USA > New Jersey > Hunterdon County > Lambertville > Early history of Lambertville, N.J., 1703-1903 > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
The ground sloping towards the creek was cultivated for domestic purposes.
Building lots were sold from his land on the east side of Main street to Solomon Landis and David Naylor.
The residence, described briefly in the above, is now owned by Mr. John Lilly, having under- gone many changes since it was first built.
The next two oldest houses on Bridge street besides the Lambertville House, were built by Jacob Smith and Philip Marshall. Marshall's old home is now owned by the Catholic Church as the "Sisters' Home," while Jacob Smith's house is just opposite.
The residence now owned by Randolph
(25)
Everett (1902) was built in 1830, by William Biles, who died there October, 1833.
Samuel Hill built the house now occupied by Doctor George L. Romine, but the date of its erection could not be learned; and Samuel Stryker built, in 1827 or '28, the storehouse and dwelling next it, now occupied by the Catholic priest as his residence.
The four brick houses opposite the depot were erected in 1830 by William and Dennis Hall. The contracting carpenter, who also did the work, was Jacob Chamberlain. The masons were James Appleton and William Hansell, the fine plasterers being "Andy" Kirk- patrick and John McConogy, Irishmen.
Sometime about the year 1830 there were two schools for boys-these accommodating both boarders and day scholars were kept by two clergymen, Rev. Mr. Culp, Baptist, and Rev. P. O. Studdiford, Presbyterian, where the higher branches of education were pursued. Suspended students from Princeton who were far from their homes were often sent to Rev. Studdiford's school until their terms of sus- pension had expired. This school they termed "Botany Bay," which at that time was a British "penal" colony.
In 1812, the Honorable John Lambert,
(26)
U. S. Senator during Jefferson's Adminstra- tion, applied to the Post-office Department for a post-office. His petition being granted, he named the village "Lambertville," and his nephew, Captain John Lambert, became the first postmaster.
The Coryells were very indignant at the name given, for they considered it a usurpation of their rights, and, in consequence, refused to accept it, calling it "Lambertsvillainy" instead. Their side of the village they called George- town, there being three prominent men living there, named, respectively, George Hoppock, George Tanner and George Coryell; but it was all in vain. The post-office "Lambert's Ville" gained the day. Previous to that time letters sent to friends here were addressed :
"Coryell's Ferry, Pa., "Amwell, New Jersey."
When the town was incorporated the letter 's" was dropped, and it is now the City of Lambertville .*
* The name of John Lambert appears in the records of State and country as well as those of his native town. He was a member of the Legislature and Council of New Jersey, and at one time acting Governor. He was also a member of the House of Representatives, and, as we have stated above, United States Senator during Jefferson's administration.
(27)
In 1817 the Presbyterian Church was built. This structure was made of bricks, which were burned on Main street, about forty yards north of the First Ward School House, at the foot of Mt. Hope. The timber used was hewn from the woods, being contributed to a large extent by the country people. Dr. Studdiford said the massive beams were indeed a sight to be- hold. There were two front doors to the build- ing, but no vestibule. Inside a gallery ex- tended round three sides-the north, east and south-while the pulpit was on the west. This was very high, being reached by a flight of stairs with a door at the bottom. That the pulpit occupied this "lofty" position was prob- ably for the convenience of the worshippers in the gallery.
The collection was taken up in a black pocket, attached to the end of a long pole. This, with other "conveniences," was kept in a closet under the pulpit stairs. No carpeted floor nor cushioned pew adorned this church ; nor footstool-unless it was a personal conven- ience to some individual-and no paint on the pews, save on the top, where was a strip of molding painted red, and that was always so moist in the summer time that if the worship- pers happened to lean against it they were sure to carry away with them the marks of the paint.
(28)
(The above is an accurate description of the "First Church" in this city.)
On the fourth of July, eighteen hundred and twenty-six, just fifty years from the time of the "Declaration of Independence" of America, there occurred a celebration of that event in this church. Over the pulpit hung a "Spread Eagle" made of moss, while from a circular centerpiece in the ceiling was sus- pended a large cedar bush filled with bright- colored "holly hocks."
