USA > New Jersey > Cumberland County > Greenwich > Tombstone inscriptions in the old Presbyterian burying ground at Greenwich, New Jersey : with a historical sketch > Part 1
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TOMBSTONE INSCRIPTIONS
IN THE OLD
PRESBYTERIAN BURYING GROUND A T
GREENWICH, NEW JERSEY
WITH A
HISTORICAL SKETCH
COMPILED BY
FRANK D. ANDREWS
Secretary Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society
PRIVATELY PRINTED VINELAND, NEW JERSEY I 9 15
--
With the Compliments of
FRANK D. ANDREWS.
LIMITED EDITION.
This edition of TOMBSTONES INSCRIPTIONS IN THE OLD PRESBYTERIAN BURYING GROUND AT GREENWICH, NEW JERSEY, is limited to one hundred and four copies, of which this is Number 17.
Price ONE DOLLAR.
TOMBSTONE INSCRIPTIONS
IN THE OLD
PRESBYTERIAN
BURYING GROUND AT
GREENWICH, NEW JERSEY
WITH A
HISTORICAL SKETCH
COMPILED BY
FRANK D. ANDREWS 11 Secretary Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society
PRIVATELY PRINTED VINELAND, NEW JERSEY 19 15
T :44 6
Gif Author ( Peraoa)
APR 27 1915
PREFACE.
The principal object of this publication is to preserve in convenient form the names, dates and epitaphs found on the tombstones of former residents of Greenwich who lie buried in the grave yard, where once stood the old Presbyterian meeting-house by the "great street," which beginning at the riverside, some two miles distant, leads to this hallowed ground.
This highway has been in constant use for more than two hundred years, Up and down this ancient road have passed and repassed the men and women who have made the town their home since the arrival of the Qua- ker colonists and the Connecticut settlers more than two centuries ago.
Here, at the Head of Greenwich was built the early church, small, as was their numbers at first, but as the congregation increased in wealth and standing, replaced by a substantial even elegant structure of brick, which standing for a century, was for many years the centre of religious activity of the county.
Here we find, as we reverently move among the graves the names of men and women who living in the vicinity worshipped in the old meeting-house, and dying were buried in the yard surrounding it. Among those lying here are soldiers of the Revolution, men active in the affairsof church, State and country; with their helpmates beside them, women honored for their industry, good ness and self-sacrifice, worthy ancestors of those who trace their lineage to the early inhabitants of Greenwich.
3
PREFACE.
Not every old grave yard has within its boundaries the remains of so many worthy men and women as this enclosure at the Head of Greenwich. Not infrequently the life of an individual may be summed up by the words: Born, lived, and died, so little is there to be said regarding them. This is not the case with many who are entombed in this sacred spot; life to them was some- thing more than an uneventful, monotonous round of daily duties, some were active in the strife that tried men's souls, others won honor in their profession, or were known for their good deeds and service to their fellow men.
Greenwich has had the experience common to all old settled communities, its young men and women leave their native place and seek fame and fortune elsewhere; many of them, however, retain pleasant recollections of the home of their fathers, and have an abiding interest in the history of the town, to them, these inscriptions will awaken memories of the past, and pride in their relationship. To genealogists and others engaged in research and the study of family history, it is hoped this record may also prove useful.
The history of the Presbyterian Church, published in 1871, was written by Dr. Enoch Fithian, whose residence was but a short distance from the entrance to this old church yard in which his parents are buried. Born May 10, 1792, he lived over one hundred years, dying November 15, 1892. The writer acknowledges his in- debtedness to this excellent history of the Church in preparing the following historical sketch.
FRANK D. ANDREWS.
VINELAND, NEW JERSEY.
1 9 15 .
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
The first settlers of Greenwich were Friends, or Qua- kers, from John Fenwick's Colony at Salem, some of whom secured deeds to their sixteen acre lots before 1690 and laid the foundation of a town.
In 1692 the West New Jersey Society purchased a large tract of land in the county which they were desir- ous of selling to actual settlers. This opportunity to secure rich fertile land under favorable conditions led to the removal of a company of men and women from Fair- field County in Connecticut, part of whom located along the river on the Society's land, and established there the the township of Fairfield. The others united with the Quakers in developing the settlement already commen- ced, to which they gave the name of Greenwich, from the town whence they came.
