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 42
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 42
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172 448
1770 1859
...
31,060 17,689
The censns of 1830 gives the following items of interest :
Deaf and dumb in Hunterdon County
34
Somerset
14
Blind in Hunterdon Connty .. Somerset
17
Aliens in Hunterdon Connty.
210
Somerset 66
118
Of the 4249 slaves and free colored persons in both counties, none were deaf or dumb, and only five reported as blind.
MISCELLANEOUS STATISTICS, 1830.
Hunterdon Somerset County.
324,572
189,800
Lots of and under ten acres.
1,167
......
Neat cattle over three years.
12,492
8,634
Horses and mnles over three years
7,538
4,621
Stud-borses
50
25
Grist-mills, run of stones.
80
64
Saw-mills
71
44
Fulling-mille.
10
8
Cotton-factories.
1
...
Carding-machines
17
11
Cider-distilleries.
58
27
Tan-vats ..
524
211
Number of householders.
......
391
taxables
6,000
3,500
86
68
ferries and toll-bridges
...
sulkies and dearborne
894
218
coaches and chaises
4
32
=
fisheries ..
17
...
two- and fonr-horse stagee ....
10
15
The taxes for 1830, according to the census, were as follows :
Township Tax.
County.
Connty.
Poor tax.
$6,850
$4,476
Road "
8,300
5,837
Total.
$15,150
$10,313
Connty tax
10,000
6,000
State
4,535.84
2,642.86
Aggregate ..
$20,685.84 $18,955.86
The status of the militia in 1830 was as follows: Hunterdon County had 327 cavalrymen and 2584 in- fantrymen,-total in service 2911,-and was brigaded with Warren and Sussex Counties.
Somerset was brigaded with Middlesex and Monmouth Counties.
CENSUS OF 1870.
Hunterdon County.
TOWNSHIPS.
White.
Colored.
Total.
Alexandria.
3,318
23
3,341
Bethlebem
2,183
28
2,211
Clinton.
3,097
34
3,131
Delaware ..
2,932
31
2,963
East Amwell.
1,707
96
1,803
Franklin.
1,318
7
1,325
Frenchtown ..
912
8
920
High Bridge (formerly part of Lebanon). Kingwood
1,944
2
1,946
Lambertville.
3,819
26
3,845
Lebanon
3,533
23
3,55€
Raritan ..
3,515
140
3,655
Readington
3,005
64
3.069
Tewksbury
2,243
85
2,328
Town of Clinton
755
30
785
Union
1,040
11
1,051
West Amwell
992
40
1,032
Total.
36,313
648
36,961
Somerset County.
TOWNSHIPS.
White.
Colored.
Total.
Bedminster.
1,790
91
1,881
Bernards
2,324
45
2.369
Branchburg ..
1,196
57
1,253
Bridgewater
5,505
379
5,884
Franklin.
3,539
373
3,912
Hillsborongh
3,175
269
3,444
Montgomery ..
1,816
249
2,065
Warren
2,649
57
2,706
Total.
21,994
1520
23,514
POPULATION OF SOMERSET COUNTY, 1880 .*
Bedminster township
1,812
Bernards township ...
2,622
Branchburg township.
1,316
Bridgewater township
7,995
Franklin township ..
3,819
Hillsborough township
3,249
Montgomery township.
1,928
Nortb Plainfield township
3,268
Warren towuship.
1,203
Total 27,212
The population (1880) for the several villages and hamlets is given as follows : Bedminster, 140; Pea- pack, 235; Pluckamin, 135; Basking Ridge, 366 ; Bernardsville, 147; Liberty Corner, 97; Madisonville, 49; North Branch, 120; Somerville, 3108; Raritan, 2040; Bound Brook, 936; Bloomington, G11; East Millstone, 431 ; Middlebush, 84; Neshanie, 117; South Branch, 117; Millstone, 262.
POPULATION OF HUNTERDON COUNTY, 1880 .*
Alexandria township. 1,321
Bethlehem township.
