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F 144 .M48E13
1800
Glass
F144
Book
M48E13
791
FRANCIS F. EASTLACK.
THE AUTHOR AT WORK UNDER HIS OWN VINE AND PEAR TREE.
PHOTOGRAPH PRESENTED BY HARRY SCHMIDT, MERCHANTVILLE.
PLATE EQUALLY KINDLY CONTRIBUTED BY GATCHELL & MANNING PHILADELPHIA.
HISTORY
-OF-
MERCHANTVILLE,
CAMDEN COUNTY, N. J.,
- -BY-
FRANCIS F. EASTLACK. 11
" Sweet Auburn ! lovliest Village of the Plain, Where Health and Plenty cheered the laboring Swain, Where smiling Spring its earliest Visit paid, And parting Summer's lingering Blooms delayed." (Goldsmith.)
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1899, by FRANCIS F. EASTLACK, in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C.
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR.
1899.
F144 M48E13
HALF TONES BY GATCHEL & MANNING, PHILADELPHIA. PRESS WORK BY LOUIS B. COX, CAMDEN. BINDING BY R. S. BENDER & SON, CAMDEN.
.
INTRODUCTORY NOTE.
"Admitting its brevity, and possible literary blemishes, yet the public must distinctly understand that this work has not been written in a cursory manner nor for pecuniary gain.
"Its merits, if any, stand upon its truthfulness and historical value.
"With this object in view, it has been compiled with the strictest regard for accuracy. Files of old newspapers, aged farm- ers still living in our neighborhood, eminent authorities, minute books and charters, families of old residents, together with all records of the origin and history of our borough have been care- fully consulted.
"It is, therefore, put forward as a standard authority on all important matters pertaining to Merchantville."
' M PAM. 18 F. 10
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.
While all the sins of feeble rhetoric or other want of literary pol- ish should rightfully fall upon my unshielded head, yet I am greatly indebted to the following named gentlemen for much val- uable information: Dr. John R. Stevenson, of Haddonfield; the late Frank Thomson (president of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company), John S. Collins, Moorestown: W. B. Stewart, Conrad Demmy, Henry Scull, Dr. David H. Bartine, Rev. Richard George Moses, Walter H. Eastlack, Rev. N. M. Simmonds, Dr. Charles W. Greene. C. C. Dickey, Hon. Charles C. Garrison, Gottlieb C. Mick. John Senft, Thomas J. Pancoast, Allyn Brewer, Charles H. Pidgeon, Thomas S. Rudderow, David S. Stetson, Dr. Edward Evans, J. Harry Wilkinson, John Homer, Maurice B. Rudderow, Hon. Howard Carrow, Daniel Carlin, William Longstreth, Benjamin Forrest, A. M. Whilt, Samuel C. Gilmore, William Early, Rev. C. Bridgeman and other kindly interested townsmen whose names I cannot now recall.
And last, though not least, Mrs. E. M. Furber, Miss Annie A. Scull and Mrs. Sarah R. Murray, of the "Colonial Dames of New Jersey."
Also to Gatchel & Manning, of Philadelphia; Harry Schmidt, William Longstreth, Charles F. Homer and Hon. Oliver Lund, of Philadelphia, for many evidences of practical assistance.
ANTIQUITY OF NEW JERSEY.
Geologists are unanimous in the assertion that at one time, far back in prehistoric periods, the ground now known as New Jersey lay completely under the sea; the whole State, in fact, except possibly the upper northern mountainous section.
This is not simply a theory, but a veritable fact, substanti- ated by the total absence of coal, besides the existence of immense marl pits, fossils of marine life, shells, and much debris, unmis- takably establishing marine origin.
Finally, that there is scarcely a spot in the State in which these traces of matter purely marine cannot be found at the- present time.
ORIGINAL OWNERS OF THE GROUND ON WHICH MERCHANTVILLE NOW STANDS.
