„ fill' NOTES, HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL, CONCERNING ELIZABETH. TOWN. ITS EMINENT MEN, CHURCHES AND MINISTERS BY NICHOLAS MURRAY ELIZABETH-TOWN: PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY E. SANDERSON. 18 4 4. TO THE a FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION, ELIZABETH-TOWN, THE FOLLOWING NOTES, FIRST PREPARED FOR THEIR INSTRUCTION, AND NOW PUBLISHED AT THEIR REQUEST, ARE RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, AS AN EXPRESSION OF SINCERE AFFECTION, By THEIR PASTOR, THE AUTHOR. PREFACE. The histor}' of the following Notes is very easily told. On my settlement in this town in July, 1833, I felt no little desire to make myself acquainted with the past history of the venerable Church which in the providence of God was committed to my care. I sought for its Records, but soon found that there were none reaching farther back than the ministry of Dr. Kollock. All beyond were lost amid the confusion of the war of the Revolution, or during the partial in- sanity of Mr. Austin. I next examined the Records of the Trustees, which, although extending back up- wards of one hundred years, yet contain but little beyond the mere details of business. From these details, however, I have derived much information, and several interesting facts. And with the excep- tion of the short " Sketch," prefixed to the "Church 1* PREFACE. Manual, prepared by my predecessor, Dr. J. M'Dow- 'If, T could find but little to satisfy my curiosity. J then determined, as far as possible, to draw up a Narrative of tlie Church and its Ministers, and " to begin with (he beginning." I searched for old re- :o:d~. and examined old books, and conversed with old people, and opened a correspondence with indi- viduals in different and distant parts of the country, descendants or relatives of individuals who have re- sided here, and the information thus collected lias, from year to year, been read to my people wlien col- lected in parish meeting for the transaction of busi- I'pss, on the first day of Januar3^ Thus these Notes were originally intended to refer only to the First Presbyterian Church : to it they now mainly refer. But as for nearly fifty years it v/as the only church in the place ; and as until the last cjuarter of a century three-fourths of all the in- Imbitants of the town were connected with it, the his- tory of that church is really the history of the town. It is pre-eminently the Historic Church of New- Jer- sey. And in attempting its history, I was unavoida- bly led to blend with it the history of the town. PREFACE. VII. Tlie Notes thus made atui read, greatly interested the people of my charge, and others that heard them, and heard of them. Until the passage of the follow- ing resolutions hy a unanimous vote, at a parish meeting of the First Presbyterian Ciiurch, held on the first of January last, all solicitations to give them to the public have been resisted : — " Whereas, our esteemed Pastor, Dr. Murray, has written a brief History of this Town and Congrega- tion from its earliest settlement to the present time, embracing many interesting incidents, in which our forefathers were prominent actors ; with short Bio- graphical Sketches of several eminent and beloved Men, whose memory is endeared to this Congregation ; the preparing of which has required much time and research : " Resolved, that the thanks of the Congregation be and are hereby respectfully presented to our Pastor, and that he be earnestly requested to grant a copy of the same for publication, " Resolved, that Messrs. John J. Bryant, EliasWi- nans and James F. Meeker be a committee to present Dr. Murray with a copy of the above, with powers to make such arrangements for publishing said history, Vlll. PREFACE. as they may deem consistent with the wishes and in- terest of the Congregation. " A true copy from the Minutes. " James R. Meeker, Clerk." No persons, but those who have made the trial, can estimate the difficulty of making Notes like these. Although no labor to give them accuracy has been withheld, and no incident on oral testimony has been related without being established by two or three wit- nesses, yet errors may be detected in these pages. I commit them to the public, deeply regretting that some one of the many eminent men who have here resided have never compiled the Annals of our an- cient Borough, and that the collecting of these Notes had not fallen into more competent hands, and earlier. N. M. Elizabeth-Town, April 1, 1844. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Page Taking of Constantinople and its consequences, 13 Discoveries of Columbus and Cabot, - - 14 Sir Water Raleigh's settlement, - - - 15 Original Grant of New-Jersey by the Duke of York, 16 Policy of Berkley and Carteret, _ _ - 17 Governor Carteret's arrival at Elizabeth-Town, 18 The Elizabeth-Town Grant, - - - 19 Elizabeth-Town Associates, - - - 20 Conflicting Claims, ----- 21 Governor Carteret's death, - - - - 22 CHAPTER n. Description of Elizabeth-Town, - - - 23 First General Assembly, - - - - 25 Characterof the first laws, - - - - 26 Boundaries of Elizabeth-Town, - - - 27 Charter of the Borough of Elizabeth-Town, - 28 CHAPTER III. First Inhabitants, where from, - - - 45 First Presbyterian Church, - - - 45 Barclay's statement, ----- 47 Rev. John Harriman, _ _ - - 48 Division into East and West Jersey, - - 49 Proprietors surrender their rights, - - 50 X. CONTENTS. Government of the Crown resumed, 51 Lord Cornbury, 51 Incident illustrating his t^Tanny, 52 Rtv. Mr. Melyne, 53 CHAPTER IV. Rev. Jonathan Dickinson, . _ - . 54 Extent of the parish in his day, 56 Church in Westfield organised, (Note,) 56 Salaries of Ministers and Governor, 57 Controversy in Synod of Philadelphia, 58. New-Jersey College founded, 58 Death of Dickinson, _ _ - _ . 59 Rev. Elihu Spencer, D. D., 60 First Presbyterian Church Incorporated, 61 Act of Incorporation, _ _ _ - . 62 Governor Belcher, _ _ . _ . 70 CHAPTER y. Rev. Abraham Kcttletas, _ - - . 71 Rev. James Caldwell, _ _ - . 72 Origin of his family, _ . _ _ , 73 Church burned and INIrs. Caldwell shot, 75 Mr. Caldwell's death and funeral. 76 His Character, _ - - _ - 77 Account of his Children, - _ - 79 CHAPTER VI. Resistance to Impost Laws, - ^ - 80 Excitement in East Jersey, 81 Governor William Livingston, 82 General Ellas Dayton, _ _ . 84 Letter from Elias Boudinot, 85 Francis Barber, _ . _ . 86 His services and death, 88. L CONTENTS, XI. Abraham Clark, 89 His various services, ----- 90 CPAPTER VII. Suffering of East Jersey during the Revolution, 92 Fortifications built at Elizabeth-Town Point, - 92 Committee of Safety, - - - - 93 Capture of the Blue Mountain Valley, - - 93 Great suffering of our citizens, - - - 95 Connecticut Farms burned, ^ - - 96 Springfield burned, ----- 97 A brave incident, ----- 97 A daring exploit, ----- 98 Buildings burned, ----- 99 Shades of the picture, - - - - 100 Cornelius Hetfield, 101 Petition to Congress, - - - - - 102 CHAPTER VIII. Deplorable condition of the Town, - - 108 Ministry of Dr. Ogden, and Mr. Armstrong, 109 Elias Boudinot, L. L. D., - - - - 110 The First Church erected, - - - - 112 Rev. William Linn, D. D., - - - - 113 Rev. David Austin, - - - - - 114 His sickness and its effects, - - - 115 Fourth Sabbath of May, 1796, - - - 116 Mr. Austin's reply to the Committee, - 117 Petition to the Presbytery of New- York, - 119 Action of Presbytery, - _ - - 120 His subsequent course, _ _ _ _ 122 His Character, ------ 123 The Rev. John Giles, - - - - 125 XU. CONTENTS. Rev. Henry KoUock, D. D., ... 126 Rev. John M'Dowell, D. D., ... 107 CHAPTER IX. Protestant Episcopal Church, ... 128 Second Presbyterian Church, - - - 132 Methodist Episcopal Church, _ . _ 135 Congregationalist and Baptist Churches, - 135 CHAPTER X. Revivals of Religion, - - - - 136 APPENDIX. Town Meeting, 1699, - - - - 161 Second generation of Associates, - - 162 The plan on which the Town was settled, - 162 Incidents, - - - - - -163 First Centennial Anniversary of the settlement of the Town celebrated, - - - - 164 Abstract of last Census, - - - - 16.5 NOTES, &c. CHAPTER I. The taking of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453, an event which spread sadness and sorrow all over Christendom, seems to have been tlie leaditig instrumentaUty in the civil and reli<^ioiis regeneration of the world. The capital of the Greek en)pire was the residence of the scholars and learned men of that age ; and its fall, was the means of their dispersion all over Europe. Unable to stem the torrent of bar- barism and ignorance that rushed in with the tri- umphant arms of Mahomet II., they fled in every direction ; and wherever they wandered; they devoted themselves to the business of instruction. And thus they became the great promoters of the revival of learning which immediately succeeded the fall of the city of Constantine. In 1455, the art of Printing was invented — worth more than the gift of tongues to the church and the 2 14 DISCOVERIES OF COLUMBUS AND CABOT. world. In 1492, this Western World was discovered by Columbus; and in 1517, the immortal Luther blew the trumpet of the Reformation. These four great events, occurring within a single lifetime, iiave rendered the age of their occurrence second only in importance to that which is termed ia scripture " the fulness of time," and in which the Saviour died for the redemption of a world. Thus it appears, that before the great principles of civil and religious truth were unfolded, God prepared scholars to defend them, and the press to circulate them, and an asylum for their persecuted and banished be- lievers. The discoveries of Columbus in America, lay all of tliem to the South. In 1407, Cabot, the son of a Venetian pilot, and born in Bristol, sailed on a voy- age of discovery, under the patronage of Henry VII. of England. He discovered New Foundland and Saint Johns, and explored the coast as far as Caro- lina. Because of this discovery by Cabot, the English claimed the whole countr}^ South to Florida, on the principle of the law of nations, that whatever waste land is discovered is the property of the prince at whose expense the discovery is made. The younger Cabot was, beyond question, the most exlraorilinary man of his age ; and, although he gave to England a continent, the place of his sepulchre is un- known ! Many years pass away before any advantage is taken of the dicovcry of Cabot. In the year 1584f SIR WALTER RALEIGH's SETTLEMENT. 15 Sir Walter Raleigh obtains for himself and heirs a patent from Glueen Elizabeth, to possess for ever whatever lands they might discover not possessed by a Christian prince, nor inhabited by a Christian peo- ple. In virtue of this patent, Sir Walter settled a colony in Carolina ; and, in honor of his patron and virgin queen, gave the name of Virginia to that whole country now extending from Maine to Virginia. The only memorable result of this colony was the intro- duction of that vile weed, tobacco, into England, and some lectures to his royal mistress on the various de- lights and benefits of its use. Without any regard to the rights of Raleigh, James I. granted a new patent of Virginia, as above described, to two cotnpanies, called the London and Plymouth companies, which met with but little suc- cess in their attempts to colonize it. A suit was en- tered in the King's Bench in reference to these pa- tents, which resulted in their forfeiture; and the title to Virginia reverted to the crown, which was again at full liberty to grant it to others in whole or in part. Up to this time New -Jersey was a part of Virginia. Subsequently, however, it was a part of the province of New-York, which, in 1664, extended " South to Maryland, East to New-England, Northward to the river of Canada, and Westward as far as land could be discovered." Because of the discovery of Cabot, the English claimed the right and title to the whole country from Maine to Florida ; but the Dutch gained possession IG ORIGINAL GRANT OF NEW-JERSEY. of what is now called New- York, and claimed it as theirs in virtue of a discovery made in 1609 by Hen- ry Hudson, who, in the employment of the Holland Fast India Company, was in search of a Northwest passage (o Ciiina. This gave great offence to Charles II., now filling the British throne : and for the purpose of dispossessing them he gave a patent to the Duke of York, his brother, for a large portion of the whole counlr\-, in which was included the whole territory now known as New-York and New-Jersey. To place the Duke in the possession of this country, Sir Robert Carr is sent over with a small fleet; and as the Dutch were ignorant of his object, and were unpre- pared for defence, he quietly lakes possession of New- Amsterdam. On the 24tli of June, IGGl, the Duke of York, now the possessor of the soil under patent from the crown, granted and conveyed to Lord John Berkley and Sir George Carteret, the tract of land lying be- tween the Hudson and the Delaware rivers, and extending from the ocean to the present Northerr> line of our Stale, for the yeaily rent of " twenty no- l)lcs, lawful money of England, to be paid in the Inner Temple, liondon, at the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel." It is to be regretted that we know 60 little in reference to these individuals, so high in royal favor, the iullucnce of whose laws and acts is yet felt in our connnonwealth. We only know that Berkley was one of the Privy Council ; and that Car- teret was a member of I he same body, Treasurer of POLICY OF BERKLEY AND CARTERET. 17 the Navy, and Vice-Chamborlain of the Royal House- Iiold. Carteret, it seems, did not always enjoy an unspotted reputation, as lie was expelled from the House of Commons in 1669 for confused accounts as Chamberlain. For some time previous to the grant to Berkley and Carteret, the district now included within the boundaries of our State was called New- Canary ; but after the grant it was called New-Jersey, in honor of Carteret, who w as a native of the Isle of Jersey, and who defended it with great valor against the Long Parliament in the civil w^ars. Berkley and Carteret are now the proprietors of New-Jersey, and their first care is to invite settlers to the province. In the pursuit of this object they mani- fest great sagacity. They prepared and published a Constitution, which, considering the day in which it was formed, contains >nany admirable provisions.* And although the first Constitution of New-Jersey, and granted by Lords Proprietors, it guards as care- fully the civil and religious rights of the people as that under which we now live. Whilst prelatical Virginia and puritanical Connecticut had each their blue laws, and those of the former no less absurd than those of the latter, it was an organic law of New- Jersey, that " No person shall be molested or questioned for any difference of opinion or practice in matters of religious concernment." And it further provides, that the Assein- bly shall have power to ajipoint as many preachers as * This may be seen at large in the " Grants, Concessions," &o. by Learning and Spiccr. 2* 18 CARTERET SETTLES AT ELIZABETn-TOWR". they see fit, and to establish their maintenance. It grants to every settler "aimed with a good musket, bore twelve bullets to the pound, with ten pounds of pow- der and twenty pounds of bullets, with bandaliers and mntch convenient, and with six months' provision for his own person, one hundred and fifty acres of land English measure/' It further grants to every parish two hundred acres of land for the support of ' the ministry, to be located under the direction of the Assembly, and secures to the people the right to se- lect their own ministry. This is one of the many instances in which avarice has paid its homage to freedom. "With this charter, Philip Carteret, brother of Sir George the proprielor, came over as governor of the province. With thirty English settlers he reaches Elizabeth-Town, in August, 1G65, which he makes the capital of the province, when it yet contained only four houses ; and gave it the name of Elizabeth- Tow-n, in honor of the wife of his brother, Lady Eli- zabeth Carteret. He soon despatches messengers through all the adjacent provinces, and es[)ecially to New-England, to make known the " Concessions" of the proprietors, and to invite settlers. Tliese came in considerable numbers from New-England, and from Long Island. And soon their number was increased " by the accession of the Scotch, of whom there came a great number.* New-England Puritans, English Quakers, and Scotch Presbyterians, were the chief * Smith's History, p. G'2. THE ELIZABETH-TOWN GRAKT. 19 settlers of this portion of New-Jersey, and the formers of its moral character.* Previous to the arrival of Carteret, and before the grant of the Duke of York to Berkley and Carteret was yet known, John Bailey, Daniel Denton and Luke Watson, of Jamaica, Long Island, purchased of certain Indian chiefs residing on Siaten Island, a tract of land, on part of which Elizabeth-Town now stands. For this trad. Governor Richard Nicolls granted a patent to John Daker of New-York, John Ogden of Northampton, John Bailey, Luke Watson, and their associates. The parly to the purchase on the part of the Indians, were the sachems Mattano, Manomowanne and Connescomen. The tract extend- ed from the Raritan to the Passaic river, and from Arlhur Cull bay, which separates the main land from Staten Island, twice the length of its breadlh into the country. This tract, now embracing Piscataway, Amboy, Woodbridge, Rahway, Elizabeth-Town, Union, Springfield, Westfield, and how much beyond the Short Hills we cannot affirm, and containing five hundred thousand acres of land, was purchased for " twenty fathoms of trading cloth, two made coats, two guns, two kettles, ten bnrs of lead, twenty hand- fuls of powder, four hundred fathoms of while wam- pum, payable in one year from the day of entry upon said lands. "t This is what is afterwards known as "the Elizabeth-Town Grant;" and Baker, Ogden, * Bancroft, vol. ii. 32. t Learning and Spiccr, 67S. 20 THE ELIZABETH- TOWN ASSOCIATES. Baile}' and Watson, wiLli their associates, are those usually known as "the Elizabeth-Town Associates." The names of these associates, as lecoided in an old book of records of surveys in my possession, are as follows : — Capt. John Baker, John Ogdcn, Jolm Baily, Luke Watson, Thomas Young, Benjamin Price, John Woodruff, Philip Carteret, Robert Bond, Seely Champain William Meeker, Jcoffrey Jones George Ross, Joseph Bond," Matthias Hetfield, Barnabas Winds, Robert White, Peter Morss, ^ John Winans, Joseph Sayre, Richard Beach, Moses Tliompson, ~ Thomas Thompson,- John Gray, Sanil. Marsh, William Johnson,* William Piles, John Brocket, jr. Peter Coonhoven, Simeoik Rouse, John Brocket, William Trotter, James Bollon, John Ogden, jr. Jacob Melyen, Jonas Wood, Nicholas Carter,- Robert Morss, Jeremiah Peck, Mr. Lcprary, Isaac Whilohcad, Caleb Carwithc, Joseph Meeker, William Perdon, Humphry !ple or otherwise, so as the yearly clear value of the same does not exceed the sum of five hundred pounds sterling, FIRST CHURCH CHARTER. 65 the Statute of Moilmuin or any other law to llie con- trary iioiwilhstaiiding ; and also, goods, chattels, and all other things of what kind or quality soever. And also, that they and their successors, by the name of the Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth-Town, shall and may give, grant and de- mise, assign, sell, or otherwise dispose of, all or any of their messuages, houses, lands, tenements, rents, pos- sessions and other hereditaments and real estate, and all their goods, chattels and other things aforesaid, as to them shall seem meet. And also, that they and their successors, by the name of the Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth-Town, be and for ever hereafter shall be, persons able in law and capable to sue and be sued, implead or be impleaded, answer or be answered, defend or be defended, in all courts of judicature whatsoever. And also, that the said Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth-Town for the time being, and their suc- cessors, shall and may for ever hereafter, have and use a common seal, with such device or devices as they shall think proper, for sealing all and singular deeds, grants, conveyances, contracts, bonds, articles of agree- ment, assignments, powers, authorities, and all and singular their affairs and things touching or concern- ing the said corporation ; and also, that the said Trustees and their successors for ever may, as oft as they see fit, break, change and new make the same or any other their common seal. And furtiier, we do of our especial grace, certain knowledge and uiei.a 6* 66 FIRST CHURCH CHARTER. motion, for us, our lieiis and successors, by these pre- sents, will, ordain, constitute, give and grant, that upon any vacancy among the Trustees of the said First Presbyterian Cliurch in EHzabeth-Townj by death, rennoval or other incapacity whatsoever, that the Minister or Ministers, Eiders and Deacons for the time being, of the said First Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth-Town, shall and may meet together at Elizabeth-Town aforesaid, and then and there elexi and choose such person or persons out of the congre- gation of the said church as they think proper, to supply the vacancy of such Trustee or Trustees, caused by death, removal or other incapacity as aforesaid. And also, that at any and at all times whatsoever, when the said Minister or Ministers, Elders and Deacons of the church aforesaid, or the majority of them for the time being, shall and do judge it proper and for the benefit of the said corporation, that any Trustee or Trusteiss should be removed or displaced from his or their office of Trustee, that then and in such case, the said Minister or Ministers, Elders and Deacons of the said church, or the majority of them for the time be- ing, shall and may meet together at Elizabeth-Town aforesaid, and are hereby sufTicienily authorised then and there to displace and remove from the office of Trustee, any such Trustee or Trustees, and in their room and stead to elect and choose out of the congre- gation of said church, any person or persons, to sup- ply the place or places of such Trustee or Trustees so jjisplaced and removed : Provided, always, that tho FIRST CHURCH CHARTER. 