2,830
Clinton township.
2,133
Delaware township
3,092
East Amwell township
1,646
Franklin township ...
1,338
1ligh Bridge township ..
2,210
llolland township.
1,887
Kingwood township
1,694
Lebanon township ..
2,701
Raritan township
4,190
Readington township.
3,104
Tewksbury township.
2,108
Union township.
1,167
West Amwell township.
1,039
Lambertville:
First Ward
1,354
Second Ward ..
1,281
Third Ward ..
1,548
4,183
Town of Clinton.
842
Borough of Frenchtown ..
1,039
Total
38,527
" From report of the supervisor of the census, in advance of the print-
Somerset Connty had 158 cavalrymen, 107 artillery- men, 93 riflemen, and 1304 infantrymen ; total, 1662. ' ing and issue of the census returns by the United States government.
=
single men
673
668
merchants and traders.
Hunterdon
Somerset
Persons.
91
Persons.
except Indians,
19
Connty.
Total number of acres.
...
......
157
EDUCATIONAL AND STATISTICAL.
The population of the several villages of the county for 1880 is: Bloomsbury, 587; Annandale, 379; Leb- anon, 314; Locktown, 29; Raven Rock, 56; Sergeant- ville, 139; Stockton, 577; Ringos, 298; Wertsville, ' 41; Pittstown, 100; Cherryville, 50; High Bridge, 1034; Milford, 554; Baptisttown, 112; Glen Gardner, 1427 ; Flemington, 1754; Califon, 130; Mountainville, 113; New Germantown, 249; Stanton, 109; Three Bridges, 166; Mechanicsville, 200; Pleasant Run, 185; White House Station, 350; Centreville, 54; Reading- ton, 59.
The number of farms in each township of both counties at the present time (1880) may be seen at a glance by the following table :
HUNTERDON COUNTY.
Alexandria ..
196
Bothlehon ..
193
Clinton
170
Delaware ..
360
Enst Amwell
1.10
Franklin.
180
lligh Bridge
98
lolland.
170
Kingwood
Lebanon
Raritan.
370
Readingtoo
30K
Tewksbury.
Union ..
1GO
Clinton (town).
18
SOMERSET COUNTY.
176
Bernards ..
2218
Branchlmrg.
15-1
Bridgewater.
256
Franklin ...
322
lHillsborough
228
North Phunfield.
232
2018
In order that the reader may draw true conclusions from the above tables, the following, showing the area both in square miles and in acres, is given :
HUNTERDON COUNTY.
Townships.
Square Miles.
Acres.
Alexandria (including Holland) ..
52.0%
33,331
Bethleheni .
25,30
10,191
Clinton.
33 x9
$1,615
Ileinware ....
45 48
29,107
Einst Amwell
26.95
17,248
Franklin
23.01
1.1,746
Kingwood
38.00
21,320)
Lebanon ....
33.48
21,127
Raritan
36.78
23.53!
Hendington.
28,6072
Tewksbury
35.82
22,0025
Union ..
21.82
13,965
West Amwell.
19.011
12,1×5
launtertville City
1.21
774
437.51
SOMERSET COUNTY.
Townshipa.
Square Miles.
Acres.
Hadtulnster.
32.95
21,0 4
Bernards .....
.11.17
26,511
Branchburg ..
19.71
12,6M
Bridgewater
25,651
Franklin ...
-19.38
31,610
Hillsborough.
59.211
37.894
Montgomery
30 01
19,590
North Pluluffel and Warren.
32.26
20,546
305,71
105,054
VITAL STATISTICS OF HUNTERDON AND SOMER- SET COUNTIES FOR THE YEAR ENDING JULY 1, 1879 :
Hunterdon
Somerset County.
Births ......
507
Marriages ..
215
159
Dentlis ..
527
429
Deaths, under 6 years
123
97
47
42
from 20 to 60 years
124
104
over 60 years
204
154
undefined.
