History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 30

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 30
USA > New Jersey > Essex County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 30

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).

Immediately after the resignation of Mr. Whitting_ ham the ve try took measures for the appointment of a successor, and on Nov. 10, 1330, elected their for- mer pastor, the Rev. Benjamin Holmes, to the vacant rectorship, and pledged him a salary of five hundred dollars per annum Mr. Holmes accepted the ap- pointment on Feb. 20, 1831, and took charge of the congregation early in the spring, but circumstances prevented his institution until July 4, 1531, when in due form he was put in possession of the rectorship. During the vueanty service was partially sustained

in the church by occasional supplies. One of the first acts of the vestry, after Mr. Holmes' institution, was to build a tower on the church, and procure a bell weighing four hundred and seventy pounds. In September, 1833, an organ was purchased, at an ex- pense of three hundred dollars.

In promising Mr. Holmes a salary of five hundred dollars the vestry had depended on the uncertain plan of pledges and subscriptions. The consequence was that the modest, retiring and faithful rector received but an irregular supply for his wants. and was forced to endure inneh privation. Finding that the plan of subscriptions did not succeed, a few members of the parish determined to raise a permanent fund of five thousand dollars, the interest of which should be devoted to the support of the rector. This object was partially accomplished on Jan. 27, 1834. On this day ten individuals (among whom the most promi- nent were Samuel Williams, Caleb Harrison, John Harrison, Amos Williams and Benjamin Williams) put their names to an instrument pledging themselves and their heirs, respectively, for moneys to the amount of five thousand dollars, and gave their personal notes for the amounts which they subscribed, with the understanding that these notes could remain so long as the interest was paid. As the subscribers passed away, and in some cases before death, their pledges were redeemed, so that, deducting losses, about four thousand five hundred dollars was even- tually seenred to the church in real estate and bank stock. In this same year, 1-34, a house and lot were purchased for a parsonage, at a cost of one thousand dollars, with moneys included in the above-mentioned fund. This parsonage and lot, however, being in- commodious and at a distance from the church, was subsequently sold in 1836.

Mr. Holmes continued to discharge the duties of his office to the edification of his increasing flock, and to their entire satisfaction, until his death, which sad event took place, after a short illness, on Aug. 1. 1836. Hle expired universally beloved, and was buried under the chancel of the church as a fitting resting- place for its founder. As a proof of their attach- ment, the congregation doubled his salary for the year in which he died, and paid the sum over to his widow and infant daughter. Mr. Holmes' ministra- tions were very acceptable unto his people. " His evennes of temper, unaffected modesty and amiable simplicity of manners made him dear to all, while his unshaken integrity, sound judgment and firmness in the discharge of his duty constrained all to re- spect no less than they loved him." He was sin- cerely attached to the peculiar doctrines of the church, declared them with honest sincerity, and preached the truths of the Gospel generally with faithfulness and devotion, while by a consistent pri- vate walk he gave energy and value to his public teaching. Under God his labors were blessed to the edification and the spiritual conversion of many. By

WEST ORANGE TOWNSHIP.

his prudence, his zeal and his self-sacrifice he ac- this society were: Elders, I. Sipper, W. Fenzlat and complished much in laying the foundation and in E. Ilgin ; Tru- ces. Ch. Fratzlaff; F. Wolf, K. Sippel, G. Werner and J. Yust. building up the church, and to him the congregation of St. Mark's owes a lasting debt of gratitude. Dur- ing his ministry as rector for five years and four months ninety-six baptism- took place, forty-one per- sons were confirmed, and fifty-tive were added to the number of communicants.

The writer of the foregoing historienl sketch, James 1. Williams, then a lay member of the parish, Was ordained deacon by Bishop Doane, July 10, 1536. After the death of the rector, Benjamin Holmes, the eyes of the congregation were turned to him for a supply of the pulpit and the vacancy in the rector- ship. Having been brought up in the parish, and being without experience in the duties of the minis- torial office, the proposed invitation to the vacancy was limited, at his own suggestion, to a period of six months, dating from Aug. 13, 1536. On the expira- tion of this period he was unanimously chosen to the rectorship Jan. 25, 1837, on a salary of four hundred dollars and the use of the parsonage, speedily to be built. On Sept. 9, 1×37, he was formally installed by Bishop Doane. The parish, however, was con- sidered to be under his ministerial charge from Aug. 13, 1836.

