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出家
Gc 974.902 B34w 1324630
GENEALOGY CELLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02250 9068
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016
https://archive.org/details/firsthistoryofba00whit_0
LETTERS INDICATE THE PRESENT LOCATIONS OF
B. BAYONNE
J. JERSEY CITY
E. ELIZABETH
H. HACKENSACK
N. NEWARK
P. PIERMONT
H
RIVER
sadasilva;
TTAN
N
J
B
E
STATEN
ISLAND
The ancient mouth of the Hudson River, according to recent data of the U. S. Geological Survey. Drawn for and published in the New York Herald, and reproduced here by permission. The dotted lines indicate the the present contour of land in New Jersey and Manhattan."
PRESENT CHANNEL OF HUDSON
FIRST
HISTORY OF BAYONNE,~
NEW JERSEY.
THE
BY ROYDEN PAGE WHITCOMB.
1 -
Gc 974.902 B 34w
f k e
PUBLISHED BY R. P. WHITCOMB, 24 EAST 37TH STREET, BAYONNE, N. J. 1904.
Copyright 1904, By R. P. WHITCOMB.
1324630
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
. PAGE.
INTRODUCTION, by Mayor Thomas Brady
I2
AUTHOR'S PREFACE. I5
CHAPTER I. I7 Pre-Glacial Ages.
CHAPTER II. I8 Discovery-Indians-Description of Country.
-
CHAPTER III. 20
1614-1646. Early Settlements and Grants at Manhattan, Pavonia and Communipaw-Massacre at Pavonia.
CHAPTER IV.
22
1646-1776. Grants of Land on Constable's Hook and Bergen Neck -Bayonne Settled by the Dutch-Indian Troubles-Return of Settlers, and Final Settlement at Pembrepogh-Settlement at Bergen-Description in 1680-Early Education and Law-Census of Bergen County in 1737.
CHAPTER V.
32
Constable's Hook. Early Property Owners-Van Buskirk Home- stead-First Bank of Constable's Hook-First Cemetery Laid Out-Tombstone Inscriptions ; Names and Dates-Slaves Bought and Sold-Newspaper Extracts-Early Real Estate Speculation- Captain Kidd's Hill and Buried Treasures.
8
CONTENTS
PAGE.
CHAPTER VI.
4I 1776-1782. Bergen Neck During the Revolution - Troops Stationed and Fort Delancey Erected-Trouble with Tories- Skirmishes Between American and British Troops-Unlawful- ness and Murders-Ward's Band-Attacks Upon-Newspaper Extracts-Fort Delancey Evacuated.
CHAPTER VII.
52
1782-1830. Peace-Washington Greeted by the Inhabitants on His Way to New York-Slavery Declared-Immigration and Education-War of 1812-First Manufacturing Concern at Con- stable's Hook-Extreme Cold-Humor of 1826.
CHAPTER VIII.
56 1830-1857. Description in 1830-Pursuits-Cholera-Boundary Line in New York Bay-Morris Canal Through-Hudson County Erected-New Cemetary-Town Officials in 1855.
CHAPTER IX. 60 1857-1860. Act to Lay Out Streets-School Improvements- Bayonne Set Off as a Township-Origin of Name-Township Government-General Description.
CHAPTER X. 64 1860-1866. Civil War-Close Light Guards-Excitement During War-First Port Johnson Coal Docks.
CHAPTER XI.
66
1866-1872. Incorporated as a City-Charter Submitted to the People-Newspaper Extracts-First City Officials-Last Meeting of Township Committee Men-Organization of City Govern- ment-Important Ordinances-Assessed Valuation of Property in 1869-Public Improvements-First Police Chief-First Annual Tax Assessment-Organization of Fire Department-First Sewer Main.
9
CONTENTS
PAGE
CHAPTER XII. 77
1872-1879. Revised Charter-First Street Lamps-School Im- provements-First Fire Chief-Fourth Ward Created-News- paper Extracts.
CHAPTER XIII. 80
1879-1883. Lane Elected Mayor-General Description-City Finances-Fifth Ward Erected-Contract for City Water- Avenue D Macadamized.