The writer, being at that time less than five years of age, was allowed to attend the celebra- tion, in company with an older sister, but she had neither eyes, ears nor understanding for anything but that "beautiful cedar bush," which to this day stands out fresh in her mem- ory.
Mr. Samuel Kinsey, of New Hope, read the "Declaration of Independence," and an appropriate song for the occasion was sung to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne," with a chorus to each verse, beginning "Just fifty years ago."
The father of the late Dr. Breed, of New Hope, was one of the singers, if not the soloist, on that great day. He was, presumably, a prominent member of the church, and memo- rial tablets to himself and his family may be
(29)
seen in the old graveyard on the north side of the edifice.
The farmer, who with his family, attended divine worship, was seldom out of his place.
In summer he wore no coat to church, but a nicely laundered shirt of bleached muslin, an equally nice Marseilles vest, linen trousers and a clean straw hat completed his "Sunday-go-to- meeting" outfit.
In 1825, nearly eighty years ago, five dis- ciples of Christ, earnestly desiring to enjoy the blessings of church relationship, according to the New Testament teachings, resolved to unite in the formation and constitution of the Lambertville Baptist Church.
The first church-meeting was held on the twelfth of February, 1825, at which time it was resolved to erect a house of worship, and a committee was appointed to procure sub- scriptions for that purpose. Having been suc- cessful in their efforts, work was begun, and on June the thirteenth the corner-stone of this edifice was laid with appropriate exercises ; and the house being completed the following Oc- tober, was dedicated to the worship of God.
The church was a very neat structure, being built of stone, and rough-cast. The roof pro- jected over the porch, which extended the en-
(30)
tire length of the front, and was supported by four large pillars, they, also, having the same rough coating as the building proper.
Like the Presbyterian Church, there was no vestibule, but two front doors, through which entrance was effected into the main room. Under this room was a basement, divided into two compartments. The one to the west was always used for a school-room, while the east room was put to such use as the occasion re- quired.
About the year 1829 two English families, named respectively "Frost and Fennel," and related to each other, came to the village. There being no vacant houses just then, they took up their abode in this east room until they could find better accommodations. To the school children on the other side these people were a great curiosity. The women made thread lace, while the children, very much in- terested, watched them through the windows.
The process of making the lace seemed quite complicated to those onlookers. The work was done on a round cushion, made so by stuffing it like a bag. This cushion was supported on a trestle, while to it was fastened a strip of per- perforated horn filled with pins, which looked like those we use for ordinary purposes. From the cushion hung a lot of pendant bobbins,
(31)
filled with the thread, the pattern, no doubt, being traced on the "horn," of which we have already spoken.
In the fall of this same year (1829) these people bought a live hog for slaughter, the "butchering" taking place in the yard. "Ne- cessity, the mother of invention," came to their aid at this time. After the death of the animal they improvised a gallows, on which it was suspended, but not having the conveniences for scalding off the bristles, as is the custom in America, they procured a bundle of straw and singed them instead.
Mrs. Frost had considerable difficulty in purchasing supplies for the family, not being familiar with the names we call the articles in this country.
On one occasion she accosted a man with "'Mon dear,' where do you get 'treacle'? I have been to every store in the place, and ca-ant get a bit." "Go ask them for molasses," he replied, "and you will get 'treacle.'"
India-rubber shoes at that period had never been heard of, and Americans plodded through the mud and snow in thick leather foot cover- ings. These women, in bad, sloppy weather, wore on their feet an iron ring, a few inches in height, fastened on the shoes, which they
(32)
called "Pattens." This raised their feet from the snow and mud.
Having given a brief description of these people and, what seemed to the inhabitants, their eccentricities, we again turn our attention to the interior of the upper room, which I will try to picture to your imagination. From the entrance to the rear of the church the floor had a steep and awkward ascent. Why it is not easy to imagine, unless the architect suited his plans to the fashion of the times ; since all the women of that day wore bonnets with immense fronts, and crowns in them, proportionately large to accommodate the high-back comb then in vogue. Had it not been for the elevated floor, those sitting in the middle and rear of the church would never have been able to see the minister while he was preaching.
The pulpit occupied a position in the front of the church, thus enabling each one who entered to see those who followed, without turn- ing round, as is done, sometimes, by the curious.
