History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 141

Author: Shaw, William H
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: [United States :]
Number of Pages: 830

USA > New Jersey > Hudson County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 141
USA > New Jersey > Essex County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 141

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).

1257

TOWN OF UNION

came to time, and the contest resulted in showing his superior power and prowess, Just as the enite tant considered he had had enough Ben gave the spectator an exhibition of one of las somersault in which his heel- flow up, hitting the boasting champion on the head and caving no further inchuation to seek vol Vision with Ben.

The land owned by Gardner extendel to what is now styled Bergen Link Aventer and, with the Lyons place, went as far north as Iunion Street. The new house built by Gardner was created in the year 1841 or 1842, and i the one sald to Mr. Schwitzer. The real estate upon the death of flames F. Gardner, in 151, went to the children, making twelve shares, the homestead remaining in the widow's possession till the sale mentioned. Four son- were Ining within the town of l'tion in Jantarv, fasl.

Very much of the area of the town was wood and in 1:21. and the trees were varied in description, as pepperidge, rel colar, dogwood, whiteword, maple. hickory, che tout and several species of oak. Not a few gigante trees were here, an leensiderable timber Was procured here for ship-building. The beanvier mother had the reputation of being as fine n- any throughout the State. The oaks served for benms In the construction of vessels, post and rule are made of the chestnut, and the whitewood affor led materia for boards. Knowledge of the use of coal as fuel ex- extended nome too soon. Wyoming Valley in 176- witnessed Obdial Gore, cute blicksmith, using anthracite coal; a hunter, Philip Gifter, discovered Lehigh coal in 1791, while the schuylkill coal came first into use about the year 1 12. Old residents about Bergen, however, clung to the word fuel, and many cords of hickory and of chestnut were taken from Ber- gen woods, as this region was early called, to the wood-piles in the lower part of the county.

In decimating the forest Mr. Dalles, at an early period, less than sixty years ago, started a sawpit ou the south side of Fulton Street, opposite the site of the old Liberty Pole. Here In operations continued for a cumber of years From this adventurer in a Inteiness enterprise the name Dallestown is derived. A neighbor re collects his operations among the tres-, and remarks that they run on for the space of fifteen Years. He sawed up a great deal of the shop-timber and al white cedar for sladbing. Dalley inaugurated the back business subsequently, and in a pioneer style came out with a public conveyance, leading others who likewise found protit in it. This preceded the stage line afterwards put in motion.

Town Laid Out. By degree the South Bergen farmers, proprietors of the woods, sold their real estate, speculators and actual occupants taking possession. Local owners, who had held the land for years, disposed of their deres or parceled them out amongst their successors. A spirit of emigration to this region was moving the city's multitudes grinin access to these hill-tops, Associations were formed

and settlem nte were cheated by organized Iventure. As early a- February, 182 a Real Estate As nation was instituted in New York city booking to the ttle- ment of the localry Henry J. Rottmann, wow a resolent of the town, was an early director with stlary who took up their apode here. Durer a sort law of tatt le, soll to the association forty-two sere, reserving some twelve seres, that were afterwards sold by him. William Il xAmer mapped the prop- erty, pointing out the Indian Pond and certain school lote as reserved for use by the community at large. In April, the same year, a metropolitan journal announced that " a German Building Association hed bought a thousand acres of land on the shape of the hill, laid out the domain into lots, the owners of which have bound thruselves to commence building next month." In June the save paper save, A German village has been commented up at Weehawken, ' and adde that " fines f stages have been estal ished " 1. became an era of lasel and Initonon ist ne, del years elapsed before the enthusiasm subsided. Vast changes were wrought in the aspects ofthe - reg on, and what is now the town of Union was the town of a berling enterprise, or, rather. ombariation of adventures ot this character. Union IDI proper, which is the region south of the present ! nion Street and North Hoboken, which in ludes a locality betwixt the Hill and Dalley- town, made a great advance.

