NYPL
RESEARCH
LIBRARIES
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OF-
Bergen County
New Jersey
ILLUSTRATE I )
y
.J. M. Van Valen
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•
New Jersey Publishing and Engraving Company
New York
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THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
666312 A
ASTOR, LENOX AND
T1LDEN FOUNDATIONS
r 1933 L
•
• • •
• »
■
■ • . •
Bowers Printing Company
Philadelphia
1900
PREFACE
The "History of Berg-en County" is now submitted to the reader
for his criticism. The book has been written by a number of persons,
all of them being- old residents of the county and abundantly able to
write on the subjects assigned them. It is for this reason the publishers
somewhat confidently send the volume forth, defective though it maybe
in some minor particulars.
The compilation of the work covers a period of more than two
centuries. In securing facts recourse has been had to divers authorities,
including histories and historical collections, implying almost an endless
array of papers and documents, public, private, social and ecclesiastical.
That so much matter could be gathered from so many original sources
and then sifted and assimilated for the production of one volume, with-
out incurring a modicum of errors and inaccuracies, would be too much to
expect; but it is believed, nevertbeless, the historical value of the work
has not been impaired thereby. Much credit is due to Hon. J. M. Van
Valen for his editorial review, his revision having been of incalculable
benefit.
As to the biographical department, the work has been prepared
somewhat in accordance with the idea entertained by England's greatest
of historians, Macaulay, who said the history of a country is best told
in the lives of the people. For this reason we have published personal
sketches by the hundred, because of their historical worth, making that
part of the work as exhaustive as possible.
As to the general historv, due credit has been give in most cases for
the borrowed matter. Particular mention, however, should be made of
the following authorities: "Whitehead's Work on East Jersey," "Everts
& Peck's History of Bergen and Passaic Counties," "Rutherford Illus-
trated," "Things Old and New," " Hackensack Illustrated." "The
Bergen County Democrat's History of Hackensack," " C. H. Dunn's
Picturesque Ridgewood" and other works, among" which might be mem-
tioned those by Dr. Edward H. Dixon and Dr. Thomas Dunn English.
on the history of Fort Lee, all of which have furnished valuable
material, and the same, whenever needed, has been unsparingly utilized.
Among those who have written for the work, and, in several instances,
have done so somewhat extensively, maybe enumerated by the following
contributors and their contributions: Ridgew 1. Cornelius Doremus;
Upper and Lower Saddle River Boroughs, John 0. Ksler; Union Town-
ship, \V. H. Castles; Rutherford, Addison Ely and others; Reminiscences
of Lodi, Henry Kipp; "In Ye Olden Time." and other sketches. J.J.
Baring, M. I).; Ridgefield Park, John E. Hoey; Early Settlement of
Kinderkamack, and other sketches, Hiram Lozier, Newburg"h, N. Y.;
Hasbrouck Heights, W. S. Laurence; Colonial Buildings, Ernst Bil-
4 PREFACE.
huber, Maywood; Revolutionary- Reminiscences and other data on Fort
Lee, James F. Tracey; Organization of the City Government of Engle-
wood, Robert Jamieson; History of Borough Organizations, George Cook,
Allendale; Bernard JKoster, Wallington, Frederic L. Colver, Tenafly; and
a number of borough and township clerks, whose valuable contributions
of this kind have been graciously given and thankfully received; Church
history of Hackensack, Rev. H. Vanderwart; Church histon' of Ruther-
ford and vicinity, Rev. Edwin A. Bulkley, D. D., and this list should
include the names of Revs. Allan McNeil, of Ridgefield Park; Rev. C.
Mondorf, Carlstadt; Rev. Artemas Dean, D. D., Englewood Cliffs; Rev.
Joseph Dally, Englewood; Rev. A. Van Neste, of Ridgewood, and J. J.
Haring, M. D., Tenafly, each of whom wrote special articles on church
history. Due credit is also accorded to Professor R. S. Maugham, of
TenafW, for sketches on the various societies and organizations of Tena-
fly; to Dr. David St. John, for a well-written pen description of Hacken-
sack, including its sanitary history, and to James E. Church, for the
history of Hackensack Hospital.
In the illustration of certain chapters of the work, we are in-
debted to Ernst Bilhuber, of Maywood; Superintendent John Terhune
and to Dr. David St. John, both of Hackensack: and to Mr. W. O. Alli-
son, of Englewood Cliffs, for cuts of different kinds; and to other parties
all over the county, including the secular press, in particular, for the
valuable assistanee rendered in the compilation of this work, the kindest
thanks are extended by
The Publishers.
CONTENTS
General History. page
Chapter 1 8
Indian History.
Chapter II 11
Discovery and Occupation of the New Netherlands.
Chapter HI 14
Early Settlement and Land Patents.
Chapter IV 17
Land Patents in Bergen County.
Chapter V 24
Old Bergen Town aud Township.
Chapter VI 27
The Old Township of Hackensack.
Chapter VII 32
"In Ye Olden Time. "
Chapter VIII 38
Civil Organization of the County of Bergen.
Chapter IX :.•.-.'. 41
Civil List of Bergen County.
Chapter X 48
Courts and Court Houses.
Chapter XI 56
Bergen County in Time of War.
Chapter XII 7<>
Societies and Incorporated Companies.
Chapter XIII 83
Internal Improvements.
Chapter XIV 89
Schools.
City, Village, Township and Borough History.
Chapter XV 92
New Barbadoes Hackensack.
Chapter XVI 162
Saddle River Township Borough <>f Garfield.
Chapter xvii 178
Franklin Township Oakland, Wyckoff, Wortendyke.
Chapter XVIII 197
Hohokus Ramseys, Mahwah.
Chapter xix 209
Orvil Township Hohokus, Waldwick, New Prospect.
Caapter XX 219
Boroughs Allendale, Upper and Lower Saddle River.
Chapter xxi 238
Ridgewood Boroughs of Glen Rock and Midland Park.
6 CONTENTS.
PAGE
Chapter XXII 289
Washington Township — Boroug-hs of Ridge Park, Montvale Wood-
cliff. Westwood; the Township of Hillsdale, Pascack.
Chapter XXIII 318
Midland Township — Boroug-hs of Delford, Riverside and Maywood;
Villages of Oradell, New Milford. Cherry Hill, and Spring Valley.
Chapter xxiv ! 354
Lodi Township — Boroughs of Eodi. Wallington. Carlstadt, Wood-
ridge, Hasbrouck Heights. Little Ferry and the Township of
Bergen.
Chapter XXV 413
Union Township — Kingsland, Lyndhurst, and the Borough of
North Arlington.
Chapter XXVI 429
Boroughs of Rutherford and East Rutherford
Chapter XXVII 494
The Township of Ridgefield — Fort Lee, Ridgefield Park.
Chapter XXVIII 532
Boroughs of Ridg-efield — Leonai, Fairview, Undercliff, Palisades
Park, and Bogota.
Chapter XXIX 585
Englewood Township — City of Englewood and Englewood Cliffs.
Chapter XXX 639
Teaneck Township — The Villa Grange.
Chapter XXXI 651
Palisades Township — Boroughs of Tenarly. Cresskill, Dumont and
Bergenfield.
Chapter XXXII 680
Harrington Township — Northvale, Closter, Demarest, and Borough
of Tappan.
ILLUSTRATIONS
PACK
Avers, Dr. M. S 551
Anson. Edward M 410
Atwood, George H 122
Ackerman, Abraham H 217
Acker man, Peter 25S
Ackerman, Residence of Peter . . 257
Allison, W. 538
Allison, Residence -of W. O: and
Palisade Avenue. 638
Avenue, Maywood 322
Bauer, Jacob 153
Bechtel, Herman 176
Bechtel Hotel 177
Bilhuber, Ernst 330
Bilhuber. Residence of Ernst.. . . 331
Bogert. Andrew D 629
Bogert, Residence of Andrew D. 632
Bog-ert, Isaac D 290
Bogert, John W 218
Bennett. William W 648
Bulkley, Edwin A 451
Bell, John M 449
Banta, William S 118
Brinkman, Dr. Max. R. . . 160
Bridgman, R. M 281
Barrett, David L 636
Bush, David C 193
Blake. J.J 456
Castles. W. H 226
Ca>s. Alexander 618
Carrigan, Residence of J. F 2--4
C"<>k, George 224
Church, Union 518
C router. C. P 268
dimming. Thomas H 142
Cane. F. W 581
Christie, Cornelius 521
Christie, Residence of Cornelius 525
Christie lb tmestead ... 523
Colver, F. L, 677
Christie, Cornelius [Leonia] .... 563
Demarest, < • arret Z
Demarest, Daniel I juh
Demarest, C. V. B 1-4
Demare»t. Clayton 144
Demaresl Schoi '1 .,
Dupuy, J. J 4^1
D< iremus, Cornelius
Doremus, Residence of Cornelius 2
PAGE
De Groot. Samuel E 539
De Ronde, Abram 621
Darlington School 207
Edsall. J. G 556
Easton, Edward D 332
Easton, Residence of Edward D 334
Esler, John G 236
Feitner. John F 369
Feitner, Residence of John F. . . . 370
Garrison. Aaron G 191
Glencourt 109
Gramlich, Alfred 400
Gramlich, Residence of Alfred . 401
Haring, Dr. J.J 674
Hackensack Hospital 106
Ease Rutherford School 475
High School, Ridge wood 239
Hales, H. W 279
Hales. Residence of H. W 271
Home, Rethmore 662
Hudson River and Palisades .... 637
Hutton, Isaac E 277
Hotel . Overpeck 531
Hose Company. Maywood 326
Haas, Nelson 150
Ivison, David B 454
Iviswold 453
Jaeger, Gustav L 328
Jaeger, Residence of Gustav L. . 329
Jacobus, Nicholas 543
Johnson. W. M 121
Jones, J. Wyman 605
Kohbertz. Mansion of F 397
Kohbertz, Residence of F 4nl
Koch. Louis 424
Lydecker, Garret A 609
Lydecker. Thomas W 613
Lydecker, Residence of Tims. W 615
Laurence. William S 4(»7
Lozier, John B
Lozier, Residence of John 11... . 340
Lozier. John H.. Dining Room.. 541
Lozier, John B., Winter Quarters 342
Lozier, John B., Stork Barns $43
Lozier, Hiram J44
La Fetra. Daniel W 261
I.. i Fetra. Residence of Daniel W 26
Library Hall
Marsellus, 1 [enry 17
8
ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
McMains, William 460
Molinari, Anton 398
Molinari, Residence of Anton . . . 402
Moench, A 376
Mittag, Frank O 303
Mittag & Volger, Offices of 305
Mowerson , J. E 195
Mercer, George C 384
Mondorf , Rev. C 374
McKenzie, William 477
Mountain House, Ruins of 590
Moore, J. Vreeland 5yl
Moore, Stephen H. V 2j5
Moore, Residence of J. V. and
S. V. H 567
Maywood Avenue 322
May wood School House 325
Maywood Art Tile Works 324
Maywood Hose Company 327
Osborne, John H., Residence of.. 234
Ockf ord, George M 273
Phelps, William Walter 641
Paramus Church 251
Palisades and Hudson River,
View of 652
Post, Peter J 482
Quackenbush, John 208
Roehrs, Julius 389
Roehrs, Residence and Flower
Houses of 389
Residence, Colonial 327
Ridgefield School 533
Ravekes, Albert 527
Romeyn, Rev James Campen. . . 127
Romeyn, Rev. Theodore Bayard 131
Romevn, Rev. James 129
PAGE
Romeyn, James A 133
Rutherford School 433
Rouclere House 282
Ridgewood High School 239
Ridgewood Reformed Church... . 249
Richter, Paul 668
Richter, Dr. August 372
Springer, Moses E 625
.Snyder, A. V. D 285
St. John, Dr. David 124
vShuart, James 204
Stagg, Peter 135
Shafer, Euther 447
Sullivan, A. D 395
St. John, Residence of Dr. D 97
Tallman , Abram 634
Terhune, John 148
Tracey, James F 512
Van Bussum, John 408
Van Buskirk, Jacob 336
View of Hackensack 96
Von Hartz, Carl 458
Volger, Theodore G 306
Vogel, Charles 509
Van Dien, John B 259
Wheeler, George W 146
Walling ton School 386
Wenger, Chas. L. A 67I
Westervelt, Jasper 645
Winton, Henry D 140
Zabriskie, David D 275
Zabriskie, Andrew C 158
Zabriskie, Peter L 279
Zabriskie, Peter G 348
Zimmerman n, George 367
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History of Bergen County
CHAPTER I
INDIAN HISTORY
Without the history of the Indians who inhabited this section of the
State the history of Berg-en County would be incomplete. But neither
history nor tradition can tell from whence these savage tribes came, nor
how long they had dwelt on these shores. A few statements, however,
relative to them may not be without interest.
It does not appear that the Indians inhabiting New Jersey were very
numerous. An old publication, entitled "A Description of New Albion "
and dated A. D. 1648, states that the Indians inhabiting New Jersey were
governed by about twenty kings, but the insignificance of the power of these
kings may be inferred from the fact that only twelve hundred of these
people were under the two Raritan kings on the north side next to the
Hudson River. Whitehead, in his "East Jersey Under the Proprietary
Government,!' says there were not more than two thousand Indians
within the province while it was under the Dutch. The Indians inhab-
iting the Lower Hudson and East Jersey country as far south as the
Raritan are considered by most writers as belonging to the Delaware or
Lenni-Lenape nation. Lenni-Lenape in the Indian tongue signifies
"Original People." The tribes who occupied this section of New Jersey-
were called Raritans, Hackensacks, Pomptons and Tappeans.
That "Wicked Nation," as DeLaet calls the Manhattans, dwelt on
the island of Manhattan. Before the white man took up his residence in
this country the Lenape nation was subjugated by the powerful Iroquois.
The conquered nations, however, were permitted to remain on their
former hunting grounds by the payments of tribute, which as an acknow-
ledgment of their vassalage was exacted of them annually.
During the year 1630 the hrst hostility of the Indians against the
Dutch was directed against their plantation on the Delaware, which was
totally destroyed and thirty-two men killed. In 1<>41 an expedition was
fitted out against the Indians on the Raritan, they having been accused,
though wrongfully, of trespassing and committing theft. Various
causes led to the outbreak of 1(>4.>. One cause was the exacting of a
tribute from the Indians by Kieft, the Director-General, in 1639; another
was the killing of a white man by an Indian in lf>41 in retaliation for
the robbery and murder of one of his tribe many years before.
In 1655 trouble again arose among the Indians during the absence
of Governor Stuyvesant at which time they sought safety l>v Big-lit to
the West side of the river and at which time Staten Island was laid
waste and Pavonia was burned. The Pomptons and Minsies removed
In HISTOKY OF BERGEN COUNTY
from New Jersey about 1730 and in the treaty of 1758 the entire remain-
ing- claim of the Delawares to lands in New Jersey, was relinquished
except that there was reserved the right to fish in all the rivers and bavs
south of the Raritan and to hunt in all uninclosed lands A tract of
three thousand acres of land was also purchased at Edge Pillock, in
Burlington County. New Jersey, and on this the remaining Delawares
of New Jersey, about sixty in number, were collected and settled. They
remained there until the year 1802 when they removed to New Stock-
bridge near Oneida Lake. New York, becoming there the Stockbridge
tribe. In 1832 there remained about forty of the Delawares, among whom
was still kept alive the tradition that they were the owners of the hunt-
ing and fishing privileges of New Jersey. They resolved to lay their
claims before the Legislature of this State and request that a moderate
sum of $2,000 might be paid them for its relinquishment. The person
selected to act for them in presenting the matter before the Legislature
was one of their own number whom they called Shawuskukhkung. mean-
ing • "Wilted Grass", but who was known among the white people as
Bartholomew S. Calvin. He was born in 175f> and was educated at the
expense of the Scotch Missionary Society. At the breaking out of the
Revolution he left his studies to join the patriotic army under Wash-
ington, serving with credit during that struggle At the time he placed
this matter before the Legislature he was seventy-six Years old. and
when the Legislature granted the request Mr. Calvin addressed to that
distinguished body a letter of thanks which was read before both houses
in join" on and was received with repeated rounds of enthusiastic
applause
History of Bergen County
CHAPTER II
DISC( )VERY AND ( OCCUPATION I >F NEW
NETHERLANDS
The harbor or bay of New York was discovered by Estevan Gomez
in 1625. Gomez was sent out by the Emperor Charles V. of Spain, who
had fitted out the expedition for the purpose of discovering a shorter
passage to the East through the continent of North America. From
Wintield's History we find that all the country extending- from New
Jersey to Rhode Island was named •"Estevan Gomez" at that time. It
was from Gomez the natives obtained the maize, or Spanish wheat.
It is possible that Yerrazzano in his voyage from the Cape of the
Bret< n Southwest to Florida sailed into the harbor of New York in 1524.
as the charter of Henry IY of France was granted to De Monts, in 1603
by virtue of that claim. The Charter of Acadia embraced all that por-
tion of the country lying between the fortieth and forty-sixth decrees
north latitude and consequently included the greater part of New Jersey.
The grant of the French King-, however, was ignored by the English,
and in lt>07 Henry Hudson was sent out by the East India merchants in
pursuit of northwest passage to East India, but he was unsuccessful in
his search. The Dutch East India Company with unshaken faith in the
"bold Englishman*', as they termed Hudson, put him in command of a
yacht or Ylie boat of thirty tons burden called Be Halve Mann. Half
Moon . to make search for that much sought after northwest passage to
India. Hudson left port on April 6, 1609 for New Foundland, his boat
being manned by a crew of twenty, partly English and partly Dutch.
• By his agreement with the Company, dated January S. 1609, he
was to sail about the first of April in search of a passage to the north of
Nova Zembla, and to continue along that parallel until he was able to
sail south to the latitude of sixty deg-rees. and then hasten back to report
to his employers. For this service he was to receive eight hundred guil-
ders, and. in case he did not come back within a year, they were to give
his wife two hundred guilders more. In case he found the passage, the
Company were to reward him for his dangers, troubles and knowledge,
in their discretion."
• Hudson's anxiety to discover his favorite passage led him to dis-
regard his orders, ami he coasted southward as far as Chesapeake Day.
and. returning, cast anchor inside i>i Sandy Hook on the oil .
tember. The scenery around delighted him. and he pronounced it ' a
very good land to fall in with, and a pleasant land to see. 1
M net's Journal ol Hudson's Vojrag*. H s pen and Pass
n >r; v
12 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
" Here Hudson met the natives for the first time. The journal says,
' The people of the country came aboard of us, seeming- very glad of our
coming-, and brought green tobacco and gave us of it for knives and
beads. They go in deer-skins loose, well dressed. They have yellow
copper. They desire clothes, and are very civil.' On the 6th of Sep-
tember, John Coleman, an Englishman of the crew, with four men, was
sent to sound the river opening to the north, — the Narrows. They
sailed through and found l a very good riding for ships.' They found
also k a narrow river to the westward between two islands,'- - the Kill
VanKull. Passing through these two leagues they came to an open sea,
-Newark Bay. The Dutch called it Achter Cull — that is, the after
bay, because it lay behind the Ba} T of New York. It was called by the
English After Coll, and sometimes, corrupting the word, they called it
Arthur Cull. It is sometimes applied to the territory bordering on the
bay, as well as to the bay itself. On their return they were attacked by
a hostile party of twenty-six Indians in two canoes : Coleman was killed
by an arrow which struck him in the throat, and two more were
wounded. It is thought that these Indians came from Staten Island, as
the Jersey Indians visited the ship the next day and were ignorant of
what occurred. The next day the body of Coleman was buried on Sand}"
Hook, and the place where it was interred still bears the name of Cole-
man's Point."
Returning again through the Narrows, Hudson cast anchor on the
11th of September in the Harbor of New York, "and saw that it was a
very good harbor for all winds."
The report of Hudson's discovery caused a new field of trade to be
opened which the East India Company, becoming eager to monopolize,
sent out another ship in 1610 for the purpose of trading in furs. Five
years afterwards a company of merchants who had procured from the
States-General of Holland a patent for the exclusive trade on the Hud-
son River, had built forts and established trading posts at New Amster-
dam (New York), Albany and the mouth of the Rondout Kill. The
fort at New York on account of the "fierce Manhattans" was erected on
what is now the Battery.
May 11th, 1647 Petrus Stuyvesant succeeded the reckless Kieft as
Director General, under whose ordinances villages and communities on
the west side of the Hudson began to spring into existence.
Lords and Patrons of New Netherlands now supplied the Schouts
and Schepens for Bergen County and until the surrender of the Dutch to
the English in 1664 this change of government was followed by a grant
or charter from Charles II to his brother James, Duke of York, of the
territory from the western side of the Connecticut River to the Eastern
side of the Delaware River including New York and New Jersey. In
the same year James, Duke of York by indenture of lease and release,
granted and sold to John, Lord Berkely, Baron of Stratton, and Sir
George Carteret, of Saltrum, the territory of Nova Caesarea. of New Jer-
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 13
sew Under their charter from the Duke of York, Berkeley and Carteret
proceeded to establish civil government in New Jersey. For this pur-
pose they had a constitution drawn up in England, entitled "The Con-
cessions and Agreement of the Lords Proprietors of the Province of
New Ccesarea or New Jersey to and with all and every the Adventurers,
and all such as shall settle or plant there." This instrument was en-
grossed on parchment, and signed by them on the 10th of February,
1m>4. Philip Carteret was appointed Governor of the province, but did
not arrive thither till August, 1665. In the mean time New Jersey was
placed under the jurisdiction of Col. Richard Nicoll, Governor of New
York. During the interval a legislative council or assembly convened
at Elizabethtown on the Kith of April, 1664. Bergen was represented
in this Assemblv — the first ever held in the province — by Engelbert
Steenhuysen and Herman Smeeman. This government was continued
over the Province of New Jersey until the establishment of the separate
Proprietary governments after the division into East and West Jersey.
On the 1st of Julv, 167(>, partition was made of New Jersey by deed.
so that the eastern part, known as East Jersey, was allotted to Sir
George Carteret. Sir George, by his last will and testament, dated De-
cember 5, 1678, devised the same to John, Earl of Bath, and others, as
trustees, to sell the same, and appointed Elizabeth Carteret sole execu-
trix ; and she, with other trustees, by deed of lease and release, dated 1st
and 2d of February, 1680, sold and conveyed all East Jersey to William
Penn and eleven others, which twelve persois were known by the name
of the "Twelve Proprietors of East Jersey." These twelve proprietors,
by twelve separate deeds, in 1682, conveyed each one-half of their re-
spective interests in East Jersey to James, Earl of Perth, and eleven
others, whereby East Jersey became held by twenty-four General Pro-
prietors, each holding in fee one-twenty-fourth part or propriety of the
same. Thus from these proprietors have issued from time to time their
deeds for the portions of territory sold by them in East Jersey, their
office being at Perth Amboy, where all such conveyances and other
records have been kept.
History of Bergen County
CHAPTER III
EARLY SETTLEMENTS AND LAND PATENTS
Aert Tunissen Van Putten was the first white resident in Hoboken.
Winfield says, that -"On February 15, 1640, Van Putten leased a farm
at this place on which was a farm-house and a brew-house, but no set-
tlement as yet had been made north of Hoboken." Jan Evertse Bout
had settled at Cummunipaw in 1634, which was one of the first settle-
ments on the west banks of the Hudson. The first ferry across the
Hudson connecting 1 the Jersey shore with Manhattan Island was estab-
lished at this point in 16(>1 and William Jansen was the legalized ferry-
man. In 1680, Cummunipaw was a village of twenty families.
The peninsular of Paulus Hook on which Jersey City is now situ-
ated belonged from a very remote period to the Van Vorst family. Jer-
s v City was a township in Bergen County from 1838 to 1840. On the
28th of July 1685, five hundred acres of land in Monmouth County, N. J.,
was granted to George Scott, by the East Jersey proprietors. Scott
wrote a book in which he gives a general view of the plantations and
settlements in East Jersey in part as follows:
"There are other plantations upon Hackensack River, which g"oes a great way
up the country, almost northwest ; others, also, on the east side of another creek or
river at Hackensack River.
"A large neck or tract of land for which one Mrs. Sarah Kirstead, of New
York, had a patent given by an old Indian sachem in recompense for interpreting
the Indian language into Dutch, as there was occasion ; there are some little families
thereon.
" Two or three miles up, a great plantation settled by Capt. John Berry, whereon
he now lives.
" Another plantation adjoining, belonging to his son-in-law, Michael Smith :
another to Mr. Baker. This neck of land is in breath from Capt. Bern's new plant-
ation on the west side, where he lives, over to his old plantations, to the east at
Hudson's River side, about three miles, which distance serves to Constable's Hook,
upwards of ten miles.
•' To go back to the south part of Bergen Neck, that is opposite to Staten Island,
where is but a narrow passag-e of water, which ebbs and flows between the said
island and Bergen Point, called Constable's Hook. There is a considerable plant-
ation on that side of Constable's Hook, extending inland about a mile over from the
bay on the east side of the neck that leads to New York, to that on the west that
goes to Hackensack and Snake Hill, the neck running up between both, from the
south to the north of Hudson's River, to the utmost extent of their bounds. It was
first settled by Samuel Edsall in Col.'Nichol's time, and by him sold for ,£600."
Other small plantations along the Neck to the east are named.
Among them one
"belonging to George Umpane (Gomouneepan) which is over against New York,
where there is about forty families, within which, about the middle of the neck,
which is here about three miles over, stands the town of Bergen, which gives name
to that neck. Then, again, northward to the water's side, going up Hudson's River,
there lies out a point of land where is a plantation and a water (mill) belonging to a
merchant in New York.
HISTORY Of BERGEN COUNTY 15
•' Southward there is a small village, of about five of six families, which is com-
monly called the Duke's Farm. Further up is a good plantation in a neck of land
almost an island, called Hobuck ; it did belong to a Dutch merchant, who formerly
in the Indian war had his wife, children, and servants massacred by the Indians,
and his house, cattle, and stock destroyed by them. It is now settled again, and a
mill erected there by one dwelling at New York.
" Up northward along the river side are the lands near to Mr. William Lawrence,
which is six or seven miles further. Opposite thereto there is a plantation of Mr.
Edsall, and above that Capt. Bienfield's plantation ; this last is almost opposite the
northwest of Manhatta's Island.
" Here are the utmost extent of the northern bounds of East Jersey-, as always
contemplated.
"Near the mouth of the bay, upon the side of Overpeck's Creek, adjacent to
Hackensack River, several of the rich valleys were settled b} r the Dutch ; and near
Snake Hill is a fine plantation owned by Pinhorne & Eickbe, "for half of which Pin-
horne is said to have paid ,£500
" The plantations on both sides of the neck to its utmost extent, as also those at
Hackensack, are under the jurisdiction of Bergen Town, situate about the middle
of the neck." . . .
Soon after the settlements above described Captain William Sand-
ford in 1668 acquired title to lands known as New Barbodoes Neck com-
prising- 15,308 acres. Sandford was presiding- judge of the court at Ber-
gen in 1673. In 1709, his widow Sarah Sanford conveyed to her friend,
Katherine Van Emburgh a portion of this estate between the Hacken-
sack and Passaic rivers. In 1669 Captain John Berry and his associates
acquired title to lands north of the Sandford tract embracing a large ex-
tent of countrv in and about Hackensack. Judy:e Sandford sold a lar<re
tract also, to Nathaniel Kingsland the ancestor of the Kingsland family
of New Barbodoes. William Kingsland son of Nathaniel, was the first
to settle on it about 1696. John Richards who was connected by mar-
riage with the Kingsland family, owned a large tract of land a part of
which is now Rutherford. Richards was murdered in the Bergen woods
by refugees during the Revolutionary war. The Schuyler Copper Mines
a part of the Kingsland tracts was purchased by Arent Schuyler about
the year 1700. John, son of Arent Schuyler, by his second wife, built
the old Schuyler mansion which stood on the east bank of the Pas-
saic below Belleville. This house was visited and frequently violated
by the British during the Revolution.
In 1760 there were some ten families all living in the northwestern
part of Bergen County, in the neighborhood of Ponds Church. Arent
Schuyler, and Anthony Brockholst lived here in 1697. The Garretsons.,
Van Alens, (who owned six hundred acres on the pond Bats) the Berdan
brothers, John Stek (now Stagg i Van Romaine, who purchased of Wil-
locks and Johnstone six hundred acres. May 10, 1724, Simon Van Win-
kle who is said to have been the owner (0 the first wagon in the country
and who came here in 1733, were among the early settlers. Five hun-
dred and fifty acres of land lying at Wikehoff, Saddle River, on which
the church at Wikehoff stands was purchased ol John Barbetie, Peter
Fauconier and Andrew Barbetie, August, 17. 172n, by John and William
Van Voor Haze; and for some reason they repurchased this tract A] ril 2.
1743 of John Hamilton, Andrew Johnstone, and John Burnet. William
Van Voor Haze Wan Voorhis' was twice married. Ih- died Julv 17,
If) HISTORY OF* BERG EX COUXTY
1744. A tract near Paramus of rive hundred and fifty acres was bought
Aug-ust 17, 172*», by the Albertises who also leased of the same five hun-
dred and fifty acres adjoining - , the rent for every one hundred acres be-
ing two fat fowls on or before the feast of St. Michael, the Archangel.
Win Blarcom, Van Voorhis, Winters, Courters, Youngs, Storms, Acker-
mans, Ouaekenbushes, Van Gelders, Pulisfelts (now Pulis) and Bogerts
were also among the early families in this part of the county. The fol-
lowing sketch on land patents in Bergen County taken from Clayton &
Nelson's History is worthy of record.
CHAPTER IV
LAND PATENTS IN BERGEN COUNTY
Among- the original land-owners in the County of Bergen we name
the following :
Abraham Isaacsen Plank purchased Paulus Hook of the Dutch West
India Company May 1, 1638. The deed was confirmed by Philip Carte-
ret May 12, 1668. Martzn Andriesen obtained a patent for Weehawken
from William Kieft, Director-General of New Netherland, May 11, 1647;
confirmed by Philip Carteret, April 18, 1670. Andriesen was a free-
booter and a desperate character, and was chiefly responsible for the
terrible massacre of the Indians in 1643. Being charged with this re-
sponsibility by Governor Kieft, he attempted to shoot the Governor, for
which he was arrested and sent in irons to Holland for trial. He re-
turned to New Amsterdam, and purchased Weehawken in 1647.
He was born in Holland in 1600, and came first to this countn' in 1631.
Nicholas Varlet obtained a patent of Hoboken of Petrus Stuyvesant,
February 5, 1663; confirmed by Philip Carteret, May 12, 1668. Mr.
Varlet was one of the noted men of his times. His second wife was
Anna, sister of Governor Stuyvesant, and widow of Samuel Bayard.
In 1657 he was appointed commissary of imports and exports, and in
1658 became farmer of duties on exports and imports to and from New
England and Virginia; was admitted to the right of ''Great Burger,"
and appointed searcher, inspector, and commissary of the West India
Company stores; in 1660 was sent with Brian Newton and ambassador
to the Colony of Virginia; in 1664 was appointed one of the commissioners
to agree upon terms of capitulation to the English; in 1665 was com-
missioned captain of the militia of Bergen, Communipaw, Ahasimns, and
Hoboken; same day was made a member of the court at Bergen, and
the year following a member of Governor Carteret's Council. He died
in 1 f>7=>.
Ide Cornelison Van Yorst received of Governor Stuyvesant a grant
of land at Ahasinius, April 3, 1664; confirmed, with an additional grant,
by Philip Carteret, March 13, 1m>x. This property was inherited by his
only son Cornelius, and from him descended to Cornelius of tin- seventh
generation. It is now the finest part of Jersey City.
Jau EJvertse Bout obtained of the Governor and Council of New
Netherland a tract of land .it Communipaw, of which the following is .i
copy of the deed:
•• We, William Kieft, G< >vernor-< reueral and Council under the 1 1 i^li ami Mightj
Lords States-* General ol the United Netherlands, His Highness of Orange ami the
Honorable the Directors of the authorized Wesl India Company, residing in New
18 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
Netherlands, make known and declare that on this day underwritten, we have given
and granted Jan Evertse Bout a piece of land lying- on the North River westward
from Fort Amsterdam, before then pastured and tilled by Jan Evertse, named
Gamochepaen and Jan de Lacher's Houck, with the meadows as the same lay with-
in the post-and-rail fence, containing eighty-four morgans.
" In testimony whereof is these by us signed and with our Seal confirmed in
Fort Amsterdam in New Netherlands, the which land Jan Evertse took possession
of Anno 1638, and began then to plow and sow it."
This farm was sold to Michael Jansen by Bout for eight thousand
florins, September 9, 165b, and, Jansen dying - , part of it was confirmed
to his widow, Fitje Hartman, by Philip Carteret, May 12, 1668.
Caspar Steinmets purchased of Philip Carteret, May 12, 1668, two
tracts of land and meadow near the town of Berg-en. He resided at
Ahasimus, and during the Indian troubles of 1055 retired to New Ams-
terdam, where he was licensed in 1656 to "tap beer and wine for the
accommodation of the Burghery and Strangers." In September, 1657,
he was made lieutenant of the Bergen militia, and in 1673 was promoted
to captain. He was deputy from Bergen in the Council of New Orange
(after the Dutch had retaken New York), 1674, and a representative
from Bergen in the first and second General Assemblies of New Jersey.
He died in 1702. His descendants at one time were quite numerous, but
have long since died out.
Adrian Post obtained a patent of Governor Carteret dated May 12,
1668, for "sundry parcels of land lying in and about the Town of Ber-
gen." He was the ancestor of the Post family in Bergen County, and
had numerous descendants. The first we hear of him he was agent for
the Baron van der Capellen, and in charge of his colony on Staten Island
when the place was destroyed by the Indians in 1665. In October of
that } T ear he was appointed to treat with the Hackensack Indians for the
release of prisoners. He was ensign of the Bergen militia in 1673, and
was the keeper of the first prison in East Jersey, the house of John
Berry in Bergen being used for that purpose. He died February 28, 1677.
Englebert Steinhuysen received a deed of "sundry parcels of land
in and about the Town of Bergen," from Philip Carteret, July 22, 1670.
This land comprised seven lots, amounting in all to one hundred and
fifty acres. * This patentee was a tailor by trade, and came from Soest,
the second city in Westphalia. He arrived at New Amsterdam in the
ship "Moesman," April 25, 1659. He was licensed by the Director-Gen-
eral the first schoolmaster in Bergen, October 6, 1662. He was commis-
sioned schepen in the Bergen Court, October 13, 1662; and with Harman
Smeeman represented Bergen in the "Landtag" in 1664. f
Harman Edward purchased of Petrus Stuyvesant "sundry parcels
of land lying in and about the Town of Bergen, September 14, 1662." He
was one of the commissioners to fortify Bergen in 1663; and with Joost
Van der Linde, Hendrick Jans Spier, and Hendrick de Backer, June 15,
* Win field's Land Titles, 91.
t Brodhead, i. 729.— Land Titles, ''1.
HISTORY OF BEKGEN COUNTY 1 ( )
1674, petitioned the government for land on Staten Island at the mouth
of the Kill Van Kull.J
Balthazer Bayard obtained, with Nicholas Varlet, a grant of land
from Philip Carteret, dated August 10, 1671, lying - in and about the Town
of Bergen. Bayard was a brewer and a brother of. Nicholas. He was
appointed schepen in Bergen, December 17, 1663, andMarchl7, 1664; repre-
sented Bergen in the first and second General Assembly of New Jersey,
1668. Shortly after this he became a resident of New York, where he
was schepen under the Butch (New Orange) in 1673, and alderman in
1691. Of the lands in Bergen the patentees held as joint-tenants. Var-
let died before any division was made, whereupon Bayard took the land
by right of survivorship. §
Tielman Van Vleck obtained by patent from Philip Carteret, dated
March 25, 1670, a grant of sundry parcels of land near the Town of
Bergen. Van Vleck was a lawyer. He studied under a notary in Ams-
terdam, came to this country in 1658, and was admitted to practice the
same year.|| He has the honor of having been the founder of Bergen,
and was made the first schout and president of the court, September 5,
1661.
Hans Uiedrick was granted by Philip Carteret sundry parcels of
land lying in and about the Town of Bergen, May 12, 1668. Hans kept
the second hotel in Bergen, licensed February 13, 1671, and was appointed
lieutenant of the Bergen militia, September 4, 1673. He was one of the
patentees of Aquacknonck, May 28, 1679, and died September 30, 1698. He
"probably left his land to his son Wander, who died intestate, August 13,
1732. His children Johannes, Garret, Cornelius, Abraham, Antje, wife
of Johannes Vreeland, and Margaret Van Rypen, widow, sold to their
brother Daniel, February 17, 1764, a lot called 'Smiths land,' seven mor-
gans, also a lot of meadow, also the Steenhuvsen lot, and lot 114. They
partitioned in 1755."!
Gerrit Gerritse was granted by Philip Carteret a patent for sundry
parcels of land lying in and about the Town of Bergen, May 12, 1668.
"This patentee was the ancestor of the Van YYagenen family. By his
will, dated October 13, 1768, he gave all the land included in this patent,
and a preceding patent, to his eldest son Johannes. By the will of
Johannes, dated July 24, 1752, proved November 8, 1759, he gave all his
lands in Bergen to his son Johannes, who was the owner in 17<>4."
The Secaucus patent was granted by Petrus Stuyvesant to Nicholas
Varlet and Nicholas Bayard, 1 December 10, 1<><>3, and confirmed by Philip
Carteret, October 30, 1667. In the deed of Carteret it is recited: "The
said plantation or parcel of Land is esteemed and valued, according to
the survey and agreement made, to contain both of upland and meadow.
the sum <d' two thousand acres English measure." It comprised all the
laud between Penhorn's Creek and the Cromahill on the east and the
I .,i. Hist. N. Y.. ii. 721. Land Titles, 95.
» Land Titles, 109.
N. Y. Col. MSS.,vlil. 932. Note to Land Titles, 114.
" L*and Titles. 118.
2(1 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
Hackensack on the west. The Indians, in 1674, claimed that their right
to this land was not included in their deed to Stuyvesant of 1658, that
the said deed included only "Espatingh and its dependencies,'" and that
they were, therefore, still owners of Secaucus. The Dutch Council at
Fort William Hendrick settled the controversy with them by making
them a present of an "anker of rum." Nicholas Varlet died while the
tract was in the possession of the patentees, and his administrators,
Samuel Edsall and Peter Stoutenburgh, joined Bayard in selling it to
Edward Earle, Jr., of Maryland, April 24. 1676. Earle sold to Judge
William Pinhorne, March 26. 1679, for rive hundred pounds, one indi-
vidual half of the tract," also one-half of all the stock. " Christian and
negro servants." The following schedule of property was annexed to
the deed: "One dwelling house, containing two lower rooms and a
lean-to below stairs, and a loft above ; five tobacco houses ; one horse,
one mare and two colts, eight oxen, ten cows, one bull, four yearlings,
and seven calves; between thirty and forty hogs, four negro men, rive
Christian servants." This was the Pinhorne plantation referred to by
George Scott in his "Model of the Government of East Jersey.""
In 1668 Capt. William Sandford obtained of the Indians a deed for
New Barbadoes Neck, extending northward seven miles and containing
fifteen thousand three hundred and eight acres of upland and meadow.
A considerable portion of this land Capt. Sandford devised in his will to
his wife Sarah, who on the 7th of December, 1709, gave by deed about
five hundred acres, including one hundred and fifty acres of meadow on
the Passaic, to her "dear friend Katherine Van Emburg." Apart of
Sandford's tract, soon after his purchase from the Indians, was bought
by Nathaniel Kingsland, who had been an officer in the island of Bar-
badoes, and from this circumstance it received the name of New Bar-
badoes.
Capt. William Sandford was presiding judge of the Bergen courts
in 1676, and a member of the first Council of East Jersey, under Gover-
nor Rudyard, in 1682.
Isaac Kingsland, son of Nathaniel, of New Barbadoes, was a mem-
ber of Governor Neill Campbell's Council in 1686.
CAPT. JOHN BERRY'S PATENT.
In 1669, Capt. John Berry and associates obtained a grant for lands
lying northward of Sandford's, "six miles in the country." This grant
extended from the Hackensack River to what is now Saddle River, and
probably included the site of the present village of Hackensack. In the
same year a grant was made to Capt. Berry of land lying between Hack-
ensack River and Overpeck I now English ) Creek, bounded on the south
by lands of William Pardons, and running north, containing about two
thousand acres. This must have included a large portion of what are
now Ridgefield, Englewood, and Palisade townships, — that portion of
them, at least lying between the creek and the Hackensack River.
* Land Titles, 130.
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 21
John Berry was a large land-owner. He resided at Berg-en, where
he also owned six meadow-lots and six upland lots, besides two lots in
the town purchased of Philip Carteret, July 20, 1669. Most of this
land was in the Newkirk family in 1764, when the land were surv yed
by the comissioners. John Berry was presiding- judge of the courts at
Bergen, and one of the magistrates before whom Thomas Rudyard, the
Deputy-Governor of East Jersey under Barclay, was sworn into office, De-
cember 20, 1682. Hishouse in Bergen on the 19th of July, 1673, was made
the "prison for ye province" until a house could be built for that pur-
pose, and Adrian Post, constable, was made keeper. f
The oldest deed on record in the county clerk's office at Hackensack
is one from John Berry to Zuarian Wester velt, dated Jan. 13, 1687, con-
vejung a portion of his estate in the old township of Hackensack.
March 20, 1687, he conveyed another piece of land to Walling Jacobs,
of the count}' of Essex.
DEMAREST PATENT.
Another early patent was one for three thousand acres of land in
the old township of Hackensack, extending along the easterly side of
the river from New Bridge to a point beyond Old Bridge, and easterly
as far as the line of the Northern Railroad. This was granted to David
Demarias ( Desmeretz ) and others, by Philip Carteret, June 8, 1677. X
The patentee was a Huguenot, and came from France to this country
with his three sons, David, John, and Samuel, about the year 1676. He
was the ancestor of the numerous family of Demarests in this country.
It is said that, as far back as 1820, one interested in the family found
by search seven thousand names connected with it, — branches of the
original stalk. §
According to tradition, Mr. Demarias first settled at Manhattan
Island, where he purchased the whole of Harlem ; but he soon after-
wards disposed of that property and removed to the Hackensack, where
he made the purchase above mentioned, his design being to establish a
colony of some thirty or fort}* families, to be transported from Europe.
It was probably in view of this declared purpose that the patent was
granted him ; for it must have been known by the Governor or the land-
office that the grant was already covered, in large part at least, by the
prior patent of two thousand acres given to John Berry. It is stated
that Mr. Demarias and his associates were so harassed by the claims of
different persons during half a century that the land was purchased by
them no less than four times. Berry, however, at the request of the
Governor, waived his claim for a time in view of the prospective settle-
ment, and, in case of its failure, was promised a like grant in some other
locality. On the 1st of July, 170'*, Demarias having failed to fulfil] his
stipulation in regard to the settlement. Berry petitioned the "Captain-
General and Governor-in-Chief of the Provinces of New Jersey and New
f Book 3 of Deeds, 93, Trenton.
: Deed *n record at Perth A.mboy.
s Rev. T. II. Romeyn's Btstorical Discourse.
22 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
York, etc., to listen to a demonstration of the invalidity of a pretense of
John Demarest & Company to three thousand acres of land which they
received from the Indians." The Governor subsequently withdrew the
grant from the sons of David Demarest, according- to Berry's represen-
tation, and gave them a smaller grant, which included a part of the two
thousand acres of Berry.* This latter grant was known as the French
Patent, probably because the Demarests came from France.
WILLOCKS ' AND JOHNSTON'S PATENT.
George Willocks and Andrew Johnston were the patentees of a large
tract of land in what are now Ridge wood and Franklin townships. It
extended from the Big Rock at Small Lots (now called Glen Rock)
northward to the Ramapo River, about one mile in width, and has been
known as the "Wilcox and Johnson Patent," both names, however,
being erroneously spelled.
George Willocks was born in Scotland, and came to this country in
1684. He is said to have been a brother of Dr. James Willocks, of
Kennery, Scotland, from which he inherited a large estate. He was the
agent of the East Jersev proprietors for the collection of the quit rents,
and obtained various grants of laud from them. Upon the issuing of
the writ of quo warranto by James II.' with the view to vacating the
proprietary government of New Jersey and placing the whole North
American colonies under one Governor-General, in 1686, Willocks and
Lewis Morris took strong ground in favor of the proprietors. Through-
out that memorable contest between the proprietors and the king, which
was not finally settled till 1702, when the proprietors surrendered their
claim to the civil jurisdiction of the province to Queen Anne, Willocks
and Morris were staunch adherents to the rights of the proprietors. In
1699, Willocks was their representative in the Assembly, and was dis-
missed from that body by the famous act of the opposition excluding
from the Assembly "any proprietor or representative of one." The
people of Amboy elected Lewis Morris in his stead, and the historians
tell us there were "serious apprehensions of an insurrection under the
leadership of Willocks and Morris." Willocks never settled on his patent
in this county ; he resided chiefly at Perth Amboy, where he died in 1729.
Andrew Johnson ( Jonstone), the other patentee, was born December
20, 1694. When a young man he was a merchant in New York. He subse-
sequently became associated with the proprietors of East Jersev, and was
chosen president of the Proprietary Board. He was also a member of
the Provincial Assembly, and for several years Speaker of the House ;
and was one of the commissioners for running the Lawrence line between
*Laiul Papers, New York.
II Purchasers of proprietary lands at that time, and earlier, had to extinguish the Indian claims
for themselves on the best terms they could make. Sometimes they did i} in advance by buying' of
tln> Indians first and then getting their Indian deeds confirmed, and sometimes by getting their deeds
first of the government and extinguishing the Indian claim afterwards. Those shrewd in the busi-
ness could usually do it for a very small trifle, especially if mixed well with the inevitable strong beer
or brandy. In no case was an Indian deed held valid unless confirmed by the government.
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 23
East and West Jersey in 1743. For some time he was treasurer of the
College of New Jersey*. He died at Perth Amboy, June 24, 1762. f
The lands south of this tract on the Passaic, including - a portion of
the site of Paterson, were purchased of the Indians in 1709 by George
Ryerson and Urie Westervelt. The original deed was in the possession
of the late John J. Zabriskie, of Hohokus, and is among the papers left
in the hands of his widow, now living in Paterson. In this deed an ex-
ception is made of Sicomac, which was an Indian burving-ground.
t Whitehead's New Jersey under the Proprietors.
CHAPTER V.
OLD BERGEN TOWN AND TOWNSHIP.
By an act of the General Assembly, in 1662, East Jersey was divided
into four counties, viz : Berg-en, Essex, Middlesex and Monmouth.
The territor.v between the Hudson and Hackensack rivers extending
from Constable Hook to the Providence Line constituted the county of
Bergen, it being a narrow strip of land in no place over live or six miles
wide, but from twenty-five to thirty miles in length. The old township
of Bergen was constituted in 1658 twenty-four years prior to that time,
and it comprised the southern portion of this strip of territory as far up
as the present northern boundary of Hudson county. In 1693 an act
defining the boundaries of townships was passed by the General Assembly
and from that act we obtain the boundaries of Hackensack Township as
follows : " That the Township of Hackensack shall include all the land
between the Hackensack and Hudson rivers that extends from the Cor-
poration Town Bounds of Bergen to the Partition of the Province."
By an act passed January 21, 1709, the territory of the county was
extended and comprised the Hudson county and part of Passaic. The
boundary line was as follows: "Beginning at Constable Hook so up
along the bay and Hudson River to the partition point between New
Jersey and the Province of New York ; along this line, and the line
between East and West Jersey to the Pequanock river ; down the Pequa-
nock and Passaic rivers to the Sound and so following the Sound to
Constable Hook, the place of beginning." In 1837 the county of Passaic
was set off and in 1840 the county of Hudson was constituted, leaving
the county of Bergen with an area of 230 square miles or 147,622 acres.
The township of Union again became a part of Bergen Count}* in 1653.
The township of New Barbadoes in 1693 comprised all the land between
the Hackensack and Passaic rivers from Newark Bay on the Southeast
to the present boundary line of Sussex County. This territory, a part
of Essex County, was annexed to Bergen County in 1709, out of which
came the townships of Hohokus, Franklin, Washington, Midland, Lodi,
Union, and the present township of New Barbadoes, while Englewood
and its neighboring townships on the north and south of it were consti-
tuted out of the township of Hackensack in 1871.
The territory now comprising Hudson County, then known as Ber-
gen Town was purchased from the Indians by the Director-General and
Counsellor of New Netherlands for Michael Pauw, Burgomaster of
Amsterdam and Lord of Aehtienhoven, near Utrecht, August 10, 1860.
Pauw also obtained a deed from the Indians for Staten Island and on
the 22nd of November following, a deed for the western shore of the
Hudson between Communipaw and Weehawken where Jersey City is now-
situated. This purchase on the Jersey shore of the Hudson was named
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 25
Pavonia, the name being- derived from Lataniziug the name of Mr.
Pauw, the purchaser ; and was applied to the general colony on the west
hank of the Hudson for a number of years. Mr. Pauw by an agreement
was obliged to plant a colony of fifty souls, upwards of fifteen years old
within the bounds of his purchase within four years from the date of
his contract, but that project evidently failed. In 1633 there was a col-
ony in Pavonia under the charge of Michael Paulusen or Paulaz, and
the West India Company appears at this time to have had an agent there
in the interest of the proprietor or patroon Difficulties arising finally
between the Patroon and Mr. Pauw and the Directors of the Company,
the latter finally succeeded in purchasing Pavonia for 26,000 florins. Part
of it (Ahasimus) became known as the West India C< mpany's Farm and
was leased by Jan Evertsen Bout.
In 1638 the Indians became troublesome and the county, on this
account, was kept in an unorganized condition for many years resulting
finallv in the Ordinance of 1656 creating a fortified town and the pur-
chase of Bergen Township from the Indians in 1658. This latter deed
conveyed all that part of Old Bergen east of the Hackensack river and
Newark Bay now known as Hudson County. The hill on which Bergen
was built is now called Jersey City Heights. The town was laid out in
a square, the sides of which were eight hundred feet long-. Around this
square run a street flanked on the exterior by Palisades enclosing the
whole town. The town was divided into four quarters by two streets
crossing each other at right angles. Gates were on the four sides to
lead through the Palisades. The village having grown so rapidly on
the 5th of September, 1651 an ordinance was passed erecting a Court of
Justice at Bergen, by Petrus Stuyvesant on behalf of the High and
Mighty L<»rds States General of the United Netherlands, etc.. etc. The
first officers of the court appointed under the Directors of the West India
Company were Tielman Van Vleck, Schout (Sheriff); Hermanius
Smeeman and Casparus Stuymets Schepens, i Magistrates . These
officers were held until the surrender of New Netherlands to the Crown
of Great Britain in 1664 which resulted in the new charter of Bergen on
the 22nd of September 1668 confirmatory of the rights under the Dutch
Charter of 1658. Under this charter the Government of the township
was maintained until January 14, 1714 when an act was passed in the
reign of Queen Anne giving the township still more extensive powers.
and this Government of the town continued until necessities resulted in
the erection of the territory into a county
The name Bergen was given to the village and subsequently applied
to the township and county. Smith, Whitehead and some others think
the name is derived from Bergen in Norway, hut Dr. Taylor, Mr. Win-
field and others reasonably conclude it was .i Dutch name. In speaking
of the origin of this name Mr. Winliehl says :
•■ Bergen in Norway received it-- name from the hills which almost surround it.
Bergen op Zoom, eighteen miles north o1 Antwerp, stands on a hill surrounded by
low marshy ground, which, with it> fortifications, afforded greal security. Thus it
26 HISTOKY OK BEKGEX COUNTY
will be seen that the two supposed godfathers of our Bergen received their name
from local circumstances. Are not the same circumstances existing- here to give
the same name to the new village ? On two sides of the hill was marsh, and the
only other place for settlement was along the river. To the eye of the Hollander,
accustomed to look upon marshes or lowland redeemed from the see, the ridge grow-
ing in height as it extended north from the Kill Van Kull, was no mean affair. To
him it was Bergen, the Hill, and, like the places of the same name in Europe, it
took its name from the hill on which it was built. This I believe to be the true
origin of the name."
CHAPTER VI.
THE OLD TOWNSHIP OF HACKENSACK.
"In 1682 Bergen County embraced onl} 7 the territory between the
Hackensack and Hudson Rivers, from Constable's Hook up to the prov-
ince line — a narrow strip of land along- the west side of the Hudson, at
no place over five or six miles wide, and from twenty-five to thirty miles
in length. The old township of Bergen, from the date of its charter, in
1658, comprised the southern portion of this strip of territory, as far up
as the present northern boundary of Hudson County ; and the settlements
above that, being regarded as "outlaying plantations," were attached
to Bergen for judicial purposes, and so remained until 1693, when an act
defining the boundaries of townships was passed by the General Assem-
1)1 v. That act recites as follows :
" That the Township of Hacksack* shall include all the land between Hackin-
sack and Hudson's River that extends to the Corporation Town Bounds of Berg-en
to the Partition line of the Province."
: S<> spelled in the act.
It appears from this act that the township of Hackensack was bound-
ed on the north by the province line of New York, on the east by the
Hudson River, on the south by the corporation line of Bergen, and on
the west by the Hackensack River. It covered nearly the whole table-
land of the Palisades Mountains, and the beautiful valley of the Hack-
ensack on its eastern side from the New York State line to the northern
boundary of Hudson County. The scenery of this region, including the
Palisades and the views of the Hudson and its valley from their summits,
is among the most picturesque and romantic in America. Here the In-
dians loved to roam before the advent of the white man, and their bark
canoes glided down the smooth waters of the Hackensack to their summer
resort on Staten Island. This was their avenue from Tapaan to the Kill
van Kull, and out among the bays and inlets around New York.
('.WANTS OF LAND.
Among the early purchasers of land from the Indians in this town-
ship were Casper and Alattys Jansen. We find the following allusion to
them and their lands in 1684, in the records of the Governor and Council
of East Jersey :
■'The petition of Casper Jansen and Alattys Jansen, setting forth that about
seven years since (1^77 ) the petitioners obtained by gift from the Indians a parcel of
band lying at Hackinsack, on the North side of the creek, which gift was then also
acknowledged by the said Indians before the late Governor Carteret, who promised
the petitioners a Confirmation of the same, only delayed the full grant orthepatenl
till the adjoining lands should be purchased from the Indians and laid out into Lots,
and that since one Jacques Le Row hath entered upon the said lands and taken pos-
sesion of the same without having any Indian (\vrd <<( gift. The petitioners pray-
ing a warrant to lay out the same directed to the surveyor-General in order for a
patent, which being read and the petitioners railed in. who brought with them two
Indians that had formerly given the said land to the petitioners, and the Indians
being examined concerning the premises, declared that they never made any deed
to Jacques be Row of the said land, but that the same .lid belong to the petitioners.
28 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
whereupon it was ordered that both parties attend this board the 2~t\\ 9ber next,
that they bring with them the Indians concerned, and that Jacques Le Row have
notice thereof. "*
" From the History of Berg-en and Passaic Counties.
This extract from the authentic records carries us back to 1677,
when lands were purchased from the Indians by Casper and Alattys
Jansen. They show that the Indians are still residents of the township,
and were ordered brought before the Governor and council at Elizabeth-
town. The "creek" referred to in the Indian grant, on " the north "
of which lay the lands in dispute, was probably that of English Neigh-
borhood. One Jacques Le Row was then a settler in that vicinity, for he
is complained of as having " taken possession without graut or warrant"
from the Indians.
The name of the township and that of the river which formed its
western boundary had been derived from the Indians, who had lived
along its banks and had fished in its waters from time immemorial
Most of the early purchases of lands from the Indians and grants
from the government within the bounds of the township are referred to
in another portion of this work, and need not be repeated here. The
early settlers were of the same class as those who colonized the township
of Bergen and gradually extended themselves from the Neck northward
between the two rivers.
TRADITIONS OF VAN DEH HOKST AND OTHERS.
There can be little doubt that the lands between the Hudson and
the Hackensack were selected in the early days of New Netherland
settlement as the manors of some wealthy patroon from Holland. Myu-
dert Myndertsen Van der Horst, of Utrecht, was one of these, and in
1641 he had a plantation, purchased of the Indians, extending from
Achter Kull, or Newark Bay, far up the valley of the Hackensack. It
is said that he selected for his town site the beautiful situation on the
Hackensack now known as Little Ferry, and that, in consequence of the
introduction of strong drink among the Indians, he and his settlement
were doomed to destruction. The house of Van der Horst was burned
on the night of September 17, 1643, and his plantation made desolate. This
story is not wholly traditional ; there are enough historical facts to war-
rant the conclusion that Von der Horst was an actual resident of the
vicinity, although it is difficult to tell precisely where his house was
located, or what his plans were with reference to the establishment of a
town. On the oldest map of New Netherland, that of Vanderdonck.
published in 1656, we find the colonv of Van der Horst laid down. It is
called the " Colonie van der Heer Neder Horst," and is situated on the
Hackensack, as described above.
The Baron Van der Capellon also essayed to establish a colony in the
old township of Hackensack. He had purchased Staten Island of the
Indians, and founded a colony there, which was destroyed in 1655. He
then, through his agent, "concluded a treaty with the Indians, with
submission to the courts of justice at Hospating, upon Wearkamius-
HISTORY of BERGEN COUNTY 29
Connie, near Hackensack." This was in 1657. The place " Hospating"
( "Espatin," a hill) was on Union Hill, between the Hudson and the
Hackensack, and on the boundary line between the old townships of
Hackensack and Berg-en. This attempt to establish a settlement and
courts of justice was temporary. If it existed till the conquest of 1(><>4,
it was probably given up at that time. Traces of the foundations of
buildings were known to exist in that locality not more than half a cen-
tury ago.
THE PATENT OF JOHN DEMAREST,
located in this township, is thus referred to in the records of the Oovernor
and Council of East Jersey, May 30, 1684, page 109 :
"Thepelition of John De Maris for licence to purchase 2C0 acres of land of the
Indians at Kinderkamacke, at Hackensacke, above the mill, in order to patenting 1
thereof. Ordered that he have licence granted him to purchase, making use of such
persons as the Governor shall appoint for Nicholas De Vow and other.-, who pre-
sented their petitions yesterday."