In 1884 the Rev. Bishop Faulkner was in charge of St. Mark's. The assistant rectorship was vacant. The wardens were Charles Williams and William Cleveland ; Vestrymen, Hon. John L. Blake, George Bayles, M.D., J. M Hare, S. O. Rollinson, Edward Williams, James W. Field, Esq .. Col. George Gray, Charles A. Lighthipe, S. M. Van Rensselaer, Harrison Whittingham. The parish owns, besides the large stone church, a mission chapel and rectory, the whole valued at one hundred thousand dollars. Communi- rants in December, 1884, three hundred and fifty. The Sunday-school comprises over four hundred pupils, with Stephen W. Williams superintendent.

The Ladies' Benevolent Society and St. Mark's Guild are active and aggressive in all charitable work The rector is president of the " House of the Good Shepherd," a home for old perons, sustained by Episcopal Churches in the vicinity. The church maintains a boy choir noted for its excellence in music, and is in charge of Messrs. Rollinson, Van Rensselaer and Whittingham

PLEASANT VALLEY GERMAN PRESBYTERIAN CIT ROM .- This church, located on the west face of First Mountain, overlooking Pleasant Valley, between the two mountains, was organized May 26, 1878, with the following-named persons, who constituted the pioneer membership : F. Sippel, Christian Fentzlaff, W. Fentzlaff. E. Ilgin, J. Wolf, G Werner, F. Wolf, K. Sipple. Mrs. M. Reiman and Mrs. E. Merklin.

The church edifice is a frame building, the corner- stone of which was laid March 6, 1-73, and the edifice dedicated that year by Revs. Dr. Seibert E. Mix, HI. Gruhnert and W. Whitaker. The pioneer officers of

This society bas bren quite fortunate in its pastoral oversight, having had but the present pastor, Res. Franz Hartig a student from the Bloomfield Theolug- ical Seminary, who began his labors with this people June 1 1877, in the Pleasant Valley Schoe -house, and on July 10, 1879, was ordained and installed as pastor of this church. To his untiring energy is due the building up of this church and congregation. neat and commodious parsonage was completed May 18, 185]. The value of church property in Septem- her, 1884, was six thousand dollars, with a church membership of eighty. The ellers were F. sippel, W. Fentzlan, G. Rausch ; Trustees, C'h. J.entzlaff, F. Wolf, F. Klinebach, J. Muller, E. Ilgen, L. Weimer and II. Hofinann.

SECOND VALLEY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, located a short distance above the new reservoir, between the First and second Mountains. The house of worship was moved to Ridgway Avenue. For a number of years this was a flourishing cherch and congregation, It finally became weak, numerically and financially, and became a mission of Valley Con- gregational Church, and is now under its control.

Pioneer Settlers .-- Among the pioneers of what is now West Orange township were the Williams, Harri- son, Nutman, Crane, Ball and Walls families. The most numerous, however, was the Williams family, who located at or near what was known as Tory Corner, and subsequently known as Williamsville, yet the old, old name, though of rather an unsavory smell, politically, still clings to the locality.

For the following copies of deeds, vendues, sales, let- ters, etc., we are indebted to Mr. Ezra S. Williams, a direct descendant of the old original Williams family. and now one of the prominent citizens of West Orange :

DERD. - MATTHEW WILLIAMS T AMUS WILLIAMN, 1730.

