revolution valiantly struggled shall animate their ()ffs]tring to 
 noble and virtuous enterprise. It was here that an instrument of foreign tyranny found 
 shelter for himself and his loyal followers, in those days of peril. Hence, like a band 
 of hiuigry wolves, they broke loose from their den, in the darkness of midnight, to com- 
 mit their de])redations upon those who rallied around the standard of liberty, and bade 
 defiance to the wrath of the oppressor. To this wild and secure retreat, when danger 
 threatened, did the tory leader, and iiis company of active a.><sociates, resort ; and the 
 political hypocrites of those times nourished tiicm there, and kept them advised of what 
 was going on amongst the friends of the colonists. 
 
 Some time since, I visited tliis |)!ace, out of curiosity, to see what kind of a spot 
 it was tha* afllirded protection to the king's arms during that memorable period, and 
 acknowledged the royal dominion till his hirelings could no longer maintain one poor 
 inch of Jersey soil in subsenience to his regal will. Entering the woods from the stage 
 
SUSSEX COUNTY. 475 
 
 road, after a short walk, I crossed between the two Muckshaws, on a foot-log, and saun- 
 tered along the western shore of the Big Muckshaw, skirted with woods ; till, having 
 traced the gentle curvations of its crystal waters to their extreme southern marge, 
 and passed down a piece along some iow, wet, marshy ground beyond, I managed 
 to cross over at length to the woody and elevated point of land, in quest of which I 
 had started. Pursuing a narrow, winding path, that led through gloomy woods, and 
 over and amidst rough, precipitous crags, it suddenly began to descend, by a kind of 
 flight of natural stairs, constructed by the hand of Deity, out of the rough and solid 
 limestone. After a gradual descent, the marsh on the east side comes close upon the 
 path, which then bends suddenly round to the NNE. ; the steep rocks towering above, on 
 the left hand, and the deep mire and water hemming up the right against all approach 
 or escape. Following this narrow pass about forty-five yards from where it thus sud- 
 denly hends to the northward, a large cavern is found, where it is said, upon good 
 authority, that Bonnel Moody and h's party liarbored, for some time, during the revo- 
 lutionary war. Hence it is well known, in the neighborhood, as Moody's Rock. 
 
 This cavern is formed by the clilFs shelving over, like an arch, fifteen feet dwep, from 
 front to rear ; eighteen feet high inside, in front, and gradually arching back till it meets 
 the foundation, and consequently diminishing in heigiit as it recedes; aiid fifty feet in 
 length, from north to south. The path still leads on from this past some minor caverns, 
 about one hundred yards, where the steep, almost perpendicular crags, run into the 
 marsh, and then sboot off to the NW. ; forming an elbow almost impossible to climb 
 around, even with the utmost caution and coolness. I did, however, contrive to get 
 round this seemingly impassable obstacle, and discovered an incurvation into the massive 
 wall, like a crescent ; menacing clilTs hanging overhead, and loose, detached fragments 
 of stone under foot. One, in particular, here attracted my attention. That was a large 
 flat rock, standing up edgewise, about ten feet long, hix high, and three and a half feet 
 thick, with a passage between it and the main chain of rocks, three feet wide. In that 
 pas.^age, behind that impregnable shield, Moody might have defied the bullets of his ad- 
 versaries, though they whistled around him as thick as hail. .lust beyond this, the wa- 
 ters of the Muckshaw dash against the towering rampart, and render an approach from 
 that direction out of the question ; and make the entrance already described the onlj' 
 available one to Moody's lurking-place. Twenty brave men could have made an effec- 
 tual stand there against a legion of assailants. Nothing but starvation could have sub- 
 dued men thus guarded, on every side, from attack. Tlie selection speaks well for the 
 judgment of the formidable personage who fastened upon it as his refuge in the hour 
 of danger. 
 
 Numerous clefts and fissures were visible, along the craggy front of tliese towering 
 rocks ; from which occasionally the modest little hare-bell would greet my eye, or the 
 golden solidaga, the fern, or a red-cedar, apparent!}' growing on the barren surface of the 
 rock itself, and necessarily diminutive, on account of the scanty sustenance provided 
 for its support. 
 
 Some bones of sheep and of fowls, and also pieces of pipes, were found in or near the 
 main cavern : one pipe-stem, very snugly stuck in a chink, seemed to have been put 
 there by some one who was tarrying there, at leisure, some time or other. 
 
 A lofty pine-tree grew up from the extreme point of rocks, previously described, at 
 about lUO yards north of the cavern; wheeling around whose evergreen .sunmiit, or 
 perched upon whose verdant boughs, were to be seen two loquacious crows ; the only liv- 
 ing creatures that appeared to dwell thereabouts, and to me seeming like watchful senti- 
 nels, keeping guard over the moody spot. 
 
 This irregular range of rocks rises above the marsh, receding westward bj' three suc- 
 cessive elevations, somewhat after the fashion of so many rough and rudely-defined 
 steps, the summit of which is 100 feet or more above the surface of the water; and still 
 west of this are gloomy woods, dark defiles, misshapen crags, and a wild and dismal 
 scenery, well calculated to awaken in the mind ideas of a romantic and unusually ex- 
 citing character. 
 
 From the brow of these rocks, screened by some of their vertical projections, and the 
 dense foliage of the overhanging trees, Moody could safely watch the coming of an ene- 
 my, from nearly every direction. From the northeast, cast, and soutlieast especially, 
 whence an attack might much the most probably be expected, no movement could occur 
 unnoticed by him. All along, in these three courses, a miry swamp, about twenty rods 
 wide, at that time undoubtedly covered over with stagnant water, and choked up by 
 shrubs and reeds, extends, and prohibits a nearer apj)roach than two opposite points of 
 land, on its eastern edge ; the one running up from the south, the other from the north, 
 
476 SUSSEX COUNTY. 
 
 and tlie two separated, almost immediately in front of the cavern, by a continuation of 
 the marsh eastward, and an outlet of the Big Muckshaw, also about five rods wide, from 
 point to point 
 
 South of this, two or three miles, along the Pequest, was a tory neighborhood, whither 
 Moody resorted eiandestinely, witli his attendants ; and whence supplies were secretly 
 furnished them, when the keen lookout of the wliigs above rendered it impolitic for them 
 to be prowling about far from their retreat. 
 
 Many stories are related about this man, most of which are undoubtedly true ; though 
 perhaps some of them liave been colored, and a little exaggerated, by frequent telling. 
 
 It is related that, one cold night in winter, he suddenly entered the dwelling of Mr. 
 Ogden, who had, a short time previous, moved up from the lower part of the state, and 
 located himself in the vicinity of the present village of Sparta. He robbed the house 
 of considerable valuable plate, and searched for money ; but was disappointed in not ob- 
 taining the amount he appeared to have anticipated being in the old gentleman's pos- 
 session. He then took him out back of the house, and forced him to take an oath ""' 
 to make known l>is visit until sufficient time had elapsed for himself and p '^ ' ' 
 
 to escape pursuit. One or more hired men, however, who had been coi .„^ jn the 
 upper part of the log-house, and who were not bound by their master's oath, immediately 
 upon their departure sounded the alarm ; and a small party of the neighbors forthwith 
 gave chase. They came very near overtaking them next morning ; ibr they tracked 
 them through the snow to where they had lain in their blankets over night, and where 
 their fires were still burning when discovered. They tracked the plunderers to Goshen, 
 in the state of New York, and there recovered some of the booty which had been taken 
 away. The whigs in and around Newton would occasionally get incensed at Moody, 
 on account of his daring acts, and prepare schemes to catch him ; the endeavors to put 
 which into successful operation were termed " Moody hunting." 
 
 On one of these occasions, they supposed they had got their wary antagonist coftped 
 up in the house of an individual suspected of being tinctured with toryism, and who 
 lived near what is now called Eden Farm, about three miles ENE. of Newton village. 
 Here they searched every nook and cranny, stuck pitchforks into the hay and straw 
 heaps, but no Moody was discovered ; who nevertheless afterward emerged from beneath 
 the floor, where he had been snugly packed away in straw, to tarry until his hunters had 
 withdrawn from the premises. 
 
 There is an old lady, now residing in this village, who, according to report, one da'k 
 and stormy night, although but in the early part of her teens then, mounted a horse, and 
 rode some 12 or 16 miles, to warn him of a plan to apprehend him, which was shortly 
 to have been put in execution. 
 
 On another occasion, just as the whigs were on the point of springing upon him and 
 his band, a negro conveyed intelligence of their designs, and Moody, with his men, nar. 
 rowly escaped ; the bread which was baking for him, and the other provisions which 
 were prepared, falling into their hands. After this he left this section altogether. 
 
 About midnight, once, he made his appearance by the jailer's bedside, and demanded 
 the key of the jail. This the jailer had previously declared he would not surrender to 
 him, if the old tory should attempt to release the prisoners ; but his wife said, " Poor 
 Jemmy trembled like a leaf, and handed over that key without resistance." He then 
 unlocked the doors, and set the prisoners at liberty ; two of whom were condemned to 
 death. After this he paraded his men in front of the jail, and commanded three long, 
 loud cheers to be given, as he proclaimed a general jail-delivery, in the name of King 
 George the Tiiird. 
 
 An old rusty key, supposed to be the one obtained by Moody, was found, some few 
 years since, in the woods, on a hill, just to the left hand as you enter the village from 
 the north. One of the prisoners, after his release, being unacquainted with the village 
 and the surrounding country, wandered about all night, within its precincts ; and in 
 the morning secreted himself in an old hollow log, in the woods then standing upon the 
 hill, just out of the village, and running along the western side of Love-lane. 
 
 A party out after raccoons, in that direction, hearing their dogs bark steadily, in one 
 spot, hastened thither, and, instead of a 'coon, found they had holed a man ; wliom, up- 
 on examination, they concluded to make game of, and tiierefore marched him back to 
 his old quarters. He was subsequently hung, in front of the jail, where the surrogate's 
 office now stands ; being then condenmed to die, for robbing a gentleman's house and self, 
 in the neighborhood of Belvidere. In this matter Moody was actually more just than 
 the law, and the prisoner's cause better than his fortune ; for it eventually turned out 
 that he was innocent of the crime imputed to him. 
 
SUSSEX COUNTY. 
 
 477 
 
 He died asserting his innocence, and declaring liis firm belief that time would vmdi- 
 cate him from the charge. The tormented wretch, who had actually committed the 
 deed, and brought death upon a guiltless head, finally, on his deathbed, acknowledged 
 his own criminality, and exculpated the other from all blame. 
 
 While the American army lay at Morristown, and an officer was drilling some troops 
 not long enlisted, a man, very shabbily dressed, mounted on an old broken-down nag, 
 one day was seen riding carelessly along before the lines, like a simple-hearted and 
 rather soft-headed rustic, not over-well supplied either with worldly sense or substance 
 Suspicion at length induced the belief that there was more about that old horse, and 
 his awkwardly-inquisitive rider, than at first view one would conjecture. One of the 
 soldiers thought he had seen that face before, and that a recognition was only prevented 
 by the deep disguise of a crafty spy, thus openly reconnoitring their ranks. A horseman 
 was soon dispatched to escort him back. Moody, for he was the suspicious charac- 
 ter on whose track he was sent, shot him dead as he came up to him, dragged him 
 into the woods out of sight, and once more narrowly escaped, by secreting himself m 
 a contiguous swamp. It is said that he and a companion, in attempting to cross over 
 the river into New York, to the English, were arrested at length, conveyed to Morns- 
 town, and there hung, as traitors and spies. This last is somewhat doubtful, but still 
 it may be true. • • , 
 
 Moody is believed to have been originally from Kmgwood township, in the county of 
 Hunterdon, and employed by the British to obtain recruits, in this section, of such as 
 were favorable to Great Britain. He likewise was to act as a spy upon the movements 
 of the whigs, and to check and overawe them, by a show of opposition in their midst ; 
 by making^'divisions and difficulties close at hand, and thereby drawing off their atten- 
 tion and assistance from the colonial army. 
 
 1842 
 
 Central View in Lafayette. 
 
 Lalayette received its name at the time of the late visit of the 
 Marquis de Lafayette to America, and was the first place in the 
 Union named after that nobleman. It is situated upon the line of 
 Newton and Frankford, and is divided into two portions, called re- 
 spectively Upper and Lower Lafayette. Tiie above view was taken 
 in the lower village, which is compactly and neatly built. Lafay- 
 ette contains 4 stores, a large grist and a saw mill ; 2 iron foun- 
 dries, one of which, " the Lafayette Fatory," employs about 40 men ; 
 an academy, 1 Baptist and 1 Methodist church, and 43 dwellings. 
 
 The first mill built in the county was erected in this place many 
 years before the revolution. It was a grist-mill constructed of logs. 
 In olden times an Indian war-path leading 1o the JNIinisink settle 
 ments passed through the SW. part of the village, by what is called 
 the Indian Spring, and through the Indian Field, where flints and 
 other relics are occasionally found. When Washington with his 
 
478 SUSSEX COUNTY. 
 
 army left Morristown for Newburg their route lay through this vii 
 lage. On the road between here and Newton, on the farm of Mr 
 William English, is the grave of a soldier who died on the march. 
 
 In the summer of 1842 there died in this vicinity an eccentric 
 negro man, called Col. Joe, at the advanced age of 113 years. 
 Some thirty or forty years since the colored people were accus- 
 tomed to annually assemble from 40 or 50 miles around, generally 
 on the 4th of July, on the banks of the Delaware, to the number of 
 two or three hundred, and have military parades. The colonel, 
 being a leading man among them, and having served in the French 
 and revolutionary wars, was generally appointed commander ; an 
 office he filled with due military pomp and dignity. In the evening, 
 after the parade, the females would join, and a general dance and 
 frolic close the festivities of the day. The colonel had been a slave, 
 but at the time of his death was free. He was a character of con- 
 siderable notoriety, had an uncommon talent for relating stories, 
 and as his life was one of varied incident, his biography would 
 doubtless furnish an amusing if not instructive chapter. 
 
 Andover, 6 miles S. of Newton, contains a store, grist-mill, a 
 Baptist church, and a few dwellings. 
 
 SANDISTON. 
 
 The average length of this township is about 7 miles, breadth 6 
 miles ; bounded NE. by Montague ; SE. by Wantage, Frankford, 
 and Newton ; SW. by Walpack, and W. by the Delaware. There 
 are in Sandiston, 9 schools, 279 scholars. Pop. 1,233 
 
 The Blue mountain runs through the eastern part ; the other 
 portions of the township are generally level and fertile. The two 
 main branches of the Flatkill enter the township on the north, and 
 unite near the southern boundary. Dingman's bridge crosses the 
 Delaware from this township. Peter's A'alley in the western part, 
 14 miles NW. of Newton, is a thriving village, containing a Method- 
 ist church and 15 or 20 dwellings. 
 
 STILLWATER. 
 
 Stillwater was formed from Hardwick, Warren co., in 1824. It 
 is 7 miles long, with an average width of 5 miles ; bounded NE. by 
 Newton, SE. by Green, SW. by Hardwick, Warren co., and NW. 
 by Walpack. There are in the township, 3 stores, 4 grist-m., and 3 
 saw-m. : cap. in manul'ac. 832,675; 12 schools, and 300 scholars. 
 Pop. 1 465. 
 
 The suriace is generally hilly, and the Blue mountain runs on the 
 NW. boundary. New Paterson, on Swartwout's Pond, 5 miles W. 
 of Newton, is a small but thriving village which has sprung into 
 existence within a few years. It contains a store, an extensive 
 
SUSSEX COUNTY 479 
 
 tannery, 2 saw-mills, and about 20 dwellings. Stillwater, 7 miles 
 SW. of Newton, on the Paulinskill, contains 2 stores, a large grist- 
 mill, an academy, a Presbyterian church, and about 20 dwellings. 
 
 Svvartwout's Pond,* a beautiful sheet of water, near the NE. boundary of 
 the township, is about 3 miles long, and 1 broad. It derives its name from 
 a man by the name of Swartwout, who in the time of the French and Indian 
 war lived close to the northerly edge of the pond, in what is now a rich and 
 beautiful plain, just south of the village of New Paterson. Swartwout was 
 an officer in the British colonial service, and by reason of his active service 
 against the French and their Indian allies, drew upon himself the vengeance 
 of the latter. 
 
 At that time only a (ew dwellings (log-houses) were to be found in the 
 township of Stillwater ; and perhaps none, exceedingly few at any rate, in 
 Newton, and the other townships of Sussex county, excepting Sandiston or 
 Montague, and even there it was not populous. A few families had recently 
 settled in Stillwater, the Hunt, Harker, and Shafer — possibly a few others 
 in the neighborhood — but almost strictly speaking, this county was a wilder- 
 ness. 
 
 One of the Hunt family, and the head of the Harker family, father of Mr. 
 Samuel Harker, who still lives on or near the old homestead, and who is 
 quite a sensible old man, had gained the particular ill-will of the Indians 
 for taking strong ground against them. It appears that a party of Indians 
 from Pennsylvania had determined on capturing these three men, viz : 
 /Thomas Hunt, Harker, and Swartwout. They accordingly crossed the 
 Delaware, near where Dingman's bridge now is, and in the evening reached 
 the log-house of Hunt; having travelled about 15 miles on the Jersey side 
 of the river. 
 
 They were discovered before they reached the house, soon enough for a 
 young man, Thomas Hunt, and a negro, (the only persons then in the house,) 
 to shut and fasten the door, and secure themselves from immediate capture. 
 The negro was faithfully occupied in his legitimate calling, of sawing cat- 
 gut before a good cheerful fire, for the edification, probably, of his young 
 companion, and his own amusement, when these prowling sons of the forest 
 disturbed their quietude and silenced the merry strains of the violin, and 
 that, too, most effectually ; for no sooner was Cuffee aware of his danger, 
 than he threw his fiddle into the fire, and awaited in trembling suspense the 
 result of the unwelcome visit. 
 
 The Indians finally succeeded in gaining admittance, by threatening tr 
 burn down the house and those in it, unless they soon found peaceable en- 
 trance. They proceeded with their captives to Harker's, the elder brother 
 of Hunt, whom they came to take, being away from home attending to his 
 duties as an oflicer of the colonial troops. There were about a dozen men 
 at this time at Harker's, his own help, and some who had been on a frolic 
 during the day. The Indians, on reconnoitring, thought it imprudent to at- 
 tack them, and went away. They were discovered to have been at the 
 house the following morning, by their tracks in a newly ploughed field, and 
 their number, by the same means, ascertained to be thirteen. 
 
 From Harker's they returned towards the Delaware, by a route around 
 the southerly end of the Great Pond, when in five miles they arrived at 
 Swartwout's residence. In this the cunning of the Indians was evinced. 
 
 * Communicated by Nelson Robinson, Esq. of Newton. 
 
480 SUSSEX COUNTY. 
 
 Meditating Swartwout's destruction when they started, they passed by to 
 commence their depredations further ofT from their homes first, so as to 
 arouse no antagonists between themselves and the river to cut off thei-r re- 
 treat ; and perhaps the chance of Swartwout's discovering them at an ear- 
 lier hour in the evening, if he had then approached his house, and being 
 thereby enabled to do some serious execution among them, migiit have been 
 another reason for delaying their plans against him. But having, stealthily 
 and unnoticed, passed through the forests to the extent of their proposed in- 
 cursion, and accomplished their object as far as practicable, they trace their 
 way back, leaving their outrages all behind, and not on ground which they 
 must repass. 
 
 Mrs. Swartwout, soon after their approach to the house, without a thought 
 of dangei went out to the milk-house, and was instantly shot down. Swart- 
 wout himself, being thus apprized of his danger, sprang for his loaded rifle and 
 . musket successively, and killed two or three and wounded others, before he 
 ■/ was captured. After which they conveyed him to a place about one mile 
 / NVV. of his dwelling, and fastened one end of his entrails to a tree, (the 
 stump of which was shown to me,) and then he was tortured to death, after 
 having been compelled to witness the cruel destruction of a large family of 
 children, except two, a son and a daughter. They beat him, lacerated him. 
 and forced him to wind out his bowels around the tree by walking around it. 
 ' What devils at revenge! 
 
 After this horrid display of savage ferocity the party proceeded on their 
 return. On recrossing the Delaware one of them lost his rifle, which slip- 
 ped from his grasp between the logs of the raft ; and the depth of the water, 
 together with their haste to get out of the white man's reach, obliged tliem 
 toleave it there, where it must still remain, the only rifle yet known to be 
 in our midst, loaded by one of these warriors of the forest, who, about a cen- 
 tury ago, dealt out ruin and wide-spread desolation among the pioneers of 
 these then untamed wilds. 
 
 yHunt and the negro were taken to the French in Canada, whence the 
 negro made his escape shortly after back to this country. Hunt was three 
 years after exchanged for some Frencli captives. He returned here, lived 
 to an advanced age, and related the perils of his boyhood many a time to 
 knots of listeners, who would gather around him to hear the thrilling ac- 
 count of days gone by. 
 
 He said after his capture he was for a time at a loss to know how to get 
 along with the Indians, but he thought he would try to please them by act- 
 ing as near like them as he could in eating and other respects. This suc- 
 ceeded, and they consequently treated him well. The little son an.^ daugh- 
 ter of the murdered Swartwout were brought up by the Indians. The girl 
 married a chief among them, and the boy, becoming attached to the Indian 
 life, chose to live with them. Upon arriving at manhood, he having learned 
 about his parentage, visited the home of his youth ; but civilization had lost 
 its charms for the adopted child of the woods, and he returned to spend his 
 days with the inhabitants of the forest — an Indian in all, save birth, features, 
 and complexion. 
 
 VERNON. 
 
 The greatest length of this township is 11 m. ; breadth 9 m. It 
 is bounded NE. by part of Orange co., N. Y. ; SE. by West Millbrd, 
 
SUSSEX COUNTY. 431 
 
 Passaic co. ; SW. by Hardiston, and W. by Wantage. There are 
 2 forges, 3 grist-m., 4 saw-m. ; cap. in manutac. 814,210 ; 12 schools, 
 371 scholars. Pop. iiil865, 1^981 
 
 The greater portion ol the township is covered with the Wawa- 
 3anda, Wallkill, and Pochunk mountains, on the summits of which 
 are several small lakes. They are very lofty, and contain abun- 
 dance of iron-ore. The township is well watered by numerous 
 streams, of which the Wallkill Hows on its western boundary. 
 Near the south part of Vernon commences the marshy tract, known 
 as " the drowned lands of the Wallkill ;" so called from being an- 
 nually submerged by freshets. The valley of this stream is nar- 
 row, until it crosses into the state of New York, where the marsh 
 extends five miles in width, through which the river flows, with 
 a scarcely perceptible current. No successful etibrt has been made 
 to wholly drain this tract. Wherever it has been done, it discloses 
 a soil of rich vegetable mould. The following is part of a pub- 
 lished article on the mineralogical character of this region, by 
 Dr. Samuel Fowler, a scientific gentleman of this vicinity : 
 
 Perhaps in no quarter of the globe is there so much found to interest the mineralogist 
 as in the white crystalhne calcareous valley, commencing at Mounts Adam and Eve, in 
 the county of Orange and state of New York, about three miles from the line of the 
 state of New Jersey ; and continuing thence through Vernon, Hamburg, Franklin, 
 Sterling, Sparta, and Byram, a distance of about 25 miles, in the county of Sussex 
 N. J. This limestone is highly crystalline, containing no organic remains ; and is the 
 great imbedding matrix of all the curious and interesting minerals found in this valley. 
 When burned, it produces lime of a superior quality. A considerable quantity of this 
 stone is burned into lime, near Hamburg ; and, when carted to the towns below, as 
 Paterson, Newark, &c., is sold for $1 per bushel. It is principally used in masonry — 
 for whitewashing, cornice-work, and wall of a fine, hard finish ; and is considered supe- 
 rior to the best Rhode Island lime. Some varieties, particularly the granular, furnish a 
 beautiful marble. It is often wliite, with a slight tinge of yellow, resembling the Parian 
 marble, from the island of Paros ; at other times clouded black, sometimes veined black, 
 and at other times arborescent. 
 
 Hamburg is a flourishing manufacturing village, on the south 
 boundary of the township, 13 miles NE. of Newton. It contaias 
 1 forge, 1 blast-furnace, 2 large grist-m., 2 saw-m., 4 stores, an 
 academy, a Baptist church, and about 40 dwellings. Vernon is 
 beautifully situated, between the Pochunk and Wawayanda moun- 
 tains, in the northern part of the township. It contains 2 stores, 
 I grist and 1 saw m., 3 blacksmiths, 3 wagon-makers, 1 tannery, 
 a few dwellings, and a Methodist church. The surrounding coun- 
 try is peopled with thriving agriculturists ; and, from the village, 
 an extensive and beautiful prospect is had, to the north, of the ad- 
 joining county of Orange. 
 
 WALPACK. 
 
 This township has an average length of 8 miles, with a width 
 of 3 miles. It is bounded NE. by Sandiston, SE. by Stillwater, 
 SW. by Pahaquarry, (Warren co.,) and NW. by the Delaware. 
 
 61 
 
482 SUSSEX COUNTY 
 
 There are in the township 2 prist, i: -mvhi. : cap. in manufac. 
 S10,075 ; 4 schools, 120 scholars. P.)]). uilSG.S,l,0()3. 
 
 The Blue mountain covers a large part of the eastern portion ; 
 between this and the Delaware the soil is fertile, and productive 
 in wheat. The Flatkill runs centrally through the township, and 
 empties into the Delaware, at the southern boundary. Van Camp's 
 brook, which takes its rise from a pond, on the summit of the Blue 
 mountain, courses through the southern part. Flatbrookville is a 
 small village at the junction of the Flatkill with the Delaware, 
 18 miles west of Newton. It contains a store, a grist and saw m. 
 and about 20 dwellings. 
 
 WANTAGE. 
 