The valuable information received,* if published in full, would indeed make a
"quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,"
but it must necessarily be condensed. That is to say, Samuel Coles, of Coleshill, Hertfordshire, England, came to this country in possession of a "right" to the one-ninetieth part of an immense tract of land which he obtained by debt or purchase from the heirs of Edward Byllinge; it began at the junction of Coopers Creek and the Delaware River, and extended in a northerly and easterly direction.
On the 13th day of the Third month, 1682, Coles sold to Samuel Spicer (coming from Gravesend, Long Island), 500 acres of this tract, and with it another part of his tract extending to Pen- sauken Creek (the latter being six miles long and three miles wide.) Coles also disposed of 100 acres to Henry Wood in 1685, and afterward the balance to various parties. Samuel Spicer died in 1691. He left two Sons-Jacob and Thomas. Thomas died in 1760; his daughter-his only child, Abigal, born January 25, . 1743-was married to William Rudderow on the 25th of May, 1758. His ancestors came from Hirnant, Wales. He owned considerable property across Pensauken Creek, immediately op- posite to the Spicers' land. He was born October 11, 1732, and died in November, 1808. His son John succeeded him (being born in February, 1759, and dying February 14th, 1840).
Under the will of John's grandfather (Thomas Spicer), John inherited 400 acres of the original Spicer tract, which is now cov- ered by the Borough of Merchantville. (See map.) After his death it was gradually sold off by his heirs, among whom was included Amos, the father of our postmaster. Maurice B. Rud- derow. Amos Rudderow died December 15th, 1898. The last conveyance of this original tract was for 80 acres, made in 1885.
* Dr. John R. Stevenson, Haddonfield, and his equally scholarly sister, Mrs. Sarah R. Murray, of the "Colonial Dames of New Jersey."
Cove Road
LINE Of
W. O.
JOHN BURROS LAND
O HOWKER CURREYS New LAND
SAML BURRO'S
LAND
LANe 08
MOORESTOWN Pike
OAK
LAND
Jacob Spicer's
John Spicers
LAND 400 acres
SAMLBURRO'S
1
I Beni WOODS LAND
W
-
E
POST
-
Jacol Spicer's LAND
-BO
LINE Of
5
- CHURCH Road
FURNISHED BY DR. JOHN R. STEVENSON, HADDONFIELD.
RE-DRAWN BY WALTER H. EASTLACK.
NOTE .- The Moorestown pike, also Cove road, (marked by dotted lines) were, of course, not projected when the original' map was drawn in 1691.
1
1
I
N
LAND
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THE FOUNDERS OF MERCHANTVILLE.
Matthias Homer, John Louty, Samuel McFadden and Freder- ick Gerker (four Philadelphia merchants) were the pioneers of Merchantville. They came here together in 1852, building their houses on the north side of Maple avenue near Cove road, except Mr. Gerker, who built opposite (the house now owned by Wil- liam B. Kempton). Mr. Gerker was an ardent Catholic, and, having few means of attending a church of his own denomination, he built a private room in his new house, in which was erected an altar and confessional, and a Philadelphia priest called at stated times to administer the functions of his office.
At a social meeting at the house of John Louty, the question of naming the new settlement was under discussion: when, after a number of striking names had been suggested to no purpose, Mrs. Louty entered and said. "Gentlemen, as you are all mer- chants, why not call it Merchantville?" which met the approval of all.
OLD LANDMARKS.
Where Merchantville now stands there were five houses-one on Maple avenue, above Centre street, once occupied by a Scotch- man (whose name I cannot get), but where James C. Finn, who owned considerable property in the neighborhood, lived for some years, and who afterwards built the house now occupied by the Weikel family.
The old farm house on the Curtis property, at the junction of Maple and Wellwood avenues, said to have been built more than a hundred years ago, is still standing.