"To all Christian People to w mn there Prevents Shall tome I, Mat then Willlums, of Newark, DI the t unty of Famex, and Eastern Division of New Jersey, youman, send greeting & . Know Y That I, mid Matthew Williams, for & In Consideration of The line, gammel will & affe tien which I have & the bear unto my Beloved su. Amos Williamnes of the T wu, County t Division aloreet, Cooper. Have Given & Cimanted, and do by these presents for me, my heim, Exe ators & administrators, fully. freely learly & aberlutely Give & Grant Int him. tre sunt \mos Williams & E his heiro & aolgun for Ever, all & mngular the Land s

cel of Lants Ituste, Lying & bring in Newark nhitest, att the in mutain Plantations, S .. Called, Including his own Dwelling he user \ . Bonuded

Kone 11. the motion , Nather y. njut land given to my en Matthien. to Dal levering Date with them produits my whole for meer ; and Westerly in the mountain. Top her with or Equal fourth part of all no nunchu, and all the Future Fight, Tiff , Internet, Je prty. Claim & Damned whenever I now have of which are e haber of my hele,

any manner of Condi on a 1. Die welt Machen H Len hoso fully.

810

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY. NEW JERSEY.

mons In witness where if, I hav> hereunto Set my hand & affixed my Seal in Newark, this Seventeenth Day of June In the fourth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, terry the sea and, by the fireof God of Great Britain, France & Ireland, King, Defender of the faith, &e. Amio ye 1k mivi 1730.

hin " MATTHEW X WILLIAMS. 1 .. ]

mark.

·signed, Sealed & Delivered Ih presence of ils. DANIFT TALLUR,

EN wark, Ang 20, 17:30 The re appeared be for ns Jonathan Crane & Samuel Farran Two of his majestics hustiers of the Peace. Querom for the tannty of Fex Daniel Taylor one of the Subscribing Evidences and made thath that he Saw the above-mentioned Matthew Williams Sign & wal and Deliver the above written Instrument as his free & voluntary art and feed

"JONATHAN CRANE, ".SAMIEL FARRASD. "

DEED, -ATTIMAY TO WILLIAMS, 1736.

" To all Christian People to whome there presents Shall Come, I. Jannes Nuturn of Newark, in the County of Essex, and Eastern Division of New Jersey, Ciento, and Greeting : Knew Ye, that I, the said James Nutman, for & in consideration of the Love, good will and affection which I have and the bear towards my loving friend and Son-in-law. Amos Williams, of the same place, Cooper, Have Given an I Grante land by there procents Is fully, freely, clearly and absolutely Give and Grant unto the sand Amen Williams, his heirs and assigns for Everone certain Hundred area of Land mitnate in the County above Said, and Lying or being over, or chove the mountain. Being a part of my Right In That Land My sly of us the Inhabitants of Newark, heretofore purchased of the fenthen Indian natives, and to be taken up between the mountain and Persik River within the Bounds or Limits of the said purchase ; To other with all the Right, Title. Interest, Chim and Pearand whatse- (ver which I now have, or which any or either of my brirs, Executors. ul instraler or assigns may hereafter have of, tour in the said Granted Premiers, or any Part thereof. To Have and to Hold the Said Hundred ites of Land, with all the appartenances, Privileges and Commodities to the same belonging or in anywise appertaining unto him, the Said Amos Williams, and to hos heirs and assigns for Ever. Absolutely without any manner of Condition, as I. the raid James Nutman have fully, freely and abudutely, and of my own free will and accord, Sett and Put in further Testimony. In witness whereof, I have hereunto Set my hand and Seni, In Newark, above sud, this Twenty-first Day of November, In the Tenth Year of the Reign of our Sover ign Lord, Goo the second, by the trace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King. Defender of the faith, &c. Anno ye Dlamini One Thousand Seven hundred and Thirty six.

"signed, sealed & Inlivered In presence of · ALEXANDER EAGLES,

"JAMES NIEMAN. TL .. .. ]

DEXIA-JAMES A 'TTMLN TO MARY WILLIAMS . 17.7.7.

