History of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, New Jersey : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 168

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 168
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 168


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).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139 | Part 140 | Part 141 | Part 142 | Part 143 | Part 144 | Part 145 | Part 146 | Part 147 | Part 148 | Part 149 | Part 150 | Part 151 | Part 152 | Part 153 | Part 154 | Part 155 | Part 156 | Part 157 | Part 158 | Part 159 | Part 160 | Part 161 | Part 162 | Part 163 | Part 164 | Part 165 | Part 166 | Part 167 | Part 168 | Part 169 | Part 170 | Part 171 | Part 172 | Part 173 | Part 174 | Part 175 | Part 176 | Part 177 | Part 178 | Part 179 | Part 180 | Part 181 | Part 182 | Part 183 | Part 184 | Part 185 | Part 186 | Part 187 | Part 188 | Part 189 | Part 190 | Part 191 | Part 192 | Part 193 | Part 194 | Part 195 | Part 196 | Part 197 | Part 198 | Part 199 | Part 200 | Part 201 | Part 202 | Part 203 | Part 204 | Part 205 | Part 206 | Part 207 | Part 208 | Part 209 | Part 210 | Part 211 | Part 212


MILITARY.


The part taken by this township in the Revolution was a prominent one. The following documents ex- plain themselves :


" COMMITTEE CHAMBER, BRIDGEWATER, Feb. 21, 1776. " Whereas, by the ordinances lately made by the Provincial Congress for regulating the Militin of New Jersey, it appears necessary that each Captain should have a District for the Company he commands, wo the Committoo, necordingly grant unto Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck, the command of all the men within the following boundaries or District: Beginning


at the line of Iluulerdon Co., on the river Allamatunck, thence down said river nul also down the North Branch to the mouth of Chambers Brook, then ap the said brook to the place where William AleDonald's Mill formerly etoud, then to the top of the mountain to Capt. Stile'a line, then on a direct line down between Philip Van Narsdalen, and Chris. Van Narslalen's, westerly of W'm. Black Hulls, to the rear of Raritan River Lots, then nlong the rear of suid Ilver Lots to a line of William Lone's River Lot, thon northerly und westerly, thon down said brauch to the line which divldes the lands of Borgon Bruknw and Mr. Conovers, thon along said lino to Hunterdon Co. line, then nlong the same to the begin- ning.


" By order of the committee, "ED. BUNN, Chairman."


" A list of the men who served under Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck in the Revolutionary war at different times from 1775 to 1781 :


