History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. I, Part 160

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 160
USA > New Jersey > Hudson County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. I > Part 160

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 anniversary of American Independence was ob- served in 1788. This, at least, was the first public observance of the day which was chronicled by the local press. The New Jersey Journal and Political In- telligencer, published at Elizabethtown, in its issue of July 9th, has an account of the celebration, from which we extract the following .

. . At anurise the day was announced by n minte of twelve can- tion, being the year of our independence, nud the bells of the different churches rang till x o'clock, when the independent corps, consisting of the Home, Artillery, three companies of Frock Men, Grenadier and In- after the review they prorerded to the Presbyterian Church, n. companied by the inhabitants uf the plate, when the flov. Doctor Me Whorter de. tivered an elegant oration ton crowded ambience From the church, the procession ting formed, they proceeded through the principal streets of the town, forming a line of three-quarter of a mile . at 1 o'clock they reached the church green, when the artillery fired a salute of ten connun in honor of the ten Federal States the battalion fred the Fu de Joy, which was returned by the inhabitants with three cheers. The troops being divided into two parties, after making the proper dispositions, a shum Aght ensnel, to the great entertainment and satisfaction of the sjwctat m; then returned toen large Iwwer, built on the occasion, and partok of a coll collation. At & "Flock the clergy and other gentle- turn of the town, with the officers of the different companies, partook of an elegant dinner provided by Mr John Reading, when the following tutta were Amank, companied by annon, viz.

". let The I'nited States

2nd. The tos States that have adopted the New Constitution.

"And. The Gasvernment and State of New Jersey.

. 4th General Washington, President of the late Conventiun

with. The officers and soldiers of the late American Arms

"tith. The memory of the officers who fell in the Inte war

"7th. The ofthe ers ant militit of A .wark.

".sth The Farmers and M .hanik- of Newark

"9th. May the New Constitution hot until days and to an efotbal pause, and sun and moon shall he 110 m re

"tuth. The Day

" In the evening a piece of transparent painting executed by young Mr. Higgins wan exhitate 1, representing the head of Bene .1 Washing- ton, encircled with the ton states that have adopted the constitution, New York, Rhode Island and North Carolina house and detached. Around the ton States was this multor. -. We have agreed to the Now A onstitution ; da yin follon .'

" The whole was conducted with the greatest decorum and regularity . not a dissatisfied countenance was seen, cheerfulnem appeared every fars, And the day was agent in great hilarity, every me string with carb utber who shunldt be mint agreenble. '

The foregoing presents the reader with a very good idea of the "old-fashioned Fourth," and further light is thrown upon the celebration by the 'order of procession," which was characteristic of the times. It was as follows :

Half Trop of Hora, commanded lo tage conduct, number ..

Two Companies of Trok Mon

Arullers

light Infantry.

Ten yoke of oxen, drawing a plow, supported by Mr Nathaniel Camp, waisted by Me Caleb Wheeler, two venerable farmers of the tip respectability, followed In farmers, with the Implements of hushmilry. Taster and d'urder, preceded by Mr. Johnsen, to the number of 20, with their knivre and honks

Fordwarners, preceded by Mr. Plumb on a stage with four journeymen at work, to the number of 50, with their tools. Lost and heel makers to the number of 10 Nailors, with their touln.

Carpenters and joiners, preceded by Meddour Janes Sich de and Hoven, un a stage with a master millwright, laying out work for thirty -air journeymen, carrying t mou of all wirth, levorated

Quarrymen and stone lifter, preceded by Captain Sortingtons, to the number of 8. In their fricke and trousers, with their comole

stone cutters, to the number of 1), w th th r touls.

Man on, preceded by Mr Shipman, to the u mber of thirty, with their

Blacksmitha, preceded by Mr Alligen a stag , with a furnace journey- meu at work to the numtar f 14, with the r I mile Sy the makers, tu the number of 4 ( wh all hair touker Painters with their brunhe.

