USA > New Jersey > Morris County > A history of Morris County, New Jersey : embracing upwards of two centuries, 1710-1913, Volume I > Part 65
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Truly thy friend R.
The letter preceding it was postmarked December 10. Yes, she must have taken about a month and a half for consideration of the matter. Let the reader smile, if he will, on reading these old love letters. But if he smiles, let it be the smile of sympathy and kindliness, mingled with genuine esteem for these two lovers, who were the most estimable people in the world. If one touch of nature makes the whole world kin, surely we have it here. And if all the world loves a lover, let us love these two lovers. They lived happy ever after.
Plainfield, 5th mo. 4th 1847.
My dear friend: Some time has already elapsed, since I bade thee an adieu, and feeling it incumbent upon me, to break this protracted silence; I have resolved an effort, though feeling a great incompetency, for epistolary correspondence. The day on which I returned, proved very pleasant, and I arrived safely at home, after a delightful ride of a few hours; which would have been rendered still more so, with the privalege of some valued friend, with whom one could engage in social converse. This privalege of meeting with those friends, for whom we feel an intrest, and even more, sincere and kind regards, is (when duly appreciated) one in which there is great pleasure. It is undoubtedly the end and should be the aim of our being, to promote the happiness and welfare of those about us, and if in our endeavours, to accomplish this design of the Author of our being we are privaleged, to come in contact with some kindred spirit, with which there are responding feelings, were it not better, that they go heart and hand together, and share with each other, the sweets, of the few scattering flowrs, that are strewn, in life's vailed pathway; and prove helpmeets indeed; by counsel, and a cultivation of forbearance; to each other, in perfecting the minds, and principles, of both for a happier state of existence.
In presuming to delineate the subject of such engagements; it is something that I have ever regarded, with feelings of reverence, and conscienciousness; believing it to be a something, very decisive of the happiness of the parties concerned, in after life; consequently should be a step calmly and deliberately taken; exclusively from the dictates of that guide, which if regarded will not direct amiss; even an ap- proving conscience. I here present these sentiments dear friend, as they have oc- curred, and as the views that I endeavour practically to maintain. I presume ere this, thee has become quite domesticated in the practice of thy new vocation; which is indeed one of an elevated nature; that of imparting knowledge, to the uncultivated mind. As it is not probable, that I shall be able to visit, in some three months; I shall be happy to maintain, a liberal and frequent correspondence. Hoping to hear from thee soon; with feelings of sincere and kind regard, I thus hastily conclude; and subscribe myself truly, and with affection,
thy friend,
J.
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MORRIS COUNTY
Plainfield, 9th mo. 12th 1847.
Dear R .: Thine of the 5th came seasonably to hand; and was acceptable indeed, it being a source of gratification, that of conversing with our absent friends, in this way, when circumstances do not admit, of more frequent opportunities, of a per- sonal enjoyment of society. May the time come ere long dear Rachel, when, (in the order of events) we shall more frequently, enjoy the society of each other, and be equal promoters, of each others happiness and welfare. Sister R, whose in- disposition I mentioned in my former letter, has quite recovered, so as to be able to ride down to brother A.'s, although it is something but little anticipated at one time. The weather has been very stormy, for several days and it is raining hard now. Concurring with thy sentiments, as to this being a dull method of conversation, I think that I shall try and visit you, about the 25th of the month, if nothing should occur to prevent. Please excuse my scribbling and hasty conclusion with solicitations for thy welfare, I remain as ever,
Plainfield, 3d mo. 3d 1848. J.
My dear R .: In accordance with the proposition that I made, thee has perhaps ere this, been looking for a something, tributary of my remembrance of thee; but as I was absent on first day last, I therefore avail myself of this opportunity. The family have all retired and the season seems an appropriate one, (with none to intrude upon my solitude) for the mind to seek communion with a kindred one; which I feel that every passing day, renders still dearer to my heart.