67 number of the said Trustees exceed not seven, and every Trustee so elected and appointed aforesaid, shall by virtue of these presents, and of such election and appointment, be vested with all the powers and pri- vileges which any of the other Trustees has or has had. And we do further will and ordain, give and grant, that the Trustees of the said First Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth-Town, and their successors for the time being, shall from time to lime have power to choose their President out of the Trustees for the time being, who shall have the custody of the public seal of the said corporation, and all the books, charters, deeds and writings any ways relating to the said cor- poration ; and shall have power from time to time, and at all limes hereafter, as occasion shall lequlre, to call a meeting of the said Trustees at Elizabeth- Town aforesaid, for the execution of all or of any of the powers hereby given and granted. And in case of sickness, absence or death of the President, all the powers by these presents granted to the President, shall be and remain in the eldest Trustee upon record, until the recovery or return of the President, or until a new President be chosen as aforesaid. And we do further will and ordain, give and grant, that all and every act and order of five of the said Trustees, but not of any lesser number, consented and agreed to at such meeting of the Trustees aforesaid, shall be good, valid and efifectual to all intents and purposes, as if the whole number of the Trustees had consented and agreed thereto. And we do further will and ordain, thai OO FIRST CHURCH CHARTER. all llie acts of the said Trustees, s^liail fiom time to time be fairly entered in a book or books, to be kept for that purpose by the President of the Trustees for the time being, which book or books, togetlier with the seal of the said corporation, and all (he charters, deeds, and writings whatsoever, belonging any ways to the said corporation, shall be delivered over by the foinier President to the President of the said Trustees newly elected, for the lime being, as such President shall hereafter from time to time successively be chosen. And lastly, we do of our especial grace, certain know- ledge and mere motion, for us, our heirs and succes- sors, b}^ these presents, give and grant unto the said Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church in Eliza- beth-Town, and their successors for ever, that these our Letters Patent, or the enrolment thereof, shall be good and effectual in the law, to all intents and pur- poses, against us, our heirs and successors, without any other license, grant or confirmation from us, our heirs and successors hereafter, by the said Trustees of the First Presbyterian Churcli in Elizabelh-Town, to be had or obtained, notwithstanding the not reciting or mis-reciting, or not naming or mis-naming, of the aforesaid offices, franchises, privileges, immunities, or other the premises, or any of them, notwitlistanding a writ of ad quod damnum hath not issued forth to enquire of the premises, or any of them, before the en- sealing hereof, any statute, act, ordinance or provi- sion, or any other matter or thing, to the contrary Dotwithstanding: To iiave, hold and enjoy all and. FIRST CHURCH CHARTER. 69 singular the privileges, advantnges, liberties, immuni- ties, and all other (he premises herein and hereby granted and given, or which are meant, mentioned or intended to be herein given and granted, unto them the said Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth-Town, and to their successors for ever. "In testimony whereof, we have caused these our Letters to be made Patent, and the Great Seal of our said Province of New Jersey to be here- unto affixed. Witness our trusty and well beloved " Jonathan Belcher, Esq., Governor and Commander-in-Chief of our said Piovince of New-Jersey, this twenty-fifth day of August, in the twenty-seventh year of our reign, and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred fifty and three." " I have perused and examined the within Letters Patent, and find nothing therein contained but what is consistent with the honor and interest of the crown. "Aug. 18, 1753. Jo. Warrell, Att. Gen."' "August 22d, 1753. The within Charter of Incor- poration being read in Council, the same was appro- ved of, and his Excellency the Governor was advised to grant the same. Cha. Read, Sec'y." " Let the Great Seal of the Province of New-Jersey be hereunto affixed. J. Belcher. " To the Secretary of the Province of New-Jersey." 70 GOVERNOR BELCHER. The nameofBELCHERj associated withlhe corporate existence of this congregation, and the patron of Nas- sau Hall, deserves a passing notice. " The righteous shall he had in everlasting reniemhrance." He was horn in Cambridge, Mass., in 1681, and was gradua- ted in Harvard College, in 1699 : (previous to which he became a pious man.) During an absence of tix 5'ears in Europe, he stored his mind with the trea- sures of knowledge, and formed an acquaintance at Court, which laid the foundation of his future honors. On his return from foreign travel, he become a mer- chant in Boston, where he acquired both reputation and fortune. After serving in the Assembly and Council of his native stale, he was sent in 1722 to England, as the Agent of Massachusetts Bay. On the death of Governor Burnet, (the son of the worthy Bishop of that name,) he was made, in 1730, Gov- ernor of Massachusetts and New-Hampshire. Be- cause of a contention between him and the people, transmitted to him by his predecessor, he was remov- ed from office. He immediately repaired to Court, where he triumphantly vindicated himself from the charges of his enetiiies ; and on the death of Gov- ernor Hamilton, he was appointed Governor of New- Jersey, where he arrived in 1747. On entering on his new office, he found things in great confusion, but by firm and judicious measines he reduced them to order. With great popularity, and with the greatest justice and moderation, he governed this province for ten years. He united to a commanding person, and REV. ABRAHAM KETTLETAS. 71 a richly cultivated mind, uncommon gracefulness and dignity of manners, unshaken integrity, and the most serious and fervent piety. He was the devoted friend of Whitefield. He resided in Jersey-street, in the house now occupied by Dr. Davis, where he died of paralysis, in August, 1757, in the 76th year of his age. His remains, after lying some time in the grave-yard of the First Church, were removed for bu- rial, to Cambridge, his native town. CHAPTER V. The successor of Dr. Spencer, as the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, was the Rev. Abraham Kettletas, v^'ho was installed Sept. 14, 1757. He remained here but two or three years. The last time his name appears on the Treasurer's account, is on the 29th of Sept. 1760. The entry stands thus : " To cash paid Mr. Kettletas, in full, twenty-six pounds, seven shillings and six pence." Whether dis- missed at this time, or before, we cannot ascertain. Mr. Kettletas was born in the city of New- York, in 1733, and graduated in Yale College. His first set- tlement as a minister, was probably in this town, and after his removal he preached for about two years in the Refortned Dutch Church in Jamaica; and after- vvards in other places on Long-Island. Like most, if 72 REV. ABRAHAM KETTLETAS. not all of the Presbyterian clergymen of his age, he was a very decided Whig during the war of the Rev- olution, and devoted, perhaps, too much of his time to politics. Indeed, he became a political writer of no small note, and was the author of some very able po- litical tracts. He was a man of varied learning, and has left some manuscript sermons, written in French and in Dutch. He died in Jamaica, Sept. 30, 1798, and his ashes repose in the grave-yard of the Presby- terian Church in that place. The following is his epitaph : " Sacred to the memory of the Rev. A!)rnham Ket- tletas, Obt. 30th Sept. 1798, ^E. 65 years, 9 mos. and 4 days. He possessed unusual talents, that were im- proved by profound erudition, and a heart firmly at- trxhed to the interests of his country. His mind was early in)pres3ed with a sense of religion, which full}' manifested itself in the choice of tlie sacred ot!ice, in which he shone as the able and faithful divine. It may not pcriiaps be unworthy of record in (his in- scription, that he frequently ofiiciated in three difi'erent languages, having preached in the Dutch and French Churches in his native city of New-York. Rest from tliy labors now thy work is o'er ; Since Deatk is vanquished, now free grace adore ; A crown of glory sure awaits the just, Who served their God, and in their Saviour trust." The Rev. James Caldwell, of revolutionary and patriotic memory, whose tragical end gives to his his- ^tory all the interest of romance, was the successor of REV. JAMES CALDWELL. 73 Mr. Keltletas. Between the removal of the one and the settlement of the other, the pulpit was supplied by many individuals, no doubt, as candidates for settle- ment. As they were in the habit of paying the preacher every Monday morning, the Treasurer's ac- count is the only testimony we have as to who they were. Mr. Kilpatriclc, Mr. Treet, Mr. Carmichael, Mr. Horton, who afterwards settled at Bottle-Hill, Mr. Elmore, Mr. WoodruflT, Mr. Parkhnrst, Mr. Green, af- terwards or at that time scltied in Hanover, and (lie father of the venerable Dr. Green, Mr. More, Mr. Pierson, Mr. McWhorter, Mr. Halsey, and a Mr. Jones are among the number. But Mr. Caldwell was select- ed from them all, and was installed in December, 1 7(31 j although he preached here several Sabbaths between August, 17G0, and the date of his settlement. We learn from some of the descendants of this die- linguished man, of whom there are many, that his family was of French origin. Driven from their country b}'^ the fierce persecution against the Hugue- nots, they went over to Scotland. In the reign of James i. a branch of the family went over to Ireland and settled in the county of Antrim. From this branch John Caldwell was descended, who emigrated to this countr)'^, biinging with him besides his wife and children, four single sisters. He first seiiled ia Lancaster county, Pena., but soon removed to a set- tlement called Cub Greek, in what is now called Char- lotte county, Virginia. There James was born, April, 1734j the youngest of seven children. He was sent 7 74 UEV. JAMES CALDWELL. to Princeton College, where he graduated in 1759. In about a year afterwards he was Ucensed to preach the gospel ; and whilst the dew of his youth was yet upon him he entered upon the chatge of this then large congregation. Soon after his settlement he was mar- ried, March 14, 1763, to Miss Hannah Ogden, of Newark, who was in every respect a help meet for him, and whose cheerful piety and unshaken fortitude sustained and comforted him amid the dark and try- ing scenes through wliich he was called to pass. Shortly after the settleniont of Mr. Caldwell here, those dilierences between the colonies and Great Bri- tain commenced which resulted in the war of the Rev- olution, and subsequently in the Independence of the United Slates. Descended from the Huguenots, he early learned the story of their wrongs, and may be said to have inherited a feeling of opposition to tyranny and tyrants. Possessing warm feelings, and fine ge- nius, and great muscular energy, he entered with all his heart into the controversy. He acted as the chap- lain of those portions of the American army that suc- cessively occupied New-Jersey, accompanied the Jersey Brigade to the nortliern lines, and is said to have held the station of commissary for some time. He was high in the confidence of Washington, with whom he was on the most intimate terms of friendship ; and in limes of gloom and despondency, by his eloquent and patriotic appeals, contributed much to excite and sus- tain the drooping spirits of officers and soldiers. . And perhaps no one man in this part of the State of New- REV. JAMES CALDWELL. 75 Jersey contiiliLited so much to give tlirection and ener- gy to the movements of our citizens. His popularity willi the soldiers and people was unbounded, and his practical wisdom was held in the highest estimation. But the very things (hat made him popular with the friends of his country, made him equally unpopu- lar with its enemies. To avoid the danger to which he was constantly exposed from the tories, and the enemy then in tiie possession of Staten Island and New-York, he was compelled to remove his residence from this place to Connecticut Farms, where he resi- ded until the day of his murder. He was sustained in his political action by his con- gregation with scarcely a single exception. The church in which he preached was cheerfully yielded as a hospital for sick, and disabled, and wounded sol- diers, as some of the aged ones yet among us testify. It was its bell that sounded (hrough the town the notes of alarm on the approach of the foe ; its floor was not unfrequently the lied of (he weary soldier, and the scats of its pews the table from whicli he eat his scanty meal. Its worshippers on the Sabbath were not un- frequently compelled to stand through the service because of the greasiness of their seats, and the frag- ments of bread and meat by which they were covered. In vengeance on the pastor and the peop,Ie, this church was fired on the 25tli of January, 1780, by a refugee called Cornelius Hetfield. Onthe25ih of the follow- ing June, whilst General Knyphausen was on his way to Springfieldj Mrs. Caldwell was shot at Connecticut 76 REV. JAMES CALDWELL. Farms by a refugee, through tiie window of a room to wliich she had reliied with her children for safely and prayer ; two balls passing through her body. Her Ufeless corpse was drawn from the building and laid in the open street, when it was fired ; and soon all the surrounding buildings were in ashes. And on the 24th of November, 1781, Mr. Caldwell himself was shot at Elizabeth-Town Point, whither he had gone for a young lady who had come under the protection of a fiag of truce from New-Yoilc. 'IMie ball pierced his heart, and he expired in a moment. His corpse -was laid in the body of a wagon covered with straw, and was carried to the the house of Mrs. Noel, his unwavering friend, whence it was buried. Dr. Mc- Whorter, of Newark, preached his funeral sermon from Ecclesiastes, eighth chapter and eighth verse. The remains of himself and wife He together in our grave yard. He died in the 49lh year of his age, leaving a name as dear to the state as it is to the ciiurch of Jesus Christ. Tlius in less than two years this congregation was bereft of its church, and next of the inestimable wife of their pastor, and" next of that pastor himself And as a proof of (he estimate in which he was held, his name was given to one of the townships of this county. The funeral of Mr. Caldwell was one of the most solemn scenes that this (own has ever m itncssed. He was shot on Satmday afternoon, and many of the peo|)}e were ignorant of the tragical deed until they came to church on the Sabbath ; and instead of sitting REV. JAMES CALDWELL. 77 with delight under liis instructions, there was a loud cry of wailing over his melancholy end. There was a vast concourse assembled to convey him to his tomb on the following Tuesday. After the rehgious servi- ces were ended, the corpse was placed on the large stone before the door of the house of Mrs. Noel, now the residence of Miss Spalding, where all could take a last view of the remains of their murdered pastor. After all had taken their last look, and before the cof- fin was closed, Dr. Bcudinot came forward, leading nine orphan children, and placing them around the bier of tlieir parent, made an address of surpassing pathos to the multitude in their behalf. It was an hour of deep and powerful emotion ; and the proces- sion slowly moved to the grave, weeping as they went. And as they lifted their streaming eyes to heaven, they besought the blessing of God upon the orphan group ; and his kind interposition to crown their efforts against their oppressors with success. So vivid are the recollections of many yet amongst us of this devoted patriot and pastor, that we can de- scribe him almost to the life. He was of middling size, and strongly framed. His countenance had a pensive placid cast ; but when excited was exceedingly expressive of resolution 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 fife. As a preacher he was uncom- monly eloquent and pathetic, rarely preaching without weeping himself, and at times would melt his whola 7* TS REV. JAMES CALDWELL. audience into tears. He was one of the most active of men, and seemed never wearied by any amount of bodily or mental labor. Feelings of the most fervent piety and of the most glowing patriotism possessed his bosom at the same time, without the one interfe- ring with the other. He was one day preaching to the battalion, the next marching with (hem 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 liim, and the army adored him. His shed blood is mingled wiih our soil, and his ashes repose in our cemetery. Let his name be had in ever- lasting remembrance. He was shot by a man called Morgan, who was tried and found guilty of murder. It is said that it was proved on his trial that he was bribed by Brit- ish gold to commit the murderous deed. He was hung, giving signs of the most obdurate villainy. The day of his execution was intensely cold, and his last words were, addressing with an oath the executioner, "do your duly and don't keep me here suffering in the cold."' The place of his execution is about half a mile north of the Weslficld church, and is called Mor- gan's Hill to this day. Mr. Caldwell left behind him nine orphan children, with but very little provision to sustain or educate them. The Lord raised up friends to protect them, and they all lived not only to become members of the church of Jesus Christ, but to occupy places of distin- guished usefulness. REV. JAMES CALDWELL. 7^ Margaret, the oldest child, became the wife of Mr. Isaac Can field, of Morristown. Hannah became the wife of Mr. James R. Smith, for many years a distinguished merchant of New- York. John Edwards, was taken by Lafayette to France, where he was educated ; for many 3'^ears he was the foremost in the ranks of the benevolent of the city of New-York ; was the editor of 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 county, and died in Woodbuiy. Esther became the wife of the late Rev. Dr. Finley of Baskenridge, afterwards the President of Athens College in Georgia, whom she yet survives. Josiah F. is now a citizen of Washington, D. C, and an officer in the Post Office department. Elias B. was for some years the Clerk of the Su- preme Court, and because of his noble efforts in the cause of Colonization, one of the towns in Liberia is called Caldwell in honor of him. Sarah, became the wife of the Rev. John S. Vre- dcnburg, for many years pastor of the Dutch Reform- ed Church in Somcrville. Maria, married Robert S. Robertson, a merchant of New-York, who with her husband yet survive. This is the child which lay in the arms of her mother when she was shot. 80 RESISTANCE TO IMPOST LAWS. CHAPTER VI. The deep injustice of British legislation, in refer- ence to the Ameiican colonies, was very early felt in New-Jersey ; and perhaps, in no part of the colonies was there a more inteUigent or determined opposition to taxation and impost than in Ehzabeth-Town. Massachusetts led the way in resisting the impost laws of the crown, and New-.Tersey very promptly followed. And when the merchants of Newport and New-York would import goods under the regulations of the Parliament, meetings were held in Elizabeth- Town in June and July 1770, in which resolutions were passed approving the non-importation agree- ments that had been adopted inother places, and declar- ing all that opposed them the enemies of their country, and deserving to be treated accordingly.