History of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, New Jersey : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 79

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 79
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 79

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).

Jasper Smith appeared before the next Presby- tery in behalf of the petitioners, who asked to be enrolled "as a new-formed church, to have regular supplies ordered to them until they could build a church, and are able to support a regular and stated preacher of the gospel among them." The petition

* Tho custom then generally prevailed of having two services on the Sabbath, with only a short intermission, during which some of the meui- bers of the congregation adjourned to a tavern or some store and partook of cake and beer, prepared for the Sunday customers. " It was deemed a serious privation that no much opportunity was afforded at First Am- well, for the church was in the open country."

t At this date paper money was not equal to hard money, as it was called, In hard-money engagements. "Que-half is now (1790) tho cur- rent exchange."

Name of Dis- triet or School.

Amonut recelved from all sources for school-purposes.

Present value of the

school-property.

Number of children be-

tween 5 and 18 years re-

siding in the district.

Average number months

schools have been kept.

Average number who have

attended during time

schools were kept open.

Number of children who can

be seated comfortably.

employed.

Number of male teachers

Number of female teachers

employed.

310

HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

also stated that a temporary place of meeting had been procured, and that, of the fifty-five heads of families signing, thirteen only were connected with the old church as subscribers towards the salary. This application was strenuously opposed by the two Amwells through their representative, Jolin Prall, Jr., because such a measure would so weaken them that they could not support a pastor. The Presbytery, instead of coming to a decision, resolved to "meet at the First Presbyterian Church of Amwell, on the first Tuesday in November, to examine into and settle, if possible, the differences," etc. The Presby- tery convened as appointed. Great interest appears to have been taken in this case, evidenced by the large attendance and prominent members present, among whom were Drs. Witherspoon and Stanhope Smith, of Princeton College, Armstrong, of Trenton, and Joseph Clark, of Allentown, afterwards of New Brunswick. After mature deliberation, Presbytery resolved unanimously that "matters do not appear ripe for forming the petitioners into a new congrega- tion," and advised "all parties to unite in prosecuting the call for Mr. Grant," who was to "preach one- quarter part of his time at Amwell First Church, one other fourth part of his time at Flemington, and the remaining half of his time at Amwell Second Church, and that the salary be appertioned to the time at each place." This decision was acquiesced in, and the Rev. Thomas Grant was not only called, but duly ordained and installed in December, 1791.

Jan. 9, 1792, a meeting was held of the newly- formed congregation in the Baptist meeting-house, " where more than thirty families* (of Presbyterians) statedly assembled for worship." Their purpose, ac- cording to a notice previously given (of which the original is on file), was to elect trustees, and thereby secure incorporation. "Jasper Smith, counselor-at- law, Thomas Reading, Esq., Capts. Arthur Gray and Charles Reading, Messrs. Cornelius Polhemus, Samuel Hill, and Joseph Capner" were elected and incorpo- rated as "The Trustees of the Flemington English Presbyterian Church in Amwell, in the County of Hunterdon and State of New Jersey." The trustees chose Jasper Smith as their president.

In the spring of 1793 ground was broken for a build- ing. A lot had been purchased of Joseph Robeson, containing 1 acre 37 perches, for £40 silver. The deed was not given until July 17, 1794. The edifice was 45 by 55 fect, built of stone. The walls were pointed and the corners laid with hewn stone, brought "from Large's land, in Kingwood, where the like stones were got for the court-house." For the day in which it was built it was a most creditable struc- ture, showing the liberality and good taste of the people. It stood within the present graveyard fence. The front was just where the south fence of the Mettler

plot runs and faced to the sonth, where were two doors of entrance. On each of the sides were two rows of three windows each. The windows on the upper row were arched. The north end had two arched win- dows. The outside was handsomely finished and painted, but the inside walls were not plastered. Rough benches, made of saw-mill slabs put on legs, furnished seats for the worshipers. Two aisles ex- tended through the building. In the winter days a little heat was produced from two pits, set in the floor of these aisles, about two-thirds up towards the pul- pit. Each pit was about 5 feet long and 1 foot deep, and bricked. These were filled with glowing char- coal. About 1816 two stoves for burning wood were put in, but these did not warm the church sufficiently. When anthracite coal was introduced, two coal-stoves, made of sheet iron by Mahlon Smith, were used for years, in addition to the wood-stoves. This partly- finished building cost £650 cash, besides material and labor which were given to the value of £300 more.