CHAPTER XIV.
83
1883-1891. Oliver Elected Mayor-Ordinance for Better Observ- ance of the Sabbath-Newman Elected Mayor-Street Names Changed-Liquor License Increased-Electric Lights-New School-Free Mail Delivery-Hospital Founded-Establishment of Public Library-Growth of Population-New City Hall- Martin Act.
CHAPTER XV.
88
1891-1895. Farr Elected Mayor-Board of Trade Organized- High School Established-New City Hall Completed-Celebra- tion of Opening-Ordinance to Prohibit Vice and Immorality- Kite Experiments-New City Dock-Public Library Opened- Annual Tax for 1894-Contract for Pure Water.
CHAPTER XVI.
92
1895-1904. Seymour Elected Mayor-Trouble With Water Com- pany-Hudson Boulevard Completed-Extensive School Im- provements-St. Luke's Hospital Opened-Standard Oil Com- pany's Fire-President Mckinley's Death-Small-pox Epidemic -The Meeker Act-Street Improvements-St. Luke's Hospital Burned-Avenue C Asphalted-Carnegie Gives City Library- Work Begun on Public Park-New School No. 8-Fire Destroys Tenements-Reports, Statistics, Etc., Etc., at Close of 1903.
IO
CONTENTS
PAGE.
CHAPTER XVII. 98
1904. Thomas Brady, Mayor-Elect, Enters Office-Police Trial Board Created-Destructive Fire-Report of Librarian-Bill for Bridge Between Bergen Point and Elizabethport-Annual Tax Budget for 1904-City Treasurer's Annual Report-New Build- ing for Police Headquarters-Carnegie Library Opened.
CHAPTER XVIII. 105 A Glimpse of the City as It is To-day.
CHAPTER XIX. III
Traveling Facilities from Early Days to Present-Early Country Roads.
CHAPTER XX. I18 Early Worship-First Churches, Etc.
VITAL STATISTICS OF BAYONNE I22 Population-Births-Marriages-Deaths.
TAX RATES. 123
3 1833 02250 9068
ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE.
Pre-glacial Ages.
Frontispiece
The City Seal.
14
Dutch Settlers on the Pembrepogh Shore. 28
The Graves of Pioneer Settlers.
34
Van Buskirk Homestead, Constable's Hook, 1776 36
Bergen Neck, Revolutionary Period.
45
Fort Delancey
Council Hall. 70
50
Bird's-Eye View of Bayonne in 1875 72-73
Newark Bay by Moonlight. 91
On the Newark Bay Shore. 108
The Old Central Railroad Bridge. 115
"Bee Hive," the First Methodist Church. I20
I2
INTRODUCTION.
By THOMAS BRADY, Mayor.
I take great pleasure in complying with the request of the author that I write a few words of introduction to his History of Bayonne. So far as I am informed, it is the first attempt on the part of any one to collect and record, in permanent form, matters of historic interest relating to this locality. It is true that one or more histories of this county have been written, but none of them have paid much, if any, attention to this particular community. The task of the author has, therefore, been that of a pioneer, and for that reason we are the more indebted to him. If the contents of the book record accurately the events which lead to the settle- ment of this part of Bergen Neck, and the trying experiences of its early inhabitants, the story will be worth reading; and if we fully appreciate the advantages that we have, as compared with them, we should be easily persuaded that the future history of our city depends very largely upon ourselves. If we are true to our opportunities, our children may be able to say, "We are citizens of no mean city." While it may be true that it is two hundred and fifty years since the first settlers located here, it is also true that the history of Bayonne, from a commercial standpoint, begins at a much later date. Prior to the establishment of the oil refineries at Constable's Hook, Bayonne was unknown outside of Port John- son, except as a fishing village and summer resort. Since then its desirability for commercial purposes has attracted the attention of manufacturers and men engaged in large business enterprises. Its prospects now seem fair to become one of the principal manu- facturing centres of the State.