There were a number of supporting posts or pillars in the audience room, extending to the ceiling, which were adorned by a sort of hang- ing candlestick, composed of a strip of tin, with a hole in it, to hang it up by, a semi-cir- cular dripping-pan with a fluted edge, and a
(33)
little tin tube in it, to hold the "tallow-dip." No snuffers having been provided, one young lady, who had recently become a member of the church, commenced her Christian work by taking with her a pair of scissors, and, as it be- came necessary, clipped the wicks on her side of the church. This was in 1838 and later, but previous to that time evening services were very seldom held.
The "Choir," or "Foresingers," as they were then called, consisted of three or four men, who chanced to be the "Deacons." These men stood in front of the pulpit and faced the audi- ence, the leading "foresinger" lining the verses of the hymns in a very solemn manner. This was done so all the congregation could sing, as there were only a few hymn-books.
The church was heated by two sheet-iron stoves, set in a box of sand. The fuel used was "Stone Coal." Stovepipes extended from the front of the building to the back, where the chimney was located, being held in position by wires, fastened to the ceiling. These pipes served in part as heaters.
The collection was taken up in the same kind of apparatus as that used by our Presbyterian brethren.
The "Stone Coal," as it was then called, and which we have merely mentioned, was brought
(34)
1241117
from the coal regions of the Lehigh and Dela- ware rivers, on "Arks," there being no other means of transportation at that time. It came in immense rocks, pieces being chipped off for use by means of a large sledge-hammer.
It was burned in churches, stores and other large buildings, but not until a much later date did it become a domestic and household fuel.
Mr. Jacob Smith, a blacksmith, and the father of the late "Amos Smith," was the first one to use it in his forge.
"The Arks," on which the coal was conveyed to market, were never sent back, but were sold for the lumber they contained.
The first pastor to take charge of the Bap- tist Church was the Rev. Samuel Trot, who was called in connection with the Harbourton church, preaching at the latter every alternate Sunday, as did also the Rev. P. O. Studdiford, who served both Lambertville and Solebury. This arrangement gave a preaching service to the citizens of Lambertville every Sabbath morning.
Mr. Trot received for his services to this church a salary of one hundred and twenty- five dollars a year. He served for a period of four and one-half years, when he resigned.
On the 5th of January, 1832, David B. Stout was called as pastor. He remained five
(35)
years, resigning April 16th, 1837. When he became the pastor the membership numbered but nineteen ; when he resigned it had increased to eighty-five. Under the ministry of the former pastor, Mr. Trot, the church had be- come somewhat leavened with "The Old School" Theology, which did not advocate Sunday-schools, missions, ministerial educa- tion, etc. This was distasteful to many until the feeling culminated in something like a divi- sion under Brother Stout's pastorate. The majority of the members, however, held to the doctrine denominated "New School," while a number of the opposite way of thinking called for letters of dismissal, and united with the " Harbourton " and other "Old School" churches.
During the year 1835 it was resolved to en- large the edifice. This work was begun in July and finished the following October, the cost being about three hundred and sixty-five dollars, and the alterations a "botch."
In 1830 the late Dr. Samuel Lilly, a boy of fifteen, came from New York city to visit his uncle, Dr. John Lilly. When the time of his visit had expired, his uncle, finding he had en- joyed himself so well, asked him if he would like to make his home here, to which he promptly replied in the affirmative.
(36)
From that time the uncle's house became his home until his death.
Although but seventeen years of age at the time the town was visited by the "Cholera Epidemic," he was an invaluable assistant to his uncle John.
About the time of his visit (1830) the "Stone-house" (on the hillside), which later became the hospital for cholera patients, was in course of erection. The rafters were in place, but the house was unshingled, when Samuel (boy-like) one Sunday climbed to the top, and, seating himself on the rafters, pro- ceeded to take a view of his surroundings, also to count the number of buildings he could see. Just previous to his death he related this cir- cumstance to the writer, and told her he had counted just one hundred buildings in the vil- lage.
It is said that just below the "Falls" there stood a "Stone Tavern," where the watermen were wont to halt and "refresh" themselves after encountering the perils of "the Rocks" in the Delaware. This tavern was also a great place for card-playing, drinking and fisticuff fighting. As one side of the building was set against the hill, that side of the roof sloped down to the ground.