Wheelwright and turnere, preceded by Mr. Sin una sing with turning lathe, etc., to, the number of Is, with th Ir tamils. Y'amb maker Silversmith, to the number of & with ansile and hammered- ratel ('les k RIN) wat h inaker Tall ma, to the number of 14, with their tools, treasures, etc Hatters, to the number of a, with brushes, lows, wie Soldiers and hartem makers, to the number of 12.

and [people at work, to the nuinter nf 2. Butchers-twu with lesrer und kulf. Hakera. Wanver, to the number of 6, with their sh tle te Ji mand Fullem Tubare musta, with their kulve ..

I urmare men in their fr k .. Wilke r. The young gentlemen of the mealone in their rompe tise class, atry ing the different author real by them to the number of war. sheriff and deputy, with their mace

Constal bs, with their atus

ship Carpenters pre edil by Mi William Bysnek, wit a small ship

Merchants and stroke .14 I'rivate lientieme )

Half Top of Hore commanded Is Litt Ward, to the number ( 5.

The next five years seem to have been passed over without any particular demonstrations beyond the firing of cannon and the ringing of bells, etc.

The year 1793 was distinguished by raising the first liberty-pole at the south point of Military Park. It was seventy feet high, surmounted by a red cap of liberty, with gilt border. This was done on the 3d, and on the 4th, the procession was led by Capt. Camp. bearing cap of liberty. The discourse in the church was hy the late Rev. Dr. Me Whorter. Dinner in a bower in the orchard in rear of the academy, The bower was one hundred and twenty feet long and fifteen feet wide, decorated with tlags and esenteheons. Toasts werd drank, with a discharge of cannon at each toast.

In 1796, Capt. Jabez Parkhurst read the Declaration of Independence ; Maj. Samuel Hayes bore the cap ot liberty, followed by ninety-seven young ladies, who were complimented on their "decent appearance." Watts Crane was the orator, and Drs. Mcwhorter and Ogden officiated at the church, as in years past. Two magnificent bowers were created, one on the Green and the other at Mount Union, head of Market Street, The first was fifty feet in diameter, with six- teen emblematic archos representing the then sixteen

662

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

States, and elegantly decorated, the keystone of each hearing the escuteheon of a State. The bower at Mount Union was scarcely less inferior. A bountiful supply of cake and tea was served in each, and the day closed with dancing on the green, and balls at Gif- ford's and Tuthill's taverns.

From that time to the present, the day has been observed by both civie and military societies, with all the enthusiasmn that characterized their ancestors, only on a larger and grander scale. Whether the flow of eloquence has kept pace with the assemblages on such occasions is a question. Yet what may be lacking in that one direction is more than made good by young America in his bursts of glorification, and the thought that his ancestors left such a glorious legacy just for him.

Decoration Day .- Another day has come to be observed quite as much as that of the nation's birth,- the day upon which fresh garlands are strewed upon the graves of those who died that the nation might live. On May 30th, thus far in each year, since the war of 1861-65 Newark has proven her loyalty to the cause, and love for her dead heroes, by a proper obser- vance of the day by civic and military processions, the strewing of flowers, and appropriate addresses by prominent speakers of the city.

Bi-Centennial Celebration of the Settlement of Newark .- The two hundredth anniversary of the settlement of Newark was fittingly celebrated on the 17th of May, 1866, under the auspices of the civic authorities and of the New Jersey Historical Society. the event proving a most interesting one and full of instruction. That part of the programme affording the latter was naturally enough contributed by the Historical Society.

At the meeting of the New Jersey Historical Soci- ety held in Newark May 18, 1865, Mr. W. A. White- head offered the following resolution, which was adopted :

Ren Iced, That the Executive Committee, in conjunction with the oficer of the society, be requested to adopt such measures as may be nec- essary to celebrate in a proper manner, in May, 1866, under the au- epices of the Society, the Two Hundredth Anniversary of the settlement of Newark, that they ly authorized to appoint all necessary and-com- mittres, to solicit the co-operation of the Common l'onneil of the city. and of the citizens generally, in furtherance of their plans, to issue anch invitations as they may deem advisable, and that they report at the next meeting of the simlety the progress male in carrying out the washes and intentions of the society as herein expressed."

