History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. I, Part 151

Author: Shaw, William H
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: [United States :]
Number of Pages: 840

USA > New Jersey > Essex County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. I > Part 151
USA > New Jersey > Hudson County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. I > Part 151

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Walter M Conjun

see that he is no stranger to the current literature of the day.

Plumbing .- Among the numerons plumbing estab- Jishments in Newark may be favorably mentioned that of E. Dunning & Brother, No. 104 Market Street. The firm was organized Sept. 1, 1870, by Edward and Wal- ter P. Dunning, who have increased their business until they now give annual employment to forty-five men.

Newark Liquorice Works .- The largest works of the kind in the I'nited States is the " Newark," located

WALTER M. CONGER was born in the city of New York, Aug. 5, 1838. His father, John Conger, was a native of Norwich, Conn., and his mother, Caroline Mingus, the daughter of Thomas Mingus, manufac- turer of iron-wares, was born in New York. Walter M. Conger commenced active business life at an early age, and served for three years as an apprentice at wood-turning; continued ill health, however, caused him to abandon mechanical pursuits, when he en- gaged in the year 1853, in the mercantile business, | and continued thus employed until 1862, in which

621

NEWARK'S NOTED VISITORS

year he engaged in the manufacture of tin, and japan wares. At the end of the fifth year he removed to Newark, N. J., in which city he is still living, and embarked in the manufacture of tea-trays, under an entirely new system, unknown either in the United States or Europe. His success in this artistic pro- duction can only be measured by the continued work - ings of his factory and his well-known reputation as the producer of the finest grades of japan wares manufactured. He is also of an inventive turn of mind, which is shown by the number of labor-saving devices constructed by him both for his own the and that of other manufacturers. His japans and varnishes, which are almost exclusively made for his own use, are noted for their hard, brilliant sur- faces.

middle of November. The shameful and humiliating cowardice of his troops at Kips Bay, the disastrous negligence of Gen. Grene at Fort Lee, the jeal- ousies and insubordinations of several of his officers, constituted great drops in Washington's cup of sor- row ; but "his mind derived nourishment from adver- sity, and grew more strong and serene and pure through affliction." Sweet, indeed, were the use of adversity ; and well may it he said. having Washing- ton in our mind's eye, that

'The good are better made by ill, Souhrn rushed are sweater still."

It was well on toward night when the Americans crossed the Passaic at Aquackanonck, and moved down to Newark. Following slowly in pursuit came

EUAVIS.5

WASHINGTON'S ARMY ENTERING NEWARK.

CHAPTER XLVI.

NEWARK'S NOTED VISITORS.

Washington-Cornwallis- Talleyrand - Donnerhowett-Van Berkel- Lafayette-('Iny-Lincoln.

Washington's Visit.1-tIn the evening of Nov. 22, 1776, just a little more than a month before his gloriou-ly successful strategie movement on Trenton, Washington entered Newark with his retreating forces, some thirty-five hundred strong. Pursued by the well- equipped Corwallis, hither the commander-in-chief came, saddened, but neither disheartened nor dis- mayed, despite the heavy misfortunes of the month preceding,-the discomfiture at Long Island, in August; Kips Bay, in September ; White Plains, in October ; and Fort Washington and Fort Lee, in the

the British troops, with Earl Cornwallis at their head. Here Washington and the patriot army re- mained five full days, from the evening of the 22d until the morning of the 28th. Illustrative of the difficulty of obtaining original matter for this work is the fact that careful and diligent research among ancient books and papers, in addition to extended inquiry among old and well-informed descendants of Newark patriots, failed to discover positively where it was that the central military figure of the Rev- olution established his headquarters during his stay in Newark,-where it was that he held his councils. at whose table he ate, or under whose roof he slept. One popular fallacy is that the old stone house which lately stood on Washington Street, near Court, and which was built by the t'oe family, was the place. The delusion is dispelled by the simple fact that the house was not built until 1782, six years after Wash- lington stayed here. It has been stated, also, that the