Improvements. - What were designated county roads had early attention among the people in this locality. They varied from turnpikes, inasmuch as they called for more opening. The Berzen turnpike. at the southerly horder of the town, was constructed about the year 1804, under incorporated powers con- ferred by legislative act, dated Nov. 30, 1502. As early as June 3, 1715, the opening of a road is men- tioned from the Kroma Kill to Wiehawk ferry. Old people speak of an ancient road crossing what is now the town of Union, and tracing a route north of Van Vorst's house and south of tiardner's homestead. leading to the ferry. \ rule was entered July -. IsSs. at a Court of Common Pleas, helt at the county court- house appointing Flward Earle, of North Bergen, Charles Sturges and Conrad stock, of Hudson City, Nicholas S. Vreeland and Jacob A. Van Horne, of Bergen, and Richard Wammaker, of Harrison to meet as surveyors of the highways at George Fausel's tavern on the 10th day of August. The purport ot the citation was that a road fifty feet wide, fron Ber- gen turnpike to Paine (now I'mon Street, had been declared to be necessary, and these -ix surveyers were called by the court to assemble at the place named

- was the place Given for mans pull meting If - th . .. . the highway at that ti ile formally . peuel,

Inhabitants an in the with wit corner ={ }makfin st -t all l'a -le Avenue. Fansel min teds brewery 1 ( M

1258

HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

"at the hour of ten in the forenoon," and lay out the road. This road began at a point near where stood John Buck's hotel for many years, and traversed a line northwardly to a point immediately east of Peters, bakery, being an extension of Palisade Avenue.

Needed improvements were themes daily talked of throughout the town of Union at a period encom- passing the work mentioned in the subjoined excerpt. which is but a chip from a block enumerating many progressive proceedings.

" Town of UNIes, Ang 24, 1868. "To the Ha. the Board of Council of the Town of I'nin.

. The undersigned, perous owning property on Gardner street, in said Town of U'nien, petition the council of said town to make the following improvement, namely to make a dram Ina of 2 inches spruce plank, the same size as the one now laid on the corner of Hudson avenue and Gardner street, to commence 110 feet west of Palisade avenue and to be land on the south side of Gardner street, and to run from said p int until it connects with the old se wer new laid in Gardner street, between IIud- Bon avenue and Bull's Ferry road.

" JOHN GARDNER, "AUGUST KLENK. " WILLIAM TEPPER, " R. E. GARDNER, "PETER BORGEN, "G. NEUSCHELER, SR. "CHARLES F. X, "GEORGE ILOPPMANN,

"GEORGE NEUSCHELER, Town ( Terk.

"Town of Union, Ang. 26, 1868."

The nature of the soil, the swamp and bog not un- common, the solid rock surface here and there. with an uneven grade, called for great labor within the town of Union. Obstacles of this character were not appalling ; the resolution in the Board of Council backed by an energetie populace put improvement foremost, and many measures at first glance regarded as impracticable reached a seasonable achievement. Purposes leading to substantial roadways in this vicin- ity gained meritel notice. The narrow highway on the west side of the town called the Bergenwood or Dalleytown road, beginning at a point opposite Cox's store on the north line of the Bergen turnpike and running the entire length of the westerly line of the town, had been for many years an eyesore to residents of that region. Plans for the approval of the line- owners to better this road were submitted to a meet- ing of property-holders in July, 1868; and these being approved, the work went on under contract early in the autumn of the same year. Excavation and grading and labor involved in widening the road to make it the required fifty fret consumed several months. The work was in some degree retarded by the winter weather and the intricacies of the under- taking. Along the edge of Grove Church Cemetery the widened roadway called for the removal of graves, and in other localities much rock-blasting was need- ful. The co-operation of the Board of Chosen Free-

holders was important in the construction of culverts and bridges ; a retaining wall was likewise required. The ethcient surveyor, whose battery had discharged many an effectual explosive in the martial ranks, was now busy here, as may be inferred from the following momento of his industry upon this road :

" ITUDNON COUNTY, N J., 1860.

" Sir .

.. The Bergenwood Road Commissioners require the space now occupied hy certain four s, trees, etc., on the northwest side of the Road, being in front of the premises owned by you.

" Please attend to their removal, and accept this as notification in due form The snpplenwut to the Art for the Improvement of Bergenw od Rond authoriz - the commissioners to remove said fences, trees, etc., after twenty days' uofico, and to charge their removal to the ownere of the property from which au h fences, etc. have been removed, Such charges will form a part of the assessment for the ingrovement of the road and will become a lien upon your property.

" Respectfully. your ob't serv't, "' WILLIAM HEXAMER, "Eutneer in charge of the work."

The work was finished at a cost of $9963, in July, 1869. Many other evidences of improvement were shown as years elapsed. In January, 1871, action was taken to widen and improve Fuiton Street; Anthony, 11. Ryder, John Sturges and Abraham W. Duryee were appointed to carry the measure into execution. The same commissioners were appointed in October of that year to assess the valnation of land to be taken in widening Bergen Line Avenue, this avenue extending from Bergen turnpike to the north line of the town. And the next movement evidencing progress was the widening and regulating of Bull's Ferry road,-a work that achieved vast benefit for the town.