Often indeed dear R., have I felt, since last we were together; those feelings of sympathy which are the bond of a spiritual union; to strengthen in their influence; and that the sympathy of a confiding heart, is a source of much satisfaction, in the absence of each other.
I saw Anna Shotwell a few days since, who strongly solicited my companion- ship, in the attendance of your monthly meeting, but the way not being open for me at present, I therefore declined and as I have not heard of any one offering their services, I conclude that she is not with you. How did thee find Sarah and all the rest, on thy return. The changes of the weather are much against the recovery of those in ill health. We have a case of the measles in our own family; a young man who is boarding with us; he is doing very well. They are very prevalent throughout the village.
I have purposed being with you again, about the 18th of the month (will try and let thee know this time) but shall be glad to hear from thee before that time. Hoping this to find you all well, and to hear of an improvement in Sarah's health I shall conclude this uninteresting epistle; with solicitations for thy well being I do remain as ever thy truly affectionate
J.
Plainfield, 4th mo. 9th 1848.
My dear R .: It is with much regret that I have learned, that thee has been the occupant, of a couch of sickness; since I bade the adieu, but was glad to hear, that thy indisposition was of a transient nature; and that thee was getting better and hope that ere this thee has quite recovered thy usual state of health. Permit me the privalege of tendering to thee a word of cation; that is to endeavour to avoid exposure and not lay thyself liable to take cold as such a circumstance is so frequently attended with a premature decline of health upon recovering from that disease. I was sorry to hear that &c &c.
5th mo. 14th 1848.
Three weeks have rolled rapidly by and I find the fourth begun and thee has not yet been favoured with any indications of being held in remembrance; but think not dear R that thou art by me forgotten, Ah no, not a sun rolls its course, but that solicitations do emanate from a heart touched in its every feeling of affection, and regard for a kindred spirit; that a continuance, of the watchful care, and guardianship, of the great Guardian of us all; may be extended around you all. * *
I conclude and remain with sincerity and affection
J.
The minutes of the proceedings of the preparative meeting of Friends at Randolph (New Jersey) commencing tenth month, the twenty-sixth, 1826:
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At a preparative Meeting of friends held at Randolph 10th mo. 26th 1826 the first, second & Eighth Querys were read Considered and answered, in order to be forwarded to the Monthly Meeting. One of the representatives to the Monthly Meeting attended, & for the absence of the other a reason was given. Richard Brotherton & Samuel Patterson are appointed to attend the Ensuing Monthly Meeting
Then Concluded
Such is the style of these records of the old Quaker Meeting House at Mill Brook, or Randolph, as the Quakers called their settlement. Follow- ing are some of the names of persons mentioned in such records: Richard Brotherton, Samuel Patterson, William Mott, Charles Sammis, Elijah Brotherton, John Mills Jr., Thomas Dell, Silas Dell, Jesse Dell, John Dell, Silvenus Hance, a carpenter.
Silas Dell made treasurer. Deed of Meeting house found and put in Silas Dell's care, 1828.
Richard Brotherton is paid ten dollars for keeping the Meeting house for one year.
1834. It was reported that Joseph Mott had so far departed from the testimony of friends in regard to bearing arms, as to attend military trainings and also had accomplished his marriage contrary to the order of friends.
1837. Jacob Brotherton's name appears. 1839 . John Mann's name.
1839. Jacob L. Brotherton. 1842 he agrees to take charge of Meeting house and keep fires for ten dollars.
1846. Shall week day meeting be discontinued,-so small.
1847 4th mo. 29th Roads impassable ..
1848, 4th mo. 27th. Received a few lines from John Elwood Vail and Rachel Brotherton, proposing their intention of marriage, which is to be Sent to the Monthly Meeting.
1853 John E. Vail is appointed to attend Monthly Meeting.
1853 25th of the 8th mo. One of the Overseers informed the meeting that John Townsend Mann has accomplished his marriage by the assistance of a Priest, and his case is therefore refered to the Ensuing Monthly Meeting.