Late one night a jovial party had assembled
(37)
there for their "usual enjoyment," when some boys procured a "black ram," led him up the roof and shoved him down the chimney. The animal gave a loud "Bah," sprang for the door, upset the table, and struck consternation in the hearts of the gamesters, who fled for their lives (likewise the sheep). Ever after, these people believed they had indeed seen his "Sa- tanic Majesty" materialized, "for they had a glimpse of his hoofs and horns," so they said.
At a very early period the "Hamlet" was called by the disgraceful title of "Bungtown." Why this term was given to it has never been very clearly defined.
At the foot of Coryell street were the wharves, where the boats received and un- loaded freight, which was often stored in Tan- ner's store-house. It is asserted that on one occasion a barrel of whiskey was left on the wharf for a short time, when some miscreants stole the contents from the bung-hole, either to get gloriously drunk on the spot or for future use.
>
As early as 1760 it was called by this name, for we find that the arbitrators, in apportioning the real estate of Emanuel Coryell to his heirs, awarded to his son George the "Bungtown" lot, said lot starting from Church street and extending to Delevan, which makes the above
(38)
story seem plausible, as to the origin of the name, which clung to it for many years.
In 1832 the construction of the Delaware and Raritan canal was begun.
Two superintendents, Captain Andrews and Captain Mason, had general control of the work from Bool's Island to Trenton, and prob- ably all the way to New Brunswick. These men sub-let small sections to competent con- tractors.
Just below the present rubber mill on Main street a village of small shanties for families and large boarding shanties sprung into exist- ence, and emigrants poured in by the shiploads.
Distressed creatures they were, too, these men and women, carrying on their backs and heads all their earthly possessions, and looking like Bunyan's Pilgrim, fleeing from the City of Destruction. They also brought with them a pestilence.
Quarantine restrictions evidently were not, at that time, what they are at the present. The epidemic of "Asiatic Cholera" broke out among these people, spreading, not only through the town, but to the outlying districts.
One Sunday three men were walking from Bool's Island to the town, when, on nearing it, one of the number was suddenly stricken with the dread disease. His companions hur-
(39)
ried him, with all speed, to the doctors, and from there he was taken to an Irish boarding house, located on the southeast corner of Main and Lilly streets, but the terrified inmates re- fused him admittance, so he was carried to the barn and made as comfortable as the circum- stances would permit, but he died in the course of a few hours. The next morning his com- panions took his clothing and whatever blan- kets had been used about him, carried them on long poles across the meadow and buried them back of the Baptist Church on what is now Ferry street.
This was the first case. The entire com- munity was dreadfully alarmed, as they had ample cause to be. The late Ashbel Welch, then a young civil engineer in the employ of the Canal Company, at once took an active part in organizing a Board of Health, procur- ing hospital accommodations and providing a "Potter's Field" for the burial of its victims. The stone house on the side of the hill just opposite the lot owned by Mr. John Lilly stood in the same unfinished condition as his father, when a boy, had found it. Workmen were at once set to work to finish it as rapidly as pos- sible for the admission of patients, and nurses were procured. A great many of the floating homeless were taken there, and perhaps many
(40)
others, but it is not known that one cholera victim left it alive, and one of the nurses (a colored man) died at his own home.
The children on the streets shunned all the emigrants as well as any dirty-looking people. The doctors and the Board of Health issued precautions, both as to diet and cleanliness.
To the dirty and dissipated, when stricken, it was, without fail, fatal, and such victims lived but a few hours after being taken with this dreadful disease. Multitudes were buried in the Potter's Field, the location of which was on the south side of the Rocktown road, a little below the farm now owned by Mr. John Lilly, on land which he purchased recently (1901), and on the verge of a small gully.
Nor were the residents of the town exempt from this dreadful plague. A little indiscre- tion in diet or exposure would very often result fatally. Even "Cholera Morbus" became epi- demic, it being so nearly allied to cholera, and not infrequently caused death. Surely this year (1832) was one of terror and gloom to the inhabitants, and depression seemed depicted on every countenance, as each one felt he might be the next victim. In the year 1849 and 1854 the town was again visited by this plague, many dying; but there was no comparison in the death rate either time to that of 1832.