 Wantage is 11 miles long, and about 7 broad. It is bounded N. 
 by part of Orange co., (New York.) E. by Vernon, S. by Ilardis- 
 ton and Frankford, and W. by Montague. The Wallkill river, 
 which runs on the eastern boundary, and its branches, water the 
 township. The township contains 11 stores, 10 grist, 8 saw-m, ; 
 cap. in manufac. $73,025; 22 schools, 573 scholars. Pop.SlOli, 
 
 There are also in Wantage nine churches — 3 Presbyterian, 3 
 Baptist, 1 Congregational, 1 Methodist, and 1 Unitarian. On the 
 Clove creek there are, within a distance of less than 5 miles, 4 
 valuable mill-establishments ; at each of which there is a grist- 
 m., plaster-m., and saw-m. There are also a fulling-m., carding- 
 fac, and c!over-m., at the lower establishment, which is near tlie 
 village of Deckertown. 
 
 The following description of this township M'as communica>ec: 
 for this work by a gentleman now residing there. 
 
 Wantage comprises that portion of the general Kittanny valley which lies betweer 
 the Pocliunk mountain on tlie east, and the Blue mountain on the west. Tiiis part of 
 the great valley just named is not a level surface, but traversed from north to south by 
 several ranges of low hills, with vales of considerable width between. These sub-valleya 
 arc drained by two streams, which unite near the Wallkill, and empty into that river 
 These streams run almost exactly in opposite directions, and together form nearly a 
 straight line from north to south through the township. The northern stream flows 
 from a romantic and beautiful pond near the New York state line, and runs south 
 through the exceedingly rich valley, called the Clove, a distance of 6 or 7 miles to tho 
 village of Deckertown ; here it meets and unites with the Papakating, (commonly called 
 " The Pepcr-cotton,") a stream of about equal length and size, but rising southward in 
 Ihe adjoining town of Frankford. This slreain runs almost due north until it unite s with 
 tlie Clove creek just described, after which it turns east, and alter running about a mile, 
 empties into tlie Wallkill. The natural scenery of this region is rarel}- surpassed. The 
 Pochunk on the east is a low oval-shaped mountain, clothed, in many jdaces, with cul- 
 tivated fields to the summit. The Blue mountain, on the opposite sirfe of llie (^intra) 
 valley, is higher and more precipitous. From many points on both these rnoutituins tlio 
 most lovely prospects of rural scenery appear. From the farm of Joseph Little, Esq., 
 on the top of the Pochunk, is one of the best of these vi«ws. Froiu this spot, the eye 
 comprehends at one glance about 75 miles of the length of the Blue mountain. This 
 extensive view stretches north nearly to the Catskill, and south to the Delaware Water 
 tiap. Intermediate of this picturesque margin, is spread out llie entire width of tlie 
 Kittanny valley. This vast landscape is continuously intermingled with woodlands 
 Mid flourishing fields. Villages and farm-houses are thickly dotted over the whole. 
 
SUSSEX COUNTY. 
 
 48 3 
 
 The season when this prospect is most lovely is, when " the fields are white unto har- 
 vest," — or rather j'ellow and green, for these are the predominant colors at that delijr|it- 
 ful period. The beholder gazes on the commingled hues — the deep green meacjw 
 covering the long and narrow vales, meandered through by the pure and glitte-ing 
 streams that flow slowly and silently between their low and grassy banks. Along the 
 gently sloping hill-sides, and on their summits, the fields of ripe grain present their hues 
 of waving gold. Again, the numerous flocks of large and glossy cattle are luxuriating 
 in the pastures of deep and blooming clover. All these rich charms of nature are spread 
 out, like a painted canvass, over the entire township. This region is celebrated for the 
 vigorous health and blooming beauty of its young females, which is thought to arise, in 
 some measure, from their pastoral occupation in the employment of the dairy. At the 
 approach of evening, flocks of those beautiful daughters of industry are seen going forth 
 to milk the large droves of cows, so that the romantic lover of classic simplicity might 
 imagine that he was transferred on the backward car of time to the sunny plains <)f an- 
 cient Mantua. 
 
 I 
 
 Southwest mem of Deckertown, N. J. 
 
 This beautifully situated village, 13 miles N". of Newton, near the 
 northern extremity of New Jersey is in the " hill country" of the State. 
 The view shows the appearance of the place as it is entered from the 
 south upon the Newton road. The Methodist church and the Foun- 
 dry are seen on the left. The Deckertown Hotel in the central part, 
 and the flouring mill near the bank of the small stream near which the 
 villa;i;e is situated. In the back ground on the summit of theehsvatiou 
 is seen the Presbyterian church, and the Academy which appears on 
 the right. Deckertown has a bank, several mills, stores, mechanic 
 shops, and is situated in one of the richest agricultural districts in the 
 state. 
 
 The annexed items, relating principally to this section of country, 
 were furnished bj^ Mr. William Rankin, the principal of the high- 
 school at Deckertown. 
 
 In the latter part of the 17th century, some Huguenots, or French protcstants, who 
 
 had been exiled to Holland, emigrated to America, and passing up the Hudson river, 
 
 settled at the mouth of the VVallkill river, near the present site of Kingston. In after 
 
 years, individuals from this settlement, wliich was composed of French and Hollanders 
 
 in tkeir explorations passed down the Mamakating valley to the Delaware river aud from 
 
484 SUSSEX COUNTY. 
 
 ed a settlement at tlic month of the Navisink. About the year 1740, a man by the name 
 of Peter Decker, a Hollander by descent, passed over the Kittanny or Blue mountain, 
 from the Navisink settlement, in pursuit of good land upon which to settle. He descend- 
 ed into the valley, now the town of Wantage, and selecting the place where Deckertowii 
 now stands, built a house, probably the first white man's abode in the township. This 
 house stood near the site of the present tavern of Horace Vibbert, Esq. This Peter 
 Decker, the original pioneer of Wantage, was grandfather to the present Bowdewinc 
 Decker, Esq., of the Clove, and was the predecessor of almost all the large and respccla. 
 ble connection of people of the same name now in the township. A short time after 
 Decker, two other individuals of the Navisink settlement also crossed the Blue n>oun. 
 tain in pursuit of tillable land ; these were by the names of Winfield and Courtright. 
 After making diligent search throughout the Wantage valley, they could find, as they sup. 
 posed, but little land fit for cultivation ; exhibiting an instance of the Hollander's error, 
 in judging of the quality of land in a country differing in aspect from his own. It seem- 
 ed these low Dutch ))cople, on first coming to this country, thought no land worth culti- 
 vating but level flats. Winfield selected a spot of about eleven acres on the farm now 
 owned by Thomas I. Ludlum, Esq. This he supposed might be worth clearing for the 
 purpose of growing wheat and corn. Courtright found 5 acres nearer the mountain, 
 which he thought might also pay the labor of cultivation. From this time emigrations 
 continued to be made into Ihi.s valley, and additions to the inlant settlement. 
 
 In the year 1770, a few Baptist laniilies from the New England states settled where 
 Hamburgii now is, and built the first houses there. They were of the names of Marsh, 
 Hart, and Soutliworth. They selected one of their number, a Mr. Marsh, to be their 
 preacher, and thus laid the foundation of the first Baptist church in the county. In 
 1777, the Rev. Mr. Nicholas Co.x, from Philadclpiiia, became the preacher in this Bap- 
 tist church. Two houses of public worshij) had now been erected, one at Hamburgh, 
 and the other at Augusta. In about 1782, the house at Hamburgh was taken down and 
 rebuilt on the site where the present Baptist church stands, near the village of Decker- 
 town. In 1783, the Rev. Mr. Finn became pastor of this church ; in 1785, the Rev. Silas 
 Southworth; in 1816 the Rev. Mr. Hall; in 1821, the Rev. Mr. Hagan ; in 1826, the 
 Rev. Mr. Fletcher; in 1832, the Rev. Mr. Jackson; in 1837, the Rev. Mr. Moore; in 
 1840, the Rev. Mr. Fay; in 1842, the Rev. Mr. Leach. 
 
 During the French and Indian war, a Mr. Crowell, yet living in this township, bemg 
 about 88 years old, remembers that, when a child, his father was called out in defence of 
 the settlement against the Indians, who were lurking through this then thinly populated 
 region, for the purpose of massacring helpless and unprotected families. His mother 
 was left alone with some small children ; in the dark night, as they were preparing to go 
 to bed, suddenly the dog broke out with that peculiar and terrific kind of barking wliich 
 was but too well known by the settlers to be caused by the scent of Indians. This ven- 
 erable old man yet distinctly- remeuibers that moment of thrilling interest, when liis 
 mother, ' turning pale as a cloth,' (as he e.\press(^s it,) earnestly urged him, a small boy, 
 to run out into the woods and hide, that he might save his life, for she could not escape 
 with her infant children, but must remain in the house and be murdered with them ; but 
 the little boy, refusing to go, clung round his mother's neck in floods of tears, declaring 
 that he would die with her. The Indians, however, through cowardice, or for some other 
 reason, did not approach the house. 
 
 During the revolutionary war, there lived near the mouth of the Navisink a Mr. Van 
 Etten. Ho was a blacksmith, and on a certain day, was working in his shop with his 
 black man, who was helping him, when they beheld a party of liostile Ijidians approach- 
 ing I What was to be done? The negro was not in much danger, for the Indians 
 scarcely ever murdered negroes, but the master ! There was but a moment. The black 
 man urged him to creep up the chimney, which, being an old-fashioned one, was large. 
 In a moment the Indians entered the shop, eagerly looking round for its owner, but pay- 
 ing very little attention to the black. At length, despairing of finding a victim, they 
 commenced investigating the fixtures in the shop. After liammering a while on the an- 
 vil, one of the party caught hold, and began blowing the bellows, starting the smoke and 
 dusk briskly up the chinmey. Stop, stop, stop, stop that blaic-mork, (as Pompcy and 
 his master called the bellows in Dutch,) expostulated the faithful black, at the same time 
 catching the Indian by the arm. The savage took it all in good part, relinquished his 
 hold on the handle of the bellows, and in a few minutes, with all his party, carelessly 
 left the premises. When the Indians were clear gone, Mr. V. crawled down from his 
 sooty retreat, thanked Pompey for his faithful conduct, and both, well satisfied with the 
 result of the enterprise, set in to finish their day's work. 
 
SUSSEX cot NTY. 485 
 
 At a time when the Indians were known to be prowlhig tlirough the woods with hos- 
 tile intentions, a settler in the town of Wantage, being in need of provision for his fami. 
 ly, ventured into the forest in pursuit of game with his gun and dog. He unfortunately 
 lost his knowledge of courses, and wandered in the woods, unable to find his way home, 
 till night came on. He crept into a large hollow tree, with his gun and dog. When all 
 were about prepared to go to sleep, the dog became suddenly agitated, and broke forth in 
 violent barking. The man well knew that this unguarded conduct of his fellow-lodger 
 would betray their retreat to all Indians within a mile round. To cut the throat of the 
 dog would be tlie only effectual barrier to his dangerous indiscretions. But then this 
 would be dishonorable, and not very just ; for, although the barking was ill-timed, he 
 knew it was certainly well meant. So he resorted to expostulations and entreaties with 
 the dog, and to holding his mouth shut. At length all became pretty quiet again. Many 
 anxious hours had now passed away in listening to every rustling motion of the sur- 
 rounding bramble — when suddenly again the dog's every nerve quivered ; and as he ut- 
 tered a loud bark and growl, a most terrific s;iort of a horse echoed through the gloomy 
 woods. This sent a most thilUing panic through the very souls of the old oak's trem- 
 bling tenants ; for the Indians were known frequently to travel through the forest on horse- 
 back. All was fearful expectation and watchful anxiety, till day-break brought relief by 
 exhibiting several horses feeding at a distance on the natural grass of the woods, and 
 enabling the lost wanderers, during the course of the day, to find their way safely home. 
 
 A Mr. Decker had gone out into a field which lay some distance from his house, and 
 on elevated ground. Ere he was aware, two Indians were creeping stealthily around 
 him, intending to intercept his retreat homeward, and capture him. On his making an 
 attempt to escape, both Indians fired their guns at him, but fortunately missed. A chase 
 now commenced of some quarter of a mile — Decker to reach his house, and the Indians 
 to overtake him previous to his gaining that point. The family of Decker observed the 
 pursuit, but did not at once recognise the characters, when the eldest son, a boy of 14 
 years old, eyeing narrowly the foremost of the three individuals, exclaimed, " That's dad !'* 
 and quick as lightning snatched the old loaded musket, ran into an orchard towards 
 which the chase was proceeding, and placed himself beiiind a tree, by which the runners 
 soon passed. One of the Indians was now almost at the heels of Decker. As they 
 passed the boy behind the tree, he pullrd trigger, but the old musket snapped. Instantly 
 the Indian stopped, hearing the snap of the gun, and looking round about, not discover 
 ing the boy, yet apprehensive that danger was nigh, he turned and fled, leavmg Deckei 
 to reach his house and family in safety. 
 
 The additional particulars given below respecting the history 
 of Wantage were furnished by an aged and worthy clergyman of 
 the place. 
 
 The early settlers of this town are of a mixed origin, some of German, 
 and others of New England de.scent. It would perhaps be as near the truth 
 to say, that some of the first families that emigrated to this region were de- 
 scended from the confines of France and Germany, claiming an alliance 
 with both countries, or either, as the locality of their ancestors might de- 
 termine.* We are thus brought into close affinity with the Huguenots and 
 Waldenses, as well as the Pilgrims of New England, and the well-known 
 Wallkill marks the line, and commemorates the name of freemen of whom 
 the world was not worthy. One hundred years carries us back to the 
 period when the fierce Algic tribes claimed our fertile fields as their own 
 hunting-grounds, and dense forests waved in primitive glory, and the deer, 
 the bear, and panther bled, where now milk and honey flow. 
 
 The ladv by whose side I now sit, (Mrs. Catharine Vanauken,) well 
 remembers, and relates with intense feelings, the famous battle of Minisink, 
 that clad in the weeds of mourning the young colony, stretching from Wan. 
 tao-e over Orange co., N. Y., along the foot of the Kittanny mountain. 
 
 * As the family names of Neap>s, Consauls, Winfields, Vananwigens, Wildrichs, 
 Wcstfalls, Wcstbrooks, Jobes, Shurnars, Deckers, Vanaukens, Fitzworths, Meddaughs, 
 Cuddabachs, and others, sufficiently indicate. 
 
486 SUSSEX COUNTY. 
 
 Tliis massacre of the whites was announced in the morning, when the set- 
 tlement on liie Navisink, where three states join, was assembled to pay their 
 last respects to a deceased neighbor. As the procession left the Ma-hak-a- 
 niack meeting-house, the smoke of their barns and dwellings, mills and 
 church, just vacated by the pastor and his little flock, sufficiently marked 
 the track of a savage band approaching with hostile intent. The name of 
 Brant, their leader, was a terror to the whites, as when the lion is known to 
 prowl about an African hamlet. But an occurrence took place here which 
 shows that a spark of sympathy still glowed in the fierce warrior's heart. 
 His party had invaded the school where, at a stroke, the hopes of the set- 
 tlement were to be crushed and annihilated. Jeremiah Vanauken the 
 teacher was taken from the house, and, at about half a mile, killed. 
 Some of the little boys were already cleft with the tomahawk ; others had 
 betaken themselves to the woods for concealment from the merciless pur 
 suers, while their little sisters stood by the wayside, near the corpse of their 
 teacher, trembling and weeping, not knowing whether death or captivity 
 avvaited them, when suddenly a brawny Indian approached, and with his 
 brush of black paint dashed it across their aprons, bidding them to " hold 
 up the mark if they saw an Indian, and they would be safe," and with a 
 savage yell he plunged into the forest and disappeared. It was Brant. 
 The little ones were safe. The Indian saw the mark, and passed on. Bui 
 their brothers, could not this sign be made to avail for them too ? It could, 
 by a process simple, innocent, and childlike, that would render their own 
 escape doubly joyous, and that beguiled many an after hour of sweet con- 
 templation, and still lights up with expressions of delight the countenance 
 of my respected informant, after the lapse of more than half a century. 
 The dispersed children were soon found and collected, over whom their 
 little sisters threw their outer garment, and again held up their apron, the 
 palladium of safety, while the Indians passed and repassed. They were 
 spared, to the joy of their parents and friends. Mrs. Catharine Vanauken's 
 mother, Leah Vanauken, escaped the fury of the Indians by concealing 
 herself in a ditch.* The next day left the bones of some 80 of the inhabit- 
 ants of Minisink to bleach in the valley of the Delaware. This occurred 
 in July of 1781, about 62 years ago. After about 40 years had elapsed, 
 in 1822, their bones were collected, and, on the 4th of July, interred at Go- 
 shen, Orange co.. N. Y. 
 
 Would it not be well for our young ladies to spend a little time in re- 
 flecting upon the perils, the toils, and hardships, endured by their fathers 
 and mothers, to gain the patrimony, the luxuries, refinements, and privi- 
 leges, with which their daughters are now so richly blessed ? Think of the 
 day when females put on their hats and paraded in the forts thrown about 
 their dwellings — when they beat the drum, when they handled the rifle, at 
 least to awe their savage foes, and when they rode miles as an express, 
 through the lonely forest of the Kittanny, to give the alarm to the distant 
 settlements upon the east of the Blue mounlain, while their fathers, hus- 
 bands, and brothers, were facing the dangers of an Indian warfare. Could 
 such reflections fail to inspire the sentiments uttered by the Psalmist, " Our 
 soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowler ; the snare is broken, 
 and we are escaped ?" 
 
 • Elijah Vanauken, fatlior of D. Vanauken, was wounded slightly ; his luicle Jamet 
 Varnukcn, and his own brother Jeremiah, were killed. 
 
SUSSEX COUNTY. 487 
 
 It is about 60 years since the first church in Wantage, then known as the 
 Clove church, was organized under the preaching of Rev. Von Ben Schoten, 
 whose congregation then embraced Wantage, Montague, and Minisink. 
 Perhaps few settlements can be named where the gospel has been preached 
 with more success, and this region may be added to the many other in- 
 stances recorded to attest that the covenant mercies of God have continued to 
 roll down the line of the Huguenots, Waldenses, and Pilgrim Fathers, in a 
 manner that fully verifies the promise of Him who said to Abraham, I will 
 be " a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee." 
 
 Although Wantage has long been celebrated for the wealth of its Inliabitants, it has 
 not until recently fostered literature within its own precincts. Formerly, the wealthy 
 citizens who wished to educate their sons and daughters, sent them oft" to boarding- 
 schools in some different section of the country. Common schools were also in a low 
 condition. No select school of any permanency had been sustained in the township 
 until near the close of the year 183.'j, when an enterprise was undertaken by Wm. Ran- 
 kin, in the village of Dcckertown. A few circumstances relative to the establishment 
 of the school at Deckertown, will serve to tlirow light on the subject of education in 
 this region. When the above-named gentleman proposed to open a select school in the 
 central and main village in this township at the time mentioned, so little interest was 
 felt in the proposal, that he could procure no room but a small building about 14 feet 
 square, in an inconvenient part of the village. This, however, he rented, and com- 
 menced his first term with a single scholar ; and this lone pupil was not of tlie state of 
 New Jersey, but from New York. This discouraging commencement did not arise 
 from want of knowledge of, or confidence in the teacher, for he had been favorably 
 known in the county for several years previous as a classical instructor. Neither was 
 it because the inhabitants were averse to education ; but it stands as an illustration of 
 the strength of habit on communities, and the difficulty of breaking over the barriers of 
 long-continued custom. They had never fostered education within their own limits, 
 and therefore they had no faith in this infant institution. It was universally looked on 
 as a romantic and totally impracticable undertaking. But the school went on, and for 
 the first week with one scholar only, who accompanied his preceptor to and from the 
 school-room at regular hours, resembling a hen with one chicken. However, before the 
 ensuing spring, the school numbered 20 scholars. One anecdote further concerning this 
 school at its commencement, — when the school had been in operation about 2 months. 
 The teacher had locked the school-room door one evening, and walked out of the village, 
 and did not return till about eleven o'clock ; he was surprised to see his school-room 
 lighted, knowing that he had left it locked. Upon approaching a window, he perceived 
 the room to be filled with well-dressed, gentlemanly-looking men ; some standing, others 
 seated round a table, which was almost covered with money of various kinds — all giving 
 profound attention to the game that was in progress with cards. He then unlocked the 
 door, and stepped in ; no seeming notice, however, was taken of him, and after ob- 
 serving the scene for a few minutes, he observed to a gentleman standing near him, 
 that he would be thankful if, when they w(!re done using the room, they would leave it 
 in good order. He then retired, and in the morning, upon returning, found the room 
 divested of men, money, and table, the door locked — all in good condition. He subse- 
 quently learned tliat this room had been the regular meeting-place of an extensive circle 
 of gamblers, who met from time to time pursuant to their own appointments. They 
 had assembled in the evening, found the door locked, obtained a key, opened the door, 
 carried in a table, and constituted the last regular-built gambling scene that has, and, 
 it is hoped, that ever will disgrace the village of Deckertown. 
 
 The following is extracted from an advertisement in the Sussex Register of May 22, 
 1843, and will serve to show the results of an institution wiiicli, ten years ago, we have 
 seen struggling, under such adverse circumstances, for existence. 
 
 " Tlie Princip;)l of the school at Deckertown commenced his career of instruction in 
 this county alx)ut fifteen years ago, and since that i)criod the youth that have been under 
 his charge number about one thousand. Few years within this time have elapsed, 
 without more or less of his pupils becoming prepared to enter college, or commence pro- 
 fessional studies ; and a large proportion oi' the schools in the surrounding country have 
 been, and arc, conducted by teachers qualified from the same source of instruction. 
 Few cases occur of a bias of mind so strong and exclusive towards a particular pursuit, 
 as is evinced by this individual in his favorite occupation of instructing youth. This 
 
488 WARREN COUNTY. 
 
 has been manifested from the increasing zeal and ardor which has existed in this insli 
 tnlion foi the last year, to keep pace with the most recent and best methods of instruc- 
 tion, and to cultivate an acquaintance with the most useful and interesting devclopmenta 
 of science." 
 
 WARREN COUNTY. 
 
 Warren county was originally the southern part of Sussex co. : 
 it was formed into a distinct county in 1824. It is about 32 miles 
 long, with an average width of about 13 miles. It is bounded NE. 
 by Sussex co., SE. by Hunterdon and Morris cos., and W. by the 
 Delaware river. The county is well watered by many streams 
 emptying into the Delaware ; among which are the Musconetcong, 
 Pohatcong, Lopatcong, Pequcst, and Paulinskill. The surface 
 of the county is generally mountainous or hilly, with fertile val- 
 leys intervening. The most prominent ranges are the Blue moun- 
 tain on the j\W., and the Musconetcong on the SW. boundary. 
 There is a great variety of soil in the county, generally fertile ; 
 and in the valleys of some of the streams peculiarly so. Lime is 
 much used as a manure ; and some parts of the county are very 
 produclive in wheat. As a whole, this is one of the best agricul- 
 tural districts in the state ; and husbandry is in an improving con- 
 dition. The Morris canal commences at Philipsburg, on the Dela- 
 ware, runs through the SE. tier of townships, and leaves the 
 county at its NE. angle. The following is a list of the townships, 
 which are ten in number : 
 
 Belvidore. Hackettstown. Knowlton. Phillipsburg. 
 
 Blairstown. Hardwick. Lopatcong. WashingtoQ. 
 
 Franklin. Harmony. MaiiBlield. 
 
 Frelinghuysen. Hope. Oxford. 
 
 Greenwich. Independence. Pahaquary. 
 
 The population of the Coiinty in 1830 was 18,627 ; in 1865 was 31,523. 
 
 FRANKLIN. 
 
 Franklin was recently formed from Mansfield and Greenwich. 
 It is about 5 miles square ; bounded NE. by Mansfield, SE. by 
 Bethlehem. (Hunterdon co..) W. by Greenwich, and NW. by Flar- 
 mony. There are in the township G schools, 440 scholars. Pop. 
 
 in SG,>,2,701. 
 
 The surlacc is mountainous, with broad fertile valleys. Broad- 
 way and New A'illage, on the line of the Morris canal, in the NW. 
 part of the township, contain each about 20 dwellings. Asbury 
 a flourishing village on the Musconetcong creek, about a mile from 
 the base of the Musconetcong mountains, and 12 miles from Bel- 
 videre, in a fertile limestone valley, contains 2 stores, 1 plaster, 1 
 
WARREN COUNTY. 489 
 
 saw, 1 fulling, and 2 grist m., a woollen factory, several mechanics, 
 a Methodist church, and about 40 dwellings. In olden times there 
 was a grist-mill on the north side of the creek, and a dwelling on 
 the site of Van Antwerp's mill ; and the place was called HaWs 
 Mills. In 1800, the corner-stone of the old Methodist Episcopal 
 church was laid, by the venerable Bishop Ashiiry, in honor of whom 
 this village received its name. This was a small edifice, only 28 
 by 30 feet. It having been long in a dilapidated state, a new and 
 handsome church, 38 by 48 feet, has recently been erected, with a 
 neat steeple, and dedicated on the 22d of December, 1842. 
 
 The following inscription, to the memory of one of the founders 
 of this village, was copied from a monument in the graveyard ad- 
 joining the Methodist church : 
 
 Sacred to the memor}' of Col. William McCullough, who departed this life Feb. 9, 
 1840, aged 81 years, 1 month, and 19 days. He was a friend and promoter of internal 
 improvements ; a member of the legislative council, for a number of years ; served up- 
 wards of thirty years as one of the judges of the court of common pleas, in Sussex and 
 Warren counties. He attached himself to the Methodist Episcopal church in the year 
 1786, and continued a useful member until his death. His end was peace. 
 
