History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 145

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 145
USA > New Jersey > Essex County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 145

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BEURETE & MODOWELL'S MANUFACTORY of all kinds of heavy machinery, is the largest institution of its kind in Kearny. The machinery for the great refrigerator used to supersede ice at the brewery of Peter Hauck & Co. was made by this firm. Another of a similar kind is now in operation for the great Kruger Brewery, in Newark. This firm, on account of the great strength and artistic beauty of its work, is always overstocked with orders.

In the rear of Beckett & MeDowell's is a large building once used as a gold refinery, but now dis- mantled by fire and not ovenpal. There was once a famous watch-factory here, but that, too, was burned. Across the railroad from the depot is Butler & Goulding's machine-shop.

Arlington is not yet rich in manufactures, nor in many other of the accompaniments of modern civiliza- tion and improvement, but from its healthy location and beautiful surroundings, and also from its refined and cultural society, it is destined to make rapid progress, and become the principal and most interest- ing part of Kearny township. It is safe to say that Arlington will in the future agitate a breaking up of Kearny township, giving the lower part to Harrison, and organizing herself into the town of Arlington.

Seuvons .- A large new brick building is called the Public School. It is a fine structure, of which Arling- tonians are proud. Professors Le Cato, Pierce, Fiedler and Hubbard have consecutively filled the principal's chair in the school, aided by a staff of lady assistants. Mr. Le Cato, a gentleman of dignity and fine culture. has, in addition to his publie-school duties, figured as a journalist and novelist while in Arlington, being oner editor of a paper there and having also written a popular novel.

looks to be a very solid piece of masonry. The pastor, De treorge Sloter, is an eloquent preacher. Right 31 ross, on a side-street, stands the Methodist Church, presided over by Dr. Forten, another preacher of ability and force.

The Knor Presbyterian Church, recently created on Kearny Avenne, & a beautiful structure, and re- fleets crest upon the taste and religious zeal of the Presbyterians of Harrison and the lower end of Kearny. les pastor in Dr. I. Kerby smith, an elo- unent preacher and popular Christian gentleman.

Within Arlington no saloon nor rum-shop can be found, and this, perhaps, accounts for its solid pros- perity, and also for the tone and respectability of its residents.

The house of Mr. James A. Bell, formerly a State Senator from New York State, occupies the most pro- minent and elevated land in Arlington or in Kearny township. The population of Arlington is of a very cos- maspolitan character, composed of retired millionaires, State Senator- and legislators, merchants, clerk- and business men of all kinds, who are employed in New York, and find congenial rest in their country home at AArlington after business hours.

Clark Thread-Works. - The outhern section of Kearny, touching Harrison, is ornumented with the great thread manufactories of the Clark Brothers. Next to Harrison is the dark Mile-End Spool-Cotton Company, organized in 1583, with Thom - Russell, Robert W. Ferguson and William Russell & ('0. 44 incorporator. George S. Lings is superintendent of the spinning-mill, and Richard Hill of the spooling mill. The spooling-mill was built in Isit, and the spinning-mill in 1882. The firm employs from seven hundred to eight hundred hands. The officers are William t'lark, president ; W. R. Ferguson, vice-president; and Thomas Russell, secretary and treasurer. This firm has agencies in New York. Philadelphia, Boston and San Francisco.

Clark Thread Company .- The next factory or mill to be found adjacent to the one already de- scribed is the surprise and wonder of residents and visitors, on account of the huge proportions of the buildings and the great area of ground occupied by them. They are the t'lark Thread Company O. N. T. Thread-Works. The parent building of this com- pany's mills, both of Newark and Fast Newark, are the Anchor Mills, at Paisley, Scotland, where more persons are employed than at Harrison and Newark together, and it must be recollected there are two thousand three hundred persons employed in the Newark works. The company was organize l May 2, 1865, and charterel April 17th of same year. The first directors and officers were: President, Henry Sanger ; Vice-President, Lewis Coleman; Treasurer, George A. Clark; Secretary. Alexander Clark ; Direc- tors, Heury Sanger, Lewis Coleman, George 1. Clark, Charks Il. Ludington, Isaac T. Burr, William D.

Churches. - In the Main Street of Arlington stands the newly built First Presbyterian Church. It Jones, Alexander Clark, Thomas Barbour and Heury

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HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY. NEW JERSEY.

J. Davis. The works were built in 1865, 1875 and 1.1. They contain engines possessing a total of three thousand five hundred horse-power, and the number of persons employed is about two thousand. The present directors and officers: President, John Clark ; Treasurer, William Clark; Secretary, Robert B. Symington ; Director, William Clark ; Superin- tendent, Robert Cumming.

