History of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, New Jersey : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 208

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 208
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 208

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ent site, and kept a distinct record of their own. Iloth records havo como down to the present limo. On May 9, 1734, Domlule Antonides met some Conferentie friends at the house of Rynier Veghte and ordained n now Cutsistory, in opposition to Frelinghuyson's Consistory,-namoly, Koort Voorhees and Daniel Polhomus, ellers. This now Consistory securod possession of the church books, and henco Frelinghuysen was obliged to bogin a new book of records in 1737. In this le noted the arrival, lu 1750, of his son John, who preached his first sorten in that locality, August 10th of that your, in the house of Simon Van Arsdalen. His first sormon was preached In the church December 2d .- From Steele's Disc. ut Now Brunarick, 1867.

Among the contributors to the building of the odifice of 1749 were " Simon, Aris, and Cornollus Van Arealen, Peter Novius, Gisbert Lano, Derick Gulyck, Martynus Hoaglandt, Garret Willems, Zachyus Van Voorhees, Jun, Isnac, and Jucobus Van Nuys, Joseph, Barent, nud Jun Hogoman, Reynier Voghto, Whomuw and Rem Ditmars, I'nul Amerman, Hendrick Van der Voor, Joris Borgon, l'eter and Johannes Stryker, John Covenhovon, Ab. Polhemne, otc.

· A nativo of Millstone, but educated In Hollandl. He was no doubt a descendant of Francis Von Harlingen, of Holland, with whom Dr. Liv- fugston frequently stayed whon in that country .- Gunn's Livingston, p.80.

+ See sketch of Polhomus family In " Early Settlement," history of this township.

son, Rev. John S. Gardner, was called for a year as assistant.

The records of this church (commenced in Dutch, by Rev. Coens, in 1727) show the following members up to the Revolution :?

1727 .- Gorbrand Peterse, Johannes Koelbagh, Resolvert Waldron, An- netje Bennet, Marin Cortsilins, Jannetje Meyers, Jannetjo Steinmetz,-" by certificate from othor churches."

1728 .- Isaac Governeur, William Roos, Jannotje Coofinans, Gertrudo Stants, Elizabeth Krom, Madg. Gouverneur, Margarita Gouver- neur, Christina and Susanna Portory, Hendrick Smock, Johannes Van Bouton, Tryntjo l'eterse, Anun Gertruid Ervesen, Anna Weertman, Casparus Von Noordstrand, Ab. Sloner, Cruxje Run- yon, Lucas and Sophia Schermerhorn,-the last five on confes- Bion.

1729 .- Dinn Kouwenhoven.

1730 .- Marietje Lango, Johanna Gouverneur, Metje Van Mekkole, Anlijo Van Horne, Helena Van Louven.

1732 .- Denys and Antyo Van Duyn, Simon Van Wickelen, Philip Tong, Jacob Wynand, Eva and Marietje Thiene, Marietje Sloner.

1746 .- Machteltie Van Duyn ( wife of Hondrick Stunts).

1752 .- Geurtry Animerman, Jarobus Van Nuys, Gysbert Vroom, Antio Schenck (wife of Jan Gonkm), A. Van Aredalen, Dirk Gulick, Gyybert latutti (Lane) aud Sceltje Smock, Garret Van Andalen and Cresje Hegeman, Peter Riemer and Wyntio Kingsberry, Catrina Brunch (widow , Catrina Booshear (wife of IT. Can- nodeyi, Ilyltje Van Arsdalen (widow of 1. Purland), Ali.la Hongland (widow of Jacob Van Andalen), Creesjo Voorhees (wifo uf Garrot Van Arndalon), Cupinn Hegeman (widow of J. M. Hegeman).

1703 .- MIngdalen Durye (widow of Jan Staats), Johannis Powelson, Jan- uetjo Cornell (widow of John Nevins).

1764. Johannes and Dina Hooghiandt, Femilijo Buys (Boice), wife of Folkert Folkerse, Coort Williamson, Matjo Van Arsdulon (wid- ow of Jan Van Nuys).

1765,-Mario Van Nuys (widow of Abr. Vun Arsdaleo).

1766 .- Adriaan Hegeman, Roelef Van Dyke and Catharine Eminns, Gerrit Voorhees and Innuantje Beckman, Marin Probasco (wife of Juris Bergen), Catharina Snedeker (wife of Joachim Quick).