 There is an excellent mineral spring near the NE. line of the 
 township, said to nearly equal that of the celebrated Schooley's 
 mountain, though not much frequented. 
 
 GREENWICH. 
 
 Greenwich is about 7 miles long, 6 wide ; and is bounded N. by 
 Harmony, E. by Franklin, SE. by Alexandria, (Hunterdon co.,) and 
 W. by the Delaware river. There are in the township 17 stores, 
 4 flouring-m., 6 grist-m., 8 saw-m., 4 oil-m. ; cap. in manufac. 
 $127,900; 13 schools, 911 scholars. Pop. 3,225. Its surface is 
 mountainous, with fertile valleys. 
 
 Philipsburg, where the Morris canal connects with the Delaware, 
 is a village containing about 35 dwellings, on the Delaware river, 
 at the base of a high hill, opposite Easton, Penn., and 13 miles S. 
 of Belvidere. The annexed view was taken from Lehigh hill, a bold 
 bluff on the Pennsylvania side. Immediately beneath is seen the 
 Lehigh river, at its junction with the Delaware and the Pennsyl- 
 vania canal, which connects with the coal-regions of that state. 
 Further on is the bridge across the Delaware — a splendid struc- 
 ture, with stone piers, erected at an expense of about iSSOjOOO. On 
 the right, part of Philipsburg, and on the left a portion of Easton, 
 are shown. In the distance the Delaware is seen, for several 
 miles, until lost to view by high, picturesque mountains. The 
 scenery in this vicinity is uncommonly bold and beautiful. 
 
 Stewartsville, a flourishing village, 13 miles from Belvidere, con- 
 tains a neat academy, used as a place for public worship, several 
 mechanic shops, stores, &c., and about 45 dwellings. Finesville, 
 where there is a church, open to various denominations, near the 
 
 62 
 
490 
 
 WARREN COUNTY. 
 
 '^M^^^'^K^f^ff^^^-^vp^i-sC 
 
 View of the Bridge across the Delaware, at Philipsburg. 
 
 SW. corner of the township, and Hughesville, both on the Musco- 
 netcong creek, are small manufacturing villages, each containing 
 about 20 dwellings. Reigle's Mills, Middleville, and Kennedy's, 
 are smaller places. At the latter is a substantial stone Presby- 
 terian church. Bloomsbury, 10 miles from Belvidere, on the county 
 line, is described on page 243 of this volume. 
 
 HARDWICK. 
 
 Hardwick is about 10 miles long, with an average width of 4; 
 and is bounded NE. by Stillwater and Green, (Sussex co.) — which 
 tw^o tow'nships, previous to the formation of this county, were part 
 of Hardwick — SE. by Independence, W. by Hope and Knowltcm, 
 and N'W. by Pahaquarry. 
 
 The face of the township is uneven, and the soil in the vallej's 
 fertile. The Blue mountain skirts on the NW. boundary, and the 
 land in that section is stony. There are in the township 3 stores, 
 1 cotton factory, 2 tanneries, 6 grist-m., 3 saw-ni. ; cap. in manu- 
 fac. 832,800 ; 16 schools, 769 scholars. Po]). TOO. 
 
 .Tohnsonburg is near the centre of Hardwick, on the stage-road 
 from Newton to Easton, Pa., 1.5 miles irom Belvidere, and 10 from 
 Newton. In olden times it was the seat of justice for Sussex co., 
 and at an early j)criod was called "//ie Log Jail" from the cir- 
 cumstance of the jail being constructed of logs. Through the in- 
 fluence of a large landholder, a member of the legislature, the 
 county seat was removed to Newton about the year 1765. The 
 village contains 2 stores, a grist-mill, a tannery, a coach manufac- 
 tory, several mechanics, an Episcopal church, free for other de- 
 npminations, and about 200 inhabitants. Marksbftro. on the Pau- 
 linskill, contains a grist, saw, clover, and plaster mill, a cotton 
 
WARREN COUNTY. 49 1 
 
 factory, a Presbyterian church, and about 20 dwellings. The White 
 Pond lies near this place : its sides and bottom are covered with a 
 small white shell composed about one half of lime, and considered 
 by some an excellent manure. Paulina, 2 miles W. of Marksboro, 
 on the same stream, contains a store, tavern, grist-mill, cavding- 
 machine, taimery, &c., and 10 or 12 dwellings. The first white 
 inhabitants who settled this township were the Greens, Hunts, 
 Shafers, Dyers, Armstrongs, Wilsons, Lundys, «Sz;c., many of whose 
 descendants still remain. 
 
 HAllMONY. 
 
 Harmony was Ibrmed from Greenwich and Mansfield in 1839. It 
 is about () miles long, 5 broad, and is bounded N. by Oxford, SE. by 
 Franklin, S. by Greenwich, and W. by the Delaware river. .The 
 surface is generally hilly, and the soil in the valleys fertile. There 
 are in the township, 2 Houring-m., 3 grist-m., and 4 saw-m. ; cap. 
 in manufac. $30,300 ; G schools, 380 scholars. Pop. l,H'45. 
 
 In the central part of the township, on the road from Belvidere 
 to Easton, 7 miles from the former, and 5 from the latter, is a 
 small village where there is a large Presbyterian church and about 
 20 dwellings. This village is divided into two parts, called, re- 
 spectively. Upper and Lower Harmony. Roxburgh, on the same 
 road, 4 miles south of Belvidere, contains about a dozen dwellings, 
 a foundry, grist-mill, &c. 
 
 HOPE. 
 
 Hope was formed from Oxford and Knowlton in 1839. It is 
 about 7 miles long, and 5 wide ; bounded N. and NW. by Knowl- 
 ton, E. by Hardwick and Independence, !SE. by Mansfield, and SW. 
 by Oxford. The surface is mountainous, and the soil, in the valleys 
 of the Beaver brook and Pequest river, is fertile. Cap. in manu- 
 fac. 84,150; 6 schools, 311 scholars. Pop. 2,039. 
 
 The first settlers in this region were Mr. Samuel Green and 
 family, from Long Island. He was the first surveyor employed in 
 this vicinity, and came here about the commencement of the French 
 and Indian wars. The family were on friendly terms with the 
 Indians, who, being grateful for their kindness, warned them of the 
 approach of hostilities, so that they temporarily removed until the 
 war was over. 
 
 The annexed engraving shows the appearance of the village of 
 Hope, as seen from the .Icnny .lump mountain, an elevation of 600 
 or 800 feet. The notch or depression in the distant mountain 
 is the Delaware Water Gap, distant 12 miles. The village is 16 
 miles from Newton, and 9 from Belvidere. It contains 1 Methodist, 
 I Christ-ian, and 1 Episcopal church, 7 stores, many mechanic shops. 
 
492 
 
 WARREN COUNTY. 
 
 and about 60 dwellings. The churches and many of the other 
 buildings are constructed of blue limestone. The Episcopal church, 
 erected in 183::2, is one of the most elegant specimens of the Gothic 
 style of architecture in the state. 
 
 Hope, from Jenny Jump Mountain. 
 
 Some years since an act of incorporation was obtained for an 
 association called the " Warren County Mining Company." They 
 commenced operations at a locality in the mountain about 3 miles 
 from the village. A shaft 100 feet in length was sunk at an angle 
 of 45 degrees. After working it, at various times, at considerable 
 expense, it was abandoned. It seems they were deceived by iron 
 pyrites in that locality, a substance which, from its resemblance to 
 gold, has often misled those unacquainted with mineralogy. 
 
 In 1769, the Moravians from Bethlehem, Penn., purchased a tract 
 of about 1,000 acres at this place of Mr. Green, who lived in a log 
 house on the hill, a few rods from the Christ- ian church. The 
 Moravians who removed here were remarkably honest in all their 
 dealings ; but by trusting too much to the honesty of those with 
 whom they had business, suffered in their pecuniary atfairs. In 
 1805 or '6 they returned to their settlements at Bethlehem and 
 Nazareth. While here, they erected a church and a tavern, which 
 last stood where the Christ -ian church is now erected, and was burnt 
 a few years since. The annexed engraving is a representation of 
 the Union Hotel in the village, built of limestone. This structure 
 was erected in 1781, and was originally the Moravian church, being 
 surmounted with a cupola, which has since been taken down, and a 
 portico added. 
 
WARREN COUNTY. 
 
 493 
 
 The United Brethren, or Moravians, derive their origin from the 
 Greek church, in the 9th century. The society, as at present, \^ as 
 placed on a permanent foundation in 1722, by Count Zinzendorf. 
 a German nobleman. At the commencement of the last century, 
 after more than two hundred of their congregations had been de 
 
 Hotel at Hope, (the Ancient Moravian Church.) 
 
 stroyed or dispersed by persecution in Moravia, a small remnant 
 found refuge on his estates in Saxony, and through his patronage 
 built Herrnhut, now their largest settlement. Count Zinzendorf, the 
 instrument of renewing their church, was subsequently consecrated 
 one of their bishops, and from thenceforward devoted his life to the 
 cause. Individuals of all religious denominations united w^th them, 
 and gave rise to such diversity of sentiment, that it was considered 
 judicious to unite upon some general rules of agreement. Accord- 
 ingly, under the guidance of the count, certain articles of union 
 were concurred in, which, omitting the distinctive doctrines of the 
 various Protestant denominations, adopted only the generally ad- 
 mitted fundamental truths of scriptm-e. The United Brethren, 
 therefore, object to being considered as a separate sect, inasmuch as 
 their own peculiarities arise principally from their social organiza- 
 tion. Individuals of all Protestant denominations, consequently, 
 have always been freely admitted into their communities without 
 renouncing their peculiar creeds. Discussions relating to the 
 Trinity, and other speculative truths, are carefully avoided ; but 
 they make the merits of the Saviour the principal theme of their dis- 
 courses, and the only ground of salvation. High- wrought emotions, 
 engendered by momentary impulses, are not considered as sure 
 tests of piety as a daily upright and humble deportment. The 
 Moravian church is Episcopal, and has a liturgy ; but their bishops 
 possess no pre-eminent autliority. 
 
 The brethren early turned their attention to this country, with a 
 view of propagating the gospel among the Indians. In 1735, they 
 temporarily established themselves in Savannah, but abandoned it 
 and returned to Pennsylvania, in consequence of being obliged, if 
 they remained, of taking up arms with the Spaniards against the 
 
494 WARREN COUNTY. 
 
 English. Here it was, it is believed, that the great fountler of 
 Methodism, John Wesley, became acquainted with them, from 
 whom he imbibed some of his peculiar sentiments. In 1741, thev 
 settled near the forks of the Delaware. Count Zinzendorf, then on 
 a missionary tour in America, visited this place at Christmas, in 
 that year, and lodged in a log-house, attached to which was a stable. 
 From this circumstance the name of Bethlehem was given to the 
 settlement. 
 
 The count was undoubtedly pre-eminently fitted for a pioneer in 
 the cause. He is represented to have been one of the most extra- 
 ordinary divines that have appeared since the reformation — a man 
 of fervent piety, powerful imagination, original genius, and exten- 
 sive acquirements, and a sound, though perhaps eccentric theolo- 
 gian. In his portrait, he is dressed in a plain, single-breasted coat, 
 a mantle partially thrown over the shoulder, and a white cravat 
 gathered in a simple fold ; the hair dark, smoothly parted on the 
 left side, and hanging in graceful ringlets down ihc neck and shoul- 
 ders ; the forehead high and even ; eye penetrating ; nose long and 
 aquiline ; mouth large, but well formed, and the general expression 
 highly intellectual, denoting purity of thought and benevolence. 
 When here, he travelled much among the Indians, generally on 
 horseback, but not unfrequently on foot. Once or twice he narrow- 
 ly escaped being slain by them. 
 
 No people have probably done so much in the cause of missions, 
 in proportion to their means, as the Moravians. The sufferings an(' 
 devotedncss of their missionaries have been without a parallel . 
 and many interesting anecdotes are given of tliem. They have 
 gone Ibrtli, single-handed and unknown, among the slave popula- 
 tion of the West Indies, the sour, licentious hordes of Greenland, 
 and the savages of our own country. In some instances ten. in oth- 
 ers nearly Jifty years have elapsed ere they saw any fruit ; yet 
 they continued to labor, full of I'aith, and struggling against mis- 
 representation, suffering, and loss of life. 
 
 The total number of missionaries, with their wives, employed in 
 1838, was 230. These had 51,000 souls under their care, of whom 
 1(5,000 were communicants. Owing to their simple mode of living, 
 and the ])ractice in some instances of supporting themselves by per- 
 sonal labor, this great scheme of missionary effort has been con- 
 ducted on a very economical scale. The annual outlay of the so- 
 ciety for the support of their forty-two stations, pensions to retired 
 missionaries, and widows, and thc^ education and apprenticing ol 
 their children, and other expenses, amounts to about -$50,000. 
 
 There are at present in the United States several societies of 
 Moravians, besides their independent communities ; but as they do 
 not come under their social regulations, cannot in the fullest sense 
 be considered as belonging to them. Their communities are at 
 Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Litiz, in Pennsylvania, and at Salem in 
 North Carolina. 
 
 Bethlehem, their largest town, has about one thousand inhabitants, 
 
WARREN COUNTY. 495 
 
 V fio are mainly of German descent, and speak and worship in that 
 language. The vilhige is romantically located, compactly built, 
 and combines the attractions of both town and country. Their 
 government is administered by a board elected biennially. The 
 land belongs to the societ}', and is let out for building lots and other 
 purposes, at a trifling annual rent. This enables them to keep their 
 village free from all unworthy persons ; but they ever admit the 
 temporary residence of such as are willing to conform to their ex- 
 ternal regulations. The inhabitants are engaged in the usual me- 
 chanical, mercantile, and agricultural employments ; and some have 
 acquired considerable property. It was formerly the custom here, 
 and is still in Germany, to have separate establishments for such as 
 had not families, viz : the single brethren's house, for young men and 
 apprentices, where they lived and carried on their respective em- 
 ployments, — the sisters' house, for the abode of unmarried females, 
 and the widows' house. But as the society has increased in wealth, 
 the necesdty for them has vanished, and it is believed they do not 
 now exist anywhere in the Union. 
 
 The young of both sexes were not then generally allowed to as- 
 sociate. When a young man wished to marry, he would hand in 
 the name of the lady to the board of elders. If judged improper, 
 from pecuniary disability, or other reasons, recourse was had to the 
 lot to decide the question. This was always entered upon with so- 
 lemnity, and preceded by prayer. If favorable, the young lad}^ had 
 the privilege of refusal. In extraordinary cases it is even now re- 
 sorted to : for instance, when a young lady receives proposals of 
 marriage from a missionary, and is undecided, she sometimes re- 
 quests the lot to be taken. 
 
 Meetings are held every evening in the week. Sunday mornings 
 the litany is read, and a sermon delivered in the church ; services 
 are also performed in the evening. Certain festival days, such as 
 Easter, Pentecost, Christmas, &c., are celebrated. As usual among 
 the Germans, great attention is paid to music ; almost every dwell- 
 ing has its piano, and it forms one of the most interesting features 
 of their public worship. Before the Lord's supper they have a love 
 feast, when all assemble expressly to listen to vocal and instrumen- 
 tal music, interspersed with hymns, in which the congregation join, 
 while they partake of a cup of coffee, tea, or chocolate, and light 
 cakes, in token of fellowship and brotherly union. Easter morning 
 is devoted to a solemnity of a ])eculiar kind. At sunrise the con- 
 gregation assemble in the graveyard ; a service, accompanied by 
 music, is celebrated, expressive of ihe joyful hopes of immortality 
 and resurrection, and a solemn commemoration of those who in the 
 course of the last year have gone to heaven. 
 
 Soon as a person dies, the event is announced by solemn instru- 
 mental music, from a band stationed in the church tower. Differ- 
 ent tunes are played, signifying the age, sex, and condition of the 
 deceased ; so it is then usually known who is dead. These death 
 hymns, sounding, as they often do, upon the still morning or evening 
 
496 WARREN COUNTY. 
 
 air, must have a singularly melancholy effect upon the hearer, re 
 minding him that he too is mortal. Their funeral services are usu- 
 ally performed in church; from ihence the congregation march to 
 the grave, preceded by a band of music. If the deceased is a fe- 
 male, the ladies ibllow first after the coffin ; if a male, the re- 
 verse. They consider death as no evil, but the entrance to eternal 
 bliss, and therefore do not mourn for friends, nor wear insignia of 
 grief. In alluding to the departed, they use the expression, " heim 
 gehen." signifying that they have gone home. The graveyard, like 
 most of this denomination, is laid out as a garden, and planted with 
 trees, under which are seats for visitors. The graves are devoid 
 of the disagreeable coffin-like shape of our own ; but resemble 
 flower-beds, and in many cases are covered with myrtle and other 
 ornamental plants. The monuments are small slabs laid horizon- 
 tally upon the graves, the inscrij)tions uppermost, and bearing sim 
 ply the name, age, and place of decease. 
 
 The following interesting particulars respecting Count Zinzen 
 dorf's visit to this country, are from Chapman's History of Wy- 
 oming. 
 
 Upon his arrival in America, Count Zlnzcndorf manifested a great anxiety to have 
 tlie jrospcl preached to the Indians ; and although he liad heard much of the ferocity of 
 the Shawancse, formed a resolution to visit them. With this view he repaired to Tulpc- 
 hocken, the residence of Conrad Weiser, a celebrated Indian interpreter, and Indian 
 agent for the government, whom lie wished to engage in the cause, and to accompany 
 him to the Shawancse town. Weiser was too much occupied in business to go imme- 
 diately to Wyoming, but he furnished the count with letters to a missionary by the name 
 of Mack, and the latter, accompanied by his wife, who could speak the Indian language, 
 proceeded immediately with Zinzcndorf on the projected mission. 
 
 The Shawancse appeared to be alarmed on the arrival of the strangers, who pitched 
 • heir tents on the banks of the river a little below the town, and a council of the chiefs 
 having assembled, the declared jjurpose of Zinzcndorf w;is deliberately considered. To 
 these unlettered children of the wilderness it appeared altogether improbable that a stran- 
 ger should brave the dangers of a boisterous ocean three thousand miles broad, for the 
 sole purpose of instructing them in the means of obtaining ha])piness after dealh, and 
 that too without requiring any compensation for his trouble and expense ; and as they 
 had observed the anxiety of the white pco])le to purchase lands of the Indians, they nat- 
 urally concluded that the real object of Zinzcndorf was cither to procure from them the 
 lands at Wyoming for his own uses, to searcli for hidden treasures, or to examine the 
 country with a view to future conquest. It was acrordingly resolved to assassinate 
 him, and to do it i)rivate!y, lest the knowledge of the transaction should produce a war 
 with the English, who were settling the country below (he mountains. 
 
 Zinzcndorf was alone in his tent, seated upon a bundle of dry weeds which composed 
 his bed, and engaged in writing, when the assassins approached to execute their bloody 
 commission. It was night, and the cool air of September had rendered a small fire ne- 
 cessary to his comfort and convenience. A curtain formed of a blanket and hung upon 
 pins was the only guard to the entrance of his tent. The heat of his small fire liad 
 aroused a large rattlesnake which lay in the weeds not far from it ; and the rej)tile, to en- 
 joy it more etleetually, crawled slowly into the tent and passed over one of his legs un- 
 discovered. Without, all was still and quiet except the gentle murmur of the river at 
 the rapids about a mile below. At this moment the Indians softly approached the door 
 of his tent, and slightly removing the curtain, contemplated the venerable man too deep- 
 ly engaged in the subject of his thoughts to notice either their approach, or the snake 
 which lay extended before him. At a sight like this, even the heart of the savage 
 shrunk from the idea of committing so horrid an act, and quitting the spot, they hastily 
 returned to the town, and informed their companions that the Great Spirit protected the 
 white man, for they had found him witli no door but a blanket, and had seen a large rat- 
 
WARREN COUNTY. 
 
 497 
 
 tiesnake crawl over his legs without attempting to injure him.* This circumstance, to. 
 g»thcr with the arrival soon afterward of Conrad Weiser, procured Zinzendorf the friend, 
 ship and confidence of the Indians, and probably contributed essentially toward inducing 
 many of them at a subsequent period to embrace the Christian religion. The count, 
 having spent twenty days at Wyoming, returned to Bethlehem, a town then building by 
 his Christian brethren on the north, bank of the Lehigh, about eleven miles from its junc- 
 tion with the Delaware. 
 
 In the village burying-ground at Hope are the graves of about 
 40 or 50 of the Moravians. A slab of gray stone about two feet 
 long is placed horizontally over each grave, each with a simple 
 inscription recording the name, birth, and death ; the following is a 
 copy of two of the inscriptions : 
 
 No. 33. 
 CONRAD OMENSETTER, 
 
 Born December ISth, 
 
 1740, 
 
 In Germany. 
 
 Departed 
 Jul)- 2, 1792. 
 
 MARIA SALOME 
 BLUM, 
 
 Born June 11, 
 
 1718. 
 
 In Hope, 
 
 Departed Aug. 30, 
 
 1778. 
 
 INDEPENDENCE. 
 
 Independence is 8 m. long, 6 broad ; and is bounded NW. by 
 H^rdwick, NE. by Green and Byram, Sussex co., E. by Roxbury 
 and Washington, Morris co., S. by Mansfield, and W. by Hope. 
 There are in the township 11 stores, 1 furnace, 6 flouring-m., 3 
 grist-m., 1 oil-m. ; cap in manufac. 865,650 ; 13 schools, 580 scho- 
 lars. Pop.in 1865,2,222 
 
 The " Great i\leadows" is a tract 5 m. long by 2 wide, in the W, 
 part, which is drained by the Pequest river. The Musconetcong, 
 with its fertile valley, is in the eastern part of the township, and 
 the Morris canal enters the co. near the NE. corner of the township. 
 
 Hackettstown, on the Musconetcong creek, 17 m. NE. of Belvi- 
 dere, was founded previous to the American revolution, and derives 
 its name from Mr. Samuel Hackett, a large landholder. A Pres- 
 byterian church was erected in 1763, as appears from the date on 
 the gravestone of Mr. Nathaniel Foster, who, with two others, was 
 accidentally killed at the raising of the building. Just after the 
 war. there were ten dwellings in the place. It gradually increased 
 from that period until 1830, since which it has nearly doubled in 
 population. The annexed view was taken in the main street of 
 the village, which is about half a mile in length, and, being thickly 
 studded with stores, mecharric shops, and dwellings, has a thriving, 
 business-like appearance. On the left, near the spectator, is seen 
 a part of the Methodist church, built in 1833, and the spire in the 
 
 * This circumstance is not published in the Count's memoirs, lest, as he states, the 
 fcrethrcH should think the conversion of a part of the Shawanese was attributable to 
 Iheir superstition. The author received the narrative from a companion of Zinzendorf, 
 who afterward accompanied him to Wyoming. 
 
 63 
 
498 
 
 WARREN COUNTY. 
 
 distance is that of the Presbyterian church, a handsome building 
 of wood, with pillars in front, erected in 1819, on the site of the old 
 one. Schooley's mountain, 3 m. from the village, appears in the 
 
 Central View in Hachettatown. 
 
 background. Hackettstown contains a woollen manufactory, a 
 cupola furnace, 2 large flouring-m., 2 taverns, (one of which is 
 large, and capable of accommodating many guests.) 1 tannery, 
 about 25 mechanic shops of various kinds, 6 mercantile stores, 91 
 dwellings, and about 700 inhabitants. The Morris canal runs 
 three quarters of a mile W. of the Aallage, at the base of Bucks 
 Hill, a bold eminence, deriving its name from the deer formerly 
 abounding there. The land in the vicinity of the village is fertile, 
 under excellent cultivation, and is valued at from $50 to $100 per 
 acre. 
 
 The following inscriptions are copied from monuments in the 
 graveyard adjoining the Presbyterian church at Hackettstown : 
 
 This marble, sacred to the memory of Rev. Joseph CAivirnELL, D. D., was erected by 
 the congregation of Hnckettstoirn, N. J., who enjoyed his able and faithful labors in the 
 gospel ministry upwards of 31 years. Though extensively honored for his literary and 
 scientific attainments, and respected for his piety, he was yet a man of great humility, 
 and wore as his daily and most du^tinguishiiig habit, the " ornament of a meek and (juiet 
 spirit." He was licensed to preach the gospel A. 1). 1808, ordained in 1809, and departed 
 this life Sept. 6th, A. D. 1840, in the 65111 year of his age, " full of faith and the Holy 
 Ghost." 
 
 Sacred to the memory of William Stewart, who departed this life Feb. 17th, 1810, in 
 the 72d year of his age. For 32 years, he was a ruling elder in the church, highly re- 
 vered and esteemed by all its members for his edifying life and convei-salion. .'Vnd hi.s 
 care in instructing the youth of the congregation, while destitute of a pastor, will long be 
 remembered by tlie friends of Zioii. With truth it may be said, here !ie« the afl'cctionate 
 husband, the kind father, the devout Christian. 
 
 In God's own arms he left the breath 
 
 That God's own Spirit gave ; 
 Ilis was the noblest road to death, 
 
 And his the sweetest -^avc. 
 
WARREN COUNTY. 
 
 499 
 
 Danville, on the road to Hope, on the western line of the town- 
 ship, 5 m. from Hackettstown, contains about 10 dwellings, seve- 
 ral mechanics, and a Presbyterian church built of stone. Vienna, 
 I m. E. of Danville, on the same road, is a villa-^e of about the 
 same size. Alamuche and \Yarrenville are also small settlements 
 in the NE. part of the township, containing each about a dozen 
 dwellings, and some mechanic shops, mills, &c. In the N. part of 
 the township is a Friends nioeting-house. 
 
 MANSFIELD. 
 
