USA > New Jersey > Somerset County > Centennial history of Somerset County [New Jersey] > Part 13
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A few days after this incident I took up my abode at Mr. John Van Horn's by invitation, within a shord dis- tance of the head quarters of the commander-in-chief. He had frequently called when returning from his ride ant passed an hour with Mrs. Van Horn and the other ladies of the family, or with the farmer ifat home. I was of course introduced to him. I had brought with me ma- terials for crayon painting and commenced the portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Van Horn ; these were admired far beyond their merits and shown to all visitors. I had also with me a flute and some music books, One morning, as I cop- ied notes and tried them, the General and suite passed through the hall, and I heard him say "the love of music and painting are frequently found united in the same per- son." The remark is common place, but it was delightful to me at that time.
The assertion that the great man never laughed, must have arisen from his habitual-perhaps his natural reserv-
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edness, He had from early youth been conversant with public men and employed in public affairs-in affairs of life and death ! He was not an austere man, either in appearance or manners, but was unaffectedly dignified and habitually polite. But I remember, during my opportuni- ty of observing his deportment, two instances of unre- strained laughter. The first and m.ost moderate was at a "bon mot," or anecdote from Judge Peters, then a member of Congress and dining with the General ; the second was on witnessing a scene in front of Mr. Van Horn's house ; which was, as I recollect it, sufficiently laugh-provoking ! Mr. Van Horn was a man of uncommon size and strength, and balky with all. His hospitable board required that day, as it often did, a roasting pig in addition to the many other substantial dishes, which a succession of guests, civil and military put in requisition. A black boy had been ordered to catch the young porker, and was in full but un- availing chase, when the master and myself arrived from a walk. "Pooh, you awkward cur," said the good natured yeoman, as he directed Cato or Plato (for all the slaves were heathen philosophers in those days), to exert his limbs-but all in vain-the pig did not choose to be cook- ed. "Stand away," said Van Horn, and throwing off his coat and hat, he undertook the chase, determined to run down the pig. His guests and his negroes stood laughing at his exertions, and the pig's manifold escapes. Shouts and laughter at length proclaimed thesuccess of 'chasseur,' and while he held the pig up in triumph, the big drops coursing each other from forchead to chin, over his mahog- any face, glowing with the effects of exercise, amid the squealing of the victim, the stentorian voice of Van Horn was heard, "I'll show you how to run down a pig," and as he spoke he looked up in the face of Washington, who with his suite had trotted their horses into the court-yard un- heard amid the din of the chase and the shouts of triumph- ant success. The ludicrous expression of surprise at being so caught, with his attempts to speak to his heroic visitor, while the pig redoubled his efforts to escape by kicking and squeaking, produced as hearty a burst of laughter from the
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dignified Washington, as any that shoook the sides of the most vulgar spectator of the scene."
An anecdote of a different character is told of the Fath- er of his Country, while he was living in New York, in a house on Broadway opposite the Bowling Green, He was in the habit of walking in the garden for recreation, with his hands crossed behind him, and looking down on the ground before him, in a serious and pensive mood. Among the officer, who were in attendance on him and admitted to terms of intimate and confidential course, there was one who proposed as a joke, to com . up behind him and as he stooped somewhat, to leap upon his back. A bet was made that no one among them dared to attempt such a thing. The young officer accepted it ; and the next day when Washington had again commenced his walk up and down the garden path, he stole softly up and leaped upon his back, and clasped his arms around his neck-he straigh- tened himself up, shook the intruder off, and facing him gave him such an annihilating look that the young man fled in terror ; and afterward averred that the indignation expressed in Washington's countenance frightened him to such a degree that no amount of money could ever induce him to attempt a similar familiarity. If the pig chase made him langh heartily, the unwarranted familiarity call- ed forth something which sent terror into the heart of the thoughtless young man. His indignation was as prompt and decisive as his mirth. He was in fact not a tame man in any moode.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE OLD RED SCHOOL HOUSE.
In the period which elapsed before the Revolution, but little progress had been made in providing for the proper education of the young; in Somerset County. Circumstan- ces were such as to make any proper provision almost im- possible. The population was sparse, the people were poo: and had to struggle hard to build themselves houses and cultivate and improve their homesteads. Hence, school houses were few, and it was no common thing for children to be obliged to walk two and three miles in going and re- turning from school. Even when they had a school to at- tend, only the mere rudiments, such as reading, writing and arithmetic, were taught even in the best schools. The teachers were generally emigrants from Ireland, England, and Scotland, and they took upon themselves the task of giving tuition mostly as a mode of self support, in prefer- ence to manual labor, or mechanical industry. New Eng- land had not yet sent forth her young men and maidens to enlighten their country and-occupy its places of influence.
