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Class. 
Book 


COPYRIGHT  DEPOSIT 


HISTORY 


OF 


MONTCLAIR 

TOWNSHIP 


STATE  OF  NEW  JERSEY 

INCLUDING   THE 


HISTORY  OF  THE  FAMILIES  WHO  HAVE  BEEN  IDENTIFIED  WITH 
ITS  GROWTH  AND  PROSPERITY 

ILLUSTRATED 


Qui  transtiilit,  susliiut.' 


BY 

HENRY    WHITTEMORE 

AUTHOR    OF    THE    REVOLUTIONARY    HISTORY    OF    ROCKLAND    COUNTY,    N.    Y, 

HISTORY  OF   MIDDLESEX  COUNTY,   CONN.       HISTORY   OF   SEVENTY-FIRST 

REGIMENT     N.G.S.N.Y.       HISTORY    OF    FREEMASONRY    IN    NORTH 

AMERICA.     HISTORY  OF  STEAM  NAVIGATION.     ILLUSTRATED 

HISTORY   OF   PROSPECT   PARK.    BROOKLYN,   ETC. 


mew  Porh : 

THE  SUBURBAN   PUBLISHING  COMPANY 

1S94 


COPYRIUHTF.D,   1S94, 

BY   THE 

SL-IiUiiBAN  rrBLISIIHs'G  CO. 


\>g»^.t_j,    >,    k    f.   f.    >.    >. 


--_J_A_^_.',_A_;_j,_i_   L.ufggi?/' 


J^ 


ciiafti:r  I. 

Discovery  of  tiik  Nkw  Worlu. — Oltline  History  oi-  the  Indwns. — The  Algonqiins  or  Iroquois. — Tiiii 
Dei.awarks  or  Lenni  LENAPft — The  Turkey  ami  Wolf  Branches  of  the  Lenni  Lenai'?-..— The  Sub- 
divisions OF  THE  Trihks:  Minsiks,  Mohicans,  Raritans,  Hackensacks,  Pomptons,  Tapi'Aans,  of  East 
New  Jersey. — Incidents  of  Indian  Life. — Indian  Loiai    \amks,  k ir 


1-5 


CHAPTER  II. 

Outline  of  New  Jersey.— Origin  of  the  Name.— Philip  Carteret  Appointed  Governor.— Governor  Andros 
OF  New  York  Claims  Jlrisuiction  over  New  Jersey.— ResisIance  by  the  People. — Re-affirmation 
FROM  England  of  Carteret's  Authority. — Government  under  the  Twenty-four  Proprietors. — Union 
OF  East  and  West  New  Jersey.— Lord  Cornbury's  Rule. — The  Colonial  Govern.ment  from  its  Com- 
mencement TO  ITS  Termination 


f>,7 


CHAI'TKR   III. 


Geographical  Formation  of  Esse.\  County. 


8,9 


CHAPTER  IV. 

The  Newark  Colonists. — Their  Previous  History. —Robert  Treat  and  Jasper  Crane— Their  Influence  in 
the  New  Haven  and  Connecticut  Colonies. — Incidents  in  Connection  with  their  Duties  as  Magis- 
trates of  the  New  Haven  Colony. — Warrants  for  the  Arrest  of  Whalley  and  Goffe,  the  Regi- 
cide Judges. — Negotiations  for  the  Union  of  the  Colonies  of  New  Haven  and  Connecticut,  and 
THE  Important  Part  Taken  by  Robert  Treat  and  Jasper  Crane. — Dissatisfaction  of  the  Branford 
People  with  the  Union.— Opposition  to  the  "Half-way  Covenant"  AfiD  the  "  Christless  Rule  of 
Connecticut." — Causes  of  Division  in  the  Milford,  Branford,  Guilford  and  Stamford  Churches, 
VviiichLed  to  the  E.xodus  of  the  Dissenters  and  the  Formation  of  the  Newark  Colony 10-12 


CHAPTER  V. 

The  "wise  men  of  good  report"  Sent  in  Search  of  a  New  Canaan. — Difficulties  Encountered. — 
Anxiety  of  Stuyvesant  to  Secure  the  Settle.ment  of  the  New  Haven  Colonists  for  New  Jersey. — 
The  "Agreement"  of  the  Branford  Colonists.— Landing  of  the  Milford  Colonists. — Unexpected 
Difficulties  with  the  Indians. — Formal  Conveyance  of  the  Lands  by  the  Indians. — Additional 
Conveyance  of   Land  Extending  to  the  Top  of  Watchung  Mountain 


13-17 


iv  Contents. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

PAGES 

Government  of  the  "  Ne\v-\vorke"  Colonists. — Liberal  Tre.\t.ment  of  the  Indians  and  New  Settlers  who 
COULD  NOT  Subscribe  to  the  "Fundamental  Agreement." — Capacity  of  the  Colonists  for  Self- 
Government  ;  Existing  for  Twf.i.ve  Years  with  No  Other  Government  than  the  "  Fundamental 
Agreement." — Extracts  from  the  Town  Records  Relating  to  Local  Government. — Jasper  Crane, 
Robert  Treat  and  Matthew  Camfield  Chosen  Magistrates. — Organization  of  the  "First  Church 
of  Newark," — Rev.  Abraham  Pierson  and  His  Successors. — Increase  in  Population. — Laving  Out  of 
the  Highway  as  Far  as  the  Mountain. — Application  of  De.^con  Azariah  Crane  for  Land  for  a 
Tanyard. — Establishment  of  Additional  Plant.itions. — Cranetown,  Watsessing,  etc, — "Early  Out- 
lands  and  Houses." — Old  Roads iS-24 


CHAPTER  VII. 
Cranetown  During  the  Revolutionary   War 25-31 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Events  Leading  to,  and  Erection  of,  Bloomfiei.d  Township  in  1S12. — Name  of  Cranetown  Changed  to 
THAT  of  West  Bloomfield. — Okigin.\l  Boundaries. — Toney's  Brook,  the  Source  of  Second  River, 
AND  ITS  Manufactories. — The  First  Saw  Mill,— Israel  Crane's  Mill  on  Toney's  Brook, — West 
Bloomfield  Manufacturing  Company. — Henry  Wilde  &  Sons, — Wilde  Brothers, — First  Manufacture 
OF  Plaid  Shawls  in  this  Country. — John  Wilde. — Burning  of  the  Lower  Mill. — Mill  Property 
Leased  to,  and  Subsequently  Purchased  by,  Grant  J.  Wheeler  and  Others,  for  the  Manufacture 
OF  Paper  and  Oakum  under  the  Firm  Name  ok  Crane,  Wheeler  &  Company. — Manufacture  of 
Straw  Board  by  Machinery,  by  Grant  J,  Wheeler  &  Co.mpany. — Indian  Relics  Found  Beneath  the 
Wheeler  Mill.  — Removal  of  Wheeler  to  Waverly,  and  Closing  of  the  Mill. — Valuable  Pearls 
Found  on  Notch  Brook,  the  Source  of  Third  River. — Construction  of  Newark  and  Pompton 
Turnpike. — Business  Develop.ment  and  Growth  of  West  Bloomfield. — Construction  of  Newark  and 
Bloomfield  Railroad. — The  New  Settlement. — The  Name  of  Montclair  Substituted  for  that  of 
West    Bloomfield 32-42 

CHAPTER  IX. 
Montclair  in  the  War  of  the  Rebellion : 43.  44 

CHAPTER  X. 

Act  Creating  the  Township  of  Montclair. — Boundaries. — Organization  of  Montclair  Railway  Company. — 
Bonding  of  the  Township. — Advantages  Accruing  to  the  Property-holders  from  the  Construction 
of  the  RoAD.^LniGATioN  Growing  Out  of  the  Defaulted  Bonds.— Final  Decision  by  the  United 
States  Supreme  Court. — Increase  of  the  Indebtedness  of  the  Township  from  $200,000  to  $400,000. — 
Township  Committee  of  1883  and  1884  ;  Election  of  Messrs.  Russell,  Carey  and  Farmer. — Efforts 
of  this  Committee  to  Purchase  the  Outstanding  Bonds  and  to  Fund  the  Indebtedness. — Placing  of 
the  New  Loan  with  the  Mutual  Benefit  Life  Insurance  Company  of  Newark,  N.  J. — Amount 
Saved  by  the  Township  Through  the  Efforts  of  this  Committee. — Township  Officers. — The  New 
Charter  Adopted.   1894.- Post  Office  and  Postal  Facilities 45-5^ 


Contents.  v 

CHAPTER  XI. 

PAGES 

Religious  Interests  of  Montclair. — Congregationalism  and  Presbyterianism. — Erection  of  the  Second  Meet- 
ing-house, 1753,  of  the  Mountain  Society  (Orange).  — Organiz.vpion  of  the  Church  at  Watsessing, 
known  as  the  "Third"  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  Township  of  Newark;  Later  as  the  First 
Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomfield.— Laying  of  the  Corner-stone,  etc.  — Subscribers  10  the  New 
Edifice.— Legacy  of  Nathaniel  Crane  for  a  Presbyterian  Church  at  Cranf.iown  or  West  Bloom- 
field.— The  "  First  "  Presbyterian  Church  of  Montclair.— Organization  of  the  Church,  1837.— 
The  First  Place  of  Worship— The  School  Building. —List  of  Original  Me.mbers. — List  of  Pastors. — 
Erection  of  Church  Edifice.— Purchase  of  Organ.— Erection  of  Parsonage.— Statistics  of  Member- 
ship, etc.— Sketches  of  Rey.  J.  F.  Halsey,  Rev.  J.  A.  Priest,  Rev.  Nelson  Millard,  D.U.,  Rev.  J. 
RoMEYN  Berry,  D.D.,  Rev.  Wm.  F.  Junkin,  D.D,  LL.D.— Sunday  School —Tkinity  Presbyterian 
Church— Sunday  School.— Rev.  Orville  Reed.— Grace  Presbyterian  Church— Sunday  School.— 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church— Sunday  School.— St.  Luke's  Episcopal  Church.— The  Church  of 
THE  Immaculate  Conception,  R.  C— First  Congregational  Church  of  Christ.— Rev.  Amory  Howe 
Bradford,  U.D.— Sunday  School.— Pilgrim  Mission.— First  Baptist  Chupxh.— Rev.  Wm.  N.  Hubbeli.— 
Sunday  School.— The  Unitarian  Society.— Young  Men's  Christian  Association.— The  Women's 
Temperance  Union.— The  Colored  Population  and  Their  Churches.— Union  Baptisi-  Church, 
Colored. — St.  Mark's  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  Colored 57-107 


CHAPTER    XII. 

Educational  Development.— The  First  School  in  Newark,  1676.— Act  Adopted  by  the  General  Assembly, 
1693,  FOR  Establishing  Schools.— First  School  Commitif.e,  1697.— First  Appropriation  by  the  State 
Legislature,  iSi6  — Acts  of  iS2g,  1S3S,  1S46,  1852,  1S67,  eic— Schools  of  Cranetown,  West  Bloom- 
field  and  Montclair.— The  First  School-house,  1740.— Second  School-house,  1812.— Gideon  Wheilkr, 
the  First  Teacher  in  the  "  New  School-house."— Special  School  Law  for  the  Township  of  Bloom- 
field.  1S46— Teachers,  1846  to  1S56.— Trustees,  1S31  to  1856.— The  "New  Departure,"  and  the 
Result.— Increased  Facilities.- Establishment  of  the  High  School,  and  its  Gradual  Development.— 
The  New  School  Building,  1892-93.- Efforts  of  Dr.  J.  J.  H.  Love,  the  First  President  of  the 
Board,  and  His  Successors,  Geokoe  H.  Francis,  Thomas  Porter,  Charles  K.  Willmer  and  John  R. 
Howard.— Sketch  of  Randall  Spaulding.— Private  Schools.— Washington  School— East  End- 
Warren  Holt's  School.— Ashland  Hall.— Hillside  Seminary  for  Young  Ladies— Montclair 
Military  Academy. — Free  Public  Library 10S-128 


CHAPTER  Xin. 

Municipal  aud  Business  Organiz.ations,  Sociefies,  Clubs,  etc.— Vill.vge  Improvement  Society.— Montclair 
Fire  Department —The  Montclair  Water  Company.— James  Owen,  Township  Engineer.— The 
Press.— MoNTCL.MR  Times,  Augustus  C.  Studer.— Montclair  Herald,  G.  C.  Eari.e  and  H.  C.  Walker.— 
United  States  Printing  Company  ;  Joseph  E.  Hinds.— Bank  of  Montclair.— The  Montclair  Savings 
Bank.— Masonic  Lodges;  Bloomfield  Lodge,  No.  40,  F.  &  A.  M.;  Montclair  Lodge,  No.  144. 
F.  &  A.  M.— W.\TCHUNG  Lodge,  No.  134,  I.  O.  O.  F.— Gen.  Sherman  Lodge,  No.  51,  A.  O.  U.  W.— 
Other  Secret  .\nd  Benevolent  Societies.— The  Citizens'  Committee  of  One  Hundred.— Good  Gov- 
ernment Club.— Children's  Home.  Mrs.  Samuel  M.  Porter.— Mountainside  Hospital  Association.— 
The  Montclair  EouESTRiAN  Club.— Montclair  Club.— The  Outlook  Club.— Tariff  Reform  Club — 
Montclair  Glee  Club.— Montclair  Dramatic  Club.— Montclmk  Lawn  Tennis  Club 12.J-170 


VI 


Contents. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

PAGES 

The  Mkdicai.  Profession  of  Montci.air. — John  J,  II.  Lovr,  M  D.— John  Wakren  Pinkham,  M.D.— 
Clarence  Wii.lard  Butler,  M.D. — James  Si'FNCER  Brown,  M.U. — Charles  Henry  Shelton,  M.D  — 
Richard  C.  Newton,  M.D. — Richard  P.  Francis,  M.D, — Levi  Dudley  Case,  M.D. — Herbert  W. 
Foster,  M.D. — L.  W.  Halsey,  M.D. — The  Founders  and  Builders  of  Cranftown. — West  Bloomfield 
and  Moniclair.— The  Families  of  Ckane,  Baldwin,  Doremus,  Hakrison,  Munn,  Wheeler,  Harris, 
Prati-,  Chittend:".n,  Parkhurst,  Boyd,  Nason,  Hening,   Drafer,   Wildf,  Wili.mkr,  Adams 171-225 

CHAPTER  XV. 

The  Families  of  Brautu;am,  Sweet,  Holmes,  Porter,  \'an  Vi.eck,  Johnson,  Noyes,  Benedict,  Sullivan, 
Baldwin,  (VV.  D.),  Carev,  Russell,  Rand,  Wilson,  Underhill,  Miller,  Hurc.ess,  Bradley,  Farmer, 
F,shbauc;h,  Howard,  Graham,  Wheeler   (F.  Merriam) 22&-271 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

Lkgal  Profession — Paul  Wilco.x,  E.  B.  Goodell.  Starr  J.  Murphy,  G.  W,  Murray. — The  Dental  Profession — 
Dr.  S.  C.  G.  Watkins,  Dr.  Albert  J.  Wright. — Art  and  Artists — Harry  Fenn,  Lawrence  C.  Earle, 
J.  S.  Hartley,  George  Inness,  Sr.,  George  Inness,  Jr. — Roswell  Smith,  Founder  of  the  Century 
Magazine;  A.  H.  Siegfried. — Two  Heroes  of  the  War — Abram  P.  Haring,   Harry  Littlejohn 272-295 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

Architectural  FE.\TrRES  of  Montclair  Homes.— Frank  E.  Wallis,  Architect. — Residence  of  William 
Fellowes. — Of  Frederick  J.  Dresher.— The  "  Farley  Houses."— Christopher  A.  Hinck.— Thomas  S. 
Gladding  296-304 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


Upper    Montci.air. 


305-320 


HiyJlUlUIllllUl.^  .1 IJ.  T  T  T  T  T  r  T  ?  T  T  T  T  T  TT  r  y  n  I  n  ^y 


/a  i  i  i ;  6  H  i  i  i  4  4  i  u  i  u  u  i  i  i  i  i  i  i  i  i  i  i  i  .1  i  i  i  i  i  u  i  i  U\ 


^T%<  )NTCLAlli,  in  its  natural  in-ospurity,  in  its  elevated,  moral  and  irligious  life,  and  in  tlie 
^TZ.  *^'^'**'  ''"*^'  inteiiec-tuai  culture  of  its  people,  stands  pre-eminent  among  the  .suhurixs  of  our 
great  metropolis.  These  characteristics  of  a  high  civilization  are  not  the  result  of  accident, 
hut  are  due  largely  t<>  the  influence  of  a  few  energetic,  enterprising  and  progressive  individuals,  who 
fi-oni  the  heginiiing  have  directed  its  affairs,  and  have  contributed  to  its  physical,  social  and  moral 
development. 

The  early  Connecticut  settlers  of  this  locjility  adopted  as  their  motto  that  inscrihcd  on  the 
arms  of  their  native  State,  viz.:  "Qui  transiidit,  stistinet"  and  the  thousands  of  settlers  from  various 
])arts  of  the  country,  who  have  beautified  and  developed  this  Paradise  of  .Xaturc,  have  shown  bv 
their  acts  that  they  too  have  implicit  faith  in  an  overruling  rrovidence  to  sustain  them  in  their 
lie ic  work.  [The  original  Connecticut  .settlers  named  their  "  Townc  on  the  Pcsavick  "  '•  Nnr  Worke''' 
(Newark),  indicating  their  new  enterpri.se.  | 

To  show  the  result  of  their  efforts  has  been  the  aim  of  the  compiler  of  this  work.  If 
he  has  failed  to  give  credit  to  any  individual  who,  during  the  early  settlement  of  the  new  town- 
ship, or  its  later  development,  has  contributed  to  its  greatness  and  prosperity,  it  is  because  of  his 
inability  to  obtain  the  requisite  information.  To  enumerate  all  who  lia\c  aided  him  in  this  under- 
taking Would  reipiire  more  space  than  is  usually  allottecl   to  a   Preface  or  Introduction. 

His  acknowledgments  are  due  first  of  all  to  ]\Ir.  .lulius  II.  Pratt,  one  of  the  pioneers  in  the 
new  settlement  who.  from  the  inception  of  the  enterprise,  has  done  everything  in  his  jiower  to 
make  the  "  IIistokv  of  .Mo.ntci.aik  "  a  success,  and  has  contributed  much  valuable  data,  attainable 
from  no  other  source. 

To  Dr.  J.  J.  II.  Love,  who  is  recognized  as  the  chief  founder  and  promoter  of  the  splendid 
system  of  public  school  education  for  which  Montclair  is  famous,  the  writer  is  greatly  indebted — 
not  only  for  information  concerning  its  educational  affairs,  but  other  matters  of  historic  interest. 

Joseph  Doremus,  the  recognized  authority  on  all  matters  connected  with  the  history  of  this 
locality  and  its  early  settlers,  has  rendered  invaluable  aid. 

The  assistance  of  Colonel  Frederick  H.  Harris  in  supplying  data  of  early  railroads,  early 
settlers,  etc.,  is  gratefully  acknowledged. 


viii  Preface. 

Mmiiv  ui  the  licautifiil  laiiilscaia's  and  otliur  illustratinns  with  wliicli  this  \V(!ik  is  I'liihrliisiie'd 
are  re|)i-(KhK'tioiis  of  photographic  views  taken  liv  Mr.  Randall  Sjiaulding,  Superintendent  uf  the 
l'ui>lie  Schools,  who  has  also  supplied  additional  matter  to  that  of  Dr.  Love  on  Educational  Develo])- 
nient  in   ^fontclair. 

Mr.  \V.  1.  Lincoln  Adams  has  also  assisted  the  author  in  the  illustration  of  this  work.  Iioth  hy 
supplving  oriii'inal  photoiiiaphs  of  his  own  and  in  i;-ivin<i-  the  henefit  of  his  knowledge  in  photo- 
graphic reproduction   processes. 

The  article  "Cranetown  in  the  Kevolution,"  h.v  the  liev.  Oliver  Crane,  D.l).,  forms  an  inter- 
esting conti'ihution  to  the  work. 

Acknowledgments  are  also  due  to  the  Kev.  Aniory  H.  Bradford,  D.I).,  for  many  vahiahle  sugges- 
tions and  other  assistance  rende7-ed ;  to  Mv.  John  I'.  Howard,  Mr.  Paul  Wilcox  and  Mr.  A.  H.  Siegfried, 
for  information  of  '•  JMontclair,"  •■Outlook,"  and  other  Cluhs,  Young  Men's  Christian  Association,  and 
social  organizations;  to  Mrs.  Jasper  R.  Rand,  one  of  the  founders  and  most  active  promoters  of  the 
Children's  Home,  for  the  facts  concerning  the  hit>tory  of  that  institution;  to  ]\Ir.  -lohn  11.  Wilson 
and  Mr.  A.  C.  Stndor  for  many  favors;  to  Dr.  Alhei-t  J.  Wriglit  for  information  concerning  the 
Fire  Department;  to  Mr.  James  Owen  for  the  article  on  Montelair  Water  Works;  to  Mr.  Yost  and 
other  townshi]3  otficers  for  inf(.)rniati(.in  on  township  affairs. 

The  writer  is  also  indebted  to  the  editor  of  the  Moiitda!r  Times  for  valuable  extracts  taken 
from  its  tiles,  and  for  other  courtesies  extendeil ;  also  to  the  pnjprietor  and  editor  of  the  Montelair 
llcruhl  for  similar  favors. 


Chapter  I. 


DiscovKRY  OK  THE  Xkw  Wori.d. — OrTLixE  History  OF  THE  Indians. — The  Algoxquins  or  Iroquois. — 
The  Del.vwares  or  Lknm  J.exai'e. — The  Turkey  and  Wolf  Branches  of  the  Lenni 
Lexape. — The  Sub-divisioxs  <>f  the  Tribes:  ^[ixsies.  ilonicAxs.  Rakitaxs,  IIackexsacks, 
PoMiToxs,  Tai'I'AAXs.  ok  East  New  Jersey. — Ixcidexts  ok  Inoiax  Like. — Indian  Local 
Nasies,  etc. 

k.^-3  X  l."«24.  .lolm  lie  \  enizzaiio.  a  FlorLMitiiio  iiiiviirator  in  the  service  of  !■  raiicis  I.  of  !•  raiice, 
^-  made  a  voyage  to  tlie  North  .\inerican  coa.st,  and.  as  is  believed  fmiii  tlie  account  which 
•X^v  he  L'ave.  entered  tlie  liarlmr  uf  Xew  York.  X(j  colonies  were  ])lanted  and  no  results 
^^■'    fMlluwed. 

Though  discoveries  were  made  hv  the  French  imrth  from  this  point,  and  colonies 
,\^  planted  liy  the  English  farther  to  the  south,  it  is  not  known  that  New  York  was  again 
visited  hy  Europeans  till  Itio'.t.  when  tlie  Dutch  East  India  Comi)any  sent  Ilendrick 
Hudson,  an  Englishman  hy  hirth,  on  a  voyage  of  discovery  in  a  vessel  called  the  "Half 
Afooii."  He  reached  the  coa.st  of  Maine,  sailed  thence  to  Cape  Cod,  thence  southwesterly 
to  tlie  month  of  Cliesapcake  P>ay  ;  then,  coasting  northward,  he  entered  Delaware  Bay 
on  the  2>'tli  of  August.  From  thence  he  proceeded  northward,  and  on  the  3d  of  Sejitemher, 
1609,  anchored  in  New  York  Bay.  On  the  12th  he  entered  the  river  tliat  hears  his  name,  and  proceeded 
slowly  up  to  a  point  just  ahove  the  present  site  of  the  City  of  Hudson;  thence  he  sent  a  boat's  crew  to 
explore  farther  up.  and  they  passed  above  .Albany.  Septeinlier  23d  he  .set  sail  down  the  river  and 
immediately  returned  to  Europe. 

In  I  GOT.  Samuel  Champhiiii.  a  I'reiicii  navigator,  sailed  up  the  St.  Lawrence,  explored  its  tribu- 
taries, and  on  the  4th  of  July  in  that  year  discovered  the  lake  which  bears  his  name. 

At  the  time  of  the  discovery  of  New  York  by  the  whites,  the  .southern  and  eastern  jiortions  were 
inhabited  by  the  ^rohican  or  Mohegan  Indians;  while  that  iiortion  west  from  the  Hudson  liiver  was 
occu])ied  by  tive  confederate  tribes,  afterward  named  by  the  English  the  Five  Nations,  and  by  the 
French,  the  Iroquois,  and  by  themselves  called  Hodenosaunee — people  of  the  Long  House.  The  long 
house  formed  by  this  confederacy  extended  east  and  west  through  the  State,  having  at  its  eastern  portal 
the  JLihawks,  and  at  its  western  the  Senecas;  while  between  them  dwelt  the  ( )neidas,  Onondagas,  and 
Cayugas;  and,  after  1714,  a  sixth  nation,  the  Tuscaroras,  southeast  from  <  )neicla  Lake.  Of  tliese  Indians, 
Parknian  says  that  at  the  commencement  of  the  seventeentli  century.  "  in  the  region  now  forming  the 
State  of  New  York,  a  power  was  rising  to  a  ferocious  vitality,  which,  but  for  the  presence  of  Europeans, 
would  probably  have  subjected,  absorbed,  or  exterminated  every  other  Indian  community  east  of  the 
Mississijipi  and  north  of  the  Ohio. 

"The  Iroquois  waa  the  Indian  of  Indians.  A  thorough  savage,  yet  a  finished  and  developed 
savage,  he  is,  perhaps,  an  example  of  the  highest  elevation  which  man  can  reach  without  emerging  from 
his  primitive  condition  of  the  hunter.  A  geograjJiical  position  commanding  on  the  one  hand  the  portal 
of  the  great  lakes,  and  on  the  other  the  sources  of  tlie  streams  flowing  both  to  the  Atlantic  and  the 
Mississippi,  gave  the  ambitious  and  aggressive  confederates  advantages  which  they  perfectly  understood 
and  by  which  they  profited  to  the  utmost.  Patient  and  politic  as  they  were  ferocions,  they  were  not 
only  the  conquerors  of  their  own  race,  but  the   powerful   allies  and   the  dreaded  foes  of  the  Frencli  and 


2  History  of  Moxtclair  Township. 

English  colonies,  flattered  and  caressed  by  liotli.  yet  too  sagacious  to  give  themselves  without  reserve  to 
either.  Tiieir  organization  and  their  history  evince  their  intrinsic  superiority.  Even  their  traditionary 
love,  amid  its  wild  puei-ilities,  shows  at  times  the  stamp  of  an  energy  and  force  in  striking  contrast  with 
the  flimsy  creations  of  the  Algonquin  fancy.  That  the  Iroquois,  left  under  their  own  institutions,  would 
have  ever  developed  a  civilization  of  their  own.  I  do  not  believe." 

These  institutions  were  not  only  characteristic  and  curious,  but  almost  uniijue.  Without  sharino- 
Morgan's  almost  fanatical  admiration  for  them,  or  echoing  the  praises  which  Parkman  lavishes  on  them, 
it  may  be  truly  said  that  their  wonderful  and  cohesive  confederation  furnished  a  model  worthy  to  be 
copied  by  many  civilized  nations,  while,  so  long  as  they  were  uncontaminated  by  the  vices  of  civilization, 
they  possessed,  with  all  their  savagery.  n)any  noble  traits  of  character,  which  would  adorn  any  people  in 
their  pnlilic.  social,  or  domestic  relations. 

They  made  themselves  the  dreaded  masters  of  all  their  neighbors  east  of  the  ]\Iississippi  and 
carried  their  victorious  arms  far  to  the  north,  the  south  and  the  east.  Their  dominance  is  eloquently 
pictured  in  Street's  "  Frontenac  "  : 

"  The  fierce  Adirondacs  had  fled  from  their  wrath. 
The  Hurons  been  swept  from  their  merciless  path, 
Around,  the  Ottawas,  like  leaves,  had  been  strewn 
And  the  lake  of  the  Eries  struck  silent  and  low  ; 
The  Lenapc,  lords  once  of  valley  and  hill 
Made  women,  bent  low  at  their  conqueror's  will : 
By  the  far  Mississippi  the  Illini  shrank 
When  the  trail  of  the  Tortoisk  was  seen  on  the  bank  ; 
On  the  hills  of  New  England  the  Pequod  turned  pale 
W'hen  the  howl  of  the  Woi.f  swelled  at  night  on  the  gale  ; 
And  the  Cherokee  shook  in  his  green,  smiling  bowers 
When  the  foot  of  the  Bear  stamped  his  carpet  of  flowers." 

Hudson's  journal  indicates  tliat  the  Indians  on  the  east  side  of  the  Hudson  Eiver  held  no  intercourse 
with  those  on  the  west  side,  and  that  the  former  were  a  niucli  more  flerce  and  implacable  people  than  the 
latter.  Tliis  probably  arose  from  the  fact  that  those  east  of  the  Hudson  and  along  the  upper  banks  were 
allies  of  the  Iroquois. 

On  the  point  where  New  York  is  now  built  Hudson  fuiuid  the  Indians  a  very  hostile  people,  but 
those  living  on  the  western  side  from  the  Kills  upward,  "came  daily  on  board  the  vessel  while  she  lav  at 
anchor  in  the  river,  bringing  with  them  to  bai-ter  furs,  the  largest  and  finest  oysters,  Indian  corn,  beans, 
pumpkins,  squashes,  grapes,  and  some  apples,  all  of  which  they  exchanged  for  trifles." 

Most  writers  on  Indian  antiquities  have  considered  the  tribes  of  the  lower  Hudson,  and  of  East 
New  Jersey,  as  branches  of  the  general  Delaware  nation,  or  Lenni  Lenape,  which  means  original peoj^le. 
This  was  a  title  which  they  had  adopted  under  the  claim  that  they  were  descended  from  the  most  ancient 
of  all  Indian  ancestors.  This  claim  was  admitted  liy  the  Wyandots,  Mianiis,  and  more  than  twenty 
other  aboriginal  nations,  who  accorded  to  the  Lenapc  the  title  oi  grmulfathers.  or  a  people  whose  ancestors 
ante-dated  their  own.  The  Rev.  John  Heckewelder,  in  his  "  History  of  the  Manners  and  Customs  of  the 
Indian  Nations,"  says  of  the  Delaware  nation  : 

"  They  will  not  admit  that  the  whites  are  superior  beings.  They  say  that  the  hair  of  their  heads, 
their  features,  and  the  various  colors  of  their  eyes,  evince  that  they  are  not.  like  themselves,  Lenni 
Lenapc.  an  original peopJe—'A  race  of  men  that  has  existed  unchanged  from  the  beginning  of  time,  but 
that  they  are  a  mixed  race,  and  therefore  a  troublesome  one.  Whoever  they  may  be,  the  Great  Spirit, 
knowing  the  wickedness  of  their  disposition,  found  it  necessary  to  give  them  a  (ireat  Book,  and  tauo-ht 
them  how  to  read  it,  that  they  might  know  and  observe  what  He  wished  them  to  do,  and  what  to  abstain 
from.  ^  But  they— the  Indians— have  no  need  of  any  such  book  to  let  them  know  the  will  of  their  Maker ; 
they  find  it  engraved  on  their  own  hearts;  they  have  had  a  suflicient  discernment  given  to  them  to  dis- 
tinguish good  from  evil,  and  by  following  that  they  are  sure  not  to  err." 


History  of  Moxtclair  Township.  3 

The  Delawares,  or  Lenni  Lenape,  occupied  a  domain  extending  along  the  seashore  from  the  Chesa- 
peake to  the  country  Ijordering  Long  Island  Sound.  But  from  the  coast  it  reached  the  Susquehanna 
Valley  to  the  foot  of  the  Alleghany  ilountains,  and  on  the  north  joined  the  soiithern  frontier  of  their 
domineering  neighboi-s — the  hated  and  dreaded  Iroquois.  This  domain  included  not  only  the  counties 
of  Bergen,  Passaic.  Hudson  and  Essex,  hut  all  of  the  State  of  New  Jersey. 

In  the  organization  of  the  .savage  communities  of  the  continent,  one  feature,  more  or  less  conspic- 
uous, continually  appears.  Each  nation  or  tribe — to  adopt  the  names  by  which  these  communities  are 
usually  known — is  subdivided  into  several  clans.  The.se  clans  are  not  locally  separate,  hut  are  mingled 
througiiout  the  nation.  AH  the  members  of  each  clan  are,  or  are  assumed  to  he,  intimately  joined  in 
consanguinity.  Hence  it  is  held  an  abomination  for  two  jwrsons  of  the  same  clan  to  intermarry;  and 
hence,  again,  it  follows  that  every  family  must  contain  members  of  at  least  two  clans.  Each  clan  has  its 
name,  as  the  elan  of  the  Hawk,  of  the  Wolf,  or  of  the  Tortoise ;  and  each  has  for  its  emblem  the  figure 
of  the  beast,  bird,  reptile,  i)laut,  or  other  object,  from  which  its  name  is  derived.  This  emblem,  called 
totem,  is  often  tattooed  on  the  clansman's  body,  or  rudely  painted  over  tlic  entrance  of  liis  lodge.  The 
child  belongs  to  the  clan,  not  of  the  father,  init  of  the  Tuother.  In  other  words,  descent,  not  of  the  totem 
alone,  but  of  all  rank,  titles  and  possessions,  is  thrnugli  the  female.  Tiie  son  of  a  chief  can  never  be  a 
chief  by  hereditary  title,  though  he  may  become  so  by  force  of  personal  infiuence  or  achievement. 
Neither  can  he  iidierit  from  liis  father  so  much  as  a  tobacco-pipe.  Ail  possessions  pass  of  riglit  to  the 
brothers  of  the  chief,  or  to  the  sons  of  his  sisters,  since  these  are  all  sj)rung  from  a  common  mother. 

The  principal  tribes  composing  the  Lenni  Lenape  or  I^elaware  nation  were  those  of  the  IJnamis 
or  Turtle,  the  I'lialachtgo  or  Turkey,  and  the  ^linsi  or  Wolf.  Tlie  trii)es  who  occu|)ied  and  roamed 
over  the  counties  of  Berj^en,  Passaic,  Hudson  and  JL'sxcx,  were  those  of  the  Turkey  and  Wolf  branches 
of  the  Lenni  Lenape  nation,  but  the  possessions  and  boundaries  of  each  cannot  lie  clearly  defined. 
There  was  probably  a  tril)e  for  every  ten  it  twenty  miles,  each  taking  tlieir  names  from  tiic  streams  near 
which  they  severally  located. 

In  1648  they  were  governed  by  about  twenty  kings,  which  migiit  seem  U<  warrant  tiie  belief  that 
their  numbers  were  great;  but  the  insignificance  of  this  regal  sway  is  seen  from  the  fact  that  in  one  case 
twelve  hundred  were  under  two  kings,  and  some  kings  had  only  forty  subjects,  so  that  these  rulers  might 
with  greater  correctness  be  called  chiefs. 

The  Wolf,  commonly  called  the  Minsi  (corruptly  called  Jlinsevj  liad  chosen  to  live  back  of  the 
other  two  tribes,  and  formed  a  kind  of  bulwark  for  their  protection,  watching  the  nations  of  the  Mung- 
we,  and  being  at  hand  to  afford  aid  in  case  of  rupture  with  them.  The  Miiisi  were  considered  the  most 
warlike  and  active  branch  of  the  Lenape. 

Those  most  intimately  connected  with  this  region  were  the  ^linLsies  ami  Mohicans — the  former 
being  the  inhabitants  of  the  range  of  country  frf)m  Minisiid<  to  Staten  Island,  and  from  the  Hudson  to 
the  Raritan  Valley.  The  latter  inhabited  the  east  side  of  the  lower  Hudson  to  its  mouth.  The  Dutch 
called  them  resi)ectively  Swannekins  and  the  Manhicans.  According  to  Brodhead  the  former  were 
called  Wal)ingi  or  Wappinges,  the  hitter  name,  as  Ileckewelder  claims,  being  derived  from  the  Delaware 
word  wapimj,  signifying  opossum.  These  were  divided  into  numerous  tribes,  and  the  latter  again  into 
clans.  In  this  section  of  New  Jersey  they  were  railed  Karitans,  Ilackensacks  (or  Ackinkes-hacky), 
Pomptons,  and  Tappaens.  On  Manhattan  Lsland  dwelt  the  fierce  Manhattans,  whom  De  Laet  calls  "  a 
wicked  nation,"  and  "  enemies  of  the  Dutch.'' 

These  names,  together  with  their  chiefs,  appear  in  the  treaty  between  the  Dutch  and  the  Indians 
soon  after  the  war  in  lGi4  (^brought  on  tlirough  the  hai-sh  and  unjust  treatment  of  the  latter  by  Kieft),  as 
follows  : 

"  This  day,  being  the  3(tth  of  August,  164.5,  appeared  in  Fort  Amsterdam,  before  the  Director  and 
Council,  in  the  presence  of  the  whole  Commonality,  the  Sachems  of  the  savages  as  well  in  their  own 
behalf,  as  being  authorized  by  the  neighboring  savages,  namely :  Oeataney,  Chief  of  Ackinkes-hacky 
(meaning  low  lands),  Sessekenick  and  "William,  Chiefs  of  Tappaen  and  liecJcgawawank,  Pacham  and 


4  History  of  Montclair  Towxsmii'. 

Pennewink  (wlio  were  hei'e  yesterday  and  gave  tlieir  power  of  attorney  to  tlie  fortiier,  and  also  took  ujjon 
themselves  to  answer  for  those  oi  0/n/?ii'i/ and  the  vicinity  oi  Mtij(niweti/ine//u>i.  oi  JL-inr/KuricJi;  oi 
Nyack  and  its  neighborhood)  and  Aep.ien,  who  pei'sonally  appeared,  speaking  in  l)ehalf  of  Wajfjnnx, 
Wiqxuieskecks,  Sintsnicks  and  Jvichtawons.''' 

"Whitehead,  in  his  "  East  New  Jersey  under  the  Proprietary  Governments,"'  concludes  that  there 
were  not  more  than  two  thousand  Indians  within  the  province  while  it  was  under  the  domination  of  the 
Dutch.  Fifty  years  later  it  was  stated  that  they — the  Indians — are  greatly  decreased  in  niimbers.  And 
the  Indians  themselves  say  that   "two  of  them  die  to  every  one  Christian  that  comes  here." 

Before  the  European  exjjlorers  had  penetrated  the  territories  of  the  Lenapi',  the  power  and  prowess 
of  the  Iroquois  had  reduced  the  former  nation  to  the  condition  of  vassals,  and  when  in  1742  they  were 
commanded  by  the  old  Iroquois  chief,  Connosscitigo,  at  the  treaty  of  council  iu  I'hiladelphia,  instantly  to 
leave  the  court  house,  and  to  prepare  to  vacate  their  hunting  grounds  on  the  Delaware  and  its  tributaries, 
the  outraged  and  insulted  red  men  were  completely  crestfallen  and  crushed  :  but  they  had  no  alternative,  and 
must  obey.  They  at  once  left  the  presence  of  the  Iroquois,  returned  to  their  homes,  which  were  now  to 
be  their  homes  no  longer,  and  soon  afterward  migrated  to  the  country  bordering  the  Susquehanna,  and 
beyond  that  river. 

The  Indians  of  this  locality  were  quiet,  peaceal)le  and  domestic  in  their  habits,  and  there  existed 
among  them  a  code  of  honor — engraven  on  their  hearts  by  the  Great  Sjnrit — which  would  put  to  shame 
their  white  neiglil)ors,  who  were  kejit  in  restraint  only  by  wholesome  laws  vigorously  enforced,  and  all 
attempts  by  the  Dutch  to  corrnjit  and  demoralize  their  savage  (?)  neighbors  by  the  introduction  of  "fire 
water"  met  with  a  manly  resistance  on  the  part  of  the  Indian  Chiefs,  as  appeal's  by  the  following  : 

"  Warrant  empowering  Oratam,  Chief  of  IIackingkeshacky,  axd  Mattano,  another  Chief,  to 
seize  any  brandy  found  in  their  country,  and  take  it,  with  the  persons  selling  it,  to 
New  Amsterdam. 

"Whereas,  Oratam,  Chief  of  Hackingkeshacky,  and  other  savages,  have  complained  several  times, 
that  many  selfish  people  dare  not  only  to  sell  brandy  to  the  savages  in  this  city,  but  also  to  carry  whole 
ankers  of  it  into  their  country,  and  peddle  it  out  there,  from  which,  if  it  is  not  prevented  in  time,  many 
troubles  will  arise,  therefore  the  Director-General  and  Council  of  New  Netherland,  not  knowing  for  the 
present  a  better  way  to  stop  it,  authorize  the  said  chief,  together  with  the  Sachem  Mattenonck,  to  seize 
the  brandy  brought  into  their  country  for  sale,  and  those  offering  to  sell  it,  and  bring  them  here,  that  they 
may  be  punished  as  an  example  to  others." 

Local  Indian  names,  and  other  evidences,  clearly  indicate  that  the  territory  comprised  within  the 
present  township  of  Montclair  was  at  one  time  the  habitation  of  one  or  more  of  the  several  clans  of 
Indians.  Early  surveys  show  that  Indian  paths  led  through  this  region  of  country,  and  that  the  route  of 
the  various  tribes  in  passing  from  the  seashore  to  the  interior  led  along  this  line.  On  one  of  the  early 
maps  is  shown  the  Indian  path  which  led  to  the  Minisink.  From  the  Shrewsbury  north-west  it  crossed 
the  Raritan  west  of  Amboy,  and  thence  northerly  to  Minisink  Island  in  the  Delaware.  This  was  the 
great  path  from  the  sea  to  the  Minisink,  the  Indian  council  seat.  The  most  direct  route  from  the  Hudson 
to  Minisink  Island  was  through  the  great  notch  on  the  first  mountain,  four  miles  north  of  Montclair, 
which  struck  the  main  path  near  Little  Falls.  There  were  also  inter.secting  paths  through  the  same  terri- 
tory. The  several  routes  led  to  the  Minisink,  about  seven  miles  west  of  Watchschunk  Mountain,  through 
the  notch  at  Eagle  Rock  and  other  openings  through  the  mountain. 

LOCAL  NAMES. 

Nearly,  if  not  quite  all  the  Indian  names  in  this  locality  indicate  their  origin  from  the  language 
of  the  Delaware  Indians,  most  of  them  being  mispelt  as  well  as  misinterpreted.  Wachimg,  referring  to 
the   First  Mountain,   is  evidently  a  corrujition   of   Wachtschunk.  meaning  "  on  the  hill."     The  name  of 


History  of  Moxtclaik  Township.  5 

"  Watsessinj; "  or  "  Wardsesson ''  as  early  applit'd  to  Bloomiield,  is  doubtless  from  the  word  Waktschieclien, 
meaning  crooked.  Mr.  I),  (t.  Brinton,  author  of  "  Aboriginal  Amkrican  Authoes  and  their  Produc- 
tions," writes:  "I  would  say  that  vou  arc  <|uite  Hirht  in  supposins:  Wachung — Wachtschunk — on  the 
hill,  or,  at  the  mountain,  or.  the  hilly  spot.  The  name  Watsessing  I  take  to  be  a  form  of  AVaktschieehen, 
it  is  crooked  (i.<.'.,  a  road,  a  stream,  etc. i.  In  this  case  the  traditional  rendering  you  give  seems  to  me 
well  founded." 

Pachseyink — in  the  valley — is  doubtless  the  original  of  ••  Passaic,"  or  "  Pesayic,"  as  spelled  in 
the  early  records.  Hachkihacanink — in  the  field  ;  fc>epunk — to  or  on  the  river ;  Ilatink — in  or  near  the 
earth;  Meechekachink — at  the  big  rock;  Tekenink — in  the  woods;  TapiAvi — on  the  river  bank. 

HABITS  AND  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  DELAWARES. 

The  ordinary  form  of  .salutation  of  the  Delawares  was :  •'  I  thank  the  Great  Spirit  that  he  has  pre- 
served our  lives  to  this  time  of  our  happy  meeting  again.     I  am  indeed  very  glad  to  see  you." 

"They  do  not  tight  with  each  other;  they  say  that  lighting  is  only  for  dogs  and  beasts;  they  are, 
however,  fond  of  play  and  pa.-siiig  a  joke,  yrt  are  very  ranful  that  they  do  not  offend.'^ 

"  They  have  great  respect  for  the  aged  ;  they  have  a  strong  innate  sense  of  justice." 

A  well-known  writer  says :  "  Tlie  Delawares  were  eminent  for  valor  and  wisdom,  and  held  a 
prominent  place  in  Indian  history,  but  on  the  rise  of  the  Iroquois  power,  they  lost  their  independence 
and  fell  under  suspicion  because  many  of  them  applied  themseves  to  agriculture. 

"It  may  justly  be  a  subject  of  wonder,  how  a  nation  without  a  written  code  of  laws,  or  a  system 
of  jurisprudence  without  any  form  or  constitution  of  government,  and  without  even  a  single  elective 
or  hereditary  magistrate,  can  sulhsist  together  in  peace  and  hap])iness,  and  in  the  exercise  of  the  highest 
virtues — how  a  people  can  be  well  and  etticiently  governed  without  any  external  autliority.  The  secret 
of  it  is  found  in  the  early  education  of  their  children.  The  first  step  that  parents  take  toward  the  edu- 
cation of  their  children  is  to  prepare  them  for  future  lia])piness  by  impressing  upon  their  tender  minds 
that  they  are  indebted  for  their  existence  to  a  great,  good  and  benevolent  Spirit,  who  has  not  only  given 
them  life,  but  has  ordained  them  for  certain  gieat  purposes.  That  he  has  given  them  a  fertile,  extensive 
country,  well  stocked  with  game  of  every  kiml  for  their  subsistence,  and  that  by  u.se  of  his  inferior 
spirits  he  has  also  sent  down  to  them  from  above  coon,  pumpkins,  squashes,  beans,  and  other  vegetables, 
for  tlieir  nuurishment.  That  this  great  Sjiirit  looks  down  upon  the  Indians  to  .«ee  whether  they  are 
grateful  to  him.  and  make  him  a  due  return  for  the  many  benefits  he  has  bestowed  ;  and,  therefore,  that 
it  is  their  duty  to  show  tlieir  thankfulness  by  worshiping  and  doing  that  which  is  pleasing  in  his  sight. 
Tliev  are  taught  in  everything  to  ])lease  the  (ireat  Spirit.  When  the  child  does  a  commendable  act  the 
father  will  say  :  '  May  the  (ireat  Spirit  who  looks  upon  him  grant  this  child  a  long  life  '  " 

Trkaimk.nt  of  TiiK  WiiMK.v. —  .\n  Indian  loves  to  see  his  wife  well  clothed,  which  is  a  proof  that 
he  is  fond  of  her.  In  bartcrini:  the  skins  and  pelfry  with  the  trader,  when  the  wife  finds  an  article 
which  she  thinks  will  suit  or  please  her  husband  she  never  fails  to  purchase  it  for  him  ;  .she  tells  him  that 
it  is  her  choice,  and  he  is  never  dissatistied.  The  more  a  man  does  for  his  wife  the  more  he  is  esteemed 
in  the  community. 


Chapter  II 


Outline  of  New  Jersey. — Okigin  of  the  J^ame. — Philip  Carteret  Appointed  Governor — Gov- 
ernor Anuros  of  New  York  Claims  Jurisdiction  Over  New  Jeksev. — Resistance  bt 
the  People. — Re-affirmation  from  England  ok  Carteret's  Authority. — Government 
Under  the  Twenty-fouk  Proprietors. — Union  of  East  and  West  New  Jersey. — Lord 
Coknbury's  Rule — The  Colonial  Government  from  its  Commencement  to  its  Termination. 


X  tlie  l-!tli  of  March,  1(>()4,  (Hiai'les  II.,  of  Eiiglaiul,  granted  to  liis  lirotlicr  James,  Duke 
of  York,  Inter  uliag,  all  that  part  of  New  Netlierland  lying  cast  of  Delaware  Bay,  and 
sent  a  force  under  Sir  Rohert  Carr  ami  Vo\.  Rieliard  Nicoll  to  dis]wssess  the  Dutch  of 
their  territory  in  the  New  World.  General  Stuyvesant,  of  New  Amsterdam,  was,  by 
reason  of  his  defenseless  condition,  compelled  to  surrender  without  resistance,  and  the 
conquest  of  the  colony  on  the  Delaware  was  accomplished  l>y  Sir  Rohert  Carr  "with  the 
expenditure  of  two  barrels  of  powder  and  twenty  shot." 

Tlie  Duke's  squadron  was  yet  on  the  Atlantic,  and  the  country  yet  in  possession  of 
the  Dutch,  when  he,  by  deeds  of  lease  and  release,  dated  the  24:th  of  June,  conveyed  to 
John,  Lord  Berkeley,  a  brother  of  the  Governor  of  Virginia,  and  Sir  George  Carteret, 
the  tract  of  land  lying  between  the  Hudson  and  the  Delaware  Rivers,  "which  said  tract 
of  land  is  hereafter  to  be  called  by  the  name  or  names  of  JVeiv  Cwsarea  or  New  Jersey."  [The  name 
was  given  in  compliment  to  Sir  George  Carteret,  who  had  defended  the  island  of  Jersey  against  the  long 
Parliament  in  the  civil  war,  but  the  powers  of  government  which  had  been  expressly  granted  by  the 
Duke  were  not  in  terms  conveyed,  though  it  would  seem  that  both  jiarties  deemed  them  to  have  passed 
by  the  grant.  | 

The  proprietors  formed  a  constitution,  or,  as  it  was  termed,  "  concessions  and  agreements  of  the 
lords  proprietors,"  which  secured  equal  privileges  and  liberty  of  conscience  to  all ;  and  it  continued  in 
force  till  the  division  of  the  province  in  1(u^'>.  In  August,  16ti5,  Philip  Carteret,  a  brother  of  Sir 
George,  was  appointed  governor,  and  he  made  Elizabethtown  the  seat  of  government.  The  constitution 
established  a  representative  government,  and  made  liberal  provision  for  the  settlers.  In  a  few  years 
domestic  disputes  arose,  and  in  K!"^  an  insuri'ection  occurred,  compelling  General  Carteret  to  leave  the 
province. 

In  1673  England  and  Holland  were  at  war,  and  a  squadron  was  sent  by  the  Dutch  to  repossess 
New  Netherlands,  which  was  surrendered  without  resistance  by  Captain  JManning,  in  the  absence  of 
Governor  Lovelace.  On  the  conclusion  of  peace  between  England  and  Holland,  New  Netherlands  was 
restored  to  the  former.  The  Governor  of  New  York,  ^Major  Edmund  Andros,  claimed  juristliction  over 
New  Jersey,  insisting  that  the  Dutch  conquest  extinguished  the  proprietary  title ;  but  early  in  1075 
(Tovernor  Carteret  returned  and  resumed  the  government  of  the  eastern  part  of  the  province.  He  was 
kindly  received  by  the  people,  who  had  become  dissatistied  with  tlio  arbitrary  rule  of  (Governor  Andros. 
A  new  set  of  concessions  was  published,  and  peaceable  subordination  was  established  in  the  colony. 
Governor  Andros,  however,  continued  his  efforts  to  enforce  his  claims  of  jurisdiction,  and  issued  a 
proclamation  abrogating  the  Carteret  government,  and  recpiiring  "all  persons  to  submit  forthwith  to  the 
King's  authority  as  embodied  in  himself."     To  this   the  people  of  Newark    replied:  "The  town  being 


History  of  Montci.air  Towxship.  7 

met  together,  give  their  positive  answer  to  tlie  Governor  of  York's  writ  that  they  have  taken  the  oath  of 
allegiance  to  the  King,  and  tidelity  to  the  present  government,  and  until  we  have  siiiRcient  order  from 
his  Majesty  we  will  stand  hy  the  same."  Suliseqnently  Carteret  himself  wrote  to  Andros :  "  It  was  hy  his 
Majestv's  eipinmands  that  this  government  was  established,  and  without  the  same  commands  shall  never 
be  resigned  hut  with  our  lives  and  fortunes,  the  people  resolving  to  live  and  die  with  the  name  of  true 
subjects,  and  not  traitors."  Tlie  difficulty  was  finally  settled  by  a  reaffirmation  from  England  of 
Carteret's  authority,  and  a  complete  renunciation  by  the  Duke  of  York  of  governmental  right  in  New 
Jersey. 

Sir  (ieorge  Carteret  died  in  IBT'J.  By  ids  will  he  directed  the  sale  of  that  jxvrt  of  the  province 
for  the  payment  of  his  debts,  and  it  was  accordingly  sold  to  William  Peun  and  eleven  others,  who  were 
termed  the  twelve  proprietoi"s.  A  fresh  impetus  was  given  to  tlie  settlement  of  the  country,  especially 
by  the  peo})le  of  Scotland.  Each  of  the  twelve  ])roprietors  took  a  partner,  and  they  all  came  to  be  known 
as  the  twenty-four  ]iroprietors.  and  to  them  the  Duke  of  York,  on  the  lith  of  March,  1082,  made  a  fresh 
grant. 

I'nder  the  new  regime  in  Xew  Jersey,  Robert  Barclay,  one  of  the  proprietors,  was  chosen 
Governor  for  life,  with  power  to  name  his  de]iuties.  There  were,  in  succession,  Thomas  Rudyard  (1683), 
Gawen  Lawrie,  Lord  Neil  Campbell,  and  Alexander  Hamilton. 

In  West  New  Jersey  Samuel  Jennings  was  commissioned  deputy  governor  by  Byllinge  in  1(580, 
and  during  the  next  year  he  convened  an  ii.*send»ly  which  adopted  a  constitution  and  form  of  government. 
His  successors  were  Thomas  Olive,  John  S.  Keene,  William  Welsh,  Daniel  Co.xe  and  Andrew  Hamilton. 

In  1701  the  condition  of  affairs  in  both  ])rovinces  had  arrived  at  that  state  when  the  benefits  of 
good  government  were  not  attainable.  Each  had  many  proprietors,  and  their  conflicting  interests 
occasioned  such  discord  that  the  people  became  (juite  willing  to  listen  to  overtures  for  a  surrender  of  the 
proprietary  government.  "  The  proprietors,  weary  of  contending  v.ith  each  other  and  with  the  people, 
drew  up  an  instrument  whereby  they  .surrendered  their  right  of  government  to  the  crown,  which  was 
accepted  by  (^)ueen  .Vnne.  on  the  ITth  of  .\pril,  17n2.  The  Queen  at  once  reunited  the  two  provinces, 
and  placed  the  government  of  New  Jersey,  as  well  as  of  New  York,  in  the  hands  of  her  kinsman.  Lord 
(Jornbury." 

Cornl)ury"s  rule  was  terminated  by  the  revocation  of  his  commission  in  1708.  He  was  succeeded 
by  .lolm.  Lord  Lovelace,  who  soon  died,  anil  the  functions  of  government  were  discharged  by  Lieutenant- 
Governor  lnglesl)y  till  171",  when  (Governor  Hunter  commenced  his  admini.-tration.  He  was  followed 
in  172U  by  William  Ihirnet,  who  was  removed  to  Boston  in  1727.  John  Montgonierie  then  became 
Governor,  and  continued  until  his  death  in  1731.  The  government  then  devolved  on  John  Anderson, 
President  of  the  Council,  who  died  in  about  two  weeks,  and  was  succeeded  by  John  Hamilton  (son  of 
Andrew  Hamilton,  Governor  under  the  proprietors),  who  .served  nearly  two  years.  In  1738  Lewis 
Morris,  Esq.,  was  appointed  Governor  of  New  Jersey,  "  separate  from  New  York."  His  successors  were 
John  Reading,  Jonathan  Belcher,  John  Boone,  .losiah  Hardy,  and.  in  17*53,  William  Franklin,  the  last  of 
the  roval  governors,  and  a  son  of  Benjamin  Franklin. 


Chapter  III. 

GEOLOGICAL  FOEMATION  OF  ESSEX  COUNTY, 

(From  Prof.  Gerrge  H.  Cook's  Geology  of  the  State. i 


HAT  portion  of  New  Jer.sey  wliicli  is  of  tlie  Triassic  or  lied  Saiicistone  Age,  is  included 
in  a  lielt  of  ccamtrv  wliieli  ]ia.s  tlie  Highland  range  of  mountains  on  its  north-west  side, 
and  a  line  alnio.-^t  straight  from  Stntcn  Island  Sonnd,  near  Wnodbridge,  to  Trenton,  on  its 
south-east.  It  has  the  northern  houndary  and  the  Hudson  Kiver  <.)n  the  north-east,  and 
the  Delaware  on  the  south-west.  The  area  within  these  hounds  is  entirely  free  from 
rocks  of  an  earlier  age,  and  al.so  from  anv  extensive  formations  of  a  later  period.  The 
strong  and  decided  red  color  of  the  prevailing  rock  of  this  formation  has  given  name  to 
the  whole,  and  while  most  of  the  names  of  the  kind  have  been  discarded  by  the  geologists, 
tins  is  so  striking  and  suggestive  that  it  i-eceives  the  approval  of  all. 

Prominent  in  the  Triassic  district  are  the  two  long  and  parallel  ranges  of  trap-rock, 
known  in  Es.sex  county  as  the  First  and  Second  Mountains.  The  eastermost  or  outer 
ridge  we  shall  call,  for  convenience  of  description,  the  First  Mountain,  while  the  inner  parallel  range  may 
be  termed  Second  Mountain.  The  former,  rising  at  Pluckamin,  in  Somerset  county,  has  an  ea.st-southeast 
trend,  for  seven  miles,  to  the  gorge  through  which  passes  Middle  Brook.  The  continuous  ridge  runs 
thence  on  an  cast  aiul  north-east  course  to  ]\Iillbnrn,  in  Essex  county,  a  distance  of  sixteen  iniles,  where 
the  gap  between  the  two  ends  of  the  disconnected  range  is  about  one  and  a  half  miles.  From  Millbui-n  to 
Paterson.  a  distance  of  fifteen  miles,  its  course  is  a  little  east  of  north.  The  whole  length  of  this  mountain 
from  its  rise  at  Pluckamin  to  its  terminus  near  Siccomae  is  forty-eight  miles,  and  its  general  trend  is 
north-nortiicast. 

The  prominent  and  characteristic  feature  of  this  mountain  is  the  great  ditference  between  its  inner 
and  outer  slopes.  That  toward  the  Second  Mountain  is  gentle,  while  tliat  toward  the  red  sandstone 
country  is  steep,  and  in  many  places  precipitous.  Tiie  former  corresponds  to  the  dip  of  the  shale  or  sand- 
stone which  forms  the  basis  upon  which  the  trap  rests,  and  at  nearly  all  points  trap  constitutes  the  rock 
of  this  declivity.  The  steep  outer  slope  shows  sandstone  or  shale  at  the  base,  and  up  to  the  precipitous 
bluffs  of  trap,  covered,  however,  in  places,  by  the  debris  from  the  rock  above.  The  breadth  of  this  range 
is  quite  uniform,  from  one  to  two  miles.  The  height  is  also  remarkably  uniform,  ranging  from  three 
hundred  to  six  huundred  and  fifty  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea. 

Everywhere  the  trap  forms  the  crest  and  upper  portion  of  this  slope,  under  which  is  the  sandstone, 
generally  covered  by  trap  debris.  The  top  of  the  sandstone  is  from  one  hundred  to  one  inindred  and  fifty 
feet  below  the  top  of  the  mountain.  The  located  line  marks  the  base  of  this  steep  face,  and  is  at  the 
same  distance  from  the  top  of  the  mountain.  It  is  plain  on  all  roads  crossing  the  ridge,  cy.^  on  the  old 
South  Orange  Turnpike,  the  mountain  roa<l.  Mount  Pleasant  Turnpike,  near  the  Llewellyn  8.  Plaskell 
place,  also  in  the  Park,  in  West  Orange  Township. 

The  western  boimdary  line  of  the  tra]i  of  the  First  Mountain  follows  the  general  direction  of  the 
valley  included  betweei;  the  First  and  Second  Mountains.  The  drift  here,  also,  renders  the  tracing  of  a 
geological  line  (piite  difficult,  lint  from  the  known  uniformity  of  the  trap  slope,  and  an  examiiuition  of 
the  surface  configuration  of  the  county,  and  a  few  points  of  outcrop,  the  line  can  be  quite  accurately  fixed 


History  of  Montci.air  TowNsiiir.  9 

and  described.  Generally  it  follows  tlie  line  of  least  elevation,  or  at  the  bottom  of  the  valley,  and  this  is  in 
most  cases  at  the  foot  of  the  first  mountain  slope.  Bejrinning  at  the  northern  end  of  this  range,  the  Old- 
ham Creek  is  coincident  with  a  line  almost  to  the  pond  north  of  Ilaledon,  thence  running  east  of  this 
village,  and  at  the  same  side  of  the  creek,  it  meets  the  Pa.ssaic  River  west  of  the  month  of  Oldhani  Creek, 
and  follows  the  river  for  a  mile  to  the  Morris  and  Essex  Canal,  which  constitutes  the  west  boundary  of 
this  range  to  the  Little  Falls  and  Notch  Road.  The  traj)  appears  at  several  points  along  the  river  from  the 
mouth  of  the  creek  to  tlie  bend  in  the  former,  wliere  tlie  line  leaves  it.  East  of  this  the  First  Mountain  is 
made  up  of  several  rocky  ridges,  separated  by  narrow  valleys. 

From  the  Notch  Road  sfiuthward  the  trap  boundary  follows  the  same  general  direction  as  the 
mountains:  crosses  the  coutity  line,  the  crest  forming  the  boundary  line  between  Caldwell  and  Montciair 
townships  to  the  east  of  Verona  Village  to  the  watei-shed  of  the  N'erona  \  alley,  near  the  up|)er  side  of 
Llewellyn  Park,  west  of  Eagle  Hock  :  thence  down  the  valley  of  the  west  branch  of  Rahwav  River  as  far 
as  the  old  South  Orange  Road.  Approaching  the  stream,  it  at  length  crosses  it,  anil  intersects  the  Morris 
and  Essex  branch  of  the  1).,  L.  i^' W.  R.R.,  al)out  three-quarters  of  a  mile  west  of  Millburn  Village. 
Along  the  line  just  mentioned,  drift  knolls  and  beds  rest  ujion  the  lower  jiortions  of  the  trap  slope;  near 
the  crest  of  the  main  and  subordinate  ridges  the  rock  is  frequently  seen.  Near  Millburn  the  slope  is  less 
obscured  by  drift,  although  west  and  sontli-we.st  of  tlie  village  it  hides  all  rocks. 

The  features  of  the  Second  Mountain  are  similar  to  tho.-ic  of  the  First.  The  boundary  line  between 
them  is  of  the  .«ame  general  course  as  that  of  the  mountain  itself,  and  also  parallel  throughout  with  the 
First  J[ountain.  The  prolongation  of  the  range,  at  each  extremity  beyond  the  ends  of  the  outer  range, 
makes  this  mountain  longer  than  the  other  by  five  miles.  Throughout  a  portion  of  the  range  its  structure 
is  apparently  cfimplicated  by  one  or  more  subordinate  riilges,  (piite  similar  to  the  main  or  outer  one. 
There  can  scarcely  be  a  douljt  tiiat  the  whole  ma.s^^  is  one  unl)roken  body  of  trap-rock. 


'^'W£i&'^ 


Chapter  IV. 


Thk  Newark  Colonists. — Theib  Previous  History. — Robert  Treat  and  Jasper  Crane — Their  In- 
fluence IN  THE  N"ew  Haven  and  Connecticut  Colonies. — Incidents  i.n  Connection  with 

THEIR  DUTIES    AS    MAGISTRATES    OF    THE    XeW    HaVEN    CoLONV. WARRANTS  FOR  THE  ArREST  OF 

WHALLEY    AND    GoFFE,    THE  ReGICIDE  JuDGES. NEGOTIATIONS  FOR  THE  UnION  OF  THE  CoLONIES 

OF  New  Haven  and  Connecticut,  and  the  important  part  taken  by  Robert  Treat  and 
Jasper  Crane. — Dissatisfaction  of  the  Branfobd  People  with  the  Union. — Opposition  to 
THE  "Half-Way  Covenant"  and  the  "  Chkistless  Rule  of  Connecticut." — Causes  of 
Division  in  the  Milford,  Branford,  Guilford  and  Stamford  Churches,  whicfi  led  to 'ihe 
Exodus  of  the  Dissenters  and  the  Formation  of  the  Newark  Colony. 


SlHAT  is  now  tlie  State  of  Connectiout  original Ia*  consisted  of  two  colonies — Connecticut 
and  New  Haven.  The  settlement  of  tlie  former  began  at  the  mouth  of  the  Connecticut 
River  in  1631,  under  a  patent  granted  to  Lord  Say  and  Seal  and  L(jrd  Brook — the 
^  location  receiving  the  name  of  Saybrook.  The  free  planters  of  Hartford,  Windsor  and 
Wethersfield  (emigrants  from  the  Mass.  Colony)  resolved  to  form  themselves  into  a  distinct 
^jj "^e^^  commonwealth,  and  on  the  14th  of  January,  1639,  they  convened  at  Hartford  and  adopted 
a  constitution.  The  preamble  of  tiiis  instrument  set  forth  that  it  was  to  preserve  "  the 
liberty  and  purity  of  tlie  Gosj^ell,"  as  they  understood  it,  "and  the  regulation  of  civil 
affairs  " 

This  was  the  iii'st  constitution  adopted  in  the  New  World,  and  it  recognized  among 
its  fundamental  principles  the  great  bidwark  of  American  freedouL  It  has  been  said  of 
it  that  it  was  "simple  in  its  terms,  comprehensive  in  its  policy,  methodical  in  its  arrangement,  and 
beautiful  in  its  adaptation  of  parts  to  a  whole." 

The  i-ame  year — 1C39 — Fairfield  and  Stratford  were  founded  under  the  jurisdiction  of  Connecti- 
cut, and  in  1641  the  Colony  of  Connecticut  purchased  from  Colonel  Fen  wick  the  jurisdiction  right  in 
the  Colony  of  Saybrook.     This  then  embi'aced  the  territory  of  the  Coimecticut  Colony. 

On  the  4th  of  June,  16.39,  the  free  planters  of  Quiniiepeac,  or  New  Haven,  met  and  formed  a 
civil  and  religious  organization.  The  constitution,  if  such  it  may  be  termed,  of  this  colony,  was  original, 
and  in  some  of  its  provisions  unique.  It  was  widely  different  Irom  that  of  Connecticut,  and  was  in  many 
respects  similar  to  the  old  Jewish  theocracy. 

In  December,  1639,  the  planters  of  this  colony  purchased  of  the  Indians  a  tract  of  land  called 
Totoket  or  Branford.  Among  the  purchasers  were  Jasper  Crane,  Lawrence  and  George  Ward  and 
Daniel  Dod.     The  same  year  the  towns  of  Milford  and  Guilford  were  added  to  the  colony. 

Conspicuous  among  the  New  Haven  settlers,  in  civil  affairs,  were  Robert  Treat  and  Jasper  Crane, 
who  afterward  became  leaders  in  the  new  enterprise  or  "  New  Worke." 

Colonel  Robert  Treat,  born  in  England,  son  of  Richard,  was  with  his  father  at  Wethersfield  in 
1640  ;  was  at  Milford,  where  he  was  Town  Clerk  ;  was  an  assistant  in  the  New  Haven  Colony  in  1659  ;  was 
also  a  Magistrate.  For  his  "expense  with  the  Indians  about  purchasing"  on  Pesayack  River  in  1666,  he 
had  "given  him  two  acres  of  land  in  the  town  plot,  near  the  frog  pond,"  and  in  the  choice  of  lots  had  the 
first.  In  1672  be  returned  to  New  England,  and  in  1675  "  Major  Treat  was  dismissed  from  the  Church 
of  Chi-ist,  at  Newark,  to  the  church  at  Milford.     In  Phillip's  War  he  was  Commander-in-Chief;  in  1676 


History  oi    MoNrci.AiR  Towxsiiir.  11 

Deputy  (to vernor;  ami,  in  lt)83.  Governor  of  Connecticut.  lie  served  in  tiiat  jilace  fifteen  years,  and 
retired  from  old  age,  and  died  12tli  of  July,  ITlii,  aged  8S 

Jaspkr  Ckaxk  was  one  of  the  original  settlei-s  of  the  New  Haven  Colony,  "the  only  remaining 
occupant  of  the  east  centre  square ;  was  presumably  from  London,  as  he  was  much  connected  witii  tlie 
London  men  in  various  ways.  He  first  put  liis  estate  at  one  hundred  and  eighty  pounds,  and  land  was 
assigned  him  according  in  amount  with  that  appraisal ;  hut  before  the  meadows  and  the  ouflands  of  the 
third  division  were  allotted  he  was  permitted  to  increase  his  appraisal  to  four  hundred  and  eiglitv  |>ounds, 
and  receive  thereafter  corresponding  allotments  of  land.  He  signed  the  first  agreement  4tli  June,  1649, 
at  general  meeting  of  all  the  planters,  in  ilr.  Newman's  barn :  took  Ihe  oath  of  fidelity  at  the  organization 
of  the  government,  with  Campfield,  Pennington,  (iovernor  Eaton  and  others.  In  l(i44  lie  was  "  freed 
from  watching  and  trayning  in  his  own  person,  because  of  his  weakness,  but  to  find  one  for  his  time."" 
At  East  Haven  he  was  interested  in  a  bog  furnace  in  Kiol;  he  removed  to  ISninfoni  in  l(i.->2,  and 
represented  the  town  in  the  (reneral  Court  of  the  Jurisdiction  in  1053. 

The  restoration  of  the  Stuarts  in  1660  wa.s  not  favorably  received  in  New  England,  and  wiicn  tlie 
time  arrived  for  the  next  election  in  New  Haven  Jurisdiction  it  was  difficult  to  find  ]HMsons  willing  to 
accept  office. 

Mr.  William  Leite  was  chosen  Governor.  Mi-.  Matthew  (iilbert.  Deputy  Governor,  Jlr.  Rohkrt 
Treat  and  Mr.  .J.\si'ki!  Cii.vxi:,  Magistrates. 

After  the  restoration  of  Charles  II.,  AVhalley  aial  (iolfe,  the  Regicide  Judges,  escaped  to  New 
P^ngland  and  were  reported  in  the  New  Haven  Colony.  The  pursuivants  who  were  sent  in  pursuit  of 
the  fugitives  ajiplied  to  Deputy  Governor  Leite.  and  demanded  military  aid,  and  a  power  to  search  and 
apprehend.  "The  Court  was  called  together  and  Magistrate  Cr.\.nk,  of  liranford.  had  arrived  in  company 
with  Liete."" 

"  The  Magistrates  held  a  consultation  of  two  or  three  hours,  after  which,  being  further  pressed  by 
the  pursuivants  to  do  their  duty  and  loyalty  to  his  Majesty  or  not.  it  was  answered  they  would  lirst  know 
whether  his  Majesty  would  own  them." 

Magistrates  Crane,  Gilbert  and  Treat  subsecpiently  issued  a  warrant  for  the  arrest  of  the  fugitives, 
but  as  the  most  prominent  men  in  the  colony  were  in  sympathy  with,  and  aided  in  concealing  them,  the 
warrant  was  never  executed,  liev.  .Mr.  Davenport,  their  leader,  covertly  advised  them  so  to  do.  He 
preached  to  his  people  from  I.saiah  xvi.,  '.'•  ami  4:  "  Take  counsel,  execute  judgment,  make  thy  shadow 
as  the  night  in  the  midst  of  the  noonday;  hide  the  oufnistx,  betray  not  him  that  wandereth.  Let  mine 
outca.sts  dwell  with  thee.      .Moab,  be  thou  a  covert  to  them  from  the  face  of  the  spoiler."" 

In  this  controversy  between  the  Colonies  of  Connecticut  and  New  Haven,  growing  out  of  the  new- 
charter  granted  to  Connecticut  by  Charles  II.,  in  ir,tl2,  .Iasper  Ckank  and  KoiiKRT  Treat  bore  a  promi- 
nent part  in  liringing  about  a  })eaceful  .settlement. 

A  comniTinication  from  the  Connecticut  Colony  was  reafi  at  a  meeting  of  the  freemen  of  the  New 
Haven  Colony  held  at  New  Haven,  November  4,  10G2,  setting  forth  the  advantages  of  the  patent,  with 
the  "  earnest  desire  that  there  may  be  a  ha|)py  and  comfortable  union  between  yourselves  and  xis  accord- 
ing to  the  terms  of  the  charter." 

The  reply  to  this  communication  was  signed  by  William  Leite,  Matthew  Gilbert,  Benjamin  Fenn, 
Jasper  Crank,  Robert  Treat,  William  Jones,  John  Davenport,  Nicholas  Street,  Abrah.  I'ierson,  and 
Roger  Newton. 

On  the  10th  of  August  a '•committee  was  appointed  to  treat  with  our  honored  friends  of  New 
Haven,  Milford,  Branford  and  Guilford,  about  settling  the  union,  and  incorporate  with  the  Colony  of 
Connecticut."" 

Among  the  queries  jjropounded  by  the  New  Haven  Colony,  and  finally  accepted  by  Connecticut, 
was  one  providing  "That  the  Wor.shipful  Mr.  Leite,  Mr.  Gilbert,  Mr.  Jones,  Mr.  Fenn,  Mr.  Treat  and 
Mr.  Crane  be  and  remain  in  magisterial  power  within  the  county,  and  any  three  or  more  of  them  as 
they  see  cause  to  have  power  to  keep  a  county  court,  they  choosing  out  from  amongst  themselves  a 


12  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

moderator  j>>''^  tempore,  in  the  president's  absence,  whom  we  hereby  nominate  to  be  Worshipfiil  Mr. 
Leite  for  the  county,  and  they  to  stand  in  force  mitil  an  orderly  election  of  officers  at  general  election  in 
May  next,"  etc. 

Notwitlistanding  these  peacefnl  negotiations,  the  inliabitants  of  the  Xew  Haven  Colony  were 
greatly  disturbed  at  the  possible  termination  of  affairs.  Mr.  Davenport  and  otlier  ministers  were  strongly 
of  the  opinion  that  all  government  powers  should  be  vested  in  the  churches,  and  the  churches  were 
unanimously  opposed  to  being  united  with  Connecticut.  In  New  Haven,  only  church  members  in  fxdl 
communion  could  be  freemen.  The  adopted  tenet  of  the  Connecticut  Colony  was  that  all  bajitized  per- 
sons, not  convicted  of  scandalous  actions,  are  so  far  church  members  that,  upon  acknowledging  their 
baptismal  covenant,  and  promising  an  outward  conformity  to  it,  though  without  any  pretension  to  inward 
and  spiritual  religion,  they  may  present  their  children  for  baptism.  This  was  known  as  the  "  Half-Way 
Covenant,"  and  continued  in  force  in  Connecticut  for  more  than  a  hundred  years. 

The  proposed  union  aroused  deep  feeling  through  all  the  New  Haven  Colony  settlements.  Bran- 
ford  people  were  especially  disturbed.  Rev.  Mr.  Pierson  and  others  had  left  Southampton,  L.  I.,  because 
they  found  it  was  claimed  by  Connecticut.  Now  they  were  to  be  under  Connecticut  jurisdiction  after  all. 
This  was  the  blighting  of  all  their  hopes.  They  did  not  believe  thei-e  could  be  any  good  and  safe 
government  for  Christian  people  unless  the  voting  and  office-holding  were  all  in  the  hands  of  Christians. 
Having  "spent  so  much  of  their  means  and  so  much  of  their  labor  on  houses,  fences,  mills,  lands,  and 
done  so  much  for  living  comfortably,  it  was  a  serious  matter  to  bi-eak  up,  go  into  another  wilderness,  and 
begin  again."     Their  labor  of  twenty-three  years  meant  a  great  deal. 

Excessively  alarming  and  distasteful  were  these  views  to  the  supporters  of  the  policy  of  the  fathers. 
Without  money,  credit,  or  political  affiliations  of  any  importance,  they  yet  clung  to  the  hope  of  independ- 
ence, believed  the  danger  from  England  to  be  averted,  and  spurned  "  the  Christless  rule  of  Connecticut." 
Mr.  Davenport  was  very  bitter  at  the  action  of  Leite.  He  wrote  to  Gov.  Winthrop  in  1603:  "As  for 
what  Mr.  Leite  wrote  to  j'ourself,  it  was  his  private  doing,  without  the  consent  or  knowledge  of  any  of 
us  in  the  colony ;  it  was  not  done  by  him  according  to  his  public  trust  as  Governor,  but  contrary  to  it." 

A  serious  division  of  sentiment  had  arisen  in  the  colony  which  threatened  its  very  existence. 
New  Haven  and  Branford  supported  the  cause  of  "  Godlj-  Government";  but  Mr.  Leite  was  continued 
in  his  office,  and  the  nominal  head  of  the  elder  faction,  Matthew  Gilbert,  was,  as  usual,  chosen  to  the  sub- 
ordinate office  of  Deputy  Governor.  Many  now  began  openly  to  declare  themselves  citizens  of  Connecti- 
cut, and  to  isrnore  the  New  Haven  officers  and  laws.  Taxes  coidd  not  be  collected,  and  the  colony, 
unable  to  f)ay  the  regular  salaries  of  its  officials,  was  jiluiiging  deeper  and  deeper  into  debt.  Discouraged 
and  almost  disheartened  at  the  inexorable  logic  of  events,  ^Iv.  Davenpoi-t  exclaimed,  "The  cause  of 
Christ  in  New  Haven  is  miserably  lost." 


Chapter  V. 


TiiK  •' WISE  mi;n  OF  GOOD  repokt"  sent  IX  Search  of  a  Xew  Canaan. — Difficulties  Encountekkd. — 
AxxiFrrv  of  Stuyvesaxt  to  secure  the  Settlement  of  the  New  Haven  Colonists  for  New 
Jersey. — The  "Agreement"  of  the  Branford  Colonists. — Landing  of  the  Milford  Colon- 
ists.— Unexpected  Difficulties  with  the  Indians. — Formal  Conveyance  of  the  Lands  by  the 
Indians. — Additional  Conveyance  of  Land  extending  to  the  top  of  Watciiuno  Mountain. 


(HE  events  narrated  in  the  preceding  ciiaptcr  whicii  seemed  so  dark  miuI  foreljoding  to  the 
Now  Haven  f(j]onists  proved  to  tlieni  a  l(les.-iing  in  disgnit^e.  Tlie  "land  of  promise" — 
the  New  Canaan — was  awaiting  them,  wiiere  tliey  could  not  only  "worship  God  under 
their  own  vine  and  tig  tree."  but  where  they  could  regulate  their  civil  affairs  in  accordance 
with  their  own  convictions  of  truth  anil  right. 

The  possible  overthrow  of  his  plans  liad  itccii  furc-'Uen  liy  Mr.  Davenport,  ;uk1  by 
the  leaders  of  his  party  during  the  quarrel  with  the  townsmen  in  16o8-()U,  and  at  tliat  time 
they  had  secretly  .sent  out  "wise  men  of  good  report"  in  searcli  of  a  New  Canaan. 

They  turned  naturally  to  the  Delaware  region  with  which  they  were  already  familiar, 
having  {)revioiisly  invested  large  amounts  in  that  locality.  -V  Committee  of  Inspection  was 
.sent  thither  in  ItJGl,  and  on  the  .sth  of  November,  Matthew  Gilbert,  Deputy  Governor  of 
the  Colony  of  New  Haven,  wrote  from  ^[ilfor^l  to  Governor  Stuyvesant  at  New  Amsterdam,  informing 
him  that  "a  Coinjmnie  of  Considerable  that  came  into  N.  E.  that  they  might  serve  God  w""  a  pure 
conscience  and  enjoy  such  lil)erties  and  ]>riveledges,  both  Civill  and  Ecclesiasticall.  as  might  best  advantage 
unto,  and  strengthen  them  in  the  end  and  worke  aforesaid,  W^""  also,  through  the  mercy  of  God,  they 
have  enjoyed  for  more  than  twentie  yeares  together,  and  the  Lord  havcing  blessed  them  w"'  posterities  so 
that  their  numbers  are  increased  and  they  being  desirous  to  p'vide  for  their  posterities  so  tliat  their 
outward  comfortable  subsistence  and  their  soulles  welfare  might  in  the  use  of  sutable  means  througli  the 
blessing  of  the  Almighty,  be  obtained, — that  this  company  having  been  encouraged  so  to  do  by  the 
courtesy  extended  by  the  Governor  to  persons  appointed  to  visit  'some  adjacent  parts'  on  a  previous 
occasion,  had  appointc<l  a  committee  of  four  of  their  most  prominent  men.  at  the  head  of  wliich  was 
Robert  Treat,  to  confer  with  him  relative  to  the  terms  upon  whicli  they  might  -begin  to  plant,'  and 
thereafter  secure  additions  to  those  who  might  wish  to  join  them  -for  the  enlargement  of  the  Kingdom 
of  Christ  in  the  Congretrational  wav."  and  secure  all  other  means  of  comfort,  and  subordination  thereunto." 
In  behalf,  therefore,  of  the  Committee  sundry  propositions  were  submitted,  for  which,  as  they  were  from 
"  true  men  and  not  spies,"  a  careful  consideration  was  solicited  with  a  view  to  a  return  of  a  definite 
answer  to  each. 

Five  conditions  of  willingness  to  settle  under  Dutch  rule  were  submitted  to  Stuyvesant,  and  he 
refused  assent  to  all  of  them,  desiring  especially  to  retain  control  of  the  election  of  officers,  and  the  right 
of  appeal  to  the  Dutch  tribunals.     These  negotiations  remained  for  a  time  in  abeyance. 

Stuyvesant.  however,  was  exceedingly  anxious  to  obtain  such  immigration,  and  in  the  winter  of 
1662-3,  Robert  Treat.  Philip  Groves  and  John  Gregory  again  communicated  with  him,  and  found  him 
disposed  to  make  some  concessions;  he  finally  wrote  home  for  instructions.     In  June,  1G63,  Mr.  Treat 


14  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

wrote  to  Stuvvesant  to  inquire  if  the  instruetioiis  liad  conie,  and  complained  nf  hindrances  at  home  to  the 
consummation  of  tiie  sclieme. 

Stuyvesanfs  instructions,  whicli  tinally  arrived,  l^earing  date  March  23,  1663,  urging  him  to  secure 
the  English  for  subjects  by  every  means  and  every  concession  if  necessary.  Stuyvesant  replied  to  Treat 
July  20,  inviting  him  to  come,  and  reserving  only  a  formal  confirmation  of  othcers,  and  the  I'ight  of  appeal 
in  important  causes  and  in  capital  cases,  unless  the  criminal  party  confessed.  The  ra2)id  succession  of 
events  checked  the  transaction  with  the  Dutch  at  this  point.  The  high-handed  discourtesy  of  the  Con- 
necticut Legislature  united  for  a  time  all  the  New  Haven  factions  in  opposition  to  Wintlirop's  Charter, 
and  led  to  important  action  on  the  part  of  the  Colonists.  In  January,  166-i,  the  General  Court  for 
the  Jurisdiction  voted  that  "Tiie  Committee  shall  treate  with  Captain  Scott  about  getting  a  pattent  for 
Delaware.'" 

The  summer  of  1664:  brought  the  unexpected  surrender  of  the  New  Netherlands  to  the  Duke  of 
York,  and  on  the  13th  of  December  following.  New  Haven,  Branford  and  Guilford  voted  to  submit  to 
Connecticut.  One  week  after  the  surrender  to  Connecticut  had  been  recorded,  a  letter  was  addressed  by 
William  Jones,  magistrate  of  New  Haven. to  Colonel  Nicolls.  depicting  the  great  "wrong  and  injury"  of 
the  Colony  at  Delaware  Bay.  "Tlie  Indians  of  whom  we  purcliased  the  land  there  do  owne  our  right  and 
much  desire  the  coming  of  the  English."'  It  was  hoped  tliat  "A  furthei-  search  of  our  records  may  be 
further  improved  by  your  lionor  as  your  wisdom  .-hall  think  tit.'" 

Appeals  to  Colonel  ^^icolls  were  futde :  in  the  meantime  Governor  Philip  Carteret  arrived  and 
ti.xed  liis  capital  at  Elizabethtown.  In  August,  1665,  he  sent  letters  to  New  England,  offering  to  settlei's 
every  civil  and  religious  privilege.  A  committee,  consisting  of  Robert  Treat  and  one  or  two  other  prom- 
inent men  of  Milford,  was  dispatched  to  New  Jersey  to  satisfy  the  eomnumity  that  the  pictui-e  presented 
of  the  great  advantages  to  be  derived  was  not  overdrawn.  Reference  has  been  made  to  the  fact  that  unsuc- 
cessful attempts  had  been  made,  at  different  times,  to  plant  an  offshoot  of  the  New  Haven  Colony  on  the 
banks  of  the  Delaware,  and  it  seems  that  the  Millford  conmiittee  iii"st  turned  their  steps  thither  with  a 
view  of  selecting  a  site  near  the  pi-esent  Burlington.  But  not  being  pleased  with  what  they  saw  in  West 
Jersey,  they  returned  and  visited  Governor  Carteret  at  Elizabeth,  at  whose  suggestion  they  determined 
upon  a  location  on  the  Passaic.  It  is  said  that  a  formal  agreement,  comprising  fifteen  articles,  was 
entered  into  after  a  full  discussion  of  the  provisions  of  the  "  concessions,"  but  tlie  document  is  lost. 
There  was  probably  a  reference  to  it  in  the  record  of  a  Town  Meeting  at  New  Haven,  December  4,  1665: 
"  Mr.  Jones  tolde  thee  towne  about  Delaware.  Tiie  Articles  were  read,  and  it  was  said  that  a  Committee 
for  the  ordering  of  that  aifayre  was  appointed." 

As  the  concessions  required  all  land  to  be  taken  up  under  a  warrant  from  the  Governor,  and  as  Treat 
and  liis  companions  were  equally  decided  in  requiring  an  extinguishment  of  the  Indian  title  prior  to  settle- 
ment, these  mutual  requirements  were  considered  satisfactorily  met  by  Carteret"s  furnishing  Treat  with  a 
letter  to  the  Sachem  having  control  of  the  desired  tract,  requesting  him  to  give  the  immigrants  possession, 
and  promising  to  pay  therefor,  there  having  been  some  prior  negotiations  for  the  land.  "  On  the  subject  of 
real  estate  in  the  New  Woi-ld,"  says  Bancroft,  "the  Puritans  differed  from  the  lawyers  widely;  asserting 
that  the  heathen,  as  a  part  of  the  lineal  descendants  of  Noah,  had  a  rightful  claim  to  their  lands." 
Charged  with  this  document,  Treat  and  his  friends  returned  to  Connecticut  to  make  arrangements  for  the 
removal,  and  early  in  the  Spring  of  1666  the  first  immigrants  from  Milford  embai-ked  for  New  Jer.sey. 
The  record  states  that  "At  a  meeting  touching  the  intended  design  of  many  of  the  inhabitants  of  Bran- 
ford  the  following  was  subscribed:  Deut.  1,  13;  Ex.  IS,  2;  Deut.  17,15;  Jere.  36,  21.  ("Take  you 
wise  men  and  understanding,  and  known  among  your  tribes,  and  I  will  make  them  rulers  over  you.' 
'  Moreover,  thou  shalt  provide  out  of  all  the  people  alile  men,  such  as  fe^r  God,  men  of  truth,  hating 
covetousness ;  and  place  such  over  them  to  be  rulers  of  thousands,  of  hundreds,  rulers  of  fifteen,  and 
rulers  of  tens,"  etc.)  1.  That  none  shall  be  admitted  freemen,  or  free  burgesses  within  our  town,  upon 
Passaic  River  in  the  province  of  New  Jersey,  but  such  planters  as  are  members  of  some  or  other  of  tlie 
Congregational  churches:  nor  shall  any  but  such  be  chosen  to  magistracy;  or  to  carry  on  civil  judicature, 


HiSTOKV   OK   MoNHI  AIR    TdWNSIIir.  15 

or  as  deputies  or  assistants  to  have  power  to  vote  iu  establishing  laws,  and  making  or  repeah'iig  them,  or 
to  any  eliief  miiitarv  trust  or  ofBce;  nor  shall  any  but  such  church  members  have  any  vote  in  sucli 
elections;  thougii  all  uthei-s  admitted  to  be  planters  liave  right  in  their  ])roper  iniieritance,  and  do  so  and 
shall  enjoy  all  other  civil  liberties  and  privileges  according  to  all  laws,  orders,  grants,  which  are,  or  shall 
hereafter  be,  made  for  this  town.  2.  We  shall  with  care  and  dilligence,  provide  for  maintenance  of  the 
purity  of  religion  as  professed  in  fongregational  churches."  "Whereunto  inscribed  the  inhabitants  from 
Bran  ford : 

Jasper  Crane,  Abra  Pier.son,  Sanrl  Swaiue,  Lawrance  Ward,  Thomas  Blatchly,  Samuel  Plum, 
Josiah  Ward,  Samuel  Rose,  Thdinas  Pierson.  John  Warde,  John  Catling,  Richard  Harrison,  Ebenezer 
Cantield,  John  Ward  Senior.  Ed.  Pall,  John  Harrison,  Juhn  Crane,  Tlios.  Huntington,  Delivered  Crane, 
Aaron  I'latchly,  John  Johnson  [his  markj,  Thomas  L.  Lyon  [his  mark]. 

Most  of  these  signers  moved  with  Mr.  Pierson  to  Newark.  They  went  by  vessel  down  Long 
Island  Sound.  There  is  a  tradition  that  Elizabeth  Swaine,  the  daughter  of  Samuel,  was  the  first  to  land 
on  the  shore  of  Newark,  having  been  merrily  handed  up  the  bank  by  her  gallant  lover,  Israel  Ward,  in 
his  ambition  to  secure  for  her  that  mark  of  i)riority.     She  was  then  nineteen  vears  of  age. 

The  omis.sion  on  the  part  of  Treat  to  deliver  promptly  the  letter  to  the  Indians  with  which  he  was 
furnished  by  Carteret,  and  to  complete  the  arrangements  for  the  occupancy  of  the  desired  tract,  was  the 
cause  of  unexpected  embarrassment  and  delay.  On  attempting  to  land  their  goods  at  some  jioint  on  the 
river,  they  were  warned  off  by  Indians  on  the  ground,  who  claimed  to  be  the  owners,  and  informed  them 
that  they  had  not  yet  parted  with  their  riglit  tiiereto.  The  goods  were  therefore  reladen  aiul  a  report  of 
the  circumstances  made  to  the  Governor. 

In  the  interview  that  followed,  these  difficulties  were  j)roliably  removeil.  Samuel  Edsall,  a 
resident  tui  Bergen  Neck,  to  whom  the  neighboring  chiefs  had  become  known,  through  several  negotia- 
tions with  them  that  he  had  conducted,  both  on  his  own  account  and  as  interpreter  for  others,  was 
authorized  by  Carteret  to  effect  the  purchase.  Accompanied  by  Treat  and  some  others  of  the  new- 
comers, he  proceeded  up  the  Hackeiisack  to  confer  with  those  wlio  claimed  to  be  the  proprietors  of  the  land 
west  of  tlie  Passaic.  In  Treat's  account  of  the  negotiations  he  sjiys  :  "One  Perro  laid  claim  to  the  said 
Pa.ssaic  lanils.  which  is  now  called  Newark,  and  the  result  of  our  treaty  was,  that  we  obtained  of  a  body 
of  said  Indians  to  give  us  a  meeting  at  Pa.s.saic,  and  .soon  after  they  came,  all  the  j)r(jpriet()rs,  viz.:  Perro, 
and  his  kindred,  with  the  Sagamores  that  were  able  to  travel;  Oraton  being  very  old,  but  approved  of 
Perro's  acting,  and  then  we  acted  by  the  advice,  order  ami  a])probation  of  the  said  Governor  (who  was 
troubled  for  our  sakes)  and  also  of  our  interpreters,  the  said  (Governor  approving  of  them  (one  John 
Capteen,  a  Dutchman,  and  Samuel  Edsall,  and  was  willing  and  approved  that  we  should  purchase  a  tract 
of  land  for  a  township." 

A  bill  of  sale  was  made  out,  ai-rangements  made  for  taking  possession,  and  soon  the  little  party, 
relieved  from  tiieir  close  quarters  on  board  the  vessels,  were  established  on  the  site  of  the  contemplated 
town. 

While  these  j)reliminary  measures  were  being  consummated,  an  opportunity  .was  afforded  for  the 
preparation  and  e.xecution  of  written  stipulations  with  certain  agents  from  Guilford  and  Branford — who 
had  either  been  fellow-passengers  with  the  Milford  people,  or  had  arrived  subsequently — that  the  settlers 
from  those  places  should  Ite  perndtted  to  join  in  forming  one  common  township,  provided  deiinite 
intimations  to  that  effect  should  be  received  prior  to  the  ensuing  1st  of  November.  The  meeting  at 
which  this  agreement  was  made  was  held,  probably,  on  board  of  one  of  the  vessels  lying  "near  Elizabeth- 
town,"  on  the  21st  of  May,  and  was  verified  Ijy  the  signature  of  Robert  Treat  for  the  Milford  ])eople, 
and  Sainnel  Swain  for  those  of  (Tuilford  and  Branford,  on  the  24th  of  the  same  month  ;  it  l)eing,  they 
say,  their  •"  desire  to  be  of  one  heart,  and  consent,  through  God's  blessing,  with  one  hand  they  may 
endeavor  the  carrying  on  of  spiritual  concernments,  as  also  civil  and  town  affairs,  according  to  God  and  a 
godlv  jTOTernment." 

The  document  signed  by  the  people  of  Branford — already  referred  to,  was  dispatched  to  Milford, 


16  History  of  Moxtclair  Townsiiip. 

and  ill  tlie  ensuing  month,  tlie  inliabitants  '•  declared  tlieir  consent  and  readiness"  to  confonii  to  its 
recjuireineiits.  Sn])se(jnently,  at  a  meeting  on  the  24th  of  June,  IfiGT,  sliortly  after  the  arrival  of  the 
Branford  families,  the  ililford  men  also  subscribed  the  document ;  tlie  following  is  the  list  of  names  in 
their  order : 

Eobert  Treat,  Oliadiah  Bruen,  Matthew  f'amtield,  Samuel  Kitchell,  Jeremiah  Pecke,  Michael 
Tompkins,  Stephen  Freeman,  Ilenrj  Lyon,  John  Browne,  John  Rogers.  Stephen  Davis.  Edward  Bigs. 
Robei-t  Kitchell,  liis  mark ;  J.  B.  Brooks,  his  mark ;  Robert  V.  Lymens,  his  mark  ;  Francis  V.  Linle,  his 
mark;  Daniel  Tichenor,  Jolin  Baldwin,  Sen.,  John  Baldwin.  Jr..  John  Tomjikins,  Geo.  Day,  Thom. 
"Johnson,  John  Curtis,  Ephraim  Burwell,  his  X;  Robert  R.  Dennison,  liis  X;  Nathaniel  Wheeler, 
Zechariah  Burwell,  William  Campe,  Joseph  AYalters,  Robert  English,  Hauns  Albers,  Thomas  Morris, 
Hugh  Roberts,  Eph'm  Pennington,  Martin  Tichenor,  John  Browne.  Jr..  Jona.  Seargeant,  Azariah  Crane. 
Samuel  Lyon,  Joseph  Riggs,  Stejjhen  Bond.— 

The  arrangement  entered  into  with  the  Indians  through  the  agency  of  Samuel  Edsall.  v>hich 
preceded  the  settlement,  was  perfected  by  the  execution  of  a  moie  formal  instrument  at  a  conference 
with  them  lield  "at  the  head  of  the  Cove  of  Bound  Brook,"  July  11,  Ififi?.  which  defines  the  boundaries 
as  follows  : 

That  Wek  the  said  Wapamuck,  the  Sakanuxker,  and  AVamesane,  Peter,  Captamin,  Wecapj-okikam, 
Napeam,  Perawae,  Sessom,  IMamustome,  Cacanakrue,  and  Ilarish,  doe,  for  ourselves  and  With  Consent  of 
the  Indians,  Bargain,  sell  and  deliver,  a  Certain  tract  of  Land,  Upland  and  Meadow  of  all  sorts;  Wether 
Swamps,  Rivers,  Brooks,  Springs,  fishings.  Trees  of  all  sorts,  Quaries  and  Mines,  or  Metals  of  what  sort 
soever.  With  full  liberty  of  hunting  and  fouling  upon  the  same.  Excepting  Liberty  of  hunting  for  the 
above  said  i)roi)rietors  that  were  ujtpon  the  upper  commons,  and  of  tishing  in  the  above  said  Pesayak 
River;  which  tract  of  Land  is  bounded  and  Limited  with  the  bay  Eastward,  and  the  great  River  Pesayak 
Northward,  the  great  Creke  or  River  in  the  meadoM*  running  to  the  head  of  the  Cove,  and  from  thence 
bareing  a  West  Line  for  the  South  bounds,  wh.  said  Great  Creke  is  Commonly  Called,  and  Known  by  the 
name  of  Weequachick  on  the  West  Line  backwards  in  the  Country  to  the  foot  of  tlie  great  mountain 
called  Watchung,  being  as  is  Judged,  about  seven  or  eight  miles  from  Pesayak  town;  the  said  Mountaine, 
as  Wee  are  Liformed,  hath  one  branch  of  Elizabethtown  River  running  near  the  above  said  foot  of  the 
mountaine  ;  the  bounds  northerly,  viz.:  Pesayak  River  reaches  to  the  Third  River  above  the  towne,  ye 
River  is  called  Yauntakah  ;  and  from  thence  upon  a  northwest  line  to  the  aforesaid  mountaine  ;  all  of 
which  before  mentioned  Lands  for  the  several  kinds  of  them,  and  all  the  singular  benefits  and  Privileges 
belonging  to  them,  with  ye  sevi-al  bounds  affixed  and  ex])ressed  herein,  as  also  free  liberty  and  range  for 
Cattle,  horses,  hoggs,  and  that  though  they  range  beyond  any  of  the  bounds  in  this  Deed  expressed,  to 
feed  and  pasture  Without  Molestion  or  of  damage  to  the  owners  of  cattle  itc,  above  said.  Wee,  the 
above  said  Indians,  AVapamuck  &c  doe  sell,  Alienate,  make  over,  and  Confirm  all  Right,  Title  and 
Interest  of  us,  our  heires  and  Successors,  for  ever  Unto  the  said  Lands,  &c  as  above-mentioned  to  Mr. 
Obadiah  Bruen,  Mr.  Samel  Kitchell,  Mr.  Michael  Tompkins,  John  Browne,  and  Robert  Denison,  towns- 
men and  Agents  for  ye  English  Inhabitants  of  Pesayak,  to  them,  their  heires  and  associates  for 
Ever  ;  to  have  hold  and  dispose  of,  Without  Claim,  Let  or  Molestation  from  ourselves  or  any  other 
Whatsoever  These  Lands,  ttc  are  thus  sold  and  delivered  for  and  in  consideration  of  fifty  double  hands 
of  powder ;  one  hundred  bars  of  lead,  twenty  axes^  twenty  Coates,  ten  Guns,  twenty  Pistols,  ten  Kettles, 
ten  Swords,  four  blankets,  four  barrells  of  beere,  ten  pair  of  breeches,  fifty  knives,  twenty  howes,  eight 
hundred  fathem  of  wampem,  two  Ankers  of  Liequers,  or  something  Equivalent,  and  three  troopers' 
Coates ;  these  things  are  received,  only  a  small  number  engaged  to  them  by  bill,"  etc. 

Eleven  years  later,  on  the  13th  of  Mai'cli,  167S,  the  western  limits  of  the  tract  were  extended  to 
the  top  of  the  mountain  by  a  deed  from  two  other  Indians,  the  consideration  for  the  extension  being 
"two  guns,  three  coats  and  thirteen  cans  of  rum."  The  boundary  line  of  the  town  on  the  south, 
separating  it  from  Elizabethtown,  as  agreed  upon  on  the  20th  of  May,  1668,  ran  from  "  the  top  of  a  little 
round  hill  named  Divident  hill  ;  and   frrun  thence  to   run  upon  a  northwest  line  into  the  country  "   until 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  17 

it  reacheil  tlie  Watcluiiiij  Mdiiiitaiii.  The  commissioners  appointed  for  tliis  work  from  Newark  were 
Jasper  Crane,  Robert  Treat.  Matthew  Camfield.  Samuel  Swaine,  and  Tliomas  Johnson  :  from  Elizabeth- 
town.  Jolm  Ogdeii,  Luke  Watson.  Robert  Bond,  and  Jeifrev  Jones. 

It  wa.s  ])roposed  b_v  the  Milford  settlers  to  call  the  new  settlement  after  their  own  town  in  the 
New  Haven  Colony,  and  it  was  called  Milford  until  the  arrival  of  the  Branford  people.  Tlien.  upon  a 
formal  or^canization  of  the  town  government,  the  name  wa.s  dropped  iind  Newark  substituted.  The 
substitute  appears  to  Lave  been  agreed  upon  in  honor  of  Rev.  Abraiiam  I'ierson,  the  first  Pastoral 
Shepherd  of  the  place,  who  came  origiiuillv  from  Newark-on-Trent,  and  who,  although  second  on  the 
li.st  of  the  Branford  emigrants,  -was  second  to  none  in  the  esteem  and  reverence  of  the  entii-e  commmiity. 
In  the  old  "Town  Book"   which  is  still  j)reserved.  the  name  is  written  Xew-AVokkk. 

The  territory  thus  acquired  by  moral  right  from  the  natives,  and  by  a  legal  right  finni  tiie 
proprietors,  embraced  the  present  townships  of  Newark.  Orange.  Bloumtield.  Bellcvibe,  (lintnn.  and 
Montclair. 

In  the  division  nf  the  land.s,  each  settler  received  a  "  hotne  lot"  in  the  town  laid  out  on  the  river, 
for  which  lots  were  drawn,  the  division  being  in  strict  conformity  with  Hebrew  jirecedents — always  the 
Puritanic  model.  There  were,  also,  fii*st,  -second,  antj  third  divisions  of  the  '•  upland,"  with  an  equitable 
distrii)ution  of  the  "bogged  meadow." 


Chapter  VI, 


Government  of  the  "New-Worke"  Colonists. — Liberal  Treatment  of  the  Indians  and  New 
Settlers  who  could  not  Sdbscribe  to  the  ''Fundamental  Agreement." — Capacity  or  the 
Colonists  for  Self-Government;  Existing  for  Twelve  Years  with  no  other  Government 

THAN    THE     "FUNDAMENTAL     AGREEMENT." EXTRACTS    FROM    THE    ToWN    EeCORDS    RELATING    TO 

Local  Government. — Jasper  Crane,  Robert  Treat  and  Matthew  Camfield  Chosen 
Magistrates. — Organization  of  the  "First  ('Hurch  of  Newark." — Rev.  Abraham  Pierson 
and  his  Successors. — Increase  in  Population. — Laying  out  of  the  Highway  as  far  as  the 
Mountain. — Application  of  Deacon  Azaeiah  Crane  for  Land  for  a  Tanyard. — Establish- 
ment of  Additional  Plantations. — Cranetown.  Watsessing,  Etc. — "Early  Outlands  and 
Houses." — Old  Roads. 


^^iHE  little  band  of  expatriated  New  Haven  Colonists,  after  nearly  thirty  years  of  wander- 

ji   iiigs,  foiiiul  at  last  their  ideal  "Canaan."     Without  coniiting  the  exodns  from  England  to 

Lynn,  Mass.,  there  were  then  three  removals  within  thirty  years  and  each  time  in  search 

of  a  "  Government  according  to  God."     1.  From  Lynn  to  Southampton,  L.  L     2.  Thence 

"i^^    to  Branford.    8.  From  Branford  to  New  Jersey.    It  has  been  stated  that  Branford  moved 

bodily  to  Newark;  this,  however,  is  an  exaggeration.     Mr.  Pierson  was  a  more  bitter 

^^t     parti,san  than  Mr.  Davenport,  and  the  history  of  his  flock  was  indeed  a  "  moving  "  one. 

"  Our  Towne  on  Passaick  "  was  Utiy  named  by  its  founders  "  New-Worke."  It 
was  to  be  a  Avork  of  love.  Recognizing  as  they  did  the  "Fatherhood  of  God"  and  the 
"  Brotherhood  of  Man,"  they  built  accordingly.  A  government  was  established  in  the 
wilderness,  the  fundamental  principles  of  which  were  drawn  from  the  Mosaic  Law.  The 
history  of  this  people  for  more  than  a  quartei-  of  a  century  was  a  i-epetition  of  God's  chosen  people  under 
the  rule  and  guidance  of  the  judges  and  prophets.  On  entering  the  "  land  of  Canaan,"  however,  they  did 
not  attempt  to  "  drive  out  the  heathen,"  but  lived  at  peace  with  their  Indian  neighl)ors.  In  the  testimony 
of  the  Council  of  Proprietors  at  a  later  period  it  is  stated  that :  "  We  are  well  assui^d  that  since  the  lirst 
settlement  of  New  Jer.sey,  there  is  not  one  instance  can  be  assigned  of  any  breach  of  peace  with  the 
Indians  thereof  (though  very  few  of  the  other  provinces  can  say  so  as  to  their  Indians);  nor  that  any 
proprietor  ever  presumed  to  dispossess  one  of  them,  or  disturb  him  in  his  possession  ;  but  have  alway 
amicably  paid  them  for  their  claims,  from  time  to  tiuie,  as  they  could  agree  with  them." 

There  was  nothing  false,  nothing  Pharisaical  about  these  Puritan  settlers.  They  were  brave  and 
honest  enough  to  say  exactly  what  they  meant  and  what  they  de.sired,  and  while  they  encouraged  honest 
settlers  to  come  among  them,  they  embodied  in  their  Fundamental  Agreements  the  following  article : 
'"The  planters  agree  to  submit  to  such  magistrates  as  shall  be  annually  chosen  by  the  Friends  from  among 
themselves,  and  to  such  laws  as  we  had  in  the  jilace  whence  we  came."  Another  provision  was  as 
follows : 

"/few;,  it  is  agreed  upon  that  in  case  any  shall  come  into  us  or  rise  up  amongst  us  that  shall  will- 
ingly or  willfully  disturb  us  in  our  Peace  and  Settlements,  and  especially  that  would  subvert  us  from  the 
Religion  and  Worship  of  God,  and  cannot  or  will  not  keep  their  opinions  to  themselves,  or  be  reclaimed 
after  due  time  and  means  of  convictinn  and  reclaiming  hath  been  used;  it  is  unanimously  agreed  upon 


History  of  Monti  i. air  Townsiiii'.  19 

and  fuiiseiited  unto,  as  a  Fundamental  Agreement  and  Order  tiiat  all  [.such]  persons  so  ill-disposed  and 
affected,  shall,  after  notice  given  tlieni  from  the  town,  ipiietly  depart  the  place  seasonably,  the  Town 
allowing  them  valuable  consideration  for  their  Lands  and  Houses  as  indifferent  men  shall  price  them,  or 
else  leave  them  to  make  the  best  of  them  to  any  ^Um  the  Township  shall  approve  of." 

The  capacity  of  this  people  for  self  government  was  early  tested.  "Will  you  know,"  inquires 
Bancroft,  "  with  how  little  government  a  community  of  husbandmen  maybe  safe  '.  For  twelve  years  the 
whole  pi'ovince  wa.s  not  in  a  settled  CDudition.  From  June,  Hi89.  to  August,  1692,  East  Jersey  liad  no 
government  whatever."  The  maintenance  of  order  during  this  period  rested  wholly  witli  the  local 
authorities  and  with  the  peoitle  thciiiselves.  A  town  meeting  was  accordingly  convened,  March  :i."i. 
1089-90,  to  pnnide  for  the  exigency.  Hamilton,  the  1  )cputy  (iovernor.  having  left  for  Europe 
the  preceding  August,  it  was  •'  \'ote<l.  that  there  shall  he  a  (•uiunnttee  chosen  to  order  all  affairs,  in  as 
prudent  a  wav  as  they  can.  for  the  safety  and  jn-eservation  of  ourselves,  wives,  children  and  estates, 
according  to  the  capacity  we  are  in."  The  committee  consisted  of  Mr.  Wai-d,  Mr.  Joluison,  Azariah 
Crane  (son  of  Ja.sper  Crane),  William  Camp.  Edward  Ball,  and  John  lirown.  ••  with  those  in  military 
ca|)acitv."  It  wa<  well  for  the  little  commonwealth,  in  those  times  of  disorder,  that  they  were  qualified, 
not  oidy  for  '•  the  carrying  on  of  sjiifitual  concernments,"  hut  al.*o  for  the  regulation  of  '^cicil  and  toion 
affairs,  according  to  God  and  u  (jodhj  government.^''  It  was  not  simply  that  they  were  a  commvnity  of 
hunhandmen,  as  intimateil  by  the  historian,  that  made  them  safe  without  the  protection  of  ])rovincial 
laws;  they  had  a  higher  law,  a  more  inq)erative  rule  of  action,  irritt<ii  upon  i/ie  hcirt. 

Among  the  inducements  held  out  to  emigrants  at  an  early  period  to  settle  in  New  .lersey  was 
that  it  was  "worthy  the  name  of  Paradi.se,"  l)ecause  in  addition  to  its  natural  advantages  it  had  "no 
lawvers,  physicians  or  parsons."  At  this  period,  however,  lawyers  were  in  great  demand,  and  it  was 
said  that  "  no  men  grow  rich  here  so  fast  as  gentlemen  of  the  har."  The  "pai-sons"  too  exercised  a 
potent  influence  on  the  local  government. 

Jasi)er  Crane  and  Robert  Treat,  whose  descendants  (the  latter  through  the  marriage  of  l)ea. 
Azariah  Crane  with  R(J)ert  Treat's  daughter  i  were  the  tirst  settlers  of  Cranetown  (later  West  Bloomtield 
and  now  Montclair  Township),  were  leadei-s  in  the  civil  and  religious  affairs  of  Newark  during  the  tirst 
quarter  of  a  century  after  its  settlement.  Their  intluence  in  the  connnnnity  is  shown  by  the  variou 
positions  of  htnior  to  which  they  were  elected.  The  following  extracts  relating  to  their  public  service 
are  taken  from  the  Town  Records  of  Newark  comjuled  l>y  Mi-.  William  .V.  Whitehead  and  Mr.  Samuel 
II.  Conger  for  the  New  Jersey  Historical  Society  : 

i'owx  M?;Kri.\(;.  Jan.  lOtis.  Mr.  Crane  and  Mr.  Treatt  are  Cho.sen  Magistrates  for  the  Year 
Insueing  for  our  Town  of  Newark. 

Itfiii.  Mr.  Crane  and  Mr.  Treatt  arc  Chosen  deputies  or  I'.urgesses  for  the  Ceneral  Assembly,  for 
the  Year  Insueing;  and  Lieut.  Sanniel  Swaine  is  Chosen  a  Third  man  in  Case  of  either  the  other  Failing. 

Town  Meeting,  the  tir.st  of  January  ItiC.H.  Mr.  .Ias|>er  Crane  anil  Mr.  Robert  Treatt  and  Mr. 
Matthew  Cantield  are  chosen  Magistrates  for  our  Town  for  the  ensueing  year.  Item.  The  .said  Mr. 
Crane  and  .Mr.  Treatt  are  chosen  Dei)uties  for  the  General  A.<send)ly  if  there  he  any.  Item— Mr.  Robert 
Treat  is  cho.sen  Recorder  in  our  Town  for  the  Year  ensueing,  and  the  Salary  is  the  same  as  it  was  last 
Year. 

Town  Meeting,  2nd  Jkh'ij,  lOTo.  Mr.  Ja.sper  Crane  is  chosen  Magistrate  in  our  Town  for  the 
Year  Insueing.  Mr.  Crane  and  Mr.  Treatt  are  Chosen  deputies  for  the  General  Assendily  and  Lieut. 
Swain  is  the  Third  Man. 

Town  Meeting  29th  Dec  r  lOTn.  Mr.  Jasper  Crane  Had  (4iven  Him  a  Little  piece  of  Land 
Adjacent  to  His  Home  Lott  upon  the  Acc't  of  His  Second  Division  of  Land. 

Town  Meeting  1st  Jan'y,  lti7-2  Mr.  Jasper  Crane  is  Magistrate  for  the  Year  Insueing.  Item. 
Crane  and  Mr.  Bond  are  cliosen  Deputies  for  the  General  Assenddy,  for  the  Year  ensueing. 

Town  Meeting,  Sep.  0,  ItlTS— It  was  thought  lit  and  agreed  upon,  that  a  Petition  should  be  sent 
to  the  Generals  at  Orange,  tliat  if  it  might  be.  We  might  have  the  Neck. 


/ 


20  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

Item. — Mr.  Crane  and  Mr.  Johnson  are  chosen  to  cariT  this  Petition,  and  treat  -nitli  tlie  Generals 
ahont  tlie  Neck. 

Item. — Mr.  John  Ogden,  Mr.  Jasper  Crane,  Mr.  Jacob  ]\roi_vnes,  Mr.  Samnl  Hopkins,  Mr.  John 
Ward,  Mr.  Abrahm  Pierson,  Senior,  and  Stephen  Freeman  are  chosen  to  take  the  Pattent  in  their 
Names  in  the  Town's  Behalf  and  to  give  Secnritv  for  the  Payment  of  the  Pnreliase. 

Item — Captain  Swain  is  chosen  to  be  joined  with  Mr.  Crane  to  sne  for  Easment  in  llespect  of 
Payment  for  the  Neck  and  what  is  else  needful  concerning  that  Matter. 

Town  ]\Ieeting  June  29,  1674.  It  is  voted  that  there  shall  be  a  Petition  sent  to  the  Governor 
(and  Council)  for  the  obtaining  a  Confirmation  of  our  bought  and  paid  for  Lands,  according  to  the  Gen- 
eral's promise. 

Item.  Mr.  Crane  and  Mr.  Pierson  .lun'r  is  chosen  to  carry  this  Petition,  and  present  it  to  the 
Governor  and  Council  at  N.  Orange,  in  order  to  the  obtaining  a  Confirmation  as  above  said. 

Jasper  Crane  continued  to  hold  office  down  to  1074.  He  was  a  Deputy  to  the  Provincial  Assem- 
bly from  1669  to  '73,  Magistrate  1()69  to  '74,  President  of  the  Town  Court  1671.  Town's  Men  KlSl,  '87, 
'88,  '93,  '97. 

Mr.  Treat,  or  "  Major  Treat,"  as  he  was  known,  served  tlie  town  in  various  capacities  about  si.x 
years,  I'eturning  to  Connecticut  in  H!72.  Tiie  records  show  that  "  Major  Treat  was  dismissed  from  the 
church  of  Christ  at  Newark,"  and  reconmiended  to  the  church  at  Milford.  He  found  a  wider  fiehl  in 
Connecticut  for  the  display  of  those  remarkable  traits  of  character  that  distinguished  him  through  life. 
Besides  taking  a  connnanding  military  position  in  early  colonial  Indian  warfare  he  served  the  Colony  for 
thirty-two  years,  as  I)ep\itv  Governor  and  Governor.  During  the  exciting  scenes  in  the  Assembly  Cham- 
ber at  Hartford,  when  Sir  Edmund  Andres  attempted  to  wrest  from  Connecticut  her  original  charter,  to 
prevent  which  the  lights  were  suddenly  extinguished  and  the  charter  seized  by  Captain  Wadsworth  and 
hid  in  the  Charter  Oak,  Governor  Treat  was  in  the  chair.  He  died  July  12,  1710,  in  his  85th  year. 
Trumbull,  the  Connecticut  historian,  says  of  him  ;  "  Few  men  have  sustained  a  fairer  character  or 
rendered  the  public  more  important  services.  He  was  an  excellent  military  officer ;  a  man  of  singular 
courage  and  resolution,  tempered  with  caution  and  prudence.  His  administration  of  government  was 
with  wisdom,  firmness  and  integrity.  He  was  esteemed  courageous,  wise  and  pious.  He  was  exceedingly 
beloved  and  venerated  by  the  people  in  general,  and  especially  l)y  his  neighbors  at  Milford,  where  he 
resided." 

Mary,  tiie  daughter  of  Governor  Treat,  became  the  wife  of  Deacon  Azariah  Crane  (eldest  son  of 
Jasper  Crane),  who  left  his  "silver  bole,"  to  be  used  by  "the  church  in  Newark  forever." 

The  "First  Church  of  Newark,"  of  wliich  Azariah  Crane  afterward  became  "Deacon,"  was  actu- 
ally established  l)efore  Newark  was  settled,  it  having  been  oi'ganized  in  Branford  in  1644.  In  October, 
1666,  the  church,  with  its  pastor,  its  deacons,  its  records,  and  the  major  portion  of  its  congregation,  was 
simply  translated  from  Branford  to  Newark ;  so  tiiat  its  "  church  work  "  was  really  continued  uninter- 
ruptedly. Dr.  Stearns  says  of  it :  "  The  First  Church  in  Newark  appears  to  be  the  oldest  fully  organized 
church  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey.  On  Sep.  10  1668  steps  were  first  taken  to  erect  a  place  of  worship. 
It  was  voted  in  the  town  meeting  to  'build  a  meeting  house  as  soon  as  may  be.'  "  This  was  the  central 
object  of  interest  in  every  community  of  tlie  Puritans.  A  joint  letter  sent  in  1684  to  the  Proprietors  in 
Scotland  by  David  Barclay,  Arthur  Forbes,  and  Gawen  Lawrie,  says  :  "  The  people  being  mostly  New 
England  men,  do  mostly  incline  to  their  way ;  and  in  every  town  there  is  a  ?neeti7i(/-/ioii.se,  where  they 
worship  publicly  every  week.  They  have  no  public  laws  in  tiie  country  for  maintaining  public  teachers, 
but  the  towns  that  have  them  make  way  within  themselves  to  maintain  them." 

The  whole  town  helped  in  the  erection  of  the  liuilding.  It  was  36  feet  in  length,  26  feet  in 
breadth,  and  13  feet  l)etween  the  joists,  "with  a  leuter  to  it  all  the  length,  which  will  make  it  36  feet 
square."  The  site  selected  was  on  the  highway  leading  to  the  mountain ;  it  was  said  to  be  nearly  opposite 
what  is  now  Mechanic  Street,  or  in  the  corner  of  what  is  known  as  the  old  town  burying-ground.  It 
stood  then  with  its  gable  ends  pointing  to  the  north  and  south,  and  the  broadside  "  nigh  pointing  on  a 


History  ok  MrixTCLMR  Township.  21 

square  with  tlie  street."  in  the  precise  spot  wliicli  'Sir.  Pierson.  the  elder.  Deacon  Ward  and  Mr.  Treat 
Iiad  as.iiirned  for  it.  It  was  Newark's  tirst  clmrch  edifice,  and  tirst  place  of  general  business — the  theatre 
of  all  important  transactions,  religions,  civil,  military,  during  the  first  half-century  of  its  existence. 
There  tiie  townsmen,  '"  after  lecture,"  Iield  their  stated  meetings,  and  there,  on  any  alarm,  the  brave 
soldiers  of  the  little  conininiuty  assemhled  with  their  arms  at  the  bear  of  the  drum  to  (h'f'cnd  tiicir  iiomes 
and  altars,  tiieir  little  ones,  and  their  wives. 

In  the  Newark  Town  Kecord.s,  it  i.s  recorded  Januarv  1.  10G6~T,  "  tliat  Joiin  Baldwin  .lunior, 
Thomas  Pierson  Junior,  Thomas  Picrson  Senior,  John  Catiiii.  William  Camp.  Az.vitiAn  Ckane  and 
George  Day  are  chosen  townsmen  for  the  year  ensuing.  Thc-c  townsmen  arc  ap]iointod  to  meet  every 
lecture  day  in  the  afternoon." 

liev.  Aljraham  Pierson,  the  "Moses"'  who  led  his  people  out  of  the  wilderness  to  this  New 
Canaan,  was  an  old  man  when  he  came  to  Newark,  and  after  twelve  years'  faithful  service,  he  was 
"gathered  unto  his  peo|>le."  He  was  succeeded  by  his  son.  who  was  his  assistiuit  during  nine  years  of 
his  pastorate.  Others  followed  the  younger  Piei-son,  and  continued  in  the  good  old  way.  The  sixth 
regular  pastor  of  the  First  Church  was  IJev.  Jose|)h  Webb,  a  graduate  of  Vale,  who  was  ordained  by 
the  Presbytery  of  Philadelidiia,  Oct.  2l!d,  1710.  The  Presbyterian  ordination  and  settlement  of  Mr. 
Wel)b  is  the  tirst  indicatiim  which  appears  of  the  people  turning  aside  from  "the  Congregational  way." 
Though  the  leatnngs  of  the  second  Pieison  were  toward  Presbyterianisni,  the  form  of  worship  in  his  time 
and  duriiiir  the  time  of  his  succes.sors.  until  Mr.  Wi'bb's  ailvent,  was  Congregational.  There  is  no  record 
of  the  prcci>c  time  of  the  change.  Tlir  ditference  between  the  two  forms  was  compaiatively  so  slight, 
that  from  the  tirst.  in  New  England  and  in  New  Jersey,  jiersons  of  lioth  persuasions  lived  in  peace,  har- 
mony and  good  fellowship  together,  except  when  tirebrand  zealots  appeared  in  their  midst  and  sowed 
discord.  About  the  year  1<!82,  when  half  the  twenty-four  Proprietors  were  Scotch,  great  numbers  of  that 
race  arrived  and  settled  in  New  Jersey,  and  the  historian  Grahame  remarks  that  "American  society  was 
enriched  with  a  valuable  accession  of  virtue  that  had  been  refined  by  adversity  and  piety,  and  invigorated 
by  persecution." 

As  the  population  increa.sed,  the  settlement  on  the  Passaic  liiver  began  to  spread  it.self  toward  the 
mountain  and  in  other  directions.  At  what  time  tlie  settlement  of  the  mountain  district  began  is  not 
detiiMtely  known,  but  in  the  year  1681  the  town  ordered  the  laying  out  of  the  highway  as  far  as  the 
mountain.  It  is  Idgldy  probalJe  that  some  of  the  original  .settlers  had  taken  up  quarters  in  that  direction. 
In  171.")  Deacon  .Vzariah  Crane  (who  "in  the  overtui-n  of  the  government  by  the  Dutch."  in  167;{,  was 
■■  betrtisted  with  the  concerns  of  his  honorable  father-in-law.  Mr.  IJobert  'i'reat")  is  spoken  of  by  himself 
as  having  been  "settled"  for  many  years  at  the  mountain.  So,  at  the  .-ame  time  testified  Edward  Pall. 
.\t  a  town  meeting  held  Jan.  1.  U>[t7-S,  it  was  "voted  that  Thomas  llayse.  Joseph  Harrison,  Jasper 
Crane  and  Matthew  Cantield  shall  view  whether  Azariah  Ci'ane  may  have  land  for  a  tan  yard  at  the  front 
of  John  Plum's  home  lot,  out  of  the  common,  and  in  ca.se  the  men  above  iniMitioned  agree  that  .\zariali 
Crane  shall  have  the  land,  then  he.  the  said  .\zariali  Crane,  shall  v\\'\o\  it  so  long  as  he  doth  follow  the 
trade  of  tanning."  .\s  is  shown  by  the  Towne  IJook  that  he  and  Edwai'd  Ball  had  been  settled  near  the 
mountain  n;any  ycar>  it  is  to  be  supposed  that  the  decision  of  the  examiners  in  the  matter  of  the  tan 
yard  was  against  him. 

Jasper  Crane,  Thoma^  Huntington,  Samuel  Kitchell,  and  Aaron  Itiatchley,  are  owners  of  land  "at 
the  head  of  Second  River." 

Sanniel  Swaine  in  acres  at  the  foot  of  the  mountain  with  John  Baldwin  Sen'r  on  the  north. 

"  By  warrant  April  27,  HJ'Ji,  there  was  laid  out  by  John  Gardner  a  tract  of  land  at  the  foot  of  the 
mountain,  having  Azariah  Crane  on  the  northeast  and  Jasper  Crane  on  the  southwest." 

Cranetown  and  Watse.ssing,  which  were  snb.sequently  included  in  the  township  of  Bloomfield,  were 
simply  outlying  plantations  of  the  "  Towne  on  the  Eiver,"  taken  up  and  occupied  by  a  few  of  the 
original  settlers  of  Newark.  AVhile  it  is  evident  that  there  were  other  settlers  in  this  locality,  the  name  of 
Cranetown  was  doubtless  given  in  lioiKjr  of  Jasjier  (,'rane  and   Deacon    Azariah,  his  son,  both  of  whom 


22  History  of  Moxtci.air  Township. 

were  held  in  liigh  esteem  throiioliout  the  entire  coniniunity.  At  jnst  what  period  the  name  was  given, 
and  the  exact  boundaries  inchuled  in  tlie  original  ]iurchase  is  not  known.  Ilev.  Charles  E.  Knox,  in  his 
History  of  Montclair  Township,  undur  tlie  head  of  the  Early  Outlands  and  Houses,  says :  "  Even 
before  the  second  purchase  from  the  Indians  had  fully  established  the  right  to  the  slope  of  the  mountains 
the  first  land  owners  had  made  their  way  from  the  Passaic  to  the  top  of  the  mountain.  Tn  the  proprietory 
records  the  iirst  name  on  the  list  of  surveys  of  these  outlands  is  Jasper  Craine,  in  KITS.  IJesides  his  '  home 
lot '  in  the  settlement,  his  lots  on  the  '  Great  Neck,'  and  his  lot  near  the  head  of  Mill  Bi'ook,  he  has  land 
tiiat  year  '  at  the /((.'(^c/ of  y*"  Second  River,"  twenty  acres,  with  ^Ir.  Samuel  Kitchell  on  tlie  north,  with 
Thomas  Huntington  on  the  east,  and  with  common  land  south  and  west.  Another  adjoining  land-owner  is 
Aaron  Blackley.  Tliis  group  of  fmir  iand-owneis,  tbree  with  surveys  in  l^u'i  and  one  with  a  survey  in 
1679,  is  located,  according  to  the  descriptions,  'at  the  head  of  Second  River,"  '  lying  in  the  branches  of 
Second  River,"  "by  the  tirst  branch  of  the  Second  Rivei',"  with  a  highway  running  east  and  west  along 
the  side  of  one  of  the  tracts.  This  location  was,  no  doubt,  in  the  heart  of  the  present  Montclair,  some- 
where l)etween  the  old  Fordiiam  Crane  mansion  [on  the  Valley  Road]  and  south,  end  of  the  town,  along 
the  Second  River.  The  east  and  west  road  »*'///  have  l)een  the  present  Church  street  or  a  road  con- 
necting eastward  with  Y/atseson  as  Bloomlield  was  then  called. 

"In  addition  to  these  owners  of  outlands  in  the  centre  of  the  present  2>0])ulation,  there  were  also 
extending  along  the  mountain  from  the  northern  part  of  Orange  to  the  northern  part  of  Montclair  a  good 
number  of  others  whose  names  can  be  traced.  There  were  7iear  the  mountain,  in  1075,  John  Ward 
(turner)  and  John  Baldwin  Sr.  At  the  mountain,  in  1(175.  Robert  Leyman,  Sergt.  Richard  Harrison 
and  Samuel  Swaine ;  in  1()S4!  Azariah  Crane  and  John  Cardner,  and  in  IfiSG  Nathaniel  Wheeler,  John 
Johnson,  Mr.  Ward  and  the  Widow  Ogden.  Bt'tween  the  mountain  and  Wigwam  Brook,  in  1CS5,  Mathew 
Williams,  Paul,  George  and  Samuel  Day,  and  Mary  Day,  'now  Mary  Cliff.'  Ujxm  the  mountain,  Robert 
Leyman  and  John  Baldwin.  At  the  mountain,  with  land  reaching  to  the  foji  of  the  mountain,  in  1675 
John  CatHn  and  John  iiaidwin,  Sr.,  Hannah  Freeman  and  Richard  Harrison.  At  the  foot  of  the 
mountain,  in  107!:t,  Sannicl  Harrison,  Anthony  Ollif  (()live)  Jolni  Catlin  and  Tiiomas  Johnson;  in  1604, 
John  Condner,  Azariau  Ckaxe,  and  John  Baldwin  Jr.  Along  the  mountain,  Edward  Ball  in  1694; 
[Dr.  Wickes,  in  his  History  of  the  Oranges,  places  the  residence  of  Azai'iali  Crane,  near  the  present 
Valley  Road,  a  little  south  and  west  of  Chnrcii  street;  and  tliat  of  Edward  1 'all,  at  or  near  the  corner 
of  Valley  Road  and  Church  street]  between  Third  River  and  the  mountain  at  the  Acqnackanonck  line, 
at  about  the  end  of  the  century,  John  Cooper  and  Samuel  Kitchell ;  and  between  Toney's  Brook  and 
the  mountain,  in  the  new  century,  in  1724,  Joseph  Ogden,  'adjoining  to  the  plantation  of  Vanneuklos, 
on  which  he  now  dwells." 

"  These  land-owners,  who  had  penetrated  beyond  the  land-owners  at  Watseson  and  Wigwam  Brook, 
did  not  venture  to  build  houses.  We  have  hints  of  the  woods  and  the  swamps,  of  the  wigwam  and  the 
ford,  but  no  intimation  as  yet  of  a  house.  Although  the  Indians  were  friendly,  tlie  apprehension  of  'a 
rising'  on  the  part  of  the  natives  had  been  one  cause  to  prevent  immediate  settlements  in  the  out-lands. 
There  had  been  Indian  wars  in  Connecticut,  and  this  colony  was  directly  connected  with  those  who  were 
engaged  in  bloody  battles  against  the  native  tribes  there. 

"The  saw-mill  which  Thomas  Davis  had  lilierty  to  set  up  in  1695  is  ^u])posed  to  have  been  located 
near  tlie  Peter  Davis  land,  the  site  being  not  far  from  the  ruins  of  the  Crane  or  Wilde  woollen  mill  ;  the 
saw-mill  implies  houses  soon  after.  Anthony  Olive  had  a  house  in  AVigwam  Brook,  in  Orange,  in  1712  ; 
Joseph  Jones  a  house  in  1721,  on  the  mountain  road,  (probably  in  East  Orange) ;  Daniel  Dodd  a  house  in 
the  present  Bloomlield,  in  1719;  Capt.  John  Morris,  a  grist  mill,  *  lately  built,"  in  1720,  on  the  Morris 
plantation;  but  no  authentic  date  of  a  house  appears  here  earlier  than  that  of  a  dwelling  of  one  Van- 
neuklos, near  Toney"s  Brook,  in  1724.  Stone  houses  which  were  then  antitpii ties  were  one  hundred  years 
ago  all  along  the  Orange  and  Paterson  and  Bloomlield  roads.  There  were  two  stone  houses  on  the  Vincent 
property.  There  were  the  Charles  Crane,  the  Phineas  Crane,  the  Samuel  Jedediah  Ward,  and  the  Joseph 
Baldwin  houses  along  the  old  Orange  Road  in  the  same  vieinitv.     There  were  the  houses  of  the  Cranes; — 


History  of  Moxtci.air  Township.  23 

Benjamin,  Stephen,  Eliazer.  N'atlianiel.  Aaron  (>o  known  afterwards)  built  some  of  them  before  tiie  Revo- 
lution, aud  some  of  tliem,  it  can  hardly  be  questioned,  in  the  early  part  of  that  eentin-y.  The  William 
Crane  house,  called  afterwards  the  Anios  Crane  house,  or  the  Fordham  Crane  house  [•  Washington's 
headquarters']  ujipears  in  1743,  and  Levi  Vincent,  John  Low.  Johannes  Kiper  and  Thomas  Cadnnis  are 
residents  that  year.  Tlie  Egbert  houses,  the  Joseph  Ealdwin  house,  the  houses  of  the  Van  Giesoiis, 
of  Jacob  Kent,  of  the  Seiglei"s  and  the  Speers,  along  the  Valley  and  the  Falls  roads  northward,  go  back 
undoubtedly  before  the  Revolution.  The  Parmeiius  Dodd  bouse,  on  the  site  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
facing  the  road  southwards ;  the  Nathaniel  Dodd  house,  half  wav  down  from  the  church  to  the  depot, 
facinir  the  old  road  northward ;  the  JtJin  Smith  house  and  the  Peter  Davis  house,  farther  east  on  the 
same  road,  were  built  probal)ly  between  the  middle  of  the  century  and  the  Revolution.  The  most  of 
these  houses,  two  rooms  long  and  one  story  high,  wore  Iniilr  of  field  stone  rudely  dressed.  Tlie  freestone 
first  began  to  be  quarried  in  17"-'l  but  was  not  used  for  house-liuilding. 

■•  In  the  account  of  a  hiirricjine  whicii  swept  along  the  mountain,  reporteil  in  a  New  ^drk  news- 
paper in  July.  1750,  orchards,  fences,  cornfields  and  woodlands,  for  a  mile  and  a  half  along  the  mountain 
and  Doddtown  region  are  mentioned,  with  twenty-five  houses  and  barns  as  being  injured  or  destroyed. 
This  shows  a  great  advance  in  improvemi^nt  and  building." 

oi.l)    i;(».M)S. 

The  first  public  statute  passed  by  the  General  xVs.semMy  >>{  tlie  Province  of  East  Jersey,  made 
provision  for  the  laying  out  and  improvement  of  roads.  This  was  in  November,  ItM-").  A  resolution 
was  adopted  by  tiie  Town  Meeting,  at  Newark,  on  December  12,  1G81,  "That  there  shall  be  Surveyors 
chosen  to  lay  out  a  Highway  as  far  as  the  Mountain,  if  need  be." 

Apparently  no  further  action  was  taken  at  the  time,  and  the  planters  at  the  iiioiiiitiiiii  were 
obliged  to  follow  the  Inilian  |)aths  in  passing  to  and  from  the  river,  for  some  years. 

On  the  Stli  of  (Jctolier.  17<>.'>,  the  Commissioners  for  Newark,  Andrew  Ilani|)toii.  Theopeliis 
Pierson,  and  Jasper  Crane,  laid  out  the  several  highways,  which  are  described  ii,s  follows: 

"  First  a  Road  from  the  Town  to  the  foot  of  the  Mountain,  or  Wheeler's  as  the  Path  now  runs  as 
streight  a*  the  (iround  will  allow. 

"  .Vn  other  road  from  said  Road,  South,  by  a  line  of  mark'd  trees  to  Joseph  Riggs'  House. 

"An  other  Road  from  the  .•viid  Riggs'  to  Town  to  run  by  a  path  as  streight  as  may  be.  and  by  a 
Line  uf  mark'ti  Trees,  from  first  mentioned  Road  North,  at  Foot  of  said  ^fountain. 

"  An  other  Road  running  by  a  line  of  marked  Trees  unto  .\nthony  Olieve's  (Olifl)  House. 

"  An  other  Ruail  running  from  s'd  Anthony's  House  t(j  first  mention'd  Road,  by  a  Line  of  mark'd 
Trees  and  path  to  the  other  Road  running  from  s'd  Anthony's  Road  to  Caleii  Rail's  House,  by  path 
and  mark'd  Trees. 

"  An  other  Road,  running  N.E.  from  s'd  Road  to  Town,  by  a  path  aud  Nuttmau's  line. 

"An  other  High-way  from  the  way  at  tlie  foot  of  the  Mountain,  running  up  to  the  top  of  the 
Mountain,  beginning  on  the  North  side  of  Amos  Williams  House ;  thence  in  tlie  line  between  Amos 
and  John  Johnson  as  near  as  may  be  to  Rocks,  North  to  the  Notch." 

The  "  mark'd  trees "  referred  to  indicate  the  Indian  paths  or  the  paths  of  the  planters  through 
the  forests.  The  .system  of  "  marking"  or  "blazing"  trees  consisted  in  cutting  with  the  hatchet,  trees 
at  intervals  through  the  forests  to  mark  the  way  >^o  that  a  person  might  be  able  to  retum  by  the  same 
route.  The  planters  might  have  followed  the  Indian  paths,  or  marked  out  new  ones  for  themselves. 
When  the  .surveyors  first  commenced  laying  out  the  road  or  roads  to  the  mountain,  instead  of  taking  a 
direct  line  to  the  mountain,  they  evidently  followed  the.se  beaten  tracks  or  "  paths,''  hence  it  is  difficult 
at  tliis  late  day  to  trace  definitely  the  line  of  any  of  the  old  roads. 

The  P'rst  road  described,  viz.,  that  "from  Town  to  the  Foot  of  the  Mountain,"  was  doubtless  the 
one  indicated  on  the  early  maps  as  the  "  Crane  road."     It  began  at  the  head  of  Market  Street,  near  the 


24:  History  of  Moxtci.air  Township. 

present  Court-House  in  Newark,  and  passed  the  residence  of  Jasper  Crane  at  Higli  Street,  and  ran 
throusjli  the  present  Warren  Street  to  Roseville.  The  oldest  maps  of  Essex  County  show  a  continnous 
road  to  tlie  mountain  connecting  witli  the  "  Crane  road."  Tiie  continuation  of  tliis  road  is  tlie  SM'ine- 
field  Road;  it  was  said  to  have  been  used  \>y  tlie  aborigines  in  theii-  journeys  from  the  Hudson  to  the 
Delaware  Rivers.  Originally  a  "  jiath,"  it  branched  from  the  ])resent  JNIain  Street,  Orange,  at  the 
Brick  Church,  and  running  tln'ough  Toi'v  Corner,  cros.sed  the  mountain  at  Eagle  Rock.  From  Tory 
Corner  westward  to  tlie  toji  of  the  mountain,  it  was  laid  out  as  a  common  highway  in  1  "n.j,  and  after- 
ward in  1733. 

The  t<evcnl/i  road  seems  to  be  the  original  Eagle  Rock  Road  which  was  laid  out  anew  iu  1733.  It 
was  described  in  1705  as  "  An  other  High- way  from  the  way  at  tlie  Foot  of  the  Mountain,  running  up  to 
tlie  top  of  the  Mountain." 

The  iifth  road  is  referred  to  as  '•running  from  s'd  Anthony's  House  to  tlie  first  mention'd  Road 
by  a  Line  of  inark'd  Trees  and  path  to  the  other  Road  running  from  s'd  Anthony's  Road  to  Caleb  Ball's 
House,  by  ])atli  and  inark'd  Trees."  It  is  shown  by  the  records  that  in  17<'4,  Edward  Ball  conveyed  to 
his  son  Caleb  a  tract  of  land  containing  fifty  acres,  and  lying  north  of  the  lot  of  Azariah  Crane.  Tliis 
doubtless  refers  to  Mr.  Crane's  property  in  ('ranetown,  and  the  road  probably  began  at  Anthony  OlifE's 
house  and  ran  thence  in  a  norfliwardly  dircctidii  to  Caleb  Ball's  house  in  Cranetown. 

What  is  now  known  in  Montelair  as  Orange  Road  (but  in  Orange  as  Xorth  Park  Street)  begins  at 
the  Swinetield  Road,  near  the  house  fc)rmerly  owned  by  Samuel  Condit.  and.  i-unning  northwardly, 
enters  Montelair,  near  the  town  of  Phineas  Crane,  now  owned  by  Thomas  Ilarrop,  p;isses  the  house  of 
Stephen  W.  Carey  and  Thomas  Russell,  and  terminates  at  Bloomtield  Avenue. 

What  for  many  years  was  known  as  the  ■'  r)ld  Road,"  started  from  the  centre  of  Newark  and 
passed  through  that  part  of  Bloomtield  subsequently  known  as  the  turnpike;  leaving  the  turnpike  near 
MofHt's  Mills,  it  ran  from  that  point  now  known  as  Glen  Ridge  Avenue  to  Bloomtield  Avenue,  near 
Philip  Doremus'  store  in  Montelair ;  thence  across  Bloomiield  Aveuue  into  what  is  now  Church  Street  to 
the  corner  of  Valley  Road,  thence  along  Valley  Road  to  the  Stephen  Crane  house,  or  "  Washington's 
Headquarters,"  at  the  corner  of  what  is  now  Clairmont  Avenue,  westerly  along  Clairinont  Avenue,  over 
the  mountain  to  Horseneek,  now  Caldwell. 

The  present  Valley  Road  was  formerly  known  as  the  Speertown  Road.  It  was  laid  out  May  13,  1708, 
and  began  or  terminated  at  the  Stephen  Crane  house  ( Washington's  Headquarters),  running  north  to  the 
road  that  leads  from  the  house  of  Melville  Seigler,  over  the  mountain  to  Little  Falls.  That  part  of  the 
Valley  Road  south  of  Stephen  Crane's  House,  terminating  at  Church  Street,  was  a  part  of  the  ''  Old 
Road,''  described  as  "  running  from  the  centre  of  Newark,  through  Bloomtield  to  Cranetown.''  Both 
Church  Street  and  Glen  Ridge  Avenue  then  formed  a  ])art  of  the  "Old  Road." 

There  was  another  road  laid  out  November  1,  17-i4,  described  as  "  Beginning  at  the  highway  that 
runs  up  to  the  Mountain,  near  the  house  of  Amos  Williams,  bounded  north  upon  his  fence  and  a  Chest- 
nut Tree,  thence  running  eastward  over  the  brook  on  the  land  of  Lewis  Crane,  by  a  line  of  marked  trees, 
thence  northeast  across  the  land  of  Lewis  Crane  and  David  Crane  to  a  maple  bush,  marked  on  four  sides, 
in  the  Ihie  of  Levi  Vincent ;  thence  running  eastward  along  the  line,  between  David  Crane  and  Levi 
Vincent  to  the  highway  that  runs  up  to  Nathaniel  Crane's ;  thence  eastward  on  the  South  of  the  Brook  on 
the  land  of  David  Crane  to  a  burch  bush  ;  thence  turning  over  the  brook  and  running  by  a  line  of 
marked  trees,  to  the  northeast  corner  of  Johanes  Cadmus,  his  land  ;  thence  running  down  said  Johanes, 
his  laud  to  Tonees  Brook  ;  thence  running  over  the  brook  by  a  line  of  marked  trees  to  the  road  that  runs 
by  Jonathan  Davis." 

This  road  began  at  Eagle  Rock  Road  at  that  point  now  known  as  Harrison  Avenue,  ran  through 
Cedar  Aveuue,  continuing  through  Cedar  Avenue  to  the  Orange  Road,  near  the  house  of  Calvin  Taylor, 
thence  across  the  Orange  Road,  from  that  point  known  as  Washington  Street,  continuing  in  an  easterly 
direction  to  Bloomtield  Avenue  in  Bloomtield  ;  thence  across  I:>loomtield  Avenue,  through  what  is  now 
known  as  Green  Street  to  the  Old  Road,  now  known  as  Franklin  Street.  The  Baptist  Church  of  Bloom- 
tield stands  at  the  junction  of  these  two  streets. 


Chapter  \'II 


OKANESToWN    I)1-R1X(.   'I'llK   liKVOLFTK  ).\  AUY  WAR. 


By  Rev,  Oliver  Crane,  D.D..  LL.D. 


'O  State  of  tlie  I'liidii  was  more  ctiiitimioii.sly,  or  inure  aiiiiuviiigly,  .<ul)jectecl  to  tlie  inci- 
dental effects  of  tlie  Revolutionary  War  than  was  the  State  of  New  Jersey ;  and  no 
portion  of  the  State  was  nuire  exjiosed  to  its  alaniis,  and  their  attendant  inconveniences, 
than  that  ])ortion  lying  hetweeu  the  Hudson  River  and  the  mountain  ranges  west  of  the 
lower  Passaic  valley.  In  fact,  the  whole  section  from  the  New  York  line  on  the  north, 
to  the  Delaware,  and  extendin<r  l>ack  twenty  or  thirty  miles  into  New  Jersey,  might  he 
equally  included  ;  for.  although  the  main  army  of  patriots,  when  not  in  active  service 
was  located  to  the  west  and  nortli  of  this  belt,  still  tiie  suffering  from  dej)rivations  hy 
incursions  of  the  enemy,  mi'I  from  plunderings  l)y  a  set  of  freebooters  styled  refugees 
(consisting  of  what  were  called  cowhiii/n  in  the  pay  of  the  eiiemyV  and  sl'uuiers  (who 
were  even  more  dreafled  because  of  their  irresponsible  rapacity,  though  nominally  classed 
witii  patriots),  was  often  exceedingly  trying.  This  state  of  things  existed  almo.st  from  tlie  outbreak  to 
the  closL-  of  the  war.  From  the  time  of  the  disastrous  battles  of  Brooklyn  (August  27,  177G),  and  of 
White  Plains  (Sept.  15-1  ti,  177'i),  and  (ieneral  Washington's  conse<pient  retreat  into  New  Jersey,  on  to 
the  end  of  hostilities,  that  whole  section  was  harassed  by  the  attendants  of  war,  and  by  not  a  few  of  its 
actual  devastations.  The  bloody  struggle  at  Trenton  (Dec.  2<>,  177<>),  followed  by  the  c<jually  severely 
contested  one  at  Princeton  (Jan.  -i,  1777),  and  the  determined  conflict  of  Monmouth  (June  28,  1778), 
and  that  of  Springfield  (June  23,  1780),  attest  the  horrors  of  war  endured  on  New  Jersey  soil,  not  to  say 
anything  of  the  frequent  minor  .skirmisiies  along  the  .same  line  of  territory  intervening  between  the  two 
contending  armies.  But  even  where  actual  bloodshed  did  not  occur,  the  feeling  of  insecurity  was  scarcely 
le.ss  than  where  the  battle-roar  was  heard.  This  was  especially  true  of  the  section  lying  between  the 
Pa.ssaic  (then  called  Second  Riven  and  the  Watchung  (then  Newark)  Mountain,  and  of  course  including 
all  the  villages  and  towns  between  Patei-son  or  Totowa  as  then  known)  and  the  plains  of  Somerville, 
Railway  and  New  Brunswick  on  the  Raritan. 

I  have  frequently,  when  a  boy,  heard  my  grandmother  tell  of  the  vexatious  alarms  which  were 
experienced  by  her  parents  and  neighbors  residing  in  what  was  then  termed  Wardsesson,  or  Watsessing, 
(Bloonitield),  during  the  war  times.  She  was  at  the  time  but  a  girl,  still  she  well  remembered  how  they 
were  suddenly  called,  sometimes  by  day  yet  often  by  night,  to  hurry  all  their  easily  movable  household 
goods  into  a  farm  wagon,  and  liasten  away  up  over  the  mountains,  leaving  only  a  faithful  old  slave  (for 
slavery  existed  in  New  Jersey  in  those  days)  to  guard  the  house  and  premises,  they  returning  only  after 
all  signs  of  danger  were  past.  This,  she  stated,  was  no  infrequent  occurrence,  especially  after  the  British 
were  in  possession  of  New  York. 

During  the  Revolutionary  war,  and  for  a  long  series  of  years  previously,  Montclair  (a  name  of 
scarcely  25  yeai-s'  standing)  was  called  Cranestown,  shortened  subsequently  to  Cra?ietow?i,  and  the  pass 


36  History  of  Montci.air  Tdwxsinr. 

at  Mount  Prospect  was  called  Crane's  Gap,  that  being  the  main  thoroughfare  ovei-  the  mountain  north  of 
Springtield,  and  consequently  a  very  important  point  to  be  ])rotected  in  such  times,  (leneral  Washington 
saw  this  and  kept  it,  as  well  as  every  other  avenue  uf  ingress  into  the  interior,  well  guarded  by  what  were 
then  styled  Minute  men,  or  militia  ready  for  emergencies  on  call.  Although  General  Washington's  winter 
quarters  (except  when  exigencies  demanded,  as  at  Yalley  Forge,  Pa.,  1777-8,  and  New  Windsor,  Ct., 
1780-1)  were  divided  between  Newburgh  on  the  Hudson,  and  Morristown,  N.  J. ;  yet  his  summer 
quarters  were  less  permanent,  and  were  frequently  changed  to  meet  the  varying  necessities  of  tlie  war. 

Tliat  General  Washington  had  his  lieadqnarters  for  about  three  weeks  at  Ci-anestown,  from  near 
the  middle  of  October  on,  is,  as  will  lie  shown,  a  well-authenticated  fact;  and  that  he  occupied  the  orig- 
inal Crane  mansion,  still  standing  at  tlie  junction  of  Valley  Koad  and  the  ]iresent  Clairmont  Avenue, 
leading  to,  and  through.  Crane's  Gap,  is  substantiated  by  very  strong  traditional  testimony.  But  before 
citing  proofs,  let  us  succinctly  state  the  historic  connections,  with  such  circumstances  as  can  be  gathered, 
which  led  to  the  occupancy.  At  no  time  during  the  war  was  the  mind  of  Washington  more  harassed 
with  perturbing  anxieties  than  at  the  very  time  he  was  stopping,  with  his  army,  at  Cranestown;  but,  as 
it  proved,  tlie  darkness  which  brooded  over  the  cause  of  freedom  was  the  darkness  just  before  the  dawn; 
for  exactly  one  year  afterward  (Oct.  19,  1781)  the  surrender  of  Lord  Cornwallis  occurred,  and  the  Inde- 
pendence of  the  United  States  of  America  was  achieved. 

The  preceding  year  (1779)  General  Lafayette,  who  had  fought  bravely  by  Washington's  side  in 
many  a  hot  engagement,  had  i-eturned  to  France  for  the  purpose  of  enlisting  the  sympathies  of  the 
French  government  and  people  in  the  cause  of  freedom  in  America,  and  had  so  far  succeeded  as  to  secure 
a  fleet  of  seven  heavy  ships  of  the  line  and  tliii-ty-two  transports,  with  an  armament  of  6,0O0  well-equipped 
troops  and  as  many  more  to  follow,  and  funds  and  pledges  of  more,  for  a  vigoi'ous  prosecution  of  the  war. 
Lafayette  reached  Morristown  on  liis  return  May  12,  1780,  and  Count  Rochanibeau,  witli  the  French 
fleet,  arrived  in  Newport,  R.  I.,  July  11th  succeeding.  On  the  latter's  arrival,  Wasliington  repaired  at 
once  to  NcAvpoit  to  welcome  and  confer  with  Count  Eochandjeau,  but  did  not  remain  long,  his  presence 
M-ith  his  main  army  in  New  Jersey  being  important ;  but  early  in  the  following  September  the  two — 
AVashington  and  Rochaml)eau — held  a  more  formal  conference  at  Hartford,  Ct.,  for  the  concentration  of 
plans  for  future  operations.  In  the  meantime  Major  General  Arnold,  who  had  for  eighteen  months 
previously  been  in  secret  correspondence  with  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  British 
forces  in  New  York,  witli  a  view  of  betraying  the  cause  wliich  he  had  liitherto  been  supposed  to  be 
honestly  defending,  had,  in  order  to  further  his  nefarious  designs,  at  liis  own  ui-gent  request,  been 
appointed  Commander  of  the  important  strongliold  of  tlie  Hudson,  AVest  Point.  AVashington,  having 
completed  his  conference  with  tlie  French  Admiral  at  Hartford,  M'as  returning  to  Ins  army,  then  stationed 
at  Totowa  (Paterson),  N.  J.,  and  arrived  at  AVest  Point  on  the  yQvy  day,  and  even  at  the  hour,  when  the 
treachery  of  Arnold  was  most  opportunely  discovered  by  the  recent  arrest  of  Major  John  Andre,  Arnold 
escaping,  almost  under  the  eye  of  AVashington,  by  precipitous  flight  to  the  British  sloop  of  war,  the 
"A^nlture,"  then  lying  just  below  West  Point.  This  occurred  on  the  25th  of  September  (17bUj.  Great 
was  the  consternatinn  among  the  ofiicers  of  the  post  and  those  accompanying  General  Washington  on  the 
discovery  of  the  plot ;  and  it  is  no  wonder  that  Washington  exclaimed  to  Generals  Lafayette  and  Knox, 
with  eyes  suffused,  "  Arnold  is  a  traitor  and  has  fled  to  the  British;  whom  can  we  trust  now?"  But, 
with  his  usual  self-possession,  he  immediately  issued  orders  for  the  thwarting  of  any  attempt  to  carry  out 
Arnold's  treacherous  designs.  He  at  once  appointed  General  Heath  to  the  command  of  the  post,  and 
directed  changes  to  be  made  in  the  fort  so  as  to  render  it  more  secure  against  attack.  On  the  2d  of 
October  (Tuesday)  Major  Andre  was  hung  as  a  spy  at  Tap  pan ;  and  in  the  course  of  a  few  ilays  General 
AVashington  proceeded  to  tlie  army  at  Totowa,  where  it  had  lieen  since  its  removal  from  winter  quarters 
in  Morristown  the  preceding  sj^ring. 

In  Gen.  AVashington's  Revolutionary  Orders  issued  during  the  years  1778-1782,  and  edited  by 
Henry  ^Vhiting,  Lt.-Col.  U.  S.  A.,  New  York,  181-1,  1810,  occurs  the  following  order,  viz. : 


History  ok  Muntclair  Tdwnsiiip. 


2Y 


"  Hkadqi-artkus,  Totoway.  Oetobei-  23rd,  17S0. 

"The  Corps  of  Light  Iiifantrv  will  remove  from  tlieir  present  Eiicainpiiient,  and  take  post  on  the 
most  convenient  ground,  to  the  Cranetown  Gap  and  the  Notch,  for  the  more  etfectnal  secnrity  of  our 
Right. — Gen.  St.  Clair  will  take  care  of  the  approaches  on  the  Left,  Col.  MavlandV  Regiment  will 
furnish  the  iiecestsary  Patrols,  and  will  take  a  new  Position  for  that  purpose.  The  Ofhcers  of  the  .Vrniy 
are  to  he  furnished  with  two  rations  |>er  dav  until  t'urther  Orders." 

This  ii.xes  the  precise  date  of  march  from  Totowa  for  the  occupancy  of  what  Gen.  Lafayette  calls 
"our  Station  at  Cranc'stown."  hut  (ien.  Washington  •' Cranetown  (iap."  The  order,  it  will  be  noticed, 
is  sutHciently  detinite  for  nuircliing.  hut  dues  not  reveal  the  design  of  the  movement;  and  for  the  obvious 
reason  that  it  was  not  (ien.  Washington's  intention  to  do  so,  lest,  by  any  nuforeseen  accident,  tlie  order 
be  conveyed  to  the  enemy,  and  so  the  secret  aim — Gen.  Lafayette's  night  attack  on  Staten  Island — be 
known  and  thwarte<l.  Hut  it  .•settles  the  point,  that  "thel'ost"  occu])ied  was  "Cranetown  (iap."  or 
"  Crane'stown  Station,"  directly  at  the  foot  of  Crane's  (iap. 

The  forced   inactivitv  of  the  annv  for  six   Ions;  months,  made   all  the  more  unendurable  bv  the 

.Vi'nold.  whose  re- 
ed the  ranks  prior 
tile  Commander- 
ed     both    othcers 


recent  trea.son  of 
port  had  pervad- 
to  tiie  i-eturn  of 
in-Chief,  render- 
and  soldiers  e.\- 
for  a  renewal  of 
cially  was  t  his 
Lafayette,  whose 
could  ha  rdl y 
lie  panted  for  an 
avenge  the  trea- 
seeme(l  for  the 
tiie  honor  of  the 
he  had  so  ardently 
therefore  entreat- 
ington  to  be  per- 
blow,  which,  if 
be  f  el  t  i>y  t  h  e 
It  was  known 
llenrv   Clinton 


THE   OLD   CRANE   MANSION'   (waSIIINC.TO.n's   IIEADQl'ARTERS). 


ceedingly  eager 
hostilities;  espe- 
true  of  General 
impetuous  spirit 
br(K)k  delay,  and 
opportunity  to 
son  which  had 
moment  to  stain 
nohle  cause  which 
espoused.  I/e 
rd  General  AYash- 
mitted  to  strike  a 
successful,  would 
enemy, 
bv  scouts  that  Sir 


had  at  this  time  a 

large  amount  of  military  stores  on  Staten  Island,  guarded  mainly  by  Ile.'sians.  Lafayette  proposed  to  secure 
these  by  a  night  attack:  and  such  was  his  importunity  that  the  Commander-in-Chief  yielded;  and  in  order  to 
be  in  nearer  ]>roximity  to  aid,  if  needed,  the  endeavor,  he  gave  ordci-s  for  the  main  divisions  of  the  army  to 
move  southward.  This  was  done,  and  the  station  selected,  in  which  to  await  the  result  of  the  movement 
under  Lafayette,  was  at  Cranestown.  Tlie  position  was  well  chosen,  commanding  as  it  diil  the  i)ass  across 
the  mountain,  and  at  the  junction  of  the  roads  both  from  Newark  and  Orange  to  that  point.  Washington 
appropriated  the  largest  hou.se  in  the  town,  and  one  best  located,  the  old  Crane  mansion,  then  owned  by 
my  great-grandfather,  William  Crane,  himself  at  the  time  in  the  ranks.  Washington  took  possession  of 
tlie  two  lower  rooms  on  the  west  side  of  the  main  hall,  while  members  of  his  stall  occuj)ied  the  other  side 
and  all  the  second  story  rooms.  Ju.-t  back  of  the  rear  and  smaller  room,  was  an  old-fashioned  lean-to 
which  had  been,  and  was  then,  the  kitchen.  1  myself  well  remember  that  old  lean-to,  with  its  large  open 
tirc-place,  but  it  has  long  .since  disappeared.  On  the  evening  of  his  Excellency's  arrival,  my  great-grand- 
mother, Mercy  Crane,  then  in  charge  of  the  hou.se,  as  she  was  having  her  slaves  prepare  supper  for  her 
disthiguished  guest,  came  to  the  General   and  apologetically  explained  to  him  her  deep  regret  that  she 


28  History  of  Montcf.air  T()\vxsiiir. 

had  no  tea  to  serve  to  lier  guests.  "Xever  mind,  my  goud  lady,"  replied  liis  Excelleiicy  unperturbed, 
''  please  have  a  crust  of  bread  toasted,  and  use  it  for  tea.  Tliat  is  good  enough  tea  for  me."'  Her 
anxieties  thus  allayed,  she  hastened  to  furnish  the  best  that  her  house  afforded  for  the  supper  of  her 
worthy  guests.  After  supper  another  ditKciilty  caused  no  slight  solicitude  in  the  mind  of  the  patriotic 
hostess.  Owing  to  the  unusual  demand  for  beds,  none  was  left  for  Generals  Washington  and  Lafayette 
in  the  lower  back  room,  which  had  been  chosen  by  them,  but  which  had  been  hitherto  used  as  a  dining- 
room.  This  deiicienc}'  was  made  known  to  his  Excellency  by  the  hostess  with  even  deeper  regret  than 
the  fact  of  her  having  no  tea.  "But  there  is  plenty  of  straw  in  the  barn,  is  there  not  V  rejoined  her 
courteous  guest.  "  Abundance,"  was  the  quick  response.  Immediately  Washington  had  several  bundles 
ordered  and  spread  in  a  corner  of  the  room  ;  and  there  on  it.  wrapped  in  their  army  blankets,  that  night 
slept  two  of  the  noblest  Generals  whose  names  are  on  the  scroll  of  fame.  Doubtless  better  accommoda- 
tions were  devised  for  their  convenience  while  they  remained  in  occupancy  thereafter. 

During  the  three  weeks  of  Washington's  remaining  in  headquarters  at  Granestown,  the  troops 
were  encamped  directly  to  the  smith  <if  the  old  mansion,  their  tents  standing  thick  all  ah>ng  the  meadows, 
then  wholly  unobsti'ucted,  from  Valley  Ivoad  to  what  is  now  ^[ountain  Avenue,  and  guarding  the  inter- 
section of  the  old  Newark  Road  (now  Church  Street)  with  the  road  leading  to  Orange  and  thence  to 
Elizal)ethtown  and  beyond.  ^\s  \\'^ashingt()n  had  brought  his  army  there  for  a  purpose,  preparations 
were  immediately  set  on  foot  to  further  the  designs  of  the  entlmsiastie  leader,  Lafayette,  in  his  plan  of 
attack  on  Staten  Island.  Boats  were  ordered  brought  down  the  Passaic  River  to  a  point  where  the 
crossing  of  the  Kill  was  to  l>e  effected  ;  wliile  others  were  hastily  constructed  on  wagons  to  be  conveyed 
overland  to  the  required  place  of  embarkation.  All  things  seemed  at  length  in  readiness  for  the  attempt 
which  promised  success.  Lafayette,  with  his  command,  repaired  to  the  designated  spot  with  all  secrecy 
on  the  evening  of  October  26th,  not  doubting  but  that  the  boats  ordered  would  be  there  to  convey  his 
command  over  the  narrow  stream.  All  night  long  he  and  his  splendidly  ecpiipped  cordis  waited  impa- 
tiently to  hail  the  sight  of  the  wished-for  boats,  but  they  came  not.  From  some  unaccountable  cause 
they  were  delayed,  until  the  dawn  warned  the  disappointed  watchers  that  their  so  much  coveted  oppor- 
tunity was  past,  and  that  they  had  nothing  now  to  do  but  to  return  to  their  Cjuarters.  But  happily  just 
at  this  point  we  are  supjilied  with  very  im])ortant  data  respecting  the  fact  of  the  occupancy  of  Cranes- 
town  by  Washington  at  this  juncture. 

Soon  after  General  Lafayette  had  fairly  started  on  his  return  to  headquarters,  he  dispatched  a 
courier  with  a  letter  to  the  C'onnnander-in-Chief,  stating  the  unfortunate  outcome  of  the  attempt;  and 
this  letter  we  tind  in  "'The  Memoirs  of  Lafayette,*'  by  his  son,  George  Washington  Lafayette,  and  pub. 
lished  in  English  in  New  York,  1837.  The  letter  is  dated  at  Elizabethtown,  October  27, 17Sn,  and  is  found 
on  pages  48 1-2  of  the  tirst  volume.  It  reads  as  follows  :  "I  have  taken  my  position  between  Elizabeth- 
town  and  Connecticut  Earuis.  General  Clinton  has  not  the  time  of  making  any  disposition  against  us. 
Tomorrow,  at  nine  or  ten,  I  will  march  to  our  position  of  Cntne  stoam,  and  the  day  after  tomorrow  to 
Totowa,  unless  I  receive  contrary  orders.  Newark  Mountain  (Orange)  was  rather  too  far  to  march  it 
this  night,  and  too  near  for  tomorrow ;  because  our  men,  being  iu  want  of  blankets,  will  like  better  to 
join  their  tents  again.  If  your  Excellency  approves  of  this  arrangement,  I  beg  you  will  order  our 
baggage  to  wait  for  us  on  our  position  of  Crane  stoimi :  if  you  dislike  the  disposition,  your  orders  may 
reach  us  on  the  road."  This  fixes  exactly  the  date  of  the  occupancy  of  Cranestown  as  temporary 
headquarters,  and  also  supplies  the  specific  object ;  while  distinctly  stating  that  the  troops  were  there  in 
tents. 

Meanwhile,  probably  during  the  absence  of  General  Lafayette  on  the  abortive  expedition  referred 
to  above,  an  alarm,  as  had  often  occurred  before,  but  now  of  sufficient  importance  to  awaken  solicitude, 
came  late  one  afternoon,  that  the  British  were  about  to  make  an  attempt  on  the  American  lines  in  their 
somewhat  insecure  position  at  Cranestown.  At  all  events  Washington  considered  it  of  sufficient  weight 
to  cause  him  to  be  in  readiness  to  meet  it,  if  true;  but  in  the  emergency  he  did  not  deem  it  advisable  to 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  29 

spare  even  a  single  man  fron)  the  ranks  to  be  sent  to  warn  out  the  Minnte  men  living  beyond  the  so-called 
"first  and  second  mountains."  lie  called,  therefore,  for  a  volunteer  out  of  the  service.  One  of  the  sons 
of  his  hostess,  who  had  been  lame  from  his  boyhood,  and  hence  disabled  from  active  military  duty,  and 
yet  able  to  ride  on  horseback,  and  who  knew  every  road  and  lane  of  the  country  to  be  visited,  came 
forward  and  olTcred  to  umlcrtake  the  somewhat  hazardous  and  wearisome  iiiijht  journey  :  for  he  was  to 
go,  if  ]>us<ible,  to  every  handet  and  home  where  Minute  men  resided  Iietween  the  Second  Mountain  and 
the  Passaic  River,  and  tliis  meant  to  Ilorseneck,  Pine  Brook,  Swinelield.  and  all  the  intervening 
inhal)ited  region.  The  <jtfer  was  acce])ted,  and  Zadoc  Crane,  then  but  little,  if  any,  rising  twenty 
years  of  age,  mounted  his  own  spirited  hoi-se,  and  with  a  long,  heavy  cutlass  as  his  only  weapon^ 
started,  under  the  General's  special  ordei-s,  just  after  the  sun  had  gone  down  I)ehiiiil  the  darkening 
mountains,  on  his  journey.  Nothing  of  note  occurred  until  he  reached  the  lonely  space  of  woods 
then  covering  all  the  Second  ilountain  ;  when,  as  he  entered  the  shadows,  he  s<iw,  or  thought  lie 
saw,  some  refiKjees  in  the  road  ready  to  intercept  his  pa.-isage.  Drawing  his  long  cutlass  he,  with 
stentorian  voice,  cried  out :  "  Cotne  on,  men,  we  wil!  take  them  if  there  are  five  thousand  of  them,"  and 
at  once  put  spurs  to  his  willing  steed,  and  dashed  through  the  dark  aiul  ktnely  pass.  Iiearing,  as  I  have 
often,  as  he  rehear.*ed  the  adventure,  heard  him  say,  '' a  terrible  crackling  in  tiie  underbrush  in  the 
woods"  as  he  speeded  through.  On  he  went,  calling  at  every  house,  as  far  as  in  his  power  ;  and  just 
after  daylight  he  drew  up  his  sijiiad  of  Minute  nien  in  line  in  front  of  the  mansion  doorstep,  on  which 
already  (General  Washington  stood  in  waiting  to  inspect  them.  Xo  fence  at  that  time,  nor  for  many 
yeai-s  afterward,  obstructed  the  lawn  in  front  of  the  house,  and  hence  the  parade  of  the  squad  was  easy. 
'•  Well  done,  my  man,"  was  the  salute  of  his  Excellency.  ''  now  come  in  and  take  a  horn  of  whisky,  for 
you  must  need  it."  As  it  proveil.  the  alarm  was  a  false  one.  -No  P>ritisli  soldiers  had  made  their 
appearance  during  the  night,  but  the  heroic  act  was  remembereil.  and  often  told  as  a  ri'iiiiniscence  of  the 
war  in  after  times  none  the  less. 

Shortly  afterward  Oeneral  Washington  withdrew  his  troops  from  Cranestown  to  their  strongly 
entrenched  positions  on  the  heights  on  the  left  bank  of  the  I'as>aic  at  Totowa.  Fortunately  we  have  a 
very  exact  description  of  the  location  aii<I  appearance  of  eiich  corj)s  along  the  line  of  eiitrcnclinients  here. 
The  Manpiis  de  Chasteliux,  a  Prench  othcer  under  Count  Kochambeau,  was  sent  by  the  latter  on  a  visit 
of  observation  at  this  very  time  through  New  Jersey  and  thence  on  into  Virginia;  and  he  has  given  us 
a  very  clear  statement  of  the  disi)osition  of  the  American  forces  at  Totowa,  a.s  he  found  them  November 
23,  17St).  It  may  be  remarked,  that  General  Lafayette  (or  the  Manjuis,  as  he  was  then  usually  styled) 
had,  on  the  7th  of  August  previous,  taken  command  of  the  corps  of  light  infantry,  consisting  of  si.x 
battalions,  composed  each  of  six  companies  of  men  chosen  from  the  different  lines  of  the  army.  These 
battalions  were  divided  into  two  brigades,  one  commanded  by  (ieneral  Hand,  the  other  by  General  Poor. 
As  the  command  of  the  ^farijuis  was  the  pick  of  the  army,  it  had  assigned  to  it  in  position  the  post  of 
honor  as  the  vanguard.  Both  officers  and  .soldiers  were  better  clothed  than  the  rest  of  the  army,  and  made 
a  handsomer  api)earance  on  parade.  "Each  soldier,"  says  the  Manjuis  de  Chastellu.\,  "  wore  a  iielmet 
made  of  hard  leather,  with  a  crest  of  horse  hair.  The  officers  were  armed  with  espontoons,  or  rather  half 
pikes,  and  the  subalterns  with  fusils  (muskets):  but  both  were  provided  with  short  and  light  sabres 
brought  from  Prance,  and  made  a  present  fif  to  them  by  M.  de  la  Fayette."  "This  corps  was  posted," 
says  the  Marquis  de  Chasteliux.  "  in  an  excellent  position.  It  occupied  two  heights  sejjarated  by  a  small 
bottom,  but  with  an  easy  coniinunication  between  them.  The  rivui-  Totohaw,  or  Second  River  (Passaic), 
protects  its  right,  and  it  is  here  that  it  makes  a  considerable  elbow,  and  turning  towards  the  south,  falls 
into  the  bay  of  Newark.  The  i)rincipal  front,  and  all  the  left  tlank  to  a  great  di^tance,  are  covered  by  a 
rivulet  (saddle  Creek  i.  which  comes  from  Paramu.s.  and  falls  into  the  same  river."  Two  miles  beyond 
this  position  of  the  vanguard,  keeping  the  river  on  the  left,  lay  the  main  army,  under  the  respective 
commands  of  Generals  Wayne,  Huntington,  Glover,  Kno.x  (Commander  of  Artilleryj,  and  others. 
"  The  army."  continues  Marquis  de  Chasteliux,  "  wa.s  encamped  on  two  heights,  and  in  one  line,  in  an 


30  History  of  Muntci.air  Tr)\vxsini'. 

extended  liut  very  good  positinii.  liaving  a  wood  in  tlie  rear,  and  in  front  tlie  river,  wliicdi  is  very  difficult 
of  passage  everywhere  except  at  Totoliaw  bridge.  But  tlie  situation  would  be  quite  in  favor  of  an  army 
defending  the  left  bank,  the  heiglits  on  that  side  everywhere  commanding  those  of  the  right.  Two  miles 
beyond  the  bridge  is  a  meeting-house  of  an  hexagonal  form,  which  is  given  to  their  places  of  worship  by 
the  Dutch  Presbyterians,  who  are  very  numerous  in  the  Jerseys."  Not  far  from  where  the  army  lay,  the 
same  accurate  observer  tells  us,  was  "  the  great  cataract  called  Totohaw  (Passaic)  Fall,"  which  interested 
him  much  in  passing.  "At  Icngtli,  after  passing  thick  woods  on  the  right,  I  found  myself  in  a  small 
plain,  where  I  saw  a  liandsome  farm  :  a  small  camp  which  seemed  to  cover  it,  a  large  tent  extending  to 
the  court,  and  several  waggons  round  it,  convinced  me  that  this  was  his  Excellency's  (,)uarter:  for  it  is 
thus  that  Mr.  Washington  is  called  in  the  army,  and  throughout  America." 

Such,  as  far  as  we  have  been  able,  by  throwing  side-lights  upon  the  screen  to  bring  out  more 
clearly  the  picture,  were  the  circumstances  attending  General  Washington's  tem]iorarv  occupancy  of 
Cranestown  with  his  army ;  and  such  the  position  of  the  several  lines  at  Totowa,  on  his  return  thither 
in  conseqiience  of  the  abortive  scheme  of  General  Lafayette  to  attack  Staten  Island.  For  five  long  years 
had  New  Jersey  been  the  scene  of  varying  warfare ;  and  for  a  i\i\\  year  no  important  aggressive  move- 
ment had  been  made  by  the  army  ;  while  signs  of  depression  were  becoming  more  and  more  evident  in 
the  minds  of  the  patriots,  and  not  a  few  even  began  to  doubt  the  outcome  of  the  already  long  continued 
struggle.  The  troops,  at  this  time,  M-ere,  and  had  for  months  been,  poorly  clad  and  scantil}'  fed.  The 
term  of  service  of  not  a  few  was  expiring,  and  they  were  anxious  to  return  to  their  (in  some  instances, 
devastated)  homes ;  Congress  was  well  nigh  jjowerless  to  aid  by  reason  of  the  refusal  of  several  of  the 
States  to  recognize  Congressional  authority;  the  credit  of  the  country  was  at  discount,  and  money 
obtainable  only  on  individual  and  responsible  guarantees ;  treason  had  already  shown  itself,  and  might 
become  unearthed  elsewhere  at  any  time — all  these  anxieties  were  pressing  upon  the  mind  of  the  Com- 
mander-in-Chief at  once  ;  and  yet  not  a  quiver  of  discouragement  was  apparent  either  in  his  countenance 
or  his  acts,  but  he  proceeded  to  lay  plans  with  the  same  imperturbability  that  had  always  characterized 
him.  Just  five  days  after  the  Marquis  de  Chastellux  had  left  the  entrenched  army  at  Totowa  (Nov.  28, 
1780),  General  Washington  assigned  to  the  different  divisions  of  the  army  (then  reduced  to  only  a  little 
over  10,000  troops),  their  winter  (juarters,  his  own  Ijeing  established  at  New  Windsor,  Ct.  The  New 
Jersey  line  was  to  quarter  at  Pompton,  N.  J.;  the  Pennsylvania  line  at  Morristowu ;  the  Maryland 
regiment  of  horse  at  Lancaster.  Pa. ;  and  Sheldon's  horse  at  Colchester,  Ct.  ;  one  New  York  regiment  at 
Fort  Schuyler,  one  at  Saratoga,  and  the  remainder  of  the  line  at  Albany,  Schenectady,  and  other  exposed 
points.  But  a  brighter  dawn  than  any  in  the  past  was  drawing  nigh.  As  already  stated,  in  less  than  a 
year  from  that  very  time  (in  October  17,  1781),  came  the  surrender  of  Lord  Cornwallis,  and  the 
recognition  of  American  Independence  by  the  European  nations. 

Doubtless  Cranestown,  in  common  with  the  adjacent  towns,  furnished  its  full  quota  of  stalwart 
young  men  for  the  service  during  the  war,  Init  of  these  only  a  very  few  names  have  survived  to  identify 
them  in  it.  The  blood-stained  trenches  for  the  burial  of  the  nameless,  promiscuous  dead  found  slain  on 
battle-fields,  and  unknown  graves  in  neglected  church-yards,  might  tell  of  the  patriot  heroes  of  the  war 
from  its  precincts  within  them,  but  they  will  not  be  known  to  the  living  on  earth  in  time.  Major 
Nathaniel  Crane,  of  Cranestown,  who  survived  the  war  many  years  and  resided  till  his  death  therein, 
and  whom  I  myself  have  often,  when  a  boy,  met,  was  in  the  ranks.  William  Crane,  my  great  grand- 
father, the  owner  at  the  time  of  the  "Head  Quarters,"  was  in  Capt.  Abraham  Lyon's  Comjiany,  Second 
Reg.  Essex  Co.,  and  also  served  with  the  State  troops,  besides  others  whose  names  have  been  obliterated 
by  time. 

It  only  remains  to  add  that  the  old  Crane  mansion,  which  General  Washington  and  his  staff' 
occupied  in  the  Autumn  (jf  178o,  still  stands  esseiitially  the  same  that  it  was  at  that  memorable  period. 
The  additions  attached  to  the  rear,  and  the  stucco  covering  on  the  outside,  were  not  there  then.  Some 
slight  changes  have  been  made  in  the  interior  but  none  materially  modifying  its  original  integrity  as 
then  seen. 


History  oi    Montclair  TdwxsHir.  31 

Still  stands  lonely  the  mansion,  a  more  than  a  century's  relic, 

Which,  when  men's  souls  trembled  in  watching  the  issues  of  warfare. 

Opened  its  doors  to  the  Chieftain,  the  father  revered  of  his  countrv. 

Giving  himself  and  his  staff  a  hearty  and  generous  welcome. 

Still  stands  quaintly  its  gables  to  greet  the  return  of  the  morning. 

Or  to  reflect  from  the  hilltops  fading  the  smile  of  the  sunset. 

Still  stands  sentry  the  mansion,  but  where  are  the  tents  that  before  it 

Shone  in  the  .sheen  of  the  sunlight  and  dazzled  the  eves  of  beholders? 

Where  are  the  blasts  of  the  bugle  and  tap  of  the  matinal  drum-beats. 

Echoing  notes  from  the  mountain,  and  giving  the  signals  for  rising? 

Gone  are  the  patriot  heroes,  who  breasted  the  dangers  of  battle. 

Prompted  by  love  of  their  countrj-  and  hope  of  entailing  its  freedom. 

Still  -Stands  olden  the  mansion,  guarding  the  memories  sacred 

Clustering  hallowedly  round  it,  and  marking  the  spot  for  remembrance. 

Where  was  encamping  his  army,  and  Washington's  St.mion  .\t  Cranestown. 

Additional  data  of  tliis  interesting  period  is  given  in  ••  Tiic  Kevoiution  and  its  Traditions,"  hv  Kev. 
Cliarles  E.  Knox.  He  says:  "Tliis  part  of  tlie  Newark  colony  toui-hed  the  Revolntionary  contest  at 
.several  points.  The  fact  that  Nathaniel  ('nine,  a  private.- — after  the  Kevoiution  well  known  as  Major 
Nathaniel  ("rane, — wa.s  in  the  battle  of  Long  l>land  on  Septenilier  15.  1770,  and  one  of  the  last  to  leave 
the  Held  under  a  sliower  of  hullets,  indicates  that  citizens  here  early  entered  the  military  service.  From 
1777  the  eidi.stments  were  common  throughout  the  county.  Among  those  known  to  have  heen  from  the 
Montclair  region,  were  Capts.  Abraham  Sjteir,  and  Thomas  Sieglei-,  Second  Lieut  .loseph  ("i-ane,  Sergt 
Obadiah  Crane,  privates,  Jonathan  and  Joseph  iJaldwin,  Aaron,  Matthias,  Nathaniel,  Joseph,  Eleakine, 
Denjaniin.  Oliver.  William  and  Phineas  franc,  Peter  Davis,  Nathaniel  and  Parmenus  Dodd.  Amos 
Tompkins,  ,\braham  and  Francis  Speer.  John  ami  Levi  ^'incent,  John  Smith  and  a  \'an  Gieson. 

"After  the  retreat  of  Washington  from  Acquackanonck,  through  the  lower  part  of  the  town,  to 
New  Brunswick,  universal  consternation  prevailed.  The  peo])le  tied  tt)  the  mountains  atid  over  the 
mountains.  The  pastor  of  the  .Mountain  Churcii  wa.s  marked  for  capture.  The  scouting  parties  of  the 
Pritish  carried  devastation  everywhere.  Hut  not  till  the  reaction  of  the  next  year  1777,  did  the  people 
venture  back  to  their  desolate  lands  and  plundered  hou.ses. 

"Nathaniel  Crane — and  we  may  infer  that  others  were  with  him— was  at  the  battle  of  Motiinoulh, 
in  177s,  where  was  also  Gen.  Ploomtield. 

"  When  Gen.  Anthony  Wayne — according  to  tradition — left  his  camp  at  Second  Kiver,  just  south 
of  the  ruins  of  the  copper  works,  his  troojis  took  their  march  in  the  famous  snow  storm  of  Jan'v,  1779 
up  the  old  road  to  Ilorseneck,  posting  a  picket  at  Ploomtield,  and  abandoning  their  cannon  embedded  in 
the  snow  in  Caldwell. 

"The  bold  hill  on  the  east  side  of  the  notch,  was,  it  is  said  a  favorite  lookout  of  Washington. 
From  that  height  he  once  iletected  a  raiding  j)arty  of  British  sallying  from  Eli/abethtown  to  the  mount- 
ains. He  dis])atclied  at  once  a  troop  of  cavalry  behind  the  hill  to  Springfield,  who  cut  off  the  foragers, 
and  reclaimed  the  tine  lot  of  cattle  they  were  driving  off.  The  army  here  was  in  that  de]ilorable 
condition  which  led,  in  1781,  to  the  mutiny  of  the  Pennsylvania  troops  at  Ponipton.  'J'he  detachment 
extended  along  the  road  and  the  mountain  southward  from  the  Crane  homestead.  Confiscated  house- 
hold furniture  taken  from  the  P):-itisli,  is  still  in  possession  of  a  family  here,  purclia.sed  with  Continental 
ciiri-ency  earned  by  working  for  the  soldiers."  A  part  of  this  was  destroyed  by  tire  in  the  spring  of  1890. 
The  mahogany  stand  or  writing  table  which  was  used  by  General  Washington  while  at  the  Crane  mansion 
i.-  in  the  possession  of  Mrs.  Harry  C.  Crane,  daughter  of  Kev.  Oliver  Crane.  D.D. 


Chapter  VIII 


Events  leading  to,  and  Ekkction  of,  Bloomfiei.d  Township  in  1S12. — Name  of  Cranetuwn  chanued 
TO  THAT  OF  West  Bloomfield. — Original  Boundaries. — Toney's  Brook,  the  Source  of 
Second  River,  and  its  ]\Ianufactories. — The  First  Saw  Mill. — Israel  Crane's  Mill  on 
Toney's  Brook. — West  Bloomfield  Manffacturing  Co. — Henry  Wilde  &  Sons. — Wilde 
Brothers. — First  Manffacture  of  Plaid  Shawls  in  this  Country. — John  Wilde. — 
Burning  of  the  Lower  Mill. — Mill  Property  Leased  to,  and  subsequently  Purchased 
BY  Grant  J.  Wheeler  and  Others,  for  the  Manufacture  of  Paper  and  Oakum  under  the 
Firm  Name  of  Crane,  Wheeler  &  Co. — Manufacture  of  Straw  Board  by  Machinery, 
BY  Grant  J.  Wheeler  ifc  Co. — Indian  Eelics  Found  Beneath  the  Wheeler  Mill. — 
Removal  of  Wheeler  to  Waverly,  and  Closing  of  the  INIill. — Valuable  Pearls  Found 
ON  Notch  Brook,  the  Source  of  Third  River. — Construction  of  Newark  and  Pompton 
Turnpike. — Business  Development  and  Growth  of  West  Bloomfield. — Construction  of 
Newark  and  Bloomfield  R.  R. — The  New  Settlement. — The  Name  of  Montclair 
substituted  for  that  of  West  Bloomfield. 

|F  the  ehikh-en  of  Ueaeon  Azariali  Crane  only  Natlianiel  and  Azariali.  Jr..  are  mentioned 
in  connection  with  tlie  settlement  at  Cranefown.  They  ac(iiiired  hy  ]Mircha?e,  as  well  as 
hy  inheritance,  lar<>-e  tracts  of  land  within  the  present  houndaries  of  Newark,  Orange  and 
Montclair.  Dr.  Wickes,  in  his  '•  History  of  the  Oranges,"  states  that :  "  Their  lands  were 
bounded  south  hy  the  Swineiield  Eoad,  east  by  the  Cranetown  Road,  now  Park  street, 
west  by  Wigwam  Brook,  M'hich  was  the  division  line  between  the  Crane  lands  and  those 
of  the  Harrisons  and  ^A'illiams,  and  on  the  north  by  Antony's  Brook  at  Montclair,  the 
northern  boundary  of  Second  River.  The  family  of  Crane  also  held  land  on  the  south 
side  of  the  Northtield  Road  to  the  summit  of  the  Mountain.  It  afterwards  came  into  the 
possession  of  Simeon  Harrison  (1)  being  conveyed  to  him  by  the  executors  of  Caleb 
Crane.  There  is  a  tradition  that  when  the  Lords  Projirietors  claimed  the  payments  of 
the  quit-rents  for  lands  taken  by  Azariali  and  Nathaniel  Crane,  they  brought  in  a  bill  for  their  services  as 
surveyors  in  the  employ  of  the  Proprietors  as  an  offset.  Their  bill  was  not  accepted,  and  the  controversy 
was  finally  settled  in  the  Supreme  Court  in  favor  of  the  surveyors." 

A  RELIC   OF   SLAVERY. 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  I,  Enoch  Williams,  of  the  township  of  Newark,  in  the 
County  of  Essex,  and  State  of  New  Jersey,  for  and  in  consideration  of  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and 
eighty  dollars  paid,  or  secured  to  be  paid  by  Phineas  Crane  of  the  Town,  Comity  and  State  aforesaid, 
unto  the  said  Enoch  Williams,  for  which  payment  I  have  given,  granted,  bargained  and  sold  unto  the  said 
Phineas  Crane,  my  Negro  man  named  Tom;  to  liave  and  to  Imld  the  said  Negro  man  unto  the  said 
Phineas  Crane,  for  himself,  his  heirs,  executors,  administrators  and  assigns;  and  doth  warrant,  secure, 
and  forever  defend  the  sale  of  said  Negro  man  named  Tom  unto  the  >aid  Phineas  Crane,  his  heirs  and 
assigns  forever.  In  wriNiiss  whereof,  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  seal  this  twenty-ninth  day  of 
May,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  nine.  ENOCH  WILLIAMS. 

Sealed  and  delivered  ) 
in  the  presence  of  f 

Elizabeth  Crane. 
Poi-ly  Williams. 


History  of  Montci.air  Townsiiii'. 


33 


After  tlie  erection  of  Blooiiitield  a.s  a  ;<eparate  townsliip  ( 'rauetowii  was  embraced  within  its 
boundaries,  and  later  became  known  as  West  Bloomtield.  The  latter  remained  as  a  part  of  tlie  townsliip 
of  Bloomfield  until  tlie  separation  and  erection  of  the  new  township  in  IStin,  under  the  name  of  ^fontclair. 

Bloomtield  owes  its  name.  a.s  well  as  its  existence  as  a  township,  to  the  organization  of  its  first 
church  society  in  179(5.  Rev.  Stephen  Dodd,  of  East  Haven,  ("onn..  in  his  MS.  History  of  Bloomfield, 
prepared  in  lS4fi,  .says: 

"It  liad  been  the  practice  fur  many  years  to  use  the  word  \Vardses.soii,  supposing  that  it  was 
derived  from  some  person  or  family  by  the  name  of  Ward.  I'ut  this  was  a  palpable  mistake.  The  real 
name  was  of  Indian  origin.  Wufsf-ssitit/.  Wofsesson,  written  in  both  forms  in  the  ancient  records  of 
Newark:  but  tiic  tirst  is  doubtless  the  correct  s])elling.  It  was  first  used  with  reference  to  the  School- 
house  Ilili  and  the  adjacent  Plains,  as  formerly  nanu-d.  Thus  the  ancient  deeds  nf  uur  ancestor.  Daniel 
Dodd,  an<l  his  brotlier,  Samuel  Dodd.  the  grandfather  of  the  late  Aaron  Dodd.  mention  WaUesshig  Jlill, 
AVatsessing  Plains.  a.s  also  some  other  records.  *  *  *  The  neighborluiod  north  of  the  Meeting-house  was 
once  called  Crab  Orchard,  from  the  crab-apide  trees  which  were  standing  there  in  the  time  of  the  first 
settlers.     Tlie  young  men  tried  to  introduce  the  name  Hopewell.  Imt  did  not  succeed. 


;.Ii    HOMKSTKAK    OK    hKM'iN    JmSII'M    LRA.SF. 

••  Crane  Town  was  a  name  early  given  to  that  tract  under  the  mountain  settled  by  the  Crane 
families  from  Xewark.  The  two  first  were  brothers,  A zariah  and  Xathaniel.  Azariah,  the  grandfather 
of  Aaron,  and  my  mother  lived  about  where  Elias  B.  Crane  resided  ;  the  brother  of  Azariah,  and  father 
of  William  and  Xoah.  lived  where  Major  Crane  died. 

••  I'lider  these  circumstances,  our  fathers  thought  it  expedient  to  attempt  to  introduce  some  general 
name  to  apply  to  all  the  ground  covered  by  the  proposed  Ecclesiastical  (,'ongregation.  For  this  purpose 
thev  held  several  meetings  for  consultation,  which  resulted  as  follows : 

"  In  the  Seiilhxel  of  Freedom,  of  Dec.  7,  179(>,  I  find  the  following  notices: 

"'At  a  numerous  meeting  of  the  Congregation  of  Wardsesson.  Oct.  13.  1796:  Joseph  Davis  Esq. 
in  the  Chair : 

•'  ■  It  a]ipearing  that  agreeably  to  a  resolution  of  a  meeting  held  the  10th  inst.,  advertisements  have 
been  set  up  in  three  of  the  most  public  places  within  the  bounds  of  the  Congregation,  notifying  the 
objects  of  the  present  meeting ;  the  members  proceeded  to  choose  a  name  by  which  the  society  should  be 
distinguished,  when  it  ap])eared  that  the  name  of  Bi.oomfikld  had  a  large  majority  of  votes. 

'^"' Extract  from  the  minutes.  '"ISAAC  W.  CKANE,  Secretary.' 


34:  IIisr(iK\-  (11'   MiiNrci.AiR  Township. 

"To  the  ])rece(liiiii  I  will  luld,  fi-oiii  memory,  in  wliicli  I  may  be  incurrcct,  tliat  Isaac  Watts  Crane 
beiii^  acquainted  M-ith  Gen  Bloomfieki,  of  Burlington,  a  man  of  wealth,  and  Laving  no  children  thought 
it  might  be  policy  to  take  his  name  and  engage  his  generosity  towards  this  child  of  adoption.  And,  as  it 
will  appear  in  the  scipu'l.  the  plan  jjroduced  some  good  fruit.  This  plan  was  carried  out  by  giving  (-Jen. 
Bloomtield  suitable  notice  of  what  had  been  done  respecting  the  aduption  of  his  name,  accompanied 
with  a  barrel  of  cider,  the  jiroduce  of  Bhxiuiliehl" 

The  Scnt'ini-l  of  July  12,  1797,  contained  the  following: 

"CoMMixicATKiN  FKOM  Ijloomfield. — On  Thursdav,  the  (Itli  inst.,  Maj  Gen.  Bloomtield  and  his 
lady  made  a  visit  to  the  Society  of  Bloomtield.  They  were  escorted  from  Grange  by  Lieut  Baldwin's 
(Jesse  0  division  of  cavalry,  and  other  gentlemen,  to  the  liouse  of  Joseph  Davis  Esq.,  where  they  were 
received  by  a  numerous  concourse  of  people  belonging  to  the  Society  A  procession  was  then  formed  in 
the  following  order : 

"  The  farmers,  hcaduil  by  Col.  Cadmus,  and  Mr  Timothy  ^Vard  ;  the  masons  and  laborers  ;  the 
trustees  and  managers ;  the  venerable  clergy  ;  Gen.  Bloomtield  and  suite ;  the  battalion  oiiicers ;  Lieut 
Baldwin's  division  of  horsemen  ;  forty  young  ladies  uniformly  dressed  in  white,  their  heads  neatly  orna- 
mented with  turhan><2in(S.  corona  hedera,  crowned  with  ivy,  besides  two  hundred  young  children  belonging 
to  the  schools  of  Bloomtield ;  and  in  the  rear  of  tlie  whole  Capt.  Crane's  elegant  company  of  infantry, 
giving  the  procession  a  dignified  appearance.  The  procession  being  thus  formed,  proceeded  to  tlie  new 
stone  church  and  from  tiience  to  a  large  bower,  prej)ared  for  the  occasion,  where  a  ]iraycr  was  made  by 
the  Rev  Mr  AVhite,  adapted  to  the  occasion  ;  and  anthems  were  sung  by  forty  young  ladies,  uniformly 
dressed  in  white.  Gen  Bloomtield,  from  an  eminence,  addressed  the  assembly,  recommending  the 
virtues  of  patriotism  and  of  ]iolitical  and  Christian  union  An  answer  was  returned  by  Mr  Watts  Crane 
in  behalf  of  the  Society  reechoing  the  same  sentiments'" 

A  white  mai'ble  tablet,  with  inscription,  "Bloomtield,  17!'*!,"  was  set  in  the  brown  free-stone 
tower,  to  mark  the  beginning  of  a  new  townshiji.  The  civil  township  was  not  erected  until  ISI'2,  when 
it  included  the  territory  from  the  crest  of  the  mountain  to  the   Passaic  River. 

The  Town  Patent  oi;  Cuautkr  of  Newark,  given  in  1713,  defines  the  west,  nortli  and  east  line  of 
what  became  afterward  Bloomtield  : 

'•  Purchased  from  ye  Indians,  now  known  by  ye  ]S'ame  of  Newarke,  liounded  easterly  by  a  great 
creek  that  runs  from  Ilackingsack  Bay,  through  ye  Salt  ]\Ieadow  called  by  the  Indians  Wequahick,  and 
now  known  by  the  Name  of  Bound  Creek,  and  continuing  from  the  head  of  ye  Said  Creek  to  the  head 
of  a  Cove  to  a  ^farkt  Tree ;  from  thence  it  Extended  Westerly  upon  a  Straight  Line,  by  Computation 
Seven  Miles  be  the  Same  more  or  Less,  to  the  End  or  foot  of  the  Great  Mountain,  and  to  the  Ridge 
thereof,  called  by  the  Indians  Wachung,  Near  where  Runs  a  branch  of  the  Railway  River;  from  thence 
extending  on  a  Northerly  Course  along  the  Ridge  of  the  Said  ]\[ountain  to  a  heap  of  Stones  Erected  to 
Ascertain  the  Boundary  between  the  .s'd  Town  of  Newark  and  the  Town  of  Achquickatnunck ;  from 
thence  Running  a  South-east  course  by  AclKpiickatnunck  Bound  Line  to  where  the  brook  or  Ri valet 
Called  by  the  Indians  Yantokah.  liut  now  known  by  the  Name  of  the  Third  River,  Emptieth  itself  into 
Pasayack  River,  and  from  thence  Continuing  Down  along  by  the  said  Passaick  River  and  Ilackingsack 
Bay  to  the  mouth  of  the  said  Bound  Creek." 

The  southern  line  of  Bloomtield  was  established  in  1S(M!,  when  the  township  of  Newark  was 
divided  by  its  own  authority  into  three  wards— the  Newark  Ward,  the  Orange  Ward  and  the  Bloomtield 
Ward.  The  Orange  Ward  became  that  same  year  the  township  of  Orange,  and  the  Bloomtield  Ward 
became  the  township  of  Bloomtield  in  1S12.  The  line  between  the  Orange  and  the  Bloomtield  AVards 
was  established,  in  1SU(5,  as  follows: 

"Beginning  at  the  Green  Island  in  Passaik  River  and  running  thence  to  the  Boiling  Spring  on  land 
of  Phineas  Baldwin,  dec'd  and  from  thence  to  the  Bridge  at  the  Slough  between  the  houses  of  Jonathan 
Baldwin  and  Elihu  Pierson,  and  from  thence  to  the  bridge  near  Martin  Richards',  and  from  thence 
to  Turkey  Eagle  Rock,  on  the  top  of  the  first  Mountain  ;  which  we  agree  shall  be  the  line  between  the 
Ploomtield  Ward  and  the  wards  of  Newark  and  Orange." 


\ 


HiSTORV    iiK    MONTCI.AIK    ToWXSI  [IP. 


35 


The  '•  iuliabitaiits  of  Second  liiver  ami  the  Body  of  Newark"  acted  separately  "in  all  affairs 
relating  to  tlie  Poor  for  fifty-three  years.'"  'liie  line  of  division  was  in  part  the  line  which  aftei^ward 
divided  Belleville  from  Blmnntield.     The  description  jriven  in  1743—14  is  as  follows: 

"BeKinninj'  at  Bassaick  River  at  the  Gullv  near  the  house  of  Dr  I'iiTot,  thence  northwest  to 
Second  River,  thence  up  the  same  to  the  Saw  Mill  belonging  to  George  Harrison,  thence  a  direct  line  to 
the  north-east  corner  of  the  Plantation  of  Stephen  Morris,  thence  to  the  Notch  in  the  mountain,  leaving 
William  Crane's  house  to  the  southward,  thence  on  a  direct  line  to  Stephen  Van  Site's  ]>ars  and  Abraham 
Franci-sco's  to  the  Northward  of  said  line ;  and  it  was  agreed  that  all  on  the  Northward  of  said  lines 
should  Ije  esteemed  Inhabitants  of  Second  River,  and  all  on  the  southward  of  the  Body  of  Newark."' 

The  Notch  referred  to  is  jtrobably  the  little  ojtening  in  the  mountain  just  north  of  the  present 
Mountain  IIou.se. 

"Cranetown"  by  popular  designation  became  after  1S12  We.st  Bloomfield,  and  so  continued  until 
ISfis.     Its  Snrffire  Streams  itml  Snil  are  thus  described  bv   Rev.  ^fr.  Knox  in  his  Ilistorv  of  Bloomfield 


\  fKW    CIS      liiNK\ 


Townshij):  "  Between  the  natural  boundary  of  the  uKjuntain  crest  on  the  west  and  the  natural  Ixiundary 
of  the  Pas.saic  River  on  the  east  lies  an  unusually  diversified  and  beautiful  expanse  of  country.  Bai-allel 
waves  or  ridges  of  land  run  from  north  to  south.  The  mountain  slope  descends  into  plain  and  valley, 
and  rises  again  n])on  a  wave  nearly  the  length  of  the  township  known  now  as  the  Ridgewood  line.  This 
territory  fonns  the  beautiful  region  of  what  is  now  ilontclair." 

Two  rivulets  rise  in  the  northern  part  of  the  present  township  which  How  southward  and  eastward  to 
form  in  Bloomfield  the  little  stream  anciently  known  as  Second  River.  The  first  of  these  known  as 
"Tony"s  Brook""  uiamed  probably  from  Anthony  Oliff,  one  of  the  early  settlers  at  the  mountain),  though 
now  an  insignificant  stream,  was  early  utilized  for  manufacturing  purposes,  and  furnislied  sufficient  power 
to  run  two  or  three  mills,  which  gave  this  part  of  the  township  its  first  impetus.  As  early  as  1695,  accord- 
ing to  the  '•  Towne  Records  of  Newark,"  Thomas  Davis  had  "  liberty  to  .set  up  a  saw  mill."  It  has  been 
supposed  that  this  was  the  saw  mill  on  a  site  near  the  pond  above  the  old  dilapidated  vacant  building 


36 


History  of  Moktclair  Township. 


formerly  known  as  Wheeler's  pa|)er  mill.  Israel  Crane,  who,  in  ISOl,  in  conuec-tion  with  Charles 
Kinsey,  leased  a  mill  seat  at  Paterson,  and  erected  the  second  cotton  mill  there,  was  the  first  to  make  use 
of  Toney's  Brook  for  manufacturing  purposes.  About  1S1:>-15  a  eoinpany  was  organized  under  the 
name  of  the  West  Bloomtield  Manufacturing  Company.  The  prime  mover  in  the  enterprise  was  Israel 
Crane.  Associated  with  him  wei-e  Daniel  P.  Beach,  E.  P.  Stiles,  Michael  Cockfair,  Peter  Doremus  and 
others.  Two  large  buildings  uere  erected  near  the  present  Wheeler  mill,  where  the  manufacture  of 
cotton  and  woolen  gooils  was  carried  on  for  some  years.  The  property  subsequently  passed  into  the 
hands  of  Israel  Crane,  and  the  factories  were  closed  for  some  time. 

In  1827  these  mills  were  leased  to  Henry  AYilde  and  Sons,  who  came  from  Yorkshire,  Eng.  He 
had  long  been  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  broadcloths  and  other  woolen  goods  in  the  old  country, 
as  had  also  his  father  and  grandfather.     He  began  the  manufacture  of  ]3laid  shawls  which,  it  is  said,  were 


WHEKLER  S    IIII.I,, 


the  first  ever  made  in  this  country.  He  made  many  changes  and  in)provements  in  the  machinery, 
utilizing  the  water  power  for  spinning  and  carding  the  wool ;  the  manufacture  of  the  goods  was  all  done 
on  hand  looms.  Mr.  Wilde  employed  about  100  hands,  most  of  whom  were  brought  from  England. 
The  manufactured  goods  were  disposed  of  in  the  New  York  market,  and  Mr.  Wilde  was  awarded  a 
number  of  prizes  by  the  American  Institute  Fair  for  the  superior  quality  of  his  goods.  Owing  to  the 
partial  failure  of  the  water  power,  which  jn-oved  insufficient  for  the  mamifacture  of  heavy  goods,  they 
gave  up  the  manufacture  of  these  for  <roods  of  lighter  weight,  and  eniraaed  in  the  manufacture  of  white 
flannels  of  a  high  grade,  said  to  be  the  best  in  the  market.  The  firm  became  eml)arrassed  during  the 
panic  of  1837,  and  the  elder  Wilde  withdrew  from  the  business  in  1839. 

John  Wilde,  of  the  New  York  firm  of   Wilde.  Faulkner  &  Co.,  soon  after  occupied  the  premises 
and  began  the  manufacture  of  calico  prints,  and  dispo.?ed  of  their  goods  through  Dennis  Brigham  ct  Co., 


History  of  Montci.aik  Townshit.  37 

wlio  were  subse<juently  obliged  tu  take  tlie  business,  owing  to  the  failure  of  Wikle,  Faulkner  &  Co.  Dennis 
Brigliam  subsequently  withdrew  from  his  own  firm  and  continued  to  carry  on  the  print  works  iiutil  1853. 

The  l)nildings  remained  nnoccupied  for  some  years,  and  in  the  interim  the  lower  mill  was  burned. 
The  remaining  one  was  leased  in  ISat!  by  Grant  J.  Wheeler  for  the  manufacture  of  paper  and  oakum, 
wiiich  was  then  done  by  hand.  As.sociated  with  iiim  were  Jason  Crane  and  James,  the  son  of  Israel 
Crane,  under  the  lirm  name  of  Crane,  Wheeler  &  Co.  The  Imsiness  did  not  prove  successful,  and  in 
1857  the  firm  was  obliged  to  go  into  li(piidation.  In  1358  Mr.  AVheeler  organized  a  new  firm  in  connec- 
tion with  James  C.  Beach,  under  tlie  name  of  J.  G.  AVheeler  &  Co.,  for  tiie  purpose  of  carrying  on 
the  manufacture  of  straw  board.  Tlie.se  goods  were  previously  made  by  hand  and  dried  in  the  sun. 
Tlie  new  Urm  invented  a  ])rocess  for  making  a  continuous  sheet  of  straw  board,  and,  by  means  of  steam 
rollers,  drying  it  at  the  same  time.  They  were  the  original  inventors  of  this  process,  by  which  they  were 
enabled  to  produce  the  goo<ls  in  (juantities  in  e.xcess  of  the  home  market,  and  they  W(>rkc<l  up  a  large 
export  trade.  Through  the  increase  of  ])roduction  it  was  soon  discovered  tliat  the  goods  could  be  profit- 
ably used  for  other  purposes,  and  thus  the  demand  was  largely  increased,  and  a  better  class  of  goods 
produced.  I'nder  the  old  proce.-vs  the  goods  brought  but  ^40  a  ton,  while  under  the  new — even  with  the 
increased  supply — the  price  advanced  to  !SI4<i  a  ton.  The  wonderful  success  that  followed  induced 
comj)etition,  and  although  the  process  of  manufacture  as  well  as  the  machinery  was  covered  by  letters 
patent,  a  failure  to  patent  one  simple  macliine,  and  the  discovery  that  a  similar  process  had  been  used  in 
France  many  years  ])revious,  led  to  prolonge<l  and  expensive  litigation  ;  and  the  price  of  goods  fell 
from  §140  to  §5(1  a  ton.  Both  Mr.  Wheeler  and  ilr.  Beach  were  men  of  gieat  inventive  genius,  and 
but  for  the  unfortunate  oversight  would  have  accumulated  immense  wealth.  They  made  the  material 
and  constructed   by  hand  the  first  paper  car-wheel  ever  made  in  this  country. 

At  the  time  they  purchased  the  plant  the  waterfall  of  Toney's  Brook  was  sulHcieiit  t(»  furnish 
from  5l>  to  7.J  horse  power,  but  the  streams  and  rivulets  from  which  it  was  supplied  were  diverted  in 
their  course,  and  the  water  supply  cut  off,  so  that  the  firm  was  obliged  to  resort  to  steam  jjower  in 
addition.  A  successful  business  was  carried  on  until  1S$7.  In  the  meantime  the  State  Legislature 
having  piissed  an  act  to  i)revent  the  |iollution  of  the  streams  in  Fast  New  Jersey,  the  successors  of  the 
old  firm  were  indicted  by  the  Board  of  Health  and  compelled  to  close  the  mill  and  n-niovc  their  plant 
some  miles  di.-tant  to  AVaverly,  N.  J. 

lieferring  to  this  stream  and  also  what  was  known  as  Thii-d  River,  (iordon  (in  1830)  says:  "These 
streams  are  the  source  of  wealth  to  the  townshi]),  ami  have  converted  it  almost  wiioily  into  a  niaini- 
facturing  village." 

A  few  years  ago,  while  excavating  for  the  foundation  of  a  steam-engine  underneath  Wheeler's  mill, 
there  was  found,  ten  feet  below  the  surface,  a  number  of  Indian  relics,  showing  that  the  same  locality 
had  been  used  by  the  Imlians  for  the  construction  of  arrow  heads,  cooking  uten.-ils,  and  articles  of  stone 
for  grinding  corn,  etc.  Some  forty  years  ago  a  nundjer  of  valuable  pearls  were  found  near  the  source  of 
Third  River — known  as  Notch  Brook — one  of  which,  it  is  .said,  was  sold  to  Tiffany  &  Co.,  and  by  that 
firm  to  Empress  Eugenie  for  §2,00o. 

CONSTRr(  TIOX  OF  .NEWARK  AND  POMPTON  TFRN PIKE.— BUSINESS 

DFVFLnPMENT. 

Previous  to  1800  the  whole  region  of  countiy  comprising  what  was  afterward  Bloomfield  township, 
was  wholly  devoted  to  agricuitni-a!  purpose^,  and  little  or  no  business  was  transacted  in  this  locality,  the 
farmers  relying  principally  on  Newark  for  their  supplies.  The  construction  of  the  Newark  and  Pompton 
Turn|)ike.  of  which  Israel  Crane  wa.s  the  projector,  wrought  in  the  course  of  a  few  years  a  great  change, 
and  West  Bloomfield  became  the  centre  of  traffic,  and  at  one  time  drew  a  large  amount  of  trade  from 
Paterson  and  beyond,  and  bid  fair  to  rival  that  town  in  iniportance. 

The  Newark  and  Pompton  Turnpike  Comjiany  was  incor])orated  February  24,  1806.  The  incor- 
porators were  John  N.  dimming,  John  Uixld.  Israel  Crane,  Noah  Sayrc.  Isaac  Mead,  Robert  (iould,  and 


38  TIlSTOkV    OF    MONTCLAIR    TOWXSIIIP. 

Nathaniel  Douglass;  the  c-oiiiiuissioiiers,  Andrew  Wilson,  Nathaniel  Camp  and  Richard  Edsal.  Israel 
Crane  was  President  of  the  Company.  A  part  of  the  capital  stock— four  thousand  dollars  a  mile— was 
made  payable  in  work.  The  road  was  to  cross  the  Passaic  River,  near  Little  Falls,  and  to  pass  through 
"  the  more  convenient  gap  in  the  mountain  near  Cranetown."  Starting  from  JSTorth  Broad  Street  (near 
Belleville  Avenue,  Newark),  it  ran  northwesterly  direct  to  Bloomfield  and  Cranetown,  thence  over  the 
First  Mountain  to  Caldwell  and  Parsippany,  crossing  at  Piue  Brook,  with  branch  from  the  west  side  of 
the  mountain  to  Syngack ;  there  were  four  toll  gates,  six  miles  apart— one  near  the  Morris  Canal,  another 
at  the  top  of  the  mountain,  another  at  Pine  Brook,  the  last  at  Syngack  (near  the  upper  Passaic).  The 
road  cut  diagonally  through  several  farn)s,  and  thus  aroused  a  strong  opposition  on  the  part  of  some  of 
the  farmers,  which  was  finally  allayed. 

The  road  was  not  a  paying  investuient,  and  hecame  largely  indel)ted  to  Mr.  Crane  for  repairs,  etc., 
and  finally  passed  into  his  jwssession.  After  his  death  it  was  sold  by  his  heirs  to  the  Essex  Puhlic  Road 
Board  ;  tl'ie  Company  still  has,  however,  a  nominal  existence.  Within  a  few  years  the  road  has  been 
widened  and  graded,  and  now  forms  a  beautiful  drive  through  Bloomticld  and  Montclair,  to  the  top  of 
the  mountain,  thence  to  Caldwell,  and  is  known  as  Bloomtield  Avenue. 

When  the  road  was  originally  constructed  Mr.  Crane  cut  "the  little  turnpike''— the  street  past  the 
present  depot  (now  known  as  Spring  Street) — from  the  turnpike  to  his  store,  and  his  business  became  very 
large  and  widely  extended.  He  had  a  large  cpiarry  in  Newark,  where  he  employed  a  number  of  hands 
who  obtained  their  supplies  from  this  store.  He  also  had  a  large  cider  mill  and  distillery,  which  before 
the  davs  of  temperance  agitation  were  liberally  patronized  by  the  best  class  of  people.  A  large  peach 
j)mduction  at  one  time  was  manufactured  into  brandy  at  the  distillery,  and  the  Jersey  "peach  brandy.'' 
l)ecame  as  famous  as  Jersey  "applejack."  The  far-famed  Harrison.  Canfield  and  Baldwin  apples,  M-hich 
originated  in  this  section,  were  slii])ped  to  every  part  of  t]ie  conntry,  and  the  eider  made  from  these 
apples  was  said  to  be  the  best  in  the  market.  The  Baldwins  and  Harrisons  also  did  a  thriving  liusincss  in 
the  manufacture  of  cider,  and  there  was  at  one  time  upward  of  six  thousand  barrels  a  year  of  Newark 
cider  ]U'oduced,  a  large  portion  i:f  which  came  from  this  locality. 