 Mansfield is 1 1 m. long, 5 wide, and is bounded NW. by Hope 
 and Oxford, NE. by Independence, SE. by Musconetcong creek, 
 separating it from Hunterdon co., and SW. by Franklin. There 
 are in the towsship 8 stores, 1 tannery, 1 grist-m., 3 saw-m. ; cap. 
 in manufac. 806,950 ; 12 schools, 1,027 scholars. Pop. 1,646. 
 
 The Pohatcong creek, and the Morris canal, pass lengthwise 
 through the township. The valleys of the Musconetcong and Po- 
 hatcong, in this township, are extremely fertile. Large quantities 
 of limestone are burnt and used in manuring the land in this re- 
 gion, and the appearance of the farms and dwellings indicates a 
 more than ordinary degree of prosperity. 
 
 South View of Washington. 
 
 The village of Washington is in the SW. part of the township, S 
 m. SE. of Belvidere, and 12 from Easton. This place is of recent 
 origin. Previous to 1811, there were not any dwellings here ex- 
 cepting a few small huts. In that year, tlie brick tavern was 
 erected by the late Col. Wm. McCullough, of Asbury. A year 
 later, the dwelling now owned by Mr. Gershom Ilustin was built ; 
 since which the village has grown up, and progressed to its pres- 
 ent prosperous condition. Washington is principally built on a 
 single street, running E. and W. The annexed view was takeu 
 
500 WARREN COUNTY. 
 
 on the hill S. of the village, on the road to New Hampton. On 
 the extreme right is seen the Methodist church, a substantial brick 
 structure, erected in 1825. In the central part of the view is the 
 Presbyterian church, also of brick, and ornamented with a hand- 
 some spire. The corner-stone of this edifice was laid July 4, 1837. 
 Previousl}^, the congregation worshipped in a stone church erected 
 about half a century since, now unoccupied, and standing half a 
 mile S. of the village. Before it was built, a log church stood on 
 its site. There are several mechanic shops, stores, &c., in the vil- 
 lage, and about 40 dwellings in it and vicinity. The Morris canal 
 runs about half a mile N., where there are two store-houses and 
 several dwellings. The village being new, well built, and pleasant- 
 ly situated in a fertile valley, has a cheerful, thriving appearance. 
 Beatty's town, (in the fertile valley of the Musconetcong,) New- 
 berg, Changewater, Anderson, and Port Golden, (where there is a 
 Baptist church,) each contain from 1 to 25 dwellings. 
 
 OXFORD.* 
 
 Oxford is 9 m. long, 6 wide, and contains about 50 square miles, 
 bounded on the N. by Knowlton and Hope, on the E. by Mansfield, 
 on the S. by Harmony, and on the W. by the Delaware river. 
 There were in the township, in 1840, 12 schools, 822 scholars. 
 Pop. in 1865, 1,936 
 
 A ridge of gneiss, here called Scott's mountain, but in Sussex 
 known as the Hamburg or Iron mountain, running nearly SW. and 
 NE., forms a kind of irregular table-land along the eastern side of 
 the township, having a general elevation of about 000 feet above 
 the level of the sea, but sometimes rising 200 or 300 feet higher. 
 A great part of this high land is yet occupied by forests of chest- 
 nut and oak, but is almost all capable of cultivation, and, when 
 manured with lime, yields very good crops. Along the foot of 
 Scott's mountain extends a narrow valley of limestone, separating 
 it from a low gneiss ridge, an extension of Jenny Jump mountain, 
 remarkable only for the singular eflect which it has had upon the 
 limestone in its vicinity, which has been converted into a beautiful 
 marble, in some places pure white, and at others resembling rose- 
 colored feldspar, speckled with crystals of epidote, mica, and other 
 minerals. NW. of this ridge lies a valley of limestone, about two 
 miles wide, which is followed by a ridge of clay slate, crossing the 
 Delaware a short distance above Belvidere, and running nearly 
 parallel with it to the upper end of the township, having part of 
 the way a narrow belt of rich alluvial land between it and the 
 river. The limestone is generally of a grayish blue color, and be- 
 longs to what is called the ancient secondary formation. It forms 
 a good building-stone, and yields excellent lime. Some varieties 
 
 * Note— The compilers are indebted to the Hon. J. P. B. Maxwell for the article on 
 Oxford township, excepting that part giving tlie history of the Presbyterian ciiurch. 
 
 J 
 
WARREN COUNTY 501 
 
 contain a large proportion of magnesia, and then form a good water 
 cement. The soil over the limestone is very fertile. The slate is 
 of a coarse quality, suited only for building-stone or flags. The 
 soil upon it is lighter and thinner than that on the limestone, but, 
 with the aid of lime, yields good crops. Iron ore in the form of 
 red hematite is found, in connection with the limestone, near the 
 Foul rift, but has not been mined to any extent on the Jersey side. 
 It is of an excellent quality, and large quantities are taken out on 
 the Pennsylvania side of the river. Scott's mountain is remarkable 
 throughout its whole extent for the quantity of valuable minerals 
 with which it abounds. The only ore of much importance in this 
 township, is iron ore, found in the form of a black magnetic oxyde, 
 in great abundance and of the finest quality, near Oxford Furnace. 
 It yields about 60 per cent, of a remarkably tough iron, well calcu- 
 lated for the manufacture of gun-barrels, cutlery, and machinery. 
 Black oxyde of manganese, plumbago, and sulphurct of iron, are also 
 found in Scott's mountain, but not in sufficient quantities to be of 
 value. Quartz cr3'stal, asbestos, crystallized epidote, and some other 
 curious minerals, are also found in different parts of the township. 
 There are in Oxford township 2 Baptist, 2 Episcopalian, 2 Meth- 
 odist, and 2 Presbyterian churches ; 8 grist-m., 7 saw-m., 3 iron 
 foundries, and 1 blast furnace. As agriculture is the chief occupa- 
 tion of the people, they are mostly scattered about on farms ; and 
 the villages are generally very small, and consist merely of a few 
 houses collected at a mill or cross-roads. Besides Belvidere, the 
 county town, Oxford township contains the villages or hamlets of 
 Bridgeville, Butzville, Oxford Meeting-house, Oxford Furnace, Ram- 
 saysburg, Rifton, and Sarepta. Bridgeville, on the Bequest, 3 m. 
 above Belvidere, consists of a store, tavern, and ten or a dozen 
 houses and shops. Butzville, on the Bequest, 5 m. above Belvidere, 
 has a Methodist church, (incorporated March 31, 1841,) a tavern, 
 and 2 or 3 houses. Oxford Meeting-house, 2 m. E. of Belvidere, 
 contains a Presbyterian church, a grist-m., saw-m., tannery, tavern, 
 schoolhouse, and about a dozen houses and shops. The church is 
 one of the oldest establishments in the county, — the present frame 
 building having been erected in 1785, in place of a log church 
 which had been used for many years previous. Oxford Furnace, 
 5 m. E. of Belvidere, has an iron furnace, grist-m., store, and half 
 a dozen dwelling-houses. The furnace was established nearly 100 
 years ago. It now yields about 800 tons of pigs per annum. The 
 mines are less than half a mile from the furnace. Ramsaysburg, 
 on the Delaware, 5 m. above Belvidere, consists of an Episco- 
 palian church, a Baptist chiir(-h, a tavern, 2 stores, and a few 
 scattered houses. The Episcopalian chinx-h, St. James's, is the old- 
 est of that denomination in the county, having been established 
 at least as early as 1785. liiflon, at the Foul Rift falls, on the 
 Delaware, H m. below Belvidere, has a grist-m., a saw-m., and 4 
 dwelling-houses. The river falls 6 feet at the Little rift, and 16 
 at the Foul rift ; and a canal of a mile in length would form a 
 
502 
 
 WARREN COUNTY. 
 
 water-power almost unequalled in the state. Sarepta, on Beaver 
 brook, a branch of the Pequest, 3 1-4 m. NE. of Belvidere, has an 
 iron foundry, grist-m., and saw-m., and 4 dwelling-houses. 
 
 The lirst settlement in the township was made by two men 
 named Axford and Green, probably about 1730. The tradition is, 
 that on coming into the country they ascended Rattlesnake hill, 
 and there climbed a tree, to survey the country and fix upon a spot 
 for their residence. Axford's attention was attracted by the natu- 
 ral meadows at Oxford Furnace, while Green preferred the banks 
 of the beautiful little lake which still bears his name. The de- 
 scendants of both these adventurers may still be found around the 
 places of their original settlement. The name of Axford was very 
 generally pronounced Oxford, and it is probable the township took 
 its name from him. 
 
 Jjfcarance of Belvidere from the Fenmylvanm side of Ddaware. R. 
 
 Belvidere, the county seat of Warron Co. is beautifully situated in 
 the mountainous part of New Jersey, on both sides of the Pequest, at 
 its junction with the Delaware, 65"^ miles W. from New York, 65 N. 
 from Philadelphia and 14 above Easton, Ponn. The above view was 
 taken from near the residence of Jacob B. Miller. The Delaware bridge 
 and river appear in the foreprround. The railroad is .«een above and 
 beyond the bridge ; the Railroad depot, the Delaware flour mill, the 
 turrets and spires, of the courthouse, the Methodist, the old school 
 Presbyterian and Episcopal churches are seen on the right. The new 
 school Presbyterian, the young Ladies Seminary and boarding house 
 appear on the left, the Warren House, or hotel is seen in the central 
 part. The village has a bank, 2 newspaper printing ofiQccs, the county 
 buildings and about 1,800 inhabitants. 
 
WARREN COUNTY. 503 
 
 IJMIM jim:iiiir.;niic. There are two bridges across the Pequest, one 
 the railroad bridge ; and a covered wooden bridge, 630 feet 
 long, supportea on stone piers and abutments, across the Delaware. 
 The latter was built in 1835, partly destroyed, by a freshet, April 
 11, 1836, and rebuilt in the year following; the entire cost being 
 about $25,000. The Pequest river falls about 50 feet, in the last 
 mile of its course, affording a heavy water-power ; a part only of 
 which is at present occupied. The Delaware, here 600 feet wide, 
 falls twenty-two feet within a mile and a half ; below where half 
 its waters may be used for manufacturing purposes. These two 
 water-powers together are greater than those at Paterson, and far 
 exceed any others in the state. 
 
 Two railroads, terminating at Belvidere, have been chartered 
 and surveyed ; one an extension of the Somerville railroad, and the 
 other called the Belvidere Delaware railroad, following the course 
 of the river to Trenton. The estimated cost of the former is about 
 $800,000, and of the latter $1,000,000. As these roads would con- 
 nect, at Belvidere, with the Susquehanna and Delaware railroad, 
 passing through the immense coal-beds of the Lackawanna and 
 Susquehanna, and with it, and the Leggett's Gap railroad, form a 
 chain of roads extending to the western part of the New York and 
 Erie railroad, thus making a line of communication from New 
 York to Lake Erie considerably shorter, over lower grades, and at 
 less expense than that by the eastern part of the New York and 
 Erie Railroad, — it is altogether probable that one or both will be 
 constructed, as soon as confidence is sufficiently restored to induce 
 the prosecution of such works ; and, should either be built, the im- 
 mense water-powers of Belvidere must render it a place of great 
 importance. Report in LH4.ii. 
 
 From the number of arrow-heads and other relics found here, 
 it is evident that Belvidere was a favorite resort of the Indians ; 
 but nothing is known of its history previous to the settlement of 
 the whites. The first settler was Robert Patterson, who estab- 
 lished himself here, it is believed, about the middle of the last cen- 
 tury. Shortly after, a small blockhouse was erected, on the north 
 side of the Pequest, some 30 or 40 yards east of the present toll- 
 house of the Belvidere Delaware bridge. Some time previous to 
 the revolutionary war, a battle was fought, on the Pennsylvania 
 side of the river, between a band of Indians, who came from the 
 north, and the Deiawares residing in tlie neighborhood, aided by 
 the whites; in which the latter were defeated, and driven to the 
 Jersey side. In 1792, the village consisted of a grist-mill, on the 
 site now occupied by the " old mill," a saw-mill on the opposite 
 side of the Pequest. and six dwelling-houses. No part of these 
 buildings now remains, except the stone foundation of the old mill. 
 At that time, the principal part of the land north of the Pequest was 
 owned by Maj. Robert Hoops, who gave the place its name, prob- 
 ably from the beauty of its situation ; while that on the south side, 
 including the water-powers, belonged to the celebrated Robert Mor- 
 
504 WARREN COUNTY. 
 
 ris, who soon after (Nov. 15, 1793) entailed it upon his daughter, the 
 wife of Charles Croxall, and her children. This entail, during its 
 continuance, greatly retarded the prosperity of the place. In 1824 
 Belvidere was chosen as the county-seat for the newly-formed 
 county of Warren, and the courthouse and offices were, during the 
 year 1825, built on land granted for that purpose by Garret D. 
 Wall, Esq., then owner of the Croxall estate. The commissioners 
 assigned by the legislature to locate the county buildings, were 
 Nathaniel Saxton, Esq., of Hunterdon, Col. M'Courry, of Morris, 
 and Thomas Gordon, Esq., of Trenton. 
 
 The Wesleyan chapel (Methodist) was incorporated Aug. 9, 1825, and built in that 
 and the following year. The Preshyterian church was incorporated Feb. 2G, 1830, built 
 in 1833 and 1834, and organized Nov. 25, 1834 ; at which time the Rev. Isaac N. Can- 
 dee was installed pastor. Mr. Candee resigned his charge March 26, 1840, and 
 the Rev. James Clark, the present pastor, was installed April 29, 1840. Zion 
 church (Episcopalian) was incorporated Sept. 30th, 1633, built in 1835 and 1836, and 
 consecrated, by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Doanc, Sept. 14, 1836. When first incorporated 
 the congregation was under the charge of Rev. R. II. Freeman, missionary. Rev. 
 Henry Tell was appointed missionary in 1835, and the church built under his care. 
 He left in the spring of 1841, when Rev. John H. Hanson was appointed, who remained 
 one year. From the spring of 1842 to the summer of 1843, there was no regular minis- 
 ter, services being performed by the Rev. Mr. Jaqucs, of Hope. The present incumbent, 
 Rev. David Clarkson, was appointed missionary in the summer of 1843. 
 
 The First Presbyterian Church of Oxford. — In the year 1744, the Rev. James Camp, 
 bell preached the gospel in the first Presbyterian congregation of Oxford, in the county 
 of Morris, (now Warren.) Oxford was then called Upi>er Greenwich. The Rev. David 
 Brainerd, Indian missionary, preached sundry times for said congregation. The Rev. 
 Daniel Lawrance officiated sundry times. About the year 1749, the said congregation 
 put themselves under the care of the New Brunswick presbytery, and made application 
 for supplies. In 1755 the Rev. Thomas Lewis officiated, as a stated supply, for some 
 time. In 1764 the congregation elected three men, who were set apart as elders, by the 
 Rev. Bcnj. Hight. About the same time a call was given to the Rev. John Rosebrough 
 to officiate, in connection with Greenwich and Mansfield, (Woodhouse.) He continued 
 at Oxford one third of his time for the space of five years. Afterward several supplies 
 officiated, until tlie year 1775, when Rev. John Debow was engaged, first as a supply, 
 and afterward received a call for Oxford and Mount Bethel. In 1777 the Rev. Philip 
 Stockton accepted a call, in connection with Knowlton and Mansfield, and continued 
 some three or four years. In 1787 the Rev. Asa Dunham accepted a call for Oxford and 
 Mount Bethel. About this time the church which now stands appears to have been 
 built ; previous to which, a building of hewu logs hud stood near the present site. Rev. 
 Mr. Dunham continued several years, after which supplies officiated until 1805, when 
 Rev. David Barclay received a call. In 1819 Rev. Lemuel F. Leake received a call; 
 in 1830 Rev. Mr. Candee ; in 1835 Rev. Robert Love ; in 1839 Rev. John J. Carroll ; in 
 1842 Rev. James McWilliam, the present pastor — he being the first whose ministerial 
 services have been engaged for the whole time, excepting the Rev. Mr. Candee, pre- 
 vious to the organization of the new church at Belvidere. 
 
 A small academy was built on the north side of the Pequest, in 
 1821 or 1822; and a large one has just been commenced on the 
 south side. 
 
 The Belvidere Bank was chartered Feb. 13th, 1830, and went 
 into operation Jan. 1, 1831— capital 8100,000. It divides seven per 
 cent, per annum, and has a surplus of nearly 819,000. In 1837, a 
 company of the citizens purchased a part of the water-powers of 
 the Pequest, and built a dam and canal, by which a tier of mill 
 sites, with a fall of 18 feet, was formed in the centre of the town; 
 but, owing to want of capital, only three of these sites are yet oc- 
 cupied. 
 
WARREN COUNTY. 505 
 
 PAHAQUARRY. 
 
 Pahaquarry, the NW. township of the county, was formed from 
 Walpack, Sussex co., in 1824. It is long; and narrow, being 12 
 miles long, and H wide, and is bounded NE. by Waloack, Sussex 
 CO., SE. by Hardwick and Knowlton, and SW. and TVW. by the 
 Delaware river. It has not any villages, and is very thinly settled, 
 having a population of onlj 583. being the smallest of any town- 
 ship in the state. It derives its name from a town belonging to the 
 Minisink tribe, anciently standing there. 
 
 Pahaquarry is the most secluded township in New Jersey, lying 
 in a nook between the mountains and the Delaware. The Blue 
 mountain, running its whole length, occupies all its surface except a 
 narrow fertile strip on the river, nowhere over 80 rods in width, 
 but extending the whole length of the township. The mountain 
 and river scenery is uncommonly beautiful and sublime ; and the 
 Delaware Water Gap is partly in the township, in its southern por- 
 tion. On the Jersey side of the Gap is a place where the ledge comes 
 boldly down to the road-side, called the Indian Ladder, which a few 
 years since, before the road was constructed, came down perpen- 
 dicularly to the water's edge and prevented the inhabitants from 
 having a free communication with other parts of the county. In 
 olden times the Indians had there a kind of ladder made of an up- 
 right tree ; afterward a rope ladder was made by the whites ; but if 
 was a dangerous place to get over, being 30 or 40 feet in height, 
 and only surmountable by foot passengers. On the summit of the 
 Blue mountain are two beautiful lakes, probabl}^ on land over a 
 1,000 feet above the level of the Delaware. Near one of them is 
 a chalybeate spring, called "the paint spring," which deposits 
 ferruginous ochre. " In the valley," says Prof. Rogers in his report, 
 " which divides the mountain into two ridges, at the Water Gap, 
 and about two miles and a half from the river on the Jersey side, a 
 spot has been found containing very excellent hematite iron ore. 
 In what quantity the ore exists has not yet been ascertained ; though 
 the impression prevails that the Blue mountain contains, in many 
 places, iron ore in sufficient quantity to justify a more minute ex- 
 amination. There are current throughout this Blue mountain 
 region various stories of localities of silver and other precious min- 
 erals ; but such tales will only be listened to by the over-credulous, 
 as every thing in the geological structure of the district must indicate 
 to persons at all versed in mineralogy and mining, the very slender 
 probability of there existing in this place any mineral treasures of 
 this nature." At an early period in the settlement of the country 
 several openings were made into the western base of the Blue 
 mountain in search of copper ore. 
 
 On the farm of Abraham Van Campen, Esq., near the blacksmith 
 shop of Mr. Andrew Ribbles, in the central part of the township, 
 there was once an Indian burial-place. Many skeletons and relics 
 
 64 
 
506 WARREN COUNTY. 
 
 have been ploughed up, such as guns, kettles, blankets, crucifixes, 
 bell-buttons, beads, pipes, &c. A few years since the skeleton of 
 what is supposed to have been an Indian chief, was disinterred. He ] 
 was found wrapped in a blanket, in a sort of stone coffin, and buried -i 
 in his wsLV costume, decked with beads and all the paraphernalia j 
 of savage splendor. A gun lay on each side, with the breech at his j 
 feet and the barrel across his shoulder. Over these lay his arms, 
 with the hands folded across his breast, under which lay two spoons 
 crossed. Behind his neck was his tobacco-box and ammunition. 
 Several crosses were placed on his body ; among which, on his breast 
 was a large brass one, nicely cast, bearing on one side the figure 
 of Christ, and on the other, one representing his ascension. 
 
 The following, from Hazard's Register, throws some light on the 
 early settlements on the Delaware, in this section of country. It is 
 extracted from two letters written by Samuel Preston, Esq., and 
 dated Stockport, June 6th and 14th, 1828. 
 
 Meenesink, Mine Holes, &,c. — In 1787, the writer went on his first surveying tour 
 into Nortliampton connty ; he was deputy under John Lukens, surveyor-general, and 
 received from him, by way of instructions, the following narrative respecting the settle, 
 rncnt of Meenesink, on the Delaware, above the Kittanny and Blue mountain : 
 
 That the settlement was formed a long time before it was known to the government in 
 Philadelphia. That when government was informed of the settlement, they passed a law 
 in 1729, that any such purchases of the Indians should be void, and the purchasers in- 
 dicted for " forcible entry and detainer," according to the laws of England. That in 1730, 
 they appointed an agent to go and investigate the facts ; that the agent so appointed was 
 the famous surveyor Nicholas Scull ; that he, James Lukens, was then N. Scull's apprcn- 
 ticc to carry chain and learn surveying. That he accompanied N. Scull. As they^ both 
 understood and could talk Indian, they hired Indian guides, and had a fatiguing journey, 
 there being then no white inhabitants in the upper part of IJucks or Northampton county ; 
 that they liad very great difficulty to lead their horses through the Water Gap to Meene- 
 sink Flats, which were all settled with Hollanders ; witli several they could only be un- 
 derstood in Indian. At the venerable Samuel Dupuis' they found great hospitality and 
 plenty of the necessaries of life. J. Lukens said that the first thing that struck his ad- 
 miration was a grove of apple-trees, of size far beyond any near Philadelphia. That as 
 N. Scull and himself examined the banks, they were fully of opinion that all those flats 
 had at some very former age been a deep lake before the river broke through tlie moun- 
 tain, and that the best interpretation they could make of Meenesink was, the icater is 
 gone. That S. Dupuis told them when the rivers were frozen he had a good road to 
 Esopus, (now Kingston,) from the mine holes, on the minc-road some hundred miles. 
 That he took his wheat and cider there for salt and necessaries, and did not appear to 
 have any knowledge or idea where the river ran, Philadelphia market, or being in the 
 government of Penn.sylvania. 
 
 They were of opinion, that the first settlements of Hollanders in Meenesink were many 
 years older than \Villiam Pcnn's charter, and as S. Dupuis had treated them so well, they 
 concluded to make a survey of his claim in order to befriend him if necessary. When 
 they began to survey, the Indians gathered around ; an old Indian laid his hand on N. 
 Scull's shoulder, and said, " Put up iron string, go home ;" they then quit and returned. 
 
 I had it in charge from John Lukens to learn more particulars respecting the mine-road 
 to Esopus, (Sec. I found Nicholas Dupuis, Esq., (son of Samuel,) living in a spacious 
 stone house in great plenty and aflluence. The old mine-holes were a few miles above. 
 on the Jersey side of the river by the lower point of Paaquarry Flat ; that the Meenesink 
 settlement extended ID miles or more on both sides of the river. That he had well known 
 the mine-road to Esopus. and used, before he opened the boat channel through Foul Rift, 
 to drive on it several times every winter with loads of wheat and cider ; as also did his 
 neighbors to purchase their salt and necessaries in Esopus, having then no other market 
 or knowledge where the river ran to. That after a navigable channel was opened through 
 
WARREN COUNTY. 507 
 
 Foul Rifts they generally took to boating, and most of tlic settlement turned their trade 
 down stream, the mine-road became less and less travelled. 
 
 This interview with the amiable Nicholas Dupuis, Esq., was in June, 1787. He then 
 appeared about 60 years of age. I interrogated as to the particulars of what he knew, 
 as to when and by whom the mine-road was made, what was the ore thoy dug and hauled 
 on it, what was the date, and from whence or how came the first settlers of Meenesink 
 in such great numbers as to take up all the flats on both sides of the river for forty miles. 
 He could only give traditional accounts of what he had heard from older people, without 
 date, in substance as follows : 
 
 *• That in some former age there came a company of miners from Holland, supposed 
 from the great labor expended in making that road, about one hundred miles long, that 
 they were very rich, or great people in working the two mines, one on the Delaware, 
 where the mountain nearly approaches the lower point of Paaquarry F'at, the other at 
 the north foot of the same mountain, near half way between ♦he Delaware and Esopus. 
 Up over understood that abundance of ore '^ad been hauled on that road, but never could 
 icarn whether lead or silver. That the lirst settlers came from Holland to seek a place of 
 quiet, being persecuted for their religion. I believe they were Arminians. They follow- 
 ed the mine-road to the large Hats on the Delaware ; that smooth cleared land, and such 
 an abundance of large apple-t.rees, suited their views ; that they ' bona fide' bought the 
 improvements of the native Indians, most of whom then removed to Susquehanna ; that 
 with such as remained, tliere was peace and friendship until 1755." 
 
 I then went to view the Paaquarry mine-holes. There appeared to have been a great 
 abundance of labor done tiiere at some former time, but the mouths of these holes were 
 caved full and overgrown with buslies. I concluded to myself if there ever had been a 
 rich mine under that mountain, it must be there yet in close confinement. The other 
 old men I conversed with, gave their traditions shnilar to Nicholas Dupuis, and they al) 
 appeared to be grandsons of the first settlers, and generally very illiterate as to dates or 
 any thing relating to chronology. 
 
 In the summer of 1789, I began to build on this place, there came two venerable gen- 
 tlemen on a surveying expedition. They were the late Gen. James Clinton, the father of 
 the late De Witt Clinton, and Christopher Tappan, Esq., clerk and recorder of Ulster co. 
 For many years before they had both been surveyors under Gen. Clinton's father when 
 he was surveyor-general. In order to learn some history from gentlemen of their gen- 
 eral knowledge, I accompanied them in the woods. They both well knew the mine-holes, 
 mine-road, &.C., and as there was no kind of documents or records thereof, united in the 
 opinion that 't was a work transacted while the State of New York belonged to the 
 government of Holland, that it fell to the English in 1664, and that the change of gov- 
 ernment stopped the mining business, and that the road must have been made many 
 years before so much digging could have been done. That it undoubtedly must have 
 been the first good road of that extent ever made in any part of the United States. 
 