I3
INTRODUCTION
Bayonne, like many suburbs under the shadow of a great city, has suffered by reason of those who would otherwise have been its most influential citizens, being absorbed in the affairs of the me- tropolis. With men of force residing within our borders, who are also identified with business interests here, there is a strong prob- ability of a greater local interest being developed. I believe that in this respect, the present is the beginning of a new epoch. With the natural advantages of a large water front, and the facilities afforded by the railroads entering our city, there is every reason to believe that in the near future great changes will be worked in our midst. It is, therefore, fortunate that one of our citizens has un- dertaken to perpetuate the memory of the past before all the old residents have departed, and the ancient landmarks disappeared. Such a book as the History of Bayonne should tend to foster civic pride, without which no city can succeed. I have been awaiting with much interest the appearance of the book, and feel quite con- fident that it will serve a very useful purpose in the community.
THOMAS BRADY.
Mayor's Office, November 1, 1904.
"Let us be students and lovers of our city."
-Frank Moss.
BA
O
D
E
CITY SEAL.
I5
PREFACE.
Bayonne is approaching the 250th anniversary of its settle- ment. It seems appropriate, therefore, that a history of the place be published at this time ; not only to commemorate the anniver- sary, but also because such a history has never before been written or published, and it is well to have collected in some substantial form the historical records of the locality for preservation in our homes and libraries, and to serve as a reference and reminder of the days gone by.
The author, with this in mind, undertook the task some time ago of preparing a history of Bayonne. After spending consid- erable time in difficult research, consulting numerous histories, archives, genealogies, ordinances, reports, maps, documents, files of old newspapers, and in interviewing and corresponding with old inhabitants and past and present city officials-this book is the result.
The writer feels justified in saying that he has always sought the most reliable sources of information, striving to give as accu- rate, concise and interesting an account of the past as possible.
Although much labor has been spent sifting statements in search for any inaccuracies, it is to be hoped that errors, if any, are very few.
The task, while agreeable, has been no light or superficial one, and the author is very grateful to all persons who have assisted him in the work. He feels especially indebted to the following named :- Thomas Brady, Mayor ; George Carragan, President of Bayonne Bank ; Mr .* and Mrs. Nicholus Van Buskirk ; William C. Farr, ex-Mayor ; Rev. Mitchell Bronk, Ph.D. ; Frederic Cham-
I6
PREFACE
berlain, Board of Education; Mabel E. Smith; William Nelson, Secretary New Jersey Historical Society ; Emmett Smith, City Surveyor ; Edwin H. Alexander ; William Dexter; Rev. F. W. Jones ; Principal E. C. Earl; George W. Yates, Sr .; Edmund Stinson, Councilman; Nicholus Cubberly ; John F. Lee,* ex- President Board of Education ; H. T. Hewitt, Secretary Board of Education ; C. J. Rooney, Clerk of County Board of Health and Vital Statistics; Egbert Seymour, ex-Mayor; H. G. Saltzman ; Joseph Brady, City Treasurer ; C. L. Robinson, Collector of Reve- nue ; Cornelius Van Horn.
That this volume may enlighten and interest the reader, and be the means of developing and reviving that honest civic pride which is essential to the best citizenship-is the sincere wish of
R. P. W.
Number Twenty-four East Thirty-seventh Street, October, 1904.
*Recently deceased.
HISTORY OF BAYONNE.
CHAPTER I.
PRE-GLACIAL AGES.
Thousands of years ago, perhaps 5,000, perhaps 20,000, be- fore the northern section of the American continent was lapped in glacial ice, the whole of Bergen Neck (now Jersey City and Bayonne) was submerged land. The Hudson River at that period had a double channel, the main one flowing down the valley west of the Palisades, forming a vast sea north of Staten Island and extending from Newark Heights to South Brooklyn. This sea had two outlets ; one west of Staten Island and the other east ; the latter now the Narrows.
Years later the ice cap from the Arctic regions slowly but resistlessly overspread the metropolitan district under hundreds of feet of ice, until it had reached a point where the waste from melting was as rapid as the advance. The ice finally blocked the western channel with so much pulverized debris of trap, pebbles, dirt, sandstone, etc., that it gradually closed that branch of the river, thereby causing the Hudson to flow east of the Palisades in a channel deepened and widened by these forces.