The West New Jersey Society through their liberality and for the encouragement of the New England settlers, prevailed upon Rev. Thomas Bridge, an English clergy- man of undoubted ability and piety to settle among the people of Fairfield.
Although no church records are known to exist, Mr. Bridge, coming in 1695, spent nearly nine years among them, ministering to their spiritual welfare.
The date of the organization of the church at Green- wich is unknown, the early records having been destroy- ed. It is quite likely Mr. Bridge preached to the Greenwich people, possibly assisted in the formation of a church there, either before or upon the arrival of
5
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
Mr. Black, for it is doubtful if the Connecticut settlers of Greenwich would long remain without a religious teacher. Little is known regarding Mr. Black or how long he remained in Greenwich. He was in Lewes, Delaware in 1708, probably having severed his connec- tion with the church in West Jersey.
The church records previous to 1747 are lost, and the only earlier paper in possession of the society is a deed of gift from Jeremiah Bacon to Henry Joyce and Thomas Maskell for "one acre of land in trust for the people called Presbyterians, on the north side of Cohansey to build and establish a meeting house for the public wor- ship of God," dated April 24 1717.
On this ground it is supposed a frame building was erected, small, but sufficient for their use.
Doubtless the friendship existing between the resi- dents of Fairfield and Greenwich was such that when the former had a minister, the latter also had the advantages of his teaching, either by joining with them in their log cabin by the Cohansey, or he ministered to them on stated occasions. Such it is believed to have been the case with Rev. Henry Hook, who from 1718 to 1722, preached to the two congregation on alternate Sundays,
Supplies were doubtless sent from time to time by the Presbytery under whose protection they were.
It was not however until 1728 that Greenwich had a settled minister, when Rev. Ebenezer Goold, a native of Guilford Conn., (Yale 1723, ) was ordained and installed pastor. Soon after his settlement he married Amie Brewster, a descendant of Elder William Brewster who came in the Mayflower to Plymouth in 1620. A parson- age was built for their accommodation on land virtually given the society by Nicholas and Leonard Gibbon, large land owners, who though of the Episcopal faith
6
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
were desirous of building up the town. The deed was for six acres and dated June 13, 1729-30, "in respect that they have to the Presbyterian inhabitants or De- scenting Presbyterians inhabitants of the north side of Cohansey and also for the sum of five shillings"
The original subscription paper with a list of the sub- scribers has been preserved. Their names are:
Ebenezer Goold £ 5 00 Matthias Fithian £ 5 00
Josiah Fithian IO o o Constant Maskell 10 00
William Watson IO o o John Woolsey 2
Elias Cotting IO o o Ananias Sayre
4 00
Samuel Clark 5 o o Aaron Mulford
3 00
Benjamin Dare 10 o o Charles Fordham 3 00
Thomas Ewings
10 0 0 William Perry
4
00
Abiel Carll 5
o o Beelbe Sheppard
I 0 0
Thomas Buryman 5
IO o o James Caruthers
4
Jonathan Sayre
2 o o Thomas Read
2 0 0
Nathaniel Bishop
2 5 o Benjamin Worton I
Samuel Miller
4 o o John Woodruff 3 00
Jonathan Holmes
6 o o : Noah Miller Jr.
4
Thomas Sayre
5 oo Joseph More
6
00
John Pagget
8 9 0 James McKnight 2 00
Harber Peck
4 o o Charles Campbell 2 00
Nehemiah Veal
3 o o Jolın Alexander I 0 0
Samuel Moore
5 o o Ebenezer Ash Smith I 0 0
John Miller
4 o o Nathan Lupton I IO0
Joseph Peck
2 o o James Crawford I 0 0
Nathaniel Harris 2 o o James Robinson I 00
Francis Julis
I IO O Nathaniel More 2
John Shaw
3 oo John Tyler I
Philip Vickers
5 oo John Plummer in work 10 0
John Keith
2 10 o William Tullis 100
Uriah Bacon
I oo Elias Davis 1 00
o o Francis Brewster 2
Abraham Reeves
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HISTORICAL SKETCH.