 KNOWLTON. 
 
 Knowlton is 9 miles long, 7 wide, and is bounded NW. by Paha- 
 quarry, E. by Hardwick, SE. by Hope, S. by Oxford, and W. by 
 the Delaware river. There are in the township 16 schools, 769 
 scholars. Pop.i«1865,l,506, 
 
 The Blue mountain forms its NW. boundary ; its surface is else- 
 where generally hilly, abour«ling in m^any knolls; irom which the 
 township is said to have derived its name. The Paulinskill runs 
 centrally through Knowlton and empties into the Delaware just S. 
 of the village of Columbia. 
 
 Columbia, on the Delaware river, 9 miles NW. of Belvidcre, con- 
 tains a large saw-mill, several mechanic shops, a Methodist church, 
 and about 25 dwellings. Knowlton Mills, upwards of a mile NE. 
 of the above, on the Paulinskill, contains a large grist, a saw, and a 
 clover mill, and a few dwellings. Blairstown, formerly called 
 
508 
 
 WARREN COUNTY. 
 
 Gravel Hill, contains a store, a grist-mill, several mechanics, a tan- 
 nery, 15 or 20 dwellings, 1 Methodist and 1 Presbyterian church. 
 Centreville, Walnut Valley, and Sodom respectively contain a few 
 dwellings. 
 
 The passage, in the Blue or Kittanny mountain, through which 
 the Delaware river winds, is partly on the boundary of this town- 
 ship. It is supposed by geologists that this deep, winding chasm 
 was wrought by some mighty convulsion of nature, clearing the 
 rocks and opening a passage for the river, which previously flowed 
 through some other channel. The annexed description, by the 
 junior compiler of this volume, was published in September, 1842 
 and entitled " A Day at the Delaware Water Gap." 
 
 i^outhern entrance of the Delaware Water Gap. 
 
 Tliis wild and romantic pas's is usually approached from the pouth. At a great uis- 
 taiicc in tliis direction the Blue mountain is seen running southwesterly in one unva- 
 rying line, for perhaps 50 miles, crossing into Pennsylvania and forming the boundary 
 of the horizon. The range rises nearly 12,000 feet, and forms an unbroken chain, except- 
 ing where two deep notches appear to be cut through the mountain. The first, the 
 Water Gaj), through which the Delaware forces its passage ; the second, the Wind Gap, 
 fourteen miles southwest of the former, in Pennsylvania, over which winds a stage-road. 
 
 A week since last Wednesday, I l,eft the fine village of Belvidere for the Water Gap, 
 and will now endeavor to describe my adventures at that interesting spot. For several 
 days previous, 1 had a distant view of the Blue mountain with its deep chasm, and 
 longed to 
 
 " Visit those lonely regions, where, retired 
 From little scenes of art, great Nature dwells 
 In awful solitude." 
 
 On th;it day my wish was gratified. As I approached, the mountain apparently grew 
 higher and more precipitous, and the chasm deeper and more appalling ; but not utUil 1 
 had ascended an eminence half a mile south of the opening, did the scene burst upon 
 
WARREN COUNTY. 509 
 
 me in all its vastness. From this point I took the sketch represented in the accompa- 
 nying eng^raving. 
 
 On each side of the Gap the mountains are seen rising to the height of nearly one 
 third of a mile, their sides clothed with the towering hemlock and other forest trees. 
 In many places huge ledges of rock, hundreds of feet high, stand frowning forth ; and 
 on the Jersey or right side descend precipitously to the water's edge. In the distance 
 the mountains appear lower, more graceful, and, curving around to the left, shut out a 
 further prospect. From between, the Delaware comes winding down in all her majesty, 
 like one vast sheet of liquid silver, and giving the finishing touch to a landscape of sur- 
 passing grandeur. 
 
 As evening approached, I proceeded to the tavern seen at the base of the mountain. 
 Supper was soon ready. Capacious dishes, filled almost to overflowing with a desirable 
 variety, were piled promiscuously in " country fashion" on the board. While helping 
 myself liberally to the good things, and partaking of the best of coffee, the landlady, a 
 hale, robust, elderly woman, amused me with stories of rattlesnakes and other reptiles 
 that infest these regions, until I almost trembled at the thought of ascending the moun- 
 tain on the morrow 
 
 After dark, I went into the Gap, and there witnessed a novel method of fishing. Se- 
 veral lines were stretched across the river, at that place about forty rods wide, to which 
 were attached smaller ones with hooks. Once in an hour or two, the fishermen would 
 row across the stream, take in their lines, gather the fish, and then reset them. Not 
 wishing to join in so unscientific a method of angling, I seated myself alone on a fallen 
 trunk, under some trees, beside the river bank. I shall never forget that moment. On 
 the opposite side, high in air, in gloomy grandeur, arose the Jersey mountain ; its rough, 
 craggy precipices, and deep, fearful chasms, just discerned through the blackness of 
 night, were reflected boldly on the surface of the river, which appeared dark and unfa- 
 thomable as eternity. A few stars were twinkling far away above the mountain, and 
 here and there, on the other bank, a light from some solitary dwelling cast rays across 
 the blackened waters. Immediately behind me, lay the fishermen in grotesque postures 
 around a huge fire, the warm light of which illumining the leafy canopy over my head, 
 enhanced the wild sublimity of this Alpine scene. 
 
 The next morning, in company with the landlady's son, and a small dog as a protec- 
 tion against snakes, I crossed the river, and commenced the toilsome ascent of the Jer- 
 sey mountain. At first, I experienced slight trepidation, momentarily expecting to hear 
 the low, terrific warning of a rattlesnake, or feel the sting of some malicious pilot, as he 
 darted from a jutting rock into my face ; but our little cur going ahead, snuffing and 
 smelling among the stones in search of these reptiles, set an example of fearlessness 
 that his superiors were glad to copy. We at length arrived at the summit, when was 
 presented a scene of glory. To the south it was 
 
 " A gaily checkered, heart-expanding view, 
 Far as the circling eye could shoot around." 
 
 A vast expanse was spread out in the luxuriance of vegetation ; diversified with hills, 
 valleys, woodlands, cultivated fields, and here and there a dwelling. Through this 
 lovely landscape gently wound the Delaware ; the gurgling of its passing waters in the 
 vale in soft murmurs reached the heights above. To tlie north, up the gorge, the scene 
 was wild. On the left, the Pennsylvania mountain came abruptly down to the water's 
 edge. To the right and front, the eminence we were on curved around, and enclosing 
 the river in a basin, imparted to it the similitude of a lake, as it lay below, deep and 
 sombre in the shadow of encircling hills. Still further on, the whole background was 
 filled with long ranges of irregularly peaked mountains ; those near, fresh in their livery 
 of green ; those beyond, assuming a deep blue color, and then becoming fainter and 
 fainter, until mellowing away like indistinct clouds afar off" in the horizon. 
 
 Descending, I recrossed the river to the tavern, where I had stayed the preceding 
 night. Buckling on my knapsack, I walked upward through the gap. At the distance 
 of half a mile, the river turns suddenly to the left, and then soon again resumes its 
 former course. In a mile or more, the mountains grow less bold, although still lofty ; 
 and the stream wider, until it expands to its full breadth. Numerous verdant isles now 
 appear, graced with massy trees, whose branches bend as if to kiss the passing waters. 
 The hills recede from the river; cultivated farms and dwellings ])re.seiit themselves, and 
 the scene changes its wildncss to one of enchanting beauty. I walked on for several 
 miles, and was finally rowed in a boat across the river to a neighboring farm-house, 
 where I was to pass the night. The rays of the departing sun gilding the summits of 
 
510 MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. 
 
 the iwjantains, and the lengthening sliadows in the valley and across the waters, told 
 that night was near. While enjoying the prospect, my mind was filled with pleasing 
 retrospections of the few past hours ; and as I sat in that little skiff, gliding over the pla- 
 cid surface of the Delaware, I felt that this had been one of the happiest days of my life. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. 
 
 SHAWUSKUKHKUNG, (Wilted Gras«.)— BARTHOLOMEW S. CALVIN. 
 
 In the year 1832 a grant of $2,000 was obtained from the legislature of New Jersey 
 by ■j.n aged Indian representing the Delaware tribe. His name was Bartholomew S. 
 Calvin. His appellation among his own people was Shaicuskukhkung, oiWihcd Grass. 
 He had received his education at Princeton College, and in early life kept a school, both 
 for whites and Indians, at Edge Pillock, where he was often visited by Mr. Samuel Al- 
 linson, author of Allinson's Laws of New Jersey, who considered him an intelligent and 
 worthy man. The following is a brief summary of the nature of the claims on which 
 this grant was founded, and of the Delaware branch of the Lcnni Lennappi tribe. 
 
 When this country was first visited by Eurojicans, that part of New Jersey south of 
 the Raritan, was occupied by the Delaware Indians. Their right of ownership was 
 recognised by the English, and large purchases were from time to time made, as the 
 demands of the settlers required. Most of tlieir lands were thus sold prior to the year 
 1758, when a treaty was held at Crosswicks, at which the whole of their remaining 
 claims were extinguished, except a reservation of the right of fishing in all rivers and 
 bays, and of hunting on all unenclosed grounds. A tract containing 3,000 acres was 
 purchased for them at Edge Pillock in Burlington co., where the scattered remnant 
 of tiie tribe, amounting only to GO persons, were settled. They continued here until 
 1802, when at the invitation of their " Grandson," the Stockbridge tribe, they removed 
 to New Stockbridge, near Oneida lake. Years rolled on until the westward tide of emi- 
 gration had again surrounded them with a white population, whose cupidity rendered 
 their situation very uncomfortable. At length, in conjunction with several other tribes, 
 they purchased of the Menomonie Indians a tract of land near Green Bay, in Michigan 
 Territory, extending a considerable distance on botii sides of Fox river. The Delawares 
 and the Stockbridges have here formed a joint settlement, called Statesburgh, and de- 
 pend almost entirely on agricultural pursuits for a subsistence. A missionary and 
 schoolmaster have been sent among them by the Boston Missionary Society, whose la- 
 bors have been blessed, and a number of them have become hopefully pious. Drunken- 
 ness has become rare among them, and a temperance society in 1832 numbered upwards 
 of 100 members. 
 
 Of the Delawares, there remained, at the time in question, but about 40 at States- 
 burgh, and tliese, cherishing a tradition respecting their fishing and hunting rights in 
 New Jersey, delegated B. S. Calvin to obtain from the Legislature compensation f )r their 
 relinquishment. In presenting his claims, he accompanied them with a petition in his 
 favor, signed by a considerable number of respectable citizens, and the following address 
 written with his own hand, lie being tiien 76 years of age. 
 
 ADDRESS 
 
 Mv Brethren, — I am old, ai;d weak, and poor, and therefore a fit representative of 
 my people. You are young, and strong, and rich, and therefore fit representatives of 
 your people. But let me beg you for a moment to lay aside the recollections of your 
 strength and of our weakness, that your minds may be prepared to examine with can- 
 dor the subject of our claims. 
 
 Our tradition informs us, and I believe it corresponds with your records, that the 
 right of fisiiing in all the rivers and bays south of the Raritan, and of hunting in all un- 
 enclosed lands, was never relinquisheii, but on the contrary was expressly reserved in 
 our last treaty, held at Crosswicks, in 1758. 
 
 Having myself been one of tiic parties to the sale, I believe in 1801, I know that 
 these rights were not sold or parted with. 
 
 Wc now offer to sell these privileges to the state of New Jersey. They were once of 
 great value to us, and we apprehend that neitiier time nor distance, nor the non-use of 
 our rights, has at ail affected tliem, but tliat tlie courts here would consider our claima 
 valid were we to exercise them ourselves, or delegate them to others. It is not, how- 
 
 I 
 
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. 5II 
 
 ever, our wish thus to excite litigation. Wc consider the state legislature the proper 
 j)urchaser, 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 compen- 
 sation. 
 
 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 up to you as such, and humbly beg that you will look upon us with that 
 eye of pitj', as we have reason to think our poor untutored forefathers looked upon yours, 
 when they first arrived upon our then e.^ctensive but uncultivated dominions, and sold 
 tiicm their lands, in many instances, for trifles in comparison as " light as air." 
 
 From your humble petitioners, 
 
 Bartholomew S. Calvin, 
 In behalf of himself and his red brethren. 
 
 The whole subject was referred to a committee, before whom the Hon. Samuel L. South- 
 ard voluntarily and ably advocated the claims of the Delavvares, and at the close of a 
 speech which did him honor as a man and an orator, he remarked, " That it was a proud 
 fact in the history of New Jersey, that every foot of her soil had 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 Peiin, can boast of" 
 
 The committee reported favorably, and the legislature acted accordingly. The sum 
 he received (,$2,000) was indeed not large, yet it was all he solicited ; and considering 
 tlie nature of the claims, it must be regarded as an act of beneficence as mucli as of jus- 
 tice. It was, however, but the crowning act of a series in which justice and kindness 
 to the Indians have been kept steadily in view. The counsels of Barclay and of Penn, 
 (the former a governor and the latter a proprietor of the colony,) seemed to have influ- 
 enced their successors, and it is with feelings of honest pride that a Jerseyman may ad- 
 vert to the fact, that the soil of his state is unpolluted by a battle with the Indians, that 
 every acre of it has been fairly purchased, and that claims, deemed by many imaginary, 
 have been listened to with respectful attention. 
 
 The following letter Of thanks was addressed to the legislature by Calvin, and read 
 before the two houses in joint meeting on the 14t!h of March. It was received with 
 shouts of acclamation. 
 
 Trenton, March 12, 1832. 
 
 " Bartholomew S. Calvin takes this method to return his thanks to 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 territory, has now been consummated, 
 and in a manner which must redound to the honor of this growing state, and, in all prob. 
 ability, to the prolongation 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 tlie councils of this commonwealth in dealing with the abo- 
 riginal inhabitants. 
 
 Not a drop of our blood have you spilled in battle — not an acre of our land have you 
 taken but by our consent. These facts speak for themselves, 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 benisons can fall 
 upon her from the lips of a Lenni Lcnappi. 
 
 There may be some who would despise an Indian benediction ; but when I return to 
 niy people, and make known to them the result of my mission, the ear of the great Sov- 
 ereign of the Universe, which is still o{)en to our cry, will be penetrated with our invoca- 
 tion of blessings upon the generous sons of New .Jersey. 
 
 To those gentlemen, members of the legislature, and others who have evinced their 
 kindness to me, I cannot rcfram from paying the unsolicited tribute of my heart-felt 
 thanks. Unable to return them any other compensation, I fervently pray that tiod will 
 have them in Ilis holy kee])ing — will guide them in safety through the vicissitudes of this 
 life, and ultimately, through the rich mercies of our blessed Redeemer, receive them into 
 the glorious entertainment of his kingdimi above." 
 
 It ought not to be omitted that Calvin was educated at Princeton at the exjjcnse of 
 the Scotch Missionary Society, and iheie remained in the pursuit of his studies till the 
 commencement of hostilities between the colonies and the mother country, when he 
 shouldered his musket and marched against the common enemy. 
 
512 MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. 
 
 From sentiments vvhicli ilic compiler* of these notes respecting him has heard him 
 express, lie infers that the principles which he cherished in old age would not admit of 
 taking human life in war. 
 
 INDIAN NAMES, WITH THEIR SIGNIFICATION.t 
 
 Jlssiscunk Creek, (al Burlington ciiy.)— Muddy or dirty creek. 
 
 Allowaijs Creek, (Salem county.) — So named from a chief of that name who resided upon It. 
 
 ^Ibseciivib liaij and town, (Burlington county.)— A beacli or place of swans, from Uie numbet which re- 
 sorted there. 
 
 ^icqttackanunek Village, (Passaic county.)— Where Rum blocks were made or procured for pounding corn. 
 
 liurlingtun Ci7i/.— Ileckewelder said thi; Indians called tliis place Tschielwhocki, which means ancient 
 cultivated land, or the oldest planted ground : they said here was built their fiist town on the river. 
 
 Burlington Island, (partly above the city.) — This was by the natives called Matinicunk, and by this 
 name it was given by the Legislature of West Jersey, in 1682, to the town of Burlington, for the support of 
 a free school. It contains about 320 acres, and, with llie lislieries, yields an annual income of from 1,000 to 
 1,,J00 dollars. 
 
 Blue Mountain, (Warren county, &c.) — Kittaning or Kittanny, as usually written ; but it has been subject 
 to almost as many variations, iuid even other names, as there are manuscripts or books in which this range 
 is mentioned. The true orthography is Kituteiiey, meaning tlie main or chief town. The JUinsees, or 
 more properly called the jilinsies, at a very early period retired to the northerly side of this mountain, where 
 they erected tluir towns on the low lands upon each side of the river, whence the name extended to, and 
 included the mountain. These low lauds still retain the name of the Jili7tisink, th"; peace of selilement, or 
 habitation of the JUnisirs. In an old survey of the Vancanipen tract, made in 1718, this mountain is called 
 Fohoqualin, which signilies the termination of two mountains, with a stream between, as at the Water 
 Gap ; and hence also the name of the township of Paliaijuarry. 
 
 lilovmjield Ullage, (Essex county.) — This place was called by the natives fi'^assessing, crooked place, el 
 bow-like — from a remarkable crook or bend in Third river. 
 
 Cn(.S6iCicA\<, (Burlington on l he creek, between limlington and Mercer counties.)— Criswicks village. — 
 The house of separation. It was a custom anioiig the Indians to cause their young women at certain pe- 
 riods to separate themselves from tlie men, and go to a nut made for their reception al some di.^tance, and 
 there to remain a certain number of days, before they were permitted to return One of these places was 
 upon a high bank of the creek where the village now is, and hence the name of the creek. 
 
 Egg Harbor Bay, (Atlantic county.) — So named from the number of gulls' eggs wliich were found there 
 iii the salt meadows. 
 
 Hoboken, (Hudson county.) — A tobacco-pipe; frequently used in a symbolic sense to express crookedness, 
 and is here so used in reference to tlie form of the river shore. 
 
 Ilackenfack River, (Hudson county.) — The stream wliich unites with another in low level ground al- 
 most impeiceplilily. 
 
 Kivderkamack, (Bergen county.) — There is a tradition, that in a war hetw-etn the whites and the Indian?, 
 the latter were driven and sought refuge in a secret place where they might repose for the niulit in salely, 
 but the whites, hearing the crowing of a cock early the next morning, and thereby suspecting their place of 
 retreat, came upon them by surprise, and took them prisoners. The Indians, attributing their misfortune to 
 that cause, named the place, Where the cock crow ed. 
 
 Matchaponiz Creek, (Middlesex county.)— Bad bread ; denoting a poor country, not producing any tiling 
 to make good bread. 
 
 J\Ianalopan OffA-.- This is in contradistinction to the above, denoting good bread, or good country. 
 
 Manasguan River, (Monmouth county.) — .-Vn enclosure with a liouse therein ; perhaps a fort or place of 
 defence on this river. 
 
 Munahocking Village, (Monmouth county.)— Good corn-land ; the creek received its name from this. 
 
 JUuseonetcong Creek, (Hunterdon and Warren.)- A rapid running stream. 
 
 J^avisink Bay, (Moiunoiilh county.) — Fishing place. 
 
 Perth Jlmboy Ciiv, (Middlesex county.)— Amboy, from Emboli, hollow in the inside, like a bowl ; tlicre 
 being a depression Fii the ground a little north of the city. Perth was prefixed in honor of the Earl of Perth, 
 (John Urnmuionil,'! one of the pioprietors of this place. 
 
 Piscataicnii Township, (Middlesex county.)— It is getting dark; the Indians jmibahly arrived here in the 
 evening, or in foggv weather. The same name occurs in several of the other .states. 
 
 Passaic River, (Essex county, &c.)— A valley; coinpaialive, in respect to its opimsite the Ha«kensack, 
 which, from its flowing a considerable distance throiiuh miadow, is wiihoiil a valley. 
 
 Pompton Village, S,-c., (Morris county, &c.)— Crookid-nioiillied. This probably refers to the manner in 
 xvhich the Kingwood and Kaniapo rivers pass down and discharge themselves into the Pompton river near 
 this place. 
 
 Pequnnnock River, (Morris county, &c.>— Dark river. 
 
 Ramapo Riper, (Passaic county.)— So named from tlie number of round ponds which discharge into it. 
 
 Raritan River, (Somerset county, &c., — Forked river. 
 
 Shamvng Village. — The place of the large horn. 
 
 Suckasunny Village, (Morris county.;— Black or iron stone creek ; from the creek commonly called Black 
 river — abounding in iron ore. 
 
 Totawa palls, (tu Paterson.)— To sink or be forced down unrfer water by weight. 
 
 Tuckahoe River, (between Cape Mnv and Atlantic counties.)— Where deer are shy— difficult to come at. 
 H/iippany Creek, (Morris county j— Arrow creek ; where the wood or w illow grows, of wliich arrows 
 were made. 
 
 • This article was communicated for this work by William J. Allinson, of Burlington, 
 t Communicated for this work by Thomas Gordon, Esq., of Trenton. 
 
NEW COUNTIES AND TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 i^EW COimTIES AND TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 •♦*• 
 
 CAMDEN COUNTY. 
 
 Camden County was formed from the north-eastern portion of 
 Gloucester County, in 1844, comprising about one half of its ter- 
 ritory. Its average length is about twenty-six, and its breadth 
 about ten. It is bounded north-easterly by Burlington County, 
 north-west by Delaware Kiver, and south-westerly by Delaware 
 Eiver. It is divided into the following townships : — 
 
 Camden,___ 18,313 Haddon, 1,560 Union 3,773 
 
 Centre, 1,207 Monroe, .810 Waterford,... 1,940 
 
 Delaware,-.. 1,779 Newton,_ 2,547 Wiuslow, 1,473 
 
 Gloucester,. _ £,355 Stockton, 1,350 Washington, _ .1,157 
 
 The history of the several townships will be found under the 
 head of Gloucester County. According to the census of 1850, 
 Camden County contained 4,090 dwellings, 750 farms, and ^,422 
 ,' habitants. Population in 1865 was 38,264. 
 
 OCEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Ocean County was formed from the south part or Monmouth 
 County, in 1850. Its extreme length, from north to south, is about 
 forty miles, its average breadth about half that distance. The 
 following are the townships, with thej population in 1865. See 
 page 525. 
 
 Dover, 3,262 Jackson, 1,497 Stafford, 1,984 
 
 Brick, 1,932 Plumsted, 2,492 Union,.. 2,041 
 
 The soil is light, level, and mostly covered with pines. The pop- 
 ulation is sparse, and principally located near the sea coast. 
 According to the census of 1850, they contained 1,758 dwellings, 
 1,791 families, 379 farms, and 10,032 inhabitants. The Rariton 
 and Delaware Railroad now passes through near the central part of 
 the county, and new villages are springing up on its route, 
 
 UNION COUNTY. 
 
 Union County was set off from the southern part of Essex 
 County, in 1858, and is bounded north by Esspv\, so^iLtli by Middle- 
 sex, east by Newark Bay, and west by Morris a4id Somerset. The 
 population in 1865 was 35,410. 
 
 Clark, 508 Plainfield, .... 4,540 N. Providence, 1,758 
 
 Elizabeth,.. 17,373 Rahway, 5,1^:8 Union, 2,406 
 
 Linden, 1,140 Springfield .869 Westfield, 1.682 
 
514 NEW TOWNS, ETC. 
 
 Philipsburg, formerly tlio northern part of Grecmvieh, Warren Cotmly, vr&& 
 incorporated a township in l^ol. opposite Easton, Pa., on the Delaware River, is 
 an important nianufacturing place, and has increased rapidly for a few years past' 
 Its means of transportation are the Belvidere and Delaware and Lackawana 
 Central and Lehigh Valley Railroads, and Morris Canal. The Trenton Iron 
 Company and the Warren County Machine Company employ a large number of 
 men. Agricultural instruments are also manufactured hero. Population, by the 
 census of 1 8(J5, was 3,145. It has recently been constituted a City. Distant 
 about 50 miles from Trenton, and 75 from New York. 
 
 Branchburr, Somerset County, formerly the wcstGrn part of Bridgewater, 
 was set otf in 1-845. It is nine miles long, and about two and a half in breadth- 
 The village of North Branch is in this township, and is connected with Somcr- 
 ville by the New Jersey Central Railroad. (See page 452.^ Population, 1.340. 
 
 Br.AIRSTO 
 
 set off as a to 
 
 w,v, Warren County, formerly the eastern part of Knowiton, was 
 township in 1844. Population, 1^08. (Seepage 507.J 
 
 FRELiN'GncTSE?r was sot ofT from Ilardwick in 1S4S. It is about five and a half miles 
 loii>r, averajfincf four and a lialf wide ; bounded north by iiardwick, soutli by Inde- 
 pendence, wesst by lilairstown and Hope, and east by Stillwater and Greeny in Sussex 
 County. Population, 1,291. Johnsonburg ia situated in the central part of this town- 
 ship. {See ^age i'ilO.) 
 
 HoHOEus, the northern part of Franklin, Ber^ren Co.,3was set off in 1849. It is abont 
 eight, miles long, and six wide, bounded northeast by the New York State line, south 
 by Franklin, east by WasliJDfjton, and west by J'ompton. Ilohokus village is at the 
 Southern i)oiiit of this tnwnsliip. The Patterson and Kamapo Railroad passes through 
 this township. {See.j)age'lt.) Population, 2,349. 
 