After this change, when the ice had melted and the flow of water in the western channel had consequently lessened, the land that had previously been submerged, appeared. This included a narrow strip running north and south, dividing the sea in the middle and forming Bergen Neck, the southern extremity of the: Palisade ridge .*
*See article in the New York "Herald," July 10, 1904.
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18
HISTORY OF
CHAPTER II.
· Discovery-Indians-Description of Country.
To acquaint ourselves with the early history of Bayonne, we must first look back and glance over a few brief historical facts concerning New York, Jersey City and vicinity.
History tells us that Jean de Verrazzano, a Florentine in the service of Francis I, King of France, sailed into New York har- bor as early as 1524. He was, therefore, the first white person to gaze on the east shore of what is now the City of Bayonne.
On September 3, 1609, Henry Hudson, in "De Halve Maan" (Half Moon), cast anchor inside of what is now Sandy Hook. Two days later five of his crew were sent to explore the river opening to the north. Passing through the Narrows, they found a swift-flowing river to the westward between two islands, the shores of which were "as pleasant with Grasse, and Flowers, and goodly Trees, as ever they had seene, and very sweet smells came from them." (Hudson's Journal. )
This was the Kill von Kull, or "Het Kill van het Cull," meaning the creek of the bay. They went through the Kills so far as to see Newark Bay. Upon reaching the mouth of the Kills on their return they were attacked by twenty-six Indians, in two canoes, who were probably from Manhattan, and one of the seamen, John Coleman, was shot through the throat by an arrow and killed. This appears to be the nearest approach to Bayonne shores by the whites, so far. On the IIth, Hudson passed through the Narrows and anchored of Constable's Hook.
19
BAYONNE.
There is no record of his landing, although the natives between Bergen Point and Weehawken were very friendly and had ex- tended to him many acts of kindness. They visited his vessel daily, bringing furs, oysters, corn, beans, pumpkins, grapes and apples, to trade. The following day he continued north and entered the river which bears his name.
This tribe of Indians was called the Raritans, and belonged to that stock of the Delawares called the Sanrikans. A small In- dian village was probably located at Bergen Point at this time. If so, it only remained there for a comparatively short period.
This territory was then covered with a dense forest. Bears, panthers, wolves, wild cats, foxes, rattlesnakes, red deer, beavers, hares and squirrels were plentiful, and afforded an excellent hunt- ing ground for the savages. The bays on both sides were the means of obtaining fine fish and oysters.
6
20
HISTORY OF
CHAPTER III.
1614-1646.
Early Settlements and Grants at Manhattan, Pavonia and Communi- paw-Massacre at Pavonia.
Early in 1614 an act was passed by the States General of Holland, giving to certain merchants of Amsterdam the exclusive right to trade and establish settlements within the limits of the country explored by Hudson. The same year, under this com- mission, a fleet of five small trading vessels arrived at Manhattan Island. A few rude huts had already been built by former In- dian traders, but now a fort for the defense of the place was erected and the settlement named New Amsterdam. As early as 1618 a feeble trading station had been established at Bergen, west of the Hudson, but some years elapsed before permanent dwellings were built in this neighborhood.
In April, 1623, an expedition under Captain Cornelius J. May, of Amsterdam, with about thirty families, mostly religious refugees, arrived at New Amsterdam and began a settlement on the lower end of Manhattan Island. This colony was not a suc- cess, and much dissatisfaction was shown.
In June, 1629, the States General granted a bill of "Freedomns and Exemptions" to all such private persons as would plant any colonies in any part of New Netherland, except Manhattan Island. Special privileges were also granted to members of the West India Company. Whoever of its members would plant a colony of fifty persons should be a feudal lord or "Patroon" of a tract
2I
BAYONNE.
