History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 37

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 37
USA > New Jersey > Essex County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 37

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Jonathan Provost was born at Pompton Plains, Dec. 2, 1798. He removed to Caldwell in 1822, and engaged in the tanning trade. Under his management the business was largely increased, and he retired in 1554 with what was then regarded as a moderate com- petency. He was a gentleman of excellent ability and clear judgment. In the church he was, perhaps, the most active and influential of its members. His benefactions were many. He was sometimes regarded as austere, and often misapprehended. He was nt times spiritedly opposed in church and public affairs,

yet he never lost his grasp of the good he sought to achieve. The Presbyterian Church owes much to Mr. Provost's energy and munificence. In public affairs his influence was widely recognized. He was not a politician, but his views on questions of local policy were sought by party leaders. No one did more for the material progres of the village Every true advance movement found in Mr. Provost a friend and champion.

Mr. Provost died on Nov. 3, 1875, aged seventy- seven years. His son, Thomas C., occupies the home- stead. He is engaged as a counselor-at-law in the city of Newark.

Lewis (. Grover, Esq., purchased the dirover par- sonage from John II. Staper in 1834. Mr. Grover at this time was practicing law in Newark, and stood in the front rank of the able counselor who gave the Newark bar of that period wide renown. He resided in Caldwell twenty-two years; he sold his estate to Thomas 8. Small in 1872. Mr. Grover identified himself with the affairs of the church and town while a resident at Caldwell, and many improvements were offerted through his counsels and liberal donation -. He became interested in insurance matters, in 1×45, by drawing the charter of the Mutual Ben- efit Life Insurance Company, and obtaining its pas- sage by the Legislature of that year. He was counsel and director until 1862. He was then elected presi- dent, and continued such until he resigned, in 1ss1. when he was appointed executive counsel, under an agreement securing his special services permanently to the company. In 1846 he obtained of the Legisla- ture the charter of the American Fire Insurance Com- pany, and then became director and counsel of that company, which office he has held ever since.

The Grover property was greatly improved by Mr. Smull, who ranks prominently among the citizens of Caldwell.

THE FIRST POST-OFFICE of the township was located at Franklin, and John L. Hudson was the first post- master. He was appointed in 1812. (. D. Harrison succeeded him as postmaster. The post-office was removed to Caldwell in Is26, with Calvin C'rane as postmaster. 1. B. Ward, J. A. Burnett, Z. C. Crane, John McChesney, and Joel D. Mead hekl it afterward for varying terms, Marcus and Rufus Harrison have held the office since IS60.

EDUCATIONAL ..- The old parsonage was sold to Cal- vin S. Crane in 1823. He added thereto, and occu- pied it as a boarding-school until his death, in 1837. This was one of the most flourishing schools in the Middle States, and had an extended reputa- tion. It numbered fifty boarders, beside several day scholars.

Rev. Brown Emerson purchased this property in 1813, and occupied it until 1847. The school under this gentleman's management was ordinarily success- ful. He sold the estate in 1847 to Dr. Maynard, and the school was removed to Belleville. In 1847, Rev.

840

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

Samuel 1 .. Tuttle opened a select school in the acad- emy building, and conducted it for two years, to the great satisfaction of his parishioners. This school continued until 1849. In 1856, John W. Taylor taught a select school in the hall over J. M. Mead's store. He was followed by Arthur B. Noll, in the house now occupied by Morris B. Lindsley. His schoolconsisted largely of day scholars. Mr. Noll was an eccentric teacher, but withal he was enthusiastic and his pupils shared his spirit. His stay in the village was from Jsås until 1866; afterward Mr. E. O. Stratton and Mis- Mary R. Anderson opened select schools, but each taught for a season only. The public school finally absorbed the pupils, and no effort was afterward made to sustain a private school.