Robert James £ 1 00 Deborah Keitlı $ 1 00
Stephen Jessup
I o o Mercy Maskell 2 00
Moses Platts
I 10 o Samuel Bacon Jr. 150
Samuel Morfet
1 10 o Josiah Parvin
4 00
John Ffinlaw I o o Thomas Padgett 6 00
Joseph Simkins I o o Thomas Waitman 3 00
The sum total of the subscription is £234. SIO.
When built, the church was forty four feet in length, thirty five in width and two stories in height, the walls were of brick and when the roof was put in place it is said the congregation worshiped there, it being several years before completion. The pews, built at the pew holders expense, were placed ou a raised platform follow- ing the wall, on the floor which was of brick, benches were placed. A broad aisle extended from the entrance on the east to the pulpit at the west. At first built stairs to the gallery were on the outside, later changed to the interior. There were deep galleries in front and on the sides. The pulpit was the crowning glory of the church; it is said to have been made in Boston. In shape it was hexagonal with sounding board of the same shape orna- mented by different colored woods inlaid, the princpal ornament being a star radiating from a circle near the centre, within the circle was another star, the material being black walnut.
When completed in 1751, the church was the largest she most imposing edifice in this part of West Jersey.
Mr. Goold's wife died July 16, 1739, aged 36 years, and was buried under the communion table of the church then recently erected. About this time the parsonage was burned with the furniture it contained and probably the church records also.
Mr. Goold's views regarding the form of church gov- ernment not pleasing the congregation he removed with
8
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
out dismission by the Presbytery, and in 1740 was in- stalled pastor of the church in Cutchogue, a parish of Southold, in Long Island.
For six years the church had no regular minister, du- ring the time eminent divines preached to the people at infrequent intevals. The celebrated Whitefield came to Greenwich in 1740, so great a number assembled to hear him the church could not hold them and he spoke in a grove near by. Gilbert Tennent and Rev. Dr. Samuel Fiuley also visited Greenwich. In 1743 Mr. William Dean preached there, but it was not until September 4th 1746 the church had a settled minister, when Rev. Andrew Hunter was installed. Mr. Hunter not only served the church at Greenwich, but that of Deerfield, preaching every third Sabbath at the latter place until 1760, A parsonage, witha farm of one hundred and five acres was purchased May 3, 1754, for Mr. Hunter.
Rev. Andrew Hunter, who was born in Ireland about 1715, was licensed to preached by the New Brunswick Presbytery May 28, 1745, and the following year settled at Greenwich. After 1760, he served the church at Greenwich only. He is said to have been an ardent patriot and the church a gathering place for supplies for the soldiers which were stored there until conveyed to them. He died July 28, 1775, aged 60 years.
During the Revolutionary war the church was suppli- ed by Rev. Mr. Keith, Rev. Andrew Hunter Jr., a neph- ew of the late pastor, and others.
It was during Andrew Hunter's pastorate that the church attained its greatest prosperity, the congregations were large, and included a good proportion of the intelli- gent, influential and wealthy residents of the county.
Rev. George Faitoute took charge of the congregation August 18, 1781, was installed pastor April 8, 1782, and dismissed in 1788 or 1789.
9
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
A society having been formed and a meeting house built in Bridgeton, they united with the Greenwich con- gregation in installing Rev. William Clarkson, Noveuiber 1794, pastor of both churches. He was dismissed in ISO1.
In 1802 Rev. Alexander Boyd filled the pulpit for a short time. The following year Rev. Hezekiah Wood- ruff ministered to the congregations, but was not accept- able to all, however they agreed upon Rev. Jonathan Freeman who was installed pastor of both churches, Oc- tober 16, 1805. He died November 17, 1822.
Efforts to secure a pastor cojointly with Bridgeton having failed, Rev. Samuel Lawrence was installed pas- tor of the Greenwich church November 10, 1824.