In the same records, on page 30, it appears that David De Maris
presented a petition, and was asked by the council :
" what lands he had purchased of the Indians for the supply of his saw-mill.
although the land is not patented to him and his son. The land purchased is about
two miles in breadth, and coming to a point, and six miles in length. Agreed that
DavidDe Maris have patents for the lands which is surveyed to him and his sons at
two shillings an acre. But that we cannot see reason to grant liberty to cut the
timber from the land he take- not up until further matter- appear than what is yet
manifested, and that our purpose is to view the same."
It is of record that Peter Fanconier purchased of William Davis 2424
acres of land on the east side of the Hackensack in 17o ( >
CIVIL ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWNSHIP.
After 1693 the township had its local court for the trial of small
causes. We lind this several times referred to in different records, but
in no instance in such a manner as to indicate where in the township the
court was held. Probably English Neighborhood was the chief place.
as that was one of the most important early settlements.
The minutes of the board of justices and freeholders from 1715 ' the
earliest extant in the clerk's office at Hackensack i to May lit. 1769, while
they give the meetings and transactions of the board, do not indicate the
representatives from the particular townships. At the meeting, May
Id. 17<> ( >. Martin Rowleson appeared for Hackensack township, and was
freeholder in 1 770. 71. 72. 73. 75, and in the May meeting of 1776:
Jacob Demot, 17(. ( ), 70, 71. 72. 73. and 75. They were also freeholders
in 1768, and Demot in 1 7*>7 : John Benson in 1775. 74. 75. 7<>. and Yost
Zabriskie in 1774.
There was no meeting of the board from May 15. 1 77< ►. to Maj 15.
177S. The last entry in 1 77(. is, "Ordered that this book be kept in tin-
charge of William Serrell, clerk.*' Serrell had been clerk of the board
from May in, 17<.n. The stormy times of 177n admonished them >^\ the
uncertainty of their next meeting, and so they made this order. When
they met again a new order had superseded the old provincial system,
and New Jersey had been nearly two years a State. Hence on the 15th
20 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
day of May, 1778, when they assembled again, the lirst entry in the
book, in round, bold letters, is,
"State of New Jersey."
Some of the members of the board just before and during- the Revo-
lution had suffered loss of property and life in maintaining the cause,
which in 1778 was still one of doubt and uncertainty, although the cam-
paign in New Jersey had ended in defeat to the British, and the au-
thority of the latter had been superseded by a republican form of gov-
ernment.
From 1794 the following were freeholders of the township :
1794, 1800-2, John Demott ; 1794, John Huvler ; 1795-96, I8I7, John G. Benson ;
1795, Nicholas Westervelt ; 1796-97, Dawes Westervelt; 1797-99, 1802-15, John P.
Durie; 1798-99, Isaac Nicoll ; 1800, Cornelius Banta ; 1801, Cornelius Westervelt,
James Westervelt; 1803, Henry Demott; 1804-5, Albert A. Westervelt; 1806-7, Geo.
Briukerhoff; 1808-15, Richard Powels ; 1813, Isaiah Johnson ; 1816-18, John Wester-
velt, Jr. Peter C. Westervelt; 1817, S. Brinkerhoff ; 1819, 1821-24, 1827-28, Peter C.
Westervelt; 1819-24, 1827-28, John Westervelt, Jr.; 1820-26, 1829-33, William Elv ;
1820. John Edsall ; 1825-26, Richard Paulison ; 1829-33, Jacob C. Terhune ; 1834-3~6,
John I. Demarest, Jr. ; 1834-36, 1848-50, John R. Paulison ; 1837-39, Peter C. Wester-
velt; 1837-38, Garret Westervelt; 1839-41, 1846, Abraham Ely ; 1840-42, 1849-51, Jacob
H. Brinkerhoff; 1842-44, Peter R. Bogert ; 1843-45-John C. Westervelt; 1845-47, Jacob
P. Westervelt ; 1847-48, John W. Westervelt ; 1851-53, James Elv ; 1852-54, Thomas
W. Demarest ; 1854-56, John J. Bertholf ; 1856, John A. V. Terhune ; 1857-60, Paul R.
Paulison ; 1857-59, David I. Westervelt; 1860-62, Peter Bog-ert, Jr. ; 1861-63, Samuel
Degroot; 1863-64, 1866, George Huvler; 1864-66, Albert J. Bogert ; 1867'68, Garret A.
Lvdecker; 1868-69, Perer P. Westervelt; I869-7O, Joseph Stagg ; 1870, Samuel S.
Demarest.
This old township during the Revolution was the theatre of some
battles and of many exciting scenes and raids by the British and Tory
refugees. At every accessible point along the Hudson from Weehawken
to Tappan the British soldiery penetrated to the interior, driving off
cattle, seizing and destroying the property of the settlers, burning
buildings, and often slaughtering in cold blood men, women, and de-
fenseless citizens, whose only crime was their patriotism and hatred of
British oppression. In this township stood Fort Lee and the old block-
house, so famous as the place of refuge for a band of the most unscrup-
ulous Tories of the Revolution. We will only give one extract here
from the records of that period. It is contained in a letter dated Clos-
ter, May 10, 1779:
"This day about one hundred of the enemy came by the way of
New Dock, attacked the place, and carried off Cornelius Tallman, Samuel
Demarest, Jacob Cole, and George Buskirk ; killed Cornelius Demarest ;
wounded Hendrick Demarest, Jeremiah Westervelt, Dow Tallman, etc.
They burnt the houses of Cornelius Demarest, Matthias Bogert, Cornel-
ius Huvler, Samuel Demarest's house and barn, John Banta's house and
barn, and Cornelius Bogert's and John Westervelt's barns. They at-
tempted to burn every building they entered, but the fire was in some
places extinguished. They destroyed all the furniture, etc., in manv
houses and abused many of the women. In their retreat they were so
closely pursued by the militia and a few Continental troops that they
took off no cattle. They were of Buskirk's corps, — some of our Closter
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 31
and old Tappan neighbors, joined by a party of negroes. I should have
mentioned the negroes first, in order to grace the British arms."
Hendrick and Cornelius and Samuel Demarest were probably des-
cendants of the old proprietor of Hackensack of that name. Their
neighbors had turned Tories, and in that awful contest for their fire-
sides and their homes, brother may have fought against brother and
father against son.
Nearly four years before these calamities at Closter, New Jersey
had declared herself independent of the British crown, and nearly three
years before all the American colonies had joined in the same patriotic
declaration. The burning dwellings and barns and the insults to their
women only served to fire the hearts and nerve the arms of the people of
Hackensack in defending their country.
"The township in 1840 was ten miles long and from three to five
miles wide. It then largely supplied the New York markets with gar-
den vegetables. Its annual sales of these products amounted to near
$42,000, a large township income at that day, more than doubling that
of any other township in the county. Its four bridges crossed the Hack-
ensack River, viz., at Hackensack Village, New Milford, Old Bridge,
and New Bridge. At these places and at Schraalenburgh, Closter, and
Mount Clinton were a few dwellings, scarcely enough even then to call
any of them a hamlet. English Neighborhood, in the southern part of
the township, was thickly settled, and had one Reformed and one Chris-
tian Church. The township then contained five stores, nine grist-mills.
six saw-mills, six schools, and two hundred and eighty -one scholars. It
had a population of 2631.
By the census of 1865 the old township of Hackensack had a popu-
lation of 7112, and by the census of 1870, which was the last enumer-
ation before the division and final cessation of the township, it had a
population of 8039.
CHAPTER VII.
IN YE OLDEN TIME."
A few years ago there appeared in the columns of "The Record. 1 "
Teuafly, a series of articles bearing upon the former customs and habits
of the people of the "Old Township of Hackensack, " which at the time
created more than passing interest. The easy fluent style of the writer,
J. J. Haring, M. D., under the pseudonym of the "Whittler" makes it
exceedingly difficult to abridge his articles without impairing his sen-
tence structure; yet his treatment of the various subjects which fell
under his notice was so elaborate that of necessity, we are obliged to
discard much interesting matter simply because it is less historical than
otherwise. We have therefore taken wholly such paragraphs from his
writings as bear directly upon our subject, and in so doing have, we
think, placed upon record much valuable matter which should be pre-
served. In speaking of the people of colonial and later times who took
up their abode on the east side of the county, the writer says, "nearly
all of them to the 'manor born' had descended from good, honest, in-
dustrious Holland and Huguenot stock." Although within sound al-
most of the hum of the great metropolis they had become known only
to the tourist and occasional stranger pedestrian, and so had escaped its
distracting, disturbing and disintegrating influences.
Their perserving industry had not only rendered the broad acres of
the valley productive, but had cleared and tilled the slopes well on to
the high plateau west of the Palisades. The immense walls resulting
from freeing these slopes of stones and which scarcely suggest a retro-
spective thought to the modern dweller, are monuments to their pluck
and industry.
The cattle roamed through the farmers 1 broad fields and the silence
of nature, through many a quiet afternoon, was only broken by the
tinkling of the bell attached to the leader of the herd and by the lowing
of the kine saluting and answering each other from adjacent farms.
Quaint houses and commodious barns dotted the valley from "the
Sloat" (Piermont), to English Neighborhood ( Englewood ) and beyond.
Here and there through the valley still stands one of the old time dwell-
ings answering to the following description :
The main building was constructed of stone, for the most part
small, irregular, and pointed with white mortar, making the walls pe-
culiarly conspicuous.
The roof was broad and ang-ulated about ten feet from the peak-.
From the angle the roof sloped more abruptly till near the eaves where
it curved gracefully, extending usually about six feet beyond the wall.
These stone houses had usually a broad hall running midway through
from the front to rear. The inside walls were plastered but the ceilings
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 33
over head were formed by the bare beams often of extravagant dimen-
sions and the upper floor board, both unpainted but smoothly planed
and kept scrupulously clean by the periodic use of soap and brush. The
outer doors were cut in two laterally and designated as the upper and
under door. In moderate weather the former was nearly always opened
during the day and often during the evening affording fine ventilation,
while the latter served to exclude curious eyes and prevent the exit of
the baby and the two frequent intrusion of the house dog and other do-
mestic animals.
The peculiar customs and manners of the toilers of the Northern
Railroad Valley a half century ago were largely due to the conditions
favoring if not compelling the exercise of frugality.
The soil of the Northern Valley and slopes owing to geological
causes and conditions a description of which would, if time permitted,
make an interesting paper of this series, was not noted for its natural
fertility. Its productiveness was in proportion to the care and labor be-
stowed upon it, and its adaptation to certain staple crops needed the
farmer's careful consideration. Rye being grown much more success-
fullv than wheat, naturally became the leading cereal. Ground into
flour by the local miller it found its way into the bread tray and by the
skillful manipulation of the wife or daughter it furnished bread for the
family — sweet, nutritious and wholesome. This spread with golden
butter and overlaid with wholesome home-made cheese was the combi-
nation associated with almost every man's meal.
Cornmeal supplied material for cornbread and mush, the latter
usually eaten with milk. A bushel of choice corn was occasionally sent
to the miller who, soaking it for a few hours in cold water then passed
it coarsely through his burr stones, removing the shell and breaking it
into coarse grains. This called " samp" cooked as it was by the farm-
ers' wives was equal if not superior to the best modern hominy. Corn
and oats were relied upon for the farm stock. Potatoes, vegetables and
fruits were of course at hand in their season and preserved with care
and judgment for winter use. No canning of fruit was known but the
farmer's wife always provided a good stock of sweetmeats in the form
of preserved peaches, quinces, plums, pears and other small fruits. One
of these was upon the table at almost every meal. Concerning their use
there was however an unwritten law emphasized by an occasional pa-
rental hint that they were to be spread thinly over the buttered bread
and not eaten by the saucerful with a spoon as the occasional city vis-
itor did, much to the amazement and consternation of the family.
The apple crop was one of the most important <>i the tanner's pro-
ducts. Three or four score dollars found their way into his exchequer
from the sale of his choice fruit. The dropped apples were gathered
for the pigs, the sweet ones usually given to the colt. Upon almost
every farm there was a frostproof apple cellar built of stone, partially
under ground and thatched with straw. Into these the winter apples
34 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
were placed and the door barred not to be opened till early spring when
the market price suiter! the owner, and the apples were then quickly
shipped to the New York market. From one to four barrels of good
cider were annually made by the average farmer. In large families
nearly an entire barrel was utilized in the making- of apple butter which,
wholesome and satisfactory to the palate was rarely absent from the
farmer's table for months following. The vinegar barrel was always
kept well filled. So fast as used it was replenished from the stock of
hard cider. A good share of at least one barrel of the best cider was
kept for table use and for evening gatherings. In these olden times a
load or two of apples from the larger growers found their way to the
distillery at so much per bushel. Candor compels the admission that
occasionally in preference to hard cash the farmer received in return for
his apples a certain number of gallons of apple whiskey mutually agreed
upon. This was always convenient for external use and considered by
some of the old timers conducive to the comfort of the inner man.
Temperance and total abstinence, to the mind of the latter were not
synonymous terms.
Every large farmer under the good olden calendar from which these
chips are whittled produced and packed his own pork and beef. The
surplus buttermilk and the odds and ends from the kitchen were utilized
in the pork production, and a horned animal bought at a low price in
the summer or raised perhaps on the farm was turned to pasture and
cornfed for a month or two in the autumn. About the last week in No-
vember usually on Tuesday, from one to four fat dressed porkers were
seen hanging in a row in the farmer's back yard. A week or two later
the dressed carcass of beef would be hanging in the farmer's barn.
The clothing of the farmer's family presented questions which
necessarily found their solution along the same practical lines as those
growing out of the subsistence department. There are in the older
ranks of the farmers to-day those who to the period of early manhood
were clothed almost entirely in home-made fabrics from domestic ma-
terial. Their fathers and grandfathers were flax and wool growers and
passed their raw material through the various stages and processes till
it came from the local looms and shops in substantial fabrics adapted to
the farmers' wants, and were made into needed garments chiefly by the
wives and daughters.
In the Dutch homesteads of to-day through the valley there are still
treasures in the shape of home made linen sheetings, woolen blankets,
&c, which are highly prized by the owners as the work of their worthy
and industrious grandfathers and grandmothers.
The farmer's wardrobe was not elaborate. All ordinary garments
were made at home in the family, the tailor being only employed by the
day occasionally to lay out the work. The best suit of the farmer as
well as that of the wife and daughter was expected to last for several
years and the expectation was rarely disappointed.
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 35
A woolen cloak of good quality of those days was placed away each
spring- and brought out in the fall and worn for a dozen years affording
to the wearer the most genuine satisfaction during the entire period.
Woolen undergarments were not considered necessary as a rule.
Stockings were knit during the long winter evenings, linen ones for
warm and woolen ones for cold weather.
Working clothes were made in the most simple manner, comfort and
durability being the governing considerations.
The furniture in the old homesteads of the valley was simple and
inexpensive. A good proportion of it was home made including the
tables, stands, chairs and cupboards. The last named were for various
uses and very capacious. The bureaus in which were kept the linen,
were usually more pretentious. In every family there were one or two
large chests in which to pack winter clothing. These were made if pos-
sible from cedar wood supposed to afford protection against moth and
insects generally.
The long clock found in many homesteads was the one article of
extravagance and luxury in which the olden time fathers indulged.
At the period from which these chips are whittled stoves were
unknown, and broad fire places and brick ovens furnished the ways and
means for warming and cooking.
The capacious chimney, the wide tire places, and the and-irons the
" back log," the " fore stick," and the intervening wood, the last three
all ignited, the blazing tire leaping upward changing each moment in
shape and form, throwing darker and lighter shadows upon the walls,
all made up a picture which the eye tired not in watching, and which
possessed an attractive force and mellowing influence which have been
sadlv missed since modern ideas and requirements made the scene
described only a memory of happy hours long gone never to return.
Fifty years ago matches had not been invented and the flint and
steel with the accompanying- " tinder box " were upon the mantel of
every kitchen. The light for this room was furnished for the most part
by the blazing wood, and that of the sitting room by the tallow caudle
made by the dipping process in the outer kitchen.
The servant girl question in these happy times was almost wholly
eliminated from the problem of domestic life. The wife and daughter
were equal to all emergencies and the idea of delegating any part o|
their home duties to a menial was as unnatural to them as it was preju-
dicial to the family finances.
At certain seasons the farmer's life was indeed a busy one, bringing
him at five o'clock in the morning to the work of feeding his stock and
preparing for the work of the day. At six or before, breakfast was in
readiness, and before seven he was at the axe, scythe, or plow, and after
ten <>r twelve hours in the field there still remained the chores and even-
ing work in the barn.
36 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
The farmer's wifes and daughters did their household work
thoroughly. Cleanliness was the almost invariable rule and the tables
and floors even in the kitchen must on at least one day of each week be
made spotless b}- soap and brush. In addition to regular indoor work
including- all the work of the dairy, they were ready to help in any out-
door emergency. But for their cheerful presence and help many a load of
waiting hay safely housed would have been injured by the approaching
afternoon shower or ruined by the coming storm.
The man doing faithful and valuable work for his employer expected
to sit down with the latter to his usual meals, aud it was not expected
that either would lose his'self-respect or forfeit the respect of the other.
At these meals if an outer garment was uncomfortable or cumber-
some, it was simply discarded on common sense principles
At the table the knife or fork was brought into requisition according
as either seemed best adapted to the work to be done. If the morsel of
pumpkin pie was considered to be in less danger on the knife while being
conveyed to its intended destination, the pie was given the benefit of the
theory and the onlookers were never known to have received a hopeless
or dangerous shock.
The country district schoolhouse was usuallv about eighteen feet
square, and painted red if painted at all. It was usuallv built at the
intersection of two roads, as near the corner as possible, or in the edge
of a woods and as near as possible in many cases to a pond of stagnant
water. This latter plan has not been altogether given up at the present
time judging from recent occurrences. The school furniture was not
luxurious. The desks were arranged on three sides of the room with
their backs permanently fastened to the wall and the long seats over
which both girls and bovs had to climb were made of slabs.
The curriculum of study was not especially comprehensive. It usu-
ally comprised spelling, reading, writing and " ciphering." Occasion-
ally a little grammar was thrown in by way of ornamentation.
The teacher's salarv varied from fifteen to twenty-five dollars a
month. Under the salary first name he was expected to "broad around ''
through the district in the more substantial or liberal families, changing
his boarding place about everv two weeks. If the pedagogue was old,
conservative, and stern, this arrangement was very unpopular with the
children. If young, sympathetic and socially inclined, these changes of
boarding places were anticipated with the keenest pleasure.
Of the moral and religious condition of the valley community a half
century ago it may be said that it was fully up to the average standard.
The churches were simplv furnished, poorly ventilated, and imper-
fectly heated. Notwithstanding, on Sabbath mornings the roads leading
to the churches were dotted with vehicles and predestrians from miles
around. Stormy weather was not considered a valid excuse for absence
from church.
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 37
The vehicles were of ever}* description. Not a few were the farm
wagons which conveyed the surplus products to market. Some of the
worshipers came on horseback.
It was an old time habit to reach church early. The horses having
been hitched the worshipers collected in groups under the trees or about
the church doors where greetings all around were in order and inquiries
made about absent relatives and acquaintances.
It cannot be denied that the state of crops, the condition of the mar-
kets, and the aspect of politics were occasional features of these peculiar
gatherings.
A voluntary or paid choir was an institution unknown in these
churches fifty years ago. The chorister a professing member receiving
and holding his position by the formal action of the officers, read all the
verses of the first hymn usually one of his own selection, then led the
sino-injjf in a slow and sometimes nasal tone. Before the first line was
finished the discovery was not unfrequently made the line was pitched
several notes too high or low, when of course a fresh start became
necessary. This naturally diverted attention somewhat from the
sentiment of the sacred poem usually by Watts, Dodridge or Toplady,
but the svstem had its compensating advantage by rendering impossible
the complications incident to the modern methods.
Of instumental music it may be said that any attempt to introduce
it fifty years ago would have been regarded as an innovation incompat-
ible with religious orthodoxv or church harmony.
The duty of reading the Scripture selections devolved upon the
chorister called also the " voorleeser " or head reader. This exercise
was grave, measured and slow, with inflections not always thoughtless.
The prayers were earnest, fervent and loud. The sennons Long,
doctrinal and of numerous headings. They were rarely delivered from
notes. Written sermons being regarded with disfavor and not considered
edifying.
CHAPTER VIII.
CIVIL ORGANIZATK >N ( >F THEC( >UXTY OF BERGEN
(From the History of Bergen and Passaic Counties).
In December, 1<>S2, the Assembly of East Jersey passed an act divid-
ing the province into four counties, viz. : Berg-en, Essex, Middlesex, and
Monmouth.* Berg-en included all the settlements between the Hudson
and Hackensack Rivers, and extended to the northern boundary of the
province. Bergen and its outlying plantations comprised about sixty
thousand acres of land. In the act of January 21, 1709, "for determin-
ing the bounds of the several counties," those of Bergen were extended
as follows : "Beginning at Constable's Hook, so along the bay and Hud-
son's River to the partition point between New Jersey and the province
of New York; along this line and the line between East and West
Jersey f to the Pequaneck River; down the Pequaneck and Passaic
Rivers to the sound; and so following the sound to Constable's Hook,
the place of beginning."
In 1(>93 the counties were divided into townships. But those of
Bergen County — viz : the townships of Bergen and Hackensack — had
existed for many years and been organized municipalities, the former
under the Dutch government of the New Netherlands, J and the latter
under the proprietary government of East Jersey, No court existed at
Hackensack in 1<>S2. Smith says, in his "History of New Jersey," under
date of this year: "The plantations on both sides of the Neck, as also
those at Hackensack, were under the jurisdiction of Bergen Town, situ-
ated about the middle of the Neck." The act of organization established
the count v courts at Bergen, where thev remained until, the enlargement
of the county in 170').
Bergen, in 1680, is thus described by George Scott, of Edinburgh who
published a book entitled "The Model of the Government of the Prov-
ince of East Jersey in America:"
"Here is a Town Court held by Select Men or Overseers, who used to be four or
more as they plea.se to choose annually to try small causes, as in all the rest of the
Towns ; and two Courts of Sessions in the year, from which, if the cause
exceed twenty pounds, they may appeal to the Governor and Council and Court of
Deputies in their Assembly , who meet once a year. The town is compact, and hath
been fortified against the Indians. There are not above seventy families in it. The
acres taken up by the town may be about 10,000, and for the Out Plantations, 50,000,
and the number of Inhabitants are computed to be 350, but many more abroad. The
In order to raise fifty pounds, the legislature convened in lr.s;; laid assessments to be raised in
the four counties as follows : Bergen, .£11; Middlesex, £10; Essex, £14; Monmouth, £15.
[n 1691 the sum of £79 12s. 9d. was assessed for Bergen County ; Bergen, £7 9s. d., Hackensack,
i--. id.
I The line between East and West Jersey, here referred to, is not the line finally adopted and
known as the Lawrence line, which was run by John Lawrence in September>and October, 174:'.. It was
the compromise line agreed upon between Governors Coxe and Barclay in 1682, w hich ran a little north
..i Morristown to the Passaic K iver ; thence up the Pequaneck to forty-one degrees of north latitude :
and thence by a straight line due e tst to the Xew York Siate line. This line being afterward objected
to by the Bast Jersey proprietors, the latter procured the running of the Lawrence line.
The Dutch government formed no counties in Xew Netherlands.
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
part of the Inhabitants which are in this jurisdiction are Dutch, of which some have
settled here upwards of forty years ago.''
Hackensack Village, it is well known was in E-sex County till 1709,
and only upon the enlargement of Bergen County in that year was made
the county-seat of the same. This was done because it was a thriving
village more centrally located than any other in the enlarged county.
County officials in the reign of George II had to subscribe to certain
oaths which sound strange to their descendants of these days in Repub-
lican America. We give a list found attached to an old parchment roll
in the clerk's office, dated 1755, wherein the names are subscribed in the
following oaths:
" Allegiance to the King.
"I do heartilv and sincerely acknowledge, profess, testify, and declare, in my
conscience, before God and the world, that our sovereign lord. King George the
Second, is lawful and rightful king of Great Britain and all other his Majesty's
dominions and countries thereunto belonging, and I do solemnly and sincerely
declare and I do believe in my conscience, that the person pretending - to be the
Prince of Wales during the life of the late King James, or since his decease, pre-
tending to assume to himself the title of King of England, by the name of James
the Third, or James the Eighth, or the full title of the King of Great Britain, or by
any right or title whatever to the crown of Great Britain, or any other dominions
thereunto belonging ; and I do renounce, refuse, and abjure any and all allegiance
or obedience to him ; and I do swear that I bear faithful and true allegiance to his
Majesty King George the .Second, and him will defend to the utmost of my
power against all traitorous conspiracies or attempts whatsoever to be made
against his person, crown, or dignity, and I will do my utmost endeavors to disclose
and make known to his Majesty and his successors all treasons and traitorous c >n-
spiracies which I shall know to be against him or them : and I do faithfully promise
to the utmost of my power to uphold and defend the sacredness of the crown against
him, the said James, under any title whatsoever: which succession, by an act enti-
tled 'An act for the succession of the crown and the better securing the rights and
liberties of the subjects,' is limited to the Princess Sophia, electress and duchess
dawager of Hanover, and the heirs of her body, being Protestants. And all these
things I do plainly and sincerely acknowledge and swear according to the express
words by me spoken, and according to the plain sense and understanding of the
same, without any equivocation, mental evasion, or secret reservation whatsoever.
And I do make this recognition, acknowledgment, abjuration, renunciation, and
promise heartily, willingly, and truly, upon the true faith of a Christian.
•• So help me God."
"Abjuration of the Papacy.
•'I do swear that 1 do from my heart abhor, detest, and abjure a-~ impious and
heretical that damnable doctrine and position that princes excommunicate 3 by the
Pope or any authority of the See of Rome may be deposed or murdered by 1 heir sub-
jects or any other Catholics; and I do promise that no foreign prince, person, pre-
late, or potentate shall or ought to take any jurisdiction, superiority, pre-eminen
or authority, either ecclesiastical or civil, within the realm of < Jreal Britain.
•' So help me I r< id.
■•William Kingsland, Arenl Schuyler. Johannes Van Houten, Michael Vree-
landl [his (M. V.) mark], John Cardan, Isaac Kingsland, Jost Van Boskirk, Walingh
Van Winkel, Johannes Bougart, Philip Schuyler, Jan Van Orden, Jacobus Wyn-
koop, Pieter Bogert, George Reyorse, Jr., Roelefl Van Der Linder, Theunis Day.
Simon Vreeland, Albert fcabriskie, Jacobus Van Buskirk, Abraham Leydecker,
Jacob Home |his (X) mark], Theodore Vallou, Robed Van Houten, Helmage Van
Home, Jacob Van Nostrand, Jr. [his (C) mark], Luke Re} ;rse, \lb.rt Berdan,
Jacob Sitson, Ardsen Kersoris, Garret Hollenbeck, John Schuyler, William J. Kii
Land, Jacob, his son, [saac Kingsland, Jacob Van Buskirk, Helmage Van Houte,
Abraham Gouvenier, [saac Schuyler, Jacobus Van Winkel. Johannes Vreelandl [his
(.T.V.i mark | . George Vreelandt, Jan Terhuyn, Hendrich Doremus, Johannes Rey-
erse, Johannes Bougart, Pieter Demarest, Sore ns Jan Van Buskirk, DavidVan I
kirk. Henry Van Dalinda, Cornelius Wynkoop, Roelel Van Houten. Derick Cuyper,
George Reverse, Johannes Post, Rejol Lyndaker. Abraham Ackerman. Micl
Noorland [his (M.) mark], David Demarest, Timothy Ward, Henrj Van De Linda,
.la. -..ben Wyckoff, Pieter Post, David Terhuvn, Samuel Bogert, James Board,
4<> HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
Peter Schuyler, John Berdan, Jacob Magel, Johannes Van Houten, Johannes Wag-
ner [his (V.W.) mark], Roelef Westervelt, Hendrick Yeshopp, Abraham Dirick [his
(A. D.rmark], Dirick Guysen, Peter Marsetin. Jansen Post. Jacobus Buck, Reynier
V. Giere, Timothy Moore, Jr., Jacob Mead, Johannes Reverse, Dirick Cuyper,
Samuel Moore, Jacob Dobson, Cornelius Bogert, Housens Van Buskirk, Casparus
Schuyler, Simon Juland, William Van Emburgh, Johannes Demarest, Ephanus Van
Home, Wabigh Van Buskirk, Peter Bogert. Rydsley Jecken, Jacobus Jeter, Isaac
Kingsland.
"Qualified as Vendue master this 22d May, 1755, before me. *
John Schuyler."
*This probably refers to the last person named, Isaac Kingsland. The following note from tin-
records will throw some light upon the office of "vendue master :*'
•• 1 1 is ordered by the Board of Justices and Freeholders of the County of Bergen that Jacob Tit short
shall be vendue master to sell arms and accoutrements, and to receive for his trouble 6 pence per pound.
"Oct. 4. 1763."
«
These were arms and accoutrements used in the French war. They were sold at the court-house in
Hackensack on Monday, Oct. 17. 1763.
CHAPTER IX.
CIVIL LIST OF BERGEN COUNTY.
At the head of this list we give the board of justices and freeholders
from 1715 — the date of the earliest records to be found — to 1794, when
the justices ceased to act in the board with the freeholders, and the
board from that time forward was composed only of the latter. The
freeholders will be found named, so far as data could be obtained, in
their respective town histories :
JUSTICES AND FREEHOLDERS.
lylS, Justices, Thomas Lawrence, George Ryerson, John Berdan, Martin Powlson.
Freeholders, John Flagg, Ryer Ryerson, Rutt Van Home, Cornelius Blinkerhof,
Nicholas Lazier, John Bogart. I7I6, Justices, David Provost, Thomas Lawrence,
Thomas Van Buskirk, George Ryerson, John Flagg, David Demarest. Freeholders,
Hendrick Cooper, Con.elius Blinkerhof, Miholes Lasire. Jacob Blinkerhof, Ryer
Ryerson, David Danjelse, Peter Garretson, Cornelius Van Vorst, John Van Houte,
John DeMott, John Huyler, Isaac Van Der Beck, Jr., Arent Schuyler, Jacob Berdan,
Abraham Haring, Abraham G. Haring. 1717, Justices, David Provost, Thos. Law-
rence, Thos.Van Buskirk, Geo. Ryerson, Jno. Flagg. Freeholders, Andries Van Bus-
kirk, Rutt Van Home, Jacob Bantaw, Jacobus Blinkerhof, David Ackerman, Harp Gar-
rabrantse, Peter Garretson, Thos. Garretson. I72O, Justices, David Provost, Thos.
Lawrence, Thomas Van Buskirk, George Ryerson, John Berdan. Freeholders, David
Ackerman, Lucas Kinstud, Lawrence Van Buskirk, Rutt Van Home, Roelef Bogert,
Roelef Westervelt. 1721, Justices, Thomas Lawrence. Thomas Van Buskirk, Geo.
Ryerson, John Berdan, John Flagg. Freeholders, Hendrick Cooper, Rutt Van
Home, Charles Lazier, David Demarest, Michael Van Winkle, David Ackerman,
William Flagg, Arent Tiirce. 1722, Justices, Thomas Lawrence, Thomas Van Bus-
kirk, George Ryerson, John Flagg. Freeholders, Hendrick Cooper, Garret Tury-
ance, David Demarest, Andriese Van Orden, Thomas Fredrickson, Johannes Nefie,
Johannes Walingson. 1723, Justices, Thomas Lawrence, Thomas Van Buskirk,
George Ryerson, John Berdan, John Flagg, Wander Deadrick. Freeholders, John
Wright, Egbert Ackerson, Andriese Van Orden, William Dey, Cornelius Blinkerhof,
David Danjelson, John Hopper, Peter Tebou. 1724, Justices, Thomas Lawrence,
Thomas Van Buskirk, John Berdan, Ryer Rverson. Freeholders, Philip Schuyler,
liarrett Garretson, Martin Powlson, John Loats, Cornelius Blinkerhof, Johannes
Garretson, Johannes Ackerman. 1725, Justices, Thomas Van Buskirk, Isaac Van
Geren, John Berdan. Freeholders, Philip Schuyler, Garret Garretson, Martin
Powlson, John Loats, Cornelius Blinkerhof, Johannes Garretson, Johannes Acker-
man. Iy26, Justices, Thomas Van Buskirk, Thomas Lawrence, Isaac Van Gesen,
John Berdan, Thomas Oldwater. Freeholders, Cornelius Blinkerhof, Johannes Van
Wagen, John Bogert, Jacobus Blinkerhof, Michael Van Winkle, Egbert Ackerman,
Johannes Garretson. 1 727, Justices, Thomas Van Buskirk, John Berdan, George
Ryerson. Freeholders, Henry Brockholst, Derrick Barentson, John Guest, Egbert
Ackerman, Claes Lazier, John Bogert, Johannes Garretson, Cornelius Blinkerhof.
I72H, Justices, Thomas Van Buskirk, George Ryerson, Isaac Van Geren, Ryer Ryer-
son. Freeholders, Philip Schuyler, Derrick Barentson, Abraham Ackerman, Tury
Westervelt, Johannes Van Wagene, Claes Lazier, John Zabriskie. I7 2*». Justices,
Thomas Van Buskirk, Thomas Lawrence, Isaac Van Gesen. Freeholders, Mathias
De Mott, Hendrick Kuvper, Johannes Van Wagene, John Zabriskie, Arie Banta,
Hendrick Van Der Linde. Egbert Ackerman. 1 7.^0, Justices, Thomas Van Buskirk,
Isaac Van Gesen, Thomas Oldwater, George Ryerson, Roelef Van Houten. Free-
holders, Hendrick K. Kuyfer, Corneleius Blinkerhof, Arie Banta, Derrick Van
Houte, Derrick Blinkerhof, Hendrick Van Der Linde. 1731, Justices, William Pro-
roost, George Ryerson, Isaac Van Gesen, Ryer Ryerson, John Flagg, Henry Van
Der Linde, Derrick Kuvper, Mathias De Mott, Richard ESdsall, Ben jarain Demarest.
Freeholders, Hery Van Der Linde, Hendrick Kuvper, Cornelius Blinkerhof, Arie
Banta, Thomas Fredericks. 1 7^2. Justices, William PlOVOOSt, Ryer Ryerson, Henry
Van Der Linde, Benjamin Demarest, Derrick Kuvper. Freeholders, Bgberl Acker-
man, Hendrick Kuvper. Hendrick Van Winkle, Jacob Hendrickse Banta, John Chris-
tian. I733. Justices, William Provoost, George Ryerson, Ryer Ryerson, Henry Van
Der Linde, Derrick Kuvper, Benjamin Demarest, Mathias De Mott. Freehold
42 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
John Romine, Reynier Van Gesen, Hendrick Kuyper, Martin Powlson, Jan Duryea,
Hendrick Van Winkle, Johannes Garretse, Garret Garret e. 1734, Juscices, William
Provoost, David Provoost, Isaac Van Gesen. Freeholders. Martin Powlson. Jacob
Hey, John Romine, Rynier Van Gesen, Philip Schuyler, John Garretson, Henry
Cooper, Henry Van Winkle. 1735, Justices. William Provoost, David Provoost,
Henry Van Der Linda, Poulus Van Der Beck. Freeholders, Martin Powlson, Yost
Zabriskie, Derrick Dev, John Garretson, John Van Qrden, John Van Home, Henry
Van Winkle, Garret Hopper. 1736, Justices, William Provoost, John Flagg, David
Provoorst, Paul Van Der Beck. Freeholders. John Gcrretson. Yost Zabrisl ie,
Jacob Day. John Van Home, Henry Van Winkle. Derrick Dey. 1737. Justii -
William Provoost. David Provoost, Paul Van Der Beck, Henry Van Der Lindie
James Duncan. Freeholders, John Garretson, Jacob Dey. John Post. Garret Van
enbeck, Eden Sipp, John Van Home, Egbert Ackerman. 1738, Justices. David De-
marest, Paul Van Der Beck, Henry Van Der Linda. James Duncan, Benjamin De-
marest. Garrett Halenbeck. Freeholders, John Romine. Cornelius Wynkoop, Henry
Kipp, Arie Siebe Banta, Jacobus Pick. I74I, Justices. Paul Van Der Beck. John
Berdan. Jacobus Bertholf. Freeholders, Michael Van Winkle, Jacob Dey, Derrick
Dey, Rynier Van Gesen, John Duryea, Derrick Van Gesen. L42. Justices, David
Provoost, Paul Van Der Beck, Henry Van Der Beck, Henry Van Der Linde. Free-
holders, Cornelius Van Hoss. Derrick Dey, Derrick Van Gesen, Cornelius Lydeker.
Cornelius Wynkoop, Michael Vreeland, Jacobus Blinkerhof , John Duryea. Corneliu>
Van Horst, John Van Horn, Derrick Van Gesen. Jacob Oldwater, Jacobus Bertholf,
Rynier Van Gesen, Jacobus Bertholf. 1743, Justices. Paul Van Der Beck, H< nrv
Van DerLinde, John Berdan. Freeholders, Luke Ryerson. Garret Garretse. Jacobus.
Bertholf, Cornelius Van Horst, Cornelius Wynkoop, Cornelius Leydeker. 1 ;44.
Justices. David Demarest, Hendrick Van Der Linde. Cornelius Wynkoop. Free-
holders, Jacobus Bertholf, Cornelius Leydeker, Jacobus Blinkerhof, Abraham
Ackerman, Garret Garretson, Luke Ryerson. Cornelius Van Horst, Derrick Cadmus.
1745, Justices. Hendrick Van Der Linde, Abraham Ackerman. I.awrerce Van Bus-
kirk. Freeholders, Jacobus Blinkerhof. John Berdan. Cornelius Leydeker. Derrick
Dey. Garret Garretson. Derrick Cadmus, Cornelius Van, Vprst, 1J4.6, Justices, Gar-
ret Halenbeck, John Vad Norde, Derrick Leydeker, John Bogert. Freeholders.
Derrick Cadmus, Cornelius Van Vorst, Jacobus Blinkerhof. Cornelius Leydeker,
Derrick De}', Garret Garretson, Jacob Bertholf. 1747, Justices, Derrick Kuyper.
Garret Halenbeck. Jacob Oldwater. Freeholders. Derrick Dey, Jacobus Blinkerhof .
Cornelius Van Vorst, John Van Home, Cornelius Leydeker. Garret Gsrret>on.,
Jacobus Bertholf , John Berdan. 1748, Justices. Derrick Kuyper. Garret Halenbeck.
Jacob Titsort. Freeholders. Jacobus Bertholf, Jacobus Blinkerhof, John Berdan..
John Van Horn, Derrick Dey, Garret Garretson, Cornelius Van Vorst. 1749, Jus-
tices, Jacobus Peck, Jacob Titsort. Garret Halenbeck. t 1750, Justices. George
Ryerson, Derrick Kuyper, Garret Halenbeck, Jacobus Peck. Freeholders. John
Van Horn, John Durie. Cornelius Van Vorst, Cornelius Leydecker, Derrick Geisen,
Garret Van Wagene. I75I. Justices. Derrick Kuyper, Reynier Van Geisen, Abra-
ham Van Buskirk.- Freeholders, John Van Horn, Cornelius Van Vorst, Cornelius
Leydecker, John Darje (Duryea?), Derrick Van Geisen, Garret Van Wagene, Jacob
Titsort, John Zabriskie. 1752, Justices, Derrick Kuyper, Jacobus Peck. Jacob Tit-
sort. Freeholders, Isaac Kingsland. Garret Garretse, Hendrick Van Winkle. Der-
rick Van Geisen, John Van Horn. Johannes Bog-ert, Lawrence Van Buskirk. 1753.
Justices. Jacobus Peck, Samuel Moore, Reynier Van Geisen. Freeholders. Garret
Garretse, Derrick Van Geisen. Isaac Kingsland, Cornelius Leydocker, Barent Cool.
Hendrick Van Winkle. John Van Horn. 1754. Justices, Jacobus Peck, Jacob Tit-
sort. Samuel Moore. Freeholders, 'Peter Zabriskie, Hendrick Van Geisen, Barent
Cool, Cornelius Leydocker, John Van Horn, George Vreeland, Derrick Van
Geisen. 1755. Justices, Jacobus Peck. John Demarest, Jacob Titsort. Freeholders,
Peter Zabriskie, Jacob Oldwater, John Van Horn. George Vreeland, Derrick Van
Geisen, Turja Pieterse, Lawrence Van Buskirk, Johannes Bogert. 1756, Justices,
Lawrence Van Buskirk, Jacobus Peck. Johannes Demarest. Freeholders, John
Van Horn, Hendrick Kuyper, Jacob Oldwater, Lawrence Ackerman, Barent Cool;
Cornelius Leydocker, Turja Pieterse, Derrick Van Geisen. 1 757. Justices, Jacobus
Peck, Lawrence Van Buskirk. Johannes Demarest. Freeholder-. Cornelius Ley-
docker, Barent Cool, John Van Horn. Hendrick Kuyper, Lawrence Ackerman, Jacob
l Hdwater, Turie Pieterse. Derrick Van Geisen. 175S. Justices. Jacobus Peck. Rey-
nier Van Geisen, Lawrence Van Buskirk. Freeholders. Jacob Oldwater, Lawrence
Ackerman, Henorick Kuyper. Cornelius Leydocker, Michael De Mptt, Barent Cool,
Theunis Dey, Derrick Van Geisen. 175 c ), Justices. Reynier Van Geisen, Jacob Tit-
short, Johannes Demarest. Lawrence Van Buskirk. Freeholders,, Cornelius Ley-
docker. Barent Cole, Hendrick Kuyper. Michael De Mott, Teunis Dey. Albert us
Terhune, John Zabriskie. I76O, Justices. Reynier Van Geisen. Lawrence Van
Buskirk, Jacob Titshort. Freeholders. Cornelius Leyd >ekei\ Barent C de. Teunis
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 43
Dey, Derrick Van Geisen, Lawrence Ackerman. 1761, Justices, Jacobus Peck, Rev-
nier Van Geisen, Lawrence Van Buskirk, Jacob Titshort, Hartman Blinkerhof.
Daniel Haring, Derrick Van Geisen, Roelef Westervelt, Cornelius Van Vorst, Hen-
drick Kuvper. 1762. Justices, Reynier Van Geisen, Lawrence Van Buskirk, Jacob
Titshort. Freeholders, Derrick Van Geisen,. Roelef Westervelt, Peter Zabriskie,
Lawrence Ackerman, Hartman Blinkerhof, Daniel Haring-, Cornelius Van Vorst,
Hendrick Kuvper. 1763, Justices, Reynier Van Geisen. Roelef Westervelt. Jacob
Titshort. Freeholders, Peter Zabriskie, Lawrence Ackerman, Jacobus Berio, Edo
Mar celese, Michael De Mott, Georg'e Cadmus, Johannes Demarest, John Duryea.
1764, Justices, Reynier Van Geisen, Jacob Titshort, Join Berry. Freeholders, Peter
Zabriskie, Lawrence Ackerman, Jacobus Berio, Edo Marceles, Johannes Demarest,
John Duryea, Michael De Mott, Tores Cadmus. 1765, Justices, Lawrence Van Bus-
kirk, Jacob Titshort, George Vreeland. Freeholders, Hendrick Blinkerhof, Cor-
nelius Garrabrantse, George Blinkerhof, Peter Zambriskie, John Zambriskie, Arent
Schuyler, Edo Marceles. 1766, Justices, Reynier Van Geisen, Peter Zambriskie.
Hendr ck Kuvper, Roelef Westervelt. Freeholders, Cornelius Van Vorst, Cornelius
( Jarrabrantse, Jr., Abraham Van Buskirk, Derrick Terhuue, .Georg-e Blinkerhof.
John Demarest, Arent Schuyler, Edo Marceles. Ij67, Justices, Reynier Van Geisen,
Lawrence Van Buskirk, Jacob Titshort. Freeholders, Arent Schuyler, Edo Marce-
lese, Abraham Van Buskirk, John Terhune. Jacob De Mott, John Demarest, Hen-
drick Brinkerhof. 1768, Justices, Reynier Van Geisen, Lawrence L. Van Buskirk.
Peter Zabriskie. Freeholders, John Demarest, Jacob De Mott, Hendrick Blinker-
hof, Cornelius Garrabrante, John Terhune, Eclo Marcelese. I769, Justices, Reynier
Van Geisen, Peter Zabriskie, Lawrence Van Buskirk. Freeholders, John Terhune.
Isaac Van Der Beck, Idumus Marcelese, John Ryerson, Martin Paulison, Jacob De
Mott, Helmer Van Houten, Abraham Prior. 1770, Justices, Reynier Van Geisen,
Peter Zabriskie, Lawrence Van Buskirk, Roelef Westervelt, Thomas Moore. Free-
holders, John Terhune,* Samuel Berry,"' 1 ' Hendrick Van Houten,* Abraham Prior.)
Jacob De Mott, f Mathias Roulse, \ Edo Marcelese. £ Ij71, Justices, Reynier Van
Geisen, Lawrence Van Buskirk, John Tell, Roelef Westervelt, Thomas Moore. Free-
holders, John Terhune, Samuel Berry, Abraham Prior. Hendrick Kuvper, Jacob De-
Mott, Mathias Roulse, Jacob Post, Edo Marcelese. 1772, Justices. Reynier Van
Geisen, Peter Zabriskie, Roelef Westervelt. Freeholders, Samuel Berry,* Hendricus
Cooper,f Albert Banta.t. Mathias Roulese,t. Edo Marcelese,?; Hendrick Doremu>..;
1773, Justices, Lawrence Van Buskirk. Peter Zabriskie, Roelef Westervelt. Free-
holders, George De Mott, Mathias Roulese,:}: John Benson,} Isaac Van Der Beck,*
Nicause Terhune,* Edo Marceles, Hendrick Doremus, Albert AckersonJ James
Board. I 1774, Justices, Lawrence Van Buskirk, Peter Zabriskie, Roelef Wester-
velt. Freeholders, Isaac Van Der Beck, Nicause Terhune, Hendrick Kuvper, t John
Van Horncf John Benson, Yost Zabriskie, Albert Ackerman. James Board. Edo
Marceles, Hendrick Doremus. 1775, Justices, Lawrence Van Buskirk, Peter Zabris-
kie, Roelef Westervelt, Thomas Moore, Abraham Montayne. Freeholders, Hen-
drick Kuvper, John Van Home, John Benson, Marten Roulese, Isaac Van Der Beck.
Nicause Terhune, Edo Marceles, Hendrick Doremus, Jacobus Bertholf, Cornelius
Lazier. I776. Justices, Peter Zabriskie, Thomas Moore, Stephen Baldwin, Abraham
Montayne. Freeholders, Hartman Brinkerhoff, Job Smith, John Benson, Martin
Roulese, John Richards, Cornelius Cooper, Hendrick Doremus, Garrabrante Van
Houten, Garret Hopper, David Board, John Van Boskirk,1 Jacob Cole.1
There is no meeting <>1" the board recorded for 1777. The first meet-
ing under the State of New Jersey was held at the house of Stephen
Bogert, at Harino-'s Plain (Harrington township?), May 13, 1780. The
members of the board were :
Justices, Roelef Westervelt, Jacob Ream, Abraham Ackerman. Freeholders,
John Ryerson, Edo Marceles, David Board. Lawrence Ackerman.
No business was transacted, except the appointment of Abraham
Westervelt as county collector, in the place of Jacob J. Demarest.
The next meeting was on the 12th of September. 1 7 7 s . ;it Garret
Hopper's house in Paramus, the board being :
Justices, Roelef Westervelt, Hendrick Kuyper, Abraham Ackerman. Peter Hai
ing. Freeholders, John Ryerson, Ed< i Marceles, David Board, Lawrence Ackerman.
New Barbadoea. ' Bergen. Backensack. Saddle Rlvei
1 ranklin Township, Bret represented in the board.
" Harrington Township Brsl represented.
44 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
The former collector, Jacob J. Demarest, at this meeting- rendered
an account of ,£142 17s., being- part of a tax raised in the county by order
of the Continental Congress in 1776, and ^357 8s. 9d., "received for
the county arms sold out of the court-house at New Barbadoes." He
also turned over the balance of the sinking fund in his hands, amount-
ing to £9S lis. 9d.
Abraham Westervelt was ordered to take charge of the record-book
of the board.
1779*, Justices, Hendrick Kuyper, Peter Haring, Garret Lvndaker, Abraham
Ackerman, Jacob Terhune. Freeholders, William Christie, David Banta, David
Terhune, Jacob Zabriskie, Edo Marcelese, Adrian Post, David Board, Lawrence
Ackerman, Daniel Haring. 1780, Justices, Hendrick Kuyper, Peter Haring, Garret
Leydacker, Isaac Van Der Beck, David B. Demarest, Jacob Terhune. Freeholders,
William Christie, David Banta, David Terhune, Martin Ryerson, Daniel Haring,
William Nagal, Jacob Zabriskie, Lawrence Ackerman. 1781, Justices, Hendrick
Kuyper, Abraham Ackerman, Henry Mead, David Demarest. Freeholders, Law-
rence Ackerson, Andrew Hopper, Garret Van Houten, Peter Demarest, Jacob De-
marest, John Kuyper, Albert Banta. l782,f Justices, Abraham Ackerman, Peter
Haring, Yost Beam, Henry Mead, David Demarest, John Benson. Freeholders,
Garrebrant Van Houten, Edo Marceles. Lawrence Ackerman, Andrew Hopper, Peter
Demarest, Thomas Blanch, Peter Bogert, Jacob Zabriskie, John Terhune, Samuel
Demarest. 17834 Justices, Abraham Ackerman, Peter Haring, Isaac Van Der Beck,
Jacob Terhune, John Benson, David Demarest, Daniel Van Riper. Freeholder-,
Job Smith, M. Garrabrant, Garret Leydacker, Jost Zabriskie, Jacob Zabriskie, Eio
Marceles, Lawrence Ackerman, Thomas Blanch, Abraham Haring. 17844 Justices,
Peter Haring, Isaac Van Der Beck, Jacob Terhune. Freeholders, Job Smith, Nich-
olas Toers, Jost Zabriskie, Garret Leydacker, David Terhune, Eieu Merselis. John
Mead, Lawrence Ackerman, Abraham Haring. 1785,$ Justices, Peter Haring,
Jacob Beam, John Benson, Jacob Terhune, Isaac Van Der Beck, Daniel Van Reipen.
Isaac Blanch, Isaac Van Der Beck, Jr. Freeholders, Nicholas Toers, Daniel Van
Winkle, Jacob Zabriskie, John Berdan, Garret Leydacker, John Mauritius Goet-
shius, David Haring, Abraham Blauvelt. I7864 Justices, Peter Haring, Jost B;am.
John Benson, Isaac Van Der Beck, Isaac Blanch, Garret Leydacker, Albert Van
Voorhis. Freeholders, Nicholas Toers, Garret Van Reipen, John Outwater, Abra-
ham Huysman, Abraham Westervelt, Cornelius Haring, William Christie, J. Mauri-
tius Goetshius. 1787, Justices, Peter Haring, John Benson, Isaac Blanch, Garret
Lydecker, Jacob Terhune, Isaac Van Der Beck, Henry Spier, Albert Van Voorhis.
Freeholders, Job Smith, Cornelius Garrebrant, John Dey, Mauritius Goets:hius.
Cornelius Hinsman, Garret Duryea, Abraham T. Blauvelt. I788, Justices, Peter
Haring, Isaac Van Der Beck, Isaac Blanch, Jacob Terhune. Freeholders, Job
Smith, Cornelius Garrebrant, J. M. Goetshius, John Dey, Peter Zabriskie, Nicausie
Van Voorhis, Samuel Van Zaen, George Doremus, Abraham Westervelt, Peter
Ward, Abraham T. Blauvelt, Albert Bogert. 1789, Justices, Peter Haring, Garret
Lydecker, Daniel Van Riper, Albert Van Voorhis, Henry Spier. Freeholders,
Helmigh Van Houten, Garret Van Geisen, John Dev, Albert C. Zabriskie, Samuel
Van Zaen, George L. Ryerson, Garret Ackerman, John W. Hopper, Albert Bogert,
Jacob Vlauvelt. 1790, Justices, Peter Haring, Jacob Terhune, Albert Van Voorhis.
Freeholders, Garret Van Geisen, John Van Horn, Jr., Albert C. Zabriskie, Isaac
Kipp, Nicausie Van Voorhis, Henry King-stand, Samuel Van Zaen, George L. Ryer-
son, John Haring, Jacob Blauvelt, John H. Camp. 1791, Justices, Peter Haring,
Jacob Terhune, John Outwater, Abraham Westervelt, Daniel Van Reype, Garret
Lydecker, Garret Duryea. Freeholders, Garret Van Geisen, John Van Home, Nic-
ausie Van Voorhis, Henry Kingsland, David Board, Albert Zabriskie, Isaac Kipp.
Samuel Van Zaen, Jacob Blauvelt, John Hogan Camp. 1792, Justices, John Benson,
Jacob Terhune, Daniel Van Revpe, Abraham Westervelt. Freeholders, Cornelius
Van Vorst, John Van Houte, Isaac Nicoll, John I. Westervelt, Christian Zabriskie,
Nicausie Van Voorhis, George L. Ryerson, Peter Day, Peter Ward, Abraham De-
marest. David Duryea. 1793, Justices, John Benson, Jacob Terhune, Abraham
Westervelt, William Davis. Freeholders, Cornelius Van Vorst, John Van Houte.
John Westervelt, Christian Zabriskie, George L. Ryerson, Peter Dey. Peter Ward.
John Hagan, Abraham Demarest, David Duryea. 1794, Justices, Peter Haring,
John Outwater, Jacob Terhune, Abraham Westervelt, Adam Boyd, William Davis,
Peter Dey.
* Met this year at Pompton.
t Met in Paranus, at the house of Capt. John Ryerson.
% Met at the house of Archibald Campbell, in New Barbadoes [village of Hackensack .
HISTOKY OF BEKGEN COUNTY
FREEHOLDERS OF BEKGEN" TOWXSHI1'.?
1794, Cornelius Van Vorst ; 1794-95, John Van Houte ; 1795, Garret Van Geisen ;
1796-1^.05, John Van Home; I796, Garret Van Reyland ; I797-I8CO, John Smith;
1797, Jasper Zabriskie ; 1798-99, 1807, Garret Freeland ; 180 ), Cornelius Van Vorst.
Jr.; 1801-2, 1805-6, 1803-9, Cornelius Doremus; 1801-4, Ja;ob Van Wagoner; 1303,
Casparus Cadmus; 1804-13, Richard Cadmus; 1806-11, 1816, Peter Sipp; 1810-12,
Thomas Dickerson ; 1812, Elias Binger ; 1813-14, Rvnier Van Geisen ; 1814-1^, Jo'.in
Goodman ; 1815, James Van Buskirk ; 1816, Cornelius Van Riper ; I8I7-I8, Casparus
Prior; 1817-18, Adrian Post; 1819-20, 1822, Casparus Prior; 1819-20, Adrian Post;
1821-26 1828-29, 1831, Piter Sipp ; 1821, Stephen Vreiland ; 1S22-25, 1831, Cornelius
Van Winkle; 1823-25, I827, 1833-35, 1839, Hartman Van Wag-oner; 1827-28, 1830,
1832-34, Abel I. Smith; 1829, Cornelius Van Vorst; 1830, Jacob D. Van Winkle;
1832, Merselis Merselis ; 1835, Garret Vreeland ; 1836, Asa Wriirht ; 1835. Mitchel
Saunier; 1837, Dudley S. Gregory; 1837-38, Garret Sipp; 1838-39, William C. Vreeland.
JUDGES OK THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS.
Edmund W. Kingsland 1789, Petrus Haring '89, Garret Lydecker '89, Daniel
Van Reyan '90, Petrus Haring '91, John Benson '91, Jacob Terhune '97, William
Colfax 1800, John Outwater 1^00, Abraham Westervelt 1800. William Davis 1800,
Abraham Rverson 18C0, Martin Rverson 1800, John Hopper 1801, Daniel Van Ryan
1801, Adam Boyd 1803, Isaac Nicoll 1803, Benjamin Bla:klidge 1803, Henry Van Dal-
som 1803, Lewis Moses 1804. Jacob Terhune 1804, Garret Durie 1804, Martin I. Rver-
son 1805, Abraham Westervelt 1805, David P. Haring 1805, Adam Boyd 1 -.05, Abra-
ham Ryerson 1805, John Hopper 1805, William Colfax 1805, Daniel Van Revan 180 >.
William Davis 1806, Samuel Beach 1807, Benjamin Blacklidge 1803, John Cassidy
1808, John Westervelt 1808, Peter Ward 1808, Jacob C. Terhune 1809, Lewis Moore
1809, Garret Durie 1809, Martin I. Ryerson 1809, John Outwater '10. David P. Har-
ing '10. Abraham Westervelt '10, Garret Van Houten '11, John A. Berry '1.1, Daniel
Van Reyan '11, John D. Haring '12, Christian Zabriskie '12, Elias Bi'evoort 12.
Dower Westervelt '12. Cornelius Merselis '12, John Al. Voorhis '12, John Hopper '12.
William Colfax '12, Jacob C. Terhune '13, Adam Boyd '13, Jacob Banter '13. John
Westervelt '13, Lewis Moore '14, Jacob C. Terhune 'i4, Martin I. Rverson '14, Wil-
liam Colfax '14, John T. Banta '15, R. H. Haring '15, Simon Mead '15, Garret Van
Houten '16, Garret Durie '16, John D. Haring '17, John Outwater '17, Christian Za-
briskie '17, Elias Brevoort '17, John Al. Voorhis M7. Dower Westervelt '17. John
Hoppe-j'17, Adam Boyd '13, Peter Sipp '18, Cornelius Van Winkle '19. Cornelius
Merselis '19, Henry W. Kingsland '19, Jacob Banta '19, William Colfax '20, John T.
Banta '20, Garret Van Houten '21, John D. Haring '21, Peter I. Terhune '21, David
I. Christie '21, Dower Westervelt '21, John Outwater '21, Elias Brevoort '21, Cornel-
ius Van Winkle '21, Christian Zabriskie '21, John Al. Voorhis '21. Henry B. Ha-er-
man '22, John A. Westervelt '22, Adam Bovd '22. Charles Board '22, John Cassidy
'23, Peter Sipp '23, Jacob Banta '23, Henry W. Kingsland '23, Garret P. Hopper '24,
David I. Christie '24, Garret Ackerson '25, Garret Van Houten '25, Marcus B. Doug-
lass '25, William Colfax '26, Christian Zabriskie '26. John D. Hariner '26, Peter I.