Public Schools .- Kearny Avenue Public School is situated above Fourth Street, adjacent to the Kuox Presbyterian Church. Professor Musgrove has been principal since 1873, and conducts the institution to the great satisfaction of the school Board and people, for while other schools in Kearny have had frequent change of principals, not a particle of dissatisfaction has ever been broached against Mr. Musgrove, He is ahly assisted by the Misses Greenfiehl and Kentou. The Schuyler Avenue Public School has been super- vised for many years by the able, experienced and ac- complished teacher, Miss Alice Morgan. This school has the reputation of turning out scholars of acknowl- edged merit, many of whout have graduated creditably from our county examinations as teachers, and are now employed in the schools of Harrison and Kearny.

Patriotism .- The residents of this section were The statement of Jan. 1, 1854, shows a deposit of 85,271,112.17 and a surplus of $493,369.57. The management of the bank has been so successful that it has always stood all runs made upon it ; it has never closed its doors during its advertised business hours, and has always paid on demand, or in accordance patriotic during the Revolution, as was indicated by the organization of companies of Continentals and also by the expulsion of Archibaldl Kennedy for his pro-English tendencies. There are many veterans of the late civil war in Harrison, and many others are numbered among the dead on the battle-fields of the . with its by-laws, and it has never foreclosed a mort- war, and many of the surviving veterans have slid-

'gage where the interest has been promptly paid, and cumbed to the inevitable hand of death since the war. I the taxes and assessments paid on the property.

The Kingsland Family .- Edmund W. Kings- land is the oldest son of Gen. George Kingsland, and was born in Union township, Bergen to , May 21, ! Isió. Ile is descended from one of the oldest fami- ! lies in the State. Mr. Winfield, in his " History of Hudson t'ouuty," says :

"Isaac Kingsland seems to have been the founder | is a regular attendant at St. Matthew's Episcopal of the family of this name, which settled on the east Church, in Jersey City. bank of the Passaic River. He was a nephew of Early Lease of Copper Lands .- That the minerals of this region early attracted attention is evident from the following lease: Maj. Nathaniel Kingsland, of the parish of Christ Church, on the Island of Barbadoes. By his uncle's will he received a large tract of land on New Bar- badoes Neck, since then the home of the family. He was a man of some note, and for several years a mem- ber of the f'ouneil. He had a brother, Gustavus, to whom he conveyed a tract of land on the Neck, Dee. 30, 1697. fle married Elizabeth, and died in the early part of the year 1695."

Mr. Kingsland traces his genealogy as follows: Isaac had a son Edmund, born about 1670, and died about 1741. Elmund had a son William, born in 1704, and died Oct. 24, 1770; he was appointed judge of the Bergen Common Pleas March 8, 17-19. William had a son Edmund William, born Aug. 17, 1741; he was a judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Bergen County in 1789. Edmund William |

had a son George, born Feb. 9, 1783, and died Oct. 20, 1866; he was the father of the subject of this sketch.

Mr. Kingsland was raised on his father's farm, and carly in life followed mercantile pursuits; he settled in Jersey ('ity, and in 1843 he was appointed county collector of Hudson County, and was reappointed every year for forty years, and held the office down to 1883, when his successor was appointed, owing to Mr. Kingsland's ill health. Millions of the public money passed through his hands, and his accounts were settled without a single discrepancy.

He was surrogate of Hudson County from 1840 to 1855. He was clerk of the township of Van Vorst from 1840 to 1856, and he also served one year on the Board of Aldermen of Jersey City.

When Thomas W. James, Esq., resigned as seere- tary and treasurer of the Provident Institution for Savings, in 1856, Mr. Kingsland was appointed as his successor, and still holds the office at this time (Octo- ber, 1884).

When he took charge of the bank the statement of Jan. 1. 1856, showed a deposit of $170,724.52, and a surplus of $1414.95 at the July statement, 1856.

Mr. Kingsland married Sarah Aun, daughter of Thomas E. Steele, M.D., and they have two surviving children,-Edmund W. Kingsland, Jr., who is as- sistant secretary and treasurer of the Provident Insti- tution for Savings; and Miss Margaret S. Kingsland.