The old church after one hundred years of use was deemed unsatisfactory and a more modern structure erected on the opposite side of the highway. The new building was dedicated May 5, 1836, and the church has since been served by the following clergymen: Rev. Shepard Kosciusco Kollock; Rev. John S. Stewart; Rev. Henry E. Thomas; Rev. William Smitz; Rev. J. C. Lev- engood; Rev. F. S. Breunemen; Rev. L. C. Wainwright, and Rev. J. Calvin Krause, the present incumbent.
Before the old brick church was built the dead were buried in places set apart for the purpose on the farms of the members of the congregation. The ground about the church then became the place of sepulchure and remained until it was so filled with graves, that in 1863, a cemetery was laid out by the present church, and bur - ials were seldom made in the old yard.
Among the stones in the old grave yard are nearly a score of tablets commemorating the virtues of the honor- ed dead, that of Rev. Andrew Hunter marking the site of the old church he served so long and faithfully, his remains having been buried under the broad aisle.
10
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
On one side of the tomb of Rev. Andrew Hunter, as it stands today, is a marble slab in memory of Amie Goold, wife of Rev. Ebenezer Goold, who died July 16, 1739, and was buried beneath the floor where the com- munion table stood in the newly erected meeting-house.
An interesting event in the history of Greenwich took place December 22, 1774, when a party of young men disguised as Indians burned a cargo of East India tea, recently landed and stored in the village. Four mem- bers of the tea party are buried in this yard: Thomas Ewing, James B. Hunt, Joel Fithian and Joel Miller.
Enos Ewing, who though but a boy, was according to local tradition with the party that eventful evening when the tea was destroyed, is also buried here.
Should the reader care to learn more regarding the history of Greenwich, they are refered to the "History of the Early Settlement and Progress of Cumberland County," by Lucius Q. C. Elmer, 1869; "History of the Presbyterian Church," by Enoch Fithian, M. D., 1871; "History of Greenwich," in the "History of Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland Counties," 1883, by Charles E. Sheppard; "The Tea Burners of Cumber- land County," 1908, by Frank D. Andrews; "Historical Sketches of Greenwich in 'Old Cohansey," 1905; "Co- lonial and Old Houses of Greenwich," 1907, and "Reminiscences of Greenwich," 1910, by Bessie Ayars Andrews.
Mrs. Andrews, who is a native and former resident of Greenwich, and familiar with the old grave yard from childhood, has written for this publication the verses which appear on the following page.
THE OLD GRAVE YARD.
At every morn the light of day, Reveals to those who pass this way These time stained stones of ancient date, And old, old tablets near the gate.
We find the hero, old time slave, The aged settler, soldier brave, The old divine, physician's wise; From many climes the dead here lies.
The old time mother struggled through Her burdened cares, in country new; And oft we find, close by her side Her darling child, her joy, her pride.
The spreading oak does slowly grow Whose branches, western breezes blow O'er shadows graves, to all unknown, For many are, unmarked by stone.
The willow weeps in solitude Displaced the stones that near it stood; Has grown in beauty as it waves And softly murmurs o'er the graves.
These printed pages, here you'll find Perchance the sire you had in mind, The name, the date, the epitaph Is here preserved, in your behalf.
INSCRIPTIONS ON THE GRAVE-STONES
IN THE OLD BURYING GROUND OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
GREENWICH, NEW JERSEY.
AYARS.
Anna S. Ayars Died January 8 1867 in the 21st year of her age
I sleep in Jesus! Mother, Brother, Sister, Friend. Oh meet me when I wake.
Colwell Ayars Died March 29 A. D. 1857 in the 68th year of his age
Eunice wife of Colwell Ayars Died Oct 13 A. D. 1841 Aged 59 years 4 months & 13 days
Eleanor wife of Colwell Ayars Died Aug 31st 1864 In the 68 y'r of her age
BACON.
David Bacon was born the 28th August A D 1762 and died the 4th December A. D. 1811 aged 49 y. 3 m1. 6 days
David Bacon was born the 9th June A D 1796 and died the 22nd March 1811 aged 14 y. 9 m 15 days
Edward S. Bacon 1810-1880
II
INSCRIPTIONS.
In memory of Isabella S daughter of Abel & Mary Bacon died June 28th 1862 aged 50 years
"Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord"
In memory of James Bacon who departed this life March eleventh 1775 aged 41 years
James Bacon departed this life Feby 7th 1816 aged 26 y. 10 m. 13 d.
