YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

THE LIBRARY OF THE
DIVINITY SCHOOL

MEMORIAL

J/

OF THE

JUBILEE

OF THE

HUNTERDON COUNTY

BIBLE SOCIETY.

AUGUST 1866.

NEW YORK :
1867.

HOLT HKO'VIIKKS, -JOB PHINTKRH, 104 WILLIAM STRKKT. M
>3&k 

MINUTES.

The Society met pursuant to adjournment, in a spacious
and beautiful grove, near to the church, (the charge of the
late Dr. Kirkpatrick) in which fifty years ago it was first
organized. A large and intelligent assembly, numbering
over two thousand friends of the cause, were present, drawn
from all parts of the county and from sister counties. The
skies were bright, nature wore her sweetest smiles. Noth
ing marred the joy which swelled the hearts of all, save that
two loved and honored men, long and faithful friends, ac
tive and earnest workers in the cause, who had looked for
ward with us to this meeting, had been called away by
death. Sorrow mingled with the joy of the jubilee year.
The programme agreed upon at the last meeting was fol
lowed as far as providential circumstances permitted.
The Rev. John Van Lieu, of Readington, invoked the
Divine presence and blessing.
The Rev. John Burrows, of Mt. Airey, read a hymn suited
to the occasion, which was sung by the choir.
The Rev. Mr. Upham, of Reaville, read a portion of the
Scriptures. The Rev. Mr. Graw, of the M. E. Church, Lambertville,
led the Society in prayer.
The Rev. Mr. Doolittle, of the Reformed Dutch Church,
Stanton, read a hymn.
The Rev. Dr. W. H. Green, of Princeton, preached a ser
mon from Psalm 119 ; 97 : " How I love Thy law." After
the sermon an anthem was sung by the choir.
The Hon. A. Wurts, the President, then took the chair..
The Rev. Mr. Williamson then opened the business ses
sion of the Society with prayer.
The President made an able and effective address, speak
ing of the invaluable blessings of the Bible, and the impor
tance of the Bible cause.
The following delegates were present from sister Societies :

Hudson, Rev. P. D. Van Cleef.
Pasaic, Rev. John B. Steele.
Somerset, Rev. Jas. Le Fevre, Col. J. D. Hope.
Morris, Hon. John Hill.
The Rev. Dr. Sheldon, the agent of the American Bible
Society, was present, as usual.
After the transaction of the usual business, the Society
took a recess, and repaired to the tables near by, where a
bountiful repast had been provided. After the recess the
Society resumed its sessions. The Rev. P. A. Studdiford, of
Lambertville, selected by the Executive Committee in place
of the late P. 0. Studdiford, D. D., delivered the following
historical address.

HISTORICAL ADDRESS.

In the providence of God, death has called away two of
the oldest and most active members of this Society, both
of whom were to have taken prominent parts in the pro
ceedings of this interesting occasion. To one was assigned
the historical address, for which he was so well qualified.
It is with unfeigned diffidence, as well as with feelings of
sadness, that I have consented to take his place.
In preparing this address, I have mainly depended on the
minutes of this Society, of which, however, those from the
year 1827 to the year 1839 are missing. I am also much
indebted to the Rev. Drs. Hall and Janeway for interesting
facts respecting some of the early founders of this Society.
In the quiet workings of this association little can be ex
pected of startling moment. There are no striking changes,
no thrilling incidents to chronicle ; but the results which
have been accomplished are none the less important. It is
not that which is the most demonstrative that is the most
valuable. The effect of christian benevolence, like that of
the gentle dew, is not to be measured by tumult and agita
tion, but by the in-gathering of precious fruit.
A brief summary would give us all the prominent facts
in the history of this organization : but who can recount all
the good that has been accomplished. Eternity must reveal
this. Before the Huntendon Co. Bible Society was instituted,
attention had been elsewhere awakened to the necessity of
more systematic efforts for supplying the destitute with the
sacred Scriptures.
The first organization formed was the Philadelphia Bible
Society, which was organized in the year 1808. Soon after
its origin several other societies were iustituted. One of

these, the New Jersey Bible Society, was organized in the
year 1809. This became one of the most efficient in the
country. Its efficiency was greatly promoted by the spring
ing up of auxiliaries in the several parts of the state.
Pursuant to public notice, a large number of the inhabi
tants of theCpunty of Hunterjdon, assembled on Thursday,
October 16th, 1816, at the Stone Meeting House in Amwell,
about half a mile from where we are now holding this An
niversary, for the purpose of organizing this Society as
auxiliary to. the New Jersey Bible Society. That old
edifice which had formerly belonged to the German Re
formed Church, hut which was then occupied by the United
First Presbyterian Church of Amwell, has long since been
torn down. Among those who met there on that occasion
we have noticed the names of most of the ministers and
many of the prominent laymen in the county at that day.
Of the whole number, if I am correctly informed, only one
survives. At that meeting, the Rev. Mr. Huntington, of
New Brunswick, successor of the Rev. Dr. Joseph Clark,
preached the sermon, from Nehemiah iv : 6 ; " For the
people had a mind to work " — a text certainly appropriate
to the inauguration of such an enterprise, and which has
been exemplified more and more as years have rolled by. —
I have no data showing why Mr. Huntington, who lived in
the bounds of another county, was selected as the preacher
on this oceasion. It may have been as the representative
of the New Jersey Bible Society, or, at the suggestion, aa
it seems plausible, of the Rev. J. Flavel Clark, or of his
brother, Col. Peter I Clark, the sons of Dr. Clark, Mr.
Huntington's predecessor. The sermon was followed by
an address from the Rev. J. Flavel Clark. The meeting
was then duly organized with Gen. John Beatty, of Trenton,
as temporary Chairman, and Joseph Bishop, Esq., of
Ringoes, as Secretary. The Constitution was then con
sidered and adopted. The following officers were elected
for the ensuing year :
Hon. Samuel L. Southard, President.
Gen. John Reatty, ,1st Vice President.
Rev. Jacob Kirkpatrick, 2d Vice President.
Rev. J. F. Clark, 3d Vice President.

