History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 36

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 36
USA > New Jersey > Essex County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 36

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).

835

CALDWELL TOWNSHIP.

He was active in church matters, and the older in- I deny from 1800 to 1809, inclusive. It was luring his habitants remember hum for his efficient services in the promotion of the cause of religion.

Mr. Douglass' estate was transferred to his son-in- law, Dr. James Orton, who began his career as a practitioner at an early age, and continued in the profession for the space of fifty years. He traversed a large section of country in his practice. lle died at the advanced age of righty-three years. His sons are James D. and Henry. The former engaged in banking at Newark when a young man, and is highly esteemed in financial circles. Henry was a surgeon in the army during the Rebellion, and is HOW practicing his profession in New York City.

HARRISON FAMILY. - David Harrison came from Orange in 1740, and located one half mile west from Caldwell village. Ilis tract was a large one. He was untiring in his purpose, and before the beginning of the Revolutionary war he had a large area of arable land, and an apple orchard in hearing. Ile entertained patriot soldiers on several occasions when they were foraging, and kept their live-stock in a secluded field, which, from this circumstance, obtained at the age of eighty-three years, while raking rye in his fiehl. He had a large family, all of whom were girls, except two,-David, who removed to North Caldwell, and Jabez, who built a frame house on the Newark road, and who inherited from the estate a farmu of fifty acres, Jabez had two sons, one of whom, David, died at Detroit in 1812. He had been connected with tien. Harrison's army of the West, and had shared its fights and hardships. Caleb D. Harrison remained for a time with his father, then, in 1521, entered into partnership with Nathaniel Douglass in the tobacco business. In 1830, he became superintendent of the Rosendale C'ement Works, near Kingston, N. Y. He returned to Franklin in 1833, and bought from the several heirs, the greater portion of his grandfather's estate. He purchased the store property from Thomas Cochran in 1836, and replaced the Philemon Bates dwelling-house by the erection of one more modern.

Mr. Harrison was a magistrate for several years, town clerk for four terms and assessor for six years. He transacted legal business for his neighbors, who gladly availed themselves of his counsel.

The homestend is now held by Caleb MI. Harrison, who, after eleven years' absence from the village, re- turned upon the death of his father, in ISGS. During this period he had occupied the principalship of the public schools of Plainfield and New Brunswick, the State superintendeney of public schools during 1863 and 1864, and the principalship of the Newark Aca-

superintendency that the initial steps were taken in the reform of the public school system of the State. Afterward he devoted himself to agriculture, being the first in his gretion to compound mineral fertilizere in kind and quantity in adaptation to special crops. In 1880, he was appointed to the superintendency of the Newark City Home, a reformatory institution. le hobbs that position at the present time. The farm is rented by his nephew, Caleb A. Harrison, who is engaged in the milk bu iness, and who utilizes the land solely in the interests of his trade.

CRANE FAMILY .- Samuel Crane settled in Frank- Jin in 1745. Ile purchased large tracts of real estate, The homestead was then sold to Mr. George Lane, and was very extensively engaged in agriculture. He who removed the dwelling, and crected a large and attractive cottage in its stead. Mr. Lane has trans- formed the property into a desirable and elegant country-seat. Was an active and influential churchman, and was universally respected as a man of unsullied reput .- tion. His sons, except Nathaniel S., removed to Westville. Nathaniel remained upon the homestead. In his early years, he was prominently identified with the militia of the county, and hell the rank of major. Mr. C'rane excelled in the quantity and quality of his apple products, and made large quantities of cider. This article, as well as the vinegar made therefrom, was justly extermed in the markets of Newark for unvarying excellence. Mr. Crane's property passed to his sons,-Wilson, Samuel, Duryea, James HI., t'yrus and Joseph W. The old homestead was soll the name of llog Pasture. He died from sun-stroke, in 1882 to David Terry, who is engaged in general farming.

LANE FAMILY .- Henry Lane purchased a small estate from John Cory and David Harrison at the close of the Revolution. He enlisted in the Conti- nental army when very young, and remained in service till the close of the war. He became a leading carpeuter in this section, and died in 1×50, aged eighty-eight years.

His son, William, inherited the estate, and followed his father's business. Mr. Lane has been an active worker in promotion of Sabbath-school and church interests. His sons George and Isaac occupy attrac- tive estates in the eastern part of the village. Mr. tieorge Lane purchased a half interest in the tobacco manufactory in 1856, and retired with considerable wealth in 1874. His property is one of the first of the township in location, adornment and surroundings. Mr. Lane has represented his township in the Board of Chosen Freeholders, and has been an active trustee of the Caldwell Public High School since its organ- ization, in 1873.