The public school at Caldwell was, for different periods, very satisfactorily conducted. Among the ablest of its teachers were a Mr. Stratton, Joseph Carberry, Harrison Ketcham, Aaron O. Kent. Matthias S. Canfield, John W. Taylor (now a prominent law- yer of Newark, and lately a State Seuator) and T. 0). Jacobus.

ship contributed to the success of the movement. The people were visited by Rev. Dr. Darby, of Parsippany, Rev. Jacob Green, of Hanover, Rev. Jedediah Chapman, of Orange, and Rev. Jankes Caldwell, of Elizabeth, whose ministration- the society enjoyed at irregular intervals, though but seldom upon the Sabbath. About this time the erection of a suit- able place for public worship was agitated. The matter progressed favorably for a time. Timber was cut, dressed, and in good part framed; but the war of the Revolution ocenrring, the partly-framed structure was left to decay. Sabbath services, however, were instituted. In the event of failure in procuring eleri- cal instruction, printed sermons were read, and time was devoted to conference and prayer. In 1779 a deed for ninety and one-half acres of wild land. situated in the village, was presented to the society. The do- nors were Caleb Hetfield and William and Noah Crane, of Cranetown (now known as Montclair). During this year, at mere nominal cost, the society purchased fifty-two acres of land in the "Little Piece " as an addition to the parsonage. These lands were used as a source of revenue.

The schools of Caldwell, Franklin and Westville were consolidated in 1872 by a vote of the districts. The affairs of the struggling church were referred to a standing committee, consisting of Thomas Gould. Samuel Crane. John Gould. Joseph Harrison, Joseph Baldwin, Henry Francisco, Reuben Harrison, Joseph A charter for the organization of a graded school, pro- viding for the purchase of lands and erection of suit- able buildings, was approved April 4, 1873. The Board of Education provided for in the charter met May 7, Gould and Abram Noe. The gentlemen continued in 1873, and organized by the appointment of t. M. Harrison, president ; N. N. C'rane, district clerk and secretary; and Joel D. Mead, treasurer. The other members of the board were C. D. Connor and I. N. Canfield. Under the direction of the board, the Cald- well school building and grounds were sold, and land purchased of the heirs of John McCormack. A com- modions building was erected during the spring and summer of 1874, at the cost, including land, of $18,892.67. The school opened in October of this year with an attendance of two hundred and ten children. The teachers were Addison Ely, principal, academie department ; Miss M. J. Sly, junior depart- ment ; Miss L. H. Armstrong, intermediate depart- ment : Miss Ella Pike, primary department. The successors of these teachers have been as follows : Miss A. E. Clothier, Miss Elizabeth Stockton, Miss F. B. Thomas, Miss J C. Cutler, Miss Emily Merry and Miss L mise Kitchell. Mr. Clarence E. Hedden, a graduate of Amherst College, succeeded Mr. Ely in 1$79. The present teachers are Misses Swift, Schu- mucher, Skellenger and Hetfield. The school is justly esteemed for its thoroughness and clever management. It ranks among the first schools of the county. Mr. George Lane is now president of the board. service as managers until 1797 "when their duties were transferred to the five trustees, who had been elected at the time of the incorporation of the church, ten years before." At a meeting, Feb. 27, 1782. whereof the Rev. Mr. Chapman was moderator, the congregation decided to build a dwelling upon the parsonage land. The building was not completed till 1786. It is the castern portion of what is known as the Beach House, now owned by Edwin Hedden. Esq., of Newark. The upper portion of this parson- age house, though neither ceiled nor plastered, fitted up with slab benches and a rude oaken table, was oc- cupied as a place of public worship until 1796. At the annual meeting, Jan. 15, 1792, it was resolved to Imild a brick church edifice, and it was proposed to raise twelve hundred pounds (New York currency) for this purpose. The parishioners were few, and rich only in lands, and it was impossible for them to raise this amount. However, recourse was had to contribu- tions from the neighboring parishes, and in this man- ner a sufficient sum was collected and pledged to begin the work of building. A frame church was finally decided upon, as more in accordance with the interests and needs of the people. The timber was hewn in the woods, and carly in 1793 was drawn together and FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH .- The church so- ciety now known as the First Presbyterian Church of Caldwell had its beginning at an early date in the history of Horseneck. About the year 1770, how- ever, definite efforts were made to secure gospel service in the village. All the hamlets of the town- joined, and during the month of June the frame was raised. A long and tedious delay occurred, resulting from pecuniary embarrassments, and the building was not ready for occupancy till 1796. On Wednesday, the 6th of April, of this year, it wa- formally dedicated. The church was filled to overflowing on this occasion.

