History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 146

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 146
USA > New Jersey > Essex County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 146

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" He came to this country fortified with a flutter- ing letterofintroduction, dated at Vienna. Sept. 3. 1755. from the Marquis de Lafayette to Washington."? " He was attached to the Jardin des Plants in Paris. He brought with him the gardener, Paul Saunier, who took the title to the ground bought for the garden. The place was stocked with many plants and trees,

1 Warden " Ilist of the [' s, "ti

: 1% rrespointen e of the American Rev Julien, Is 115.

HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

among which was the Lombardy poplar. From this garden this once celebrated tree was spread abroad through the country, and pronounced an exotic of prieeless value."1 (Winfield's " Hist. Hud. t'o.")

Paul Sannier, the veteran gardener, lived to an old age. His house was upon the site that afterwards be- came Temperance Hall, the latter-mentioned edifice having been erected by John Shields, who was one of the ten members of the Board of Chosen Freeholders in the year 1848. Shields was likewise a member of the same board with John Hagne, in 1850. Traditions touching Saunier are not seant, and accounts of his ! floral and pomologieal operations are somewhat in- teresting. One Anthony Parmentier is said to have introduced the potato in France; the gardener of one II. B. Pierreport the dahlia in America. Commodore Chauncey, it is said, introduced to garden cultivation on this continent, about the year 1812, the Lima bean. Taking the accounts touching Sannier's novelties, as related by old residents, we would find quite a variety of introductions by him. His activity in fostering and making thrifty exotie plants and shrubs was one of the characteristics of the man. Assistants were ent- ployed to collect local seeds, many of which were sent to France and in other directions.

What in common parlance is styled the smoking bean tree, had origin with Saunier here. There is one in front of the premises to-day that grew up from the old stump of a veteran tree that blew down some years ago. He had a thorn-tree upon his grounds, another tree that bore what the boys called the checker-pin, a nut having a flavor like that of the 1853. After his demise the widow continued to oc- ordinary chestnut.

Pioneer Tannery .- Another industry arose in this immediate vicinity. It was toil in a different department, being that of tanning. One proprie- tor inaugurated the business in or about the year 1789, and carried it successfully on till about the year 1817. The tannery was a rod or two north of the Three Pigeons, on the east side of the Bergen turnpike, as that highway now run -. The structure was of wood, and some of its timbers were still to be seen so late as the year 1855. The dwelling of Cornelius Doremus, the prime mover in this business, still stands, it being an old-fashioned mansion of stone, located west side of the Bergen turnpike. Doremus had a store, hay-scales, a farm well-tilled, and took a prominent position both as a inan of enterprise and of a sturdy principle. The land, coming into his possession by purchase towards the close of the last century, continues mainly with his heirs at this period. Mr. Doremus did not lack zeal nor public spirit, as evidences of this appeared in the gift of two lots for the purpose of a lecture and school- room. Subsequent evolutions of doctrine overtaking Mr. Doremus, with others using this property, caused considerable contention. The questions were intricate

and got into the courts. The fact was ultimately reached, however, that on separating themselves, Jan. 29, 1824, from the ('lassis of Bergen, those acting with the favorers of that dissolution ceased an allegiance where this property was vested. In this category stood Mr. Doremus and those representing him. Ilim- self and the adherents to the new cause went to a new fold, and took none of the real property with them. "The law," remarked Daniel Webster, on the 10th of May, 1847, in one of his brilliant speeches, " is an instrument and means of instruction to the mass of the people, manufacturers, merchants, and farmers ; acting as litigants, jurors, witnesses or spec- tators find it a useful school." No doubt, Deremus found some edification in the law. The veteran had one son and four daughters. Of the latter, two mar- ried and two continued single. Only one daughter survives at this writing. Her residence is in the city. As years passed the dwelling was tenanted by James MacFarlane, Jacob Willse, Ferris Scott and others. It is at present in the occupancy of Charles De Clyne.