1707 .- Bernhardus Van Zandt and Beelitjo Lattin, Len Range, Corn. Meselaar.

1768 .- Ennie Strykor (wife of Coort Willemson).

1709 .- Elizabeth Van Deursen (wife of Do. J. M. Van Harlingen), Chris- tophel Beekman nud Martha Veghte, Jacobus Van Nuys, Non- drick Stryker, Joseph Hegeman, Petrus Voorhees, Adriantjo Van Arsdalen, Peter Parlio, Cath. Voorhees (whlow of Jan Con- wouhoven), Jannetje Cussjouw (Kershinw), wife of Jan Voor- hees.

1770 .- Maria Gulik (whlow of Petrus Quick), Theunis Marin Cooper ( wife of Jacob Jeng), Elizabeth Vau Arsdalon, Jucolmuin Leck.

1771 .- Corn. Van Houten, Jacobus Novius.

1774 .- Jacobus Van Nuys and Maria Hoogland, Antje Mesch twife ot John Tyne).

1775,-Sara (or Lona) Amerman (wife of Jau Wykkuf), Joseph Huge- mit and Lucrecaju Willemse, Jeromls Rayyeye, and Sarah Willemsen.

1776 .- Stephen Terhune and Margretta.

1777 .- Jan Amerman.

1779,-Johs, Voorhees and Jannetje, Margretha Rendel (wife of Jacob Van Nuys).

1780 .- Thomas, Dennis, and Catharino Couonhoven.

REFORMEN DUTCH CHURCH OF ROCKY HILL.

In the latter part of the winter of 1855-56 a few of the church-going citizens of Rocky Hill began se-

$ In writing this article use has been made of Corwin's " Contennial Memorial," Mesler's " Historical Notes," and tho minutos of the church. ¿ The orthography of the record has been copied, so far as poenille.

Between 1746 and 1752 (date not given) Allebort Lou, Abraham Du- hoofz, Reynier Veghtin, Jan Stanta, Rem Ditmnra, Jorle Bergen, Cornelius Lou, Ab. Ilegeman, Heynior Van Hongelin, Ab. Pulhomus, Headrick Herder, Johannes Grilling, Peter Covenhoven, Susannah Lou, Deyna and Helona Van leeuwe, Mecyn Lakmier, Guertie Folkorsen, Antio Coucohovon, Maria Ilunder.

846

SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

riously to advocate the building of a Reformed Dutch church in the village. After private consultation it was deemed expedient to test, by voluntary subscrip- tion, the feeling of the citizens of the village and vicinity before calling a public meeting. Samuel Brearly and Abraham Van Derveer were constituted (March 10th) a committee to solicit in behalf of the enterprise. In this labor they were quite successful. After obtaining a certain amount of money pledged to the undertaking, a public meeting was called, and held the 31st of March, 1856. On that occasion a committee was chosen to select a suitable site for the location of the proposed church, and to report at a subsequent meeting. At a meeting held Juue 7th the committee reported that they had selected a site for the church, which report was accepted, and the committee instructed to purchase the lot. A building committee was also chosen, consisting of Samuel Brearly, Thomas J. Skillman, and Wesley Morris, who, after mature deliberation, decided upon the plans and specifications of H. W. Leard, of Prince- ton, for a building 37 x 65 feet, of Gothic architec- ture. The plans being unanimously approved at a subsequent meeting, the building committee pro- ceeded in the matter of its ercction. On the 4th of August, same year, they closed a contract with Mr. Leard for its erection ; it cost $4245. It was com- pleted in the spring of 1857, when an application was made to Classis of Philadelphia to organize a church at Rocky Hill, which was accordingly done on May 6, 1857. The Classis appointed Revs. T. B. Romeyn, John Gardner, and Peter Labagh to organize the church ; and May 6, 1857, certificates of membership were received from the following :

