History of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, New Jersey : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 169

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 169
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 169

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).

692

SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

gent, moral, and honorable of our citizens, who knew him the most intimately."

MEMORIA IN ÆTERNA.

The likeness of James S. Davenport, at the head of this sketch, has been selected by the family, as in features and general physical appearance he more closely resembles the father.

Below we give the descendants of John Davenport. As they are nearly all living and mostly reside in or not far removed from Somerset County, we deem it most appropriate to do but little more than give their names and connections.

John Davenport was married twice,-first to Mar- garet Traphagen, in 1804; she died 1811, leaving two children, Ralph and Sarah Ann, the latter died in 1829, no descendants living. Ralph, born 1805, mar- ried Phœbe A. Voorhies, 1827; she died soon after, leaving no children. He was married again in 1838 to Sarah Drake, by whom he had two children, Ralph and Mary. The former married Ellen Vannest, the latter William Jeroloman, all living and have children. Ralph, the father, for about twenty years resided in New York ; the balance of his life has been spent in Pluckamin, where he still resides; is hale and hearty in his seventy-sixth year; is a farmer.

John Davenport was married again in 1813 to Mary Boylan, daughter of John Boylan, of Pluckamin, a most estimable woman, who died in 1848, leaving six children ; all but one are now living, as follows, the names given in order of birth, beginning with the eldest:

Margaret, born 1814; married Geo. Vannest, 1839; he died 1864, leaving seven children, all living and residing in Somerset County. The widow is still liv- ing on the homestead, two miles southwest of Pluck- amin.

John married Hester Voorhies, 1838; he died 1848, leaving five children, all living but one, James, a brave and noble youth. He enlisted when scarcely eighteen years of age, served his country with heroic bravery, was captured while fighting for his country, after nearly all his company had fallen, was incarcer- ated in Andersonville prison, and died in delirium through barbarous treatment while a prisoner.

Thomas married Frances Smith, 1851; had six children, all living but one, Margaret, an estimable young lady, who died 1880. Reside in Jersey City, but usually spend their summers in Somerville.

Eleanor married Wm. L. Jones, 1836; resides in Plainfield; had two children, one died in infancy, the other, Eliza, married Licut .- Col. Janeway, of the First New Jersey Cavalry, who bravely fell leading the charge in the battle of Jettersville, Va., the last battle of the war of the Rebellion. The widow has since married Horace Bannard.

James S. married Maria Remsen, 1845; resides at Raritan; have three children, one son and two daugh- ters, all married.

Samuel W., born 1822, married to Amelia Besteder, 1846; residence in Somerville, N. J .; have seven children, three sons and four daughters.

Of the names above, Thomas, James S., and Sam- uel W. compose the firm of Davenport Bros., New York, importers and dealers in china, Liverpool, and glassware. It was established in 1843, Samuel W. entering it ten years later. It is now in its thirty- seventh year. During that long period, in which such vast changes have occurred in the country and the world,-times of prosperity and of depression and disaster,-the firm, although experiencing seasons of trials and losses, has never been compelled to suc- cumb to the vicissitudes of business.

They ever took a lively interest in domestic manu- factures, believing the time would soon arrive when we could produce as good ware as we were importing : the war hastened the event. A few years since they embarked in manufacturing at the City Pottery, Tren- ton; now the largest part of their goods are made . there.

The family lay no pretentious claim to position, titles, wealth, or honors : they simply claim the right of belonging to the great middle class ; of high moral- ity, strict integrity, truthfulness, and honesty in the discharge of every just due or other obligation, sup- porters of the church and of right everywhere, in pro- portion to ability, ever observing to be just before being liberal. They own to a feeling of pride in one matter, --- viz., that of the almost universal fidelity and support rendered by those of the name to the nation in the hour of its direst struggle with treason and rebellion for its right to live.

JOHN R. EMERY.

John R. Emery, youngest child of Peter R. and Anna (Rockafellow) Emery, was born at Dreahook, Hunterdon Co., N. J., where the family resided, July 22, 1827, and died at Bloomington, N. J., June 17, 1880.

His early life was spent on the farm, where he be- came inured to labor and learned that economy and industry are necessary elements of success. Upon reaching manhood he went into mercantile business at White House, subsequently removed to Somerville, and was employed on the Central Railroad. Here he was given charge of a wood-train, and finally be- came the financial agent of the company, collecting rents, buying and selling real estate, etc. This posi- tion he filled with such honor to himself and credit to the company as to obtain their full confidence in his financial and business ability. In 1867 he became the partner of D. K. Craig in the coal and lumber business, the firm being D. K. Craig & Co. This firm continued a successful business until 1872, when the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Emery remained in the railroad company's employ until the formation of the Lehigh and Wilkesbarre Coal Company, when he

693

BRIDGEWATER.

became its line agent, and subsequently opened an office opposite the depot in Somerville, which busi- ness he continued until his death.