An old wooden building which stood near where the Millinger house now is was occupied by John Laney. A frame house stand- ing where the Robbins house now is was occupied by Conrad Demmy from 1857 to 1867. It was afterward removed to the race
track, where it still remains. Church (or Cove) road was once a private road from Thomas Spicer, Jr.'s, to Colestown. The pres- ent road was laid out April 27, 1809.
Whiskey road was so called from a distillery owned by Ralph V. M. Cooper on the ground now occupied by Samuel Coles. He owned considerable property in the neighborhood, and opened the road to the turnpike.
TURNPIKE.
A private road ran snake-like through the woods from "Spicer's Ferry" (Cooper Creek) from the earliest settlement. Snake-like is a fitting word. Not knowing by what tortuous trails it took from Camden, we know that it ran close to the old Curtis farm house. Then, starting to the right through a dense forest, found its way to the rear of where our Methodist church now stands; thence, through Dr. Bartine's and other properties, it crossed where Centre street now is, at Mrs. Thomas C. Knight's house; thence struck the Hollinshead homestead; afterwards, turning to the left, it ran close to the "Half Moon Inn" (now Fred Ritter's), and so continued its way to Moorestown.
You must also remember that through this same tiresome route Washington led his troops after the battle of Princeton. It is also a historical fact that some American and Hessian soldiers fallen in that memorable battle lay side by side in the old Colestown Cemetery. The public road was laid out March 8th, 1762. It was straightened out in 1804.
"The Moorestown and Camden Turnpike Company" con- structed the present road in 1850. It was opened for use April Ist, 1851. Edward Harris was its first president. Its original cost was thirty-six thousand dollars. The roadbed was of gravel. A two-horse team drew usually from seven hundred to twelve hun- dred pounds. Afterwards it was laid in stone at an additional outlay of sixty-five thousand dollars, making for construction alone a total of one hundred thousand dollars. At present a span of horses can draw three to four tons weight to and from Phila- delphia or Camden.
Its bonds and stock are held in part by widows and the de- scendants of its original incorporators. Emmor Roberts, of. Moorestown, is now president of the road.
OLD INNS.
"The Cherry Tree Inn" (on ground near the Hollinshead home- stead) was built at an unknown date, between 1717 and 1733, ten- ant unknown. It was occupied by Thomas Spicer, Jr., after his. marriage (1740), but not kept as a tavern by him. After his death, in 1760, his widow lived in it. In 1769 her son-in-law, William. Rudderow, removed it to the pike above Cove road. At his death it came into the possession of his half-brother, John, who lived there until 1850, when it was left to his heirs. *
"The Half Moon Inn" stood where Fred Ritter now lives. It was built in 1800; was kept by a man named Cattell. Charles. Busby bought it in 1828 and changed its name to the "Spread Eagle Hotel." He sold it to William Hinchman, and he, in 1846, to John A. Vennier, who kept it until his death, in 1876. It after- wards passed into the possession of several other parties. A hotel is now kept there by Fred Ritter.
The "Stockton House" (corner of Maple avenue and Centre street) was originally a two-story shanty, occupied as a cake shop. It was built by James Folwell in 1845 or 1846. He afterwards built around and over it and owned it until 1856, when he sold it to "Benny" Martin, who occupied it as public house for many years. It afterward passed into several hands and has been leased from the Martin estate by William W. Pancoast since.
RAILROADS.
"The Camden and Pemberton Agricultural Railroad" was chartered July 28th, 1854. It ran to Moorestown, Mt. Holly and Pemberton. In February, 1866, its several branches were imited
* Old musty documents being sometimes puzzling and even conflicting, I am not certain that the final disposition of the " Cherry Tree Inn," as given is historically correct.
as the "Camden and Burlington County Railroad Company." The road, under its new name, running from Camden to Mt. Holly, was opened for use Monday, October 21st, 1867. It was leased to the Camden and Amboy Railroad and Transportation Company April 21st, 1868, and was finally leased to the Pennsyl- vania Railroad Company May 11th, 1872. The conditions of the lease are that the latter company shall pay interest on the bonds of the company and 6 per cent. per annum on its capital stock.
