History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 6

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 6
USA > New Jersey > Essex County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 6

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During this time the church was greatly indebted , footprints, as a zealous and efficient worker, the rec- to the interest and labors of Rev. David 11. Pierson, D.D., by whose influence a number of the residents of the neighborhood holding their membership in About the same time a school was organized and held in Mr. Matthew Scott's house and other houses in the immediate vicinity of Evergreen Cemetery. In this school no regular superintendent was appointed, but efficient aid was rendered by the Rev. Lewis Bond, Messrs. Elihu Bond and James Brown, who alternated from time to time in rendering aid both as directors and teachers, Mrs. Scott and Mrs. Tich- enor being the first teachers. the churches of Elizabeth and Newark, were per- suaded to transfer their membership to it. Aug. 6, 1859, the eldership was strengthened by the election of Henry Mecker, Jacob S. Dodd, and James B. Baker. Nov. 2, 1859, Rev. George M. S. Blauvelt was installed over the church as its pastor. Mr. Blauvelt's pastorate, which continued until the last Sabbath in January, 1864, was eminently successful. On the 25th of May following the congregation chose Still another gathering of children during the same autumn assembled at the house of Mrs. Grummon, and held the first session. After a few Sabbaths the place of meeting was changed to the home of Mr. Samuel R. Winans, until the building of the red school- George C. Pollock, a recent graduate of Princeton, and a native of Ireland, as the successor of Mr. Blau- velt, and on Nov. 15, 1864, the Presbytery of Passaic met in Lyons Farms for his ordination and installa- tion in the pastorate. Mr Pollock continued the house, in 1819, and there continued for many years, popular and beloved pastor of the church for seven- with Mr. Winans as its first superintendent, Mrs. Grummon, Mary Lyon, Abby Bond, Mr. Jonathan Winans and Mr. Styles as teachers. teen years, the pastoral relation being dissolved Jan. 4, 1882. The present pastor is Rev. John R. Hen- derson, who was installed April 27, 1852.

There are two other religions organizations in this township,-one a Protestant Episcopal and the other Roman t'atholie, both of which are quite small.

THE SABBATH-SCHOOLS OF LYONS FARMS .-- Dur- ing the summer of 1816, Mrs. Elizabeth Ogden and Miss Abby Chandler visited every family in this vicin- ity, and with prayer and entreaty brought before the community the great importance of the Sunday-school work for the young, desiring the aid and sympathy of tiod's children in the work.

On Sabbath, August 6th, twelve scholars assembled in the little school-house standing near the present

Praver was offered, the Scriptures read by the scholars, who were catechised in the primitive style, singing from Watts' " Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs '

a school which was organized in the stone school- house, and for many long years she proved her devo- tion to the cause by earnestly laboring for the chil- dren's spiritual growth.

We next associate the name of Mr. Obadiah Meeker, the first gentleman superintendent and teacher in this school, who also for many years expressed by ser- vice the deep interest he felt for the young, and long after health failed him for active service did he love to advise and counsel for the school's prosperity.

Later, we find his son Henry following in the same ord of whose life of devotion is familiar to the young- est child in our schools.

All of the schools were under the superintendency of Mrs. Ogden, who went from school to school to cheer by her bright tare and happy Christian life, thankful to God that she could be numbered among the la- borers of the vineyard.

. Quarterly and semi-yearly gatherings of the schools were held in the stone school-house, as the most central locality, where encouraging words of cheer were spo- ken to the faithful teachers and scholars, stimulated in their studies by public recitation of Scripture verses, catechism and hymns. The privilege was so much appreciated by the scholars in the different schools that as many as sixteen hundred verses have been re-

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CLINTON TOWNSHIP.

corded as u recitation from one of the scholars, learned in one quarter. So many were desirous to recite to their teachers that Saturday afternoon gatherings were introduced to enable all to participate, and not to take from the hour of school on the Sabbath.

The names of Mrs. Daniel Price, Miss Abbie Wilson, and Rachel Cooper, Mrs. Wmans, Mrs. Grummon, Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Brown, Mr. Jonathan Winans, and Thomas Hand are prominent names among the scholars of the primitive schools, of which some are still living

From these primitive schools we have those associ- atre (at this time) with the Presbyterian and Baptist Churches and the U'mon School at Waverly.

Never through winter or summer have these schools been discontinued, and they have ever exerted a potent influence over the generations which have been blessed by their instructions, and made stronger and better men and women to meet lite's obligations.