* The lan- guage of the resolutions at these meetings, shew the heat of those hidden fires, which, in subsequent years, burst forth into an unquenchable flame. It would seem as if the people of Essex county were prepared, by a course of preceding events, for the sacrifices which they made, for the suffering they endured, and for the valor which they displayed du- ring the war of the Revolution. During the whole lime that Governor Belcher held the reigns of govern- ment, the greater part of East- Jersey was in a state of * Gordon, 147. EXCITEMENT IN EAST JERSEY. 81 intense excitement, owing to clispntes between the grantees of Carteret and those holding lands under the Tndiati title. Robert Hunter Morris, and Janies Alexander,* men high in civil station, and large pro- prietors under the proprietory title, sued at law those holding under the Indian title, for rent.t The civil tribunals decided in their favor; when those holding under (he Indian title, iuunediatcly formed themselves into associations^; and they were enabled, by their num- bers, union and boldness, to bid defiance to the laws, and to hold possession of their lands. In 1745, these associations broke open the jail of Essex county and set the prisoners at liberty, who were there confined on the suits of Morris and Alexander. And during several consecutive years, the will of these associators was the law of the country, and the arm of the government was completely paralysed. The Gov- ernor and Iiis Council strove to inflict the severest penalty of the law upon the rebels, but the House of Assembly refused assent, and seemed rather disposed to palliate than to punish their crime. We need not wonder that men, trained amid conflicts like thes&; who, when the law would give them no redress, took that ledress into their own hands, passed the resolu- tions of June and July 1770, severely punished the im- porters of goods contrary to the non-importation agree- ment ; were prepared to peril all, when the great ques- * The law tutor of Governor Livingston, and father of Lord Stirling. t Gordon, 109, 82 GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON. tion between the crown and the people was hbcity or slavery. And there were in this community, men swayed and directed by other motives than those which in- fluenced the associators in their resistance to the chums of the proprietors. Tn their view, the conflict between the Crown and tlie Colonies involved principles dear to them as life, and which, if lamely surrendered, reduced them from being the citizens and subjects, to be the slaves of Great Britain. Their minds comprehended the bearing of these principles, and their previous training fitted them, at whatever sacrifice, to resist them. Aniong these, William Livingston stood con- spicuous — a lineal descendant of the Rev. John Li- vingstone of Scotland, the fame of whose wonderful sermon at the Kiifc of Shotis, is yet abroad in the church. He was born in the city of Albany, in No- vember. 1723. In 1741 lie was graduated at Yale College, and soon after, he entered the office of James Alexander, in the city of New-York, as a student of law. In 1748 he is admitted to the bar as attorney, and gradually rises to great distinction in his profes- pion. He enters with great spirit into the controver- sies of the day, and soon becomes the leading writer, both in defence of popular rights, and in opposition to what was then termed the "American Episcopate." His occasional pieces on these subjects are numerous c^nd valuable, and many of them were re-printed and GOVERNOR LIVINGSTON. 83 circulated in England, with no little efTect even upon the deliberations of the Cabinet. After accumulating a considerable fortune in the profession of the law, he retired to Elizabeth-Town in 1772, where, in that and the subsequent year he erected the house which is yet called by his name, and in which he resided until his death. We find him soon elected a member of a Committee of Coriespondence, to meet other commit- tees for the purpose of choosing delegates to the Con- tinental Congress ; and soon a member of that Con- gress which met in Philadelphia, in September, 1774. He was re-elected to the same body in 1775, in which he served on several of its most important committees. In 1776 he was elected Brigadier-General, and as such, took the command of the New Jersey militia, and fixed his camp at Elizabeth-Town Point, where Elias Boudinot was his aid-de-camp. The first Legislature of New- Jersey under the Republican Constitution, met in Princeton in August, 1776, and by it William Livingston was elected Gov- ernor of New- Jersey, the first Governor of the State after casting off its colonial dependence. And to this office he was elected by the successive legislatures for fourteen consecutive years, until his death, which took place on Sunday, July 25, 1790. His remains were interred at Elizabeth-Town with those of his wife, and in the course of the following winter were removed to the vault of iheir son Brockholst, in New-York. Governor Livingston was a" profound lawyer, an incorruptible patriot, an able writer, and an humble 84 GEN. ELIAS DAYTON. christian. Professing principle?, and possessing habits which unfitted him to be, and whicli foibid liini to aim to be, the demagogue, he was j^et peibai)s the most popular governor that ever filled the chair of state in New-Jersey. Nor must it be forgotten that he was the patron and friend of Alexander Hamilton. Ham- ilton came to this country from the SVest Indies, !)ring- ing a letter to Livingston from the Rev. Hugh Knox, a Presbyterian minister in St. Croix. Livingston sent him to school to Mr. Francis Barber, then a di^^lin- guished teacher of this town. At the commencement of hostilities, both teacher and pupil enlcred the army ; the teacher reached the rank of colonel ; the scholar's «ame and fame are known to the civilized world. Another of these men, raised up and fiited to meet the exigencies of the great occasion, was IjLtas Day- ton. His father, Jonathan, came to Elizabeth-Town at an early jieriod of its history, from East Hampton, Long Island, and held here a commission as captain of militia under Governor Morris. His son Elias was born here in 1735. On reaching manhood he fol- lowed a mechanical profession until the breaking out of the French w^ar, when he joined the British army which reduced Canada. Subsequently he was in command of a company of militia that marched on an expedition against the Indians about the northern lakes. On his return from this expedition he entered into the mercantile business. At the conunencement of hostilities, vvc find him on the Conunittec of Safety GEN. ELIAS DAYTON. 85 for Elizabeth-Town. In 1775 or 1776, he was ap- pointed to the command of one of the New-Jersey regiments, and continued at its liead until 1782, when he was promoted to the command of the New- Jersey Brigade, He was in several of the principal battles of the Revolution, and had three horses shot under him, one at Germantown, one at Springfield, and one at Crosswicks Bridge. After serving his country, and proving himself a brave man and a skilful officer, and gaining for himself a high place in the esteem of Washington, on the close of the war, he resumed his mercantile pursuits in this town, in which he continued until his death, which took place in 1807. Afier he retired from the army, at the conclusion of peace, he was several times elected to the Legisla- ture of New- Jersey ; for several years he served as Mayor of the Borough ; he was the first President of the Cincinnati of New Jersey, and for many years served as President of the Trustees of the First Pres- byterian Church. In the latter capacity, we find the following letter directed to him by Dr. Boudinot : Pfiiladelphia, Feb. 26, 1800. Dear Sir : Shall I request the favor of your pre- senting my respectful compliments to the Trustees of the Presbyterian church in Elizabeth-Town, of whom 1 presume you are still President, and beg their ac- ceptance of a pair of cut glass chandeliers, for the use of their church. The many happy hours I have spent there, make 8 86 CEN. ELIAS DAYTON. the remembrance of having been one of iheir society, among tlie substantial pleasures of my life. I have sent the chandeliers in two boxes, numbered one and two, by the sloop Sally, Captain Denike, di- rected to you, to the care of Mr. Jona. Hampton Law- rence, in New-York. The receipt of the officer you have enclosed. Be so good as to give immediate directions that, when taken out to be sent to Elizabeth-Town, tbey may be put into the cart upon an armful of hay or shavings, and carted with great care. Any person, who has any knowledge of the form of chandeliers^ can easily put them together, after they are care- fully washed. They were in excellent order when boxed up about ten days ago. I am, dear sir, with great respect, your very humble servant, ElIAS BOUDINOT. P. S. Mrs. Boudinot and Mrs. Bradford join me in respectful compliments to Mrs. Dayton and the whole family. Gen. Elias Dayton. Rising by his own merits from comparative obscu- rity to station, eminence, and usefulnet^s ; and having obtained for himself by his patriotism, bravery and services, a rank among the fathers of our country, his name deserves to be had in remembrance. Nor is the name of Francis Barber to be omit- ted from the list of able and patriotic men given by COL. FRANCIS BARBER. 87 Elizabeth-Town to fight the battles of our indepen- dence. He was the son of Mr. Patrick Barber, who came to this country from Ireland, about the year 1750. He first located himself in Princeton, where Francis was born in 1751. He graduated in the Col- lege of New^-Jersey, afier securing for himself a dis- guished reputation for his classical attainments. As we might infer from the character of its first settlers, much attention was paid to the subject of education by the people of this town from its first settlement. And to this we may attribute the strong influence which for a long time it maintained in the Province. We find in 1767, a Mr. Pemberton and a Mr. Reeves at the head of a school which was badly accommoda- ted with a building. A subscription was raised in the town, made payable to the trustees of the First Pres- byterian Church, for the erection of a building, on the condition that as long as Pemberton and Reeves con- tinued, they should have the exclusive control of the school, but that when they resigned it, it should pass under the care of the trustees. With the- avails of this subscription, together with one hundred pounds, being a legacy left to the First Church, by a Mr. Jo- seph Ogden, the old Academy, burned down during the war, was erected on the spot where the Lecture Room of the First Church now stands. The individ- uals appointed to superintend its erection, were Mr. Smith, Mr. Spinning, Dr. Wm. Barnet, and Nehemi- ah Wade. From year to year visitors were appointed by the trustees to attend the examination in this So COL. FRANCIS BARBER. school. In 1769, Reeves and Pembeiton leave l!ie school, when Mr. C;iltlwell, Dr. Chandler, John Chet- wood, Elias Boudinot, and others, were apponited to procure a good teacher. These gentlemen, fit judges of the competency of applicants, select Mr. Barber, who is installed as rector of the school. With distin- guished reputation, lie continues at its head until the commencement of the v;ar, when both teacher and many of the scholars, leaving the qiviet pursuits of science, fly to arms for the defence of their country. In 1776, Mr. Barber receives a commission from Con- gress as Major of the third battalion of New- Jersey troops; and at the close of the year, he was appoint- ed Lieutenant-Colonel of the third Jersey regiment. Subsequently be became assistant inspector general under Baron Steuben, who expressed the highest opinion of liis ability and services. Col. Barber was in constant service during the whole war. With his regiment, he served under General Schuyler at the north. He was at the bat- tles of Tinconderoga, Trenton, Princeton, Brandy- wine, Germantown, and Monmouth ; and came near losing his life in the latter. He was actively engaged at the battle of Springfield. In 1781, he was at the capture of the Biilish army at Yorktown. And al the close of the war, and on the very dny on which Washington was about to announce to the army the signing of the treaty of peace, he was killed iu the vicinity of Newburg, as he was riding along the edge efa wood, by the falling of a tree upon liim. He ABRAHAM CLARK. 89 was a fine scholar, a skillful and brave officer, and rendered great and important services to his country. He has many descendants, who may well be proud of his name and fame. His son, George C. Barber, was for many years a Trustee of the First Church, and died whilst bearing the office of one of its Ruling Elders. Although no wreath of military glory entwines his blow, and his name stands entirely disconnected with all narratives of battles lost or won, the memory of but few of the men contributed by New- Jersey to the Revolutionary contest, should be more ardently cher- ished than that of Abraham Clark. As a native of Elizabeth-Town, as a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a member and Trustee of the First Presbyterian Church, he demands at our hands a brief notice. He was the only son of Alderman Thomas Clark, and was born in Elizabeth -Town, on the 15th of February, 1726. He was favored with an excellent education, and early discovered a peculiar talent for mathematics. Although brought up on his paternal farm, he was unfitted for its severe labors, by a con- stitution naturally feeble. A close and practical stu- dent, he soon fitted himself for the discharge of many public duties; and his first occupations were convey- ancing and surveying. Such was the knowledge which he acquired of the law, and his readiness and ability to impart advice gratuitously, that he was early called " the poor man's counsellor," although he never 8* 90 ABRAHAM CLARK. entered the legal profession. Under the colonial gov- ernment he was High Sheriff of Essex county, Clerk of the Assembly, and Commissioner to settle undivided commons. But neither the emoluments of office, nor the prospects of distinction, could induce him to side with the oppressors of his country, and we find him at the commencement of hostilities, in the front ranks of the phalanx of American patriots. He is an active member of the Committee of Public Safety of Elizabeth-Town, of which we have already spoken. He was a constant assistant at the popular meetings of the people. In conjunction with Richard Stockton, John Hart, Francis Hopkinson and Dr. John Witherspoon, he was appointed by the Provincial Con- gress in 17765 a delegate to the Continental Congress, and with his compatriots, in July of this year, he signed his nanje to the Declaration of Independence. In November he was again elected by the Provincial Congress, and with the exception of 1779, we find him a member of the Continental Congress until 1783. In 1786 he was again elected, and also for the two following years. During this long period of service in the national councils he was an intelligent, active, laborious and useful member. When he was not in Congress, he was usually a member of the State Legislature, where his influence was both safe and predominant. He was more than once the can- didate for Governor in opposition to Governor Li- vingston. In 1787 he was appointed a member of the General ABRAHAM CLARK AND OTHERS. 91 Convention which framed the Federal Constitution ; but he was prevented by ill health from attending that illustrious assembly. He was appointed in 1790 a member of the Second Congress, which appoint- ment he continued to hold until a short time previous to his death, which took place in the autumn of 1794. He died in the 69th year of his age, and his ashes repose in the grave-yard of the Presbyterian Church at Rahway. Patriotism, unbending integrity and piety were the characteristics of this excellent and amiable man. Although quiet and unobtrusive in liis manners, and disposed rather to shun than to seek popular applause, yet even at the distance of half a century from his death there is upon the mind of the whole community the deepest impression as to his great political and moral worth. In addition to these, might be named Aaron Ogden, Thomas Morrell, Oliver Spencer, William Crane, Da- vid Lyon, and others. And, perhaps. America does not afford another instance of a town of the size of this, making such a contribution to the talent, the patriotism, the military and diplomatic skill which achieved our Independence. And with scarcely a single exception, all these men were attached to the First Presbyterian Church. And of many of them it may be said that they united the most fervent piety to the most ardent and quenchless patriotism* 92 REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENTS. CHAPTER VII. Perhaps no part of the provinces sufTeied so severely as the eastern part of New- Jersey, during the whole Revolutionary contest. This is owing to two causes ; it lay adjacent to the city of New-York, and to Stalen Island, which remained in tlie possession of the enemy to the very last; and there were in it many tories, who did all they could to annoy their patriotic fellow citizens. And although no battles were fought here, like those of Princeton, Trenton or Monmouth, yet it was the scene of frequent skirmishes, and of constant petty annoyances, which kept the community in a constant state of excitement. We shall state some of the Revolutionary incidents connected with Elizabeth- Town, as far as we have been able to collect them from the pages of history, and from those aged ones among us, in whose memory they yet live. It is to the disgrace of our commonwealth that the Revolu- tionary history of New- Jersey remains yet to be written. In 1776, Sir William Howe appears off Slaten Is- land with a very strong force ; and the news spreads alarm through New-Jersey. Livingston, at the head of the militia, fixes his camp at the Point, now con- sidered the most exposed and important place in the pro- vince, and commences putting it in a state of defence. Then was the fort built whose foundations were only removed by the recent improvements there ; and REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENTS. 93 ditches were dug and ramparts lluown up across all the roads and paths leading to the town. In addilion to these, a breastwork was thrown up about a mile long, reaching from tlie Old to the New Point, which was mounted with a few cannon ; but we do not learn that these works were ever of any material use. They were built in a rude and unskilful manner, and but little calculated to protect our men, or to repel the enetny. There was here a Committee of Safety early ap- pointed, whose duty it was to see that the community received na detriment, and which seemed to exercise a kind of military power over their fellow^ citizens. Of that committee. General William Crane, Samuel Lyon, Jonathan Pierson, Abraham Clarkj and others, were members. Hearing that a British transport and provision ship was on the coast, the Committee resolve, at all ha- zards, to captme her. They ordered out four armed boats, and placed the liule armament under the com- mand of Elias Dayton and William Alexander, called Lord Stirling. Oliver Spencer, then a ruling elder of the First Church, was captain of one of the boats, and Thomas Morrell.of another. They came in sight of the vessel about forty miles from Sandy Hook ; and putting all their men under deck, they were mistaken for pilot, or fishing boats. The boats of Captains Morrell and Spencer being the fastest sailors, came first up with the ship ; and lifting their hatches and pouring their men on its deck, they captured hei 94 REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENTS. without the loss of a man, and with scarcely a show of resistance. She proved to be tlie Blue Moun- tain Valley, Captain Dempster, mourning twelve car- riage guns, and manned with about forty men, of three or four hundred tons burthen, and laden with provisions for the British army. By the way of Am- boy she was brought to Elizabeth-Town Point, where she was dismantled and her cargo landed. This da- ring and heroic act, which obtained great popularity for all concerned in it, was performed in the summer of 1775. On the retreat of Washington from the Hudson through New-Jersey to the Delaware, the royalists in every part of the country became at once exceedingly abusive and cruel to their more patriotic fellow citi- zens. Feeling that all hope of obtaining independ- ence must be surrendered, and fearing no longer any dread of punishment from the republicans, they cast off all restraint. And their excesses were very great in East Jerse}'. New-York was in the possession of the enemy flushed with victory ; and the mercenary Hessians, who considered themselves released from all respect to humanity and juslicCj and the British troo|)s, but little restricted in their career of. crime and plun- der, went at liberty through East Jersey. Our citi- zens were taken out of their beds at night and con- veyed to New York, where they experienced every sort of ill treatment.