The  tannery  of  Smith  iV  Dorennis  (Matthias  Smith,  father  of  Charles  and  Melanctliou  Smith,  and 
Peter,  the  father  of  Joseph  and  Philip  Doremus),  south  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  soon  after  1807 
brought  its  hides  fi-om  New  York,  its  bai'k  from  over  the  mountain,  and  sold  its  leather  to  the  boot  and 
shoe  manufacturers  of  Bloomticld  and  Orange.  Peter  Doremus  also  did  an  extensive  business  in  di-y 
goods  and  groceries,  and  being  located  at  a  convenient  point  on  the  turnpike,  near  the  present  store  of 
liis  son  Philip,  caught  a  great  deal  of  the  farmers'  trade  before  it  reached  other  localities. 

Gordon's  Cyclopedia,  published  in  1832,  gives  the  entire  population  of  Bloomfield  township. 
which  then  embraced  an  entire  area  of  14,000  acres,  and  included  the  present  township  of  Belleville 
at  -1,309.  "In  1832  the  township  contained  500  taxables  and  20*>  householders  whose  ratable  estate 
did  not  exceed  $30;  82  single  men.  17  merchants,  fi  gristmills.  2  cotton  manufactories,  5  sawmills, 
4  rolling  mills  for  copper,  3  paper  mills,  1  paint  factory,  2  calico  printing  and  bleaching  works,  one  very 
extensive  40  ton  vats,  3  woollen  factories,  and  several  very  extensive  shoe  factories;  387  horses  and 
mules,  862  neat  cattle,  above  three  years  old.  The  township  paid  state  tax  $754.50,  county  $287.37, 
poor  tax  $1,200,  road  tax  $1,200.  The  annual  value  of  manufactured  products  probably  exceeded 
$2,500,000." 

Reference  is  also  made  to  the  villages  of  Bloomfield  and  West  Bloomtield  (designated  as  one 
village).  "The  chief  part  of  the  town  lies  n|ion  the  old  road,  but  part  of  it  on  the  turnpike.  It  contains 
about  1,600  iidiabitants,  above  250  dwellings,  2  hotels,  an  academy,  lioarding  school,  4  large  connnon 
schools,  12  stores,  1  Presbyterian  church,  2  Methodist  churches,  [one  in  Bloomfield  and  one  in  West 
Bloomtield]  ;  a  very  extensive  trade  is  carried  on  here  in  tanning,  currying  and  shoemaking,  and  the 
following  manufactories  are  considered  annexed  to  the  town — two  woollen  factories.  1  nuihogany  saw 
mill,  1  cotton  mill.  1  rolling  mill,  1  calico  print  works,  2  saw  mills  for  ordinary  work,  1  paper  millj 
1  grist  mill." 


History  of  MoxxriAiR  Townsiiii'.  39 

A  tlirivinc  l)n?iness  was  done  here  in  tlie  manufacture  of  fur  and  other  liats — all  hand  made — and 
it  is  said  that  John  Jacob  Astor,  of  whom  the  skins  were  purchased,  made  occasional  trips  here  to  look 
after  his  interests.  One  of  the  largest  manufactories  in  tin's  line  was  carried  on  \>y  C^ipt.  .loseph  Munii 
and  Xathaniel  Baldwin,  under  tlie  firm  name  of  ifnnn  «.V:  Baldwin. 

The  introduction  of  machinery  and  the  estai)li.shment  of  large  manufactoric.s  in  the  East,  wliicli 
supplied  the  trade  throughout  the  country,  wrought  a  material  change  in  West  Bloomfield  ;  it  ceased  to 
be  a  manufacturing  centre,  and  became  noted  for  its  excellent  boarding  schools,  and  otlier  educational 
advantages.  A  few  years  later  |)arties  from  New  York,  who  had  sent  their  children  here  to  be  educated, 
were  impressed  with  the  healthfulness  of  the  locality  and  the  beauty  of  its  surioundings,  and  began  to 
make  this  a  place  of  summer  resort.  It  was  not,  iiowever,  until  the  0})cning  of  railroad  communication 
with  New  York  City,  that  business  men  were  enabled  to  avail  themselves  of  its  many  advantages  as  a 
place  of  permanent  residence. 

The  history  of  railroads  in  the  counties  of  Essex  and  Hudson  is  contemporaneous  with  the  history 
of  the  introduction  of  these  great  highways  of  travel  into  the  United  States  and  almost  parallel  with  the 
success  of  railroading  in  England.  As  early  as  1812  Colonel  John  Stevens,  of  Iloboken,  published  a 
pamphlet  urging  the  government  to  make  ex]>eriments  in  railways  traversed  by  steam  carriages,  and,  if 
feasible,  propose«l  the  construction  of^sucli  a  railway  from  Albany  to  Lake  Erie:  and  long  before  George 
Stephenson,  of  England,  who  in  1829  "demonstrated  that  the  locomotive  was  competent,  not  oidy  to 
move  itself,  but  also  to  drag  a  heavy  load,"  Stevens  had  demonstrated  its  practicability  by  constructing 
a  circular  railroad  track  around  the  town  hall  in  Floboken,  where  he  ran  his  locomotive  for  some  weeks 
to  the  delight  of  tiiousands  who  witnessed  the  experiment. 

The  first  railroad  enterprise  started  in  New  Jersey  was  that  of  the  Camden  and  .\inl)oy  Railroad 
and  Transportation  Company,  which  was  incorporated  by  the  State  Legislature  on  the  4th  of  Febi-nary, 
1830.  [The  road  ran  from  Camden  to  .\nd)oy.]  At  the  same  time  the  Delaware  iuid  Karitan  Canal 
Company  was  incorporated,  and  in  ls:*l  the  two  companies  were  consolidated.  The  Paterson  and 
Hudson  River  Railroad  was  chartered  in  ls:U,  and  subseijucntly  became  a  part  of  the  Erie  Railroad. 
The  New  Jersey  Railroad  and  Transportation  Company  was  chartered  by  tiie  State  Legislature  in  1S.S2. 
having  pa,ssed  the  Assembly  by  a  vote  of  39  to  5,  after  a  bitter  fight  on  the  part  of  its  oppimcnt,  the 
Camden  an<l  Amboy  Railmad  and  Transportation  Company. 

NKWAKK   AND  BLOOMFIELD    RAILROAD  CoMl'A.W. 

The  people  of  Bloomfield  and  West  Bloomfield  had  witnessed  the  effect  of  improved  railroad 
communication  with  other  suburban  towns  in  New  Jersey  for  many  years  which  followed  the  substitution 
of  the  means  of  ra|>id  transit  ijver  the  old  slow  stage  coach. 

It  was  not.  however,  until  1854  that  any  actual  steps  were  taken  to  open  railroad  commimication 
between  these  points  and  New  York.  A  few  enterprising  gentlemen  of  IJIoomtielil  and  West  Bloom- 
field, after  considering  the  feasibility  of  such  an  enterprise,  obtained  a  charter  from  the  Legislature  for 
the  organization  of  a  company  known  as  the  Newark  and  Bloomfield  Railroad  Company. 

The  West  Bloomtield  incorporators  wei'e  Zenas  S.  Crane,  Grant  J.  Wheeler  and  William  S.  Morris; 
those  from  Bloomtield  were  Joseph  A.  Davis,  Ira  Dodd  (who  afterward  became  the  Superintendent), 
David  Oakes,  Robert  L.  Cook,  David  Cougar  and  Warren  S.  Baldwin. 

The  (company  elected  as  its  first  Board  of  Directors  William  II.  Harris,  Grant  J.  Wheeler  and 
Jared  D.  Harrison,  of  West  Bloomfield;  Joseph  A.  Davis,  Ira  Dodd,  Wright  F.  Cougar  and  Jason 
Crane,  of  Bloomtield.  The  Board  organized  by  the  election  of  Jose]>h  A,  Davis  as  President  of  the 
Company. 

The  comparatively  small  population  and  limited  means  of  the  iidiabitants  of  Bloomfield  Township, 
and  the  difference  of  (ipinion  among  them  as  to  the  best  route  and  termination,  made  it  very  difficult  to 
get  the  necessary  subscriptions  to  the  capital  stock.     Some  favored  the  route  to  the  ilorris  neighborhood, 


4n  History  of  Moxtclaik  Township. 

wliilc  others  insisted  that  it  should  terininate  at  West  Bloomtieki.  After  repeated  and  unsuccessful 
efforts  to  secure  sufficient  funds  to  build  tlie  road,  the  New  Jersey  Railroad  and  Transportation  Company 
encouraged  the  belief  that  they  would  give  financial  aid  to  the  enterprise  so  that  the  road  might  be  built. 
Two  of  the  representatives  of  that  road,  Dr.  John  S.  Darcy  and  John  P.  Jackson — recognized  as  two  of 
the  leading  railroad  men  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey — were  elected  members  of  the  Board  of  Directors 
of  the  Newark  and  Bloomfield  Bailroad  Company. 

The  design  of  that  Company  (The  New  Jersey  Railroad  and  Transportation  Company)  was  to 
reap  the  benefit  of  a  condition  in  the  contract  which  had  been  made  with  the  Morris  and  Essex  Railroad 
Company  at  the  time  of  building  the  bridge  over  the  Passaic  and  the  connection  with  that  railroad. 
This  condition  was  that  the  New  Jersey  Railroad  should  have  the  right  of  way  foi'  the  Newark  and 
Bloomfield  Railroad  alongside  of  the  ti-aek  of  the  Morris  and  Essex  Company  as  far  as  Roseville  or  East 
Orange,  without  expense,  M'hicli  ]irivi]ege  the  New  Jersey  Railroad  estimated  to  be  worth  at  least  One 
Plundred  Thousand  Dollars. 

Having  secured  this  position  with  the  Newark  and  Bloomfield  Railroad  Company,  they  were  not 
disposed  to  push  the  enterprise  to  completion,  but  ratlier  to  pursue  a  Fabian  policy  of  delay.  They 
suggested  the  advisability  of  interesting  parties  in  Boonton  and  Paterson  and  other  places,  without  avail. 
Finally,  when  the  Bloomfield  Directors  became  impatient  at  the  delays,  a  sm-vey  was  made  by  the 
engineers  of  the  NeAV  Jersey  Company,  who  placed  the  cost  of  building  the  road  at  from  $175,000  to 
$225,000,  and  the  only  proposition  which  they  considered  feasible  was  that  the  subscription  to  the  ca])ital 
stock  should  be  increased  to  at  least  $75,000,  M'hen  the  New  Jersey  Road  would  endorse  the  bonds  of 
the  new  company  to  say  $150,000,  and  thus  secure  the  means  for  building  the  road. 

The  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Newark  and  Bloomtield  Road  held  several  meetings,  but  made 
little  or  no  progress.  Finally,  however,  at  a  meeting  of  this  Board,  the  representatives  of  the  New 
Jersey  Railroad  and  Transportation  Company  proposed  that  the  Bloomfield  Directors  should  be 
appointed  a  committee  with  ]iower  to  secure  the  means  for  the  construction  of  the  road,  and  call  a 
meeting  of  the  full  Board  when  that  was  secured.  Tliey  evidently  thought  it  impossible  for  them  to 
obtain  outside  assistance.  Complications  had  arisen  between  the  New  Jersey  Railroad  Company  and  the 
Morris  and  Essex  Railroad  Company  in  reference  to  their  bridge  contract,  and  the  latter  company  felt 
very  much  aggrieved  at  the  conduct  of  the  New  Jersey  Companj',  and  desired  to  relieve  themselves,  as 
far  as  possible,  from  the  valuable  privilege  for  right  of  way  which  they  had  given  for  the  Newark  and 
Bloomfield  Railroad  Company  along  their  track. 

The  suggestion  was  made  by  their  representatives  to  this  committee  that  tliey  would  like  to  enter 
into  negotiations  with  them  for  building  the  road.  Thereupon  a  corps  of  their  civil  engineers  was 
placed  on  the  route  from  Roseville  to  West  Bloomfield,  and  estimated  the  cost  at  $105,000,  or  about 
one-half  the  cost  estimated  by  the  engineers  of  the  New  Jersey  Company.  A  written  contract  was  then 
entered  into  between  the  Morris  and  Essex  Railroad  Company  and  the  Committee  of  the  Newark  and 
Bloomfield  Railroad  Company,  which  provided  that  the  Morris  and  Essex  Company  would  subscribe  $55,000 
to  the  capital  stock  of  the  road,  on  condition  that  the  Committee  of  the  Newark  and  Bloomfield  Road 
should  increase  their  outside  sul)scriptions  from  $-40,000  to  $50,000,  the  total  sum  according  to  estimates 
made  ($105,n00)  to  build  the  road.  This  agreement  was  made  in  writing  and  signed  by  the  respective 
parties.  A  meeting  of  the  full  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Newark  and  I'loomfield  Railroad  Company 
was  then  called  and  the  committee  reported  the  arrangements  which  they  had  made  with  the  Morris  and 
Essex  Company.  The  New  Jersey  representatives  were  greatly  surprised  at  the  results,  and  suggested 
more  favorable  terms.  But  the  agreement  having  been  definitely  settled,  according  to  the  authority 
previously  given  to  that  committee,  there  was  no  opportunity  for  any  change.  The  representatives  of 
the  New  Jersey  Railroad  Company  in  the  Board,  finding  tliat  their  "  occupation  was  gone,"  immediately 
resigned.  These  vacancies  were  filled  by  Messrs.  Bassenger  and  Faitoute,  representing  the  Morris  and 
Essex  Railroad  Company. 

The  work  of  grading  and  constructing  the  road  was   begun  in  1855,  and  completed  to  its  present 


History  of  Montclair  Townshii'. 


41 


terminus  in  1850.  Tiie  §105,000  which  was  raised  proved  to  be  not  only  sufficient  for  grading  and 
building  the  road,  but  left  a  balance  sufficient  to  purchase  a  locomotive  whicli  was  named  the 
'•  Bloomtield."  Tlie  trains  commenced  running  to  Bloomfield  in  the  early  part  of  the  year  1856;  the 
first  trains  were  run  to  Montclair  during  tlie  month  of  June  of  tliat  year.  The  equipments  consisted  of 
one  locomotive,  two  passenger  cars,  and  one  baggage  car,  which  ran  regularly  between  West  Bloomfield 
and  Newark,  connecting  witli  tlie  Mowis  and  Essex  Railroad  for  New  York.  These  equipments  at  tlie 
time  were  amply  sufficient  to  accommodate  travel. 

There  was  a  deficit  of  fi.S.SO  at  the  end  of  the  first  seven  months.  AViien  first  oj^ened  the  same 
person  sold  tlie  tickets  at  West  Bloomfield  station  and  acted  as  brakeman  on  the  railroad. 

Although  at  first  there  was  a  small  deficit,  yet  the  Company  did  a  profitable  business,  and  87,000 
tickets  were  sold  during  the  first  year ;  at  the  end  of  the  second  year  a  small  dividend  was  declared  by  the 
Company  to  its  stocklioiders.     The  Morris  and  Essex  Eailroad  Company,  having  a  majority  of  the  stock. 


^t  ' 


'•srSiciiMaSi9f£ 


THE   OI.r>    D.,    I..    *    W.    R.    R.    STATION. 


proceeded  to  elect  a  majority  of  the  Board  or^Directors,  and  so  manipulated  the  expenses  of  the  road 
that  it  practially  absorbed  all  tiie  income,  and  proposed  in  exchange  Morris  and  Essex  stock  for  the  stock 
of  The  Newark  and  Bloomfield  Kailroad  C'cim|)any,  which  the  individual  stockholders  accepted,  so  that 
the  road  finally  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Morris  and  E^^sex  Kailniad  Company.  "When  the  lease  was 
made  by  that  Company  to  the  Delaware,  Lackawanna  and  Western  Company  it  included  the  i!lo(iinfield 
branch,  which  has  since  been  operated  by  that  Company. 

Continuous  trains  from  Montclair  to  New  York  were  not  run  for  several  years  after  the  road  was 
built,  and  not  until  the  Montclair  and  Greenwood  Lake  Railroad  Company  was  built.  It  is  believed  by 
persons  who  are  familiar  with  railroad  enterprises  that  no  piece  of  road  of  the  same  cost  in  this  country 
produces  a  larger  net  revenue  than  is  received  by  the  Delaware,  Lackawanna  and  Western  from  the 
orijiinal  Bloomfield  branch. 


THE  NEW  Sl-:TTI.E:\rEXT— -r^^fV  TL'A.XSTULKT  SCSTI.XETr 

With  the  opening  uf  railruad  coiiinuuiicatioii,  the  intiiix  of  New  York  and  other  business  men 
began.  Among  the  earliest  settlers  were  William  H.  Harris,  Grant  J.  Wheeler,  Frederick  H.  Harris, 
Dr.  J.  J.  H.  Love,  Julius  H.  Pratt,  Henry  A.  Chittenden,  Stephen  Parkhurst,  Henry  Nason,  William  B. 
Bradbury,  Robert  Hening,  N.  O.  Pillsbury,  Joseph  B.  Beadle,  Samuel  Wilde,  Dr.  H.  H.  Lloyd,  and  others. 

These  men  formed  the  nucleus  of  the  new  settlement.  They  bought  their  little  farms  at  $150  to 
$300  an  acre,  hoping  to  enjoy  the  quiet  repose  of  a  delightful  and  healthy  country  village,  little 
dreaming  of  the  great  developments  that  awaited  them.  Could  they  have  foreseen  the  changes  that  a 
few  years  would  bring — that  their  farm  lands  would  be  worth  as  much  per  miming  foot  as  tiiey  paid  per 
acre,  they  would  have  mortgaged  all  their  possessions  if  necessary,  and  doubled  their  purchases.     They 


42 


MlSlORY    OF    MOXTCI.AIR   TOWNSHIP. 


liiiililcd  lictft'r  tliaii  tliej  knew,  and  soon  their  ]>low.sliaros  were  beaten  into  (rail)  road  shares,  their 
[•riinini;  liooks  into  silver  hooks;  tlie  beautiful  conntry  villas  took  the  place  of  the  old  farm  lioiises;  the 
familiar  well  sweep  disap]icarcd,  ami  the  sonfi;  of  the  "  Old  oaken  l)ncket  which  luiiii;;  in  the  well"  was 
heard  no  more;  the  apostles  of  temperance  laid  an  embargo  on  Jersey  cider  and  Jersey  "applejack"; 
the  mills  were  closed,  the  "  i;riiuler8  ceased  because  they  were  few,"  and  the  piercing  shriek  of  the 
locomotive  reminded  the;  farmer  that  the  husking  bees  as  well  as  the  honey  bees  must  take  their 
dejiaiture,  for  the  "city  folks"  had  come  to  stay. 

The  newcomers  brought  with  them  new  ideas  not  at  all  in  harmony  with  the  old.  For  nearly 
half  a  century  this  locality  had  been  known  as  West  Bloomtield,  and  the  old  peo])le  held  the  name  in  the 
greatest  veneration  because  it  was  associated  with  (Tcneral  Bloomtield,  who  gave  the  original  township 
its  name.  The  new  settlers,  liowever,  found  it  very  inconvenient.  Their  letters  frequently  miscarried, 
and  either  stopped  at  Bloomtield  or  went  to  West  Bloomtield  in  New  York  State.  Strangers  visiting 
the  village,  thinking  it  a  part  of  Bloomtield,  would  purchase  their  tickets  and  check  their  baggage 
thereto.  A  public  meeting  was  held  in  ISfiO,  and  a  change  in  the  name  decided  upon.  Several  names 
were  suggested,  but  among  those  which  received  most  favor  were  Eagleton,  Hillside,  and  Claremont. 
On  referring  to  the  map  of  the  United  States  it  was  found  there  were  several  places  of  the  name  of 
Claremont;  the  difficulty  was  solved  however  by  Mr.  Julius  II.  Pratt,  who  suggested  reversing  the 
name  and  calling  it  Montclair.  This  suggestion  was  favorably  received,  but  when  the  matter  was  put  to 
vote  it  was  found  that  Eagleton  had  73,  JVIontclair  57,  and  Hillside  7  votes.  There  was  nothing  legally 
binding  in  this  vote  and  the  majority  of  the  property  holdei'S  were  in  favor  of  adopting  the  name  of 
]\l<)ntclair.  They  first  induced  the  railroad  inanagcrs  to  change  the  name  of  their  station.  A  petition 
signed  by  a  large  number  of  the  proiierty  hoklers  was  put  in  circulation  by  Mr.  Robert  IVI.  Ilening,  and 
through  his  personal  influence  with  Mr.  Casson,  the  Assistant  Postmaster  (ieneral,  the  change  in  name  of 
tlie  post-office  was  adopted  in  1860,  the  name  of  West  Bloomtield  being  dropped  and  that  of  Montclair 
substituted. 

The  name  of  Montclair  is  uui(jue.  At  the  time  this  name  was  selected  it  was  nowhere  to  be  found 
on  the  map  of  the  United  States,  and  it  had  even  been  obliterated  from  the  nuxp  of  P^urope.  During 
the  Franco-Prussian  war  a  correspondent  of  the  lYew  York  Herald  discovered  on  the  banks  of  the  llhine, 
in  (lermany,  the  ruins  of  an  old  castle  formerly  known  as  Montclair,  which  was  destroyed  during  the 
crusades  by  Theodore  J'aldwin,  the  founder  of  the  Baldwin  family.  That  his  descendants  should  have 
been  one  of  the  founders  of  this  locality  which  has  per|ietuated  the  name  is  a  noteworthy  fact. 


Chapter  IX. 


.MoMTCLAIii  IS  THE  WAU  OF  TIJE  llElJKEi.lU.X. 


IIP^  infant  village  of  ISOn  having  received  its  baptismal  name,  and  cast  off  its  swaildling 
elothep,  was  looking  forward  to  a  bright  and  glorious  future ;  when  suddenly  the  tocsin 
sounded  tlie  call  '■^to  amm!'''  and  men  were  Ijrought  face  to  face  with  the  stern  realities 
of  war.  All  thoughts  of  village  improvements  and  the  speedy  accumulation  of  wealth 
were  for  a  time  forgotten; — tlie  spirit  of  '7<j  was  again  aroused  ; — the  tires  of  patriotism 
re-enkindicd  ;  and  tlie  descendants  of  the  brave  men  of  '70  rallied  around  tlie  Hag  to 
preserve  inviolate  the  T'nion  established  by  their  forefathers. 

The  tirst  man  in  Mnntdair — if  not  the  first  man  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey — to 
respond  to  President  Lincoln's  call  for  75,000  volunteers  to  put  down  the  rebelli(jn,  was 
Jldward  Moran.  On  the  ll'tli  of  Ai)ril,  ISfil,  when  the  famous  New  York  Seventh 
Keginient  passed  through  Newark  on  their  way  to  Washington,  Moran  boarded  the  train, 
and,  being  acquaifited  with  one  of  the  orticcrs,  offered  his  services,  whicli  were  accepted.  IJe  was  soon 
after  jirovided  with  a  uniform  and  served  through  the  tirst  campaign.  He  afterward  enlisted  in  the 
U.  S.  .Navy,  and  served  until  the  close  of  the  war. 

Public  meetings  were  held  in  Montclair,  and  the  people  became  fully  aroused  to  the  dangers  wliicli 
threatened  the  Union.  There  was  no  lack  of  volunteers,  and  this  little  village  furnished  its  full  (juota  of 
troops.  Some  of  its  most  promising  young  men  entered  the  ranks  of  the  Union  army,  bade  farewell  to 
their  friends,  and,  with  the  benediction  of  their  beloved  pastor,  took  their  departure — some  of  whom 
never  returned. 

An  invasion  of  the  North  was  frequently'  thieatened  dui'ing  the  war,  and  local  military  organiza- 
tions sprung  up  in  almost  every  town  and  village  throughout  the  country,  many  of  which  rendered 
efficient  service  in  cases  of  emergency.  A  company  of  "Mounted  Wide  Awakes  "  was  organizc<l  in 
Montclair,  witii  Julias  II.  Pratt  as  Captain,  S.  E.  Hayes,  First  Lieutenant,  and  William  J.  Harris, 
Second  Lieutenant.  The  comnumder  of  this  company  had  seen  service  among  the  "  Forty-Niners"  in 
California,  in  the  days  when  jnen  used  a  Bowie  knife  as  a  tooth  pick,  and  a  six  shooter  as  a  plaything, 
and  had  the  "emergency"  arisen  there  is  little  doubt  but  tliat  the  "AVidc  Awakes"  would  have  given  a 
good  account  of  themselves. 

The  citizens  of  Montclair  did  their  full  share  in  providing  means  to  carry  on  the  war,  and  they 
responded  heartily  to  every  appeal  in  behalf  of  the  sick  and  wounded  on  the  battlefield. 

ihi  the  evening  of  August  25,  1802,  a  few  of  the  leading  citizens  met  together  to  pay  their 
respects  to  Captain  Frederick  II.  Harris,  who  had  organized  a  company  of  the  13th  Regiment  N.  J.  Vols., 
and  was  about  to  dei)art  for  the  front.  On  behalf  of  his  fellow  citizens  Mr.  Julius  H.  Pratt  presented 
Capt.  Harris  witli  an  elegant  sword,  and,  after  alluding  to  the  demands  of  our  country  upon  its  young 
men,  complimented  the  recipient  on  the  alacrity  with  whicli  he  had  responded,  and  on  the  indomitable 
energy  and  perseverance  with  which  he  liad  enrfiiled  his  company. 

^Ir.  Pratt  "  ))resente(l  tiie  sword — pointed,  tluit  it  might  pierce  the  heait  of  tlie  rebellion — 
sharp,  that  it  might  cleave  the  traitor's  brow — -polished,  that  it  might  reflect  the  light  of  liberty  shining 


44:  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

in  the  constitution — the,/?/';?*  of  patriotism  bnrning  in  liis  own  soul — the  lightning  of  Heaven's  retribution 
descending  on  poor  misguided  rebels.  The  sword  once  drawn,  it  should  never  return  to  its  scabbard 
until  victory  had  been  won  and  a  peace  conquered. '" 

Capt.  Harris  responded  in  a  few  appropriate  remarks.  His  friends  crowded  around  him  to  say 
farewell — to  bid  adieu ;  they  sung  the  song  of  the  "  Star  Spangled  Banner,"  and  then  he  and  they 
received  the  parting  benediction  by  Rev.  A.  Brundage. 

Among  those  who  enlisted  for  three  years  in  Company  B,  7th  Regiment  N.  J.  Vols.,  were  John 
H.  Jacobus,  Stephen  P.  "Williams,  Albert  Woodruff  (died  of  disease),  John  Dickinson  (killed),  Henry  B. 
Ball  (killed). 

For  three  years  in  the  13th  Regiment  N.  J.  Vols.,  Robert  Madison,  "William  J.  Madison,  John  B. 
Munn,  James  Taylor,  John  Webster,  James  Kane,  David  McNamara. 

The  following  persons  enlisted  in  the  Twenty-si.xtli  Regiment  for  nine  months'  service:  First 
Lieut.,  "William  R.  Taylor;  Corporals  "William  Egberton,  James  H.  Williams,  John  M.  Corby,  and 
Edwin  F.  Dodd  ;  Privates  :  Peter  Arnold,  Alfred  T.  H.  Church,  John  Collins,  Henry  A.  Corby,  "William 
H.  Corby,  James  B.  Crane,  Edwin  Dodd,  Horace  Dodd,  Henry  Glan,  Cornelius  Delhagen,  Monroe 
Harrison,  John  H.  Harrison,  Richard  Jacobus,  Charles  Johnson,  Charles  Leist,  Eliot  W.  Little,  John  D. 
Penn,  Peter  King,  Joseph  "W.  Penn,  George  "W.  Post,  AVilliam  A.  Riker,  Mortimer  "Whitehead,  Thomas 
Somerville,  John  Speller,  George  Ungeman,  John  E.  "V^an  Gieson,  John  M.  "Wheeler,  Albert  E.  Munn, 
John  J.  Reese,  Joseph  "W.  J^ason. 

Joseph  W.  Nason  enlisted  at  the  age  of  eighteen  in  the  Twenty-sixth  N.  J.  "V^olunteers,  and  after 
the  expiration  of  his  nine  months'  service,  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  First  Lieutenant  and  was  assigned 
to  the  Thirty-ninth  Regt.,  N.  J.  Vols.  At  the  time  of  his  enlistment  he  gave  his  l)ounty  of  $100  to  be 
divided  among  ten  men,  who  had  the  same  amount  as  himself;  he  found  it  ditficult  to  make  up  the 
quota  and  ofEered  this  as  an  extra  inducement.  He  was  killed  on  April  2,  while  leading  a  "  forlorn  hope" 
during  the  last  day's  fight  in  front  of  Petersburg.  He  lived  but  a  few  hours  after  being  shot,  and  was  buried 
within  the  enemy's  lines;  was  carefully  wrapped  in  his  two  blankets,  his  name  pinned  on  the  inside  one, 
also  a  bottle  inside,  enclosing  his  name ;  and  a  head-board  was  placed  at  his  grave,  with  his  initials  cut 
upon  it.  His  parents  endeavored  to  ascertain  the  names  of  those  Avho  so  tenderly  cared  for  their  son  in 
his  last  hours,  but  without  success. 

Nicholas  Beadle  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  AVilliamsburg,  James  Taylor  at  the  battle  of  Antietam ; 
John  M.  Wheeler  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  and  John  B.  Munn  at  the  battle  of  Chancellorsville ; 
Charles  Little  died  from  disease  in  front  of  Fredericksburg. 

Frederick  IL  Harris  entered  the  service  as  Captain  of  Company  E,  13th  Regt.  N.  J.  "Vols.,  Aug., 
1862,  promoted  to  the  rank  of  Major,  to  that  of  Lieut.  Col.,  March  26tii,  1865,  and  returned  home  at  the 
close  of  the  war  in  18G5.  He  had  command  of  a  brigade  during  his  sers'iee,  and  was  twice  brevetted  by 
the  President  of  the  United  States ;  once  for  "  gallant  and  meritorious  service  in  Georgia  and  the 
Carolinas,"  and  once  for  gallant  service  in  the  battle  of  Bentonville,  N.  C. 

Dr.  John  J.  H.  Love  was  appointed  volunteer  surgeon  by  Governor  Olden,  of  New  Jersey,  in  April, 
1862.  He  was  engaged  in  a  thirty  days'  service  after  the  battle  of  "Williamsburg,  on  May  5th,  in  the 
transportation  and  care  of  the  wounded,  was  commissioned  surgeon  in  the  Thirteenth  Regiment,  N.  J. 
"V^ols.,  on  July  19th,  and  in  August  was  mustered  into  tlie  United  States  service.  He  was  made  surgeon- 
in-chief  of  a  brigade  in  March,  1863,  and  in  August  was  made  surgeon-in-chief  of  a  division.  Twelfth 
Army  Corps,  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  He  served  with  distinction  in  this  position,  and  returned 
home  with  the  rank  of  lieutenant-colonel. 


Chapter  X. 


Act  Creating  the  Township  of  Moxtclair. — Boitxdaries. — Organization  of  Montclair  Railway 
Company. — Bonpixg  of  the  Township. —  Advantages  Accruing  to  the  PRorERTY-IIoi.nERS 
from  the  Constri'ction  of  the  KoAi). — Litigation  growing  out  of  the  Defaulted  Bonds. — 
Final  Decision  by  the  U.  S.  Supreme  Court. — Increase  of  the  Indebtedness  of  the  Township 
FROM  $200,000  to  8-J0o,000.— Township  Committee  of  1SS3  and  1S84;  Election  of  ]\[essrs. 
RussEL,  Carky  and  Fakmku. — Efforts  of  this  Committee  to  Purchase  the  Outstanding 
Bonds  and  to  Fund  the  Indebtedness. — Placing  of  the  New  Loan  wirii  ink  Mi  iual 
Benefit  Life  Insurance  Company  of  Newark,  X.  J. — Amount  Saved  hy  the  Township 
through  the  efforts  of  this  Commiitee. — Township  Officers. — The  New  Charter  Adopted, 
1894. — Post  Office  and  Postal  Facilities. 


■j  \  Act  Creating  the  Township  of  Montclair. — An  Act  to  set  off  tVoiii  t]io  Townsliii) 
of  Bloomtield  in  the  County  of  Essex,  a  new  townsliip  to  be  called  the 

TOWNSHIP  OF  MoXTCr.AlK 

Boundaries  ''That  ail  tliat  jxiitioii  of  the  tuwnsiiiji  of  Blooinfield,  known  as  the 
second  election  district  of  said  township,  and  lyinj^  west  of  a  line  luiiniiig  through  as 
follows:  Beginning  at  a  point  in  the  centre  of  the  stone  arch  bridge  over  tiie  stream 
crossing  the  road  west  of  and  near  to  the  residence  of  Ilenrv  Stiicky,  on  the  Orange  line, 
thence  from  said  starting  point  in  a  straight  line  about  north  tiiirty-one  degrees  five 
minutes  east  to  a  point  in  the  Passaic  Comity  line,  which  jioint  is  five  hundred  feet  west 
on  said  county  line,  from  the  centre  of  the  road  ninning  in  iVont  of  the  residence  of 
Cornelius  Van  Ilouten,  shall  be  and  hereby'  is  set  oil  from  the  township  of  Blooinfield,  in  the  County  of 
Essex,  and  made  a  separate  township,  to  be  known  as  the  township  of  Montclair." 

Tiie  Act  provided  "That  Robert  M.  Ilening,  Grant  J.  Wheeler,  and  Philip  Doreiinis  shall  be  and 
hereby  are  appointed  commissioners  on  the  part  of  said  township  of  Montclair,  to  meet  witii  three  other 
commissioners  ou  the  part  of  said  township  of  Bloomficld,  previous  to  the  fourth  Tuesday  in  April, 
eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-eight:  that  said  meeting  of  said  commissioners  shall  take  place  at  the  post 
office  in  Blooinfield,  in  said  township  of  Blooinfield,  at  ten  o'clock  in  the  forencjon  of  the  fourth  Tuesday 
in  April,  eighteen  hundred  and  si.\ty-eiglit ;  that  the  said  commissioners  shall  then  and  there  proceed  by 
writing,  signed  by  a  majority  of  those  present,  to  allot  and  divide  between  the  said  townships  all  property 
and  money  on  hand  or  due,  in  prt.portion  to  the  ta.\able  property  and  ratables  as  taxed  by  the  assessor,  at 
the  last  assessment,  and  to  ascertain  the  just  proportion  of  debts,  if  there  should  be,  to  be  paid  by  the 
inhabitants  of  the  township  of  Montclair;  and  the  decision  of  those  present  shall  be  final  and  conclusive, 
and  the  said  commissioners,  or  a  majority  of  them,  shall  and  may  sell  and  execute  a  deed  of  the  township 
almshouse  farm,  which  deed  shall  be  deemed  and  taken  to  convey  a  good  and  sufficient  title  thereto ; 
and  said  township  of  Montclair  shall  pay  its  proportion  of  the  existing  debt  of  the  township  of  Blooinfield, 
at  the  time  or  times  when  payment,  either  principal  or  interest  thereon,  shall  become  due  and  payable, 
provided  that  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  to  adjourn  the  said  meeting  to  such  time  or  times,  and  place  or 
places  as  a  majority  of  those  assembled  as  aforesaid  may  think  proper." 

The  townshij)  is  four  and  one-sixth  miles  in  length  on  the  western  mountain  crest,  four  and  a  half 
miles  on  the  eastern  ridge  of  Blooinfield,  and  has  an  average  breadth  of  one  and  one-sixth  miles. 


46 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


The  township  of  Verona  lies  west  of  tlie  mountain  summit,  Acquaclvanonck  lies  on  the  north, 
Bloomfield  on  the  east  and  Orange  on  the  south.  The  village  of  Upper  Montclair  formerly  known  as 
Speertown,  is  divided  from  Montclair  by  Wachung  Avenue  but  is  embraced  in  the  township  of  Montclair. 

All  the  present  territory  of  Montclair  was  included  within  the  colony  or  "town"  of  Newark  for 
one  hundred  and  forty-six  years,  until  the  erection  of  the  township  of  Bloomfield  in  1812.  It  included 
all  the  northern  end  of  the  colony,  and  comprised  about  two-tifths  of  its  territory.  For  twenty-seven 
years  Bloomtield  extended  from  the  ridge  of  the  mountain  to  the  Passaic,  until  Belleville  was  formed 
in  1839. 

The  erection  of  Montclair  as  a  separate  township  was  occasioned  by  the  refusal  of  the  citizens  of 
Bloomiield  proper  to  consent  to  the  bonding  of  their  portion  of  the  township  of  Bloomtield  (of  which 
the  village  of  Montclair  formed  a  part)  for  the  purpose  of  constructing  the  Montclair  Railway. 

The  organization  of  the  Montclair  Railway  Company  was  the  result  of  the  inadequate  facilities 


A   VIEW   OF   MONTCLAIR    FROM   THE   MOUNTAIN. 


afforded  by  the  Morris  &  Essex  R.R.  Company  to  the  people — more  especially  to  the  commuters — of 
Montclair.  They  were  often  delayed  from  ten  to  fifteen  minutes  at  Newai-k,  while  en  route  to  New 
York  City,  owing  to  the  failure  of  the  trains  on  the  branch  to  connect  with  the  main  line.  Owing  to  this 
change  at  Newark,  the  running  time  between  Montclair  and  New  York  was  one  hour  and  twenty 
minutes. 

The  building  of  a  railwa}'  at  a  cost  of  $1,000,000,  the  chief  object  of  which  was  to  connect  a 
country  village  of  2,000  inhabitants  with  the  city  of  New  York  was,  at  the  time,  as  it  would  be  now 
regarded  as  a  pure  chimera.  The  very  absurdity  of  the  scheme  enabled  its  friends  to  obtain  a  charter 
with  but  little  opposition  from  a  Legislature  which  might  and  would  have  demanded  thousands  of  dollars 
from  the  natural  enemies  of  such  a  project,  had  they  dreamed  of  the  future  forces  that  it  would  call  into 
life. 

The  project  originated  with  Julius  H.  Pratt  in  1866,  and  was  the  result  of  a  sudden  impulse, 
while  waiting  in   the   depot  at  Newark  the  usual  slow  connection  of   the  train  for  New  York.     He 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  47 

suggested  to  those  who  were  with  him — viz.,  Samuel  Wilde,  Joseiih  B.  Beadle,  and  Albeit  Pearce,  that 
they  obtain  a  new  railroad  charter.  It  was  hoped  tiiat  the  mere  possession  of  such  a  charter  would 
compel  the  Morris  and  Et^sex  Railway  Company  to  afford  hetttT  accommodations  to  the  people  of  Mont- 
clair who  liad  been  vainly  demanding  through  trains  to  Xew  York.  Mr.  Henry  C.  Spalding,  a  man  of 
large  experience  in  railroad  and  legislative  affairs,  was  present  at  the  time,  and  his  advice  and  counsel 
were  solicited.  He  informed  these  gentlemen  that  it  would  cost  §500  to  get  it  througii  the  Legislature. 
Each  of  the  above  named  gentlemen  agreed  to  subscribe  their  pro  rata  of  tlie  amount,  and  were  named  as 
incorporators.  Further  demands,  to  the  extent  of  §5,000,  were  made  upon  them  and  Messrs.  AVilde, 
Beadle  and  Pearce,  rather  than  incur  further  responsibility,  dropped  out,  and  Mr.  Pratt  paid  back 
to  them  the  money  they  had  invested.  Mr.  Spalding  continued  his  interest  and  was  active  in  promoting 
the  enterprise.  The  act  of  the  Legislature  granting  the  charter,  authorized  the  bonding  of  the  towns 
along  the  line  of  the  road,  by  and  with  the  consent  of  two-thirds  ot  the  property  holders  in  each  township 
through  which  the  road  was  to  pass.  ilr.  Pratt  reorganized  the  Montclair  Railway  romjianv,  and  soon 
after  the  charter  was  obtained  learned  tliat  the  New  York  and  Oswego  ilidland  Raiiwav  ('<>mi);iny  were 
looking  for  a  route  through  New  Jersey,  and  at  once  opened  negotiations  with  them.  Under  his  agree- 
ment with  them  his  company  was  to  construct  the  road  from  Jersey  City  to  the  State  line  at  (xrcenwood 
Lake.  Tlic  officers  of  the  New  York  and  Oswego  Midland  Company  agreed  to  imild  tlieir  road  from 
Middletown,  Orange  County,  N.  Y.,  to  connect  with  the  Montclair  road  at  the  Sate  Line.  They  also 
agreed  to  indorse  and  guarantee  all  the  bonds  that  might  be  issueil  to  construct  the  ^fontclair  Railway. 
The  Montclair  Railway  Company  carrie<l  out  its  contract  and  commenced  operating  the  road  in 
January,  1873.  .Mr.  Pratt  became  President  of  the  Company  at  its  organization  and  continued  to  hold 
that  ofhce  until  the  railway  was  completed  and  leased  to  the  New  York  and  Oswego  ^ridland  Companv, 
which  Company  fi'om  that  date — Januar3-,  7,  1^73 — assumed  possession  and  control. 

The  misfortunes  of  the  Midland  Company  were  shared  by  its  New  Jersey  protege,  ami  both 
became  insolvent  during  the  financial  blizzard  of  '73. 

The  bonding  of  the  township  of  Montclair  was  brought  about  by  the  action  of  the  proj)erty 
owners,  represented  by  Roliert  M.  Ilening,  Iliram  1>.  Littell,  and  Jared  E.  Harrison,  who  were  appointed 
by  the  Court  as  Commissioners  under  the  bonding  act. 

In  a  statement  made  to  the  township  authorities  in  1SS3,  by  Mr.  Julius  U.  Pratt,  regarding  the 
bonding  of  Montclair  township,  he  says' 

"  Tnder  the  original  administration  the  interest  of  the  Township  Bonds  had  been  promptly 
provided  for  by  the  Montclair  Railway  Company,  l)ut  the  failure  of  tlie  lessee  of  the  railway  deprived 
the  township  of  the  means  with  which  to  \in\  interest  tliereaftcr,  except  by  regular  taxation  of  townsliip 
property,  and  it  seems  tliat  no  township  committee  had  the  courage  to  order  such  taxation.  The  iirst 
default  occurred  in  ^Liy,  1873,  and  consccjuently  the  original  issue — §200,000,  and  ten  years'  interest — 
makes  the  total  debt  at  j)rcsent  about  §350,001  •. 

"Can  the  township  afford  to  pay  this  claim,  and  is  it  equitable?  To  understand  this  question  we 
must  refer  back  to  the  condition  of  our  township  just  prior  to  the  building  of  the  new  railroad.  An 
outraged  feeling  on  account  of  the  abuses  to  whicli  we  were  subjected  by  the  insolent  tyranny  of  the 
M.  &  E.  Railroad  Company  was  universally  prevalent,  and  when  the  question  of  lending  the  credit  of  the 
township  in  aid  of  a  new  line  was  presented,  more  tlian  two-thirds  in  amount  of  the  taxpayers  signed  their 
written  consent,  and  acknowledged  it  before  Commissioners  with  the  same  solemn  formality  that  tliey 
would  a  mortgage  deed.  Allowing  for  non-resident  owners,  trustees  and  others  legally  incapable  of  signing, 
but  in  fact  favorable  to  the  movement,  it  may  be  fairly  assumed  that  not  one-fourth  of  the  property-  owners 
made  any  opposition  to  the  issue  of  the  bonds,  while  a  large  majority  were  enthusiastically  in  favor  of  it. 
This  consent  was  given  with  the  full  knowledge  that,  from  the  time  of  signing,  the  claim  became  a  lien  on 
their  property  by  their  voluntary  act  and  deed.  The  railroad  company,  in  accepting  the  bonds,  became 
morally  bound  to  use  the  proceeds  in  the  construction  of  the  road  within  the  townsliip,  and  manifested 
tlieir  good  faith  by  spending  their  own  money  greatly  in  advance  ot  any  avails  obtained  from  the  bonds. 


48  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

Tlie  carrying  out  of  this  bargain  cost  tlie  railroad  conipanj'  more  than  $1,000,000,  and  probably  caused 
its  subsequent  bankruptcy.     Tliis  statement  may  seem  to  require  explanation,  and  I  give  it  briefly  thus: 

'' The  Company  had  acquired  under  its  charter  and  supplements  the  option  to  bnild  its  road  by 
way  of  Paterson  instead  of  Montclair  on  substantially  the  route  afterward  adopted  for  the  main  line  of 
the  D.  L.  &  W.,  a  line  which  would  have  cost  at  least  $1,000,000  less  than  the  Montclair  route.  The 
Company  had,  in  consequence  of  the  want  of  financial  support  from  Bloomfield  and  Montclair,  bought 
considerable  right  of  way  at  Rutherford  Park,  and  had  a  deed  of  right  of  way  given  by  the  Paterson 
Society  of  Useful  Manufactures  through  more  than  one-half  the  distance  across  the  city  of  Paterson,  and  an 
arrangement  with  the  city  authorities  for  the  use  of  an  avenue  through  the  remaining  distance  for  a  trifling 
cost,  by  which  the  freight  traflic  of  all  the  great  locomotive  woi'ks  within  a  few  rods  of  the  line  would 
have  been  at  once  secured.  Rutherford  Park  had  given  consent  to  the  issue  of  $200,000  of  bonds  in  aid 
of  the  road  on  that  line. 

"The  Montclair  route  involved  the  Kearney  cut,  costing  $500,000,  the  expensive  right  of  way 
through  Newark,  Bloomfield  and  Montclair,  and  continuous  deep  excavations  across  the  ridges  from  the 
Passaic  river  westerly,  making  a  difFei-ence  in  cost  between  the  two  i-outes  of  not  less  than  $1,000,000. 
The  acceptance  of  proffered  hospitality  is  often  expensive,  and  in  this  case  was  disastrous  to  the  railroad 
company  ;  for  the  road  could  have  been  built  on  the  Paterson  j'oute  at  least  one  year  sooner,  and  would 
have  been  in  operation,  and  its  securities  marketed,  before  the  financial  crisis  of  '73,  and  would  have 
been  self-supporting  from  the  start. 

"  It  is  certain  that  the  road  would  not  have  been  built  through  Montclair  except  for  the  issue  of 
the  bonds.  No  one  connected  with  the  railroad  company  employed  either  influence  or  efibrt  to  secure 
the  taxpayers'  consent ;  it  was  obtained  by  Commissioners  appointed  by  the  Court  at  the  solicitation  of 
many  respectable  freeholders  of  the  township,  and  the  entire  movement  was  carried  through  by  the 
influence  of  representative  men  of  wealth  and  high  standing  in  the  community. 

"What  benefits  did  the  township  secure  in  consequence  of  the  construction  of  the  railroad?  This 
question  may  be  concisely  answered  thus :  The  value  of  its  real  estate  was  immediately  and  permanently 
increased  at  least  $2,500,000,  and  the  annual  saving  to  our  citizens  has  been  at  least  $100,000  every  year 
since  the  road  was  built.  I  have  a  statement  carefully  prepared  with  the  aid  of  our  real  estate  dealers, 
showing  the  prices  of  fourteen  pieces  of  property  in  Montclair  (about  500  acres)  sold  just  pvlor  to  the 
locating  of  the  road,  also  the  prices  at  which  the  same  pieces  of  property  were  resold  just  after  the  road 
became  a  fixed  fact.  The  former  prices  range  from  $150.00  to  $1,000  per  acre  ;  the  latter  from  $1,000  to 
$3,500;  the  average  profit  on  the  transactions  being  over  $1,100  per  acre ;  and  the  property  was  fairly 
distributed  over  the  township. 

"  Taking  these  prices  as  a  criterion,  the  entire  4,500  acres  in  the  township  were  enhanced  in  value 
ahout  five  millions  of  dollars.  This  startling  conclusion  will  be  better  understood  by  noticing  the  fact 
that  without  the  railroad  two-thirds  of  the  land  in  the  township  would  have  continued  to  this  day  purely 
agricultural  in  character,  with  only  one  railroad  station  near  the  south  end,  while  now  we  have  five 
stations,  some  one  of  which  is  in  proximity  to  every  acre  of  land  in  the  township. 

"  Let  us  be  moderate  in  our  estimate,  allowing  something  for  subsequent  shrinkage,  and  discount 
fifty  per  cent.,  then  we  have  $2,500,000  as  the  increase  of  value  in  consequence  of  the  construction  of  the 
new  railroad. 

"  What  has  been  the  annual  saving  to  our  people?     I  show  it  approximately  thus : 

300  commutations  formerly  $13  per  month  ;  now  $6.50— total $19,500 

15,000  tons  of  coal,  $1  per  ton 15,000 

Other  freight,  say 10,000 

Time  of  trips  reduced  twenty-five  minutes  each  way  for  500  passengers  whose  time  is  worth  $3  per  day.  .  37,500 

Profit  in  local  trade  from  increased  population,  estimated 20,000 

Total $103,000 

"  Add  the  fact  that  every  rod  of  land  for  right  of  way  was  bought  and  paid  for,  and  generally  at 


History  of  Montct.air  Township.  49 

prospective  i)rices,  uiid  another  fact  tliat  not  more  tliaii  two  men  in  the  township  of  Montciair  had 
invested  a  dollar  in  tiie  original  construction  of  tlie  railroad  which  has  benefited  this  coninuinitj  so 
largely,  while  non-resident  investors  to  the  extent  of  ^3,0()0,n0(l  lost  it  all,  and  you  have  facts  sufficient 
to  decitie  tlie  (jiiestion  of  equity  involved  in  tlie  issue  of  the  Montciair  Bonds." 

Suljse<inent  events  show  that  J[r.  Pratt's  estimate  of  the  accrued  benefit  to  the  )n-operty  holders 
were  altogether  too  low;  and  a  comparison  of  the  value  of  property  in  1SS3  with  that  of  ten  years 
later,  will  convince  any  reasonable  man  that  the  construction  of  the  Montciair  liailway,  with  all  its 
"concomitant  evils"'  has  indeed  proved  a  ''blessing  in  disguise." 

The  bonds  of  $200,0(i0  issued  by  the  new  township  extended  over  a  period  of  twenty  years, 
bearing  interest  at  seven  per  cent.,  the  principal  maturing  in  sums  of  §10,000  at  stated  periods,  the  first 
of  these  falling  due  five  years  from  the  date  of  issue.  Suit  was  commenced  by  the  holders  of  the 
defaulted  bonds,  which  was  contested  by  the  township,  the  defence  being  that  tlie  act  authorizing  the 
issue  was  uiiconstitutinrial — that  the  township  of  Montciair  did  not  comply  with  the  requirements  of  the 
State  Constitution  which  reipiires  that  the  |uiriiose  of  the  act  shall  be  (ii^tillctly  stated  in  the  title — this 
having  been  omitted  in  the  act.  Tlie  defendants  also  claimed  that  tiic  new  assessor  was  not  legally 
qualified  to  give  the  certificate  by  virtue  of  which  the  bonds  were  issued. 

The  Courts  in  deciding  the  matter  held  that  inasmuch  as  the  township  of  Montciair  had  permitted 
the  bonds  to  go  out  it  was  therefore  legally  responsible.  The  case  was  continued  ("V  a  nund)er  of  years, 
the  best  legal  talent  being  employed  on  both  sides,  ami  appeal  having  been  made  to  the  Supreme  Court, 
the  latter  reiulered  decision  in  favor  of  the  bondholders  ilarch  5,  1883. 

The  property  holders  of  Montciair  were  appalled  at  the  condition  of  affairs  which  now  confronted 
them,  the  debt  lieing  virtually  a  lien  on  every  nuui's  property.  The  (piestion  of  electing  town  officers 
was  already  imder  consideration.  Three  members  of  tiie  Township  Committee  were  practically  forced 
upon  the  ticket.  Messrs.  Thomas  Russell,  Ciiairnum,  Stephen  W.  Carey,  Chairman  of  the  Finance 
Committee,  and  George  1'.  Farmer  had  rejieatedly  declined  to  accept  the  nomination,  but  realizing  tiie 
importance  of  the  matter,  their  owti  wishes  were  ignoretl,  and  they  were  duly  elected. 

How  to  secure  control  of  the  bonds  (890,000  of  which  had  not  yet  matured,  and  would  bear 
interest  at  the  rate  of  seven  per  cent,  per  annum  until  nuiturity),  and  the  funding  of  the  indebtedness  at 
a  lower  rate  of  interest,  were  the  problems  with  which  these  men  liad  to  deal.  They  immediately 
consulted  with  a  few  experienced  citizens  and  obtained  promises  of  co-operation. 

"When  it  is  understood  that  the  holders  of  these  bonds  had  held  them  during  many  years  of 
Itiigatioii  and  conseipient  uncertainty  as  to  their  payment,  and  that  they  were  now  reinforced  by  a  decision 
of  the  highest  legal  tribunal  of  the  country,  it  was  hardly  to  be  expected  that  any  considerable  discount 
could  be  obtained.  It  is  said  that  some  parties  had  taken  them  in  paymeut  of  debt,  and  during  the 
period  of  uncertainty  had  ofTere<l  to  ])art  with  them  at  a  considerable  discount. 

Among  the  obstacles  to  be  overcome  was  the  refusal  of  iiulividual  firms  or  cori)orations,  within 
the  State  or  out  of  it,  to  accept  the  bonds  as  collateral  for  any  advances  except  as  they  were  additionally 
secured  by  the  persomd  guarantee  of  entirely  responsible  men.  This  made  it  necessary  for  public-spirited 
citizens  to  rai.se  upon  their  individual  guaranty  the  entire  amount  needed  to  take  up  the  bonds  as  fast  as 
they  could  be  secured.  This  they  did,  and  placed  at  the  disjwsal  of  the  town  not  only  their  time, 
but  their  pi-ivate  fortunes  as  well.  Previous  to  any  arrangement  for  funding  the  new  botids,  and  at  a 
time  when  very  little  encouragement  had  been  received  in  reply  to  the  applications  they  had  made  for  a 
new  loan,  the  actual  amount  jointly  assumed  by  Messrs.  Kussell  and  Carey  was  $195,796.95. 

Of  course  they  hoped  to  effect  a  negotiation,  but  at  this  time  little  headway  had  l)een  made. 

The  bonds  were  purchased,  with  the  exception,  perhaps,  of  a  dozen  or  twenty,  from  those  who  had 
held  them  for  years,  and  it  was  difficult  to  locate  them ;  it  was  finally  ascertained  that  but  four  bonds  of 
the  two  hundred  were  owned  within  the  township.  In  negotiations  for  a  portion  of  the  bonds,  efficient 
aid  was  rendered  by  Mr.  David  F.  Merritt.  The  committee  made  no  effort  to  seek  out  these  bondholders, 
but  waited   patiently,  and  resorted  to   means   to  resist   payment   of   the  full  value,  that,  as   private 


50  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

individuals,  they  would  li;irdly  have  felt  justified  in  doing.     This  was  i:o  hardship  to  the  majority  of  the 

bondholders,  as  many  of  them  are  said  to  have  obtained  the  bonds  at  a  large  discount. 

The  committee  were  as  industrious  in  getting  the  new  loan  funded  at  a  low  rate  of  interest  as 

they  were  in  purcliasing  the  old  bonds;  and  as  a  result  of  their  efforts  the  Mutual  Benefit  Life  Insurance 

Company  of  JS'ewark  took  the  entire  new  issue  of  $335,000,  running  through  a  period  of  thirty-five 

years,  and  divided  in  series  of  $5,000,  $10,000,  and  $15,000,  bearing  interest  at  live  per  cent,  per  annum; 

the  last  one,  of  $15,000,  maturing  in  191S;  thus  the  entire  debt  of  $400,000  cost  the  town  not  exceeding 

$335,000.    Only  the  actual  outlay  for  snuiU  legal  expenses  were  incurred  by  the  committee.    The  following 

estimate  shows  the  result  of  their  efforts : 

Amount  saved  on  purchase  of  bonds $6o,000  00 

Difference  between  5  per  cent,  on  $335,000  and  6  per  cent,  on  $400,000— S", 250  per  annum  for  say  twenty-two 

years,  average  time  the  new  bonds  are  to  run 159,500  GO 

Saving  of  interest  in  addition  to  the  above  on  $90,000  of  old  bonds  not  yet  matured,  which  were  entitled  to 

interest  at  7  per  cent,  until  maturity 4,500  00 

$229,000  00 

Several  attempts  were  made  l^y  the  citizens  of  Montclair  to  give  substantial  evidence  of  their 
appreciation  of  the  work  of  this  Township  Committee,  but  the  gentlemen  composing  it  have  modestly 
declined  the  offer,  and  the  above  record,  which  time  cannot  efface,  is  the  only  recognition  of  tlie  eminent 
services  rendered  by  them  to  restore  the  impaired  credit  of  the  township,  and  avert  the  impending 
financial  disaster  which  threatened  many  of  its  citizens,  and  in  this  connection  favorable  reference  should 
be  made  to  Messrs.  A.  Eben  Van  Gieson  and  Warren  S.  Taylor,  the  otiier  members  of  the  Committee, 
who,  with  Mr.  William  L.  Ludiam,  the  Town  Clerk,  rendered  efficient  aid. 

The  gentlemen  who  carried  this  financial  load  for  tiie  town  until  negotiations  and  the  new  issue 
of  bonds  were  completed  were  Thomas  Enssell,  Stephen  W.  Carey,  Getirge  P.  Farmer,  ^Y.  L.  Bull, 
Abraham  Bussing,  and  H.  A.  Dike ;  Mr.  John  li.  Livermore  also  offered  aid  in  the  matter,  if  needed. 


TOWN  OFFICERS  FROM  ISOS  to  1893. 

Judges  of  Election. — James  Crane,  1868  to  1875  inclusive;  Nehemiah  O.  Pillsbury,  1873  to  1878 
inclusive;  James  G.  Crane,  1879  to  1883  inclusive;  1884,  James  Crane  and  James  Owen;  1885,  the 
same;  1886,  the  same;  1887,  James  Crane  and  George  li.  Milligan  ;  1888,  Edward  M.  Benham  and 
Edward  Madison  ;  1889,  Edward  Madison,  William  M.  Taylor  and  W.  E.  Green  ;  1890,  Edward  Madison, 
George  T.  Bunten  and  John  Goman. 

From  1890  the  system  of  election  by  the  people  was  abolished  and  Judges  of  Election  appointed 
by  the  County  Committee,  under  the  new  ballot  law  of  1890. 

Inspeeloi's  of  Election. — 1877,  Jarvis  G.  Crane,  George  W.  T.aylor,  James  Crane,  A.  P.  Kerr; 
1878,  Jacob  B.  McChesney,  Jarvis  G.  Crane,  James  Crane,  Francis  Marion  ;  1879,  Jacob  B.  McChes- 
ney,  F.  A.  AVheeler,  James  Crane,  Francis  Marion  ;  1880-1881,  J.  B.  McChesney,  F.  A.  Wheeler, 
Edgar  T.  Gould,  Francis  A.  Marion  ;  1882-3,  J.  B.  McChesney,  F.  A.  Wheeler,  James  C.  Crane, 
Francis  A.  Marion  ;  1884,  Frank  A.  Wheeler,  Frederick  Eichter,  James  C.  Crane,  Fi-ancis  A.  Marion  ; 
1885,  F.  A.  Wheeler,  J.  B.  McChesney,  James  C.  Crane,  Eichard  Sheridan;  1886,  F.A.Wheeler, 
James  T.  Crane  (two  Democrats  omitted  from  records);  1887,  Cyrus  C.  Corby,  John  Kenney,  James 
C.  Crane,  Eichard  Sheridan  ;  1888,  Cyrus  C.  Corby,  John  Kenney,  James  C.  Crane,  George  Courter ; 
1889,  Wm.  L.  Doremus,  George  Courter,  James  C.  Crane,  J.  B.  McChesney,  Cyrus  C.  Corljy,  John 
Kenney;  1890,  Wm.  L.  Doremus,  John  N.  Ilalsey,  James  C.  Crane,  John  N.  Finuerty,  Cyrus  C.  Corby, 
Walter  Courter. 

Clerics  of  Election. — 1877,  Fi'ank  A.  Wheeler,  Edward  Madison;  1878,  I.  Seymour  Crane,  Chas. 
H.Corby;  1879,  I.  Seymour  Crane,  Edward  Madison;  1880-2,  John  Goman,  Edward  Madison;  1SS3, 
John  Goman,  E.  E.  Van  Gieson  ;  1884-5,  John  Goman,  John  Poole,  Jr.;  1886,  John  Goman,  E.  E. 
Van  Gieson  ;  1887,  Henry  L.  Yost,  I.  Seymour  Crane  :  1888,  Henry  L.  Yost,  Abner  Bartlett,  Jr.;  1889, 
I.  Newton  Eudgers,  Henry  L.  Yost,  Aaron  Shepard  ;  1890,  the  same. 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  51 

Under  tlie  new  ballot  law  of  1S90  the  election  of  this  office  by  the  people  was  abolished. 

Inspectors  and  Clerks  of  Election  Under  the  New  Laic. — The  Law  of  1890  abolished  the  offices 
of  Judge  and  Clerk  of  Election,  and  substituted  instead  four  Inspectors  and  Clerks,  two  Republicans  and 
two  Democrats. 

Inspectors,  First  District. — For  1890,  William  B.  Jacobus,  Edwin  P..  George,  Philip  Young, 
Vaughn  Dan-ess.     For  lSOl-2.  the  same. 

Clerks,  First  District.— For  1890,  Frank  W.  Crane  and  Edwin  P,.  Littell.  For  1S91-2,  the  name 
of  Tlieodore  Eadgley  was  substituted  for  that  of  Frank  W.  Crane. 

Inspectors,  Second  District. —  For  1890,  Wallis  Louvirer,  Thomas  P.  Mover,  William  Sigler  and 
Elijah  Pierce.     Same  for  1891-2. 

Clerks,  Second  District. — For  1890,  C.  Alexander  Cook,  Calvin  Smith.  For  1891-2,  the  name  of 
Iliram  Sigler  was  substituted  for  that  of  Alexander  Cook. 

Inspectors,  Third  District. —  For  1890,  AVilliani  Jacobus,  J.  D.  Huntington,  J.  C.  Williams  and 
J.  W.  Potter.  For  1891-2,  the  appointments  were  the  same  with  the  exception  of  John  Goman  in  place 
of  J.  D.  Huntington,  deceased. 

Clerks,  Third  Distrirl. — For  1S90,  William  X.  Jacobus,  John  Gomati.  For  1891-2,  the 
appointments  are  the  same  with  the  exception  of  John  (".  Kingsloy  in  place  of  John  Goman. 

Assessor. — 180S-9,  Zenas  S.  Crane;  1870-3,  A.  E.  Van  Gieson ;  1874-tJ,  Wm.  Jacobus;  1877, 
Ednnind  Wiiiianis;  1S78,  Wm.  Jacobus;  1879,  Andrus  P>.  Howe;  1880-90,  Piobt.  P..  Harris;  1891, 
Charles  C.  Morris  (elected  for  thiee  years). 

Collector.— \%QS-'IQ,  Edwin  ('.  Fulk-r;  l.s77,  Edwin  J.  Ileustis;  1878-90,  Edwin  C.  Fuller; 
1S91,  Edwin  C.  Fuller  (elected  for  three  years). 

Toirn  Clerk. — 1SG8-7-1,  Charles  P.  Sand  ford  ;  1S75,  Geo.  ^\',  Poole;  187tj,  E.  G.  Ileustis;  1877, 
Edward  Madison  ;  1878-81,  Geo.  W.  Pool ;  1882,  Edward  Madison  ;  1883,  Wm.  L.  Ludlam;  1S84  and  1885, 
J.din  Poole,  Jr. ;  18SG,  Kanford  E.  Van  Gieson ;  1887  to  1892,  Henry  L.  Yost ;  1893,  Henry  L.  Yost  (elected 
for  tiirce  years). 

Chosen  Freeholders. — 1808,  Robt.  il.  Hening,  Grant  J.  Wheeler;  1869,  Amos  Broadnax,  Grant  .1. 
Wheeler;  1870,  Wm.  Sigler,  Grant  J.  Wiiceler;  1871-7,  M.  W.  Smith,  Grant  J.  Wheeler;  187S-S3, 
M.  W.  Smitii,  Philip  Doreinus;  1884,  Mclancthon  AV.  Smith,  J.  Wesley  Van  Gieson;  1885-6,  J.Wesley 
Van  Gieson,  Jasper  R.  Rand;  1887 and  1SS8,  J.  Wesley  Van  Gieson,  MelancthonW.  Smith  ;  1889,  J.  Wesley 
Van  Gieson  (held  for  two  years). 

[By  the  law  of  1890  Chosen  Freeholders  were  elected  at  the  annual  election  in  the  Assembly 
District  for  two  years.]  1890,  James  Peck,  elected  for  two  years;  owing  to  insufficient  legislation  he 
held  over  to  the  spring  of  1893,  when  Thomas  McGowan  was  elected  from  the  Xlth  Assembly  District. 

Surveyors  of  Iliijhwaijs. — 1868,  Edgar  T.  Gould,  Joseph  II.  Baldwin  ;  1809,  Joseph  II.  Baldwin, 
Wm.  A.  Torrey;  1870-73,  Edgar  T.  Gould,  Cluis.  Smitii;  1874-77,  Aaron  Sigler,  Chas.  Smith;  1878, 
Xathaniel  Dodd,  Aaron  Sigler;  1879-83,  Nathl.  R.  Dodd,  Jos.  II.  I5al(hviii ;  1884-88,  WiUiam  Ticluior, 
Aaron  Sigler;  1889,  William  Tichnor,  Aaron  Garabrant ;  1890-93,  William  Tichnor,  Mclvin  Sigler. 

Tiwn  Committee. — 1868,  Cha.s.  B.  Baldwin,  Amos  Broadnax,  Jos.  H.  Paldwiii,  Jacol)  B.  Brau- 
tigam,  Robt.  J.  Dodge  ;  1869,  Peter  11.  A'an  Riper,  Amos  Broadnax,  Wm.  15.  Holmes,  Wm.  S.  Morris, 
John  J.  II.  Love;  1870,  John  J.  II.  Love,  Thos.  C.  Van  Riper.  Xathaii  T.  Porter,  Daniel  V.  Harrison, 
Wm.  Frame;  1871,  Saml.  Wilde,  Jr.,  Thos.  C.  Van  Riper,  Xathan  T.  Poiter,  Daniel  V.  Harrison, 
Edniuml  Williams;  1872,  John  J.  11.  Love,  Alfred  Taylor,  Aaron  Sigler,  Daniel  V.  Harrison,  Edmund 
Williams;  1873,  John  II.  Parsons,  Alfred  Taylor,  Philip  Doremus,  Clark  W.  Mills,  Edmund  Williams; 
1874,  J.  J.  H.  Love,  Alfred  Taylor,  E.  T.  Gould,  Wm.  Tichnor,  Thos.  Levy;  1875,  AV.  I.  Adams,  Jacob 
C.  Brautigam,  Edgar  T.  Gould,  Thos.  A.  Levy,  A.  E.  Van  Gieson;  1876,  John  II.  Parsons,  Jos.  Van 
A'leck,  A.  A.  Sigler,  F.  AV.  Doremns,  Edmund  AVilliams  ;  1877,  Jos.  A^an  Vleck,  A.  A.  Sigler,  F.  AV. 
Doremus,  John  II.  Parsons,  Thos.  H.  Bouden  ;  1878,  Jos.  A^au  A'leck,  A.  A.  Sigler,  Reynier  Van  Gieson, 
Thos.  Russell,  AVm.  H.  AVilson ;   1879,  Jas.  R.  Thompson,  Jas.  B.  Pierson,  Thorndike  Saunders,  Thos. 


52 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


II.  Boudcn,  Warren  S.  Taylor;  1880-81,  Tlios.  H.  Bonden,  Jasper  E.  Eand,  Ja?.  B.  Piersoii,  Warren  S. 
Ta^'lor,  Henry  Speer;  1881-2,  Jas.  B.  Pierson,  Geo.  P.  Fanner,  Jasper  II.  Rand,  Warren  S.Taylor, 
A.  Eben  Van  Gieson  ;  1883,  S.  W.  Carey.  Warren  S.  Tayloi-.  Tlios.  Enssell.  A.  Eben  Tan  Gieson,  Geo. 
P.  Farmer;  1SS4  and  1885,  Thomas  Enssell,  Stephen  W.  Garey,  Siiepard  Eowland,  A.  Eben  Van  Gieson, 
Warren  S.  Taylor;  1886,  Thomas  Enssell,  Stejihen W.  Carey,  James  Owen,  A.  Eben  Van  Gieson,  Warren  S- 
Taylor;  1887  and  1888,  Stephen  W.  Carey,  Thomas  Enssell,  James  Owen,  A.  Eben  Van  Gieson,  Warren  S. 
Taylor;  18S9,  John  H.  Wilson,  George  Inness,  Jr.,  A.  Eben  Van  Gieson,  Isaac  Denby,  Warren  S.  Taylor; 
1890,  John  H.  Wilson,  Isaac  Denby,  George  Inness,  Jr.,  Morgan  W.  Ayres,  Warren  S.  Taylor;  1891, 
John  II.  Wilson,  Wilson  AV.  Underhill,  Amzi  A.  Sigler,  James  B.  Pier,  Morgan  W.  Ayres;  1892,  John 
H.  AVilson,  Wilson  W.  Underhill,  I.  Seymonr  Ci-ane,  James  B.  Pier,  Morgan  W.  Ayres;  1893,  John  H. 
Wilson,  I.  Seymour  Crane,  Hngh  Gallagher,  Moses  N.  Baker,  Decatur  M.  Sawyer. 

Commissioners  of  Puhlic  Hoads. — 1872-73,  Hiram  B.  Littell,  Nathan  T.  Porter,  Samuel  Holmes, 
Thos.  C.  Van  Eipei-,  Jacob  C.  Brautigam;  1874,  N.  O.  Pillsbury,  Saml.  Holmes,  Jos.  Van  Vleck,  A.  A. 
Sigler;  1875,  N.  O.  Pillsbury,  J.  Van  Vleck,  A.  A.  Sigler,  Saml.  Wilde,  Abram  Speer;  1876,  A.  E. 
Van  Gieson,  N.  O.  Pillsbury,  Samuel  Wilde,  Samuel  Holmes,  Elmer  G.  Doolittle ;  1877,  A.  E.  Van 
Gieson,  Saml.  Wilde,  E.  G.  Doolittle,  Saml.  Holmes,  E.  M.  Harrison  ;  1878.  A.  E.  Van  Gieson,  Saml. 
Wilde,  E.  G.  Doolittle,  E.  M.  Harrison,  Wm.  Tichenor;  1879-80,  Saml.  Wilde,  Elmer  G.  Doolittle, 
Saml.  Holmes,  E.  M.  Harrison,  A.  E.  Van  Gieson ;  1881,  A.  E.  Van  Gieson,  Saml.  Wilde,  Geo.  P. 
Farmer,  Saml.  Holmes,  E.  M.  Harrison  ;  1882,  Theron  A.  Doremus.  Saml.  Wilde,  W.  Irving  Adams, 
Saml.  Holmes,  A.  P.  Haring ;  1883-88,  Theron  A.  Doremus,  Saml.  Wilde,  Eobt.  M.  Boyd,  Saml. 
Holmes,  E.M.Harrison;  1889,  Theron  A.  Doremus,  Edwin  M.  Harrison,  George  P.  Farmer,  Charles 
W.  English,  A.  V.  Haring  (the  latter  could  not  serve,  not  being  a  freeholder),  Amzi  A.  Sigler,  appointed 
in  place  of  A.  P.  Haring;  1890,  George  P.  Fowler,  Amzi  A.  Siglei",  Samuel  Holmes,  Edwin  M. 
Harrison,  Charles  W.  English  ;  1891-2,  Charles  W.  English,  Edwin  M.  Harrison,  William  J.  Soveral, 
William  B.  Holmes,  Theron  A.  Doremus;  1893,  Edward  B.  Crane,  Edwin  M.  Harrison,  AYilliam  J. 
Soveral,  William  B.  Iluhnes,  Theron  A.  Doremus. 

Commissioners  of  Appeal. — 1868-69,  Edward  H.  Merrltt,  Hiram  B.  Littell,  Wm.  S.  Morris; 
1870-71,  Alfred  T.  Taylor,  Nehemiah  O.  Pillsbury,  Wm.  S.  Morris;  1872,  Amzi  A.  Sigler,  Nehemiah 
O.  Pillsbury,  Clark  W.  Mills ;  1873,  A.  A.  Sigler,  N.  O.  Pillsbury,  John  J.  H.  Love;  1874,  Peter  H.  Van 
Eiper,  Jose^jh  Doremus,  Samuel  Wilde  ;  1875-93,  Peter  H.  Van  Eiper,  J.  J.  H.  Love,  Josepli  Doremus. 

Township  Treasurer. — This  ofhce  was  created  in  1892,  and  I.  Seymour  Crane  was  the  first 
appointed  Treasurer,  and  was  reappointed  in  1893. 

Police  Force. — Previous  to  1889,  the  only  township  ofiicer  who  exercised  the  functions  of  police 
was  the  regularly  elected  constable.     Two  regular  policemen  were  appointed  this  year  by  the  Township 


ELM   STRKET. 


History  of  Moxtclair  Township.  53 

Committee,  viz.:  "William  Diinlap  and  James  MeNarar.     Others  have  since   been   adiled   and  tiicre   are 
now  seven,  including  the  Ca])tain.  "William  G.  Niederliauser. 

Overseer  of\he  P(>oa— 1868-69,  Xathaniel  R.  Dodd ;  1870-73,  W.  Corby;  1S74-8S,  Charles 
Smith;  1889,  "Wniiam  R.  Greene;  1S9("»-91,  Melancthon  W.Smith;  1892,  John  Sanford  ;  1893,  John 
Sanford  (elected  for  three  years);  deceased  September  18,1893;  vacancy  was  filled  by  the  Township 
Committee  appointing  John  Gonian. 

Jtisiires  of  the  Peace. — 1868,  Zenas  S.  Crane,  "William  S.  Morris,  Amos  Broaduax,  Stephen  R. 
Parkhurst;  1869,  Xehemiah  O.  Pillsbury,  Charles  W.  i[orris  ;  1870,  no  choice:  1871,  A.  E.  Van  Gieson  ; 
1872,  Zenas  S.  Crane;  1873.  Joseph  Lnx;  1874,  J.  Ogden  Clark,  A.  E.  Van  Gieson;  1875,  N.  O. 
Pillsbury,  Charles  P.  Morris;  1876,  Zenas  S.  Crane,  George  Ennis;  1877,  Alfred  Taylor,  A.  E.  Van 
Gieson,  Z.  S.  Crane;  1878,  A.  E.  Van  Gieson;  ISSn,  X.  O.  Pillsbury,  Charles  P>.  iforris.  A.  E.  Van 
Gieson  ;  1881,  Franklin  "W.  Dorman;  1882,  F.  AV.  Dorman,  James  C.  Crane,  II.  E.  Clark  ;  1883,  George 
R.  Milligan,  Abram  Speer,  Edward  B.  Crane  ;  1884,  Abrani  Speer,  PMward  P.Crane;  1885,  J.  Ogden  • 
Clark,  Henry  E.  Clark,  N.  O.  Pillsbury,  Charles  P.  Morris;  1886,  incumbents  held  over ;  no  election  ; 
1888,  George  R.  Milligan  ;  1889,  incumbents  held  over;  no  election  ;  1890,  Charles  P.  Morris,  J.  Ogden 
Clark,  Henry  E.  Clark,  Hugh  Gallagher  (the  latter  did  not  serve);  1891,  Edward  P.  Crane,  elected  but 
did  not  serve  ;  Thomas  P.  Meyer,  Louis  Lang;  1S92,  Aaron  Garabrant,  Thomas  Harrop  (the  latter  did 
not  quality);   1893,  George  R.  Milligan,  "William  Jones  (the  latter  did  not  qualify). 

Constdhh'n. — 1868,  Ira  Crane,  Geo.  Speer.  Edward  II.  Merritt,  Abram  Speer;  1869,  "\V^  Corby, 
Jared  Van  Gieson,  George  Powman  ;  1870,  "W.  Corby,  John  11.  ILiyden,  James  C.  Crane;  1871,  W. 
Corby,  John  II.  Ilayden,  Edwin  J.  Pacron,  Henry  S.  Rodman;  1872,  W.  Corby,  Geo.  Simonson,  Edwin 
J.  Pacron,  "Wm.  Simonson;  1873,  "W.  Corby,  Geo.  Ungemah,  Edwin  J.  Pacron,  James  Kane ;  1874, 
John  M.  Layland,  Jos.  Dunn,  Geo.  DeLong,  Edwin  J.  Pacrun  ;  1875,  Edwin  J.  Pacron,  Joseph  Dunn 
Stephen  "W.  Tibl)S,  Oliver  Levy;  1876,  Edwin  J.  Pacron,  Thos.  Wiggins,  Francis  Concannon,  Geo. 
Simonson;  1877,  J.  H.  Jacobus,  Geo.  Ennis,  E.  C.  Fuller,  E.  J.  Pacron,  Thos.  Wiggins;  1878,  Thos.  J. 
Courter,  Geo.  Ennis,  Geo.  T.  Punten,  E.  J.  Pacron,  Ja.s.  E.  Murphy;  1879,  Geo.  T.  Punten,  Geo.  Ennis, 
E.  J.  Pacron,  Geo.  Dipley,  J.  C.  Doremus,  Jr.;  188i»,  Geo.  T.  I'.unten,  Jas.  T.  Norman,  J.  C.  Doremus, 
Wm.  R.  Green,  Thos.  Courter;  1881,  Geo.  T.  Punten,  J.  C.  Doremus,  Isaac  A.  Dodd;  1882,  Isaac  A. 
Dodd;  1883.  Geo.  T.  Punten;  1884,  John  P.  Doremus;  1885,  Thonuis  Wiggins,  James  Kane;  1886, 
George  T.  Punten,  Wm.  F.  Allsworth,  Jr.;  ]8s7,  John  P.  Doremus;  1888,  James  Kane,  AViiliam 
Mulligan  ;  1889,  Wm.  F.  Allsworth,  Jr.,  John  Bowman,  Isaac  Dodd  ;  1890,  Isaac  Dodd,  George  Green; 
1891,  James  Kane,  Charles  J.  Dickson;  1892,  Wm.  F.  Allsworth^  Jr.,  Peter  Whiting.  Henry  Kane, 
Isaac  A.  Dodd,  Cornelius  Ilalstead;  1893,  Isaac  A.  Dodd. 

Toionshij)  Engineer. — This  office  was  created  about  1884,  and  James  Owen  was  appointed  by 
the  Township  Committee,  and  has  been  reappointed  every  year,  with  the  exception  of  189n,  wIhmi  the 
office  was  held  by  F.  W.  Crane. 

PRESENT  TOWNSHIP  CioVEUN MENT. 

Tou'Hshij/  Ohrl;  Henry  L.Yost;  A-xsefsor,  Charles  P.  Morris;  Colhctor  of  Ta.eefi,  Edwin  C. 
Fuller;  Townshij)  Counsel,  AUred  ^.  Padgley  ;  Civil  Engineer,  James  Owen;  Township  rhysicitu), 
James  S.  Prown  ;  Ovenseer  of  the  Poor,  John  Sandford;  Health  Inspertor,  Dr.  Richard  P.  Francis; 
Commissioners  of  Appeals,  Peter  H.  Van  Riper,  John  J.  II.  Love,  Joseph  Doremus;  Coiniiiis><ii)ners  (f 
Puhlic  lioiuh,  William  J.  Soverel,  Theron  A.  Doremus,  Edward  P.  Crane,  Edward  i\r.  Harrison, 
William  P.  Holmes;  .Justices  of  the  Peace,  Charles  P.  Morris,  Geo.  R.  Millitjan,  Lewis  Lange,  Thomas  I'. 
Meyer,  Aaron  Garrabrant;  Constables,  Isaac  A.  Dodd,  James  Kane,  William  Allsworth,  Jr..  Henry 
Kain,  Cornelius  Ilalstead  ;  Police  Justice,  Thomas  P.  Meyer. 

Township  Committee. 
Chairman,  John  II.  Wilson;  Members,  Decatur  M.  Sawyer,  Hugh  Gallagher,  Moses  N.  Paker, 
I.  Seymour  Crane ;  Treasurer,  I.Seymour  Crane;  Finance  C'w»iwzVfe<?,  Crane,  Sawyer ;  Law,  Sawyer, 


54  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

Baker ;    It'oad-'i,    Crane,    Sawyer ;    Poor,   Gallagher,    Baker ;    Sidewalk's,    Gallagher,    Sawyer ;     Water, 
P>aker,  Crane;  Fire  Committee,  Crane,  Gallagher;  Sewerg,  Crane,  Baker;  Auditing,  Sawyer. 

Board  of  Health. 

C(_)niposed  of  Townsliip  Conunittee,  Health  Physician,  Inspector  and  Assessor.  CJi<nrmnn, 
John  H.  Wilson  ;  Secretary,  Chas.  B.  Morris.  Meets  first  Monday  evening  of  each  month,  at  Town- 
sliip  Committee  rooms. 

THE  OLD  TOWNSHIP  FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT  UNDER  THE  GENERAL 
LAWS  SUPPLANTED  BY  THE  NEW  LAW  OF  1SS8. 

When  the  township  of  Montclair  was  set  off  from  Bloomtield,  in  lS<i8,  tlie  form  of  government 
adopted  was  that  provided  by  the  general  laws  which  had  been  in  existence  for  many  years,  and  while 
the  popnlation  was  small  and  the  wants  of  the  people  were  few,  no  objection  was  raised  to  it.  As  the 
popnlation  increased,  however,  and  large  amounts  were  being  expended  for  pulilic  improvements,  the 
old  laws  were  found  to  l)e  entirely  inadequate  to  meet  the  growing  tlemands.  Complications  arose 
which  necessitated  fi'e(pient  litigation  to  determine  the  rights  of  individuals,  and  citizens  of  one  part  of 
the  township  enjoyed  privileges  t>f  which  otlieis  were  denied. 

At  a  meeting  of  representative  citizens  held  in  April,  1893,  the  subject  of  a  change  of  govern- 
ment was  introduced  by  Mr.  John  H.  Wilson,  Chairman  of  tiie  Township  Committee,  and  fully 
discussed,  which  resulted  in  the  appointment  of  a  non-partisan  committee,  consisting  of  the  following- 
named  gentlemen :  John  H.  Parsons,  Stephen  W.  Carey,  John  J.  H.  Love,  John  R.  Livermore,  Charles 
IL  Johnson,  Charles  K.  Wilmer  and  Andrus  B.  Howe,  to  consider  the  question  and  tlie  advisaliility  of 
a  change.  This  committee  held  several  conferences  during  the  summer  and  fall  of  1893,  and  as  the 
result  of  their  deliberations  found  the  existing  form  of  government  inadequate,  antiquated  and  unsatis- 
factory, and  recommended  the  adoption  of  the  law  of  1888,  known  as  the  "  Short  Law." 

The  preliminary  steps  were  taken  to  submit  the  matter  to  a  vote  of  the  people,  and  on  February 
21,  1894,  an  election  was  held,  and  by  a  vote  of  more  than  two  to  one  the  new  charter  was  adopted,  and, 
with  the  life  of  the  present  Township  Committee  the  old  form  of  government  ends. 

Among  the  advantages  to  be  derived  under  the  new  charter  are  :  First,  in  the  matter  of  ap])ropria- 
tions,  which  will  henceforth  be  made  by  the  governing  body  or  council;  Second,  in  the  administration  of 
public  schools,  all  the  school  interests  are  consolidated  and  the  management  placed  in  the  hands  of  a 
central  Board  of  Education,  thus  giving  every  citizen  in  the  township  equal  privileg&s  in  the  matter  of 
common  and  also  of  high  school  education,  of  which,  under  the  old  law,  many  were  deprived  throngh 
the  division  into  school  districts.  The  management  of  the  affairs  of  the  townsliqi  will  he  lodged  in  a 
council  matle  up  of  representatives  from  wards  into  which  the  town  will  be  divided,  it  lodges  in  the 
council  all  the  powers  heretofore  exercised  by  Conmiissioners  elected  or  appointed  by  the  Court  for 
levying  assessments,  opening  streets,  improving  and  regulating  thoroughfares,  etc.  It  sinqilities  matters 
in  the  form  of  government.     It  is  substantially  a  City  Charter  without  the  usual  executive  head. 

One  of  the  most  important  changes  under  the  new  law  is  that  relating  to  excise.  Under  the 
old  law  the  township  had  no  voice  in  the  granting  of  licenses  to  liquor  dealers,  that  power  being  vested 
solely  in  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  at  Newark.  A  written  application,  signed  by  ten  Freeholders, 
enabled  the  applicant  to  procure  a  license  from  the  Court.  Under  the  new  law  the  power  is  vested  in 
the  Town  Council  to  "regulate,  license,  or  prohibit  inns,  taverns  and  restaurants,"  and  the  sale  or  transfer 
of  spirituous  liquors,  and  to  fix  and  pre.scribe  the  terms  and  conditions  upon  which  license  shall  be 
granted,  and  to  provide  for  the  annulling  of  licenses  for  violations  of  conditif)ns. 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  55 

I'USTMASTEKS  AND  POSTAL  FACILITIES. 

Previous  to  aiul  for  some  time  after  the  erection  of  Bloomtield  as  a  separate  towiiship  tiie  ix'sitlciits 
of  Crauetown  were  dependent  on  the  Newark  post  office  for  their  mail.  When  in  later  years  a  post  office 
was  established  at  Bloomfii'M.and  in  addition  tlieieto  a  regular  daily  mail  service  between  there  and  New 
York  City,  it  was  hailed  with  delijrlit  l)y  the  citizens  throujfhout  the  township,  as  it  brought  them  into 
more  direct  communication  with  each  other  and  with  the  outside  world.  Gradually,  however,  as  business 
increased  in  West  Bloomtield,  and  it  became  an  important  manufacturing  centre,  the  want  of  better  postal 
facilities  Avas  felt,  and  in  ls:',(i  ajijilicatioii  was  made  for  the  establishment  of  an  office  at  the  west  end  of 
the  township. 

It  was  at  this  period,  during  the  administration  of  President  Jackson,  that  the  cry  was  raised,  "To 
the  victor  belongs  the  spoils";  1)ut  as  the  political  sentiment  of  the  jJCHiple  of  Bloomfield,  and  more 
esj)ecially  the  locality  of  West  i'.loomtield.  was  overwhelmingly  whig,  an  acee])tabl(.'  democrat  could  not 
be  found  to  fill  the  position. 

Nathaniel  II.  I'.alilwin.  a  well-known  business  man.  although  a  whig  in  ))oliti<-s,  received  the  first 
appointment  as  postmaster  of  West  Bloomfield  in  ls;!(i.  He  was  a  bachelor,  and  boarded  at  the  tavern 
kept  by  Munn  iV  i!alc|\vin.  The  mail  was  so  small  at  that  time,  that  it  re(|uir('i|  but  little  of  his  time,  and 
the  proprietors  of  the  tavern  were  very  willing  to  have  the  office  ke])t  in  their  |>lace,  as  it  would  naturally 
increa.se  their  patronage.  Mr.  Balilwin  proved  a  very  acceptable  jiostmaster,  and  iield  the  position  fi-om 
1830  to  I  "^  I  i.  during  the  democratic  administrations  of  Jackson,  Martin  Van  Buren,  and  a  ])art  of  the 
whiff  administration  of  President  Harrison. 

Calvin  S.  Baldwin  (no  relation  of  the  former!  was  a|)pointed  in  Is-IL  under  the  administration  of 
Tyler,  who  succeeded  Ilarri.son,  the  latter  having  died  in  office.  ^Ir.  Baldwin  transferred  the  office  to  his 
own  building,  on  the  north  side  of  Bloomfield  Avenue,  west  of  what  is  now  Fullertoii  Avenue. 
There  being  no  democrat  to  dis])ute  his  title,  he  held  the  office  until  1S53,  under  the  whig  administration 
of  John  Tyler,  the  democratic  admini.stration  of  James  K.  Polk,  the  whig  administrations  of  Taylor  and 
Fillmore,  including  a  part  of  the  democratic  administration  of  Franklin  Pierce. 

Amzi  L.  Ball,  a  democrat,  succeeded  Calvin  S.  Baldwin,  but  oidy  held  the  position  for  a  short 
time.  He  kept  the  office  in  Sandford's  tailor's  shop,  which  was  then  located  on  the  south  side  of  Old 
Koad — now  Church  Street. 

William  Jacobus,  a  democrat,  who  had  frequently  assisted  Ball  in  his  work,  was  appointed  in  1S5S, 
under  the  administration  of  James  IWichanan.  and  two  years  later  the  name  of  the  j)Ost  otiice  was  clianged 
from  West  Bloomfield  to  Montclair.  The  office  was  still  a  small  one,  and  under  the  |)ercentagc  system, 
which  then  prevailed,  was  worth  oidy  about  .^i;(t(l  to  ^?,*U)  a  year. 

John  C.  Doremus,  a  republican,  was  the  tii-st  one  api>ointed  under  a  rei>ulilican  adniinisti'atioii,  which 
began  in  l^iil  with  President  Abraham  Lincoln.  He  kept  the  office  in  his  own  store  on  tlie  south  side  of 
Bloomfield  Avenue,  opposite  the  residence  of  Judge  Zenas  S.  Crane.  The  business  had  increased  to  a 
considerable  extent,  :ind  the  office  became  for  the  first  time  a  salaried  one.  He  held  the  ])osition  longer 
than  any  of  his  predecessors — a  period  of  sixteen  years — isfil  to  1878 — and  served  under  Presidents  Lin- 
coln, Johnson,  and  the  two  terms  of  (ieiieral  Grant. 

Charles  P.  Sandford,  republican,  was  ai)pointed  jjottnuistei'  under  the  administiation  of  Pi'esident 
Rutherford  B.  Hayes  iu  1876,  and  held  the  position  until  1878.  The  office  was  located  at  that  time  on 
the  south  side  of  Church  Street,  on  the  site  now  occupied  by  Dr.  Love's  office.  The  business  con- 
tinued to  increase  during  his  term,  and  the  office  was  well  managed. 

William  Jacobus  received  his  second  appointment  as  postmaster  under  the  adniinistratioji  of  Presi- 
dent Cleveland,  in  the  spring  of  1886.  There  had  been  a  large  increase  in  the  population,  but  the 
income  of  the  office  was  only  about  87,000  a  year,  and  while  the  salary  appeared  to  offer  sufficient 
inducement  for  him  to  accept  the  position,  he  found  that,  after  paying  rent,  clerk  hire  and  other 
expenses,  he  had  nothing  left.     He  was  handling  at  this  time  a  lai'ge  amount  of  mail  matter,  requiring  a 


56  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

corresponding  clerical  force,  and  lie  observed  several  New  York  business  men  were  in  the  habit  of 
buying  tlieir  stamps  at  the  New  York  office,  tlie  latter  receiving  the  benefit  which  should  accrue  to 
Montclair.  lie  called  attention  to  this  fact,  and  finally  induced  most  of  these  parties  to  purchase  their 
stamps  at  the  Montclair  office.  As  a  result  the  income  foon  increased  to  $10,000,  and  the  next  year  to 
$13,000,  and  the  last  year  of  his  administration  the  amount  had  reached  $15,450.  This  large  increase 
brought  the  office  up  to  one  of  second  class  with  a  corresponding  increase  in  the  salary,  while  the 
running  expenses  wei'e  then  borne  by  the  government.  It  also  entitled  the  township  to  a  free  delivery, 
and  effoi'ts  were  made  to  accomplish  the  desired  end.  Tlie  houses  were  all  numbered,  and  the  streets 
properly  named,  in  accordance  with  the  retjuiremcnts  specified  by  the  government  authorities,  and  on 
January  1,  1800,  the  system  of  free  delivery  was  established. 

George  A.  Van  (Tieson.  I'cpublican,  was  appointed  postmaster  in  1S90,  under  the  administration 
of  President  IlaiTison.  The  office  is  now  located  in  wliat  is  known  as  the  Morris  Ihiilding,  on  liiloomtield 
Avenue,  near  the  junction  of  Glen  Hidge  Avenue.  The  office  is  fully  equipped  with  everythin 
necessary  for  a  complete  postal  service,  and  is  conducted  in  a  thorough  business-like  maimer, 
satisfactory  to  the  people  of  Montclair.  When  he  took  the  j^jsition  the  income  of  the  office  was  $10,000, 
and  it  now  amounts  (1803)  to  $'.^4,000,  an  increase  of  une-third  in  three  years.  This  is  due  to  a  large 
extent  to  the  increase  in  population,  especially  that  of  summer  residents.  With  the  increase  of  business 
there  has  been  no  increase  in  the  clerical  force,  and  the  whole  expenses  of  the  office  are  about  $12,000  per 
annum.     Four  footmen  and  two  mounted  men  attend  to  all  the  deliveries. 

Mr.  Van  Gieson  is  a  descendant  of  one  of  the  old  Holland  families,  originally  of  Acquackanonk, 
who  settled  in  the  latter  part  of  the  present  century  in  what  was  then  known  as  Speertown,  now  Ujjper 
Montclair.  He  was  born  in  Speertown,  Aug.  30,  1S51.  He  was  educated  in  the  public  school,  and  was 
afterward  clerk  in  the  store  of  John  C  Doiemus,  and  was  also  a  clerk  with  him  in  the  post  office.  He 
was  a  clerk  in  the  grocery  business  for  live  years,  and  then  went  to  New  York  with  the  firm  of  Hines, 
Ketcham  &  Co.,  with  whom  he  remained  eleven  years  until  his  appointment  as  postmaster  in  1890.  lie 
is  courteous  and  obliging  and  well  liked  in  the  community. 


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ChaptcM"  XI. 

RKLKilors  IXTKKF.STS  (>!•"  MoXTCLAi  i;. 

CoNGEWiATIOXAI.ISM     AND     PuKSln  TKUIAMSM. ElJKCTloN     OK    TIIK    SkcdXD     MkIVIIXC-IIOI'SK,    1733,    OF    THK 

.N[oUXTAIX    SociKlV    (OkaXGK).— OK(iAXIZATIi>X    OF   THE    ClirKCII    AT  AVATSKSSIXr;,  KXOWX   A8  THE 

•'TiiiiU)"'  I'kksbytkkiax  Ciukcii  in  the  Towxsiiii'  of  Newark:  i.atek  as  hie  First  Pkeshy- 
TEKiAX  Church  of  Bi.oomfiei.d. — Laying  of  the  Corxek-stoxe.  »\:f. — SriiscKiiiKks  to  the  New 
Edifice.—  Legacy  of  Nathaxikl  Craxe  for  a  1'resbyteriax  Chfrch  at  Ckanetonvx  or  West 
Bloomfield. — The  "First"  Presbyteriax  C'iurch  of  ^[oxtci.air. —  ()r<;axizaik)x  of  the 
Church,  1837. — The  First  Place  of  Worshii- — the  School  Piildixg. —  List  of  Orkuxal 
Memi'.ers. — List  i>f  Pastors. — Erecitox  ofChir(  h  Edifice. —  Pirciiase  of  ()r<}AN. — Erfxtiox 
OF  Parsonage. — Statistics  of  ^[EMliERslm•,  Arc. —  Skeiches  of  Kev.  .L  F.  IL\lsky',  Kev.  .T.  A. 
Priest.  Kev.  Xelshx  Millard.  D.D.,  Kkv.  .].  IIomeyx  P>i;rky.  D.I).,  IJev.  Wm.  F.  Jinkix,  D.I)., 
LL.I).— SiNDAY  School. — Trinity  Pki  sbyteriax  Church. — Suxday  School. — Rev.  Orvillk 
Reek. — Grace  Presbyteriax  Church. — Sunday  School.  —  Methoiu.st  Episcopal  Church. — 
Sunday  School. — St.  Luke's  Episcopal  Church. — The  Church  of  the  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion, R.  C. — FiRsr  CfiNGREGATioNAL  CiiuRcii  okChrlst. — Rev.  Amory  Howe  Uradforh,  D.D. 
— Sunday  School. —  Pii.ciRiM  Mission. —  FiRsr  I^aphst  Church. — Rev.  AVm.  X.  IIubbell. — 
Suxday  School. — The  I'xitariax  Socieiv. —  Vouxc;  Men's  Ciirisiian  Asscmmation. — The 
Women's  Christian  Temperance  I'nion. — The  Colored  Population  axd  Their  CJiiurches. — 
I'nion  Baptist  Cm  rcii.  Colhrep. — St.  Mark's  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  Colored. 


HE  old  Prt'sl)VteriaM  Clmrcli  lias  for  loiii;  vcars  been  a  iiotofl  hindiiiark  in  ^rontclair. 
Staiuiiiifr  at  the  intersection  of  six  street.^,  and  looking,  from  its  eoniniaiuling  ])ositi()ii, 
down  the  principal  avenue  of  the  town,  it  arrests  the  attention  of  every  visitor.  The 
relijrious  orc;anization.  of  which  its  solid  stone  walls  are  a  fitting  symbol,  represents 
to-day,  as  it  always  h.is  done,  the  Pauline  doctrines  of  grace  and  the  Covenant  Theology, 
\\  Inch  are  the  glory  and  .strength  of  Presbytcrianism. 

The  spiritual  life  of  the  Church  was  the  earliest  fountain  of  religious  and  moral 
inHueiices  in  the  community;  and  the  hcathful  How  of  its  current  is  increasingly  marked 
and  strong.  Bancroft,  tlie  hi.Ntorian.  writing  half  a  century  ago,  records,  that  '' Scottisii 
Presbyterians  of  virtue,  education  and  courage,  blending  a  love  of  popular  liberty  with 
religious  enthusiasm,  hurried  to  F)a.st  Xew  Jersey  between  the  years  inS2  an<l  1(!87  in 
as  to  give  to  the  rising  commonwealth  a  character  wliich  a  ccntuiT  and  a  half  have  not 
effaced.  Meeting  on  her.«oil  with  Puritans  and  (Quakers,  their  ciniiliiiicd  fairli.  in>titutii)iis  and  preferences 
have  given  life  and  color  to  the  common  mind."  Divergence  of  views  naturally  marked  the  progress  of 
religious  movements  among  such  sturdy  adherents  of  varying  polities. 

Dr.  Charles  Hodge  tells  us :  ••  that  on  the  soil  of  New  Jersey  at  large  Pre8l)yterianisin  has  not  invaded 
and  supplanted  Congregationalism.  It  was  the  earlier  and  predominant  type  of  ecclesiastical  order,  and 
naturally  absorbed  and  assimilated  the  Congregationalism  that  came  in.  This  assimilation  was  not,  how- 
ever, without  a  struggle  between  the  two  systems,  and,  in  a  community  like  that  of  Newark,  originally 
com])osed  of  Congregationalists  only,  the  process  of  change  was  necessarily  slow.  When  the  second 
Fierson  (son  of  Rev.  Aliraliam  Piersoii)  manifested  some  leanings  toward  the  Presbyterian  order,  the  dis- 
pleasure of  his  people  was  e.xcited,  and  troubles  arose  which  resulted  in  liis  dismissal.  Yet,  on  the  22d  of 
October,  1710,  Joseph  Webb,  in  the  line  of  his  successors,  was  ordained  and  settled  over  the  same  flock 


sue 


by  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia,  and  the  next  year  took  a  seat 
his  church." 


the  Svnod  with  a  ruling  elder  from 


58  History  df  Montclair  Township. 

The  people  of  Newark  at  that  time  were  siilistantially  a  unit  in  favor  of  Presbytery,  and  those  of 
the  Monntain  were  united  in  favor  of  the  old  Congregational  basis; 

Rev.  Jedediah  Buckingham,  a  native  of  Saybrook,  Conn.,  was  engaged  as  a  supply  for  the  Newark 
ciiurc-h  during  a  part  of  1710-17.  Tlie  withdrawal  of  Mr.  I>uckingliani  from  the  Newark  pnlpit  was 
nearly  coincident  with  the  fact  that  "in  171S  many  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  ^Mountain  broke  off  and 
foi-med  a  new  society."  This  was  known  for  some  years  as  the  JMonntain  Society,  and  nfterward  as  the 
Second  Church  in  Newark — now  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  in  Orange. 

The  I'ecords  of  this  church  show  that  Cranetown  was  largely  represented  in  its  membership.  The 
first  on  the  list  of  those  who  were  "  rated "  in  the  parish  in  1 759  to  pay  the  minister's  salary  was 
Jedediah  Crane. 

An  "a  Com])t  of  the  money  received  on  account  of  the  pasanage  house"  shows  the  names  of 
David  Baldwin,  Nathaniel  Crane,  Noah  Crane  and   Azariah  Crane. 

Among  the  list  of  subscribers  for  the  erection  of  the  second  Meeting-house,  in  1753,  the  "  tribes 
of  Crane"  included  Nathaniel  Senr.,  Nathaniel  Jr.,  Caleb,  AVilliam,  Job,  Garniel,  Noah,  Stephen,  Lewis, 
Jedediah,  Elihu.  Ezekiel :  their  total  subscriptions  amounted  to  £'50. 16.  6.  The  "tribes  of  Baldwin," 
twelve  in  numlier  (same  number  of  the  Cranes),  subscribed  £'43. 1.  1. 

Anu^ng  the  "Members  in  Communion  of  the  Mountain  Society  ]n'ior  to  1750"  were  Stephen, 
William,  Noah  ami  Caleb  Crane,  and  Lewis  Crane  and  his  wife. 

In  the  record  of  baptisms  from  1750  to  1702  are  found  the  names  of  Nathaniel,  son  of  Noah 
Crane,  1757,  Charles,  son  of  Lewis  Crane,  John,  son  of  Eliakim  Crane,  Lois,  daughter  of  Stephen  Crane. 

Of  those  who  "Entered  into  Covenant"  from  1770  to  1783  are  the  names  of  Abigail,  wife  of  Job 
Crane,  Phoda,  wife  of  Stephen  Crane,  Timothy,  and  Sarah  his  wife,  Elizabeth  Crane,  Jonathan  and 
Pachel  ( 'rane,  Matthias  and  wife  Elizabeth,  Hannah,  wife  of  Joseph  Crane,  and  Joseph  Crane. 

In  the  record  of  baptisms  from  1705  to  1784  are  ]\Iary,  daughter  of  Elder  (Noah)  Crane,  Lois, 
daughter  of  Stephen  Crane,  Amos,  son  of  William,  Josiah,  son  of  Eliakim,  Jeremiah,  son  of  Stephen, 
Nehemiah,  son  of  Elder  Crane  (Noah),  Zenas,  son  of  Samuel  and  Mary  Crane,  1774,  Abigail,  daughter  of 
Matthias  and  Elizabeth  Crane,  Lydia,  dan.  of  Jonas,  Stephen  Bradford,  son  of  Stephen  Crane, 
1Y79,  Eleazer  and  Nathaniel,  sons  of  Josef)h  Crane,  Nancy,  Thomas.  Jeptha  and  Hannah,  children  of 
Aaron  Crane. 

There  were  representatives  of  the  Baldwins,  Williams,  Munns,  and  other  fanulies  connected  with 
this  church,  who  were  residents  of  Cranetown,  but  as  the  same  names  appear  among  the  Orange 
families  it  is  difhcult  to  locate  them. 

The  incii)ient  measures  for  the  organization  of  a  separate  congregation  and  church  in  Bloomfield 
were  taken  early  in  the  year  1794  by  the  members  of  the  above-named  churches  resident  in  what  was 
afterward  the  township  of  Bloomfield.  The  Presbytery  of  New  York  then  extended  over  all  Southern 
New  York  and  East  New  Jersey,  and  the  matter  was  carried  up  before  that  body,  at  their  meeting  in 
May  of  that  year,  for  advice  and  action.  The  Presbytery  favored  the  movement,  and  appointed  a 
committee  to  confer  with  a  committee  from  the  churches  of  Newark  and  Orange  in  reference  to  the 
matter.  The  meeting  of  these  joint  committees  was  held  on  the  10th  of  June  following,  at  the  house  of 
Mr.  Joseph  Davis,  of  Watsessing.  A  petition  w'as  signed  by  ninety-eight  heads  of  families  requesting 
to  be  formally  organized  into  a  distinct  congregation  and  to  take  the  name  of  the  Third  Presbyterian 
Church  in  the  township  of  Newark.  It  was  not,  however,  until  four  years  after  this  that  the  church  was 
regularly  organized  after  the  Presbyterian  form  of  government,  in  June,  1798,  by  the  Pev.  Jedediah 
Chapman,  then  pastor  of  the  First  Church  in  Orange.  Eighty-two  members  constituted  it — fifty -nine  of 
whom  were  from  his  own  church  and  twenty-three  from  the  First  Church  in  Newark.  The  ruling 
Elders  and  Deacons  chosen  at  the  time  of  its  organization  were  Simeon  Baldwin,  E2)liraim  Morris,  Isaac 
Dodd,  and  Joseph  Crane. 

The  Sentinel  of  Freedom^  of  December  7,  1790,  contained  the  following  notes  : 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Wardsesson  Congregation,  Oct.  2(!,  1796 ; 


History  of  Moxtci.air  Township.  59 

"  Agreealilv  to  a  resolution  of  tlie  Congregation,  the  'J'rustees,  having  met  tliis  dav,   do  assume  to 
themselves  the  name  and  title  of  T/te  Trustei's  of  fhe  Presbyk'rian  Socirty  of  BloumficJd. 
"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"Isaac   Doud,  President." 

The  erection  of  a  Mceting-hoii.se  for  this  Congregation  was  hegun  in  the  spring  of  1707.  The 
corner-stone  was  laid  with  >ras(inic  ceremonies  >fay  Sth.  1T'.'7.  hv  Dr.  MeWiiorter.  a  mendier  of  t!ie 
Masonic  Fraternity. 

Tlie  Sentinel  of  June  14.  17'.i7,  contained  the  following: 

'■  CoMMt'>ric.VTiox  FROM  Hr.ooMriKi.D  : — The  head  workmen,  nicclianics  and  laliorcis,  eni])l<)vc(]  at 
Bloomtield  ■^[eeting-]lOuse,  take  this  inihlic  way  of  expressing  their  acknowledgments  to  Dcac'on  Morris 
and  Mrs.  Morris  for  their  polite  and  agreeahle  repast  of  cake  and  cider  which  they  gratuitously  afforded 
to  them  (who  were  4o  in  nundieri  at  the  laying  of  the  i-urn' r-xt<ine  of  the  said  huildiiiir,  and  cannot 
refrain  from  e.\])ressing  a  hope  that  this  new  method  of  laying  ronur  xtones  may  he  adopted  on  all 
similar  occasions.     The  building  goes  on  rapidly." 

The  Trustees  of  this  church,  in  17'.I7.  were  Samuel  \\'aril.  l-^pliraim  Morris,  Oliver  Crane  and 
Joseph  Davis.  The  N[anagers  of  the  huilding  were  Simeon  Haldwin.  .Xatlianicl  Crane  and  .Toscpli 
Davis. 

The  fiillowiiig  names  were  sul»crilicd  tu  "a  |)romise  to  pay  unto  the  trustees  of  the  Preshvtcriaii 
Society  of  Bloomtield,  f<jr  the  purpose  of  hiring  a  minister  to  preadi  the-  g(i>pcl  foi-  <ix  months,"  with  the 
date  appended,  "Cranetown,  April  K'.  17!t7": 

Oliver  Crane,  Stephen  Furdham.  William  Crane,  Simeon  Crane.  Widow  Susanna  Crane,  Job 
Crane,  Isaac  Tompkins,  Phineas  Crane,  Widow  Dorcas  ^Villianls,  David  Riker,  Samuel  MeChesney, 
Samuel  Ward,  John  N'incent.  Xoali  Oane,  Jr..  Noah  Crane.  Phebe  Dod,  James  Gid)s,  Jr.,  Joseph 
Crane.  John  I'aldwiu.  Nathaniel  D"d,  Israel  Crane.  Caleb  Martin,  Aaron  Crane,  Keuben  Dod,  Lewis 
Baldwin,  Nathaniel  Crane.  Isaac  .Mitchell.  I'enjamin  Crane,  Eliakim  Crane,  Elizabeth  Pouge,  Thomas 
Force,  William  Holmes,  Daniel  Ougheltree.  Levi  Vincent,  Cornelius  Vincent,  John  Smith,  Henry 
Shoemaker,  John  Fry,  Widow  Jane  Crane,  Jadok  Crane.  Samul  Tichenor,  Peter  Davis,  Matthew  Dod. 

In  the  original  parchment  subscription  for  building  the  church  in  17!t(!,  among  the  principal 
subscribers  are  Eleazer  Crane  for  £'4n,  JuseiJi  Crane  for  £6n,  Joseph  Crane  for  ,£2o.  Oliver  Crane  for 
£25,  William  Crane  for  4'2:i.  Stephen  Fordham  for  £4."),  Aaron  Crane  for  £9(1,  Caleb  Martin  for  £12, 
Gideon  Crane  for  £14.  and  Nathaniel  and  Israel  Crane,  each  £ln().  ilany  Cranetown  names  also  appear 
on  the  additional  suliNcriptioii  in  17'.'^,  "  for  the  use  of  the  meeting-house."  Most  of  these  were  from 
the  F'irst  Church  of  Orange.  Among  the  elders  and  deacons  at  the  orgaTiizatior.  of  the  cJinrch  was 
Jo.seph  Crane,  who  had  been  an  elder  from  171H  to  17'.>S  in  the  Orange  CInirch. 

On  Nov.  S,  1S12,  the  following  ruling  elders  were  electe<l :  .lo.sepli  Crane,  Jo.sei)h  J)avis,  Iclialjod 
Haldwin  and  Israel  Crane,  already  deacons,  together  with  David  Taylor,  Nathaniel  Crane,  Moses  Dodd, 
and  Josiah  Ward. 

The  church  bell  was  presented  by  Major  Nathaniel  Crane,  who  was  also  one  of  the  original  mem- 
bers of  the  church.  Gen.  Bloomfield,  from  whom  the  Society  was  named,  gave  §140  toward  the  erection 
of  the  building,  and  Mrs.  Bloomtield  presented  a  jinljjit  Bible  and  psalm-l)ook.  The  damask  silk  for  the 
covering  of  the  pulpit  was  obtained  from  "a  certain  ancient  lady  who  had  a  gown  of  that  description," 
and  who  was  induced  to  part  with  it  for  the  sum  of  S^t'.  It  ••  wa.s  found  to  contain  enough  cloth  for 
two  drt'sses  for  the  pulpit." 

The  pastors  of  this  church  previous  to  the  organization  of  the  church  at  West  Bloomtield  were 
Pvev.  Abel  Jackson,  1800-10;  Rev.  Cyrus  Gildersleeve,  1812-18;  Rev.  Gideon  X.  Judd,  1820-34;  Rev. 
Ebenezer  Seymour,  1834—47. 

Religious  services  were  held  occasionally  in  Cranetown  for  moi-e  than  fifty  years  before  the  first 
distinct  church  organization  wa.s  established.     No  place  for  religious  worship  was  erected  in  the  westerly 


60  History  of  Montclair  Towxsiiir. 

section  of  the  town  until  tlie  year  ls;',T,  previous  to  wliicli  time  it  liiul  l>ecu  tlie  custom  of  the  people  to 
meet  at  the  piiblic  school  huildiiii;;  for  prayer  and  conference.  Tlio  inhabitants  had  generally  attended 
service  at  the  Presbyterian  churches  in  Xewark.  at  the  First  Church  in  Orange,  and  afterward  a  number 
of  them  went  to  Bloomtield,  and  others  to  Caldwell,  as  cliurches  were  being  erected  at  these  several 
places  ;  the  large  majority  of  them,  however,  were  identified  with  the  Bloomtield  Cliurch  from  the  date 
of  its  organization,  and  religious  services  wei'e  held  in  the  school-house  at  Cranetown  oti  Sunday  after- 
noons and  evenings  by  members  of  the  Bloomtield  Chui-ch,  the  pastor  of  that  chui'ch  usually  otticiating. 
The  place  of  meeting  was  the  room  in  the  second  story  of  the  public  school  building  on  a  site  just  in 
fi'ont  of  the  present  churcli. 

Major  Nathaniel  Crane,  an  elder  in  the  Bloomtield  Church,  left  a  bequest  at  his  death,  in  1833, 
designed  to  assist  in  establishing  a  new  organization.  He  directed  that  tlie  residue  of  his  estate,  valued 
at  about  ten  thousand  dollars,  should  be  invested  for  the  support  of  a  church  in  West  Bloomtield,  when- 
ever that  portion  of  the  ])arish  shouhl  form  a  separate  congregation  and  erect  a  church  edilice. 

FIEST  PRESBYTEEIAN  CHUIiClI. 

A  meeting  was  held  at  West  Rloorafiekl  on  tlie  17th  of  A\;gust,  1737,  to  consider  the  propriety  of 
a  separate  organization,  and  on  the  31st  of  tlie  month  the  new  parish  was  created,  taking  the  name  of 
"The  West  Bloomtield  I'resbyterian  Society,"  and  electing  as  its  first  Ti-ustees,  Zenas  S.Crane,  Cyrus 
Pierson,  Jared  E.  Harrison,   lleubeii  I).  Baldwin,  James  ]5aldwin,  James  Crane  and  AVilliam  Smith. 

The  district  school  building,  of  stone,  stood  about  twenty-five  feet  in  front  of  the  present  church 
edilice ;  it  had,  on  the  second  floor,  a  room  which  had  long  been  used  for  religious  meetings.  This  building 
was  purchased  and  enlarged  ;  the  upper  story  was  removed  and  over  tiiis  was  erected  the  new  building,  the 
old  school  room  forming  tlie  lecture  room,  with  pastor's  study  at  one  side  of  the  vestibule,  and  the  main 
auditory  was  placed  above.  With  columns  before  the  open  vestibule  it  is  said  to  have  been  quite  an 
imposing  edifice ;  though  often  mistaken  by  travelers  for  a  pulilic  house  ;  the  addition  was  a  frame  build- 
ing, painted  white.  It  was  dedicated  on  the  9th  of  August,  1838,  the  sermon  being  preached  by  the  Eev. 
Mr.  Hoover,  of  Newark.  The  church  was  organized  at  the  same  time  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Hillyer,  of  Orange, 
and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Seymour,  of  Bloomfield — a  committee  of  the  Presbytery  of  Newark.  There  were 
seventy-one  original  memliers  of  the  church ;  sixty -six  from  the  Church  in  Bloomfield,  two  from 
the  Caldv/ell  Church,  two  from  the  Church  at  Succasunny  Plains,  and  one  from  the  First  Church  at 
Orange.     These  were : 

Zenas,  Betsey  and  Joseph  H.  Baldwin,  and  Lydia  A.  his  wife  ;  Jane  Ball,  Hannah  Benjamin,  Ann 
Campbell,  Ira  Campbell,  Sophia  Collins,  Taliitha,  widow  of  Aaron  Crane,  Elias  B.  Crane,  and  Nancy 
his  wife ;  George  A.  and  Zenas  S.  Crane,  and  Maria  Crane,  wife  of  the  latter ;  Matilda,  wife  of  T.  A. 
Crane;  Harriet  Crane,  wife  of  Robert  Earl,  Amos  Crane,  Susan,  widow  of  Oliver  Crane,  Stephen  F. 
Crane,  Oliver  Crane  (Rev.),  Joshua  Crane,  Elizabeth,  widow  of  Jeremiah  Crane,  Ira  Crane,  and  his  wife 
Margaret;  Sarah  Day,  Nathaniel  R.  Dodd,  John  C.  Doremus,  and  Mary  K.,  his  wife  ;  Rhoda,  wife  of 
Peter  Doremus,  Caroline,  wife  of  Joseph  Doremus,  Sarah  Earl,  John  II.  Iloger,  Sally,  wife  of  Moses 
Harrison,  Catharine  W.,  wife  of  Jared  E.  Harrison ;  Warren  Holt,  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Thomas  Jackson, 
Phebe  Kelly,  widow ;  Robert  Laing,  Lydia,  widow  of  Elias  Littell,  Electa,  wife  of  William  Mann,  Isaac 
S.  Miller,  William  S.  Morris,  Harriet  P.,  wife  of  W.  S.  Morris,  John  Munn,  and  Eunice,  his  wife ;  Rhoda 
Munn,  widow  of  J.  Collins;  Rachel,  wife  of  Eli  Munn,  Nancy,  widow  of  Dr.  Cyriis  Pierson,  Sarah,  wife 
of  Richard  Romer,  Matthias  Smith,  and  Jemima,  his  wife,  William  Smith,  Harriet  G.  Smith ;  Mary  Ann 
Smith,  2d  wife  of  R.  Earl,  Matthias  Smith,  Ji-.,  John  Smith,  Jane  Smith,  widow,  Ephraim  P.  Stiles, 
and  Ann,  his  wife,  Moses  Stiles,  and  Elizabeth,  his  wife,  Ann  Maria  Stiles,  Phebe  C.  Stiles,  Ann,  wife 
of  James  Tucker,  Caleb  S.  Ward,  and  Eunice,  his  wife,  Isaac  B.  Wheeler,  and  Harriet,  his  wife; 
Abraham  Zuk. 

The  Church  made  choice  of  Matthias  Smith  and  Elias  Crane  as  its  ruling  elders ;  they  having  held 


History  of  Moxtci.aik  T<nv\sim'.  61 

tliat  office  in  tlie  Cliurcli  at  I'loomticld.  .Tolm  ^[111111,  Isaac  J5.  AVliecler  and  Moses  Stiles  were  chosen 
the  same  year.  Mr.  Crane  continue(l  in  uttice  for  twelve  years  ;  J[r.  Wiieeler  for  nine  years  ;  Mr.  Stiles 
ten  years;  William  Crane  and  William  S.  Morris  were  electeil  in  ls44:  Stephen  F.  Crane,  184'.i;  John  C. 
Dorenins,   Ira  Caini)bell  and  Phili])  Doremns  in  ISoS. 

The  book  containing  the  list  of  elders  from  1858  to  l^To  lias  ]>vu\\  li»t  (ir  mislaid.  Tlie  followinii 
is  the  list  since  that  date : 

Ilinini  1>.  Littell.  187n.  Dr.  Vincent  Harrison.  John  M.  Donlileday.  Theodore  J!,  ('arter  (mi  date); 
Thomas  ltu.s.sell,  1S7<>.  William  .1.  JIutchin.-on,  1S7'.>,  Frederick  II.  Harris,  18S.3,  Theroii  II.  Sanford, 
John  S.  Fo.ster,  Malc(Jm  II.  Smith,  ISS7,  John  Jefferson,  1888,  Paul  P>al>cock,  Wilson  W.  Smith,  1890, 
Murdock  Howell,  isiH.  FMward  F.ailey,  ISttS. 

The  first  pastor  of  the  new  church  was  Ilev.  Samuel  W.  F'isher.  D.D.,  who  cdntinued  from  1831* 
to  1843,  and  was  afterward  pastor  at  Alhany,  X.  Y.,  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  I'resident  of  Hamilton  College, 
New  York,  and  pastor  at  Utica,  N.  V.  He  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Nathaniel  E.  Johnson,  1843-44, 
Rev.  Aaron  C.  Adams,  184.1-51.  Rev.  J..I.  F.  Ilalsey,  D.I).,  l852-5<!.  Rev.  Sila<  I'.illin<rs,  a  stated  supply 
of  the  pulpit.  I85t5-5S.  Rev.  Josiali  A.  Priest,  D.D..  1858-fil.  Rev.  Nelson  Millard.  D.D.,  lS(i2-ti7,  Rev. 
J.  Romeyn  Berry.  D.D.,  lS7(»-87.  Rev.  William  F.  Junkin.  D.D..  I. LI).,  188s,  the  present  pastor. 

The  completeness  of  Presbyterian  nriranizatidU  was  nut  realized  in  the  Church  until  18!t3.  In 
Mari'h  (tf  that  year  a  Hoard  of  Deacons  was  elected  and  installed.  Tlicii'  valuable  .services  have  added 
iiiiicli  to  the  efficiency  of  the  Chui'ch's  work.  The  memi.'ers  uf  the  IJoard  are  Lewis  L.  S.  Clcariiian. 
Chairman.  Herbert  S.  Ki'llnirir.  ^Villiam  K.  Hunt,  Fi-ancis  T.  .\.  ,liiid<in,  Fcvi  W.  Case,  AI.D..  I.  Scynioiii- 
Crane,  Jnhn  .Murphy  and  James  Watkin>. 

During  the  first  twenty-two  years  of  its  existence  down  tu  l^»;o  the  clnuch  received  354  nu  inlicrs ; 
151  on  profession  of  their  faith,  and  2"3  by  certificate  from  otiier  churches.  It  dismissed  during  that 
period,  to  unite  with  other  churches,  11 1,  and  lost  47  by  death.  At  the  close  of  ISfin  it  had  l'.H'>  com- 
municants, and  the  parisli  at  that  time  comprised  about  85  families. 

Fnder  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Dr.  Halsey  the  present  church  edifice  was  erected,  and  dedicated  in 
185G,  the  sermon  being  preached  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rowland,  of  Newark. 

One  of  the  Newark  papers,  referring  to  the  important  work  in  connection  with  the  affairs  of 
this  churcli  uniler  date  of  Oct.  24,  185(>,  .says-: 

•' The  Presbyterian  Church  and  congregation  of  West  Bloomfield,  N.  J.,  have  succeeded  in  the 
erection  of  a  nio.st  substantial  house  of  worship,  some  85  by  55  feet  in  dimensions,  and  out  of  a  material 
furnished  Ijy  the  rich  freestone  quarries  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  church. 

"This  house  has  been  erected  at  a  cost  of  about  s|(>,(iO(i,  and  upon  the  basis  of  a  subscription, 
obtained  almost  entirely  within  the  bounds  of  the  worshijiping  congregatii.m.  Some  individual  subscrip- 
tions have  reached  the  sum  of  §1,0U0 ;  and  the  people  generally  have  manifested  a  degree  of  liberality 
and  zeal  in  getting  U])  this  temple  of  prayer,  worthy  of  the  high  |)rai.ses  of  Him  to  whom  it  is  now 
devoted. 

"It  deserves  also  to  be  noticed  in  this  connection,  that  the  ladies  of  the  congregation  have  shown 
great  zeal  and  untiring  perservance  in  this  undertaking,  and  have  succeeded  in  raising  more  than  a 
thousand  dollars  from  the  u.se  of  their  needles,  and  otherwise,  and  have  appropriated  the  .same  to  the 
purchase  of  all  the  requisite  furniture  necessary  to  gratify  the  taste  and  minister  to  the  comfort  of  those 
who  shall  hereafter  resort  to  this  hou.-^eof  prayer. 

"Nor  must  we  pass  over  in  silence  the  very  generous — nay,  magnanimous — offering  made  by  our 
highly  respected  friend.  Miss  Mary  Crane  (daughter  of  Israel  Crane),  of  a  very  rich  and  mellow-toned 
bell,  from  the  foutidrv  of  ^lessrs.  JoTies  it  Hitchcock,  Troy,  N.  Y. 

'•  Our  beautiful  and  well  proportioned  edifice  is  now  completed,  looking  as  though  its  massive 
walls  of  solid  masonry  would  outlive  a  thousand  generations.  A  house  of  sufficient  dimensions  to 
accommodate  the  people  living  within  its  immediate  vicinity,  and  room  in  I'eserve  for  those  who  shall 
hereafter,  as  it  is  hoped,  be  induced  to  locate  themselves  in  this  elevated  and  healthy  region." 


62 


History  of  Mi jxtci.mr  Township. 


Further  additions  and  inipiMvenients  were  made  to  the  church  editice  in  186(1  during  the 
pastorate  of  Rev.  Nelson  Millaivl.  ( )ne  of  the  local  papers  stated  that :  "  The  Presbyterian  Church  at 
Montclair  was  reopened  yesterday  with  services  of  a  dedicatory  character.     *     *     * 

"  During  tlie  intermission  very  great  changes  have  been  accomplished.  The  ca])acity  of  the  house 
has  been  increased  by  the  addition  of  tifty  jiews,  and  about  two  huudi-cd  sittings.     Tlie  congregation  had 

overrun  the  ciiurch,  and  before  long  it  will  probably 
reijuii'e  extension.  It  will  now  seat  aljout  seven  hun- 
dred people.  A  beautiful  light,  open  iron  balcony 
presents  itself  in  front  of  a  new  narrow  gallery,  and 
the  effect  is  very  pleasing.  '■■■  *  *  The  old  pulpit 
has  been  replaced  by  a  new  one,  severely  plain,  in 
exact  keeping  with  the  simplicity  of  the  service  of 
the  church  and  modern  notions  of  pulpit  architecture. 
It  now  consists  of  a  mere  platform,  with  a  small  mov- 
al)le  desk." 

In  1870  the  organ  was  placed  in  the  church 
at  a  cost  of  about  §6,(H)0.  Tlie  public  school  bnilding 
located  on  ground  adjoining  the  church  lot  was  pur- 
chased in  ISCit,  and  converted  into  a  lecture  room,  and 
in   1SS;3  that  building  was  removed  and  the  present 


FIRST    PKKsllVTHKlA.N    rHUKCH. 


chapel  erected. 
The   first 


jiarsonage,  on  Eloomfield  Avenue, 
opposite  Park  Street,  was  built  about  the  time  of  the  original  church  building,  and  first  occupied  by  the 
Rev.  Sanuicl  Fisher,  D.D.,  and  his  family ;  his  son,  Rev.  Samuel  Fisher,  pastor  of  the  church,  boarded 
with  his  ])arents.  The  sti-ij)  of  land  on  M'liich  the  parsonage  was  bnilt  extended  from  Bloomtield  Avenue 
to  Church  Street,  and  was  a  legacy  from  Xathauiel  H.  Baldwin.  The  present  handsome  and  commodious 
parsonage,  located  in  Church  Street,  was  built  during  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  J.  R.  Berry,  D.D. 

In  1870  a  large  Colony  went  ont  from  the  First  Presley tei'ian  Church,  and  uniting  with  others 
formed  the  First  Congregational  Church  of  Montclair,  and  the  separation  took  place  amid  such  farewell 
greetings  and  beiiedictions  as  are  expressed  by  an  aiiectionate  but  overgrown  family  when  its  younger 
members  go  out  to  an  independent  life. 

Most  of  these  had  united  with  the  Presbyterian  Chnreh,  though  of  Congregational  convictions  and 
preferences.  Avith  the  understanding  that  they  should,  when  it  should  become  expedient,  withdraw  in 
order  to  organize  a  Congregational  Church.  The  departing  Colony  received  therefore  the  cordial  Gmlapeed 
of  the  old  MoTUER  CnrRcn. 

During  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Berry,  the  Trhi'dij  Vreisbyterhm  Church  (of  which  a  sketch 
appears  elsewhere  in  this  work)  Avas  established.  Its  charter  members  were  set  off  from  the  First 
Church  by  the  Presbytery  of  Xewark,  to  compose  the  new  organization. 

Francis  L.  Patton,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  President  of  Princeton  University,  supplied  the  pulpit  of  Trinity 
Church  for  a  year;  after  wiiich  the  present  devoted  and  highly  esteemed  pastor,  the  Rev.  (Jrville  Reed, 
was  settled  over  the  Church. 

Since  the  Re\'.  Dr.  Junkin  became  pastor  of  the  First  Church,  two  church  edifices  have  been 
built  in  Montclair,  at  a  cost  to  the  Mother  Church  of  ten  or  twelve  thousand  dollai-s. 

The  first  of  these  is  known  as  Grace  Presbyterian  Church.  It  stands  on  a  beautiful  and  extensive 
plot  of  ground, — the  generous  gift  to  the  Trustees  of  the  First  Church,  for  the  purposes  of  this  bnilding, 
of  Mr.  Alfred  J.  Crane, — at  the  corner  of  Forest  and  Chestnut  Streets.  Within  two  years  after  the 
establishment  of  a  Sunday  school,  by  the  First  Chnreh,  in  this  section  of  the  town,  so  hopeful  was  the 
progress  of  the  work,  the  bnilding  was  erected  and  a  chnreh  organized  ;  a  history  of  which  will  be 
found  on  another  page  of  this  work.     The  Rev.  F.  X.  Rutan  was  called  and  installed  as  its  first  jjastor, 


History  of  Moxtci.air  Townsiiii'.  (13 

and  tlie  church  lias  ^rown  steadily  durino^  his  pastorate.  He  and  his  peojile  are  held  in  high  rcirard  hy 
tlie  pastor  and  nieinhers  of  the  Motiier  (  hurch.  Tlie  colony  which  she  sent  out  has  become  a  prospei'ous  and 
growing  church,  and  the  building  and  plot  of  ground,  which  were  transfeiTed  to  their  Board  of  Trustees 
by  the  Trustees  of  the  First  ("hurch  in  1S9;^,,  has  become  the  centre  of  most  promising  Christian  activities. 

The  Cedar  Street  C/n'jie/  is  the  name  of  the  second  forward  movement  made  by  tlie  First 
Presbyterian  Church  durinof  the  la.st  few  vears.  The  lot  on  which  it  stands,  one  i)f  tlie  most  eligible 
and  Iteautiful  in  the  south  section  of  ilontdair.  was  given  to  the  First  Church,  as  a  site  foi-  the  chapel,  by 
i[essrs.  Edwin  and  J.  Caldwell  Williams.  It  was  a  most  generous  donation,  and  greatly  encouraged  and 
helped  the  devoted  woikers,  who  have  labored  so  zealously  to  establish  and  carry  on  the  Sunday  school, 
which  with  jireaching  services  conducted  there  on  Sunday  night,  gives  hopeful  ]iromisc  of  Frcsli\ tcrian 
advance  in  the  south  end  of  the  town. 

The  policy  of  the  First  Church  is  that  of  organizing  new  en.terprises,  new  centres  of  fri'sh 
aggressive  moveincnt.  rather  than  of  retaining  over-crowded  mcmbcrsliii)  in  the  ^Iotukk  Cnim  ii. 

The  old  landmark,  so  dear  to  the  hearts  of  many,  and  so  pleasantly  familiar  to  the  eyes  of  all  the 
people  of  ilontclair.  will,  however,  soon  be  a  thing  of  tlie  past,  a  fragrant  memory,  rich  with  sacred 
a.ssociations.  Arrangements  are  now  lieing  made  which  will  result  in  the  removal  of  the  old  and  the 
erection  of  a  new,  larger  an<l  handsomer  editice.  The  same  commanding  site  and  extensive  grounds  will 
be  used,  and  the  new  structure  will,  it  is  believed,  be  a  worthy  tribute  of  the  present  to  the  noble  and 
generous  past  of  this  honored  church.  The  alile  and  judicious  Hoard  of  Trustees,  under  whose  efficient 
management  this  forward  movement  is  ra])idly  taking  shape,  led  by  its  earnest  and  ilcvoted  President,  is 
composed  of  the  following  gentlemen:  I'.enjamin  Carter.  President;  William  Wallace.  Secretary; 
Artliur  llorton.  Treasurer;  I.  Seymour  Crane.  Andrew  P.  Morrison  and  .lohn  Maxwell. 

The  aggregate  expenditure  for  grounds  and  buildings  has  been  aiiout  ^S.'i.Ooo.  Since  its  orsraniza- 
tion  the  church  has  received  1,3.">7  per.-ions  into  its  membership — 741  by  certificate  and  6It)  on  profession 
of  faith.     There  are  now  450  communicants. 

The  record  f>f  e\|>enditures  for  the  tii-st  thirty-two  years  is  incomplete  and  no  accurate  state- 
ment is  po.-isible.  During  the  last  2:J  yeaiv  :i;::{2S,7n{i  has  been  expended.  Of  this  amount  §22U,«81  was 
raised  for  congregational  pui-])ose.s  ami  sKiS.Ol'.t  for  l>enevolent  objects. 

Of  the  eight  pastors  who  have  presided  over  tin.-  church  and  c()ngregation.  data  referring  to  the 
Work  of  tive  only  has  been  fouml. 

Uk\  .  -bii:  Fosir.R  JIalskv.  J).1J. 

Dr.  II al.-ey  was  a  graduate  of  Union  College  and  was  a  classmate  of  Hon.  Wm.  11.  Seward;  he 
studied  tlieology  at  Princeton  Seminary.  Ilis  first  ))a.storate  was  over  a  church  in  ^lonmonth  County. 
From  thence  he  removed  to  Allegheny,  but  his  voice  failing  him,  he  obtained  a  [)rofessor's  chair  at  a 
college  in  Missouri,  but  soon  resigned  to  open  a  female  seminary  at  Paritan  Hall,  Perth  Amboy.  He 
accepted  the  pastorate  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  at  West  PlooniKeld  in  18.52,  continuing  until  1856. 
It  was  during  his  pastorate  in  18.5ti  that  the  new  cliurch  edifice  was  erected.  He  left  this  church  to  go  to 
Norristown.  Pa.,  where  he  died  at  the  advanced  ase  of  eiirlitv-two. 

While  he  was  thoroughly  orthodox  as  to  his  religious  tenets  and  his  church,  his  heart  was  bi 
enough  and  his  charity  Ijroad  enough  to  end)race  every  member  of  the  human  family  within  their 
influence.  Sinii)le-hearted  and  gentle  as  a  child  in  mere  worhlly  matters,  in  the  cau.se  of  the  Master  he 
was  not  only  valiant,  but  an  aggressive  soldier,  who  would  not  abate  one  jot  of  his  faith,  his  loyalty  and 
his  allegiance. 

The  following  reference  to  the  installation  of  Rev.  J.  A.  Puikst  was  published  in  one  of  the  local 
papers  at  the  time  : 

"The  Rev.  J.  A.  Priest  was  installed  as  pastor  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  West  Bloomfield, 
N.  J.,  on  Tuesday  of  last  week  by  the  Presbytery  of  Newark.  Rev.  I.  X.  S]ii'ague,  of  Caldwell,  pre- 
sided;  Rev.  J.  Pingry  of  Roseville,  read  the  Scriptures  and  offered  the   introductory  prayer.     Rev.  Asa 


In 


64  History  of  Montci.air  Township. 

D.  Smith,  D.D.,  of  the  Fourteenth  Street  Presbyterian  Church,  New  York  City,  pi-eaelied  tlie  sermon; 
Rev.  I.  N.  Sprague  offered  the  installation  prayer;  Kev.  J.  Few  Smith,  D.D.  of  Newark,  delivered  the 
charge  to  the  pastor;  Rev.  C.  M.  N".  Nickols,  of  Newark, the  charge  to  the  people.  The  discourse  of  Dr. 
Smitii  was  based  on  Psalms  Ix.xxvii.  7;  'All  my  springs  are  in  thee.'" 

Referring  to  his  resignation  three  years  later,  the  same  paper  says:  "  Rev.  J.  A.  Priest,  of  West 
Bloomtield,  N.  J.,  has  resigned  the  charge  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  at  that  jilace,  and  intends  sojonrning 
in  Europe  for  a  couple  of  years  for  health  and  study.  We  trust  he  may  be  abundantly  prospered  and 
return  to  labor  for  many  years  in  that  sacred  calling  in  which  he  has  already  been  so  worthily  successful." 

Rev.  Nelson  Millard,    D.D. 

The  ])astorate  of  Rev.  Jlr.  ]\Iillard  extended  from  1S62  to  1867.  and  during  this  period  the  church 
increased  in  numbers  and  influence.     A  friend  of  Dr.  Millard,  under  date  of  March  24,  18(;7,  writes: 

"Mr.  Millard  did  not  venture  into  the  region  of  the  pathetic,  but  in  plain,  familiar  language,  often 
interrupted  by  emotion,  he  led  us  back  over  the  scenes  of  the  past  live  years  of  honest,  faithful  ministry. 
This  was  his  earliest  settlement,  and  he  will  probably  never  fail  to  reviev,-  the  scenes  of  his  ministry  here 
with  peculiar  jileasure.  Never  were  a  peo]ile  more  perfectly  united  in  a  pastor.  It  is  the  sundering  of 
ties,  such  as  are  seldom  formed — of  associations  full  of  endearment.  He  counseled  his  people  to  avoid 
divisions — to  be  willing  to  bear  and  forl>eai',  and  to  seek  the  general  good  of  the  church  even  to  the  sacri- 
fice of  private  judgment.  The  cliurch  now  numbers  about  three  hundred  members,  half  of  which  have 
joined  under  Mr.  Millard's  ministry.  ( )f  these  additions  twenty-two  were  by  profession  and  seventy  by 
eertitieate.  There  have  been  seventy  baptisms  (of  which  forty-eight  were  children)  and  twenty 
marriages." 

Dr.  j\[illard  left  this  church  to  go  to  the  Olivet  Street  Presbyterian  Church  in  Chicago,  and  was 
afterward  for  ten  years  pastor  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  in  Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  and  was  said  to  be 
"  one  of  the  ablest  clergymen  of  that  denomination  in  the  Empire  State."' 

Rev.  J.  RoMEYN  Berky,  D.D. 

Dr.  Berry  was  liorn  in  Ilackensaek,  N.  J.,  in  1826,  and  died  at  Asbury  Park,  N.  J.,  June  12,  1891. 
He  was  a  graduate  of  Rutgers  College  and  the  Theological  Seminary  of  New^  Brunswick.  While  quite 
young  he  became  the  pastor  of  the  Reformed  (/hurch  at  Lafayette,  now  a  part  of  Jersey  City.  From 
there  he  went  to  Fishkill.  N.  Y..  serving  as  the  pastor  of  the  Reformed  Church  there.  In  1 870  he  accepted 
the  unanimous  call  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  at  jMontclair.  One  of  the  Newark  papers  I'eferring 
to  the  call  said  :  "  Dr.  lieri-y's  experience  of  nineteen  years  in  the  ministry,  his  well-known  abilities  and 
his  invariable  success  in  the  several  fields  where  he  has  labored,  are  a  sufficient  guarantee  of  sTiccess  in  his 
new  field.  These  characteristics,  together  with  his  genial  manners,  are  sure  to  prepare  a  hearty  welcome 
for  him  among  his  Presbyterian  brethren  with  whom  he  now  casts  his  lot." 

An  impromptu  gathering  took  place  at  the  close  of  his  first  years  pastorate,  and  he  was  jiresented 
with  a  purse  of  $300  in  gold.  The  surprise  M-as  complete  and  the  response  touching.  He  said  that  the 
year  past  had  been  a  happy  one  with  him,  and  that  in  his  ministry  he  had  never  experienced  so  much 
kindness,  nor  spent  a  year  so  full  of  pleasant  memories. 

Just  previous  to  the  coming,  of  Dr.  Berry,  some  eighty  members  had  withdrawn  to  organize  the 
First  Congregational  Church  of  Montclair,  but  notwithstanding  this  loss  the  chu]-ch  prospered  and  there 
\vas  a  steady  growth  from  year  to  year.  During  his  pastorate  of  seventeen  years, — far  exceeding  that  of 
any  of  his  ]iredecessors, — 532  persons  were  admitted  to  the  chui'ch.  276  of  whom  united  upon  profession 
of  their  faith  in  Christ,  and  there  was  a  constant  growth  of  spirituality  among  its  members,  an  increase 
in  the  benevolent  contributions,  and  an  improved  material  and  financial  condition  of  the  church.  Nearly 
$50,000  of  the  debt  was  liquidated,  and  the  handsome  chapel  on  Church  Street  was  built  during  his 
ministration.     An  average  of  c>ver   $14,000  per  annum  was  raised  for   C(Uigregatiunal  and  benevolent 


'X,;i 


History  of  Moxtclair  Township. 


r.5 


purposes,  ami  (luring  the  last  two  years  of  his  pastorate,  i>'2  united  with  tlie  church  on  confession  of  faith 
and  36  by  certificate. 

Just  previous  to  his  departure  from  Montclair,  a  large  number  of  his  fellow-citizens  signed  the 
following  request : 

'■  Dear  Sir — The  undeisjgned  citizens  of  Montclair.   recognizing  tiic  value   of  your  niinstry  in 


our  community,  and  feel- 
indebted  to  you  in  ways  it 
ing  that  the.se  sentiments 
the  churches,  and  among 
gratified  to  have  a  public 
their  love  for  you  as  a 
you  as  a  minister,  ask  you 
when  they  may  meet  yon 
ing,  in  some  formal  way, 
and  esteem.  AVe  feel  that 
leave  the  place  where  yon 
so  efficiently  without  carry- 
ances  of  appreciation  as  we 
time  and  ])lace  as  shall  be 
Dr.  lierry,  in  his  reply, 
fectionate  suggestion,  but 
his  intended  departure 
tunity  for  such  a  reception, 
sum  of  ^.5,000  was  rai.sed 
ed  to  him  in  token  of  their 
appreci:ition  of  his  labors, 
noble  qualities,  foremost  in 
mankind;  as  a  j)reacher  lie 
ing  from  the  Great  Truths 
the  sole  purpose  to  build 
and  to  save  his  fellow-men. 


//. 

.( 

^  e 

^ 

/"  _^ 

^x 

Kl.\.    J. 


iMI.'.  N    1:1. KKV,    li.l). 


ing  that  the  whole  town  is 
cannot  repay:  and  believ- 
are  shared  by  many  in  ail 
all  classes,  who  wimld  be 
opportunity  of  expressing 
man,  and  their  love  for 
to  name  .some  near  day 
for  tlie  purpose  of  present- 
their  tribute  of  affection 
we  cannot  allow  you  to 
have  laliored  so  long  and 
ing  with  you  such  assur- 
desire  to  e.\  press  at  sucli 
most  pleasing  to  you." 
thanked  them  for  the  af- 
stated  that  the  nearness  of 
would  preclude  the  op]>or- 

liefore  his  departure  the 
hy  his  j)eople  and  present- 
love  to  him  and  of  their 

Dr.  IJeirv  was  a  man  of 
all  that  tended  to  benefit 
was  fen'ent  and  uiiwaver- 
wliich  he  expounded  with 
ujt  the  Kingdom  of  God 
I II  politics  he  was  a  staunch 


Republican.      Personally   Dr.   IJerry  was  a  kindly  disjjo.sed    gentleman,  of  commanding  and    dignified 
presence,  and  the  attachment  between  him  and  his  ])eople  was  deep  and  la.sting. 


Rev.  William   Finney  -fi  .nkin,   D.l)..   LI..I). 

It  was  certainly  a  "  new  departure,"  and  an  indication  of  the  progressive  spirit  of  its  membership 
for  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Montclair  to  call  as  pastor  a  man  who  from  his  youth  had  been 
identified  with  tiie  people  of  the  South,  and  was  as  much  a  Southern  man  in  priiicijile  as  though  t<<  the 
manor  born.  They  made  no  mistake  in  their  choice,  however,  as  results  have  proven.  Dr.  Junkin's 
work  had  been  in  a  different  field  under  different  environments,  l)ut  he  readily  adai)ted  himself  to  his 
new  field  of  labor,  and  found  the  people  in  hearty  sympathy  with  him  and  ready  to  aid  him  in  his  work. 
The  sketch  of  his  life  will  l)e  read  with  interest  by  those  who  have  learned  to  love  him  as  a  man  and 
admire  him  as  a  preacher. 

Rev.  William  F.  Junkin  was  born  in  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  May  1st,  1831.  lie  came  of  a  sturdy 
lineage.  His  father  was  Rev.  George  Junkin,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  the  famous  leader  of  the  Presbyterian 
t'hnrch  of  his  day.  whose  father  in  turn  was  Col.  Joseph  Junkin.  an  officer  in  the  Pennsylvania  line 
during  the  Revolution.  An  old  record  says  of  Col.  Junkin :  "ilis  Company  on  the  Tth  of  July,  1776, 
was  on  parade  when  a  courier  rode  up  with  the  news,  that  the  Declaration  of  Independence  had  been 


66  History  of  Moxtci.air  Towxsiiir. 

adopted  and  and  bringing  a  copy  of  the  instrument.  It  was  nnaninionslv  and  by  acclamation  ratified  on 
the  spot.  The  Company  volunteered  at  once,  and  soon  were  ordered  to  Amboy,  New  Jersey,  where  they 
were  em])loyed  in  guarding  the  Court.  lie  was  severely  wounded  at  the  Battle  of  Brandywine.  Having 
fainted  fi'om  loss  of  blood,  the  enemy  passed  him  liy,  taking  him  for  dead.  Night  came  on.  A  shower 
of  rain  revived  him.  He  arose,  and  di-eading  to  fall  into  the  enemy's  hands  he  made  his  way  across 
woods  and  fields  and  rejoined  his  connnand.  A  horse  was  procured  for  him  and  with  a  rope  for  a 
bridle,  a  Icnapsack  stutfed  with  hay  for  a  saddle  and  wrapped  in  his  bloody  garments,  he  ari-ived  at  his 
home,  ninety  miles  in  three  days." 

Joseph  Junkin's  gi'andmother  was  present  at  the  immortal  seige  of  Derry.  "  She  saw  from  the 
walls  of  glorious  old  Derry  the  smoke  of  the  most  important  gun  ever  fired,  the  lee-gun  of  the  2Iountjoy, 
which  righted  the  ship,  broke  the  boom,  relieved  the  starving  garrison,  forced  the  allies  to  raise  the  siege 
and  retreat  upon  the  Boyne,  where  the  arms  of  William  and  of  liberty  triumphed  and  completed  the 
blessed  Revolution  of  108S."  Just  a  centnrv  later  her  great-grandson,  George  Junkin,  was  born  at  the 
family  seat  in  Cumberland  County,  Pennsylvania.  From  a  JSIemorial  Yoluuie  of  distinguished  Pennsyl- 
vanians  we  quote :  "  He  was  a  man  of  God,  devout,  humble,  prayerful.  A  strong  intellect,  great 
])owers  of  generalization  and  analysis,  a  keen  and  discriminating  logic,  a  power  of  language  always  clear 
and  vigorous,  often  rising  to  the  height  of  poetry,  a  glowing  heart  full  of  deep  affection,  a  disposition 
firm  as  a  rock  when  contending  for  the  right,  but  gentle  as  a  woman's  in  all  social  elements,  made  George 
Junkiu  the  great  and  good  man  that  he  was."  While  a  student  of  theology,  under  the  distinguished  Dr. 
John  ^I.  Mason,  in  New  York,  he  assisted  in  organizing  the  first  Sunday  school  formed  in  that  city. 

He  was  a  jiroininent  leader  in  the  progress  and  conflicts  of  the  Presbyterian  Churcli.  A  staunch 
Ohl  ScJiouI  man  in  the  trying  times  of  1835-37,  he  maintained  then  and  always,  with  pen  and  voice 
and  undaunted  courage,  the  views  of  truth  as  he  believed  them.  He  was  the  author  of  many  ))Ooks  and 
addresses  and  essays  of  tiie  times.  As  the  founder  and  father,  and  President,  for  many  years,  of  Lafayette 
College,  at  Easton.  Penn.sylvania,  his  name  will  be  held  in  that  influential  institution  in  everlasting 
remembrance.  He  was  President  of  Miami  University,  in  Ohio,  and  for  many  years  also  President  of 
Washington  College,  now  Washington  and  Lee  University,  in  Virginia.  His  influence  in  these  seats  of 
learning  was  felt  and  acknowledged  throughout  many  States  of  the  ITnion.  He  left  his  delightful  home 
in  Lexington,  Virginia,  in  1861,  because  he  "would  not  live  under  any  other  flag  than  the  Stars  and 
Strij)es."  Dr.  George  Junkin  had  five  sons  and  three  daughters.  Among  these,  William  Finney  was 
the  youngest  son.  The  eldest  was  Margaret  J.  Preston,  of  Virginia,  whose  writings,  prose  and  jjoetry, 
have  given  her  a  name  as  one  of  the  most  gifted  women  of  the  country.  She  is  often  called  affection- 
ately the  So((ther7i  Poetess.  Another  daughter,  Elinor,  was  the  beloved  first  wife  of  Gen.  T.  J.  (Stone- 
wall) Jackson.  And  Mrs.  J.  M.  Fishburne.  of  Philadelphia,  is  an  honored  and  useful  officer  of  the 
Woman's  Foreign  Missionary  Board  of  the  Presbyterian  Cliurch.  John  Junkin,  M.D.,  the  Rev.  E.  D. 
Junkin,  D.D.,  an  able  Presbyterian  clergyman,  late  of  Texas,  and  George  Junkin,  Esq.,  for  years  a 
distinguished  and  honored  member  of  the  Philadelphia  Bar,  are  lirothers  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

William  E.  Junkin  was  graduated  at  Washington  College,  in  1851,  and  in  theology  at  the  Seminary 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  Princeton,  in  1854.  His  first  pastorate  was  in  the  Falling  Spring  Church, 
one  of  the  oldest  and  largest  in  the  Valley  of  A'irginia.  Here  he  remained  for  thirteen  years.  Four  of 
these  years  were  years  of  Civil  War.  He  volunteered  in  the  Confedei'ate  Army,  in  1861.  serving  under 
Generals  Henry  A.  Wise  and  Robert  E.  Lee.  in  Western  Virginia,  and  subsequently  in  the  Army  of 
Northern  Virginia,  as  a  private  soldier,  an  officer,  and  volunteer  chaplain.  Pie  was  for  a  time  Lieut.- 
Colonel  of  the  Reserves.  The  permanent  results  of  his  ministry  in  his  charge  of  the  old  Falling  Spring 
Church  were  a  large  increase  in  the  membership  and  efficiency  of  the  Church,  the  erection  of  a  beautiful 
manse,  and  the  building  of  a  lai-ge  and  handsome  church  which  adorns  one  of  the  most  picturesque  sites 
in  the  Virginia  Valley.  In  1868  he  was  called  to  the  pastorate  of  the  First  Church  of  Danville, 
Kentucky,  in  connection  with  the  Southern  Branch  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  While  iu  Kentucky 
his  Alma  Mate)',  Washington  and  Lee  LTniversity,  conferred  upon  him  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Divinitij. 


History  of  Montci.air  Towxsiiii'.  67 

As  a  preaclier  and  ehiirclimaii,  Dr.  Jiiiikin's  iiiflneiice  and  elo(juence  gave  liiin  liigh  position  tiiroiigliuut 
the  State.  His  inherited  devotion  to  educational  interests  led  him  into  large  fields  of  effort.  His 
labors  at  Danville  started  the  movement  and  did  much  to  lay  firmly  the  foundations  of  the  Ventral 
Unicersitij  of  Kentucky,  wliich  by  its  rapid  growth  and  rich  endowments  has  asserted  a  vast  power  for 
good  in  the  sonthwestern  section  of  onr  country.  In  the  position  of  Chancellor  of  the  University  for  a 
short  period,  and  as  Moderator  for  the  Synod,  expression  was  given  of  the  regard  in  which  he  was  held, 
by  tiiose  who  controlled  large  intluence  in  Ciinrch  and  State.  From  Kentuci<y  he  removed,  in  1876,  to 
Cliarleston,  Soutli  Carolina.,  to  take  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  Glebe  Street  Presbyterian  Churcii,  in  that 
city,  to  whicii  he  had  been  called  by  the  unanimous  vote  of  its  people.  He  had  been  preceded  in  this  charge 
by  the  renowned  pulpit  orator,  Dr.  Benjamin  M.  Palmer,  now,  and  for  many  years,  of  New  Orleans,  and  by 
Dr.  J.  L.  Girardeau,  wliose  fervid  zeal,  eloquence  and  scholarship  have  placed  him  liigh  in  the  public 
esteem,  both  in  his  own  State  and  throughout  the  South. 

During  Dr.  Junkin's  pastorate  in  Charleston,  the  (ileiie  Street  Cliiircii  drew  into  couiuH-tion  with 
itself  the  Central  Presltyterian  Church  of  that  city.  The  united  body  assumed  the  name  of  the  "West- 
minster Presbyterian  Cluireli,  wliose  imposing  church  edifice  adorn.-  the  historic  old  King  Street  in  the 
City  by  the  Sea.  Dr.  .iunkin's  intluence  extended  throughout  the  city  and  State,  reaching  f:ir  beyond 
denomimitional  lines.  lie  was  pi'ominently  and  acti\cly  identified  \ritli  educational  and  other  movements 
of  public  concern,  and  when  he  left  his  loved  Southern  home  in  Charleston — compelled  to  do  so  by  tiic 
sluttered  health  of  membei's  of  hi.-  family  —  the  Church.  High  S<-liool,  School  Boai'd.  the  civic 
authorities  and  the  city  press  were  loud  and  earnest  in  tiieir  declarations  of  regret,  anil  their 
expressions  of  admiration  and  regard.  .\fter  a  rest  of  a  few  months  in  his  old  Virginia  home, 
he  was.  in  Iss'i,  greatly  to  his  own  surprise,  asked  to  become  pastor  of  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Montclair.  His  force  of  char.icter,  faithful  and  able  pulpit  ministrations,  his  elo- 
quence and  zeal,  have  won  liiin  many  frieiul.s  and  assigned  him  a  jilace  of  prominence  and  large 
intluence  in  the  community.  The  aggre.-sive  character  of  his  church  work  has  advanced  the  Presbyterian 
interest,  adding  a  new  and  tlouri.-hiug  Church  and  a  most  promising  Cha])el  work  to  that  denomiiiMtion. 
The  degi-ee  of  LL.D.  was  conferred  on  Dr.  Junkin  during  his  early  ministry  in  Montelair.  in  1  >."i.i  Dr. 
Junkin  was  married  to  Anna  Aylett  Anderson,  eldest  daughter  of  Judge  Francis  Thomas  Anderson, 
Justice  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Appeals  of  Virginia,  where  the  record  of  liis  opinions  ranks 
him  with  his  illustrious  fellow  statesman,  John  .Mar-hall.  She,  like  her  husl>and,  comes  of  honored 
Revolutionary  lineage  and  churchly  Pre.-byterian  ancestry.  She  reaches  back  through  distinguished 
family  lines  during  the  Colonial  period  of  \'irginia's  hi.story  to  illustrious  antecedents  of  English  blood. 
She  is  the  gran<ldaughter  of  Andrew  Alexander,  of  N'irginia,  oldest  brother  of  Dr.  xVrchibald  Alex- 
ander, of  Princeton  Theological  Seminary.  Ilcr  maternal  grandfather.  William  Aylett.  was  Commissary- 
general  in  the  Revolutiomiry  war.  Her  |)ati'rnal  iriandfathcr.  William  .\nderson,  was  an  active  colonel 
in  the  war  of  \'S\'l,  and  also  a  distimrui.-hed  -oldier  durins^  the  llevolution.  In  i)oth  tiiese  wars  he  was  a 
volunteer. 

Of  Dr.  Junkin's  seven  children  five  are  living,  two  sons  and  three  daughters.  His  oldest  son, 
Francis  T.  A.  Junkin,  is  a  lawyer  in  New  York  City,  and  the  youngest,  William  Alexander  Junkin,  a 
student  at  the  Univereitv  of  Virginia.     All  the  daughtei*s  are  married. 

Sl-XDAY    ScHOOI.. 

It  has  been  .stated  that  the  fir.st  Sunday  school  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey  was  established  as  early 
as  181-t  in  connection  with  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  at  Newark,  in  the  house  of  Kev.  Dr.  liichards, 
who  was  then  pastor  of  that  church,  liut  the  oldest  inhabitants  of  this  section  state  that  in  1813  Michael 
Osborn,  an  a])prentice  of  W.  Crane,  then  associated  with  Israel  Crane  in  the  cotton-s})inning  mills  on 
Tony's  Brook,  started  a  Sunday  school  in  Bloonitield  in  which  he  was  assisted  by  Gorline  Doremus. 

The  movement  extended  to  West  Bloomfield  as  early  as  1816,  and  for  many  years  before  the  First 


68  HiSTOKV    OF    ^NIONTCLAIR    TOWNSVIII'. 

Presbyterian  Cliurch  was  organized  in  West  Bloouifield  Suiiday-seliool  services  were  lield  in  the  pulilic 
scliool  building,  and  teachers  from  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomiield  came  regularly  on  Sunday 
afternoons  to  assist  in  the  work.  This  was  the  nucleus  of  the  church  and  Sunday  school,  whicli  was 
regidarly  organized  in  1837-8.  The  first  supei'intendent  of  the  new  school  was  J\lr.  Warren  llnlt,  who 
at  that  time  was  a  teacher  in  the  district  school.  He  was  succeeded  by  Ellas  B.  Crane,  John  Munn  and 
J.  B.  Wheeler.  The  ohl  scliool  room  wliicli  formed  the  lecture  room  of  the  new  churcli  was  used  for  the 
Sunday  school.  After  the  changes  were  made  in  the  old  building  and  a  more  suitable  room  was  provided 
for  the  Sunday  school,  Mv.  Williaiu  S.  Morris  Ijecanie  superintendent.  Mr.  Philip  Doremus,  who  was 
one  of  the  original  scholars  of  tlie  school,  returned  to  his  native  place  in  1848,  after  an  absence  of  several 
years,  and  entered  the  school  as  a  teacher,  and  in  1853  became  superintendent.  He  had  long  been  con- 
nected with  a  prominent  church  and  Sunday-school  in  Brooklyn,  and  was  thoroughly  imbued  with  the 
advanced  ideas  of  that  period,  the  most  important  of  which  was  Sunday-school  missionary  work.  He 
introduced  this  and  many  other  improvements,  which  proved  of  great  and  lasting  benefit  to  this  school. 
During  his  administration  Mr.  Wm.  B.  Bradbury,  the  famous  author  of  Sunday-school  hymn  books,  and 
the  manufacturer  of  the  piano  which  bears  his  name,  was  a  frequent  visitor  to  this  school,  and  assisted 
in  drilling  the  children  in  singing  the  tunes  from  his  own  books,  which  had  been  adopted  by  the  school. 

An  event  of  interest  at  this  time  connected  with  the  failing  health  of  Mr.  Bradbury,  and  expressing 
the  warm  attachment  to  him  by  the  school,  is  worthy  of  mention. 

On  a  beautiful  Sabbath  in  June,  at  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning,  the  school  assembled  at  the  church, 
and,  after  forming  in  line,  headed  by  the  superintendent,  marched  in  procession  to  the  Mountain  House, 
where  Mr.  Bradbury  was  then  boarding.  He  was  seated  in  an  invalid  chair  at  one  end  of  the  large  parlor. 
The  scliool  formed  in  a  circle  about  him  and  sang  several  choice  selections  from  his  own  collection  of  Sun- 
day-school hymns.  The  children  then  passed  him  in  single  file  as  they  left  the  room,  each  one  presenting 
him  with  a  bouquet  with  their  best  wishes.  It  was  a  touching  scene,  which  left  its  impress  on  the  hearts 
of  the  children,  while  this  "sweet  singer  of  Isi'ael '"  shed  tears  of  joy  and  gladness,  and  carried  with  him 
these  delightful  memories  as  he  passed  through  the  dark  valley,  and  the  refrain  of  the  children's  songs 
was  doubtless  heard  on  the  "  other  side  "  as  he  entered  the  eternal  abode. 

Mr.  Doremus  was  connected  with  the  school  for  nearly  forty  years — fifteen  of  which  was  as  super- 
intendent. During  his  faithful  labors  as  teacher  and  superintendent,  hundreds  were  added  to  the  church 
from  the  ranks  of  the  Sabbath  school,  many  of  whom  have  since  become  teachers  in  this  and  other  schools. 
He  was  succeeded  by  Dr.  H.  H.  Lloyd,  who  conducted  the  school  with  marked  intelligence,  interest  and 
success,  up  to  the  time  of  his  decease.  Mr.  Samuel  Wilde,  who  had  efficiently  served  the  school  as 
President  of  the  Sunday-school  JVlissionary  Society,  was  chosen  to  succeed  Dr.  Lloyd,  and,  in  his  new 
relations,  evinced  the  same  zeal  and  devotion  that  characterized  his  previous  work.  His  individual 
resources  and  extensive  ac(|uaintance  with  iironilnent  Christian  workers  in  different  parts  of  the  country, 
enabled  him  to  contribute  much  to  tlie  public  exeicises  of  the  school  at  its  anniversary  meetings  and 
Christmas  entertainments. 

He  was  succeeded  by  Thomas  B.  Graham,  who  for  a  munber  of  years  did  excellent  service  for  the 
school  by  the  introduction  of  new  methods  which  were  prosecuted  with  prudence  and  energy. 

Dr.  George  Hawes  was  the  next  superintendent  and  conducted  the  affairs  of  the  school  very  satis- 
factorily to  the  church,  particularly  in  the  study  of  the  shorter  catechism,  and  a  higher  class  of  Sunday- 
school  nuisic.  His  death  occurred  while  still  holding  this  position,  and  his  loss  was  severely  felt  both  by 
the  church  and  school. 

Elder  Thomas  Russell  was  the  unanimous  choice  of  the  school  as  his  successor,  and  for  many  years 
discharged  the  duties  with  fidelity  and  devotion,  and  with  marked  success.  The  school  largely  increased 
in  numbers  during  his  administration,  and  a  deeper  interest  in  the  study  of  the  Word  of  God  was  devel- 
oped, and  the  school  was  held  in  close  relationship  with  the  church.  He  continued  in  office  until  the 
autumn  of  1890. 

Charles  H.  Baker  was  elected  suijerintendent  in  (October,  189U,  and  held  the  jjosition  until  May, 


History  of  Montci.air  Township. 


69 


1893.  He  was  tlioroiiglily  qiuilitied  for  tlic  office,  haviuii;  tilled  a  similar  position  in  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church  ill  Brooklyn.     He  was  also  assistant  superintendent  of  the  chapel  connected  witli  this  church. 

!Mr.  liaker  resijrned  his  position  as  superintendent  of  this  school  in  May,  1893,  and  Mr.  Thoniiis 
Russell  accepted  the  po.sition  temporarily. 

The  present  officers  of  the  school  (1894)  are:  Thomas  Russell,  Superintendent;  J.  A.  Sanford, 
Assistant  Su])erintendent ;  Charles  H.  Baker.  Secretary  ;  Miss  Grace  Howell,  Treasurer ;  Jolm  Mnrphy 
and  William  I'eake,  A.«sistant  Librarians. 

The  school  numbers  at  the  present  time  :24o,  of  which  1-lU  are  in  the  main  school  and  35  in  the 
primary  department. 

TRINITY  PRESBVTKRIAN  CHURCH. 

The  preliminary  efforts  that  led  to  the  organization  of  this  cluircJi  were  l)Cirnn  in  tiie  summer  of 
lS8ti.     The  tir>t  meeting  was  he]<l  on  August  17th,  at  the  residence  of  L).  V.  Harrison.     There  were 

]>resent  at  this  meeting:  I).  Vincent  Harrison,  Abra- 
liam  Bussing,  William  I..  Ludlam.  I'Mward  S.  Smith, 
Kobert  Lj.  Hutchinson.  Dr.  .lolm  .1  11.  Love,  E.  Au- 
gustus Smith,  Charles  li.  ^lorris  and  I'iiilip  Doremus. 
A  committee  consisting  of  ^lessrs.  Harrison  and  Dore- 
nnis  was  appointed  to  prepare  a  petition  to  the  Presby- 
tery of  Newark,  for  the  organization  and  secure  the 
ncci'ssarv  sijinatnres. 

\t  a  meeting  held  at  the  iiouse  of  Mr.  Harrison, 
Saturday  evening,  Oct.  id,  1SS<;,  reported  the  follow- 
ing i)ctition,  signed  by  fifty-eight  church  members: 

'•  To  TiiK  Presbyteky  of  Newakk. — We,  whose 
names  are  subscribed,  residents  of  Montclair,  respect- 
fully beg  leave  to  make  the  following  presentation  to 
your  body.  After  long  and  careful  deliberation,  it 
ha.s  become  our  conviction  that  the  time  has  come  for  the  organization  of  another  Presbyterian  Church  in 
Montclair.  In  forming  this  opinion  and  seeking  to  give  it  effect  through  your  authority  we  believe  we 
are  prayerfully  seeking  the  interest  of  Christ's  Kingdom  in  our  community.  We  believe  the  best  interests 
of  our  denomination  require  that  the  action  now  contemplated  and  sought  from  you  should  be  no  longer 
delayed.  We  therefore  petition  that  your  honorable  body  will  take  such  steps  a,s  are  requisite  for  the 
organization  of  a  new  Presbyterian  Church  in  ilontclair  at  your  earliest  practical  convenience. 

••  .MoMcr.AiK,  New  Jersey,  Aug.  is,  ISSfi." 

The  ])etition  was  granted  by  a  unanimous  vote  of  the  Presbytery,  and  at  a  meeting  held  in  the 
old  Presbyterian  church,  on  Thursday  evening,  Oct.  14th,  it  was  duly  organized  by  the  Presbytery  of 
Xewark,  with  fifty-eight  members,  fifty-seven  on  certificates  (mostly  from  the  Presbyterian  Church  in 
Montclain,  and  one  on  profession  of  faith,  under  the  name  of  "Trinity  Presbyterian  Church  of  Mont- 
clair." 

The  following  certificates  were  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  commissioners: 

John  J.  II.  Love,  Francis  J.  Love,  Edith  Love,  Philip  Uoremus,  Hester  A.  Doremus,  Carrie  S. 
Doremus,  Adah  N.  Doremus,  Annette  C.  Goodell,  S.  C.  G.  Watkins,  Mary  Y.  Watkins,  Caroline 
Doremus,  Martha  M.  Doremus,  JIary  K.  Doremus,  Julia  ^.  French,  Albert  French,  Caroline  French, 
H.  C.  Dabney,  D.  Ileber  Baldwin,  Effie  K.  Baldwin,  Eveline  P.  Munn,  Abbey  M.  Munn,  Josephine 
French,  William  L.  Ludlam,  x\nna  R.  Ludlam,  Frances  W.  Priest,  Martha  B.  Priest,  S.  Maud  W. 
Priest,  Daniel  Y.  Harrison.  Frances  P.  Harrison,  Benjamin  Y.  Harrison.  Peter  A.  Tronson,  M.  Ilattie 


I  M'.Y  I  K.KIAN    I  }l 


70  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

Tronson,  Samuel  T.  Stewart,  Marv  C.  Stewart,  Julia  T>.  Douolass,  Charlotte  Isabel  Bavles,  Edward  S. 
Smith,  Arabella  G.  Smith,  Charles  B.  Morris,  Fannie  L.  Bacon,  Carrie  A.  "Williams.  Eliza  il.  Morris, 
Mary  C.  Meade,  Harriet  ]\I.  Meade,  Samuel  C.  Mnnn,  Abraham  Bussing,  Emma  F.  Bussing,  Alice  C. 
Bussing. 

From  the  First  Congregational  Church,  Montclair :  Eobert  G.  Hutchinson.  Alniira  Hutchinson, 
Robert  G.  Hutchinson. 

From  the  Congregational  Church  in  Wells  River,  Vt. :  Clara  B.  Morris,  wife  of  C.  B.  Morris  above. 

From  the  Caldwell  Presbyterian  Churcli.  Caldwell.  X.  J.:  Mrs.  Sarah  ^Montanye.  Miss  Alice 
Montanye. 

From  the  Reformed  Church.  Little  Falls.  N.  J.:  Mrs.  Ella  Obrien  Munn.  wife  of  Joseph  W. 
Munn. 

From  the  Brooklyn  Tabernacle  Presbyterian  Church,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.:  Mrs.  Elizabeth  C.  Mead. 

From  the  Lafayette  Avenue  Presbyterian  Church,  Brooklyn,  N".  Y.:  Miss  Sarah  "W.  Walker. 

Miss  Marie  ilargucrite  Tronson  united  with  the  churcli  on  profession  of  faith. 

An  election  for  Elders  at  this  time  resulted  in  the  election  of  D.  Y.  Harrison  for  a  term  of  three 
years,  and  Philip  Doremus  for  two  years,  both  of  wliom  were  duly  installed. 

By  permission  of  Presbytery  the  church  provided  for  its  pulpit  and  Prof.  Francis  L.  Patton,  D.J)., 
of  Princeton,  X.  J.,  was  engaged  by  the  Society  to  preach  for  them  until  a  pastor  could  be  .secured. 

The  first  regular  service  was  held  in  Montclair  Hall,  October  17th,  the  Sabbath  following  the  day 
of  organization. 

The  iirst  baptism  took  place  Sabbath  morning,  December  12,  1886,  being  that  of  Annie 
Yarrington  "Watkins.  born  January  2S,  1SS3,  daughter  of  Dr.  S.  S.  G.  "Watkins,  and  granddaughter  of 
Pliili])  Doremus. 

The  Society  very  soon  jiurehased  property  containing  about  one  and  a  quarter  acres  on  the  corner 
of  Yalley  Road  and  Church  Street,  at  a  cost  of  s7,."j(>0,  on  which  a  frame  building  -iO  by  08  feet  was 
erected,  fronting  on  Churcli  Street,  with  a  seating  capacity  of  350  persons.  The  cost  of  building, 
inchiding  furniture,  ii.xtures,  etc.,  was  S.5,781.  The  entire  cost  was  $13,281.  Of  this  amount  §8,30(> 
was  rai.sed  by  subscription,  leaving  a  balance  of  §4.075.  wiiicli  was  secured  by   mortgage  on  the  ])roperty. 

The  chapel  was  opened  for  pulilic  worship  Jfay  29,  1887.  Dr.  Patton  supplied  the  pulpit  at 
intervals  imtil  the  summer  of  1888,  wlien  a  call  was  extended  to  Rev.  Orville  Reed,  and  he  was  duly 
installed  as  pastor  on  the  evening  of  October  11,  1888. 

The  first  auxiliary  society  organized  was  that  of  the  "  Ladies  Church  Home  Society,"  in  1887, 
its  object  being  "  the  social  development  and  material  interest  of  the  clinrch." 

The  total  amount  I aised  the  first  year  for  regular  expenses  and  benevolent  purposes  was  §3,263. 
The  second  year  the  total  amount  raised  was  §12,395.58,  which  included  tlie  subscriptions  to  the  church 
building  fund.  The  amount  rai.sed  the  third  year  was  §-1,517.  In  1890,  §5,350.  In  1891  the  total 
sum  was  §9,115.-42,  of  whicli  §1,732.28  was  contributed  to  Home  and  Foreign  Missions.  An  organ  was 
also  purchased  for  the  church  at  a  cost  of  about  §3,000.  In  1892  the  amount  raised  was  §7,347.55, 
of  which  §2,284.08  was  for  benevolent  purposes.  In  1893  the  total  sum  was  $7,678.64,  of  which 
$1,890.71  was  for  benevolent  purposes. 

In  1887  the  additions  to  the  membership  were  6,  making  total  of  64.  In  1888,  there  were  2 
on  profession  of  faith  and  19  on  certificate.  In  1>89,  there  were  2  on  profe.ssion  of  faith  and  16  on 
certificate;  2  dismissed;  liaptism  of  infants,  2.  In  1890,  there  were  6  on  profession  of  faith  and  15 
on  certificate ;  6  dismissed.  In  1891,  there  were  10  united  on  profession  of  faith  and  4  on  certificate. 
In  1892,  there  were  10  received  on  profession  of  faith  and  12  on  certificate;  3  dismissed.  In  1893,  there 
were  added  by  letter  12,  and  4  on  confession  ;  3  dismissed  and  2  deceased.  The  total  membership  at  the 
close  of  1893  was  158. 

The  present  officers  of  the  church  are:  Elders,  Philip  Doremus,  Benjamin  Strong,  Daniel  ^^ 
Harrison,  Edwin  Ferris.  E.  A.  Smith;  Clerk.  Benjamin  Strong:  Treasurer,  Edwin  Ferris. 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  71 

Trustees. — Dr.  John  .1.  II.  I.ovp,  President.  D.  H.  Baldwin,  Secretary,  "William  L.  Ludlani. 
Treasurer,  Edwin  B.  (Toodell,  "William  Y.  Buirle,  Dr.  S.  ('.  G.  AVatkins,  Adrian  O.  Sclioonmaker. 

Auxilianj Socledt'f. — Ladies"  Clnircli  Home  Society, "Woman's  Foreign  ilissionarv  Society,  Woman's 
Home  Missionary  Society,  Young  People's  Society  of  f 'liristian  Endeavor,  Cliildren's  Mission  Band,  Boys' 
C-hib. 

SlXDAY    St[[(llir,. 

The  Sunday  school  was  organized  inmiediately  after  the  first  Sabbath  morning  service  with  a 
membership  of  fifty,  and  Mi-.  William  h.  Ludlam  was  cho.sen  Superintendent,  wjio.  with  the  exception 
of  one  year,  has  continued  up  to  the  present  time. 

Tiie  school  has  steadily  increased  in  numbers  and  interest  under  his  able  management.  The 
report  for  1892  shows  a  total  of  10  teachei-s,  18!)  scholars,  and  an  average  attendance  of  72.  Number 
added  to  the  church  from  the  school,  17.     Number  of  volumes  in  the  library.  2.50. 

Present  OjjJrers. — William  L.  Ludlam,  Su])erintendent,  William  Whitney  Ames,  Secietarv  and 
Treasurer,  W.  Leslie  Ludlam,  Jr.,  Assistant,  W.  E.  Strong.  Librarian. 

Bf\.  Okvii.i.k  Reeu. 

Trinity  Presbyterian  Church  was  fortunate  in  its  selection  of  K(\.  ( >rville  IJeed  as  its  tirst  i>astor, 
a  man  whose  training  and  experience  eminently  titled  him  for  the  work  of  building  up  a  new  interest  in 
a  field  of  labor  where  the  denomination  he  represents  has  held  sway  for  more  than  a  hundreil  years.  Mr. 
Reed  comes  of  Puritan-HoUand-Diitch  ancestry.  He  is  tlie  youngest  of  four  brothers,  all  of  whom  are 
ministers  of  the  gospel.  His  patenial  ancestor  was  probably  John  Reed,  of  Norwalk,  Conn..  \\  liu  caiiu'  from 
England  in  Itliin.  He  had  served  in  the  army  of  the  Commonwealth,  and  at  the  restoration  of  Charles 
II.  he  left  England  with  many  others.  He  entered  the  army  at  the  age  of  sixteen,  and  had  risen  to  office 
in  which  he  gained  di.<tinction  for  .some  heroic  service.  In  IT'ln  four  of  his  grandchildren,  James,  Ezra, 
Elijah  and  Eiiakim  settled  in  Armenia,  N.  Y.,  and  became  tiie  |>rojectors  of  this  branch  of  the  family. 

On  his  mother's  side  Rev.  Mr.  Reed  is  des'-ended  from  the  Aliens  of  Coniu'Cticut,  and  Abnmi 
Jac(il(  I^ansing,  the  founder  of  Lansingburg.  Mr.  Reed  was  prepared  for  college  by  a  private  tutor,  and 
entered  the  Sophomore  Cla.ss  of  "^'ale  in  187-1  and  was  graduated  in  1^77.  lie  afterward  taught  for  a 
year  in  the  High  School  at  Troy,  and  then  entered  I'nion  Theological  Seminary,  wiiere  he  sjjent  two 
years,  and  was  then  sent  abroad  as  tutor  in  Robert  College,  Constantinople.  This  gave  hiiTi  the 
o])portunity  to  travel  aiui  aecjuaiut  himself  with  the  cu.--toms  of  the  East.  He  remained  abroad  three 
vears  returning  in  the  autuum  of  1SS3,  and  was  graduated  in  Auburn  Seminarv  in  ISSI.  11  is  first 
pastoral  work  was  at  Springfield,  Ma.ss.,  where  he  had  charge  of  two  mission  chapels  connected  «  ith  the 
Congregational  Church  of  that  ]>lace.  Later,  he  became  as.sociate  pa-stor  of  Hope  Congregational  Cinircli. 
He  continued  his  laboi-s  there  until  the  summer  of  18S8,  when  he  acce])ted  a  call  from  the  Trinity 
Presbyterian  Church,  and  was  soon  after  installed  as  its  pastor.  He  was  cordially  received  by  the  pastors 
of  other  denominations  and  given  a  hearty  welcome  by  the  community.  He  is  faithful  and  earnest  as  a 
preacher,  aiul  the  church  has  had  a  steady  and  healthy  growth  under  his  pastorate.  He  has  been  in 
hearty  .sym])athy  with  and  labored  earnestly  for  the  several  reform  and  benevolent  movements  tliat  have 
been  organized  from  time  to  time  in  the  community. 

ilr.  Reed  married  in  1884  Caroline  ^fargaret.  daughter  of  Dr  T.  L.  Byiugtoii.  of  Coustantinoi)le, 
missionary  to  the  Bulgarians.  She  is  a  native  of  Adrianople  and  was  a  teachei-  in  tiie  American  College 
for  young  ladies  at  Scutari,  opposite  Coustantinople. 

GRACE  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

The  movement  which  led  to  the  establishment  of  this  church  was  begun  in  1889,  by  the  First 
Presbyterian  Church,  and  was  tlie  outcome  of  a  desire  on  the  part  of  the  Presbyterian  churches  to 
extend  their  work  into  the  section  of  Montclair  nortli  of  Walnut  Street.     They  recognized   the  fact   that 


72  History  of  jMoxtci.aik  Township. 

all  the   c'liiii'clies   were   centred   Mnniiid    Bludiuiield    Avenue,   and   tliat  tlie  newer  fiection  was  without  a 
ehnrch. 

During  1SS9  a  collection  was  taken  np  in  the  First  Preshyterian  Church  every  Sabbath  evening; 
this  collection  formed  a  nucleus  of  a  fund  with  which  to  start  the  new  enter|)rise,  and  early  in  1890  the 
work  was  pushed  forward.  A  joint  committee  of  the  two  churches,  consisting  of  Dr.  Junkin  and  Mr. 
Wilson  W.  Smith,  of  the  First  Church,  Eev.  Orville  Reed  and  Mr.  Philip  Doremus,  of  Trinitj 
Clairch,  took  steps  to  organize  the  work.  Through  the  kindness  of  the  officers  of  the  Greenwood  Lake 
Railroad,  the  waiting  room  of  the  Montclair  depot  was  secured  as  a  temporary  place  of  meeting  until 
such  time  as  a  suitable  building  could  be  secured. 

The  first  meeting  was  held  at  the  depot  on  Sabbath  afternoon,  June  22d,  1890,  and  the  services 
were  conducted  by  Rev.  AVilliam  F.  Junkin,  D.D.,  of  the  F'irst  Presbyterian,  and  Eev.  Orville  Reed,  of 
the  Trinity  Presbyterian  Church. 

On  the  following  Sabbath,  June  29th,  Mr.  Henry  A.  Strohmeyer  was  elected  Superintendent,  and 
Mr.  Raymond  S.  Pearce,  Secretary.  There  wei'e  present  forty-one  scholars  and  eighteen  teachers.  The 
school  continued  to  meet  in  the  depot  until  Dec,   1S9(>. 

A  choice  building  lot  on  the  corner  of  Chestnut  and  F'orest  Streets  was  presented  to  the  Society 
by  INfr.  Alfred  J.  Crane,  and  on  this  a  chapel  was  erected,  which  was  formally  dedicated  on  Sunday, 
Jan.  19, 1891.  Dr.  Junkin  preached  the  dedicatory  sermon,  and  Rev.  Orville  Reed  made  the  dedication 
]irayer. 

Architecturally  the  chapel  is  a  thorough  success,  effective  in  its  outlines,  and  symmetrical  in  its 
prop(_irtions ;  the  interior  pi-esents  an  artistic  appearance,  and  is  well  an-anged  with  a  view  to  comfort  and 
convenience.  The  pulpit  is  of  carved  oak,  and  is  an  elegant  jiiece  of  work ;  it  is  a  memorial  of  Mr. 
Ilirani  Littell,  who  was  for  many  years  an  honored  ruling  elder  in  the  F'irst  Presljyterian  Church. 

The  church  has  been  financially  self-sustaining  sir.ce  the  autunin  of  1891,  and  in  October  of  that 
year,  Rev.  F.  N.  Rutan  was  engaged  to  preach.  On  Peb.  15,  1892,  it  became  a  separate  and  distinct 
organization,  under  the  name  of  Grace  Presbyterian  Church,  and  Mr.  Rutan  was  called  to  be  its  regular 
pastor,  March  1,  1892.  The  total  membership  at  this  time  was  ()7,  and  the  following  were  the  first 
officers  elected :  Elders. — H.  Y.  Torrey,  C.  A.  Cook,  P.  P.  Zeiger,  (4.  S.  Jellerson.  Becwons. — H.  A. 
Strohmeyer,  T.  J.  Selever,  William  Clubb.  Trustees. — P.  P.  Zieger,  N.  D.  "Wyman,  A.  J.  Crane, 
G.  M.  Johnstone.      Trusteex. — F.  P.  Zieger,  N.  D.  Wyman,  A.  J.  Crane,  G.  M.  Johnstone,  I.  Campbell. 

The  present  officers  are:  Elderx. — II.  T.  Torrey,  C.  A.  Cook,  II.  A.  Strohmeyer,  G.  S.  Jellison. 
Deacons.— T.  J.  Selever,  William  <  Mnbb,  X.  11.  Cook.  Trustees.— y^.  D.  AVyman,  Alfred  J.  Crane,  G.  M. 
Johnstone.  R.  Smith.  James  II.  Renshaw. 

The  total  number  enrolled  in  the  Sabbath  school  is  2.5(),  of  which  there  are  officers,  4,  teachers, 
21,  and  scholars,  225. 

METHODISM  AND  THE  MONTCLAIR  M.  E.  CHURCH. 

Although  the  birth  of  Methodism  in  Rloomfield  and  West  IJloomtield  can  only  be  traced  back 
some  eighty  odd  years,  there  is  little  doubt  but  that  the  ''  circuit  rider," — whose  circuit  often  extended 
over  a  territory  from  fifty  to  one  hundred  miles, — held  at  different  times  meetings  in  this  locality,  and 
that  the  seed  thus  scattered  by  the  wayside,  in  due  course  of  time,  bore  fruit  which  formed  the  nucleus  of 
the  first  Methodist  church  within  the  limits  of  the  present  township. 

]Most  of  the  facts  in  connection  with  the  history  of  this  organization  are  embodied  in  an  historical 
sketch  delivered  by  Rev.  J.  I.  Poswell,  in  1879,  before  a  large  assemblage,  "in  the  last  service  held  in  the 
(lid  building."     He  says  : 

MoNTCLAiE  Methodism. 

•'  About  1SU4  this  region  formed  a  small  part  of  Haver.straw  circuit,  and  was  under  the  charge  of 
Rev.  Barney  Matthias.  The  circuit  was  of  great  extent,  and  the  preacher  rode  from  place  to  place, 
preaching  in  school-houses,  in  private  houses,  and  frequently  in  barns.     The   ]io[)ulatiun    was  small  and 


HlST()RV   OF   MONTCI.AIR   TowxsHir.  73 

■scatterefK  and  the  preacher  enjoyed  lianl  work  and  small  pay.  It  was  the  day  when  sacrifices  were 
made,  tlie  precious  fruits  of  whicli  we  are  now  reaping.  At  the  (piarterly  meeting  held  at  the  ham  of 
Martiny  II()geneaiiip"s.  near  tlie  ])ond  in  darkstown.  Rockland  f'onnty.  X.  Y.,  on  Saturday,  the  1st  of 
November,  180.>,  tliere  is  an  account  of  moneys  received  from  tlie  ditferent  classes.  The  amount  received 
was  $35.24,  and  tlie  faithful  preacher  received  as  his  salary  for  a  quarter  of  the  year,  §27.68,  with  which 
he  mounted  his  horse  and  rode  on  his  way  rejoicing. 

"In  1811  the  circuit  was  divided  and  this  region  became  a  part  of  Bergen  circuit,  and  was 
miller  the  charge  of  two  preachers,  whose  names  alone  survive.  This  circuit  was  wide  in  extent,  and  the 
two  jtreachers  were  not  in  the  least  danger  of  dying  for  lack  of  something  to  do.  It  included  such 
places  as  Orange,  then  called  Orange  Furnace  (or  factory),  Ilaverstraw  and  Nyack,  in  Ilockland 
County,  X.  Y.,  and  Fort  Lee,  Paterson  aiul  Newark,  X.  J.  The  fir.st  mention  which  we  have  of  Bloom- 
field  is  in  the  year  181".  In  August  of  the  preceding  year — ISlfi — Bergen  circuit  held  a  quarterly 
conference.  X^ewark  jiaid  in  at  this  conference  for  the  su]>port  of  the  two  preachers,  *7.()'i  ;  Paterson,  ^1 ; 
Ilaverstraw,  §0.S7i  ;  and  Bloomfield  now  makes  its  first  a])pearance  with  S4.16  in  its  hand.  The  entire 
amount  rai.sed  was  ?iit2.51,  of  which  nearly  one-third  was  raised  by  ])ublic  collection.  Bergen  circuit 
formed  a  part  of  the  East  Jersey  District,  wliich  district  included  such  places  as  Trenton,  Stroudsburg, 
Pater.son  and  Staten  Island.  It  was  attached  to  the  l'hiladeli)liia  conference,  wliich  in  those  days 
included  Xew  Jersey,  Delaware,  Maryland  and  a  large  part  of  Pennsylvania." 

In  the  year  1813.  a  young  man  named  Michael  Osborn  was  a|)prenticed  to  W.  Crane,  a  joint 
proprietor  with  Israel  Crane  and  others  in  the  cotton  spinning  mills  located  near  the  present  site  of  the 
vacant  Wheeler  mill  just  off  from  Bloomfield  Avenue,  where  the  I)..  L.  iV:  W.  R.K.  crosses  if.  lie  became 
acquainted  with  another  young  man  named  fiorlinc  Dorenius  :  and.  both  anxious  to  do  good,  they 
resolved  to  organize  a  Sunday  .school.  .Several  of  the  parents  objected  as  they  thought  that  the  (l;iy  sch(»ol 
was  sufficient.  The  .school  was,  however,  opened  with  eight  scholars,  and  met  in  the  school-house  which 
stood  where  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomfield  now  stands.  (This  antedates  the  Sundny  school  of 
the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Newark,  which  claims  to  be  the  oldest  Sunday  .-chool  in  Xew  Jersey.] 
The  school  grew  rapidly.  The  school  attached  to  the  church  which  was  then  located  in  Wall  Street. 
Xew  York  City,  of  which  young  Osborn  was  a  mend)er,  nuule  a  donation  of  books  and  tracts.  In  a 
short  time  Osborn  left  the  place  to  receive  an  education  and  finally  entered  the  ministry.  Doremus 
left  the  school  and  soon  after  this  he  withdrew  from  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  connected  himself 
with  the  A[ethodist  Society.  "  The  Society,  which  was  feeble,  met  in  a  .small  .stone  church  wliich  was 
erected  about  1S18,  and  stood  on  the  Paterson  Road  near  P)ay  Lane.  It  was  torn  down  in  1853  and  a 
portion  of  its  materials  used  in  building  the  jiresent  Bloomfield  Ciiurch.  Meetings  were  held  not  only 
here  but  in  the  upper  part  of  Garrabrant"s  wagon  manufactory,  and  in  the  old  house  at  the  corner  of 
Old  Road  and  Bay  Lane.  On  one  occasion  a  young  man  stood  u]>  to  preach  a  sermon.  He  was  timid, 
for  it  was  his  trial  sermon,  and  by  it  he  wits  to  be  judged  whether  lie  was  a  suitable  person  to  enter  the 
ministry.  He  preferred  to  stand  in  front  of  the  the  pulpit  and  not  in  it.  He  was  of  delicate  form  and 
his  voice  was  weak  ;  l)Ut  he  gave  the  message  of  Oud  to  the  iieojJe  and  he  was  licensed  to  prtacli.  A 
great  mission  was  before  him,  for  in  1844  he  was  elected  a  Bishop  of  the  Church,  and  for  thirty-three 
years  Bishop  Edmund  S.  Janes  did  grand  and  faithful  work  and,  dying,  left  ])eliind  him  the  reputation 
of  being  the  most   effective   Bishop   wliich   the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  America  has  ever  had." 

The  Methodi.st  Episcopal  Cliurch  at  Montclair  was  an  outgrowth  from  that  at  liloomfield,  as  the 
Bloomfield  Church  was  from  that  of  Belleville.  The  three  churches  were  on  one  wide  circuit,  and 
churches  at  Belleville.  Bloomfield.  Montclair  and  Orange  were  organi-ced  in  order.  Tlie  early  J^loomtield 
Church  worshiped  for  some  years  in  the  hou.se  of  Mrs.  Naomi  Cockfair,  north  of  the  Morris  neighlior- 
hood,  previous  to  the  erection  of  the  stone  church  above  Bay  Lane.  Meetings  were  held  in  the  western 
part  of  the  town  about  1817,  at  Joel  Crane's  house  across  the  turnpike  from  where  Leist's  hotel  now  stands. 
"Wood  meetings"  were  also  held  south  of  the  Joel  Crane  house  at  about  the  same  time.  In  1827 
James  Wilde  and  family  came  from  Saddleworth,  Lancashire,  England,  and  established  a  woolen  factory 


74  lIlSIOKV    (II-    MoNrCI.MK    'I'ltWN'SllII'. 

in  tlic  Isi'iu'l  rraiio  mill.  Diirini;;  llic  cMrly  vciirs  Ivov.  Isaiic  WimuT,  wlm  sii|)|)lioil  flic  circuit,  organized 
a  cliiircli  in  ( )rani;'o,  in  which  Henry  Wilde,  o(  West  iiloouilicld,  was  a  tiaistee.  The  Wildes  wore 
oriLjinall  V  (  "Inircli  ef  Ellijiand  |)e(>|ile,  Init  I  he  sectmd  M  rs.  ^\'  ildc  had  liecdnie  a  Wesleyan  in  JMitiland.  The 
earlier  portion  of  the  AVilde  liunily  esi)eciall\  .Inlm,  w  ho  w  as  a  son  of  .lames  iiy  his  tirst  wife — gave 
assistance  in  the  or<;'ani/,atioii  of  St.  i.nkc's  I'lpiscojial  ( 'Imrch.  luit  the  lattei-  jiortion  sn|)i)ortcd  the  AFctliodist 
org'anization.  The  streuiith,  iherel'ore,  in  the  tcnvii  was  traiisfei-red  lo  the  vicinitv  of  the  factories.  The 
Washington  School-house  was  erected  in  the  immediate  vicinity  by  James  AVilde.  tlu'  elder.  Tlie  first 
.sermon  in  it  was  ]>reached  \>\  the  ilev.  John  Kennedy.  l"ew  of  tiie  eliildren  could  attend  the  school  as 
they  nearly  all  worked  in  the  mills,  so  a  Sunday  schoiJ  was  organized  with  Mr.  KadclillV' as  Superin- 
tendent. Two  sessions  were  held  and  the  i-oom  was  fidl  of  scholars.  There  was  also  preaching  service 
ever\  Sunday  afternoon.  Keading  and  writing  wci'c  taught,  as  well  as  the  I'ihleand  catechism,  and  parents 
and  children  alike  attendiMJ.  When  the  day  school  was  cstid)lished  seculai'  instruction  was  omitted  in 
the  Sundav  school.  Here  the  sehoiJ  met  until  the  erection  of  the  present  church  Imildiiig  in  iSI'a!  (now 
occupit'd  by  the  ciJored  M.  V..  (hni'i'li.  on  liloomlicld  .\\('mu'\  when  the  school  was  transferred  to  the 
gallery  (»f  the  chur'ch. 

"  ( )ii  j-'cbiaLary  "JUlh,  iS'_'S.  at  ;i  meeting  of  the  male  meiidiers,  the  following  persons  were  duly 
elected  Trnstees  (the  tirst  Tiaistees  of  the  congi-egation'i :  John  Moore,  (lorline  Horemns,  Josiah  \\ . 
Crane,  M  ichael  Cockefair  and  James  \\' ihle.  (ioiJine  noremus  was  probably  the  most  useful  mendier 
the  ehunJi  has  ever  had.  for  forty-three  years  he  was  closely  idenlilie(l  with  its  interests,  and  his  name 
constantly  ap]iears  on  t  he  I'ccords  of  t  he  rlmi'ch.  I*"or  a  jioi'tion  of  that  long  ]>eriod  he  was  'I'i'casurer, 
class  leader,  and  Sunday-school  teacher,  and  his  house  was  always  open  to  a  Methodist  iireacher.  He 
died  March  iMst.  IST.'i,  at  the  age  of  SI  years,  and  on  his  tond)stone  are  engraved  these  words:  'His 
record  is  on  high.' 

"In  IS.'lii  r.liionilield  becanu>  the  head  of  the  circuit,  which  included  Orange.  Woodbridge,  and 
several  other  places.  The  lirst  ipiarti'rly  conference  was  held  at  l"\iirlield.  June  I'J.  .\nioug  those 
pi'(>scnt  was  the  rresiding  Mlder.  Ke\.  ( 'harles  i'ilman.  who  afterward  became  Mi.ssionary  Secretary  of  the 
Methodist  Church.  There  was  jircsiMit  alsoasa  class-leatler.  lulwin  I..  Janes,  twin  brother  of  liishop  Jaiu's. 
and  who  at  this  conferiMice  received  licensi"  to  preach;  and  Henry  Wilde,  a  son  of  James  ^\'ilde,  who 
acted  as  secretary  for  the  ipiartei'ly  conference  fi'om  IS.'JO  to  1833.     (Still  living  1S',I4K 

■■  In  1S;>,")  the  (piarterly  conference  was  formed  into  a  two  weeks'  circuit  with  one  |nvaclier.  and  a 
year  later  Kcv.  Mr.  Swain  was  apiiointed  to  the  Orange  Society,  and  from  that  time  Hloonitield  was  no 
longer  a  circuit,  but  I'ose  to  the  dignity  ol'  a  station. 

"In  the  year  lS;il  lots  were  procured  for  a  church  and  parsonage.  The  deed  shows  that  the 
money  was  paid  for  these  lots,  but  it  is  said  that  the  ground  was  given  by  James  Wilile.  although  the 
amount  was  not  entered  in  the  <lecd.  In  that  same  year  a  contract  was  made  with  Michael  Cockefair  to 
erect  a  parsonage  ata  cost  of  $1,000.  It  was  not  mitil  live  vn-ars  later  that  the  building  was  ei\'cted.  It 
was  finished  in  the  antunvn  of  ISI^C)." 

The  pastor  at  this  time  was  Kev.  Waters  Ibirrovvs.  who  was  also  one  of  the  trustees;  he  died 
March  -I,  IS('>1>,  aged  seventy-nine  yi>;irs. 

The  church  had  for  many  years  a  financial  struggle.  The  nu'inbers  were  few  in  mnnber,  and 
many  of  them  able  to  give  but  little  money. 

In  those  years  the  salary  of  the  nuuisters  was  small.  In  1S,");>  it  was  unanimously  voted  that  the 
preat'her  should  receive  a  salary  of  ><;!.")(>  a  year.  In  18()4.  when  the  price  of  everything  was  at  the 
highest  point,  the  estimate  for  the  preacher  was  ^tiOO.  I'rom  that  time  it  advanced  to  STOO.  then 
$1,000.  and  then  to  $1.-00.  and  has  since  been  still  further  increa.sed. 

The  church  during  its  history  has  raised  cousiilerable  money  for  benevolent  purposes.  The  yeai' 
IStiti  wai5  known  as  the  Centenary  year.  Large  collections  were  raised  in  all  Methodist  churches  to  what 
was  called  the  (^entenary  fund — to  commemorate  the  one  hundredth  anniversary  of  tlie  tirst  sermon 
l>re.'U'hed  by  a  Mefliodist  preacher  in  .\nierica.      This  ehnrch  raised  foi-  that  fund  $8('i"i. 


History  ok  Montci.air  Townsiiii'. 


Y5 


Tlieru  liavi-  hceii  u  niimlKT  v(  revival.-  in  tlio  cluircli.  Itiit  flic  greatest  of  these  was  niider  the 
])ast«rate  of  Itev.  .lolni  Scarlet,  in  tlie  winter  of  IS.JT-S,  wlien  a  f^reat  reviviil  spread  over  tiie  wliole 
i-oiintry.  Crowded  nieetiniis  were  held  nif^ht  after  ni<rlit  for  many  weeks:  flie  wliolo  town  was  stirri'd, 
and  W  persons  were  added  to  the  clnirch,  wliieli  then  had  hut  SC.  iiienil)ers. 

In  1S5]  the  >[cthri<lists  of  Hloonitield  hegan  to  solicit  snhseriptions  lor  the  |pnrposc  of  Imilding  ^ 
eiiurch  edifice;  the  Imildintr  however  was  not  completed  nntil  1853,  and  the  ciinrcii  did  not  iiave  a 
separate  preacher  until  the  spring  of  lSi>S.  The  new  organization  as  a  separate  l)od\-  left  tlie  old  in  a 
weakened  condition,  and  for  a  short  time  the  latter  was  known  as  the  West  Hloomtield  .^[ission.  The 
great  revival  referred  to  however,  in  1S.j7-8,  added  materially  to  its  nunilpcrs.  and  it  tlii'n  I.ecatm-  known 
as  the 

Wkst   I'.i.oomkiki,I)   N[KTnoi)isT  Ei'iscoi'Ai.  CniKcn  ;  aktkk    1S<50,  MoNTn.Aiu    M.  K.  ('niiicii. 

I'or  several  years  the  snhject  of  changing  the  location  of  the  chiinli  to  ;i  more  central 
neighhorhood    was    considered,    Imt    nothing    iletinite    wii>    acconiplishcd    nntil     JsT'.".    wlicn    a    lol    was 


IKKLIl    AMI    I'ARWJNAOIi. 


purchased  on  the  west  side  of  l''ullerton  Avenue,  north  of  Hloomtield  Avenue,  on  which  was  erected  a 
handsotne  wooden  structure.  An  ani])le  par.-onage  adjoining  the  church  lot  was  conij)leted  and  occupied 
in  Novendier,  18H1.  The  total  valuation  of  the  present  church  property  is  ahout  $30,000.  Tlie  old 
church  edifice  was  vacated  after  the  last  meeting,  helil  on  Sunday  evening,  Decemher  7,  ls7!t,  ami  since 
18H3  has  Iteen  occupied  hy  the  colored  Methoilists. 

The  new  church  edifice  was  formally  dedicated  Decemher  14.  187'.',  with  appropriate  ceremonies. 

Chaplain  McCahe  led  the  congregation  in  jjrayer.  and  I)r.  Hunt  read  a  portion  of  the  '"form  pre- 
scribed for  the  dedication  of  a  church."  hy  the  liook  of  discipline.  The  morning  scimmoii  was  j)reached  by 
Rev.  .J.  V.  Ilnrst,  D.D. 

The  statement  was  made  by  Chaplain  McCabe  that  the  co.st  of  the  chureli,  and  the  land  on  which 
it  stood,  was  about  $10,000.  There  was  at  that  time  a  balance  due  of  about  $5,0oo.  The  amount 
subscribed  at  the  morning  service  was  over  ^3,000. 


Tt!  History  of  Montci.air  Township. 

Chaplain  McCabe  preached  the  evening  sermon,  at  which  time  subscription  lists  were  again 
opened,  and  tlie  total  sum  raised  at  this  and  two  previous  sessions  amounted  to  85,234. 

Rev.  Dr.  Berry  of  the  Presljyterian,  and  Rev.  A.  H.  Bradford,  D.D.,  of  the  Congregational  Church, 
took  part  in  the  ceremonies  and  spoke  encouraging  words  for  the  movement. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  those  who  have  served  since  1805  :  Rev.  Jeremiah  Cowiiis,  1865  to  '67; 
Rev.  Jesse  Lyman  Ilnrlbnrt,  1SG7  to  'C9  ;  Rev.  Thomson  H.  Landon,  1869  to  '72;  Rev.  James  L.  Ayers, 
1872  to  '74:  Rev.  G.  W.  Smith,  1874  to  '77  ;  Rev.  Jonathan  K.  Ihirr,  ^farch,  1877,  to  Nov.,  1878;  left  on 
account  of  sickness;  Rev.  James  I.  Boswell,  March,  1879,  to  March,  ISSO;  Rev.  John  J.  Reed,  1880  to 
1881;  Rev.  John  Crawford,  April,  1881,  to  :\[arcli,  1884;  Rev.  Morris  D.  Church,  April,  1884.  to  March, 
1887;  Rev.  Charles  S.  Woodruff.  April,  ls.s7,  to  :Mareh,  1890;  Rev.  J.  A.  Owen,  1890,  still  continues 
(1893). 

Si'NDAY  School. 

From  the  beginning  of  the  Sunday-school  movement  in  1813,  there  have  been  found  faithful 
workers  in  this  church,  who  from  year  to  year  have  kept  up  the  interest  in  tlie  school  whether  pi-each- 
ing  services  were  held  or  not.  The  list  of  those  who  have  been  especially  prominent  in  this  work 
is  incomplete.  Gorline  Doremus  maintained  his  interest  in  the  school  up  to  the  day  of  his  death. 
There  was  a  period  of  depression  in  1855,  and  a  material  falling  off  in  numbers.  The  attendance  of 
teachers  at  that  time  was  from  6  to  12,  and  of  scholars  from  4((  to  70.  The  Superintendent  was  away 
from  home  for  six  months ;  the  former  librarian  had  left,  and.  owing  to  the  difficulty  experienced  in 
warming  the  building,  the  school  was  closed  during  the  winter.  In  1858,  however.  Rev.  John  Scarlett, 
writes:  "The  school  was  never  in  a  more  flourishing  condition." 

Among  those  of  later  years  who  have  been  consi)icuous  for  their  zeal  and  earnestness  in  the 
Sunday-school  work  are  James  Robley,  Joseph  II.  Richards  and  Stephen  A.  Tower.  James  Robley  was 
Superintendent  from  1859  to  1866,  when  Joseph  H.  Richards  succeeded  him,  and  who,  for  thirteen 
years,  by  his  faithful,  earnest  efforts,  lifted  the  scliool  to  a  high  grade.  Mr.  Rieliards  removed  to 
Elizabeth  in  1879,  and  was  succeeded  by  Chas.  I.  Reeves  (who  had  been  brought  into  the  church  during 
Mr.  Richards'  service),  and  who  served  the  school  for  fourteen  yeai's ;  who  in  turn  was  succeeded,  in  1893, 
by  Mr.  Frank  H.  Syvelt,  the  present  incumbent. 

The  jiresent  member.ship  of  the  school  is  6  officei-s,  24  teachers,  and  134  scholars  in  the  main  school ; 
3  teachers  and  100  scholars  in  the  Bible  classes,  and  12  teachers  and  77  scholars  in  the  pi-imaiy  department ; 
making  a  total  of  353. 

ST.  LUKE'S  P PROTEST AXT  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH. 

The  first  church  edifice  in  which  the  Episcopal  Church  service  was  held  in  this  locality  was  a  small 
frame  building  25  by  40  feet,  in  the  rear  of  a  deep  lot  fronting  the  turnpike,  or  what  is  now  Bloomfield 
Avenue.  This  was  erected  by  John  Wilde,  son  of  James  Wilde,  the  founder  of  the  Methodist  Church  in 
the  same  locality.  While  the  father  was  a  strong  believer  in  the  Wesleyan  doctrine,  John  and  one  or  two 
of  Ms  brothers  were  firm  adherents  of  the  Church  of  England.  The  locality  selected  for  the  first  church 
edifice  was  in  the  midst  of  what  was  then  a  manufacturing  district.  This  was  in  1846,  and  there  was  a 
large  and  growing  2>opulation  in  that  neighborhood.  Later,  the  "  new  comers,"  who  were  mostly  settled 
in  the  western  pnvt  of  the  village,  met  in  this  building,  and  services  were  held  with  more  or  less  regularity 
until  May,  1858,  when  it  was  decided  to  organize.  On  Easter  Monday,  1860,  St.  Luke's  Parish  was  form- 
ally constituted  by  the  election  of  a  vestry,  and  in  May  following  Rev.  Henry  Marsh  was  chosen  Rector 
and  the  Rev.  George  R.  Davis  Assistant  l\[inister.  The  first  wardens  were  Owen  Dorenms  and  C.  St. 
John  Seymour,  and  the  vestrymen  were  Dr.  R.  F.  Brower,  Richard  Naylor,  William  II.  Ashley,  H.  N. 
Chittenden  and  George  N.  Wright.  Mr.  St.  John  Seymour  was  untiring  in  his  efforts  for  the  church, 
and  to  him,  more  than  to  any  other  man,  the  parish  owes  its  existence  to-day.     Rev.  Henry  Mar.sh  served 


History  of  Moxtci.air  Townshii'.  77 

from  >r;iy  11  to  N'ovember  5.  isc.d.  Rev.  Geo.  R.  Davis  continiUMl  in  cluiriie  of  the  parish  until  tiie 
autumn  of  1S62.  Services  were  theu  iield  by  the  Eev.  J.  D.  ^fnore  and  others  until  October  30,  1864, 
wlieii  the  Rev.  James  Chrvstal  was  chosen  Rector.  The  attendance  at  this  time  was  small,  most  of  the 
families  living  at  a  great  distance  from  the  church.  The  sittings  were  free,  and  the  expenses  were 
mostly  borne  by  members  of  tlie  vestry.  It  was  thought  the  church  would  succeed  better  in  some  other 
locality,  and  a  site  on  Fullerton  Avenue  was  thought  to  be  the  nii)st  desirable,  but  while  the  matter  was 
under  consideration,  Mr.  Kobert  M.  ilening,  a  member  of  the  vestry,  offered  to  give  a  plot  of  land  on 
what  was  afterward  known  as  St.  Luke's  Place.  His  offer  was  accepted,  and,  in  addition,  he  contribiited 
a  large  amount  toward  the  erection  of  a  church  edifice.  Others  joined  in  this  undertaking,  and  in  1805 
the  corner  stone  of  the  new  church  was  laid.  It  was  proposed  to  build  it  of  stone  as  the  money  was 
contributed,  and  no  contract  was  made  for  the  labor.  This  proved  to  be  a  serious  mistake,  for  before  the 
building  was  half  completed  the  cost  had  exceeded  the  original  estimates  for  the  entire  building.  The 
work  continued  under  great  embarrassment  for  a  time,  and  it  tinally  became  necessary  to  mortgage  tlie 
property  in  order  to  complete  the  building.  Further  advances  were  made  by  individual  members  of 
the  vestry,  and  it  was  finally  finished  in  .Vjiril,  ls7<i.  Rev.  ^Ir.  Chrystal  resigned  as  rector  in  1807,  and 
was  succeeded  by  Rev.  James  L.  Maxwell,  who  remained  with  the  church  until  1884.  During  this 
period  the  church  became  much  einbarra.ssed.  the  income  being  insufficient  to  meet  the  large  interest 
account  after  paying  current  e.\pen.«es.  The  large  mortgage,  and  contingent  liability,  threatened  to 
bankrupt  the  church.  A  settlement  was  tinally  effected  that  scaled  down  the  mortgage  and  wijied  out 
the  contingent  liability.  Tnder  this  settlement  the  debt  was  being  gradually  rcduc'ed.  when  Rev. 
Frederick  B.Carter  became  rector  of  the  \y.ir\A\  in  l^sf.  A  few  years  thereafter  the  entire  debt  was 
paid  off,  and  as  the  mend»ership  of  the  churcii  increased,  the  building  on  St.  Luke's  Place  was  found 
to  l>e  totally  inadeijuate  to  meet  the  growing  demands.  At  t\i\>  juncture,  ^Ir.  AViiliam  Fellowes.  a 
parishioner,  offered  to  give  the  lot  on  the  corner  of  Fullerton  Avenue  and  I'nion  Street.  |irovidcd  the 
parish  would  build  there,  and  complete  the  edifice  free  of  debt.  This  being  agreed  to.  and  Mr.  Fellowes 
having  further  contributed  most  liberally,  the  corner  stoTie  of  the  present  edifice  was  laid  by  l>ishop 
Starkey  with  impressive  ceremonies  on  June  13,  ISSf),  and  on  .Vdvmt  Sunday.  Xovendier  3U,  IS'.to,  the 
first  service  was  held  therein. 

The  architect  was  Mr.  R.  11.  Robcrt.<on.  of  New  York,  and  the  design  is  modernized  (iothic  in 
style,  and  cruciform  in  plan;  123  feet  in  length  by  84  in  extreme  breadth.  The  building  contains  a  nave 
82  by  44  feet,  two  transepts,  each  40  feet  wide  by  2n  dee]),  and  a  chancel  3S  feet  deep  and  32  wide, 
including  an  apsidal  vaulted  sanctuary  14  feet  deep,  separated  from  the  choir  by  an  arch.  The  nave  and 
transepts  are  nearly  .">(»  feet  high  from  floor  to  ridge.  The  churcli  seats  750  persons,  and  there  is  an 
unobstructed  view  of  the  chancel,  owing  to  the  entire  absence  of  columns — a  notable  feature.  The 
chancel  has  stalls  for  fifty  choristers.  On  its  northern  side  is  the  oi-gan  chamber,  containing  a  fine 
three-manual  instrument  by  IIarri.son.  having  more  than  2,000  pipes,  and  on  the  southern  side  is  a 
spacious  vestry,  which  is  used  also  as  a  place  of  assembly  for  the  choir  just  before  beginning  the 
processional,  and  which  communicates  with  the  nearest  transept  by  a  wide  Gothic  double  door.  Both 
the  organ  chand>er  and  the  vestry  are  .separated  from  the  chancel  by  passageways  opening  into  the  nave, 
which  are  utilized  as  exits  for  communicant.-.  The  robingroom  for  the  choir  occupies  the  full  deptli  of 
the  Iniilding  beneath  the  chancel. 