By his sterling integrity as a business man he rose gradually to a position of honor and. profit,-first in the Central Railroad of New Jersey, and then in the Lehigh and Wilksbarre Coal Company. The ex- celleney of his character, however, centred in his religious principles, which were fixed and controlling. In his whole deportment he moved in consistency with his profession. Ile united with the Second Reformed Church of Somerville at the September communion in 1864, and, as a proof of his zeal and de- cision in religion, he led in prayer at the next devo- tional meeting, and conducted the services at the suc- ceeding assemblage of the brethren,-services which he preserved while he retained his connection with the congregation. Such was the confidence reposed in him by the Consistory that he was elected deacon in 1866 and elder in 1869,-stations which he filled with executive ability. In 1870 he removed to Leba- non, where he connected himself with the Reformed Church, and was leader in liberality and exertion to repair the house of worship and erect a new parson- age. He will be remembered for his integrity and uprightness as a citizen, for his domestic virtues as a father and husband, and for his eminent usefulness as a church-member.

Mr. Emery was among the foremost in purchasing, laying out, and beautifying the new cemetery grounds in Somerville, and, unassisted, relieved the property from a heavy debt resting upon it, thereby placing the cemetery association in a position to own the property unencumbered.

Upon his death the following resolutions were passed by the Board of Directors of the First National Bank of Somerville:

" FIRST NATIONAL BANK, "SOMERVILLE, N. J., June 22, 1880.

" IF'hereas, In the Providenco of God our Inte associato in the Board of Directors of the First National Bank, John R. Emery, has been removed by death, therefore,

" Resolved, That we remember with great satisfaction his prompt and energetio business talent, his sterling Integrity, his genial disposition, and his generni kindness of heart and manner towards all with whom he was associated."

For his first wife he married Ann W. Swackhamer, of Readington, who died the age of twenty-eight in 1856, leaving one daughter living,-Anna M.,-who is the wife of Mr. C. Stewart Hoffman, of Somerville. His second wife was Matikdla Porter, who died leaving two sons,-William H., a telegraph-operator, and Benjamin S., in business at White Haven. His third wife was Anna Gilbaugh, who died leaving four chil- dren,-John C., Jennie B., Lizzie B., and Albert L. Mr. Emery married for his fourth wife, in February, 1878, Mrs. Mary Louisa Cooper, of Newark, N. J., who survives him.

AARON V. GARRETSON.

Aaron V. Garretson was a grandson of Garret R. Garretson, a major in the Revolutionary war. Maj. Garretson's place of residence was about two miles east of Millstone, N. J., where he engaged in agri-

Aaron & Sanctions

cultural pursuits. He was commonly called " Major;" was a gentleman of the olden time, taking no active part in political affairs. Ile was no less prominently identified with all movements tending to develop the resources of his native county, and to encourage its material prosperity. lle was a man of sound judg- ment, of strict integrity, and was one whose counsel and assistance were sought by all classes of people. He was frequently selected as executor and adminis- trator in the settlement of estates, and one in whom the people had confidence. He was a member of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Millstone, and for thirty years was preeentor of that body. He was also officially connected with the church as deacon and elder.

Maj. Garretson was three times married. His first wife was the Widow Terhune, who bore him one son and two daughters,-viz., Court, Ann, and Catharine. Ann married, for her first husband. Abraham Voor- hees, and for her second husband John Montfort. Catharine became the wife of Garret Schenck, of Six- Mile Run. Maj. Garretson's second wife was the Widow Hageman, by whom he had Garret, Richard, and John Garretson, the latter becoming a minister. Ilis third wife was the widow |Mary Perrine) of Judge Hardenburgh, at one time sheriff of Somerset

694

SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

County. Of this union was born Daniel Perrine Garretson. Court Garretson, father of our subject, was born near Millstone on Oct. 19, 1781. He was a shoemaker by trade, although he followed the occu- pation of a farmer for the greater portion of his life. He occupied various farms in the county, but finally purchased one of sixty acres where Aaron C. Martin now resides, near Somerville. He was in no respect a public man, although an earnest supporter of the old Whig party. He was a member of the Second Reformed Church of Somerville, with which he was officially connected as deacon. His wife was Mar- garet Cowenhoven, of Long Island, who was born May 24, 1784. The children of this marriage were John C., Garret R., Aaron Van Pelt, Richard, and Nicholas Cowenhoven Garretson, all of whom are living save Aaron Van Pelt, who died Dec. 9, 1880, aged sixty-nine years. John C. is a prominent citi- zen of Somerset County, and resides in Somerville. Garret R. resides in Flushing, L. I., Richard in Arkansas, and Nicholas in New York City.