1854. Abraham M. Vail's name appears.
1856. James Willson and Hannah Adams were appointed to serve this meeting as clerks. 1856. It is proposed to hold a meeting once in three months, jointly by men and women friends, alternately at Hardwick and Randolph.
1857. Rachel Evers is named.
1859. Mary Brotherton, Anna Willson are named, & Rebecca Brotherton, Jesse Adams.
1861. Elizabeth Schmuc is named.
1861. James Willson and Elizabeth Schmuc offer their proposals of marriage. 1861. John E. Vail's name is signed as clerk.
8th mo. 18th 1865. The Friends at Randolph requested in the Monthly Meeting of Rahway and Plainfield to have their Meeting laid down. All united in this request. Granted.
Memorandum on Loose Paper :
Friends
Orthodox
Part Orthodox
Men
Women
Minors
Men
Women
Minors
Friends
Orthodox
Families
Total No.
Monthly Meetings composing Shrewsbury & Rahway Quar-
terly Shrewsbury mo. mttg. 1/5
62
92
53
14 21 12
207
47
72
254
Rahway & Plainfield do.
1/4
74
93
136
26 48 26
303
100
97
403
Kingwood
I/7
19
25
12
6 5
65
II
29
76
Hardwick & Randolph do.
I/12 39
61
76
2 5 8
176
15
50
191
194 27I
27
48 79 46
753
171
248
924
6
Less than 1-5 Orthodox in the Quarterly Meeting.
Whole Number in the Qr. at the Seperation
950
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Enumerated in IIth & 12th month 1829 by several friends of each Monthly Meeting to exhibit the numbers & proportions of each party at the time of the Seperation. The state of the Society is about the same at this present time.
N. B. there were three members at Plainfield & 3 at Rahway who were not classed with either party, on account of their neutrality. Since discovered there are 3 more members holding their rights in Kingwood mo. mttg.
Alexander L. Mott of Rockaway, November 1, 1913:
Alexander L. Mott, of Rockaway, is a grandson of William Mott, of Mill Brook, whose name appears in the Records of the Friends at Ran- dolph in 1826. The family was a French Huguenot family, and the name was written in the old country De la Motte, which indicates a baronial title. In time of religious persecution the family went to England, then came over to Baltimore, then moved up to Hunterdon county, New Jersey, and later came to Mill Brook. The Mott home was on the road from Mill Brook school house to Center Grove, the second house from the Mill Brook corner.
Mill Brook was, about 1826, a busy and thriving village, far ahead of Dover. James Morrison said he could have bought all Dover from Sussex street out to the Blackwell street bridge over the Rockaway for $500. But he bought a place in Mill Brook, where land was worth more. The land which he could have bought for $500 In Dover was then a marsh, with no street through it. Jacob Losey planted a number of willow trees in a line through this marsh or bog, just as if he were marking out a street. The people laughed at him and wondered what he meant, but he swore that some day a street would be built where he had planted his willow trees. Now the willow trees have disappeared, but the street is there, with trolley cars and automobiles, lumber yards and a public library.
Jacob Losey, after his reverses in fortune, lived and died at the Joe Moore house, Mill Brook, just on the right hand corner of the road, before you go down to the Mill Brook school house. This Joe Moore was a cobbler and kept a shoe shop, where he had shoes made. He is referred to in an advertisement, as that "honest old Quaker of Mill Brook." He wasn't so much of a Quaker, but he did, Quaker fashion, decline the title of Mister, saying that he didn't know where Mr. Joe Moore lived, "but if you want to see Joe Moore, I'm the man." There was a store at this house. Another Mill Brook store was up the road, near where the Blanchard house stands. There is a small stream by the road.
On the Mill Brook, near the school, was a forge, a fulling mill, and lower down, a grist mill. Up the stream, opposite the Searing farm, was a mill. The old raceway may still be traced in the woods beside the road. There is an old lime kiln out that way.