Terhune '26, Nathan ; el Board '26, John Al. Voorhis '26. Henry H. Hagerman '27.
Albert G Doremus '27, John D. Groot '27, Adam Bova '27 John" A. Westervelt '27,
Cornelius Van Winkle '27, J. Wells '27, Charles Board '27, Henry W. Kingsland '28,
Peter I. Terhune '2S, John Cassidv '28, John A. Berry '28, Peter Sipp '28. Cornelius
Van Winkle '29, Heir/ B. Banta*'29, Richard Ackennan '29, Oarret P. H >pper '19,
John G. Ackerman '30. Charles Kiusev '30, Peter D. Westervelt '30. Garret Van
Houten '30, Garret Ackerson '30, Miruts B. Douglass '30. James R. Mullanv '30,
Cornelius Van Winkle '30. William Colfax '31. Perriguiu Sandford '31, Pater I. Ter-
hune '31, Nathaniel Board '31, John Al Voorhis '31, A 1 mi B >yd '32, Ch irl - B tard
J. Wells '32, Henry B. Hagerman '33, William H. Rathb >ne '33, Albert O. Doremus
'33, John De Groot '33, John A. Westervelt '83, Albert Van Beuren '33, Samuel H.
Berry '35, John Cassidy '33, C. B. Zabriskie '33, PeterSipp '33, Cornelius I. Wester-
velt '33,, John H. Zabriskie '33, David H. Keen '33, Davie D. Van Bussum '33, Cor-
nelius Van Winkle '34, Garret P. Hopper '34, John 11. Hopper '34, Joseph Post '54.
Thomas M. Gahagan '54. William Jenner '34, Henry I. Spear '35, Jacob Berdan '35,
Cornelius Van Reypen '35, Charles Kinsey '35, Garrel Ackerson '35, Francis Price
'36, William Colfax '36, Perreguin Sandford '36, Peter I. Terhune '37, Stephen H.
Sutkins '37, Peter I. Ackerman '57. Abraham Westervell '37, Chandler Dayton '37,
Andrew H. Hopper '37, Martin Van Houten '57. Henry W. Kingsland '37, John A.
Berry '37, David I. Christie '38, John R. Blauyelt '38, William P. Rathbone '38,
Henry H. Banta '38, H. Southmayd '38, Cornelius Van Winkle '38, PeterSipp
George C. I><- Kay '34, Robert S. Gould '40, Charles Kinsey '40, Abraham Wester-
vell '4n, Geofge Zabriskie '41, Henry H. Hagerman '41, Albert «;. Doremus '42. An-
I This llBt contains the names and years ot service ol the chosen freeholders "t Bergen town-
Bhip, which became the county of Hudson in 1840, Ttaej areylven from the cloaeol the above list
17' 1 1 until the township ceased ii> exist .»-• such.
46 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
drew H. Hopper "42, Abraham Westervelt '43, John A. Blauvelt '43, David I. Chris-
tie '43, Abraham I. Ackerman '43, Peter I. Ackerman '43, Henry H. Banta '43, Mar-
tin Van Hotiten, Jr. '43, Samuel H. Berry '43, Abraham Carlock '43. John G. Acker-
man '43, Peter D. Westervelt '43, Garret Ackerson '43, Isaac I. Haring- '43, Peter I.
Terhune '43, Abraham J. Terhune '43, James Van Houten '43, John H. Hopper '43,
David D. Van Hussum '43, Garret P. Hopper '43, Joseph Post '43, Garret A. Za-
briskie '44, Christian De Baun '44. John H. Zabriskie '44, Stephen Berdan '44, Gar-
ret S. Demarest '45, James Rennie '45, James P. Demarest '46, Andrew H. Hopper
'47, Peter I. Ackerman '48, Abraham J. Ackerman '49, Garret S. Demarest '50,
Jacob I. Zabriskie '51, Samuel H. Berry '52. Albert J. Terhune '53, Jacob J. Brink-
erhof '54, Henry H. Voorhis '57, Albert J. Terhune '58, Peter I. Ackerman '59, John
H. Zabriskie '62, Albert J. Terhune '63, John R. Post '64, Thomas Gumming '67,
William Greig- '67, Richard R. Paulison '68, Charles H. Voorhis '68, John R. Post
'69, A.shbel Green '69, William S. Banta '72-77, Peter I. Ackerman '72-77, Nehemiah
.Millard '74-79, Garret G. Ackerson '77-82, William E. Skinner '78-83, William S.
Banta '79-84, William Skinner '84-88, James M. Van Valen '88-98, David D. Za-
briskie '98.
SHERIFFS.
Adam Boyd 1789 ; William M. Betz '91 ; Albert C. Zabriskie '98 ; Lawrence Ack-
erman 1800 ; Casparus Bogert 1801 ; John T. Banta '10; Samuel H. Berry '13 ; James
H. Brinkerhoff '16; Samuel H. Berrj' '19; Andrew P. Hopper '21; Andrew H. Hop-
per '24; John R. Blauvelt '27; Garret Van Dien '30; John G. Ackerson '33; Jacob
C. Terhune '36; George H. Brinkerhoff '39 ; David D. Demarest '41; Peter Van
Emburgdi '44; John A. Hopper '47; John V. H. Terhune '50; Abraham B Haring
'53; Cornelius L. Blauvelt '55; James J. Brinkerhoff '59; Henry A. Hopper '62;
John H. Banta '65 ; Jacob C. Van Blarum '68 ; David A. Pell '71 ; Garret R. Hering
'74; David A. Pell '78; Isaac A. Hopper '82; Nicholas Demarest '87 ; Albert Bogert '92:
James B. Brinkerhoff '84; Tennis A. Haring '89; William C. Hering '95; Jacob L-
Van Buskirk '98.
SURROGATES.
John A. Boyd 1803; David I. Christie '28; Abraham O. Zabriskie '38; Richard
R. Paulison '48; Isaac Wortendyke '68-72; John M. Knapp '77; David A. Pell '82;
Tennis A. Haring '93; David A. Pell '98.
I'KOSECUTORS OF THE PLEAS.
Lewis D. Hardenburg 1836 ; Abraham O. Zabriskie '42; Manning- M. Knapp
'51; W T ilHam S. Banta '61; Garret G. Ackerson '69; Abraham D. Campbell '7O-8O ;
Peter W. Stagg '95.
CLERKS.
Peter Stoutenburg I728 ; Nemiah Wade '89; Henry Van Dalsem 1804 ; Abraham
Westervelt '11 ; Abraham Westervelt ; Samuel H. Berry '35; John H. Berry '40 ;
Garret G. Ackerson, '45; Cornelius L. Blauvelt '60; Thomas W. Demarest '70 ;
Thomas W. Demarest '75 ; Samuel Tavlor '80 ; Samuel Tavlor ' c >5 ; John M. Ramsev
'95-1900.
MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
Peter Haring 1792-'96; John Outwater 1796-'1807 ; Peter Ward 1807; Adrian
Post '15; John D. Haring '16: Martin I. Rverson 'I7; Adrian Post '18; John D.
Haring '19-'22; Christian Zabriskie '22-'24 ; Charles Board '24-'27 ; Nathaniel Board
'27-'30 ; Charles Board '30 ; Jacob M. Ryerson '31 ; Charles Board '32-'34 ; Christian
Zabriskie 34-'36 ; Samuel R. Demarest '36-'38 ; Francis Price '38 ; Albert G. Doremus
'4(1 : John Cassedy '41-43 ; John H. Zabriskie '43-'44.
STATE SENATORS.
Richard R. Paulison lH44-'47 ; Isaac I. Haring '47-49 ; John Van Brunt* '49 ; John
Van Brunt '50-"51 : Abraham Hopper f '51, Daniel D. Depew '53-'56 ; Thomas H.
Haring '56-'59 ; Ralph S. Demarest '59-'62 ; Daniel Holsman 'b2-'65 ; John Y. Dater
'b5-'68; James J. Blinkerhoff '68-'7l ; Cornelius Lvdecker '71-74 ; George Dayton
'74-'77 ; Cornelius S. Cooper 77-'80 ; Isaac Wortendvke '80-'83 ; Ezra Miller '85;
John W. Bogert '86-'89 ; Henry W. Winton '90- '95 ; William M. Johnson '9o-'99
MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY.
1792, Henry Berry, Jacob Terhune, Peter Ward. '93 Peter Ward. Henry Berry,
Adam Boyd. '94, Adam Bovd, Peter Ward, Benjamin Blackledge. '95, Adam
BoYd, Benjamin Blackledg-e, John Haring. '96, John Haring, Henry Berry, William
C. "Kingsland. '^7, Thomas Blanch. Robert Campbell, Peter Ward. "'98, Peter
Ward, Robert Campbell, Benjamin Blackledge. I799-I8OI, Peter Ward, Thomas
Blanch, John Dey. 1802, Thomas Blanch. Peter Ward. Isaac Kipp. 1X03, Thomas
■ To lili place of Isaac I. Baring, deceased,
t To till place of J. Van Brunt, resigned.
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 47
■
Blanch, Isaac Kipp, Martin I. Ryerson. 1804-'05, Peter Ward. B. Thomas Planch,
Adrian Post. 1806, Isaac Kipp, Adrian Post, William Colfax. I8O7, John Van
Horn, Abraham Foreshee, William Colfax. 1809, Adrian Post, William Colfax. John
Hopper. '15. Martin Van Heuten, John Otitwater, William Colfax. '16, Peter Kipp.
Jacob Banta, Cornelius Marselis. 'I7, Albert C. Zabriskie, Cornelius Marselis,
Jacob Banta. '18, Casparus Prior, Nathaniel Board, John Hopper. '19, Cornelius
Van Winkle, Casparus Bogert, Seba Brinkerhoff. '20, Seba Brinkerhoff, Cornelius
Van Winkle, Charles Board. '21, Peter Kipp, John Westervelt, Jr., Charles Board.
'22, Peter Kipp, John Westervelt, Jr., David I. Christie. '23, Garret Ackerson, John
Westervelt, Jr., David I. Christie. '24, Garret Ackerson, John Van Wagenen,
Nathaniel Board. '25, Cornelius Van Winkle. Henry B. Hagerman, David I. Chris-
tie. '26, Cornelius Van Winkle, Charles Kinsey, David I. Christie. '2y, David I.
Christie, Peter I. Terhune, Cornelius D. Van Riper. '29, Cornelius Van Winkle
John Ward, Andrew P. Hopper. '30, Peter I. Terhune, Samuel R. Demarest, John
Ward. '31, Garet Kipp, Andrew H. Hopper, John R. Blauvclt. '32-'33, John M. Cor-
nelius, Samuel R. Demarest, Garret P. Hopper. '34, Abraham Eydecker, John H.
Hopper, Peter I. Ackerman. '35, Abraham Lydecker, Michael Saunier, John H.
Hopper. '36, Michael Saunier, Henry Doremus, Peter R. Riggs. '37-'38, John
Cassedy, Albert G. Lydecker, David D. Van Bussiim. '4b, John G. Ackerson. Albert
J. Terhune. '41-'42, James I. Demarest, John H. Zabriskie. '43-'44, William G.
Hopper, Jacob C. Terhune. '45-'46, John G. Banta, Jacob J. Rrinkerhoff. '47-'4<s.
John Ackerman, Jr., Henry H. Voorhis, Jr. '49-'50, John Huyler, John H. Hopper.
'51. John Huyler, John H. Zabriskie. '52-'53, Jacob 1. Demarest. Abraham Van
Horn. '54-'55, Thomas W. Demarest, Ralph S. Demarest. '56-'57, Daniel Holsman.
Aaron H. Westervelt. '58, Enoch Brinkerhoff, Andrew C. Cadmus. '59, Enoch
Rrinkerhoff, John H. Hopper. '60, Abraham Carlock, John R. Post. '61, Thomas
Ward, John R. Post. '62-'63, Thomas Dunn Eng-lish, John Y. Dater. '64-'65. Isaac
Demarest, Abraham B. Haring. '66, Abraham Van Embury, Cornelius Christie.
Henrv G. Hering. '68, Eben Winton, Henry G. Hering. '69, Henry A. Hopper,
Eben Winton. '7O, Jacob G. Van Riper, Henry A. Hopper. '7I, Jacob G. Van
Riper, George J. Hopper. '72, George J. Hopper, John J. Anderson. '73-'74, Henry
C. Hering-, John W. Bogert. ^S-^6, John H. Winant, Barney N. Fredon. 77. M.
Corson Gillam, Southv S. Parramore. '78, John A. Demarest, Southy S. Parramore.
'7 ( ». John A. Demarest, Oliver Drake Smith. '80-'81, John Van Bussum. Elias H.
Sisson. '84, Peter Ackerman. '85, Eben Winton, Peter Ackerman. '*•>, Eben
Winton, John Van Bussum. '87, Anderson Bloomer, Peter Ackerman. '88, Ander-
son Bloomer, Charles F. Harrington. '89, Abram De Ronde, Charles F. Harrington.
'90, Abram De Ronde, George Zimmermann. '91, George H. Huvler. George Zim-
raermann. '92, Samuel G. H. Wright, John J. Dupuy. '93, Samuel G. H. Wright.
John J. Dupuy. '94, Walter Dewsnap, David D. Zabriskie. '95. David D. Zabris-
kie, Frederick L. Voorhees. '96, Jacob H. Ullmann, Frederick L/. Voorhees. ' l i;.
Jacob H. Ullmann. Abram C. Holdrum. '98, John M.Bell, Abram C. Holdrum.
'99, John M. Bell. Edmund W. Wakelee.
MEMBERS OF THE PROVINCIAL CONGRESS <>K NEW JERSEY FROM BERGEN COUNTY.
June and August, 1775, John Fell, John Demarest, Hendrick Kuyper, Abra-
ham Van Boskirk, Edo Marseles. October, I77S, John Demarest, Jacobus Post,
Abraham Van Boskirk.
MEMBERS OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS.
I776, John Demarest, Jacobus Post, John Van Boskirk, Jacob Quackenbush,
Daniel Isaac Brown. Is44, Abraham Westervelt, John Cassedy, of Bergen County;
Elias B. D. Ogden, Andrew Parsons.
MEMBERS <>l'' CONGRESS.
Hon. Adam Boyd 1803-5; to till vacancy 1809 and in Twelfth Congress 1-'
Hon. John Huyler 1857-59; Hon. William Walter Phelps 1873-75; Hon. Charles H.
Voorhis 1879-81; Hon. William Walter Phelps 1
1 .( i\ I.K N< IK.
Hon. Rodman M. Price 1854-57.
1 1 STICK OF Si PREME 1 "i k- 1 .
Hon. Manning M . Knapp 1875-82.
CHAPTER X.
THE COURT AND COURT HOUSES.
The province of East Jersey was not divided into counties until 1(><S2.
Although the General Assembly of the whole colony by an Act passed on
the 30th of November, 1675 had declared Berg-en and the plantations and
settlements in its vicinity to be a county, in name Berg-en county,
though the Act does not say so in so many words.
Old traditions have located a county court in the present village of
Hackensack as far back as 1665. The sessions of the court were on the
first Tuesday in March, June, September and December. By the above
Act provision was made for the trial of small causes; also tax cases were
to be tried by three persons without a jury having jurisdiction in all
matters of forty shillings and under with right to appeal to either party
upon the request and at his cost. Criminal jurisdiction was confined to,
the county court.
In 1708 Bergen county was enlarged taking in all the territory on
the west side of the Hackensack to the Passaic River, northward to the
boundary of the province and southward to Constable Hook. The vil-
lage of Hackensack in New Barbadoes then became a part of Bergen
county.
The Act of 1(>82 provided for a Supreme Court then designated as
the "Court of Common Right." This court sat at Elizabethtown, then
capital of the province.
To the end that British sovereignty should be recognized and main-
tained, all warrants with process and attachments were issued in the
name of the king of England. In 1688 the court for the trial of small
causes was to be held monthly at the house of Lawrence Andriss, of
New Hackensack, and also "at the house of Dr. Johannes, on the Hack-
ensack River, then in the county of Essex, and for the inhabitants of
New Barbadoes and Acquickanick.'"
Profane swearing or cursing in 1682 cost the offender one shilling.
One of the early laws enacted was as follows:
"Concerning that beastly vice.drunkenness.it is hereby enacted that
if any person found to be drunk he shall pay one shilling fine for the
first time, two shillings for the second, and for the third time, and for
every time after, two shillings and six pence; and such as have nothing
to pay shall suffer corporeal punishment; and for those that are unruly
and disturbers of the peace, they shall be put in the stocks until they are
sober, or during the pleasure of the officer in chief in the place where he
was drunk."
New Jersey remained partitioned into East and West Jersey under
two co-ordinate governments until 17<)2. When Queen Anne ascended
the throne, in 1702, the two provinces were consolidated into one govern-
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 49
ment and thus remained under royal authority until the Revolution of
1776. The Governor and Council were empowered to erect, constitute
and establish such courts as they should deem proper; and to appoint
and to commission judges and other officers without limitation of time
in these commissions.
A Court of Chancery was early recognized. By an ordinance of
Lord Cornburv, the Governor or the Lieutenant-Governor, or any three
of the Council, could constitute a court to hear and determine causes in
equity, as in the English Court of Chancery.
Governors Hunter and Franklin exercised chancery powers under the
colonial system, and so that court was presided over long after the Revo-
lution, and until a chancellor was provided for under the State constitu-
tion. Ecclesiastical jurisdication was exercised over the province by the
Bishop of London, excepting "the collating to benefices, granting
licenses of marriage, and probate of wills," which were confined to
the Governor. The Bishop of London thus became the ordinary and
metropolitan of the Prerogative Court. But surrogates were soon
appointed, but vested only with the clerical powers they now have ; and
Orphans' Court were established in the several counties in 1784. The
original jurisdiction of the ordinary remained unchanged till 1820. Sur-
rogates were appointed in joint legislative meeting till 1822, and after-
wards were elected by the people, as at present. The Supreme Court
always had plenary jurisdiction, civil and criminal. There were also
special commissions for terms of the Oyer and Terminer, but to be held
at the regular circuits. They were presided over, as now by a justice of
the Supreme Court aud the associate judges of the Common Pleas in
each county. Before the county organizations were established special
terms of the Over aud Terminer were sometimes appointed to be held at
Woodbridge, and frequently at' the capital of the province. A judge of
the Supreme Court and special judges were then appointed to hold that
court.
In common with other colonies slavery came to the province of New
Jersey at a very early day. In existence of this institution called for
peculiar laws, one of which was passed in the twelfth year of the reign
of Queen Anne '1713), entitled "An Act for regulating slaves."' This
Act forbade any traffic with any indian, negro or mulatto slave without
the consent of the owner." The necessity which called lor such laws
evolved subsequent enactments, manifestly very unjust to the colored
people.
In the minutes of the Justices and Freeholders for the county of
Berg-en, in 1735, is found the following entry of a trial of a negro slave :
■ New Jersey, Bergen County, the 15 of August, 1735. Upon infor-
mation made to William provoost, Esqr thai the negro man of peter
Kipp called Jack, having beaten his sd master and threatened Several
Times to murder him. his said master and his son and Also to Burn down
his House Whereupon the Said Win. provoost Esqr Granted a Warrant
50 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
Directed to the Constable to take the said Negro Jack Into Custody and
Was Committed by the Said Wm. provoost Esqr to Goal.
"This Is In His Majestyes Name to Will and Require you to Sum-
monds Thre or more Justices and five principal freeholders for Said
County to appear at the Court House for the said County on friday
morning- at Nine of the clock, Being the fifteenth Day of this Instant
August to try the Negro of petre Kipp named Jack, for having Beaten
his Said Master and Threatened several times to murder him and his son
and Also to Burn Down his House on Wednesday the Thirteenth day of
this Instant and in this you Are Not to fail.
'' Given Under my Hand this fourteenth .Day of August In the
Ninth Year of our Reign : 1735
(sd) "William Provoost.
"To David Ackeman, High Constable
"This Is In his Majesties name to will and Require you to Sum-
mond these Under Named to Appear at the Court House on Friday
the 15 day of this Instant to Give Evidence In the Behalf of Our Lord
the King Against the Negro of Peter Kipp called Jack & In this you are
Not to fail. Given Under my Hand this 14 day of August, 1735 and In
the Ninth vear of our Reign.
• " To David Ackeman, High Constable. Peter Kipp, Elshe Kipp,
Their Son, Henry Kipp, Derrech Terhune, Jacobus Housman, Isaac Kipp.
" New Jersey, Bergen Ctv. Whereas William provoost Esqr Being
Informed that the Negro of peter Kipp Called Jack having Beaten his
Sd Master and often times threatened the Lifes of his Sd master and his
Son Likewise to burn his Sd Masters House and then Destroy himself on
Wednesday the 13 day of August 1735 for which We here Under Subscrib-
ed was Summond by the Justices to appear at the Court House of the Said
County the 15 Day of the Sd Instant to Try the Said Negro Jack Ac-
cording to the Direction of Act of General Assembly Entitled an Act for
Regulating Slaves Whereupon having Duily Examined the Evidence
According to ye direction of the Aforesaid Act found the Aforesaid
Negro Jack Guilty of the Said Crime Alledged Against him
(Sd) " Wm. Provoost, Isaac Van Gesen, John Stagg, Henry Van-
delenda, Paulies Van Derbeek, Justices, present.
" Abraham Vack, Abraham Ackerman, Egbert Ackerman, Lawrence
Ackerman, Garret Hoppe, Freeholders, present.
"New Jersey, Bergen County : Atta meeting of the Justices & free-
holders for the Trying of the Negro Man of Peter Kipp Called Jack at
the Court House for the said County on friday the 15 Day of August
1735. Present the above Named Justices and freeholders, the freeholders
Being Sworn & proceeded to Tryal.
"David Provoost Esqr Being appointed by the justices to Prosecute
the said Negro Man of Peter Kipp called Jack. Gentlemen I am ap-
pointed by the Justice's to Prosecute the Negro Man of Peter Kipp Called
Jack for having on the 13 Day of this Instant August struck his Said
Master Severall ( blows > and offered to kill him With an Ax and often
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 51
times Said that he would kill his Said Master, and Master Son, Burn his
Master's House and then Destroy himself Which I am Ready to Make-
Appear by Good and Lawful Evidences that the abovesaid Negro Jack
Is Guilty of Both Striking- his Master Several Blows and Attempting to
Kill him With an Ax and Likewise of Threatening Several times to
Kill his Said Master and his Master's Son and Sett fire to his Masters
House and then Destroy himself For Which Reason I Desire Your hon-
ours that the Above Said Negro May Be tryed as the Law Directs that
the King May have Justice Done, which was Granted by the Jus-
tices and freeholders and Did proceed Accordingly.
" THE EVIDENCES — DECLARATION.
" Peter Kipp Declared upon the Holy Evangelist that he was going
to one of his fields with his Negro Man Jack and on the Road he Gave
the Said Negro a Blow which at the Said Negro Risisted & fought with
his Master, Striking him Several Blows and Afterwards taking up an Ax
threatened to kill him his Said Master and his Son and then Destrov
himself. Upon Which his Said Master Ran away for assistance and
somtime after he Was Tyed he Said that he would In the Night When
his Master Slept Sett his house on fire.
" Henry Kipp Declared Upon the Holy Evangelist that he being <>ne
of the Assistance at the Taking and Tying of the Said Negro that when
they came to the Said Negro they found two Axes by him and after hav-
ing t} T ed him he said that when his Master Slept he would Sett his
House a fire.
" Then Isaac Kipp and Jacobus huysman declared likewise with
Henry Kipp. Then Henry Kipp declares that his father gave the negro
a blow at which the negro resisted and fought his father : striking him
Several blows and taking up an ax and threatening to kill him and then
destroy himself: and then the record proceedsas follows: Then the prisoner
With-Drew and the justices and the freeholders proceeded. The justices
and freeholders having 1 taken the matter into Consideration and Did Give
Sentence of Death Upon him as followeth:
"That is to say that ye Said Negro Jack Shall be brought from
hence to the place from Whence he came, and there to Continue until!
the 16 day of This Instant August till Ten of The Clock of the Morning,
and tlun to lie Burnt Untill he Is Dead, at some Convenient place <>n the
Road between the Court House and Quacksack.
"This Is therefore to Will and Requir you to take ye Body of the
Negro .lack- Into your Custody & See him Executed According to the
Sentence given, and lor your so Doing this Shall he your Sufficient War-
rant. Given Under our hands this 15 day of August, In the 9 Year of
his Majesties Reign, Annoy Domini IT.vs.
" To proclus parmerton, High Sheriff of the County of Bergen,
and signed by the Justices and Free holders, whose names .ire mention d
at the beginning of (his proceeding."
52 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
By a brief analysis of this proceeding - it will be seen that when the
negro, Jack, was going - to the field with his master, on Wednesday,
August 13, 1735 ; that the master gave Jack a blow. He was, therefore.
the first assailant, though, as a master, he deemed himself empowered
to chastise his slave ; that the negro struck back, and made, in his anger,
sundry threats ; that all the formal proceedings were done and the matter
disposed of Friday following, and sentence passed directing the Sheriff
of the count}- to burn the negro on Saturday morning, August 16, 1735,
"til he is dead."
On Wednesday the African offended, and on Saturday morning he
was burned to ashes, and. all this was done lawfully and under the
British Constitution in 1735, less than a century and a half ago.
In 1741 two negroes, charged on suspicion of having set seven barns
on fire, were convicted and burned to death at Yellow Point, on the east
side of the Hackensack River, near the house of Dierech Van Horn.
This act, as appears from the records, was frequently invoked, and con-
tinued even down to the Revolution. During this period the stocks, the
whipping post and the pillory, "at convenient places" in different parts
of Bergen County, performed their part also in punishing petty crimes,
and misdemeanors also of greater magnitude. At the October term of
the General Quarter Sessions, sitting at Hackensack, in 1769, we have
the following record, showing how the prisoner was punished. The
case is entitled
"The King agst Quack, a Negro Man belonging to Mary Terhuue.
The prisoner arraigned on his Indictment pleaded guilty, and submits
himself to the mercy of the Court. On motion of Mr. Brown for the
Lord for judgment, the Court ordered that as in the Warrant.
" To the Sheriff of the County of Bergen:
"Thomas Quack, a Negro Man. belonging to Mary Terhune, was
this day indicted before us, George Ryerson, Rynear Van Gieson. Law-
rence L. Van Boskirk, Peter Zabriskie, John Fell and Ruliff Westervelt,
Esqrs., His Majesty's Justices of the Peace in and for the County of
Bergen, one whereof bin of the Quorum of the Court of General Quarter
Sessions of the peace, holden this day in and for the County of Bergen.
for feloniously stealing, taking and carrying away from the dwelling
house of Isaac Kipp, Junior, certain goods, and has pleaded guilty to
his said Indict. Therefore, in His Majesty's name, you are hereby com-
manded forthwith to take the said Negro Quack from this Bar to the
public Whipping Post, at the Court House, and there cause the said
Quack to receive fifteen lashes, well laid on his bare back, and from
thence you are to take him tved at a Cart's tail to the corner of the Lane
opposite Renier Van Gieson, Esqr.. and then cause the said Quack to
receive fifteen lashes more as aforesaid, and from thence, at the Cart's
tail, take him to the corner of the Lane opposite to J. Isaac Ryerson.
and there cause said Quack to receive nine lashes more, in manner afore-
said, and on Friday next, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, you are again to
take the said Quack to the Whipping-Post aforesaid, and cause him
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 53
to receive fifteen lashes more, in manner aforesaid, and from thence
to the Street facing- Mr. William Provoost, and there cause said
Quack to receive fifteen lashes more, in manner a^ aforesaid, and
from thence to the lane opposite to Mr. Isaac Kipp's, and cause him to
receive nine lashes more in manner aforesaid, and on Monday next you
are again to take the said Quack to the Whipping Post aforesaid, and
cause him to receive fifteen lashes more in manner aforesaid, and from
thence over the Bridge, opposite to Mr. George Campbell's House, and
there cause him, said Quack, to receive fifteen lashes more, in manner
aforesaid, and from opposite Mr. Jacob Zabriskey's dwellings-House, and
cause the said Quack to receive nine lashes more, in manner aforesaid,
and the several constables of this County of Bergen are hereby com-
manded to attend and assist you. Given under our hands and seals this
Twenty-fifth Day of October, Anno Domini 1769.
(Signed) "George Ryerse, Peter Zabriskie, Lawrence L. Y. Bos-
kirk, John Fell."
Within a week the negro, in nine whippings on three several days,
and at the whipping-post and other public places in and about the village
of Hackensack, was scourged one hundred and seventeen lashes. It is
said that two slaves, named Ned and Pero, in attempting to rob in the
night, had broken a man's skull in an atrocious assault, whereby his life
was endangered, and on conviction they were sentenced to receive five
hundred lashes each, one hundred lashes to be inflicted on each succeed-
ing Saturdav till the punishment was complete. These several whip-
pings were to be imposed in different public places in the comity. One
of the slaves survived the five hundred lashes, but the other died <^\ the
fourth Saturday, after having received four hundred lashes. No record
of this affair has been found. It is stated, however, <>n information
which is deemed reliable. The whipping-post, stocks and pillory con-
tinued long after the Revolution, hut the awful scenes of burning at the
stake, let us hope, were too abhorrent to have been of frequent occur-
rence long before 177f».
COURT-HOUSES, CLERK'S AND SURROGATE'S OFFICE.
No court-house could have been built in Hackensack tor the Count}
of Berg-en earlier than about 17l) ( ) to 1710. then the first court-house was
built on the Green, fronting on Main Street. That structure comprised
a jail and court-house built together. It was destroyed by the British
in 1780.
The second court-house and jail were built in YoughpOUgh, in the
township of Franklin, during the Revolution, and tin' courts were held
there for a few years, as deliberative Justice during that 9tormy period
found itself too mar the British lines and British invasion in attempting
t<» sit statedly at Hackensack. Of course. Youghpougb pronounced in
modern times Yoppo) was only the county-seat <i<t interim, and until
Justice could resume her more ancient seat in peace and safety at Hack-
ensack. There was a loo- j,-,il built at Youghpoug.h, lull the courts seem
54 IIIST'oKY OF HKKGKN COUNTY
to have been held there either in the Pond Reformed Church or even at
private houses in the vicinity, to such judical extremities had the British
driven us during the Revolution. It is related that Noah Collington, or
Kellingham, a Tory, was hung - near the log - jail at Youghpough. He
had been indicted for murder and robbery in this county. In attempting
to escape in disguise across the Hudson near Fort Lee, in order to get
within the British lines, he was captured near that place and brought to.
this jail. *
The third court-house, and first after the Revolution, was built at
Hackensack, near Main Street, now the brick storehouse of Richard Paul
Terhune. The land for that purpose was conveyed to the county by
Peter Zabriskie as grantor. His deed is dated October 27, 1784.
On May 18th, 1.785, Peter Zabriskie executed another deed to the
county in consideration of eighty-two pounds lawful currency of New
Jersey for another lot, and on May 9th, 1793, deeded to the county an
additional piece of land adjoining the east side of the Court House lot,
four feet wide, extending the whole length of that lot.
Two hundred pounds was ordered to be raised by county tax to build
the Court House. Nehemiah Wade deeded the land on which the former
Clerk's office stood, July 3d, 1786. The Clerk's office w r as built between
1812 and 1819, a little north of the Midland Railroad, on the west side
of the street. There it remained until 1853.
An effort was made by the up-town people to locate the Court House
there, but the offer by Robert Campbell was accepted, and in 1819 the
building so familiar to the people of the county, was erected, with the
Green in front, and the Clerk's and Surrogate's Offices near it.
Tielman Van Vleck was the presiding judge of the first court pro-
bably ever held within the present territory of New Jersev. The early
list of lawyers in this county down to 1776, as full}* as can be obtained
are given with their dates of admission as follows:
1661, Tielman Van Vleck, admitted as attorney in 1660.
1664 to 1678, Claes Arentse Toers, Balthazar Bayard, and William
Pinhorne, admitted (probably) attorneys about 1661. The latter was
also a merchant.
17(17, John Pinhorne, admitted as attorney in 17<>7.
1720 to 1759, David Ogden, Mr. Duane, and Mr. Lodge, admission as
attorneys unknown.
1750 to 1756, Robert Morris and John De Hart, admission as attor-
nevs unknown.
1756 to 1761, Mr. Legromsie, Mr. Ni'coll, and Dr. Isaac Brown,
admission as attorneys unknown.
Elisha Boudinot, appointed sergeant-at-law in 1792.
Cortlandt Skinner, appointed attorney-general July 19, 1754.
George Ross, Lewis Ogden, A. Moore, and Isaac Ogden, admission
as attorneys unknown.
1776. John Chetwood and Abraham Ogden, admission as attorneys
unknown.
See sketch mi the History of Oakland.
HISTORY OF m-.KOKN cor\r\ 53
William Pinhorne, who came to this country from England in 167&;
was second judge of the Supreme Court of New Jersey in 1704, judge of
the Bergen County Common Pleas in 1705, and of the Bergen Oyer and
Terminer in 1709, and of the Common Pleas in 1709. He had previously
been judge of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, and at one time presi-
dent of its Council, and commander-in-chief or Governor. He died in
1719. His son John was clerk of this county in 1705, and was admitted
to the bar June 0, 1707, and practiced in this county, and probably resided
at Hackensack or Hoboken. His sister Martha married Roger Mompes-
son, who was chief justice of New York and Pennsylvania, and in 17i)4
was also chief justice of New Jersey-
CHAPTER XL
BERGEN COUNTY IN TIME OF WAR.
Till', REVOLUTIONARY STRUGGLE. THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. — THE
RAILROAD STRIKE. THE WAR WITH SPAIN.
The military history of the county of Berg-en extends over the whole
period of its occupation by the white man. Upon the arrival of the first
settler he was obliged to place himself on the defensive, and stand ready
for combat. The Indian, of course, resented the intrusion of white men
upon the domains which he considered his by right of possession, and
enjoying- the right of priority, was happy in his simple and indolent life,
and desired no other kind of existance. The astute Dutch settler saw
before him wealth, independence and consequently a cause for even fight-
ing for a name and place in the New World. After many conflicts and
mam' sad disasters to both the civilized and uncivilized participants, the
poor ignorant savage was obliged to yield to the wiser and more enlight-
ened adversary. This was the only outcome possible in such a conflict-
pathetic as it is to contemplate. The first Indian war having ended in
1*>45, and a treaty of peace concluded, quiet prevailed for a time.
It was not until 1774, the beginning of the Revolution, that a point
was reached in the methods used by the mother country, to force the
payment of taxes by her subjects on this side, without the privilege of
sending representatives to look after their interests, which broug-ht out
the necessity for a decisive step. A military force must now be organ-
ized to meet an enemy of equal intelligence and of greater numerical
strength, for the purpose of defending the rights of those who had braved
all sorts of hardships in their effort to build up homes in this country.
Accordingly a local Committee of Safety was organized in Bergen
county, a measure probably hastened by the closing of the port of Boston
in the Spring- of that year, ( 1774). The Freeholders and people of Ber-
gen County held a meeting at the court house on the 25th of June and
with Peter Zabriskie as chairman adopted the following preamble and
resolutions :
This meeting being deeply affected with the calamitous condition of
the inhabitants of Boston in the province of Massachusetts Bay, in con-
sequence of the late Act of Parliament for blocking up the port of Boston.
and considering the alarming tendency of the Act of the British Parlia-
ment for the purpose of raising a revenue in America.
" Do Resolve, 1st, That they think it their greatest happiness to live
under the government of the illustrious House of Hanover, and that
they will steadfastly and uniformly bear true and faithful allegiance to
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 57
His Majesty King- George the Third under the enjoyment of their consti-
tutional rights and privileges.
" 2d. That we conceive it to be our indubitable privilege to be taxed
only by our own consent, given by ourselves or by our representatives;
and that we consider the Acts of Parliament declarative of their risrht
to impose internal taxes on the snbjects of America as manifest encroach-
ments on our national rights and privileges as British subjects, and as
inconsistent with the idea of an American Assembly or House of Repre-
sentatives.
" 3d. That we will heartily unite with this Colony in choosing dele-
gates to attend at a general congress from the several provinces of Ame-
rica in order to consult on and determine some effectual method to be
pursued for obtaining a repeal of the said Acts of Parliament, which
appear to us evidently calculated to destroy that mutual harmony and
dependence between Great Britain and her colonies which are the basis
and support of both.
" And we do appoint Theunis Dey. John Demarest, Peter Zabriskie-
Cornelius Van Vorst, and John Zabriskie, Jr., Esquires, to be a commit-
tee for corresponding with the committees of the other counties in this
Province, and particularly to meet with the other county committees at
New Brunswick, or such other place as shall be agreed upon, in order to
elect delegates to attend the general congress of delegates of the Ameri-
can Colonies for the purpose aforesaid."
After these resolutions were signed by three hundred and twenty-
eight citizens of Bergen County, a local Committee of Safety was organ-
ized of which John Fell, a devoted patriot of Paramus was made chair-
man. Nothing of a startling nature, however, occurred until in 177* >
when it became known that Lord Howe was on his way to New York.
Lord Stirling was then in command of the militia in this part of Jersey
when he made an attempt to build fortifications on the eastern side <d
die County, along the Hudson and also at Bergen Point opposite Staten
Island. Three companies were now organized in Bergen County and
joined in Battalion with three from Essex and two from Burlington,
while the regular militia of Bergen was organized in one regiment.
This order came from the Provincial Congress in session in Burlington :
" Ordered that Cornelius Van Yorst be Lieutenant Colonel, Richard Day
First Major, and John Martinius Goetschius, Second Major of the battal-
lion of toot militia in the County of Bergen." Lord Stirling, in order to
Ik- prepared for defending Bergen, set several hundred of the militia to
work in the construction of roads, one from Weehawken to Hackensack
Ferry and the other from Paulus Hook to Brown's, and before General
Washington arrived he had both these and tin- forts at Paulus Hook and
Bergen Neck well underway. General Washington ordered the work
to proceed at Paulus Hook, and upon its completion was garrisoned, but
the British were occupying Staten Island before the work could be fmish-
ed m Bergen Point. On tin- 4th of July 177<>, General Washington
ordered General Mercer to station live hundred nun .it Bergen Neck.
and to guard the ferries over the Hackensack and Passaic Rivers, prom-
58 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
ising to send an engineer from New York on the following day for the
purpose of erecting works for the safety of those places. Fort De
Lancey was erected at that time at a point a little below the present
canal at Bayonne and General Wadsworth's brigade was sent to Ber-
gen and there joined by a battalion of Jersey troops.
The records were removed from Perth Amboy to Burlington early
in the year of 1776 by order of the Provincial Congress. No attack was
made by either side, nor was any active movement made, although Gen-
eral Mercer had planned an attack, which was foiled by bad weather.
The British were concentrating their forces, until about 30,000 men
had gathered within the harbor and upon Staten Island. The first firing-
was by the patriots on the 12th of July, when the two British men-of-
war the " Phoenix" and the "Rose," sailed up the habor, the first a
vessel of forty guns and the second of twenty guns. The firing was
from Palus Hook, but did little harm to the vessels, as their sides were
protected by sand bags. As Lord Howe sailed up the harbor on that
evening he was greeted with cheers and booming of cannon from the
British, who, on the 15th of July, took possession of New York.
Bergen was headquarters until October 5th, 1776. when Washington
be^ran his retreat to the Delaware. Removing- first to Fort Constitution
( now Fort Lee ), which in turn was evacuated on November 20th, leaving
East Jersey to the enemy, who no doubt felt that they had gained a
great victory. Lieutenant Colonel Van Buskirk, of Saddle River, who
had joined the British, was placed in command of the post of Paulus
Hook, while the fort at Bergen Neck was occupied almost wholly by
"refugees." This was named Fort DeLancey, in honor of Oliver De
Lancey, of Westchester, who had also joined the British.
The following account of the evacuation of Fort Lee was written
bv Thomas Paine, author of "The American Crisis:"
"As I was with the troops at Fort Lee, and marched with them to
the edge of Pennsylvania, I am well acquainted with many circumstances
which those who lived at a distance knew little or nothing of. Our situ-
ation there was exceedingly cramped, the place being on a narrow neck
of land between the North River and Hackensack. Our force was in-
considerable, being not one-fourth as great as Howe could bring against
us. We had no army at hand to have relieved the garrison had we shut
ourselves up and stood on the defense. Our ammunition, light artillery
and the best part of our stores had been removed upon the apprehension
that Howe would endeavor to penetrate the Jerseys, in which case Fort
Lee could be of no use to us, for it must occur to every thinking man,
whether in the army or not, that these kind of held-forts are only for
temporary purposes, and last in use no longer than the enemy directs
his force against the particular objects which forts are raised to defend.
" Such was our situation and condition at Fort Lee on the morning
of the 20th of November, when an officer arrived with information that
the enemy, with two hundred boats, had landed about seven or eight
miles above. Major General Greene, who commanded the garrison.
HISTORY ()K BERGEN COUNTY 59
immediately ordered them under arms, and sent an express to His Ex-
cellency General Washing-ton, at the town of Hackensack, distant by
the way of the ferry six miles. Our first object was to secure the bridge
over the Hackensack, which laid up the river, between the enemy and
us — about six miles from us and three from them. General Washington
arrived in about three-quarters of an hour, and marched at the head of his
troops towards the bridge, at which place I expected we should have a
brush. However, they did not choose to dispute it with us, and the
greatest part of our troops went over the bridge, the rest over the ferry,
except some which passed at a mill on a small creek between the bridge
and the ferry, and made their way through some marshy ground up
to the town of Hackensack, and there passed the river. We brought off
as much baggage as the wagons could contain, the rest was lost. The
simple object was to bring off the garrison and to march them on until
they could be strengthened by the Pennsylvania or Jersey militia, so as
to be enabled to make a stand. We stayed four days at Newark, col-
lected in our outposts, with some of the Jersey militia, and marched out
twice to meet the enemy on information of their being advancing, though
our numbers were greatly inferior to theirs."
An eve-witness has given the following statement:
"It was about dusk when the head of the troops entered Hacken-
sack. The night was dark, cold and rainy, but I had a fair view of them
from the light of the windows as they passed on our side of the street.
They marched two abreast, looked ragged, some without a shoe to their
feet, and most of them wrapped up in their blankets. Washington
then, and for some time previous, had his headquarters at the residence
of Mr. Peter Zabriskie, a private 'house, now called 'The Mansion
House,' the supplies for the General's table being furnished by Mr.
Archibald Campbell, the tavern-keeper. The next evening after the
Americans had passed through the British encamped on the opposite
side of the river. We could see their fires, about one hundred yards
apart, gleaming brilliantly in the gloom of night, extending some dis-
tance below the town and more than a mile up towards New Bridge.
Washington was still at his quarters, and had with him his suite, life-
guard, a company of foot, a regiment of cavalry, and some soldiers from
the rear of the army. In the morning, before the General left, he rode
down to the dock, where the bridge n«»w is. viewed the enemy's encamp-
ment about ten or fifteen minutes, and then returned to Mr. Campbell's
door and called for some wine and water. After he had drank, and Mr.
Cam]. hell had taken the glass from him, the latter, with tears streaming
down his face. said. 'General, what shall I do? I have a family of
small children and a little property here; shall I leave them?* Washing-
ton kindly took his hand, and replied, 'Mr. Campbell, stay by your
family and keep neutral;'' then bidding him good-by, rode oil.
■ About noon the next day the British took possession of the town,
and in the afternoon the Green was covered with Hessians, a horrid.
frightful sighl to the inhabitants. There were between three and four
60 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
thousand, with their whiskers, brass caps and kettles or base drums. A
part of these troops were taken prisoners two months after at Trenton."
The British made raids in New Jersey from time to time devastat-
ing the county by these foraging- expeditions. It was during- one of
these raids that Colonel Aaron Burr distinguished himself by surprising
the enemy's men on picket duty and afterward calling upon the people
to rally the country. His attack had so encouraged the people that they
turned out and put themselves under his command, when the enemy im-
mediately fled leaving the greater part of the plunder behind.
What was called Clinton's Raid occurred in 1777, and was planned
by Sir Henry Clinton who. divided his force into four columns, the gen-
eral point of rendevous being New Bridge above Hackensack. One
column, under General Campbell, entered New Jersey by way of Eliza-
bethtown ; one, under Captain Drummond, by Schuyler's Ferry ; one,
under General Vaughn, by way of Fort Lee, and the other, under Lieu-
tenant Colonel Campbell, by way of Tappau. It was on September 12,
the expedition set out, Clinton following, going- to Schuyler's Landing
on the Hackensack, (Dow's Ferry), and going by the Belleville turn-
pike to Schuyler's house he found Captain Drummond with two hundred
and fifty men. General Campbell arrived with his men during the
night bringing the cattle thev had collected by the way. The columns
met on the 15th, as before arranged. On the 16th General Campbell
marched his force over to Staten Island, from the English Neighbor-
hood. From the people of Essex and Bergen Counties they took four
hundred cattle, four hundred sheep, and a few horses, but they had
eight men killed, eighteen wounded, ten missing and live taken prisoners.
The most interesting episode in this portion of our history is the
attempt to capture the fort at Paulus Hook by Major Henry Lee. This
gallant and dashing officer, who had frequently been employed by
"Washington as a scout along the west bank of the Hudson, had dis-
covered that the British fort at Paulus Hook, although a strong place,
was negligently guarded, and he conceived the idea of its capture by a
night march and a sudden surprise. By permission from Washington,
Lee moved from his encampment at New Bridge about four o'clock in
the afternoon of August 18, 1779, following what is known as the lower
road which intersects the present Hackensack road, near the English
Neighborhood church, having taken the precaution to send forward
boats in charge of Captain Peyton, with instructions to have them at
Dow's Ferry at a certain hour of the night, for the purpose of taking
his troops over the Hackensack ; he also detached patrols of horse to
watch the communications with North River, and posted Lord Stirling
at New Bridge to cover his retreat, if necessary. The whole movement
was conducted with such secrecy that thev arrived at the fort without
being discovered, notwithstanding the fact that, on account of the ignor-
ance or the treachery of their guide, thev were compelled to wander three
hours in the woods between Union Hill and the fort, and the still more
remarkable fact that they were in danger of encountering Colonel Van Bus-
HISTORY OE BERGEN COtTNTY hi
kirk, who had left the fort at Paulus Hook about the time that Major
Lee started, with a force of one hundred and thirty men on a raid to the
English Neighborhood. That these two forces, one of them at least
straggling and floundering upon a misdirected course through the wil-
derness and in the darkness of night, should entirely escape each other
seems incredible. But such is the well-attested fact. Perhaps their
getting lost and marching out of the direct course may have been the
very means of their escape. Be this as it may, "Major Lee reached
Prior's Mill at three o'clock on the morning of the 19th. The day was
near at hand, and the tide that would fill the ditch and overflow the road
between Warren and Grove Streets (Jersey City) was rising. Not a
moment was to be lost. They reached the ditch at the intersection of
Newark Avenue and Warren Street at half-past three o'clock on Thurs-
day morning. The guards were either asleep or took the approaching
force to be Colonel Van Buskirk's men returning from their raid. They
were not undeceived until the advance had plunged into the ditch. Im-
mediately a firing began. The block-house guards ran out to see what
was the matter, and were seized. The forlorn hope, supported by Major
Clarke, broke through all opposition, and soon became masters of the
main work, with the cannon, etc. So rapid were they in their move-
ments that the fort was gained before a piece of artillery was fired.
The troops came pouring through the abatis, and in a few minutes were
victorious. Unfortunately, in crossing the ditch the ammunition was
destroyed, and thus their firearms were useless. As soon as Major
Southerland, then in command of the fort, comprehended the situation,
he threw himself into a small redoubt, with a captain, subaltern, and
forty Hessians. Major Lee had no time to dislodge him or to remove or
destroy property. Daylight was at hand, and he had some anxiety
about the boats at Dow's Ferry. Besides this, the tiring had aroused
the British in New York, who could in a few minutes throw a large
body of troops across the river. He therefore ordered an immediate re-
treat, and sent Captain Forsyth to Prior's Mill to collect such men as were
most lit for the action and take a position on Bergen Heights to cover
the retreat. Major Clarke was in the advance with most of the pris-
oners; Lieutenants Armstrong- and Peed formed the rear-guard. Lee now
rode forward to look after the boats at the ferry- To hi-- dismay not a
boat was there to receive them. Captain Peyton, owing to the lateness of
the hour, had removed them to Newark. Bee immediately counter-
marched his troops to the Bergen road en route for New Bridge, com-
municated with Lord Stirlingr, ami returned to the rear-guard at Prior's
Mill. His prospects were now discouraging. With troops worn down.
ammunition destroyed, encumbered with prisoners, fourteen miles of re-
treai before him on a route liable t<> be intercepted by troops from New
York, with Uo \v;iy of escape to the left, lie COUld oiih de]ielld ll|»"U the
invincible courage of his men. ( >n reaching the heights opposite * Wee-
hock,' Captain Handy moved on the main road to facilitate the retreat.
I [ere Captain Catletl came up with fifty men and good ammunition. One
62 nisroKY of bkk<,kn county
party was then detached in the rear of Major Clarke on the Berg-en road,
and one to move along- the bank of the river. In this manner a sudden
attack was prevented. At the Fort Lee road Colonel Ball, who had been,
forwarded to Lee's assistance, met him with two hundred fresh men.
Shortly afterwards a body of the enemy appeared upon the right and
opened lire on the retreating Americans. Lieutenant Reed immediately
forced them, and Lieutenant Rudolph threw himself into a store-house
which commanded the road. This disposition checked the enemy and gave
the force time to cross the English Neighborhood creek at the Libertv
pole, now Englewood. Just at that moment Major Southerland, who
had followed Lee. came up, .but halted, and finally fell back without
venturing an attack. Major Lee arrived safely at New Bridge about
one o'clock in the afternoon. He had captured one hundred and fifty-
nine of the garrison, including officers, and lost two killed and three
wounded."
The principal actors concerned in the affair were honored by con-
gratulatory resolutions passed by Congress, September 24, 177 ( ).
Congress also placed in the hands of Major Lee fifteen thousand
dollars to be distributed among the soldiers engaged in the attack.
The massacre at Old Tappan occurred in 1778, the year of unpre-
cedented suffering in the continental army at Valley Forge, the noted
battle at Monmouth, and of the two other terrible massacres of Wyoming
and of Cherry Valley.
The old block-house which stood on Block-House Point above Bull"'.
Perry was probably built by the Tories as a shelter while they were se-
curing- wood from the hill in that vicinity to supply the British in New-
York, during the years l779-'80. This block-house was placed on the
high point above the ravine which extended back of the river on the
north side of Guttenberg. It was protected on two sides by perpendicu-
lar rocks which rise from the shore and the ravine, and surrounded ou
the other sides by abatis and stockades, with a ditch and parapet. It
had but one entrance, which was a covered way large enough to admit
but one person at a time.
Under the Act passed December 26, 177s, an order was issued to
raise eight hundred and twentv men to serve two years. One hundred
and twenty men, the quota for Bergen County, were organized into two
conip anies.
The first was under the following officers : John Outwater, Captain;
Joseph Catterline. Lieutenant ; Abraham Hoagland, Ensign. The
second company was under Captain Blanch ; Lieutenant, David Demar-
est ; and Ensign, Jacobus Boggart. On December 29th, 1871 another
call was made for men to serve one year, when four hundred and twenty-
two men were placed in command of Major Samuel Hayes. The officers
of the Bergen Company were Peter Ward, Captain; Joseph Catterline,
Lieutenant ; Samuel Verbyke, Ensign.
Bergen County had one company of militia and four companies of
minute men in the service. The minute men were enlisted for four
HTSTOKY OV I'.'KKC.KX COUNTY B3
«
months, and were always ready to go when called and had precedence
of rank over the militia of the province. The companies from each
county formed a battalion, ten in all.
In 1776 three companies from Berg-en were joined in battalion with
three from Essex and two from Burlington, under Col. Philip Van Cort-
land, Lieutenant-Colonel David Brearley, and Major Richard Dey. The
regular militia of Berg-en County was organized in one regiment, as
follows :
Teunis Dey, Colonel : John Zabriskie, Lieutenant-Colonel ; Cornelius
Van Voorst, Lieutenant-Colonel ; Peter Fell, Lieutenant-Colonel ; Rich-
ard Dey, Captain, First Major ; John Mauritius Goeschius, Captain,
Second Major; George Ryerson, Adjutant; Abraham Van Boskirk,
Surgeon.
Captains. — Crynes Bartholf, Thomas Blanch, Joseph Board. James
Christi, Samuel Demarest, Abraham Harring, Cornelius Harring, Abra-
ham A. P. Harring, John Hopper, Jonathan Hopper, (murdered by
Tories at New Barbadoes, Berg-en County, April 21, 1799). Adam Huyler.
John Huyler, (twice a prisoner of war), Jacobus Jaraloman, Henricus
Kuyper, David Marinus, Henry Obest ( wounded near Hackensack, March
17, 1780), John Outwater (wounded March, 1780), Elias Romine, Jacob
Terhune, Nicausa Terhune, David Van Bossum, Coriner Van Houten,
John Vreeland, Peter Ward, John Willis.
Lieutenants. — Henrv Bardan, Thomas Blair, Dayid Duffe, William
Denniston, David Doremus, John D. Haring, David Van Busse, Peter
S. Van Order.
First Lieutenants.— Cornelius D. Blauyelt, George Brinkefhoff,
Peter Sanford.
Second Lieutenants. — Gilliam Bogart, John Uriancy.
vSergeants.— Anthony Beam, - - Cooms, John F. Harring, Carpen-
ter Kelly, James Riker, Benjamin Romine, John Hasbrook, Cornelius
P. Westervelt, Epson Van Winkle, Albert Wilson.
Corporals, etc.- -Abram Vreeland ;, Abraham King, drummer ; Wil-
liam Blair, drummer ; Garrett Post, farrier, "Lee's Legion," Continental
Army ; Jacob Vanderpool, bombardier, Continental Army.
SCENE OF MAJOR ANDRE'S FATE.
The little village of Tappan, N. Y., although not a part of Bergen
County, is nevertheless, incidentally connected with the Revolutionary
part of it. The village is hut a few rods over the State line, and is the
place where Major Andre, the Iiritish spy met his fate October 2. 1780,
an incident of the Revolution which will ever hold its own for interest
with any engagement in that stirring struggle.
In 1S21 the remains of Major Andre were disinterred by order of the
Duke of York and taken to Westminster Abbey, where they now rest.
When Dean Stanley was in this country, in October, 1878, he and Mr.
Cyrus W. Field, his host, visited the spot where Andiv was executed
and originally buried. The cedar trees which originally marked the spot
had been du<4- up and removed with the remains in L821, and two wild
(A II rSTO R V OF I ; E R GEN Cor N T Y
»
cherry trees planted in their place. A curious fact in this connection is
that a peach-tree which had sprung- up on the grave was found to have
wrapped its roots around Major Andre's skull.
WASHINGTON AT HACKENSACK.
The following- account of Washington's march and- brief sojourn at
Hackensack was written by Rev. Theodore B. Roneyn, and is as follows:
" Washington, at the head of his army, consisting only of about 3000
men, having sent on his baggage to Aequackenoueh, crossed the new-
bridge into the town. This crossing was made at a point now called
' Old Bridge, 1 about four miles north of Hackensack village. It was about
dusk when the head of the troops entered Hackensack. The night was
dark, cold and rainy, but I had a fair view of them from the light of the
windows as they passed on our side of the street. They inarched two
abreast, looked ragged, some without a shoe to their feet, and most of
them wrapped up in their blankets. Washington then, and for some
time previous, had his headquarters at the residence of Mr. Peter Zabris-
kie, a private house, now called 'The Mansion House.' the supplies for
the General's table being furnished by Mr. Archibald Campbell, the
tavern-keeper. The next evening after the Americans had passed
through, the British encamped on the opposite side of the river. We
could see their tires about one hundred yards apart gleaming- brilliantly
it the gloom of the night, extending some distance below the town, and
more than a mile up toward the New Bridge. Washington was still at
his quarters, and had with him his suite, life-guard, a company of foot,
a regiment of cavalry, and some soldiers from the rear of the army.
"In the morning before the Genera] left, he rode down to the dock
where the bridge now is, viewed the enemy's encampment about ten or
fifteen minutes, and then returned to Mr. Campbell's door and called for
some wine and water. After he had drank and Mr. Campbell had taken
the glass from him, the latter, with tears streaming down his face, said,
"General, what shall I do? I have a family of small children and a little
property here ; shall I leave them?' Washington kindly took his hand
and replied, ' Mr. Campbell, stay by your family and keep neutral' then
bidding* him good-bye, rode off.
"About noon the next day the British took possession of the town,
and in the afternoon the Green was covered with Hessians, a horrible
sight to the inhabitants. There were between 30(H) and 4000, with their
whiskers, brass caps and kettles, or brass drums. A part of these troops
yvere taken prisoners two months after at Trenton.
A PICTURE OF THE PATRIOTS.
"They marched two abreast, looked ragged, some without a shoe
to their feet, and most of them wrapped up in their blankets." What a
picture these words suggest of the condition of that strug-gling band of
patri< ts as tiny marched through our streets that cold and rainy night."
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 65
TORY AND BRITISH RAIDS.
The accounts of these raids, transcribed below, are taken from The
State Historical Collections: also quoted by F. B. Romeyn.
VAN BTJSKIRK's RAID.
"Northward from Hackensack a few miles some of the most serious
depredations were made. Among- these was a Tory raid of a hundred
men, led by Colonel Van Buskirk, who on the 10th of May, 177 ( ), entered
by way of Closter, and carried off a number of inhabitants; firing- build-
ings, as well as destroying life. Another detachment swept desolation
on the 17th, and not a house of a Whig escaped. In the first of these
raids Cornelius Tallman, Samuel Demarest, Jacob Cole, George Bus-
kirk, were captured. Cornelius Demarest was killed, and Heuderick
Demarest, Jeremiah Westervelt and Dow Westeryelt were wounded.
The buildings of Peter Demarest, Matthew Bogert, Cornelius Hyler and
Samuel Demarest were burned. In the latter Abram Allen and George
Campbell were murdered. Jacob Zabriskie was stabbed in fifteen places,
and two negro women were shot down."
