USA > New Jersey > Morris County > A history of Morris County, New Jersey : embracing upwards of two centuries, 1710-1913, Volume I > Part 71
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The hour grows late and my evening tasks are even now awaiting my attention, so with much love to yourself and our dear parents, and kindest wishes for all from our Uncle and Aunt, I will conclude this epistle and remain
Your loving sister, RUTH.
Introduction to the Quaker Meeting Tableau, interpretative of it. SILENT WORSHIP.
A small and silent company, For worship gathered here, are we.
No organ peals, no swelling psalm Disturbs the spirit's peaceful calm.
A still, small voice is sounding clear To those inclined its tones to hear.
It speaks in power no human speech, However eloquent, can reach,
Nor human learning proud and vain, With all its lofty flights attain.
What need of any vocal word, To us, our hearts so deeply stirred ?
-
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The manna which, like dew distills Upon the waiting spirit, fills,
To whom its precious treasures fall, Hymn, sermon, benediction, all!
The meeting ended, all bestow A kindly greeting, ere they go;
A friendly pressure of the hand That every heart can understand.
These over, slowly all depart, That presence still within the heart.
Read by Marion Oram, before the curtain rose on the tableau.
From "Lyrics of Quakerism" by Ellwood Roberts, Morristown, Pa., Morgan R. Wills, Publisher, 1895.
Essay: General William Winds. Written by Jessie Jenkins. Read by Clifford Os- borne.
Free from the strain of daily toil, from unpleasant thoughts and unkind words, from automobiles and trolley cars, and from all that constitutes the present stage of civliization, let us enjoy a little period of reminiscence, and, oblivious to both present and future, let us so adapt ourselves as to feel that we are living in the past.
Year by year the colonies grew. Across mountains the devout wanderers roamed, seeking homes where they could live in peace. Gradually, as they settled and prospered, a little town or village would be founded. So it was that the County of Morris, as well as others, got its start. The people were of a plain, unpretending sort, who cared little for the honors of ancestry, and who thought posterity would be able to care for themselves.
But the trouble was not over. England still oppressed, as we know. The great Revolution was approaching and the brave little bands were still forced to show their courage. The people of Morris County were in sympathy with the other Revolutionists and did all in their power to aid them. This county furnished many men and large supplies for the army and was twice honored as winterquarters of the American army.
By mere chance we have been able to learn a little of one of Morris County's braves. He was, is, and will be well known-General William Winds. By nature and by wealth he grew to be a leader of people, and at the time of the struggle between England and France, New Jersey was surprised at his valiant deeds. In 1765 Winds became Justice of the Peace, an honor in those days more than now. His character as a man of good principles and sound judgment had made him popular. About this time a little incident occurred which portrayed another of Winds' characteristics. The King of England had issued the Stamp Act, which put a tax on all paper used by the colonists. Now Winds saw the injustice of such a thing and refused to comply with it, so when he was asked to draw up a legal document, he surprised the people by writing on birch bark. He contributed largely to the Presbyterian Church at Rockaway, which was organized about 1752.
Still, while we admire, we are also amused at him, for one Sunday morning, as his horses were somewhat fractious, he compelled them to drag his family to church in a sleigh on bare ground. The most distinguishing characteristic of all, however, was his powerful voice. Dr. Green, in his Revolutionary reminiscences, says, "It surpassed in power and efficiency every other human voice I have heard."
When he became excited, his voice was compared to thunder. For instance, in church, upon the absence of the pastor, Winds would sometimes lead in prayer. At first he would sound quite mild and gentle, until he broached the subject of the American cause, and then he fairly bellowed. Also, from the valley to the tops of the hills he could be heard giving orders to his men. At one time he frightened away a detachment of British soldiers by crying at the top of his voice, "Open to the right and left and let the artillery through !"