SMITH FAMILY .- Another resident of New Dur- ham mentioned among the older residents was Baker Smith. Mr. Smith lived on the west side of Bergen turnpike, a rod or two north of the Doremus dwelling. The ancient abode made way some years since for another house, now occupied by a son, Baker B. Smith. Yet many of the oller inhabitants remember this ancient domicile, a view of which appears on the following page. Mr. Baker the elder died Jan. 7,

eupy the premises with an invalid daughter. Here gathered many a socialdevotional miceting; the fashion of the times led the local worshipers to the house meetings on a week-day evening, and the social prayer-meeting of the little village circle often gathered here. The meetings, as years passed by, were attended by Elder Ackerson, Deacon tireen- leaf. Dominies Perry, Hendrickson, Gibbs, Martin, Northam and others. A quiet serenity accompanied the gatherings mentioned here, and the chronicler who wrote the memoir of a resident of New Durham on one occasion might say of others, " He neglected not the public assembly of the saints, nor the meeting for prayer." Mrs. Smith survived her hus- band seventeen years. She closed her mortal career, aged eighty-six years. Her maiden-name was Elizabeth Nickles. . Her marriage with Baker Smith occurred June 1, 1803. Five sous and five daughters blessed these nuptials. The cklest son, Enoch, a resident of New Durham, died Feb. 25, 1878, aged seventy-three.

New Durham .- When the little community and limited area of territory holding for years the name of New Durham earliest took that name cannot be definitely ascertained. What impressive incident suggested the name does not transpire. The English name of Durham, with the prefix "New," seems a

1 Old New York, 27.

NORTH BERGEN TOWNSHIP.

12-1

suggestive source; yet what immigrant announced that choice cannot be heralded. An ingenious origin is mentioned by one of the inhabitants. It is to this effect : that in days far back, singing-schools were popular here, and New Durham was a favorite tune. So lively a suggestion as this comes very rarely to mind, and carries with it plausibility. The

cuckoo gives name to a bird through a transfer of sound. The katydid derives its designation in simi- lar style, and the name under consideration grew out of the tune holding an intimate relation to the place. Such is the present postmaster's idea as to the deriva- tion of the name New Durham, the name of a tune once practiced at a singing-school here being applied to the place.

years ago stood a dwelling at one time occupied by a family named Masters. The scenery had its very fascinating attractions ; few prospects could equal it. The writer remembers having heard the view here extulled, and has often noticed the especial features of the landscape. Few admirers of a varigated view would be otherwise than delighted with the prospect here enjoyed. The slope is to the east and south, and the stand-point referred to is near the northeast corner of Flower lill t'emetery, at East New Durham.

Agriculture .- Agricultural enterprises are by no means isolated about this township. Mention i- made of d. F. Furley, who bought the Van filewin place about the year 1830. This is on Secaucus. Finley

THE SMITH FARM HOUSE.

Topography of the Township .- The topographical aspects of this township are various, mingling plain and meadow, hill and dale, rock and sand. Consider- able quantities of the area attain extensive cultivation, being well calculated to yield very productive crops with but the ordinary amount of labor. Few domains of the same extent show such a diversity of surface. At North New Durham, southeast of the present toll- gate, is a sand-pit that yields superior building sand. To the north and to the south the soil is susceptible of an easy and high degree of cultivation. A rod or two west of the sand-pit a meadow may be seen having the darkest-colored mould. Towards the east, after ascending the slope, may be noticed a rocky ridge.

Near this site, a short distance to the west, some

subsequently, it is said, soll to another party, who afterward sold to Dr. Glover ; Dr. Glover sold to Huber. Finley was a gold-beater, and made efforts to conduct the latter business here also, employing a couple of journeymen, with a brace or so of apprentices. >uc- cess was not, however, uniform with Finley ; his style of farming encountered many mishaps. The Califor- nia fever overtook him, and he migrated to the trollen Gate. A very interesting chapter, edifying to the reader, upon agricultural themes would emanate trom Secaucus. Its cultivators of the earth were numerous and enterprising from an early period in our Ameri- can history, and the results of their exploits have been more fortunate than in Finley's case. Then the De Motte farm, at the southern extremity of the present township's bounds, has its early history, like

1282

HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

that of Van Vorst, north of that farm. The home- stead of the late Judge Sturges holds its recollections in many minds. The cozy garden of William Scott, where the late samuel S. Day and his son, William T., located some twenty years ago, wakens remembrances. Scott' is said to have been the earliest market gardener who planted the Lima bean in this vicinity. Agri- cultural matters made headway under the guidance of Joseph Danielson, his brothers, James and William, and his brother-in-law, Evert Greenleaf, and Jesse Van Gelden. Enoch Smith and John Williams made the business profitable at their places. Others exhibited scarcely less skill. An exhibit made by a market gardener of the results of his labors-not in- cluding receipts from sales of milk and fruits -- during the year 1866;shows : From sales of beans and peas, $643: of potatoes, $140; of garden produce, $2920; of pork, $85 ; of hay, $109; of sand, $900.