There is evidence however to show that if learning was not deep, it was good as far as it went, and answered sub- stantially the purposes of the honest yeomanry of that day, and of their children, There was not much improvement before the commencement of the present century, but edu- cation was not entirely neglected, and there was some
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progress. The population of our country was almost entirely Dutch and Presbyterian, and the early teachings at home and in the church led to the desire for further at- tainments.
The good old custom, inherited from their ancestors, of making the Sabbath evening a season for reciting the cate- chism, was almost universally prevalent, and then when the pastor came on his accustomed rounds to hear the por- tions committed to memory, and explain the doctrines taught in them, there was an interest which brought the old as well as the young to hear and profit. It was a blessed custom. and tended largely to perpetuate the truth and preserve the unity of the ' Church. Our vonth may learn more of the Bible ; but they fail to attain that sys- tematie knowledge of what the Bible teaches, which those who carefully committed the catechism were sure to pos . sess. It was laying deep and broad a foundation for faith and practice, which certainly made many eminent Chris- tians-men who were largely concerned in preparing for the more extended privileges which we enjoy.
At the period to which we refer, school bonses were not only few in number, but very uncomfortable and ill con- trived, ifindeed there was anything like contrivance about them. It is impossible at this time to give all the differ - ent localities in Somerset County, and we must confine ourselve . to a few of those of which we have the best in- formation ither by history or tradition.
There was a school house at Raritan, now Somerville, in which English was taught until the Academy was built in 1801, after which the English school was transferred to that building. The last teacher before its removal was a Mr. Tenard, who gave an evening exhibition in the Court House, which was the first of its kind, and the wonder of all the people. There was a school house also at Bound Brook, Plnckamin and near the Two Bridges, of which no trace now remains. There was one on the mountain road north of Somerville, which remained standing yet as late as 184'). It was the scene of an outrage during the Revo- lution, when a tory had given him a coat of tar and feath- ers by some enthusiastic patriots. It was an outbreak of
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temper, excused in some measure by the times and circum- stances, but still an outrage of personal and individual lib- erty, which cannot be justified There was a fourth one on the south side of the river situated on a little knoll on · the roadside, near the point where the properties formerly of Jacobns Quick and Peter Dumont joined. It was small and unpretending and was abandoned as a school house to- ward the latter part of the last century, and occupied for some years afterward by a poor and worthy family of the neighborhood. It is understood that at an early day one William Parrish taught in this house, and from papers once in our possession, it would seem that he was a man of considerable attainment. Owing to changes continually occurring in the neighborhood, it was concluded to build a new school house about a mile further west, so as to accom- odate the people from what is now called the South Branch , and east as far as the farm of Mr. R. Veghte on the river below, and also the back neighborhood. In that district there was at that time a large number of children.
A little strip of land between the road and the river bank on the north end of the farm then owned by John Van Middlesworth, was chosen for the site of the new house. Near it on the east was a small stream, tributary to the Raritan, known by the Indian name of Paw-ne-pack. It was then a constantly running brook, taking its rise in the hills and large tracts of woodland to the south. A fine row of cedar and hemlocks graced the river banks to the west for some distance above, and on the opposite side of the road was a row of walnut trees in full growth. The space between the river and road was large enough for a pleasant play ground, and the urchins of that day enjoyed their ball plays quite as much as the base ball champions of the present time can do.
This new school house was built about theyear 1795. It was perhaps 24 feet square, having one room only, and one door. On one side of the room there was a spacious fire place, which would hold wood of almost any length. The furniture of the room was of the simplest kind. Plain wooden benches, without backs, sufficed for the younger scholars. A long table with benches on each side was de-
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voted to such as could write and cipher, while near the place for the teacher were two square tables of different heights at which were placed the little ones who were be- ginning to write. In outward appearance the house was in advance of all others in that vicinity. It was built of good materials, and more than all was painted red, and with white casings to the doors and windows From this it took the name of "the Red School House." In later years, when the generation which was first gathered with- in its walls had passed into the busy crowd of men and women, and those who had built the house had disappear- ed, it was known as the "Old Red School House," and by that familiar name we propose to speak of it
It was opened for scholars, (or as we would now say, in- augurated) in the spring of the year above referred to. The youngest scholar was called on to say the first lesson in it, and it is from this source, that most of the particulars in this paper have been derived. John Warburton better known as "Master Warburton" presided in the school. He was an Englishman by birth, and was supposed to have been attached to the British army in the war of the revolution, and to have remained here after the close of the war. He had taught in the neighborhood at the old school house, and was respected and well known to parents and children. He was a man of more than middle age, of careful habits and respectable deportment, decided in the government of his school, sometimes hasty, but generally pleasant and encouraging. He was kind and affectionate to the younger children and made the school attractive to them. The master was a firm believer in the efficacy of the birch when necessary. A rod nicely trimmed was kept near bim as he sat in his leather seated arm chair in one corner of the room, and close by were two ferrules, a large and a small one ; the latter que having as he said a hard side and a soft side, by which he graduated or pretended to graduate his punishments. Master Warburton was not a mere pretender. What he taught was thoroughly taught, and he made no pretentions of teaching what he did not know. The English Primmer, Dilworth's Spelling book and Arithmetic, the New Testament and then the
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Bible were all the books known in the school. Dilworth has long since been superseded, though as some supposed not improved on. Webster's spelling book made but slow progress in that community.