It is doubtless to these very same raids that reference is made in a
letter from Closter dated May 10. 1779 ; and quoted in the History of
Bergen County, page 77. That letter adds some details not giyen in
the preceding account and is therefore transcribed : ''This day about
one hundred of the enemy came by the way of the New Dock, attacked
the place, and carried off Cornelius Tallman, Samuel Demarest, Jacob
Cole and George Buskirk ; killed Cornelius Demarest ; wounded Hen-
derick Demarest, Jeremiah Westeryelt, Dow Tallman, etc. They burnt
the houses of Cornelius Demarest, Matthias Bogert and Cornelius Huy-
ler, Samuel Demarest's house and barn, John Banta's house and barn,
and Cornelius Bogert's and John W^esteryelt's barns. They attempted
to burn every building they entered, but the fire was in some places ex-
tinguished. They destroyed all the furniture, etc., in many houses and
abused many of the women. In their retreat they were so closely pur-
sued by the Militia and a few Continental troops that they took off no
cattle. They were of Buskirk's corps- — some of our Closter and old
Tappau neighbors, joined by a party of negroes. I should have men-
tioned the negroes first in order to grace the British arms."
BRITISH AND HESSIAN RAID ("I'OX HACKENSACK.
Another of these raids is described as follows: "In the latter part
of March, 1780, a party of about four hundred British Hessians and
refugees passed through Hackensack on their way to attack some Penn-
sylvania troops at Paramus. It was about three o'clock in the night
when they entered the lower part of the town. All was quiet. A small
company of twenty or thirty Militia, under Captain John Outwater, had
retired for the night to the barracks, barns and outhouses, where those
friendly to the American cause generally resorted to rest. One-half of
tbe enemy marched quietly through, when the rear, consisting- mostly
of Hessians, arrived, they broke open the doors and windows, robbed
and plundered and took prisoners a few peaceable inhabitants, among
(>(•> HISTOKY OF BERGEN COUNTY
whom was Mr. Archibald Campbell. This gentleman, who had been
for several weeks confined to his bed with the rheumatism, they forced
into the street and compelled to follow them. Often in their rear, they
threatened to shoot him if he did not hasten his pace. In the subse-
quent confusion he escaped and hid in the cellar of a house opposite
New Bridge. He lived until 1798, and never experienced a return of the
rheumatism.'"
Mr. Romeyn gives another version of that incident to this effect :
"He is said to have escaped at New Bridge by hiding under the bridge,
and standing, as one version of the affair has it, for some time in two
feet of water, which hydropathic treatment may account for the fact
that he was cured of his painful disease, unless we may suppose that
vigorous bodily exercise at the point of a bayonet, or a good thorough
fright, could serve as a curative."
The first narrative continues : "The Hessians burnt two dwellings
and the Court House. The latter stood on the west side of the jrreen,
eight or ten rods from Campbell's tavern. Fortunately the wind was
from the west, and drove the flames and sparks over the green, and the
tavern was saved by the family throwing water over the roof. At this
those in the outhouses were aroused, and the militia hastened across the
fields, mounted horses, and alarmed the troops at Paramus. Bv the time
the enemy had arrived at what is now Red Mills, four miles from Hack-
ensack, they ascertained the Americans were on the way to meet them.
Disappointed, they retraced their steps, and when near Hackensack
turned off to the north, on the road leading! - to New Bridge I Old Bridge I,
to the left of which there is a range about half a mile distant from the
road, the intervening ground being level. Here the Continentals and
Militia were hurrying over, kept, however, at a distance by large flanking
parties of the enemy, who, on arriving at the bridge, were detained about
two hours in replacing the plank torn up by the Americans. In the
meantime their parties were skirmishing with our people. Having
crossed over, thev marched down the east side of the Hackensack through
the English neighborhood, being pursued twelve miles to a considerable
distance within their lines, down to Bergen Woods. Thev lost many
killed and wounded. There were none killed on our side. A young man
of the town was wounded by a spent ball, which cut his upper lip, knocked
out four teeth, and was caught in his mouth. Captain Outwater received
a ball below the knee that was never extracted. He carried it for many
Years, and it was buried with him. ,,
THE ATTACK BY MAJOR-GENERAL HEATH.
The account of another raid is to this effect: In December, 1776, it
was reported that there were at Hackensack about one thousand of the
enemy, and the suggestion of Huntington to Major-General Heath was
to intercept them in their foragings. The latter on the 14th expressed
his purpose to sweep the village, which he did the next day. Making a
forced march by way of Tappan, he came upon the inhabitants by sur-
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY (»7
prise ; but the enemy had left. He says, ' The eneiny had left the lower
town some days since, except five, whom we took, two of them being
sick. We had taken about fifty of the disaffected, and about fifty or
sixty muskets, the greater part of which had been taken from the Whigs,
it is supposed, and stored. At the dock we found one sloop loaded with
hay, house furniture, and some spirits, etc., which we have this day un-
loaded, etc. A brig, loaded, ran down the river about seven miles and
grounded. I am afraid we shall not be able to secure the effects. A
schooner loaded with hay, furniture, etc., which had sailed from the
dock, ran on the banks of the river, the wind being very fresh, and in
the night overset, by which the goods are damaged, if not lost. Two
or three companies have been raising here and there in the vicinity, and
field-officers appointed : one Van Buskirk, Colonel. At his home we
found fifty barrels of flour, a number of hogsheads of rum, and at one
Brown's, who is Lieutenant-Colonel, about one thousand pounds of
cheese. One Tenpenuy is Major. They are all gone to New York to
have matters properly settled, get ammunition, arms, etc., and were to
have returned yesterday. I believe we have luckily disconcerted them.
Such inhabitants as are friendly, received us with joy, but are almost
afraid to spsak their sentiments, and indeed, little or no intelligence can
be got from the inhabitants. 1 " In referring to the brig that ran aground
seven miles below, Mr. Romeyn writes: "The brigantine which
grounded just below the village was subsequently boarded, but w r as re-
taken by the enemy. Among other articles taken from her was a large
chest of plate, said to belong to a Mr. Yates, but it had been put in his
possession for safety at Hackensack by Mr. William Wallace. It was
worth about fifteen hundred pounds."
R EVOLUTION A K Y REMINISC K X CE.
From the History of Hackensack published in the Bergen County
Democrat we copy the following:
It is related by our worthy citizen, Mr. Henry Vanderbeck, of River
Street, that in 1878, a party of British soldiers came up the Hackensack
River and burned the Court House and raided the neighboring farm-
houses.
Among the places visited was the house of his grandfather, Paul
Vanderbeck, situated near the present home of the grandson. At the
time of this raid, Paul Vanderbeck was in camp with Captain Outwater,
then stationed near Paramus. Mrs. Vanderbeck \v;is at home alone,
and tried by every possible means to hide away some few tilings in the
cellar, among which she unfortunately stored away three or four geese.
When the British had stolen all the pigs and geese and almost ever}
eatable thing, including a hatch of hot bread just from the oven, together
with all the butter in the house, and were ahoiit to retire with their
booty, one of the imprisoned ganders, with goose-like simplicity, gave a
loud cry "which called attention to their hiding place, ami resulted in
their being taken along with the other plunder. These raiders placed
68 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
the hot bread in the same bag - with the rolls of butter, already stowed
away, and Mrs. Vanderbeck rejoiced greatly when watching- them depart
along the lane to note the melted butter running down the backs of the
red coals of the Britishers who bore that part of the forage.
Some two hours later, two British officers rode up and asked Mrs.
Vanderbeck if she could furnish them with something to eat, and she
informed them that their Hessian troopers had stolen everything she
had to eat, except a loaf of bread which she had hidden and the cream
which she was just about to churn when the raid took place. They told
her to place the cream in the churn and they would do the churning for
her, which they did. When they observed Mrs. Vanderbeck working;
the butter with a wooden ladle, they expressed surprise and commented
011 the superiority of this method over that of working it with the hand,
such as prevailed in their country. After being supplied with the re-
maining loaf, and the new butter, and a liberal quantity of fresh milk,
they each gave her a guinea to compensate her for her loss and took
their departure.
THREE COMMANDERS — COLONEL AARON BURR, COLONEL GEORGE BAYLOR,
BRIGADIER-GENERAL ENOCH POOR.
They rind place and mention here, for a reason previously given,
and that has governed in the selection of the subject matter of this
portion of the work, viz., their relation to our local history.
Mr. Rom.'vn wrote of Colonel Aaron Burr as follows : "It was just
above the village of Hackensack, about two miles, in September, 1777,
that Colonel Burr ( Aaron Burr ) played a very active part which gave him
his first military reputation. Hearing, at the point wdiere his regiment
was lying, that the British had marched out of New York, and were
devasting the country, and were within thirty miles of him, he started
to meet them with his small force. About ten o'clock in the evening,
when within three miles of Hackensack, he received information that
the most advanced of the enemy pickets were only a mile distant. His
men having marched thirty miles since breaking camp, and being ex-
tremely fatigued, he ordered them to lie down and keep silent until he
returned. In a few moments they were all asleep.
In the meanwhile, Colonel Burr went forward alone to reconnoitre,
stealthily he felt his way toward the picket, and found them lying on
the ground guarded by the sentinels. He was near enough to hear their
watchword. He ascertained by making a wide detour that this picket
was so far in advance of the main body as to be out of hearing. In
gaining this information, so much time was spent, that it was within an
hour of daybreak before he returned to his regiment. Quietly and
quickly waking his men, he informed them of his purpose to attack the
enemy's picket, and ordered them to follow a certain distance, and for-
bade any man to speak on pain of instant death. So accurately bad the
Colonel noted the locality and calculated the position of the senti-
nels, that he was able to lead bis men between those two unsns-
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY <>')
pscting individuals at the moment when they were farthest apart;
and he was almost upon the sleeping- picket before a man of it began to
stir. When at a distance of ten yards, Burr was challenged by a sentinel,
whom he immediately shot dead, and then gave the word of attack.
One officer, a sergeant, a corporal and twenty-seven privates fell into
their hands, on this occasion. Only one of the pickets besides the sen-
tinel, made any resistance, and he was overpowered after he had received
two bayonet wounds. He attempted to march away with his comrades,
but after going a short distance was compelled to lie down exhausted
and fainting from loss of blood. " Go a little further my good fellow,"
said Burr, "and we will get 'a surgeon for you." ."Ah!" gasped the
dying veteran, "all the doctors in America can do me no service, for I
am a dying man ; but it grieves me sore to the heart that I have served
my King upward of twenty years, and at length must die with a charged
musket in my hand."
From the more extended account, found in the history of Bergen
and Passaic Counties, we extract the following statements concerning
Colonel George Baylor : Sir Henry Clinton, the British Commander, to
divert attention from some of his projected military movements, ordered
Lord Cornwallis, Major-General Charles Grey, and General Knyphausen,
to undertake a foraging expedition into East New Jersey. General
Washington, in order to check this movement of the British up the Hud-
son, " ordered Colonel Baylor with the Third Regiment Light Dragoons
of Virginia, to move from their station at Paramus, a small hamlet on
Saddle River about six miles northwest from Hackensack, and post them-
selves on the Hackensack River to watch the movements northward of
the force under Lord Cornwallis. Colonel Baylor had up to this time
proved himself a very gallant officer."
"It was just at twilight, September 27, 177S, when Colonel Baylor
and his troopers came to the little stream of the Hackensack, somewhat
over three miles southwest from Tappan Village. Here he learned that
Brigadier General Anthony Wayne was but a short distance north <>t
Tappan with a body of militia. So fearing, perhaps, the superior rank
of Wayne, and not wishing to lose his detached authority, he halted his
men on the Overkill Neighborhood Road, and quartered his dragoons in
the barns of thrifty farmers. His force consisted of twelve officers and
one hundred and four enlisted men. Colonel Baylor, with his regimental
staff officers, knocked at the farm house of Cornelius A. Raring", and
his son Ralph, who had just been married, opened the door lor them.
They told Mr. Hiring of their desire to spend the night there, and he
received them willingly, although he informed them that he understood
the British were lying at New Bridge and might at any time come upon
them. Colonel Baylor did not appear alarmed at this statement, but
after seeing that his men were well provided For, and after posting a
guard of sergeant and twelve men at the bridge over the Hackensack
about hall a mile south of Mr. Marine's house, with strict orders to
70 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
keep a patrol of two men on each road to watch them a mile below and
to be relieved every hour, he retired to sleep in fancied security."
Meanwhile Major General Grey — known as "No flint General, 1 "
from his habit of ordering- his troops to take the flints from their guns,
and depend on their bayonets — advanced to make the ordered attack
upon Colonel Baylor. The remainder of the story is soon told. "The
troops (British) just before midnight, September 27th, marched on the
road on the west bank of the Hackensack River silently and in perfect
order until they arrived within half a mile of the patrol on that road.
Here they halted, and, guided by some Tories who knew the ground, a
party of picked men made a detour to the left through the
fields, and then passed to the rear of the sergeants' guard at the bridge
and the patrol on the river road, and without the slightest difficulty
male them, prisoners. O.ie, at least, however, escaped. The sentinel who
had escaped from the sergeants' guard atthe Bridge awoke Ralph Raring,
who aroused his father. The warning, however, came too late, as the
Lritish soldiers were upon the heels of the sentinel, and burst into the
house with the cry of 'no quarter to the rebels.' Then the brutal sol-
diers began to bayonet the inmates. Lieutenant John Smith and his
company, quartered in the barn, were quickly surrounded, and, althougdi
they surrendered, were inhumanly treated and wounded, and but few
escaped. Other houses and barns in the neighborhood, where the
American soldiers had been quartered, were visited by the British troops
and the scenes of cruelty and bloodshed repeated. 'The cries for mercy
of the defenseless soldiers were answered only by acts of savage cruelty.'
'The dragoons, surprised, incapable of successful defense, with no pros-
pect of inflicting injury on their foe, could only sue for pity. But the
bayonet was still at its bloody work, and thrust after thrust was given
whenever any sign of life appeared.'
"The result of this slaughter was that out of the one hundred and
sixteen men of the regiment, eleven were instantly bayoneted to death,
seventeen left behind covered with bayonet wounds and expected to die,
and thirty-nine were taken prisoners, eight of whom were severely
wounded. The rest of the troopers escaped in the darkness. All the
arms and seventy horses were part of the booty captured."
"A strong feeling of indignation spread over the country when
this cruel massacre was announced." "The affair, while it seemed so
very brutal, was also certainlv very impolitic, as the killing a few de-
fenceless men in the night would hardly reward the enemy for the bitter
hatred engendered in the hearts and openly expressed in the homes of
the patriots." Congress, by special resolution, directed an investiga-
tion of the affair by Governor Livingston, and when he had secured the
desired information, his report of the barbarous action was published to
the world, and served to keep alive for two generations thereafter, the
feelings of hatred cherished by Americans toward their former foes.
While great sympathy was expressed for Colonel Baylor, his care-
HISTOKY OF BEKGEN COUNTY 71
lessness and unsoldierly conduct under the circumstances brought uooa
him severe and merited condemnation.
"In September, 1780, the American Army lay at Kiuderhamack, in
what is now Washing-ton Township, Berg-en County. While here, on
the 8th of September, occurred the death of Brigadier General Enoch
Poor."
A military journal of September 10th, 1780, records the following:
* k We are now lamenting the loss of Brigadier General Poor, who died
last night of putrid fever. His funeral solemnities have been attended
this afternoon. The corpse was brought this morning from Paramus,
and left at a house about a mile from the burying yard at Hackensack,
whence it was attended to the place of interment by the following pro-
cession: A regiment of light infantry in uniform with arms reversed;
four field pieces; Major Lee's regiment of light horse; General Hand
and his brigade; the Major on horseback; two chaplains; the horse of the
deceased, with his boots and spurs suspended from the saddle, led by a
servant; the corpse borne by four sergeants, and the pall supported by
six general officers. The coffin was of mahogany, and a pair of pistols.
and two swords crossing each other, and tied with black crape, were
placed on the top. The corpse was followed by the officers < f the New
Hampshire brigade, the officers of the brigade of light infantry which the
deceased had lately commanded. Other officers fell in promiscuously, and
were followed by His Excellency, General Washington, and other general
officers. Having arrived atthe burying-yard the troopsopened to the ri^ht
and left, resting- on their arms reversed; and the procession passed to the
grave (in the yard of the First Reformed Dutch Church of Hackensack
where a short eulogy was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Evans, A hand of
music with a number of drums and fifes played a funeral dirge, the
drums were muffled with black crape, and the officers in the processio i
wore crape around the left arm.
"The regiment of lig-ht infantry were in handsome uniform, and
wore in their caps long feathers of black and red. The elegant regiment
of horse, commanded by Major Lee, incomplete uniform and well dis-
ciplined, exhibited a martial and noble appearance."
On the tablet covering his remains this inscription may be found:
"In memory of Hon. Brigadier General Enoch Poor, of the State oi
New Hampshire, who departed this life on the 8th of September, 1780,
aged 44 years." Washington, Lafayette and a portion of the Am. tic. m
Armv attended the funeral of General Poor.
In 1S24 Lafayette revisited this grave, and. turning awa\ much
much affected, exclaimed: "Ah! that was one of my Generals."
Brigadier Genera] Poor, who was a native of New Hampshire, re-
ceived that title in 1777. and was «»ne of the most competenl and re-
spected officers of the Continental Armv. and served throughout his
career, in which he rose rapidly through the ranks, from Colonel to
General, with distinction and honor.
72 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
THE WAR OF THE REBELLION.
Upon the breaking - out of the War of the Rebellion in 1861, when
call was issued by the President for seventy-rive thousand men, the quota
for the State of New Jersey was three thousand, one hundred and twenty
men, or four regiments of seven hundred and eighty each, to be detached
from the four general military divisions of the State. The War Depart-
ment also required that in addition to the regiments called for, the reserve
militia in the several states should be organized as rapidly as possible.
Governor Olden received the requisition of the War Department on
the 17th of April, and immediately issued a proclamation directing all
individuals or organizations willing to respond, to the call, to report
themselves within twenty days. On the same day he notified the War
Department that the call for troops would be attended to as rapidly as
possible, and issued orders to Major-Generals of the several military
divisions of the State, to detail, each one regiment of ten companies,
and also to organize immediately the reserve militia in their respective
brigades. The Major-Generals in detailing the regiments required,
were directed to accept the services of volunteers, but if the requisite
number did not offer, they were required to draft from the reserve
militia to make up the deficiency.
New Jersey's quota under the first call was filled in a few days.
At Hackensack a meeting was held on April 22. 1861, presided over
by Hon. J. A. Zabriskie. when a committee was appointed to draft reso-
lutions, and after remarks by William S. Banta, Esq., the following were
drafted :
•• Whereas, The union of the States is in danger, and the Consti-
tution, framed at so great a cost by our fathers, which contains within
itself all needful provisions for the necessities of the government, has
been set at defiance i and whereas our national flag has been insulted
and government property invaded and seized by armed traitors, therefore
"Resolved, That the Union shall be preserved at all hazards, the
Constitution upheld, the right of the government vindicated, and the
Declaration of Independence maintained in its full spirit and power.
"Resolved, That for the defense and maintenance of our country
and its institutions we are prepared, if need be, to sacrifice our wealth,
shed our blood, and lay down our lives.
" Resolved that our country is the best country in the world, and
that we are not prepared to witness its destruction without first exerting
all the means at our command for its perpetuation.
"Resolved, That Bergen County will stand by our national banner
in the eventful crisis, and those who go out from among us to'the tented
field to uphold that sacred banner merit and will receive our warmest
sympathy and aid.
'<■ Resolved, That a committee of six be appointed by this meeting
to provide means for the support of those left destitute by the absence of
their husbands or fathers who may volunteer in the defense of their
country."
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 73
The following- gentlemen were appointed such committee : D. A.
Berry, Garret G. Ackerson, W. S. Banta, John L. Karle, John H. Banta,
and John J. Anderson. A book being- then opened for volunteer:,, a
large number of names were enrolled.
Under an Act of Congress approved July 22, 1861, the Twenty-sec-
ond Regiment was organized, and on September 22, 1862, was mustered
into the United States service, for nine months. This regiment, the
Twenty-second Infantry, was the contribution of Bergen County, and
consisted of nine hundred and thirty-nine men, including offipers. These
men consisted chiefly of men from the agricultural districts, robust and
soldierly in appearance. The regiment started to Washington, 1). (.'..
on the 29th of September, 1862, and upon their arrival were ordered into
Camp at Georgetown, having been assigned to a provisional brigade
"Casey's defenses of Washington." After remaining until the last of
December they were sent to Aquia Creek, Va., and assigned to Patrick*-
bridge, provost-guard Army of the Potomac, their duties bring the
guarding of the railroad, transferring of w T ounded, prisoners, etc. They
were next placed in the Third Brigade, First Division. First Army Corps,
Their only important engagement was that of Chancellorsville, Virginia,
on the 2nd and 3rd of May, 1863. Upon the expiration of their term of
enlistment the retnment was ordered to return to New Jersey lor its dis-
charge, and was mustered out of service at Trenton on the 25th of June.
1863, their term of service having expired on the 18th of that mouth.
" Previous to being mustered out at Trenton they were given a magni-
ficent reception by the ladies and citizens, Maj. Frank Mills, of that city,
delivering an appropriate address on the occasion. The companies
returning to Hackensack were also received with warm congratulations,
and a collation was served at the Mansion House."
The original held, staff and line officers of the regiment, were.
Field and Staff— Cornelius Fornett, Colonel; Alexander Douglas, Lieu-
tenant-Colonel; Abraham G. Demarest, Major; John F. Satterthwaite,
Adjutant; Ural B. Titus, (Juartermaster ; Jacob B. Quick, Surgeon;
Samuel A. Jones, Assistant Surgeon; John E. Cary. Second Assistant
Surgeon; Abraham G. Ryerson, Chaplain.
The non-Commissioned Staff were: John Ferdon, Sergeant-Major ;
James T. Gunnelly, Quartermaster-Sergeant ; Frederick P. Van Riper,
Commissary-Sergeant; Benjamin S. Mennter, Hospital-Steward. Line
officers Company A., Robert YV. Berry, Captain; Jacob Post. 1-hrst
Lieutenant; Jacob S. Lozier, Second Lieutenant. Company B., Abra-
ham Van Eniburgh, Captain ; Jacob Z. Van Blarcom, Firsl Lieutenant;
Benjamin Z. Van Emburg, Second Lieutenant. Companj C, Samuel
1). Demarest, Captain ; William J. Demarest, First Lieutenant; Joseph
P. Vreeland, Second Lieutenant. Company P.. John C. Westervelt,
Captain; Walter 11. Rumsey, First Lieutenant; Nicholas Collingnon,
Second Lieutenant. Company E., William Chippendale, Captain ; V
liam Drem, hirst Lieutenant; John Gilham, Second Lieutenant. Com-
pany F., James M. Acts. Captain; Jacob Titus. Firsl Lieutenant
74 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
George W. Cubberley, Second Lieutenant. Company G., John H. Mar-
gerum. Captain; Richard H. Ivory, First Lieutenant; William C. \ T an-
derwater, Second Lieutenant. Company H., Daniel D. Blauvelt, Cap-
tain; Thomas G. T. Paterson, First Lieutenant; Georg-e Kingsland,
Second Lieutenant. Company I., Thomas H. Swenarton. Captain;
Joseph A. Blauvelt, First Lieutenant; David C. Blauvelt, Second Lieu-
tenant. Company K., Richard C. Dey, Captain ; Garret J. Christie.
First Lieutenant ; James Christie, Second Lieutenant.
Early in January, 1863, the Twenty-second Regiment was removed
to Belle Plains and attached to the left wing of General Franklin's di-
vision, brigade of General Paul. On February 1st, 1863, Lieutenant-
Colonel Alexander Douglas resigned his commission, and Major A. G.
Demarest was afterward promoted to the Colonelcy.
Promotions were : Major Abraham G. Demarest, promoted to Col-
onel January 26, 1863 ; Captain Abraham Van Emburg, promoted to
Lieutenant-Colonel, vice Alexander Douglass, resigned, February 20,
1863; Captain Samuel D. Demarest, promoted to Major February 2<>.
1863; First Lieutenant Jacob Post, promoted to Adjutant January 1.
1863 ; Assistant-Surgeon William S. Janney, promoted to Surgeon March
27. 1863, died of typhoid fever in camp near White Oak Church. Va.,
June 1, 1863; Second Lieutenant Jacob S. Lozier, promoted to Captain
January 16, 1863; First Lieutenant Joseph A. Blauvelt, promoted to
Captain May 18, 1863 ; Second Lieutenant George Kingsland, promoted
to First Lieutenant November 20, 1862 ; Second Lieutenant James Chris-
tie, promoted to Captain May 18, 1863 ; Second Lieutenant Benjamin Z.
Van Emburg, promoted to Captain February 21, 1863; Second Lieuten-
ant Joseph Vreeland, promoted to Captain February 22, 1863 ; Sergeant
Stephen G. Hopper, promoted to First Lieutenant March 11, 1863 ; First
Sergeant Garret M. Campbell, promoted to Second Lieutenant January
16, 1863 ; Corporal Richard A. Terhune, promoted to Seeond Lieutenant
March 11, 1863 ; Sergeant Milton Birley, promoted to First Sergeant
September 1, 1862; First Sergeant John A. Van Buskirk, promoted to
First Lieutenant September 2, 1862; First Sergeant Albert Forbush.
promoted to First Lieutenant May 18, 1863; First Sergeant Gilbert T.
Bogert, promoted to Second Lieutenant November 20, 1862, and to First
Lieutenant May 18, 1863 ; Sergeant George A. Ward, promoted to P^irst
Sergeant January 1, 1863; First Sergeant Andrew Van Emburg, pro-
moted to First Lieutenant February 21, 1863, and to Captain May 18,
1863 ; Sergeant Charles Van Riper, promoted to First Lieutenant May
18, 1863 ; Sergeant Thomas Eckerson, promoted to First Sergeant March
8, 1863 ; Corporal John S. Townsend, promoted to Sergeant June 1, 1863 :
Corporal William Cowperthwaite, promoted to Sergeant January 1, 1863 ;
drporal Nicholas P. Royce, promoted to Sergeant February 4, 1863;
Corporal Cornelius Van Horn, promoted to Sergeant March 11, 1863;
Corporal George A. Brinkerhoff, promoted to Sergeant March 11, 1863 ;
Corporal Aaron Vanderbeck, promoted to Sergeant March 18, 1863;
Corporal Abraham H. Hopper, promoted to Sergeant March 18. 1863;
HISTORY OF BERGEX COUNTY 75
Corporal David J. Blackledge, promoted to Sergeant April 7, 1863; Pri-
vate Peter h. Conklin, promoted to Second Lieutenant February 22,
1863; Corporal Isaac D. Bogert, promoted to Sergeant March 1, 1863;
Private Cornelius Koert, promoted to Corporal March 1, 1863.
THE RAILROAD STRIKE.
The famous railroad strike in 1877 reached New Jersey, New York,
Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and eight of the Western States.
The extent of the movement was so great that the United States Gov-
ernment was called upon for assistance. New Jersey being the East-
ern terminus of the two great trunk lines of railroad, with their im-
mense railroad property and interests subject to the communistic and
criminal elements of the two great cities, rendered the position in this
State critical.
To quell these riots the militia of nearly a dozen States was called
into service. In the afternoon of the 23d of July the Second Battalion,
under Major James Vreeland Moore, wasordered to report to Colonel Hart,
at Hoboken, and were quartered there on a barge in the river with the
Ninth Regiment. On the 27th the command accompanied Battery A to
Jersey City, but the next day rejoined the Ninth Regiment at Hoboken.
There being disorders and obstructions at Port Morris. Major Moore re-
ceived instructions from the Governor to report to General Se well, and
at that point tk to aid the authorities there in putting down all lawless-
ness, or if they fail from any cause, do it yourself, using your best
judgment."
The battalion reached Port Morris at 12.40 A. M. July 29th. On
Monday, the 30th of July, General Sewell reported trains running. < >n
the 3d of August a force of United States troops having reached Easton,
Pa., the Second Battalion and regiments of National Guard were re-
lieved. During this strife "the Second Battalion," under Major Moore,
according to General Sewell's report, " was a credit to any man in either
peace or war."
Till". WAR WITH SPAIN.
During the Spanish-American War four companies from Bergen
County were mustered into the United States service at Sea Girt, N. .1..
May 2, 1898. Their destination was Cuba. On June 1st the regiment
left Sea Girt for Cuba Libre. Jacksonville. Florida, and was attached to
the Second Brigade, First Division, Seventh Aimy Corps, General Fitz-
hugh Dee Commander. It returned home September 24th. and was
mustered out of the United States service November L7th, l s ' ls . at
Paterson, X. J. The history of each of these companies i-> given in the
chapters to which they severally belong.
CHAPTER XII.
SOCIETIES AND INCORPORATED COMPANIES OF
BERGEN COUNTY.
THE BERGEN COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY.
At a meeting- held in the Reformed Dutch Church of Hackensack,
June 16th, 1847, for the purpose of considering- the practicability
of forming a Bible Society 'for the County of Bergen, Rev. H.
H. Warren was called to the chair, and Cornelius Blauvelt was
chosen Secretary. The meeting adjourned to the first day of
July, at which date an organization was effected and the follow-
ing officers chosen: Rev. W. Elting, D. D., President; Revs. Bar-
banas V. Collins and John Manley, Vice Presidents; Christian De Baun,
Secretary, and A. O. Zabriskie, Treasurer. Executive Committee, Rev.
A. H. Warner, Henry H. Banta, Peter Vestervelt, Jr., Jacob Van Bus-
kirk, Andrew H. Hopper, Edward B. Force, Robert Rennie.
The society has been from its organization an effective auxiliary of
the American Bible Society, and has worked in co-operation with the
parent institution.
The first anniversary of the society was held at the North Dutch
Church in Schraalenburgh, March 14, 1848. Dr. Eltiug was re-elected
President, and Christian De Baun, Secretary. Agents were appointed
to canvass the different townships, and Bibles were obtained from the
parent society. The colporteurs reported the first year 1859 families
visited, $300.75 worth of books sold, $26 worth gratuitously distributed,
$102.36 collected from contributions, 73 destitute families supplied and
$392.75 paid for Bibles and Testaments.
At the second anniversary, held in Hackensack, February 6th, 1849,
Rev. John M. McAuley preached the occasional sermon. Rev. S. Iramus
Prime, one of the secretaries of the American Bible Society, was present
and delivered an able address. Rev. Dr. Elting was re-elected Presi-
dent and Christian De Baun, Secretary. For the year ending October
1st, 1899, 330 Bibles and Testaments were donated and 95 sold.
The present officers are Rev. Edward Lode wick, President: Revs.
Isaac Thomas and W. Williams, Vice Presidents; Rev. David W. Tal-
madg, Secretary; Mr. A. S. D. Demarest, Treasurer.
BERGEN COUNTY SUNDAY-SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.
This organization was formed in 1867, and has been largely par-
ticipated in by clergymen and Sunday-school workers throughout the
county.
William Williams was elected the first president. He remained in
office two years, and was succeeded by Judge Thomas Cumming, who
was elected September 12, 1870. The county is divided into three dis-
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 77
tricts, the vice-presidents of the association being ex-officio presidents
of their respective districts. Each township has a secretary whose du v
it is to furnish statistics in a report each year to the county secretary.
GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY OF BERGEN COUNTY,
The first lighting company established in Haekensaek was in 1867,
when by special Act of the Legislature, the Haekensaek Gasli jht Com-
pany was incorporated, a meeting for the purpose having been held on
July 15th, of that year. The first directors were: L. J. Van Boskerck,
John J. Ward, M. M. Knapp, Garrett Ackerson, Jr., R. P. Terhune.
John J. Anderson and N. S. Banta. The first officers were : President,
M. M. Knapp; Treasurer, N. S. Banta; Secretary, R. P. Terhune.
The gas company in these days had the field to themselves, reaping
large profits, with gas at five dollars per thousand feet, and spending
only so much money as the necessities of the case demanded. Business
was profitable and good dividends were paid for about twenty years, the
town being obliged to pay at the rate of thirty seven dollars and fifty
cents per annum, for each light. On moonlight nights lamps were not
lighted. The only reason why greater revenues were not realized, lay
in the fact that fewer lamps were used on a street, and a less number of
streets lighted than at present.
When electricity came into use, however, all this was changed. An
electric plant was put in by another company, when the income of the
gas company fell off, and they soon found that a new order of things
must be instituted in order to save themselves from bankruptcy. The
new company found greater obstacles to overcome than had been antici-
pated, and to add to their troubles, their generating plant was burn.' I,
in November, 1894. The gas company which in 1892, had conic under
new control, now made radical changes realizing that more modern
methods must be used, and that improvements were necessary. In 1895
a completion of the plans culminated in the purchase of the electric
plant, both companies coming under one control.
The stockholders were all persons interested in the growth and de-
velopment of the town, and full \ convinced of the fact that in the near
future not only gas but electricity also would be largely used for cook-
ing purposes as well as lighting.
The present gas generator has a capacity of something over a quar-
ter of a million cubic feet per day. and storage of about seventy-five
thousand cubic feet, using over thirty miles of mains. The electric light-
ing power of the present plant being about twelve thousand lights with
over fifty miles of pole line, and about three hundred miles of wire.
This plant is now a pari of the new gas and Electric Company ol
Bergen County, a consolidation of the old Haekensaek Gas and
Electric Company, the Ridge wood Electric Company, the Eiglewood
Gas and Electric Company, the Rutherford Gas Company, and the Ru-
therford Electric Company.
78 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
Extensive enlargements to the generating plant in Haekensack are
now under way with a view to shutting down all of the smaller outlying
plants and supplying the entire county from the one station, gas to be
supplied from the same point.
This is a progressive corporation quickly adopting the latest im-
provements and keeping to the front in all matters upon which depend
the maintenance of a first class service. In 1898 the company spent one
hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars in improvements, and expect
to spend a quarter of a million in the present year, (1899).
The new company starts out with an authorized capital of two mil-
lions id' dollars and an authorized bonded issue of one million rive hundred
thousand dollars, the same interests controlling as heretofore, with :
Frank B. Poor, President ; Arthur B. Sturges, Vice-President ; W. C.
Thomas, Treasurer ; and Lemuel Lozier, Secretary. The Board of
Directors will number fifteen, all well known men of the county. They
are Frank B. Poor, George W. Conklin, David St. John, E. A. Pearce,
Lemuel Lozier, W. C. Thomas, and Samuel Taylor of Haekensack; E.
A. Walton, Ridg-ewood ; F. A. E. Cott, Englewood ; William McKenzie,
Addison Ely, Rutherford ; Hamilton F. Kean, Elizabeth ; T. N. McCarter.
Newark ; and Arthur B. Sturges, New York.
BERGEN COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.
In 1640 Harvard College was established followed in 1701 by Yale ;
Princeton in 174<>; King's College in 1754, and Queen's in 1770. These
institutions w r ere for the promotion and maintenance of a high grade of
scholarship, but with no especial object in view.
Holland sent thoroughly trained theologians to look after the spirit-
ual interests of the Colonists. She sent also able lawyers, as did both
England and Scotland, to attend to the legal interests of those who had
come to the new world, but the physical ailments incident to man were
not thought of, to the extent of making a special study of medicine,
The university at Leyden was noted for its interest in the study of
sciences, especially the science of chemistry, but chemicals were then
but little used as curatives, herb constituting a large proportion of the
material used in the healing of diseases.
The first medical school in America was founded in Philadelphia in
17(>5, in which Drs. Shippen and Morgan were Professors. Two years
later New York established her first school of medicine in connection
with King's College. But few students entered upon the work, however,
as is proven by the records which show that only eleven degrees were
conferred prior to the war of the Revolution, when studies in that depart-
ment were suspended until 1784. From 1792 to 1816, a Medical Depart-
ment of Oueen's College, New Brunswick, was located in New York.
Its location in the city is explained by the fact that the founders, Dr.
Nicholas Romaine and associates having failed to place in New York,
with the institution they desired, applied and secured authority under
the charter of Oueen's College to perfect their organization. In 1825
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTS
Princeton undertook a Medical Department, in which Dr. Van Cleve, a
distinguished physician took an active interest, but his death caused a
delay in its establishment.
New Jersey claims to have been the first of the colonies to oreran-
ize a Medical Association. The Medical Society of New Jersey have in
their possession, the well preserved original book of minutes of that or-
ganization. The first meeting was held at the house of a Mr. Duff in
New Brunswick, where sixteen physicians met on the 23rd day of July
17(>(>, and formed themselves into a "Standing Society and Voluntary
Incorporation," 1 and signed the "Instruments of Association and Consti
tution of the Medical Society of New Jersey/' The names of thosz who
signed these instruments were Robert McKean, Chris. Manlove. John
Cochran, Moses Bloomheld, James Gilliland, William Burnet, Jona.
Dayton, Thomas Wiggins, Williams Adams, Bern. Budd, Lawrence V,
Derveer, John Griffith, Isaac Harris and Joseph Sackett, Jr. The meet-
ings of the Society were held semi-annually, uninterruptedly until 1775.
when the Revolution interfered and no meeting was again held until
1782. Au-ain from 17 ( )5 until 1807 a cessation occured.
In 1790 another society was formed in East Jersey known as the
"Medical Society of the Eastern District of New Jersey.'*
Dr. Micheau, of Elizabethtown, was the prime mover in this new
society which, for a time,' drew chiefly from East Jersey, because of the
majority of the physicians being located on that side. In time, however,
the first society gained control, which it has ever afterwards held.
In 1771 the Medical Society of New Jersey petitioned the Assembly
for an act "Regulating the practice of medicine," and resolved "That
members of the society get petitions signed by the respectable inhabi-
tants of their neighborhoods," and send these to the care of the com-
mittee of the society charged with the prosecution of the measure be-
fore the Legislature. This act was adopted in September, 1772 A
table of rates and fees was now arranged, which was practically the
basis of charges until 1784, when it was unanimously adopted. It is a
piece of interesting reading. Medicine, as a science, is of comparatively
recent date. It was not until 1754 that lectures to students was first in-
troduced. Dr. William Hunter, of Newport. R. I., being the first to
use them as a means of instruction, the first instruction in dissection
having been given prior to that time by Dr. Bard of Middletown, in
New York City.
The Provincial or State Society exerted a healthful influence, and
soon district societies began to spring up in different parts of the State.
Bergen County, owing probably to its close proximity to New York.
Newark and Elizabethtown, had few physicians until a later date than
many other counties. Joseph Sackett, Jr., who practiced at Paramus
during the Revolution, is the only member from Bergen County whose
name is on the roll of the society until L796.
The earliest physician of whom we can find any record, in Bergen
County, was Dr. Van Emburgh. He lived prior to L709, as is attested
8 I HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
by the deed to his widow, given by her friend Sarah Sandford dated De-
cember 7. 1709. The land so given was probably bestowed purely out
of friendship, and consisted in all of about six hundred acres of land.
Dr. Abraham Van Boskirk was a surgeon in the First Militia of
Bergen' County, and on May 12th, 1775, was one of the committee of
con espondence for Bergen County of which John Fell was chairman.
Dr. Joseph Sackett was born February 16, 1733, O. S., and was one of
the original charter members of the New Jersey Medical Society, taking
an active part until 1772 when he removed to Newton, D. I. Dr. John
Campbell, who was a physician in Hackensack after the Revolution,
was a son of Archibald Campbell, who was advised by Washington to
"keep neutral" and stay by his family. Dr. Campbell was born Febru-
ary 13, 177u. He spent his life in Hackensack. He died in 1814, and
is buried in Hackensack by the side of his wife who died in 1853. Jo-
siah Hornblower. a brother of Chief Justice Joseph C. Hornblower, of
the Supreme Court of New Jersey, practiced medicine in Bergen County
in 1789. Dr. Hornblower was born at Belleville May 25. 17h7. He
studied medicine with Dr. Thomas Steele of Belleville, and began prac-
tice in the town of Bergen in 1789. His practice extended over a large
expanse of country covering Hudson County, including the old Town-
ship of Hackensack. Fort Lee, with a considerable practice in Staten
Island. He was appointed surgeon in the War of 1S12, and was assigned
to duty at the old arsenal on the heights. He was twice married, his
first wife being Annetje Merselis. who became the mother of six chil-
dren. His second wife, Hannah Town, had two children. He died at
the good old age of eighty-one years, having been in active practice in
Bergen County for a period of fifty-five years. Two of his sons, Wil-
liam and Josiah became physicians, and three of his sons-in-law. Doctors
DeWitt, Gautier and Zabriskie were also physicians as were two of his
grandsons, the sons of William. The family was thus widely repre-
sented in the profession. Cornelius Blauvelt was a practitioner in Hack-
ensack in 1819.
It was not until 1854 that the District Medical Society of Bergen
County, was -organized. A meeting for this purpose was held in the
Washington Institute Building, in Hackensack. on February 28. where
the licensed physicians and surgeons met by authority of the Medical
Society of New Jersey, through a commission issued for that purpo^r.
Those present were Drs. William H. Dav, Charles Hasbrouck, George
B. Brown, Henry A. Hopper and DuBois Hasbrouck. The meeting was
organized by making W. H. Day, M. D., President, and Dr. Henry A.
Hopper. Secretarv. William H. Day was elected the first president of
the Society and Charles Hasbrouck secretarv.
The Society held no meetings from 1858 to 1868, when a re-organi-
zation took place and the by-laws were revised.
ROLL OF MEMBERS ADMITTED UP TO 1<S7(>.
A. Hopper. 1854; W. H.Day. 1854; C. Hasbrouck. 1854; H. A.
Hopper, 1S44; G. B. Brown. 1854; I). Hasbrouck, 1854; A. S. Burdett,
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 81
1854; B. Oblenis. 1855; J. J. Haring, 1856; I. J. Well, 1868; W. H.
Hall, 1868; J. T. Demund; 1868; H. C. Neer, 1868; F. M. Wright,
1868; J. M. Simpson, 1869; R. Stewart, 1869; S. J. Zabriskie, 1870;
A. P. Williams, 1870; H. A, Crary, 1871; W. Francis, 1871; D. A.
Currie, 1872; M. S. Avers, 1872; D. C. Carr, 1874; G. F. Simpson,
1874; F. A. Davis, 1874; A. Clendinen, 1875.
PRESENT MEMBERS AND SCHOOLS AT WHICH THKY RECEIVED THEIR DEGREE.
Henry A. Hopper, College Physicians and Surgeons, New York,
1847; A. S. Burdett, Colleg-e Physicians and Surgeons, New York, 1852;
H. C. Neer, Berkshire Medical Colleg-e, I860; D. Augustus Currie, Uni-
versity of Buffalo, 1864; University of Edinburgh, 1867; M. S. Ayers,
Long Island College, 1871; G. C. Terhune, New York Medical College,
1853; Charles H. Hasbrouck, College Physicians and Surgeons. Fair-
field, New York, 1839; D. St. John, Bellevue, 1875; Alexander Clendinen.
University of Maryland, 1859; Milton Terhune, Kentucky^ School of
Medicine, 1676; J. M. Simpson, Bellevue; 1866; S. J. Zabriskie, Uni-
versity Medical College, New York, 1856; J. J. Haring, Jefferson Medi-
cal College, 1855; A. P. Williams, College Physicians and Surgeons.
New York, 1860; E. M. Garton, University Medical College, 1878; G. E.
Brown, College Physicians and Surgeons, New York, 1875; C. I..
Demarest, Bellevue, 1876; Thomas Reid, University Medical College,
New York, 1876.
Presidents: 1854, William H. Day; 1855-'56, Abraham Hopper;
1857, William H. Day; 1858, I. J. Wells; 1868, Charles Hasbrouck:
1869-70, A. S. Burdett; 1871-72, John J. Haring; 1873, F. Marco
Wright; 1874, H. C. Neer; 1875, A. S. Burdett; 1876, D. Augustus
Currie; i877, Henry A. Hopper; 1878, A. S. Burdett; [879, S. J. Za-
briskie; 188O, Milton Turmure; 1881, Henry A. Hopper; [882, H. A.
Hopper; i883, D. St. John ; i884, M. S. Avers ; [885, Milton Turmure;
[886, John W T . Hopper; i887, J. W. Terry; [888, Win. H. (). Taylor :
i889, Lewis Parsells ; 1 890, John A. Willis; [89i, M.S. Ayers; is (, 2.
H. C. Neer ; Samuel A. Armstrong ; [894, J. W. B. Lansing ; [895, W.
L. Vroom ; i896, Hardy M. Banks; [897, L. B. Parsells; [898, Howard
McFadden; i8 ( ><>, Chas. Calhoun.
Secretaries: [854-58, Charles Hasbrouck; [868, [.J. Wells; [869,
J. T. DeMund; 1 870-76, Charles Hasbrouck; [877-78, A. S. Burdett;
ix7 ( >. Henry A. Hopper ; [880, Alexander Clendinen ; [88l-'99 inclusive,
1). A. Currie ; i.x,x2- ,, > < ), Dr. David St. John. Treasurer.
THE BERGEN COUNTY FARMERS' MUTUAL FIRE [NSUKANCE COMPANY.
This institution is located at Oradell, Bergen county, N. J. It was
incorporated May i, [849, by the following named persons: Jacob
Van Buskirk, Nicholas C. Durie, Charles Hasbrouck, Benjamin Z. Van
Emburgh, David A. G. Demarest, John G. Demarest, Isaac D. Demarest,
Garret S. Demarest, Henry N. Voorhis, George T. Brickell, Garrett A.
Eckerson, Henry H. Voorhis, Jr., John Ackerman, Jr.
82 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
The Company was organized wtih Garret S. Demarest as president.
and Henry H. Voorhis as secretary. These gentlemen occupied these
positions respectively many years. The company insures farm and other
property for cash premiums only. The present officers of the company
are as follows: Abram C. Holdrum, President: John T. Haring, Vice-
President; Elmer Blauvelt, Secretary; Daniel I. Demarest, Treasurer.
CHAPTER XIII.
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.
BOROUGHS.
Berg-en county is divided into fifteen townships, thirty-five bor-
oughs and has one city and one incorporated village. The borough
formation comes under the law of i878, having for its object the secur-
ing of certain improvements in water, lights, sewerage, roads, etc.
Under this law each borough thus formed had the right of electing free-
holders to the County Council. Subsequent enactments, however, an-
nulled the right, but, nevertheless, boroughs formed parts of different
townships, and had a right to elect freeholders until the law of May,
1894, annulled this privilege only under certain cases. Under the old
law of 1878, citizens of municipalities secured the formation of their
borough by petition, a certain number representing the taxable list of
the community having the right to petition. Under the present regime
the Legislature creates a borough.
Following we have a list of the boroughs of the county, the special
history of each being found in the respective localities in which the
borough exists:
North Arlington, Rutherford, East Rutherford. Wallington, Carl-
stadt, Woodridge, Hasbrouck Heights, Lodi, Little Ferry, Ridgefield.
Leonia, Undereliff, Palisade Park, Fairview, Bogota, Englewood Cliffs,
Tenafly, Cresskill, Bergenfields, Schraalenburgh, Old Tappan. May-
wood, Del ford, Riverside, Westwood, Woodcliff, Parkridge, Montvale,
Allendale, Midland, Upper Saddle River, Lower Saddle River, Midland
Park, (ilen Rock and Garfield.
ROADS.
The first Commissioners of Highways for Bergen county, and the
first known to have been appointed in the State were John Berry, Law-
rence Andries (Van Boskirk), Enoch Michielsen (Vreeland), Elans
Diedricks, Michael Smith, Hendrick Van Ostrum and ClaesJans en
Van Purmerendt. They were appointed by an act of the General As-
sembly, and it is doubtful if there exists anywhere a record of their pro-
ceedings. They appear to have held office ;i long time, for in 1694 Ger-
brand Claesen was appointed in the place ol Van Purmerendt.
By resolution of the General Assembly, adopted September 9, 1704,
the Grand Jury of each and every count) was authorized to appoint
yearly at the Pebruary and March terms of court, with the approval of
the bench, two persons in each county, precinct, district or township, t<>
lay out all necessary cross-roads and by-roads, which were to be four rods
wide, and also "to settle" other matters pertaining to the highways.
Beginning with the old-time wagon roads, tin first in the county ol
Bergen was the one leading from Communipaw to the village ol Bergen.
S4 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
The road was probably laid about the year 1660. On the 3d of June,
1 7i8, a road was laid out from Cromkill to Weehawken Ferry, which Mr.
Winrield is of the opinion was part of the present Hackensack turnpike.
The road from Bergen to Berg-en Point was the old King's High-
way, but the date of its construction is unknown. In 1743 James Alex-
ander, of the Council, reported a bill for continuing the King's High-
way to some convenient point on the Hudson, but the bill was not passed.
On October 10, 1764, a King's highway was laid out from Hendrick
Sickles' barn to a point opposite the Dutch Church, on Staten Island,
and the old road was abandoned. The new road became a part of the
great stage route from New York to Philadelphia. The Hackensack
turnpike was constructed in 1804 b}^ the Bergen Turnpike Company,
incorporated November 30, 1802, to build this road from Hoboken to
Hackensack.
The road from Paulis Hook to Newark over the Hackensack and
Passaic Rivers was built in 1765, and was the only thoroughfare from the
Hudson to Essex county for nearly thirty years. The road first known
as the New Barbadoes turnpike, but subsequently as the New York and
Paterson turnpike, was surveyed and constructed in 1816. This road ori-
ginally divided the township of Union from Lodi, and passed through
Passaic, and objective points being Paterson and Hoboken.
The Belleville turnpike though not one of the oldest roads in the
county, is a much travelled one, and is the boundary between Hudson
and Bergen counties. The old Pollifly road was one of the first in the
county, also, and was opened over two hundred years ago. It runs from
Hudson county through the old townships of Union and Lodi. The
Paterson and Jersey City plank road was completed about 1820; the
Hackensack and Paterson road in 1826, and soon after, the road leading
from Hackensack to Little Ferry was constructed. About the year 1850
the road from Lodi village to the Pollifly road was opened. The road
following the course of the Passaic River, now designated as the Passaic
Valley road, was an early highway opened long before the war of the
Revolution. The Indians called the northern portion of this highway
the Wagara road and the southern division as Slauter Dam road.
The Paramus road running from Pompton to Hoboken was asso-
ciated with the historic days of the Revolution. It was the thoroughfare
of the old Goshen and Hoboken stage line, and created a demand for the
numerous taverns which lined its course. This road came through New-
burgh, N. Y., to Closter, and passed through Old Hook to Westwood and
from thence southwest to Paramus.
The Stone Arabia road beginning at Hackensack and following a
northeastly, then a northerly direction to Rockland county, N. Y.. v..
an important thoroughfare during the early part of the present century.
as was also the Spring Valley road, which was opened about the sam
time, and run through the central part of Midland township, north.
The Wieremus road, so christened by the Indians who in early times
followed it as a trail, ran through Pascack Ridge to New York State
HISTORV OF BERGEN COUNTY 8"
and was also one of the important roads in the northern portion of Ber-
gen County.
These are a few of the earliest roadways in Bergen County import-
ant in this connection only because of their use in colonial and Revolu-
tionary days.
That New Jersey is a friend to good roads is shown by the report of
State Commissioner Budd. During the last year eighty-five miles of
new roads have been built under State aid, making- three hundred and
eighty-fiye miles, since the State made appropriations for the purpose in
1893, at total cost being- $565,826.
Bergen County excels in its roadways, in fact they constitute an
interesting feature of the county, the drives being equal to the shell roads
of the South and West.
The various trolley lines running through Bergen County are fast
changing- not only the old mode of travel, but are also opening uj> new
fields for country homes which steam car lines fail to reach.
The Bergen County Traction Company was formed March 6, L896.
The President of this road is William T. Barrows. The road runs from
Undercliff to Englewood. A branch line from Leonia to Hackensack is
now in operation.
The Hudson County Railway was built in 1893, then known as the
Palisade Railroad. This trolley line enters the county at Hudson
Heights and extends as far north as Coytesville. David Young is its
President.
The Rutherford and Hackensack trolley line was built in 1897. It
begins at Arlington and is built as far as Woodridge. On January 27.
1899, this road was sold to William C. Giles for the Re-organization
Committee representing 90 per cent, of the bond holders. It is intended
now to build the road to Hackensack. The Hoboken, Passaic and Pat-
erson trolley line w T as built recently. It runs through the places named
its title and is an important road and does a large business.
FERRIES.
The ferries which connect the old portion of Bergen County with
New York City are numerous. There are 1 the Communipaw, 2 the
Weehawken, (3) the Jersey City. (4) the Hoboken, 3 the Pavonia.
llesides these, are still in operation, there were several others ol an early
dale which have long ceased to exist. These latter were Budd's Dock,
in HarsimusCove to New York, established in 1802, and continued a tew
years ; Bull's Ferrv, at the upper line of the present County of Hudson,
well known during the Revolution, which took its name from a family
by tlie name of Cull residing there. Winlield -_;ives the names ol the
^ssees of this ferry as follows: Cornelius Huyley, !778-'92 ; Theodore
Brower, 1792-1805 ; Garret Neefie, 1805; Lewis Concklin, 1806; Abraham
Huvler, 1808.
De Klvn's Perry was started by John Town.- and Barnel !>> Klvn.
from the wharf (south and north of the State Prison to Hoboken in
86 HISTORY OP' BERGEN COUNTY
1 796. No record is found of this ferry later than 1806.
For many years the farmers and others in the northern part of Ber-
gen County reached New York by means of the Weehawken Ferry
established by Samuel Bayard about the year 1700. The charter for
this ferry was granted by George II in 1752 to Stephen Bayard.
The Hoboken Ferry was established to connect the Corporation
Dock at the "Bear Market," in New York with Hoboken in 1774, and
was leased to H. Tallman for ;£50 a year. During the Revolution this
ferry was subject to the army occupying New York. In 1789, the ferry
was owned by John Stevens, the proprietor of the Hoboken. In 1811
Mr. Stevens completed a boat, 4 which he put on trial in September,
announcing " the trial trip of the first steam ferry boat in the world."
The Pavonia Ferry was established by letters patent from King
George II, January 17, 1733, to xVrchibald Kennedy his heirs and assigns.
Dows Ferry over the Hackensack, a little north of the New Jersey
Railroad was a noted place during the Revolution. Mr. Winiield thinks
it was constructed about the time that Colonel John Schuyler constructed
Belleville turnpike, during the French War, and that it remained in
operation until superseded by the bridge erected in 1794. It received its
name from John Douw, a friend of Colonel Schuyler. The ferry and
Douw's tavern were on the west side of the Hackensack. It was at this
ferry that boats had been provided on the night of Major Lee's attack
oil Paulus Hook to facilitate the retreat of his forces. The ferry Jersey
City was established June 18, 1864.
KAILKOADS.
The first railroad in America was laid in old Bergen County. Mr.
L. U. C. Elmer, of Bridgeton, N. J., says in the Springfield Republican,
"Reading the very interesting account of the Hoosic Tunnel in your
paper of November 28th, I find a new illustration of the difficulty of ob-
taining correct historical data. The writer states that in 1826 Dr.
Phelps presented the first proposition ever made for a railroad before
any legislative body in the United States. This is a mistake. About
April. 1811, Colonel John Stevens, of Hoboken, N. J., presented a mem-
orial to the Legislature to authorize a railroad in New Jersey, and in
February. 1815, a law was passed incorporating 'The New Jersey Rail-
road Company, authorizing a road from Trenton to New Brunswick. 1
This road was not built. In 1820 I saw at Hoboken Colonel Stevens'
short railroad, laid as an experiment. Locomotive steam-engines had
not been perfected, and the best engineers did not suppose there would
be sufficient traction in plain wheels to draw a heavy weight. The
railway put up by Stevens was provided with a middle rail having teeth
for a driving-track. This gentleman was father of the Messrs. Stevens
who built the first railroad in New Jersey by virtue of the Act of 1842.
He entered into competition with Fulton to run the first steamboat on
the waters of the Hudson, and thus obtained the monopoly granted by
tiie law of New York, but falling a little behind in time, he sent his
HISTORY OP RKKC.KN COUNTY 7
boat round to the Delaware, and I was carried by her in LSI 2. The
family maintained a line of boats on the Delaware individually <>r by the
company until their death."
The Paterson and Hudson River Railroad Company was incorpor-
ated January 21, 1831. The road went into operation between Paterson
and Aquackanonk (now Passaic) June 22, 1832. The rolling-stock at
that time consisted of "three splendid and commodious cars, each cap-
able of accommodating- thirty passengers," which were drawn by " fleet
and gentle horses." It was thought to be a " rapid and delightful m i Le
of traveling." The trial-trip over that part of the road was June 7.
1832. It connected with the New Jersey Railroad at West End. The
road was leased to the Union Railroad Company September 9, 1852.
This lease was assigned to the Erie Railway Company, and the road is
now part of the main line of the New York, Lake Erie and Western
Railroad. The assignment and transfer of the road was confirmed by
the Legislature March 14, 1853.
The Erie Railway Company was first recognized by the laws of New
Jersey, March 14, 1853, as the New York and Erie Railroad Company,
then as the Erie Railway Company. After leasing the Paterson and
Hudson River Railroad and the Paterson and Ramapo Railroad, which
two roads formed a direct line from Jersey City to Sufferns, Piermont
was abandoned as a terminus, and the cars were run to the depot of the
New Jersey Railroad Company in Jersey City until Maw 1862. 'The
Long Dock Company," incorporated February 26, 1856, in the interest
of the Erie Railway Company, completed the Bergen Tunnel January
28, 1861. The first passenger train passed tli rough it Kay 1, 1861, at
which date the Erie traffic was transferred to its present terminus at
Long Dock. In 1805 the Erie Company constructed a telegraph line
through the Bergen Tunnel, so that managers of signals at either end
could be duly warned of approaching trains, and collision thus avoided.
The interior of the Bergen Tunnel was arched over in 1867.
The New York and Oswego Midland Railroad Company was incor-
porated January 1, 1866. Construction began June 29, 1868. The first
train ran over the western end of the road November 5, 1869, and the
first through train August IS. 1873.
On Monday, December 19, 1871, the first locomotive was put on the
New Jersey Midland at Hawthorne, a station on the Erie, one mile from
Paterson. The locomotive was built at the Rogers' Locomotive Works
in the City of Paterson. and was named the "Passaic." Another lo<
motive put upon the road the following Julj was named " Bergen," this
plan of naming the Locomotives after the counties traversed by the road
being adopted by the company.
The New Jersey Midland Company was incorporated March 18,
1867. March is. 1870, it was announced that $75,000 had been sub-
scribed by those interested in having the road go through Hackensack.