Few farms numbering their hundreds of acres evince more remunerative results than here; the fields of enterprise where the foregoing figures were worked out cover less than forty aeres. Andrew Beck began operations here in the spring of 1856 as a farmi-hand. By dint of industry he has become another examplar of the fact that any pursuit followed with energy and conducted with tact takes a man to | others.

success. Bock resides nearly opposite the site of the Paul Saunier house. Mr. Beck confines his atten- tion to market vegetables. For a few years he canned tomatoes grown on his grounds, but abandoned that addition to his yearly vocations. \ considerable care for several seasons past has been given to his celery crop. an edible he was first to cultivate to any extent in this neighborhood.

Blue-Bent Industry .- At an carly period consid- erable trade was carried on in bluc-bent, cooper's flag and eat-tails. The blue-bent, like the other commod- ities named, is a production of the meadow land along the Hackensack River and the neighboring creeks. The flag was used for chair-mats, it being a material for making the rush-bottomed chairs. Blue-bent was early used in thatching barns and barracks, and in later years has served to make mats to cover the sashes of vegetable gardens and florists. The cat-tail industry gained the attention of a good many of the carlier inhabitants. That and the wood business employed the populace here to a considerable extent during the autumn and winter. The traffic in Christ- inas greens extended here somewhat during the months of November and December. The cooper's flag was usually cut in August aud during the early autumn. The cat-tails were stripped during the cold weather. Some of the inhabitants showed great brisknews in this work. It is said that the late John I. Earle, when a young man, stripped eight hundred pounds in the space of a single day, a feat very few persons have attempted, much less performed. The

bulk of these merchautables attained sale in New York City. Space is too limited either to make men- tion of those considerably engaged in that domain of labor or to extend our chronicles in the agricultural department.

Pioneer Modes of Travel .- Old residents refer to the years when the mail-coach was running from lIoboken to Hackensack, also to the era when the plank-road served as the highway for travel. They make mention of the toll-gate near Hoboken as tended by Willse, of the Hill-side toll-gate tended by Ryer. The present toll-gate is at North New Durham, tended by George H. Mabie since April 20, 1882. Among those having the stage lines were Edward Van Buren and one Vanderpoel. The accommodation coach was run by Peter Riker or by Edward Seeley. One Doremus blew the stage-horn, carried the mail and run a line of stages for many years. The stage halted at the Three Pigeons, in going to Hoboken in the morning and when returning in the afternoon. The terminus of this line was Hackensack. As the Hackensack route was relinquished an omnibus line or two suceceded for the shorter distances. The latter mode of travel, however, soon ceased, the con- veniences attending steam-car travel superseding all

Pioneer Training-Days .- Recollections among the older citizens here leads them to mention the training days of years past. An annual parade took place in June of each year, when the militia, in their regimentals, won some little renown by going through the drill in open field. A recourse was had to grounds owned by Abraham Sannier, near the present railroad station. Here the gallant othcers issued summer-day commands, and the rank and file took even steps, being armed and equipped as the law directs. The spectacle gained considerable notice, the populace appearing in large numbers to witness the display. Everybody admires the precise movement seen in the military march, and where the manœuvres are made for the purpose of instruction they are undoubtedly useful. Independent of all this, there are a number of advantages to be derived from keeping this branch of service abreast of the age in skill. Ohl residents mention military encampments within this township at different periods. One that attracted comment throughout the community took place near the Three Pigcons in the neighborhood of thirty years ago. It covered four days, beginning on a Wednes- day and closing the following Saturday. On that occasion the beautiful pasture-fields about the broad Doremus manor, east side of the Bergen turnpike, were covered with white canvas tents. Martial music greeted the ears of the lookers-on now and then, and the whole array had attractions both for the ear and eye. Very great enthusiasm attended the showy gathering, as is usually the case at all military en- campiments. The commanding officers inspected and reviewed the forces in and out of drill. From all

I He diel here March , 1-55, aged sixty-one

12×3

NORTH BERGEN TOWNSHIP.

accounts the affair at times waxed jolly. Garry Day, the genial host of the Three Pigeons, appointed four aids, so needful was it for hun to have assistance in meeting the lively run upon his beverage bank. It was sangare here and julep there, otard in one direction and milk-punch in another. His efficient accomplices in doing justice to the crowd were Enoch Greenleaf, Egbert Post, Peter Vincent and William Young. Years after, even to this very hour, the great encampment near the old Three Pigeons will gain a lively remark from all who were there, as well as all who heard of ite graphic scenes.