"sixteen miles in length fronting on a navigable river, and reach- ing eight miles back."*
As yet, only exploring parties bent on trade with the savages had traversed what is now Hoboken, Jersey City and Bayonne. No one had ventured to "take up" any lands. However, under the stimulus of the bill of "Freedoms and Exemptions," one Michael Pauw, then burgomaster of New Amsterdam, was im- pelled for speculative purposes, no doubt, to obtain from the Director General of New Netherland in 1630, grants of two large tracts, one called "Hoboken Haching" (land of the tobacco pipe), and the other "Ahasimus."* Both of the tracts were parts of what is now Jersey City. The grantee gave one place the name of "Pavonia." Pauw failed to comply with the conditions set forth in his deeds, and was obliged, after three years of contro- versy with the West India Company, to convey his plantation back to that company.
Michael Paulesen, an official of the company, was placed in charge of the plantations in and around Pavonia as superinten- dent. It is said he built and occupied a hut at Paulus Hook early as 1633, therefore being the earliest known white resident in what is now Hudson County. He was followed by others, and by the year 1643 there were considerable plantations on this side of the river.
In 1643 an Indian, no doubt under stress of great provoca- tion, shot and killed a member of the Van Vorst family in this settlement. This resulted in the Massacre of Pavonia on the night of February 25, 1643. Soldiers from Manhattan Island crossed the Hudson River and attacked the Indians at Com- munipaw, slaughtering nearly one hundred. The northern tribes took the warpath, attacked and destroyed the settlement. The settlers who were not killed fled across the river to New Am- sterdam. This section remained deserted by the whites for a number of years.
*Winfield's History of Hudson County.
22
HISTORY OF
CHAPTER IV.
1646-1776.
Grants of Land on Constable's Hook and Bergen Neck-Bayonne Settled by the Dutch-Indian Troubles-Return of Settlers and Final Set- tlement at Pembrepogh-Settlement at Bergen-Description in 1680-Early Education and Law-Census of Bergen County in 1737.
The first record we find referring to the Bayonne section is dated March, 1646, when Jacob J. Roy, a gunner of Fort Am- sterdam, received a grant of land at Constable's Hook.
"Patent granted to Jacob Jacobsen Roy for the . Tract of Land called Constapel's Hook, on the Kil van Col (New Jersey).
"We, William Kieft, Director-General, and the Council of New Netherland, etc., etc.,
"Testify and declare herewith, that this day, date as below, we have conceded and granted to Jacob Jacobsen Roy a parcel of land, called Constapel's Hook, situate on the mainland and sepa- rated from Staten Island by the Kil van Col, covering an area of one hundred and fifty morgens, according to the surveyor's map, with the express condition and stipulation, etc., etc.
"Done at Fort Amsterdam, -, 1646."
The place was formally called Nipnichsen by the Indians. It was soon called Constapel's Hoeck, deriving its name from the occupation of its first European owner. The Dutch word for
23
BAYONNE.
gunner is konstapel; hence Konstapel's Hoeck, or Gunner's Point. It is not known whether Roy settled here, or not, but the proba- bilities are that he did not.
On December 4 and 5, 1654, patents were issued for land in the southerly part of Jersey City, and in Bayonne. The tracts were designated by this description :-- "Between Gemoenepaen and the Kil van Kol." Most of them were for twenty-five mor- gens lying within the district afterwards known as Pembrepogh (Pamrapo). As that name is not mentioned in the patents, it is probable that the same was not then known to the Dutch, or, at least, was not applied to this section of the country.
One of these Patents reads as follows :-
"To Jan Gerritsen van Immen, a piece of land between Gemoenepaen and the Kil van Kol, running along the river or bay S. W. for 40 rods back in the woods, 40 rods wide, stretching into the woods N. N. W. for 375 rods on either side, together 25 morgens. Decbr. 5th, 1654."
Grants were also issued to :- Jacob Wallingen, Jan Cornelis- sen Buys, Jan Lubbertsen, Jan Cornelissen Schoenmaker, Gerrit Piertersen, Lubbert Gysbertsen, Jan Cornelissen Crynnen, Gys- bert Lubbertsen and Hendrick Jansen Van Schalckivyck.