Mr. Kingsland holds to the faith of his fathers, and

"This Indenture, made this Thirteenth day of November, Auno one Thousand Seven Hundred and Twenty-one, & in the Eighteenth Your of ye Reign of our sovereign Lord, George, by ye Grace of God, of Great Britain, france and Ireland, King. Defemfor of yo Faith, &c., by & be- tween John Dort, of Newark, in youd County of Forx and Eastern Di- vision of New Jersey, Weaver, on ye out part, & Cornelins Clopper (signed Cornelius Clopper, Junr.,) of the fitty of New York, Mercht, on the other part, Witnesseth that the said John Dod, for and under ye Covenants, Renta, Conditions and agreements bereinafter Reserved and Contained, Hath Given, Granted and Demised, and by those Presents doth Give, Grant, Demise and to farm, Lett unto the said Cornelius flop- per, and to his heires and nesignes, the one equall half of one-fourth part in Certain mines, mineralls or Oare mum my land at Rattlesnake Plain, in ye Town and County aforesaid (that is to say), one eqoall half of my fourth part Reserved to mysoft in Articles of Agreement made be- twern Gideon Van Winkle, Johannes Cowman and my Self, hearing date february ye fourth, Anno 1720 : Reference thereunto had may more fully nud ut large appeur, with full and free Liberty and privilidge with myself of Egress and Regress in any of my hands to Search, Dig

1277

BIOGRAPHICAL.

wel farry away his cquall proportion of Mines, Miner .I- or Dre, & ton sort the same to his own projet as during the full time and Term of Twenty five Years, he, the maid D'orgeling ('lopper, his holten, Executor, Administrators or Asigned, Yelling and paying therefore unto the sand Jokio Fond, his bedroom or asegties, the full and Just Some of Six Pon tos Bitteou Shdlings Current money sjueb bis Ment Entering Into the Sarl work, and to find a now for one Year to work in the Sand minog for so use and Is petit of ) . 84 John blod, at ye proper C'ost und harge of the as cornellus ('hopper, & good man to bett in to work when they shall .is trye Ik ly of y Ourn, and the st John Dod for bupself, bin bu iten, with the st Cornelius i'lopper, has heires and amongned, that he the model Cornelius Chopper, his heures or amigues, that he or they performing the Cow mant which on his fart aro or ought to be performed, fulfilled, we . ,plished, jenid or kept, shall enjoy the said drinimed Premimen, with the one Equal Fighth part of all the profits arimong therefrom, without sans & tt, Interrogation, hinderance, Molestation, Esletom or kje tion of

tel from Amsterdam, Holland, in 1650, and set- tled in Albany. N. Y., having married Margritta Von Slechtonhorst. To this marriage were born ten children, among whom was Arent, a native of Albany, where his birth occurred June 25, 1662. He was the pioneer of the family in New Jersey, having settled at Pompton in 1697, and re- muvedl to New Barbadoes, in the same State, in 1710. Here he purchased a tract of land, upon which the Schuyler copper-mines were discovered. Among his eight children was Col. John, who was twive mar- ried, first to Ann Van Rensselaer, of Albany, and Second to Sarah Waters, of New Jersey. His son

Avent Lebuyer

hum the Sd John Ihal, his heures or amigues, or any other persons what- Hovor, by from or under me, or by my mentes, Set, Comment, privity ur procurement. In Wittem whereof we have hereunto Sett our hands und Seuls ye day and Your first above written

" J. COOPER. "J. HİYRENTX

" ('ORNELIL N \'LAPPER. "

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHI.

ARENT HENRY SCHUYLER.

The progenitor of the Schuyler family in America was Philip Pietersie Von Schuyler, who emigra-

Arent J. was united in marriage to his cousin, Swan Schuyler, daughter of Adonijah Schuyler. Their children were a son, John Arent, and a daughter Ann, who died in infancy. Arent J. resided in Bergen (now Hudson) County, N. J., on the original Schuyler estate situated on the banks of the Passaic River. John Arent married Eliza Kip, a daughter of James 11. Kip, a merchant of the city of New York, to whom were born children,-Arent Henry and Harriet Aun (Mrs. Smith W. Anderson, of New York). By a second marriage, to Catherine Van Renselaer, of Albany, N. Y., were children,-Angelica Van Rensse- Jaer, Juhn Arent, Robert Van Rensselaer, Jacob Rutson and Catherine Gertudr. The death of Mr. Schuyler

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HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

occurred at the ancestral home in October. 1817. His son, Arent Henry, the subject of this biogrophical sketch, was born in the Schuyler mansion, on the banks of the Passaic, where much of his early life was spent. When a lad he became a resident of Jamaica, Long Island. for the purpose of pursuing his studies, and subsequently completed his education under the diree- tion of Rev. Mr. Eigenbrodt. Returning again to the home of his parents. he determined upon the life of an agriculturist a- the most congenial to his tastes, and at once became interested in the varied employ- ments of the farm. The early death of his father threw upon him much responsibility, and made his assistance and knowledge especially valuable at this juncture. In the division of the paternal estate he chose that portion now the residence of his widow, located in Kearny township. Iludson Co. Here he erected, in 1827, a commodious dwelling, which was destroyed by fire in 1870, and at once re- built. The healthful pursuits of a farmer engaged his attention for the remainder of his life.