TROLLEY LINES.
"The Camden Horse Car Company" finished this line from Camden to Merchantville in September, 1893. The fare cach way was ten cents for some time. The first monthly ticket was issued to A. Macray on October 24th, 1893. The name of the company has since been changed to the "Camden and Suburban Railroad Company."
TRADITIONS.
The following two sad incidents have been related to me by more than one old farmer still living in our neighborhood, but which I have no means of verifying:
THE GYPSY CAMP.
A band of gypsies had encamped in the grove near where our present stand-pipe now is. A young and very interesting maiden (the daughter of a prosperous farmer of the vicinity) was naturally attracted there. After "crossing hands with silver" and with many other nonsensical maneuverings one of the old hags told her that she would surely marry, but not until after the death of her first lover. The maiden, being at that time betrothed ! ) } young and promising lawyer, this foolish prediction made such an impression upon her mind that, notwithstanding all the kindly in- fluences of her family and friends, she fell into a rapid decline from which she never rallied.
THE GERMAN PEDDLER.
On the grounds now occupied by the hotel, corner Maple ave- nue and Centre street, stood a little shanty, in which lived a widow named Sarah Green, with her two children, who kept a cake and candy store, besides taking in washing. On a cold and stormy night,
"It was in the bleak December,"
a German peddler, with a heavy sack, making his way toward Moorestown, but cold and blinded by the storm, knocked at the. widow's door, pleadingly begging shelter for the night. Not- withstanding she was alone, her woman's sympathies were en- listed, and she built him a sort of rude bed beside the kitchen stove. Locking the doors, she, with her children, retired and. slept soundly. Upon arising in the morning she was horrified to find the body of the peddler stretched out upon the kitchen. floor, where he had been strangled to death and robbed of all his money and valuables.
Although suspicion pointed to two desperate characters (who. bad evidently tracked him from Camden), yet no conviction fol- lowed.
Now allow me to revert to matters more intimately relating to- Merchantville.
CHURCHES.
OLD TRINITY.
The Trinity Methodist Episcopal Chapel was, of course, the only public place of worship for miles around of any denomina- tion. After a series of meetings held in the little school house (elsewhere referred to), in which Matthias Homer, David S. Stet- son, A. G. Cattell, Elijah G. Cattell, James C. Finn, Isaac Hinch- man, Isaac Starn, Charles W. Starn and Joseph H. Starn were the
"OLD" TRINITY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
LOANED EXPRESSLY FOR THIS WORK BY WM. LONGSTRETH.
principals, the "Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church" was duly incorporated March IIth, 1865. The corner-stone of the "Chapel" was laid on the third Saturday in October, 1865. It was finished and dedicated in March, 1866, Bishop Matthew Simpson officiat- ing. It was a quaint and cozy wooden structure, standing back from the road, through an avenue of sturdy oaks, and surmounted by a modest belfry.
Some time afterwards the children of the Sunday school, by contributions from every resident, stranger and passing farmer, supplied it with a bell, the same that now swings in the tower of its new majestic edifice.
It was generally known as the "Union" Chapel; the seats were free, and for obvious reasons doctrinal sermons were preached but once a month. The Rev. Robert S. Harris was the first pas- ter, and David S. Stetson and Matthias Homer were the first superintendents of its Sabbath school.
The present handsome granite edifice was finished and dedi- cated May 9th, 1894. The Rev. J. B. Haines is the present pas- tor, since June, 1898. Samuel C. Gilmore is the superintendent of the Sabbath school, supported by eighteen teachers and officers, with 178 scholars on the roll.
MEMORIAL TABLET.
In a handsome window in this church (representing Christ blessing children) appears imprinted the following significant statement: "This church marks the place where Children's Day was originated by its pastor, Rev. Robert S. Harris, in the year 1866, and this window is lovingly dedicated to the memory of this event."