At the next meeting of the society, held in Trentou, Jan. 18, 1866, the committee reported that

" At a meeting called for the purpose of taking the matter into con- alderation, the members present were unanimously of the opinion that, while it was highly proper for the Society to suggest, as it had done, the observance of the interesting event by appropriate ceremonies, and co- operate in every way to ensure saccess to whatever plan might be agreed upon, yet it was eminently the province of the city authorities of New- ark, In conjunction with the citizens generally, to inaugurate the nec- rosary measures. The (' minittre therefore addressed a communica- tion on the subject to Thomas B. Peddie, Egg., the Mayor, and he very promptly svited the attention of the Common Counch to the sugges- tions rade. The C'ouunittre are not informed what course that body

intend to pursue, but they have felt authorized to pledge the cordial assistance of the Society in carrying ont any arrangements that may be devised. "

No arrangements having yet been made by the city authorities when, in April, it became necessary to make preparations for the usual May meeting of the society, the officers, after consultation with several prominent members, determined to give to the pro- ceedings at that meeting a commemorative character, and committees were appointed to make arrangements accordingly.

The Hon. William B. Kinney was requested to deliver an oration on the occasion; Mr. William A. Whitehead to prepare a historical memoir of the events connected with the settlement; Dr. Thomas Ward, of New York, a native of Newark, to read a poem; and Mr. Samuel H. Congar to compile bio- graphical and genealogical notices of the principal settlers,

The action which the city authorities took pre- liminary to the event is interesting as a matter of record, and the most important items from the minute- books are here inserted.

At a meeting of the Common Council. held on April 7th, a resolution was adopted directing the appointment of a committee to confer and co-operate with the Historical Society in the arrangement for the public observance of the day : and at a subsequent meeting, on the 20th April, that committee was made to consist of Aldermen Peters, Hays and Joy.

On the 4th of May the committee reported to the Council the arrangements made, and submitted the following resolutions, which were adopted :

" Resolved, That flis Honor, the Mayor, be requested to issue a pro- clamation requesting from the citizens a general suspension of business, in order to have the day more especially devoted to testifying their ap- preciation of the founders of the city."

" Resolve i, That His Excellency, the Governor, and his Staff, tho Judiciary, Members of the Bar, the Mayor and the Common Council of the City of Newark, the Fire Department. the various military organ- izations and the civic societies generally, are earnestly requested to unite with the New Jersey Historical Society in celebrating the day.

Resolred, That the sum of six hundred dollars be and is hereby nppro- priated to the Special Committee for carrying the above into effect."

In accordance with the suggestion of the commit- tee, on the 9th of May, the following proclamation was issued by the Mayor :

"THE BI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. " PROCLAMATION BY THE MAYOR. " MIYOR'S OFFICE, Newark, May 9, 1866.

" WHEREAN, the Two Hundredth Anniversary of the settlement of tho rity of Newark willoccur on the 15th iust., upon which day the Common Council have agreed to unite with the New Jersey Historical Society in celebrating the event : und

" WHEREAS, it is eminently proper on auch an occasion that we should deset from our daily avocations, and honor the men who, under the blessing of God, and through privations atul suffering, ant by industry and energy, planted the tree the golden fruits of which we enjoy tu. duy ;

" THEREFORE, I, THOMAS B PEDINE, Mayor of the city of Newark, do hereby direct that the public offices be closed on Thursday, the 17th iust., and I recommend that the day In observed as a public holiday, that the projde may maite In the said celebration, and that we may show our ap- preciation of the character and virtues of the noble band of " bristiau Toen and women who founded our beautiful and prosperous city.

"T'HOMAH B. PEUDIE, Mayor "

663

NEWARK & NOTED CELEBRATIONS.

Upon the 17th, the day decided upon for this cele- bration, the masses of the people were treated to the sight of a great parade and a smaller number attended the impressive exercises by the Historical Society.