1 Atkinson's " History of Newark."

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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

general stopped al the Gouverneur mansion, situated back from Mount Pleasant Avenue, and facing Gour- ernenr Street,-the even yet picturesquely-located house, immortalized as " Cockloft Hall " by Washing- ton Irving, William Irving and James K. Panlding ; likewise that he was the guest of the family of one of his officers, Capt. Huntington, whose home was the house still standing on the southeast corner of Broad Street and Eighth Avenue. Possibly tradition is correct that both places were honored, at one time or another, with the presence of tien. Washington ; but, at the particular time in question, November 1776, it is very unlikely that Washington, who was nothing if not cautious in the matter of providing against military surprises, would establish his head- quarters in the upper portion of the town, compara- tively close to where the pursuing enemy might ap- pear at any moment. The burden of probability, if not of proof, points to the old Eagle Tavern as the Washington headquarters in Newark. This hostelry occupied a site fronting on Broad Street, and stood back on ground a little north of where the City Hall now stands. It was a large, rough stone two-story honse, with wooden out-buildings. On its sign was perched, within the recollection of old people, the national bird of freedom. Within the memory of many persons still living it was known and spoken of generally as "The Washington Head- quarters." After undergoing various changes, and serving at one time as a temporary court-house, it was torn down to give place to the City Hotel,-the present City Hall. Strong color to the likelihood of this place having been what it was called, is the fact of its contiguity to the MeWhorter parsonage and to the residence of Dr. William Burnet, president of the Town Committee of Safety, which stood on Broad Street, near the north corner of Chestnut Street. It is probable that, while leaving his staff and military trappings at the tavern, Washington sojourned while here with his near and dear friend and compatriot, Rev. Alexander McWhorter.

On the morning of the 28th of November, the sixth day after his entry, Washington departed from Newark on the retreat southward. Just as the American troops moved out the advance-guard of Cornwallis moved in from the north. Here, probably, the British troops tarried until the morning of December 1st, when they resumed the pursuit, and came within firing distance of the rear-guards of Washington as the guards crossed the Raritan River at New Brunswick, destroying part of the bridge as they passed over. Cornwallis left in Newark a strong guard, which remained till after the battle of Trenton. Meanwhile, from New York the British officers were writing to their friends in Eng- land : " Lord Cornwallis is carrying all before him in the Jerseys ; it is impossible but that peace must soon be the consequence of our success." Nor were these military correspondents reckoning altogether without their host. Cornwallis was indeed carrying all before

him. Not only was he forcing to flight the ill-fed, ill- elad, ill-accoutred and in every way scantily provided troops of Washington,-who, while here in Newark, had appealed in vain to Congress at Philadelphia, and to the State Legislature at Burlington, for stores and reinforcements,-but he was infusing new spirit into the Tory or Royalist element of the inhabitants, and driving to the verge of despair those noble men and women who preferred the scant meal of herbs where freedom was, rather than the stalled ox-feast secured by slavish subserviency to a tyrannous power and the renunciation of the inalienable rights of free-born people.

Talleyrand .- Among the many distinguished vis- itors to Newark should he mentioned the eminent French literateur, wit, politician and diplomat, M. Tal- leyrand, who made his appearance in America in 1792, when driven out of England. A writer of reminiscences in a Newark paper1 gives the following: "Tradition says he was sent to this country as an emissary by some one of the factions that then governed France, and that he, with a number of other Frenchmen, between the years 1792 and 1795, oeeupied the Alling House, during which time he made a pretended effort to es- tablish a school and teach French, From Newark he went to New York, where he also made an appar- ent effort to establish a school. lle mixed with prominent leading politicians, and in his intercourse with Gen. Hamilton a little too much freedom of ex- pression on political matters excited the suspicion of Gen. Hamilton that he was an emissary, and a dan- gerous man to have remain in the country. He wrote an article, and had it published in the newspapers, calling the attention of the farmers to him in so plain a manner that Talleyrand at once left the country. The fact of Talleyrand and other Frenchmen occupy- ing the AAlling House I have often beard spoken of in my boyhood's days ; and another evidence of the fact is that Stephen Drayher, an old Parisian Frenchman, who resided in this city before Talleyrand came to this country, knew him in France, and also when he resided in the Alling Ilouse."

Blennerhassett .- Poor Blennerhassett, who after- wards became so well-known through his association with Aaron Burr and through Wirt's speech, was a visitor to Newark in 1796, and thought very favorably of the town, for, under date of August 18th, he wrote :

"Newark possessed sufficient attractions within itself to induce me to turry there for xonu days, even if I had not resolved to do so for the sake of visiting Puswie Falls, about fifteen miles off the main road. Newark, if considered as a village, which it more nearly resembles than a town, is perhaps the huilsomest in the world. Of extent nearly three miles, it in seuted in a pluin, clear and level as a parfor-floor, on the banks of the Passie by gently-swelling hills. Its academy, court house and two neat buildings for public worship, added to nine stages, which, besides an in- finity of wagons, pass through it every day, give an uir of Inisiness and Kairty to the plare. It is also the readence of minny privato families of respectability, with some of whom we were previously well enough ac- quainted to be entertained longer than we chew to remain there."