Michael Vrecland and Ann, his wife; Myndert Vreeland and Annetje

Van Riper, his wife, of the Reformed Dutch Church of Bergen, N. J. From Griggstown : Isaac Van Derveer aud Mary Skillman, his wife ; Francis Stout, wife of Alexander Van Dike; James Skillman. From Harlingen : Sally Ann Tenbrook, wife of M. V. D. Cruser; Joseph H. Voorhees and wife, Sarah C. Westbroek. From Blawenburg : Mrs. Sarah Stryker, wife of William Cruser, deceased; Misses Cornelia M., Ann, Matilda, and Sarah Cruser; Sammuel Brearly and wife, Marla Y. Conover; Jolin A. Saurus and wife, Caroline Case; Cornelius Vreeland and wife, Gertrude Van Marter; Henry Vree- land and wife, Margaret; W. II. Vreeland and wife, Mary Ann Stry- ker; Abr. Van Derveer and wife, Phehe Reeves; Abby Van Derveer, wife of Abm. O. Voorhees; Miss Catharine Jane Vreeland; Dr. C. R. Van Doren and wife, Amanda Meekor; Jacob Vreeland, Jr., and wife, Parmelia Van Dike. Number of members, 34.

The building was all completed and free from debt at its dedication, June 10th following. Rev. Dr. B. C. Taylor preached the dedicatory sermon, and the venerable Rev. Dr. Peter Labagh took part in the ·exercises. The pews were sold, and a pastor called as soon as possible. Rev. Martin L. Schenck, the first pastor, took charge of the congregation in Sep- tember, 1857, and remained until July, 1865. A joint request was made to Classis by pastor and peo- ple to dissolve the connection, which was done Aug. 9, 1865. The following month, in response to a call, the Rev. Oscar Gesner assumed the pastoral charge, and sustained the relation until May, 1871. The en-

suing year the church was dependent upon supplies, but in May, 1872, the Rev. H. C. Berg accepted a call from the congregation, and soon after entered upon his duties. This connection was dissolved Jan. 1, 1879, from which time until Aug. 1, 1879, the church was without a pastor. A call had, however, been made to the Rev. C. O. Lansing, and accepted by him ; he was duly installed August 1st, and has continued his ministrations until the present time.

About ten years ago (1870) a lecture- and Sunday- school room, of 24 by 50 feet, was erected, of Gothic architecture, to correspond with the church. The parsonage is new, commodious, and tastefully planned.

The Sabbath-school of Rocky Hill was organized in the spring of 1817 by Misses Jane,. Catharine, and Sarah Van Derveer, Eliza and Sarah Reeves, and Mary Dunham, and conducted by them for many years, superintended by Jane Van Derveer, who sub- sequently went as a missionary to India. Prior to the organization of the Rocky Hill Church this school was attended by the children of the Kingston, Har- lingen, Blawenburg, and Griggstown Churches. This Sunday-school was the successor of the one established in 1815 for colored children by Abr. Stryker, of the Reformed Church of Harlingen, Jacob W. Lane, of the Presbyterian Church of Princeton, and Cornelius Van Derveer, of Kingston. For a year or two this was in existence, holding sessions on Sunday, a short distance west of the village.

The first elders and deacons, ordained May 24, 1857, were: Elders, Myndert Vreeland, Samuel Brearly, Isaac Van Derveer, and J. H. Voorhees ; Deacons, John A. Saums, Michael Vreeland, Dr. C. R. Van Doren, and Jacob Vreeland, Jr. These and the fol- lowing have served at different times, up to the present, 1880 :

Elders .- Abram Van Derveer, Henry Vreeland, Garret Vreeland, J. V. D. Baker, Elias Baker, Michael Vreeland, Wm. G. Shults, Jacob Vreeland, Jr., John C. Whitlock, Stephen Voorhees, Jacob J. Vreeland, M. S. Van Derveer, Stephen Cromwell, William Holmes, Thomas Plant, Garret Voorhees, Isaac Van Zandt, and T. F. Stryker.

Deacons .- Cornelius Vreeland, William Holmes, William G. Shulte, William II. Vreeland, James Skillman, Frederick Cruser, Cornelius Baker, Jacob M. Vreeland, Stephen Cromwell, Thomas G. Plant, Garret Voorhees, O. F. Brokaw, Jobu Bastide, T. F. Stryker, F. V. D. Voorhees, F. Manley, William A. Cortelyou, Fred. P. Voorhees, Isaac Shults, Law- renee Conover, David H. Mount, Edwin S. Voorhees, Michael J. Yree- land, James G. Hageman, Charles L. Williamson, and Samuel B. Voorhees.

This church has a present (1881) membership of 157, embracing 70 families .*

THE REFORMED CHURCH OF BLAWENBURG.