Isaac Lane sureceded his brother in the manufac- turing business above noted. Ile is associated with Lewis G. Lockward and John B. Allee.

VANNESS FAMILY .- Thomas Vanness came from Warwick, N. Y., during the Revolutionary war, and settled on the road leading to Fairfield, commonly called Dutch Lane, because of the large number of Holland people who first owned the lands on the road. His grandsons, Thomas and Peter, and great-grandson

836

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

Cornelius, now occupy his estate. John II. Vanness, who was engaged in blacksmithing for a long period. settled upon the Cook property. The other old estates of this section are now in possession of Mrs. Ahce Flintoft, Barney Francisco and James Manning.

LOCKWARD .- John T. Lockward, who graduated from the Maryland State Medical College, March, 1833, came to Caldwell in 1835, and practiced medi- eine from that time until his death, in 1843. In 1841 he purchased the village property of Zenas C. Crane. This is now owned by the heirs of Charles Aubrey. Dr. Lockward was esteemed as one of the best of physi- cians, and had a very extended practice. His son, Lewis G. Lockward, has been an active citizen, and has served the township as freeholder and as collector with unvarying approval.

BACKUS .- Henry F. Backus holds several traets of real estate, and is engaged in agriculture and is doing a large milk business.

COURTER .- Henry Courter began harness-making in 1858, and subsequently added a furnishing store to his other line of goods. Industry and energy brought him a fair measure of prosperity. Ile died in 1865. His brother, M. H. Courter, in the spring following, 1866, assumed the business, and has conducted it profitably since.

PIONEER POST-OFFICE AND STORES .- From 1790 till 1830 Franklin was the leading village of the town- ship. The post-office was located here, under the postmastership of John L. Hudson. The brick store for a long period led in general merchandise, and was patronized largely by the citizens of Morris County. After Nathaniel Douglass it was conducted by John L. Hudson. Thomas Cochran managed it for a short period. In 1836 it was purchased by d'aleb D. Ilarri- son, and thereafter held by him until 1858, when it was rented to Philander S. Pierson, who conducted it with marked success for several years. Afterward it languished, being occupied for short periods by those who cared only to do a safe trade, mainly in groceries and house-furnishing supplies.

BUSINESS INTERESTS. - The tobacco manufactory has been a source of continuous profit to those engaged in it. It has made, in its history, many moderne for- tunes. The succession of firms has been as follows: Nathamel Douglas, 1806 to 1821; Donglas & Ilarri- son, 1821 to 1827 ; Harrison & Moore, 1927 to 1828; Harrison & Steele, 1825 to 1829; Steele & Crane, 1829 to 1835.

Zenas ( Crane purchased George (. Steele's inter- est in 1×35, and sold two-thirds to David Campbell and Jacob Bush. Style of firm, 7. C. Crane & Co.

David Campbell and Jacob Bush purchased Zenas C. Crane's interest in 1839. Style of firm, Bush & Campbell.

In 1842. Jacob Bush purchased David Campbell's interest.

In 1843, David Campbell admitted as a partner. Style of firm, Bush & Campbell.

In 1848, Zenas C. Crane admitted as a partner. This year they purchased the Steele & Crane property at Caldwell. Style of firm. Bush, Campbell & Co.

Dec. 17, 1850, David Campbell and Zenas C. Crane purchased Jacob Bush's interest. Style of firm, Campbell & Crane.

In 1854, Calvin G. Backus admitted as a partner. Style of firm, Campbell, Crane & Co.

In 1856, George Lane admitted as a partner. Style of firm not changed.

April 8, 1562, David Campbell, Calvin G. Backns and George Lane purchased Zenas ('. Crane's interest. Style of firm, Campbell, Backus & Co.

April 15, 1864, David Campbell and George Lane purchased Calvin G. Backus' interest. Edward A. Campbell was admitted at the same time as a partner. Style of firm, Campbell, Lane & Co.

Jan. 1, 1865, Henry Cyphers admitted as a partner, style of firm remaining the same.

Jan. 1, 1867, Isaac Lane and Lewis G. Lockward admitted as partners, style of firm remaining the same.

Jan. 1, 1874, David Campbell. George Lane and Edward A. Campbell purchased Henry Cyphers', Isaac Lane's and Lewis G. Lockward's interest. Style of firm, Campbell, Lane & Co.

May 1, 1874, Isaac Lane, John B. Allce, Jr., and William Ackerman purchased the Caldwell part of the business. Style of tirm, Lane, Allee & C'o.