. T . all Christian Peuple to who m these procents suall Come. I. James Nattman, f Newark, in the County of Essex and Eastern Division of New Jerry, tiene send Greeting ; Know ye that I, the said James Nuttin. An and in l'onsteration of the Love, Good will and affection which I have and do bear towards my Loving ffriend and sister, Mary Williams, ofthe NAD Place Have Given and Granted and lo those Presents Do fully freely Clearly and aledutels Give and grant not . the Man Mary Wil- Hans, her hair and noen" for ver, my Purchase Right of Land that was my father's, situato in the County above sand and Is ing or bring over or was the mountain, Bring me Right of land Purchased Is my father which he and sundry of the Inhabitants of Dework bogotafare purchased of the heath i Indian natives, and to be Taken up Between the mountain and l' sik liver within the Bautds or limits 4 the ward Purebase, together with all the Right, title, Inter at. ( laim and Demand what som er. which I to have rwhich any or either of my hair . Autor, admin Letriste " or well as mus, hereafter havet r in the said Granted Premier arany Part the reef, to have and to hold the sand Right of land with all why win apposta cug unto her, the said Mary Williams, and to her beire and will for Ever aire lately Without any manner of d'audition as 1. the-id Jame Sattman, fully, freel, and almolutely by atal of my own

free will and accord sett and Put in further testimony. i. witnes whereauf I have herennto Set my batul and Seal, In newark above suid, this tenth Day of february, In twenty-muth year of the Reign of our Sovereign 1. rd, trearge the Second, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, france and Ireland, King, Defender of faith, &e nuno yo Dummini, 17. 5.

" JAMES NETTMAN. L. <

. Signed, Sealed and Delivered In presence of us, " JOSEPH TREAT, " NICH LAS BAYARD."

LETTER TO LORD STIRLING.

"October 27 ye 1771.

" Sir,-

" In Pursuance to your order ordering me to Survey any Quantity of ares of Land in any part unappropriated in the Eastern Division of New Jersey, I have Surveyed for. . . . . at the Special Request of Isaac Wil- lianus, all that Tract of Pine Land Lying in the L'omunty of Exex and near the head of Canon brook, Beginning at the third Corner of thirty-seven neres and seven hundredthe strict measure, Surveyed the Same Day for ad [sanc Williams of Goud Right, and from thene (1) North forty Degrees west Eleven Chains and ninety Links ; thenes |21 south forty Degrees & forty minutes west Fight ('hain and nineteen Links ; thence (3) South Twenty -Eight Degrees Fast Twelve Chainsand Sixty-five Links ; and thence (4) North thirty nine Degrees and half Fast Eleven Chains Eight Links to The Beginning, Containing ten acres and Seventy-Two hundred Stick miensure. The Chain bearers Were Zadock Williams, & Long Williams. I am Your Lordship's most Humb. Serve.

" THOs. BAI.I ..

" To Lon stirling. Surveyor General."

Vendue Sales, 1800 .- At the second vendue for the sale of the effects of Frederick Vincent. deceased, the following is a partial list of purchasers and prices patid. A comparison of this list with prices of the same kind of property at the present day will show the difference in over eighty years,

"Isaac Crane, Three Joje .. $00. 15 ; a lot of posts, 26 rents.

"Joseph Williams, Lot of Rails and Posts, $2.06.

" Daniel Williams, one wooden bottle, 39 cents.

"Edward Williams, one Bag, 18 cents.

"Rested on David Ricker, at ten dollars per acre, the wood lot on the top of the mountain.

"Lot No. 2 Rested on Martin Richards, for five Dollars and a Quarter per arre. Lying Near the Nin h.

"The salt Medow Rested on David Ricker, at eight dollars and three Quarters per acre

" The Lot Before the dore sold to David Ricker, 88.25.

" The Medow on the West Sid of the Rode, Suld to Isane t'rane for $5.75,

" The lot of Rye and Buckwheat and out stublite for Bye Is Sold for Man Tichenor, $15. 1212.

" The Last West of the lot Before Sold Is Sold for Rye to Moers Tiche- not for 3 3,94.

" The 1. it under the mountain to John Ballwin for $2.73

". Martin Ricker, to one Battle, 62 centre.

· Isaac Vincent, one Crackel, $1.38.