Cricket Club. In the month of May, 1856, the little community here had occasion to note the for- mation of a cricket club. Quite a degree of earnest- ness succeeded its formation. Fortifying themselves by practice, most of the members attained consider- able proficiency in the game. Monotony hegets a dullness ; the sport and emulation attending this exercise had their enlivening influences. Any close observer could discover the direct aim of such an active organization to be the elevation of the physical condition. The club, if not protracted in its career, never displayed more activity than discretion, nor muore enthusiasm than strength. William Smith, presi- dent ; John Sveley, secretary.

Young Men's Association .- The Bergen Woods Young Men's Association operated for a number of years, and about the year 1856 merged in the North Bergen Lyconn. Many of the inhabitants showed an interest in promoting this institution, and quite a considerable number exercised their talents in con- tributing to its entertainments. The older citizens about the township occasionally recur to the meetings, which were frequently attended by anininting debates. Occasional lectures were produced by its members, or announced to the public through its agency. Its object was the promotion of a useful knowledge by mutual instruction. A record of the debates, some of which were upon local questions,? would fill many large volumes. Decasionally its proceedings, in view of local intertainment, were varied.

This lyceum had been inaugurated to do service. Its opening exercises occurred Feb. 6, 1556, and con- sisted of able addresses by Revs. W. V. V. Mabon, Leopold Mohn, Joseph Perry, and Hon. Washington B. Williams. The more festive associations were also attractive,-any local history would be most lamentably short-sighted if neglecting to mention the "Old Tops." An organization under this title con- tinued in operation a number of years.

The gilded top wound up at the opening of the core- monies was suspended from a centre piece in the veil- ing. It continued to spin till the small hours, the social assembly meanwhile joining the top in all those

gyrations the poetry of motion is accused of suggesting. The 22d of February was the usnal time for a festive anniversary. In 1856 this anniversary took form and got nierrying nt the Three Pigeon, the gathering there having an enjoyable festival. The custodian of the top was the veteran and genial Cornelius Day, who retains it as an heirloom, suggestive of a pleasant lang syne. Mr. Day was born Der. 19, 1812. Ilim- self and a shopmate, Henry Banta, have been noted many years as the early risers. Banta has been thirty-tive years doing business at one establishment, and is said never yet to have been late. Neither was ever known to "run for office."

At one of the old Tops' celebrations appeared a genial citizen, a local justice, holding his commission to alininister justice in one of the municipalities of the county. His conversation soon proved him to be a cosmopolitan in sentiment and amply supplied with reminiscences of the past. His graphic accounts of early sleighing scenes seemed to bring the sleigh- ing-party at once before his auditors. Accounts given by him made the roads leading through this township popular highways in the sleighing season. Here especially the admirers of the winter's carnival were wont to assemble, the Three Pigeons Laving been a trysting-place for these excursionists for a period now " time out of mind." He had met jovial parties here fifty years ago. There is at all times a large scope for enjoyment at such a season. The at- mosphere is bracing ; the bells are jingling ; dash- ing steeds step speedily along; every class of society has at service a source of diversion ; the happy voices of youth are heard ; young and old. in fact, are gay, smiling, buoyant and free. Our clever talker would fain say hurrah ! to the sleighing season.

The Evening Class .- Many residents here and there no doubt remember the evening class. The writer has seen somewhere a roll of pupils who were studying history in this region in 1-6. Such an excerpt from the memory of the past would in all probability be attractive to many readers. Multitudes in the land recollect that they oner were members of an evening class. At least a list of one of these, now an item of years gone by, our records permit us to publish : Peter E. Ackerson, John Cox, Edward .A. Danielson, James Danielson, George D. Hassard, Job Seeley, 11. H. Von tieahn, Paul Van Clett, John Willse William Wilmington.