" Edmon Arasmith, John Andrews, Malcom Androws, Aaron Abaylon, Thomas Auten, Robert Andrewa, John Auten, David Appleman, Jere- miali Bertton, Richard Brokaw, Samuel Bertron, David Bertron, Dirk Brokaw, Bergen Brokaw, Hendrick Bunn, Garret Bulmer, Cornelius Bo- dine, Adam Brarnnnn, Gisbert Bogert, Peter Baskfort, Geradis Bergen, John Burom, Edward Bunn, John Bodine, William Brower, Abrahom Budine, Cornelias Boss, Abraham Brown, Cornelius Boss, Thomas Bush- field, Lewis Bumer, Henry Bunn, Benjamin Bumer, Green Brown, Geo. Bumer, Frederick Buckobus, John Brown, Henry Booran, Richard Bo- mer, Frederick Bucklew, Robert Bulmer, George Brewer, War. Brewer, James Bruylen, John Culter, Archibald Campbell, John Chandler, Rich- nrd Compton, Richard Comes, Charles Comes, John Cragg, Christopher Casborn, John Cornellson, Alexander Colter, William Cornelison, Benja- min Clawson, Barnet Clawson, Garret Cornelison, Peter Colter, William Chivus, John Castnor, William Chambers, David Coulne, l'eter Coole, Braut Clawson, John Calwell, Joseph Chambmus, Michael Colter, John Chapman, Jeremiah Doty, James Duyckins, John Herrod, Samuel Hoag- land, John Henry, George Hall, James Hoge, John Huff, Peter llerpend- Ing, Isaac Hall, William Hay, Benjamin Harris, William Hall, Nicols Hall, James Hegamen, William Hongland, Derrick Hoagland, Peter Indenbrook, Thomas Hall, Isaac Hadenbrook, James Harris, John Har- riot, John Harris, Minard Johnson, William Julinson, James Johnson, Jacobus Jurulman, Benjamin Jones, David Kolley, David King, Thomas King, Andrew Kilpatrick, Tunis Lane, John Dumont, Elbert Dumont, Fulkort Dow, Rabin Dennis, Poter Dacker, William Dalley, Skillman Doughty, Thomas Drene, Dirk Drake, Isaac Defrasto, John Duyckman, William Duyckman, Garret Davis, John Davis, John Ewins, John El- very, Christopher Fraser, Luko Fosler, Jeremiah Fulds, Peter Fulker, Jacob Fugler, Hloury Fulkorson, William French, John Goldtrap, John Gorden, Jeremiah Garretson, Timothy Gilmer, David Helebrant, Lewis Hartson, Garret Harris, Lowis Hertongh, John Lucas, William Long, Jehu Long, Thomas Lane, Robert Liddle, Thomas Lee, John Lane, Ja- cob Lane, James Lettis, John More, Henry Mapea, Samuel Minor, Joseph Mulner, William Montinmore, Thomas Me Murtry, Samuel MeKinsley, Robert Maggell, Peter Mishet, Luko Moro, Ephraim MeDowell, John Muligh, James Millin, Thomas Mochleorath, John Malbrin, Sammel Mawfut, Jolin Maybeck, Thomas Murfey, Cornelius Messler, Isane Man- nin, Samuel McDonald, Peter Mealigh, John Millin, William MeMans, Daniel McCrain, Hogh McCarty, Julin MeDowel, John Meabeach, John Nortwick, Christopher Novius, John Novios, Christopher Off, Nicholas Oliver, John Prine, Henry Powelson, Peter Post, Isaac Pruwl, William Packson, Garret Probasco, William l'orter, Archibald Powel, James Powel, William Peach, Minn Powelson, Christopher Probasco, John Ross, James Boss, Joseph Richson, Juhin Rolan, Richard Runyon, Hendrick Rose- bomo, Hubert Rosobomo, Jnines Rightmer, Israel Rickey, Benjamin Rei- mer, Vincent Runyon, Peter Rolan, Zackariah Sickel, Barrant Stryker, Christopher Stryker, John Stuart, Cornelius Suydam, Ryko Suydam, John Storm, Amos Smalley, John Staats, Barrant Smock, Charles Soy- dam, Joseph Stephens, Fulkert Sebring, Joseph Stull, Henry Slingerlan, Barrant Schuyler, John Sparks, John Stull, Gourgo Sebron, Henry Ste- phons, Richard Suddard, Jonas Smalley, James Stuart, Androw Some, John Sharp, Matthias Sharp, John Simason, Abraham Sebring, Gabriel Sparks, Joseph Stephens, Abraham Schenk, Gisbert Satphon, John Smith, Isane Sinalley, John Stillwell, Poter Ten Eyck, John Tunison, Lake Teeple, Hendricks Tecple, Thomas Thompson, George Teeple, George Toxhet, Thomas Umphrey, Dow Van Naraslalen, George Van Neat, Cornelius Van Dike, Peter Van Deberge, Christopher Van Nars- dalon, Peter Van Debrook, Peter Van Nost, John Van Narwhalen. James Van Horn, Derick Van Naradalen, Hendrick Van Narsdalen.


688


SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.


Peter Vossler, Jacob Valentine, John Van Natten, John Van Cort, Bar- nard Van Nest, Jobn Van Camp, Abraham Van Nest, Christopher Vad Doren, Jaromas Van Vest, Jacob Van Narstrand, Frederick Van Nest, . Cornelius Van Nest, Abraham Van Deventer, Isaac Van Vingle, Abra- ham Van Tingle, Peter Van Deventer, John Van Tingle, Coonrad Van Wagener, Philip Van Narsdalen, Fulkert Voorhees, Isaac Van Doren, Ruliff Van Pelt, Michael Van Cort, Matthew Van Deveer, Tohiab Van Nordea, Bergen Van Doren, Hendrick Vroom, George Vroom, John Vroom, Isaac Voorhees, John Van Houten, John Van Nortwick, John Wortman, William Wilsoo, James Winterstein, Samuel Williamson, John Wyckoff, Matthew Wite, Cornelius Williamson, Thomas Walker, Wil- liam Waldron, Jamee Whealer, Daniel Wooderd, Andrew Wortman, William Winans, Peter Worley, John Wilson, Cornelius Waldron, Peter Wortman, George Young, John Young.