9
PRINCIPAL CAUSES OF DEATH.
Hunterdoo County.
Somerset County.
Remittout fever.
1
3
Typhoid fever
9
Scarlet fever
Measles ..
16
42
Diarrheal diseases ..
31
Consumption
59
55
Acute lung diseases.
46
Brain diseases (children)
32
20
Diseases heart and circulation.
3
23
Diseases urinary organs ...
18
18
Braiu and spiuni diseases (adults).
62
Digestive and intestinal diseases.
30
Cancer ..
19
10
Puerperal.
2
3
Erysipelas ..
...
Acuto rhenmatism.
1
1
CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF GOVERNORS OF NEW JERSEY FROM 1665 TO 1881. GOVERNORS OF EAST JERSEY.
1665-81, Philip Carteret; 1682-83, Robert Barclay; 1683, Thomas Rud- yard, Deputy Governor; 1683, Gawen Lawrie; 1685, Lord Neill Campbell ; 1692-97, Andrew Hamilton ; 1698-99, Jeremiah Basse.
GOVERNORS OF WEST JERSEY.
1681, Samuel Jennings, deputy ; 1684-85, Thomas Oliver; 1685-87, John Skein, deputy; 1686, William Welsh, deputy ; 1687, Daniel Coxe; 1692-97, Andrew Ilamilton ; 1697-93, Jeremiah Basse, deputy; 1699 -1702, Andrew Hamilton.
In 1702 the government was surrendered to the crown, and thenceforth the Governors were for
EAST AND WEST JERSEY UNITED."
1703-8, John, Lonl Cornbury : 1708, John Lovelace (died in office) ; 1709 -10, Richard Ingoldshy, Lieutenant-Governor ; 1710-20, Gen. Andrew Hunter; 1720-27, William Burnett; 1728-31, John Montgomerie; 1731-32, lewis Morris; 1732-36, William Crosby; 1736-38, John Hamilton.
COLONIAL GOVERNORS, SEPARATE FROM NEW YORK.
1738-46, Lowin Morris; 1746-47, John Hamilton; 1747-57, Jonathan Belcher ; 1767-68, John Reading; 1758-60, Francis Barnard ; 1760- 61, Thomas Boon; 1761-63, Thomas Hardie; 1763-76, William Franklin,
FROM THE ADOPTION OF THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION.
1776-00, William Livingston ( Fed.) ; 1790-92, William Paterson (Fed.) ; 1792-1801, Richard Howell (Fed.) ; 1802-3, John Lambert, Vice- President of Council (Dem.); 1803-12, Joseph Bloomfield (Dem.); 1812-13, Auron Ogden (Fed.); 1813-15, William S. Pennington (Dem.) ; 1>15-17, Maliion Dickerson . Dem.); 1817-29, Leane II. WHl- linnison (l'ed.); 1>20, Gurret D. Wali (Dem.), declined; 1829-32, Peter D. Vroum (Dem.) ; 1×12-33, Samuel L. Sunthard (Whlg); 1833- 34, Elias P. Scelvy ( Whig) ; 1:34-36, Peter D. Vroom, Jr. (Dem.) : 18:36-37, l'hilemon Dickerson Dem.) ; 1:37-13, William l'ennington (Whig) ; 1843-41, Daniel Ilidnes ( D'en.).
GOVERNORS UNDER THE NEW CONSTITUTION.+
1545-48, Charles C. Stratton (Whig) : 1848-61, Daniel llaines (Dem.) ; 1×51-61, George F. Fort (Dem.) : 1851-67, Rodman M. Prico ( Dem.) ; 1857-60, William A Newell Rep.) ; 1560-63, Charles S. Ollen Rep.) ; 1863-66, Joel Parker (Drm.); 1x86-69, Marcus L. Wardt Rep.);
· Also Governor, nt same time, of New York.
+ Amme their offfelul dutira in January following their election.
West Amwell
Frenchtown, borough
3166
Bedminster
Montgomery
Warren ...