1 Daniel Druen ("More Anon") in Newark Daily Advertiser, Oct. 27, 1863.

623

NEWARK'S NOTED VISITORS.

Poor Blennerhassett ! he ever looked upon the bright side of what came before him, and it was because he looked upon the bright side of a native of New- ark (Aaron Burr), ten years later, that he met with the great misfortune of his life.

Van Berckel .- Returning to the firm ground of certainty, we know that one other noted foreigner lived and died here, -the reverend and estimable Peter I Van Berckel, minister plenipotentiary from the States of llolland to the United States. Ilis residence was on Broad Street, directly opposite that of Judge William Burnet's, which stood on the north corner of Chestnut and Broad Streets. Minister Van Berckle died here on Dec. 17, 1800. His remains were de- posited in the family vault of Capt. John Burnet.

Lafayette in Newark .- Thursday, Sept. 23, 1824, was a memorable day in Newark. It was the occa- sion of the visit and grand reception here of tien. Gilbert Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette, the illus- trions Frenchman who, when a mere stripling, nearly half a century before, had sacrificed home, fortune and the polished ease and elegance of a life at court' in obedience to his passionate enthusiasm for the American cause. On the morning of that day he arrived at Jersey City from New York, where he had been generously foted by the authorities and people. lle was attended to the .Jersey shore by Gen, Morton and the mayor and other corporate officers of the metropolis. The marquis was accompanied by his son, George Washington Lafayette, who was yet un- born when his distinguished father left France for Philadelphia, in the auspiciously-named vessel, the "Vietory," April 26, 1777. At Jersey City the gen- eral was received on the part of New Jersey by Grand Marshal, Gen. Jonathan Dayton, Maj. Keane, of Gover- nor Williamson's staff, and Col. T. T. Kinney. He was escorted to Lyons' Hotel, and there presented ceremo niously to the Newark committee. This committee, which consisted of Col. Thomas Ward, Col. James Hledden, Col. Stephen Ilay, Col. Isaac Andruss and Messrs. Caleb S. Riggs, Theodore Frelinghuysen, Jesse Baldwin, Luther toble, Robert Campfield, Dr. John R. B. Rogers, Abraham Reynolds, William Halsey, Silas Condit and Smith Burnet,-all leading and thor- oughly representative Newarkers, -had been appointed at a citizens' meeting, held on Tuesday evening, July 27th, at the residence of Enoch Bulles, W. S. l'enning- the place. The same afternoon Gen. Lafayette left ton being chairman and William Halsey secretary. At for Elizabethtown, where he passed the night the guest of Gen. Dayton. Such was the whole-souled and deeply-affectionate sentiment of the people of Newark towards the self-ennobled nobleman and pa- triot that whatever of dissatisfaction found expression afterwards was because some had not been able to pay personal tribute to him-to metaphorically " kiss the hem of his garment." this meeting resolutions were passed tendering La- fayette, on behalf of the people of Newark, "their most sincere and respectful congratulations." From Jersey City the general was escorted hitherward by a squadron of cavalry and a numerous and imposing cavalcade. About twelve o'clock a salute from the ordnance of the Newark Cadet Artillery announced the near approach of the general and his escort. The route of the approach was along the turnpike, con- meeting with the bridge at the foot of Bridge Street. On the other side of the bridge the party were met by