Rev. John Boggs, 4th Vice President. '
Peter I. Clark, Corresponding Secretary.
Joseph Bishop, Recording Secretary.
John Q. Blackwell; Treasurer.

Peter Gordon,
Charles Rice,
Dr. John Bowne,
Thomas Gordon,
Benjamin Hayden,
Richard M. Green,
Jacob Johnson,
James Dunham,

MANAGERS.
Jacob Anderson,
Abraham, Stpufc,,,
Isaac Dunn,
John Carr,
John Scudder,
John.Prall, Jr.,
James Stevenson,
John Carpenter,
.Jeremiah Ker^how,

Peter Thomson,
Jeptha Arrison,
Samuel W. Fell,
Henry Gulick,
Levi Knowles,
Rich'dStockon, Jr.
Dennis Wycoff,
Joshua, Bunn.

At a meeting of the Board of Managers it was resolved
that 500 copies of the Constitution and proceedings of the
meeting be printed in pamphlet form for circulation through
the county, and also that the address of the American Bible
Society to the people of the United States be printed with
the Constitution.
It is an evidence of the thoroughness of the organization
and of the general interest awakened, that, at a subsequent
meeting of the Board, committee-men— honored names —
were appointed for the different townships, and also " dis
tributing-managers," to attend to the supply of the destitute
with the Scriptures. It seems, however, like " a day of small
things " when we read the resolution that the committee be
appointed to purchase a number of 'Bibles, not exceeding
one hundred, as soon as the Treasureirfis enabled to furnish
them the money, Yet we are not to despise such an hum
ble beginning. The acorn does' hot1 shoot forth instantane
ously the full grown oak. There must -be -aft intermediate
process of steady growth, -ft will Tse our pleasure to mark
the cycles of this growth.' : *' - ,; '¦ '"''.'-¦ * ; •'
At the second annual meeting, held in Flemingtori, July
29th, ' 1817, the- sermon was preached^by-fhe °Rev:- -Samuel
Howeyof Trenton, now RevVDr. Stiwtf; of -New Brunswick*
¦'At this meeting the^ duties of ;the Managers a'nd commit-

8
ees in the several townships were defined to be the soliciting
of subscriptions and donations to the Society, and the dis
tribution of Bibles. The Bibles were to be distributed to
the several townships in proportion to the amount sub
scribed by each.
The plan of holding quarterly meetings of the Board of
Managers was resolved upon .
At 'this meeting a collection was taken up amounting to
$15.83. There is no mention of any other contributions,
although it is likely there were others, from the fact already
stated, that each township was to receive copies of the
Scriptures according to the amount of money subscribed.
At the third annual meeting, held in Flemington, July
28th, 1818, a very important change was made in the con
nection of this Society. It was resolved that in the second
article of the Constitution, the word " American " be substi
tuted for the word :i New Jersey." Thus the parental rela
tion of the American Bible Society was commenced, and
from that time to this the Hunterdon Co. Bible Society has
been a dutiful and loving child.
At this annual meeting the sermon was preached by the
Rev. John Boggs, pastor of the Baptist church in Hopewell,
one of the oldest organizations of that denomination in this
state. Mr. Boggs is deceased, and I regret that I have not
access to any facts concerning him. He seems to have taken
an active part in the proceedings of this Society, as did
other Baptist ministers in the county. Here I am constrain
ed to express the regret, which, doubtless, you all feel, that
that excellent body of Christians should have seen fit to
withdraw from all active co-operation with other denomina
tions in this noble enterprise.
It is a mark of progress, that at the next annual meeting,
held at Lebanon, August 31st, 1819, it was resolved to pur
chase two hundred Bibles, and, as soon as the funds of the
Society would admit,, twenty-five more— a number more
than double what they were able to purchase three years
before. We find nothing of special interest to note until the
fcmual meeting in August, 1821, when we have the first
record of any remittances to, the American Bible . Society