Scholars who have grown to manhood, sheltered and nourished by these schools, have assumed respon- sible relations as pastors, elders and church workers, and have made better neighbors and more useful citizens by their influence.

Noteworthy Persons-CYRUS DURAND. - Promi- uently identified with the industries of this township and the county was the late C'yrus Durand, one of the most remarkable inventive geniuses of the age in which he lived, or most any other age. Born in 1787; was the second son of John and Rachael ( Myers) Durand. His father was of the Huguenot stock, and came to this country after the revocation of the Ediet of Nantes and settled in Derby, Conn. His grand- father, Samuel Durand, came to New Jersey in 17.0), Henry Mecker's father, Obadiah Meeker, Jr., was born in the township of Elizabeth Feb. 17, 1782, and and settled in what is now Jefferson village, then a part of Springfield township. The education of lied Oct. 2, 1855. Ile was a farmer, and lived an in- ('yrus was limited, his whole schoolage costing but dustrious, useful life. He was called to positions of honor and trust in the county and State. about fourteen dollars. He made up the deficiency by reading all books that he could get hold of. When His mother, Jerusha Cook Harrison, was born in the village of Connectient Farms, N. I., Sept. 25, 1784. For more than sixty years a consistent follower of Christ, abonnding in all good works, wearing her year's not as a burden, but as a crown, children and children's children arose and called her blessed. She died Oct. 15, 1871. the Edinburgh Encyclopedia came out t'yrus was among its first patrons. To this work Ine was greatly indebted for thoughts that subsequently developed into the most useful mechanism of the age in which he lived. At the age of fourteen he began work in his father's shop, soon mastering the arts and sciences taught there. Besides this, he made sleeve-buttons, finger-rings and other goods of a similar character, finding sale for his wares among his near neighbors. Ile next took up the silversmith trade, there being two men following it in Newark at that time.

At the age of nineteen he took up the trade of clock-making, and invented und made the machine for cutting from solid brass all the gearing, and, in fact, all parts of the clock except the face and bell. At that time he often walked to New York for some little casting that he wanted. Jersey City was then Paulus Hoeck, and the ferriage was nine cents.

He married at the age of nineteen, and removed to Newark, where John Taylor advised him to turn his

attention to turning-lathes for brass and iron work and for jewelry. This was the beginning of a line of inventions in lathe and press work that has brought our bank-note engraving to its present high character. From that time ouward his life was filled up with inventions,-machines for line engraving, pencil and watch-case ornamenting, etc. One of his singular inventions was the " grammation," a machine on which any sentence could be placed, and the office of each part of speech clearly seen. His prominent work in life, however was his geometrical lathe work for bank-notes. Through his efforts the work has been carried to its highest perfection, which he taught to a few of his assistants. In short, it may truly be said that Cyrus Durand was, when in the prime of life, the inventive genius, the mechanical brains of Newark. Ile was master of twenty-four different occupations, either of which would atlord him a liv- ing. He died in Is68, mourned by all who knew him.

HENRY MEEKER. The remote ancestors of Henry Merker in this country are traced back to William Meeker, who was registered at New Haven, Conn., in 1644, and with his sons Benjamin and Joseph are re- corded among the associates who bought the site of the town of Elizabeth, N. J., of the Indians in 1644. His grandfather, Obadiah Meeker, born in 1738 and dlied in 1828, served through the Revolutionary war as a captain of cavalry, under the command of Gen. Philemon Dickinson, of New Jersey ; he was at the battle of Monmouth, and stilwequently was made a prisoner, and confined for some time in one of the Jersey prison-ships, near New York.

Henry Meeker was born March 19, 1808, on the old homestead between Newark and Elizabeth, held in the family for many generations. His is an unsullied record. Through his long life of seventy-five years he held many positions of trust and usefulness, and faithfully were they filled. The Presbyterian Church was the one of his choice, and for the greater part of his life he held the positions of elder and Sabbath- school superintendent. At Mankato, Minn .. whither he had gone on a summer trip, Ang. 31, 1833, the prayer, "Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am," was answered for him, and now with the pure in heart he sees fiod, and is satisfied in His likeness.

702

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

Industries .- The early records allude to several saw mills; thus in a survey for a road which was made in 1709. It began "at the saw mill path; thence run- ning as the path runneth to Brown's line," etc.