May 1, 1879, Lewis G. Lockward admitted as a partner. Style of firm not changed.

March 15, 1880, Isaac Lane, John B. Allee, Jr., and Lewis G. Lockward purchased William Ackerman's interest, style of firm remaining the same.

May 1, 1882, style of firm changed to Lane, Lock- warl & Co.

Blacksmithing has been a prominent industry in the village since 1822. John 11. Vanness and Enos W. Martin were longest engaged in this enterprise. James Miller bought the shop and fixtures from MIr. Martin in 1869. Mr. Miller built a substantial shop, affording room for a wheelwright department, which is controlled by HI. C. Ryerson.

Philander S. Pierson, who occupies one of the old- est properties of the village, is a gentleman of moderate wealth, and the Republican party have honored him with the important office of county collector for the past twenty years. Mr. Pierson has acted as com- missioner of deeds, notary public, and has transacted considerable business for insurance companies. He came to the village in 1846, and taught the district school for a season, when he entered the store busi- ness with Caleb D. Harrison.

James 11. C'rane holds considerable real estate. He built several houses on Franklin Avenne, and has contributed, through his business interests, to the prosperity of the village.

The leading farmers of this section are Richard S. and Josiah A Francisco, I. A. Canfield, Henderson

837

CALDWELL TOWNSHIP.

Cadmus, Levi Kent, George R. Crane, James A. ance, enterprising spirit and energy. His influence Speer, and Cyrenen- D. Connor.

EDUCATION .- Franklin has maintained a scheel since 1780. The first instructors were Irish teachers. The school has been good, average, and languishing at periods, in sympathy with the qualities of the teach- ers employed. Among those whose honorable service demands recognition is Aaron (. Kout, whose sehol- arship and interest and skill in his work made his school deservedly popular. Jabez Allen, Joseph and Richard Carberry, and Joseph Carman are held in pleasant memory by their pupils. The school was merged with those of Westville and Caldwell in a union school in 1871. In 1576 the old school-house was purchased by the citizens, and remodeled and en- larged for chapel purposes. The Sabbath services are conducted by the neighbor-, and are non-sectarian in character. The Sabbath-school is in charge of Superintendent John B. Allee.

Caldwell. - The village of Caldwell began its his- tory in 1740, when Thomas Gould and Saunders San- ders purchased and settled upon the properties which constitute a large portion of the village west from Bloomfield Avenue. Sanders built a stone dwelling on the site now occupied by the barn of Henry Post, and Thomas Gould built on the road leading from Caldwell to Bireland, on or near the location of Dr. Halsey's residence. This year, 1740, was notable in the history of Hors werk, for, upon what appears as trustworthy authority, on the 20th day of June nearly all the Indians removed from this section and joined the Six Nations, near Sences Lake, in the State of New York. Several lingered for a time, and the last one. " Indian John," left in 1761. There are no records to show that they were hostile, or that the few whites who lived in this vicinity experienced any trouble in their intercourse with these aborigines. Their burial-grounds were located near the Halsey ; property, on the road leading to Roseland, and the other in North Caldwell, on the farm now belong- ing to Messrs. Wilson and Raven.

in the affairs of the struggling settlers was decided and salutary. He died in his ninety-ninth year, Iso8. At this time his descendants numbered two hundred and seven, most of whom were then living.

Ilis sons were JJoseph, Robert, Timothy and Wil- liam. Joseph owned the property now owned by Cyrus Canfield; he removed to Ohio. Timothy settled in Horseneck, and occupiel what is now known as the Winaus property. William owned the estate of Nathaniel (, Gould, deceased. This property is now hebt by the heirs, grandsons of Wil- liam Comld, prominent among whom are William aud George. Tien. William Gould was frequently in active service during the Revolutionary war and took part in the battles of Springfield and Monmouth. Heserved with Gen. Lee in the whiskey insurrection in 1794. He had an extended reputation for integrity and ability. Hewas a member of the State Legislature from Essex in 1805 and ISIT. By Jis candor, public spirit and devotion to his trusts, Gen. Gould endeared himself' to the community at large. He was always toremost, both in public and church affairs, and his memory will long be cherished. Thomas Denman Gould was a son of Robert Gould. His life was spent at the old Gould homestead. He was an active churchman, a anecessful farmer and a genial gentleman, Inghly estremed for his virtues.

Ilis son Randolph succeeded to the estate, but was unfortunate in business management, and died at an early age. The estate is now owned by Dr. William Halsey.

John L. Hudson established a pottery in 1810 ou the Gould property. Thomas D. Gould purchased the buildings and business, and continued the maun- Facture of earthen-ware goods until 1549. It was never a source of much profit.