List of the members of Capt. Conrad Ten Eyck's company :


.


David Ammerman, Powel Ammerman, Benjamin Arrosmith, John Bennet (2d lieutenant), Daniel Blew, Hendrick Blew, John Board, George Brewer, Abraham Brokaw, Casparus Brokaw, Adam Ballas, Jacob Coach, Henry Cook, Abraham Coshaw, Thomas Covert, Tunis Covert, Samuel Davis, John De Camp, Jobn Decker, Hendrick Dumon, Peter Dumon, Mancias Duboys (sergeant), Abraham Dumott, Benjamin Dnmott, Law- rence Dumott, Henry Fisher, Joseph French, Fulkert Fulkerson, Chris- tian Herder, Hermanus Hoagland, Johannes Hoagland, John Hoagland, Tunis Hoagland, Nicholas Huff, Richard IIuff, Henry Kennedy, Thomas Lawkerman, Thomas Light, John Lorey, Jr., Abraham Lott, Abraham Low, Daniel McEwen, Simon Van Nortwick, Thomas Peterson, Abraham Post, Peter Perya (Perrine), John Powelson, Leroy Ralph, Hendrick Rosebroom, John H. Schenck (sergeant), Roelif Sebring, Thomas Skill- man, Isaac Stryker, John Stryker, Andries Ten Eyck, Garret Terhune, Cornelius Van Arsdalen, Isaac Van Cleefe (corporal), Paryas Van Cleef, Abram Van Arsdalea (corporal), Jecob Vanderbilt, Chrystoyan Van Dorn, Jobn Van Dorn, Cornelius Van Dorn, Abraham Van Dorn (ensign), John Vandike, Joho Van Houten, Joha Van Middlesworth, Thomas Van Middlesworth, Hendrick Van Nortwick, John Van Nortwick (ensign), Jacob Van Nuys, John Van Voorhees, Conrad Ten Eyck (ensign), Conrad Van Wagoner, Abraham Voorhees (corporal), Jacob Voorhees, Peter Voorhees, John Vau Arsdalen (sergeant), Adolphus Weavour, William Whilson, Jacob Winter, Barent Dumott.


BRIDGEWATER IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION.


The first action taken in reference to raising money for soldiers in the great Rebellion was at a town-meet- ing held Sept. 3, 1863. It was then voted


"That the township be authorized to borrow any sum not to oxceed $14,100 as a fund from which to pay a hounty of $300 to each volunteer or drafted man accepted and mustered into the army of the United States under the pending draft."


The quota of the town under the call was 47 men. Dec. 22, 1863, the committee was authorized to bor- row $12,000 as a bounty fund, and again, at a special town-meeting held May 31, 1864, the authorities were authorized to borrow a sum of money not to exceed $9600, to be expended in procuring substitutes or the


commutation of drafted men, the sum to be raised by a special poll-tax upon each and every person lia- ble to draft and upon the property of the township. June 1, 1864, it was


" Resolved by the town committee not to raise money for drafted men, as, the majority of the vote being so small, it was thought not advisable to borrow money upon the credit of the township."


At a special town-meeting, Jan. 21, 1865, held to devise ways and means to fill the quota of Bridge- water, the town committee was instructed to issue bonds of the township in such amounts, and payable at such time, as they may deem proper and necessary, to be applied in obtaining volunteers or substitutes to fill the quota. A poll-tax of $10 was ordered on all persons liable to the draft. Application was made to the Legislature for an act authorizing the laying of a special tax, not exceeding $20,000, to assist in raising the quota of the township under the call of the Presi- dent for 300,000 men.


Sept. 3, 1865, the committee authorized the assessors of the township to levy a tax for $30,000, to be applied to liquidate the debt incurred for payment of soldiers.