In 1712 a survey was made "to John Brown on Elizabeth River, beginning on Bushy Plain Brook where the path that leads to the Saw mill crosses said Bruok," etc.

The mill was probably completed in accordance with the foregoing agreement. Mr. Treat, however, having returned to Connecticut, it is set forth in " Town-Meeting." May 16, 1683, --

Be it known that I, Richard Harrison, having bought Mr. Treat's l'art of the Mill, and am obliged according to the Covenant und Coudi- tions th reof afs'd, having formerly, and do now again make over, all my Right to the Mill onto my sons Samuel, Joseph and George Harrison ; they being become obliged unto the Town in all particulars mentioned in the said Covenant, to observe and keep the same in all Respects as fully as 1, the said Richard Harrisou, was obliged to. And the said Samuel, Joseph and George Harrison, have und do declare in the Town-Meeting, their acceptance of the Mill, upon the same Conditions as is in the said Covenant exprest. Also, the Town doth declare their Acceptance of the onid Samuel, Joseph and George Harrison, in their Father's stead-this was voted in the Meeting above said.

By decd dated Dec. 28, 1693, in consideration of thirty-eight pounds, half in silver money, Samuel and Joseph Harrison conveyed to Samuel Plum " Two parts in three of the Grist Mill on the Mill brook, and two parts in three of twelve acres on Mill brook Plain, having Samuel Rose on the west, John Ward Turner and Samuel Plum north Highway E. & Mill hrook or Highway south." In the division of the estate of Samuel Plum, made between his son, John Plum, and son-in-law, John Medis, by agreement March 1, 1707-8, the grist mill was to be retained and jointly owned by them with a covenant that neither should sell his interest without consent of and first refusal of the other,

"Town Meeting, January 20th, 1714-15, it was then agreed by Vote yt John ford Should have Liberty to Sett a Mill below ye old Mill; and that he Should have a quarter of an Acre of Land."

The foregoing is all that the record contains in reference to the first corn mill. Saw mills must have been called for, and this demand was probably soon met by private enterprise. The early records only allude to these mills,

Shortly after the formation of the township, in the year 1836, the Belcher Brothers established their rule factory, and Cyrus Durand, Esq., his watch-case fac- tory on Elizabeth River, and added much to the in- dustry and character of Camptown. The rule factory was burnt in 1568 or '69, and the business transferred to Newark. The watch-case factory was not a success, and was converted into a machine-shop, long the attraction of the place. Cyrus Durand has already been spoken of.

There are two grist and flouring mills in the town- ship, one operated by steam and the other by water- power, both owned and carried on by Nathaniel Drake.

Farming, horticulture and gardening are now the leading industries of the township, and small fruits are a specialty by some of our horticulturists. Elias W Durand, Esq., one of our citizens, has, after the experi- ments of fifteen years, taken the premium at the National Exhibition at Philadelphia, for the finest display of new seedling strawberries, one of them, the largest ever produced, the Great American, being nine inches in circumference,

Clinton Lodge, No. 18, I. O. of O. F., meets at Irvington on Monday evenings.

This lodge was instituted on Jan. 28, 1843, and was organized with the following officers: N. G., Aaron Gilbert; V. G., Ezra Durand; Ree. Sec., Horace Van Houten ; Per. Sec., Archibald G. Day ; Treas., Robert G. Harrison.

The present officers: N. G., Charles W. Harrison ; V. G., James Jameson, Sec., Edwin D. Harrison ; Treas., Charles H. Paulus.

The membership on April 1, 1884, was twenty-three. Since its organization one hundred and ninety-six persons have been admitted to membership. It owns a substantial three story brick building, renting the first floor for stores and the second for the Town Hall, using the upper floor for lodge purposes. In the early part of April, 1874, the lodge granted withdrawal cards to a number of its members for the purpose of becoming charter members of llope Lodge, No. 179, at South Orange, which was instituted on the after- noon of April 29th.

At the last session of the Grand Lodge this lodgo was represented by Brother Edwin D. Harrison, P. G., and at a caucus of the Past Grands of the district he was unanimously selected for appointment as D. D. (}. M. for District No. 6, which comprise Lodges Nos. 7, 8, 11, 18, 28, 135, 152, 181 and Lodge No. 42, Daughters of Rebekah.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

ELIAS W. DURAND.

