History of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, New Jersey : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 164

Author: Snell, James P; Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1170

USA > New Jersey > Somerset County > History of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, New Jersey : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 164
USA > New Jersey > Hunterdon County > History of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, New Jersey : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 164

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).

"In memory of Cornelius Messler, who departed this life May 25, 1806, aged 80 years and five months. " And this is all we know,- They are completely blessed ;

Have done with sin & care & wo, And with their Saviour rest.

"He was a man of sterling piety and great moral worth, serving the church in his day faithfully, and living daily a life of piety and devotion."

His son Cornelius inherited the plantation on the Lamington River, and died in the old mansion house which had sheltered two generations and been sanc- tified by so many prayers.

Abraham Messler pursued his classical studies at New Germantown and Lamington. He entered Union College in September, 1819, and graduated

* May 13, 1801, he sold this property to Cornelius Terhune, and It later passed into the hands of Dr. Samuel Swan, who sold it to Dr. Peter I. Stryker In 1810; in 1836 it passed to Joshua Doughty, Its present owner,

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with honors in 1821. In the following September he joined the theological seminary at New Brunswick, from which he graduated in 1824, in the last class which enjoyed the privilege of the instructions of Dr. John H. Livingston. During the summer, after hav- ing been licensed to preach by the Classis of New Brunswick, he served as a missionary at Montville, in Morris Co., N. J., and in the autumn went to Ovid, Seneca Co., N. Y., in the same capacity. He received a call to settle as pastor from both these congregations, and in May, 1825, was installed at Ovid. His health suffered soon from the climate, and in 1828 he resigned his charge and came back to New Jersey, having in the mean time contracted marriage with Miss Elma Doremus, of New York. In 1829 he assumed the pastoral charge ot the United Congregations of Montville and Pompton Plains, where he continued for three and a half years. In this charge his labors were greatly blessed, a large number of the young people having united with the church, a thing un- known in that region of the church before that time.

In 1832 he received a call from the First Church of Raritan (Somerville), then one of the most numerous and influential churches in the General Synod. He eame to Somerville with many fears. The church had had, in 1821 and 1822, one of the most remarkable re- vivals of which there is any account in the American churches. It had the Governor of the State in it as an elder, with many other men known in public life. It had been vacant for several years, and it seemed almost presumptuous for a young man to assume such a charge. Circumstances, however, appeared to impel him to the act, and he went. How little he expected that it was to be for life, and that he would stand in that pulpit forty-seven years. Yet so God willed, and it was so.

In 1854, Dr. Messler traveled extensively in Eng- land, Scotland, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. On his return he wrote and published in the Christian Intelligencer a series of articles on "Holland, Belgium, and the Rhine, and the Isle of Wight," ex- tending to 56 numbers. He had previously published n series on the "Christian Ministry," in 52 numbers; "The Confession of Faith," 6 numbers; "Reformers before the Reformation," 35 numbers. During five years he wrote more than 300 leading articles in the Christian Intelligencer; also occasional sermons, me- morial sermons, and historical notes, "Centennial History of Somerset County," memorials of Governor Vroom, with numerous other occasional publications.

On Sept. 11, 1876, he and his wife celebrated their "golden wedding." All their children and grand- children except two were present at dinner, and in the evening a crowd of their friends in the congrega- tion eame to greet them and unite in the joy of the occasion. The presents were numerous and valuable.

In 1879, having entered the eightieth year of his age, and the fifty-sixth of his ministry, he retired from active service, and is now living in his own house in

Somerville. His only living son, T. D. Messter, of Pittsburgh, Pa., is comptroller and third vice-president of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and also holds the office of president of several of the western roads controlled and operated by this company.

In a green old age, he is yet comfortable, and able to give an occasional service with vigor and feeling.

SECOND REFORMED CHURCH OF RARITAN."