a great crowd of people, and all along the way, until the arrival at Maj. Boudinot's house, the air was vocal with the people's plaudits of the Franco- AAmerican hero of Monmouth, the beloved friend and compatriot of Washington. The arrangements in Newark to receive the general were on a scale of un- paralleled grandeur and completeness of detail. l'en- ple were attracted from all parts of the State to witness the ovation and to gaze with reverent and affection- ate eyes on the foreigner who had sacrificed so much, risked so much, and achieved so much in the cause of American liberty and independence. At Maj. Bou- dinot's residence the general was introduced to the judges of the State and Federal courts, members of the t'incinnati Society, and other persons of distinc- tion. Specially fitted up apartments were provided for the royally-welcomed guest in the late residence of llon. Elisha Boudinot, fronting on Military Park. On the latter had been constructed something wondrously picturesque and beautiful, in the shape of a commodious bower, in which the general received large numbers of the towns-prople. The base of the bower, which was composed mainly of the choicest Howers, covered an area of thirty-five feet in diameter. There were thir- teen arches, one for each of the original thirteen States. The pillars were fifteen feet high and sustained a floral dome representing the Western Ilemisphero. " It was indred a fairy palace," wrote a New York journalist of the day. The ladies of the town took an active part in preparing the wreaths necessary for the formation of the bower. William Halsey furnished the design and superintended the erection, while Moses Ward was his assistant. The occasion was not alone prolific in floral display. but in music and poetic and patriotic sentiments. There was an address by Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen, and a grand and im- posing military display in front of the bower, un- der the command of Maj .- Gen. Doughty and Brig. Gens. Dayton and Darey. In spite of the unfavor- able character of the weather-it rained during the day-the ovation was a great success. The beauty and chivalry of a large part of the State, besides New- ark, combined and labored zealously to that end. One who, as a youth, participated in the demonstra- tion, recently spoke of it as "the greatest day he ever saw in Newark." It was a general holiday for

Connected with Lafayette's visit to this country at this time is an incident worth relating. Among those who paid homage to the hero on the occasion of his reception in New York was a young lady, the

024

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

royalist sympathies of whose Newark-born ancestors cost them and her dearly. As each young lady was presented to Lafayette in the metropolis he would ask where and under whom her ancestor served, pre- suming, as was natural, that only the offspring of Revolutionary families would care to see him. When he questioned the damsel descendant, she answered. with a spirit and a frankness characteristic of her family, "My grandfather and father, sir, were loyal to their king and country." Instead of being provoked, the general remarked that he was glad to see that the young lady had courage enough to stand by the prin- ciples of her progenitors.1

Henry Clay's visit to Newark .- The renowned orator and statesman, Henry Clay, visited Newark on Nov. 20, 1833, by invitation of leading citizens. Because of his powerful and effective championship of the pro- tective system, Mr. Clay was a great favorite here. A committee waited upon him in New York and es- corted him hither. As in the case of Lafayette, the distinguished visitor was met on the turnpike, about two miles from Newark, by "a large cavalcade of citizens, mounted and in carriages." At the Park House, fronting on Military Park, an immense con- course assembled to welcome " glorious Harry of the Slashes." In response to the formal welcome pro- nounced for the citizens by Amzi Dodd, Mr. C'lay made a brief, but eloquent reply. He was then presented to leading citizens, and escorted through the principal factories of the town. At Rankin's hat manufactory he was presented by the workmen with a handsome beaver hat, Mr. Peter Duryce making the presentation speech. At Smith & Wright's saddlery manufactory he was presented by the proprietors and workingmen, through Mr. John P. Jackson, with a " superb saddle, bridle and trappings." He was asked by Mr. Jackson to accept "these memorials from those who are in- debted to your liberality and enlarged policy of pro- tecting the domestic industry of our country." "They are not," continued the speaker, "decorated with the glittering tinsel which would gratify the eye of royalty, but we cherish the conviction that they will never- theless be a pleasing offering to a plain, honest-hearted Republican." After refreshments at the Park llonse, Mr. Clay returned to the metropolis. Thither he was accompanied by a number of prominent Newarkers, headed by Gen. Darcy. Upon taking leave of the great Senator, Gen. Darey addressed him, on behalf of those present, in terms of the warmest admiration for his " character, talents and important public services." In conclusion, Gen. Darcy, on the part of those present and the citizens generally of Newark, begged Mr. Clay to accept, as a token of regard for his "highly- respected lady," the splendid Newark-made carriage in which he had ridden from Newark to New York. Mr. Clay was deeply moved at this fresh and most sub- Ntantial proof of Newark appreciation. In broken

1 Atkinson's " History of Newark."

accents, his voice tremulous with emotion, he re- plied,-

"Gentlemen, you overwhelm me. I know not how to refuse, and yet may I be permitted- (the company here interrupted him by disent), I assure you, gentlemen, I know nut why it is that one so nudeserving as myself, should be so loaded with such marks of your esteem and gener- city. I know of nothing in my humble services deserving of a return si splendid and so costly ; it comes so unexpected. Gentlemen, my heart is too much overwhelmed ; the citizens of Newark have made upon it which an impression ; IT can thank you, but tongue cannot. Be pleased, bir, to accept in behalf of yourself and your fellow-town-men, my wurn- est thanks for this elegant present to my wife."