 Marlboro, J[onmonth Co., was sot off from Freehold in 1S48. It averages nearly 
 seven miles in length and breadth, and bounded north-west hy South Amboy, north-east 
 by Kariton, and south by Manalapan, Freehold uud Atlantie. Population, 1,757. 
 
 Manalahan, Monmouth Co., was sot off from Freehold in l'?4S. The extreme length 
 of thi. t «'nship is nine miles, and the extreme breadth, five, bounded north-west 
 by Monroe and South Amboy, easterly by Freehold and Marlboro, and south-west by 
 Millstone. Population, 2,.i73. Jamesburg is the western part, and the Monmouth bat- 
 tlegrounds are within the limits of this township. 
 
 Medford, Burlington Co., tho eastern part of Evesham, was set off in 1847. It is 
 thirteen miles long, and five broad, bounded north by North Hampton, west by South 
 Hampton, east by Evesham, south by Washington and Waterford in Camden county. 
 Population 2,162. Medford village is in the central part. {Seepage 105.) 
 
 Millstone was set off from Upper Freehold, in ^forimonth Countv, and Monroe, in 
 Middlesex, in 18-14. It avcratres ujiwanls of six miles ui length and "lireadth boi;i.,:ed 
 north-west bv Monroe and East Windsor, westerly by Manalapan, and south-west by 
 Jackson and freehold. Population, 2,804. 
 
 OoEAir, tho eastern part of Shrewsburv, Monmonth Co., was set off in 1''40. It is 
 fourteen miles long and four broad, bounded west by Shrewsbury, south by Howell, aud 
 east by tho Atlantic Ocean. Population, 5,005. Long Branch, a popubrwateriug place, 
 is in the northern pait. 
 
 Plainvield, formerly the south-west extremity of the township of Westfi^d, was set 
 otT in 1647. Population, 1,CS2. The village of Plaintield is withm its limits. {Seepage 
 199.) 
 
 Rock AWAY, Morris Co., wa-s set oQ fron Pcnnannoek and Hanover, i:i 1844. Its 
 extreme length from north to south is fifteen miles, average breadth upwards of six ; 
 bounded we><t by West Milford, Passaic contityj and Pequannoek, south-west by Ran- 
 dolph, aud westerly by the Orccn I'oud mount im, dividing it from Jeflferson. Popu- 
 lation, 3,r>.''>l- T:j""\ iUuHr- 1-* It-ckuway is in the southern part of this township {Set 
 573<w897 ) 
 
NEW TOWNS, ETC. 515 
 
 Sooth Hampton, Burlington Co.,was set off fromNorth Hampton in 1845 Itis^^^V^ 
 miles in length, from north-west to south-east, with average breadth of about fonr 
 bo mded nonk-eWt by Pemberton, sontli by Washington west .«f f^^°|^^^„^^t> ^.^ J", 
 ford and North Hampton. Population, 3,0S0. Vincent-town is in the north part of 
 this township. (See page US ) 
 
 East Amwell, Hunterdon Co., divided from the eastern portion of Amwell in 1846 
 It is about si\- miles long and five broad, bounded north-west by Rariton, south-west by 
 West A mwell south iTv Hopewell ia Mereer county, and westerly by Hillsborough, 
 Somerse county. Population, 2,255. Eiugoes village is on the western border. {S.e 
 vage 242.) 
 
 West Amwell, Hunterdon Co., formed from the western part of Amwell in 1846 Is 
 about six miles long, averaging about four in breadth. Bounded north by Delaware, 
 S^st by Delaware liver, e^t fy East Amwell, and south by Hopewell m Mercer county. 
 Population, 1,289. 
 
 Lafatette. Sussex Co., was set off from Newton and Frankford in 1845. It is seven 
 miles long, and averages Ur i« breadth, bounded north-west by Frankford, south-west 
 by Newton, and easterly by Hardiston and Sparta. Population, 876. The village of 
 Lafayette {seepage 477) is in the central part of this township. 
 
 Atlantic, Monmouth Co., was formed from Shrewsbury, Freehold, and JNIiddletown, 
 in 1847. Colts Neck {seepage 364) is in the central part of this township. Population, 
 1,471. 
 
 Washington, Wan-en Co. , was set off from Marsfield in 1840. Washington village is 
 in the central part. Population 2,548. 
 
 Watne, Passaic Co., was set off from Manchester in 1847. Population, 1,440. 
 
 Sparta Sussex Co., was set off from Hardiston, Frankford, Newton and Byrara, in 
 1845. The vTllage of 'Sparta {seepage 468) is in the central part. Population, 2,714. 
 
 Uppeb Pittsgrove, Salem Co., was set off from Pittsgrove in 1846. Daretown Pole- 
 vS ai^ Wing line are small vUlages in this townsEip {see page 431.) Population, 
 
 tavern 
 2,041 
 
 Wall Monmouth Co., is bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean was set off 
 from HoWelHri851. Sq\ian and New Bedford villages are within its limits. Popula- 
 tion, 3,440. 
 
 Shamono Burlington Co., was formed from South Hampton and Washington in 1852. 
 Thl^S and Sware ilailroad passes through the township. Atsion is situa,ted on 
 TbraSo^ theSlTgrHa^bor'^ in thTs place. {See page yiX.) Population, 
 
 1,250. 
 
 Union, Bergen Co., was formed from North Harrison and incorporated in 1852. Pop- 
 ulation, 899. 
 
 Delaware, Camden Co., was set off from Waterford in 1844. Ellisburg is a small 
 village in its central part. Population, 1 ,7 . 9. 
 
 Harrison, Gloucester Co., was set off from Woolwich and Greenwich in 1844. Mul- 
 lic? mU is within its limits.' {See page ^X^.) Po pulation, 3,308. 
 
 ,, ,„„tv. Pn WIS set off from Middletown in 1848. Bounded on the 
 
 non^K^irit'onTy* KeypTrt istithin its limits. {Seepag.Zl^.) Population, 4,045. 
 
516 ?^EW TOWNS, ETC. 
 
 Mantua, Gloucester Co., ^as incorporated in 1B53. The West Jersey Eailroad passes 
 tlirongh tJie south-east part of the townsliip. The villages of CarpenterSs Lauding and 
 Barnsboro are withhi its limits. Population, 1,069. 
 
 Ukion, Hunterdon Co., taken from Bethlehem, incorporated in 1S53. The village of 
 Clinton {see jiage 244) is partially within its limits. Population, 1,031. 
 
 Franklin township is situated in the central part of Hunterdon Co., and contained in 
 186.5, a population of 1,736. In the limits of the township is Qcakektown, a rileas- 
 ant village surrounded with a rich farming district. It contains 2 stores, several me- 
 chanic 8ho]is, 1 liotel, 1 Metliodist, 1 Friends' meeting house. This house is one of the 
 oldest in tli'.s SL-ction, as appears from tlie Keeords in possession of Abram E. Vail, as 
 follows:— " Bit hlehem Montlily Meeting made application to Burlington Quarterly 
 Meeting, held 12tli month, Sath day, 1744, to build a new meeting house. 
 
 " At a monthly meeting of Friends, held at Betldehem, (now Quakertown,) the 14th 
 oi 3d month, 16.47, a report was made that they had built the new mcetint; house." 
 
 In the war of/the Revolution, a party of soldiers took possession of this house and 
 defaced it. 7^ 
 
 New Hanover, Burlington Co., is now tlie onlj' township in the county, having the 
 name of Hanover (s<ie page 106) in 1865. Poptdation, 1,967. 
 
 Beverly, Burlington Co., was incorporated in 15.50, aud accordimr to the State 
 Census of ISi'i.'i, contained 2,585 inhabitants. Beverly City is a tiourishing place, regu- 
 larly laid out on the Delaware, pist below Bordentown, containing 4 Churches — 1 Bap- 
 tist, 1 Catholic, 1 Episcopal, 1 Presbyterian, and other public buildings. 
 
 ir&ntctatr is a flonrishmg village in the western part of Bloomfield, Essex Co., on the 
 Newark & Bloomtield R. E. Has 4 Churches and a female High School. Distant 
 from New York about 15 miles. 
 
NEW JEESEY. 
 
 New Jersey was formerly described as being in two parts? 
 'J£ast and West New Jersey (see preface, page 20), The pine- 
 regions of the State, which are liere designated as Central New 
 Jersey, extend over both East and West New Jersey, comprise 
 almost the whole of the southern part, and parts of the counties 
 of Middlesex and Monmouth. This extensive tract, a large part 
 of Avhich is situated in the central part of the State, comprising 
 about one-third of its territory, may with propriety be denom- 
 inated as Central New Jersey. 
 
 Till within a very few years past this portion of the country 
 was considered as a barren region of little value, there bein^ on 
 many square miles not a single inhabitant, but a place wliere 
 !"deer, foxes, and rabbits were abundant." In the more interior 
 parts where flourishing villages are now being established, for- 
 merly none dwelt but the "charcoal-burner in his comfortless hut, 
 surrounded b}'^ squalid, i^orant women — half-naked and half- 
 savage children, and wholly savage dogs." The immense forests 
 of pines in this section were of little value till the introduction of 
 steam navigation which created a demand for fuel, so that these 
 lands rose from ten cents to five dollars per acre. When the 
 pines were cut oif, oaks sprung up, and often when the oaks were 
 cut down, pines again succeeded. These lands when cut over 
 required a period of about twenty years before they became 
 valuable again for fuel, etc. Instances have been known where 
 these lands were given up as worthless, after the wood has been 
 taken oft". 
 
 The first movement of importance in reclaiming this "barren 
 region " was made by Messrs. Landis it Byrnes, of Pennsylvania, 
 who, in 1858, purchased 25,000 acres lying about 30 or 35 
 miles southeast of Philadelphia at Ilammonton, where now 
 passes the Camden and Atlantic Kailway. In 1861, Charles K. 
 Landis, the first named in the firm, sold out his interest to his 
 partner, who purchased anotlier tract some 18 or 20 miles to 
 the south-west, about 40 miles from Philadelphia, to a place now 
 called Vineland, for the purpose of selling it out in small cheap 
 farms to actual settlers 
 
 (517) '^c ..- -^^^ ^ 
 
518 CEJfTILU. NEW JEKSEY. 
 
 The soil of Central New Jersey is found to be most admirably 
 adapted tor the cultivation of small fruits and vegetables, and, 
 according to present appearances, is destined to be the garden- 
 spot of the Atlantic States. The principal fruits now cultivated 
 are strawberries, grapes, peaclies, pears, blackberries, raspberries, 
 cranberries, witli sweet potatoes and Indian corn. In short, all 
 the main grains wliich go to sustain life, wlieat, rye, clover, &c., 
 can all be cultivated with success. The outward appearance of 
 the soil, consisting of what seems to be wldte sayid, is quite for- 
 bidding, but is found to be in most places underlaid by an imper- 
 vious clay subsoil which retains the moisture and thus renders it 
 productive. 
 
 The great fertilizers in use are the beds of muck and marl, 
 found on hand in almost every section. This last substance, 
 which is, it is believed, yet to be of the utmost importance to 
 the cultivation of the soil, is found in beds apparently inexhaust- 
 ible. The belt, or strip of land under which these marl-beds are 
 found, extend obliquely across the State from Sandy Hook to 
 Salem, in length about ninety miles, and fourteen miles in 
 breadth at its eastern extremity and six miles at its western ; its 
 area being nine hundred square miles, or 576,000 acres. 
 
 One of the superior advantages possessed by the lower counties 
 of New Jersey, is tlie mildness of tlie climate during the winter. 
 Tliis has often proved very beneficial to those who have suffered 
 from the rigorous climate and sudden changes so prevalent in the 
 more northern States. The climate of Central New Jersey is 
 similar to that of Middle Virginia and Kentucky. Strawberries 
 sometimes ripen before the first of June, about three weeks before 
 they do in the more northern States. In Cape May county, the 
 southern extremity of tlie State, early vegetables are ready fur 
 market as soon as if grown in the favored districts of Virginia. 
 
 The situation of Central New Jersey, with regard to a market 
 for her productions, is absolutely unrivaled by any place on the 
 Continent. She has an outlet for her products, and her facilities 
 for transportation are superior to all other districts, and a person 
 dwelling in any part of this section will, by railroads now built, 
 and in the course of construction, be able to visit New York, the 
 great commercial emporium of the nation, and return again in the 
 course of twenty four hours. 
 
 IIAMMONTON 
 
 The to\vn of Hammonton, formerly a })art of the to^vnships of 
 Mullica and Hamilton, in Atlantic county, was incc^rporatcd 
 March 23d, 1866. Being situated in the central part of that sec- 
 
CENTRAL KE%V JEKSET. 
 
 519 
 
 tion of what is designated in this work as Central ISTew Jersey, 
 and, in some respects, it may be considered as its capital. The 
 township is about 11^ miles long and 4| in breadth, and contains 
 about 33,000 acres. The new settlement commenced in 1858 by 
 C K. Landis & R. J. Byrnes. The settlors are mostly from New 
 England, who cuhivate at the present time 1,^J0 acres for straw- 
 berries ; 400 for blackberries, 200 for pear tr^s, 100 for grapes, 
 and 100 for raspberries, in addition, other acres for farm products. 
 During the strawberry season of 18G7, from 5 to 7 car loads of 
 this fruit were daily carried to the markets of New York and Phila- 
 delphia. There are in the limits of the town 4 churches — 1 Meth- 
 odist, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Baptist and 1 Universalist ; 8 schools, 11 
 stores. 
 
 View at Hammonton Station^ N. J. 
 
 The view annexed is one looking southward, sliowing the rail- 
 road, and trains passing toward Atlantic City. This spot is half 
 way between Philadelphia and Atlantic City, each being 30 miles 
 distant. The Hammonton House is seen on the right, the house 
 by its side is tlie residence of E. J. Byrnes, a native of Philadel- 
 phia, and is tlie oldest structure in the place. Here Messrs. Lan- 
 dis & Bynies, in 1858, commenced their operations in converting 
 the wilderness into gardens and fruitful fields, dividing into small 
 tracts, or lots, which a person of limited means can purchase and 
 secure a spot where all the members of liis family can be profitably 
 employed in sustaining themselves, by their own industry, on their 
 own land, and thus creating many comfortable and happy liomes. 
 
 In the central part of the engraving is seen the Hammonton 
 station-house, a small structure, being the first erected at this 
 place, which will probably soon 1)0 replaced by another. Ham- 
 monton station was at fii'st designated by a lime-hogshead set 
 among the bushes, having a board attached to it on which was 
 
520 
 
 CKNIKAL NEV,' JEKSEY. 
 
 marked tlie iiamo of ilie pluce ; on the left is the manufactory of 
 Mr. Fay, now nsed as a freight-house. On the opposite side of 
 the road, is Mr. P. S. Tilton's stone store, tlie next building seen 
 east is tlie olHce of the South Jersey Kepublican ; about half a 
 mile eastward are the Methodist and Presbyterian churches. 
 
 Cottage Building in Ilanimonton. 
 
 The above is a representation of the dwelling of Anson Green, 
 erected about two years since, about a mile southerly from the 
 Hammonton station. Mr. G. removed here from Michigan, but 
 he was originally from Connecticut. He at first bought live acres 
 of wild land, which was perhaps sufficient, when brought under 
 proper cultivation, to obtain a comfortable living. His house, 
 which is constructed of superior materials, cost him about five 
 hundred dollars. It furnishes two comfortable rooms, and may 
 be considtn-ed as a model structure for a person of very moderate 
 means, with a small tamily. A small shed is constructed on the 
 eastern side of the house, in which is a stove, &c., serving the 
 purposes of a kitchen where cooking and M-ashiug can be per- 
 formed during the summer months. The well near by, is 33 ieet 
 in de}>tli. It was dug in about one and a half days ; the well- 
 digger Jiaviug no assistance but some one to draM'up the earth as 
 it was excavated. Such is the nature of the soil through Avliich 
 the well is dug, that it has the appearance of solid masonry 
 although no stone, brick, or wood, was nsed to prevent the earth 
 from caving in, except an open barrel filled in at the bottom. 
 
 Mr. G. has purchased five acres more of wild land adjoining his 
 first ]>ur('liase, and has now been through the laborious process of 
 clearing about four acres, on which he raises strawberries, grajies, 
 melons, sweet and other potatoes; blackberries, Indian coi-n, 
 beans and other vegetables, with fruit-trees of various kinds. The 
 process of clearing up wild lands is somewhat as follows : First, 
 the dwarf-pine and other trees are cut doM-n ; the brush, and 
 bushes are then gathered and burnt on the ground. The ground 
 is then ploughed, cross-ploughed, and haiTowed several times, at 
 
CENTKAL NEW JERSEY. 
 
 5)ii 
 
 a cost of about 6 dollars per acre. Land in this state can be 
 made to produce corn and potatoes. In order to cultivate stra^v• 
 berries and other small fruits, it is necessary to go through 
 a laborious and expensive process of gruhhing, which consists in 
 digging up the stumps and cutting olf tlie roots of the trees — 
 costing, in some instances, more than the original price of the 
 lands. In the engraving of Mr, Green's house there is seen 
 between it and the street in front, a snudl strawberry patcli, 
 interspersed with small growing peach and pear trees. The 
 strawberry plants are set in hills 1 foot apart and in rows distant 
 from each other about 3 feet. 
 
 VIjS'ELAND. 
 
 Central Part of Vineland, JV. J. 
 
 The Vineland tract is located mainly in the county of Cumber- 
 land, l)ut extends into the counties of Atlantic, and Gloucester, 
 State of New Jersey, including an area of 50 square miles, or 
 32,000 acres. The city of Vineland, in tlic central part, is in the 
 county of Cumberland, on the line of the West Jersey Hailroad, 
 30 miles south from Philadelphia, and was founded by Charles 
 K. Landis, a native of Lancaster, Pa., in ISGl. The annexed 
 view was taken upon Landis Avenue, looking eastward. On the 
 right, is seen part of the Hailroad Station-IIouse, and tlie Hotel 
 beyond. On the left, is seen the Post OfUce building, the house 
 of Mr. Landis, the founder of the place ; the printing office of the 
 Yineland Weekly, published by Messrs. Cr(jckers, the Mechanics' 
 Hall, the Methodist Church with its spire, with the Presbyterian 
 Cliurch ]>y its side, are seen in the distance, on Landis Avenue, a 
 mcgniticent road, bard aud dry, ten miles in extent. 
 
 66 
 
522 
 
 CENTRAL NEW JERSEY. 
 
 Yinelaiid received its name from Solon Eobinson, Esq., who 
 visited the tract at an early period, who, at the time of his visit, 
 observed numerous vines growing in a wilderness state. The 
 face of the country is undulating or rolling ; sandstone is found 
 on the tract, affording an excellent building material. In some 
 parts, clay is found of superior quality for the manufacture of pot- 
 tery ware, and in others, large beds are found for making bricks, 
 which are of the finest quality. The soil is good and easy to be 
 worked, and produces wheat, corn, clover, and every varietv of 
 fruits and vegetables found in the Philadelphia and Newl-ork 
 markets. It possesses peculiar advantages for the growth of 
 fruits and vines. There are 6 steam mills for various purposes, 
 12 stone-quarries, 3 brick-yards, a hollow-ware and other manu- 
 facturing establishments. A system of graded schools has been 
 adop|.ed ; 14 schools are opened with an average attendance of 
 1,300/ pupils. There is also an Academy or High School in suc- 
 cessful operation. The New Jersey Conference of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church have recently located their Seminary in this 
 place. In 1867, the six religious denominations in Vineland had 
 an average attendance at their places of worship as follows : — 
 Protestant Episcopal, 200 ; Presbyterians, 350 ; Methodists, 275 ; 
 Baptists, 200 ; Unitarians, 250 ; Friends of Progress, 175 ; two 
 newspapers, the " Vineland Weekly," and the " Vineland Eural," 
 1 baidv and 2 hoteU. In 1861, there were living on the Vineland 
 Tract tioenty-five inhabitants ; in 1867, there were living on the 
 same territory, nine thousand persons, of whom fully two-thirds 
 have emigrated from the New England States. 
 
 
 House of James Wooding, Vineland, N. J. 
 
 Tlie above is a representation of the house of Mr. J. Wooding, 
 fetandino; on the spot formerly known as a part of "Sharp 8 
 Farm.''' It may be considered as the starting-point of Vineland, 
 
* CENTRAL NEW JEESEY. 523 
 
 as it is the place where Mr. Landis at first resided, and wliere lie 
 kept the first Post Ofiice. The road which passes by the house is 
 called " Main Koad." It was constructed by Lord Cornwallis 
 during the Revolutionary war, in his military o])cration3 in this 
 part of tlie country. The house stands about 400 feet back from 
 the front fence, affording a large door-yard in front, whicli Mr. "W. 
 has devoted to tlie culture of strawberries, interspersed with small 
 fruit-trees, whicli create no injury during their early growth. 
 
 Tlie following historical items are from papers in possession of 
 the Yineland Historical and Antiquarian Society, and read by 
 the Rev Mr. Tyler, on their sixth Anniversary, Aug. 8th, 1S67 : 
 
 " About the year 1820, D.ivid G. Wood purchased the western part of Yineland, 
 in all about 1(5, (JOG acres, of the heif.i and assignees above mentioned; David G. 
 Wood conveyed the land to his brotlier Richard, who sold it to Charles K. Landis, 
 the founder of Yineland, in July, 1801. That part of Yineland, east of the Panther 
 Branch, was principally owned bj- the Cooper family. Mr. Landis also puroliased 
 land from Charles E. Elmer, John T. Nixon, John M. Moore, John W. Comb.s, and 
 others. 
 
 " Immediately on the purchase of the Yineland tract, Mr. Landis established hi^ 
 office at the resi^dence of Andrew Sharp, on Main Road. Mr. Arrott was employed 
 as engineer, and the land laid out in systematic order on paper. At that time the 
 only direct route from Sharp's hou?e to the Railroad was a toot-path, and liie oidy 
 one for teams was the Old Maul's Bridge Road. On the 8tli of August, at about 
 11 o'clock, A. M., Charles K. Landis cut the first tree on the village plat of Yineland ; 
 from it a stake was made and driven at the point of intersection of the Millville and 
 Glassboro' Railroads, and what is now Landis Avenue. 
 
 " While this was being done, Mr. Landis remarked, that from that point, in all 
 directions, dwellings and stores would be erected, with all the conveniences of an 
 old town ; whereupon an old Jerseyman present, is said to be so surprised as to begin 
 to veer off from the founder, expressing doubts as to his sanity. As the mnjority of 
 the Jersey roads were cut only about ten feet in width, the inhabitants were greatly 
 astonished at seeing Landis Avenue opened 100 feet wide. But notwithstanding 
 their insinuations, the avenue was opened as far as Spring Road. Main Road wa3 
 also widened and straightened the same season. The cars also stopped near where 
 tha station now stands ; and, for several months, the only depot accommodations 
 was a single plank, upon which the mail and passengers were slided from the cars 
 to the ground. Previous to this time the nearest stations were Forest Grove, 3-J- 
 miles north and Millville, 5i miles south. 
 
 " lSt;'2. — Tlie Yineland Post Office was established at the Sharp Farm, one and 
 three fourths miles from the depot, andCharles K. Landis was appointed Post master,M-iio 
 atteinled to the details of the office in person. During the spring of 18G2, W. W. 
 Ilolbrouk was Assistant Postnuister. In the summer of 1862, the Post Office was re- 
 moved to the second story entry of C. P. Davis's Hotel, on the corner of Landis 
 Avenue and the Public Square, and the duties of the office were perfcn-mcd bj' Mr. 
 and Mrs. Packard, and afterward by C. P. Moorehouae (deaf nuite). In the sunnner 
 of 18G3, it was removed to the store of Wm. F. Bassett, who acted us Dejjuty Post- 
 master, until he sold out to Wm. ',G. Smith, our present efficient Deputy Post- 
 master. 
 
 " All visitors who came to view the land during the fall and winter of 18G1, and 
 spring of 18f>2, were accommodated at the residence of Mr. Sliarp, at that time tho 
 headquarters of Mr. Landis. Tlie house was oftentimes over-crowded, and sleeping 
 apartments and beds were limited — numbers lodged on the stairs. The first pur- 
 chaser in Yineland, was J. G. Cojson, who bought 10 acres of land on the West 
 Railroad Boulevard, above Oak Road, October 24th, ISGl. The next jiurehaser was 
 George L. Post, who bought 40 acres on the south-east corner of JIain and Post 
 Roads, and in the winter and spring of 1862, built the first house. A shanty, known 
 
524 
 
 CENTRAL NEW JERSEY. 
 
 aa " Packard's notel" was provioiisly erected in the fall of 1861, on Capt. Post's 
 premises — Capt. Post's was built by O. Packard; and on erecting the frame, Mrs. 
 Sharp and Mrs. Post, by the polite invitation of the builder, had the honor of help- 
 ing to raise the first house of any importance in Vincland. 
 
 " The first house on Landis Avenue was built by James Stuart, east of Spring 
 Road. Tlie first house west of the Station, on Landis Avenue, was erected by Mr. 
 "Washburn. The first building on the town plot was erected by E. W. Fletcher, in 
 the rear of C. P Davis' Hotel. It has since been remodeled, and is now occupied 
 by Mr. Bancroft, jeweler (September, 1866). C. P. Davis's Hotel was the first pub- 
 lic builJitig erected in Vineland. It was finished in June [1862]. The following 
 named persons also built this year [1862] : 
 
 " On Landis Avenue, J. C. Fuller, corner of Public Square ; Lester Richardson, 
 near the Station ; J. C. Gerow, Hozekiah Davis, Calvin N. Sage, west of ilalaga 
 Road; O. D. Graver, near the Station; Lucius Demmon, corner of East Avenue; 
 W. "W. Russ, J. C. Parsons, Jacob Vanvaler, Dr. Alex. Batcheler, Messrs. Ilolbrook, 
 east of East Avenue ; Frederic Dame, John II. Stratton, II. Z. Ellis, Rev. Brown 
 Emerson, James Stuart, east of Main Road ; Geo. L. Post, north of Landis Avenue, 
 George Wood, John Kaufman north of Post-Road. 
 