"John Baldwin, one Bag, 52 rents.

" David Ryker, one Bag, 25 cents,

"Caleb Ballwin, one Bag, 50 cents,

· Martin kirbard, one Bag, 18 cents

"Edward Williams, une hugshead, $1.00.

. Inaute irane, one trust, 4 rents.

" Tratae Vincent, one wagen body, W +ents.">

AIIT. OF SALE OF A NEGRO FOA COM.

" Know all men by then presents, that I, Jonathan Mayer, of Newark, in the County of Erex and Province of New Jersey, for and in Consider- atum of the sum of ninety pound, Current money of the province of New York, to me in linnd puold boy Benjamin Williams, of the province ufore- said, the Receipt Whereof I do Acknowledge, and myself fully Satisfied und Contente therewith, have Bargained, sold, Set over and Delivered I'nto ye ød Benjamin Williams, and by these Presents, in Plain and open market, according to Dew form and Law, In the fare made and provided, bargain and not over and Deliver unto the så Benjamin Williams, one negro man named Jack , yo el negro man to have and to hold, to the I've and Beloof of him, the et Benjamin Williams, his Hair, Exers, Admini-

WEST ORANGE TOWNSHIP.

Fration and belgie forever, and the raid fauthan Sayre, for myself, my ler, executar, administrators, the said Bargain promtice Unto the sand Benjamin Williams, he he nor, amint and win. aguest all und all manner of [w.redan, shall wurrauf and for . Ini tet By these present- In Witnees Whereet, I have beennte st my hairl and mal, this - Day of lh mber, In the ofteenth year of the Helgn of dir sov 1- rign Lord, George the Third, 1974

us, iled and Delivered in the proper of ALER SAYRS

REIJ PT FOR SALE Y A NFORU.

" Received, New York, 25 Jose, 1-21, freut the Williams, Pour , Two hundred dollars in part payment for Negro man "Charles, wohl Beaja- min Willinmin by uit ..

This Schuyler Colfax, as will be seen by the follow- ing extract from a private letter, was the grandfather

chimney in the centre resting on the ceiling beam, a cast-iron box stove with straight pipe directly under neath, a dour in the southern gaole, no suspicion of paint outside of in, a few lands of tan bark, banked around the base to keep out the wistry winds, never ceasing school-boy prayers ascending that it might take fre and make a holiday. (Maybe you don't be- lieve it ; then you don't understand human nature.)

About the year 1820 or 1821, Shaker Justin Hilyer, a nephew of Rev. Ssa Hillyer, took charge of the

Well qualified to teach, he was supreme in school, and parents listened to no appeal from their children. " Punish them; they deserve it " was the word.

Garth Band, Sul. July 2. 84. *

* *

Iknew of my grandfather' connection with colony for the till sure , in many highend days When I want their from N.M. laity to chaud may vacations that in bad tried to give hi, alower their freedoms before the Emancifiles act & then indignanthy refused, Danga They Knew when they had a good master a un yord how I had heard tis that hung father had one of these slower for hi con but what you want un is the only food I ham burg is

* *

of the Hon. Schuyler Colfax, late Vice-President of the United States. The original letter is in possession of Ezra C. Williams, of West Orange.

Reminiscences of Tory Corner. - We are indebted to John C. Williams for the following sketch of Tory Corner School-house, also for the old time prayer meeting :

In the centre of the triangle formed by the junction of Washington Street, Valley and Eagle Rock roads, stood the Tory Corner School house, an once-story box without porch, lobby or closet, about twenty by thirty feet on the ground, with eight feet posts, weather- boarded and ceiled with poplar (whitewood) boards, a hole eut overhead in one corner to shove a boy through in case it took fire between ceiling and roof, a brick

May we not hoje that the temporal punishment he inflicted induced the sin-recording angel to drop the obliterating tear on the record and happily transfer something to the credit side of the account? " Fiat justitia runt velum."