The  nave  is  lighted  at  the  west  by  a  cluster  of  five  Gothic  windows  of  equal  height,  surmounted 
by  a  rose  window,  and  the  transepts  by  similar  clusters  rising  in  height  toward  the  centre.  The  choir 
has  two  ui>per  windows  on  the  soutli,  and  the  apse  five,  all  with  glass  by  Booth,  the  two  nearest  tlie  choir 
being  designs  without  figures,  and  the  others  figures  emblematic  of  Faith,  Hope  and  Charity ;  Faith 
and  Hope  on  each  side  being  represented  a.s  women,  while  Love,  in  the  centre,  is  represented  by  a  figure 
of  our  Lord  as  the  Good  Shepherd.  The  altar  and  reredos  are  of  commanding  design,  these  and  all  the 
other  chancel  furniture,  together  with  the  pews,  being  of  antique  oak.  The  pews  have  been  specially 
admired  for  their  design  and  for  their  comfortableness. 


78 


HiSTORV    OK    MONTCLAIR    TOWNSHII' 


Tlie  acoustic  propertie=^  of  tlie  cluircli  are  remarkably  good.  There  are  five  entrances.  On  tJie 
north  is  a  churcli  porch,  wiiich  can  be  entirely  shut  oil'  from  the  body  of  tlie  Iniilding  and  from  other 
entrances,  making  it  sjjecially  convenient  for  weddings,  etc.  Another  door  leads  directly  into  the  tower 
and  thence  both  to  the  porch  and  to  the  nave.  Tlie  carriage  entrance  is  on  the  south,  and  on  the  south- 
east and  east  there  are  doors  for  cleigy  and  choir  respectively.  The  building  is  of  reddish  brown 
sandstone  from  the  Belleville  quarries,  and  the  tower,  when  completed,  will  rise,  with  its  spire,  to  the 
height  of  about  160  feet.     The  total  cost  of  the  property  thus  far  had  been  about  $90,000. 

Being  entirely  free  from  debt,  the  church  was  consecrated  on  December  20,  1892.  The  rector 
iiad  appointed  Rev.  Alexander  Mann,  of  Orange,  as  master  of  ceremonies,  who  marshalled  the  clergy 
and  choir  into  procession.  The  clergy  folio «-ed  P>isho])  Starkey,  who  had  his  pastoral  staff  borne  before 
him  l)y  his  chaplain,  the  Rev.  John  Keller,  as  he  walked  up  the  middle  aisle  repeating,  with  the  clergy. 
Psalm  xxiv.     The  instrument  of  donation  was  then  presented  by  Mr.  L).  X.  Force,  the  senior  warden  of 


the  pai'ish.  The  sen- 
was  read  by  the  Rev. 
the  rector  of  the  ])ar- 
meneement  of  Morn- 
made  a  brief  and  hap- 
ulation  to  the  congre- 
referred  to  the  beauti- 
parishioners  in  partic- 
devotion  of  the  vesti'y 
also  paid  a  well  deserv- 
for  his  faithfulness  as 
loyalty  as  a  jiriest  of 
bishop. 

was  said  by  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Goukh  of  Phila- 
Dr.  Boggs  and  Rev. 
sermon  was  delivered 
bert  Tulhot,  D.  D.. 
and  Idaho.  It  was  a 
of  the  half-forgotten 
be  known  by  its  good 
shipping  church  ;  and 
to  the  congregation 
use  of  the  consecrated 
The  bishop  of  the 
Holy  Communion,  as- 

bot  and  Archdeacon  Jenvey.  The  otfei'ings  were  received  for  the  Parish  House  and  Sunday-school 
building  fund.  The  nnisic  was  rendered  l)y  the  vested  choir  of  between  thirty  and  forty  men  and  boys 
of  St.  Luke's,  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Joseph  II.  Moore,  the  organist  and  choirmaster  of  the  church. 
The  work  of  the  choristei's  was  well  done  and  fully  sustained  the  more  than  local  reputation  of  Mr.  Moore 
as  a  reverent,  scholarly  and  efficient  church  musician. 

Among  the  visiting  clergy  were  the  Rev.  ^lessrs.  Richard  Hay  ward,  Ilai-old  Arrowsmith,  Frank 
A.  Sanborn,  M.  M.  Fothergill,  John  S.  Miller.  !•".  M.  McAllister,  of  Elizabeth,  and  I)r  Haskins.  of 
Brooklyn. 

In  1S92  the  old  church  property  was  sold  to  Montclair  School  District  No.  s,  and  with  the 
proceeds,  and  the  promise  of  subscriptions  in  addition,  a  parish  building  was  commenced  in  1893 
connected  by  covered  cloister  with  the  church.     It   is  expected  to  be  ready  on   or  about   Easter.  189-1. 


ST.  I.UKE  S  EPISCOPAL  ruiRCH. 


fence  of  consecration 
Frederick  B.  Carter, 
ish.  Before  tlie  com- 
ing Prayer,  the  bishop 
\)y  adtlress  of  congrat- 
gation,  in  which  he 
ful  gifts  of  one  of  the 
ular,  as  well  as  to  the 
of  the  church,  and  he 
ed  tribute  to  the  rector 
a  pastor,  and  for  his 
the  diocese  to  its 
Morning  Prayer 
Archdeacon  Walker, 
delphia.  Dr.  Bishop, 
C.  S.  Abbott.  The 
hy  the  i;t.  Rev.  Ethel- 
Bishop  of  Wyoming 
forcil)le  presentation 
truth  that  a  church  to 
works  must  be  a  wor- 
an  earnest  exhortation 
|iresent  to  make  good 
building. 

diocese  celebrated  the 
sisted  by  Bishop  Tal- 


HiSTORV    DK    MdNTCI.AIR    TOWNSHIP.  7'.' 

The  building  is  intended  for  the  Sunday  school,  chapel  and  parish  house  work.  It  has  a  seating  capacity 
of  about  400.  and  is  admirably  arranged  for  these  purposes.  The  architect  is  ilr.  Win.  llalsey  Wood. 
The  estimated  cost  of  the  entire  property,  with  church  spire  and  rectory,  will  \<v  about  si. 5(1.000,  and 
when  completed  it  will  he  free  from  debt.  For  convenience  of  locatiori,  connnanding  site,  and  aduiiiable 
ari'angenients,  this  property  has  few  ecjuals  in  the  State  of  New  Jei'sey. 

As  the  jiarish  grow  the  work  of  the  rector  increased,  so  that  for  a  long  time  he  had  most  vaiuahlo 
help  from  Mr.  Arthur  E.  Bostwick  in  the  Sunday  sclmol,  and  as  lay  reader  in  church  services.  Mr. 
Bayard  Whitehurnc  succeeded  Mr.  Bostwick  in  the  Sunday  school  in  1892. 

After  beginning  the  parish  Imuse  it  was  evident  that  the  work  would  be  greatly  augmented,  and 
an  opportunity  otfering.  in  the  fall  of  1>>',I3,  for  .securing  a  deacon  in  orders,  whose  whole  time  would  be 
given,  it  was  decided  to  engage,  as  rector's  as.sistant,  the  Rev.  Claudius  ]\[.  Rdome. 

lie  entered  on  iiis  duties  at  once,  and  later,  on  Sunday.  February  1 1.  1^'.'4.  was  solemnly  ordained 
a  priest  l)y  Bishop  Starkey,  at  morning  services. 

The  members  of  the  vestry  at  this  time.  .March.  1S04.  are  as  follows:  Senior  Warden.  Dexter  N. 
Force;  Junior  Warden.  Frcdrrick  W .  (iwinn  ;  \'estrymen,  Edwin  A.  Bradley,  .lc;cl  .lenkins.  .lolm  T. 
Weeks.  Edward  (i.  Burgess,  F.  Meriam  Wbt-eler.  (George  I.  Wichman.  George  Batten. 

Till-;  CliriM  11   OF  TllF   lMM.\(ri.ATF  CONCEPTION, 

(Roman  (yatliolic)  is  an  outgrowth  from  Itelleville.  TJie  Kcv.  .lolm  llogan.  pastor  of  St.  Peter's 
Church,  Belleville,  visited  West  Bloomtield,  as  one  of  his  stations,  and  about  185<>  tin-  tditice  was  erected. 
It  was  located  on  Washington  Street.  It  continued  under  the  care  of  the  Belleville  ])astor  till  lS*i4.  The 
Rev.  Titus  .loslyn,  the  first  resident  i>astor.  cauic  to  the  congregation  on  February  litli  of  that  year. 
He  was  born  a  Protestant,  in  Schenectady,  N.  Y..  and  was  educated  in  I'nion  College,  uiuhr  tlic  cure  of 
his  father.  Professor  .loslyn.  of  that  college.  His  parents  removed  to  New  ^'ork  in  1S4I).  wiiere  lie  was 
baptized  by  Bishoj)  Hughes,  June  10,  1^4.").  lie  entered  St.  Joseph's  Seminary,  under  the  Jesuits,  in 
1847,  wa.s  ordained  prie.st  in  St.  Patrick's  Cathedral,  in  New  York,  March  13,  1852,  ami  labored  under 
the  direction  of  Archbishop  Hughes  till  he  came  to  the  parish — West  Bloomfield.  He  remained  pastor  for 
over  ten  vears — till  Sei)tend)er  ."),  Is74.  I'nder  his  direction  the  church  was  enlarged,  in  ls.">6  the  tower 
built,  and  one-half  of  the  present  property  ])urcha.sed.  The  jiarish  included  the  Roman  Catholic  popula- 
tion of  Caldwell.  Bloomtield  and  Watse.ssing. 

The  Rev.  A.  M.  Steets  succeeded  Mr.  Josyln  as  pastor  from  Sejjtendier  .">.  1S74,  to  >Marcli  18, 
1879.  During  his  ])astorate  the  new  rectory,  at  the  corner  of  Elm  and  Fulton  Streets,  was  built 
in  1876. 

Rev.  Jo.'seph  F.  Mendl  was  a[>pointed  rector  of  the  parish  in  .\pril,  1879,  by  ArchhislKjp  Corrigan, 
who  was  then  Bishop  of  the  diocese  of  Newark.  There  were  at  that  time  about  900  communicants.  In 
August,  1898,  after  a  thorough  canva.ss  of  the  parish,  it  was  found  tliar  there  were  1,5211 — an  increase  of 
nearly  sixty-seven  jier  cent. 

The  religious  and  secular  education  of  the  children  i)ecame  a  matter  of  |)aramount  impoi-tance  with 
Father  .Mendl,  and  in  Septemt)er.  l>»M,a  parochial  school  was  established,  with  liln  pupils,  taught  by  five 
Sistei-s  of  Charity,  from  Madison.  N.  J.  This  has  now  an  average  daily  attendance  of  250  pupils.  The 
propertv  of  Bernard  Wallace  was  purchased  for  the  church  the  same  year. 

In  1S7S  the  Church  of  the  Sacred  Heart  was  organized  in  Bloomtield,  it  being  an  outgrowth 
of  the  Montclair  Church.  Caldwell  and  Tei-oiia,  wjiich  were  formerly  included  in  this  parish,  were 
subsequently  separated,  and  in  1SS5  I!ev.  J.  J.  Shannessy  was  appointed  the  first  resident  pastor  of  the 
new  church. 

.\t  the  time  of  its  organization  the  church  on  Washington  Street  was  considered  to  be  cen- 
trally   located   for   the    population    of    Montclair   and    Bloointield,    but    after   tlie   organization    of   the 


so 


History  of  Moxtci.air  Township. 


Bloomlield  Churcli  it  was  tlioiiirlit  advisable  to  select  a  location  nearer  to  the  mountain,  as  the 
new  township  was  crowinji;  rapidly  in  that  direction;  and  in  December,  1891,  a  large  building  site 
was  purchased  of  Tlieodore  Carter  on  the  corner  of  North  Fullerton  Avenue  and  Mnnn  Street,  for 
the  sum  of  $20,000.  Additional  land  was  purchased  of  J.  N.  Kudgers,  in  1892,  adjoining  the  other, 
for  SIO.OOO. 

Plans  for  au  iiiij)osing  church  edifice  were  designed  by  William  Schickel,  architect,  of  New  York, 
and  ground  was  broken  in  May,  1892.  The  corner  stone  was  laid  October  21,  1893,  the  ceremonies  being 
conducted  liy  the  Right  Eev.  W.  i\r.  Wigger,  D.D.  The  sermon  on  that  occasion  was  preached  by  Rev. 
J.  J.  Synnott,  D.D.,  a  mendier  of  the  parish,  and  the  first  American  .student  who  received  the  degree  of 
D.D.  at  the  Catholic  University  in  Innsbruck,  Tyrol,  in  ISST;  he  is  at  present  Professor  of  Theology  at 
Seton  Hall  College,  South  Orange,  N.  J. 

The  basement  of  the  new  church  was  finished  and  covered  with  a  temporary  roof,  and  dedicated 


on  Decoration  Day,  1893, 
AViggei-.  The  first  ser- 
worsliip  was  held  on  the 
The  basement  has  a  seat- 
people.  It  is  Iniilt  of 
and  cost  $26,000. 
ure  of  the  completed 
esque,  clear-story,  of 
the  tower  to  be  located  at 
lertou  Avenue  and  ^luuii 
frontage  on  North  Fuller- 
and  178  feet  in  depth, 
building,  complete,  is 

Two  insurance  societies 
the  pari,sh, — one,  a  branch 
lent  Legion,  "  Fat  be  ]■ 
another.  Branch  426,  of 
America,    in    November, 

Joseph  FhancisMenj)!., 
tlie  Imniacniate  Concep- 
bruck,  Tyrol,  Austria, 
educated  in  the  Gymna- 
four  years  in  the  study  of 
dained  a  priest  July  2.5, 
sent  on  a  mission  as  assist- 
ing oiit  of  the  Austria- 
Italy  allied  against  Aus- 

as  chaplain  in  the  Austrian  Army  with  the  commission  of  Ca])tain,  being  at  the  time  the  youngest 
priest  in  the  diocese.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned  to  the  mission,  and  in  1869  went  to  the 
American  College,*  Louvain,  Belgium,  as  prefect,  remaining  two  years,  until  October,  L871,  when  he 
came  to  this  country  and  was  appointed  cui-ate  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  Newark,  in  October,  1872;  he 
was  then  sent  to  St.  Paul's  Church,  Jersey  City,  as  pastor,  continuing  until  1878.  On  Christmas,  1878, 
he  came  to  Montclair,  and  assumed  his  present  charge.  Under  his  pastorate  the  cinn-ch  rapidly  increased 
in  membership,  necessitating,  in  1881,  the  building  of  a  gallery,  with  an  additional  seating  capacity  of 
300.     There  was  then  a  debt  on  the  church  of  $16,000,  which   has  since  been  liquidated,  and  large 


thh;  church  of  ihf.  immaculatk  conception. 


by  Right  Rev.  W.  M. 
vice  in  the  new  place  of 
first  Sunday  in  J  une,  1893. 
ing  capacity  for  1,000 
Belleville  brown  stone. 
The  style  of  architect- 
church  is  to  be  Roman- 
Belleville  brown  stone, 
the  corner  of  North  Ful- 
Street.  It  will  have  a 
ton  Avenue  of  75  feet. 
The  estimated  cost  of  the 
$75,000. 

have  been  established  in 
of  the  Catholic  Benevo- 
Steets's  Council,"  in  1 888; 
the  Catholic  Knights  of 
1885. 

rector  of  the  Church  of 
tion,  was  born  in  Inns- 
March  17,  1813.  He  was 
sium  in  Brixen,  and  spent 
theology.  He  was  or- 
1865,  and  immediately 
ant  curate.  At  the  break- 
Prussian  war  (Prussia  and 
tria),  in  1866,  he  served 


*  Archbishop  Riordan,  of  San  Francisco,  Archbishop  Janssens,  of  New  Orleans,  Bishop  Spalding,  of  Peoria,  Ul.,  Bishop  Vander  Vy  ver,  of  Richmond, 
Va.,  Bishop  Maas,  of  Covington,  Ky.,  Bishop  Brondel,  of  Helena,  Montana,  and  about  500  priests  of  this  country  were  graduates  of  this  college. 


HlSTOKV    OF    >[nXT(I..\IR    TdWNSHir. 


SI 


additional  suius  l•ai:^ed  for  the  erection  of  tlic  new  flmrch  edifice.  Tiie  amount  was  raised  liv  liiin 
largely  among  the  poorer  classes,  the  total  amount  exceeding  S+(»,000.  He  established  tlie  jiiuocliial 
school  and  gave  up  his  own  elegant  residence  on  Elm  Street  for  that  jiurpose.  He  is  Ueloveil  liy  liis 
people,  respected  and  honored  in  tlie  community,  and  devnteij  to  tlie  iiitoicsts  of  liis  cliurcli. 


Till-:  FiijsT  ('()X<;i;i;(;ati<>nai.  ciiriicii  of  ciiihst. 

Tiiis  (  linrcli  and  Society,  aithougli  of  recent  origin.  ii;iving  l)een  cstaUlit-lied  long  after  the 
founding  of  tlie  i)resent  town  of  Montdair.  has  grown  to  he  not  o]ilv  the  hirgest  in  the  township,  but, 
with  one  exception,  the  largest  church  in  the  State — having  a  nieniheishii)  of  over  7<mi.  Its  history  covers 
a  period  of  nearly  a  ipiarter  of  a  century,  all  under  one  pastorate.  That  its  denuniinational  views  are  in 
harmony  with  the  sentiments  of  the  community  is  evinced  liy  its  steady  growth,  the  character  of  its 
memltership,  and  the  far-rcaeliing  results  of  the  work  accomplished  liy  it.  Though  one  of  the  youngest 
churches  in  this  connnunity  it  is  one  of  the  oMe.-t  in  the  State.     Tiie  motto  inscribed  on  tlie  title  ])age 

triinxfulit  s"><tinet — 
the  past  and  present 
ination. 

movements  which  led 
this  chnrcli  are  briefly 
ical  Sketch.  isTH— 
the  "  Manual  of  the 
(huvch  of  Christ, 
IMMi,'"  as  follows  : 
of  the  Church  having, 
the  hearts  of  many  in 
to  worship  (iod,  and 
miinc  together  in  ac- 
princijdes  laid  down 
ment.  and  with  the 
l!iigland  Fathers,  a 
ence  to  this  end  was 
December,  A.D. 
of  Joseph  ]].  ]5eadle, 
i ng  persons  were  pres- 
'i'liomas  H.  Boudcn, 
1).  Crosby,  Sannu'l 
Holmes,  David  B. 
.lohnson,  Edward  S. 
Snyder,  Samuel  W. 
Wilde.  Jr.  At  this 
interchange  of  views, 
resolved :     That,   be- 


of  this  work — Q"i 
is  demonstrated  by 
history  of  this  denoui- 

The  preliminary 
to  the  organization  of 
stated  in  an  "  Ilistor- 
1SS3,"  i)ul)lished  in 
First  Congregational 
Mo  n  t  c  1  a  i  r,  N.  J.. 

'•The(ireat  Hca.l 
as  we  trust,  ]Mit  into 
this  region,  the  desire 
to  act,  and  to  com- 
cordance  with  the 
in  the  New  Testa- 
practice  of  our  New 
meeting  with  refer- 
held  on  the  Istii  ot 
18«}!),atthercsiden<'( 
at  which  the  bJlow 
ent:  Joseph  J>eadle. 
Samuel  Boyd. Samuel 
Holmes,  AVilliam  I!. 
Hunt,  Charles  11. 
Pinuey,  Theodore  L. 
Tubbs  and  Samuel 
meeting  after  a  full 
it    was   iinanitnously 

lieving  that  the  interests  of  the  cau.se  of  Christ  in  this  place  demand  the  organization  of  a  new  Church 
and  Society,  we  do  pledge  to  each  other  our  mutual  and  hearty  su])p(jrt  in  such  an  enterpri.se.  A  com- 
mittee on  organization  was  then  appointed,  consisting  of  Samuel  Holmes,  Charles  H.  Johnson,  Samuel 
Wilde,  Jr..  Joseph  B.  Beadle  aiul  Edward  S.  l^inney. 

This  committee  made  a  report  January  17.  1S70,  reconmiending  a  call  for  a  meeting  for  organization, 
which  was  adopted.  The  following  ]iersons  were  then  adiied  to  the  Committee:  Julius  H.  Pratt,  James 
B.  Pearson,  and  Kev.  Daniel  S.  Rodman. 


ONGRK'.A  I  KlNAI.    LIU  R(  II. 


82  History  of  Montclatr  Township. 

At  a  meeting  lield  on  the  20th  of  January,  ISTO,  the  Society  was  organized,  and  the  following 
persons  were  elected  Trnstees:  Samuel  Holmes,  Joseph  B.  Beadle,  Chsirles  IT.  Joliiison,  Edward  Sweet, 
Samuel  Wilde,  Jr.,  and  Julius  II.  Pratt. 

At  this  meeting  Mr.  Julius  II.  Pratt,  hv  request,  read  a  paper  entitled  "  ]\Iontclair  Prior  to  the 
Organization  of  the  Coiigreeational  Church."  in  which  lie  clearly  established  the  "  prior  claims"  of  this 
'•new  Church  and  Society."  .\fter  briefly  reviewing  the  history  of  the  other  religious  denominations  of 
Montclair,  and  his  own  work  in  connection  with  them,  he  says:  "As  Congregationalists  we  are  not 
intruders,  and  we  make  no  apology  for  being  here,  for  we  come  only  to  claim  a  long  neglected  inherit- 
ance which  is  ours  by  indisputal)le  right." 

Referring  to  the  little  band  of  Connecticut  colonists — 30  in  mimher — under  the  leadership  of  liev. 
Abraham  Pierson,  who  separated  from  the  Church  of  Branford  because  of  their  unwillingness  to  accept 
the  doctrine  of  the  "•  half-way  covenant,"  and  remoyed  to  Kew  Jersey,  landing  on  the  west  shore  of  the 
Passaic,  at  a  place  which  they  named  "  Xeworke  " — new  work — meaning  the  "new  enterprise,"  Mr. 
Pratt  says  :  "  I  haye  alluded  to  the  extinct  race  of  Congregationalists  who  once  dominated  the 
greater  part  of  the  State  of  New  Jersey,  and  our  time  may  he  profitably  employed  in  a  rapid  glance 
at  the  liistory  of  the  ]Siew  England  jjilgriins  ^yllO  first  settle<l  in  this  i-egion  wlien  it  was  a  primitive 
wilderness.'' 

After  a  brief  review  of  the  events  connected  with  their  settlement  ]\[r.  Pratt  says  :  ''  One  of  the 
earliest  public  acts  performed  by  this  Puritanic  Colony  was  the  formal  signing  oi'  the  document  entitled 
'Fundamental  Agreement,'  liy  tU  heads  of  families,  which  document  is  still  preserved  among  the  public 
records." 

The  agreement  sets  forth  the  desire  of  the  Colonists  "to  he  of  one  heart  and  consent  through  God's 
blessing,  that  with  one  hand  they  may  endeavor  tlie  carrying  on  of  i^piritital  concernments,  as  also  of 
spiritual  affairs  according  to  God  and  a  Godly  government.'' 

This  original  Declaration  of  Independence  as  to  man  and  dependence  on  God  declares  (see  "Atkin- 
son's History  of  Newark")  : 

Deut.,  i  :  13.        T  "  1st.   That  none  shall  be  admitted  freemen  or  free  burgesses  within   our  town  upon 

nl°.''J',)^;"  1?     !■   Passaic,  in  the   Province  of  New  Jersey,  but  such  planters  as  are  members   of   some  or 
Jerem.,  xxx  :  21,  J    other  of  the  Congregational  churclies. 

"  Nor  shall  any  but  such  be  cho.sen  to  any  magistracy  or  to  carry  on  any  pai-t  of  said  civil  judica- 
ture, or  as  deputies  or  assistants  to  haye  jiower  to  vote  in  establishing  laws,  and  making  or  repealing 
them,  or  to  any  chief  military  trust  of  office. 

"  Nor  shall  any  but  such  chnrcli  members  have  any  vote  in  any  such  election." 

The  four  Scriptural  references  in  the  foregoing  are  as  follows: 

"  Take  you  wise  men,  and  understanding,  and  known  among  your  tribes,  and  1  wiil  make  them  rulers 
over  you"  (Deut.,  i  :  13). 

"  ^Moreover  thou  shalt  provide  out  of  all  1he  people,  able  men,  such  as  fear  God,  men  of  truth, 
hatincj  covetousness  ;  and  place  such  over  them  to  be  rulers  of  thousands,  and  rulers  of  hundreds,  rulers 
of  fifties,  and  rulers  of  tens  ''  (Exodus,  xviii  :  21). 

'■  Thou  shalt  in  any  wise  set  him  King  over  thee,  whom  the  Lord  thy  God  shall  choose:  one  from 
among  thy  lirethren  shalt  thou  set  King  over  thee  :  thou  mayest  not  set  a  stranger  over  thee,  which  is  not 
thy  brother"'  (Deut.,  xvii  :  15). 

"  And  their  nobles  shall  be  of  themselves  and  their  Governor  shall  ]iroceed  from  the  nudst  of  them" 
(Jer.,  xxx  :  21). 

"Among  the  signatures  to  this  Congregational  charter  are  the  names  of  Crane,  Pierson,  Ward, 
Harrison,  Davis,  Bauldwin,  Morris,  and  others  whose  descendants  became  a  century  later,  and  have  ever 
since  continued,  the  standard  hearers  and  pillars  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  New  Jersey.  No  human 
purpose  was  ever  more  clearly  defined  than  that  of  these  early  settlers  to  adhere  rigidly  to  the  Congrega- 
tional faith  and  order. 


History  ok  Montclaik  TowNsiiir. 


83 


"It  is  a  curious  question,  not  fully  exi^laiiu-d  hv  any  historical  records.  How  did  it  happen  tliat  in 
less  than  1.30  years  all  the  early  vows  of  devotion  to  Congregational  ideas  had  become  broken,  and  all 
these  churches  professing  that  faith  had  been  swe]>t  into  the  vortex  of  Presbytcrianisni.  an  organization 
which  struck  its  first  roots  into  the  New  Jersey  .-oil  fifty  years  after  the  a<lvent  of  the  (Connecticut 
Colony  '■ " 

ilr.  Pratt  then  reviews  the  history  of  Presbyterianisin.  and  shows  how  l>y  degrees  Congregationalism 
became  united  with  ami  gradually  merged  into  Presbyterianism.     Continuing,  he  says: 

"This  fatal  union  which  soon  embraced  all,  ur  nearly  all,  the  churches  founded  by  the  Congrega- 
tionalist  settlers  in  New  Jersey  proved  to  be  the  union  of  the  lion  and  the  lamb,  with  the  lamb  inside, 
which  by  the  succession  proces.-;cs  of  deglutition,  digestion,  absorption  and  assimilation  added  immensely 
to  the  stature  and  strength  of  a  constitution  favored  by  the  accession  of  a  new  and  rich  blood. 

"The  process  of  digestion  was  going  on  from  about  172i'  to  ITot!,  when  by  the  'Adopting  Acts,' 
so  called,  the  present  system  of  Presbyterianism  was  established  on  the  Western  Continent,  and  the  early 
Congregational  Churches  of  New  Jersey  thus  vanished  away. 

"  What  is  the  les.^on  taught  us  by  such  a  distinctive  disjiensatiun  ; 

"That  the  old  testament  religion  is  not  adaj)ted  to  modern  life — that  the  new  gospel  of  universal 
charity  must  crush  all  barriers  of  sect,  and  exterminate  all  theological  dogmas  of  human  invention. 

"The  old  Puritans  had  great  virtues  aTid  great  faults.  The  good  in  them  was  transmitted  to  their 
posterity,  and  to-day  shines  forth  in  glorious  lustre  from  our  Presbyterian  churches.  Their  illiberal  and 
narrow  j)rejudices,  which  were  the  fruit  of  a  hard  and  persecuted  life,  were  swept  away  by  the  free 
breezes  of  our  new  World.  Now,  on  the  same  soil  where  the  old  Congreg.itioual  policy  perished,  a 
resuscitated  life  aswserts  itself,  and  with  tlie  spirit  of  *  malice  toward  none  and  charity  for  all,'  Congrega- 
tionalism only  .seeks  the  opportunity  of  joining  hands  with  Christian  brethren,  of  whatever  sects,  in  the 
great  work  of  regenerating  the  world.'' 

On  the  evening  of  February  li'th,  1S70,  a  committee  consisting  of  Kev.  Daniel  S.  liodman,  James 
13.  Pearson.  Alexander  M.  Clerihew,  David  B.  Hunt,  and  Samuel  D.  Cro.sby,  was  appointed  to  prejiare 
by-laws  and  business  rules  for  the  society,  and  on  the  ■i'.'th  of  ^farch  following  the  basis  of  Union  and 
By-Laws  were  adopted. 

At  a  meeting  held  at  the  residence  of  Kdward  Sweet.  A|)ril  .".,  1870,  it  was  voted  tliat  measures  be 
taken  toward  the  organization  of  a  Cimrcli,  ;md  that  the  Committee  on  "  By-Laws  for  the  Society  "'  be  a 
Committee  on  Organization,  and  to  prepare  and  submit  for  consideration  Articles  of  Faith  and  a 
Covenant, 


S-i 


HisToKv  (ir  MdNTci.AiR  TdwxsniP. 


LIST 
21(11/  29,  JS7(K  II > 


Samuel  Holmes.  By 

Mary  G.  Holmes. 
Jane  A.  Hemingway. 

Mary  M.  McLaughlin. 

Lewis  S.  Benedict. 
Harriet  J.  Benedict. 
Sarah  Benedict. 
Minnie  H.  Benedict. 
John  W.  Taylor. 
Amelia  Benedict  Taylor. 
Samuel  Boyd. 
Sylvia  C.  Boyd. 
Edward  S.  Pinney. 

Elsie  P.  Pinney. 
Charles  E.  Baker. 
E.  Louise  Baker. 
Thomas  H.  Bouden. 

Lucy  A.  Bouden. 
Samuel  Wilde.  Jr.. 

Mary  E.  Wilde, 
William  H.  Wilson. 

Cynthia  Wilson, 
Charlotte  L.  Wilson, 
George  S.  Merriam, 

William  B.  Holmes. 

Mary  H.  Holmes. 
Nehemiah  O.  Pillsbury, 

Mary  K.  Pillsbury. 
Adra  E.  Bradbury, 

Amanda  F.  Bradbury, 

Israel  Crane. 
Anna  B.  Crane. 
Anna  B.  Lloyd, 

Frances  J.  Piatt, 

Evelyn  S.  Piatt, 
Charles  H.  Johnson. 

Nettie  H.  Johnson. 
Joseph  B.  Beadle, 

Laura  A.  Beadle. 
Edward  Sweet, 

Carrie  W.  Sweet. 
Anna  C.  Bull, 
Fannie  H.  Harrison, 

Henrj-  Nason, 

Anna  G.  Nason. 
Abbie  Y.  Smith, 
Theodore  L.  Snj-der. 

Julia  L.  Snyder, 
Samuel  D.  Crosby, 

Fannie  D.  Crosby. 
Marj-  N.  Crosby. 
Jesse  H.  Lockwood. 

Sarah  R.  Lockwood, 
Susie  G.  Shafer. 

Samuel  W.  Tubbs. 
Ruth  Emma  Tubbs, 

Alexander  M.  Clerihew. 

Emily  F.  Clerihew, 


OF  MEMBERS  IX  THE  CHURCH   WHEN  ORGANIZED, 

David  B.  Hunt. 


•  from  The  Broadwav  Tal>ernacle  Church. 
New  York  City. 

First  Congregational  Church.  Fair 

Haven.  Conn. 
Presbyterian    Church.     Montclair. 

New  Jersey. 


Plymouth  Church,  Brooklyn.  X.  V. 

Presbyterian     Church.    Montclair. 
N.  J. 


First  Congregational  Church.  Jer 
sey  City.  N.  J. 

Presbyterian     Church.     Montclair. 
N.J. 

First  Reformed  Church.  Hoboken. 
N.J. 


Congregational   Church.  Yale  C<»1- 

lege.  New  Haven.  Conn. 
The  Broadway  Tabernacle  Church. 

New  York  City. 


V'\  letter  from  Presbj'terian   Church.    Montclair, 
N.  J. 


Presbyterian     Church. 
N.J. 


Montclair. 


First  Presbyterian  Church.  Bloom- 
field.  N.  J. 
Presbyterian     Church.     Montclair. 

N.  J. 

Plymouth  Church,  Milwaukee,  Wis. 
Presbyterian     Church.    Montclair. 

N.J. 
Elm  Place  Congregational  Church. 

Brooklyn.  N.  Y. 

First  Congregational  Church.  Jer- 
sey City.  N.  J. 


Presbyterian    Church, 
N.J. 


Montclair. 


Madison       Square       Presbyterian 
Church.    New  York    Citv". 


Lee    Avenue    Reformed     Church. 

Brooklyn,  N.  Y, 
Presbyterian    Church.     Montclair. 

N.J. 


Chrstnut        Street        Presbyterian 
Church,  Louisville,  Ky, 

Presbyterian    Church,     Montclair, 
N.  J, 


Congregational  (luircli,  Williams' 
Bridge.  N.  Y, 

First  Congregational  Church.  Jer- 
sey City.  N.  J. 

Plymouth  Church,  Brooklyn.  N.  Y. 

Sands  Street  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

First  Congregational  Church,  Jer- 
sey City,  N.  J. 


:\Iary  A.  Hunt. 
Mary  C.  Hunt. 
David  B.  Hunt.  Jr.. 
Helen  E.  Terry. 

James  B.  Pearson. 

Ellen  J.  Pearson. 

Charles  J.  Pearson. 
Angeline  Horton, 

Jlargaret  A.  Hamilton, 
John  W.  Pinkham, 

Cornelia  F.  Pnkhani. 
Josiah  T.  Wilcox. 
Helen  M.  Wilcox. 
George  W.  Leonard. 
Mary  J.  Leonard. 
Julius  H.  Pratt, 
Adeline  F.  Pratt, 
Gertrude  C.  Pratt. 
Mary  C.  Crane, 
Abbie  F.  Crane. 
Henrietta  G.  Chittenden, 
Daniel  S,  Rodman. 

Lucy  W.  Rodman. 
Nathan  T.  Porter. 
Mary  C.  Porter, 


Congregational      Church.     North- 

ville.  L.  L.  N.  Y. 
Madison      Avenue       Presbyterian 

Church.  New  York  City. 
Classon        Avenue      Presbyterian 

Church  Brooklyn.  N.  V. 

Presbyterian    Church.     Montclair. 

N.  J. 
Lee     Avenue     Reformed    Church. 

Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 
Presbyterian     Church,     Montclair. 

N.J. 


Nettie  M,  Bradbury. 

Amory  H.  Bradford. 

Julia  S.  Bradford. 

Francis  B.  Littlejohn, 

Han-y  Littlejohn, 
Agnes  L.  Littlejohn. 
John  Habberton, 
Alice  L.  Habberton. 

Dorman  T.  Warren, 

Harriet  C.  Warren, 
Henry  L.  Crane, 
Louisa  DeLyons. 

Lucy  ?I.  Brown, 

Marv  Jane  Adams. 


Plymouth  Church,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y, 
Second     Congregational     Church. 
Stonington,  Conn. 

From  Baptist  Church.  Waterbury,  Conn. 
By  letter  from  Second  Congregational  Church, 
New  London,  Conn. 

November  6,  1870. 

By  letter  from  Presbyterian  Church.  Bloomfield. 

N.  J. 
Congregational  Church.  Charlotte. 

Mich. 
Presbyterian       Church.       Clinton. 

N.  Y. 
The  Broadway  Tabernacle  Church. 

New  York  City. 


Plymouth  Church.  Brooklyn.  N.  Y 


January  i,   1871. 


James  Baker. 

Henry  White. 
Henrietta  H.  White. 
Theodore  Taylor. 

Marj"  B.  Taj  lor. 

Charles  A.  Hopkins. 

Sarah  L.  Hopkins, 
Hattie  M.  Hopkins, 
Frederick  G.  Hastings, 


By  letter  from  Presbyterian  (.'hurch,  Montclair, 
N.  J. 


Second  Baptist  Church,  Savannah, 
Ga. 

St.  Luke's  Church.  East  Green- 
wich. R.  L 

Fifth  Avenue  Presbyterian  Church, 
New  York  City. 

March  5,    1871. 
By  profession  of  faith. 

May  7,   1871. 

By  profession  of  faith. 
By  profession  of  faith. 

Py  letter  from  New  England  church.  New  York 
City. 

July  2,    1871. 

Pv  letter  from  Tabernacle  Church,  Jersey  City, 
X.  J. 


Congregational    Church,    Nurth- 
ampton.    Mass. 


HrsTOKV  OK  MoxTcr.AiR  Township.  85 

The  following  officers  were  chosen  in  accordance  with  the  Con.-titntion  and  By-Laws  of  the  Church: 
Di'acmM — Samuel  Holmes.  Josepli  B.  Beadle,  James  B.  Pearson  and  David  B.  Hunt.  John  "\Y.  Taylor 
was  chosen  Clerk,  and  F.ewis  S.  lienedict.  Samuel  T>.  Crosby,  and  Samuel  "Wilde.  Jr..  members  of  the 
Standing  Committee. 

.\  hall  was  secured  on  Bloomtield  .\ venue,  near  Fullerton  .\veiuie.  in  the  third  storv  of  a  building- 
since  destroyed  by  fire.  This  was  fitted  up  as  a  place  of  worshij).  and  on  the  morning  of  June  5,  1870, 
the  first  meeting  of  the  church  was  held,  at  which  .service  Rev.  Leonard  Bacon,  D.D.,  of  New  Haven, 
Conn.,  preached  the  sermon  and  adnunistered  the  rite  of  Baptism  to  three  children,  viz.:  Grace  Pinnev. 
Lucy  IJodgers  liomlen.  and  Edwin  ^[ortimer  Harrison.  (M\  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day  this  church 
by  invitation  united  with  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  a  union  Communion  service.  Rev.  Dr.  Bacon  and 
Rev.  T)r.  Berry  jjresided  at  the  table,  and  the  deacons  of  each  church  officiated  in  the  service. 

On  the  Sth  of  June,  ISTi',  at  three  and  a  half  o'clock  p.  m.,  a  council  was  convened  by  invitation  in 
the  Presbyterian  Church  to  examine  the  .«teps  taken  in  the  fonnation  of  this  church,  and  to  consider  the 
propriety  of  its  formal  recognition.  The  following  representing  their  several  churches  assembled  in 
council : 

Oraiiijr  Valley  Lhiiri'li  —  Rev.  (ieorge  B.  Bacon,  Pastor;  Deacon  A.  Carter.  Delegate.  Seamil 
Valley  Clutnlu  Orange — Rev.  T.  .\tkinson.  Pastor;  Mr.  .\.  P>aldwin,  Delegate.  Bellerilte  Ai'enue 
Churrh,  Newark — Rev.  C.  B.  Hulburt,  Pastor;  Mr.  William  D.  Russell,  Delegate.  Grove  Street  Church, 
East  Orange — ^[r.  R.  D.  Weeks.  Delegate.  7'V/'.nY  ('(iiKjreijutinnul  Churrh,  Newark — Rev.  William  B. 
Brown.  Pa.stor ;  Mr.  J.  !'.  Jube,  Delegate;  Phj,n„uih  Church,  Brooklyn.  N.  Y.— Mr.  T.  H.  Bird. 
Delegate.  Churrh  <if  the  /'iiritmiM,  Brooklyn.  N.  Y. — Mr.  T.  H.  Taylor,  Delegate.  Broadway 
Taher)iiir/e  Church,  New  York  City — Rev.  Joseph  P.  Thompson,  D.D..  Trustor;  Deaccm  AV.  H. 
Thompson,  Delegate,  /"'ir/it  Coiiymjatiunal  C// »//•-■/,.  Jersey  City — Rev.  (i.  P>.  Willcox.  Pai;tor ;  Deacon 
H.  D.  Holt,  Delegate.     Also  P^ev".  G.  AV.  Woo<l.  D.D.  and  iiev.  j).  li.  Coe.  D.D. 

nie  Church  presented  a  .statement  of  the  steps  it  hud  already  taken,  its  .Vrticlcs  of  Faith,  its 
Covenant,  and  the  By-Laws  of  its  Ecdesijustical  Society,  which  were  unanimously  approved.  On  the 
evening  of  the  same  day.  by  appropriate  services  in  tlie  Presbyterian  Church,  this  Church  received 
formal  recognition,  and  was  welcomed  to  the  Fellowship  of  the  Clnirches.  The  exercises  of  the  evening 
consisted  of  I'rayr,- — by  Rev.  William  B.  Brown  ;  Sennon — Rev.  Joseph  P.  Thompson,  D.D.  ;  lit-adiiKj 
of  the  Articles  of  the  Church — Rev.  G.  B.  Willco.x  (the  Church  assenting  by  rising) ;  Prayer  of  Recog- 
nitioii — Rev.  Henry  AI.  Storr-s,  D.D. ;  Felburxhiji  of  the  Conijreijational  Chun-hex — Rev,  George  B. 
Bacon;  Jiespoiixe  in  behalf  of  the  Church — Deacon  Samuel  Holmes;  Fellowship)  of  the  Churclox  in 
Montelair — Rev.  J.  Romeyn  Berry,  D.D.,  Benedictine. 


The  regular  weeklv   Praver   and    Conference    Meeting    commenced    on    Thursdav    evening. 


I  line 


Iti,  ISTti. 

On  June  28th  following,  the  Church  and  Society  extended  a  unanimous  c-a\\  to  the  Rev.  Amory  11. 
Bradford,  of  .Vndover  Theological  Seminary,  to  become  their  Pastor,  which  was  accepted  by  hitn  ;  and 
on  the  28th  of  Septendjer,  1870,  he  was,  with  ap])ropriate  services,  ordained  to  the  work  of  the  Gospel 
Ministry,  and  installed  as  pa.stor  of  the  Church  by  a  council  called  for  this  purj)ose,  consisting  of 
Mr.  William  D.  Porter,  delegate  from  Orange  Valley  Congregational  Church;  Mr.  Y.  L.  B,  Maliew, 
delegate  from  Second  A'alley  Church  of  Orange;  Afr,  Richard  A.  Thorpe,  delegate  from  Trinity  Con- 
gregational Church  of  East  Orange;  Rev.  Allan  McLean.  Grove  Street  Church.  East  Orange;  Rev. 
William  B,  Brown,  First  Congregational  Church,  Newark  ;  Rev,  C.  B.  Hulbert,  and  Mr,  C.  C.  Collins, 
I'elleville  Avenue  Church,  Newark;  Rev.  G.  B.  Willcox  and  Deacon  Winslow  Ames,  First  Congrega- 
tional Church,  Jersey  City;  Rev.  (ieorge  Pierce  and  Mr.  E.  K.  Rose,  First  Congregational  Church,  Paterson ; 
Rev.  S.  B.  Rossiter,  First  Congregational  Church,  Elizabeth  ;  Rev.  S.  Bourne,  First  Congregational  Church, 
Harlem,  New  York ;  Mr.  W,  Westerfield,  Broadway  Tabernacle  Church,  New  York  City  ;  Deacon 
J.  C,  Barnes,  Church  of  the  Pilgrims,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.  ;  Rev.  John  H.  Brodt,  and  Mr.  AVilliani  Herres, 
New  England  Church,  Williamsburgh,  N.  Y, ;  Rev,  Edward  Hawes  and  Mr.  J.  M.  Edmunds,  Central 


o 


86 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


Church,  Philadelpliia.  Pa. ;  Rev.  A.  F.  P.eanl,  PlyiiK.ntli  Churcli.  Syracuse.  X.  Y. ;  Kev.  B.  F.  Bradford, 
First  Congregational  Churcli  of  Charlotte,  j\Iich.;  liev.  X.  J.  Burton,  D.D.,  and  Rev.  M.  E.  Striebj,  D.D. 

Rev.  Edward  Havves  was  chosen  Moderator,  and  Rev.  S.  B.  Rossiter,  Scribe.  The  order  of  exercises 
at  the  Ordination  Service  consisted  of — Dcrntionitl  Seroices — by  Rev.  J.  Ronieyn  Berry,  D.D. ;  Seniton 
— Rev.  X.  J.  Burton,  D.D.,  Hartford,  Conn.  ;  Ordaining  Prayer — Rev.  Ray  Palmer,  D.D.,  X'ewark, 
N.  J. ;  Charge  to  the  Pastor — Rev.  B.  F.  Bradford,  Cliarlotte,  Mich. ;  Right  Hand  of  Felhivjshiji — Rev. 
G.  B.  Willcox,  Jersey  City,  X.  J.;  Charge  to  the  Peoph — Rev.  A.  F.  Beard,  Syracuse,  X.  Y. ;  Benedic- 
tion— by  the  Pastor. 

The  original  place  of  worship  .selected  by  the'Society  was  a  hall  in  the  third  story  of  a  Iniilding  on 
Bloonitield  Avenue,  near  Fullerton  Street,  and  before  the  close  of  the  first    vear  these  acconimodations 


were  found  to  be  entirely 
ra})id  growth  of  tlie 
])lace  of  worship  was  felt 
mediate  necessit}- ;  and 
movement  was  started  to 
for  the  purchase  of  a  site 
church  edifice.  Seventy- 
$50,000, beingan  average 
liberally  according  to 
even  pledged  thewidi>w's 
great  undertaking.  A 
inircliased  on  the  corner 
ton  Street,  and  the  corner 
laid  on  the  30tii  of  May, 
Amory  H.  Bradford,  and 
by  Rev.  George  B.  Bacon, 
ing  exercises  were  held  in 
and  the  .sermon  preached 
lor,  D.D.,  of  Xew  York 
()ctober,1873,theChurch 
priate  ceremonies.  The 
and  the  erection  of 
$75,000.  A  mortgage  of 
erty  and  advances  made 
for  the  balance.  The 
by  subsequent  .subscrip- 
was  carried  along  by  the 
1881,  when,  bv  a  general 


inadequate  owing  to  the 
Church,  and  a  permanent 
to  be  an  absolute  and  im- 
early  in  the  year  1870  a 
raise  the  requisite  funds 
and  the  erection  of  a 
foin-  persons  subscribed 
of  over$07each.  Allgave 
their  means,  and  some 
mite  to  carry  forward  this 
large  building  site  was 
of  Plymouth  and  Fuller- 
stone  of  the  church  was 
lS72.1)y  the  Pastor,  Rev. 
an  address  was  delivered 
of  Orange  ^' alley.  Even- 
tlie  Presbyterian  Church, 
byRev.^VilliamM.Tay- 
City.  On  the  15th  of 
was  dedicated  with  appro- 
original  cost  of  the  land 
the  Church  was  about 
$25,000  where  the  prop- 
by  the  trustees  provided 
debt,  somewhat  reduced 
tions  from  time  to  time, 
trustees  until  J  anuary, 
consent  of  the  congrega- 


INTERIOR   OF   FIRST    CONGREGATIONAL   CHLRCH. 
JUNE   STII,   1 890. 

tion,  it  was  resolved  to  raise  by  subscription  a  sufficient  sum  to  pay  off  the  debt  and  procure  an  organ. 
This  movement  was  made  on  Sunday,  the  15th  of  February,  1881,  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Roswell 
Smith,  of  Xew  York  City.  The  total  amount  required — $35,000 — was  subscribed  on  that  day,  payable 
within  a  period  of  three  years.  The  number  of  persons  .subscribing,  was  111,  many  of  whom  were  chil- 
dren paying  small  amounts.     The  largest  sura  subscribed  was  $3,200,  the  smallest  sum  being  $1.50. 

The  organ,  so  long  desired  by  the  congregation,  was  purchased  in  April,  1882,  which,  together  with 
the  cost  of  erection,  involved  an  outlay  of  $6,000.  other  changes  and  improvements  made  in  the  Church  at 
the  time  increasing  the  amount  to  $10,000. 

The  growth  of  the  Churcli  has  been  phenomenal,  far  exceeding  that  of  most  suburban  churches. 
Beginning,  as  has  been  shown,  with  a  membership  of  84-  in  1870,  the  total  number  admitted  up  to  January 
1,  1S'.»3,  was  1,002.  Of  this  number  at  least  50  per  cent,  was  by  profession  of  faith.  During  the  entire 
period  of  nearly  twenty -three  years  only  one  member  has  been  expelled.  The  loss  by  death  and  dismissal 
— 230 — leaving  the  total  member-shi^j  on  the  1st  of  January.  1893 — 772. 


History  ok  Montci.air  Township.  sT 

Soou  after  the  celebration  of  its  Twentietli  Anniversary,  steps  were  taken  fur  tlie  enlargenient  of 
the  church  edifice  and  erection  of  a  chapel  whicii  shuuld  be  snitable  for  the  purposes  of  the  Sunday 
school.  It  was  decided  that  the  audience  room  should  l)e  enlai'ired  by  the  addition  of  transepts,  which 
would  make  its  seating  capacity  twelve  hundred.  I'nder  the  direction  of  J.  C.  C'ady  A:  Co.,  ai-chitects. 
of  New  York  City,  work  was  begun.  At  the  same  time  Mrs.  Samuel  Wilde,  one  of  the  original  mem- 
bers of  the  church,  generously  consented  to  undertake  the  erection  of  a  Memorial  ('hai)el,  which  should 
be  devoted  to  the  purposes  of  the  Sunday  school.  Before  that  Mrs.  Edward  Sweet  had  undertaken  the 
building  of  one  of  the  transepts,  in  which  she  has  since  placed  a  beautiful  window  in  memory  of  her  hus- 
band. A  memorial  window  of  beautiful  design  was  also  placed  in  the  north  transept  by  Mrs.  Roswell 
Smith,  in  memory  of  her  two  grandchildren,  sons  of  Mr.  George  Inness,  Jr.,  and  Jlrs.  Julia  G.  Inness, 
members  of  the  churcli.  In  about  one  year  the  improvements  were  completed,  and  the  church  pro])erty 
as  it  now  stands  represents  an  expenditure  of  about  iS17o,(i(iO.  The  Memorial  Chapel  will  comfortably 
seat  one  thousand  ])eople,  and  i.s  admirably  ada])ted  for  its  purposes. 

In  IS'J2  the  Pilgrim  Mission  Chai)el  wa.s  erected  on  Uloomtield  Avcnui.-.  It  is  a  beautiful  liuildiiig, 
perfectly  equipped  for  its  work,  seating  about  four  hundred  people,  and  valued,  including  the  land,  at 
about  $10,01  »0.  The  land  was  the  gift  of  Mr.  James  Hwich.  of  iiloomtield.  The  Superintendent  of  the 
Mission  is  Mr.  Louis  lleckman,  who  was  formerly  a  mechanic  in  the  village,  l)ut  who  on  his  conversi(jn 
began  an  active  Christian  life,  which  has  been  singularly  ble.ssed.  In  1S93  the  old  Mission  building  was 
moved  from  Washington  Street  to  the  northwestern  part  of  tlie  town,  an<l  made  a  ba.--is  for  work  in  a 
district  needing  Christian  influences.  So  that  the  work  of  the  church  is  carried  on  in  the  central  church 
building  and  the  two  chapels. 

Egbert  J.  Pinney,  a  child  of  tlie  church,  was  organist  for  about  seventeen  ycai*s,  but  resigned  his 
position  in  l"^0:i  The  work  of  the  church  is  carried  on  in  several  ditTerent  directions.  It  sup]iorts  a 
missionary  in  Chihuahua.  Mexico,  the  Kev.  James  I).  Eaton,  and  ha.«  also  Ijcen  largely  iii>triimtntal  in 
the  erection  of  the  church  of  which  he  is  ]iastor.  It  is  deejjly  interested  and  constantly  liearing  a  large 
proportion  of  the  tinancial  burden  of  the  Peo])le"s  Palace  work  in  Jersey  City,  which  is  its  base  of  opera- 
tions in  City  Missions.  Poth  in  the  home  church  and  in  the  Pilgrim  Chapel  are  various  organizations — 
Christian  f^ndeavor  Societies.  clivs.se.s,  etc..  by  which  the  work  is  carried  on. 

An  interesting  fact  is  that  the  Pastor  preached  for  the  church  the  very  first  Sunday  after  its  organ- 
ization;  that  no  other  candidate  was  heard,  and  he  has  been  with  it  from  that  time  until  the  present. 

There  ap])eared  in  the  Chrixtian  Uniim  under  date  of  Decemlier  12,  1S91,  an  article  entitled 
"  Progressive  Methods  of  Church  Work,"  by  Mr.  John  R.  Howard,  de.-icribing  the  methods,  and  giving  an 
excellent  summary  of  the  work  accomplished  by  this  church  during  the  twenty-one  years  of  its  existence 
up  to  that  period.     After  a  brief  description  of  the  then  recent  improvements,  he  says  : 

•'  This,  however,  is  indicative  only  of  the  material  ])ros|ierity  of  the  Eirst  Congregational  Churcli  of 
Montclair,  X.  J.;  and  that,  in  so  lovely  a  town,  so  near  the  metropolis,  and  growing  so  rapidly  as  it  is, 
would  not  be  especially  noteworthy  but  for  the  fact  that  the  church  has  always  been  particularly  active, 
aggressive  for  good  both  at  home  and  abroad. 

"Of  cour.se  this  kind  of  activity — which  shows  itself  also  along  the  lines  of  good  citizenship  and  all 
things  valuable  in  the  life  of  the  town,  in  which  the  members  of  the  Congregational  (luirrliareeverywliere 
forward  and  valued  elements — presu|)poses  a  gathered  .*ocietv  of  vigorous-minded,  intelligent,  cultivated, 
devoted  meti  and  women.  The  original  memliership  (many  yet  living  and  active  in  the  church  i  comprised 
an  unusually  large  proportion  of  such,  and  Dr.  Bradford  has  been  greatly  favoix-d  by  that  fact.  Yet  aLso, 
of  course,  much  has  dejiended  on  the  man  at  the  head  of  it  all — the  way  in  which  it  would  hold  or  lose 
his  people,  and  the  kind  of  new  comers  that  he  would  naturally  gather  about  him.  He  has  been  tempted 
many  times  to  go  to  larger  places  and  ampler  salaries — Albany,  Boston,  ^iew  York — and  other  oj^en  fields 
have  again  and  again  solicited  him ;  but  he  has  had  the  wisdoiri  and  the  grace  to  stay  where  he  was,  and 
bring  up  his  own  family  in  his  own  way.  He  has  grown,  and  his  people  with  him,  in  their  twenty-one 
years  together.  Ilis  preaching  is  eminently  practical,  simple,  emphasizing  rather  this  life's  duties  than  the 


S8  History  of  Moxtci.air  TowNsnir. 

other  life's  possiliilities ;  making  much  of  what  all  Christians  believe,  and  paving  little  or  no  attention  to 
the  infinite  (and  valueless)  points  of  difference.  While  ethical  on  the  one  hand  and  inspiring  on  the  other, 
it  has  been  largely  educational.  AVitliin  a  few  jears  past  Dr.  Bradford  has  preached,  in  course,  through 
the  Life  of  Jesus ;  First  Corinthians  ;  the  Epistles  of  John  ;  Hebrews  ;  and  he  is  now  on  the  Acts. 
Sunday  evcTiing  services  (largely  attended  I ly  people  outside  his  own  regular  congregation)  have  given 
courses  on  Books  of  the  Bible  ;  biograjiliical  lectures  on  Great  Heroes  of  Christianity  ;  notable  classes  of 
Literature  (fiction,  poetry,  history,  etc.)  ;  Marked  Movements  in  religion,  philosophy,  social  interests,  labor 
and  capital — in  short,  a  constant  application  of  Christian  thought  to  daily  life. 

"The  (piestion  of  making  Sunday  evening  services  attractive  haslieen  solved  by  hard  work  on  subjects 
al)out  which  people  are  anxious  to  hear,  and  the  audiences  are  nearly  always  as  large  as  the  morning 
congregation — sometimes  larger.  This  winter,  once  a  month,  the  ])eople  will  hear  some  outsider  of 
note  and  worth.  Sunday  evening  of  last  week  it  was  Mrs.  Booth-Clibborne,  and  the  thousand  dollai's 
raised  then  and  there  on  her  appeal  for  her  work  in  France  shows  the  i-esponsive  temper  of  the  gathering. 
Mrs.  Ballington-Booth,  Dr.  Charles  A.  Briggs,  and  Professor  M.  R.  Vincent  are  others  who  are  already 
engaged  to  come  during  the  winter.  Either  by  exchange  or  otherwise  Dr.  Bradford's  people  hear  the 
best  speakers  in  all  departments  of  Christian  life  and  labor.  Not  long  since,  a  periodical  course  of 
sermons  on  Christian  Evidences  embraced  such  preachers  as  Professor  Tucker,  of  Audover,  Charles  S. 
Robinson.  Lyman  Abbott.  Charles  F.  Deems,  Richard  S.  Storrs,  Dr.  Behrends,  Ecob,  of  Albany,  and 
others.  Thus  Dr.  Bradford  keeps  both  his  chui-ch  and  him.self  av\-ake  to  the  best  thought  of  the  day ; 
yet  care  is  taken  that  the  thought  shall  not  end  in  mere  entertainment  or  intellectual  self-satisfaction,  but 
issue  in  works,  for  God  and  man.  A  little  volume  of  Dr.  Bradford's  discourses,  including  several  on  the 
work  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  others  on  fundamental  2>i"iiiciples  of  Christian  thiidving  and  doing,  was 
issued  a  year  or  so  ago,  entitled  '  Spirit  and  Life,'  which  took  high  rank  not  only,  but  finds  and  helps 
many  readers  M'ith  its  simple  and  eloquent  directness.  During  this  winter  he  is  giving  lectures  on 
Congregationalism  at  Audover. 

''  There  is  nothing  unique  about  this  ]Montclair  church.  It  offers  no  startling  innovations  or  ingenious 
mechanisms  and  methods;  except  that.  l)eing  neither  a  city  nor  a  country  church,  but  suburban,  ir  must 
hud  a  conunon  ground  of  interest  and  activity  for  a  very  promiscuous  gathering  of  people,  both  metro- 
politan and  rural.  And,  as  a  genviine  Christian  church,  doing  excellent  Christian  work,  it  is  on  the 
right  road,  because  it  follows  the  simple  ways  of  the  Master.  It  teaches  the  way  of  this  life  as  He  did  ; 
in  study  of  the  Scriptures  for  moral  and  spiritual  guidance  it  '  brings  forth  things  both  new  and  old  ' ; 
and,  with  a  cheerful  vigor,  'goes  about  doing  good.' 

"Its  theology.  Fatherhood ;  its  polity,  Brotherhood :  revealed  and  exemplified  in  Jesus  Christ. 

"  The  society  was  formed  in  January.  1870,  and  was  in  May  organized  as  a  church,  with  eighty -four 
members,  and  formally  established  in  the  Congregational  fellowship  by  council  on  the  8tli  of  June.  The 
2Sth  of  the  same  month  Mr.  Bradford,  then  a  new  graduate  from  Andover,  aged  twenty-three,  was  called, 
and  on  the  28th  of  September  installed  as  the  first  pastor  of  the  church — and  for  over  twenty-one 
years  he  has  been  their  only  one.  In  1872  their  stone  building  was  erected,  then  far  too  larije  for  then- 
needs;  but  now  the  increased  niend:)ership  (about  seven  hundred)  and  the  steadily  growing  congregations 
have  compelled  the  new  enlargement.  The  need  for  it  is  proven  l)y  the  fact  that  in  the  ser^nces  the 
church  is  as  well  fiUod  as  before  the  extension. 

"  It  is  a  church  of  families — a  true  suburban  church.  It  emlu-aces  many  professional  men,  but  New 
York  toilers  of  all  kinds  are  among  its  attendants,  and  numerous  resident  workers,  tradesmen,  mechanics 
and  townsfolk  of  Montclair  itself,  and  people  from  the  country  near  by.  It  is  a  capital  sample  segment  of 
the  'social  loaf.' 

"  It  is  a  church  where  the  young  people  receive  much  attention,  and  well  repay  it.  Most  who  unite 
with  the  church  on  confe.ssion  of  faith  do  so  by  way  of  the  pastor's  class,  which  supplements  at  that 
critical  time  the  foregoing  work  of  the  Sunday  school  and  Bible  classes.  The  little  catechism  and  leaflet 
of    suggestions  prepared   by    Dr.    Bradford  for    this  class    has  been   jjublisbed    by    tlie   Congregational 


History  of  >rnxTri.AiR  Towxship.  89 

Publishing  Society  in  Boston,  for  \rider  usefulness.  The  young  people  are  interested  in  missions,  in  their 
Society  of  Christian  Enrleavor,  and  in  the  work  of  the  church  generally. 

"  It  is  a  missionary  ciiureh.  It  has  put  forth  one  colony  (not  as  a  mission,  hut  an  outgrowth")  in  Fpper 
Montelair.  It  has  in  one  of  the  neediest  portions  of  Montclair  a  mission  chapel,  winch  provides  a  Sunday 
school,  regular  preaching  services  Sunday  evenings,  and  meetings  during  the  week  for  Christian 
reformatory  and  social  work.  Dr.  Bradford's  helper,  now  in  charge  of  it,  'Mi:  I.ouis  Heckman,  trhullv 
proclaims  himself  a  rescued  one,  and  is  devoting  his  whole  time,  tireless  energy,  and  special  aptitude  to 
the  mission.  This  includes,  hy  the  way,  weekly  services  at  the  Mountain-side  Hospital  and  at  the 
Penitentiary  in  Caldwell — from  which  latter  place  discharged  convicts  come  in  considerable  numbers,  and 
stop  at  the  '  Wasiiington  Street  Mis.>ion '  to  tind  their  friend  Heckman  and  get  through  liim.  from 
Montelair  people,  some  material  aid  in  clothes,  money,  and  sometimes  work,  as  a  beginning  toward  a  new 
and  better  life.  Another  similar  mission  is  under  way  for  another  part  of  the  town.  The  T-adies'  Missionarv 
vSocieties  (three  of  them)  are  in  constant  activity  for  the  home  and  foreign  tield.<,  and  the  annual  monev 
contributions  for  missionary  ])urposes  are  about  $10,000.  Two  of  the  church  mend)ers — the  IJev.  J.  I). 
ICaton  and  his  wife,  the  latter  a  daughter  of  the  church — are  missionaries  in  ifexico.  and  three  of  the 
young  men  of  the  church  are  at  present  ])reparing  for  the  ministry.  Dr.  15radford,  about  a  year  ago. 
delivered  an  address  on  'The  Duties  of  the  Snburl)s  to  the  Cities,"  and  this  has  been  circulated  in  thou- 
sands by  Dr.  Scudder's  Jersey  City  Tabernacle  Church,  while  the  Montelair  Clinrch.  more  than  anv  other, 
has  been  behind  the  noble  effort  of  the  Tabernacle  to  reach  the  neglected  portions  of  its  great  citv.  The 
enthusiasm  for  such  labors  of  love  ])ermeate>  Bradford's  own  jjeojile,  and  several  of  the  vouuir  ladies  of  the 
church  have  engaged  in  the  New  York  Rivington  Street  and  other  City  Mission  work.  In  fact,  thr  ideal 
aimed  at  seems  to  l)e  that  of  a  large  central  church  for  the  main  source  of  intluciice  and  inspiration,  with 
siicli  other  focal  points  of  practical  altruistic  Christian  labor  as  may  develo|)  uniler  the  demand  of  need." 

Of  tho.se  who  have  .served  as  deacons  since  the  organization  of  the  church  are  Samuel  Holmes,  Joseph 
B.  Beadle,  James  P..  Pearson.  David  B.  Hunt.  Samuel  D.  Crosby,  .Mexander  M.  Clerihew,  Franklin  W. 
Dorman,  Cornelius  .\.  Marwiii.  Frederick  D.  Somers.  .loseph  \'an  Vleek.  William  P>.  Holmes.  Charles 
H.  Johnson. 

Those  who  have  served  as  trustees  are  Samuel  Holmes.  Josejjh  P..  Beadle.  Sanuiel  Wilde.  Charles  H. 
Johnson.  Edward  Sweet,  Julius  11.  Pratt.  Xathan  T.  Porter,  Dorman  T.  Warren,  Henry  A.  Dike,  Joseph 
Van  Vleck,  J.  Ilewey  Ames,  George  H.  Mills,  Robert  M.  Boyd.  Jasper  R.  Rand,  Ogden  Brower. 

Tmk  SiNKAv  School. 

The  Sunday  school  was  the  natural  outgrowth  of  the  Church,  and  was  organized,  under  the  most  favor- 
able auspices,  on  the  second  Sunday  of  June,  l.sTd,  with  72  scholars  and  IS  teachers,  ifr.  Charles  H.  John- 
son was  chosen  its  first  Su])erintendent.  and  continued  to  discharge  the  duties  of  that  ofhce  with  commend- 
able zeal,  earnestness  and  devotion  for  eighteen  years,  resigning  in  December,  18S8.  He  was  ably  supjiorted 
by  a  corps  of  otficers  and  teachers,  fidly  equipped  by  pre\nous  experience  for  the  work.  Mrs  Edward 
Sweet,  a  lady  of  great  executive  ability,  was  made  Assistant  Superintendent.  She  proved  a  valuable  aid  to 
him  in  his  work,  and  won  the  hearts  of  all  by  her  kindness  and  atfahility.  >Vfter  four  years  of  earnest 
and  patient  labor,  she  was  compelled  to  resign  the  position  in  conse(juence  of  failing  health.  She  was 
followed  by  Mrs.  Samuel  Wilde,  who  for  nearly  twenty  years  has  been  uni'emitting  in  her  efforts  to 
increase  the  efficiency  of  the  school,  and  has  shown  by  hei-  acts  of  love  and  kindness  to  the  children,  and  her 
sympathy  ami  encouragement  to  the  teachers,  her  fidelity  and  devotion  to  the  Master's  cause.  Mr.  J.  H. 
Bouden,  who  was  elected  the  first  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  continued  to  discharge  the  duties  of  that  position 
in  amost  admiral)le  and  efticient  manner  for  many  years.  Without  a  murmur  orcomplaint  he  has  met  the 
increa.sed  responsibilities  devolving  upon  him,  and  in  his  intercourse  with  his  fellow  laborers  in  the  school 
has  displayed  that  evenness  of  temper,  that  tact  and  wisdom,  so  essential  to  harmony  and  good  feeling 
among  officei-s  and  teachers.  Few  suburban  schools  have  been  favored  by  a  more  efficient,  capable  and 
well-trained    coips  of   teachers.      Fully  appreciating  the  importance  of  the  work,  and   their  personal 


90  History  of  Moxtci.atr  Towxsiiir. 

responsibility,  tliey  have  labored  with  a  singleness  of  purpose  to  lead  those  committed  to  their  charge  to 
"a  knowledge  of  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesns,"  and  the  result  of  tlieir  labors  is  shown  in  the  large  additions 
to  the  church  by  profession  of  faith. 

One  important  feature  in  the  management  of  tliis  school  has  been  its  ability  to  hold  the  scholars  as 
they  have  advanced  to  years  of  maturity,  and  the  al)ie  manner  in  which  its  adnlt  Bible-class  has  been  con- 
diicte<l.  It  has  had  for  its  leaders  learned  men  of  ripe  experience  and  enlarged  ideas — men  fully  conse- 
crated to  the  work.  Among  these  have  been  Eev.  D.  S.  Eodman,  C.  E.  Morgan — now  a  prominent 
lawyer  in  Boston,  Rev.  J.  Q.  Butterfield — now  President  of  Olivet  College,  Mr.  Roswell  Smith,  and  Mr.  J. 
R.  Howard. 

The  Primary  Department — the  most  difficult  of  any  in  the  school  to  manage  successfully — has  been 
at  different  times  under  the  leadership  of  Mrs.  Samuel  Boyd,  Mrs.  Edwin  ^I.  Harrison,  Miss  Annie  Bull, 
Mrs.  M.  E.  Reading,  Mrs.  C.  H.  Jolinson,  Mrs.  J.  R.  Lamsen,  and  ^Mrs.  Bissell,  the  present  teacher. 

The  strong  love  and  affection  existing  between  scholars  and  teachers  is  shown  in  the  fact  that  the 
young  men  who  have  gone  out  from  here  to  enter  college  have  almost  invariably,  on  their  return  home 
during  vacation,  taken  their  places  in  the  Sunday  school.  The  fact  that  over  $10,000  has  been 
contributed  by  this  school  to  various  benevolent  objects  during  the  past  twenty-three  years  is  an 
evidence  of  the  systematic  and  earnest  work  which  has  been  done  by  the  officers  and  teachers.  The 
children  have  l>een  trained  to  habits  of  self-denial  and  systematic  giving  of  tliat  which  was  their  own,  and 
have  been  constantly  familiarized  with  special  objects  of  charity  and  benevolence,  and  the  work  connected 
with  such  prominent  institutions  as  the  Chihlren's  Aid  Society,  the  Society  for  the  Prevention  of  Cruelty 
to  Children,  and  others  of  this  character.  The  gifts  of  the  children  have  been  invariably  de\oted  to 
charitable  purposes,  and  in  no  case  to  assist  in  defraying  the  expenses  of  tlie  school. 

The  musical  training  of  this  school  is  wortliy  of  special  notice.  This  part  of  the  service  was  for 
fourteen  years  conducted  l)y  Dr.  C.  A.  Marvin,  a  higldy  accomplished  teacher  and  musical  composer. 
Some  of  his  most  beautiful  compositions  were  designed  especially  for  the  use  of  this  school  It  has  l)een 
observed  by  visitors  who  were  disposed  to  be  critical  that  the  singing  was  above  the  average,  and  evinced 
excellent  training  and  culture.     The  music  of  the  school  is  now  in  chai'ge  of  Mi-.  John  B.  Pratt. 

In  his  address  given  at  the  20th  aniuversary  of  the  school  Mr.  Johnson  alludes  in  a  most  touching 
manner  to  some  of  the  faithful  ones  who  were  with  them  at  the  beginning,  but  who  had  since  joined  the 
heavenly  throng  above.  Among  these  was  Mrs.  Julius  II.  Pratt,  "whose  memory  still  rests  upon  our 
school  like  a  benediction."  He  refers  to  Mr.  J.  II.  Beadle  and  Mr.  Samuel  Wilde,  who  were  teachers  at 
the  beginning,  faithful  and  steadfast,  with  the  highest  and  best  motives  prompting  all  their  efforts,  and 
whose  royal  gifts  of  over  $5,000  each,  made  possible  this  splendid  building  we  now  occupy,  have  joined 
the  innumeral)le  throng  above. 

Mr.  Johnson  alludes  to  the  faithfxd  co-operation  of  Dr.  Bradford,  the  pastor,  in  the  work  of  the  school, 
in  the  following  terms  :  "  One  thing  that  has  cheered  and  encouraged  the  hearts  of  officers  and  teachers 
through  all  these  years  has  been  the  hearty  co-operation  of  the  pastor;  he  has  indeed  been  the  pastor  not 
only  of  the  church,  but  the  school.  The  sessions  have  been  few  indeed,  except  by  reason  of  illness  or 
absence  that  he  has  not  been  present,  to  advise,  counsel  and  encourage  the  teachers  hi  their  work." 

Referring  to  Mrs.  Wilde,  who  was  about  to  resign  her  connection  with  the  school,  he  says  :  "The 
brightness  and  joy  of  the  present  hour  is  dimmed  by  the  thought  that  Mrs.  Samuel  Wilde,  who  commenced 
as  a  teacher  in  the  school  at  its  very  first  session,  and  who  has  held  an  official  position  for  sixteen  years, 
fourteen  of  which  she  was  assistant  superintendent,  now  feels  it  necessary  to  relinquish  the  position  she 
has  so  ably  tilled  all  these  years." 

In  December,  1888,  Mr.  Charles  H.  Johnson,  who  had  so  faithfully  discharged  the  duties  of  Super- 
intendent since  the  organization  of  the  school,  tendered  his  resignation,  much  to  the  regret  of  his  fellow 
laborers  in  the  work.  The  school  under  his  supervision  had  increased  from  72  pupils  and  18  teachers  to 
350  pupils  and  45  teachers.  More  than  200  had  been  added  to  tlie  church  from  tlie  school  during  his 
administration,  and  a  few  had  joined  the  church  triumphant. 


History  of  Monici.aik  Townsiiip.  91 

He  was  succeeded  l)_v  Mr.  D.  U.  Eslibaiigh.  who  tilled  the  position  with  honor  and  credit  fur  three 
years.  Referring  to  his  election  Jfr.  Johuson  says:  '"The  wisdom  of  that  selection  has  heen  manifest 
from  the  beginning  of  his  ottice.  and  I  can  hoar  witness  to  the  fidelity  and  sonnd  jndgnient  with  which  he 
has  tilled  a  position  to  which  he  brought  little  previous  exiierienci'.  and  1  believe  I  voice  the  opinion  of 
teachers  and  scliolars  in  e.xpressing  profound  and  sincere  regret  that  he  feels  it  incumbent  upon  him  to 
relinquish  the  office  at  this  time." 

Mr.  Eshbaugh  proved  himself  a  model  superuitendent,  jjossessing  by  nature  and  experience  all  the 
requi.site  <iualitications  for  the  ottice.  .\  man  of  deep  religious  convictions,  well  versed  in  the  Scriptures, 
sympathetic,  kind  and  affable  in  disposition  ;  possessing  also  tact  and  good  judgment,  together  with  a 
natural  love  for  children.  Thus  e(juij)ped,  he  entered  upon  his  labors  with  earnestness,  zeal  and  enthu- 
siasm, receiving  the  hearty  co  operation  of  otticers  and  teachers,  to  whom  he  endeared  himself  by  his  uni- 
form kindness  and  his  i)ei-sonal  interest  in  their  temporal  and  spiritual  welfare;  by  the  children,  to  whom 
he  always  extended  a  kindly  greeting,  he  was  e(iually  beloved.  The  three  years  of  his  administration 
were  marked  by  an  increase  in  nundjers  and  interest,  and  in  ISOO  forty  united  with  the  church  by  profes- 
sion of  faith,  most  of  wiiom  came  from  the  ranks  of  the  Sabbath  .school.  The  school  was  never  in  a 
more  pro.sperous  condition  than  when  he  resigned  his  position  in  IS'.d.  against  the  earnest  wishes  of  his 
associates — his  failing  health  compelling  him  to  relimjuish  the  duties  of  the  ottice. 

Mr.  E.shbaugh  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  Edward  F.  >[eyei-s,  who  occupied  the  ])osition  one  year.  The 
present  otticers  of  the  school  are:  Superintendent,  Mr.  ('.  S.  Olcott;  Assistant  Superintendent,  Professor 
.John  F.  Woodhull ;  Secretary.  Mrs.  Samuel  Wilde ;  Treasurer,  Mr.  W.  L.  .Johnson;  Librarians,  Mr. 
Walter  Lloyd  and  ifr.  W.  Skidmore.  The  present  uund)er  of  teachers  is  32,  the  number  of  scholars,  210. 
Number  in  Young  Men's  I'iblo  Class,  2.i.  Prinuiry  I)('iiarfinont :  Mrs.  A.  ('.  Komcr.  Superintendent ; 
numl>er  of  otticers.  3;  teacher*.  14;  .scholars.  12<i. 

The  congregation  continued  to  worship  in  the  hall  ivferred  to  until  ls7.").  On  May  3n,  1^7.">,  the 
corner-stone  of  the  new  church  edifice  was  laid  by  the  Pastor.  Rev.  Amory  >«'.  Bradford,  and  an 
address  <lelivered  by  Rev.  (ieorge  R.  Paeon,  of  Orange  Valley.  Fivening  exercises  were  held  in  the 
Presbyterian  (.'hurch,  at  which  time  the  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  William  ]\L  Taylor,  D.I).,  of  New 
York.  The  buihling  was  completed  in  1^73,  and  on  the  l.')th  of  October  of  that  year  was  dedicated  witli 
approjiriate  ceremonies. 

Rkv.  Amoky  IIowk  Buadfoko.   D.l). 

It  was  eminently  Htting  that  the  First  Congregatitmal  Church  of  Christ  in  re-establishing  the  form 
of  religious  woi-ship  introduced  in  this  locality  by  the  Pilgrim  F'athers  more  than  two  hundred  years  ago, 
should  choose  as  their  pastor  a  direct  descendant  of  tiovernor  William  Bradford,  chief  among  the 
"Blessed  Company ''of  the  "  Ma^-flower,"  and  one  of  the  chief  founders  of  Congregationalism  in  this 
country — himself  a  descendant  of  a  line  of  English  ancestors  who  suffered  martyrdom  because  of  their 
adherence  to  the  true  faith  as  delivered  to  the  saints. 

One  of  the  tii-st  martyrs  who  perished  at  the  stake  in  "Bloody  Queen  Mary's"  time  was  .Jolni 
Bradford,  prebend  of  St.  Paul's,  and  a  celebrated  preacher.  lie  was  born  at  Manchester,  in  Lancashire, 
about  1510;  was  committed  to  prison  August  ItJ,  15.53,  where  he  remained  until  his  death,  a  period  of 
two  years.  The  numerous  letters  and  other  compositions  written  by  him  during  his  imprisonment  are 
remarkable  for  their  able  and  uncompromising  opposition  to  the  dogmatical  requisitions  of  papacy,  and 
for  abounding  in  depth  and  fervency  of  jilain  personal  piety  and  expansive  religious  feeling. 

The  early,  energetic  and  persevering  opposition  of  Governor  Bradford,  of  Plymouth,  to  these 
dogmas  would  seem  to  indicate  that  he  was  a  worthy  descendant  of  the  martyr's  immediate  family,  and 
tliat  he  was  so  is  rendered  more  probable  from  the  fact  that  the  town  of  Bradford  (meaning  Broad-ford), 
in  Yorkshire,  Manchester,  the  biithj)lace  of  the  martyr,  and  Austertield,  where  Governor  Bradford  was 
bom,  thirty  three  years  after  the  martyr's  death,  are  all  in  the  north  of  England  and  near  each  other. 

William  Bradford,  Governor  of  Plymouth  Colony,  was  born  at  Austertield,  in  Yorkshire,  England, 
in  1588.    He  went  to  Holland  early  in  life  and  joined  the  Pilgrims,  and  came  to  Plymouth  in  the  "  May- 


92  .  History  of  Montci.air  Township. 

flosver  "  1620,  accompanied  by  his  wife,  whose  maiden  name  was  Dorothy  May.  This  lady  never  reached 
I'Jymoutli,  hut  was  accidently  drowned  on  the  7th  of  December,  1620,  during  the  absence  of  her  husband 
on  an  examining  tour  into  Massachusetts  Bay.  and  while  the  "  Mayflower"  remained  in  Cape  Cod  Harbor. 
Slie  was  the  first  English  woman  (who  died  in  Plymoutli,  and  the  first)  whose  death  is  recorded  in  New 
England. 

Mr.  Bradford  was  chosen  Governor  in  1621  and  was  re-elected  to  that  office  every  year  till  16.57, 
except  five  years — 1633,  '34,  '36,  '3S.  '44.  lie  was  one  of  the  most  efficient  persons  in  directing  and 
sustaining  tiie  new  settlement ;  he  "  was  the  very  prop  and  glory  of  Plymouth  Colony  during  the  whole 
series  of  changes  that  passed  over  it."  He  married,  August  14,  1623,  widow  Alice  Soutlnvorth,  whose 
maiden  name  is  supposed  to  have  been  (Carpenter.  He  died,  May  9,  1657,  lamented  by  all  the  colonies 
of  New  England  as  a  common  father  to  them  all.  He  had  by  his  second  wife  three  children,  William, 
Mercy  and  Joseph. 

E.EV.  Amort  Howe  Bradfokd,  D.D.,  son  of  Benjamin  F.  and  ]\[ary  A.  (Howe)  Bradford,  was 
born  in  Granby,  Oswego  County,  N.  Y.,  April  14,  1846.  He  is  eighth  in  line  of  descent  from  Governor 
William  Bradford,  probably  through  Thomas,  third  son  of  Governor  Bradford  by  his  .second  wife,  Alice 
Southworth.  This  Thomas,  by  his  father's  will,  secured  lands  in  Norwich.  Conn.,  and  removed  thence 
after  his  father's  death.  He  married  Anna,  daughter  of  Rev.  James  Fitch  (first  minister  to  Saybrook 
and  Norwich)  by  the  latter's  second  wife  Priscilla.  daughter  of  John  ^lason.  the  hero  of  the  Pequot  war. 

Alexander,  the  great -great  grandfather  of  the  Kev.  A.  H.  Bradford,  owned  a  farm  on  tlie  eastern 
border  of  Connecticut,  on  the  shore  of  the  Pawcatuck  River  that  forms  the  boundary  between  Connecticut 
and  Rhode  Island,  about  two  miles  below  tlie  village  of  Westerly.  On  that  farm  the  father,  the  grand- 
father and  the  great  grandfalliers  of  Dr.  Bradford  were  born,  and  the  old  homestead  is  still  in  a  good 
state  of  preservation.  Dr.  Bradford's  mother  was  Mary  A.  Howe,  daughter  of  Amory  Howe,  of  ]\Iarl- 
borough,  Mass.,  a  descendant  of  Abraham  Howe,  one  of  the  founders  and  proprietors  of  Marlborough  in 
1660.  Dr.  Bradford  was  prepared  for  college  at  Penn  Yan  Academy,  was  graduated  at  llainilton 
College  in  1867  ;  studied  at  Auburn  and  graduated  at  Andover  Theological  Seminary  in  lS7n.  Immedi- 
ately following  his  ordination  in  1870,  he  accepted  a  call  from  the  First  Congregational  Church  of 
Christ  at  Montclair,  and  began  his  labors  in  June  of  that  year.  In  September  following  he  married  Miss 
Julia  S.  Stevens,  daughter  of  W.  R.  Stevens,  Esq.,  of  Little  Falls,  N.  Y.  The  eighty-four  members  of 
this  church  who  welcomed  Mr.  Bradford  as  their  pastor,  were  earnest,  liberal-minded,  working  Christians, 
made  up  of  different  denominations.  Mr.  Bradford  made  no  inquiry  as  to  the  creeds  or  doctrinal  views 
of  the  individual  members.  He  determined  to  "know  nothing  among  them  save  Jesus  and  Him 
crucified."  He  laid  broad  the  foundation,  threw  wide  open  tlie  doors  of  the  church  and  extended  a 
hearty  welcome  to  Christians  of  every  denomination.  He  assisted  in  the  organization  of  the  various 
societies  for  church  work,  in  all  of  which  he  took  a  personal  interest,  lie  met  the  pastors  of  other 
churches  in  a  kind  and  friendly  spirit,  and  invited  them  to  exchange  pulpits.  He  has  grown  apace  with 
his  own  church,  which,  as  the  record  shows,  1kis  had  large  annual  accessions,  both  by  letter  and  by 
profession  of  faith.  He  has  taken  an  active  interest  in  every  public  improvemcTit.  and  in  the  founding 
of  benevolent  and  religious  societies,  one  of  the  most  useful  and  beneficial  of  wliicli  is  the  Children's 
Home,  designed  not  only  as  a  permanent  home  for  children  of  ]\Iontclair  who  have  been  liereft  of  their 
natural  protectors,  but  as  a  temporary  home  and  resort  during  the  hot  summer  months  for  the  children  of 
our  large  cities. 

The  almost  unparalleled  growth  of  the  churcli  as  a  suburban  church  evinces  the  character  of  Dr. 
Bradford's  work,  his  popularity  as  a  preacher,  and  his  faithfulness  as  a  pastor.  Few  ministers  have  ever 
been  more  beloved  by  a  people,  or  have  exercised  a  greater  influence  in  a  community.  He  has 
frequentlv  supplieii  the  pulpits  of  the  New  York  and  Brooklyn  churches  during  the  summer  months,  and 
exchanged  with  the  most  eminent  divines  of  these  cities.  During  ]\[r.  Beecher's  life  he  often  supplied 
his  place  in  Plymouth  Church  during  the  summer  vacation  ;  and  in  a  letter  commending  Mr.  Bradford 
to  his  European  friends,  Mr.  Beecher  wrote  that  his  people  were  very  willing  tliat  he  sliould  extend  his 
own  vacation.     Althouoh  humorous  in  form,  this  showed  ^Ir.Bradford'sexcellent  preaching  as  a  fact. 


History  of  Moxtclair  To\vxsiiii>. 


93 


Dr.  Bradford  has  made  several  tri]>s  al)ruad,  both  for  study  and  for  recreation.  He  studied  si.x 
months  at  Oxford,  and  was  the  first  American  ever  invited  to  preach  a  baccalaureate  sermon  at  that 
institution. 

In  July,  1891,  he  was  sent  as  a  delegate  to  represent  the  Congregationalists  of  New  Jersey  in  the 
great  International  Council  of  Congregationalists  held  in  London  at  that  time.  No  American  preacher 
ever  received  greater  honors  than  was  accorded  him  during  his  stay.  He  took  a  leading  part  in  ail  the 
discussions  of  the  Council,  and  at  all  times  was  listene<l  to  with  rapt  attention.  He  was  invited  to  preach 
at  many  of  the  largest  and  most  prominent  churches  in  England.  The  religious  as  well  as  the  secular 
press  of  England  voiced  the  sentiments  of  the  peoi>le  on  both  sides  of  the  Atlantic  in  their  expressions 
concerning  I  )r.  Bradford  as  a  man  and  as  a  preacher.  If,  as  has  been  said,  a  foreign  verdict  is  like  a  verdict 
of  posterity  in  its  impartiality,  some  extracts  from  these  foreign  journals  will  be  in  point,  ll^e  Leicexter 
Z>a27y  Poj<^  referring  to  his  sermon  preached  before  the  Clarendon  Park  Congregational  Church,  said: 
"The  mere  fact  that  this  distinguished  visitor  was  one  of  the  few  who  had  been  chosen  to  represent  the 
Congregationalism  of  the  Rejiultlic  at  the  International  Conference   in   London,  alone  s|)eaks  volumes  to 


PARSONAGE   OF   FIRiT    CONGRKOATIONAL   CI1LRCH. 


the  eminent  rank  he  had  gained  among  the  Independents  of  America.  Had  there,  however,  been  the 
slightest  doubt  as  to  his  title  to  the  enviable  reputation  he  has  gained  among  the  religious  preachers  and 
teachers  of  the  Xew  World,  it  must  have  been  swept  away  by  his  discourses  yesterday.  *  *  *  *  Hardly 
had  he  passed  beyond  the  opening  sentences  of  his  morning  sermon  than  it  became  clear  that  he  was 
master  in  his  own  field  of  service — a  j)ul)lie  teacher  of  the  first  rank.  In  one  or  two  respects  Dr,  Bradford 
fills  a  place  in  the  sphere  of  pulpit  oratory  which  is  distinctively  his  own.  Not  only  has  hu  strongly 
marked  views  on  some  of  the  pressing  problems  of  his  time,  and  all  the  courage  of  his  advanced  con- 
victions, but  he  has  at  least  three  of  the  essentials  of  success.  He  has  grasp  of  thought  which  enables 
him  to  graple  with  the  most  difficult  subject  with  no  ordinary  skill.  He  has  a  power  of  expression  wliich 
crystallizes  his  ideas  into  the  most  incisive  and  xngorous  phrase.  And  lie  has  a  delivery  which,  while  not 
of  the  highest  order,  is  still  most  effective,  sustaining  the  lively  interest  of  the  hearer  by,  among  other 
things,  an  occasional  sudden  transition  from  a  tone  that  rings  through  the  church  to  one  that  is  almost 
inaudible  in  its  mingled  softness  and  depth.     .Vfter  all  his  paramount  title  to  fame   is  necessarily  not  so 


9-t  History  ok  Montci.atr  Township. 

much  liis  manner  as  liis  matter — not  so  much  the  words  that  arouse  and  'burn'  as  the  'thouiilits  tliat 
breathe.'  Our  American  visitor  Ti\ndly  recognizes  that  lie  lias  a  mission  to  fulfil  which  is  higher  and 
broader  than  the  boundaries  of  any  single  creed — a  Christianity  to  teach  and  jireacli  which  overleaps 
even  the  nobler  selfishness  of  patriotism,  and  has  as  its  essence  that  spirit  wbicii  compelled  the  famous 
preacher  to  be  content  with  nothing  less  than  the    'whole  world"    as  his    'parish." 

Another  paper  referring  to  "  a  very  remarkable  and  stirring  sermon  preached  \>\  Dr.  Bradford  at  Mans- 
field Chapel "  says :  "  lie  is  rich  in  illustration,  cultured  in  diction,  vigorous  in  thought,  and  delivered 
with  impassioned  yet  dignified  eloquence.  These  sermons  stamp  the  preacher  as  one  of  the  very  strongest 
of  our  living  preachers.'' 

Rev.  Joseph  Parker,  D.D.,  the  "  London  Beecher,''  in  his  criticism  of  the  men  who  took  ])art  in 
the  Council,  says  of  Dr.  Bradford  :  "  lie  is  broad  in  mind,  generous  in  impulse,  eloquent  in  expression — 
a  harmou}'  of  the  progressive  aspects  of  evangelical  truth." 

The  Jfi/iic/ieste)'  (hianlian  says:  "  Dr.  Bradford  is  a  tower  of  strength  to  Xew  England  Congre- 
gationalism. A  keen  student  of  Congregational  history  and  polity,  his  eminence  in  this  department  is 
attested  by  the  fact  that  he  is  appointed  lecturer  for  three  years  at  Andover  on  Congregationnlism."  (He 
beffan  the  coiir.se  in  1S!)2  with  '•  Eneli.di  Cono-reffationalism."") 

Another  writer  says:     "  He  is  just  a  trifle  theatrical  in  his  style  of  oratory,  but  he  has  to  perfection 
that  vigorous  gift  of  driving  a  point  straight  home  that  Mr.  Spurgeon"s  niamier  illustrates  so  forcibly. 
He  has  a  storehouse  of  anecdote,  and  has  a  story  to  fit   every  moral   that  he  wants   to  emphasize.     His 
cultered,  refined  face  will  not  soon  be  forgotten  by  those  who  had   the  privilege  of  listening  to  him. 
He  is  a  clear  thinker — progressive,  reverent,  constructive,  full  of  tact,  sincerity  and  spiritual  simiilicity." 

Dr.  Bradford's  uuselfish  devotion  to  his  own  church  and  to  the  Master's  cause,  and  his  refusal  to 
entertain  the  numerous  "calls"  extended  to  him  ')y  leading  churches  throughout  the  country,  is  thus 
referred  to  by  a  writer  in  one  of  the  English  journals :  "  His  reputation  in  the  United  States  is  not  con- 
fined to  his  own  body.  He  is  a  powerful  and  impressive  preacher,  and  it  is  through  his  own  desire, 
strengthened  by  the  affection  of  an  attached  congregation,  that  he  remains  in  a  place  so  little  known  as 
Montclair,  and  not  in  one  of  the  large  centres  of  population.  Several  tempting  calls  have  been  made  to 
him  to  settle  in  one  or  another  of  the  large  cities  of  the  Union.  He  frequently,  in  Mr.  Beecher's  time, 
occupied  the  pulpit  in  the  famous  Plymouth  Church,  Brooklyn.  About  twenty  years  ago,  not  long  after 
he  began  his  ministerial  career,  he,  for  the  sake  of  his  health,  exchanged  work  for  six  months  with  a 
brother  pastor  stationed  on  the  Pacific  Coast.  Here  Dr.  Bradford  was  so  much  liked  that  every  effort 
was  made  to  induce  him  to  stay,  and  when  he  answered  that  tiiis  was  impossible,  as  the  East  had  greater 
claims  ujion  him  than  the  West,  he  was  entreated  to  accept  a  testimonial.  He  agreed  to  this  provided  he 
could  choose  the  gift.  When  told  he  could  have  anything  he  liked,  his  request  was  that  the  church  in 
which  he  had  l)een  laboring  temporarily  should  be  cleared  from  all  trace  of  debt.  It  was  a  goodly  sum 
that  had  to  be  raised,  but  it  was  fully  subscribed.     The  act  was  characteristic  of  Dr.  Bradford." 

The  utterances  of  Dr.  Bradford,  in  his  discussion  of  the  great  questions  which  are  agitating  the 
world,  were  extensively  quoted  and  freely  commented  u|)on  by  the  English  press.  T/ie  Lvndon 
Indepetulnt  of  July  10, 1891,  said  :  "  Kev.  Dr.  Bradford,  whose  course  through  our  principal  [nilpits  par- 
takes somewhat  of  the  nature  of  a  triumphal  progress,  Avas  last  Saturday  in  Leicester,  conducting  the 
anniversary  services  of  Clarendon- Park  Chapel.  He  preached  in  the  morning  from  tiie  text  'The 
Kingdom  of  Heaven  is  at  hand.'  and  delivered  a  wonderful  oration  on  the  nature  and  prospect 
of  the  Divine  Kingdom.  He  said  no  phr-ase  ever  more  exactly  defined  the  ideal  to  which  the  Master 
opened  tlie  way  than  the  words  '  The  nalization  of  righteousness  in  the  life  of  humanity."  How  can 
wealth  and  poverty  both  be  filled  with  the  spirit  of  Christ  so  that  they  shall  minister  one  to  another? 
How  can  the  islands  and  continents  be  filled  with  the  good  news  of  the  Father  (Tod  and  the  Saviour  Son 
of  God?  Silently  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven  is  extending.  Its  limits  are  bounded  neither  by  race  lines 
nor  continental  frontiers.  It  is  a  kingdom  of  spirit  in  which  the  individual  realizes  his  privilege  in  the 
eifacement  of  himself  and  in  grateful  devotion  to  the  service  of  God   in  tiiat  humanity  for  which  Christ 


History  of  >[ontci,.\ir  TnwNsiiir.  95 

died ;  a  Kingdom  before  wliicli  the  walls  separating  nations  are  falling,  the  selfishness  of  patriotism  is 
disappearing,  and  poverty,  vice  and  sectarian  rivalrv  yielding  to  the  magnetism  of  love.*' 

Referring  to  the  sermon  preached  by  Dr.  Bradford,  at  New  "Weigh  House,  London,  the  Chrhtian 
Worltl  said,  "  Dr.  Bradford  believes  in  organism  rather  than  mechanism.  He  refuses  to  acknowledge 
that  the  men  of  two  centuries  ago  were  more  under  divine  guidance  than  the  men  of  to  day.  He  holds 
that  where  the  supremacy  fif  the  spirit  is  recognized,  men  will  not  be  asked  if  they  acce]it  systems  of 
doctrine  written  liy  the  dead,  but  whether  they  have  open  minds,  living  hearts,  humble  wills,  ready  to  be 
taught  and  led  by  God  to-day.  He  predicts  the  federation  of  churches,  the  cessation  of  denominational 
rivalries,  ami  the  realization  of  a  universal  brotherhood  in  its  fullest  expression  as  what  we  are  moving 
towards.     These  are  brave  words." 

During  his  stay  in  England,  Dr.  Bradford  visited  the  village  of  Austei-tield — the  birtliplace  and  resi- 
dence of  his  American  ancestor.  Governor  AViiJiam  Bradford- wliich  is  only  two  or  three  miles  from 
Scrooby,  where  John  Bradford  became  a  convert  from  listening  to  the  preaching  of  Clyfton,  a  leading 
pa.stor  of  the  Scrooby  congregation.  He  found  the  church  at  Austertield  '"not  in  a  good  state  of  repair, 
though  its  Norman  doorway  is  worthy  of  a  visit."  There  is  an  ancient  font,  probably  the  one  in  which 
Hradford  was  l)aptized  March  11',  15S'.>. 

Dr.  Bradfor<l  made  many  friends  during  his  stay  in  P]ngiand.  but  his  reputation  as  a  preacher  had 
preceded  him.  While  for  many  years  he  confined  his  labors  to  his  own  church  in  Montclair,  his  intluence 
was  sradnallv  widening  and  enlarging,  and  he  has  been  for  many  years  recognized  as  one  of  the  ablest 
und  mo^t  j)rogie:-r-ive  of  our  American  preachers.  He  received  in  1884  his  degree  of  D.D.  from  Hamil- 
ton College,  his  u/ma  rnahr.  He  has  been  a  frequent  contributor  to  our  best  paj)ei-s  and  periodicals.  In 
1S8S  a  volume  of  his  .•sermons  came  from  the  press  of  Fords.  H(jwanl  A:  Hulbert,  under  the  title  "Spirit 
and  Life."  which  has  pa.ssed  through  several  editions;  also  "Old  Wine  in  New  Bottles."  All  his  writing 
is  marked  by  profound  spiritual  insight,  moral  earnestness  and  intellectual  strengtii.  At  the  beginning  of 
iN'.i?)  he  became  connected  with  the  Chrlxtlun  /^'/(/o/*.  having  charge  of  the  department  "The  Religious 
World."  He  does  not  leave  the  i>ulpit  or  his  magnificent  church  at  Montclair  in  assuming  these  new 
duties. 

The  Iiiilrjh ml,  lit.  i^>i  London,  in  referring  to  his  connection  with  the  I'liristian  C"?;?'o?;,  says,  "  The 
appointment  of  Dr.  Hradford  to  be  collaborateur  with  Dr.  Lyman  Abbott  is  sure  to  gratify  our  readers, 
and  may  draw  the  attention  of  some  to  tlie  Christian  Union  who  do  not  know  liow  admirable  an  organ 
and  leader  of  religious  thou<rlit  that  paper  is.  Dr.  Bradford  was  known  to  our  metropolitan  churches  be- 
fore his  visit  to  the  International  Council  made  him  free  of  British  Congregationalism.  On  previous 
visits  he  had  preached  in  London  arid  had  won  the  best  of  all  tributes  to  his  worth — an  interest  in  his 
l^ersonality,  founded  on  liis  (jualities  as  a  i)reac]ier.  When  he  came  as  a  delegate  to  the  Council,  invita- 
tions to  country  churches  awaited  him ;  lie  delivered  the  address  to  the  students  at  the  sessional  anniver- 
sary of  Lancashire  College,  and  he  has  become  one  of  the  best  known  American  ministers  to  this  country. 
It  is  bare  truth  to  say  that  affection  is  as  marked  as  admiration  in  our  feeling  towards  him.  Dr.  Brad- 
ford's position  in  America  is  very  infiuential.  As  a  pastor  of  a  suburban  church  he  tells  on  the  life  of 
New  York,  and  his  generous  popular  .^ympatliies  have  drawn  to  him  the  confidence  of  those  among  the 
American  churches  which  are  working  for  the  religious  future  of  the  nation.  lie  was  the  correspondent 
of  the  New  York  fnilejieniletit  during  the  sessions  of  the  Council;  he  has  been  a  frequent  contributor  to 
the  Boston  Conyregatioiudixt  and  the  New  York  Christian  Union.  It  is  not  for  us  to  say  which  of 
these  three  excellent  papers  is  best,  but  believing  that  friendly  sympathy  in  journalism  as  in  other  things 
is  better  than  rivalry,  we  are  glad  of  his  assumption  of  the  editorial  chair,  ^'e  are  equally  glad  that  he 
is  not  resigning  his  pastorate  at  Montclaii'.  New  Jersey.  We  grudge  the  withdrawal  of  such  men  fnjm 
the  pulpit  and  the  active  direction  of  a  church.  The  strain  of  a  double  office  is  heavy  ;  but  there  is  no 
influence  which  so  purifies  ])ublic  men.  and  fits  them  for  the  higher  public  usefulness,  as  the  consciousness 
of  being  sustained  by  the  affection  and  pi-ayer  of  a  congregation,  and  the  wisdom  which  comes  from  inti- 
mate association  with  earnest  Christians  of  many  different  types  of  character." 


9fi  History  of  MoxTn.AiR  Tnwxsiiir. 

The  most  recent  publication  of  Dr.  Bradford  is  '•  Tlie  Pilgrims  in  Old  England,"  being  a  study  of 
English  Congregationalism. 

As  a  citizen  T)r.  Bradford  has  taken  the  lead  in  most  of  the  reform  and  educational  movements 
which  have  been  started  in  ^Nlontclair.  He  assisted  in  organizing  the  "  Citizens'  Committee  of  One 
Hundred  "  for  the  execution  of  existing  laws  and  the  suppression  of  public  evils.  lie  was  one  of  the 
oro'anizers  of  the  Reform  Club,  the  object  of  which  was  to  make  a  home  or  place  of  resort  for  reformed 
men,  and  keep  them  out  of  the  way  of  temptation.  This  was  the  nucleus  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian 
Association.  He  started  the  "  Outlook  Cluli."  a  literary  organization  for  the  discussion  of  to]iics  of  cur- 
rent interest,  lie  was  the  father  of  the  Children's  Home,  one  of  the  most  promising  and  useful  benevo- 
lent organizations  in  the  State. 

Dr.  Bradford  suggested  the  American  Institute  of  Christian  Philosophy,  was  its  first  Secretary, 
and  on  the  death  of  the  late  President  was  elected  to  succeed  him,  and  also  became  editor  of  its 
organ,  Christian  Thought;  he  is  also  editor  of  the  American  edition  of  the  Review  of  the  Churches, 
and  is  still  a  member  of  the  Executive  Committee.  He  started  the  Congregational  Club  of  Xew 
York  and  has  been  one  of  its  Vice-Presidents  since  its  organization.  He  was  one  of  the  coi-jiorate 
members  of  the  American  Board  of  Foreign  Missions.  In  1892  Dr.  Bradford  was  chosen  to  preach  the 
annual  sermon  of  the  American  Missionary  Association,  which  is  one  of  the  gi-eat  Congregational 
Missionary  Societies. 

In  Sejiteinber,  1S94,  Dr.  Bradford  again  went  to  London  in  response  to  an  invitation  from  the 
officers  of  Westminster  Cha])el.  This  church  is  situated  near  Ihickingham  <4ate,  on  James  Street,  midway 
between  the  Houses  of  Parliament  and  Buckingham  Palace.  Tiie  church  building  is  the  largest  Congre- 
gational Building  in  the  world.  Tlse  church  had  been  without  a  settled  pastor  for  a  long  time,  and  many 
of  the  congregation  having  heard  Dr.  P>radford  on  a  previous  occasion  were  anxious  to  hear  him  again. 
Dr.  Bradford  met  with  a  hearty  reception  and  su]i|>lied  the  ]»ul|)it  for  some  weeks,  and  before  leaviiig 
received  a  unanimous  call  from  the  Church. 

On  his  return  home,  when  it  became  known  tliat  he  had  received  a  call  from  Westminster  Chapel, 
London,  his  own  cona;re<j;ation,  as  well  as  the  citizens  of  Montclair  of  all  denominations,  were  united  in 
their  efforts  to  induce  him  to  remain  in  his  present  position. 

At  the  regular  meeting  of  the  Congregational  Club  of  New  York  City,  held  on  Monday  evening, 
October  16,  1893,  the  following  resolution  was  unanimously  adopted : 

"  liesolved.  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  Congregational  Club  of  New  York  and  vicinity,  that  the  im- 
portant work  and  influence  of  the  Church,  which  Liev.  Dr.  Bradford  has  served  so  successfully  through  so 
many  years,  and  the  varied  interests  of  truth  with  wdiich  he  is  so  helpfully  and  influentially  connected, 
require  his  continued  presence  in  this  comitry,  and  nuike  it  his  duty  to  decline  the  tlattering  call  to  the 
pastorate  of  Westminster  Chapel,  in  London,  England." 

After  a  careful  consideration  of  the  matter  Dr.  Bradford  declined  the  call,  and  decided  to  remain 
with  the  first  and  only  church  with  which  he  had  ever  been  connected,  and  whose  interests  are  interwoven 
with  every  fibre  of  his  nature. 

Rev.  John  L.  Scudder,  referring  to  his  action,  says :  "We  learn  with  pleasure  that  Rev.  Amory 
H.  Bradford,  D.D..  of  ^lontclair,  has  declined  the  call  to  Westminster  Chapel,  London,  the  largest  Con- 
gregational Church  in  that  great  metropolis.  The  call  was  a  great  compliment  to  his  ability  as  preacher 
and  a  scholar,  and  demonstrates  that  he  has  not  only  an  international  reputation,  but  is  the  most  popular 
American  preacher  abroad.  We  congratulate  the  Church  in  Montclair  upon  the  determination  of  Mr. 
Bradford  to  remain  in  this  country,  and  continue  his  uni(|ue  ministry  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey.  We 
Itelieve  his  usefulness  would  not  be  enhanced  l)y  a  departure  for  Europe.  Though  settled  in  Mont- 
clair, his  parish  extends  far  beyond  the  limits  of  his  owti  State.  Through  his  books,  contributions  to 
magazines,  public  addresses,  and  editorship  of  the  Outlonl\  Ins  field  extends  from  Sandy  Llook  to  the 
Golden  Gate.     He    has  shown   his  wisdom   in  remaining  in  tie   L'nited  States,  where  he  is  universally 


tAfvu^y     M    /^^^V^^ 


IIiSTOKv  OF  MnNTci.AiR  TmvNsiiip.  It: 

beloved.  America  cannot  spare  him,  for  lie  i.<  our  best  representative  of  the  'Forward  Movement'  in 
this  country.  The  great  problems  of  the  race  are  to  be  worked  out  upon  this  continent  where  there  are 
no  time-honored  restrictions,  and  where  changes  in  practice  and  in  law  follow  on  tlie  heels  of  public 
opinicm.  This  nation  is  to  set  the  fashions  for  the  world,  and  we  want  the  best  men  right  here  on 
American  soil,  where  their  influence  will  tell  the  most.  London  is  a  great  place,  but  America  is  greater; 
and  here  we  trust  the  good  doctor  will  live  and  die." 

PIUilMM    MISSION. 

This  ^lis.sion  was  organized  in  li^S",),  under  peculiar  circumstances.  Neighborhood  prayer  meetings 
were  being  held  in  various  localities  by  a  band  of  Christian  workei-s.  One  of  these  was  held  un  i^loom- 
field  Avenue,  in  close  proximity  to  a  liijuor  saloon  frequented  by  I.ouis  Ileckman,  a  plain,  uneducated 
workingman.  lie  was  induced  to  attend  these  meetings,  was  converted,  and  soon  after  began  the  work 
of  organizing  a  Mission.  IJr.  l>radford  became  interested  in  his  work,  and  tiirough  his  aid  he  was  ena- 
bled to  secure  a  building  on  Wasiiington  Street,  J)r.  iiradford  becoming  personally  responsil>le  for  the 
rent.  The  ^Methodists  and  otlier  denominations  assi.sted  in  furnishing  the  room  suitable  for  lioldinc 
meetings.  Mr.  Ileckman  made  slow  progress  at  first,  but  after  one  or  f'.vf)  conversions,  others  came  out 
of  curiosity.  The  meetings  at  first  were  helil  oidy  on  Thursday  evenings,  but  as  the  attendance  and 
interest  increased,  .services  were  lield  on  Sunday  evenings,  and  it  soon  l)ecame  nece.s.sary  to  Imild  on  an 
addition.  Tliis  was  done  through  individual  subscriptions  raised  by  Mr.  Fleckmaii.  Witli  the  incicascd 
facilities  he  oi)ened,  in  1>•V^1,  a  Sunday  .school,  lieginning  with  li:!  children  and  4  teachers.  (Jtlier  C'hiistian 
workers  became  interested  in  the  movement,  and  Mr.  -lames  G.  Beach,  of  Bloomfield,  presented  the  Mi.ssion 
with  a  lot  of  ground  on  Bloomtield  Avenue,  and  Mr.  Ileckman's  clforts  to  raise  money  to  erect  a  Chapel  met 
witli  a  generous  response  from  liberal  and  enterprising  citizens,  .Mr.  W.  W.  Egbert  donating  $1,000  and 
Mr.  Stephen  Carey  $5(X>;  others  gave  various  sums,  ranging  from  §200  down  to  .$5,  the  sum  total 
amounting  to  S'^,*""'- 

A  building  was  erected  32  .x  *'A  feet,  with  a  seating  capacity  of  ."»00.  All  the  furniture,  coiisisting 
of  400  chairs  and  a  tine  Brussels  carpet,  were  donated  by  Mrs.  George  Innis.  A  fine  organ  was  presented 
by  the  Young  People's  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor  connecti  d  with  the  Congregational  (iiurcli,  and  a 
§400  ]>iano  was  given  by  the  King's  Daughters,  a  nol>le  baml  of  young  ladies  worthv  of  the  name  tliev 
bear. 

The  Sunday  school  connected  with  this  Mission  is  now  in  a  flourishing  condition  with  nearly  200 
scholars,  5  oflicers,  and  14  teachers.     Mr.  Ileckman  is  still  tilling  the  position  of  Sui)eriiitendent. 

Auxiliary  .societies  have  been  organized,  which  have  done  etfeetive  work.  Among  these  are  the 
Christian  Endeavor  Society,  the  Yoke  Fellows  Band  and  the  King's  Sons.  Of  the  latter  society  all  are 
j'oung  converts  of  this  Mission. 

Mr.  Ileckman,  who  founded  this  Mission  with  tiie  assistance  of  l>r.  liradford,  is  a  native  of 
Montclair,  of  humble  parentage,  and  his  educational  advantages  were  very  limited.  Since  he  began 
his  evangelistic  labors,  however,  he  has  been  a  close  student,  and  though  still  a  layman,  has  done  most  of 
the  pastoral  work  connected  with  the  Mission,  lie  has  received  great  a.ssistauce  in  his  work  from  Dr. 
Bradford,  who  gave  him  the  use  of  his  library,  and  became  his  steadfast  friend  and  supporter  in  his 
nnssion  work. 

FIRST  BAPTIST  CHURCH. 

With  the  rapid  increa,se  of  population  there  has  doubtless  been  for  many  years  past  a  sufficient 
number  of  Baptists  to  have  organized  a  church,  had  the  attempt  been  made.  It  was  not,  however,  until 
the  autumn  of   1885  that  .systematic  efforts  were  begun  in  this  direction.     At  that  time  a  few   enterpris- 


flS 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


ing  Baptists  met  together,  and  after  a  free  discussion  of  the  matter,  decided  to  have  a  thorough  canvas 
made  of  the  townsliip  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  tlie  number  of  resident  Baptists.  Accordingly 
Rev.  Henry  Bromley,  an  aged  Baptist  of  large  experience  in  mission  work,  a  resident  of  Brooklyn^ 
N.  Y.,  was  employed  for  this  purpose.  As  the  result  of  his  efforts  he  found  58  members  of  Baptist 
churches  and  a  nnnd)cr  of  others  who  were  in  sympathy  with  the  movement  and  gave  assurance  of  their 
co-operation. 

On  Nov.  6,  1885,  during  the  progress  of  these  ert'orts,  a  neighborhood  prayer  meeting  was  held 
at  which  there  were  present  thirteen.  A  second  meeting  was  held  Friday  evening,  Novembei'  ]?>,  at 
which  there  were  present  10  young  people  and  30  adults,  Rev.  Henry  Brondey  of  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  and 
Rev.  E.  D.  Simonds,  then  pastor  of  the  Bloomfield  Baptist  Church.  It  was  decided  to  begin  operations 
at  once,  and  to  organize  a  Sunday  school,   to   be  followed  by  preaching   service,  and   to  hold  a   prayer 


1  IKSl     EAI'TISI     CHrRCH. 


meeting  every  Friday  evening.  Rev.  E.  D.  Simonds  agreed  to  supply  the  preaching  service  for  a  period 
of  three  months.  The  Sunday  school  was  duly  organized,  Irving  Cairns  being  elected  Superintendent 
and  Wm.  H.  Ketchum,  Secretary,  and  Sunday  school  and  preaching  services  were  held  regularly  at 
Montclair  Hall  until  Jan.  6,  1886,  when  steps  were  taken  to  eft'ect  a  permanent  organization  by  the 
election  of  Rev.  E.  U.  Simonds  as  Chairman,  and  Irving  Cairns  as  Clerk. 

A  committee,  consisting  of  Geo.  P.  Farmer,  E.  P.  Benedict  and  Irving  Cairns,  who  had  previously 
been  appointed  to  obtain  a  list  of  such  persons  as  were  willing  to  unite  in  the  organization  of  a  church, 
reported  that  they  had  secured  a  list  of  thirty-eight  names  by  letters  from  other  churches,  and  live  by 
experience — a  total  of  forty-three, — and  recommended  the  adoption  of  the  following  resolution: 

"  Believing  it  to  be  the  will  of  God,  as  taught  in  His  word,  and  indicated  in  His  providence,  and 


History  of  Moxtci.air  Township.  99 

trusting  in  His  divine  guidance,  blessing  and  i>resence,  we,  and  all  whose  letters  and  names  have  heen 
placed  in  the  hands  of  the  clerk  of  this  meeting,  do  hereby  form  ourselves  into  a  regular  Baptist  Church 
by  the  adoption  of  the  New  Hampshire  Confession  of  Faith  and  Church  Covenant."  -— 

Edwin  P.  Benedict,  First  Baptist  Church,  Hackensack,  N.  J.  C.  Wesley  Jacobus,  First  Baptist  Church,  Newark,  N.  J. 

Mrs.   Louise  M.  Benedict,  First  Baptist  Church,   Hacken-  Louis  A.  Koehler,  First  Baptist  Church,  Newark,  N.  J. 

sack,  X.J.  Mrs.  Cornelia  Koehler,  First  Baptist  Church,  Newark,  N.  J. 

Alonzo  Crawford,  First  Baptist  Church,  Hackensack,  N.J.  William  H.  Ketchum,  North  Orange  Baptist  Church. 

Mrs.  Harriet  A.  Crawford,  First  Baptist  Church,   Hacken-  Mrs.  Louisa  P.  Kinnan,  Schooley's  Mountain  Baptist  Church. 

sack,  N.  J.  Miss  Julia   A.   Phelps,    Baptist  Church  of  the   Epiphany, 
Irving  Cairns,  North  Baptist  Church.  Jersey  City,  N,  Y.  City. 

Mrs.  Ella  V.  Cairns,  North  Baptist  Church,  Jersey  City.  Mrs.  Mary  F.  Muir,  Park  Baptist  Church,  Port  Richmond, 
William  Cairns,  North  Baptist  Church,  Jersey  City.  S.  I. 

Mrs.  Marj-  A.  Cairns,  North  Baptist  Church.  Jersey  City.  William  A.  May,  First  Baptist  Church,  Newark,  N.  J. 

Thos.  V.  Carpenter,  First  Baptist  Church,  Newark,  X.  J.  W.  H.  A.  Maynard,  Herkimer  Street  Baptist  Church,  Brook- 
Mrs.  M.  E.  Carpenter,  First  Baptist  Church,  Newark,  N.J.  lyn,  N.  Y. 

Franklin  N.  Class,  Central  Baptist  Church,  X.  Y.  City.  Chas.  S.  Salmon,  Baptist  Church,  Schooley's  Mountain,  N.  J. 

Mrs.  Mar>-  E.  Class,  Central  Baptist  Church,  X.  Y.  City.  W.  H.  Smith,  Strong  Place  Baptist  Church,  Brooklyn,  X.  Y. 

Mrs.  E.  Crossman,  First  Baptist  Church,  Xewark.  X.  J.  Mrs.  Adelia  G.Taylor,  First  Baptist  Church,  Bloomfield,  X.J. 

Otis  Corbit,  Baptist  Church  of  the  Epiphany.  X.  Y.  City.  Amy  T.  Weaver,  First  Baptist  Church,  Bloomfield,  X.  J. 

Mrs.  Amelia  P.  Corbit.  Baptist  Church  of  the  Epiphany,  Theodore  C.  Van  Arsdale,   First  Baptist  Church,   Bloom- 

X.  Y.  City.  '  field.  X.  J. 

G.  M.  DeWitt,  Baptist  Church  of  Port  Jervis.  X.  Y.  Mrs.  Louisa  C.  Van  Arsdale,  First  Baptist  Church.  Bloom- 
Miss  Helen  M.  Dodge.  First  Baptist  Church  of  X.  Y.  field,  N.  J. 

Mrs.   Minnie  Dudgeon.    Park  Baptist   Church.  Port    Rich-  Miss  May  Van  Arsdale,  First  Baptist  Church,  Bloomfield. 

mond,  S.  1.  X.  J. 

Geo.  P.  Farmer,  First  Baptist  Church  of  BlcM)mfield,  X.  J.  Miss  Jane  E.  Dodge,  by  experience. 

Mrs.  H.  E.  Farmer,  First  Baptist  Church  of  Bl(M)mfield,  X.  J.  Mrs.  Mary  M.  Taylor,  by  experience. 

Miss  Annie  E.   Farmer.    First  Baptist  Church  of   Bloom-  Mrs.  Dora  T.  Munn,  by  experience. 

field,  X'.  J.  Miss  Sarah  A.  Hooe,  by  experience. 

Mrs.  Mary  A.  Hoyt,  Strong  Place  Baptist  Church,   Brook-  Mrs.  Margaret  Tyson,  by  experience. 

lyn,  X.  Y. 

Tlie  report  of  the  Committee  was  adopted,  and  the  name  of  tJie  organization  decided  upon  was  the 
"  Montclair  Baptist  Church."  The  name  was  changed,  August  20,  1890,  to  "  Tiie  First  Baptist  Church. 
Montclair,   \.  J." 

Geo.  P.  Farmer  was  elected  Deacon  for  three  years,  Thomas  V.  Carpenter  two  years,  and  E.  P. 
Benedict  one  year.     William  A.  May  wa.s  elected  Church  Clerk,  and  E.  P.  Benedict,  Treasurer. 

A  Board  of  Trustees  was  organized  January  "22,  LSSt;,  consisting  of  Alonzo  Crawford  and  E.  P. 
Benedict,  who  were  elected  for  three  years ;  Franklin  N.  Class  and  Irving  Cairns  for  two  years,  and 
William  H.  Ketchum  for  one  year.  The  first  covenant  meeting  of  the  Church  was  held  March  12,  1886, 
and  the  first  coninninion  .service  Sunday,  March  1-1,  ISSrt. 

The  first  letter  to  tlie  North  New  Jersey  l>ai)tist  Association  wiis  written  under  date  of  June  tl, 
1886,  to  the  Association  in  session  at  Schooley's  Mountain,  at  which  time  the  Church  was  recognized  and 
admitted  a  member  of  the  Association. 

The  first  regular  installed  pastor  of  the  Church  was  Rev.  Geo.  F.  Warren,  formerly  of  the  Fair- 
mount  Church,  Newark,  N.  .1.  His  pastorate  began  on  January  18,  1887,  and  continued  for  two  years, 
lie  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  William  N.  Ilubbell,  who  began  his  labors  June  1,  l.s9n,  and  was  ordained 
at  a  council  assembled  at  Montclair,  June  IG,  ISIK).  on  the  call  of  the  Montclair  Baptist  Church,  con- 
sisting of  89  members,  representing  35  churches.  The  ordination  services  took  place  on  the  evening  of 
June  16,  at  the  Trinity  Presbyterian  Church  of  Mimtclair. 

Mr.  Uubbell  has  labored  faithfully  and  .systematically  to  build  up  the  Church,  and  his  labors  have 
been  eminently  successful.  A  total  of  2.57  were  added  to  the  Church  up  to  Jaimary  1,  1894.  Of  this 
nuinlier  75  were  received  by  bapti.sm  and  167  by  letter,  and  15  on  experience.  The  total  number  of 
deaths  up  to  this  period  were  14.  Only  3  names  have  been  dropped  from  the  Church  roll.  Erasure,  8. 
Dismissed  by  letter  38.     Present  membership,  194. 


100  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

A  number  of  auxiliary  societies  liave  been  organized  wliieli  liave  aceomplislied  niucli  good  in 
their  way.  A  Woman's  Foreign  Mission  Society,  a  Woman's  Home  Mission  Circle,  a  Ladies'  Guild,  of 
which  Mrs.  F.  M.  Sonic  is  President ;  Young  People's  Society,  Wm.  H.  Farmer,  President.  A  Mission 
Band  organized  in  1SS7,  is  now  known  as  the  Willing  Workers. 

On  June  10,  1890,  a  series  of  weekly  services  in  the  Swedish  tongue  was  begun  under  the 
direction  of  the  Eev.  A.  F.  Bargendahl,  of  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.  Great  good  has  been  accomplished  by 
these  efforts,  and  a  class  of  people  have  been  brought  together  and  instructed  in  their  own  tongue  that  it 
would  have  been  difficult  to  reach  in  any  other  manner.  In  April,  1S92,  this  was  recognized  as  the 
Baptist  Swedish  Mission  of  Montclair,  and  on  Tuesday  evening  of  each  week  services  are  held  in  the 
Swedish  tongue  by  Rev.  Olaf  Heddeen,  of  Brooklyn. 

On  April  6,  1887,  plans  for  church  work  were  adopted,  and  committees  appointed  for  that 
purpose.     A  systematic  plan  for  collections  for  benevolent  purposes  was  also  adopted  as  follows  : 

For  the  Missionai-y  Union,  for  the  Home  Mission  Society,  for  Children's  Home  and  Mountain- 
side Hosj^ital  of  Montclair,  for  the  ^Ministers"  and  AVidows'  Fund,  for  the  Educational  Society,  for  the 
New  Jersey  Baptist  State  Convention,  at  stated  periods  each  year. 

In  May,  1S88,  a  legacy  of  $200  was  received  from  the  estate  of  Mrs.  Amy  T.  Weaver,  which  formed 
the  nucleus  of  a  buikling  fund.  Additional  amounts  were  received  from  time  to  time  through  the 
members,  and  in  October,  188'.i,  a  lot  (SO X  145  feet)  was  purchased  on  Fullerton  Avenue,  near  Bloom- 
tield  Avenue.  By  the  latter  part  of  July,  1890,  the  total  sum  of  S^  13,020.43  had  been  subscribed  by  135 
persons,  and  soon  after  plans  were  adopted  for  the  erection  of  a  chapel,  which  shoiild  include  rooms  for 
a  ladies'  parlor,  library,  etc.  Mr.  Irving  Cairns,  the  first  and  only  President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees, 
E.  P.  Benedict,  Frank  H.  Tooker  and  Geo.  P.  Foamier,  were  constituted  a  Building  Committee,  and 
Joseph  Ireland,  an  architect,  of  New  York  City,  was  employed  to  draft  the  plans.  The  building  was 
completed  and  ready  for  occupancy,  and  the  iirst  services  were  held  March  1,  1891.  The  total  cost  of 
the  present  building  and  grounds  is  about  $25,000  ;  the  estimated  cost  of  completing  it,  according  to 
plans,  is  $60,000. 

PeV.    WlLLIiVil    N.    HuBBELr.. 

The  pastorate  of  Rev.  William  N.  Ilubbell  has  been  successful  from  the  beginning,  and  under  his 
ministry  the  Baptist  Church  has  increased  in  numbers  and  intluence,  and  has  done  its  share  of  the  work 
in  the  community.  As  an  organizer,  Mr.  Hubbell  has  displayed  great  ability,  anil  has  shown  himself 
thoroughly  (pialitied  for  this,  his  first  undertaking  in  church  work. 

Mr.  Hubbell  hails  from  the  great  AVest,  although  he  is  of  Puritan  stock,  both  on  the  paternal  and 
maternal  sides.  He  was  born  in  Keokuk,  Iowa,  June  8,  1862,  and  is  the  son  of  a  successful  banker. 
On  the  paternal  side  he  is  descended  from  Richard  Ilubbell,  who  settled  at  Pecjuannock.  Conn.,  about 
1047.  His  direct  line  is  through  Saumel,  son  of  Richard,  and  Nathan.  Gersham  and  xVbijah.  The  latter 
lived  at  Ballston.  N.  Y.,  and  was  a  soldier  in  the  War  of  the  Revolution.  He  had  a  son.  Hiram,  who 
was  the  father  of  Charles  Hubbell.  The  latter  married  Anna  M.  Sage,  of  Rochester,  N.  Y..  a  descendant 
of  David  Sage,  of  Middletown,  Conn.,  1652,  through  John  (1),  John  (2),  Giles  aiul  Oren.  Deacon  Oren 
Sage,  the  maternal  grandfather  of  Rev.  AVilliam  N.  Hubbell,  moved  from  Ballston  Springs  to  Rochester, 
where  he  acquired  wealth  in  the  numufacture  of  boots  and  shoes.  He  was  a  man  of  great  benevolence, 
and  it  was  partly  through  his  efforts  that  the  University  of  Rochester  was  established,  he  being  a  large 
contributor  to  that  institution,  of  brains  and  money. 

AVilliam  N.  Ilubbell  is  the  son  of  Charles  and  Anna  (Sage)  Ilubbell.  When  he  was  nine  years  of 
age,  he  went  with  his  parents  to  San  Diego.  Cal..  where  he  received  his  preparatory  education.  He  was 
graduated  at  the  University  of  Rochester  in  1885.  He  afterward  studied  law  for  a  time  in  Minneapolis, 
Minn.,  and  then  took  up  the  study  of  theology,  graduating  at  Crozer  Theological  Seminary,  Chester,  Pa., 
in  1889.  He  took  a  post-graduate  course  at  the  same  institution,  completing  his  studies  in  1890.  He 
was  called  to  the  First  Baptist  Church  of  Aloutclair  in  June  of  the  same  year,  and  was  regularly 
ordained  on  June  ItUh  fullnwing. 


& 


History  of  Montci.air  Townsiiii'. 


in] 


Mr.  llubbellV  call  was  made  prior  to  June.     He  was  settleil  as  pastor  on  June  1,  1S90. 

lie  married,  December  31,  1SI»1,  iliss  Katharine  D.  Price,  danjjiiter  of  Capt.  Joseph  D.  Price, 
wlio  served  with  distinction  in  tJie  Civil  War  under  Slieridan. 

ilr.  Ilul)bell  is  a  close  student  and  a  iiard  wi>rl<er.  and  his  people  are  in  fidl  svinpathv  w  itii  him 
and  his  methods.  lie  is  .<ound  in  iiis  theological  views,  and  earnest  and  impressive  as  a  speaker.  He 
is  gifted  with  an  excellent  voice,  and  pusse.-ises  a  good  knowledge  of  music,  which  enaliles  him  to  conduct 
the  singing  when  occasion  requires.  While  iiolding  sti'ictly  to  his  own  denomiiiatinnal  views  he  is  very 
ready  to  act  with  other  denominations  in  the  advancement  of  religious  or  benevolent  wurk. 


Thk  Srxn.vv   f^cnooi,. 

The  organization  of  the  Sunday  scl 1  t'drnied  the  nucleus  of  the  church  organizatiun,  and  at  the 

veniber  (>,  1885,  it  was 
ize  a  Snnday  school 
vices  following.  At 
t'airns  was  elected  Su- 
Win.  H.  Kctchum, 
been  a  steady  increa.se 
est,  and  the  growth  of 
pare  favorably  with 
illations  con.^idering 
has  been  established, 
and  teachers  at  the 
in  the  ^lain  School, 
iiient,  4n.  Ojficerx. — 
ing  ( 'aims;  Secretai'y. 
Treasurer.  Helen  ^I. 
eiit  of  Primary  De- 
1\  iniiiall. 

M-]ii)()l  from  the  be- 
untiring  efforts  of 
Superintendent.  He 
ces.sful  experience  in 
ing  to  Montclair,  and 
fur  the  work.  He 
iif  the  Sunday  school 
X  o  r  t  li  Baptist 
when  he  was  but  nine- 
Mr.  Cairns  is  a  na- 
l)orn  August  riO,  1S,")2. 
came    from    England 


first  meeting  held  Xo- 
determined  to  organ 
with  preaching  ser- 
this  meeting,  Irving 
p  e  r  i  n  t  e  n  d  e  n  t  and 
Secretary.  There  has 
in  members  and  inter 
the  school  will  com- 
those  of  other  denom- 
the  length  of  time  it 
The  total  of  ofticers 
present  time  i.s  lT:i; 
11  n;  Primary  Depart- 
Superintendent.  Irv- 
Wm.  H.  Farmer; 
Dodge ;  Superintend- 
partmcnt,  ^[l•s  H.  K. 

The  success  of  this 
ginning  is  due  to  the 
Mr.  Irving  Cairns,  the 
had  a  long  and  suc- 
this  work  before  coin- 
was  fully  equipped 
was  Superintendent 
connected  with  the 
Church,  Jersey  City, 
teen  years  of  age. 
tive   of   Jersey  City. 

His   grandfather 

aliout  1830, and  a.ssist-  ed  iii  the  construction 

of  the  iirst  raib-oad  built  in  this  country.  His  mother,  a  Mi.ss  Mary  A.  Howering,  was  also  a  native  of 
England.  Mr.  Cairns  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Jersey  City.  After  this  he  was  employed 
for  a  time  in  a  hardware  house.  About  IsTii,  he  and  liis  brother  bouglit  out  and  succeeded  to  the 
business  of  II.  T.  Gratacap,  viz.,  the  manufacture  of  firemen's  ecjuipments.  in  X.  Y.  City.  They  built 
up  a  large  and  successful  business.  After  the  death  of  his  brother,  Mr.  Irving  Cairns  conducted  the 
business  by  himself.  He  and  his  fanuly  placed  a  beautiful  memorial  window  in  the  North  Bapti.st 
Church,  Jersey  City,  in  memory  of  his  brother.  Mr.  Cairns  moved  to  Upper  Montclair  in  1885,  where 
he  resided  for  a  few  years,  and  in  1892  moved  to  Montclair.  He  was  one  of  the  leaders  in  the  movement 
to  organize  a  Baptist  Church,  and  was  a  large  contributor  to  the   new  church  edifice.     lie  was  elected 


'^^^^^^^  /'^c/'O- 


102  History  of  Moxtci.air  Township. 

President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees,  and  as  sueli  had  the  principal  management  of  the  Tinsiness  interests 
of  the  church.  He  had  the  general  supervision  of  the  interior  arrangements  of  the  new  building.  He 
is  a  man  of  warm  sympathies  and  greatly  beloved  by  his  associates  in  the  Church  and  his  fellow  laborers 
in  the  Sunday-school.  Mr.  Cairns  married,  in  IsT'.t,  Miss  Ella  V.  Cook,  daughter  of  Elisha  Cook,  of 
Jersey  City. 

THE  UNITARIAN  SOCIETY. 

This  Society  was  organized  in  October,  1868,  and  had  a  total  membership  of  V^,  as  follows:  ]\Ir. 
and  Mrs.  Geo.  II.  Francis  and  family,  ."> :  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Theodore  M.  Morgan  and  family,  5;  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  C.  N.  Bovee  and  family,  (1 ;  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  W.  Weidemeyer  and  family,  5  ;  Mr.  and  Mrs.  A.  D. 
Dickinson  and  family,  4 ;  ]\Irs.  Joseph  Xason  and  family,  3 ;  Mr.  Carl  Nason,  1 ;  ]\Ir.  and  Mrs.  F.  A. 
Angell  and  family,  4;  ]\Ir.  and  ]\Irs.  Itroaduax,  'J;  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Charles  Parsons  and  family,  4;  Mr.  and 
]\Irs.  Charles  R.  Parsons,  2  ;  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Geoi-ge  Parsons,  2  ;  Mr.  and  ^frs.  C.  Iv.  ^^'illmer  and  family,  .j  ; 
Mrs.  George  Hawes,  1. 

For  some  two  years  the  pulpit  was  supplied  by  clergymen  of  other  Unitarian  Societies.  Services 
were  held  in  Watchung  Hall,  immediately  east  of  the  ilansion  House,  either  morning  or  evening  services, 
Dr.  John  A.  Bellow.s,  Russell  Bellows,  Dr.  John  Chadwick,  Mr.  G.  W.  Curtis  and  other  Unitarians 
from  time  to  time  leading  the  service. 

The  Rev.  J.  B.  Harrison,  now  of  Franklin  Falls,  N.  H.,  became  the  pastor  in  1870.  and  continued 
until  1873,  when  "Watchung  Hall  was  given  up.  From  that  time  forward  Dr.  John  A.  Bellows  con- 
ducted the  religious  services  of  the  Society  for  two  years,  the  services  l)eing  held  in  the  house  of  Mrs. 
Joseph  Nason,  121  Gates  Avenue.  In  1876  Dr.  John  A.  Bellows  moved  to  the  State  of  Maine,  and 
there  were  no  furtlier  meetings  of  the  Society. 

THE  YOUNG  MEN'S  CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION. 

Early  in  May,  1891,  an  entirely  local  and  Sf)ontaneous  movement  for  the  organization  of  a  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association  in  Montclair  took  form  in  the  written  re(juest  of  about  seventy-live  young 
men,  that  the  ministers  of  the  several  churches  should  call  an  initial  meeting  with  that  end  in  view. 
Pursuant  to  such  a  call,  signed  by  Rev.  A.  H.  Bradford,  D.D.,  First  Congregational  Church  ;  Rev.  W.  F. 
Junkin,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  First  Presbyterian  Church;  Rev.  AY.  N.  Hul)l)ell,  First  Baptist  Church;  Rev. 
Orville  Reed,  Trinity  Presbyterian  Church,  and  Rev.  Joseph  A.  Owen,  First  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  a  meeting  was  held  in  the  chapel  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church,  Monday  evening,  May  25, 
1891,  to  consider  the  matter  and,  if  expedient,  begin  the  work  of  organizing  an  association. 

Charles  II.  Johnson,  Sr.,  was  elected  Chairman,  and  E.  B.  Sanford,  Secretary,  lion.  Elkanah 
Drake,  of  Newark,  Chairman  of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  State  Executive  Committee,  and  David  F.  JSIore,  State 
Secretary,  spoke  in  ex[ilanation  and  appreciation  of  associatioual  work,  and  in  incitement  towai-d  a  hical 
organization,  if  the  way  should  appear  open.  The  subject  was  very  freely  discussed  by  Dr.  Junkin,  Mr. 
Reed,  Rev.  F.  B.  Carter,  of  St.  Luke's  P.  E.  Church,  Dr.  Bradford"^,  Paul  Babcock,  C."  H.  Johnson,  Sr., 
and  others.  Mr.  Babcock  in  direct  opposition,  Dr.  Junkin  and  Mr.  Carter  advising  caution,  and  Dr. 
Bradford  and  others  strongly  encouraging  the  movement.  The  result  was  the  appointment  of  Edward 
Madison,  C.  S.  Olcott,  R.  S.  I'earce,  A.  D.  French,  A.  S.  Wallace  and  W.  H.  Farmer  as  a  committee  to 
name  a  committee  of  ten  who  should  thoroughly  consider  the  need  and  probable  field  for  an  association, 
and  report  a  plan  of  organization,  if  organization  should  seem  to  be  desirable  and  expedient.  These 
named  as  a  Committee  of  Ten  :  A.  H.  Siegfried,  Chairman,  E  H.  Holmes.  Philip  Doremus,  ^V.  G.  Snow, 
E.  B.  Sanford,  D.  F.  .Merritt,  C.  I.  Reeves,  Shepard  Rowland,  W.  H.  Ketcham  and  George  Wellwood 
Murray.  This  committee  gave  most  careful  thought  and  investigation  to  the  need  for  and  possibilities  of 
the  proposed  a.ssociation,  and  made  an  exhaustive  report  to  a  second  public  meeting,  June  23,  when  the 
work  of  forming  a  local  organization  was  fully  entered  upon,  and  a  eon.stitution  and  by-laws  were  adopted. 
About  one  hundred  members  gave  their  names  to  the  association  at  this  meeting. 

The  first   Board  of  Directors,   after  some   few   changes  in    its  formative  state,   included   A.   H. 


History  of  Montclair  Townshii'.  10.3 

Siegfried,  President;  A.  W.  Law,  Vice-President;  A.  D.  Frencli,  Secretary;  Siiepard  liowland. 
Treasurer;  C.  H.  Johnson,  Sr.,  J.  A.  Sandford,  Wni.  Wallace,  Geo.  AV.  Melick.  E.  P.  Benedict,  George 
Wellwood  ilurray,  Edward  Madison,  A.  S.  Wallace.  V.  S.  Olcott.  V.  AV.  Engli^;ll  and  J.  G.  ilacVicar. 
A  Women's  Auxiliary  C'oninrltteu  of  twenty-tive  was  al.so  formed,  with  Mrs.  .1.  IJ.  Hegeman,  Chairman. 

During  the  sunmier  and  early  autumn  of  1891,  the  membership  grew  steadily  and  encouragingly, 
and  plans  and  methods  were  formulated.  The  Association  took  a  three  years'  lease  on  the  large  and  time- 
honored  residence,  doubly  honored  as  having  for  several  years  housed  the  useful  but  now  declining 
Keform  Club,  at  .510  Bloomtield  Avenue, — the  A.ssociation  fitly  succeeding  to  the  valuable  work  of  the 
Club.  The  building  was  well  equi]>ped  by  the  Association  with  a  reading  room,  game  rooms,  social 
room,  gymnasium,  reception  and  oftice  room,  etc..  and  was  formally  but  quietly  opened  for  its  new 
usefulness,  November  14.  On  tlie  Sunday  evening  following,  a  mass  meeting,  in  the  interev<t  of  the  new 
Association,  was  held  in  the  First  Congregational  Church — the  lai'gest  religious  meeting  ever  lield  in  the 
town — at  which  strong  and  ins])iring  addresses  were  made  by  Rev.  V.  N.  Kutan,  Rev.  W.  X.  Ilul)bell, 
Rev.  Orville  Reed,  Dr.  .Junkin  and  l)r.  I'radford,  and  a  re[)i>rt  was  read  by  the  President. 

Tlienceforward  tlie  As-sociation  has  gonetpiietly  but  aggressively  about  its  work  of  seeking,  teach- 
iuir,  entertaining  and  evangelizing  young  men  through  the  efforts,  largely,  of  Christian  and  moral 
young  men.  In  April.  ls".t2.  Tliomas  K.  Cree.  .Jr..  a  graduate  of  the  Siiringtield.  Afass.,  Secretarial 
Training  School,  was  appointed  General  Secretary,  and  took  the  leadershij)  in  direct  practical  work.  The 
regular  paid  membership  has  varied  between  ^{^><  and  41.5.  and  the  Association  has  won  its  place  as  a 
gladly  recognized  local  institution,  and  as  one  of  the  most  usefid  and  powerful  agents  for  the  general  good 
of  the  community.  The  spirit  and  metliods  of  the  As.sociation  are  well  .set  fortb  in  the  following,  from 
The  Clirlstiin  Union  (now    Tl„   Outh,„h)  of  Ajiril  29,  l.s<t3: 

"Eew  branches  of  the  V.  i[.  C.  A.  with  which  we  are  aiipiainted  are  better  organized  (n-  doing  a 
more  successful  work  than  that  of  Montclair.  This  A.ssociation  does  not  make  the  mistake  which  is  so 
often  made  of  being  practically  another  Cliurcii  in  a  community  already  fully  stocked  with  such  institu- 
tions. It  is  rather  a  complete  and  capitally  etpiipped  club  for  young  men  and  boys,  conducted  on  Christian 
princi])les.  furnishing  attractive  entertainment,  ])iiysical  education,  educational  classes,  literary  facilities. 
and  all  with  so  little  ostentation  of  jjiety,  but  .so  much  of  the  genuine  article  as  to  be  thoroughly  po|)ular 
with  great  numliers  who  arc  seldom  found  in  such  jilaces.  The  religious  service,  or  Young  Men's  Meet- 
ing, has  a  very  much  wider  range  than  such  meetings  u..-ually  have.  It  is  held  on  Sunday  afternoons,  at 
an  hour  when  it  interferes  with  no  Church  service,  and,  instead  of  being  an  evangelistic  meeting,  is  de. 
voted  to  practical  talks  by  Christian  men  who  are  experts  in  various  lines  of  work,  and  who  are  gladly 
heard  because  they  are  recognized  as  those  who  have  a  right  to  speak  on  the  subjects  they  have  in  hand. 
The  evangelistic  idea  is  often  overdone  or  unwisely  used.  The  call  to  personal  consecration  reiterated  so 
freipieiitly  fails  to  have  any  influence,  when  a  ditTerent  metlKid  woidd  lead  the  young  men  step  by  step 
toward  that  to  which  they  are  some  times  too  swiftly  hurried.  AVe  have  not  referred  to  this  Association 
because  is  has  very  much  that  is  peculiar  in  its  methods,  but  rather  because  it  has  a  clearer  conception  of 
the  work  which  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  can  best  ilo  than  most  associations  with  which  we  are  familiar." 

The  '•  surface  indications "  of  what  can  be  done  by  such  an  association  in  a  comparatively  small 
town  are  seen  in  this  statistical  resume  from  the  ainiuai  report  of  the  General  Secretary  for  the  year  end- 
ing October  1.  189.]: 

'•82  Religious  Meetings,  aggregate  attendance,  3,2S1 ;  98  Educational  Classes,  aggregate  attendance, 
756;  4  Practial  Talks,  aggregate  attendance,  155;  25  Social  Entertainments,  aggregate  attendance,  3,G68  ; 
94  Gymnastic  Lesson.s,  aggregate  attendance,  1,209;  43  Committee  Meetings,  aggregate  attendance,  295  ; 
125  Daily  Visits  to  Rooms,  aggregate  attendance,  45,625. 

•■  That  is,  for  a  longer  or  .shorter  time,  under  carefully  ])lanned  and  well-directed  moral  and  re- 
ligious influence  and  control,  the  boys  and  men — yoimg  men  chiefly — of  our  community,  were  taught  and 
entertained,  and  had  free  use  of  co.sy  Reading  Rooms,  Game  Rooms,  and  a  good  Library,  in  54,989  dis- 
tinct instances  within  one  vear."" 


1(>4  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

The  executive  orsjaiiizatioii  at  tlie  time  of  tliis  writiiiu-  is  A.  11.  Siegfried.  President ;  A.  W.  Taw, 
Vice-President;  J.  A.  Sandford,  Secretary;  Wni.  Wallace,  Treasurei- ;  Charles  IT  Johnson,  Sr.,  Edward 
Madison,  A  D.  French,  George  Wellwood  Mnrray,  A.  S.  Wallace,  Isaac  Denhy,  Sliepard  Eowland,  J. 
G.  MacVicar,   Franklin  Ferris,   A.  S.  Hadgley,  with  Thomas  K.  Cree.  Jr.,  General  Secretary. 

THE  WOMEN'S  CHRISTIAN  TEMPERANCE  UNION. 

Tills  Society  was  organized  in  the  autumn  of  1SS3,  its  ohject  heing  the  '"suppression  of  intemper- 
ance hy  prayer  and  earnest  personal  etfort."  The  first  meeting  was  held  on  the  afternoon  of  Dec.  6, 
1S.S3,  in  the  Chapel  of  the  Congregational  Church,  about  one  hundred  ladies,  representing  the  Presby- 
terian, Methodist,  Congregational  and  Episcopal  Cliurches  being  juesent.  This  meeting  was  in  response 
to  an  invitation  from  a  connnittee  of  ladies  from  the  ditferent  churches.  ]Mrs.  McLauglin,  of  Poston, 
was  present  and  assisted  in  the  organization.  One  condition  of  memljership  was  the  signing  of  the  total 
abstinence  pledge  of  the  National  organization,  thereby  making  this  an  auxiliary  to  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  of 
New  Jersey. 

The  work  of  the  Society  is  divided  into  seven  departments,  viz..  Literature,  Juvenile  Work, 
Prison  Work,  Flower  Mission,  Parlor  Meetings,  Helping  Hand,  and  Social  Purity. 

The  work  of  the  iirst  department  consists  in  the  distribution  of  temperance  literature. 

The  work  of  the  second  consists  in  visiting  tiie  prisoners  of  Caldwell  Penitentiary  once  a  month 
on  the  Sal)bath  day,  and  holding  religious  services;  great  gijod  lias  been  accomplished  in  this  department. 

A  day  is  set  apart  in  June  of  each  year,  known  as  Flower  Mission  Day,  at  which  time  bouquets  of 
flowers  are  brought  accompanied  with  apprujiriate  verses  of  scripture.  These  flowers  are  sent  to  the 
Salvation  Army  in  New  York,  to  be  distributed  among  the  slums. 

Parlor  meetings  are  held  at  the  difl'erent  homes  for  the  purpose  of  encouraging  and  promoting  the 
cause  of  temperance. 

Tiie  Juvenile  Work  consists  in  teaching  the  children  tlie  evil  efl'ects  of  alcohol  upon  the  human 
body.     Two  schools,  known  as  the  Loyal  Temperance  Legions,  are  in  successful  operation. 

The  work  of  the  Helping  Hand  is  mainly  among  the  colored  women. 

The  Social  Purity  department  is  for  ilie  purpose  of  discussing  the  best  methods  of  teaching 
children  to  lead  clean,  piire  and  holy  lives. 

A  cold  water  drinking  fountain  for  "  man  and  beast,"  placed  by  this  Society  on  the  principal 
thoroughfare  has  had  a  beneflcial  eft'ect,  and  has  often  led  the  man  to  follow  the  example  of  the  beast, 
and  quench  his  thirst  with  nature's  beverage  rather  than  by  the  stimulant  prepared  by  man. 

As  a  method  of  educating  the  public  on  the  temjjerance  question,  some  of  the  ablest  speakers  in  the 
country  have  been  secured  at  different  times  and  have  accom]ilished  much  good  in  this  direction. 

The  meetings  of  the  Society  are  held  on  the  second  and  fourth  Monday  of  each  mouth,  at  3  o'clock 
in  the  afternoon,  in  tlie  parlors  of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A. 

Each  member  pays  sixty  cents  a  year,  one-half  of  which  is  devoted  to  State  and  County  work,  and 
the  balance  for  the  special  local  work  of  the  Society. 

The  following  persons  have  served  as  officei-s  of  the  Society  since  its  organization  :  Presidents, 
Mrs.  Adia  E.  Taylor,  Mrs.  Myra  J.  Denby,  Mrs.  II.  M.  Sandford,  Mrs.  M.  E.  Batchelder,  Mrs.  Arabella 
DeLong ;  Vlce-Prestdents  of  the  first  organization,  Mrs.  L.  T.  Wolfe,  Mrs.  A.  F.  Pratt,  Mrs.  E.  F. 
Mei-ritt,  Mrs.  Sarah  J.  Bird  ;  those  who  have  served  since :  Mrs.  E.  L  Reeves,  Mrs.  A.  S.  Wallace,  Mrs. 
Samuel  Wilde,  Mrs.  E.  P.  Benedict,  Mrs.  Samuel  Crump,  Mrs.  Sarah  McClees,  Miss  Rebecca  Crane, 
Mrs.  R.  G.  Hutchinson,  Mrs.  E.  Ferris,  Mrs.  Huntington,  Mrs.  L.  Butler,  Mrs.  J.  AVyman,  Mrs. 
J.  M.  Burr,  Mrs.  Ames,  Mrs.  Rounsaville,  Mrs.  John  Anderson,  Mrs.  Delano,  Mrs.  E.  Ferris ; 
Secretaries,  Mrs.  M.  J.  Denby,  Mrs.  H.  II.  White,  Mrs.  E.  A.  Pulver,  Mrs.  E.  M.  White,  Miss  Irene  D. 
Grover,  Mrs.  M.  L.  Pemroyer,  Mrs.  S.  L.  Reeves;  Treasxirers,  Miss  Lizzie  Morris,  Mrs.  H.  M.  Sandford, 
Mrs.  E.  M.  Gilbert,  Mrs.  H.  R.  Edmonston.  Present  officers:  President,  Mrs.  Arabella  DeLong; 
Corresponding  Secretary,  Mrs.  H.  D.  Crane;  Pecording  Secretdry,  Mrs.  S.  L.  Reeves;  Treasurer,  Mrs. 
H.  R.  Edmonston. 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


lOil 


THE  COLORED  TolTLATION  AM)  TllEIK  (IirUCHES. 

The  influx  of  the  coloicil  people  in  Montclair  liegau  aliout  ISTO  (tlie  total  colored  popnlation  of  the 
township  at  that  time  heing  3ti  i,  and  wan  the  result  of  an  effort  to  solve  the  servant  question.  A  prominent 
citizea  of  Montclair  hrought  from  Loudon  County,  Ya.,  two  or  three  servants  on  trial.  They  proved 
satisfactory,  and  others,  leaming  that  hetter  wages  could  be  obtained  at  the  North,  soon  fullowed,  and 
the  Colored  jnipulation  of  ^^^)I)tclair  now  nund)er  about  l,<i(i(i,  most  of  wliom  were  born  in  servitude;  and, 
as  wa.s  the  custom,  took  the  names  of  their  masters.  All  became  free  under  the  proclamation  of  President 
Lincoln.  As  a  class  thcv  are  <piiet,  industrious  and  well  behaved.  They  retain  many  of  their  old  time 
customs,  but  readily  adapt  themselves  to  the  new  condition  of  affairs.  The  larger  proportion  of  them  are 
house  servants,  yet  some  have  already  acquired  considerable  ])roi)erty.  They  ai-e  a  cbnrch-going 
]>eiiple,  and  are  active  in  advancing  the  cause  of  religion,  and  have  made  rai)i(l  ])rogress  in  their 
Church  societies. 

INIo.X   KAl'TIST  (  II  LRCII— COLORED. 

The  preliminary  movements  that  led  to  the  organization  of  this  Church  began  in  July,  168*!,  in  a 
series  of  meetings  held  from  house  to  house,  the  first  one  being  held  at  the  residence  of  Lucy  Weaver. 

These  meetings  were  continued  throusrh  the  year  with 
increasing  numbers  and  interest.  The  organization 
was  completed  and  the  name  of  the  Union  Ba])tist 
Church  adopted  in  the  early  ])art  of  1887,  regular 
meetings  having  already  been  held  with  occasional 
preaching  services  at  Watciiung  Hall.  The  Church 
records  show  that : 

"At  the  call  of  the  Union  Baptist  Church,  of 
.\[i>ntelair,  X.  .1..  a  Council  convened  at  its  house  of 
woivhip.  Wednesday,  .T.iiuiary  \'2.  1887,  to  consider 
the  propriety  of  recognizing  it  as  a  regular  Baptist 
Church,  and  also  the  propriety  of  ordaining  to  the 
work  of  the  ministry.  Rev.  .1.  .\.  Harris,  pastor  elect. 
TIev.  L.  O.  Greenville  was  chosen  Moderator,  and 
liev.  Henry  B.  Waring,  Clerk.  The  Council  was 
composed  of  the  following  delegates  : 

"  First  Church,  Caldwell,  Rev.  Jabez  Marshall  and 
Daniel  B.  Lewis;  Fii-st  Church,  Roselle,  Rev.  L.  O.  Grenille  and  Reuben  Smith;  Fifth  Church,  Newark, 
Rev.  Henry  B.  Waring  and  Fldward  lledden  ;  Ro.seville  Church,  Newark,  Rev.  Albert  Stillman;  South 
Church,  Newark,  Rev.  S.  E.  Verson,  P.D.;  Fii-st  Church,  P.h.omticld.  Rev.  Y..  I).  Sinnns." 

Services  were  held  at  Watchung  Hall  until  lS'.»o,  and  afterward  at  Movvis  Hall.  A  lot  was  pur- 
chased in  1889  on  Bloomtield  Avenue,  wiiicli  was  sold  later  at  an  advance,  and  another  lot  purchased  on 
Portland  Place,  50  by  1^6  feet,  and  a  frame  building  erected  thereon,  45  by  110  feet,  with  a  seating 
capacity  of  about  500.  It  is  neatly  furnished,  provided  with  every  convenience,  and  fitted  up  with  one 
of  the  finest  organs  in  this  locality.  The  total  cost  of  the  whole  property  was  about  §20,000.  It  con- 
tains an  audience  room,  a  Sunday-school  room,  a  lecture  room,  and  three  small  reading  rooms. 

Rev.  J.  A.  Harris  remained  until  May  1,  188;t,  and  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Mr.  Adkins,  from 
North  Carolina,  who  remained  about  two  months.  A  call  was  then  extended  to  Rev.  Wm.  Perry,  who 
began  his  pastorate  July  26,  1889.  The  total  membership  was  then  about  -16,  and  under  bis  pastorate  it 
has  since  increased  to  35i'>.  He  has  baptized  nearly  200;  the  rest  were  received  by  letter.  When 
ilr.  Perry's  pastorate  began  in  188'.*,  the  total  amount  of  real  property  owned  ])y  members  of  his  churcli 
and  congregation  did  not  exceed  $4,0m(i;    tliey  now  own,  according  to  his  statement,  about  $110,000. 


106  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

Thouf!;li  the  members  are  mostly  persons  in  moderate  circumstances  they  give  liberally  of  their  means,  and 
the  amount  raised  in  one  year  to  pay  for  the  services  of  an  evangelist,  and  for  other  benevolent  purposes, 
was  $.S(tO. 

Eev.  William  Perky,  the  pastor  of  this  Church,  was  born  in  Chatham  County,  N.  C,  October 
22,  ISfiO,  three  years  before  the  Act  of  Emancipation.  Ilis  parents  were  the  propei-ty  of  a  Mr.  I'erry, 
and,  as  was  the  custom,  took  the  name  of  their  master.  Soon  after  the  close  of  the  war  William  was 
sent  to  private  school,  his  parents  being  ambitions  to  give  him  an  education.  In  1879  he  attended  Wa}-- 
land  Seminary,  in  Washington,  D.  C,  and  during  this  ]X'riod  became  assistant  pastor  of  the  Mount  Ver- 
non Baptist  Cliurch  (colored).  He  remained  about  two  years,  and  then  conducted  mission  meetings  for 
another  year  at  Garfield  City.  He  labored  some  time  as  an  evangelist  with  great  success,  and  subse- 
quently had  charge  of  the  Bright  Hope  Baptist  Church,  at  Princeton,  N.  J.,  where,  after  remaining  two 
years,  he  came  to  Montclair.  His  work  among  his  people  here  has  been  marked  with  great  success.  He 
has  shown  great  ability  as  an  organizer,  and  is  earnest  and  effective  as  a  preacher.  He  has  the  faculty  of 
inspiring  confidence  among  his  people,  and  they  trust  him  implicitly,  and  recognize  him  as  their  leader. 
He  is  an  indefatigable  worker,  both  in  and  out  of  the  Church,  and  is  seconded  in  all  his  efforts  by  his 
faithful  followers.  He  has  shown  himself  a  good  financier,  and  an  able  business  manager,  having  con- 
ducted all  the  operations  in  connection  with  the  purchase  of  the  church  property,  and  the  erection  and  fur- 
nishing of  the  church.  He  has  a  comfortable  home  of  his  own,  acquired  by  his  industry,  economy  and 
good  management. 

The  Sunday  school  connected  with  this  Church  was  organized  in  May,  1887,  with  ten  scholars  and 
one  teacher.  The  first  and  second  Superintendents  were  Miss  Elliott  and  Miss  Emma  Smith.  AVilliain 
Grigsby  in  1890.  The  school  numbers  at  the  present  time  125  scholars,  with  16  teachers.  The  lihrary 
contains  2,500  volumes. 

ST.  MAPJv'S  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH— COLORED. 

This  Church  owes  its  existence  to  the  efforts  of  a  few  individuals — whites — who  conceived  the  idea 
of  organizing  a  Colored  LTnion  Church,  that  should  be  sui)ported  by  representatives  of  the  several 
denf>minations.  The  work  began  about  1881,  by  the  organization  of  a  Church  and  Sunday  school,  the 
chief  promoters  of  which  were,  E.  A.  Snedeker,  Rev.  J.  H.  Cooley,  D.  F.  ilerritt,  and  J.  W.  Snedeker, 
representing  the  M.  E.  Cliureh  of  Montclair,  and  Mr.  George  P.  Farmer,  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  of 
Montclair.  The  officers  of  the  M.  E.  Church  gave  the  use  of  their  old  building  on  Bloonifield  Avenue, 
free  of  rent,  in  order  to  start  the  enterprise.  The  church  was  opened  in  1881  with  a  membership  of  25 
— all  colored.  This  number  has  gradually  increased  to  about  100.  The  other  denominations  interested 
in  tlie  matter  recognized  the  fact  that  the  prevailing  system  of  Methodism  enabled  that  Society  to  provide 
pulpit  supplies  without  cost  to  the  new  church,  and  therefore  consented  to  that  denominational  distinction, 
under  the  name  of  St.  Mark's  M.  E.  Church.  The  colored  people  were  enthusiastic  in  the  work  and 
secured  the  use  of  the  building,  rent  free,  for  five  years,  from  tlie  First  M.  E.  Church  in  consideration  of 
their  putting  it  in  complete  repair.  They  raised  quite  a  sum  among  themselves,  but  were  lai-gely  assisted 
by  the  whites.  About  $1,400  was  expended  for  this  purpose,  and  besides  this  the  colored  people 
raised  among  themselves,  $700  for  an  organ,  and  about  $300  for  carpets.  The  First  M.  E.  Church  gave 
them  the  refusal  of  the  property  at  a  valuation  of  $2,500,  agreeing  also  to  donate  $500,  leaving  the 
amount  of  $2,000  to  be  raised  by  the  colored  people.  A  part  of  this  amount  has  been  raised  by  the 
colored  jjeople,  with  the  prospect  of  their  soon  owning  the  proi)ei-ty. 

For  the  first  two  years.  Rev.  J.  H.  Cooley,  of  the  First  M.  E.  Church,  was  their  pastor.  Supplies 
after  this  were  furnished  by  the  Presiding  Elder,  until  about  1888,  when  Rev.  Amos  Garther  assumed 
the  pastorate  of  the  church,  which  he  still  continues. 

For  the  first  few  years,  until  1892,  this  church  was  a  part  of  the  Newark  Conference,  and  that 
year,  by  action  of  tiie  Colored  Conference  of  New  Jersey,  it  was  placed  in  the  Delaware  Conference 
(colored).  This  church  is  now  in  a  prosperous  condition,  and  is  doing  excellent  work  among  the  colored 
people. 


History  of  Moxtclair  Township. 


lor 


The  Sunday  school  was  started  conteinporaiieous  witli  the  ehurcli,  by  Mr.  M.  E.  tSuiith,  who  had 
the  general  supervision  of  both  church  and  school.  He  continued  as  Superintendent  of  the  school  from 
1881  to  1>*90,  and  was  succeeded  by  J.  W.  Snedeker,  the  present  iiiciinilicnt.  There  are  now  12 
teachers — all  white — and  150  scholars. 

Both  in  the  church  and  Sunday  school  the  colored  people  have  displayed  great  liberality,  and 
a  cointnendable  zeal  in  the  work,  and  have  evinced  their  grateful  appreciation  of  the  support  and 
sympathy  of  their  white  neighbors. 


MI.W    ul-     TAKK    hlKl.i.l,    1  RUM     1111. 


•1:M  K    ul      l.l.AKK.MOM      A\1-MI.. 


Chapter  XII. 

EDUCATIONAL  DEVELOPMENT. 


The  first  School  in  Newakk,  1676. — Act  adopted  by  uhe  General  Assembly,  1693.  for  establishing 
Schools. — First  School  Committee,  1697. — First  Appropriation  by  the  State  Legislatdre, 
1816. — Acts  of  1S29,  1838,  1846,  1S52,  1867,  etc. — Schools  of  Cranetown,  West  Bloomfield 
AND  Montclair. — The  First  School-house,  1740. — Second  School-house,  1812. — Gideon 
Wheeler,  the  first  Teacher  in  the  "  new  ScHooL-HorsE." — Special  School  Law  for  the 
Township  of  Bloomfield,  1846. — Teachers.  1846  to  1856. — Trcstees,  1831  to  1856. — The 
"  new  departure,"  and  the  result. — Increased  Facilities.— Establishment  of  the  High 
School,  and  its  gradual  development. — The  new  School  Building.  1892-3. — Efforts  of 
Dr.  J.  J.  H.  Love,  the  first  President  of  the  Board,  and  his  Successors,  George  H. 
Francis,  Thomas  Porter,  Charles  K.  Willmer  and  John  E.  Howard. — Sketch  of  Randall 
Spaulding. — Private  Schools. — Washington  School — east  end. — Warren  Holt's  School. — 
Ashland  Hall. — Hillside  Seminary  for  Young  Ladies. — Montclair  Military  Academy. — 
Free  Public  Library. 


i|HE  early  settlers  of  Newark,  thoHgli  many  of  them  could  neither  read  or  write,  were  men 
of  enterprise,  virtue,  and  more  than  ordinary  intelligence,  and  they  appreciated  the 
importance  of  having  their  children  properly  educated.  After  purchasing  their  land, 
building  their  habitations,  establishing  their  local  government,  erecting  their  church,  and 
constructing  their  mill,  they  next  gave  their  attention  to  the  education  of  their  children. 

On  November  1,  1676,  at  a  town  meeting  composed  of  the  freeholders  of  Newark, 
numbering  at  that  time  seventy -five  persons,  tiie  following  action  was  taken  : 

"ITEM — The  Town's  Men  have  Liberty  to  see  if  they  can  find  a  competent 
number  of  Sehollars  and  accommodations  for  a  School  Master  in  this  town." 

The  "Town's  Men" — seven  in  number — took  prompt  action  to  secure  a  schooh 
master,  as  appears  from  the  f(jllowing  record,  Feb.  7,  1677  : 
"  ITEM— The  Town  hath  consented  that  the  Town's  Men  sliould  perfect  the  Bargain  with  the 
School  Master  for  this  year,  upon  condition  that  he  will  come  for  this  year,  and  do  his  faithful,  lionest 
and  true  Endeavor,  to  teach  the  Children,  or  servants  of  those  who  have  subscribed,  the  reading  and 
writing  of  English,  and  also  of  Arithnietick  if  they  desire  it;  as  much  as  they  are  capable  to  learn  as  is  he 
capable  to  teach  them,  within  the  Compass  of  this  year,  no  wise  hindering,  but  that  he  may  make  what 
bargain  he  please,  with  those  as  have  not  subscribed.  It  is  voted  that  the  Town's  ilen  have  Liberty  to 
complete  the  Bargain  with  the  School  Master,  they  knowing  the  Town's  Mind." 

The  first  "school  master"  was  John  Catlin  or  Cathling,  one  of  the  early  settlers  from  Branford, 
who  also  held  the  office  of  town  attorney  and  other  positions. 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  Province,  in  October,  1693,  enacted  the  following  : 

"  An  Act  for  Establishing  School  Masters  Wuhin  this  Province. 

"  Whereas  the  cultivating  of  learning  and  good  Manners  tends  greatly  to  the  good  and  benefit  of 
Mankind,  which  iiave  hitherto  been  much  neglected  witliin  this  Province.  BE  IT  THEBEFOBE 
ENACTED  by  the  Governor,  Council  and  Deputies  in  General  Assembly  now  met  and  Assembled,  and 
by  the  Authority  of  tlie  same,  that  the  Inhabitants  of  any  Town  within  this  Province,  shall  and  may  by 
Warrant  from  a  Justice  of  the  Peace  of  that  County  where  they  think  fit  and  convenient,  meet  together 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  100 

and  make  choice  of  tliree  more  men  of  llie  said  Town,  to  make  a  rate  for  the  salary  and  maintaining  of  a 
School  Master  within  the  said  Town,  for  so  long  a  time  as  they  think  fit ;  and  the  consent  and  agreement  of 
the  ilajor  part  of  the  Inhahitants  of  the  said  Town,  shall  hind  and  oblige  the  remaining  part  of  the  In- 
habitants of  said  Town  to  satisfy  and  pay  their  shares  and  proportion  of  the  said  Rate;  and  in  ease  of 
refusal  or  non  payment,  distress  to  be  made  upon  tlie  Goods  and  Chattels  of  said  Person  or  Persons  so 
rcfnsing  or  not  paying,  by  the  constable  of  said  Town,  by  Virtue  of  a  "Wari'ant  from  a  Justice  of  the 
Peace  of  that  County;  and  the  Distress  so  taken  to  be  sold  at  a  public  Vendue,  and  the  overplus,  if  any 
be  after  the  payment  of  the  said  rate  and  charges  to  be  returned  to  the  Owner." 

This  Act  was  ameniled  in  February,  1695,  as  follows: 

"WHEREAS  there  was  an  Act  made  AX^'O  DOMINE  1693  for  the  establishing  of  Schools 
in  each  respective  Town  in  this  Province,  and  by  experience  it  is  found  inconvenient,  by  reason  of  the 
Distance  of  the  Xeighborlmod,  the  said  Act  directing  no  suitable  way  whereby  all  the  inhabitants  may 
have  the  benefit  thereof :  BE  IT  THEREFORE  ENACTED  by  the  Governor,  Council  and  Repre- 
sentatives, in  General  Assembly  now  met  and  Assembled,  and  by  Authority  of  the  same,  that  three  Men 
be  chosen  Yearly  and  every  Year  in  each  respective  Town  in  this  Province  to  appoint  and  agree  with  a 
School  Master,  and  the  three  Men  so  chosen  shall  have  power  to  nominate  and  appoint  the  most 
convenient  place  or  places  where  the  School  shall  be  kept  from  time  to  time,  that  as  near  as  may  be  the 
whole  Inhabitants  may  have  the  benefit  thereof." 

On  the  1st  of  January,  1697,  the  town  meeting  chose  a  school  committee  consisting  of  Tiicopelus 
Pierson,  Jasper  Crane  and  Tiionias  Richards,  who  were  authorized  "'to  agree  with  a  School  Master  to 
keep  Scliool  in  this  Town  for  the  Year  according  to  Act  of  Assembly." 

The  first  State  legislation  in  behalf  of  public  schools  was  on  Feb.  9,  1S16,  by  which  "the  Legis- 
lature authorized  and  directed  the  Treasurer  of  the  State  to  invest  in  the  jniblic  six  per  cent,  stock  of  the 
United  States  in  the  name  of  and  for  the  use  of  this  State,  the  sum  of  s1.").(iimi."  Otlicr  stocks  were 
added  to  this  in  1817,  making  an  aggregate  of  §S7,<)76.34. 

The  first  distribution  of  public  funds  was  by  enactment  of  Feb.  24,  1629,  wiiicli  provided  that  the 
Trustees  of  the  School  Fund  should  appropriate  annually  from  the  proceeds  thereof  $-20,000  for  public 
schools.  This  was  the  first  attempt  at  disbursement.  Hitherto  it  had  been  all  accumulation.  The 
money  that  had  been  gathering  for  thirteen  years  had  reached  a  level  from  where  it  would  be  safe  to 
distribute,  and  the  Trustees  of  the  fund  "are  to  divide  this  §20,000  among  the  fourteen  counties  in  the 
ratio  of  State  tax  paid  by  the  counties."  The  Chosen  Freeholders  of  the  several  counties  were  directed 
to  re-disbnrse  to  their  several  townships  in  the  ratio  of  the  county  tax  paid  by  the  townships.  Townships 
were  required  to  elect  annually  school  committees  of  three  each,  whose  duty  it  was  to  divide  the  township 
into  convenient  school  districts,  license  teachers  for  the  township,  call  district  meetings  of  the  taxable 
inhabitants  only,  and  to  divide  the  public  money  quarterly  among  the  s-everal  districts  according  to  the 
number  of  cliildren  between  the  ages  of  four  and  sixteen  years.  The  district  meetings  were  to  determine 
how  many  months  in  the  year  a  school  should  be  kept,  and  the  Trustees  were  to  provide  a  house  or  room 
for  the  school. 

By  the  Act  of  February  10,  ls;3I,  the  Act  of  1S29  and  supplement  of  1830  were  repealed  and  a 
new  act  substituted.  By  this  Act  the  sum  of  §30,000  was  annually  appropriated  from  the  pioceeds  of 
the  school  fund,  to  be  drawn  on  or  before  the  first  Monday  in  April.  Authority  to  levy  an  annual  school 
tax  was  continued  to  the  townships,  and  they  were  enqiowered  to  assign  ail  the  State  money  to  educate 
the  "  indigent  poor  "  if  they  chose. 

The  patrons,  sup])orters  or  proprietors  of  common  schools  in  the  townships  were  directed  to  organize 
tlieir  several  schools,  if  not  already  organized,  by  the  appointment  of  any  number  of  trustees.  The 
trustees  were  to  report  to  the  Township  School  Committee  tlieir  organization  ;  whereupon  the  Committee 
was  directed  to  recognize  all  such  schools  as  being  entitled  to  their  j)roportion  of  the  public  money. 

The  Township  School  Committees,  upon  the  receipt  of  the  animal  rei)orts  of  the  several  Boards  of 
Trustees,  assigned  the  public  money  to  each  school  in  the  ratio  of  the  number  of  children  taught,  as 


llu  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

reported  to  tliein  during;  tlie  precedino-  year.  If  tlie  to\nislii]i  liad  voted  all  the  public  money  to  tlie  use 
of  the  pool',  then  the  ratio  of  distrilmtion  was  to  be  as  to  the  iiuiuber  of  "poor"  children  taught  in  each 
school. 

In  March,  1838,  tliere  was  a  new  enactment  authorizing  this  $30,000  to  be  disbursed  from  the 
school  fund  annually,  on  the  usual  basis.  Township  School  Committees  were  again  empowered  to  divide 
townships  into  convenient  scliool  districts ;  alter  and  change  them  as  circumstances  may  require,  and  if 
advisable  form  them  from  parts  of  two  or  mors  adjoining  townships  or  counties. 

By  the  law  of  1S4G  the  annual  sum  of  $3U,000  was  continued  to  be  api)ropriated,  but  townships 
were  required  to  raise  a  sum  at  least  equal  to  the  proportion  of  the  State  appropriation,  but  not  to  exceed 
double  that  sum. 

In  1836  the  General  Government  found  itself  in  possession  of  more  money  than  it  wanted,  or 
would  be  likely  to  want.  By  Act  of  Congress,  passed  June  23,  of  that  year,  it  distributed  to  the  several 
States,  as  a  loan  without  interest,  more  than  $30,000,000  of  this  "surplus  revenue,"'  as  it  was  called. 
Tlie  sum  appropriated  to  the  State  of  New  Jersey  was  $764,670.44. 

A  supplement  to  the  Act  of  1846,  passed  March  14,  1857,  jirovided  for  an  annual  disbursement 
of  $40,000  of  the  proceeds  of  the  scliool  fund,  and  $40,000  from  the  general  treasury,  making  a  sum 
almost  equal  to  the  entire  school  fund  of  a  third  of  a  century  befoi'e. 

By  an  Act  of  1852,  the  "Trustees  of  the  School  Fund"  were  authorized  to  dispose  of  all  that 
remained  of  the  lands  belonging  to  the  State  at  Paterson,  l>y  private  or  public  sale,  and  invest  the 
proceeds  thereof  in  the  school  fund. 

By  an  Act  of  1867,  the  formation  and  re-formation  of  school  districts  was  taken  from  the  people 
and  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  County  Superintendent. 

Ill  1871,  an  Act  was  passed,  assigning  the  proceeds  from  the  sales  and  rentals  of  "land  under 
water'"  to  the  school  fund.     From  this  source  a  large  amount  is  realized  annually. 

In  the  same  year  the  Two-mill  Tax  was  enacted.  This  is  an  assessment  of  two  mills  on  every 
dollar  of  the  assessed  value  of  all  taxable  property  in  the  State.  From  this  source  there  was  i-ealized  in 
1875  the  sum  of  $1,237,578.57. 

It  supersedes  the  township  taxes  heretofore  required,  provided  the  sum  realized  by  this  tax  proves 
to  be  sutticient  to  maintain  free  schools  in  a  given  township  nine  months  in  the  year.  "Sectarian 
Schools"  are  specially  denied  any  part  of  the  two  mill  tax. 

Schools  of  CkanM',towx,  "West  Bloomfield  axd  IMontclair. 

The  first  school-house  in  Cranetown,  as  near  as  can  be  ascertained,  was  built  about  1740.  It  stood 
at  the  junction  of  the  Old  Koad  (now  Church  Street)  and  the  road  leading  to  Orange,  south  of  what  was 
recently  the  High  School  Building.  It  was  a  one-story  building,  built  of  stone,  twenty-six  feet  long  and 
eighteen  feet  broad.  It  faced  the  east,  and  the  curve  in  the  road  was  then  such  that  it  looked  down  the 
street.  There  was  a  large  lire-place  in  the  southwest  corner  of  the  room,  and  flat  desks  or  tables  placed 
around  the  sides  of  the  room,  far  enough  from  the  walls  to  admit  of  benches  being  placed  between  the 
desks  and  the  walls.  All  the  seats  were  slabs,  bark  side  down.  At  the  south  end  was  an  oblong 
platform,  two  steps  in  height,  which  was  called  "  the  rostrum."  In  the  centre  of  this  platform  was  a 
trap  door,  opening  into  the  dungeon,  where  evil  doers  M'ere  sometimes  "dropped."  The  earliest 
teachers  mentioned  who  occupied  the  rostrum  were  Isaac  Watts  Crane  and  Hugh  Thompson. 

Rev.  Jedediah  Chapman,  for  many  years  pastor  of  the  First  Church  in  Orange,  came  regularly 
every  two  weeks,  on  Saturday',  to  catechise  the  children.  lie  was  a  man  of  venerable  appearance,  wore 
a  cocked  hat,  and  always  rode  on  horseback.  The  children  with  the  master  wei-e  ranged  along  the 
i-oadside,  in  single  file,  and  waited  with  uncovered  heads  until  the  minister  dismounted  and  entered  the 
building,  when  they  all  followed. 

Dr.  Grub  succeeded  IMr.  Thompson,  and  ilr.  Tracy,  of  Scotch-Irish  ancestry,  followed.  lie  was 
a  severe  discijilinarian  and  held  strictly  to  the  proverb  "  Spare  the  rod  and  spoil  the  child."     He  made 


History  of  Montci.air  Township.  1 1 1 

free  use  of  the  "  weeping  willow,"  and  the  weeping  children  failed  to  move  him  to  compassion.  Mr. 
Smith,  Mr.  Ilinman  and  Mr.  Norton,  each  in  succession  taught  in  this  school-house. 

The  .'^c?c'"/i'/ scliool-liouse  was  Imilt  in  1S12,  on  land  i)urchased  of  Parmenus  Dodd,  tluough  Israel 
Crane,  at  the  junction  of  Old  Koad  and  the  turnpike,  about  tifty  feet  east  of  the  present  Presbyterian 
Church.  It  was  of  stone,  two  stories  high,  twenty-two  by  forty  feet  in  size,  the  second  story  of  which 
was  used  for  religious  services. 

Gideon  Wheeler  was  the  tirst  teacher  in  the  second  school-house.  lie  came  from  Stepney, 
Fairfield  County,  Conn.,  to  New  Jersey,  about  1809-10.  He  taught  first  in  Jersey  City,  afterward  at  a 
small  village  near  Parsippany,  New  Jersey,  and  came  to  Cranetown  in  lsl2.  lie  brought  witli  him  the 
following 

"  Kkcommk.ndation  : 

"  IIrxn.\(iT().v,  Faikfiem)  Covnty,  July  17,  1809. 

"  This  may  certify  that  the  bearer,  Gideon  AVheeler,  has  made  school  teaching  his  business 
between  fifteen  and  twenty  years,  and  has  generally  given  satisfaction  to  his  employers,  and  his 
knowledge  of  the  ortiiography  of  the  English  language,  English  Grammar,  Arithmetic,  Mathematics  and 
Astronomy,  we  conceive,  will  recommend  him  to  all  who  wish  to  have  their  children  ac(iuire  useful 
knowledge  under  his  tuition.  His  moral  character  is  such  as  merits  the  imitation  of  his  pupils  if  they 
wish  to  become  useful  members  in  society. 

'•DKonATK  Sii.i.icMAN.  Ju..  Prcst." 

Mr.  AVheeler  taught  in  this  school  for  many  years.  He  was  a  man  of  great  intellectual  force 
and  sound  judgment,  and  considered  an  excellent  teacher  for  the  time.  He  held  the  position  until 
declining  health  compelled  his  retirement,  and  his  remaining  days  were  s|)t'i]t  on  his  tiirm.  He  attracted 
pupils  from  Speertown,  Verona,  the  Coit  Neighborhood,  Tory  ('(iriu'r,  and  from  "between  the 
Mountains."  His  whole  term  of  service  was  about  eleven  years — from  1811  to  ls-22.  He  was  succeeded 
by  Philander  Seymour,  a  young  man  from  Genoa,  .\.  Y.,  who  had  taught  for  a  time  "between  the 
mountains,"  south  of  Pleasant  Valley.  He  was  a  man  of  good  education,  a  popular  and  successful  teacher. 
He  continued  teaching  from  1822  to  1830,  when  he  removed  to  Ploomtield.  Isaac  I>.  "Wheeler,  a  son 
of  Gideon  "Wheeler,  taught  here  for  a  time;  also  William  Iledden  and  David  J.  Allen.  "Warren  S. 
Holt  taught  school  in  the  same  building,  and  subsequently  opened  a  day  and  boarding  school  for  young 
men  and  young  ladies  at  what  is  now  known  as  the  Mountain  House.  Amos  B.  Ilowland  succeeded  him 
ilarch  7,  183t:!,  and  was  the  last  teacher  in  the  secimd-school  house  and  the  fir.-t  one  in  the  thii'd. 

The  second  school-house,  together  witli  the  lot  on  which  it  stood,  was  sold  in  1838,  to  the  Society  of 
West  I'loomfield  Presltyterian  Church,  for  S-^""',  imd  the  third  school  house  was  erected  the  same  year,  on 
land  purchased  from  Ira  Campbell,  west  of,  and  near  the  Presbyterian  Church  This  building  was  sold 
to  the  same  Church  Society,  in  18G0,  for  §800.  Mr.  Ilowland  continued  teaching  until  1839,  and  on 
April  <)th,  of  that  year,  was  succeeded  by  Miss  Ilariiet  IJooth,  Oct.  3,  1840.  Samuel  Jones  also  taught 
here  for  a  time  and  was  succeeded  Nov.  1,  1849,  by  Edwin  C.  Fidler,  the  present  tax  collector  of  the 
township  of  Montclair.  He  was  assisted  by  Miss  Jane  Van  Duyne.  Miss  Phcebe  C.  Miinn  was 
appointed  April  25,  1850,  and  continued  during  the  summer  months.  She  was  the  last  teacher  under 
the  old  regime  of  a  pay  school,  the  tuition  being  at  that  time  §2.00  a  quarter  or  $8.00  a  year.  The 
Trustees  that  year  abolished  the  Saturday  forenoon  school  hours,  the  half  holiday  having  been  the 
immemorable  usage.  The  change  met  with  a  strong  opposition,  tlie  older  people  claiming  that  "  what 
was  good  enough  for  them  was  good  enough  for  their  children." 

Application  was  made  by  the  township  of  Bloomtield,  in  1849,  for  a  special  school  law.  Kesist- 
ance  was  made,  but  the  free  school  law  was  enacted  in  1840,  amended  in  1850,  and  the  tuition  of  all 
children  was  henceforth  paid  by  taxation. 

Section   1   of  the  amended  Act  authorizes  the  towuship   to  "raise  by  tax  at   the  annual  town 


U2  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

meeting  a  sum  not  to  exceed  §2,500  in  any  one  year,  wliicli  money  shall  not  be  applied  to  the  building  of 
a  school-lionse  or  school-houfes." 

Section  2  provides  that  "the  amount  authorized  shall  not  in  anyone  year  exceed  one-half  the 
amount  of  taxes  assessed  the  preceding  year  in  said  district  for  all  purposes/' 

Section  3  provides  that  "  the  town  superintendent  together  with  the  township  committee  shall 
be  and  are  hereby  authorized  to  unite,  divide  and  alter  their  school  districts,  and  change  the  boundaries 
thereof  whenever  and  as  often  as  they  may  deem  it  necessary  or  expedient  for  the  jniblic  beneiit."  Tliis 
Act  was  ajjproved  March  Cth,  1850. 

At  the  time  of  the  enactment  of  tiie  law  there  were  seven  school  districts  in  the  old  township. 
Three  of  the  four  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  town  were  united,  and  the  Bloomfield  plan  of  a  Central 
Grammar  and  High  School  and  primary  schools  at  a  distance  from  the  centre  began  its  growth.  The 
three  districts  in  the  western  portion  of  the  town  remained  separate. 

The  first  teacher  at  the  West  Bloomfield  School  under  the  new  law  was  A.  D.  Babcock,  who 
received  a  salary  of  S^lSOO  a  year.  Edwin  C.  Fuller  returned  April,  1852,  and  was  assisted  by  Miss 
Phoebe  C.  Mann  ;  his  salary  was  $31:0,  and  hers  s200.  Miss  Phoebe  Campbell,  appointed  Oct.  2,  1852, 
received  $100  salary,  and  Miss  Samantha  Wheeler  was  appointed  Sept.  22,  1856,  at  $125  per  annum. 

The  following  named  Trustees  managed  the  school  affairs  of  "West  Bloomfield  from  18.31  to 
1850,  at  which  time  the  first  radical  change  was  made  :  For  the  year  1831,  Elias  Littell,  Zenas  S.  Crane, 
John  Munn,  Stephen  F.  Crane,  Caleb  Baldwin  ;  1832,  Zenas  S.  Crane,  Matthias  Smith,  Stephen  F. 
Crane,  John  Munn,  Timothy  A.  Crane;  1833,  Zenas  S.  Crane,  Stephen  F.  Crane,  Nathaniel  Crane,  Jr., 
John  Munn,  Caleb  "Ward;  1835,  Peter  Doremus,  William  Smith,  John  Munn,  Stephen  F.  Crane;  1830, 
Stephen  F.  Crane,  Richard  Homer,  Peter  Doremus,  William  Smith,  John  Munn  ;  1838,  Elias  B.  Crane, 
Zenas  S.  Crane,  Wm.  Smith;  1839,  John  Munn,  Jos.  H.  Baldwin,  Elias  B.  Crane;  1844,  William 
Smith,  AYilliam  S.  Morris,  Martin  S.  Moore;  1846,  William  S.  Morris,  Calvin  S.  Baldwin,  John  D. 
Taylor,  John  Munn,  Amzi  Sandford:  1847,  William  S.  Morris,  C.  S.  Baldwin,  John  D.  Taylor,  David 
Eogers,  JSTathaniel  H.  Dodd;  1848,  John  Post,  C.  S.  Baldwin,  A.  A.  Sanford,  Edmund  Doremus,  John 
C.  Doremus;  1849,  C.  S.  Baldwin,  M.  W.  Smith,  John  C.  Collins,  Wm.  S.  Morris,  A.  A.  Sanford  ;  1850, 
A.  A.  Sanford,  John  Munn,  Chas.  Smith,  C.  S.  Baldwin,  Anthony  D.  Ball. 

The  completion  of  the  Newark  and  Bloomfield  R.  R.  to  West  Bloomfield  in  1856  was  the  begin- 
ning of  a  new  settlement.  It  brought  to  this  town  active  young  men  with  families  of  children  to  educate 
— men  who  had  been  accustomed  to  good  schools  in  the  New  England  States,  and  who  were  desirous  of 
having  school  facilities  here  equal  to  those  to  which  they  had  been  accustomed,  so  that  tliey  might  avoid 
the  necessity  of  sending  their  children  elsewhere  to  be  educated.  The  cpiestion  of  improved  school 
accommodations  began  to  be  agitated,  and  this  was  brought  to  a  final  i.ssue  at  a  meeting  held  April  2, 
i860,  Mr.  Julius  H.  Pratt  acting  as  Chairman,  and  Dr.  J.  J.  H.  Love  as  Secretary.  An  entire  new  Board 
of  Trustees  was  elected,  consisting  of  Peter  H.  Yan  Riper,  Edgar  T.  Gould,  William  Jacobus,  Joseph 
11.  Baldwin  and  John  C.  DeWitt. 

The  cpiestion  of  location  for  a  school  building  next  became  the  all-absorbing  topic,  and  it  is  a  note- 
worthy fact  that  the  site  finally  selected  was  near  the  same  spot  where  the  first  school-house  was  erected 
more  than  a  century  pi-evious.  The  Trustees  called  a  public  meeting  on  May  10,  1860,  recommending 
the  purchase  of  a  lot  on  the  corner  of  Church  Street  and  Valley  Road,  both  streets  being  a  part  of  the  GId 
Road,  which  extended  through  Bloomfield  to  Newark,  lieing  one  of  the  first  laid  out  in  the  old  "Town 
of  Newark."  A  large  number  of  the  old  inhabitants  attended  the  meeting  and  vigorously  opposed  the 
recommendation  of  the  Trustees,  resorting  to  all  kinds  of  (piibbles  and  parliamentary  tactics  to  prevent 
action.  Several  meetings  followed  this,  and  finally,  at  a  meeting  held  June  15,  1860,  the  measure  was 
carried  by  a  vote  of  64  to  34,  and  the  Trustees  were  authorized  to  purchase  the  above-mentioned  lot, 
then  owned  by  Grant  J.  Wheelci-,  and  to  erect  tbei-eon  a  school  building  with  accommodations  suited  to 
the  increased  population.  On  July  loth  of  that  year  the  Board  of  Trustees  adopted  plans  and  specifica- 
tions, and  on  July  30th  the  contiact  was  awarded  to  "\Vm.  Sigler,  carpenter,  and  Edgar  T.  Gould,  mason. 


History  cif  Montclair  Township. 


113 


at  a  cost  of  $4,300.  the  heating  apparatus,  furniture,  etc.,  making  a  total  cost  of  8*>,< '21.34.  The  building 
was  fiftv  feet  in  length  bv  thirty-five  in  breadth,  and  now  forms  the  north  wing  of  the  present  grammar 
school.  The  .'^onth  wing  was  erected  in  186!)  and  the  east  wing  in  1873;  the  total  cost  of  the  completed 
building,  which  is  now  the  Grammar  School,  was  $3.5,0()0. 

Mr.  John  H.  Morrow,  appointed  December  28,  1860,  at  a  salary  of  $4.^0.  was  the  first  teacher 
in  the  original  wing  of  this  new  edifice.  He  was  assisted,  in  1861,  by  Miss  A.  M.  Mnnn,  and  in  1863  by 
Miss  Helen  Muun. 

Special  plans  were  originated  in  1^06  for  the  establishment  of  a  High  School  adequate  to  the  de- 
mands of  the  best  education  preparatory  to  the  college  or  the  university.     The  purpose  was  to  secure  the 


THE   OI.II   SCHOOL   HOUSS,   BUILT   IN    1860. 

services  of  a  principal  who  should  be  a  graduate  from  one  of  the  best  colleges,  and  whose  character  and 
attainments  should  secure  the)^ best  results  in  education.  The  High  School  was  to  afford  facilities  "to 
educate  here  at  home  the  youth  who  had  been  previously  sent  away  to  school,"  and  to  enable  "  parents  to 
retain  under  home  influence  their  children  during  tlie  period  of  the  formation  of  character."  John  W. 
Taylor,  a  graduate  of  Harvard  University,  became  the  principal  September  1,  1866,  and  inspired  a  rapid 
development  of  our  school  system  during  the  four  years  of  his  sui)ervision.  His  tact,  ability  and  enthusiasm 
in  school  work,  his  geniality  and  his  fondness  for  young  life,  his  instinct  for  individualizing,  and  his 
natural  leadership,  gave  inspiration  alike  to  teachers,  students,  parents  and  trstees.     Miss  Lucy  M.  Brown 


114  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

was  appointed  a?sif5tant  Novemlter  28,  1867.  Mr.  Ta_vlor  left  tlurins;  the  second  year  of  his  administra- 
tion, and  Mr.  Jared  riiisl)roi]ck  filled  the  position  from  Angnst  2t>,  lS(iS,  to  December  IT,  at  which  time 
Mr.  Tajlor  returned,  continiiinfr  until  ISTU,  when  Mr.  John  P.  Gross,  a  graduate  of  Bowdoin  College, 
hecaine  the  princij)al.  Mr.  Gross  continued  to  develop  a  wide  pnhlic  interest  in  the  School.  The 
increase  of  pupils  rendered  a  further  enlargement  necessary  in  1873.  The  first  graduating  class,  composed 
of  thirteen  members,  was  guided  through  the  advanced  course  by  Mr.  Gross,  and  the  first  diplomas  of  the 
Trustees,  given  in  187-±,  were  made  significant  of  a  thorough  education.  Mr.  Gross  was  assisted  in  the 
High  School  department  by  Miss  Lucy  M.  Brown  and  Mr.  Edward  Thatcher,  a  graduate  of  Yale  College, 
and  a  son  of  Prof.  Thos.  A.  Thatcher.  Miss  Abbey  M.  Munn,  at  that  time  a  teacher  of  long  experience 
and  distinguished  success,  was  at  the  head  of  the  Primary  Department.  Miss  Lucy  Brown,  who  for  seven 
years  had  been  an  efficient  teacher,  and  was  highly  esteemed  in  the  community,  was  called  away  by  death 
in  1874.  Mr.  Gross  continued  for  about  a  year  longer,  and  was  succeeded,  in  the  autumn  of  1874,  by 
Mr.  Randall  Spaulding,  a  graduate  of  Yale  College. 

Efiicient  as  the  School  was  at  the  time,  Mr.  Spaulding  saw  that  there  was  room  for  further  improve- 
ment in  order  to  meet  the  growing  demands  of  the  community.  Otie  of  the  most  important  changes 
made  by  him  was  that  of  requiring  the  pupils  then  in  school  to  remain  a  year  longer  than  tlie  previous 
time  allotted  for  graduation. 

Other  improvements  have  been  made  from  year  to  year,  demonstrating  the  wisdom,  knowledge 
and  ability  of  the  principal.  During  his  administration  of  nearly  twenty  years,  he  has  been  assisted  by  a 
corps  of  excellent  teachers,  some  of  whom  were  old  residents  in  the  community.  Among  the  lady 
teachers  have  been  Miss  Annie  Brown,  a  very  successful  teacher,  who  served  for  six  years;  Miss  F.  A. 
Caldwell,  Miss  Anna  S.  Peck,  and  Miss  Mary  J.  Turner;  and  of  the  gentlemen,  P.  W.  Conant,  Charles 
L.  Noyes,  Edwin  B.  Goodell,  Samuel  D.  Eaton,  Noah  C.  Rogers,  J.  Howard  Pratt  and  Arthur  E. 
Bostwick.  Miss  Eldora  Eldredge  is  worthy  of  special  mention.  She  has  had  charge  of  the  grammar 
department,  preparatory  to  the  High  School,  for  nearly  eighteen  years,  and  still  continues  in  that  position. 

The  need  of  increased  specialization  in  the  work  of  the  High  School  led  to  the  employment,  in  18Sfi, 
of  Mr.  Robert  Cornish  to  take  charge  of  tlie  science  department,  a  man  eminently  fitted  for  the  work.  He 
continued  in  this  position  for  six  years,  and  brought  the  department  to  a  high  state  of  efficiency.  The 
classical  department  was  assigned  to  Miss  Eliza  H.  Gilliert,  who  for  several  years  had  performed  a  part 
of  the  duties  pertaining  to  it.  Her  work  is  characterized  by  great  accuracy  and  thoroughness.  Li 
September,  1892,  Mr.  J.  Steward  Gibson  succeeded  Mr.  Cornish  in  the  science  department.  Miss  Turner, 
who  for  many  years  had  served  most  acceptably  as  preceptress  of  the  High  School,  was  succeeded  in  1887 
by  Miss  I^Iargaret  A.  Emerson,  a  conscientious  and  painstaking  teacher,  who  i-emained  three  years.  Her 
place  was  tilled  by  Miss  Elsie  M.  Dwyer,  a  graduate  of  Wellesley  College,  an  able  and  successful  teacher 
of  ripe  experience. 

Other  departments  have  been  added — that  of  modern  language  and  mathematics,  in  charge  of 
Miss  Harriet  E.  Crouch;  Latin  and  modern  history.  Miss  Mary  A.  Carter;  commercial  branches  and 
botany,  Mr.  William  C.  Gorman  ;  English  and  history  in  charge  of  the  preceptress.  Miss  Dwyer,  assisted 
by  Miss  Lucy  Evelyn  Wight.  The  unusually  long  and  efficient  service  of  Miss  Abbie  M.  Munn,  now  in  the 
highest  grade  of  the  primary  department,  and  Misb  Eldora  Eldredge,  in  the  highest  grade  of  the  grammar 
deiiartnient,  renders  them  worthy  of  special  notice,  Miss  Eldredge  having  served  eighteen  consecutive 
years,  and  Miss  Munn  a  much  longer  period.  The  names  of  both  these  worthy  teachers  are  enshrined  in 
the  hearts  of  hundreds  of  pupils,  many  of  whom  have  achieved  honor  and  success  in  life,  and  cherish  the 
remeralirance  of  them  as  among  the  most  delightful  associations  connected  with  their  alma  mater. 

Since  1874  scarcely  a  year  has  passed  without  material  change  in  the  course  of  study,  and  new 
systems  and  methods  have  given  place  to  the  old  ones.  Even  the  early  graduates  of  this  school  would  be 
surprised  at  the  great  changes  that  have  l)een  wrought.  The  system  of  manual  training  was  introduced 
in  1S82,  and  the  trustees  were  authorized  to  expend  the  sum  of  |1,000  to  test  its  practicability.  A  room 
was  fitted  up  and  fully  supplied  with  the  necessary  tools  and  appliances.     The  manual  work  the  first  year 


History  or  Moxtclair  TowNsiiir.  115 

in  the  grammar  department  consisted  in  drawing  and  constrnctii)n  of  geometric  forms,  and  in  advanced 
clay  modeling;  to  the  second  year  was  assigned  a  course  in  joinery;  to  the  third  year,  wood  carving. 
Girls  during  this  period  were  instructed  in  needlework.  Tliis  department  has  succeeded  beyond  the 
expectations  of  its  promoters,  and  has  been  extended  from  time  to  time  both  upward  and  downward  in 
the  grades  of  tlie  school.  The  expense  of  maintaining  this  department  tlie  first  year  was  §72(1 ;  the 
second,  $600;  the  third,  $583;  the  fourth.  80S1  ;  fifth,  sHito ;  and  the  sixtli.  $687. 

The  total  number  of  graduates  from  the  High  School  is  206.  Of  these,  seventy-eight  have 
entered  upon  a  college  course  leading  to  a  degree.  Nine  graduates  liave  taken  special  courses  in 
colleges;  seventeen  have  entered  some  professional  school  of  law,  medicine  or  teaching.  Those  who 
have  entered  upon  a  college  course  are  classified  as  follows :  Yale,  19 ;  Wellesley,  11 ;  Smith,  9 ; 
Amherst,  7;  Princeton,  7;  Harvard,  6;  ^V■e6leyan,  4;  University  of  New  York,  3;  Oberlin,  2; 
Li'higli.  •2;  University  of  Minnesota,  1;  "Williams,  1;  Cornell,  I;  Evelyn,  1;  Columbia,  !;  Bryn 
Mawr,  1 ;  iJarnard,  1 ;  ^lassachu setts  School  of  Technology,  1. 

The  school  census  shows  the  number  of  children  residing  within  the  district  between  five  and 
eighteen  years  of  age  in  1856  as  185.  In  1870  there  were  450.  The  next  decade,  898.  The  total  number 
in  1893  was  1,703.  The  increase  from  1856  to  1893  is  1.518 ;  the  largest  increase  in  any  one  year  was  that 
of  1871,  viz..  150.  The  smallest  increase  was  iii  1872,  viz.,  6,  and  the  year  from  1884  to  1885  showed 
a  decrease  of  22. 

The  total  number  of  scholars  enrolled  at  the  present  time  is  1.30(1,  reijuiriiig  the  employment  of 
44  teachers,  including  instructors  in  special  departments.  Additions  have  been  made  to  the  old  and  new 
buildings  during  the  past  fifteen  years,  in  order  to  meet  the  increased  demands  for  school  facilities.  In 
1878-9  the  west  half  of  the  centre  primary  school  was  built  at  a  cost  of  $l2,oi10.  In  1884,  the  east  half 
centre  primary,  at  a  cost  of  $7,118.  In  1888  a  new  school-house  was  built  on  Cedar  Street,  which  cost, 
including  the  land,  $6,895.  In  1889-90  a  large  new  brick  building  was  erected  on  Chestnut  Street,  which 
cost,  including  the  land,  $18,8n3. 

In  1892  a  large  ]ilot  of  land  was  ]>nrchased  on  the  west  side  of  Valley  Road,  about  three  Iniiulred 
yards  west  of  the  present  grammar  school.  On  this  was  erected  one  of  the  finest  and  most  coujpletely 
equipped  school  buildings  in  the  State.  The  building  is  237  feet  long  and  about  81  feet  extreme  width, 
covering  an  area  of  15.738  square  feet,  including  porches,  etc.  The  design  is  of  classic  style  and 
the  exteriors  are  finished  in  buff  brick  and  cream  white  terra  cotta.  The  portion  below  water  level 
is  of  dark  red  brick.  All  interior  carrying  partitions  and  all  heating  and  vent  flues  are  of  brick. 
The  floors  are  laid  on  Georgia  pine  joists  and  on  iron  beams.  All  interior  walls  are  furred  and  afire 
stop  is  at  the  bottom  of  each.  The  building  is  two  stories  high  and  the  main  flights  of  stairs  are  of  iron, 
supported  by  brick  walls,  broken  by  landings  and  covered  with  rubber  treads.  The  first  floor  is  arranged 
with  a  direct  corridor  from  entrance  to  entrance,  thirteen  feet  wide,  and  contains  all  the  wardrobes, 
being  separated  for  the  sexes.  They  are  built  on  a  new  plan  adajjted  and  used  by  the  architects, 
Messrs.  Loringc%  Phipps,  of  Boston,  designers  of  this  and  many  public  schools  and  other  public  buildings. 

Placed  at  intervals  in  the  first  floor  corridor  are  three  foot  warmers,  so  arranged  that  the  children 
can  dry  their  feet  and  clothes  in  wet  weather.  On  the  south  side  of  this  corridor  are  seven  class  rooms 
of  different  sizes,  each  having  seating  capacity  of  from  54  to  60  pupils  or  more,  according  to  size,  and 
each  room  is  arranged  for  the  light  to  come  over  the  left  shoulder  and  back  of  the  pupil.  Each  class  room 
on  this  floor,  as  well  as  on  the  second  floor,  has  teachers'  closets  and  book  closets,  and  blackboards  of 
natural  slate  are  on  all  the  wall  surfaces  not  used  for  other  purposes.  On  the  north  side  of  the  corridor 
on  the  first  floor  are  two  recitation  rooms,  principal's  office  with  fire  place,  toilets,  closets,  waiting  room  and 
depository.  The  reference  room  and  connecting  library  are  fitted  with  delivery  desk  and  book  racks  for 
many  thousands  of  volumes.  In  each  corridor  two  drinking  places  are  furnished  for  the  children's  use, 
made  of  soapstone  set  on  brackets  with  nickel  self-closing  locks. 

On  the  second  floor  are  four  class  rooms,  two  recitation  rooms,  two  toilet  rooms,  and  an  assembly 
hall  with  a  seating  capacity  of  500,  with  two  small  ante-rooms  and  a  stage  27  feet  wide  and  13  feet  deep. 


110 


History  of  Montclair  Township, 


On  tlie  south  side  is  the  cliemical  hiboratory  and  also  conveniences  for  pliotograpliic  experiments. 
Two  flights  of  stairs  lead  from  the  second  to  the  tliird  stories,  in  which  is  a  furnished  room  for  students 
in  drawing,  and  a  large  room  partly  unfinished,  84  feet  long  by  30  feet  wide  for  gymnasium.  Tlie  finish 
of  the  entire  building  is  of  brown  ash.  All  corridors,  rooms  and  staircases  are  wainscoted  in  ash  to  a 
height  of  about  four  feet. 

The  entire  cost,  including  the  land,  was  $125,000. 

From  the  beginning  of  the  new  movement  in  lSt!0, — with  tiie  exception  of  his  absence  during 
the  war — Dr.  J.  J.  II.  Love  has  been  continuously  a  member  of  tlie  Board  of  Trustees.  To  iiis 
persistent  and  indefatigable  efforts  in  the  cause  of  higher  education  is  largely  due  the  present  school 
system,  with  facilities,  equaled  liy  few,  and.  it  is  Ijelieved,  unsurpassed  by  those  of  any  town  of  this 
size  in  the  United  States.  Dr.  Love  led  and  the  people  followed.  Having  unbounded  confidence  in  his 
ability,  good  judgment  and  impartial  dealings,  they  gave  him  their  hearty  support,  and  freely  voted  the 


(II    Jk& 


^'^'. 


^j^i*.^- 


THE   NEW    HIGH    SCHOOL. 


appropriations  asked  for.  lie  served  for  many  3'ears  as  President  of  the  Board,  and  then  took  the 
position  of  Clerk,  which  he  has  held  without  intermission  up  to  tlie  present  time  (1894).  His  inlerest  in 
the  work  has  uever  flagged,  and  he  has  given  his  personal  attention  to  the  most  minute  details.  In  the 
erection  of  the  new  High  School  building,  he  supervised  every  portion  of  the  work  from  the  foundation 
to  the  roof,  and,  being  daily  on  the  spot,  nothing  escaped  his  observation. 

Mr.  George  H.  Francis  succeeded  Dr.  Love  as  President,  and  held  tlie  position  for  some  years. 

Mr.  Thomas  Porter,  who  succeeded  Mr.  Francis  as  President  of  tlie  Board  of  Trustees,  was  an 
enthusiast  in  the  matter  of  "iiiglier  education,"  and  an  earnest  and  zealous  worker  in  the  cause.  He 
often  visited  the  school  and  spoke  words  of  encouragement  to  teachers  and  scholars.  He  lived  to 
see  the  "  new  system"  firmly  established  and  in  successful  operation. 

Mr.  Charles  K.  Willmer,  the  successor  of  Mr.  Porter,  served  sixteen  years  as  a  member  of  the  Board, 
for  five  of  which  he  was  its  President.     A  man  of  fine  executive  ability  and  large  business  experience,  he. 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


117 


directed  the  affairs  of  tlie  school  witii  consuininate  ability  and  tact,  and  gave  great  satisfaction  to  his 
associates  and  to  the  whole  coninuinity. 

Dr.  C.  H.  Marvin  rendered  faithfnl  and  efficient  service,  as  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees, 
for  nine  years,  and  during  1S90  and  IS'.tl  was  President  of  the  Board. 

Mr.  John  R.  Howard,  the  present  incumbent,  was  elected  in  1892.  Ilis  acceptance  of  the  position 
was  gratifying  to  every  one  interested  in  the  cause  of  education.  He  has  a  national  reputation 
as  a  writer  and  publisher,  and  since  his  residence  in  i[ontclair,  has  been  active  in  promoting  its 
moral  and  intellectual  growth,  having  been  prominently  identitied  with  the  several  organizations  having 
this  object  in  view.  The  erection  of  the  new  school  building,  and  the  various  iui])rovements  in  connection 
therewith,  liave  all  been  accomplished  during  his  administration. 

The  citizens  of  Montclair — even  those  who  have  no  children  to  reap  the  benefit — have  given  their 
hearty  co-operation  and  have  cheerfully  borne  the  burden  of  increased  taxation — knowing  that  others  were 
benefited  thereby— and  that  every  dollar  sjient  Iti  the  cause  of  education  would  in  time  eidiance  the 
value  of  their  property  through  the  increase  of  population.  Persons  living  at  a  distance  from  Montclair  have 
acquired  a  residence  here  for  tiie  purpose  of  giving  their  children  the  benefit  of  its  superior  educational 
advantages  usually  obtainable  only  at  expensive  private  institutions. 


Randall  Spauldino. 

The  present  efficiency  and  high  standing  of  the  schools  of  Montclair  is  due  to  the  untiring  efforts 

ing  a  perioi  of  nearly  a 
methods  by  which  this  has 
fully  set  forth  in  the  his- 
township,  and  require  no 
his  life.  While  he  inherit- 
that  conduced  to  his  suc- 
he  encountered  and  over- 
special  means  by  which 
Both  his  paternal  and  nia- 
among  the  early  Puritans 

The  origin  of  the  name 
from  .ynill,  meaning  slioul- 
Tlie  name  originated  in 
battles  were  fought  hand 
sword  on  the  coat  of  arms 
The  motto  Ijorne    on  tlie 

Edwai'd  Siiaulding,  the 
land  to  the  Massachusetts 
Braintree,  where  he  was 
Tie  had  a  son,  Andreiv, 
Deacon  I  mac,  born  in 
moved  toTownsend,Mass. 
tied  is  still  in  the  hands  of 
signed  a  petition  for  pro- 
December  31,  1740.  He 
in  Townsend,  August  14, 


of  Mr.  Spaulding,  covei'- 
quarter  of  a  century.  The 
been  accomplished  are 
tory  of  the  schools  of  this 
repetition  in  this  sketch  of 
ed  numy  of  the  qualities 
cess,  the  difficulties  which 
came  in  early  life  were  the 
this  was  accomplislied. 
ternal  ancestors  were 
of  New  England, 
of  Spaulding  is  said  to  be 
der,  and  diny,  to  strike. 
the  ^riddle  Ages,  when 
to  hand.  The  two-handed 
justifies  this  statement, 
arms  is  ^^Ilinc  niilii  salus." 
ancestor,  came  from  Eng- 
Colony  and  settled  in 
made  a  freeman  in  1*j40. 
who  was  the  father  of 
Chelmsford,  1710,  who 
The  farm  on  which  he  set- 
the  Spaulding  family.  He 
tection  against  the  Indians, 
had  a  son,  Benjamin,  born 


RANDALL    sl'AlLIiI.N 


1743,  who  was  "successful  in  xrhoul  teach'iwj^'  which  occupation  was  followed  by  three  of  his  daughters, 
lie  was  known  as  "  Lieut.  Benjamin,"  and  served  (probably)  in  the  War  of  the  Revolution.  He  had  a  son 
known  as  "  Capt.  Isaac,'^  born  in  TowiLsend,  December  24,  177'.*.     Tlie  latter  was  the  father  of  Daniel. 


US  History  of  Montci.air  Township. 

Daniel  Spanlding,  son  of  Capt.  Isaac,  was  born  in  Townsend.  He  carried  on  a  farm,  and  was  the 
master  of  three  or  four  trades,  principally  that  of  a  cooper.  He  was  a  man  of  considerable  in- 
genuit}'  and  skill,  and  was  fairly  successful.  He  married  Lucy  W.  Clement,  daughter  of  John  Clement, 
of  Townsend. 

Randall  Spaulding,  son  of  Daniel  and  Lucy  ^Y.  (Clement)  Spanlding.  was  born  in  Townsend, 
Middlesex  Co.,  Mass.,  Feb.  3,  lS-i5.  He  evidently  inherited  his  fondness  for  books  and  his  capacity  for 
teaching  from  liis  great  grandfather.  He  attended  tlie  district  school  nntil  he  was  sixteen  and  then 
went  to  the  Lawrence  Academy,  at  Groton.  where  he  had  an  uncle,  who  was  a  practicing  physician.  In 
order  to  raise  funds  to  complete  his  preparatory  course  he  was  obliged  to  resort  to  mechanical  employ- 
ment, and  '■'■  strike  from,  the  shoulder P  The  last  winter  he  attended  the  academy  he  taught  the  district 
school  in  West  Groton,  and  assisted  occasionally  at  teaching  in  tlie  academy.  In  all  his  efforts  to  acquire 
an  education  he  was  self-supporting,  and  paid  all  his  own  expenses.  He  entered  Yale  College  in  1SG6, 
and  was  graduated  in  1S70.  He  earned  some  money  at  college  by '' coaching "  students,  but  on  com- 
pleting Iiis  collegiate  course  he  found  himself  $1000  in  debt.  He  soon  after  obtained  a  position  as 
teacher  at  Rockvilie,  Conn.,  wliere  he  remained  for  three  years,  and  not  only  paid  off  his  old  indelrtedness 
but  accumulated  a  sufficient  sum  to  enable  him  to  make  a  trip  to  Europe,  partly  for  pleasure,  but 
mainly  for  tiie  purpose  of  continuing  his  studies.  He  spent  seven  months  at  Gottingen,  and  was  a  few 
weeks  at  Heidelberg  and  parts  of  Italy,  his  course  of  study  being  principally  history  and  the  German 
language.  On  his  return  in  1874  he  accepted  an  offer  to  take  charge  of  the  school  in  Montclair.  He 
introduced  many  new  features  and  raised  the  grade  to  meet  the  demands  of  the  community  for  a  higher 
system  of  education.  He  gradually  worked  tlie  pupils  up  to  his  own  standaixl,  and  induced  tliem  to 
remain  another  year  in  order  to  attain  the  requisite  proficiency.  He  received  the  lieart}'  co-operation  of 
the  parents,  as  well  as  the  trustees,  and  others  interested  in  the  school.  He  secured  the  very  best  teachers 
that  could  be  found  for  the  various  departments,  and  year  by  year  he  continued  to  advance  to  a  higher 
standard,  the  trustees  and  taxpayers  always  keeping  pace  and  meeting  his  own  ideas  with  liberal 
appropriations,  which  culminated  in  1893  with  the  finest  and  best  equipped  public  school  building  in  the 
State.  All  this  lias  been  accomplished  in  a  quiet  way  without  friction,  and  with  a  steady  forward  move- 
ment. No  man  was  ever  more  beloved  by  parents,  ]nipils  and  teachers.  He  rules  by  love,  yet  there  is 
no  lack  of  discipline,  and  the  usual  methods  of  punishment  are  almost  unknown  in  the  several  depart- 
ments of  the  school.     Of  the  children  it  may  be  said, 

"  He  taught  them  the  goodness  of  knowledge, 
They  taught  him  the  goodness  of  God." 