PIONEER MULLS. In 1760, Messrs. Thomas Gould and Sanders built a grist mill on Pine Brook, on the old road leading to Westville, where the ohl toharco factory stands. A saw mill owned by Gould & De Camp antedated the grist mill by several years. In 17!"), Zadoe Baldwin constructed a saw mill, and in 1800, Nehemiah t'rane established a full- ing mill. These primitive manufacturing enterprises

The stone house of Sanders was one of the first buildings erected in the village, and was built [ roh- ally in the year 1748. It was first on apied as a public-house. It was a place of resort for the villagers. and also for the transaction of public business. It ! wer useful rather than remunerative, as they hastened was known in later days as the "Old Stone Fort, the development of the resources of the town, and drew thither a small number of partially skilled laborers. In 1750, Zadoc Baldwin began the manu- facture of potash from wood ashes. His building- were located in the old tan-yard, and in 1797 he added a department for the tanning of hides. This industry proved profitable, and was of marked advan- tage to the prosperity of the village. It was continued until 1865; Matthias Canfield, Abram Personette, Jonathan Provost, Matthias S. Canfield and John Moore were engaged in this manufacture for sitees- sive periods. perhaps from the fact that during the Revolutionary war a small body of patriot troops were quartered there for a brief season. Gen. Washington graced the place with his presence on one occasion during the war, and dined under a harvest pear tree which stood a few feet south of the dwelling. It was been- pied as a residence until 1840, and afterwards as a barn. It was torn down in 1848, and the some used in the foundations of the First Baptist Church. Thomas Gould came to Caldwell when he was twenty years of age. His " frame house " was the first in the village. He was possessed of great powers of endur-

PIONEER STORF .- Mr. Baldwin has the credit of

838

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

opening the first store for general merchandise in Caldwell, during the year 1790. His successors in this business were all prosperous. The entire history of this enterprise records but one failure.

The successors of Mr. Baldwin were Messrs. Stephen R. Grover, Moore & Kennedy, M. G. Arden, Demas Ilarrison, Burnet & Crane, Hopping & Bur- net, Steele & Crane, C. G. Crane. Joel D. Mead and John M. Mead & Co. The " Caldwell Store" has long been the leading mercantile house of the town- ship.

The rival store was established in 1852. The build- ing was erected in 1848 by John C. Anderson, who was then engaged in the manufacture of shoes. Hle tailed very shortly after the erection of the store, and the property was purchased by Demas Harrison. The : reserved for himself, except a small tract purchased

latter associated Jotham E. Williams with himself in the store, and continued until 1857, when Wil- liams retired, and Marcus Harrison, eldest son of Demas, became sole proprietor. He retired in 1883, the business passing to his son, Theodore F. Mr. Marcus Harrison was postmaster for twenty-one years.

PIONEER STAGE LINE .- Demas Harrison, grand- father of Demas Harrison above noted, was the pro- prietor of the first stage line of this section. He made semi-weekly trips to New York. Afterward Newark became the terminus. The succeeding stage pro- prietors were James MeDavit, John Ward, S. A. Estler, James Husk, Stephen Bond, Joseph Baldwin, Horace Bailey and William Wheaton.

The Caldwell and Montclair stage line was started by P. H. Harrison, who sokl to G. B. Harrison. The latter was succeeded by James Husk, in 1883. Of late years, since the establishment of the Bloom- field Railroad, stage accommodations have been of superior character.

EARLY SETTLERS,-Samuel Moore was born in | 1762, and came to Caldwell, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1835. He was sexton of the church at Caldwell for a long period. He bought considerable property in what is now the heart of the village. His purchases included tracts from Peter Van Blarcom, Zadoe Baldwin and Stephen Brundage.

Ilis sons were Joseph (. and George D. G. Moore. The former became a minister, and held pastorates in the Presbyterian Churches at Clyde, N. Y., and at Succasunna Plains and West Milford, in New Jersey. He was a devoted and successful pastor.

George D. G. Moore graduated from Union College in 1842. lle removed to Wisconsin and was a member of the Senate of that State from 1849 to 1851, inclusive. He returned to New Jersey in 1858. In 1869 he was elected surrogate of Essex County, which office he held for the period of ten years, having enjoyed the high honor of a re-election in 1874. Mr. Moore is at present located in Newark, engaged in the practice of law.

Moses Campbell settled ou a section of land, | proved it. embracing the George Davenport property, in 1750.