-
County.
from 5 to 20 years.
Croup and diphtheria ...
158
HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
1869-72, Theodore F. Randolph (Dem.) ; 1872-75, Joel Parker (Deul.); 1875-78, Joseph D. Bedle (Dem.); 1878-81, George B. McClellau (Dem.) ; 1881-84, Richard G. Ludlow (Dem.).
POST-OFFICES HUNTERDON AND SOMERSET COUN- TIES (OFFICIAL), 1879.
HUNTERDON COUNTY.
Aunandale, Anthony, Baptisttown, Bethlehem, Bloomsbury, Califon, Centreville, Cherryville, Clinton, Clover Hill, Copper Hill, Croton, Everittstown, Fairmount, Flemington, Freuchtown, Glen Gardner, Hamden, High Bridge, Holland, Junction, Kingwood, Lambertville, Lebanon, Little York, Locktown, Milford, Mountainville, Mount Pleasant, New Germantown, New Hampton, Norton, Oak Dale, Oak Grove, Pattenburg, Perryville, Pittstown, Pleasant Run, Potters- ville, Quakertown, Raven Rock, Readington, Reaville, Ringoes, Rowland Mills, Saud Brook, Sergeantsville, Sidney, Stantou, Stock- ton, Sunny Side, Three Bridges, Tumble, Wertsville, White House, White House Station.
SOMERSET COUNTY.
Basking Ridge, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Blackwell's Mills, Blawen- burg, Bonnd Brook, East Millstone, Finderne, Frankfort, Griggs- town, Harlingen, Hillsborongh, Kingston, Lamington, Liberty Cor- ner, Lyons, Martinsville, Middlebnsh, Millstone, Montgomery, Neshanic, North Branch, North Branch Depot, Peapack, Plainville, Pluckamin, Raritan, Rocky Hill, Roysfield, Somerville, South Branch, Stoutsburg, Warrenville, Westou.
POPULATION.
The population of the State in 1865 was 773,700, being 102 persons for every square mile. The fol- lowing tabular statement shows the population by counties at various periods during the last one hun- dred and thirty years. The counties are grouped so that those which have been formed last may be near those from which they were taken.
POPULATION OF NEW JERSEY AT DIFFERENT PERIODS.
COUNTIES.
1737.
1745.
1785.
1790.
1800.
1810.
1820.
1830.
1840.
1850.
1860.
1865.
Bergen ..
4,095
3,006
12,601
15,956
16,603
18,178
22,412
13,223 16,734
14,725 22,569
21,618 29,013
24,636 34,856 87,819
Hudson.
7,019
6,988
17,785
22,269
25,984
30,793
41,911
44,621
73,950
98,877
124,441
Union
Morris.
4,436
16,216
17,750
21,828
21,368
23,665
25,844
30,158
34,677
35,410 36,513
Hunterdon ...
5,570
9,151
20,153
21,261
24,556
28,604
31,060
24,787
28,990
33,654
40,758
Mercer
4,505
3,239
12,296
12,815
14,725
16,506
17,689
17,455
19,692
22,057
21,610
Middlesex
4,764
7,612
15,956
17,890
20,381
21,470
23,157
21,893
28,635
34,812
35,916
Monmonth.
6,086
8,627
16,918
19,872
22,150
25,038
29,233
32,909
30,313
39,346
42,868
Ocean
5,238
6,803
18,095
21,524
24,972
28,882
31,107
32,831
43,203 25,422
49,730 34,457
38,464
Gloucester
3,267
3,50G
13,363
16,115
19,744
23,089
28,431
25,438
14,655
18,444
20,134
Atlantic
5,888
6,847
10,437
11,371
12,761
14,022
14,155
16,024
19,467
22,458
23,162
Cumberland.
1,004
1,188
2,571
3,066
3,632
4,265
4,936
6,324
6,433
7,130
7,625
Total.