BAKER.
In memory of Rachel Baker long a consistent member of this church who departed in the triumph of faith August 15 1851 in the 76th year of her age
BARKER.
David J. Barker died Aug 7 1831 aged 7mo & 25 days
Hope wife of Rev. E. M. Barker born May 26th 1807 died Aug Ist 1831 aged 24 years 2mo & 5 days
In memory of Richard Barker who departed this life Nov r 5th 1795 aged 39 years
BENNETT.
In memory of Jeremiah Bennett who departed this life on the 21st of November 1807 aged 71 years 9 months & 28 days Also, near this stone lies one brother one daughter and seven grand children
In memory of Saralı wife of Jeremiah Beunette depar- ted this life March 29th 1798 aged 60 years
She was a member of the Presbyterian church for 30 years & was esteemed a real christian
BEREMAN.
In memory of John Bereman who departed this life in the 7th day of January 1805 in the 71st year of his age
In memory of Sarah Bereman who departed this life on the 5th day of May 1804 in the 65th year of her age
12
INSCRIPTIONS.
In memory of Thomas Bereman who died June the 5 1749 aged 55 years
In memory of Martha Bereman who died Sept r Ist 1759 aged 59 years
BLOOMFIELD
A Memorial of Phebe Bloomfield daughter of Jonathan Holmes Esq In Jan 1766 she was married to Doct Ward of Greenwich & surviving her husband was again mar- ried to Doct Bloomfield of Woodbridge in 1775 whom she also survived & departed this life after a tedious and severe illness on 29th of August 1820 in the 82nd year of her age She was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Bridgeton upwards of 12 years & much es- teemed by all her connections & acquaintances
Our age to seventy years is set How short the time, how frail the state And if to eighty we arrive, We rather sigh and groan than live
BOWEN
Our Father Dan Bowen departed this life Feb IO 1829 aged 58 years
Our Mother Letitia Bowen wife of Dan Bowen de- parted this life Mar II 1824 aged 47 years
Our Sister Jane Bowen daughter of Dan & Letitia Bowen departed this life Mar 23 1826 aged 28 years
Our Sister Mary Bowen danghter of Dan & Letitia Bowen departed this life July 11 1885 aged 82 years aud for 57 years a member of the Presbyterian Church
Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
I3
INSCRIPTIONS.
BREWSTER
In memory of Francis Brewster who departed this life November 24th 1768 aged 58 years Be ye not Slothful but followers of them who thro' Faith and Patience inherit ye Promise
BROWN
In memory of Amos F. Brown who departed this life June 11th 1854 in the 62nd year of his age
In memory of Sarah wife of Amos Brown who depar- ted this life July 15 1821 aged 25 years
In memory of Lydia C. wife of Amos F. Brown who departed this life Nov 5th 1868 in the 66th year of her age
In memory of Enoch Brown son of Amos F. & Sarah Brown who departed this life Aug 6 1849 aged 29 years & 9 mo
In memory of Daniel Brown who departed this life April 7th 1804 aged 39 years
David Brown born Feb 18 IS11 died Jan 31 I845
In memory of Deborah Brown who departed this life December 19tl1 1824 in the 55th year of her age
In memory of Enoch Brown born Oct 13 1795 died 1815 In memory of Isaac Brown who departed this life Oct r 9th 1820 in the 75th year of his age
In memory of Elizabeth, wife of Isaac Brown who de- parted this life October 30th 1822 in the Soth year of her age
In memory of our mother Elizabeth Brown Died Feb 22 1848 in the 67th year of her age
In memory of Isaac Brown who departed this life July 16th 1822 in the 21 year of his age
14
INSCRIPTIONS.