April 26, 1866, at a special meeting for the purpose of discussion and consideration on the subject of issu- ing township bonds, it was


" Resolved to issue boode for the purpose of reimbursing those persone who put volunteers or substitutes for drafted men into the army or navy of the United States, and who paid for the men so put in, or who paid $300 under the exemption act, euch bonds to be placed in the hands of F. J. Frelinghuysen as trustee, to he held by him until final action be taken by the government as to reimbursing townships for moneys expended in tbe late war."


The amount due was $19,374. A detailed list of the number of men sent out from the township and the amount paid each was sent to the comptroller of the State, a copy of which is here given :


"SOMERVILLE, Oct. 28, 1865.


" To CAPT. WILLIAM M. SHIPMAN:


" DEAR SIR,-The following statement of volunteers furnished under the last three calls of the general government by the township of Bridge- water, county of Somerset, and the amount paid to men under such calls, is respectfully submitted. This statemcut is made from such data as are in possession of the present committee.


The call of August, 1863, for volunteers, of which a draft was made in May, 1864, Thirty-fifth New Jersey Voluo- teers, 79 at $300 each .. $23,700


Call of July, 1864, 76 at $434.57 each 33,027.32


Call Dec. 19, 1864, to fill vacancies, 84 at $698.15 each. 58,645


Total. $115,372.32"


-


689


BRIDGEWATER.


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.


THE DAVENPORT FAMILY.


Perhaps there is no surer criterion of a people's progress in intelligence, wealth, and a refined civili- zation than the filial respect shown in commemora- tion of the virtues and deeds of their ancestors. To a greater or less degree has this been a characteristic of all nations, and in proportion to their progress in urts, literature, and the science of government, and signal- izing each advancing epoch by monumental inserip- tions to perpetuate their memory. This country, with its extent of fertile territory, matchless elimate, and vast resources, has drawn hither a most enterprising, intelligent, and thrifty class of citizens from the older nations. This immigration has been continuous to the present time; but it has only been about half a century that a true distinctive type of American character has been exhibited, and so recognized by the other nations of the earth.


Hence it has now become a right and duty one owes to himself, his ancestors, and descendants,-in which justice, honor, property, and all he holds most sacred may be involved,-that at the earliest period he traco out the various links in the chain of his descent till he reaches the most remote point attain-


able. It is supposable that in a work of this charac- ter some errors and abuses will appear through the mistaken attempt of some to attain prominence through exaggeration and fulsome praise of their progenitors. But such abuses are no argument against meritorions works of history and biography ; all such attempts will ultimately rebound upon their authors.


The family name of Davenport is of local origin. "Davenport township" is situated in the county of Chester, England, the name being derived from the river Dave that flows through it. The manorial history of this township involves a subject of rare occurrence even in England : the descent of a family in one uninterrupted male line from William the Con- queror to the present day,-a period of eight hundred years,-possessing at this time the feudal powers and manorial estates with which the sovereign in- vested it, und preserving in its archives a series of original documents, the proofs of its ancient history and unbroken descent. In 1086 the illusive erest of the Davenports was conferred by the sovereign and borne upon the helmets of the sergeants, to the terror of banditti, which infested the district. The " Dav- enport coat-of-arms"-reckoned among the most an-


690


SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.


cient in England-is a shield with sable, crosslets, crest, a falcon's head couped at the neck, indicating "magisterial sergeantcy," the duty exacted being that of ridding the district of all robhers, highwaymen, and marauders, with summary powers over the lives of all such. There is now in possession of the family of Davies Davenport, late member of Parliament, a long roll, of very ancient date, containing numerous names of "master robbers" who were taken and be- headed.


Branches of the family extend through most of the counties of England and other parts of the world, yet the same coat-of-arms appertains to them all, and with singular accuracy the name in all instances is spelled the same. There has been almost perpetually a repre- sentation in Parliament, sent there from the numerous branches of the family in the realm.


Through marriage connections they have at times been brought in close relationship with the ruling powers and the Crown. Edward Hyde, Lord High Chancellor, married Margaret, daughter of Sir John Davenport, ancestor of Mary, wife of James II., and the mother of Mary, the consort of William of Orange, who together occupied the British throne, and also of Queen Anne, successive sovereigns of the kingdom.