We might add that the second Sunday of June in every year is set apart as Children's Day, and is now observed in every Metho- dist church throughout the world, and by many other religious denominations.
The following poetical address was read from the pulpit by the pastor of the church:
SCHOLARS' GREETING.
To the teachers of the Trinty M. E. Sabbath School at Mer- chantville, New Jersey, and its Greenville and Pennsville branch schools, on the occasion of their floral festival, May 28th, 1871.
BY FRANCIS F. EASTLACK.
Dear teachers-friends of innocence and youth! Gnides of our footsteps in the paths of truth, To you we turn-for you our hearts o'erflow With gentle love and fond affection's glow.
And we have come with a childish lay,
This genial, beautiful day of May. May! when all nature, as if proud to wear
Her livery of green-her balmy air, Yet speaks in language rich and rare,
"Each bud and blossom is a voiceless prayer." So May has given us what we dearly prize, Her choicest flowers in their richest dies, And we have gathered them in festoons gay, To deck our school-room on this Sabbath day.
Look at our flowers! So beautiful! So bright! So full of perfume! So grateful to the sight!
Dear teachers, are we not like tender flowers, Needing the warmth, the dew and the showers, The kindly Gard'ner's hand to prune and tie, And trail our trembling tendrils toward the sky?
Oh may our hearts receive the warmth of truth above, The silent dews of grace-the showers of love; And all our aspirations ever fondly bend Upward, to please our Heavenly Friend
As flowers exhale their perfume on the air, And lull the sense with odors rich and rare, So may our feeble prayers arise Like incense, till they reach the skies.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
LOANED EXPRESSLY FOR THIS WORK BY WM. LONGSTRETH.
And as the gard'ner plucks the lovely flower So rich in glory and in perfume power, So at our gleaning may we ready stand To meet a greeting at the Saviour's hand.
We come as branches to this holy place, And bring our pretty flowers our school to grace, Would that the Saviour would our hearts incline To be indeed the branches, as He is the Vine!
Like tender branches we are scattered wide, 'Mid thorns and roses-humble truth and pride! But in the Upper-Land, supreme and blest, No separation shall disturb our rest.
Teachers and scholars shall with one accord Sing songs triumphant to the living Lord, And should ambition rise among the blest, 'Twill be "who loves our Lord the best!"
It will interest many of my readers to know, that in the frontis- piece my left hand is resting upon the original minute book (1865) of Trinity M. E. Church.
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The first meetings looking up to the formation of this church were held in the Oak Grove Academy in 1871, but it was not until 1872 that an actual organization was effected, which met in the old Merchantville Hall. The Rev. Robert Ellis Thompson was its first permanent pastor, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Upham following in November, 1874. It is but just to say that under the energetic management of Mr. Upham that the church edifice was built and presented to its trustees absolutely free from debt. Its tower was left unfinished. This needed $240 to complete. Within a week
one of its determined members raised more than the necessary amount from contributions from all denominations.
It was formally dedicated June 12th, 1876. Mr. Upham re- signed and was followed by Matthew C. Wood, then by Rev. Roderick Cobb and finally by Rev. J. Mench Chambers. Its Sunday school was started October 13th, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Francis F. Eastlack succeeded in gathering some children who attended no Sabbath school, and on that day thirteen presented themselves at Mr. Eastlack's house. Dahlias were in bloom; each little one, having one of these flowers pinned to his or her bosom, were marched two by two to the Merchantville Hall, where the school was formally opened.
As near as I can remember, the names of the original thirteen were Casper Lord, Kate Miller, Emma Demmy (now Mrs. Fred- crick Ritter), Walter Knight, John Miller, Hannah Humphreys, Mary Knight (now the widow of William Moses), Walter Rud- derow and Francis F., Jr., Ida, Walter H. and J. Dorsey B. East- lack and Daniel Carlin.