Additional sums were subsequently raised, increasing the amounl
sum. (iiin, the sum required to be raised l>\ Hackensack and vicinity.
88 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
Other liberal sums were contributed along- the entire route. On Mon-
day, March 18, 1872, the first passenger train ran through between
Hackensack and Paterson, at 8.30 a. m., carrying about thirty passen-
gers. After that trains ran regularly.
The Hackensack and New York Railroad Company was incorporated
March 14, 1856. Work was begun on the road in the spring of 1869. It
was opened northward to Hillsdale, twenty-one miles from New York,
and the first excursion train ran over it on Saturday, the 4th of March,
1870. The officers of the road at that time were D. P. Patterson, Presi-
dent; G. S. Demarest, Vice President; H. G. Herring, Secretary, and
J. D. Demarest, Treasurer. The extension of the road to Grassy Point,
about two miles above Haverstraw, on the Hudson, was chartered by
the New York Legislature in the spring of 1870, and during the fall was
put under contract to Messrs. Ward & Lary for construction. From
a report made in January, 1872, we learn that through the untiring ex-
ertions of Mr. J. A. Bogert, at Nanuet, $90,000 had been subscribed, over
640,000 of which had been paid in. Subscriptions also to the amount of
$230,000 had been secured by Mr. Patterson, the President of the com-
pany, and of this sum $130,000 had been paid in. At the northern ter-
minus at Grassy Point the company received a donation of 2500 feet of
river frontage from Mr. David Munro. The eastern terminus of this
road is in the Erie depot, at Long Dock, and it is under the same man-
agement as the Erie.
The Northern Railroad Company of New Jersey was chartered
February 9 1S54, and the road was completed October 1st, 1X5').
In 1869 it was leased to the Erie Railwa}^ Company. Thir, road
passes through the eastern part of Bergen County, along the table-
land of the Palisades, many portions of which it has been the
means of redeeming from forests and converting into beautiful parks
and villas. Engdewood, on this road, one of the most delightful suburbs
of New York, has been entirely built up since the road was opened.
The Jersey City and Albany Railroad was opened to Tappan July
30th, 1873. This road passes through Bergen County from the Midland,
at Ridgefield Park, in a direction nearly parallel with the Northern
road.
CHAPTER XIV.
SCHOOLS.
EDUCATIONAL REPOKT.
The first apportionment of the school fund of the State was made
to Berg-en county by the trustees in 1831 and consisting - of one thousand,
two hundred and ninety-nine dollars and ninety-two cents. Benjamin
Zabriskie and Cornelius Van Winkle were appointed a committee of the
board of Chosen Freeholders to apportion the amount among the several
townships which resulted as follows: Bergen, $214.56; Lodi, $108.38;
Saddle River, $168.19; New Barbadoes, $94.10; Hackensack, $142.94;
Harrington, $226.55; Franklin, $181.55; Pompton, $163.65.
The Legislature of New Jersey passed an Act in 1837 appropriating
the surplus revenues of the general government for school purposes in
the several counties of the State, placing the several amounts appor-
tioned to the counties under the management of the respective boards of
Chosen Freeholders.
A report made to the board on the 2d day of May, 1838, showed that
the sum of $41,132.14, surplus revenue, had been received from the State
treasurer, and that the same had been loaned out in various sums through
the county. The interest on this money has been collected annually on
the 1st of May and devoted to the support of public schools.
Upon the division of the county the following adjustment was made
of the surplus revenue:
TOWNSHIPS.
Bergen, including Jersey City
Lodi.
Saddle River
Hackensack
Harrington
Franklin.
New Barbadoes.
Pompton. 142.84
West Mil lord.
$2640.06 $6630.00 $9270.06
Before the division of the surplus revenue took place the towns,)!
West Milford, Pompton and a part of Saddle River was annexed to
Passaic County, leaving the sums from these towns to be deducted there
from. The County of Hudson having been erected February 22. 1840,
the sums allotted to the towns of Bergen and Jersey City, and a part ol
Lodi, under the names of Harrison were also to he deducted.
Alter the division of the county in 1*1" the amount apportioned
from the school fund was $1000.50, divided among- the townships as fol-
lows, and so remained until the new school appropriation was made:
STATE TAX.
COUNTY TAX.
TOTAL.
$664.75
$1047.44
$1712.16
252.40
658.65
MU. 05
324.34
XT 5. 57
1199.91
267.90
830.65
1098.55
346.12
1127.44
1473.56
292.57
874.18
1 166.75
201.82
457.80
659.62
142.84
381.54
524.68
147.35
376.43
523.78
90 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
New Barbadoes, $138.69; Lodi, $66.45; Saddle River, S52. 41 ; Hack-
eti sack, $234,09 ; Franklin, $216.02 ; Washing-ton, $174.19; Harrington,
$118.75.
The interest on the surplus revenue began to be available for school
purposes May 1, 1838. The sum of $1403 had then accrued, and was
divided among the townships as follows :
Lodi, $164.40 ; Hackensack, S174.50 ; Franklin $190. 56 ; Saddle River,
S80.96 ; Harrington, $225.36 ; New Barbadoes, $131.40 ; Bergen. $298.70;
Jersey City, $134.12. In 1839 the interest on the fund amounted to $2-.
(.55.38. In 1840 the interest was 53,112.05.
Continuing the history, Jonn Terhune, Superintendent of Bergen
County Schools, says :
"Prior to 1867 the schools of Bergen County were in part free.
They were under township supervision, and the buildings in rural dis-
tricts were of a very primitive type.
The report of the State Board of Education for 1866, which was the
last year of the township method of Superintendents, gives the total
population in the nine townships 21,619, and the school census 6,888.
The total amount of money to be expended was twenty-five thousand,
seven hundred, forty dollars and seventy-four cents, received from the
following sources : Raised by tax, eleven thousand, twenty-nine dollars
and eighty-one cents ; from State three thousand, fifteen dollars and
thirty-nine cents; other sources one thousand, six hundred, twenty-two
dollars and forty-two cents; raised for building and repairing two thousand,
seven hundred, seventy dollars and ninety-nine cents ; from tuition fees,
seven thousand, five hundred, forty-six dollars and seventeen cents.
There were thirty-seven male teachers at an average salary of forty-
three dollars per month, and thirty-eight female teachers at an average
salary of thirty-two dollars per month. There were fifty-five schools,
seven of which were free.
The office of County Superintendent was created by Act of the Leg-
islature, approved March 21st, 1867. Under this syetem the number of
schools in 1899 is one hundred an! four with three hundred and nineteen
teachers, of which sixty-two are males at an average monthly salary of
ninety-three dollars and sixty-four cents, and two hundred and fifty-seven
females with an average salary of fifty-two dollars and sixty-one cents.
The total amount of monies to be expended the present year is as follows :
Balances, $53, 866. 57 ; apportioned by County Superintendent, $130,-
984.89 ; raised by district tax $232, 143.56 ; from State for Manual train-
ing $3,200.00, making a total of $420,195.05. The school census for
1898 was 88,028. The school buildings with but few exceptions are
scientifically lighted, heated, ventilated and decorated ; and the grounds
as a rule are planted with shade trees and flower beds, due to Arbor Day.
This day was set apart by law in 1884, and has caused much improve-
ment in school surroundings. The Arbor Day programmes issued by
the present Superintendent, John Terhune, have become popular, and are
used in nearlv everv county in the state.
HISTORY OK BERGEN COUNTY ( )1
At the last anniversary, held April 28th, there were 4271 visitors in
attendance in the several schools of this county.
The school library question has also improved under his administra-
tion, and the number of books taken out increased from 3561 in 1885, to
<>5,421 in 18')'). They are now an indispensable factor in the education
of the children.
Berg-en County was the first to establish a professional library for
teachers, which now contains 1400 volumes of pedagogical books. It
was the first count v to secure an office which now is an educational
centre, and contains numerous cabinets of school work for inspection, a
model school library, a teachers' library, and, besides, is an object lesson
in school decoration. Copies of the most important school periodicals
and school devices are found at this office, known as Educational Hall,
and it is constantly visited by teachers and educators.
A uniform course of study for primary and grammar grades has
been in operation since 1895, and the work in general is being done sys-
tematically and progressively. There are now fifty-five school districts,
of which eighteen are townships, thirty-four are boroughs, two are
special charters and one a city.
CHAPTER XV.
NEW BARBADOES.
ANCIENT AND MODERN BOUNDARIES — EARLY SETTLEMENT — CIVIL ORGAN-
IZATION — FREEHOLDERS — HACKENSACK — ITS SCHOOLS, CHURCHES,
NEWSPAPERS, HOSPITAL, IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION, SOCI-
ETIES, LODGES AND CLUBS, BANKS, MILITARY, MANU-
FACTURES — BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
In 1693, two centuries ago, New Barbadoes was a township in Essex
County, and comprised the territory lying- between the Hackensack
and Passaic Rivers, from Newark Bay on the southeast to the present
boundary line of Sussex County. The present boundaries are limited to
New Bridge on the north and Little Ferry on the south, with an average
width of about two miles on the west side of the Hackensack River, the
whole length being only about five miles. Along the Hackensack the
land is generally level, in some places below high tide, rising to a greater
elevation in the western portion. There are some marsh lands, but they
are mostly capable of cultivation. The clay lands are valuable from
their proximity to the Hackensack River, and much of this land is under
a high state of cultivation, while the clay is extensively used in the
manufacture of brick.
The Hackensack River, which is navigable to New Bridge, is well
confined within its banks, varying in width from one hundred to five
hundred feet. The origin of the name "New Barbadoes" is more a matter
of conjecture than of history. It is supposed, however, that the earliest
proprietors of the township, who emigrated from the islands of Barba-
does, gave the name by prefixing "New" to the name of their former
home. In 1868 Captain William Sandford secured a title to 15,308 acres
of land running northward from the junction of the Hackensack and
Passaic Rivers. Captain John Berry, and others associated with him,
secured a title to all the land north of the Sandford possessions, compris-
ing the territory within the limits of Hackensack and the present town-
ship of New Barbadoes. It is not known at what date Captain Berry
came to the province, although he became possessor of the land in 1M> ( ).
There are deeds recorded in the Clerk's Office in Hackensack giving by
him and dated 1696, showing that he was living and able to transact
business at that time. Captain Berry's son-in-law, Michael Smith, who
was the first Sheriff of Bergen County, 1683, owned a plantation adjoin-
ing that of Captain Berry, and it is probable that these were the first
lands in the township which had any considerable improvements, espe-
cially since these are prominently mentioned in a historical and descrip-
tive account published in Edinburgh in 1685, by George Scott.
The island of Barbadoes became an English possession in 1625.
Both Captain Sandford and Captain Berry were Englishmen, and both
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 93
came from the West Indies. Captain Berry may have been, as some sup-
posed, captain of a merchant vessel, but it is a matter of record that la-
was a Captain of Militia in Bergen County.
Captain Sandford lived in Newark in 1675, and was a member of the
Provincial Council from 1681-84. He died in 1692, having- requested to
be buried on his own plantation. His children were Ardinah, who mar-
ried Richard Berry, Constable of New Barbadoes in 1695; Peregrine,
who married Fytje, daughter of Enoch Michielse (Vreelaud); William,
Grace and Elizabeth, who married Captain James Davis.
CIVIL ORGANIZATION.
The civil organization of this township was effected in 1688, when
the General Assembly at Perth Amboy passed an act empowering the
inhabitants of Hackensack and New Barbadoes to build pounds, "the
charge whereof to be paid by the inhabitants of each of the respective
out plantations. " This was in the fourth year of the reign of James II.
In 1692 the fourth year of the reign of William and Mary, an act was
passed by the General Assembly at Perth Amboy, dividing the counties
of East Jersey into townships. This act was so defective in its provis-
ions as to become inoperative, and a supplementary act was passed in
1693, by which the Townships of " Acquikanick and New Barbadoes,""
were know for the first time in legislation, having apparently been
united to form one township. The boundaries included "all the land
on Pissiack River above the third river, ( Yantacaw ) and from the mouth
of the said third river, northward, to the partition line of the province,
including also all the land in New Barbadoes Neck, between Hackinsack
and Pissiack Rivers, and thence to the partition line of the province."
From this it would appear that Acquackanonk was included in the orig-
inal township with that of all the territory lying between the Hacken-
sack and Passaic Rivers to the northern boundary of the province. If
this be true, the township then comprised all the present organizations
of Hohokus, Washington, Franklin, Saddle River, Midland, Union, Lodi
and the present New Barbadoes, besides Acquackanonk including the
site of the present City of Passaic. Other proofs that Acquackanonk
and New Barbadoes were united in one township are to be found, in a
record of December 3, 1683, when the " inhabitants of Aquaninoncke,"
are authorized to join with those of "New Barbadoes Neck" in the
"choyce of a Constable." At another date Major William Sandford of
New Barbadoes Neck was ordered to "appoint an officer to exercise the
inhabitants of Aquaninoncke." During the following two hundred
pears, the one ancient township was divided and subdivided until the
present boundaries cover the small space, before noted.
The government of a county at that time differed greatly from th.it
of the present forms. Each township or plantation was then governed
by a Board of Selectmen, exercising judicial and legislative powers of a
restrictive kind, confined to the local affairs of their respective planta-
tions, and limited in their jurisdiction to "small causes." On May 1st,
1688, a bill was drawn up by the Provincial Secretary to constitute i
94 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
"Court of small Causes for the out plantations of Bergen County, and.
for Aquackinick and New Barbadoes in Essex County." This was sent
to the House of Deputies by Major John Berry of the Council, was
signed by the Governor, and became a law May 22d, of the same year.
No records of these courts were kept and all we rind is an occasional
allusion to them. They granted licenses to sell liquors and keep ordin-
aries, fixing- the rates for "man and beast," in detail, and also super-
vised the roads and bridges. Sometimes these judges of the "Court of
small Causes," overstepped their authority, when an appeal could be
carried to the Governor and Council, or even to the King and Parliament
if necessary.
In the Provincial Council, William Sandford, John Berry, and Isaac
Kingsland were Legislators for New Barbadoes and vicinity. — Sandford
from 1682 to 1703; Berry from 1682 to 1692, and Kingsland from 1684
to 1696. The following is a list of the chosen Freeholders of the town-
ship from 1764 to 1899 inclusive.
1704-65, 1892, Isaac Vanderbeck, Jr.; 1764-95, Arendt Schuyler;
1799-99, Chris. A. Zabriskie; 170<>-97, Abraham W. DePeyster ; 1798-
1805, Edmund Wm. Kingsland; 1800-1, Garret G. Lansing; 1892, Joost
Bogert; 1803-6, Luke Van Zaen ; 1806-8, John I. Hopper; 1807-8, Cas-
perus Bogert ; 1806-14, Henry I. Zabriskie ; 1809-11, Henry Van Dolsem ;
1812, John Berry; 1813-16, Henry P. Kipp; 1815-16, John D. Romeyn;
1817, John A. Schuyler; 1817-18, Jacob J. C. Zabriskie; 1818, Philip
Berry; 1816-21, John J. Hopper, Peter A. Terhune; 1822, John T. Banta;
1822-23, 1825-27, John A. Boyd; 1823-27, Albert G. Hopper; 1824, Jacob
J. Brinkerhoff ; 1828-33, John Zabriskie; 1828-32, Henry W. Banta; 1833,
David I. Christie; 1834-35, Andrew Zabriskie; 1834-35, John D. Romeyn;
1836-42, Albert A. Brinkerhoff; 1836-37, Andrew Demarest; 1837-36,
Albert G. Doremus; 1838-40, John J. Van Saun; 1841-43, George Voor-
his; 1843-45. Ralph Westervelt; 1844-4<>, Richard T. Cooper; 1846-48,
1852, William Winant; 1847-46, Jacob I. Zabriskie; 1849-51, Christian
De Baun; 1850-52, John A. Zabriskie; 1853-54, 1856, Richard R. Hawkey;
1853-54, William Blair; 1856-58, Peter A. Terhune; 1857-59, Wilhelmus
Berry; 1859-61, Abraham I. Demarest; 1860-62, Abraham A. Banta;
1862-64, Lucas A. Voorhis; 1863-64, 18, r >6, Garret G. Ackerson; 1866-67.
Garret A. Hopper; 1867-69, William D^ Wolfe; 1898-70, Nicholas A.
Demarest; 1870, Henry C. Harring; 1871, Garret G. Ackerson; 1872-74,
Jacob Yereance; 1875-78. Wm. Huyler; 1876, Frederick Steinle; 1880-86,
John (). Grode; 1889-92, Jacob L. Van Buskirk; 1892-94, Jacob H. Fank;
lS')4-<t(». Jacob L. Van Buskirk; 1896-99, W. W. Curry; 1899, Charles
Conklin and Cornelius E. Eckerson.
It is not definitely known at what date the lirst settlement was made
in this township. According to tradition, Dr. Vanlmburg erected the first
dwelling house in Hackeusack. This house, it is said, stood on the
creek just back of the site of the present courthouse. Another of the
very old houses is said to have stood on what was formerly known as the
Varick property. Among the first families to settle in this locality were :
HISTORY OF HKKOKX COUNTY
Albert Zabriskie, and Lawrence in 1662; Lourie in 1685; Houseman in
1<> ( )5, while Kipp came a little earlier; Van Buskirk 1697; Van Giesen,
1689; Dismarie, 1695. Tbe records of the Church on the Green, note in
1694, the reception into membership of Martin Powelse, Jan, Christyn
and Lena, also Maria Etsal and Rachel Jackse. In the following six
years there were more than sixty members added, showing an increase in
the number of inhabitants.
HACKENSACK.
Hackensack, as a place of residence, is unsurpassed by any other
suburb of New York City.
Beautifully situated on the west bank of the Hackensack River, from
the commanding- Heights on its western border can be seen the river wind-
ing through the valley, with the range of the Palisades beyond and New-
York twelve miles in the distance. A population of 10,000 covers an
area of 2J000 acres, thus affording wide streets, ample grounds and
abundance of air and sunshine tothe inhabitants.
The sandy, porous soil has a substrata of gravel and is well drained
by the most approved system of sewerage. The outlet sewers are large
and constructed of brick with pipe laterals, furnishing means for good
drainage to buildings, as well as the soil. In all there are about 2n miles
of sewers, thoroughly flushed twice daily by tide water. The compara-
tively few cesspools are required to be laid up with cement and made
water tight. They are emptied by scavengers and the odorless excavat-
ing company.
The streets and walks are well kept under the supervision of a com-
petent street superintendent. Gas and electricity Edison's system are
used for street and general lighting purpos ;s. There are about »>o miles
of flagged walks and 40 miles of macadam, which work the Improvement
Commission is extending as rapidly as the appropriations will allow.
The water supply, furnished by the Hackensack Water Company, is
shown by careful analyses from time to time to be of excellent quality.
It is obtained from the Hackensack River at New Milford, far above the
influence of tide and sewerageor other contaminating matter. The reser-
voir is at an elevation of 1 lo feet, with sufficient pressure to be utilized
by the lire department in throwing a stream over the highest building.
It is .to be regretted that few of our wells are ivcv from organic matter:
and as this is a possible source of disease, it is desirable that the river
water should entirely supplant the use of wells.
The climate is mild wt variable. The snowfall is usually light
rarely sufficient for lengthened sleighing. The health oi the town ■
compare Favorably with thai of am other in the State. Statistics ol 18" 7
and 1898, showing it to be first in point of health, with the counts rank-
ing second among the counties of the state.
Malaria prevails to some extent, though many ot the oldest inhabi-
tants have never been affected by it. Typhoid fever and diptheria, the
greal terrors in many localities, arc very rare h< r
96
HIST0KY OF BEKGEN COUNTY
VIEW OF HACKEXSACK FROM GROUNDS OF C. E. ECKEKSOX.
Epidemics are not common, and as they are generally of a mild type,
are readily controlled by the vigilance of the local physicians and effi-
ciency of the Health Board. Each case of contagious disease is reported
to the Board by the attending physician as soon as he learns its charac-
ter. It is endeavored to isolate such patients, and none of the children
of the family are allowed to attend school while any danger of contagion
exists. A certain sum is appropriated each year for the use of the Board
of health, which is doing a good work. A very noticeable feature is
the general cleanliness of the town, it being absolutely without tbe
usual dirty quarters.
The dwellings are chiefly built of wood, many of them surrounded
by large lawns pleasantly shaded. There are no crowded tenement
houses. The markets are clean and free from any evil influence to
Health. The public school buildings are the pride of the community.
In their ventilating, heating and plumbing a careful regard has been
given to sanitary laws. The other public buildings, including the Hos-
pital, Court House and Jail are also in good condition. The Health
Board is composed of intelligent, progressive men, representing several
professions. .
98 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
" The word Hackensack has been so variously spelled and denned it
may be an open question to-day as its orthography and signification.
From Hackensack or Ackensack, either of which is spelled probably
correct according to the original Indian pronunciation, it has wandered
through Aackingsack, Ackinghassack, Akkingsakke, Ackenkiskacky^,
Ackenkeshacky, Hagensack, Haghkinsack, Hackensack}^, Hackingke-
shackv, Hackingkasacky, Hackinsack, Hackquinhacq, Hackquinhacq,
Hacquinkacy, Hackinsagh, Haghkingsack, Hackkensak.
SCHOOLS.
The township of New Barbadoes is divided into four districts known
as Nos. 10, comprising Fairmont and Cherry Hill, and a portion of
Midland township ; 31, all the township between the commission line or
boundary between Fairmont and the New York Susquehanna and West-
ern Railway, and 32, all the territory of the township south of the last
named line, to Kansas Street and the southern commission line, while
33, contains the remaining territory in the township to Little Ferry.
31, and 32, are largest and most deserving of notice.
In 1825, Cornelius C. Bogert, Dr. Abraham Hopper, and Archibald
Campbell were appointed trustees to take steps toward the establishment
of a school in which all the branches of a classical education could be
obtained. They first secured ground upon which to erect a building,
and for this purpose purchased a lot formerly owned by James Hill, on
the west side of Main Street, and north of the lands of Henry Berdan.
This was to be held in trust for the use of stockholders for the proposed
new academy. Lafayette, having not long before passed through on his
visit to the scenes of his earlier years when he fought side by side with
Washington, the patriotic and grateful people named the new institu-
tion, Lafayette Academy, in his honor. The building was erected by
Benjamin Oldis, twenty feet on Main Street and forty-five feet deep,
with an upper story for lectures and religious purposes. This was sur-
mounted by a cupola and bell from the old Passaic Church. The first
teacher was John Wash, Professor of Languages, from New York, fol-
lowed by William Lynn, Michael Doyle, Simon Zabriskie, M. S. Wick-
man, Jacob Vanderbilt, Hugh Norton, William C. Smith and J. G.
Williams.
The old academy was sold in 1853, when a new and more commodi-
ous brick building was erected on the northwest corner of State and
Berry Streets. J. G. Williams was the first teacher (1853), followed by
James B. Burlew, Isaac J. Willis, Thomas H. Gimmel, B. F. Shaffer,
A. Rider and G. T. Probst, followed by S. G. Lippincott. This house
was forty by fifty feet, with an addition of twenty by forty feet, and
with accommodations for five or six hundred scholars. The whole was
valued at $10,000. In 1877, anew three-story' building was erected on
the same site.
In early colonial days a law was passed rating the inhabitants for
public instruction in the various towns of the province.
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 99
A meeting- was held in Hackensack in 1767 at which was discussed
the locating- of Queen's (now RutgerY) College, the two places before
the meeting being Hackensack and New Brunswick. After it was de-
cided to locate at New Brunswick, the people of Hackensack were aroused
to a greater interest in the cause of education.
Two years later ( 1769) Reinen Van Giesse, an old and extensive
land owner, gave a site to the old Washington Academy, on the north-
west corner of Main and Warren streets. Upon this site was erected a
large stone building, seventy-five by thirty-five feet and two-stories
high, with a belfry in the centre. In this belfry was hung the bell
which became famous, and on which was the inscription, ' v Presented to
Washington Academy by William Bayard, 1776." This institution be-
came famous through a line of able instructors of that day, Dr. Peter
Wilson being the first on the list. He was a distinguished Scotchman,
who came to this country in 1763. Next came Henry Traphagen, John
Traphagen, Bayard Bayard, Thomas Geaghan, Christian Zabriskie.
John Hayward, Henry Blackman, William Howell, John Bog-art, Henry
Howell and John Vanderbilt. The first trustees elected (1790), were
Solomon Froeligh, scholar and theologian; John Van Buren, Isaac Van-
derbeck, Jr., and the two able lawyers, Robert Campbell and Nehemiah
Wade. The building was remodeled in 1846, and again in 1858. In 1865
the school was made free, and in 1869, the necessary books and papers
were supplied free of charge to all scholars. In 1X75 a story was added
to the building, but, the number of pupils increasing, it became neces-
sary to have greater accommodations, and, in 1<S7*, the building at the
corner of Union and Meyers streets, was erected, and first occupied on
December 2d of that year. Dr. Nelson Haas, preceded by a list of emi-
nent educators, became principal of this school in 1871, and continued
in the work for a period of nearly a quarter of a century. In 1895, upon
the establishment of a separate high school, he was made its principal,
and in 1897 was made Superintending Principal of all the schools in the
township, and is at this time holding these two offices.
The Hackensack Academy was erected about the year 1869, but was
never a prosperous enterprise, financially. This building was Located
on State Street, near Central Avenue. Dr. John II. Eague was its first
principal. He was followed by Professor Charles Hasbrouck, he in
turn by Professor W. W. Richards, and next cam.' Stephen Brooks,
who was succeeded by Charles W. Boyd. About 1882 the academy was
closed.
The Fairmont school house was built in 1890, and lor some time
was utilized for both Fairmont and Cherry Hill, but this was not found
to he satisfactory, and the Board of Education was authorized t<> sell
the property and build a house for Fairmont.
The Hudson Street school was enlarged and newly furnished in
1893.
The High School, formerly conducted ;is ,i separate department in
the Union and State Streets schools, was, from 1895 to 1896, placed in
6G6312A
100 HISTORY OF BEKGEN COUNTY
the State Street school, but later in the Union Street house, awaiting
the construction of the new High School building, which was opened on
Thanksgiving Day, 1897. The High School prepares for admission to
the Freshman class in college, or to the second year in the State Nor-
mal School.
The Board of Education consists of nine members, and by the school
law enacted in 1866, all the schools of the township are placed under
the supervision of this board. A uniform course of study has been
adopted requiring eight years of work, beginning with the kindergarten.
This includes a course of manual training and preparation for entrance
to the High School.
In addition to these, there are two private kindergarten schools in
the village, and also one parochial school, established in 1871 by Rev.
J. Rolands, in connection with the parish of Holy Trinity. The present
County Superintendent of Schools, Mr. John Terhune, is doing a good
work in the county. The city owns school property to the amount of
nearly $100,000.
HACKENSACK CHURCHES.
No history of Bergen County would be complete without a record
of the First Reformed Church of Hackensack. She claims to be the fruit-
ful mother of all the English speaking Reformed Churches of the county,
and the benevolent step-mother of all the other Protestant Evangelical
churches. She survives to-day after the storms and vicissitudes of over
two hundred years, one of the oldest and staunchest of the denomination
in America. Like an old, gnarled oak she has sent her roots all through
the religious soil of the county and nourished the ecclesiastical growth
in all her hamlets.
Two earliest records give the date of the organization as 1686, when
under the ministry of Dominie Petrus Taschemaker, thirty-three persons
united to lay the foundation of this ancient church. The original officers
of the organization were Hendrick Jorense and Albert Stevense, elders ;
and Hendrick Banta and Volkert Hansen, deacons. Dominie Tasche-
maker was settled at New Amstel ( now New Castle), on the Delaware
River, serving the feeble congregation at Hackensack, with a good deal
of sacrifice and devotion. He came four times a year to administer the
Lord's Supper and baptize the children. Never their settled pastor, he
did however excellent service.
The first settled pastor was Guilliam Bsrtholf, a very pious man
who acted as "voorleer," in the absence of a regular pastor. He was
sent to Holland by the people at their expense, where he fitted himself
for pastoral work and came back a regularlj- ordained minister. For
nearly thirty years this first pastor labored incessantly among his own
people, and cared for the scattered colonies of Dutch settlers in New
Jersey and New York States, laying the foundation of the present Home
Missionary work of the Reformed Church. In 1696, ten years after the
organization of the church, a building was erected on the spot where the
present venerable sanctuary stands. Having been altered and enlarged
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 1()1
several times, it is still known to-day as " the old church on the green."
After Dominie Bertholf died in 1724, there came several pastors, all of
them to the Dutch manor born and bred. Time forbids to enter into
particulars, put the work of Curtenius and Goetschius, Erriekson and
Coens abides in its influence until the present time. The congregation
which was scattered over a large territory erected another house of wor-
ship at Schraalenburgh where the pastor preached every other Sabbath
to accommodate the worshippers in that part of the county. In common
with all the other Dutch congregations of that time, the church passed
through the disturbing waters of ecclesiastical strife which weakened
and rent in twain elements that needed all adhesion possible in order to
flourish.
At the beginning of the Revolutionary War, after the death of
Dominie Goetschius, Rev. TheOdorick Rome}*n (usually shortened into
Dirck Romeyn), came as pastor, when peace aud prosperitv returned.
He did not stay long however, leaving to settle in the old Dutch Church
of Schenectady, N. Y., where he became instrumental in founding Union
College. In 1799 the church called Rev. James V. C. Romeyn as col-
league with Rev. Dr. Solomon Froeligh. The progress of theological
thought in New England had begun to be felt in these staid old Dutch
Churches. The younger men felt the impulse of the new doctrines and
antagonized the older preachers. In 1823 this same Dr. Froeligh started
in the old church a secession, partly from disappointed ambition and
partly from aversion to new methods which were coming in vogue.
Several other ministers took umbrage at the preaching of the new views,
alleging that it was a departure from the good old ways. These seced-
ing parties were suspended by their respective classes for insubordina-
tion and schism. For the time being, it engendered a good deal of
strife and bad feeling; families were divided aud churches broken up.
But being a conservative and combative secession it did not make much
headway, and to-day it is passing into oblivion. Dominie Romeyn lab-
ored in the church over thirty years, repairing the breaches of the seces-
sion and strengthening the church work. He was followed by his son
James who continued the work for the short period of three years.
Then followed the fruitful ministry of Dominie Alexander Warner who
labored with his flock for over twenty-eight years aud was succeeded by
Rev. Dr. Theodore B. Romeyn, a grandson of Rev. James V. C.
Romeyn. This church has had what no other church, as far as is
known, has ever had, viz., a succession of three generations of preachers
of one name and family. Dr. Theodore B. Romeyn continued as pastor
for eighteen years when lie died and left as his monument, a strong
united church. In 1886 tin- present pastor. Rev. II. Vanderwarl assumed
charge. For over thirteen vears he has labored to keep this venerable
old church true to her record and she stands to-daj foremosl in the
county, having a large aud growing membership, a Flourishing combi-
nation of several societies, large congregations both morning and even-
102 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
ing, verifying the promise of God that instead of the fathers shall be
the children.
THE SECOND REFORMED CHURCH
was a swarm out of the old hive, settling in the upper part of Hacken-
sack, on State Street. It was organized in October, 1855, and has had
a steady, vigorous growth ever since. Its first pastor was Rev. James
Demarest, Jr., who was followed by Rev. G. H. Fisher, under whose
pastorate the church developed in every department of activity. Failing
health compelled him to resign and hand the reins to Rev. C. B. Durand,
who continued for twelve years*, when he changed his ecclesiastical
views and entered the Episcopal ministry. The present incumbent is
Rev. Arthur Johnson, who has labored with much success in this im-
portant field, since December 12th, 1884. He was graduated from Prince-
ton College in 1872, and at Union Theological Seminary in 1875.
A building site having been donated by Mrs. Maria Berry, the corner-
stone of the new church-house was laid on July 30th, 1856, by Rev. John
Knox, D. D. The church edifice was erected in 1860, at a cost of $3000.
THE THIRD GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH
was organized, as its name imports, by our German citizens, in Jan-
uary-, 1858, in that part of Hackensack known as the Plank Road, in
order to supply the religious needs of the increasing number of Ger-
mans in our midst. During the forty years of its existence, owing to
weakness, it has been served by eleven pastors. At the present time it
is not strong, owing to the death of many of its old supporters. Its
present pastor. Rev. John Bombin, a scholarly man and an earnest and
devoted worker, has under his care about eighty members.
CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH.
The Christian Reformed Church ( formerly known as the True Re-
formed Dutch Church) has a history dating back to 1822, when differ-
ences in doctrine and practice, caused eleven (11) congregations to with-
draw from the judicature of the Dutch Reformed Church, and organized
as the Claseis of Hackensack of the True Reformed Dutch Church.
Six of these congregations are entitled to recognition in the history
of Bergen County, and are situated at Ramseys, (formerly Ramapo),
Schraalenburg, (now Bergen Fields), English Neighborhood, (now
Leonia), Paramus, 'now Ridgewood », Englewood and Hackensack. In
the year 1890 after an acquaintance of several years the two branches
of the True Reformed Dutch Church, east and west, united, and for the
sake of ecclesiastical, uniformity and compatibility with the Mother
Church in the Netherlands, they assumed the name, Christian Reformed
Church, still retaining their corporate title, observing the same form of
church government and doctrinal standards, worshipped for a time in
private houses, barns and halls, under the pastorate of Rev. Solomon
Froeligh, D. D., until 1830, when Rev. C. T. Demarest served the church
for one year, and Rev. Christian Z. Paulisou was installed pastor. In
1839 Rev. C. T. Demarest was again called to Hackensack, and served
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 103
the church jointly with Leonia, until 1852, Rev. Cornelius J. Blauvelt
succeeding- to the pastorate in 1854, remaining- until his death in 1860.
Rev. John Y. De Baun was with the congregation for twenty-seven
years. The first church edifice was erected in 1833 on Hudson Street,
enlarged in 1861, and again in 1867. In the year 1899 a new edifice in
modern style, was built on State Street to replace the old one. The new
church is called the Town Clock Church.
Rev. John C. Voorhis, who is the sixth incumbent since the secession.
was called to this pastorate in 1887, since doing a good work, both in
his church and in educational affairs, being a member and for several
years President of the Board of Education. He was ordained in 1875,
and became pastor of the church at Englewood where he remained
twelve years, just prior to coming to Hackensack.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The Church known as the First Presbyterian Church was originally
the result of a secession, owing to a dispute of Rev. C. Z. Paulison with
the Claseis of the True Reformed Church. Thinking himself and his
following aggrieved, they organized a church similar to the Seceder
Church but entirely independent of it. Finally in 1871 the Consistory
applied to the Presbytery of Jersey City for admission to the Presby-
terian Church which was granted. Thus this church, organized in
1832 as an independent True Reformed Church, came eventually into the
Presbyterian fold. There has been a succession of short pastorates
until in 1891 Rev. R. Kuebler was called who continues to the present
time. He was graduated from Union Theological Seminarv in 1891%
The church has recently been enlarged and is in a prosperous condition.
THE FIRST METHODIST CHURCH.
In 1837 an organization was effected by the Protestant Methodists,
but disbanded after six or seven years. It was not until 1849, that the
first class was established, and shortly afterward the First Methodist
Episcopal Church was built on the rear of the same lot. upon which
stands the present church and parsonage. The front was on Warren
Street. The present church was begun in April 1874, the lecture room
being dedicated in January 1875 and four wars later the work was again
taken up and the church completed.
ASBURY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
was organized in 1868, when thirty-six members were transferred from
the First M. 10. Church, and on New Year's Day 1871, the} dedicated
their new church. One month later it was burned down. It was not
until nearly ten wars had elapsed, that the present church was built.
Tiny haw now a membership of nearly ISO, and church property worth
probably $12,000.
HOLY TRINITY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHUKCH.
Not until 1863 did the Roman Catholics of Ha kensack have a church
of their own. Both the foreign and native Norn Catholic element is
large and the congregation worships in a commodious edifice on Maple
104 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
Avenue under the pastorate of Rev. J. J. Cunnelly. Already a new
church has sprung- out of the old one and worships in a sanctuary of its
own on Vreeland Avenue.
The Rev. Dr. Brann purchased the site of the present church from
the late John C. Mvers on March 31, 1867. The Rev. P. Corrig-an the
first resident pastor preceded Dr. Brann and officiated at Hackensack and
Fort Lee, from September, 1863, to May, 1866.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
was organized in 1832 by Elder Griffiths, but for various reasons the
membership dropped off until Deacon De Woff, his wife and daughter
alone remained. It was not until 1870 that an effort was made to again
establish a church of this creed, and in July of that year, eleven mem-
bers united to form the First Baptist Church. Mr. George H. Atwood
alone secured $1500 toward a fund for the erection of a suitable house of
worship. At the completion of the building the first pastor Rev. Zelotes
Grenell, senior, was installed on the day of dedication December 30, 1870.
The pastorates have in no case covered a long period but have for the
most part been vigorous and fruitful of much good.
CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH.
About seventy members withdrew from the First Baptist Church,
and organized temporarily on May 5, 1896, at the house of Mr. William
E. Taylor. On December 3, 1896, the church incorporated under the
name of the Calvary Baptist Church of Hackensack, Bergen County,
New Jersey.
The membership is now about eighty. The church propert}^ at
Union Street and Central Avenue is valuable and the financial affairs,
generally, in a flourishing condition. The various church helps, Sunday
School, Young- Peoples' Societies, etc., are active and growing.
CHRIST CHURCH.
The Protestant Episcopal Church known as Christ Church, dates back
to 1861, and has attracted a large number of people. The noble edifice on
State Street, with its rectory, tells of the zeal and labors of the present
pastor, Rev. Dr. William Welles Holley, who has labored with his present
charge for more than twenty-eight years. There are now about bOO
members zealously working in their especial field. In its short
life this church organization has given nearly a quarter of a million
dollars for the spread of the gospel.
Dr Holley is a native of Geneva, N. Y., and a graduate of Trinity
College. He was ordained to the ministry in 1865.
THE UNITARIANS
established a church organization in February, 1898, and incorporated
soon after under the name of the ''First Unitarian Congregational
Church of Hackensack." They worship in Odd Fellows 1 Hall. This
society has many prominent financial people of the city among its sup-
porters, and is doing a successful work in the broad field covered by the
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 105
'Love to Cod and Love to Man," which they recognize as practical
religion.
-MOUNT OLIVET BAPTIST CHURCH.
The colored people are quite weak, but succeed in keeping up the
interest of two congregations of the Methodist and Baptist denomina-
tions. There are about fifty-four members in this organization, but
they have church property valued at $2500. The work of organizing a
congregation was commenced on Sunday. July 2d, 1889. The Mission
was. reorganized and recognized in 1892, when the lot for the present
church building was purchased and paid for at a cost of S2 ( mi.
ZIOX M. E. CHURCH
was organizee in 1865, and Mr. L. H. Sage donated the lot on which
the church stands, the building having been erected some three years
later.
NEWSPAPERS.
The first newspaper published in Hackensack was the Bergen Coun-
ty Journal, with Mr. Joseph Baldwin as its editor until 1861, when he
enlisted in the Civil War. About this time Mr. C. C. Burr began pub-
lishing the Bergen County Democrat and Rockland County Journal. In
the meantime Mr. Eben Winton having bought the plant of the lately
suspended Journal, formed a partnership with Mr. Hnrr in publishing
the Bergen County Democrat, and at the same time discontinued the
Rockland County edition. In less than a year, however. Mr. Lurr with-
drew, and Mr. Winton remained alone in the publication until 1870,
when he took his son Henry into the business, and the firm became
known as E. Winton & Son. One year later Mr. Henry Winton became
sole owner.
In politics the paper is Democratic, and is on a good financial l>a*>i^.
being one of the best paying newspapers in the State.
THE HACKENSACK REPUBLICAN,
the only permanent Republican paper of general circulation in Bergen
County, was established in 1870 under the editorship of Arnold II. John-
son, as "The New Jersey Republican."
Mr. Johnson remained with the paper until 1S74. when he was suc-
ceeded by Hugh M. Herrick of the Paterson Guardian. Mr. lb-nick
returned to the Guardian a year later and was succeeded on tin New
Jersey Republican by William II. Bleecke'r and Thomas 11. Rhodes.
Mr. Rhodes, however, retired after a few months leaving Mr. Bleecker
sole proprietor until 1878. Thomas H. Chrystal then purchased the
plant, and changed the name of the paper to that of The Hackensack
Republican, at the same time enlarging the sheet and improving it->
mechanical department, while adding to its attractiveness l>\ his hu-
morous writings.
In 1882 Hon. William M. Johnson purchased the paper, placing
Eugene K. Bird at the head <>l its editorial department. Mr. Bird is (
recognized ability and has beet] with this paper since 1*77.
106 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
In 1889 Mr. Herrick, former owner, again took charge, where he
still continues, with Mr. Bird as local editor and business manager.
This paper is progressive and independent, devoted to local interests as
well as to State questions. It is on a solid business basis.
THE EVENING RECORD,
published in Hackensack, is the only daily paper in Bergen County.
In June, 1895, some young men of enterprise undertook this publi-
cation, which they continued until January following, when "The
Evening Record Publishing Company," incorporated and purchased the
business.
Herbert W. Collingwood, the president of the company, became
editor-in-chief, James A. Romeyn, treasurer and manager, with James
Smith as local editor.
In September Mr. Collingwood retired when Mr. E. G. Runner was
made president, and James A. Romeyn became editor, in addition to his
offices of secretary and treasurer.
In politics this paper is independent and aggressive, alwa3~s loyal
to local interests, while maintaining a courteous demeanor toward its
contemporaries. The circulation is large and increasing, promising a
bright future.
THE HACKENSACK HOSPITAL.
[Contribution of the Secretary of the Board.]
In the early spring of 1888 Dr. David St. John, who had then already
become prominent in this section and whose extended practice brought
him into contact with many cases which could be so much more success-
fully treated in a hospital, under took the organization of such an insti-
tution in town. His efforts met with a ready response and resulted in a
preliminary meeting which was held at the office of Hon. William M.
Johnson on April 23rd, 1888. This meeting was attended by a goodly
number of representative citizens and it was then decided to proceed to
organize and a committee on permanent organization was appointed. At
a second meeting held at the same place on May 1st, of that year, the
committee on permanent organization reported in favor of an organiza-
tion dual in form viz : The Hackensack Hospital Company to be managed
by a board of eleven directors which might consist of seven gentlemen
and four ladies, said company to acquire and hold title to the Hospital
property. Second, The Hackensack Hospital Association to be directed
by a board of twenty-four governors, the last named organization to
lease the property from the company at a nominal annual rental and to
equip and manage the hospital. This report was adopted as was also
the constitution and by-laws reported by the same committee, provision
being made for the appointment of a ladies auxiliary board by the board
of Governors. Permanent organization was then effected by the election
of the following named Board of Directors for the Company: Hon. Wil-
liam M. Johnson, Hon. William S. Banta, Edward H. Dougherty,
Nicholas Mehrhof, Sr., John C. Van Saun, Adonijah S. Boyd, William
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HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 107
P. Ellery, Mrs. Frederick Jacobson, Sr., Mrs. Elizabath F. Chrystal,
Mrs. Theodore B. Romevn, and Mrs. E. M. Moses.
For Governors of the Association : Nicholas Mehrhof, Sr., David
Terhune, Charles H. H. Harris, Peter L. Conklin, William T. E. Wells
Edwin Ackerman, George W. Conklin, William Williams, Edward Poor,
Sr., Lewis Perrot, John O. Grode, George M. Faircbild, Jr., James A.
Romevn, Lemuel Lozier, John O. Hilver, Cornelius A. Herring. Weslev
Stoney, Abraham G. Munn, Jr., Matthew E. Clarendon, James E.
Church, Abraham S. Burdette, M. D., David St. John. M. D., James
M. Van Valen, and Nicholas C. Demarest. The Board of Governors
met at once with Hon. James M. Van Valen presiding - and James A.
Romevn as Secretary. A committee on nomination of officers was ap-
pointed, consisting- of Nicholas Mehrhof, Sr., Dr. D. St. John, and
William Williams. That committee reported for President, David Ter-
hune ; Vice-Presidents, James M. Van Valen and M. E. Clarendon ; Sec-
retary, James E. Church ; and Treasurer, Charles H. Harris, which
report was adopted. At a subsequent meeting of the board on May 7th,
John O. Hilver, P. L. Conklin, and N. C. Demarest declined to serve as
Governors and were replaced by Alvah Towbridge, and William M.
Johnson. Mr. Charles H. Harris als > declined the treasurership and
James A. Romevn was unanimously chosen in his stead. The President
appointed a large and representative auxiliary board, the various com-
mittees of which are to be presided over by the following: Visiting
Committee, Mrs. William Williams, (Camden Street); Finance Com-
mittee, Mrs. William T. Wells; Supply Committee, Mrs. William Wil-
liams, (State Street; Nurses Aid Committee, Mrs. Dr. Holley ; Ward-
robe Committee, Mrs. J. S. Moses; Special Needs Committee, Miss. A.
Barling. Want of space forbids naming the entire Auxiliary Board, but
very largely to the ladies of that board and to Dr. St. John. David Ter-
hune, and Cornelius A. Herring belongs the credit of the speedy and
successful opening of this much needed institution. The first Medical
Board were: Dr. D. St. John, President; Dr. Abram S. Burdette.
Secretary; with Fordyce Barker, M. D., Edward G. Janeway, M. D..
and Abin Jacobi, M. D., as consulting physicians. Lewis 11. Sayre, M.
D., consulting surgeon ; W. Gill Wylie, M. D., consulting gynecologist;
David Webster, M. D., consulting occulist; Visiting physicians ami
surgeons. Dr. D. St. John and Dr. Abraham S. Burdette. Homeopathic
ward. Chas. F. Adams, M. D., attending physician; Dr. (i. Howard
McFaddcn, interne; and Miss Mary E. Livingston, matron. Later on
a Nurses Training School was organized, whose graduates now minister
to the sick and injured in many States.
In addition to the names already mentioned as prominent in its .ir-.i-
nization and early management, the name of Mrs. Theodore B. Romeyn
should also be mentioned.
From its inception there lias been most worthy, consistent and
enthusiastic efforts put forth by its promotors and managers, each sue-
108 HISTOKY OF BERGEN COUNTY
ceeding annual report showing- increased facilities, a more and more sat-
isfactory financial standing - , a better corp of trained nurses, additions to
and improvements of the hospital property and buildings and most skill-
ful treatment on the part of its physicians and nurses until it is to-day
recog-nized everywhere as a strictly first-class institution of its kind as
shown by the fact that its last annual report shows $3826.40 received
during the year from patients and nurses earnings, in a total receipts for
the year of $6486.84 while the expenses were $5544.83, leaving a balance
of $942.01. The last year (1899) the institution has been taxed to its
utmost capacity and though 519^ cases were treated during the year
some had to be turned away for want of room, and the board of govern-
ors are now considering plans to enlarge and otherwise increase its
usefulness. The present board of officers are Albert V. Moore, Presi-
dent ; M. E. Clarendon and Alvah Trowbridge, Vice Presidents; John
Dunlap, Treasurer ; and James E. Church, Secretary. The associates of
Dr. St. John on the medical board, are Doctors A. L. Van De Water,
Frank H. While, E. K. Conrad, and G. Howard McFadden. Dr. N. A.
Harris is attending physician to the Homeopathic ward. Dr. Elmer W.
Scott is the present house physician and Miss Emma F. Crum, supervis-
ing nurse. The hospital has been peculiarly fortunate in having the
hearty assistance of many of the most prominent medical men in New
York City, on its consulting staff. Among these are such eminent names
as Edward G. Janeway, M. D., Abin Jacobi, M. D., consulting physicians ;
Joseph D. Bryant, M. D., and George F. Shrady, M. D., consulting sur-
geons, W. Gill Wylie, M. D., and Robert' H. Wylie, M. D., con-
sulting gynecologists; David Webster, M. D., consulting opthalmic
surgeon; J. Leonard Corning, M. D., consulting neurologist; Rob-
ert Newman, M. D., consultant in genito-urinary diseases; Regi-
nald H. Sayre, M. D., consultant in diseases of spine and gen-
eral deformities, Charles W. Allen, M. D., consulting dermatologist,
and S. M. Payne, M. D., consultant in diseases of the eye, ear,
nose and throat. The present Hospital Governors are Dr. D. St.
John, M. E. Clarendon, Alvah Trowbridge, Major John Dunlap, James
E. Church, J. O. Grode, A. G. Munn, Jr., C. E. Breckinridge,* E. H.
Dougherty, C. E. Eckerson, Chas. Henderson, Edward E. Moore, J. A.
Romeyn, Lemuel Lozier, Hon. William M. Johnson, E. M. Barnes, Cap-
tain i. J. Phelps, A. V. Moore, William T. Knapp, L. Perrot, E. E.
Poor, Sr., G. L. Jaeger, Charles H. Harris and George W. Conklin.
After due credit has been given to all others, more than to any one
else the chief credit for organization and most successful management of
this admirable and worthy institution belongs to Dr. David St. John.
James E. Church.
THE HACKENSACK IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION.
This Commission was created by act of the State Legislature of
New Jersey in 1868, supplemented in April, 1871 by a provision em-
powering the Commission to organize a Fire Department. On June 1,
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110 HISTORY ()F BERGEN COUNTY
following-, two companies were organized, Berg-en Hook and Ladder
Company, No. 1, and Relief Hook and Ladder Company, No. 2. Two
trucks were purchased, but not being- of equal value, in order to make
a satisfactory adjustment of numbers and awarding of trucks, the com-
mittee agreed to give choice of trucks to one and choice of numbers to
the other. It thus came that Bergen became No. 1, but received the
inferior apparatus.
Their truck was first kept in a little building ( now made into a
dwelling- house) on State Street, near the Susquehanna Track. Soon
after this, however, they moved into the new house on Bergen Street,
and for more than a quarter of a century have done active service, with
but one interruption. Their enrollment at present twenty-seven. Relief
Hook and Ladder Company, No. 2, was organized at the old Park Hoteb
on Passaic Street. They first kept their truck in the old-D^Baun black"
smith shop on Union Street, and afterwards used La Favorita boat house
on Anderson's dock. In March, 18%, they took possession of their State
Street fire house.
The first Chief of the Fire Department, John J Ward, was from
this company. The company was organized with eleven members, but
have now twice that number. Their truck was used twenty years with-
out repair, except painting. A new truck was furnished them in 1895
at a cost of $1350.
Protection Engine Company, No. 1, was org-anized in November of
the same }'ear, and in 1884 James Conklin, of this company, was elected
Chief. In 1895 a new house was erected for them at a cost of $3500,
and the same year the fine La France steam fire engine was furnished
them. This company now has twenty-seven members.
Liberty Hose Company, No. 1, now known as Liberty Steamer
Company, No. 1, was the first hos^ company in the department, and was
organized September, 19, 1882, but did not incorporate until 1885. They
are a prosperous company, anrl in 1883 purchased a new hose carriage,
of which they are sole owners. This they -turned over to the Commis-
mission, and subsequently invested in a new steam engine, which cost
$3000. It also was accepted on April 14, 1893, and was the first steamer
in town. They now bought one of Gleason & Bailey's improved hose
carts, at the same time disposing- of the old carriage to the May wood
Fire Department. This brought about the change of name to that of
Liberty Steamer Company, No. 1. They number twenty on the roll.
These, with the Fire Patrol, which had been organized in 1876 with ten'
members, comprised the Department.
The next company to come into existence was the Alert Hose Com-
pany No. 2, March 22, 1883. Their place of organization was the cigar
store of Jacob H. Fank, at 70 Main Street. Mr. Fank was made head
of the Department in June, 1889, and in 1893 John Weickert was elected
assistant engineer. This company now has seventeen members. Six
years later Hudson Hose Company No. 3 was organized in the old Third
District of Hackensack, (afterwards the First i at the Franklin House
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 111
on Hudson Street. They have twenty-one members. Union Hose Com-
pany No. 4, followed in May, 1895, and was accepted on June 1. They
had twelve members and still keep that number. The duties of the Fire
Patrol were more specifically defined by an Act of the Legislature March
14, 1879, which made the company to number twentv men. In August,
1887, a wagon for carrying canvas covers, stretchers, ropes, lanterns,
etc., was furnished and placed in the house of the Relief Engine Com-
pany, w T here it was kept until their removal to their new house on Mer-
cer Street. The total number of men in the Department is 109.
The Exempt Firemen's Association was organized Februarv l'»,
1890, at the rooms of Liberty Hose Company No. 1. The aims of the
organization are both social and beneficial. There are many exempt
firemen who are still in active service. They number at this time loo
members.
The Firemen's Insurance Association of Hackensack. is another
commendable institution, having in view the payment of an insurance
fee of one dollar per member, upon the death of a fireman connected
w T ith the organization. The only expense connected with this is that
of stationery and printing. The only persons eligible to membership
are local firemen. There are now 168 enrolled.
The Firemen's Relief Association is intended to benefit members
who are injured while on duty. The companies have equal rights by
representatives and trustees. The Association has now about $7,000,
invested in first class bond and mortgage security.
THE HACKENSACK WATER COMPANY.
This is a private enterprise operated by a stock company incorporated
March 12, 1869. The incorporators were Richard R. Hawkey. John H.
Banta, Garrett, Ackerson, Jr., Eben Winton and Samuel Sneeden. Alter
ten years, the finances of the company running low. a receiver was ap-
pointed in the person of the Hon. Augustus A. Hardenburg, of Jersey
City. The following year, under new conditions, it was reorganized
and named "The Plackensack Water Company Reorganized."
The source of water supply is the Hackensack River, from which
the water is taken at New Milford, about five miles above Hackensack.
There are probably 2<>() miles of force mains, with three high service
pumps of ten, five and three million gallons daily capacity, respec-
tively. The two reservoirs ;it Weehawkeu Heights have ;i capacity
of eighteen and forty-five million gallons each, while the average
daily consumption is about 8,000,000 gallons. This water is com-
paratively pure, the source being Rockland Lake, which is fed from
mountain springs. A new pumping service is soon to be in operation,
with a capacity of 13,000,000 gallons daily.
SOCIETIES, LODGES AND CLUBS.
The man who does not belong t<» a club <>r ;i lodge, is the exception
and not the rule. Hackensack has its share of these institutions tor the
benefit, amusement or entertainment of its many citizens who maj
choose to become members.
112 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
The oldest secret order in Hackensack, is that of Bergen County
Lodge, No. 73, I. O. O. F., which was instituted in 1845, and held its
first meeting's in a small room over the ball-room of the "Washing-ton
Mansion House." This proving- inadequate the lodge sought more suit-
able rooms in which to meet until a permanent home could be secured.
A building association was subsequently formed, a site purchased, and
Odd Fellows' Hall built. This house which they had occupied many
years, was burned in 1897, but their present hall was in process of erec-
tion prior to the destruction of the old one. In addition to the parent
lodge, is Hope Encampment. No.. 33, and Uhland Lodge, No. 177. a
German Lodge instituted in 1874, with thirteen charter members. This
is a prosperous organization holding its meetings in Odd Fellows' Hall,
a fine building recently finished.
THE ORITANI FIELD CLUB
of Hackensack, is the leading athletic organization of Bergen County.
To Mr. F. A. Anthony is due the honor of suggesting the idea of
such a club, associating afterwards with him as founders. Messrs. J. S. C.
Wells, John R. Bogert. William P. Ellery, George M. Fairchild. Jr., C.
Julian Wood, E. E. Poor, Jr., Asa W. Dickinson and William Welles
Holley. Rector of Christ Church.
Soon after the first public meeting-, which was held in Library Hall,
on the 8th of November, 1887, the club was organized. Mr. F. A. An-
thonv was elected President, with I. B. Bogert, First Vice President; G.
M. Fairchild, Jr.. Second Vice President ; C. Julian Wood, Secretary ; E.
E. Poor, Jr., Treasurer; J. S. C. Wells, Captain. The Governors were
Messrs W. P. Ellery, R. S. Jacobson, B. J. Richardson, A. W. Dickin-
son. A. B. Banta, C. W. Berdau, Rev. W. W. Holley, Rev. Arthur John-
son and A. Trowbridge.
The club at once incorporated with an enrollment of ninety-seven
members. Soon after this, the Anderson homestead was purchased and
necessary alterations and improvements made. . The house and toboggan
slide were opened to members on the 26th day of December, 1887. The
club was a popular organization from the first, and at the end of this
year the membership numbered 234. The formal opening of the grounds
took place on July 4th, 1888, with an appropriate programme. No
less than 5000 people assembled to witness the game of base ball and
tennis matches, and to hear the fine music by Drake's Military Band.
A drill of Company C. was an interesting feature, the whole closing
with a display of fireworks in the evening. The house and grounds
have now become valuable property. The ball field has been enlarged,
fine bowling alleys adjoin the club house, and some of the members
being expert bowlers, these alleys are in great demand. A reading
room, billiard and pool room, excellent tennis courts and a boat house,
are all open to the members. They have also a fine hall equipped
for entertainments and dances. The family of each member is al-
lowed all the benefits and privileges which he enjoys, except that of
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 113
voting and holding- office. This has been a benefit to the club finan-
cially, since the women have held affairs, which have netted a neat sum
each time.
The present officers are: F. A. Anthony, President; I. F. Hinds,
First Vice-President; C. M. Horton, Second Vice-President; Dr. A. C.
Heydon, Corresponding Secretary; H. De Mott, Recording- Secretary; I.
H. Labag-h, Treasurer.
Governors : J. P. Clarendon, W. J. Fisher, F. W. Beattie, A. T.
Holley, J. J. Phelps, G. W. Couklin, H. G. Terhune, W. P. Ellery R.,
S. Bruns.
THE ORDER OF AMERICAN MECHANICS
which was founded in Philadelphia, July 8th, 1845, had as its chief ob-
jects, the advocacy of fre*e schools, and the non-union of church and
state. Columbia Council Ko. 66 of this order, was organized in Hacken-
sack September 5, 1871 with seventeen members, but has passed out oi
existence.