The day proved unpropitious, and the parade, which was to have moved in the morning, was delayed for a considerable time, but finally the arrangements were carried out substantially as made. The Advertiser

" The parole, although not a complete as it would have been had the weather been Ane and the first arrangements curriel ut, attracted the ummal crowds of observers, who hued the ajdewalks ou the rout of the procession nud occupied the windows and roofs of the houses. Flags fly - ing from a hundred stans and draped from windows and balconies, and handkerchiefs waving trom fair hands everywhere, made the pour one of unusual animation The military display, not withstanding the alme ner of the Second Regiment from the lines, through misunderstanding us to the great ponement of the gerade, was very fine, many compliments has- ing been bestowed upon the martin! bearing and tasteful appearance of the troops. 4'o. A, City Cavalry, formed the advance, noul was i Huwel by the Newark ('ity Buttery, State Bitte Borges, with two brow pieceand artillery The last Regiment, \ J. State Rite Corps, was under the command of Colonel Pork well, and though they received orders at a late hour to wesemble at their armories, nearly every compuiny had its full complement of men Preceding the Ist Regiment was a mounted cavalcade of citi- Zeus The Fire Department, as usual man sich in cordons, received their full share of praise A number of characteristic dovi es were dis- played on the stemmer and trucks, and look and landder Vo. ! was tastefully adorned with plumes and starry Mentors. All mix of the atramers (including the bow one) were polished and brightened up in maginticent style At intervals throughout the line delegations from the old band-engine companies, recently disbanded, appeared, and nim the wagula of several manufacturing establishments gavly ndornel with ty - ing colors Four lande furnished admirable munir Columbia lange. 1 0 of O. F .. No. 117. with a banner, and several private carriage - closed the procession. The jarde was made through several streets, and returned to Military Park at about 5 o'clock p y., and was distulseed."

The order of procession was as follows :

MILITARI.

Company S. Newark City Cavalry, Capt. Gerth. Newark f'ity Battery. Capt. M. Waters. Platoon of Police Grand Marchal, Col. Joseph W Plame Vk Col. James H. Com. Mayor firurge T. Could, Major Mersin Duild, Capt. Charles ( Jan'k wout. Jefferson Brus Band 1st liegt. N. J. Rifle Corp, Cal. Jas. Peckwell. Rubenm's Second Regiment Band. 20 Regt. N J. Rifto Corpe, Lieut. Col. A. F. Munu Englewood Guard, from Perth Amboy

HONORARY.

His Excellency Marcus I. Ward, Guverner of the State of New Jersey. Staff of the Governor Attorney General of the State of New Jersey. secretary of State uf the State of New Jermy Comptroller of the State of New Jersey Treasurer of the State of New Jersey Judges of the Ever County Courts. Sheriff and County Officers. Ex- Mayors of the City of Newark. Mayor and Common Cunuell. l'ity Ihcers and Clergy. Historical Society Uld Re-plenty of the City.

FIRE DEPARTMENT. New York Brass Band.

Ex-Chief Engineers-John it crockett, Abner D. Jones, Charles ('ries- try, George 11. Juner, Win. H Whittemuory, Henry ( Soden.

Ex-Assistant Engineers -- Thaddeus f. Austin, Varun M. Rodwell, MI- chael Workerman, Michael Deney, Dasld G. Griffith, J. W. Ripley, Henry L. Martin, Stephen Honeywell,

John H Thorn, Um H. Douglas, Win Phillips, John

Chtif Eugturer, Adam Gr wel

First Amistant Engineer, Kl R. Carbon I Amtalant Engineer William Laany Third Amitatt Logturer J in II Arey