Many  of  his  pupils  who  have  grown  to  manhood  and  achieved  success  in  the  various  walks  of  life, 
look  back  with  pride  to  their  aJma  mater,  and  remember  with  gratitude  and  affection  their  faithful 
preceptor. 

Mr.  Spaulding  is  one  of  the  foremost  educators  in  the  State,  and  has  done  much  to  advance  the 
cause  of  education  in  other  parts  of  the  country.  He  has  been  President  of  the  Xew  Jersey  State 
Council  of  Education,  of  the  Schoolmasters'  Association  of  New  York  and  vicinity,  of  the  Schoolmasters' 
Clul)  of  New  York  and  vicinity,  and  was  formerly  President  of  the  State  Teachers'  Association  of  New 
Jersey. 

Mr.  Spaulding  has  added  largely  to  his  stock  of  general  iiifoimation  in  his  travels  during  his 
summer  vacations.  In  the  summer  of  1883  he  visited  Arizona  in  company  with  Dr.  II.  H.  Rusby, 
partly  on  behalf  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  and  made  a  large  collection  of  plants  indigenous  to  that 
locality.  Besides  obtaining  a  large  variety  of  those  well  known  to  naturalists,  he  collected  some  thirty 
new  species,  to  which  no  reference  has  hitherto  been  made  by  naturalists.  The  information  thus 
acquired  has  been  utilized  to  good  advantage  in  his  professional  labors.  A  similar  trip  was  made  in  1880 
among  the  Rocky  Mountains  of  Colorado. 

As  a  pastime  Mr.  Spaulding   has  done  some  excellent  work  as  an  amateur  photographer,  and  has 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


119 


made  a  large  collection  of  views  of  the  many  places  of  interest  he  has  visited.  In  1888  he  visited 
Great  Britain  and  made  a  collection  of  photos  for  the  nse  of  lantern  slides  in  stereoptieon  exhibitions.  He 
is  the  author  of  "First  Lessons  in  Amateur  Photography,''  published  in  1885,  a  work  highly  appreciated 
by  amateurs  in  this  art.  Accounts  of  his  travels  abroad  have  been  given  at  different  times  through  the 
local  papers,  and  read  witli  a  great  deal  of  interest. 

In  addition  to  the  other  societies  and  organizations  referred  to,  Mr.  Spaulding  is  a  member  of  the 
First  Congregational  Church  of  Montclair,  and  of  the  Congregational  Club  of  New  York.  He  has  been 
twice  married;  first,  in  IST-l-,  to  Miss  Florence  A.  Chapman,  who  died  in  1SS9,  leaving  two  children,  viz., 
Kaymond  C.  and  Edith  R. ;  secondly,  to  A[iss  Sarah  L.  Norris,  of  Hyde  Park,  Mass. 

The  Washingtox  Sciiih)i.  Hodsk, 

Erected  in  1825,  for  the  education  of  mill  children  on  Sunday,  at  the  west  end  of  the  jiresent 
townshij*,  continued  to  be  used  for  sciiool  pur[)Ofes  after  the  close  cif  the  mills  and  tiie  departure  of 
the  mill  operatives.  The  settlement  remained,  and  the  population  of  this  neighliorhood  increased. 
The  schools  at  the  west  end  of  the  town  were  located  at  too  great  a  distance  to  enable  those  at  the  east 

end   to  avail   themselves  of  its  advantages,  and  tliis 

eventually  became  a  separate  school  district.    Isaac  B. 
I  •^^'Hk  Wheeler,  son  of  Gideon  Wheeler,  taught  in  this  school 

»  iriW^  ,_■  I     fy,.  a  time.     A  new  frame  building,  capable  of  accom- 

'•Jt      modating  the  large  increase  of  children  in  this  locality, 
."jI      was  erected,  and  ample  facilities  provided. 


vKtt 


iHK      U    V-MlNi 


PKIVATK  SCHOOLS. 

For  more  than  a  ipiarter  of  a  century  before  the 
.i:,'itation  of  ''  higlier  education  "  for  free  schools  began, 
Bloomfield  and  West  IJloomfield  were  noted  for  their 
private  institutions  of  learning,  and  some  of  the  most 
|prominent  men  in  the  country — divines,  physicians, 
lawyers  and  statesmen,  were  prepared  for  college  at. 
one  or  the  other  of  these  well-known  schools. 

From  1810  to  ls;}S  the  Bloomtield  Academy  was 
considered  one  of  the  best  preparatory  schools  in  the 
State  of  New  Jersey.  In  the  origin  and  maintenance  of  that  academic  and  theological  institution,  Israel 
Crane  and  other  prominent  men  of  West  Bloomtield  were  greatly  interested.  With  such  preceptors 
as  Anizi  Lewis,  Jr.,  John  Ford,  Rev.  Humphrey  M.  Ferine,  Rev.  Amzi  Armstrong,  D.D.,  and  his 
son.  Rev.  William  J.  Armstrong,  Albert  Pearson,  and  Dr.  Edwin  Hall,  strong  college-bred  men,  of 
profound  erudition  and  theological  force,  this  Academy  overshadowed  the  more  common  education  in 
that  part  of  the  town.  At  the  beginning  it  was  financially  supported  by  a  Society  for  the  Promotion  of 
Literature,  composed  of  the  strong  men  of  the  town,  and  after  Dr.  Armstrong  assumed  the  financial 
support  by  the  social  and  moral  aid  of  the  people  throughout  the  Presbyterian  parish,  Samuel  Hanson 
Cox,  and  other  young  men  from  the  Academy,  conducted  religious  services  in  the  second  story  of  the 
West  Bloomtield  School-house. 

MoixT  Prospkct  Ixstitutk. —  This  building,  now  known  as  the  Mountain  House,  situated  on  Bloom- 
field  Avenue,  near  the  dividing  line  between  Montclair  and  Verona,  was  opened  as  a  boarding-school  for 
boys,  about  1838,  by  Mr.  Warren  S.  Holt.  He  had  previously  taught  in  the  public  school,  where  he 
acquired  the  reputation  of  a  good  teacher,  especially  in  mathematics.  His  aim  was  to  establish  a  sti'ictly 
private  school,  with  a  limited  number  of  puj)ils  who,  while  en  joying  the  best  educational  advantages,  would 
at  the  same  time  receive  a  thorough  moral  and  religious  training.     He  had  also  a  separate  department  for 


120 


History  of  Montci.air  Township. 


yoiini;;  ladies.  His  system  of  education  met  witli  the  liearty  a])proval  of  his  patrons,  but  did  not  prove  a 
financial  success,  and  in  1844  lie  gave  ii|i  his  school,  and  became  assistant  to  James  H.  Ruiidall,  at  the 
Bloomtield  Academy.  lie  remained  with  this  institution  for  about  two  years,  when  he  reopened  Mount 
Prospect  Institute,  which  he  conducted  successfully  for  some  years.  A  circular  issued  by  him  about  this 
time  states  that — 

"  The  School  is  located  in  West  Bloomtield,  N.  J.,  fifteen  miles  distant  from  New  York  Cit}',  and 
six  from  Newark,  upon  a  commandiufj  eminence  of  800  feet  above  the  level  of  the  ocean,  from  which  a 
clear  view  is  obtained  of  New  York,  Brooklyn,  the  Bay,  and  the  surrounding  countiy.  This  location, 
for  rctiicment,  health,  salubrity  of  atmosphere,  and  I)eauty  of  mountain  scenery,  is  not  surpassed  by  any 
in  the  country.  It  is  easy  of  access,  having  direct  communication  with  New  Yoi-k  four  times  a  day. 
The  object  of  this  institution  is  to  prepare  Young  Gentlemen  for  entering  college,  or  a  business  life,  by  a 
thorough  and  systematic  course  of  instruction.  Tiie  Principal  does  not  desire  a  large  school,  but  a  select 
nundier  of  jiujiils,  well  disciplined,  and  willing  to  be  guided  in  the  paths  of  virtue  and  usefulness.  In 
order  to  secure  and  retain  desirable  members  of  this  School  no  vicious  or  unprincipled  boy  is  received, 
and  no  one  retained  in  the  School  whose  influence  is  immoral  or  in  anv  way  injurious  to  his  associates. 


MOUNTAIN    HOUSE,    FORMERLY    MOUNT    I'ROSPECT   INSTITUTE. 

The  pupils  enjoy  the  comforts  of  a  home  in  the  family  of  the  Principal,  being  invited  to  the  parlor, 
where  they  associate  with  other  members  of  the  family  and  those  who  frccjuently  visit  the  institution. 

"The  government  of  the  School  is  conducted  on  strictly  religious  principles,  and  the  pupils  are 
controlled  by  appeals  to  their  moral  feelings,  rather  than  by  fear  of  punishment.  The  Bible  is  the 
standard  of  morals,  and  each  pujul  is  reijuired  to  study  it  daily  ;  also  to  attend  church  with  the  Principal 
on  the  Sabbath." 

The  school  was  divided  into  sessions  of  five  months  each,  commencing  on  the  first  of  May  and 
November.  The  charges  for  board  and  tuition  in  tlie  English  branches  and  Mathematics  were  from 
if'iO  to  §4.5  per  quarter;  in  the  Latin  and  (Ti-eek  languages,  $.5(> — extra  for  the  French,  German  or 
Spanish  language,  §5;  Drawing  and  Painting,  each  §5;  Music,  with  the  use  of  the  Piano,  §10. 

The  circular  states  that :  "  Ijeing  desirous  of  securing  a  proper  degree  of  conespondence  in  dress, 
and  prevent  some  of  the  evils  arising  from  different  styles  of  clothing  in  the  same  family,  a  uniform 
dress  has  been  adopted  for  the  School."  This  was  as  follows:  "The  coat  and  pantaloons  of  very  dark 
blue  cloth ;  the  coat  single-breasted,  to  button  to  the  throat,  with  ten  gilt  buttons,  two  upon  the  collar, 
placed  three  inches  back — the  collar  to  turn  ovei-,  with  the  corners  round. 


History  of  Montci.air  Townsiiii'.  121 

"  For  siiinmer,  the  dress  suit  is  darlc  hlne  coat  ami  white  pantaloons.  That  for  common  nse  siiould  lie 
gray,  made  of  the  material  known  as  '  vontli's  inixt.'     For  very  warm  weather,  brown  linen  or  drilling." 

Ashland  Il.vi.r.. —  Kev.  David  A.  Frame,  who  for  twu  years,  1S44-.1.  had  tuen  the  Princi]»al  of 
Uloomtield  Ai-adeni}-,  moved  his  school  from  that  place  to  his  residence  in  West  Bloomtield  (now  known 
as"('helsea  Hall."  a  hotel  or  hoard  ingdiouse,  <>n  Ijloomfield  Avenue).  Under  the  name  of  "Ashland 
Hall."  a  '•  Family  Boarding  School  for  Boys."  this  institution  flourished  for  some  fifteen  years,  attracting 
wide  attention  for  its  many  excellent  ipialities,  and  drawing  i>atrons  from  all  sections  of  the  country. 
The  pupils  were  limited  to  thirty — and  no  day  scholars  taken.  Its  discipline  and  studies  were  designed 
to  prepare  lads  to  enter  intelligently  and  unembarrassed  upon  the  duties  of  any  class  in  college,  and  to 
discharge  wisely  and  reputably  the  prospective  duties  of  a  goorl  Americ-.in  citizen.  William  L.  Ward, 
-Nf. I).,  now  an  eminent  physician  in  Newark,  was  the  associate  teacher  till  1^47.  when  he  was  followed 
by  Henry  B.  Munn,  Esq.,  of  Silas  (ITsd),  now  of  Wa.-hington,  1).  ('.,  who  continued  as  principal 
assistant  till  l^'yJ.  Others  were  associated  with  and  follf)wed  him.  Hon.  Charles  M.  Davis,  afterward 
County  Superintendent  of  Schools;  tlie  late  Kev.  11.  IJ.  Timlow,  D.D.,  atid  Prof.  John  Lowry,  now  of 
I>eiiapee  College,  Tenn.,  were  among  the  number. 

The  average  number  of  pupils  was  al»out  the  lindt — thirty.  They  came  from  the  neighboring 
towns  and  States,  as  well  as  from  a  distance.  Cidja,  Texas,  New  Orleans  and  Georgia  had  their  repre- 
sentatives. About  twenty  per  cent,  became  college  graduates,  and  about  fifty  per  cent,  entered  some  one 
of  the  learned  professions. 

Hon.  A.  M.  Bliss  and  Hon.  Edward  Morton  became  members  of  Congress.  Hon.  Sam.  L.  Bigelow, 
Attorney  General  of  Now  Jersey.  Gen.  Schuyler  Crosby,  of  New  York,  and  Judge  Arnoux,  with  his 
two  l)rothcrs,  were  also  among  the  pupils. 

The  domestic  atlairs  of  the  school  were  presided  over  by  Mrs.  Frame,  wife  of  the  principal,  a 
lady  of  the  most  gentle  manners,  religious  life,  and  of  large  experience  in  circles  of  the  most  cultivated 
and  refined  society. 

The  presiding  genius  of  the  school  was  its  principal,  the  Rev.  David  A.  Frame.  He  irave  it  the 
characteristics  that  attracted  general  attention. 

Kkv.  David  .\.  Fkamk  was  born  in  Bloomfield,  in  Iso,",.  His  )iarents,  of  good  I'resbyter  iaii  stock, 
came  from  the  North  of  Ireland,  shortly  after  their  marriage,  about  the  time  of  the  disastrous  Irish 
rebellion  of  179S,  along  with  many  others.  They  had  two  sons,  William  and  David.  The  former 
became  a  clerk  for  Israel  Crane,  in  his  store  in  West  Bloomtielil.  He  develojjcd  remarkable  business 
ability,  and  for  many  years  was  the  senior  partner  in  the  leading  mercantile  house  of  Bloomfield,  and  sub- 
sequently became  SherilT,  filling  the  office  from  1S40  to  1849.  David  became  a  clerk  in  the  store  of  Israel 
Holms,  of  Belleville,  along  with  the  late  William  II.  Brant,  of  that  ])lace.  After  leaving  the  store  he  re- 
turned to  Bloomfield,  and  learned  the  trade  of  a  carpenter.  Bec(iming  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  he  decided  to  obtain  a  collegiate  education  and  enter  the  ministry.  In  1829  he  entered  Princeton 
College,  which  he  left  in  18:^<2,  with  the  reputation  of  a  brilliant  and  elo(pient  sjieaker,  to  commence  his  theo- 
logical studies  in  Aul)urn  Seminary,  N.  Y .  Subserpiently  he  preached  in  Binghamton,  in  that  State,  in 
Connecticut,  and  in  Morris  County,  N.  .1.  His  close  application  in  the  preparation  of  his  sermons, 
coupled  with  an  intense  earnestness  in  tlieir  delivery,  at  length  brought  on  a  partial  stroke  of  paralysis. 
From  its  efTects  he  never  entirely  recovered,  but  regained  sufficient  of  his  old  health  and  strength  to  enter 
upon  other  duties,  and  to  preach  occasionally. 

In  1841  he  took  charge  of  the  Bloomfield  Academy,  succeeding  as  principal  the  late  William  K. 
McDonald,  of  Newark,  N.  J.  His  administration  was  very  successful,  but  in  1845,  finding  himself  not 
in  accord  with  the  controlling  interests  of  the  Academy-,  he  moved  his  school  to  West  Bloomfield,  locating 
in  a  building  of  his  own,  i>urchased  some  years  previously,  and  which  had  been  fitted  up  for  the  purpose. 
This  he  named  ''Ashland  Hall,"'  and  there  continued  his  school  with  eminent  success,  until  ill-health 
caused  him  to  give  up  the  responsibilities  of  its  further  care  and  management.  He  was  much  beloved 
and  highly  esteemed  by  his  pupils.     His  government  *'  was  decided  and   uniform,  with  no  excessive 


122 


History  of  Moxtci.air  Township. 


iiululgeiiee  on  the  one  hand  or  indurating  severity  on  tlie  otlier."  Wliile  ineniliers  of  his  school,  he  took 
tlie  keenest  interest  in  their  studies,  and  when  tliey  left  he  followed  them  in  after-life,  with  almost 
parental  solicitude. 

He  died  at  his  residence  Sept.  24,  1879.  When  his  death  was  announced  in  the  papers  it  was 
truly  said:  "  Mr.  Frame  will  be  remembered  by  all  who  ever  heard  him  in  the  pulpit  as  a  preacher  of 
singular  and  thrilling  eloqiieuce.  He  was  a  writer  of  high  excellence,  chaste  and  simple  in  diction,  and 
a  vivid  thinker.  His  impassioned  delivery  gave  his  sermons  the  utmost  effect  and  left  an  impression  not 
easily  lost.  In  later  years  increasing  deafness  shut  him  off  to  a  great  extent  from  the  social  intercourse 
which  he  loved  and  which  his  genial  nature,  literary  culture,  connnauding  memory  and  conversational 
powers  tilled  him  conspicuously  to  adorn." 

Hillside  Semixaey  fou  Yorxo  Ladies. — What  is  now  known  as  the  "  Hillside"  or  "  Montclair 
House,"  corner  of  Orange  and  Hillside  Avenues,  was  opened  for  a  girls"  school  al)out  18.55,  by  Kev. 
Ebenezer  Cheever,  formerly  pastor  of  the  Second  Presbyterian  Cliureh  of  Newark.  l)Ut  then  residing 
in  Paterson.  There  was  at  that  time  no  house  anywhere  on  the  mountain  side  west  of  the  Hillside 
House,  except  the  residence  of  '•  Squire  John  ^lunn,"  since  transformetl  into  the  tasteful  mansion  of  Seelye 
Benedict.     Hillside  Avenue  and  ^Mountain  Avenue,  as  far  as  Hillside,  liad  tii'st  been  thrown  open,  but 

was  still  unworked  and  nntraveled,  and  the  former 
(juite  iuqjassable.  Henry  Nason,  whose  untiring  en- 
ergy contributed  so  largely  to  the  upbuilding  of  Mont- 
clair in  its  early  days,  began,  not  long  after,  the  erec- 
tion of  the  stone  building  at  the  head  of  Hillside 
.V venue,  taking  the  stone  from  the  cliffside,  in  the 
rear  of  the  premises,  and  bringing  all  other  needed 
Miaterial  over  the  sod  on  Montclair  Avenue.  This 
afterward  became  the  property  of  Nahum  Sullivan. 
The  mountain  side  was  still  in  a  somewhat  wihl  state, 
as  is  indicated  by  the  aeeomjianying  illustration.  The 
ii|iossum,  weasel  or  owl  were  occasionally  caught  mak- 
ing a  raid  in  the  chicken  yard  of  Hillside  Seminary, 
and  coveys  of  quail  were  nut  infre(piont  around  the 

HILLSIDE    SEMINAKY    K(1R    YOlNli    LAllIES.  ,  ',  ^,  ,. 

barn  or  alonu;  the  fences. 

The  Pev.  ^Ir.  Cheever  carried  on  successfully  a  girls'  school  there  for  aliout  four  years.  From 
1859  to  1872,  it  was  kept  as  a  hoarding  and  day  school  by  Rev.  and  Mrs.  A.  P.  Wolfe,  both  of  whom 
had  been  previously  connected  fur  some  years  with  the  '"  Spingler  Institute  for  Young  Ladies,"  on 
Union  Square,  New  York  City.  The  Hillside  Seminary,  under  their  supervision,  became  one  of  the 
most  popular  and  flourishing  institutions  of  the  kind  in  tlie  State.  Among  the  last  graduates  were  a 
daughter  of  the  Pev.  Oliver  Crane,  D.D.,  a  daughter  of  Jo.seph  Doremus,  a  daughter  of  George  G.  Draper, 
and  a  daughter  of  Mr.  E.  C.  Fuller,  the  present  Collector  of  the  township.  A  large  number  from  the  families 
of  the  early  residents  of  Montclair  were  graduates,  all,  for  a  time,  pupils  of  Hillside  Seminary.  Among 
the  patrons  were  found  the  old  time  names  of  Nason,  Hening.  Graham.  Graves,  Sullivan,  Benedict, 
Frame,  Harris,  Baldwin,  Crane,  Morris,  Seymour,  Hubbard.  Musgrave,  Wiedemeyer,  Wilcox,  Dwight, 
Holmes,  Pratt,  Pinney,  Clark,  Wolde,  Elliott,  as  well  as  many  of  the  township  of  Bloomfield,  almost  all 
of  whom  have  now  passed  away.  In  its  boarding  department,  Ilillcide  Seminary  bad  a  fair  and  encourag- 
ing patronage,  not  only  from  the  surrounding  towns  and  States,  but  fi-om  the  cities  of  New  York  and 
Brooklyn,  even  including  San  Francisco,  St.  Louis,  Baltimore,  Washington  and  Tallahassee.  It  did 
good  work,  which  its  living  pupils  continue  to  appreciate,  and  which  will  never  be  lost. 

Although  it  is  more  than  twenty  years  since  Mr.  Wolfe  and  bis  estimable  wife  closed  the  doors  of 
the  Seminary,  they  have  continued  ti.i  reside  in  ^luntclair,  tiiiding  it  one  of  the  most  delightful  spots  in 
New  Jersey  for  suburban  residence. 


History  of  Montci.air  Township. 


123 


The  old  house  has  haeii  converted  into  a  suiiiiiu'r  liotd.  where  liini<h-eils  of  peo]ile  Hoek  (hirinij 
the  summer  .sea-sun  to  enjoy  the  cool  mountain  breezes  togetlier  witli  rlie  deliLditful  and  picturestjue 
views. 

Kkv.  Aakox  TloBERTS  AVoi.FK,  Principal  of  Hillside  Sennnarv  for  Young  Ladies,  was  horn  at 
Mendhani.  X.  J.,  Sept.  <i,  1S21.  His  grandfather.  Aaron  Roberts,  served  with  the  New  Jersey  troops  in 
tlie  War  of  the  Revolution,  and  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Monmouth.  The  latter  was  a  great-great-grandson 
of  Hugh  Roberts,  a  native  of  Wales,  who  was  one  of  tiie  original  settlei-s  of  Newark  in  l(i»!ti,  liavini>; 
previonsly  settled  in  the  New  Haven  Colony.  His  name  is  found  among  the  Branford  settlers  who 
signed  the  "  Fundamental  Agreement." 

Rev.  A.  R.  Wolfe,  in  his  early  youth,  was  a  schoolmate  of  Rev.  Tlieddore  L.  Cnyler.  at  I'nde 
Ezra  Fairchild's  famous  "  Hill-Top  School,"  in  ^[endhani.  He  pui"sued  hi.s  preparatory  studies  at 
Lanisl)orough.  Ma.^s.,  and  was  graduated  at  Williams  College  in  the  cla.-js  of  1S44. 

The  next  eleven  years. 
Union  Theological  Semi- 
in  teaching  anil  preaching 

When  he  left  Florida. 
he  put  all  his  effects — li- 
that  sort — on  board  a  sail- 
and  with  a  simple  grip- 
way  of  Nashville  and  Clii- 
York  he  learned  that,  nii 
ing,  the  vessel  had  been 
mate  killed  at  the  foot  of 
laden  with  turpentine, 
edge.  He  looked  upon 
dence  of  God,  sha])ing  hi> 
for  it  nuide  him  a  teacher 
a  pa.stor  of  a  church, 
sociated  with  Rev.  Dr. 
Spingler  Institute  for 
S  <]  n  are,  in  New  Ycrk 
married  to  Lanra  F.  Jack- 
tution,  daughter  of  Luther 
York.  Hi  is.j'.ihe  remov- 
and  established  the  Hill 
Ladies,  which  he  conduct- 
ness  and  sncceess  fur  thir- 

Alr.  Wolfe  is  the  author 
which  were  published  in 
books. 


KKV.    AARO.N    ROUERTS   WOLFK. 


including  his  course  in  the 
n:n-y,  IS-J-S-.")!,  were  spent 
in  Florida. 

in  the  summer  of  IS.55, 
brary.  notes,  and  things  of 
ing  vessel  at  St.  Marks, 
sack  returned  North  by 
cago.  On  reaching  New 
the  day  appointed  for  sail- 
struck  by  lightning,  the 
the  mast,  and  the  vessel, 
!i  limed  to  the  water's 
this  as  a  special  l'n)vi- 
life  and  fixing  his  home, 
of  the  young  rather  than 
In  ls.5.^  he  became  as- 
(iorhani  D.  Abbott,  in  the 
Young  Ladies,  on  Union 
City.  In  1S58  he  was 
son,  a  teacher  in  this  iiisti- 
.lackson,  Esq.,  of  New 
ed  to  West  Bloomfield. 
side  Seminary  for  ^'oiiiig 
ed  with  eniinent  useful- 
teen  years, 
of  a  number    of    hvnins. 


•('hiiich    Melodies,"  "  Songs  for  the  Sanctuary,"  and  other  well-known  hymn 


Mr.  Wolfe  is  still  living  (ISflJ)  near  the  scene  of  his  early  labors,  on  Hillside  Avenue,  Montclair. 
Of  his  four  children — three  sons  and  a  daughter — one  is  preaching  in  Iowa;  another  is  Professor  of 
Latin  in  Park  College,  ^[issoui-i. 

Monk  i.Aii:  Militaev  Acadkmv. 

In  the  spring  of  1867  certain  prominent  citizens  of  Montclair — Mr.  Thomas  Russell,  Mr.  E.  G. 
Burgess,  Mr.  E.  A.  Bradley  and  others — determined  to  secure  a  competent  instructor  for  their  sons,  so 
that  it  wouid  not  be  neces.sary  to  send  them  to  the  public  school. 

After  careful  consideration  they  engaged  the  services  of  J.  G.  Alac  Vicar,  giving  him  a  guarantee 
of  ten  papiLs  and  granting  him  the  privilege  of  increasing  the  number  if  jjossihlc. 


124 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


At  this  time  Mr.  Mac  Vicar  was  in  liis  Senior  year  in  Rocliestei- Uiiiveisity.  lie  had  dnriiio;  his 
college  con r.^e  taught  three  years  in  tlie  ]>iil)lic  sclioois  in  Micliigan;  the  last  two  years  being  Superin- 
tendent of  the  Union  City  sclioois,  where  he  had  seventeen  teachers  under  his  direction. 

Coming  to  Montclair  directly  after  his  graduation  in  June,  he  purchased  a  small  huilding  which 
he  placed  on  rented  land  on  Clinton  Street.  The  school  opened  with  sixteen  pupils,  hut  before  the  end 
of  the  year  the  number  had  increased  to  twenty-four.  It  then  became  evident  that  the  school  would 
outgrow  its  present  accommodation. 

The  gentlemen  who  first  engaged   Mr.  Mac  Vicar  offered  to  assist  in  the  purcliase  of  land  and  the 


i  J  " 


MONTCLAIR    MIUIARY    ACADEMY. 


erection  of  a  suitable  school  building.  The  site  on  Waiden  Place,  west  of  Bloomtield  Avenue  and  7iorth 
of  Mountain  Avenue,  was  selected  and  three  and  one  half  acres  of  land  ])urcliased.  Tiie  building  erected 
here  is  intended  to  accommodate  100  boys,  and  is  very  eoniplete  in  all  its  a])pointments.  Special  atten- 
tion was  paid  to  the  question  of  ventilation,  light  and  heat,  and  six  years  of  service  have  proved  the 
perfection  of  the  plans  adopted. 

A  large  ])hysical  laboratory  is  a  special  feature  of  the  building,  and  gi'cat  stress  is  laid  on  practical 
instruction  in  the  sciences.  Two  years  later  additional  land  was  purchased  and  a  large  gymnasium 
sixty  feet  square  was  erected  and  equipped  in  a  most  complete  manner.  The  building  is  provided  with 
reading  and  music  rooms,  lockers,  and  hot  and  cold  baths  in  the  basement. 


History  ok  Moxtci.aik  TowNsiiir, 


125 


FniiTi  tliis  time  the  same  carofnl  attention  was  given  to  tlie  pliysit-al  developincnt  of  the  pujiiLs 
tli:it  had  ciiar.icterized  the  mental  training.  The  Ilarvanl  system  of  piiysical  examination  and  measure- 
ments was  adopted,  and  a  careful  record  kept  of  the  physical  defects  and  the  development  of  each  pupil. 
Mr.  E.  B.  De  Groot,  the  physical  instructor,  devotes  his  entire  time  to  directing  this  work  among  the 
hoys.  Classes  are  organized  and  each  cadet  is  required  to  spend  one  half  liour  each  day  in  the  gymnasium. 
The  work  is  as  thoroughly  systematized  as  any  other  department  in  the  school. 

At  about  the  time  the  gymnasium  was  built  the  school  was  organized  on  a  military  basis.  This 
change  was  determined  upon  after  a  careful  inspection  of  the  Ijcst  private  schools  in  the  vicinity  of  New- 
York,  and  the  results  obtained  amply  justify  this  change  in  policy.  Erect  carriage,  promptitude  and 
obedience  have  been  the  natural  results.     The  principal  is  a  strong  believer  in  what  might  be  termed 


CAUF.TS   AT    FOOTIIALI.    EXEKCISK. 


individual  instruction.  He  believes  that  the  peculiarities  and  natural  tendencies  of  each  pupil  should  be 
studied  by  his  teachers  and  his  future  treatment  thus  determined.  For  this  reason  the  classes  are  all 
small,  seldom  exceeding  ten.  The  devcloi)mcnt  of  a  strong  moral  character  is  considered  of  the  same 
imiiortance  as  a  sound  physical  and  mental  training. 

For  the  last  three  years  a  boarding  department  has  been  conducted  in  connection  with  the  school, 
and  plans  are  now  being  matured  for  enlargement  in  this  direction.  Three  acres  of  land  have  just  been 
purchased  west  of  the  school  grounds,  and  a  large  building,  with  accommodation  for  the  priiicipars 
family  and  thirty  cadets  will  soon  be  erected. 

The  school  has  had  steady  increase  in  the  number  of  pupils  since  its  fir.st  organization,  and 
its  future  seems  assured.  It  has  been  the  o(rcasion  of  brinirinir  to  ^fontclair  some  of  its  most  honored 
residents. 


126  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

FREE  PUBLIC  LIBRAEY. 

In  1809  the  population  of  Montclair,  still  called  AVest  Bloonifield,  numbered  abont  2,500.  A  good 
High  School,  as  already  named,  had  been  established  on  a  iirni  footing,  and  was  prosperous  under  the 
management  of  Mr.  John  W.  Taylor,  principal. 

But  there  was  no  library  attached  to  the  school,  and  there  were  no  boolcs  for  I'eference  or  enter- 
tainment to  be  obtained  either  by  students  or  tlieir  parents.  In  some  measure  to  supply  this  need,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Israel  Crane,  just  settled  in  their  cottage  home  on  FuUerton  Avenue,  resolved  to  interest  as 
many  friends  and  residents  as  conld  be  approached  in  the  formation  of  a  snbscription  library.  In  this 
enterprise  they  were  ably  assisted  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  W.  Taylor.  Tlirough  the  efforts  thus  made 
thirty  families  Ijecame  subscribers,  which  innnlier,  at  that  period,  represented  a  goodly  portion  of  the 
people.  Initiatory  stei)S  for  the  organization  of  a  library  association  were  taken  in  the  early  part  of  1869 ; 
the  tirst  meeting  of  the  projectors  was  held  at  the  house  of  Israel  Crane,  on  the  evening  of  February  23d 
of  that  year.  There  were  ]iresent,  J.  W.  Taylor,  (ieo.  S.  Dwight,  F.  II.  Harris,  Samuel  Wilde,  W.  A. 
Torrey,  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Israel  Crane.  At  this  meeting  a  committee,  consisting  of  Geo.  S.  Dwight, 
Israel  C'rane  and  J.  W.  Taylor  were  ap|winted  to  draft  a  Constitution  and  l>y-Liws.  This  committee 
reported  at  a  meeting  held  March  f),  1809,  when  a  permanent  organization  was  effected,  and  the  following 
officers  elected  : 

I'resident,  Geo.  S.  Dwight;  Vice-President,  F.  H.  Harris ;  Secretary,  .T.  W.  Taylor;  Treasurer, 
Israel  Crane. 

Directors:     Samuel  AVilde,  ^V.  A.  Torrey,  T.  B.  Graham,  Mrs.  Israel  Ciane,  Mrs.  J.  W.  Taylor. 

An  annual  subscriptinn  of  ^;'>.0i)  entitled  subscribers  to  membership,  and  to  the  use  of  all  books 
and  periodicals. 

Tiie  nucleus  of  a  liljrary  was  formed  by  the  purchase  of  about  a  hundred  books,  which  were 
jjlaced  in  the  care  of  Mr.  Betzler,  in  his  drug  store  on  Bloomtield  Avenue.  The  books  were  read  witli 
avidity,  and  the  number  of  subscribers  and  of  books  increased  so  I'apidly  that  it  was  thought  advisable  to 
remove  the  lii)rary  to  larger  (puirters.  Accordingly  on  April  11,  1871,  the  books  were  transferi'cd  to  the 
i'illsbury  Building,  on  the  southeast  corner  of  Fullerton  and  Bloomtield  Avenues.  During  the  winter  of 
1870-1,  a  charter  was  obtained  from  the  Legislature  under  the  name  and  style  of  "The  ilontclair  Library 
Association."  This  charter  provided  tor  the  issuance  of  stock  to  the  amount  of  iifty  thousand  dollars,  at 
ten  dollars  a  share. 

Through  the  personal  efforts  Mr.  Israel  Crane  alone,  five  thousand  of  this  amount  was  subscribed, 
of  which  $2,700  was  paid  in.     The  following  persons  were  elected  Directors  under  this  charter,  viz. : 

Julius  H.  Pratt,  Mrs.  Edward  Sweet,  Mrs.  Israel  Crane,  F.  II.  Harris,  J.  R.  M.  Ileniiig,  Rev.  J. 
B.  Harrison,  Samuel  Wilde  and  W.  II.  Van  Slyke. 

The  ffrst  officers  were  :  President,  Dr.  J.  J.  H.  Love ;  Vice-President,  Samuel  AVilde  ;  Secretary 
and  Treasurer,  Israel  Crane. 

Library  Connnittee  appointed  i)y  Directois:  Mrs.  Israel  Crane,  Rev.  I).  S.  Rodman,  Rev.  J.  R. 
Berry,  D.D. 

The  duties  of  the  Library  Connnittee  were  most  arduous.  The  annual  subscriptions  were  only 
sufficient  to  cover  the  running  expenses,  and  it  devolved  upon  this  committee  to  provide  funds  for  the 
purchase  of  books.  All  additions  to  the  library  were  made  either  by  donations  of  books,  or  by  means  of 
jniblic  entertainments,  which  last  M'ere  devised  and  snjwrintended  by  Mrs.  Israel  Crane.  Lectures, 
concerts,  tahleaux,  and  the  tii'st  amateur  theatricals  ever  given  in  jNIontclair,  were  gi\en  under  her 
patronage  aiul  suggestion  during  successive  winters,  always  with  the  cordial  assistance  of  public  sjiirited 
meini)i'rs  of  the  library  association  and  of  the  residents  at  large.  These  entertainments  contributed 
much  to  tiie  social  enjoyment  and  growth  of  Montclair.  P>y  these  means  many  hundi'eds  of  dollars  were 
raised  and  in  a  few  years  the  innnber  of  volumes  was  increased  to  two  thousand.  The  last  im]iortant 
entertaimnent  given  for  the  library  was  a  large  Lawn  Fete  and  Supper  held,  by  Ids  generous  consent,  on 


History  of  Moxtci.air  Township.  127 

tlie  beautiful  lawns  of  Mr.  Tiiomas  Riissfll.  in  September,  1870.  $350  was  raised  on  that  occasion. 
In  Jtilv,  1871,  a  lot  was  leased  from  Mr.  N.  ().  Piilsburv.  free  of  cliarge,  on  the  site  of  the  present  Baptist 
t'hureli,  and  a  liuildinj;  erected  at  a  cost  of  s1,7<mi.  Tiie  library  was  well  patronized  and  proved  a  great 
boon  to  the  peojile.  desjiite  the  curious  fact  that,  upon  the  addition  of  Charles  r)arwin'8  "  Origin  of 
Species"  to  the  catalogue,  a  small  faction  arose  in  opposition,  declaring  that  the  library  was  disseminating 
dangerous  theories,  and  would  harm  the  young  ]icople  of  the  town.  On  the  night  of  Feb.  2Sth,  issn, 
a  larifc  amount  of  property  in  tlie  vicinity,  and  the  library  building,  was  burned  to  the  ground.  The 
books,  however,  were  saved.     There  was  an  insurance  of  $l,()Oi»  on  tlic  Imildiiig  ;iiid  contents. 

A  room  was  rented  in  the  Morris  i'uilding  on  Blooniticid  Avenue,  over  the  jiresent  post  office, 
and  the  books  kept  there  until  Ai)ril  Ttli.  I><s4.  when  they  wei-e  transferred  to  the  custody  of  the  trustees 
of  tbt-  Public  School,  with  the  proviso  that,  on  certain  days  ami  iioni-s  of  each  week,  the  pniilic  i-iionld 
have  tlie  free  use  of  the  library. 

In  ISOl  the  Legislature  of  this  Stale  passed  •'  .\n  Art  to  authorize  the  establishment  of  frei'  piililic 
libraries  in  the  towns,  toNm.iliip.s,  or  any  other  municipality.'' 

Section  '2  re<iuires  "That  the  jtrovisioiis  of  this  act  shall  remain  inoperative  in  any  town,  township 
or  any  other  munici|iality  in  this  State,  until  a.ssented  to  by  a  majority  of  the  legal  \(>ters  thereof,  voting 
on  this  act  at  any  election  at  which  the  question  of  its  adoption  shall  be  submitted  to  vote  by  direction 
of  the  legiskitive  body  of  such  town  or  township,  etc.,  either  at  the  time  fixed  by  law  for  election  of  the 
nninicii)al  affairs,  or  at  a  special  election  to  be  held   ft)r  that  ]>urpose,""  etc. 

Section  3  requires,  "That  if  at  such  an  election  aforesaid  a  majority  of  all  tiic  ballots  cast  sliall  lie 
•  for  a  free  pulilic  library,"  it  shall  become  the  duty  of  the  legislative  body  of  said  town,  township,  etc., 
annually  thereafter  to  appropriate  and  raise  by  tax  in  the  same  manner  a->  other  taxes  are  assessed,  levied 
and  collecte<l  in  said  town,  township,  etc.,  a  sum  equal  to  one-third  of  a  mill  on  every  dollar  of  as.sessable 
|iriipcrty  returned  by  the  assessor  of  said  town,  townshij).  etc.,  for  the  piir]iosc  of  t;ix:iti(JM  tJici-con.  which 
sum,  when  so  !>p]irf)priated,  shall  be  u.seil  for  no  other  purpo.se  than  that  of  a  free  |Miblic  library." 

Section  4  reipiire.-.  •' That  the  board  of  trustees  of  the  free  public  library  shall  be  inimediatelv 
formed  in  any  town,  town.ship,  etc,  where  a  majority  of  the  votes  cast  shall  be  'fi>r  a  free  |>ublic  librarv," 
(■(insisting  of  five  members,  one  of  whom  shall  be  the  chairman  of  the  legislative  body  of  such  town,  etc., 
and  one  the  [)resident  of  the  board  of  education,  and  three  to  \<v  ajipoinled  by  the  chairman  of  the  town, 
township,  etc.,  by  and  with  the  consent  of  the  legislative  body  thereof,  to  .serve  for  the  term  of  one,  two 
and  three  years  res|)ectively." 

Soon  after  the  pas,sage  of  this  a<-t,  the  citizens  of  .Mnutclair  took  action  for  tlie  establishment  of  a 
Free  Public  Libr,irv.  in  acc(jrdance  witJi  the  j)rovisions  of  the  above  named  act.  T/ie  Montclair  Times, 
referring  to  this  matter,  says: 

"  After  the  Ladies'  Wednesday  Afternoon  Club  had  petitioned  the  Town  Committee  to  have  a  vote  taken  on  the 
subject,  the  people  last  year  taxed  themselves  about  Si,i;()0,  and  this  year  voted  for  a  permanent  yearly  appropriation  at 
the  same  rate  and  for  the  organization  provided  by  law  to  administer  the  affairs. 

"The  Town  Committee  appointed,  as  memljers  of  the  Board  of  Trustees,  Dr.  J.  J.  II.  Love,  I>r.  Richard  C. 
Newton  and  Mr.  John  R.  Howard.  The  chairman  of  the  Town  Committee  is  by  law  a  member  e-x-o/ficio  ;  and  so  would 
be  the  president  of  the  Board  of  Education,  if  the  town  at  large  had  such  a  body,  but  it  has  only  local  Boards  of  the  several 
school  districts.  The  trustees  appointed  to  find  suitable  quarters  finally  decided  on  the  second  story  of  Dr.  Love's 
detached  two-story  brick  office  building  on  Church  street,  next  door  to  the  Montclair  Club,  as  the  safest  and  most 
convenient  location  for  the  purpose  in  the  town.  Dr.  Love,  who  was  president  of  the  Board,  thereupon  thought  it  his 
duty  to  resign — much  to  everybody's  regret ;  and  Mr.  William  E.  Marcus  was  appointed  in  his  place,  and  elected 
president  of  the  Board,  Dr.  Newton  being  the  clerk — that  is  to  say,  secretary  and  treasurer. 

"  The  making  of  a  library  in  the  present  day,  when  the  vocation  of  librarian  has  become  a  profession  and  the  art 
of  administering  a  library  has  been  organized  into  a  science,  is  a  very  different  thing  from  the  happy-go-lucky  way  of 
former  years.  The  thorough  classification  of  books,  the  admirable  advice  of  card  catalogues,  the  many  labor-  and 
time-saving  inventions,  the  accurate  records,  etc.,  all  need  special  trained  intelligence  for  the  best  result.  And  as  the 
Public  Library  in  this  fast -growing  town  is  sure  to  be  a  large  and  important  one,  the  trustees  felt  that  the  best  beginning 
would  in  the  end  be  the  cheapest. 

•'  Having  secured  quarters,  which  have  been  put  in  good  order,  the  Board  provided  furniture  and  fixtures  of 


128 


History  of  Montci.air  TowNsiiir. 


thoroughly  solid  and  workmanlike  character — shelving,  tables,  chairs,  card-catalogue  case,  counter,  desk,  etc. — and 
engaged  the  services  of  Miss  Mary  F.  Weeks  as  librarian.  Miss  Weeks  has  had  years  of  training  and  considerable 
practical  experience  in  the  work  of  a  professional  librarian,  and  brought  to  the  work  an  interest  that  no  stranger  in  the 
town  would  have. 

"  The  old  Montclair  Library  Association,  a  private  corporation,  had  about  1,500  books,  which  for  some  years  had 
been  in  use  as  a  public  library  in  the  Central  Public  School-house.  These  books  they  have  placed  in  charge  of  the  new 
Public  Library  and  will  probably  present  them  out  and  out.  The  books  were  all  covered  with  paper  wrappers  ;  but  as 
that  is  one  of  the  old  customs  discarded  in  the  new  way.  Miss  Weeks  has  for  some  time  been  working  at  the  books  with 
the  assistance  of  Miss  Agnes  Judson,  uncovering  them,  repairing,  arranging,  entering  in  the  '  accession  book,'  cataloguing, 
pasting  on  the  numbers  and  shelf-labels  and  classifying  them  on  the  shelves.  The  reception  of  many  books  at  once 
entails  much  of  this  preparatory  labor,  which  results  in  convenience  and  time-saving  when  the  library  comes  into  use. 
And  old  books  demand  more  time  and  care  than  new  ones. 

"  When  these  are  disposed  of,  the  Trustees  intend  to  go  to  the  people,  asking  for  donations  of  other  books — new 
or  old,  but  good.  No  one  is  to  be  asked  to  give  a  book  that  no  one  will  want  to  read  ;  but  many  families  have  many 
books — duplicates,  books  out-grown  or  not  needed  any  more,  etc.,  which  will  be  valuable  in  a  library,  and  doubtless  all 
who  care  for  the  Library  at  all  will  be  glad  to  help  it  in  this  easy  way.  Others  wiil  take  the  opportunity  of  presenting 
new  copies  of  favorite  books  or  sets,  and  every  book  given  will  bear  the  name  of  its  donor." 

On  June  2!*,  1893,  tlie  directors  of  the  ^[ontclair  Lil)rary  AssDciation  hold  a  meetiinj;  an<l  adopted 
the  following  Preamble  and  Re.solutioii : 

U'/io'eas,  The  people  of  Montclair  have  voted  for  a  Free  Public  Library,  thereby  doing  away  with  the 
necessity  for  our  Association,  which  has  for  over  twenty  years  occupied  this  field  of  usefulness,  and 

U^/icrcas,  We  are  in  full  sympathy  with  the  new  movement,  as  it  gives  assurance  of  a  Librarv  on  a  sure 
foundation  as  to  annual  maintenance,  and  being  desirous  to  the  full  extent  of  our  power  to  aid  the  same,  therefore  be  it 

Rcsohied ;  That  the  Secretary  be  instructed  to  solicit  the  consent  of  the  Stockholders  to  the  transfer  of  the  Books 
of  this  Association  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Free  Public  Library  as  a  donation  or  otherwise,  as  the  Directors  may  determine. 
And  also  to  make  such  a  disposition  of  the  money  in  the  Treasurer's  hands  as  in  their  judgment  shall  most  benefit  the 
said  Free  Public  Library. 

Ill  re.spon.'^e  to  a  eircular  sent  out  in  accordance  with  above  liesolution,  the  greater  number  of  Stock- 
liolders  con.sented  to  leave  the  disposition  of  the  Assets  to  the  Directors,  who  met  on  January  19,  1891, 
and  voted  to  donate  the  Books  to  the  Free  Public  Library.  They  also  authorized  and  directed  the  Treas- 
urer to  pay  over  to  the  Free  Public  Library  one  thousand  dollars  as  a  gift,  on  condition  that  the  same  be 
used  in  the  )iurchase  of  Standard  Works  on  Science,  Literature  and  Art. 

CuHSTNUT  Street  Prim.\ky  School  House  was  erected  in  winter  of  189(1  and  1891.  It  is  a  large, 
roomy,  two  and  one-half  story  brick  building,  35  by  f>5,  containing  corridors,  cloak  rooms,  and  four  class 
rooms  and  teachers'  rooms.  It  cost,  including  land,  $18,802.1:8.  Four  teachers  are  occupied  in  giving 
instruction  in  primary  studies  to  an  average  daily  attendance  of  138,  the  enrollment  being  171. 

Ckdae  Stkeet  Pri.mary  School  House,  built  in  1889-9(».  Tins  is  a  one  and  one-half  story 
wooden  building,  with  hall,  two  class  rooms  and  two  recitation  i-ooms.  It  cost,  including  land,  $7,lu3.32. 
The  enrollment  of  pupils  is  71,  and  the  average  daily  attendance,  55,     All  primary;  employ  two  teachers. 

Both  of  these  schools  belong  to  School  District  Xo.  8,  and  are  under  the  same  management  as  the 
Centre  Primary,  Grammar  and  High  Schools. 


Chapter  XIII. 


MUNICIPAL  AND  BUSINESS  ORGANIZATIONS,  SOCIETIES,  CLUBS,  Ere. 

\'n.r..v(iE    Improvemext    Society. — Moxtclair    Fire    Department. — The    Montci.aik    Water    Com- 
pany.— James  Owen,    Township  Engineer. — The  Press. — MoNrrLAiu   Times,    ArcusTis  C. 

StCDER. — MoNTCI.AIR    HeRAI.I),    (t.    ( '.    EarI.E    AND    II.    ('.  WaI.KER. — UnITED    StATES    PRINTING 

Company;  Joseph  E.  Hinds. —  Bank  ok  Monitlair. — The  AFontclair  Savings  Bank. — ■ 
Masonic  Lodges:  Bi.oomfiei.d  LoixiE,  No.  4(i,  F.  i\:  A.  Jf. ;  ^foNTCi.AiK  Lodge,  No.  144,  F. 
&  A.  M.— Watching  Lodge,  No.  134.  I.  O.  O.  F.— Geji.  Siiermax  Lodge,  No.  .51,  A.  O.  [I. 
AV. — {^thee  Secret  and  Benevolent  Societie.s. — The  Citizen.s'  Commitiee  of  One  Hun- 
dred.— Good  Government  Cuii. — Children's  Home,  Mrs.  Samlel  M.  Porter. — Mointatn- 
siDE  Hospital  Association.— The  ^[ontclair  EgrESTRiAN  Cuis. — ^[ontclair  Club. — The 
Outlook  Cluh. — Tariff  Peform  Cluh.—  Moxtclair  (ilee  Cluh. — Montclair  Dramatic 
Club. — Montclair  Lawn  Tennis  Club. 


l-w^..^??H^  \  illa(;k  imimiovk.mknt  society. 

Ty'j^^y^AilY.  beautiful  slisulc  trees  wliicli  adorn  tlie  streets  of  Montclair,  and  which  have  provi'd 
such  an  attraction  to  strangers,  are  the  result  of  a  few  enterprising  individuals  who 
organized  what  was  known  as  tlie  Village  Iin])rovenient  Society. 

The  first  meeting  of  this  society  was  held  in  Feliruary,  iSlS,  the  object  being,  as 
stated,  "to  promote  the  planting  of  trees  along  the  highway.s." 

At  an  adjourned  meeting  held  on  ilareh  27tli  of  that  year,  the  following  otHcers 
were  elected:  President.  Thomas  II.  Porter;  A'ice-Presidents,  C.  H.  Johnson  and  Pliilip 
Doremus;  Corresponding  Secretary,  Kandall  Spaulding;  Clerk,  J.  E.  Hinds;  Treasurer, 
Hiram  B.  Littcll. 

The  following  General  Committee  was  ap]x>inted  to  promote  the  planting  of  trees 
along  the  several  streets  on  which  its  members  were  residents:  South  Mountain  Avenue, 
.Mr.  Dike  and  Mrs.  C.  Benedict;  North  Mountain  Avenue,  ilr.  \'an  VIeck  and  Mrs.  Power;  Watchung 
Avenue,  ^Irs.  Ames  and  Mrs.  A.  Littlejohn;  Bellevuc  Avenue.  Mrs.  Bird  and  Mr.  Clark;  Grove  Street, 
Samuel  Holmes;  North  Valley  Road,  Mr.  Wil>on  and  Miss  Mead;  Chestnut  Street,  Mr.  Burgess  and 
Mrs.  Bradley;  Claremont  Avenue,  Mr.  E.  il.  Harrison  and  Miss  A.  Ilawes;  Park  Street,  C.  H.  Johnson 
and  Afiss  ITattie  Brown;  North  Fullerton  Avenue.  Anizi  Sigler  and  Mrs.  Hall;  Forest  Street,  E.  Madison 
and  Mrs.  Campbell;  Old  U<iad,  P.  Doremus  and  Rebecca  (^i-ane;  Willow  Street,  C.  Van  Riper  and  Mrs. 
D.  Hall;  Highland  Avenue,  W.  A.  Torrey  and  Mi.ss  Parkhnrst ;  Bloomtield  Avenue,  P.  li.  Van  Riper 
and  Mrs.  D.  V.  Harrison;  Clinton  Avenue,  Frederick  Brautigam  and  Airs.  Robert  Honing;  Eagle  Rock 
Way,  Mrs.  L.  B.  Bull  and  ilrs.  Samuel  Crump;  Elm  Street,  Dr.  ilarvin  and  Mrs.  W.  J.  Harris; 
Lexington  Avenue.  Mr.  Hayes  and  Mrs.  Cooper;  Lincoln  Street,  Mr.  Tower;  Fullerton  Avenue,  Robert 
lioyd  and  .Mrs.  Wilde:  Cedar  Avenue,  I^dward  Williams  and  Miss  Weston;  Orange  Road,  south  of  Eagle 
Rock  ^Vay,  Miss  Blair  and  Miss  Wileo.x  ;  James  Street,  J.  G.  Crane  and  Mrs.  Roberts;  Central  Avenue, 
William  Jacobus  and  William  Sigler;  Orange  Road,  Thomas  Russell  and  Mrs.  Carey;  Harrison  Avenue, 
Miss  Bull  and  Thomas  Porter;  Gates  i\.  venue,  ilr.  Francis  and  Mrs.  Jo.seph  Nason ;  Union  Street,  N.  T. 
Porter  and  :Mrs.  Pratt;  Hillsdale  Avenue,  Dr.  Pinkhani  and  Mrs.  Wolfe;  Churcli  Street,  Dr.  J.  J.  II. 
Love  and  Mrs.  Josepli  Doremus;  St.  Luke's  Place,  L.  S.  Benedict  and  Mis.  Pinkliam  ;  Myrtle  Avenue, 
Mr,  Frost  and  Mrs.  1".  II.  Harrison;  Plymouth  Street,  Mr.  Pratt  and  Mrs.  Dr.  Clark. 


130  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

The  trees  recoiiimeiided  for  plantiiio;  in  Montclair,  as  being  best  adapted  to  tlie  soil  and  flinuite  of 
this  section,  were  the  ehu,  the  Norway  maple,  the  sweet  gnini,  and  the  tulip  trees. 

The  Executive  Committee  consisted  of  llenrv  A.  Dike,  Thomas  Russell,  T.  I).  Brown,  Mrs.  L. 
Bull  and  Mis.  J.  R.  Beriy. 

This  Executive  Conniiittee  was  authorized  '"to  employ  all  laborers,  make  all  contracts,  expend  all 
moneys,  direct  and  superintend  all  the  improvements  of  the  association  at  their  discretion." 

The  Constitution  provided  that  "  Every  person  over  fourteen  years  of  age  who  shall  plant  and 
protect  a  tree,  under  the  direction  or  approval  of  the  Executive  Committee,  or  pay  the  sum  of  one 
dollar  annually,  shall  be  a  member  of  this  Association.  And  every  child  under  fourteen  years  of  age,  who 
shall  pay  the  sum  of  twenty-five  cents,  or  do  an  equivalent  amount  of  work  annually,  under  the 
direction  or  approval  of  the  Executive  Committee,  sliall  be  a  member  of  this  Association." 

The  payment  of  ten  dollars  constituted  a  life  membership. 

Suggestions  made  by  Mr.  Julius  Tl.  Pratt,  who  had  had  large  experience  in  tree  planting,  were 
adopted  by  the  Association  — among  these,  the  kind  of  trees  to  1)6  planted,  and  certain  fixed  rules  for 
planting,  and  for  their  protection. 

MONTCLAIR  FIRE  DEPARTMENT. 

For  more  than  twelve  years  after  the  erection  of  ^Montclair  as  a  separate  township,  no  pi'ovi>ion 
was  made  for  the  protection  of  its  inhabitants  against  fire.  During  this  period  there  were  occasional 
fires  attended  with  serious  loss  of  property.  Projects  were  di.scussed  looking  to  the  organization  of  a  fire 
company,  but  no  definite  action  was  taken. 

A  fire  occurred  in  the  latter  part  of  February,  18S0,  involving  a  loss  of  over  ^13,000,  $7,000  of 
which  was  covered  by  insurance.  It  began  in  the  Pillsbury  building  on  Fullerton  Avenue  and  was 
discovered  soon  after  midnight.  The  Kindergarten  School,  with  all  its  belongings,  and  the  furniture, 
together  with  many  of  the  books  belonging  to  the  Library  Association,  were  destroyed.  In  October  of 
the  same  year  an  efiV)rt  was  made  to  secure  a  fire  department  petitioned  for  by  seventeen  citizens,  but 
nothing  came  of  it. 

The  final  effort  which  was  made  two  years  later  was  successful.  The  details  of  this,  togethei'  with 
a  complete  history  of  the  Montclair  Fire  Department,  wei'e  published  in  the  MaiitcJair  Iltrahl  in 
1 892-93,  from  which  the  following  extracts  are  taken  : 

"People  who  resided  in  Montclair  in  1882  remember  the  big  blaze  which  destroyed  the  hand- 
some residence  of  Thorndyke  Saunders,  causing  a  damage  of  s2H,000.  Many  readers  will  also  remember 
the  work  they  did  at  the  fire  trying  to  save  the  jilaee  from  total  destruction.  But  it  was  in  vain.  With 
no  water  or  tire  apparatus  their  efforts  were  futile.  It  was  after  this  that  Montclairites  realized  the 
necessity  of  soine  sort  of  fire  department,  and  the  exorbitant  insurance  rates  impressed  this  need  upon 
them  until  it  was  decided  to  do  something  toward  moi-e  adeipiate  protection  from  the  red-tongued  fire 
fiend. 

"Through  the  efforts  of  Mr.  A.  B.  Howe,  Dr.  Albert  J.  Wright  and  C.  M.  Schott,  Jr.,  a  meeting 
was  held  on  November  28, 1882,  at  which  Montclair  Hook  and  Ladder  Company,  No.  1.  was  organized  and 
the  foUowing  officers  elected:  C.  M.  Schott,  Jr.,  (an  ex-member  of  the  Summerville,  N.  J.,  Fire  Dejiart- 
ment)  Foreman;  George  T.  Westbrook,  Assistant  Foreman;  Dr.  Albert  J.  Wright  (exempt  member  of 
Owego,  N.  Y.  Fire  Department)  Secretary;  Dr.  J:  H.  Casey,  Treasurer.  The  company  was  made  up  of 
many  of  the  leading  members  of  the  township,  the  following  persons  being  enrolled  as  members:  W.  L. 
Ludlam,  W.  Lou  Doremus,  Dr.  S.  C.  O.  Watkins,  George  Inness,  Jr.,  George  F.  AVestbrook,  F.  A. 
Brautigam,  W.  Y.  Bogle,  J.  C.  Stevens,  J.  IL  Wheeler,  Dr.  A.  J.  Wright,  Edward  Madison,  J.  11.  Casey, 
M.D.,  J.  R.  Livermore,  Hugh  Mullen,  I.  Seymour  Crane,  James  Owen,  A.  C.  Studer,  C.  M.  Schott, 
Jr.,  Peter  A.  Tronson,  Wm,  L.  Doremus,  Jesse  II.  Lockwood,  R.  M.  Ilening,  E.  ]M.  Harrison,  Jr., 
James  McDonough,  Ro])ert  V>.  Harris,  W.  A.  Riker,  Vaughn  Darress. 


History  of  Moxrcr.AiR  Township.  131 

"  Subscriptions  were  made  hy  tlie  residents  of  the  township  wlio  desired  the  ]irotection  offered  by 
ihe  company  and  a  trnck  was  purvhased.  It  arrived  on  April  «>.  iss;i,  and  was  stored  in  tlie  old  engine 
liouse  of  tlie  D.  L.  »S:.  W.  Railroad  for  over  a  year  and  remained  in  service  nntil  IS92.  Ou  April  24, 
1SS3,  articles  of  incoqwration  were  tiled. 

'•This  company,  which  was  the  nndens  of  the  fire  department,  was  nnrccdiinized  by  the  township  or 
township  authorities  until  March  11.  lss4.  when  an  appropriation  of  >(5U0  was  voted  for  at  the  spring 
election,  to  be  devoted  to  the  building  of  a  truck  house.  This  building  was  enlarged  in  1892  by  the 
Township  Committee  and  the  rooms  refitted  and  refurnished  at  the  expense  of  the  company,  a  pool  table 
having  been  presented  by  George  Inness,  Jr.  The  same  year  a  new  trnck  was  built  for  the  company  at 
an  exi)ense  of  sl,()00  by  order  of  the  Township  Committee,  and  fully  e(|uipped  with  all  tlie  modern 
a])pliances.     This  committee  also  provided  hoi-ses  and  tlie  company  purchased  a  hanging  double  harness. 

"  About  this  time  (1SS4|  the  famous  Chemical  Detail  was  formed  and  the  apparatus  increased  by 
the  i)iirchase  of  a  I'abcock  Chemical  Engine  liy  the  comi>any.  In  July  of  the  same  year  the  Township 
Committee  ordered  the  building  of  a  bell  tower,  and  the  purclia.se  of  a  bell.  The  tower  is  sixty-three 
feet  in  height,  and  the  bell,  weigliing  3,410  pounds,  bears  the  following  inscription  :  •  Montclair,  X.  J., 
Fire  Department.  Township  Committee.  Thomas  Unssfll,  Pivsidont ;  Stei)heii  W.  Carey,  Warren  S. 
laylor,  A.  Eiien  Van  Gieson,  Shei)ard  IJowland." 

"These  additions  were  coni]>leted  in  August,  and  in  Septemlier  twelve  tire  districts  wei'c  established 
and  the  custom  of  ringing  the  fire  bell  at  !»  o'clock  i-.  m.  was  inaugurated.  Through  the  efforts  of  the 
more  progressive  spirits  among  the  members  of  tlie  company,  the  District  Fire  Alarm  and  Messenger 
Cuinpany  was  formed  and  commenced  operations  in  February.  ISS.i.  The  company  placed  in  position 
and  operated  twelve  public  alarm  lioxes  and  also  fire  alarm  bells  in  each  subscribing  fireman's  residence. 
U'ant  of  support  caused  the  failure  of  this  company  in  .\ngust  of  the  same  year.  During  ]\Iarc]i  of 
tiiat  year  the  department's  e<]uipnients  remaineil  the  same  excejit  f(jr  the  arlditioii  of  a  Tliimscy  pump. 
The  present  ofKcers  are:  President,  Franklin  P.  Zeiger;  Vice-PreshK'nt,  Walter  K.  Hunt;  Secretary, 
Raymond  S.  Pearce;  Treasurer,  Harold  W.  Armstrong;  Foreman,  II.  W.  Armstrong;  Assistant  Fore- 
man. John  C.  Doremus."     (Is98-4,  membership.  32). 

FiuE  Kelikf  Association. — Many  yeai-s  ago  the  State  Legislature  passed  an  act  providing  that  a 
two  per  cent,  tax  should  be  levied  upon  all  foreign  tire  insurance  companies  doing  business  in  this  State, 
this  fund  being  set  apart  for  the  benefit  of  firemen  disabled  in  active  service.  It  is  for  the  ])urj)ose  of 
collecting  Montclair's  share  of  this  money,  rendering  it  available  for  use  here,  and  distributing  it  among 
those  for  whom  it  is  intended,  that  the  Relief  Association  has  its  existence. 

When  the  Hook  and  Ladder  Company  constituted  the  entire  Fire  Department  of  the  township, 
they  oi'ganized  and  incorporated  the  Fire  Relief  Association,  Seiitember  17,  1883.  When  hose  companies 
croppL'd  into  existence,  it  became  necessary  to  reorganize,  which  was  done  September  4,  1885. 

The  first  officers  were:  President,  FMwin  I>.  Goodell;  Vice-President,  C.  M.  Schott,  Jr.; 
Secretary,  E.  M.  Hening.  Since  this  reorganization  the  goveniiiient  of  the  Relief  Association  has  been 
vested  in  representatives  from  all  the  tire  companies,  now  including  the  Exempt  Association.  Every 
meuilier  of  the  Montclair  Fire  Department  is  a  member  of  the  Association,  and.  iiulike  members  of 
benefit  companies  in  general,  are  oliliged  to  pay  no  dues  whatever,  although  every  one  enjoys  an  erjual 
benefit,  and,  again  unlike  the  mutual  enrichment  companies,  never  fails  to  collect  his  benefits. 

The  sick  benefits  are  distributed  by  a  Board  of  Visitoi-s  composed  of  representatives  of  the  different 
companies,  and  the  wolf  has  been  many  a  time  driven  from  the  door  of  some  unfortunate  fireman  in 
distres.s,  and  unable,  by  reason  of  some  injury,  to  work,  by  tlie  intervention  of  this  fireman's  friend  and 
guardian  association. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Association  held  on  December  IIJ.  ls'.t.3,  officers  for  the  ensuing  year 
were  elected  as  follows:  President,  A.  J.  A'arno ;  Vice-President,  Hugh  Mullen;  Secretary,  W.  Lou 
Doremus ;  Treasurer,  John  E.  Livermore.  W.  I.  Soverel  was  elected  as  a  visitor  for  three  years.  The 
l')oard  of  Visitors  is  now  composed  of  John   X.   Haley,  Peter  A.  Tronson  and  W.   I.  Soverel.     The 


132  History  of  Montci.air  Township. 

previous  year's  financial  report  showed  a  very  favorable  condition  of  aifairs.  Balance  on  hand  Dec., 
1S91,  $-2,476.(50;  receipts,  2  jier  cent.  State  tax  during  year,  $1,017.<J5 ;  interest,  $102.00;  total  receipts, 
$3,590.34 ;  expenditures  for  relief  of  injured  firemen,  $60  ;  general  expenses,  $89.20,  leaving  a  balance 
on  hand  of  $3,446.64.  Of  tliese  funds  $2,000  are  placed  at  interest  on  bond  and  mortgage  on  Montclair 
real  estate.     The  remainder  is  deposited  in  savings  banks. 

The  annual  meeting  is  held  on  the  third  Monday  in  December,  at  tlie  house  of  Montclair  Hook 
and  Ladder  Co.  No.  1,  647-649  Bloomfield  Avenue. 

Organization  of  the  Montclair  Fiee  Department. — On  March  2,  1(SS5,  the  Montclair  Fire 
Department  was  organized  by  the  ToM'nship  Committee,  rules  and  regulations  were  adopted,  and  Charles 
M.  Schott,  Jr.,  was  appointed  Chief  Engineer,  with  G.  A.  Westbrook  as  Assistant  Engineer.  In 
November  numbered  liadges  were  issued  to  the  members  of  the  department.  Chief  Schott's  first  annual 
report  was  issued  in  March,  18S6,  and  showed:  alarms  during  year,  23;  damage,  $18,700;  insurance, 
$16,000. 

Water  Supply. — On  March  9,  1886,  the  question  of  township  water  su]iply  was  defeated  at  the 
special  election  by  a  majorit}-  of  29  out  of  a  vote  of  873,  and  on  the  morning  of  that  day  the  bell  tower  was 
burned.  Chief  Sehott  was  reappointed  with  Assistant  Westbrook.  In  April  the  bell  was  taken  to  the 
D.  L.  &  W.  Depot,  and  tried  there,  but  with  no  improvement  in  the  sound,  so  in  July  it  was  placed  back 
in  the  tower,  but  one  story  higher. 

In  February,  1887,  the  water  supply  was  again  voted  upon,  and  adopted  by  a  majority  of  459  out 
of  a  vote  of  695.  In  March  following  the  Township  Committee  appinnted  Messrs.  Owen,  Van  Gieson 
and  Sehott  as  a  sub-committee  to  revise  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  department. 

In  June,  1887,  the  first  election  for  Chief  Engineer  was  held,  and  Geo.  F.  Westbrook  was  chosen, 
without  opposition.    He  appointed  Peter  A.  Tronson,  First  Assistant,  and  Elijah  Pearce,  Second  Assistant. 
In  March,   1888,  the  first  Fire  Committee  was  appointed,  consisting  of  James  Owen,  Chairman  ; 
W.  S.  Taylor  and  Chief  Westbrook  {e.r-officio). 

At  the  annual  election  in  June,  Geo.  F.  Westbook  was  re-elected  Chief  Engineer.  He  appointed 
Hugh  Mullen,  First  Assistant  Engineer,  and  AV.  T.  Myers,  Second  Assistant. 

On  November  17th,  the  annual  parade  of  the  Montclair  Fire  Department  was  held,  and  was 
followed  bv  the  first  public  trial  of  the  water  pressure  and  drill  of  all  the  companies. 

In  March,  1889,  the  Towiisiiip  Committee  appointed  as  a  Fire  Committee:  Geo.  Innes.s,  Jr., 
Chairman  ;  W.  S.  Taylor  and  Chief  Westbrook  (ex-ojjicio),  and  they  elected  A.  J.  Wright  as  Secretary. 
This  committee  succeeded  in  placing  the  fire  bell  in  charge  of  the  police,  and  in  A])ril  they  took  charge 
of  the  fire  alarm  and  the  9  o'clock  bell  which  had,  up  to  that  time,  lieen  rung  by  fiiemen  detailed  for 
that  purpose. 

In  June  following,  Ciiief  Westbrook's  report  gave:  alarms,  15;  time  on  duty,  15^  hours;  loss, 
$4,571;  total  membership,  117.  At  the  annual  election  G.  A.  Westbrook  was  reelected.  He  appointed 
G.  T.  Bunten,  First  Assistant ;  E.  Concannon,  Second  Assistaiijt,  and  W.  B.  Jacobus,  Third  Assistant. 

In  March,  1890,  the  following  Fire  Committee  was  appointed:  Geo.  Inness,  Jr.,  Chairman; 
AV.  S.  Taylor  and  Chief  AVestbrook  {ex-officio),  and  II.  L.  Yost,  Secretary.  Chief  Westbrook's  annual 
report,  in  June,  1890,  gave  the  following  figures:  alarms,  7:  membership,  117.  At  the  annual  election  I. 
Sevmour  Crane  was  chosen  as  Chief  iMigineer,  and  he  appointed  1'.  Keller.  Jr.,  First  Assistant;  AY.  B. 
Jacobus,  Second  Assistant,  and  J.  Jennings,  Third  Assistant. 

In  March,  1891,  the  following  were  appointed  as  a  Fire  Committee:  J.  B.  Pier,  Chairman; 
A.  A.  Sigler  and  Chief  Crane  {ex-affirw),  and  II.  L.  Yost,  Secretary.  At  the  annual  election  in  June 
following  Philip  Keller,  Jr.,  was  elected  Chief.  He  appointed  A.  Brooks,  Senior  Engineer,  with  John 
Perrin,  Alelville  Sigler  and  W.  T.  Meyers,  as  Assistant  Engineers. 

In  March,  1892,  the  Fire  Committee  appointed  was  :  J.  B.  Pier,  Chairman  ;  I.  Seymour  Crane 
(ex-Chief),  and  Chief  KeUer  {ex  officio),  with  H.  L.  Yost,  Secretary. 

At  the  annual  election  in  June,  Philip  Keller,  Jr.,  was  re-elected  Chief  Engineer.     He  appointed 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  133 

Abraham  Brooks,  as  Senior  Engineer,  and  Win.  T.  Myers,  John  I'errin  atul  Melville  Sigler,  as  Assistant 
Kngineers. 

In  IS'.>8,  the  following  Fire  Committee  were  appointed:  1.  Seymour  Crane  (ex-Chief),  Hugh 
Gallagher,  and  Chief  Keller  (ex-nfticio).  with  H.  L.  Yost,  as  Secretary. 

At  the  annual  election  in  June,  PhiHp  Keller,  Jr.,  was  again  re-elected  Chief  Engineer,  and  he 
appointed  Wm.T.  Meyers.  Senior  Engineer,  and  Jos.  Jennings,  Theo.  Sigler  and  John  11.  l>anks.  District 
Engineers. 

Hose  Comi-axy  No.  1  was  organized  from  the  detail  of  Hook  and  Ladder  Company  No.  1  (''  the 
Chemical  Detail ").  ^farch  2-4,  1887  (names  in  italics,  soon  resigned),  and  the  new  company  was  incorporated 
on  Deeemher  i%  of  the  same  year.  The  original  mcml)ers  were  (ieorge  T.  Bunten,  Ivobert  B.  Harris,  Elston 
M.  Harnson,  Philip  Keller.  Jr.,  William  Oliver,  George  11.  Hayden,  Jesse  II.  Lockwood,  Frank  B. 
li'ittrr,  Josqjh  Leist,  W.  ,1.  Lcd<iy.  Hugh  ^lullen,  James  McDoiiough,  William  A.  Kiker,  A.  G. 
Spencer,  Peter  A.  Tron.son,  Wallace  W.  Wicks.  Tiie  present  memhei-sliij)  is  twenty-tive.  At  the  time 
of  its  organization  the  company  elected  the  following  otlicers  : 

President,  R.  B.  llarri.-;  Vicc-Pre-sidcnt,  J.  McDuiiough  ;  Secretary,  F.  B.  Ritter ;  Trea.^urer,  J. 
II.  Luckwood;  Foreman,  Hugh  Mullen;  As.sistant  Foreman,  P.  Keller,  Jr.  Soon  afterward  a  Silshy 
carriage  was  purchased  for  |.85<).O0,  and  stored  in  the  truck  house.  The  new  company  made  their  head- 
(juarters  there  until  ISs'.t,  when  their  ]>resent  home  was  completed  aiul  turned  over  to  them  by  the  Town- 
ship Committee,  the  furnishing,  and  all  the  eipiipments  having  been  procured  by  the  company.  At  the 
time  of  their  taking  possession  a  handsome  silk  flag  was  presented  to  the  company  by  a  number  of  ladies. 

A  hose  wagon  wa-s  sub.sequently  secured,  and  all  the  motlern  appliances  ))rovided.  The  com- 
])any's  home  is  now  one  of  the  best  appointed  in  the  town.  The  hanging  harne.-;s,  and  other  appliances  for 
•'getting  out  quick,"  give  tiie  place  a  wide-awake  ap|)earance,  and  the  mendiei-s  are  fully  competent  to  do 
the  work  assigned  them. 

In  1893  a  comjiletely  eipiippcd  liose  wagon  was  ordered  by  the  Tnwn.ship  Committee  for  the 
company. 

OtKcers:  President,  Jas.  McDonough;  Vice-President,  Thos.  P.  Myers;  Secretary,  A.  F. 
Smitli ;  Treasurer.  Elston  M.  Harrison;  Foreman.  E.  E.  Leach;  As.<i.>tant  Foreman,  Fred'k  E.  Williams. 

ExcKLsioK  IIosK  Cumpa.ny  No.  •!. — This  company  was  organized  March  24,  1887  (incorporated 
January  3,  188.S),  for  the  protection  of  the  south  end  of  the  township.  It  was  originally  composed  of 
twenty  members,  and  the  service  ic  has  always  rendered  has  commended  it  to  the  Montclair  public  and 
Won  recognition  and  prai.se  for  it  from  all  sides. 

The  first  officers  elected  were:  President,  William  II.  DeWitt ;  Vice-President,  William  F. 
IlavilaiKl;  Seeretary.  F.  II.  Smith  ;  Treasurer,  C.  A  Scholtz ;  Foreman.  Abner  Bartlett,  Jr.;  A.ssi.stant 
Foreman.  D.  W.  Ward.  The  first  apparatus  secured  was  a  Rumsey  four  wheel  h(jse  cart  purchased 
soon  after  organization  at  a  cost  of  $4:.50,  which  was  paid  by  subscription  of  the  company  and  the 
residents  of  the  South  End.  The  townshi])  ap|)ropriated  s:i(Mi  with  which  to  build  a  house  for  the 
company,  and  in  this  house,  built  at  the  corner  of  Orange  Road  and  Cedar  Avenue,  the  company  still 
has  its  head(juarters,  although  a  number  of  alterations  have  materially  changed  the  aspect  of  the  building 
since  that  time. 

For  five  years  the  company  continued  operations  with  the  hand  carriage,  and  then  on  June  1,  181)2, 
it  was  disposed  of,  and  a  ho.se  cart  and  horse  purchased  from  the  Newark  Fire  Department.  This 
apparatus  is  now  in  use,  and  the  company  is  well  equipped  for  active  service.  It  was  the  fir.st  to  own  a 
horse,  and  is  the  only  company  which  has  a  man  on  duty  at  the  hose  hou.se  at  all  hours  of  the  day  and 
night.     In  1888  the  company  was  presented  with  a  150  pound  fire  bell  by  Carlos  A.  Scholtz. 

The  company  has  on  its  roll  (1893-4),  twenty  memi^ers.  Its  present  officers  are:  President, 
AVilliam  H.Gallagher;  Vice-President.  William  H.  Williams;  Secretary,  Thos.  B.  Kaveny ;  Treasurer, 
William  T.  Meyers;  Foreman,  W.  W.  ^leyers;  Assistant  Foreman,  John  \'an  Ilandlyn.  In  1893  a  new 
hose  wagon  was  ordered  by  the  Township  Committee  for  the  service  of  the  company. 


13-i  History  of  Montclaik  Township. 

Washington  Hose  Company  No.  3  was  organized  August  9,  1887,  now  located  at  the  corner  of 
Bloomtield  Avenue  and  Grove  Street.  Officers :  Foreman,  John  Pen-in ;  Assistant  Foreman,  ]\Iicliael 
Clarence;  President,  Edward  M.  Coneannon  ;  Vice  Presi(]ent,  Jolm  ]\I.  Jennings ;  Treasurer,  Joseph 
Jennings.     Twenty-tliree  meml)ers,  including  officers. 

In  Octoher  the  company  received  its  t^ilshv  two-wheeled  jumper.  This  company  was  ineorjjorated 
January  G,  ISSS.     The  house  was  erected  and  occupied  May,  1888. 

In  1803  a  new  house  was  hegun,  a  hose  wagon  ordered  by  the  Township  Committee,  aud  Mr.  Geo. 
Inness,  Jr.,  presented  them  with  a  horse.  Present  officers  (1893—1):  President,  John  Glennon ;  Vice- 
President,  John  M.  Smith;  Secretary,  James  A.  Durning;  Treasurer,  John  N.  Plaley;  Foreman,  Jos. 
Cavanaugh ;  Assistant  Foreman,  Henry  Muller.     Membership,  25. 

Cliffside  Hose  Company  No.  i  was  organized  Feb.  7,  1SS8,  and  incorpoi-ated  Feb.  5,  1889. 
This  is  located  at  Upper  Montclair  on  Bellevue  Avenue  and  railroad  crossing,  with  J. 5  members.  The 
first  officers  were:  C.  H.  Huestis,  Foreman;  AVm.  B.  Jacobus,  Assistant  Foreman;  President,  Irving 
Cairnes ;  Vice-President,  Frank  Lord;  Secretary,  Frank  P.  Anderson;  Treasurer,  August  J.  Varno. 

The  company's  first  apparatus  was  the  old  Eumsey  pump  and  hose  reel  formerly  used  liy  the 
Truck  Co.  A  combination  api)aratus,  consisting  of  hose  wagon  with  ladders  and  chemicals,  built  by 
Gleason  &  Bailey,  were  furnished  by  the  town,  and  in  1SS9  the  present  house  was  built.  Officers  : 
President,  Andrew  J.  Armstrong;  Vice-President,  Frank  Lord;  Secretary,  John  Mancini ;  Treasurer, 
L.  L.  Howe;  Foreman,  Louis  A.  Mancini:  Assistant  Foreman,  Walter  II.  A.  Maynard.  Present 
membership,  25. 

Association  of  Exempt  Firemen  of  the  Township  of  MoNiCLAiR,  X .  J. — Organized  Nov.  2-i,  189 ! . 
Incorporated  Dee.  12,  1891.  President,  John  11.  Liverinore;  Vice-President,  Wm.  L.  Doremus; 
Treasurer,  Jesse  H.  Lockwood ;  Secretary,  F.  A.  Brautigam;  Trustees,  P.  A.  Tronson,  C.  M.  Scliott,  Jr.; 
G.  F.  Westbrook,  Wm.  Y.  Bogle,  Geo.  Inness,  Jr. 

The  membership  is  confined  exclusively  to  the  exemjit  members  of  the  Montclair  Fire  Department. 

FiKE  Alakm. — An  electric  fire  alarm  system  was  completed  in  the  autumn  of  1892,  and  fifteen 
boxes  placed  in  convenient  localities  tlu-oughout  the  township.  A  map  of  the  township,  with  the  location 
of  hydrants  and  fire  alarm  boxes  indicated,  was  compiled  by  Dr.  A.  J.  Wright,  the  well  known  dentist. 
These,  togetlier  with  full  instructions,  were  printed  on  heavy  white  cardboard  by  the  publishers  of  the 
Montclair  Herald  at  their  own  expense  for  free  distribution. 

In  1893  the  system  was  extended  by  the  addition  of  17  boxes,  making  a  total  of  32. 

ADDENDUM. 

This  historical  sketch  covered  the  time  to  the  fall  of  1893,  but  as  many  changes  in  the  way  of 
improvement  have  occurred  since  that  time,  it  necessitates  a  brief  addition. 

The  previous  account  shows  that  the  houses  occupied  by  the  companies,  the  bell  and  hose  tower 
the  electric  fire  alarm  system,  all  fire  apparatus  now  in  use,  and  the  team  used  by  the  truck,  are  the 
property  of  the  Montclair  Fire  De]iartment,  while  the  house  furnishings,  the  horses  used  by  Hose 
Companies  1,  2  and  3,  and  the  ecpiipments  of  the  members,  are  company  or  individual  property. 

LTiu.ler  the  present  government,  each  company  is  detailed  to  answer  calls  from  certain  boxes,  on 
first,  second  or  third  alarms  (the  Exempts  respond  to  the  third);  and,  in  addition,  a  code  of  .special  calls, 
covering  each  company,  police  aiul  ambulance,  are  in  u.se. 

In  the  spring  of  189±,  at  a  special  election  held  for  that  purpose,  it  wa~  decided  by  the  voters  of 
Montclair  to  change  the  form  of  government  from  a  township  to  a  town,  and  in  June.  1891,  all  of  the 
new  officials,  both  elective  and  appointive,  will  be  in  charge. 

This  will  be  a  most  important  change  to  the  Montclair  Fire  Department,  in  that  the  Fire  Committee 
will  be  succeeded  by  a  Board  of  Fire  Commissioners,  composed  of  five  members,  who  are  appointed  by 
the  To^vn  Council,  who  will  have  full  charge  of  all  matters  affecting  the  department. 


History  of  Montci.air  Township.  135 

So,  gradually  tlie  familiar  features  of  tlie  old  style  volunteer  fireman's  organization  are  disap- 
pearing, and  it  becomes  more  modern  everv  dav;  so  tliat  this  town  will  soon  practically  enjoy  the  services 
of  a  model,  modern  fire  department,  .second  to  none  in  the  State  and  the  ecpial  of  the  paid  city  depart- 
ments for  efficacy,  at  a  very  slight  cost. 

THE  MONTCI.AIi;   WATER  COMPANY. 

The  Montclair  Water  Company  was  incorporated  on  the  13tli  day  of  January,  18S7,  niider 
the  laws  of  the  State  of  Xew  Jersey,  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  water  to  the  Township  of  ^fmitclair, 
an<l  to  other  cities,  towns  and  villages  of  that  State. 

The  consent  of  the  corporate  authorities  of  the  Township  of  ilontelair  to  the  organization  of  the 
said  Company,  as  required  l)y  law.  was  given  on  the  13th  day  of  January.  ISS". 

The  incor])orators  were  AVhiting  (4.  Snow.  Kdwin  A.  I'railley,  Jasper  K.  Hand,  and  Joseph  \'an 
\' lock,  of  Montclair.  N.  . I. :  John  R.  liartlett  and  Henry  C.  Andrews,  of  New  York,  and  Albert  V. 
Fisher,  of  Brooklyn.  N.  Y. 

The  capital  of  this  Company  is  §1, (.100,000,  divided  into  ln,OoO  shares,  of  the  par  value  of  SlOO 
each,  all  of  which  has  been  paid  into  the  treasury  of  the  Company  in  cash. 

The  directt>rs  and  officers  of  the  Company  are  AVhiting  (i.  Snow.  President;  .John  II.  liartlett. 
Treasurer;  Albert  P.  Fisher,  Secretary;  Kdwin  A.  Hradley  and  Jasper  li.  Hand. 

These  gentlemen  were  the  first  directors  and  officers  of  the  Comjiany,  and  are  still  serving  the 
Company  in  those  capacities. 

A  contract  with  the  Township  of  Montclair,  to  .-u])|)ly  it  with  water,  within  nine  months  from  the 
date  of  its  execution,  was  made  on  tlie  Tjth  day  of  !March,  1SS7.  To  comply  with  this  contract,  after  the 
necessary  surveys  and  estimates  had  been  made,  a  contract,  to  build  the  works,  was  made  !iy  the 
Company  with  Messrs.  Tarr  it  McXamee,  contractors,  on  the  29th  <lay  of  March,  1^87. 

After  an  examination  and  selection  of  the  location  of  the  well  at  Watchung,  a  test  well  was  put 
down,  on  the  site  selected,  and  an  analvsis  and  biological  examination  of  the  water  was  made  by  Prof. 
Leeds,  of  the  Stevens  Institute  of  Technology.  Iloboken,  N.  J.,  and  was  ]n-onounced  to  be  perfectly  pure, 
wholesome  and  palatable,  and  of  most  unusual  excellence  and  ])urity.  This  report  was  submitted  to  the 
Township  Committee  of  Montclair  and  was  approved  by  them  on  the  7tli  day  of  June,  18S7. 

The  plant  was  so  far  completed  that  water  was  introduced   into  the  town  aliout  December  1,  1887. 

The  works  have  been  pronounced,  by  experts  familiar  with  work  of  that  kind,  to  be  first  class  in 
every  ])articular.  both  as  to  quality  of  material  used  in  the  construction  and  quality  of  workmanship. 

Mr.  Geo.  W.  Howell,  of  Morristown,  N.  J.,  represented  the  Company  as  Engineer  during  tlie 
construction  of  the  works,  and  Mr.  James  (J wen,  of  Montclair,  N.  J.,  represented  the  township  in  the 
same  capacity. 

After  the  completion  of  the  wcirks  Mr.  Owen  was  engaged  by  the  Compan\',  as  its  Engineer  and 
Superintendent,  and  has  been  retained  in  that  position  ever  since. 

The  supply  of  water  was  first  obtained  from  two  wells  located  north  ofWatchung  Avenue  and  east 
of  Valley  lioad  ;  one  well  being  80  feet  in  diameter  and  50  feet  dec  p,  with  brick  walls  from  the  surface 
to  the  top  of  the  rock.  At  the  bottom  of  the  30  feet  well  are  4  holes,  4  inches  in  diameter,  extending  40 
to  50  feet  deeper. 

There  is  also  one  8  inch  well,  30  feet  di.stant  from  the  larger  one,  175  feet  deep,  the  water  of  which 
flows  into  the  larger  one. 

The  pumps,  two  in  number,  were  located  in  the  well  about  20  feet  below  the  level  of  the  ground, 
and  deep  enough  to  empty  the  30  feet  well.  These  pumps  are  of  the  Compound  Worthington  type,  each 
with  a  capacity  of  500,000  gallons  per  day.  They  worked  against  a  head  of  167  lbs.,  which  is  the  pressure 
when  the  tank  on  the  mountain  is  full. 

The  two  boilers,  of  75  horse  power  each,  on  the  return  flue  plan,  are  located  in  a  brick  boiler- 


136 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


house  about  25  feet  from  tlie  well;  the  steam  is  carried  in  a  3-inch  pipe  to  the  pumps,  with  a  duplicate 
pipe  of  2  inch,  in  case  of  emergenc}'. 

Tlie  tank  on  the  mountain  is  built  of  boiler  iron,  40  feet  in  diameter,  and  30  feet  high,  having 
a  capacity  of  300,000  gallons.     Its  elevation  is  G80  feet  above  tide  water,  and  400  feet  above  the  pumps. 

During  the  jenr  1800,  owing  to  tlie  increased  consumption  of  water,  live  5-inch  wells  were  boi-ed  to 
an  average  depth  of  105  feet.  These  wells  were  connected  with  the  large  well  by  means  of  a  syphon  arrange- 
ment, so  tliat  the  water  flowed  automatically  into  the  large  well  without  any  extra  pumping.  The  com- 
bined delivery  of  these  wells,  at  their  full  capacity,  amounted  to  320,(Hio  gallons  of  water  per  day. 

In  the  early  jiart  of  the  year  1893,  it  was  deemed  necessary  to  still  fui'ther  increase  the  supply  of 
water,  and,  therefore,  a  connection  was  made  at  Brookdale  with  the  main  of  tlie  East  Jei-sey  Water  Com- 
pany, the  company  who  had  built  the  plant  for  the  supply  of  the  City  of  Newark  with  water  taken  from 
the  Pequannoek  River,  at  Pompton,  N.  J. 

A  contract  was  made  Novendjer  5,  1S92,  with  the  West  Orange  "Water  Co.,  to  furnish  them 
with  water  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  the  Township  of  West  Orange,  and  about  May,  1893,  connection 
was  made  with  their  mains,  and  since  that  time  tliat  Company  has  been  supplied  continuously  from  the 
Montclair  plant. 

This  extra  draft,  coupled  with  the  increasing  demand  of  the  town  of  Montclair  itself,  rendered 
the  pumping  plant  of  the  Company  almost  inadequate  for  the  summer  consumption  of  1893.  There- 
fore, in  the  fall  of  1893,  two  new  pumps  were  purchased  from  the  Snow  Steam  Pump  Works,  of 
Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  with  a  capacity  of  2,50(),0(>0  gallons  per  day. 

Two  new  boilers  were  also  purchased  of  180  horse  powei",  and,  with  a  new  stack,  have  been  jilaced 
in  position. 

The  old  pum])s  have  been  taken  out  of  the  well  and  placed  in  a  pit  specially  prepared  for  them_ 
which  gives  the  plant  a  total  capacity  of  3,500, OtH)  gallons  ])er  day. 

The  boiler  and  puiii})  have  also  been  enlarged. 

The  following  statements  will  .show  the  increase  of  the  Company's  business  during  the  last  six 
years : 


Miles  of  Watkr  Pipe  Laid. 
During  and  to  the  year  ending  Dec.  31,  188S.  .24^'^%  miles 

During  the  year  ending  December  31,  18S9..  1/5%  " 

31,  1S90..  lyVn  " 

31,  1S91..  4yVij  " 

31.  1892..  2{^j;  •• 

31,  1S93..  3/J'j  " 


Total  to  January  i,  1894.  .38/5'^  " 

NuMKER  OF  Fire  Hydrants. 

During  and  to  the  year  ending  Dec.  31,  1888 223 

During  the  year  ending  December  31,  1S89  15 

"                "                       "31,  1S90 12 

31.  1891 19 

31,  1S92 iS 

31.  1S93 16 

Total  to  January  i,  1S94 303 

Number  of  Consumers  Added. 

During  and  to  the  year  ending  Dec.  31,  18SS 361 

During  the  year  ending  December  31,  1889 193 

31,  1890 169 

31.  1S91 250 

"                        "           31,  1892 iSi 

31,  1893 187 


Number  of  Taps  Made. 

During  and  to  the  year  ending  Dec.  31,  1S8S 377 

During  the  year  ending  December  31,  18S9 180 

"       "         "     31,  1890  160 

"       "         "     31,  1891 151 

"       "         "    31,  1S92 200 

"         "     31,  1S93 102 

Total  to  January  i.  1S94 11 70 

Averac.e  Daily  Consumption  of  Water. 

During  and  to  the  year  ending  Dec.  31,  18SS.  .133,763  galls. 

During  the  year  ending  December  31,  1889 .  .155,494  " 

31,  i8go. .189,480 

31,  i89i..223,25o  " 

31,  1892.. 318, 537  " 

31,  1S93.. 527.564  " 


Meters  Put  In. 

During  and  to  the  year  ending  Dec.  31,  1SS8 5 

During  the  year   ending   December  31,  1S89 28 

"       "  "     31,  1890 

31,  1S91 

'■       "  "     31,  1S92 


Total  to  January  i,  1894. 


1341 


...  24 

...  18 

...  31 

31.  1S93 40 

Total  to  January  i,  1894 146 


History  of  Montclair  Towxsuir.  137 

.Tamks  Owex.  Township  Ex(;in'kkr. — As  a  civil  ciiirinoi-r,  aiul  as  tlic  originator  ami  jnonioter  of 
the  most  important  improvements  in  public  highways  in  Essex  County  rhiring  tlie  past  twenty-five  years, 
Mr.  Owen  is  without  a  rival.  His  connection  with  the  pnl)lic  affairs  of  ^Montclair  hcgan  .soon  after  its 
erection  as  a  separate  township. 

Mr.  ( )wen  is  a  native  of  England,  born  in  London  in  lS-15.  The  family  from  which  he  is  descended 
is  of  verv  remote  ancestry,  the  first  of  these  names  being  the  funiider  of  the  noble  trilie  of  North  AA^alcs 
and  Powv.s.  Mr.  Owen  was  educated  at  private  .school  and  at  King's  C'tillege,  London,  and  served  his 
time  Mt  civil  engineering  with  (i.  K.  IJadford,  now  a  partner  of  the  eminent  engineer  and  landscajje 
gardener,  Vaux.  who  was  formerly  associated  with  Ohnstead  in  laying  out  Central  Park.  Xow  York, 
and  Prospect  Park,  Brooklyn. 

Mr.  Owen  came  to  this  coimtry  in  1  s(i('>.  aiul  was  first  connected  with  the  Indiana  Southern  Railroad 
as  civil  engineer.  In  ISC.T  he  was  a.ssnciated  with  Olm^tead  and  Vaux  in  the  laying  out  of  Prospect 
Park,  Brooklyn.  In  l.stIS  he  was  a])pointed  Engineer  of  the  E.ssex  County,  N.  J.,  Public  Poad  Board, 
and  has  held  the  position  continuously  for  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century,  and  during  this  period  has 
expended  over  li>2,000,00( i  on  the  ]mblic  highways  and  other  improvements  connected  therewith.  He 
established  the  .system  of  radiating  avenues  from  Newark,  which  is  considered  the  best  of  any  in  the 
United  States,  and  which  has  since  been  adopted  in  many  of  our  large  cities  and  towns  throughout  the 
country.  He  introduced  the  Telford  .system  of  roads,  the  most  durable  of  aTiy  ever  adopted,  and  there 
has  since  been  con.structed  over  25<i  miles  of  this  class  of  roads  in  the  county.  Li  1^^T•2  he  was  appointed 
County  Engineer  of  Es.sex  County,  and  had  charge  of  the  construction  of  all  thel>ridges.  He  abolished 
the  old  system  of  wooden  bridges,  aiul  substituted  tiio.se  of  ma.-;onry  and  iron,  of  which  (here  are  now  about 
l,.5nO  in  the  country. 

Mr.  Owen  bee  line  a  resident  of  Montclair  in  IsTl'.  ami  the  same  year  was  appointed  Township 
Engineer,  and  has  held  it  at  different  periods  down  to  the  jirescnt  time.  He  served  three  years  on  the 
Township  Coiiiniittce.  from  ISS.'j  to  1S88.  It  wa>  during  this  period  that  the  construction  of  the  public 
water  works  began,  and  he  has  since  had  charge  of  that  work.  He  has  taken  a  s]K'cial  interest  in  the 
cause  of  education:  was  elected  a  member  of  the  School  Board  in  is's,  and  has  been  re-elected  at  each 
succeeding  term  since.  He  was  chairiiian  of  the  committee  that  introduced  technical  education,  this 
iieing  the  first  public  .school  in  the  I'liited  States  to  adoj>t  that  .system.  He  was  Chairman  of  the  Buihl- 
ing  Committee  on  the  construction  of  the  new  school-house.  He  served  a,s  Health  Commissioner  of  the 
township  for  four  yeai-s.  lie  has  read  several  i)ai)ers  on  engineering,  and  has  iieen  a  frequent  contributor 
to  engineering  journals.  He  lias  lectured  on  the  construction  of  roads  in  different  parts  of  the  c<)untry 
before  large  and  appreciative  audiences.     He  attended  the  World's  Fair  Congress  of  Engineers. 

He  is  a  member  of  the  following  societies  and  organizations:  American  Society  of  Civil  En- 
gineei*s:  New  Jer.sey  State  Sanitary  Association;  New  Jei"sey  State  Road  Association  ;  and  of  different 
local  organizations  in  Montclair. 

THE  PRESS. 

The  very  first  attempt  at  journalism  in  ^foiitclair  was  made  in  \^C>C>.  by  two  youths  named  F.  A. 
Wheeler  and  F.  A.  Brautigam,  in  the  publication  of  a  small  amateur  monthly,  which  they  appropriately 
named  T/ie  Pioneer.  The  publication  was  well  received,  and  served  its  announced  purpose  of  "  a  devotion 
to  the  general  observation  on  pa.ssing  events"  very  well  for  a  few  months,  when  its  publishers  engaged  in 
other  and  more  profitable  occupations,  and  T/ie  Pioneer  pa-ssed  out  of  existence. 

For  several  years  after  that  the  townspeople  depended  uj)on  the  Sentinel  of  Freedom,  the  weekly 
edition  of  the  Daily  Ailoertiser,  of  Newark,  for  their  local  and  general  news,  and  no  one  ventured  the 
pulilication  of  an  exclu.sively  local  newspaper.  It  was  not  until  J  une,  1  ^I'A.  that  the  proverbial  long-felt  want 
was  filled  by  the  appearance  of  TIw  Montclair  Herald,  the  jjublishers  of  which  were  Messrs.  J.  Ogden  Clark 
and  Frank  D.  Sturgis,  both  of  them  members  of  the  legal  profession.    Like  the  original  journal,  it  appeared 


138  History  of  Montclatr  Township. 

monthly,  and  was  filled  with  interesting  accounts  of  the  rapid  developments  which  the  town  was  under 
goini;-  at  that  time.  Houses  were  going  up  in  all  sections;  the  Montelair  and  Greenwood  Lake  Railway 
liad  just  been  opened  ;  work  upon  the  tunnel  through  the  mountain  was  heing  carried  on  day  and  night, 
for  the  extension  of  tlie  road  to  Verona  and  Caldwell ;  steam  rollers  were  at  work  upon  the  macadamizing 
of  Bloomtield  x\venne  by  the  County  Board,  gas  lights  had  just  been  introduced — in  short.  Montelair  was 
booming.  The  Herald  prospered  oirrespondingly.  It  was  well  printed  upon  tinted  paper,  and  attained 
a  good  circulation.  But  its  publishei's  found  the  editorial  laboivs  devolving  u]ion  them  so  great  as  to 
hinder  them  in  their  legal  pursuits,  and  the  paper  literally  outgrew  itself  and  died. 

For  two  years  following,  the  local  wants  were  most  acce])tably  recorded  in  the  Saturday  Gazette^  a 
weekly  paper,  published  by  Sylvanus  Lyon,  of  Bloomfield.  Equal  space  was  devoted  in  its  columns  to 
the  two  sister  towns  of  Montelair  and  Itloomfield.  and  the  tone  of  the  paper  was  dignitied  and  clean.  For 
more  than  two  years  the  Gazette  served  its  constituency  admirably,  exerting  a  wide  intiuence,  and  foster- 
ing a  neighborly  spirit  between  the  two  towns,  which  but  a  few  years  before  were  one  municipality. 

In  the  fall  of  1875  W.  C.  Coutant,  publisher  of  the  Arlington  Journal^  sustaining  serious  loss  by 
fire,  removed  what  was  left  of  his  plant  to  Montelair,  and  began  the  pnl)lication  of  the  2Iontclair  Journal. 
Although  the  panic  had  set  in,  the  town  was  still  growing  under  the  impetus  it  had  received  in  the  lieighth 
of  its  prosperity  in  "boom  times."  A  weekly  newspaper,  properly  and  economically  conducted,  could 
exist,  though  not  hold  out  immediate  prospects  of  great  wealth  to  its  editors.  The  pa]ier  established  by 
Mr.  Coutant,  however,  started  out  on  the  mistaken  mission  of  antagonizing  the  local  government  by 
being  "agin  it,"  and  attacking  juiblic-spirited  men,  attributing  to  them  selfish  motives.  It  likewise 
rejoiced  in  factional  fights,  and  as  a  natural  result  the  Journal  soon  reached  its  last  number  under  Mr. 
Contant's  management. 

Mr.  John  Malcolm  CJampliell  was  the  next  to  enter  the  journalistic  field  of  Montelair.  lie  took 
up  the  Journal  where  his  predecessor  left  off,  aiul  adopted  a  somewhat  similar  ])oliey.  The  number  in 
which  the  paper  gave  up  the  ghost,  it  was  boldly  announced  that  "  the  Journal  has  now  been  placed 
upon  a  paying  basis."  But  there  was  evidently  a  Haw  in  the  basis,  for  on  a  cloudy  morning  in  November 
the  publisher  and  proprietor  disappeared,  and  the  plLint  was  seized  by  the  landlord. 

Subscribers  to  Montelair  papers  had  little  faith  in  the  staying  qualities  of  the  succeeding  publication, 
The  Montelair  Twree-s,  which  was  begun  in  P'ebruary,  1S77.  The  present  publisher,  A.  C.  Studer,  from  the 
neighboring  city  of  Newark,  and  Charles  A.  Burr,  of  Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  entered  in  the  work  sinndtaneonsly, 
but  the  latter  withdrew  in  a  few  weeks  and  sold  out  his  interests  in  the  Times  to  Mr.  Studer.  The  paper 
had  an  uphill  struggle  for  some  time,  without  prospect  of  political  support,  for  it  was  neutral  in  politics 
for  five  years,  when  having  passed  the  "  make  or  break "  period  the  editor  followed  his  personal 
proclivities  and  made  the  Times  a  RepnV)liean  ]>aper.  A  dejjartment  by  Rev.  Dr.  Bradford,  under  the 
title  of  "Chips  From  My  Workshop,"  was  an  interesting  feature  that  did  much  to  ]wpularize  the  paper. 
In  later  years  also  some  of  the  best  writei-s  of  the  town  have  contributed  to  its  columns,  and  the  paper 
has  taken  an  advanced  position  in  all  matters  affecting  the  welfare  and  interests  of  the  community.  The 
Times  has  grown  in  circulation  commensurate  to  the  growth  of  Montelair,  and  is  in  the  full  enjoyment  of 
public  confidence.  It  is  still  being  published  by  its  original  publisher,  wln)se  record  for  seventeen 
successive  years  of  nninternipted  newspaper  work  has  few  equals  in  the  State. 

The  Montelair  liegister  was  the  next  journalistic  candidate  for  public  favor  in  IMontclair.  It  was 
started  in  1888  by  A.  E.  C.  Minderman,  as  an  independent  paper,  but  subsequently  it  became  the  organ 
of  the  Democratic  party,  especially  during  the  Presidential  campaign  of  that  year.  Its  publisher  worked 
faithfully  and  heroically  against  great  odds  for  two  and  a  half  years  before  the  Register  met  the  fate  that 
had  been  met  by  so  many  of  its  predecessors. 

Just  as  the  Register  was  about  to  expire,  William  F.  Jones  started  the  Montelair  Herald,  also  as  a 
weekly  paper,  but  it  had  scarcely  lived  six  months  before  its  publisher  sold  out  to  C.  Alexander  Cook. 
He  bought  the  jjlant  of  the  defunct  Register,  and  for  a  few  weeks  managed  the  Herald  for  a  stock 
company  of   Democrats  and    Independents.      Mr.   Cook  was  succeeded   as  editor  and   manager  by  Dr. 


History  of  Montclair  Towxsnir.  139 

Rieliard  C.  Newton,  and  he  ill  turn  InMr.  ^lartin  Synnott.  In  1S92  tlie  paper  was  bonglit  bv  Di".  C. 
W.  Uutler,  a  prolific  cuntriljiitor  to  its  columns,  who  couducted  it  for  more  than  a  year,  with  varied 
success.  The  Herald  was  then  published  by  G.  C.  Earle,  and  edited  by  H.  B.  "Walker,  they  having  leased 
the  plant  from  Dr.  Kutler,  who  still  owns  it. 

Among  the  other  papers  that  have  come  and  goue  in  recent  years  is  the  Aft?'uisf,  published 
monthly  by  the  Altruist  Society  in  the  interests  of  the  benevolent  work  carried  on  in  town  under  its 
auspices. 

A  very  bright  little  amateur  weekly  was  the  Montclaii'  l'ri'<><,  published  from  1SS9  to  'ill,  by  two 
boys.  James  and  Arthur  Owen,  sons  of  Engineer  Owen.  It  gained  quite  a  circulation,  and  contained 
many  interesting  items.  The  boys  set  the  type  themselves  and  jirinted  the  paper  upon  a  small  press  in 
their  father's  bani,  doing  all  tlie  work  after  school  hours.  A  feature  that  interested  the  older  people  was 
the  department  known  as  "Topics  by  His  Nil)s,"  the  contributions  for  which  were  from  the  prolific  pen 
of  Engineer  Owen.  Tlie  Press  grew  almost  into  the  sphere  of  regular  journalism,  and  had  gained  much 
l)opularity  when  it  was  discontinued  because  of  the  death  of  the  older  of  the  brothers,  imich  to  the 
regret  of  its  many  patrons. 

The  Montclair  Journal  was  published  by  William  F.  Jones  and  Otis  McMillan,  as  a  weekly,  from 
IS90  to  1891,  and  then  daily  for  about  a  year.  It  had  no  connection  with  the  pajjcr  of  that  name  that 
preceded  it.  Tliere  seeme<l  to  V)e  no  especial  rci|uirement  for  such  a  pa|)er  then  and  the  paper  died.  Its 
publication  was  resumed,  however,  in  March,  Isid,  and  is  being  published  every  Thursday  by  Messrs. 
Ori-  ^IcMillan  and  Arthur  Darlington. 

.VrccsTCS  Charles  Studek. 

The  success  of  a  newspa])er  is  wholly  dei>endent  on  the  man  who  sui)plics  the  brains,  and  whether, 
consciously  or  unconsciously,  his  individuality  is  stamped  on  every  piige.  If  his  utterances  are  truthful 
and  honest,  whatever  his  [lereonal  views,  he  will  liave  the  confidence  of  the  public. 

From  the  date  of  the  first  issue  of  the  Montclair  Tiinrs.  by  its  present  editor  and  |)roprietor.  its 
course  has  been  sti-aightforward  and  truthful,  and  not  a  word  has  sullied  its  pages  that  any  pure-minded 
man  or  woman  could  take  exception  to. 

Augustus  C.  8tuder,  editor  and  proprietor  of  the  Mmitclalr  Times  for  the  |)ast  seventeen  yeai-s, 
comes  of  a  race  of  patriots,  and  honest,  fearless  men,  loyal  to  those  j)rinciples  which  have  governed  their 
country  for  five  hundred  years.  All  save  himself  were  natives  of  Switzerland,  and  though  he  was  a 
native  of  this  country,  the  first  words  he  ever  Httere<l  were  in  his  fathers  native  tongue.  His  grand- 
father was  a  clergyman  of  the  Calvinistic  Church,  and  for  forty  years  officiated  in  that  capacity  at  Thun, 
Switzerland.  One  of  his  ancestors  was  engaged  in  the  civil  war  known  as  the  Sonderbund — severing  the 
lionds — the  same  .state  of  atfaii-s  existing  as  in  our  recent  civil  war — viz..  the  severing  in  twain  of  the 
republic — his  ancestor  remaining  true  and  loyal  to  the  government. 

Mr.  Studer's  mother  was  Elizabeth  Oertel.  a  native  of  the  Grand  Duchy  of  Baden.  Her  mother 
took  an  active  part  in  the  movement  to  establish  the  independence  of  Baden,  in  1849,  by  encouraging 
resistance  to  the  government  and  on  several  occasions  conveyed  important  secret  dispatches  to  Frederich 
llecker,  the  patriotic  leader. 

Mr.  Studer's  parents  came  to  this  country  in  1>^50  and  settled  in  Newark,  N.  J.,  wliere  he  was 
bom.  May  1<I,  1854,  the  year  of  the  great  cholera  epidemic;  it  was  this  that  led  them  to  return  to 
their  native  country  when  he  was  but  four  months  old ;  his  early  environment  was  therefore  amid  the 
scenes  of  his  father's  childhood.  He  attended  school  at  Thun  and  Geneva,  and,  wliile  pursuing  the 
usual  course  of  study,  acijuircd  a  thorough  knowledge  of  German  and  French.  His  j)arcnts  returned  to 
tills  country  in  1864,  during  tiie  War  of  the  liebeliioii,  his  father  being  actuated  by  a  desire  to  assist  his 
adopted  country  in  her  efforts  to  preserve  the  Union.  This  he  did  by  enlisting  as  a  private  in  Company 
A.  Fifteenth  Regiment.  N.  J.  Vols.,  in  which  he  served  until  the  close  of  the  war.  An  uncle  of  young 
Studer — his  father's  brother — served  throughout  the  war  in  an  Iowa  regiment,  and  rose  from  the  ranks  to 


140 


History  of  MoNTcr.AiR  Townshit. 


tliiit  of  Major  of  liis  regiinciit,  and  in  IsTo  was  a])i>oiiite<l  by  President  Grant  consid  to  Singapore,  and 
was  reappointed  each  successive  administration,  including  that  of  President  Cleveland  in  18S4. 

Young  Studor,  soon  after  his  return  to  this  country,  entered  the  public  schools  of  Kewark,  and 
altliough  he  could  not  speak  a  word  of  English,  his  previous  ti'aining  enabled  him  to  take  an  advanced 
position  which  he  maintained  until  his  graduation.  His  journalistic  traiuiug  began  in  the  composing 
room  of  the  A^c'war/i'  Jourtu/l,  ami  lie  was  subsequently  assigned  to  reportorial  dnties,  and  initiated  into 
the  mysteries  of  the  editor's  "sanctum  sanctorum."  In  1S70  he  started  a  jol)l)ing  ottiee  in  Newark,  and 
while  thus  engaged,  he  leai'ued  of  the  several  abortive  attempts  of  ambitious  aspirants  for  jonrnalistic 
honors  to  establisii  a  weekly  jiajter  in  Montclair.  After  carefully  surveying  the  field  he  was  convinced  that 
there  was  an  opening  in  Montclair  for  a  live  newspaper.  Soon  after  he  began  his  canvass,  however,  he 
discovered  that  he  had  a  ri\;d  in  tlie  field,  who  was  not  only  backed  up  by  the  Greenwood  Lake  Rail- 
way, but  intended  to  start  a  paper  in  the  in- 
terests of  the  company.  Mr.  Studer  withdrew  for 
a  time  and  awaited  "  de-  velopments."  These 
came  sooner  than  he  ex-  pected,  for  after  publish- 
ing two  or  three  num-  beis,  the  publisher  was 
glad  to  sell  out  at  a  loss,  ^tm  and  in  May,  18T7,  Mr. 
Stnder  assumed  the  ^^^m  management  of  tlie 
j\[ontclu'u'  Times.  The  ^^H  ]«i])er  at  this  time  was 
printed  hi  Jersey  City,  ,SB!f  ^*i»'"*^  t^  and  "filled  in,"  under 
the  "patent  process."  /.  lie  soon  after  bought 
the  plant  of  the  Mont  \  /^T^  c/a/'r  Jou/'/ml,  a  defunct 
pa|)er  which  had  been  .M#*  '  al)andoned  l)y  the  pro- 
prietor, with  "all  the  ^-  appurtenances  thereof," 
to  the  landlord.  Thus  ^^^^^  ^  equipped,  Mr.  Studer 
started  iii  as  editor,  pub-  .ti^^tm^^^^  ^'  lisher,  reporter,  compos- 
itor, bookkeeper  and  ^^^^^m  ""  everything  but  "devil." 
Through  good  manage-  ^^^^^S^^^^:  ment,  rigid  economy, 
and  the  assistance  of  a  ^^^^^^|P^  ^'l^'  few  friends,  he  soon  es- 
tablished it  on  a  paying  'H^l^^li  ^l^k.  basis.  He  ran  it  as  an 
independent  journal  for  iBjp^  ^ip^-  about  five  years,  and 
then  raised  the  republi-  ^  ^''  can  banner,  which  he 
nailed  to  the  mast,  de-  termined  to  follow  his 
own  convictions.  About  a  year  after  he  started, 
his  whole  plant  was  de-                                                                                                    stroyedbytire,  and  ashe 

was    only    half    insured      ' '■ '     the  loss  was  severelv  felt. 

He  never  lost  courage,  liowevcr,    liut    began 

again  with  the  same  earnestness  and  determination  to  succeed.  Dr.  Bradford  kindly  came  to  his  assistance 
and  started  a  column  entitled  "  Chips  From  jNiy  Workshop."  This  gave  a  new  impetus  to  the  paper,  not 
alone  because  of  the  i)ublic  interest  in  these  contributions,  but  because  of  the  high  esteem  in  which  their 
author  was  held  in  tliis  community.  The  plant  was  largely  increased,  the  additional  facilities  enabled  him 
to  do  all  his  own  press  work,  and  he  now  has  one  of  the  best  eipiipjied  country  ottices  in  the  State. 

From  publishing  a  partisan  pa})er  it  was  natural  for  him  to  drift  into  politics,  and  in  1^88  he 
received  the  appointment  of  Engrossing  Clerk  to  the  lower  house  of  the  State  Legislature,  and  two 
years  afterward  he  ran  for  Assembly  on  the  republican  ticket,  and  was  elected  by  a  plurality  of  ^-t^'d.  He 
took  a  firm  stand  against  the  famous  coal  combine,  which  came  up  that  year,  and  the  "  usual "  powers 
of  persuasion  failed  to  win  him  over.  He  was  re-elected  the  following  year,  and  was  one  of  the  helpless 
minority  which  fought  so  hard  against  the  corrupt  ring  that  controlled  tlie  Legislature  that  year.  He 
was  a  member  of  the  Committee  on  Municipal  Corporations  to  whom  was  referred  the  famous  race  track 


History  of  Montclaik  Township.  141 

hill  that  wa.-^  rushed  through  the  Legislature  against  the  protests  of  the  large  delegation  of  ministers  and 
lavmen  who  met  in  the  Assenihly  representing  every  part  of  the  State.  He  made  the  minority  report  of 
this  committee,  condemning  in  the  strongest  terms  possible  this  infamous  bill.  His  whole  course  during 
the  two  terms  was  fearless  and  upright,  and  every  attempt  at  jol)l)ery  was  met  by  a  strong  and  determined 
opposition  on  his  part.  As  an  evidence  of  the  esteem  in  which  he  was  held  by  his  party,  it  may  be 
noted  that  he  was  the  caucus  nominee  for  Speaker  at  the  beginning  of  his  second  term,  with  no  chance, 
however,  for  election,  as  his  opponents  were  largely  in  the  majority.  He  ntade  an  honorable  record  for 
himself  in  one  of  the  most  corrupt  Legislatures  that  ever  //(/Vrepresented  the  State  of  JS'ew  Jersey. 

He  is  naturally  of  a  modest  and  retiring  disposition,  and  while  earnestly  advocating  through  the 
columns  of  his  journal  all  the  great  reform  movements  inaugurateil  in  Montclair,  he  could  not  be 
induced  to  accept  any  local  otHce,  preferring  active  service.  As  a  man,  however,  he  is  held  in  tlie  highest 
esteem  in  the  community,  and  while  true  to  his  principles  as  a  republican,  he  shares  equally  the  esteem  of 
his  opponents. 

He  has  done  much  to  promote  jiulilic  entertainments  of  a  high  order,  and  has  for  some  years  repre- 
sented the  various  "bureaus"  engaged  in  this  work.  As  local  manager  of  the  New  Tork  Philhar- 
monic Club  he  has  brought  to  Montclair  a  number  of  musical  celebrities. 

Mr.  Studer  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Montclair  Building  and  Loan  Association,  in  which  he 
has  always  taken  an  active  part.  He  is  member  of  St.  Alban's  Lodge,  No.  C8,  F.  &  A.M.,  of  Newark, 
and  of  several  local  organizations. 

He  is  domestic  in  his  habits,  and  prefers  the  rpiietude  of  his  own  home  to  public  honors  or  the 
gaieties  of  social  life.  His  wife  was  a  Miss  ELlizabetii  M.  Zicgler,  of  Newark,  and  his  family  consists  of 
one  son  and  two  daughters,  to  wliose  mental  and  physical  training  he  devotes  much  attention. 

THE  LMTKl)  STATES    I'KLNTlNfi  COMPANY, 
Ilixns  »fe  Kkicham  Factokv  No.  3. 

Since  the  closing  of  the  Wheeler  Mills  on  Toney's  Brook,  in  1887,  manufacturing  industries  in  this 
locality  liave  ceased  to  exist  with  the  exception  of  ifcssrs.  Crump  iSc  Everdell,  who  had  been  long 
established  in  New  York,  started  their  works  near  the  depot  of  the  New  York  and  Circenwood  Lake 
Pailway  Company  in  1S7.5.  They  jjurchased  grounds  and  erected  suitable  two  story  buildings,  covering 
some  240  x  100  feet,  and  employed  a  number  of  liands,  doing  a  large  Inisiness  in  label  and  color  printing, 
and  also  in  the  manufacture  of  waterproof  wall  paj'Cr. 

On  the  morning  of  July  4,  1877,  the  buildings  were  entirely  destroyed  by  tire,  the  origin  of  which 
was  never  fully  determined,  but  supposed  to  have  been  caused  by  spontaneous  combustion. 

As  soon  as  possible  a  new  factory  was  erected  on  a  much  larger  and  more  extensive  scale,  the  size  of 
the  buildings  being  150  x  240  feet  (afterward  increased  to  15(J  x  .j2.'i  feet,  the  present  size),  which  were 
fitted  up  with  greatly  increased  facilities.  Mr.  Everdell  withdrew  from  the  tirm  at  about  this  time,  and 
ifr.  Samuel  Crump  carried  on  the  business  alone  very  successfully  until  1881,  when  the  Cruinj)  Label 
Company  was  formed,  which  name  was  changed  to  Samuel  Crumj)  Label  Company  in  1888. 

This  company  continued  to  do  an  increasing  business,  employing  some  200  hands,  until  it  was  pur- 
chased in  June,  1890,  by  the  Hinds,  Ketcham  Company,  of  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  this  being  a  reorganization 
of  the  firm  of  Hinds,  Ketcham  6c  Co.,  which  firm  was  formed  some  ten  years  previous  by  four  employees 
of  the  Crump  Label  Company,  who  had  built  up  an  enormous  busines.s,  located  at  I'rooklyn,  until  they 
were  ah\e  at  tliis  time  to  purcha.se  the  entire  business  conducted  by  their  former  employers.  Lender  tliis 
new  management  the  business  was  somewhat  increased  until  Februarv  1,  1891,  when  it  was  purchased  Ijy 
The  United  States  Printing  Company,  a  concern  that  had  been  formed  with  a  capital  stock  of  $3,.5O0,00O, 
and  included  the  largest  label  and  color  printing  manufacturers  in  the  country.  The  magnitude  of  this 
new  company  can  be  better  realized  when  we  know  they  at  once  stripped  tliis  Montclair  factory  of  all  its 
machinery  pertaining  to  the  printing  trade,  disti-ibuting  it  in  some  of  theii'  other  factories,  and  immediately 


142 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


inirchased  an  enormous  amount  of  new  and  improvL'il  machinery  for  the  sole  pui'pose  of  coating  paper 
and  card  of  every  description  for  use  in  their  other  factoi'ies,  which  are  at  pi'esent  k)cated  at  Brooklyn, 
N.  Y..  Cincinnati,  O.,  and  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  where  the  total  product  of  the  Montclair  branch  is  turned  into 
printed  labels,  show  cards,  banners,  boxes,  circus  posters,  playing  cards,  and  every  other  form  of  novelty 
that  can  be  made  from  either  paper  or  card,  and  which  are  used  in  every  known  country  on  the  globe. 
This  Montclair  factory,  which  is  known  as  Minds  &  Ketcham  Factory  No.  3,  is  one  of  the  largest,  if  not 
the  largest,  and  certainly  the  best  equipped  works  of  its  kind  in  the  country.  The  entire  building  is 
occupied  in  the  niamifacture  of  its  goods,  and  while  the  character  of  the  work  does  not  necessitate  the 
employment  of  as  many  hands  as  were  formerly  kept  busy  (as  there  are  only  some  75  employed  now),  yet  the 
amount  of  product  is  many  times  greater  than  it  ever  was  before,  as  the  cajiacity  of  the  works  is  at  least 
30,000  pounds  of  finished  paper  and  card  per  day,  oi-  al)out  9,000,000  jiounds  per  year.  Over  1,000,000 
pounds  of  imported  clay  and  over  250,000  pounds  of  jiowdered  glue  are  used  in  its  jtroduction,  which  is 
as  large  a  quantity  of  either  of  these  articles  as  is  used  in  any  one  factory  in  the  country. 

The  paper  enters  the  factoi-y  in  its  crude  state  from   the  mills   in   the   East,  and   is  coated  in  any 


UNITED    STATES    PRINTING   COMPANY. 

weight  and  color,  calendered,  cut  into  any  size  sheets,  and  shipped  in  strong  machine-made  cases  to  the 
other  factories  all  ready  to  be  put  upon  the  presses  for  ])i'inting.  This  factory  received  some  time  ago  an 
order  from  one  of  its  Cincinnati  factories  for  a  few  months'  supply  of  paper,  which  would  take  some  (!5 
freight  cars  to  transport  to  its  destination,  and  ove;-  ten  cars  of  lumber  for  casing  of  same.  The  fi'eight 
paid  by  the  factory  to  the  Erie  Railroad,  over  which  all  its  supplies  and  ]n-oduct  is  carried,  can  be  im- 
agined when  it  is  noted  that  they  paid  freight  on  at  least  20,00(»,000  pounds  of  supplies  and  completed 
production  in  one  year. 

The  factory  is  well  protected  against  tire  as  it  has  a  tire  l)rigade  of  its  own.  with  suitable  apparatus, 
which  can  be  attached  to  hydrants  of  its  own,  and  is  also  supiilied  with  an  automatic  sprinkler  system 
which  would  easily  flood  the  building  and  contents  in  time  of  need. 

The  factory  being  situated  in  such  a  remote  portion  of  the  town,  is  no  hindrance  to  its  growth  as  a 
residence  centre,  as  probably  not  over  one-fiftieth  part  of  the  inhal)itants  would  know  of  its  existence,  if  it 
were  not  for  its  sonorous  whistle,  which  not  only  calls  its  employees  to  and  from  their  duty,  but  also 
blows  all  fire  alarms  for  tlie  town,  as  it  is  connected  automatically  with  the  township  system. 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  '  143 

Wliile  the  home  office  of  the  Company  is  in  Cincinnati,  O..  all  the  factories  are  operated  as 
separate  concerns,  so  that  all  business  of  every  description  for  this  factory  is  completed  at  its  own  office. 

The  entire  business  of  the  factory,  while  conducted  by  home  talent,  is  under  the  direct  supervision 
of  i[r.  Joseph  E.  Hinds,  of  Brimklyii.  tiie  Vice  President  and  (Tcneral  Eastern  ^fanager  of  the  Company, 
to  whose  business  sagacity  the  grand  success  of  this  branch  of  the  Company  is  due. 

Joseph  Enwix  Hinds.  Vice-President  and  General  Eji-stern  ^[anager  of  the  present  coiujmny, 
wIkj  ha.s  been  connected  with  the  l)usiness  for  nearly  a  ipiartcr  of  a  century,  is  a  native  of  Hrooklyn,  L.  I.^ 
horn  September  is,  1848,  of  English  parentage.  He  has  made  his  own  way  in  the  world  since  he  was 
eleven  years  of  age.  He  entered  a  printing  office  in  New  York  City  when  he  was  fifteen  years  of  age, 
and  live  years  later  found  em])loynient  with  Crump  it  Co.,  who  were  then  carrying  (jii  the  business  of 
colored  label  printing  on  Fnlton  Street.  In  1S71  he  was  made  superintendent  of  their  New  York 
fa;'torv,  and  when  they  moved  to  .Montchiir,  in  1^7."),  he  took  charge  of  tiseir  new  factory  and  coiuinucd 
in  that  capacity  until  December.  IsT'.t.  wlicn  he  organized  tin-  lirni  of  Hinds,  Ketcham  &  Co.;  ten  years 
later  they  bought  out  the  old  firm. 

Mr.  Hinds  was  one  of  the  princi|iai  promoters  of  The  United  States  Printing  Company  and  has 
been  its  Vice-President  from  its  organization. 

During  his  residence  in  Montclair  Mi-.  Hinds  liecame  interested  in  ihe  various  reform  ami 
improvement  movements  of  that  period  ;  he  wa.-<  one  of  the  original  nieinbers  of  the  Village  Improve- 
ment Society,  of  which  i[r.  Thonujs  I'orter  was  President,  and  was  clerk  of  the  Society  during  its 
continuance,  and  .spent  much  time  and  labor  in  promoting  its  objects.  The  hundreds  of  beautiful  shade 
trees  which  have  made  this  one  of  the  most  attractive  townships  in  the  State  are  due  to  the  efforts  of  this 
Society,  of  wliich  Mr.  Hind>  was  one  of  the  most  active  members.  He  also  assisted  in  organizing  the 
Montclair  Literary  an<l  Social  Circle,  which  during  its  existence  afforded  delightful  entertainment,  and 
did  iiiueii  to  improve  the  intellectual  and  social  condition  of  the  young  men  of  the  town.  He  was  its 
first  \'ice-President  and  afterward  became  President  of  the  Society.  He  is  also  a  mend)er  of  Montclair 
Lodge  F.  iV'  A.  M..  and  a  firm  .-npiiorter  of  the  objects  of  the  fraternity.  He  was  the  oi-iginal  piomotcr 
and  tir.st  Past  Pegent  of  Montclair  Council.  Koyal  Arcanum,  and  the  fir.-^t  meeting  of  the  Council  was 
held  at  his  house.     This  has  since  become  one  of  the  most  iidhiential  Coinicils  in  the  State. 

Mr.  Hinds  did  not  remain  long  enough  in  Montclair  to  witness  the  fruition  of  all  his  plans  and 
his  hopes,  itnt  others  have  reaped  the  benefit  of  his  laboiv,  und  iiis  zeal  and  enterprise  for  the  good  of  the 
connnnnity  are  not  forgotten,  and  the  .~eed  sown  by  him  has  horne  ample  fruit,  ifr.  Hinds,  tiiough 
located  in  Brooklyn,  still  has  the  sujiervision  of  the  manufacturing  interests  of  his  Company  in  Montclair. 

Mr.  Hinds  is  a  man  of  strong  individuality,  con.<cientious  and  upright  in  all  his  business 
transactions — a  firm  believer  in  the  brotherhood  of  man,  and  his  aim  in  life  has  been  to  improve  the 
condition  of  his  fellow-men  and  to  lend  a  liel])ing  hand  to  the  needy  and  suffering.  He  married,  in  1870, 
^liss  Mary  A.  Beetham,  the  issue  of  which  is  eiglit  children,  seven  of  whom  are  living. 

BANK  OF  MONTCLAIR. 

With  the  rapid  growth  of  Montclair  it  has  been  a  cause  of  wonder  to  many  of  its  citizens  liow 
tliey  managed  for  so  many  years  to  get  along  without  local  banking  facilities.  It  is  even  more  sur|)rising 
when  it  is  considered  that  within  six  months  after  the  Bank  of  Montclair  opened  its  door.s,  nearly  five 
hundred  depositors  had  availed  themselves  of  the  privilege  thus  offered. 

For  more  than  half  a  century  the  ])eo|)le  of  this  locality  transacted  all  their  banking  business  with 
Newark,  Orange  and  New  York  City,  entailing  loss  of  time,  inconvenience,  and  often  considerable 
expense.  It  has  been  a  subject  of  discussion  for  many  years  past,  and  occasional  efforts  have  been  made 
to  establish  a  bank  in  the  township  without  succes.s.  In  the  autumn  of  l>iSs  Mr.  Paul  Wilcox  and 
Thomas  Wilcox  Stephens,  believing  the  time  was  ripe  for  such  an  enterprise,  (ietermined  to  make  an 
effort   in  this  direction.     Mr.    Stephens   called    upon,   and  obtained  letters  of  introduction  from,  Mr. 


144 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


Benjamin  Graham  and  Mr.  E.  G.  Bnrgess  to  Jasper  R.  Rand  and  Stephen  W.  Carey,  who  gave  their 
hearty  co-operation,  and  arrangements  were  made  for  an  early  meeting.  Tlie  following  gentlemen  met 
by  appointment  at  the  oftiee  of  Mr.  Eand,  in  New  York  City :  Jasper  E.  Hand,  Stei)hen  W.  Carey, 
Paul  Wilcox  and  T.  W.  Stephens,  the  present  cashier  of  the  P.ank  of  Montclair. 

The  matter  was  freely  discussed,  and  it  was  decided  to  effect  an  organization  at  an  early  date. 
Meetings  were  held  from  time  to  time,  and  other  citizens  became  interested  in  the  movement 
and  pledged  their  support.  Several  meetings  were  held  at  the  house  of  ilr.  P.enjamin  Graham,  who 
became  deeply  intere-tcd  in  the  enterprise  at  the  outset  and  was  one  of  the  active  spirits  in  securing  its 
success. 

It  was  finally  agreed  to  start  with  a  ca]iital  of  $50,000,  one-half  the  amount  to  be  paid  in  at  once, 
and  the  balance  when  called  for  by  the  stockholders.  This  was  done  September,  1891.  A  meeting  was 
held  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Paul  Wilcox,  on  the  Valley  Road.  There  Avere  present,  Thomas  Russell, 
Stephen  W.  Carey,  Benjamin  Graham,  A.  B.  Howe,  Philip  Doremus,  Charles  H.  Johnson,  Sr.,  Jasper  R. 
Rand,  Peter  TI.  Tan  Piper,  Paul  Wilcox,  Abraham  P.ussing  aiul  T.  W.  Stephens.  After  the  subserii>tion 
lists  were  opened  there  was  no  dithculty  in  obtaining  the  requisite  capital.     The  citizens  of  Montclair  gen- 


erallv  gave  it  their  heartv 
liberally  to  the  stock.  Out- 
ly  have  taken  the  whole 
ered  expedient  to  have  as 
Montclair. 

tion  of  Directors  was  held 
Goodell,  at  Montclair, 
following  named  gentle- 
StephenW.  Carey. Tin  mias 
Charles  II.  Johnson,  P>en- 
I).  Van  Vleck,  Edwin  A. 
gess,  Paul  AVilcox,  Jasper 
more,  George  II.  Mills, 
ick  J.  Drescher,  Daniel  O. 
Goodell,  W.  W.  Egbert, 
ham  Bussing.  Edwin  A. 
the  list,  declined  to  serve 


A  BIT   OK   BLOOMFIELD    AVEN'UE, 
Showing  the  Bank  of  Montclair. 


support,  and  subscribed 
side  parties  would  willing- 
amount,  but  it  was  consid- 
much  as  possible  taken  in 
A  meeting  for  the  elec- 
at  the  office  of  E.  B. 
April  2,  1SS9,  aiuI  the 
men  were  duly  elected : 
Russell,  Philip  Doremus, 
jamiu  Graham,  William 
Bradley,  Edward  G.  Bur- 
E.  Rand,  John  R.  Liver- 
Andrus  B.  Howe,  Freder- 
Eshl)augh,  Edwin  B. 
Peter  II.A'an  Ri|ier,  A  bra- 
Bradley,  the  seventh  on 
on  account  of  the  pressure 
Mr.  Benjamin  Strong  was 


of   private   business,   and 

elected  in  his  stead.     Jasper  E.  Eand  was  elected  President,  Wm.  D.  Van  Vleck,  Vice-President,  and 

T.  W.  Stephens,  Cashier. 

The  bank  was  formally  opened  Saturday,  June  1,  1889,  in  what  was  known  as  the  Van  Eiper 
building,  on  Bloomtield  Avenue.  Forty-two  accounts  were  opened,  and  the  total  amount  deposited  was 
!?r,(i,0(in.  In  JanuaiT,  1890,  at  the  first  annual  meeting,  seven  months  after  the  organization  of  the  bank, 
the  books  showed  435  depositors,  with  a  total  of  $U;0,00().  In  January,  1892,  there  were  1,025 
depositors,  witli  a  total  of  $365,000. 

The  books  showed  a  good  surplus  each  year,  but  for  satisfactory  reasons  no  dividend  was  declared. 

In  1892  a  lot  was  purchased,  60x200  feet,  on  Bloomfield  x\ venue,  nearly  opposite  the  Presbyterian 
Cliurch,  and  plans  designed  by  J.  C.  Cady  ct  Co.,  architects,  for  a  bank  building.  Work  was  soon  after 
begun  aTui  the  building  completed  in  the  spring  of  1893.  It  is  30x,"')(i  feet,  three  stories  high,  with  base- 
ment and  cellar.  The  walls  are  of  i>rick,  with  white  terra  cotta  brick  front.  Eoonis  aliove  the  bank  are 
arranged  for  offices,  one  of  which  is  occupied  by  the  ^Montclair  Savings  Bank.  The  new  building  was 
opened  for  business  May  13,  1893.  The  lower  part,  occupied  by  the  Bank  of  Montclair,  is  beautifully 
fitted  up  in  cherry,  with  brass  trimmings.  A  sepaiate  department  is  arranged  for  lady  depositors,  who 
number  nearly  one-third  of  the  entire  list. 


History  ok  Montci.air  Township.  l-l.i 

This  has  uruved  tliiis  far  one  of  the  most  successful  liaukinj^  institutions  ever  started  in  tliis 
country,  sustained  largely  l)y  private  individuals,  there  being  hut  one  manufactory  in  the  town-^hip.  and 
the  business  Ijeinjj  confined  mainly  to  general  supplies  for  the  residents. 

The  directors  for  1S94  are:  Stephen  W.  Carey,  Thomas  Tiussell,  I'liilip  JJoremns,  Charles  II. 
Johnson,  Benjamin  Graham,  William  U.  Van  Vleck,  Edward  G.  Burgess,  Paul  Wilcox,  Jasper  R.  Rand, 
John  K.  Livermore.  Andrns  B.  Howe,  Frederick  J.  Drescher,  Daniel  O.  Esld'augh,  Edwin  B.  Goodcll, 
Peter  II.  Van  Kii)er,  Abraham  Bussing,  r.enjamin  Strong,  Amzi  A.  Sigler,  J.  K.  Williams. 

Till-:  MONK 'LAIR  SAVINGS  BANK. 

The  matter  of  organizing  a  Savings  I'ank  in  Moiitdair  liad  lieen  diseus.sed  by  Imsiness  nu'n  fur 
some  two  or  three  years  before  any  active  steps  were  taken.     According  to  the  minutes  of  the  Bank  : 

•' After  informal  consultation  on  the  subject  of  establishing  a  Savings  IJank  in  ^lontclair,  N..1., 
the  foUowinsr  circular  letter  was  addres.sed  to  a  nundjcr  of  gentlemen  of  ^lontdair  and  vicinity: 

"Mo.\T(i..\ri{,   N.  J.,  September  ,30,  1802. 

"  Having  carefully  considered  the  advLsfibility  of  establishing  a  Savings  Bank  in  ^Umtclair.  we  have 
reached  the  conclusion  that  the  time  has  come  to  do  so.  The  success  of  the  two  financial  institutions  now 
here,  which  has  been  much  greater  in  both  cases  than  was  anticipated,  has  been  tlic  ]irin('i|ia]  argument  in 
favor  of  such  a  step. 

"  Believing  that  your  assistance  upon  the  I'oard  of  Managers  of  such  a  Itank  will  be  of  great  ad- 
vantage to  it,  voii  are  re<|nested  to  be  pre.-ent,  if  you  will  consent  to  serve,  at  the  rooms  of  the  Montclair 
Building  and  Loan  As<ociation,  on  Friday  evening.  ( )ctober  7,  at  S  o'clock,  to  arrange  ])reliniinaries.  and 
sign  the  necessary  certificate  as  a  first  step  toward  organization. 

"If  you  are  willing  to  serve  and  cannot  then  be  present,  and  will  send  word  to  that  effect  to  Mr. 

(joodell,  your  name  will  be  inserted  in  the  ciTtiticatc.  and  a  comniis.-ioner  will  call  upon  you  to  take  your 

signature. 

•■  Very  truly  yours, 

"Jasper  R.  Rand,  Philip  Doremus,  Andrns  It.  Howe.  Edward  .Madixm.  Hugh  Gallagher,  C.  xVle.x- 
ander  Cook,  William  II.  Ketchuni,  Joim  R.  Livermore,  Charles  I.  lieeves,  William  Y.  Bogle, 
.luhn  S.  Carlson,   W.  Lou  Doremu.*,   Edwin  II.  (Joodell. 

"In  conformity  with  the  re<piest  contained  in  the  above  letter,  the  gentlemen  addressed  met  on 
the  evening  of  October  7,  IS'Ji.  at  the  rooms  of  the  Montclair  Building  and  Loan  Association,  and  held 
an  informal  meeting. 

"At  this  meeting  Mr.  Edwin  B.  Goodell  was  requested  and  authorized  to  proceed  to  take  all  the 
neces.sary  and  legal  steps  rerpiired  to  procure  the  Certificate  of  Incorporation  for  The  Montclair  Savings 
Bank,  and  the  Certiticate  of  iVuthority  to  open  the  said  Bank  for  busines.s,  and  such  other  matters  as 
might  be  required." 

According  to  the  advertisement  duly  inserted  in  the  Montclair  Herald,  November  3,  1892,  the 
following  named  gentlemen  composed  the  cfirporators  of  the  Baid< : 

Jasper  R.  Hand,  John  K.  Livermore,  William  H.  Ketchum,  William  Y.  Bogle,  I.  Seymour  ('rane, 
Piiilip  Doremus,  Edward  Madison,  Andrus  B.  Howe,  John  S.  Carlson,  W.  Louis  Doremus,  C.  Alexander 
Cook,  Hugh  Gallatrher,  Edwin  B.  Goodell,  Charles  I.  Beeves,  Charles  II.  Johnson,  Jr.,  John  J.  II.  Love, 
David  F.  Merritt,  Charles  W.  Anderson,  Thomas  Kn.ssel!,  Amzi  A.  Sigler,  Stephen  AV.  Carey, 
Thomas  W.  Stephens,  Daniel  O.  Eshbaugh,  J.  Edgar  Williams,  Samuel  C.  (i.  Watkins,  Cyrus  B.  Crane. 

The  first  meeting  for  organization  was  held  January  9,  1893,  at  the  room  <jf  the  Montclair  Build- 
ing and  Loan  Association,  on  Bloomfield  .\ venue.  It  was  then  announced  th<"t  the  necessary  Certificate 
of  Incorporation  had  been  tiled  with  the  State  Banking  Department  at  Trenton,  and  that  the  Certificate 


146  History  of  Montclair  Towxsiiir. 

of  Autliorization  liail  been  du]y  issued,  and  that  the  twenty  six  gentlemen  wlin  liad  applied  for  a  Savings 
T>auk  in  Montclair  were  now  duly  antliorized  to  oi'ganize  the  bank. 

At  this  meeting  By-Laws  were  adopted,  and  the  following  officers  were  elected  : 

President,  riiilip  Doremus ;  Vice-President,  Thomas  AV.  Ste])hens ;  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  II. 
D.  Crane;  Counsel,  Edwin  B.  Goodell. 

An  Executive  Committee  consisting  of  the  following  named  gentlemen  in  addition  to  the  ex-officio 
mendiers  were  elected : 

William  Y.  BoLde,  David  F.  Merritt,  Andrns  B.  Howe,  John  P.  Livermore,  Edwin  B.  Goodell. 

The  bank  was  dnly  opened  for  depositors  March  15,  1893.  At  the  close  of  the  tirst  year's  business 
there  were  985  accounts  opened,  and  the  amount  due  depositor.?  was  $125,229.41. 

MASONIC   LODGES. 

]5loomfield  Lodge,  No.  40,  F.  &  A.  M.,  was  organized  in  West  Bloonifield  as  early  as  1824, 
and  the  fact  that  the  furniture  of  Chatham  Lodge — then  suspended — was  obtained  for  the  new  Lodge, 
indicates  that  the  former  had  previously  existed  in  this  locality.  Tiie  first  communication  was  held 
July  24,  1824,  in  the  hotel  of  Joseph  Munn,  on  the  corner  of  Church  Street  and  Valley  Poad.  A 
dispensation  was  obtained  from  the  M.'.  W.".  Grand  Master,  and  the  Lodge  acted  under  this  authority 
until  the  regular  meeting  of  the  Grand  Lodge.  The  first  officers  elected  were  :  Simeon  Baldwin,  AV.  M. ; 
Daniel  D.  Beach,  S.  W. ;  Joshua  Smith,  J.  W. ;  Ephraim  P.  Stiles,  Secretary  ;  Zenas  S.  Crane,  Treasurer ; 
Matthias  Taylor,  S.  D. ;  John  Pobinson,  J.  I).;  William  I'rame,  M.  of  C. ;  and  Linus  Baldwin,  Tyler. 

The  names  of  the  twenty-seven  charter  mend)ers  show  that  they  were  mostly  residents  of  this 
locality :  Matthias  Smith,  D.  D.  Beach,  John  Robinson,  Joshua  Smith,  Joiiathan  Stephens,  Linus 
Baldwin,  Benjamin  Peynolds,  Matthias  Taylor,  Cln-istopher  Gari'abrant,  AVilliani  Frame,  .Tolm  Munn, 
Thomas  Speer,  Jr.,  Simeon  Baldwin,  Zenas  S.  Crane,  L.  F.  Lewis  Mitchell,  Josej)!!  ]\hinn,  Nathaniel  H. 
Baldwin,  John  Aikins,  Aaron  Ballard,  Robert  Aikins,  Peter  Doremus,  Thomas  Ryland,  William  Young, 
John  Moore,  Hugh  I5oggs,  Henry  Staidey.  Ephraim  P.  Stiles. 

The  Lodge  was  duly  chartered  by  the  Grand  Lodge  and  the  first  regular  connnunication  was  held 
September  15,  1824,  when  the  officers  named  in  the  dispensation  were  installed  by  M.".  AV.".  Grand  Master, 
Jeptha  B.  Munn.  Among  its  members  were  many  names  familiar  to  the  old  lesidents  of  West  Bloom- 
field.  The  Lodge  contiuTied  to  flourish  and  increase  in  membership  until  the  Anti-Masonic  agitation 
(fostered  and  encouraged  by  politicians)  of  1828-32,  when  hundreds  of  lodges  all  over  the  country 
surrendered  their  charters.  The  charter  of  Bloonifield  Lodge  was  surrendered  about  this  time,  and 
ceased  to  exist  for  twenty  eight  years.  On  February  19,  185<^  it  was  resuscitated  at  Bloonifield,  the 
old  warrant  being  re-issued  to  them  under  the  name  of  Bloon]field  Lodge  No.  40.  The  new  officers  were 
installed  by  Past  Grand  Master  Jeptha  B.  Alunn,  the  same  individual  who,  twenty-eight  years  previous — 
being  then  Grand  Master  of  Masons  of  the  State  of  New  Jersey — had  installed  the  original  officers. 
This  Lodge  is  still  in  a  flourishing  condition  in  I'loomfield. 

MoxTCLAiu  Lodge  No.  144,  F.  ct  A.  M.,  vras  organized  in  1875  and  held  its  first  connnunication 
under  dispensation  in  Odd  Fellows'  Hall,  October  25  of  that  year.  The  charter  members  were  11.  W. 
Force,  John  P.  Turner,  A.  P.  Devoursney,  Geo.  R.  Milligan,  Edward  E.  Wright,  Edgar  T.  Gould,  S.  D. 
Chittenden,  Peter  A.  Tronson,  Peter  Speer,  M.  W.  Smith,  Charles  Smith,  F.  H.  Harris,  Sanuiel 
Arbuthnot  and  Edmund  Williams. 

At  the  annual  connnunication  of  the  Grand  Lodge  in  the  following  Januai'v  a  charter  was  granted 
to  Montclair  Lodge  and  the  Lodge  was  duly  instituted  P^ebruary  10,  1870,  by  R.*.  W.-.  Bro.  J.  C.  Fitz- 
gerald, Grand  S.  W.  The  officers  of  the  Lodge  while  under  dispensation  and  during  187fi  were  H.  W. 
Force,  W.  M. ;  John  P.  Turner,  S.  W. ;  A.  P.  Devoursney,  J.  W. ;  E.  E.  Wright,  Treasurer ;  G.  R. 
Milligan,  Secretary;  E.  T.  Gould,  S.  D. ;  S.  D.  Chittenden,  J.  D. ;  P.  A.  Tronson,  M.  of  C. ;  Peter 
Speer,  Tyler. 


History  of  Montci.air  Township.  147 

Officers,  ISTT.— II.  W.  Force.  W.  M.:  .1.  1".  Turner.  S.  AV.  ;  A.  P.  Dovoursiiev.  J.  W.  ;  E.  E. 
Wright,' Treasurer;  W.  L.  Doremus,  Secretary ;  E.  T.  Goiil.l.  S.  1).;  T.  F.  Jacolm.s  J.  D. ;  P.  A. 
I'roiisiin  ami  R.  D.  Sargent,  ^f.  of  C  ;  Peter  Speer.  Tyler. 

(hficers,  1878.— H.  "\V.  Force,  W.  M. ;  P.  A.' Tronson,  S.  W. ;  G.  \l.  ^\\\\\gm.  J.  W. ;  E.  E. 
Wriglit,  Treasurer;  W.  L.  Doremn.«,  Secretary  ;  E.  T.  Goukl,  S.  I).  ;  T.  F.  Jaeohus.  J.  I). ;  J.  L.  Crone 
and  J.  McTagjjarr,  il.  of  C. ;  Peter  Spcer,  Tvler. 

Officers,  1S79.-II.  W.  Force,  W.  M.  ;  E.  \).  Hall,  S.  W.  ;  A.  IJ.  Howe.  .1.  W. ;  E.  E.  Wriglit, 
Treasurer;  J.  P.  Turner,  Secretary;  E.  T.  Goukl,  S.  I).;  T.  F.  Jacobus,  J.  J).;  J.  McTaggart  and 
(ico.  A.  Van  Gieson,  M.  of  V. ;  Peter  Speer,  Tyler. 

Offico'K,  1S80— A.  P..  Howe,  W.  M.  ;"g.  K.  MiUigan.  S.  W.;  Joseph  E.  Hinds.  J.  W. ;  E.  E. 
Wright,  Treasurer;  J.  P.  Turner,  Secretary;  E.  T.Gould.  S.  I).;  George  W.  Scherf.  J.  D. ;  Peter 
Speer,  Tyler. 

Officers,  18S1.— A.  1!.  Howe,  W.  M. ;  ti.  K.  .Milligan,  S  W. ;  T.  F.  Jac.)l)us.  J.  W. ;  E.  E. 
\Vright,  Treasurer;  J.  P.  Turner,  Secretary;  \l.  T.  (iould,  S.  D. ;  George  Delong,  J.  D. ;  J.  McTaggart 
aiul  Vaughn  Darrcss,  M.  of  G. ;  C.  H.  Corhy.  Tyler. 

Officers,  1882.— A.  P.  Howe,  W.  M. ;  G.  Pv.  Milligan,  S.  W. ;  E.  T.  (iould,  J.  \\ .;  Cieorge 
Delong,  Treasurer;  J.  P.  Turner,  Secretary;  James  H.  Casey,  S.  ]). ;  Vaughn  Darres.s,  J.  D.;  J. 
McTaggart  and  John  Poole,  Jr..  M.  of  C. ;  John  G.  Treadwell.  Chaplain  ;  C.  H.  Corhy,  Tyler. 

Officers,  1883.— G.  K.i[illigan,  W.  M.;  C.  W.  Sandford,  S.  W.;  W.  L.  Doremus,  J.  W.;  George 
Delong,  Treasurer;  J.  P.  Turner,  Secretary;  James  H.  Ca.sey,  S.  D. ;  Jolui  Poole,  J.  D. ;  T.  Y.  Jacobus 
and  W.  K.  Courter,  M.  of  C.;  John  G.  Treadwell.  Chaplain:  C.  H.  Corby,  Tyler. 

Officers,  1SS4.— C.  W.  Sandfor.I.  W.  if.;  W.  L.  Doremus,  S.  W. :  Vnuglm  Darrcss.  J.  W.  ;  G.  R. 
Milligan,  Treasurer;  J.  P.  Turner.  Secretary;  J..hn  Poole.  Jr.,  S.  I).;  Janie>  II.  Walsh,  J.  I).;  C.  W. 
English  and  A.  G.  Spencer.  M.  of  C. ;  John  G.  Treadwell.  Cliajilain  ;  Peter  Speer,  Tyler. 

Officers.  ISS.').— C.  W.  Sandford,  W.  M.  ;  C.  W.  English,  S.  W. ;  A.  G.  Spencer,  J.  W.  ;  G.  R. 
Milligan,  Trea.surer;  A.  Fl  Aeby,  Secretary;  I.  N.  Pudgers,  S.  D. ;  E.  E.  Leach,  J.  D. ;  G.  B.  Edwards 
and  i'.  D.  Riker,  M.  of  C. ;  John  G.  Treadwell,  Chaplain;  T.  F.  Jacobus,  Tyler. 

Officers,  1S80.— C.  W.  English.  W.  M;  A.  G.  Spencer,  S.  W.;  I.  N.  Rudgers,  J.  W.;  G.  R. 
Milligan,  Treasurer;  A.  IJ.  IL.we,  Secretary;  C.  W.  Sandford,  S.  D.;  Elijah  Pearce,  J.  D.;  A.  C. 
ililsinger  and  P.  D.  Riker,  M.  of  C;  John  G.  Treadwell,  Chaplain  ;  T.  F.  Jacobus,  Tyler. 

(fficers,  1887.— C.  W.  English,  W.  M.;  I.  X.  Rudgers,  S.  W.;  A.  C.  Hilsinger,  J.  W.;  G.  R. 
Milligan",  Treasurer;  A.  B.  Howe,  Secretary;  Elijah  Pearce,  S.  D.;  E.  E.  I.each,  J.  D.;  W.  II. 
liarcholomew  and  A.  G.  Spencer,  M.  of  C;  John  G.  Treadwell,  Chaplain  ;  P.  D.  Riker,  Tyler. 

Officers,  1888.- A.  B.  Howe,  AV.  JI.;  G.  R.  ]V[illigan,  S.  W.;  A.  C.  Hilsinger,  J.  W.;  Wm.  M. 
Ta\lor,  Treasurer;  F.  W.  Crane,  Secretary;  F.  N.  Class,  S.  D.;  Theodore  Siglcr,  J.  D.;  T.  F.  Jacobus 
and  A.  (i.  Spencer.  M.  of  C;  John  G.  Treadwell,  Chaplain  ;  P.  D.  Riker,  Tyler. 

Officers,  1889.— A.  B.  Howe,  W.  M.;  G.  R.  Milligan.  S.  W.;  W.  L.  Doremus,  J.  W.;  Wm.  M. 
Taylor,  Treasurer;  F.  W.  Crane,  Secretary  ;  A.  S.  Badgley,  S.  D.;  Theodore  Sigler,  J.  D.;  V.  B.  Sqnier 
and  A.  G.  Spencer,  M.  of  C;  John  G.  Treadwell,  Chaplain ;  P.  D.  Riker,  Tyler. 

Officers,  189U.— William  M.  Taylor,  W.  M.;  Vaughn  Darre.ss,  S.  W.;  A.  S.  Badgley,  J.  W.;  Wm.  L. 
Doremus,  Treasurer;  F.  W.  Crane,  Secretary;  A.  B.  Howe,  S.  D.;  Theodore  Sigler,  J.  D.;  Geoi-ge 
Delong  and  Elijah  Pearce,  M.  of  C;  John  G.  Treadwell,  Chaplain ;  P.  D.  Riker,  Tyler. 

Officers,  1891.— Alfred  S.  Badgley,  W.  AF.;  II.  F.  Holloway,  S.  W.;  Sanmel  White.  Jr.;  J.  W. 
Wm.  L.  Doremus.  Treasurer;  Clark  Coo|)cr.  Secretary  ;  A.  15.  Howe,  S.  I).;  P.  F.  Dur.^t,  J.  D.;  G.  R. 
Milligan  and  Elijah  Pearce.  il.  of  C;  Joseph  T.  Farrington,  Chaplain;   P.  D.  Riker,  Tyler. 

Officers,  1892.— Alfred  S.  Badgley.  W.  M.;  11.  F.  Holloway,  S.  W.;  Ralph  Marden,  J.  W.;  Wm. 
L.  Doremus.  Treasurer  ;  Hugo  Reid,  Secretary ;  C.  W.  McKcnvn.  S.  D.;  F.  W.  Crane,  J.  D.;  Elijah 
Pearce  and  I.  X.  Rudger.s,  M.  of  C.;  Joseph  T.  I'arrington,  Chaplain  ;  P.  D.  Riker,  Tyler. 

Officers,  1893.— Henry  F.  Holloway,  W.  M.:  Ralph  ilarden,  S.  W.:  Hugo  Reid,  J.  W.;  Wm.  L. 


J48  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

Doremiis,  Treasurer;  C.  W.  McKowii,  Secretary;  A.  B.  Howe,  S.  D.;  Elijali  Pearce,  J.  I).;  C.  W. 
English  and  G.  E.  Millitjan,  M.  of  C;  John  G.  Treadwell,  Cliaplain ;  P.  D.  Eiker,  Tyler. 

(Jlficers,  1894-.— iialpii  ilarden,  AV.  M.;  II.  F.  Ilolloway,  S.  W.;  Eobert  F.  Green.  J.  W.;  AViii. 
L.  Doremus,  Treasurer;  0.  W.  McKowii,  Secretary;  A.  1!.  Howe,  S.  D.;  A.  0.  Eowland,  J.  D,;  T.  E. 
Taltavall  and  G.  A.  \'an  Gieson,  M.  of  ('.;  John  G.  Treadwell,  Chaplain  ;  P.  U.  Eiker,  Tyler. 

Since  its  institution  ]\[ontclair  Lodge  has  received  forty-five  nieiubers  by  atfiliation  and  foi-ty  by  the 
conferring  of  degrees.  It  has  lost  nineteen  by  suspension  for  non-payment  of  dues,  twelve  by  diniit,  and 
nine  by  deatli.     Tlie  present  menibershiji  (.January  1,  ISIH)  is  fifty-nine. 

I.  O.  O.  F. 

Watchung  Lod(;e,  No.  \?A,  I.U.U.F.,  was  instituted  at  Montclair,  May  i,  ISOi).  Its  first  otficers 
were  :  Melancthou  W.  Smith,  N.  G. ;  John  C.  Woodruff,  V.  G. ;  Edgar  T.  Gould,  Eecording  Secretary ; 
Warren  S.  Taylor,  Permanent  Secretary ;  Edward  E.  AVright,  Treasurer. 

The  following  persons  have  filled  the  position  of  N.  G.  since  its  yrganization :  John  H.  Havden, 
^\.  S.  Taylor,  M.  Speer,  H.  M.  Eomer,  G.  E.  Milligan,  E.  T.  Gould,  ^^\  B.  Jacobus,  S.  A.  Gould,  S. 
J.  Gould,'  Theo.  T.  King.  A.  E.  Munn,  E.  B.  Crane,  E.  B.  Harris,  C.  F.  Dunham,  J  no.  H.  Jacobus,  E. 
D.  Hall,  M.  AV.  Sniitli,"  Geo.  T.  Bunten,  John  ]\Iurphy,  E.  B  Harris,  ^\.  H.  (iould,  Frank  Koegler, 
Warren  S.  Taylor,  Ed.  Grossman,  Geo.  AV.  Poxall.  David  D.  Murphy,  M.  W.  Smith.  E.  M.  Harrison,"  AV. 
H.  Stagg,  W.  H.  Delhagen,  Peter  Haring,  Clark  Cooper,  J.  F.  Creamer,  E.  E.  Ih-ooks,  Frank McKenna, 
Thomas  J.  Courter. 

Total  uundjer  of  mendjers  since  its  organization,  174;  deatlis,  7;  present  mendiership,  71. 

GEN.  SHEEArAN  LODGE,  No.  51,  ANCIENT  OEDER  UNITED  AVOEKMEN. 

This  Liidge  was  instituted  February  IS,  1891,  by  Past  Grand  Master  AVorkman  J.  AY.  Diefendorf, 
assisted  by  E.  H.  Colyer,  P.  M.  AV".,  Dr.  Geo.  AV.  Potter,  Medical  Exanuner  and  Financier;  J.  H.  Day, 
of  Newark  Lodge,  No.  31,  P.  M.  W.;  C.  Schlaeffer,  of  Elizabeth  Lodge,  No.  29  ;  James  E.  Garrabrant,  Mas- 
ter AVorkman,  of  AVest  End,  No.  48,  and  other  visiting  brethren.  Twenty-six  applicants  had  been  ex- 
amined, and  twenty  had  been  approved  and  returned,  which  met  the  requirements  of  the  Constitution  to 
procure  a  charter.  After  the  obligations  liad  been  given,  and  the  exemplification  of  the  secret  work, 
the  following  named  officers  were  elected  and  installed  for  the  ensuing  term  .-  Past  Master  AVorkman, 
A.  C.  Studer;  Master  AVorkman,  I.  Newton  Eudgers;  Foreman,  Stephen  L.  Purdy;  Overseer,  Amidee 
Tunison;  Recorder,  Clark  Cooper;  Financier,  J.  D.  Keyler;  Eeceiver,  Charles  AV.  English ;  Guide, 
Isaac  A.  Dodd  ;  G.  W.,  Henry  Wrensch,  Sr. ;  0.  AV.,    George  Spencer. 

Timstees,  one  year,  A.  C.  Ilortsch  ;  two  years,  T.  AV.  Crane;  three  years,  Carl  F.  Fentzlaff. 

This  is  said  to  lie  the  oldest  and  largest  beneficiary  order  in  existence. 

OTHER  SECEET  AND  BENEVOLENT  SOCIETIES. 

Mendleton  Lodge,  No.  1620.— Meets  first  AVednesday  in  each  month  in  Watchung  Hall. 

Caiiiolic  Knights  of  A&iEErcA,  Beanch  42t!. — Organized  1886  ;  meets  second  and  fourth  Monday 
of  each  month  at  Parocliial  School. 

Ikish  National  Lkague. — Organized  1SS4  ;  meets  at  time  and  place  designated  by  President. 

Catholic  Benevolent  Legion,  Father  Steets'  Council,  No.  S3. — Orgatiized  1S84;  meets 
fir.st  and  third  Monday  of  each  month  in  AA^atchung  Hall. 

Okdek  of  Chosen  Friends,  Morse  Council,  No.  4.5. — Meets  first  and  thii-d  Thursday,  in  Ilayden 
Building,  548  Bloomfield  Avenue. 

Ancient  Order  of  Hibernians. 


History  of  Montci.air  Township.  I4;i 

Knights  of  Hoxor,  Moxtci.aik  Lodgk,  No.  263S. — Organized  December  23,  1881. 

MoNTCLAiR  Council,  No.  4-21.  Koyal  Arcanum. — Organized  IST'.I ;  meets  second  and  fonrtli 
Tuesday  in  each  month,  in  Arcanum  Ilall.  Dorcmus  Building. 

Ckystal  LoiHiE,  No.  2ii,  (tood  Tkmfl.vks.  — Organized  lS8t'>;  meets  every  Monday  evening  in 
Pillsbury  Building. 

^foNTCLAiK  Building  and  Loan  Association. — Meets  iii-st  Monday  evening  in  each  month,  at 
4.j(>  Bloomtield  Avenue. 

Phil.  Kearney  Council,  No.  35,  National  Pkovident  Union. — Meets  every  second  Monday  in 
each  month,  in  Odd  Fellows'  Hall. 

THE  CITIZENS'  COMMITTEE  OF  ONE  HUNDRED. 

This  organization  was  forced  into  existence  hy  contcmi)t  for  excise  laws  and  violations  of  peace 
and  good  order  on  the  part  of  local  liijuor  .sellers  and  their  victims.  It  originated  from  a  suggestion 
made  in  the  inter-denominational  New  Year's  prayer  meeting  of  1883.  It  took  preliminary  form  in  a 
meeting  of  citizens  at  the  residence  (if  the  late  Samuel  Wilde.  January  I'.i.  1883.  Its  Executive  Com- 
mittee, composed  of  I).  F.  Merritt.  Samuel  Crumj),  A.  I'>.  Howe,  H.  15.  Liftell  and  John  J.  Carolan.  tirst 
met  January  27,  1883,  at  the  residence  of  D.  F.  Merritt.  wlun  Mr.  Merritt  was  elected  chairman ;  Mr. 
Carolan,  secretary;  Mr.  Howe,  treasurer:  and  ^Ir.  Crump  and  Mr.  Littell,  auditors. 

Tiie  agreement  which  formed  the  foundatii)n  of  the  general  organization  hears  date  of  January  I'J, 
1883,  and  shows  the  signatures  of  one  hundred  and  twenty-one  men,  each  of  wiiom  subscribed  twenty-five 
dollars  "to  he  used  for  the  creation  of  a  healthy  public  sentiment  in  relation  to  the  use  and  sale  of  lii|uor, 
and  to  enforce  existing  laws  in  Montclair."  This  agreement,  bearing  the  autographs  of  the  one  lunidied 
and  twenty-one  original  members  of  the  general  conmiittee,  is  safely  preserved  among  the  documents  of 
the  organization. 

Montclair  has  always  been  an  exceptionally  tcmjierate,  (juiet  and  order-loving  town.  Many  places 
would  have  tolerated  or  ignored  the  conditions  which  led  to  the  Citizens'  Committee.  Indeed,  the 
organization  ha-s  always  been  defensive,  and,  as  commnnities  go,  its  formation  was  in  large  part  anticipatory 
and  much  of  its  work  has  been  preventive.  Yet  the  report  made  by  tiie  Executive  Connnittee  in  ISSO, 
discussing  the  need  for  the  general  Itody  at  the  time  of  its  formation,  recites  that  ''  a  period  had  been 
reached  when  the  question  had  to  be  determined  whether,  as  in  the  large  cities  of  the  country,  the  li(pior 
interest  should  be  allowed  to  dominate,  or  whether  its  capacity  for  evil  to  the  community  should  be 
diminished  to  the  lowest  p(jssible  point."  Saloons,  licensed  and  unlicensed,  were  increasing  in  number 
annually,  their  work  of  physical  death,  moral  degradation  and  civic  demoralization  was  assuming 
cinnulatively  dangerous  pro])ortions  ami  was  menacing  the  highest  interests  of  the  entire  community. 

To  meet  these  conditions,  and,  as  far  as  possible,  neutralize  the  dangers  embodied  in  them,  the 
Citizens' Committee  began  active  work  in  the  courts  to  prevent  the  granting  of  new  licenses  to  liquor 
sellers  and  to  secure  enforcement  of  the  li(pi(jr  laws,  and  it  iiecame  at  once  potential  in  educating  and 
stimulating  public  opinion.  The  n(jtable  total  al)stinence  meetings  conducted  in  the  winter  of  18S3, 
by  Messrs.  Maybee  and  English,  were  morally  and  financially  aided  by  the  Committee,  and  these  resulted 
in  a  genuine  and  earnest  revival  of  interest  in  temperance  and  abstinence,  as  well  as  in  the  securing  of 
many  hundreds  of  names  to  the  total  abstinence  pledge. 

The  Citizens'  Committee  has  never  been  a  so  called  temperance  society.  It  has  been  and  is  non- 
partisan, and  it  includes  women  and  men  of  all  shades  of  opinion  as  to  the  general  question  of  the  use 
and  abuse  of  liquor  and  of  its  relations  to  the  individual  and  to  the  connnunity.  These  people  tind  a 
common  working  platform  in  the  following  practical  and  inclusive  declaration  of  their  objectives : 

First. — To  protect  the  connnunity,  as  far  as  possible,  from  the  evils  growing  out  of  the  excessive 
nse  and  the  unre.stricted  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors,  by  insisting  upon  a  strict  observance  of  the  law 
under  licen.se  of  which  the  business  in  intoxicants  is  carried  on. 


150  History  of  Montclair  Township. 


10 


Second. — To  secure  the  piiiiisliuu'iit  of  licjuor  dealers  wlio   violate   the   law,   especially  those   wl 
make  their  j)laces  resorts  for  gaiiililiiiii- and  other  vicious  practices,  who  sell  licpKir  to  children,   and   who 
persist  in  carrying  on  this  I)usiuess,  directly  or  indirectly,  on  Sundays. 

Third. — To  use  every  moral  and  legal  effort  not  only  to  prevent  the  ojiening  of  new  saloons,  hut 
to  diminish  the  nuniher  of  those  already  in  existence. 

Along  these  lines  the  Citizens'  Committee  has  done  an  excellent  and  effective  work  for  eleven 
years,  although,  because  of  hindrances  little  understood  by  the  public,  the  things  accomplished  are  not  at 
all  what  even  the  workers  themselves  would  like,  yet,  at  this  writing,  while  the  jiopulation  of  the  town 
has  grown  almost  three-fold  since  1SS2,  the  number  of  liquor  sellers  has  increased  but  about  20  per  cent., 
the  community  has  been  kept  and  remains  exceptionally  free  from  liquor  selling  evils,  such  as  prevail 
where  no  restraint  hampers  and  regulates  the  trafKc. 

Early  in  1SS9,  the  Executive  Committee  was  enlarged  from  five  to  twelve  members,  and  subse- 
quently the  number  was  increased  to  fifteen.  D.  F.  Merritt  served  as  Chairman  from  the  date  of 
organizatiiin  until  October,  1SS7;  Samuel  Crump  thenceforward  until  May,  1891;  then  A.  II.  Siegfried 
until  October,  1S93.  The  Secretaries  have  been  John  J.  Carolan,  E.  P.  Benedict,  Thomas  Hughes, 
C.  S.  Olcott  and  Joseph  Ilellen.  A.  B.  Howe  has  served  as  Treasurer  throughout  the  life  of  the 
organization.  The  current  organization  is  as  follows:  Charles  D.  Thompson,  Chairman  ;  AVm.  Winslow 
Ames,  Secretary;  A.  B.  Howe,  Treasurer;  John  K.  Howard,  Tlmmas  Kussell,  Isaac  Deidjy,  C.  II. 
Johnson,  Jr.,  E.  P.  Benedict,  A.  11.  Siegfried,  D.  F.  Merritt,  A.  A.  Sigler,  John  II.  Parsons,  C.  I. 
Reeves,  R.  M.  Boyd,  Jr.,  Joseph  Hellen. 

THE  GOOD  GOVERNMENT  CLUB. 

The  adoption  of  the  "Short  Law"  by  a  large  majority  of  the  citizens  of  Montclair — alluded  to 
in  a  previous  chapter — was  the  means  of  arousing  public  sentiment  in  favor  of  a  non-partisan  govern- 
ment, which  should  contain  the  best  elements  of  each  political  party,  unbiased  and  uninfluenced  l)y  party 
considerations. 

The  restriction  of  the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors,  and  the  prevention  of  a  trolley  road  from 
passing  through  the  principal  streets  of  the  town,  were  questions  that  agitated  the  public  mind  and  led 
to  the  organization  of  a  non-partisan  Club  having  these  ends  in  view. 

A  meeting  for  this  purpose  was  held  at  Henderson  Hall  on  Saturday  evening,  March  17,  lS9-i. 

It  was  called  to  order  by  Rev.  A.  H.  Bradford,  D.D.,  of  the  First  Congregational  Church, 
a  staunch  republican.  After  briefly  but  earnestly  stating  the  object  of  the  meeting — the  formation 
of  a  non-partisan  organization  to  work  for  sound  morality  and  clean  business  administration  of  the 
affairs  of  the  town — he  nominated  as  Chairman  Rev.  F.  T.  Gates,  who  has  lived  in  the  town  a  year  or  so, 
a  Baptist,  and  a  man  who,  as  the  business  agent  of  Mr.  J.  D.  Rockafeller,  had  been  in  charge  of  the 
erection  of  the  great  buildings  for  the  new  LTniversity  of  Ciiicago. 

Mr.  Gates,  in  his  few  words  on  taking  the  chair,  announced  himself  as  a  life-long  re|niblican,  and 
then  gave  some  admirable  reasons  for  a  non-partisan  government  of  any  town  or  citj',  and  the  divorce  of 
its  business  matters  from  Federal  party  politics.  Mr.  Robert  M.  Boyd,  Jr.,  was  elected  Secretary,  a  man 
independent  in  national  politics,  who  has  always  voted  the  republican  ticket  in  town  matters. 

For  a  basis  of  action,  Mr.  John  R.  Howard,  independent,  otfered  the  following  short  Constitution, 
which  he  described  as  enough  of  a  skeleton  to  be  invested  with  flesh  and  blood  and  vital  organs;  a 
charter  specific  enough  and  broad  enough  for  all  good  purj)oses  : 

I. — The  name  of  this  Association  shall  be  the  "Good  Government  Club  of  Montclair,  New 
Jersey." 

II. — Its  object  is  stated  in  its  name,  and  its  function  shall  1)0  to  do  whatever  its  members  think 
lielpful  in  gaining  that  object,  especially  in  the  direction  of  a  non-partisan  business  administration  of  the 
affairs  of  the  town. 


History  of  Montci.air  Towxsiiir.  151 

HI. — Its  officers  shall  be  a  President,  a  Secretary,  and  a  Treasurer,  who,  besides  doing  the  ordinary 
duties  of  such  officers,  shall,  with  an  Executive  Committee  of  eight  other  members  of  the  Chib,  manage 
the  affairs  of  the  Association  under  tlie  general  direction  of  the  Club. 

lY. — The  officers  and  Executive  Committee  shall  be  elected  annually,  at  tiie  regular  annual 
meeting  to  be  held  on  the  first  Saturday  evening  of  March  in  each  year. 

V. — The  annual  dues  shall  be  one  dollar,  payable  the  first  year  on  joining  the  Club,  and  thereafter 
on  or  before  the  evening  of  the  annual  meeting. 

VI. — Any  person  is  eligil>le  to  membership  who  sympathizes  with  the  object  of  the  Club.  Ail 
:il)plications  shall  be  made  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Club  and  passed  upon  by  the  Executive  Committee; 
all  members  are  entitled  to  vote  who  have  paid  tiicir  dues;  no  member  is  bound  in  his  individual  action 
by  any  general  action  of  the  Club,  l)nt  all  will  be  expected  to  acquiesce  in  such  action  and  work  for  the 
aims  of  the  Club. 

With  the  exception  of  changing  the  date  of  annual  meeting  from  the  third  to  the  first  Saturday 
evening  of  March,  in  each  year,  the  Cuiistitntioii  was  adopted  as  a  provisioiuil  charter. 

A  committee  of  three,  Messrs.  J.  K.  J-iverraore,  democrat,  Charles  D.  Thompson,  republican, 
and  J.  A.  Tiicliards,  prohibitionist,  were  appointed  to  numinati'  a  committee  of  five  on  permanent 
organization  and  policy.  The  tKiminees  were  Kcv.  Dr.  Ijradfurd,  republican,  ('.  S.  (Jleott,  republican, 
Paul  Wilcox,  democrat,  J.  II.  Howard,  independent,  and  A.  D.  French,  republican.  Dr.  Bradford 
declined  the  work,  not,  he  said,  because  he  was  not  in  fullest  sympathy  with  it,  Imt  because  it  would  bo 
a  physical  impossibility  for  him  to  attend  to  its  liuties.  The  meeting  then  by  unanimous  vote  appointed 
Mr.  Charles  D.  Thompson  in  Dr.  Biadford's  place,  overbearing  Mr.  Thompson's  earnest  protest;  and  the 
Committee  was  duly  completed. 

This  Committee  was  instructed  to  confer  in  advance  with  the  leaders  of  the  several  political  parties 
concerning  the  probable  nominees  in  the  respective  wards;  to  ascertain  the  views  of  candidates  as  to  their 
position  on  the  subject  of  granting  lirpior  licenses  and  restricting  the  li(pior  traffic  by  ordinance  and 
otherwise;  and  to  report  nominations  in  |)lace  of  candidates  by  them  deemed  objectionable.  The 
Committee  were  also  directed  to  report  at  the  adjourned  meeting,  which  should  be  called  for  Satui-day 
evening,  March  24,  or  earlier,  if  in  tiieir  discretion  it  should  be  deemed  necessary.  Further,  the  Com- 
mittee were  given  power  to  add  to  their  number,  and  directed  to  report  a  plan  of  pernuinent  organization. 

At  the  adjourned  meeting  held  JIarch  24,  a  plan  of  ])ermanent  organization  was  ailopted  and 
the  following  officials  elected  to  serve  for  the  first  year : 

President,  F.T.Gates;  Secretary,  Starr  J.  Murpliy  ;  Treasurer.  Edward  F.  Myers.  Executive 
Committee:  First  Ward.  <t.  S.  Jellerson  and  Howard  .\yres;  Second  Ward,  Ciias.  S.  Olcott  and  Paul 
Wilcox;  Third  Ward,  John  K.  Howard  and  Richard  P.  Francis;  Fourth  Ward,  W.  1.  Lincoln  Adams  and 
Peter  Larsen. 

CIIII.DKKX'S  HOME. 

The  Children's  Home,  established  hi  1881,  was  the  first,  and  until  very  recently  continued  to  be  the 
onlv.  institution  of  a  charitable  nature  in  Montclair. 

The  so-called  ••fresh  air"  movement,  which  had  begun  its  remarkable  course  about  two  years  ])re- 
viously,  under  the  leadership  of  the  Rev.  Willard  Parsons,  had  brought  to  many  people  a  fuller  compre- 
hension of  the  woes  and  needs  of  the  little  children  of  the  poor  than  they  had  hitherto  had  ;  and  the 
desiraljleness  of  a  temporary  refuge  in  the  country  for  delicate  and  convalescent  children  liad  been  dis- 
cussed among  them.  It  remained,  however,  for  the  Rev.  Dr.  A.  H.  Bradford  to  evolve  from  idle  wishes  and 
unfruitful  sympathy  a  practical  working  force  and  direct  it  in  the  proper  channel,  and  he  can  truthfully 
be  called  the  founder  of  the  Home. 

On  the  first  day  of  July.  18^1.  he  convened  at  his  house  certain  women  connected  with  the  several 
churches  of  Montclair,  who  were  nut  actively  engaged  in  other  philanthropic  work,  presented  the  case  to 
them,  and  asked  their  concurrence  in  his  iihuis. 


152 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


The  names  of  these  women  wlio  shared  with  him  the  first  laborious  efforts  of  the  imdertakinL',  and 
who,  like  himself,  are  ])erpetnal  honorary  members  of  the  Board  of  Managers,  are  as  follows,  viz. : 

Mrs.  Lewis  Benedict,  Mrs.  Edward  G.  Bnrgess,  Mrs.  Sarah  J.  Churchill,  Mrs.  Henry  A.  Dike,  Miss 
M.  Elizabeth  Habbertou,  Mrs.  John  R.  Livermore,  Mrs.  O.  P.  Meacham,  Mrs.  Jasper  E.  Rand,  Mrs. 
Samuel  W.  Tubbs,  Miss  RachelYan  Yleek,  Mrs.  Augustus  White. 

Acting  on  the  principle  that  ''  if  'twere  well  'twere  done,  "twere  well  'twere  done  (jnicklv,"  the 
house  owned  by  Mrs.  Dr.  Clark,  at  the  corner  of  Plynnnith  Street  and  the  Valley  Eoad,  was  immediately 
hired,  and  in  nine  days,  having  been,  meanwhile,  comfortably  furnished,  provisioned,  and  provided  with 
a  competent  matron,  and  with  a  financial  backing  sutficient  to  insure  its  continuance,  it  was  thrown  open 
for  its  first  quota  of  guests  assigned  it  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Parsons.  The  nnmljer  received  during  the  ensuing 
summer  reached  a  total  of  one  hundred  and  twenty,  the  greater  number  remaining  two  weeks. 

The  prompt  response  of  the  townspeople  to  personal  appeals  for  help,  and  the  spontaneous  sym- 
pathy of  many,  soon  made  it  evident  that  the  scheme  was  not  unwelcome;  not  a  day  passed  but  some 
friendly  hand  left  at  the  Home  its  gift  of  food  or  clothing  or  fiowers  : 

Each  gave  in  his  own  way;  the  little  boy  bringing  his  wagon  tilled  with  books  and  toys ;  the 
butcher  sending  meat;  the  grocer,  household  supplies;  housekeepers,  bread  from  tlieir  own  kitchens  ;  the 


printer  giving  his  work; 
many,  their  time;  some, 
comfort    and    a    cheering 

During  this  early  time, 
pressing  duties  demanded 
Habherton  was  well-nigh 
dertaking.  A  teacher  by 
profession,  she  possessed 
locks  the  hearts  of  chil- 
ready  sympathy  did  mucli 
forlorn  little  guests,  and 
meaning    of    the    sacred 

Much  credit  is  likewise 
Miss  JaneThompson.  She 
under  discouraging  cir- 
even  rule,  together  with 
her   character,  could    not 


OLli    ia"ILl>l> 


nil  l<KE.N  S    HOME. 


the  doctor,  his  services; 
money;  others,  words  of 
God-speed. 

and  afterward  until  more 
her  entire  attention.  Miss 
the  mainspring  of  the  un- 
liirth  and  an  educator  hy 
the  golden  key  which  un- 
dreii,  and  her  tact  and 
to  cheer  the  lives  of  the 
make  them  realize  the 
name  of  Home. 
due  to  the  first  matron, 
was  a  model  housekeeper 
cumstances,  and  her  firm, 
the  sturdy  upriglitness  of 
but  influence  in  the  best 


maimer  those  under  her  sway;  while  the  Managers  felt  that  they  could  safely  rely  upon  the  wisdom  of 
her  judi;ment.  When  the  coming  of  autumn  made  this  particular  form  of  charity  no  longer  necessary, 
the  concensus  of  opinion  among  those  most  directly  interested  was  in  favor  of  continuing  the  Home 
as  a  permanent  alwde,  wdiere  children  would  have  the  benefit  of  continuous  care  and  instruction. 

Con.sequently,  the  Children's  Home  xissociation  was  organized  in  October,  ISSl,  by  constituting 
all  persons  who  had  contributed  five  dollars  to  the  support  of  the  Home  memliers  of  the  Association.  At 
the  same  time,  a  constitution  was  adopted,  a  Board  of  Managers  chosen,  and  it  was  decided  to  petition 
the  Legislature  of  New  Jersey  for  articles  of  incorpoiation  as  a  permanent  institution  to  whose  benefits 
•'children  of  both  sexes  under  twelve  years  of  age,  in  needy  circumstances  or  deprived  of  one  or  lioth  of 
their  natural  protectors,  by  death  or  otherwise,  nnght,  at  the  discretion  of  the  Managers,  be  adnntted." 
The  first  Board  of  Managers  comprised  the  following  names:  Mrs.  O.  P.  Meacham,  President;  Mrs. 
John  R.  Livermore,  Vice-President;  MissM.  E.  Habberton,  Secretary;  Mrs.  Jasper  R.  Rand,  Treasurer; 
Mrs.  Henry  A.  Dike,  Mrs.  Lewis  Benedict,  Mrs.  Mary  E.  Morrison,  Mrs.  Shepherd  Rowland,  IMrs. 
Samuel  W.  Tubbs,  Mrs.  Edward  G.  Burgess,  Miss  Rachel  Van  Vleck,  Miss  Harriet  J.  Cooper,  Mrs. 
George  AV.  Lord,  Mrs.  Samuel  Porter,  Mrs.  George  H.  Mills,  Mrs.  James  II.  Ogilvie,  Mrs.  E.  E.  S. 
Haiighwaut,  Mrs.  D.  F.  Merritt. 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


153 


Advisory  Boaril. — Mr.  William  J.  Tlntchinson,  Mr.  Charles  I.  Reeves,  Mr.  Samuel  Crump,  Mr. 
"Wallace  TV.  Eijltert,  ^Fr.  Dormaii  T.  "Warren.  ^Fr.  "William  T. -Jones,  Mr.  George  11.  ^[ills ;  Matron, 
Miss  Jane  Tliunipsoii. 

The  certificate  of  incorporation  beai-s  date  October  3,  18S2.  Dnring  the  same  fiscal  j-ear  the  Presi- 
dent, Mrs.  Meacham,  severed  her  connection  with  the  Home  and  removed  from  Montclair.  The  annual 
report  of  that  date  characterizes  her  as  "one  of  the  most  earnest  and  ettieient  workers,  the  memory  of 
whose  faitliful  service  and  co-operation  in  all  details  of  the  Home  work  will  long  he  gratefully  cherished." 

In  ifay  of  1>^>>.'1  Mrs.  Henry  A.  Dike  was  elected  to  the  Presidency — a  position  which  she  held 
four  years  and  until  failing  healtii  and  domestic  calamity  forced  lier  to  al>a!idon  the  work  she  loved  and 
for  the  performance  of  which  she  was  peculiarly  fitted. 

To  one  intimately  acquainted  with  Mrs.  Dike  no  words  coidd  do  justice  to  her  lovely  character; 
and  to  one  who  did  not  know  her,  no  words  could  convey  an  adequate  idea  of  the  sweet  strength, 
intellectiud  poise  and  rare  "  common  sen.se '"  blended  in  her  personality.  To  the  service  of  the  Home 
she  brought  ripe  culture,  a  trained  judgment  and  (juick  insight  into  jieople  and  affairs;  wliiie  her  social 
influence  secured  it  wide  supiimt  and  her  gracious  atTaI)ility  di.sarmcd  hostile  criticism. 


"^  U-W'^^ 


NEW    BCILDINC,    CIItLURF.N  S    IIOMK 


During  her  administration  the  financial  standing  of  the  Home  was  sufliciently  assiired  to  warrant 
the  ])urc]iase  of  a  house  and  three  acres  of  lainl  on  (iatcs  Avenue. 

The  hoH.se  was  enlarged  under  the  gratuitous  .supervision  of  Mr.  11.  llud-du  Ilnlly,  ami,  as  far  as 
could  be,  ada])ted  to  the  requirements  of  its  new  occupants,  who.  in  1S80,  took  possession  of  it.  In  tiio 
.same  year  a  reorgani/.aticm  of  the  ass(«Matinn  was  effected  whereby  its  scope  was  enlarged  and  all  the 
privileges  of  Orphan  .\sylums  secured  to  it.  including  the  adoption  and  indenturing  of  children  having 
no  other  guardian. 

In  common  witii  every  institution  depending  upon  voluntary  contributions  for  support  the  Home 
has  not  escaped  periods  of  depression  and  discouragement,  but  at  the  present  time  it  is  prospering  in  its 
work  and  is  liberally  sustained.  The  extreme  generosity  of  ^Irs.  Oeorge  Inness,  Jr.,  a  former  manager, 
has  made  it  possible  to  erect  a  new  and  commodious  building  skillfully  contrived  for  the  special 
requirements  of  its  family  of  thirty-five  children,  particularly  for  the  isolation  of  the  sick. 

The  substantial  structure  now  in  process  of  erection  is  half  timljered,  the  lower  story  being  of 
dressed  brownstone,  and  promi.ses  to  be  an  architectural  ornament  to  the  town. 


154  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

As  was  to  be  expected  in  the  passage  of  time,  the  personnel  of  tlie  I'oard  of  ^fanagers  has 
undergone  many  changes.  Some  of  tlie  l)est  known  and  most  influential  women  of  Montclair  have 
served  upon  it  for  varying  periods  ;  but  only  two  of  the  original  members — Mrs.  Shepherd  Eowland  and 
]\riss  Harriet  J.  Cooper — liave  i-emained  continuously  to  the  present  time.  Its  first  great  loss  by  death 
was  that  of  Mrs.  Samuel  Porter — a  woman  zealous  in  all  good  works,  but  finding  here  a  special  field  for 
her  love  and  energy:  a  crayon  portrait  of  her  bright  face  adorns  the  parlor  of  the  Home,  recalling  sunny 
memories  and  commemorating  a  great  misfortune.  Mrs.  Dike  was  the  next  to  be  called  ;  and  although 
her  active  participation  in  its  affairs  had  terminated  some  time  before,  her  helpful  interest  continued  to 
the  last.  Mrs.  Porter's  bequest  of  $1,000  was  the  first  large  gift  to  the  Home  and  was  followed  by  a 
bequest  of  $3,000  from  Mrs.  Dike.*  In  the  year  just  passed,  still  another  most  lovable  woman  and 
faithful  worker,  Mrs.  Charles  II.  Benedict,  has  obeyed  the  sunnnons  to  "Come  up  higher."  Hers  was  a 
nature  that  "made  sunshine  in  a  shady  place,"  and  no  one  associated  with  her  will  ever  forget  her 
unfailing  kindliness. 

"  The  good  the)-  planned  to  do 

Shall  stand  as  if  't  were  done. 
God  finishes  the  work 

By  noble  hands  begun." 

At  the  present  time  the  Home  is  under  the  able  management  of  the  following  nanied  individuals: 

President,  Mrs.  Stephen  W.  Carey;  Vice-President,  Mrs.  Decatni-  ^I.  Sawyer;  Secretary,  Mrs. 
Wilson  W.  Smith  ;  Corresponding  Secretary,  Mrs.  Benjamin  W.  Graham  ;  Treasurer,  ^Irs.  F.  J.  Drescher ; 
Mrs.  She])herd  Eowland,  Mrs.  AVilliam  IT.  Power,  Mrs.  M.  F.  Heading,  Mrs.  Thomas  Gladding,  Mrs. 
Amory  H.  Bradford,  Miss  Harriet  J.  Cooper,  Mrs.  Harry  Littlejolin,  Mrs.  J.  Soutter  Porter,  Mrs.  Edwin 
P.  Benedict,  Mrs.  James  S.  Brown,  Mrs.  G.  D.  Finlay,  Mrs.  William  L.  Gnillaudeu,  Mrs.  Wallace  W. 
Egbert,  Mrs.  John  Wilts,  Mrs.  John  AVeeks,  Mrs.  William  Miller,  Mrs.  Franklin  W.  Dorman. 

Advisory  Board. — Mr.  C.  D.  Anderson,  Mr.  Paul  Babcock,  Mr.  C.  D.  Thompson,  Mr.  Charles 
Burgess,  Mr.  George  P.  Farmer. 

The  spirit  in  which  the  Home  was  conceived  and  the  high  ideal  which  has  ever  been  kept  in  view 
are  indicated  by  the  following  extracts  taken,  almost  at  random,  from  the  published  annual  re])orts : 

"Without  disparaging  other  forms  of  Christian  endeavor  nothing  can  have  more  forcible  claims 
upon  our  attention  than  the  neglected  youth  of  our  own  vicinity.  '  What  shall  we  do  with  the  children  V 
is  an  anxious  question  equally  to  the  philanthroiiist  and  civil  economist  ;  it  knocks  at  the  doors  of  our 
responsibility  with  an  urgency  that  will  nut  be  denied  and  must  be  met  by  every  one  who  regards  the 
common  weal  which  these  boys  and  girls,  soon  to  Ije  men  and  women,  can  tio  much  to  promote  or  impede. 

"To  the  childi-en  gathered  here  the  institution  is  indeed  tiieir  Home;  and  it  is  the  earnest  endeavor 
of  its  managers  to  make  it  represent  all  that  a  modd  home  should  be.  Not  oidy  liave  the  children  been 
well-cared  for,  physically,  as  their  healthy  and  neat  appearance  at  church,  on  the  street,  and  in  the  public 
schools  plainly  testifies,  but  they  have  acquired  habits  of  punctuality,  industry,  self-dependence  and 
mutual  forbearance,  which  are  invaluable  in  any  station  ;  while  the  lessons  inculcated  in  the  princij^les  of 
Christianity  and  respect  for  sacred  things  cannot  fail  to  be  a  gtiide  and  defence  to  them  in  times  of  doubt 
and  temptation. 

"Whenever  practicable,  a  small  sum  is  charged  for  board,  but  inaliility  to  pay  is  not  allowed  to 
militate  against  the  admission  of  any  child  whose  needs  are  pressing.  Neither  is  any  one  i-ejccted  because 
of  unworthy  parentage,  for,  say  what  we  may,  many  things  have  been  decided  for  us  at  birth,  and  it  is 
not  to  every  one  that  the  qualities  which  insure  success  are  given.  Incompetency  and  thriftlessness  in 
the  parents  are  disorders  to  be  carefully  eradicated  from  the  cliildren  by  conijielliiig  patient  continuance 
in  well-doing  until  diligence  and  tliDroughness  become  second  nature.  Strong  as  are  hereditary  tendencies 
they  often  yield  to  the  stronger  agencies  of  education  and  environment. 

*  In  1H87  a  g^'^t  of  $1,000  was  received  from  the  Misses  Charlotte  L.  and  Josephine  WiUon,  of  Orange,  in  memory  ot  their  parents,  who  lived 
many  years  in  Montclair. 


History  of  Montci.air  Township. 


155 


"The  eliildreii  iimlcr  our  care  are  gatliered  fnmi  homes  desolated  by  death  or  intemperance,  and 
while  thev  are  chietly  orphans,  it  must  not  he  forgotten  that  there  is  a  worse  orphanage  than  that  of 
death,  and  that  children  may  he  orphaned  in  the  saddest  sense,  though  both  their  parents  are  living.'' 

The  Cidldren's  Home  is  the  emhoiiiment  of  the  principle  of  modifying  wrong  tendencies  and 
preventing  future  evil.  It  seeks  earnestly  to  do  its  share  toward  the  solution  of  current  social  problems ; 
it  labors  not  only  to  promote  a  higher  intelligence  but  to  instill  useful  honselmld  and  hygienic  knowledge  ; 
to  form  habits  of  personal  purity,  industry  and  obedience  to  authority. 

Mrs.  Samdkl  M.  Porter. — At  a  special  meeting  of  the  Jjoard  of  Managers  of  the  Children's 
Home,  held  in  memory  of  ^frs.  Sannicl  ^J.  Porter,  on  Wednesday.  May  21,  1S84,  the  President  made  the 
following  remarks: 

'*  We  are  met  here  to-day  to  speak  a  few  words  of  love  for  our  diai-  friend  and  co-laborer,  Mrs. 
Porter,   and   to  put   o!i  record  our  sense  of  our 

trreatloss,  our  sorrow  for  ^^^^^^B  ourselves,  and  our  deep 

sympathy  for  those  who  ^^^L  were  nearest  and  dearest 

to  her.     And  when  that  ^^^^^  "V  is  done,  all  that  we  can 

do  for  our  dear  friend  is  ^^^^L  \y  done,  and  we  must  take 

up   our  daily   life,   and  ^^^^B  \  tlie  work  of  tliis  Home, 

and  goon  without  her.  ^^^^^m  ,>^^^^%  ^  \  "  We  eaimot  trust  our- 

say  how  much       ^^^^^^B  ^^^^BB^^  \  ''<^  missed.    The 

labor  which  she     ^^^^^^H  ^^^^BB^  \\ 

Time  and    ^^^^^^H        ^^^    ^^i^Vl  »\ 

given   when  most  of  ^^^^^^^B         wa  ^JR'^  V  '^^'*'ii'<l  ''=>^'^  ^^''*^  t''^^*^ 

we  were  excused  from  f^^^^^^^^B         ^~^  V^I^VK  I  t^^'^k.     And  to  tiiis 

labor    was    added    the     ^^^^^^H  ^^^^^llNTr^^  ll   """''^    skillful    ]>lanning 

and   forethought  and  a     ■  ^^^^^^^  ^^^^aMi»<|i^  ll    most    loving  iiilluence 

overall.    To  know  what       ^^^^f  jl^^^lK^t*'  ///    '' P'^^^'^''  ^^"^  ^^^'^  i"  ^''i^ 

Home  we  have  only  to  •^F^^^^^^R!^  m  /■      I't^'Hit'ndjer  the  faces  of 

the  children  when  Mrs.  ^9^^111^^    11  §'      l'<J'"ter  came. 

■•  f?hall  we  ever  for-a-t  /^B^^'      i  /        her  presence  here  Sun- 

day  afternoons,  or  cease  "   ^^^T^  /  to  hear  her  cheery,  ener- 

getic, eucourajjing  tones  /  as   she  led   or  directed 

the  cliildren  ^  /  '■  Brightness,  ch  eer, 

i(.ve  and  untiring  help-  fulness  were  her  strong- 

est c  h  a  ra  ct  eri  st  ics.  -Sweetness   and    light' 

niarke<l  every  step  of  her  wav'. 

■' l!ut  our  great  loss,  great  as  it  is, sinks  almost 

out  of  siirht  in  comiwri-  son  with  the  loss  which 

'^  ,    '  MRS.    SAMIFI.   M.    PORTKR.  Ill,  i    •  i 

those  ot  her  own  house-  Ji  o  1  d    liave    sustained. 

Yet  we  must  believe  that  (iod  has  purposes  of  love  toward  them,  and  tluit  in  some  way,  which  we  cannot 
see,  He  will  make  even  this,  which  seems  to  us  an  irreparable  loss,  a  source  of  blessing. 

"We  said  that  we  could  do  no  more  for  Mrs.  Porter.  But  her  influence  over  us  will  always  remain. 
We  >liall  keep  her  in  our  hearts,  and  we  shall  remember  forever  the  love,  the  unselfishness,  the  wonderful 
lirightness  and  cheer,  tlie  readiness  with  which  she  divined  and  ministered  to  every  one's  need,  and  the 
loving  outpouring  of  her  life. 

"Such  a  memory  can  but  lead  us  t(j  strive,  each  in  her  own  way,  to  catch  the  spirit  of  that  life 
and  graft  it  upon  her  own." 

The  following  preamlde  and  resolutions  were  then  oU'ered  and  adopted  : 

"  Whereas,  It  has  seemed  right  to  the  Supreme  Ruler  of  the  Universe  to  remove  from  us  by  death  our  sister 
associate,  Mrs.  Mary  Treadwell  Porter,  and  while  we  submit  to  the  decree  of  Him  who  doth  not  willingly  afflict,  it  is  with 
hearts  chastened  by  grief  over  the  loss  of  a  dear  friend  and  beloved  associate;  and 


156 


History  of  Montci.air  Township. 


"  ]]'/iereas.  We  lament  her  death,  not  only  as  a  valued  member  of  society  and  a  cherished  friend  and  neighbor, 
but  especially  as  a  co-laborer  in  the  management  of  the  Children's  Home,  in  which  she  engaged  earnestly,  assiduously 
and  hopefully,  and  in  every  department  of  which  we  shall  continually  miss  her  guiding  and  helping  hand;  be  it  therefore 

"  Resolved,  That  we  extend  our  heartfelt  sympathy  to  the  family  so  sadly  bereaved,  and  prayerfully  commend 
them  to  the  loving  care  of  that  Friend  who  is  '  a  refuge  in  every  trouble,  and  a  very  present  help  in  time  of  need.' 

"  Resolved,  That  these  resolutions  be  entered  upon  our  records,  and  a  copy  of  the  same  transmitted  to  the  family 
of  the  deceased." 

Tlie  Annual  Keport  of  the  Association  for  1884  contains  tiie  following  in  relation  to  Mrs.  Porter's 
connection  with  the  institution  : 

"Possessed  of  dauntless  energy  of  character,  unusual  executive  talent  and  public  sj)irit,  Mrs.  Samuel 
Porter  was  engaged  in  many  and  various  enterprises,  and  her  loss  will  he  keenly  felt  in  divers  directions 


and  by  many  people. 

dividual    friendshijis 

is  our  personal  grief 

severed,  it  is  in  our 

of  an  association,  in 

laliorers,  that  we  are 

place.    As  a  manager 

from  the  beginning, 

identical    with    her 

fatigue  where  its  jiros- 

aud  her  sanguine  tem- 

spirit   lightened  and 

the  entire  Board. 

shine  she  was  always 

every    child    in    the 

child   knew  lier  and 

was    their    sympathy 

Sunday   afternoon 

her  smile  flashed  its 

instantly   understood 

As  a  member  of  the 

tee,  and  Chairman  of 

niittee,   her  labors 

but    what   higher 

her,  or  anyone,  than 

to  evei'v  trust. 

midst  of  life  and  its 

has  fallen   from    her  hands,  and  '  with  no 

slow  gradations  of  decay,'  she  has  passed  on  through  the  Beautiful  Gate  into  eternal  life ;  and  the  rich 

voice  that  has  so  long  led  the  children's  hynms  of  praise  has  gone  to  swell  a  nobler  chorus  in  the  wider 

air  of  Heaven     *     *     *     "     *." 

The  lieautifnl  traits  of  character  that  adorned  tlie  life  of  Mrs.  Porter  were  due  not  oidy  to 
careful  training  and  early  environment,  but  she  inherited  from  her  ancestors — who  were  among  the 
most  notable  men  in  New  England — that  strong  religious  sentiment  and  earnest  desire  to  d(.)  good  that 
controlled  all  her  actions  and  led  her  continually  to  seek  the  hap})iness  of  others  regardless  of  herself. 

Mrs.  Porter  was  born  in  New  York  City,  March  23,  1847.  Her  maiden  name  was  Mary  T. 
Treadwell ;  she  was  the  daughter  of  John  G.  Treadwell. 

Mrs.  Porter  was  educated  at  the  Albany  Female  Academy,  and  was  gi'aduated  June  19,  1S66. 
She  was  married,  March  28,  1871,  to  Samuel  M.  Porter,  youngest  brother  of  Nathan  and  Thomas  Porter 


Warm  as  were  our  in- 
for  her,  and  deep  as 
over  ties  so  abruptly 
ca]iacity  as  members 
wliicli  we  were  joint 
to  consider  her  in  this 
of  the  Home,  almost 
she  made  its  interests 
own.  She  knew  no 
]ierity  was  concerned, 
jierainent  and  joyous 
cheered  the  labors  of 

"  In  storm  and  sun- 
at  herp(:>st.  She  knew 
Ibime,  and  every 
loved  her.  So  close 
with  her  that,  in  their 
singing,  her  glance  or 
intelligence  and  was 
and  obeyed  l>y  them. 
Executive  Commit- 
the  "Wardrobe  Corn- 
have  been  incessant; 
praise  can  we  accord 
that  she  was  faithful 

"  Suddenly,  in  the 
activities,    the    work 


History  ok  Montci.air  Township.  157 

(see  liistory  of  Porter  Family  i  atid  a  nieiuhcr  of  tlie  tiriii  of  Porter  Pros,  tfe  Co.,  inercliaut.s,  of  New  York 
City.  Mrs.  Porter  resided  in  Xew  York  for  some  years  after  her  husband's  death.  March  10,  1876.  Desir- 
ing to  be  near  the  home  of  her  Iiusband's  brothers  she  removed  to  Montehiir  in  tlie  spring  of  1S79,  and  built 
the  residence  Xo.  20  Harrison  Avenue,  now  occujiicd  by  lier  fatiier  and  her  ciiihh'en.  She  left  two 
cliildren — Bertha  Treadwell  and  Charles  Willson. 

MorXT.MN-SlDK   IIOSPITAF.  AS80CIATIOX. 

The  necessity  for  a  ])ul)lic  hospital  in  this  locality  was  brouglit  about  by  an  incident  wliicli  occnricd 
in  the  summer  of  l^'M),  the  jiartieulars  of  which  are  given  in  tlie  Secretary's  rejiort  of  tlie  Asst)ciatioii : 

"  A  lady  driving  thrnugh  tlie  streets  of  Montclair  one  day,  during  the  summer  of  lS!1(t,  saw  a  little 
child  fall  from  a  tliii-d  story  window  to  the  flagged  pavement  below.  Her  syni])athies  being  aroused,  she 
stopped  to  iiKjnire  int(j  the  condition  of  the  little  one.  The  child  was  seriously  injured  and  needed  pi'onipt 
attention.  Her  heart  ached  to  see  him,  bleeding  and  unconscious,  placi-d  in  a  grocery  wagon  and  carried 
away,  and  on  her  way  home  the  question  uppermost  in  her  mino  was  :  Why,  when  there  is  so  much  of 
c(»mfort  and  plenty  in  our  town,  is  there  not  a  place  provided  to  which  those  suffering  from  accident  or 
sickness,  and  who  are  unable  to  secure  proper  treatment  in  their  homes,  can  be  carried  (  The  thought 
began  immediately  to  take  shape.  Her  heart  warmed  more  and  more  on  the  subject,  until  she  was  com- 
]iclled  to  enlist  the  interest  of  her  friends,  which  resulted  in  a  meeting  called  to  consider  the  establish- 
ment of  a  HoS|iital  in  Montclair,  held  at  the  residence  of  Mrs.  ])enby,  on  Mountain  Avenue,  June  10,  ISDO." 

There  were  sixteen  ])ersons  present,  twelve  ladies  am]  four  gentlemen.  Di-.  Francis  was  appointed 
Cliairman,  and,  after  considerable  discussion,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Bradford  offered  the  following 

Uciohitlon  :  "  That  in  our  (i|)inion  the  time  has  come  when  some  movement  should  be  made  looking 
toward  the  establishment  of  a  hospital  in  our  midst." 

The  resolution  was  adopted  and  a  committee  appointed,  to  report  a  j)]an  of  organization,  etc.,  whieli 
was  done,  and  action  taken  in  accordance  therewith.  At  a  subsecpient  meeting  a  Board  of  Governors  was 
appointed,  consisting  of  twelve  ladies  from  Montclair,  eight  from  Bloomtield,  four  from  Glen  Bidge,  and 
three  from  Caldwell.  H  was  decided  at  this  meeting  that  the  Association  should  l>u  known  as  the 
Mountain-side  Hospital  Association. 

The  Association  was  regularly  incorporated  under  and  in  ])ursuance  of  a  certain  act  of  the  Legis- 
lature of  the  State  of  New  Jersey,  entitled  •■  .\n  .\it  to  provide  for  the  incorporation  of  Associations 
for  the  erection  and  maintenance  of  Hos])itals.  Intirmaiies.  ()r])hanages.  Asylums,  arid  other  Charitable 
Institutions,"  approved  March  idnth,  A.  D.  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-s-even,  and  the  several  .-upple- 
ments  thereto.     The  following  named  Governors  were  appointed  to  manage  its  affairs  for  the  first  year: 

Nannie  C.  Fellowes.  Justine  Friend  Porter.  Jane  F.  Dodd,  Margaret  Jane  Power,  Marie  Hey- 
burn  Marshall,  Mary  E.  Giliici't  Wliite,  Mary  Cliai)iii  Marcus,  Harriet  H.  Duthcld.  Sarah  P.  AVyman, 
Irene  E.  Huestis,  Ida  R.  Condit,  Anna  C.  Duncan,  Grace  H.  Upson,  Martha  C.  Gallaglier,  Virginia 
Bioven  Harrison,  Sarah  J.  Bird.  Kate  P..  Dalrymple,  Harriet  A.  Bailey,  P^liza  Bowden,  Caroline  D. 
Crane,  Susan  C.  Stout,  Salome  G.  Howell,  Malinda  N.  \'au  \'leck,  C.  Victoria  Reynal,  Kebecca  M. 
Dodd,   Adeline  T.  Strong  and  Anna  S.  Berry. 

A  cottage  situated  on  Bay  Street  (the  dividing  line  between  Bloomtield  and  Montclair),  was  rented, 
a  small  addition  made  to  it,  and  the  hospital  wiis  formally  opened  on  June  2(1,  1S'.)1.  The  medical  staff 
consists  of  Dr.  John  J.  H.  Love.  Dr.  James  S.  Brown,  Dr.  Chas.  H.  I'ailey,  Dr.  Richard  P.  Francis,  Dr. 
Riclianl  C.  Xewton,  Dr.  Edwin  M.  AVard,  Dr.  Wm.  II.  White,  Dr.  II,  "l!.  Whitchornc;  Dr.  John  W. 
Pinkham,  Consulting  Physician  ;  Dr.  Henry  Power,  Pathologist. 

During  the  first  four  months  (to  October  is,  lS'.tl)of  its  existence  thii-ty-eight  patients  were  treated. 
From  October  18,  1891,  to  October  1,  1892,  125  new  patients  were  admitted,  and  from  October  1,  1892, 
to  October  1,  1893,  156  new  patients  were  admitted  to  its  wards. 

Mi.ss  R.  G.  Reed,  a  graduate  of  Bellevuc  Hos])ital  Training  School,  was  ai)p<jinted  Matron  in  Sep- 
tcudicr,  1M)1,  and  still  serves  in  that  cajjacity. 


158  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

In  Marcli,  1891,  the  liuanl  of  Governors  ]iureliased  a  small  tract  of  land  near  tlie  cottage,  which 
they  used  for  a  year  and  a  half,  and  during  the  winter  of  1892  and  1893  erected  thereon  a  building  +6  by 
45  feet,  four  stories  high,  containing  18  rooms  and  a  woman's  ward  for  10  beds,  a  men's  ward  for  10  beds, 
a  maternity  \vard  containing  three  beds,  and  an  isolation  ward  with  two  beds,  all  connected  by  covered 
corridors  eight  feet  wide.  Bathrooms,  nurses'  rooms  and  pantries  are  provided  in  addition  to  the  above 
specified  rooms.  The  total  capacity  is:  Men's  ward,  10  beds;  women's  ward,  10  beds;  children's  ward,  6 
beds ;  matei-nity  ward,  3  beds ;  private  wards,  5  l)eds  ;  isolation  ward,  2  beds  ;  total,  3C>  beds. 

The  total  cost  for  land,  building,  furniture  and  permanent  improvements  to  date  has  been  $19,7-17.19. 

In  connection  with  the  hospital  a  training  school  for  nurses  has  been  established,  in  which  nurses 
are  taught  how  to  act  in  the  various  emergencies  occurring  in  hospital  and  private  nur.-ing.  as  well  as  in 
the  accidents  of  ordinary  life.  There  is  a  systematic  course  of  training  in  cookery  for  the  sick,  the  serv- 
ing of  food  and  delicacies  in  a  ])r()pL'r  manner,  and  the  feeding  of  helpless  patients  or  those  who  resist 
food.  The  course  of  training  includes  a  fixed  course  of  instruction  during  two  years  from  manuals  and 
text-books,  lectures  and  demonstrations.      Eight  nurses  are  now  taking  this  course. 

The  Board  of  Lady  Governors  are  all  actively  interested  in  the  work,  giving,  through  their  various 
comniittecs,  much  time  and  attention  to  the  necessary  duties.  The  funds  for  this  work  are  all  donated  by 
I'esidents  of  the  several  towns  included  in  the  territory  from  which  the  hospital  draws  its  inmates. 

The  following  is  the  list  of  the  Governors,  Officers  and  Advisory  Board  : 

Officers. — President,  Mrs.  Benjamin  Strong;  Vice-President,  Mrs.  Anizi  Dodd  ;  Becording  Secre- 
tary, Mrs.  AVm.  M.  White  ;  Corresponding  Secretary,  Miss  Elizabeth  P.  Freeman  ;  Treasui-er,  Mrs.  W. 
H.  Power ;  Matron,  Miss  K.  G.  Keed. 

Board  of  Governors. — Term  expires  1894:  Mrs.  Amzi  Dodd,  Miss  Kate  Dalrymple,  Miss  M.  C. 
Gallagher,  Mrs.  Wm.  H.  Power,  Mrs.  Benjamin  Strong,  Mrs.  Wm.  H.  Wliite,  Mrs.  A.  F.  Brown,  Mrs. 
llobt.  S.  Rudd,  Mrs.  James  Gallagher,  Mrs.  John  Van  Winkle.  Term  expires  1895:  Mrs.  Anthony 
Bowden,  Mrs.  D.  D.  Duncan,  Mrs.  AVm.  Fellowes,  Mrs.  Chas.  F.  Harriscm,  Mrs.  Lewis  G.  Lockward,  Mrs. 
H.  R.  Norris,  Mrs.  Josejih  Van  Vleck,  Mrs.  AVm.  F.  Upson,  Mrs.  Chas.  11.  Iluestis,  Miss  Eulalie  A^an 
Leunep.  Term  expires  1890:  Mrs.  Chas.  II.  Bailey,  Mrs.  Chas.  T.  Dodd,  Mrs.  Geo.  S.  Porter,  IVLrs.  G. 
Lee  Stout,  Mrs.  Josiah  Decker,  Mrs.  Silas  Stuart,  Miss  Margaret  S.  Jarvie,  Miss  Elizabeth  P.  Freeman, 
Mrs.  II.  C.  Newton,  Mrs.  AV.  S.  S.  Hamilton. 

Advisory  Board.— Mr.  AVm.  II.  Power,  Mr.  Paul  Wilcox,  Mr.  R.  S.  Rudd,  Air.  Chas.  D. 
Thompson,  Mr.  Amzi  Dodd,  Air.  G.  Lee  Stout,  Mr.  Y.  Merriara  Wheeler. 

In  1S91  a  suitable  lot  was  purchased  on  Highland  Avenue  and  Sherwood  Street,  but  it  was 
deemed  advisable  to  defer  the  matter  of  Iniildiug  for  another  year.  In  the  meantime  the  building 
known  as  the  Sheridan  cottage,  situated  on  a  lot  adjoining  the  hospital  property,  was  rented  for  a  year, 
and  a  small  addition  built  to  increase  the  accommodations.  The  formal  opening  took  place  on  June  26th 
of  that  year.  Thirty-seven  cases  were  admitted  the  first  year.  These  were  treated  by  the  Sui-gical  and 
Medical  Staff,  which  consisted  of  Dr.  J.  J.  H.  Love  as  President,  and  Drs.  Newton,  Bailey,  Brown, 
White,  Francis,  Ward  and  Whitehorne.  Dr.  Pinkham  was  appointed  Consulting  Physician,  and  Dr. 
Henry  Power,  Pathologist. 

The  total  amount  of  cash  subscriptions  and  donations  the  first  year  amounted  to  nearly  $5,000. 
In  addition  to  this,  numerous  articles  of  clothing,  etc.,  were  donated  by  generous  citizens,  mostly  ladies. 