David Tuttle lived on the road that turns east on the north side of the brook, with a hill rising behind the house. It is a yellow house. He had shops here and manufactured barrels, being a cooper. When he had a load of barrels he would take them to Newark or Hackettstown and sell them. Old Squire Lamson said to him, "Why don't you call on me to cart your barrels? I have a fine ox-team, and I can take a load to Newark for you." The Squire had friends in Newark, and he could make a visit and do a stroke of business on the same trip. So next time, David Tuttle sent for Squire Lamson to take a load of barrels to Newark. The Squire was a jovial old fellow. They loaded the barrels on the wagon and the Squire just kept those oxen on the quick step all the way to Newark and wheeled them in a jiffy right into the yard of his friends or relatives where he and David Tuttle could make a friendly visit and be well taken care of over
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night. On the trip home he took a load of clams or oysters and sold to people along the way. Whatever was left he sold to his neighbors at Mill Brook, besides what he could use himself. That lime kiln at Mill Brook was probably established to burn the shells and thus get lime. This trip to Newark with those fast-stepping oxen was spoken of as if an ox-team was a fast freight in those days.
Old Squire Lamson was the father of Daniel Lamson, who was the grandfather of J. Seward Lamson, the one who once taught school in Dover and other places. J. Seward Lamson was related to Wm. H. Seward, the Secretary of State under President Lincoln. So from these humble incidents about ox-teams and clams and Mill Brook's cooperage, we climb to men of high degree and the Alaska Purchase. The ox-team and the mule on the tow-path of a canal, and the axe that splits fence-rails once led the way to the White House in this democratic nation of ours. But I am rambling, or "shambling," as they say of oxen.
Over at East Dover crossroads were two houses of note-the Dr. Crittenden house and the Squire Conger house on the corner south of it. General Winds lived on the road westward from this corner. His barn is said to be standing there yet, but his house has gone, where the old houses go, sooner or later. Squire Conger once got so deeply touched on the temperance question that he had a fine orchard of apple trees cut down, rather than allow them to furnish cider to the detriment of his fellow citi- zens and neighbors. He knew what he was about. Such heroic measures indicate a man of heroic mould. We are always putting up statues to soldiers and statesmen : why not put up a statue to this kind of a hero as well?
Thomas Dell was a Quaker who lived out beyond the Mt. Fern church. There was a large clan of Dells, and many connections by marriage.
At Mt. Freedom there was an Indian Burying Ground back from the road near a spring; near a place called "Mulligan's." Some Indian hatchets were dug up there.
WHAT MAY BE LEARNED FROM AN OLD ACCOUNT BOOK OF 1780-89.
Twenty-one sheets of heavy linen paper, 1372 inches by 1612, sewed through the middle and folded, without cover, make an account book that dates from the Revolutionary War and evidently belonged to a blacksmith, judging from the entries.
To Shewing all round 0:4:0. Seting Shews 0:1:0.
Seting Shews all round 0:2:2.
Sharping colter, sharping irons 0:1:0.
Making crain and 2 of hinges and drawing colter 0:11:6.
Shewing all round with Stealthers o:6:0.
Mending a Saddill 0:1:0.
A draw nife and a hammer 0:3:0.
Mending gears and a plow plate 0:1:0.
1-62 nails and bailing a griddel and Shewing o:6:6.
mending a pan 0:3:0. making 72 Spiks o:6:0.
mending gear and clevis 0:3:0. mending chain and iron dog o:1:6.
pinting shear and sharping colter o:2:6.
mending candil Stick 0:1:0. bailing a tea citel and stove 0:3:0. 3 Stepels and boalt 0:1 :9.
By the oxan to work 0:2:6. By Sawing boards wether boards one days plowing 0:10:0 500 of lath 0:15:0 1785 July 7. By carting a turn of coal 0:2:6 by 3 p of wool at 2/6. By 18 of flax 18:0.