Fire Department .- The annual report emanating from Chief Engineer Thomas B. Brown, March 20, 1876, was as follows :

1. Pioncer llose Company, house in good order, carriage and hose in good condition. Active mem- bers, sixteen.

2. Union Hill Hook-and- Ladder Company, house in good order, truck in good condition. Active mem- bers, thirty-two.

3. Liberty Engine Company, house in good order, en- gine in good condition. Active members, twenty-seven. Officers of the latter organization chosen in 1876 were : Foreman, John A. Ross; Assistant Foreman, Albert Knack ; Secretary, Jabez Chambers ; Treasurer, Albert Littlefield.

Sentimental Patriotism .- So early as January, 1844, in his annual message, Governor Daniel Haines remarked, touching a subject regarded with increased interest, that "several of the States have had each an agent in Europe, employed in searching the archives of France, England and Holland for docu- ments illustrating the provincial history of our country. The depositories of England are said to he peculiarly rich in documents relating to this subject. It is supposed that there, alone, can be properly explained, many events which occurred during the existence of the proprietary and provincial govern-

m brewing busines of East Newark, and one day, while in a light wagen in that vic nity, the vehicle encountered a steam locomotive, resulting in Mi Fauml'e death. Mr Fausol left a widow and several children Fansel was a corpulent man, generous, popular and possemed of a great dm of energy

N. Porto

1239

TOWN OF UNION.

ments, and which are interesting in their effects, and in their connection with the origin and growth of principles which are felt to this day."

Insignificant ineidents often elucidate an enlarged and patriotic principle, and views are suggested by incidental events. In this light may be witnessed the fact that during the conflict to maintain this republic intact the people of the town of Union gave a will- ing car to patriotic sentiments.

Masa-meetings were held at different time- for the purpose of recruiting troops and raising means for supporting their families while absent. At one of these war-meetings held Nov. 4, 1564, the following- named persons composed the committee of arrange- ment- . C. Van Vorst, Sr., John Gardner, J. W. Forer, T. Betz. N. Goelz, F. Koth. F. Beggins, I. G Earle, James Wiggins, George Cox, J. II. Fink, W. Moll.

Many sentiments were announced here, as elsewhere, upon the various courses to be chosen to attain a pacific position during the contest " on the Potomte." The people of this locality, however, were always " with compass and chart " amply ready to sustain the standard authority. All sides of a patriotic question we're looked at, and refuge chosen under the banner that waved during the Revolution of '76, and had been leading the republic to a most eminent degree of prosperity ever since.

Methods of Transit. - Stages ran for many years from Hackensack to Hoboken, by way of the turn- pike at the southern border of the present town of Union. In May, 1860, toelz & Mechler announced for their Hoboken and Union Hill stage line a time- table making known to passengers at what hour they would run to North Hoboken and Dalleytown, and at what times the stage would make the direct trips through to Cox's Corners. The stages of this firm and of the two proprietors acting independently operated during several years. These as they super. seded hacks, were themselves superseded by the horse- cars, and tables were soon issued announcing the hours at which cars left the station and the point of con- nection, with Bergen Line Avenue and Union Street. for Guttenberg. d'ar-tracks now run within the town from Bull's Ferry Avenue, along Lewis Street and along I'nion Street, to Bergen Line AAvenue throughout its entire length. The tunnel of the West Shore Railway passes under what is called the northern portion of the town, near the Union Township line, and ranges from the west to the cast boundaries, at a depth of more than forty feet from the surface Com- munication is had with the city by horse-cars going every ten minutes, by way of Union Street and Bull's Ferry Avenue, to Hoboken, or by means of Bergen Line and Palisade Avenues, via elevator, to Hoboken. The cars on return trips from Hoboken use the tracks on Lewis Street. Car to Guttenberg leaves the con- nection : Union Street) every half-hour. Access by way of the West Shore ferry adds much to the saving of time in reaching the city.