(41)
In the spring of 1834, as work on the canal was in progress at Bool's Island, a riot, which seemed to have been the outcome of an ancient feud, broke out between two factions of the Irish-the "Corkonians" and the "Fardowns." These rioters did not use knives nor shotguns, but whatever ammunition they could lay hold of the most easily. One Sunday afternoon news came from the island to the townspeople of a murderous affray up there, and the militia
was sent for. They appeared on the scene of action the following morning, but the rioters had by that time quieted down. Still, these men, although few in number, looked very imposing in their blue uniforms with red trim- mings, and their presence had a good effect on the two factions.
Of course the soldiers had many funny ad- ventures to relate. One story they told on their return was to the effect that when they arrived in sight of the "enemy" the "Captain" of the militia, being a timid man, turned to his men and said, "Don't they always pick off the 'Officers' first?" and on being answered in the affirmative, he replied, "Then, I guess I will get back in the rear."
The militia consisted of about half a dozen soldiers, for the writer saw them leave the town, so one can imagine how ridiculous must
(42)
DELAWARE BRIDGE IN TIME OF FRESHET.
From " The Delaware Valley and the Pocono Mountains." By courtesy of Ferris & Leach, Publishers, Philadelphia, Pa.
have been the leader's reply. Finding they would not be needed, the militia returned the same evening, bringing with them, however, two or three prisoners, who were put, for safe keeping, in an unused wheelwright shop on Main street, a guard being placed at each door and window to prevent their escape.
Later they were reprimanded very severely, ordered to keep the peace, and finally dismissed, after which there were no further outbreaks.
On the 8th of January, 1841, occurred the greatest freshet the Delaware has ever known. Although the writer remembers very distinctly every incident connected with this most dis- astrous flood, such an accurate account of it, from the pen of some Lambertville resident, not known, was published in the Hunterdon Gazette the day following that a copy of said letter is found below :
LAMBERTVILLE, January 8, 1841. (Friday Evening.)
RAPID RISE IN THE DELAWARE RIVER-GREAT DESTRUC- TION OF PROPERTY, ETC.
This has been a day of general excitement throughout the village and neighborhood, and doubtless will be long remembered. We have just returned from wit- nessing a scene that no pen can adequately describe. At an early hour this morning we heard the roaring of the waters and hastened to the scene of destruction. The river was then filled with floating masses of timber,
(43)
etc., consisting principally of piles of lumber, logs, and fragments of buildings. The river was then rising at a rapid rate, and continued to rise until about three o'clock, when it appeared to be at a stand. It is now some five or six feet higher than was ever known be- fore by the oldest inhabitants. The canal had filled rapidly, in consequence of the river breaking in above this place, and threatened destruction to that part of the town and to the extensive mills, etc., on the Water- power. The citizens were preparing to leave their houses, when the large waste-weir, opposite Holcomb's basin-about half a mile above the village-by the force of the water, gave way; which seemed provi- dential-else the consequence might have been serious indeed, if the canal had given way in the town. The lumber-yards, storehouses, mills, etc., and other prop- erty situated along the river were in imminent peril throughout the day.
About half-past ten o'clock, fears began to be enter- tained for the safety of the New Hope Delaware Bridge, as the river was then nearly up to the floor.
The ice and drift-stuff increased, and struck the piers and timbers of the bridge with tremendous force. Large coal-boats, heavy saw-logs, and cakes of ice were lodging against it, and had forced apart one or two of the piers on the Jersey side. About eleven o'clock we heard the astounding cry, from many voices, that Centre Bridge was coming down, as we anticipated.
All eyes were fixed upon two large massive pieces of the bridge, which were seen floating down a short distance above, by the resistless current, in terrific grandeur. The feelings of the spectators, at that moment, were deep and thrilling and may be imagined, but cannot be described.
One of the pieces struck about midway, with an awful crash, passed through, and carried away one of the arches of the bridge. The other soon followed, and took with it another arch, on the Jersey side. The
(44)
Jersey pier soon gave way and the third arch followed, and lodged a short distance below. Thus one-half of this noble structure, which has stood the freshets for nearly thirty years, has been suddenly carried away. The other part on the Pennsylvania side still remained
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.