Exempt Stoum Fire Engine No. 1. D. J. C'any feld, For quan. Pamwst Steam Fire- Engine, Nu. _ , Patru k Whe Tague Freman. Stram Fin - Engine, No J, Janne Payne, Freman Stan Fire Engine, No 4, Mahlen Inots, Porcins I'mon Hook and Ladder ! Hopens Nr. 1. salver Markant, Freman ; William H Jogral ası, Amitant Fere 1 1 Excelsior Hock and Ladder Company, & 2, Christophe Helin, Fre-

finn, Wasistant Forrhan

sauderhaft , Brumm Hastael Umatul Mandil, Theo. F kinney. Grand Master, William S. Whitehend St. John's Bulge No. 1. W H. Alnahy, 1 M Newark lange, N. 7 A_ Van Aralal . W. M Diogenes Lange, Nu. 14, 1 Kmpf, W MI Northern lanlge, No. 25, 1. HI. Sandford. W M Eureka Luialge, N.Ja. W E. Pine, W W Oriental Lodge. \ Al, J. hn - Clark, W M Kane lanlge, No. .. , W D. Rutan # M. la Fraternité Fish ais langr & 2, J | G, atne, A MI Shiller Tanigr. No th, Peter Bender, W M St. Albans laulge, No Ex, E. V. Bythin W MI J'aion Chapter, No. 1. Charles Boylan, H P. Harmony Chapter, No 9. J H. G DIawr. H. P. ( hid- Fellows' Lamligen, American Protestant Axuntanon Benevolent - 0th 1 %withw.

Istizelen generally, and all three who demite 1 jurt ipte.

The historical exercises, of more value than the popular demonstration, were held in the First Presby - terian Church, to which the members of the Histori- cal Society proceeded from their rooms, accompanied by their invited guests, at two o'clock P.M.

The chair was taken by John Rutherford, Eng., one of the vice-presidente, and the platform was occupied by many of the clergy of the city ; Hon. Marcus 1 .. Ward Governor of the State, and statľ; Thomas B. Peddie, Esq., mayor of the city ; the Hon. George Bancroft, the Hon. John R. Brodhead, the Hon. Charles P. Kirkland, and Jame- W. Beekman, Exq., representatives of the New York Historical Suciety ; Horatio Giates Jones, Esq., John A. MIc.A]- lister, Esq., J. Simpson Africa, Esq. representatives of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania; Erastus smith, Esq., from the Historical Society of Connecti- rut ; J. H. Sheppard, Esq., of the Historic Genealog- ical Society of Massachusetts ; Nathaniel Paine, Ing., of the American Antiquarian Society ; E. A. Apgar, Esq., State Superintendent of Public Instruc- tion ; Professor ti. I Cook, of Rutgers College, and other distinguished citizens.

On one side of the platform was a large map of the town as first laid out, with colors and figures designa- ting the owners of the different lots, whose names were inscribed on a corresponding canvas on the other side.

66-1

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

Dr. Samuel 11. Pennington, chairman of the ex- eeutive committee, conducted the exercises of the afternoon, which were commenced with an appropriate prayer by the Rev. Jonathan F. Stearns, D.D., pastor of the church.

An ode for the occasion, written by Dr. Abraham V'oles, having been distributed through the audience, was then generally sung, to the tune of " Lenox," as follows.

" THE ODE. "Out fathers' God we blexs. We magnify and sing Th' abundant faithfulness And merey of our King To ur, and them whose hands did sow These fields Two Hundred Years Ago.

· O fair the heritage They from the red man gained, - Pas-ing from age to age The title all unstained ! Good men and true they were, we know, Who lived Two Hundred Years Ago.

" This city, nobly planned. Adorned with park and shade. Their tasteful eye and hand The first foundations land. Men fearing God they were, we know, Who built Two Hundred Years Ago.

" Though shuinh ring in the ground. Their spirit walks abroad, In schools and work-shops found And temples of our God. What they did plant God made to grow L'or siner Two Hundred Years Ago.

"O River, smiling hear, And htur Shy overhead :

The came from year to year. Ye do not mourn the Dead, - The Dead who left this scope of war For heaven Two Hundred Years Ago.

" The memory of the Just Thrice blessed is and sweet 14 their neglected dust We tread lwneath our fort, -

Intilial fest to trample to Dust of Two Hundred Years Ago.

" Thrice has a righteous sword Been drawn in Freedia's cansr.