~41

CALDWELL TOWNSHIP.

A company of singers from Bloomfield was present and participated in the impressive ceremonies, and a large number of strangers from this and the a l- joining county of Morris came hither to unite with their brethren in this religious festival.

The old church was an imposing edifice. Its di- mensions were fifty by sixty feet. Its steeple towerel one hundred and thirty feet heavenward, and was plainly visible from the valleys and distant hills of Morris County. During the year 1539 the in- terior of the church was remodeled and modern- ized. The work was done by Jared Beach, E-g., who received sixteen hundred dollars for work and material, which, with six hundred dollars for " fur- nishings," made the total cost two thousand two hun- dred dollars. It continued in use until 1872. On Friday night, November 29th, between ten and one o'clock. it was destroyed by fire. The society at ouve began the work of erecting a chapel, to be used until a substan- tial and commodious church edifice could be provided. The work was entrusted to Messrs. Nicolad & Bon I. On December 221of that year the congregation assem- bled in this chapel forservice. It was a plain structure. made from joists and boards, seventy-two feet in length by forty in width. It was occupied until Vas. 25, 1875 when the present magnificent stone church was completed.

At the annual meeting of Jan. 1, 1873, steps were taken looking to the building of a stone church. 1 special meeting held one week thereafter elected Phil- ander S. Pierson, Samuel Crane, G. B. Nienlac, and Philip H. Harrison as a visiting and advisory com- mittee, whose duty it was to examine various churches, consult with architects and report at a future meeting. On February 22d of this year the committee reported at length, when the parishioners voted to build a church at a cost not to exceed sixty thousand dollars. On the blst of March following another meeting was held, at which Mr. James II. Carpenter, architect, was present, and submitted plans and estimates. His recommendations were adopted. Meses, Jonathan Provost, N. O. Baldwin, J. H. Harrison, F. W. C'rane, W. J. Best, T. L. Emull and J. D. Mead were elected trustees for 1874, and under their guar lian- ship the work of building progressed rapidly, though they were surely tried financially because of the disastrous shrinkage in real and personal property, which occurred during this eventful year. The real estate of the church located in the village could not be made to re ilize its fair value, and recourse was had D) loans and subscriptions, the landed property being pledged as security. Upon this property as collateral, and by subscription, the necessary amount was raised tor the completion of the church.

The cost of building, organ, and furnishing was seventy -four thousand six hundred and eighty dollars. The church occupies the site of the old one. It is of superior architectural design, and is among the most elegant of country churches.

A sketch of this society is not complete without reference to its pastors, where history is measurably the history of the church itself.

A young man, Rev. Mr Shepard, was the first stated minister here. He remained but six months. He was a decided Congregationalist, and it was probably due to his teachings that in Oct der of 17-5, ten months after the organization of the church the con- gregation formally adopted the Congregational form et government, which continue l until April 25, 1-31. when the church connected itself with the Presbytery of Newark. Mr. Shepard was a spirited preacher, possessed of a lively imagination, and was desirous of permanent settlement, but he is said to have been in- judicious in the advocacy of his views, and thus failed of unanimity among his parishioner -.

On the 3rd of August, 1787, a call was extended to the Rev. Stephen Grover, of Tolland, Conn., a graduate of Dartmouth College. Mr. Girover accepted, and at ouce entered upon his duty. Its salary was at the time of settlement one hundred and fifty dollar- per year, his fire-wood, the use of the parsonage-house and also of the land for tillage and pasturage. His salary was to be increased ten dollars yearly until it reached the sum of two hundred and fifty dollar -. His ministration was most remarkable, both in its successes and duration. An ardent lover of his office. he worked with tireless energy to lead his towns-people to acknowledge the claims of religion. A Huent speaker, animated in manner and method, he quickly found the way to the hearts and consciences of his auditors. His appeals, during seasons of revivals. were often touchingly pathetic, and these occasion- were always of gravest interest and solemnity.