47,369
61,403
140,435
184,193
211,949
245,555
277,426
320,823
373,306
489,555
672,035
773,700
New Jersey was first settled by an agricultural population, and the way in which they distributed themselves over the State is well shown in this table. The following statement of areas, total popula- tion, and population per square mile in the several geological districts of the State shows this in a strong light. It is made for 1865, but a like comparison may be made for any other of the years given in the table of population.
TABLE.
GEOLOGICAL FORMATION.
Areas in Sq. Miles.
Population in Cities.
Rural Pop- ulation.
Rural Pop. per. Sq. Mile.
Azoic ..
772
40,000
52
Palæozoic ..
692
60,000
75
Triassic.
1543
200,000
210,000
130
Cretaceous.
1491
40,00G
150,000
100
Tertiary ..
3078
10,000
73,000
24
Totals.
7576
250,000
523,000
69
Essex,
27,780
Sussex.
19,500
22,534
25,549
32,752
20,346
21,770
22,989
23,846
23,929
Warren
21,502
27,992
37,419
41,478
50,719
Camden.
8,726
8,961
11,786
11,344
Salem.
8,248
9,529
12,670
12,668
14,093
14,374
17,189
22,605
26,233
Cape May ...
18,627
20,366
22,358
28,433
31,523
Somerset.
10,032
11,176
14,262
Burlington.
Passaic ...
9,483
21,822
62,717
HISTORY OF HUNTERDON COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY OF HUNTERDON COUNTY .*
Mountains, Streams, and other Physical Features of the County-Geo- logical Formations, etc.
HUNTERDON COUNTY lies upon the western border of the north-central portion of the State of New Jer- sey, with the Delaware River, upon the west, sepa- rating it from the State of Pennsylvania, while its neighboring sister-counties are Warren and Morris, bounding it upon the north ; Somerset, adjoining it on the cast ; and Mercer, inclosing it upon the south.
Its civil divisions-embracing fifteen townships, one city, and two borough corporations-cover an area of 280,000 acres, or 438 square miles.
The physical character of Hunterdon County is a future of which but little has been written, yet it is one of great interest. It will here be treated under classified heads; and, so far as possible, technical terms will be avoided in the descriptions, in order that they may be the more clearly understood by the unscien- tific reader.
RELIEFS.
The reliefs of Hunterdon County are prominent, yet not hold. They consist of approximately parallel ridges extending, with some interruptions, from the Delaware River northeastward beyond the line which divides Somerset from Hunterdon. In altitude, in width, and in quality of surface they vary.
SOURLAND RIDGE.
The most southerly of these ridges is that one known as the Sourland. It extends from the Dela- ware River near Well's Falls northeastward until it is lost in the plain in Somerset County. In length it is about seventeen miles.
In outline it is remarkably even ; and yet it is not entirely in want of eminences, curves, or depressions. At the top it is table-like,-nearly level. In width it varies. Near the Delaware it is about two and a half miles wide; about three miles east of the Delaware, and from this point northeastward for about ten miles, its width is scarcely more than two miles. Nearer the eastern extremity, beyond the limits of Hunterdon County, it spreads out into a broad, level, marshy plain from three to four miles wide.
Rising up from its flat surface here and there are slight eminences. Of these, excepting one, the lofti- est in our county is near the Delaware, on the south- ern side of the ridge. It is known by the name Goat Hill. It is a rocky eminence that rises to the height of four hundred and ninety-one feet above the level of the sea. Its soil is gritty, and mainly covered with low cedars, scattered forest-trees, brambles, and the like. However, here and there are patches cleared and tilled. These produce abundantly.
Opposite to Goat Hill, towards the northwest, near the northern border of the ridge, rises up another em- inence. This is called North Goat Hill. This too is a rocky prominence, covered with cedars, hard-wood trees, brambles, etc. Its soil is similar to that of Goat Hill. Its altitude is three hundred and seventy feet.