In memory of our father Jonathan Brown Died May 5 1855 in the 71st year of his age
In memory of Joseph Brown who departed this life November 17th 1820 in the 45th year of his age
J. N. B. M. W. B. P. W. B.
In memory of Phebe widow of Joseph Brown who de- parted this life July 18 1858 in the 84th year of her age
In memory of Newcomb Brown who departed this life the 11th day March 1800 aged 33 years
Maria N. Brown Born Oct 25 1812 died Jan 9 1855
In memory of Rebecca Brown who departed this life March 19th 1810 aged 55 years
In memory of Sarah daughter of Daniel & Sarah Brown who departed this life Aug t 12 1796 in the 21St year of her age
In memory of Thomas Brown who departed this life March 13th 1810 aged 71 years
Thomas C. Brown Feb 6 1818 Sept 16 1877 I know that my Redeemer liveth
Letitia R. Brown April 6 1815 June 16 1882 "He giveth his beloveth sleep"
Sacred to the memory of Samuel F. son of Thomas C. & Letitia R. Brown Born Nov 23rd 1841 Died May 28th 1861
He sought a city fair and high Built by the eternal hands And faith assures though we die That heavenly building stands
In memory of Mary E. daughter of Thomas & Letitia R. Brown Born May 16 1843 Died May 22 1872 She sleeps in Jesus
15
INSCRIPTIONS.
Edward Comey son of Thomas C. & Letitia R. Brown Born May 22 1854 Died August 12 1854
In memory of William Brown who departed this life Nov Ist 1818 in the 69th year of his age
BURGIN.
Sacred to the memory of Enoch Burgin who departed this life September 14th 1815 Aged 42 years
Elizabeth wife of Enoch Burgin Died Dec 27th 1807 Aged 27 years 1 month and 8 days
Farewell my husband and children dear
I am not dead but sleeping here"
First son of Enoch & Elizabetlı Burgin died Oct 21st 1799
Jane Burgin second daughter of Enoch & Elizabeth Burgin died Jan y 5th 1805 aged 4 months
Hark! how he calls the tender lambs And folds them in his arms
Reuben Burgin third son of Enoch & Elizabeth Bur- gin died Oct 15th 1805 aged 2 years and 19 days
See Israel's gentle shepherd stands With all engaging chorus
Third daughter of Enoch & Elizabeth Burgin died Novr 16th 1805
Fourth daughter of Enoch & Elizabeth Burgin died Dec 17tl1 1807
In memory of David Burgin son of Enoch Burgin Esqr who died April 20th 1828 in the 28th year of his age
In memory of Zerviah Burgin who died Sepr ye 15 1759 aged 23 years
CLARK.
In memory of Daniel Clark who departed this life December 13 1774 aged 64 years
16
INSCRIPTIONS.
In memory of Anna wife of Dan 1 Clark April ye 18th 1772 in ye 33 year of her age
Mary W, Clark born April 25 1817 died Oct 11 1897 At Rest
Rachel Clark relict of Daniel Clark and daughter of Samuel & Phebe Fithian born July 7 1774 died Oct 22 1822
COTLING
In memory of Elizabeth the wife of Elias Cotling Esqr who departed this life the 25th day of June Anne Domin 1756 in the 73 year of her age
DANGERFIELD
In memory of Elizabeth Dangerfield who departed this life July 21st 1833
DOWDNEY.
Here repose the earthly remains of Samuel M. Dowd- ney M. D. Born March 11th 1834 Died November 17th 1861
Though for a long time an invalid he bore his affliction with patient submission and when death came he yielded his spirit with cheerful confidence into the hands of his redeemer
I was dumb I opened not my mouth because thou didst it
ELWELL
Martin Elwell died March 30th 1808 in the 26 year of his age
ENGLISH
In memory of William English died Jan y 21st 1845 aged 54 years
I7
INSCRIPTIONS.
Then shall the Dust return to the Earth as it was And the spirit shall return unto God who gave it
In memory of Phebe English wife of William English died Feb y 24th 1830 aged 35 years
Thou turnest Man to destruction and savest him, ye children of men EWING
In memory of Abijah Ewing who departed this life January 19 1826 aged 53 years & 5 days
Ame Ewing Dide July 7 in the 9th year 1773
In memory of Enos Ewing Esq r son of John & Han- ner Ewing who departed this life August 9th 1834 aged 73 years
In memory of Rachel Ewing wife of Enos Ewing who departed this life Febry 23rd 1837 aged 77 years
In memory of Amey daughter of Euos & Rachel Ewing who departed this life July 7th 1793 aged 9 years
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