 " On the East Avenue, Clarence Bushkirk, James M'Mahan, north of Park Avenue ; 
 John Rest, corner of Oak Road ; Franklin Allen, north of Oak Road ; John Robbins, 
 John Gibson, corner of Wheat Road. 
 
 " On Railroad Boulevard, Wm. F. F. Bassett, south of Chestnut Avenue. 
 
 " On Chestnut Avenue, Wm. O. H. Gunneth, near Railroad ; Miss Maria P. Mat- 
 thews, west of Malaga Road. 
 
 " In December of this year the main portion of the school house' on Landis Av- 
 enue, near East Avenue, was buUt — the first school house erected on the Vineland 
 tract." 
 
 Ilai/ ct' Co.''s Glass Wofls, at Wi7isIow, Camden Co. 
 
 Tliesc worlvs, tlie most extensive of tlic kind in the State, were 
 at first establisliod by AVni. Coftin, jr., about the year 1831, at 
 "Winslow, then in tlie limits of tlie tcnvnship of Gloucester, in 
 Gloucester county, now a township in Camden county, which, in 
 1865, contained 1,473 inhabitants. These works are now owned 
 by Hay & Co., who employ about -100 men besides some 50 or 60 
 boys. The works arc situated nearly a mile from Winshnv Sta- 
 tion, 28 miles from Phihulelpliia. Window-f!;lass, and bottles for 
 ipreserviug fruit, are manufactured. The village connected with 
 
CENTRAL XEW JERSEY. b'2o 
 
 the establisliment consists of about 150 houses, a Methodist chiircli, 
 an Odd Fellows Hall, and a store "which transacts a business of 
 about 8160,000. The "Model Farm" of 800 acres is connected 
 with the establishment. In 1867, 1,600 bushels of wdieat were 
 raised on it besides oats and rye, and 379 tons of hay. Thej'e is 
 on the premises a steam saw and grist mill, and an Artesian "well 
 333 feet, sufficient to supply the place with water. The following 
 account of this farm is given by Mr. Robinson, of the N. Y 
 Tribune : 
 
 " Mr. Hay lived more than twenty years upon the land before he 
 became aware of its productiveness. Being a" Down-Easter" he 
 supposed sandy land unproductive. ... At length, tired of 
 buying salt-marsh hay, and hauling it fifteen miles to feed his 
 horses and mules, he thought he would see if his land could not 
 be made to grow a little corn, oats, rye, and possibly, a small crop 
 of clover. We think his first attempt at farming, less than ten 
 years ago, must have been exciting as some of the ^big strikes' 
 made by gold-miners, for now [1866] he has 600 acres under cul- 
 tivation." 
 
 OCEAN COUNTY. 
 
 Ocean county was formed from the south part of Monmouth 
 county, in 1850, and it was all originally included in the town- 
 ship of Shrewsbury. Its extreme length, from north to south, is 
 about forty miles, and its average breadth about half that dis- 
 tance. It is bounded north by Monmouth county, east l)y the 
 Atlantic ocean, and Westerly by Burlington county. The county 
 is divided into 7 townships, viz : Brick, Jackson, Plumstead, 
 Union, Dover, Manchester, and Stafibrd. 
 
 This county is comprised within the great pine region, which 
 "will soon become one of the valuable parts of the State ; even its 
 swamp lands, which have heretofore been considered as almost 
 worthless, are now esteemed more valuable than most of the dry 
 lands, on account of their adaptation to the culture of cranbcn*ies. 
 Till quite recently the sparse population was located near the 
 sea coast. The number of iidiabitants, according to the census 
 of 1860, was 10,032, the number of farms 379, the cash value of 
 which was $2,318,800. According to the State census of 1865, 
 the population was 14,262. {See also imge 513). 
 
 DOVER. 
 
 This township was first formed from Shrewsbury in 1767. 
 {See iKifje 327). 
 
526 
 
 CENTRAL NEW JERSEY. 
 
 
 Eastern View of l^uhUc Huildings at Tout a liivor. 
 
 The flourisliing village of Tom's River, about 4 miles from 
 Barncgat I3ay, derives its name from the river, or rather bay, 
 ■which sets up from Barnegat Bay. It is said that this river re- 
 ceived its name from Capt. William Tom, "who came to this coun- 
 try with the English expedition under Col. Kichard Nichols, 
 which conquered the Dutch at New Amsterdam (now New 
 York), in August 166-i; Capt. Tom having rendered valuable 
 services in the expedition, he was intrusted by the authorities at 
 New York with the management of their aifairs on DelaAvarc 
 river and Bay I'or several years. It appears that Capt. Tom was 
 one of the most prominent and trustworthy men among the set- 
 tlers, from the time of the coming of the English, to his decease, 
 on January 12tli, 1678. In the performance of the various duties 
 assigned him, he was obliged to spend much time in visiting 
 various j^laces in New Jersey. lie was among the first white 
 men to cross the State through the M'ilderness to New York. lie 
 was on good terms M'ith the Indians, and it is not at all unlikely 
 that he Avas the lirst white man who passed down Tom's River to 
 the waters of the ocean, and selected the site for the town which 
 now bears his name. 
 
 Tom's River Village, the county-seat of Ocean county, is plea- 
 santly situated at the head of a small bay near the confluence of 
 several small streams, Avhich water the northern part of the 
 county. Vessels of 5 or 6 feet draft can come up to the wharf, 
 and steamboat navigation has commenced. There are in the 
 j)lace 1 Presbyterian and one Methodist church, a Court House, 
 1 Bank, 3 public houses, 5 mercantile stores, 1 printing ofHce, 
 issuing a weekly newspaper, and about 1,500 inhabitants. In 
 the cnLrravinir the Brcsbvtcrian clnu'ch is seen un the riiil;t ; the 
 
CKXTKAL NEW JERSEY, 
 
 527 
 
 Court House and the IVIetliodist cliurch on the left. A branch 
 raih'oad from Manchester corniects tliis village with the Raritan 
 and Delaware Kailroad, 7 miles distant. 
 
 BRICK. 
 
 The township of Brick, constituted in 1850, comprises the 
 northeastern section of Ocean county. It had, according to the 
 U. S. census of 1860, a poi)nlation of 1,835. It had 4,088 acres 
 of improved land, and 7,031 unimproved. Cash value of the 
 farms in the township, $301,200. By the State census of 1865, 
 the population was 1,932. 
 
 Central ;part of Bricktshury, A. J. 
 
 Bricksburg is 44 miles south from New York, and by the direct 
 land road, 9 miles from Tom's River Village, the county seat, and 
 26 miles from Port Monmouth, on Sandy Iloc^k Bay, near the 
 south line of Monmouth county. On the right of the engraving 
 is seen the two public houses now in the village — lirst the'Bricks- 
 burg House, the next the Ocean House, beyond M'hich is erected 
 a large building, the upper story of M-hich is to ])e used as a pub- 
 lic hall ; on the opposite side of the street is the Post Office. On 
 the extreme lei't is seen the Station House, from Avhich. in addi- 
 tion to the passenger trains, two market trains daily leave this 
 place for ISTew York, and the same number for Philadelphia, G5 
 miles — all the way l)y cars to Philadelphia iu two and a lialf hours. 
 In the distance is seen the up])er portion of part of the build- 
 ings coiinec^ted witli the Bergen Iron Works. This, M-ith other 
 manufacturing estalilisliments, are situated in a small valley by a 
 long and narrow lake, giving nearly a 200 horse power for manu- 
 facturing purposes. The rolling land, somewhat unusual for this 
 section of the State, gives variety and beauty for building sites. 
 
52S CENTK^VL NEW JERSEY. 
 
 About 50 acres ai-e reserved for a public park connected with a 
 drive of over two miles in extent. The railroad station is the 
 shipping place for farm and garden products for miles around ; 
 also for great quantities of fish and oysters from the sea and bay. 
 The church building seen on the right of the view is now occupicxl 
 by the Methodists and Presbyterians. A large number of new 
 buildings are now being erected in the place. The oldest structure 
 in tJie place is believed to be the " IVlansion House " seen among 
 the trees at the end of the street, belonging to the Iron Company. 
 The first settlement in the village of Bricksburg is said to have 
 been caused l)y the location of a furnace stack, where the iron ore 
 found in the neighboring country was smelted, and whei*e cannon- 
 balls were made in the war with Great Britain in 1812. In 1831 
 Mr. J. W. Brick, now deceased, Ijought the property, and at once 
 proceeded to erect suitable buildings to cari-y on the making of 
 water-pipes. To smelt the bog iron-ore so abundant at that time, 
 it was necessary to use a lai'ge amount of charcoal — and accord- 
 ingly the extensive tracts of land now owned l)y the " Bricksburg 
 Land and Improvement Company," were purchased. Upwards 
 of 4(X),000 bushels were required annually. In 1857, it was ascer- 
 tained that the ore-beds were becoming exhausted, as well as the 
 timber from which the coal was made, and it was determined to 
 tear down the furnace stack, &c., and erect the building which, 
 together with others recently erected, constitute, the "Bergen 
 Iron Works" of the present day. These works were the central 
 point for many yeai*s, in this vicinity, and the name of the orig- 
 inal proprietor has been perpetuated by the name of the town 
 •ind village. 
 
 JACKSON. 
 
 This to^vnship is bounded on the east by Brick, on the west by 
 Plumstead, on the south by Dover, and on the north by Mon- 
 mouth county. Jackson was originally set ofi" from Monmouth 
 county in 18-14. Population in 1855, 1,221 ; in 18C0, 1,G0C, and 
 in 18C5, 1,497. 
 
 rHIMSTEAD. 
 
 Plumstead comprises the north-west corner of Ocean county, 
 bounded northerly by Monmouth county, westerly by Burlington 
 county, south by Dover, and on the east by Jackson, Popula- 
 tion in 1850,1,013; in 1855,1,778; in 1800, 2,003; in 1805, 
 2,492. New Eg}^)t, in the north-west corner of this township, 
 hiis for a long time been known as a flourishing place, distin- 
 guished for the wealth and enterprise of its inhabitants. {See 
 page 370). 
 
CENTEAL NEW JEKSET. 
 MANCHESTER. 
 
 529 
 
 Viczo in the central part of Manchester. 
 
 Manchester is a township recently oro:anized, tlie central part 
 of which is 7 miles from Tom's Kiver, the countj seat. Popnla- 
 tion, in 1865, was 1,054. The annexed view shows the Man- 
 chester station on the Earitan and Delaware Eailway, 57 miles 
 from Xew York, as seen looking south. The village at present 
 is one of railroad workshops, with neat cottage residences for the 
 workmen, a church and school house, two or three stores, and as 
 many taverns. In the central part is seen in the distance the 
 railroad train coming from Philadelphia, on the left, the branch 
 railroad for Tom's Eiver, connecting at this point. The village 
 is sm'rounded by a forest — an unsubdued native wilderness — only 
 broken here and there by a few little openings. 
 
 " The Manchester tract " (says the agricultural editor of the 
 ]Sr. Y. Tribune), " embraces 25,000 acres, upon which the art of 
 the husbandman has never been exercised — adjoining it on the 
 north is the Bergen Iron Works tract of 15,000 acres — on the cast, 
 extending several miles beyond Tom's River, lies a tract of over 
 20,000 acres, owned by A. P. Stanton, of that j^lace. . . . 
 South-east of that tract lies the ' Eutherford tract' of 80,000, 
 acres*; and south-west, the Ilurrey tract of 10,000, and several 
 other large ones which fill in between the Manchester tracts and 
 Patterson tract of 30,000 lying around the Atsion Station, making 
 together in one compact body, taking Manchester for the centre, 
 more than 100,000 acres of unbroken forest. . . . Nearly 
 all of the present growth is the second, third, or finirth — often 
 the latter — crop of timber this land has borne, since white men. 
 dispossessed the red ones — 'the savages,' who did not cut and 
 brnm trees." ..." What I have said " (continues the wi'iter), 
 " of the forest around Manchester, must be understood as cov- 
 ering only a small portion of what may be found in south and 
 West Jersey." 
 
 67 
 
630 
 
 CENTRAL NEW JEB8ET. 
 
 STAFFORD. 
 
 This township comprising the southernmost point of Ocean 
 connty, is bounded westerly by Burlington county line, north by 
 Dover, easterly by bays of the Atlantic. Population in 1865 was 
 1,984. The patent creating the township of Stafford is dated 
 March 3d, 1749, and was issued in the reign of George II., and is 
 signed by Governor Belcher, who was then Governor of the prov- 
 ince of New Jersey. This document, written on parchment, is 
 still in good preservation. {Seepage 368). 
 
 UNION. 
 
 Union was constituted a township in 1846. It was formerly 
 within the limits of Stafford township, when in Monmouth county, 
 bounded on the north by Dover. Population in 1865, was 2,041. 
 
 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, JV. J. 
 
 Atlantic City is a recent towTiship, comprising Absecom beach 
 in the townsliip of Egg Harbor, and may be considered as an 
 island six miles from main land of the Jersey coast, from \vhich 
 it is separated by the great Tlioroughfare Inlet and the salt 
 meadows of Absecom. It is 60 miles distant from Phila(lcl})hia 
 and 40 by water from Cape May Island. By the State census of 
 1865, the number of the regular inliabitants was 740. The ac- 
 companying ^'iew was taken at the railroad station looking stjuth- 
 east toward the sea. On the riglit, somewhat in the distance, is tlie 
 Jnited States, one of the most nuigniticent hotels iu the country; 
 between it and the Mansion House is seen the light-house, which, 
 viewed at a distance, when approaching the city, towers up far 
 beyond all surrounding objects. In the extreme distance beyond, 
 the Methodist cliurch on the left, the ocean is seen wliicli, when 
 agitated by winds and storms, the foaming billows roll toward 
 
CENTRAL NEW JERSEY. 531 
 
 the shore, presenting a sublime and impressive scene. Atlantic 
 City is becoming a popular watering-place ; it has 80 hotels be- 
 eides quite a number of private cottages. There are in the place 
 4 churclies : 1 Methodist, 1 Presbyterian, 1 Episcopal and 1 Catli- 
 olic — the Friends, at present, meet at a private house. The 
 city is occupied as a watering-place about three montlis during 
 the summer ; at the height of the warm season, some 20,000 peo- 
 ple seeking health, have been known to be here at one time. 
 
 Egg Harbor City, on the Camden and Atlantic Kailway, 19 
 miles NW. of Atlantic City, was commenced in 185i. The city 
 is regularly laid out, having broad avenues planted with trees. 
 The place contains 3 breweries, 2 brickyards, G hotels, &c. The 
 population is about 2,000 German's., whose principal business is 
 the cultivation of grapes. 
 
 Squan Village is situated on the south-east corner of Mon- 
 mouth county, bounded on the south by Squan River, on the 
 Atlantic ocean. It is about 9 miles from the railroad station. 
 There is in the village 3 churches, 3 stores and two hotels, and 
 about a mile out of the place a Friends meeting-house. Witliin 
 a mile of the village there is as good bathing places as any on the 
 coast. There are several boarding-houses here and at Point 
 Pleasant on the opposite side of the liver. 
 
 CRANBERRY CULTURE. 
 
 The culture of the cranberry, it is believed, will yet become one of the most im- 
 portant branches of the email fi'uit culture in Central New Jersey. The situation 
 of the lands, its soil, «fec., is admirably fitted for this purpose. The extent of the 
 •ea coast ; the low swampy lands bordering on the streams flowing into the Atlan- 
 tic; and the numerous winter ponds or "slushes" found in the interior, (which 
 have been considered as worthless and incapable of cultivation ) are, it is believed, 
 destined to bewvme the most valuable lands in the State. 
 
 The whole bueiness of arranging, preparing, and using the ground for cranberries, is 
 very much like tliat of a rice plantation. It seems ahnost indispensable for tlie suc- 
 cessful cultivation of the cranberry, that the lands should be overflowed at certain sea- 
 sons. In order to accomplish this, it is necessary tliat the ground should be perfectly 
 leveled ; the brush, bogs, and other encumbrances should bo cleared of!', dykes erected, 
 &c. This is sometimes a very expensive process, costing in soma instances from $400 
 to f600 per acre. The winter ponds, or "sluslies," however, rcfinire but little expense. 
 In tlie winter these ponds accumulate large bodies of water, to the deptli of one or two 
 feet, for which there is no outlet ; in the snmnicr they become entirely dry by evapora- 
 tion, and nothing grows upon them but grass, which ciua be removed at little ex- 
 pense. One great advantage the cranberry luis over most other small fruits, It can b« 
 kept in its natural state for a long period without injury or decay. In some parts of 
 the world it is extensively used aa coloring matter in the manufacture of fancy goods. 
 
532 
 
 ADDITIONS, CORRECTIONS &C. 
 
 Bastem View cf Jersey City, opposite New York. 
 
 The Steam Boat landing and terminus of the New Jersey R. R. appear in the central 
 
 part ; the station of the Cunard Steamers on the lelt. 
 
 I 
 
 HUDSON COUNTY, N. J., AND ITS VICINITY. 
 
ADDITIONS, CORRECTIONS, &C. 533 
 
 HUDSON COUNTY. 
 
 This County, the smallest in territorial extent will soon, it is believed, 
 exceed any other in New Jersey in wealth and population. Situated 
 but one mile from the commercial metropolis of the continent with a 
 frontage of miles on Hudson river and New York bay, on which 
 wharves can be constructed to accommodate the largest ships known 
 in commerce. It is a point, towards which the most important rail- 
 roads of the country converge ; these with other advantages which 
 might be named, will soon in all probability render this part of New 
 Jersey, a most important part of the great emporium of the nation. 
 
 Hudson County has at this time (186b) four cities within its limits : 
 Jersey City, Hoboken, Hudson City and the city of Bergen. It is now 
 in contempation to make one Metropolis or City, of Jersey City, Hobo- 
 ken, Hudson City, Union Hill, and all the villages east of Hackensack 
 river, and as far north as Fort Lee, being a stretch of about twelve 
 miles along the Hudson and bay of New York. 
 
 Jersey City lies on the west bank of the Hudson, one mile from New York, 
 with which it has commmiication every few minutes by steam boats. The land 
 comprising Jersey City was owned by the Van Vorst family, in the last century. 
 In 1802, that part of Jersey City within the ditch was called Paulus Hook and 
 contained one house occupied by thirteen persons. In 1804 a company, the 
 '' Jersey Associates" bought Paulus Hook and laid out blocks and streets. In 1820 
 it was incorporated as the " City of Jersey" and in 1838, was re-incorporated as 
 " Jersey City." At the time Paulus Hook was purchased by the '' Jersey Asso- 
 ciates," John B. Coles bought four hundred acres in the rear and on Bergen Hill, 
 for $20,000. Twenty years ago this property was offered for $600,000, without 
 buyers. It is stated that now it would bring eight millions of dollars. In 1850, 
 the population was 11578; in 1860, 30,000; in 1865, in the six wards into 
 which the city is divided, the population was 37,371. 
 
 Hoboken. — Previous to the attractions of Central Park in New York, the in- 
 habitants of that city, were accustomed to visit the Eiysian fields in Hoboken, on 
 their picnic and other excursions. The water frontage of Hoboken extends north- 
 ward from the line of the Morris and Essex R. R., Erie R. R., the dividing line 
 from Jersey City to where the grounds of Mr. E. A. Stephens', Castle Point Man- 
 sion begins, and extends westerly towards the heights of Hudson City and West 
 Hoboken. It was incorporated as a city about ten years since and according to 
 the state census in 1865, the three wards into which it is divided, contained 12,976 
 inhabitants. Its area was formerly owned by Col. John Stephens. The fiTai pub- 
 lic sale of real estate in Hoboken took place in 1839. " The property sold was 
 on Hudson street, between First and Newark streets, running back to Washing- 
 ton-8t. The prices averaged $450 for a lot twenty-five by one hundred leet. 
 The same lot* now command from $12 000 to $18,000. Building became active 
 after this sale The first house erected was a two-story frame building, owned 
 by Mr. J. J. Benson, who included in it a small drinking saloon. Among the 
 houses which were soon built, was the Mansion House on Hudson street, between 
 Third aijd Fourth. Abore the Mansion House were commons and apple orchards, 
 and along Hudson street from Newark to Ferry, was a hill fifty feet high, which 
 was removed twenty years ago." 
 
 Hoboken is now a busv port of entrv and departure of two regular lines of 
 European steamers, (the Bremen and Hamburg.) a pas.senser depot for two rail- 
 road lines — a depot for coal from the mines, and for oil, direct from the wells in 
 Pennsylvania and the West. Hoboken has had a steady growth undpr the aus- 
 pices of the " Hoboken Land and Improvement Company," and a number of im- 
 
534 
 
 ADDITIONS, CORHECTIOiNS, (Scc. 
 
 portant improvements are now contemplated. Water pipes intersect the city fronj 
 the reservoir on Bergm Hill, fed by the Passaic, and gas is also provided. 0:i the 
 meadows back of Hoboken there are about twenty slaughter houses, which are 
 fully employed in preparing meat for the New York market. An iron foundry 
 also stands back of the town. 
 
 Hudson County Court House and Jail, Hitdson City* 
 
 Hudson City, formerly known by the name of North Bergen, was incorporated 
 in 1855. Being situated near the central part of the populous portion of the 
 county, the county buildings are located on the rocky elevation which rises west- 
 ward of the Hudson River. The Bergen Reservoir is north of the Court House. 
 The tunnel through which the New York and Erie and other railroads pass, is 
 one mile long, passing through the rocky hill on which most of the city is built. 
 The beds of the streets are nearly all of rock, rendering the laying of pipes ex- 
 pensive, but it will soon be accomplished. Water pipes are already laid in the 
 more populous thoroughfares. Three lines of horse cars run every fifteen minutes 
 to the Jersey City Ferry, until 9 o'clock; after that time every half hour till mid- 
 night. The Hoboken and Five Corners line runs through the night. The cars 
 make the run in about fitleen minutes. The city has an ctlicierit police force 
 
 ♦This Cut of the Court house, Arc. was engravod for tins work by Dr. Alrxavder An- 
 denon of Jersey City, the faiLer of Amiiicau wood engraving, at the ago of niaily jiine- 
 til-three years. Dr. Anflcrson was born, April 21st, 1775, in the city of Now York, where 
 hi. lathor was the puhlislxT of a small patriotic newspaper. His father inteiulcd bim 
 for a pli.v.«ician and he accordingly pursued tiie study of Medicine and when at the age 
 of twenty-on- he recfivod a diploma from the faculty of Coluniliia College. His lirstat- 
 tempt at the ait of engraving, was the cutting of little ships for advertisements in the 
 newspapers. His first regular engravings oti wood were p' rformed at tiie age of seven- 
 teen ; these were for a work for young persons, entitled " The Looking Glass for tie 
 Mind." He engraved, studied and practiced i)hysic, till ho was twenty-three years okl, 
 when his whole family but himself, died of yellow fever. He then visited his uncle, the 
 " King's Botanist" in the West Indies. On his return lie commenced the business of en- 
 graving, which he has followed ever since. Ho lived in the city of his birth ninety-one 
 years, when, with his daughter and family he made his home in Jersey City. Amiable 
 and christian-like in life, ho has worked industriously with a cheerful spirit through all 
 the vici.-situdes he has passed, " has been kind and loving to mU around him, and has 
 lived a pure, simple and useful life" having the respect and veneration of all who 
 know him. 
 
ADDITIONS, CORRECTIONS, &C. 
 
 535 
 
 and a -well organized fire department. Three public halls are built, two of which 
 are for the Masonic fraternity; churches are being erected, and a Free Academy 
 will soon be finished. An " American Lead Pencil Company" has been recently 
 established. The population, according to the State census of 1865, was 13,151. 
 The present population is estimated at 18.000. 
 
 The City of Bergen was incorporated in 1868 ; it was formerly called South 
 Bergen. It is bounded on the north by the New Jersey Railroad cut, separating 
 it from Hudson City, two miles southerly to Greenville, and from the heights 
 bordering Jersey City on the east, westerly to Hackensack River. 
 
 The first European settlement in New Jersey is believed to have commenced in 
 this town (see j>ag-« 226) 
 
 St. MiehaeVs Passionist Monastery, West ffobohen, iV! J. 
 
 This stmcture ia two miles west of Hoboken Ferry, on the rocky eminence rising 
 fr.'om the west bunk of Hudson river, in plain view of New York city. The building 
 (incliidinar the basement) is five stories high, 166 fop-t long, and 40 deep. It is occu- 
 pied by the Father Superior, tlie Priests or Passionist Fathers, students and lay broth- 
 ers, being at present about 35 m number. The Fa,ther3 act as missionaries, and are 
 strong advocates for the tompeianco cause. The lay brothers do the house-work, the 
 cooking, washing, &c. They also act as tailors, ehoemakers, carpenters, &c. The 
 monastery, tiie foundation of which was laid in 1863, is built of Btouo_ found on its 
 grounds, which consist of 19 acres. A temporary building Ktanding in front of the 
 northern end, is daily used for divine worship by Catholics in the vicinity. In the 
 monastery itself no females are allowed to visit any part, excoot tlie reception room. 
 All the members of the community are clothed with a olack habit, — on the loft breast 
 is atiixed the badge of the order, which is a heart surmounted by a cross. The heart is 
 inscribed Jesuxpi Passio (the 2)assion of Jesus Christ). 
 