PIONEER LODGE
No 70 F. and A. M. was instituted April 4th, 1865, under dispensation.
the first meeting being held in Odd Fellows Hall, Hackensack. Its
officers were : William H. De Wolfe, W. M. ; Dr. William H. Hall, S. W. :
Robert W. Goslee, J. W. ; Richard A. Terhune, S. D. ( acting treasurer | ;
Isaac E. B jgert, S?.:retary ; Thomis Picker, J. D. ; aid David M. Hall,
acting as Tyler. In the Fall of 1865 the meeting place was changed from
Odd Fellows Hall to Anderson Hall, a room in the third story having
been fitted up specially for the lodge. Its first regular meeting was held
under charter or warrant, from the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, Febru-
ary 12, 1866. After passing through some adverse experiences the Lodge
settled again in Anderson Hall where it remained until its removal to
the Bank Building. The present membership is about one hundred.
BERGEN CHAPTER
No 40 R. A. M. was instituted in 1805 with eighteen members and now
has forty-three.
The Junior Order United American Mechanics, was organized Aug-
ust 4, 1S04, and has an enrollment of about 200. Having no home of
its own, this lodge meets at Odd Fellows' Hall every Friday night.
The objects of the organization are such as to interest all true Ameri-
cans. Hackensack Lodge No. <>4, Ancient Order United Workmen,
meets in Odd Fellows' Hall the firsl and third Thursdays of each
month. This organization has a limit of twenty annual assessments ol
one dollar each, with a benefit at death of $2000, and in addition to
this they have a sick benefit class, paying a weekly sick benefit of six
dollars to it-, members.
Bergen Lodge 14.^, Knights and Ladies of tin- ('.olden Star, was
organized in March, 1897. This fraternal insurance organization, as
its name implies, admits both sexes. Any member of the family over
twelve years of age is eligible to membership.
114 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
The Hackensack Wheelmen on February 11th, 1895, organized with
111 charter members. They have a home which they have occupied
since May, 1896, having - prior to that time occupied the old Bank Build-
ing-, now owned and occupied by C. A. Bogert. The enrollment is now
250 active members, while Mr. E. C. Humphrey is the only honorary
member.
Besides these, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union was org-
anized in 1883, and the Hackensack branch of the Children's Home So-
ciety, a national organization, for the placing of homeless children, was
organized March 23, 1895.
There are also many societies for musical and dramatic culture.
Among this number we find the Gunod Society founded for the purpose
of promoting the study of choral music and also for developing a taste
for the music of the great masters. The Hackensack Dramatic Associa-
tion has been fortunate in securing the services of Mr. Alfred Young,
stage manager of the Brooklyn Amaranth. To his training, is largely
due no doubt, the success achieved by the members. They now enjoy
the services of Mr. George G. Ackerman of the late Schubert Club, who
conies with a commission to form the Dramatic Association Orchestra,
and in which he will act as musical director.
The Deutscher Kriegerbund of Bergen County, is an association for
the relief or assistance of regular army veterans and was organized July
11, 1894.
THE GERMAN SCHUTZENBUNDES WASHINGTON RIFLES,
State of New Jersey, organized March, 1881, and the Bruderliebe So-
ciety, organized in 1864, are both fraternal institutions.
THE HACKENSACK CORNET BAND
is a creditable band of twenty-one instruments.
THE KALAMAZOO BAND
was formed in 1892, and is a social organization of about eighty mem-
bers. There are also the German Dramatic Harmonic, the Liedertafel
German Singing Society and the Court Hackensack, No. 47, F. of A.;
Hackingshackey Tribe, No. 189, Improved Order of Red Men; Order of
United Friends, Royal Council, No. 1151, Royal Arcanum, National
Union, with many others of a fraternal, beneficiary or social nature.
BANKING INSTITUTIONS.
There have been several banking institutions in Hackensack during
the last sixty years, but none of them are now in operation. The first
banking institution of any importance was the Washington Banking
Company, which came here from Hoboken, where it had been previously
organized under a State law. It transacted business here about seventy
years ago, but after a few years met with financial failure. John De
Grott was President and George Y. Allaire Cashier. It was first located
in the present southwest parlor of the Mansion House, and subsequently
moved to its banking house, erected by the company on the north side of
Mansion Street, near Main.
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNT* 115
The Bank of Berg-en County was established January 2d. 1872, with
a capital of $60,000, and in January, 1874, increased to $100,000, and in
the same } T ear a spacious and substantial hanking- house was built on
Main Street, on the site of the old Campbell tayern, of Revolutionary
memory.
Bergen County Sayings Bank was chartered in 1870, and commenced
business in i872. Its business was mainly carried on by the officers of
the Bank of Bergen County.
The First National Bank of Hackensack was organized October 23,
1871, and commenced business the following January, with a capital of
$100,000.
The Hackensack Savings Bank was incorporated April 4, 1873, and
commenced business the following May. This bank was managed by
the officers generally of the First National Bank. All of these four
financial institutions continued in business till about twenty years ago.
THE HACKENSACK BANK,
now carrying a capital of $50,000, was incorporated in 1889, when David
A. Pell was made President; M. E. Clarendon, Vice-President, and II.
D. Terhune, Cashier. These officials still continue to hold their positions.
The directors are David A. Pell, William M. Johnson, 1\ A. An-
thony, James W. Gillies, Samuel Taylor, M. E. Clarendon, David St.
John, M. D., C. J. Cadmus, John J. Phelps, Frank B. Poor, II. I>
Terhune.
The bank has added to its capital $50,000, a surplus of $50,000 and
undivided profit of $25,000, and carries about half a million dollars in
deposits.
In proportion to its capital and volume of business it is one of the
wealthiest banks in the State.
MILITARY COMPANIES OF HACKENSACK.
The organization of the Hackensack Continental Guard, as a military
company was effected in 1855. Later it formed a union with the
Bergen County Pities and then became known as the Bergen County
Battalion. It was then officered as follows; Colonel A. G. Axkerman;
Major, David A. Barry; Adjutant, John J. Anderson; Quartermaster,
I\\ 1'. Terhune. The battalion was disbanded in 1861.
Company G, Second Regiment X. G. N. J., was organized by Hon.
J. M. Van Valen, October 8th, 1872. Through the instrumentality
Mr. Van Valen, who had removed to the town, a number of persons
had become interested in the formation of this company, which was
organized as "Company C," and in which the people of the county have
always taken a pardonable pride. The officers elected at the above d
were Garret Axkerman, Jr., Captain; Janus m. Van Valen, First Lieu-
tenant; Nicholas C. Demarest, Second Lieutenant; George T. Hari
Sergeant. To Lieutenant Van Valen is due the credit ot not "iil\ organ-
izing this company but also of perfecting a discipline in drills, which
made it a name, and gave it a permanencj in the popular opinion ,.t the
pei iple.
116 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
In 1876 changes were made in the organization of the company.
In March of that year Captain Ackerson resigned, and soon after,
Lieutenant Van Valen was appointed quartermaster of the battalion.
Lieutenant Demarest also having resigned.
The new officers were elected March 7, 1876, and were as follows: A
D. Campbell, formerly Quartermaster was elected Captain; John Engel.
First Lieutenant; and John E. Huyler, Second Lieutenant May 30th.
1876. In 1 877 the company was called out in the railroad strike, and upon
returning was presented a purse of three hundred and fifty dollars.
In January i89i Captain A. D. Campbell retired with the brevet rank of
Major, and John Engel was elected Captain. George E. Wells was
promoted to fill the place of Lieutenant Freeman, who had removed
from town. Upon the retirement of Judge Ackerman he was appointed
Judge Advocate, becoming in time Judge Advocate General of the
State. June 15th, 1896, Lieutenant Van Valen resigned the office of
Quartermaster of the Second Battalion. On February 26th, 1883, he
was made Captain and inspector of rifle practice of the battalion, follow-
ing which, on June 8th, 1886, he was made Colonel and Assistant In-
spector of rifle pratice, after which he was retired as Brevet Brigadier-
General. On May 31st, 1883, Company C became Company G, in the
Second Regiment, New Jersey National Guard, and took part with that
regiment in its movements in the war with Spain, as will be seen else-
where. The company left Hackensack with a full complement of officers
and one hundred and three men, and in the regiment with them Major
John Engle. Major Charles F. Adams, Surgeon of the regiment, and
Adjutant A. T. Holle}". Officers of the company were as follows:
Captain George E. Wells; First Lieutenant, Garret H. Sturr;
Second Lieutenant, Irving R. Pierson; First Sergeant, Walter Bur-
roughs; Quartermaster Sergeant, Charles H. Mabie; Sergeants, Edward
A. Burdett, Addison B. Burroughs, James H. Russel, Edgar Vreeland;
Corporals, Fred V. Bates, James A. Van Valen, George M. Edsall
Ward G. Berry, Harry Fosdick, Uncas E. Richter; Musicians, William
Campbell, Garret Robertson; Artificer, William D. Newman, Wagoner.
Paul T. Scoskie.
JAMES K. MCPHERSON POST, NO. 52, G. A. R.
Post 52, Department of New Jersey, Grand Army of the Republic,
was mustered in on the evening of July 13, 1881, by Mustering Officer
Commander Rodrigo. Delegates from Post 7. 17 and 35 were present.
Details from the visiting comrades filled the different chairs. The fol-
lowing veterans were mustered in as charter members: George M. Hun-
ter, James H. Russell, John Engel, Simeon Van Wetering, William H.
De Wolfe, John Spyri, John G. Fream, William H. Harper. Albert C.
Bogert, Conrad Hoffman, T, E. Lonergan, Frederick Zeeb, William
Brant, Daniel W. Demarest, Frank W. Hover, Joseph Scott, Aaron E.
Ackerman, Lewis C. Cotte.
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 117
Commander Sproul of Post No. 7 of Passaic, at the same meeting
installed the following comrades as the first officers of the post : Com-
mander, George M. Hunter; Senior Vice-Commander, William J. Brant;
Junior Vice-Commander, James H. Russell ; Quartermaster, John Engel :
Surgeon. John G. Fream; Chaplain, William H. Harper ; Officer Day.
Frank W. Hover; Officer Guard, Albert C. Bogert; Adjutant, Daniel
W. Demarest ; Sergeant Major, Simeon Van Wetering ; Quartermaster
Sergeant, A. E. Ackermari.
The officers of the post for 1898 are : Commander, James H. Russell ;
Setiior Vice-Commander, William P. Amerman ; Junior Vice-Commander.
William O. Labagh ; Adjutant, L. S. Marsh ; Quartermaster, Aaron E.
Ackerman ; Surgeon, Everadus Warner; Chaplain. Jasper Westervelt;
Officer of the Day, David J. Myers; Officer of the Guard, John Engel ;
Sergeant Major, A. McKinney; Quartermaster Sergeant. Alber (i.
Smith.
On the evening of July 29, 1881, the name of James B. MePherson
was adopted as, the name of Post No. 52, after Major General James 11.
MePherson, who was killed July 22, 1864, in a rebel ambuscade at Atlanta,
Ga. We have in our possession his dressing gown and the leather case
containg the field order book used by him. They were sent us by his
mother in gratitude for having adopted the name of her son.
This post, aided by the citizens of Hackensaek, erected a tine monu-
ment in the Hackensaek Cemetery, at a cost of over one thousand dollars.
There, too, provision is made for the interment of all Bergen County
comrades.
THE SILK MILL
owned by Givenaud Brothers Company, of West Hoboken, was ere.
in 1879. They began with about one hundred and eighty loom-- and
three hundred and fifty employees The new building will contain two
hundred and thirty looms and five hundred employees. The Silk
Weavers' Union for the mutual protection of its members, has for •
cers: A. Bunger, President; John Grass. Secretary.
KRONE BROTHERS
are publishers of educational work and make a specialty of penmanship
and drawing books, in addition to a great variety of school stationery.
Many of their publications are their own copyrights. Herman Krone, Jr.,
eldest son of the senior member of the firm, is in charge oi the New
York salesrooms and offices, and II. Martini, son-in-law of tin
member, lias the superintendcy of the factory.
BRICK M VKING
is another important industry. This plant was established about hall
a century ago by Moses and Andrew Sears who were followed by Philip
Shaier and he in turn by John Schmultz and Mr. Brunsey. The same
yard is now operated by the Gardner firms and J. W. t'.illr
THE HACKENSACK .1. BUILDING VND l ' l \ x - ASSOCIATION,
organized in 1887, has been a great power in the development ol the
118 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
town. Its officers consist of: William A. Linn, President; George W.
Conklin, Vice President; Frank Pitcher, Secretary; A. S. D. Demarest,
Treasurer and Abram DeBaun, Counsel.
THE HACKENSACK REALTY COMPANY,
organized in 1897 with W. A. Linn, President; W. C. Thomas, Secretary
and Lemuel Lozier, Treasurer, is improving- a section of the city, by ex-
tending - Clinton Place to the top of the hill, where they have graded the
streets and made other improvements.
THE HACKENSACK. HEIGHTS ASSOCIATION
is an incorporated company that purchased the old Red Hill. This is a
tract of ninety acres of land, which the company so improved as to make
of it a desirable residence section. Water, gas and electric lighting
have all been secured, streets laid out and a railroad station house built,
known as Prospect Avenue Station. So beautiful is the location, and
so substantial the improvements that the enterprise is proving a finan-
cial success.
WILLIAM SICKLES BANTA.
William Sickles Banta, is a lineal descendant of Kpke Jacob Banta
who emigrated to this county in 1659, coming from Amsterdam in the
ship De Trow. This emigrant was born at Harlengen West Friesland,
Holland. Upon his arrival in America he settled at English Neighbor-
hood, now Fairview, and in 1679 was a Judge of the Court of Oyer and
Terminer. The Banta family remained in this part of Bergen County
until about 1750, when Yan Banta, the great-grandfather of William S.
removed to Pascack, Washington Township, where he died. His large
landed estate was divided among his children, Heudrick his eldest son
who was born May 27, 1749, succeeding his father in the old homestead.
In lh 03 Hendrick died leaving 500 acres of land to be divided among his
five sons, one of whom was Henry H., the father of William S. In those
early days it was a custom, born of necessity, for young men to learn
some useful trade. Of the five sons of Hendrick Banta, but one left
home to engage in mercantile pursuits. Henry H., the father of Judge
Banta, learned the trade of shoemaker, but the real business of his life
was merchandise and farming. In 1833, he removed to Hackensack and
formed a partnership with his brother Teunis, under the firm name of
H. H. & T. Banta, in which he continued until his death in 1849. Mr.
Banta was for some years postmaster of Hackensack, receiving his ap-
pointment from General Francis Granger, and was a member of the
New Jersey State Militia, with the rank of Adjutant.
He was appointed Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, serving
three terms, from 1829 to 1834, from 1838 to 1843, and 1843 to 1848.
Public spirited, active and alive to the best interests of both church
and state, he wielded an influence for good, commanding the confidence
and respect of his fellow men.
The maternal ancestry of Judge Banta are of good stock, his
mother being Jane, daughter of William Sickles of Rockland County,
HISTOKY OF BEKGEN COUNTY 119
N. Y., born January 19, 1792, and died September 2, 1870. She was a
descendant of Zacharias Sickles, who was born in Vienna, Austria,
going to Holland and from there to Curacoa, one of the Dutch West
Indies, serving - in the military rank of cadet. It was here he met
governor Peter Stuyvesaut, and came to New York with him in 1655,
soon after becoming attached to the garrison at Fort Orange (Albany),
returning to New York in 1693.
Judge William S. Banta was born at Pascack, December 12, 1824,
and was educated in the public schools, finishing his preparatory course
'for college, in the private classical school of Rev. John S. Mabon at
Hackensack. After being graduated from Rutgers College in 1844, he
began the study of law in the office of Abram O. Zabriskie, of Hacken-
sack, afterward Chancellor of the State of New Jersey. Mr. Banta
was admitted to the Bar of New Jersey as an attorney in 1847, and as a
counsellor in 1851. Soon after his- admission to the Bar, Judge Banta
was appointed Master and Examiner in Chancerv, later being made
special Master in Chancery and Supreme Court Commissioner.
After acting as Superintendent of Schools in the Township of New
Barbadoes (under the old law), he was appointed by the Board of Free-
holders to act with Rev. Albert Amerman on the Board of Examiners, a
place which he filled with efficiency for several years. In 1860 he was
appointed Prosecutor of the Pleas for the County, and reappointed in
1865. A Republican in politics, he held the office of Deputy Internal Col-
lector from 1862 to 1865. The Judge was President and Treasurer of
the Hackensack Gas Light Company for many years, and also Secretary
and Treasurer of the Bergen County Mutual Fire Assurance Associa-
tion, and was one of the first members of the Hackensack Improvement
Commission. In 1872 he was appointed to fill out the unexpired term
of Judge Ashbel Green, Presiding Judge of the Court of Common ^Pleas,
and in 1873 was reappointed to the same place for live years. In 1879
Judge Banta was appointed Associate Judge of the same court. He was
for several vears one of the managers of the Morris Plains Asylum.
In 1850 Judge Banta was married to Sarah, daughter of John and
Katv Ann (Hopper) Zabriskie, of Hohokus, who died in L853, leaving .i
son, who died in infancy. His second wife was Adelia, a >ister of his
first wife, who died in 1869. His present wife is .lane Anne, daughter
of Abram II. and Maria (Anderson i Berry, a lineal descendant of John
Berry, one of the original patentees of Bergen County.
\i;k\m 1(. BANTA
Abram II. Banta who for forty years has been identified with the
grocery trade in Hackensack, is .1 son of John 11. Banta and grandson
of Henry W. Banta both of whom were life long residents of Hacken-
sack. The father established the grocery trade on Main and Bridge
Streets in L846, and was identified with that stand until his death thirty-
eight years afterward. In L836 he was married to I.vdia Bartholf, who
is still living at the age or eighty-one years. Their children were,
120 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
Henry, Jane T., wife of Thomas H. Gumming; Abram B., John, and
Cornelius T.
Mr. John H. Banta was at one time Sheriff of Berg-en Count}".
Abram B. Banta was born in 1842 and when seventeen years of age
went into the grocery- business, which he has followed ever since. In
1882, the Banta Brothers started their branch store at Passaic Avenue
and Main Street. In 1866, Mr. Banta was married to Miss Rebecca
Westervelt and five children have been born of this union.
JAMES M. VAN VALEN.
Among the lineal descendants of David Van Valen, who came to
America from Holland in 1(>52, followed by his father Johannes Van
Valen five years later, is James M. Van Valen, ex-Judge of Bergen
County, whom the writer of this sketch knows from personal contact
with the people to be regarded as one of the most useful and important
citizens of the county.
For a brief period of time the ancestors of this family in Bergen
County lived in New York City, then removed to Harlem where Johan-
nes became one of the original patentees of the Harlem Grants, and the
last survivor of them. In course of time his descendants removed to
Bergen County, N. J., where they became extensive land owners. Deeds
bearing date of 1701 record the purchase of 2600 acres of land by Jo-
hannes, Bernardus, Gideon and Rynier Van Valen, from Lancastar
Syms, comprising all the Palisade lands from the Jay Line, extending
from the Hudson on the east to Overpeck on the west. Bernardus Van
Valen was the great-grandfather of James M. He was a member of the
militia serving as militiaman, in the Revolutionary War, when he was
taken prisoner and confined in the Old Sugar House in New York City.
A stone house built by him is still standing near the railroad depot at
Closter. He lived to the age of eighty years and died in 1820, leaving
five children, James, Andrew, Cornelius, Isaac and Jane. James, the
grandfather of James M., was for a time a farmer at Closter, but re-
moved to Clarkstown, Rockland County, N. Y., where he died in Aug-
ust, 1786, at the age of twenty-six years. He left three children Barney,
Sarah, who became the wife of Henry Westervelt; and Cornelius. Cor-
nelius was born at Clarkstown May 21, 1786. He married first Elizabeth
Blackledge, and lived for some years in New York City. In 1832 he
bought a farm at Englewood, then Hackensack Township, where he
lived seven years, when he sold that farm and purchased another at
Teaneck, where his wife died soon after.
Caroline, wife of David Lamberson, and Cornelius were children of
this marriage. His second wife was Jane, daughter of Abram Zabris-
kie of Paramus. Of this marriage there were three children, Eliza, wife
of Edward Barr, who died in 18(>7: James M. and Sarah A., wife
of Cornelius D. Schor, of Leonia.
James M. Van Valen was born at Teaneck, Jul}' 21st, 1842. When
the War of the Rebellion broke out he left school to enlist in Company
'
<hr. UC . IkrL^
tUrx^ fc
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 121
I, of the Twenty-second Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, and served
ten months in the Army of the Potomac. Upon his return he engaged
in the book trade in New York city until 1868, when he began teaching
in Bergen county, continuing in that profession for five years. He
taught, among other places, at Paramus Church, New Bridge and Hack-
ensack. Subsequently he entered the law office of Oarret Ackerson,
and, under his direction, pursued a course of study, being admitted as
attornev in 1875, and as a counsellor in 1878. Immediately after his
admission to the bar he formed a partnership with Mr. Ackerson, which
continued for eleven }-ears, terminating with the death of Mr. Ackerson
in December, 1886. In 1887, Governor Robert S. Green appointed Mr.
Van Valen Presiding Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Bergen
county. At the close of this term he was reappointed lor a like term
by Governor Werts, his term expiring in April, 1898.
In 1872, Judge Van Valen, having become interested in the National
Guard, organized Company C, Second New Jersey Regiment, and he-
came first lieutenant. He was afterwards made quartermaster of the
battalion. Soon after this he was made Inspector of Rifle Practice,
with rank of captain, and subsequently was appointed Assistant Inspec-
tor General of the State of New Jersey, with the rank of colonel. At
his own request he was retired on July 5, 1893, with rank of Brevet
Brigadier General, and still holds that commission.
Judge Van Valen, always interested in educational matters, was
chairman of the Board of Education of Hackensack for a period of
eighteen years, declining a re-election on account of pressure of business.
He is first Vice President of the Bergen County Bar Association, and is
Vice President of the Holland Society of New York, of which he has
been a member since its organization. He is also a prominent Mason,
member of Pioneer Lodge. No. 7(1. and has been Master of that Order.
Judare Van Valen has been signally successful in the various lines in
which he has been engaged. As soldier, teacher, lawyer ami judge, lie
has made an enviable reputation, and, as a jurist, his opinions have stood
without reversal, except in two eases. Socially, Judge Van Valen stands
without a peer.
He was married in 1874 to Miss Anna Augusta Smith, daughter of
Theodore Smith. They have nine children, seven boys and two girls.
WILLIAM M. fOHNSON.
William M. Johnson, President ol Hackensack Trust Company,
well-known lawyer and legislator, was born ki 184/, in Newton, Sus
county. N. J., and is the son of Whitfield S.Johnson, who served as
Secretary of State for the State of New Jersey from 1861 to 1865.
Mr. Johnson was educated at Princeton College, and subsequently
entered the office of the late Judge Scudder, of Trenton, under whose
direction he pursued the study ol law, being admitted to the bar as an
attorney in 1870. After pra< tii ing four years al Trenton, he removed to
Hackensack, and located permanently. His abtlitj as a lawyer soon
122 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
brought to him a large and growing - clientage, and he became a recog-
nized legal light in that part of the State in the various departments
of the profession.
Politically Mr. Johnson is a Republican. He has served on the Re-
publican State Committee, and was a delegate in 1888 to the Xationa
Republican Convention that nominated Harrison for the Presidency.
He was elected Senator from Bergen county in 1895, and took an active
part in legislation. In the session of 1898, and also in the session of
1899, he was the leader of his party in the Senate. He has been con-
spicuous for many years in all enterprises tending to a healthy and per-
manent growth of his town. He served four years as a member of the
Hackensack Improvement Commission, and is a member of the Board
of Governors of the Hackensack Hospital, which institution he greatly
aided in establishing, and continues to support. He has also been a
member of the Hackensack Board of School Trustees ana a director of
the Washington Institute. He is a member of the Oritani Field Club,
the Hamilton Club of Paterson, the Princeton Club, the Lake Hopatcong
Club and other societies.
In 1872, Mr. Johnson married Miss White, of Trenton. Of this mar-
riage there are two children, George W., the elder, a graduate of
Princeton College, class of 1898, and William Kempton. Mr. Johnson
occupies offices in the Hackensack Bank Building.
GEORGE H. ATWOOD.
In full view of the White Hills of Mount Washington stands "Sugar
Hill." in the town of Lisbon. X. H.. where George H. Atwood was born,
on November 9th, 1838. He was the seventh son of Moses K. Atwood,
a wheelwright and maker of tine sleighs and carriages. The family
ancestors came from England at an early period, and both father and
mother were pious and devoted Christians.
Upon the death of his father, the mother was left with nine chil-
dren, and shortly after this, George H., then but eight years of age,
went to live with Joseph Clark, who owned a good-sized farm at Carroll,
X. H. Mr. Clark had no children, and young Atwood worked on the
farm, and during the winter and school terms did the chores and at-
tended the village school. He spent the evenings in reading, and fre-
quently engaged in the villag-e debating society. At the age of thirteen
he professed conversion, and was baptized in a pond, fed by mountain
springs, at Whiterield, X. H., and united with the Baptist Church.
In 1857, Mr. Atwood's real business career began when he became a
clerk in his uncle's jewelry store, at Littleton. X. H.. continuing in that
business until he came to New York, in 1863, where he engaged with the
old linen collar and cuff house of Bennett, Strickland & Fellows, as
entry clerk, and was rapidly advanced to bookkeeper, then to cashier,
and. in 1868, to the position of manager and credit man of the Xew York-
house, a place he has occupied with honor to the house for the past
thirty-six years. During these vears he has managed the credits of the
GEOK<;K H . ATWOiU)
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 123
New York house, had charge of the salesmen and directed the affairs of
this extensiYe business through successive changes of firms, the present
firm of Fellows & Company being really the oldest collar and cuff manu-
facturers in the United States, having been established in Troy, N. Y.,
in 1834. In all his transactions he enjoys the confidence of his employ-
ers in the highest degree.
In 1864 Mr. Atwood was made a Mason in Sagamore Lodge No. 371.
New York City, and became Senior Deacon, Senior Warden and Wor-
shipful Master in rapid succession, the lodge greatly prospering under
his brilliant administration. The lodge presented him with a gold
watch and chain upon his retiring from the mastership. He was made
a Royal Arch Mason in 1865, in Phoenix Chapter No. 2. New York, and
was immediately elected Principal Sojourner of the Chapter. He was
also made a Knights Templar in Palestine Commandary No. is. New
York, in 1865. under a dispensation of the Grand Commander, being
given all the degrees at one conclave, and was at the next conclave
elected Prelate of the Commandary, filling the office with marked ability
for years. During 1865-6-7. while visiting Hackensack and when Pion-
eer Lodge was young, he attended the lodge meeting, conferred de-
grees, installed officers and gave valuable counsel. His membership i^
now with Pioneer Lodge No. 70. F. & A. M. of Hackensack as a Past
Master.
In 1865 he became a- boarder at the Hackensack House, kept by A.
Van Saun, and on December 22nd. 1866, was married to Miss Lucy Shel-
drake, eldest daughter of the late George H. Burt of Hackensack. where
he has since resided. Six children have been born of this marri.
three boys and three girls, all living.
Karly identifying himself with the interests of the town, he became
one of the founders of the Public Library and Reading - Room and one
of its first trustees. Taking the lead he arranged fora course of popular
lectures for its benefit, which netted them $350. So anxious was Mr.
Atwood for the financial success of this cause that he personally sold
lecture tickets on the trains.
lb- 1869 he was a member of the choir in the Second Reformed
Church, Dr. George H. Fisher, pastor. Being 1 a Baptist, in May, 1870,
he started a subscription to build ;i l»;q>ti->t Church, and personally
secured $1500 before any one rise had raised ;i dollar, and on the third
of July a church was oreranized with eleven members who received the
right hand of fellowship by Deacon DeWolfe and his wife, the only
surviving members of a church thai existed in Hackensack about thirty-
five years prior to that time, Mr. Atwood being one ol the eleven
organizers. Ground was broken on September 9th of that year and on
December 30th following the present church edifice was dedicated. Hi
has labored zealously in both church and Sunday school ever sir
holding the various offices of trustees, clerk and deacon in the church
while he has been a teacher in tin- Sunday school for twentv-nine years,
124 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
and three times elected superintendent, which position he now holds.
In 1873 he was President of the New Jersey Sunday School Convention,
comprising- thirty-five schools.
Mr. Atwood has been a liberal and cheerful giver to Home and
Foreign Missions, and to every good and benevolent work.
DR. DAVID ST. JOHN.
Dr. David St. John is descended from Matthias St. John (Sention)
who came from England in 1635, settling in New England. His grand-
father, Noah St. John, removed to New York State upon his marriage
with Elizabeth Waterbury, of Waterbury, Conn. Dr. St. John was born
in Berne, Albany County, New York, in 1850, his father being David
St. John and his mother, Mary Johnson of Scotch ancestry.
After pursuing a preparatory course in the Albany Schools, he com-
menced the study of medicine with Dr. H. W. Bell of Berne, N. Y.,
afterward entering the office of Professor James H. Armsby, of Albany,
N. Y., then the leading surgeon in that part of the state. He took
. courses of lectures at the Albany Medical College, Buffalo Medical Col-
lege, and Bellevue Hospital Medical College, graduating from the latter
institution in 1875. He located in Hackensack where he has become
prominent in his profession, and has been closely and prominently iden-
tified with all matters of town interest.
In 1888, realizing the great advantages that a hospital would offer
for the better treatment of a class of medical and surgical cases, Dr. St.
John conceived the idea of organizing the Hackensack Hospital, and
while his energetic and untiring efforts in its behalf have been ably
seconded by all classes of citizens, his indefatigable labors have been
the primary cause of its great success. He is President of the Medical
Board, and visiting physician and surgeon to this institution, ex-Presi-
dent and member of the Bergen County Medical Society; a member of
the New Jersey State Medical Society; New York State Medical Associ-
ation and the American Medical Association. He was appointed by
Governor Griggs one of the managers of the State Hospital for the In-
sane, Morris Plains, and is surgeon for the Erie Railroad. He also per-
forms a good share of the surgical work in the western portion of the
county outside of his hospital practice. Associated with him as assist-
ant is Dr. A. A. Swayze, graduate of the College of Physicians and
Surgeons, Baltimore, Md.
The doctor is First Vice President of the Hackensack Trust Com-
pany, a director of the Hackensack Bank and of the Gas and Electric
Company of Bergen Count}', and President of the Hackensack Heights
Association, owners of a large track of valuable real estate on Hacken-
sack Heights.
Dr. St. John is a courteous and dignified gentleman. Sympathetic
and thoughtful, he gains the confidence of his patients as he does of
others with whom he comes in contact.
!
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 125
He was married in 1879 to Miss Jennie Angle, of Hope, New Jersey.
They have three chilnren — Olive Graham, Fordyce Barker and Florence
Angle - v . THE ROMEYN FAMILY.
Prior to the middle of the thirteenth century, Giacomo de Ferentino,
an Italian gentleman, settled at Rongham Manor, Norfolk, England,
married Isabella de Rucham, a lady of that place, by whom there were
two sons, Peter and Richard (or Thomas). They were sent to Rome to
be educated. After their return, Peter, at least, took surname of Rom-
aeyn (Peter the Roman). Although educated for the priesthood, he
married the daughter of Thomas de Leicester. Her mother's name was
Agatha de Cringleford, of Norfolk. Peter Romaeyn devised property,
made out leases, granted "charters," many of which still exist over the
name assumed by him. His widow sold the property at Rongham in
that name. In the third year of Edward II, A. D., 1387, Thomas
Romayn was Lord Mayor of London. His arms (foreign) not granted
in England. Described in the register "Argent" (white) on a fesse
gules (red) three crosses pater or crest, a deer's head Erased. Soon
after the above date, troubles broke out between the king and the house
of Leicester (see History of England) and many of the Leicester family
and adherents were forced to flee the kingdom, and it is probable, though
not a part of family history, that some of the Romayns went to the
" low countries" at that time. There is a claim made that the name in
France is spelled Romaine, in England, Romain, and in Holland, Romeyn
—the latter we know to be a fact. Jan Romeyn, of Amsterdam, Holland,
was a descendant of the Romeyns who went from England to the low
countries, he had three sons, Simon Janse, Christoff el and Claas or Klass.
( Note — In Valentine's Manual, 1863, is the facsimile signature of Simon
Jansen Romeyn, 1661, in the Dutch Church records "of New York is the
marriage, 1668, of "Simon Jansen Romeyn, young man from Amster-
dam and Sophie Jans, maiden from the Hague.") Christoffel and Claus
sailed from Rotterdam for Brazil with the expedition of Prince Maurice.
When Brazil was ceded to Portugal, they sailed for New Netherlands,
and settled on Long Island (there is a dispute as to the date, some claim-
ing 1654, others 1661), then removed to Hackensack, N. J., remaining
about ten years, and later to Greenwich, on the island of New York. Claus
married Christianje or Styntie Albertse Terhune, May 2, 1680, of Ams-
fort now (Gravesend, N. Y. ), and died at Greenwich. X. Y. lli-> children
were Garrebregt, (a) John, Elizabeth, Lydia, Albert, Cora and Daniel.
Daniel married in Hackensack, May 17, 171i>, Martie I Mary | Westervelt.
JOHN ROMEYN,
(a) John Romeyn (of Holland) married Laminatjc Bougeatl at
Hackensack, in 1699. Oi this union there were also seven children. 1>
Nicholas, Roelif, Isaac, Aquietjin (David), Rachael Berdan), A.sseltjin
(Van Voorheest ). At this point it may be opportune t«> produce the names
that belong under this head, as they are found in the records of tin- Dutch
Church at Hackensack. Garrebreght Kl as Romeyn, Elizabeth Romeyn,
126 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
Lydia Romeyn, Jans Clasen Romeyn, Clara Romeyn, Daniel Romeyn,
Rachael Janse Romeyn, Klaes Romeyn, Jan Romeyn, Geisjan Romein,
Annastjen Romeyn, David Romayn, Isack Romeyn, Anguietjin Romeyn,
Leude Romein, Cristyntjen Romein, Claes Romeyn, Roelif Romeyn,
Nicholas Romein, Antje Romein, Guetje Romeyn, Kyntje Romeyn, Jan
Romeyn, John Romeyn, Nikase Romeyn, Eliza Romeyn, Sarah Romeyn.
NICHOLAS ROMEYN.
(b) Nicholas Romeyn was born in 1700, died in 1763, married Eliza-
beth Outwater 1726, who died 1732. His second wife (1733) was Rachel
Vreelandt, who died in 1761. The issue by his first wife was (c) Rev.
Thomas Romeyn. By his second wife, John, born 1734. The latter first
' married Julia and second Lady Mary Watts. Issue Eliza (Simmons),
John and the Rev. Theodoric (Dirk) Romeyn, D. D., born 1744, died
1804, who married Elizabeth Broadhead. The latter was pastor of the
Dutch Churches of Hackensack and Schraalenburgh about ten years.
The pastorate beginning May, 1776. He is largely quoted, and in the
list of names of distinguished personages, he is considered one of
the prominent American theologians.
REV. THOMAS ROMEYN.
(e) Rev. Thomas Romeyn (see Corwin's Manual ) was born at Pomp-
ton, March 20th, 1729, and died October 22d, 1794. He graduated from the
College of New Jersey, 1750. Studied theology. After preaching a few
times on Long Island, he went to Holland in 1752 for ordination, and was
settled at Jamaica, Long Island, until 1760. It is said that the spelling of
the name Romeyn was adopted in this form from his researches in Hol-
land. Prior to that the name was spelled in several ways; but his informa-
tion obtained in Holland led him to a certainty that "Romeyn" was the
proper spelling, and it is in that form to-day in Holland. He married twice,
first a Margarita Freelinghuysen, June 29th, 1756, who died at Jamaica,
December 13th, 1757, leaving a son, Rev. Theodore F., who died at Somer-
ville, N. J., in 1785. Secondly, Susanna Van Campen, whose ashes rest
in the graveyard of the old Church on the Green, in Hackensack. He
died at Fonda, N. Y., October 22d, 1794, and was buried under the pulpit
of his church. The issue was (Rev. ) Thomas, Nicholas, Abraham, Rev.
John Broadhead, at one time pastor of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian
Church in New York (Dr. Hall's), Benjamin and Rev. James Van Campen.
REV. JAMES VAN CAMPEN ROMEYN.
Rev. James Van Campen Romeyn was born at Minsink, Sussex-
County, N. J., November 15th, 1765, died at Hackensack, June 27th,
1840, and was buried in the old churchyard on the Green, by the side of
his first wife. He attended the Schenectady Academy, 1784. Studied
theology under Rev. Theodoric (Dirk) Romeyn, his uncle. He was a
trustee of Rutgers College. He had several charg-es, the last of which
was the Reformed Churches of Schraalenburg and Hackensack from 1799
REV. JAMES VAN CAMPEN ROMEYN
Deceased.
128 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
to 1833. "Without ever having - seen or heard him, he was called to the
distracted churches of Berg-en County, N. J., on the ground of his repu-
tation as a man of forbearance, discretion and piety." (Taylor's An-
nals, Sprague's Annals). He married twice, Susanna, a daughter of'
MausVan Vranken, of Schenectady, and Mrs. Elizabeth Pell, who sur-
vived him. There was a family of two sons and seven daughters, Susan
(Zabriskie) born 1790, died 1868; Harriet (Stafford) born 1792, died 1849,
Anna Maria ( Varick) born 1794, died 1855; Rev. James Romeyn, D. D.
born 1797, died 1859; Anna (Taylor) born 1800, died 1868; Eliza (Berry)
born 1803, died 1849; Caroline (Danforth ) born 1807, died 1845; Theodore,
born 1810, died 1885 (Lawyer, Detroit, Mich.; Sarah (Hornblower) born
1814, died 1874. They resided on the property now owned by the Oritani
Field Club, in Hackensack'. About 1827 he lived in the homestead now
occupied by Hon. William S. Banta, Main Street, where most of his daugh-
ters were married. In 1833 he erected the house just north of the latter,
on Main steet, now the property of Mr. O. O. Shackleton, where he died.
REV. JAMES ROMEYN.
Rev. James Rome} T n was born at Blooming Grove, N. Y., Septem-
ber 30, 1797. He graduated from Columbia College in 1816, and from
the Theological Seminary at New Brunswick, N. J., in 1819. He de-
clined the title of Doctor of Divinity bestowed on him by Columbia Col-
lege. He was settled at several places — was pastor of the First Re-
formed Church of Hackensack from 1833 to 1836 ; was elected a trustee
of Rutgers College in 1842. He married Joanna Bayard Rodgers, daugh-
ter of John Richardson Bayard Rodgers, M. D., a leading physician and
professor in Columbia College, New York. There were two sons, James
Rodgers and Theodore Bayard Romeyn. Mr. Romeyn was a man who
threw his whole energy into his labor. He was a student and very pre-
cise in his work; an exceedingly rapid speaker and there are those who
remember him to-day who rapturously speak of him as a wonderfully
powerful preacher. His nature was exceedingly sensitive ; but his phy-
sical strength was not equal to the mental strain, always at a high ten-
sion. His manner of writing his sermons was most remarkable — a few
are in existence — the manuscripts are written so fine and condensed that
they cannot be read without the aid of a strong magnifying glass.
While in Hackensack he resided part of the time in the parsonage of the
First Church, on Essex Street, and part of the time on the southeast
corner of Main and Ward Streets. He died at New Brunswick, N. J., in
1862, and his ashes mingle with his kindred dust.
REV. THEODORE BAYARD ROMEYN, D. D.
Rev. Theodore Bayard Romeyn, D. D., was the second son of Rev.
James Romeyn. He was born at Nassau, N. Y., October 22, 1827. He
attended school at Hackensack and other places. He graduated from
Rutgers College with the distinction of the Honorary Oration in 1846,
and from the Theological Seminary at New Brunswick, N. J., three
years later. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him
REV. JAMES ROME'S N
Deceased.
130 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
by Rutgers College. He was called to preach Christ at Blawenburgh,
N. J., near Princeton, immediately after his graduation, where he lab-
ored with a united people who reverence his memory and treasure his
ministrations among them. He responded to a call from the church of
Fathers — the First Reformed at Hackensack — in 1865, where for twenty
years he labored "faithful unto death." He was a man whose retiring
tendencies were predominant. He despised shams, and when once his
mind was made up there was no compromise. He inherited a keen sen-
sitiveness from his father. He carried the joys and the sorrows of his
congregation, sharing with each member, especially in their sorrows.
He was exceedingly sympathetic and his charity was a marked feature
of his life, though the left hand knew not the gifts of the right. He
was the embodiment of faithfulness, never shirking duty, but many
were the occasions when, physically incapacitated, he responded to the
calls of his parishioners, and was present at the post of duty, in the
vineyard of his Master, which was always his pleasure. He was a close
and persistent student, a deep thinker, eloquent in his discourses, fer-
vent in his labors and ardent in effort to lead the erring into the paths
of rectitude and to the Throne of Grace. Dr. Ronieyn had been on a
longer vacation than he usually indulged in and among the scenes of his
boyhood, near Catskill, N. Y. He came home upon a Friday evening,
the following morning the Master called — he was stricken with paraly-
sis. His illness was of but brief duration, in a few hours he had passed
into the holy atmosphere of the Delectable Mountains, August 18, 1885.
His body was laid in God's acre, hard by "the old Church on the Green,"
from which pulpit with an unfaltering zeal he had proclaimed the un-
speakable truths of his Redeemer. The following is quoted from a bio-
graphical sketch in the memorial volume published by the consistory.
"It is also worth a passing notice to observe the large ministerial circle
of which he was a member by family ties. His maternal great-grand-
father was Rev. John Rodgers, forty-four years pastor of the Wall
Street Presbyterian Church, New York City. * * * His paternal
grandmother was a sister of Rev. Nicholas Van Vranken. In these
several branches of relationship there are found nearly or quite forty,
names of those who have devoted themselves to the ministry of the
Gospel, and of this number, three-quarters belong to the Romeyn fam-
ily. Dr. Romeyn married Amelia A. Letson, daughter of Johnson Let-
son, Esq., of New Brunswick, N. J. Mrs. Romeyn survived her husband
a few years and was called home October 22, 1897. The issue was Mary
Letson Romeyn, who died in infancy, and James A. Romeyn, surviving.
JAMES A. ROMEYN.
The subject of this sketch was born at Blawenburgh, Somerset
County, New Jersey, 1853. He is the only son of Rev. Theodore Bayard
Romeyn, D. D. and Amelia (Letson) Romeyn. His mother was the
daughter of Johnson Letson and Eliza Shaddle, of New Brunswick, N.
J. Mr. Letson was a trustee of Rutgers College and a liberal contributor
REV. THEODORE BAYARD ROMEYN
[Deceased
132 HISTORY OF BfiRGEX COUNTS'
to its support and endowment. He was President of the Norfolk and
New Brunswick Hosiery Company and the New Brunswick Rubber
Company. Br. and Mrs. Romeyn settled at Blaweuburgh in 1850, where
James A. attended the public school, until 1865, when his father was
settled as Pastor of the First Reformed Church at Hackensack, N. J.,
the "Cld Church on the Green." He was prepared for college at the
academy at Lawrenceville, N. J., and at the Rutgers Grammar School
at New Brunswick. In 1872 he entered Rutgers College and was
graduated in 1876. He entered the law office of Bedle, Muirheid &
McGee in Jersey City, in 1876, took a course of study of Columbia Law
School and was admitted to practice law at the New Jersey State Bar in
1879. He practiced law in Jersey City until 1890, part of which time
was a partner in the firm of Romeyn & Griffin. The practice of law
becoming distasteful to him, he abandoned it 1890.
In 1894 he became editor of The Evening Record, an independent
daily newspaper, published in Hackensack, the only daily in Bergen
County. He entered upon the work of journalism, as he would upon the
high professions with a firm conviction that it was equal, if not of more
importance than the profession of theology, law or medicine. He has
continued this work with great energy and success until his paper
has become an important vehicle of news and thought, and a necessary
institution of the city.
His whole thought and discussions have been on the side of good
morals and the public welfare. No questionable paragraphs have ever
found place in the columns of his paper. His, has been a successful
effort to make the Evening Record one of the most influential papers in
this locality, an with a very flattering circulation, he has made an envi-
able reputation throughout the whole State.
Mr. Romeyn has never taken any active part in politics, though his
political principles are positive and fixed. He has been called to fill
places in local boards and was treasurer of the Hackensack Hospital for
seven years.
He married Miss Flora M. Cochran of Lancaster, Pa., in 1884, who
died in 1891. From this marriage he has two children, Theodore Bay-
ard and Katharine Cochran. He again married, Miss Susie B. Conover
of Newark, N. J., in 1894.
MR. JACOB H. FANK.
Mr. Jacob H. Fank, the present postmaster of Hackensack, was
born in that city August 17th, 1855, and was educated in the public
schools of his native place. When but fifteen years of age he became
telegraph operator for the New York and New Jersey Railroad Corn-
pan}*. Afterward he filled similar positions with the New York, On-
tario and Western, and the New York, Susquehanna and Western Rail-
road, returning in 1875, to Hackensack.
In 1879 Mr. Fank began the manufacture of cigars at 71 Main
Street, but in 1883 disposed of this business and resumed that of tele-
JAMES A. ROMKYN
134 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
graphy, accepting - a position with the West Shore Railroad Company,
subsequently becoming- operator for the Long Island Railroad at Brook-
lyn, N. Y. In 1885, upon his return to Hackensack, he opened a gro-
cery store, in which he did a good business until 1896, when he was
appointed postmaster by President Cleveland, a position which he con-
tinues to hold.
In 1887 Mr. Fank was elected chief engineer of the Hackensack
Fire Department, and re-elected to the same office in 1888. He served
four years as tax collector for New Barbadoes township.
Mr. Fank is a member of man} T lodges: Pioneer Lodge, No. 70, F.,
& A. M.; Uhland Lodge, No. 177, I. O. O. F.; and Hope Encampment;
Hackingeshacky Tribe, No. 189, I. O. R. M.; Court Hackensack F. of
A. ; the A. O. U. W. and Exempt Firemen Association. He is also
secretary of the Hackensack Firemen Insurance Association; vice pres-
ident of the State Exempt Firemen Association of New Jersey; Master
Workmen of Hackensack Lodge, No. 64, A. O. U. W. He is a member
of the Kalamazoo Band; Alert Hose Association, and is L. A. W. Local
Consul.
Mr. Fank was married December 7, 1879, to Miss Thresa Mattjets-
check. They have two children living, a son and a daughter. In
politics Mr. Fank is a Democrat.
PETER W. STAGG.
Peter W. Stagg, a prominent lawyer of Hackensack, was born in
New York city October 24th, 1850. His childhood and early life, how-
ever, were spent in Cresskill, N. J., where he attended the public school.
In 1875 Mr. Stagg went to Jersey City where he became a student of
law in the office of the late Charles Scholfield, and where he remained
two years, after which he came to Hackensack, and entered the office of
Ackerson & Van Valen, continuing with them until 1879, when he was
admitted to the bar, at the June term. Immediately after being admit-
ted, he opened an office for the practice of his profession in which he
rapidly built up a good business.
At the June term of 1883 he was made a counsellor-at-law. He
served as assistant clerk to the House of the State Assembly at the
sessions of 1891-2, and in 1895 was appointed by Governor Werts, as
Prosecutor of Bergen county, for a term of five years.
Prior to the time at which Mr. Stagg became prosecutor, this coun-
ty had been infested with pool room and green-goods gangs. These
the new prosecutor drove out, in addition to conducting the ordinary
criminal business
Mr. Stagg is a member of the I. O. O. F., Bergen County Lodge,
and has been Grand Master of the State of New Jersey, having in 1897
the care and jurisdiction of 249 lodges in different parts of the state,
comprising a membership of 25,000 Odd Fellows. He is also a member
of the Fire Patrol. He was a member of the Second Regiment New
Jersey Volunteers in the late Spanish War.
l'K'l KK \\ . STAGG
13(> HISTORY OF BEKGEN COUNTY
Mr. Stagg was married on January 14, 1875, to Miss Jennie E-
Westervelt, of Bergenfields. The oldest of their rive children, Arthur
A., is in his father's office.
HON. WILLIAM D. SNOW.
Hon. William D. Snow, son of Josiah Snow, founder of the Detroit
Tribune, was born in Massachusetts February 2d, 1832. He was educated
at Romeo, Michigan, afterwards studying - law at Dixon, Illinois, under
the late Attorney General Edson, of that state. For several years he
was associate editor of the Tribune. He was a strong- advocate
of anti-slavery doctrine, and .was a frequent contributor to the
magazines and journals of that day, and also a hymn writer of some
note.
Mr. Snow settled at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in 1860, and aferwards
represented Jefferson county in the Constitutional Convention of Arkan-
sas. The convention resulted in the establishment of a Free State
Constitution, the first in any seceding - state.
Mr. Snow was elected in 1865 for the long - term to the United States
Senate from Arkansas. At the close of his term he declined a re-elec-
tion, coming - to New York city for the purpose of studying - law. In
1871, however, Mr. Snow went to Paris, where he spent two years in
the study of civil law. In 1875 he was admitted to the New York Bar,
receiving - , the same year, the degree of L.L. B. from Columbia Colleg-e.
In 1882 he became secretary and counsel to one of the New York Trust
companies, but resigned in 1888 to take up general practice. He acted
as volunteer Aide to General Powell Clayton and Major General Steele
during - the Civil War, and was instrumental in the enlistment and organ-
ization of three regiments in the state of Arkansas. Governor Murphy
afterward tendered him an appointment as Brigadier General of Volun-
teers. This he declined.
Mr. Snow is of retiring and studious habits, and in religion a Uni-
tarian, president of the Unitarian Congregational Society of Hacken-
sack. He belongs to the Lawyers' Club, the Bullion Club of New York
and the Oritani of Hackensack.
Several of his iuventines have proved successful, his Thermostat
being regarded as the most reliable and sensitive of its class.
Mr. Snow is now a member of the bar in three states, having been
admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1894. After residing in the northern
part of Bergen county for more than twenty years, while practicing in
New York city, he gave up his city practice in 1896 and removed to
Hackensack, where he hopes to spend the remainder of his life among
his New Jersey friends.
ERNEST HENRY KOESTER.
Ernest Henry Koester, one of the leading lawyers of Bergen county,
is a native of Norristown, Pennsylvania, and was born April 28th, 1855.
After receiving a preparatory education in the High School of Philadel-
phia, he went to Heidelberg, Germany, remaining in that insitution
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 137
three years, and subsequently took a three years' course of instruction
in Allegheny College, at Meadville, Pennsylvania, taking- his degree of
A. B. in 1879. He now began the study of law in the office of H. L.
Richmond & Son, of Meadville, and was admitted to the bar in i882.
He immediately began the practice of his profession in McKean count v.
Pennsylvania, and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of his
state in 1886, in the meantime filling the office of District Attorney of
his county for three years. In [894 he located in Hackensack. and in
June of the same } T ear was admitted to practice in all the courts of New
Jersey.
Mr. Koester has a large clientage in Bergen county, and is known
in the state as an able criminal lawyer. He defended Rvan in the
famous green-goods affair of New York, winning the case after it had
been carried against him in both the upper and lower courts.
Mr. Koester is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, having taken
the thirty-second degree. He is also a member of the Hackensack
Lodge of Odd Fellows, and of other societies.
JOHN J. ANDERSON.
John J. Anderson, a representative of one of the old families of
Hackensack, resides at the Anderson homestead, corner of Passaic
Avenue and Main Street, where his grandfather, John Anderson.
located about the year 18OO. The grandfather was of Scotch-Irish de-
scent. He came first to New Bridg-e, Bergen county, and after his
marriage to Catharine Zabriskie, located in Hackensack. where he pur-
chased the property now owned by the Oritani Field Club. He was ex-
tensively engaged in mercantile pursuits, and operated a store at the
corner of'Passaic and Main Streets for many years, but the business was
latterly put into the hands of his sons John C, and David. John died
in 1836 at thirty-four years of age, and John, his father, died in 1846,
eighty-two years of age. In 1865 Mr. John J. Anderson tore down tin-
old building and erected Anderson Hall, placing in the wall a corner-
stone of the old house, on which was subscribed: " S \V. C. W., 1711."
From this it is supposed the building was erected by W. C. Waldron in
1711. The store on the other corner of the street, now owned by the
heirs of John II. T. Banta, was then operated by II. II. T. Banta, and
before him by Mr. Doremus, subsequently Judge Doremus. There were
a few other house's at intervals along the road, now Main Street, then
fenced in with rails.
About the year 1858 the Morton House was built \>\ Mrs. Abram
Berry, the daughter of John Anderson. Judge Banta married a
daughter of Mrs. Berry. John C. Z. Anderson married Harriet Meyers,
of English Neighborhood, and had five children, Garret Meyers, who
married Leah Louis Slope in 1849, and then M.n\ Ciallowa\ in i854;
Catherine C. who married Lucas J. Van Bnskirk in i848;Jane, who
married W. C. Smith in 1852; Maria, who married Leverel II Sage in
1854, and John J., who w;is born in [830, and married Jane Ann Dem-
138 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
arest in i853. The wife of John J. died in i883. Their children were
Martha, Catharine Z., Pauline and Cornelius H.
Mr. John J. Anderson was one of the prominent merchants of Hack-
ensack until his retirement in iS78. He was Collector, and held other
offices in the town of New Barbadoes, and was the first Republican
elected to the State Legislature for fifty-four years.
MATTHEW E. CLARENDON.
Matthew E. Clarendon, a leading- leather merchant of New York
city, was born in i835, and formerly lived in Brooklyn, N. Y.
Upon his removal to Hackensack, in i876, he immediately began to
devise means of improving the roads. Hackensack had been slow to see
its own needs in this regard, or the advantages to arise from a better
condition of things. In i890 he was elected a member of the Hacken-
sack Improvement Commission. He soon found those who were willing
to aid in the matter of macadamizing the streets, and during the seven
years he has served on this board, much has been done in the way of
advancement.
Mr. Clarendon has been governor and also vice president of the
Oritani Field Club, and has also been vice president of both the Hack-
ensack Bank and the Hackensack Hospital Association since their organ-
ization.
CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS, M. D.
Occasion all}' we find an American born with royal lineage, but
very seldom do we find that lineage traceable through both the English
and French royalties to the earliest rulers of the Norman-French
dynasties.
The subject of this sketch furnishes such an instance. From
Charles Martel to Charlemagne, touching the English line in Matilda,
the wife of William the Conqueror, and again in the Welsh line, in the
marriage of Sir John Ap. Adam to Elizabeth De Gournai and from
there to Sir William Adams, Lord Mayor of London in 1630, whose
brother Henry, the immediate ancestor of John and Samuel Adams, the
line continuesiin unbroken links to the present Dr. Adams. Still fur-
ther, Ruth Wadsworth, a descendant of John Alden and daughter of the
first president of Harvard College, was the great-grandmother of the
doctor. Thus allied with royal blood on the other side of the water,
this family of such honored distinction in American statesmanship and
literature, gains for itself a greater renown where there are no thrones
to mount or titles to augment the name.
Rev. John Ouincy Adams, the father of Dr. Adams, was a distin-
guished clergyman of the Baptist church in the city of New York. It
was here Charles Francis Adams was horn March IS, [857. A course
in the public schools of New York was followed by a three years' course
in Mount Washington Institute.
He then engaged in business, in which he continued three years.
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 139
In 1874 he entered the Hudson River Institute at Claverack, N. Y.,
and in 1877 was graduated from the school with honors. Entering
Brown University immediately after this, he was graduated cum laude
in the class of 1881.
His medical studies were begun in the New York Homoepathic Col-
lege, from which he was graduated with high honors in the class of
1884. Upon the completion of his medical studies Dr. Adams settled in
Hackensack, where he has not only attained to eminence in his profes-
sion, but, during the fourteen years' residence here, has also maintained
the honor and dignity of the family name.
Upon the declaration of war with Spain, Dr. Adams, who was one
of the assistant surgeons of the Second Regiment, N. G. N. J., at
once went out with his regiment. He was soon promoted to be regi-
mental surgeon, with the rank of major, and served with distinction
until the close of the war.
JOHN RATHBONE RAMSEY.
John Rathbone Ramsey, clerk of Bergen county, was born in Wyck-
off, Bergen county, New Jersey, April 25th, 18(>2, and is a son of John
P. and Martha (Rathbone) Ramsey. He was educated at the private
school of Professor John C. Nash, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, after
which he read law in Hackensack with the late George H. Coffey and
Abraham D. Campbell, being admitted to the bar in 1883 as an attorney
and in 1887 as counsellor, after which he began the practice of his pro-
fession in Hackensack. Being a successful lawyer and a popular Re-
publican, he was put in nomination for the office of County Clerk of
Bergen count}- in 1890, but was defeated by a small majority. In 1895,
however, he was again nominated for the same office and was elected.
He has successfully filled the office ever since.
HENRY D. WINTON.
Henry D. Winton, editor and proprietor of The Bergen county
Democrat, the oldest newspaper published in Bergen county, is the son
of Eben Winton, the first publisher of this paper.
Mr. Winton was born February 14, 1848J and lias been a resident of
Hackensack since 1861. lie entered his father's office at the age o\
fifteen years, and after six years close application to business, was made
a partner in the concern, the firm being known as K Winton & Son
In 1870 Mr. Winton, Sr., retired, the son becoming sole proprietor
Under his management the paper has grown in popularity and value
both financially and as an exponent of the party which it represents.
Mr. Winton keeps pare with all political questions and party move-
ments. He was made a delegate from the Fifth Congressional District
to the National Democratic Convention which met at Cincinnati in l ss ".
and nominated General Hancock and again acted in the same capacity
in 1896, at the National Convention which nominated Mr Bryan He
was a member of the committee of five, of which ex-Governor Russel o\
HKNKY D. WINTON
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 141
Massachusetts was the chairman, representing- the "gold states", in
opposition to the " silverites" of the party. Mr. Winton acted as chair-
man of the state committee of the sound Democracy during the cam-
paign, the Bergen County Democrat espousing the cause of Palmer &
Buckner.
In 1880, Mr. Winton was elected to the Legislature of New Jersey,
and re-elected in 1884, for a term of three years, being the only case of
a re-election of a senator from this county. In 1884 he was clerk of
the House of Assembly, and at the same time was one of the members
of the board of managers of the New Jersey Lunatic Asylum, at Morris
Plains. It was through him, in connection with the late Theodore
Varick of Jersey City, that the medical and business departments of this
institution were separated. This has thus far proved a successful
change. Other institutions of the kind have followed the example of
this one, to the entire satisfaction of all.
JACOB L. VAN BUSKIRK.