The Second Reformed Church at Raritan was organ- ized March 5, 1834. The chief cause of this movement was the fact that the old edifice in which the First Reformed Church at Raritan then worshiped was too small to hold all who crowded there. The original members were twenty-four persons dismissed from the First Reformed Church. The first Consistory were Peter Z. Elmendorf, James Taylor, Brogun I. Brokaw, and Thomas Talmage, Elders; John A. Staats, Peter Hodge, Thomas A. Hartwell, and James Bergen, Deacons. Brogun I. Brokaw was elected president. Gen. John Frelinghuysen may be regarded as the originator of this project, for he proposed and advo- cated it while in health, and left by will $200 to further it.

At the end of the first year the Consistory reported to the Classis 67 families and 60 members in full com- munion. Immediate steps were taken towards the erection of a house of worship, and the corner-stone was laid July 30, 1834, with appropriate ceremonies, by Rev. Messrs. Sears, Messter, and Morris. A box was deposited therein, containing a parchment which recorded, among other items, that

"On the first Sabbath of June, 1834, the Lord's Supper was adminis- tered for the first time to the Church by Rev. Philip Milledoler, D.D., president of Rutgers College, and that the service was held In the court- house, The building committeo of this church uro Isaac Southard, Peter Z. Elmendorf, John I. Gaston, Ellas Vance, and James Taylor; the master-carpenters, James P. Goltra and William Kipp; and the master- mason, Cornelius A. Tunison.

The congregation was incorporated, under the laws of New Jersey, March 28, 1834, with its present style and title. The building was dedicated Feb. 18, 1835, in the presence of a large congregation. On the 4th of March succeeding the dedication seventy-five of the one hundred pews were sold for $44300,-about the original cost of this building. A special and subse- quent subscription provided the means for a fence around the church lot.

After having twice been unsuccessful, a third etfort was made to procure a pastor, and May 2, 1835, Rev. Charles Whitehead, of Hopewell, N. Y., was called. He accepted, and settled as the first pastor on the last Sunday of May, 1835. Ile was installed by the Classis of New Brunswick, Sept. 2, 1835. He remained in charge nearly four years, when a severe and protracted attack of bronchitis led to a dissolution of the pastoral relation, March 27, 1839, by mutual consent. Rev.

* From an historical sermon delivered on the fortleth anniversary, Sunday, March 8, 1871, by Rev. John F. Meslek, D.D., pastor, with ad- ditional statistica to 1880.

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SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

Talbot W. Chambers was called Sept. 4, 1839. He commenced his labors in October following, and was ordained and installed in January, 1840. In 1848 this congregation and its pastor experienced a sore trial in the organization of the Third Reformed Church at Raritan, which took away, at one time, 30 families and 33 members. Dr. Chambers accepted the call of the Collegiate Church, and removed, Nov. 3, 1849, to New York. The next pastor was Rev. Elijah R. Craven, who was called Jan. 9, 1850, and entered on his duties March following. The present commodious and pleas- ant parsonage was first occupied by the new pastor. Dr. Craven accepted the call of the Third Presby- terian Church of Newark, and resigned his office Oct. 21, 1854.

The Rev. John F. Mesick, a graduate of the insti- tutions at New Brunswick, but settled over the Ger- man Reformed Church of Harrisburg, Pa., was elected pastor Jan. 22, 1855.

The enlargement of the edifice was completed Dec. 2, 1863. The far-seeing founders of this church had included that improvement in their plans, for the staunch frame was capable of this addition.

The records are incomplete in reference to the first three pastorates, but we find in the book containing the record of contributions to religious and benevo- lent purposes the following summary : During Dr. Whitehead's ministry, $482.81; Dr. Chambers' min- istry, $1505.99; Dr. Craven's ministry, $37.80; Dr. Mesick's ministry, $30,973.40.

Before Dr. Whitehead came there were 60 members in full communion. Under his ministry there were received on confession, 57; by certificate from other churches, 69. He left it with 93 families and 107 communicants. Under Dr. Chambers' ministry were added on confession, 164; by certificate, 126. At his resignation there were 100 families and 252 communi- cant members. During Dr. Craven's pastorate there were brought in on confession, 61; by certificate, 88, and at his removal there were 112 families and 275 communicants. Within the existing pastorate (25 years) there have been received on confession, 423; by certificate, 465; total, 888.