In 1830 the present edifice was erected at Blawen- burg by the society at Harlingen, probably as a matter of convenience to many of their members who lived at localities so remote as made regular attend- ance at the Harlingen church inconvenient, except- ing in the most favorable weather. This continued

* We are under many obligations to Stephen Voorhees for the material facts contained in this sketch.

847

MONTGOMERY.

to exist as a branch of the parent church until 1832. March 2d of that year it was

" Resolved, That the church bo known and called by the name of the Reformed Dutch Church of Blawenburg."@

Rev. Henry Hermance was the pastor at that time, and so continued until 1836. He was sueceeded by the Rev. James R. Talmage, who had the pastoral care until 1849. Mr. Talmage was succeeded by the Rev. Theodore B. Romeyn, who continued until 1865, when he severed his connection, and Rev. C. W. Fritts was called to the charge. He discharged the duties of pastor until 1871, when he retired, and Rev. W. B. Voorhees, the present pastor, was called as his successor.

The church now has a membership of 250, and the Sunday-school, of which J. V. H. Reed is superin- tendent, has an average attendance of 40.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ROCKY IIILL.

The society was organized in the spring of 1869, and worshiped in a temporary building on the land of William Fairbanks. There were about twenty con- stituent members. Nov. 23, 1869, the corner-stone of the present house was laid, and the building was first occupied for public worship in the spring of 1870. The church is valued at $4000, and has a seating ca- pacity for 270 persons.

The pastors have been Revs. Wiley, Atwood, Bos- well, Patterson, Morris, Hanly, Sawre, and Ogborn. The last named, Rev. W. N. Ogborn, is the present pastor.

Services have been held regularly since the organi- zation of the church.

TRINITY CHURCH (PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL), ROCKY HILL.+

Rocky Hill appears among the stations visited by the Rev. John Brooke, a missionary of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, who, after faithfully serving three or four years in New Jersey, was lost at sea about the close of 1707. His successor, Mr. Vaughan, probably visited this station, but no per- manent congregation seems to have been gathered here by him or his successors. The earliest services in recent times of which information has been ob- tuined were conducted by the Rev. G. Emlen Hare, first rector of Trinity Church, Princeton, about 1840. Succeeding rectors of this church officiated from time to time at Rocky IIill, and such occasional ministra- tions became more frequent after the removal to this place of Mr. Henry McFarlane, in 1853. At his house regular services were begnn Nov. 10, 1862, under the oversight of Rev. W. A. Dod, D.D., of Princeton, by Rev. W. G. Andrews, their lately or- dained dencon, A church containing a hundred sit- tings was built in 1864 by Mr. MeFarlane's nephew, Harry Stone, of New York, and was consecrated July

15th in that year ; there were at that time nine com- municants. The parish was organized Nov. 25, 1865, the first wardens being Henry MeFarlane and Benja- min Jackson, and the first vestrymen Edwin B. Gu- liek, Abram Voorhees, Peter Weston, William B. Mc- Farlane, and Isaac Bulman.

Mr. Andrews remained in charge as missionary until April 25, 1866. He was succeeded by the Rev. Lewis H. Lighthipe, who became the first rector of the parish, and resigned in December, 1867. The Rev. Messrs. Daniel Shaver, Arthur R. Morris, and Ezra Isaacs each spent somewhat less than a year at Rocky Hill, the financial weakness of the parish making it difficult to provide adequate support for a rector. The Rev. Asa S. Colton, residing in Princeton, supplied for the most part during the vacancies. In December, 1873, the Rev. William B. Bolmer became missionary under the care of the Convocation of New Brunswick ; he was chosen rector May 15, 1880, and re- signed in the following December.

The present wardens are Thomas Arrowsmith (re- moved) and Horace C. Mahan; the vestrymen are Messrs. James B. Powell, Homer H. Mahan, Eugene B. McCarty, Emil Widder, and Peter V. Outcalt. Communicants, as reported at the last diocesan con- vention, 47.

BURIAL-PLACES.

ROCKY HILL CEMETERY ASSOCIATION.

Ang. 10, 1858, Samuel Brearley, Daniel HI. Mount, and William Holmes purchased six acres near the vil- lage, of Stephen Cromwell, for $600, in trust for the above-named association. Since that time the com- pany have soll burial-lots in the cemetery to ninety persons. The present officers (1880) are Thomas J. Skillman, President; David H. Mount, Treasurer ; Stephen Voorhees, Secretary and Superintendent.