Several very interesting revivals are connected with his ministry. The first had its beginning in June, 1796, shortly after the dedication of the church. The people of the entire township were aroused. Rev. Mr. Grover, in the records left by him, remarks, ' In- quiring souls truly Hoeked around this house of the Lord as doves flock to their windows before a rising storm." At the beginning of this revival the church membership was one hundred and eighteen, whereas at the close of 1797 it was over three hundred. Dur- ing the winter of 107-8 the church enjoyed another remarkable season of religious interest. In June, Ises, one hundred and fifty-two people united with the church. Several other occasions of special interest during Mr. Grover's ministry remain to be noted. The first occurred in 1825, when thirty-three members were added to the church, and 25 . in 1531, when thirty-seven united with the church : in the year fol- lowing, 1×32, fifteen professed enversion, and in 1833 there were fifty-one received into full com- munion.

During these later years Rev. Baker Johnson had been associated with Mr. Grover as co-pastor. Rev. Mr. Johnson resigned his pastorate in the summer of 1833, much to the regret of the congregation, who

842

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

vainly urged his continuance in the pastoral office. In the October following Mr. Grover, then in his seventy-sixth year, retired from service, upon an annuity which was paid until his death, which oc- curred on June 22, 1836. No citizen of Caldwell ever enjoyed in so full a degree the unvarying regard and affection which were manifested for Mr. Grover, and no one left such a deep and lasting impression upon the minds and hearts of the entire people as did this devoted pastor.

Mr. Grover was succeeded by the Rev. Richard F. Cleveland, who was installed in the summer of 1834. Mr. Cleveland's pastorate extended over a period of six and one-half years. He was possessed of very superior ability, and was fervent and logical as a preacher. During his ministry one hundred and nine

people were united to the church. He enlisted the the year 1870 special interest in religious matters was

respeet and sympathy of his parishioners, and left many warm friends in Caldwell. It was during his ministry here that his son, tirover Cleveland, was born, who now occupies the gubernatorial chair of the State of New York, and in 1884 was elected to the I'residency of the United States.

In 1841, Rev. Samuel L. Tuttle, a graduate of Princeton College and of Auburn Theological Semi- nary, was settled as pastor. During his pastorate the church was prosperons and united, and enjoyed three revivals of considerable interest. In 1848 the old bell, which was purchased from Daniel Pod, of Mend- ham, who had cast it for the Newark court-house, was displaced by a new one, at a cost of six hundred and eighteen dollars, and weighed sixteen hundred and twenty pounds. During that year the church grounds were graded and planted with maples and elms, which now add so greatly to the beauty and attractiveness of the village. Mr. Tuttle was a gentle- man of nntiring energy, a sound and entertaining preacher and popular among all classes of his parish- ioners. He resigned his charge March 7, 1849.

He was succeeded by Rev. Isaac N. Sprague, D.D., who began his labors Jan. 1, 1850. Dr. Sprague was an carnest and devoted pastor. In the pulpit he was often singularly impressive. He was a revivalist, and during his stay the accessions to the church were four hundred and sixty in all,-a yearly average of twenty-four. During his pastorate the in- terior of the church underwent repair and improve- ment, an organ was provided and the cemetery pur- chased.

He had been pastor of several large and prosperous churches, and' led to Caldwell from the Second Congregational Church of Brooklyn. He resigned his charge in Caldwell Jan. 1, 1869. During his con- nection with the church additions of membership were made as follows: In May, 1851, 48 ; in March, 1855, 27; in May, 1857, 47 ; in May, 1858, 61; in May, 1×60, 22; in May, 1862, 70; in August, 1864, 22; in May, 1866, 19.