Tlie  President's  report  for  the  second  year  showed  the  actual  running  expenses  to  have  been 
$4,362  for  125  patients,  four  to  six  nurses,  three  servants,  and  occasional  extra  help.  A  number  of 
entertainments  were  given  during  the  year,  and  the  amount  of  the  Building  Fund  was  increased  to  the 
sum  of  $5,700.  The  new  building  for  the  hospital  was  begun  early  in  the  autumn  of  1892,  and 
completed  in  May  of  the  following  year.  The  Blooiiijield  Citizen,  of  May  27,  1893,  contains  the 
following  description : 

The  new  Mountain-side  Hospital  building  just  completed,  and  which  will  be  formally  opened  to-day,  is  located  on 
the  southwest  corner  of  Highland  Avenue  and  Sherwood  Street,  and  faces  Highland  Avenue  looking  eastward.     The 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  159 

main  building  is  of  Colonial  type,  and  was  designed  by  architect  John  F.  Capon,  and  erected  under  his  super\nsion.  The 
hospital  buildings  comprise  the  main  building,  a  men's  ward,  a  women's  ward,  and  a  maternity  ward.  They  are  built  to 
surround  three  sides  of  a  hollow  square,  and  are  all  connected  by  a  spacious  corridor. 

The  new  institution  has  been  erected  on  the  most  approved  plan  for  giving  room,  air  and  light,  and  the  work  has 
been  done  in  a  very  substantial  manner.  The  carpenter  work  was  done  by  Israel  Jacobus  of  Glen  Ridge,  the  mason  work 
by  William  Doyle  of  Montclair,  the  painting  by  John  Jenkins  of  Bloomfield,  and  the  plumbing  by  E.  D.  Ackerman  of 
Bloomfield. 

The  main  building  is  a  four  story  building.  It  has  a  frontage  of  forty-six  feet  on  Highland  Avenue,  and  a  depth  of 
forty-five  feet.  A  large  piazza  eight  feet  six  inches  wide  extends  the  full  length  of  the  front  of  the  building.  The  roof  of 
the  piazza  is  supported  by  heavy  Colonial  columns,  and  the  roof  is  surmounted  with  an  ornamental  railing.  The  building 
is  painted  a  soft  Colonial  yellow,  with  light  cream  trimming  and  green  shades  and  shutters. 

The  interior  is  finished  throughout  with  natural  white  pine  and  walls  of  hard  finish.  The  flooring  is  of  comb 
grained  yellow  pine  and  varnished.  The  building  is  heated  by  steam,  lighted  by  gas,  and  the  windows  so  arranged  that 
every  room  in  the  building  receives  sunshine  at  some  portion  of  the  day.  The  steam  piping  and  the  radiators  arc  all 
beautifully  bronzed  with  a  gold  tinge. 

In  the  plumbing  work  all  the  most  approved  devices  have  been  used  with  a  view  to  having  the  sanitary 
arrangement  of  the  building  as  perfect  as  possible.  The  basement  contains  the  laundry,  coal  room,  heating  apparatus, 
and  the  cold  room.  The  latter  contains  an  immense  refrigerator,  capable  of  holding  a  large  quantity  of  ice  and  in  which 
the  meats  and  vegetables  are  kept.  The  floor  of  the  basement  is  concrete  except  the  laundry,  which  has  a  board  floor. 
This  room  contains  a  large  range  and  three  earthen  tubs.  The  heating  apparatus  is  a  Blake  and  Williams  boiler  of  size 
No.  4.  A  dumb  waiter  starts  from  the  basement  and  runs  to  the  top  floor  of  the  building.  On  entering  the  first  floor  of 
the  building  through  the  large  double  doors  from  the  piazza,  the  visitor  is  ushered  into  a  well  lighted  corridor  eight  feet 
wide,  full  length  of  the  building.  The  first  room  on  the  left  of  the  hall  is  the  reception  room  thirteen  by  eighteen  feet  in 
dimensions.  Directly  opposite  on  the  other  side  of  the  hall  is  the  dining  room.  Adjoining  the  reception  room  is  the 
dispensary  twenty  feet  in  size.  Speaking  tubes  and  call  bells  connect  this  room  with  every  part  of  the  institution. 
Following  the  dispensary  is  the  operating  room,  eighteen  by  twenty  feet.  This  room  is  supplied  with  two  wash  basins, 
hot  and  cold  water  and  other  necessary  appliances.  Next  to  the  dining  room  with  a  butler's  pantry  intervening  is  the 
kitchen  eighteen  by  twenty-six  in  size.  It  is  equipped  with  a  large  double  oven  range  ;  an  eighty  gallon  copper  boiler,  a 
serving  table  and  a  large  dresser  takes  up  one  side  of  the  room.  A  ventilating  contrivance  carries  off  all  the  odors  arising 
from  cooking.  Connected  with  the  kitchen  is  a  refrigerator  closet,  with  pot  closet  and  store  room.  A  stairway  four  feet 
six  inches  wide  ascends  from  the  right  side  of  the  corridor  near  the  centre  of  the  Iiuilding  to  the  second  floor.  At  the 
head  of  the  stairway  on  the  second  floor,  the  first  room  to  the  right  is  the  children's  ward,  thirteen  by  eighteen.  This 
room  is  heated  and  ventilated  by  the  direct  indirect  system,  taking  the  cold  air  from  the  outside  of  the  building  under  the 
radiator.  Turning  to  the  left  is  the  entrance  to  the  main  corridor  of  the  same  dimensions  as  down  stairs,  with  the 
exception  that  the  front  is  cut  off  for  the  missses'  room.  Light  is  admitted  to  the  corridor  from  the  hall  at  head  of  stairs, 
and  the  rear  end.  On  the  left  of  the  corridor  are  four  rooms  for  private  patients,  each  ten  feet  six  inches  by  eighteen 
feet,  and  on  the  right  next  to  the  lavatories  is  another  room  for  private  patients.  The  stairs  to  the  third  floor  go  up 
directly  over  those  from  the  first  floor  and  the  corridor  on  this  floor  is  the  full  length  of  the  building  with  windows  front 
and  rear.  The  third  floor  contains  four  large  bedrooms,  two  store  rooms  and  two  lines  rooms.  The  fourth  floor  is  used 
for  general  storage  purposes.     Particular  attention  has  been  given  to  the  ventilation  of  the  closet 

The  corridor  connecting  the  wards  with  the  main  building  is  six  feet  wide  ;  it  is  well  lighted  and  heated.  There 
is  a  fine  concrete  cellar  under  each  ward.  The  wards  are  each  supplied  with  a  bath-room  and  hot  and  cold  water,  and  a 
nurse  room  is  attached  to  each.  There  is  accommodation  for  ten  patients  in  both  the  men's  and  women's  wards  ;  three  in 
the  maternity  ward. 

The  door  for  the  reception  of  patients  is  at  the  rear  of  the  corridor  on  the  first  floor.  The  ambulance  can  be 
driven  into  the  square  and  backed  up  to  this  door.  The  old  hospital  building  will  be  used  as  a  fever  room.  It  is  isolated 
from  the  other  buildings.     Three  large  cesspools  take  the  drainage  from  the  whole  institution. 

THE  M<)N'i(  I..\li;  K<JIKSTin.\.\  CLIl}. 

This  unique  and  very  8ucces.sful  Club  was  organized  in  1  s 70,  altliough  it  was  really 
started  several  yeai-s  earlier  in  an  informal  manner  by  tlie  young  people  of  Mont- 
clair, devoted   to  hoi-se-back  riding  and  other  social  pastimes. 

The  first  regular  meeting  was  held  at  the  residence  of  Mr.  C.  K.  Willmer  in 
the  spring  of  1^76,  at  which  time  George  II.  Francis  and  Frederick  Merriam 
Wheeler  were  elected  President  and  Secretary,  respectively.  Among  the  other 
gentlemen  who  constituted  its  organizers  were  Carleton  W.  Nason,  Edward  W.  Sadler,  Charles  J. 
Pearson,  Charles  Francis,  C.  N.  Bovee,  Jr.,  W.  Lanman  Bull,  James  K.  Thompson,  Charles  K.  Willmer, 
jS'.  Sullivan,  Arthur  Foley  and  Dr.  Frank  Ely. 


160 


History  of  Montclatr  Township. 


Among  the  lady  members,  and  perhaps  one  of  the  most  enthusiastic  equestriennes,  was  Miss 
Florence  AVillmer  (now  Mrs.  Frederick  Merriam  AVheeler)  and  to  whose  efforts  was  due  the  early  success 
and  permanent  establishment  of  the  Club. 

The  other  lady  members  were  as  follows :  Miss  IJovee,  Miss  Nannie  Thompson  (now  ilrs. 
( )uterbridge).  Miss  Alice  Thompson,  Miss  Amy  Willmer,  Miss  Lord  (now  Mrs.  Lloyd),  Miss  Mamie 
Clark,  Mrs.  J.  W.  Pinkham,  Miss  Grace  Pillsbury,  Miss  Jennie  II.  Beach,  Mrs.  E.  W.  Sadler,  Miss 
Draper,  Miss  DeLuze,  Miss  Hellen  Sullivan  (now  Mrs.  Delevan  I!aldwin),  Miss  Marion  Torry,  Miss 
Chittenden  (now  Mrs.  Wm.  E.  Pinkham),  Miss  Power  (now  Mrs.  Arthur  Schroeder)  and  Miss  Conradt. 

The  Club  was  afterward  strengthened  by  the  addition  of  the  following:  Alfred  E.  Beach,  P.  E. 
Van  Riper,  Frank  Rogers,  Thomas  Russell,  Dr.  J.  W.  Pinkham,  Charles  A.  lleckscher,  Joseph  A.  Blair, 
John  H.  Wilson,  Samuel  AVilde,  A.  Ferguson 
Brown,  "W.  Delavan  lialdwiu,  J.  C.  Mott,  J.  ]\I. 
Wing  and  others. 

During  the  spring,  summer  and  fall  the  Club 
had  its  regular  riding  parties  at  stated  intervals, 
usually  holding  the  meet  at  the  residence  of  some 
one  of  the  members,  and  during  the  winter  months 
they  had  exceedingly  attractive  social  evenings 
everv  fortnight.     There  were  readinirs.  recitations. 


vocal  and  instrument- 
al music  and  dramatic 
p  e  r  f  o  r  m  a  n  c  es — in 
short,  this  Club  seem- 
ed to  till  the  place,  in 
those  days,  now  occu- 
pied by  distinct  socie- 
ties, devoted  to  litera- 
ture, music  or  dramat- 
ics. 

At  some  of  the 
equestrian  meets  it 
Avas  a  common  thing 
to  see  twenty  or  thirty 
ladies  and  gentlemen 
in  the  saddle,  and  as 

this  sport  is  exceedingly  exhilarating  the  parties  were  usually  very  enthusiastic.     The  regular  rides  wei-e 
on  Saturday  afternoons,  but  parties  were  often  made  up  for  moonlight  nights,  or  for  early  morning  rides. 
At  the  meets  there  was  always  present,  at  the  invitation  of  the  host  at  whose  house  the  meet  was 
held,  a  party  of  friends  to  see  the  riders  stai-t. 

During  the  second  year,  the  Club  inaugurated  "hare  and  hounds"  hunting.  These  paper  chases 
gave  considerable  zest  to  the  sport,  and  helped  to  keep  up  an  active  interest  in  the  Club.  A  description 
of  one  of  these  paper  chases  taken  from  the  Jli/ntr/air  Times  of  N"ovember  17,  1S77,  will  give  an 
excellent  idea  of  the  event : 

"  The  Equestrian  Club  had  their  second  hunt  of  hare  and  hounds  Saturday  afternoon,  and  from  all  we 
can  learn  the  sport  was  decidedly  exciting  and  enjoyable.     The  meet  was  held  at  the  residence  of  N.  Sullivan,  Esq.     Two 


'  MKET       AT   ROSWELL    MANOR. 


History  ok  Montclair  Township.  161 

prominent  members  of  the  Club,  a  lady  and  gentleman,  represented  the  hares,  and  displayed  equestrianship  of 
exceptional  merit  by  riding  through  some  very  difficult  places.  They  gave  their  pursuers  over  an  hour's  chase  across 
country,  but  were  finally  overtaken  beyond  the  mountain  near  Verona  Lake.  Dr.  Pinkham  was  Master  of  the  Hounds, 
and  managed  his  party  so  well  that  no  accident  occurred  to  mar  the  pleasure  of  the  day.  Miss  Rogers  was  first  in  at  the 
'  death,'  and  was  awarded  a  sprig  of  evergreen  to  represent  the  '  brush.'  These  paper  chases  have  been  so  successful 
that  the  members  of  the  Club  will  have  several  more  before  the  season  closes.  The  next  social  meeting  will  be  held 
Tuesday  evening  at  the  residence  of  J.  R.  Thompson,  Esq." 

The  followiniT  year  tlie  Cliil)  iiii])orte(l  a  jiack  of  heagle  liuiiiuls  iind  inaiiirnrateil  "drag"  luuitiiisj. 
Tlie  beagles,  wliicli  were  piirdiaseil  in  England,  were  perhaps  the  first  lot  uf  hounds  of  the  kind  brought 
to  this  countrv  in  any  large  number;  being  a  much  smaller  dog  tiian  the  regular  fcx-liouiid  or  lianicr, 
tlicy  are  slower  ruimiiig  and  better  adapted  where  there  are  lady  riders  in  the  field. 

The  Club  having  become  so  enthusiastic  over  cro.'^s  country  riiling,  it  was  decided  to  ])crmanentiv 
ailnpt  Jiunting,  and  the  name  of  the  Club  was  changed  to  the  Montclair  Hunt,  and  .Mr.  iviward  W.  Sadler 
was  made  the  first  Master  of  TIouiuls. 

The  meet  on  Christmas  day  ( ISTS)  at  ^[r.  Sadler's  e.\ten.sive  place  on  Grove  Street  will  idiig  l)e 
remembered  in  the  history  of  this  Club,  a.s  the  host  had  invited  the  farmers  from  the  country  abcmt,  and 
a  large  number  of  friends,  to  see  the  hunting  party  start. 

Tiie  next  year  the  Club  decided  to  ])rocure  a  draft  of  regular  fo.\  hounds  fi-om  the  kennels  of  the 
•  Queens  County  Hunt  of  Long  Island,  and,  in  addition,  engaged  tlie  services  of  the  famous  athlete  and 
sportsman.  Harry  Ilowanl,  who  continue<l  in  their  em|)loy  until  his  death  stmie  years  later.  Howard  was 
a  ty])ical  specimen  of  a  sturdy  English  hunt>nuin,  and  his  merry  voice,  as  he  encouraged  his  hounds  on- 
ward, was  often  heard  to  the  delight  of  the  riders  during  the  different  cha.ses.  In  the  year  1879,  M'"' 
Frederick  Meiriam  AVheeler  succeeded  Mr.  Sadler  as  Master  of  the  Hounds,  the  kennels  being  located  on 
the  old  Baldwin  farm,  now  the  .site  of  "  lioswell  Manor,"  the  i)resent  residence  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  (ieo.  Inness, 
Jr.  About  this  time  a  number  of  inend)ers  from  Orange  and  other  parts  of  the  surrounding  country 
joined  the  Hunt,  among  whom  were  ("harles  .\.  Heckscher.  Henry  N.  Miinu,  Edward  P.  Tlieliaiid, 
Frank  E.  Martin,  Douglas  Hobinson,  Jr.,  the  Messi-s.  Iludnut  and  Charles  H.  Lee. 

In  18S(»  the  kennels  were  moved  to  the  vicinity  of  Tory  Corner,  about  half  way  between  Montclair 
and  Orange,  and  Mr.  Henry  N.  Munn  succeeded  Mr.  Wheeler  as  Master  of  the  Hounds.  The  kennels 
were  newly  stocked  with  a  draft  of  very  tine  fo.x-hounds  purchased  from  the  sons  of  Sir  Hugh  Allen,  of 
Montreal,  and  the  use  of  live  fcjxes  in.stead  of  the  "  drag"  was  inaugurated.  From  this  time  until  witliin 
a  few  years  ago  the  Club  continued  the  practice  of  fox  hunting,  having  changed  its  name  from  the 
Montclair  Hunt  to  the  Es.sex  County  Hunt. 

In  iss:',  Mr.  Charles  A.  Heckscher  became  Ma.ster  of  the  Hounds,  but  was  succeeded  the  following 
year  l)y  Mr.  Edwaid  1'.  Thebaud,  who  continued  to  carry  on  the  hunting  in  a  mo.st  successful  manner 
until  the  Club  was  altsorbed  by  the  present  Essex  County  Country  Club.  During  Mr.  Thebaud's  time  of 
office  (1SS4  to  ls;s7)  tlie  kennels  were  located  in  the  \'erona  N'aliey,  where  there  was  plenty  of  pasture 
for  the  hunt  horses,  and  a  comfortable  club  house  for  the  use  of  the  mendjers. 

It  was  a  great  sight  at  the  opening  Meets  every  autumn  to  see  the  pretty  little  club  house 
decorated  with  tlowers  and  the  Club  colors,  and  jtresided  over  by  a  party  of  ladies  to  entertain  the 
company,  which  latter  never  numbered  less  than  f)iH)  to  600  invited  guests  from  the  Oranges,  Montclair, 
I'loointield,  Short  Hills.  Morristown,  Newark  and  New  York. 

General  Geo.  B.  McClellan  was  also  a  member  of  the  Club  about  this  time,  and  was  frequently  seen 
at  these  affairs,  and  his  wife  was  usually  on  the  reception  committee,  with  Mrs.  J.  C.  Wilmerding,  Mrs. 
F.  Merriam  Wheeler  and  other  well  known  ladies  from  Montclair  and  Orange.  A  band  of  music  w'as 
always  in  attendance,  and  there  was  generally  a  high  jumping  contest  of  the  hunting  horses,  after  which 
an  exhibition  of  the  hounds  on  a  "drag"'  hunt  was  given  over  the  surrounding  meadows. 

Once  every  few  years  the  Club  gave  amateur  races,  at  which  there  was  always  considerable  fun,  if 
not  expert  sport. 

It  was  in   1887  that  the  Country  Club  absorbed  the  Hunt,  but  the  Montclair  riding  fraternity, 


162  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

desiriug  to  still  keep  up  the  sport  of  Imrsebaek  i-idiuj;,  re-organized  the  Erpiestrian  Club,  and  (hiring  the 
last  few  years  have  been  holding  their  Meets  regularly  at  the  residences  of  tlie  different  nieiiibers — 
generally  on  Saturday  afternoons  during  the  spring  and  fall  seasons. 

The  illustration  on  i)age  1(50  gives  an  excellent  view  of  one  of  the  Meets,  which  in  this  case  was 
held  at  "  Roswell  Manor."  In  the  party  of  lady  and  gentleman  riders  shown  can  be  recognized  the  faces  of 
some  of  the  more  recent  members  of  the  Club,  whose  names  will  be  found  among  the  list  following,  viz. : 

Mr.  E.  A.  Bradley,  Mr.  H.  S.  McClure,  Mr.  Ogden  Brower,  Mrs.  A.  Ferguson  Brown,  Mr.  Seelye 
Benedict,  Mr.  Walter  Benedict,  Mrs.  A.  E.  Bostwick,  Miss  Bussing,  Mr.  D.  P.  Cruikshank,  Miss  Darwin, 
Miss  Hawes,  Miss  Campbell,  Miss  Birdseye,  Miss  Hening,  Miss  Conradt,  Mr.  and  IMrs.  Geo.  Inness,  Jr., 
Mr.  F.  A.  Junkin,  IVIr.  and  Mrs.  W.  E.  Marcus,  the  Messrs.  Meyer,  Mr.  T.  W.  Porter,  Miss  Kodman, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  W.  Stewart,  Mr.  T.  W.  Stephens,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  W.  Kirlin,  Mrs.  Burt,  Mr.  AVillis 
Sawyer,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  A.  Shroeder,  Mr.  Tearle,  Miss  Russell,  Miss  Eleanor  Junkin,  Mr.  and  ^Irs.  F. 
]\[erriaiu  Wheeler,  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  C.  Mott. 

MONTCLAIR  CLUB. 

That  the  Montclair  Club  has  been  a  jjotent  factor  in  the  ra[)id  increase  in  tlie  population  of  the 
township  since  1887,  any  one  who  has  observed  its  workings  and  noticed  its  influence  on  the  community 
will  freely  admit.  Starting  with  a  membership  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  at  its  first  public  meeting,  it 
reached  about  four  hundred  within  five  years;  and  has  afforded  the  means  of  pleasure  and  entertainment 
to  more  than  four  times  that  number  annually. 

The  initiatory  movement  began  in  the  early  ])art  of  1887.  Mr.  C.  L.  Topliff  and  Mr.  II.  C.  Carter 
conceived  the  idea  of  starting  a  social  club  on  a  more  general  scale  than  had  previously  Iteen  attempted 
in  Montclair,  one  which  should  merit  tlie  supjiort  of  a  large  class  of  professional  and  business  men  who 
felt  the  iieetl  <.if  recreation  and  enjoyment  after  the  worry,  care  and  anxiety  incident  to  life  in  the  great 
neiii'hborins'  city.  These  gentlemen,  knowing  that  several  ]n-evious  attempts  had  failed,  deserve  sjiecial 
credit  for  proceeding  in  a  very  thorough,  careful  and  business-like  manner,  to  lay  a  foundation  which 
should  insure  irltimate  success.  They  visited  the  leading  clubs  in  New  York,  Brooklyn  and  Jersey  City, 
and  communicated  with  others  at  a  distance — thoroughly  informing  themselves  oil  all  matters  connected 
with  club  management;  they  studied  carefully  the  organization-forms  of  many  different  clubs;  and, 
finally,  taking  Lincoln  Club  of  Brooklyn  as  a  general  model,  prepared  a  tentative  set  of  By-Laws  and 
had  them  printed  for  distribution.  They  then  submitted  the  matter  to  Messrs.  Jasper  R.  Rand  aiul 
William  D.  Baldwin,  who,  in  turn,  interested  others ;  and  on  June  25,  1887,  an  invitation  was  sent  out 
inviting  co-operation,  signed  by  W.  D.  Baldwin,  Jasper  R.  Rand,  E.  A.  Bradley,  E.  G.  Burgess,  H.  C. 
Carter,  C.  L.  Topliff,  Frederick  Engle,  E.  B.  Goodell,  S.  Benedict,  J.  II.  Wilson  and  R.  G.  Park. 

The  first  meeting  was  held  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Baldwin,  and  subsequent  meetings  at  the  house  of 
Mr.  Bradley,  and  on  July  27th,  a  large  number  of  invitations  were  issued  to  attend  a  general  meeting  for 
organizing  a  club — the  paper  being  signed  by  the  above  named  gentlemen  and  others  to  the  number  of 
twenty  five  in  all. 

The  jiublic  meeting  was  held  in  Montclair  Hall,  on  August  1,  1887.  Mr.  W.  I).  I]aldwin  opened 
the  meeting;  Mr.  J(;hn  R.  Howard  was  elected  (■hairman,  and  ^Ir.  II.  C.  Carter,  Secretary.  The 
enrollment  showed  one  hundred  and  twenty  names  f)f  those  wishing  to  become  members.  The  By-Laws 
were  discussed  and  with  moditications  adopted.  The  first  Board  of  Directors  were  nominated  and 
elected — consisting  of  W.  D.  Baldwin,  Seelye  Benedict,  E.  A.  Bradley,  E.  G.  Burgess,  H.  C.  Carter, 
W.  Y.  Carolin,  E.  B.  Goodell,  John  R.  Howard,  Dr.  John  J.  H.  Love  and  Cyrus  L.  Topliff;  and  the 
Directors  were  instructed  to  have  the  Club  incorporated,  and  to  make  arrangements  for  temporary 
quarters,  pending  the  purchase  of  ground  and  the  erection  of  a  permanent  home.  The  first  officers  were 
Jasper  R.  Rand,  President ;  W.  D.  Baldwin,  Yice-President ;  II.  C.  Carter,  Secretary,  and  C.  L.  Topliff, 
Treasurer ;  Mr.  Richard  G.  Park  was  elected  a  Director  in  place  of  Mr.  Carolin,  who  resigned. 


History  of  MoNTcr.AiR  Townshtp.  163 

After  iniicli  searcliiiif;  and  investigation  of  eligible  site.s  it  wa.s  lieterniined  to  inii-cliase  the  property 
of  Dr.  John  J.  H.  Love,  on  Church  Street,  as  being  both  near  to  the  business  centre  of  the  town  and 
yet  sufficiently  retired.  This  was  done  at  a  cost  of  Sl(\nn(i,  and  the  old  dwelling-honse  on  the  premises 
wa.-i  altered  for  temporary  ijuarters  until  such  time  as  a  club  house  should  be  put  up,  it  being  then  expected 
that  s25,(Mj(i  would  erect,  furnish  and  e(piip  the  building.  The  Hoard  of  Directors  was  instructed  to  invite 
plans  and  estimates  from  five  diiferent  architects.  To  these  a  sixth  wji^  added,  later,  when  the  scheme 
projiosed  included  a  mu.<ic  hall  in  addition  to  the  club  house  proper.  The  tirm  of  Lamb  A:  Kich,  of 
.New  York,  were  tiiially  selected  as  the  architects,  and  the  praise  universally  given  their  completed  work 
|iroves  tlie  wisdom  of  the  selection.  The  tine  bowling  alleys  in  the  basement,  the  convenient  arrange- 
ment of  the  offices,  retiring  rooms,  canl  room-;,  liilliard  and  jiool  rooms,  and  reading  room,  on  the  tirst 
tlo^ir,  the  ladies'  parlor>  and  dressing  i-ooms  and  the  l)eautifuliy  j)ro])(irtiiined  music  hall  on  the  second 
thiol';  the  special  dining  ronni.  steward's  apartments,  kitchen,  etc..  on  tlii'  tliii'd  floor,  ainl  the  artistic 
harmmiy  and  architectural  beauty  of  the  whole  house,  within  and  wiihdut,  ccmiiine  to  nuike  it  an 
exceptionally  ailmirable  editice. 

Mr.  ('.  L.  Topliff,  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  was  very  active  in  tlif  matter,  ami  some  of  the  best  of 
the  interior  arrangements  were  of  his  suggestion.  The  Hoard  pa-^si-d  a  special  vote  of  thanks  to  ^Fr. 
Topliti  for  his  "long  continued  and  intelligent  efforts  in  the  interest  of  the  Club,  and  especially  in  the 
matter  of  the  new  club  house,  with  music  liall  attached."  The  original  plans  contemplated  the  erection 
of  a  building  to  cost  !5.i(l,0(i(i,  l)iit  the  addition  of  the  mu^ic  hall  to  the  main  building  involved  an 
additional  outlay  of  §10,000.  A  loan  on  tii-st  mortgage  was  .secured  from  the  2s'ew  York  Mutual 
Life  Insurance  Co.  of  $25,<iOO  at  5  per  cent.,  and  bonds  were  issued  under  a  second  mortgage  to  the 
amount  of  S.^.^.OOO  at  •!  per  cent.  Probabh'  the  two  gentlemen  most  successful  in  '*  i)lacing"  bonds  and 
inducing  club  membei's  aiul  others  to  join  in  securing  the  financial  basis  for  the  enterprise,  were  the 
President,  Mr.  Rand,  and  Jlr.  Seelye  Benedict,  of  the  Board  of  Directors.  This  once  assured,  matters 
moved  vigorously. 

The  Building  Committee  consisted  of  Messrs.  .lolin  \l.  Howard.  Frederick  Engle,  Dr.  John  J.  IL 
Love,  and  Seelye  Benedict.  The  club  liouse  was  begun  in  August,  1888,  and  completed  ready  for 
occupancy  in  the  autumn  of  1889.  A  brilliant  opening  took  place  on  November  7  of  tliat  year,  and  the 
'•  .Vnniversary  Beception  "  has  been  an  "institution"  ever  since. 

In  a  cii-cular  issue<l  by  the  Board  of  Directors,  accompanying  a  set  of  reduced  engravings  of  the 
floor  plans  and  some  perspective  sketches,  for  the  information  of  tlie  members  when  the  taking  of  the 
bonds  were  in  process,  is  this  statement : 

"  The  building  of  this  house,  securing  by  its  accommodations  a  large  income,  secures  also  possibilities  of  artistic, 
social,  dramatic,  musical,  and  various  interesting  and  useful  entertainments,  which  will  make  life  in  Montclair  a  different 
thing  for  every  gentleman  and  lady  in  it.  Especial  arrangements  are  included,  both  in  the  house  and  its  use,  for  the 
accommodation  and  pleasure  of  the  ladies  and  families  of  members.  This  Club  is  intended  to  be  instrumental  in  pro- 
moting, and  not  in  disturbing,  home  happiness  ;  to  offer  attractions  to  the  feminine  as  well  as  to  the  masculine  elemiSnt  in 
our  society,  and  it  is  hoped  that  the  earnest  interest  of  Woman  may  be  aroused  and  her  potent  influence  exerted 
in  its  favor." 

It  was  un(|uestionably  a  wise  move  to  solicit  the  feminine  interest  of  the  town,  for  that  was  the 
final  turning  of  the  .scale  which  made  the  financial  .scheme  a  success,  assuring  the  building  of  the  hou.se. 
To  the  credit  of  the  management  of  the  Club  it  must  be  said  that  the  promises  of  the  circular  have  been 
fnlfilled  in  letter  and  in  spirit.  Monday  is  "  Ladies'  Day,''  when  the  house  is  thrown  ojien  to  them 
from  noon  to  midnight,  and  in  the  evening  special  entertainment  is  provided  and  music  for  dancing  in 
the  hall.  This  is  of  regular  recurrence;  while  the  special  occasions  of  all  agreeable  kinds  that  call  both 
men  and  women  together  in  the  hall  are  constant,  and  have  truly  "made  life  in  Montclair  a  different 
tiling."  The  Presidents  have  been  ilessrs.  J.  Ti.  Rand,  Edward  G.  Burgess.  J.  R.  Howard  and  Di-.  J.  J. 
II.  Love;  the  Vice-Presidents,  Messrs.  W.  D.  Baldwin,  J.  R.  Howard,  J.  II.  Wilson,  Dr.  J.  J.  IL  Love 
and  J.  It.  Livermore.     After  the  expiration  of  Mr.  Carter's  term  as  Secretary  and  Mr.  TopIifE's  as  Treas- 


KU  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

urer.  the  offices  were  combined,  and  have  since  been  tilled  successively  iij  Messrs.  Edwin  B.  Goodell 
and  Wni.  L.  Ludlain. 

One  feature  of  the  Club  management  is  peculiar :  "  No  intoxicating  beverages  shall  be  sold  or 
allowed  in  the  club  house."  This  house  rule  has  often  been  condemned  by  club  men  as  sure  to  be  the 
ruin  of  the  Club ;  but,  as  a  matter  of  fact,  in  the  minds  of  the  best  observers  it  has  been  and  is  the  most 
intliieutial  factor  in  the  Club's  undeniable  success.  "Sweethearts  and  wives"  are  not  afraid  to  see  the 
men  they  love  go  there,  and  mothers  feel  s^afe  in  having  their  ycmng  men  l)ecome  junior  members  in  a 
clul)  where  they  can  tind  rational  enjoyment  and  recreation,  without  danger.  And  more  than  this  :  the 
men  think  what  the  women  feel;  there  is  many  a  member  of  the  Montclair  Club  who  di-inks  wine  at 
his  own  table,  and  yet  is  firm  in  the  determination  to  keep  the  club  house  free  from  the  ])erils  of  club 
tippling. 

This  and  other  features  of  the  wise  and  business-like  management  of  its  affairs  from  the  tirst  have 
kept  the  Montclair  Club  in  a  continuous  career  of  agreeable  usefulness  and  tiiiancial  prosperity.  It  is 
without  doubt  the  most  important  representative  institution  of  the  town,  and  every  inhabitant  of  Montclair 
will  hope  for  it  a  long  and  prosperous  life. 

THE  OFTLOOK  CLUB. 

The  object  of  this  association  is  to  hear  the  discussion  of  themes  of  current  and  vital  interest  by 
prominent  thinkers  in  various  fields,  and  especially  to  enlarge  the  views  of  its  members  by  the  wholesome 
process  of  hearing  "  the  other  side.'' 

The  Outlook  Club  was  foreshadowed  in  a  series  of  fortnightly  gatherings  for  the  discussion  and 
reading  of  pure  literature  during  several  winters,  from  December.  1883,  to  the  spring  of  1887,  held  in 
the  lecture  room  of  the  First  Congregational  Church,  llev.  Amory  II.  Bradford,  pastor.  The  writers 
and  readers  were  drawn  fi'om  the  town  at  large,  and  the  general  interest  made  the  unpretentidus 
evenings  signally  successful . 

When,  in  1SS7,  the  Montclair  (^Social)  Club  was  organized,  the  ettbrts  of  many  active  workers 
centred  in  that,  and  the  literary  evenings  were  discontinued;  but  two  years  later,  when  the  Club  had 
passed  its  infancy,  and  built  a  tine  club  house,  it  was  thought  good  to  revive  on  a  somewhat  broader 
plan  the  holding  of  meetings  for  general  culture.  Accordingly,  the  new  Outlook  Club  was  organized. 
A  meeting  was  called  in  the  Congregational  Church  lecture  room,  by  a  printed  note  of  in\itation, 
signed  by  Rev.  Dr.  Bradford,  Kev.  Dr.  Junkin,  Rev.  Mr.  Carter,  Mr.  Paul  Wilcox,  Mr.  John  R.  Howard 
and  othei's ;  and  on  a  raw,  sleety,  stormy  evening,  early  in  December,  1889,  about  seventy  five  ladies  and 
gentlemen  came  together,  adopted  their  brief  constitution,  and  appointed  a  committee  to  nominate 
officers  and  Executive  Committee,  and  to  prepare  for  a  December  public  meeting. 

The  first  officers  elected  were :  I'resident,  John  R.  Howard ;  Vice-Presidents,  Rev.  F.  B.  (^'arter 
aud  John  R.  Liverniore;  Awt'^a/y,  Wm.  H.  Peck ;  7V<'«sw/'<?/',  F.  Merriain  Wheeler.  Executive  Com- 
mittee:  The  foregoing  officers,  and  Rev.  A.  11.  Bradfoi-d,  D.D.,  Rev.  AY.  ]•'.  .Junkin,  D.D.,  Paul  Wilcox, 
Wm.  TI.  Peck.     Mr.  Paul  Wilcox  was  President  for  the  years  lS93-9i. 

The  experiment  was  a  marked  success  from  the  very  first.  The  mcmbershij)  was  fixed  at  200, 
but  the  limit  has  since  been  raised  to  300,  and  there  is  always  a  large  waiting  list  for  vacancies  at  the  end 
of  the  year.  Each  member  pays  annual  dues  of  si  and  receives  two  tickets  for  each  of  the  eight 
meetings.  This  gives  an  income  of  $1,200  a  year  and  insures  good  attendance  at  the  meetings.  The 
hall  of  the  Montclair  Club,  where  the  meetings  are  held,  will  seat  500,  and  is  always  well  filled  and 
sometimes  crowded  when  the  Outlook  has  it.  The  only  expenditures,  aside  from  the  rent  of  the  hall, 
programme  and  ticket  printing  and  postage,  are  the  compensation  and  expenses  of  the  speakers. 
There  are  eight  meetings  a  year — on  the  fourth  Friday  of  each  month,  excepting  June,  July,  August  and 
September,  so  that  the  average  allowable  monthly  expense  per  meeting  is  §150.  This  giving  out  of  so 
large  a  nundier  of  tickets  to   eight  literary  entertainments  of  high   grade,   at  an  average   cost  to  the 


History  ok  Montci.air  Township.  ir>5 

membership  of  t\rentv-five  cents  per  ticket,  is  certainly  unusual  and  evinces  tlie  great  i)opularity  of  this 
method  uf  educational  entertainment.  The  first  public  meeting  after  the  organization  of  the  Club  was 
held  in  Montclair  Hall,  with  an  audience  of  about  two  hundred.  The  subject  discussed  was,  "The 
Sensuous  and  the  Spiritural  in  ^rnderri  Literature."  The  speakers  were  Kev.  "NVni.  Hayes  Ward,  of  the 
huJepeniJfiid,  Miss  Agnes  McC.  Ilallock  and  liev.  Wni.  F.  Junkiii,  I). I). 

The  range  of  subjects  since  discussed  has  been  verj"  wide,  including  philosophy,  science,  literature, 
art,  industrv,  and  even  politics  and  reliirion,  althonirh  subiects  beloniiinir  to  the  two  classes  last  named 
have  had  to  be  handled  witii  delicacy.  With  observance  of  all  tlie  courtesies  of  debate,  varied  and  o]>- 
posing  views  have  been  effectively  presented  with  entire  freediiiii ;  an<i  tlie  educational  value  of  tliis  is 
highly  appreciated,  not  only  by  the  menil)ers  but  by  the  commuMity.  The  spciikeis  are  always  cxidicitiy 
informed  beforehand  that  their  remarks  are  e.\[)ected  to  be  expository  rather  than  disputatious,  and  the 
opening  speaker  furnishes  a  brief  abstract  of  his  positions  in  advance  for  the  information  of  those  up. 
iiuldiiig  "the  other  side."  Thirty  five  minutes  are  nominally  allotted  to  the  tinst  speaker,  and,  if  there 
liL'  but  one  opponent,  thirty-rive  minutes  to  him  also.  If  more  than  one,  twenty  minutes  each,  while  the 
rirst  speaker  is  allowed  ten  minutes  for  rebuttal.  These  limits,  however,  are  rarely  enforced,  and  considera- 
ble latitude  is  given  to  the  ^peakeis.  The  character  of  the  work  done  by  this  Club  is  shown  in  the  selec- 
tion of  subjects  and  speakers — the  latter  including  many  of  luitional  reputation. 

In  1S90,  Jitnuarij,  "The  Pres.s— Its  Powers  and  Responsibilities."  Rev.  Clias.  II.  Eaton,  D.D.. 
Joseph  Howard,  Jr..  and  Alexander  D.  Noyes. 

Fvhruary,  "'Looking  Backward' — Xationalism."  liev.  W.  1).  1'.  llliss.  ,lolm  1*.  Livennore, 
Clarence  W.   Butler,  M.D.,  Prof.  Daniel  de  Leon  and  Charles  H.  Johnson,  Jr. 

March,  "Prohibition — or  What  r'  E.  C.  Wheeler,  Riilieit  (iniliani,  1).  F.  Merritt  and  Starr  J. 
Murpliy. 

"  The  Negro  Problem  "  was  divided  into  two  parts,  'i'lif  first  meeting  devoted  to  that  subject 
was  held  ill  April.  George  W.  Cable,  tiie  novelist,  and  Rev.  .1.  C.  Price,  D.D.,  the  famous  colored  orator, 
taking  part.  "  The  Other  Side,"  was  heard  in  Xoi-mnh'  ,\  Thomas  Nelson  Page,  the  writer,  and  Rev. 
Wm.  Juiikin,  D.D.,  pa.stor  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  .Muntclair,  formeri\i  of  Charleston,  S.  C, 
being  the  speakers. 

J/'/y,  l>^!to.  " Shelley— Poet  and  Man."  Ki-v.  .1.  11.  Kcob.  Ilaniilron  W.  i[abie.  Jieadinyn, 
Miss  Josephine  Rand. 

October,  " The  Economic  Theory  of  Protection."     Prof.  \'an  Buren  Denslow  aii<l  llciuy  George. 

December.  ••  Tlie  Higher  Education  of  Woman."  Nfrs.  Alice  Freeman  Palmer,  ilrs.  Ella  Dietz 
Clymer,  Rev.  A.  J.  McA'icar,  D.D.,  and  President  Jame.-»  W.  Taylor,  of  Vas.-,ar  College. 

In  1SS)1:  January,  "The  Silver  Question.'"  Hon.  A.  J.  Warner,  of  Ohio,  and  Prof.  J.  Laurence 
Laughlin.  of  Cornell  I^nivei'sity. 

Fehruary.  "The  American   News])aper."      ('has.  R.  Williams,  J'aul  Wilcox  and  A.  II.  Siegfried. 

March,  "  'Looking  Forward'  (Christian  Socialism)."  Tlionuis  G.  Shearman  and  Hon.  Albion  W. 
Tourjee. 

Ajrril.  "The  Theological  Outlo(^k."  Rev.  David  Waters,  D.D.,  of  Newark,  N.  J. ;  Rev.  Francis 
G.  Peaiiody,  D.D.,  of  Harvard  University;  Rev.  Charles  F.  Deems,  D.D.,  of  New  York;  and  Rev. 
Charles  H.Hall,  D.D.,- of  Brooklyn. 

May,  "The  Impulse  Behind  Literature."  Hamilton  \V.  Mabie,  of  21ie  Outlook,  ^imi  RoI>ert 
Xevin,  of  London,  England;  October,  "The  Golden  Age — Can  it  be  Realized  if"  Rev.  William 
Lloyd  and  Starr  Hoyt  Nichols;  November,  "The  Pulpit  and  Politics,"  Rev.  B.  B.  Tyler,  D.D.,  and 
Rev.  Charles  H.  Hall.  D.D.;  December,  "Ideal  Anarchy,"  Daniel  Greenleaf  Tiionipson.  Edwin  B. 
Goodell  and  John  R.  Livermore;  January,  1892,  "Economic  cs.  Political  Union  among  English-Speak- 
ing Peoples  (The  Question  of  Canada),"  Hon.  Erastus  Wiman  and  William  II.  McElroy,  of  the  New 
Yorlc  Trthiine  ;  February,  "Should  Immigration  be  Restricted  f  Prof.  Iljalniar  Hjorth  Boyesen  and 
J  Ion.  A.  B.  Nettleton,  Assistant  Secretary  of  the  United  States  Treasury ;  March,  "The  New  Education," 


ICifi  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

Piuf.  Geo.  II.  ruliner,  Prof.  A.  C.  Perkins,  President  Geo.  A.  Gates  and  Dr.  Nicholas  Murray  Butler; 
Ajjri/,  "  Woman's  Place  in  the  Labor  Field,"  Moncure  D.  Conway  and  Miss  Kate  Field  ;  Mai/,  •'  Did 
Lord  Bacon  Write  the  So-called  Shakspeare  Plays?"  Starr  Iloyt  Nichols  and  Eoger  Foster;  October, 
"  Itelative  Value  of  Arctic  and  Tropical  Exploration,"  Gen.  W.  A.  Greely  and  Cyrus  C.  Adams,  of  the 
JVew  York  Sun ;  JVovemler,  "  The  Ti-eatment  of  Criminals,"  Professor  Charles  L.  Collin,  W.  M.  F. 
Eound  and  P.  T.  Quinn ;  Decemher,  "Did  Lord  Bacon  Write  the  So-called  Shakespeare  Plays?"'  Part 
IT.,  Starr  Iloyt  Nichols  and  Hamilton  W.  Mabie. 

The  subjects  discussed  in  1S93  wei-e :  ./(r;i(/«/'y,  "  Evolution."  Prof.  W.  B.  Scott,  followed  by  a 
conference  of  questions  and  answers;  February,  "Spirit  Apparition  and  a  Future  Life,"  Rev.  Minot  J. 
Savage,  D.D.,  Prof.  James  H.  Ilyslop  of  Columbia  College;  March,  "A  Discourse  on  the  Drama," 
Joseph  Jefferson ;  ^^vr//,  "  Sunday,  and  the  World's  Fair,"  Rev.  Arthur  Brooks,  Rev.  William  Lloyd ; 
May,  "  Realism  and  Idealism,"  F.  Ilopkinson  Smith ;  October,  "  The  Silver  Coinage  Question,"  Hon.  R. 
P.  Bland,  of  Missouri,  Hon.  M.  I).  Harter,  of  Ohio;  Xovember,  "Labor  and  Law,"  Rossiter  W.  Ray- 
mond, Ph.D.,  J.  W.  Sullivan,  of  the  Federated  Union  of  Labor;  December,  "Business  Government  for 
Cities,"  St.  Clair  McKelway,  Esq.,  of  the  Brooklyn  Eagle,  Dr.  Lewis  G.  Janes,  President  of  the  Ethical 
Association  of  Brooklyn. 

The  instant  success  and  continuous  strength  of  this  admirable  institution  is  a  credit  to  its  managers, 
not  only,  but  to  the  town,  which,  with  so  many  other  attractions  of  social,  musical,  dramatic  and  general 
entertainment,  has  for  over  four  years  steadily  supported  the  Outlook  Club.  It  is  valued  by  all  who 
have  enjoyed  its  sessions,  and  has  educated  an  audience  trained  to  quick  appreciation  and  intelligent 
taking  of  a  speaker's  points,  which  never  fails  to  impress  the  experienced  talkers  who  discuss  their 
selected  topics. 

TARIFF  REFORM  CLUB. 

The  nucleus  of  this  small  but  energetic  association  must  be  looked  for  in  a  group  of  men  who  in 
1882-8.3,  chiefl}'  under  the  inspiration  of  Col.  George  A.  Miller,  met  for  occasional  readings  and  discus- 
sions of  questions  relating  to  taxation.  In  1884,  when  the  Blaine-Cleveland  presidential  campaign  shook 
the  party  loyalty  of  so  many  Republicans,  these  men  and  others — forty-tive  altogether — formed  the 
" Independent  Republican  Organization,"  having  as  President,  J.  R.  Howard  ;  Secretary,  i.  CWcw'M; 
Executive  Committee,  G.  A.  Miller,  E.  B.  Goodell,  S.  A.  Swenarton,  Theo.  St.  John,  E.  B.  Merritt, 
F.  B.  Littlejohn  and  C.  H.  Taylor.  The  organization  did  earnest  work  in  that  campaign,  their  influence 
then  being  in  favor  of  the  Democratic  national  candidate,  while  for  local  and  congressional  matters 
remaining  Republican.  The  effect  of  their  work  as  "protesting  Republicans"  was  seen  in  the  I'eduction 
of  the  customary  Republican  majority  in  Montclair,  on  the  national  ticket,  from  198  to  94,  in  the 
election  in  which  Mr.  Cleveland  was  first  chosen  President. 

In  the  campaign  of  1888,  the  same  men,  with  some  accession  of  numbers  (seventy-five  in  all), 
formed  the  "  Taritt' Reform  Campaign  Club,''  having  the  same  Executive  Committee,  enlarged  by  the 
addition  of  Alexander  D.  Noyes,  Dr.  C.  W.  Butler  and  John  R.  Livermore,  and,  as  officers:  President 
J.  R.  Howard ;  Vice-President,  E.  B.  Goodell ;  Secretary,  Starr  J.  Murphy ;  Treasurer,  Chas.  F.  Droste. 
In  that  campaign  the  Club  was  very  active,  with  circulars,  addresses,  and  a  large  public  meeting. 
Although  Mr.  Cleveland  was  defeated,  his  "Tariff  Message  of  1887"  to  Congress  had  become  a  rallying 
ground  for  tariff  reformers  generally,  and  while  the  Campaign  Club  of  Montclair  had  finished  tlie  work 
for  which  it  had  been  organized,  its  members  were  still  interested  in  the  cause  which  had  brought  them 
together,  and  wished  for  a  permanent  oiganizatioii.  Soon  after  the  election,  therefore,  a  meeting  was 
called  at  the  headquarters  of  the  Club,  and  a  committee  appointed,  consisting  of  Starr  J.  Murphy  and 
Edwin  B.  Goodell,  to  confer  with  the  Reform  Club  of  New  York  City  and  neighboring  campaign  clubs 
with  reference  to  this,  and  to  consider  the  feasibility  of  some  form  of  alliance  with  the  New  York 
Reform  Club. 

At  an   adjourned   meeting,  held   Nov.   20,   1888,  after  winding  up  the  aff'airs  of  the  old  Club,  a 


History  of  Montci.air  Township.  167 

R'.siiliitioii  was  adopted  tu  ulTect  a  permanent  organization  to  be  i<no\vn  as  tlie  '•  ^Moiitclair  Tariff  Ivcforni 
Clul)/'  for  the  purpose  of  discussino;  the  principles  of  natural  taxation  and  also  of  other  suhjects  of 
current  political  interest,  notably  that  of  reform  in  electoral  methods  and  the  civil  service. 

The  officers  of  the  new  form  of  the  old  f'lnb  were:  Presidext,  Edwin  B.  Goodell ;  Vice- 
/V<?*iV7(.'//^,  William  A.  Iluughton  ;  Treasurer,  5  om^\\  V.  Noyes  ;  Recording  Secretary, ^t&rv  5.  Murphy; 
Corresponding  Secretary,  (icor^v  A.  Miller.  These  were  members,  ex-ojjicio,  of  the  Execntive  Committee, 
which  included  also  John  R.  Liverniore.  John  R.  Howard.  Theo.  8t.  John,  William  L.  Guillaudcu.  to 
whom  were  added  in  May,  ISSO,  C.  W.  IJutler,  C.  A.  Sclu.ltz.  F.  A.  Angell,  A.  D.  Noyes.  and  L.  A.  Wiglit. 

A  vigorous  educational  campaign  was  begun  and  every  available  means  used  to  reach  the 
voters  of  the  District  and  impart  information  on  nuitters  relating  to  the  tariff.  Arrangements  were 
Miaiic  with  the  Muntrfair  ILrald,  and  this  became  an  important  medium  of  communication  witli  tiic 
public.  Literature  obtained  from  the  New  York  Reform  Club  was  also  freely  distributed.  Public 
meetings  were  held  and  the  subjects  discusseil  by  ])rominent  speakers.  The  result  of  these  and  other 
similar  influences  was  shown  at  the  ne.xt  ensuing  election,  in  November,  ISDO,  when  Thomas  Dunn 
English,  representing  the  cause  of  tariff  reform,  was  elected  to  Congress  from  the  Si.xth  Congressional 
nistrict,  the  first  time  in  many  years  that  this  district  had  been  represented  by  other  than  a 
Iicj)ublican. 

On  Eebruary  0.  l^^'.'l.  billowing  the  election,  a  public  dinner  was  lield  in  Montclair  at  which  there 
were  present  prominent  s|)eakers  fnjiii  abroad,  among  whom  were,  Congres.sman  John  I )e Witt  Warner, 
Charles  B.  Spahr,  Hon.  Tlionu\s  Dunn  English  and  other.s.  In  ri?s])onsc  to  an  invitation  from  the  Club 
a  letter  was  received  from  (trover  Cleveland,  in  which,  after  expressing  the  customary  regrets  that  he 
could  not  attend  the  dinner,  he  ^aid  : 

It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  note  the  growth  of  Democratic  sentiments  and  strength  in  my  native  county,  and 
to  know  that  the  cause  of  tariff  reform  has  commended  itself  to  the  voters  of  the  Si.xth  Congressional  District.  These 
circumstances  furnish  exceptional  persuasion  to  an  invitation  to  meet  those  who  by  organized  effort  are  pushing  on  the 
good  work  in  the  county  where  I  was  born. 

Nothing  can  excuse  the  Democratic  party  if.  at  this  time,  it  permits  the  neglect  or  subordination  of  the  (juestion 
of  tariff  reform.  In  the  first  place,  the  principle  ins'olved  is  plainly  and  unalterably  right.  This  of  itself  should  he 
sufficient  rea.son  for  constant  activity  in  its  behalf. 

Secondly,  we  have  aroused  a  spirit  of  inquiry  among  our  countrymen,  which  it  is  our  duty  to  satisfy,  and  finally, 
there  may  be  added  to  these  considerations,  the  promise  of  success  held  out  to  the  party  which  honestly  perseveres  in  the 
[jropagandism  of  sound  and  true  political  principles. 

In  1892  the  Club  took  an  active  part  in  the  movement  for  securing  a  Cleveland  delegation  from 
New  .lersey,  at  Chicago,  and  did  good  work  in  the  campaign  which  followed,  especially  in  the 
circulation  of  brief  tracts,  the  jjamphlct  jMiblication  "  Tariff  Reform,"  and  other  literature,  and  in  a 
public  meeting.  The  Club,  including  a  number  of  excellent  and  effective  speakers,  all  it.--  ]niblie 
meetings,  dinners,  etc.,  have  been  uiKpiestionable  succc-^ses.  The  ofHcers  at  that  time  were:  President, 
John  K.  Howard;  Vice-President,  Edwin  B.  Goodell;  Pecurdimj  Secretary,  Wni.  AYhitney  Ames; 
Corresjwnding  Sec}'etary,  Alex.  D.  Noyes;  Treasurer,  Theodore  St.  John;  Executive  Committee,  the 
officers,  and  Wm.  A.  Houghton,  L.  Allyii  Wight,  Joseph  C.  Noyes,  Geo.  A.  Miller  and  Starr  J.  Murphy. 
A  copy  of  its  address  to  voters  having  been  sent  to  .Mr.  Cleveland,  the  Club  received  the  following 
letter  from  him  : 

Gray  Gaules,  Buzzard's  Bay,  Mass.,  August  i,  1S92. 

I  ha\e  received  with  great  satisfaction  your  letter  of  July  25th,  giving  some  account  of  the  Tariff  Reform  Club 
formed  at  Montclair,  New  Jersey.  Although  you  distinctly  stated  that  you  did  not  look  for  a  reply  to  your  letter  I  cannot 
refrain  from  complimenting  the  Club  and  the  author  of  the  "  Open  Letter  to  Voters,"  which  you  inclose.  The  statement 
therein  contained  of  the  theories  and  methods  of  the  Republican  party  and  the  purposes  and  objects  of  the  Democratic 
party,  it  seems  to  me,  cannot  be  improved  upon.  If  this  is  a  specimen  of  the  kind  of  work  which  will  be  undertaken  by 
your  Club  the  best  results  cannot  fail  to  be  apparent  from  its  efforts. 

Mr.  Cleveland's  election,  and  the  widespread  victory  of  tariff  reform  at  the  polls,  in  November  of 


168  History  of  Montclaik  TowNsiiir. 

tliat  year,  gave  the  occasion  for  aiiotlier  })ul>li('  diiiiier  in  Montclair  CIuIj  ilall,  wiiicli,  foi' the  time,  closed 
the  Chib's  activity.  Haviiii;-  no  hical  aims,  and  being  l)ound  to  no  political  ])arty,  the  organization 
follows  its  own  course, — sometimes  being  <jniescent  for  months,  sometimes  having  a  series  of  readings  and 
discussions  of  matters  it  is  interested  in,  and  taking  action  whenever  it  sees  an  opportunity  to  advance  its 
principles.  Its  most  recent  work  was,  in  189-i,  to  address  the  New  Jersey  Democratic  representatives  in 
Congress  upon  the  pending  tariff  legislation. 

The  object  of  the  Club  as  stated  in  its  Con.stitution  is  ''  to  promote  honest,  efficient  and  economi- 
cal government,  having  for  its  immediate  purpose  effective  agitation  in  favor  of  tariff  reform  as  the  chief 
necessity  of  the  time,  and  also  the  advancement  of  a  non-partisan  civil  service,  the  business  administration 
of  public  affairs,  and  the  improvement  of  electoral  methods,  as  essential  to  a  genuine  '  government  of  the 
people,  for  the  people,  and  by  the  people.'  It  purposes  seeking  these  ends  by  discussion,  by  disseminat- 
ing information,  and  by  all  other  means  which  tend  directly  or  indirectly  to  forward  them." 

MONTCLAIR  GLEE  CLUB. 

Few  of  our  large  cities  can  boast  of  a  more  successful  or  better  managed  musical  organization  than 
the  Montclair  Glee  Club,  and  it  would  be  difficult  to  find  in  any  suburban  town  of  its  size  so  large  a  num- 
ber o(  well  trained  voices.  The  projectors  of  this  enterprise  had  no  other  end  in  view  than  that  of 
mutual  improvement  and  entertainment.  It  began  in  1SS5  with  a  double  ipuirtette  composed  of  mutual 
friends  who  met  at  one  another's  houses.  Othei's  became  interested  and  the  nund)er  was  finally  increased 
to  3C>,  and  it  was  then  decided  to  form  a  permanent  organization.  Prof.  E.  J.  Fitzhugh,  the  well-known 
musical  conductor  and  instructor,  was  engaged  as  leader.  In  order  to  meet  the  increased  exjienditure,  the 
Club  determined  to  try  the  experiment  of  giving  a  public  concert.  All  the  members  volunteered  their 
assistance,  and  were  assigned  their  several  parts  as  follows  : 

Sopranos:  Mrs.  L.  L.  Ballantine,  Miss  A.  M.  Dike,  Mrs.  L.  T.  Johnson,  Mrs.  E.  F.  Bedell,  Mrs. 
J.  B.  Hawes,  Miss  Stella  A.  Liveruiore,  Miss  Ennna  C.  Conradt,  Mrs.  C.  A,  Hutcliings.  Miss  Fanny  G. 
Lugar,  Miss  Laura  B.  Mills,  Mrs.  Flora  C.  Niveu,  Mrs.  Chas.  E.  Van  Vleck. 

Contraltos:  Mrs.  Geo.  TST.  Ashley,  Mrs.  H.  W.  Hobbs,  Mrs.  C.  H.  Tissington,  Miss  Kate  Con- 
radt, Miss  Clara  Reading,  Mrs.  H.  K.  Hawes,  Miss  Ella  Sliafer. 

Tenure:  James  Atkins,  C.H.Taylor,  Arthur  B.  Davis,  Chas.  E.  Van  A"  leek,  W.  N.  Guyer, 
F.  J.  Hogan. 

Bassos:  E.  F.  Bedell,  Dr.  John  B.  Hawes,  AVilliam  Y.Boyle,  John  Porter,  Geo.  A.  Ilarkness, 
H.  E.  Taylor,  Dr.  Arthur  F.  Hawes,  C.  H.  Tissington. 

The  first  concert  was  held  at  the  Presbyterian  Chapel,  June  1,  18S().  It  was  conducted  by  Prof. 
Fitzhugh,  and  was  in  every  respect  a  decided  .success.  Selections  were  nuide  from  well-known  composei-s, 
and  were  rendered  witli  skill,  delicacy,  and  good  taste  and  judgment.  The  audience  was  a  critical  one, 
and  showed  their  appreciation  by  frecjuent  demonstrations  of  applause. 

Thus  encouraged,  the  Club  persevered  in  their  efforts  during  eacli  year  to  raise  it  to  a  higher 
plane.  Well  known  artists  were  secured  from  abroad,  and  the  citizens  of  Montclair  were  treated  to  a 
number  of  first  class  entertainments,  and  evinced  their  willingness  to  support  them  by  subscribing  to  a 
sufficient  number  of  tickets  at  a  price  whicli  guaranteed  the  Club  against  loss.  Two  concerts  have  been 
lield  each  season,  all  of  which  have  been  successfiil,  and  the  members  have  shown  a  marked  improvement 
in  form  and  execution.  Prof.  Fitzhugh  remained  with  the  Club  for  two  seasons,  and  was  succeeded  by 
Mr.  A.  D.  Woodruff.  He  proved  to  be  a  cajjable  and  energetic  conductor,  and  managed  the  affairs  with 
skill,  tact  and  good  judgment.  The  Club  has  been  in  successful  operation  for  about  eight  years,  and  has 
proved  itself  worthy  of  the  high  esteem  in  which  it  is  held  by  the  peo])le  of  Montclair.  In  order  to  meet 
the  increa-sed  expenditures  from  year  to  year  associate  members  have  been  added  who  are  pledged  to 
secure  the  Club  against  financial  loss.     The  present  membership  is  56. 

The  first  officers  of  the  Club  were  :   Presideut,  Dr.  John  Hawes;  Vice-President,  E.  J.  Bedell, 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  169 

Sccretarv,  C.  11.  Taylor:  Trea.<nrer,  Wiu.  S.  Boyle;  Lilirariaii,  ('.  II.  Tissinirtoii.  Executive  Committee: 
Mi^i.s  Kate  Conradt.  :Mi.-^s  Alice  M.  Dike.   Dr'  A.  F.  Ilawcs.  John  I'oiter,  Mi:  C.  H.  Taylor. 

Present  Officers:  Presiclent.  Thomas  Riis.sell.  First  Vice-President,  John  Porter;  Second  Yice- 
Pre-^^ident,  Chas.  IT.  Baker;  Treasurer,  John  R.  Anderson  ;  Secretary.  T.  E.  Lyon. 

Tliose  who  have  served  as  Presidents  of  the  Ciui)  are:  Dr.  J.  B.  llawes,  two  years;  W.  V. 
{'aroliii.  John  Porter  and  Thos.  Russell:  the  latter,  elected  in  1889,  is  still  in  office. 

MONTCL.MK   DRAMATIC  (1.115. 

^fontclair  is  composed  larirely  of  a  class  of  Imsiness  men  who  have  been  accustomed  to  theatrical 
and  other  amusements,  and  while  there  are  many  other  attractions  not  hitherto  enjoyed  hy  them,  the 
lack  of  this  class  of  entertainment  was  to  many  a  great  deprivation.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gnillaudeu  who 
had  at  ditferent  times  elsewhere  conducted  amateur  theatricals  with  success,  invited  a  few  friends  to  an 
entertainment  at  their  own  home,  and  it  was  then  suggested  that  a  public  entertainment  be  given  for  the 
benefit  of  the  Children's  Home.  Others  were  invited  to  take  part,  some  of  whom  had  had  experience  in 
amateur  theatricals.  After  several  rehearsals,  an  entertainment  was  given  for  the  above  object,  on  the 
evening  of  April  :i(i,  ls.s9,  at  Montclair  Hall.  The  plays  .selected  for  the  occasion  were  '"My  Lord  in 
Livery"  and  "  Pve  Written  to  Browne."  The  plays  were  well  cast  and  each  one  did  their  part  well.  A 
large  and  appreciative  audience  greeted  them  with  frequent  applau.se.  Unstinted  praise  was  lavished  on 
the  participants  in  this  affair,  who,  thus  encouraged,  deternuned  to  effect  a  })ermanent  organization;  the 
result  was  ''The  ilontclair  Dramatic  Club."  Its  fii*st  officers  were  :  W.  L.  fTuillaudeu,  President;  Starr 
J.  Murphy,  Vice-President:  R.  M.  I  ioyd,  Secretary :  Alexander  D.  Noyes,  Treasurer.  The  constituent 
members  were  : 

Miss  Minnie  Benedict,  Mr.  A.  K  i;o>twick,  .Mrs.  A.  K.  liostwick.  Miss  L.  R.  Bouden,  Mr.  R.  M. 
iioyd,  Jr.,  Miss  Mary  Clark,  Mi.ss  Kate  Conradt,  Miss  M.  II.  Cunningham,  Miss  11.  B.  Cunningham, 
Mr.  C.  D.  Du  Bois.  Mrs.  C.  1).  Dii  Hois.  Mrs.  I).  1).  Duncan.  Mi.ss  Lillian  l-'enn,  Mi.ss  Bessie  K. 
Francis.  Mr.  A.  T.  Greene.  .Mr.  W.  1,.  (iuillaudeu,  Mrs.  W.  L.  (inillan.lcu,  Mrs.  R.  JL  Ilening,  Mrs. 
IVaiik  Hill.  Mr.  D,  lirainerd  Hunt.  Jr..  Mr.  George  Inne.s.s,  Jr..  Mr.  W.  K.  Marcu.s,  Mr.  Starr  J. 
Murphy.  .Mr>.  Starr  J.  Murphy,  Mr.  A.  I).  Noyes,  Miss  Josephine  F.  Rand.  Mr.  \.  F.  Reichclt.  ^Ir.  .\. 
T.  Taylor,  Mrs.  C.  E.  Van  \lcck.  Miss  Charlotte  Weeks. 

The  Club  has  had  a  very  successful  experience,  and  has  I)een  free  from  the  petty  jealousies  that 
frequently  distuib  and  often  disrupt  organizations  of  this  character.  The  annual  entertainments  given 
by  the  Club  have  been  very  successful,  and  delighted  audiences  have  received  them  with  marked  favor. 
The  selections  have  covered  a  wide  range  and  include  farces,  farce  comedy,  high  comedy,  and  melodrama 
of  the  lighter  sort,  and  some  of  the  ])artici])ants  have  developed  decided  histrionic  talent — notably  ^liss 
.losephine  Rand  (now  decea.sed),  daughter  of  Jasper  Rand,  Esip,  one  of  the  most  jjromising  of  all  tho.se 
who  took  part  in  these  entertainments.  She  was  greatly  admired  for  her  artistic  representations  of  the 
characters  she  assumed  and  for  her  many  personal  (jualities.  Othei-s  have  distinguished  themselves  as 
amateurs  of  more  than  ordinary  ability.  Among  these  may  be  mentioned  the  names  of  Mrs.  Henry 
Powii-.  nre  ^lary  Clark.  Mi.-s  May  Marvin,  daughter  of  Dr.  Marvin.  Miss  Stella  Hogue,  Mrs.  D.  D. 
Duncan.  Mrs.  Du  Bois.  Mrs.  A.  F.  Bostwick,  Miss  Henedict.  D.  1!.  Hunt.  Jr..  A.  D.  Noyes,  Starr  J. 
Murphy.  Clarence  Churchill,  Mr.  F.  T.  A.  Junkin.  Mr.  A.  F.  Ilcotwick,  George  Iniiess,  Jr.,  Mr.  A.  S. 
Greene  and  others. 

Besides  the  projectors  of  the  enterpri.se  under  whose  able  management  these  entertainments  have 
been  conducted,  the  names  of  Mr.  Alexander  I).  Xoyes.  ilr.  Starr  J.  Murphy  and  Mr.  I).  P>.  Hunt.  Jr.,  are 
worthy  of  special  mention. 

The  Club  has  now  over  a  thousand  dollars'  worth  of  ti i*st-cla.ss  scenery,  costumes,  etc.,  and  a  com- 
plete outfit  of  everything  required  for  this  class  of  entertainment.  The  present  officers  are  :  Clarence 
Churchill,  President;  R.  M.  Boyd,  Jr.,  Vice-President;  Charles  Bull,  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 


170 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


MONTCLAIR  LAWN  TEXNIS  CLUE. 

This  Club  started  as  a  local  organization  in  the  spring  of  18S5,  with  a  membership  of  al)oiit  one 
hmidred,  composed  of  Montclair  people  interested  in  the  game.  A  large  plot  of  ground  on  Fullerton 
Avenue,  belonging  to  Mr.  Alfred  E.  Beach,  was  laid  out  into  coui-ts.  Tournaments  were  held  from  time 
to  time,  and  invitations  extended  to  players  of  national  reputation  to  participate-  As  an  inducement 
valuable  jsrizes  were  otfered  by  the  Club,  and  the  contests  brought  together  large  mimbers  of  people  from 
the  surrounding  country  and  from  other  States,  thus  indirectly  contrii)uting  to  the  prosjierity  and  growth 
of  the  township.  Several  of  the  mcmliers  became  experts  at  the  game,  and  challenges  were  given  to  and 
received  from  other  clubs.  Among  the  popular  and  well-known  players  who  have  participated  in  these 
games  are;  Howard  A.  Taylor,  II.  W.  Slocum,  E.  L.  Hall,  Clarence  Hobart,  and  others.  The  interest  in 
the  Club  increased  each  year  and  received  the  hearty  support  of  the  community.  The  tennis  grounds  being 
recpiired  for  building  purposes  by  the  Episcopal  Church  in  1893,  the  Club  was  oliliged  to  susj)end  operations, 
having  no  other  available  grounds.  The  first  President  of  the  organization  was  Thomas  Russell,  with  Robert 
M.  Boyd,  Jr.,  as  Treasurer,  and  James  D.  Freeman  as  Secretary.  Mr.  Russell  was  succeeded  by  John 
R.  Livermore,  followed  by  F.  W.  Gwinn,  Seelye  Benedict,  and  Robert  M.  Boyd,  Jr..  the  present  head  of 
the  organization. 


UNDER    THE    WILLOWS. 

(Beside  Llewellyn  Road.) 


Chapter  XI\\ 


Thk  Medical  Profession  of  Mo.mclaik. — J<>ii.\  .1.  II.  l.dvi;,  M.U. — John  Wakkkn  Pi.nkham.  ^[.D. — 

Cl.AKENCE  WiLLARD  BlTLER,  M.D. — J  AMES  SpENCER  BroWN.  M.D. — ChARI.ES  IIeNRY  ShELTON, 

^r.D. — KifiiARD  C.  Xewton,  M.D.— Kiciiard  p.  Francis,  M.I).— Levi  Dudley  Case,  M.D. — 
Herbert  \V.  P'o.ster,  M.D. —  L.  W.  IIalsev,  M.D. — The  FoLNn?:Rs  and  P)Uilders  of  Crane 

I'oWN WE.-iT    BlooMFIEM)    AND     MiiNTCI.AIR TllE    FAMILIES    OF     CrANE,    BaLDWIJ*,    DoREMUS, 

Harrison,    N[rNN,  "Wmkei-er.  Haki.is.  Prati.  ("hutknden,  Pakkhurst,  Boyd,  Kason,  Hening, 
Drai'er,  Wilde,  Wh.i.mkr,  Adams. 


■^^^^ 


TlIK  MKDK  AI.  PROFl<:ySI(JN  OF  M()XT(  I.AIK. 

•^  lias  been  stateil  in  a  previous  eliapter.  that  aiiioiifj  the  iiuhiceinents  lield  out  to  emigrants 
at  an  earlv  ])eriiiii  to  settle  in  New  .K-rsey,  were  tliat  it  was  "  wnrtliy  tiie  name  of  Paradise," 
because  in  addition  to  its  natural  advantages  it  had  "  no  lawyers,  jiln/xiviinix  or  ])arsons." 

"Wlien  the  Conneetieut  colonists  settled  Newark  they  lnought  with  tlieni  their 
"parson."  but  the  records  do  not  show  that  there  was  any  "  piiysician  "  ani<ing  theuL  It 
is  said  that  the  Rev.  Abraham  Pierson,  then  pa-stor,  exercised  the  functions  of  parson  and 
physician,  but  Dr.  Stephen  Wicks  in  his  "  Ilisti«ry  of  Medicine  in  New  Jersey"  says: 
'•  After  very  diligent  search  into  the  history,  prior  to  and  after  his  residence  in  New 
Jersey,  we  have  not  found  a  slired  of  testimony  to  sustain  the  claim  for  liim  to  a  medical 
record."' 

There  were  few  persons  at  that  period  who.se  knowledge  of  medicine  exceeded 
that  of  everv  intelligent  housewife  of  the  ])resent  day,  and  the  progress  that  had  been  made  in  the  art  of 
medicine  up  to  that  time  was  very  small.  Peimyroyal,  boncset,  pepi)ermint,  and  a  few  other  herb.«,  were 
the  standard  medicines  kept  in  stock  by  the  careful  liou.sewife. 

Dr.  J.  Henry  Clark,  in  "The  Medical  Men  of  New  Jersey  in  E.s.se.\  District,  from  lf!6fi  to  1S66" 
savs  that  William  Turner  was  "the  oldest  Newark  physician,  of  whom  we  find  any  detinite  record." 
Reference  is  made  to  him  in  the  "Town  Record"  of  9th  of  Marcii,  1741.  that  ••  the  burying  greund  was 
sold  to  Dr.  William  Turner  for  the  year  ensuing." 

Dr.  James  Arents.  a  lloilandi-i-  by  birth,  naturalized  in  171G-17,  practiced  medicine  in  Newark 
from  that  time  until  17.")i'. 

The  iniialiitnnt>  residing  in  tlie  vicinity  of  Cranetown  and  Bloomtiehl  for  more  than  a  hundred 
years  wi-ie  dei)eudent  on  .Newark  piiy>icians.  The  first  one  mentioned  in  this  locality  was  Dr.  Josepii 
Dodd.  of  Bloomfield.  who  lived  directly  opposite  the  present  Glen  Ridge  .station,  on  Bloomfield  Avenue. 
His  practice  extended  throughout  the  entire  territory,  including  what  is  now  Bloomtield  and  Moiitclair. 
Dr.  Eleazer  Ward,  father  of  the  pre.sent  Dr.  Edwin  M.  Ward,  of  Bloomtield,  lived  on  the  Common  of 
that  town,  and  attended  some  families  in  the  western  portion. 

Dr.  Joseph  A.  Davis,  a  pupil  of  Dr.  Joseph  Dodd,  succeeded  him,  and  was  the  principal  medical 
man  for  all  West  Bloomtield,  until  the  arrival  of  Dr.  J.  J.  H.  Love,  in  1855.  There  was  at  that  period, 
also,  a  Dr.  Isaac  Dodd,  of  Bloomtield,  a  large,  fineJooking,  elderly  gentleman,  who  did  considerable 
medical  work  in  this  section,  about  185:2.  A  Dr.  .Janes  from  New  York  City  .settled  here,  but  for  some 
reason  his  stay  was  very  short.  About  1852,  Dr.  Elias  L'llommedieu,  an  elderly  man  from  Sussex 
County,  N.  J.,  settled  here,  but  died  in  the  course  of  a  year  or  two  after. 


172  History  of  Montclair  T(i\vnship. 

At  the  time  of  Dr.  Love's  arrival  in  1855,  there  was  no  phvsician  in  this  iiniuediate  locality. 
Suhsequently  an  old  gentleman  by  the  name  of  Kittridge,  settled  here,  and  had  a  small  practice  during 
the  absence  of  Dr.  Love  in  the  United  States  service  from  1862  to  18tj5.  Dr.  Joseph  A.  Davis,  of 
Bloomtield,  however,  attended  to  most  of  Dr.  Love's  patients.  The  first  Homieopathic  pliysician  who 
located  here  was  a  Dr.  Erower,  who  died  in  this  vicinity. 

Dr.  J.  A.  Pinkham  was  the  first  regular  practitioner  of  tlie  old  school  after  Dr.  Love.  Dr. 
Clarence  Butler,  of  the  new  school,  came  in  1872.  Dr.  Wm.  ]>.  Berry,  now  of  Pasadena,  Cab,  lived  and 
practiced  here,  until  his  health  failed,  some  years  before  Dr.  Brown.  Dr.  J.  S.  Brown  came  next, 
followed  by  Dr.  Iviehard  P.  Francis,  Dr.  Anna  L.  Smith,  Dr.  Richard  ( '.  Newton,  Dr.  Levi  W.  Case, 
and  Dr.  Luther  Ilalsey.  Dr.  Charles  II.  Shelton  and  Dr.  Foster  are  recent  additions  connected  with  the 
new  school  of  practice. 

JOHN  JAMES  IlEPtVEY  LOVE,  M.U.— According  to  tradition,  John  Love,  the  ancestor  of  this 
branch  of  the  Love  family,  emigrated  from  the  north  of  Ireland  about  1728,  and  settled  at  Fagg's  Manor, 
Chester  County.  Pa.  A  John  Love  is  mentioned  in  Savage's  "  Genealogical  Dictionary,"  as  having  settled 
in  Boston  as  early  as  1035.  Dr.  Love's  line  of  descent  is  from  the  first  John  mentioned  through  Thomas, 
•hones  and  liohert.  Thomas,  the  great-grandfather  of  Dr.  Love,  served  in  the  "  Pennsvlvania  Line" 
during  the  War  of  the  Revolution.  He  was  commissioned  May  12,  1775,  Second  Lieutenant  of  Fourth 
Battalion,  organized  in  Chester  County,  Pa.  Ilis  commission  is  signed  by  "  John  Morton,  Sjieaker  of  the 
House,"  and  is  filled  out,  Thomas  L<:)ve,  '■'■gentleman,"'  a  term  in  those  days  of  class  distinction  that 
referred  to  the  highest  class  in  the  social  scale.  He  served  as  Aid-de-camp  to  Gen.  Samuel  Cochrane. 
Samuel,  supposed  to  be  a  brother  of  Thomas,  held  positions  of  trust  in  Chester  County,  Pa.,  and  during 
the  colonial  period  served  in  Capt.  Abraham  Smith's  Company  of  Col.  Irvine's  Regiment.  Rev.  Robert 
Love,  the  father  of  Dr.  Love,  was  settled  as  a  Presbyterian  minister  at  Harmony,  Warreii  County,  N.  J. 
He  married  Anna  Thompson  Fair,  daughter  of  John  Fair,  of  Warren  County,  N.  J.,  who  was  a  nephew 
of  Gen.  William  Maxwell,  a  distinguished  officer  of  the  Revolution. 

Dr.  J.  J.  11.  Love,  son  of  Rev.  Robert  and  Anna  Thompson  (Fair)  Love,  was  born  in  Harmony 
Township,  Wai-ren  County,  N.  J.,  April  3,  1833.  He  was  prepared  for  college  at  a  private  school  in  Penn- 
sylvania, was  gi-aduated  at  Lafayette  College,  Easton,  Pa  ,  completing  his  course  of  study  in  the  Medical 
Dejiartment  of  the  University  of  New  York.  He  removed  in  1S55  to  his  present  locality,  which  was 
then  an  agrictdtural  i-cgion  and  formed  a  part  of  Bloomfield.  For  many  years  he  was  the  only  physician 
in  the  neighborhood,  and  his  practice  extended  north  to  the  Great  Notch,  south  to  Orange,  and  in  a 
westerly  direction  took  in  all  the  Verona  Valley.  His  practice  grew  with  the  rapidly  increasing 
poiMilation,  and  he  acquired  a  strong  hold  on  the  peo})le,  interesting  himself  in  every  enter])rise  and 
improvement  in  building  up  a  new  town  which  he  foresaw  was  destined  to  become  an  important  sidimb 
of  the  great  iuetropolis.  The  breaking  out  of  the  war  checked  these  movements,  and  Dr.  Love,  like 
many  others,  felt  called  upon  to  sacrifice  his  personal  interests,  and  sever  the  ties  which  bound  him  to 
this  people,  by  offering  his  professional  services  to  the  Government,  which  was  then  in  great  need  of 
skilled  surgeons  and  physicians. 

He  was  commissioned  Surgeon  of  the  13th  Regiment,  JNf.  J.  Vols.,  and  was  mustered  into  the  V .  S. 
service  August  25,  1862.  On  March  23,  1863,  he  was  assigned  duty  as  Surgeon-in-Chief  of  the  Third 
Brigade,  First  Division,  Twelth  Corps,  Army  of  the  Potomac,  which  duties  he  perfiirmed  in  addition  to 
his  regimental  duties  until  August  1,  1863,  when,  under  special  orders  from  Corps  Heiidquarters  he 
assumed  the  position  and  duties  of  Surgeon-in-Cbief  of  First  Division,  Twelfth  Army  Corps.  He 
continued  in  this  position  until  January  28,  1861,  when  he  resigned  his  commission  and  was  honorably 
discharged  from  tiie  U.  S.  service.     During  the  entire  period  he  M-as  engaged  in  field  service. 

As  a  volunteer  Surgeon  he  was  sent  out  by  Gov.  Olden  and  assisted  in  the  transportation  and  care 
of  the  wounded  after  the  battle  of  Williamsburg,  Va.,  ]\lay  5,  1862.  He  was  present  and  on  duty  at  the 
battles  of  Antietam,  Septend)er  17,  1862;  Cliancellorsville,  May  1,  2  and  3,  18(i3  ;  and  Gettysburg, 
July  1,  2  and  3  of  the  same  year.  The  Twelfth  Army  Corps — of  which  he  was  then  Snrgeon-in-Chicf, 
First  Division — was  subsequently  sent  West  to  re-inforce  Sherman's  Army  ;  and  was  consolidated   with 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  1Y3 

the  Elcveiitli,  furming  tlie  Twentieth  Army  Corj)s.  Dr.  Love  was  constantly witli  the  army  in  the  field, 
and  a.s.*isted  in  earinij  for  the  wonnded  after  the  battles  of  Lookout  Mountain  and  Missionary  Ridge,  near 
Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  in  Decemlier,  lSti;5.  Previous  to  his  departure  fur  and  his  service  in  the  West,  wliile 
Surgeon-in-C'hief  of  First  Division,  Twelfth  Army  Corps,  he  was  a  member  of  General  A.  S.  Williams' 
.staff.  lie  served  at  different  times  under  Generals  Hooker  and  Slocuni.  His  rapid  promotion  from 
the  position  of  regimental  surgeon  to  that  of  Surgeon-in-Chief  of  a  Division,  was  not  the  result  of 
friendly  or  politieal  intluenee,  l)Ut  of  personal  achievement  and  his  skill  as  a  surgeon. 

On  his  retirement  from  the  army  he  returned  to  Montclair  and  resumed  the  practice  of  his 
profession.  He  was  heartily  welcomed  by  his  large  circle  of  friends  and  acquaititancc,  and  his  practical 
knowledge  of  surgery,  acquired  by  long  experience  in  the  army,  proved  of  great  advantage  to  liini  in  the 
renewal  of  his  practice,  as  shown  by  his  constantly  increasing  clientele  and  the  increased  contidence  of  the 
community  in  his  skill  as  a  ])liysician. 

As  a  citizen  he  ha-s  been  foremo.-t  in  all  public  impiovcmcnts  -iiice  the  establislinient  of  the  present 
township,  and  in  the  cause  of  education  he  has  been  pre-eminent.  I'rom  is.j"  to  18<'p2  he  was  Superin- 
tendent of  Public  Schools  of  Bloomfield  township  ;  anil  he  was  one  of  the  first  after  the  erection  of  the 
new  township  of  Montclair  to  advocate  the  change  from  tlie  old  system  of  district  schools,  adapted  only 
to  the  wants  of  a  country  village,  to  the  enlarged  facilities  and  more  modern  im|>rovements  enjoyed  by 
the  people  of  our  large  cities  and  towns.  To  these  im])rovements  more  than  to  all  others  is  due  the 
remarkable  growth  ami  prosperity  of  the  townshiji,  and  it  is  due  largely  to  the  indefatigable  efforts  of 
Dr.  Love  that  Montclair  enjoys  the  proml  distinction  of  having  not  only  one  of  tlie  largest  and  best 
equipped  ^chool  buildings  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey,  but  a  wellconductiMl  graded  system,  that  affords 
eijual  facilities  for  rich  and  poor  alike,  unsurpassed  by  any  suburban  town  within  a  radius  of  forty  miles 
of  the  great  metropolis. 

Tiie  strong  personality  of  Dr.  I.ove,  the  wisdom  and  tact  displayed  by  him  on  all  occasions,  were 
im|)ortant  factors  in  bringing  about  these  results  and  in  overcoming  the  opjjosition  which  was  manifested 
during  the  early  period  of  tliese  movements.  |)r.  Love  has  been  connected  with  the  School  Board  since 
1S65,  the  first  six  years  as  its  President,  and  from  that  period  down  to  the  present  time  as  its  Secretary. 
Considering  the  demands  on  his  time,  due  to  his  professional  duties,  he  has  done  more  to  promote  the 
cause  of  education  than  any  other  man,  and,  if  measureil  by  the  standard  of  dollars  and  cents,  his  con- 
tributions to  the  cau.se  would  exceed  those  of  any  other  citizen  to  any  arid  all  of  the  improvements  that 
have  been  nuide  in  the  townshij). 

He  has  held  many  positions  of  trust  and  honor,  and  lias  assisted  in  fcnuiding  several  of  the  societies 
and  associations  with  which  he  has  been  connected.  He  was  President  of  the  Essex  District  Medical 
Society  in  1873  ;  President  of  the  Orange  Mountain  Medical  Society  in  1886.  He  gave  encouragement  to 
the  enterprise,  and  a.ssisted  the  ladies  of  Montclair  and  the  adjoining  township  in  founding  the  ^lountain- 
side  Hospital  Association,  of  which  he  has  been  President  since  its  organization,  lie  was  a  member  of 
the  Board  of  Managers  of  tiie  I'oscdale  Cemetery  Co.,  at  Orange,  N.  J.,  and  assisted  in  its  reorganization. 
He  has  been  President  of  .Montclair  Gas  and  Water  Co.  since  1886;  was  for  three  yeai-s  a  member  of  the 
-Montclair  Townsliip  Committee ;  member  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  His 
interest  in  military  affairs  began  in  ISfil,  when  he  was  made  Colonel  of  the  First  Bcgiment,  Es.sex  Co. 
Militia,  Continuing  until  he  went  to  the  front  in  1  St!:*,  as  Surgeon  of  the  Thirteenth  Regiment,  N.J. 
Volunteers,  with  subsequent  promotions  given  in  his  military  record.  Since  the  close  of  the  war  he  has 
been  active  in  promoting  the  cause  of  the  veterans  of  the  war.  He  assisted  in  organizing  the  Society  of 
Veterans  of  Twelfth  .Vrmy  Corps,  and  has  been  its  Secretary  since  1881.  He  was  one  of  the  organizers 
of  the  Society  of  Veterans  of  Thirteenth  Regiment,  N.  J.  Volunteers,  was  elected  its  Treasurer  in  1SS6, 
and  President  in  1889.  He  is  also  a  memlier  of  the  New  Vork  Commandery,  Military  Order  of  the 
Loval  Legion  of  the  United  States. 

Dr.  Love  married,  in  1860,  Miss  PVances  J.  Crane,  daughter  of  Judge  Zenas  Crane,  of  Montclair, 
son  of  Aaron,  who  was  the  son  of  Job,  who  is  supposed  to  be  a  grandson  or  great-grandson  of  Azariah, 


174  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

son  of  Jasper  Crane,  one  of  the  founders  of  Newark,  N.  J.  The  issue  of  this  mamage  is  Edith,  who 
married  diaries  E.  Stockder,  of  Meriden,  Conn.,  Marion  (unmarried),  and  Leslie,  now  a  Sophomore  at 
Princeton,  Class  of  '95. 

In  person  Dr.  Love  is  large,  well  proportioned,  of  commanding  presence,  resolute,  determined,  full  of 
nerve  and  energy  ;  cautious  until  convinced,  after  careful  investigation,  of  his  position,  when  no  amount 
of  pressure  can  swerve  him  from  the  course  he  has  marked  out  for  himself.  Generous  alike  to  friend 
and  foe,  fearless  in  the  discharge  of  every  known  duty,  regardless  of  public  opinion  or  personal  considera- 
tions, a  man  of  spotless  integrity  and  uprightness  of  character. 

JOHN  WAEREN  PINKHAM,  :\[.D.— Kicuard  Pixkham,  t!ie  American  ancestor  of  this  family, 
came  from  England  before  1640,  with  the  New  Hampshire  Colony,  and  settled  in  Dover,  N.  H.  He  was 
ordered  by  a  vote  of  the  town  in  1G48,  to  "beat  the  driimme''  on  Lord's  day  to  call  the  peojile  to  meet- 
ing. The  spot  where  he  dwelt  is  said  to  be  the  same  on  which  stood  the  Pinkham  garrison,  which 
Richard  afterward  made  his  habitation. 

Elijah,  the  grandfather  of  Dr.  Pinkham,  removed  to  Gardiner,  lie.,  in  ISOO. 

The  mother  of  Dr.  Pinkham  was  Fanny  Sampson,  daughter  of  Cyrus,  a  direct  descendant  of  Henry 
Sampson,  of  Plytnouth,  who  came  over  in  t\\Q  Mayjfower  in  1620. 

Dr.  John  W.  Pinkham,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  in  Gardiner,  Me.,  was  prepared  for 
college  at  the  "Friends"  Boarding  School,  in  Providence,  P.  L,  and  was  graduated  at  Haverford 
College,  Delaware  County,  Pa.,  in  1S60,  and  was  for  some  time  afterward  engaged  in  teaching  school. 
He  was  instructor  at  Haverford  College  for  a  year,  and  was  graduated  in  medicine  at  Bellevue  Hospital 
Medical  College,  New  York,  in  1866.  He  also  attended  a  course  of  lectures  at  Berkshire  (Mass.) 
Medical  College,  and  at  the  University  of  Michigan  at  Ann  Arbor.  He  began  practice  in  New  York 
City  in  186<),  and  one  year  later  removed  to  Montclair.  Dr.  Love  at  that  time  was  the  only  practising 
physician  in  this  locality.  Dr.  Pinkham  soon  achieved  a  reputation  as  a  skillful  physician,  and  was  not 
long  in  obtaining  a  lucrative  practice. 

Dr.  Piidcham  continued  in  active  practice  for  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  century,  and  during  that 
period  made  many  warm  friends,  who  had  great  confidence  in  his  skill  as  a  physician.  A  severe  illness  in 
1890  necessitated  a  change  of  climate  and  a  temporary  abandonment  of  his  practice,  much  to  tlie  regret 
of  his  large  circle  of  friends  and  acquaintances. 

Dr.  Pinkham  has  given  much  attention  to  the  subject  of  sanitary  science,  and  has  made  occasional 
contributions  to  the  various  medical  journals  throughout  tiie  country.  His  contribution  to  "  AVood's 
Household  Practice  of  Medicine"  on  the  subject  of  Hygiene,  Sewerage  and  Water  Supply,  forms  one  of 
the  most  interesting  chapters  of  that  work.  It  was  translated  into  the  Spanish  language  and  copied  into 
the  Spanish  medical  journals.  He  has  read  pajjers  on  this  subject  before  tlie  New  Jersey  Sanitary  Asso- 
ciation, and  on  various  medical  subjects  before  the  Essex  Medical  Society  and  the  Orange  Mountain 
Medical  Society. 

Dr.  Pinkham  has  been  too  much  absorbed  in  the  practice  of  his  profession  to  take  part  in  the 
public  aifairs  of  the  town  ;  he  served,  however,  as  township  physician  for  some  years.  He  was  the  first 
physician  ever  appointed  to  the  position,  and  held  it  until  he  retired  from  active  practice  in  1890.  He 
was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Mountain-side  Hospital,  and  has  been  for  some  time  consulting  physician. 
He  assisted  in  organizing  the  New  Jersey  Academy  of  Medicine,  and  is  a  member  of  the  Essex  District 
Medical  Society,  and  the  Orange  Mountain  Medical  Society.  He  served  one  term  as  President  of  the 
County  Society.  He  is  a  i-epubh'cun  in  politics,  and  served  one  year  as  President  of  the  Montclair 
Republican  Club. 

Dr.  Pinkham  married  Cornelia,  daughter  of  Stephen  A.  Frost,  Esq.,  of  New  York  City,  whose 
immediate  ancestors  were  settled  at  Matinecock,  L.  I. 

Stephen  A.  I'rost,  above-mentioned,  the  father  of  Mrs.  Pinkham,  removed  to  Montclair  in  1867, 
where  he  died  in  1892. 


f 


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yo-ivyi^    YV''cL-vt.£.K,    ir  ivL.k.Pvtx.ni^ ,   7\.kl^ . 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  175 

ifrs.  Pinkham's  motlier  was  ifatilda  Bowne,  daughter  of  Robert  L.  Dowiie,  son  of  George 
Howne,  of  Flushing,  L.  I.,  wlio  was  the  sou  of  Kobert  Howne. 

George  L.  i>owne,  referred  to  above,  great-grandfather  of  -Mrs.  I'inkliaju,  married  Abii;ail  Smitli, 
daughter  of  Hon.  Samuel  Smith,  of  Burlingtoi ,  \.  J.,  a  descendant  in  the  sixth  generation  of  William 
Smith,  of  Braliam.  Yorkshire.  England,  born  A.I).  l.^T".  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Society  of  Friends. 
This  was  a  family  of  great  prominence  wliich  heltl  lands  directly  from  the  Crown. 

lion.  Samuel  Smith,  tlie  great-great-grandfather  of  ilrs.  I'inkham.  wa.s  Treasurer  and  Secretary 
of  the  Council  of  2sew  Jersey,  under  the  British  Crown,  in  the  period  immediately  preceding  the 
Revolution.     lie  wa.s  the  author  of  a  valuable  history  of  the  Province  of  New  Jersey. 

THE  IM'TLER  AND  WILL.\i;i)   FAMILIES. 

Clare.vck  Wii.i.aki)  lU n  ku,  .M.D. —  Dr.  I'.titler  was  lioru  in  liellevue,  Ohio,  May  1,  1848, 
only  son  of  Rev.  Jeremiah  Butler,  a  Congregational  minister,  who  was  a  graduate  of  Obcrlin  College, 
Ohio,  and  one  of  the  most  thorough  theologians  of  his  day.  His  first  pastorate  was  at  Bellevue.  Ohio, 
from  whence  he  m(,iveil  to  AVestern  New  Yoi-k,  and  wa.-^  settled  for  seventeen  years  at  Fairjmrt.  ^lonroe 
County,  X.  Y.  He  was  the  son  of  Sti'phen,  born  in  Durham,  Conn.,  March  2t>,  ITT'i,  niarried  Hannah 
Ward;  grarid>on  of  •//>/// /(i/(,  l)orn  in  Durham,  Conn..  lT4ti,  married  Ann  Coe,  and  was  descended 
— proltably — from  Dea.  Richard  Butler,  who  came  from  Braintree,  Esse.x  County,  England,  and  .settled 
in  Cambridge,  Mass,  in  1632,  and  removed  thence  with  Rev.  Thomas  Hooker's  party  to  Hartford,  Conn., 
where  he  had  si.xteen  acres  in  the  fii-st  division. 

The  ancestors  of  the  Butler  fann'ly  came  from  Normandy  to  England  with  tlie  Concpieror. 
Their  original  name  was  Fitz  Walter,  from  Walter,  one  of  their  ancestors.  Theobold  F'itz  Walter  came 
to  Ireland  with  Henry  II.,  in  1172,  ami  had  the  office  of  Chief  Butler  of  Ireland  conferred  on  him,  the 
duty  attached  to  which  was  to  attend  on  the  Kings  of  England,  and  present  them  with  the  tii-st  cup  of 
wine.     From  the  office  of  Butlership  of  Ireland  they  took  the  name  of  Butler. 

The  nuiiden  name  of  Dr.  Butler's  mother  was  Louisa  Olive  Willard,  whose  ance.stor.  Major 
Sltnon  Wi/liirJ,  born  in  Ilorsmondoii,  England,  1611.5,  came  to  New  England  in  Kiol.  He  was  a  noted 
man  in  the  colony ;  was  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  military  force  in  King  Philip's  AVar.  He  had  a 
son,  liev.  6'a7nin'/  ll'/Z/arc?,  born  Jan.  o I,  lt;40,  pastor  of  Old  South  Church,  Boston.  He  had  by  his 
first  wife  eight  and  by  his  second  wife  fourteen  children — twenty-two  in  all.  One  of  these,  a  son.  Major 
John  WiUdnl,  born  lt'.73,  had  a  son,  Rev.  Siimiel  Willan),  born  at  Kingston,  Jamaica,  1705,  was 
educated  at  Boston,  Mass.,  and  became  the  first  settled  minister  in  what  is  now  the  State  of  Maine  ;  he 
married  Ahiijuil  />(/vV//(^,  a  descendant  in  the  same  line  of  President  Dwight,  of  Yale  College;  they 
had  i>sue,  four  children,  one  of  whom,  Rtv.  Joseph  Willard,  I ).D.,  was  President  of  Harvard  College. 
The  eldest  son.  Rev.  ./o//«  Wilhinl,  D.D.,  also  married  a  Dwight,  and  was  the  father  of  Rev.  Josejyh 
\\  illitrfl,  who  marrie<l  Olive  Haven,  daughter  of  John  Haven.  His  leading  characteristics  were: 
"conscentiousness.  mirthfuliiess,  strong  common  sense  and  order."'  His  son,  John  Haven  Willard,  born 
at  Lancaster,  N.  11..  Feb.  4,  1795,  married  Beede  Mary  Cooper,  daughter  of  IIou.  Jesse  Cooper,  of 
Canaan,  Vt.     Tlieir  third  child  was  Louhn  (Hire  Willard,  born  Aug.  15,  1821. 

Dr.  C.  W.  Butler,  the  suljject  of  this  sketch,  was  prepared  for  college  by  his  father,  and  entered 
Oberlin,  but  w;is  compelled  to  leave  during  the  Freshman  course  on  account  of  ill  health.  He  decided 
to  enter  the  medical  profession,  and  was  induced  by  his  mother  to  adopt  the  "  new  school  "  of  practice. 
He  began  his  studies  with  Dr.  C.  J.  Chaffie,  of  Fairport,  X.  Y.,  and  took  his  courses  of  lectures  at  the 
Cleveland  and  the  New  York  IIom(eo[)athic  Medical  College,  graduating  in  1872.  He  settled  the  same 
year  in  Montclair  and  was  the  first  in  this  locality  to  introduce  the  new  school  of  practice.  He  had 
neither  friends  nor  influence,  and  found  the  people  of  this  locality  wedded  to  the  "old  school''  and 
strongly  opposed  to  any  new  experiments.  The  outlook  was  anything  but  promising,  and  would  have 
deterred  many  young  men  from  attempting  any  innovation  contrary  to  long  established   customs,  but 


ITfi  History  of  Montclatr  Township. 

Dr.  Butler  liad  come  to  stay,  and  determined  to  "  fight  it  out  on  this  line,''  even  if  it  should  take  the  best 
years  of  his  life  to  accomplish  the  desired  results.  He  liad  been  a  close  student  and  was  fully  convinced 
that  the  new  school  of  practice — and  no  other — was  the  correct  one,  and  to  this  he  lias  firmly  adhered 
from  the  first.  Inscribed  on  his  escutcheon  was  the  motto  of  the  Willard  family,  "  Gaudet putentia 
dures'''' — patience  in  overcoming  difficulties — ;  he  waited,  and  peisevered ;  his  progess  was  slow  at  first, 
but  "nothing  succeeds  like  success,"  and  lie  was  successful  in  his  treatment  in  many  cases  where  old 
methods  had  failed.  His  clientele  increased  from  year  to  year,  and  includes  many  of  the  oldest  and 
wealthiest  families  in  the  township.  lie  confines  himself  strictly  to  the  practice  of  medicine,  leaving 
that  of  surgery  to  others.  His  i>rofe5sional  opponents  are  among  bis  warmest  personal  friends.  During  his 
long  and  successful  practice,  Dr.  Butler  has  acquired  more  than  a  local  reputation.  lie  is  not  only  called 
into  consultation  with  his  professional  brethren  in  different  parts  of  New  Jersey,  but  in  New  York  and 
Brooklyn,  and  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  most  skillful  and  best  informed  practitioners  of  homa?opathy  in 
this  State.  He  is  a  member  of  the  American  Institute  of  Honioeopathy,  the  International  Hahnemannian 
Association,  of  which  he  was  President  in  1S91 ;  of  the  New  Jersey'  State  Medical  Society,  of  which  he  was 
President  in  1888 ;  was  Vice-President  of  the  International  Homoeopathic  Congress,  which  held  one  of 
its  five  yearly  meetings  at  Atlantic  City,  N.  J.,  in  1890. 

Although  one  of  the  busiest  men  in  the  township,  Dr.  Butler  has  found  time  to  devote  to  jmlilic 
affairs.  As  a  staunch  democrat  he  has  fought  with  the  minority  for  twenty  years,  and  has  witnessed  the 
steady  growth  of  his  party  both  in  strength  and  in  numbers,  frequent  accessions  having  been  made  from 
the  ranks  of  his  opponents.  For  sixteen  years  he  has  been  Chairman  of  the  Democratic  Committee  and  the 
recognized  leader  of  the  party  in  Montclair,  and  through  bis  able  management  the  part\'  has  reduced  the 
majority  of  its  opponents  and  occasionally  scored  a  victory.  The  party  was  witliout  an  "organ"'  in 
Montclair  until  1892.  In  1890,  a  stock  company  was  organized  which  started  the  2[on(daii'  Ilerahl, 
run  in  the  interest  of  the  democracv.  It  was  not  a  political  or  financial  success,  and,  in  1S92.  Dr.  Butler 
purchased  the  stock,  and  made  it  a  thorough  democratic  paper.  "Within  a  year  it  donl)]ed  its  circulation, 
and  is  now  recognized  as  one  of  the  best  party  journals  in  the  State. 

Dr.  Butler  inherits  the  prominent  traits  of  both  his  paternal  and  maternal  ancestors.  He  is 
aggressive  without  being  offensive.  Obstacles  to  success  in  an}'  undertaking  must  be  removed — by 
direct  assault  if  necessary,  if  not  by  slow  approaches,  but  nothing  can  swerve  him  from  a  course  he  has 
once  marked  out  for  himself. 

In  October,  1877,  Dr.  Butler  married  Mary  E.,  oldest  daughter  of  II.  II.  and  Eunice  Wilcox,  of 
Adrian,  ilichigan. 

Thongli  not  a  "society  man,"  Dr.  Butler  is  prominent  in  all  social  affairs.  He  was  one  of  the 
original  members  of  the  Montclair  Clul),  and  served  three  vears  as  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Control. 
He  is  a  membei'  of  the  Watcbung  Lodge,  F.  &  A.  M.,  and  though  heartily  endoi'sing  the  jn'inciples  of 
Freemasonry,  is  al)le  to  devote  but  little  time  to  that  special  object. 

JAMES  SPENCER  BROWN",  M.D.— Dr.  Brown  may  be  classed  among  the  ""Waterbnry 
Colony"  of  Montclair,  having  been  born  in  AVaterbury,  Conn.,  March  2:^  18(')o,  and  is  a  direct 
descendant  of  one  of  the  early  settlers  and  most  prominent  residents  of  that  town.  His  American 
ancestor,  Francis  I>rown,  was  one  of  the  company  who  came  to  New  Haven  in  advance  of  the  colony 
and  spent  the  winter  of  16:17-8  in  a  lint  on  the  corner  of  what  is  now  Church  and  George  Streets.  He 
signed  the  Colony  Constitution  in  lOoU.  He  married  Mary  Edwards,  in  England,  and,  among  other 
children,  had  a  son  Samuel,  who  married  Mercy  Tuttle  in  1679;  Francis,  one  of  their  children,  born  in 
1679,  married  Hannah  Ailing;  of  this  marriage  there  was  a  son  Sfejdie?!,  born  August  10,  1713,  who 
married  Mabel  Bradley;  they  had  a  son  Stephen,  born  January  15,  1750,  who  settled  in  "Windsor,  Conn., 
where  he  married  Eiinicc  Loomis.  Of  the  issue  of  this  marriage  there  was  a  son  James,  born  in 
Windsor,  December  2,  1776.  James  became  a  resident  of  Waterbnry,  Conn.,  in  1802,  and  found  employ- 
ment with  Lieut.  Ard  Williams,  a  manufacturer  of  fire-arms.     In  early  life  he  connected  himself  with 


History  of  Moxtclair  Township. 


177 


a  military  company,  and  tiually  became  colonel  of  tlie  regiment,  lie  was  an  original  partner  in  tlio 
tliinl  rolliiiir  mill  erected  in  Waterlmry  in  l>^.'?ii,  afterward  known  as  the  Hrowii-Elton  Company,  and 
continned  a  mendjer  of  that  iirm  nntil  his  death.  lie  was  a  mend)er  of  the  First  Congregational 
Church,  and  was  made  deacon  in  1818,  and  during  the  remainder  of  his  life  was  known  as  "  Deacon 
Brown.''  He  was  also  a  prominent  member  of  the  ^[a.sonic  Fraternity.  It  is  said  of  him.  that  he  ''was 
remarkable  for  his  truth  and  industry,  and  sobriety"  ;  a  most  exemplary  man,  faithful  in  all  the  relations 
of  life.  He  married  Lavinia  "Welton,  of  AVindsor.  Among  other  children,  they  had  a  son  Augustus, 
born  August  20,  1811.  who  married  Sophia,  daughter  of  .lacob  De  (iroff,  of  Poughkeepsie,  a  descendant 
of  one  of  the  old  Ilolhuid  families  of  New  York  State. 

James  Spencer  Brown,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  the  son  of  Augustus  and  Sophia  (De  Groff) 
Brown.  lie  was  early  left  a  fatherless  orphan,  and  at  about  eight  years  of  age  he  removed  with  his 
mother   and   sister   to  B>rooklyn,  X.  Y.    He  re- 

ceived a  thorough  educa-  tiiin  at  the  Polytechnic 

Institute,  and  after  two  years'   experience   in   a 

business  house  he  deter-  mined  to  study  medi- 

cine,  having   a    natural  taste   in   that  direction. 

He  entered  the  College  _»^^i^:  "»».  "^  Physicians  and  Sur- 

g(><>ns,  grad  uating  in  JM^^^Ifi^^^  lSs4,and  soon  after  went 

tiiEurope.ciiutinuinghis  W  ^^^^^  medical    studies   at    the 

University    of    Ileidel-  ^  ^^^^  berg  and  Guy's  Hospital 

of  London.     Being  fully  ij^  ^^^^  C(juip])etl  for  the  duties 

of  his  profession  he  re-  "  ^^y  turned  tt)  his  native  land 

in  1885.    His  mother  at  -^  i/'  this  time  had  been  five 

years  a  resident  of  All mt-  ■*>^^  *-^  clair,  and    through    the 

advice  of  his  profession-  *"  al   bretiiren  he  was  in- 

duced   to   locate   there.  .^B  ^  ^L  .Mthough  the  youngest 

in  his  profis.-ion  his  skill  ^  ^^^^^^  as  a  surgeon  and  physi- 

cian soon  becameknown,  ^^"^1^^^^^^^^^  '^"'^'    '"^   ^'^'^  enjoyed   a 

continued  increasi  ng  /  ^^^^^^B^  •'"''    hierative    practice. 

He  has  performed  many  '  important  operations  in 

surgerv,    and    was    the  first  one  of  the  local  sur- 

geons  to  jierform  an  ah-  dominal  section,  and  was 

also  the  first  to  operate  for   ajipendicitis.      He 

performed  successfully  the   operation    of   sym- 

physeotdiny,  the  first  of  the  kind  in   this  State, 

and  the  twentv-ninth  in  the  United  States.     He 

is  highly  esteemed  by  his  professional  brethren  ; 

is  Secretary  of  the  Orange  Alountain  Medical  Societv,  a  member  of  the  Essex  Aledical  Society,  and  has 
been  for  six  years  township  physician. 

He  married,  December  9,  1SS7,  Helen  B..  daughter  of  Thomas  Pussell,  Esq.,  one  of  the  most 
prominent  and  best  known  citizens  of  Alontclair,  and  a  representative  of  one  of  the  old  Scottish  families. 
It  is  of  great  antiquity,  its  ancestors  having  accompanied  Edward  III.  to  the  siege  of  Berwick  and  to  the 
battle  of  Ilallydon  Hill  in  13.33.  The  Russell,  or,  as  it  was  formerly  written,  Tlozel,  from  whom  this 
family  descends,  then  settled  in  Scotland,  and  was  denominated  Ilusscll,  of  that  ilk.  The  motto, 
"  Proinjilns,''  inscribed  on  the  arms,  has  always  been  a  prominent  characteristic  of  this  family. 


ClIAKLES  HENRY  SHELTO.X.  M.D.— Daniel  Shelton,  the  founder  of  the  Shelton  fan)ily  in 
this  country,  came  from  Yorkshire,  England,  in  KiSfi,  and  settled  in  Stratford,  Conn,  lie  resided  in 
Stratford  until  about  1T<'T,  when  he  settled  at  Long  Hill,  in  Huntington,  where  he  died  in  1728. 


178  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

Charles  S.  Shelton,  the  father  of  Charles  Ileury,  was  a  native  of  Huntington,  and  a  lineal 
descendant  of  Daniel,  the  ancestor.  He  became  a  missionary  physician,  stationed  at  Madura,  East  iTidies. 
He  married  Miss  Henrietta  Hyde,  a  descendant  of  the  famous  Annie  Hyde  of  England,  through  William 
Hyde,  the  American  ancestor,  one  of  the  original  proprietors  of  Norwich,  Conn. 

Dr.  Charles  Henry  Shelton  was  born  at  Jaffna-Patam  (Jaifna-Patam  was  a  small  island  on  the 
north-west  coast  of  the  large  island,  Ceylon),  on  the  Island  of  Ceylon,  May  14,  I85i,  his  father 
having  been  a  temporary  resident  at  that  place.  His  father  returned  to  this  country  in  May,  1856, 
and  settled  in  Davenport,  Iowa;  from  thence  he  moved  to  Springfield,  111.,  in  1859,  and  at  the  breaking 
out  of  the  war  became  surgeon  of  the  First  Engineer  Corps  of  the  West.  Charles  H.,  the  son,  began  his 
studies  at  the  pulilic  school  of  Springfield,  and  in  1S69  came  East  with  his  parents  (they  having  settled  in 
Jersey  City,  N.  J.),  and  was  prepared  for  college  at  Hasbrouck  Institute,  Jersey  City.  He  entered 
Yale  and  was  graduated  in  the  class  of  1877.  He  studied  medicine  with  his  father  (who  had  liccome  a 
convert  to  the  school  of  liomceopathy  in  1867),  and  was  graduated  at  the  New  York  Ilonueopathic  Medical 
College  in  1880.  His  father  having  died  in  1879  he  began  practice  in  Jersey  City  while  still  a  student,  and 
continued  liis  father's  practice  for  four  years.  He  removed  to  Montclair  in  the  autunui  of  1883,  and  soon 
secured  a  good  clientele.  He  located  (was  for  a  few  months  on  Clinton  Avenue)  on  Fullerton  Avenue  and 
later  removed  to  Grove  Street.  His  practice  has  steadily  increased  and  he  has  made  many  converts  to  the 
new  school  of  practice.  For  the  first  few  years  he  was  active  in  the  Congregational  Church  and  Sabbath- 
school,  but  of  late  years  the  duties  connected  with  his  profession  have  absorbed  his  whole  time.  He  is  a 
member,  and  was  formerly  Vice-President  of  the  New  Jersey  State  Homoeopathic  Society ;  he  is  also  a 
member  of  the  New  York  Homoeopathic  Alumni  Association,  the  New  York  Club  for  Medico-Scientific 
Investigation,  and  other  medical  societies.  He  was  one  of  the  organizing  members  of  the  Montclair  Club. 
He  married,  in  1882,  Miss  Henriette  Adele  Huggins,  a  granddaughter  of  Henry  Wood,  Esq.,  at  one 
time  a  prominent  merchant  of  Jersey  City.  Issue,  four  chikli'cn  :  Henry  Wood,  Nettie  May,  Willis 
Huggins,  and  Charles  Keith  (deceased). 

KICHARD  COLE  NEWTON,  M.D.— Dr.  Newton  was  born  in  lloxbury,  Mas?.,  July  23, 1851. 
He  removed  with  his  parents  to  South  Orange,  N.  J.  in  1857.  He  was  ])repared  for  college  by  Kev. 
Frederick  A.  Adams,  and  was  graduated  from  Harvard  in  1874,  and  from  the  College  of  Physicians  and 
Surgeons,  New  York  City,  in  1877,  and  spent  eighteen  montlis  as  an  interne  in  the  Charity  Hospital,  New 
York.  He  entered  the  U.  S.  Army  in  1880  as  Assistant  Surgeon  ;  was  post  sui'geon  at  Fort  Stanton,  New 
Mexico,  for  two  years;  at  Fort  Cummings,  New  Mexico,  one  year;  at  Fort  Sill,  Indian  Territory,  one 
year,  and  four  years  at  Fort  Elliott,  Texas.  While  at  the  latter  place  Le  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of 
Captain.  He  came  East  in  the  fall  of  1887,  and  was  stationed  at  David's  Island,  New  York  harbor.  The 
following  year  he  came  to  Montclair.  where  he  has  since  continued.  He  resigned  his  commission  in  the 
Army  in  May,  1889.  He  is  a  member  of  the  County  Medical  Society;  State  Medical  Society;  Orange 
Mountain  Medical  Society ;  the  Society  for  the  Pelief  of  Medical  Men  of  New  Jersej' ;  the  Society  of  the 
Military  Surgeons  of  New  Jersey,  and  various  other  societies  and  clubs. 

RICHARD  P.  FRANCIS,  M.D.— Dr.  Francis  was  born  in  New  York  City,  March  8,  1861 ; 
removed  with  his  parents  to  Montclair  in  1868;  was  graduated  at  the  High  School  in  1877;  continued 
his  studies  at  a  private  school  in  New  York  for  two  years;  was  graduated  at  Harvai'd  in  1883,  and  took 
his  medical  course  at  Harvard  Medical  School.  He  spent  eighteen  months  in  IJoston  City  Hospital 
and  returned  to  his  home  in  Montclair  in  1888.  He  was  for  two  years  associated  with  Dr.  Pinkham,  and, 
on  the  retirement  of  the  latter,  became  his  successor  in  practice.  He  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the 
Montclair  Hospital,  and  has  been  Secretary  of  the  Medical  Staff  since  its  organization.  He  was  one  of 
the  original  members  of  the  Montclair  Protective  Association.  He  is  a  member  of  Montclair  Club,  and 
is  Health  Inspector  of  the  township. 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  179 

LEVI  W.  CASE.  M.D.— Born  in  Frencbtown,  Uunteidon  Co..  X.  J..  January  2S,  1850.  lie 
received  his  preparatory  course  at  Ilightstown,  N.  J.,  and  was  graduated  at  Lafayette  College  in  the  class 
of  '74.  He  taught  school  at  the  High  Street.  Newark.  Academy  one  year,  and  was  two  years  a  teacher 
in  the  celebrated  Charher  In,~;titute  of  New  York.  He  prosecuted  his  medical  studies  during  a  portion  of 
the  time;  entered  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  graduating  in  1880,  and  in  the  spring  of  that 
year  began  practice  in  Chester.  Morris  Co.,  N.  J.,  where  he  remained  for  nine  years,  until  1889,  when  he 
removed  to  Montclair.  He  is  a  member  of  the  County  ^[cdical  Society;  .Morris  County  iledical  Society, 
and  the  Microscopical  Society.  He  is  examining  physician  fur  the  Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen, 
also  for  the  Knights  of  Honor. 

IlEKBERT  WEST  FOSTER.— Born  in  Putnam.  Conn.  Prepared  for  college  at  the  Putnam 
lUah  School,  but  did  not  enter.  AVas  ''radiiated  at  the  New  York  llomu'oputliic  Medical  Colleiie,  in  tjie 
spring  of  1^91 ;  served  on  the  house  .-taff  at  Ward's  Island  Hospital,  l)ci>artment  of  Public  Cliurities  and 
Corrections,  from  May,  1891,  to  May,  1892;  was  tiieu  Resident  Physician  of  the  Hahnemann  Hospital, 
New  York,  from  May,  ls92.  to  ^fay,  1893.  when  he  began  practice  in  Montclair,  with  the  endorsement 
of  some  of  the  most  eminent  physicians  of  the  "  new  school." 

The  following  is  a  brief  outline  of  liis  ancestry :  Tinu)thy  Foster,  of  Walpole.  Mass.,  bought  land 
and  settled  in  Dudley  in  l~is.  The  following  is  on  the  gravestone  of  his  youngest  son,  Josepli.  who 
lived  at  Windham.  Conn.:  "  He  enlistetl  in  the  Army  of  the  Revolution  at  Vi  years  of  age  and  was  one 
of  Vi  brothers  who  together  with  tiieir  father,  served  in  the  war  in  the  aggregate  over  60  years." 
Timothy  Foster's  eldest  son,  Ebenezer,  had  a  son,  Peleg.  who  was  the  doctor's  great-grandfather. 

On  his  mother's  side,  Moses  Wild  .settled  in  western  Ma.ssachu.setts  in  lOI'.S.  He  married,  and, 
after  several  generations,  Miriam  Wild  married  Earl  Westgate,  of  Portsmouth.  K.  1  ,  who  was  the  doctor's 
great-grandfather. 

Among  other  other  family  names  are  West,  Davis,  Harris,  Shepardson,  Coltuii  and  I'uller. 

L.  \V.  HALSEY.  M.D.,— Born  in  liinghamton,  N.  Y.,  entered  Oberlin  College  in  1879;  was 
graduated  at  the  College  of  Physicians  in  lss;i,  serving  a  portion  of  the  time  in  the  hospital;  began 
])ractice  in  bis  native  town  in  1>8;1  succeetling  his  maternal  grandfather,  who  for  fifty  years  was  a  resident 
l)hysieian  in  that  place.     In  1892  he  sold  his  practice  and  came  to  Montclair. 

His  paternal  grandfather  was  a  prominent  lawyer  of  Binghamton.  was  twenty  years  Surrogate  of 
Suffolk  County,  N.  Y..  and  was  for  two  years  State  Senator,  fifteen  years  Presiding  Judge,  and  one  term 
Surveyor-General  of  the  State. 

lllSToKV  (»F  THE  CRANE  FAMILY. 

The  family  of  Crane  is  fjuite  ancient  and  li(jnorable.  Ualiiii  Drake  accompanied  Sir  Francis  Drake 
to  America  in  1577,  and  Robert  Crane  was  of  the  first  company  that  came  to  Massachusetts  Bay  in  1630, 
Sir  Robert  Crane  was  of  Essex  (bounty,  England,  in  1630 ;  and  Sir  Richard,  in  16-13,  was  of  Wood  Rising, 
Norfolk,  England. 

First  Genekatio.v. 

Jasper  Cka.ne  (1)  and  Alice,  his  wife,  came  from  London  in  l<i37  or  '38,  to  the  New  Flaven 
Colony.  He  was  one  of  the  original  settlers  of  the  New  Haven  Colony  and  signed  the  finst  and  "Funda- 
mental Agreement."  June  -1, 1639,  at  a  general  meeting  of  all  the  free  planters  at  New  Haven,  at  the  barn 
of  Mr.  Newman.  Tradition  says  that  he  had  the  stewardship  and  oversight  of  the  property  of  the 
Rev.  John  Davenport.  Jasper  Crane,  Sr.,  was  one  of  those  at  New  Haven  who  attempted  the  settlement 
of  the  lands  on  the  Delaware  and  was  repulsed  by  the  Dutch  natives,  Swedes  and  Fins. 

He  was  a  surveyor  and  trader,  and  with  Mr.  Myles  laid  out  much  of  the  town  plot  at  New  Haven, 
ami  located  grants,  settled  division  lines  and  disputed  titles.     He  was  a  selectman,  and  one  of  the  civil 


180  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

managers  of  tlie  new  settlement  (Xew  Haven).  In  March,  1641,  he  liad  a  grant  of  100  acres  in  the  east 
meadow.  In  l(iJr8  he  was  in  the  list  of  estates  at  New  Haven  at  £480.  In  1644  he  was  freed  from 
"watching  and  trayning"  because  of  his  weakness.  In  1644-5  he  had  a  second  grant  of  16  acres  of  up- 
land in  East  Haven,  where  he  built  his  house  in  whicii  Jasper,  Jr.,  was  born.  Soon  after  this,  not  being 
satisfied  with  his  location  as  a  merchant,  he  sold  his  place  in  1652  and  purchased  in  Totoket  (afterward 
called  Branford),  and  removed  thence  M'ith  his  family,  where  he,  with  ]Mr.  "William  Swayne  and  some 
20  others  from  Southampton,  L.  I.,  with  Rev.  Abraham  Pierson  as  their  leader,  founded  Ihe  new  town 
of  Branford.  Jasper  Crane,  Es(j.,  and  Mr.  William  Swayne  were  the  first  deputies  to  the  "General 
Court  of  Electors'"  from  Branford,  ]\Iay,  1653,  and  four  jeai's  after,  in  ilay,  1658,  he  was  chosen  magis- 
trate of  the  New  Ilaven  Colony,  which  he  held  until  1<>63.  On  the  union  of  the  two  Colonies  he  was 
chosen  an  assistant  (Senator)  to  the  General  Court  at  Hartford.  He  was  Justice  of  the  County  Court  at 
New  Haven  in  166-1-5,  one  of  the  magistrates  convened  at  Hartford  l>y  the  Governor  in  1665,  and  one  of 
the  assistants  and  magistrates  of  Connecticut  in  1665-6-7,  and  magistrate  in  the  New  Ilaven  Colony 
in  1658. 

Jasper  Crane  did  not  remove  with  the  first  company  that  went  to  settle  (Milford  first  called) 
Newark,  N.  J,,  though  he  was  one  of  the  23  persons  who  signed  the  first  contract  in  1665.  On  January  20, 
1667,  a  new  church  covenant  was  formed  for  those  who  left  Branford,  and  Mr.  Crane  headed  the  list  of 
signers  and  church  members  under  the  new  organization,  with  others,  who  signed  the  agreement  in  1665, 
and  after  disposing  by  deed  of  his  property  at  Branford  in  1667-8  he  joined  his  associates  at  Newark. 

He,  with  Bobert  Treat  (afterward  Governor  of  Conn.),  were  the  first  nuigistrates  in  Newark.  In 
1668-9  they  represented  Newark  in  the  General  Court  the  same  year,  and  were  again  chosen  deputies 
in  1669-70. 

In  1675  he  was  deputy  and  magistrate  at  Newark.  He  was  one  of  the  purchasers  of  the  Kings- 
land  farm,  a  large  tract  of  land  located  at  what  is  now  Bellville.  He  was  ranked  with  the  strong-minded 
men  of  Connecticut  and  New  Jersey,  lived  to  an  advanced  age,  and  died  in  1 68 1 .  His  sons,  John  and  Deli ver- 
ance,  had  seats  in  the  first  meeting  house  in  Newark.  Children:  John  Crane;  Hannah,  who  married 
Thomas  Himtington,  one  of  the  signers  of  the  "Branford  Agreement";  Deliverance,  or  Delivered,  born 
July  12,  1642,  died  without  issue;  Azariah,  born  1647,  died  November  5,  1730,  aged  S3  years;  he  mar- 
ried Mary,  daughter  of  Robert  Treat,  Governor  of  Connecticut. 

When  Mr.  Treat  left  New  Jersey  for  Connecticut  he  "betrusted  his  property  at  Newark  to  his 
son,  Deacon  Azariah  Crane,  who  lived  in  the  stone  house  at  Newark,  and  was  a  man  of  integrity  and 
standing." 

"Deacon"  Azariah  had  issue:    Nathaniel,  Azariah,  Jr.,  John,  Robert,  Mary  Baldwin  and  Jane  Bull. 

Jasper,  Jr.,  born  at  East  Haven,  April  2,  1657,  removed  with  his  father  to  Newark.  He  pur- 
chased the  estate  of  Robert  Lyman  in  Newark  in  1682,  after  Mr.  Lyman  retui-ned  to  New  England. 
Jasper  died  March  18,  1712,  aged  61  years. 

Second  Genekation. 

"Deacon"  Azariah  Crane,  third  child  of  Jasper  (1)  and  Alice  Crane,  was  born,  1647,  probably 
at  Branford,  then  a  part  of  the  New  Haven  Colony.  He  died,  Nov.  5,  1730,  aged  83.  He  was  one  of 
the  sioners  of  the  "  Fundamental  Agreement,"  a  deacon  in  the  First  Church  of  Newark,  and  held  many 
offices  of  trust  in  the  "  Towne."  He  left  his  "silver  bole"  to  be  used  by  "the  church  in  Newark 
forever."  He  married  Mary,  daughter  of  Robert  Ti-eat,  one  of  the  original  settlers  of  Newark,  and 
afterward  Governor  of  the  Connecticut  Colony.  "In  the  overturn  of  the  govermnent  by  the  Dutch," 
in  1673,  he  "  was  betrusted  with  the  concerns  of  his  honorable  father-in-law,  ilr.  Robert  Treat."  In  1715, 
he  is  spoken  of  by  himself  as  having  been  "settled"  for  many  years  at  the  mountain.  He  had  two 
sons,  Nathaniel  and  Azariah,  both  born  or  lived  in  Cranetown  "by  the  spring."  (This,  according  to  the 
statement  of  Joseph  Doremus,  was  what  is  now  known  as  the  Frost  property  on  the  northeast  corner  of 
Myrtle  Avenue  and  Orange  Road.)     He  had  also  -lohn,  Robert,  Mary  Baldwin  and  Jane  Bull. 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  181 

Third  Generation. 

Nathaniel  BDd  Azariah  Crane,  Jr..  sons  of  "Deacon"  Azariali  and  Mary  (Treat)  Crane,  founders 
of  tlie  Crane  family  of  Cranetown. 

NATHANIEL  CRANE  AND  HIS  DESCENDANTS. 

Naihaniel  (1),  eldest  son   of  "  Deacon  "   Azariali  and  Mary  i^Treat)  Crane,  was  born  in  the  town 

of  Newark,  and  was  one  of  the  founders  of  Cranetown.     He  married  and  had  issue,  William,  Noah  and 

Nathaniel  (2). 

FoiKTU  Gexer.\ti().v. — Link  ok  Natii.\.niel. 

Wh-liam  (1)  Crane,  eldest  son  of  Nathaniel  (1)  (Deacon  Azariah,  Jasper)  was  born  in  Cranetown. 
During  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  he  was  Lieutenant  in  Spencer's  Regiment,  Continental  Army; 
Captain,  ditto,  March.  1777.  He  married  and  hud  issue:  Matthia.s.  James,  Isaac,  Jonathan.  Jonas. 
William  r2),  Zadoc,  Oliver. 

Noah  Ckaxe,  second  son  of  Nathaniel  (1).  (Deacon  Azariah,  Jasper)  was  born  in  Cranetown, 

Mav   1,    171'.t.     He   married    Mary and   had   issue:  Samuel,  born  Oct.  -iO,  1740  ;  E.sthcr,  born 

Feb.  12,  174'.>;  Joseph,  born  Feb.  1,  ITol,  died  November,  ls:!2.  married  Hannah,  daughter  of  Daniel 
Lamson ;  Elizabeth,  born  Ainil  l.t.  1753;  Caleb,  born  Jan.  17.  17i'>_',  died  Sept.  17,  17()S;  "Major" 
Nathaniel  n'l.  born  Oct.  29,  17.J7;  Mehitalilc.  born  June  17,  1 7ti4,  married  Gen.  "William  (iould  of 
Caldwell,  an  otiicer  of  the  Revolution;  Mary,  born  1700,  died  Sept.  '.»,  17<;s;  Nehemiah,  born  July  I, 
1771,  died  Sept.  27,  1777. 

FifTn  Generation. — Line  of  Natiiami  i.. 

Matthias  Crank,  eldest  son  of  WiUlmi,  (i)  i  Nathaniel,  Deacon  Azariah,  .lasper),  was  l)orn  in 
Cranetown.     lie  married  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Job  Crane,  and  had  issue:    Israel. 

Oliver  Crane,  youngest  son  of  WUllam  (Nathaniel,  Deacon  Azariah,  Jasper),  was  born  in  Crane- 
town. He  married  Susannah  I'aldwin,  a  descendant  in  the  tiftli  generation  of  John  Haldwin,  Sr.,  one 
of  the  oriirinal  settlers  of  Newark.  Tliev  had  issue:  Stipheii  Fvidlunn,  Lvdia  Sarah,  .\nios,  Zouhar, 
Nathaniel  M.,  Isaac  "W.,  and  Rachel,  who  married  Amos  I.aldwin. 

Samiel  Crane,  eldest  .sun  of  Xoah  (Nathaniel.  Deacon  Azariali,  Ja.sper)  and  Mary  Crane,  was 
born  at  Cranetown,  October  'J,  174<!. 

Dr.  Wickes,  in  his  "  History  of  the  Oranges,"  makes  several  ([notations  from  Jemima  Cundict's 
diary  of  Revolutionary  events.     One  of  these  contains  the  following  in  reference  to  Samuel  Crane. 

"September  y"  12,  1777.  on  Friday  there  Was  an  alarm,  our  Militia  was  Called.  The  Regulars 
Came  over  into  elesabeth  town  ^^■here  they  had  a  Brush  Witii  a  Small  Rarty  of  our  People;  then 
marched  (Quietly  up  to  Newark  &  took  all  the  Cattle  they  Could,  there  was  live  of  the  militia  [of] 
Newark,  they  killed  Samuel  Crane  k  took  Zadock  and  Allen  heady  and  Samuel  freeman  Prisoners, 
one  out  of  five  run  and  escapt."     *     *     * 

Samuel  Crane  married and  had  issue :  Caleb,  Zenas.  Cyrus,  and  Nathaniel  (3). 

Natiiaxiet,,  known  as  "Major"  Nathaniel  Crane,  fifth  child  of  Noah  (Nathaniel,  Deacon 
Azariah,  Jasj)en  and  Mary  Crane,  was  born  at  Cranetown.  February  1.5,  1702.  He  married  Hannah, 
daughter  of  William  Crane  (son  of  Nathaniel),  and  died  without  i.ssue.  He  served  with  the  New  Jersey 
.Militia  in  the  War  of  the  Revolution,  in  Capt.  ^fai-sh's  Trooj)  of  Light  Horse.  He  was  a  man  highly 
respected  in  the  community,  and  was  for  many  years  a  leader  of  the  choir  in  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Orange,  and  was  tendered  the  thanks  of  that  parish  for  his  valuable  services  on  several  occasions 
at  their  annual  meeting.  He  gave  to  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomfield  their  bell,  and  in  his  last 
will  he  gave  the  most  of  his  estate — about  slu,(iUO — to  the  use  of  the  Bloomfield  Church,  with  the 
])roviso,  that  when  a  Presbyterian  Church  should  be  organized  in  West  Bloomfield,  the  income  of  the 
property  was  to  go  to  the  new  chuicli. 


182 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


Sixth  Generation. — Line  of  Nathaniel. 

Israel  Crane,  only  son  of  Matthias  (1)  (William,  Nathaniel  (1),  Deacon  Azariah,  Jaspei-)  was  horn 
in  Cranetown,  Mareh  l.i,  177-1.  He  inlierited  from  his  ancestors  those  sterling  qualities  which  made 
him  a  "man  among  men."  IJe  was  known  as  "King"  Crane,  ami  well  deserved  the  name  for  he  was  a 
born  ruler  and  leader  of  men  ;  he  was  the  \"anderl)ilt  of  his  time,  and  had  he  lived  at  a  later  ]>eriod 
would  have  been  a  "railroad  king."  In  early  life  he  entered  Princeton  College,  intending  to  study  for 
the  ministry,  but  was  compelled  to  give  uj)  his  studies  in  consei|uence  of  failing  health.  He  then  entered 
upon  an  active  business  career  in  which  he  met  with  almost  unprecedented  success  in  every  undertaking. 
He  was  a  ju-ince  among  country  merchants,  and  did  the  most  extensive  business  of  any  man  or  iii-m  for  miles 


around.  He  opened  and 
brown-stone  quarry 
largest  in  this  part  of  the 
times  from  three  to  four 
jected  the  Newark  and 
which  opened  a  large  ex- 
enhancing  the  value  of 
fording  the  farmers  bet- 
ing their  produce  to  mar- 
in  this  enterprise  were 
He  was  president  of  the 
ly  acquired  their  inter- 
owner  of  the  property, 
to  utilize  the  iimiieuse 
saic  Falls,  near  I'aterson, 
second  cotton  mill.  He 
power  on  Tony's  Brook, 
ton  mills  on  the  stream, 
to  the  Wildes.  In  the 
sive  business  interests  he 
gacity,  and  great  execu- 
time  he  gave  encourage- 
every  new  enterprise  thar 
He  did  more  to  develop 
than  any  man  before  or 
and  upright  in  all  his 
1  a  r  K  e-liearted  1  i  beral  i  t  v . 
the  DJooinfield  Presbyte- 
Pev.  Stephen  Dodd.  in 
to  "  Israel   Crane,   w  h  o 


IsKAEL    CKA-NE. 


developed  an  immense 
in  Newark,  one  of  the 
country,  employing  a  t 
hundred  men.  He  pro- 
Pom  pt  on  Turnpike 
tent  of  country,  thereby 
farm  property,  and  af- 
ter facilities  for  transport- 
ket.  Associated  with  him 
N  e  w  Y  o  r  k  capitalists, 
company  and  subsequent- 
ests,  and  became  sole 
He  was  one  of  the  first 
water  piower  of  the  Pas- 
aud  erected  there  the 
controlled  the  water 
and  erected  the  tirst  cot- 
which  he  afterward  sold 
management  of  his  exten- 
displaycd  wonderful  sa- 
tive  ability.  At  the  same 
ment  to  and  promoted 
gave  promise  of  success, 
this  region  of  country 
since.  He  was  honorable 
dealings,  and  a  man  of 
In  an  historical  sketch  of 
rian  Church.  pre|)ared  by 
1854,  reference  is  made 
was  earlv  chosen  a  ruline 


Elder,  and  still  retains  the  office,  and  who  bore  a  prominent  part  in  the  erection  of  the  house,  and  to  whose 
prudent  and  enlightened  counsels,  and  acknowledged  ability  and  enterprise,  the  church  and  parish  will 
ever  feel  their  indebtedness,  and  who,  in  a  green  old  age,  is  permitted  to  rejoice  in  3'our  prosjierity." 

Mr.  Crane  at  that  time  was  one  of  the  two  only  remaining  members  out  of  fifty-nine  from 
the  First  Church  in  Orange,  and  twenty-three  from  the  First  Chui-cli  in  Newark,  who,  in  the  month  of 
June,  1798,  withdrew  from  the  above  named  churches  and  organized  the  church  at  Bloom  field.  When, 
in  1837,  it  was  proposed  to  start  a  church  in  the  '"Upper  Village,"  or  AVest  Bloomtield,  he  entered 
heartily  into  the  work,  and  gave  lilierally  toward  tlie  new  enterprise,  his  own  children  becoming  faithful 
and  consistent  members  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  West  Bloomfield. 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


183 


Mr.  Crane  inarried  Fannv,  daiifiliter  of  Dr.  Matthias  Piei-son,  of  Orange,  the  first  resilient 
physician  at  the  Newark  Mountains,  a  sireHt-ocrand.son  of  Tiionia.s  I'icrson,  one  of  tlie  Associates  from 
BranfonJ,  of  the  Xew  Haven  Colony,  who  settled  in  Newark  in  KltiO.  It  is  said  he  was  a  near  kinsman, 
and  probably  a  brother  of  Rev.  Abraham  Pierson,  who  came  with  the  colony  as  its  minister. 

Tiie  issue  of  Israel  and  Fanny  (I'ierson)  Crane  was  Mary  Stockton,  died  youuff  ;  Alattliias,  Eliza — 
wife  of  Captain  Ephraini  l!eacli.  the  civil  engineer,  who  hiid  out  the  Morris  Canal  al)0ut  1S2S — Abigail, 
wife  of  Dr.  Isaac  Dodd;  Mary  and  James. 

Stkphkx  FoKiniAM  Ckaxk,  elde.<t  son  of  Oliver  (William,  Nathaniel  (  H,  Deacon  Azariah,  Jasper), 
and  .Susannah  (IJaldwiiU  Crane,  Wiis  l)Orn  in  fJranetown  17fl:i.  He  married  Matilda  Howell  Smith, 
daughter  of  Peter  Smith,  who  wa.s  Washington's  private  secretary  in  tlii'  winter  of  1779-80,  and  was  pro- 
posed by  Washington  for  membership  in  the  American  Union  I-o(ige,  F.  iV:  A.  ^I.,  where  he  was  "duly 
initiated,  pa.ssed  and  raised  to  the  sul)lime  degree  of  Master  Mason,"  (ieneral  (l^ro.)  Wasiiinijton  assisting 
in  the  ceremony.  His  name  appears  on  the  list  of  members  of  American  Union  Lodge  at  an  '•  Entered 
Apprentices'  Lodge,"  held  at  Morristown,  X.  .F..  December  •2~,  177!*.  for  the  celebration  of  the   Festival 


\y.l.   (RAM-. 


nf  St.  John  the  Evangeli.st.  Among  those  present  on  that  occasion  were  l»ros.  Washington,  .\rnold 
(Benedict),  Samuel  Holden  Parsons.  Van  Rensselaer,  an<l  other  distinguished  officers  of  the  Continental 
Army. 

After  the  war  Peter  Smith  was  a  magistrate,  and  later  County  Clerk  of   Sussex  County. 

Stephen  Fordham  Crane  had  i.ssue:  Emeline  II.,  Susan  P.,  Oliver,  Sarah  U.,  Stephen  Smith  and 
Crane. 

Sevexth  Gk.veration — Li.vK  OK  Nathaniel  (1). 

Rev.  Or.ivEK  Cka.ve,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  clergyman.  Oriental  scholar,  and  poet,  son  of  Stephen  Fordham 
(Oliver,  William,  Nathaniel,  Deacon  Azariah,  Jasper)  and  Matilda  Howell  (Smith)  Crane,  was  born  in 
West  P.loomfield,  now  Montclair.  N.  J.,  July  12,  1^22. 

His  early  education  began  in  his  native  town  with  Gideon  Wheeler  as  his  instructor,  in  the 
school-house  afterward  used  by  the  First  Presbyterian  Church.  By  dint  of  energy  and  perseverance  he 
prepared  for  college  and  entered    Vale  University  as  Sophomore,  and  graduated  thence  with  honors  in 


184 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


the  class  of  1845,  and  from  Union  Tlieological  Seminary  in  1848.  He  was  ordained  in  April  of  the 
same  year,  and  soon  after  appointed  a  niissionarv  of  tlie  American  Board  of  Commissioners  of  Foreign 
Missions  to  Turkey.  He  aerpiired  the  Turkisli  language  and  did  etheient  service  during  tiie  next  live 
years  at  Broosa,  Aleppo,  Aintab  and  Trebizond.  He  returned  to  America  the  following  year  and 
became  pastor  of  the  Presl)yterian  Chnrch  in  Huron,  N.  Y.,  and,  in  1857,  of  that  in  Waverly,  N.  Y. 
Being  reappointed  missionary  in  the  spring  of  1860,  he  went  back  to  Turkey  and  was  assigned  to 
Adrianople,  l)nt,  in  1863,  circumstances  necessitated  his  return  to  his  native  land.  The  next  year  he  was 
elected    Professor  of   Biblical  and  Oriental  Literature  in  Eutgers  Female  College,  New  York  City,  but 


declined,  to  accept 
Presbyterian 
bon  dal  e,  Pa., 
stalled  as  pastor. 
1870  he  resigned, 
y  ear  settled  i  n 
where  he  devoted 
literary  work, 
things  aiding  Gen. 
ton  (his  college 
]")  r  e  p  a  r  a  t  i  on  of 
the  Revolutioi;," 
a  standard  work. 
186ri-66.  he  liad 
his  ])rcsbyterv  to 
for  the  use  of  its 
1SG9  lie  had  been 
of  the  large  Synod 
New  Jersey.  In 
chosen  Secretary 
in  which  capacity 
ha  usti  ve  biograph- 
every  mend)e;',  a 
pioneer  in  this  line 
1888  he  published 
line-by-line  ver- 
^•Eneid,  the  result 
labor,  which  was 
ed.  In  1889  he 
ume  of  poems  un- 
'•  Minto  and  other 

1  1        i      1  KEV.    OLIVER    S.    CRANE,    D.D 

he  was  elected  a 

of  the  American  Oriental  Society,  of  which  he  is  now  one  of  the  senior  members.  He  is  a  member  of 
several  historical  societies,  and  for  four  years  past  has  been,  by  appointment  of  the  Governor,  a  member 
of  the  Board  of  Examiners  of  the  Scientihc  College  of  New  Jersey.  The  degree  of  A.M.,  was  conferred 
upon  him  by  his  Alma  Jlaier ;  M.D.,  by  the  Eclectic  Medical  College  of  New  York  City,  in  1866; 
D.D.,  by  the  University  of  Wooster,  O.,  in  1880,  and  LL.D.,  by  the  Westminster  College,  Fulton,  Mo., 
in  1S8S,  the  last  being  mainly  in  recognition  of  the  scholarship  evinced  in  his  version  of  Virgil's  ^Eneid. 
His  life  has  been  an  active  one,  including,  as  it  does,  extensive  traveling  in  Turkey,  Europe,  Egypt  and 
Palestine,  assidous  investigating  and  versatile  writing.  He  now  resides  in  Boston  in  comparative  retire- 
ment, still  occupying  his  time  in  literary  pursuits. 


a  call  from  the 
Church  of  Car- 
wliere  he  was  in- 
In  the  spring  of 
and  the  following 
Morristown,  N,J., 
himself  largely  to 
among  other 
Henry  B.  Carring- 
classtnate)  in  the 
"The  Battles  of 
which  has  become 
Previously,  in 
bee;. ;  ppointed  by 
prepare  a  manual 
churches,  and  in 
elected  moderator 
of  New  York  and 
18  80  he  was 
of  his  college  class, 
he  prepared  an  e.x- 
ical  record  of 
btiok  which  was  a 
(if  publication.  In 
a  hexanactrical 
sion  of  A'irgil's 
of  much  critical 
favorably  receiv- 
issued  a  small  voi- 
der the  title  of 
Poems."  In  1856 
corporate  mendier 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  185 

Dr.  Oliver  Crane  married.  September  .5,  IS-iS,  Marion  1).  Tnrnbuil,  and  had  by  her  five  children : 
Louina  M.,  died  young;  Elizabetli  if.  uvife  of  Kev.  John  8.  Gardiu-n;  Caroline  TI.  (wife  of  Edward  C. 
Lvon.  Es^.);  Oliver  T.  (married  Gertrude  N.  Boyd);  and  Louina  Mary  ^^wife  of  Harry  C.  Crane).  Mrs. 
Crane  July  23,  1S90.  Dr.  Crane  married,  September  1,  ISiU,  Sibylla  A.  Bailey,  of  Boston,  Mass.,  where 
thev  both  now  reside.  Dr.  Crane  did  much  in  starting  improvements  in  Montclair,  laying  out  and 
making,  mainly  at  his  own  expense,  Clermont  Avenue  from  Valley  lioad  to  Forest  Street,  and  also  Forest 
Street  from  Clermont  Avemie  to  Walnut  Street,  and  so  opened  up  for  settlement  that  part  of  the  town, 
lie  was  one  of  tlie  corporate  members  of  the  First  Pre.sbyterian  Clniich  in  the  town,  and  took  an  active 
part  in  all  its  interests. 

Vol.  v..  No.  1  of  the  "Magazine  of  Poetry"  contains  a  sketcii  and  a  few  selections  of  the  poems 

of  Mr.  Crane.     Tiie  genius  of  the  poet  and  the  beauty  of  e.xpression  is  shown   in  the  two  stanzes  of  one 

entitled : 

THE  GLEANER. 

•'  Where  has  thou  gleaned  to-day  I " — Ruth  xi.,  19. 

O  gleaner,  who  homeward  as  if  in  retreat 

Art  wearily  plodding  thy  way, 
Thou  hast  patiently  wrought  in  the  dust  and  the  heat 
But  why  bringest  thou  with  thee  no  bundle  of  wheat  ? 

Oh,  whete  hast  thou  gleaned  to-day  ? 

"  I  have  gleaned  in  the  field  where  the  Master  assigned, 

And  have  stayed  where  He  bade  me  stay  ; 
Where  the  owner  and  reapers  alike  were  kind, 
And  permitted  mc  many  a  sheaf  to  find, 

I  have  gleaned  as  a  reaf)er  to-day." 

^r.vnniAS  (2)  Ckaxe,  son  of  Israel  (Matthias.  William,  Xathaniel  ( 1 ),  Deacon  .Vzariah,  .lasjier) 
and  Fannv  (Pierson)  Crane  was  born  at  Cranetown.  Mjiv  2.  l>^n-J.  He  married  Susan,  daughter  of  Jcp- 
tlia  r>id<hvin  (born  177>^),  son  of  J'eiijamin  ( IJenjamin,  .loseph,  -lolin  Baldwin,  Sr.,  one  of  the  original 
settlers,  who  .signed  the  "Fundamental  Agreement").  Matthias  Crane  was  a  farmer,  and  resided  at  the 
homestead  on  ]jloomtiel<l  Avenue.  lie  had  issue,  Edward  Bishop.  Israel,  Catharine  Baldwin,  Mary 
Clarissa,  Abba  F.,  Francis,  and  lli'tirv  I.ind.-h-y.  unmarried,  and  resides  at  the  homestead  on  Bloonitidd 
Avenue,  Montclair. 

Catharine  Baldwin  was  mairied  to  Robert  M.  lM>y<l  of  ^lontclair.  ^laiy  C.  married  Samuel  Friedly^ 
and  resides  in  Richmond,  Va.     Abba  F.  marrieil  Mr.  Dodd,  and  resides  at  Bloomtield. 

Edward  Bishoi'  Cka.nk,  eldest  chihl  of  Matthias  (2)  (Israel,  Matthias  (1),  William,  Nathaniel  (1), 
"Deacon"  Azariah,  Jasi)er)  and  Susan  (Baldwin)  Crane,  was  born  in  West  Bloomtield,  now  Montclair. 
lie  married  Ellen  F.,  daughter  of  Sanniel  Baldwin,  of  Bloomfiehl.  They  had  issue:  Frank  W.,  Nellie 
1".,  mariied  Dr.  Soper  (now  of  Upper  Montclair),  Samuel  B.,  and  Edna  G. 

Frank  W.  Crane,  elde.st  son  of  Edward  B.  Crane,  is  a  civil  engineer  by  profession,  and  has  held 
many  positions  of  trust  in  this  line,  and  has  been  connected  with  pnnniiiciit  railroad  interests.  lie  mar- 
ried Mary  Tolfree,  of  Orange,  and  has  one  child,  Harold  T. 

Israel  (2)  Crane,  second  sou  of  Matthias  (2)  (Israel,  Matthias (1),  William,  Nathaniel  (1),  Deacon 
Azariah,  Jasper)  and  Susan  (Baldwin)  Crane,  wa,s  born  at  West  Bloomtield,  X.  J.,  August  23,  1835,  in 
the  homestead  on  the  south-west  corner  of  Bloomtield  Avenue  and  Willow  Street.  He  was  prepared  for 
college  at  Ashland  Hall,  then  under  the  direction  and  ownership  of  Rev.  David  A.  Frame,  and  was 
graduated  from  Princeton  College  in  ls."(4.  lie  studied  law  for  a  time  in  the  office  of  Judge  Amzi  Dodd, 
in  Newark,  N.  J. 

As  early  as  1868  he  foresaw  the  po.ssibilities  of  Montclair,  and  begun  making  improvements  of 
various  kinds.  He  was  always  in  full  .sym])athy  with  every  progressive  movement  which  might  lienetit 
the  town.  His  own  property  he  divided  into  building  lots,  laid  out  streets,  planted  trees,  etc.  The  open- 
ing of  Union  and  East  Plymouth  Streets,  from  FuUerton  Avenue  east,  was  largely  due   to  his  enterprise. 


186  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

He  was  Olio  of  tlie  first  to  Imild  houses  for  renting,  and  has  erected  a  munher  of  liandsoine  cottages 
costing  in  the  aggregate  $100,000,  including  his  own  liomestead.  No.  16  East  Plymouth  Street. 

He  lias  shown  commendable  zeal  and  energy  in  the  cause  of  education,  having  been  one  of  the  chief 
promoters  of  the  first,  and  until  recently  the  only,  public  library  in  Montclair.  He  was  one  of  the 
original  inemliers  of  the  First  Congregational  Church  and  also  of  the  Montclair  Club.  He  married 
Anna  L.  liarne.s,  niece  of  A.  S.  Barnes,  deceased,  the  well  known  book  pul)lisher,  and  also  a  niece  of 
Julius  II.  Pratt's  wife,  deceased.  He  has  one  child,  Percy  Waldron.  who  is  a  member  of  the  Class  of 
'95,  of  Yale  University. 

Henry  L.  Crane,  youngest  son  of  Matthias  and  Susan  (Baldwin)  Crane,  was  born  at  the  homestead 
of  liis  father,  in  Montclair.  Has  been  for  the  past  .seven  years  engaged  in  the  coal  business.  He  married 
Ella  F.,  daughter  of  Truman  B.  Brown,  of  Brooklyn ;  issue,  one  son,  I^eroy  L. 

TiiiiJD  Generation. 

AzAEiAii  Crane,  Jr.,  and  his  Descendants. 

AzAKiAH  (2)  Crane,  son  of  Deacon  Azariah  Crane,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Newark,  and  was 
one  of  the  founders  of  that  part  of  Newark  which  afterward  became  "  Cranetowii."  Azariah  (2) 
married  Eebecca,  and  had  issue:  Azariah  (3),  Job,  (ilamaliel,  Ezekiel,  Josiah,  Moses,  Stephen.  In  1733, 
he  grants  three  acres  at  the  "mountain  jilantation "  to  his  well-blood  son-in-law,  Ziicltarlnli  Baldwin.  In 
1753  Azariah,  Jr.,  conveys  to  his  son,  Azariah  (3),  a  tract  of  land  south  of  what  is  now  Union  Street, 
extending  to  the  top  of  the  mountain,  and  bounded  by  the  property  of  Nathaniel  Crane. 

Fourth  Genekation. — Line  ok  Azariah  (2). 

Jon  Crane,  son  of  Azariah,  Jr.  (Deacon  Azariah,  Jasper),  married and  had  issue:  Aaron. 

Stephen  Crane,  youngest  son  of  Azariah,  Jr.,  who  was  the  son  of  Deacon  Azariah,  son  of  Jasper 

Crane,  was  born  in  Cranetown,  and  married  Rhoda .     He  was  in  communion  with  the  Mountain 

Society  previous  to  1756.  Among  those  who  entered  into  covenant  with  the  Montclair  Society  during 
the  pastorate  of  liev.  Jedediah  Chapman,  was  "■  Bhoda,  wife  of  Stephen  Crane."  In  the  description  of  the 
boundaries  of  Newark  it  says,  "thence  along  the  line  of  Caldwell  township  to  a  point  in  the  First 
Mountain  called  Stephen  Crane's  notch." 

At  a  convention  of  the  committees  of  the  several  counties  held  at  New  Brunswick  in  response  to 
the  appeal  of  the  "  Freeholders  and  Inhabitants  of  the  County  of  Essex,  Province  of  New  Jersey,  to  take 
action  in  regard  to  the  late  acts  of  Parliament,  etc."  72  gentlemen  took  part  in  the  deliberations. 
"Stephen  Crane  of  Essex  was  in  the  chair."  At  this  meeting  Stephen  Crane  was  appointed  one  of  the 
delegates  to  the  General  Continental  Congress  held  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  September,  177i. 

In  the  absence  of  any  proof  to  the  contrary  it  is  presumed  that  Stephen,  son  of  Azariah  (2)  is  the 
one  referred  to. 

In  the  records  of  those  who  served  in  the  the  War  of  the  Revolution  is  found  the  name  of  Stephen 
Crane,  who  served  with  the  First  Regiment,  "New  Jersey  Line,"' Continental  Army.  He  also  served 
with  the  New  Jei'sey  Militia  in  Cajjlain  Squire's  Company,  Second  Regiment,  Essex  Co. 

The  children  of  Stephen  Crane  and  his  wife  Rlioda  were :  Martha,  baptized  1757  ;  Lois,  baptized 
1760;  Jeremiah,  born  April  2.  1770;  Sarah,  born  1776;  Stephen  Bradford,  born  1T7<I.  The  church 
records  show  another  child  of  Stephen,  "name  nnknown." 

Fifth   Generation. — Line  ok  Azariah  (2). 

Aaron  Crane,  born  in  Cranetown,  son  of  Job  (Azariah,  Jr.,  Deacon  Azariah,  Jasper),  married 
and  had  issue :  Thomas  Jeptlia,  Timothy,  Elias  B.,  Zenas  Sipiire. 


History  of  Momxlair  TowNsiiir.  187 

Sixth  Genera  nox. — Line  of  Azaeiah  (2). 

Zexas  Squire  Crane,  son  of  Aaron  (Job,  Azariah,  Jr.,  Deacon  Azariali,  Jasper),  was  born  in  Crane- 
town,  Oct()ber20, 1793,  (in  tlie  boiiiestead  situated  on  tlie  Valley  T'oad.  near  the  junction  of  Cliurcli  Street, 
sul>se(juently  pureliased  by  Crant  J.  Wheeler,  and  now  occupied  by  the  hitter's  son. 

"Stjuire"  Crane,  as  he  was  known,  began  life  as  a  clerk  in  the  store  of  .lub  Dudd,  in  l!liMiiiiticl<l. 
"When  but  eijrliteen  yeai-s  of  age  he  was  elected  a  con.>table  for  IJloomfield  township.  A  year  later,  <>n 
the  breakinjr  out  of  the  war  of  lsl2,  he  responded  to  his  country's  call,  and,  though  a  mere  vouth, 
shouldered  Ills  flint-lock  musket,  and  enlisted  in  a  .New  Jci-sey  regiment,  doing  .service  at  Sandy  Hook, 
and  in  the  southern  jtart  of  the  State,  defending  the  coast  against  the  invading  forces.  On  his  return  he 
entered  the  militia  .service,  and  on  May  15,  1S21,  was  made  lieutenant,  and  .-ubseiiuently  captain,  of  the 
First  Company,  Second  Battalion,  of  the  Fifth  Itegiment,  acting  as  such  for  more  than  eleven  years.  In 
lS-2t5  he  was  appointed  a  Justice  of  the  Peace  by  the  Legislature,  which  office  he  held  with  great  credit 
for  tifty-four  cou-secutive  years.  JL's  rulings  during  all  this  time  were  never  reversed  by  those  of  a 
higher  court,  and  the  decisions  rendered  by  him  were  at  all  times  .sound  and  logical,  lie  received  an  ap- 
pointment as  Comnii.ssioner  of  Decils  a  year  later,  and  in  1. S3 7  he  was  ajipointed  a  Lay  Judge  of  Essex 
County,  in  which  capacity  he  serveil  until  1853,  when  he  was  also  appointed  a  Master  of  Chancery. 
When  the  building  of  the  present  court  house  was  proposed,  Judge  Crane  was  one  of  the  members  of  the 
Building  Committee. 

There  wa-<,  perhaps,  not  another  man  in  Es.se.\  County  who  was  so  well  informed  as  to  the  genei'al 
transactions  in  real  estate,  since  Judge  Crane  wa.s  a  surveyor  and  surveyed  the  lands  and  prepared  the 
deeds  for  nearly  every  transaction  made  in  this  vicinity  for  fifty  yeai-s.  He  was  also  one  of  the  corporate 
members  <jf  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  served  as  a  Trut-tee  for  more  than  twenty  years.  Among  the 
archives  of  the  public  schools  is  a  book  wherein  Mr.  Crane  has  recorded  the  organization  of  the  ])i'csent 
.school  on  May  17.  is.'M,  to  which  he  sub.scribes  himself  as  President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees,  of  which 
he  was  a  member  for  many  years.  F'ew  men  in  this  vicinity  ever  led  such  a  life  of  public  usefulness.  He 
was  for  a  lontr  i)eriod  the  President  of  the  Uoscndale  Cement  Co.  of  JersevCitv;  and  at  one  time  he 
owned  all  the  lands  bounded  by  a  line  running  from  the  cornerof  Valley  Road  to  a  point  at  the  to]>  of  the 
mountain,  near  the  lands  of  Mr.  Pillsbury,  and  from  thence  to  the  Old  Koad,  then  known  as  the  I'omptoii 
Turnpike,  the  lands  being  iiounded  on  the  east  and  west  by  \'alley  lioad  and  the  CaMwell  Townsiiip  line. 

At  the  Presidential  election  in  1880,  Judge  Crane  and  "  Uncle"  Nathaniel  R.  Dodd  marched  to 
the  polls  early  in  the  morning,  the  former  bearing  aloft  an  American  flag.  Quite  a  nmnber  of  voters  had 
preceded  them,  but  all  waited  until  the  two  old  veterans  had  deposited  their  ballots.  The  Judge  was  a 
loyal  adherent  to  his  country,  a  staunch  supporter  of  the  old  Whig  party,  and  subse(iuently  an  uncom- 
promising Bepublican. 

He  was  married  to  Mi.-s  Maria  Searing,  September  24,  1.S21,  in  the  old  Bloomtield  Hotel,  the  ser- 
vice being  performed  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Judd,  who  was  at  that  time  the  pastor  of  the  Presbyterian  Church 
of  that  place.  Six  children  were  the  issue  of  this  marriage,  viz. :  Sarah  A.,  wife  of  Thomas  Jessup, 
who  lived  and  died  at  Newburgh,  N.  Y.,  Aiigelena,  wife  of  Hon.  Stephen  K.  Williams,  now 
living  at  Newark,  Wayne  County,  N.  Y.,  Mary  Klizabeth,  wife  of  Mr.  John  Andrus,  now  living  at 
Ilackensack,  Bergen  County,  X.  J.  Theodore  T.,  now  living  at  Yonkers,  X.  Y.,  and  Frances  J.,  wife  of 
Dr.  J.  J.  H.  Love,  of  ^lontclair. 

Jekkmi.vh,  son  of  Ste|dien  (Azariah  (2),  Deacon  Azariah,  Jasper)  and  Rhoda  Crane,  born  Aj)ril  2, 
1 110.  The  homestead  of  Jeremiah  stood  on  the  foundation  of  what  is  now  the  cottage  of  the  Thomas  Porter 
property,  near  the  corner  of  Harrison  Avenue  and  Union  Street.  His  farm  extended  from  what  is  now 
Harrison  Avenue  to  the  top  of  the  mountain.  He  was  a  man  of  considerable  ncjte  in  his  day.  He 
married  Elizabeth  Corby,  boi-ii  .lune  22,  1774,  and  had  eleven  children,  viz.:  Purthana,  Hannah, 
William,  Julia,  Rhoda,  Israel,  Linas.  Ira,  ^[ary,  Eliza  Ann,  Martha. 

Ika,  .son  of  Jeremiah  ^Stephen,  Azariah  i_2j.  Deacon  Azariah,  Jasperj  and  Elizabeth  (Corby)  Crane, 


188  History  of  Moxtclair  Township. 

was  born  in  the  homestead  of  his  fatlier  and  succeeded  to  the  estate.  He  was  a  man  of  consideraltle 
prominence,  and  was  an  officer  in  the  Presbyterian  Ciinrch  at  Bloomfield  ;  he  served  on  the  Town 
Committee,  and  held  other  offices  of  trust  and  res])onsibihty. 

He  jnirchased  the  property  on  South  Fullerton  Avenue,  and  l)uilt  the  house  (since  altered  and 
remodeled)  uow  owned  by  Di-.  Butler. 

lie  carried  on  the  shoe  business  during  most  of  his  life.  lie  married  Margaret  Norwood,  and  had 
issue :  Jarvis  G.,  Angeline,  Israel. 

Jaevis,  son  of  Ira  and  Margaret  (Norwood)  Crane,  was  Ijorii  in  the  old  homestead  on  Harrison 
Avenue  and  Union  Street,  Feb.  7,  1831. 

lie  was  a  carpenter  and  builder,  and  erected  some  of  the  best  houses,  in  his  day,  in  Montclair, 
amonsr  which  Dr.  Love's  and  Samuel  Wilde's,  on  Fullerton  Avenue,  Julius  Pratt's  on  Elm  Street, 
William  Terry's,  George  S.  Dwight's,  J.  C.  Hart's,  Jose])li  Van  Vleck's,  Kobert  M.  Boyd's  and  many 
others,  lie  afterward  engaged  in  the  hardware  business,  which  he  carried  on  successfully  for  many  years. 
He  bought  the  lot  adjoining  that  of  his  father  on  Fullerton  Avenue,  and  built  the  house  now  occupied 
by  his  son,  Dr.  Frank  S.  Crane.  He  moved  to  Boonton,  N.  J.,  about  ISoi,  and  resided  there  some  five 
years.  He  then  married  Henrietta  Smith,  and  had  three  children,  viz.  :  Ira  Seymour,  Frank  S.  and 
Ahee  B. 

Ika  Seymodr,  eldest  son  of  Jarvis  and  Henrietta  (Smith)  Crane,  was  born  in  Boonton,  N.  J., 
Dec.  29,  1855.  Four  years  after  his  birth  he  was  taken  by  his  parents  to  West  Bloomfield  (now  Mont- 
clair) the  old  home  of  his  fatlier.  He  enjoyed  the  best  educational  advantages  then  to  be  had  in  the 
township,  and  graduated  from  the  High  School  in  1873.  He  learned  the  carpenter  trade  with  his  father 
and  worked  at  it  for  eight  years.  In  ISSl  his  father  bought  out  the  hardware  business  of  William  S. 
Morris,  and  took  his  son,  Ira  Seymour,  into  partnership  with  him  under  the  firm  name  of  J.  G.  Crane  & 
Son.  It  continued  under  that  name  until  ISSS,  when  the  father  retired,  and  Ira  Seymour  has  since 
carried  on  the  business  alone.  He  is  one  of  the  niost  public  spirited  and  progressive  men  of  the  present 
generation,  as  well  as  one  of  the  most  popular.  He  helped  to  organize  the  Fire  Department,  and  was 
elected  Assistant  Foreman  of  the  company,  and  in  ISOO  was  made  Chief  of  the  Fire  Department. 
Under  his  able  management  the  department  has  increased  in  efficiency  and  strength,  and  is  one  of  the  best 
conducted  tire  departments  connected  with  any  subui-ban  town  in  the  State.  In  189 1  he  became  a  member 
of  the  Town  Committee,  and  was  made  the  first  township  Treasurer,  after  the  creation  of  tluit  olfice,  and 
has  given  great  satisfaction  to  the  taxpayers  by  the  able  manner  in  which  he  has  dischaiged  the  duties  of 
his  office.  He  is  connected  with  numerous  other  business  enterprises,  in  all  of  which  he  has  shown  the 
same  business  capacity  and  enterprise.  He  is  a  director  in  the  Montclair  Building  and  Loan  Association 
— one  of  the  strongest  of  its  kind  in  the  State.  He  is  a  stockholder  in  the  Montclair  Bank,  and  a 
director  in  The  Montclair  Savings  Bank. 

In  i-eligious  matters  he  has  evinced  the  same  energy,  earnestness  and  devotion  that  have  character- 
ized all  his  business  affairs.  He  is  a  deacon  in  the  First  Presbyterian  Church,  and  a  member  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees. 

Mr.  Crane  married,  in  1882,  Caroline  A.,  daughter  of  Joseph  Doremus  and  Caroline  (Mead) 
Doremus.  (For  line  of  descent  see  Doremus  Family.)  His  wife  deceased  Oct.  11,  1892,  leaving  two 
children,  Ira  Seymour,  Jr.,  and  Henrietta  Mead. 

"Sir.  Crane  bought  a  plot  on  Church  Street,  opppsite  the  Presbj-terian  Cliurch,  com])risiiig  a  part 
of  the  Matthias  Smith  estate. 

Dr.  Frank  Smith  Crane,  second  child  of  Jarvis  G.  and  Henrietta  (Smith)  Crane,  was  born  at  the 
homestead,  adjoining  his  present  residence,  July  1,  1861.  He  was  educated  at  the  public  school  of  Mont- 
clair, receiving  all  the  advantages  of  the  "higher  education,"  and  was  graduated  at  the  New  York  College 
of  Dentistry  in  1885.  He  began  practice  at  once  in  his  native  town,  and  although  others  long  established 
preceded  him,  his  clientele  graduall}'  increased  and  he  has  now  all  he  can  attend  to.  The  friends  of  his 
early  youth  showed  their  confidence  in  him  as  a  man,  and  in  his  professional  skill  liy  extending  hhn  their 


^Z^^t.-t>Cf't>i>Cx\^^:oc^C.^^^ 


History  of  Moxtclair  Township.  189 

patronage.  He  enjoys  an  excellent  reputation  among  his  professional  brethren  as  a  skillful  practitioner. 
He  is  a  member  of  the  New  Jersey  State  Dental  Society,  of  the  Central  Dental  Society  of  Northern 
New  Jersey,  and  of  the  Alumni  A.<.*ociation  of  the  New  York  College  of  Dentistry.  He  is  also  a 
member  of  ilontclair  Lodge  F.  &  A.  M.,  Orange  Lodge  of  Elks,  and  of  the  Montclair  Athletic  Club. 
He  married.  December.  ISSC.  Sarah  ]>.  Crolious.  daughter  of  Cieorge  C.  and  Catharine  (Lownds)  Crolious, 
of  Broijklyn.  His  children  are:  Frank  Leroy.  born  October,  18S9  ;  Harriet  Stevens,  born  October,  l8!)(», 
and  Dudley  "Winthrop,  Iwrn  January,  1S!»1. 

TlIK   MALDWIN  FA^lIl.V. 

Baldwin  is  an  old  name,  and  quite  common  as  early  as  the  conquest  of  England,  and  is  found  on 
the  roll  of  the  Battle  Abbey.  Baldwins.  Earls  of  Flanders,  were  contem|)orary  witli  Alfred  tlie  Great. 
Baldwin  id  married  Elstriith,  daughter  of  Alfred  ;  Baldwin  the  .5th,  married  the  daughter  of  Kobert  of 
France,  whose  daughter  Matilda  married  AVilliam  the  Conqueor.  In  1198  Robert  Fitz  Baldwin  had 
large  estates  in  Bucks  County,  England.  Richard  BaMwin,  of  Bucks  County,  England,  was  the  ancestor 
of  most  of  the  American  families  of  this  name.     The  name  is  often  spelled  in  tiie  early  records,  Baldwyn. 

John  Baldwin  (1)  came  probably  from  Bucks  County,  England,  and  was  one  of  the  original 
settlers  of  ^lilford.  Conn.  He  joined  the  church  March  HJ,  1(!4S.  He  married  Marie  Brewen,  daughter 
of  John  Brewen,  of  Pequot  (New  London),  and  in  his  will,  li>S\,  names  cliildren :  John,  Josiah, 
Nathaniel,  Joseph,  George,  Obadiah,  Richard,  Abigail,  Sarah,  Hannah  and  Eliza  Beck. 

Jonx  (2)  Baldwin,  Sr.,  son  of  John  (1),  was  born  in  Milford,  Conn.,  March  IG,  1648.  He 
married,  Oct.  .'W,  160-3,  Hannah,  daughter  of  Obadiah  Brewen  (or  Bruen),  a  niece  of  his  stepmother. 
He  married,  secondly,  before  1686,  Ruth  Botsford,  of  Milford,  and  in  his  will,  1702,  names  children: 
Sarah,  Hannah,  Eliza  and  John  by  his  first  wife,  and  Samuel,  Daniel,  Joseph,  Timothy,  Elanthan, 
Nathaniel  and  Jonathan. 

He  was  one  of  the  original  settlers  of  Newark,  and  together  with  his  nephew,  John,  Jr.,  signed 
the  '■  Fundamental  Agreement."  He  was  a  man  of  some  prominence  in  the  community  and  held 
various  public  offices.  He  was  a  "Sealer  of  Leather"  in  1676;  '■  Fence  Viewer"  in  1695 ;  one  of  the 
"Town's  ilen,"  1697-98;  Surveyor  of  Highways,  1684— 86,  etc.  In  the  first  drawing  for  "Home  Lotts," 
John,  Sr.,  drew  lot  54.  "At  Town  Meeting  I2th  Decera'r  1670  it  was  Agreed  that  the  Land  that  is 
Left  unlaid  out  shall  be  Laid  out  to  them  to  whom  it  falls  By  Lott;  and  the  first  Lott  fell  to  John 
Baldwin  Sen'r  to  have  His  whole  Second  Division  of  I'pland  and  One  Acre  for  his  staying  on  the  place 
the  first  Summer." 

John  Baldwin  (.3),  son  of  John  '2)  and  ILmnah  (Bruoiij  Baldwin,  was  born  in  Newark  about 
107u.     His  children  were:  Josiah,  David,  John  (4j  and  Obadiah. 

John  (4)  Baldwin,  son  of  John  (3),  was  born  in  Newark,  N.  J.  His  will,  17.58,  names  four 
daughters:  Doreas  or  Dorcas,  Joanna,  and  Marv  Elizabeth.  According  to  the  genealogical  tree  of  Mr. 
Samuel  H.  Cougar,  he  had  also  Joseph.  He  owned  a  large  farm  on  the  Orange  Road,  and  probably 
erected  the  house  where  his  children  and  grandchildren  were  born. 

Joseph,  son  of  John  (4j,  was  born  in  the  homestead  of  his  father,  on  Orange  Road ;  he  purchased 
several  tracts  of  land  on  and  near  the  moimtain.  A  quit-claim  deed  from  Henry  Jacobus  to  Joseph 
Baldwin,  dated  1783,  described  the  property  as  "  lying  over  the  mountain,  lately  belonging  to  Vincent 
Pierce,  being  on  the  west  side  of  said  mountain  ;  the  whole  of  the  said  tract  undivided,  contains  three 
thousand  and  six  hundred  acres,  and  commonly  known  as  the  Ashfield  tract,  the  said  right  having  been 
sold  by  the  commissioners  for  the  county  of  Essex  to  William  Baldwin  in  1779."  A  deed  by  Mary 
Ashfield,  dated  1784,  conveys  one  hundred  acres  to  Joseph  Baldsvin,  Jr.,  on  Newark  Mountain,  known  as 
the  Ashfield  Tract.  A  deed,  dated  Dec.  27,  1792,  from  Joseph  Crane,  of  Cranetown,  conveys  to  Joseph 
Baldwin,  fifty-four  acres,  being  a  part  of  the  farm  which  the  said  Joseph  Crane  bought  of  Cornelia 
Iletfield. 


190 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


Tlie  date  of  Joseph  Baldwin's  birth  is  not  shown.  During  the  war  of  the  Revolution  lie  served 
in  Capt.  Squere's  Company,  Second  Regiment,  Essex.  He  married  Esther,  a  daughter  of  Noah 
Crane,  and  a  sister  of  Deacon  Joseph  (Jrane,  sometimes  called  "  Captain,"  whose  homestead  is  shown 
among  the  old  landmarks.  The  issue  of  this  marriage  was:  Mary,  who  "entered  into  covenant  with 
the  Mountain  Society,"  March  26,  177-i  The  issue  of  this  marriage  was  Mary,  "  who  entered  into 
covenant  with  the  Mountain  Society  ;"  she  married  Linus  Dodd  ;  John  J.,  Joanua  (married  David  Riker); 
Elizaljeth,  Esther  (married  John  Wanlell) ;  Joseph,  Naomi  (married  Noah  Baldwin) ;  Caleb,  Zenas,  Hannah. 
The  propert}'  of  Joseph  was  divided  among  his  children,  some  of  whom  acquired  additional  acres, 
holding  farms  adjoining,  along  the  line  of  Orange  Road,  extending  north  to  Tony's  Brook,  near  the 
present  D.L.&AV.'r.R." 
the  Orange  Road  subsc- 
as  the  "Baldwin  Neigh- 
Jons  J.  Baldwin,  son 
(Crane)  Baldwin  was 
1771,  at  the  houiestead 
Road.  The  house  now 
Sears,  259  Orange  Road, 
foundation  of  the  house 
He  was  a  noted  charac- 
of  the  most  prominent 
town  of  Newark.  He 
Jersey  troops  in  the  war 
officer,  as  he  was  always 
years  of  his  life,  Cajjt. 
ed  his  district  in  the  leg- 
promising  whig  in  poli- 
ence  in  the  community, 
and,  while  not  gifted  as 
ble  in  argument,  and 
on  the  chief  topics  of 
and  all  liis  immediate 
thrifty  and  successful 
well-to-do  in  the  coin- 
August  13,  1779,  Lydia, 
Dodd,  of  Bloomfield, 
married  her  sister  Sarah, 
born  iSOt),  Joseph  H., 
born  1811 — married 
Abby  E.,  born  1815. 
second  child  of  John  J. 

win,  was  born  January  12,  1808,  in  the  house  which  stood  on  the  corner  of  Orange  Road  and  Elm 
Street,  on  the  property  now  owned  by  W.  Irving  Adams.  He  attended  the  district  school  theu  kept  by 
Gideon  Wheeler,  and  acquired  a  good  knowledge  of  the  rudimentary  branches.  He  inherited  considerable 
property  from  his  father,  and  kept  his  farm  under  thorough  cultivation.  He  had  a  large  apple  orchard 
well  stocked  with  the  finest  fruit,  and  had  a  comfortable  income  from  the  sale  of  his  cider.  He  occasion- 
ally took  part  in  public  aftairs  and  was  for  some  time  Surveyor  of  Highways.  He  was  one  of  the  early 
members  of  the  Bloomfield  Church,  and  assisted  in  organizing  the  First  Presbyterian  Churcii  of  West 
Bloomfield,  of  which  he  was  long  a  trustee.  He  was  an  exemplary  Christian,  and  always  prompt  in  his 
attendance  at  Divine  service  both  on  the  Sabbath  and  week  days.    Considering  his  means  he  was  generous 


JOSErn    H.    BALDWIN. 


That  portion  lying  along 
quently  became  known 
borhood." 

of  Joseph  and  Esther 
born  in  Cranetawn  in 
of  his  father  on  Orange 
owned  by  William  H. 
stands  on  the  original 
where  Joseph  was  born. 
ter  in  his  day,  and  one 
men  in  this  part  of  the 
served  with  the  New 
of  1812,  pi'obably  as  an 
called,  iluring  tlie  later 
Baldwin.  He  represent- 
islature,  was  an  uncom- 
tics,  a  man  of  great  influ- 
of  strong  common  sense, 
a  speaker,  he  was  forci- 
kept  himself  informed 
the  day.  Like  his  father, 
ancestors,  he  was  a 
farmer,  and  considered 
munity.  He  married, 
daughter  of  David 
and  after  her  decease 
He  had  issue  Reuben  D., 
born  1808,  Sarah  D., 
Antiiony  D.  Ball;  and 
Joseph  H.  Baldwin, 
and  Lydia  (Dodd)  Bald- 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


I'.tl 


ill  liis  support  of  public  and  private  charities.  Honest  and  straijilitforwaixi  in  ail  his  dwii  i)usiiicss  affairs, 
lie  iiad  implicit  eoiitidciiee  in  others,  and  was  loth  to  believe  evil  of  any  one.  For  this  reason  people 
seldom  took  advantage  of  liini,  and  in  all  his  business  transactions  his  word  was  as  good  as  his  bond.  He 
was  of  a  kind  and  genial  disposition  and  beloved  and  respected  by  his  neighbors,  lie  married  Lydia  A. 
Munn,  a  descendant  of  the  Munns,  who  settled  in  Newark  about  IT;"'*-'.  He  had  issue  :  Lydia  D.,  Mary  F. 
and  riiebe  L. ;  the  latter  married  William  J.  Harris  (brother  of  Col.  Fred.  II.  Harris,  of  Montclair),  aiul 
now  resides  in  West  Virginia.  The  two  first  mentioned  reside  at  the  homestead,  on  Orange  lioad,  corner 
of  Elm  Street. 

TllK   DmKEMUS  FAMILY. 
Link  of  Dksckxt  i  kom  CoRNEurs  Dokkmus,  1690. 


CoKNELHs  1)()k?;mis,  the  ancesto 
settled  at  or  near  Acrpiack- 
Jersey.  The  name  of  his 
children  were  Johannes, 
land,  about  IfiST;  Thomas, 
about  ir.OO;  T'ornelins, 
drick,borii  lf>l»5,and .loris, 
Thomas  Dokkjus,  son 
(piackanonck.  New  Jersey, 
^Vc^cl,  N.  J.,  married, 
.\liraliamse  Ackerman, 
He  had  six  children  :  Cor- 
( inline,  of  Jacksonville, 
1  Tl'ii  ;  Abraham,  of  Cedar 
112-2 ;  Peter,  of  Cedar 
Johannes, born  about  1~'2>>; 
1756. 

son  of  Thomas  and  Anneke 
Doremus,  born  April  4, 
town,  N.  J.  He  married, 
and  had  teti  children,  viz.: 
baptized  March  3,  17?>9 
Margaret  Van  Winkle); 
great-great-grandfather  of 
mus,  of  New  Yoi-k;  Peter, 
tized  June  S,  17-1-1:;  Ma- 
1746    (married    Bartholo- 


)f  the  Doremus  family,  came  from  Holland  about  ](!'.)(),  and 

anonck  (now  Passaic),  New 
wife  is  not  known.  His 
born  at  ^liddlcbuig,  llol- 
l)orn  at  Ac(juackanonck, 
born  about  Killi' ;  Ilcn- 
born  about  10'.t7. 
of  Cornelius,  born  at  Ac- 
about  lO'.lO,  resided  at 
Oct.  4,  171:i,  Anneke 
born  at  ILu-kensack,  N.J. 
nelius,  born  April  4,  17l"i; 
N.  J.,  baptized  Nov.  14, 
Grove,  N.  J.,  born  about 
Grove,  born  about  172."); 
Aimeke,  baptized  May  5, 
C  o  R  X  K  I.  r  u  s  DoEKM  us, 
A  brahamse  (Ackerman) 
1715,  lived  at  Doremus 
about  1738,  Antje  Young, 
Ilendricus,  of  Wesel ,  N.  J ., 
(married  Sept.  25,  ]7<i<l, 
Thomas,  born  April,  1741, 
Professor  Ogden  Dore- 
of  Slotterdam,  N.  J.,  baj)- 
ritje,  baptized  May  17, 
mew  Dodd,  of  Beaver- 


I'ETER    DOREMUS. 


town);  Johannes,  of  Doreniustown,  born  about  1740,  died  1S21,  hotel  keejjcr  ;  Jannetji,  baptized  1754; 
Susanna,  born  175ti ;  Aletta,  born  about  175>j. 

Petek  Doremus,  born  probably  at  Doremustown,  lived  at  Beavertown,  N.  J.,  baptized  June  S, 
1744,  married,  1776,  Polly  (Mary)  Dey.  He  had  issue:  Jacob,  Richard,  Cornelius,  Peter  and  two 
daughters,  one  of  whom  married  Henry  Berry,  the  other  married Speer. 

Peter  Doremus,  son  of  Peter  and  Polly  (Dey)  Doremus,  was  born  near  Beavertown,  N.  .1.,  Feb. 
17,  1787.  He  moved  to  Cranetown  about  1807,  where  he  had  the  second  largest  store  in  Bloomfield 
township,  there  being  but  two  stores  in  Cranetown  at  that  time.  His  place  of  business  was  at  the 
present  location  of  his  son,  Philip  Doremus.  He  did  a  tliriving  business  for  man}'  years.  In  politics  he 
was  an  old  line  Whig.     He  was  a  man  of  uprightness  and  honesty  and  highly  respected  in  the  community. 


192 


History  of  INIontclair  Township. 


He  married,  Oct.  3,  ISIO,  Rhoda,  daughter  of  Deacon  Joseph  Crane  (son  of  Xoah,  who  was  the  son  of 
Nathaniel,  son  of  Azariah  (2)  of  the  original  settlers  of  Cranetowii).  Tliey  had  issue :  Joseph,  horn 
Sept.  12,  1814;  Thomas  Lamsoii,  born  Jnlv  31,  1S16  ;  Owen,  Edmund,  Hannah  Maria  (born  Oct.  25, 
1823,  and  married  William  Corwin),  Philip,  Marcus,  born  Nov.  15,  1827;  Emma  Harrison,  born  June 
22,  1831  (married  Louis  E.  Meeker,  moved  to  Portland,  Oregon). 

Joseph  Doremus,  oldest  son  of  Peter  and  Phoda  (Crane)  Doremus,  was  born  in  Cranetown,  Sept. 
12,  1814,  in  the  old  Doremus  homestead,  which  stood  on  the  spot  now  occupied  by  his  brother  Philip,  as 
a  residence,  on  Bloomtield  Avenue,  at  the  junction  of  Glen  Pidge  Avenue.  His  education  began  at  the 
earlv  age  of  three  years,  when  he  was  sent  to  a  private  school  kept  by  Pebecca  Horton,  in  her  own  house. 
He  afterward  attended  the  school  kept  by  Gideon  Wheeler,  David  D.  Allen  and  others,  in  the  school- 
house  which  stood  on  the  site  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church.  After  leaving  school  he  entered  his 
father's  store  and  remained 
was  earnestly  solicited  by 
had  no  fondness  for  that 
cepted  a  position  as  book- 
son  of  Israel  Crane,  and 
years  engaged  in  a  morocco 
as  clerk  and  manager.  At 
ciated  with  his  brother  in 
ing  for  church  purposes, 
reputation  of  producing 
country.  In  1859,  Mr. 
first  Pegister  of  Essex 
tion  until  1864.  From 
sole  charge  of  the  official 
has  since  been  engaged  in 
on  his  own  accoiint,  and 
knowledge  of  the  old  land 
than  any  other  person, 
field  township  for  thirteen 
and  has  been  Commis- 
Montclair  for  nineteen 
veteran  of  nearly  forty 
of  the  oldest  surviving 
field  Lodge,  which  in 
Bloomtield.  Although 
mental  faculties  are  clear 


JOSEPH_DuREMLS. 


with  him  until  1S46.  He 
his  father  to  continue,  but 
line  of  business.  He  ac- 
keeper  for  James  Crane, 
was  afterward  for  several 
establishment  in  Newark 
the  same  time  he  was  asso- 
the  business  of  glass  stain- 
etc. ;  his  lirother  had  the 
the  best  goods  in  the 
Doremus  was  elected  the 
County,  and  lield  the  posi- 
1804  to  1889,  he  had  the 
searching  department.  He 
the  same  line  of  business 
has  probably  a  better 
titles  of  Essex  County 
He  was  Clerk  of  Bloom- 
years,  from  1846  to  1859, 
sioiier  of  Appeals  for 
years.  He  is  a  Masonic 
vears"  standing,  and  is  one 
members  of  the  Bloom- 
former  times  met  in  West 
well  advanced  in  years  his 
and  he  is  still  strong  and 


vigorous  for  a  man  of  his  age.  He  is  one  of  the  very  few  cotmecting  links  of  the  Revolutionary  period, 
having  known  and  conversed  with  several  of  the  old  veterans.  He  is  a  walking  encyclopedia  of  the 
events  connected  with  the  beginning  of  the  present  century,  and  all  the  old  landmarks  are  as  familiar  to 
him  as  "household  words."  He  married,  in  1836,  Caroline,  daughter  of  Jacob  K.  Mead,  of  Bloomfield, 
and  had  issue:  three  daughters,  Martha  M.,  Mary  Kline  and  Caroline,  deceased,  who  was  the  wife  of 
I.  Seymonr  Crane. 

Thomas  Lamson,  second  son  of  Peter  Doremus,  about  the  year  1838,  moved  to  Louisiana,  where  he 
engaged  in  business.  He  was  a  man  of  strict  integrity  and  uprightness.  In  1852  he  came  North  and 
married  at  New"  Haven,  Conn.,  and  one  year  after  his  return  died,  Nov.,  1853,  of  yellow  fever  at 
Centerville,  La. 

OwEX  DoKEMUs,  third  child  of  Peter  and  Phoda  (Crane)  Doremus,  was  born  in  Cranetown,  May 
15,  1819.     His  love  of  art  was  developed  at  an  early  age,   and  he  sought  every  means  in  his  power  to 


History  of  Moxtclair  Townsiiu', 


I9;j 


gratify  it.  He  studied  portrait  painting  with  Caleb  AVard,  of  Bloonifield,  and  followed  tliat  for  a  time, 
l)iit  afterward  became  aj^sociated  with  a  Air.  Chaj^man  in  New  Koclielle,  X.  Y.,  in  the  ghiss  staiiiiiiir 
l)usiiie.<s.  lie  e.vcelled  in  this  line  and  prudnced  sonie  of  the  finest  work  in  the  country,  which  compareil 
favorably  with  that  of  tlie  best  Italian  and  French  artists.  His  work  adorns  many  of  the  leading 
Protestant  and  Catholic  Churches  thn^ughout  the  country,  and  was  much  sought  after  by  leatiing 
architects.  He  dissolved  his  connection  witli  Mr.  Chapman  and  carried  on  business  for  a  time  in  Orange, 
and  later  in  Montclair.  His  residence  was  on  the  corner  of  Bloomlield  Avenue  and  Bay  Street,  and  he 
had  a  place  fitted  up  in  the  rear  of  his  house  as  a  studio  and  workshop.  He  was  thoroughly  devoted  to 
his  art  and  had  achieved  a  national  reputation  as  an  artist  in  this  line. 

Edmund  Doijp;mls,  fourth  child  of  Peter  and  Ilhoda  (Crane)  Doremus,  was  born  in  Cranetowii, 
Sej)!.  20,  1821.     Died  April  5,  1887.     He  attended  the  school  kept  by  Warren  Holt  at  what  is  now 


known  as  the  Mountain 
and  attentive  as  a  scholar, 
tude  for  mechanics.  He 
Wright  in  which  he  greatly 
Wliiteport,  New  York,  to 
of  machinery  for  the 
Lime  and  Cement  Com- 
business  manager,  lie 
tlie  company  and  managed 
Wliiteport  to  the  entire 
ciates  for  tliirty -five years, 
son  Fred.  He  was  active 
Ulster  County,  and  de- 
energy  to  the  cause  of 
nently  identified  with  the 
Kingston,  of  which  he  was 
niairied,in  lS4;i, Caroline, 
Harrison,  of  West  Orange, 
Sargent  Uicliard  Harrison, 
of  Xcwark.  He  had  seven 
settled  in  Kingston, X.V., 
W.  Louis  Doremus,  came 
has  since  been  associated 
fatlier-iii-law. 
cliild  of  Peter  and  Khoda 
born  in  the  old  homestead 


PHILU'   DOREMIS. 


House.  He  was  studious 
and  ilisj)layed  great  ai)ti- 
loarned  the  trade  of  mill- 
excelled,  lie  went  to 
superintend  the  erection 
Newark  and  Iloscndale 
pany,  and  became  their 
was  later  a  stockholder  in 
its  important  woiks  at 
satisfaction  of  his  asso- 
He  was  succeeded  by  his 
in  the  public  affairs  of 
voted  much  time  and 
education.  He  was  promi- 
Episcopal  Church  in 
an  active  member.  He 
<laughter  of  Isaac  Ji. 
N.  J.,  a  descendant  of 
one  of  the  original  settlers 
children,  most  of  whom 
and  tliat  locality.  His  son, 
to  Montclair  in  1877,  and 
with  Philip  Doremus,  his 
Piui.ii'  DoKKMis,  sixth 
(Crane)  Doremus,  was 
which  stood  near  his  pres- 


ent residence  on  Bloomfield  Avenue,  Oct.  29,  182.5.  He  was  ambitious  to  acfpiire  a  good  education 
and  was  sent  to  the  boarding  school  of  Warren  S.  Holt.  He  decided  to  adopt  his  father's  occupation, 
but  realized  the  necessity  of  a  more  thorough  knf>wledge  of  the  details  of  the  business  than  could  be 
acfpiired  in  a  country  town,  and  in  IS-il  he  went  to  New  York  City  and  engaged  first  with  a  retail 
and  afterward  with  a  wholesale  and  retail  grocery  firm,  spending  altogether  about  seven  years  with  both 
firms,  lie  returned  to  his  native  town  in  lS-t8  and  assumed  charge  of  his  father's  business.  Ho 
continued  it  as  a  general  country  store  for  a  number  of  years  in  the  same  location. 

In  1853  he  built  a  two-story  frame  building  on  the  original  site.  As  the  population  increased  and 
railroad  facilities  Ijrought  the  residents  within  easy  access  of  the  city,  he  found  it  necessary  to  change  his 
stock  of  goods  to  suit  the  wants  of  the  new  community,  and  he  gradually  "weeded  out"  his  stock  of 
general  merchandise  and  limited  his  trade  to  groceries  and  crockery,  of  the  finest  class  of  goods,  especially 
adapted  to  the  wants  of  the  wealthy  classes  who  for  many  years  past  have  been  his  largest  patrons.     In 


194  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

1890  he  erected  the  building  he  now  occupies,  whieli  is  one  of  the  finest  and  most  .ittractive  huldings  for 
])usiness  purposes  in  this  part  of  the  coiintr}'.  As  a  merchant  he  has  met  Avith  deserved  success,  and  lias 
kept  pace  with  the  growth  of  the  township. 

He  is  a  man  of  advanced  and  liberal  ideas,  and  was  for  many  years  associated  with  Dr.  Love  and 
others  in  the  School  Board,  and  always  took  an  advanced  position  for  the  cause  of  "higher  education." 
He  was  for  six  years  a  member  of  the  County  Board  of  Freeholders,  and  a  part  of  the  time  was  Chair- 
man of  the  committee  that  had  charge  of  the  county  penitentiary.  He  also  served  for  several  years  as  a 
member  of  the  Town  Committee.  He  was  one  of  the  founders  and  is  still  a  director  of  the  Montclair 
BaTdv.  He  was  also  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Montclair  Savings  Bank  and  was  elected  its  first 
President,  still  holding  that  position. 

Probably  no  man  in  Montclair  has  been  more  prominently  identified  with  the  cause  of  religion 
than  Philip  Doremus.  Self-sacrificing,  earnest,  conscientious,  he  has  taken  a  leading  position  in  every 
movement  tending  to  the  advancement  of  religion  and  the  improvement  of  the  moral  and  social  condition 
of  the  community,  llis  religious  experience  began  early  in  life  as  a  member  of  the  Seventh  Presbyterian 
Church,  corner  of  Broome  and  Sheriff  Streets,  Nev/  York.  When  he  finally  decided  to  settle  in  West 
Bloomfield,  the  home  of  his  youth,  he  brought  with  him  his  letter  to  the  First  Presbyterian  Church,  in 
which  he  subsequently  servetl  as  an  elder  for  about  thirty  years,  and  was  for  fifteen  years  Superintendent  of 
the  Sabbath  school.  Mr.  Doremus  has  always  been  an  earnest  advocate  of  church  extension.  He  assisted 
in  the  early  movements  to  found  a  church  at  Upper  Montclair,  and,  in  ISSfi,  believing  that  circumstances 
favored  the  organization  of  a  new  church,  he  with  others  withdi'ew  from  the  First  Presbyterian  Church 
and  organized  the  Trinity  Presbyterian  Church,  which  has  since  more  than  doubled  its  membership. 
Mr.  Doremus  was  elected  one  of  the  two  first  elders  of  the  new  organization,  and  still  holds  that  position. 

Dui-ing  a  European  tour  which  he  made  in  1883  his  letters  to  the  Montclair  Times  showed  him 
to  be  a  writer  of  no  mean  ability  and  a  keen  observer  of  men  and  things.  His  descrijjtion  of  the  places 
he  visited  were  read  with  great  interest  by  the  patrons  of  that  ]>aper.  Mr.  Doremus  combines  all  the 
(jualities  of  the  Christian  gentleman,  rptiet  and  unostentatious  in  his  manner,  strong  in  his  convictions  of 
right,  yet  tender,  affectionate  and  kind  to  all.  While  in  no  way  lacking  the  courage  of  his  convictions, 
he  would  sacrifice  his  own  interests  rather  than  wound  the  feelings  of  another. 

^{y.  Doremus  was  married,  Nov.  2(1,  18.51,  to  Hester  Ann  Yarringtim,  daughter  of  B.  C.  Yarring- 
ton.  in  old  St.  Bartholomew's  Church,  by  Rev.  B.  M.  Yarrington,  cousin  of  Mrs.  Doremus,  who  has  since 
officiated  at  the  marriage  of  each  of  their  daughters.  The  children  are:  Mary  Yarrington,  married  to 
Dr.  S.  C.  G.  Watkins;  Caroline  S.,  married  to  W.  Low  Doremus;  Annette  C,  married  to  E.  B.  Goodell, 
a  practicing  lawyer  in  Montclair;  Adah  N.,  married  to  Joseph  B.  Renwich,  of  Montclair. 

THE  HARBISON  FAMILY. 

RicHAED  Harrison,  Sr.,  and  Richard,  Jr.,  came  from  AVest  Kirby,  in  Cheshire,  Eng.,  in  1644, 
and  were  among  the  early  settlers  of  the  New  Haven  Colony.  They  removed  to  Branford,  then  a  part  of 
the  New  Haven  Colony,  where  Richard,  Sr.,  died  in  October,  l(i53;  his  daughter  Mary  married  Thomas 
Pierson,  one  of  the  original  settlers  of  Newark,  and  Elizabeth  nuirried  John  i\Iorris. 

Second  Generation. 

Sargent  Richard  Harrison  was  one  of  the  original  Branford  settlers  of  Newark,  and  his  name 
is  attached  to  the  "  Fundamental  Agreement."  In  the  drawing  of  their  "  Lotts,"  with  theii  "  Nundjer  ai;d 
Places,"'  Sargent  Harrison  drew  No.  34.  At  a  "Town  ]\Ieeting  held  October  31,1674,  Sai'geant 
Harrison,"  with  others,  was  '"chosen  a  Committee  to  consider  of  such  things  as  may  tend  for  tlie  Good 
of  the  Town ;  also  they  have  Liberty  to  debate  of  such  things  with  any  they  shall  see  Occasion  so  to  do, 
without  calling  a  Town  Meeting.'' 

At  a  "Town  Meeting,  Dec.  11,  l*i74,  Serg't  Harrison,"  with   others   was  "chosen  to  go  down  to 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  195 

Elizabeth  Town  to  treat  with  the  Governor  upon  the  particulars  written,  and  if  they  can  agree  without, 
not  to  deliver  that  writing ;  hut  in  Case  he  will  not  hear  them  then  they  are  to  pro^ent  tliis  Writing  to  him, 
and  leave  it  with  him." 

A.s  a  military  officer  Sargent  Richard  Harrison  lield  in  tiie  new  colony  the  rank  of  Jutnif/n.  lie 
also  served  as  one  of  the  "  Town's  ilen."  His  children  were  yamnel,  lienjamin,  born  1Ck>5,  John,  Josej)h, 
born  Ui.jS,  Daniel,  and  Mary — all.  probably,  born  in  Branford. 

Third  Generation'. 

Daniel  Hakijison,  son  of  Sargent  Richard,  was  born  in  Urauford  in  lOtil.  Came  with  his 
father  to  Newark.  The  only  mention  made  of  him  in  connection  with  the  town 'was  in  1705,  as  "  Fence 
\'iewer."  He  died  December  10,  173S.  .\s  his  father  acquired  property  in  the  outlying  districts  he  was 
pr(il)ably  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  that  part  of  Newark  now  known  as  Orange.  In  liis  will  he  names 
children  :     Daniel,  Mosen,  Abigail  Farrand,  Lydia  lialdwin,  and  his  grandson  Jonathan,  sou  of  Jonathan. 

Fourth  Generation. 

Moses  IIarkisox,  son  of  Daniel,  wjus  l)orn.  probably,  in  Orange,  in  ITnO;  he  died  February  18, 
17t>3.  In  his  will  he  names  Jonns,  Anna.  Damaris.  Abigail  and  Sarah,  lie  names  Jonas,  his  son,  and 
Jabez,  as  executoi-s. 

Firm  Generation. 

Jonas  Harrison,  son  of  Moses,  was  born,  probably,  in  Orange.  His  will  names  children, 
Aaron.    Daniel,    .\f'>se.s,  Jabez,  and   four   daughters. 

Si.xTH  Generation. 

Moses  Harrison,  son  of  Jonas,  was  born  in  Orange  about  1758.  lie  was  po.ssessed  of  a  vivid 
imagination,  a  retentive  memory,  and  an  inexhaustible  supply  of  anecdotes  and  stories  of  his  eventful 
lite,  with  which  he  entertained  his  hearers  on  every  occasion.  He  was  a  fre<iuei)t  visitor  at  Paulus  Hook — 
now  Jerse}'  City — and  as  soon  as  his  presence  was  noised  abroiid  large  crowds  would  gather  to  listen  to 
his  narration  of  revolutionary  and  other  tales,  which  were  told  with  such  minuteness  and  earnestness,  and 
with  a  depth  of  pathos  and  humor,  that  his  hearers  were  taken  in  imagination  to  the  very  spot.  He  had 
served  with  tlie  New  Jersey  troops  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  and  his  vivid  description  of  these  scenes 
were  listened  to  by  his  hearers  with  the  deejjest  interest.  He  drew  a  pension  from  thegovermneiit  ii])  to  the 
time  of  his  death.  In  l'S02he  removed  to  what  was  then  known  as  Speertown,  now  Upper  Montclair,  and 
purchased  about  sixty  acres  of  land,  being  a  part  of  the  Egbert  farm,  extending  from  Midland  Avenue  to 
the  top  of  the  mountain.  He  lived  to  a  ri])e  old  age  and  raised  a  large  family  of  children,  of  whom  all 
except  one  have  long  since  passed  away.  His  wife  was  Sarah  Vincent,  a  descendant  of  an  old  French 
Huguenot  family,  which  emigrated  to  America  after  the  Revocation  of  the  Edict  of  Nantes.  Her 
parents  settled  in  the  "Wyoming  Valley,  prior  to  the  War  of  the  Revolution,  and,  at  the  time  of  the 
Indian  massacre,  she,  then  a  little  girl,  was  captured  by  the  Indians,  and  afterward  exchanged.  The 
issue  of  the  marriage  of  Moses  Harrison  with  Sarah  Vincent  was  Jared  E.,  Jane,  Phebe,  Rebecca,  Maria, 
Eliza.  Emma.  John.  Bethuel  and  Flavel.     Of  these  Jared  E.  is  the  only  surviving  one. 

Jaked  E.  Hakrison.  son  of  Moses  and  Sarah  (Vincent)  Harrison,  was  born  in  Orange,  March  20, 
1803,  and  was  brought  by  his  parents  to  the  Speertown  neighborhood  while  an  infant.  When  he  grew  to 
manhood  he  improved  the  farm  and  added  many  acres  to  it,  and  liad  one  of  the  finest  apple  orchards  in 
the  township,  and  was  known  as  one  of  the  most  thrifty  and  prosperous  farmers.  He  was  a  man  of 
consideral)le  influence  in  the  community  and  has  held  many  positions  of  honor  and  trust.  Before  Mont- 
clair became  a  separate  township  he  served  on  the  Bloomfield  Township  Committee  and  also  as  Road 
Master.  He  was  one  of  the  original  directors  of  the  Newark  and  Bloomfield  Railroad  Company,  and 
was  instrumental  in  opening  the  first  railroad  communication  between  West  Bloomfield  and  New  York 
City,  which  changed  the  whole  of  this  part  of  the  country  from  an  agricultural  to  a  prosperous  suburban 


196 


History  of  Montclair  TowNsiiir. 


townsliip.  He  was  a  nieinber  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Clmrch  of  Bloomtield,  and  helped  to  organize 
the  new  church  in  West  Bloomfield,  contributing  liberally  to  the  erection  of  the  church  edifice.  He 
served  on  the  Board  of  Trustees  and  was  a  faitliful  attendant  until  prevented  by  declining  health,  the 
result  of  advancing  years.  He  is  still  living  (lS9i).  He  married  Catharine,  daughter  of  Peter  Egbert, 
a  descendant  of  one  of  the  old  Holland  families  who  were  among  the  original  settlers  of  Speertown. 
Five  children  were  the  issue  of  this  marriage,  two  of  whom  died  in  infancy.  Of  those  living,  are 
Edwin  M.,  Daniel  Yincent  and  Nathan. 

Edwin  M.  Harrison,  eldest  child  of  Jared  E.  and  Catharine  (Egbert)  Harrison,  was  born  at  the 
homestead  on  Valley  Road.  He  attended  the  old  public  school,  and  completed  his  education  at  the 
school  of  Warren  Holt.  He  went  to  New  York  City  in  1840  and  began  as  clerk  with  Benjamin  Taylor  in 
the  grocery  business,  where      lie  remained  live  years.   In 


1848  he  started  in  the 
his  own  account,  and  later 
brother  Daniel  Yincent, 
brother  Nathan,  with 

He  resided  in  Williams- 
E.  D.  — for  a  number  of 
to  the  home  of  his  child- 
acres  of  the  Egbert  prop- 
father.  In  1870  he  pur- 
of  Claremont  and  Mount- 
erected  a  substantial  and 
been  active  in  promoting 
in  the  township,  and  served 
missioner.  He  married 
daughter  of  Silas  N.  Ham- 
of  Andrew  Hamilton,  Gov- 
Jersey  from  1692  to  1097, 
1699  till  the  surrender  to 
Hamilton, a  son  of  Andrew, 
West  Jersey  united,  1736 
as   separate    from    N  e  w 

The  issue  of  the  marriage 
Mary  Frances  Hamilton  is 
Kate  Erwin,  Edwin  Mor- 

Daniel  Yincent  Hae- 

Jared  E.  and  Catharine  (Egbert)  Harrison,  was  born  at  the  homestead  on  Yalley  Pioad,  March  30,  1828. 
He  attended  public  school,  and  afterward  the  Warren  Holt  Academy. 

He  was  associated  for  some  years  with  his  brother  Edwin  M.,  in  the  commission  business,  and  in 
1848  started  in  business  on  his  own  account.  He  resided  in  Jersey  City  for  some  years,  and  in  1860 
returned  to  Montclair.  He  invested  largely  in  real  estate  on  a  part  of  which  he  realized  a  handsome 
profit.  He  built  a  handsome  residence  on  Bloomfield  Avenue,  near  Mountain  Avenue,  where  he  has 
since  resided. 

He  married  Frances  P.,  daughter  of  John  Munn  (see  history  of  Munn  family).  Their  children 
are :  Edwin  M.,  Jr.,  Josephine,  Elizabeth  D.  (deceased),  Jared  E.,  Kittie  (deceased),  Augustus  Smith  and 
Benjamin  Yincent. 

Nathan  Harrison,  youngest  son  of  Jared  E.  and  Catharine  (Egbert)  Harrison,  was  born  at  the 
homestead  on  Yalley  Road  (within  the  present  township  of  Montclair)  May  21,  1834.  He  attended 
AYarren  Holt's  school  and  the  old  private  school  on  Montclair  Avenue,  known  as  Ashland  Hall.     He 


JARED    E.    HARRISON. 


commission  business  on 
became  associated  with  his 
and  subsequently  with  his 
whom  he  is  still  connected, 
bnrg — now  Brooklyn, 
years.  In  1866  he  returned 
hood,  and  purchased  fifty 
erty  adjoining  that  of  his 
chafed  a  plot  on  the  corner 
ain  Avenues,  where  he 
attractive  villa.  He  has 
the  several  improvements 
for  a  time  as  Road  Corn- 
Mary  Frances  Hamilton, 
ilton,  a  direct  descendant 
ernor  of  East  and  West 
and  of  West  Jersey  from 
the  Crown  in  1702.  John 
was  Governor  of  East  and 
to  1738,  and  of  the  State 
York,  1746  to  1747. 
of  Edwin  M.  Harrison  with 
Florence  M.,  Carrie  Y., 
timer  and  Harold. 
EisoN,  second  child  of 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  107 

began  liis  business  life  as  a  clerk  in  a  New  York  commission  honse,  and  later  became  associated  with  liis 
lirotlier  Edwin  ^l.  in  the  c-i .mm ission  business,  which  still  continues.  Ilemairied,  first,  Cornelia  L'llonime- 
dien.  daugiiter  of  Elias  L'llommedieu,  of  Orange  County,  X.  Y.,  a  descendant  of  an  old  Huguenot 
family.  He  married,  second,  Katharine  M. ,  daughter  of  Jacob  F.  Mayer.  Issue:  Frederic  M.,  Sarah 
\'incent,  Marion  Virginia,  Paul  and  Edna. 


THE  MUNN  FAMILY. 

The  Munns  were  originally  among  the  early  settlers  of  Connecticut.  Joseph,  Benjamin  and 
Samuel,  three  brothers,  came  from  Connecticut  about  1750,  and  settled  in  Newark. 

Capt.  Joseph  ^[unn,  of  West  Elooomficld,  was  a  son  of  Isaac,  born  1740 — son  of  Joseph,  born 
1721.  He  came  to  West  Bloonitield  and  purcliased  from  Simeon  Crane,  July  7,  IStil,  the  property  on 
tlie  corner  of  Cliurch  Street  and  Valley  Road,  where  he  built  the  first  tavern.  Tiie  second  building, 
which  is  still  standing  on  the  same  jiroperty.  was  built  after  the  turnpike — now  Rloomtield  Avenue — 
was  cut  through.  This  was  one  of  the  mo<t  noted  taverns  of  the  day,  and  Capt.  Jo.sej)h  Munn,  the 
proprietor,  was  one  of  the  most  popular  and  well-known  hotel  men  in  this  part  of  the  countrj-.  Members 
of  the  Ma.<onic  fraternity  for  miles  around  made  this  liotel  their  lieadipiarters,  and  Bloonitield  Lodge  was 
organized  there,  and  held  its  regular  communications  for  man}'  years,  until  tlie  political  excitement 
growing  out  of  the  Morgan  affair  compelled  tiiis  with  many  other  lodges  to  surrender  their  charters. 
Captain  ilunn  was  a  genial  host,  and  a  man  of  great  intluencc  ami  prominent  in  all  the  military 
organizations.     His  brotiier  Jeptha  was  (irand  Master  of  Masons  of  the  State  of  New  Jersey. 

Capt.  Munn  carried  on  a  large  hat  manufacturing  business  in  connection  with  Nathaniel  Baldwin, 
the  first  ]>ostniastcr  of  West  Bloomficld. 

Henry  B.  Munn,  for  some  time  a  teacher  at  Asldand  Hall,  was  horn  in  the  old  Stephen  Van 
Courtland  house  (since  burned)  tliat  stood  just  south  of  the  mouth  of  Second  Kiver,  Essex  County, 
Newark,  N.  J.;  was  prepared  for  college  under  Rev.  David  A.  Frame,  late  of  Ashland  Hall,  Montclair; 
graduated  at  College  of  N.  J.,  at  Princeton,  1S17;  associate  teacher  at  Ashland  Hall,  IS47-18.'J2; 
student  in  law  office  of  late  Col.  A.  C.  M.  Pennington,  1S.')2-1S54;  in  spring  of  1S54,  to  AVisconsiii  with 
L.  G.  Farwell,  ex-Governor  of  Wisconsin,  and  settled  first  at  Madisf.n,  Wis.,  and  then  to  Portage  City; 
was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  lS5.i,  and  in  i)artncrshii)  with  I).  P.  Williams  opened  a  land  oHice  in 
coimection  with  law  office  for  practice  before  the  local  and  United  States  land  oflice ;  was  elected  Mayor 
of  the  city  in  1858,  and  to  the  State  Legislature  in  IS.'jO.  Subsequently  elected  and  served  till  after  the 
close  of  the  late  war  as  Sujierintendent  of  City  Schools.  In  1859  he  attended  Government  land  sales  at 
Osage,  Fort  Dodge  and  Siou.x  City.  Subsequently  became  interested  in  unimproved  lands  in  Western 
Iowa  and  Missouri. 

From  lsr.6  to  1S72  associated  with  AV.  C.  Dodge  as  Attorney  and  Solicitor  of  Patents.  After 
dissolution  of  partnership  he  spent  a  year  in  the  West,  and  in  1873  formed  i)artnership  with  ex-Governor 
L.  G.  Farwell,  for  transaction  of  real  estate  and  banking  business  at  Grant  City,  Mo.,  and  also  with 
Chas.  F.  Stansbury,  as  Attorney  and  Solicitor  of  Patents  at  Washington. 

With  the  exception  of  a  few  special  cases  his  law  practice  has  been  what  is  termed  by  the 
profession,  chamber  practice.  He  was  admitted  to  bar  of  Sui)reme  Court  of  D.  C,  1872  ;  United  States 
Supreme  Court  of  D.  C,  1888;  member  of  National  Bar  Association,  1803. 

Since  the  death  of  his  partners  he  has  been  practically  out  of  business,  lias  resided  in  Washing- 
ton since  18<>r>,  with  the  exception  of  three  years  in  Grant  City,  Mo. 

In  1881  he  married  Cornelia  L.  Farwell,  daughter  of  ex-Governor  L.  G.  Farwell.  Issue:  Henry 
Farwell,  Helen  Cornelia,  Marguerite  Campbell  and  Henry  Tinslow. 


198 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


WHEELER  FAMILY, 

Of  Concord,  Mass.;  Stkati-ord,  Conn.,  and  Wi-:st  Bi.uomfield,  N.J. 
Line  of  Gideon  Wiikeler. 

Thomas  Wheeler,  of  Concord.  Mass.,  came  to  Fairfield  in  1044.  with  Eev.  John  Jones  and  his 
company.  He  was  one  of  the  proprietors  of  Fairfield  township,  and  was  a  prominent  citizen.  His 
eldest  son  was  named  Thomas. 

Sergt.  John  Wheeler,  son  of  Thomas  ( I)  and  Ann  Wheeler,  came  with  his  father's  family  from  Con- 
cord to  Fairfield,  apparently  in  1614,  being  then  quite  young.  He  owned  a  large  part  of  Grover's  Hill, 
at  Black  Rock,  where  he  resided,  and  in  1681  paid  tax  on  1,004  acres  of  land,  he  being  the  third  from  the 
highest  in  tlie  town  of  Fairfield.      .^ He   was  the   ancestor  of  Hon. 

had  a  son  John  (2).  Mm          Lieut.  John  (2),  son  of  Sergt. 

Jolin,  Sr.,  and  Elizabeth  ( )  .|h  Wheeler  was  born  in  1664;  he 

married  Abigal  Burr,  March  22,  .^***''**'*V                 jB  1692,  by  wliom  he  had  seven 

children.    He  married,  secondly,  f                 ^                'Wm  ^y^^^  Porter,  of   Windsor,  by 

whom  he  had  six  cliildren,  the  /^  jfc        ,,                -^^  fourth  of  whom  was  Jahez. 

Captain  Jabez  Wheeler,  son  |^  ^»^     ^-                 «  of  Lieut.  John  (2)  and  Lydia 

(Porter)  Wheeler,  was  born  Feb-  *   's^              *         .-i^B  ruary  25, 1721.    He  was  Captain 

of  a  company  in  Col.  Whitney's  1.^.*^^                     ^^^^H  Connecticut   Kegiraent   in    the 

Warof  the  Revolution.  He  had.  VI*^„i,^      A        ^I^H  among  other  children,  6^;Ww«. 