 St. Paul of the Cross, the founder of tlio order, was bom in the Republic of Genoa, in 
 1694, and received the baptismal name of Paul Francis. It appears from his published 
 biography that at a very early a^'e his mind was remarkably impressed with religious 
 subjects, particuiilrly those relating to the sufferings and bitter death of his Redeemer. 
 This feeing increaned with his years. lie became a preacher, and in "his terrible ser- 
 mons upon tlie truths of faith, he would wind up with the Passion of Clirist and his 
 mercy.'' Paul having fully devoted himself to aiife of penance, mortification and obe- 
 dience, retired with his brother to a hermitage on a mountain, where they spent their 
 time in prayer and praise, living under rigid monastic rules as to food and raiment 
 Hero they built the first retreat, and founded the religious order of Passionists. Paul 
 DOW visited various places, established congregations, and finally obtained from Pope 
 Clement XIII, the solemn confirmation of the order, and a few years afterwards, diedm 
 1775. In 1^55, a colony of Passionists was obtained for this country by Dr. O'Connor, 
 Bishop of Pittsburg, aud at thia time the foundations have been extended to four houses. 
 
536 
 
 ADDITIONS, CORRECTIONS, &C. 
 
 View of the Continental and Mansion Houses, at Long Branch, N. J. 
 
 The Continental Hotel seen on the right — claimed to be the 
 1; rgest in the United States — has a frontage on the ocean of over 
 700 feet, and a depth of from 75 by 250 feet, with a piazza 2-i feet 
 deep, and, including the several elevations, 2,900 feet, or over half 
 a mile. It contains 600 rooms of all sizes, a large number com- 
 municating, fitted with all the modern improvements. The entire 
 establishment will acconnnodate 1,200 guests. The Mansion 
 House on the left is a hotel of the first order, having an old and 
 established reputation. Howland's well-appointed Hotel is the 
 oldest house on the shore. The ocean and few of the bath-houses 
 are seen on the extreme left. These hotels, bath-houses tfec, for 
 the accommodation of sea-bathing, extend along the beach about 
 two miles. The following notice of Long Ih-anch is derived froiiii 
 , Watson's Annals of Philadelphia, published in 1830. 
 
 " Before the Revolutionary War, this ])lace was owned by Col. [ 
 White of New York, a British officer. The small house which 
 he occu])ied as a smnmer residence, was standing here in a clump 
 of houses owned by Renshaw, in 1S30. In consequence of the 
 Avar, his ])lace was confiscated. The house was first used as a' 
 boarding-lwuse by Elliston Perot, of Phil;ulel})hia, in 1788. Atl 
 that time the M'hole premises were in charge of one old woman, ! 
 left to keep the place from injury. Of her Mr. Perot begged an 
 asylum for himself and family, which was granted, provided he 
 could get beds and bedding from others. Mr. P. repeated his 
 visit for three successive years, taking some friends with him. In 
 1790-91, Mr. McKnight of Monmoutli county, bought the whole 
 premises, containing 100 acres, for 8700, and then got Mr. Perot 
 and others to loan him $2,000 to improve it. He then loaned it 
 it for a watering-place, snd before his death it was supposed that 
 he had made $40,000 by the investment. The estate was sold to 
 Bradshaw for $13,000." 
 
ADDITIONS, COKRECTIONS, &C. 537 
 
 The followinof hislorical items were furnishcil for this work by a gentlemaa 
 living^ iu the vicinity of the phices here mentioucd. They are evidently drawn 
 up with much care and accuracy : 
 
 CAMDEN, N^EWTON, HADDONFIELD, &C. 
 
 The city of Camden consists of several tracts of land, aud were among the first 
 locations in the county. 
 
 William Cooper made the first location, consisting of 300 acres, in 1682, which 
 bounded on the Delaware lliver and Cooper's Creek, and from whence that stream 
 derived its name. Within the bounds of this survey was an Indian settlement. The 
 name of the chief was Orasaplia. William Cooper extinguished their title for a 
 valuable consideration, which was as honorable to him as satisfactory to these chil- 
 dren of the forest. 
 
 William Roydon made the next survey of 4.50 acres in the same year, next below 
 and adjoining William Cooper's land, fronting the River. 
 
 William Roydon establislied the first ferry within the bounds of the city of Cam- 
 <3en, for which a license was granted by the Court in 1687. This ferry was at the 
 foot of Cooper street in that city. 
 
 In 1739 a license was granted by Lord Combury to William Cooper (a grandson 
 of the first settler) for a ferry at Cooper Point. 
 
 In 1683 John White made a small survey of 28 acres, also within the bounds of 
 the city. 
 
 In 1(585 Samuel Norris located 1,150 acres of land within the City limits, extend- 
 ing from " Line " street along down the river to " Raiajhu's" Run. 
 
 The most of these surveys extend beyond the city bounds, easterly, and of 
 which Wdliam Cooper by purchase became the owner, excepting a part of the Xor- 
 ris location, which became the estate of John Raighu. 
 
 Windmill island, opposite the city of Camden was located by William Roydon, 
 at the same time he made the survey before named. 
 
 Petty's Island, north of tiie city, was included in the original grant made to Wil- 
 liam Penn, by Charles Second of England. 
 
 In 1701 he sold it to Thomas Fairman, part of the consideration being enough 
 pa}/ annually fur four coach horses. It became the property of John Petty in 1732. 
 
 No attempt was made at making a town until 1773, when Jacob Cooper laid out 
 the land in lots between Cooper and Market streets and gave it the name of " Cam- 
 den." In 18o3 Joshua Cooper extended the plan of lots as far south as Plum street. 
 
 The town of Woodbury derived its name iVom a family of " Woods," wlio settled 
 at the mouth of Woodbury Creek in 1682. Tliey came from the town of Berry, in 
 Lancashire, England. Their names were John, Henry, Constance and Jeremiah. 
 It is probable that a few Swedish families had previously settled there, as some of 
 the land was purchased of Wola Swansen.a Swede, who at the time of the purchase 
 resided at Wickaco, afterwards Philadelphia. 
 
 The first settlement in Newton Township was made by Thomas Sharp, Mark 
 Newby, William Balis, (}eor:,'e Goldsmith, Thomas Thackara and Robert Zane. 
 They were " Friends," came from Ireland, and settled on Newton Creek in 1681. 
 Their land was located in one body of 1,600 acres, except William Bates, who set- 
 tled on the south side of the creek, but near the others. li)0 acres was also taken 
 up at the mouth of" Raiglui's" Ruu at the same time, to secure a supply of hay for 
 their cattle. 
 
 The first winter after their arrival they lived in caves on the north bank of the 
 creek near where the old grave yard now stan<ls, and called their settlement " New- 
 ton;" the next year, however, they divided their lands and settled on the same. 
 
 At Mark Newby's house (whieh was m/ar the residence of Charles Cooper, Esq.,) 
 a religious meeting was held, being the first within tlie county of Gloucester. The 
 first meeting house was built in 1684, and stood near the old graveyard. The 
 trustees then were Benjamin Thackara, William Cooper and William Albertson. 
 This house, probably rebuilt and enlarged, was destroyed by fire in 1817. 
 
 68 
 
538 ADDITIONS, COKRECTIONS, &C. 
 
 In 1701, Elizabeth Iladdon came from London and settled on a tract of land her 
 father (John lladdon) had purcliased of Thomas Willis in lti98. This survey 
 fronted on the south side of Cooper's Creek in Kewton Township, and her house 
 stood on a high bank by the stream, near the residence of Jacob S. Coles, Esq. In 
 the same year she married John Estaugh, a young man who had preceded her to 
 this country upon a religious visit, he being a " Public Friend." 
 
 This place was called " Iladdonfield " until 1713, at which date John and Eliza- 
 beth Estaugh removed to a new house they had built on another tract hcyr 
 father purchased of Thomas Matthews, which new place from that time took the 
 name of Haddonfield and retained it until the village near the last place assumed it. 
 The first meeting house at the village of Haddonfield was built in 1720, on a lot 
 conveyed by John Haddon to William Evans, Joseph Cooper, Jr., and John Cooper as 
 trustees. It was built of logs, and stood where the brick house was built in 1760, 
 and removed in 1852. 
 
 Elizabeth Estaugh procured the deed for this lot of her father, while on a visit to 
 her parents in London, her name being signed as a witness to the same. Having 
 no children of her own she ado])ted Ebonezer Hopkins, a son of her sister Sarah, 
 wife of Benjamin Hopkins, of London, who married Sarah, a daughter of James 
 Lord, of Woodbury Creek, and from whom sjirung the family of that name in West 
 Jersey. 
 
 The first house in this village was erected by James Norris, who married Sarah, 
 a daughter of John Kay. It was built about the year 1730 on the east side of the 
 main street and where the residence of Aaron C. Clement, Esq., now stands. This 
 house was built with a basement, one story high and hipped roof The widow of 
 James Norris kept a store there, and was eo taxed by the Town Meeting of 2Hewton 
 Tewnship in 1733. 
 
 The first " corn " mill in the county of Gloucester stood at the easterly end of the 
 village, and was built by Thomas Kendall in 1697, and by him called " The Free 
 Lodge" Mill. 
 
 One of the earliest licensed taverns in the township Btood on the south side of 
 the Middle Branch of Newton Creek near " Atmore's " Dam, and where the " Shore " 
 road crossed that stream. It was kept by John Willis, a ship carpenter, in 1 696. It 
 is more than probable that a sailing packet went daily from his "Inn" to Philadel- 
 phia, passing down the Creek, which at that day was a navigable stream, for the 
 accommodation of tiie people thereabouts, that being a much easier mode of travel 
 than over the tortuous and bad roads that led towards the city. 
 
 Francis Collins settled on a tract of land he located southwest of where the vil- 
 lage of Iladdonfield now stands in 1682, but removed to Burlington County before 
 17uO, where lie deceased about 1720. IIo was the first of the name in West Jersey. 
 
 On the 18th of June, 1778, the British army crossed the Delaware River from 
 Philadelphia, into New Jersey, at Gloucester. The army was then commanded by 
 Sir Henry Clinton and passed along the " King's " Road, towards New York. It was 
 three days and nights in passing through Iladdonfield, having forges, boats, bridges, 
 bakeries, and all such conveniences among its transportation. June 24th the head 
 of the column reached Mount Holly and then turned toward Monmouth, where soon 
 after the American troops nnder Washington obtained a brilliant victory. 
 
 The Ilfssian troops made their last halt in Haddonfield before the battle of Red 
 Bank. The encampment extended across the main street, near the residence of 
 John Gill, Esq., and where the commander, Count Dunop, made hia headquarters 
 for that night. The soldiers wore very troublesome, and wantonlj' destroyed the 
 property and cattle about the village. The army left the villaulo during the night 
 and passed to Red Bank by way of " Clement's " Bridge, and as they supposed to 
 an easy victory. Tlio pluck of the Yankees was, however, too much for stubborn 
 Dutch courage, and the soldiers that had left the village so defiant and overbearing 
 came back In a few daya crest fallen and conquered. 
 
ADDITIOXSj^COKKECTIONS, &C. 
 
 539 
 
 The statistics, (fee, respecting Haddonficld on page 219 of this work, were published 
 in. 1844. The two meeting houses represented in the engraving were built by two 
 parties of Friends- of opposite religious sentiments, the one in front by the Orthodox 
 party, the other, appearing in the rear, by the Ilicksites. About twenty years since, 
 these buildings were demolished by the Friends themselves, the Orthodox i)arty early 
 in the morning commencing first and nearly had off the roof by sunrise, and held 
 their meeting in the Library, a few rods west, Samuel Allen, a Ilicksite preacher, 
 commenced speaking in the Orthodox congregation, but he was soon led or carried out 
 of doors. The present town-house stands about 6 rods from the site of the old meet 
 ings. The Friends' grave-yard is still claimed by both parties, but their j meeting 
 houses are erected In different places. 
 
 S. view of a section of the wltarf at Elizaheth Port, N. J. 
 
 The above is a representation of a section of the docks of the 
 New Jersey Central Eailroad Company, which extend one mile and 
 a half along the shore. The coal cars are seen on the left, and in 
 the distance are seen on the elevated railway, discharging their car- 
 goes into the holds of the vessels, a large number of which are here 
 seen in all seasons. On the extreme right vessels are seen j)assing 
 between Bergen Point and Staten Island up to New York Bay. 
 Five hundred car loads pass over the railroad daily from the Scran- 
 ton and other Pennsylvania mines, which is taken from this place 
 to all parts of theUnitcd States, and even to South America and 
 California. 
 
 EHzabeth and Elizabethport now form but one city ; the lat- 
 ter constituting its Ist and 2d Wards. Elizabethport contains six 
 churches, one each for the following denominations, viz : — Presby- 
 terian, Methodist, Catliolic, Episcopal, Congregational, Baptist— 
 and by the census of 18G5, a population of 6,780. 
 
54:0 
 
 ADDrnOXS, CORKECTIONS, &C. 
 
 Ciiy Hall and Market House, Elizabeth, N. J. 
 
 View in the central part of Elizabcthtoicn, 
 
 Central part of Elizabeth, as it appeared in 1843. 
 The drawing for the above view was taken April 20th, 1843. In front is seen 
 Elizabeth Creek, the ancient bricljjc over which the road passes between tlie olu 
 mill and market house. Si)nu'wliat m tlie distance appears the Court House and th-? 
 Church and lecture room of the First Presbyterian l^ociety, between which is th'> 
 ancient grave yard. The Society have erected a new nionnnient to the memory of 
 the Rev. Mr. Caldwell and his wife, [See page 171,] beinc; a marble obelisk slandin^ 
 on a j)ede8tal having an inscription on each of its four sides. This f pot is one of 
 historic interest: here was organized the first ecclesiastical society by the Eniilish 
 in Kew Jersey. In the tastclully arranged grounds attached to their church buil- 
 dings, rest the remains of some of tb.e most distinguifihed men of her Ilevolutionary 
 history. "^ 
 
ArDlTinxs, CnRUrCTIONP, ^ZC. 
 
 Southern View of the Freshyteriati Church at Montclab\ N.J. 
 Montclair lormerly West Blcomfield, was made a township in ISGS, and contains a§ 
 present between 2 and SOoO inhabitants. The chnrch seen in the engraving was erected 
 in 1 856, jind stands where the first was built in 1838, with a basement iinderneatli for W\& 
 pubhe School, Th\s place is 5 miles N. W. from Newark and 13 from New York. The: 
 elevated tackgrtoiiv:d seen in the engraving is called the First Mountain, on which is', 
 erected fine familj lesidencea. owned by persons (luinj; business in New York. There are at present ini 
 tbe place 4 rtiurcbes. apd a high school baviiifr several teachers. 
 
 Essex and Union Counties with their Vicinities. 
 
642, ADDITIONS, CORRECTIONS, &0I, 
 
 -NEW JERSEY 
 
 DTIRING THE LATE CIVIL WAB, 
 
 In the recent sanguinary struggle which in all probability will 
 'result in the more perfect Union of the States of our Republic, 
 and in the extinction of human slavery, New Jersey has fully 
 sustained her ancient reputation. On the breaking out of the Se- 
 cession War, on the call of the Government she nobly responded 
 in furnishing men and means to sustain the national cause, send- 
 ing to the national defence the first full brigade that reached the 
 field of action. 
 
 An account of what New Jersey has done during the contest, 
 the number of men, the names of the officers, and a particular 
 history of each regiment, the number the killed and wounded, 
 biographical sketches of persons distinguished in the Avar, official 
 statements, &c., &c., has been most ably given by John Y. Fos- 
 ter, Esq., in a large octavo volume of 872 pages, published by the 
 authoriry of the State.* 
 
 From the oj^ening of the contest the clergymen of the leading 
 denominations in the State were to a very great extent among the 
 foremost of the supporters of the national cause. The number of 
 Chaplains serving in the New Jersey Regiments from the first to 
 the last, was forty-seven, and it is believed that the people of no 
 State in the Union did more in proportion to its po]Hdation ; did 
 more for the comfort of their soldiers in the field and their fami- 
 lies at home, than New Jersey. In addition, the State paid 
 (according to official statements) her soldiers and their families 
 $2,317,374.58. The amoimt transmitted from her soldiers m the 
 field to their families was $2,275,989. " The whole number of 
 casualities among New Jersey officers during the war was as fol- 
 lows : Officers killed in action, 107 ; died of wounds, 45 ; died 
 of disease, 30; drowned, 4 ; died in rebel prison, 3 ; total, 189." 
 
 The following items and notices are extracted from Mr. Foster's 
 work : 
 
 " The earliest organized movement in New Jersey for army relief was made by 
 the women of Newark, who on the 24th of April, 1861, formed an association (of 
 which the wife of ex-Governor Pennington was chosen President) for the purpose of 
 preparing necessary comforts for tlie volunteers from that city. Four days before 
 this, a number of ladies of Jersey City had tendered their services as nurses. , . 
 During tlio following fortnight, similar aid societies were formed in all the larger 
 cities and towns, and before the close of the year nearly every town in the State 
 had its relief association. The American, the German, the Irish, all brought their 
 gifts and laid them on the altar." 
 
 "During the war a number of Jersey women served faithfully in the hospitals in 
 
 •This work is entitled "New Jersey ajtd the REnELiioN: a History of tho serrlcesof the troops 
 and people of New Jersey in nid of the Union Cause. By JohnT. Foster." Newark, N. J., Martin R. 
 Dennis it Co., ]^GS. About four thousand dollars was appropriated ly the State to CAiry out this 
 undertaklns:. Mr Foster's work Is evidently drawn up with much care and accuracy, and a mora 
 full or reliable account caunot be reasonably expected. 
 
ADDITIONS, COKEECTIOXS, &C, 543 
 
 and about "Washington, and one, sa an accredited agent of the Sanitary Commission 
 accompanied the Army of the Potomac in all its campaigns, ministering with ure- 
 mitting care to the wants of the sick and wounded. Another, Miss Cornelia Han- 
 cock, of Salem County, was even more distinguished for her labors in this direction. 
 Miss Hancock first visited the field as a nurse in July, 1863, when she was the first 
 woman who reached and ministered to the wounded of the Second Army Corps on 
 the bloody field of Gettysburg." 
 
 "The first movement of this character" [for the relief and support of the families 
 of the volunteers] " so far as the newspaper records show, was made in the town of 
 Lambertsville, where, as early as April iVth, 1801, a considerable sum of money for, 
 this purpose was raised. This was followed in a week by similar movements in; 
 Trenton, Mount Holly, Jersey City, Newark, Paterson, and all the larger towns of 
 the State — in many of which, during the entire period of the war, soldier's families 
 received material aid, the aggregate amounting to millions of dollars." 
 
 Among the most distinguished Jerseymen. who sacrificed their lives in the na^ 
 tional cause was Gen. Philip Kearney. He was born June 2d, 1815, and from his' 
 boyhood was inclined to military pursuits, and after passing through Columbia] 
 College, obtained upon reaching his majority a commission as Lieutenant in a regi-i 
 ment of dragoons, in which Jefferson Davis was a captain. In 1840, he was one of 
 three officers sent by the U. S. Government to pursue a course of military instruc-. 
 tion in France, — on his return he was attached to the staff of Gen. Scott and wentl 
 with him to Mexico, where, in an attack on the city, his left arm was shot away byj 
 a shower of grape. After the war he traveled extensively in Europe and in 1859,'j 
 became aid-de-camp to Gen. Morris in the Italian war. In consideration of his ser- 
 vices, the Emperor Napoleon III conferred on him the Cross of the Legion of Honor.' 
 In July, 1861, Gen. Kearney, then a Major, was appointed Brigadier-General of 
 the First Brigade of New Jersey Volunteers. By his superior skill, this brigade 
 was confessedly the best disciplined in the army. In the battles of the Peninsula 
 campaign Gen. Kearney displayed conspicuous bravery and skill; on Sept. 1st, 
 :1862, during the retreat of Gen. Pope, near Fairfax Court" House, Generals Stephens 
 , and Kearney were selected to stay the progress of the enemy. Stephens fell flag in 
 hand, at the very front of the battle. As our forces were giving way, Gen. Kearney, 
 placing himselt at their head, broke through the enemy's center and " dashed them 
 back in disorder and confusion, and thus saved Pope's army and the Capital, but paid 
 for the victory with his own precious life." Riding forward about sunset, to recon- 
 noiter the enemjr's position, he came unexpectedly upon their lines. Being suni- 
 moned to surrender, he defiantly refused, and was shot dead as he turned to fly, his 
 bodj' falling into the hands of the enemy. 
 
 Brig.-Ge\. Geo. W. Taylor, a brave oflicer who sacrificed his life in the defer. '^ 
 "^of his country, was a native of Hunterdon County. At an early period he exhib- 
 ited a taste for military pursuits. He entered the military school of Colonel Alden 
 Partridge, in Connecticut, where he graduated at the age of eighteen. In 1861, he 
 was appointed Colonel of the Third Regiment, and in 1862 he was appointed Briga- 
 dier-General of the First Brigade. On August 27th, in moving up to Manassas 
 ■ Junction to disperse a rebel force, he was severely wounded in the leg, and being 
 carried to Alexandria, died Sept. 1st, from the eff'ects of the amputation of his limb. 
 Brig.-Gen. Charles G. Harker, a native of Swedeaboro', Gloucester Co., a most 
 noble, brave, and meritorious officer, true to God and his country, fell at Kenesaw 
 Mountain, June 27 th, 1865, at the age of 29 years. He was mortally wounded while 
 leading the principal column of assault against the position of the enemy. He was 
 hurriedly carried to the rear, where he soon expired, his last words being, "Have 
 we taken the Mountain 1" 
 
 Maj. Peter Vredenburg, of Monmouth County, was one of the most distinguished 
 young men of New Jersey. He was Inspector-f'Jcneral of the Third Corps, and was 
 also distinguished for his daring bravery as a staff oflirer. On Sept. lltli, 186-1, Major 
 Vredenberg, while leading the 14th Now Jersey regiment in a daring attack on the 
 enemy, in their entrenchments near Winchester, Va., he was struck by a fragment 
 of shell and instantly killed; his last words were, "Forward, men I Forward, and 
 guide on me 1" 
 
\ 
 
 ADDITIONS, COEEECTIONS, &C. 
 [From the New Jersey Courier, published August 23d, 1866.] ^ 
 
 Ckonological List of the Governors of New Jersey, 
 
 FROM ITS EARLIEST SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIMK 
 
 Governors of East Jersey. 
 
 Philip Carteret, from 1665 till 1681, 
 with ax interval of some yeara. 
 
 Robert Barclay, from 1682 to 1685. 
 
 Thomas Rudyard, Deputy-Governor, 
 from 1683. 
 
 Gawen Lawrio, 1683. 
 Lord Niel Campbell, 1685. 
 
 Andrew Hamilton, 1692 to 1697. 
 
 Jeremiah Basse, from 1698 to 1699. 
 
 Governors of West Jees'y. 
 Samuel Jennings, Deputy, 1681. 
 Thomas Oliver, Governor, 1684 to 1685. 
 John Skein, Deputy, 1685 to 1687. 
 William Welah, Deputy, 1686l 
 Daniel Cpxe, Governor, 1687. , 
 Andrew Hamilton, 1692 to 1697. 
 Jeremiah Basse, Deputy, 1697 to 1699- 
 Andrew Hamilton, Governor, 1699 till 
 •ftrrender to the Crown, 1702. 
 
 Eaxt and West Jersei/ tmited. 
 
 John Lord Cornbury, Governor from 
 i'7U:3 J 17U8, I 
 
 • John Lovelace, 1708— he died in ©ffice. 
 
 Richard I iiglesby.LieutenantGoverMor. 
 1709 to 1710. 
 
 Gen. Andrew Hunter, from 1710 to 
 1720. 
 
 William Burnet, from 1720 to 1727. 
 
 John Montgomerio, fi'om 1728 to 1731. 
 
 Lewis Morris, from 1731 to 1732. 
 
 William Crosby, from 1732 to 1736. 
 
 John Hamilton, from 1736 to 1738. 
 
 |j;^Thc above were also Grovernors 
 of New York at tlje same time. 
 
 Separate from New York. 
 Lewis Morris, from 1738 to 1746. 
 John Hamilton, from 1746 to 1747. 
 
 Jonathan Belcher, from 1747 to 1757. 
 John Reading, from 1757 to 1758. 
 Francis Barnard, from 1758 to 1760. 
 Thomas Boon, from 1760 to 1761. 
 Thomas Hardie, from 1761 to 1763. 
 William Franklin, from 1763 to 1776. 
 
 Revohiiunuiry and State Government. 
 Wiinmn Livingston, from 1776 to 1790. 
 Wiinam Paterson, from 1790 to 1792. 
 Ricliard Howell, from 1792 to 18(il. 
 John Lambert, Vice President of Coun- 
 cil from 1802 to 1803. 
 
 Joseph Bloomfield, from ISaS to 1812. 
 Aaron Ogden, from 1812 to 1813. 
 William] S. Pennington, from 1813 to 
 1815. 
 
 Mahlon Dickerson, from 1815 to 1817. 
 
 Isaac H. Williamson, from 1817 to 1829. 
 
 Garret D. Wall, from 1829— <leclined, 
 
 Peter D. Vroom, 1829 to 1822. 
 
 Samuel L. Southward, from 1832 — 
 elected Senator 1832, Feb. 1833. 
 
 Elias P. Seeley, from 18S3 to 1834. 
 
 Peter D. Vroom, from 1835 to 1836. 
 I Philemon Dickerson, from 1836 to 1837 
 
 Williairi Pennington, from 1837 to 1843. 
 
 Danit Hains, from 1843 to 1844. 
 
 New Constitution. 
 aiarles C. Stratton, from 1845 to 1848. 
 Daniel Haines, from 1848 to 1851. 
 George F. Fort, from 1851 to 1864. 
 Rodman M. Price, from 1854 to 1857. 
 WilMam A. Newell, from 1857 to 1860. 
 rirn-los S. Olden, from 18C0 to 1863. 
 Joel Parker, from 1863 to 1860. 
 Marcus L. Ward, from 1866. 
 
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