In his home, Winds was the same commanding general. From Mrs. Winds to his slave, no one dared vary a hair's breadth from his commands, under penalty of a storm fearful to encounter. It was nothing for him to lock his wife up in her room for deviation from his orders. For this reason one of his servants grew to
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be so exact that Winds was the loser for it. The two were riding by a rye-field, when Winds noticed his sheep eating there. Angrily he ordered Ogden to kill every one of them before night, and then rode on. After he had ridden some distance he remembered his servant's exactness, and decided to go back. As he rode he shouted, "Ogden, Ogden, hold thy hand!" but when he reached the field he found that Ogden had already killed eight sheep.
When summoned to defend his country Winds answered the call. In 1788 he was several months in service in the region of Elizabethtown and Hackensack, during which time several skirmishes took place. While guarding the Passaic and Hackensack rivers, Winds repulsed the enemy many times, showing great courage and skill. In particular, one Sunday morning the troops were parading at Aquacka- nonk and Winds addressed them with these words, "Brother soldiers, today by the blessing of God I mean to attack the enemy. All you that are sick, lame, or afraid, stay behind; for I don't want sick men, lame men can't run, and cowards won't fight."
THE STAMP ACT AND BIRCH BARK SCENE.
Properties-Office table, two chairs, mantel, pile of birch bark.
Scene-Office of Justice Winds, sometime about (after) 1765.
Characters -- Justice Winds, Mr. Moses Tuttle, a property owner.
Open-Justice Wints seated at table, writing with a quill pen.
Enter Servant-A gentleman to see you, sir.
Winds-All right, show him in.
Enter Mr. Tuttle-Good morning, Justice Winds.
Winds-Good morning, Mr. Tuttle.
Tuttle-I came in to see if you would draw up a deed for me.
Winds-I can if you will take it on birch bark.
'Tuttle-Birch bark! Where's all your paper? Have the mice eaten it up?
Winds-Mice! It is worse than mice. It has been tainted by the greediness of the king. We have been forced, in order to supply the luxuries of His Majesty and his court to submit to unfair and unjust taxation. First it was a tax on glass, then on paper, then on paints, and then came a tax on tea. But since our friends in Boston dumped the tea into the harbor His Majesty has endeavored to enforce the Stamp Act, requiring a stamp on all legal documents and papers. As freeborn English subjects, we can not, we will not, and we shall not submit to taxation without representation. And I, for one, am determined to circumvent the king by using birch bark for all my legal transactions. There is no tax on birch bark.
Tuttle-Very good. I thoroughly endorse your action. It is too bad we have not more justices like you-courageous and clever enough to outwit the king. When will the deed be ready?
Winds-I think I can have it for you by tomorrow.
Tuttle-Well, good morning, Justice Winds.
Winds-Good morning; the good Lord only knows what these poor colonies are coming to!
CURTAIN.
GENERAL WINDS AND THE QUAKER WOMAN : BREAD SCENE.
A kitchen with fire-place, table, chairs (or oven for baking).
Louise and Elizabeth-Elizabeth at oven.
Louise at spinning wheel, spins and hums a song or hymn.
Elizabeth-There's my week's baking done. I'm so thankful! Did I tell thee that Nancy Price is coming tomorrow to spend First Day, I've been planning so that I will have lots of time to visit with her.
Louise-Thee certainly has enough bread to last for a while. (Knock at the door.) (Elizabeth goes to door. Enter Gen. Winds.)
Elizabeth-Good morning, William Winds.
Winds (Peter Courage)-Good morning, Mistress Lamson. My soldiers are so hungry that this morning I found them boiling stones for nourishment. I have come to buy some bread.
Elizabeth-Thee cannot have my bread to help thee fight. Thee knows it is against the principles of Friends to aid in warfare.
Winds-I don't care a fig about your "thee's and "thou's," but I want the bread. Here's the money !
Elizabeth-I cannot take thy money for such purposes.
Winds-Very well. It will be left to buy something else with; but the bread I will have, money or no money.