Gideon  Wheeler,  son  of  -^^MP^1.^bB^^_ ^^WH  Jabcz  Wheeler,  was  born  in 
Stratford,  Conn.,  1764,  and  was  .^^B^^^jHpH^^^^I  educated  in  Weston,  Conn.  He 
taught  school  in  Connecticut  for  .^^K^^^T^^^^^^^^tS^  about  thirty  years,  and  then  re- 
moved to  Jersey  City,  where  he  ^KK^^^M  ^  '  ^^^B  taught  for  a  time,  and  later  in 
Persippany.  He  began  teaching  ^m^B^^K  "  V^-  ^M  ^'^  Cranetown  about  1811,  and 
achieved  quite  a  reputation  as  a  ^H^^^^^V  '  ''-iP^H^H  t<^^cher.  He  was  a  noted  matlie- 
matician,  and  in  1819  prepared  ^^^^^^V  ^^  ^Hh  '"in  almanac,  which  was  published, 
the  original  manuscript  of  which  ^^^Bl^^f  /  W  4|^^^|  '•''  now  in  the  possession  of  his 
granddaughter  in  Bloomfield.  ^^PB^V  ^.,..  -J^^l  ^^  ^^^^  appointed  magistrate 
byGovernorWilliamsoninlSlS,  Bm^^||^||g||H||||{^^  1820,  1822  and  1828.  He  was 
also  a  surveyor  and  conveyancer.  „,...,.,   „.„^^,,„  The  latter  years  of  iiis  life  were 

"  *^  (.jRAN  1     J.     \\  liE-t-LLK. 

spent  on  his  farm  on  the  Orange  Road,  near  its  intersection  with 

FuUerton  Avenue.  He  had,  among  other  children,  Isaac  B.  and  Grant  Johnson  Wheeler.  Isaac  B. 
Wheeler  taught  school  for  a  number  of  years  in  Bloomfield  and  West  Bloomfield. 

Geant  J.  Wheeler,  son  of  Gideon  Wheeler,  was  born  at  Weston,  near  New  Haven,  Conn., 
January  1,  1807,  and  came  with  bis  father  to  West  Bloomfield  in  1811,  and  attended  the  .school  of  which 
his  father  was  teacher.  Lie  learned  the  tailor's  trade,  and  subsequently  carried  on  an  extensive  business 
at  Pecktown,  near  East  Orange.  He  was  subsequently  connected  with  the  Rosendale  Cement  Company. 
In  1843  he  removed  to  Haverstraw,  N.  Y.,  where  he  built  and  managed  a  lime  kiln.  Later  he  started  in 
the  lime  business  in  Newark  with  Reuben  D.  Baldwin. 

In  1850  he  exchanged  his  residence  on  Spring  Street,  Newark,  lor  the  farm  known  as  the  Elias  B. 
Crane  property  on  Orange  Road,  AYest  Bloomfield,  on  which  he  made  many  improvements.  About  1855 
he  opened,  through  his  property,  a  section  of  Mountain  Avenue,  and  a  few  years  later  Hillside  Avenue, 
and  a  part  of  Orange  Road  extension,  thus  preparing  for,  and  inviting,  the  improvements  subsequently 
made. 

In  1853  he  was  chosen  to  represent  this  district  in  the  Legislature.  He  was  a  strong  advocate  of 
the  then  proposed  Newark  and  Bloomfield  Railroad,  and  secured  large  subscriptions  to  the  stock.     While 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  199 

in  tlie  Legislature  he  introduced  an  amendment  to  the  charter  of  the  road  and  secured  its  passage,  and  by 
his  activity  and  firmness  largely  aided  in  conferring,  at  tliat  early  date,  tlie  bcneKt  of  railway  com- 
munication. 

On  coming  to  West  Bioomfield  Mr.  Wheeler  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  straw  air-dried  boards, 
leasing  fur  a  time  the  mill  furmerly  occupied  by  the  Wildes,  and  at  the  expiration  of  the  lease,  in  coiiipaii}' 
with  James  C.  Beach,  purchased  the  property.  At  this  mill  he  nuulc  the  tirst  steam-dried  strawboards 
ever  made  in  the  United  States.     [See  account  under  tlie  head  of  "  Industries  on  Tony's  Brook."] 

In  ISOC.  Mr.  Wheeler  was  elected  a  Chosen  Freeholder  from  Bioomfield  (tlien  including  ^font- 
clair),  and  after  the  erection  of  Montclair  Township,  in  IStiS,  was  re-elected  to  represent  it  in  the  Board 
for  ten  consecutive  years.     lie  also  served  on  the  Town  Committee  for  some  years. 

He  was  a  warm  friend  of  the  public  school,  was  elected  Trustee  in  1851,  and  re-elected  at  the 
expiration  of  his  term.  He  owned  the  property  on  Ciiurch  Street  where  the  school-house  now  stands, 
and  offered  to  give  it  for  a  public  i>ark  provided  the  township  of  Montclair  would  buy  tlie  remainder 
from  other  parties.  They  did  not  accept  his  proposition,  and  it  was  afterward  bought  by  the  townsliip 
for  school  purposes.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  and  a  generous  contributor  to  its 
support,  and  was  for  eleven  years  a  Trustee  of  the  Society.     He  died  in  1S83. 

He  married,  Octol)er  8,  1S29,  Mary  W.  Mingis,  of  Bioomfield,  daughter  of  John  Mingis.  He 
had  four  children,  viz.:  Sergeant  John  M.,  killed  at  Fredcricksiiurg,  Va.,  while  serving  witii  the  2Cth 
New  Jersey  Volunteers ;  Charlotte  D..  who  died  in  1857;  Francis  .V.,  born  June  19,  18i4,  died  in  18S9 
at  Dayton,  X.  J.;  Julius  Ilawley. 

JiLii'.s  IIawi.ky  Whkki.kr,  youngest  son  of  Grant  J.  and  Mary  W.  (Mingis)  Wheeler,  was  born 
at  Xewark,  X.  J.,  June  19,  ls-17.  He  was  but  three  years  of  age  when  his  jiarents  moved  to  West 
nioomfield  ;  he  received  his  education  under  the  old  district  school  s3-stem.  After  leaving  school  he 
engaged  in  the  coal  business  with  William  Sharp,  at  liloomfield,  and  was  afterward  for  a  time  in  the 
j)liinibing  business.  He  entered  his  lather's  employ  in  1S75,  and  four  years  later  he  and  his  brother 
imught  out  their  father's  interest  and  continued  the  business  under  the  name  of  Francis  A.  Wheeler 
A:  Co.  After  the  removal  of  the  manufactory  to  AVaverh',  X'^.  J.,  a  stock  company  was  organized  under  the 
name  of  The  Wheeler  ilanufacturing  Company,  of  which  Julius  H.  became  Bresident  and  still  holds 
that  position. 

Mr.  Wheeler  was  one  of  the  charter  members  of  the  Montclair  Fire  Company,  and  served  seven 
years  as  a  fireman.  He  married,  in  1890,  Alice  II.  Harrison,  of  Ohio,  a  descendant  of  the  Harrison 
family,  of  Orange. 

TIIK   IIAUKIS   F.V.MILY. 

Coi.oxEi,  Fkederick  IIai.skv  Hakkis,  eldest  son  of  William  II.  and  Phebe  II.  (Baldwin)  Harris, 
was  born  in  Xewark,  X'.  J.,  March  7,  1830.  His  immediate  ancestor  was  Moses  Harris,  of  Morrisaiiia, 
X.  Y.,  a  descendant — probably — of  liobert  Harris,  who  came  from  Clloucestershire,  England,  before 
1642,  and  settled  in  Roxbury,  Mass.  Descendants  of  this  family  moved  first  to  Springfield,  Mass.,  thence 
to  Westchester  County,  X',  Y.  Rev.  AVilliam  Harris,  of  White  Plains,  X.  Y.,  referiiiig  to  Robert,  the 
grandson  of  the  ancestor,  says  :  "  I  do  not  remember  to  have  heard  my  father  say  anytliing  of  the  Harris 
family,  except  that  his  grandfather,  Robert  Harris,  was  a  very  active,  well  built  man,  not  large  in  stature, 
but  in  his  old  age,  hale  and  enterprising." 

The  name  of  Harris  is  of  Welsh  origin,  and  means  "The  son  of  Harry,"  Harry  being  a  nickname 
for  Henry.  The  latter,  as  a  christian  name,  is  given  by  Webster  as  of  '••  Old  High  German  origin,  meaning 
the  liead  or  chief  of  a  house." 

William  H.,  the  father  of  Colonel  F.  II.  Harris,  married  Phebe  II.  Baldwin,  daughter  of  Robert, 
the  son  of  Zadock  Baldwin,  wlio  served  in  the  Xew  Jersey  Militia  in  the  War  of  the  Revolution.  Her 
mother  was  Marv  Gould,  daughter  of  General  William   Gould,  a  soldier  of  the  Revolution.     General 


200  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

Gould's  wife  was  the  sister  of  Major  Natliaiiiel  Crane,  son  of  Noali,  son  of  Natlumiel,  son  of  Azariali  2d, 
son  of  Azariah  1st,  who  purchased,  previous  to  1680,  the  hirge  tract  of  land  subseijuently  known  as  Crane- 
town  or  West  Bioomlield.  William  IT.  Harris  was  born  in  New  York  City,  and  removed  with  his  father, 
Moses,  to  Newark,  about  1804,  when  he  was  a  few  weeks  old.  He  was  an  architect  and  builder,  and  carried 
on  business  for  some  years.  About  181:2  he  purchased  a  quarry  at  Little  Falls,  N.  J.  He  furnished 
the  stone  for  the  construction  of  Trinity  Church,  New  York,  and  from  this  and  his  Newark  quarries  he 
supplied  the  stone  for  St.  George's  Church,  and  public  buildings  in  New  York,  also  for  Boston  and  other 
places.  He  sold  out  his  quari-y  in  1853,  and  bought  one  hundred  acres  in  West  Bloomfield  (now  Mont- 
clair) formerly  known  as  Cranetown,  it  being  a  part  of  the  original  purchase  of  Azariah  Crane  and  was 
the  property  left  by  the  will  of  Major  Nathaniel  Crane  to  be  sold  and  the  proceeds  invested  in  trust  for 
tiie  support  of  the  ministers  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  in  West  Bioomlield.  William  H.  Harris 
bought  this  property  on  account  of  his  wife's  early  attachment  to  it,  her  grandniothei',  the  sister  of  Major 
Crane,  having  been  born  at  the  homstead,  which  formed  a  part  of  it.  The  boundaries  began  about  200 
yards  east  of  the  Orange  Road  and  extended  to  the  top  of  the  mountain.  Mr.  Harris  laid  out  the 
property  and  cut  the  streets  and  avenues,  which  were  run  through  it.  He  occupied  the  jiositions  of 
Chosen  Freeholder,  U.  S.  Government  Assessor,  Director  of  the  Newark  and  Bioomlield  Bailroad,  in 
which  he  took  an  active  part,  especially  the  negotiation  between  the  Morris  and  Essex  Railroad  Company 
and  the  Newark  and  Bloomfield  Railroad  Company,  which  resulted  in  the  building  of  the  latter  n)ad,  and 
Trustee  of  the  church  for  several  years.  He  died  in  June,  1887,  leaving  issue:  Frederick  Halsey, 
William  J.,  Mary  C,  Fanny  C.  and  Robert  B. 

Col.  Frederick  H.  Harris,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  received  a  thorough  preparatory  education 
at  private  and  boai'ding  schools,  intended  to  enter  Pi-inceton  College  and  pursue  his  studies  as  a 
physician,  but  owing  to  his  father's  ill  health  was  compelled  to  abandon  his  studies  and  assist  him  in  the 
extensive  quarj'y  business  in  which  he  was  then  engaged.  After  his  father  had  sold  the  Little  Falls 
quarry  he  continued  in  the  employ  of  the  company  who  had  purchased  it,  having  charge  of  their 
extensive  works  in  New  Jersey.  He  moved  to  IMontclair  in  1853,  and  continued  in  that  business  until 
1858.  He  had  a  strong  desire  for  professional  life  and  began  that  year  the  study  of  law,  and  was 
admitted  to  the  bar  in  1862.  Shortly  after  this  he  commenced  raising  a  com])any  for  the  wai',  which 
formed  a  part  of  the  Thirteenth  Regiment,  N.  J.  Vols.,  Company  E,  of  which  he  was  made  Captain. 

Just  before  he  left  for  the  war  he  was  presented  with  a  sword  by  the  citizens  of  Montclair,  the 
speech  being  made  by  Julius  H.  Pratt,  Esq.  It  has  inscribed  on  it  the  following  legend:  '•  Presented  to 
Captain  Fred.  H.  Harris  by  his  friends,  Montclair,  N.  J.,  August  21,  1862"  ;  was  worn  by  him  during 
the  whole  three  years  of  service,  and  it  now  adorns  the  wall  of  his  residence  and  is  highly  prized  as  a 
memento  of  his  service. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  noted  regiments  of  the  war,  and  with  the  exception  of  the  battle  of 
Antietam,  when  he  was  on  the  sick  list,  Col.  Harris  was  with  his  regiment  in  every  engagement  in  which 
it  participated.  It  was  attached  to  the  First  Division,  Twelfth  Army  Corps.  He  took  part  in  the  battle 
of  Chancellorsville,  May  1,  2  and  3,  1863,  Gettysburg,  July  1,  2  and  3,  1863,  and  in  the  autun]n  following 
his  regiment,  as  a  part  of  the  Twelfth  Army  Corps,  was  sent  west  to  join  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland, 
and  participated  in  the  several  engagements  of  Sherman's  campaign,  including  his  famous  "march  to  the 
sea"  (from  Atlanta  to  Savannah)  and  his  campaign  through  the  Carolinas,  with  the  Twentieth  Corps, 
which  was  made  up  by  a  consolidation  of  the  Eleventh  and  Twelfth  Corps.  He  was  commissioned  Major^ 
August  16,  1864,  and  on  the  12th  of  October  following  was  placed  in  command  of  the  regiment  as  senior 
officer,  owing  to  the  illness  of  the  Lieutenant-Colonel,  the  Colonel  having  been  placed  in  command  of  the 
Brigade. 

At  the  battle  of  Betitonville,  fought  March  9,  1865,  "his  regiment  held  the  key  to  the  situation," 
and  he  distinguished  himself  b}'  his  coolness,  and  the  splendid  manner  in  which  he  handled  his  men, 
under  the  most  trying  circumstances.  John  Y.  Foster,  in  his  "History  of  New  Jersey  Troops  in  the 
War,"  gives  a  minute  description  of  the  part  taken  by  the  Thirteenth   in  this  battle.     Referring  to  the 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  201 

fact  that  the  Fourteenth  Corps  was  being  forced  back  by  tlie  rebels  and  retreating  in  great  confusion,  lie 
says:  "  At  this  juncture  'Major  Harris  was  directed  by  the  brigade  coiinnander  to  deploy  and  place  the 
regiment  on  the  other  or  right  side  of  tiie  ravine,  using  his  judgment  as  to  the  best  position,  as 
rapidly  as  possible,  and  once  in  position  to  construct  such  defences  as  could  be  quickly  made."  The  order 
was  promptly  obeyed,  the  line  being  furmed  on  tiie  edge  of  the  I'avine  as  nearly  on  a  prolongation  of  the 
brigade  line  as  the  nature  of  the  ground  wuuld  admit ;  and  the  men  at  once  commenced  to  construct  a 
defence  of  rails  and  other  such  materials  as  were  at  hand.  Soon  after  this  the  enemy  ajipearcd  in  three 
lines  of  battle,  emerging  from  a  belt  of  woods  into  a  cleared  Held  a  short  distance  to  the  left  of  the  Tiiir- 
teenth,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  ravine.  The  position  of  the  Thirteenth  up  to  this  time  was  not 
observed  by  the  advancing  rebels.  Major  Karris  waited  until  they  were  within  150  yards  of  his  position 
before  he  gave  the  order  to  lire.  At  the  same  time  the  artillery  from  the  rear  opened  on  them  with  tlieir 
batteries,  and  the  enemy  was  driven  back  in  confusion,  and  made  no  attemj^t  to  renew  the  attack  at  that 
point.  As  shown  by  subsecpient  events  this  was  the  decisive  point  in  the  battle,  and  was  due  to  the  cool- 
ness and  gallantry  of  Major  Harris.  Foster  in  his  account  says  :  "  Tiie  action  in  this,  the  last  battle  of 
the  war,  was.  throughout,  of  the  most  gallant  character.  Had  the  regiment  failed  to  hold  its  position, 
either  througii  incapacity  on  the  part  of  its  uthccrs,  or  want  of  steadiness  among  the  men  ;  had  the  line 
giving  way  under  pressure  of  the  stragglers  from  the  front  and  falleu  in  with  the  eljbing  tide,  the  Itattle 
must  inevitably  have  been  lost  and  the  final  victory  over  .Tohnstoirs  army  delayed.  i)erhaps,  for  weeks." 
The  regiment  was  highly  comj)limeiited  by  corps,  division  and  brigade  commainJcrs.  Col.  IJawley,  com- 
manding the  brigade,  said  :  '•  You  are  entitled  to  the  thanks  of  this  whole  army,  for  you  have  saved  it." 
In  rei)ly  to  Lieut.-Col.  Harris,  who  asked  for  orders,  he  said  :  "I  have  no  orders  to  give,  foi'  I  know  you 
will  iiold  your  position  without."  General  AViiliams,  commanding  the  division,  remari<ed  at  the  time  in 
reference  to  the  action  of  Lieut.-Col.  Harris  :     "  He  ought  to  be  brevetted  a  Brigadier-General  for  that." 

Major  Harris  had  been  promoted  Lieutenant-Colonel  previous  to  the  battle,  but  his  commission 
had  not  reached  him.  On  the  2Gth  of  March  following  he  was  regularly  mustered  in  as  Lieutenant- 
Colonel,  and  Continued  in  that  capacity  until  mustered  out  of  service.  He  was  twice  brevetted,  once  for 
galhint  and  meritorious  service  in  Georgia  and  the  Carolinas,  and  again  for  his  gallantry  at  the  battle  of 
Uentonville. 

At  tlie  close  of  tlie  war,  in  1805,  Colonel  Harris  returned  to  Newark  and  began  the  practice  of 
law,  and  in  the  spring  of  ISiHi  he  was  called  to  the  Secretarysliip  of  the  American  Insurance  Company,  of 
Newark,  whicii  jjosition  he  held  for  seventeen  years,  until  1883,  and  was  that  year  elected  President  as 
the  successor  of  Mr.  Stephen  G.  Gould  (a  son  of  General  Gould),  deceased. 

The  annual  income  of  the  company  wlicn  he  became  connected  with  it  in  1866  was  about  $120,000, 
its  total  assets  about  §17il.n00,  and  its  net  surplus  about  Sl4i>,000,  and  the  stock  was  selling  at  par.  In 
1S1J3  the  income  was  about  ^TnO.OOi),  the  total  assets  aliout  S2.340,0n(t,  the  net  surplus  about  §1,170,000, 
and  the  stock  was  selling  in  the  market  at  20(i  i)er  cent.  It  is  one  of  the  oldest,  and  much  the  largest, 
tire  insurance  coni|)anies  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey. 

For  many  years  after  the  war,  when  the  struggle  was  going  on  between  the  old  and  new  regime, 
Col.  Harris  was  among  the  boldest  and  most  determined  of  the  old  residents  in  promoting  the  vaiious 
public  improvements  rendered  necessary  by  the  increasing  poi)ulation.  composed  largely  of  men  of 
wealth  and  letinement  from  our  large  cities.  He  stood  side  by  side  with  Mr.  Pratt,  Dr.  Love  and  others 
in  their  efforts  to  improve  the  public  school  system  (of  which  he  was  at  one  time  a  trustee),  which  has 
since  become  one  of  the  marked  features  of  Montclair.  He  was  for  many  years  the  recognized  leatler  of 
the  republican  party  of  this  township;  and  while  he  invariably  declined  to  accept  political  honors,  he  was 
one  of  the  most  earnest  workers  for  the  success  of  his  party. 

He  has  long  been  identified  with  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and,  as  President  of  the  Board  of 
Irustees  and  Clerk  of  Session,  he  rendered  im])ortant  service  in  the  management  of  its  temporal  and 
spiritual  affaii's. 

He  assisted  in  organizing  the  Veteran  Association  of  the  Thirteenth  Eegiment  of  Veterans  in 


202  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

1886  and  became  its  first  President,  in  which  position  he  continued  until  1881),  during  wliich  time  the 
Gettysburg  monument  was  built  and  in  the  success  of  which  he  took  an  active  part  and  a  deep  interest. 
He  is  a  member  and  was  for  some  years  commander  of  Phil  Kearney  Post  No.  1,  G.  A.  R.  He  is  also 
a  member  of  the  Society  of  the  Sons  of  the  American  llevolution,  and  of  Montclair  Lodge  No.  1-14, 
F.  and  A.  M.,  of  which  he  was  a  charter  member ;  he  is  also  a  director  of  the  Montclair  Library  Asso- 
ciation, and  one  of  the  managers  of  Rosedale  Cemetery.  And  it  was  at  his  suggestion  and  liy  his  efforts 
tlie  cemetery  was  enlarged  in  the  direction  of  and  for  the  accommodation  of  the  people  of  Montclair; 
is  a  member  of  tiie  Society  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  Society  of  tiie  Army  of  the  Cumberland,  of  the 
Board  of  Trade,  City  of  INewark,  and  of  the  New  England  Society  of  Orange.  By  his  energy  and  force 
of  character  he  has  been  prominent  and  influential  in  the  various  enterprises  with  which  he  has  been 
connected,  and  has  often  been  promoted  to  leading  positions. 

The  homestead  of  Colonel  Harris,  near  the  corner  of  the  Orange  Road  and  Myrtle  Avenue, 
occupies  a  portion  of  the  original  100  acres  piirchased  by  his  father  in  1853.  He  enlarged  one  of  the 
old  buildings  on  the  place  and  made  numerous  improvements  which  give  it  an  attractive  and  picturesijue 
appearance.  Among  the  numerous  relics  which  adorn  the  interior  is  an  old-fashioned  upright  clock  of 
antiquated  appearance,  formerly  the  property  of  Major  Nathaniel  Crane,  the  woodwork  of  wliich  was 
made  from  one  of  the  apple  trees  which  grew  on  the  place. 

Col.  Harris  married,  in  1865,  Elizabeth  J.  Torrey,  daughter  of  Charles  Torrey,  of  Bethany 
Wayne  County,  Pennsylvania,  and  a  granddaugliter  of  Major  Jason  Torrey,  one  of  the  pioneers  of  that 
county,  who  came  originally  from  Connecticut.  Five  children  are  the  issue  of  this  marriage,  viz. :  Ellen, 
who  married  Charles  M.  Dutcher,  of  Brooklyn  ;  Elizabeth,  Jane  Howell,  and  Frederick  Halsey  (deceased 
in  1879)  and  Anna  Marion. 

THE   PRATT   FAMILY. 

Line  of  Descent  of  Julius  Howard  Pkatt,  of  Montclaik,  fkom  Lieut.  William  Pbatt, 

OF  Saybeook,  Conn.,  1645. 

The  name  of  Pratt  derives  its  origin  from  a  locality,  and  is  from  the  Latin  Pratum,  a  meadoiii. 
The  name  appears  in  the  roll  of  the  Battle  Abbey,  A.D.,  1066,  as  one  who  accompanied  William  the 
Conqueror  and  participated  in  the  battle  of  Hastings.  William  de  Pratellis  accompanied  Richard  Canir 
de  Lion  to  the  Holy  Land,  and  on  a  certain  occasion  saved  the  King  from  capture  by  the  Turks  by 
personating  the  King  and  permitting  himself  to  be  taken  instead,  for  which  service  he  was  knighted  and 
highly  honored. 

Lieut.  William  Pratt,  the  American  ancestor  nf  this  branch  of  the  Pratt  family,  came  from 
Hertfordshire,  Eng.,  and  as  his  lineage  is  easily  traced  back  into  the  11th  century,  it  is  highly  jirobable 
that  he  is  descended  from  AVilliam  de  Pratellis.  lie  enugrated  to  New  England  and  settled  in 
Cambridge,  Mass.,  previous  to  1632,  and  moved  thence  to  Hartford,  Conn.,  in  1636.  He  was  one  of  the 
band  who  went  from  Hartford  on  the  expedition  against  the  Pe(]Uods  in  1637,  which  resulted  in  the 
extermination  of  this  tribe.  In  1615  he  settled  in  Saybrook,  Conn.,  in  that  jiart  now  known  as  Essex. 
He  represented  the  town  of  Saybrook  in  the  General  Assembly  twenty-three  times  from  1666  to  1678, 
and  by  order  of  the  General  Court,  October,  1661,  he  was  "established  Lieutenant  to  ye  Band  at 
Sea-Brook."  He  was  a  warm  friend  of  the  Indian  Chief  Uncas,  and  one  of  the  executors  of  his  will,  and 
received  from  the  latter  large  grants  of  land. 

Julius  Howard  Pratt's  line  of  descent  from  Lieut.  William  Pratt,  is  through  "  Ensign  " -Try^/i  Pratt, 
eldest  son  of  the  latter,  born  February  20,  1641;  Jolui  Pratt,  Jr.,  born  September  5,  1671;  Asariah 
Pratt, horn  1710  ;  "  Deacon"  PJi'meas  Pratt,  born  June  27,  1747,  who  had  a  son  Julius,  the  father  of 
Julius  H.  Deacon  Phineas  Pratt,  the  grandfather  of  Julius  IL,  was  a  soldier  in  the  War  of  the 
Revolution,  and  assisted  Bushnell  in  the  construction  of  the  famous  torpedo  boat  known  as  the  American 
"  Turtle,"  which   became   such   a   teri-or   to   the   British  fleet  in  New  York   Harbor.     Phineas   Pratt 


<sMa^<^^j  t/^fe^ 


yl^6t^ 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  203 

volunteered  the  hazardous  attempt  to  1)lci\v  iij)  one  of  the  British  men-of-war  lying  in  the  East  River. 
He  selected  a  cloudy  nif^lit  and  ran  within  a  few  feet  of  the  ship,  when,  owing  to  the  sudden  appearance 
of  the  moon  tlirougii  a  rift  in  the  clouds,  he  was  discovered  and  hailed  by  the  watch  on  deck.  lie 
inimediately  descended,  and  came  up  about  half  a  mile  distant ;  he  was  chased  and  tired  at  by  the  British, 
but  effected  his  escape.  lie  was  highly  commended  by  the  Commander-in-Chief  and  released  from 
further  active  service.  Julius  Pratt,  the  father  of  Julius  II.,  was  the  pioneer  in  the  ivory  irianufiicturing 
business  of  this  country,  which  he  established  in  Merideii,  Conn.,  in  iSl'J,  and  laid  the  foundatinn  fur  the 
immense  wcaltli  and  prosperity  of  that  town.  He  iiiarrinl  l.yiiia  I  )e  Wolfe,  of  Westbrook,  Conn.,  a 
descendant  of  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Lyme.  Tliey  had  i^sue,  Harriet  Melimla.  born  Ajiril  24,  ISIS  ; 
.lulliix  Iloiranl  and  William  McLane. 

Jii.irs  Howard  Pratt,  second  child  and  eldest  son  of  Julius  and  Lydia  (De  Wolfe)  Pratt,  was  born 
in  Meriden.  Conn.,  August  I,  1821.  He  was  graduated  from  Yale  College  (which  was  founded  in  the 
native  town  of  his  ancestor.  Lieut.  William  Pratt),  in  ls42,  and  soon  after  engaged  in  the  ivory  goods 
manufacture,  established  i>y  his  father  in  is  is.  He  was  connected  with  the  selling  department  in  New 
^  ork  City  for  eighteen  years,  during  which  period  the  sales  for  the  firm  averaged  nearlv  half  a  million 
dollars'  worth  of  ivory  combs  per  annum,  while  their  market  extended  all  over  North  and  South  America. 
The  product  of  table  cutlery  (mostly  ivory  handled)  and  of  piano  keys  amounted  to  a  still  larger  sum. 
The  delicacy  and  perfection  of  the  process  einjdoyed  was  illustrated  in  the  World's  Fair  at  London,  in 
is.^l,  by  the  exhibition  of  a  single  sheet  of  purest  ivory  tifty-si.x  feet  long  and  fourteen  inches  wide,  which 
had  been  sawed  by  automatic  machinery  from  the  section  of  an  elephant's  tusk  about  five  inches  in  diameter. 

In  1S.")7,  Mr.  Pratt  removed  with  his  family  to  West  Bloomfield,  which  at  his  suggestion  was 
changed  to  the  present  name  of  M<jntclair.  In  a  paj)er  entitled  "  Montclair  Prior  to  the  Orgainzatiou  of 
the  Congregational  Church,"  which  he  read  before  the  Congregational  Church  of  Montclair  (of  which 
he  was  one  of  the  foutidei-s,  and  President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  for  seventeen  years),  in  June,  1870, 
says:  "Thirty-three  yeai-s  ago  with  my  family  I  moved  from  a  Connecticut  home  to  this  promised 
land.  We  brought  with  us  our  Lares  and  Penate.s,  not  forgetting  our  flowering  shrubs  and  grafts  from 
the  lucious  fruit  trees  which  had  endeared  to  us  the  place  of  our  earlier  yeare,  that  we  might  perpetuate 
for  our  children  the  sweet  })erfume.  the  delicious  flavors  and  the  dear  associations  of  the  old  New 
England  home.  The  territory  now  occupied  by  .Montclair  wa.s  wholly  agricultural  land,  poorly  cultivated 
and  largely  covered  with  decaying  apple  trees.  A  few  farm  houses  .scattered  here  ami  tin  re  enlivened 
the  landscape  with  their  white  walls  and  green  blinds,  and  gave  shelter  to,  perhaps,  one  thousand 
inhabitants  throughout  the  entire  area  of  the  present  township  of  Montclair.  In  that  year  (lS.")7j  the 
steam  locomotive  for  the  first  time  labored  up  the  steep  grade  by  which  our  elevated  site  must  be  reached, 
bringing  in  its  train  sometimes  two  or  three,  seldom  more  than  twenty  passengers.  The  old  stages  which 
plied  between  here  and  Mewark  continued  their  ndssion  for  a  few  years  later,  because  the  railroad  itself 
was  not  a  formidable  competitor  in  its  rate  of  speed,  and  perhaps  because  the  stages  having  to  all 
appearance  survived  since  the  time  of  Noah's  Ark  continued  to  possess  a  charmed  life." 

From  the  j)criod  of  his  advent  to  Montclair  (l'<.37j,  for  more  than  a  (piarter  of  a  century  Mr.  Pratt 
wa.s  a  leader  in  nearly  every  public  enterprise  connected  with  Montclair,  and  to  his  efforts  probably  more 
tlian  to  any  other  individual  is  due  the  present  growth  and  prosperity  of  the  township.  He  was  always 
in  advance  of  the  times,  and  in  his  progrcssiveness  sometimes  appeared  aggressive,  but  he  foresaw  what 
others  were  slow  to  grasp,  and  he  could  ill-brook  the  restraint  of  those  who  sought  to  handicaj)  him  in 
efforts  for  improvements.  He  never  shrank  from  the  controversies  which  the  prejudices  of  the  slow 
native  population  occasioned.  The  laying  out  of  new  roads,  the  revolution  of  the  public  school  system, 
and  the  founding  of  a  progressive  church  were  movements  in  which  he  took  a  prominent  part.  His 
mr)st  important  achievement,  however,  was  the  Ijuilding  of  the  New  York  and  Greenwood  Lake  Railway, 
in  order  to  provide  competition  with  the  Morris  and  E.s.sex  Railroad  Company.  This  enterprise  he 
carried  through  at  a  cost  of  about  $4,000,000  in  the  face  of  bitter  opposition,  but  with  the  result  of  saving 
to  the  town  of  Orange,  Bloomfield  and  Montclair  iiiore  than  $200,000  per  annum  in  the  cost  of  their 


204  HiSTilRV    OF    MONTCLAIR    TOWXSHIP. 

traffic  anil  transpoi'taticiii.  II  is  (.'xperieiice  was  like  tiiat  of  many  otlier  pioneers  whose  private  interests 
are  made  siihordinate  to  their  pulilic  spirit.  Having  sacritieed  the  earnings  of  a  successful  business 
career  in  this  etfort  for  the  public  good,  and  having  accomplished  his  work  as  a  local  reformer,  he  has 
since  led  a  quiet  life,  finding  satisfaction  in  witnessing  the  happiness  of  thousands  of  new  comers  around 
the  foot  hills  of  Orange  Mountain,  who  unconsciously  enjoy  the  fruit  of  his  former  labors.  In  188S,  Mr. 
Pratt  once  more  dis]>layed  his  jirogressive  character  by  proposing  a  new  water  supply  for  the  citv  of 
Newark  and  vicinity  by  a  gravity  system  connecting  with  the  Petpianuock  River,  distant  about  twenty- 
five  miles.  The  plan  was  adopted,  and  his  property  and  water  rights  along  the  river  which  controlled 
the  supply  were  bought  by  the  East  Jersey  Water  Company,  which  secured  the  contract  from  the  Newark 
authorities.  By  this  transaction  and  other  successful  enterprises,  Mr.  Pi'att,  in  a  measure,  retrieved  his 
fortunes  and  is  financially  comfoi-table  in  his  declining  years. 

The  only  enterprise  of  a  public  nature  which  he  has  promoted  in  later  years  has  been  the  organizing 
of  the  Arlington  Cemetery  in  the  township  of  Kearny,  which  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  most  beautiful 
and  best  managed  rural  cemeteries  in  New  Jersey,  and  of  which  he  has  been  continuously  the  chief  officer. 

The  picturesque  and  attivictive  features  of  this  cemetery  illustrate  lu.iw  the  somljre  abode  of  the 
dead  can  lie  transformed  into  a  garden  of  l)eantv,  and  the  old  traditional  ministry  of  sadness  can  become 
a  cheerful  occujiation. 

His  occasidiial  enntributions  tn  the  jiress  have  been  received  with  marked  favor  by  the  pTiblic.  Ilis 
style  is  graceful  yet  vigorous  and  forcil)le,  and  often  poetical.  His  journey  to  and  life  in  California  in 
18-i9,  with  its  thrilling  adventures  and  hairbreadth  escapes,  was  graphically  described  by  him  in  a  sketch 
published  in  the  Century  Magazine  for  April,  1891. 

In  18-43,  Mr.  Pratt  married  Miss  Adeline  F.  Barnes,  daughter  of  Eli  Barnes,  of  New  Haven,  Conn., 
and  sister  of  Alfred  8.  Barnes,  of  Brooklyn.  She  died  in  March,  ISSO,  greatly  lamented  by  the  conununity 
whose  social  and  moral  life  she  had  in  a  great  measure  inilueneed  and  directed. 

The  Montclair  Times  of  April  3, 1880,  in  referring  to  the  death  of  this  noble  woman,  said: 

"No  woman  ever  lived  in  tliis  village  who  has  exerted  a  wider  or  more  beneficent  influence.  In 
our  social  and  religious  life  she  has  been  one  of  the  most  conspicuous  figures.  And  yet  no  person  was 
ever  more  averse  to  publicity.  She  was  prominent  not  so  much  because  of  her  exceptional  gifts  as  her 
exceptional  goodness.  The  reputation  for  sociability  and  good  feeling  which  has  distinguished  Montclair 
was  almost  created  by  this  beautiful  and  indefatigable  woman.  Verj'  seldom  does  a  person  in  no  position 
of  prominence,  with  no  special  advantage  not  possessed  by  others,  win  so  large  a  place  in  so  many 
hearts.     And  j'et  the  causes  are  not  hard  to  find. 

"She  was  alisolutely  unselfish;  she  lived  to  do  good  and  make  others  happy  ;  she  was  the  friend 
of  the  poor  and  the  friendless  ;  she  sought  no  recognition  for  what  she  did.  Gifted  with  great  physical 
strength,  she  was  able  to  do  what  others  equally  willing  could  not  attempt.  Without  neglecting  her  own 
home,  she  had  a  mysterious  way  of  bearing  the  griefs  and  sharing  the  anxieties  of  almost  all  the  homes  in 
the  village,  while  it  was  small  enough  for  one  person  to  know  all.  Her  sympathy  was  magnetic  because 
it  was  so  genuine.  Wherever  there  was  sickness  or  suffering  she  was  sure  to  be  found.  '  She  went  about 
doing  good.'  If  she  had  wealth  it  was  not  used  for  herself  but  for  others.  If  she  had  not  money  to 
give,  she  gave  strength  and  love  just  the  same. 

"  She  was  one  of  the  original  members  of  the  Congregational  Church,  and  she  worked  for  its 
welfare  with  tireless  zeal.  Yet  she  was  no  sectarian.  She  was  simply  a  Christian.  She  was  almost 
passionately  evangelistic.  Her  religion  was  her  life.  She  wanted  every  one  to  enjoy  her  faith.  For 
years  she  was  President  of  the  Ladies'  Aid  Society,  and  her  influence  was  felt  in  all  the  departments  of 
the  church's  activity.  Before  the  organization  of  the  Congregational  Church  she  worked  with  the  same 
spirit  in  the  Presbyterian  Church.  She  was  greatly  interested  in  missions,  and  the  only  one  of  her 
children  living  who  could  not  be  with  her  during  her  last  hours,  was  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Eaton,  who  is  a 
missionary  in  Mexico.  When  the  AVoman's  Christian  Teniperance  Union  was  organized,  she  threw  into 
it  her  intense  and  eager  enthusiasm.     It  was  the  last   public  work  in  which  she  had  a  part.     Nothing 


History  of  Montci.air  TowNsiiir. 


205 


which  concerned  human  welfare  and  liappiness  was  foreign  to  lier.  She  may  be  said  to  have  given  her 
life  to  tliis  community.  In  lier  liome,  in  society,  in  the  Sunday  School,  in  the  Cluirch,  in  all  beneficent 
work,  she  was  constantly  interested.  During  her  sickness  her  Howcrs  were  divided  and  sent  to  others  who 
were  sick;  and  her  constant  prayer  was  for  those  whom  she  desired  to  see  more  heartily  consecrated. 
'  Her  thread  of  life  was  strung  with  beads  of  love  and  thought.' 

"*  *  *  Her  life  was  beautiful  and  beneficent;  her  death  painless  and  peaceful;  her  memory  is  a 
benediction  and  an  inspiration.  She  belonged  to  tlie  whole  conimnnity,  and  tlie  whole  conunnnity  is  sad 
at  its  loss.'' 

Eight  children  were  the  issue  of  this  marriage,  two  dying  in  infancy  and  six  others  now  living,  viz.: 

Harriet  Amki.ia,  the  wife  of  Henry  F.  Turrey,  Montclair.     Died  Scjiteniber  15,  IS03. 

Gertkudk  Clifford,  who  married  Kev.  James  D.  Eat(tM,  both  now  in  tlie  service  of  the  American 
linard  of  Foreign  ^lissions  in  rhihuahua.  Arexicn. 

AViLLiAM  A.,  Superintendent  ui  ilines  in  Mexico. 

Adela,  the  wife  of  Charles  H.  Johnson.  Jr  .  in  Montclair. 


poBsssr- 


'/     - 


THE   PRATT    HOMKSl  r.AI>    lllfl.T    IN    1856,    NOW    NO.    5S    ELM    STREET. 

JrLius  Howard,  Proprietor  and  Manager  of  an  F^ducatiunal  Institution  in  ^Milwaukee,  Wis.,  and 
.Inim  Barnes,  now  residing  iu  Montclair. 

He  bought  a  fanii  in  1850  and  built  his  first  residence  on  Elm  Street,  which  he  caused  to  be 
widened  from  a  narrow  farm  road  to  its  present  width,  and  along  which  he  planted  the  elms  which 
suiTijested  the  name  of  the  street,  and  wiiich  for  twentv-five  vears  have  been  an  ornamental  feature  of  the 
town.  At  that  time  his  house  was  the  only  one  occu])ying  the  area  between  F'ullerton  Avenue  and  the 
Bloomtield  line  in  one  direction,  and  TV.oomtield  Avenue  and  Orange  Road  in  the  other  direction.  A 
view  of  the  house  is  shown  in  the  accompanying  illu.stration. 

During  his  public  career  in  Montclair  Mr.  Pratt  has  made  enemies,  but  at  the  same  time  he  has 
made  many  warm  friends.  A  man  of  great  decision  of  character,  and  one  who  has  the  courage  of  his 
convictions,  no  amount  of  argument  or  opposition  could  swerve  him  from  a  line  he  had  marked  out  for 
iiimself.     His  pertinacity  and  strong  determination  of  character  are  hereditary  traits  and  have  marked 


206 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


his  course  through  life.  He  has  given  liherally  of  his  means  in  aid  of  puhlic  iuid  private  charities,  and 
always  e.xtended  a  helping  hand  and  a  word  of  eiieouragenient  to  those  who  were  fighting  life's  l)attle's 
amid  adverse  circumstances. 


THE  CHITTENDEN  FAMILY. 

Line  of  Descent  of  Hknkv  A.  Chittenden  from  Wii.f.iam  the  Ancestor. 

William  Chittenden,  the  American  ancestor  of  this  family,  came  from  the  parish  of  Canbrook, 
in  Kent,  near  London,  England,  in  1639,  and  settled  at  Guilford,  Conn.,  which  was  then  a  part  of  the 
New  Haven  Colony.  He  was  one  of  the  six  persons  selected  to  purchase  lands  in  Guilford,  and  was  the 
chief  military  man  in  the  plantation,  hearing  the  title  of '"Lieutenant."  He  had  been  a  soldier  in  the 
English  Arm}'  in  the  Netherlands,  where  lie  held  the   title  of  "Major."     He  was  a  chief  magistrate 


in  the  colony  and  a  deputy 
his  death.  He  was  a  man 
and  common  sense,  and 
protect  the  interests  of  the 
who  had  left  their  native 
free  exercise  of  their  relig- 
homestead  in  Guilford 
in  the  hands  of  his  de- 
"  Mapleside." 
is  said  to  be  derived  from 
from  the  words  chy 
or  dun  [hill],  meaning  the 
hill." 

Henry  A.  Chittenden  is 
the  ten  children  of 
Josiah,  born  in  Woodbur}', 
Simeon  (1),  I)orn  in  Giiil- 
soldier  of  the  Revolution, 
Guilford  troops  in  the 
was  the  father  of  Abel, 
of  Simeon  (2),  was  born 
was  a  man  of  prominence 
force  and  energy  of  char- 
religious  convictions, 
win,  daughter  of  Timothy 
He   resided   on   the  lot 


H.    A.    CHITTENDEN. 


to  the  General  Court  until 
of  great  executive  ability 
did  much  to  advance  and 
little  band  of  colonists 
lands  in  order  to  enjoy  the 
ious  principles.  The  old 
which  he  occupied  is  still 
scendants  and  is  known  as 

The  name  of  Cliittenden 
the  British  and  Welsh, 
[house],  tane  [lower],  din 
"  lower  house   nnder  the 

The  line  of  descent  of 
through  Thomas,  one  of 
William;  thence  through 
Conn.,  in  1677,  "Deacon" 
ford,  1714;  Simeon  (2),  a 
who  enlisted  with  the 
"Lexington  Alarm."    He 

Abel  Chittenden,  son 
in  Guilford  in  1779.  He 
in  the  communitv,  of  great 
acter,  and  possessed  strong 
Married  Ann  Hart  Bald- 
Baldwin  and  Olive  Norton, 
occupied  by  William  the 


ancestor.  His  children  were :  Henry  Baldwin,  Olive  Norton,  Sarah  Dudley,  Anna  Hart,  Simeon  Baldwin 
— of  whom  hereafter — and  Henry  Abel. 

Simeon  Baldwin,  fifth  child  of  Altel  and  Anna  Hart  (Baldwin)  Chittenden  was  born  at  the  home- 
stead in  Guilford,  Conn.,  in  March,  1814.  He  was  for  many  years  the  head  of  the  well-known  New 
York  dry  goods  lirm  of  S.  B.  Chittenden  tt  Co.,  was  a  welbknown  philanthropist,  one  of  the  most  prom- 
inent as  well  as  one  of  the  most  pojnilar  men  in  Brooklyn.  He  i-epresented  his  Congressional  District  in 
Congress  from  1S74  to  1881,  and  was  one  of  the  most  influential  members  during  that  term.  He  was 
also  Vice-President  of  the  New  York  Chamber  of  Commerce  for  a  number  of  years.  He  died  in  1889. 
The  library  building  which  he  gave  to  Yale  College  is  a  beautif  id  and  enduring  monument  to  his  memory. 

Henry  Abel  Chittenden,  youngest  child  of  Abel  and  Anna  Hart  (Baldwin)  Chittenden,  Avas 
born  at  the  homestead  of  his  ancestors  in  Guilford,  Conn.,  in  April,  1816.     He  was  educated  at  Guilford 


History  of  Montci.air  Township.  207 

and  began  his  business  career  at  a  very  early  age  in  Xew  Haven,  Conn.,  and  afterward  went  to  Hartford, 
wliere  for  many  years  he  was  a  prosperous  and  leading  merchant.  He  was  one  of  the  early  advocates  of 
temperance,  and  took  a  prominent  part  in  what  was  known  as  the  "  Wasliingtonian  "  movement.  He 
subsequently  removed  to  New  York  Cit}',  and  was  for  many  years  associated  with  his  brother  Simeon  B. 
in  the  wholesale  dry  goods  business,  and  later  carried  on  business  on  his  own  account.  He  was  for  many 
years  a  resident  of  Brooklyn,  and  was  one  of  the  founders  of  Plymouth  Church.  He  introduced  liev. 
Henry  Ward  Beecher  at  the  Broadway  Tabernacle  to  the  first  eastern  congregation  where  he  distinguished 
himself,  and  was  instrumental  in  the  calling  of  Mr.  Beecher  to  Plymouth  Church.  Mr.  Chittenden  was 
one  of  the  jiioneers  in  the  great  abolition  movement,  and  a  pioniinent  actor  in  tlie  "underground  rail- 
road" system  which  conveyed  numbers  of  fugitive  slaves  to  ])laces  of  safetj',  he  assisting  by  generous 
contributions  of  money  and  by  personal  efforts.  He  individually  maintained  a  church  at  Washington  in 
the  cause  of  '"free  speech"'  for  a  ])criod  of  six  years  about  this  time.  Plain,  outsj)oken  and  fearless, 
he  carried  on  the  crusade  wliich  finally  resulted  in  the  nomination  of  Abraham  Lincoln  as  the  standard 
bearer  of  the  Kepublican  ])arty.  He  is  a  man  of  strong  religious  convictions,  a  thorough  Bible  student 
and  possesses  a  wonderfully  retentive  memory,  being  able  to  <piote  offhand  from  almost  any  j)ortion  of 
the  Scriptures.  As  a  public  speaker  he  is  earnest  and  and  impressive  and  on  his  favorite  subject.  "  The 
Second  Advent,"  he  is  eloquent.  He  is  very  orthodox  in  his  religious  views  and  is  firm  and  unyiehling 
in  his  convictions  of  truth  as  expounded  by  the  Bible.  In  184.5  he  wrote  a  j)amphlet  entitled,  "A  Kcply 
to  the  Charge  of  Heresy,"  wherein  he  maintained  that  there  is  no  future  life  for  mortals  out  of  Christ. 
This  pamphbt  has  had  an  enormous  circulation,  and  is  still  published  in  Boston. 

Mr.  (y'liittenden  is  the  oldest  surviving  settler  of  that  interesting  coterie  of  New  York  !)usiness  men 
who  began  the  settlement  of  West  liloomtield — later  ^[ontclair — as  a  place  of  suburban  residence  nearly 
forty  years  ago.  He  came  about  1856  and  purchased  a  large  tract  of  land  on  the  corner  of  what  is  now 
known  as  Grove  Street  and  (ilen  Ridge  Avenue.  lie  built  the  ''old  hnmostead,"  improved  his  spacious 
grounds,  and  there  amid  |>leasant  surrounding  of  trees,  llowers  anil  shrubbery  has  since  continued  to 
reside.  He  married,  in  1S44,  Miss  Henrietta  Gano,  of  Ohio,  a  descendant  of  Francis  Gerneaux,  one  of 
the  French  Huguenot  refugees  who  came  to  America  in  10S6  and  settled  in  New  Tlochelle,  N.  Y.  Her 
great-grandfather,  Ilev.  John  Gano,  was  the  son  of  Daniel,  and  grandson  of  Stephen,  and  great-grandson 
of  Francis,  the  ancestor  who  Americanized  and  clianged  liis  own  name  for  simplicity  to  that  of  Gano. 
He  was  born  in  1727,  was  a  noted  Baj)tist  })reacher,  who  organized  the  first  Baptist  Church  in  New  York 
City,  and  was  ordained  as  its  pastor  in  1702.  He  early  espoused  the  cause  of  the  colonists  in  their  struggle 
to  shake  off  tlie  British  yoke,  and  became  chaplain  in  Washington's  army,  and  remained  with  his  beloved 
commander,  whose  friend  and  spiritual  adviser  he  was,  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  known  as  the 
"  Fighting  Parson  " — was  a  man  of  great  personal  courage,  and  always  found  at  the  front  encouraging 
the  soldiers  with  hia  genial  presence  and  cheerful  words.  He  removed  to  Kentucky  and  died  at  Fiank- 
fort  in  1804.  His  son,  Major-General  John  Stites  Gano  was  a  distinguished  officer  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  the 
l)rincipal  founder  and  proprietor  of  Covington,  Ky.  He  died  in  1822.  His  son.  Major  Daniel  Gano,  the 
father  of  Mrs.  Chittenden,  was  the  first  white  child  born  in  the  region  known  as  the  city  of  Cincinnati, 
in  1794.  He  was  a  gentleman  of  the  old  school,  noted  for  his  kindness  of  heart,  great  learning  and  courtly 
manners.  He  was  a  liberal  patron  of  the  fine  arts,  something  of  a  poet,  and  counted  among  his  most  intimate 
friends  Henry  Clay,  General  Winfield  Scott,  Governor  Clinton,  General  Harrison  and  the  Marquis  de 
Lafayette.  His  beautiful  home  "Acacia"  was  the  mecca  and  rendezvous  for  all  the  distinguished  people 
of  that  time.  He  did  much  to  l)ui]d  up  his  native  city,  and  was  beloved  by  all  who  knew  him.  His 
daughter,  Mrs.  Henry  A.  Chittenden,  still  living,  inherits  many  of  his  amiable  qualities,  and  is  greatly 
beloved  by  her  large  circle  of  friends  and  acquaintances.  The  issue  of  the  marriage  of  Henry  A.  Chit- 
tenden with  Henrietta  Gano  is  eight  children — two  deceased,  Henrietta,  aged  three  years,  and  Belle,  aged 
thirteen.  Those  now  living  are  Henry  A.,  Jr.,  the  editor  ;  Anna  C.  Duncan,  wife  of  the  eminent  lawyer, 
1).  D.  Duncan,  formerly  of  St.  Louis,  but  now  of  New  York  City,  Daniel  Gano,  Charles  Baldwin,  Eliza- 
beth L.,  wife  of  Dr.  W.  E.  Pinkliam,  of  New  York,  and  William  Lawrence. 


208 


History  of  Montclaik  Township. 


Daniel  Gaiio's  latest  namesake  and  descendant  is  Gano  Westervelt  Chittenden,  born  Nt)veinl)er  9, 
1890,  the  son  of  Henry  A.  Cliittenden,  Jr.,  for  many  yeai-s  in  the  editorial  service  of  Mr.  James  Gordon 
Bennett  on  the  Nciu  York  Herald  and  the  Telegram,  his  niotlier  being  Alice  Westervelt,  of  Paterson, 
N.  J.,  a  well-known  magazine  and  news^mper  writer. 

William  Lawrence  Chittenden,  known  as  the  "Poet  Ranchman,"  youngest  child  of  Henry  A. 
and  Henrietta  (Gano)  Chittenden,  was  born  in  Montckiir,  N.  J.,  March,  1802.  He  is  named  from 
William  tlie  ancestor  and  from  his  maternal  grandmother,  who  belonged  to  tlie  distinguished  Lawrence 
family.  William  L.,  or  "Larry,"'  as  he  is  familiarly  known,  enjoyed  nil  the  advantages  of  the  higher 
education  for  which  Montclair  is  famous.  As  a  lad  he  was  jiopular  with  his  schoolmates,  full  of  fun,  and 
fond  of  practical  jokes;  he  was  "  irrepressible,"  it  is  said,  and  became  the  "  scapegoat "  of  tlie  village, 
preferring  to  bear  the  sins  of  others  rather  than  "  peach"  on  liis  com jianions.  Fond  of  athletic  sports^ 
bathing,  tishing,  etc.,  he  gave  more  attention  to  these  than  to  his  books.     Later  in  life  he  saw  his  mistake 


and  made  up  for  lost  time  in 
early  athletic  training  served 
years,  for  lie  became  famous 
and  distinguished  himself  by 
tlie  summer  of  1891,  at 
rescuing  two  New  York 
in  the  surf  at  the  great  risk 
to  his  business  career  and  his 
veston  Neivs  says  of  him : 
went  into  the  wholesale  dry- 
and  uncle,  and  few  poets  have 
of  what  there  is  iii  a  tine 
has  been  properly  made  up. 
torial  and  literary  work  for 
1887  he  went  into  the  cattle 
S.  B.  Chittenden  and  settled 
where  as  a  bachelor  he  now 
tlie  ranch,  listening  to  the 
music  of  the  night  winds, 
stincts,  and  his  spirit  rose  in 
life  into  his  lines,  and  our 
of  his  success.  His  '  Ranch 
assumed  tangible  form   and 


(^Ay-VyJJKJ^  ^  Kf^J\AJiSflji>~\^^ 


hard  study  and  reading.  His 
him  a  good  ])urpose  in  later 
as  arider,  swimmerand  diver, 
his  boldness  and  daring  in 
Spring  Lake  Beach,  N.  J.,  by 
young  ladies  from  drowning 
of  his  own  life.  Referring 
genius  as  a  poet,  the  Gal- 
"When  very  young  Larry 
goods  Ijusiness  with  his  father 
a  better  aji^treciation  than  he 
piece  of  dry-goods — after  it 
He  also  has  done  much  repor- 
the  New  York  papers.  In 
business  with  his  uncle  Mr. 
in  Jones  County,  Texas, 
resides.  The  solitary  life  on 
songs  of  the  birds  and  the 
developed  Larry's  poetic  in- 
song.  He  has  wrought  his 
readers  may  well  be  proud 
Verses,'  as  Larry  terms  them, 


assumed  tangible  form   and   |^  — r*/)..  iD  Gi^'  irV""^^    were  published  in  a  volume 

issued  by  G.  P.  Putnam's  v\!  JJliU^^vV^  ^X)^o^JiAA^^  UivxUflA-dc^  gy^g^  of  js^ew  York.  The 
first   edition   was    soon    ex-  ^^  hausted,  and  the  second  edi- 

tion, more  elaborate  than  the  first  and  beautifully  illustrated,  has  lately  been  issued.  The  critics  of  this 
country  and  P^urope  were  unstinted  in  their  ])raise  of  the  work,  and  Larry  tinds  himself  on  the  high  road 
to  fame  in  this  his  first  attempt  to  reach  the  public.  In  Western  parlance,  'honors  are  easy'  with  him 
and  he  bears  them  modestly."  The  Boston  Home  Journal  says  of  the  volume  :  "  It  is  full  of  true  poetic 
genius  and  is  a  very  welcome  contribution  to  our  best  American  poetical  literature."  The  London 
Saturday  Review  says:  "  Ranch  Verses  are  tuneful,  manly  in  sentiment,  and  musical  in  How.  The^' 
have  a  right  cheerful  tone  and  are  full  of  spirit  and  vivacity.  The  joy  of  existence  and  the  sense  of 
perfect  sympathy  for  free  and  tameless  nature  animates  Mr.  Chittenden's  lyrics."  "Sure  to  become  a 
favorite,"  says  the  Glasgow  (Scotland)  Herald.  IhMic  Opinion  says :  "  Will  win  from  readers  old  and 
young  unstinted  praise  and  warm  eulogy.  The  bold  intellect  of  the  author,  tempered  by  culture  and 
refinement,  has  produced  a  volume  that  must  bring  him  fame.''  "  Ranch  Verses,"  says  the  Review  of 
Reviews,  "  are  worthy  of   a  place  beside  those  of  Riley,  Ilarte,  Field  and  Miller."     Not  an  adverse 


^  y 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  209 

criticism  of  the  work  has  yet  appeared,  and  a  vohime  could  be  compiled  of  the  many  pleasant  things  said 
by  his  reviewers.  In  the  words  of  the  St.  Louis  Republic:  "We  repeat  that  '  variety  is  tlie  soul  i>f  it  all 
and  the  spice  of  life  pervades  it.' "  The  Montclair  TiV/u'-s,  belicviiisj  that  in  this  case  a  "prophet  hatli 
honor  ill  his  own  country  "  and  anions  his  own  kindred,  enqihasizcs  the  sentiments  expressed  by  others, 
and  says,  "  All  honor  to  our  Poet  lianclunan." 

THE  PARKIlUliST  FAMILY  AND  COLLATERAL  BRANCHES. 

Four  families  of  this  name,  bearinj;  arms,  are  mentioned  by  IJurke  as  early  as  the  fifteenth 
century;  two  were  of  London,  one  was  of  Cuunty  Noi'folk,  one  of  County  Surrey.  One  of  this  name 
was  Lord  Mayor  of  London  in  IGii.i.  Another,  Rev.  Joiiii  Parkluirst,  was  Ciiaplain  to  Queen  Elizabeth 
— so  stated  in  Alice  Strickland's  "  Queens  of  England."  The  London  family  bore  Arms. — Argent  a  cross 
ermines  between  four  bucks  trippatit  ppr.  Cnst. — Out  of  a  pallisado  coronet  or,  a  buck's  head  erased 
ai-geiit  attired  of  the  first. 

Geoeuk  PAUKnrKST,  the  American  ancestor,  was  of  Watertown,  Mass.,  as  early  as  1()43.  lie 
married  Susanna,  widow  of  John  Sitnpson,  and  removed  to  Boston  about  1655.  He  had  a  son  George  (2) 
Ijy  his  tir^t  wife,  liorn  in  England  in  KilS. 

(tkhkgk  (2)  PAKKuriiST,  son  of  George  first  b}' his  first  wife,  was  born  in  I'ils  in  England  and 
cMme  over  with  his  father.    He  remained  in  Watertown.    He  married,  and  liad,  among  other  children,  .lolm. 

John  (1)  Pakkhlkst,  son  of  (ieorge  (2)  married  and  had  a  child,  John  (2). 

John  i'l)  Pakkhlkst,  son  of  John  (I),  was  born  in  Watertown.  He  married  and  had  children, 
Isaac  and  Jonas,  who  removed  to  Milford  about  1735. 

Jonas  Pakkhikst,  son  of  John  (2)  wiis  born  in  Watertown,  married  Abigail  Morse,  and  removed 
to  Milford,  Mass.     They  had  a  son,  Ephraini. 

Ephkaim  I'AKKncK.sT,  son  of  Jonas  and  Aliigail  (Morse)  Parkhurst,  was  born  in  Milford,  Mass., 
Dec.  27,  1743.      lie  married  Jemima  Mayward,  and  had  a  son  Nathan. 

Nathan  Pakkhlkst,  son  of  Ephraini  and  Jemima  (Mayward)  Parkhurst,  was  born  in  Milford, 
June  20,  1770.  He  dwelt  mostly  on  the  "Island,"  so  called,  and  for  many  years  owned  a  mill  seat  just 
Ik'Iow  Charles  Itiver  Bridge  :  he  was  a  clothier  anil  miller  by  trade  and  did  an  extensive  business.  He 
married  Ruth,  daughter  of  Deacon  Nathaniel  and  Elizabeth  (Nelson)  Rawson,  born  October  25,  1770. 

Deacon  Nathaniel  Rawson,  born  July  l>,  1745,  was  the  son  of  Thomas,  who  was  the  son  of 
Wilson,  who  was  the  son  of  Grindal  Rawson,  "The  faithful  and  learned  ])astor  of  the  Church  of  ('hrist 
in  Mendon,  who  died  February  (>,  1715.  This  Grindal  Rawson  was  the  author  of  a  work  entitled 
•(."onfcssions  of  Faith,'  written  in  the  Indian  and  Etiglish  tongues.  He  was  the  friend  and  classmate  of 
Cotton  Mather.  By  an  order  passed  by  the  General  Court  of  Massachusetts,  July  31,  1C92,  he,  with 
others,  was  desired  to  accompany  the  General  and  I^orces  in  the  expedition  against  Canada,  to  carry  on 
the  worshiping  of  God  in  that  ex)iedition.''  Grindal  was  the  son  of  William,  who  was  the  son  of 
Edward  Rawson,  the  progenitor  of  all  bearing  the  name  of  Rawson  in  the  United  States.  He  was  born 
in  (iillingliani,  Dorsetshire.  England,  April  15,1015.  He  was  married. in  England  to  Rachel  Periie, 
daughter  of  Tiiomas  Periie,  and  grand-daughter  of  John  Hooker,  whose  wife  was  a  (irindal,  sister  of 
Edmund  Grindal,  Archbishop  of  Canterbury  in  the  reign  of  Queen  Elizabeth.  Edward  Rawson  came 
to  Newljury,  in  the  Colony  t)f  Massachusetts  Bay,  as  early  as  1G37.  He  was  a  grantee  of  that  town, 
chosen  Publick  Notary  and  Register,  1638,  and  was  annually  re-elected  until  chosen  Secretary  of  the  Colony. 

The  issue  of  the  marriage  of  Nathan  Parkhurst  with  Ruth  Rawson  was  Evelina,  born  1797; 
Ziba,  born  1799;  Stephen  Rawson,  of  whom  hereafter;  Parmenus  Parsus,  born  1802,  and  Waldo, 
born  LSU7. 

Stephen  Rawson  Pakkhlkst,  third  child  and  second  son  of  Nathan  and  Ruth  (Rawson)  Park- 
burst,  was  born  at  ^filford,  Ma.=s.,  March  19,  1802.  He  enjoyed  the  usual  advantages  of  a  common  school 
education,  with  a  brief  term  at  the  academy.  It  was  his  father's  wish  that  he  study  civil  engineering, 
but  for  this  he  had  neither  taste  nor  inclination.     His  fondness  for  mechanics  was  shown  in  early  life, 


21(1  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

Ijiit  it  was  not  until  the  necessity  arose  that  he  developed  the  wonderful  inventive  genius  that  afterward 
placed  him  in  the  front  rank  of  American  inventors.  He  was  but  nineteen  years  of  age  when  his  father 
died,  and,  being  thrown  on  his  own  resonrces,  he  began  the  battle  of  life  with  nothing  save  his  own 
indonutable  will,  pluck,  energy  and  perseverance.  He  lirst  took  to  himself  a  wife  and  then  obtained 
a  situation  in  the  carding  department  of  a  woolen  mill,  where  he  not  only  mastered  the  details,  but  saw 
the  necessity  fur  and  the  advantages  to  be  gained  by  improved  machinery.  His  lirst  invention,  although 
a  very  important  one,  he  neglected  to  patent,  and  thereby  failed  to  reap  the  benefits  of  it.  His  services, 
however,  became  valuable  to  his  employer,  and  by  the  time  he  reached  his  majority  he  had  accumulated 
a  capital  of  $2,000,  with  which  he  started  in  bl^siness  for  himself,  lie  was  successful  from  the  beginning, 
and  was  constantly  engaged  in  making  improvements  in  cotton  and  woolen  machinery. 

His  elder  brother  succeeded  to  the  father's  business  in  Milford.  Stephen  next  assumed  it,  who, 
after  carrying  it  on  for  a  short  time,  and  making  still  further  improvements,  met  with  a  great  disaster  in 
the  destruction  of  the  building  by  tire.  After  many  hard  struggles  he  decided  to  remove  to  New  York 
City,  where  he  soon  after  constructed  machinery  for  the  manufacture  of  his  several  inventions,  and 
organized  a  company  for  the  purpose  of  operating  the  business  known  as  the  Atlas  Manufacturing  Com- 
jmny.     This  was  subsequently  transferred  to  Newark,  where  the  business  is  still  continued  in  that  name. 

As  an  inventor  Mr.  Tarkhurst  did  more  to  revolutionize  the  manufacture  of  wool  atul  cotton  than 
any  man  since  the  days  of  Amos  "VVhittemore  and  Eli  Whitney.  His  first  invention  was  known  as  the 
Burring  Machine,  for  which  he  obtained  Letters  Patent  May  1,  1845.  The  object  of  this  invention  was 
to  remove  the  burrs,  and  other  foreign  substances,  from  wool  before  carding,  thereby  preventing  damage 
to  the  card  clothing,  and  etlecting  great  saving  in  labor  and  material,  and  to  free  cotton  from  seeds  and 
other  substances  injurious  to  the  staple,  thereby  materially  enhancing  its  value. 

When  used  in  comljination  with  a  carding  machine,  as  it  generally  is,  the  burr  cylinder  is  placed 
next  the  feed  rollers,  draws  the  unburrcd  wool  fi-om  l)etween  them  on  to  i)lain  surface,  between  narrow, 
toothed,  or  serrated  steel  rings,  placed  upon  a  light,  hollow,  rigid,  metallic  cylinder,  called  a  burr 
cylinder ;  the  plain  surface  being  somewhat  less  in  diameter  than  the  serrated  rings,  allows  the 
nuiterial  to  be  drawn  below  the  periphery  of  the  steel  rings  on  to  the  plain  surface,  and  leaves  the 
burrs  0!i  top  to  be  knocked  off  by  a  revolving  guard  over  the  burr  cylinder  into  a  trash  leceptacle  in 
front.  The  wool  being  thus  freed  from  burrs,  is  stripped  from  the  burr  cylinder  in  the  rear  by  a  rapidly 
revolving  card-clothed  cylinder  of  the  carding  nuichine,  and  passes  on  through  the  machine  in  the  ordinary 
process  of  carding.  Previous  to  this  invention  various  attempts  had  been  nuule,  especially  on  buriing 
wool,  to  devise  some  means  whereby  the  burrs  could  be  removed  without  injury  to  the  libre  and  the  wool 
rendered  more  serviceable  for  high  grade  manufacturing  purposes,  but  with  only  partial  success.  At  the 
time  of  the  introduction  of  these  machines  into  use,  the  old  methods  of  picking  the  burrs  from  the  wool 
by  hand,  or  cutting  theui  out  with  common  sheep  shears,  was  generally  resorted  to.  But  this  process 
was  slow,  tedious,  expensive,  and  unreliable,  and  wool,  which  was  very  burry— especially  foreign  wools 
of  this  description — was  only  used  to  a  very  limited  extent  in  this  country,  in  consequence  of  the  great 
difficulty  and  expense  incurred  in  removing  the  burrs. 

Besides  inventing  numerous  other  machines  of  a  similar  character,  Mr.  Parkhurst  made  many 
improvements  in  his  burring  machine.  He  was  subjected  to  a  long  and  expensive  litigation  in  de- 
fending his  patents,  and  Judge  Nelson  i>f  the  U.  S.  Circuit  Court,  in  giving  his  decision  in  1865, 
remarked  that  "  this  invention  was  very  meritorious." 

He  invented  his  Double  Burring  Machine  in  18(52.  His  steel  ring  cylinders  and  feed  rollers 
as  applied  to  carding  machines  are  still  regarded  as  the  best  in  the  market,  and  his  machinery  for 
cleaning  wool  is  considered  far  superior  to  any  machine  for  this  purpose  in  this  country  or  in  Europe. 

His  Steel  Cylinder  Cotton  Gin,  patented  long  before  the  war,  was  of  inestimable  value  to  the 
planters  of  the  South.  One  planter  wrote  :  "The  cotton  that  I  ginned  on  them  last  year  sold  for  one 
and  a  half  cents  more  than  my  saw-gin  cotton."  This  was  especially  adaj^ted  to  the  long  and  short 
staple  cotton,  withont  injury  to  the  fibre.  It  received  the  First  Medal  and  Diploma  at  the  Fair  of  the 
American  Institute  in  1869. 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  211 

.Mr.  Parkliurst  had  a  large  sale  for  his  Cotton  Gin  at  tlie  South  before  the  war.  lie  lost  heavily, 
however,  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  and  after  that  confined  his  attention  principally  to  the 
manufacture  of  other  niacliinery.  He  removed  to  Montclair,  or  what  was  then  West  Bloomfield, 
about  1S.5T.  He  [jurchased  the  Mountain  House  property,  where  he  resided  for  a  number  of  years 
until  his  death  in  April,  Is^T. 

He  was  a  man  of  nnimpcacbable  integrity,  uprightness  of  chai-acter,  generous  to  a  fault,  and 
greatly  beloved  by  his  associates  and  employees — to  any  and  all  of  whom  he  was  ever  ready  to  lend 
a  hei|iing  hand. 

Mr.  Parkhurst  married  Thankful  Legge,  daughter  of  David  I^gge,  of  Mendon,  Ma.ss.,  who  served  as 
Sergeant  in  the  War  of  the  Revolution,  and  was  with  Washington  at  Valley  Forge.  He  was  a  descendant 
of  John  Legge,  of  Salem,  1031,  who  came  in  the  fleet  with  Winthropand  lived  at  Marblehead.  Members 
of  this  family  weie  noted  for  their  personal  jirowess  and  courage ;  several  of  them  took  part  in  the  Colonial 
as  well  as  the  French  and  Indian  Wars ;  their  descendants  were  largely  represented  in  the  War  of  the 
Rebellion.  David  Legge  was  the  son  of  William,  who  was  probably  the  son  of  John  Legge,  of  Mendun, 
who  married  JLinnah  Nelson,  daughter  of  Cxersham  and  Abigail  ( Winthrop)  Xelson  born  at  Rowlev,  1714. 

The  issue  of  Mr.  Parkhurst's  marriage  with  Thankful  Legge  was  Sylvester,  born  1S22,  died  1824; 
Elizabeth,  who  married  Warren  Holt;  Emily  Ruth  and  Henry  C.  The  latter  was  a  bright,  promising 
young  man  who  inherited  much  i.f  his  father's  inventive  genius.  Referring  to  his  untimely  death,  the 
MUford  Journal  says :  "  Among  the  lost  by  the  late  explosion  of  the  steamer  Princess  on  the 
^[ississippi  River,  was  Henry  C.  Parkhurst,  only  son  of  Stephen  R.  Parkhurst.  of  New  York,  formerly  of 
this  town.  Ry  this  sad  casualty  a  father  and  mother  and  two  sisters,  with  a  large  circle  of  relatives,  have 
been  bereaved  of  a  most  dutiful  and  affectionate  son,  brother  and  frietxi.  In  his  business  relations,  whicli 
were  very  extensive,  he  had  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  all  with  whom  he  was  in  any  way  coimected. 
He  leaves  beliiml  liitn  the  record  of  a  short  life  well  spent,  and  the  cheering  consolation  to  his  friends 
that  liis  record  was  on  high.  He  wiis  a  prominent  man,  and  was  acting  as  traveling  agent  of  the 
establishment  when  he  lost  his  life.  His  education  was  received  at  the  Mountain  House  School,  kept  by 
Mr.  Warren  Holt,  then  one  of  the  most  popular  educational  institutions  in  the  State.  It  was  this  fact 
that  led  his  parents  subsequently  to  settle  in  this  locality  and  to  purchase  the  building. 

Mr.  Warren  Holt  (long  known  as  one  of  the  most  successful  teachers  in  We.st  Bloomfield),  who 
married  the  second  cliild  of  Stephen  R.  Parkhurst,  erected  on  the  crest  of  the  mountain,  near  Bloomfield 
Avenue,  one  of  the  beautiful  villas  in  that  locality.  The  site  on  which  this  house  rests  afifords  the 
most  extended  view  of  any  f.ther  in  the  township.  Looking  toward  the  east  there  is  an  uninterrupted 
view  of  the  whole  country  from  the  mouth  of  the  Hudson  River  to  the  terminus  of  the  Pali.sades.  Look- 
ing west  there  is  a  beautiful  view  of  the  township  of  Verona  in  the  valley,  with  the  Second  Mountain  and 
the  township  of  Caldwell  in  the  distance ;  looking  north,  the  beautiful  Passaic  Valley,  with  its 
numerous  towns  and  villages,  easily  discerned  on  a  clear  dav. 

THE  BO  YD  FAMILY. 

Line  ok  Desce.vt  of  Robert  M.  Bovd. 

It  is  stated  in  "Burke's  Landed  Gentry,"  that  "This  family  is  of  very  considerable  antiquity, 
having  a  common  ancestor  with  the  Boyds,  Earls  of  Kilmarnock,  the  last  of  whom  bearing  the  title 
suffered  on  Tower  Hill  in  174.^  for  his  devotion  to  the  ill-fated  race  of  Stewart.  The  first  recorded 
ancestor,  Simon,  brother  of  Walter,  High  Steward  of  Scotland,  witnessed  the  foundation  charter  of  the 
monastery  of  Paisley  in  H<;0,  and  is  therein  designed  'frater  Walter!  filii  dapferi.' "  He  was  father  of 
Robert,  called  Boyt  or  Boijd,  from  his  complexion,  the  Celtic  wi^rd  Boidh  signifying  fair,  and  from  liim 
derived  the  various  families  of  the  name.  The  lands  of  Kilmarnock  were  granted  by  Robert  the  Bruce 
to  his  gallent  adherent.  Sir  Roijkrt  B(ni),  who  had  been  among  the  first  as-sociates  of  the  prince  in  his 
arduous  attempt  to  restore  the  liberties  of  Scotland.     Sir  Robert  was  father  of  three  sons:  Sir  Thomas, 


212  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

liis  lieir ;  Alan,  who  commaiuled  tlie  Scottisli  archers  at  the  siege  of  Perth,  in  1339,  where  he  was  slain. 
The  eldest  son.  Sir  Thomas  Boyd,  was  taken  prisoner,  together  with  King  David  II.  at  the  battle  of 
Durham  in  13-16. 

James  Boyd,  one  of  the  four  brothers  who  migrated  to  America,  was  of  Kilmarnock  stock, 
originating  iu  Ayreshire,  Scotland  ;  transferred  to  County  Down,  in  the  North  of  Ireland.  This  James, 
the  third  brother,  sailed  from  Belfast,  Ireland,  August  9,  ITofi,  witii  his  wife  and  children.  His  eldest 
son,  Samuel,  visited  America  four  years  earlier  than  his  fathei",  and  returned  to  Ireland,  whence  he  came 
back  as  a  permanent  settler  in  1756,  and  thereafter  resided  in  Little  Britain  Parish,  Conn.,  until  his 
death,  May  27,  1801,  in  his  sixty-seventh  year.  He  served  in  the  French  and  Canadian  War,  and 
furnished  a  substitute  in  the  Revolution.  His  son  James,  who  settled  in  Winsted,  Conn.,  forged  the 
chain  that  was  stretched  across  the  Hudson  from  Fort  Washington  to  the  Jersey  shore  during  the 
Revolution,  to  prevent  the  British  ships  from  passing  up  the  river.     He  had  a  son,  Samuel. 

Sajiuel  (i)  BoTD,  born  June  24,  1802,  was  engaged  as  a  trader  and  manufacturer  in  Winsted 
till  1S33.  He  was  prominent  in  military  and  other  affairs  in  his  native  town  and  was  Captain  of  a 
militia  company.  He  went  to  New  Orleans  in  1S36  in  company  with  four  friends,  all  of  whom  died 
during  the  great  yellow  fever  epidemic  of  the  following  year.  He  was  the  first  taken  and  after  his 
recovery  nursed  his  friends.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Howard  Benevolent  Association  and  did  a  noble 
work  in  nursing  the  sick  during  the  prevalence  of  that  terrible  scourge.  He  matle  many  friends  and  was 
sucees.sful  in  all  his  lousiness  operations.  He  invested  largely  in  real  estate  and  owned  a  beautiful 
residence  in  Lafayette,  then  a  suburb  above,  now  a  portion  of  the  city  of  New  Orleans.  He  was  popular 
with  the  masses  and  served  as  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Aldermen.  He  returned  to  New  York  City  in 
1850,  and  engaged  in  the  commission  hardware  business.  He  was  appointed  Aj^praiser  in  the  New  York 
Custom  House  in  1S60,  and  held  that  position  until  his  death  in  1885.  He  was  for  some  years  a  resident 
of  Brooklyn ;  was  one  of  the  founders  and  a  j)rominent  member  of  Plymouth  Church  during  the  early 
part  of  Beecher's  pastorate  and  was  instrumental  in  calling  him  to  the  church.  He  removed  to  West 
Bloomfield  about  185G,  and  later  built  a  house  on  Fullerton  Avenue,  on  the  site  now  occujjied  by  the 
Wilde  Memorial  Chapel,  where  he  resided  until  his  death.  The  house  was  removed  to  Grove  Street  and 
is  at  present  occupied  by  Dr.  Shelton.  He  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  First  Congregational  Church 
in  Montclair,  and  was  instrumental  in  calling  Dr.  A.  A.  Bradford  as  its  pastor.  He  was  a  man  of 
genial  nature,  sympathetic,  and  of  large-hearted  liberality.  He  was  a  friend  of  the  poor  and  unfortunate, 
and  delighted  in  doing  good  and  helping  others.  He  married,  September  20,  1825,  Sylvia  Coe  (still 
living,  1893),  daughter  of  Jonathan  and  Charlotte  (Spencer)  Coe,  a  descendant  of  Robert  Coe,  who  came 
from  England  in  163-4  and  settled  in  Connecticut. 

Tliey  had  issue,  James  31.,  deceased  ;  3Ljria)ine  (married  Henry  B.  Keen);  Sarah  Jane,  married 
Thomas  Howe  Bird  (see  sketch) ;  Robert  Mimro,  of  whom  hereafter ;  Alice  Isabel,  born  in  New  Orleans, 
La.,  married  Rev.  Nelson  Millard — issue,  Ernest  Boyd  and  Ethel  Florence. 

Robert  Muneo  Boyd,  fourth  child  of  Samuel  and  Sylvia  (Coe)  Boyd,  was  born  in  Winsted, 
Conn.  His  education  was  received  at  the  public  school  and  academy  in  his  native  town.  He  came  to 
New  Yoi'k  about  1852  and  engaged  as  clerk  in  the  wholesale  dry-goods  business,  and  in  1868  he  became 
a  partner  in  a  large  importing  house,  of  which  he  has  since  become  the  senior  partner,  the  business 
having  been  successfully  conducted  for  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century.  His  success  is  due  in  a  great 
measure  to  the  confidential  relations  established  between  himself  and  his  employees.  They  are  treated 
like  men,  and  made  to  feel  that  the  interests  of  employer  and  employee  are  mutual.  His  aim  in  life  has 
been  to  apply  the  golden  rule  in  all  his  relations  with  his  fellow  men.  Modest  and  unassuming,  yet  a 
man  of  great  energy,  force  and  determination  of  character. 

A  portion  of  his  early  life  was  spent  in  New  Orleans  and  later  in  Brooklyn.  He  removed  to 
Montclair  in  1856,  and  has  not  only  witnessed  but  has  aided  materially  in  its  growth  from  a  little  village 
of  a  few  hundred  inhabitants  to  a  suburban  township  of  over  10,000.  He  has  invested  extensively  in 
real   estate   both   in   IMontclair   and   Upper  Montclair,  which  he  has  greatly   improved.     He  has   been 


I 


I 

I 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  213 

especially  interested  in  the  liiyiiiir  out  and  itnpros-ement  of  streets,  and  was  for  some  years  a  member  of 
the  townshiji  Koad  Commissioners.  He  lias  also  served  several  years  as  trustee  of  the  First  Congregational 
Church.  In  l^^^>'^  he  built  his  present  house,  51  Fullerton  Avenue,  where  he  has  since  resided.  He 
married  Kate  15.,  daughter  of  ^Fatthias  Crane,  grand-daughter  of  Israel  (!ranc,  and  sixth  in  descent  from 
Nathaniel  Crane,  one  of  the  origiiuil  settlers  of  Cranetown.  Issue  :  Robert  M.,  Jr.,  Susie  Belle,  and 
Bertha  Louise. 

KoiJKHT  M.  Bovn.  Jr.,  son  of  Robert  M.  and  Katharine  (Crane')  Boyd,  was  born  in  Montclair, 
May  ."»,  ISii^.  lie  began  his  education  in  the  i)rimary  department  of  the  Montclair  public  school,  passing 
through  the  various  grades,  graduated  with  honor,  and  took  the  valedictory.  Entered  Yale  in  1880; 
took  a  Latin  prize  in  the  Freshman  Class  and  the  mathematical  prize  in  the  Soi)homore.  He  was 
appointed  to  speak  at  the  Commencement  and  took  the  Cobden  (^lub  medal  for  excellence  in  political 
economy.  lie  entered  Colundjia  Law  School  in  1SS4,  graduating  in  ISSG  with  the  degree  of  LL.B., 
and  took  the  degree  of  M.A.  from  Columbia  School  of  Political  Science.  lie  began  practice  in  the 
office  of  Davies,  Cole  and  Rapallo,  New  York,  the  same  year.  He  spent  one  year  with  the  Title 
CJuarantee  and  Trust  Company,  ami  later  opened  an  otHce  on  his  own  account  at  ?.2  Liberty  Street.  On 
January  1,  1889,  he  formed  the  present  co-partnership  of  Murphy,  Lloyd  &  Boyd,  and  has  already  acquired 
a  corporation  litigative  and  real  estate  practice.  He  is  an  indefatigable  worker,  and  his  college  athletic 
training  enables  him  to  attend  to  his  increasing  responsibilities.  Courteous,  and  even  generous  to  his 
opj)onents,  yet  he  leaves  no  stone  unturned  to  win  his  case  i>y  honorable  means.  During  his  college  life 
he  took  an  active  part  in  athletic  games,  and  in  these  he  has  been  a  leader  in  Montclair.  AVlietber  at 
play  or  wurk,  he  obeys  the  Scriptural  injunction,  "  Whatsoever  thy  band  findetli  to  do,  do  with  thy 
might."  He  has  been  Secretary,  Treasurer,  and  President  of  the  Tennis  Club;  Secretary,  Vice-President, 
and  President  of  the  Dramatic  Club,  and  Governor  of  the  Athletic  Club.  He  is  ecpially  earnest  in 
religious  ati'airs  and  is  assistant  deacon  in  the  First  Coui'rcs'ational  C'liurch. 

HENRY    NASON. 

Mr.  Nason  was  among  the  first  of  the  "new  comers"  to  Montclair.  He  was  a  native  of 
Augusta,  Me.,  born  June  11,  1818.  He  came  to  New  York  City  at  an  early  age  and  began  business 
as  clerk  with  one  of  the  largest  firms  in  the  city,  without  compensation.  At  the  age  of  twenty-one 
he  started  in  business  for  himself  at  Farmington,  Me.  He  purchased  grain  from  the  farmers  direct, 
ship]>ed  by  teams  to  Hallowell,  and  thence  to  New  York  by  water.  He  was  the  lirst  to  engage  in  the 
grain  luisiness  in  that  locality.  Later  he  returned  to  New  York  City  and  engaged  in  the  wholesale 
flour  and  grain  business,  on  the  corner  of  Water  and  Broad  Streets,  becoming,  with  his  brother-in-law, 
Captain  Collins,  one  of  the  leading  firms  in  this  line.  He  was  for  some  time  a  resident  of  Brooklyn, 
aiul  was  one  of  the  founders  of  Pilgrim  Church  (Dr.  Storrs). 

He  resided  for  two  years  in  New  York  City,  and  in  1859  removed  to  IVIontdair,  where  he  purchased 
a  large  tract  of  land  on  the  mountain  slope.  He  built  the  large  stone  mansion  which  faces  Hillside 
Avenue,  using  the  trap  rock  from  the  cliff  directly  in  the  rear.  He  was  the  pioneer  on  the  mountain 
slope,  and  erected  altogether  fourteen  houses.  He  opened  at  his  expense  Hillside  Avenue  and  IVIountain 
Avenue  from  the  Turnpike  to  the  Ilaskill  property,  afterward  continued  to  Llewellyn  Park.  He  also 
opened  Gates  .Avenue,  giving  it  his  wife's  maiden  name.  He  was  enthusiastic,  j)ubli('-s]iirited,  a  man  of 
intense  energy  and  an  earnest  worker  in  the  cause  of  temperance.  His  personal  influence  brought  to 
Montclair  many  of  its  best  citizens.  He  was  a  trustee  in  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  liecame  one  of 
the  founders  of  the  Congregational  Church.  He  subsequently  removed  to  Virginia  and  liought  a 
plantation  six  miles  from  Orange  Court  House,  which  soon  became  a  settlement,  with  a  post  oflice,  and 
later,  when  a  railroad  was  cut  through,  he  encouraged  the  enterprise,  and  in  recognition  of  his  aid, 
the  company,  after  his  death,  named  the  place  Nason.  He  at  once  established  a  colored  Salibath 
School,  which  became  very  large,  and   in  which  every  member  of  his  family,  old   enough,  was  a  teacher. 


2U 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


The  cliildren  were  taught  to  sing  the  Bradljury  liyinns,  and  as  soon  as  tliey  were  ahle  to  I'ead  he  pre- 
sented them  witli  Bibles.  Si.xty  Bibles  were  thus  given  away,  and  a  flourishing  church  was  finally 
established  on  the  plantation. 

On  a  business  trip  to  IVIontclair,  September  6,  1876,  he  died  veiy  suddenly  immediately  after  his 
ari'ival.     lie  was  buried  in  Rosedale  Cemetery,  Orange. 

Mr.  Nason  was  twice  married,  first  to  Sarah  Wingate,  of  Maine,  liy  whom  he  had  three  children — 
two  sons  and  a  daughter.  Jle  married,  secondly,  Anna  Gates,  a  native  of  Massachusetts,  but  educated  and 
married  in  New  York  City,  by  whom  he  had  eight  children.  Henry,  the  eldest,  married  Emelie  Wood- 
rufi:,  and  resided  for  many  years  in  Montclair,  now  of  liedlands,  Cal.  Joseph  Wingate,  the  second  son, 
died  in  service  of  the  Union  Army  during  the  Civil  War  (for  record  see  Montclair  in  the  Rebellion). 
The  third  child,  Sarah,  married  Geo.  Innes,  Jr.,  who  died  suddenly  in  Virginia ;  two,  Theodore  and 
Cliarles,  died  in  infancy.  The  others  were  Horatio,  Arthur,  Frederick,  Isabel,  Malcolm  and  Anna;  the 
latter  married  Hamilton  Gathrie,  and  resides  in  Colorado;  Isabel  resides  with  her  motlier  at  San  Diego, 
Cal. ;  the  other  sons  referred  to  ai-e  engaged  in  business  in  Calift)rnia. 

R.  M.  IIENING. 

TioB?:RT  McClay  Hening  was  one  of  the  pioneers  of  the  new  settlement,  and  was  present 
and  took  a  jirominent  part  in  the  discussion  which  gave  the  new  township  its  present  name.  He  was  a 
native  of   Steuben  ville,  O.,  ^^^^^^^  born  in  1812,  his  father,  James 

Gordon  Ilenins.  a  native   of 


thence,  in  the  early  part  of  the 
received  a  collegiate  education 
established  an  extensive  mer- 
Mo.,  which  he  carried  on  for 
18J5  he  removed  to  St.  Louis, 
established  house  of  James  E. 
being  changed  to  Hening  & 
New  Orleans  and  New  York, 
nent  mei'chants  in  St.  Louis 
dent  of  the  Chamljer  of  Com- 
esteem  by  the  members  of  that 
in  1856  necessitated  his  re- 
year.  The  members  of  the  St. 
adopted  a  series  of  resolution.s 
him  as  a  merchant,  and  of  their 
presented  him  with  an  elegant 


Vii'ginia,  having  removed 
pi'esent  ceiitui-y.  R.  M.  Hening 
in  Virginia.  He  subsequently 
can  tile  business  in  Alexandi-ia, 
some  five  or  six  years.  About 
Mo.,  where  he  joined  the  old- 
Woodruff,  the  firm  afterwards 
\Voodrufl:,  with  branches  at 
lie  was  one  of  the  most  promi- 
and  was  for  some  time  Presi- 
merce,  and  was  held  in  high 
body.  The  death  of  his  partner 
moval  to  New  York  the  same 
Louis  ('haml)er  of  Commerce 
expressive  of  their  esteem  of 
personal  regard  as  a  man  ;  and 
silver  service,  consisting  of  sal- 
ver, coffee  urn,  etc.,  on  which  -vC,    JnJKP^^    ^^^^r  was  inscribed  the  following  : 

"  Presented  to  R.  M.  Hening,  '^^^^^^^^^^^^  ''^*'^  President  of  the  Chamber 

of  Commerce  by  the  Merchants  ^^^^^^^'^  and  Marine  of  said  city,  as  a 

testimonial  of  their  regard  and  '^'  ^''  "^■^^^''•-  esteem." 

Mr.  Hening  earrie<l  on  the  business  successfully  under  different  firm  names  until  after  the  close 
of  the  war,  wlicn  lie  retired  from  the  firm,  and  devoted  himself  to  other  financial  enterprises,  principally 
in  New  flersey.  In  lsO(.»  he  purchased  a  large  tract  of  land  on  Mountain  Avenue,  in  Montclair,  where 
he  built  a  handsome  residence.  He  was  especially'  interested  in  public  affairs  ;  was  a  member  of  the 
Board  of  ('hosen  Freeholders  of  the  county  ;  was  twice  a  candidate  for  the  Legislature,  and  in  lioth 
cases  was  honored  by  receiving  votes  from  the  opposite  Jiai'ty.  He  was  essentially  a  gentleman,  kind, 
courteous  and  polite;  and  a  man  of  great  liberality.  lie  took  a  prominent  part  in  the  erection  of  the 
new  township,  and  was  very  active  in  pu.shing  forward  the  new  railroad  enterprise.  Soon  after  coming 
to  the  town  he  united   with  the   First   Presbyterian   Chui-ch,  but  subsequently  withdrew  and  united  with 


History  of  Montclaik  Townsiiii'.  -215 

St.  l,iikf"s  Ki)iB('oi)iil  Cliurcli,  wliieh  was  tlieii  in  rather  a  weak  cuiulitioii.  lie  liDiii^lit  a  tine  [)iec'u  of 
])ri>]»erty  wiiich  lie  presented  to  the  Cliiircli,  and  also  made  a  liberal  donation  for  the  erection  of  the 
ehurcli  editice.      He  died  in  .lumiarv,  1S75. 

SodiL  after  tiie  death  of  Mr.  Ilening  a  special  nieetini;  of  the  \'estry  of  St.  Luke's  Church  wa.^; 
held  and  the  following  preamble  and  resolution  was  ado])ted  : 

Whereas,  The  Vestry  of  St.  Luke's  Church  having  heard  of  the  death  of  our  late  esteemed  associate,  Mr.  Robert 
M.  Ileiiing  ;  therefore,  be  it 

litso/Tfii.  That  in  the  death  of  Mr.  Hening  the  Church  and  community  have  occasion  to  mourn  the  loss  of  one 
whose  jjenial  presence,  uprightness  and  integrity  of  character,  wise  counsels,  unaffected  kindness  of  heart,  and  thoughtful 
and  unselfish  solicitude  for  the  comfort  and  welfare  of  others  endeared  him  to  all  who  enjoyed  the  privilege  of  his 
acquaintance. 

For  several  years  a  most  earnest  and  efficient  member  of  this  Vestry,  feeling  a  deep  interest  in  the  welfare  and 
prosperity  of  the  Church,  not  alone  evidenced  by  words  but  by  munificent  liberality,  freely  giving  of  his  means  in  the 
erection  of  our  beautiful  church  building,  and  in  sustaining  the  ministrations  of  the  tiospel,  the  Vestry  cannot  let  this 
occasion  p.-iss  without  bearing  record  to  their  uninterrujJted  confidence  and  affectionate  regard  during  the  long  and 
pleasant  official  and  personal  intercourse  they  have  enjoyed  with  tlieir  departed  and  lamented  friend.  Tliey  will  ever 
cherish  his  memory  in  affectionate  remembrance,  and  as  a  testimony  of  respect  will  attend  his  funeral  in  a  body. 

A'fsi>/<'ti/.  That  these  proceedings  be  placed  upon  the  minutes  of  the  Vestry  and  the  Secretary  be  requested  to 
forward  a  copy  to  the  afflicted  family,  with  the  assurance  of  our  sincere  and  earnest  sympathy  in  the  great  bereavement 
thev  have  sustained. 

ALFRED  TAYLOR,  Secretary  Vestry. 

M<i.NTLi..\iR,  January  20,  1875. 

Mr.  Ileniiiir  was  twice  married;  Hi-st  to  Elizabeth  I'liininier  Hyde,  second  to  Sarali  Mills 
Carrington.  He  had  issue  by  his  first  wife,  .lulia  E.,  who  married  .Mbi'rt  Pearce.  Elizabeth  A.  (who 
married  Thomas  IJ.  (Trahami,  Robert  McClay,  and  .lames  Woodridf.  He  had  three  children  by  his 
second  wife. 

Hubert  .\[c('lay  Ilening,  third  child  of  Robert  McClay  and  Elizdietli  I'lummcr  (Hyde)  Hcning, 
was  born  in  St.  Louis,  .Nfo.,  June  7,  l>i47.  He  came  East  with  his  parents  in  lS.")ti,  and  was  educated  at 
the  Brooklyn  Polytechnic  Institute.  He  was  engajred  for  a  time  in  his  father's  office,  and  subseciuently 
represented  the  gold  (le|mrtmcnt  of  Edward  Sweet  vV  Co.  in  the  E.xchango,  remaining  until  gold  reached 
par,  and  was  afterward  in  the  office  of  that  firm.  Later  he  started  in  business  for  himself,  dealing 
specially  in  government  bonds  and  miscellaneous  .securities,  and  had  charge  of  the  de]>artment  of 
goverment  bonds  foi-  tin'  house  of  lvlw:nd  Sweet  &  ('o.  Snb9e((uently  he  bought  a  seat  in  the  Con- 
solidated Stock  E.xchaiige.  dealing  in  . -locks,  petroleum,  etc.,  continuing  until  1  SI)  1.  He  has  since  been 
engaged  in  the  real  estate  business  in  .Montclair. 

GEORCiE  GARDI.NKK  I  )i;.\  I'KK. 

Mi:.  I)i;ai'i;k  wa>  iiorii  at  Urooktield,  N.  II.,  October  7,  1S13.  Juims^  the  .Viiierican  ancestor  of 
the  I)ra[»ers,  was  the  son  of  Thomas  Draper,  of  the  Priory  of  Ilepstonstall,  \'icarage  of  Halifa.x, 
Yorkshire  County-,  England,  born  at  ilepstonstall  1018,  died  at  Ro.\bm-y,  Mass.,  duly,  UilU.  Ik: 
married  Miriam,  daughter  of  Gideon  Stanstield  and  Grace  Eastwood,  of  Wadsworth,  Yorksliire.  He 
emigratt'd  to  Xew  England  previous  to  1076,  being  at  Chai'lestown  that  year.  He  subsiqiieiitlv 
settled  at  Ro.xbury,  Mass.,  where  three  of  his  children  were  born,  and  moved  thence  to  Dedhani, 
where  he  resided  for  some  years,  and  fiiudly  returned  to  Ro.xbury. 

The  descent  of  (ieorge  G.  Draper  from  James,  the  ancestor,  is  through  Juines  (2),  James  {'r>), 
Ju.'iltita,  and  Axa,  who  was  his  father.  The  latter  married  Ruth  Whittemore,  daughter  of  Thomas,  and 
a  direct  descendant  of  Thomas  Whittemore,  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  of  Charlestown,  Mass.,  about 
1638-1).  The  farm  of  Thomas,  the  ancestor,  was  bounded  east  by  Chelsea  and  south  by  ^lystic  River. 
This  remained  in  possession  of  the  Whittemore  family  until  1845,  and  the  homestead  remained  intact 
until  1866,  when  it  was  destroyed  by  tire.  This  family  traces  its  origin  from  John,  Lord  of  Wliytemere. 
Earlier  than  the  year  1300  is  the  iirst  recorded  name,  that  of  John,  Lord  of  Wliytemere,  having  his 
domicile  at  Wliytemere,  on  the  north  side  of  the  parish  of  Bobbington,  in  the  manor  of  Claverly,  in 
Shropshire.     At   the   present   time   the   same   locality  bears   the   name  of  Whittemore.     The  Anglo- 


21ti 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


etymology  of  the  word  Wliyteinere,  is  lohite  meadoto,  or  lake,  and  the  first  John,  Lord  of  ANHiytemere, 
derived  the  name  of  the  family  from  the  place  where  they  originally  resided. 

George  G.  Draper,  son  of  Asa  and  Ruth  (Whittemore)  Draper,  was  edncated  in  his  native  town, 
and  removed  to  New  York  City  abont  1S36,  where  he  obtained  a  position  as  clerk  in  the  once  prominent 
firm  of  L.  &  V.  Kirby.     His  large  acqnaintance  with  Vermont  and  New  Hampshire  business  men, 


Ull.LoW    lUiuuK    IIUMKSTEAD. 


together  with  his  peculiar  abilities  as  a  salesman,  gained  for  him  a  recognized  position  in  the  trade,  and 
soon  enaljled  him  to  begin  business  on  his  own  account.  About  the  year  lS-i<>  be  formed  the  bouse  of 
Welling,  Hoot  &  Draper,  and  subsequently  was  a  member  of  the  firms  of  Draper,  Aldricb  t*c  Friiik, 
Draper,  Aldricb  &  Co.,  Draper,  Knox  ife  Ingersoll,  and  Draper.  Knox  it  Co.,  importers  and  commission 
merchants.     In  these  several  connections  he  was  uniformly  successful  until,  in  the  financial  cyclone  of 


^m^^^ 


■l//^^ 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  217 

1857,  the  last-naiuod  firm  sncfumVjed.  Durini;  tlie  reiiiaiiiiiiir  years  of  his  lite  he  was  comparatively 
inactive  in  bnsiness,  althongli  busily  and  conscientiously  occupied  in  an  honorable  closiiiij  up  of  his  old 
affairs.  He  was  one  of  the  most  popular  and  energetic  of  Xew  York  merchants,  and  in  point  of  ability 
and  reputation  ranked  with  such  men  as  Simeon  ]}.  Draper,  his  esteemed  cousin,  and  other  prominent 
men  of  that  period.  While  taking  no  prominent  part  in  politics,  he  was  among  the  first  to  join  the  ranks 
of  the  republican  party,  and  was  loyal  in  his  support  of  the  government  during  the  war.  He  encouraged 
enlistments  of  young  men  and  in  some  cases  even  supported  their  families  during  their  absence.  He 
setit  cpiaiitities  of  food,  provisions,  fruit,  wine  and  dotliing  to  army  hospitals  for  the  benefit  of  sick  aiui 
disabled  soldiers.  Although  his  means  were  limited  during  the  latter  j-ears  of  his  life,  he  never  failed  to 
respond  to  the  calls  of  charity  and  benevolence.  Any  case  of  suffering  or  want  that  appealed  to  iiini 
found  a  (piick  and  ready  response.  Deserving  young  men  found  in  him  a  faithful  fiiend  and  wise 
counselor. 

Mr.  Draper  spent  many  years  in  Brooklyn,  where  he  was  well  known  in  social  circles  and  highly 
esteemed.  He  was  a  regular  attendant  at  I'lymouth  Church.  After  closing  up  his  business  affairs  in 
New  York,  he  sold  iiis  Brooklyn  j)roperty  and  purchased  what  was  known  as  the  Willow  liruok  Fai-ni  in 
Montclair,  consisting  of  about  t!(i  acres  situated  oti  AVashington  Avenue,  near  the  Orange  IJoad,  and 
running  to  the  Illoomfield  line.  The  property  was  formerly  owned  bv  Jason  Crane;  the  iniu>e,  built  in 
17'>4,  is  still  in  an  excellent  state  of  jtreservation,  and  is  one  of  the  most  i)ictures(pie  of  the  old  landnuiiks 
of  Montclair.     (See  view.) 

Mr.  Diaper  was  one  cf  the  i)arties  who  were  instrumental  in  naming  the  present  township.  Iteing 
a  native  of  (.'laremont,  X.  il.,  he  suggested  that  name,  but  as  it  was  found  that  there  were  several  other 
places  of  this  name,  it  was  reversed  and  called  Jlaittclair. 

Thniigh  not  a  member  of  any  church,  be  exemplified  in  his  daily  walk  the  teaching  of  the  Bible, 
and  endeavored  to  live  up  to  the  '•  (ioiden  liuie."  He  married,  Dccendter  ;">,  lS4t!,  Miss  Annie  C. 
Ballard,  of  New  York.  Issue  :  Georgia  Annie,  Charles  Ballard,  Rebecca  Ballard,  Iluth  Clara,  and 
Frank   llal'anl. 

SAMUEL  WIl.DK. 

Samiki.  Wii.dk  W!is  born  in  Dnrdiesti-r,  Mass.,  October  •'!,  l.s;!l,  and  <!ic<I  in  Montclair,  N.  .1., 
March  S,  iSitd.  He  was  a  descendant  of  John  \Vilde,  who  came  from  England  in  Kiss,  and  settled  in 
South  Braintrce,  Ma.ss.  John  Wilde  married  in  IC'JO,  Sarah  Hayden,  granddaughter  of  Richard  Thayer, 
who  was  made  a  freeman  in  lt>4n,  and  became  a  resident  of  Brainlree,  Ma.-;s.,  in  1041.  She  was  a  descendant 
of  William  1  layden,  who  came  over  in  the  "  Mary  and  John,"  in  1680,  and  settled  in  D(jrcli ester,  Mass.  The 
(•liijiirfn  of  .loiin  and  Sjirah  Hayden  Wilde,  were  John,  Samuel,  William  and  Sarah.  The  Samuel  referred 
to  had,  among  other  children,  a  son  Joseph  (grandfather  of  Samuel  Wilde,  the  suljject  of  this 
sketch),  who  was  a  I.icntenant  in  the  Continental  Army,  in  the  War  of  the  Revolution,  his  commission  be- 
ing signed  by  John  Hancock  (see /ac  ««Vi/Z<;  of  commission  on  opposite  page,  together  witii  the  arms  of 
the  Wilde  fiimily  and  collateral  branches)  whf)  was  an  officer  in  the  War  of  the  Revolution.  His  ^on 
Samuel  (who  was  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch;  was  born  in  Dorchester,  Mass.,  in  lS(tU,  and  reiiiovetl 
to  New  York  City  in  1820,  where  he  engaged  for  a  time  in  the  hardware  and  hjoking-glass  trade.  Eater 
he  engaged  in  the  coffee  and  spice  business,  under  the  firm  name  of  Witliington  &  Wilde,  his  j)artner 
being  tiie  pioneer  in  this  country  of  the  process  of  roa-sling  coffee  by  machinery  for  the  grocers'  trade. 
He  resi<leil  for  some  years  in  New  York,  and  subsequently  removed  to  Williamsburgh,  now  Brooklyn, 
Eastern  district.  He  became  quite  ])roniinent  in  the  abolition  movement  in  the  days  when  men  were 
persecuted  lor  daring  to  express  their  opinions  or  utter  a  word  against  the  institution  of  slavery.  He  was 
a  warm  friend  of  the  colored  race,  and  often  assisted  in  their  escape  from  bondage,  by  the  "  underground 
railroad."  and  at  one  time  harbored  at  his  own  .store  a  fugitive  slave.  He  built  a  church  for  tlie  colored 
peo])le  on  South  Third  Street,  Williamsburg,  which  wa«  attended  by  the  white  as  well    as   the  colored 


218  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

people,   lie   boiiia;   elected   a   deacon    of   the   church.     lie  married  Sai'ah,  daugliter  of  Eoliert  Jones  of 
Chester,  Enf;land,  hy  whom  he  had  four  sons  and  seven  daughters. 

Samuel  Wilue,  the  second  son,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  removed  witli  his  parents  in  early  childhood 
to  New  Yorlc,  and  later  to  Willianishuri^h,  where  he  received  the  best  educational  advantages,  and  studied 
for  a  time  with  his  uncle,  Hev.  .bilin  Wilde.  In  I  S4S,  he  entered  his  father's  counting-room,  and  some 
years  later  became  a  partnei' in  tiie  honst'  iiiKh'r  thf  tirm  name  of  Samuel  Wilde  &  Sons,  consisting  of 
himself  and  his  brother  Josej)li.  After  the  death  of  the  father  it  Ijecame  Samuel  Wilde's  Sons.  Ant)ther 
change  took  place  after  the  death  of  his  brother  . I oseph,  in  1878,  Samuel  Wilde  succeeding  him  as  the 
head  of  the  lirm,  continuing  in  this  capacity  for  twelve  years,  and  during  this  period,  under  his  able 
management  the  business  largely  increased  and  became  one  of  the  leading  houses  in  this  line  in  the 
country,  and  attained  a  reputation  for  the  purity  of  its  goods  and  honesty  in  its  dealings,  second  to  no 
other  house.  The  business  was  continued  at  the  same  location  where  it  was  first  established  in  1 814. 
Mr.  AYilde  conducted  his  business  on  Christian  principles  and  applied  the  "golden  rule"  to  all  his  busi- 
ness transactions ;  and  it  is  said  that  he  never  sold  a  bill  of  goods  that  he  would  not  willingly  take  back, 
and  return  the  money  if  a  customer  was  dissatisiied.  "  Honesty  "  was  not  a  matter  of  "  policy  "  with 
him,  but  a  well-grounded  principle.  lie  was  not  only  lenient,  but  liberal  towards  his  unfortunate  debtors, 
preferring  to  suffer  loss  rather  thnn  cause  suffering  to  another.  i\Ir.  W^ildc  was  a  director  in  the  Cliatliam 
15ank,  the  j\Ieriden  Cutlery  Company,  aiul  other  institutions. 

Like  his  father,  he  early  espoused  the  cause  of  the  weak  and  tlown-trodden,  and  became  an  ardent 
al)i)litionist  at  a  time  when  it  required  courage  of  the  highest  <irder  to  be  identified  with  the  abolitiim 
party.  He  was  an  earnest  worker  with  his  father  in  the  colored  church  and  Sunday  School  of  Williams- 
burgh,  lie  married,  in  1853,  Mary  E.,  daughter  of  Joshua  Lunt,  of  West  Falmouth,  Maine,  a  descendant 
of  Henry  Lunt,  who  came  from  England  on  the  ship  "  Mary  and  .lolm,"  in  iri.'ll,  and  settled  first  in 
Ipswich,  and  afterwards  in  JS'ewbury,  Mass. 

Mr.  Wilde  removed  with  his  fanaily  to  Montclair  in  1860,  and  purchased  a  bouse  jiartly  finished  on 
Eagle  Rock  AV^ay,  now  Llewellyn  Koad.  He  completed  and  finisiied  the  house,  and  greatly  imjiroved 
and  beautified  the  grounds.  Three  years  later  he  sold  the  property  and  purchased  a  plot  on  Union 
Street,  on  which  he  erected  a  fine  house  and  laid  out  the  grounds  in  a  tasteful  manner.  This  he  subse- 
quently sold  and  the  property  is  now  owned  by  Mr.  liussell.  He  had  great  faith  in  the  future  of  Mont- 
clair as  a  suburban  town  and  continued  to  invest  in  i-eal  estate.  About  ISO-t  he  bought  a  plot  on  what 
was  then  High  Street — now  Fullerfon  Avenue.  On  that  he  commenced  the  erection  in  1870  of  one  of 
file  finest  residences  in  the  town,  Imilt  of  brown  stone,  in  the  most  substantial  manner,  requiring  three 
years  to  complete.  He  planned  all  the  interior  arrangements,  the  especial  feature  of  which  was  his 
librai'V — extending  from  the  second  floor  to  the  peak  tif  the  Gothic  roof,  27  feet  in  height,  closely  resem- 
bling the  interior  of  a  beautiful  (iotliic  chnreh.  The  decorations  and  furnishings  were  all  made  to 
harnutnize  with  the  general  design.  IMounted  on  a  loft  in  the  same  style  of  church  architecture  he 
erected  an  organ,  and  arranged  everything  in  a  manner  suitable  for  the  entertainment  of  his  mimerous 
friends.  His  extensive  library  covers  the  entire  space  of  two  sides  <.if  the  room,  and  is  well  stocked  with 
the  best  works  of  standard  authoi-s. 

Mr.  Wilde  was  a  strong  advocate  of  the  present  school  system,  -which  lias  done  so  much  for  tlie 
advancement  of  Montclair.  He  was  one  of  the  Trustees,  and  established  a  system  of  prizes  known  as  the 
"  Wilde  Prizes  "  to  encoui'age  greater  proficiency  in  the  scholars  in  the  various  branches  of  study. 

He  was  a  member  of  the  Town  Committee  in  1871,  and  advocated  the  adoption  of  numerous  public 
iiii|ir(>vements.  He  represented  the  Assembly  District  in  the  State  Legislature  in  1872-73,  and  made  for 
himself  an  honorable  record. 

W'hen  he  first  removed  to  Montclair  ill'.  Wilde  united  with  the  First  Presbyterian  Church,  but 
witlidrew  with  others  in  1870  and  became  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Plrst  Congregational  Church  of 
Christ.  He  was  one  of  its  first  Trustees,  and  continued  in  office  for  about  eighteen  years,  and  its  first 
Treasurer — was  a  member  of  the  Building   Committee,  and  during  the  whole  period  of  his  life  in  Mont- 


History  of  Montclair  TowNsmr.  219 

clair.  up  to  the  day  of  liis  death,  was  one  of  the  most  faithful  workei-s  in  tlie  cliiirch  and  Sabbath  School, 
having  taught  a  class  until  his  failing  health  conijjelled  him  to  relinc^uish  those  duties,  and  almost  tlie  la.st 
act  of  his  life  was  to  j)rovide  a  most  delightful  and  attractive  stereopticon  entertainment  for  the  children 
of  the  Sabbath  School. 

The  "Words  of  Kemembrance"  uttered  by  his  Pastor,  Rev.  Dr.  IJiadford.  vuice<l  the  sentiments  of 
all  who  knew  him.     He  s.iys  : 

"  It  is  a  great  thing  to  liave  lived  as  many  years  as  our  friend  in  the  midst  of  suffering  and  pain,  and 
to  have  kept  his  faith  ;  to  have  been  associated  in  tlie  affairs  of  business  so  long,  and  t(j  have  preserved  a 
spotless  re])Utation  ;  to  have  engaged  in  j)olitics  and  never  to  have  had  a  suspicion  of  dishonor  attaciied  to 
his  name  ;  to  have  lived  all  these  years  and  be  able  to  say  at  the  last ;  '  I  liave  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have 
kejit  the  faith,  I  have  finished  my  course.'  And  so  it  is  that  we  are  gathered  here  in  celebration  of 
victorv.  We  minj'le  oiir  tears  with  those  who  weeii,  but  we  feel  that  the  causes  of  sorrow  are  fewer  tiian 
the  reasons  for  rejoicing. 

''  It  is  fitting  that  we  shouM  recount  to  one  another  some  of  those  traits  of  character  and  of  life 
which  have  inadc  the  name  of  our  friend  a  dear  aiul  honored  name  among  us. 

"  ( )f  his  beautiful  fidelity  in  his  home  we  may  not  s]>eak,  and  yet  there  is  no  need,  so  evident  was  it 
and  so  constant.  We  might  speak  of  his  honorable  reputation  in  business  circles  where  never  a  shadow 
of  suspicion  crossed  the  minds  of  any  ei^ncerning  his  integrity  and  manliness.  We  might  speak  of  his 
brief  career  in  politics,  where  he  was  always  known  as  a  man  absolutely  incorruj)tible,  one  whose  very 
look  was  a  rejiroof  to  any  who  should  dare  approach  him  with  the  suggestion  of  a  bribe.  *  *  * 
In  a  thousand  (juiet  ways  he  was  always  helping  those  who  were  oppressed. 

"  He  was  ])ublic  spirited.  For  the  last  twenty-five  years  no  good  work  has  Ijeen  started  in  this 
community  which  has  not  had  his  active  and  hearty  symjiathy.  In  the  library  of  this  house  meetings 
have  i)een  held  for  many  of  the  most  prominent  movements  fur  the  improvement  of  the  town,  and  no 
man  among  us  was  more  earnest  than  he  in  advocacy  of  wise  plans  for  advancing  the  pulilic  interest. 

"  He  was  the  constant  friend  of  our  educational  institutions,  not  only  here  but  in  the  country  at  large. 
Only  a  few  months  ago  the  President  of  one  of  our  Western  colleges  came  East  in  an  emergency,  and 
met  a  (piick  response  from  the  generosity  of  Mr.  Wilde.  Many  other  institutions  both  North  and  South 
have  t>ecn  liberally  aided  by  him.  For  many  years  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wilde  have  given  the  prizes  in  our 
public  sci Is.  and  it  is  pecidiarly  fitting  that  the  school  sessions  should  have  been  adjoiirned  this  after- 
noon in  memory  of  their  frien<l. 

"  From  the  organization  of  the  church  until  his  strength  had  failed,  so  that  it  was  impossible  for  him 
to  cfjutinue  the  work,  he  and  his  wife  jirovided  the  flowers  for  the  Sunday  services,  and  for  the  anniver- 
siirv  occasions  of  both  church  and  ,*^unday  ,'^chool.  Often  I  have  found  him  and  his  wife  at  work  with 
the  flowers  on  SuTulay  morning,  when  a  large  part  of  the  congregation  were  enjoying  their  rest." 

Dr.  Bradford  alluded  to  the  building  which  he  planne<l.  and  to  other  work  he  did.  familiar  to  those 
who  knew  him  in  ids  daily  walk.  Mr.  Wilde  was  long  an  invalid,  but  his  choice  and  well-stocked  library 
afforded  him  ample  opportunity  to  gratify  his  jittrary  taste.  He  was  a  collector  of  old  and  rare  books 
anil  j)riiits  ;  and  a  bound  volume  of  Shakespeare,  mailc  up  of  a  collection  of  rare  old  prints,  some  of 
them  over  a  hundred  years  old,  was  a  work  on  which  he  spent  much  time  and  showed  excellent  judgment. 
Astronomy  was  a  favorite  study  of  his,  and  he  erected  an  observatory  in  the  rear  of  his  house,  where  he 
placed  a  telescope  of  great  power,  said  to  have  been  the  largest  at  the  time  of  any  in  the  State,  anri  by 
means  of  which  he  made  many  iin])ortant  observations,  lie  also  made  experiments  in  photography 
which  afforded  him  an  interesting  ])astime,  and  his  work  compared  favorably  with  the  best  amateurs. 

Mr.  Wilde  was  a  man  of  fine  j)ersonal  appearance;  in  his  manner  he  was  modest  and  unassuming; 
and  while  a  member  of  the  Legislature  he  recpiested  those  who  addressed  him  not  to  use  the  prefi.v 
of  '•  Honorable,"  as  was  the  custom ;  he  disliked  anything  that  had  even  the  appearance  of  vain  glory  or 
egotism. 

He  was  naturally  retiring  ami  shnink  from  obseivation.    He  gave  liberally  to  objects  of  charity  and 


220  History  of  Montci.atk  Township. 

benevolence,  but  only  the  recipients  were  aware  of  the  extent  of  his  gifts,  as  he  invariably  followed  the 
rule  :  "  Let  not  tliy  right  hand  know  what  the  left  hand  doeth." 


CHARLES  KNIGHT  AVILLMEK. 

Although  an  Englishman  by  birth,  Mv.  Wilhner  has  been  a  resident  of  this  country  for  half  a 
century,  and  has  become  as  thoroughly  identitied  with  its  institutions  as  though  to  the  manor  born.  His 
ancestors  for  several  generations  were  hard  working  people,  who  "earned  their  bread  by  the  sweat 
of  their  brow,"  and  have  made  their  influence  felt  for  good  wherever  their  lot  has  been  cast. 

]\[r.  Wilhner  was  born  in  Liverpool,  Eng.,  October  0,  1820.  His  father  was  a  prosperous  news 
agent  in  Liverj^ool,  who  had  built  up  a  large  and  extensive  business,  and  was  thoroughly  taniiliar  with  all 
the  periodical  literature  of  the  day.  Charles  K.,  the  son,  was  sent  to  school  at  the  Aleehanics'  Listitute 
in  Liverpool,  where  he  acquired  a  sutticient  knowledge  of  the  rudimentary  branches  to  iit  him  for  an  active 
business  life.  At  the  age  of  fourteen  he  entered  liis  father's  employ,  and  after  serving  an  apprenticeship 
of  four  years,  having  reached  the  age  of  eighteen,  he  came  to  this  country  and  established  business  for 
himself  (although  representing  his  father)  as  an  importer  and  dealer  in  foreign  periodicals.  He  com- 
menced business  in  18ii,  and  carried  it  on  by  himself  for  the  first  year;  he  then  associated  with  him  Mr. 
L.  M.  Rogers,  his  brother-in-lasv,  and  together  the}'  built  up  an  extensive  trade  in  foreign  periodicals. 
!Mr.  Rogers,  the  partner  of  Mr.  AVillmer,  returned  to  England  in  1S5S  to  assume  the  charge  of  the  foreign 
ofKce,  and  the  entire  management  of  the  business  in  this  country  was  left  to  Mr.  Wilhner.  In  I8CS  the 
firm  became  an  integral  part  of  The  American  News  Company,  under  the  name  of  "  The  Willmer  & 
Rogers  News  Compan}-,"  which  in  Feliruary,  1879,  was  changed  to  the  "  International  News  Company," 
still  holding  the  same  relations  to  The  American  News  Company,  the  former  having  chai-ge  of  all 
imported  periodicals;  also  of  German  periodicals  published  in  this  country.  In  1S79,  when  the  name 
was  changed,  Mr.  Wilhner  was  elected  to  the  Secretaryship  of  The  American  News  Companj',  and  has 
since  continued  in  that  position.  This  is  the  largest  News  Company  in  the  world,  and  one  of  the  largest 
business  corporations  in  this  country,  controlling,  as  it  does,  the  sale  of  newspapers  and  periodicals  in 
almost  every  town  and  village  throughout  the  United  States. 

Mr.  Willmer  resided  for  a  number  of  years  in  Brooklyn.  In  April,  1SG3,  he  removed  to  Montclair 
and  purchased  from  Sidney  B.  Day  about  thirteen  acres  of  ground  on  the  Orange  Road,  lying  between 
the  farms  of  Zenas  Baldwin  and  Gideon  Wheeler,  and  extending  thence  toward  the  mountain  about  1,100 
feet  to  Harrison  Avenue,  known  as  the  Stiles  homestead  property.  A  part  of  the  homestead,  which  is 
still  standing,  is  said  to  be  upward  of  one  hundred  years  old.  It  was  enlarged,  and  additions  made  to  it 
in  1862  by  Sidney  B.  Day,  who  purchased  it  from  the  Stiles  estate.  The  present  dining  room  and 
library  form  a  part  of  the  original  homestead.  A  narrow  road  formerly  ran  along  the  line  of  Mr.  Will- 
mer's  property'  in  a  westerly  direction  to  the  mountain,  which  was  nuide  use  of  to  cart  wood  from  the 
mountain.  This  was  closed  in  1865,  when  Mr.  Henry  Nason,  in  connection  with  Mr.  Willniei',  ojiencd 
what  is  now  known  as  Gates  Avenue. 

In  making  Montclair  his  residence,  Mr.  Willmer  ajipreciated  the  inijiortance  t>f  improved  educational 
facilities,  and  gave  freely  of  his  time  and  money  to  further  this  end.  He  was  in  hearty  accord  with  Dr. 
Love  and  others  in  their  efforts  to  change  the  old  district  schoiil  system  to  the  present  system  which  is 
far  in  advance  of  most  suburban  towns.  He  was  made  a  Trustee  in  1873,  and  for  a  period  of  eighteen  years 
he  labored  faithfully  and  earnestly  to  promote  the  educational  interests  of  Montclair.  For  nine  years — 
1883-1S91 — he  was  President  of  the  Board,  and  in  that  position  exercised  a  potent  influence  in  advanc- 
ing the  cause.  His  views  were  always  in  harmony  with  the  majority  of  his  colleagues,  and  when  he 
retired,  in  1891,  he  was  the  oldest  member  of  the  Board,  except  Dr.  Love.  He  earned  the  gratitude 
of  his  fellow  citizens  by  his  faithful  aiul  yiersistent  efforts  in  carrying  forward  the  system  of  higher 
education. 


lUx^L^  X.  -'^dL 


nve^'L'. 


History  of  Montclair  TowNsiiir. 


221 


Beiiiij  a  Democrat  in  politics  he  lias  always  worked  with  the  minority,  hut  at  the  same  time  has 
worked  hupefiilly  and  has  lived  to  sec  his  i>arty  tirndy  estahlishcd  with  brighter  prospects  for  the  future. 
During  the  war  he  gave  substantial  evidence  of  his  |)atri<>tisni  hy  his  generous  contributions  in  aid  of 
enlistments,  and  of  the  many  benevolent  undertakings  in  aid  of  tlie  Tnion  soldiers.  As  a  pul)lic-s))irited 
man  lie  is  held  in  high  esteem  by  iiis  fellow  citizens. 

Mr.  Willmcr  married,  in  18.52,  llarriette  Wheeler,  dauijiiter  of  Dr.  John  Wlieeler,  of  New  York 
City,  an  oculist  of  repute,  born  in  Birmingham,  England.  Eight  children  are  the  issue  of  this  marriage, 
only  three  of  whom  are  now  living,  viz.:  K<hi^,ird  ^'.,  deceased ;  Florence,  who  married  Frederick  M. 
"Wheeler,  now  living  in  Montclair;  Alfred  Z.,  deceased ;  /^^?7y>,  deceased ;  Amij,  married  Charles  K. 
Rogers,  the  son  of  iier  father's  former  partner;   Ethel,  deceased  ;   Clxirles,  deceased,  and  Jennie. 


THE    .\  D.V.MS    l-AMli.Y. 

1,IXK    OK    DkscK.ST    Klv-iiM     lIl-NriV     .\|>.\MS,    o|      I'.l;  A I M  K  IK,     M\s^..     llIoH. 

The  earliest  record  of  the  English  branch  of  the  Adams  family  is  that  of  .lohn  Ap  Adam,  who  was 
summoned  to  parliament  as  Baron  of  the  liealm,  l-J'.M".  to  |:'>U7.  It  is  .said  tiiat  .\p  Adam  (i  i  '•  i-;ime  out 
of  the  ifai-ches  (d' Wales."  ("Marches"  re  t'eiv  to  borders,  particularly  the  contines  of  Enghiii<l  on  the 
borders  of  Scotland  or  Wales  ;  the  Lords  of  the  Marches  were  noblemen,  who  in  tlie 
early  days  iidiabited  and  secured  the  ^^Hrches  of  Wales  and  Scotland,  iiiliiig  as  if 
they  were  i)etty  kings  with  their  jirivate  laws.]  In  tiie  upper  pait  of  a  (idtliic 
window  on  the  south-east  siiie  (d"  Tideidiam  Cliinrii,  near  Chopstow,  England,  the 
name  of  .lohn  .\ p  .\dam,  l.''lii,  and  '•  .l/'//(.v,  argent  on  a  cross  gules,  five  mullets  or," 
of  Lord  Ap  Adam  are  still  to  lu'  founil  (lsi):j^,  beautifully  executed  in  staine(l  glass  of 
great  thickness,  anil  in  perfect  preservation.  In.scrihed  on  the  arms  is  the  motto,  ■■<iih 
crnee  mli/x. 

Lord  John  .\p  .\dani  inarrii'(l  Elizabetli,  daughter  and  heii'ess  of  .lohn.  Lord 
(Journey,  of  Beviston  and  Tideiilrim,  ( 'ounty  of  Gloucester.  In  the  eighth  genera- 
tion Sir  John  Ap  .\dam  changed  the  name  to  "Adams." 

Henry  .\dams,  of  IJraintree,  Mass.,  10th  in  line  of  descent  from  Lonl  .lohn  .\|i 
Adam,  emigrated  to  New  England  in  103i),  in  the  ship  "  Eortune,"  and  in  I'elii-uary, 
lii41,  was  granti'd  4o  acres  of  land  by  Boston,  of  which  Braintree  was  a  part.  He 
bi'oiight  with  him  eight  sons,  and  was  the  great-grandfather  of  John  Adams,  second 
President  of  the  I'nited  States,  who  erected  a  granite  column  to  his  memory  in  the  churchyard  at 
iiraintree,  with  the  following  inscription  : 

"  In  memory  of  Henry  .\dams,  who  took  his  flight  from  the  dragon  of  pei'secution  in  De\ unshii'e, 
Englanil,  and  alighted  with  eight  sons  near  Mount  Wallaston.  One  of  the  sons  returned  to  England,  and, 
after  taking  time  to  explore  the  country,  four  removed  to  Medford  and  the  neighbouring  town.s,  two  to 
("helmsford.  One  only,  Josei)h,  who  lies  here  at  his  left  hand,  remained  here.  He  was  an  original 
pro])rietor  in  the  townshii)  of   Braintree,  1(5.39." 

The  descendants  of  Henry  Adams,  of  Braintree,  have  filled  the  highest  positions  in  the  various 
departments  of  the  Government,  and  many  of  the  most  noted  clergymen,  authors,  and  other  ])rofessional 
men,  trace  their  line  of  descent  fnnn  this  l)ranch  of  the  Adams  family.  Samuel  -\danis,  the  pati'iot ; 
Hannah  .\ilams,  the  first  authoress  of  this  country  ;  Adams,  the  inventor  of  the  steam  press  ;  Adams,  the 
founder  of  Adams  E.xpress  Co.,  are  all  descendants  of  Henry  of  Braintree. 

Wasiiixgtox  Ihviko  Adams,  who  lias  been  for  twenty-five  years  a  resident  of  Montclair,  and 
has  been  ideiititieil  with  the  various  ]niblic  and  private  enterpiises  connected  Avith  the  histoiy  of  the 
township  is,  from  the  best  evidence  that  can  be  (J>tained,  a  dc-ccndant  of  Ileniy  Adams  of  I'raintree. 
John  Adams,  second  President  of  the  I  iiittd  States,  iii  pa.' sing  to  and    frcm  Washingtcjn  and  his  home 


222  History  of  Montclair  TowNSiiir. 

ill  Braiiitree,  Mas,<.,  stopped  frerpiently  at  the  house  of  Jesse  Adams,  at  White  Plains,  N.  Y.,  and 
always  addressed  him  as  cousin. 

Jesse  Adams  married  Mary  Sycard,  daughter  of  Jonathan  Sycard  (now  Secor),  and  Sarah  Flandreau, 
descendants  of  tlie  French  Protestant  Huguenot  families  of  Sycard  and  Fhuidreau,  wlio  fled  from 
Rochelle,  France,  in  16S1,  and  settled  in  Xew  RocheHe,  Westchester  Co.,  New  York. 

Mr.  Adams  has  in  liis  possession  the  large  iron-hound  chest  in  which  xVnibroise  Sycard  and  his  wife, 
Jennie  Serrot,  packed  their  little  all,  on  the  night  of  their  end)arkment  from  Rochelle,  France. 

Washington  Irving  Adams  was  born  in  New  York  City,  March  25,  1832.  His  father  was  Barnahas 
Scureman  Adams,  who  married  Elizaheth  Carhart,  June  12,  IS;!1,  horn  Fehruary  7,  1 803,  daughter  of 
Ilachdhih  C'arhart,  horn  at  Rye,  N.  Y.,  Jan.  3(),  1755,  and  nuirried  April  2d.  1785,  Margaret  Anderson, 
daughter  of  Isaac  Anderson,  of  Rye. 

Hackaliah  Carhart  was  the  son  of  Thomas  (2),  horn  about   171 S,  and  Elizabeth  (Purdy)  Carhart, 


"  IRVINGCROKT,"    RESIDKNCE   OF   \V.    IRVING    ADAMS,    LLEWELLYN    ROAD. 

granddaughter  of  Hackaliah  IJi-own,  of  Rye,  who  was  the  son  of  Thomas  Brown,  of  Rye,  Sussex  Co.^ 
England. 

The  family  of  Brown,  of  Rye,  Westchester  Co.,  N.  Y.,  was  descended  from  the  Browns  of  Beach- 
worth,  in  the  Connty  of  Kent,  England,  founded  by  Sir  Anthony  Brown,  who  was  created  Knight  of  the 
Bath,  at  the  coronation  of  Richard  II. 

His  son,  Sir  Stephen  Brown,  was  Lord  Mayor  of  London  in  11. 'Jit. 

Sir  Thomas  Brown,  living  in  the  time  of  Henry  V.,  was  the  father  of  Sir  Thomas  Brown, 
treasurer  of  the  household  of  Henry  A^I.,  from  1444  to  1400. 

Thomas  Bi'own,  Es(|.,  of  Rye,  Sussex  Co.,  England,  emigrated  to  Concord,  Mass.,  in  1C32. 

His  sons  were  Thomas,  and  Hackaliah,  of  Westchester  Co.,  N.  Y. 

The  name  of  Rye,  AVestehester  Co.,  New  York,  was  given  in  honor  of  the  Brown  family,  of  Rye, 
Sussex  Co.,  Euirland. 


History  of  Montci.air  Township.  223 

Tlie  tii-st  Aiiicricaii  ancestor  of  the  Carliart  family  was  Tliomas  Oarhart,  horn  in  Cornwall.  Eng- 
land, about  l().")(l.  lie  arrived  in  Xew  York,  August  25,  1CS3,  holding  the  appointment  of  Private 
Secretary  to  Col.  Tlioma«  Dongaii,  English  Colonial  Governor  oi  the  Colonies  at  that  date. 

Thomas  Carhart  married,  in  ItilU,  Mary  Lord,  daughter  of  Kobert  Lord,  of  Cambridge,  and 
Rebecca  Phillips,  of  Boston,  Mass.,  and  granddaughter  of  ^[ajor  Wm.  Phillips,  Major  Coniniandant  of 
the  military  forces  of  the  Province  of  Maine  in  KiOS. 

The  name  of  Carhart  is  apparently  of  Saxon  and  Danish  origin,  from  : 

Car,       Anglo-Saxon,  a  rock,  or  cue/;  a  town  or  city. 

7/eiirte,  .\nglo-Saxon,  and  f/erle.  Old  Saxon,  from  which  is  derived  the  word,  heart. 
If' lift,    Anglo-Saxon,  and  //< rf.  Danish,  from  which  is  derived  the  woi'd  /u/rf,  a  stag. 
Arms  of  142n.  S/,i,/i/.  ar.  two  bars  sa.  in  chief,  a  demi  (xritlin,  issuant  of  the  la.st. 

Cirit,     a  demi  man,  naked,  ar.  a  wreath  about  his  head,  sa.  in  i-ight  hand  an  (paken 
branch,  vt.  Acorns,  or. 

Crest  of  16th  C'ent.   Cre«t,    a  stag,  ermined,  attired,     /'j/mo/ufsfon's  Ih  nthlnj. 

These  arms  were  achieved  and  gi'ante<l  in  the  reign  of  Ricliar<l  11.,  or  soon  after. 

The  issue  of  IJarnalms  Scnreman  anil  Elizabeth  (Cai-liart)  Adams,  was  Wasliingioii  living, 
Elizabeth  Armenia,  Mai-garet  Emily,  Mary  Louise  and  Elma  Mai-ia.  Washiugtipu  Ii\ing,  the 
eldest,  Wius  educated  at  the  public  schools  of  New  York.  lie  entered  the  service  of  the  Sco\ilI 
Manufacturing  Company  in  LS5S,  and  rapidly  rose,  through  successive  grades  of  responsibilities, 
until  he  was  a])i)ointed  in  1878  agent  of  the  company,  with  entire  charge  of  the  business  in 
New  York.  In  the  same  year  he  was  elected  director  of  the  company.  In  1875  he  became  president 
of  S.  Peck  ik:  Co.,  maniifactnrers  of  photogra])hic  apparatus  in  New  Haven,  Conn.,  who  had  previously 
come  under  the  control  of  the  Scovill  .Manufacturing  Company.  In  issy,  when  the  Scovi II  iV'  Adams 
Company  succeeded  to  tlii-  photographic  department  of  the  Scovill  Manufacturing  Company,  Mr.  Adams 
was  made  president  an<l  treasurer  of  the  new  corpoi-ation.  Under  his  able  management  the  business  of 
the  company  has  grown,  until  the  Scovill  and  .\danis  Company  has  become  the  ktrg'.-st  and  most  intlii- 
ential  manufacturing  tirni  of  photographic  apparatus  in  the  world.  HiirlMi;  the  1S7G  centennial  in 
Philadelpliia,  Mr.  Adams  was  identified  with  Dr.  Edward  L.  Wilson,  of  that  city,  antl  others,  as  first  vice- 
president  of  the  Centennial  Photographic  Company.  He  was  for  many  years  chairman  of  the  executive 
committee  of  tiie  .National    Photoj'raijhic  Association  of  America.     When  onlv  tweiitv-one  years  of  age 

he  was  elected  scl 1  trustee  in  the  Ninth  Ward.  New  York  City,  but  since  then  has  persistently  refused 

to  accept  any  |)roffered  public  office  under  the  ^Iunicii>al  or  State  government,  lie  was  foi-  many  years 
a  vestryman  of  St.  Luke's  Episcopal  ('linrch.  Since  young  manhood  he  has  been  jironiinentiy  identitied 
with  the  ^lasonic  fraternity,  having  served  twenty-one  years  as  secretary  of  Lafayette  Lodge,  No.  (14.  of 
New  York  City,  and  two  years  a.s  master.  On  Eebruary  it,  iS'.t;!,  he  wa.s  presented  by  the  lodge  with  an 
elegant  past  master's  jewel,  set  with  diamonds,  in  recognition  of  his  long  and  faithful  service.  In 
Capitidar  Masonry  he  was  advanced  and  cxaltcil  in  Corinthian  Chapter  to  i;..\.M.  In  the  Chivalric  Oi-iier, 
he  was  created  and  dubbed  a  knight  templar  in  Morton  Conunandery,  No.  4,  all  of  New  York  City,  lie 
is  also  a  member  of  the  Society  of  Colonial  AVars,  by  virtue  of  descent  from  three  ancestors  entitling  him 
to  meml)ership. 

Mr.  Adams  removed  with  his  family  to  Montelair  in  ls<is,  and  purchased  property  on  Llewellyn 
Road,  then  known  as  Park  Avenue,  which  was  within  the  origiinil  boundaries  of  Llewellyn  Park.  The 
homestead  connected  with  the  property  was  of  the  then  prevailing  style  of  architecture  of  unpretentious 
country  homes.  He  utilizeil  as  far  as  pi>ssible  the  buildings,  together  with  their  surroundings,  adding  to  and 
eidarging  the  homestead  with  interior  and  exterior  modern  imj)royenients.  The  land.scajie  features  were 
also  improved  by  the  a<ldition  of  shade  and  ornamental  trees,  until  the  ])lace  presented  a  decided  and  most 
picturesque  appearance,  forming  one  of  the  most  attractive  and  delightfid  homes  in  tlie  township.  The 
accompanying  illustrations  give  a  better  idea  of  the  pieturesquencss  of  the  j^lace  than  could  any  written 


22i 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


description.  Mr.  Ad.ams  sul)serjiieiitly  purcliased  coiisidera1)]e  unimproved  real  estate,  and  with  charac- 
teristic enterprise  has  erected  several  attractive  dwellings. 

Mr.  Adams  married  Marion  Lydia,  daughter  of  Hon.  George  Briggs,  of  New  York  City;  issue,  Briggs 
Booth,  horn  Septend)er  5,  1801,  died  December  24,  ISTo  ;  Charlotte  Elizabeth,  born  November  24,  18G2, 
died  February  24,  1S64;  W.  I.  Lincoln  and  Mary  Wilson. 

Washington  Ieving  Lincoln  Adams,  third  child  of  Washington  Irving  and  IMarion  Lydia  (Briggs) 
Adams,  was  born  in  New  York  C'ity,  February  22, 1865.  lie  was  educated  at  the  IMontclair  High  School, 
graduating  in  188:3.  In  the  same  year  he  became  associated  with  his  father  in  business  in  New  York. 
Naturally  of  a  literary  turn  of  mind,  he  early  assumed  editorial  charge  of  The  Photographic  Times,  an 
illustrated  weekly  magazine,  and  the  leading  organ  of  photograjdiy  in  this  country.  He  is  a  writer  of 
ability,  and  is  the  author  of  a  number  of  books  on  photographic  subjects.     lie  is  also  editor  of  "  The 


KESlllK-NCE    OK    \V.    I.    LINCOLN    ADAMS,    OKANGIi    ROAll. 

American  Annual  of  Photography,"  an  illustrated  record  of  photographic  progress,  which  has  attained  a 
yearly  circulation  exceeding  twenty  thousand  co|)ies.  lie  has  artisticalh'  photographed  all  the  pictures(jue 
and  historical  portions  of  Montclair  and  its  suri'oiindings,  and  in  1889  made  a  most  attractive  collection  of 
his  photographs,  and  pul.ilished  them  in  ])hotogravure,  entitled  ''Montclair:  a  Series  of  Photogravures 
from  Nature."  It  was  of  these  photograj)hs  that  Mr.  George  Inness,  Sr.,  said:  "They  are  very  charming, 
and  should  prove  extremely  useful  in  the  development  of  the  landscape  art  of  our  country."  Some  of  these 
photogi'aphs  are  re[)roduced  in  this  work,  and  Mr.  Adams  has  assisted  the  author  also  in  other  important 
ways,  including  the  contribution  of  some  valualde  historical  material  which  he  had  collectetl.  Mr.  Adams  is 
a  charter  inend)er  of  The  Outlook  and  Montclair  Clubs,  and  an  active  membei-  of  The  Congregational 
Clul)  of  New  York  am]  Vicinity,  and  of  The  Quill  Club.     He  is  a  mendier,  also,  of  the  American  Institute 


^^^c<^^Wii!<^e^     cy^^^/^i^^^T-^j^ 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


225 


and  of  tlie  Society  of  Amateur  Photographers  of  New  York,  and  an  lionorarv  nieniher  of  at  least  half  a 
dozen  other  photograpiiie  and  scientific  associations.  He  is  also  a  nieniher  of  the  Executive  Coniniittee 
of  the  Good  Government  Cluh,  recently  oi-ganized.  ifr.  Adams  recently  huilt  the  handsome  Colonial 
residence  on  Orange  Road,  where  he  now  resides.  lie  married,  November  21,  1S89,  Miss  Daisy  Grace 
Wilson,  daughter  of  the  late  James  ^\'ilson,  Esij.,  of  (leorgetown,  Ohio,  a  descendant  of  James  Wilson,  of 
Pennsylvania,  one  of  the  signers  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence,  whose  ancestry  dates  back  to  the 
time  of  Edward  T.  The  children  of  W.  I.  Lincoln  and  Daisy  (Wilson)  Adams  are  Wilson  Irving,  born 
August  it,  lM»n,  Marian  Klizaheth.  born  November  12,  isOl,  aiid  Priggs  Kilburii,  born  May  •">,  1S93. 

Mary  Wilso.v  Adams,  youngest  child  of  Washingtuii  Irving  and  Marion  Lydia  (Briggs)  Adams, 
was  born  in  ^[ontclair,  N.  J.,  July  S,  Istl'.t,  married  t)etiiber  81,  1892,  William  Palmer  Prigden,  of 
Norwich,  Conn.     Their  child,  George  Irving,  was  born  November  8,  1893. 


VIEW    FROM    "  IRVINGCROFT. 


Chapter  XV. 


The  Families  of  Brautiram,  Sweet,  Holmes,  Poetee,  Van  Vleck,  Johnson,  Noyes,  Benedict, 
Sullivan,  Baldwin  (W.  D.),  Caeey,  Russell,  Rand,  Wilson,  Undeehill,  Millee,  Buegess, 
Beadley,  Fabmee,  Eshbaugh,  Howaed,  Graham,  Wheelee  (F.  Meeeiam). 


MONG  tlie  last  of  tlie  old  New  York  settlers  who  began  the  develo])iiieiit  of  the  present 
township,  some  thirty  years  ago,  is  J.  CASTOR  BRAUTIGAM.  Mr.  Brautigani  has 
outlived  most  of  his  contemporaries, 
and  old  "Fatlier  Time"  has  dealt 
kindly  with  him,  he  having  passed 
the  allotted  time  of  "•  three  score  and 
ten "  years.  He  has  witnessed  the 
little  village  of  a  few  hundred  inhab- 
itants grow  to  a  flourishing  township 
of  over  ten  thousand. 

The  great-grandfather  of  Mr.  Brau- 
tigani came  from  Germany,  in  1755,  and  settled  in 
Philadelphia.  His  ancestors  were  prominent  in  the 
Reformation,  and  one  of  them,  a  Catholic  Bishop,  after 
a  careful  study  of  a  Lutheran  catechism,  renounced  his 
faith,  with  all  that  it  implied,  and  became  an  ardent 
"  reformer." 

J.  C.  Brautigani  was  born  in  Noithunil)erland, 
Pa.,  April  29,  1821.  When  he  was  but  six  years  of 
age,  his  father  died,  and  he  was  placed  in  charge  of 
his  grandparents  in  Philadelphia.  He  attended  the 
best  private  school,  and  mastered  all  the  ordinary 
branches  of  education  by  the  time  he  had  reached  the 
age  of  twelve.  He  then  entered  the  em]iloy  of  Edward 
C.  Diddle,  one  of  the  largest  publishers  in  the  country. 
A  strong  friendship  was  formed  between  employer  and 
employed,  which  continued  uninterrupted  for  a  period 
of  si.xty  years,  until  1S93,  when  his  old  emjiloyer  died 
at  an  advanced  age.  Mr.  Brautigani  remained  in  his  employ  for  eleven  years,  and  in  ls44  he  went  to  Chicago, 
and  there  established  what  was  then  the  second  book  concern  in  Northern  Illinois.  The  population  of 
Chicago  was  then  smaller  than  Moiitclair  is  at  the  present  time.  In  1847  he  sold  out  to  his  partner,  and 
removed  to  New  York  City,  where  he  became  a  member  of  the  firm  of  White,  Sheffield  &  Company,  one 
of  the  largest  paj^er  houses  in  the  country.  He  continued  this  connection  until  1869,  when  he  bought 
out  his  partners  and  organized  the  iirm  of  Brautigain  &  Watson.  About  1876  he  sold  out  to  his  partner 
and  retired  from  business. 

Mr.  Brautigam's  first  visit  to  this  part  of  the  country  was  by  stage  from  Newark.     He  was  favor- 
ably impressed  with  its  healthfulness  and  beauty,  and  in  1864  he  purchased  twenty  acres  at  the  south  end 


C.    BRAUTIGAM. 


(bcL'jj^a^'L.cL    ^uj~e^s^G. 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  227 

of  tlie  town.  lie  opened  what  is  now  Cedar  Avenue,  and  gave  it  the  name  on  aecoimt  of  tlie  large 
number  of  eedart^  in  that  locality,  lie  also  opened  High  Street,  .south  i>f  Cedar  Avenue,  some  l,oO(>  feet 
through  his  property.  He  was  a  member  of  the  first  Township  Committee  after  the  erection  of  Mont- 
clair as  a  separate  township,  and  was  Chairman  in  1S75-6.  He  was  also  a  member  of  the  first  Board  of 
Road  Commissioners,  continuing  fur  two  years.  Although  a  Republican  ho  is  non-partisan  in  politics 
and  received  alternately  the  nomination  of  the  republicans  and  democrats  and  was  the  first  town  officer 
elected  on  the  democratic  ticket. 

Mr.  lirautigam,  in  1872,  bought  a  large  plot  on  Mountain  Avenue,  where  he  erected  an  elegant 
residence  which  be  .sold  some  six  years  ago  to  Dexter  N.  Force,  of  the  firm  of  H.  15.  Claflin  &  Company. 
He  built  a  number  of  houses  in  the  town  at  different  periods. 

Mr.  nrautigam  is  the  oldest  living  mendicr  of  St.  Luke's  Episcopal  Church.  lie  became  a 
member  when  services  were  held  in  tlie  little  frame  building  on  Pine  Street,  near  the  I).  L.  &  W.  R.  R. 
depot.  He  was  for  many  years  one  or  its  most  active  supporters;  lie  served  as  Warden  and  Treasurer 
for  a  number  of  years. 

Mr.  Rraiitigam  married,  in  1845.  Miss  Mary  J.  Nicholls,  a  native  of  England.  Eight  children 
were  born  to  them,  four  of  whom  are  still  living.  His  only  daughter,  Josephine,  was  married  to  Samuel 
J.  Holmes.  His  son,  Frederick  A.,  is  a  resident  of  Montclair;  .lames  C.,  anotlier  son,  resides  in  (•  range, 
and  John  I).,  a  third,  resides  in  I'hiiadciphia. 

KDWAUD  SWEET. 

The  name  of  Sweet  is  variously  spelled,  Sweet,  Swete,  Swett  and  Swaile.  According  to  I!url<c, 
the  Swete,  or  Swett,  family,  bearing  arms,  gules  two  chevrons  between  as  many  mullets  in  chief  and 
a  rose  in  base  argent  seeded  or.  Crest:  Oti  the  top  of  a  tower,  issuing  jipr.  an  eagle,  with  wings 
endorsed  or,  in  the  beak  an  oak  branch  vert;  was  formerly  of  Tray ne,  in  Edward  VI.'s  time,  and 
subsequently  of  Oxton,  in  the  County  of  Devonshire,  wliicli  furnished  many  colonists  to  New  England. 

Of  this  number,  Jamefi  Siveet,  called  son  of  Isaac,  was  brought  by  his  mother,  JIary  Sweet,  a  widow, 
from  England,  and  settled  in  Salem,  Mass.,  about  l('(3i. 

Edward  Sweet,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  at  Ipswicli,  Mass.,  October  23,  1815.  He  was 
a  son  of  Captain  Aaron  Sweet,  of  the  same  town,  who  was  a  descendant  (probably)  of  James,  the 
emigrant.  He  was  graduated  at  Yale  College  in  1844,  and  took  a  theological  course  at  New  Haven 
Theological  Seminary.  After  spending  a  year  or  more  in  travel,  he,  in  1849,  accepted  a  call  from  the 
Ilaydenville  (Mass.)  Congregational  Clinrch.  He  entered  with  zeal  and  earnestness  upon  this,  his  first 
field  of  labor,  which  gave  great  jiromise  of  success.  His  people  were  pleased  with  his  preaching,  and 
became  warmly  attached  to  him  personally.  Much  to  his  sorrow,  and  to  the  regret  of  his  congregation, 
he  was  compelled,  in  consequence  of  his  failing  health,  to  relinquish  his  charge. 

At  tlie  suggestion  of  his  brother,  who  was  a  member  of  the  Boston  banking  house  of  Brewster, 
Sweet  &  Co.,  he  removed  to  New  York,  where  he  soon  after  established  iiiniself  in  the  same  line  of 
business,  which  he  carried  on  successfully  for  some  }-ears  in  his  own  name,  and  at  a  later  period  formed  a 
co-partnership  with  his  brother-in-law,  Mr.  W.  L.  Bull,  UTulcr  the  firm  name  of  Edward  Sweet  &  Co. 
This  firm  dealt  largely  in  government  securities,  and  was  noted  for  its  loyal  support  of  the  Government 
during  the  critical  period  of  the  war,  when  dangers  at  home  and  abroad  seriously  imperilled  its  credit. 
Mr.  Sweet  was  a  staunch  Republican  befi^re  the  war,  and  never  entertainefl  a  doubt  of  the  tiiuil  issue  of 
events,  or  of  the  ability  of  the  Government  to  meet  its  obligations.  lie  was  a  man  of  unimpeachable 
integrity  and  uprightness  of  character,  and  was  much  respected  in  the  business  community.  In  the  Stock 
Exchange,  of  which  he  was  long  a  member,  he  was  held  in  high  esteem,  and  his  word  was  considered  as 
good  as  his  bond. 

During  his  residence  in  New  York  he  was  an  active  member  of  the  Madison  Square  Presbyterian 
Church,  then  under  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Dr.  Adams. 

Mr.  Sweet  married,  in  1863,  Miss  Caroline  W.  Bull,  daughter  of  Frederick  Bull,  of  New  York, 


228  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

and  a  grand-daugliter  of  Jirah  Bull,  of  Milford,  Conn.  Tlie  ancestor  of  this  branch  of  the  Bull  fiiniily 
was  Henry  Bull,  of  Roxburv,  Mass.,  wlio  came  in  the  "James"  from  London,  in  ICyo'),  and  removed 
thence  to  Boston.  He  was  one  of  the  Boston  majority  of  heretics  (Society  of  Friends)  who  went  to 
Rhode  Island  with  Mrs.  Hutchinson,  and  was  one  of  the  purchasers  iu  '[C>?,S.  being  the  eighteenth  name 
of  tlie  signei-s  of  the  compact  or  covenant  for  civil  government  in  that  year.  He  became  Governor  of  tlie 
Colony  and  hekl  many  positions  of  trust.  He  had  a  son  Jirnh,  who  kept  a  garrison  hotel  at  Narragansett 
during  Philip's  war.  This  Jirah  had  also,  among  other  children,  a  son  Jlralt.  and  the  name  appears  to 
iiave  been  continued  through  successive  generations. 

Governor  Henry  Bull,  the  ancestor,  is  said  to  have  been  a  brother  of  Thomas,  who  was  in  command 
at  Saybrook,  when  Governor  Andros  attempted  to  gain  the  place  for  his  master,  the  Duke  of  York. 
When  the  clerk  of  Andros  insisted  upon  reading  the  patent.  Captain  Bull  commanded  him  in  a  loud  voice 
to  forbear,  and  then  read  the  protest.  Governor  Andros,  pleased  with  his  bold  and  soldier-like  appear- 
ance, said,  "  AVhat's  your  name?"  He  replied,  "My  name  is  Bull,  sir."  "Bull,"  said  the  Governor, 
"  It's  a  pity  that  your  horns  are  not  tipped  with  silver."  This  family  was  conspicuous  during  the  colonial 
period,  and  during  the  period  of  the  Revolution,  and  wei'e  prominently  represented  in  civil  and  militai-y 
capacities  in  Rhode  Island  and  Connecticut. 

The  mother  of  Mrs.  Sweet  (nee  Bull),  whose  maiden  name  was  Lamnan,  was  a  daughter  of  Abby 
(Trumbull)  daughter  of  David,  the  son  of  Governor  Jonathan  Trumbull,  the  famous  war  governor  of  the 
Revolution,  known  as  ^^  Brother  Jonaihtn''  He  was  the  son  of  Joseph,  of  Suffiehl,  Conn.,  son  of  John, 
of  Roxbury,  Mass.,  who  was  the  son  of  John  Trumbull,  the  emigrant  settler  of  Roxbury  in  1036. 

Two  3'ears  after  his  marriage  with  Miss  Bull,  Mr.  Edward  Sweet  renu)ved  to  Montclair  and 
purchased  a  large  plot  of  ground,  where  the  present  homestead  property  is  now  located.  The  main 
street  leading  to  his  property — Gates  Avenue — was  subsecjuently  laid  out  by  j\rr.  JSIasou,  who  named  it 
after  his  wife.  Mr.  Sweet  erected  on  this  plot  a  large  and  commodious  house,  and  the  laying  out  of  the 
grounds  and  other  improvements  which  he  made  from  time  to  time  afforded  him  rest  and  recreation  from 
the  cares  of  business.  Here  he  entertained  his  numerous  friends,  who  always  found  a  hearty  welcome  and 
were  loth  to  leave  his  hospitable  board.  He  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Congregational  Church  of  Christ, 
and  gave  liberally,  not  only  to  the  erection  of  the  original  church  edifice,  b^it  to  the  several  improvements 
which  have  since  been  made.  Few  men  who  have  lived  in  Montclair  since  its  erection  as  a  township  have 
ever  been  held  in  higher  esteem.  His  failing  health  during  the  latter  years  of  his  life  prevented  him  from 
taking  any  active  part  in  its  affairs.  He  was  known  as  a  whole-souled,  generous  man,  of  a  genial  nature 
and  kindly  disposition,  who  delighted  in  doing  good  and  contributing  to  the  happiness  of  his  fellow-men. 
He  was  of  a  retiring  nature  ami  avoided  all  appearance  of  ostentation,  but  those  who  enjoyed  the  "inner 
circle"' of  his  acquaintance  found  in  him  a  wai-m  and  steadfast  friend.  He  was  the  soul  of  honor  and 
uprightness.  He  was  a  gentleman — nut  formal  and  precise,  but  dignified  and  genuine.  His  own  fireside 
was  the  pleasantest  spot  on  eaith,  and  its  influence  attended  him  in  all  the  affairs  of  life. 

THE  HOLMES  FAMILY  AND  COLLATERAL  BRANCHES. 

Samuel  Holmes,  or  "Deacon  Holmes,"  as  he  is  well  known,  traces  his  descent  through  three  well- 
known  families  of  Connecticut,  many  of  the  descendants  of  whom  have  achieved  distinction  in  the  various 
walks  of  life  in  which  their  tastes  or  inclinations  led  them. 

The  family  of  Holme  or  Holmes  has  l>een  established  in  the  County  of  York,  Eng..  since  the  period 
of  the  jSTorman  concpiest.  The  first  mentioned  of  this  name  is  John  Holme,  of  Paull-Holme,  whoso 
grandson  Olenor  Holme  was  comptroller  to  the  Empress  Maud,  and  recei\ed  the  honor  of  Knighthood 
from  that  Princess. 

Francis  Holme,  the  American  ancestor,  emigrated  from  England  as  early  as  KiiS,  and  settled  in 
Stamford,  Conn.  His  son  John,  born  in  England,  came  with  him  and  settled  at  Greenwich,  Conn.,  and 
was  one  of  twenty-four  proprietors  who  afterwards  settled   at  Bedford,  Westchester  County,  N.   Y. 


f    #■■ 


L 


fipAtji 


r  n  iD  M  A  s.   F  r  T  ic  «,  «fq., 

°  T  J    Captna-Gcneral,  and  Governor  in  Cbi«f,  io  and  over  His  MBcfty's  Engiifb  Colony  of 

■Eitg/oMJ,  ia  AmerfLi 


fymne^kkX^  in  Nea'E^lanJ,  in  Amen 


••     r  yirtmi  •/  itt  Pi 


////^g/( /mu<    r//yu^  .     ■  Greeting. 

Aliirily  U  it  (nn,  h  ni  b}  iht  Rfjtl  Chakti 


fig  Ctmpinf  »/  l*»  /»i  <t<>>7i  "At   ikt  Crut  UtI   ./  England.     /   dl  |  *7   /*«/•« 
41^    ,?•■•;«  'V    Qnfiitiut  Im  yur    UyaUfy  Ctiirci,  ttd  gtid   CitdtB,     itfiilplt. 

^■///^f/ff  /   '/l/trTi'         \t-        It  U  ^■?f//./,n'r/  tl  Ih' /^     \ 

j^ny,  <i  <  ^trntUtf  F-l,  tmfid  miliim  M,  Cthmj,    I,  ^^lijid  ferVihi  hi* 
Otmmm  im  Nonh-AoKrici,  ni  ftrlitmlarl}  •/  ihi  Pijfgitn  I^H^rajnyl  Airf, 

mitt  Im  CHl/  Am"  Ji^f   "M   ttmdmini  Im  lit  Kimt'l  ^^^^^d  It  frhid  ibiA 

t/  Itr  /mid  Cmrnimmndir  im  thiif ;  tfmU<i  Rigimuml  .    yfKtf  ^^- ^' \i^ 
Tn  mri  rimr/wi  iirifmllj  mmd  diU[tmlly  it  diftbmrtt  Ibi  Dmiy  tf  m      .VttJjJ""- 
ttd  nerrijfmg  fmid  Ctmfnyt    w  ilrvj,  hmlb  im/nitr  O^.ttrt  mmd   Seldirrit'im  IhiStrviet  m/trtftu 
H  t'ld  Otdtr  mmd  BifnfUmi  i  bmby  ttmrnmrnditl   ittmi  It  tity  yu,'  mi   tUr    .  ■i^tz/fj-  ff/y, 

mmd  ynrfilf  It  tifirri  mmd  /.H<»  fmik  Ordtri  mmd  Im/rmBitmi,  tl  yttfrnll  /rtk  Timt  It  Timi  rlitivl  frtm  Ml,  Ir 
lit  dtmimnd  im  Chiif  «/  ikt  fmid  Ciltmy,  /ir  lit  Tim  itkf,  tr  tibtr  ylur  fifritr  Ogiieri,  mittrdlmg  It'ltl  Rulll 
ud  Difiiflini  tf  H'mr,  fmr/mmml  It  lit  Tnjl  rtfftd  imyt*. 


kitf  liim 


OJ  V  E  N  |nltr  mjr  Hud  ud  tht  public  Scil  of  the  I 
'/"^'Z  Wr  D«T  of    ./.      '    •  "in  the     i 

'        MijcSx  JOog    C  E  0  R  g  E  the  Third,  Jmrntj/i 


Hjs  Honor't  Conumndj 


•/■ 


"7  a,  ffy/ZitAm 


) 


Tc|t  of  the  Rtigj 


Mk 


■( 


C^Ul|i-Cen«ra)  and  Co 


,^ 


.1 


You  beii^jby  the 

Jtpoffng  fpecial  Trurt  and 
duct,  I  DO  by  Virtue*! 
and  impo^cryou  to  take 
as  their  (Icjy^y^^  cs 
exercifing  your  inferior 
ing  to  the  Rule*  and  Di 
ot  this  State,  keeping  thi 
them  to  obey  you  as  theii 
Orders  and  OiretSions  at 
from  other  Jtour  luperior 

GiyEN  wider  my  Hm 
thePjfi^Doy  of 

By  Hit  Excellency's  Command^ 


•T  R  ir  M  B  l>  L'  E,    B.Qp,,,, 

der  in  Chief  in  and-Qvet  tihe  State  of 


CoNJifBricof  m  America. 


(^. 


GREETING. 


Aflcmbty  of  this  State  accepted 

c 


v<^ 


and  good  Cdt^^t 
tabling,  appoint 
:ire  and  Charge, 
'.ficc  and  Truft, 
A  itns,  accord- 


>i»fidcnce  in  your  Pidelh'y,  Courr. 
-  Laws  ofthis State,  mc  thereunto 
le  faid  (prf^/'^^Y  into  your 
illy  and  dih'gcntly  to  difcharge  that 

'cers  and  Soldiers  in  the  Ufe  of  the       ,,  „,.^„,„- 

tline  of  War,  ordained  and  eftablifhcy  by  the  Laws 

ingood  Order  and  Government,  iid  commanding 
^^/^"■^'^  and  you  arc  tcjoljferve  all   futli 

Time  to  Time  you  fliall  receive,  otther  from  mc,  or 
icer,  purfuant  to  the  Truft  hereby jrepofcd  in  you. 

and  the  Public  Seal  of  this  State,  Jr  c^^^^/. 


.>y. 


A.  D.   i78d 


:x.^ 


^^. 


/ 


History  of  Montclaik  Township.  229 

Stephen,  son  of  Jolin,  liad  a  son  Benjumin,  who  served  in  Capt.  Clark's  company,  lltli  Regiment,  (^un- 
Decticut  Militia.  Israel,  son  of  Benjamin,  married  Sarah  Judd,  and  moved  to  Waterlmi y.  Conn.  The 
issue  of  this  marriage  was  Samuel  Judd  (father  of  Dea.  Samuel  Holmes),  of  wlioni  liereiit'ter ;  Ileuhen, 
of  whom  hereafter  ;  IsraeJ,  of  whom  hereafter  ;  Ruth,  of  whom  hereafter  ;  and  Mihx. 

Samuel  Judi>,  the  eldest  son  of  Israel  and  Sarah  (Juddj  Holmes  (father  of  JDea.  Samuel  Hoh)ies), 
was  born  in  Waterhury,  Conn.,  October  28,  1791.  He  moved  to  Sonthington,  Conn.,  in  1825, 
where  he  remained  until  1S34,  when  he  returned  to  in's  native  town  and  became  identitied  with  its 
mamifacturing  interests.  He  was  a  prominent  stockholder  in  the  Waterbury  Brass  Company  and 
for  sixteen  years  was  the  faithful  overseer  of  one  branch  of  its  business.  He  was  very  methodical, 
careful  and  painstaking  in  all  his  busine.ss  as  well  as  other  affairs.  In  the  affairs  of  the  church 
with  which  he  wa.s  long  connected  he  evinced  many  of  the  traits  of  his  Puritan  ancestors.  A 
deep  thinker,  yet  reserved  in  the  expression  of  his  views  ;  cautious  in  all  his  dealings,  yet  upright  and 
straightforward — a  man  of  the  strictest  integrity,  measuring  him.self  by  the  orthodox  standard,  and 
cx|>ecting  the  same  treatment  from  others  in  return.  He  married  May  2,  1822,  Lucina,  daughter  of 
Hezekiidi  Todd,  of  Chcsiiire,  Conn.;  he  died  Nfay  1,  ISr.T.  He  had  issue, /syae^,  of  wliom  hereafter; 
Sarah,  born  July  fi,  ls2'.i,  married  Rev.  Jesse  W.  Hough  (she  died  in  Santa  13ari)ara,  Cal.,  .\])ril  ,">.  1877); 
Williaiii  B.  Aw\  //<0(/i«//.  who  died  young;  ami   WilHnni  //.  again,  of  whom  hereafter. 

/,V »//><>/(,  second  son  of  Israel  and  Sarah  (Judd)  Holmes,  was  born  Feiiruaiy  11,  17".'^.  gni(hiati'il 
with  Honor  at  the  West  Point  Military  Academy,  was  valedictorian  of  his  cla.ss,  and  afterwards  di.stin- 
Kuishcd  himself  as  an  Indian  tiirhtcr  in  the  West.  During  the  Black  Hawk  War,  and  wiiilc!  still  holding 
his  commission  as  Ca|)tain  in  the  V .  S. service  he  was  elected  Colonel  of  a  regiment  of  Illinois  volunteei-s, 
and  became  their  leader  in  that  war.  lie  dieil  of  cholera  in  1838  at  Jeffer.son  Barracks,  near  St.  Louis, 
Mo.  A  part  of  the  inscription  on  the  monument  which  mark.s  his  last  resting  place  is  as  follows: 
*     *     *     *     "and  there  awaits  the  la.«t  review";  *     *     *     *     "  erected  by  his  compani<ins  in  arms." 

I»rael  (2\  third  son  of  Israel  (I),  and  Sarah  (Judd)  Holmes,  was  born  December  IK,  ISOO.  He 
was  one  of  the  chief  founders  of  the  great  brass  manufacturing  industry  of  this  country;  he  made  trips 
to  England  in  182'.t,  and  again  in  1831-34,  to  procure  skilled  workman  for  the  various  branches  of  the 
business. 

L'lith  Wood,  fourth  chihl  of  Israel  and  Sarah  (Judd)  Holmes,  was  born  Ai)ril  20,  17'.>0.  She 
married  I're.«erve  W.  Carter,  and  was  the  mother  of  President  Franklin  Carter,  of  Williams  College, 

^fil<■x,  fourth  son  and  youngest  child  of  Israel  and  Sarah  (Judd)  Holmes,  was  born  March  20,  18(i2, 
at  Waterhury,  Cnii.  He  resided  in  the  South  ami  in  the  Stale  of  Wisconsin  most  of  his  life.  He  died 
in  Waterhury.  Conn.,  August  23,  1808. 

Sarah  Judd,  the  wife  of  Israel  Holmes  (1),  was  a  direct  descendant  of  Thomas  Judd,  who  came  from 
England  in  l<i33  and  .settled  in  Cambriilge,  Ma.ss.;  removed  to  Hartford,  Conn.,  1C30,  and  to  Farmington, 
Conn.,  about  lfi44.  In  the  churchyard  at  Waterhury,  Conn.,  is  a  headstone  containing  the  following 
inscrii)tion  :  "Here  [lies]  the  body  of  THOMAS  JL'DD,  ESQ.,  the  first  Justice,  Deacon,  and  Cai)tain 
in  Waterhury,  who  died  January  ye  4,  A.l).  1747,  aged  79," 

Thinnas.  above  referretl  to.  was  a  son  of  the  first  Thomas,  the  emigrant  pnjprietor.  He  had  a  .son 
John,  who  also  had  a  son  John.  The  latter  had  a  son  Samuel,  known  as  Cajjfain  Samxcl.  He  was  the 
great  grandfather  of  Deacon  Samuel  Holmes.  He  held  a  commission  as  First  Lieutenant  in  the  Colony 
under  the  reign  of  King  George  III.  (.*ee /«'•  s'nnUi-  of  commission  on  opposite  page),  and  on  March  15, 
17fi2,  was  connni-ssioned  by  Gov.  Thomas  Fitch,  of  Connecticut,  to  rai.>e  a  "  Company  of  Foote."  The 
commission  states :  "  I  do  hereby  authorize  and  empower  you  by  beat  of  dinin  or  otherwise  to  assist  your 
Cajitain  in  raising  by  iidistuient  a  com])any  of  able  bodied,  effective  volunteers  within  the  colony  of  about 
ninety-five  men,  including  officers  for  the  ensuing  camjjaign,  etc." 

He  served  in  different  capacities  during  the  War  of  the  Revolution,  and  on  the  24th  of  January, 
1783,  was  commissioned  Captain  by  Governor  Trumbull  (see/W^-  sint'de  of  commi.ssion  on  opposite  page). 
After  the  close  of  the  war  he  opened  a  tavern  at  Waterhury,  which  he  kept  for  fifty  years;  it  became  a 


230  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

noted  resurt  for  passengers  on  the  stage  route  l)etween  New  Haven  and  All)any.  He  was  a  noted 
character  in  his  day.  He  married  Bede,  daughter  of  Isaac  Hopkins,  and  on  her  way  liomc  after  the 
marriage  ceremony  she  rode  behind  him  on  a  "pillion  "  (a  cushion  attached  to  the  rear  of  the  saddle). 

This  Bede  IIojil'uis  was  a  descendant  of  Jolm  Hopkins,  who  came  from  England  with  liis  wife  Jane 
to  Cambridge,  Mass.,  in  \C>?A;  moved  to  Hartford  in  103.").  His  son  Stephen,  born  llJo-l:,  married 
Doi'cas  Bronson  ;  they  had  a  son  John,  who  was  one  of  the  youngest  of  the  original  proprietors  of 
Waterljury.  He  became  "  Leftenant "  in  171(5,  and  several  times  represented  his  town  at  the  General 
Court.  He  held  many  offices  of  trust  and  honor.  When  the  new  meeting  house  came  to  be  seated  in 
1729,  he  was  one  of  the  revered  dignitaries  who  were  voted  into  the  first  pew  at  the  west  end  of  the 
pulpit.  He  had  a  son,  Ehenzer,  who  was  the  father  of  Isaac  Hopkins  referred  to  above.  Some  of  the 
most  distinguished  divines  and  educators  in  the  country  descended  from  tliis  branch  of  the  Hopkins 
family,  among  whom  was  Mark  Hopkins,  for  many  years  President  of  Williams  College. 

Israel,  elde.st  child  of  Sanniel  J.  and  Liicina  (Todd)  Holmes,  was  born  at  "Waterbury,  Coim., 
August  10,  1823.  He  is  connected  with  several  of  the  manufacturing  companies  of  Waterbury  ;  also 
witli  a  banking  institution.     He  resided  in  Liverpool,  Eng.,  from  1859  to  1871. 

Dkacon  Samuel  Holmes,  second  son  of  Samuel  J.  and  Lucina  (Todd)  Holmes,  was  born  at  Water- 
bury, Conn..  November  30,  182J:.  He  attended  public  school  until  he  was  eleven  years  of  age,  when  he 
began  working  in  a  button  factory  with  his  father,  and  from  that  time  until  he  reached  the  age  of  tifteen 
he  woi'ked  in  the  factory  during  the  summer  and  attended  school  in  the  winter  at  the  W^aterbury 
Academy  and  at  a  bnarding  school.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  he  entered  the  general  store  of  J.  M.  L.  & 
W.  H.  Scovill.  as  clerk  until  181:5,  he  having  then  attained  his  majority.  The  company  that  year  opened 
a  salesroom  for  their  goods  in  New  York  City,  and  he  became  their  assistant  manager.  In  1850  a  joint 
stock  comjiany  was  formed  under  the  name  of  The  Scovill  ^Manufacturing  Company,  in  which  he  was  a 
stockholder  and  director,  and  soon  after  assumed  the  management  of  the  New  York  business.  The 
business  increased  in  volume  from  year  to  year  aided  by  his  skillful  direction,  and  the  stock  increased  in 
value  yielding  large  dividends.  He  was  prosperous  and  hapjiy  and  fortune  smiled  upon  him  during  those 
years,  in  which  he  was  also  stockholder  in  various  other  companies,  which  yielded  satisfactory  returns. 
In  1S73  he  severed  his  connection  with  The  Scovill  Manufacturing  Company  and  entered  into  a  new 
copartnership  in  the  manufacturing  line  and  dealing  in  metals,  which  promised  well,  but  owing  to 
circumstances  beyond  his  control,  proved  a  most  disastrous  venture,  and  came  near  causing  his  financial 
ruin.  His  creditors  as  well  as  his  numerous  friends,  who  had  unbounded  confidence  in  his  integrity 
stood  by  him  nobly  in  his  trouble,  and  he  was  thus  enabled  to  tide  over  his  difRenlties,  but  he  was 
com]ielled  for  many  years  to  carry  a  heavy  linancial  burden.  In  1876  he  was  appointed  to  the  treasurer- 
ship  of  the  Bridgeport  I'rass  Com])any  and  also  to  the  management  of  the  New  York  business.  It  was  not 
in  a  very  flourishing  condition  at  the  time,  and  a  change  for  the  better  was  soon  apparent.  The  business 
.showed  a  large  auinud  increase,  and  largely  thmugh  the  judicious  and  economical  management  of  Deacon 
Holmes  the  stoekholilers  received  constantly  increasing  dividends.  At  the  beginning  of  his  adminis- 
tration Deacon  Holmes  purchased  quite  a  block  of  stock  on  credit,  the  dividends  on  which,  together  with 
the  subse(jnent  sale  of  his  stock,  enabled  him  to  licjuidate  a  considerable  portion  of  his  old  indebtedness. 
His  connection  with  the  company  ceased  in  1890,  the  majority  of  stock  having  been  previously  purchased 
by  a  syndicate,  which  assumed  the  direction  of  the  company. 

In  1867,  before  his  misfortunes.  Deacon  Holmes  ])urchased  several  tracts  of  land,  in  all  about  100 
acres,  in  Montclair,  lying  near  Watchung  Avenue,  and  on  the  mountain  slope.  Through  the  assi-stance  of 
his  numerotis  friends  he  was  enabled  to  carry  this  throughout  the  period  of  his  business  misfortunes, 
which  resulted  to  the  benefit  of  his  creditors,  and  on  his  retirement  from  business  in  1890  he  began  to 
develop  and  place  it  on  the  market,  it  having  in  the  interim  appreciated  in  value.  He  laid  out  streets 
and  avenues,  and  divided  the  property  into  building  plots,  several  of  which  have  been  sold  at  a  large 
advance  over  the  original  cost.  He  continued  Highland  Avenue  through  his  mountain  tract;  Edgewood 
Avenue  and  Holmes  Place,  both  laid  out  and  named  by  him,  intersecting  the  former  and  connecting  with 


History  of  Montci.air  Townsiiii'.  231 

Mountain  Avenue.  Tlie  lioniestead  property,  corner  of  Wateliung  Avenue  and  Grove  Street,  comprises 
about  I  7  acres,  ad joininnj  and  near  to  wliicii  he  has  some  42  acres,  whicii  is  being  laid  out  and  developed 
for  market.  Tlie  improvement  of  his  property,  from  which  he  has  derived  a  corresponding  beneiit,  has 
also  largely  enhanced  the  value  of  the  surrounding  property,  and  0]>ened  up  a  new  and  exceedinglv 
attractive  part  of  the  townshij)  of  Montclair. 

For  nearly  half  a  century  Deacon  Holmes  has  been  actively  engaged  in  ruligidus,  licMU'voiiiit  and 
educational  atfairs,  to  which  he  hixs  nut  only  devoted  the  best  years  of  his  life.  i)ut  has  given  liberallv  of 
his  means,  when  not  end)arra.-;sed  by  bu.<iness  ditHeulties.  He  is  the  oldest  inend)er  in  otHce,  bv  several 
years,  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Aniei-ican  iIis.sionary  Association,  baving  began  bis  connection 
with  that  body  in  1S(!4.  lie  has  been  a  corporate  member  of  the  American  Hoard  of  Foreign  Missions 
since  1^7",  and  was  for  many  years  Treasurer  of  the  American  College  Society,  and  since  its  union  with 
the  Educational  Society  in  1872,  under  the  name  of  "  The  American  College  and  Education  Society,"  he 
has  continueil  his  interest  in  and  niendtersbij)  of  the  new  organization  anil  as  its  first  Vice-President. 

lie  was  a  inend)er  and  one  of  the  Secretaries  of  the  tirst  ><ational  Congregational  Council  held  at 
Boston  in  IStio,  and  of  subsequent  Councils  held  at  Oberlin  in  1871,  and  at  Worcester,  Mass..  in  1889; 
and  also  a  member  of  the  International  Congregational  Council  held  in  London  in  is'.U,  where  lie 
represented  the  American  Missionary  As-^ociation  as  its  delegate. 

He  endowed  the  Professorship  of  Hebrew  in  'i'ale  College  in  lS(i8 ;  and.  for  the  beneiit  and 
encouragement  of  the  young  men  of  Waterbury  and  vicinity,  to  a.ssist  them  in  awpiiring  a  collegiate 
education  he  established  five  scholarships  in  the  academic  and  scientific  departments  of  Vale,  all  of 
which,  together  with  the  Hebrew  Profe.ssoi-ship,  were  named  in  his  honor. 

Soon  after  his  removal  to  New  Vork  City  in  ISit;,  Deacon  Holmes  identiticd  himself  with  the 
Broadway  Tabernacle  Church,  and  was  for  many  years  and  until  his  removal  to  Montclair  a  Deacon  and 
Trustee  (jf  the  Society  and  Superintendent  of  the  Sunday  School,  lie  was  also  largely  engaged  in 
Sunday  School  mission  work.  He  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Congregational  (  huich  of  Montclair  in 
187(1,  wa-s  one  of  its  tirst  Deacons,  and  is  tlie  only  one  who  has  belil  the  office  consecutively  since  its 
organization.  Innue<liately  after  the  formation  of  the  Society  he  suggested  the  name  of  Mr.  Bradford, 
who  was  soon  after  called  by  the  church  and  became  its  first  pastor. 

With  a  single  exception  Deacon  Holmes  has  had  a  successful  business  career,  and  whatever  mistakes 
he  has  made  have  been  <lue  to  his  natural  kindness  of  heart  ami  over-contideiice  in  bis  fellow  men.  In 
his  endeavor  to  follow  closely  the  golden  rule  he  expected  too  niucli  fi'oni  others.  He  came  out  of  his 
difhculties,  however,  with  a  reputation  untarnished  Neither  his  ability,  his  jndgnieiif,  nor  his  nnswei'V- 
ing  integrity  were  ever  (piestioiied. 

His  love  for  his  fellow  incn  is  iiidioiiniled.  :ni<l  he  makes  no  distinction  of  race  or  color.  H  is  life  has 
exemplified  his  firm  belief  in  the  Fatherhood  of  (iod  and  the  lirotberh I  of  .Man. 

"  He  hath  an  eye  for  pit)',  and  hand 
Open  as  the  day  for  melting  '  eliarity.'  " 

So  to  do  good,  and  to  better  the  condition  of  his  fellow  men  has  been  the  aim  of  his  life,  and  he  has 
been  identified  with  almost  every  benevolent  undertaking  in  the  church  and  out  of  it  since  he  came  to 
Montclair. 

He  married,  June  3,  1850,  MaiT  11.  Goodale — born  Ncnembei'  12,  182'J — daughter  of  Deacon  David 
and  Millicent  Warren  (ioodale,  of  Marlboro',  Mass.,  a  descendant  of  John  Goodale,  who  settled  in  Salem 
about  Ifiye  and  removed  thence  to  Marlboro',  Mass.  Issue,  E//en  Wurren,  born  November  IS,  1857, 
married  June  17,  1881,  Rev.  Frank  A.  Beckwith,  who  died  in  San  F'ranci.sco,  December  12,  1885; 
Samuel  Judtl,  born  October  18,  185!),  manned  S.  Josephine  Brautigam  March  18,  1880;  Arthur,  born 
July  5,  1861,  died  August  5,  1861  ;  M((/-)/  Goodale,  born  December  1,  1862  ;  David  Goodale,  born 
October  18,  1865,  married  to  E.  Annie  Bate,  April  7, 1886;  George  Jhuj,  born  June  15,  1867,  graduated 
at  Yale  College,  1S9U. 


232  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

William  Buskiek  Holmes,  youngest  sou  of  Samuel  and  Lucina  (Todd)  lloluies,  was  born  at 
Southington,  Conn,  (liis  father  having  removed  tlience  from  Waterbury),  July  31,  1831.  His  father 
returned  to  Waterbury,  where  William  continued  to  reside  from  early  childhood.  He  was  educated  at 
private  scliool  and  the  Waterbury  Academy.  After  leaving  school  he  was  employed  by  the  Benedict  & 
Ihirnham  Co.,  of  Waterbury,  from  1843  to  1850.  lie  then  came  to  Kew  York,  and  was  in  the  employ 
of  the  Scovill  Manufacturing  Co.  for  fifteen  years.  In  January,  1865,  lie  started  in  the  business  of 
photographic  supplies,  in  wliich  he  is  still  engaged,  lie  moved  to  Montclair  in  1856,  and  became  the 
pioneer  of  the  "  Waterlniry  Colony."  Jle  induced  his  bi-other  and  many  others  to  purchase  property  and 
settle  there,  and  thereby  assisted  materially  in  the  early  development  of  the  township,  lie  was  ai  one 
time  a  large  ownei'  in  real  estate,  aiul  sold  to  Mr.  Carey  the  plot  of  ground  on  Orange  lioad  occupied  by 
the  latter.  He  was  a  libei-al  entei'tainer,  and  among  his  distinguished  visitoi's  was  Horace  Greeley.  He 
named  some  of  the  pi'ominent  streets  in  the  township,  among  which  was  Plymouth  Street,  on  the  corner 
of  which  the  Congregational  Church  edifice  now  stands.  He  was  (jne  of  the  founders  of  the  Society,  and 
has  served  several  years  as  a  Deacon  of  the  Church.  He  was  instrumental  in  locating  the  chui-ch  edifice 
071  its  present  site. 

Mr.  Holmes  marriect  Mary  II.  Bull,  daughter  of  Frederick  P>ull,  who  was  for  a  long  time  an  elder  of 
Dr.  Adams'  church,  of  Milford,  Conn.  Her  grandmother  was  a  direct  descendant  of  Governor  Trumbull, 
of  Connecticut,  known  as  "  Brother  Jonathan."  Mr.  Holmes  has  four  children,  viz. :  William  T., 
Edward  H.,  Caroline  S.,  and  Henry  L. 

THE  POETEIl  FAMILY. 

The  Porters  were  among  the  early  comers  of  what  was  known  as  the  "  Waterbury  Colony,"  I'epre- 
senting  the  same  element — although  with  far  advanced  ideas — of  the  Connecticut  colonists  who,  two 
hundred  yeais  previous,  planted  the  standard  of  civil  and  I'eligious  liberty  in  Eastern  New  Jersey,  and 
l)ecame  the  parent  stock  of  what  is  now  coniprised  in  Essex  County,  New  Jersey,  and  it  is  a  noteworthy 
fact  that  the  homestead  lot  of  the  Porters  is  a  ]wrt  of  the  original  grant  to  Deacon  Azariah  Crane,  who 
married  the  daughter  of  Governor  Robert  Treat,  of  Connecticut,  both  of  whom  were  leaders  in  the 
establishment  of  Newark,  or  New  Worke,  as  the  new  enterprise  was  then  called. 

The  name  of  Porter  is  among  the  early  surnames  mentioned  in  English  history,  and  no  less  than 
tliirty-six  of  this  name  are  mentioned  by  Burke  as  having  been  granted  arms  by  their  ruling  sovereigns. 
Among  the  earliest  mentioned  is  that  of  Endymion  Porter,  Groom  of  the  Bedchamber  to  Charles  I., 
a  celebrated  courtier  of  the  ]ieriod,  who  descended  from  Robert  Porter,  brother  of  Sir  William  Porter, 
Knight,  living  temp  Henry  V.  The  motto  borne  on  the  shield  of  the  famous  knights  rejjreseuting  this 
family — Vicjilant'ia  et  Virdife — has  been  a  characteristic  of  the  descendants  through  subsequent 
generations. 

Danikl  PoiiTEK,  the  founder  of  the  Connecticut  l)ranch  of  this  famih',  was  early  in  the  colony, 
previous  to  1644.  He  was  licensed  to  "  practice  physic  and  chirurgery"  in  1654  by  the  General  Court. 
In  1661-2  it  was  ordered  that  his  yearly  salary  sh(juld  l)e  paid  out  of  the  jntlJic  treasury,  while  his  fee- 
table  was  established  by  law.  He  was  reqitired  to  attend  upon  the  sick  in  Hartford,  AVindsor,  AVethers- 
field  and  Middletown.     He  was  more  particidarly  a  l)onesetter,  as  is  shown  by  the  following  record  : 

'•  For  the  encouragement  of  Daniel  Porter  in  attending  the  service  of  the  country  in  setting  bones, 
etc.,  the  court  do  hereby  augment  his  sallery  from  six  pounds  a  year  to  twelve  pounds  p'' annum,  and 
to  advise  him  to  instruct  some  meet  person  to  his  art." 

Daniel  (1)  had  a  son  Daniel  (2)  born  February  2,  1652,  who  followed  his  father's  calling  as  a 
"  bonesetter."  The  latter  had  a  son  Daniel  (3)  born  March  5,  1699,  v.dio  married  Hannah,  daughter  of 
John  Hopkins,  a  descendant — probably — of  William  Hopkins,  of  Roxbury,  Mass.,  who  married  Hannah 
Goffe,  a  daughter  of  Gotfe  the  regicide.  The  latter  was  a  descendant  of  Stephen  Hopkins,  who  came 
over  in   the   Mayfiower  in    1621.     Daniel  (3)  had  a  son  Timothy  (1)  born  Jtme  19,  1735,  who  was  also  a 


3- 


-M^^y^ 


History  of  Montclair  TowNsiiir. 


i3;« 


plivsiciaii.  lie  had  a  sou  Daniel  (4)  l)i>rii  Septfml)er  23.  1708.  wlio  was  the  fatlicr  of  Timothy  (2)  bom 
Januai-y  .3ti,  17!)2.  Tiiis  Tiiiiotiiy  married  Polly  Ami  Todd,  daughter  of  a  Mr.  Todd,  a  descendant  of 
Christoplier,  one  of  tlie  earliest  settlers  of  tlie  Xew  Haveu  Colony,  and  owner  of  the  land  now  i<nown  as 
tlie  '•campus"  of  Yale  College. 

Nathan  T.  Poktkk.  son  of  Timothy,  was  horn  at  AVaterbury.  Conn.,  December  In,  is-_>s.  and 
received  Ids  education  at  the  schools  in  that  place  ami  at  tiie  academy  at  Easton.  Conn.  Close  attention 
to  his  studies,  aided  by  his  (juick  intellect  and  retentive  memory,  enabled  him  rapidly  to  master  whatever 
lie  undertook. 

It  was  the  practical  subjects  that  especially  attracted  him,  and  about  his  home  he  took  the  lead  in 
every  enterprise. 

His  later  career  was  the  logical  develo|)ment  of  these  tendencies.     The  small  manufacturing  town 


RESIDENCE   OF   N.    T.    1 


of  those  days  afforded  too  small  a  field  for  his  ambition,  and  in  1854  he  went  to  New  York,  entering  the 
employ  of  A.  W.  Welton,  a  dry -goods  conunission  merchant  in  Liberty  Street.  After  he  and  his  brother 
Thomas  had  been  in  the  employ  of  this  house  about  a  year,  they  were  admitted  to  the  firm,  which  then 
became  A.  W.  Welton  iV-  Porters,  a  high  compliment  to  thote  who  had  been  so  .sliort  a  time  in  the 
business.  A  further  evidence  of  Mr.  "Welton's  confidence  was  that  he  allowed  his  name  and  personal 
responsibility  to  remain  after  he  had  ceased  to  participate  in  the  profits  of  the  business.  The  firm  name 
was  later  ciianged  to  Porter  Pro.-.,  and  finally  to  Porter  Bros,  and  Comjiany.  From  the  beginning  until 
he  retired  from  active  business  Nathan  was  the  leading  mend)er  of  the  Hrm  and  brouglit  the  Iiouse 
successfully  through  such  trying  periods  as  the  panic  of  '73.  It  was  also  mainly  due  to  his  fine  business 
ability  that  the  small  business  whose  management  he  undertook  in  lS.i.5  grew  to  its  later  magnitude. 
He  combined  in  an  unusual  degree  the  ability  to  direct  the  more  important  matters  and  at  the  same  time 


23i  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

keep  tliorouglilv  accjuaintecl  with  all  the  details  of  the  business.  Proinineiit  among  his  business  charac- 
teristics were,  energy,  care  and  ]ironiptness.  It  has  been  well  said  of  him  that  he  could  transact  mure 
business  in  an  hour  than  most  men  could  in  a  day.  In  ISSl,  poor  health  compelled  him  to  retire  from 
liis  more  active  duties  in  the  business.  During  his  long  and  honorable  business  career  he  was  identified 
with  many  enterprises  to  which  he  gave  close  personal  attention.  His  connection  with  the  National 
Shoe  and  Leatlier  Bank,  of  New  York  City,  first  as  Director  and  afterward  as  Vice-President,  brought 
him  into  prominence  as  a  financier.  lie  was  very  influential  in  its  affairs  and  was  held  in  the  highest 
esteem  In*  his  associates  on  account  of  his  courtesy  and  stritng  personality,  as  well  as  his  ability  and  good 
judgment.  For  many  years  he  was  President  of  the  Cheshire  Manufacturing  Company  and  Cheshire 
Brass  Company,  of  West  Cheshire,  Conn.;  Director  in  the  Patent  Button  Company,  of  Waterbury, 
Conn,  (all  of  which  were  successful  under  his  managenieni),  and  served  in  several  other  companies  in  an 
official  capacity.  On  October  16,  1863,  Mr.  Porter  married,  at  New  London,  Conn.,  Miss  Mary  C. 
Comstock,  a  sister  of  Mrs.  Thomas  Porter. 

Mr.  Porter  resided  in  New  York  and  15ruoklyn  during  the  earlier  years  of  his  business  life.  In 
June,  186S,  he  removed  to  Montclair,  having  purchased,  in  conjunction  with  his  brotlier,  a  large  tract  of 
land  situated  on  Union  Street,  Gates  Avenue,  Harrison  Avenue  and  Clinton  Avenue,  which  had  formerly 
been  a  part  of  tlie  old  Crane  farm.  Mr.  Porter  and  his  family  lived  in  the  Union  Street  house  until  the 
erection  of  the  house  on  the  corner  of  Gates  and  Clinton  Avenues  in  ISIU.  In  the  ijuietof  this  suburlian 
village  he  found  a  much  needed  rest  and  recreation,  where  he  could  for  the  time  Iteing  lay  aside  the  cares 
of  business  and  enjoy  the  advantages  of  country  life.  lie  tooiv  pleasure  in  superintending  the  work  on 
his  place,  and  prided  himself  on  his  garden,  to  which  he  devoted  many  of  his  leisui-e  hours  while  at  home, 
a  diversion  which  helped  materially  to  relieve  the  strain  resulting  from  a  too  close  application  to  business, 
lie  showed  the  keenest  interest  in  public  affairs  of  the  township.  He  was  for  three  years  a  Commissioner 
of  lioads,  and  for  two  years  a  member  of  the  Township  Committee.  "While  holding  these  offices  he 
devoted  much  time  to  thein,  and  conscientiously  performed  their  duties.  The  demands  on  his  time, 
however,  were  too  great,  and  after  his  last  year  on  the  Township  (,'ommittee  he  declined  to  be  a  candidate 
for  re-election. 

His  father  was  a  Baptist,  and  in  his  youth  Nathan  became  a  member  of  that  church,  but  he  was 
too  liberal  in  his  religious  views  to  be  bound  by  any  merely  denominational  distinctions,  and  became  one 
of  t!ie  original  members  of  the  First  Congregational  Church,  in  which  he  always  took  the  greatest  interest. 
As  Trustee  and  Treasurer  of  this  Church  he  rendered  valuable  assistance.  By  his  personal  efforts  and 
liberal  contributions  he  aided  materially  in  paying  off  the  Church  debt,  as  well  as  in  the  enlargement  of 
the  building  and  other  impi'ovements.  He  gave  liberally  to  other  l)eneyolent  objects,  but  always  without 
ostentation.  He  continued  to  take  an  active  interest  irj  all  these  matters  till  his  failing  health  necessitated 
an  entire  change.  Since  his  retirement  from  active  business  he  has  spent  his  time  jiartly  in  Montclair  and 
partly  at  his  old  home  in  Waterbury,  among  tlie  scenes  of  his  youth. 

Mr.  Porter  has  never  been  fond  of  society  in  its  formal  sense,  though  lie  was  always  kn<nyn  as  a 
most  companionable  and  sociable  man.  He  was  popular  among  his  large  circle  of  friends  and  acquaintances, 
and  his  presence  was  always  welcome.  His  keen  sense  of  humor  made  him  an  appreciative  listener, 
and  his  vein  of  wit  made  liim  an  entertaining  talker.  On  all  occasions  he  was  a  thorough  gentleman. 
One  of  Mr.  Porter's  most  ])rominent  traits  was  his  fondness  for  liis  home,  and  there  was  nothing  he 
enjoyed  more  than  being  with  his  family.  Witli  his  children  he  was  like  one  of  themselves,  entering  into 
all  that  interested  them.     He  was  an  ideal  husband  and  father. 

The  issue  of  his  marriage  to  Miss  Comstock  wa^  three  children,  James  Sontter,  born  at  Jersey 
City,  New  Jersey,  October  22,  1865;  Nathan  T.,  Jr.,  b(jrn  at  Brooklyn,  December  5,  1867,  and  Uiland, 
l)orn  at  Montclair,  December  10,  1871. 

James  Sontter  Porter  was  educated  at  ]\lontclair  jniblic  school,  and  entei'ed  the  employ  of  Porter 
Bros.  &  Co.;  married  Miss  Grace  Jewett  Shively,  daughter  of  Andrew  J.  Shively,  at  Brooklyn,  N.  Y., 
on  April  28,  1892. 


C2^%^^^-^-^<;?^^^  cy^t^^Cc^ 


History  of  Moxtclair  Township. 


235 


Xatlmii  T.  I'ortor.  Jr.,  i)rci)are<l  for  college  at  the  ^fontclair  High  School  and  entered  Yale  in  ISSfi, 
graduating  in  is'.to.  After  graduation  he  entered  the  employ  of  Porter  Bros.  i.t  Co.,  and  became  a  mem- 
ber of  the  firm  January,  1892.  He  married  at  Troy,  N.  Y.,  P'ebruary  24,  1892,  Miss  Caroline  Chester 
Knickei-backer.  daughter  of  Thos.  A.  Knickerbacker.  a  descendant  of  the  olil  Dutch  family  whose  head, 
Johann  \'an  IJerger  Knickerbacker,  settled  at  Albany  in  lt'>r)2. 

inland  Porter  received  his  education  at  the  public  schools  in  Montclair,  and  is  now  in  tiie  employ 
of  Porter  Bros,  ik  Co. 

Thomas  Poktkk,  third  S(jn  (jf  Deacon  Timothy  and  Polly  Ann  (^Todd)  Porter,  was  born  in  Water- 
bury,  Conn.,  Feb.  7,  1831.  lie  wa.s  educated  in  the  common  schools  and  academy  of  Waterbury,  and 
the  Staples  Academy  in  Easton.  A\'iiile  attending  school  in  tiie  winter  he  worked  on  his  father's  farm 
and  brickyard  in  the  summer. 

In  the  autumn  of  1S.">4,  he  went  to  Xcw  York  City  in  the  employ  of  .\rad  W.  Welton.  who  in  a 


KKSmENCE   OK    THOMAS    I'ORTRR,    f.MOX    STRF.l  T. 


little  store  in  Liberty  Street  was  selling  the  goods  of  the  Cheshire  Manufacturing  Company.  He  had 
scarcely  mastered  tlie  details  of  the  business  when,  through  the  defection  of  other  and  older  employees,  a 
large  share  of  the  resjjonsibUity  devolved  upon  him,  anil  he  called  to  his  assistance  X.  T.  Porter,  who 
was  still  living  in  Waterbuiy.  Under  the  management  of  the  two  young  men,  the  business  received  a 
large  and  rapiil  ilevelo|)ment,  being  conducted  under  the  name  of  A.  W.  Welton  iSz  Porters.  After  a 
few  years  Mr.  Welton  retired  and  another  Ijrother,  Sammel  M.  Porter,  entered  the  partnership.  The 
firm  of  Porter  Brothers  was  then  assumed,  which  later,  on  the  admission  of  some  employees  as  partners, 
was  extended  to  Porter  Brothers  and  Comi)any.  The  affairs  of  the  firm  were  so  .successfully  and 
etticiently  managed,  that  it  soon  acipiired  a  high  i-eputation,  and  has  cimtinued  in  uninterrupted  prosperity 
to  the  present  time.  The  firm  removed  to  Chambers  Street,  thence  to  -143  and  44.5  Broadway  and 
linallv  to  7S  and  7'.)  Worth  Street. 


2oG  History  of  Montclair  TowNsmr. 

Tlionias  Porter  was  for  many  years  a  direetor  in  the  I^ational  Shoe  and  Leather  Bank.  He  was 
known  and  reeosjnized  as  one  of  the  leading  niercliants  of  New  York,  and  dnring  tlie  period  of  the  War 
was  a  staniK'h  supporter  of  tlie  Government.  Wliile  many  New  York  mercliants  doubted  and  shaped 
their  course  accordingly,  his  faith  in  the  ability  of  the  Government  to  maintain  itself  in  its  entirety  never 
for  a  moment  wavered.  lie  belonged  to  that  class  of  New  York  merchants  who  were  lionest  from  principle 
and  not  from  policy,  and  who  believed  in  applying  the  golden  I'ulc  to  every  day  transactions  of  life. 

Owing  to  the  death  of  one  of  the  three  brothers  and  the  failure  in  health  of  anotlier,  the  cares  of 
the  extensive  business  of  Porter  Brothers  &  Company,  rested  mainly  upon  Mr.  Thomas  Porter  as  the 
leading  and  most  experienced  member  of  the  firm,  and  lie  was  practically  the  responsible  head  for 
the  last  ten  vears  of  his  life.  At  the  time  of  his  death  he  was  President  of  the  Cheshire  Manufacturing: 
Company,  the  Cheshire  Brass  Company,  of  Barnard,  Son  &  Company,  the  Patent  Button  Company  and 
the  Vulcanite  Manufacturing  Company. 

As  a  bnsiness  man  Mr.  Porter  was  prudent,  courageons  and  energetic,  and  possessed  a  high  sense  of 
mercantile  honor.  Unswerving  integrity,  and  a  determination  to  fnltill  at  any  cost  every  honorable 
obligation,  were  the  ruling  principles  of  his  business  career. 

Mr.  Porter  resided  for  a  number  of  years  in  Brooklyn,  where  he  was  prominent  in  social  circles 
and  an  active  meml)er  of  the  Washington  Avenue  Baptist  Church.  The  climate  of  Brooklyn  seemed  ill 
adapted  to  the  health  of  his  family  and  he  was  ]iersuaded  by  Mr.  Samuel  Holmes  to  try  the  climate  of 
Montclair.  In  186S  he  purchased,  in  connection  with  his  brother  Nathan,  thirty  acres,  situated  on  what 
is  now  Union  Street  and  Harrison  Avenue,  which  was  originally  j)art  of  the  Jei'emiali  Crane  farm.  He 
moved  his  family  out  and  occupied  for  two  or  three  summers  the  small  house  M'liich  rests  on  the  found- 
ation of  the  original  homestead  of  Jeremiah  Crane.  The  health  of  his  family  improved  to  sucli  an  extent 
that  he  finally  decided  to  settle  permanently  in  Montclair.  He  fixed  up  the  homestead  jiroperty  which  he 
continued  to  occupy  until  1880,  when  he  built  the  beautiful  home  on  the  crest  of  the  hill  which  he 
occupied  up  to  the  time  of  his  death.  The  following  from  the  Montclair  Times  of  Nov.  16,  1890, 
refers  to  his  usefulness  as  a  citizen  of  Montclair,  also  to  his  sudden  death : 

"  Not  since  the  sudden  death  of  Henry  A.  Dyke  has  the  community  been  so  shocked  as  at  the  announcement  yester- 
day of  the  death  of  Thomas  Porter.  He  had  been  at  business  the  day  before,  and  during  the  evening  conversed  with  his 
family  and  with  friends  who  had  called  concerning  business  and  social  matters.  He  never  seemed  in  better  health  than 
when  he  retired  Thursday  night.  On  Friday  morning  about  five  o'clock  he  was  taken  suddenly  ill  and  in  a  few  minutes 
passed  away. 

"  Mr.  Porter  has  been  a  prominent  figure  in  social  and  business  circles  both  in  Montclair  and  New  York.  For  a 
long  time  he  has  been  head  of  the  great  firm  of  Porter  Bros.  &  Co.  In  our  local  affairs  he  has  occupied  many  positions  of 
eminence  and  usefulness.  For  a  number  of  terms  he  was  President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  our  public  schools  and 
always  used  his  influence  for  the  maintenance  of  the  high  standards  which  have  distinguished  the  schools.  His  addresses 
at  the  commencements  many  remember  as  impressive  and  appropriate.  When  the  Village  Improvement  Society  was 
organized,  and  while  it  lasted,  he  was  its  President.  He  alwaj-s  took  a  lively  interest  in  public  affairs.  Socially  he  was 
a  most  delightful  and  genial  man.  His  beautiful  home  has  been  opened  on  many  occasions,  and  all  who  knew  him  well 
were  glad  to  be  numbered  among  his  friends.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  Orange,  and  was  greatly 
interested  in  whatever  concerned  the  progress  of  religion  in  the  communit)^  and  the  world.  Montclair  owes  much  to  him, 
and  while  in  the  last  few  years  he  has  not  been  personally  as  conspicuous  in  the  life  of  the  communit)-  as  before,  it  has 
been  only  because  other  duties  compelled  him  to  give  his  attention  elsewhere. 

"  An  honored  citizen,  an  earnest  Christian,  a  business  man  whose  reputation  was  unstained,  he  was  one  who 
apparently  could  ill  be  spared  by  the  community,  his  family  or  his  church.  The  sympathies  of  a  host  of  friends  are  with 
those  who  have  been  so  suddenly  called  to  part  with  one  who  was  as  dear  to  them  as  life  itself." 

Mr.  Porter  was  a  member  of  the  Washington  Memorial  Association,  being  one  of  a  comjmny  of 
gentlemen  who  pui-chased  the  site  of  Washington's  Headquarters  at  Morristown,  and  erected  the  menn)rial 
at  that  place. 

He  was  President  of  the  Village  Improvement  Society  of  Montclair,  and  was  for  twelve  years 
Chairman  of  its  Board  of  Education.  In  this  latter  capacity,  by  his  successful  efforts  in  stimulating  a 
])ublic  interest  in  education,  by  his  able  addresses  on  anniversary  occasions,  and  by  his   prudent   manage- 


X 


%^ 


<^-^^^/^C^. 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  237 

ment  of  tlie  affairs  of  the  office,  lie  did  mncli  to  establish  a  school  which  has  fitted  scores  of  young  men 
for  col  lege. 

When  ahout  fourteen  years  of  age  he  united  with  the  Waterbnry  Baptist  Church  and  was  an  active 
member  and  Sunday  School  Superintendent  until  his  removal  to  New  York.  In  New  York  he  was  a 
prominent  member  of  the  Madison  Avenue  Baptist  ("hurcli.  and  on  his  removal  to  Montclair  united  first 
with  tiie  Bloomfield  Baptist  Clmrcli  and  continued  his  membership  tliere  until  Dr.  Edward  Judson,  son 
of  Adoniram  .Judson,  the  famous  missionary,  accepted  a  call  to  the  Orange  Bai)tist  (.'hurch,  when  he  took 
his  letter  to  that  church,  fie  became  a  warm  friend  of  Dr.  Judson  and  a  great  admirer  of  his  preaching. 
The  intimacy  that  existed  between  them  enabled  Dr.  Judson  to  form  a  just  opinion  of  the  personal 
characteristics  of  Mr.  Porter,  which  he  gave  expression  to  after  the  latter's  death  as  follows: 

"  I  have  just  returned  from  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Thomas  Porter,  of  Montclair,  a  warm  personal 
friend  of  mine,  and  an  honored  memljer  of  the  Orange  Church.  *  *  *  *  He  was  sixty  years  old,  having 
just  entereil  tlie  autumn  of  life^that  period  when,  having  outlived  the  fever  and  friction  of  youth,  we 
come  into  snuKith  adaptation  of  our  environments,  and  we  inherit  the  wealth  of  varied  and  numerous 
relationships.  Mr.  Porter  was  a  man  of  peculiar  social  grace.  Ilis  commanding  and  almost  regal  carriage, 
his  features  strong  and  nigged,  yet  mobile  and  transparent,  revealing  every  movement  of  the  noble  sj)irit 
Iiehind  them,  his  unvarying  courtesy,  liis  fjuict  unselfishness,  his  considerate  treatment,  especially  to  those 
who  occupied  humbler  social  positions,  marked  him  as  a  gentleman  of  the  old  school.  Ilis  benignant 
presence  will  be  j)eculiariy  missed  in  the  sficial  circles  whicli  he  frequented.  But  besides  this  he  was  a 
man  of  strong  jirinci|)le.  His  moral  intuitions  were  acute.  His  whole  nature  revolted  against  whatever 
was  crooked  or  unclean.  lie  was  fearless  in  avowing  his  convictions.  And  yet  he  was  neither  morose  nor 
ascetic.  He  was  always  kindly  in  liis  construction  of  the  conduct  and  motives  of  others.  The  opinions 
he  held  as  a  Christian  and  as  a  Baptist  were  definite  and  pronounced.  TVitliout  pnMligality  he  was  large- 
hearteil  and  benevolent.  I  found  in  him  a  firm  helper  in  my  Orange  field,  a?id  his  friendliness  has 
followed  me  through  all  my  exjjerience  in  lower  New  York." 

The  characteristics  of  Mr.  Porter  were  clearly  hereditary.  It  will  be  observed  that  his  ancestors 
in  a  flirect  line  for  four  successive  generations  were  physicians,  and  in  early  life  he  was  strongly  inclined 
to  fiillow  that  profession,  but  was  dissuaded  from  doing  so  by  liis  parents.  He  seemed  to  possess 
remarkable  gifts  in  this  direction,  and  would  no  doubt  have  made  his  mark  had  he  been  ]>ermitted  to 
follow  his  own  inclinations.  He  frequently  assisted  the  atfiicted  when  i)liy>icians  or  surgeons  wen-  not 
available. 

Mr.  Porter  married,  in  180.3.  Miss  Annie  Comst<K-k.  daughter  of  M.  M.  Conistock.  a  direct  descendant 
of    William,  the  ancestor  who  owned  laud  in  Wetherstield  in  lO-ll,  and  settled  in  2S'e%v  London  in  1C411. 

The  line  of  descent  is  through  John  (1),  John  (2),  Peter  (1 ),  Peter  (2),  Peter  (3).  The  first 
Peter,  who  was  the  great  grandfather  of  Mrs.  Porter,  was  Cajitain  of  a  Company  of  I^ttimers  liegiinent 
in  the  War  of  the  Revolution,  and  wa.s  stationed  at  Fort  Trumbull  when  New  London  was  burned. 

The  issue  of  the  marriage  of  Thoma.s  Porter  and  Annie  Comstock  was  Thomas  W.,  Howard  and 
Roland.  Only  the  eldest,  Tliomas  W.,  is  now  living,  and  is  at  present  the  head  of  the  firm  of  Porter 
Bros.  «i:  Co.  He  married,  June  12,  1894,  Miss  Lillian  Man,-  Ward,  youngest  daughter  of  the  late  General 
Rodney  C.  Ward,  of  Brooklyn. 

JOSEPH    VAN   VLECK. 

Two  families  of  the  name  of  Van  Vleck  are  mentioned  in  the  colonial  records  of  New  York. 
In  the  Xew  NetheHanth  Register,  page  100,  it  is  stated  that  ''Van  Vleck  (Tielman)  may  justly  be 
regarded  as  the  founder  of  Bergen  (N.  J.j.  He  came  originally  from  Bremen,  studied  under  a  notary 
in  Amsterdam,  came  to  this  country  about  1658,  and  was  admitted  to  practice  the  same  year.  He 
was  made  the  first  Schout  and  President  of  the  Court  at  Bergen,  September  .5,  10*51.  After  the 
capture  of  the  country  by  tiie  Eugiish  he  returned  to  New  York  and  resided  there  in  1C71." 


238  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

Isaac  Van  Yleuk,  proltalily  a  brother  of  Tielman,  settled  at  or  near  All)any.  He  married,  1st, 
Cornelia  Beekinan ;  2d,  March  5,  HISU,  Catalyntje  de  Lanoy.  lie  was  a  dealer  in  beaver  skins  in  1674 
and  TO,  as  stated  in  Stoothoof  Papers.  He  made  an  athdavit  June  11,  1690,  relating  to  the  troubles 
under  the  administration  of  Governor  Lester.     He  had  several  ciiildren. 

Joseph  Vax  Vi.kck,  the  suliject  of  this  sketch,  is  a  descendant  of  Isaac  Van  Vleck.  Ilis  mother 
before  her  marriage  was  Ami,  daughter  of  Joseph  Ilasbrouck,  a  Captain  in  the  War  of  the  Revolution,  a 
descendant  of  AI>raham  Ilasbrouck  or  Has  Brouck,  who  removed  from  Calais  into  the  Palatinate  in 
Germany  about  the  middle  of  the  seventeenth  century,  belonging  to  the  body  of  French  Protestants 
whom  religious  persecution  forced  from  their  native  land.  From  Germany  the  family  went  to  England 
in  167.5,  and  emigrated  the  same  year  to  New  Netherlands  (New  York),  and  was  of  the  patentees  of 
New  Paltz  (Ulster  County,  N.  Y.)  in  1676.  Two  of  his  sons,  Jan  and  Abraham,  with  ten  others,  all 
Huguenots,  obtained  a  patent  of  40,000  acres  on  the  west  shore  of  the  Hudson  River,  September  29, 1677, 
and  settled  there.  Many  of  his  descendants  were  conspicuous  in  the  early  history  of  New  York  State, 
and  especially  in  the  War  of  the  Revolution.  Joseph,  of  New  Paltz  (pi-obably  the  great-great-grandfather 
of  the  present  Joseph),  was  the  grandson  of  Abraham  (2).  He  was  a  prominent  man  and  filled  several 
public  offices.  He  married  Elsie  Schoonmaker,  daughter  of  Captain  Joakim  Schoonmaker,  a  native  of 
Hamburg,  Germany,  wliro  was  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  America,  having  come  over  in  the  employ  of 
the  Dutch  West  India  Company  while  the  country  was  under  Dutch  government  and  control. 

Joseph  Van  Vleck,  son  of  Peter  and  Ann  (Hasbrouck)  Van  Vleck,  was  born  in  Marbletown, 
Ulster  County,  N.  Y.,  November  19,  1S30.  He  attended  the  Kingston  Academy  until  he  was  fourteen 
years  of  age,  and  began  his  business  career  as  clerk  in  a  country  store.  He  came  to  New  1  ork  City  in 
1849,  and  was  engaged  in  a  wholesale  boot  and  shoe  house.  In  1860  he  entered  the  house  of  Phelps, 
Dodge  &  Co. — the  largest  house  in  their  line  of  business  in  the  United  States — and  in  1879  was 
admitted  as  a  partner.  He  resided  for  a  number  of  years  in  Brooklyn.  He  spent  the  summers  of 
1868-69-70  in  Montclair,  and  was  so  favorably  impressed  with  it  as  a  summer  resort  that  he  determined 
to  make  it  his  permanent  residence.  In  July,  186S,  he  purchased  the  property  fronting  on  Upper  Mount, 
ain  Avenue,  containing  about  four  acres,  and  subsequently  bought  about  eight  acres  additional.  He 
was  mainly  instrumental  in  opening  the  street  from  Mountain  Avenue  to  Valley  Road,  which  his  neigh, 
bors  named  Van  Vleck  Street.  At  the  time  of  his  purchase  there  were  oidy  three  other  houses  on  the 
avenue.  He  made  many  improvements  and  built  five  additional  houses,  thus  adding  materially  to  the 
taxable  property  in  the  township.  His  interest  in  the  public  affairs  of  Montclair  led  to  his  election  in 
1874  as  Commissioner  of  Public  Roads.  Little  comparatively  had  been  done  at  that  time  in  the  way  of 
improvements,  and  the  streets  and  avenues  were  not  much  in  advance  of  ordinary  country  roads.  He 
saw  the  necessity  of  a  radical  change,  and  two  years  later,  when  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the 
Township  Committee,  he  earnestly  advocated  the  McAdam  system  of  roads.  He  wrote  a  paper  on  this 
subject,  which  was  published  in  the  county  papers,  and  afterward  in  pamphlet  form.  Tiie  taxpayers 
were  slow  at  first  in  adopting  any  changes  that  would  matei'ially  increase  their  taxes,  but  later  they  were 
convinced  that  every  dollar  expended  in  street  improvements  added  to  the  value  of  their  proj)crty,  and 
Mr.  Van  Vleck's  suggestions  were  finally  adopted.  As  a  member  of  the  Township  Committee  he 
favored  liberal  appropriations  for  public  improvements,  and  the  impetus  given  to  the  movement  at  that 
time — from  1876  to  1879 — during  his  administration  led  to  greater  efforts  in  this  direction  by  subsequent 
administrations,  which  were  ratified  by  the  taxpayers.  He  improved  the  .system  of  pul>Iic  accounts  and 
brought  order  out  of  confusion. 