The treasurer was directed to pay over to the parent society
$50. From the report of the parent Society we find that
the total amount sent for the three years ending in 1821
was $160.15.
At a meeting of the Board of Managers held on February
ISth, 1822, a communication from the American Bible Soci
ety was received, the purport of which was not stated, hut
evidently acting under its influence, the Board resolved
that the President and Corresponding Secretary write to
the Corresponding Secretary of the American Bible Society,
stating that a visit from any of the Officers and Managers
of the parent society would be most gratifying as welf as
greatly aid the cause of the Bible in this county.
Facts like this may seem of trivial moment ; yet they
indicate to us the steps of progress — they show that the1 tie
binding parent and child was constantly growing stronger.
It was recommended at a special meeting held in Trenton
in the following year, to form auxiliary societies in the
several townships. There is no evidence at hand that this
recommendation was ever carried into effect. However,
according to the report of the Bible Society of New Jersey
in January, 1828, there was the Trenton Bible Society and
also the Bible Society of the Lawreuceviile High School,
which was auxiliary to the Bible Society of Nassau Hall.
In the minutes of August 16th, 1825, there is the first
mention of a systematic effort to supply the destitute of the
county with the sacred Scriptures. Mr. Barrett, who was
appointed to this work, reported at the next meeting of the
Board of Managers that he had found 160 families destitute
of the Word of God. It is probable that he traversed only
a portion of the county, as in the following year measures
were taken to employ one or more agents to ascertain the
wants of the destitute. The agent subsequently appointed,
Mr. William Corwin, reported at the meeting of the Board
of Managers, on June 3d, 1827, that he had explored the
townships of Lebanon, Readington and Tewksbury, and had
found 64 families destitute.
From the year 1827 to the year 1839, with theexception
of the year 1832, unfortunately' the minutes are missing,
and I have been unable to obtain any other facts than, a

10

statement of the annual contributions to the American
Bible Society throwing any light on the progress effected
during that period.
There is one item worthy of note in the fragment of the
minutes of 1832 ; that is, a communication was received
from Chief Justice Ewing, requesting a committee to be
appointed on the part of the Society to meet and confer
with the New Jersey Bible Society in referenceto supplying
the inhabitants of the Sandwich Islands with the Word of
God. In 1839, the pastors of the several churches in the county
were called upon to make earnest endeavors to raise money
in aid of the American Bible Society, for the distribution
of the Scriptures in foreign lands.
In 1841 measures were again taken to seek out those
who were destitute of the Word of Life. In the same year
a motion was made to do away with the quarterly meetings
of the Board of Managers, which, however, was not acted
upon until the following year, when the motion was decided
in the negative.
At the meeting of the Board of Managers in August,
1845, it was resolved that the ministers of the various
evangelical denominations in the county be requested to
preach on the subject of the circulation of the Scriptures,
and to take up a collection in aid of the cause, before the
quarterly meeting to be held in the following February.
More system was given to the matter of contributions
by the resolution passed in August, 1847. to call thereafter
on the several churches in order for the amounts collected.
In November of the same year, steps were taken for a
re-survey of the county, that none might be left in want
of God's Holy Word. A colporteur of the American Tract
Society was employed for this work.
Increased care was given that collection be taken up
systematically, as a resolutions to that effect was passed in
1849, requesting that the contributions should be raised
about the 1st Sabbath in August. At a subsequent meeting
in the same year, the several pastors were reminded of this
resolution. Much has been done to advance the Bible
cause by urging ministers to a more systematic and careful

11
work in its behalf. The Society, at its annual meetings, has
served to keep this subject before their minds. Again and
again was the corresponding Secretary directed to write
to the several pastors, reminding them of the importance
of the work and of the necessity of a yearly presentation
of its interests for the consideration of their respective
churches. In August, 1849, the committee who had the matter in
charge, reported that they had employed Mr. John C.
Agin as colporteur, to supply the county with the Scrip
tures, and that he was now in the field
^ The meeting at Flemington, in August, 1851, appears
from the minutes to have been one of unusual interest.
Two of the prominent members of the bar, one of whom
is our respected President, and the other one of the found
ers of this Society, took part in the proceedings, offering
appropriate resolutions, and making eloquent and sugges
tive remarks.
At that meeting a donation of $200 was made to the
American Bible Society, and the pledge was given that
$500 would be raised for the same purpose the ensuing
year. A committee was also appointed to correspond with
the churches in reference to the Bible cause.
At the next annual meeting, in 1852, the pledge made to
the parent society was redeemed, and $500 ordered to be
paid over.
In 1853 further progress was evinced in setting the goal
of their benevolent efforts for the next financial year at
$800. This appears to have been the first time that dele
gates were appointed to other societies. This fraternal
greeting was extended to the societies of Somerset, Mercer
and Warren. In 1854 the delegates to the Somerset Co.
Bible Society reported that they had been affectionately
received, and were highly pleased with the proceedings of
that society. At the meeting delegates from that society
were present, and made most interesting and stirring re
marks, congratulating their brethren of this Society on
their success, and bidding them God speed in the noble
cause. $1000 were pledged for the ensuing year. In 1855
this pledge being redeemed was again given. \