Mr. Durand received a fair education at private schools in New York City, at boarding-school in Mendham, N. J., and finally at the old Academy where the custom-house now stands, in Newark. At the age of fifteen he was taken to New York City to learn the business of bank-note engraving with his father. During a period of depression he was per- suaded to try watch-case and jewelry engraving, with Taylor, Baldwin & Co., at Newark, then the most pro- minent firm in the country. Feeling the restraint in- cident to close application, and hardly satisfied with the conditions imposed, he concluded, being under no obli- gation to remain, to return to New York City, and per- feet himself under the instruetion of John T. White,

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BIOGRAPHICAL.

the most celebrated engraver of the time in that line. Remaining with him about two years and becoming a master in the art, he concluded to purchase and pur- sue the business of his employer and instructor, con- tinuing it with several journeymen and apprentices. Finding those spasmodic periods of depression inci- dent to the business and so discouraging in their results continually occurring, he concluded to try wood engraving, as not only more reliable, but afford- ing a higher and more desirable range in art, re- ceiving all the necessary instructions, under J. A. Adams, then engaged with the Harpers, and about to

doned portraits, and in company with his uncle the world-renowned A. B. Durand), proceeded at once to study from nature. Being already prepared by an extensive and varied experience in art, he made rapid progress, continuing until completely prostrated by the necessary confinement it imposed.

When commencing the life of a landscape painter he removed to Newark, in Essex County, but later removed to Greenville, on Bergen Neck, going daily to his studio in New York City. Finding it impossi- ble to continue, he again returned to Irvington, his present residence.

EH Demand

issue his pictorial Bible. With his previous experi- ence, he soon became master of the art, pursuing it for a time very successfully. At the age of twenty-two he married Emma, daughter of Lyman S. Averill, a merchant of Irvington, N. J., at which place he resided while engaged in business in New York. About this time he, assisted by his father, invented and perfected a machine for the purpose of engraving the skies and tints upon wood, which, proving a great success, he sold advantageously. He concluded at the age of twenty five to turn his attention to a higher art, that of portrait and landscape painting. Finding the study of landscape far more enticing, he soon aban-

With opportunity for more vigorous exereise in the way of gunning and fishing, which afforded partial relief from dyspeptic troubles, he pursued bis art until a recurrence of ill health warned him that entire life out of doors was a positive necessity.

Reluctantly the pencil and brush were laid aside awaiting renewed and established health or abandon- ment forever.

Finding this course imperative, he commenced the erection of ice-houses upon his place. Having more leisure time, and an inclination to be inventive and experimental, and being also a fair mechanie; with his father's tools and machinery at hand, he proceeded

7114

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

to make guns and pistols for his owo use, in which he was successful, and some of which he still retains. Ilis love for landscape would occasionally force him to the easel, but every effort insuring a return of the old dyspeptic symptoms, he concluded upon a more active out-of-door life. In 18.7 he became ac- quainted with Seth Boyden, who at the time was experimenting successfully with the strawberry, and becoming interested, Mr. Durand also began a series of experiments to satisfy himself as to the peculiar effects in the way of originating. He soon became involved in all the perplexities that thorough investi- gation must invariably provoke.

For a period of twenty years the brush and the pencil, the colors and palette, have been laid aside, to be again taken up with the same old love and re- newed health, coupled with caution and care for its continuance. Being spare and light in build, and active in habit, he still retains the vigor of boyhood and as an intense student of Nature yet bids fair to become as well known io art as in agriculture.

ELIAS W. DRAKE.

Mr. Drake is of English ancestry. His grandfather, Nathaniel Drake, was born in Metuchen, N. J., and

At times he would determine to abandon the whole work, but hesitating to lose the results of so many years of intense labor, has continued in a more mode- rate way, the whole inatter becoming more certain and plain by the establishment of certain principles, which an extensive experimental course only cau confirm. In the production of this fruit he has ex- cited the wonder of and astonished the whole country by the extent and value of his productions. Being deeply interested in agricultural pursuits, and espe- cially in the improvement of all fruits, the public must now and in the future be greatly indebted to him for his efforts in this direction.