Among the private or family burial-grounds in this township are the following :

THE DURYEA CEMETERY,

a private cemetery back of the residence of Alex- ander Duryen. A few of the inscriptions are here given :

"In memory of Marin Vun Liow, wife of George Duryeo. Born March 14, 1724 ; died October 28, 1761."

" In memory of George Duryce, son of Georgo and Magdalen Duryce, who diod October 3, 1776, aged 5 years and 6 months."

" In memory of Georgo Duryee. Diod October 2, 1791, ngod 65 years." " In memory Magdalen Haird, wifo uf Goorgo Duryea, Plod December 6, 1793, ngod 66 years."

" Maria Statesur, wifo of Simon Duryeo. Diod Fob. 2, 1804, In the 41sì year of hor ngo."

HARLINGEN CEMETERY.

" Juffrouw Sarah Van Harlingen Gobooron -. Stryker Gebooren Den. I. Juny A. 1744. Enovorteeden Den. 27 Doconbor A. 1765."

" Hloro lina ye body of M. Peter Porleo ho Departed Ibis Life Aprli ye 1816, 1781 In ye 40th yearo of his Age."

" In memory of Catharine, wife of Jacob Korshow, who died June 27th. 1577, In the 66 year of hor age."

" llere les ye trady of Albert Voorheen, who died Sept y+ 261, 1784, in y* Guth year of hle ago."

" In memory of the Rev. Johannes Martinus Van Harlingen, Pastor of

* Among the families who wont from Harlingon to Blawouburg wore those of Van Zandt, Sutphon, Voorhees, Schenck, ote.

t Rer. W. G. Andrews.

848

SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

the Reformed dutch congregation of Sourland and new Shannick, who died December 23ª 1795, in the 71st year of his age."

"In memory of Harriet Romeyn, daughter of the Rev. Peter and Maria Labaugh, who died February 27, 1814, aged 2 years 11 mo 17 days."

" In memory Hendrick Van Harlingen, who was born Oct. the 15th, 1795, and died Jany the 21st 1780."

A HISTORIC WELL.

The following circumstance, which at the time of its occurrence was trivial enough, has, in the interve- ning years, become fraught with historic interest, from its connection with the terrible struggle by which our land gained its independence.

In 1783 a detachment of Gen. Washington's army en route to the headquarters of their commander, at

Rocky Hill, came along the road leading by Mr. Duryea's farm, and stopped at the well to drink and fill their canteens with its delicious contents. Tired and thirsty and almost choked with the dust of a long march, each man drank copiously, and, although Nature did her best, by means of an unfailing spring at the bottom of the well, to replenish the water thus consumed, the demand was greatly in excess of the supply, and by the time each thirsty soldier had sup- plied his want the water was literally exhausted.

The well is only about ten feet deep, but its supply of water had never before failed to meet the demand, neither has it done so since. It is located on the present estate of Alexander D. Duryea.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

JOHN VAN ZANDT.

The subject of this memoir was the great-grandson of Bernardus Van Zandt, who was born in Holland, Oct. 3, 1700, and came to this country at a date of which we have no record. Soon after his arrival here he purchased a tract of two hundred and twenty-six acres of land, adjoining the Voorhees estate, in Mont- gomery township, Somerset Co., then a part of the "Eastern Division of the Province of New Jersey." He died March 27, 1778.

Nicholas, the second son of Bernardus, was born Dec. 25, 1737. He married Lucretia Van Brunt, and succeeded to the homestead on the decease of his father, where he continued to reside until the time of his death, in 1805. The old homestead was then conveyed by the other heirs to Capt. Bernardus Van

Zandt, who was the second son of Nicholas. He marricd, Jan. 7, 1790, Sarah Sutphen, a most amiable lady.

The marked ability of Capt. Bernardus in the man- agement of his farm and the excellent qualities of his wife attracted the attention of her uncle, James Nevius. He had no family and lived alone upon an adjacent farm, and finally, in 1809, persuaded his niece and her husband to leave the old homestead and live with him. He died about two years afterwards, leaving his large farm by " will" to Capt. Bernardus, subject, however, to the payment of certain legacies. They remained upon the Nevius farm as long as they lived and raised a family of two sons and eight daugh- ters, three of whom are still living (January, 1881).