12
At the annual meeting in 1856 a committee reported that
they had employed a colporteur to visit the families of the
county, and supply the destitute, and to distribute the
Seriptures to all who wished them. The Treasurer reported
that he had received for the year $1100.10. A donation of
$1000 was made to the parent society. Contrast this with
the contribution of $200 made only five years before. Sure
ly, in view of this increase, we have cause for gratitude to
God, as well as for seeing the importance of a systematic
and at the same time an earnest beneficence. But this was
not all ; it was resolved to raise $1200 the ensuing year.
In August, 1857* the committee reported that the colpor
teur had finished the work of supplying the county, and
that this the fifth time the county has been supplied by this
society. The subject of the revision of the Scriptures by
the 'American Bible Society having been introduced, the
following minute, presented by the Rev. Dr. Studdiford,
was adopted, viz :
" Resolved, that this society entertain an unabated inter
est in the prosperity and- operations of the American Bible
Society." "Resolved, further, that with a view to do away with
those grounds of dissatisfaction which have arisen in the
minds of some of its best friends, we desire and hope that
the Managers of that institution will remove those changes
which in a few instances they have made of the recent text
of the English Bible, and also restore the former headings
of the chapters."
At the annual meeting held in Readington in 1858, the
society and the large audience present were electrified at
the announcement, by the Rev. Dr. Sheldon, that the trans-
Atlantic telegraph Was completed, and that a message had
passed from Queen Victoria to the President of the United
States, and a reply from the President. The enthusiasm,
alas ! was doomed to be short lived. And now, when this,
one of the greatest undertakings of the nineteenth century,
is an accomplished fact, the wonder is that we are not
more astonished. Who can tell how much this marvelous
enterprise may stimulate and enlarge the operations of the
American Bible Society? When the communication of

13
thought is thus quickened, and nations the most remote are
brought together, God in His providence is calling, on us to
ponder our increased responsibilities, and realise the mag
nitude of the work before us.
At the annual meeting in 1859, the important intelligence
was communicated that the American Bible Society had
sent the Scriptures into the Empire of China.
In August, 1860, the Rev. J. H. Dwight, a returned mis
sionary from Turkey, was heard with deep interest. On
motion of the Rev. Mr. Jane way, it was
" Resolved, that in view of the increasing demand that God
in His providence is making upon his people for the foreign
field, the Hunterdon County Bible Society endeavor, the
ensuing year, to raise the sum of $1500, and if this sum be
raised, that $500 be devoted to the Turkish Mission."
We find nothing especially note-worthy in the minutes
of the Society until the annual meeting in ' August, 1862,
when the following resolution was adopted : ;
" Whereas, there has been and still is a call for our fellow-
citizens to offer themselves for the defence of their country
and knowing the importance of the precious Word of God
to all men, therefore,
" Resolved, that this Society will pay the expense of send
ing a Testament to every soldier who goes to the Federal
army from Hunterdon County."
In the minutes of 1863 we find resolutions of respect to
the memory of Col. Peter I. Clark, and of Samuel D. Stryker,
Esq., the ormer of whom had been President, and the latter
was President at the time of his death.
At the meeting in August, 1864, an expression of respect
was given to the memory of Rev. Joseph Rogers, and of
Col. A. W. Dunham, two of the managers of the Society.
At the annual meeting in 1865, all the arrangements
were made for this anniversary.
After thus taking a hasty survey of what the Society has
done, it may be of interest and profit to us to note the in
crease in the contributions of this Society, as evinced by the
tabular Statement for which I am indebted to the Treasurer
Wm. P. Emery, Esq. You will remember that this Society
transferred its relation to the American Bible Society in

14
1818. The report of moneys received is from that date.
Taking the eight years immediately succeeding, we find
reported $572.63, an average per year of $71.58. From
1826 to 1836 there was reported the sum of $1,666.45, or an
average of $166,641 per year ; from 1836 to 1846, $1,099.83,
being an average per year of $109.88 ; from 1846 to 1856,
$5,035.31, or an average of $503.53 per year ; and from 1856
to 1866, $11, 638.94, or an average of 1,163.90 per year.
If we compare the last three years reported with the first
three, we have, in 1864, $1,211.65, in 1865, $1,682,45, in
1|66, $1,650.00, an aggregate of $4,543.90 contrasted with
$160.15 reported from 1818 to 1821, an increase of more
than twenty-eight fold. This brief statement speaks vol-
umnes. It gives at a glance a more vivid idea of the pro
gress of this Society than all the eloquence of words. As
we sum up in these telling figures the results of the opera
tions of this society as an auxiliary to the American Bible
Society, we have abundant reason to be grateful to our
covenant God and to take courage.
But this is not all that this organization has effected.
While sending forth the stream of beneficence in an ever
augmenting tide to bless other communities and other lands,
it has not neglected the interests of home. Here in this
county we have experienced its benign influence — an influ
ence which cannot be expressed in the figures or characters
of time — an influence which is writing its story on the
scroll of eternity.
1. Think of the many destitute that have been supplied
with the Bread of Life. True, many of them may have
hated it and preferred thereto the husks of this world.
But some hungry souls have been fed, some careless ones
have been admonished, by the very offer of the Bible from
the hands of the faithful colporteur, of their responsibilities
and their peril. It would be a matter of great encourage
ment as well as interest to know how many have by this
means been led from darkness to light.
2. A very important result of the workings of this Soci
ety is the promotion of Christian beneficence. If we look
simply at the figures already cited, we see that the ratio of
increase of the contributions has been immensely greater