These figures are more eloquent than words in por-

traying the activity and earnestness of this devoted pastor. His memory will be kindly cherished by all who enjoyed his ministrations.

Rev. Charles T. Berry succeeded Dr. Sprague. Mr. Berry gradnated from the College of New Jersey in 1860, and from the Union Theological Seminary, in New York, in 1863. He was installed at Caldwell May 5, 1869. His labors have been signally blessed. In his pastoral work he maintains the high standard of excellence acceded to his predecessors. Both in the pulpit and in his relations to the people he has borne himself with that commendable dignity char- acteristic of the clergyman of learning, piety and de- votion.

Mr. Berry was an earnest co-worker with his people in the erection of the present church edifice. During elicited, and there were seventy-three persons added to the church membership in May of that year. Ad- ditions of considerable numbers have been made since, as follows: In May, 1872, 14; in April, 1876, 50; in April, 1878, 11; in April. 1883, 21. The growth of the church, however, is not fully indicated by the foregoing. There have been, during the intervals above noted, continuous ac- cessions on profession and by letter,-a yearly aver- age of twenty-three. The church membership at the present time (October, 1884) numbers five hundred and eleven.

The following is a list of the officers of this church from its organization:

RULING ELDERS.

Samuel Crane, elected both dencon and eller. Dec. 4, 1781 ; died 1s11. Silus Baldwin, elected both deacon and elder, Dec. 4, 1784 ; death not ascertained.

George Personette, elected eller, Dec. 1, 1784 : died 1816.

Joseph Harrison, elected elder. Dec. 4, 1784 ; became & Methodist in 1837.

Aaron Tompkins, elected elder. Dec. 4, 1784 ; denth unascertained.

William Gould, elected elder, Dec. 4, 1784 ; died 1847.

Joseph Baldwin, elected elder, Jan. 3, 1795 ; dird 1806.

Enus Martin, elected elder, Jan. 3, 1795 ; died 1810.

Samuel Tompkins, elected eller, Jan. 3, 1795 ; death unascertained.

Jonathan Crane, elected elder, Jun. 3, 1795 ; death unascertained.

Nathaniel Douglass, Included Congregational dencon, Ort. 3, 1819 ; died 1824.

Samuel Perry, included Congregational deacon, Ort. 3, 1819 ; died 1830. Rufus Harrison, Included Congregational deacon, Oct. 3, 1819 ; died 1818.

Samuel Gould, included Congregational dencon, Oct. 3, 1819 ; died 1821. ('ulvin S. Crane, elected elder, May 12, 1831 ; died March 4, 1837. Samuel Harrison, elected chier, May 12, 1831 ; died March 5, 1849. Rufus Harrison, elected eller, May 12, 1831 ; died July 17, 1818. George P. Martin, elected elder, May 12, 1831 ; died June 12, 1876. Gen. William Gould, re-elected elder, May 12, 1831 ; died Feb. 12, 1847.

Nathaniel S. Crane, electoral older, May 12, 1831 ; died July 8, 1870. Jured F. Harrison, elected eller, May 12, 1831 ; died July 3, 1>62. Jonathan Provost, elerted older, Sept. 11, 1837 ; died Nov. 3, 1875. Henry S. Harrison, elected older, Sept. 11, 1837 ; dismissed 1843. William G. Crane, elected older, Sept. 11, 1837 ; Hemissed 1843. William Laune, elected elder, Nav. 15, 1847.

Justur A. Burnet, elected ekler Nov. 15, 1847 ; died 1857.

Caleb S. Crane, chown Nov 15, 1847 ; dimming-1 1819.

M. S. ''unfehl, elreted fur five years, Dec. 1, 1856.

S. O. Harrison, elected for five years, December, 1861 and 1866. Zemes (. Crane, elected for five years, Dec. 1, 1866.

843

CALDWELL TOWNSHIP.