Court Garretson died Jan. 18, 1858, and his wife Aug. 1, 1867. Aaron V. Garretson was born near Mill- stone, N. J., Sept. 13, 1811. During his minority he remained on the home farm, and received the educa- tional opportunities afforded by the common schools of his day. For several years after reaching his majority he was engaged in carrying on his father's farm. In 1836 he married Catharine M., daughter of Rynier and Anna (Brokaw) Van Nest. She was born May 24, 1817. In 1844 he purchased, for the sum of three thousand three hundred dollars, a farm in the town- ship of Bridgewater, comprising at that time one hundred acres, to which he afterwards added twenty acres. The dwelling-house occupied by Mr. Garret- son is still standing, and is one of the old landmarks of the vicinity, and was built eighty years ago by Thomas Cooper.

Mr. Garretson's life was devoted wholly to agricul- tural pursuits, and while an adherent of the Demo- cratic party, he was no seeker after place, although he has held minor offices. His first vote was cast for his personal friend, Governor Vroom. He was a member of the Second Reformed Church of Somer- ville, where he has filled the office of deacon.

Mr. Garretson was known in the community as a man of strong mind, self-reliant, and possessed of sterling principles. His children have been Rynier Van Nest (who resides in Bridgewater township), Garret (died in infancy), John C. (resides in Franklin township), Henry Van Nest (living at the old home- stead), William Van Nest 1st and William Van Nest 2d (both died in infancy in 1845), Margaret C., Abra- ham Van Nest, Anna Van Nest, and George, all of whom reside at home.

SEYMOUR C. TROUTMAN, M.D.

His father, Sir John J. Troutman, was born on Staten Island in 1766. For many years prior to reaching his majority he was midshipman in the English navy, and was under Admiral Rodney in a number of engagements with the French and Spanish fleets. About the year 1788 he engaged in trade be- tween New York and Jamaica, having in charge several vessels, which he carried on for many years profitably. In 1801 he quit trade, married Miss Susannah, daughter of Jacob Schnell, of Brooklyn, N. Y., purchased a country-seat on Long Island, where the Eighteenth Ward of the city of Brooklyn now is. Here he became quite an extensive agriculturist, and owned slaves who worked his farm. The remainder of his life was spent on this spot, where he died in 1824.

Sir John J. Troutman was a man high in rank in the order of Knights Templar, and is said to have spent thirty thousand dollars in support of that and similar organizations. He became a member in 1798, and was subsequently Past Master of the Royal Lodge of Knights Templar, No. 283, A. Y. M., of Kingston, Jamaica. He received the order of the Red Cross and of the Holy Royal order, and was solemnly initiated by the Kingston Lodge into the sublime mysteries of the invincible and magnanimous orders of Knights of Rhodes and Malta.

Dr. Troutman was born in Brooklyn, L. I., Feb. 3, 1823. At the age of eleven he was sent to Quaker Hill, where he became a pupil under Cyrenus Jones, a teacher of note. There he remained for two years, and was then sent to New Canaan, Conn., where he completed his mathematical studies, having in the mean time given considerable attention to the study of the classics. In 1838 he engaged in a wholesale and retail drug-house in New York as clerk, where he became fully schooled in the various kinds of medicine and drugs, and where he first conceived the idea of the study of medicine. In 1843, Dr. Trout- man married Ann F., a daughter of Richard and Jane (Todd) Ten Eyck, of Millstone, N. J., and a granddaughter of Frederick and Anna (Field) Ten Eyck, who were among the first settlers of that place. Mrs. Troutman is a descendant from the old Dutch stock, first settlers of New York, and a lady of refine- ment and high moral and Christian worth. Their only child is Sarah Jane, wife of Louis Kaczorowski, a resident of Somerville.