In  all  his  efforts  ]\[r.  Van  Vleck  has  been  infiuenced  by  the  one  desire  to  make  Montclair  a  model 
suburban  town,  and  to  this  end  he  has  contributed  liberally  of  his  own  means,  and  has  cheerfully  borne 
his  share  of  the  increased  ex]ienditures. 

He  was  for  a  time  connected  with  the  M.  E.  Church,  but  in  1874  united  with  tlie  First  Congrega- 
tional Church,  in  which  he  has  since  been  one  of  its  most  active  and  earnest  members.  He  was  the 
Treasurer  of  the  Society  for  about  ten  years,  and  for  a  number  of  years  has  served,  and  still  serves,  as 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


239 


Deacon  of  tlie  (Jliiircli  and  Trustee  of  the  S^>ciet_v.  He  lias  been  identified  witii  and  is  a  lilieral 
contributor  to  the  various  benevolent  organizations  originatiui^  with  this  church  and  society. 

Mr.  Van  Vleck  married,  in  1S52,  Miss  Amanda  Xiles,  daughter  of  William  Xiles,  a  descendant  of 
John,  born  1*503,  who  came  to  America  in  the  •■•  Speedwell"  in  1G34,  settled  in  Braintree,  Mass.,  in  1639, 
and  was  one  of  the  grantees  of  Dorchester  lands,  from  which  place  he  removed  to  Braintree.  The  name 
was  originally  spelled  Niel,  but  at  the  close  of  the  seventeenth  century  the  present  orthography  was 
adopted.  The  issue  of  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Van  Vleck  with  Miss  Xiles  was  ten  children,  six  of  whom 
are  deceased  ;  three  are  married. 

(IIAKLKS  llE^■liV  .JOHNSON. 

One  of  the  foundei-s  of  the  First  Congregational  Church  of  Christ,  and  for  seventeen  years  the 
Superintendent    of  the  Sunday-scliool  connected  with  this  cliurch,  was  born  in  Ithaca,  Tompkins  County, 

X.    v..   May    lit,    1S3:5.     He   is  a  descendant  of 

Sir  William  Johnsin.  wlui  settled  in  the  Mo- 
hawk \  alley,  in  173"),  and  was  cunspicnons  for 
his  great  influence  with  the  warriors  of  the  Six 
Xations,  he  having  been  ajjpointed  Colonel  of  all 
the  tribes  by  Governor  .^^^~  -  Clinton.  For  his  services 
while  in  command  of  the  ^^^  ^<  ^  I'Npedition,  w  liicli  re- 
sulted in  the  defeat  of  M^  -  «  the  French  under  Dies- 
kau,  at  the  head  of  Lake  ^^  (ieorge,  he  received  the 
title  of  Baronet,  and  a  ISlil  '^^  "*"  gift  of  £5,0(Mi  fmiu  Par- 
liament.    Hedied.luly  ^T/                      "•''                                  -'+,1774. 

Colonel  Arthur  S.  ^^  ^^l^  .lolmson,  the  father  of 
Charles  H..  the  subject  Kr  of  this  sketch,  served 
with  distinction  in  the  '40(HShf^^  War  of  IS  12,  and  after- 
ward Itecame  one  of  the  '  '  i,  nmst  prominent  lawyers 
in  Central  Xew  '^'ork.  .•  lie  was  Disti-jct  .\ttnr- 
neyof  Tnm|)kinsConnfy  wKj^^^^^K'  ^^  '''  ''"^  ''^^'^  ^*  21,  and  was 
Surrogate  and  .Judge  for  ^^^^K^^S^^  many  j'ears.  He  was 
highly  e.steemed  for  his  ^^^^bL^P^^^  greatlegalability  as  well 
as  f(jr  his  many  personal  ^^^^^  qualities.  He  niaiiicd 
Charlotte  Uoxana  Shat-  "^                                                                    tuck. 

Charles  Henry  Jolin-  son.fifth  child  of  Nathan 
and  Charlotte  lioxana  (Shattuck)  Johnson,  was 
educated  at  the  higli  school  of  Toin])kins 
County,  X.  V.  Having  -  decided  to  adopt  a  mer- 
cantile career  he  re-  moved  to  Xew  York 
Citv,  in  1854,  where  he  found  emplovment  in  a 

CIIAKLKS    II.    JOII.NSON.  . 

large  wholesale  grocery  house.    He  remained 

with  this  house  about  three  years,  and  during  that  period  the  knowledge  he  accpiired  from  study  and 
observation  laid  the  foundation  of  his  subsequent  successful  business  career.  In  1857  he  organized 
the  firm  of  Binnev  cV  .Johnson,  cnmmi.-sion  merchants.  The  firm  f(jr  many  years  was  one  of  the  most 
prominent  in  this  line,  and  its  business  operations  have  extended  to  nearly  every  quarter  of  the 
glol)e.  For  many  years  it  had  extensive  connections  with  South  America,  Germany,  England,  China 
and  the  West  Indies,  ilr.  Binney.  of  the  firm,  died  in  187*'..  and  the  business  was  carried  on  by  ilr. 
Johnson  until  his  retirement  in  1^1*3.  lie  is  a  nuiu  of  nntiinching  integrity  and  ujiriglitness  of 
character,  and  is  a  fitting  example  of  the  Christian  Tuerchant,  whose  religious  principles  arc  exemplified 
in  his  every-day  life — a  '•  living  e[)istle,  known  and  read  of  all  men.""     To  the  peojde  of  ilontclair  he  is 


240  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

known  as  the  Christian  iientleman,  whose  whole  aim  in  life  lias  been  to  make  the  world  better.  His 
work  as  a  Siuiday-school  Superintendent  was  begun  at  the  Tabernacle  Church  in  Jersey  City,  in  1863, 
at  which  place  he  removed  soon  after  his  marriage  with  a  lady  of  that  place.  He  succeeded  A.  S.  Hatch^ 
the  banker,  as  Superintendent  of  the  school  connected  with  that  church.  lie  was  then  a  young  !nan  of 
30,  full  of  vigor  and  enthusiasm,  and  earnest  in  his  devotion  to  the  Master's  cause.  Under  bis  admin- 
istration the  school  grew  in  numbers  and  influence  and  became  the  second  largest  in  the  State  of  New 
Jersey,  nnnd)ering  62.5,  including  teachers  and  scholars,  at  the  close  of  his  six  years'  labors.  lie  was 
equally  active  in  the  affairs  of  the  church  in  which  he  served  l)oth  as  deacon  and  trastee,  and  was  also 
President  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association.  He  removed  to  Montclair  in  1869,  where,  finding 
no  Church  of  liis  faith  and  denomination,  he  identified  himself  with  the  Presbyterian  Church,  but  on 
learning  that  there  were  a  number  of  residents  in  Montclair  who  held  to  the  doctrines  which  he  had  been 
tanght  from  his  childhood  up,  he  united  with  them  in  founding  the  new  church,  and  soon  began  the  work 
of  organizing  a  Sabbath-school.  The  history  of  this  school  is  a  history  of  his  work,  which  began  under 
the  brightest  auspices  in  June,  1870,  with  72  scholars  and  18  teachers,  and  through  the  storms  of  winter 
and  the  heat  of  summer  he,  for  seventeen  consecutive  years,  was  invariably  at  his  post  unless  prevented  by 
sickness.  Both  teachers  and  scholars,  whatever  their  position  in  life,  always  received  a  kindly  welcome, 
and  he  took  a  personal  interest  in  each  one,  watching  over  them  with  tender  and  parental  care  as  the 
shepherd  watches  over  his  sheep,  never  for  a  moment  losing  sight  of  even  one  stray  lamb.  He  was  their 
advisor,  counselor  and  lienefactor.  How  many,  through  his  inlluence  and  efforts,  have  been  gathered  into 
the  fold  of  Christ,  and  their  names  enrolled  in  the  Lamb's  Book  of  Life,  only  the  councils  of  eternity  will 
reveal.  The  little  ones  of  tender  years  grew  up  under  his  fostering  care,  and  became  co-workers  with 
him.  It  re<|uired  great  wisdom  and  tact  to  harmonize  all  the  varied  elements,  to  prevent  discord,  and 
]n-eserve  peace  at  all  times.  These  characteristics  he  possessed  in  a  marked  degree,  which  were  not  only 
hereditary,  but  combined  with  Christian  graces  and  a  kindly  genial  nature,  enabled  him  to  contiol  and 
direct  the  affairs  of  the  school,  which  grew  and  jirospered  under  his  management.  He  inspired  the 
teachers  with  his  own  enthusiasm  and  love  of  the  work. 

In  the  church  he  has  been  equally  conspicuous  as  a  worker,  counselor,  friend  and  brother  to  rich 
and  poor  alike.  As  a  deacon  he  has  fulfilled  all  the  required  conditions — "  grave,  holding  the  mystery 
of  the  faith  in  a  pure  conscience,  being  found  blameless,"  and  "  purchased  to  himself  a  good  degree,  and 
great  boldness  in  the  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus."  As  a  trustee  he  has  managed  the  business  affairs 
with  fidelity  and  economy,  as  one  who  naust  give  an  account  of  his  stewardship.  His  love,  fidelity  and 
devotion  to  his  pastor  has  been  exhibited  to  a  marked  degree,  and  through  every  difliculty  and  trial  he 
has  "stayed  his  hands  "  and  encouraged  him  in  his  work.  He  has  given  liberally  and  even  l)ountifnlly  in 
aid  of  every  benevolent  and  religious  undertaking  connected  with  his  own  church  as  well  as  assisting 
others  "  not  of  the  household  of  faith"  in  their  work  and  labor  of  love. 

Mr.  Johnson  has  lieen  for  a  number  of  years  a  member  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce,  Consolidated 
Exchange,  Mercantile  Exchange,  and  of  the  New  York  Boiird  tif  Trade  and  Transportation.  He  was  one 
of  the  founders  and  is  still  a  director  of  the  Bank  of  Montclair.  He  has  been  for  twenty-three  years  a 
trustee  of  the  church,  a  member  of  the  American  Home  Missioiuiry  Society,  American  Congregational 
Union,  and  of  the  Congregational  Club.  New  York. 

Mr.  Johnson  married,  in  1858,  Miss  Henrietta  Holdane,  daughter  of  G.  AY.  Iloldane,  Esq.,  ot 
Jersey  City. 

Charles  Haldane  Johnson,  son  of  Charles  H.  and  Henrietta  (Iloldane)  Johnson,  was  born  in 
Jersey  City,  N.  J.,  May  12,  1859.  He  was  prepared  for  college  at  public  school  and  at  Hasbrouck 
Institute;  entered  Columbia  College  in  1876-7.  and  was  graduated  at  Cornell  University  in  1880,  and 
at  Columbia  Law  School  in  1882;  admitted  to  the  Bar  of  New  York  the  same  year.  Believing  that  the 
West  offered  a  more  promising  field  for  ultimate  success  than  any  place  nearer  home,  he  went  to 
Colorado,  where  he  became  associated  with  District-Attorney  McLivesay,  whose  jurisdiction  covered  six 
counties.     Mr.  Johnson  engaged  in  the  trial  of  many  important  cases  and  achieved  marked  success  as  a 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  241 

prosecuting  attorney.  After  a  year's  experience  lie  returned  East  and  licgan  j^ractice  in  New  York  City. 
His  experience  in  the  West  i)roved  of  valuable  assistance  to  hi  in,  altluiugli  he  sul)sei[wently  entered  ujion 
an  entirely  different  line  of  practice.  His  success  in  the  metropolis  has  been  principally  in  the  nianage- 
ineiit  of  cases  outside  of  court.  lie  is  well  read  in  the  law,  thorou<;h  and  careful  in  his  legal  investigations, 
and  discusses  legal  cpiestions  with  clearne.-s  uf  illustration  and  strength  of  argument.  He  has  had  ciiarge 
of  large  interests,  necessitating  occasional  trips  to  tlie  West  and  to  Europe,  which  have  been  attended 
with  satisfactory  results  to  his  clients.  He  has  been  a  resident  of  Montclair  for  many  years,  and  since  his 
return  has  taken  a  great  interest  in  tlie  political  affairs  of  his  County  anil  State.  He  is  an  aljle  and 
forcible  speaker,  and  in  every  campaign  since  lie  resumed  liis  residence  in  New  Jersey  his  services  have 
been  in  demand.  He  canvassed  his  State  in  1SS4  under  the  direction  of  the  State  Republican  Committee. 
Upon  the  retirement  of  Dr.  Love,  who  for  many  years  has  been  Pi'esident  of  the  Ivepublican  Club  of 
Montclair,  Mr.  Johnson  was  elected  to  succeed  him,  and  the  Club  has  continued  to  prosper  under  his 
administration.  He  is  a  good  organizer  and  an  indefatigable  worker.  He  managed  witli  much  aliilit}' 
the  campaign  of  lS'.t2,  and  with  marked  success  that  of  1^93.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Montclair  Club  and 
other  organizations,  and  was  for«a  time  Assistant  Superintendent  of  the  First  Congregational  Sunday 
School.  He  has  been  for  several  years  one  of  the  trustees  of  the  Montclair  Public  School,  a  director  of 
the  Montclair  Savings  Bank,  and  one  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Citizens'  Committee  of  One 
Hundred,  orgatiized  for  the  enforcement  of  law  and  order. 

!Mr.  Johnson  iidierits  many  of  the  jiersonal  traits  of  botJi  parents.  He  is  a  man  of  great  force  and 
moral  earnestness;  genial,  exceedingly  affable,  yet  firm  in  his  convictions  of  right ;  conscientious,  upright, 
and  a  man  of  strict  probity  and  honor,  personally  j)opuIar  with  all  his  friends  and  associates.  ]Ie  married 
Adela,  daughter  of  Julius  II.  I'ratt,  Es((.     His  children  are  Holdane  Kennet,  Alien,  and  Elizabeth. 

(  ll.\Kl.i:s    11.    NOYKS. 

Cn.vKLKs  11.  NovEs  was  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Montclair  when  it  became  a  place  (jf  suburban 
residence.  He  descended  from  an  old  Puritan  family  which  emigrated  from  Kngland  to  Newlmry, 
Mass.,  in  the  17th  century,  and  is  still  largely  represented  in  Newlinry]iort  and  vicinity.  Mr.  Noyes 
came  to  New  York  City  early  in  life,  and  was  tor  numy  years  at  the  head  of  the  well-known  dry-goods 
and  coiTimission  house  of  Noyes.  Smith  iSc  Co.,  and  was  widely  known  in  business  circles  of  New  York, 
New  England  and  the  AVest.  In  1803  he  purchased  property  in  Montclair  and  was  identified  with 
the  early  deveIo[)mciit  of  the  township.  He  removed  to  Brooklyn  in  ISOtl,  and  six  years  later  returned 
to  Montclair,  where  he  again  purchased  pro])erty  and  decided  to  make  it  his  permanent  home.  He  died 
here  in  I8S1.  He  married  Mi.ss  Jane  11.  Dana,  daughter  of  Alexander  li.  Dana,  well  known  as  a  lawyer 
and  writer  on  philosophical  subjects,  who  spent  most  of  his  life  in  Brooklyn  and  died  in  Montclair 
in  1887.  The  family  of  C.  11.  Noyes  comprised  Charles  S.,  a  practicing  lawyer  in  New  York  City ; 
Alexander  D.,  William  B.,  a  practicing  ])hysician  in  New  York;  Jennie  D.  and  Henry  R. 

CuARLEs  S.  NoVEs,  first  son  of  Charles  H.  Noyes,  was  born  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  graduated  from 
the  high  school  of  Montclair,  from  Andierst  College  in  1S80,  and  from  the  Columbia  Law  School  in 
1SS2.  In  1892  he  was  married  to  Ella  E.  Shafer,  daughter  of  I.  Calvin  Shafer,  of  Montclair.  They  had 
one  child,  Alexander  G.,  now  deceased. 

Ale.xander  I).  NoY?:s,  second  son  of  Charles  H.  Noyes,  was  born  in  Montclair  in  18()2,  prepared 
for  college  at  the  high  school  of  Montclair,  was  graduated  at  Andierst  College  in  188.3,  taking  third  rank 
in  his  class.  He  chose  journalism  as  a  profession  and  became  identified  with  the  ^ew  Ywk  Tribune  in 
1883;  subsecpiently  financial  editor  and  e<litorial  writer  on  the  JVeio  York  Commercial  Advertiser  and 
New  York  Eveiii)t<j  J'oxf,  which  latter  position  he  still  occupies,  writing  also  for  numerous  other 
periodicals.  He  is  identified  with  social  circles  in  Montclair,  is  a  member  of  the  Montclair  Club, 
Dramatic  Club,  and  Tariff  Iieforni  Club.  He  is  a  leader  in  the  latter,  and  did  effective  service  in  behalf 
of  tariff' reform  as  a  public  speaker  during  the  last  Presidential  campaign. 


242  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

William  P).  Notes,  third  son  of  Charles  IT.  Noyes,  was  born  in  Montclair,  graduated  from  the 
high  school  of  Montclair,  from  Amherst  College  in  18S8,  and  from  the  New  York  College  of  Physicians 
and  Surgeons  in  1890 ;  studied  subsequently  at  Senej  Hospital,  Brooklyn,  and  at  Berlin  and  Vienna. 

THE  BENEDICT  FAMILY. 

The  name  Benedict  is  derived  from  tlie  Latin,  hene(licf)is — blessed,  well  spoken  of.  The  first  to 
illustrate  the  name  was  St.  Benedict,  an  Italian,  most  illustrious  in  early  history,  who,  about  520  A.  D., 
established  the  order  of  the  Benedictines,  so  famous  all  over  Europe. 

The  Abbe  de  Benedictis,  the  distinguished  secretary  of  Cardinal  Mazarin,  made  himself  famous  by 
the  ceremonies  instigated  by  himself  in  honor  of  the  (iueen  of  France. 

In  England,  in  the  year  640,  the  name  was  made  famous  by  a  noted  Saxon,  who  introduced  vast 
improvements  in  architecture.     He  was  afterward  canonized. 

In  Denmark,  the  prodigies  of  bravery  performed  by  Benedict,  brother  of  Canute  the  Fourth, 
covered  the  name  with  honor. 

Tradition  says  that  the  Benedict  family  is  of  Silesian  origin,  bearing  the  titles  of  Count  of  the 
Banat  and  Baron  of  the  Holy  Roman  Empire,  the  last  German  Count  Von  Benedict  having  passed  first 
to  France  and  then  to  England  in  the  time  of  Edward  the  Sixtli. 

The  American  genealogy  of  the  Benedict  family  begins  with  the  pioneers  of  Cliristian  civilization 
in  the  settlement  of  the  new  continent. 

Among  those  who  went  into  voluntary  exile,  rather  than  endure  the  oppression  of  the  Stuarts  in 
the  State  and  Lands  of  the  Church,  was  the  first  American  progenitor,  Thomas  Benedict,  of  Nottingham- 
shire. He  landed  in  Massachusetts,  then  a  settlement  seventeen  years  old.  He  was  one  of  the  few 
American  forefatliers  who  sought  to  introduce  civilization  and  Christianity  into  this  then  savage  country. 
He  settled  finally  on  Long  Island,  and  there  was  charged  with  the  powers  of  government.  In  the 
language  of  the  old  records,  "he  was  empowered  to  act  in  point  of  government  and  was  invested  with 
magistratical  power  on  the  Island.''  He  was  the  arbitrator  of  differences,  civilized  and  savage,  the 
pacifier  of  the  offended  Indian  chief.  It  is  said  that  when  Uncas,  the  celebrated  Sachem  of  the 
Mohegans,  complained  to  the  United  Colonies  in  New  England,  because  the  Mohansick  Sachem  of  Long 
Island  had  killed  some  of  his  (Uncas')  men,  the  matter  was  referred  for  adjustment  to  the  famous 
"Captain  Mason  and  Thomas  Benedict."  He  was  a  member  of  the  first  legislative  body  to  convene  in 
America  and  afterward  was  a  member  of  the  Colonial  Legislature.  He  was  foremost  in  the  organization 
and  sending  out  of  colonists  to  plant  new  settlements,  intrusted  with  these  functions  by  the  voice  of  the 
people,  whose  entire  confidence  he  commanded.  All  sorts  of  offices  in  Church  and  State  clustered  around 
him,  forced  upon  him  by  popular  choice. 

He  is  identified  with  the  founding  of  the  first  Piesljyterian  Church  in  America,  at  Hempstead, 
Long  Island,  where  the  tablet  is  still  in  preservation  that  records  the  event. 

His  sons  were  prominent  in  the  early  Indian  wars,  while  his  descendants  have  fought  in  the 
battles  of  every  war,  from  the  direful  King  Philip's  War  to  the  multitudinous  battles  of  the  greatest  civil 
war  in  history.     His  son  John  held  many  public  offices  of  state. 

John,  the  second,  served  as  representative,  and  was  a  jHiblic-spirited  citizen. 

Caleb,  the  son  of  John,  the  second,  moved  from  Long  Island  and  settled  in  Connecticut  at  New 
Canaan. 

Caleb,  son  of  Caleb,  held  many  important  offices  of  Church  and  State.  His  two  brothers,  Lieut. 
Ezra  and  Capt.  Benjamin  Benedict,  rendered  important  service  during  the  War  of  the  licvolution,  and 
the  latter,  it  is  said,  was  on  duty  at  Tappan  during  the  trial  and  execution  of  Major  John  Andre,  the 
British  spy,  during  the  latter  part  of  September  and  1st  of  October,  17S0. 

Ezra,  son  of  Caleb  (2),  lived  in  New  Canaan,  was  a  Colonel  of  militia  and  j^rominent  as  a  military 
man.     He  married   Hannah,  daughter  of  Moses  and  Betsey  (Seymour)  Conistock,  a  direct  descendant 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


243 


of  Cliristoplier  Comstock,  wlio  came  from  Englaru]  al>out  1C52.  and  settled  at  Fairtield  about  1054.  lie 
brou^lit  witli  liiiii  his  family  coat-of-arui!-  engraved  upon  a  silver  tankard,  which  descended  to  ifajor 
Samuel  Comstock,  before  the  latter's  death.  He  gave  the  pitcher  for  preservation  to  the  church  in 
AViltou  to  be  used  as  a  part  of  the  articles  for  commuinon  service,  supposing  it  would  be  retained  by  the 
church  just  as  he  left  it.  The  tankard  was  sent  to  Xe\v.  York,  however,  and  wrought  into  a  more  comely 
fasliion  of  the  day  and  the  design  of  the  grantor  thereby  defeated. 

It   is  a   noteworthy  fact  that   the   first  Comstock  who  settled  in  England — a  German  baron — fled 
from  (iermany  in  the  sixteenth  century  because  of  his  participation  in  the   Von  Beneilict  treason. 


TIIL    l.L.'.Ll>i».l     lluilliJ.ii.Ai- 


Lewis  St.  John  Bk.nkdict,  son  of  Ezra,  was  born  in  Xew  Canaan,  Conn.,  Oct.  24,  1811,  and  was  in 
direct  line  of  descent  from  Thomas  Benedict — the  father  of  all.  He  graduated  from  Yale  College  in  1834, 
and  married  Harriet,  daugiiter  of  Czar  Jones,  .son  of  Ebenezer,  Efjenezer,  Ehenezer,  Jacoh,  Isaac  and  Wil- 
liam,  who  was  the  first  Deputy  Governor  of  Connecticut  and  a  son-in-law  of  Governor  Eaton,  who  was  the 
first  Governor  of  Connecticut,  and  wlio  held  the  position  for  twenty  consecutive  years.  E.  Czar  Jones, 
referred  to  al)Ove  was  a  mendjer  of  the  Connecticut  Legislature  in  1837-38. 

Lewis  St.  John  Benedict,  after  liis  graduation,  began  the  study  of  medicine,  which  he  relinquished 
for  flattering  business  op]iurtunities.  lie  became  a  member  of  the  well-known  firm  of  Benedict,  Hall  & 
Company,  prominent  during  the  "War  of  the  Rebellion  as  large  manufacturers  of  boots  and  shoes,  being 


244 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


awai'ded  enormous  contracts  l\y  the  United  States  Government  for  the  supply  of  tlie  Federal  forces,  in 
army  and  navy. 

In  1S50  Mr.  Benedict  moved  to  Bi-ooklyn,  residing  on  Colnuiliia  lleiglits  for  thirteen  years.  He 
was  one  of  the  i)ioneer  members  of  Plymouth  Church  during  the  early  pastorate  of  Rev.  Henry  "Ward 
Beecher,  and  for  a  number  of  years  acted  as  one  of  the  Ti'ustees  of  that  historic  church.  In  1863  he 
retired  from  business  and  moved  to  Montclair  where  he  purchased  twelve  acres  of  land  on  a  part  of 
whicli  is  now  located  the  Benedict  residence,  coi'ner  Mountain  and  Bloomtield  Avenues.  He  was  one  of 
the  original  members  of  the  First  Congregational  Church.  He  was  regarded  as  a  public  spirited  citizen, 
was  identitied  with  the  progress  of  the  towu,  a  man  of  genial  temperament  and  personal  popularity ;  he 
commanded  universal  respect.     He  died  Oct.  23,  1884. 

His  immediate  family  are :  Harriet  Benedict  Beecher,  wife  of  Col.  Henry  Barton  Beecher,  son  of  the 


llev.  Henry  Ward 
lia,  wife  of  John  Ward 
cipal  of  Montclair 
vember  28,  1880;  An- 
member  of  the  insur- 
&  Benedict,  145 
Court  and  Montague 
Edward  Lewis  Bene- 
eral  Manager  of  Bank 
fornia ;  Seelye  Bene- 
after)  Sarah  Benedict, 
diet,  Emily  Keeier 
Kirkham,  wife  of 
saic,  N.  J.;  Walter  St. 
ber  of  the  insurance 
Benedict,  14.5  I'road- 
and  Montague  Streets, 
Seelye  Benedict, 
and  Harriet  (Jones) 
Brooklyn,  and  gradu- 
inary.  East  Hampton, 
1SC7,  and  at  Yale  Col- 
1871.  During  the 
he  was  engaged  in  the 
ness  in  San  Francisco, 
sale  lumber  business  at 
after  which  he  asso- 
others    as    General 

of  New  York  of  the  North-Western  Mutual  Life  Insurance  Company  of  Milwaukee.  Conceiving  greater 
possibilities  in  the  general  business  of  lire  insurance  he  founded  the  old  and  well-known  insurance  firm 
of  Beecher  and  Benedict,  later  Benedict  &  Benedict,  of  New  York  and  Brooklyn.  He  is  a  leader  of 
social  circles  of  Montclair,  where  he  now  resides,  and  is  one  of  its  most  energetic  and  enterprising  citizens. 
He  was  active  in  organizing  the  Montclair  Club,  and,  with  one  exception,  raised  a  larger  amount 
toward  the  building  fund  than  any  other  individual.  Liberal,  free-hearted,  generous  to  a  fault,  he  has 
done  much  to  jtromote  other  pulJic  enterprises,  and  advance  the  interests  of  the  township. 


stLIAt    LI.MiDlL  r. 


Beecher;  Mary  Ame- 
Taylor,  formerly  Prin- 
High  School,  died  No- 
drew  Czar  Benedict, 
ance  firm  of  Benedict 
Broadway  and  corner 
Streets,  Brooklyn; 
diet.  Cashier  and  Gen- 
of  Pleasanton,  Cali- 
dict  (of  whom  here- 
Martha  Hartt  Bene- 
Benedict;  Caroline 
George  A.  Milne,  Pas- 
John  Benedict,  mem- 
firm  of  Benedict  & 
way  and  corner  Court 
Brooklyn. 

son  of  Lewis  St.  John 
Benedict,  was  born  in 
ated  at  Williston  Sem- 
Mass.,  in  the  class  of 
lege  in  the  class  of 
years  1872  and  1873 
manufacturing  busi- 
Cal.,  and  in  the  whole- 
Albany  and  Oswego, 
ciated  himself  w  i  t  h 
Agents  for  the  State 


y^^a^fui^nv    ^Lottv 


V^O^VL. 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  245 

NAIHM  SFLLIVAX. 

As  a  resident  of  die  iloiiiitaiii  Side,  then  sparsely  settled,  ^[|■.  Sullivan  was  well  known  to  tlie 
people  of  Montclair  twenty  years  ago.  He  formed  one  of  the  little  colony  of  New  York  merchants 
who  began  the  settlement  of  the  mountain  region,  and  opened  up  that  part  of  the  township  which  has 
since  become  one  of  tlie  most  attractive  portions  of  Essex  County  His  father,  Arthur  Bull  Sullivan. 
was  born  in  Waterford,  Ireland,  in  171)1.  He  was  descended  from  one  of  the  oldest  families  in  Ireland,  of 
whom  Burke  says : 

"This  family  deduces  its  descent  from  Oliol  olluni,  King  of  Munster,  in  Ireland,  who  is  said  to 
liave  reigned  in  the  second  century  of  the  Ciiristian  era,  and  whose  lineage  the  Hibernian  chronicles  trace 
from  Heber  Fionn.  one  of  the  sons  of  Milcsius." 

This  family  liore  Arms.  Per  fesse,  the  base  per  pale,  in  chief  or,  a  dexter  liand  couped  at  the 
wrist,  grasping  a  sword  erect  gules  the  blade  entwined  witii  a  ser[)ent  ppr.  between  two  lions  rampant 
respecting  each  other,  of  the  second,  the  dexter  base  vert,  charged  with  a  buck  trippant  or;  on  the 
sinister  base,  per  pale  argent  and  salde  a  boar  passant  countcrchanged.  Crest.  On  a  ducal  coronet  or,  a 
robin,  in  the  beak  a  sprig  of  laurel  ppr.  Motto.  Lamb  foisdin-each  an  uaditar ;  that  is,  "What  we  gain 
by  conquest  we  secure  by  clemency. 

Arthur  Bull  Sullivan  came  to  this  country  when  he  was  nine  years  of  age.  He  espoused  the  cause 
of  the  patriots  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  War  of  the  Revolution,  and  enlisted  in  Captain  (Tcarhart's  com- 
pany. Second  Regiment,  Hunterdon,  X.  J.,  also  State  troops. 

He  married  Margaret  Dunn,  of  New  Brunswick,  N.J.,  and  had  issue:  Thomas,  iTaAwm,  Jere- 
miah, and  Margaret. 

Nahum  Sullivan,  second  son  of  Arthur  Bull  and  Margaret  (Dunn)  Sullivan,  was  born  in  New 
Brunswick,  N.  J.,  September  11,  1817.  He  was  educated  in  his  native  town,  and  came  to  New  York 
when  he  was  sixteen  years  of  age,  and  entered  the  house  of  Thomas  Hunt  &  Co.,  of  which  Wilson  G. 
Hunt  was  a  junior  partner.  Several  changes  took  place  in  the  firm  from  1S3S  to  1843,  and  in  the  latter 
year  it  became  Wilson  G.  Hunt  ifc  Co.,  Mr.  Hunt  having  taken  as  partners  Mr.  Sullivan  and  two  otheis. 
Other  changes  took  place  in  the  firm  during  the  next  few  years,  and  in  ISCO  Mr.  Hunt  retired  as  h 
general  partner,  and  became  a  special  partner  with  his  successors,  Messrs.  Sullivan,  Randolph  A:  Budd. 
In  1867  the  name  of  the  firm  was  changed  to  Sullivan,  Budd  «.t  Co.,  two  others  being  admitted  as  mem- 
bers— Arthur  T.  Sullivan  and  Theodore  F.  Vail.  On  the  death  of  Mr.  Bndil  the  firm  became  N. 
Sullivan  &  Co.,  and  in  1S78  to  Sullivan,  Vail  ic  Co.,  consisting  of  Arthur  T.  Sullivan,  Theodore  F.  Vail 
and  Howard  Randolph  as  general  partners,  and  Wilson  G.  Hunt  and  Nahum  Sullivan  as  special  partners. 

Mr.  Sullivan's  life  was  one  of  constant  activity,  and  while  he  had  accumulated  a  fortune  he  was 
never  known  to  require  others  to  do  that  which  he  could  not  do  himself.  He  was  a  merchant  of  the  old 
school ;  lionesty  with  him  was  a  matter  of  principle,  not  of  policy.  The  firm  of  which  he  was  a  member 
was  one  of  the  best  known  and  most  substantial  of  any  in  New  York.  His  partner,  Wilson  G.  Hunt, 
was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Atlantic  Telegraph  Company.  Mr.  Sullivan  continued  in  active  business 
until  January  1,  1878. 

In  lS7n  Mr.  Sullivan  removed  with  his  family  to  Jlontclair,  purchasing  the  homestead  of  Mr.  Nason, 
on  Mountain  Avenue,  which  he  immediately  improved  and  beautified,  converting  it  into  one  of  the  first 
residences  in  the  vicinity.  He  endeared  himself  to  his  neighbors,  and  was  beloved  and  respected  by  tlie 
entire  community,  rich  and  poor  alike,  for  his  generous  and  manly  qualities,  which  characterized  all  his 
transactions,  either  public  or  private.  While  he  was  ever  foremost  as  one  of  the  merchants  of  this 
country,  he  never  sought  political  or  jjublic  honors,  having  neither  time  nor  inclination  to  fill  the  offices 
of  public  trust  which  he  was  often  urged  to  accept.  As  a  citizen  he  was  a  staunch  republican,  and  an 
ardent  supporter  of  the  party  and  its  princijiles.  At  the  time  of  his  death  he  was  Vice-President  of  tlie 
Broadway  Savings  Bank,  and  at  various  times  he  was  direct(»r  in  the  Lorillard  Insurance  Company,  and 
in  the  Central  National  Bank. 


24:6  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

Mr.  Sullivan  married,  in  1844,  Miss  Sarah  Martin  Rnnyan,  daughter  of  Mordecai  Run3-an,  a 
descendant  of  Richard  Run\'on  or  Rognion,  one  of  a  colony  of  French  Huguenots  who  settled  in  New 
Jersey  during  the  latter  part  of  the  last  century.  Richard,  the  ancestor,  was  born  in  1719;  he  niari'ied 
Jane  Van  Court  (born  August  13,  1727)  and  liad  issue  seven  children,  the  third  of  whom,  Eliuft,  born 
June  7,  1740,  married,  January  9,  1771,  Deborah  Clark.  It  is  probably  through  Elias  that  Mordecai,  the 
father  of  Mrs.  Sullivan,  is  descended. 

The  death  of  Mrs.  Sullivan,  which  occurred  November  30,  ISSl,  was  a  shock  from  which  her 
husband  never  recovered.  She  was  a  sweet,  loving,  gentle  woman,  greatly  beloved  by  her  friends  and 
neighbors,  and  sadly  missed  by  the  whole  community.  Her  husband  felt  the  loss  deeply.  His  vigorous 
mind  and  body  were  unimpaired,  but  it  is  thought,  to  a  greater  or  less  extent,  his  prostration  was  due  more 
to  that  blow  than  to  any  bodily  illness  with  which  he  might  have  been  atHicted. 

He  was  a  Christian  gentleman,  and  a  man  of  generous  impulses.  He  died  September  1,  1884, 
leaving  l)ut  one  child,  Helen  Runyan.  the  wife  of  W.  D.  Baldwin. 

AVILLIAM  DELAYAN  BALDWIN. 

There  were  two  distinct  branches  of  the  Baldwin  family  in  this  country,  not  immediately  connected. 
The  Baldwins  who  were  among  the  early  settlers  of  this  locality  were  all  descendants  of  the  Connecticut 
branch,  while  W.  D.  Baldwin,  who  for  so  many  years  occupied  the  Sullivan  homestead  in  Montclair,  is 
a  descendant,  probably,  of  John  Baldwin,  one  of  tlie  early  settlers  of  Dedham,  Mass. 

Baldwin  is  one  of  the  oldest  names  mentioned  in  English  history.  It  is  said  there  was  in  England 
a  Baldwin  as  early  as  A.D.  072.  The  Baldwins,  Earls  of  Flanders,  were  contemporary  with  Alfred  the 
Great,  whose  son  Baldwin  (2d)  married  the  daughter  of  Robert,  of  France,  whose  daughter,  Matilda, 
married  William  the  Conrpieror.  lialdwin,  Archl)isliop  of  Canterbury,  with  a  train  of  200  horse  and  300 
foot,  his  Ijanner  inscribed  with  the  name  of  Thomas  O'Becket,  went  on  a  crusade  with  Richard  Cceur  de 
Lion  in  1120.  The  name  is  said  to  be  derived  from  the  words  Bald,  quick  or  speedy,  and  win,  an  old 
word  signifying  victor  or  conqueror — the  true  signification  being  "The  speedy  conqueror  or  victoi'.''  In 
1198  Robert  Fitz  Baldwin  is  mentioned  as  holding  lands  in  Bucks  County,  England.  Sir  John  Baldwin, 
of  Bucks,  was  Chief  Justice  in  1536.  The  English  branch  of  the  Baldwins  bore  Arms,  argent,  a  saltire 
sable.  Crest:  On  a  mount  vert  a  cockatrice  argent  wattled,  combed  and  beaked  or,  ducally  gorged  and 
lined  of  tlie  last. 

The  mother  of  W.  D.  Baldwin  was  Sarah  Jane  Munson,  daughter  of  Oscar  D.  Munson,  of  Vermont, 
a  descendant  of  Richard  Munson,  of  New  Hampsliire,  one  of  the  petitioners,  in  the  winter  of  1689-90, 
for  Massachusetts  jurisdiction.  The  mother  of  Sarah  Jane  Munson  was  Sarah  Latin  Bennett,  daughter 
of  Aaron  Bennett,  of  New  Brunswick. 

W.  1).  Baldwin,  the  suliject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  in  Auburn,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  5,  1856.  He  was 
educated  at  the  High  School  of  \\\i  native  city,  and  Ijegan  his  liusiness  career  as  a  boy  in  the  office  of  the 
(_)sborn  Mowing  Machine  Co.  He  was  a  young  man  of  quick  pei'ccptions,  honest,  industrious,  obliging 
and  courteous,  and  soon  won  the  confidence  of  his  employers.  Soon  after  reaching  his  majority  he  was 
sent  abroad  as  manager  of  the  company's  European  business,  which  he  managed  successfully  for  live 
years,  evincing  great  tact  and  business  sagacity.  It  was  during  his  residence  abroad  that  he  met  Miss 
Helen  R.  Sullivan,  daughter  of  Nahuni  Sullivan,  with  whom  he  returned  to  this  country  and  was  married 
at  the  home  of  the  bride  in  Montclair,  Oct.  19,  18S1.  After  his  marriage  he  spent  another  year  in 
Europe,  returning  to  Montclair  in  1882;  at  the  same  time  lie  resigned  his  connection  with  the  Osborn 
Mowing  Machine  Company,  and  soon  after  became  connected  with  the  Otis  Elevator  Company  as  its 
treasurer.  As  a  resident  of  Montclair  he  was  one  of  the  most  prominent  as  well  as  one  of  the  most 
popular  of  its  citizens,  ready  at  all  times  to  promote  its  social  as  well  as  its  religious  affairs.  He  was 
active  in  politics,  and  during  the  Presidential  campaign  of  1884  was  made  President  of  the  Blaine 
Republican  Club.     He  was  one  of  the  governors  of  the  Essex  County  Club,  and  an  active  participant  in 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  24:7 

all  its  affairs.  Ue  was  one  of  the  t'ouiidurs  of  the  Muiitclair  Chib,  the  first  meeting  of  which  was  lieid 
at  his  house,  and  while  he  continued  a  resident  of  Montclair  was  one  of  its  most  active  and  earnest 
supporters.  He  was  a  vcstrvnian  in  St.  Luke's  Episcopal  Church,  and  used  his  best  endeavors  to  advance 
the  cause  of  religion  and  build  up  tlie  church.  During  his  seven  years'  residence  in  Montclair  his  influence 
was  felt  throughout  the  entire  comiEnnit^-,  and  wlien  circumstances  necessitated  his  removal  to  Yonkers, 
N.  Y.,  in  1SS8,  to  assume  the  management  of  the  Otis  Elevator  Works,  his  departure  was  greatly  regretted 
by  a  large  circle  of  friends  and  ae(|uaintances. 

As  a  citizen  ifr.  Ijaldwiu  has  always  been  active  in  iironioting  the  interests  of  his  fellow-citizens 
with  reference  to  public  enterprises  and  internal  improvements,  to  all  n{  which   he  contributed   liberally. 

In  business  dealings  he  is  uniformly  courteous,  but  quick  to  a|>prehend  and  pri)mi)t  and  etticient 
to  act.  In  the  midst  of  public  duties  and  business  cares  he  has  never  forgotten  or  neglected  the  arts 
which  contribute  to  the  amenities  of  life,  and  tend  to  elevate  its  dignity  and  enlarge  its  enjoyment. 

Mr.  Haldwin  has  already  become  prominent  in  the  community  where  he  iu)w  resides,  and  evinces 
tlie  same  readiness  to  serve  his  fellow-citizens  in  whatever  way  he  can  be  most  useful.  lie  is  a  Director 
and  Vice-President  of  the  First  National  Hank  of  Yonkers,  and  is  Junior  Warden  of  St  J'aul's  Episcopal 
Church. 

His  domestic  relations  have  always  been  of  the  happiest  and  his  home  lite  is  a  model  of  peace  and 
comfort,  "(iiven  to  hospitality,"  he  delights  to  welcome  his  numerous  friends,  and  leaves  no  stone 
unturned  to  contribute  to  their  happiness  and  enjoyment — in  all  of  which  liis  loving  and  devoted  wife, 
who  inherited  from  her  mother  those  nolde  ipialities  which  characterize  true  womanhood — henrtily  unites 
witli  him  in  all  his  efforts.  Six  children  have  been  born  to  them,  five  of  whom  are  still  living,  viz. : 
Martin  Sullivan,  born  .Tidy  18,  1883;  Delavan,  born  Aug.  9,  188(>;  Helen,  born  Dec.  2.5,  1SS7,  all  at 
ilontclair;  Louise,  born  July  14,  1889,  at  East  Hampton,  L.  I ,  during  a  temporary  residence  there; 
Elsie,  born  at  Yonkers  March  28,  1891,  deceased  Feb.  14:,  1892  ;  Kunyon,  born  at  Yonkers  Aug.  28, 1892. 

STEPHEN  W.  rA"REY. 

Most  men  of  the  present  day  who  .seek,  or  evince  a  readine.s.s  to  accept,  jiubiic  ottice,  are  influenced 
to  a  greater  or  less  extent  by  .selfish  motives. 

It  is  a  rare  and  exceptional  ca.<e  to  find  a  man  whose  time  is  wholly  absorbed  during  business  hours 
witli  matters  requiring  the  closest  concentration  of  thought  and  intense  application  to  details,  to  dismiss  from 
liis  mind  at  the  close  of  the  day  everything  connected  with  his  business  afTairs,  and  on  returning  home  to 
seek  the  needed  rest  and  recreation,  to  enter  a  new  field  of  operations  requiring  the  same  attention, 
careful  consideration  and  .sound  judgment — rendering  such  service  to  his  fellow  citizens  without  compen- 
sation or  ho])e  of  reward.  Such  is  the  public  record  of  Steplien  W.  Carey  in  Montclair.  Some  of  the 
most  important  changes  anil  public  improvements  in  the  township  have  taken  ])lace  since  he  became  a 
resident.  To  what  extent  he  is  entitled  to  credit  for  the.se  is  shown  in  the  following  sketch,  which,  with  the 
excejition  of  the  mere  outline,  is  gleaned  from  records  and  othei'  sources  outside  of  his  (jwn  innnediate 
circle. 

The  family  of  Carey  is  one  of  the  most  ancient  and  honorable  mentiiJiied  in  English  history. 
According  to  I'urke  the  family  of  Carv  or  Carey  derives  its  surname  from  the  maiioi'  of  Carey  or  Kari, 
as  it  is  called  in  the  Doomsday  IJook,  lying  iu  the  j)arisli  of  St.  Giles  in  the  Heath,  near  I.auncester.  In 
the  year  1198,  Adam  de  Karry  was  Lord  of  Castle  Karry  in  the  County  of  Somerset.  Sir  Kobert  Cary,  a 
descendant  in  the  sixth  generation  of  Adam  de  Karry,  vanquished  the  presumptuous  Arragonois,  for 
which  King  Henry  V.  restored  unto  him  a  good  part  of  his  father's  lands,  which  for  his  loyalty  to  King 
Richard  II.  he  had  been  deprived  of  by  King  Henry  IV.,  and  authorized  him  to  bear  the  arms  of  tlie 
Knight  of  Arragon,  for,  according  to  the  laws  of  heraldry,  whosoever  fairly  in  the  field  conquers  his 
adversarv,  may  justify  the  bearint;  of  his  arms.  Various  descendants  in  this  line  were  raised  to  the 
peerage.     George  Cary,  Esq.,  was  IJecorder  of  Londonderry  and  M.P.,  in  1613.     He  had  a  grant  of  Red 


248 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


Castle  (ail  Irish  estate  in  tlie  baronv  of  Innislioweii,  County  Donegal)  from  Sir  Arthur  Chichester,  Baron 
of  Belfast,  who  was  Lord  High  Treasurer  of  Ireland  in  IGIS. 

It  is  from  the  Irish  braneh  of  the  Carey  family  that  the  subject  of  this  sketch  descends.  His 
fatlier,  David  Thomas  Carey,  was  a  native  of  Dul)lin,  Ireland,  and  at  the  age  of  fourteen  years  was  sent 
by  his  parents  to  this  country  to  attend  school,  but  cliieily  to  escape  the  conscription  laws  in  force  during 
the  wars  of  1812  and  IS  14. 

Tlirongh  tlie  duplicity  of  the  Ca])tain  of  the  ship  in  whose  care  he  was  placed  (with  several  hundred 
pounds  sterling  to  defray  the  necessary  expenses  for  a  time)  the  money  was  misappropriated  and  the 
youth  left  a  stranger  in  a  strange  land,  communication  with  his  home  being  very  meagre  during  those  years. 
He  was  thus  forced  to  make  his  own  way  from  an  early  age. 

Shortly  after  reaching  this  country  he  enlisted  on  the  American  privateer  "  Yankee,"  and  was 
wounded  while  in  her  service  as  a  powder  boy. 

Landing  in  a  New  England  seaport  village,  where  he  received  kind  and  friendly  treatment,  he 
naturallv  made  that  his  home  to  which  he  returned  from  time  to  time,  in  the  intervals  of  the  voyages  in 


'«i:f 


14  '1f/-^ 


A   GLIMI'SE   OF    BROUKLAWN. 


which  he  was  engaged.  At  the  age  of  twenty -four  he  became  the  Captain  of  a  merchant  shi])  and  so 
continued  until  his  death  at  the  age  of  forty  years. 

It  was  at  a  little  seaport  town  on  the  Island  of  Martha's  Vineyard  that  he  met  and  married  his 
wife.  Mary  Chase  West,  daughter  of  Peter  AVest,  a  direct  descendant  of  Sir  Francis  West  (second  son  of 
Lord  Delaware).  Several  branches  of  the  West  family  did  active  service  both  under  the  King's  com- 
mand in  the  French  aiul  Indian  War,  and  at  the  storming  of  (Juebec,  and  on  the  plains  of  Aljrahain,  and 
later  in  the  Revolutionary  War,  aiding  the  colonies  to  gain  their  independence,  and  again  in  serving  the 
United  States  in  the  war  with  Great  Britain. 

Captain  Carey  died  at  Alexandria,  Ya.,  hi  183S.  His  devoted  wife  did  not  lo.ig  surWve  him. 
Their  death  left  three  orplian  children  under  fourteen  years  of  age. 

Stephen  W.  Carey,  the  only  son,  was  thus  left  (not  unlike  his  father)  at  the  age  of  twelve  to  make 
his  own  way  in  the  w'orld.  His  guardian  was  the  senior  member  of  a  shipping  tirni  in  South  Street, 
New  York.  Into  this  house  he  entered  at  the  age  of  thirteen  years  and,  with  but  a  rudimentary  edu- 
cation obtained  in  the  New  England  schools,  commenced  his  business  career. 

With  this  house  he  has  been   uninterruptedly  connected  for  a   period   of  more  than  forty -nine 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  249 

years.  In  i[;ircli,  ISJ4,  at  tlie  age  of  twenty  two,  be  foundetl  the  present  t'reiglit  lirukerage  tinu  of 
Carey,  Yale  »Sr  Lambert.  For  several  years  be  bas  been  one  of  tbe  members  of  tbe  Committee  of  Five 
on  Foreign  Conmierce  and  Revenue  Laws  of  tbe  Cbamber  of  Commerce  of  the  State  of  New  York. 
For  upward  of  tbirty-uine  years  be  bas  been  a  member  of  tbe  New  York  Produce  Excbange,  and  for 
nine  years  of  wbicb  was  one  of  its  Board  of  Trustees.  He  bas  also  been  a  Director  in  many  of  tbe 
Marine  Insurance  Companies  of  tbe  port  of  New  York. 

In  tlie  spring  of  1871  lie  became  a  resident  of  Montelair,  from  wbicb  time  to  tbe  present  be  bas  been 
closely  identified  witb  its  growtb  and  progre.-^s.  lie  purcbased  tbe  property  known  as  Ibooklawn,  lying 
along  tbe  Orange  Road,  in  1S7I,  on  wbicb  he  spent  several  thousand  dollars  in  improvements.  Every 
natural  feature  of  tbe  old  place  was  utilized  to  enhance  its  beauty.  Tbe  little  brook  that  ran  along  the 
front  of  it  was  enclosed  with  a  rustic  fence,  and  rustic  arches  and  bridges  si)an  it  at  intervals,  while  near 
the  main  entrance  tbe  brook  forms  a  beautiful  waterfall, and  the  view  from  this  point,  looking  up  tiinnigh 
tbe  arches  and  overhanging  boughs  of  the  trees,  is  one  of  the  most  pleasing  and  picturesque  of  the  many 
that  are  to  be  found  in  this  deligbful  suburban  township. 

Tbe  bouse,  which  is  of  brown  stone,  Gothic  style  of  architecture,  is  partially  hidden  by  the  trees. 
There  is  no  attempt  at  display  either  in  the  bouse  or  tbe  surroundings ;  art  has  been  employed  only  to 
further  enhance  the  beauties  of  nature. 

Tbe  e-xtensive  improvements  made  i)y  Jlr.  Carey  on  bis  own  place  attracted  the  attention  of  bis 
fellow  citizens,  and  bis  aid  and  co-operation  was  sought  in  the  furtherance  of  public  improvements.  At 
their  earnest  solicitation  be  became  a  member  of  the  Township  Committee,  continuing  in  office 
for  six  consecutive  years;  was  Chairman  of  its  Finance  Committee,  serving  as  Treasurer  for  the 
township  at  the  time  of  its  funding  tbe  bonded  indebtedness  incurred  by  the  obligation  to  tbe  New  Yoik, 
Oswego  and  Miilland  Railway  Company.  By  i)ledging  their  individual  credit,  he,  together  witb  other 
meud)ers  of  the  Committee,  saved  to  the  township  many  thousands  of  dollars,  and  |)laced  tbe  indebted- 
ness on  a  sound  financial  basis.  Such  unselfish  devotion  to  tbe  public  interest,  at  great  jjcrsonal  risk  and 
sacrifice,  merits  the  lasting  gratitude  of  his  fellow  citizens.  Mr.  Carey  is  foremost  in  every  enterprise 
tending  to  tbe  further  advancement  of  the  township  interests.  lie  is  at  present  a  meudjer  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  Seven  appointed  for  the  purpose  of  considering  tbe  matter  of  a  more  extended  form  of  govern- 
ment for  tbe  township.  He  was  one  of  the  founders  of  tbe  Bank  of  Montclair,  was  Chairman  of  the 
Subscription  Committee,  and  is  still  a  director.  He  is  also  a  director  of  the  Montclair  Savings  Bank  and 
of  the  Montclair  Gas  and  Water  Company. 

While  not  an  active  participant  in  tbe  various  religious  and  benevolent  enterprises  of  Montclair,  he 
bas  been  a  liberal  contributor,  and  no  one  ever  appealed  to  him  in  vain  for  assistance.  He  was  a  large 
contributor  to  the  Washington — now  known  as  the  Pilgrim — Mission,  and  lias  reiulered  financial  aid  to 
several  of  tbe  churches  from  time  to  time,  regardless  of  sect  or  denomination.  No  man  in  the  whole 
community  is  more  respected  or  holds  a  warmer  |)lace  in  tbe  hearts  of  the  ])eople. 

Mr.  Carey  married,  in  1863,  Miss  Sarah  S.  B.  Y'ale,  daughter  of  Dr.  Leroy  M.  Yale,  aiul  the  issue 
of  this  marriage  is  Stephen  W.  Carey,  Jr. 

Mrs.  Carey  has  been  no  less  active  than  her  husband  in  the  benevolent  organizations  that  have 
engrossed  tbe  attention  of  her  sex,  and  bas  done  much  to  promote  the  work  of  the  Children's  Home 
Association,  of  wbicb  she  is  now  the  honored  President. 

THOMAS  PtUSSELL. 

Tiie  people  of  Montclair  who  have  witnessed  its  rapid  growth  duiing  tbe  past  twenty  yeai-s,  and 
tbe  remarkable  changes  and  improvements  that  liave  taken  place,  are  perhai)8  not  aware  that,  witb  tbe 
exception  of  the  actual  cost  of  time  and  labor  expended,  this  has  been  accomplished  without  cost  to  the 
taxpayers.  The  men  who  have  dii-ected  its  affairs  have  given  their  time,  labor  and  business  experience 
without  any  compensation  whatever.     Among  those  who  are  especially  deserving  of  mention  for  their 


250 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


unselfish  devotiun  to  the  public  interests  is  Thomas  Russell,  an  old  and  leading  merchant  of  New  York 
City,  but  for  the  past  twenty  years  a  resident  of  this  township. 

AVitli  the  exception  of  the  mere  outline,  the  facts  contained  in  the  following  sketch  were  compiled 
from  the  public  records  and  from  pul>lished  statements  without  the  knowledije  nr  assistance  of  Mr. 
Russell,  who,  it  is  Avell  known,  is  averse  to  having  any  mention  made  of  either  iiis  j^uhlic  or  jirivate  acts, 
but  it  is  due  to  the  public  and  to  the  friends  of  Mr.  Russell  that  "lionor  to  whom  honor  is  due"  should 
be  given. 

Thomas  Russell  was  born  in  Glasgow,  Scotland,  in  1829.  After  receiving  a  liberal  education,  he 
entered  the  house  of  John  Clark,  Jr.,  &  Co.,  proprietors  of  "Mile-End  Spool  Cotton,"  in  1845,  being 

then   sixteen  years of  age.   Of  his  early 

business   career,    it  may  be  said  that  he 

was  faithful,  indns-  trious,   honest   and 

capable.     He   mas-  tered  the  details  of 

the  business  and  in  due  time  was  pro- 

moted to  a  leading  ^  position    in    t lie 

oflBce,    which    he  -^'^VNilfflk  held  up  to  the  time 

of  his  departure  for  ^^^^P  this    country.     In 

1850  he  was  sent  by  ^^^  his   linn    to    New 

York   City  to    as-  ;  ^^  ^  sume    the   entire 

charge    of    this  Vr^^^  _  i3^  tf^  branch  of  their  bus- 

iness.    He  has  had  \  f  ■',  the  management  of 

their    affairs    for  ^        4V  i  _.  nearly  forty  years, 

during  which  tiine  W^^  the  business   has 

steadily    increased,  '  -_  ''''**«?1^  '^d  the  goods  of  tlie 

firm  have  attained  a  jt  2*4.  ^  wide  rei)utation. 

Mr. Russell  is  one  M  .Jll^S'"  ^'^  ^^'®  oldest  mer- 

chants in  Xew  York  ^^^^^k  "^'''^H^^fcfc  ^ity-     Most  of  the 

firms  who  were  in  .^^^Rl^^l^    .^^^jfllP^^^^^^I^^^  business  when  he 

commenced    have  ^^^s  ^ft^BHP^'  alB^i  long  since  j)assed 

out   of    existence.  ^r    '    ^  "^^^^^  ^     ^^^Blk  He  is  one  of  the  few 

who  passed  througli  tI^\  ^^  ■''  \f^^  (he  several  financial 

crises    and    main-  x^  ^  '  '  tained   his   credit 

unimpaired.  ,^  Mr.  Russell   was 

for    many    years    a  resident  of  New 

York  City,  but  he  was  induced   in 

1871:  to  visit  Mont-  clair,  and  soon  after 

decided  to  make      ' '     that  his  permanent 

residence.    He  pur-  THo.^iAs  russell.  chased  the  Samuel 

Wilde  homestead,  a  quiet,  picturesque  spot  hidden  among  the  trees,  located  on  Union  Street  and  Orange 
Road.  He  made  many  alterations  and  changes  in  the  general  appearance,  greatly  improving  the  entire 
surroundings.  He  soon  became  interested  in  the  various  public  improvements  which  were  being  made, 
and  was  finally  induced  to  accept  an  appointment  on  the  Township  Committee.  In  this  position  he 
earned  the  lasting  gratitude  of  his  fellow  citizens  by  the  efforts  of  himself  and  his  associates  to  reduce 
the  bonded  indebtedness  of  the  township,  and  during  a  most  critical  period  pledging  his  own  private 
credit  to  meet  the  defaulted  bonds  until  permanent  arrangements  could  be  effected. 

It  was  during  iiis  term  of  office  that  some  of  the  greatest  changes  were  wrought  in  the  affairs  of 
the  township,  and  which  laid  the  foundation  of  its  subsequent  growth.  At  the  beginning  of  his 
administration  the  streets  were  poorly  lighted,  there  being  only  sixty-five  lamjis  in  the  whole  township. 
Before  the  close  of  his  term  there  were  over  two  hundred  lamps  and  provision  made  for  their  proper 


History  of  MoNxcr.AiR  Township.  251 

care.  The  contract  for  the  introduction  of  water  was  made  by  Mr.  llussell  and  liis  associates,  and  an 
impetus  was  gis'en  to  piil)lic  improvements  during  this  period,  the  results  of  which  were  far  reaching. 
Property  owners  clieerfuliy  submitted  to  the  increased  taxation,  knowing  that  the  appropriations  for  tlie 
various  objects  were  wisely  and  judiciously  expended. 

From  his  early  childhood  ^[r.  Russell  has  lieen  an  earnest  worker  in  the  cause  of  religion.  During 
his  residence  in  New  York  City  he  was  an  elder  in  the  Associate  ReforraeJ  Church,  and  was  also  Super- 
intendent of  the  Sabbath  school.  Soiin  after  his  removal  to  Montclair  in  lS7-i  he  united  with  the  First 
Presbyterian  Ciiurch,  and  has  since  labored  earnestly  not  only  to  advance  the  cause  of  religion  in  his  own 
church,  but  in  the  whole  commuuity.  lie  was  elected  Superintendent  of  the  Sunday  school  in  18T6 
and  continued  to  hold  the  ])osition  fur  sixteen  years,  being  heartily  .supported  in  all  liis  efforts  b}-  the 
officers  and  teachers  of  the  school.  The  little  children  who  first  greeted  him  as  their  superintendent 
grew  up  under  his  fostering  care,  many  of  whom  united  with  the  church  and  finally  liecame  teachers  in 
the  school.  Others  have  joined  the  liap])y  throng  of  the  church  triumphant  to  greet  him  with  songs  of 
praise  when  he  shall  be  called  to  his  reward  above. 

THE  RAND  AND  WHIPPLE  FAMILIES. 

Jasper  Raymond  Ra.nd. — The  earliest  record  of  the  Rand  family  is  that  of  the  Vicar  of  Norton, 
Ld"?^,  Prebendary  of  Durham  (England),  ItinO,  of  Gateshead,  County  Durham,  and  of  London,  having 
Anns,  Or,  a  lion  ram|>ant,  charged  with  three  chevrons.     Crest:  Out  of  a  coronet  a  boar's  head  in  pale. 

RoitEKT  Raxi),  the  American  ancestor,  born  in  England  1599,  married  Alice,  daughter  of  Nicholas 
Siiarpe,  born  lOOL  He  came  with  his  wife  to  New  England,  aiul  settled  in  Charlestown,  Mass.,  in  1624. 
He  had  a  son,  Robert,  who  lived  in  Lynn,  who  had  a  son,  Zachariah.  Daniel,  the  son  of  Zachariah,  was 
born  in  1700;  married  Mary,  daugliter  of  Major  .Lihn  Keyes,  in  Marlboro,  Jan.  8,  1720.  They  settled  in 
Shrewsbury,  Mass.,  and  he  was  one  of  the  founders  of  tiiat  town  and  of  the  church.  Their  second  child 
was  Solomo)!,  born  March  13,  1723,  who  married  Deborah,  daughter  of  Jal)e7.  Dodge,  Sept.  15,  17-11. 
Jasper,  eighth  child  of  Solomon  and  Deborah  (Dodge)  Rand,  born  March  10,  17G0,  married  Rachel, 
daughter  of  Joseph  Ktiowlton,  April  30,  1783.  Jasper  Raymond,  son  of  Solomon,  when  but  eighteen 
years  old,  was  a  private  in  the  War  of  tiie  Revolution,  a  member  of  '' Capt.  Eitenozer  Ingail's  Company, 
(joI.  Job  ('nshinj'"s  Rcift.  of  .Militia  iiclontjing  to  the  State  of  the  Massicliu.<etts  Pay  in  the  Continental 
Sarvis."  His  brother  Daniel  became  a  colonel.  His  brother  Ezekiel  was  a  sergeant  in  the  battle  of 
Bunker  Hill,  and  his  younger  brother  Artenius  afterward  died  in  the  service  of  bis  country.  Jasper 
Rjiyniiind  (father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch),  eightli  cliild  cif  Jasper  anil  Racliel  (  Knowlton)  Rand, 
was  born  in  Shrewsbury,  Mass.,  June  6,  1801,  and  settled  in  Westtield,  Mass.  He  was  one  of  the 
founders  of  the  Westtield  Hank,  ami  twice  represented  his  town  in  the  State  Legislature,  and  was  a  man 
of  weight  and  influence  in  towt;  affairs.  He  uuirried  Lucy,  daughter  of  Joshua  Whipple,  who  was  the 
son  of  Joshua,  a  descendant — probably — of  "Elder"  John  Whipple,  born  aliout  KJo."),  who  received  a 
grant  of  land  in  Ipswich  Ilamlct  (now  Hamilton)  in  1038.  The  latter  was  a  man  of  great  prominence, 
and  held  the  chief  offices  in  the  town,  and  served  on  some  of  its  most  important  committees.  He  had  a 
son,  John,  who  was  also  a  prominent  "Captain  of  a  troop  to  march  for  Marlboro  against  the  enemy." 
Matthew,  his  son,  known  as  '"Major  Matthew,"  was  the  father  ()f  William,  who  was  the  father  of 
AV'^illiam,  signer  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence  and  Brigadier  General  at  the  capture  of  Burgoyne. 
The  Boston  TranKcript  of  1851  refers  to  the  death  of  Capt.  John  Whipple,  aged  81,  as  "the  son  of 
Capt.  Job  Whipple,  of  the  American  army,  Avho  was  wounded  in  the  battle  of  Bennington,  fighting  in 
the  regiment  of  his  uncle,  Col.  William  Wiiipple,  one  of  the  signers  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence." 

Jasper  Ravmoxd,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  son  of  Jasper  Raymond  and  Lucy  (AVhipple)  Rand, 
was  born  in  Westfield,  Ma-^^s.,  October  17,  1837.  His  education  was  obtained  in  the  common  school  and 
academy  of  his  native  town  and  of  Fairfax,  Vt.  At  an  early  age  he  entered  the  office  of  his  father,  who 
was  then  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of   whips  at  a  time  when  Westtield  made  whips  for  all  the  world. 


252 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


He  continued  until  1865,  when  liis  father  having  retired,  he  and  his  brother  suceeeded  to  tlie  business 
and  continued  it  until  ISTO,  wlien  they  sold  it  out  and  removed  to  New  York.  Mr.  Kand  was  associated 
with  another  l)rotlier,  Albert  Tyler,  for  a  time  in  the  manufacture  of  the  celebrated  Latiin  and  Kand 
powder.  In  1872  his  brother,  Addison  C.,  began  the  manufacture  of  tlie  Eand  Eock  Drills,  and  other 
mining  machinery,  and  Jasper  Rand  became  associated  with  him  later ;  they  subsequently  organized  the 
Rand  Drill  Company,  which  for  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  century  has  been  one  of  the  leading  firms  of  the 
country  in  this  line  of  business.     Addison  C.  Rand  above  referred  to  is  President  of  the  Company. 


c  I    ~llil    \1    I      III      J. 


i;  \M  i.    II  \\\ 


Mr.  Rand  lieeame  a  resident  of  Montclair  in  1873  and  has  since  been  recognized  as  one  of  its  most 
energetic  and  enterprising  citizens,  lie  puix'hased  a  plot  of  ground  on  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and 
elevated  sites  in  the  township,  and  erected  thereon  a  large  and  commodious  residence  of  the  then 
prevailing  style  of  architecture.  With  a  frontage  on  Hawthorn  Place,  the  land  slopes  gently  to  the 
eastward,  and  along  the  line  of  Gates  Avenue.  The  beautiful  shade  trees,  the  spacious  lawn,  and  the 
great  variety  of  plants  and  Hiiwers,  add  much  to  its  natural  beauty,  the  loeatidu  being  unsurpassed  for 
health  and  for  its  picturesipie  sui'rciundings. 


€^-<--C--T^^Vl-^^^^-'''''t_^^ 


History  of  Montclair  Townshii'.  253 

"Nfr.  Raiul  entered  heartily  into  tlie  numerous  ]>lans  of  tliose  wlio  souglit  to  make  ^[ontclair  a 
model  suluirban  township,  which  should  be  second  to  none  in  the  vicinity  of  the  great  metropolis. 
Althongh  his  extensive  business  interests  required  every  moment  of  his  time  during  business  hours,  he 
yielded  to  the  wishes  of  his  fellow  citizens  of  Montclair.  and  served  for  three  years  as  a  mend)er  of  the 
Town  Committee  and  two  years  as  a  member  of  the  County  Board  of  Freeholders.  The  records  of  these 
departments  show  the  extensive  improvements  made  and  the  increase  in  realty  value  during  those  periods. 
^^r.  liand  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Bank  of  i[oiitclair  and  became  its  first  President,  and  still 
holds  that  position,  lie  ha.s  devoted  much  time  and  attention  to  the  management  of  its  atfairs,  and  the 
business  has  increased  to  such  an  extent  as  to  justify  the  erection  of  a  hirge  and  commodious  building  for 
the  accommodation  of  its  patrons.  Mr.  Kaud  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  ifoiitclair  Chil),  and 
rendered  material  a.ssistance  in  raising  the  requisite  amount  for  the  splendid  building  which  it  now 
occupies,  one  of  the  largest  and  best  equipped  club  houses  of  any  town  outside  of  New  Vork  City.  lie 
became  its  first  President  in  1887,  continuing  in  office  until  1890;  and  during  this  period  its  membership 
was  largely  increased  as  well  as  its  social  attractions  and  financial  prosperity. 

Great  credit  is  due  to  Mr.  Kand  for  his  zeal  and  activity  in  this  as  well  as  in  other  public  enter- 
prises tliat  have  added  to  the  social,  business  and  educational  features  of  Alontclair. 

As  a  meml)ei-  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  First  Congregational  Society,  lie  has  rendered 
imj)ortant  service,  and  its  financial  affairs  have  been  ably  managed. 

Mr.  Kand  married,  in  ISGii,  Annie,  the  daughter  of  Peter  Valentine,  who,  in  1815,  married 
Mary,  a  daughter  of  John  Osborn,  of  Hempstead,  X.  Y.,  and  Elizabeth  Wannaniaker,  his  wife.  Her 
father  died  during  her  infancy.  John  O.sborn,  her  maternal  grandfather,  was  descended  from  Richard 
0^1»)^l,  wild  came  in  the  slii])  •' Speedwell "  from  England  to  Ilingham,  Mass.,  in  10:35.  Two  years 
later  he  engaged  in  the  Pe<piot  war,  for  which  service  he  was  afterward  awarded  a  grant  of  80  acres 
of  land. 

Tlie  first  ancestor  of  the  Wannamakers  in  this  country  was  Pieter  Wannamaker  (or  \an  der 
Maker),  born  in  J)armsta<U,  in  the  lower  Palatinate.  lie  was  one  of  the  Palatines  who,  upon  tlie 
revocation  of  the  Edict  of  Nantes,  tied  from  Catholic  oppression  and  settled  upon  the  west  bank  of  the 
Hudson  Kiver  in  1710.  With  him  came  Conrad  Frederick;  and  their  children— Hendrick  Wannamaker 
and  Elizabeth  Frederick — became  the  parents  of  Elizabeth  W^annamaker,  who  married,  John  Oslioni  in 
1782. 

Kichard  Osborn  (the  father  of  John  Osborn).  born  1717.  married  Cliristine,  a  daughter  of  Jacobus 
De  Baen,  who  was  the  oldest  son  of  Joost  De  liaen,  who  emigrated  from  Holland  in  H)S8,  and  in  the 
following  year  became  schoolmaster  and  town  clerk  of  New  Utrecht.  He  was  a  large  projierty  owner  in 
that  place  and  also  in  New  Itochelle  and  Bergen  County,  N.  J.  He  afterward  removed  to  Kinderkamack, 
N.  J.,  and  the  records  of  the  Hackensack  churcli  show  that  he  was  an  elder,  a  church  master,  and  gener- 
ous in  its  financial  support. 

Tiie  name  Valentine  is  one  of  tlie  oldest  on  record  ami  had  its  birthplace  in  Italy  in  the  second 
century. 

The  issue  of  the  marriajre  of  Mr.  Hand  with  Miss  Valentine  was  three  daughters  and  two  sons: 

1st.     Florence  Osgood. 

2d.      Albert  Holland — died  in  infancy. 

3d.      Josephine  Freeman. 

4th.    Annie  Grace,  died  Feljruary,  1889. 

Jasper  Raymond,  at  the  present  time  a  student  at  Cornell  Fniversity. 

Josciihine,  who  married  Elfric  Drew  Ingall,  of  Ottawa,  Canada,  in  April,  1892,  died  in  December 
of  the  same  year.  She  was  an  accomplished  and  rarely  gifted  woman,  whose  apparently  untimely  end 
brought  lasting  sorrow  into  many  households  besides  her  own. 


254 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


joiix  iioAVAnn  wilson. 

Joiix  Howard  Wilson. — On  the  patenial  side  Mr.  Wilson  is  descended  from  an  old  New 
England  family  of  this  name.  His  father,  John  Overing  Wilson,  was  the  son  of  Robert  Gardner 
Wilson,  son  of  Dr.  John  AVilson,  of  no])kinton,  Mass.,  Mdio  married  the  daughter  of  John  Overing,  of 
Boston,  Mass.  RoI)ert  Gardner  Wilson,  the  paternal  grandfather  of  John  H.,  married  Rebecca  Conant, 
daughter  of  Levi  Conant,  son  of  AVilliam,  William,  Lot,  John,  Lot,  son  of  Roger,  the  ancestor.  The 
name  is  derived  from  the  Celtic  Conan,  formerly  of  Wales  and  Cornwall,  and  subsequently  of  Brittany. 

Roger  Conant,  the  emigrant  and  ancestor  of  most  of  those  bearing  the  name  in  America,  was 
baptized  at  All  Saints  Chui-ch,  in  the  parish  of  East  Budleigh,  Devonshire,  England,  April  9,  1592.     He 


was  the  youngest  of 
Richard  and  Agnes 
were  esteemed  for 
piety."  He  emigrated 
1623,  and  settled  first 
there  on  account  of 
diversity  of  views," 
was  chosen  I>y  the 
to  manage  and  govern 
Ann,  Mass.,  being 
Ijious,  sober  and  pru- 
Although  he  is  not 
nized  as  the  first  Gov- 
setts,  Roger  Conant  is 
honor,  for  the  colony 
head  made  the  first 
in  the  Massachusetts 
germ  from  which  the 
Colony  s])ruiig.  His 
of  colonization  w  a  s 
him  the  colony  would 
John  Overing 
18-13,  Mary,  daughter 
Natick,  Mass.  On  the 
Wilson  is  descended 
England  family  of 
bers  of  which  were 
patriots  and  followers 


1.     II  .     W  II  -' 


eight  children  of 
(Clarke)  Conant,"who 
their  exemplary 
to  New  England  iu 
in  Plymouth,  but  left 
"an  ecclesiastical 
and  in  162-l-2o,  he 
Dorchester  Com])any 
their  affairs  at  Cape 
recommended  as  "  a 
dent  gentleman." 
u  n  i  V  e  r  sail  y  recog- 
ernor  of  ]\[assachu- 
fairly  entitled  to  that 
of  which  he  was  the 
permanent  settlement 
territory,  and  was  the 
Massachusetts  Bay 
influence  for  purposes 
very  great,  and  but  for 
have  been  abandoned. 
Wilson  married,  in 
of  Jesse  Morse,  at 
maternal  side  Mr. 
from  the  old  Kew 
Coolidge,  many  mem- 
earnest  and  steadfast 
of  the  fortunes  of  the 
lutionary  days.  The 
Hull  of  Col.' Peirce's 


colonies  in  the  Revo- 
name  of  Mr.  Wilson's  ancestor,  John  Coolidge,  ajjpears  on  the  Lexington  Alarm 
regiment,  which  marched  to  the  Concord  and  Lexington  liattle  fields,  April  19,  1775.  The  same  ancestor 
afterward  saw  eight  months'  service  as  a  member  of  Bremer's  Massachusetts  resriment,  enlisting  immediately 
after  the  Concord  flght. 

The  hereditary  traits  of  John  11.  Wilson  were  exemjdified  in  his  school-boy  days  as  well  as  in  his 
subsequent  professional  cai-eer.  He  was  born  in  Natick,  Mass.,  and  entered  Yale  in  1S(!1,  graduat- 
ing in  '68.  He  studied  law  for  a  time  with  his  uncle,  Joseph  Warren  Wilson,  in  Norwalk,  Conn.,  and 
removed  thence  to  Flushing,  New  York,  in  isco,  where  he  soon  after  made  the  acquaintance  of  Henry 
A.  Bogert,  Esq.  From  a  student  in  the  law  office  of  Mr.  Bogert  he  became  permanently  associated  with 
him  in  his  practice,  having  charge  of  the  dei)artment  of  Court  practice,  endjracing  commercial,  real 


History  of  Montci.air  Township.  255 


00 


estate,  etc.  Tlie  defeat  wliicli  many  times  followed  bis  undertakings  at  tlie  beirinniiiir.  determined  ids  ulti- 
mate success,  for  his  defeat  iii  any  enterprise,  instead  of  disconratjinff.  aioused  :dl  tlie  dormant  ener<'ies 
of  his  nature,  and  tenaciously  he  fought  his  way  through  difficulties  and  overcame  obstacles. 

Mr.  Wilson  after  leaving  Flushing  resided  for  three  years  in  Brooklyn,  and  moved  thence  to 
New  York  City.  In  1S77  he  married  Carolyn  Ives,  daughter  of  William  II.  Dawson,  Esq.,  of  New 
Haven,  Conn.,  and  decided  to  make  Montchiir  his  permanent  home,  lie  bought  a  ]>\ut  of  land  on  Park 
Street,  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  romantic  spots  in  the  outskirts  of  the  town,  wliicli  formerly 
belonged  to  Lucy  Stone,  being  a  part  of  the  old  Noah  Crane  property.  The  old  forest  trees  were 
left  standing,  and  through  the  deep  ravine  that  skirts  the  homestead  plot  flows  the  same  ri]ip]ing  brook 
where  the  Lciini  lA'nap])e  stopped  to  ijueneh  their  thirst  on  their  journey  to  the  sea.  The  Swiss  cottage, 
half  hidden  by  the  trees,  has  often  attracted  the  eye  of  the  artist  and  formed  a  valuable  acquisition  to  Ins 
portfolio. 

For  the  first  few  years  Air.  Wilson  enjoyed  the  rpiietude  of  his  country  home  and  mingled  but 
little  in  public  atlairs.  During  the  presidential  campaign  of  1S80,  however,  he  entered  actively  into 
politics.  The  defeat  of  Blaine,  the  republican  candidate  for  President  in  ISS-t,  only  made  him  the  more 
determined  in  his  efforts  to  win,  ami  in  the  campaign  of  1S8S  he  took  the  stump  and  made  a  vigorous 
canvass  for  Harrison,  the  standard  bearer  of  the  republican  party,  with  gratifying  results.  The  following 
spring  he  accepted  the  nomination  and  was  elected  a  member  of  tHie  Township  Committee,  of  which  he 
was  made  Chairman,  has  since  been  annua'ly  re-elected  to  the  sai7ie  position  and  has  deservedly  received 
the  ai)probation  of  his  fellow  citizens  for  the  excellent  work  he  has  done.  His  time,  his  talents,  and  his 
energies  have  been  unstintingly  devoted  to  public  improvements  of  every  character,  in  all  of  which  he 
ha-s  had  the  hearty  supjjort  of  his  colleagues.  During  his  administration  the  appropriations  for  the 
improvement  of  streets  and  roads  have  doubled  in  amount,  and  have  been  judiciously  expended.  The 
succes.sful  establishment  of  the  ])resent  sewerage  system  is  largely  due  to  his  efforts.  His  professional 
services  were  freely  given  to  secure  the  be.st  results.  He  participated  in  tlie  negotiations  with  the  repre- 
sentatives of  Orange  and  Bloomtield  for  an  outlet  through  these  ])laccs.  It  required  considci-able  tli|)loiiiacy 
and  shrewdness  to  acconq)lish  the  desired  results.  He  vigorously  worked  for  a  union  with  Orange  in  the 
construction  of  an  outlet  to  tidewater,  which  resulting  in  the  enlarging  of  their  system  so  as  to  take  in 
Bloomtield  and  Afontclair.  Next  to  the  introduction  of  water  this  is  by  far  the  greatest  public  improve- 
ment ever  made  in  .Montclair,  and  the  most  beneficial  to  pro])erty  owners. 

Mr.  Wilson  was  the  first  to  urge  upon  his  fellow  citizens  the  necessity  for  a  change  in  the  form  of 
local  government,  by  uxjiosing  the  weakness  and  difticidties  connected  with  the  old  township  system,  and 
afterward  by  procuring  the  ap|)ointment  of  a  committee  to  consider  the  necessity  for  a  change,  and  to 
report  upon  the  best  form  of  government  to  adopt.  The  results  of  these  efforts  has  been  the  adoption 
by  the  voters  of  ^[ontclair  of  the  present  town  government.  By  this  act  his  administration  was  fidly 
endorsed  and  the  people  of  the  new  town,  under  a  new  and  more  perfect  form  of  government,  have 
entered  upon  what,  it  is  believed,  will  prove  an  era  of  renewed  ))rosperity.  For  these  good  results  no  one 
is  entitled  to  more  credit  than  Mr.  Wilson. 

Mr.  Wilson  has  been  e(jually  active  in  promoting  all  the  interests  of  the  town.  He  is  a  member 
of  the  Congregational  Church,  and  has  been  connected  with  the  Sunday  school.  He  is  a  member  of  the 
Montclair  Club,  was  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Directors  for  three  yeai-s,  Vice-President  for  two  years, 
and  has  now  been  re-elected  for  a  second  term  of  three  years  as  a  director.  He  was  one  of  the  original 
members  of  the  Outlook  Club,  which  has  always  received  his  earnest  and  hearty  support.  He  was  an 
alternate  delegate  to  the  Republican  National  Convention  of  1892,  at  Minneapolis,  ilinn.,  which 
nominated  Harrison  for  the  Presidency.  He  is  Vice-President  of  the  Town  Kepublican  Club  and  Chair- 
man of  that  branch  of  the  County  Republican  Connnittee  located  in  ilontclair. 

From  Yale  University  he  has  received  the  degrees  of  Bachelor  of  Arts  and  Master  of  Arts.  He 
is  a  member  of  the  Phi  Beta  Ka]ipa  Society,  and  of  several  college  fraternities  connected  with  Yale. 
Whether  in  politics,  professional  or  social  life,  Mr.  Wilson  has  always  preserved  a  .spotless  escutcheon  and 
maintained  a  high  character. 


250 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


THE  UNDEPtlllLL  FAMILY. 
Line  of  Descent  of  Wi[j,ia:«  Wilson  Underhill,  from  ('aptain  John  Underhill,  lt">3(i. 

Capt.  John  Undekhill,  the  progenitor  of  the  family  from  which  William  Wilson  L'nderhill  is  a 
descendant,  was  one  of  the  most  famous  of  the  early  New  England  settlers.  He  was  a  noted  Indian 
fighter,  and  is  said  to  have  slain  150  Indians  on  Long  Island,  besides  being  one  of  the  commanders  of  the 
expedition  which  exterminated  the  tribe  of  Pequods  in  Connecticut.  He  was  the  son  of  John  Edward 
U iiderliill,  of  Iluningliam,  England,  a  near  relative  of  Edward  Underbill,  who  was  distinguished  by  the 
title  of  "Hot  Gospeller,"  and  who  exchanged  the  life  of  a  country-  gentleman  for  that  of  a  soldier  and 
courtier. 

During  tlie  reign  of  Elizabeth,  when  the  prosperity  of  the  family  was  at  its  height,  the  L^nderhills 
acipiirt'd  property  in  almost  every  parish  within  six  miles  of  Eatington.  They  became  connected  by  mar- 
riage also  with  many  of  the 
of  Warwick,  and  attained 


Among  the  first  men- 
of  William  Underbill,  of 
Statibrd,  who  "lyved  in  the 
The  family  bore  Ar//>s, 
tween  three  trefoils  slipped 
or  on  a  mount  vert, 
the  American  ancestor,  born 
ardent  love  of  liberty.  He 
with  Governor  Carver, 
and  other  worthies  to  the 
He  came  over  with  Win- 
militia  force  that  might  be 
he  had  served  under  the 
War  of  the  Netherlands  in 
Boston  militia,  and  was  one 
Boston  to  the  General 
ibunders  and  the  first  Cap- 
Honorable  Artillery  Com- 
his  great  friend,  Sir  Harry 
mander  of  the  colony  troops 
same  year  he  was  "  disf  ran- 
ished  from  the  jurisdiction 
of  religious  toleration  being 


W.     INnERHILI.. 


best  families  of  the  County 
the  honors  of  Knighthood. 
tioned  of  the  name  is  that 
Wolverhampton,  County 
yere  of  our  Lord  1423." 
argent  a  chevron  gnles  be- 
vert.     Crest,  a  hind  lodged 

Capt.  John  Underbill, 
in  1597,  early  imbibed  an 
was  strongly  solicited  to  go 
Elder  William  Brewster, 
settlement  of  Plymouth, 
throp  "  as  captain  of  any 
employed  or  instituted,"  as 
great  Dutch  Prince  in  the 
1630.  He  disciplined  the 
of  the  first  deputies  from 
Court.  He  w;\s  one  of  the 
tain  of  the  Ancient  and 
pany  of  Boston.  In  1637 
Vane,  sent  him  as  coni- 
to  Saybrook,  Conn.  The 
chised  and  eventually  ban- 
of  Massachusetts,  his  ideas 
more  liberal   than   those 

He  was  a  representative 

the  General  Court  in  1633. 

In  1655  he  was  made  by  Governor 


around  him." 

from    Stamford,   Conn.,  to 

In  1644  he  moved  to  Long  Island  and  became  a  resident  of  Flushiue 

NicoU  high  sheriff  of  North  Riding  on  Long  Island.     He  died  at  an  advanced  age,  July  21,  1672,  and  was 

buried  on  his  estate  in  the  Underbill  burying-ground  at  Matinecock,  formerly  Kenilworth  or  Kilingworth, 

Queens  County,  Long  Island.     The  seal  of  Capt.  John  Underbill,  attached  to  his  name  as  a  witness  in  a 

conveyance  from  the  Indian  proprietors  of  Matinecock,  Long  Island,  to  Matthew  Prior,  dated  Kilingworth, 

22d  of  June,  1664,  are  "argent  three   trefoils  slipped  vert."     He  had  a  son,  John,  of  Matinecock,  who 

became  a  member  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  and  was  the  ancestor  of  the  Long  Island  branch  of  the 

family. 

Nathaniel,  son  of  John,  born  in  1663,  removed  to  Westchester,  N.  T.,  in  1685,  and   bought  lands 
of  John  Turner.     The  children  of  Nathaniel  M'ere  Thomas,  Nathaniel,  Jr.,  Benjamin,  Abraham,  John, 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  257 

Mary,  and  William  Barton.  A  son  of  Xatlianiel,  Jr.,  was  Ahraliain,  wlio  liad  a  son  Isaac,  born  June  21, 
172«>,  at  whose  house  in  Yorktown  ^[ajor  Andro  stopped  for  breakfast  on  the  morning  of  tlie  day  of  his 
capture  at  Tarrytown.  A  son  of  Isaac  was  Joshua,  fatlier  of  Ira  B.  I'nderhill,  mIio  married  a  Miss 
Abiirail  Kintr,  of  Pliiladelpliia. 

Wii.i.iAM  Wii  .*o.\  rxDEKHii.i..  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  son  of  Ira  15.  and  Abigail  (King)  rnderiiill, 
was  l)orn  in  Xew  York  City,  September  13,  1839.  He  was  educated  at  several  schools,  at  Hurlington 
College  and  tlie  University  of  Pennsylvania.  After  his  father's  death  he  went  to  New  York  and  engaged 
for  a  time  in  the  commission  business.  At  the  beginning  of  1^62  he  went  abmud  and  made  an  extended 
tour.  In  December,  1862,  he  entered  the  office  of  the  United  States  Fire  Insurance  CV)mi)any,  New 
York  City,  as  Assistant  Secretary.  He  was  made  Secretary  in  18Gr>.  and  President  in  1SS2,  liaving 
succeeded  his  uncle  to  tiiat  pll^ition,  who  had  tilled  it  for  twenty -five  years.  The  same  otiice  has  been 
presided  over  by  an  Underbill  since  1S49. 

While  eschewing  ])o]itics  in  the  ordinary  sense  of  the  term.  ^fr.  Underhiii  has  given  time  and 
thought  to  the  leadinij  issues  of  tlie  dav. 

Bronglit  up  in  the  simple  faith  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  suburban  life  had  more  attractions  for 
liim  than  the  city,  ami  after  visiting  Montclair  he  was  favorably  iiujjressed  with  its  many  attractive 
features,  and  in  lsS3  he  purchased  the  jiroperty  on  the  corner  of  Harrison  Avenue  and  Llewellyn  lioad, 
a  part  of  the  Riker  Estate,  formerly  the  homestead  farm  of  Frederick  Vincent. 

AVlieu  called  upon  by  his  fellow  citizens  to  serve  in  a  pul)lic  cajiacity,  h;;  consented  to  serve  as  a 
member  of  the  Township  Committee,  and  dining  the  two  years  he  occupied  that  position  he  favored  tlie 
most  advanced  ideas  of  progress  and  reform. 

He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Essex  County  ^[icroscopic  Society,  the  Jlontclair  Club,  anil  tli(; 
Insurance  Club  of  New  York  ;  also  President  of  the  New  York  Inland  Underwriters' Association,  and 
Secretary  and  Trta^urer  of  the  Tariff  Association  of  New  York.  Having  no  associates  there  of  his  own 
faith,  he  is  an  attendant  at  St.  Luke's  Episcopal  Church. 

Mr.  Underhiii  married  ^liss  Emily  II.  Griffen,  daughter  of  John  L.  Griffen,  Esq.,  of  New  York 
City,  a  desccniiant  of  the  Grifi'ens  of  Westchester  County,  N.  Y.  I'hey  have  issue  seven  children,  viz.; 
Ltniise  Griffen,  Wilson,  Juhii  (iriffiu,  Mabel  King,  Arthur,  Clarence  King,  and  Ernest. 

TllK  MILLER  AND  DKMAREST  FA.MILILS. 

CoLoxKi,  Gkokijk  Ai.iiiKi)  -Mii.i.KK. — Coloiicl  (ycorge  A.  Miller  was  born  in  New  York  City, 
August  30.  1853.  He  is  probably  descended  from  .lohn  ililler.  who  settled  on  Long  Island  about  1641), 
from  Lynn,  Mass.,  and  who  married  a  daughter  of  Rev.  Abram  Pierson,  whose  son  was  the  lir.st  President 
of  Yale  College.  Colonel  Miller's  father  was  Z^iv'.  his  grandfather  ./cM^y/t  (Imtli  liDrn  in  S(jmers,  West- 
chester ( "ounty,  N.  Y.).  son  of  Smuuel,  born  in  IIarri.son,  Westchester  County,  .\.  V.,  November  14,  1757  ; 
removed  thence  to  Somei-s,  after  the  AVar.  He  did  service  in  the  AVar  of  the  Revolution,  as  shown  by  the 
following  statement  copied  from  the  records  of  the  War  Department  at  Washington : 

"Near  the  end  of  1775  he  volunteered  for  12  months  as  a  Ranger,  under  Capt.  Micejali  Towiisend 
it  Col.  Hammond,  and  was  on  duty  as  guai'd  to  the  Committee  of  Public  Safety,  executed  their  orders 
in  arresting  and  dispei-sing  Tories,  prevented  their  congregating  to  concert  measures  or  to  fumish  sup- 
plies of  forage  or  provisions.  When  tlie  British  war  vessels  sailed  uj)  the  Hudson  River — the  Rose  & 
Phenix — he,  with  his  comj)any  was  ordered  to  guard  along  the  shore  to  prevent  their  landing.  After  this 
he  went  to  the  'Big  Lot'  near  Mamaroneck  where  Tories  were  organizing,  killed  Capt.  Wra.  Lounds- 
bury.  on  whom  was  found  a  British  commission  to  enlist  men.  and  captured  all  but  two  of  his  men.  He 
was  emj)loyed  on  entrenchments  at  Horns  Neck  on  York  Island  when  N.  Y.  City  was  evacuated  (Sept. 
15,  1776)  and  retreated  with  the  army  to  White  Plains  and  was  on  Holton  Hill  or  near  it  when  the  battle 
(Oct.  28,  1776)  took  place  at  AVhite  Plains. 

"In    1777  or  S  (^probably   177Sj  he   enlisted    for   one   year   as  'minute  man'   under  Capt.  Wm. 


258 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


Moger — afterward   insane — &   Col.  Tlnjinas,   and  while  at  North  ('astle  was  attacked   hv  a  large  body  of 
Lorse  witli  a  sliarjj  engagement  in  which  his  father  was  killed  and  lie  retreated. 

"Nearliound  Hill  (a  portion  probably  of  Greenwich)  Conn,  he  with  his  company  attacked  the 
advanced  guard  of  a  body  of  British  horse,  killed  Capt.  Theall  besides  wounding  a  number  of  others. 
After  this,  during  17S0,  17S1  and  17S2,  he  continued  to  serve  in  the  militia  under  ('apt.  John  Thomas 
and  ('apt.  St.  John  in  the  command  of  (\>l.  Thomas,  and  Under  St.  James  IMillcr.  on  alarm,  and  as  the 
emergency  recpnred,  which  were  short  tours  of  which  he  ctmld  not  give  the  details,  but  he  claimed  it 
aggregated  fn)m  (!  to  12  months  of  actual  duty." 

The  mother  of  Colonel  Miller  was  JMarianne  Adeline  Demarest  (Miller)  a  descendant  of  David 
dcs  Marest,  a  P'rencli 
grated  to  this  coun- 
bis  arrival  joined  the 
on  Staten  Island, 
h  i  m  his  wife,  his 
David,  with  their 
and  Samuel,  an  un- 
moved in  lfit)5  to 
1677  disposed  of  his 
bought  from  the 
large  tract  of  land 
Ha  c  ken  sack  and 
Avhich  included  the 
llackensack. 
iEarest  was  a  native 
little  village  of 
near  the  city  of 
of  des  Marest  was 
that  part  of  France 
ble.  One  Samuel  des 
of  Theology,  and  his 
Henri,  prepared 
nonnced  the  finest 
Bible  that  has  ever 
Colonel  Jliller's 
the  ancestor  is 
David,  born  164.5, 
Jacoljus,  born  173.5, 
and  Jiiiiiix.  Imrn 
father  of  Marianne 
Miller    and    mother 


Huguenot,  who  enii- 
try  in  1663,  and  on 
Huguenot  Colony 
He  brought  with 
two  sons,  Jean  and 
wives  and  children, 
married  son.  He  re- 
Ncw  Harlem,  and  in 
j)ro])erty  there  and 
Tajipan  In  d  ia  n  s  a 
lying  between  the 
II  u  d  so  n  r  i  vers, 
present  townshij)  of 
This  David  des 
of  Beau c ham  p,  a 
Picardy,  in  France, 
Amiens.  The  family 
very  numerous  in 
and  liighly  respecta- 
Marest,  a  Professor 
two  sons,  Daniel  and 
what  has  been  pro- 
edition  of  the  French 
been  published, 
line  of  descent  from 
through  Jean^  son  of 
Petrus,  born  1709, 
Jacobus,  born  1767, 
1701,  who  was  the 
Adeline,  wife  of  Levi 
of  Colonel  Miller. 

,-,       ,  ,       -.,.,,  •         COL.    GEO.    A.    MILLER.  ,  ,  .      ^t 

Colonel    Mdler  was  educated  in  New 

York  City,  and  was  graduated  at  Columbia  Law  School  in  1S73.  He  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1S7-I, 
shortly  before  which  he  had  entered  the  otHce  of  Scudder  &  Carter,  with  which,  and  the  succeeding  firm 
of  Carter  &  Ledyard,  he  has  ever  since  been  connected.  These  firms  have,  both  of  tiiem,  at  all  times, 
had  charge  of  litigations  involving  large  interests,  and  the  name  of  Mr.  James  C.  Carter,  who  is  the  senior 
member  of  the  firm,  is  of  luitional  reputation.  The  department  of  work  which  has  engaged  a  large  part 
of  Mr.  Miller's  attention  has  had  relation  to  pleading  and  procedure,  in  which  he  has  had  large  experience. 
He  is  Professor  of  Law  in  the  Metropolis  Law  School,  wdiere  he  lectures  on  practice  and  jileading  at 
common  law  and  under  the  Code.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  New  York  Bar  Association  and  of  the 
New  York  Eeform  Club. 


History  of  Moxtclair  Townsiih-.  259 

Colonel  Miller  lia.s  also  acliieved  distiiietiou  as  an  officer  of  the  National  Guard,  S.  N.  Y.  He 
began  his  military  career  in  1S73  as  a  member  of  the  famous  Twenty-second  lieginient,  having  joined 
Company  A  that  year.  He  was  an  enthusiast  in  military  affaii-s,  and  in  time  became  thoroughly  prolicient 
in  military  tactics,  remaining  only  one  year  as  private,  being  promoted  corporal  in  187-1,  sergeant  in  1876, 
second  lieutenant  in  l^sl.  and  in  six  weeks  following  was  elected  captain,  passing  from  a  non- 
commissioned officer  to  the  highest  company  rank  of  a  commissioned  officer  within  a  pei-iod  of  less  than 
two  months.  In  ls>^t>  he  became  Major,  and  in  isss  Lieutenant-Colonel  of  the  IJeginient.  He  was  an 
efficient  officer,  a  thorough  disciplinarian,  and  withal  popular  with  the  rank  and  tile.  Colonel  Aliller 
rendered  important  military  service  in  connection  with  this  Regiment,  having  been  a  participant  in  many 
of  the  exciting  events  in  which  the  Twenty-second  Regiment  was  conspicuous,  notably  the  railroad  riots 
of  1877.  In  1880,  at  the  unanimous  request  of  the  officers  of  the  Twelfth  Regiment,  he  was  transferred 
thence,  and  served  as  its  Lieutenant-Colonel  witli  distinction  until  189"i,  when  he  resigned,  after  an  active 
service  of  nearly  twenty  years  in  the  National  Guard. 

(Jolonel  Miller  became  a  resident  of  .Montclair  in  1873,  and  has  been  moi-e  or  less  identilied  with 
public  matters,  especially  with  politics,  in  which  he  has  always  been  on  the  side  of  reform  without  regard 
to  ])arty  affiliations.  lie  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Tariff  Reform  Club,  an<l  has  been  active  in 
promoting  its  objects.     He  was  also  one  of  the  fr)unders  of  the  Montclair  Chib. 

He  married,  in  October,  1878,  Julia  K.  AVainwright.  He  has  two  children,  viz.:  George  A.,  Jr., 
and  (icrtrude. 

EDW.VUI)  (4YRE  BURGESS. 

The  name  of  Burges  or  Rurgess,  as  appears  from  ancient  documents,  was  formerly  I  )(■  IJnrges, 
afterward  I'urchcs,  and  subsccpiently  Burgess.  From  the  French  derivation  of  the  name  it  is  proiiahle 
that  the  English  ancestor  came  from  Normandy  with  the  Coinjueror,  and  was  among  tiiose  to  whom  lands 
were  aj)portioned  for  military  service  rendered.  Eleven  persons  of  this  name  are  mentioned  by  Rurke 
as  having  received  Coat-of-Arms  in  recognition  of  distinguished  service.  Those  borne  by  Charles 
Montt)liere  I'urges,  of  Beaufort  ("ounty,  Sussex,  were :  Arinx — Per  fesse  ai-gent  and  ermine  a  fesse  azure 
fretty  or,  a  bordure  of  the  third  bezantee,  on  a  canton  gules  a  bend  of  the  first,  charged  with  a  baten  of 
Knight  ^L1rslmll  ])pr.     Crest — A  camel's  head  ])pr.  erased  gules. 

Tiie  American  ancestor  of  the  ^e\y  York  branch  of  this  fanuly  was  Edward  E.  Burgess,  who 
came  from  England  to  this  country  about  17t»n,  and  settled  in  Watervliet,  now  i>ethlehem,  in  Albany 
County. 

p]dward  G.,  Sr.,  tlie  father  of  Edward  G.,  was  a  successful  merchant  in  Albany  for  a  number  of 
vears.  He  removed  to  Jer-^ev  Citv  in  1840,  and  was  one  of  the  originators  of  the  svstem  of  floating 
grain  elevators  which  has  revolutionized  the  grain  business  in  the  country,  and  enabled  those  engaged  in 
the  grain  trade  to  handle  millions  of  bushels  in  the  same  time  that  thousands  were  handled  under  the  old 
system.  He  with  others  owned  the  first  grain  tloating  elevator  and  established  the  new  system  as  early 
as  184S,  ill  face  of  great  opposition.  He  is  on  the  roll  of  honor  of  the  Produce  Exchange,  having 
volunteered  his  services  during  the  riot  of  18fi3. 

An  uncle  of  Mr.  Burgess,  Sr.,  Ix'onard  Burgess,  was  for  many  years  a  prominent  manufacturing 
jeweler  in  Albany.  Another  uncle,  Daniel  Hewson,  a  prominent  resident  of  Auburn,  was  a  warm 
friend  and  neighbor  of  William  II.  Seward. 

The  mother  of  E.  G.  Burgess  was  Mary  Tanner  Wands,  daughter  of  James  Wands,  and  grand- 
daughter of  John  Wands,  of  the  township  of  New  Scotland,  formerly  Bethlehem,  Albany  County,  New 
York,  who  came  from  Gla.sgow,  Scotland,  about  1750.  He  and  his  brother  *'  Ebenczer  "  are  the  only 
persons  of  that  name  who  ever  settled  in  this  country.  In  the  history  of  New  Scotland,  it  is  stated  that 
''from  1750  to  1775  there  was  a  large  emigration  of  a  sturdy,  industrious  class  from  Scotland,  Ireland, 
England,  etc.,  possessing  an  intelligence  which  inspired  them  with  courage  to  promote  the  well  being  of 
each  other,  and  by  their  influence  to  give  to  the  reformed  religion  an  example  worthy  of  Christianity." 


260  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

Among  the  names  [ironiinently  mentioned  in  this  connection  is  that  of  Jolm  Wands.  Pie  was  a  tlirifty 
Scotclnnan  and  an  industriuns  farmer.  At  the  outbreak  of  the  French  and  Indian  War,  lie  sliouldered 
liis  '■  tlint  luck"'  and  foiiglit  tlie  wily  savages — tlie  allies  of  the  French — with  that  courage  and  determin- 
ation which  distinguished  the  hardy  Scotch  pioneer.  A  jjowder  horn  aitistically  inscril)ed  willi  designs 
of  Fort  8tanwix  and  other  fortifications— now  in  the  possession  of  E.  G.  Bui'gess,  liis  gieat-gi-andson — is 
evidently  a  record  of  his  achievements.  He  was  stationed  for  a  time  in  a  stone  church  in  the  village  of 
Scliohiu-ic  which  was  then  used  as  a  fortification  ;  this  old  church  is  still  standing.  During  the  War  of 
the  Ilevolutioii  he  was  known  as  "Ensign  John  Wands'";  he  was  ensign  of  First  Regiment  Albany 
Militia,  commanded  by  Colonel  Henry  Quackenbush.  In  the  wai'  of  1812,  the  family  was  represented  by 
Peter,  Josejih  and  James  W.  Wands,  who  volunteered  their  services. 

John  AVands  was  evidently  a  prominent  member  of  the  Masonic  Fj-aternity,  and  one  of  the 
organizers  of  the  lodge  in  his  locality.  The  history  of  Xew  Scotland  states  that  as  early  as  1794-  a 
Mason's  lodge  was  in  existence  at  New  Scotland.  Among  the  few  names  of  the  members  given  are  John 
Wands,  Gloud  Wands,  James  Wands  and  eight  others.  It  is  further  stated  that  "  James  AVands  2nd, 
was  a  teacher  previous  to  171*4."  James  B.  AVands  was  Supervisor  of  the  town  in  1832,  and  again  in  1837. 
Another  account  states  that  "  Dr.  AVands,  from  New  Scotland,  practiced  in  the  township  of  Guelderland 
about  eight  years  and  then  removed  to  Cohoes."  Thomas  D.  AVands,  the  grauduncle  of  j\lr.  Burgess,  was 
Supervisor  of  his  district  in  Albany  for  many  years,  lie  was  a  stove  manufacturer  and  was  a  near 
neighbor  and  fi-iend  of  Thui-low  Weed.  The  families  of  AVands  and  Burgess  were  l)oth  prominent  in 
Albany  County,  and  held  many  otiices  of  trust  both  before  and  after  the  Revolution.  William  E. 
Burgess,  a  cousin  of  Edward  G.,  is  specially  mentioned  in  the  annals  of  the  town  for  the  part  he  took  in 
the  Mexican  AVar.  Another  cousin,  Ebenezer  E.  AA^ands.  now  occupies  the  old  homestead  of  the  great- 
grandfather, and  had  six  boys  in  the  Civil  AA^ar,  James  AI.,  flames  E.,  Robert  J.,  '1  homas,  Alexander  II. 
and  Oliver. 

Edward  G.  Bqkgess,  son  of  Edward  G.  and  Mary  T.  (AVands)  Burgess,  was  born  in  Albany,  X.  Y., 
but  removed  with  his  parents  in  early  childhood  to  Jersey  City.  He  was  educated  at  the  jniblic  schools 
of  that  city  and  subsequently  entered  the  service  of  the  Grain  Elevating  Company,  of  which  his  father 
was  the  leading  spirit,  being  President  of  the  Company  at  the  time  of  his  death  in  1872.  He  was  made 
President  of  the  Company  in  1873,  and  conducted  its  affairs  successfully  until  1881.  He  then  became 
associated  with  Annan  &  Co.,  and  in  1891  the  tirm  was  changed  to  the  International  Grain  Elevating 
Company,  Mr.  Burgess  becoming  its  President. 

He  is  one  of  the  Board  of  Managers  of  the  New  Yoi'k  Produce  Exchange,  elected  to  serve  from 
May,  1892,  to  May,  1894  ;  he  is  also  one  of  the  IVIanagers  of  the  New  York  Produce  Exchange  Ihiilding 
and  Loan  Association. 

Mr.  Burgess'  coimection  with  the  affaii-s  of  Montclair  extends  over  a  jieriod  of  more  than  twenty 
years,  (hiring  which  time  it  has  grown  from  a  small  subui'ban  village  to  a  township  of  nearly  twelve 
thousand  inhabitants.  As  a  ])ublic  spirited  citizen  he  has  done  his  share  to  promote  public  imjjrovements 
and  physical  and  educational  development.  He  first  purchased  a  house  on  Chestnut  Street,  where  he 
resided  foi'  about  ten  yeai's.  In  1883  he  Ijought  the  property  on  the  mountain  slo]ie  fronting  Mountain 
Avenue,  near  Gates  Avenue.  On  this  he  erected  a  large  and  substantial  brick  villa  of  the  English  Gothic 
style  of  architecture.  Its  broad  verandas  and  spacious  rooms  give  to  it  an  oriental  appearance  and  an  air 
of  comfort  and  restfulness,  while  its  picturesque  surroundings,  with  its  beautiful  shade  trees,  spacious 
lawn  and  magnificent  view,  all  combine  to  make  it  a  model  home  and  delightful  retreat.  In  improving 
and  beautifying  his  own  home,  Mr.  Burgess  has  not  been  unmindful  of  the  interests  of  his  neighbors  and 
fellow  citizens,  and  has  done  what  he  could  to  improve  their  condition  and  jiromote  their  happiness.  He 
was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  McA^ickar  Military  Institute,  which  has  alreaily  attained  high  i-ank  as  a 
private  educational  institution  for  boys,  fitting  them  for  the  [jractical  duties  ot  life:  also  pre])aring  them 
for  college.  Mr.  Burgess  was  also  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Montclair  Club  and  of  the  Montclair 
Athletic  Club.     He  assisted  in  orn'anizinij:  tlie  Montclair  Bank,  which  has  done  so  much  foi-  the  business 


\> 


V^N-T   f:>»  V 


.%..b 


(!.a.(^ 


^. 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  261 

interests  of  tlie  township  and  is  still  one  of  its  Directors.  lie  is  also  a  Trustee  of  St.  Luke's  Cliureb. 
He  is  a  nieinher  of  tbe  Society  of  the  Sons  of  the  lievolution  by  virtue  of  his  descent  from  John  Wands. 
He  married  Elizabeth  M.  Atkins,  daughter  of  Chas.  H.  Atkins,  of  Jersey  City.  Three  children  are  the 
issue  of  his  marriage,  vi/.. :  Charles  K.,  Edward  G.,  .Jr.,  and  Herbert  li. 

The  Atkiii,  family  leferred  to  is  one  of  great  antiquity  and  prominence  in  tlie  history  of  England 
ami  Ireland.  ISurke,  in  his  "Landed  Gentry,"  says:  "Sir  Jonathan  Atkins,  Knight  of  (xivendale. 
County  'i'ork.  (iovernor  of  (TuernscT,  born  in  lOii:',  died  1702,  aged  ninety-three  years,  leaving  by  his 
first  wife,  Mary  2iid,  daughter  of  Sir  William  LL>ward,  of  Havorth  Castle,  Cumberland,  and  sister  of  Sir 
Charles  Howard,  1st  Earl  of  Carlisle,  three  sons.  One  of  these  settled  in  Ireland  about  1640,  and 
founded  that  branch  of  the  family.     The  others  remained  in  England.'' 

KDWi.X   A.  IJIJADLKY. 

Mr.  Bradley  was  born  in  liumney,  Grafton  County,  N.  H.,  February  14,  1S40,  son  of  Moses,  who 
was  born  at  liumney,  ISlO,  and  grandson  of  Eben.  who  was  born  at  I'laistow,  N.  IL,  ITTii. 

The  American  ancestor  of  the  New  Hamp.shire  branch  of  the  llradley  family  was  Daniel,  of 
Haverhill,  ifass.,  who  came  in  the  "Elizabeth"  fnun  London,  Eng.,  in  Iti;5."i.  He  was  killed  by  the 
Indians  August  13,  16s;t. 

Abraham,  s(jn  of  Jose]ih,  a  descendant  of  Daniel,  was  the  immediate  ancestor  of  the  New 
Hampshire  Hradleys.  Several  of  the  Bradk'y  family  were  killed  by  the  Indians  March  lo,  Hi'.t?,  when 
Mrs.  Dustiti  was  made  prisoner. 

Through  his  grandnu^ther  Mr.  I !rad ley  is  descended  from  Uidiard  Hall,  who  settled  in  Bradford, 
iLiss.,  al)out  KITi'.  He  had  a  son.  Joseph,  born  in  Rradford,  If.so.  who  was  the  father  of  Joseph,  born 
in  Bradford,  lit '7,  married  Deborah  Abbott,  daughter  of  Thomas  Abbott,  of  Andover,  ]\Liss.  The  last 
Jcseph  i)ro!)ably  removed  to  Chester,  N.  IL,  and  had  among  other  children  Jonathan,  born  in  Chester, 
X.  IL,  I)eccnd)er  lit.  1745,  who  married,  June  -Jn,  1776.  Desire  Butterfield,  born  in  Chester,  X.  IL, 
February  '!?>,  1750.  Their  daughter,  Sarah  Hall,  burn  in  Concord,  N.  11. ,  November  22,  1767.  married 
Eben  Bradley,  grandfather  (jf  Edwin  A. 

The  mother  of  Edwin  A.  Bradley  was  Marenda  Cha|unan,  daughter  of  Mark  II.  Cii:i](maii.  a 
descen<lant  of  the  Sanbornton,  N.  II. ,  branch  of  the  Chapnians.  JIark  II.  was  born  in  Boxford,  Mass. 
Mark  1 1.  Chapman  was  the  second  husband  of  Sarah  Greenough,  the  mother  of  Marenda  Chapman,  a 
descendant  of  AVilliam  Greenough,  who  emigrated  from  the  West  of  England  in  lt;5i»  and  settled  in 
Boston,  ^lass. 

Edwin  A.  Bradley,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  educated  at  Newbury,  Vt..  and  Nurthtield,  N.  IL, 
and  afterward  entered  his  father's  em])loy.  who  at  that  time  was  engaged  in  mercantile  business  at 
Haverhill.  Mass.  E.  A.  Bradley  soon  after  he  reached  his  majority  bought  out  his  father's  business,  and 
in  1S»")7,  in  company  with  Mr.  George  C.  Currier,  removed  to  New  York  City,  where  they  started  in  the 
manufacture  of  building  materials  under  the  lirm  name  of  Bradley  A:  Currier,  changing  the  firm  in  1885 
to  The  I'radley  and  Currier  Company,  Limited.  Beginning  with  a  small  trade  their  shipments  now 
extend  to  almost  every  |)art  of  the  globe.  Mr.  Bradley  has  kept  apace  with  the  times  and  often 
anticipated  the  changes  and  improvements  in  this  direction.  His  coini)any  employs  njiwiii-d  of  6nii  men. 
His  is  probably  the  largest  house  in  this  line  of  business  East  of  the  Mississippi.  He  has  managed  the 
business  succes.sfully  for  over  a  quarter  of  a  century. 

Mr.  Bradley  was  attracted  by  the  beauties  of  Montclair  as  early  as  1877,  and  soon  after  purchased 
a  i)lot  of  ground  on  the  corner  of  Mountain  Avenue  and  Van  Yleek  Street,  being  a  part  of  the  original 
"Crane"  property.  He  erected  on  this  a  large  and  conunodious  house,  which  he  occupied  for  some 
years.  After  the  death  of  Mr.  Dike  he  bought  the  property  owned  by  that  gentleman,  situated  on 
Mountain  Avenue  on  the  slope  of  the  mountain,  embracing  one  of  the  finest  and  most  extended  views 
within  tifty  miles  of  the  metropolis. 


ii(i2  '  History  of  Montci.atr  Township. 

While  takiufj-  no  active  part  in  politics,  Mr.  JJradley  lias  shown  himself  to  be  one  of  the  most 
public-spirited  citizens  in  the  township,  and  has  co-operated  with  his  fellow  citizens  in  the  various  public 
iniprovements  that  have  been  made.     He  has  long  been  a  vestryman  of  St.  Luke's  Episcopal  Church. 

Mr.  Bradley  married  into  an  old  distinguished  Huguenot  family.  His  wife,  Mariana,  was  the 
daughter  of  James  C.  Gulick,  of  New  York  City,  whose  ancestor  came  from  Holland  after  the 
revocation  of  the  edict  of  Nantes,  and  settled  first  on  Long  Island  and  afterward  removed  to  Middlesex 
County,  N.  J.  James,  tlie  grandfather  of  James  C.  Gulick,  served  with  the  New  Jersey  troops  in  the 
War  of  the  Revolution.  ( )ther  members  of  tiie  family  also  served  as  officers  and  privates  of  the  New 
Jersey  troops.     A  brother  of  James  Gulick  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  Monmouth. 

On  the  maternal  side  Janies  C.  Gulick  is  descended  from  Thomas  Gall)raith,  who  came  from 
Scotland  and  settled  in  Soinerstown,  Westchester  County,  N.  Y.,  and  afterward  changed  his  name  to 
Calbraith.  The  family  of  Galbraith  is  one  of  the  remotest  antiquity.  Its  name  is  derived  from  the 
Celtic,  being  formerly  called  "  Clann  a  Bhreatanuicli,"  and  originally  belonged  to  the  Lennox.  It  was 
in  the  Parish  of  Baldernoch,  County  Stirling,  that  the  Galbraiths  of  Baldernoch  (anciently  Baldrunich, 
or  Druidstown),  Chiefs  of  the  name,  had  their  place  of  residence.  There  is  a  charter  from  Maldruin, 
Earl  of  Lennox,  to  Maurice  Galbraith,  in  the  reign  of  Alexander  II.,  conveying  to  him  the  lands  of 
Gartonl)enach ;  and  in  the  year  1238  the  same  barony  was  granted  to  Arthur  Galbraith.  The  family 
spraug  from  tlie  Galbraiths  of  Gigha,  wl)o  descended  from  the  Galbraiths  of  Baldernoch,  having  fled 
with  Lord  James  Stuart,  youngest  son  of  Murdach,  Duke  of  Albany,  from  the  Lennox,  after  burning 
Dumbarton  in  the  reign  of  James  I.  The  Galbraiths  were  called  "  Children  of  the  Briton  "  and  were 
once  reckoned  a  great  name  in  Scotland. 

The  children  of  Edwin  A.  Bradley  and  Mariana  (Gulick)  Bradley,  are  Edwin  A.,  Jr.  (deceased), 
George  Gulick,  IIerl>ert  Chapman,  Ethel,  Harold  Hall  and  INIariana. 

GEORGE  PENRICE  FARMER. 

The  name  of  Farmer  is  from  the  Saxon  Feai-me  or  l'"rciome.  which  signifies  food  or  provisions. 
The  Farmers  were  of  Saxon  origin,  and  in  the  reign  of  Edward  IV.,  of  England,  were  seated  in  Northamp- 
tonshire. Only  one  family  of  that  name  is  mentioned  as  having  emigrated  to  this  country  during  the 
colonial  period. 

George  P.  Farmer,  one  of  the  founders  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  of  Montclair,  and  its  Senior 
Deacon,  is  a  native  of  England,  where  he  was  born  May  S,  1836 ;  he  came  with  his  parents  to  this  country 
when  biit  three  years  of  age.  More  than  thirty  years  of  his  life  was  spent  in  Philadelphia,  where  his 
parents  settled.  He  received  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  that  city,  after  which  he  obtained  a 
position  in  the  commission  house  of  E.  C.  Pratt,  and  in  1865  became  a  partner  in  the  house  under  the 
firm  name  of  E.  C.  Pratt,  Bro.  &  Co.,  afterward  Pratt  &  Farmer.  The  business  was  carried  on  success- 
fully for  a  number  of  years  in  Philadelphia,  and  in  ]S7(t  removed  to  New  York  City,  where  the  firm 
had  conducted  a  branch  for  a  number  of  years,  and  which  now  liecame  the  headquarters  for  the  firm. 
Mr.  Farmer  resided  in  Brooklyn  for  about  six  years.  He  visited  Montclair  during  the  Centennial  year, 
and  was  so  well  pleased  that  he  decided  to  make  that  his  future  home.  Four  years  later,  in  I  8Sl>,  he 
bought  the  Baldwin  farm,  fronting  on  the  Orange  Road,  containing  about  fourteen  acres.  Tliis  was  one 
of  the  famous  a]iple  farms  of  West  Bloomfield.  and  the  remains  of  the  old  cider  mill  which  for  more 
than  a  hundred  years  had  ground  the  products  of  the  orchard  into  the  choicest  cider,  and  often  distilled 
into  "applejack,"  was  a  conspicuous  feature  of  the  place  when  it  passed  into  the  possession  of  Mr- 
Farmer.  Not  a  trace  of  the  "  early  indu.stry  "  is  now  left.  A  lieautiful  lawn  with  handsome  shade  trees 
now  covers  the  spot,  and  the  transformation  is  so  complete  that  those  "who  knew  it  in  former  days 
would  know  it  no  more."  The  only  relic  of  the  former  indu.stry  left  standing  is  a  few  choice  Canfield 
and  Harrison  apple  trees,  which  still  bear  their  fruit  in  season,  and  add  to  the  many  attractive  features 
of  the  place.     Mr.  Farmer  utilized  the  old  homestead  foundation  and   some  of  the  framework  of  the 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


263 


homestead,  hut  no  part  of  it  would  now  he  recognized  in  the  heautit'iil  modern  vilhi  that  attracts  tlie 
passer-hy,  nestled  Ijeliind  tlie  heautiful  sliade  trees  and  weepiiii;;  willows  whieli  were  ])lanted  \>\  him. 
Tiie  rushing  hrook.  which  in  tlie  spring  time  swept  ever\  thing  hefore  it,  destroying  the  roads  and  the 
neighhors'  fences,  now  meamlers  along  under  tlie  i-oadway  and  tlirough  the  liomestead  lot,  restricted  in 
its  course  hy  the  art  of  man,  hut  ever  tlownig  onward. 

"  Man  may  come  and  man  may  go, 
But  I  go  on  forever." 

The  old  Orauire  Road,  with   its  nnsiijhtlv  crooks  and    curves,  its  rougli  and   uneven   road-bed, 


h()rdere<l  with  stones 
and  hroken-down 
tiful  avenue,  winding 
passing  the  beautiful 
either  side,  with  their 
ing  to  the  very  edtrc, 
ot  her  objectiiinahie 
the  view.  These  im- 
a  great  extent  to  the 
ai<led  by  some  of  his 
hors.  He  lias  recently 
pro  vements  by  cutting 
his  own  place,  one  of 
son  Avenue, 
taken  a  leading  part 
in  this  community,  a 
and  decided  views  in 
but  charitable  to  those 
Wliile  a  resident  of 
Deacon  in  the  limad 
of  that  city,  and  on 
lyn,  N.  v.,  united 
Avenue  Haptist 
came  to  Montclair  in 
was  no  Baptist  Church 
field .  lie  attended 
('hurcli  in  Montclair 
tinally  took  his  letter 
tist  Church,  where  he 
several  years,  waiting 
time  when  a  sutticient 


UEORGE   I'.    FARMKR. 


and  half-decayed  trees 
fences,  is  now  a  beau- 
its  serpentine  coni'se, 
villas  flouting  it  on 
sj)acious  lawns  reach- 
with  no  fences  or 
features  obstructing 
]ir(>viinentsaredue  to 
eflorts  of  ifr.  Farmer, 
enter])!  ising  iicigh- 
mailc  still  further  im- 
wide  avenues  through 
which  is  named  Madi- 
Mr.  Fainier  has 
in  the  liaptist  Society 
man  of  ])ronounced 
mat  t t'rs  of  religion, 
who  ditfer  witli  him. 
J^liiladel]d:ia  he  was  a 
Street  Haptist  Church 
his  removal  to  Brook- 
with  the  Washington 
( 'hui'cli.  W  h  en  he 
isT'i  he  found  there 
nearer  than  iilooni- 
tlie  Presbyterian 
for  a  short  time,  but 
to  the  Bloomfield  Bap- 
laboreil  earnestly  for 
and  watcliing  for  tlie 
number  could  be 


gathered  together  to  organize  a  church  nearer  liome.  A  movement  was  finally  begun  in  the  summer  of 
1885,  and  the  first  meeting  of  tlie  present  organization  was  held  in  his  house,  and  afterward  in  Montclair 
Hall,  where  the  Baptist  Society  in  Montclair  worshiped  for  several  years.  He  was  elected  the  first  and 
the  Senior  Deacon,  and  on  the  expiration  of  his  term  of  office  was  re-elected.  He  has  been  unceasing  in 
his  efforts  to  build  up  the  Church  and  extend  its  infiuence,  and  when  in  the  autumn  of  1889  it  was  decided 
to  erect  a  house  of  worship,  he  was  made  a  member  of  the  building  connnittee. 

Mr.  Farmer  has  been  conspicuous  in  the  affairs  of  the  town  and  was  one  of  the  earnest  advocates 
of  a  "higher  education  "  against  a  strong  and  determined  opposition  of  a  class  of  taxpayers  who  were 
unwilling  to  meet  the  additional  expenditure  required.  He  has  never  advocated  any  measure  that  he  has 
not  lieen  willing  to  share  his  pro  rata  of  the  expense  even  wliere  he  himself  was  the  least  benefited.      He 


204:  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

served  two  years  as  a  niember  of  the  Road  Coniniissioiiers  and  two  years  on  tlie  Town  (  onuuittee  and  in 
both  positions  he  was  an  earnest  advocate  of  progress.  It  was  during  his  time  of  office,  1883-84,  tliat 
some  of  the  most  radical  changes  were  made.  The  streets  liad  been  laid  with  the  connnon  gravel  which 
soon  washed  away  and  left  the  streets  in  a  most  deplorable  condition.  Mr.  Farmer  obtained  permission 
to  macademize  a  single  block  as  an  experiment.  This  met  with  strong  opposition  at  first  and  Mr.  Farmer 
was  roundly  abnsed,  but  several  miles  of  streets  have  since  been  treated  in  the  same  manner,  and  the 
citizens  of  jSIontclair  are  under  great  obligations  to  Mr.  Farmer  for  this,  one  of  the  greatest  improvements 
ever  made  in  tiie  township.  In  laying  sidewalks  he  practiced  the  greatest  economy  with  the  most 
satisfactory  results,  having  used  only  about  one-third  of  the  aniotmt  ajipropriated  during  his  term  of  office 
as  Chairman  of  the  Sidewalk  Committee,  and  over  50,000  feet  of  sidewalk  was  laid  in  two  years.  The  sub- 
ject of  lighting  the  streets  also  received  his  special  attention.  Several  of  the  most  thickly  ])oi)ulated 
streets  were  in  total  darkness,  in  many  cases  the  lamps  having  been  removed,  lie,  as  Chairuian  of  this 
Committee,  had  new  lamp  posts  erected  and  lamps  l)ettei'  distributed  and  lighted.  TNfr.  Farmer  served  as 
one  of  the  Town  Committeemen  during  the  greatest  crisis  through  which  Montclair  ever  passed,  viz. : 
that  of  funding  the  debt  of  Montclair  Township  amounting  to  $400,000,  which  by  a  decision  of  the 
United  States  Supreme  Court  becajne  innnediately  payable,  and  for  which  all  property,  ]ndjlic  and 
private,  was  held  liable.  Mr.  Farmer  was  one  of  the  three — the  others  being  Mr.  Stephen  W.  Carey  and 
Thomas  Eussell — to  whom  the  entire  matter  of  this  judgment  debt  and  its  settlement  was  referred, 
resulting  in  its  satisfactory  liquidation  within  a  period  of  eight  months,  greatly  to  the  advantage  of  the 
town  and  placing  its  credit  upon  a  souikI  financial  basis. 

In  liis  management  of  the  affairs  of  the  township  Mv.  Farmer's  ideas  have  often  been  in  advance 
of  his  associates  and  fellow  citizens,  and  his  acts  have  often  caused  bitter  opposition  tn  him  personally,  but 
subse(]uent  events  have  denu.nstrated  the  wisdom  of  his  course.  Althoiigli  decided  in  his  convictions  of 
right,  he  is  a  man  of  unswerving  integi'ity,  conscientious,  upright,  and  no  one  can  Cjuestion  the  honesty  or 
purity  of  his  motives,  however  much  they  may  criticise  his  acts,  lie  is  recognized  by  friends  and  foes 
alike  as  a  man  of  progressive  ideas,  and  one  who  has  the  welfare  of  the  whole  community  at  heart. 

DANIEL  OSCAR  ESHBAUGH  (ok  ESCHBACIl). 

The  ancestor  of  Mr.  Eshbaugh  was  Jolm  Escbbach,  who  was  born  December  15, 174:7,  and  emigrated 
from  (4ermany  in  early  life  and  settled  in  Northamitton  County — now  Lehigh  County — Penn.  His 
maternal  ancestor  was  Jacob  Follmer,  who  came  from  Germany  and  settled  in  Berks  Co.,  Penn.,  in  1737. 
George  Jacob,  a  son  of  the  latter,  was  a  commissioned  officer  in  the  Revolntionai-y  War,  serving  his 
country  faithfully  for  nearly  five  years.  Lie  also  served  four  terms  as  i-epresentative  in  the  Legislature  of 
Pennsylvania.  In  1802  he  was  elected  to  the  State  Senate  and  died  in  1804  before  his  term  expired. 
His  son,  Colonel  Daniel  Follmer,  who  was  the  grandfather  of  D.  O.  Kshbaugh,  took  part  in  the  war  of 
1S12,  and  was  for  numy  years  Colonel  and  Brigade  Inspector  of  Militia.  The  family  of  Mr.  Eshbaugh 
on  both  the  paternal  and  maternal  sides,  presents  an  unbroken  record  of  honest  indnstry  and  thrift, 
virtuous  citizenship  and  pure  Cihristian  lives.  Rev.  E.  II.  Esclibach,  D.D..  of  Frederick,  Md.,  is  a  first 
cousin  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Daniel  C.  Eshbaugh,  third  son  of  John  A.  and  Mary  (Follmer)  Eshljaugh,  was  born  in  Northum- 
berland County,  Penn.,  Miiy  24,  1850.  When  he  was  six  months  of  age  his  parents  removed  to  Niagara 
County,  N.  Y.,  and  nine  years  later  to  Tama  County,  Iowa.  That  part  of  the  country  was  considered  at 
the  time  the  "  Far  West,"  and  was  very  sparsely  settled.  The  Eshbaughs  in  attempting  to  open  np  a 
farm  on  the  unbroken  prairie  endurc'l  many  of  the  hardships  and  trials  that  befell  the  early  pioneers. 
The  two  eldest  sons,  imbued  with  the  same  spirit  that  distinguished  their  ancestors,  left  the  f;irm  at  the 
breaking  out  i)f  the  Civil  AVar,  entered  the  Union  army,  and  i-endei-ed  faithful  service  to  their  country. 
The  eldest,  William,  served  four  years  in  the  Second  Iowa  Cavalry,  and  the  other,  Frank,  three  years  in 
the  Sixth  Iowa  Cavalry.  Daniel  being  then  but  eleven  years  of  age  remained  at  home  to  assist  his  father 
on  the  farm.     For  several  years  he  was  a  great  dependence  to  his  parents.     Though  lo_\al   and   obedient, 


f 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  265 

and  williiij;  to  serve  tlieiii  until  he  should  iiave  attained  his  inajDritv,  he  was  ainbitiotis  to  ohtaiii  an  cdu- 
catiun.  This  could  only  be  dune  by  partly  piirchasin<r  his  time  of  his  father,  and  working  his  way  through 
college.  The  outlook  under  such  circumstances  would  have  discouraged  most  young  men,  but  he  deter- 
mined to  mike  the  attem[>t,  and  his  proposition  to  his  father  was  accepted.  With  only  a  small  sum  which 
lie  had  earned  by  his  own  efforts,  he,  at  the  age  of  eighteen,  entered  the  Academy  connected  with  Iowa 
College  at  Grennill.  In  order  to  earn  his  way  he  did  almost  every  kind  of  work.  During  vacations  he 
helped  run  a  threshing  machine,  and  worked  in  the  harvest  field.  During  term  time  lie  dug  cellars,  made 
garden,  husked  corn,  built  fence,  lathed  houses,  and  for  a  time  acted  as  janitor  of  one  of  the  college 
buildings.  lie  tauglit  several  terms  of  country  school,  and  after  term  was  able  to  make  up  his  work  and 
catch  his  cla.ss  again.  In  187' •  he  entered  college,  and  as  he  advanced  in  his  studies  was  able  to  devote 
more  of  his  time  in  teaching,  and  les.s  to  hard  lalior.  By  these  means  he  worked  his  way  through  college, 
graduating  in  1874,  with  health  mudi  im])aired,  and  an  indebtedness  of  about  three  hundred  dollars.  He 
took  high  rank  in  his  class  and  graduated  with  honor.  In  1875  he  began  the  business  of  negotiating  loans 
on  Iowa  real  estate.  In  1870  he  formed  a  copartnership  with  (leneral  L.  A.  Grant  (who  was  Assistant 
Secretary  of  AVar  under  President  Harrison  i  under  the  name  of  the  New  England  Loan  and  Trust  Company. 
He  prospered  in  business,  but  after  five  years  of  .severe  labor  and  mental  strain  his  health  failed,  and  he 
was  compelled  for  a  time  to  retire.  In  1882.  in  connection  with  others,  he  purchased  General  Grant's 
interest  in  the  busitie.ss.  and  the  Company  was  incorpurated  under  the  laws  of  the  State  of  Iowa,  retaining 
the  .same  name.  He  was  elected  its  Treasurer,  and  in  1890  was  made  President.  The  Eastern  office  of 
the  Com])any  since  its  organization  in  18S(»  has  been  in  New  York  City.  A  large  and  successful  business 
has  been  done.  The  capital  nf  the  company  has  been  increased  at  various  times  from  S.")0,'>nO  to  S75i>,000. 
Connections  of  the  highest  character  have  been  formed  in  the  I'nited  States  and  abroad,  the  business 
annually  increasing  with  the  most  gratifying  results  to  the  stockholders  as  well  as  to  its  numerous  patrons. 

In  I88t>,  Mr.  Eshbaiigh  was  transferred  from  the  Des  Moines  office  of  the  company  to  the  New 
York  office.  Preferring  a  suburban  residence  to  the  turmoil  and  rush  incident  to  a  life  in  the  city,  he 
deciiled  to  locate  in  ilontdair.  where,  in  his  fpiiet  and  unobtrusive  way.  he  soon  made  his  influence  felt. 
I'niting  immediately  with  the  First  Congregational  Church  he  became  interested  in  the  various  objects 
and  work  connected  with  it,  more  especially  in  the  Sabbath  scliool,  wliere  he  was  recognized  as  a  devoted 
and  earnest  teacher.  On  the  retirement  of  Mr.  John.son  from  the  Superintendency,  Mr.  Eshbaugh  was 
the  unanimous  choice  of  the  teachers  for  that  position.  His  work  in  this  connection  is  fully  set  forth  in 
the  history  of  the  Church  and  Sunday  school,  which  forms  a  separate  chapter  of  this  work.  His  efforts 
have  by  no  means  been  limited  to  the  Church  and  its  connections.  When  it  was  proposed  to  organize  a  bank 
in  Jfontclair  in  order  to  meet  the  wants  of  a  growing  population,  he  helped  the  project  as  he  could.  He 
was  elected  one  of  the  Directors,  and  the  history  of  this  institution,  with  its  almost  unprecedented  success, 
shows  the  wisdom  of  the  stockholders  in  their  choice  of  the  men  to  direct  its  affairs.  He  assisted  in  organ- 
izing the  Savings  Bank  and  was  one  of  its  first  Managers,  but  owing  to  a  pressure  of  other  duties  was  obliged 
to  sever  his  active  connection  with  it.  He  was  a  charter  member  of  the  Montclair  Club  and  has  taken  an 
active  interest  in  its  affairs.     He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Advisory  Board  of  The  Children's  Home. 

In  otlier  matters  coniifctcd  with  the  township,  ^fr.  Eshbaugh  lias  shown  himself  an  enterprising 
citizen  who  has  the  liest  welfare  of  the  people  at  heart.  His  life  has  been  devoted  to  the  good  of  his 
fellow  men,  and  his  early  struggles  taught  him  to  sympathize  with  tho.se  whose  environments  are  of  a 
similar  character.  His  sterling  honesty  and  integrity,  his  indomitable  will  and  perseverance,  and  his 
deep  religious  nature  are  the  distinguishing  characteristics  to  whicli  his  success  as  a  business  man,  and 
the  high  esteem  in  which  he  is  held  by  those  who  know  him.  are  mainly  due.  He  is  recognized  as  an 
able  financier,  and  a  conservative,  thorough-going  business  man.  He  has  done  much  to  promote  the 
cause  of  education,  and  has  always  taken  a  deep  interest  in  his  alma  mater.  He  was  the  second  alumnus 
of  Iowa  College  to  be  elected  Trustee,  a  position  which  he  still  holds.  He  has  been  active  in  various 
benevolent  and  religious  societies,  is  a  member  of  the  Congregational  Club  of  New  York,  Tlie  American 
Institute  of  Cliristian  Philosophy,  and  other  religious  and  social  organizations. 


2G6  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

Mr.  Eshl)aiig'li  married,  July  10.  1874.  Miss  Catharine  G.  Otis,  daughter  of  John  M.  and  S. 
Geoi'tfiana  (Eaton)  Otis.  Mrs.  Eslihaiigh  graduated  from  the  same  college  two  years  previous  to  her 
liusband.  She  is  a  descendant  of  the  best  New  England  stock  and  is  one  of  the  finest  types  of  American 
womanhood.  Oulture  and  refinement  are  united  in  her  with  the  jiractical  qiialities  of  the  efficient  wife 
and  mother.  Her  father's  mother  was  the  daughter  of  Zebular  Marcy,  who  was  an  inmate  of  Forty 
Fort— located  in  the  "Wyoming  Valley — at  the  time  of  its  capture  by  the  Tories  and  Indians.  Marcy 
was  Captain  of  a  company  of  militia  and  by  some  means  became  a  special  object  of  hatred  to  the  Tories 
and  they  determined  to  kill  him.  After  the  surrender  a  number  of  Tories  and  Indians  entered  the  Fort 
and  inquired  of  his  wife — a  woman  of  great  physical  strength  and  courage — for  Jier  husband,  and  she 
boldly  informed  them  of  his  escape.  Their  threats  to  "  kill  and  (piarter  them  "  had  no  efEect  on  her. 
While  holding  a  brass  pan  of  corn  l)read  which  she  had  just  taken  from  the  tire,  an  Indian  approached 
and  attempted  to  take  it  from  her.  The  savage  reckoned  without  his  host,  for  she  held  it  with  a  firm 
grip  determined  not  to  part  with  it,  and  only  yielded  when  he  attempted  to  draw  his  scalping  knife.  This 
interesting  relic  is  now  in  the  possession  of  Mrs.  Eshbaugh's  father,  Mr.  Otis.  The  Captain  Marcy 
referred  to  was  in  the  same  line  of  descent  as  General  Randolph  1).  Marcy,  Governor  W.  L.  Marcy  and 
other  distinguished  members  of  thsit  family. 

Mrs.  Eshhaugh,  through  her  father,  is  a  descendant  of  Col.  John  Otis,  of  Harnstable,  Cape  Cod, 
who  represented  that  town  in  the  General  Coui-t  for  twenty  years.  He  commanded  the  county  militia, 
was  Chief  Justice  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  was  the  first  Judge  of  Probate  of  Parnstable  County, 
and  Counselor  from  1706  until  his  death,  September  26,  1727.  He  was  the  father  of  Judge  James  Otis, 
who  did  more  than  any  other  man  to  sow  the  seeds  of  the  American  Revolution,  and  was  the  most 
eloquent  speaker  and  earnest  patriot  of  his  time. 

The  mother  of  Mrs.  Eshbaugh,  whose  maiden  name  was  Eaton,  was  the  daughter  of  Eben  and 
Sarah  (Spofford)  Eaton.  Eben  was  born  September  9,  1789,  and  died  July  13,  1883.  His  father  fought 
at  the  battle  of  Ijunker  Hill,  and  his  grandfather  in  the  French  War.  The  gun  carried  by  the  father  is 
still  in  possession  of  a  member  of  the  family.  Eben  was  forty  three  years  deacon  of  the  Hollis 
Evangelical  (now  Plymouth)  Cliurch  of  Franiingham,  Mass.,  "  using  the  office  well,  purchasing  to  himself 
a  good  degree  of,  and  great  boldness  in,  the  faith  which  is  in  Christ  Jesus."  He  was  a  descendant  of 
Jonas  Eaton,  who  came  from  England  and  settled  tirst  in  "Watertown,  then  at  Lymi,  and  finally  at  Rox- 
bury  about  164(1.  The  line  of  descent  is  through  John,  born  Se])temlier  10,  1645;  Jonas,  Iwrn  May  18, 
1680;  Benjamin,  born  May  6,  1727;  and  Ebenezer,  father  of  Eben,  Iwrn  May  12,  1750.  Hon.  Lilley 
Eaton,  the  historian  of  Reading;  Gen.  Joseph  H.  Eaton,  U.  S.  A. ;  Col.  Elkanah  C.  Eaton,  of  Plainiield, 
Conn. ;  and  Cyrus  Eaton,  the  Annalist  of  "Warren,  Maine,  were  all  descendants  of  Jonas,  of  Roxbury. 

The  children  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Eshbaugh  are  Catharine  Clare,  l)orn  1875;  Mary  Genevieve,  born 
1877;  William  Hardy,  born  1879;  Margaret,  born  1883;  Helen,  born  1885;  Daniel  Otis,  born  1889. 

JOHN  RAYMOND  HOWARD. 

John  Raymond  Howard,  the  suljject  of  this  sketch  came  to  Montclair  with  his  family  in  October, 
1881,  from  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

His  father.  John  Tasker  Howard,  was  a  prominent  citizen  of  Brooklyn  from  1826,  when  he  .settled 
there,  until  his  death  in  1888.  He  had  come  with  his  father,  Joseph  Howard,  from  Salem.  Mass.;  their 
earliest  ancestor  in  this  country  being  Abraham  Howard,  an  Englishman  from  London,  who,  with  his  son 
Joseph,  a  physician,  settled  in  Marblehead  in  1720,  and  afterward  went  to  Salem. 

The  iirm  of  J.  Howard  &  Son  were  long  known  as  successful  shipping  and  conmiission  mei-chants 
in  New  York,  and  Mr.  J.  T.  Howard,  the  son,  developed  into  an  intelligent  and  far-seeing  man  of  affairs. 
He  was  actively  connected  with  the  beginnings  of  many  important  enterprises :  The  first  steamship  line 
to  New  Orleans,  the  first  passenger-steamer  (and  subsequent  line)  to  California,  explorations  of  the 
Isthmus  and  the  Panama  Railroad,  the  American  Telegraph  Company,  the  Republican  I'arty  (whose 
first  Presidential  campaign  was  largely  conducted   from   Mr.  Howard's  office,  owing  to  his  then  intimate 


History  of  Montclair  Townsiiii' 


267 


business  association  with  Colonel  Fremont,  the  nominee t.  and  many  oth.?r  iindertakings  that  recjuired 
prophetie  faitii,  in  their  ince])tion.  In  Brooklvn,  Mr.  Howard  was  a  promoter  of  the  best  things:  an 
original  member  of  the  Hamilton  Literary  Association  ami  of  the  Ilamiitun  (^iili  that  grew  out  of  it, 
a  member  of  the  Brooklyn  ("Jul)  and  the  Long  Island  llistorieal  Society,  and  for  many  years  a  director 
and  tii-st  vice-president  of  the  i'hiliiarmoidc  Society;  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Third  Presbyterian 
Church,  of  the  Churcli  of  the  Pilgrims,  and  finally  of  Plymouth  Cliurcii.  in  all  the  early  years  of  which 
he  was  a  foremost  worker,  and  with  whose  pastor.  Henry  Ward  Beecher.  he  at  once  formed  a  firm  and 
close  friemlship,  never  broken  or  marred  during  forty  years. 

The  mother  of  John  R.  Howard  was  also  of  a  family  well  known  and  esteemed  in  Brooklyn,  that  of 
Eliakim    Raymond,  who    moved    to    that 

as  the  ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^1 

organ-     ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^  ^^^^^^^^^^^H 

^^^^^^^^^^^^r  .  j^^^^^^^^^^B  and 
after  also  first  ^^^^^^^^K.^..^^  -^  J^^^^^^^^^H  ^^^*^  organ- 
izer of  Yassar  College ;     ^^^^^^^^^BS^^^  9^'  '^i^li^^^^^l^^^H     I^*'^*^i°f 

^^^^^^m  ^^^^B|  ^^^^^^^^^^H     Literature 

Brooklyn  ^^^^^KL  ^^^d^^        ^I^^^^^^^^B      ^"^    finally    Principal 

of  the    l><;ston   School      ^^^^^^(  .^^^^         '^    ^^Kt'  '^H      of  Oratory ;  and  Susan 

T.  became     ^m' ~  ^^iflP^^  m^^^^^  ^^B      ^^'^  ^^^^  "^  John   T. 

Howard — a  woman  of     ^BBBKij^^^^f^^^  ^  ^^^^^^^fc^^^*  •'      noble   chai-acter,   un- 

[HHl^HHt  ^9^H^^^^^  of  intellect, 
and  generous  culture.  kJ-^^^^^E.v'^W'  ^  ^^H  1' h  >'  Uayniond 
family,  too.  came  from  llj^^^^Ht  ^^^  Salem.  Mass.,  where 
Richard  Raymond,  an  ^^^^^^K  Kiigiishman,  settled 
when  he  became  a  free-  ^^^^^^K  |ii  man  of  the  Massachu- 
setts Colony,  in  1634.  ^^^^^K  MIHI  "^  mendier  of 
the  first  jury  impan-  ^^^^^B'  ^^^1  '''*^'*^  ''^  ^^''^^  town,  and 
became  in  1(>55  one  of  ^^^^^B^  fllH  '''^  ^^^^^  settlers  of 
Nor  walk.  Conn.  ^HBH^^Bi!  I^^J  Nathaniel  Raymond, 
the  father  of  Eliakim,  ^j  served  through  the 
weary  .seven  yeai-s  of  the  Revolu-  jL^y^^yt/'  O  ''""'I'T  War  as  a  Sergeant  in  the 
Coast  Guard,  and  took  part  in  the  ^^'-'^''''^Zyy^h^^^^^fy'Zfl'^^^  Battle  of  Long  Island.  Mary  Ray- 
mond, a  first  cousin  of  Eliakim,                    ,           •                  \ J      married   Charles   Sherman,  with 

him  moved  to  the  Western  Re-  serve    (the    "  Connecticut    Fire 

Lands")  in  Ohio,  and  there  became  the  mother  of  John  and  William  Tecumseh  Sherman. 

John  R.  Howard  was  born  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  on  May  25,  ISIiT.  In  1853  he  was  sent  to  the  Uni- 
versity of  Rochester  (N.  Y.),  where  his  uncle,  John  II.  Raymond,  was  Profes.sor  of  the  English  Language 
and  Belles  Letters.  He  was  graduated  there  as  A.B.  in  1857,  receiving  the  degree  of  A.M.  in  1860. 
In  the  fall  of  1S57  he  became  teacher  in  the  Morri,«town  (N.  J.)  Academy.  In  February,  1858,  he  went 
to  California  for  a  si.x  months"  ramble,  returning  to  take,  in  September  of  that  year,  position  as  Instructor 
in  English  grammar,  composition  and  elocution  in  the  Brooklyn  Polytechnic.  In  the  fall  of  1859  he 
went  to  Europe  for  a  year  of  travel,  and  returned  thither  again  in  the  winter  of  1861  to  study  mine 
engineering  at  the  School  of  Mines  in  Freiberg,  Saxony,  after  a  few  months  in  the  mining  regions  of 
Cornwall,  P^nifland. 


268  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

In  April  the  war  of  the  Rebellion  broke  out,  and  in  June,  like  many  other  young  American  students 
abroad,  Howard  broke  up  his  studies  and  came  home,  with  the  idea  of  enlisting  in  one  of  the  new 
volunteer  regiments.  Colonel  John  C.  Fremont,  about  that  time  appointed  Major  General,  and  ]nit  in 
command  of  the  "  Western  Dejiartment,"  had  seen  much  of  young  Howard  in  California,  and  had  had 
some  experience  of  him  during  a  critical  armed  seizure  of  the  Mariposa  mines  by  a  rival  company,  and 
he  offered  the  would-be  private  a  captain's  commission,  and  the  position  of  secretary  and  aide.  Captain 
Howard,  under  commission  from  President  Lincoln  in  the  special  staff  corps  of  Additional  Aides-decamp, 
served  with  Fremont  during  the  arduous  and  tumultuous  organizing  months  in  Missouri.  During  this 
time  he  had  the  satisfaction  of  preparing,  under  instructions  of  the  General  commanding  the  Department, 
the  first  two  deeds  of  manumission  freeing  slaves  of  Missouri  rebels,  under  Fremont's  famous  Proclama- 
tion. The  Proclamation  was  shortly  after  countermanded  by  the  President ;  but  the  two  slaves  had  become 
free  men — the  first  beneficent  fruit  of  "the  war  power,  in  Emancipation."  Howard  further  served  with 
Fremont  in  the  "Mountain  Department"  in  AVestera  Virginia, and  in  the  exciting  chase  after  Stonewall 
Jackson  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley.  Latei-.  when  Fremont  was  unjustly  "shelved"  by  the  War  Depart- 
ment, Captain  Howard  was  ordered  to  Washington,  where  he  was  assigned  to  duty  as  a  member  of  Courts 
Martial  during  several  months,  and  then  sent  as  Division  Judge  Advocate  to  General  Gustavus  A. 
DeRussy,  commanding  the  heavy  artillery  division  in  the  forts  south  of  the  Potomac.  After  a  year  of 
this  interesting  and  necessaiy,  but  not  inspiriting  duty,  in  charge  of  four  brigade-courts  for  trying 
enlisted  men,  and  one  division  court  for  trying  officers,  having  vainly  sought  more  active  field-work, 
Captain  Howard  resigned  February  1,  1865,  and  i-eturned  to  New  York. 

There,  a  year  and  moi'C  of  engagement  in  a  mining  engineer's  otHce,  and  nearly  two  years  of  editorial 
newspaper  work,  brought  him  to  an  opportunity  of  helping  found  the  firm  of  J.  B.  Ford  &  Co.,  established 
in  December,  1867,  with  the  chief  intent  of  publishing  Henry  Ward  Beecher's  "Life  of  Jesus  the 
Christ."  How  the  house  prospered,  started  "  Plymouth  Pulpit"  and  "The  Christian  Union,"  became 
known  as  the  "  Beecher  Publishing  House,"  issued  works  by  Horace  Greeley,  William  Cullen  Bryant, 
Harriet  Beecher  Stowe,  and  other  notables,  went  down  under  the  weight  of  the  Beecher  trouble  and  the 
general  depression  of  trade,  reorganized  in  1878  as  Fords,  Howai'd  &  Hulbert,  and  continues  to  this  day, 
is  matter  well  known  to  those  who  take  interest  in  such  things.  From  the  foundation  of  the  house  in 
1867  to  the  present  time,  Mr.  Howard  has  been  steadily  engaged  in  its  labors,  almost  without  vacations, 
except  three  brief  trips  to  Europe,  in  1871,  1873,  and  1886,  two  of  these  being  on  business. 

In  Montclair,  Mr.  Howard,  having  come  from  Plymouth  Church  in  Brooklyn,  with  his  family  be- 
came identified  with  the  Montclair  Congregational  Church.  After  a  brief  residence  in  the  town,  he  built 
a  home  on  "Mountain  Avenue,  where  he  has  since  lived.  Although  engaged  in  an  exacting  business,  he  has 
interested  himself  in  many  things  conducive  to  the  good  of  Montclair.  For  eight  or  nine  years  he  con- 
ducted an  adult  Bible  class  in  tlie  Congregational  Church,  and  was  chairman  of  the  Executive  Committee 
of  a  literary  association  there,  that  held  fortnightly  public  meetings  dui-ing  several  years.  He  was 
among  the  organizers  of  the  Montclair  Club,  and  has  for  years  lieen  on  its  Board  of  Directors,  having 
been  also  vice-president  and  president.  When  the  Outlook  Chdi,  ior  monthly  public  discussions,  was 
begun,  he  was  made  its  president,  and  worked  in  that  place  for  three  years,  retaining  his  place  on  the 
Executive  Committee  after  resigning  the  presidency.  He  has  been  for  years  on  the  Public  School  Board, 
during  recent  years  as  its  president ;  president  of  the  Tariff  Reform  Club;  member  of  the  executive  com- 
mittee of  the  Citizens'  Committee  of  One  Hundred  (Law  and  Order  Society) ;  one  of  the  trustees  of  the 
Free  Public  Library  begun  in  1893 ;  and  generally,  like  most  busy  men,  has  found  time  to  take  part  and 
lot  with  his  neighbors  in  whatever  seemed  to  be  for  the  common  benefit. 

Mr.  Howard  has  a  family  of  nine  children — a  daughter  and  eight  sons.  His  wife,  Susan  Merriam, 
is  a  daughter  of  the  late  George  Merriam,  of  Springfield,  Mass.,  of  the  publishing  firm  that  made  Web- 
ster's Dictionary  a  national  force ;  and  a  sister  of  Mr.  George  S.  Merriam,  who  formerly  lived  in  Mont- 
clair, and  who  will  long  be  remembered  here  as  an  accomplished  and  delightful  man.  Mrs.  Howard's 
maternal   grandfather  was  the  Rev.  John  Fiske,  who  was  minister  for  sixty  years  in  New  Braintree,  Mass.; 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  269 

his  ancestor,  .lolni  Fiske.  lia\'iug  been  on  that  sametii-st  jury  impaneled  in  Salem,  with  Richanl  Raymond, 
about  two  Imudied  and  titty  years  ago.  Mrs.  Howard's  great  grandfather,  Col.  James  Melleu,  was  an 
aide  on  the  staff  of  General  Washington  during  the  Revolutionary  War. 

THE  GRAHAM    FAMILY. 
Link  of  Dksckn't  of  P<kn.iamin  (tkam.vm — Fkom  tuk  Exci.isii   Anx'estok. 

All  the  Grahams  of  .\merica  were  originally  of  English  descent,  and  the  fatnily  is  one  of  great 
antiquity.  In  Unrke's  "Landed  Gentry,"  it  is  stated  that:  "In  the  year  435  Grsvme  was  made 
Governor  of  Scotland  and  guardian  to  the  young  King  Eugene  II.  He  broke  down  and  leveled  with 
the  ground  the  famous  wall  of  Antonius,  extending  acrass  the  island  from  ea.st  to  west,  from  Abercorn 
to  Dumbarton,  which  is  called  from  him  to  this  day  '  Gnvme's  Dyke.'  From  him  desceiided  William  de 
Graham,  who  Hourisheil  in  the  reisjn  of  King  David  I.  He  obtained  from  that  monarch  a  grnnt  of  the 
lands  of  .Vbercorn  and  Dalkeith,  and  witnessed  the  charter  t(j  the  monks  of  Holyrood  House  in  1128. 
Directly- descended  from  him  was  Sir  William  Graham,  of  Kincardine,  styled  in  the  charters  *  Wilhelmus 
Dominus  de  (Traeme  de  Kincardine."  He  was  commissioner  to  treat  with  the  English,  11  December, 
HiMl;  had  a  safe-conduct  to  England,  1.")  May,  I41:i,  and  another  from  thence  to  Scotland  about  the 
release  of  James  I.,  1<>  April,  1413." 

RKN.rAMi.v  (ii{AUA>[,  for  some  years  a  resident  of  Montclair,  was  born  in  England  in  1849,  of 
Scotch  ancestry,  being  a  collateral  descendant  of  the  house  of  (iraliam  of  (  hiverhousc.  His  father  was 
a  merchant  in  London  and  his  immediate  ancestors  were  prciminent  landed  proprietors.  His  niotlier  was 
Fliza  Helen  Cbapman.  and  her  mother,  who  was  a  Langford,  was  a  descendant  of  the  Langfoi'ds  of 
Shropsliii'c,  England.  Ihirke  Siiys :  '•  From  authentic  records  it  ap|)ears  that  this  family  were  seated  in 
the  County  of  "Wilts  at  an  early  jiericid.  In  the  Roll  of  Edward  III.  we  timl.  '  l.c  Sire  de  kangfoi'd  port 
d'argent  et  gules  jialcs  de  vj  en  chef  d'azure  une  leopard  passant  d'or."  Several  manors  and  estates 
formerly  their  property  in  that  country  still  bear  the  name  appended,  viz.,  Stephen  Langford,  Little 
Langford,  etc.  Edward  Langford,  a  descendant  of  this  family,  in  1715  joined  the  forces  raised  by  the 
English  insurgents  in  su])port  of  Charles  Edwanl.  and  was  at  the  battle  of  I'reston  Pans.  After  the 
ruin  of  the  Stuart  cause  he  was  compelled  to  seek  safety  in  flight,  and  retired  to  renzance  in  Cornwall." 

Benjamin  Graham,  a  descendant  of  these  two  families  mentioned,  was  educated  at  private  school 
and  had  a  mercantile  experience  of  a  few  years  in  England.  He  came  to  this  country  soon  after  reaching 
his  majority,  and  engaged  in  the  export  business,  continuing  until  1S79,  when  he  entered  the  banking 
house  of  Jesup,  I'aton  iV-  Co.;  he  remained  as  the  confidential  clerk  of  this  firm  until  1884,  when  Morris 
K.  .lesup  retired,  and  under  the  new  firm  of  John  Paton  &  Co.,  Mr.  Graham  became  a  partner.  The 
business  was  continued  under  this  name  until  1892,  when  Mr.  Paton  retired,  and  the  firm  was  reorganized 
as  Cuyler,  Morgan  iV:  Co.,  Mr.  (iraham  becoming  second  jiartner,  Mr.  Cuyler,  the  head  of  the  firm, 
being  a  nephew  of  Morris  K.  Jesup,  with  Morris  K.  Jesup  and  John  Paton  as  specials.  This  is  now  one 
of  the  leading  banking  houses  in  the  city.  Mr.  (iraham  is  also  interested  in  various  other  business  and 
railroad  enterprises.  He  is  Vice-President  of  the  Rochester  Railway  Co.,  of  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  a  Director 
of  the  Rochester  and  Ironde(]uoit  Railway  Co.,  Director  of  the  Keokuk  and  Western  Railway  Co.,  Vice- 
President  of  the  Western  Securities   Co.   of  Fort  Worth,  Texas,  and  other  corporations. 

Mr.  Graham  has  been  conspicuous  in  the  social  atfairs  of  ]\lontclair.  He  assisted  in  organizing 
the  Montclair  Club,  and  was  subsequently  ajipointed  to  serve  an  unexpired  term  of  one  of  the  directors, 
and  at  the  expiration  was  elected  to  the  full  term  of  three  years.  He  was  one  of  the  original  members 
of  the  Outlook  Club,  also  of  the  Athletic  Club.  He  was  one  of  the  projectors  of  the  IVIontclair  Bank, 
and  several  of  the  preliminary  meetings  were  held  at  his  residence.  Being  a  banker  of  long  experience 
his  advice  and  counsel  were  of  great  advantage  to  his  associates.  He  subscribed  liberally  to  the  stock, 
was  made  one  of  the  Directors  of  the  Bank,  and  has  been  Chairman  of  the  Executive  Committee  since 


270  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

its  orrjanization.  Its  iniprecL-denteil  STieeess  as  a  8ubiirl)aii  liank  is  due  in  no  small  measure  tu  the  wise 
management  of  its  direftors. 

Mr.  Graham  and  his  family  are  connected  with  the  Congregational  Society. 

Mr.  Graham  married,  in  1S79,  Mary  K.,  daiigliter  of  J.  D.  Stout,  one  of  the  old  and  highly 
esteemed  merchants  of  New  York  City,  who  established,  in  1848,  in  connection  with  liis  brother,  the 
wholesale  grocery  house  of  J.  S.  &  J.  D.  Stout.  They  did  a  large  shipping  business  with  the  South,  up 
to  the  beginning  of  the  Civil  War,  at  which  time  the  firm  went  into  the  shipping  commission  business, 
under  the  title  of  J.  I).  Stout  &  Co.  About  June,  18Si>,  Mr.  Stout  retired  from  business  and  was 
succeeded  by  his  two  sons,  lie  died  in  1891.  lie  was  a  charter  member  of  the  Mercantile  Exchange, 
and  an  earnest  and  enthusiastic  re]iul)lican.  Mr.  Stout  was  a  direct  descendant  of  llichard  Stout,  the 
iirst  of  the  name  in  America,  born  in  Nottinghamshire,  England,  in  16-18,  married  Penelope  Van 
Princess,  and  lived  in  Monmouth  County,  N.  J.  J.  I).  Stout's  line  of  descent  was  through  Jouathan, 
third  son  of  above,  who  married  Miss  Bullen,  and  moved  to  Hopewell,  Hunterdon  County.  David, 
tifth  son  of  Jonathan,  born  ITUt!,  married  Elizabeth  Larrison,  and  had  nine  children.  Their  third  son, 
James,  married  Catharine  Stout,  daughter  of  John  Stout.  They  had  three  sons  and  four  daughters. 
Charles,  the  third  son,  married  Aehsa  Saxton,  daughter  of  Jared  Saxton.  James  D.  Stout,  the  father  of 
Mrs.  Graham,  was  their  youngest  son.  James  Stout,  the  great  grandfather  of  Mrs.  Graham,  served  with 
honor  in  the  War  of  the  Revolution,  both  in  the  "  New  Jersey  Line,"  Continental  Army  and  with  the 
State  Militia.  He  was  Lieutenant  in  Captain  Maxwell's  Company,  Second  Regiment,  Hunterdon, 
and  afterward  Captain  in  Third  Regiment  of  Hunterdon.  Captain  Joseph  Stout  (probably  brother  of 
Captain  James  i  was  wounded  Sept.  15,  1777.  The  record  of  this  family  is  remarkable,  no  less  than 
twenty-six  of  this  name  having  served  with  the  New  Jersey  troops  in  the  Continental  Army  during  the 
war.     Mr.  and  Mrs.  Graham  have  three  sons:  Geoffrey,  Ral[)h  and  Benj.,  Jr.     Ralph  died  in  1885. 

FREDERICK  MERRIAM  WHEELER. 

The  Wheeler  family  were  found  in  various  shires  among  the  Landed  Gentry,  Knighthood,  Members 
of  Parliament  and  Baronets  in  the  seventeenth  century,  and  one  was  a  Governor  of  the  Leeward  Islands. 
Members  of  the  family  were  closely  connected  with  King  Charles  I. 

Sir  William  Wheeler,  Knight,  Member  of  Parliament  for  Queen sborough,  was  ci'eated  a  baronet 
August  11,  1660.  He  was  married  to  a  lady  of  the  Royal  Household,  of  whom,  in  Melville's  i\[emoirs  and 
('arte's  History  of  England,  the  following  circumstance  is  related  : 

"King  Charles  I.,  at  the  beginning  of  his  troubles,  delivered  to  Lady  Wheeler  a  casket,  which  she 
was  to  take  care  of,  and  return  to  His  Majesty  on  the  delivery  of  a  ring.  The  evening  before  the  king 
was  beheaded,  the  ring  was  sent  to  Lady  Wheeler,  and  the  casket  delivered  to  the  messenger." 

Wheeler,  of  Martin  Hussingtree,  in  Worcestershire,  Eng.,  was  created  a  baronet  in  the  reign  of 
Charles  IL,  1660.  The  family  bore  Arms — three  leopard  faces.  Crest — out  of  a  ducal  coronet  a  double- 
headed  eagle  displayed.     M<Ato — "  Facie  tenus." 

Frederick  ]\ren-iam  Wheeler,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  is  a  direct  descendant  of  this  branch  of  the 
Wheeler  family.  His  great  grandfather,  Allen  Wheeler,  resided  at  Hartlebury,  in  Worcestershire,  Eng. 
His  great-uncle.  AVilliam  Wheeler,  possessed  the  manor  and  estate  of  AVaresly,  near  Hartlebury,  which 
had  l)een  in  this  fanuly  for  many  generations;  he  resided  at  "  Winterfold  House,"  near  Kidderminster. 
A  part  of  the  Winterfold  estate  belonged  to  this  branch  of  the  Wheeler  family  since  the  reign  of  Henry 
IV.,  1399. 

Mr.  Wheeler's  grandmother,  on  his  father's  side,  was  ]\Iary  Ann  Corbet,  a  direct  descendant  of  Sir 
Peter  Corbet,  of  Cans  Castle,  in  Shropshire,  a  noble  Norman  who  came  over  with  William  the  Conqueror, 
1066.  Her  mother,  Mary,  was  the  daughter  of  John  Yate,  of  the  Marsh  House,  near  Weidock,  a  most 
ancient  and  respectable  family.  Samuel  Yate,  her  cousin,  was  a  man  of  unbounde<l  hospitality  and 
Ijcnevolence.  He  was  High  Sheriff  for  the  County  of  Montgomery,  and  possessed  large  estates  in  the 
counties  of  Salop,  Hereford,  Montgomery,  Stafford  and  Somerset. 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


271 


F.    M.    WllKKlhk. 


Tlie  Corbet  family  exemplified  the  teacliiiiiis  of  their  ancestors  in  perpetuating  tlie  motto  borne  on 
tlieir  Anns,  viz. :     "  Deus  paseil  corvis  "  (God  feed?  the  raveii.s). 

Frederick  i[EKKiAM  "Whekler,  of  the  above  described  lineage  was  l)orn  in  Brooklyn.  X.  Y., 
August  ti.  IS-tO.     Ilis  father,  John  Wheeler,  a  native  of  England,  married  ^lartlia  Jane,  eklest  daughter 

of  Francis  W.  Merriani,  of  Brooklyn,  a  direct  descendant  of  Joseph  Merriam, 
born  in  England  about  1605,  and  came  to  America  in  the  slii2>  "Castle" 
Ki^iS,  and  settled  in  Concord.  Mass.  Ilis  grandson,  Joliu  Merriam.  of 
Concord,  married  Mary  Wheeler. 

Frederick  Merriam  "Wheeler  was  graduated  at  Summit  Academy,  N.  J., 
and  subsequently  attended  the  Polytechnic  Institute  of  Brooklyn.  He 
studied  mechanical  engineering  four  years  under  Henry  J.  Davis^m  of 
New  York  City — one  of  the  most  noted  mechanical  engineers  in  this 
country.  He  afterward  took  up  hydraulic  and  marine  engineering  as  a 
specialty,  and  since  ISOO  has  been  associated  with  The  Blake  and  Knowles 
Steam  Pump  Works,  and  The  Geo.  F.  Blake  Manufacturing  Company. 
He  has  been  for  some  years  a  Director  and  Secretary  of  the  latter  com])any. 
He  is  the  inventor  of  the  Wheeler  Patent  Surface  Condenser,  which  is 
largely  in  use  throiighuut  this  country  an<l  aliniad.  and  universally  recog- 
nized as  the  standard  surface  condenser  in  modern  engine  practice  It  has 
been  adopted  by  the  V.  S.  Navy,  and  used  tor  testing  and  laboratory  w<»rk 
in  neai'ly  all  the  mechanical  institutes  and  schools  of  technology  throughout 
the  country.  Mr.  Wheeler  is  also  the  patentee  of  a  number  of  pumping 
machines,  and  other  inventions  in  this  line.  In  iSiH)  lie  organized  the  Wheeler  Condensei' and  Engineering 
Co.,  of  which  he  is  a  Director  anil  X'ice-i'rcsident.  The  extensive  works  of  this  company  are  located  at 
Carteret,  N.  J.  Mr.  Wheeler  is  also  a  Director  and  Secretary  of  the  Ludlow  Valve  Manufacturing  Co. 
He  is  one  of  the  charter  mend)ers  of  the  .American  Society  of  Mechanical  Engineers,  and  the  Society  of 
Naval  Architects  and  .Marine  Engineers.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  American  Society  of  Naval  Engineers 
and  tlie  Engiueei-s"  Club.  He  sei-\-ed  as  a  niend)er  of  the  Advisory  Council  of  the  Engineering  Congress 
at  the  Colmnbian  Exhibition. 

After  leaving  lirooklyn,  his  native  city,  .Mr.  Wheeler  resided  for  some  time  at  Staten  Island.  He 
married,  in  ISTti,  Florence,  eldest  daughter  of  Charles  K.  Willmer  of  Montclair,  and  after  asliort  residence 
in  New  York  City  decided  to  make  Montclair  his  home. 

In  ix'.tl)  he  purchased  for  a  residence  tlie  old  Nason  place  on  Gates  Avenue,  now  known  as 
Praebank,  whidi  he  has  greatly  improved  and  beautified. 

IJoth  Mr.  Wheeler  and  bis  wife  have  been  prominent  in  social  circles  in  Montclair  tor  many  years. 
Mr.  Wheeler  was  the  founder  of  the  Montclair  E<piestrian  Club,  which  subsequently  became  the  Mont- 
clair and  Essex  County  Hunt,  and  now  the  Essex  County  Country  ("lub.  He  luus  been  one  of  the 
(Tovernors  of  the  Coiuitrv  ( 'lub  since  its  organization.  He  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Outlook  (  lub, 
and  one  of  the  early  memliers  of  the  ilontclair  Club,  ami  at  otie  time  on  its  Board  of  Directors. 

While  a.ssisting  in  the  various  jiublic  improvements  from  time  to  time,  the  subject  which  has 
interested  Mr.  AV'lieeler  most  is  that  of  a  public  park  for  Montclair,  which  he  has  been  agitating  foi-  yeais, 
olTering  to  contribute  liberally  toward  the  enteri>rise.  Others,  however,  to  whom  he  ap])lied  failed  to 
surticiently  appreciate  its  importance  to  unite  with  him  in  his  laudable  efforts  in  this  direction.  In  other 
public  matters  he  has  always  been  heartily  enthusiastic.  Mr.  Wheeler  has  no  particular  taste  for  politics, 
but  has  always  worked  in  the  interests  of  good  government.  In  church  nuitters  he  has  served  on  the 
ve.strv  of  St.  Luke's  Parish  for  nianv  years,  and  was  a  meudjer  of  the  Building  Committee  of  the  new 
church  edifice. 

The  issue  of  the  marriage  of  .Afr.  Wheeler  with  Miss  Willmer  is  Beatrice  ilolineux.  Knight 
Willmer,  Cottrell  Corbett  and  Gladys  Willmer. 


Chapter  XVI 


Legal  Profession — Paui,  Wilcox,  E.  B.  Goodell,  Stark  J.  Muki-hy,  G.  AV.  Murray. — The  Dental 
Profession — Dr.  S.  C.  G.  Watkins,  Dr.  Albert  J.  WkictIit. — Art  and  Artists — Harry 
Fenn,  Lawrence  C.  Earle,  J.  S.  Hartlky,  George  Inness,  Sr.,  George  Ixne?s,  Jr. — Poswell 
Smith,  Founder  of  the  Century  Macazi.ne  ;  A.  H.  Siegfried. — Two  Heroes  of  the  War — 
Abeam  P.  Haring,  Harry  Little.iohn. 


PAUL  WILCOX. 

':  HE  Wilcox  family  of  Tennessee,  from  whom  the  al)ove  named  is  descended,  undoiihtedly 
had  a  common  orijiin  with  those  of  the  same  name  in  New  England.  J'nrkc's  "Landed 
<Tentrv  "'  states  tliat  "  the  English  brancli,  settled  at  Conntj  Essex  and  <  'otintj  Middlesex, 
bore  Arms :  Argent  a  lion  ranijiant  between  three  crescents  sable  ;  a  chief  vair.  Crest : 
Out  of  a  mnral  coronet  or,  a  demi  lion  rampant,  sable  collared  vair."  The  ancestor  of 
the  Tennessee  branch  canie  from  England  in  the  early  part  of  the  last  century.  John, 
the  great  grandfather  of  Paul  Wilcox,  married  the  daughter  of  "  Squire  Boone,"  brother 
of  the  famous  Daniel  Boone.  Dr.  (reorge  Boone  Wilcox,  son  of  John,  was  a  noted 
physician,  who  practiced  for  forty  years  in  Boone  County,  Mo.  Dr.  John  Wilcox,  his 
son,  the  father  of  Paul,  was  one  of  the  most  prominent  physicians  and  surgeons  in 
Missouri,  and  afterward  in  Indiana.  Owing  to  his  Southern  sy-mpathies  in  the  early  part 
of  the  war,  he  was  driven  from  his  native  State  and  settled  in  Indiana,  where  he  made  many  warm 
friends  and  acquired  a  large  practice.  He  was  considered  the  best  surgical  expert  in  the  Middle  Western 
States.  Among  his  most  intimate  friends  and  associates  were  :  President  Harrison.  Vice-President 
Hendricks,  L'^nited  States  Senator  Jose])h  E.  McDonald  and  other  distingui.-hed  AVestern  men.  He 
married  a  Margaret  H.  Griffin,  of  Culpepper  Court  House,  Va.,  a  descendant  of  an  old  and  well-known 
family  of  Virginia.  Her  grandfather  on  her  father's  side  was  a  Zaehariah  Griffin,  who  served  with  the 
Continental  Army  throughout  the  Revolutionary  AVar. 

Paul  AVilcox,  son  of  Dr.  John  and  Margaret  H.  (Griffin)  AVilcox,  was  born  in  Boone  County,  Mo., 
Oct.  3,  185S.  He  was  prepared  for  and  graduated  at  De  Paw  College,  Indiana,  with  the  highest  honors, 
being  chosen  valedictorian.  He  afterward  studied  in  Berlin  and  l^eipsic,  Germany,  and  was  graduated 
at  Columbia  College  Law  School  in  ISS-i.  He  read  law  in  the  office  of  Mitchell  &  Mitchell  (one  of 
whom  is  the  present  District  Attorney)  New  York  City,  and  was  admitted  to  the  Bar  in  188.5.  He 
began  practice  on  his  own  account  in  ISSO,  continuing  for  four  years,  until  1890,  when  he  formed  the 
present  copartnership  of  Wilcox  (k  Barkley.  Altliough  one  of  the  younger  members  of  the  Bar  of  New 
York,  his  success  as  a  corporation  lawyer  has  been  marked.  In  many  of  his  most  important  causes  he 
has  been  arrayed  against  some  of  the  oldest  and  ablest  lawyers  in  the  city.  He  spares  neither  time  nor 
labor  in  his  legal  investigations.  He  discusses  legal  questions  with  a  clearness  of  illustratio!i,  a  strength 
of  argument,  a  fullness  and  variety  of  learning  rarely  equaled  by  one  of  his  age  and  ex]ierience.  He 
represents  many  of  the  largest  corporations  in  the  city.  Among  these  may  be  mentioned  the  American 
Press  Association,  the  largest  news|mper  cor])oration  in  the  world,  comprising  ten  thousand  newspapers 
and  having  its  various  sub-companies  in  tifteen  ditferent  States.  He  is  also  a  Diiector  in  this  Association. 
He  secured  the  adoption  of  favorable  laws  for  American  corporations  in  Canada  and  argued 
successfully  important  cases  in  England  connected  with  the  Thorne  Type-Setting  Machine  Company. 


dti^t   i\u  iL.y^ 


History  of  Montclair  Townshii'. 


273 


Mr.  Wilcux  has  l)een  but  a  few  years  a  resilient  of  Montclair,  hut  (Inriiiir  tliis  pei'iod  lie  lias  exerted 
an  ini|)cirtant  influence  in  tlie  cuinuninitv.  lie  ])urcliased  in  1SS8  the  J>ayie*  hunie.^tead  on  Upper 
Montclair  Avenue,  which  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  sites  in  the  township,  affording  as  it  docs  one  of  the 
most  extended  views  to  lie  had  from  any  point  on  the  mountain.  The  main  house,  as  it  stood  originally,  is 
of  brown  stone,  of  the  early  English  style  of  architecture.  To  this  ^Ir.  Wilcox  has  added  a  large  extension, 
which  is  in  rough  cast,  or  cement,  to  correspond  somewhat  with  the  original  design.  Tiie  inferior  of 
dining  room,  20  by  30  feet,  is  made  to  correspond  with  the  exterior,  but  is  far  more  elaborate.     It  is  of 


i 


RESIDKNCE  OF    MR.    TAIL   WILCOX,    lil'l'EK   MO.NTCLAIK   AVENUE. 


the  early  Englisli  style,  finished  in  antique  oak,  with  high  wainsccjt  in  square  panels  and  heavy  beam 
ceiling. 

Mr.  Wilcox  has  tidveii  a  leading  part  in  flic  social  alTairs  which  are  among  the  most  attractive 
features  of  this  beautiful  suhurban  township.  He  was  one  of  the  organizers  and  most  active  j^romoters 
of  the  Outlook  Club ;  has  been  a  member  ui  the  committee  since  its  organization  and  was  elected  its 
['resident  in  1S',)3.  He  is  Vice-President  of  the  Montclair  Club,  and  has  been  equally  active  in  advancing 
its  interests.  Probably  the  most  important  service  he  has  rendered  to  the  people  of  Montclair  was  the 
conspicuous  part  he  took,  and  the  material  aid  given  by  him  in  the  oi'ganization  of  the  Montclair  Bank. 
The  first  meeting  of  its  projectors  was  held  at  his  New  York  office  in  Teniple  Court,  where  the  prelim- 


27i  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

iuarj  steps  were  taken  to  insure  its  success.  For  liis  active  efforts  in  its  estahlislnnent,  as  well  as 
those  of  his  associates,  the  citizens  of  Montclair  are  indelited  for  one  of  tlie  l>est  and  most  successfully 
managed  haid^iiii;-  institutions  to  lie  fi,)und  in  any  suhui'ljan  village  or  township  in  this  jiart  of  the  country. 
]\[r.  Wilcox  was  a  sul)scril)er  to  the  original  stock  and  has  lieen  a  director  since  its  organization. 

jMr.  Wilcox  married,  in  ISS-i,  Miss  Mary  Maul,  daughter  of  William  G.  Maul,  of  Omaha,  Nebraska, 
whose  aucestors  were  among  the  early  settlers  of  New  Jersey.  Uriah  JMaul,  her  great-grandfather, 
served  tliroughout  the  War  of  the  Revolution,  in  f'apt.  liloomtield's  Company,  Tiiird  Battalion,  First 
Estal)lisliment ;  Capt.  Mott's  Company,  Third  Battalion,  Second  Establishment;  Third  Kegiment;  also. 
First  Regiment. 

Mrs.  Wilcox  has  been  ecjually  prominent  with  her  husband  as  a  leader  in  social  affairs,  and  has 
taken  an  active  part  in  the  musical  and  literary  life  of  Montclair.  She  is  a  woman  of  rare  intellectual 
and  musical  gifts.  She  is  a  member  of  the  Sorosis,  before  which  she  has  often  sung,  and  an  active 
participant  in  its  deliberation ■;.     Before  coming  East  she  sang  in  the  Pi'esl)yterian  Church  at  Omaha. 

The  issue  of  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Wilcox  with  Miss  INfaul  is  Harold,  boi-n  iss,'),  and  Gladys, 
born  IS'JO. 

EDWIN  BURPEE  GOODELL. 

Edwin  Burpee  Goodei.i.  is  eightli  in  descent  from  Robert  Goodell,  the  ancestor,  one  of  the  early 
settlers  of  Massachu.setts  Bay.  Titus  Goodell,  a  native  of  New  Hampshire,  the  great-grandfather  of 
Edwin  B.,  was  a  soldier  in  the  War  vf  the  Revolution,  and  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  Stillwater. 

Edwin  B.  Goodell  was  born  at  Rockville,  Conn.,  May  7,  1851,  was  prepared  for  college  at  the  High 
School,  he  and  his  brother  being  the  first  to  enter  college  from  this  school.  He  was  graduated  at  Yale  in 
1S7T,  and  taught  in  the  public  school  at  M(jntclair  from  1877  to  1879.  He  retnrned  to  Yale  in 
the  autumn  of  '79,  and  was  graduated  at  the  Law  School,  with  the  degree  of  LL.B.,  in  1880.  He  was 
awarded  by  the  Yale  I'aeulty  the  Deforest  Prize  Medal,  for  the  best  written  and  delivered  Eriglish 
oration,  in  1877,  and  the  John  A.  Porter  Prize  of  $250,  for  the  best  essay  on  an  assigned  subject,  in 
1890.  After  leaving  the  Law  School  he  retui-ned  to  Montclair  and  taught  for  another  year  until  1881, 
and  was  admitted  to  the  Par  of  Connecticut  in  1880,  that  of  New  York  in  1882.  and  of  New  Jersey  in 
I8S3.  With  a  branch  office  in  New  York  City,  his  practice  is  principally  in  New  Jersey,  his  main  office 
being  located  at  Montclair,  which  has  been  practically  his  residence  since  1877.  Jlr.  Goodell  was  one  of 
the  original  promoters  and  most  active  members  of  the  Tariff'  Reform  Club.  He  was  a  member  of  the 
original  committee  appointed  to  organize  the  Montclair  C?lub,  one  of  the  Board  of  Governors,  and 
succeeded  Mr.  Topliff  as  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  He  was  one  of  the  original  Trustees  of  the  Trinity 
Presbyterian  Church,  and  is  still  connected  with  it  in  that  capacity,  and  was  for  two  or  three  years 
Secretary  of  the  Sabbath  scliool.  He  married  Annette  C.,  daughter  of  Philip  Doremus;  issue  four 
children,  three  sons  and  one  daughter. 

STARR  JOCELYN  MURPHY. 

The  above  names  represent  three  distinct  families  who  became  united  by  marriage.  .Mr.  Murphy, 
who  represents  the  present  generation  of  his  family,  was  born  at  Avon,  Conn.,  June  17,  1860;  son  of 
Eev.  Elijah  Dongla«»  Murphy,  D.D.,  of  New  York  City,  born  at  Potsdam,  St.  Lawrence  County,  N.  Y., 
grandson  of  James,  of  Williamstown,  Mass.,  and  great-grandson  of  Jame.i,  who  was  born  in  Ireland  and 
emigrated  to  this  country  in  the  latter  part  of  the  last  century.  James,  the  son  of  the  ancestor,  served  in 
the  War  of  1812. 

Mr.  Murphy's  mother  was  the  daughter  of  Rev.  Simeon  Smith  Jocelyn,  of  New  Haven,  Conn., 
born  1799,  son  of  Simeon,  of  North  Guilford.  Conn.,  born  Oct.  22,  1746,  son  of  jVat/ianiel,  Jr.,  born 
Dec.  19,  1721,  son  of  Nathaniel  (1),  born  abont  1699. 

Rev.  Simeon  Smith  Jocelyn,  referred  to  al)ove,  married  Harriette  Starr,  daughter  of  Daniel  Starr, 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  275 

a  Revolutionary  soldier  wlio  served  as  a  fifer  in  Capt.  Ileturu  Jonathan  Mus^gs'  Company  (Fourth 
Connecticut)  enlisted  April,  1775,  served  under  Gea.  Wooster,  marched  to  the  Northern  Department, 
tren.  Sehulyer's,  and  took  part  in  the  operations  along  Lakes  George  and  Champlain,  assisted  in  the 
reduction  of  St.  Johns  in  October,  and  Wivs  afterward  stationed  at  Montreal.  Tiiis  Daniel  Starr  was  the 
.son  of  Joseph,  Jr.,  son  of  Josejih,  who  wa-s  the  son  of  C<niifort,  son  of  Dr.  Thomas,  who  was  the  son 
of  Dr.  Comfort  Starr,  tlie  emiirrant,  who  settled  in  Camhridge.  Ma.«s.,  in  1634. 

8.  J.  Murphy,  the  subject  of  this  .sketch,  was  prepared  for  college  at  Adelphi  Academy,  I^rook- 
lyn,  N.  Y..  graduated  at  Amlierst  College  with  the  degree  of  A. I!.,  iti  1881,  and  at  Columbia  College  Law 
School,  in  1883,  with  the  degree  of  LL.B.,  and  the  additional  degree  of  LL.B.  cum  laude,  and  was 
admitted  to  the  bar  of  the  State  of  New  York  in  May  of  that  year.  While  attending  the  Law  School  he 
also  studied  in  the  office  of  Hangs  ife  Stetson,  and  immediately  after  admission  to  the  bar  entered  the 
otHce  of  Carter  iV:  Ilornblower.  From  1880  to  18sO  he  practiced  independently,  and  in  the  latter  year 
organizeil  the  finn  of  irur])liy,  Lloyd  ^  Boyd. 

As  a  resident  of  Montclair,  Mr.  Murphy  is  comparati\ely  a  newcomer,  having  settled  here  in  1887. 
lie  lias  taken  an  active  interest  in  i)ulilic  and  ])olitical  affairs,  though  outside  of  party  lines.  lie  was  one 
of  the  founders  of  the  Tariff  Keforni  Club,  an<l  in  the  last  Presidential  campaign  advocated  its  juinciiilis 
from  the  platform,  lie  is  the  Secretary  of  the  local  Good  (Tovernment  Club.  lie  was  a  charter  member 
of  the  .Montclair  Club,  and  .served  for  three  years  on  the  Board  of  Directors.  He  was  also  much 
interested  in  tlie  Dramatic  Clul>,  and  lias  frequently  appeared  upon  its  .stage,  generally  in  coiiRdy  roles. 

^Ir.  Murphy  was  induced  to  settle  in  Montclair  nuiinly  because  of  his  marriage,  in  18s7,  to  Miss 
.lulia  Brush  Doubleday,  daughter  of  John  Mason  Doubleday,  Es(p,  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  respected 
citizens  of  Montclair,  who  wiis  an  important  factor  in  the  early  development  of  the  townshij).  He 
was  a  direct  (h'sceiuJaiit  of  the  famous  Capt.  John  Mason,  who  led  the  expedition  against  the  Pecpiots, 
which  resulted  in  their  externiinatii^n.  lie  was  also  a  descendant  of  Jonathan  Edwards,  James  Pierre- 
pout,  John  Ogden,  and,  through  the  marrifige  of  his  male  and  female  ancestors,  his  line  of  descent  comes 
through  the  Stod<lards  of  Boston,  (iov.  Bradford,  of  the  JIaytlower,  Uev.  Thonuis  Hooker,  the  founder 
of  Hartford,  Conn.,  and  other  well-known  New  England  families.  The  line  of  descent  from  the  Double- 
days  is  through  Elixhu,  who  .settled  in  Yarmouth,  ^lass.,  in  107(i,  thence  through  Elisha,  Elisha,  Ammi 
and  John  T'dden,  who  was  the  father  of  John  Miison  Doubleday. 

The  issue  of  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Murphy  to  Julia  Brush  Doubleday  is  three  children. 

GEOPvGE  WELWOOD  MURPtAY. 

G?;oki;k  Wklwoop  iIiRK.\Y  was  born  in  Edinburgh,  Scotland,  March  S,  1850,  the  son  of  Welwood 
and  Lily  (Gourlay)  Murray,  lie  came  to  this  country  an  infant  and  settled  in  New  Vork  City,  where  lie 
attended  ])ublic  and  private  schools,  ami  was  graduated  at  Columbia  College  Law  School  in  1876.  He 
also  studied  law  with  Edgar  Ivetchum  and  with  Sanford  ^  Robinson,  later  Robin.son  A:  Scribner.  He 
was  admitted  to  the  Bar  of  New  Vork  in  March,  1877.  and  at  the  beginning  of  the  same  year  liecame 
as.sociated  with  .\nderson  «.t  Young,  now  Anderson,  Ilowlaml  A:  Murray — at  first  having  charge  of  their 
real  estate  law  department — and  has  since  continued  his  c(jnnection  with  this  firm,  later  as  a  partner,  his 
specialty  being  corporation  l;iw. 

During  his  residence  in  New  York  Mr.  Murray  was  coimeoted  with  the  Judson  ]\Iemorial  Church 
as  a  Deacon  and  a  Trustee.  He  removed  to  .Montclair  in  the  spring  of  18'.»l,  and  purchased  a  plot  of 
ground  on  Mountain  Avenue  on  the  side  of  the  mountain,  a  part  of  the  old  Joseph  Baldwin  farm,  ami 
has  there  erected  a  dwelling.  Although  retaining  his  membership  and  interest  in  the  Memorial  Church 
in  New  York,  he  has  largely  identitied  himself  with  the  Baptist  Church  and  Sunday  School  of  Montclair. 
He  is  a  member  of  the  Montclair  and  the  Outlook  Clubs,  a  Director  of  the  Y'oung  Men's  Christian 
Association,  and  a  member  of  the  New  York  Bar  Association.  He  married,  in  1878,  Caroline,  daughter 
of  William  and  Sarah  (Sylvesterj  Church.     He  has  one  child,  Lily  Sylvester  Murray. 


276  History  of  Montci.air  Township. 

THE  DENTAL  PROFESSION. 

Dentistrv  as  a  pnifessioii  was  comparatively  unknown  to  tlie  early  settlers  of  Craiietown  and  West 
Blooinfield,  and  the  country  doctor,  whose  practice  extended  over  lialf  the  county,  was  expected  to  be 
fully  equipped  for  all  "dental  operations.''  His  "equipment"  consisted  of  two  or  three  pairs  of 
forceps,  or  turn-keys,  and  in  the  operation  it  was  often  a  (juestion  of  strength  and  endurance  between  the 
doctor  and  his  patient,  the  latter  being  compelled  to  endure  the  pain  until  the  strength  of  the  doctor  was 
exhausted,  or  something  "  gave  way,''  frequently  a  part  of  the  tooth  or  jaw,  and  it  became  necessary  to 
resort  to  heroic  treatment.  Under  this,  however,  "  endurance  ceased  to  be  a  virtue,"  and  the  patient 
himself  resorted  to  extreme  measures.  When  the  doctor  succeeded  in  extracting  the  molar  he  had 
nothing  to  replace  it  with,  and  after  a  few  operations  the  patient  was  left  to  regret  the  lack  of  develop- 
ment in  the  dental  art. 

Such  was  the  condition  of  affairs  a  (quarter  of  a  century  ago.  Later  one  or  two  dentists  came  and 
settled  here  for  a  time,  but  met  with  indifferent  success,  and  soon  retired.  Three  mendjers  of  the 
profession  have,  within  the  past  few  years,  established  a  successful  practice,  viz. :  Dr.  S.  C.  (t.  Watkins, 
Dr.  A.  J.  Wright  and  Dr.  Frederick  S.  Crane. 

SAMUEL  CHARLES  GOLDSMITH  WATKINS,  D.D.S. 

The  failure  of  his  predecessors  did  not  deter  Dr.  S.  C.  G.  Watkins  from  locating  in  Montclair  as 
a  professional  dentist,  lie  made  a  casual  survey  of  the  field,  and  satisfied  himself  that  there  was  a  good 
opening  for  a  skillful  ^practitioner,  and  his  success  was  assured  from  the  beginning,  his  clientele  at  the 
present  time  fai-  exceeding  that  of  most  suburban  dentists. 

Dr.  Watkins  began  the  study  of  his  profession  early  in  life  with  a  natural  ajjtitude  for  it,  being 
possessed  of  considerable  mechanical  ingenuity  as  well.  He  owes  his  success,  perhaps,  as  much  to 
heredity  as  to  his  early  training.  His  paternal  ancestors,  who  were  first  of  Wales,  then  of  England,  and 
finally  were  the  founders  of  the  Irish  branch,  left  their  impress  on  every  age.  This  family  represents  in 
the  female  line  the  ancient  and  distinguished  house  of  Yaiighan,  of  Golden  Grove,  which  derived  from 
Hugh  Yaughan,  Esq.,  of  Kidwelly,  gentleman  usher  to  King  Henry  VIL,  1497.  One  branch  of  this 
family  bore  Arms :  Or  on  a  chevron  gules,  three  horse-shoes  of  the  field  ;  on  a  chief  of  the  second  three 
fleur-de-lis  of  the  first.  Crest :  A  lion  rampant  gules  holding  ii^.  his  dexter  jjaw  a  fleur  delis  or.  Jlotto  : 
'"  Virtuti  avorum."  Descendants  of  the  English  branch  of  the  Watkins  family  accomj)anied  Cromwell  to 
Ireland,  and  for  military  services  rendered  were  assigned  lands  in  County  Monahan.  One  branch  removed 
thence  to  County  Kings,  where  the  great-grandfather  of  Dr.  Watkins  was  born,  whose  son,  Samuel 
Watkins,  emigrated  from  Ireland  to  America  in  1S19,  to  accept  a  government  position.  He  had  endorse- 
ments and  recommendations  from  the  Earl  of  Ross  to  the  Duke  of  Richmond,  who  was  stationed  at 
Quebec  at  that  time.  Soon  after  his  arrival  he  received  a  grant  of  the  largest  tract  of  land  ever  given  to 
one  man,  on  condition  of  his  settling  at  Little  York  (now  Toronto),  Ontario.  He  thus  became  the 
founder  of  the  Canadian  branch  of  the  Watkins  family. 

A  family  legend  dating  from  the  time  of  Cromwell  (1649-50)  states  that  during  a  vigorous  fight 
between  the  Protestants  and  Catholics — the  former  being  victorous — a  Catholic  priest  was  sheltered  and 
secreted  by  one  of  the  family — a  female — in  this  line  of  Watkins  descent.  On  the  day  following  the 
Catholics  routed  the  Protestants  and  drove  them  over  tlie  banks  of  the  river  Ban.  The  jilucky  woman 
referred  to  drew  near  to  the  priest  whom  she  had  saved  and,  extending  her  hand  in  token  of  salutation, 
immediately  grasped  the  hand  of  the  priest,  dragging  him  into  the  river,   and  both  perished  together. 

Samuel  Watkins,  above  referred  to,  distinguished  himself  in  the  suppression  of  what  is  known  as  the 
McKenzie  Rel)ellion  of  1 83.5,  and  for  his  services  was  rewarded  with  a  colonelcy  in  the  Canadian  forces. 
His  son,  Charles  W.,  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  took  a  prominent  part  in  resisting  tlie  Fenian 
raid  into  Canada  in  186(5.  He  married  Harriet,  daughter  of  George  Beck  with,  of  Yorkshire,  England,  a 
grandson  of  Lord  George  Beckwith,   a  Colonel  in  the  British   Army.     This   very  ancient  family  bore 


« 


'r\-i^'%^i>'=> 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  l>77 

orisjinally  tlie  name  of  llalbie,  or  Malhysse,  being  lineally  descended  from  tlio  marriage  femp  Henry  III., 
of  Ilerciile.-;  de  Malhie.  grandson  of  Sir  Sinion  de  Malbie.  J.ord  of  ("awtoii,  in  Cravon.  with  Beckwith.  one 
of  tlie  daughters  of  Sir  William  Hnice,  Lord  of  Uglebarby,  derived  from  Sir  Tiobert  Brus,  Lord  of 
Skilton  Castle,  in  Cleveland,  a  noble  Xorman  kuiglit,  ancestor  of  the  linices  of  Scotland. 

Dr.  Samuel  C.  G.  "Watkiiis,  sun  of  Dr.  Charles  "\V.  and  Harriet  (Beckwith)  "Watkins,  was  born  at 
Asligrove.  Ilaltnn  C(»unty,  Ontario,  March  27,  IS.'iS. 

His  early  life  was  spent  on  his  father's  farms,  and  his  knowledge  of  tlie  nidiiiK'ntary  branches  was 
obtained  at  tlie  county  schuol.  At  the  age  of  fourteen  he  removed  with  his  parents  to  Detroit,  Mich., 
and  two  years  later  he  went  to  Boston  and  studied  with  a  well-known  dentist ;  he  obtained  a  fair  start 
in  life,  but  met  with  an  almost  irreparable  loss,  by  being  biirnetl  out  in  the  great  Boston  fire  of  1872. 
He  lost  everything  ex('ept  his  pluck  anil  ])erseveranee.  He  began  life  anew,  spending  all  his  spare  tinii' 
in  attending  lectures  at  the  Boston  Dental  College,  from  which  he  graduated  with  honor  in  1875. 

He  came  to  Montclair  in  1876,  where  he  soon  acquired  an  extensive  practice  among  the  best  class 
of  residents. 

He  has  made  numerous  eontrilmtions  to  dental  literatui-e,  notably  upon  the  treatment  of  children's 
teetli,  and  the  use  of  amalgam  in  filling.  He  is  the  inventor  of  amalgam  instruments  wiiich  bear  his 
name,  a  dental  record  book,  a  machine  for  making  tapering  screws  and  the  Watkins  toothbrush;  also  a 
sectional  head-rest  for  dental  chairs,  wliich  bear  his  name.  He  has  received  many  honors  from  his  pro- 
fessional iissociates ;  in  ISStJ  he  was  unanimously  elected  President  of  the  Ainnmi  Association  of  the 
Boston  Dental  College.  The  .same  year  lie  wa.s  elected  President  of  the  Central  Dental  Association  of 
Northern  New  Jersey,  of  which  he  was  one  of  the  fcjunders  in  1S8(>,  and  has  been  Chairman  of  the 
Executive  Coimnittee  for  the  past  eight  years.  In  1881*  he  was  made  Presitlent  of  the  New  Jersey  State 
Dental  Society,  and  has  also  been  a  member  of  the  Executive  Conunittee  for  a  nund)cr  of  years.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  First  District  Dental  Society  of  Xew  York,  and  of  the  Odontological  Society  of  New 
^'<jrk,  and  in  1S7'.I  becairie  a  mendier  of  the  American  Dental  Association.  In  1891  he  was  made 
Second  Vice-President  of  this  society,  and  was  re-elected  in  lS92-9;».  lie  is  a  iiicinlicr  of  the  Clinic 
Committee  of  the  World's  Columbian  Dental  Congress,  also  Chairman  of  tin-  State  Committee  of  Xew 
Jersey,  and  it  was  in  his  <.>tfice  that  the  first  steps  toward  the  Columbian  Congress  were  taken,  and 
presided  at  the  first  meeting  held  at  the  Hoffman  House  in  New  York,  in  April,  1890.  He  now  occupies 
the  chair  of  Lecturer  on  Operative  Denti.stry  in  the  New  York  Dental  School  of  the  I'niversity  of  the 
State  of  New  York. 

Wholly  absorbed  in  the  duties  of  his  profession.  Dr.  Watkins  has  had  but  little  time  to  devote  to 
local  affairs.  He  took  an  active  interest,  however,  in  the  organization  of  the  fire  <le]>artment ;  was  a 
charter  member  of  Hook  and  Ladder  Company  No.  1,  and  is  now  on  the  list  of  exempt  firemen, 
having  rendered  nine  years  in  this  capacity.  He  was  one  of  the  charter  members  of  the  Montclair  Club, 
also  an  early  mend)er  of  the  Athletic  Club.  He  is  a  Director  of  the  Montclair  Savings  Bank,  and  mem- 
ber of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Trinity  Presbyterian  Church. 

He  built  for  himself,  in  1879,  a  residence  on  Fullerton  Avenue,  which  was  destroyed  by  tire  in 
1885.  He  rebuilt  soon  after  on  the  same  location.  His  office  is  in  the  lower  story  of  his  residence,  a 
part  of  which  is  adorned  with  a  large  collection  of  curios,  of  which  he  is  exceedingly  fond. 

Dr.  Watkins  married,  first.  Miss  Margaret  A.  Thompson,  of  Boston,  deceased,  and  secondly  ^liss 
Mary  Yarrington  Doremus,  daughter  of  Philip  Doremus  of  Montclair.  The  issue  of  this  last  marriage 
is  three  children,  viz.  :   Philip  Doremus,  Anne  Yarrington,  Lawrence  Beckwith. 

DK.  ALBEPT  J.  WPtlGHT. 

Di;.  Wkkjht  has  carried  on  the  jiractice  of  his  profession  in  Montclair  for  the  past  twelve  years, 
and  has  achieved  deserved  success  as  a  skillful  practitioner.  His  experience  as  a  dentist  covers  a  period 
of  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  century.     He  was  born  at  Fort  Edward,  N.  Y.,  March  10,  ISiS.     Twelve  years 


278  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

later  he  moved  to  Brooklyn  with  Iiis  parents  and  received  a  tlioronii;]i  education  at  the  i)nblic  schools  of 
that  city.  He  began  the  study  of  medicine  at  the  New  York  IldiiioMijiathic  Medical  ('ollege  in  iNrtT,  and 
entered  the  New  York  College  of  Dentistry  in  1869,  graduating  in  1S76.  He  practiced  for  some  years 
in  Brooklyn  and  then  in  Ovvego,  Tioga  t'ounty,  N.  Y.,  where  he  became  well  and  favorably  known  as 
a  dentist,  and  as  an  enterprising  and  public-spirited  citizen.  He  was  a  prominent  member  of  the  tire 
department  of  that  town  and  was  active  in  promoting  other  public  enterprises.  He  came  to  Montclair  in 
1882,  and  although  an  entire  stranger  in  the  connnunity,  he  soon  ac(piired  a  fair  practice,  and  his  clientele 
has  increased  annually. 

He  was  formerly  an  active  member  and  is  still  a  contrilniting  member  of  the  Brooklyn  Dental 
Society,  of  the  Sixth  District  Dental  Society  of  New  York,  a  delegate  to  the  New  York  State  Dental 
Society ;  was  later  a  member  of  the  New  Jersey  State  Dental  Society. 

Dr.  Wright  was  among  the  first  to  advocate  the  organization  of  a  fire  department  for  Montclaii-, 
and  from  the  beginning  up  to  the  jtresent  time  has  been  unremitting  in  his  efforts  to  improve  its  efficiency 
and  increase  its  numbers  and  sti'ength.  His  previous  experience  as  a  fireman  and  his  willingness  to  assist 
in  the  various  duties  pei'taining  to  the  organization,  has  won  for  him  the  admiration  of  his  associates  and 
of  his  fellow  citizens  generally.  He  had  done  much  to  improve  the  various  departments,  and  the  excel- 
lent system  of  tire  alarms  and  signals  is  lai'gely  due  to  his  efforts. 

ART  AND  ARTISTS. 

"  Like  attracts  like."  The  artist,  ever  absorbed  in  the  beauties  of  nature,  selects  for  his  permanent 
abode  the  place  offering  the  greatest  variety  of  natural  attractions — the  hills,  the  woodland,  the  vale,  the 
rippling  brook,  the  old  thatched  cottage,  with  its  quaint  well-sweep— together  with  animal  life  in  all  its 
varieties.  That  some  of  the  most  prominent  artists  in  America  should  find  the  brightest  realization  of 
their  dreams  along  the  slope  of  the  Watchung  Mountain,  which  combines  all  these  attractions,  is  not 
surprising.  Probably  no  otlier  place  of  its  size  in  the  country  has  drawn  together  so  many  well-known 
artists.  First  came  Harry  Fenn,  whose  illustrations  of  "  Picturesijue  America,"  Europe  and  the  East, 
are  familiar  as  household  words ;  next  came  George  Inness,  who  is  without  a  peer  as  a  landscape  artist  in 
this  country.  His  son,  George  Inness,  Jr.,  followed  in  his  father's  footsteps,  but  found  objects  of  greater 
interest  in  animal  life  than  in  the  portrayal  of  inanimate  nature.  Hartley,  the  sculptor,  was  also  attracted 
by  the  natural  beauties  of  Montclair,  and  Earle,  the  character  artist,  has  discovered  the  quaint  and  the 
queer,  even  in  his  surroundings. 

HARRY  FENN. 

Residents  of  Montclair,  who  are  familiar  with  the  works  of  Harry  Fenn,  the  artist,  have  little  idea 

to  what  extent  the  beauties  of  this  locality  have  entered  into  his  numerous  illustrations. 

From  his  beautiful  home  on  the  mountain  side,  where   he   has   lived   for  more   than  twenty  years, 

he  has 

"  Viewed  the  landscape  o'er  and  o'er," 

and  every  tree  and  shrub,  every  nook  and  corner  of  the  mountain,  every  rivulet,  every  old  cottage  or 
barn,  every  old  well-sweep,  or  vine-covered  stone  wall,  are  fanuliar  to  him,  and  have  at  times  served  to 
embellish  the  pages  of  his  numerous  works  of  art.  The  following  In-ief  sketch  of  his  life,  taken  from  the 
A'»ierican  Bookmaker  of  September,  1889,  will  be  of  interest  to  his  numerous  friends  and  adnnrers: 

"  Harry  Fenn  was  born  in  1S40  at  Richmond,  vSurrey,  England.  He  displayed  his  tendency  toward  art  at  a  very 
early  age,  and  when  not  six  years  old  used  to  spend  his  half  holidays  with  a  toy  paint  box  out  of  doors.  One  of  his 
earliest  memories  dates  back  to  a  day  in  Richmond  Park,  when  he  sat  almost  buried  in  the  high  ferns  trying  to  sketch 
a  mighty  oak.  While  struggling  with  the  intricacies  of  branch  and  foliage  he  was  disturbed  by  a  lady  and  gentleman 
who  alighted  from  a  carriage  to  investigate  the  occupation  of  the  tiny  artist.  They  expressed  themselves  as  much 
interested  in  the  embryo  landscape,  and  intjuircd  the  little  boy's  name.     The  incident  had  almost  faded  from  the  child's 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


270 


mind,  when  one  day  a  parcel  was  delivered  at  his  home  ;  and  what  was  his  surprise  and  joy  to  find  a  real  artist's 
water  color  box,  with  silver  mounted  brushes;  and  enclosed  was  a  card  inscribed  with  the  pleasant  words:  'For 
Harry  Fenn,  with  the  best  wishes  of  the  Rev.  John  Selwyn.  Bishop  of  New  Zealand.' 

"  Mr,  Fenn  learned  the  art  of  wood  engraving  in  the  school  of  the  Brothers  Dalziel.  In  the  meantime  lie  painted 
and  sold  water  colors. 

"  When  about  nineteen  he  took  his  little  box  of  sovereigns,  and  spread  the  contents  in  a  row  on  his  father's  desk. 
He  then  surprised  that  gentleman  by  a  request  that  he  should  make  the  row  just  as  long  again,  in  order  that  the  aspiring 
artist  could  go  to  see  Niagara,  promising  to  return  in  six  months. 

"  For  six  years  he  stayed  in  America  and  then  went  to  Italy  for  a  short  term  of  study.  Before  sailing  Harry 
Fenn  gave  away  his  gravers,  informing  his  fellow  workers  that  he  intended  thereafter  to  use  only  brush  and  pencil,  but 


they  scoffed  at  his  ambi- 
he  would  come  h(jme  in  a 
mind. 

trated  his  first  book, 
soon  followed  by  the  '  Bal- 
These  works  marked  an 
making,  and  opened  the 
of  to-day. 

an  extended  tour  in  the 
gather  material  for  '  Pict- 
owing  to  the  enterprise  of 
successful.  This  journey 
rapid  out-door  sketching, 
versant  with  the  charac- 
Alxjut  this  time  he  joined 
who  started  the  'American 
New  York.'  After  a  great 
ceeded  in  tilling  one  room 
mens  of  that  branch  of  art, 
to  Europe  to  make  sketches 
and  several  years  later, 
made  a  long  sojourn  in  the 
uresijue  Palestine,'  '  Sinai 
months  the  two  artists 
arduous  work  lay  in  cross- 
the  Convent  of  Mount 
ing  mountains.  *  *  *  * 
tion,  accuracy  of  drawing 
acterize  Mr.  Fenn's  work, 
to  art  he  has  been  as  con- 
he  has  been  persevering 
"  Rarely  indeed  can  an 
many  years  of  successful 
a  store  of  general  culture, 
overlook  the  fact  that  art, 
requires  that  the  soil  in 
kept  mellow  and  well  irri- 
other  talents  than   the 


H,VKRV    FE-N.N. 


tion,  and  assured  him  that 
very   different    frame   of 

"On  returning  he  illus- 
Wliittier's  '  Snow  Bound,' 
lads  of  New  England,' 
era  in  the  history  of  book 
way  for  the  great  successes 

'•  In  1S70  Mr.  Fenn  made 
United  States  in  order  to 
uresque  America,'  which, 
the  Appletons,  proved  so 
was  a  great  education  in 
and  made  the  artist  con- 
teristics  of  our  territory, 
a  small  band  of  pioneers, 
Water  Color  .Society  of 
deal  of  labor  they  suc- 
with  presen  table  speci- 

■'  In  I.S73  Mr.  Fenn  went 
for  '  Picturesque  Europe,' 
with  J.  U.  Woodward,  he 
Orient,  working  on  '  Pict- 
and  Egs^Jt.'  For  fourteen 
lived  in  tents.  Their  most 
ing  the  desert  of  Arabia  to 
Sinai,  and  in  the  surrouiid- 

' '  ( Ircat  fertility  of  in  ven- 
and  delicacy  of  finish  char- 

"  In  dedicating  his  life 
scientious   and   manly   as 
and  intlustrious. 
artist    point   back   to  so 
work,  coupled  with  so  rich 

"  Artists  are  very  apt  to 
like  many  other  things, 
which  it  grows  should  be 
gated  by  the  cultivatitm  of 
merely  imitative. 


"  In  this  respect  Mr.  Fenn's  career  may  well  sers'e  as  a  model  for  students  who  would  reach  the  same  result. 


From   Oar  American  lUnstraforn!,  Me.  F.  IIkI'kinsh.n  S-mhii  : 

»  »  »  «  '•  And  last,  but  not  least,  this  delightful  little  thing  of  Harry, Fenn's — Oh,  you  fellows  can  criticise 
the  precise,  exact  work  of  an  exact  man,  but  1  tell  you,  that  but  for  Harry  Fenn  this  present  school  of  American  illustra- 
tors would  not  exist.  We  live  in  a  peculiar  age,  and  in  a  mercenar)'  one.  Art  for  art's  sake  is  all  very  well  over  on  the 
other  side,  and  now  and  then,  some  American,  more  liberal  than  another  of  his  money-loving  and  money-making  friends 
does  a  big,  generous  thing,  as  you  can  see  for  yourself  any  time  you  walk  into  the  Metropolitan  Museum,  but  for  all  that 
art  for  the  sake  of  the  dollar  is  more  prevalent. 

"  Harry  Fenn's  illustrations  of  '  Picturesque  America'  entitle  him  to  be  called  the  nestor  of  his  guild,  not  only  for 
the  delicacy,  truth  and  refinement  of  his  drawings,  but  also  because  of  the  enormous  financial  success  attending  its 
publication— the   first   illustrated  publication   on   so   large   a  scale  ever   attempted — paving  the  way  for  the  illustrated 


280  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

magazine  or  paper  of  to-day  simply  because  it  showed  the  publishers  the  commercial  value  of  pictures  inserted  in  pages 
of  printed  type. 

"  •  Picturesque  America  '  paid,  and  paid  enormously,  and  soon  there  was  not  enough  artists  to  go  round  among  the 
other  publishers.     *     *    *    * 

"  If  Fenn  had  made  a  dead  failure  of  that  book  instead  of  a  success— a  brilliant  success  for  the  time  in  which  it 
was  issued— some  of  the  distinguished  illustrators  of  to-day  would  probably  have  been  measuring  tape  at  Macy's.  They 
certainly  would  not  have  gcme  into  illustrative  art." 

LAWRENCE  C.  EARLE. 

As  a  mail,  Mr.  Earle  is  little  known  to  the  people  of  Montclair.  As  an  artist,  however,  his  name 
is  as  familiar  as  "  lioiisehdld  words."  His  recent  achievements  at  the  World's  Fair  have  lir(>iij;ht  him 
into  special  prominence,  and  while  he  has  thnmgh  this  means  made  a  wide  circle  of  ac(piaintance,  his 
reputation  was  already  made. 

Mr.  Earle  is  a  native  of  New  York  City,  Ixirn  Nov.  11,  1S4.5,  and  educated  at  the  pu])lic  school. 
Although  he  early  developed  a  taste  for  art  he  gave  little  attention  to  it  until  after  completing  his  regular 
stiidie.?.  His  father  removed  in  1S5T  to  Grand  Rapids,  ]\licli..  and  engaged  in  the  nuumfacturing 
business,  and  Lawrence  remained  with  him  as  assistant  for  three  years.  Excessively  fond  of  out-door 
sports,  he  frecpientlj  painted  birds  and  other  game  secured  on  his  hunting  expeditions.  He  went  to 
Chicago  in  ISOO,  and  studied  at  the  Academy  of  Design  under  Sherlaw.  In  1872  he  went  abroad  and 
studied  under  Barth  and  other  masters.  He  returned  to  Chicago  where  he  remained  until  1881,  and 
then  went  to  Florence  and  Rome,  and  studied  under  Simmonetti  in  water  colors.  He  returned  to  Chicago, 
and  in  1889  came  East,  following  the  line  he  had  marked  out  for  himself,  viz.,  character  studies  in  water 
colors.  In  181*3  he  executed  two  large  ])aintings  in  water  colors  for  the  Columbian  Exhibition,  33  by  18 
feet  long,  to  be  placed  in  the  Liberal  Arts  Building,  entitled,  "  Glass  Blowing  Industry "'  and  "The 
Potter  Industry."  Among  his  best  works  are  "The  Old  Taxidermist,"  "The  Book  Worm,"  "The 
Village  Postnmster,"  "Solitude,"  "Easter  Moon,"  "The  Game  Keeper's  Children,"  "The  Roard  of 
Education,"  "The  Disputed  Account,"  "An  Old  Salt,"  "The  Mischief  Makers,"  "The  Old  Flute 
Player,"  "  The  Mud  Turtle  Club,"  "The  Ball  Nine,"  etc. 