NICHOLAS GORZ. Mr. Gomez Is of German par- entage, his father, George M. Godz, having resided in Kallstadt, House Darnes acht, when he cetnated a farm. Ile marriel Elizabeth Kadel and had children - John A., Eva E., John George, I Nichel . Chris- tina, Annie E. and Marie k. Their son Niche las was born May 2. 1524, in Kallstadt, and when an in- fant taken to the home of his paternal aunt, at Reisen. in the same duchy, where he remained until fourteen years of age, meanwhile receiving a rudimentary education at the public school of the town In the tall of 182% be removed to Weinheim, and was regu larly apprenticed to a country mer hant. At the expiration of the third year he repaired to Heidel- berg, and entered a wholesale and retail store for the sale of fancy goods, but owing to failing health at the close of the year returned to his home, and Ivoted some time to rest and recuperation. He text accepted a position in a grocery and crockery-store at Mann- heim, and later received : n advantageous offer with a house in Speier, in the Palatinate, where he remained three years, first as clerk and -als quently as travel- ing representative of the business. Returning to Mannheim, he remained one year, and in 1 -45 emi- grated to the United States, locating in New York City, where he was in various capacities industrimaly employed. Mr. Goetz eventually became proprietor of a grocery store on Sixth Avenue, New York, but his restless and energetic nature found little to satisfy it. The superintendence of a stage line on Third Avenue next engaged his attention. In 154 he became a resident of the town of I'nion, and for six years con- trolled an important stage line at this point.

In the fall of 1859 he conceived the idea of convert- ing this stage line into a horse railroad, and called upon Mr. John HI. Bonn, the future president of the company, and Jacob Schweitzer, who became its treasurer and held the position until his death. in 1×54. to asist him in the enterprise. They, with Mr. Charles Spielmann, who for many years was the see- retary of the company, William Hexamer and Peter Mechler (the latter the partner of Mr. Goelz in the stage line), formed the Hoboken and Weehawken House Railroad Company, which in course of time consolidated with other lines, under the name of the North Hudson County Railway Company, Mr. toelz was made the superintendent of the company on its organization, and has continued since to till the position. A more active, efficient and reliable super- intendent no street railway company can desire. The excellent condition of the horses and cars of the company, as also the prompt and regular service of the cars early and late, summer and winter, is largely due to the untiring zeal, supervision and care of Mr. Goelz, who, in the heat of summer or the snow- storms of winter, is at his post of duty, his strong con- stitution and robust health enabling him to perform the arduous labors connected with his position with unfaltering regularity.

1260

HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

Mr. Goelz was married, in 1849, to Miss Eva Maria Gerhardt, of Auerbach, Germany, whose children are Charles M .. Annie K. and Johanna. He was in poli- tics formerly a Whig, and on the formation of the Republican party joined its ranks, though not an active worker in the political field. He has held no offire other than that of member of the Board of Edu- vation of the town of Union, which he has filled for twelve years. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1850, first in connection with the German Union, No. 54, of New York, and latterly of Palisade Lo lge, No. 84, of which he is at present the treasurer.

Attractive Points .- The late C. Loring Elliott chose this vicinity for a home. As a portrait-painter he was admitted to be without his peer on the conti- nent. ITis neat cottage, occupied by him m 1864, was north of Cox's Corners, and west of Bergenwood road, upon the peak of a palisade slope. commanding an extensive prospect. Judge Pope, of Hoboken,

named the place " Belle Vue." Elliott in the way of : 1879. so that accommodations here at present are his profession passed considerable of his time in the ! ample for large assemblies. Another noteworthy vicinity of his patrons, receiving professional calls resort was the Swan Brewery, recently burned down. It was located on the corner of Bull's Ferry Avenue and Weehawken Street. The Swan Tavern, York- town, Va., lived over a career of one hundred and sixty-two years, having been opened as a house of entertainment March IS, 1732; during its term of hospitality, though so protracted, it numbered per- haps no greater multitude of guests than did the Swan Brewery during its briefer career. from various parts of the Union. His death vecurred at Albany, where he was busy upon the portrait of one of the magnates of the country. Many of his choicest paintings are in one of the noted galleries at Washington. After his death his widow traveled in Europe and subsequently married George Renton, of Newark. They occupied the residence referred to about the years 1871-73. Both have since died. Another Jocation mentioned as eligible and promi- nent was that occupied by Mrs. C. C. Burr as an academy, where she taught piano and vocal music in 1879. At that period Mr. Burr was editing the North Hudson County Ledger, a weekly four-page newspaper published every Saturday by Burr & Thomas.

The Burr property was subsequently owned by Jacob HI. Fink, and became a popular resort for tour- ists and pleasure-seekers, and known as the "t'lare- mont. The "Claremont" was bought by D. P. Wester- velt who had a residence adjoining on the east. It is about one hundred yards east of Cox's Corners, upon the s outherly line of the town of I'nion.