* They were shut up in the fa.- » Botta's Am. Rev. i. 397. REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENTS. 95 mous Sugar House, and in churches, without any provision for their comfort. They were fed on ali- ment the sight of whicii excited disgust. The sick were confounded with tlie healthy ; and all were alike exposed to the most shocking defect of cleanliness, and to the outrages of the soldiers, and especially of the loyalists. A confined and impure air, together with unhealthy food, engendered diseases of which more than fifteen hundred perished in a few weeks. Some of the officers made prisoners were carted through the city, though wounded and nearly naked, for the sport of the populace ; and some of them were caned for attempting to make some provision for their fellow soldiers who were dying of disease and hunger in their infected dungeons. But very few of the old families of our town, except those who opposed tke liberty of their country, which did not make their contribution to this list of sufferers. And where individuals escaped being made prison- ers by the nightly marauding parties, led on by the lories, their cattle were driven off* and killed, their barns and cellars were plundered, their wives and daughters were insulted, and, in many instances, their houses were demolished or burned. The English officers restrained from some of these excesses their own soldiers ; but there seemed no restraint to the Hessians and the tories. And Eastern New- Jersey presented only the vestiges of havoc and desolation. The winter of 1780, when Washington was en- t:amped at Morristown, was one of severe trial to the y 96 REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENTS. army, arising from the want of provisions and of pay. Rumors were rife among the British that tlie army was dissatisfied, that whole regiments were deserting, that the soldiers were in rebelUon against their officers, and that New- Jersey was anxious to exchange iier government, and to return to lier allegiance to the crown. Believing these reports, Knyphausen was despatched with his mercenaries to New-Jersey, and on the Gth of June, under the cloak of night, landed at the Point with about five thousand men, from Sla- ten Island. Early in the morning, he commenced his march to Morristown ; but as he passed along he soon experienced the falseness of the reports as to the disposition of the people; for he was annoyed from every bush, and every wood, and almost every tree, ap6 he passed along. He halted at Connecticut Farms, and as is stated, at the request of Governor Tryon, who was with him, he ordered the village, the church, and the parsonage, to be reduced to ashes. The Presbyterian church there, like many others in tlic country, was used as a barrack for the American army. It was on this occasion that Mrs. Caldwell was murdered. A refugee walked up to the win- dow, and seeing her surrounded by her children, with an infant in her arms, deliberately shot her through the heart. Her murdered body was drawn from the house, and laid by the wayside, when the torch was put to her dwelling, which was soon in ashes. Having burned the Farms, he marched (o- v/ards Springfield; but learning next morning, tha-t REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENTS. 97 Washington had marched an army to meet hhn, he returned to the Point, greatly annoyed by httle parties that every where concealed themselves. In about two weeks afterwards he marched again upon Spring- field, with five thousand infantry, a large body of ca- valry, and several field-pieces. After a brave resist- ance, conducted by Major Lee, Colonels Dayton, An- gel, Shreve, Ogdeii, and Captain Walker, our men are repulsed. The English take possession of the town, and soon reduce it to ashes. The serious oppo- sition he meets deters him from prosecuting his plans farther. On the afternoon of this day he returns to the Point, and during the night he passed over to Sta* ten Island. There was a large bridge of boats across the water separating the Point from Slaten Island ; and on the following morning not a vestige of it is to be seen. It was on this second march of Knyphausen upon Springfield, that the following incident occurred : As the main body had turned the corner opposite the pre- sent residence of Mr. Richard Townley, a few young men, in the very sight of the army, and within mus- ket shot of it, captured the guard, and baggage, and horses, of a Colonel Fox. The baggage was after- wards sold at auction for upwards of one thousand dollars ; and one of the four prisoners being a colored man, was taken to Pliiladelphia, and there sold into slavery. Among the individuals engnged in tliis ex- ploit were Samuel Harriman, David Woodrufif", Jesse Woodruff", Elihu Gale, Elihu Ogdcn, James Chandlerj 9 SS REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENTS; Henry Inslee, and Mr. David Lyon, who yet survives^ and narrates the event. And some of the plate of Col. Fox, bearing npon it the figure of a fox, is now in possession of the descendants of Mr. Harriman. The following is among the most daring exploits of the Revolution. A colonel of the American army being taken prisoner, and there being no British officer of a similar grade in their possession with whom to redeem him, three men enter on tlie perilous enter- prise of taking a colonel from the very midst of the enemy then stationed on Staten Island. They cross the Sound on a dark night, and as they approach the house where several officers were located, they find it strongly guarded. They steal by the guard, and take their stand near a window ihiough which they can see what is going on within. Watching an opportu- nity, they suddenly enter the house, and putting a pistol to the breast of a colonel, order him to march out as their prisoner, threatening, in case of the least noise or resistance, to shoot him. They take him away from his companions, and through the guard by w^iich the house is encircled, and deliver him safe- ly in this town by sunrise the next morning. Mr. Henry Willis, whose death occurred but a few months since, was one of these three valiant men. This da- ring act was a matter of common talk even in the British court. As early as 1758, whilst the French war was ra- ging, we find an act of the Legislature of New-Jerseyj directing Barracks (o be erected in Burlington, Tren- REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENTS. 99 ton, New-Brunswick, Anriboy, and Elizabeth-Town, competent each for the accommodation of three hun- dred men. It was ujider this act that the Barracks were erected which for nearly a quarter of a century stood on the rising ground in Cherry-street, directly in the rear of the residence of Mr. Nathan Sayre. It was a building three stories high, and extending from the street to the river, facing the South. By an act of 1770, Edward Thomas was appointed Barrack Master. Up to the commencement of hostilities, it was occupied by the royal troops, but subsequently it was possessed by the continental soldiers. It was early reduced to ashes by the enemy. The First Presbyterian Church and the Court House were then thrown open for the accommodation of our soldiers; these, together with the Parsonage, which, when de- serted by Mr. Caldwell, was converted into a hospital, were reduced to ashes. When Colonel Barber, with some of his scholars, deserted the Academy for the army, the building was converted into a storehouse. This also, after being plundered of its provisions, was fired by the enemy ; and whilst burning, a Mrs. Eg- bert, whose death has occurred within two or three years, rolled out of it twenty-six barrels of flour, as- sisted by a few other females, at the risk of being shot down on the one hand by the British soldiers, and of being burned up on the other. These, with a few buildings towards the Point, are the only ones, as far as we can learn, that were destroyed during the war, in this towo- 100 EEVOLUTIONARY INCIDENTS- But with all ihe brilliancy of the picture of the pa- triotism of Elizabeth-Town, that picture has its shade?. What was then called "London trading" — the sup- plying of the British with provisions, for which they paid high prices — was carried on to a great extent, both by whigs and lories. Tiie most ardent friends of their country, were frequently caught at midnight on their way with provisions to Slaten Island. Of this fact Washington often seriously complains. Of this evil, Gov, Livingston llius writes to Washington : " This evil, instead of being checked, hasgrawD tosoenormous a height, that the enemy, as 1 am informed, is plentiful- ly supplied with fresh provisions ; and such a quantity of British manufactures is brought back in exchange, as to enable the persons concerned to set up shops to retail them. The people are outrageous, and many of our officers threaten to resign their commissions." And subsequently, in a letter to a mcnibor of Cor>- gress, Livingston thus describes the corrupting and demoralizing influence " London trading'- produced on Elizabeth-Town : "Solitary, indeed, is Q,ueen Eliza- beth's namesake to me, at present; wlien, instead of my quondam agreeable companions, the village now consists of unknown, unrecommended strangers, guilty looking tories, and very knavish whigs."* Amongst the most notorious and malignant loyal- ists of this part of the country was Cornelius Het- •Sedgwick's Livingston, 245 — 6. REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENTS. 101 FIELD. His name and fame will be long remembered in East Jersey. His father was a man of excellent character, a Ruling Elder in the Church, the ardent friend of Caldwell and of his country. He manifested in early life an ambitious and reckless spirit. At the commencement of hostilities with Great Britain, he was an ardent patriot. A candidate for the captaincy of a company of militia raised in this town, he failed of his election, and an individual to whom he bore a bitter enmity was raised to the command. From that day he declared iiostilily until death to his country, and the friends of its freedom. He joined the British on Staten Island, and was placed at the head of the refugees, whose duty it was to carry on the work of pillaging and plundering at night, and -of annoying the whigs in all possible ways, except that of honor- able and open resistance. He was at the head of nearly all the midnight marauding parties that plun- dered and captured our fellow citizens. It was he that applied the torch to the Church and the Court- House, and was heard to lament that the " Black Rebel," as he called Caldwell, was not burned in his pulpit. About the time when Huddy, of Tom's River, was executed in New-York, he was one of a company, who, in a drunken frolic, hung a whig, by the name of Ball, at Bergen Point. Inheriting from his father a large plantation in this town, he returned here after the peace ; when he was taken and tried for the mur- der of Ball. Colonel Ogden and Major Chetwood 9* 102 PETITION TO CONGRESS were his counsel; atid noUiing saved liini froni the gallows, but the clause in the Treaty of Peace which secured the pardon of all offenders for all oflfences committed during the war. Finding that there was no safety for him here, as he was liable to be shot at any nioment, he letired to England, where he died not many years ago, at an advanced period of life. We here insert the following document, because of its connexion with the events now brought under re- view. It was submitted to Congress with the affidavits of very respectable individuals, to the accuracy of all its statements, but the claim was denied : To the iionorable tho Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled : We, the Pastor, Session, and Trustees, of the First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth-Town, in the county of Essex, and State of New-Jersey, respect- fully present to your honorable bodies the following memorial : The church of which we are now the ecclesiastical and corporate officers, is the oldest formed by the En- glish in our state. It dates its origin from the year 1666, and was organized by our fathers soon after the settlement of our town. They, in the infancy 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 lime and circumstances of its erection, it was large and com- IN BEHALF OF THE CHURCH. 103 modious. As the population increased, it was en- larged by an addition of twenty 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 pastor, on which our fathers early erected a parsonage-house as a resi- dence for their successive ministers. Tt was a long building, a story and a half high, and ample for the accommodation of a large family. Tt was, like the church, the public property of the congregation. Feeling a deep solicitude for the education of their children, our fathers, at a very early day in our his- tory, here erected an Academy. It was substantially built of wood, two stories high, and amply commo- dious for all the purposes of its erection. For many years it was the most celebrated institution of the kind west of the Hudson. In it a Burr, who once filled the chair of President in your Senate chamber, and a Jonathan Dayton who presided in the House of Representatives, an Aaron Ogden, a Stephen Van Rensselaer, and others not unknown to your council chambers, nor to their country, received the first rudi- ments of their education. In that academy were laid the foundations of the College of New- Jersey now located in Princeton ; and w ithin its walls President Jonathan Dickinson taught the first classes ever coa- 104 PETITION TO CONGRESS nected with that institution. This also was the pro- perty, and was under the supervision of the Trustees of our church. When the glorious war of our Revolution com- menced, which resulted in our independence, these buildings were all standing and in good repair, and each devoted to the purposes of its erection. The Rev. James Caldwell was then the pastor of this church. His name and his fame are interwoven with the history of his country, and are as dear to the state as to the church of God. Influenced not less by his sense of our wrongs than by the impulses of Ins vigorous mind and glowing enthusiasm, he became early and deeply interested in the conflict, and devoted all his powers no less to the freedom of his country than to the service of his God. Such was his influ- ence over his people, that with few exceptions, they became one with him in sentiment and feeling ; and thenceforward he and they were branded as the rebel parson and parish. To the enemies of his country he was an object of the deepest hatred ; and such was their known thirst for his life, that while preaching the gospel of peace to his people, he was compelled to lay his loaded pistols by his side in the pulpit. To avoid their vigilance and violence, he was compelled to de- sert his own home, with his large family of nine chil- dren, and to seek a temporary residence in the interior. The parsonage thus vacated by him became the rest- ing-place of our soldiers. And to deprive them of its shelter, and to vent a rankling enmity toward its m mi IN BEHALF OF THE CHURCH. 105 rightful occupant, it was fired and burnt by the enemy. The church in which our fathers worshipped God, also became the resting-place of our soldiers on several occasions. There they lodged after the labors of the day, while its steeple was their watch-tower, and its bell pealed forth in quick succession the notes of alarm on the approach of danger. And for the purpose of depriving them of its shelter, and out of enmity to the patriotic and eloquent occupant of its pulpit, it was reduced to ashes by the enemy, on the night of the 25th of January, 1780. At the sound of the tocsin of war our academy was deserted. At their country's call, its scholars ran fioni their masters, and with them, to the rescue ; and it was converted into a store-Uouse for the provisions of the American army. This, also, after plundering it of its provisions, was reduced to ashes by the enemy, who immediately retreated to their camp on Stateii Island, carrying the beef and pork taken on the tops of their bayonets. Not satisfied with this, the accomplished wife of our beloved pastor was shot by a British ruffian, on the 7th day of June, 1780, while she was with her children in the retirement of her closet, praying tliat victory might perch on the banner of her country. And on the 24th of November, 1781, our beloved pastor himself was shot by another ruffjan, a sentinel of our own army, bribed to the horrid deed by British gold. Thus, in the course of a few months, we wera 106 PETITION TO CONGRESS deprived of our Church, and of our Parsonage and Academy, and of our beloved Pastor and his wife ; and so scattered and weakened and impoverished were we by the war, that for seven long years we were without a sanctuary in which to worship God. And yet amid these accumulated ills our fathers never fal- tered for a moment. Tliey felt that, however dark and lowering was the morning, that at eventide there would be light. However, in other parts of our coun- try, they may have been separated, on this soil prayer and patriotism were united. The one inspired the other with courage and confidence. As a people, we suffered as much in the loss of our citizens in battle as any town of the same population in this land. The blood of our fathers and brothers and neighbors mingles with the soil of Flatbush, and Monmouth, and Princeton, and Trenton, and Bran- dysvine, and Germantown. But for (Iipir sufferings and blood, we feel amply repaid in the possession of that broad inheritance of civil and religious liberty which they so dearly purchased for us. As a congregation we contributed our fair propor- tion 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 Clark, a Dayton, an Ogden. Where, in our land, is tliere another congregation which has made a like contribu- lion ? And we feel not merely proud, but thankful to IN BEHALF OF THE CHURCH. 107 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 pioperty, and from the taking of our ciiizens from (heir beds and fields as prisoners, and incarcerating ihern in the famous Sugar House in New-York. Bat these things we regard as necessarily incidental to the great con- test ; 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. Con- gress 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 contri- bution to the wisdom, and valor, and firmness, and suffering, which achieved our glorious independence. All that we desire now from our country is a com- pensation for our public property destroyed ; and de- stroyed because of being converted to public purposes for the benefit of the American army. And the evi- dence that our Parsonage, and Church, and Academy, Were so used, is hereby respectfully submitted with this our memorial. And such is our sense of honor, that we do not wish 108 CONDITION OF THE CHURCH to draw from the nnlional treasury the small compen- sation hereby soHcited, unless it is considered right- fully our due. Elizabeth-Town, N. J., Feb. 29, 1840. Nicholas Murray, Pastor. SESSION. David Megie, John J. Hryant, Alexander Ogilvie, Elias Winans, townley mulford, jonas w. winans, James F. Meeker, James Ros.s, "VViLLiAM Brown, Edward Sanderson. Joseph S. Meeker, trustees. Elihu Brittin, Pres't. Oliver Pierson, John Stiles, A. S. Hetfield, William F. Day, M. M. Woodruff. -Joseph Hindes, CHAPTER VIII. We return again to the history of the First Presby- terian Church. At the opening of the year 1782. the Chuich aiid the community wdre in a deplorable con- dition. The Church edifice was reduceil to ashes, its Pastor, having ft\llen by a ruirian hand, was in his grave ; the people were scattered and peeled; many of them were sulTering in the army ; many in the famous Sugar House ; widows and orphans were AFTER MR. CALDWELl's DEATH. 