The family have been frequently represented in the peerage, etc., and constantly in the Church. But no boastful claims are presented for aristocratic dis- tinction : the family seeks no higher ambition than of belonging to the advanced order of the great mid- dle class,-that of merchants, artisans, and scholars,- loyal to the ruling powers, yet ever advocates and de- fenders of the cause of human rights.


It may be worthy of remark here that the Daven- port Pottery-Works of Staffordshire, with branch warerooms in London, Manchester, and Liverpool (in connection with the Wedgewoods, with whom there have existed for a long period close marriage relations), are the largest manufacturers of Queens- ware, China, and faïence-ware in the world; and this position the house has maintained for more than a century. The firm of Davenport Bros. are, and have been for a third of a century, agents for the sale of their goods in New York.


The first of the name that came to this country was the Rev. John Davenport, the distinguished Pilgrim minister of that celebrated band of Christian heroes who landed in New England in 1637, comprising such names as Eaton, Hopkins, Beecher, Atwater, Lord Leigh, Cheever, Pierpont, the Edwards, etc., to whom may be well and truthfully accorded the fame of being the fathers of the American Commonwealth.


This eminent divine, Rev. John Davenport, was born in Warwickshire, England, in 1597, of wealthy parentage; graduated at Oxford; soon after became minister of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, London. His profound learning, eloquence, fervent piety, and bold, fearless advocacy of Puritanical doctrines, then becoming prevalent, aroused the anger of Laud, Arch-


bishop of London; persecutions followed. Daven- port, with many of his congregation and other ad- herents, fled to Holland; were met with open arms by others of like faith in that asylum of religious liberty. After a brief stay, permission being granted, they returned to England, when, after collecting their scattered hand and holding frequent conferences, they resolved to emigrate to America. They accordingly chartered a vessel, taking all their earthly effects aboard, set sail in the spring of 1637, and arrived at Boston after a three-months' passage. These immi- grants being highly connected in the mother-country, of much learning and considerable wealth, strong in- ducements were offered to persuade them to settle within the confines of the Plymouth colony. After a full discussion it was decreed best, for various reasons, to establish a distinct colony. Accordingly, after a brief period of inspecting the country, they selected a spot, which met the approval of all, in Connecticut, on Long Island Sound, and located the town of New Haven. The records, and all writers on that period, accord Mr. Davenport the honor of leadership in de- veloping and establishing, through organic law, those great principles of civil and religious freedom which have rendered that colony so illustrious. He urged the necessity and duty of universal education, and framed the outline principles of what has since been known as the common-school system, now become national since the triumphant suppression of the slaveholders' rebellion. In 1654, assisted by his friend and parishioner Governor Eaton and others, he embodied in written form the plan, which was substantially adopted, establishing Yale College ; also contributed and collected funds in its aid. For thirty years, with zeal and energy, he lahored and ministered in that parish, when, in 1668, being seventy years of age, he received and accepted a call (against the universal regret of his people) to the First Church of Boston, then the largest in the colonies. He labored here for three years with full acceptance, when he was suddenly stricken down with apoplexy, in his seventy-third year. His tomb can now be seen in Kings Chapel, Boston. His death was universally deplored. Writers on that period agree that the man above all others who has stamped the impress of his genius most indelibly upon the institutions of New England is the hero of this sketch. The descendants of the family, with others who soon after came from the parent-branch in England, became numerous and scattered through most of the States, and have maintained the reputation of the Pilgrim ancestor.


A continuous line of ministers have succeeded, numbers in colleges, institutions of learning, the army, navy, at the bar, and as legislators in State and national government. They heartily sustained the colonial cause in the Revolution by pen and sword; were in the army as officers and privates. Two of the name were in Congress in each of the administrations of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson.


691


BRIDGEWATER.