Dule battle for the Lord, For equal rights and laws : Fraternal blood been made to flow Ah ! since Two Hundred Years Ago.

" What wonders God has wronght ! Then let us warble forth His love beyond our thought, His majesty and worth- Exalt his power and grace Irlow, Like the Two Hundred Years Ago.

The historical memoir was delivered by Hon. Wil- liam A. Whitehead, and proved, as all expected, a thorough, careful review of the formative period of Newark's history.

A lyrical poem was then read by Thomas Ward, M.D., and an eloquent oration delivered by Hon. , head and William Wright.

William B. Kinney. Then followed the singing of Sternholl and Hopkins' version of the Hundredth

Psalm, sung by the whole congregation standing. The benediction was pronounced by the Rev. J. Few Smith, pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church, and the large assembly dispersed.

In the evening the rooms of the society were thrown open, and notwithstanding the inelemency of the weather a large company, comprising the members of the society, their families, friends and invited guests, assembled to partake of a collation and enjoy the music and dancing that added to the festive character of the occasion, the trustees of St. John's Lodge, whose beautiful rooms adjoined those then occupied by the society, throwing them open also, to contribute to the pleasantness of the evening.

CHAPTER LI.

Nrw Jerwy Historical Society-Parks-Cockloft Hall-Shipbuilding in Newark-Newark & Moral Epalenne County Asylum-Collectors of the Port of Newark.

The New Jersey Historical Society .- This old and substantial organization, whose library is located in Newark, had its origin in Trenton on the 27th of February, 1845. though for many years prior to that time the formation of such a society had been urged in the public prints in various parts of the State. Organization was effected by the election of the fol- lowing officers: President, Joseph C. Hornblower. Vice-Presidents, Robert G. Johnson, of Salem ; Peter D. Vroom, of Mercer; James Parker, of Middlesex. Treasurer, Thomas J. Stryker, of Trenton. Librarian, Thomas Gordon, of Trenton. Corresponding Secretary, William A. Whitehead, of Newark. Recording Secre- tary, Joseph P. Bradley, of Newark. Executive Com- mittee, Daniel V. MeLean, of Monmouth ; William B. Kinney, Nicholas Murray, Archer Gifford, of Essex ; Eli F. Cooley, Richard S. Field, of Mercer ; A. Bruyn Hasbrouck, of Somerset ; George W. Doane, of Bur- lington ; Elias B. D. Ogden, of Passaic.

From the first, Newark was strongly represented in the society, for we find among the original members the following from the city: Joseph P'. Bradley, John S. Condit, M.D., John Chetwood, William S. Faitoute, Jeremiah C. Garthwaite, Archer Gifford, Rev. Matthew II. Henderson, David A. Hayes, Joseph t'. Horn- blower, LL. D., JJohn P. Jackson, William B. Kinney, John A. Miller, Silas Merchant, Alexander C. M. l'ennington, Cortlandt Parker, William Pennington, Samuel HI. Pennington, M.D., Rev. S. 1. Prime, John 11 Stephens, Lyndon A. Smith, Robert Van Arsdale, William A. Whitehead, John Whitehead, Asa White-

The society was incorporated by act of the Legis- lature Feb. 6, 18-16. the incorporators being Daniel

665

NEW JERSEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

V. Mclean, Peter D. Vrom, Eli F. Cooley, Anzi C. McLean, Richard S. Field, Stacey Or. Putts, Henry W. Green, Aaron A. Marcellus, Nicholas Murray, William P. Robeson, William B. Kinney, Thomas Gordon, James T. Sherman, William A. Whitehend and George W. Donne, with their associates.

The library of the society was established in the building in which the Newark Library is located, and remained there until removed to its present conve- nient and commodious quarters, in the Newark Bank- ing Company's building, at Broad and Bank Streets. It has steadily grown, principally through donations, though partly by purchase, as well as exchange, until it now numbers nearly eight thousand volumes, and, in addition, a very large number of pamphlets and miscellaneous documents. It has become the depository, too, of a large number of relies and eurl-

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History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. I, Part 160

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