109 multiplied in every direction ; the Episcopal Cliurch was a stable, and its Rector had retired to Eng-land. There was no house in which to worship God, save the old red Store House, given by Elder Cornelius Hetfield ; nor was there any Minister, statedly to break to the people the bread of life. A darker day this community never saw. And yet but few, if any, Sabbaths passed away without religious services of some kind. When there was no Minister to preach, sermons were read and prayers were offered by the Elders. After the witiidrawal of Dr. Chandler, Dr. Uzal Ogden preached in the Episcopal Church, divi- ding his Sabbaths betv.'een Newark and Elizabetlv Town. He was a man of great zeal, liberality, and piety ; and multitudes of all persuasions flocked to hear him preach. His pungent and powerful appeals were blessed to the exciting of unusual attention to religion ; and a great revival ensued. And at this time many of the tnost stable and devoted christians which this part of the country has ever seen, were brouglit into the Church, some of whom continue until the pre- sent day. And all feel that when the last of theni have taken their departure, we shall not soon see their like again. Mr. Armstrong, afterwards of Trenton, preached here for nearly a year, commencing in Oo tober, 1782, but losing his health by an attack of the measles, he was compelled to retire ; when the coi>- gregation was without any regular ministrations until 1786. 10 no DR. ELIAS BOUDINOTi There was connected with the Church at this time a man whose name deserves to be had in remem- brance. We refer to Dr. Klias Boudinot. He was born in the city of Philadelphia, on the second of May, 1740, and was a descendant of one of those pious Huguenots, who, on the revocation of the edict of Naniz, fled to this country, in order to escape the horrors of papal persecution. After completing a course of classical preparation, he studied law with Richard Stockton, a member of the first Congress, and whose eldest sister he afterwards married. When adu)itted to the bar, he selected this town for his residence, and lived several years in the old building, now almost in ruins, and known as the Whitlock House, in Mea- dow-street, next south to the residence of Mr. James G. Nuttman. His settlement here must be nearly simultaneous with that of Mr. Caldwell, of whom he was ever the attached and devoted friend. His piety, probity, patriotism and talents soon enabled him to rise to the first rank of his profession, and biought iiim up to public notice. He was appointed by Con- gress to the important trust of Conuiiissary General of prisoners, and fulfilled its duties with great pru- dence and humanity. In 1777, he was elected a Member of Congress, and in 17S2, he was made its President. In this capacity he had the honor of put- ling his signature to the Treaty of Peace, which es- tablished his country's independence, lie was for six years a member of Cotigress mider the present Con- Btitution ; and, on the death of the celebrated Ritten- UR. ELIAS BOUDINOT. Ill house, he was appointed by Washington Director of the National Mint. On resigning this office, he retired to the city of Burhtigton, where, surrounded by affec- tionate friends, and visited by strangers of distinction, he filled up life in the exercise of tiie highest chris- tian duties. His memory wiil be long precious to the friends of science and reHgion, for his munificent ben- efactions whilst living, and his princely legacies in his last will. Whilst yet in its infancy, his large dona- tions placed tlie American Bible Society, of which he was the first President, upon a sure and firm founda- tion. With a heart expanded by the noblest princi- ples of christian benevolence, he liberally contributed to various institutions whose objects were the exten- sion of literature and religion ; yet his most liberal bequests were to the General Assembly of the Pres- byterian Church, and to its Theological Seminary at Princeton, of which Church he was an exemplary member. His book on the origin of our Indian tribes, called "A Star in the West," and his able reply to the Age of Reason, entitled " The Age of Revela- tion," bear ample testimony to his piety and learning, and to his ability as a controversialist and writer. In his last will, he left a legacy to the First Presbyterian Church of this town, for the purpose of founding a Ministerial Libraiy, This christian, patriot, philan- thropist, and scholar, died in the city of Burlington, October 24lh, 1821, in the 82nd year of his age.* * For many of ttiese facts I am indebted to the late Judge Bay- ard, of Princeton, who was a relative, and one of the executors of Dr. Bou,dino.t. U2 NEW CHUKCH EDIFICE. After the close of the war, the citizen soldiers who had survived the conflict returned to their homes, and to the pursuits which ihey had deserted for the camp. And although greatly impoverished, and many of them without houses of their own, they soon resolve to erect a house for the worship of God. In 1784, the first minute is made in reference to the new build- ing, and that is a record of a vole of the congrega- tion, that "the parsonage land against Mrs. Jelf's should be mortgaged to raise money to build a Church." In that year, then, we presume its foun- dations were laid in fear and trembling ; and it was dedicated to the worship of God, by Dr. Alexander jVJcWhorter, about the tirst of January, 1786. But yet for several years it remained in a very unfinished and uncomfortable state; the Minister preaching frora a rough platform of boards, and the people sitting upon rough planks. To assist in completing it a lot- tery was granted by the State, called the " Elizabeth- Town and Nev-'-Brunswick Church Lottery," from which was realized about fifteen hundred dollars. This one fact shows that we may possibly improve on the wisdcun of our fathers^ however we may fall below them in energy. Collections for the purpose were also made in Newark, Bloomfield, and some other places specified in the accounts of the Treasurer. In No- vember, 1792, after a sermon by Mr. Austin, a collec- tion for the stone steps, and for paving the street, was taken up, amounting to fourteen pounds. So that whilst it was commenced in 1781, and dedicated in 1786, it REV. DR. WILLIAM LINN. 113 was not completed until 1793. For its beautiful spire, and much of its its interior comfort, it is indebted to the zeal and energy of the Rev. Mr. Austin. To pay ofi* tbe debts incurred by its erection, much of the par- sonage property was sold. For this purpose, the par- sonage lot where Dickinson and Caldwell lived, and on which the old Parsonage stood, was sold in 1792 After remaining for nearly six years without a settled ministry, the Rev. William Linn, D. D., was here installed on the 14th of June, 1786. Dr. Linn was a native of Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1752. When he was but twenty years of age, he graduated in the College at Princeton, and soon thereafter we find him one of the Chaplains of the Revolutionary army. In 1784, he was the Rector of an Academy in Somerset county, Maryland, where he acquired a high reputation as a teacher and scholar. From that place he removed to this town in 1786. He remained here but a few months, as in the November after his settlement, he received and accepted a call to the Re- formed Dutch Church of the city of New-York, In consequence of declining health, v;hich it was suppo- sed a change of air might benefit, he removed Jo the city of Albany, where he died in 1808, having nearly completed his 56th year. He was a very po|H)lnr and useful Minister. He was the father of tlie Rev. John Blair Linn, the poet and orator, who died at the ago of 27, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia ; and who gave promise, had his lifs 10* 114 REV, DAVID AUSTIN. been prolonged, of being one of the ablest, as he was one of the most eloquent, divines of our country, A daughter of his was the wife of Simeon Dewitt, for many years the Surveyor General, and one of the most prominent citizens, of the State of New-York, The successor of Dr. Linn was the Rev, David Austin, whose name and fame will be long remem- bered in this part of the country. He was born in New-Haven, in the year 1760, His father was one of the earliest settlers of that place, and was a man of great respectability, of piety, and wealth. He was for many years Collector of the Customs, and afterwards a successful merchant. David was the eldest of a numerous family, all the members of which who lived to maturity, becatne truly pious. He was early fitted for college, and graduated at Yale, in 1779, After graduating, he pursued his theological studies with Dr. Bellamy, of Bethlehem, in his native state, and, according to the custom of tiiat day, was soon licensed to preach the gospel. He preached with great accept- ance, and, in several places, was strongly solicited to settle as a Pastor. Having determined to visit Eu- rope before taking a pastoral charge, he declined all these proposals, some of which were highly flattering and advantageous. He spent some time in foreign travel, and returned with an ardent desire for the work of the ministry. He married Miss Lydia La- throp, of Norwich, whose father was a wealthy and highly respected citizen of that town, and shortly af- REV. DAVID AUSTIN. J 15 lerwards, September 9th, 1788, he was hera ordained and installed Pastor. From the time of his settlement he continued his labors here, greatly beloved and extensively useful, until the close of 1795. The effect of a natural ec- centiicity, connected with the most enlarged benevo- lence, which his private fortune enabled him to exer- cise, was only to increase the number of his ardent friends. In that year he had a violent attack of scar- let fever, from which he but slowly recovered, and which very seriously affected his mind. During his recovery he commenced the study of the prophecies, and the effect was soon obvious in a mental derange- ment from which he never wholly recovered. When he resumed his labors, he commenced preaching on the 60th chapter of Isaiah, from which he taught the doctrine of the personal reign of Clirist, and that his second coming was to take place on the fourth Sab- bath of May, 1796. The attention of the people now became wonderfully excited, and such was the rush from neighboring towns, that multitudes on the Sab- bath could not get room to stand in the church. At length the appointed day drew near. On the previous evening a meeting was held for prayer and preparation in the Methodist church, and the house was crowded. He dwelt on the history of the Nine- vites who repented at the preaching of Jonah, and exhorted to imitate their example. Weeping and mourning were heard in all parts of the assembly. The next day the sun rose with more than its usuaJ 116 REV. DAVID AUSTIN. splendor, and a vast multitude of people crowded the house and surrounded it. But the da}' passed away without any unusual occurrence ; and many of his followers were only now convinced that he was under a delusion, and that he deluded them. His friends hoped that disappointment would dissipate his delu- sion, and the session remonstrated with him ; but his ingenuity soon found excuses for his Lord's delay, and his enthusiasm was only inflamed. He charged his Session, and the members of the church that op- posed him, with the sin and guilt of Uzzah, and stated that it was because of the mere mercy of God that they did not suffer his punishment. At this time he took the vow of a Nazarite, and preached inces- santly, sometimes three sermons a day, through this part of the country. Wherever he went crowds fol- lowed him, and God overruled the excitement he pro- duced to the conversion of many souls. His great theme was the near approach of the personal reign of Cinist upon earth ; and that as Joshua led the Jews into the promised land, as John Baptist was the fore- runner of the Saviour, so he was appointed of God to bring in the glorious millenial reign of righteous- ness. Finding the congregation seriously agitated by his proceedings, and having declared that lie was about to establish a new church upon earth, a public meet- ing was called and a committee of eleven appointed to wait upon him. They stated their grievances, asked some questions as to his future proceedings, and re- REV. DAVID AUSTIN. 117 quested in reply a written answer. The following is his answer: " To Jonathan Dayton, of the committee of eleven appointed by the Congregation of Elizabeth-Town to wait on Mr. Austin, their Pastor, in respect to the present course and object of his Ministry, and of the concerns of llie Congregation in general : "In conformity to the request of the Committee, that the answer to their application might be given in writing, it may be said — "In respect to that part of the paper read, which hinted at and complained of an avowed design of the Pastor to institute a new Church, and to set up a new order of things in ecclesiastical concerns, "inde- pendent of Presbytery, of the Synod, or of the Gen- eral Assembly ;" it may be openly answered, that such is my fixed and unalterable determination ! For a warrant thus to proceed, reference may be had to the third and sixth chapters of the prophec}' of Ze- chariah, and to many other passages of scripture, which foretell of these things and of these days. "On the testimony of the scriptures, and on the in- ward teachings of the Holy Spirit of God, and on the present aspect of Providence, and on uncommon and extraordinary revelations of the mind and will of God to this point, dependence is had in proof of a special and designating call to proceed in this solemn and interesting work. " Be it known, then, to the Couimittee and to iho 118 REV. DAVID AUSTIN. Congregation, and to the Presbyterian Churchj and to the world at large, that such extraordinary call I do profess to have received, and that it is my glory- openly to avow, and solemnly to profess my determi- nation to maintain and to discharge the duties of it, through the faith of that power and constant grace which hath called and accompanied me in this con- cern thus far ! " Under such impressions, standing collected and firm, I again announce to the Committee, to the Con- gregation, and to all concerned, that implicit obedi- ence to the voice of Heaven is my fixed determina- tion ! " Let this declaration be productive of what conse- quences it may, be it remembered, that the anticipa- tions of Divine support are so ready and abundant, that the instrument of the Divine designs feels him- self ready, and professes himself willing, to meet all obstacles and to brave all dangers, in the prosecution of the noble object which Infinite Wisdom hath placed before him. " The baptism of the cloud, and of the sea, opened the journey of God's ancient Israel towards the goodly land, and answeringly to the former example, the present course of spiritual journeying is now to be taken up ; and if the scenes of the ancient warfare are again to be repeated, faith in God pronounces his eternal arm to be mightily sufficient to secure the vic- tory in every conflict in which his own shall be en- gaged ! and it may be well for opposition to the pre-. REV. DAVID AUSTIN. 119 destinated purposes of God to remember, that the disas- ters of those whose carcases fell through unbehef, and the utter extirpation of those who stood in the way of the advancing forward of the host of Israel in search of the goodly land, are but a lively figure of what those are to expect who are found imitating their faithless and wicked example in these later days. "Submitting the whole concern to the unqualified sovereignty of God, and to the decisions of those to whom these presents may come, subscribe to the con- gregation, an affectionate Pastor, and to the people of God in ^every place, an unfeigned friend, and servant of God in Christ Jesus. David Austin. " Eliz/Town, Friday, April 7th, A. D. 1797." Twelve days after the receipt of the above answer, the following petition was sent to the Presbytery of New- York, with which the Church was then con- nected : "At a meeting of the Elders, Deacons, Trustees and members of the First Presbyterian congregation in Elizabeth-Town, at tiieir Meeting Mouse, on Wednes- day, the 19th day of April, 1797, at two o'clock in the afternoon of that day, agreeable to adjournment, Mr. Elias Dayton was chosen Moderator, Mr. Aaron Ogden, Clerk. Resolved, unanimously, that the fol- lowing petition be presented to the Presbytery of New- York, at their next session : "The Elders, Deacons, Trustees, and members of the First Presbyterian Congregation in Elizabeth- 120 REV. DAVID AUSTIN. Town, respectfully petition the reverend Presbytery of New- York, to dissolve the pastoral relation now sub- sisting between the Uev. David Austin and said Con- gregation, provided they are of opinion that the follow- ing reason is a sufficient foundation for the applica- tion, namel}', the declaration of the Rev. Mr. Austin's intention to set up a new Church, independent of Presbytery, Synod, or General Assembly ; as will fully appear by an acknowledgment under his own hand, and herewith sent. "Resolved, unanimously, that Messrs. Jeremiah Bal- lard, Benjamin Corey and Shepard Kollock, be a com- mittee for the purpose of presenting the foregoing pe- tition. Elias Dayton. '' Attest, Aaron Ogden, Clerk." The following is the decision of the Presbytery in the case, which, whilst it dissolves his pastoral rela- tion to the Congregation, and protests against his er- rors, and warns the Churches against him, yet bears ample testimony to his moral character. " Thursday, May 4, 1797. *• The consideration of the petition from Rlizabetlr- Town was resumed. The Commissioners from I he Congregation of Elizabeth-Town being asked whe- ther they had any thing further to ofTer respecting the business, answered, "Not at present." Mr. Austin being then called upon to know whether he had any thing to ofifer, res|)ecting the petiiion and application before Presbytery from the Congregation of EIizabeth-Towr>, REV. DAVID AUSTIN. 121 replied, That he had no objection to the Presbytery^s deciding upon that petition as they should think pro- per; and that he took this opportunity to signify his intention to withdraw, and declared that he actually did then withdraw from his connection with this Pres- bytery, and from all Presbyterial connection and gov '.