(Takes bread, puts it in bag. Elizabeth looks on in amazement.)
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(Elizabeth and Louise hasten after Winds as he goes out with the bread.) Elizabeth (Comes back)-There goes my week's baking-and all to help those wicked soldiers!
BALLADS OF THE REVOLUTION. GENERAL WINDS OF ROCKAWAY, 1776-77. O have you heard the General pray, Brave General Winds of Rockaway, In the Deacons' Meetings that they hold Where patriots meet, both true and bold? 'Twas there I heard him many a day, Brave General Winds of Rockaway.
In the old, unplastered church they met; No parson was there the text to set; But when the General once began,
Loud waxed the voice of that valiant man : Oh yes, I've heard him many a day, Brave General Winds of Rockaway.
In thunder tones he prayed the Lord And fervently his name implored To break the oppressor's yoke and free This land, the home of liberty : The people loved to hear him pray, Brave General Winds of Rockaway.
And when at Chatham Bridge he stood And faced the foe, they thought it good To take a hint that the General dropped So they took to their heels and never For he could fight as well as pray,
stopped ;
Brave General Winds of Rockaway.
CHARLES D. PLATT. Recited by Mary Ely.
THE OLD SCHOOL BELL. BY CHARLES D. PLATT.
I've had my day; So some folks pretend to say; Time was, my word was law; When I spoke In earnest or in joke,
I always drew a crowd;
Even the parson didn't draw, With all his grand to-do, An unhappier, happier, Demurer, snappier, Rambling, scrambling, Coaxing, hoaxing, Multifarious, hilarious crew,
Than the old school-bell drew, With its short and sharp Clang dang! Clang dang ! Clang dang ! Clang dang !
But now-I've had my day, And here I hide away In the loft. As one struck dumb I hold my ancient tongue, Save when I whisper soft Of the memories that oft Stir my brain,
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And smite amain On the strings of my heart, of my heart,
Till my clapper fain would start
From its silence, as of old
And summon to the fold
The flock that far has strolled- With my short and sharp Clang dang! Clang dang ! Clang dang! Clang dang!
Yes, I have had my day, And from Manila Bay
To the Andes of Peru
Is scattered that young crew,
Where my voice could never reach;
They know more than I could teach
To them now:
They have slipped their youthful cables
And no longer fear the tables-
The addition and subtraction,
Multiplication and distraction,
And the why and the how
Of algebraic fractions,
Of chemical reactions,
And electrical attractions-
Oh! I shake my frosty pow
And I scarcely whisper now
That short and sharp
Clang dang! Clang dang ! Clang dang! Clang dang !
They say I've had my day;
Should I speak, I might betray,
By that injudicious act,
That my prime of life is past
And my voice just the least bit cracked;
That my best speech was my last,
When I rang the school-boys out
And they raised a mighty shout-
"We are free !
Free from the daily drudge
Of Latin, Greek, and fudge !
'Rah for we!
And the old Academee !" What a din!
And my clapper chiming in
With its short and sharp Clang dang! Clang dang ! Clang dang! Clang dang !
But the world wags on its way, Though I have had my day,
And I hear,
From my window in the roof,
That a better day is near
And of this they offer proof-
Wel-a-day! wel-a-day !
But I'm not the one to mourn
Nor turn away in scorn,
For I always used to say,
When my own day seemed humdrum,
That I hoped a better day
Would come ! Let it come !
While silently I swing, swing, swing, And softly, softly ring, ring, ring, The echoes of the years gone by, Gone by, gone by, gone by.
Recited by Marion Oram.
CHAPTER XVI.
PRESENT DAY DOVER.