T. E. Atkins is the present superintendent, since March, 1899, assisted by twenty-two teachers and officers and one hundred and eighty-eight scholars on the roll.
Years ago a pastor of this church in going to a prayer meeting there, found a man stretched out asleep on its front steps. He awoke him, finding him poorly though cleanly dressed and en- tirely sober. He told the minister that, having walked from Fel- lowship on his way to Camden, becoming tired and hungry, he had selected this spot for a little rest, but had fallen asleep. With- out questioning his word, the good man took him to his own home, and, after giving him a substantial supper, invited him to return to the prayer-meeting with him, which he did, and re- mained until its close. After some whispering the good man placed a generous sunt in his hand, and one of the members walk- ed with him to the railroad station, bought him a ticket for Cam- den and sent him on his way rejoicing. But similar evidences of practical Christianity were not uncommon in those days.
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THE GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
LOANED EXPRESSLY FOR THIS WORK BY WM. LONGSTRETH.
THE GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
As early as 1871 the question of forming an Episcopalian Church was agitated. The first actual service was held at the resi- dence of Henry A. Macomb December 2d, 1872, Edward S. Hall reading the services. Similar meetings at private houses followed, until April 16th, 1873, when, at the residence of George Crump, the Parish wasincorporated Oct.5,'73. A neat wooden chapel was erected in 1878 at the corner of Centre street and Park avenue, the pulpit was occupied by several transient ministers, yet the Rev. Richard George Moses became the first permanent minister and still holds that position.
The chapel was removed to the ground of the proposed church in July, 1890. The present imposing edifice was built during 1893 and 1894, and on September 30th, 1894, the first divine service was solemnized. The first Sunday school superintendent was Henry A. Macomb. Arthur Truscott has present charge, assisted by fifteen teachers and officers and one hundred and fifty scholars. on the roll.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
This congregation was formally organized in 1889. In 1890 their present church, a neat and artistic wooden structure, was erected at the corner of Centre street and Rogers avenue. It has been greatly enlarged and improved since. The Rev. Samuel S. Merriman, its first pastor (then a theological student), was for- mally ordained as minister at our Presbyterian church, his own father taking a leading part. Immediately afterwards he assumed the pastorship of the church. He was succeeded by the Rev. New- ton M. Simmonds, the present pastor, in 1896.
Joseph Wiltshire was its first superintendent and is still in charge, assisted by twenty teachers and officers, with about two hundred scholars on the roll.
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FRIENDS' MEETING HOUSE.
A number of "Friends" have for some time been holding meet- ings in Davenport's Hall, giving occasional public exercises in the grove adjacent to the old Merchantville Hall, and at present in our Centre Public School house. Though quiet in their opera- tions, still I learn that much interest is manifested at their meet- ings and that their number is increasing.
MATTHIAS HOMER.
I may say right here, as a reason for the frequent use of Mr. Homer's name through these pages, that there is nothing-either in borough matters, formation of churches, building associations, Free-Mason and Odd Fellow lodges, railroad or political mat- ters-that does not bear the imprint of this honored gentleman's prominence and active participation. He was born in Birming- ham, England, in 1812; came to America in 1822; located as one of the founders of Merchantville in 1852, and died December 16th, 1893.
DAVID S. STETSON, SR.
Nor can Mr. Homer's name be mentioned without couphng that of Mr. Stetson's. He was one of our oldest and most hon- ored public-spirited citizens; he was ardently and heartily engaged in every kind of religious and beneficial work, besides freely con- tributing for their support and advancement. He was born in the city of Bath, Maine, May 22d, 1819, settled here in September, 1861, and died respected and esteemed September 27th, 1878. His son, David S. Stetson, Jr., is president of our Building Asso- ciation.
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BUILDING ASSOCIATIONS.
"The Cottage Loan and Building Association" was organized in 1867. David S. Stetson, Sr., was its first president; E. S. Hall, secretary, and Matthias Homer, treasurer. It issued a number of
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