Towards the opposite hill the slope of this knob is gentle ; towards the northeast it is very steep, but covered with soil ; towards the west it is precipitous and rocky. This eminence is much visited to gain a view of the surrounding country. Here, too, in early spring the lover of flowers comes.
About four miles northeast of Goat Hill extends up to the height of three hundred and thirty-five feet an- other prominence. This is called Fisher's Peak. It is a projection of trap-rock sparsely covered with soil and small stones. It sustains, however, a tolerably good growth of hard-wood trees. From this point the observer gains a very extensive view of the Red Shale Valley and of the southern slope of the swamp table- land. Although not so high as Goat Hill, this prom- inence forms the most conspicuous object upon this whole ridge. This happens more from its site than from its altitude. While the other eminences of this ridge, with a single exception, are situated near the centre of the ridge or else are near to other promi- nenees nearly as high, this elevation stands alone upon the crest of the ridge, which at this place is along the very border of the table-land.
Two miles farther towards the northeast is Basaltic ('liff. It consists of a projection of basaltic trap that at the enlmen is bare of earth. However, with the exception of a small area, the rock is covered with : gritty soil, and upon it grow stalwart hard-wood trees and a great variety of plants requiring a loose but rich soil. In altitude it is three hundred and thirty fort. Like Fisher's Peak, this prominence is situated upon the northern border of the table-land, and, as it stand- alone, it seem- more elevated than it really is.
159
* By Prof. Cornetins W. Larison.
160
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
Near the northern base of this eminence is a pool of water that is very slightly affected by the severest droughts. Around this pool is an area of flat ground well suited to the wild-flowers of early spring. This peak, with its contiguous woodland, is the favorite haunt of the botanist.
The lowest place in the Sourland Ridge is that site over which the road extends from Ringos to Woods- ville. Its elevation is three hundred and eighteen feet. From this place northeastward to Cedar Sum- mit, near the Somerset county line, the rise is very gradual. This part of the ridge is locally known as the Sourland Mountain. That part of the Sourland Ridge which extends between the Rocktown road and Goat Hill is known as " The Rocks." For the most part, the surface is rough, rocky, badly suited to till- åge, and much neglected.
From the table-land of the Sourland Mountain rise up several slight eminences that have local names. Of these is Lake's Knob, which has an altitude of three hundred and ninety feet. Farther east is Pero Hill, rising to an altitude of four hundred and forty feet. Still farther east, near the county line, is Cedar Summit, which has an altitude of five hundred and five feet.
Pero Hill is famous for bowlders of enormous size and fantastic shapes. Here is that group of rocks known as the Three Brothers.
Cedar Summit is a ridge that rises about fifty feet above the table-land. It is the highest summit of ourland that has yet been measured.
From end to end through the centre of the Sour- land Ridge extends a belt of gritty soil known locally as mountain grit. This soil is well adapted to the culture of peaches, apples, aud pears. In faet, for the culture of these fruits it has long been famed. How- ever, in many places it is so extensively bestrewed with basaltic bowlders that the horticulturist is al- most prevented from practicing his art.
Flanking this belt of gritty soil on either side is a border of clayey loam, oftentimes stony, mostly wet, cold, and sour. It is difficult of tillage, but under proper cultivation it produces heavy crops of timothy and herd's-grass.
ANASTOMOSING RIDGE.
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South of the confluence of the Alexsocken rivulet with the Delaware, in the city of Lambertville, is an eminence that consists mainly of altered shale. Towards the north the slope is steep, but, for the most part, the surface consists of a soil that sustains a vig- orous growth of timber, etc. But towards the south for several hundred yards the escarpment is mural, and the beds of shale are well disclosed. Indeed, this site is favorable to the study of the bedding of the red shale.
From this eminenco extends northeast a narrow ridge that in elevation is much less than that of the Sourland. Excepting the peaks that rise from its anastomosing part, its greatest altitude is near Mount
Airy. At Fisher's Peak it anastomoses with the Sour- land Ridge, and then blends with this ridge as far as the Basaltic Cliff. From this site it trends on towards the northeast into Somerset County.