-^. ernment. " The parties being removed, the Presbytery pfo- ceeded to deliberate and to form a judgment upon the case ; and, after due deliberation, unanimously judged that the way was clear for granting tlie prayer of the petition from the Congregation of Elizabeth-Town, to have the pastoral relation between Mr. Austin and said Congregation dissolved, and did accordingly dissolve it, and hereby declare the Congregation vacant. "With respect to Mr. Austin's declaration of his having withdrawn from his connection wilh this Presbyterj'') and from all Presbyterial connection and government, they also unanimously declare that they are sensibly and tenderly aflfected upon the occasion, and sincerely lament the unhappy circumstances which have led to these measures. And whilst it is their wish to treat Mr. Austin's person and character with all possible delicacy and tenderness, and whilst they declare that they have nothing (o allege against his moral char- acter, yet, as they are clearly of opinion that Mr. Aus- tin is, and has for more than a year past, been under the powerful influence of enthusiasm and delusion, evidently manifested by his giving credit to, and being guided by, supposed revelations and communications II 12^ REV. DAVID AUSTIN. of an extraordinary kind ; iiis alleged designation and call to particular important offices and services ; his undertaking to fix the precise time of the com- mencement of the Millenium to the fifteenth day of May last, and to designate the circumstances of its commencement ; and his present declaration of his intentions to institute a new Church, and to set up a hew order of things in ecclesiastical concerns ; and his having persisted and stiil persisting in similar views and conduct, notwithstanding his having been faithfully and tenderly dealt with on this head by the Presbytery in an extra-judicial capacity, as well as by individual members. The Presbytery having taken these things into consideration, feel themselves boundj in justice to the Church of Christ in general, and par- ticularly to the Congregations under their care, to de- clare that they cannot recommend Mr. Austin as one who, whilst under the influence of this enthusiasm and delusion, promises usefulness in the service of the gospel ministry ; but, on the contrary, feel it to be their duty solemnly to caution all against giving heed to any irrational and unscriptural suggestions and im- pressions, as delusions of Satan, the effects of a disor- dered imagination, tending to mislead, deceive and destroy the souls of men, and to affect the union, the peace and the harmony of the Church of Christ." After his removal by the Presbytery from his Congre- gation, Mr. Austin preached in the surrounding country for a short while, when he returned to New-Haveni i REV. DAVID AUSTIN, 123 Believing in the literal return of the Jews to the Holy Land, and that New-Haven was to be the place of their embarkation from this country, he erected houses and a wharf for their use. Unable to pay the debts he incurred, he was innprisoned for some time. During his confinement his mind seemed in some measure to recover itself; but yet on the subject of prophecy was distracted. He returned to this town in 1804, when being refused admission to his old pulpit, subscriptions were circulated for putting the Methodist Church into a state of repair, for his use. The object was obtain- ed, and he preached there for a sliort wliile, but the state of his mind now became obvious to all ; his friends could no longer encourage him, and he again returned to New-England. His mind gradually emer^ ged from the cloud that obscured it, and he again en* ters upon a career of usefulness. His excellent wife, possessed of an ample patrimony, exerted a most happy influence upon him, and greatly aided in restoring his mind to its former balance. For a number of years he preached in vacant churches in the eastern part of Connecticut. In 1815, he received a call from the Church in Bozrah, where he was installed on the 9th of May of that year. Here he preached regularly and with great acceptance and success until his death, which took place at Norwich, February 5, 1831, in the 72nd year of his age. Mr. Austin was decidedly one of the most popular preachers of his day. Up to the time of his great affliction, no man coqld be ip.ore universally beloved 124 REV. DAVID AUSTIN. and admired. Dignified in personal appearance, pol- ished in manners, eloquent in his public performances, giving ail his goods t© feed the poor, he exerted a com- manding influence, not only over his own congrega- tion, but also over many of the lending minds of his day. His memory was retentive, and his conversa- tional powers extraordinary. His devotional exercises were peculiarly happy and impressive ; and all who remember him testify, (hat few have ever surpassed him in public prayer. Besides performing a great amount of pastoral labors, he did good service for the theological literature of the country. He edited and published a Commentary upon the liible, some of President Edwards's most valuable works ; and he commenced a monthly publication of original sermons by living ministers, which reached its fourth volume, under the title of " The American Preacher.'' When at the high noon of his fame and usefulness that thick cloud fell upon his intellect, which was never wholly removed during his life. We have seen but one pro- duction of his in print, " The Downfall of the Mysti- cal Babylon," save his " Proclamation for the Mille- oial Empire," published in folio sheet, in New-York, in 1805.* We have dwelt thus long and thus minutely on the history of Mr. Austin, because of the great veneration • We are indebted (o the Eev. D. R. Austin, of Sluibridgc, Mass., the Rev. John Hjde, of Franklin, Con., and Mr. Sime- on Abell, of Bozrah, Con., for many of the facts and state. menls of this narrative. REV. JOHN GILES. 125 in which he is yet held by many of those who will feel an interest in this volume, and because of the les- son which it teaches to all those who either teach or favor the revived fanaticism of a personal reign, and the speedy destruction of the world. The successor of Mr. Austin was the Rev. John Giles. He was born in England, and whilst pur- suing a course of classical study became hopefully pious, and at an early age. Having completed iiis theological studies at Homerton, he was ordained and installed pastor of an Independent church in Welling- ton, Somersetshire, on the 26th of September, 1786. Here he continued for nine years, preaching the gos- pel with great success. His love of civil liberty, and his abhorrence of the ecclesiastical oppression he wit- nessed around him, induced the desire to seek for his rising family a home in this country. With this ob- ject in view, he sought a dissolution of his pastoral relation to his people, and whilst preparing for his voyage received an invitation to become the pastor of New Chapel, in Castle-street, Exeter, which by the solicitation of friends he was induced to accept ; and he was settled there in 1795. With this people he remained three years, and from a small, distracted band, he raised them up to be a large and flourishing and united church. In 1798 he embarked with his wife and six children to this country, where he land- ed in September. He came to this town in June, 1799, and buried his wife here on the 5th of August 11* 126 REV. HENRY KOLLOcK. following. He was installed on the 4th of June, 1800; but such was the effect of the death of his wife on his health and spirits as to unfit him for pastoral du- ties ; and he sought and obtained a dismission in the following October. After regaining liis health, he subsequently settled in Newburyport, Mass., in 1803, where he continued, useful and beloved, until his death, which took place September 28, 1824, Bringing with him ministerial manners and habits to which the people were unaccustomed, his ministra- tions were not at first very popular ; but they subse- quently became so. Fie was an earnest, very ortho- dox, and useful preacher. He brought with him the highest testimonials of character to this country; his subsequent career showed that they w^ere merited, and by a faithful and stainless ministry of twenty-one years he embalmed his memory among the people amid whose tears and lamentations he went up to his reward in heaven.* The successor of Mr. Giles was the Rev, Henry KoLLocK. As an able and deeply interesting memoir of him is written by his brother, the Rev. Shepard K. Kollock, which is prefixed to a posthumous edition of his Sermons, in four volumes octavo, but little need be said in regard to him here. He was ordain- * For tlie materials from which this brief narrative is com- piled, I am indebted to Mrs. Titcomb, of Newburyport, a daugh- ter of Mr. Giles, and to a sermon preached at his funeral by tho Rev. Samuel Porter Williams. REV. DR. JOHN RrDOWELL. 127 ed and installed in this place, December lOih, 1800. After a brilliant ministry of three yeais, of whose ^isefulness there are yet living witnesses, he removed to Princeton in December, 1803, because of his elec- tion to the office of Professor of Divinity in the Col- lege of New-Jersey. He afterwards settled in Savan- nah, where he died universally lamented, Decemb&r 29th, 1819. He was principally distinguished for his remarkable eloquence, which was unsurpassed in his day in the American pulpit. On the 2Gth of December, 1804, the Rev. John M'DowELL, D, D. was ordained and installed the successor of Dr. Kollock, and continued the Minister of the church for twenty-nine years, when he was dis- missed, April 30, 1833, to become the Pastor of the Central Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. With the exception of Dickinson's, his was tlie longest min- istry that the First Church ever enjoyed ; and, probably, was the most useful of any. But as he is yet living, and although in ihe fortieth year of his ministry, ac- tive and useful, what might justly be said of him here must be left to his biographer to say, after the good fight he has been so long waging is terminated, and he has gone up to wear his crown, and with those who have turned many to righteousness to shine as a star for ever and ever. 128 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. CHAPTER IX. Whilst from the first settlement of this town there were; probably, some individuals and families whose prepossessions inclined them to the Protestant Episcopal Church, yet the earliest information we have of the affairs of this Congregation commences with 1704. In this year, the Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts, sent here as a Mission- ary the Rev. Mr. Brook. He commenced preaching at the house of a Colonel Townley, to whom tlie Congregation is indebted for the land now occupied by their Church and grave-yard. When the house of Mr. Townley could no longer accommodate his hear- ers, Mr. Brook repaired to a barn, fitted up in a rude jnanner, for worship. The great inconvenience to which they were thus subjected, induced them to re- solve on the erection of a church, whose foundations were laid in 1706. Mr. Brook died in 1707, greatly lamented by his parishioners, and by the Society that sustained him. The Rev. Mr. Vaughan, two or three years after the death of Mr. Brook, became the Rector of the Church, and continued its Minister for nearly forty years. He was remarkable for his amiable and social virtues, and was popular with his own people. Al- though he and Mr. Dickinson were the opposite of one another in natural temperament, and were fre- PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 129 (|uently engaged in vviirm coiUioversy, iheir personal relations were always of the most pleasant character. The news of the death of Mr. Dickinson was carried to Mr. Vaughan just as he was dying, and, amongst the last audible words that he was heard to utter were these, " O that T had hold of the skirls of brother Jo- nathan! ' On the death of Mr. Vaughan, the Church was oc- casionally supplied by the Rev. Mr. Wood, who at the same time supplied the Church at New-Bruns- wick, But as the Congregation declined under him, application was made to the Society in England for a permanent Minister. Mr. Thomas Bradbury Chan- dler was then appointed Catechist, and aftei wards was ordained Rector of the Church. He subsequently rose to distinction, and was in his days amongst iha most able defenders of Episcopacy in the country. Under his ministry in 1762, the Church received a charter from the Crown, which is still the law for reg- ulating the temporalitiea of the Congregation. " The war of the Revolution," says Dr. Rudd, " had a melancholy and ruinous effect upon the concerns of our communion. The Church of England being con- nected with the slate government of that country, and llie circumstance that the clergy of that Church were bound by the oath of conformity and allegiance lo support and defend the measures of the Crown, led all the common people to believe, and all the prejudiced partizans of popular government to maintain, that a Churchman and a foe to popular libeiiy were synony- 130 PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. mous terms." Dr. Chandler, on the commencemetit of the war of the Revolution, felt it his duty to oppose the measures necessary to secure our independence. From the active part which he and some members of his family took, he soon found his situation very un- comfortable, and he retired to England, where he re- mained until the close of the war, and for some years after. He returned here in 1785, and died in 1790, His was a protracted and very able ministry, and Dr- Chandler's name will be long known and revered as one of the fathers of the Episcopal Church in New- Jersey. During the war of the Revolution this Con- gregation was greatly scattered, and became much enfeebled. The interior of the Church was all de- stroyed, the pews and floors were torn up and burned, and the building was converted into a stable by the enemy. It was, however, soon repaired after the close of the war, and was for some time the only Church for the worship of God in the town. And after its re- pair, and before the return of Dr. Chandler, and for some lime afterwards, Dr. Ogden preached in it with great power and effect. Dr. Ogden subsequently be- came a Minister of the Presbyterian Church. In 1789, the Rev. Mr. Spragg, who had previously been a Methodist Minister, was elected Rector. He was an amiable and affable Pastor, and enjoyed the respect and confidence of his people. He died sud- denly in 1794, after a brief ministry of five years. The Rev. Mr. Raynor was the successor of Mr. Spragg. He also had previously been connected \vith PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 131 the Methodist cluirch. He became Rector in 1795 or 1796. He removed to Connecticut in 1801. And the man that gave up Methodism for Episcopacy, subsequently gave up Episcopacy for UniversaUsm, and we believe yet survives to preach the doctrine first announced in Eden by the Serpent to Eve, " Ye shall not surely die ;" a doctrine whose claims to an- tiquity are beyond all question. The next Rector was the Rev. Dr. Beaslf.y. The Congregation enjoyed the genius and talents of this interesting man but a short while, as he resigned his charge and left the state in 1803. Dr. Beasley after a long professional and literary career, not a little dis- tinguislied, has retired to this town, where at a green old age, he is yet pursuing his literary toils with all the vivacity and sprightliness of youth. The Rev. Mr. Lilly succeeded Dr. Beasley in Au- gust, 1803. He served the parish less than two years, when he removed to the South, where he died. The successor of Mr. Lilly was the Rev. Dr. Rudd^ who was regularly instituted in May, 1806, and who, after a very successful and popular ministry of twenty years, retired in 1826. He is now the Minister of a large and important Church in Auburn, N. Y. The Rev. Smith Pyne was elected June 1, 1S26) and retired in December, 1828. The Rev. B. G. Noble was elected March, 1829, and resigned in 1833. And the present Rector, the Rev. Richard C. Moore, entered upon his duties February 16, 1834. 132 SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Having, wilhout success, applied to several individ- uals competent to the task, for a chapter on the His- tory of the Episcopal Church and its Blinisters, we have compiled this chapter, mainly relying on Dr. Rudd's " Historical Notices of St. John's Church," for our facts, dates and statements. We regret the brevity of our notes on a Church so ancient, historic and re- spectable. THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The various revivals of religion with which the First Presbyterian Church was from time to time blessed, so swelled the numbers of those who resorted there for the worship of God, that large and commo- dious as is their house of worship, it could not ac- commodate them. As early as the great revival of 1817, tlie formation of a Second Church was deemed necessary ; but for various causes it was delayed until 1820; and in the month of March of this year, the Second Church commenced separate religious worship. It is here worthy of note that its erection grew out of no dissatisfaction with the pastor of the parent church, nor out of any difficulties among the people. The people were imiied among themselves, and ar- dently attached to their pastor. But those attached to Presbyterian doctrine and order, could not be ac- com.modatcd in the church, and their number was yearly niultiplying. Indeed the pastor himself ori- SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 133 ginated the movement ; and some individuals were designated to embark in the enterprise. And although leaving a house endeared to them by many associa- tions, and the ministry of the man who was instru- mental in their conversion, yet they felt tliat the interests of Presbyterianism and of religion, required the sacrifice. And their work, and the blessings that have resulted from it, praise them in the gate. For more than two years, services where held in the old Lecture Room of the First Church in Wash* ington street ; and on the first Sabbath of December, 1820, the church was organized. Like many other things that have produced great and good results, it was feeble in its beginnings. When the question of actual withdrawal from the parent church had to be decided, it was found that only thirty families and forty communicants were prepared to embark in the enterprise. But these few counted the cost, and were not to be deterred by difficulties. The number soon began to increase. The corner stone of the Church was laid June 20, 1821, and on the first day of May, 1822, it was dedicated to the worship and service of God. Since that time it has largely shared in all the revivals of religion with which this community has been favored — an account of which may be found in a subsequent chapter — and many have been added to its communion. The growth of this Church has been remarkably even and gradual. Each revolving year has added to its size and strength. Rapidity of increase could not be 12 134 SECOND PHESBYfERIAN CHUitcti. anticipated. The town itself, increasing but slowly, is not now much larger than when this Church was form- ed. Yet it has now upwards of four hundred mem- bers, and its parent Church is larger in its number of communicants, and more prosperous in all its fiscal interests, than when this Church was formed out of it. And each of these churches is now doing more for the building up of the kingdom of Christ at home and abroad, than the First Church did in its most prosperous day previous to the separation. These facts speak volumes as to the duties of large churches in our populous and flourishing villages. Many is the tree that is benefitted by transplanting a shoot from its root, which shoot in a few years may emulate the parent stock both in the richness and quantity of its fruit. The formation of this Church has been a great blessing to the town. It has greatly tended to cherish and to keep in the ascendancy the religious princi- ples which were brought here by the first occupants of this soil, and which for nearly fifty years were held by the fathers of this community vi'ithout opposition from any quarter. This Church has never had but one Pastor. The Rev. David Magie, D. D., began his ministry with this people at the time of their organization ; and he is their Minister still. This is a fact worthy of no- tice ; the more so, because he and his wife are both natives of this town. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 135 THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. After no little inquiry we have been unable to find much definite information as to the history of this Church. The Church itself was formed in 1785 ; and those most efficient in its formation were Jonathan Morrell and his wife, the parents of the late venerable and excellent Rev. Thomas Morrell, who wer« natives of Newtown, hong Island, and who removed to this place 1771 or 1772. When their Meeting-house was erected we cannot learn ; but it was not completed until 1804, when its galleries were put up by the friends of the Rev. Mr, Auslin. They have been favored from time to time with the services of able and useful ministers, whose labors have been greatly prospered. Its present esteemed Pastor is the Rev, Joseph Ashbrook. The Congregational Church at Elizabeth-Port, whose excellent Pastor is the Rev. Mr. St. John, and the Baptist Cliurch, whose Pastor is the Rev. Mr. Cox, are of such recent formation, that we deem it only necessary to record the fact of their existence in these Notes. The first was formed in 1S37 by the Rev. Mr. Brown; the other was organized in the fell of 1843. 136 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. CHAPTER X . In the history of American Revivals of Religion, but few portions of tlie country have been more distin- guished than this town. And as these successive re- vivals have mainly tended to give to t!ie people the character for piety, stability, morality and good order which they have ever possessed wherevei known, they demand and deserve to be placed on record in these pages. And as these revivals have been mainly confined to the Presbyterian Chuich, so must be our account respecting them. Under date of March 5th, 1832, the Rev. Dr. M'Dowell thus writes to the Rev. Dr. Sprague of Albany, who asks from liim an ac- count of the revivals with which liis church had been favored : "Of the early history of this church, 1 have been able to discover very httle. It is an ancient church, having been founded about one hundred and sixty years since. VVhelher it was visited with revivals: during nearly the former half of the period of its ex- istence, I have not been able to ascertaiiL The first revival of which any account has been transmitted to us, was in the latter part of (lie ministry of that emi- nent servant of God, the Rev. Jonathan Dickinson, author of "the Five Points," and of many other val- uable works. "Of this revival, a particular and very interesting account was given by Mr. Dickinson, in a letter to the Rev. Mr. Foxcrofl, of Boston, which letter is in REVIVx\LS OF RELIGION. 