Church,  the  famous  i)ainter,  says  of  him  :  "  Earle  is  an  artist  from  head  to  foot.  He  is  one  of  the 
best  water  color  painters  we  have,  and  1  know  of  no  one  who  is  a  Uner,  techiucally,  here  vr  abi-nad.  His 
"  Flute  Player,'  which  was  in  the  Water  Color  Exhibition  at  the  Academy  two  years  ago,  was  simidy 
superb  from  that  standpoint,  and  thoroughly  artistic  otherwise.  He  is  very  versatile,  understands 
thorouifhly  the  u.se  of  all  mediums,  paints  a  good  portrait,  splendid  in  dogs  or  birds,  and  is  a  tirst-class 
landscape  arti.st.      I  think  water  cobir  is  his  forte,  and  some  of  his  old  men,  perhaps,  .show  him  at  his  best." 

JONATHAN  SCOTT  HARTLEY. 

Jonathan  Scott  Haktley,  National  Academician,  Alember  of  the  Sw-iety  of  .Vmerican  Artists,  of 
the  Architectiiral  Leagtie,  Players'  Club,  etc.,  etc. — It  is  said  that  "a  pmphet  hath  no  honor  in  his  own 
country,"  but  this  proverb  does  not  apply  to  the  people  of  Montclair,  who  feel  highly  honored  in  claiming 
as  fellow-citizens  men  who  have  attained  the  highest  rank  in  their  profession  ;  and  the  personal  achieve- 
ments of  these  men,  although  not  iden titled  with  the  home  of  their  adoption,  forms  an  interesting  chapter 
in  its  history. 

Jonathan  Scott  Hartley,  in  the  front  rank  of  modern  sculptors,  was  born  of  English  ])arentage,  in 
Albany,  New  York,  September  22,  18-15.  Gifted  with  a  strong  tendency  toward  art,  it  only  needed 
the  slightest  encouragement  and  even  a  casual  opportunity  to  determine  the  life-work  of  the  future 
sculptor.  This  was  found  while  yet  in  his  teens  by  employment  in  a  monumental  yard  at  the  capital  of 
the  State  of  New  York,  a  city,  by  the  way,  which  has  contributed  to  the  guild  of  American  art  many  of 
its  most  eminent  stars.  ]n  such  an  atmosphere  it  was  very  natui-al  for  young  Hartley  to  drift  to  the  then 
Mecca  of  our  national  sculpture — the  studio  of  Erastus  D.  Palmer.     And  as  to  the  signiticancc  of  the  fact. 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  281 

it.sli<nil(l  lie  rwalled  tliat  Aiiiericaii  sculpture  was  tlicn  little  iiioiv  tlian.  an  ex])ix'ssi()ii.  As  a  matter  of  fact, 
sculpture  seems  to  luive  Iieeii  tlic  last  of  the  arts  to  lie  cultivated  on  American  soil.  But  since  tlie  advent  of 
I'aliner.  Hiram  Towers,  II.  K.  ilrowne,  Crawford.  Storv  and  (ireenough,  a  rapid  movement  has  taken 
]>lace  in  tiiis  We.stern  world  tliat  promi.ses  astoidsliinic  results  in  the  near  future.  Connected  with  this 
advance  in  plastic  art  no  one  has  been  nutre  prominent,  more  prolific  in  creation  and  workmanship,  moi'e 
tireless  iind  devoted  in  founding  anil  organizing  clulis  and  societies  of  broad  .scope  and  enduring  purpose 
than  Hartley  himself.  For  instance,  it  was  in  his  somewhat  cramped  dingy  studio,  at  .">!••!  liroadway.  New 
York,  wa^;  oiganized  the  Salmagundi  Club  amid  a  gi-oup  of  roystering  Bohemians,  eventnidly  to  become 
a  uid(|ue  iii.stitution  iu  the  cluVland  of  the  world,  at  whose  door  many  worthy  men  knock  in  vain  for 
adnnssion  to  mend)ershi])  at  this  wi'iting.  ^[oreover,  when  speaking  of  this  branch  of  his  u.seful  career  to 
paiiiter.s,  .sculptoi-s  and  aieliitects  alike,  it  is  well  to  reniend)er  that  in  his  services  to  the  Art  Students' 
League,  in  his  capacity  as  a  lecturer  and  teacher  of  tlie  theory  aiul  technique  of  his  profes.sion,  and  later 
as  the  author  of  the  work  "Anatomy  in  Art,"  now  a  staiulard  authority  in  art  schools  and  in  many 
institutions  of  learning,  he  has  a  standing  (juite  a|>art  from  the  rank  and  file  of  sculptors.  Had  it  not 
been  for  the  versatile  <|uality  e.\cnij)litied  in  what  has  been  said.  Hartley  would  easily  have  been  at  the  top 
of  his  profession  on  other  grounds.  Whenever  called  iijwn  to  compete  in  ideal  work,  he  has  been  more 
than  ordinarily  successful,  and  there  came  a  recognition  of  that  cla.ss  of  art-work  which  lisvs  been  the  key- 
note (d' his  studio  life —  t'imsciciice.  If  an  artist  be  not  sincere,  if  he  indulge  in  pasting  off  counterfeit 
work,  if  he  give  way  to  a  flash  fad,  he  is  buiUiing  his  house  of  saml.  In  the  wonderful  museum  of 
models  which  literally  stack  his  twin  studios  in  We.st  S.'tth  Street,  can  here  be  studied  what  has  l)ecn 
achieved  during  a  period  of  marvelous  industry,  the  very  point  which  is  here  adduced,  and  the  writer  of 
this  can  say,  after  having  been  a  fanuliar  visitor  in  the  chief  studios  in  Europe  and  America,  that  no  such 
like  collection  either  in  variety  of  com|iosition,  in  mere  original  conception,  in  widely  difrcring 
portraiture  (d  man,  woman  or  child,  in  bold  and  striking  dei>artui'i'  from  the  conventional,  can  be  found 
anywhere  on  the  earth.     These  may  seem  startling  words;  they  aiv  nevertheless  true. 

Among  Hartley's  principal  works  in  the  Ideal  are: 

"The  Whirlwind."  "  King  U'-nu's  D.uiirhter,"  "  Psyche,"  "The  liatli,"  "  Satan  Van(pnshed,"  anil 
other  creations. 

Reference  has  been  made  elsewhere  to  some  of  the  more  conspicuous  of  his  achievements,  among 
which  not  already  spoken  of,  niay  be  named  the  Eight  lieliefs  on  the  interior  of  the  Saratoga  monu- 
ment, illustrative  of  the  .surreiuler  of  Burgoyiie  ;  the  Daguerre  monument  in  the  National  Museum  at 
Washington,  the  memorials  to  John  1'.  Howard  jilaced  in  the  I'niversity  of  \'ermont  at  Burlington,  the 
memorial  to  Algernon  Sydney  Sullivan  in  the  iletropolitan  iMu-seum,  Nesv  York,  the  monument  to  John 
Uyle,  founder  of  the  silk  industries  at  Paterson,  New  Jei-sey. 

If  taking  from  this  list  several  of  his  public  or  what  ndght  be  tei'med  artistic  works,  we  may  note 
as  ])erhaps  the  earlier,  the  statue  of  Miles  ilorgan,  one  of  the  Pilgrim  Fathers,  now  standing  in  S])ringfiel<l, 
Mass.,  a  connnission  fi'om  II.  T.  Morgan  of  New  York.  It  is  a  robust  figure  eight  feet  high,  and  well- 
known  to  New  Englanders.  But  it  was  the  figure  of  the  "Whirlwind"  which  has  been  the  most 
uiMvei"sally  admired,  showing  as  it  did  not  only  a  profound  knowledge  id'  anatomy  but  a  subtle  and 
|)oetic  conception  of  lines,  beauty  of  form  and  handling  of  drai)ery  to-day  unmatched  hy  the  work  of  any 
sculptor  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic.  Another  of  Hartley's  works  which  woke  up  the  sluggards  of 
American  sculpture  wiis  "  The  Defeat  of  Satan,"  which  gave  him  the  gold  medal  of  the  Amei'ican 
Art  As.sociation  as  far  back  as  18S7.  Yet  while  this  interesting  phase  of  an  artist's  life  may  claim  public 
attention,  portraiture  itself  is  a  most  difficult  branch  of  the  sculptor's  art,  and  va.stly  different  from  the 
task  that  confronts  the  painter  with  idgments,  easel  and  canvas.  This  can  be  ajjpreeiated  by  anyone  who 
will  take  the  trouble  to  watch  the  method  of  a  conscientious  modeler  of  the  human  head,  intent  on  like- 
ness, expression,  intellect  and  character.  Mr.  I  lartley's  busts  in  this  respi'ct  are  the  mar\el  of  the  pro- 
fession and  the  admiration  of  the  critic  and  connoisseur.  Not  to  speak  of  the  John  Gilbert  which  stands 
alone,    his  A.  II.    Wyant,    Cyrus    W.    Field,    Dion    Boucicault,    John    Drew    and   Susan   13.  Anthony, 


2S2  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

he  liMS  a  distiiK't  gift  in  the  treatment  uf  chihh'en,  as  shown  in  the  cahinet  bust  of  his  own  hoy.  Innes*;. 
Hartley  likewise  has  been  fortunate  in  having  been  thrown  in  contact  with  strong  men.  For 
instance,  among  his  sitters  and  friends  of  whom  he  has  made  characteristic  busts  unsurpassed  in 
our  time,  have  been  Edwin  I'ooth.  Xoah  Davis,  George  Inness,  his  fatlier-in-law :  Lawrence 
Barrett,  Ashley  W.  Cole,  T.  \V.  Wood,  President  of  the  Academy  of  Design  ;  P'elis  Morris,  John  Drew, 
Dion  Boncicault,  Jno.  T.  Raymond,  the  actors ;  Ada  Rehan,  Thomas  Moran  the  painter;  J.  II.  Doi])li, 
Judnre  Van  Yooi-st,  W.  C.  Church,  founder  of  the  "Army  and  Xavv  Journal :"  John  I).  Crimmins,  Julien 
T.  Da\'ies,  Cyrus  W.  Field,  and  many  other  notables  of  the  present  day. 

However,  Mr.  IlartkVs  most  important  work  is  the  statue  of  John  Ericsson,  on  the  water  front  at 
the  battery.  This  commission  given  by  the  State  of  New  York  is  the  only  official  recognition  made 
to  a  sculptor  by  the  municipality.  It  was  xmveiled  on  April  26,  1893,  with  imposing  ceremonies,  the 
parting  of  the  flags  of  the  United  States  and  Sweden  being  saluted  by  twenty-one  guns  from  the  U.  S. 
Monitor  Miantonomah,  which  Ericsson  himself  had  designed.  This  national  event  was  further  dignified 
by  the  passing  of  tlie  allied  squadron  up  the  Hudson  River  in  a  Naval  parade  unexampled  in  modern 
times. 

The  domestic  side  of  Hartley's  life  is  as  interesting  as  that  whicli  is  in  the  public  view.  Married  to 
a  beautiful  and  gifted  woman,  who  h;is  inherited  her  father's  genius  and  sym])athy  for  color,  and  who 
dispenses  a  gracious  hospitalit\',  surrounded  by  a  group  of  lovely  children,  living  in  an  ideal  home  within 
earshot  of  two  celebrated  artists  (father  in-law  and  brother  in-law),  George  Inness  and  George  luness,  Jr., 
it  would  seem  indeed,  that  this  fortunate  sculptor  has  little  to  long  for  which  belongs  to  mortals. 

GEORGE  INNESS. 

"  Let  us  believe  in  art  not  as  something  to  gratify  curiosity  or  suit  commercial  ends,  Init  as 
something  to  be  loved  and  cherished,  because  it  is  the  handmaid  of  the  spiritual  life  of  the  age."' 

That  George  Inness,  acknowledged  to  be  the  greatest  landscape  painter  in  America,  should  select 
Montclair  as  a  permanent  place  of  residence,  evinces  an  appreciation  on  his  part  of  its  great  healthful- 
uess  and  beauty,  and  affords  cause  for  congratulation  to  its  citizens,  and  more  esj>ecially  those  who 
have  labored  so  earnestly  to  develop  its  many  attractive  features. 

To  what  extent  the  remarkable  gifts  possessed  by  Mr.  Inness  are  due  to  the  law  of  heredity,  can 
only  be  conjectured,  his  environments  having  contributed  little  or  nothing  to  their  development. 

The  family  of  Inness  is  one  of  the  oldest  in  Scotland,  and  is  derived  from  the  place  of  that  name. 
The  earliest  reference  to  the  surname  is  that  of  Sir  James  Inness.  of  Scotland,  who  was  knighted  in  1441. 
he  being  loth  in  descent  from  one  Baruwald  in  the  time  of  King  Malconi,  of  Scotland. 

George  Inness.  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  in  Kewburgh,  New  York.  May  1,  1S25.  He 
removed  with  liis  parents  to  Newark,  New  Jersey,  when  cpiite  young,  and  very  early  in  life  develo])ed  a 
taste  for  art,  which  at  lii-st  was  discouraged  by  his  father,  who  jireferred  that  he  should  follow  a  mercan- 
tile life ;  but  finding  that  the  son  had  no  inclination  in  that  direction  he  was  afforded  such  opportunities 
for  acipiiring  a  knowledge  of  the  rudiments  of  drawing  and  oil  painting  as  were  most  easily  ol>tainalilc  at 
the  time.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  he  went  to  New  York  to  study  engraving,  but  ill  health  obliged  him  to 
return  home,  where  he  continued  to  sketch  and  paint.  AVhen  twenty  yeai-s  of  age  he  spent  a  month  in 
the  studio  of  Regis  Gignoux  in  New  York  City,  which  was  all  the  regular  instruction  he  ever  had,  and 
after  this  period  he  "groped  his  way  by  the  dim  light  of  nature."  being  wholly  self-taught.  l]fe  began 
landscape  painting  in  New  York  City,  and  subsetpiently  made  two  visits  to  Europe  and  lived  in  Florence 
and  Rome  for  some  time.  For  several  years  after  his  return  he  made  his  home  near  Boston,  where  some 
of  his  best  pictures  were  painted.  In  1SG2  he  went  to  reside  at  Eagleswood,  near  Perth  And)oy,  New 
Jersey,  and  a  few  years  later  removed  to  New  York  City.  He  was  elected  a  National  Academician  in 
1S6S.  From  1871  to  1875  he  again  resided  in  Italy.  He  again  removed  to  Montclair  in  1SS4.  and 
purchased  the  place  known  as  The  Pines.     In  this  beautiful,  secluded  spot,  away  from  the  noise  and 


History  of  Montclair  Townsiiii', 


283 


r-TC 


1       1 


tiirini)il  of  tlic  citv,  lie  Iia.<  producoil  sdiiie  nf  liis  finest  works.  Here  lie  lias  enjoyed  the  opportunity  of 
studying;  nature,  and  nature  i.s  the  silf-evident  of  God.  It  lias  been  truly  said  of  him  that  "he  is  in  the 
world  and  yet  not  of  the  world."  Except  when  wandering  throuch  the  fields  and  over  the  hills  and 
mountains  drinkiuir  in  the  beauties  of  nature,  his  whole  time  is  spent  in  his  studio. 

Few  persons  in  Montclair  iiavc  enjoyed  his  intimate  acquaintanee,  so  wholly  absorlied  is  lie  in  his 
art.  His  devoted  wife,  however,  who  relieves  him  of  all  the  cares  of  life  and  attends  to  all  his  business 
affairs,  has  made  his  home  beautiful  and  attractive,  and  extends  a  hearty  welcome  to  his  friends  and 
admirers.  It  is  a  fact  not  frenerally  known  that  Mr.  Inness  spends  some  hours  every  night  in  his  favorite 
literary  pursuits,  which  to  him  are  a  jiastime  and  a  means  of  recreation.  If  the  results  of  these  arc  ever 
brought  to  light,  much  of  the  inner  man  and  the  secret  of  success  of  this  remarkable  man  will  become 
knowTi.  Appk'tons" 
can  Biography  says  of 
Inness  is  marked  by 
first  indicating  careful 
tioiis  regard  for  de- 
formed witli  the  ex- 
principlcsof  arf.siiows 
of  the  truths  of  nature, 
paying  Jiigher  regard 
tail  *  *  *  No 
ed  tiie  aspects  of  na- 
climate  with  deeper 
mate  of  litjlit  anil 
mand  of  tcciinical  re 
more  influenced  by 
landscape  than  any 
yet  his  style  is  distinct 
an  absorbed  reader  of 
many  of  his  paintings 
gorical  significance." 
ures  are  "The  Sign  of 
Plenty,"  "Going  Out 
Vision  of  Faith," 
Shadow  of  Death." 
V  ision  of  the  New 
..f  Life,"  "  A  Passing 
Sunshine    and    Shad- 


>-^ 


i;^. 


.--">vi>vg«gr.seLaa^ 


I.A.MiSCAI'E  BY    CEOKUE   I.NNKbS. 


("yclopedia  of  Aineri- 
lim  :  "Tiie  art  life  of 
two  distinct  styles,  the 
li  n  i  sh  and  cuiiscien- 
tails,  the  second  style, 
lianding  ^rasp  of  the 
a  riclii'r  a]ipreciatioii 
is  liroad  an<I  vigorous, 
t>  masses  than  to  de- 
painter  has  represent- 
liiie  in  the  American 
feeling,  a  liner  esti- 
color,  or  a  better  com- 
•ources.  He  has  been 
I  he  French  school  of 
itlier  .American  artist, 
uiid  original.  He  is 
Swedenborg,  and 
I  lave  a  spiritual  or  alle- 
Among  his  best  pict- 
I'roiiiise,"  "  Peace  and 
of  the  Woods,"  "  A 
"The  Valley  of  the 
■  The  A  pocaly  jitic 
.l(  iiisaleni  and  Piver 
Storm,"  "  S  u  m  m  e  r 
ow,"  "  Siminier  After- 
DV  .\fter  the  Storm," 
"  Autumn,"    "  Italian 


noon,"  "Twilight,"  "  Light  Triumjihant,"  "  Pine  Grove,"  "  Parbarina  N'illa,"  •' 
"View  near  Nome,"  "Washing  Day  near  Perugia,"  "The  Moimtain  Stream, 
Landscape,"  "Passing  Gloiids,"  "The  Afterglow,"  "The  Morning  Sun,"  and  "Delaware  Water  Gap." 
His  "American  Sunset"  was  selected  a.s  a  representative  work  of  American  art  for  tlu'  Paris  Exposition 
of  IS(!7.  In  isys  he  exhibited  at  the  Paris  Exhibition,  "St.  Petcr'.s,  Rome,  from  the  Tiber,"  and 
"View  near  Medtield,  Ma.-s,"  and  in  the  National  Academy,  "  An  Old  lioad  way,  Long  Island."  In 
1SS2  he  exhibited  at  the  AcadeTiiy  Exhibition  in  New  York  City,  "  Under  the  Greenwood, "  ;  in  1883 
"A  Summer  ^forning"  ;  in  lss.5  "  A  Sunset,"  and  "A  Day  in  June":  in  l>;sf!"ln  the  Woods,"  "  Sun- 
set on  the  Sea  Shore,"  and  "  Durham  Meadows." 

Tiie  Phnto(jniphle  Thnen  of  April  7,  ls93,  says  of  liim  : 

■'  At  the  aj^c  r)f  si.xty-cight  George  Inness  is  the  most  prolific  and  eminent  landscape  painter  of  liis  time.     This  is 
the  almost  unanimous  verdict  of  artists,  critics,  connoisseurs  and  collectors  alike.     During   an  active   and    unteasing   art 


284  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

career  covering  over  half  a  century  in  many  climes  and  countries  he  has  painted  thousands  of  canvases  now  found  in 
public  and  private  galleries  in  all  quarters  of  the  world.  And  yet,  strange  as  it  may  seem,  there  cannot  be  found  in  this 
vast  number  of  .works  two  pictui'es  duplicating  precisely  the  same  method,  although  all,  it  is  safe  to  say,  bear  the 
individual  impress  of  the  genius  of  George  Inness  ;  and,  singular  enough,  although  hundreds  of  artists  of  high  rank  have 
tried,  none  have  succeeded  in  producing  an  imitation  so  close  that  the  deception  would  not  be  apparent  on  a  brief  examina- 
tion. Thus  there  maybe  quoted  as  illusti-ating  this  fact  a  solid  bit  of  wisdom  uttered  by  Mr.  Inness  himself  in  his  usually 
terse  and  comprehensive  speech.     He  says  ; 

"  '  The  master  should  exercise  his  control  over  the  pupil  by  restraining  the  lattcr's  tendency  to  imitation,  and  by 
leading  him  to  the  perception  of  those  principles  throtigh  which  facts  are  represented  accoi'ding  to  their  relative 
.significance.' 

"Again,  as  this  jiaintcr  has  achieved  great  fame  for  clear  and  brilliant  epigrams  nol  only  on  art,  but  on  many 
intellectual  themes,  it  is  well  to  recall  these  words  : 

"  '  What  few  painters  have  to  learn  is  to  keep  the  shop  closed  in  the  presence  of  nature — to  see  and  not  think  we 
see.  When  we  do  this  our  eyes  are  lighted  from  within,  and  the  face  of  nature  is  transformed,  and  we  teach  the  world  to 
see  realitv  in  a  new  light — such  is  the  mission  of  art.' 

"  These  words  of  the  painter  may  give  some  idea  to  the  layman  why  Mr.  Inness  has  reached  the  pinnacle  on  which 
he  now  stands,  and  like  a  truly  great  man  he  is  constantly  reaching  out  /(>>■  hii;Iitr  flights.  He  is  never  satisfied. 
He  is  always  after  the  Beyond.  He  feels  that  there  is  a  mj-stery  in  landscape  always  on  the  verge  of  revelation 
to  his  brain,  but  always  just  eluding  his  eager  grasp.  It  is  not  too  much  to  assert  that  Mr.  Inness  has  lieen  the 
greatest  experimenter  in  modern  art,  whether  in  this  country  or  in  Europe,  and  he  has  never  conducted  his  work  with  any 
view  to  pecuniary  gain — although  in  his  later  years  it  has  come  in  a  rich  abundance.  It  has  been,  moreover,  a  mistake  to 
suppose  that  he  confined  his  painting  strictly  to  the  delineation  of  landscape.  In  fact,  he  has  exhibited  a  versatilitv 
tincxampled  in  a  career  covering  so  many  years.  No  branch  of  painting  has  he  left  untouched  ;  portraiture,  figure  subjects, 
marines,  quiet  pastorals,  or  what  not.  Mr.  Inness,  likewise,  is  a  poet,  not  only  in  the  ordinary  phraseology  in  metre,  but 
as  between  idealism  or  literalism  in  art  he  is  the  high  priest  of  the  former.  In  a  critical  notice  of  the  painter  published 
some  years  ago,  and  even  before,  perhaps,  he  had  reached  his  present  lofty  place  in  the  profession,  the  present  writer 
said  :  '  He  has  never  borne  the  trade-mark  of  a  Master.  To  one,  certain  of  his  qualities  may  suggest  Corot ;  to  another, 
his  atmospheric  efiects  mav  recall  Turner  ;  a  third  may  see  Constable  in  his  cloud-swept  skies,  or  hint  at  Ruysdael  ;  while 
others  mav  consider  the  strongest  external  inllucnce  derived  from  Rousseau.' 

'■  None  but  a  man  of  positive  individuallity  can  enter  so  boldly  into  a  spiritual  conflict  over  the  problems  of  art  and 
nature.  The  vehement  yet  subtle  nature  of  George  Inness  has  all  to  do  with  his  pre-eminence  to-day.  A  slave  of  no 
fleeting  fad  in  art,  like  that  fathered  by  Holman  Hunt,  or  another  springing  up  like  a  threatened  flood  the  confines  of 
which  he  was  yet  able  to  put  a  precise  value  on — impressions  on  the  one  hand  and  pre-Raphelitism  on  the  other.  When  it 
is  considered  that  Mr.  Inness  is  wholly  self-educated ;  that  in  his  early  youth  he  was  physically  infirm  ;  that  during  his 
whole  life  he  has  been  without  any  art  master  save  his  own  dominating  self,  the  length  and  breadth  of  his  genius  will  he 
the  better  appreciated.  Furthermore,  he  is  a  many-sided  man,  deeply  interested  in  doctrinal  and  economic  questions,  an 
alert,  brilliant  and  earnest  declaimer  and  conversationalist  ;  a  wonderful  graphic  and  correct  writer  and  speaker  of  the 
English  language — and,  added  to  all  these  accomplishments,  he  is  the  possessor  of  a  quaint  humor,  an  absolute  independ- 
ence of  all  pecuniary  bondage,  and  a  profound  contempt  for  the  shame  and  shoddies  of  the  period  in  which  we  live." 

GEORGE  INNESS,  Jk. 

George  Ixnkss.  .li;.,  thii-d  eliild  of  George  and  Elizabetli  (Hart)  lniies.s,  was  bom  in  Paiis, 
France,  Jannaiv  5,  1854,  and  received  most  of  his  education  abroad.  He  inlierited  from  liis  father  that 
love  of  art  and  wonderful  o;ift  as  an  artist  that  has  distinguished  his  honored  sire.  From  1S70  to  "74  he 
was  a  pnpil  of  ins  father  in  Komc,  and  of  Ilonnat  in  Paris  in  1S75.  After  his  return  to  this  couiitrv  lie 
resided  in  Boston,  Mass.,  till  1878,  then  occupied  a  stndio  witii  his  father  iti  New  York  Citv,  and  devoted 
himself  to  animal  painting,  beginning  to  exhibit  at  the  .National  Academy  in  1877.  He  removed  to 
Montelair,  New  Jersey,  in  1870.  and  the  same  year  married  Julia,  daughter  of  Roswell  and  Annie 
(Ellsworth)  Smith,  and  since  1880  has  occnpied  the  beautiful  residence  known  as  Koswell  Manor. 
Among  his  works  are  "The  Ford"  and  "  Patience,"  exhibited  in  1877;  "At  the  llrook  "  and  the  "Pride 
of  the  Dairy"  sent  to  the  Academy  in  1S7S;  "  Pastnre  at  Watchung."  "  ^lonarch  of  the  Herd,"  "Re- 
turning to  Work"  (1S8G);  and  "After  the  (\.nd)at"  and  "A  Mild  Day"  (1887).  He  was  elected 
associate  of  the  National  Academy  in  ISitS.  It  now  remains  to  indicate  brietly  the  high  position  which 
the  Junior  Inness  has  achieved  in  the  .still  rising  art  of  this  era  and  which  promises  to  be  as  secure  and 
lasting  as  that  of  his  distinguished  father,  although  following,  perhaps,  somewhat  different  lines.  It  is, 
moreover,  fortunate,  when  he  had  just  passed  his  thirty -tiftli  year,  and  after  having  been  engaged  in  the 


^4^^^^^7^^-a^/^^ 


History  of  Montclair  TowNSiiir.  '2S5 

front  rank  of  al•tist^;  for  over  twenty  years,  tliat  lie  lias  now  reacliiMl  that  point  in  his  carciT  us  a  painter, 
where  as  <r()lil  nu'daiist  of  the  Anierir-an  Art  Association  and  l>y  various  forms  of  academic  and  critical 
reeoiinitioii,  he  stantis  thorouijhly  e(iui]iped  to  compete  in  the  ijreat  art  movement  of  this  present  year  for 
the  highest  honors  of  either  hemisphere.  He  would  have  heen  a  dullard,  indeed,  if,  as  a  son  of  (icorge 
Illness,  and  having  lireathed  with  keen  a|)petite  the  atmosj)iiere  of  art  from  his  cradle,  he  had  not  made 
more  than  an  ordinary  mark  in  his  profession  as  a  painter.  His  chief  gift  is  a  paramount  feeling  for 
color — an  intellectual  endowment  that  no  kind  of  artifice  can  comi)ass.  in  his  individual  instance  it  is 
iiighly  prohalde  that  this,  the  highest  attrihnte  of  the  painter,  was  inherited  from  his  father,  and  it  is 
frequently  asked  alike,  liy  artist  and  layman,  wliat  do  you  mean  by  color  or  by  a  colorist  in  art  '.  V>y  a 
study  of  the  ina-sters  down  to  our  own  time,  indeed  from  Correggio  to  those  paintei-s  familiar  to  the 
American  public,  such  artists  as  George  Inness  the  elder,  A.  I'.  Ilyder,  .\  11.  Wyant,  John  La  l"'orge, 
Wm.  M.  Chase,  T.  W.  Dewing,  Horatio  Walker,  Dwight  W.  Taylor,  the  tangible,  pictorial  c.\pre.ssion 
of  color  in  its  highest  form  may  be  found  in  the  work  of  that  man  who  can  best  combine  colors  to  pro- 
duce tone.  This  the  Junior  Inness  does  to  a  degree  that  is  a  marvel  to  his  professional  brothers,  and 
which  leil  to  his  election  as  an  As.soeiate  of  the  National  Academy  of  Design  by  a  vote  almost  unprece- 
dented in  that  body.  In  lss:5  his  theme  which  brought  the  flattering  recognition  was  a  large  canvas 
called  *•  \ews  from  the  Boy."  In  the  peculiar  .style  of  farm  scene  and  country  life  which  distinguishes 
his  work,  the  story  toM  is  that  of  an  old  woman  reading  a  letter  from  her  son  to  the  father  in  the  farm 
yard,  where  with  the  natural  accessories  of  chickens,  cattle,  and  so  on.  is  set  forth  with  a  skillful  handling 
of  light  and  ^liade. 

,\lthougli  Mr.  Inness  has  not  been  a  prolific  painter  in  his  manhood,  for  numy  cares  not  appertain- 
ing to  his  ]trofession  have  nia<le  many  inroails  on  his  working  hours,  he  has  produce(l  works  of  which  no 
artist,  whatever  his  eminence,  need  be  ashameil.  His  canvas.  ••  liafhing  Hoist's  in  the  Suil'"' — a  .scene 
taken  from  the  historic  beach  at  Newport  — won  him  the  gold  medal  at  the  compt'titioii  of  the  American 
Art  .\ssociation  some  eight  years  ago.  Another  work  in  the  same  vein  was  the  "Training  of  the  Surf 
Horse."  bought  by  the  late  J.  (i.  Holland,  ami.  as  may  be  imagiiu'd,  is  full  of  action,  with  all  of  the 
fascinating  interest  of  a  sunset  sky  subduing  the  waters  on  the  sand.  Not  to  point  out  particularly  this 
artist's  thoi-ough  education  as  a  pupil  of  Boniiat,  a.s  a  close  student  in  the  art  capitals  of  iMirope.  siibse- 
(juently  as  a  popular  illustrator  on  the  Cetitury  Magazine,  and  notably  of  Schwatka's  famous  book, 
"Schwatka's  Search,"  it  is  proper  to  .say  that  he  is  a  many-sided  artist,  has  dip])pd  into  almost  every 
branch  of  painting,  and  ha-s  a  thorough  poetic  feeling  ccnstantly  expressed  in  eml)ellishing  his  luxurious 
home  with  the  best  examples  of  original  work  in  sculpture,  bric-a-brac,  and  the  handiwork  ol  his  fellow 
co-lal)orers.  Moreover,  there  is  no  artist  in  this  country  u]ion  whom  a  more  brilliant  future  is  dawning 
than   George   Innes.s,  Jr. 

ROSWKl.I.  SMITH. 

FoUNOKK    OK    TlIK    (Jk.NHIIV     Mao.\ZIXK. 

DiiKiNo  his  comparatively  brief  residence  in  Montclair,  Roswell  Smith  became  better  known  to  its 
citizens,  and  exerted  a  greater  intlnence  for  good  than  many  who  have  been  iilcntitie<l  with  the  ])lace  from 
its  earliest  settlement  as  a  suburban  townsliij). 

As  a  writer  and  publisher  his  fame  is  worhl-wide,  but  his  personal  characteristics,  which  made  him 
one  of  the  most  lovalde  of  men,  and  the  good  he  accomplished  in  the  world  arc  known  only  to  his  most 
intimate  friends,  or  those  who  weie  the  i'eci]>ients  of  his  kindness. 

lioswell  Smith  was  born  in  Lebanon.  Conn..  March  30,  lS2!t.  His  early  environment  conduced  to 
the  development  of  pei-sonal  traits  inherited  from  his  Puritan  ancestors.  Lebanon  was  the  home  fif  the 
Tundiiills,  and  other  distinguished  meii  famous  in  American  history. 

The  father  of  Mr.  Smith  was  a  man  of  strong  integrity;  his  mother  ijuietly  faithful  to  every  virtue 
of  her  sphere.     They  gave  to  their  son  a  thorough   religion-;  training,  and  a  good  coiiimou   school   educa- 


280  IIlRTORV    OF    MONTCI.AIR    TOWNSHIT. 

tion.  At  tlie  age  of  fourteen  years  lie  left  liis  father's  farm,  and  went  to  New  York  City,  acqniriiiij;  liis 
first  Ivnowledge  of  the  imbb'sliiiiij;  l)nsiness  in  whieli  he  was  destined  to  become  famous  in  the  liouse  of 
Paine  &  Burgess.  After  tliree  years  lie  returned  to  Providence, and  entering  Erown  University,  followed 
the  English  and  Scientific  course.  He  then  began  the  study  "f  law  with  Thomas  C.  Perkins,  one  of  the 
ablest  men  of  the  times,  at  the  Hartford  bar,  and  durir.g  this  jieriod  lived  with  his  uncle,  Uoswell  C 
Smith,  lie  there  made  the  aeijuiiintance  of  (xovernor  Ellsworth,  and  through  him  (obtained  a  position 
with  the  latter's  brother,  Henry  L.  Ellsworth,  the  first  Commissioner  of  IT.  S.  Patents,  who  at  the  time  had 
a  land  and  law  othce  at  Lafayette,  Ind.  ]\[r.  Smith  became  associated  with  him  in  the  practice  of  law, 
and  was  a  member  of  his  household,  and  married  Annie,  his  daughter,  the  young  girl  whose  hand  sent 
that  first  famous  electro-telegraphic  message  i)elwecn  Baltimore  and  Washington,  across  the  inventor 
Moi-se's  wire,  "  What  hath  God  Wrought  r 

His  law  practice  was  not  very  remunerative,  and  the  failing  health  of  himself  and  wife  led  him  to 
seek  a  milder  climate,  and  he  s])ent  some  time  u|)on  a  ranch  in  San  Antonio,  Texas.  He  subsequently 
returned  to  Lafayette  and  resumed  business  there  for  a  time. 

In  ISTO,  after  traveling  abroad  for  a  time  in  company  with  Dr.  J.  G.  Holland,  Mr.  Smith  settled 
in  New  York  City,  gave  up  the  profession  of  law,  and  with  Dr.  Holland  and  the  firm  of  Charles  Scribner 
&  Co.,  founded  Scrihncr''s  Monthly,  now  the  Century  Magazine.  While  he  had  the  counsel  and  assist- 
ance of  all  the  members  of  the  firm,  the  controlling  interest  in  the  stock  was  hold  by  Dr.  Holland  and 
Roswell  Smith,  the  latter  assuming  the  business  management.  He  had  mdimited  faith  in  the  enterprise, 
whicli  otliers  deemed  a  hazardous  venture,  and  threw  himself  into  it  with  energy  and  enthnsinsm.  Its 
success  was  assured  from  the  beo-innins;, and  in  IST."',  at  his  suii'irestion,  the  comiianv  began  the  pul)lication 
of  St.  Xicliohdi.  a  children's  magazine,  with  Mrs.  ^fary  ]\Lipes  Dodge  as  editor.  He  bought  up  otliei- 
cliildren's  periodicals,  and  merged  them  into  this  one.  It  was  a  bold  ami  rather  risky  venture,  which  few 
men  would  have  had  the  courage  to  undertake  in  view  of  the  groat  commercial  depression  which  then 
existed.  The  results,  however,  justified  the  policy  \)\\v&\iq(\,  St.  yieliolas  rapidly  attaining  a  larger  circula- 
tion than  had  been  reached  by  any  of  its  predecessors  in  the  same  field.  In  18S1  Mr.  Smith  and  some  of  his 
yoimger  associates  jmrchased  the  interest  of  Dr.  Holland  and  the  Scribnei-s  in  these  magazines — the  sale 
being  coupled  with  the  coiulition  that  the  name  of  the  company  and  of  its  principal  magazine  should  be 
changed.  His  most  intimate  friends  were  of  the  opitiion  that  no  periodical  could  undergo  such  a  radical 
alteration  without  serious  financial  ditHculties.  The  result  again  justified  his  business  foresight.  The 
circulation  largely  increased,  averaging  over  '200, (KM)  copies  per  month  —  a  considerable  number  being  sold 
in  England.  The  idea  that  an  American  magazine  could  gain  a  large  circulation  in  England  originated 
with  Mr.  Smith,  and  he  personally  arranged  the  sale  of  hoth  the  company's  magazines  in  that  country. 
Under  his  presidency  the  Century  Com])any  gradually  extended  in  the  line  of  book  publication.  Among 
these  were  "  Laudes  Domini,"  a  series  of  hymn  and  tune  books,  by  the  Rev.  ('Iiarles  S.  Robinson,  which 
had  an  innnense  sale.  The  work  which  for  years  to  come  will  be  the  crowning  achievement  of  Mr.  Smith 
is  the  "Century  l)i<-tioiiary."  This  work  was  designed  in  ISS'J,  when  J\[r.  Smith  made  the  jirojiosition 
to  ada])t  the  "  LH))erial  Dictionary''  to  American  demands.  He  su|)|)orted  the  undertaking  with  his 
usual  foresight  and  liberality.  When  the  plans  of  the  editors  mutinx'd  and  reached  far  beyond  the  origiiuil 
limits,  he  did  not  lose  faith,  and  no  similar  undertaking  was  ever  attempted  in  this  comitry  where  so 
much  money  was  ex|)eiide(l  before  a  profit  could  be  realized,  or  success  in  anyway  assured.  Doubts  were 
soon,  dispelled  ;  the  lirst  edition  had  been  expected  to  last  a  year,  but  it  was  soon  evident  that  it  would  be 
exhaustecl  in  six  months,  and  a  second  aucl  larger  edition  was  at  once  begun,  which  was  followetl  l)y  a 
third. 

'■  IK' established  from  the  first,"  says  his  biographer,  "an  identity  of  spirit,  a  unity  of  ii\terest 
between  the  editorial  and  counting  room  u|)on  the  broad  and  sure  foundation  of  a  common  aim  pointing 
toward  the  highest  ideals,  whether  of  commerce,  ethics,  or  art. 

''The  authorize  I  'Life  of  Lincoln'  was  nnide  available  to  the  great  mass  of  the  people  largely 
through  the  liberalit\  and  determination  of  Mr.  Roswell  Smith.      When  Geory-e  Kennan  was  o-ntlierinir  in 


I 


■^^' 


History  ok  Montclair  Townsiiii'.  2S7 

loiiir  and  paiiit'iil  joiiriiovs  tlii.'  iiiHtoriiils  for  liis  ijivat  work  on  tliu  Silicrian  Kxili"  System,  liis  most 
t'lvniu'iit  and  mnst  svmpatlietic  forresixindent.  outside  of  liis  own  family,  was  tlie  Inisy  l'resi<k'nt  of  tlic 
Century  Co. 

"  [t  is  eliii'riy,  liowover,  as  a  man  of  Imsinoss  i,reiiiiis  that  Rosweil  Smitli  will  Ke  remendn'ivd  Ky 
tiidsc  who  knew  him  Kest.  CJoodness  is  more  endiiriiiij  tliaii  i;ivatness;  love  is  loiiyer-jixed  than  admifa- 
tioii  :  and  Knswull  Smilh  will  lie  remendieivd  liy  all  who  knew  him,  heeanse  thev  IovimI  even  more  than 
they  adniire(l  him. 

••The  sjiirit  i<(  tr\i>t  ;nid  eontidence  whieh  M  |-.  lloswell  Smith  manifested  t(pwar<l  those  who 
cor>|)erate< I  witii  him,  ami  in  his  irfiieroiis  desire  that  they  should  .■-hare  in  the  prosin'rity  whieh  his  n-einiis 
made  possihle,  aroused  an  enthusiasm  whieh  a  more  wtirldly  and  selfish  method  of  dealini;- never  eculd 
have  created.     *     *     *     The  world  is  better  and  liaj)j)ier  Ijeeau.'-x  Koswell  Smith  lived  in  it. 

'"Diligent  in  I  msine.ss,  fervent  in  spirit,  serving  the  Lord,' was  the  |>rece))t  that  hung  printed  in 
gold,  just  above  his  otHee  desk.  i!iit  his  jiraetice  was  yet  better;  he  rarely  led  in  mirth,  full  of  elieer  as 
he  was,  but  may  be  all  the  more  for  that  he  was  a  very  happy  man,  and  it  was  itue  of  the  richest  sources 
of  his  daily  Iiappiness  to  l»e  not  diligent  sini])ly,  but  chivalrous  in  business, 

"  His  faith  was  as  simple  iuul  uinpiestioning  as  tliat  of  Faraday  ;  his  appeal  tu  divine  i;nidance  in 
every  matter  of  importance  was  as  natural  and  habitual  as  that  of  Gordon." 

I'"ollowing  is  the  very  true  inscription  engraved  on  Koswell  Smith's  tondi: 

KllSWKI.l.  SMI  I  II,  IlilkN  M  AKI  M  30,  I  S21J,  I)IKI>,M'K1I  1 9,  l8(j2. 
A  MAN  OK  i;ol>  IN  l-AITIl  A.M)  LIKE,  I'lKE  IN  .MoTIVF,  KIR.M  IN  rKlNCIIM.K,  JUST  WITHOUT  KICliK  AND 
CKNKKOUS  wrriliiUI  WK.AKNESS,  IN  ENTERPRISE  LARGE  AND  UNSELKISII,  ORIGINAL  IN  lOXCKI'TlON  AND 
HOLD  IN  PERKORMANCE,  IN  CITIZENSIIII-  UROADMINDED  AND  DII.hiKNT,  IN  HIS  KRIENDSIIII'S  IIROIHKKI  V 
AND  STEADKASr,  IN  IMS  LOVK  l-ROKOUNI),  HE  DESIRED  BREADTH  OK  LIKE  RATHER  THAN  LKNC  I  li  (iK 
DAYS,  AM)  liEI'ORK  HIS  VEAKS  HAD  GROWN  HEAVY  SANK  UNDER  THE  liURDEN  OK  HIS  KRUlrAi;E. 

llnN.  IlKNin  [..  Ei.Lswourii,  |iii\  iiiiisly  mentioned  as  the  father  of  .\nnie  (Ellsworth)  Smiiii,  wife 
of  iioswell  Smith,  was  the  son  of  lion.  Oliver  Ellsworth,  and  twin  bruther  of  (iovernor  William  W.  Ells- 
worth, of  Connecticut.     The  "  Records  of  \\'indsor'"  contain  the  folhtwing  refeivnce  to  ()liver  Ellsworth: 

"In  memory  of  Oliver  Ellsworth,  1. 1,. I).,  an  assistant  in  the  C-ouneil,  aiul  a  .liidgt'  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  the  State  of  Connecticut.  A  member  of  the  Convention  which  formed,  and  of  the  State  (Con- 
vention which  adopted  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  one  of  the  Envt)ys  E.xtraordiiiarv  and 
Minister  Plenejtotentiary,  who  made  the  Convention  of  ISUU  between  tlie  United  States  and  the  I'reiich 
llepublic." 

(Hlccr  Ellsworth,  born  April  'I'J,  1745,  was  the  son  of  II  i//i(ii/i,hvvn  April  !•_',  I  7oi',  mari'ied  Mary 
( Mi ver,  of  Boston  ;  he  was  the  son  of  Thomas,  born  September  2,  KiOiy,  son  ol'  ./n.iids,  or  .losiali,  born 
hi-Jlt;  .son  of  the  ancestor  .A;////,  who  was  of  ilo.-ton,  1(1-1'!.  The  •'Records  of  Wiinlsur "  contain  the 
Following  in  regard  to  .Josiah  : 

••  Sargeant  Josiah  Ellsworth,  ae  tin  years,  he  dyed  .\ngiist,  ye  •Jn  day  .\niio  1(1>'.»." 

Mks.  Julia  (S.vinii  Innkss,  the  only  surviving  child  of  Koswell  and  .\nnie  (Ellsworth)  Smith, 
was  born  in  Eafayette,  Ind.  She  married,  in  Is7<),  George  Inness,  Jr.,  an  ai'tisi  of  greiit  rei)ute,  a  son  <d' 
the  celebrated  landscape  artist.  She  moved  to  Montclair  in  Isso,  where  her  father  had  erected  and  i)re- 
sente<l  to  her  and  her  husband  the  beautiful  residence  fronting  on  Walnut  Crescent,  known  as  Koswell 
Manor.  It  is  of  the  colonial  style  of  architecture,  and  is  provided  with  every  modern  convenience  and 
ItixiiiT  that  can  be  found  in  a  suburban  home.  It  occupies  an  elevate<l  position,  overlooking  the  country 
for  miles  around,  atlording  one  of  the  most  delightful  and  pictures(jue  views  to  be  found  anywhere  in  the 
township.  .Mrs.  Inness,  who  is  a  I'ecognized  leader  in  Montclair  .society,  is  also  foremost  in  works  of 
charity  and  benevolence.  She  is  deeply  interested  in  the  work  of  the  Children's  Home,  and  a  generous 
contributor  to  its  sii])port,  giving  at  the  same  time  her  personal  attention  to  the  numerous  details 
connected  with  the  institution.  She  has  also  been  a  frequent  and  generous  contributor  to  the  P'irst 
Congregational   Church,  and  the  beautiful  memorial   window  which   adorns  the  north  transept  <jf  the 


2SS  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

c'hun'h  wa?  ooutriUutod  bv  her  ii»  nieiiiorv  of  her  eliiUh-en.  She  founded  the  Montclair  ("hiipter  of  the 
Soeietv  of  the  I)au>;litei-si  of  tlie  Revohuioii,  and  the  numerous  apjdieations  for  nieinhei-sliip  indieate  the 
deep  interest  awakened  in  its  objects.  Mrs.  Inness  inherits  from  her  parents  those  noble  traits  of 
character  that  distiuiruished  tliem  throughout  their  hmg  and  useful  lives,  and  to  ctnitribute  to  the 
liai>piness  of  others  is  her  chief  aim  iu  life.  She  is  greatlv  beloved  and  respected  in  the  community  from 
the  highest  even  to  the  lowest. 

AI)1>1S('N    lUiWAUD  SlKciFKIKD. 

Of  tliose  classed  as  "new  c^>mers"  in  ^[oiitclair  there  is  probably  no  man  l)etti'r  known  or  more 
hiffhlv  ivsjiected  in  the  community  than  i[r.  A.  II.  Siegfried,  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  He  has  been 
among  the  foremost  in  all  the  great  retV>rai  movements  inaugurated  here  within  the  j>ast  few  yeai-s. 
Tlie  command.  "  AVliat^oever  thy  hand  tindeth  to  do,  do  it  with  thy  might,"  has  been  exemplitied  in 
every  act  of  his  life,  resulting  in  the  success  of  every  undertaking  witli  which  lie  has  been  connected, 
both  liere  and  elsewheiv.  The  rapid  growth  and  increased  interest  in  the  Young  Men's  Ciiristian 
Association  are  due  largt'ly  to  his  efforts.  Ilis  success  iu  life  is  explained,  in  part  at  least,  by  his  heivdity. 
The  name  "Siegfrietl"  is  in  itself  an  inspiration,  partly  because  of  its  meaning  and  partly  because  it  runs 
back  through  the  history  and  mythology  of  centuries  to  "Siegfried.  King  of  the  Panes."  and  to  "Prince 
Siegfried,"  whose  name*s-day,  September  23,  is  marked  in  both  tierman  and  English  chronology,  while 
Wagner  has  immortalized  a  heroic  bearer  of  the  luimo  in  the  greatest  of  his  works. 

On  the  paternal  side  Mr.  Siegfried  traces  his  line  back  to  the  beginning  of  the  eighteenth  century, 
in  the  person  of  Jacob  Siegfried,  a  native  of  Germany,  known  to  have  been  a  resident  of  Northampton 
County,  I'a..  prior  to  IToU.  Mr.  A.  II.  Siegfried  blends  German.  AVelsh  and  ^lassachnsetts  Yankee 
blood.  Ilis  grandfather,  the  Rev.  Georgia  Siegfried,  married  Sarah  Wilijus,  a  Welsh  w^iman.  in  17;'4. 
Their  youngest  son,  the  Rev.  r.enjauiiu  Young  Siegfried,  is  a  luitive  of  IJerks  County.  Pa.  He  learned 
the  printer's  trade  in  Philadelphia,  educated  himself  iu  theology  there  while  W(.>rking  at  his  trade,  begjin 
his  work  in  the  Christian  ministry  before  he  was  twenty-one,  removed  to  C>hio  iu  IS^m,  where  he  has 
ever  since  been  uuceasirgly  active  and  greatly  useful  as  a  elergvmau  of  the  Baptist  Church — active  as 
such,  even  yet,  at  seventy -seven  yeai-s  of  age,  in  and  about  Zanesville,  t>hio. 

Mr.  Siegfried's  mother  was  Sarah  E.  Muzzy,  descendant  of  Robert  Muzzy,  oue  of  the  first  settlei-s 
of  I}>swich,  Mass ,  l(>o4,  and  daughter  of  Thomas  X.  and  Loriuda  I>.  Muzzy,  who  were  among  the  early 
pioneers  from  Mas^ichusetts  to  the  Ohio  wilderness.  Btujamin.  a  grandson  of  the  ancestor,  was  in  the 
expedition  against  the  Indians  in  1707,  where  he  was  taken  prisoner  and  remained  in  captivity  in  Canada 
until  17 1".     Several  of  this  name  were  ivsidents  of  Cambridge.  Mass. 

A.  II.  Siegfried,  son  of  Kev.  B.  Y.  and  Sarah  E.  (^Muzzy)  Siegfried,  was  iMiru  near  Zanesville,  Ohio. 
April  '2'k  1842.  and  spent  his  boyluH>d  there  and  in  Cambridge,  in  the  adjoining  county  eastward.  His 
father  was.  besides  being  a  clergyman,  an  eilitor  and  a  practical  printer,  and  conducted  the  C/in'i^tian 
Re<jistei\  Ziinesville.  in  the  early  fifties.  Young  Siegfried  was  put  to  setting  type  and  "printer's  devil" 
work  generally  in  his  eighth  yeai.  when  he  had  to  stand  on  a  chair  to  reach  his  cases  of  tyjH?.  It  was 
there  he  tii-st  evinced,  or  perlun>s  acipiired.  that  exactness,  method  and  ivliability  which  form  such  an 
admirable  l>asis  of  character,  aiul  which  iu  his  ease  were  developed  at  an  unusually  early  age.  It  is 
indicative  of  his  renuirkable  self-reliance  at  that  age,  that  in  his  boylKK>d  lie  nu\de  his  first  trip  to  New 
York  I'ity  tpiite  alone,  and  at  his  own  expeuse.  where  lie  spent  two  or  three  days  at  oue  of  the  princii>al 
hotels,  seeing  the  attractions  of  the  town,  lie  has  since  admitted  that  Bariuinrs  Museum  W!»s  at  that 
time  Gotham's  chief  glory. 

Later,  he  s[>eut  four  and  a  half  years  iu  the  academic  and  collegiate  departuieuts  of  Marietta 
College,  Ohio,  where  he  maintained  himself  as  an  organist,  choir  director  ami  conductor  of  musical 
conventions.  He  also  conducted  on  his  own  account  several  successful  courses  of  }«)pular  lyceum 
lectnrcs.     Among  the  most  notable  of  these  was  a  series  extending  from  Cincinnati  to  Pittsburg,  by 


i 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  2S9 

Frederick  Douijlas.  in  tlie  principal  towns  uf  Pontlierii  Oliiu  and  Western  Yirj;inia.  Directly  after  the 
war,  race  |)rejudice,  of  course,  ran  high,  and  it  required  skill,  tact,  coolness  and  judginent  to  steer 
hetween  the  Scylla  and  Charyhdis  of  political  factions.  The  lectures  were  a  triiiinpliant  success,  how- 
ever, reflecting  credit  upon  the  distinguished  s])eaker  and  his  youthful  manager. 

The  Weekly  Jmirnulttit,  Boston,  outlining  Mr.  Siegfried's  newspaper  career,  says  that  for  twenty- 
four  years  he  has  been  engaged  in  newspaper  work,  either  as  a  jiublisher  or  advertising  manager.  From 
1S(;9  till  the  middle  of  lss2  his  connection  was  with  the  Cuurier~Journal,  Commercial,  &\u\  \\wVn\s. 
since  dead  Ledger,  in  Louisville,  and  tlie  I'loneer  Press  of  St.  I'aul.  In  1SS2  he  came  to  New  York 
as  eastern  l)u.siness  manager  of  the  Chicago  Daily  News,  which  position  he  resigned  in  SeptL'nil)ci',  IsCt.S, 
to  l)cconie  general  business  manager  of  the  Lmdie^  Home  Journal,  Philadelphia,  the  most  largely 
circulated  montldy  magazine  in  the  world.  The  sound  integrity  and  high  principle  of  tlie  ideas  and 
methods  of  the  Chicago  L'erord  and  Daily  News  and  the  Lai/ies'  Home  Jovrnal  are  well  adai)ted  to  him 
and  he  to  them.  ^[r.  Siegfried  has  always  been  known  as  a  one-rate,  definite  and  open-nietlio<l  newspaper 
man — positive,  decisive,  sipiare-cnt,  and  with  a  high  sen.se  of  business  honor,  lie  believes  that  news- 
paj)er  circulation  shoukl  be  measured  as  accurately  a.^^  dry  goods  or  land,  anil  that  advertising  has,  and 
always  should  have,  a  definite  and  relatively  inflexible  basis  of  value  and  sale.  As  an  evidence  that  this 
is  not  mere  theory  with  him,  it  is  a  fact  that  he  once  scpiarely  declineil  an  order  which  ran  u])  into  live 
figures,  l)ecause  the  advertiser  wished  to  "cut"  it  by  twenty  cents,  simply  that  he  might  lie  able  to  say 
that  lie  had  "  cut  '  the  publi.-hed  rates  ot  The  Chicago  Daily  News.  Afterward  Mr.  Siegfried  secured  the 
iirder  at  his  own  jirice.  the  20  cents  included.  Nothing  more  tpiickly  irritates  him  than  assault  ujion 
right  newspaper  methods.  15ut  while  uncon<iiurably  resolute  where  a  sense  of  duty  is  conct-rned,  those 
who  come  oftenest  in  contact  with  him  know  best  the  warm  geniality  of  his  nature  and  disposition,  and 
his  frank  readiness  to  aid  those  who  ask  the  benefit  of  his  intluence  or  advice.  His  sound  judgment  and 
good  common  sense,  taken  in  connection  with  his  wide  knowledge  of  men  and  alTairs,  have  brou,<;lit  him 
much  into  demand  for  counsel  and  information  by  young  men  generally.  It  not  infrecjuently  iiappens 
that  he  is  consulted  by  representati\  es  of  newspapers  as  to  facts  which  concern  their  own  ])ublications. 
The  confidence  he  thus  uncon.scioiisly  invites  from  his  contemporaries  and  competitors  indicates  not  only 
the  extensiveness  of  his  information  and  soundness  of  advice  given,  but  reveals  the  broad  sympathies  of 
his  nature,  ivs  well  as  its  entire  freedom  from  petty  and  narrow  prejudices. 

Mr.  Siegfried,  from  boyhood,  has  been  ready  in  speech,  and  in  youth  was  iironiineiit  in  dcliating 
and  literary  societies — which  is  not  strange,  as  he  comes  from  a  line  of  preachers  and  public  speakers. 
In  IS'.K)  he  was  selecteil  to  deliver  the  annual  aildress  before  the  National  PMitorial  As.sociation  at  St. 
Paul,  where  his '■  Criticism  of  the  Counting  Room  "  attracted  large  attention  and  .shook  a  good  many 
"dry  bones."  He  is  in  frc<|ueiit  demand  as  a  platform  sjieaker  on  practici-1  (piestions  of  moral  and  social 
I'eform.  Voung  Men's  Christian  Association  work,  and  so  on.  but  he  never  aj)pears  before  an  audience, 
larire  or  small,  without  careful  preparation,  and  nidess  he  feels  I  hat  he  really  has  something  to  say  that 
ought  to  be  said. 

.Viiioug  others  of  his  popular  lectures  are  two  interesting  ones  on  several  of  his  canoeing  trips — a 
^port  in  wiiich  he  is  yet  much  interested,  lie  began  exteiided  cruises  in  the  early  seventies,  and  in  ISTU 
went  to  the  source  of  the  Mississipjii.  His  paddle  and  ,~ail  have  can  icd  him  many  thousan<ls  of  miles 
and  over  nearly  all  the  noted  American  waters.  He,  \»itli  W .  \..  Alih  ii  and  .\.  11.  IJislioj),  are  the 
remainder  of  the  earliest  devotees  of  this  sport,  and  his  lectures  and  writing  did  much  in  its  infancy  to 
arouse  interest  in  and  love  for  it. 

After  establishing  himself  in  business  in  the  East.  .Mr.  Siegfried  lived  for  a  time  in  I!rooklyii.  but 
beiiiir  desirous  of  getting  away  from  the  n<jise  and  tumult  of  the  city  he  visited  several  suburban  towns, 
couti<'uous  to  New  York,  and  finally  decided  on  Montclair,  which  came  nearer  to  his  ideas  of  comfort, 
beauty  and  healthfulness  than  any  place  he  had  seen,  atid  in  IS.S-I:  he  removed  thence  with  liis  family. 
His  object  was  rest  and  recreation,  but  he  could  not  be  idle,  neither  could  he  "  hide  his  light  under  a 
bushel,"  and  without  any  special  effort  on  his  part  his  intluence  was  soon  felt  in  the  community,  and  his 


29u  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

services  were  in  constant  demand  Ly  liis  nciirlibors.  Nature  liad  been  lavish  witli  hiui  in  her  nnisical  as 
well  as  otlier  gifts.  Witli  a  tine  tenor  voice  and  tlie  aliility  to  direct  others,  lie  naturally  became  a 
precentor  and  director  and  iield  leading  positions  in  this  line  in  the  Congregational  and  other  churches, 
lie  was  also  ca]>able  of  conducting  the  iiistrunicntal  as  well  as  the  vocal  services,  and  in  the  absence  of 
the  organist  could  always  be  relied  on  as  a  suljstitute,  liaving  served  ]irofessionally  as  organist  in  leading 
churches  of  Marietta,  Louisville,  St.  Paul,  etc.  For  the  benetit  of  the  people  of  jMontclair  he  introduced 
a  .sei'ies  of  musical  entertainments  for  wiiich  he  secured  the  services  of  a  number  of  leading  artists,  much 
to  the  delight  of  those  who  found  it  inconvenient  to  visit  the  metropolis  at  night  in  order  to  enjoy  this 
privilege.  His  greatest  work,  however,  has  been  in  connection  with  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association 
and  the  Citizens'  Committee  of  One  Hundred.  From  the  nucleus  of  the  Young  Men's  Eeforni  Club  he 
aided  in  founding  tlie  Association,  and  bent  ail  his  energies  to  make  it  a  success.  He  was  its  first 
president.  The  yoimg  men  of  Montclair  rallied  round  him  and  gave  him  their  hearty  support,  and  this 
is  now  one  of  the  strongest  and  best  managed  associations  of  the  kind  in  the  State. 

Mr.  Siegfried,  until  his  recent  removal  to  Philadelphia,  was  a  member  of  the  Congregational  Club 
of  New  York  and  Vicinity;  of  the  Montclair  Club;  of  the  New  Jersey  State  Executive  Committee 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association,  and  Chairman  of  its  Sub-conimittee  on  the  Public  Press;  Vice- 
President  and  member  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the  Outlook  Club,  Montclair ;  President  of  the 
Quill  Club,  New  Yolk  ;  Chairman  of  the  Montclair  Citizens'  Committee  of  One  Hundred,  the  law  and 
order  league  as  related  to  liquor  selling,  and  was  connected  with  many  other  organizations.  In  February, 
1894,  he  was  unanimously  elected  President  of  the  Yt)ung  Men's  Christian  Association  State  Ci.mvention 
of  New  Jersey. 

Personally  and  socially  Mr.  Siegfried  may  be  descrihed  as  a  man  of  fine  tastes,  a  good  listener,  an 
entertaining  conversationalist,  and  an  indefatigable  worker  in  anything  he  undertakes.  He  not  only 
makes  fi-icnds  but  keeps  them.  He  is  fi-ank  almost  to  bluntness,  but  is  sincere  in  his  opinions, 
posses.sing,  withal,  a  warm  and  liberal  generosity  of  feeling — that  "  touch  of  nature  that  makes  the  whole 
world  kin." 

Mr.  Siegfried  married,  in  ISOS,  in  Marietta,  (Jliio,  iliss  Mary  E.,  daughter  of  Dr.  A.  15.  and  ilrs. 
M.  A.  Ileterick.  The  issue  of  this  marriage  is  three  children.  His  eldest  daughter,  Mi.ss  Mary  Holton 
Siegfried,  has  already  taken  a  high  position  in  the  mu.sical  world.  She  was  graduated  with  distinguished 
honor  from  the  Metropolitan  College  of  Music,  New  York.  She  holds  a  Fellowship  degree  in  the 
American  College  of  Musicians — the  body  which  sets  the  standard  of  professional  ability  and  scholarship 
for  tlie  entire  country — has  successfully  held  the  position  of  orj;anist  of  the  First  Congregational  Church, 
Montclaii-,  ha-  played  both  as  church  and  concert  organist  in  leading  churches  and  music  halls  in  New 
York,  15rooklyn,  etc.,  and  is  regarded  by  her  older  fellows  in  music  as  one  of  the  most  brilliant  and 
promising  among  the  younger  eastern  organists,  pianists  and  teachers. 

TWO  HEROES  OF  THE  WAR. 

The  incidents  referred  to  in  the  following  biogiapliical  sketches  of  Abrani  P.  Haring  and  Harry 
Littlejohn  read  like  a  romance,  and  unless  supported  by  documentary  evidence,  would  ap]»ear  incredible. 
The  failure  of  these  men  to  receive  ])ro|)er  recognition  is  due  to  their  extreme  modesty  in  failing  to  press 
their  claims  at  the  proper  time,  and  the  compiler  of  this  woik  claims  the  honor  of  making  the  discovery 
and  furnishing  to  the  world  the  record  of  two  heroes  which  has  hitherto  remained  buried  in  oblivion.  If 
ever  the  records  of  the  War  Department  are  carefully  searched  it  will  be  found  tliat  some  of  the  greatest 
heroes,  who  composed  the  '"rank  and  file"  of  the  Army,  remain  unrecognized,  while  the  .self-constituted 
ones,  who  were  ))romoted  througli  personal  intlucnce,  have  inscrilied  their  aim  names  and  achievements  on 
the  pages  of  history. 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 
ABRA^PYE  IIARIXG. 


L>91 


Volume  XLI.,  page  130,  of  the  "•Rebellion  Records"  contains  the  following  paragrajih : 

"  Ilaring.  Lieut.  Abram  P.,  132d  Regiment,  N.  Y.  Vols.  Had  not  eleven  men  of  tlie  ]32d  under 
Lieutenant  ILiring  in  the  blockhouse  at  J5atclielor"s  Creek.  X.  C,  withstooil  a  rebel  army  for  over  one 
hour,  Xewbeme  would  have  been  captured  by  the  rebels." 

"Honors  of  the  Empire  State  in  the  AVar  nf  the  Rebellion,"  by  Thomas  S.  Townsend.  pages  34S-i), 
contains  the  followinj;: 

••  Had  not  eleven  men  of  the  regiment  under  Lieut.  Abram  I'.  Ilaring  kt'pt  back  the  rcbul  army 
until  tlie  rest  of  the  regiment  came  uj),  Xewbcrne  would  have  been  (•a])tui'ed." 

The  above  is  the  (lulv  record  of  one  of  the  most  remarkable  and  trallant  achievements  of  the  War 
of  the  liebeliion.     Had  it  occurred  under  any  European  government  the  hero  wnnM  have  been  decorated 


with  the  highest  hoimrs 
eign.  The  onl\-  recogni- 
Mr.  Haring  is  the  simple 
by  the  Secretary  of  War, 
to  Abram  ]*.  Ilaring.  late 
Regt.    X'cw    York    \'nl. 

The  facts  obtained  fmm 
modest  as  he  is  brave,  are 

In  the  winter  of  ]s<i4, 
owing  to  the  ethciency  of 
off  their  sources  of  sup- 
of  the  munitions  of  war. 
amount  of  amnninition, 
by  our  government  to 
mined  on  the  ca]iture  of 
of  infantry,  cavalry  and 
of  Pickett's  division,  was 
rnary  1.  ISfi-t,  to  make 
rainy  (at  2  a.m.)  night,  and 
fingui>hed  at  a  short  dis- 
|)lace  of  destinatinn  the 
to  cross  a  bridge  which 
on  the  road  to  Xewberne. 
who  was  then  engaged  in 


in  the  gift  of  his  .sover- 
tioii  ever  received  by 
bronze  medal,  presented 
inscribed  "'The  Congress 
l.st  Lieut.  Co.  G.,  132d 
Infty." 

^fr.  Ilaring,  wlio  is  as 
as  follows : 

the  Confederate  army, 
the  blockade,  which  cut 
ply,  were  greatly  in  need 
and  learning  that  a  large 
stores,  etc.,  had  been  sent 
Xewl)erne,  X.  C,  deter- 
the  place.  A  large  force 
artillery,  composing  a  part 
sent  on  the  night  of  Feb- 
thc  attack.  It  was  a  dark, 
iibjects  could  only  l)e  dis- 
tance. To  reach  their 
lubel  ti'oops  were  obliged 
s|)ans  I'atchelor's  Creek 
Lieutenant  Ilaring, 
outj)ost   picket  duty,  was 

left  with  a  detachment  of  clnvn  men  as  a  reserve,  and  to  gnai'd  tiiis  bi-idge.  His  regiment  was  some  funr 
tniies  rlistant.  and  his  nearest  su|)ports  over  a  mile  distant.  He  had  a  line  of  earthworks  which  were 
intendeil  only  to  guard  against  a  small  attacking  force.  Mr.  Ilaring  was  never  caught  "  napping;"  his  first 
intimation  of  the  aj)proach  of  the  enemy  was  a  few  shots  and  the  tramp  of  men  on  the  opposite  side  of  t\u- 
bridge,  lie  at  once  gave  orders  in  rapid  succession  as  though  in  command  of  a  large  force.  "One  to  si.\ 
Hre,  seven  to  eleven  tire  I"  and  so  on.  The  enemy,  believing  that  a  large  body  of  troops  were  in  their 
front,  were  cautious  in  their  movements,  and  after  firing  .several  volleys  brought  up  their  artillery  to  cover 
the  attack  of  the  infantry,  and  under  the  continuous  fire  of  the  artillery,  three  separate  attempts  were 
made  to  cross  the  l)ridge,  and  each  time  repid.sed  l)y  the  small  force  in  front.  Lieutenant  Haring,  in  the 
meantime,  while  keeping  up  the  tiring  by  a  portion  of  his  men,  ran  along  up  and  down  the  river  bank 
with  the  remainder,  shouting  and  jelling  like  deiiions  to  the  inuigijiary  reinforcements  to  "hnrry  up,"  at 
the  same  time  giving  orders  in  (juick  snccession  to  "fall  back  one  I  forward  two!  fire!"  etc.  This  ruse  was 
kept  up  and  the  enemy  held  in  check   for  two  hours,  until  reinforcements  arrived   which  consisted   of 


A.  i>. 


292  History  of  Montclair  Townsiiii'. 

(letMcliiiK'nts  of  ir>0  men.  In  tlie  niemitiiiie  tlie  amuninition  of  tliis  little  l)!ui(lof  S|)artaiis  liml  frlveii  out, 
l)iit  tliev  "lield  the  fort"  until  assistance  came.  With  this  small  additioual  foire  tiie  enemy  was  held  in 
check  until  '■•  o'cdock  the  next  morniiii;-.  In  the  meantime  wliik'  a  feint  of  attack  was  ke]it  up  in  front  a 
larii'c  force  of  Confederates  crossed  the  stream  some  distance  ahove,  and  flanked  the  small  force  defending 
the  bridge.  The  men,  finding  themselves  surrounded,  attempted  to  force  their  way  through  the  rehel 
ranks.  About  half  the  number  succeeded  ;  the  i-e.st  were  captured.  Lieutenant  Ilaring,  with  half  a 
dozen  men,  made  a  rush  and  broke  through,  and  about  a  ([uarter  of  a  mile  distant  found  a  briga<le  of 
Federals  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle.  lie  was  immediately  ordered  to  fall  into  line  on  the  extreme  left. 
Being  familiar  with  the  topography  of  the  country  he  informed  the  officer  in  command  that  the  position 
was  indefensible,  and  that  they  would  certainly  be  flanked,  and  so  it  ]n-ovcd.  The  Confederates  extended 
their  line  of  battle  for  a  long  distance  in  front,  keeping  up  an  occasional  firing.  In  the  meantime  a  large 
flanking  force  which  had  beeii  sent  out  began  an  attack  in  the  rear  of  the  Federahs'  column,  and  before 
they  were  aware  of  it  they  found  themselves  completely  surrounded.  Lieutenant  Ilaring,  being  on  the 
extreme  left,  made  a  break  with  his  men,  without  waiting  for  orders,  and  struck  out  for  the  swamp,  and 
succeeded  in  making  his  way  to  his  regiment,  lie  immediat^ely  reported  to  his  colonel  the  condition  of 
affairs,  and  told  him  that  unless  he  moved  his  command  at  once  they  woidd  be  surrounded  by  the  enemy. 
Lieutenant  Ilaring  was  immediately  ordered  to  take  commaml  of  the  Monitor  train,  the  front  ear  of 
which  was  covered  with  corrugated  ii'on,  and  provided  with  swiveled  howitzers. 

Before  reaching  Newberne  Lieutenant  Ilaring  discovered  the  enemy's  cavalry  approaching  on  a 
parallel  line  toward  Newberne.  He  immediately  halted  the  train  and  opened  fire  with  his  howitzers,  but 
when  the  enemy  came  up  with  his  artillery  he  was  compelled  to  move,  having  several  men  killed  in  as 
many  minutes.  On  reaching  a  bridge  just  outside  of  Newberne,  he  M'as  ordered  to  take  his  connnand  and 
remain  at  the  bridge.  In  the  first  engagement  at  the  bridge  several  of  the  enemy  wei'e  killed,  the  fii-e  of 
Lieutenant  Ilaring's  men  being  directed  by  the  sound,  while  that  of  the  Confederates  was  at  random,  it 
being  im]iossil)le  to  discern  any  object  in  the  darkness. 

Mr.  Ilaring  has  been  a  resident  of  Montclair  since  1S70.  He  purchased,  in  1880,  the  Beatty 
farm,  on  Valley  Road,  and  remodeled  the  homestead,  and  resided  there  until  IS'JI.  In  1S!)3  he  moved 
into  the  large  new  house  which  he  erected  at  66  Park  street,  'ihe  house  was  designed  by  E.  li.  North, 
architect,  and  is  the  style  known  as  colonial  renaissance. 

Mr.  Ilaring  comes  of  the  old  Holland  stock,  one  branch  of  which  settled  at  Tappan  about  1650, 
and  the  other — from  which  he  is  descended — <in  Manhattan  Island.  His  mother  was  a  ]\Iiss  Van 
Ostrand,  a  descendant  of  one  of  the  old  Bockland  County,  N.  Y.,  families.  He  was  boiai  in  New  York 
City  November  1.5,  18i(».  He  attended  public  school  in  New  York  until  he  was  fifteen  years 
of  age,  and  then  entered  a  fancy  goods  house.  He  afterward  obtained  a  jiosition  with  Otis  &  Co., 
wholesale  millinery  and  fancy  goods,  remaining  until  the  sjiring  of  1862,  the  second  year  of 
the  war.  Without  consulting  any  of  his  friends  he  walked  from  his  place  of  Inisiness  one  day  to  a 
recruiting  oflice,  and  enlisted.  This  was  in  August,  1862.  He  w-as  immediately  assigned  to  Com])any  C, 
1.32d  Regiment,  N.  Y.  Volunteers,  commanded  by  Colonel  F.  J.  Claassen,  which  was  attached  to 
the  Second  Empire  Brigade,  Eighteenth  Army  ('or]is.  He  was  soon  after  promoted  to  Sergeant 
Major  on  the  non-commi.ssioned  staff,  and  in  January.  1863,  was  made  Second  Lieutenant,  and 
in  March  following  was  promoted  First  Lieutenant  of  Company  G.  He  was  soon  after  sent 
with  his  regiment  to  Newberne,  N.  C,  where  he  was  engaged  most  of  the  time  on  outjiost  picket 
duty,  a  position  attended  with  constant  dajiger  and  very  little  glory.  It  was  while  engaged  in  this 
service  that  he  had  the  memorable  encounter  with  Pickett's  division  in  February,  18(>-f.  At  the  battle  of 
Southwest  Creek,  N.  C,  in  the  spring  of  1865,  he  was  wounded  by  a  ball  passing  through  his  cheek,  fired 
by  a  sharpshooter.  After  the  first  day  the  wound  was  left  undressed  for  four  days,  which  prolonged  his 
sufferings,  and  he  was  rendered  unfit  for  service  for  several  weeks.  He  was  honorably  discharged  in  May 
1865,  by  reason  of  wound,  as  First  LitMitenant.  Had  his  case  been  ])i'operly  j)resented  to  the  War 
Depai-tment  he  should  have  retiivd  with  i;ink-  of  Major,  and  the  brevet  of  Lieutenant-Colonel,  to  whicni  he 


History  of  Montclair  TowNsmr.  'Jit;i 

wns  justly  entitled.  His  own  modesty  and  the  neglect  of  iiis  tVii'nds  |iicv(ntcd  his  receiving  these  honors 
until  the  time  for  granting  them  had  exi)ired. 

At  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned  to  lii>  ol<l  position  in  Xcw  Viiri<  wiiere  lie  remained  for  two 
veaiis.  when  he  ensrsviied  in  the  husiness  of  nianiifacturini;-  stationer  under  the  tirm  name  of  Stewart, 
Warren  A:  Co. 

lie  is  a  mendicr  of  the  MiHtary  ( )rder  of  the  I.oyal  Legion.  1'.  S..  ai-o  of  the  Medal  n(  Honor 
l.r-i,,i,.    C.  S. 

lie  married,  in   Im!'!.  .Mi~s  Kmiria  lloiietr.  of  Cornwall.  N.  ^'..  a  daughtei-  ni  Amos  M.  Ilnilett. 

IlAinn     I.ITTI.K.IOIIN. 

IIakkv  LiTr[.K.ionN,  wlio  has  resi<led  on  Watchung  .\ venue,  Montelair.  since  JsTo.  lias  earned  Ids 
right  to  citizenship  as  well  a.s  a  place  on  the  "  Roll  of  Honor"  for  .services  niidere<l  his  adopted  country  in 
her  hour  of  need.  He  is  of  Scotch  parentage,  and  received  an  early  educatitui  in  I.e>lie,  I'ifeshire,  Scotland  ; 
afterward  he  attended  the  School  of  Arts  in  lulinhurgh.  His  uncle,  Dr.  H.  1).  Littlejohn,  isa  noted  piiysician 
of  that  city.  He  came  to  this  country  in  1S5S,  and  engaged  in  mercantile  hnsinei^s  for  two  yeais,  and  in 
^^arch,  ISCd,  he  went  to  Cuha  and  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  chemicals  for  purifying  sugar.  IK'  re- 
tnriie.l  to  Xew  York  in  March,  18r,l,  and  soon  after  enliste<l  in  ("omjiany  !)•<  I'"ii"st  Uegiment,  Oregon  Kitle.s, 
a  c(»m|)'iny  helonging  to  one  of  those  enihrvo  regiments  whose  full  organization  was  never  completed,  the 
whole  regiment  being  composed  of  tills  one  company,  mo.st  of  the  memhers  having  eidisted  with  the 
understanding  that  they  were  to  he  Second  Lieutenants  and  First  Sergeants.  The  company  was  sent  to 
the  front  at  Wiliiamsport,  Md..  a  small  town  on  the  Potomac  Uiver,  where,  with  a  conii>any  raised  in  tiiat 
town,  and  another  raised  in  Martinslmrg,  Va.,  they  diil  outpo.st  duty  on  the  U|)per  Potomac.  Mr. 
Littlejohn  was  made  Corporal  immediately  after  his  enli.-tmeut,  was  (piickly  promoted  to  First  Sergeant, 
ami.  (  n  the  comj)any"s  arrival  at  Williams])ort,  was  unanimously  elected  Seec^nd  Lieuteiuint. 

In  I  >ecen)l)er,  lSr>l,  while  liis  company  was  doing  picket  duty  at  Dam  No.  5,  on  the  Pp|)er  Poto- 
mac. Lieutenant  Littlejohn,  like  many  others  at  that  particular  time,  was  eager  for  a  hrush  with  the  enemy. 
'I'iie  company  at  this  time  was  guarding  several  miles  of  the  Potomac,  and  especially  the  Kalrimore  and 
( )hio  canal.  I.y  which  supplies  were  forwarded  to  AVashington.  (The  several  dams  are  made  to  supi>ly  the 
canal  with  water  )  His  wishes  were  gratified  .soimer  than  he  antieijjated,  for  (Ui  Saturday,  1  )ecemher  7, 
while  visiting  the  picket  at  Little  Cieorgetown,  he  .--aw  a  large  force  coming  out  of  the  woods  in  the 
direction  of  the  dam.  (This  proved  to  be  a  force  of  finO  infantry  and  a  battery  of  artillery  under  the 
command  of  "Stonewall"  Jackson,  who  was  sent  to  destroy  the  dam.)  Riding  (|nickly  back  to  tiie  liead- 
ipuirters  of  his  company  at  Four  Locks,  Lieutenant  Littlejohn  informed  Captain  Kobinsoii  of  the  enemy's 
approach,  who  immediately  called  out  the  reserve,  and  marched  to  the  dam.  a  mile  below.  While  he, 
with  his  small  force,  was  marching  toward  the  dam  on  the  Maryland  side,  the  rebels  were  pursuing  a 
jiarallel  course  on  the  Virgiiua  side.  Lieutenant  Littlejohn's  men  oi)ened  tire  on  the  rebels,  wliii-h  was  im- 
mediately retin-ned,  and  a  running  tire  kept  up  until  they  reached  the  dam  at  night.  The  Confederates 
took  ad  vantage  of  the  darkness  to  cutaway  the  (lain,  placing  relays  of  men  to  w^ork  with  axes  and  shovels. 
In  order  to  deceive  the  enemy  and  cimvey  the  impression  that  he  had  a  large  force.  Lieutenant  Litthjom 
scattered  his  few  men  about  on  the  opposite  bank  and  again  opened  lire,  driving  the  rebels  from  their 
work  and  forcing  them  to  seek  shelter. 

Early  the  following  morning  the  rebels  opened  tire  with  their  artillery  and  musketry.  In  the 
meantime  Lieutenant  Littlejohn,  with  his  snudi  force  of  fifteen  men,  had  taken  shelter  behind  the  parapet 
of  the  dam.  and  kept  up  a  continuous  tire,  which  prevented  the  rebels  from  working  their  guns.  A  nutnber 
of  percussion  shells  were  fired  by  the  rebels  against  the  rocks  in  the  rear  of  the  little  Spartan  band,  which 
exploded  without  any  serious  damage.  This  une(|ual  contest  was  kept  up  for  nearly  three  hours,  until 
reinforcements  arri\ed.  and  the  rebels  were  driven  back  •iml  compelled  to  abaiidon  the  attem])t. 


294 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


Another  attempt  was  made  liy  the  rebels  on  Dec.  17  following  to  destroy  this  datn,  Imt  they  were 
again  repulsed  with  severe  loss. 

In  February,  ISIi'J,  l)y  order  of  the  Adjutant-General,  the  company  was  consolidated  with  the  Third 
]\[aryland  Volunteers.  The  letter  of  the  company,  "D,"  was  then  chaiiged  to  "  G,"  thus  becumini;-  the 
Color  Company.  The  regiment  was  then  assigned  to  General  JJank's  command,  and  on  August  9,  1802, 
for  the  first  time,  as  a  regiment,  engaged  the  enemy  at  the  battle  of  Cedar  Mountain. 

After  Bank's  retreat  under  General  Pope,  the  regiment  was  assigned  to  Third  Brigade  (General 
Green),  First  Division  (General  Williams),  Twelfth  Army  Corps  (General  Slocuni),  until  April,  ltS(i-l,  and 


KF.SIUKNCE    OK    11.     LITTLF.JOllN,    \V.\TC1UNG    AVKNfK. 


was  then  assigned  to  the  Ninth  Ai-my  Corps,  under  General  Ibirnside,  and  took  part  in  the  several  engage- 
ments under  General  Grant,  including  the  battles  of  the  AVilderness  and  the  Petersburg  Campaign. 

Lieutenant  Little  John  was  promoted  Captain  September  1,  lsr)2.  lie  was  wounded  by  the  explo- 
sion of  a  shell  in  front  of  Petersburg,  Ya.,  June  17,  1804.  and  on  his  return  to  duty  he  was  made  Assistant 
Insjiector-General  on  the  Iirigade  Staff.  He  was  honorably  discharged  under  General  Orders — Circular 
No.  75,  A.G.D.,  Sept.  22,  1804— on  Oct.  7,  1804. 

He   participated    in   the   following  engagements :    1.    nam  No.  .'»,  Dec.  7  and  IS.  iSOd;    2.    Holiver 


History  ok  Montclair  Townshii'. 


295 


Iluitrlits.  Vii.,  May  :;(»,  1S0:>;  3.  Cedar  .Moimtaiii.  \'a.,  Aiiij.  'J,  IsiIl';  4.  lievorlv  F.ml,  \'a.,  Aut;.  21, 
lst)2;  .').  Cliancelliji"svillc,  Va.,  May  1,'2,  3,  1S(!3  ;  (5.  Raccoon  Ford,  \'a.,  Suj)!.  17.  isd;!;  7.  Wilderness, 
Va.,  May  r.,  1804;  8.  ypottsIyvaniaC.  11.,  Va.,  May  10,  11,  12,1864;  9.  Shady  Grove,  Va.,Jnne  1, 1SC4; 
Kt.  Cold  Harbor,  June  2,  ls<!4;  11.  Before  Petersburg,  Va.,  June  IT,  ls()4;  12.  Blieks  Station,  Va., 
Welden  and  P.  II.  R.,  Aug.  lit,  1S64;  13.  Do.,  do.,  Aug.  21,  18(;4 ;  14.  Poplar  Grove  Churcli,  Sept.  30, 
1864. 

Soon  after  liis  return  from  tlie  war  he  became  connected  witli  the  Kai;lctim  ManiifacUiriiig  Coin- 
|>any,  and  later  with  the  puiilisliing  house  of  F.  .1.  Uuntiiigtoii  A:  Co.,  and  March.  1870,  he  engaged  with 
the  Scovill  Manufacturing  Ccini|iany.  Later  he  assisted  in  forming  thi'  Scii\ill  iV  .\(jams  Company,  of 
which  he  was  elected  Secretary,  a  position  lie  still  holds. 

llv  removed  to  Montclair  Octolier,  iSTn,  locating  on  AVatchung  .V venue,  luiving  j)urchased  tlie  old 
Zeek  homestead,  which  he  remodeled  and  made  of  it  a  beautiful  and  attractive  residence,  as  shown  in  the 
accompanying  illustration. 

October  3.  1  "^M^,  Captain  Littlejohn  married  Charlotte  I.oui>e.  daughter  of  tlie  late  William  11. 
WiJMin.  who  for  Hjany  years  was  a  prominent  citizen  of  Montclair. 


CHURCH    STREET. 


Chapter  XVII. 


AuCHITECrLKAL     FeaTUKES     oE     MdN'RLAIR     IIoMES.—  FkANK      E.      WaLLIS,      ARCHITECT.^ TIeSIDENCE     OF 

William  Fellowes. — Of  Fkedekick  J.  Drescher. — Thk  "FAitr.KY  IIuises." — Christopher  A. 
HiNCK. — Thomas^  S.  Gladding. 


'ti? 


ARCHITECTURAL  FEATURES  OF  MONTCLAIR  liuMES. 

^^IIE  stranger  visiting  Muiitclair  is  attracted  by  the  large  number  of  beautiful  villas  and 
cottages  of  a  style  of  architecture  entirely  unlike  that  seen  in  most  sul)nrban  towns  and 
villages.  There  is  a  variety  and  yet  a  lianiiony  in  style  and  ]>r(_>portion  which  indicates  the 
progressive  character  of  the  people. 

About  the  beginning  of  the  present  century  architecture  became  a  lost  art  on  the 
other  side  of  the  Atlantic,  and  it  was  not  iu  fact  until  toward  the  close  of  the  sixties  that 
0^^^^^  any  real  healthy  i-egulation  took  place.  Ease,  comfort  and  convenience  was  sought  without 
regard  to  architectural  proportions  or  adaptation  to  the  topography  of  the  country. 
Those  who  have  watched  the  progress  of  rural  architecture  for  some  vears  ijast  have 
Ciyx.iP'  noticed  a  marked  advance  in  architectural  design  and  proportion.  The  change  began  with 
the  English  Gothic,  followed  l)y  the  Italian,  the  (4recian,  the  French  villa,  with  ilansard 
roof  and  tower,  and  lasth'  the  so-called  "Queen  Anne."  In  nearly  all  suburljan  towns  throughout  this 
country  these  are  the  prevailing  styles  in  architecture,  and  it  is  a  notable  fact  that,  in  many  cases,  the 
owner  has  tried  to  outdo  his  neighbor  in  originality  and  variety  of  design,  thereby  violating  every  rule 
in  architecture  and  in  topogi'aphical  features  of  location,  which  would  indicate  that  the  projuietor  himself 
was  either  his  own  architect,  or  sought  to  impress  his  indi\  iduality  on  the  style  of  architectui'e. 

i.»    *    *    *    You  shall  see  a  man 

Who  never  drew  a  line  or  struck  an  arc, 

Direct  an  architect  and  spoil  his  work. 

Because,  forsooth,  he  likes  a  tasteful  house  ! 

He  likes  a  muffin,  but  he  does  not  go 

Into  his  kitchen  to  instruct  his  cook  ; 

Nay,  that  were  insult.     He  admires  fine  clothes, 

But  trusts  his  tailor  !     Only  in  those  arts 

Which  issue  from  creative  potencies 

Does  his  conceit  engage  him?" — Holland's  Katklna. 

There  is  a  class  oi  old  (hmiestic  work  which  is  to  be  found  everywhere  thrt)Ughout  the  more  early 
settled  States,  such  as  the  old  manor  houses  along  the  valley  of  the  James  River  in  \  irginia,  on  the 
banks  of  the  Hudson,  and  a  few  of  the  older  cities  of  Boston,  New  York,  and  I'hiladelphia,  which  is 
uiii(pie  in  style,  attractive  in  ;\j)j)earance,  and  combines  many  of  the  most  important  elements  conducive 
to  convenience  and  comfort.  To  utilize  this  style  of  architecture,  and  combine  it  with  all  the  modern 
improvements,  creating  a  new  and  distinctive  type  of  American  villa — known  as  Ainerieau  Domestic  — 
was  the  work  of  a  young  architect — Fraid-c  E.  AVallis — an  :issistant  of  Richard  JSI.  Hunt,  and  now  a 
permanent  resident  of  Montclair. 

A  number  of  the  most  beautiful  houses  in  Montclair  have  been  designed  by  him,  and  many  others 
of  the  same  character,  from  designs  published  by  him,  and  modified  to  suit  the  taste  of  the  architect  and 
the  convenience  of  the  owner. 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  -I'M 

It  is  tliis  distinctive  feature  of  ^roiitelair.  added  to  its  extreuie  liealtlifuliicss,  tluit  lias  induced  so 
many  strangers  after  a  sliort  residence  during  the  summer  season  to  become  ])erm!inent  settlers.  The 
homes  described  and  illustrated  in  tills  work  have  been  selected  with  a  view  of  illustrating  the  various 
styles  of  architecture,  the  topography  of  the  country,  and  the  taste  displayed  by  the  owners  in  utilizing 
the  natural  beauty  of  the  surrouiK]ing>. 

FRANK  E.   WAI.LIS. 

As  AN  architect.  Mr.  Wallis  has  become  well  ami  favorably  knuwn  to  thi'  people  of  Muntclair, 
having  ilesigned  some  of  the  most  beautiful  houses  in  the  township.  He  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  pio- 
neers, if  not  the  chief  promoter,  of  the  prevailing  style  of  architecture  known  as  the  colonial. 

Mr.  Wallis's  maternal  grandmother  was  Mary  Cary  Dunham  :  his  mother's  father  was  Nicholas 
John  Meating,  of  the  British  Navy.  The  Careys  and  Dunhams,  from  whom  she  descended,  were  j)rominent 
Iloyalists  in  New  York  at  the  beginning  of  the  War  of  the  Revolution,  and  were  obliged  to  Hee  to  New 
Brunswick.  On  account  of  their  loyalty  to  the  British  Government  they  were  awarded  a  large  grant  of 
land  in  what  is  now  St.  George,  N.  B.,  and  which  still  remains  in  the  hands  of  their  descendants. 

Frank  E.  Wallis  was  born  in  Ea.stport,  Me.,  June  14,  isGl.  He  removed  with  his  parents  to  Boston 
at  the  age  of  ten  years,  and  was  there  educated  at  the  public  schools.  As  a  boy  he  was  excessively  fond 
of  drawing,  and  sj)ent  most  of  his  time  at  this,  to  the  neglect  of  his  other  studies.  Both  his  father  and 
grandfather  were  amateurs  in  water  and  oil  colore,  althougli  neither  followed  it  as  a  ])rofession.  Jt 
remained  for  the  younger  Wallis  to  develop  the  gifts  which  became  his  under  the  natural  law  of  heredity. 
He  com|)leted  tiie  routine  of  the  elementary  branches  of  education  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  and  entered  the 
olHce  of  Edward  (J.  Cabot,  at  that  time  the  oldest  as  well  as  the  leading  architect  in  Boston.  Under  this 
distingiii.-hcd  tutor  he  spent  nine  yeai-s  of  faithful  study,  and,  while  in  his  daily  task  he  followed  tiie  style 
of  his  preceptor,  he  was  continually  working  out  new  and  original  ideasof  his  own,  wliich  in  later  years  he 
put  into  practice.  He  subseijuently  spent  two  years  in  the  ottice  of  Peabody  ».*c  f^tcarns,  after  which  he 
went  abroad,  travelin<i  throuirh  France,  Italv  and  Spain,  closelv  observinjj  the  various  .stvles  of  mcdiseval 
architecture,  of  which  he  made  numerous  sketches.  His  pursuit  of  knowledge  was  attendid  with  many 
of  the  difficulties  which  beset  Americans  traveling  in  foreign  countries,  and  he  was  once  arrested  as  a 
(lernian  spy,  but  succeeded  in  establishing  his  innocence. 

.Vfter  ills  return  home  he  traveled  south  for  a  time  in  the  interest  of  an  architectural  |)aper,  visit- 
ing Virijinia  and  South  Caroliiui.  where  he  ma<le  a  study  of  the  old  colonial  houses,  of  which  he  gave  a 
minute  account  in  the  paper  he  re[)resented,  and  his  literary  contributions  were  illustrated  with  numerous 
sketches.  It  was  through  this  means  principally  that  the  public  was  educated  up  to  the  present  prevailing 
style  of  colonial  architecture,  which  has  to  a  large  extent  superseded  the  French  villas  ami  English  gothic. 
Mr.  Wallis  sub.seipiently  extcndeti  his  trip  further  south  and  adiled  a  number  of  interesting  sketches  to  his 
collection.  As  the  final  result  of  his  experience  he  published  a  work  entitled,  "  Old  Colonial  Architecture 
and  Furniture,"  wliich  ha.s  been  generally  adopted  by  the  profession.  The  entire  edition  of  thi-cc  hundred 
copies,  at  >^2H  i)er  copy,  met  with  a  ready  sale.  Mr.  W^allis  presented  the  Massachusetts  Historical  Society 
with  twenty  elai>orate  drawings  of  houses  and  churches  in  New  England.  He  is  a  frequent  contributor  to 
architectural  and  other  journals  on  subjects  of  interest  to  the  profession. 

In  the  autumn  of  l.sss  he  entered  the  office  of  the  famous  architect.  Richard  M.  Hunt,  and  has 
been  associated  with  him  in  the  construction  of  some  of  the  finest  buildings  in  the  country.  Mr.  Wallis 
made  all  the  working  drawings  for  the  Administration  Building  at  the  W^orld's  Fair  in  Chicago,  and  had 
entire  charge  of  the  work.     He  received  a  diploma  from  W^orld's  Fair  Conunissioners  for  drawings. 

Mr.  Wallis  removed  to  Montclair  in  October,  l^ss,  and  soon  after  built  himself  a  home.  He 
married,  Oct.  15,  isss,  Miss  Grace  L.  Parker,  daughter  of  Charles  F.  Parker,  of  Boston,  a  descendant  of 
the  famous  Capt.  John  Parker,  who  led  the  minute  men  at  the  battle  of  Lexington. 


298 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


WILLIAM  FELLOWES. 


The  design  shown  in  the  accompanying  engraving  of  Mr.  Fellowes'  house,  on  the  corner  of  Fuller- 
ton  Avenue  and  Union  Street,  is  by  far  the  most  imposing  and  attractive  residence  in  Montclair.  The 
style  of  architecture  is  known  as  the  French  chateau.  It  is  of  red  sand  stone  ashler,  brown-stone  trim. 
ming  and  tile  roof.  It  covers  a  space  of  60  by  6U  feet,  three  stories  high,  and  commands  a  line  view  of 
the  surrounding  eoiiutry.  Houses  similar  in  style  are  found  in  the  suburbs  of  large  cities,  luit  this  is  the 
only  one  of  the  kind  in  Montclair. 

Mr.  Fellowes  was  attracted  by  the  beautiful  surroundings  of  Montclair,  and  decided  on  making  this 
his  future  home. 

William  Fellowes,  although  a  native  of  Louisville,  Ivy.,  born  June  S,  18.30,  is  a  descendant  of 
William  Fellows,  of  Ipswich,  Mass.,  1643,  born  in  England  1609.  The  original  spelling  of  the  name  is 
Fellowes;  the  family  is  a  very    ancient    one,    now 

seated  at  Ramsey  Abbey     '',  and    Haver  land    Hall, 

County  Suffolk,  England.  ,  Isaac,  the   youngest   son 

of  William,  the  ancestor,  born    in    England    163.5, 

was  a  voter  in  the  town  of  Ipswich,    and    "posses.sed 

of  rights  of  commonage,  and,   with    the    title    of 

setts  Militia ;  member  of  ~  ^"  — -  — ^.  Massachusetts  Provincial 
Congress,  177-1—7;  mem-  '  ber  of  Massachusetts  Gen- 
eral Court,  1775-6.    Caj)-     i ■_]  tain  Aaron  Davis  served 

with  the  Minute  Men  at  »v=,.ifvr-f  n,-  >«•„,, A^,  ff,,,^-,»,«-c  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill. 

RhSIUENCE   Ol-    WILLIAM    FELLOWES. 

William,  eldest  son  of  William    and   Caroline 

(Davis)  Fellowes,  removed  with  his  parents  to  New  York  City  in  1 S47.  He  was  prepared  for  college  at 
private  school — at  Churchill's  Military  Academy,  Sing  Sing,  and  at  Swinburne's  Academy,  White  Plains, 
N.  Y.  Lie  entered  Columbia  College,  but  left  at  the  end  of  his  sophomore  year,  and  in  1S58  went  to 
New  Orleans  aiul  worked  as  a  clerk  for  his  uncle's  tirm — Fellowes  &  Co.,  cotton  factors.  At  the 
breaking  out  of  the  war,  in  1S61,  he  joined  the  Confederate  army  as  a  member  of  the  Louisiana  Washington 
Artillery.  He  took  part  in  the  lir.st  battle  of  Bull  Eun,  July  21,  ].s61 ;  second  Bull  Ilun,  August  27,  ls62  ; 
Antietam,  or  Sharpsburg,  Sept.  16  and  17,  1862;  first  and  second  liattles  of  Fredericksburgh ;  he  was 
captured  at  the  latter  engagement,  sent  to  Washington,  subsequently  paroled,  and  went  to  his  father's 
home  in  New  York  sick  with  pneumonia.  As  soon  as  he  was  sufficiently  recovered  he  went  abroad,  and 
while  in  Paris  obtained,  through  Mr.  Mason,  a  special  exchange,  with  permission  from  the  Confederate 
Government  to  enter  the  Confederate  Navy.  He  remained  in  Liverpool  until  the  sjiring  of  186-1,  hojung 
to  be  assigned  to  one  of  the  rams  then  in  course  of  construction.     Failing  in  this,  he  ran  the  blockade  in 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  299 

tlie  steamer  "  Old  Dominion,"  and  entered  "Wilmington,  X.  ('.,  Jul v  o.  He  rejoined  his  old  command 
and  was  present  at  the  surrender  at  Appomattox,  April  9,  1865.  He  returned  to  his  father's  home  in 
Xew  York,  and  from  there  went  to  Texas,  and  on  his  return  to  New  Orleans,  in  186S,  entered  the  employ 
of  J'radish  Jolmson,  where  he  remained  for  two  years.  In  1^74  he  married  ^liss  Ann  Carter  Eustace,  of 
Shrevesport.  La.,  a  ile.scendant  nf  an  old  and  well-known  Virginia  family.  Her  grandmother  was  Ann 
Carter,  daughter  of  Catharine  Tayloe  and  Lauden,  of  Sahin  Hall,  a  direct  descendant  of  John  Carter, 
known  as  "  King  Carter."  who  was  a  mend)er  of  the  Hou.se  of  Burgesses,  England,  in  K349,  and  in  1(554: 
was  a  mend)er  of  the  Virginia  House  of  Ihirgcs.ses  from  Laiicaster  County,  and  commander-in-chief  oi  the 
forces  sent  against  the  liappahannock  Indians.  The  father  of  General  Carter  Imilt  Christ  Clum-li,  the 
first  church  erected  in  Lancaster  County,  Va. 

Mr.  l''ellowe.s  went  with  his  wife  to  England  in  1S77,  and  soon  after  his  return,  in  ls7'.K  visited 
Montclair,  where,  after  a  residence  of  four  yeai-s,  he  made  another  triji  aliroad  in  1>>^4.  with  his  wife  and 
daughter.  Harriet  Davis;  leaving  them  at  Stuttgart.  (Germany,  he  returned  to  Montclair  in  October,  1SS.5, 
and  soon  after  purchased  two  lots  on  the  corner  of  Eullerton  Avenue  and  I'liion  Street.  One  of  these  he 
reserved  for  himself,  and  the  other  he  presented  to  St.  Luke's  Episcopal  Church.  The  plans  for  his  home 
were  drawn  hy  E.  B.  Kiml)all.  the  well-known  architect  of  New  York,  and  the  work  was  hcgun  in  .\piil, 
l^"»',  and  the  exterior  completed  one  year  later. 

RESIDENCE  OF  FREDERICK  .L  DRESCHER. 

It  woidd  l)e  difficult  to  find  a  more  beautiful  location  near  the  centre  of  .Montc'lair  for  a  sulmrlian 
residence  than  that  of  Mr.  Drescher's  home  on  the  corner  of  Park  Street  and  Claremont  Avenue.  The 
view  selected  as  shown  in  the  accompanying  illustration  is  from  the  southeast  looking  up  Claremont 
Avenue,  with  the  mountains  in  the  distance  as  a  body  guard.  The  style  of  architecture  is  a  combiiuvtion 
of  the  Queen  Anne  and  French  chateau.  The  underpinning  and  first  story  is  of  rough  faced  brown 
stone.  The  framework  above  is  sheathed  and  painted  light  cream  or  ivory  color,  giving  a  strong  contrast 
to  the  stone  work.  The  interior  arrangements  are  complete  and  all  the  space  utilized  to  the  best  advan- 
tage for  convenience  and  comfort.  Hardwood  trimmings  are  used  in  all  the  rooms  on  the  first  floor. 
On  the  south  side  is  the  library  and  dining  room,  communicating  by  sliding  doors.  The  library  has  a 
])ancled  wainscot  of  walnut,  and  the  doors  and  window  trimmings  are  of  the  .same  material.  The  fire-places 
in  both  rooms  are  of  glazed  tiling,  with  elegant  hardwood  mantels,  mirrors,  etc.  The  dining  room  is 
finished  in  antique  oak,  with  furniture  to  correspond.  There  is  a  centre  window  of  stained  glass,  which 
sheds  a  .soft  light  over  the  whole,  giving  a  pleasing  effect.  The  hall  is  trimmed  in  oak,  including  the 
staircase,  which  is  lighted  at  the  landing  by  a  large  stained  glass  window  of  elegant  design,  representing 
a  i)astoral  scene.  A  large  antique  clock  of  elaborate  design  stands  in  the  rear  of  the  hall,  near  a  large 
open  fire-jilace.  (A  smoking  room  and  toilet  room  opening  out  of  the  hall  complete  the  arrangements 
on  this  fioor.)  The  parlor,  on  the  north  side,  shows  a  beautiful  blending  of  colors,  the  walls  and  ceilings 
being  in  ivorv  and  gold,  and  the  trimmings  and  furniture  all  harmonize  both  in  color  and  finish.  The 
whole  interior  arrangment  evinces  excellent  taste  and  good  judgment. 

Mr.  Drescher,  to  wliom  llontclair  is  indebted  for  some  of  its  finest  dwellings  and  other  improve- 
ments, was  born  in  Philadelphia,  near  the  Schuylkill  River,  October  12,  ls.39.  His  parents  were  Germans. 
He  removed  with  them  when  (piite  young  to  Xew  York  City,  where  he  attended  the  public  school  and 
afterward  took  a  connnercial  course  in  Goldsmith  and  Renwick's  Business  College.  Like  most  boys  he 
tried  first  one  place  and  then  another,  and  finally,  having  arrived  at  a  suitable  age,  leased  a  stand  in 
Washington  ^Market  and  started  in  the  provision  business.  He  was  successful  in  this  and  subsequently 
ran  two  stores  on  Eighth  Avenue,  both  of  which  yielded  a  fair  income.  He  sold  these  to  good  advantage 
and  formed  a  partnership  with  John  K.  Lasher,  wholesale  produce  merchant  in  the  same  business.  This 
he  afterward  sold  out,  and  for  some  time  carried  on  an  extensive  business  on  Washington  Street. 
About   1872   he  disposed  of   his  Xew  York  business  and  in  the  meantime   his  father  having  erected  a 


300 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


large  building  in  Iloboken,  he  decidcil  to  go  into  the  business  of  fancy  groceries,  l)oth  wholesale  and 
retail.  From  the  beginning  of  his  business  career  he  made  it  a  point  to  buy  and  sell  strictly  for  cash. 
He  watched  the  market  closely  and  bought  only  the  finest  grade  of  goods  in  large  quantities,  all  of  which 
underwent  his  personal  inspection.  His  methods  of  doing  business  prevented  the  possibility  of  failure, 
and  success  has  attended  all  his  efforts. 

Desiring  to  enjoy  the  fruits  of  his  labors  he  sought  a  country  home.  He  was  favorably  impressed 
with  Montclair,  and  in  1885  he  bought  a  place  on  Claremont  Avenue,  near  Valley  Eoad,  where  he  resided 
for  six  years,  and  in  the  meantime  bought  other  property,  built  and  sold,  realizing  a  fair  profit  on  his 
investments.  He  began  the  erection  of  his  present  home  in  1889,  which  is  acknowledged  to  be  one  of 
the  finest  residences  in  Montclair.     Through  his  investments  and    improvements  he  has  added    over 


$150,000  to  the  taxable  property  of  the  township.  Wiiile  taking  no  part  in  the  public  affairs  of  the 
township,  he  has  l)cen  in  hearty  accord  with  everything  tending  to  its  social  advancement.  He  was  one 
of  the  early  members  of  the  Montclair  Club,  and  when  it  was  determined  to  enlarge  its  field  of  usefulness, 
and  erect  a  building  suitable  for  the  purpose,  he  zealously  supported  the  movement,  and  subscribed  liber- 
ally to  the  stock.  He  is  a  stockholder  and  director  in  the  Montclair  Bank,  a  memlter  of  Montclair  Lodge, 
F.  &  A.  M.,  of  Pentalpha  Chapter,  No.  11,  R.  A.  M.,  of  Hoboken,  to  all  of  which  he  has  given  his 
generous  aid  as  circumstaTices  recpiired.  He  was  an  officer  of  the  Ninth  Regiment  National  Guard, 
State  of  New  Jersey,  and  also  formed  Compan}'  F  of  the  same  regiment.  Honest  and  upright  in  all  his 
dealings,  a  man  of  unimpeachable  integrity,  honored  and  respected  in  business  and  social  circles,  he  well 
deserves  the  success  he  has  achieved. 


^ 


O^tMj- 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


301 


He  was  married  in  ISfiS  to  Miss  Eleanor  Eliza  Compton,  dansrliter  of  William  II.  Coniptoii,  a 
descendant  of  an  old  Jersey  family.  Her  greatifrandfather,  Job  ('onipton,  was  Lieutenant  in  a 
Monmouth  Connty,  N.  J.,  Regiment,  which  rendered  important  service  in  the  War  of  the  KevdJiitidn. 

THE  "FARLEY  HOUSES"  ON  THE  MOUNTAIN  SLOPE. 

The  "Farley  Houses,"  as  they  are  now  designated,  liave  become  a  prominent  feature  of  the  south- 
western slope  of  the  mountain — a  region  of  country  recently  developed  l)y  Mr.  James  J.  Farley,  who, 
though  hut  a  few  years  a  resident  of  Montclair,  has,  with  commendable  zeal,  energy  and  enterprise, 
added  to  the  natural  beauty  of  this  locality  by  the  erection  of  a  class  of  liouses,  unique  in  style,  tasteful 
in  design  and  elal)oratc  in  finish  both  exterior  and  interior.  The  six  houses  already  completed  by  Mr. 
Farely  have  drawn  to  this  neighborhood  a  class  of  residents  who  will  doubtless  prove  of  great  benefit  to 


RESIDENCE  OF  JAMES   J.    FARLEY. 

the  comnuinity.  The  architectural  design  of  these  villas  may  be  cla.«sed  under  the  general  head  oC 
"  American  Domestic,"  altliough  in  many  respects  they  have  a  striking  resemblance  to  the  French 
chateau.  The  plans  are  by  Montrose  W.  Morris,  a  prominent  architect  of  Brooklyn.  While  the 
exterior  is  botli  pleasing  and  attractive,  these  houses  are  designed  with  especial  reference  to  the  carrying 
out  of  the  ideas  of  Mr.  B^arley  as  to  interior  arrangements.  On  this  he  has  bestowed  much  time  and 
thought,  his  object  being  to  combine  convenience  and  utility,  with  all  that  artistic  skill  can  suggest. 
These  interiors  are  fitted  up  in  hardwood,  mostly  oak,  of  the  best  workmanshij),  and  the  decorations  and 
coloring  are  made  to  harmonize  with  the  general  appearance. 

The  one  at  ]iresent  occupied  by  Mr.  Farley  is  similar  in  its  exterior  appearance  to  the  others. 
The  house  is  48  feet  front  with  around  tower  breaking  through  the  roof;  the  whole  of  the  exterior  is 
shingled.  The  house  contains  tliree  rooms  front,  tlie  dining  room  being  octagonal  in  form  aud  finished 
in  aiiti(pie  oak.  It  has  a  fover  hall  with  l)rick  colonial  mantel.  A  peculiar  feature  of  the  parlor  in 
this  house  is  that  of  a  window  built  in  the  chimney  outside,  opening  over  and  forming  jjart  of  a  mantel 


302  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

of  antique  oak.  Tlic  window  lio;hts  are  of  cathedral  glass,  arranged  in  a  variety  of  colors,  and  when  the 
rays  of  the  setting  sun  sliine  through  these  a  most  beautiful  effect  is  produced  in  the  parlor  and  foyer. 

Tiiese  villas  overlook  a  wide  and  extended  range  of  country,  and,  on  a  clear  day,  Brooklyn  Heights, 
the  Bridge  and  New  York  15ay  can  he  clearly  discerned. 

Mr.  Fai'ley,  to  whom  the  people  of  IVIontclair  are  indebted  for  tiiese  and  other  substantial  improve- 
ments, is  a  native  of  New  'i'ork  City,  born  May  11,  1859.  He  is  but  two  or  three  generations  removed 
from  his  English  ancestors  who  spelled  the  name  Farleigh.  He  is  a  unique  character  and  has  a  fondness 
for  the  unique,  a  giant  in  stature,  six  feet  four  in  height  and  well  proportioned.  Conscious  of  his 
individual  ijreatness  he  resolved  with  Ingersoll  Lockwood,  General  Woodward,  and  others,  to  bring 
together  in  one  harmonious  whole  the  greatest  men  of  the  present  age,  and  so,  in  1880,  they  founded  tlie 
famous  Order  of  Titans.  Beginning  with  half-a-dozen  members  in  New  York  City  it  now  extends  from 
Maine  to  California,  with  a  membership  over  two  hundred,  not  one  of  whom  is  less  than  six  feet  two  in 
height.  On  the  list  of  members  are  found  the  names  of  lion.  Chester  A.  Arthur,  General  Wintield  Scott 
IliUicock,  ''  Long  John  Wentworth,"  Lient.-Governor  William  Dorsheimer,  Dr.  Ciias.  A.  Doremus, 
Colonel  Alfred  Wagstaff,  the  author,  Frank  Vincent,  Jr.,  Hon.  Chas.  W.  Fuller,  and  others.  W.  J. 
Pierce  is  one  of  the  highest  members  with  six  feet  five  and  a  half  inches,  R.  W.  Dayton,  C.  G. 
Dinsmore  and  Howard  Mitchell  are  six  feet  four.  Colonel  Wagstaff,  James  A.  Farley,  W.  L.  Ham- 
mersley,  R.  A.  C.  Smith  and  Ingersoll  Lockwood  are  over  six  feet  four.  Every  man  is  able  to  touch  a 
banner  eight  feet  above  the  ground  without  rising  on  his  tiptoes. 

The  Titans,  according  to  the  theory  of  their  organization,  are  the  descendants  of  the  old  demi- 
o-ods  who  were  employed  by  Jupiter  to  hold  up  the  heavens  so  that  the  skies  might  not  fall  on  Mount 
Olympus.  These  modern  Titans  have  three  meetings  a  year.  On  the  1st  of  March  the  members  are 
reminded  that  "  AVe  are  nearing  the  day  on  which  it  is  our  custom  to  celebrate  with  becoming  solemnity, 
united  with  dignified  mirth,  the  awakening  of  Mother  Earth."  On  this  occasion  an  invocation  is  delivered 
by  the  High  Priest  in  Latin,  calling  on  Mother  Earth  to  hear  her  sons  as  they  lift  up  their  voices  to  her, 
and  to  wake  up  from  her  sleep  and  bring  the  happiness  of  flowers  and  fruit  and  good  health  to  all  the 
earth. 

Li  June  the  Titans  make  a  visit  to  the  ocean  to  salute  Father  Neptune.  Li  the  autumn,  about 
Thanksgiving  time,  they  are  again  called  together  to  put  Mother  Earth  to  sleep.  This  is  the  last  of  the 
Olynqiian  banquets  of  the  year,  and  the  members  are  notified  that  the  event  is  to  be  celebrated  with 
"  collation,  potation,  fumation,  cantation,  conversation,  oration,  narration,  cachinnation,  and  jollification." 
Tlie  crest  of  the  Order  is  Titan  supporting  the  heavens;  their  motto:  Usque  Ad  Superos,  and  their 
flower  the  violet. 

In  selecting  a  residence  on  the  mountain  slope  in  Montclair,  Mr.  Farley  made  a  wise  choice,  and 
in  perfect  harmony  with  the  rules  governing  the  Order  of  Titans. 

Mr.  Farley  is  not  limited  in  liis  knowledge  to  Grecian  mythology,  but  passed  through  the  usual 
course  of  public  instruction  in  the  schools  of  New  York,  completing  his  business  course  at  the  Packard 
Institute,  and  after  many  years  spent  in  the  employ  of  the  D.,  L.  A  W.  R.R.  Co.,  rose  to  a  high  position  of 
trust. 

He  married,  in  1S87,  (?)  Jennie  JMorgan  Osborne,  daughter  of  Alexander  Osborn,  who  came  from 
the  vicinity  of  Osborne  Castle,  England. 

CHRISTOPHER   ANDREW   IITNCK. 

At.thouoh  Mr.  Ilinck  is  among  tlie  more  recent  settlers  of  ^Montclair,  the  extensive  improvements 
he  has  made  in  the  township,  and  the  large  amount  expended  by  him  in  opening  and  improving  streets 
and  avenues  are  matters  of  record,  and  entitle  him  to  recognition  in  a  hi,«tory  of  Montclair. 

Mr.  Hinck  was  born  in  Kehding  Bruch,  Province  of  Hanover  (now  a  part  of  Prussia),  November 
1,  1831.      He  came  of  a  good  and  respecta])le  family,  his  father  l)eing  of  that  class  of  well-to-do  intelli- 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  :108 

•jeiit  fanners  wliu  coiniUKse  the  hoiic  and  sinew  of  the  German  Empire,  lli.s  matei-nai  _i;ran<ifathei',  llein 
Kick,  was  a  man  of  more  than  ordinary  intelligence,  and  of  great  intlnence  in  the  commimitv,  and  at  the 
time  of  the  French  inva.sion  in  ISIO,  was  elected  Mayor  of  a  large  district,  and  cldtlied  with  aiiipic 
authority  to  ])rotect  the  interests  of  his  fellow  citizens. 

^Ir.  Ilinck  was  educated  under  a  system  which  has  long  been  ccimiiidsory,  i-ci|iiiring  pari'iits  tn  send 
their  children  to  school  from  the  age  of  eight  to  fourteen  years,  and  at  the  present  time  a  failure  to  do  so 
involves  a  penalty  of  imprisonment  to  the  delinquent.  Under  such  a  system,  which  in  his  day  existed  in  a 
more  mo(litied  form.  Mr.  lliiick  acipiired  an  education  suHicient  to  tit  him  for  a  mercantile  career,  lie 
afterward  spent  five  years  in  a  mc-rcaiitile  house,  and  then  conchidcd  to  try  his  I'ortinic  in  tlic  New  World. 
He  left  home  and  landed  in  .New  York  City  in  1>.")1,  a  total  stranger.  His  frank,  open  manner  and  pleas- 
ing address,  made  a  favoralile  impressson  on  those  with  whom  he  was  ln-ouglit  in  contact,  and  he  soon 
made  friends  that  ••<-lung  closer  than  a  lirotlier.''  Among  those  who  took  a  kindly  intt'rest  in  his  welfare, 
and  who  otfered  to  assist  hinj,  was  Wilson  (J.  Hunt.  He  made  the  ac(piaintaiice  of  other  prominent  mer- 
chants, who  invited  him  to  their  homes  and  honoivd  him  with  their  confidence,  lleolitained  employ- 
ment in  a  wholesale  woolen  house,  wliere,  by  his  strict  attention  to  business,  his  industry  ami  irMPid 
uprii^htne.ss  of  chara<-ter,  he  won  the  confidence  of  his  employers.  He  served  a  year  in  one  house,  and  two 
years  in  another,  antl  during  this  periotl  he  acijuireda  thorough  knowledge  of  the  business,  and  laiil  the  foun- 
dation for  ids  subsei|uent  successful  business  career.  In  July.  1854,  having  i)y  carefid  economy  saved  some- 
thing from  his  yearly  income,  together  with  a  few  hun<lreil  dollars  received  from  his  mother,  he  started 
in  business  for  him.self  under  the  firm  name  of  Hinck,  Harms  ik  Co.  lie  separated  from  them  in  IM.')!), 
and  orgaiuzed  the  firm  of  Hinck  &  Pupke,  winch  later  became  lliiick  I'ros.  He  continued  in  active 
business  for  more  than  a  <|uarter  of  a  century,  and  pa.s.sed  through  several  financial  crises  in  which  some 
of  the  oldest  business  houses  in  the  countiy  were  compelled  to  siispeml  ;  but  through  all  these  and  the 
freipient  fiuctuations  of  prices  incident  to  the  war,  he  maintained  his  credit  uiiimpared,  and  met  all  his 
obligations  promjitly.  lie  made  it  a  principle  of  his  life  never  to  juircha.se  in  excess  of  his  ability  to  pay 
promptly  in  cash  when  due.  With  abundant  opportunities  for  speculation  during  the  war  by  risking  his 
capital,  and  with  the  chances  of  acijuiring  wealth  rapidly,  he  prefi'rred  the  "slow  and  sure"  course,  and 
was  satisfied  with  fair  profits  and  quick  sales,  and  when  the  rapid  depreciation  in  prices  took  place  at  the 
clo.se  of  the  war,  he  found  himself  in  a  condition  to  dispo.se  of  his  stock  without  impairing  his  capital. 
From  the  beirinidng  of  his  Inisiness  career  he  sought  to  establish  confidence  between  himself  and  his 
customers  by  fair  dealings,  and  would  never  pernut  any  nnsrcpresentations  in  regard  to  the  ipiality  of 
goods  for  tliejpurpose  of  iruiking  a  sale.  His  conscientious  regard  for  the  truth  forbade  him  to  take  any 
advjintage  whatever  of  those  who  trusteil  in  his  judgment  and  in  his  integi-ity.  Honesty  as  a  ]>rinci|)le 
and  not  as  a  mere  matter  of  policy  was  rooted  and  grounded  in  his  nature,  and  instilled  into  his  mind 
throUirh  the  earlv  teachings  of  his  ]iarents,  who  ])elieved  that  character  was  nioie  to  a  nuiii  than  riches,  or 

worldly  hoiKjrs.     His  utdform  kindness  and  courtesy  toward  all  with  wl i  he  <•anl(^  in  contact  had  iiiuch 

to  do  with  his  success  in  life.  He  believed  that  every  friend  niaile  added  that  much  to  his  capital,  and 
every  enemy  made  imj)aired  it  to  the  same  extent. 

After  accumulating  a  moderate  fortune  Mr.  Hinck  retired  from  business  in  1SS3,  witJi  a  spotless 
escutcheon,  conscious  that  he  had  wronged  no  man  and  that  his  gains  had  been  honestly  acquired.  lie 
was  then  able  to  carry  out  a  long  cherished  plan  of  a  visit  to  the  fatherland,  and  to  mingle  again  amid 
the  scenes  of  his  childhood.  He  visited  various  parts  of  Europe  and  S[)ent  some  three  years  with  his 
family  at  Hanover,  which,  during  his  absence,  had  been  merged  from  an  inde])endcnt  kingdom  into  the 
great  (Terman  Empire.  This  enforced  idleness  however,  began  to  wear  on  him  after  the  long  and  busy 
life  which  he  had  led,  and  he  deternnned  to  seek  some  occupation  which  sliould  again  call  forth  his 
dormant  energies  and  give  activity  to  his  nund  and  body.  Soon  after  his  return  to  tlie  land  of  his 
adoption  he  visited  Montclair  and  was  attracted  by  its  beauty  and  the  healthfulness  of  its  location.  He  finally 
l)urcliased  wliat  was  known  as  the  "Sadler  Place,"  comprising  the  homestead  and  fourteen  acres,  nearly 
ad  joiidng  the  home  of  Inncss  the  artist,  know  as  "  The  Pines."     lie  eidarged   and  inq)roved   the  liome- 


30-t 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


stead,  which  lie  cli:ui<;e(l  from  tlie  simple  fiU'iii  liouse  to  tlie  bcimtifiil  inodern  villa.  The  grounds  were 
laid  out  iti  lawns  and  shade  and  fruit  trees  of  the  finest  variety  were  added,  and  tlie  whole  j)laee  made  to 
blossom  like  the  rose,  presentiiii;-  a  most  lieautiful  and  ^picturesque  appearance.  lie  subsequently  pur- 
sliased  three  acres  additional  which  he  added  to  the  homestead  |)ro]ierty. 

lie  became  impressed  with  the  great  social,  educational  and  other  advantages  of  Montclair — of  its 
healthfulucss  and  other  attractive  features,  and,  with  characteristic  energy,  and  faith  in  its  future  great- 
ness, deterniiued  to  do  his  share  toward  its  further  devclojiment.  lie  ]nirchased  a  tract  of  land  north  of 
Oxford  and  east  of  Grove  Street,  and  another  tract  of  land  lying  west  of  Grove  Street,  north  of  Greenwood 
Lake  Railroad.  Between  Montclair  Avenue  and  Grove  Street,  and  running  from  Walnut  to  Cliestniit  Streets, 
he  opened  a  new  street  to  which  he  gave  the  name  of  "  Clu'istopher" — that  being  his  christian  name — 
thus  perpetuating  the  name  of  its  projector ;  this  he  graded  so  as  to  form  a  perfect  drainage,  curbed 
and  macadamized  it,  all  at  his  own  expense.  He  also  made  the  same  improvements  at  Chestnut  Street, 
from  Grove  Street  to  Montclair  Avenue.  About  600  feet  north  of  Chestnut  Street,  from  Grove  to 
Forest  Street,  he  cut  an  avenue  in  1S92,  which  he  named  Columbia  Avenue,  in  commemoration  of  the 
quadrennial  event  of  that  year.  lie  has  erected  iifteen  houses  on  Christopher  Street,  one  on  "Walnut 
Street — a  double  brick  building,  and  a  beautiful  villa  on  the  corner  of  Grove  and  Chestnut  Streets,  and 
has  prepared  plans  for  further  iun)rovements  in  this  dii'ection.  AVhile  benefiting  himself  by  this  large 
expenditure  of  money,  he  has  proved  a  public  licnefactor  to  the  township,  by  the  enhanced  value  of 
other  jii'ojicrty  arising  therefrom,  and  has  thus  added  materially  to  the  wealth  oi  Montclair. 

In  1S.">7,  when  fortune  had  smiled  upon  him,  ]\Ir.  Ilinck  began  to  feel  the  necessity  of  a  helpmeet, 
and  his  thought  naturally  turneil  toward  the  fatherland  which  he  resolved  to  visit,  and,  amid  the  scenes 
of  his  childhood,  he  found  the  woman  of  his  choice,  in  Johanna  Maria  Fliedner,  whom  he  married  after 
a  brief  courtship,  and  returned  with  her  to  the  land  of  his  adoption.  She  proved  a  valuable  heljtmeet 
and  wise  counselor,  and  his  success  in  life  is  due  largely  to  her  aid  and  co-operation  in  all  his  plans,  thus 
verifying  the  proverb,  "Whoso  findeth  a  wife  lindeth  a  good  thing,  and  obtaineth  favor  of  the  Lord.'' 
Ten  childien  have  been  born  to  them,  eight  of  whom  are  still  living;  these  are  Maria,  Henry  John, 
Georgine  (deceased),  George  Frederick,  Edward  Louis,  Louisa,  Ernest  Christopher,  Edmund  (deceased), 
Alfred  John  and  Otto  Ilelmuth, — the  latter  named  from  Count  Von  Moltke  and  Bismarck.  A  friend  of 
the  family  communicated  the  fact  to  count  Von  Moltke,  he  sent  his  photograph  to  his  namesake  on  the 
back  of  which  was  subscrilied  :  "With  the  best  wishes  for  (Hto  Ilelmuth,"  signed.  Field  Marshal  Count 
Vou  Moltke. 

Til  O.MAS  S.  GLADDLXG. 

TuuMAs  S.  (ii.AiuiiN'G  graduated  at  lirown  University  in  1875.  lie  tauglil  the  sciences  at  Suttield 
(Conn.)  Institute  and  Worcester  (Mass.)  Academy  for  three  years.  He  came  to  New  York  City 
in  1S7S  and  formed  a  copartnership  with  Mr.  C.  M.  Stillwell,  under  the  firm  name  of  Stillwell  ik 
Gladding,  analytical  chemists,  and  otticial  chemists  to  the  New  York  Produce  Exchange.  Mr.  Gladding 
is  a  member  of  the  American  {'heniical  Society  and  the  English  Society  of  Public  Analysts.  He  became 
a  I'esident  of  Montclair  in  1SS7,  and  juirchased  the  liening  pi'operty  on  Mountain  Avenue.  He  is  an 
active  member  and  a  trustee  of  the  I>ai)tist  Church  :  also  a  member  of  the  Montclair  Club. 


Chapter  XVI 11. 


)-W 


Ul'PEi;    NKiNTCl.AIU. 


/j^^^i  1 1 E  beautiful  region  of  country  known  as  rppei-  Motitt-lMir  lias  for  its  noitlu'in  lioimdary 
f'S^'S)]^!  iliu  township  of  Acquackiinonek  in  Passaic  County;  Watchuiiij  Avenue  is  the  bouiidaiy 
line  hetween  it  and  Montclair;  the  townshi])  of  I'looniHeld  lies  on  the  east  and  that  of 
N'erona  on  the  west.  The  (Ti-eenwood  Lake  li.Ii.  passess  in  a  northerly  direction  throiij;h 
the  centre  of  the  village,  having  three  stations  witliin  the  present  boundaries  of  Upper 
Montclair,  viz.:  AVatchung,  Upper  ifontclair  and  Alontdair  Heights.  The  surface  of 
the  country  is  high,  almost  unbroken  upland,  with  a  giadual  slope  from  the  mountain 
toward  the  east,  thus  afforditig  perfect  drainage,  and  freedom  from  all  malarious  inlluenees. 
It  has  two  flourishing  churches — the  Christi:in  Union.  Cipngregational,  and  St.  James, 
Episcopal — a  beautiful  cemetery,  known  as  ilount  Hebron  Cemetery,  lying  on  the  outskirts 
of  the  township,  a  large  brick  school-house,  a  public  hall,  some  half-dozen  stores,  an  engine 
house,  with  a  good  fire  engine,  provided  with  all  the  modern  fire  apparatus.  Some  of  the  linest  residences 
in  the  township  are  located  in  this  neighborhood,  notably  those  of  Mr.  (.'.  II.  lluestis  and  Dr.  Morgan  W. 
.\vres.  Most  of  tiie  houses  are  of  the  style  known  as  American  Domestic;  there  are  a  few,  however, 
of  the  English  (rothic,  which  present  a  beautiful  and  picturesque  ajjpearance. 

All  of  this  part  of  the  township  was  originally  known  as  Speertown  (so  caiieil  from  the  Speers,  wIkj 
owncil  large  tracts  of  land  in  this  neighborhood)  and  extended  from  the  Fordham  Crane  house  (Washing- 
ton's headquarters)  in    Montclair  to  the  line  of  Acquackanonck  township. 

When  the  Hollanders,  who  gained  influence  at  the  Indian  trailing  place  of  Acquackanonck  on  the 
Passaic  Kiver,  made  the  purchase  of  tlie  Acquackanonck  tract  in  ItiT'.l  and  10S4,  they  laid  their  farms  in 
l>arallel  strips  along  the  northern  Newark  border  back  to  the  mountain,  and  were  thus  brought  in  imme- 
diate contact  with  the  Puritan  settlers.  Many  of  the  old  familiar  names  connected  with  Acquackanonck 
township  are  found  among  the  early  records  of  this  part  of  Montclair  township.  Among  these  are 
the  Speei-s,  Egberts,  Van  Giesons,  Seiglerg,  Paul  uses,  Posts,  Garrabrantses,  Van  Hikers,  Vreelands, 
Van  Wagoners,  Sips,  Stymets,  Van  AVinkles,  Garitses,  and  Peterses. 

COPY  OF  AN  OLD  DEED. 

Cbie  UnliCUture,  Made  the  fourteenth  day  of  Desembre  in  the  fourteenth  year  of  the  Reifjn  of  our  Sovereij;n 
Lord  (leorjie  the  third  by  the  Grace  of  God  of  Great  Britain,  France  and  Ireland  King  Defender  of  the  Faith  &c.  and  in 
the  \'ear  of  our  Lord  One  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Seventy  four  BETWEEN  Robert  Drummond  of  Aequaekennonck 
in  the  County  of  Essex  and  Eastern  Division  of  the  Province  of  New  Jersey  Merchant,  of  the  first  part,  and  John  Spear 
of  Newark  Bounds  in  the  County  and  Province  aforesaid.  Yeoman  of  the  second  part  WITNESSETH  that  the  said 
Robert  Drummond  for  and  in  Consideration  of  the  sum  of  Seventy  pounds  Current  money  of  the  Province  of  New  York  to 
him  in  hand  paid  by  the  said  John  Spear  at  or  before  the  Ensealing  hereof  the  Receipt  whereof  he  doth  hereby  Acknowledge 
and  himself  therewith  fully  satisfied  Contented  and  paid  and  therefrom  doth  E.xonorate  Acquit  and  Discharge  the  said 
John  Spear  his  Heirs  Executors  and  Administrators  for  ever  by  these  presents  Hath  Given  Granted  Bargained  Sold 
Aliened  Released  Enfeoffed  Conveyed  and  Confirmed  and  by  these  presents  doth  Give  Grant  Bargained  Sell  Alien  Release 
Enfee  off  Convey  and  Confirm  unto  the  said  John  Spear  his  heirs  and  assigns  forever  All  that  Certain  Tract  or  Parcel  of 
Land  Situate  Lying  and  being  within  the  bounds  of  a  large  Tract  sold  by  Peter  Sunmans  on  the  East  side  of  Peckmans 
River  in  the  County  of  Essex  aforesaid  BEGINNING  at  a  Rock  Oak  Tree  being  the  South  East  Corner  of  the  aforesaid 
Tract  and  from  thence  running  first  North  Easterly  along  the  Bounds  thereof  Twenty  one  Chains  and  forty  Links  more  or 
less  to  the  Division  Line  between  the  Lots  No.  i  and  No.  2,  thence  North  Sixty  three  Degrees  West  as  the  Division  Line 


Sih;  Hk^tory  of  Moktclair  Township. 

nins  ^isJtXMj  Chains  anJ  Ninety  Kijihl  UJnks  or  sso  far  as  to  ct»mjiU\«  Thirly  Aotvs,  thcnix-  South  Twenty  So\on  IK-gtws 
Wf«t  twx-ntv  Chjuns  anil  ninety  fivt-  Links  and  irvni  thencv  to  the  K'sinnins  Containinsj  Thirty  Acres  as  aforvsjiid 
TV>«nde<l  5>»>nth  Easterly  by  Lanti  now  in  the  jvvssession  of  the  sjud  John  Sivir  North  by  Lot  nun>K-r  two  West  by  Land  of 
Pauhis  and  l\-in>s  Piinlesse  a«d  Siwth  by  land  now  ptwsesscd  by  Nichohts  Garnibratntse  Together  with  all  WihhIs  nnder- 
wvxids  Huntinj;  towlinjj  l"Vivilests  Heixxlitanients  and  Appurtenances  whals«x>ver  to  the  same  lielongins  or  in  any  mmmer 
irf  \\-a\-s  appi-nainins  i»ls.<  all  the  Estate  Right  Title  Interest  l^v^jx^rtv  Claim  and  l^eniand  whats>x-ver  Either  in  Law  or  in 
Equity  of  hini  the  Siiid  Rolvn  l">mmm<\nd  in  or  to  the  aK>ve  s;tid  Granted  and  Barjj-ained  Premises  or  to  any  part  thereof 
TX"*  HAVE  AND  IV  HOLl>  the  aVv>\-e  sjtid  Gr:\nte«l  and  BjirgnincHl  l>retnises  with  the  Appurtenanees  unto  the  s;\id 
l»Vhn  Sjxvw  his  heirs  and  assigns  to  the  only  rrx>jx-r  nse  Ix-nelit  and  behoof  of  hitn  the  Sitid  John  Spe;u  his  heirs  and 
assigns  tor  e\-er  and  he  the  s;vid  RoK^rt  Orummond  i\<r  himself  and  his  heirs  doth  Covenant  and  Ag^Vl■  to  and  with  the  said 
|<Vhn  Spear  his  heirs  and  assigns  that  lvet\>re  and  at  the  rime  of  the  Sejtling  herei-if  he  the  said  RoK-n  Prummond  is  the  triic 
and  Lawful  »»wner  of  the  alxn-e  Granted  and  B;»rgaineil  premises  and  is  Lawfully  seiied  and  jxvssessed  of  tlie  same  in 
his  own  pT»'<per  Right  as  a  gvxxl  Surv  Perfect  and  Abs^Jute  Estat*  of  Inheritance  in  Fee  Simple  and  liath  in  himself  gx>v>d 
right  f«ll  P>>weT  and  Lawful  Anthority  to  Grant  Rirgswn  Sell  Convey  and  Confirm  the  same  unto  the  s;>id  John  Spejtr  his 
heirs  and  assigns  in  manner  as  a  foresjud  ALSO  that  the  said  John  Spear  his  heirs  and  assigns  shjUl  and  may  for  ewr 
hereafter  I-awfuUy  PeaecsiWy  and  t^uietly  have  hold  suid  Occupy  P^^ssess  and  Enjoy  Ute  same  Siimc  free  and  Clearly 
Acquitted  and  Discharged  ^^f  iUid  friMU  jUI  other  and  former  Gifts  Grants  Rirgains  Sales  Leases  Mortsi-jiges  Wills  Entails 
lointures  IVwries  and  all  other  Incumbrances  whatSKV\-er  ^Escepring  and  Reserving  all  and  every  Such  rivrlicuhir  Rights 
anvi  Privileges  as  were  Mentioneil  in  a  Cen^un  Instnuncnl  or  Article  of  AgTcemcnt  from  under  the  hands  and  seals  of 
Ganet  Van  Ryker,  Ctvnselius  lX>renius,  Peter  St\n«etSs  Paulus  Pauhisse,  Teunis  Sj^ear,  Hartmjin  Vreeland.  Michael  Vree- 
land,  Hendrici  Ganitse,  Abraham  Gjumtse,  Hessel  Peterse,  Adrijui  Pi>st,  Peter  Peterse,  Jac»>l>us  P^^s^,  Hendrick  Post, 
Adrian  Post  Jujir,,  Arie  Sip,  Adrian  P»^t,  Ganei  Van  Waggxmer,  Elias  Vreeland,  and  Jan  Tomisee,  Bejiring  date  the  2d. 
dav  of  April  Anno.  Dom.  >745>  aad  thes.'ud  Robert  Drammt^nd  l\-ir  himself  and  his  heirs  doth  further  Covenant  and  Agree 
to  "and  with  the  s.iid  lohn  Spear  his  heirs  and  assigns  that  the  aKuve  said  Granted  and  Bivrgained  Premises  in  the  Ouiet 
and  Peaceable  Possession  ivf  the  Siud  Ji-vhn  Spear  ag-ainst  ."Ul  and  every  Person  and  Persons  wh.ttsoever  lawfully  claiming 
or  to  elsiim  the  s;inH»  or  any  jvart  thereof  he  the  siud  Robert  Drummond  shiJl  and  will  W.arrant  and  forever  Defend 
IN  WlTNEjjiS  WHEREOF  the  first  party  to  these  preset>is  hath  hereunto  set  his  h.<ujd  and  Seal  the  day  and  Ve.ir  lirst 
above  written. 

Sealw^  .\xs>  Dmjykrki>  ♦  ROBT.  DRUMMOND.  [Stuil 

Ik  thk  rsK-^iEXCK  of  » 

The  words  ithe  said>  in  the  four-  i 

teenth  (.jJ'i"^  l'"*'  ■*"**  Interlined  J- 

bdkkre  the  delivery  of  these  Piesieats.  \ 

Thomas  Va.s  Ripkr, 

S.\MU    Hll>SlTT, 

9 

The  maiH  road  vrluoh  eonnected  die  settlement  of  Speertowu  with  tliat  of  Craiietown  was  hiid  out 
in  ITftSv,  and  is  deseril>evl  as  "  Bearinning  at  a  road  leading  from  2d  river  to  the  moiuuain  near  Garrit 
SjxhVs  field."  It  follower!  the  same  line  of  the  present  Valley  TJoad.  passing  tlirongh  the  lands  of  Peter 
,  De  Garmo,  Kineer  Van  Gieson,  Gideon  Van  Winkle,  Jolin  Egl»err,  2s (.cih  Crane  and  William  Crane, 
tlie  sontheru  teruiinns  being  at  William  Crane's  house,  later  known  as  "  Washington's  headquarters "; 
this  road  \ras  for  manv  years  and  until  long  after  the  Revolntion  known  as  the  "  S}>eertown  n^ad." 
This  was  no  donbt  the  road  so  frequently  used  by  the  Amerie^ui  Army  during  tlie  War  of  the  Kevolutiou. 
It  connected  with  or  intersected  tlte  "  road  from  Newark  to  Horseueck,"  as  described  in  the  original 
KMind.iries  of  C.-ddweJl  Towusljip,  I H>S.  as  follows:  "  thence  on  a  straight  line  to  the  top  of  the  First 
Mountain,  to  where  a  certsiin  ro,^d  laid  ont  along  tLe  line  of  lands  of  Stephen  Crane,  deceased,  intersects 
the  top  of  said  monm:un." 

Watchnng  Avenne,  known  in  early  times  as  "  Cnk-Jree  lane,"  l>egan  at  what  is  now  V.illey  luutd 
and  ran  to  EgWrt's  house,  nnder  the  monnt.iin.  It  was  cm  through  to  its  present  eastern  tenniiius 
within  the  past  few  yc-irs. 

What  is  now  Bdlevne  Avenue  was  an  old  road  that  ran  frv>m  the  Speertown  Road  to  Stone  Uonse 
Plains,  and  was  known  as  the  "  Stone  House  Plains  road." 

The  construction  of  the  Greenwooil  Like  E.ailroad  thrvmgh  this  i^art  of  the  country,  with  a  few 
cstpitalistSs  began  operations  as  early  as  ISTO.  They  purchased  farm  lands,  which  they  divided  into  villa 
plots,  and  l>e£ran  making  improvemeurs.  The  jvanie  of  1ST3.  however,  caused  a  lemix>rary  susj^usion. 
and  thore  w.is  no  activitY  in  the  real  estate  market  for  tlie  next  two  or  three  yeiirs.     About  1S70  a  few 


UrsTOKV  fjy  SUjstclmh  Townsiiii'.  •'>'f7 

famillt-ti  fr./i/i   M'/ni'.iair,  Un/'^kivn.  aicj  otjic-r  i   iiit^y  i;  ''irJi'>od  and  fx?{ran  inakSng 

ifii|(r«jv<:iiiefit*.     Tli<;n;    wen,-    at   tliat    tiiii<;    b  -— tlie    j  'y»/<«    U;injr    \'alk-^'    \itr*>\, 

Watcliijri;r  and  liellevilUi  Avenui^,  MouHt  Hebron  ItoaiJ,  Mountain  Avcnne,  I'ark  a/«<J  Grove  Btrtacte. 
Sine*;  1-'  ir<i  of  tvir<;rity  »/'■       '  '    '  v,  over 

tvt'o  liiiir  '-fit».  re|yr<;*<-nt  a  '  /'' an'l 

Arjii;ri;;  till;  <:rit<,-r)<ri'-i/./ '-^  ir 

wa*  Mr.  T.  (i.  .StUfc-A.  of   New  v.. -    .       .         ,  ^f 

the  If>cality  duriii;?  a  tc-fnpjrary  rfe*i<lenoe.     Ue  fir^  jjurcKa^cJ  aU>ut  fifty  a<rre«,  and  laU-r  ina/le  an 

a/lditional  purcliiue  of  Miventy  a/;r«.-».     He  laid  out  and  ma/-:  'a 

nuiiilier  of   fine  liousee,  and   um/U:  otiier  iinprovenieMti*.     /. .   'V 

than  any  oflier  man  to  develop  tlie  |<roj*erty  in  thi*  I'^^aility, 

RFJJGIOTS  INTEIiKSTfi  OF  fpPKU  MONTrLAJJl. 

Thk  Holland  i>'Ji*iiIation  v  ;  tliat  imrtUftt  of  tlie  p/<                                                         .-r- 

t'.-.vn.  ifi  t!i<r  '-irlv  ;■••:;-   /'  •■■     '  ■'    •:•-•■   -..';._.:....»  afcftix-lai.  / --    ,.  ., --^  ... •.   ..;.d 

>wvr..:  Jc;.<r.     'J  ;.■   r    .  *ilMrre  a  Duteli  ehur'.-h    wa«  erwAed  in 

17:47,  with  reference,  in  the  arranjrem«nt  of  |>ew»,  to  a  fo-                 rx-li-     All  »!»«  n</rtliero  ewl  of  tli« 

t',^nfromt'^  ^  >.•  ■  ,      ... .         ...;... .    ..  :.i    .; ..   m  ,.i  • <.<  i^;<>,^ 

K;-...-r  in  a  l-  ;.    ,  J>yw 

and  Thorna*  Cstdinuc.  from  amoog  ti*e  Poritan  poj  i  tl<e  eoutii  end  of  ili*  Utwo,  were  ai^fy  iiiad* 

f . 

ie99  or  IT'i'^  to  1724,  at  iMAlt  Af*juackanor*<rk  and  Seeofld  liiver,  li*rv. Morinus,  iJ*;y. 

I>eydt,  F  "t'-v. (  •'       ■' 

'j  f  wltat  ii!  I.  ,^  -for  •pward  of  tliree-rjoartefs  of  a 

(.oeotarr  aii  outlrine  dictriet  ior  tuhm'/ti  efforts,  and  bas  beea  oeenpied  at  vuitMu  times  hy  tiie  l}uUAt 

.'i  ,....„....     .  ,      .       I{tx»«ifi(^  Aeademy— afterward  a 

miniEter  in  tlie  Pr»*byTery  of  Newark — oytnuA  a  ^alAulh  fthool  in  tJji«  a«'tt^i\MJiiMMjd.  It  wat  fin* 
;.,,;.  tJ>e  Ii".-"  '    '        Ji 

(       .  ,   _ _..    ,;,.^...   _^ :  -:  |yia«e  i;  -  ^^e 

ex^tre  of  the  vUhtfse,  >/ot  u<yw  oeeuf^ed  as  a  private  ret^detMie, 

in  later  <-'  kaovn  as  ti>e  Kouut  IMtnjo  WiAnuL  aod  tlie  eeW/l  wae 

deeijrna*'  " 

"re  Itare  been  ^xttxu  eu^ienuteti'ieats.  as  foU«yWi> :  Eooe  A^ 

OJjome.  ftauioei  Put.  J  'a? 

Jo.' ■    ' ^'' —  '•  ..  ^:. .,..;... .-..  .,  >.  . 

E. 

']'•.   o:   :  ..'    -       '-*r  were  frooa  tiie  Pretbytenan  iwe 

^eld  for  alioat  eijeiit  year*  preifiow'  -  ^  "  ' 

In  1^70,  Mr.  Joeepli  H.  .S-  a  cieries  of  prayer  iaeetiiig«  io  tii*;  b  tt  twe 

EVg^eEtioQ  of  y  ■^uperiBteofdeot,  ;■     -  ae  eo«JB«*fcQ  »«.  ^. 

kaovo  ae  tiie   'j        ,  io  Aasoetatkia.  t  'i*^?"  ■dk^otioeai]  exe- 

recpoodul :  ainoog  tbeto.  Mr.  IL  B.  JitteU,  wlio  also  took  a  elaec  ii  vL     Mr,  Vi-  >i 

tiiietic  rmt  tiie  dbar,  «erv.?;.     .    v  v    -er 

kaod'-  >,  .     .  ■  a  tLe  naaae  '■- 


308 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


In  1873,  Mr.  Littell  conveyed  tlie  lot  of  land  now  occupied  by  the  St.  James  Ejiiscopal  Clinrcli  to 
J.  Ilomeyn  Berry,  Daniel  V.  Plarrison  and  Philip  Doremns,  in  trust,  with  the  following  conditions : 
"  And  should  there  be  organized  hereafter  at  any  time  before  the  expiration  of  ten  years  from  the  date 
of  this  instrument  a  church,  a  religious  society,  formed  and  constituted  according  to  the  rules  and 
customs  of  the  church  known  as  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  having  a 
connection  with  the  Presbytery  of  that  church,  duly  incorporated,''  !.e.,  then  the  Trustees  were  autlior- 
ized  to  convey  said  lot  to  such  new  Presbyterian  Church. 


CIIPJSTIAN  UNION  CONGREGATIONAL  CHURCH. 

Retween  1873  and  1878,  a  number  of  families  had  moved  into  this  locality  from  IMiintclair, 
Rrooklyn,  and  other  places.  These  families,  representing  different  denominations,  feeling  the  need  of 
a  place  of  worship  where  all  could  unite,  started  a  movement  in  1878,  looking  to  tlie  erection  of  a  churcli 

stood  by  them  that  an 
effected  which  should 
tertainments  of  vari- 
for  the  purpose  of 
popular  and  successful 
vest  home  festivals,  in 
Rird  was  the  leading 
Montclair,  young  and 
tions,  and  those  of  tlie 
hood,  entered  lieartily 
these  festivals  proved 
entertainment  to  the 
summer  visitors  dur- 
autumn,  and  the  total 
this  source  was  about 
to  this  sum  nearly 
by  jiarties  interested 
A  building  plot,  in 
was  secured  from  Mr. 
many  years  liad  been 
tlie  Presbyterian  Mis- 
neighborhood,  and 
nate  the  property  for 


edifice,  itlteing  under- 
organization  was  to  be 
be  non-sectarian.  En- 
ous  kinds  were  held 
raising  funds,  the  most 
of  these  being  the  har- 
which  ]\Irs. Thomas  H. 
spirit.  The  people  of 
old,  of  all  denomina- 
surrounding  neighbor- 
in  to  the  work,  and 
a  source  of  delightful 
residents  as  well  as  the 
ina:  the  summer  and 
amount  realized  from 
$1,500.  In  addition 
$4,000  was  subscribed 
in  the  movement, 
a  desirable  location, 
H.  B.  Littell,  who  for 
the  Superintendent  of 
sion  School  in  this 
who  consented  to  do- 


CHKISTIAN    UNION    CONGKEG ATIUN AL    CHUKLH, 


the  purpose  of  erecting  a  church  edifice.  The  terms  of  conveyance,  however,  were  not  clearly  understood 
between  Mr.  Littell  and  the  several  jJarties  engaged  in  the  new  movement,  and  complications  arose  at  a 
later  period  which  led  to  the  abandonment  of  the  enterprise  by  what  had  become  known  as  the  Christian 
Union  Congregational  Church. 

When  a  sufficient  sum  had  been  raised  to  warrant  the  undertaking,  the  building  was  commenced 
and  the  corner  stotie  laid  October  22,  1878. 

When  the  eluirch  edifice  was  completed  and  ready  for  dedication,  the  projectors  of  the  new 
movement  learned  for  the  first  time  that  it  had  been  erected  on  a  lot  previously'  conveyed  to  other  ]>arties 
pledged  to  the  interests  of  tiie  Presbyterian  Church. 

After  careful  consideration  it  was  deemed  advisable  to  abandon  the  first  undertaking  and  begin 
anew.  A  Sunday-school  was  started  in  the  little  village  school-house  which  was  carried  on  successfully 
by  Mr.  F.  W.  Dorman.  Rav.  George  A.  Gates  accepted  an  invitation  to  preach  for  them  and  preacii- 
ing  services  were  held  in  the  school-room  on  Sunday  afternoons  for  a  year  and   a  half.     lie  was  a  man 


History  of  Montci.air  Township.  309 

eminently  fitted  fur  tlic  work  of  huilding  up  a  new  cliureli,  and  consented  to  accept  only  a  moderate 
compensation  nntii  sucii  time  as  a  permanent  organization  could  be  effected,  and  a  suitable  place  of 
worsliip  provided. 

The  same  means  were  employed  to  raise  funds  as  bad  previously  been  adoj)ted,  ^[r.  Gates  entering 
heartily  into  the  work.  A  lot  was  finally  purchased  and  a  neat  frame  building  erected,  less  pretentious 
then  the  first,  but  large  enough  to  meet  the  wants  of  the  connnnnity.  Mr.  Gates  by  a  unanimous  vote 
of  the  church  was  invited  to  become  its  pastor.  A  council  was  called  April  13,  1S82,  at  which  llcv. 
A.  II.  Bradford,  D.D.,  of  the  First  Congregational  Church  of  Montclair,  presided,  and  Mr.  Gates  was 
regularly  installed  as  pastor.  The  charge  to  the  pastor  wtis  delivered  by  Kev.  Dr.  Brown,  and  the  right 
hand  of  fellowship  given  by  Rev.  Dr.  Bradford.  The  charge  to  the  ])e()ple  was  delivered  by  liev. 
Lyman  Abbott,  D.D. 

At  the  beginning  of  tlie  service  Jlr.  Dorman,  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Trustees,  gave  a  brief 
statement  of  the  financial  affairs  of  the  Society,  and  reported  a  balance  still  remaining  unpaid  of  $1, ;")()(). 
Before  the  close  of  the  service  this  amount  was  pledged  aiul  the  church  was  dedicated  free  of  debt. 

^Fr.  Gates  continued  his  labors  until  1SS7,  and  under  his  ministrations  the  church  grew  in  iiuni- 
bcrs  and  influence  and  became  noted  for  its  benevolent  cuntributi(,ins.  The  Sunday -school  also  grew  and 
]iros])cred  undi'i'  the  leatiership  of  Mr.  Dorman. 

In  the  winter  of  ISST  Mr.  Gates  was  invited  to  the  Presidency  of  Iowa  College.  lie  hesitated 
long  before  giving  liis  final  answer,  and  had  he  consulted  his  own  feelings  in  the  matter,  he  would  have 
remained  with  the  little  church  in  r|i]>er  ^fontdair  to  which  he  had  become  so  strongly  attached.  After 
a  careful  consideration  of  the  matter,  however,  he  was  convinced  that  the  presidency  of  a  growing 
college  in  the  far  "West  opened  to  him  a  wider  field  of  usefulness.  It  was  a  severe  loss  to  the  church, 
but  subsc'jnent  events  showed  the  wisdom  of  his  choice. 

Tiie  following  biographical  sketch  of  Mr.  Gates  appeared  in  The  Ct/done,  and  was  published 
in  the  Junior  Aniunil  by  the  students  of  the  Junior  Class  of  Iowa  College,  1SS9  : 

Jancary  24,  iSsi,  is  a  date  of  considerable  interest  to  Inwa  College  students,  for  it  was  on  this  day  that  their 
president  first  opene<l  his  eyes  upon  this  world  in  the  little  village  of  Topsham,  Vermont.  Here  he  spent  his  first  few 
years  as  any  ordinary  child  might  have  done,  varying  the  monotony  of  life  by  occasional  tumbles  into  the  river  and  nar- 
row escapes  from  a  watery  grave. 

When  five  years  old  his  parents  removed  to  East  St.  Johnsbury,  where  he  attended  common  school.  At  an  early 
age  he  showed  special  aptitude  as  a  student.  Play  days  were  spent  among  the  hills,  woods  and  trout-streams.  A 
passionate  love  for  such  scenes  and  sports  was  acquired  which  takes  him  to  similar  ones  always  for  summer  vacations. 

When  seven  years  old  he  lost  his  father,  and  with  two  other  children  was  left  to  the  care  of  his  widowed  mother. 
Then  he  learned  what  it  was  to  work  and  to  do  without  many  of  the  things  dear  to  every  boy's  heart.  From  the  experi- 
ence of  these  years  he  knows  how  to  give  aid  and  sympathy  to  the  many  Western  students  who,  in  like  circumstances, 
are  now  striving  under  his  guidance  to  obtain  an  education. 

When  sixteen  he  taught  his  first  district  school.  He  had  nine  pupils,  received  fifty  cents  a  day,  "  boarded  round," 
built  the  fires  in  the  .school-house  and  swept  it.  He  prepared  for  college  at  St.  Johnsbury  Academy,  during  the  summer 
vacations  working  on  a  farm  at  munificent  salaries,  receiving  for  one  summer  $8.00  a  month,  which  he  now  thinks  was 
more  than  he  was  worth  at  that  work.  In  iS6g  he  entered  Dartmouth  College,  from  which  he  graduated  in  1873,  ranking 
high  in  a  class  of  ninety,  although  every  winter  term  was  lost  by  teaching.  The  first  two  years  after  graduation  were 
spent  as  principal  of  the  Academy  at  Morristown,  Vt.  After  this  it  was  his  intention  to  study  law,  but  he  was  persuaded 
by  a  friend  to  spend  a  time  at  Andover  Theological  Seminary.  During  a  summer  vacation  he  accompanied  the  family  of 
Samuel  Johnson,  one  of  the  merchant  princes  of  Boston,  to  their  summer  residence  at  Xahant,  as  tutor  and  companion  to 
his  two  boys.  Mr.  Gates  had  made  his  plans  to  go  to  Europe  this  year,  but  was  finally  prevailed  upon  by  Mr.  Johnson  to 
remain  and  prepare  his  son  for  college.  So  successful  was  he  that  in  eight  months  his  pupil  was  ready  to  enter  the  fresh- 
man class.  The  remaining  four  months  were  spent  by  the  Johnson  family  in  Europe,  Mr.  Gates  traveling  with  them. 
When  the  others  returned  to  America  in  the  fall  of  1S73,  he  turned  his  steps  to  the  University  of  Gattingen,  where  he 
spent  seven  months  listening  to  the  lectures  of  Lotze.  the  leading  philosopher  of  the  century.  The  two  months  of  Easter 
vacation  he  traveled  in  Italy,  then  spent  the  summer  semester  in  the  University  of  Bimn.  During  the  summer  he  studied 
the  French  language  and  customs  at  Paris,  and  in  the  fall  went  to  Switzerland,  where  he  sought  out  the  humble  lecture 
room  of  Godet,  the  Professor  of  Theology,  and  author  of  many  of  the  best  New  Testament  commentaries,  with  whom  he 
spent  several  weeks  of  delightful  companionship.  President  Gates  says  that  he  owes  more  to  Lotze  and  Godet  than  to  any 
others  of  the  great  men  with  whom  he  studied.     Afterward  he  was  at  the  Universities  of  Zurich  and  Leipsic  for  a  short 


310  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

time,  and  then,  in  January,  1880,  he  turned  his  face  homeward.  His  plans  of  entering  the  legal  profession  were  now 
changed,  and  he  went  to  Andover  to  complete  his  theological  course  After  graduation  he  preached  for  two  months  for 
the  church  at  Littleton,  New  Hampshire. 

His  next  work  was  at  Upper  Montclair,  New  Jersey.  The  story  of  it  is  like  a  bit  of  romance.  It  was  a  little 
community  about  twelve  miles  from  New  York  to  which  business  men  from  the  city  were  beginning  to  turn  to  find  quiet 
homes. 

A  Sunday-school  had  been  organized  before  President  Gates  went  there.  For  a  year  and  a  half  he  met  the 
people  in  the  school-house  Sunday  afternoons  and  preached  to  them  at  a  salary  of  $600.  The  work  grew  and  the  people 
became  interested.  As  a  result  of  his  labor  a  council  was  called  April  13,  1882,  which  received  the  church  into  fellowship, 
ordained  Mr.  Gates,  installed  him  as  pastor,  and  dedicated,  free  of  debt,  a  new  house  of  worship  costing  $10,000. 
Although  it  was  a  new  church,  his  salary  was  raised  to  $1,200,  then  to  $1,500,  and  again  to  $i,Soo,  and  the  church  was, 
moreover,  the  banner  church  in  the  United  States  for  benevolent  contributions  in  proportion  to  its  membership. 

Once,  in  December,  1882,  Mr.  Gates  left  his  pastoral  work  for  a  short  trip  to  Syracuse,  New  York.  There, 
December  14,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Isabelle  A.  Smith. 

During  the  fall  of  18S7  the  trustees  of  Iowa  College  were  searching  the  country  for  the  man  whom  they  should 
call  to  undertake  the  duties  of  President. 

At  the  National  Congregational  Council  in  Chicago,  one  of  the  trustees  asked  Dr.  Ward,  of  T/w  rndepcndent, 
"  Who  is  the  man  foreordained  to  be  President  of  Iowa  College?"  Reflecting  over  night,  he  replied,  "  George  A.  Gates, 
of  Upper  Montclair,  New  Jersey."  Further  investigation  convinced  the  trustees  that  Dr.  Ward  was  right,  and  on 
Washington's  birthday,  1887,  the  official  vote  was  taken  and  the  following  commencement  President  Gates  was 
inaugurated. 

He  entered  into  the  college  work  with  the  whole-hearted  earnestness  which  characterized  his  former  labors. 
Iowa  College  has  prospered  as  never  before.  He  has  bought,  by  special  contributions  for  that  purpose,  a  beautiful 
residence  one  block  from  the  college  campus,  which  will  become  the  college's  permanent  "  President  House,"  when  it  is 
fully  paid  for.  Here  President  Gates  is  at  home  with  his  mother,  wife  and  two  children.  Here  he  has  his  office,  and  is 
always  accessible  to  the  students,  and  ready  to  help  and  advise  them  as  they  need. 

His  Sundays  are  generally  spent  with  the  Congregational  Churches  of  the  State  in  the  endeavor  to  bring  more 
closely  together  the  college  and  its  natural  constituency.  From  the  influences  thus  spread  many  students  have  come  to 
Iowa  College. 

The  chiircli  was  without  any  settled  pastor  for  the  next  three  years.  A  call  was  e.xtended  to  Rev. 
William  O.  Weeden  in  November,  1890,  and  in  May  of  tlie  following  year  he  was  installed  as  pastor. 
He  was  faithful  in  his  efforts  and  endeavored  to  continue  the  work  so  successfully  carried  forward  by  his 
predecessor,  but  his  usefulness  Avas  impaired  through  failing  health,  and  in  April  of  the  present  year  he 
was  compelled  to  relinquish  his  charge. 

REV.  WILLIAM  O.  WEEDEN. 

Rev.  William  O.  Weeden  was  born  at  Providence,  R.  I.,  April  4,  185.5.  Ilis  preparatory  course 
was  at  the  high  schools  of  that  city.  lie  was  graduated  at  Amherst  College  in  1877,  and  studied  at  An- 
dover Theological  Seminary.  He  traveled  two  years  abroad,  making  a  tour  of  Palestine,  and  other  places 
in  the  East  in  company  with  Rev.  Henry  M.  Field,  Dr.  Lyon  and  others.  On  liis  return  he  took  a  post 
graduate  course  at  Andover  and  afterward  was  for  si.x  months  assistant  pastor  of  the  De  Witt  Memorial 
Church,  New  York  City.  In  the  autumn  of  1884  lie  received  a  call  from  the  First  Congregational 
Church  of  Beatrice,  Nebraska,  where  he  was  ordained  and  installed  as  pastor.  A  severe  illness,  which 
impaired  his  constitution,  necessitated  his  resignation,  and  he  again  went  abroad,  traveling  in  Japan, 
where  he  visited  missions  a!id  studied  missionary  fields.  On  his  return  lie  was  called  to  the  First  Congre- 
gational Church  at  Springfield,  Vt.,  one  of  the  largest  in  the  State,  lemaining  there  about  two-and-a-half 
years.  He  then  accepted  a  call  to  the  Bnshwick  Avenue  Church  of  Brooklyn,  but  found  the  climate  of 
that  city  induced  throat  trouble,  thus  necessitating  another  change.  In  November,  1890,  he  received  a  call 
from  the  (IJiristian  Kniou  Congregational  Church  of  this  place,  and  in  May  of  the  following  year  was 
installed  as  its  pastor,  continuing  until  Api'il,  1894. 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


311 


ST.  .TA^[KS  EPISCOPxVL  CIIURCU. 

Amonv;  tlie  residents  of  Uj)per  JLuntelair  tliere  liiis  been  for  many  years  individual  incniljers  of 
tlie  Episcopal  Cliurcli ;  tliese  for  a  time  united  witli  the  members  of  other  religious  denominations  in 
tiieir  worsliip,  aud  it  was  not  until  1885  that  any  concerted  effort  was  made  to  establish  a  distinct 
organization. 

In  February,  1880,  tlie  stone  buildinu;  was  completed  by  the  contributions  of  the  residents  of 
Upper  Montclair,  with  the  expectation  that  it  was  to  be  used  as  a  Christian  Union  Church.  Some 
disagreement  having  arisen,  and  the  title  to  the  land  having  passed  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Montclair 
Presbyterian  Churcli,  the  building  was,  on  Fel)ruary  '22,  1880,  dedicated  as  a  Chapel  of  that  Cliurch. 
A  Congregiitional  Society  having  been  formed,  held  services  there  for  a  few  months,  but  subsequently 
made  otlier  arrangements,  and  as  tliere  were  not  sutHcicnt  members  to  sustain  a  distinctive  I'resbytcrian 
Church,  the  building  remained  closed  for  some  time. 

In  ISS")  the  advisability  of  oi^taining  possession  of  the  Chapel,  and  holding  in   it  the  services  of 


f 


few  families  in  the  neighborhniid.  It  was  at  tirst 
tion  with  St.  Euke's  Churcli,  but  for  various 
time. 

was  again  started,  and  subscri|)tions  and  pledges 

The  bishop  of  the  diocese  and  the  rector  of  St. 

to  the  foi'uiation  of  a  new  mission,  and  the  prop- 

of    the    new    organization.       The    cliurch 

criy  arraiigc<l    for   church    services.      The 

temporary  cliai'gc  by 

vices  were   held    on 

fourth    Sunday    in 

At    a    meeting    of 

\\u',  Work  of  the  mis- 

jiurpose  of   coni]ilct- 

Mr.    W.    11.    Howell 

andMr.Wilburlliint- 

W.Il.I'ar.-^ons.Treas- 

W.     II.     Littell,    and 

quently  added. 

On  December  12,  1888,  Bishoj)  Starkey  gave  his  canonical  consent  to  the  formation  of  St.  James 
Parish.  At  the  jxirish  meeting  to  take  steps  for  incorjioratioii,  the  following  gentlemen  were  elected 
otHcers  :  William  II.  Power  and  Wilbur  Iliintington,  Wardens;  Auguste  J.  Yarno,  W.  II.  Parsons, 
John  Maticini,  William  II.  Littull.  F.  15.  Littlcjohn,  (J.  L.  Picntis,  Charles  Richards  and  J.  II.  Schoon- 
makcr,  Vestrymen. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Vestry,  held  Jamiaiy  29,  l"^s'.>,  the  liev.  Uicliaid  llayward,  of  the  diocese 
of  Chicago,  was  unanimously  called  to  be  Rector  of  this  Parish. 

Improvements  in  the  church  edifice  have  been  made  from  time  to  time,  and  in  1802  imjiortant 
modifications  were  made  in  the  interior  of  the  church.  All  plaster  was  removed,  the  ceiling  was  raised 
and  ceiled  in  wood,  and  the  walls  were  covered  witii  rough  terra  cotta  tiles.  The  interior  is  Ijeautifully 
furnished,  the  Woodwork  l)cing  of  anti([ue  oak,  highly  poli.-hed.  The  altar  was  designed  by  Tiffany  & 
Co.,  of  New  York  ;  the  lecturn  designed  by  Lamb  it  Rich,  architects,  of  New  York  ;  the  font  and  rcrcdos 
are  all  gifts  to  the  churcli  as  memorials  or  thanksgivings.  It  may  be  truly  said  that  there  are  few  country 
churches  more  artistic  in  design  and  treatment,  or  more  reverent  and  churchly  in  expression. 

The  church  is  supported  solely  by  voluntary  cotitributions.  All  seats  are  free.  It  has  a  seating 
capacity  of  about  150  ;  the  present  membership  is  about  80. 


the  Episco])aI  Cliurch,  was  discussed  by  a 
attempted  to  establish  a  mi.-^siou  in  connec- 
rcasons  this  plan    was   abandoned    for   the 
During  the  summer  of   |sS7  the  project 
\vcreol)tained  for  the  support  of  the  mission. 
Luke's  Church   of   Montclair  gave  consent 
crty  referred  to  passed  into  tlie  hands 
building  was  newly  furnished  ami  i>rop- 
Rev.  P.  McD.  Hleecker  was  placed    in 
the   Bishop,  and  the  first  ser 
the    morning    of   the 
Advent. 

persons  interested  in 
sion,  called  for  the 
ing  the  organization, 
was  elected  Warden 
ington, Secretary;  Mi-. 
urer;  .V.  J.  Varno, 
other    names    subse- 


il.    J.l.Ml.b   tllbCoIAI.   CHURCH. 


312 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


MOUNT  HEBRON  CEMETERY. 

"  There  is  no  Death  !     What  seems  so  is  transition  ; 
This  life  of  mortal  breath 
Is  but  a  suburb  of  the  life  elysian 

Whose  portal  we  call  death." — Longkf.llow. 

This  cemetery  is  located  in  the  iiortlnvest  corner  of  Montclair  Township,  at  Montclair  Heights, 
on  the  east  side  of  the  mountain,  about  three  minutes'  walk  from  the  station  on  the  Greenwood  Lake 
R.R.  It  contains  about  twenty  acres,  occupying  an  elevated  position,  affording  a  very  extended  view 
from  almost  every  point  of  the  compass.  On  a  clear  day,  Brooklyn  Heiglits,  the  Bridge  and  a  part  of 
(Ireenwood  Cemetery  can  easily  be  seen — as  well  as  the  baidcs  of  the  Hudson,  the  Palisades,  from  the 
southernmost  point  at  Weehawken,  extending  north  to  its  termination  above  Closter.  The  projectors  of 
this  enterprise  designed  it  not  simply  for  local  use,  but  parties  from  Jersey  City,  Paterson,  Newark  and 
Little  Falls,  are  owners  of  jilots  on  which  they  have  expended  large  sums  of  money,  The  cemetery  is 
beautifully  laid  out  with  macadamized  I'oads,  is  provided  with  a  lodge  for  the  keeper,  a  receiving  vault, 
and  other  improvements  are  constantly  lieing  made.  A  mindjer  of  costly  monuments  have  been  erected, 
and  everything  has  been  done  to  make  the  place  attractive  and  beautiful,  and  a  tit  resting-place  for 
departed  loved  ones. 

The  Mount  Hebron  Association  was  organized  in  February,  1S63,  for  the  purpose  of  procuring 
land  to  be  held  in  trust  for  cemetery  purposes.  The  following  persons  were  elected  Trustees  to  serve 
for  one,  two  and  three  yeai's:  Peter  G.  Speer,  Star  Parsons,  Rymer  Speer,  M.  S.  Crane,  W.  R.  Jacobus, 
Thomas  C.  Van  Ileypen,  Aaron  Sigler,  Stephen  Ennis,  and  Rymer  S.  Speer.  Peter  Speer  was  elected 
President  and  held  the  position  up  to  the  time  of  his  death.  He  was  succeeded  by  liymer  Speer,  who 
held  the  position  from  1S05  to  1875 ;  Arzy  E.  Van  Gieson,  1875  to  1881 ;  Eev.  J.  C.  Cruikshank, 
1881  to  the  present  time.  The  present  officers  are:  l^residenU  Rev.  J.  C.  Cruikshnnk,  Little  Falls; 
Secretary  and  Treasurer,  Thomas  C.  Van  Reypen,  Montclair  Heights ;  Trustees,  Henry  V.  Praget, 
Jersey  City;  AVilliam  Beattie,  Little  Falls;  Henry  Smith,  Little  Falls;  George  Fisher,  Brookdale ;  W. 
Sigler,  Montclair;  A.  T.  A^an  Gieson,  Upper  Montclair,  and  J.  D.  Mockridge,  Montclair;  Thomas 
Cowley,  Keeper  and  Supei-intendent. 

SCHOOLS. 

Pkiok  to  the  Revohition,  the  peo]ile  of  this  locality   had   little   use  for  schools,   the  country  was 

Hollanders,  who  inhabited 
content  to  cultivate  their 
of  "book  larnin  '"  to  those 
to  it.  They  listened  once 
Dutch  dominie,  who  in- 
" shorter  catechism." 
ac(piired  a  knt>wledge  of 
in  the  old  country  doubt- 
to  read  and  write, 
public  building  erected 
ous  to  181<),  for,  as  has 
Osborne  opened  a  Sunday 
hood  in  ISlfi,  he  held  it 
ward  in  private  houses, 
probably  erected  about 
Corner  of   l>ellevue  Ave- 


sparsely  settled,  and  the 
the  neighborhood,  were 
farms  and  leave  the  matter 
who  had  leisure  to  devote 
a  week  to  the  good  old 
structed  them  in  the 
Some  of  them,  who  had 
the  elementai'y  branches 
less  taught  their  cliildren 
There  was  proliably  no 
for  school  puiposes  previ- 
been  stated,  when  Enos  A. 
school  in  this  neighbor- 
tirst  in  a  barn,  and  after- 
The  first  school-house  was 
1827,  and   stood    on    the 

nue  and  Valley  Road — or  what  was  formerly  known  as  the  Stone  House  Plains  Road.  The  little  frame 
building  which  now  stands  in  the  centre  of  the  village  was  erected  about  1849,  on  the  spot  where  the  old 
school-house  stood.     The   land   was  given   by  James  Van    Gieson   for  school   purposes,  and   the   deed 


Nhw  siuiioi.  i:rn.iUNG. 


Jl. 


o-^q^covu 


"f 


tji-u-'x^e^^ . 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  313 

stipulated  that  wlieii  the  land  should  no  longer  be  required  for  this  purpose,  it  was  then  to  revert  to 
his  heirs. 

When  the  influx  of  the  "city  people"  began  early  in  the  seventies,  the  need  of  better  accommo- 
dations was  felt;  it  was  not,  however,  until  within  the  past  ten  years  that  anything  was  done  toward  the 
erection  of  a  new  school  building. 

In  1.S84,  a  lot  was  jjurchased  of  Joseph  Lux  on  Uellevue,  near  Wellwood  Avenue,  on.  which  was 
erected  a  large  brick  school-house,  the  total  cost,  including  the  land,  being  $8.SiS.S3.  A  corps  of  efficient 
teachers  was  provided,  and  an  excellent  school  established.  This  was  known  as  the  Tenth  School 
District.  There  was  a  gradual  increase  in  the  population,  and  before  the  beginin'ng  of  the  second  decade, 
it  was  found  that  ad<liti(>nal  mom  would  be  required.  In  the  summer  of  Is'Xi  this  building  was  torn 
down,  and  a  new  one  erected  of  brick  on  the  same  site,  a  |»art  of  the  old  foundation  being  utilized.  The 
total  cost  of  the  new  building,  with  the  improved  heating  apparatus,  was  §22,293.51.  The  interior 
arrangements  are  all  in  accordance  with  the  latest  improvements  for  the  comfort,  health  and  conven- 
ience of  the  children. 

The  average  attendance  of  children  at  the  present  time  is  125.  The  princijial  of  the  school 
receives  a  salary  of  §1,25U.  lie  has  live  assistants  whose  aggregate  pay  is  $3,05(1  per  aiunun.  The  total 
amiiial  expenses  are  about  $5,000. 

MORGAN    \\1I,1.(  (».\   AYRES,  M.  D. 

Daniel  Avres,  the  grandfather  of  Dr.  Morgan  W.  Ayres,  was  for  more  than  a  ipiartcr  of  a  cent- 
ury a  prominent  merchant  of  New  York  City,  and  for  nearly  forty  years  a  leading  member  of  the  old 
John  St.  M.  E.  (Miurch  (still  standing).  His  diary — recently  discovered — contains  interesting  facts  con- 
nected with  his  own  life;  also  of  the  Ayres  and  Smith  families:  "  liorn  at  Ilaverstraw,  May  IS,  17U0; 
educated  at  College  School  of  Kef.  Dutch  Church;  graduated  May  12,  1S(I2,  with  diploma  much 
too  good,  I  think,  for  my  small  attainments,  but  it  was  kind.  Entered  iron  store  of  Hlackwells  ^  McFar- 
lan  ;  indentured  for  six  years;  remained  there  thirty-one  years."  After  conq)leting  his  apprcnticeshi])  in 
isoS,  he  says :  "  Agreed  with  Blackwells  &  McFarlan  for  three  years  at  a  salary  of  $300  till  twenty-one 
years  of  age,  when  I  received  $50(i,  in  ISIG  increased  t<>  $1,000."  "In  1S12  war  dec'lared  against  England  ; 
had  to  perform  military  duty ;  Wiis  made  Sergeant;  Hugh  Maxwell,  our  Captain  (Hugh  Maxwell  was 
the  distinguished  lawyer,  politician,  collector  of  customs,  etc.,  whose  daughter  married  Gen.  Phil. 
Kearney);  outjuist  for  service,  Harlem  Heights.  My  employers  furnish  a  substitute,  and  my  military 
services  close.  At  the  close  of  the  war  was  presented  b^'  my  employers  with  $100  as  a  '■peace present.''  In 
1817  salary  increased  to  $1,500  for  five  years.  Purchased  a  \Aot  137  Elizabeth  Street  for  $750,  and  built 
a  brick  Imuse  upon  it  for  $2,400.  Placed  my  father  and  inother  there,  where  they  ended  their  days; 
mother  died  1843,  father  (Thomas)  in  1844.  In  1820  |)urchased  a  house  and  lot  at  94  John  Street 
for  $3,250." 

In  1830  Daniel  A3'res  organized  the  firm  of  McEarlans  ct  Ayres.  They  had  large  money  interests 
in  ^<cw  Jersey,  and  were  also  largely  interested  in  the  Morris  Canal  Company.  Through  the  latter  they 
became  involved  and  suspended  jiayment  in  1832,  with  assets  amounting  to  $30,000,  lial)ilities,  $300,000. 
Their  creditors  gave  them  an  extension,  and  in  two  years  the  entire  amount  was  paid  with  interest. 

In  1836  he  organized  the  firm  of  Doorman,  Johnston,  Ayres  &  Co.  His  diary  states  that  "  in 
1844  my  partners  permitted  me  to  invest  my  earnings  at  once,  and  I  find  myself  worth  $87,000."  He 
soon  after  retired  from  business. 

Referring  to  family  matters  he  says :  "My  paternal  grandfather,  Daniel  Ayres,  married  Sarah 
Smith,  at  Smith's  Clove,  back  of  New  Cornwall,  Orange  Co.,  N.  Y.  The  place  received  its  name  from 
her  grandfather.  He  sent  his  son  to  England  to  take  letters  patent  for  the  tract  upon  the  death  of  his 
father,  but  it  was  found  the  son  had  taken  it  out  in  his  own  name.  In  my  library  is  an  ancient  pocket 
bible,  with  the  name  of  Thomas  Smith,  1714.     My  father  said   it   was  the  pocket  bible  of  his  (Thomas 


314  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

Smith's)  fiitlier  in  England,  .and  that  there  was  a  tradition  tliat  tliere  was  vahiable  property  in  the  A^ale 
of  Ayk^s1)ury,  in  wliieli  tlie  family  chiinied  an  interest. 

"The  children  of  Daniel  Ayres  and  Sarah  Smitli  (Strockem)  were  Thomas  (my  father)  and  Kanip 
Ayres.  After  the  death  of  her  second  husband,  James  Strockem,  my  gi-andmother  married  Daniel 
Devoe,  in  1775.  My  giandfatlier  Devoe  married  for  his  second  wife,  Sarah  Tiirrell.  lie  was  a  Captain 
in  the  War  oi  1812,  and  afterwards  a  Member  of  Congress. 

"  My  father,  Thomas  Ayres,  was  born  at  Smith's  Clove,  September  21,  1754.  My  mother,  Mary 
Devoe,  born  at  New  liochelle,  December  30,  1758.  She  said  that  her  mother,  Hester  Devoe,  was  French, 
and  could  scarcely  speak  English." 

Daniel  Ayres  (son  of  Tliomas)  from  whose  diary  the  foregoing  was  taken,  married  Anna  Morgan, 
of  New  York  City.  lie  had  three  sons,  and  two  thiughters:  Daniel,  Gabriel  Disosway,  Joseph  Blackwell, 
Mary  Anne  and  Eliza. 

Daniel  Ayres,  son  of  Daniel  and  Anna  Morgan  Ayres,  was  born  at  Jamaica,  L.  I.,  October  6, 1822, 
was  educated  at  Daniel  11.  Chase's  School  at  Middletown,  Conn.  Entered  AVesleyan  University  at 
Middletown  in  1811;  leaving  there  he  entered  Pi'inceton  in  his  junior  year,  to  obtain  better  scientific 
instruction  under  Professor  Joseph  Henry,  and  graduated  with  degree.  Took  full  course  in  the  Medical 
Department  of  the  University  of  the  City  of  New  York  in  1811,  and  soon  after  settled  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 
lie  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Long  Island  College  llosjiital,  and  was  a  prime  mover  in  the  establish- 
ment of  the  Brooklyn  City  Hospital.  The  Wesleyan  University  at  Middletown  gave  him  degree  of 
LL.D.  in  ls.-,6. 

During  the  war,  he  served  in  the  New  York  Corps  of  Surgeons,  participating  in  the  results  of 
man}'  of  the  principal  engagements.  Owing  to  an  intense  desire  to  embody  his  views  in  physiology  and 
pathology  in  a  series  of  lectures,  he  gave  up  his  general  practice  in  1880,  and  devoted  himself  to  the 
arrangement  of  his  large  stoi'e  of  notes,  bringing  out  his  thoughts  in  a  manner  calculated  to  render  clear 
many  hitherto  obscure  problems.  His  teachings  were  wonderfully  lucid,  practical,  and  stripped  of  the 
mystery  surrounding  the  older  physiological  dogmas.  He  held  for  a  number  of  years  the  chair  of 
Emeritus  Professor  of  Clinical  Surgery. 

His  peculiar  methods  of  teaching  gave  him  a  pre-eminence  attained  by  few,  and  there  can  be  no 
question  but  that  his  influence  upon  medical  science  will  continue  to  be  felt  for  years.  Shortly  before 
his  death,  in  1892,  he  gave  to  the  cause  of  education  more  than  half  a  million  of  dollars,  consideilng  it 
but  a  small  contribution  toward  so  grand  a  cause. 

He  married,  October  ti,  1818,  Charlotte  Augusta  Russell,  daughter  of  Daniel  and  Mary  (Willco.x) 
Kussell,  of  Portland  (opposite  Middletown,  and  formerly  known  as  Chatham),  Conn.  This  branch  of  the 
Itussell  family  was  descended  from  "William  liussell,  born  in  England,  K!  12,  came  to  America  in  163!), 
and  settled  in  the  New  Haven  Colony.  His  only  son,  Noadiali,  born  at  New  Haven,  1650,  was  graduated 
at  Harvard  f'ollege  in  1681,  and  was  settled  as  jiastor  of  the  First  Congregational  Church  at  Middletown 
in  1687.  He  was  one  of  the  twelve  ministers  who  founded  Yale  College  at  Saybrook  in  17tiM,  and  was 
one  of  the  framers  of  the  famous  "  Saybrook  Platform."  He  married  Mary,  daughter  of  Giles  Hamlin, 
one  of  the  original  settlers  of  Middletown.  He  had  issue  nine  children,  viz. :  William,  Noadiah,  Giles, 
Mary,  John,  Esther,  Daniel,  Mehitable  and  Hannah.  William,  his  eldest  son,  succeeded  him  as  pastor  of 
the  First  Congregational  Church  at  Middletown,  June  1,  1715.  Dr.  Trumbull  says  of  Eev.  Noadiah 
Kussell :  "  He  was  a  gentleman  of  great  respectability  for  knowledge,  experience,  moderation,  and  for 
pacific  measures  on  all  occasions." 

De.  Morgan  Willcox  Aykes,  son  of  Dr.  Daniel  and  Charlotte  Augusta  (Russell)  Ayres,  was  born 
in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  7,  1851.  He  attended  the  public  schools  of  that  city  and  was  afterward  sent  to 
Professor  Chase's  school  at  Middletown,  one  of  the  best  known  educational  institutions  in  New  England. 
His  father  and  two  uncles — all  physicians — were  educated  at  the  same  school.  He  was  graduated  at  the 
College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons  in  New  York  City,  in  1875.  During  a  portion  of  the  time  while  at 
college  he  was  Assistant  at  St.  Peter's  Hospital,  Brooklyn — of  which  his  father  was  then  consulting 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  315 

surgeon — and  continued  there  after  his  graduation,  his  whole  term  of  service  tliere  covering  a  period  of 
tiiree  years. 

In  1S76  lie  settled  at  that  part  of  Montclair  Heights  hordering  on  the  township  of  Acqiiackiin- 
onek,  and  his  practice  extended  over  a  large  portion  of  that  township,  as  well  as  Upper  Montclair,  and 
for  some  yenn  he  was  the  only  physician  in  that  locality.  His  [iractice  has  grown  with  the  increase  in 
population,  and  covers  an  extent  of  territory  almost  as  large  as  the  whole  of  Montclair  proper.  While 
educated  in  the  old  school  of  physicians,  he  is  wedded  to  no  theory,  but  is  a  man  of  advanced  ideas  and 
adopts  whatever  he  finds  best  in  either  the  old  or  new  school  of  practice,  according  to  circumstances. 
His  methods  have  proved  successful  and  he  enjoys  the  unlimited  confidetice  of  his  large  clientele. 

Xotwithstanding  the  fact  that  his  time  is  almost  wholly  absorbed  by  his  professional  engagements, 
he  has  consented  on  several  occasions  to  fill  public  positions,  and  has  heartily  co-operated  in  every  move, 
ment  tending  to  advance  the  interests  of  the  township.  He  served  three  years  as  a  member  of  the 
Township  Connnittee,  at  a  time  when  some  of  the  most  important  improvements  Avere  made.  He  is  an 
earnest  advocate  of  the  "higher  education  ''  for  which  Montclair  is  famous,  and  has  e.xerted  his  influence 
to  furnish  the  best  facilities  in  his  own  school  district.  He  has  served  three  years  as  a  member  of  the 
Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Tenth  School  District  known  as  ilt.  Hebron  District,  at  Upi)er  Montclair,  and 
it  was  during  his  administrati(»n  that  the  present  large  and  commodious  school-house  was  begun  and 
completed  ;  at  the  last  municipal  election,  the  first  one  under  the  "Short"  law,  he  was  elected  a  mem. 
bcr  of  the  Board  of  Education  to  serve  for  three  years. 

Dr.  Ayres  resided  for  some  years  at  Montclair  Hi'ights.  In  ISOl  ho  moved  to  the  corner  of 
Bellevue  Avenue  and  I'ark  Street  in  I'pper  Montclair,  where  he  resided  until  1S94.  The  year  previous  he 
purchased  a  plot  on  the  corner  of  Ix)rraine  Avenue  and  Park  Street,  where  he  erected  a  handsome  house 
to  which  he  removed  in  the  spring  of  ls94. 

Dr.  Ayres  married  Sarah  Ella,  daughter  of  Rev.  Charles  A.  Roe,  who  was  the  son  of  Austin,  of 
Connecticut,  and  of  Butler,  N.  Y.,  son  of  Daniel,  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Butler,  Wayne  County,  N.  Y., 
son  of  Daniel,  of  Long  Island,  who  served  in  the  Revolutiotiary  War,  who  served  as  Captain  of  Second 
Company  Col.  Clinton's  Regiment,  Xew  York,  son  of  John,  of  Long  Island,  son  of  Nathaniel,  born  in 
Long  Island,  1670,  son  of  John,  born  in  Ireland,  1628,  died  at  Port  Jefferson,  L.  I.,  1711.  Rev.  E.  P. 
Roe,  the  author,  is  a  descendant  in  the  same  line  through  Nathaniel,  son  of  John,  the  ancestor. 

Issue  of  the  marriage  of  Dr.  Ayres  with  Miss  Sarah  Ella  Roe:  Harry  Morgan,  Daniel  Roe,  and 
Russell  Ronieyn. 

DR.  OLIVER  SOPEU. 

Dr.  Or.ivEK  Soi'ER,  is  of  New  England  and  Holland  Dutch  ancestry.  His  great-great-grandfather 
was  Samuel  Soper,  who  married  Esther  Littletield,  in  1731  ;  the}'  lived  at  West  Bridgcwater,  Mass. ;  ten 
children  were  born  to  them — si.x  boys  and  four  girls.  Oliver,  son  of  Samuel,  born  1740,  married  Ruth 
Staples,  of  Bridgcwater,  in  1763,  and  removed  to  Taunton  about  that  time.  They  had  one  son,  Oliver, 
and  tive  daughters.  This  Oliver,  the  second,  married  Rebecca  Paul,  and  remained  at  Taunton.  They 
had  seven  children,  one  of  whom  was  Benjamin,  born  July  19,  1S09,  is  the  father  of  Dr.  Soper,  and  is 
still  living,  aged  85  years.  Benjamin  married  Mary,  daughter  of  Peter  Abraham  Kip,  born  1789,  a 
descendant  of  Ilendrick  Hendrickson  Kip,  who  removed  from  New  Amsterdam  to  Hackensack  before 
1690.  His  grandson,  Peter,  owned  a  large  tract  of  land  at  Pollitiy,  now  Hasbronck  Heights.  Another 
grandson,  Henry,  bought  a  tract  of  land  which  included  a  large  portion  of  what  is  now  Rutherford.  The 
Kip  family  went  from  France  to  Ilollaml  in  1652. 

Ilendrick  Kip,  the  father  of  Ilendrick  Hendrickson  Kip,  was  born  in  1576.  He  was  a  member 
of  the  old  established  trading  company  which  organized  in  1588  for  the  purpose  of  discovering  a  north-east 
passage  to  the  Indies  around  the  coast  of  Asia.  Failing  in  this,  they  employed  Ilendrick  Hudson,  in 
1609,  who  sailed  in  one  of   their  ships  and  discovered  the  Hudson  River  in  September  of  that  year. 


316 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


Peter  Abraham  Kip,  the  maternal  grandfatlier  of  Dr.  Sojier,  married  Maria  Stny  vesant,  a  lineal  descendant 
of  Peter  Stujvesant,  the  first  Dutch  Governor  of  New  Amsterdam. 

Dr.  Oliver  Soper,  son  of  Benjamin  and  Mary  (Kip)  Soper,  was  born  in  Bergen  County,  N.  J., 
December  29,  1843.  He  attended  school  in  his  native  town  and  afterward  at  Tannton,  Mass.  He  began 
the  study  of  medicine  with  Dr.  Robert  S.  Newton,  of  New  York  City,  in  1873,  and  was  graduated  at 
the  Eclectic  Medical  College  of  New  York  (of  which  Dr.  Newton  was  President),  iti  March,  1877.  He 
began  practice  at  Lodi,  in  Bergen  County,  N.  J.,  where  he  carried  on  the  drug  business  at  the  same  time. 
He  served  as  physician  to  the  Board  of  Health  for  nearly  two  years,  and  was  examining  physician  for 
the  Metropolitan  Life  Insurance  Company  for  three  years.  He  removed  to  Upper  Montclair  in  1892, 
and  has  had  a  successful  and  increasing  practice. 

He  married,  first,  Emma  Garrabrant,  deceased,  by  whom  he  had  three  children  ;  he  married, 
secondly,  Nellie  F.,  daughter  of  Edward  B.  and  Ellen  (Baldwin)  Crane,  a  grandson  of  Israel  Crane,  one 
of  the  most  famous  men  of  his  time  in  East  New  Jersey. 


THOMAS  HOWE  BIRD. 

Thomas  H.  Bird  was  known  to  the  peoi)le  of  Upper  Montclair  as  one  of  the  founders  of  the  new 
settlement,  which  within  the  space  of  a  few  years  was  transformed  from  the  broad  pasture  lands,  orchards, 
meadows  and  uplands,  into  a  beautiful  suburban  village,  with  its  well  graded  streets,  its  attractive  homes, 
and  other  evidences  of  progress  and  enterjjrise.  Like  the  little  colony  of  Puritans  who  landed  on  the 
banks  of  the  Passaic  River  to  establish  a  "New  Worke"  [Newark],  Mr.  Bird,  after  years  of  successful 
labor  in  other  fields,  came  to  what  is  now  known  as  Upper  Montclair  to  heginn  "new  woi^k."  The 
record  of  the  growth  and  progress  of  the  new  settlement  shows  iiis  foot-prints  in  every  direction.  Like 
his  Divine  Master  he  "  went  about  doing  good,''  and  the  very  atmosphere  was  fragrant  with  liis  presence. 

"  His  life  was  gentle  ;  and  the  elements  so  mixed  in  him,  that 
Nature  might  stand  up  and  say  to  all  the  world,  This  was  a  man." 

Mr.  Bird  was  of  Puritan  stock  with  all  the  objectionable  features  eliminated. 
Boston  in  April, 
educated  at  board- 
F  r  a  m  i  n  g  h  a  m , 
New  York  City 
teen,  and  entered 
Claflin  &  Co., 
ed  for  a  short 
started  in  the 
ness  under  the 
Thomas  II.  Bird 
ward  sold  out  this 
about  I860  enter- 
banker  and  stock 
for  thirty-four 
of  the  Stock 
As  a  business 
universally  es- 
tegrity  and  incor- 
The  ffood  work  of 


KKSIDENCE  OF  MRS.  THOMAS  H.  BIRD,  UPPER  MONTCLAIR. 


He  was  born  in 
1831.  He  was 
i  n  g  school  at 
Mass. ;  came  to 
at  the  age  of  nine- 
the  house  of  H.  B. 
where  he  remain- 
time.  Later  he 
white  goods  busi- 
firm  name  of 
A:  Co.  He  after- 
business,  and 
ed  Wall  Street  as 
broker,  and  was 
years  a  member 
Exchange, 
man  Mr.  Bird  was 
teemed  for  his  in- 
ruptible  honor. 
his  life,  however, 


was  in  connection  with  Bethel  Mission,  Brooklyn,  of  which  he  was  one  of  the  founders  in  1852,  and  for 
many  years  its  superintendent.  It  was  at  his  suggestion  that  in  1866  this  Mission  was  offered  to 
Plymouth   for   adoption,  it  having  been  for  a  number  of   years  previous  sustained  by  teachers  from 


I 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  ;>1T 

Plymouth  Cliurch  Suhhatli  Scliool.  At  a  memorial  service  held  in  Plymouth  Church  soon  after  the 
death  of  Mr.  Bird,  many  of  Ills  old  friends  and  associates  gave  expression  to  their  sentiments  regarding 
their  deceased  l^rother  and  his  life  work.  Mr.  Robert  S.  Bussing  said  :  "  It  was  my  privilege  to  become 
acquainted  with  A[r.  and  Mrs.  Thomas  II.  Bird  nearly  lift}'  years  ago,  soon  after  they  were  married, 
meeting  them  for  the  first  time  as  teachers  in  the  old  Bethel  Mission  Sunday  School,  tiien  (in  Main 
Street,  near  the  Catharine  Ferry,  and  I  soon  learned  to  love  Mr.  Bird  as  a  very  dear  friend.  Aiuong  the 
pleasant  recollections  of  my  past  life,  especially  those  that  relate  to  active  Sunday-school  work  in  tiie  old 
P>etlie],  will  always  be  my  association  with  Mr.  Bird  and  his  devoted  ('hristian  wife,  both  so  very  faithful 
to  the  welfare  of  the  Mission." 

Rev.  Lyman  Abbott  said  :  "  His  life  was  framed  in  with  prayer.  It  was  his  custom  lieforo  lie 
went  to  his  business  in  the  morning,  the  last  thing,  to  kneul  down  in  his  room  alone  for  a  word  with 
God,  as  one  before  he  goes  to  his  business  stops  for  a  moment  to  ki.>;s  his  wife;,  and  it  was  his  custom 
when  lie  came  back  from  l)usiness  to  go  back  to  that  room  and  kneel  down  again  and  have  a  vvcu'd  of 
prayer  with  God,  as  tiiough  starting  out  in  the  day,  he  said  '  I  have  come  for  my  orders,"  and  as  though 
going  back  at  night  he  said,  '  Here  is  my  report.'  What  he  said  in  that  chamber,  alone  witii  his  God,  no 
one,  I  suppose,  save  hiinself  and  his  God,  knows.  But  he  was  one  who  cari-ied  the  spirit  of  (Jod  with 
iiim,  and  wiio  lived  in  the  spirit  of  the  Lord  .lesus  Christ,  and  whoever  knew  him,  whoever  knew  his 
wife,  whoever  knew  his  home,  needs  no  assurance  that  if  happiness  and  usefulness  are  the  tests  and 
measures  of  success,  his  life  was  a  successful  one." 

Mr.  George  F.  Bell,  another  fellow  laborer  with  Mr.  Bird,  said  of  him  :  "  He  was  willing  to  serve 
itut  never  wanted  to  be  foremost.  When  I  was  ordered  by  Plymouth  Church  to  go  to  the  Mayflower 
and  take  care  of  that  mission,  and  the  only  man  that  could  be  chosen  for  the  superintendency  of  the 
Bethel  was  Mr.  Bird,  his  being  chosen  I  do  believe  was  the  cause  of  his  leaving  Plyinonth  Cliurcli  and 
going  out  to  New  .lersey  to  live." 

Mr.  F.  P.  Blair  said  of  him  :  "I  think  I  never  knew  a  man  whose  religion  seemed  to  be  more 
natural  than  Mr.  P>ird's.  It  was  not  put  on  ;  it  had  not  the  appearance  of  being  put  on  ;  it  was  just  the 
same  ap]iarently  on  Monday  as  it  was  on  Sunday,  and  just  the  same  all  the  week.  *  *  *  I  thiidc  he 
was  one  of  the  most  lovable  and  genuine  men  I  ever  knew." 

Mr.  Bird  was  for  many  years  a  deacon  in  Plymouth  Church,  and  although  exceedingly  modest 
and  retiring,  was  recognized  as  one  of  its  leading  spirits.  He  came  to  .\r<>ntclair  in  1873,  and  was  for 
several  years  associated  with  Dr.  Bradford  in  the  work  connected  with  the  First  Congregational  Cluuch. 
The  Montclair  Times  said  of  him  : 

"  Coming  to  Montclair  with  his  devoted  wife,  he  resumed  the  same  line  of  work  in  which  he  had  been  engaged 
in  the  city,  and  for  several  years  assisted  in  the  conduct  of  the  neighborhood  meeting  which  has  since  merged  into  the 
Washington  Street  Mission  (now  known  as  the  Pilgrim  Mission).  Mr.  Bird  was  a  retiring,  unassuming  man,  but  those 
who  knew  him  could  not  fail  to  recognize  the  lofty  ideal  toward  which  he  was  constantly  moving,  and  the  devotion  of 
his  life  to  all  things  manly  and  noble.  In  all  the  relations  which  he  sustained,  in  his  beautiful  home,  in  his  business,  in 
the  three  churches  of  which  he  was  an  honored  member,  in  his  work  among  the  poor  and  the  outcast  who  had  nothing  to 
give  in  return,  in  his  walk  among  those  who  were  fortunate  enough  to  be  his  friends  ho  was  ever  unassuming,  earnest, 
loyal  and  helpful.  There  has  never  lived  in  our  community  a  man  who  has  left  behind  him  a  more  spotless  or  a  more 
honorable  name." 

Mr.  Bird  moved  to  Upjier  Montclair  in  1S81,  where  he  made  for  himself  a  pretty  and  rural  home. 
There  is  no  attempt  at  display  either  in  architecture  or  the  surroundings.  Everything  has  an  air  of 
simjilicity  and  comfort,  strictly  in  accordance  with  his  own  taste.  The  Gothic  cottage  partly  hidden  by 
the  trees  indicates  the  character  of  the  man.  In  the  world  his  light  shown  brightly  through  deeds  of 
devoted  charity  and  love,  while  he  himself  always  remained  in  the  background.  The  home  is  ])icturesque 
and  plea.sing  to  the  eye,  afiFording  a  fine  study  for  an  artist.  Some  of  his  happiest  hours  were  spent  in 
this  delightful  retreat,  and  here  when  the  autumn  leaves  were  falling,  and  nature  was  about  to  wrap 
herself  in  her  winter  garments,  his  spirit  took  its  iiight  and  he  passed  from  earth  to  that  blissful  abode,  a 
"  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens." 


318  History  of  Montclair  Township. 

As  soon  as  lie  decided  to  make  Upjier  Montclair  his  home,  lie  hegan  laving  Ins  plans  with  others  for 
the  organization  of  a  church,  which  should  include  Christians  of  every  denomination,  with  a  platform  on 
wliich  all  could  unite.  Tiie  "Harvest  JJome "  entertainments  of  which  he  and  his  wife  were  the 
leading  spirits,  formed  the  nucleus  for  a  fund  for  the  erection  of  a  clmrcli  building.  Besides  the  large 
amount  CDUtriliuted  liy  himself,  he  raised  several  thousand  dollars  among  his  business  and  other  friends, 
and  when  the  huildii^g  was  finally  completed,  and  through  a  niisunderstaiidiiig  it  passed  into  the  hands 
of  another  denomination,  he  went  cheerfully  to  work  without  a  murmur  or  complaint  to  raise  funds  for 
the  erection  of  another  l)uilding,  which  should  become  the  ))ro]>erty  of  a  united  band  of  (Jhristian 
laborers,  and  at  the  completion  of  the  building  he  went  heartily  into  the  work  of  building  up  and  uniting 
Christians  of  every  denomination  under  the  one  banner.  This  was  the  lieginning  of  an  enter]>rise  which 
within  ten  years  changed  a  little  hamlet  of  some  tweiity  unjiretentious  houses  to  a  large  and  flourishing 
village  of  over  two  hundred  houses — some  of  them  costing  many  thousand  dollars  each — two  churches, 
besides  several  public  buildings.  The  action  taken  by  the  Trustees  of  the  church  he  heljied  to  organize 
express  the  sentiments  of  the  whole  connuunity. 

The  Trustees  of  the  Christian  Union  Congregational  Society  request  the  clerk  to  enter  u]ion  their 
records  the  following  minute  on  the  death  of  Thomas  II.  Hird : 

•'Mr.  Bird  died  at  his  home  at  Upper  Montclair,  on  Wednesday,  the  iSth  day  of  November,  1S91,  in  the  6ist 
year  of  his  Ufa  and  in  office  as  President  of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Society. 

"  His  associates  have  no  words  in  which  they  can  properly  express  the  loss  which  has  come  to  the  Church  and 
Society. 

"  For  over  ten  years  he  has  been  a  Trustee  and  President  of  the  Board,  and  during  all  that  time  it  is  hardly  beyond 
bounds  to  say  that  he  has  given  to  the  Church  and  Society  a  full  half  of  his  strength  and  thought,  and  this  when  busi- 
ness and  personal  demands  on  him  in  other  directions  were  pressing  and  intense.  In  its  days  of  weakness  as  well  as 
those  of  its  greatest  strength,  his  liberal  hand  and  his  wise  judgment  have  been,  under  the  Providence  of  the  God  he 
served,  an  unfailing  reliance.  In  the  vicissitudes  through  which  it  has  passed,  his  wisdom,  prudence  and  firmness, 
have  been  of  an  estimable  value.  A  faithful,  true,  courteous,  forbearing,  lovable  associate,  he  combined  the  attributes  of 
a  true,  christian  gentleman.  To  the  many  expressions  of  love  and  appreciation  which  his  death  has  brought  from  those 
connected  with  him  in  his  other  fields  of  life  and  work,  we  add  this  our  sincere  tribute,  that  our  records  may  bear  some 
witness  of  the  beautiful,  useful  life  of  him  who  has  gone  before  us." 

F.  W.  DORMAN. 

A.  B.  HUNT,  Jr. 

H.  LITTLEJOHN. 

C.  W.  ANDERSON. 
Upper  Montclair,  New  Jersey,  November  25,  iSqi,  Trustees. 

Mrs.  Sarah  J.  Bird,  nee  Boyd,  the  faithful  and  devoted  wife  of  Mr.  Bird,  worked  side  by  side 
with  him  for  nearly  forty  years.  She  first  met  him  in  Mr.  Beecher's  church,  both  having  united  with 
that  church  at  the  same  time,  being  then  strangers  to  each  other.  She  began  the  work  of  her  life  at 
Bethel  Mission,  Brooklyn,  at  the  age  of  sixteen.  Volumes  might  be  written  of  the  work  of  the  noble, 
self-sacriticing  woman  among  the  poor  and  outcasts  of  the  great  "  City  of  Churches."  Hundreds  have 
been  rescued  by  her  from  lives  of  shame  and  degradation,  and  gathered  into  the  fold  of  Christ.  Said  one 
who  has  known  her  for  many  years  :  "  The  influence  for  good  of  Mrs.  Bird  over  the  Bethel  jieojde,  in  all 
the  years  gone  by,  particularly  over  the  older  girls  and  mothers  of  the  children,  will  never  be  fully 
realized  ;  but  I  know  scores  upon  scores  will  enthusiastically  respond,  at  the  mention  of  her  name,  '  God 
bless  Mrs.  Thomas  H.  Bird  for  her  kindness  to  me.'  " 

Although  it  is  more  than  twenty  years  since  Mrs.  Bird  left  Itrooklyn,  she  has  never  for  a  moment 
laid  aside  her  work  at  this  mission,  but  every  Friday  she  leaves  her  home  in  Upper  Montclair  to  meet 
her  class  at  the  Bethel  Mission. 

Her  work  at  Montclair  and  Upper  Montclair  in  connection  with  her  husband  is  familiar  to  the 
people  of  these  localities.  In  addition  to  this,  she  started  a  few  years  ago  a  Wednesday  afternoon  class 
for  women  among  the  slums  of  New  York  City,  which  she  carried  on  successfully  for  a  long  time,  but 
was  obliged  to  discontinue  it  in  consequence  of  the  imperative  demands  on  her  time  elsewhere. 


f> 


History  of  Montclair  Township.  319 

Shortly  after  her  husljand's  death,  Mrs.  Bird  0|)eiied  a  Sunday  iiiissidii  i'or  men  at  209  Madi.sun 
Street,  iiuw  moved  to  105  Bowery,  New  York,  wliere  liiiiidreds  of  liiiiiijry  men  are  fed  every  Sunday,  and 
at  the  same  time  tlie  seeds  of  sjuspel  truth  are  sown  wliieh  often  finds  a  lodi,nneiit  in  liearts  jirepared 
through  tiiese  acts  of  l<indness  in  relieving  their  temjiorai  wants.  It  not  infretjuently  happens  tliat  young 
men  of  education  and  refinement,  who  liave  seen  better  days,  find  their  way  into  this  mission,  and  tlieir 
steps  are  turned  homeward  and  u])ward  to  a  hetter  life.  "While  Mrs.  Bird  receives  occasional  aid  from 
other  sources,  the  mission  is  mainly  supported  through  her  private  resources. 

DEACON  D.WII)   BK.MNKIM)   HINT. 

De.\con  Hint  is  a  native  of  Attleboro,  Mass.,  where  Jie  was  li(jrn  April  7,  l^N.  lie  is  a  descend- 
ant of  Enoch  Hunt,  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Weymouth,  Mass.  His  father,  Richard,  was  deacon  of 
the  Congregational  Church  of  Attlehoro  for  si.\ty  years,  and  was  interested  in  the  founding  of  Andierst 
College,  where  his  eldest  son,  the  brother  of  David  B.,  was  educated.  David  B.,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  had  oidy  limited  educational  advantages — a  few  months  of  each  year  to  the  district  school,  anil  si.\ 
months  at  the  Academy.  He  began  his  business  career  at  the  age  of  eighteen  in  a  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  dry 
goods  store,  anil  after  clerking  for  some  years  he  engaged  in  business  for  himself,  but  failing  health  com- 
pelled him  to  give  up  for  a  time,  and  he  subsequently  acted  for  others  in  the  sflme  line  of  business.  In 
18(>o  he  removed  to  Montclair,  where  he  resided  for  many  years,  and  was  one  of  the  fomiders  of  the  First 
Congregational  Church.  In  issl  he  renxjved  to  I'pper  .Montclair,  which  was  then  a  mere  hamlet.  He 
was  one  of  the  leaders  in  the  religious  movement  whicli  led  to  the  organization  of  the  Christian  Union 
Congregational  Church  in  lsS2.  ami  since  then  hius  been  one  of  its  main  supports.  He  has  held  the  office 
of  deacon  since  its  organization. 

Mr.  Hunt  married,  in  1^41,  .Mary  A.  Gaylord,  daughter  of  Martin  Gaylord,  of  Lebanon  Springs, 
X.  Y.  Two  children  are  the  i.ssue  of  this  marriage,  viz.:  D.  1!.  Hunt.  .Ir.,  and  Miuy  Charlotte, 
who  married  John  H.  Parsons,  Esq. 

CHAKLES  HEiXUV   IIIKSTIS. 

.Iamks  EisTis.  or  Huestis,  the  ancestor  of  Charles  11.,  was  (jiie  of  two  brothers  who  settled  in 
Fairfield,  ( 'onn.,  about  Ititlu,  and  removed  thence  to  East  Ciiester  jibout  ItWi;!. 

Benjamin,  the  grandfather  of  Charles  II.,  born  in  1705,  served  in  the  War  of  the  lievoliition. 

(^nAKLEs  Hknry  Huestis,  son  of  William  and  Diantha  D.  (Ilorton)  Huestis,  was  born  in  Yonkers, 
N.  Y.,  March  2S,  1S3S.  He  was  i)repared  for  college  but  i>revcnted  by  circumstances  from  entering.  In 
1S55  he  entered  the  banking  house  of  Henry  Metidell,  then  located  at  170  Broadway,  wliere  he 
remained  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  Civil  War,  joined  Company  A,  Seventy-first  licgiment,  and  took 
part  in  the  first  battle  of  Bull  linn. 

Company  A,  to  which  Mr.  Huestis  was  attached,  lost  heavily  during  the  engagement,  its  com- 
mander. Captain  Hart,  being  among  the  severely  wounded.  Mr.  Huestis  was  subsequently  attached  to  the 
Quartermaster's  Department,  under  the  command  of  Captain  A.  AV.  Putnam,  U.  S.  A.,  and  continued  under 
his  successors.  General  J.  J.  Dana  and  (Tcneral  C.  II.  Tompkins,  until  the  close  of  the  war.  Under  the 
authority  of  liis  commander.  General  Tompkins,  he  raised  a  band  for  the  C^uarter master's  Department, 
and  purchased  all  the  instruments.  This  band  was  specially  honored  by  Secretary  Stanton  after  the  fall 
of  Iiichmond,  who  sent  for  it,  and  when  the  ])ublic  announcement  of  the  fact  was  made  by  President 
Lincoln,  the  latter  requested  this  l)and  to  play  "  Dixie,"  the  favorite  tune  of  the  Confederates. 

After  the  close  of  the  war  Mr.  Huestis  went  to  Richmond  with  a  party  of  capitalists,  who  bought 
the  charter  of  the  old  Bank  of  Virginia,  which  was  reorganized  under  the  name  of  the  National  Bank  of 
Virginia.  He  remained  as  an  officer  of  this  bank  fur  about  eitrhteen  months,  returning  to  New  York 
in  1866,  where  he  engaged  in   the  stock  and  brokerage  business,   first  under  the  firm  name  of  Haskell 


:^rfC 


320 


History  of  Montclair  Township. 


»t  Haestis,  afterward  Hiiestis  «fe  Webb,  and  later  succeeded  to  the  business  of  Wood  «fe  Davis,  under 
the  firm  name  of  Wood.  Huestis  &  Co.,  tliat  being  the  present  firm.  He  is  a  member  of  the  New  York 
Stock  Exchange;  .ilso  of  the  "Old  Guard."  which  had  its  origin  with  the  "Light  Guard,"  the  original 
Company  A  of  the  Seventy-first  Regiment,  of  which  Mr.  Huestis  is  a  veteran. 

Mr.  Huestis  married  Miss  Irene  E.  Mendell,  daughter  of  Henry  Meudell,  Esq.,  his  old  employer, 
who  was  a  descendant  of  one  of  the  old  Massachusetts  families. 

In  ISSG  Mr.  Huestis,  while  suffering  from  malaria,  concluded  to  try  the  climate  of  Uj^per  Montdair, 
and  after  remaining  a  few  months  he  recovered  his  health,  and  concluded  to  make  this  his  permanent 
home.  He  purchased  thirteen  acres,  which  comprised  a  part  of  the  old  Speer  estate,  and,  with  others, 
opened  an  avenue  in  front  of  his  property,  which  they  named  Lorraine  Avenue.  He  erected  a  be;iutifiil 
villa,  which  is  one  of  the  attractive  features  of  Upper  Montclair.  It  is  06  by  40  feet ;  two  and  a-half 
stories  high,  the  first  story  being  of  ruble  granite,  and  frame  work  above ;  it  has  a  round  tower  on  the 
south  west  corner,  and  a  broad  piazza  extending  thence  along  the  entire  front.  The  location  is  one  of  the 
finest  in  the  township. 


.\-^--^  . 


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ill!  I