Their second son, Nicholas, lived upon the old

RESIDENCE OF JAMES VAN ZANDT, MONTGOMERYTE, SOMERSET Co, N.J.

849

MONTGOMERY.

homestead, and it is still in the possession of his heirs, and within the same boundary lines as when purchased, nearly one hundred and fifty years ago.

The eldest of the ten children, JOHN VAN ZANDT, was born June 10, 1791. He married, Nov. 20, 1817, Anna, the eldest daughter of Stephen Voorhees, a woman of lovely disposition and unaffected piety. They succeeded to the Nevius farm in 1850, by "will" of his father, and resided there until their decease. They had six children, two of whom died in their youth. Their sons James and Augustus and daugh- ters Sarah and Anna Eliza are still living.

Mr. Van Zandt was a prominent member of the Re- formed Dutch Church of Harlingen until nearly fifty years since, when he and a few of his neighbors founded the Reformed Dutch Church of Blawen- burg. He was one of a most excellent building com- mittee who, by their liberality, zeal, and personal labor, erected what must then have been a hand- some and substantial church edifice, and it remains to-day an enduring monument of their philanthropy and piety. He cherished the welfare of that church with greatest ardor, and was always glad to give his time, his labor, and his money to promote its interests. He served in the offices of elder and deacon at vari- ous times. He was a most liberal contributor, and was identified with every beneficial interest of the church.

Ilis educational advantages were only such as the district school afforded, but he was intelligent and fond of reading, and in his later years was well in- formed. He received a "second sight," and read without glasses.

A marked peculiarity of his old age was that he took a great interest in every new project and in- vention.

In politics he was a staunch Whig and afterwards a Republican, never failing in duty at the polls. Hle lived under the administrations of nineteen Presidents of the United States, commencing with Washington, and probably voted at sixteen Presidential elections.

After a long and useful life of integrity, piety, la- bor, and success in every particular, he died Jan. 2, 1881, in the ninetieth year of his age, respected, hon- ored, and beloved by all who knew him. Just two weeks afterwards his amiable wife died also, and was buried by his side in the cemetery at Blawenburg.

They leave, surviving them, four children, twenty grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren, nearly all of whom are living in the vicinity of their ances- tral home.

JAMES N. VAN ZANDT.

James N. Van Zandt, a view of whose attractive place-endeared to himself and children by memories of home, and so indicative of the industry, thrift, and cultured taste of the owner-may be seen on another page of this work, is the eldest son of John Van

Zandt, of Blawenburg, and is regarded as one of the model agriculturists of Somerset County. He first purchased of Garret Van Zandt a small farm of seventy-two acres, situated in Montgomery township, near Blawenburg, to which, in 1860, was added one hundred acres of the old homestead of his father. In that year he erected thereon a large brick residence with outbuildings. He has confined his labors strictly to the cultivation and improvement of his farm, expending time and money in under-draining it, adopting all of the practical modern improvements tending to facilitate the operations of agriculture. lle is a gentleman extremely modest and unassuming in manner, devoted to his home and family, and by his manly Christian life has earned for himself a place among the most respected representative men of his vicinity.

ABRAM 6. WIKOFF.

Abram C. Wikoff, the third son of Samuel and Abi- gail (Bembridge) Wikoff; and grandson of Garret Wikoff, was born in the township of Hillsborough,

Somerset Co., N. J., Feb. 29, 1826, and removed to Montgomery township, to the place where he now re- sides, in 1850. He is by occupation a farmer, and is among the leading agriculturists of the township. Dec. 18, 1849, he married Louisa M. Garretson, daughter of dames Garretson, of Raritan Landing. They have four children, -viz., t'atharine, Samuel, Hannah M., and James Wikoff. Catharine married Stephen Gano, n civil engineer, residing at Fleming- ton, N. J., and has one child, Frederick.

850

SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

Mrs. Louisa M., wife of Mr. Wikoff, was born at Weston, Hillsborough township, Oct. 3, 1825.

Mr. Wikoff was formerly a Whig, but since the dis- solution of that party has been a staunch Republican. He has never sought office, but has filled several offi- cial positions in his township, and has been surveyor for Bound Brook Fire Insurance Company for several years. He is an active member of the Reformed Church of Harlingen, and has at various times held the offices of deacon and elder, the latter of which he now holds.

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History of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, New Jersey : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 208

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