Jacob L. Van Buskirk, Sheriff of Bergen county, is probably one
of the most popular officials to be found in the state. He was born in
Saddle River, N. J., in 1851, and worked at his trade of blacksmithing for
nine years. In 1852 his father came to Hackensack, where he resided
for forty-seven years. In 1890 he was elected a member of the Board of
Freeholders, and re-elected in 1893. In 1892 he was elected director of
the board and held that position three years, and in November 1898,
was elected sheriff by a majority of 709 votes, he being the only suc-
cessful Democrat on his ticket, which is proof sufficient that the people,
not the party, elected him to the office.
Mr. Van Buskirk has always taken a lively interest in everything
of a public nature, and is also prominent in social and fraternal organ-
izations.
ABRAM DE BAUN.
The parents of Abram De Baun were Rev. John Y. and Margaret
(Iserman) De Baun, and his grandparents Isaac De Baun and Ahram
Iserman. His father was for twenty-six years pastor of the True Re-
formed Church at Hackensack. During his pastorate here he was editor
of the Banner of Truth, a monthly magazine of the True Reformed
Church. The De Bauns are of French Huguenot descent.
Mr. De Baun studied law under A. D. Campbell, and was admitted
to the bar as attornev-at-law in 1S77, and as counsellor in 1880. 1 1<- was
a partner of Mr. Campbell for a period of seventeen years, but is now
of the linn of Demarest & De Baun. He was clerk of the Board <>f
Freeholders from 1878 to 1895, and member ol the Hackensack Improve-
ment Commission three years, during two of which he Was it-> treasurer.
For twelve years he has been counsel for tin- Building and Loan Asso-
ciation of Hackensack. He is a director of the old Ladies' Home.
142
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
THOMAS H. CUMMING.
Thomas H. Cumming, Justice of the Peace, and a well-known busi-
ness man of Hackensack, was born in New York city November 6th,
1839. He received his education in his native city, and, after leaving
school, became an employe in a large dry goods store, where he re-
mained three years. A partnership was now entered into with his
father in the business of contracting, which was carried on chiefly in
New York and New Jersey. Among other large contracts secured was
that for the construction of the Lodi branch of the New Jersey and
V
Hl ^^p^s^f ^B
I
•
•
JUSTICE THOMAS H. CUMMING
New York Railroad, and also for the line running from Essex street to
Woodridge. In New York their business was mostly in the line of
building large sewers. Beginning in 1861, Mr. Cumming conducted a
business for two years in the oil trade in Greenwich street, following
which, he was in the leather business for a period of six years. At the
expiration of this time he removed to Hackensack, again engaging in
contracting. In connection with his present business of insurance and
real estate, he is Commissioner of Deeds and a Notary Public, holding
the office of Justice of the Peace since 1885.
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 143
He has always been interested in the Fire Department, and was an
active member of Hook and Ladder Company, No. 2, for twenty-six
years, part of this time its Foreman, and is at present an honorary
member of that organization. For a number of years he has been
President of the Hackensack Relief Association, and has also been Col-
lector of License for the Hackensack Commission for the past twelve
years.
Mr. Gumming- is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and a charter
member of the National Union. He is an active Republican, and
his father, Thomas Cumming, Sr., was for years a lay judge of
Berg-en county.
Mr. Cumming's wife was the only daughter of the late John H.
Banta, of Hackensack. They have three sons.
CLAYTON DEMAREST.
One of the fullest and most interesting of the numerous records of
the Demarest family, is that of the branch descending from David des
Marie, whose date of landing in America is taken from an "entry in
Emigrants Account Book," reading as follows:
"David des Marie from Picardie, for passage and board when he came
here on board the Bontekoe, the 16th of Apr. 1663. ^39
for his wife 39
& 4 children of 18, 11, 6 & 1 yr 97.10
fl. 175.10
David des Marie (son of Jean) was born at Beauchamp, in Picardie
about the year 1620, and married Marie, daughter of Francois Sohier,
Julv 24, 1643. Of their six children, three married and reared families,
Jean, born April 1645, David, Jr., born 1652, and Samuel, born 1656.
Clayton Demarest, the subject of this sketch, is a lineal descendant of
David, Jr., second son of the first David des Marest.
David, Jr.. married Rachel, daughter of Pierre Cresson, April 4,
1665. They had twelve children, Jacobus being the fifth, and through
him the line descends. He married Leah, daughter of Peter DeGroot,
March 8, 1707, and after her death married Margrietie Cozine Herring
September 26, 1719. In all, his family numbered seventeen, the line
coming down through Daniel the sixteenth child, who was born Sep-
tember 11, 1738. Daniel Demarest had two sons. James p.. and Ralph.
the lines coming through James D., the eldest, who was born March 20,
1763, and married Rachel Demarest. Of their live children Abram J.,
born October 4, 1793, was the grandfather «»t" Clayton. He married
Rachel Blauvelt, April 8, 1815, and the youngest of their seven children,
David Demarest, was horn February 1, 1832, and married Christina De
Baun September 8, 1853. They had si\ children the youngest, and only
son, being Clayton who was horn December 15, 1865.
David Demarest now resides on the farm at Schraalenburgh where
the Demarests 'nave lived lor over two hundred years. 'Pin- old house
144
HISTORY OF BERCxEN COUNTY
has passed through so many changes and has so often been remodelled
that but little remains of its original construction. The barn has two
large overhead beams hewn from red gum trees, and are marked 1721.
Abram J. Demarest was a Captain in the National Guard until he
was thirty-five years of age. His commission papers from the Governor
of New Jersey, are now in the hands of the family. David Demarest
enlisted as a volunteer in the Civil War, September 1, 1862, and was
honorably discharged June 25, 1863.
Clayton, his son, was educated in the public school in Sehraalen-
burgh, afterwards taking a course of instruction in Thompson's Busi-
ness College in New York city. Having accepted a position with the
CLAYTON DEMAREST
Chemical National Bank, December 1, 1882, Mr. Demarest has continued
with that institution to the present time, the past ten years in the ca-
pacity of Assistant Paying Teller.
In Hackensack, the home of Mr. Demarest, he has taken an active
interest in the Fire Department, having become a member of Relief
Hook & Ladder Company No. 2, in December 1891, in which he has
served two years as secretary and four years as foreman, being now
assistant engineer, and is justly proud of his work in the department.
Socially Mr. Demarest is a member of the Royal Arcanum, Fire-
man's Relief Association, Exempt Firemen and Hackensack Debating
Society. He is an active member and teacher in the Sunday School of
the Second Reformed Church, of which he has been a member the past
twelve years.
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 145
Mr. Demarest married Miss Marie Kipp, daughter of Nicholas R.
Voorhis (and granddaughter of Ralph Voorhis of River Edge) on Sep-
tember 18, 1889. They have three sons.
A. S. D. DEMAREST.
A. S. D. Demarest, the well-known undertaker, of Hackensack, is a
son of David S. and Margaret ( Durie ) Demarest, and was born at Ber-
genfields in 1834. His father was born at Schraalenburgh in 1795, and
spent his life there, dying in 1877. He was a farmer, and was a de-
scendant of David Demarest, who settled at River Edge over 200 years
ago. , Mr. Demarest's mother was a daughter of David Durie, of Tenaflv-
He spent his early years amid the scenes of his childhood, subse-
quently removing to Newburgh, N. Y., where he engaged in business,
but in 1876 returned to New Jersey, and located in Hackensack, where
he has since resided.
Upon coming to Hackensack he was interested in the book and
stationery business for a time, but in 1886 established his present busi-
ness of undertaking. He is strictly a business man, has been Treasurer
of the First Reformed Church for nine years and chorister of the same
church for ten years, and treasurer of Hackensack Mutual Building and
Loan Association for over seven years.
Mr. Demarest was married in 1861 to Miss Lavinia Blauvelt, daugh-
ter of John D. M. Blauvelt, of Bergen county. They have two daugh-
ters, both married.
CHARLES CONKLIN.
Charles Conklin, the well known real estate man and President of
the Board of Health is a native of Hackensack and was born thirty- tour
years ago. His father Robert Conklin was a dry goods merchant and
held the agency of the county for the Singer Sewing Machine Company,
for which he sold over 1000 machines in Bergen county alone. He died
in 1877. Mr. Charles Conklin was in the dry goods business during the
earlier years of his life, and later was Secretary of The Conklin Bros.
Companv. In 1894 he established himself in the real estate business,
which with that of insurance, yielded him in the aggregate hand-
some results.
Mr. Conklin had been President of the Board of Health sewn years,
and was serving as a member of the Board of Freeholders of the county.
He was a member of the First Reformed Church of Hackensack, and was
deacon in that body eight years, and also its treasurer. He was ;i mem-
ber of the Odd Fellows. ( ). U. A. M.. Red Meiu. Wheelmen and of the
Onitani Field Club. Mr. Conklin died in 1899.
GEORGE WAKEMAN WHEELER.
(ieorge Wakeman Wheeler, son of Charles and Jenisha I Bradley
Wheeler, was horn at Easton, Fairfield County, Connecticut, October
15th, L831. The name Wheeler is one well known in judicial and legis-
lative circles in the State of Connecticut. Stephen Wheeler, grand-
GEORGE WAKEMAN WHEELER
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 147
father of George W., served with distinction for some years as county
Judge of Fairfield county. His father, Charles Wheeler, was member
of Assembly of his state, serving- also as Probate Judge of his county.
Mr. Wheeler's only brother was a member of the State Senate and a
judge in Louisiana, and continuing down the line, his son George W.
Wheeler, Jr., is a judge of the Superior Court of Connecticut. Mr.
Wheeler was graduated from Amherst College in 1856, having taken his
preparatory course at Dudley School, Northampton, Mass. After grad-
uation he taught school for a short period after which he located at
Hackensack, and conducted classes in Greek and Latin for two years,
and following this, in 1859, became principal of McGee's Institute at
Woodville, Miss., continuing in this position ten years. He was county
superintendent during three years of this time, and also a member of
the board of aldermen. Here also he assisted in organizing a local
cavalry company of which he served as a member with the rank of
major. In the Masonic order he was a prominent member being High
Priest of Royal Arch Chapter. Mr. Wheeler has resided in Hackensack
continuously since 1869, and where he for a time was associated with
James M. Van Valen and Peter Bogevt, Jr., as judge of the Common
Pleas Court. For the past thirty years he has occupied his present
offices, where he is engaged in the management of estates and as a
broker in stocks and bonds. Interested in various institutions and or-
ganizations, he has been president and director of Hall and Armory
Association since its organization, was a director of the Bank of Bergen
County, and the Hackensack Savings Bank; is treasurer and director
of the Hackensack Cemetery Company; is a member of the State Geo-
logical Board, and was for ten years president of the Bergen Turnpike
Company, and later its vice president. For a long period he was a di-
rector of the Hackensack Gas Company, and for twenty-seven years rep-
resented the Home Insurance Company for Bergen County, but resigned
in 1897, at which time the company as a proof of their appreciation of
his service, tendered him a letter of thanks accompanied with the pre-
sentation of a fine gold headed cane. In his religious relations he is an
Episcopalian and in politics a Democrat.
Mr. 'Wheeler was married in 1859 to Miss Lucy Dowie, of Andes,
Delaware County, N. Y. Their only children are Judge George W
Wheeler, Jr., of Connecticut, and Harry D., who resides in Hackensack,
doing a commission business in New York City.
Mr. Wheeler is a man of culture and refinement; has been an ex-
tensive traveller, and is a thorough and capable business m tn.
WILLIAM PAIR.
William Pair was a native of Scotland, emigrated to America with
his wife, Mary Hume, and three children, Mary, John and Jane, and
settled in New Barbadoes, now Hackensack, aboul 1785.
He was a cabinet-maker by trade, and carried on his business on the
site ot the Fair Homestead, in Hackensack, until his death, which oc-
148
HISTORY OF BEKGEN COUNTY
curred February 24, 1839, dying - at the age of eighty-three years. His
wife died at the age of seventy years, September 23, 1824. Mary died
unmarried, October 12, 1852, and Jane died unmarried, July 19, 1848.
John was a successful merchant in New York for many years, and died
January 5, 1854, aged seventy-six years.
George Fair, fourth child of William and Mary Hume Fair, was
born in Hackensack, on the homestead, November 27, 1785. He received
during his boyhood only a common school education, but the rigid home
discipline of his Scotch parents early impressed him with habits of in-
dustry, economy, and self-relianae.
At the age of fifteen young Fair became a clerk in a dry -goods
store in New York city, where he continued for many years, and until
he had saved enough money from his earnings to establish business for
himself. With his elder brother, John, he engaged in the dry-goods
trade on his own account in Vesey Street, New York city, where for
many years they continued a successful trade. They invested of their
surplus means in city real estate, which increased in value on their hands
and gave both a large competency.
In 1859 Mr. Fair completed the homestead formerly occupied by his
father, a substantial residence on Essex Street, where he resided until
his death, which occurred October 16, 1868.
SUPT. JOHN TEKHUNE
Mr. John Terhune, the popular and efficient superintendent of the
schools of Bergen county, was born at Midland Park, this county, Au-
gust 4th, 1846. He was educated there in a district school. Later he
attended the New Jersey State Normal School, and subsequently East-
man's Business College, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. After being engaged
for some time as an accountant and in mercantile pursuits, he took
charge of the Midland Park Public School. He held this position for
about nine years, until appointed to his present office, thirteen years ago.
HISTORY OF BEKGEN COUNTY 149
To Mr. Terhune belongs the credit of having popularized the ob-
servance of Arbor Day in the schools of the state. He has given a
great amount of labor, time and money for this purpose. The fine Arbor
Day programmes which he prepared and printed a,t his owh expense for
a number of years, have been widely distributed throughout the country
and have received the highest commendation from teachers and school
officers everywhere.
Mr. Terhune is also the author of the Teachers' Library Act for
the establishment of professional libraries in each county, securing
state aid to the amount of $100 the first year and $50 each subsequent
year. The profit derived from the sale of his Arbor Day publications
he donates to the Teachers' Library; he raised by subscription and dona-
tions sufficient money to purchase 900 volumes for the library, which,
with the cost of cases, printing, etc., has cost over $1000. This was the
beginning of what has since proved to be a valuable library. In the
1 ibrary are to be found many valuable works on the history, theory and
practice of education. When, in 1891 and '92, the Legislature of New
Jersey made a special appropriation of $1000 for school library purposes,
Mr. Terhune secured $810 of the money for Bergen county.
The teachers of Bergen county appreciate Mr. Terhune's labors for
their advancement. A piece of beautiful silver service with which they
presented him at his wedding anniversary, in 1892, bears the following
inscription: "From the teachers of Bergen county to their County Su-
perintendent, John Terhune, as a token of respect and esteem, and oi
their appreciation of his faithful services and eminent achievements in
the cause of public school education."
Recently the teachers of the county presented him a valuable gold
watch, very finely engraved.
"Educational Hall" has a complete teachers' library, from which
the teachers are furnished with books free of cost.
DR. NELSON HAAS.
Dr. Nelson Haas, the efficient principal of the High School at
Hackensack, is a son of Mathias Haas and Melinda Holgate, and was
born at Chestnut Hill, city of Philadelphia, August 3d, 1838. His father
was of German descent, a business man of strict integrity, who uras, for
sixteen years, a member of the Common Council of Philadelphia. His
mother was of Welsh origin, the daughter of a prominent and success-
ful business man of the city, and for seveenteen years a member of the
State Legislature of Pennsylvania.
Two of Dr. Haas's brothers founded the Hightstown Classical and
Scientific Institute and the New Jersey Collegiaie Institute at Borden-
town, situated on a part of the Old Bonaparte property. Mr. Haas be-
gan teaching at the age of seventeen, having been educated in tin-
schools of his native city. In 1859 he went t.» Port Gibson, Mississippi,
as teacher of mathematics and physics in tin- academy at that place,
l>nt returned North after two pears, when he was appointed Deputy
150
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
Provost Marshal of the Ninth District of Pennsylvania, under A. W.
Bolenius, who was succeded as Marshal by Thaddeus Stevens, Jr., dur-
ing Mr. Haas's term of service. In the spring of 1865 he joined Com-
pany B, Ninth Union League Regiment, Philadelphia, as First Lieu-
tenant. After a few weeks he was made commissary of the brigade,
and remained in the service until the close of the war.
Upon his return, Mr. Haas began the study of law in Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, in the office of General William H. Miller, and was ad-
mitted as attorney in 1868. After a few months' practice at Harrisburg
he removed to California, and opened a law office at Stockton, where,
however, he had remained only a short time, when the death of his
father caused his return East.
In 1871 he was tendered the position of principal of Washington
Institute, District No. 32, at Hackensack, N. J., and continued in that
NJK
NELSON HAAS, PH. D.
place twenty-four years. Upon the organization in 1895 of a High
School for the entire town, Dr. Haas was made its principal, and, in
1897, the additional duties of supervising principal of all the schools in
the township were assigned him, which two positions he still holds.
MANNING M. KNAPP.
Manning M. Knapp is a native of Newton, Sussex County, N. J.,
and was born June 7th, 1825. He studied law in the office and under the
direction of the late Colonel Robert Hamilton, being admitted to prac-
tice as attorney in 1846, when he began practice in Hackensack, and was
made a counsellor in 1850. The late Chancellor Zabriskie. at that time
Prosecutor of the Pleas for Bergen county, resigned his office in 1850,
because of his removal to Jersey City. Chief Justice Green, then pre-
siding at the Bergen Circuit, appointed Mr. Knapp to prosecute for the
State until the office should be filled under the constitution. Governor
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 151
Fort appointed him in February, 1851, for a full term and by follow-
ing- appointments he held the office until 1861. During- these years, he
was building up a profitable practice in the county and state, taking
high rank in his profession. In 1875, when Judge Bedle was elected
Governor, he appointed Mr. Knapp his successor on the bench of the
Supreme Court, his Judicial District covering the counties of Hudson,
Bergen and Passaic. Hudson being made a district alone, Judge Knapp
was assigned to this new field where he continued until his death which
occurred on January 26, 1892. The Bar of the State in suitable resolu-
tions expressed to the Supreme Court, " the universal sorrow felt at the
pathetic death of Mr. Justice Knapp while in the discharge of his pub-
lic official duties," and they further desired "to bear witness to his
virtues, his learning, and the beauty of his character."
Judg-e Knapp was married in 1850 to Anna Mattison, a daughter of
the late Captain Joseph Mattison of the United States Navy. Mrs.
Knapp continued to make her home in Hackensack after the death of
her husband, surviving both her children — the daughter, Anna M.. wife
of Walter V. Clark, of Hackensack, and their son, Joseph M. Knapp,
both having died since the death of their father, and she herself, the
last of the family, died in 1898.
JOSEPH M. KNAPP.
Joseph M. Knapp was born at Hackensack October 20, 1856. He
went to Colorado immediately after his graduation from Columbia Col-
lege in June 1878, hoping to overcome pulmonary disease, which was
apparently making inroads upon his health. He was admitted to the
bar and practiced law, residing in Colorado thirteen years. Believing
himself restored to permanent health he returned to New Jersey, Out
not long after he declined and died on May 2, 1895. He was a man of
bright intellect, high attainments and fine character.
DR. ABRAM HOPPER.
Dr. Abram Hopper was the son of a farmer at Hohokus, and was born
April 26th, 17')7. After taking an academic course of study in New
York city, he entered the office of Dr. John Rosencrantz, at Hohokus,
with whom he studied medicine one year, when he returned to New
York, and continued his medical studies with Dr. Valentine Mott, in-
tending lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, from which
institution he was graduated at the age of twenty-one. The following
year he began the practice of medicine, continuing to reside here the
greater part of his life. He died December 14th, 1872. Making surgerj
a specialty, he was the only operating surgeon in Bergen county for
many years, and gained an enviable reputation in that department <>i
his profession. His wife was Euphemia DeWolf. They had five sons
and two daughters.
152 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
DR. HENRY A. HOPPER,
Dr. Henry A. Hopper, who was born August 8th, 1824, was gradu-
ated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York City in
1847. His life was spent in Hackensack, where he became a prominent
practitioner, and also identified himself with the best interests of the town.
Like his father, he began practice when young, being only twenty-three
years of age. He was one of the organizers and the first secretary of the
Bergen County Medical Society, and was the organizer and president
of the Hackensack Board of Health.
Dr. Hopper married Maria Colfax Ward, and three children survived
him, one son and two daughters.
He was a member of the Second Reformed Church, to which he was
greatly devoted. He died at the age of fifty-eight years.
DR. JOHN WARD HOPPER.
Dr. John Ward Hopper, only son of Dr. Henry A., was born Novem-
ber 10th, 1856, and choosing the profession of his fathers, was graduated
from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1879, having been grad-
uated from the College of the City of New York in 1876. While in the
Medical College, he took a special course in microscopy, afterwards, and
for sometime making microscopic tests in the office of Dr. Alonzo Clark.
It was his intention to eventually devote his time to surgery in which he
was particularly interested. He was for eighteen months on the Surgical
Staff of Roosevelt Hospital immediately after his graduation. Dr.
Henrv Sands now asked him to take his Quiz-class, which he did for one
winter, the first time it had ever been given to another. The following
year he spent in Europe, principally at the Hospitals of Vienna and
Prague, and during special work under Doctors Virchow, Schroeder and
others. After his return he began practice here but died three years
later, on June 30th, 1890, ending a line of physicians holding high place
not only in the medical profession but in other walks of life.
PETER WARD.
Peter Ward was a member of the State Council when he died, and
was captain of a company of militia during the Revolutionary War.
His wife died in 1806 at the age of forty-six. Their children were Peter,
John, Jane, Catherine, Thomas, James, William, and Mary. Peter was
born at Campgaw, and married Maria, daughter of Robert Colfax, niece
of General William Colfax, and second cousin of the late ex-Vice Presi-
dent Schuyler Colfax. The children born of this union were Captain
Robert C. A., Peter H., Sally Ann, wife of Harden Burgess; Harriet,
wife of Chauncey Gooderich;- Jane, wife of Abram Willis; Mary, wife
of Anthony E. Fatin; Catherine, died young; Lucy, was first the wife
of John Hall, and after his death, of Charles Bennett; John; Peryna,
wife of Henry A. Berry; Maria, wife of Dr. Henry A. Hopper, of Hack-
ensack; and Elizabeth, wife of John R. Lydecker.
Peter Ward was a Brigade Major under General William Colfax in
the War of 1812, stationed at Bergen Heights and afterwards at Sandv
JACOB BAUER
Commissioner of the Id Ward Hackcnrack, N. J.
154 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
Hook. He was a tanner and currier, a farmer and distiller at Campgaw.
In 1812 he began to speculate, was unfortunate, and lost his property.
He afterwards removed to Boone ville, N. Y., where he engaged in farm-
ing, and died on Long Island. His wife died at the advanced age of
ninety years, about 1877.
Captain Robert C. A. Ward spent his early life on the farm. In
1827 he came to Hackensack, and was employed by D. & J. Anderson,
merchants, where he remained until the death of one member of the
firm, John C. Z. Anderson, in 1836. He was employed by the Ander-
sons in the coasting trade between New York and Virginia, dealing in
wood and lumber. As early as 1832 he became interested with the firm
in the purchase of some 3000 acres of land in Virginia, known as the
"Green Spring Plantation," the residence of the Governor of the State,
when Jamestown was its capital. Upon the decease of John Anderson,
Captain Ward became a joint owner of the business and lands, by pur-
chase, with the remaining partner, David Anderson, and the firm was
" Anderson & Ward" until 1840, when Anderson disposed of his interest
to Captain Ward, and John Ward, his brother, became a partner, under
the firm-name of R. & J. Ward. This plantation has supplied large
quantities of wood for the New York market, and especially before
steamboats began to use coal was the demand considerable, also supply-
ing large timber for other purposes, besides having several hundred
acres under good state of cultivation. John Ward died in September,
1871, leaving a widow and one daughter, who reside in Hackensack.
Captain Ward usually made two trips per month between New York
and Virginia until the connection of his brother with the business,
when he gave up the duties of the coasting trade to him. During the
same year, 1840, Captain Ward purchased fifty acres of land in Hacken-
sack, upon which he resided, having his house located on the corner of
Main and Passaic streets, and where he carried on agricultural pursuits.
Captain Ward was one of the stockholders upon the rebuilding of
the Washington Academy, was one of the Directors of the Bergen
County Turnpike Company in 1852, when it was converted into a plank-
road, and for several years was president of the road, and a stockholder
of the New Jersey and New York and of the New Jersey Midland
Railroads.
Captain Ward was united in marriage, September 2, 1841, to Har-
riet, daughter of Garret Myer, and widow of John C. Z. Anderson, who
was born June, 1803, and died October 23, 1873.
CAPTAIN JOHN WARD.
Captain John Ward was born at Campgaw, N. J., February 4th,
1819. Having become a resident of Hackensack in 1857, he did much
for the good of the village. Energetic and public spirited he became
one of the organizers of the volunteer fire department and was its first
chief. He was also one of the originators of the Hackensack Library,
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 155
and since his death a handsome bookcase to his memory was placed in
the library especially for books of reference.
The Second Reformed Church owes much to his untiring efforts in
soliciting- aid for the liquidation of its debts and to his subsequent sup-
port. Captain Ward was associated for some years with his brother
Captain Robert Colfax A. Ward in the transportation of lumber from
their Virginia plantation.
He married Leah Maria Ouackenbush. They had two children,
one of whom, a daughter, lives in Hackensack. He died September 16,
1872, and his widow died January IS, 1898.
GARRET ACKERSON.
It is not known at what date the Ackerson family was first l pre-
sented in America, but it was many years prior to the Revolution. The
first of the name was Garret, the great-grandfather of Colonel Garret
G., who came from Holland, and settled at Old Tappan, in Bergen
county, but subsequently bought a large tract of land at Pascack, upon
which he placed his eldest son, John. The other two sons, Cornelius
and Abram, at his death, became the possessors of the old homestead at
Tappan. The name was then as now, often spelled Eckerson. John
was born in 1743, and died at ninety-four years of age at Pascack. He
married Garritje Hogencamp. Their children were Garret and Hannah,
who became the wife of Nicholas Zabriskie. Garret was born in 1779.
He married Hannah, daughter of John Hogencamp, originally from
Rockland county, N. Y. Garret was something of a politician, was
twice elected to the Legislature, and was a major in the old State Militia,
and, with his command, was stationed at Sandy Hook during the War
of 1812. He was afterwards a major general of the Northern Militia
of the State of New Jersey, Bergen, Essex and Morris being then the
only three counties in the northern part of the state. He had four
children, John, Cornelius, Garret G. and James. Garret G. was born at
Pascack, April 9, 1816, and educated in the common schools. George
Achenbach was one of his teachers. He was a schoolmate of Jacob R.
Wortendyke. Like many of the farmers of that day he engaged in other
lines of business, having a cotton mill, a distillery and a store on the
farm. The son took charge of these under the general superintendence
of his father, until 1840, when he took a farm and established a woolen
mill of his own.
The first political experience Mr. Ackerson had, was when he was
elected Assessor. When but fifteen years old he became captain of a
company of uniformed militia, and held the office for ten years. In 1895
he was fleeted county clerk over John N. Berry, the first clerk elected
under the new constitution. This necessitated his removal to Hacken-
sack. He remained in the office three terms, gradually becoming the
leader of his party. He became counsellor and banker t.» many oi the
old people of that day, the vault of the clerk's office sometimes containing
thousands of dollars in gold and silver awaiting investment. Soon alter
156 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
going to Hackensack he was made chairman of the Democratic Execu-
tive Committee in place of Judge Garret Hopper, who had held the
position almost ever since the organization of the Democratic party.
During the time that he was county clerk he raised a company of
Continentals, becoming the captain, afterward being elected lieutenant-
colonel of an independent battalion which had been organized by special
Act of the Legislature. It remained in existence until 1861, when most
of the men volunteered to form the Twenty-second State Regiment for
service in the war. In 1858 and '59, Hackensack being without a rail-
road, Mr. Ackerson and others subscribed a sufficient amount of money
to build a road from this point to intersect with the Erie Railroad. The
new road was known as the Hackensack Railroad. When Mr. Ander-
son resigned the presidency of the road before its completion, Mr. Ack-
erson was unanimously elected to fill his place and although sinking
SI 0,000 each year for the first three years, it eventually became a pay-
ing institution. He and Judge Zabriskie at one time assumed the per-
sonal responsibility of about S60,000.
Colonel Ackerson was active in 1872, in organizing the Bergen
County Bank which had George Achenbach for its first president, and
at his death was succeeded by the Colonel who remained in office until
the bank closed. April 1st, 1877, he took his seat as a Judge of the
Court of Common Pleas, having been appointed in the winter of 1876-
77, by Governor Bedle.
Judge Ackerson married in 1837, Sophia, daughter of James I.
Blauvelt and Martha Wortendyke, of Washington township, who was
born July 4th, 1821. They had two children — Colonel Garret, Jr., de-
ceased, and Martha, wife of B. F. Randall of Hackensack. Colonel
Ackerson died December 12, 1891.
COLONEL GARRET ACKERSON, JR.
Colonel Garret Ackerson, Jr., son of Colonel Garret G., was born at
Pascack, N. J., September 15, 1840. He was educated in the public and
private schools of Hackensack, and in a private school at Claverack, N.
Y., at that time conducted by the well known Alonzo Flack. In 1859
he began the study of law in the office of Hon. Jacob R. Wortendyke of
Jersey City, and was admitted as attorney at the June term of the Su-
preme Court in 1863. He immediately opened an office in Hackensack
for the practice of his profession, and in 1878 was made counsellor-at-
law, having been appointed prosecutor of Pleas for Bergen County in
1866.
In 18b7 he was appointed judge advocate of a battalion of Militia
in the county, and in 1872 was elected Captain of Company C, of the
Second Battalion National Guards, resigning the office in 1875. He was
appointed Judge Advocate General of the State of New Jersey, with
rank of colonel by Governor George B. McClellan in 1879. At this time
he was appointed President of the Hackensack Railroad. He was also
for a time on the Board of the Hackensack Improvement Commission,
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 157
and was secretary and treasurer of the Berg-en County Mutual Assur-
ance Association from 1863 to 1867.
Colonel Ackerson was a delegate in 1876 to the Democratic National
Convention that nominated Samuel J. Tilden for the Presidency.
He was married July 9, 1863, to Ann Elizabeth, daughter of John
A. Zabriskie and Mary Anderson, and is survived b}- three sons, John
Zabriskie, James B., and Garret G. Ackerson, Jr.
CAPTAIN ANDREW C ZABRISKIE.
Captain Andrew C. Zabriskie, son of Christian A. Zabriskie and
Sarah J. Titus, was born in New York city May 30th, 1853. His grand-
father, Andrew C. Zabriskie, was born at Paramus, N. J., at the ances-
tral homestead. His fortune, however, was made in business in New
York, after which he retired to enjoy his declining years in the old home at
Paramus. His four children consisted of three sons, Christian, A., Martin,
John, John Jacob and one daughter, Matilda Mary, who became the
wife of Martin E. Greene. John Jacob owned a cotton mill atHohokus, and
was well known throughout Bergen County. Martin changed his name
to the original Polish, Zborbwski. He was by profession a lawyer, but
abandoning practice, he devoted his time to real estate investments, which
have proved to be of immense value. He has two children, Anna, wife
of the Comte de Montsaulnin, and Eliott. Christian A. Zabriskie was
also well known and highly esteemed in Bergen County, and was greatly
lamented at his death, especially in church circles, being a strong sup-
porter of the Episcopal Church at Paramus, where he spent much of
his time. His wife was Sarah Jane Titus, daughter of Captain William
M. Titus and Maria Gardner, the daughter of Thomas Gardner, a
wealthy resident of Paramus, and who was somewhat eccentric in dispo-
sition. Captain and Mrs. Titus frequently drove from New York in
their carriage to spend the day with Mr. Gardner, often starting early
enough to see the sunrise from Weehawken Hill. Mrs. Zabriskie was
then a little girl, and the Bergen Turnpike, over which she drove, has
now as its president and controlling stockholder her son, Andrew C.
Captain Zabriskie is well known in Hackensack partly through his
presidency of this ancient turnpike which was incorporated in 1802,
with Colonel John Stevens of Hoboken as its first president, and partly
by his large real estate interests in the vicinity.
Andrew C. Zabriskie, grandfather of Captain Andrew, was adjutant
of the squadron of horse of the county of Bergen, and his maternal
grandfather, William M. Titus, served in the War of 1812, afterwards
becoming captain in the Eleventh Regiment New York Artillery.
When but twenty years of age he enlisted in Company B, Seventh Regi-
ment N. G. N. Y., in which he served more than seven wars and was
then elected captain of Company C, Seventy-first Regiment X. G. N. Y.
Still later he was appointed inspector of ride practice on the staff of
this regiment, and upon resigning in 1890, was elected to his old com-
mand soon alter bringing his company up to such an efficient state, as
CAPTAIN ANDREW C. ZABKISKIE
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 159
to inspect one hundred per cent; but after a military experience of near-
ly twenty-five years he resigned in 1897.
The captain is a member of many clubs, the Metropolitan, City,
Army and Navy, National Arts and Church Clubs, and to the Holland
Society, the Military Society of the War of 1812, and the Veterans of
the Seventh Regiment. He is also a devoted and active Episcopalian, a
member of the Church of the Incarnation, and a delegate to the Diocesan
Convention from that church, a manager of St. Luke's Hospital, a trus-
tee of the Sheltering Arms, the Children's Fold and the Archdeaconry
of New York, in addition to which he is treasurer of the American
Church Missionary Society and the House of Rest for Consumptives.
Interested in the collection of coins and medals since boyhood, he is
president of the American Numismatic and Archaeological Society.
Captain Zabriskie was married in 1895 to Frances Hunter, youngest
daughter of the late Charles F. Hunter, president of the Peoples Bank,
New York, and Juliana M. W. Zabriskie. Her grandfather passed most
of his time in New York, although a native of Hackensack, and was for
some years one of the lay judges of Bergen County. Mrs. Zabriskie's
grandmother was Susannah Van Campen Romeyn, a daughter of the
Rev. James Romeyn, well known in the vicinity, early in the century.
Mrs. Zabriskie is interested in many charities and has a large circle of
friends. She is a skilled pianist and possesses marked musical talent.
Captain and Mrs. Zabriskie reside at No. 2 West Fifty-Sixth Street,
New York, and have a fine country home at Lake Memphramagog, just
over the Canadian line, where they own Province Island comprising over
100 acres. They also own and occupy, a portion of each year, a large
estate called "Blithewood" at Annandale on the Hudson. They have
two children, Julia Romeyn Zabriskie and Christian Andrew Zabriskie.
MAJOR JOHN ENGEL.
Major John Engel, son of Charles and Augusta (Kuhn) Engel, was
born at Bunde, Prussia, April 16, 1845. After completing his course at
the Prussian Military School at Schloss Annaburg, in the Province of
Sachsen, he came to America in the month of October, I860. Upon
coming to this country he became identified with its interests, adapting
himself to the habits and customs by which he became surrounded. A
mere lad in years, he was a man in mental vigor and high aspirations.
His military training was soon to be put to use in his new home.
In August, 1862, two years after landing in America, he enlisted in
the famous Duryea's Zouaves, 165th New York Volunteers, serving until
October, 1865. Major Engel served in the Nineteenth Army Corps, in
the Department of the Gulf, taking part in all the battles of that corps.
He was in the battles of Cedar Creek and Winchester in 1864, and was
wounded in the Red River expedition at Cane River Crossing in the
same year.
October 8, 1S72, upon the formation of Company C. which became
a part of the Second Battalion N. V. X. G., Mr. Engel enlisted as a pri-
160 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
vate, and on the 18th of the same month was elected Sergeant. On May
30, 1876, Sergeant Engel was elected First Lieutenant, and under his
efficient drill, continued with untiring- energy and self-devotion, the com-
pany has ever sustained an enviable reputation. On January 27, 1891,
Lieutenant Engel was elected Captain.
The reorganization of the National Guard of New Jersey in 1892
made this battalion a part of the Second Regiment, and December 7, 1898,
the Captain was made Major. Upon the breaking out of the late Spanish-
American War, this regiment, on May 2, 1898, entered the service as the
Second Regiment N. J. Volunteers, U. S. A., Major Engel going to the
front in his official capacity. His military career covers in all a period
of about thirty-three years.
In private life the Major has engaged in the hotel business, and
was for eight years manager of the Hackensack Opera House. He was
postmaster of Hackensack from 1888 to 1892 and has twice been elected
Justice of the Peace. Socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F., the
Red Men, Wheelmens' Club, Hasbrouck Heights Field Club, Pioneer
Club, and a member of James McPherson Pest, G. A. R., of which he
is a charter member.
He married Miss Mathilda H. Gerrels at Charlestown, S. C, October
30, 18f,7.
MAJOR ABRAHAM D. CAMPBELL.
Major Abraham D. Campbell, deceased, was a great-grandson of
John, who settled in Closter, and at the close of the Revolution located
in Washington Township, at Pascack.
Abraham D., son of David A. Campbell was born October 10, 1842.
He was educated in the public schools of his native place and at Hack-
ensack, and after teaching for a short period, during which time he was
elected school superintendent of his township, he resigned and entered
the State Normal School at Trenton, from which he was graduated in
1863. After leaving school he engaged in teaching until 1865, when he
entered the office of Colonel Garret Ackerson, Jr., at Hackensack as a
law student, being admitted as attorney at the June term in 1869, and
as counsellor in 1875. A few months after his admission as attorney,
he opened an office in Hackensack, and on August 7, 1870, was appoint-
ed Prosecutor of Pleas to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of
Colonel Ackerson, and September 1, of the same year was appointed by
Governor Randolph to fill that office until the close of the next session
of the Legislature. April 5, i87i he was appointed for the full term,
and by subsequent appointments held the office for twenty-five years.
Having enlisted in Company C, Second Battalion, N. G. N. J., Oc-
tober 8, 1 872, he was commissioned quartermaster of the battalion with
rank of first lieutenant, January i4, i873, and on March i5, i876, re-
ceived the commission of captain. He served during the railroad strike
of 1 877, and retired with the rank of brevet-major, December 16, i890.
QsT^T^tk
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 161
Mr. Campbell was married September 22, i869 to Ann K. Hopper,
daughter of Jacob Hopper and Lydia Bogert, of Hackensack. They
had five children, Luther A., Eva, David (deceased), Harry (deceased .
and N. Demarest Campbell.
LUTHER A. CAMPBELL.
Luther A., son of the late Abraham D., and Ann E. (Hopper)
Campbell, was born at Hackensack, November 28, 1872. He was edu-
cated in the public schools and was graduated with honors from the
Union Street High School, of which Dr. Nelson Haas was principal.
Immediately after leaving school he began the study of law in his
father's office, and in June 1894 was admitted to the bar as attorney,
subsequently becoming associated with his father under the firm name
of A. D. & L. A. Campbell. In 1895 at the organization of the Improve-
ment Commission, Mr. Campbell became counsel and clerk of that board,
and was also for several terms clerk to the Grand Jury by appointment
of Judge Dixon, but was forced to give up this position because of grow-
ing business in general practice. He has also been chosen counsellor in
several townships and boroughs in Bergen county.
Mr. Campbell is a member of Bergen County Lodge No. 73, and of
Hope Encampment No. 33, I. O. O. F.
He was married April 22, 1896, to Miss Mae E., daughter of Richard
P. Paulison of Hackensack.
CORNELIUS W. BERDAN.
Cornelius W. Berdan, lawyer, was born in the City of New York-
December 24, 1850. A few years afterwards his father, the late James
Berdan, moved with his family to Maywood, N. J., where he died in 1S'>2.
The widowed mother then removed to Hackensack, where Cornelius
continued his studies in the public schools and at Williams 1 private
academv. At the age of seventeen he took a mercantile position in
New York, but, when twenty-three years of age, left that to study
law in the office of the late Manning M. Knapp, continuing his studies
subsequently with the late Garret Ackerson, Jr., being admitted to the
bar in 1878. He has followed his chosen profession ever since. IK- is
a member of the Pioneer Lodge, No. 70. P. and A. M., and of the
Royal Arcanum.
On October [5, 1 870, he married Miss Mary P., daughter of John
C. O'Connor, a prominent citizen of Milford, Conn. One daughter was
bora of this union.
Mr. Berdan is a man of strong convictions, and lias done much to
promote the cause of good government in his city and county.
CHAPTER XVII.
SADDLE RIVER.
DESCRIPTION AND EARLY SETTLEMENT — CIVIL LIST — GARFIELD- — ITS
CHURCHES AND MANUFACTURING — BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
This township is one of the oldest in the county. It was formerly
a part of New Barbadoes, and was then embraced in Essex county but
became a portion of Bergen, in i709.
When first set off it comprised all the former territory of New Bar-
badoes lying- between Saddle River and the Passaic River to the prov-
ince line, embracing- nearly half the territory of that township. About
1 772 Franklin township was erected, its boundary including the present
townships of Hohokus, Ridgewood and Franklin. The following des-
cription given of the township at that time may be of interest:—
"It is centrally distant northwest from Hackensack Town eight
miles, its greatest length east and west being ten miles, its breadth
north and south eight miles, its area 4 1, 000 acres, of which about i7,-
000 are improved. The surface is generally hilly, the First and Second
Mountains of Essex county crossing the Passaic and continuing
through it. On the east, however, between the Passaic and Saddle
Rivers, there is a neck of low and level land, the soil red shale and loam
the valleys fertile and well cultivated, and the hills well wooded.
Through the valleys flow several small .brooks, such as Singack, Preak-
ness, Krokaevall, Goffle, and Ackerman's Brooks.
"Goffle and New Manchester, a part of Paterson, are the chief vil-
lages of the township. The population in 1830 was 3397. In 1832
there were 741 taxables, 496 householders whose ratables did not exceed
S30 in value, 80 single men, 7 stores, 8 grist-mills, 1 cotton manufactory,
1 furnace, 10 saw-mills, 13 tan-vats, 2 distilleries, 1 wool-factory, 506
horses and mules, and 1324 neat cattle over three years of age. The
township paid a State tax of $364.10, and a county tax of $690.26."
Saddle River township is bounded on the north by Ridgewood,
south by Lodi, east by Saddle river, and west by Passaic river. Aside
from Garfield which is of recent origin, there are no villages in the
township, and until recently none but agricultural pursuits have been
engaged in, the soil and climate not only being adapted to the raising
of all kinds of grain, but also to the culture of fruit and vegetables.
The New York, Susquehanna and Western Railroad passes through
the Township from east to west, with stations at Rochelle Park and
Dundee Lake. The Bergen county Short Cut, a branch of the Erie
Road, runs through the entire length of the township from north to
south, connecting Ridgewood with Rutherford. Of the highways in
Bergen county that of Slaughter Dam, now designated as the Passaic
Valley road, is one of the oldest. This thoroughfare was in use long
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 163
before the Revolutionary War, and was constantly travelled at that
period. It was, in fact, the Indian trail formerly on the east side of the
river. The township has now twenty-seven miles of road, and in i893
it was bonded in the sum of $90,000 for the improvement of its high-
ways.
The names of many of the early settlers of this township, because
of the removal of their descendants to other places, have been quite
forgotten. Lands entered by these pioneers, in many cases, have
changed hands, their homes having - been transferred to the stranger.
Among those whose heritage have been assumed by others may be
mentioned the Post and Home families in particular.
Among the earliest settlers in Saddle River was the Doremus family,
the progenitor of whom was John Doremus, who in i740 purchased the
original property near Areola. He was in i747 united in marriage to
Miss Maria Lutkins, and on his death in i784 left a son and daughter. Mr.
Doremus was dnring the Revolutionary war taken prisoner by the
British, and confined in the old Sugar House prison in New York city.
On his release he returned to his home, where the remainder of his lift-
was spent. His son George occupied the homestead until his death in
i830, leaving five sons, Richard, Albert, George, John B. and Pe'.er,
and one daughter, who became the wife of Andrew H. Hopper, well
known as a General of the Bergen County militia. John B. occupied
the farm for a period of half a century after the death of his father,
and subsequently removed to Paterson. His son Jacob occupied the
homestead afterw,ards.
Two brothers of this family, Cornelius and Henry, on their arrival
in America, first repaired South, but not being favorably impressed with
the land repaired to New Jersey, one having located in Passaic and the
other in Morris county. Cornelius died in the latter county, leaving a
grandson, Henry, who removed to Saddle River, on the homestead after-
wards occupied by William Doremus, the deed of conveyance bearing
date July i2, i782. Among his large family of children was Peter, who
inherited the farm and was united in marriage to a Miss Berry, of Carl-
stadt, to whom were born children, Henry, William and Cornelius, all
of whom located in the township.
George, only son of John Doremus, succeeded to the home property,
and married, in 1777, Anna, daugher of John and Catharine Berdan, by
whom he had the following children: John, born July, 177'). died May
'K 1796; Maria, born November 12, 1783, and became the wife <>t General
Andrew H. Hopper; Richard, horn June 16, 1786, was a farmer at
Preakness, N. J.; Albert, born April 25, 1790, spent mosl <>! his business
life in stage-driving and carrying the mail between Hoboken and Hack-
etisack and on the Albany mail route; George, born, November 13. 17''4.
was a blacksmith, farmer, and inn-keeper; John B. born June 26, 17'*'';
and Peter, horn 1801, was a blacksmith by occupation, formany years
was a teacher, served as justice of the peace in Saddle River township
for several terms.
164 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
The Berdan family are of Holland extraction, the first member of
whom was Rinear. He emigrated from his native land at a very early
date, and choosing- Bergen county as a favorable point of location made
Hackensack his residence. His sons were six in number of whom two
John and Rinear, settled on farms, afterwards owned by Rinear J.,
and G. V. H. Berdan respectively. The former was married to
Miss Ann Romaine, and had one son, John, whose wife was Miss Hen-
rietta Van Dien. Their son, Rinear, was united in marriage to Charity
Rverson, and became the parent of two children, John and a daughter
Ann. The former married Miss Mary Van Houten, and had two sons—
Rinear and Garrabrant — and a daughter, Mrs. Daniel Romaine.
John, the second son of the first Rinear, the progenitor of
the family, had three sons — John, Richard and Stephen — and one daugh-
ter. John, who served with credit in the war of i8i2, is represented by
a son, Cornelius Z.
John Berdan, died August 22, i87i, at the age of eighty-one years;
and his grandfather, Rinear, also lived to be eighty years of age, dying
January 28, i843.
Charity R3~erson, his grandmother, was born in i760 and died in
1 848. She was a descendant of Joris Ryerson, a native of Amsterdam,
who settled first on Long Island, and afterwards, in i70i, in Bergen
county, with his two sons. The children of Rinear and Charity Berdan
were John R. and Ann, wife of Richard Berdan.
Mary Van Houten, born June 22, i79i, was the wife of John R. Ber-
dan, and died January 12, 1862, leaving three children— Rinear, G. V. H.,
and Ann, the wife of Daniel Romaine, of Bodi.
Rinear J. Berdan was born on the homestead June 28, 1809, and
married March 7, 1833, Catharine, daughter of General Andrew H.
Hopper and Maria Doremus, of Saddle River township. Both the
Hoppers and Doremuses were among the earliest settled families in
Bergen county.
Mrs. Berdan was born December 22, 1846, and by this union they
have one son and one daughter, viz.: John, married Christina M. Berry;
both are dead. The former died July 20, i876, the latter February 19,
1881, leaving one son — Walter H. Berdan. The daughter Mary Ann,
became the wife of William H. Cadmus, of Saddle River township.
The Hopper family are also among the oldest families in Saddle
River. One branch is descended from Andrew Hopper, who emigrated
from Holland and had children, among whom were Peter and Andrew.
Andrew joined the army during the Revolutionary conflict, and fell in
one of the engagements. Peter settled in the township on land still in
the family and had three sons, Garret, Andrew, and Henry, all of whom
remained in Saddle River. Andrew married and became the father of
twelve children, of whom two, John A., and Henry A., located in the
township, the latter on the homestead which was the birthplace of his
father. Another representative of this family was Henry Hopper, who
resided in the present Franklin township and had four children, — two
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 165
sons and two daughters. The sons were John H., and Andrew H., the
latter of whom married Maria Doremus and had seven children, of
whom Henry A., occupied the homestead, and a daughter, Mrs. Rinear
J. Berdan.
Peter Hopper, owned some 300 acres of land, and was the first of
the family that settled the homestead where Sheriff Hopper now resides.
He died in 1818, at an advanced age. His wife was Anna Doremus,
who died at the age of eighty-eight, and bore him the following chil-
dren: Keziah, wife of Jacob Demarest; Mrs. Voorhis, Garret, Andrew
P., and Henry; all were married and reared families, excepting Garret.
Of these children Andrew P. Hopper was born on the homestead in
1777, which he afterwards inherited, and resided there during his life,
engaged in farming. He also took part in politics, representing his
township in the board of chosen freeholders, and for two terms served
as county collector. He served as sheriff of Bergen county for one term,
and for one term represented his Assembly district in the State
Legislature.
Henry A., son of Andrew P. Hopper was born August 3, 1819. He
was sheriff of Bergen county and member of State Legislature one term.
The ancestor of the Garretsons ( the name being spelled Garretson
or Garrison by members of the same family ) was Peter, a native of
Holland, who left his native land in 1664 and settled in Bergen county,
where he purchased an extensive tract of land. Among his sons was
John P., who married a Miss Ryerson and had children, — John, Jacob,
Garret, and one daughter. John P., spent his life upon the homestead,
and here his death occurred. His sons John and Garret remained in
the township, the latter having married a daughter of Ralph Romaine
and had eight children, among whom were three sons, John G., Ralph,
and Abram.
Two branches of the Van Riper family claim Saddle River as their
residence. Jeremiah resided on the Passaic river, above the Dundee
bridge, and early purchased land of a very old resident named Van
Horn. His sons were Simeon, Stephen and Nicholas, all of whom
remained in the township. The latter branch is represented by John
N. Van Riper.
The Zabriskie family in Saddle River are descended from Andrew
Zabriskie, whose son Christian had three sons, Andrew, Cornelius and
Abram. Abram married Maria Zabriskie, of New Bridge, and had one
son, Christian A., who took up his residence in Saddle River township.
The daughters were Mrs. Cornelius Van Houten and Mrs. Henry Demarest.
Johannes Berdan was the pioneer of the family by that name in
this township. He had two children. John and Anna, and was grand-
father of John, Jr., Richard. Stephen and Mary and great-grandfather
of Cornelius Z. Berdan.
The Terhunes, Ackermans and Romaines and a branch of the Dem-
arest family were also settlers in the township, some "I them coming
here before the Revolution.
166 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
Philip Van Bussom early settled in Saddle River,having purchased
land of Dominie Marinus. He had children — John, Andrew, Peter, and
two daughters. The sons located in Saddle River, Peter having- retained
the homestead and married. He had three children.
ORGANIZATION.
It is difficult to learn the exact date of the erection of Saddle River
as an independent township. In the list of freeholders immediately
following - , the first of these officials served in the year i794. It may,
therefore, be assumed that Saddle River was erected as an independent
township either in that or the previous year.
CIVIL LIST.
The list of freeholders it is possible to give complete since 1794.
The remainimg more important township offices cannot be secured for
the period prior to 1862, as the records are not obtainable. The free-
holders are as follows :
1794, Jacob Berdan, Martin Ryerson ; 1796, Samuel Van Zaen, John
C. Bogert; 1797-1801, 1809-15, George Doremus; 1797, John Benson, Jr.;
1798-1801, John Dey; 1802-6, Henry Mead, John Garrison; 1807-11, Jacob
Ackerman; 1807, Richard Degray; 1808, William Colfax; 1812, Isaac
Van Saun; '13-14, Robert Van Houten; '15-18, Martimus Hogencamp;
'16-18, John J. Berdan; '19-20, Isaac Van Saun; '20-25, Garret P. Hop-
per; '22-25, '30-31, Martimus Hogencamp; '26, Jacob Berdan; '56-27,
Richard Ackerman; '27, Adrian R. Van Houten; '28-29, Andrew H.
Hopper, Richard Doremus; '30-'34, Samuel C. Demarest; '32-35, '43-45,
Andrew P. Hopper; '35-36, Perigan Sanford; '35, Henry Doremus; '37-39,
Henry P. Hopper; '37-38, Turnier Van Iderstine; '39-42, Henry C. Van
Houten; '40-42, Cornelius Post, Jr.; '43, '45-46, Andrew B. Van Bussum;
'44, Henry P. Doremus; '46-48, John B. Doremus; '47-48, Henry Cole;
'49-51, Peter A. Hopper; '49-51, '57-61, Andrew C. Cadmus; '52, Simeon
G. Garrison; '52-54, William Doremus; '53-54, John A. Hopper; '56,
Cornelius p. Doremus; '56-57, David Alyea; '58-61, Peter I. Demarest;
'62-64, Richard Van Winkle; '62-67, '68, Henry A. Hopper; '63-64, '66,
John Vreeland; '66-67, James G. Cadmus; '68-70, Cornelius R. Van
Houten; '69-71, John G. Garrison; '72-74, J. W. Doremus; '75-77, John
B. Schoonmaker; '78, James V. Joralemon; '79-81, '82, Martin Romaine;
'82-92, Albert Bogert; '93-96, William Readio; '96-98, William H. Fair-
child; '98-99, C. V. B. Demarest, who died in August 1899 and the va-
cancy filled by appointment of Tunis W. Vreeland.
The remaining important officers are :
1862. — Township Clerk, James V. Joralemon; Collector, James C.
Post; Assessor, Jacob W. Doremus; Township Committee, Augustus
Hasbrouck, William P. Doremus, A. C. Cadmus, George Doremus, John
A. Hopper.
1863. — Township Clerk, James V. Joralemon; Collector, Gustavus
A. De Groot; Township Committee, Andrew C. Cadmus, Augustus
Hasbrouck, George Doremus, Wm. P. Doremus, Wm. A. Van Houten;
Assessor, Jacob W. Doremus.
HISTOKY OF BERGEN COUNTY 1(>7
1864. — Township Clerk, James V. Joralemon; Collector, Gustavus
A. De Groot; Assessor, Jacob W. Doremus; Township Committee, An-
drew C. Cadmus, Augustus Hasbrouck, George Doremus, Wm. Dore-
mus, Wm. A. Van Houten.
1865. — Township Clerk, Isaac A. Hopper; Collector, Gustavus A.
De Groot; Township Committee, Augustus Hasbrouck, Wm. Doremus.
Henry P. Doremus, John A. Hopper, John C. Post.
1866. — Township Clerk, Isaac A. Hopper; Collector, John C. Post;
Assessor, Jacob W. Doremus; Township Committee, Henry P. Dore-
mus, C. C. Post, John B. Schoonmaker, Garret H. Hopper, Andrew C.
Cadmus.
1867. — Township Clerk, Isaac A. Hopper; Collector, Andrew C.
Cadmus; Assessor, James V. Joralemon; Township Committee, Henry
P. Doremus, C. C. Post, J. B. Schoonmaker, Garret H. Hopper, G. V.
H. Berdan.
1868. — Township Clerk, John B. Schoonmaker; Collector, Cornelius
Z. Berdan; Assessor, James V. Joralemon; Township Committee, Wil-
liam Doremus, G. H. Hopper, Henry P. Doremus, G. V. H. Berdan,
Cornelius C. Post.
1869. — Township Clerk, John B. Schoonmaker; Collector, Cornelius
Z. Berdan; Assessor', James V. Joralemon; Township Committee, Wm.
Doremus, G. V. H. Berdan, Andrew Cadmus, Henry A. Hopper, Frank
Henry.
1870. — Township Clerk, John B. Schoonmaker; Collector, Cornelius
Z. Berdan; Assessor, James V. Joralemon; Township Committee, Wm.
Doremus, Rinear J. Berdan, Peter H. Doremus, Albert Alyea, Frank
1 1 enry .
1871.— Township Clerk, David P. Alyea; Collector, Jacob W. Dore-
mus; Assessor, James V. Joralemon; Township Committee, Cornelius ti.
Cadmus, John F. Barclay, Ralph G. Garrison, Albert Alyea, Frank
Alyea.
1S72.— Township Clerk, David P. Alyea; Collector, Jacob W. Dore-
mus; Assessor, James V. Joralemon; Township Committee, C. G, Cad-
mus, Ralph G. Garrison, Wm. Doremus, R. T. Snyder. Frederick Baker.
1873.— Township Clerk, David P. Alyea; Collector, Jacob W. Dore-
mus; Assessor, Isaac A. Hopper; Townsbip Committee, Cornelius G.
Cadmus, R. G. Garrison, Wm. Doremus, Richard T. Snyder, Frederick
Baker.
1874.— Township Clerk, David P. Alyea; Collector, Jacob W. Dore-
mus; Assessor, Isaac A. Hopper; Township Committee, A. E. Miller. R.
G. Garrison, William Doremus, k\ T. Snyder.
1875.- Township Clerk, David P. Alyea; Collector, Jacob W. Dore-
mus; Assessor, Isaac A. Hopper; Township Committer, Tunis W. Vree-
land, John Madden, K. T. Snyder, John G. < rarrison, < reorge Hubschmitt.
1876. Township Clerk, John K. Kipp; Collector, Jacob W. Dore-
mus; Assessor, Isaac A. Hopper; Township Committee, Tunis W. Vr<
168 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
land, John Madden, John G. Garrison, George Hubschmitt, P. H. Van
Iderstine.
1877. — Township Clerk, John E. Kipp; Collector, James G. Cadmus;
Assessor, Isaac A. Hopper; Township Committee, John G. Garretson,
George Hubschmitt, T. W. Vreeland, Adam Hopper, John W. Doremus.
1878.— Township Clerk, John E. Kipp; Collector, J. H. Van Saun;
Assessor, Isaac A. Hopper; Township Committee, Adam Hopper, John
W. Doremus, Andrew W. Ochs, John G. Garretson, William H. Gill.
1879.— Township Clerk, William H. Cadmus; Collector, J. H. Van
Saun; Assessor, J. H. Kipp; Townihip Committee, Adam Hopper, John
W. Doremus, William H. Gill.
1880.— Township Clerk, William H. Cadmus; Collector, John B.
Caldwell; Assessor, John E. Kipp; Township Committee, William H.
Gill, Henry Stiehl, John B. Schoonmaker.
1881.— Township Clerk, W. H. Cadmus; Collector, John B. Caldwell;
Assessor, John E. Kipp; Township Committee, John B. Schoonmaker,
Henry Stiehl, William H. Gill.