Dover, incorporated as a town April 1, 1869, had in 1910, according to the Federal census, a population of 7,468, and ranking second to Morris- town among the municipalities of Morris county. Communication with the outside world is provided by the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western rail- road, westward over its main line, eastward over both the main line through Boonton and Paterson, and by the Morris & Essex division by way of. Mor- ristown and Newark. The High Bridge branch of the Central Railroad of New Jersey also enters the town, as also does the Chester branch of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western railroad. Street railroads are operated by the Morris County Traction Company, whose larger power plant is located in the borough. Electricity for lighting purposes is furnished by the Eastern Pennsylvania Power Company, whose plant in the borough also furnishes light for other New Jersey towns, Bernardsville, eighteen miles distant, being one of the beneficiaries.
Dover has ever been an important trading point, with the result that her merchants have been prosperous, maintaining stores of the better class. This is true of the present day, all classes of trade being well represented, and in many instances finely housed. The population of the town increased about 1500 in the decade of 1900-1910, and there is no evidence that the figures will not materially increase during the years 1910 to 1920, when the fourteenth census will be taken. The real estate valuation in 1912, as assessed, was $3,464,400; personal property, $530,242. In 1913 real estate values had increased $730,732, while personal property had decreased $6,692. In 1913, second class (railroad) values, in addition to the above, were $94,175, a gain of $847 over 1912. The bonded indebtedness of the town, incurred by the sale of water, school and fire bonds, is $269,000.
The officiary of the town (excepting boards hereinafter named) is as follows : William L. R. Lynd, mayor; Frank E. Porter, recorder; Albert E. Allgrunn, Richard W. Whitham, aldermen; Gustave Frick, Herman D. Moller, Robert Richards, Eustice F. Rudine, Otto Sektberg, common coun- cilmen ; Joseph V. Baker, clerk; John Moller, treasurer; James T. Lowe, collector ; Samuel J. Gibson, street commissioner; George E. Jenkins, town surveyor; Elmer King, town attorney; James Hagan, overseer of the poor ; William J. Parker, poundkeeper.
Various City Departments-The water supply is derived from a sys- tem of springs and driven wells, the entire system of mains, wells, springs and works being owned by the town. The pumping is done by the Dover, Rockaway and Port Oram Gas Company, under contract, the pumping ma- chinery, however, belonging to the town. There are about 2612 miles of mains in the town, carrying water to all parts thereof, also furnishing a supply in time of fire, also to the public building and for street service. The system is administered by an efficient board of water commissioners : Henry Richards, president ; Charles P. Cook, superintendent; Joseph V. Baker, clerk; Peter C. Buck and John A. Egbert.
The Fire Department is under the management of a board of fire en-
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gineers, consisting of a chief, and first, second and third assistants, and has 113 members. There are four companies-Dover Fire Engine Company No. 1, 30 members ; Protection Hook and Ladder Company No. 2, 35 mem- bers; Vigilant Fire Engine Company No. 2, 29 members; and Board of Fire Wardens, 19 members. The equipment used by the department con- sists of two steamers, one auto combination chemical apparatus, one hose carriage, six hose jumpers, one hook and ladder truck, and 4,000 feet of 21/2-inch hose. The department officers are: Adelbert P. McDavit, chief : John J. Hughes, first assistant ; C. Albert Nelson, second assistant; Arthur H. Goodale, third assistant and secretary; Lewis B. Hedden, janitor of engine house.
The police force consists of a chief, three patrolmen, and special officers as required. The present officers are: Ethelbert Byram, chief ; Charles U. Counterman, William Lindberg, C. Robert Hagan, patrolmen; James Hagan and John W. Young, police justices; Dr. Augustus L. L. Baker, police surgeon.
The Shade Tree Commission has in charge the care and preservation of the trees of town. It also has in hand the improvement of Hurd Park. The members of the commission are: Peter C. Buck, president; DeWitt R. Hummer, secretary and treasurer ; and Emil G. Kattermann.