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Let us make a list of persons with whom this blacksmith was keeping account. We can then see who constituted the busy workers of the com- munity at this time. It is not clear where this blacksmith had his smithy, whether at Mill Brook or at Mount Pleasant. It may be of interest for some one to know that the following men were living here at the date given and to get some idea of the business these men carried on by observ- ing what they were credited with on account:
1780. Joseph C. Weler or Wheler Cr. by Wheat at 6/.
By 2 of buck wheat 0:5:0. By 2 of Coarn at 3/6.
Mile Weler has an account on the next page-No., this is Abile Weler. Spelling and writing are hard to decipher.
1780 William Alger to 1785. Daniel Clark, 1783.
Josiah Miller 1784. Noar Hensh 1786 (Can this be "Hance"?)
John Dunham 1783. Randil Dill 1781. (Randil for "Randolph"?)
John Losey 1783. Aaron Bonel 1783. William Brotherton 1781.
Jacob Simcock 1781. Nathan Simcock 1782.
This Nathan Simcock is credited with 3 2/4 of Cloath 0:3:2 and other items of cloth. By I of plowing coarn 0:7:0, By 31/2 wool, By 31 of toe and linnen I:3:0, By 1934 of woolin blanket 0:19:9. (There was a fulling mill at Mill Brook.)
William Croan 1784.
Thommas Lamson 1784 is credited By Soaling a pair of Shews o:1:0 By making pr of Shews o: 16:0 By hog fat By 8 of appils 0:4:0.
Moses Lamson 1782 By making Shews, Soaling Shews, by rye, by veal, by days work, by heletaping shews, by mending bellas.
Titus Bery 1782 By Side of Soal lether 1:4:11 by 2 of wool By making a grait coat 0:7:9.
William Logan By 18 of butter 0:18:3 By flax By II of muttin 0:2:9 By beaf. Cornelas Hoglan (Simplified spelling for Hoagland). By 4 gills of rum 0:2:0 I of rum 0:0:6 I of brandy By Cash.
Josiah Hird 1780 By plowing and flax Sead, By 0016 of iron 0:3:2 By 4 days of masening 0:18:0 By the waggan 2 days 4/.
Steven Dood 1782. Isaac Hans 1780. Joel Coe 1783. Joel Coe Cr. By Cyder By corn.
William Wins (General Winds). 1782. A long account. Cr. By Cash, By Wool, chees, beaf, flax, By a Soard (sword) 0:2:6 (Did the General sell his sword for 2 and sixpence?) By milk-35 milk 0:5:10 By appils, By gras, By paster.
Hartshorne Randil 1781 (Fitz Randolph). Cr. By flax, By a bilk iron 2:5:6 By vinnegar, By veal, By gamman, By muttin By tradid at henery moas By buck- wheat By 4 of salt 0:3:6 By weat, corn, rye, oats, By II of nails o: II :0.
(This account book was probably kept at Mill Brook.)
Steven Dood-1785-1787-to traded at tuttils 0:15:0 to running out the land 0:5:0. Was Steven Dood a surveyor ?
Joseph Wheler 1783 By 3 b. of lime o:6:0 By straw, salt.
Isaac Hance 1783 By carting 2 of coal o: 14:0 (was this "coal" charcoal ?) By a half a hundred of flower 0:15:0 By 82 of beaf 1:7:4 By 91 of beaf. By giting 1600 Shingel.
Jams (James) Brotherton 1783 By Soal lether, By a sheep 1:0:0.
William Alger 1786 a long account.
William Brotherton By 5 of tatoes 0:15:0, By Cyder, weat.
Willam Hans 1784. Josiah Beman 1794 setel all accounts with Josiah Beman 1802 to mending Syth 0:2:6 Josiah Beman credit by iron.
Moses Tuttil 1789 Contrary By hemp, By Sash, glas, lime, a barril of flower 2:15:6 of flower 5:7:9. By traded in the Stoar 3:0:0 By I gallan of rum By a hat 2:2.
Nathan Simcock 1784 By Weving of Cloath (many items) By weving of lincy (linsey-wolsey), By weving of flannel By seting hups, by huping (There was coopering done here.) (This sounds like Mill Brook again.)