A grandson of the Puritan, the Rev. James Daven- port, stationed at Southhold, L. I., was a preacher of singular eloquence and power. His renown attracted | in Pluckamin, he formed a partnership branch of hither the celebrated Whitefield in 1740, then just ar- hatting in Somerville with Mr. George Vannest. After a few years' experience he found difficulties in managing two enterprises thus separated: hence he closed up with Mr. Vannest, negotiated for the sale of his Somerville farm, moved back to Pluckamin, and permanently coneentered his entire business there. Then, being in prime, vigorous manhood, with a singular wealth of resources, he harnessed all these energies to untiring service in his various un- dertakings. rived from England, who wrote home, "I am com- forted by meeting my dear Brother Davenport, by whose hands the Lord has done such great things." They matured and organized a missionary tour ; to- gether they held meetings in the leading towns of New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, etc. At Princeton they met the Tennents, who trav- eled with them. Sometimes they would journey sep- arately, then meet on great occasions. "During this time Davenport was preaching to a congregation of He purchased a fine farm adjoining the village, improved and cultivated it. The tannery- and eur- rying-works on the place he repaired and enlarged. Built a flouring- and grist-mill; also a distillery and cider-mill. Erected the most extensive hatting-works that have ever been in the county, with improved machinery and buildings adjusted to cach depart- ment. In addition, he embarked in a new and sepa- rate trade,-that of manufacturing sumac for the morocco-factories of Philadelphia,-which grew into large proportions, proving very profitable. three thousand in Mr. Cross' church in Basking Ridge, this county. Whitefield met him there and aided in the work with great success." After this tour closed Davenport preached in Connecticut, and finally was stationed in Hopewell, on the border of Somerset County, where he died in 1753. Another of the family, Rev. John Davenport, was born in Free- hold; graduated in Princeton; stationed at the former place, and at Deerfield, N. J. The celebrated John I. Davenport, chief supervisor of elections, now of New York, by his fearless fidelity to prevent fraud All these various branches of business were in full operation at the same time, in which large numbers of hands were constantly employed. The prosecu- tion of these numerous enterprises made Pluekamin a place of considerable importance at that day. upon an honest and free ballot, causing enemies and committees of Congress to own him right in law, justice, and honesty, most fully exemplified the spirit of the great Puritan, of whom he is a direct lineal descendant.


The progenitor of the family in Somerset County was John Davenport, of the same lineal ancestry as that of the New England Puritan, but arrived at a later date. He was born in Bury, near Manchester, England, in 1777; emigrated to this country near the close of the last century. Landing in Connecticut, the home of so many of the name, he first settled in Danbury. After a brief period he aspired to seek a more favorable business locality. Being quite young, ambitious, and energetic, he quickly perceived the superior advantages that New Jersey presented in her milder climate and prolific soil, and more especially by her geographical position between the two great cities of New York and Philadelphia. He concluded to visit there, and, pushing for the centre of the State, heard of Pluckamin, then a thriving village, giving promise of being the most important manufacturing town in the county. After a visit of inspection he determined to locate there. Accordingly, he settled in Pluekamin in 1800 and engaged in general mer- chandising. After three years, observing Somerville showing signs of more rapid growth (the county-seat having recently been transferred there from Mill- stone), he concluded to invest there, with a view of Hle supported Adams for the Presidency, though not an active politician, but despised the aets of dem- agogues. In the words of a leading citizen, uttered many years since, in speaking of Mr. Davenport, whom he had long known, "He was beloved and permanent removal. He purchased a farm facing on the Main Street, running north a mile, including within it what has since been known as the " Lottery Field" (an account of which appears in another part of this work). The next year he built and occupied ' held in the highest esteem by those of the intelli-


the house now the residence of Messrs. John and James Bergen. While still continuing his business


Mr. Davenport's intense, untiring application to these various business projects, with the physical labor and anxious solicitude, caused a too heavy strain for his naturally strong constitution to longer endure, and, while apparently in the full vigor of life, he was suddenly stricken down with apoplexy. He died at Pluckamin, Sept. 18, 1830, in his fifty-second year. In person Mr. Davenport was of average statue, portly, of handsome presence, possessing a well-developed and evenly-balanced intellect, the reasoning, perceptive, and moral faculties predominating, a rare tempera- ment of vital energy, that coukl rouse every faculty to duty with obedience to his control. It was this trait that equipped him with that exeentive power for which he was so distinguished. With a cheerful, magnetic disposition, he took the greatest pleasure in making others happy ; was generous and hospitable, but intolerant to the idle and vicious. In his inter- course was free, direct, and outspoken, but proud- spirited, and the very soul of truth and honor. He utterly loathed all sycophants and hypocrites. Ile was strictly moral, and religious without pharisaism, and temperate almost to abstemiousness, which for those days of general inebriation was remarkable.




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.