15
than that of the increase of population, and much greater
than that of the increase of wealth. What does this show,
if not the liberalizing influence of the Bible cause 1 , The
people of this county, by his honored instrumentality, have
gradually been trained up in the habit of giving. Nor
is this all. Doubtless the increased interest in this cause,
and the increased contributions, have had a most salutary
effect on other enterprises of benevolence. The momentum
gained in this Society has given an impulse to all other
efforts for good.
3. As the people have thus been trained to habits of
giving, so their views have been enlarged to take in the
expanding sphere of operations. They have been not only
led to feel an interest in the destitute around them, but
also to feel that they are part of one great brotherhood,
which embraces not only our own beloved land, but people
of every nation and clime. Whoever comes in contact
with the Bible will likely experience some good, intellectual,
aesthetic, moral or spiritual. But when one becomes in
terested in its circulation, and has it brought so prominently
in view as it is in our annual meetings, he will in judgment
and conscience, if he does not cherish it in heart, esteem
it the central system of truth, the very book of books.
Thus has this constant effort in behalf of the Bible cause
tended to elevate and improve all who have been enlisted
in it. It would be a curious and instructive problem to
solve, how much of the temporal prosperity of this county
is due to this very organization. I would not undervalue
the pulpit, far from it, yet it is not to much to say that
this Society has been one of the most powerful adjuncts of
the pulpit in promoting the temporal, not to speak of the
spiritual, welfare of the people of this county.
4. How much has it done also to foster the spirit of
christian union and fellowship. Here ministers and people
of different evangelical denominations meet on a common
platform. Here is a cause dear alike to all. Here Judah
need not vex Ephraim, nor Ephraim envy Judah. Enlisted
in this noble cause the watchmen on Zion's wall can see
eye to eye. Kindling our torches at the same source of
light, we can see that after all our lesser diffe r nces, we are

61
walking in the same path to heaven's gate. Here we can
leain that lesson of Christian wisdom and charity which
often has been so hard to learns in all essential doctrines
agreeing, in all non-essentials agreeing to differ. Thus
hand in hand we pledge anew from year to year, around
one common altar; allegiance to the God of the Bible. Let
this hallowed Work then go on ; let it be cherished in our
hearts ; let its past achievements have a living and tenacious
hold on1 our memories. And while commemorating the
deeds of this Society, and calling to mind the blessings
which God has showered upon it, let us pay a grateful
tribute of respect to its early friends and founders, who
have passed away from the busy scenes of earth. The
memory of the deceased presidents calls for special notice.
First in the list is he who while living, was so often- de
nominated New Jersey's favorite son, Samuel L. Southard.
Born at Baskinridge, New Jersey, June 9th, 1787, he re^
ceived his early training at the school of Dr. Finley, in his
native village. At the age of seventeen he graduated at
the College of New Jersey, as the valedictorian of his class,
in which were numbered several who afterwards rose to
great distinction. After graduating he went to Virginia,
where disciplining his mind by teaching, he also found
time to study law, and after a due course of preparation
was admitted to the bar. Returning to his native state, he
received, in 1814, his license as a counselor. He soon took
rank among the ablest of his profession. At this time his
residence was at : Flemington. After a brief service in the
House of Assembly,* he was elevated to the bench of the
Supreme Court, perhaps the youngest man ever graced
With that honor in New Jersey. In 1821 he was elected
to the Senate of the United States, and though one of the
youngest Senators, soon attracted such notice by his abili
ties that President Monroe called him to his seat in his Cab
inet, as Secretary of the Navy, in 1823 ; and such skill and
energy did he display in discharging the functions of this
office he was continued therein throughout the administra
tion of President Adams. Leaving, in 1829, in other hands
the portfolio of the Navy, he was immediately appointed
Attorney, General of the State, and in 1832 was elected

17
Governor. In the following year he was again sent to the
benate of the United States, of which he continued a mem
ber and "one of its greatest ornaments " until his death,
June 26th, 1842. Taking the liveliest interest in the cause
of African colonization, and of the American Bible Society,
he made some of his most effective speeches in their behalf.
Appointed the first president of this Society, he served in
that capacity for two years. He was again president in
1822* Gen. John Beatty, of Trenton, was the second president of
this Society. He succeeded Mr. Southard in 1818, continu
ed president until 1822, and was again in that office from
1823 until his death, May 30th, 1826.
Gen. Beatty was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania,
December 10th, 1749. He pursued his academical studies
at the College of New Jersey, from which he graduated in
1769. He was educated as a physician under the celebrated
Dr. Rush, but at the commencement of the Revolutionary
war he drew his sword in defence of American liberty. He
was appointed colonel in the army. After serving his coun
try in several important military stations, he, at the close
of the war, commenced practice as a physician at Princeton.
He subsequently removed to Trenton. Highly esteemed by
his fellow-citizens, he had the honor to represent them both
in the legislature of the State and in Congress. He served
also as Speaker of the Assembly, and in 1795 was appointed
by the Legislature, Secretary of the State. He was, for the
last eleven years of his life, president of the Trenton Bank.
For many years a ruling elder in the Presbyterian church
in Trenton, he frequently took a prominent part in the
ecclesiastical courts of his denomination. To borrow the
closing words of his epitaph, " he crowned the virtues of the
man, the patriotism of the soldier, and the sagacity of the
statesman with the pure piety and sincere religion of the
devout and humble Christian,"
Chief Justice Charles Ewing is the third on the honored
roll. He was elected president of this Society on the death
of Gen. Beatty ins1826, and continued in this office until his
•Tor the facts'above given respecting Mr. Southard, and those in the following pages
respecting Chief Justice Ewing, I am mainly indebted to the Historical collections of
Slew Jersey.