137 print. From this it appears, that this special work visibly commenced in June, 1740, under a sermon addressed to the youth. ' The inward distress and concern of the audience,' (Mr. Dickinson observes,) ' discovered itself by their tears, and by an audible sobbing and sighing in ahnost all parts of the assem- bly.' On the character and efTecfs of this revival, he goes on to remark — ' Meetings for sinful amusements were abandoned by the youth, and meetings for reli- gious exercises substituted in their place. Numbers daily flocked to their pastor for advice in their eternal concerns. More came to see him on this errand in three months, than in thirty years before. The sub- jects of tlie vv'ork were chiefly youth. A deep sense of sin, guilt, danger, and despair of iielp from them- selves, preceded a hope in Christ. All the converts were for a considerable time under a law work, before they had satisfying views of their interest in Christ. The number of those who were savingly the subjects of this work was about sixty.' " In 1772, this Church was blessed with a consider- able revival of religion, under the ministry of the Rev. James Caldwell. An account of this revival, dated Elizabeth-Town, April 28, 1773, was found in the library of the Old South Church, Boston, by the Rev. Dr. Sprague. Although long, we here insert it with- out abbreviation : " Elizabeth-Town, April 28th, 1773. " Dear Sir, — With a mixture of pleasure and self- diffidence do I now, agreeable to your request, attempt 12* 138 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. to give you an account of tlie conslilulion of our reli- gious societies. Tlie subject is indeed pleasing, but I feel myself unequal to the task. However, I think ] am writing to one who will pass over with a friendly eye W'hatevei may be amiss in tlie matter or maimer, and knows how to make allowance for my inexperi- ence and youth. If I remember right, you desired me to write only the constitution of the societies. In order to do this fully, 1 find it absolutely necessary to lake a view of the manner in which they have been conducted from the beginning to the present lime. No previous plan was laid, but we have been directed to every measure that has been taken, just as the occasion or circumstances required, by an all-wise and gracious God, who only knows what methods aie best to carry on his work. It will no doubt be agreeable to you, if I make some digressions by the way, lo speak of the wonderful success that has accompaiiied our fee- ble endeavors, though in this I shall go beyond your request. God has indeed given us the fullest evidence that he is a prayer hearing God. We must turn infi- dels, yea, I had almost said atheists, to doubt his gra- cious readiness to hear and answer the united requests of his people. That Scripture has had its accom-- plishment among us, in a manner perhaps scarcely to be paralleled by any place around us, ' If two of you shall agree on earth, as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven.' And that other. ' Before they call I will answer, and while they are yet speaking 1 will REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 120 hear.' Bui not to detain you too long from llie prin- cipal thing in view, 1 will endeavor, as far as I am able to recollect, and from the best intelligence 1 can get, to give you a faiihful account of ilie rise and pro- gress of the woik of God in ibis place. " 1 cannot find that it began with any thing more than the uneasiness of one person about the amazing stupidity and sloth fulness of christians in general, and the heartfelt sense this person had of the evil effects, of the chilling influence which cold christians always shed. Many fruitless attempts were made by this person to erect a praying society, for about a year. At length, however, in the fall of the year 1769, three or four young men were collected; who were members of a society held upon Saturday evening, tlieoniy so- ciety then in town. These met together every Sab- bath evening for prayer and other religious exercises, but without much appearance of life, or any addition to their number, for the space of six months. During this time Mr. Caldwell was abroad, but a little before his return, two of this society got in some ineasure awakened, and made some luiusual attempts to awa- ken others, not without success. Mr. C, upon his re- turn, was applied to by these persons to set up catechi- sing, which had been a long while neglected here. The proposal was heaitily complied with, and I believe about ten or twelve persons collected. These lectures were the means of awakening many careless sinners, and of stirring up to greater diligence those who had religion, but had been asleep ever since the last revi- 140 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. val of religion here. Mr. Caldwell finding the work increase upon h\s hands, and being sensible of the need we stood in of the constant influence of the Holy Spirit to give success to our endeavors, and to enable him to manage this work, and finding how much he needed the prayers of his people, set apart every Mon- day evening lo meet with a number of praying souls, and to consult measures for the reviving of religion among us. In these meetings there was the greatest christian freedom used. Mr. Caldwell proposed such methods as he thought best, and listened attentively to whatever might be suggested by the meanest christians. " One of the first things proposed in this society, was, that every member should have a praying friend (o whom he might communicate his difficulties, or 9,r}y thing in which he needed assistance ; and it was no uncommon thing for one christian to be at prayer in his closet for another v. ho is his friend, while he was attempting to do good to some of his fellow creatures. It is impossible to tell all the happy efiects of these praying engagements. Our hearts have cemented together as one, and through these united prayers and endeavors God has wrought wonders among us. An- other thing proposed was, that each member should fix upon some particular person, with whom he was connected, or was most likely to be useful to, and not to give over striving with this person, until his ends were answered, or there was no encouragement to proceed any faither. But a small repulse was not REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 141 thought sutEcieiit to discourage any ; ihis, at least, was always held up to view. The liappy consequen- ces of complying with this proposal were soon seen. Godsucceeded almost every attempt in a most remark- able manner. Backsliding christians were recovered from their wanderings; careless and secure sinneis awakened to attend to the things which belong to their peace. Into this society all difficult matters were brought, and directions given by Mr. Caldwell accord- ing as their nature and circumstances required. He oftentimes proposed his own difficulties, and begged the prayers of this little number for him. He some- times told the subjects he intended to preach upon, laid the importance of them upon their minds, and sent them home to pray fur him, while he studied for them and others. Time was frequently set apart by the members of this society for fasting and pra}er. After having confessed and bewailed our own back- slidings from God, and acknowledged his justice in withholding divine influences, and implored the return of his Spirit, and revival of religion in our closets, we all met together, and Mi. C discoursed upon son^e subject suitable to the occasion, and concluded with a solemn united address to the Father of mercies, for his special presence and assistance in carrying on his own work. " Tliese seasons of fasting and pruyer we have found of special advantage to us in strengthening us against our besetting sins. There are some kind of devils which go out only by fasting and jnayer. Tin)e was 142 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. often set apart, likewise, to give in account of the mercies of God towards us. Tliis is now done in writing. This society continued a long while private. At length, however, a great rumor was made about private societies. Some people did not understand why religious meetings should be private. Curiosity prompted some, and a desire of receiving benefit, oth- ers, to venture in, and it was found very difficult to deny admittance at last to any, so that it became quite public, and defeated the end for which it was appoint- ed, it was therefore altered from Monday to Thurs- day. Of the management of the last 1 shall speak presently. " The Sabbath evening society mentioned in the beginning of this narrative, increased surprisingly, so that by this time there were near 150 persons attend- ed. Persons flocked in from all quarters of the town ; some came fi"om other places, and went home refreshed and animated. The lectures upon this evening were the most pathelical and pointed I ever heard in my life. Persons all about the room were overwhelmed wilii tears, and could scarcely forbear crying out. Some of every age and character were awakened. Some of fifty or sixty years of age were brought to see their lost, undone condition by nature, and driven to seek help from God with earnestness and importunity. Some little children of twelve or thirteen years of age were hopefully awakened, and brought to cry out what shall we do to be saved ? What an aflecting scene was it to see and hear those lambs of the flock REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 143 asking the way to Zion with their faces thither- ward ! "The Monday evening was now improved in this manner. Mr. Caldwell attended as often as possi- ble, and, after a short exhortation, liberty was given to everyone to propose such difficulties as was thought proper. Some would ask the meaning of difficult texts of Scripture. Others would propose cases of conscience to be solved. Some would ask direction in one thing, and some in another, according to the various exercises of their own minds, or the difficulties they met with from without. But as some persons had not presence of mind enough to propose their dif- ficulties among so many of a mixed character, it was thought best to write them, and give them to Mr. C. the week before. And this method gives him the ad- vantage of opening each cjuestion more particularly. Liberty is still given at the end of each question, to enquire into any thing we do not understand, or has not been taken notice of in the explication. "The Thursday evening society was begun, and is carried on in the following manner. No person was admitted as a member but such as we had reason to hope was a true christian, and he first gave in his name to Mr. C. Each member has the fullest liberty to propose whatever may appear worth mentioning. The first evening the following things were suggested, viz. that we greatly needed more of the presence of God in our public assemblies, more of the spirit of prayer in our closets, more freedom and engagedncss 144 REVIVALS OF RELIGIOxV. in conversation. A quarter of an hour on Monda}'', Wednesday and Friday mornings was set apart for prayer ; and these matters were to be particularly attended to on those mornings, until something new was proposed. The grand tiling constantly held up as matter of prayer, was the influences of the Holy Spirit. With the Spirit we were sure every blessing was connected. Any persons belonging to this society who labored under difficulties of any kind, were at liberty to mention what might be proper, and prayer was made for support and direction, upon the morn- ings set apart for that purpose. Great care is taken to promote tlie study of the Holy Scriptures among us. In several of our societies accounts have been given in weekly of the substance of several chapters, great part of which by some have been committed to mem- ory. And now in this society we read fourteen chap- ters every week, unless something of more importance intei-feres; and a particular account is given in of those texts we think respect the latter day glory. Three hundred and twenty-one promises were found in the prophecy of Isaiah relating to this glorious time. Who would imagine the Oible was so fidl of such blessed promises, if they judged only from the prayers of christians? It is indeed enough to animate every lover of Zion, to think that there is a I.tlessed time coming, ' When all shall know the Lord fron) the least unto the greatest, and his knowledge shall fill the €arth as the waters cover the sea.' *' A particular account likewise is given in here of REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 145 our mercies and difficulties, in writing, as I hinted above. And as this society is collected from ahtiost every other society among us, a particular account is given in how each society goes on. So that this seems to be the fountain whence all the others, as streams, flow. Our attempts to revive religion have not been confined to ourselves, but have extended to those around us. Mr. C, and also many of his hearers, have frequently been among the neighboring churcl>- es, endeavoring, each in their sphere, (o stir them up to prayer and the use of every means to build up Zioii. Prayer has been made by each member of this society for the blessing of heaven to accompany their endea- vors. And that God has heard these requests is man- ifest by the effects that followed. In consequence of a short visit of iMr. C. to New Hempstead, a great deal of good hath been done. Many praying societies have been set up there, and many persons awakened to attend the means with great earnestness. We have had several letters from this place, informing us of their proceedings, and I think they are very encoura- ging- " Praying engagements are entered into betwixt that people and us ; and their societies seem to be formed upon almost the same plan of ours. There has been also some awakening and concern at Spring- field and Newark ; and there is now a very encour- aging prospect at New-York, owing, in a great mea- sure, to a visit Mr. C. made there some months ago. I never saw more of the spirit of prayer among any 1^ 146 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. people than those of the last mentioned place. Betwixt them and us there are hkewise praying engagements ; and I am witness there are fervent cries (at least the appearance of them) sent up to heaven on each other's behalf. " The management of the Saturday evening society has been almost perpetually varying. At first each member of the society presided in alphabetical order, and carried on altogether, or asked assistance as he thought proper. But as numbers were added to this society of those who were very young and not properly qualified to lead the exercises, it was thought best to choose one who would likely conduct with the most decency and good order, to preside constantly. Every member, however, takes his turn in prayer. Some- times, besides reading a practical sermon, wc consider a quesiion given out the week before. Sometimes give in an account of our difllculties, and make them matter of prayer upon that evening while together, and when we have relurned home ; and also upon the Sabbath evening following. Sometimes each member renders an account of what he has been doing the preceding week ; tells the encouragement or dis- couragement he meets with in his attempts to do good. Tn general, particular notice is taken of all the providences of God, and improved for the promotion of religion. If any public wickedness has been gQing on in the town, we deprecate the judgments of God, and earnest prayer is made in all our societies, that Binners may be stopped in their career of folly and V|a| EEVIVALS OP RELIGION. 147 madness, and their way hedged up that they may proceed no further. And many sigtial and remarka- ble answers have we seen to those prayers. God haa evidently opposed them \n their wickedness ; he hag frowned upon them in liis providence, and taken off their chariot wheels, (if I may so speak,) that they drove on heavily. By this means sinners have been often restrained from their pursuits of wickedness, and some happily reclaimed. The same method has been taken when any other thing appeared that tlireatened the growth of true religion. And when we have foreseen any thing that would tend to advance the Redeemer's kingdom, supplication was made for the accomplishment of it. "These matters have been so numerous thati can- not be particular. However, I may say that I have not known one instance, when we have entreated the God of heaven to put a stop to public wickedness, or to succeed the means to promote some public good, but he has appeared in a remarkable manner for the de- fence of his people, and graciously answered their requests. " There was some time ago a society held upon Wednesday evening with a design to promote a spirit of government, good order, and discipline in families. About twenty heads of families, T beheve, met with Mr, Caldwell once a fortnight, and consulted measures to prevent young persons, servants and apprentices, from being out at unseasonable hours of the night, spending their time \n frolics and scenes of dissipation. 148 REVIVALS OF RELIGION^. And in this society means were devised to prevent tavern-lmunting, gaming, and such kind of vices. And some vigorous attempts were made to suppress all these evils witii considerable success. Here also measures were fallen upon to prevent the misbelia- viour of young people in the house of God. Pro{3er persons were therefore appointed to sit m different parts of tf>e church, to take nolice of every disorder, and infornv their parents or masters, if they slighted a personal private admonition. And if those who h;id them more immedialely under their care, neglected their duty, or the oITenders grew obstinate, complaint was made to the magistrate, who executed his office, unless they promised reformation. There is vast alteration in our galleries in this respect. The dis- turbers of the public peace are so surrounded witb guards, that they dare not go on in the manner tliey used lo do. This seemed a lieavy stroke to the dev- il's kingdom — he now began to roar aloud. Scan- dalous, profane, and threatening letters were sent to those who were the most zealous in suppressing these evils. And a most infamous libel against Mr. Caldwell and some of his friends was nailed up against the meeting-house. But these in nowise daunted the persons who were thus treated, but ralherexcited then> to greater dihgence in promoting the cause they had undertaken. They justly concluded that if no good was likely to be done, the devil and iiis emissaries would not have made such an uproar. " I am not able, sir, to tell you the one half of what REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 149 God has done among us. The reformation has been extensive and great. Parents have been stirred up to seek with uncommon earnestness the conversion of their children, and children that of their parents ; the rehgious husband tlie conversion of his ungodly wife, and the beUeving wife her unbeheving husband. Those that have separated themselves from their wicked companions that they might serve the Lord, have turned back to call tlieir companions to share with them the same grace. And many of those who had been the ringleaders in vice, are now become the zealous promoters of the cause of God. Some of the most inveterate enemies to religion, and serious peo- ple, and praying societies, have, through the grace of God, been brought to see the evil of their ways, and to love and esteem those people they once thought be- low their notice. Many backsliding christians have been recovered, and now are rejoicing in hope of the glory of God. Formal professors and hypocrites have seen the insufficiency of the external garb of religion, while they were destitute of the internal power of it. Prayer has been set up in those families where it had been long neglected, and in many where it was never before practised. Four or five children in some fami- lies have been awakened, and we trust found mercy. The heads of some families have been so awakened that they have gone round to their neighbors, and called upon them aloud to attend the means of grace, and improve the present season of the outpouring of God's Spirit. And they themselves have brought their 13* 150 REVIVALS OF RELIGION". whole family to town, in hopes that the careless might be awakened, and the serious stirred up. Sinners have flocked into the church as a cloud and doves to their windows. The number of persons added to the church the year before last was fifty, and the number of praying societies was then eleven. At the con- clusion of last year sixty more were added, and all the societies amounted to about twenty. Some of these consist of men who meet by themselves, some women by themselves, and others, little children by them- selves. " Upon the whole, T think it is undeniable that God has been among us of a truth, and set his own hand to the work. We have been remarkably kept from errors in judgtnent or practice. There have been few instances of persons being carried away with enthusi- asm, indiscreet zeal, or impulses and revelations. We have been very much kept from vain disputes and contentions, backbiting and censuring, though the devil and evil minded men have endeavored to sow sedition among us. Secular business, I believe, has not upon the whole been neglected. That time which used to be spent in miith and vanity, is now^ spent in religion. There have been no remarkable instances, as yet, of persons who have made a profession of reli- gion drawing back again to the ways of sin. It would be strange, if this should not be the case with some, when a time of trial and temptation comes. There was an apostate in Jesus Christ's little family. I can- not indeed say that there has been no instance of any REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 151 one person behaving so that others should be justly stumbled concerning his profession, nor do I suppose there are no wolves in sheep's clothing. We liave reapon to be deeply humbled before God for ourdead- ness and want of conformity to him, and that there is so much reason for those wlio watch for our halt- ing to reproach us and religion. But that God has done great things for us, is too evident to need any further proof. " Thus, dear sir, 1 have given you a particular ac- count of God's work here;, and yet, considering how great it has been, ai>d how many things are worthy to be written, it is but a very brief one. If what I have written should be the means of quickening and encouraging you to use every means in your power to promote religion among the people over Vv-hom you may preside, or to spread it among others, (though 1 were under no singular obligations to you,) I should think myself amply rewarded, " You have heard from what small beginnings and feeble instruments this work took its rise. God has as it were begun at the lower end, and made up of the weak and foolish things of the world to confound the mighty, that no flesh should glory in his presence. 