1882.— Township Clerk, W. H. Cadmus; Collector, John B. Caldwell;
Assessor, John B. Kipp; Township Committee, Albert Alyea, Gilbert
B. Ackerman, Richard L. Snyder.
1883.— Township Clerk, W. H. Cadmus; Collector, John B. Caldwell;
Assessor, John E. Kipp; Township Committee, Richard L. Snyder, Gil-
bert B. Ackerman, Albert Alyea.
1884.— Township Clerk, W. H. Cadmus; Collector, John B. Caldwell:
Assessor, John E. Kipp; W. H. Doremus on Committee.
1885. — Township Clerk, John B. Shoonmaker; Collector. John B.
Caldwell; Assessor, Tunis W. Vreeland; Gilbert B. Ackerman on Com-
mittee.
1886. — Township Clerk, John B. Shoonmaker; Collector, Jacob W.
Doremus; Assessor, Isaac A. Hopper; Richard L. Snyder on Committee.
1887.— Township Clerk, W. H. Cadmus; Collector, Jacob W. Dore-
mus; Assessor, Isaac A. Hopper; W. H. Doremus on Committee.
1888.— Township Clerk, W. H. Cadmus; Collector, Jacob W. Dore-
mus; Assessor, Isaac A. Hopper; Gilbert B. Ackerman on Committee.
1889. — Township Clerk, W. H. Cadmus; Collector. Jacob Doremus;
Assessor, Isaac A. Hopper; Township Committee, Peter Alyea, elected
for three years, and Henry A. Hopper for two years.
1890.— Township Clerk, W. H. Cadmus; Collector, C. V. B. Demar-
est; Assessor, Isaac H. Hopper; Albert Conklin on Committee.
1891.— Township Clerk, W. H. Cadmus; Collector, C. V. B. Demar-
est; Isaac A. Hopper; Henry A. Hopper on Committee.
1892.— Township Clerk, W. H. Cadmus; Collector, C. V. B. Demar-
est; Assessor, Isaac A. Hopper; Peter Alyea on Committee.
1893.— Township Clerk, Herman Bechtel; Collector, C. V. B. Demar-
est; Assessor, Isaac A. Hopper; Richard L. Snyder on Town Committee.
1894.— Township Clerk, Herman Bechtel; Collector, C. V. B. Dem-
arest; Assessor, Peter J. Smith; Gerritsen on Committee.
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY H,<)
1895.— Township Clerk, Herman Bechtel; Collector. C. N. B. Dema-
rest; Assessor, Peter J. Smith; Township Committee, Peter Alyea
elected for- three years, W. H. A. Maynard for one year.
1896.— Township Clerk, Herman Bechtel; Collector, C. V. B. Dem-
arest; Assessor, ; Township Committee, Charles E. Martin,
George MacDonald.
1897.— Township Clerk, W. H. Cadmus; Collector, Herman Bechtel;
Assessor, Smith Chittenden; George MacDonald on Committee.
1898.— Township Clerk, W. H. Cadmus; Collector, Herman Bechtel;
Assessor, Smith Chittenden; Sela Doremus on Committee.
GARFIELD.
The village of Garfield is properly an adjunct of Passaic — and lies
east of that city, just across the river. The land was originally owned
by the Cadmus and Van Winkle estates. About the year 1883, Gilbert
D. Bogart, and Henry Marcellus, began improvements in the place.
Bogart bought lands of James G. Cadmus and his property was laid off
into town plots. He was the founder of the East Passaic Land Com-
pany and in this way became instrumental in building up Garfield. As-
sociations began to be formed, buildings were erected, the Bsrgen Coun-
ty Short Cut Railroad was built, a depot given to the village, and a
post-office for the people was established. With these accommodations
for the general public, stores were built, two churches erected and two
very important manufacturing industries are now in operation. The
Mr. G. Cadmus above mentioned is of Holland lineage.
John Cadmus, the first to locate on this site had two sons, Andrew
and Cornelius, and five daughters. The sons fell heir to the homestead.
Andrew married Katrina Doremus and has no descendants now residing
in the township. Cornelius was united to Jane VanRiper and had six
sons, John, Garret, David, Andrew, James and Cornelius, all of whom
with the exception of Cornelius settled in Saddle River. David located
on the homestead, and his son James G. Cadmus was the one above
mentioned.
John Cadmus suffered much during the Revolution. His home was
exposed to the depredations of the British, and he himself was finally
captured, taken aprisoner to the old Sugar House in New York, where
his health became so impaired by confinement that he only lived t\\<>
weeks after being released. In May [898 the village was organized in-
to a borough, and William (). Bush elected Mayor.
MANUFACTURING.
Fritzsche Brothers established their chemical works in- 1892. Tli.\
manufacture essential oils, chemical preparations, etc., and deal in fine
drugs. Their store is in New York. They employ fourteen men, have
one seventy-five horse power engine and consume some 300,000 pounds
of cloves annually in the manufacture of theoilof clovesalone. Their
main works are in Germany.
170 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
The Hammerschlag Manufacturing - Company is also located in this
town and has had an existence here since 1896. They employ about fifty
men, and manufacture wax paper. It is a New York enterprise.
CHURCHES OF GARFIELD.
The Presb} T terian Society of Garfield was organized in February,
1888, and soon after presented with lots upon which to build. A church
of fourteen members was organized in May, and work began on the
building in June. Mr. James Hall was ordained and installed. He saw
the edifice completed, but his pastorate terminated in November 1889,
before its occupancy. For a time the church was supplied with students.
A call was extended to Mr. James S. Young, and he was ordained and
installed in June, 1890.
The church then enrolled nineteen members. The property was
mortgaged for $1500; all its furniture, save 100 chairs, was borrowed.
Toward the new pastor's salary a grant was made from Synod's Fund of
S300. Soon the church was properly furnished and a library procured
for the Sunday School. The close of the first year saw the membership
increased to sixty-four, with 205 on the roll of the Sunday School. Cer-
tain special helps toward the salary w T ere relinquished after the first
year, and later the requests for aid from Synod's Fund were diminished.
On the fifth anniversary of Mr. Young's pastorate the cancelled
mortgage was publicly burned. The membership grew from nineteen in
1890 to 141 in 1896. During the past six years over $9000 has been raised
for all purposes. Of this sum S978 has been given to benevolences of
the church at large.
THE REFORMED CHURCH.
The Reformed church in Garfield was organized in January, 1891-
Rev. Seibert its first pastor was installed in October, 1891, and died in
1892. His son, the Rev. George S. Seibert, succeeded, remaining until
the month of September, 1896, when the present pastor, the Rev. W. C. G.
Myles, took charge. The members of the consistory are C. Terhune,
C. Miller, O. Kevit, F. Garretson and G. Schooley.
THE CHURCHES.
The Passaic Valley Union Chapel was the first organization for
religious worship in the township. It originated in a small gathering
for religious instruction at the house of Mrs. Henry Van Riper. It num-
bered at first but three scholars, but gradually increased until it was
thought expedient to secure a building. For this purpose Ralph G.
Garrison, Henry A. Hopper and Peter D. Henderson were elected as a
board of trustees and subscriptions were solicited for the building of the
church. The land was donated by Henry Van Riper to be devoted for
forty years to the uses of a union chapel. The edifice was erected in
1873, the building dedicated in December of that year, and in whieh
services have been held ever since.
HISTOKY OF BERGEN* COUNTY 171
HENRY MARSELLUS ESQ., OF GARFIELD.
Henry Marsellus, the well known real estate agent of former years
in Passaic, and one of the two promoters of Garfield, is a native of the
city of Paterson, N. J., born April 10, 1826. Mr. Marsellus speaks of
himself as coming- from Holland, French extraction, and can show a
long- and honored ancestry. The progenitor of the Marsellus stock was
Pieter Van Marselis who had been in the diplomatic service of Denmark,
and was made a member of the knightly order of the Danebrog, by
Frederick III, King of Denmark and Norway, September 17th, [643.
He arrived in the Province of New Netherlands in the ship Beaver with
his wife, four children, and two servants in the month of May, i66i,
and settled in the Dutch out-post colony of Bergen, now part of Jersey
City. In August 1673, he was appointed a "Schepen " of Bergen, but
the Dutch Government about this time traded the Province of New
Netherlands for Surinam, when he was thrown upon his own resources.
Pieter Van Marselis died September 4th, 1681, and as a mark of special
honor was buried under the old Dutch Church on Bergen Hill. A
grandson of Pieter Van Marselis named Edo, bought two large tracts
of land in what was then the wilderness of North Jersey, one at Preak-
ness, and the other extending from Dundee Lake through Paterson to
the Great Falls of the Passaic. These estates were divided among his
five sons, and one of these sons, whose lands were near the Great Falls,
was the grandfather of Henry Marsellus the subject of this sketch.
Peter E. Marsellus the father of Henry was born in Paterson in 1800,
but in 1836 he moved to Passaic where he died in 1882. He was a
builder by trade and erected a number of houses still standing in the
city of Paterson.
To Peter E. Marsellus were born five sons and two daughters, but
of these only Henry and his youngest sister Helen, are alive. Henry
was raised a farmer, and talks to-day, with a good deal of just pride of
the straight furrow he could draw in his youth. Having a taste for
business Mr. Marsellus in 1868 moved to Passaic where he became one
of the most successful businessmen in real estate, in the state of New
Jersey, handling, some years, close upon half a million dollars. His
office in Washington Place was popularly known as the "Eel Pot," and
was the centre for the leading business nun of the neighborhood. In
those days. Mr. Marsellus became the recognized leader in real estate,
and was then, as he is now, familiarly known as •• Im.s^'* or as Judgi
Barkalow insists on spelling it " Baas
On November 9th 1845, Mr. Marsellus was married to Miss Cather-
ine Van Winkle, a daughter of Jacob and Annie Van Winkle, and
granddaughter of James Van Winkle, by whom Mrs. Marsellus possesses
her wealth, being his only issue Mr. James Van Winkle, who was a
remarkable man in his way, was a justia "i the peace for over twenty-
five years, and died widely respected, ia is, 4. Marines Van Winkle
the grandfather of James Van Winkle was a chair maker, and a lull se1
HENKY -MAWSELLUS
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 173
of his chairs of the imst exquisite workmanship, manufactured over 175
years ago, are now in use in the commodious parlors of Mrs. Marsellus.
Mr. Marsellus is full of joke and reminiscence, and can tell of
happy acquaintance with such men as Daniel Webster, Robert Collier,
Vice President Hobart and Attorney General Griggs. The following-
incident is worthy of preservation: When Mr. Marsellus and his wife
were returning from Boston on their honeymoon, and had boarded a
train for New York, there came into the same car a stranger, who took
his seat immediately behind them, and the young husband seeing the
stranger laden with papers and periodicals, which he carelessly threw
into the seat he intended to occupy, whispered to his wife, "We evi-
dently are to have the company of a book peddler." The seeming book
peddler turned out to be the famous orator and statesman, Daniel Web-
ster. An acquaintanceship thus sprang up in this casual way. The
great man asked the young farmer and his wife to accompany him to his
hotel, where they all dined together and in the evening all three at-
tended theatre in company.
Mr. and Mrs. Marsellus have but two children living, Herbert and
Annie (Mrs. C. Demerest), out of a family of seven. There home is
beautifully situated at the upper end of Garfield, and Mr. Marsellus
says their diamond jubilee is just twenty-years ahead, which he and his
worthy consort are looking forward to enjoying.
CORNELIUS V. B. DEMAREST.
Cornelius V. B. Demarest was born at Dobbs Ferry, Westchester,
county, N. Y., June 11th, 1854, and is the eldest son of Daniel Demarest
and Mary Cordelia Garrison. When he was one year old they located
at Hackensack, N. J., residing there about two years, when they became
infected with the western fever and removed to Michigan. After spend-
ing several years in the West and South, the family returned to New
York city in 1863, and in 1866 settled at Passaic, N. J., where for more
than thirty years the name of Daniel Demarest has been prominently
before the public as a reliable Architect and Builder. In holding differ-
ent positions of trust, by his integrity and fair dealing he has earned
the respect and esteem of all.
Cornelius V. B., the subject of this sketc.h, after leaving the public
school, entered the private Academy of Professor John A. Monroe, at
Passaic, afterwards taking a course in Packards Business College, in
New York city. Being inclined to mechanics, he then served an appren-
ticeship with the New York Steam Engine Works then located at Pas-
saic. After working at his trade of machinist, for a time he was em-
ployed as master mechanic in the New York Melting and Packing
Company works at Passaic. Afterwards he entered the employ of the
Standard Oil Works at Philadelphia and later at the Garfield Pumping
Station at Garfild, Bergen county, now the national pipe line, where he
continues in charge of the largest and most powerful oil pumps in the
section, if not in the United States.
CORNELIUS V. B. DEMAREST
(Deceased)
HISTORY OF BERCxEN COUNTY 175
He was married in May 1881, to Miss Belle, daughter of William
and Rachel Christie of Passaic. Their children are two sons, Daniel,
and David Van Buskirk, and one daughter, Hilda Rae.
The Demarest family are of French origin, and honorably trace
their line of descent from the Huguenots, who were driven from France,
by religious persecution. They first sought homes in Holland and
afterwards in Long Island in counties bordering on the Hudson and
according to the oldest records appear to have been, among the first
settlers in Bergen county. From actual data the connecting links have
been established through eight generations between the subject of this
sketch and David Demarest the first of that name to settle in Bergen
county and who emigrated in the year 1663. Cornelius V. B. Demarest
purchased a home in Garfield, Saddle River township, in 1888. In 1891
he was elected Tax collector of Saddle River township and re-elected in
1895, having served with entire satisfaction in that capacity for seven
years. His constituency elected him in 1897, to the county board of
Chosen Freeholders. He was defeated for Assembly a few years since
when the party failed to elect, the successful candidate being David Za-
briskie the present county Judge. Mr. Demarest was a member of the
citizens committee who organized the Borough of Garfield in 1898. He
died in August 1899.
HERMAN BECHTEL.
Herman Bechtel, proprietor of the Dundee Lake Hotel, Dundee
Lake, and Collector for the township of Saddle River, is a native of
New York city, and was born January 29, 1867. He is the son of Albert
and Adelia (Blauvelt) Bechtel, his mother being the daughter of Abram
Dow and Jane E. Blauvelt, representatives of old families of New York.
Albert Bechtel, the father of Herman, is a native of Stuttart, Germany,
and is a brother of August, who was private secretary to the king of
that province. Albert Bechtel came to this country when nineteen years
of age, locating in the city of New York, where he served in the capacity
of expert bookkeeper for many years, for an old standard firm. Subse-
quently he came to New Jersey and built up the coal and fertilizing
business where he is now. He is also postmaster and station agent of
Dundee Lake. When five years of age Mr. Herman Bechtel was sent
to the Hoboken Academy, N. J., and subsequently to Rockland College,
Nyack, N. Y., where he remained with his grandmother, going to school
there until fourteen years of age. He then came to New Jersey, but after-
wards spent five years in the city of New York in the capacity of mes-
senger boy. Life was thus begun at the foot of the ladder, but advance-
ment was rapid, and, in 1885, he found himself partner with his father in
the coal and fertilizing business at Dundee Lake. In 1894 he gave up the
coal business and took the hotel which lie still conducts. In 1 892 land was
purchased of Gillian Zabriskie, and a year or so later the hotel was erected.
Mr. Bechtel is a representative man of his town, and .is necessitj
requires is advanced to public positions of trust and honor. He was
elected first a member of the Board of Education, and served as clerk ol
HEKMAN BECHTEL
HISTOKY OF BERGEN COUNTY
177
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BECHTEL S HOTEL, DUNDEE LAKE
this Board two years. He was elected Township Clerk in 1893 and re-
elected in 1896, but resigned that position in 1897 to accept the collector-
ship of the town, which position he still holds. He has also been a
prominent member of the County Committee of the Democratic party.
Mr. Bechtel was married to Miss Claire Cornet in 1889, and has two
children.
JACOB DEMAREST.
Jacob Demarest who located on land in the vicinity of Fairlawn
in Revolutionary times, was the father of Peter J. Demarest, who died
March 1 ( ), 1SSS at the advanced age of eighty years.
The children of Peter J., were: Margaret, Jacob, Maria, James J.
Garret H. and John II.
James J. Demarest occupies the homestead when he erected a house
in 1890. On January 25th, 1869 he was married to Miss Charity Banta,
daughter of John II. Banta. of Orvil. Mr. Demaresl is a successful far-
mer. He is a descendant of the Demarests who came to America to find
an asylum, from religious persecution. They were French Huguenots,
first going to Holland ami thence to America, where the) settled on
Long Island, afterward removing to Bergen County. The family which
is numerous, were among the earliest settlers of this part ol New Jersey
CHAPTER XVIII.
FRANKLIN.
DESCRIPTION — CIVIL LIST — EARLY SETTLEMENTS — INDIANS — VILLAGES —
WORTENDYKE — WYCKOFF — CAMPGAW — OAKLAND — RAILROAD —
MANUFACTURING — JAIL AND COURT HOUSE — CHURCHES
— SCHOOLS — BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Franklin is one of the oldest^ townships in Bergen County. It took
its name from Governor William Franklin, the natural son of Dr. Benja-
min Franklin. He was born about 1730. Who his mother was is not
known. In 1762 he was appointed by Lord Bute Governor of the prov-
ince of New Jersey. He entered upon the duties of his office February
28, 1763.
The township is in the northwesterly corner of the county, and is
bounded on the north by Passaic County, on the east by the townships
of Hohokus and Ridge wood in Bergen County, and south by Ridge wood,
Midland Borough, and on the west by Passaic County. The southern
part of the township is hilly, and the northern is mountainous. It is
well watered with lakes and streams, and the Ramapo River runs
through its entire width near the northern boundary. The hills, val-
leys and mountains afford some of the most picturesque views in the
county. The Ramapo Valley from Pompton, near the line of Franklin
township, to Hohokus township, and for miles beyond, flanked as it is
by the Ramapo Mountains on the north and long stretches of meadow-
land and the undulating hills on the south, afford some of the most de-
lightful views to be found in the State. Some of the old residences
here go back to a period before the Revolution. Rodman M. Price, one
of the honored ex-Governors of New Jersey, had a beautiful and spacious
residence in this valley, in Franklin township, near the Hohokus line.
Visitors from Europe to this retired spot have often admired the rare
beauty of the mountains with the river running at their foot. Farther
up this valley was once the country residence of that famous lawyer,
Hugh Maxwell, district attorney of New York City, and still farther up
the valley the wealth and refinement of the great metropolis still find
desirable places for country residence.
Judge Garrison of Oakland fully describes the scenery of the beau-
tiful valley of Ramapo in verse as follows:
"Here the Ramapo River passes along,
And the birds in the trees enchant us with song,
While lilies and tulips the meadows adorn,
And fields sparkle bright with rich dews of the morn.
This beautiful valley is encircled around
By forests and mountains where pure springs abound;
And the elms, oaks and maples are shading the rills,
Meandering with music between the green hills.
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 179
Here groves of tall pine trees can also be seen,
Arrayed in their robes of perennial green;
And thousands of fruit trees, when in their full bloom
Emit sweet odors the air to perfume."
CIVIL ORGANIZATION.
Franklin became a township separate from Saddle River township
about 1772. May 13th of that year it is named in the book of the board
of freeholders as the township of Franklin, and for the first time is rep-
resented in that body by Jacobus Bertolf only, though most of the
other townships were represented by two freeholders at that time. At
the January session of the Court of Sessions for that vear, David Van
Norden, Isaac Bogert, and Abraham Rutan were appointed constables
for Franklin township. Before 1772 Franklin belonged to Saddle River
township, and before that township was organized it belonged to the
ancient township of New Barbadoes.
We give below a list of the chosen freeholders of the township since
1794, the date at which the freeholders became a board separate from
the justices. The justices and freeholders who preceded the change
made in 1794 are named in the general county history, as they are not
found in the records identified with the townships which they respec-
tively represent:
1794, Joseph Board; 1794, Peter Slutt; 1795, Henry Wanmaker; 17 ( »5.
Garret W. Hopper; 1796-97, Peter Wend; 1796-1800, Andrew Hopper;
1798-1813. Garret Lydecker; 1801, 1803, 1806, 1812, John Hopper; 1801-2.
David P. Harring; 1802-4, Abram A. Quackenbush; 1803, Albert Wilson;
1804-13-18, Abram Forshee; 1805, John Van Blarcom; 18(15-12-14, C.
Stor; 1806-8, Abrm. Harring; 1807-11, Peter Ward; 1809-11, Henry Van
Emburgh; 1815-18, Daniel Gero, Jr.; 1819-20, John A. Van Voorhis; 1819,
John Hopper; 1820-24, 1826-27, William Hopper; 1821-24, Henry Van
Emburgh; 1825, David I. Christie; 1825-27, 1834-35, John Ward; 1828-
30, Martin Van Houten; 1828-30, John Mandijo; 1831, 1833, John Wil-
lis; 1831, Christian A. Wanmaker; 1832, David I. Ackerman; 1832-33,
Isaac I. Bogert; 1834-35, Garret Van Dien; 1836-38, William G. Hopper;
1836-38, John H. Hopper; 1839-40, Henry B. Hagerman; 1839-41, Henry
A. Hopper; 1841-43, Simeon Van Winkle; 1842-44, Henry I. Spear;
1844-46, Anthony Crowter; 1845, 1849-51, John K. Post; 1846-48, Wil-
liam P. Van Blarcom; 1847-48, James S. Wanmaker; 1849, 1853-54,
James Van Houten; 1850-52, Stephen D. Bartholf; 1852-54, Abram
Wortendyke; 1856, Garret Hopper; 1857-60, John D. Marinus; 1859-61,
John Halsted; 1861-63, Garret D. Ackerman; 1862-64, David C. Bush;
1864, Daniel Ackerman; 1866-67, 1871, Garret J. Hopper; 1866-67,
Samuel 1\ Demarest; 1868-70, Garret A. Hopper. John H. Speer; 1872-
75. Peter H. Pulis; 187(., Daniel 1). Depew; 1877-78, Charles White;
1879-80, Abram C. Wortendyke; 1880-85, At. ram C. Wortendyke; 1885-
86, David II. Spear; 1886-88, John R. Carlough; 1889-94, David H
Spear; 1894-97, John II. Post; 1897-1900, Thomas Post
180 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
Cornelius Schuyler, son of Arent Schuyler, was one of the first set-
tlers in Franklin township in 1730. The Carretson from Berg-en Town
came and settled near where the Ponds Church now stands. The Van
Aliens owned six hundred acres on the Pond Flats. George Ryerson and
Urie Westervelt (1709) purchased an extensive tract of the Indians, ex-
cepting the land at Sicamac and land on the present farm of Isaac D.
Van Blarcom, as it was an Indian burial-ground. The Berdan family
settled at Preakness, in this vicinity, in 1720. John Stek, now Stagg.
"settled back of Knickies' Pond-" in 1711. This is undoubtedly part of
the Judge Millard farm at Sicamac. Stagg and his descendants lived on
this farm till about sixty years ago. Yan Romaine, yeoman of Hacken-
sack, purchased 600 acres, located in the vicinity, from the Willcox &
Johnson patent, May 19, 1724, and sold 200 acres to Rulef C. Van Houten,
March 17, 1737, for seventy pounds. This property in modern times has
been occupied by John V. Hennion, William De Baun, and John Acker-
man. Simeon Van Winkle came in i733 and settled on the property
lately belonging to Teunis Van Slyke. For four or five generations the
Van Winkles honored the consistory of the Ponds Church. August i7,
1 720, found John and William Van Voor Haze, yeomen of the county of
Bergen, buying- of John Barberie, Peter Fauconiere, and Andrew Fres-
near, merchants of New York City, 550 acres of land at Wikhoof (so
spelled and said to be of Indian origin ), present Wyckoff, The fifty odd
acres were allowed for roads. William Van Voor Haze was married first
Susanah Larne, May i7, i7i7, and second to Maria Van Gildee, January
2, 1728, and died July i7, i744, leaving five sons and four daughters.
An extract from his will says, "I give and bequeat unto my eldest son,
Jacobus Van Voorhees, the big bybel, for his first birthright, as being
my heir-at-law. I will that my youngest dater, which I have by myn
dear beloving wife, which is named Marytie Van Voor Haze, that she
shall have for her poorshon the sum of ,£i9." To his other daughters,
he gave twelve pounds each. His son entered the king's service and
died in i767. His son Albert lived on the present Uriah Quackinbush
farm, and Abraham lived on the Lewis Cjouman's farm. He died Feb-
ruary 5, 1 830, aged ninety-four. Near his dwelling, at twilight, shortly
before his death, seeing a light upon the knoll, he chose that spot as his
resting place, and there he slumbers ; and beside him sleeps his wife,
Margaret Hinter, who followed him to the grave in the May following
his own death. John lived on the Henry Blauvelt farm.
The Alburtises were also early settlers here, near the Van Voor
Haze property. The Winters, Courtins, Youngs, Storms, Ackermans,
and Quackenbushes all came before i760, and the Van Gilders about
1 730. The Pulisfelts (now Pulis) lived on the Peter Ward farm, and
the Bogerts on the Henry Vandenhoff property, going into Yaupough
Valley. Vandenhoff is said to have lived in a cave for some time about
1 760. These are the names of many of the early settlers in what is now
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 181
Franklin township. Many more there may have been, but their names
are lost or forgotten.
Early in the eighteenth century purchases were made of the Indians
of tracts of land lying- to the southward of the "Wilcox and Johnson
patent." Arent Schu3'ler, of Albany, and Anthony Brockholst, of New
York City, were interested in these lands. The Garretsons from Berg-en,
the Van Aliens, the Berdans, the Staggs, the Romaines, the Van Wink-
les, and the Van Voorhises were purchasers of extensive tracts in this
section forty, fifty, or sixty years before the Revolution. iOO years ago
in the present township of Franklin the lands were generally taken up,
although the territory was sparsely inhabited. Extensive tracts were
under limited cultivation. Then there was scarcely a manufacturer in
the township. Cornelius Wortendyke, it is true, was manufacturing
about 1 00 years ago at Newtown, but nearly all the industry was con-
rined to the raising of corn, wheat, and potatoes. These same abundant
crops to-day at present prices would make any economical farmer rich
in a few years.
This township in the Revolutionary period became important as a
place of refuge and retreat. The courts of Bergen County were driven
hither from Hackensack. Washington and his army were hovering in
the vicinity, keeping an eye on the British invader; a British Tory was
hung by Sheriff Manning near Oakland, in this township, as is recited
elsewhere in this history. Cornelius Schuyler, son of Arent Schuyler,
was one of the earliest settlers in Franklin township in [730. The
Garretsons from Bergen Town were also early settlers.
VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
There are no large villages in this township ; the people generally
are devoted to agricultural pursuits. Abundant crops of grapes, both
wild and cultivated, are grown in this township, the apple crop is also
abundant. The New York, Susquehanna and Western Railroad, for-
merly the Midland, and before that the New Jersey Western, which had
its first inception in this township through the energy and enterprise of
Cornelius A. Wortendyke some years since, gave a sudden impetus
and excited the highest hopes for the future growth of the township.
This road enters Franklin from Ridgewood township, about one mile
below Midland Park, and passing nearly midway through it till con-
fronted by the Ramapo Mountains. In crossing the river near Oakland
it runs along the foot-hills of these mountains, leaving the township for
Pompton about one mile from Oakland. Thus it runs about ten miles
through this township.
The villages and hamlets locally named as stub in the township are
Wortendyke, Wyckoff, Campgaw, Oakland.
The Ramapo Indians sometimes visited the settlements in the town-
ship. They were known formerly as the Hackensacky Indians but are
more properly the race described as the "Jackson Whit. They I
little resemblance to the Indians, yei as tradition gives it they are des-
182 HISTORY OF BERCxEN COUNTY
cendants of Hessians, Indians and negroes but know nothing- of their
ancestry, so ignorant have they become. They dwell in huts or caves in
the sides of the mountains, and subsist on fish and game, principally.
When Judge Garrison was a boy, one of these people, an old man, Uncle
Rich De Groate by name, would often leave his home for a visit to the
villagers, coming among the people without hat, or covering for his feet
and legs to his knees. When asked whether or not his lower limbs did
not suffer from excessh r e cold he would reply by asking the same ques-
tion concerning the exposure of the face. He died probably sixty years
of age.
WORTENDYKE.
The village of Wortendyke, formerly called Newtown, was founded
by Cornelius Wortendyke in the year 1796. Tradition says two brothers
of this family located at Pascack, and from thence Cornelius removed to
this place where in 1812 a wool carding mill was erected for the immed-
iate county trade. Abraham Wortend} T ke, his son, succeeded him and
in 1832 changed the business from wool to cotton. Subsequently this
was changed to a silk mill. A few years since the village was called
Godwinville. Another silk mill was added later on and since then these
mills have been enlarged and re-enlarged giving employment to hun-
dreds of hands. The mills are now operated by Francis H. Mayhew.
Cornelius H. Wortendyke procured the original charter of the New
Jersey Western Railroad, and in 1867 was elected its president. In 1870
this road was consolidated with the New Jersey, Hudson and Delaware,
and the Sussex Valley Railroad, under the name of the New Jersey
Midland Railway Company, of which Mr. Wortendyke also held the
office of President. When the railroad was built through this place a
station, a hotel, and other houses were erected, the supposition being
that Wortendyke would rapidly increase in population. The hotel is
owned by John T. Ramsey, and the store by H. T. Lawrence, who came
into possession of this property in 1881, and has operated it successfully
ever since. Mr. Lawrence has also been postmaster since 1888.
The mills of Wortendyke, and the railroad shops have called hither
many native Hollanders, nearly all of whom are professing Christians
and members of the old Holland Reformed Church.
SCHOOLS.
In 1811 Cornelius Wortendyke leased for school purposes a small lot
near where the Methodist Church now stands. Isaac Blauvelt and
Jacob Quaekenbush, owned this ground for twenty-five years, which was
leased and on which a schoolhouse was erected, probably the first in the
locality. In 1822 this structure was burned, when a new one was built
this in turn being abandoned probably forty years ago, for another. It
was a brick structure which stood at the foot of the hill on the road to
Ridgewood ; and was erected in 1859. This was next abandoned for the
new school house, built in 1880 at a cost of $2500. In the old school of
1 822, Henry Westervelt, Tunis Crum, Isaac Sherr, Richard Ellsworth,
Ashbel Abbott, John Turner, Rev. Matthew Mallinson, Amos B. How-
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 183
land and Asa W. Roath, are mentioned as the teachers. The Methodists
have a church at Wortendyke, which was organized December 14, 1805.
Mark McCraken, Aaron Ackerman, James Dods, John Van Blarcom,
Cornelius Lozier, James Stagg, Morris Sharpenstine, William Van Blar-
com, and Alexander McCall were its first trustees. John Morrow, de-
ceased, a worthly and most saintly man, during - a long - and useful life
was most active and efficient in the erection of a new Methodist Church
here in i830. In 1868 another church was erected and the old one re-
moved. This edifice, was greatly aided in erection through the means
and efforts of Cornelius A. Wortendyke, but Mr. Morrow never ceased to
be an active and efficient supporter of this church according to his
means, and was a most exemplary member of this Methodist Church to
the day of his death. The Methodists also have a prosperous society at
Campgaw, and a church edifice erected in 1856.
Rev. Thomas Hall is now pastor of the church. Rev. H. Luback is
pastor of one of the Reformed churches, the other churches not having
a pastor at this time.
WYCKOFF.
Wyckoff, is a beautiful little village in this township on the Sus-
quehanna railroad, twenty-eight miles from the city of New York, and
owes its existence to the railroad.
Abram Van Vorhis probably built the first house in the place. He
owned a store, cider mill, distillery and blacksmith shop on grounds
now occupied by Samuel Winters residence. He afterwards removed to
Wortendyke where he bought property in Midland Park.
Among the early settlers at Wyckoff and vicinity should be men-
tioned Abram Van Voorhis, James Van Blarcom, William Winters,
Jacob Stur and David Folley. The sons of William Winters were Henry.
William, Cornelius, John, Barney, Abram and Peter, all of whom settled
in this vicinity. Henry, son of Henry, now eighty-three years of age, and
Samuel Winters, his grandson, still live here. Cornelius Ackerman
and Andrew Ackerman lived here in an early day. John P. Ramsey,
one of the original owners of the village, rebuilt the hotel now leased
to Benjamin Coleman. At an early day a cotton mill stood below the
hotel on the Van Blarcon estate. No manufacturing is now in the place
save a cider mill erected about 1890 by Daniel Winters.
Daniel DePew was the first agent of the railroad and the post office
was kept in the depot. After Mr. DePew came, one or two changes were
made, when the present agent, Mr. Peter S. Pulis, took charge of the
station July 1, 1883.
Stoat & Hoard, Samuel Pulis, the IK' Pews and Mr. .1. E. Mowerson
have all been merchants in the place. Mr. Mowerson, present owner ol
the store and also postmaster, has done a large business here siiuv ^77
C IMPG \W.
This hamlet has a storr, posl office, saw mill, grist mill and a shop
or two all under the name of Peter H. Pulis & Son. Mr. Pullis was the
184 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
first agent of the road here, and under his management business always
kept on the increase. His son, Samuel Pulis, and grandson, William
G. Pulis, are now in charge.
THE REFORMED CHURCH AT WYCKOFF.
In 1803 a movement was made for a new church, and out of this
grew the building of a church at Wyckoff. Many of the members of
the Ponds Church lived near Wyckoff.
The Reformed (Dutch) Church at Wyckoff was established about
ninety-two years ago. It has a large and convenient structure, built of
stone on foundations solid enough to last for centuries.
The old church had stood for sixty years, and a new edifice seemed
necessary. Judge J. A. Van Voorhees, A. Stevenson, and others of
Wyckoff and vicinity prevailed, when the old church was partly taken
down and a new one erected, but in 1840 to 1845 the old hexagonal
church was restored and reconstructed, much in the shape it is at pres-
ent, a parallelogram or oblong square. The deed for the Wyckoff
Church is dated September 27, 1805, to William Pulisfelt, Conrad Stur,
Lawrence Ackerman, and James L. Ackerman, the consistory of the
Ponds Church, with Judge Van Voorhees as treasurer and general ad-
viser or director. The steeple was struck by lightning in 1829. In
1811, Rev. John Demarest became pastor of the church or society at the
Ponds and of the Wyckoff Church. Mr. Demarest was born and edu-
cated in Hackensack, at the famous school of Dr. Wilson, and studied
theology under Dr. Froeligh. Mr. Demarest subsequently became a
member of the True Reformed Dutch Church, and at one time owned
the farm on which Major Andre was executed at Tappan. He died
April 8, 1837. The two congregations at the Ponds and Wyckoff were
divided May 10, 1822, and the Ponds Church was reorganized. The
two churches were incorporated in 1824. The division line between
them commenced at the house of Garret Post, near High Mountain,
thence to John Ackerman's house, thence to Abraham Winter's house,
and thence to Yaupough. Rev. Zachariah H. Kuypers, son of the pas-
tor of that name at Hackensack, in April, 1825, became pastor of the
Ponds and Wyckoff Churches. He also was educated under Dr. Wilson.
He was succeeded by Rev\ W. J. Thompson in 1842. Thompso l was a
graduate of Rutgers in 1834, and appointed tutor of ancient languages
there in 1838, and filled that position with great credit. These churches
now entered upon a new and brighter day of activity and success. He
remained pastor till 1845. From this time they have had separate pas-
tors. Rev. B. V. Collins became pastor of the Ponds Church, Novem-
ber, 1845, and remained there to January, 1868. Rev. A. G. Ryerson
became pastor of the Wyckoff Church April 7, 1846, and remained till
May 24, 1864, the church prospering under his ministry. He was suc-
ceeded by Rev. William B. Van Benschoten, April 11, 1865. Van Ben-
schoten was a graduate of Rutgers College and Theological Seminary.
He remained there about six years, and died while pastor of a Reformed
Church at Ephrata, in the State of New York. He was succeeded at
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 185
Wyckoff by Rev. S. T. Searles 1872, who was pastor many years. The
Rev. A. Westeveer, successor of the Rev. William Faulker, is the
present pastor.
The church has a membership of 160 persons, and has for its officers
at the present time the following-: Elders — Samuel D. Winters, Thomas
H. Winters, Daniel Snyder, James E. Mowerson; Deacons — Charles F.
Hopper, Charles Duryea, John J. Vanderbeck, John W. May.
OAKLAND.
The little village of Oakland is situated on the Susquehanna rail-
road near the border line of Franklin township, about thirty-three miles
from New York city. It is one of the beautiful and picturesque places
in the county. The Ramapo Mountains on its western side give it that
peculiar cbarm which a mountain only can give little villages, when
nestled along its side under its sheltering protection. The village has
a reputation worthy of an enterprising people, and with its railroad,
hotel and stores, and two prominent manufacturing enterprises, it is on
the progressive.
The place was known 150 years ago by the name Youghpaugh-
Yoppo — and was the seat of government of the county for three or four
years, dating from the year 1780. It was known also as the "Ponds,"
that name coming from the Church, one of the oldest in the township.
There was a small pond of water in this vicinity, and a grist mill stand-
ing near the church, served the people long before the Revolution. The
Rev. Guilliam Bertholf probably preached here as early as 1710, and for
twenty years thereafter. The worshippers in that old church, whoever
they were, formed the first settlement at the Ponds. The Garretsons
from Bergen Town came here as early as 1760. The Van Aliens owned
600 acres on the Pond flats, and the Bogerts and others, as will be seen
in the general sketch, were early on this land. At a later day, Aaron
Garrison and his brother Abram, who was drowned in the Hudson
River in 1804, settled in the upper end of the valley. Martin Van
Houten early occupied the ground upon which the residence of George
Calder now stands. A stone house was first built on that site. Still
later, the Hoppers, Judge Garrison, John Bush and David C. Bush with
others came into the place. The "Ponds," however, assumed no im-
portance until after the building of the railroad in L870, when the depot
was erected, a post office was established, and II. W. Bush started a store
where Lloyd & McNomes are now. Henrv Bush was the first postmaster
in the village, after which David C. Bush, to whose enterprising spirit
principally, the village owes the office, succeeded to the position, which
he held from time to time, lor sixteen years. The hotel was built in
L882.
Till". RAILROAD.
David C. Bush, at the instance of C. A Wortendyke, became a
prominent factor in the building of tin- railroad through Oakland.
These two men probably secured more stock lor the enterprise and did
186 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
more to insure success in that undertaking - than any other two men in the
company. Land for the yard and depot and the right of way through
the place was given by Mr. Bush, who was also one of the largest con-
tributors to the present depot built by the citizens. Upon the comple-
tion of the road, in March, 1869, five or six hundred people gathered,
and under the inspiration of a couple of barrels of apple-jack and good
cider, with the booming of cannon, the event was properly chronicled in
the hearts and minds of the people. The opening exercises began at
one o'clock. Beginnihg at two o'clock, speeches were made by ex-Gov-
Price, Judge Garrison, Isaac Wortendyke, Dr. William Colfax, cousin of
Vice President Colfax, and others, and at six o'clock refreshments were
furnished, which terminated the gala exercises of the day.
This part of the Ramapo Valley in an early day went by the roman-
tic name the Indians gave it. It was subsequently the Ponds, then called
Scrub Oaks, and perforce of family influence was known still later as
Bushville. Upon the completion of the road, there was a meeting of the
citizens to select a new name, some preferring that of Breakcliff, some
Pleasant Valley, some Bushville, and so on. The meeting was held at
the store of Henry Bush. J. P. Storms was elected Chairman, and Z.
H. Post, secretary. Different names were offered by different parties,
and after all disscussions were over, Mr. David C. Bush arose and pro-
posed the name "Oakland," which was chosen, and which name it now
bears.
THE AMERICAN E. C. & SHULTZ POWDER COMPANY.
This concern began operations in Oakland in i890, for the manufac-
ture of smokeless powder, for sporting purposes purely. They purchased
1 20 acres of land from Judge Garrison. David C. Bush, James Van
Blarcom and Jacob A. Terhune, and began the erection of a number of
buildings, the largest of whieh is thirty by 300 feet. They employ
thirty men and have a capacity of 2000 pounds daily. Captain A. W.
Money is the managing director and treasurer of the company.
OAKLAND HAIR WORKS.
A. D. Bogert was manufacturing fillings for mattresses, chairs, etc.,
under the name of the Wood Type Manufacturing Company-, in and before
1 876. He made his product from wood fibre, weeds, etc., and carried on
the business for many years. This industry was largely increased by
the Wilkens Brothers, who came to the village in i894, and purchased
from S. P. Demarest forty acres of land, upon which they erected a
number of buildings. They ship fibres, hogs' hair, and various pro-
ducts from every known country on the globe, by train load, and do a
business in curled hair and in materials for brushes, mattresses, etc.,
world wide. They employ abont iOO men.
JAIE AND COURT HOUSE.
The first Court House and Jail on the public Green, Hackensack,
was burned in 1780.
The second Court House and Jail was built at Youghpaugh (Oak
land) in the township of Franklin, where the courts of the county were
HISTOKY OF BERGEN COUNTY 187
held for a few years. Youghpaugh — Yoppo — was only the County Seat
ad-interum, and courts seem to have been held there, or in the Ponds
Reformed Church during- those troublous days, to such judicial extrem-
ities had the British driven us during the Revolution. The Jail was
built near the Sheriff's dwelling about three hundred yards north of the
station, where the foundations are still to be seen.
Abraham Manning was Sheriff of the county and resided near the
Oakland station. Among others confined in the Jail, was a notorious
traitor, named Noah Collington, or Kellingham, who was hung on gal-
lows erected on a little mound near by which bears the traitor's name to
this day. He had been indicted for murder and robbery in the county,
and while attempting to escape in disguise across the Hudson near Fort
Lee, in order to get within the British lines, he was captured near that
place and brought to the Jail. Upon trial and conviction he was sen-
tenced to be hung. During the inclement winter he was allowed a fire,
whereupon he attempted one night to burn down his prison house and
make his escape. Vanderhoff, the miller, while watching his dam dur-
ing a freshet, discovered the threatened conflagration and giving the
alarm the fire was soon extinguished, and Collington was manacled and
subjected to much closer confinement. Upon Manning's return he was
infuriated and beat his prisoner most severely with a club. A physician
came to alleviate the sufferings of the poor man, who was hung early
the next morning.
An old Englishman named " Rench " was teaching school opposite
the Ponds Church. At the time the Jail and Court House was destroyed
he left this school and joined the refugees at Hopperstown — now Ho-
hokus. Sheriff Manning hearing the noise of guns, there, together
with a few neighbors hastened to New Prospect where they saw a com-
pany of Refugees or Tories, coming from Hopperstown towards New
Prospect. Concealing themselves behind a stone wall they waited
while the enemy approached. The old teacher was recognized by the
sheriff who deliberately aimed at his head, but the bullet only passed
through his hat, and hid itself in a tree. After peace was declared the
old teacher ventured to the Ponds but the sheriff was too patriotic to
allow him to remain.
From a discourse delivered in the Oakland church, November 30th.
i876, we take the following historical notes of the old church in early
days, known in connection with the old Paramus church as the " Panne"
(Ponds). There is no record of the first church, and all the informa-
tion in regard to its earlv history must be found with that of other
churches, with which it was connected.
The Rev. Guilliam Bertholl" returned from Holland, after his ordi-
nation, i0 ( »4, and became the pastor of Hackensack and Aquackanonk
churches. He was registered at Second Riyer, now Belleville, in about
1700 and at Ponds 1 710. This was the first public worship of God in
this place. Here Rev. Bertholf remained over twenty years. He \v;is
also the lirst minister at Tappan, and besides, ordained elders and
188 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
deacons at Raritan, and administered the sacraments. He was for many
years the only Dutch pastor in New Jersey. The old Log- Church was
located east of the new cemetery, near the public road, and was the first
religious structure north of the Passaic River, but there is not a vestige
of it left to mark the spot.
Rev. Henricus Coens succeeded Mr. Bertholf in the Log Church in
1725, ministering at the same time in the churches of Belleville and
Pompton.
The Rev. Johannes Van Driessen, the next minister, was settled in
Aquackanonk in 1735, and was pastor of Pompton and the Ponds in con-
nection with Aquackanonk. Mr. Van Driessen was the last preacher in
the Log Church.
The plot of land upon which stands the present (1876), church was
given by John Romaine and Jacob Garrison, a part of which was appro-
priated for a graveyard.
The edifice was built of stone, hexangular in style, the roof converg-
ing to a point. The materials were provided by the congregation. The
interior of the church was furnished with chairs. There was a high
pulpit and a short gallery, all very plain but substantial. As near as
can be determined it was built about 1745.
Rev. Benjamin Vanderlinde, the next pastor, was a native of Bergen
county, born at Polling in 1719, and was called to this church in connec-
tion with Paramus on August 21st, 1748. This is the first record in the
old Dutch Book. The Elders at this time were : Albert Van Dien, Steve
Terhune, Yan Romaine, Barbent Van Hoorn, Hendrick Van Aele, Roe-
lof Van Houten, The deacons were : Johannes Stek, Kleet Zabriskie,
Albert Bogert, Simeon Vanwinkle, Cornelius Van Houten, and Steve
Bogert. The Ponds Church belonged to the Classis of Hackensack
until the year i800, to the Classis of Bergen until i839, and is at this
time, (1876), connected with the Classis of Passaic. The Rev. Peter
Leydt was licensed and became pastor at the Ponds about 1788, and died
in 1793, and the Rev. Peter Dewitt was called to this pastorate in 1798.
The Hexangular Church had now been in use fifty years and the Consists
ory decided to furnish a new roof, a new pulpit, and to substitute pew-
for the chairs. All improvements that were made, added to the value of
the property. Mr. Dewitt extended his labors to Wyckoff on the east
and to Preakness on the south.
The people of Wyckoff now built a new church, Judge Van Voorhees
acting as treasurer and general manager. The work of building began
in 1806, and the same Fall the pews were sold. Mr. Dewitt died in 1809,
and was laid to rest under the old church. The Rev. Demarest was next
installed as pastor on November 11th. 1811. There were no stoves in
the church, but this did not deter people from going to the services.
Mr. Demarest's ministry closed about i820. He always signed his name,
John Demarest, V. D. M. (Minister of the Word of God. ) The elders
at this time were : Joseph Van Cleve, Conrad Sturr, Nicholas Romeyn,
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 189
and William Pulis. The deacons were : George Snyder, Simeon Van
Winkle, Samuel Romeyn and John A. Van Voorhees.
Upon coming- to the Ponds, the people honored Mr. Demarest with
a large reception, This was his last regular charge. His daughter,
Mrs. Jacobus Blauvelt, of Paterson, has given some facts in regard to
her father. He was born at New Bridge, N. J., in i763. He moved
from Tappan where he owned the farm upon which Major Andre was
executed and buried. Mrs. Blauvelt relates that she was at that time a
young lady, and stood by when the body was exhumed by the British
Consul Buchanan and Captain Park. She further says: Two cedar trees
grew on his grave, fastening their roots into his coffin. The grave was
protected by a stone wall. The trees entire were transported with tbe
coffin to Kngland and converted into snuff boxes. One box, says Mrs.
Blauvelt, "was elegantly finished, being lined with satin and velvet,
covered with red morocco, bound with gold, and sent to my father, bear-
ing this beautiful inscription: "From his Royal Highness, the Duke of
York, to mark his sense of the Rev. John Demarest's liberal attention
upon the occasion of the removal of the remains of the late Major John
Andre at Tappan, on the 10th of August, 1821." Each line was written
in a different style of letters. We examined it and pronounced it a rare
and costly present."
At the close of his ministry, Mr. Demarest returned to his farm at
Tappan. The seal of this church was bought by Simon Van Winkle,
and cost $i.75. The church was incorporated October 25, 1824, as the
"First Reformed Dutch Church at Ponds." Prior to this, however, is
the following record: "Ponds, May 10th, 1822. According to the grant
of the Classis of Bergen, the members in full communion of the Church
at Ponds, assembled for the purpose of having their congregation regu-
larly organized. Petitions for every necessary aid and assistance were
offered at the throne of grace. They then proceeded to the election of
elders and deacons. The elders chosen were: Joseph Van Cleve and
George Snyder, the deacons Benjamin Bartholf and Simeon Van Winkle.
Whereas there are but few members, it is judged best to ordain two elders
and two deacons at this present time, to serve as consistory.
It is agreed that next spring one elder and one deacon shall be
chosen in the room of George Snyder and Benjamin Bartholf, and if
practicable add four to the present number. The line agreed upon ver-
bally between the two congregations, by the consistory, is the following:
Beginning at the house of Garret Post, from thence to James Acker-
man's; from thence to Abraham Winter's; and from thence to Garret
Garrison's. A sermon was preached by the minister named by the presi-
dent of the Classis, and after the sermon the consistory chosen were
ordained to their office."
Rev. Zachariah H. Kuypers, licensed by the Classis of Ilaeketisaek.
was called to this church, the call being dated February 24, 1825. The
elders then were: Benjamin Bartholf, Samuel Romaine, Simeon Van
Winkle and Jacob Garrison, Jr. The deacons; Samuel P. Demarest,
1*70 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
Henry I. Spear, William H. Winters, David N. Romaine. One-third of
Mr. Kuypers time was given to this congregation, preaching every third
Sabbath, twice a day in summer and once in winter.
The Hexangular Church which had then been in use about eighty
years, was considered unfit for use, and the entire structure was re-
moved, and a new house erected on the same spot. The trustees at this
time were: Martin Van Houten, William H. Winters, Peter C. Bogert
and John S. Post, Jr. The builder was Cornelius Demarest and the
principal mason, William Winters of Paramus. It was several years
before the front was finished, when Mr. Nicholas D. Romaine and his
cousin put on the white wall of cement.
The work of building began in 1829 and the pews were offered for
sale on the 17th of November. During this season the church service
was held in the barn of Peter S. Demarest. Mrs. Maria Garrison, wife
of Samuel P. Demarest, presented a hymn book, baptismal cup and table
cloth to the new church. Black velvet bags attached to long poles were
used for collections. It is said that in some churches a little bell was
placed at the bottom of these bags to wake up the sleepers. Mr. Kuy-
pers ministry closed in 1841. On July 20th 1842 the Consistory of the
Church of Ponds met at the house of Mr. Albert Bartholf and prepared
a call for William J. Thompson and upon his signifying his acceptance,
the Classis convened at the Church on August 23, for the purpose of
ordination and installation. One-half of Mr. Thompson's time was
given to the Ponds and one-half to the Church of Wyckoff, which had
united in the call. The pastoral relations were dissolved July 12, 1845,
and thereafter these churches became independent, each calling a pastor
of its own. The Wyckoff church called Rev. Abram G. Ryerson, whose
successor was Rev. William B. Van Benschoten, and the next (1876),
Samuel T. Earle.
On November 13, 1845, Rev. Barnabas V. Collins was installed at
the Ponds. The congregation provided a suitable home for the pastor
with thirty acres of ground attached. This was the first time in their
history that a parsonage had been provided. Among other resolutions
adopted for the good of the church was this: "Resolved, that any per-
son not pa} T ing salary shall pay two dollars for a funeral sermon, and
fifty cents for a baptism." Mr. Collins remained until 1867 when he re-
signed and was followed in 1869 by Rev. Alburtus Vandewater, whose
pastorate extended over the short period of three years, when the church
called Rev. Theodore F. Chambers the same year (1872), and in 1876 he
received a call which he accepted.
The Pompton Church was founded in 1815. The first Sabbath
school at the Ponds was organized in 1883, with some opposition.
Pleasant Valley organized a Sabbath school in 1867, in the old tavern
of Stephen Bartholf. Chrystal Lake organized a school in January
1876, using the depot as a place of meeting.
AAKON G. GAKKISON
HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY 191
KODMAN M. PRICE.
Rodman M. Price, former Governor of New Jerse} T , was born in
Sussex county, N. J., November 5, 1818, and was the sou of Francis
Price, who subsequently removed to New York city.
Here, in the Hig-h School, and later in Lawrenceville i N. J.) Aca-
demy, Rodman M. prepared for college, but after a brief period spent in
the class of 1834, in Princeton, he was obliged to give up his studies on
account of ill health. After studying law for a short term he became
interested in politics, and in the interest of the Democratic party he
addressed large assemblages when but eighteen years of age. He was
sent as a delegate to the National Democratic Convention at Baltimore in
1840. After his marriage to the daughter of Captain Edward Trenehard,
United States Navy, he applied to President Van Buren for the appoint-
ment of purser in the navy. Mr. Price was first ordered to the steam
frigate "Fulton," Captain Newton. After a year's service, Captain
Newton and Mr. Price were ordered to the new steam frigate " Missouri,"
which, with her sister ship, the "Mississippi," were the largest in the
world, carrying at that time the heaviest guns, and considered the finest
specimens of steam naval architecture. This was in 1842. In 1843 the
" Missouri" was ordered to take Caleb Cushing, minister to China, to
Alexandria, and the night after her arrival in the harbor of Gibraltar
she was destroyed by fire. After Mr. Price's return he did special duty,
disbursing for the " Allegheny," the first iron steamship built by the
government. He was next ordered to the sloop-of-war "Cyane," which
eventually sailed for Monterey, where it arrived on July 3d, and on the
7th of July, 184(>. formal possession was taken of Upper California, Mr.
Price being one of those who manned the halliards that run up the flag,
which still floats over California. In 185(1 he was elected member of the
Thirtv-second Congress. On January 17th. 1854, he was inaugurated
Governor of the State of New Jersey for a term of three years, and after
retiring from this office, he established the Weehawken Ferry, which he
managed for anumberof years. His last public work of importance was
as representative of the Peace Congress at Washington.
AARON G. GARRISON.
Among the old residents of Bergen county no life, perhaps, is mor<
interesting in detail than that of Aaron (i. Garrison, whose home is in
the Ramapo Valley. Garret Garrison and Elizabeth Hopper were tin
parents of live children. Mary Ann. Eliza, Aaron, Sally and Peter of
whom Mary Ann. Aaron and Sally arc now living.
Aaron t;.. the subject of this sketch and the eldest son, was born
September 21, 1819. He became the chief help oi his father, who was a
tanner, and a man of si. mid judgment and independent thought, although
of limited education. The son inherited his father's intellect, earh
acquiring a practical knowledgeof general business transactions, which
was recognized by the community. At twenty-one years o he was
elected town clerk ot the original township ol Kranklin, serving the full
192 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
__ . : t
term of three years. Upon declining- a re-election to this office, he was
immediately elected member of the town committee for the following-
three years. At the expiration of this term he was again elected town
clerk, and has since served a number of terms in this office. Prior to the
creation of the office of School Superintendent. Mr. Garrison was made
member of the school committee, and, as chairman, discharged the
duties of that office for a period of three years.
An advocate of the cause of education, he established a new school
district, and contributed largely toward the building of two new school
houses, one at Riverdale and one at Oakland.
For more than forty years of his life he was justice of the peace,
and has drawn up deeds, bonds, mortgages, wills, and all sorts of docu-
ments, agreements, contracts, etc., for many people in both Passaic and
Bergen counties.
In the spring- of 1868, Judge A. Garrison was elected County Collector
of Bergen county, and during his incumbency (to 1873), received and
disbursed over $1,000,000. He was foreman of the Grand Jury several
terms of court, and was judge of the Court of Common Pleas tw r o terms,
of five years each. In the spring of the present year (1899) he was
again elected justice of the peace by both political parties, and has
accepted, being now established in that office.
In private life he has often been called upon to act as executor of
estates. Being something of a musician, the Judge has been chorister
of the Reformed Church of Ponds, has composed sacred music, and, in
his younger davs, taught "singing school. 1 ' Remarkably versatile, he
can invoke the muses and indite his thoughts in rhyme, which he often
does for friends on both sides of the Atlantic.
Judge Garrison was one of the first directors of the New Jersey
Western Railroad for five years, and contributed liberally towards its
construction. In summing up his various avocations the Judge has
aptly said:
"At ten years old I drove a team,
At twelve I grain did sow,
For fifty years I fished the stream
And walked behind the plough/'
DAVID CHRISTIE BUSH.
The first train of cars on the Midland Railroad through the village
of Oakland was run on May 1, 1S70. This important event was due
mainly to the foresight and public spirit of David C. Bush, who was
one of the leaders in a movement which has built up this place to a
prosperous village, which, with its stores and manufacturing industries,
is equal to any other place of its age and size in the county.
David C. Bush is the grandson of Samuel Bush, who came to Mah-
wah from Holland in colonial times. He was a blacksmith and manu-
facturer of cowbells, in which industry he was an expert. His son,
Peter S. Bush, was i\ soldier in the war of the Revolution. Peter S.
DAVID C. 1USII
194 HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
Bush and his wife Bridget Christie were the parents of Samuel, John,
Mary, Magdalene, Elizabeth Ann, David C, Rachel and Peter. The
father died eighty-four years of age, soon after the late war. David C.
Hush was born on the old homestead at Mahwah in 1827. In 1848 he
married Miss Anna Van Blarcom, and in 1852, he located at Oakland,
where he has resided since that time. His business has been farming
and following various callings and pursuits, looking to his own material
interests and the growth of the village. As one of the sponsors for the
success of the railroad he took- stock in that company, and helped in
part to build it. In 1869 he erected his present residence, and upon the
completion of the railroad, used one room of his new house for a few
months as a ticket office, and subsequently became agent for the com
pany, where he served for seventeen years. He was postmaster of the
village sixteen years; was on the Township Committee seven years; a
Freeholder during the troublous times of the late war, and has held
various other offices and positions of trust when necessity so required.
In 1887 he built a store and did merchandizing until recently when he
retired from active business.
He was married to his present wife Jemima Van Houghten, daugh-
ter of Martin Van Houghten, May 7th, 1867, and his son David C. Bush,
Jr., and her son, W. H. Shuart, by a former marriage, now own and
operate the store.
J. E. MOWEKSON.
J. E. Mowerson, of Wyckoff, is a son of John J. and Mary Ann
(Pulis) Mowerson, of Bergen county. At an early age he learned the
trade of carpenter, and later followed the business of trucking in New
York for a period of three years. In 1878 he located in Wyckoff,
embarking in the business of general merchandise, now dealing in all
kinds of groceries, provisions and hardware, with marked success. Mr.
Mowerson was born at Saddle River, December, 9th, 1846. In 1867 he
married Miss Lettie C. Ackerman, of Westwood. They have had five
children. Anna, now deceased, was the wife of John G. DeBaun; James
A. (now deceased), Ida and Archie J., who assist in their father's
store, and 