Tle rudiments of education had been faithfully attend- ed to from the early settlement of the country. We have seen ancient documents, with the signatures of whole neigh- bo.hoods attached to them, and it was remarkable with what strength and boldness, the people wrote, not a marks- man was found among them.
The general character of instruction throughout the community was about the same as in the Red School House. In some schools the catechism was taught, either Hellenbrook or the Westminster, but profane history, geog- raphy and mathematics were of no account, and yet the men of that day were not ignorant men. Their minds were not enlarged by much reading, but they were strength- ened and built up by reading a few good books and read- ing them well-and by observation and thought. They were honest, industrions, faithful men, not given to strife or sedition. The impress of their character is still visible in the old population and their descendants. The parents of that day took an interest in their children's education, plain as it was. They felt it to be their duty. They se- lected their school masters, and attended to their moral · character.
We have made great changes and improvements in our system of common school education of late years, but it is still a problem whether the abandonment of individual and parental responsibility. and holding up the idea that education is a matter that belongs to the public or the State to regulate and enforce, will bring with it the bene- fit so fondly anticipated by many. If we look back to the community in which stood the old Red School House for so many years, and see who they were that received their learning within its walls, we may well doubt whether sound learning has advanced as much as some imagine. The same remark may no doubt be applied to other parts of the country. The old common school, with its elementary instruction, and the pulpit, have made the people of this
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country what they are. The precepts of the inspired books, which were constantly read, made impressions which were never lost. Will the time ever come when these books shall be banished from our schools.
There are some things connected with the old Red School House, which although local and personal we may be excused for noticing. Every one who has knowledge of this ancient seat of learning, associates with it the charac- ter, if not the person, of the good old master to whom we have referred, and who for years led the children up the little hill of science-for steep they certainly were not. We have spoken of him somewhat, but we could add, that he had qualities well fitted to his vocation. His great points were order ant method. He allowed no stoveliness in his school. Exact himself in all that he did, he requir- ed exactness in his scholars. The writing books and cyph- ering books of the children were patterns of neatness .- Every line was fixed by scale and dividers, and every figure bad its proper place. In this quiet way he made the children proud of themselves and of their work, and incul- cated useful habits. At the call for "book" in the moru- ing, all took their places at once. When the shadow at the door mark high "twelve" a tap of the ruler gave notice of it, and the hour-glass was turned. This glass deserves a passing notice. It was an old clumsy affair, as though made for hardships. It always stood upon the master's table, and was an object of great interest to the scholars. They all thought that by long use, the passage way for the sand had become enlarged, and that they lost at least a quarter of an hour by it. Sometimes the master, if in a very good humor, would pretend not to see that the upper end of the curious machine was empty, but generally when the last sand dropped, the call was made for books, and the lessons of the afternoon commenced.
The manners and morals of the pupils were carefully attended to. In this duty he was aided by the facility he possessed of gaing the affection, of the very young, and by setting a proper example to all.
It was the custom in early days for country teachers to board alternately, week by week, among their employers-
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thus lessening the expense of education by giving free board. The practice of Mr. Warburton, in regards to this was peculiar. He lived altogether in the school house. It was his abode by day and by night, but he was supplied with food by the employers, and after this fashion : Each employer furnished him provisions for a week. On every Sunday morning be would repair before breakfast, in his best attire, which was very plain and neat, to the house of the person who was to supply him for the week. carrying with him a small sized wicker basket and a handsome glass bottle. that would hold about a quart. He would breakfast with the family, and as his coming was known, parents and children were careful to receive him very kindly. It was quite an event. After breakfast his bas- ket would be filled with the best the house could afford, suitable for his comfort, and his bottle filled with rich milk, After a little conversation, he would take his leave and retire to his quiet home. The next morning a fresh bottle of milk would be carried to him by the children, and. so he would be supplied daily with all he desired, and much more- both of meat and drink. His favorite diet was milk and brown bread. He never visited except on the occasions referred to. In the school house was a gar- ret, which was reached through a trap door by the aid of a small ladder. In this he may have slept at times, but he had no bed, and usually slept in the school room. Two benches placed side by, with a couple of blankets, formed his resting place for many years 'The garret was his sanc- tum, and many were the conjectures as to what was in it. It was generally supposed there was money concealed some where. Once on a time the school house was left unguard-
od, and was entered by some country burglar. Quite a darcel of old pistareens, and quarters, and other small ohange was found upon the culprit, and it was said they ha l been discovered stowed away in little nooks and corn- ers all around the garret where they might, best be con- craled Fortunately the whipping-post was in fashion in those days, and thirty nine lashes were laid on, served as a protection against future anoyance.