1 ask your prayers for this town, and would particu- larly beg an interest in them for him who is, " With much respect, dear sir, " Your greatly obliged friend, " And humble servant. 152 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. We again recur to the letter of Dr. M'Dowell to Dr. Sprague : — '•In 1784, this church was again visited in a spe- cial manner with the influences of the Holy Ghost. This was just after the close of the revolutionary war; and the people were without a house of worship, and without a pastor ; the church having been burned and the pastor slain near the close of the war. This revival continued about two years ; and time has abundantly proved that it was a genuine and glorious work of God. A number of the subjects are still living, and are truly fathers and mothers in Israel. Nearly all the session, and almost half the members of the church, when the writer settled here, were the fruits of this revival ; and he has had an opportunity of knowing them by their fruits ; he has been with many of them when about to pass over Jordan, and from their triumphant death as well as exemplary life, he can testify to the genuineness of the work. " From the time of this revival to the settlement of the writer, there were two seasons of more than ordi- nary interest, when the number of additions to the communion of the church was considerably increased. " The subscriber was settled as pastor of this con- gregation December, 1804. In August, 1807, a pow- erful and extensive revival commenced. The first decisive evidence of the special presence and power of the Holy Spirit, was on the Sabbath, under a power- ful sermon on prayer, by the Rev. Dr. Gideon Black- burn. A number were awakened that day ; and new REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 153 cases of conviclion, and hopeful conversion, were for a considerable time occurring at almost every religious meeting. The special attention continued for about eighteen months, and the number added to the com- munion of the church, as the fruits of this gracious work, was about one hundred and twenty. The sub- jects of it were generally deeply exercised ; and most of them continued for a considerable time in a stale of distress, before the}^ enjoyed the comforts of the hope of the gospel. This revival was the first I had ever seen; and it was a solemn situation, for a young man, totally inexperienced in such scenes. It was general through the congregation, and in a few weeks extended into neighboring congregations, and passed from one to another, until, in the course of the year, almost every congregation in what was then the Pres- bytery of Jersey, was visited. "The next revival with which the Lord favored my ministry, visibly commenced in December, 1812. Ii was on a communion Sabbath. There was nothing peculiarly arousing ia the preaching. 1 was not ex- pecting such an event ; neither, as far as I have evef discovered, was theie any peculiar engagedness in prayer, or special desire or expectation on the part of Christians. I saw nothing unusual in the appearance of the congregation ; and it was not until after the services of (he day were ended, when several called in deep distress to ask me what they should do to be saved, that 1 knew that the Lord was specially in this place. This was a day of such power, (though I 154 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. knew it not at the time,) that as many as ti)iity who afierwaids joined the church, were then first awaken- ed. And it is a remarkable circumstance tliat the same powerful influence was experienced, on the same day, in both of the Presbyterian churches in the neigh- boring town of Newark. It was also communion sea- sons in both those churches. This revival continued about a year ; and the number of persons *added to the communion of this church as its fruits was about one hundred and ten. The subjects of this revival generally were deeply and long distressed, and in many instances, their distress afTected their bodily frames. Frequently, sobbing aloud was heard in our meetings, and in some instances there was a universal trembling, and in others a privation of bodily strength, so that the subjects were not able to get home without help. In this respect this revival was difFerent from any others which I have witnessed. I never dared to cpeak against this bodily agitation, lest I should be found speaking against the II0I3' Ghost ; but I never did any thing to encourage it. It may be proper here to relate one case of a young man, who was then a graduate of one of our colleges, and is now a very respectable and useful minister of Christ. Near the commencement of the revival he was led for the first time, reluctantly, and out of complaisance to his sis- ters, to a meeting in a private house. 1 was present, and spoke two or three times between prayers in which some of my people led. l^he audience w'as solemn, t)Ut perfectly still. I commenced leading in the con- REVIVALS OP RELIGION. 155 eluding prayer. A suppressed sob reached my ear : it continued and increased : I brought the prayer speedily to a close, and cast my ej^es over the au- dience, when behold, it was this careless proud young man, who was standing near me, leaning on his chair sobbing, and trembling in every part like the Philip- pian jailer. He raised his eyes towards me, and then tottered forward, threw his arms on my shoulders, and cried out, 'what shall I do to be saved?' A scene ensued, the like of which I never witnessed. The house was full, and there was immediately, by the power of sympathy T suppose, a universal sobbing through the assembly. He repeatedly begged me to pray for him. I felt so overcome with the solemnity of the scene, and fearful of the disorder which might ensue in the excited state of feeling, that I held this trembling young man for half an hour, without speak- ing a word. I then persuaded him to go home with me, and the audience to retire. His strength was so weakened that he had to be supported. From that hour he appeared to give his whole soul to the subject of religion. He continued in a state of deep anxiety and distress for nearly two months, when he settled down in a peaceful state of mind, hoping in the Saviour. "About the beginning of February, 1817, this church was again visited with a great revival of reli- gion. It commenced most signally, as an immediate answer to the united prayers of God's people. The session, impressed with a sense of the comparatively 156 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. low state of religion among us, agreed to spend an afternoon together in prayer. The congregation were informed of this on the Sabbath, and a request made that Christians would at the same time retire to their closets, and spend a season in prayer for the influences of the Spirit to descend upon us. The season ap- pointed was the next afternoon ; and that evening was the monthly concert of prayer, which was unu- sually full and solemn ; and before the week was out, it was manifest that the Lord was in the midst of us, in a very special manner. Many cases of awakening came to my knowledge; and the woik soon spread throughout the congregation. This revival was mark- ed, not by the deep distress of the preceding, but by a general weeping in religious meetings. There was doubtless much of sympathy. A larger proportion than usual of the subjects were young, and many of them children. Some were long in darkness; but most of them, much sooner than in either of the former revivals of my ministry, professed to have em- braced the Saviour. The number in the congrega- tion who professed to be seriously impressed, amount- ed to several hundreds. The special attention con- tinued about a year ; and the nuniber added to th.e communion of the church during that time was about one hundred and eighty. It was during this revival that you visited this place, and spent some time with us while a student in Princeton Seminary. " About the close of the year 1819, it pleased agra- ■cious God to grant to this church aiiothcr season of REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 157 special refreshing. This was not so general through the congregation as the former; but was confined to particular neighborhoods. Christians did not appear to be specially awake to the subject, either before it commenced or during its progress. The subjects were generally from among the most unlikely farai- hes and characters ; from the highways and hedges ; while the chikhen of the kingdom were generally passed by. Tiie special atlention continued about a year; and the number added to the communion of the church as its fruits, was about sixty. "In the early part of the year 1 824, there was a con- siderable increase of attention to the subject of reli- gion, which continued through the year 1825. About sixty were added to the communion of the church during this time, as the fruits of (his special influence. But the work did not terminate with this ingathering. These were but as drops before a mighty shower. About the beginning of December, 1825, the work was greatly increased. It commenced visibly on a day of fasting and prayer, appointed by (he Synod of New- Jersey, on account of the absence of divine influences from their churclies generally. Within a few weeks many were awakened and brought to seek the Lord. This revival, with few exceptions, was not marked by deep distress, and the subjects of it, generally, soon professed to hope in Christ. It continued through the year 1826, during which 4,ime about one hundred and thirty were added to the communion of this church, as its fruits. U 158 REVIVALS OF RELIGION. "In the winter and spring of 1829, a partial sea- son of refreshing was again experienced, and about twenty-five were added to our communion. Again it pleased a gracious God specially to visit some neigh- borhoods of the congregation, through the winter and spring of 1831. The fruits of this visitation, which have been gathered in through the year past, amount to about forty. " In 1820, a second Presljyterian church was organ- ized in the town ; and in the revivals which we have experienced since that congregation was formed, a similar gracious influence has been enjoyed among them. " In conclusion, 1 would add, that appearances among my people at present are very favorable. There is much increase of attention to the means, and of solemnity in attending upon them. Many Christians appear to be much quickened in duty, and to be earnestly praying that the Lord would appear again in his glory in the midst of us, to build up Zion ; and a number have recently been awaken- ed to serious concern about their souls' salvation. We are anxiously looking for a time of general revival, but what will be the result time must show. " With sincere and fraternal respect, " I am, dear sir, yours, " John M'Dowell. " Rev. W. B. Sprague, D. D." REVIVALS OF RELIGION. 159 The above account brings down the narrative of revivals in the Presbyterian Churches to nearly the close of the ministry of the writer in this town. Since then exceedingly interesting seasons of refreshing have been enjoyed under the ministry of the present pastors of these churches in 1834, 1835, 1836, 1838, 1842 and 1843. And these revivals, unlike many excitements that have prevailed in different sections of the country, have been the result of God's blessing accompanying the stated means of grace as adminis- tered by the pastors of the churches. APPENDIX.* On page 20 we have recorded the names of the )riginal Associates and Proprietors of the Elizabeth- Town purchase. In 1699 there was held here a town-meeting, composed of all the Associates then living, and " those iiolding under them or some of tliem," at which the following individuals were ad- mitted to the rank and title of Associates, as posses- sors, some of first, second, and third lot rights. A first lot right is defined, in our old manuscript book, to be, " the least and lowest share of all the lands contained within the whole bounds and purchase of Elizabeth-Town ;" a second lot right " twice as large a share and division thereof as the first ; and a third lot right is thrice as large a share and division of the same premises as a first lot right is." We insert the names of this second generation of Associates here, for the gratification of their very numerous descend- * As we could not well introduce the following facts into the Notes, we place them here together, by way of Appendix. 14* 102 APPENDIX. ants, stating that the autographs of those of them who could write, are in the book fionci which we take their names. Not a few of them had to make " their mark." Their names are as follows : William Looker, I, Benjamin Wade, John Harriman, William Nicholls, William Brown, Nath'l Whitehead, John Thompson,- John Woodruff, William Hill, John Magie, Joseph Woodruff, Andrew Craig, Joseph Hallsy, Jacob Mitchell, George Thorp, Samuol Clarke, John Clarke, Ephraim Clark, Obadiah Soles, Jonathan Ogden, Samuel Carter, - Jeremiah Crane, William Miller, John Harriman, Jr. Abraham Hetfield, William Cromer, Benjamin Lyon, Thomas Darling, John Johnson, - Benjamin Ogden, Samuel Willis, John Pearce, John Gould, Cornelius Hetfield, Joseph Whitehead, Samuel Whitehead, David Woodruff, Benjamin Meeker, Mordecai Barnett, Joseph Lyon, Ebenezer Lyon, Robert Woolley, Dennis Morris, John Osborn, William Strayhearni Nathaniel Lyon, John Ailing, Andrew Hampton, Samuel Oliver, Richard Clarke, Ebenezer Willson. The plan on which the town was settled, was this: each proprietor had a town lot in the village, on which to build his house; and the farms were located in the surrounding countr}'. But few houses were built in the country for years after the settlement of the town. And the first houses were built on the banks of the creek, and near the tide water.. Incidents of themselves of a very tiifling import- auce, go far to illustrate the character and simple APPENDIX. 163 habits of a people. It is for this purpose we narrate the two following facts: In 1761, the year in which Mr. Caldwell was set- tled in the Presbyterian Church, a Mr. Thomas Woodruff is paid two shillings for riding round the parish and warning ihe people to a fast. In the early part of the same year a man is paid two shillings for calling the Elders and Deacons to a meeting " concerning Mr. Kettletas." The following incidents may reconcile us to some of the occasional detentions which sometimes now prolong a trip to New- York to ninety or one hundred minutes. In 1739, the Rev. Mr. Whitefield left New- York at noon for Elizabeth-Town. He reached here in safety the next day, time enough to dine with the Rev. Jonathan Dickinson, and to preach in the after- noon. And many of our aged ones well remember taking passage for Ngw-York at the Point, in the fast sailing boats, commanded by those favorite captains, Lee, Uzal Woodruff, and Twigley, whose cabins were be- tween four and five feet high, and not unfrequently lodging atBergen-Point, or Staten Island, when wind and tide were adverse. 164 APPENDIX. I find written on the margin of a copy of "Learn- ing and Spicer's Grants and Concessions," a minute to the following effect : there are also oral traditions which confirm its truth. The centennial jubilee, to commemorate the settlement of this town, was cele- brated here on tl>e 28th day of October, 1764. On that day "an ox was roasted on the common, in the centre of the town, nearly opposite Mr. Barnaby Shute's house." We find also the following note in the handwriting of Wm. M. Ross, dated "Elizabeth-Town, April 22, 1811, Monday afternoon." " At the time when the ox was roasted on October 28; 1764, Matthias Williamson, junior, then a youth, recollects that the conversation of the period was, that none then living would be alive to partake that day next century of the ox to be roasted on a similar oc- casion, to celebrate the purchase of the town from the Indians. " They therefore concluded, and passed a resolve among themselves, that those who should survive half a century, should have another jubilee, as it was concluded that some of the guests at this centennial dinner might live to see it." The reason why this jubilee was held on the 28th of October, piobably is, that on that day Governor Nicolls granted leave to John Bailey and others, to extinguish by purchase, the title of the Indians to APPENDIX. 165 some portions of land yet in their possession, withia the lines bounding the Ehzabeth-Town Grant. By extinguishing that title they complete the purchase of the whole distiict. The month of August, 1864, will complete the second century since the anival of Governor Carteret in this town ; and may we not hope that the day will be thankfully and joyfully celebrated by those who may live to see it. The following is an abstract of the last Census of Elizabeth-Town, taken from the " Sixth Census of the United States :"— The whole number of populationj 4184 White Persons. Males. Females. Totals. Of these, under 5 years, 306 316 622 Between 5 and 10, 241 222 463 " 10 and 15, 228 193 421 " 15 and 20, 192 231 423 " 20 and 30, 348 450 798 " 30 and 40, 226 262 488 " 40 and 50, 166 158 324 " 50 and 60, 72 106 178 " 60 and 70,, 46 62 108 " 70 and 80, 27 41 68 " 80 and 90, 3 10 13 3906 166 APPENDIX, Free Colored Pe EISONS. Males. Females. Totals Under 10 years, 35 28 63 Between 10 and 24, 33 46 79 " 24 and 36, 28 34 62 " 36 and 55, 24 24 48 " 55 and 100, 11 13 24 " 100 and upwards 1 1 Slaves, 1 1 278 Persons employed in Agriculture, 108 " " in Commerce, 37 Manufactures and Trades, 433, Navigation of the Ocean, 10 " of Canals, Lakes and Rivers, 26 Learned Professions and Engineers, 34 Pensioners for Revolutionary Services, 3 Deaf and Dumb, ^ Blind, 1 Insane and Idiots, 2. Academies and Grammar Schools, 3, Number of Scholars in do. 150: Primary and Common Schools, 10 Number of Scholars in do. 393 " " at Public charge, 60 Number of white persons over 20 years that cannot read or write, 5. X '^^•"iX?-"^