18

death, August 5th, 1832, in the fifty-third year of his age/
He was an honor to his profession^ which in his native state
has received lustre from so many distinguished names. He
was a profound jurist, an upright magistrate, a shining ex
ample of that probity and impartiality which should ever
distinguish the high office he was called to fill. He was an
accomplished scholar of high literary and scientific tastes
and acquisitions. He cherished a lively interest in all works
of benevolence. The cause of the Bible found in him a most
earnest advocate. Finding his chief earthly solace in the
pleasures of home, cultivating the domestic virtues most
tenderly and assiduously, he crowned those virtues by the
deepest reverence for the doctrines and an habitual attention
to the precepts of Christianity. Few men have died as much
lamented. His name is a cherished treasure in the archives
of this Society.
I know not who was the [president of the [Society from
1832 until 1839, as the minutes for that period, as already
mentioned, are wanting.
From 1839 until 1846 Dr. John Bowne of Amwell, in the
portion which is now Delaware township, officiated as
president. The Dr. was born on what was afterwards
the battle-field of Monmouth N. J., September 2d, 1767.
He was licensed to practice medicine in May 1795. He
died November 4th, 1857, being two months over ninety
years of age. He was for, more than fifty years an elder in
the Second Presbyterian church of Amwell. He was a com
missioner to the General Assembly as early as 1808. His
academical studies were pursued under the tution of the
Rev. John Woodhull, D.D., of the Tennent church. He was
a man of sterling integrity and honesty. He was possessed
of great vigor of constitution : many of you can remember
how erect he sat upon his horse even in old age. He took
an active interest in the Bible Society ; was among its foun
ders, and in his conscientious adherence to it showed, as in
other respects, that he was a man of Christian principle.
The next president was Col. Peter I. Clarke, who was born
in the city of New Brunswick in 1790. He was the second
son of the Rev. Joseph Clarke, D.D. He graduated at the
College of New Jersey in 1809. He afterwards taught a

19
female seminary in his native city. He studied law there,
and removed to Flemington about 1815. He became a
member of the church in the winter of 1842, and an elder
about the year 1855 or '56. He was a warm friend of the
Bible cause, and one of the first members of this Society.
Often were his earnest and eloquent words heard in its
behalf He was, for twenty years before his death, a devoted
Christian man. His noble, commanding presence, his frank
and genial countenance, his rich, musical voice, his courteous
dignity and suavity of manner come readily to your remem
brance. He was president of this Society from 1846 to 1849.
The last of the deceased presidents was Samuel D Stryker,
Esq. Succeeding Col. Clark in 1849, he continued president
until his death, in January 1863, in the fourteenth year of
his official tenure. Though not one of the founders of the
Society, he had been long identified with its interests. He
was treasurer of the Society from 182 L until 1347, a period
of twenty-six years. At his resignation the thanks of the
Society for his long and faithful services as their treasurer
were unanimously voted. Mr. Striker was born in the
township of Alexandria, January 27th, 1790. He commenc
ed business in Lambertville about 1813 ; in a year or two
removed to Lumberville, Pennsylvania, from thence went to
Flemington about 1820, in 1826 removed to Lambertville,
where he resided until his death. He connected himself
with the Presbyterian church in Flemington, and continued
until the last, a consistent Christian, and a warm friend of
this Society.
But it seems fitting also that brief notices should be given
of other friends of this Society who have gone to their final
reward. The Rev. Joseph Rue, of Pennington, was one whose name
should be held in reverence by this Society. The son of
Joseph and Sarah Rue, he was born in Freehold, N. J. in
the year 1751. His paternal ancester was a Huguenot who
fled from France in consequence of the revocation of the
edict of Nantes. His original name was La Rue. The Rev.
Wm. Tennent was the pastor and instructor of young Rue,
and prepared him for the College of New Jersey, where he
graduated in 1776. Taken under the care of the Presbytery

20
of New Brunswick, October 17th, 1780, he was licensed July
25th, 1781, and was ordained at Pennington as an evangalist
on the 15th of June, 1784, at the same time with Joseph,
Clark. Immediately thereafter he began to labor as a mis
sionary at Shrewsbury and Shark's River, N. J. He was
installed as successor of the Rev. John Guild in the pastoral
charge of Pennington, October 19th, 1785. He died April
26th, 1826, just forty-one years from the date of his call, in
the seventy-fifth year of his age. His labors were greatly
blessed, more especially in a continued work of grace in
1801, which increased the number of communicants from
70 to 170. The loss of his right arm early in life was prov
identially the occasion of turning his attention to the min
istry. He was, in an eminent degree, a Scriptural preacher,
earnest and faithful in the presentation of the truth. We
find his name in the minutes of November, 1816, as one of
the committee for the township of Hopewell. He was also
one of the Board of Managers. In- 1818 he was elected 2d
Vice President. His name appears as an officer of this
Society as lately as 1823.
Another of the founders of this Society was the Rev.
Isaac V.Brown, D.D., of Lawrenceville. His name frequently
appears in the early records of the Bible Society. He was
a native of Lemington, in Somerset County in this State, '
and in his childhood was under the pastoral care of the
Rev. Mr. Boyd. He prepared for college, in part at least,
under the tuition of the Rev. Dr. Finley. He graduated at
Princeton in 1802, was licensed by the Presbytery of New
Brunswick about 1805, was subsequently ordained by the
same Presbytery and assumed pastoral charge of the church
at Lawrenceville, it is likely about 1806, when the Rev.
Jas. Francis Armstrong, of Trenton, ceased his labors there,
and continued pastor until 1830, when he was succeded by
the Rev. Henry Axtell. His most important work was the
founding of the High School at Lawrenceville, which was
commenced in some sense in 1809, but was not fairly inau
gurated until 1810. Among the pupils under Dr. Brown's
care were Chancellor Green, Ex. Governor Olden, Dr. Gross
of Philadelphia, the celebrated surgeon, the Rev. James
Brainerd Taylor, and others who have adorned the three