The following ministers of the gospel have been called from the ranks of the members of this church : Rev. Elbert S. Porter, D.D., Rev. John Beekman, Rev. Peter Q. Wilson, Rev. Andrew J. Hageman, Rev. Goyn Talmage, D.D., Rev. J. H. Frazee, Rev. Frederick Wilson, Rev. William H. Vroom. The Sunday-school has at present 300 pupils, with a li- brary of about 800 volumes. The officers are Sering P. Dunham, Superintendent; P. N. Mitchell, Assist- ant Superintendent; Cornelius V. D. Smith, Secre- tary and Treasurer; James Gaston, Librarian.

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH."

It is difficult to ascertain just who first conceived the idea of establishing a Baptist Church at this

place, where for many years the field had been almost entirely occupied by the Dutch Reformed, there being two large influential churches in the town, while within a radius of seven miles there were six others of the same denomination. But we find that Pethuel Mason and Samuel B. Tunison were both actively engaged in the preliminary arangements, as well as in sustaining the cause after its organization. Mr. Mason was baptized by Rev. Spencer H. Cone, and united with the First Baptist Church of New York City in October, 1842 ; Mr. Tunison was baptized by Mr. Barker at Somerville, June 25, 1843, and united with the Samptown Church.

Then commenced the efforts of these two men for a Baptist Church at Somerville. During that summer (1843) they arranged to have preaching in the court- house every two weeks by Mr. Barker and Rev. S. J. Drake, of Plainfield, alternately, and several Baptists were collected together. About September 1, Jesse B. Saxton came to Somerville and devoted himself to the work of preaching the gospel. During this same month Rev. Mr. Leach, pastor of the Baptist Church at Hamilton, while on a visit to Somerville, baptized Levi H. Shattuck.

The church was constituted Oct. 31, 1843, with the following eleven members: Jesse B. Saxton, Pethuel Mason, Samuel B. Tunison, Jas. G. Coleman, Jr., Samuel Pangborn, Levi H. Shattuck, Charity Tuni- son, Elizabeth S. Coleman, Ann Pangborn, Ursula Kelley, Mary Opie. The council of recognition was composed of delegates from the First New Brunswick, Piscataway, First and Second Plainfield, Baptisttown, and Wearts Corner Churches. At the organization P. Mason was chosen deacon, Jas. G. Coleman, Jr., church clerk, and S. B. Tunison was soon after elected treasurer.

Early the next spring a lot on the north side of Main Street was secured and a house commenced. It was built of brick, upon a foundation of stone, 40 by 50 feet. There were 50 pews on the main floor with a seating capacity for 250 persons, and a gallery in one end capable of seating 50 more. The house (in- cluding lot, etc.) cost about $4000. Mr. Saxton re- mained at Somerville about one year.

In October, 1844, Henry C. Fislı, a licentiate of the First Baptist Church at New York, was secured as a supply, the meeting-house being opened for worship Jan. 31, 1845. He served the church for six years and three months. There were 18 members when he commenced his labors. During his pastorate 102 were received and 34 dismissed, leaving a member- ship of 86 at the time of his removal. While he was with them they not only became self-sustaining, but contributed $811.91 to objects of benevolence. Through his efforts a handsome tower was erected on the meet- ing-house, and a bell and a town-clock placed therein. He resigned Jan. 1, 1851.

The second pastor was George P. Nice, of Phila- delphia. He commenced his labors April 1, 1851,

* By Henry P. Mason.

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and his ordination took place on May 29th follow- ing.