Cornelius A. Jacobus, el etal for five years, Dec. 1, laBC. Noch 2. Baldwin, eler ted for five years, Dec. 1, 1866. Lewis ('. Grover, elected for five years, IM , 1 1866 ; Hamimeet in 1808. M. S Canfield, elected for five y ars, In 7. 1971. N. O. Baldwin, elected for five years Im. ? IFi) %. (. Crui, dieted for five year, Dec 7, 1x71, died July 10, 1x3. S. O. Harrin, elected for five spare, Der . 7, 1471 Asher Crane, Flotte for five yours, Der 7 1871. W Il. Bond, elected for five years, Der 7, 14"1. P N. Harris I, electedfr tiva ymary, De_T, 1"]

The seven gentlemen elected in 1871 were re-elected for five years, Der. 7, 1876. The following were first chosen at the same time: Dr. E. K. Laine, William Price. On Jan. 5, 1882, all the nine elders above, except William Price, who had changed his si- dence, were again chosen for five years.

1.ZAŁV4.

Samuel Crane, chown Dec. 4, 1724 ; died 1 11. Solar Baldwin, chown Der 4, 1 ~~ 4. death unascertain.

Nathaniel Danglass, chosen Ort. 3, 3810 : dia 1824. Samuel Perry, chosen IN 1. 3, 1813 , du 1 18:30. Rufus Harrison, chosen Oct 3, 1×1! . chosen elder, 1mil . dial 1-18. Samuel Gould, chosen Det . , 1819 ; diedl 1-21.

Caleb · rane, date of election not recorded ; died 1×H.

Davul Harrison, date of election not rec riled, died 1×3%.

David Mintonyen, chosen May 12, 1x33 ; died 1234

Henry &. Harrison, boven May 12, 1×35, alumen older in 1837 , die- minmunt in 1×4.3.

Jonathan Provost, chosen May 12, 1833.

Ezra Beach, chosen Sept. 11, 1837 ; hed 1541.

Justus A. Barnet, chosen Sept. 11, 137 , chomen older in Ist" , dial 1×57.

Elijah Pierson, chosen Sept. 11, 1837 ; died IM 2

Reinhver Van Gieson, chosen Sept. 11, 187 ; died May 18, 188.1.

William Lane, chosen Sept. 11, 1837 ; chosen older in 15-17

Horaco Mintohyea, chosen Nov Ji, 1547.

Thomas D. Gould, chosen for five years, Nov. 15, 1847 ; died 1854. Parker Riker, chosen for five years, Nov. 15, 1847 ; died 1972. Samuel O. Harrison, chosen for five years, Nav. In, 15IT John De Camp, chosen for five years, Suy 15, 1847 ; died.

Asher Crane, chosen for five years, Dec. 1, 1956 ; five years again in 1×61 ; re-elected 1×66 for five years.

Cornelius 1J. Jacobus, chosen for five years, Bec. 1, 1856 . five years again in 1861 ; re-elected 1x66 for five yours.

Noah 0 Baldwin, chosen for five years, Der. 1, INiG ; five years again in Imil ; re-electrol 1866 for five years.

Willem II. Bend, elected for five years ; re-, Jected Der 7, 157]

Matthias (', Dobling, elected For five years ; re-elected Dec. 7, 1571. Anthony Bowden, elected for five years ; reales fre Dec. 7, 1871. Thomas Hong, chomen for five years, Der 5, 1871

J. O. Crane, five years, Der. 7, 187]

On Dec. 7, 1876, the three last named, with Richard (. Campbell, were elected for five years, and Jan. 4, 1582, all were re-elected for five years, and Cyrus B. C'rane added.

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH of Caldwell was organ- izel by ten steadfast Baptista, who met at Mrs. Under- hill's house, in Verona, June 10, ISAS. It was first called the Caldwell and Bloomfield Church. The first pastor, Rev. John Q. Adams, was an aggressive preacher. Hlis sermons on baptism evoked a great deal of bitter discussion, and for a season demoral- ized his field of labor. But he was an carnest man, of large sympathies, and a thoughtful friend, whose companionship was a source of teaching and spiritual profit. His special revivals of 1849 and 1850 were models, in that they were made occasions for simple religious instruction, which was imparted with an en-

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History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 37

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