I have before my memory an appalling array of appletree sprouts, broken rules, and unflinching, fearless culprits, guilty of life, youth, health and action. The hand that pens these lines has tingling memories, and, surviving schoolmates do you not re- member how we promised to get even with him when we got big enough ? Let this recital suffice; it is good- like to forgive.

Mr. Hillyer gave up the school in 1826 er 1827. In 1×31, while living in Newark, I saw a notice posted

812

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

on a tree on the town common that Rev. S. J. Hillyer would preach there that Sunday afternoon. At the appointed hour a little crowd assembled under the tree. He gave out a hymn (no singing), offered up prayer, and preached a sermon, of which I can recall nothing. Our ways had separated for all time.

Shaler Justin Hillyer (born Dee. 12, 1799, died Sept. 26, 1867), was the son of Horace and Anna Hol- comb Ifillyer. He came to Orange from Granby, Conu., about the year 1818-20, and taught school in the Corner. He married Catherine Tichenor (born Aug. 19, 1805, ilied Jan. 19, 1878), daughter of Moses and Dorcas Harrison Tichenor, May 10, 1823, and went to house-keeping in the house owned by Moses ! Gardner, latterly by Ira Condit, where his first child, Anna M., was born July 1, 1824. He afterwards built the house where Anthony Thompson now lives, and where his second daughter, Mary, was born July 22. 1827. He went to Newark and kept school for some time, then to New York, and then to Brooklyn. From an obituary notice I find that he moved to North Salem, Westchester Co., N. Y., in 1845, when he became pastor of the Universalist Church, in connec- tion with the society at Long Ridge, preaching alter- nately. The last few years of his life he preached at Salem. The obituary says that during all these thirty- one years he walked with them in purity and preached to them in godly sincerity, abiding with them in peace, unity and love, without thought of separation. On his monument in North Salem, is inscribed : "Ile was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith."-Acts. ii. 24.

Old-Time Prayer-Meeting -THE FIRST SUNDAY- SCHOOL .-

" Hark ! 'It's the breeze of twilight calling Earth's weary children to repose ; While round the conch of nature falling, Gently the night's soft curtains close."

A little assemblage of parent- and children have gathered in the old school-house. A candle burns dimly on the teacher's long-legged, rickety desk, a murmuring sound of conversation arises as neighbors interchange kind juquiries and answers. Presently Deacon Amos Harrison's portly form arises, and gives out a hymn,-

" Goal is our refuge in distress, A present help when langer ] rong. In him nudanuted we'll confir, Tiwagh earth were from her centre tout, And mu ne taine in the ocean lost, Toru piecemeal by the roaring tide."

Meanwhile a few more candles are lighted and hymn-books reconnoitered. Uncle John ( Williams), candle in hand, starts the tune; young Governor Ben (Williams) sings a full, smooth, harmonious bass ; the deacon's daughter, Rhoda (now Mrs. Peck), in the luxuriant fullness of life's sweet morning, pours out her soul in melodious treble : others join the swelling tide of sound, and all is glorious. Do you ask what

tunes they sung ? Did you ever hear an old folks' concert ? Well, them's 'um.

Now comes the voice of prayer. Another hymn,-

" False are the men of high degree, The baser sort are vanity, Weighed in a balance both appear Light as a puff of empty air."

" Abraham (Williams), will you read the sermon ?" Ahem ! Acts xiv. 15, etc., etc. Soothed by the tedious monotony of the sermon, the little ones, with their heads on mothers' laps, have gone (where Cain found comfort aforetime) to the land of Nod. A spirit of sweet resignation pervades the congregation as the dry old sermon drags on. What a good time for worldly thoughts! Young men and maidens, did bright visions of life beckon you out into the work? Fathers and mothers, did the pressing necessities of present existence demand your attention ? " What went ye out for to see?" Nil desperandum. The sernion ends. Another hymn,-

" Sweet is the work. my God and King, 'T prise thy name, give thanks and sing. T show thy work by morning light. And talk of all thy truth at night."

Meeting is out. The angels, "ascending and de- scending," disappear and draw up their ladder. Each and all to their home and pillow. Silence reigns.

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History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 30

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