During this same year the church liquidated the remaining debt, amounting to about $1400. The ordi- nance of baptism was generally administered in the Raritan River until 1856, when a baptistery was placed under the pulpit platform. In July, 1856, this church granted to Wm. A. Smith a license to preach. Mr. Smith was converted during the year 1845, and united with the church March 12, 1848. On Sunday evening, Jan. 18, 1857, the ordinance of baptism was administered in the meeting-house, during which a terrible storm prevailed. About three o'clock the next morning nearly one-third of the roof was blown off, carried 70 or 80 feet, and lodged in the roof of P. Mason's residence. Part of the gable-end fell in, and the baptistery and pews were filled with brick, snow, and rubbish. Had this occurred during the evening previous many lives must have been lost.

Rev. J. N. Folwell, of Honesdale, Pa., accepted a call to become pastor of the church in June, 1858. Ile continued about one year and six months, when he resigned.

In April, 1860, Rev. B. C. Morse, of Philadelphia, became pastor, He remained with the church about five and a half years .* For about fifteen months after Mr. Morse resigned the church was supplied by Rev. H. C. Putnam, of Somerville, Dr. Devan, of New Brunswick, and others. In the fall of 1866 it with- drew from the East New Jersey Baptist Association, with which it had been connected since organization, and united with the Central New Jersey Association.

In 1867, Rev. H. D. Doolittle became pastor. One of his first etforts was to provide a parsonage; the result of his efforts was the purchase of a house and lot on Main Street, of Joshua Doughty, for the sum of $4000, all but $1450 of which was raised by sub- seription and paid. Pethuel Mason, one of the foun- ders of the church, died of paralysis, Feb. 3, 1872, after an illness of about one year. Mr. Doolittle re- signed in October, 1872.+ During his pastorate 57 were received. The church then numbered 99 mem- bers. They had raised $1119.14 for benevolence.

In the spring of 1872 it was resolved to put up a new building. A larger lot (130 by 300 feet, on High Street) was purchased, ou which the new meeting- house and parsonage were erected. The old Iot was sold to Peter Struve for $4200, and the parsonage to Robert Thornhill for $4500. The last sermon was preached in the old house on Sunday, Aug. 18, 1872, by Mr. Doolittle, and the next day the builders com- menced taking down the old house, the material of which was used in the construction of the new one. The corner-stone was laid Sept. 12, 1872. Meetings were held in the court-house until the basement of the new building was finished.

Rev. G. W. Clark, D.D., the sixthi pastor, was called in May, 1873. In November a handsome silver com- munion-service was presented by Mrs. William Lee. The meeting-house was dedicated Dec. 4, 1873. The building is 40 by 70 feet, with a projection in front and rear. It is of brick, surmounted with a tower, in which are the bell and town-clock used in the old house. The windows are of beautiful stained glass, and the ceiling and walls handsomely frescoed. The seating capacity of the audience-room, including the gallery, is about 500. There is a lecture- and Sunday- school room in the basement. During the winter of 1873-74 a parsonage was erected on the same lot with the meeting-house. The cost of the lot and buildings was about $20,000.

Dr. Clark resigned the pastorate May 1, 1877. He was held in very high esteem by his congregation, who made him a donation of $338 just before he re- signed. He is now in the employ of the American Baptist Publication Society, and resides at Somer- ville.

In December, 1877, a call was extended to the pres- ent pastor, Rev. J. B. Mulford, of Sewickley, Pa., who commeneed his labors Jan. 1, 1878.

Only four of the constituent members are now living, and of these only S. B. Tunison and wife and Mrs. Mary Opie are members of this church. Since its organization there have been 570 persons con- nected with the church. The present membership is 212.

Up to the present date (September, 1880) this church has raised and paid out for pastors' salaries, donation visits, home expenses, and on church prop- erty the sum of $60,809.84. They have also raised for benevolence the following: Foreign missions, $1855.68; home missions, $881.33; Baptist Educa- tion Society, $301.72; Baptist Publication Society, $111.74; Baptist State Convention, $636.07 ; Bible So- ciety, §323.39 ; other objeets, $1141.38 ; total, §5251.31.