The eastern part of this ridge is divided by ravines into three sections.
As we go northeastward from the Basaltie Cliff the first part is separated from the main ridge by a ravine formed by Mountain Rivulet. This section is known as Bleak Ridge.
The second section extends between the ravine of Mountain Rivulet and the ravine of Wert's Rivulet. This is known as Rattlesnake Ridge.
The third extends from the ravine caused by Wert's Rivulet eastward till it is lost in the plain of Somer- set. This is known as the Rainbow Ridge.
There are several geologieal facts connected with this ridge that will compel every geologist that pre- tends to minuteness to speak of it as a whole, and also to speak of its several parts. Hence, in order to facil- itate the geological description, I propose the term Anastomosing Ridge as the name by which the entire ridge shall be known.
GILBO.
Along the Delaware, south of Vandolah's Rivulet, is an eminence that rises up abruptly to the height of two hundred and fifty feet. This eminence is known as Gilbo. Towards the west the surface is very steep and rocky. In many places it is soilless, and at any place it is but sparsely covered with brambles, bushes, and trees. However, out of the crevices of the rocks grow in great luxuriance the moss-pink ( Phlox sub- ulata) and a few other flowers peculiar to rocky hill- sides that render this escarpment very beautiful and very attractive to the botanist during the vernal months.
Upon the top the hill is flat and bestrewed with huge bowlders. The soil is gritty and fertile, and sustains a luxuriant growth of hard-wood trees, shrubs, and the grasses. From the culmen the hill slopes very gently towards the northeast for about two miles and a half. The surface of this area is be- strewed with large basaltic bowlders. From the ter- minus of these bowlders a low ridge extends north- eastward across the county to a point upon the South Branch of the Raritan, in Somerset. Although not much elevated, this ridge is important. It is the axial ridge of the Red Shale Valley from the Delaware River as far northeastward as the valley extends. All along, the elevation consists of a core of indurated or altered shale covered with a good but a not very deep soil .. The slopes are gentle, and consist of ordinary shale covered by a deep loamy soil that is not excelled in fertility,
That part of this elevation that extends from the railroad cut, north of Ringos, to the Neshanic Riv- ulet is known as Pleasant Ridge. That part which extends between the Neshanic and the South Branch is known as Clover Hill. Upon the crest of this last-
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PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY OF HUNTERDON COUNTI.
named ridge, near the county line, is the village of Clover Hill.
At some places along this ridge the rock is quarried for building-stone. Such is the case at Ringos and near the bridge that spans Neshanie Rivulet on the Old York Road. Many other sites are favorable to quarrying, and in time, no doubt, will yield an abun- dance of good stone.
The greatest altitude of this elevation is at the site at which it is crossed by the dike that extends from the brow of the table-land to Bleak Ridge. This site is in the Old York Road about one and a half miles northeast of Ringos. At this site it is three hundred and fifty feet above the level of the sea.
SANDY RIDGE.
Extending from the Delaware near Stockton north- eastward for the distance of about five miles is a bold ridge that varies very much in elevation, in outline, and in quality of surface. From the Delaware River northeastward to a site a few hundred feet to the cast of the parsonage of the Sandy Ridge Baptist church the acclivity is gradual. From this point eastward for about one and a half miles its crest is nearly level. But at the site at which the road from Dilts' Corner to Headquarters crosses it, it slopes off very steeply, so that in the course of half a mile the altitude is but
two hundred and fifty feet above the level of the sea. Beyond this point it is lost in the plane. This eleva- tion is known locally as the Sandy Ridge. Its culmen is near the parsonage of the Sandy Ridge Baptist church. As one might infer from its name, its surface is sandy. Its slope is towards the northwest. This is regular and unbroken, and its soil everywhere is suited to tillage and is very fertile. The counterslope of this ridge is towards the southeast. It is gentle, well suited to tillage, and very productive.
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