21
liberal professions, as well as other pursuits in life.
The Rev. Eli F. Cooley, D.D., of Ewing, was not one of
the original members of this Society, but, from the time of
his settlement as pastor of the church at Ewing until the
formation of Mercer County, he was one of the most active
and efficient supporters of this organization. He was present
at the institution of the American Bible Society in May,
1816, as a delegate from Otsego County, New York. When
the Mercer County Bible Society was organized, he was one
of its original members and continued until the end of his
life to manifest a lively interest in its success. Dr. Cooley
was born at Sunderland, Franklin County, Mass., October
15th, 1781. He was son of a deacon of the Congregational
church in that place. He removed to Hartford, Conn., in
1796, and in 1800 united with the church of the Rev.
Nathan Story, D.D. He pursued his classical studies under
the tuition of the Rev. Abel Flint, D.D., pastor of the Second
Congregational church, of Hartford, entered the College of
New Jersey in 1803 and graduated in 1806. He studied
theology under the direction of the Rev. Samuel Stanhope
Smith, D.D., L.L.D., and was licensed by the Presbytery of
New Brunswick, October 3d, 1809. In August, 1810, he
was called to the pastoral charge of the church of Cherry
Valley, Otsego County, New York, and was ordained in the
month of October following. On the 2d of June, 1820, he
removed to Middletown, New Jersey. Here he remained as
pastor of the church in that place until he was invited by
the Trenton First church, New Ewing, to be their pastor, on
the 23d of February, 1823. Installed on the 4th of the
following June, he continued pastor of that church until
his resignation on July 13th, 1857. He was, for nearly
thirty-two years, a trustee of the College of New Jersey, and
for twenty-eight years secretary of the Board; for twenyd
nine years he was a trustee of the Theological Seminary
and to the last was the devoted and efficient friend of both
institutions. He was fitted, by his admirable financial skill
and knowledge of business, to be highly useful to those
seminaries of learning. He contributed liberally to the
Bible and every benevolent cause, and thus showed by deeds
as well as by word that he was their true and fast friend.

22
The Rev. John Flavel Clark, the eldest son of the Rev
Joseph Clark, D.D., was one of the active founders of this
Society. He was a native of Allentown, in this state ; the
year of his birth I have been unable to ascertain. He grad
uated at the College of New Jersey in 1807, officiating after
wards as tutor. Subsequently studying theology, he entered
the ministry, and was called to the Presbyterian church at
Flemington, where he was installed pastor in 1815. His
pastorate lasted 20 years. During the early part of his
ministry he was installed pastor of the First church, Am,,
well, of which latter church he continued pastor some little-
time after he left Flemington. During his ministry at
Flemington the church enjoyed a great degree of external,
and internal prosperity— more than ever before— indeed,
it was established during his ministry. God also was pleas
ed to pour out his Spirit in revivals ; the fruits of which are
still enjoyed. Mr. Clark, after leaving Flemington, was for
a few years pastor of the First Church at Paterson, subse
quently of Cold Spring, Oyster Bay and Fishkill, where he
labored until death.
The Rev. Jacob Kirkpatrick, D.D. is a name held in grate
ful remembrance by all. Among the first, if not the very
first, to originate this Society, he continued for nearly fifty-
years one of the most effective promoters of its prosperity,'
and one of its most ardent friends. The facts of his early
history have so recently been rehearsed it may not be neces
sary now to repeat them. He looked forward to this
jubilee meeting with most intense interest. I am sure it
was the earnest wish and prayer of all of us that he might
be spared to take part in these exercises. We miss his
genial presence, his hearty welcome, his warm and tender
utterances. We miss those reminiscences which were , so
fresh in his mind, and which, perhaps, none here can supply.
For many years he was the recording secretary of this
Society, and much more frequently than any other minister
preached the opening sermon. I have been struck with the
frequency of his performance of this duty. This Society
had no truer, warmer friend ; its interests were dear to his
heart. As a preacher, Dr. K. was peculiarly tender and
faithful, and he ever manifested the most sincere concern