The present officers are Rev. J. B. Mulford, Pastor ; L. M. Codington, Clerk ; II. P. Mason, Treasurer ; William N. Adair, A. P. Cooper, Squier Frazee, L. M. Codington, Deacons; W. N. Adair, G. W. Clark, Asa R. Dilts, Squier Frazee, H. P. Mason, Trustees.

For several years during the early history of the church two Sunday-schools were sustained,-one at Somerville and one at Raritan, for the benefit of the members living at that place. They were afterwards merged into one school and held at Somerville. This school has always taken an interest in mission work, and at different times has sustained Karen mission- aries and educated native preachers. The number of pupils enrolled is 90, with an average attendance of 60.

ST. JOHN'S CHURCHI.

Services of the Episcopal Church had been ocen- sionally given at Somerville by the Rev. Alfred Stubbs, of New Brunswick, previous to 1850, but no clergy- man had undertaken to form a parish and to build a

* Died at Marlboro', N. J., April 20, 1876.

+ Diod June 17, 1880, nl Clinton, N. J.

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SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

church in the place before the summer of that year. In July, the Rev. John Rowland, having been recently ordained by the bishop of the diocese, was sent as a missionary of the church. The use of the court-house was granted, and divine services were regularly held every Sunday. July 31, 1851, the parish was incor- porated by the name of "the Rector, Wardens, and Vestrymen of St. John's Church in Somerville," the minister being John Rowland; the wardens, Richard B. Duyckinck and Joshua Doughty ; the vestrymen, Isaac R. Cornell, William Thomson, Albert Cam- mann, E. R. Codwise, and Edward Perry.

The corner-stone of the church was laid Sept. 4, 1851, by George Washington Doane, D.D., LL.D., bishop of the diocese. The building was completed in May, 1852, and was consecrated by the bishop of the diocese on the 28th of the same month. The edifice was erected by E. B. Goltra, of Somerville, and cost $3280. The lot on which it stands was given by Joshua Doughty, who also contributed towards the expense of the building. Isaac R. Cornell, of Wis- ton, Richard B. Duyckinck, William Thomson, Al- bert Cammann, E. S. Doughty, E. R. Codwise, Ber- tram Howell, and Mrs. Donan also contributed largely. Com. R. F. Stockton gave $300 as his own gift and $200 for the potters of Princeton. The baptismal font was presented by the Rev. Dr. Creighton, of Tarrytown, who forty years previously, when a boy, attended school at Somerville. The organ is the gift of the two sisters, Mrs. S. V. Hoffman and Mrs. R. J. Liv- ingston, of New Brunswick. The communion-plate was presented through the Rev. Eugene A. Hoffman, and by one of the Hoffman family. The Oxford folio Bible and the four octavo Prayer Books were given by the Rev. Dr. Hoffman, who was greatly instru- mental in inducing the bishop to send the missionary to Somerville. The surplices were ordered from Eng- land, and were presented to the parish by the ladies of the congregation. In 1854, Prof. McVickar, of Columbia College, gave 100 volumes to the Sunday- school.

In October, 1854, the Rev. John Rowland resigned, and after an absence of thirteen years in Louisiana he was called to the rectorship of St. John's, Somerville, in August, 1867, and is now in the thirteenth year of the second term of his ministry.

It appears from the parish register that the Rev. Mr. Black became rector in 1854 and remained in charge for a few years. After him Mr. Thomson served for several years. Upon his retirement there was a vacancy for some time, when a Mr. Badger took charge, under whom the church was much reduced from a variety of causes. In August, 1867, when the Rev. Mr. Rowland entered upon his second term, the prospect of the church was rather gloomy. But shortly afterwards several influential Episcopalian families moved to Somerville from New York ; these gave tone and strength to the congregation. Neces- sarily, the Episcopalians in Somerville are few, be-

cause the population is chiefly composed of the de- scendants of Hollanders.

The church at present is self-sustaining and flour- ishing. The congregation numbers some 30 families. The church will seat 150; the present number of communicants is about 55.