He held a " proprietary title." He left his farm and business interests to the care of Mrs. Campbell at the outbreak of the Revolution, and served under Gen. Washington until the disbanding of the army. His son Ezekiel purchased a farm of fifty acres from Justus Burnett and - Van Houten. This land is located in the village of Caldwell, and is now in possession of Richard (. Campbell, his grandson.

Zadoc Ballwin was a large land-holder, and owned one hundred and five acres of land, nearly in the centre of the village. This tract was sold as village lots in 1800. Sales on the north of the off road were made to Justus Burnett, Gen. William Gould, John W. Wardell, Aaron Crane, Joshua Moore and Stephen Grover. The laud south of the road he by Nehemiah Crane. Mathias Canfield afterward bought the balance of the eastern part of this tract.

DRUGGISTS AND PHYSICIANS .- Of the recent busi- ness enterprises, the Caldwell drug-store has been one of the most successful. It was established by Arthur Watkins in 1878, who was succeeded by Lester A. Wyatt, who enlarged the trade. It was bought by Dr. E. E. Peck in 1881. Dr. Peck has a growing practice, aud is recognized as a rising physician.

Of the physicians of the village, Dr. E. F. Maynard and Dr. C. H. Hunter, his successor, are historically most closely associated with the village enterprises. Dr. Maynard had a large practice, and was a gentle- man of onsiderable wealth. He built several dwell- ings and improved sections of real estate in the vil- lage. He removed to Florida in 1860. Dr. Charles 11. Ilunter succeeded to his practice. His reputation as a skillful and successful practitioner is well es- tablished in the county. He also possesses consider- able property, and has one of the finest cottages and villa sites in this section. Of the homeopathie physicians, Dr. A. R. Beach probably had the larger practice. He was devoted, studious, and gave to his practice untiring energy and watchful care. He was prostrated by fever resulting, doubtless, from overwork, and died in 1870, aged thirty-five years. Dr. H. D. Winans and Dr. E. R. Lane enjoy the confidence and patronage of a large circle of friends in Caldwell and in portions of Morris County. Dr. Lane has a growing practice, and is popular in his professional school.

HOTELS-Sanders' "Stone Fort" was the first hotel of C'aldwell. Aaron Crane built a hotel in 1803. It has not, however, had an enviable repute. Ichabod Ward was moderately successful, but after his death Caldwell had a hotel in name only until the advent of A. A. Snyder, who has kept a first-class house, and has been largely patronized by summer boarders, most of whom have been prominent citizens of New- ark. Mr. Snyder purchased the hotel property from Zenas C. Crane in 1882, and has since greatly im-

BUSINESS INTERESTS .- The cigar manufactory of

839

CALDWELL TOWNSHIP

. B. Bond dates back to the year 1869. Mr. Bond employs several hands, and finds a ready market for his products.

William Bush employs three hands, and is engaged in the same line of trade.

James Jacobus also has a manufactory, and has several mechanics employed.

A harnes-making enterprise was established in 1840 by John McChesney. He continued it for a period of ten years. His son, Joseph, resuscitated the industry in 1975. Il. abandoned it, however, in 1883, when he engaged in the wholesale trade of cigars and tobacco.

Of the carpenters of Caldwell, Jared Beach has the credit of erecting more buildings than any of his associates. He has a highly-honored record for his industry, economy and honesty. lle is a gentle- man of much intelligence, and has been honored by his townsmen in several elections to important of- fices. Mr. Beach has a valuable farm on the outskirts of the village. His son, Joseph E., is engaged in building. Owen M. Beach practices law, and has an oflive in the village of Caldwell.

PROMINENT CITIZENS .- Joseph P. Gould came to Caldwell in 1817, and purchased property of Demas Harrison. His sons were Amos C., William and ( harles. Amos C. inherited the estate of Joseph P. Gould, his father. Mr. Gould was thoughtful and conscientious, and was much esteemed as a citizen and neighbor. The sons of Amos are Joseph P. and Thomas.

John McChesney settled in Caldwell in 1837. Ile was postmaster from 1845 to 1854. In 1853 he was appointed associate judge in the Court of Common Pleas. In 1858 he was appointed clerk of the Grand Jury. At the November election, 1859, he was elceted county clerk for the period of five years.

Judge MeChesney was one of the ablest men of Caldwell. He was quick to perceive and master the salient features of public questions. His reading and study wedded him to politics, and he was a ready and Huent controversialist. He served his township as legal adviser, and was justly esteemed as a magistrate, which office he held continuously during the last twenty years of his life.

Ile owned a small section of valuable real estate in the village, which is now held by his heirs. He died March 16, 1883.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 36

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