23
for the good of souls. Where is the congregation from the
Assanpink to the Musconetcong that has not heard his
stirring words 1 Where was the instance that he ever
refused to help his brethren in precious seasons of grace 1
How many rise up and pronounce his memory blessed 1
Let us embalm that memory in grateful affection, and let
us be followers of him who, through faith and patience,
inherited the promises.
Just one month from the day of his funeral, his long-tried
and faithful friend, who had the mournful privilege of offici
ating on that occasion, Peter 0. Studdiford. D.D., joined
him in that redeemed throng, who rest from their labors
and those works follow them.
From his first settlement in Lambertville, in December,
1821, until the day of his death, he was one of the most
pains-taking, earnest and useful members of this Society.
Uncreasing and unsparing in his labors for all that was good
for all that redounded to the glory of his Master, the inter
ests and prosperity of this Society occupied a large share
of his attention and enlisted not a little of his untiring zeal.
I need not say how much you have missed the lucid exhi
bition he would have given of the history of this Society.
I need not remind you of his ardent love of the Bible, his
deep and thorough knowledge of it, his rich and varied
scholarship, his thorough theological attainments, his sim
ple, child-like piety, his preeminent unselfishness and un-
worldliness, his earnest, self-denying toils. These readily
come to your minds.
And now, in view of this list of worthies, which doubtless
could have been added to, had the facts been at my com
mand, have we not reason to be thankful that God raised
up such men to originate and help on this enterprise ? Let
ns emulate their virtues ; let us take up the work they have
laid down. Other men have labored and we have entered
into their labors. Let us be faithful as they were faithful j
let the cause of the Bible, so dear to their hearts, enlist our
warmest affections and most earnest efforts ; let us not
grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap
if we faint not.

MINUTES
[Continued.]

After the address the following resolutions were adopted
as expressive of the feelings of the Society in consequence
of its bereavement : -
Whereas, God in his providence has mingled the cup of
gladness of this jubilee year with sorrow in the removal by
death of Jacob Kirkpatrick, D.D., and Peter 0. Studdiford,
D.D., the Society would place on its minutes the following
as expressive of their feelings under their bereavement :
Resolved, in the death of Dr. Kirkpatrick the Society has
lost one of its original members. Fifty years ago, he, with
others of God's servants who loved the Bible and its holy
and saving' truths, and desired for God's glory and the sal
vation of perishing men. to promote its circulation, met in
the house of God which stood near where we meet, and
formed this Society, whose jubilee we this day celebrate.
Resolved, in his death this Society has lost one of its
original founders and friends, its oldest officer, its record
ing secretary; one whose zeal for its prosperity never
flagged; one who was always present at its anniversaries,
even after the infirmities of age might have been considered
a sufficient excuse for absence, but his venerable form was
always seen and his kindly greeting was always heard in
our midst, moving among us and aiding us by his counsels,
his example and prayers in our efforts in the cause.
Resolved, that in the death of Dr. Studdiford the Society
has lost an old and highly valued member, one who was
united with it for more than forty years — standing on its

26

roll as 1st vice president; one most deeply interested in
all that pertained to its welfare. A man of untiring activ
ity in every good word and work, he labored earnestly in
the Bible cause in this county. Like Dr. Kirkpatrick, to
whom he was united in the closest ties of friendship and
Christian brotherhood, he was always present at the anni
versaries of the Society, doing all he could to advance the
Bible cause. As a member and chairman of the Executive
Committee, on him devolved, from time to time, the distri
bution of the Scriptures through the county. This duty he
always earnestly and faithfully fulfilled.
Resolved, that while we bow humbly to the will of God
in their removal, we feel that the church of God and the
Bible cause in this county have sustained a very heavy loss
in the death of these venerable and sainted servants of God.
Resolved, that the Society also express its gratitude to
the great Head of the church for their long-continued and
faithful labors, and that we thankfully acknowledge and
praise him for the grace vouchsafed to his servants.
Resolved, that we rejoice that the lives of faith and piety
of these His servants give us the extended assurance that
they rest from their labors and their works do follow them.
Resolved, that their removal is a solemn admonition to
work while the day lasts, for the night cometh in which no
man can work.
Resolved, that we tender the sincere sympathies of this
Society to the families of Drs. Kirkpatrick and Studdiford.
The Rev. Dr. Sheldon followed, offering the congratula
tions of the parent Society. During his address he paid a
beautiful and touching tribute to the memory of the Rev
Drs. Kirkpatrick and Studdiford, and to their long-continued
and faithful services, and to their holy and exemplary lives
as Christian men and ministers.
The Rev. Mr. Van Cleef presented the congratulations
ol the youngest of the sisterhood
J^JSJS,*™ ^ »» H- **" ^11 also
The Rev. John Van Lieu gave some pleasing reminiscen
ces of the Society, and also paid a touching tribute to the
memory of Drs. Kirkpatrick and Studdiford with whom he

27
has so long been associated in the labors of the Hunterdon
County Bible Society.
The following resolution was unanimously adopted :
Resolved, that the thanks of the Society be tendered to
the Rev. P. A. Studdiford for his able Historical Address,
and that a copy be requested for publication.
Resolved, that the Executive Committee be instructed to
publish the same, together with a brief memorial of the
jubilee meeting. x
The following resolution was unanimously adopted, and
ordered to be published with the memorial :
Resolved, that the thanks of the Society be given to the
three congregations, viz: the United First church of Am
well, the First church of Amwell, the Second church of
Amwell, composing the original charges of the late lament
ed J. Kirkpatrick, D.D., for their truly generous and abun
dant -supply of good things for our refreshment. Also to
the Committee of Arrangements for their well-directed and
efficient efforts to acco modate the Society.
Resolved, that the thanks of the Society be tendered to
the choir for their services, adding so much to the enjoy
ment of all present.
The Society then adjourned to meet at Mt. Pleasant, in
the Presbyterian church, on the third Tuesday of August,
1867. Concluded with prayer and the benediction.
JOHN L. JANEWAT.
JOHN VAN LIEU.
JOHN BURROWS,
WM. P. EMERY,
JOSEPH THOMPSON,
Executive Committee.

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