Upon as lofty a situation as any (indeed, no doubt the highest point within the town) stands the hand- some residence of Frederick Michel, a merchant of New York City. The dwelling is on the south side of Bbun Street, west of Palisade Avenue, erected nearly two decades ago. John Morgan, who was a member of the Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1869- 70 (Henry Brunjes having vacated and removed from the State) owned an eligibly located residence corner of Columbia Street and New York Avenue, Mr. Morgan was a member of the county board for equal- izing assessments, established under legislative act of April 4, 1873. The dwellings of John Gardner, west side of Palisade Avenne, of Nicholas Goelz, east side of Bergenline Avenue, of the late Judge

James Wiggins, west side of Bull's Ferry Avenue. possess attractive features as places of abode.

Public Resorts .- Although noted for the thrift and industry of its people, this town makes conspicu- ous its halls for recreation. The Academy of Music, of which A. Boomecke is the present proprietor, is located on the south side of Franklin Street, near Hudson Avenne. The building is capacions, and was erected as a club-house nearly twenty years ago. It was kept by Carl Meyenburg in 1874.

Ruth's Hall, south of the famous Sans Souci, once the resort of many local gatherings, is located north of Union Place, its main entrance on Lewis Street, east of Bergenwood Avenue. Mr. Ruth enme from Germany to this country when a lad, and located here about nine years ago. His earliest ball was given by the Sobriety Council, Junior, a local organization. Succeeding that entertainment were performances by the Union Dramatic Association, Ilis edifice, includ- ing stage and auditorium, was made more roomy in

Centennial Committee .- Arrangements were made by this committee for a demonstration commemora- tive of the one hundredth anniversary of independence. Salutes and a civic and military parade, with a read- ing of the Declaration and an oration, were included in the exercises of the day. There were displays of flags and an imposing procession passing though the streets of the town. In the afternoon the programme coneluded at the Hudson County Park, I'nion township. The day was propitions and no embarrassment attended the committee's arrangements, which were effectual in having it observed as the centennial anni- versary of the American Republic.

The exhibition was ereditable to the locality. The people at large observed it here as a general holiday, making it memorable for its patriotic recollections. On the part of the Board of Councilnen were Messrs. Dietz, Sturm and Wittreich, and on the part of the citizens Henry Albring, Henry Bell, I. J. Casey. Nicholas Goelz, Jacob Hofmeister, Henry F. Maack- ens, F. A. Meyer, Henry J. Rottmann, John A. Ross and Frederick M. Schwartz.

Post-Office .- The name of the post-office within the town is Weehawken, having a distributing area going beyond the municipality at all points, Mails arrive at 8.30 A.M. and 2.30 p.M. Mails close 8,55 A.M. and 4.25 p.M. The postmistress, who has served here for a decade or so, is Mrs. Merklein, the widow

1201

TOWN OF UNION.

of a veteran soldier who hold the position of post- master at the time of his death.

Business Operations. The operations attending this town's history ore varied ; a sketch of them will show no ordinary diligence nor any lack of -kil, The industry here is marked by that energy people call go- aheadativeness. As early as Isit appears one of the citizens launching upon the sea of uncertainty always attending novel adventures. Henry J. Rott- mann owns the store be occupies on the southeast side of Palisade Avenue and Blum Street. Besides being an expert in his business is a Erover, he has con- tributed a vast amount of service in promoting the advancement of the town In the progress of events Mr. Kottmann' has witnessed a multitude of changes in his neighborhood during the thirty years that have elapsed since he made Inion Hill his home. the energetic labors in the puoli . behalf have been varied and wronght no inconsiderable advantage to the town. Others in the same I'ne of business with Mr. Kottmann were more or less interested in town affairs, yielding less assiduity, however, than he, and giving no such measure of attention. Among the latter nught be named Messrs. Schwartz, Reimenschneider and Wohnke. Mr. Mbring, on Main Street; Bode, on Columbia Street ; F. Beggins, north side of Berg n turnpike ; Pape, south side of Fulton Street . Meyers (now Katt), west side of Bull's Ferry Avenue, and Faist, north side of Lewis Street, with several others. add, by their enterprise and taet in business, much to the enterprise of the town.

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History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 141

Author: Shaw, William H Publication date: 1884 Publisher: [United States :] Number of Pages: 830

Author: Shaw, William H
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: [United States :]
Number of Pages: 830