In 1845, Dr. Troutman established the drug busi- ness for himself in Brooklyn, N. Y., which he carried on until 1851, when he began the study of medicine and surgery with Dr. John A. Lidell, assistant sur- geon in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, and was graduated at that institution in 1854, having, during his time as a student, practiced medicine and surgery in the college for some two years. The same year of his graduation he estab- lished himself in practice in New York City, where

Seymour &. Firstman

695

BRIDGEWATER.

his ability and skill in the profession were soon recognized, and gave him a place among leading physicians. After a continuons yet profitable prac- tice for three years, he removed from the city, pur- chased real estate, and settled in Somerville, N. J., where he has since resided, giving little attention to the practice of medicine.

Dr. Troutman's naturally sociable and genial dis- position causes him to enjoy life, and among his most pleasant recreations is that of yachting, in which he spends some time during the hot summer months. Since he became a resident of Somerville he has been interested in its prosperity, and a contributor to its various local enterprises, to church interests, and other worthy objects. He has not been a seeker after political preferment, although always interested and well read in questions in any way affecting local and national legislation.

JOHN T. VAN DERVEER.

His grandfather was John Van Derveer, who was born on Oct. 3, 1752. In the year 1800 he purchased a tract of land comprising five or six hundred aeres on the North Branch of the Raritan River, and on it passed his life as a farmer. About the time men- tioned he built a dwelling-house where Mrs. John T. Van Derveer now resides, which was succeeded a score of years ago by the present residence, built by his son, John T. Mr. Van Derveer was among those old substantial citizens who contributed so much to the settlement and development of the country, and he passed a quiet, industrious, and honorable life. He was a member of the Reformed Prot- estant Dutch Church of North Branch. His wife was Jane Van Pelt, who was born on April 13, 1754. The children of the marriage were John, Peter, Tunis, and Mary, who became the wife of Abraham Quick. Mr. Van Derveer died about 1840, aged cighty-nine years.

Tunis, the son of John Van Derveer, was born on the ohl Van Derveer farm, and upon attaining man- hood married Sarah Van Arsdale. His children were John T., Philip, James, and Jane, who became the wife of Samuel Gaston. James was a popular physician for many years at North Branch. Tunis Van Derveer was cut down carly in years, and in the midst of his usefulness, passing away about 1822.

The subject of this memoir, John T., son of Tunis Van Derveer, was born on Dec. 1, 1806, on the pa- ternal farm. His earlier years were passed at work upon the farm, and in attendance upon the district schools of his day. On Nov. 1, 1533, he married Margaret C., daughter of Richard Field. She was born Feb. 8, 1815. The life of Mr. Van Derveer was passed as a farmer, and though a member of the Republican party, and while he took great interest in public affairs, he confined himself strictly to his bucolic pursuits. He was actively identified with the

Reformed Church of North Branch, and was officially connected with that body both as deacon and elder, filling the latter office at the time of his demise, in 1867. He was a mau of strict integrity, pure morality,

MG.

John Van Deurer

and bore with him to the grave the reputation of an upright and honorable citizen. His children were Tunis, who resides at North Branch ; Richard HI., who is working the home farm; James D., a successful physician at Liberty Corner ; Samuel G., William F., and John Q., all deceased; Sarah E., and Mary J., wife of William J. Voorhees.

Rev. John Q., son of John T. Van Derveer, was born March 13, 1854, and was raised on his father's farm. He was graduated at Rutgers College, N. J., in the class of 1877, and soon after entered upon theological studies in the seminary at New Brunswick. Owing to failing health, he was compelled to break away from his work at that institution and to go South, residing in Texas for nearly three years. During this period he was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Austin, and filled the pulpit of various churches on different occasions. But his usefulness was soon to be terminated, and he called up higher. On June 244, 1880, while returning North with his family, he died of pulmonary disease, and was buried at sea with appropriate services. He left a wife, née Miss Julia Robinson, of Corning, N. Y., and a little daughter, Ada L.

Thus early was cut off a young and promising life, and the hearts of friends were made desolate forever.

696

SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

DAVID DUNN.

David Dnnn was born at New Market, N. J., in 1797, and married Prudence Runyon, of that place. About the year 1845 he settled in Somerset County, residing first at Millington. He then spent some

DAVID DUNN.

time in New York City, and in October, 1856, located on the farm now occupied by the widow of his only son, John R. Dunn. He purchased this property of Lewis Anderson, and it was originally included in a tract of land comprising sixteen hundred and fifty acres belonging to Daniel D. Dunster, and which was conveyed in 1730 to Gisbert Lane, who erected the present Dunn residence in 1737. In 1765, Mr. Lane left it, by will, to his two sons, Aric and William, be- tween whom it was equally divided. He was inter- ested in all worthy local enterprises, and sought to promote church and kindred interests. He was a prominent member of the First Baptist Church of Somerville, and deacon of the church at the time of his death, July 28, 1876, aged seventy-nine years and five months. His life was largely spent as a farmer, although he was in trade for some time at New Brunswick and Brooklyn, and ran the mill at Mill- ington. In politics he was a Whig, and upon the organization of the Republican party became a sup- porter of its principles.