Mr. Schuyler was, on the 24th of April, 1828, mar- ried to Mary Caroline Kingsland, daughter of Judge IIenry W. Kingsland, of New Barbadoes, Bergen ('o .. and granddaughter of Edmund Willian Kinglsland. Their children are Henry Kingsland, married in 1×59 to Ellen P. daughter of Anthony P. Valentine, of Spottswood, N. J., who has three children,-John Arent deceased), Smith Anderson (deceased), Edwin Nesbitt deceased ) ; Harriet Anderson (Mrs. Sidney A. Schieffelin (deceased) ; Sarah Jauncey (Mrs. Van Courtland Van Rensselaer ; Arent Henry (deceased ; Richards Kingsland; Mary Caroline (deceased ) ; and Catherine Gertude deceased).

Mr. Schuyler as an Old-Line Whig, and later as a Republican, manifested much interest in the local issues of the day. He served as justice of the peace. filled the office of choseu freeholder of his township and held various minor positions. Ile found, how ever, little pleasure in the exciting scenes of a politi- cal career, and seldom abandoned, even temporarily, the congenial labor of the husbandman for the busy arena of politics. He was in his religious belief a firm Episcopalian, an 1 both vestryman and warden in that church, to which he was zealously attached.

The death of Mr. Schuyler occurred on the 19th of May, 1575, shortly after the interesting occasion of the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of his marriage with Mrs. Schuyler, who survives him.

CHAPTER XLVII.

NORTH BERGEN TOWNSHIP. 1

Ox the 10th of February, 1:43, North Bergen was set off, making two townships to cover the area before

1 By Hon Anthony II Ryder.

covered by the township of Bergen. This was about three years after the creation of the county, which, with the present change, now consisted of Jersey City. Van Vorst, Ilarrison, Bergen and North Bergen. This township organized in April, 1843, with all the territory lying north of the Mill Creek and the New Jersey Railroad, and chose for its representatives in the county board Edwin R. V. Wright and John Tonele, Jr. Local interests and an increasing popu- lation prompted inrther subdivisions, and the territory so covered by North Bergen was parceled ort as years went on, in making up several other municipalities. This fact is noted when we sec Hoboken set off March 1, 1849; town of Hudson, March 4, 1852; Wee- hawken (in part, March 15. 1859; Guttenberg (partially), March 9, 1\59; West Hoboken, Feb. 25, 1861; Union township, Feb. 28, 1861.

The courts began their sessions within this town- ship Sept. 20, 1843, availing themselves of the conveniences then offered by the Newkirk House. The subsequent year Lafayette, the nation's guest, received an ovation here, being then en route to Newark. An elegant walking-cane mounted with gold, with a suitable inscription,? was presented to the hero. The address, by Rev. John Cornelison, on thisoccasion, concluded as follows: " As a tribute of esteem and veneration, permit me, sir, to ask the favor of your acceptance of this small token of respect. taken from an apple-tree under which you once dined, and which once afforded you a shelter from the piercing rays of noonday ; and, although it possesses no healing virtue, may it still be a support. And may you. sir, after ending a life of usefulness and piety be admitted into the regions of everlasting joy and felicity." Large numbers of people gathered to welcome the hero, and to testify their regard for one whose example inspired no little courage and patriot- ism during the struggle for liberty and independence. On his reaching Jersey City he had already been presented to Governor Williamson. This event oc- eurred Sept. 23, 1824.

County Poor Farm .- What in earlier days was denominated the Poor-House Farm had ceased to be an institution needed by a populated region showing three incorporated cities. Broader regulations must be made looking to a more complicated condition. Accordingly, as early as November, 1845, some thoughts were given to the subject of the future condition and requirements. Following these came estimates pred- icated upon the purchase and improvement of the property at Secaucus. That property consisted of two hundred and seventy-five acres, seventy-five of which were in a cultivatable state, besides woodland and meadow sufficient for all practical purposes, and an inexhaustible quarry of stone well adapted to

: " shaded the hero and bis friend, Washington, in 1779 : presented by the Corporation of Bergen in 1824." The tree was near Hartman Van Wagenen's house, and the heroes had dined there during ne of their visits to Bergen.