The old master was never known to go to church. The
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school room was his temple, and many curious speculations were indulged in as to what his religion was. He had on a particular part of his table, a couple of very nice looking books, the contents of which were a mystery to all. Some supposed that as he was an Englishman, they were the Book of Common Prayer and some other good book used in the English Church, and that he worshiped according to that form, although no one seemed to know what the form was. Among the superstitious it was reported that strange noises were heard at different times in the night, and it was even whispered by the more censorious that the old master must have some communication with evil spir- its. Such imaginings, which. always attach to persons who lead somewhat of a hermit life, did not effect the character of the good man. Whatever may have been his eccentrici- ties, or his religious creed, he was a good preceptor, and respected by all who knew him, for his probity and up - rightness. He had strong fihal feelings, and has been known to walk to New Brunswick and back in a day to deposit in the post office a small remittance for his aged parents in England.
For a series of years the old master had charge of the children in the Red School House and its vicinity. Scarce any are left who remember him, but his name was as fa- miliar as a household word. The effect of his teachings will out live his memory. Late in life he left the little tenement on the river bank, and taught for a time in a school house near the old Raritan bridge. He had saved up a little property, with which he bought a few acres of land on the mountain north of Somerville There he had put up a small house, near to which was a cave construct- ed for his own use at particular seasons. To this place he finally retired, living a lonely life during the residue of his days. A few tried friends who had long known him at- tended to his wants. Nature at last gave way. His spir- it departed, and he was laid to rest in his mother earth. Peace to his memory ! -
The school house, after master Warburton left it con- tinned to stand on the little knoll by the road side. It was used for a time as a place to teach in. The Sunday
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School of the neighborhood was for a time held in it, and then some little family would occupy it by permission of the inhabitants. But there seemed to be no one to keep it up. The paint wore off, the weather boards loos- ened, and all parts of it showed marks of decay. Year af- ter year it became more and more ruinous and desolate, and there was a sympathy in many hearts attending this desolation. The hemlocks and evergreens that had adorn- ed the river bank, were from time to time washed ont by the current, until only here and there one remained. The walnut trees, with their grateful shade, wasted gradually away. The Pawnepack, from natural canses, became 'sinaller and smaller, until it almost ceased to flow. A few years later, and the house itself disappeared, It had fal- filled its office.
If there be a gray-headed pilgrim who spent joyous days in and around it in early life, and who shall pass by it now, he will pause, while memory traces the scene as it was, and shed a tear over the sad change which has taken place. For many years to come the inhabitants of that beautiful valley will point the passing stranger to the sa- cred spot where in early days the fathers learned their first lessons under the good Master Warburton, and where once stood so long the Old Red School House.
We have experienced a special gratification in giving these remeniscences from the pen of Gov. P. D. Vroom of his early school days. We have a pleasant recollection of the Old Red School House, as it stood 46 years ago in its de- serted dilapidation, a monument of the past. It had an important influence in its time. Men and women were educated in it who acted prominent parts in active life. If it were proper we could give a list of names which would be recognized by the present living as conferring no small honor on this humble Seminary, because it was the place where they acquired the rudiments of a culture which gave them prominence and influence in their subsequent life.
CHAPTER XV.
SOMERVILLE.
There were at least three farm houses in the vicinity as early as 1683, yet it is not one of the oldest towns in the county. It was first known as Raritan, then the Court House. The present name when first proposed was not popular. It was considered to be too fine, or fanciful, and it took a long time to reconcile the popular mind to its use, Bound Brook. Millstone and Pluckamin are all older in point of time. In the times of the Revolution there were only two houses within the present limits of the village. One is now the eastern part of 'Fritt's Hotel,' th . other the west end of what was long called the 'Low- er Tavern.' Beside these the Tunison family lived in a house were John Garretson, Esq., now resides. There was also a house near the Cemetery in which the Fulkerson's had lived at an earlier day, a house part of which remains, where Col. Southard once lived ; the Parsonage built by Rev. John Frelinghnysen in 1751 and 1752, a small stone house where Caleb Miller lives, which was removed and the present house built in 1777 or 1778 by William Wal- lace, and not yet finished in the winter of 1778 and 1779, and a small house owned by Derrick Middagh, where John M Mann formerly resided. A little later than the time we are speaking of a two story house was built where Dumont Frelinghusen now resides and was occupied by
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