At a popular meeting held at Buck's, on Bergen turnpike. Daniel Lake acted as chairman, March 30, 1877. At a meeting held 23d instant the following local committees were appointed : Bull's Ferry, Dyer and Meckler; New Durham, T. D. Eckerson, John seeley ; Secaneus, Adrian Post, Job smith : Union Hill, Henry J. Rottmann, N. Goely. West Hoboken, A. Anderson, James Ludlow.

Old Turnpike Difficulties .- No history would mensure the ground completely and neglect to name the contest with the Turnpike Company. When the

tone of these was, " Would a ruentoure le of benefit to the county ! " on the affirmative, John 1 Earle, Henry Allen , negative, Jacch Mort. hasta, Tlumas Gardner.

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HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

latter came to run the roadway just south of the early Saunier site it met with a blacksmith-shop in the oe- cupancy of Joseph Danielson. Mr. Danielson, ale- cording to all accounts, took umbrage at the proceed- ing ; he determined to hold the forge where he bad been accustomed to see it for many years. The cor- poration sought to remove it. Danielson demurred. Old people say the company removed the shop. Danielson put it back. The company at length got weary and allowed the road to remain abridged and abutted by the obstacle rather than litigate further. The old rookery, as many styled the disused shop, re- mained in the roadway many years. At the demise of Danielson the item of realty went, with others, to one of the heirs, who conveyed it to John Seely. Feb- 8, 1867. He passed it to the company. describing the property as " lot marked H, and known as the black- smith-shop and the land on which it stands and covers, being about twenty feet square, and bounded northwardly, southwardly and westwardlly by the Bergen Turnpike Company's road."

North Bergen in the Rebellion .- At the out- break of the eivil contest a war circular, couched in the following language, emanated from a delegation deputed to take action on the subject :

"Inhabitants of North Bergen : The War Committee of the township are deputed to say a few words to yon upon the present crisis in the country's affairs. But a brief time ago and our town had no organization for operations in this work ; in doing our part with other township , special con mittees have been directed to call upon you for contributions. and you are earnestly invited to deliberate upon ' waya and meuns ' at a public me ting to be held at the Old School-House in New Durham, Otto- ber 15th, at 733 a clock P M. Follow Citizens ' a formidable Rebellion is in the land ; the institutions under which we have so pleasantly pros- pered aro in peril. A just constitution is in je pardy. The ship of state is menaced by a mutinous crew. Our President, with those in anthority, should at no time seck succor or aid in vain ; Loyalty to the Unicu must stay the land of Treason, and put down an unreasonable effort to theurp the authority of the Government. Traitors have taken our Forts and other public property, closed the ear to the voice of patriotic duty, quelled the spirit of fealty to the Federal authority and set up a polity of their own, arraying themselves in a defiant and hostile attitude toward the general Government.

" lu efforts to retake the public property, so stealthily seized, you oh. serve the most rancorons and rigorous resistance ; in endeavors to put the laws in furer the I'nion authorities receive rebellions and belligerent but- fits; calls to these recreant and ruthless bouw of the Republic to return to their allegiance are unheeded. The mild influences of the Moral law avail not. The sound reasonings of the good old ' common law' re- strains no roll. The stern force of Military rule can be alone effectual against treamer. 'An appeal to arms and the Goal of hosts ' has been all that was left us. Those whom we oure delighted to honor and were pleased to all na 'brethren' are now our fres. A sufficient force to make the laws respected is required Demanda non patriotismare here. as money, ' the site wy of war ' and men mighty in battle. To withhold that which you have as a In werin war, is to give 'and aml comfort to the enemy . By your military talent yon exhibit how heroic and roseInto you can be in deeds of fortitude, when leaping forth to the rescue ; already onr stalwart and valiant youth strengthen the arm of the Govern- ment in rebuking the selitions aml . ubdning the for that would dishonor our flug. A CITIZEN CAN HOLD NFINTEREST DISTINCT FROM HIS COUNTRY S. Are you, follow-citizens, generous to the Government that has hitherte nurtured you Have you an earnest devotion for the general g ant ' Can it ler that any among you would show 'the white feather ' Will we hear your safe de imon when the many are in council" Will you be prompt and rowdy in all energet her ? White amid the clash of conflict, brave and are as steel against reddition will not your means and your zeal and your energies be a the service of the Repulk . Let in hopes

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History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 146

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