The public health is safeguarded by an efficient Board of Health of five members who have jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to such interests, including the water and milk supply. It is made up as follows : Emil J. Reiderer, president; William H. Tonking, secretary-treasurer ; Martin E. Alpers Jr., William G. Hummel, Dr. Arthur W. Condict; John G. Taylor, health officer. There is also a board of sewerage: Andrew Roderer, president ; William F. Smith, secretary; John K. Cook, Edward M. Searing.
Churches-The Memorial Presbyterian Church, a large, beautiful and thoroughly modern edifice, was erected in 1899, by Mahlon Hoagland, as a memorial to his wife, Martha D. Bigelow. The old church formerly oc- cupied by the congregation is now known as Arcanum Hall, and has passed out of possession by the church. The organization of the church dates back to 1835. The pastor is the Rev. Peter McMillan.
The First Methodist Episcopal Church was organized and an edifice dedicated in 1838. A new stone church was built in 1872, and now forms the rear of an imposing edifice built in 1907. The church membership is 551, and that of the Sunday school 380, with thirty-nine officers and teachers. The pastor is Rev. Christopher H. Von Glahn.
Grace Methodist Episcopal Church has a membership of 295; and a Sunday school of 327, with twenty-nine officers and teachers; Rev. Aaron B. Fitzgerald, pastor.
St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church occupies a beautiful location, with parish house and rectory on the same lot. The Rev. Robert J. Thomp- son is rector.
The First Baptist Church is one of the strong and active churches of the town, and is prosperous in things both spiritual and temporal. The pastor is Rev. Taplin J. Winslade.
There are also Swedish congregations-Methodist, Lutheran, Congre- gational and Presbyterian-all owning church properties, and active in good works.
Two Roman Catholic churches-the Church of the Sacred Heart, Rev. Father William S. Condon, rector; and St. Mary's, Rev. Father Carew,
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rector-both have large congregations, and own valuable church property.
Young Men's Christian Association-This association was formed in the fall of 1868, in the Presbyterian Church of Dover, after an address by the Rev. Dr. Barclay, of Easton, Pennsylvania. The membership was com- posed of sterling young men of the various churches, who actively entered upon Christian association work. A hall was rented for prayer meetings, and a revival was opened, resulting in many additions to the membership of the various churches. An evening school was opened for free instruc- tion, which was eagerly attended by those of foreign birth, who were taught to speak and read the English language. The association continues its work along educational and religious lines, but as yet has no building of its own.
Public Schools-The public schools are under the control of the follow- ing Board of Education: Dr. J. Willard Farrow, president; Coleridge H. Benedict, vice-president; William Otto, secretary, district clerk; John K. Cook, Dr. Arthur W. Condict, Henry Heiman, Augustus J. Lauenstein, William L. R. Lynd, Jacob J. Vreeland Jr. The system comprises a high school, grammar school, and primary schools. There are special super- visors in drawing, music and domestic science-all arranged for the practical benefit of the scholars. The personnel of the teaching staff is as follows :
Superintendent, Wildy V. Singer ; drawing, Loraine A. Corwin; music, Charlotte G. Temby ; domestic science, Cecelia A. Rodgers; secretary, Har- riet E. Alpaugh.
North Side-High School: Charles D. Platt, principal; Georgiana E. Clark, Minerva I. Freeman, Edward Wilder, Martha Downs, Grace E. Richards, Elma W. Hedden, Addie M. L. Cummins, Jane E. Lynd. Gram- mar : Isabel M. Hance, Hilda Hosking, Bertha M. Southgate, Jane Curtis, Elsie G. Hedden, Mary L. Carlisle, Ella M. King, Frances M. Mitchell. Primary : Katherine L. Rusch, Martha E. George, Jessalyn E. Blackwell, Vivian Reynolds, Edna E. Kanouse, Mary A. Grant, Cora E. Wilde, Dorothy E. Jenkins.
South Side-Grammar : Benjamin F. Ward, principal. Primary: Mar- guerite Y. Chambre, Mary L. Edwards, Lucile Libby, Mary D. C. Ferrie, Mary L. Jenkins, Ada B. Chandler, Lucile A. Grady.