William Mills 1795 By a duck 0:1:0 By I bu. of weat 8/ By 2 turkeys 8/, By 4 geas 10/, By I bu. of turnips 2/, By 3 q. of tiney (timothy) sead 3/, By tators 5/, By timety sead 5/, By 3 pigs way 75 1 :5:0 By a sheep 1:0:0 == 4:2:0.
John Hans 1783 Samuel Fourdyse is also mentioned in this book.
This list of names evidently belongs to Mill Brook and Randolph,
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including some of the Quakers who may have been buried without head- stones in the Quaker burying ground.
Persons who wish to go into calculations on the comparative cost of living may make the most of these figures. Some hints relative to the his- tory of industry in this commuity are to be found in the items quoted above. Persons who study up family genealogies, and even lawyers who search titles may find facts of interest in names and dates. Some idea of the census returns for this neighborhood might even be formulated. When was the first census taken? For the loan of this account book I am indebted to William Hedges Baker, son of Thomas Baker.
THE COURSE OF AMERICAN HISTORY .
Semi-Centennial Anniversary of the New Jersey Historical Society, Newark, New Jersey, May 16, 1895. Extracts from an address delivered by Woodrow Wilson, LL.D .:
The historian is a sort of prophet. Our memories direct us. They give us knowledge of our character, alike in its strength and in its weak- ness: and it is so we get our standards for endeavor-our warnings and our gleams of hope. It is thus we learn what manner of nation we are of, and divine what manner of people we should be. And this is not in national records merely. Local history is the ultimate substance of national history. There could be no epics were pastorals not also true-no patriot- ism, were there no homes, no neighbors, no quiet round of civic duty; and I, for my part, do not wonder that scholarly men have been found, not a few, who, though they might have shone upon a larger field, where all eyes would have seen them win their fame, yet chose to pore all their lives long upon the blurred and scattered records of a country-side, where there was nothing but an old church or an ancient village. The history of a nation is only the history of its villages written large. * *
What forms of slow and steadfast endeavor there were in the build- ing of a great city upon the foundations of a hamlet: and how the plot broadens and thickens and grows dramatic as communities widen into States! Here, surely, sunk deep in the very fibre of the stuff, are the colors of the great story of men-the lively touches of reality and the striking images of life. * *
The right and vital sort of local history is the sort which may be written with lifted eyes-the sort which has a horizon and an outlook upon the world. * * The significance of local history is that it is part of a greater whole. * *
The local history of the Middle States-New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania-is much more structurally a part of the characteristic life of the nation as a whole than is the history of the New England communi- ties or of the several states and regions of the South. I know that such a heresy will sound very rank in the ears of some: for I am speaking against accepted doctrine. Here, from the first, were mixture of population, variety of element, combination of type, as if of the nation itself in small. * * Your own local history, look but deep enough, tells the tale you must take to heart.
EARLY DEEDS.
West Jersey Return to Joseph Latham for a Tract of 527 acres, 1713:
May the 19th, 1713.
By Virtue of an order from Daniell Leeds one of the Surveyers Genl. of the Westerne division of the province of New Jersey Survey's this tract of land within
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the last Indian purchase made by the Proprietors above the falls unto Joseph Latham : I. Begining at a Post standing neere to the Southerly branch of Rariton North branch being also a corner to Joseph Kerkebrides land thence North East 20d 553/4 chain fifety five chain to another Corner Post.
2. Thence South East 7od 100 chain to another corner in Jos. Kerkebrides line; thence along the said line NW 7od 100 chain to the first mentioned Corner Containing five hundred and twenty seaven ackers besides usuall allowance for high wayes.
Surveyed pr me
John Reading, Genl. Surveyor.
July the 30th, 1713, Inspected and Approved by the Commissioners & ordered to be entered on Record.
JOHN MILLS, Clerk.
Recorded in Basse's Book of Surveys, page 80.
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