John R. Dunn, only child of David Dunn who reached manhood, was born at New Market, N. J., Sept. 3, 1828. He married, January, 1850, Jane T., daugliter of Cornelius M. and Catharine (Deats) Wil- liamson, and soon after that event took up his residence on the old Williamson farm, below Somerville. IIcre he lived for five years, and then located with his father

on the Dunn farm, where he continued to reside until his decease, May 3, 1878. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Somerville, and a man of cor- rect habits and strict integrity in all the relations of life. He was a Republican in politics, but never sought political preferment. The children are Al- bert; Emma R., wife of Charles C. Reimer, of Mill- town; Cornelia W., wife of William T. H. Vosseller, of Somerville; Mathew H., who lives in Pennsylvania ; Walter and David, Jr., at home; Ellen Frances and Jennie S., deceased.

ABRAM J. POWELSON.

The Powelson family came very early to this coun- try. Capt. Jacob Powelson is recorded as having arrived from Holland in the ship "Fredenberg" on Jan. 24, 1640. Nicholas Powelson came from Dit- marsen in the ship "Gilded Otter" in 1657, and Gom- men Paulison from Antwerp in the ship "St. John the Baptist" in 1661. From these the family in America are supposed to have descended.

Johannes Powelson, born April, 1719, the great- grandfather of the subject of this sketch, purchased a large tract of land in Bedminster township, Somer- set Co., on May 1, 1767, and about that time he took up his residence in that section. A portion of the house which he erected in 1768 is still standing, and, with an addition built in 1786, constitutes the resi- dence of his great-grandson J. V. D. Powelson. The children of Johannes Powelson were John, born Oct. 24, 1746; Cornelius, born May 29, 1748 ; Jeane, born Jan. 17, 1750; Catharine, wife of Peter Doughty, born Sept. 11, 1751; Anne, wife of William Chevris, born May 3, 1753; Abraham, born Feb. 9, 1755; Paul, born Dec. 5, 1756; Hendrick, born Oct. 7, 1758; Sarah, wife of Christopher Frazer, born Aug. 7, 1760; and Manah, born June 29, 1762. Johannes Powelson died in July, 1788.

Abraham Powelson was born on the date mentioned above, and came to Bedminster township at the age of twelve. He married Lamatjee Messler and had eleven children (including two pair of twins), most of whom lived and died in Bedminster township. Some of these children were John A., Abraham, Cornelius, Peter, Maria, who married Martin Beek- man; Sarah, wife of Philip Clarkson; Lanah, wife of Jacob Van Dorn; and Arian, who married Francis Hastings. Abraham Powelson died in 1807, and his wife in 1836.

John A. Powelson was born July 27, 1780. He married Aletta, daughter of William Van Dorn, of Millstone, on April 27, 1815, and had children,-Abram J. and J. V. D. Powelson, and Catharine M., who married Jerome Van Nest. He passed his life as a farmer on the old homestead in Bedminster, and died in 1854, in the seventy-fourth year of his age.

Abram J. Powelson, the subject of this sketch, was born on the old Powelson place in Bedminster town-

697

BRIDGEWATER.

ship on May 23, 1816, where he passed the early years of his life, enjoying a common-school education. On Nov. 5, 1840, he was united in marriage to Sarah Ann, daughter of John A. Van Nest (she was born April 14, 1813), and on December 15th of the same

Waugh, and the children were Adam, Robert, James, George, and Martha. He died in 1798 in Killylin, Ireland, aged about sixty years. His wife died ten years later. His son James emigrated to America near the close of the last century and located in New

Abram, J. Prevelson.

year he removed to the farm which he now owns and occupies in Bridgewater township, which he pur- chased in 1854. Here he has since resided engaged in agricultural pursuits. lle is a Republican in pol- ities, though no secker after office. He was formerly a member of the Reformed Church of Bedminster, but upon the organization of the Presbyterian Church of Pluckamin he became identified with that body, and has been an elder of the church for over twenty years. He is known as a man of strict integrity, con- scientious and devoted to principle, and a representa- tive agriculturist. His children are Abraham V. N., a lawyer at Middletown, N. Y .; Catharine Adeline, wife of John L. Hageman, of South Branch; and John A., living at home.

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

History of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, New Jersey : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 169

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