East Side-Primary : Etta C. Searing, principal. Grammar : Lucy S. Edwards, Daisy M. Wiggins, Grace E. Lyon. Primary : Adelaide A. Hance, Mable V. Richardson, Angeline M. Berry, Dorothy Lynd, Alice Grady, Emma E. Huff.
During the school year ending June, 1913, there were 1,785 pupils en- rolled in all departments of the schools, the average daily attendance being 1,412. The operating expenses of the schools for the same period were $44,558.12. The total amount expended by the Board of Education for the year, amounted to $57,316.35.
Public Library-The Dover Free Public Library was established in 1902, and is under the care of a board of trustees, as follows: Isaac W. Searing, president ; Mrs. Robert Killgore, Mrs. Edward D. Neighbour, Rev. William S. Condon, Prof. Charles D. Platt ; with the mayor of Dover, and the president of the Board of Education. Miss Martha A. Burnet is librarian, and Miss Lucy Coe is assistant librarian. Until the year 1904, the library was supported by private contributions, but it was then, by popu- lar vote, accepted by the town. The library is open every day except Sun- days and public holidays. During the year 1913, there were 23,177 books
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taken out. The library rooms are much sought for reference and reading purposes.
Financial Institutions-The National Union Bank of Dover, whose money and securities are guarded in a modern vault with a steel door weighing eleven tons, was founded in 1872, and in 1879 absorbed the Dover Bank, a State institution. The first officers of the bank were Dr. Columbus Beach, president; Jay S. Treat, cashier; Edward Smith, bookkeeper. The present officers (1914) are : Thomas H. Hoagland, president; P. C. Buck, vice-president ; Charles Applegate, cashier; William Otto, assistant cashier. At the close of business March 4, 1914, the total resources of the bank were $2,510,573, including a banking house and fixtures valued at $30,000. The capital stock is $125,000, the surplus then amounting to $250,000, with fur- ther undivided profits of $78,453. The individual deposits subject to check amounted to $1,886,781, with national bank notes outstanding to the amount of $123,000.
The Dover Trust Company, capital and surplus $130,000, was formerly the People's National Bank. It was organized as a trust company January 2, 1902, and transacts a general banking business under the laws governing trust companies.
Industries-These include the Richardson & Boynton Company, stoves and ranges; Ulster Iron Works; McKiernan Terry Drill Company; Dover Boiler Works; Anchor Post Iron Works; Paul Guenther, Inc., hosiery ; the Allen Paint Company, and many plants of lesser importance. While the large industries of the city are not working at full capacity, all are in operation at reduced time.
The Eastern Pennsylvania Power Company, the Power and Illuminating Engineering Company, the Dover, Rockaway and Port Oram Gas Com- pany and the Public Service Gas Company, are the sources of light and power.
Postal Facilities-The post office has existed in Dover from the early part of the nineteenth century, probably about 1810, Jacob Losey being the first postmaster. It has grown to be an important office, and since 1901 has furnished Dover with a free delivery service, with six carriers and two substitutes ; and rural free delivery routes with two carriers and two substi- tutes. A postal savings department carries deposits of $18,000. The present postmaster is Charles H. Bennett, who was appointed by President Roose- velt in 1908, and reappointed by President Taft in 1912, his term expiring in 1916.
Hotels-The first hotel in Dover was the Augur dwelling house, which in 1808 was enlarged, fitted up as a public house, and named the Old Tavern House, its proprietor being Peter Hoagland. The second tavern was first kept by Jacob Hurd, and after passing through many hands and alterations, became the present Mansion House. The stone building on the corner of Blackwell and Warren streets was originally built by the Dover Iron Com- pany, and used as a hotel. Later it was the home of a bank, then returned to its original use, and is now known as the Hotel Dover. Other hotels of the town today are the Central Hotel, North End Hotel and Pine Terrace Inn.
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