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NORTH BERGEN TOWNSHIP.

yield the Rus and Belgian pavement. The quarry live at least one hundred feet above the level of the river and directly on its bank. The committee dele- gated to consider the subject of purchase in 1855 were Gilliam Van Houten, of Hudson City; John Sturges, Jr., of North Bergen ; Charles W. Fisher, of Hoboken; Mindert Van Horne, of Bergen; Cornelius Shepherd, of Harrison ; and John H. Platt, of IIud- son t'ity.

The committee found, among other matters, the poor-house and farm at Secaucus to be owned as fol- lows: North Bergen, two-sixteenths; Hudson City, two-sixteenths; Hoboken City, four-sixteenths; Ber- gen, eight-sixteenths.

The recommendation to purchase the farm came eventually into operation, commissioners from these four municipalitie- gaming by a legislative act the needful powers in 1861, and the sale was consummated in February, 1562, the county taking the property in the manner, as years before, it had bought the plot where the court-house stand -.

Beacon Course. - Turf matters gainel no small attention from -portsmen far and near at the races in this locality. The course was upon land- purchased of John J. Newkirk, byt yrus S. Browning and Hiram Gilbert. Large gatherings were convened when the noted steeds were announced to show their speed here. The course was cligibly situated, and eminent points in swift movements got notched at this course during the time it was in vigorous operation. " Dutchman " made a memorable record here Aug 1, 1839. A large concourse witnessed this spectacle, and Hiram Wood- ruff, years afterwards, declared that "it was not by any means all that 'Dutchman' could have done that day." He rode the animal, and believed the people that saw " Dutchman's " exploit shared the same opinion. " Dutchman " achieved three mile, in 7.821. A running horse accompanied this trotter, the race being against time.

An achievement won by Lady Suffolk here, July 12, 1-4º met with much notice. She outdid two compet- itors upon the track, and went one mile under the sad- dle in " the then unheard. even undreamed-of time, 2.26 .. " Beppo and Oneula Chief had been pitted against this mare. Succeeding this grand race a city chronicher says: "There were Lady Suffolk neckties. Lady Suffolk boots and Lady Suffolk bonnets. Every- thing atul everybody smart and fast was compared to my Lady Sutfolk." This performance by Lady Suf- folk continued unsurpassed for a period of nine years. Tacony then beat the Lady's time by that half-second, and in four years Flora Temple stepped along. taking Tacony'- chaplet by trotting a mile in 2.243. Of course these were mere introductions to what the country has since exhibited. At the Beacon course Seneca Chief and Billy showed their speed as pacers, July 14, 1841 ; Dutchess, Cayuga Chief and Pleasure Buy tested their speed sept. 19, 1%42 ; Sir William, Ajax and Jersey Blue, Oct. 5, 1544; Lady Tompkins

and Amina, October 17th, same year. Moscow and Re- ality had a one-phile heat Oct. 6, 1 54. In a hurdle rave November 5th, same year, C. S. Browning wa- thrown from his horse and killed. The track ceased to be much frequented, became less and less popular, and got no credit- for either spred or endurance during the later months of its career The Grand Inquet took cognizance of it as a public institution, deemed it ob- jectionable, made a presentation to the court of their sentiments, and the course gradually coused to gain patronage - and went out.

Frenchman's Garden .- Lot N .. IS, forms a part of the present Macpelah Cemetery, and war a part of the " Frenchman's Garden." Con erning this garden, I have met with the following poetic and somewhat sonorous accounts :

" In a mild and romantic situation on Bergen Creek, nearly opposite the city of New York, thirty arres of land were purchased for a garden and fruitery by the unfortunate Louis XVI., who, as proprietor. became a naturalized citizen by act of the Legis- lature." ! This statement of Warden seems to have been based on a notice relating to this garden in the New Jersey Journal, June 27, 1787, in which it is said: "Part of this is at present inclosed with a stone wall, and a univer-al collection of exotic, as well as domestic plants, trees and flowers are already begun to be introduced to the elegant spot which in time must rival, if not excel, the must elabo- rate gardens in Europe. The situation is naturally wild and romantic, between two considerable rivers, in view of the main ocean. the city of New York, the heights of Staten Island and a vast extent of dismal mountain- on the western side of the landscape." .1< " talloaks from little acorns grow," sothese exaggerated statements had their origin in the following simple fact: "0. March 3, 175, Andrew Michaux, in his petition to the Legislature of this State, set forth that the King of France had commissioned him as the bota- nist to travel through the United States ; that he had power to import from France any tree, plant or vege- table that might be wanting in this country , that he wished to establish near Bergen a botanical garden of about thirty acres, to experiment in agriculture and gardening, and which he intended to stock with French and American plants, as also plants from allover the workl. The Legislature granted his petition, and per- mitted him, as an alien, to hold not exceeding two hundred acres of land in this State.

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History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 145

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