The carriage thus gracefully presented and worthily bestowed was manufactured by John Clark & Son. 2

Kossuth, the Hungarian agitator and hero, came to Newark in 1852, when he made his tour of the Eastern cities in the interest of freedom, and his visit aroused much enthusiasm. He was met at Jersey City on AApril 21st by the Newark committee, at the head of which was Governor William Pennington, and on his arrival in the city was met by a crowd of at least three thousand people at the Centre Street depot. He was then escorted by the military -- the Lafayette Guard, the Columbian Riflemen, the Jefferson Rifles and the Newark Rifles-to the City Hotel (where the City Hall now is). There, in the sight of thousands, he was welcomed by the mayor, J. M. Quinby and by ex- Chancellor Halsted, who made appropriate speeches, to which the patriot replied at considerable length. He was subsequently welcomed in German hy Mr. Schauffner. All of this was in the forenoon. In the evening Kossuth was to speak at the old Clinton Street. Congregational Church.

The meeting was not held because of a misunder- standing between the committee and the church trustees in regard to charging an admission fee. Kossuth and the members of the committee were in favor of a free lecture, but the church-people feared that unless an admission fee was charged the crowd that would surge into the house would be so large as to damage it by the tracking in of mnd and by other means.

A meeting was held the following forenoon at Washington Hall which was called to order by Col. A. C. M. Pennington. Rev. Dr. Eddy delivered an address of welcome, and Kossuth made a speech of considerable length which well displayed his peculiar eloquence. He spoke in behalf of his down-trodden country, and moved all who heard him to sympathize with her. In the afternoon the distinguished Hun- garian met a large number of the clergy and after- wards dined at the Park Ilouse in company with a number of Newark's leading citizens, among them Hon. J. C. Hornblower, William K. McDonald, Esq., ex-Governor Pennington, Col. Pennington, Mayor Quinby, Col. Stephens, Oliver &. Halsted, Cortlandt Parker, Dr. Congar, Aldermen Layton and Kirk- patrick and others. Numerous toasts were responded to, and the guest made another address of much force.

3 Atkinson's " History of Newark."

625

BANKING AND INSURANCE IN NEWARK.

In the evening Kossuth addressed the Germans at Library Hall, and was afterwards escorted by them to the City Hotel with music and a torch-light procession. Later he attended by invitation a meeting of the Masonic fraternity in St. John's Lodge, when Worship- ful Master, F. W. Ricord welcomed him in a well-ex- pressed address. On the morning of April 23rd he left the city for New York, having received from the generous people of Newark no less than one thousand dollars for the aid of Hungary.

Lincoln's Visit to Newark .- On Thursday, Feb. 21, 1861, the eve of Washington's birthday anniversary, Abraham Lincoln, the president-elect, arrived in New- ark, en route to the national capital. llis reception here was of the heartiest kind, his political opponents vicing with his partisans in paying him proper re- spect. He was formally welcomed by Mayor Bigelow, who, addressing Mr. Lincoln, said,-

" MR. PRESIDENT-ELECT,-On behalf of the Common Council and my followcitizens, I most cor- dialty welcome you to our city, and tender to you ita hospitalities. I welcome you, Sır, on behalf of the citizens of the metropolis of the state, in point of population und of trade ; who havo ever been loyal to the Constitution and maintained the integrity of the l'nion ; atul who entertain the ardent hope that your ad- ministration will be governed by that wimlotu and by that discretion which will be the nienon of tranmitting the confederate States in a unit to your sucreevors, and through them to the latest genera- tion "

In response, the distinguished visitor said,-

NEWARK NATIONAL BANKING COMPANY.

" MIR. MAYOR,-I thank you for this reception you bave given me in your city. The only response I can make in that I will bring a heart similarly devoted to the Union. With my own ability alone I cannot hoje to succeed ; I hope to be sustained by Divine Providence in the work I have been called to perform for this great, free, happy and intel- Igent people. Without this I cannot succeed. I thank you again for this kind reception."

" A lively snow-storm " prevailed as Mr. Lincoln passed through the city. lle occupied a carriage drawn by four white horses, and was accompanied by the mayor and two other gentlemen, and the famous but ill-fated commander of the Chicago Zouaves,- Col. Ellsworth. Despite the discouraging character of the weather, there was no lack of enthusiasm on the occasion. The New York Herald of the following day described the reception in Newark, and said,-

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History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. I, Part 151

Author: Shaw, William H Publication date: 1884 Publisher: [United States :] Number of Pages: 840

Author: Shaw, William H
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: [United States :]
Number of Pages: 840