later removed to Plainfield, N. J., where he con- ducted a successful milling business. llis three children were Nathaniel, Daniel and Elkanah. Nath- aniel was a native of Plainfield, where his birth oc- curred in 1788. He followed the business of his father, first at l'lainfield and later at Scotch Plains, Essex (now U'nion) Co., and married Miss Huldah l'aine, of Oak Tree, Middlesex Co., N. J. Their children were John P., Isaac, Elias W., William, Corra ()., Eliza Ann, Sarah, Hannah, Nancy, Emma and Cornelia. Elias W. was born Aug. 27, 1821, at Scotch Plains, N. J., where he remained until sixteen years of age, meanwhile attending the neighboring

705

BIOGRAPHICAL.

school or finding useful employment at home. His Church of Lyons Farms, Essex Co., in which he has first independent effort was made in Newark, where held official relations. he engaged as a grocer's clerk, and remained four years in that capacity. Returning at the expiration of this time to the place of his birth, he entered his JOSIAH L. BALDWIN. father's mill, and soon after on attaining his majority, engaged in the flour and feed business in Newark, which he conducted for four years. Mr. Drake then leased a mill at Scotch Plains and operated it for three years, when Irvington became his home. Here he purchased the mill property he now owns and has managed successfully for a period of thirty-two years, during which time he has been one of the most im-

Mr. Baldwin traces his lineage to England, from whence a branch of the family came to America more than two centuries ago and settled in Con- necticut, removing at a later date to Newark, N. J. In the line of descent from one of these pioneers was Josiah, a native of South Orange, Essex Co., where his father followed the employment of a far- mer. He married Lydia Ogden, of North Orange,

Josiech & Baldvin

portant factors in the business interests of the place. He erected, in 1871, a steam mill in Newark, now con- ducted by his sons. Mr. Drake was married, on the Ist of Jannary, 1842, to Harriet C., daughter of Mahlon Smalley, of Somerset County, whose children are George D., Mahlon S., Jr., Nathaniel, Augusta and Harriet C. (Mrs. Irving B. Harrison). Mr. Drake has, while manifesting a reasonable degree of publie spirit, participated but rarely in the political movements of the time. He is a Democrat in politics and has held various township offices, but does not aspire to more exalted political honors. He is in his religious views x Baptist and member of the Baptist 40

and had children,- Abram, Samuel, J. Ogden, Rachel, Abigail, l'olly and Lydia. Samuel was born in 1782 in South Orange township, where he managed the double interests of a farmer and manufacturer of shoes. In 1808 he purchased a farm west of Newark, in Clinton township upon which he spent the remain- der of his life. He married Mary, daughter of James Meeker, of Connecticut Farms, Essex (now I'nion) Co., N. J., and had children,-Harris M., Josiah 1 .. , Samuel O., Abigail L. and Mary (Mrs. Joseph Belcher). Josiah L. was born Nov. 4, 1×10, on the homestead farm in Clinton township, where his early life was spent. He received the usual advantages

700

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

accorded to farmers' sons, and until 1849 was actively employed in the labor incident to agricultural life. During the latter year he removed to New York and engaged with his brother in the wholesale boot and shoe business. In 1$51 he formed a copartnership with George P. Brown for the manufacture of patent leather and continued this enterprise for three years. The death of his father in 1550 influenced his return th Clinton township, when he assumed charge of the homestead farm and cultivated the land until 1871, when the property passed by purchase into other hands. Since then Mr. Baldwin, having retired from business, has made Irvington, N J., his place of resi - denee. He is in politics a Demorrat and was formerly active in the political arena, having for a period of fifteen years, though not consecutively, held the othice of freeholder of the township, and in 1868 been elected to the State Legislature. Ile is a Free and Accepted Mason and member of Franklin Lodge, No. 10, of that order. Though not directly connected with any church, he is a supporter of all religious denominations.

CHAPTER LV.

MILLBURN TOWNSHIP.1

Geographical and Topographical .- This is the southwest corner township of Essex County, and was erected from Springfield in 1857 upon the erection of Union County. It is bounded on the east by South Orange, the south and southwest by Union County, on the northwest by Morris County, and on the north by Livingston township, Essex County.

It is watered on the northwest by the Passaic River, which forms that boundary line. Canoe Brook rises in Livingston township, flowing northwesterly to near the Poor Farm, in Millburn, thence westerly into the Passaic River. The east branch of Rahway River rises in West Orange, flowing southwesterly enters this township at its northeast corner, continu- ing in the same direction to near the village of Mill- burn, where it defleets to the south. leaving the town- ship at its southwest corner. There are several other small streams, sufficient to give the township an abundant supply of water for all purposes,

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History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 6

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