The church wardens are W. U. Onderdonk and C. W. Castner; the vestrymen, Joshua Doughty; George H. Potts, Edward Baker, H. M. Gaston, William H. Hoppock, I. H. Lord, and William J. Morgan.

The Sunday-school is composed partly of children of church members, and partly of children of Ger- man parents in the town who have no connection with church organization. There are some 60 scholars, with 12 teachers. The rector has supervision of the school.

THE FOURTH GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH OF RARITAN.

This church was organized by the Classis of Rari- tan, Aug. 18, 1879, consisting of nineteen members, by the ordination of a Consistory composed of Elders Conrad Stein, Conrad Bachr; Deacons William Koeh- ler, Herman Gooert. Number of families in 1880, 18; number of members in 1880, 23.

A house of worship was erected at a cost of $1000. A call was extended and accepted by the Rev. Fred- erick E. Schleider, who is the present pastor.

THE CHURCHES OF BOUND BROOK.

Presbyterian Church of Somerset and Middlesex Coun- ties .- Dr. R. K. Rogers, who during his long pastorate made diligent inquiry respecting the early history of this church, says,-

"English and Scotch Presbyterians began to locate on the Raritan as early as 1683, the first ones coming from Amboy, Woodbridge, and vi- cinity."

The fact of there being many Scotch Presbyterians in this vicinity indicates the probability that religious services were held here before 1700 which resulted in the formation of the Presbyterian Church. There has been no time as far back as tradition extends when there was no Presbyterian Church in existence at Bound Brook. It is generally accepted that the church was organized in 1725, although Dr. Rogers says in his historical sermon that it was organized in 1700. The Presbyterian Church at Basking Ridge was formed in 1732, and Dr. Rogers used to relate that there was a tradition that James and Sarah M. Coy, who died in 1744 and 1747 and were buried in the old burying-ground, and others who lived in that neighborhood, were constant worshipers at this church of Bound Brook, regularly attending Sunday services.

This tradition tends to show that this church is older than that of Basking Ridge.

At the organization, in 1725, discussion was held in reference to building a house of worship and its loca- tion. A building was erected, the site of which is now included in the present church-grounds. It was a low one-story building, and also used in late years as a school-house, and finally torn down. In 1760 a

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church was erected on the present church property, enlarged in 1787, rebuilt in 1829, and enlarged in 1851. At what time the property now occupied by the church and burying-ground was purchased is not known. A deed now in possession of John D. Voor- hees, treasurer of the board of trustees, dated March 24, 1790, relates that Oct. 22, 1765, John Webster, Charles Ford, and Jeremiah Field held an absolute right in fee-simple to their lots of land, held in trust for the use of the Presbyterian Congregation of Bound Brook. The first lot, 201 acres, was purchased of Benjamin Fiekl, June 1, 1749; the second, 3,16 acres, of Jeremiah Field at the same date ; and the third, containing one-quarter of an acre, of Maurice Green- ville, April 8, 1761, and joined the meeting-house property, indicating that the church was standing at that time. A charter was obtained in 178-4, and the above property was conveyed to the trustees in 1790. March 24, 1790, Tunis Ten Eyck sold to the trustees for £400 a lot (52] by 36 rods) commencing where the Middlebrook road joins the Raritan road, running down and north of it, for a parsonage lot. May 16, 1815, Daniel Bush sold to the trustees (for $1500) 911% acres between Bound Brook and Middlebrook, the present parsonage lot. Dec. 25, 1821, the prop- erty (9186 acres) described as being near the school lot and Peres Bonney's residence was soll to the Rev. John Boggs. It was again purchased by the trustees Oct. 4, 1828, and is still in the possession of the church. The present lecture-room lot was pur- chased, March 14, 1849, of John D. Voorhees, and the lecture-room soon after built. The church has owned considerable property, part of which has been soll, of which no mention is made.

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History of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, New Jersey : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 164

Author: Snell, James P; Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885 Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Peck Number of Pages: 1170

Author: Snell, James P; Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1170