Most of these were owners of land in Pamrapo in the winter of 1654-5. A small company of these property owners, or men employed by them, anxious to lay claim to their possessions, sailed from New Amsterdam in the spring of 1655 and erected rude shelters on their new possesions. Here they opened up an extensive trade with the Indians, and probably cleared some land in preparation for the building of suitable homes for their families. They were, therefore, the first white settlers, and consequently the founders of Bayonne.
However, the stay of these Dutchmen was short, for on Sep- tember 15, 1655, the Indians (provoked at the killing of one of
24
HISTORY OF
their thieving women) attacked New Amsterdam, killing many. Then they crossed and attacked Pavonia, Communipaw and Hoboken, murdering, burning and stealing as they continued down through Bergen Neck (Bayonne), and thence to Staten Island. For a second time this section was a desolation. Homes and plantations were deserted and the settlers fled to New Amsterdam, where they remained some three or four years before returning.
There is no record as to the exact date when the Dutchmen returned to reclaim their property along Bergen Neck. It was probably after January 30, 1658, when a deed was drawn up whereby the Indians sold the land to the Dutch, that these pioneer settlers brought their families and belongings, and made final settlement.
It is uncertain just where these permanent dwellings were erected. One would infer, however, that most of them were situated close to the New York Bay shore between Forty-third Street and the Morris Canal, where it was easy of access to New Amsterdam by water. One, the author has reason to believe, stood on the present site of the Bayswater Hotel; another at the foot of Centre Street, and another near the present Forty-ninth Street station. One or two were probably situated as far back as Avenue D, in the neighborhood of Grand Street.
This settlement at first showed no signs of growth, but after a few years (as will shortly be seen), upon the arrival of more home-seekers, it began to prosper.
"1658 Jan. 10th. Indian Deed (copy of translation from the Dutch). Therinques, Wappappen, Saghkow, Kagkennip, Bomo- kan, Memewockan, Sames, Wewenatokwee, to the Director Gen- eral and Council of New Netherland for land on the Westside of the North River from the great Clip above Wiehacken to above the Island Sikakes, thence to the Kill van Col, so along to Con-
25
BAYONNE.
stable's Hoeck, thence again to the Clip above Wiehacken" (Bergen) .*
The first municipality within the limits of New Jersey was erected by order of Director-General Stuyvesant and his council on September 5, 1661, and christened "The Village of Bergen."
The English, in 1664, under Colonel Richard Nicolls, cap- tured New Netherlands from the Dutch, but the inhabitants on Bergen Neck were not disturbed.
Constable's Hook appeared to be unoccupied and unclaimed upon their taking possession of New York. Consequently, Gov- ernor Nicolls gave a patent, October 26, 1664, to Samuel Edsall and Nicholas Johnson "for a Neck of Land call'd Nip Nickon lying at the mouth of Kil Van Kul." ** This grant was for five hundred acres and included part of Bergen Point, at that time called Constable's Hook.
In 1668 Pemerpoch was applied to that section which lies between the Morris Canal and Thirty-third Street. The word "Pemerpoch" comes from certain Indian words meaning "Big Rock." *** No doubt the Indians referred to the massive rock on which a great portion of Pamrapo and Greenville rests, and which is most visible in the vicinity of Avenue C and the Canal.
On November 2, 1670, Johnson sold his interest of Consta- ble's Hook to Edsall **** for 4,620 guilders, wampum value, who it is supposed erected a log house at the Hook, and cleared and tilled the land ; in a short time he had a flourishing plantation .** **
*New Jersey Archives. First Series, Vol. XXI.
** Winfield's Land Titles.
*** Nelson's "Indians of New Jersey."
*** It is spelled several ways-Pembrepock, Pemerpogh, Pembrepogh, Pamrapaw, Pemmerapugh, Pamrapo are some of the ways.
* ** New Jersey Historical Society.
***** It is believed that Edsall hired some one to do this work, as he was a very busy man. He was a prominent member of the Court of Bergen from 1674 to 1682.
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HISTORY OF
About this time Edsall sold to Jan Van der Linden a piece of meadow lying between the Hook and Bergen Point, but it is not known whether he settled here.
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