May 11, 1794, Mr. Grant preached for the first time in the new house. The dedication sermon was by Rev. Mr. Armstrong, of Trenton. The church then chose as overseers "to keep order in the church in the time of worship, and to conduct divine worship and read a sermon when the pastor is absent," Jacob Mattison, Joakim Griggs, Thomas Reading, and Jas- per Smith. The two last-named gentlemen were ordained the first elders, July 16, 1797. At this date collections were taken to support missionaries on the frontier, which was then Middle New York and Western Pennsylvania.

But the congregation labored under serious disad- vantages. The pastor preached but once in three Sundays. He lived near Reaville; consequently, the people saw him seldom, and this church was little more than a preaching-post. Religion declined, especially in this church, at that time, owing in part to Mr. Grant's health, which was so delicate that he was frequently unable to discharge the duties of his ministry here. The church was also in arrears in money matters,-a trouble which likewise existed in the congregations of Amwell. In April, 1809, Mr. Grant requested that the pastoral relation between him and the several congregations should be dis -. solved, urging his want of health to perform the duties required. This was granted. He died in March, 1811. The church was served by supplies. for one year.

Meanwhile, this congregation proposed to the Ger- man congregation at Larison's, which had also be- come vacant, to join with them in the call and sup- port of one and the same pastor. This proposal would probably have been accepted had not the First Amwell, on becoming acquainted with the overture, offered to unite with them on the same terms. This. last scemed to them the most desirable and natural union, as it was. Thus the old house ( First Amwell), the new house (Second Amwell), and the German.

* Thirty families were required by law of 1786 in order to obtain incor- poration.

311

RARITAN.

congregations united for the support of one pastor, together possessing funds the interest of which amounted to $600, while the Flemington portion was left by itself, without funds, and even in debt.

Notwithstanding all this, a few individuals under- took the apparently hopeless task of raising by sub- scription support for a pastor for the whole of his time, and the people responded with a most unex- pected liberality. This enabled the congregation, in the spring of 1810, to call Jacob Field, a licentiate of the Presbytery of New Brunswick, on a salary of $500 per annum for two years, and then to increase at the rate of $20 a year until it amounted to $600. Under the circumstances, this was a large salary. It equaled that paid by congregations far more able, and proves what a church can do when aroused and quickened by provocation. Mr. Field supplied the congregation for six months before accepting the call, and was ordained and installed Nov. 28, 1810.

About this time another subscription was started to obtain money for the completion of the church building. Seven hundred dollars were procured, and during the summer of 1810 the interior of the house was finished. The walls were plastered and the ceil- ing rounded and covered with narrow boards painted sky-bluc. Candlesticks fastened to the pillars fur- nished light when there was evening service, which was seldom. Woorlen candelabra were made for the pulpit in 1816. Oil-lamps were not introduced until abont 1825. The old slab benches were put in the gallery, and fifty-four pews took their places on the ground floor. It was agreed to leave the pews free until the next spring. April 3, 1811, a meeting of the congregation was held, of which George C. Maxwell was made president, Alexander Bonnell viec-presi- dent, and Thomas Gordon secretary. "It was unan- imously resolved that the pews should be rented for the purpose of supporting the pastor, and other pur- poses." And so it has continued until this day. At this meeting a resolution was passed that "any per- son or persons who choose may have a door to their pew, but at their own expense." The rents amounted to $635.75. The highest was $23, and the lowest $5. If we compare the value of money then, and the in- comes of the people, with the same now, we shall find that pew-rents were higher in 1811 than in 1876. The following-named members of the congregation hired the pews: Jonathan Hill, Cornelius William- son, John R. Reading, W. Maxwell, J. Reading, Jr .. T. Gordon, J. Maxwell (these four were probably un- married men, as they occupied one pew), Christopher Cool, Sr., William Case, Dr. William Geary, John f. Trimmer, James Disbrow, Charles Reading, Jr., H. Groff, Peter Groth (these four also took one pew), l'eter Dilts, Leonard Kuhl, Peter Kuhl, Jr. (these three one pew), Neal Hart, Peter Haward, Joakim Hill, Mathew Thompson, Henry Baker, Preston Bruen, Elnathan Moore, Ferdinand Johnson, Der-

rick Waldron, Andrew Van Fleet, William Bloom, l'eter Nevins, James Clark, Jr., John Schenck, Sr., John Schenck, Jr., Cornelius Wyckoff, John Reading, Sr., Thomas Reading, Rev. Jacob T. Field, Alexan- der Bonnell, Mercy Gray, Mrs. Sarah Hill, Mrs. Hannah Gray ( these three one pew), Daniel Read- ing, Charles Reading, Isane Hill, George C. Maxwell, William Young, Jacob Young, Christopher Rowe, Joseph Case, Thomas Capner, Matthew Lare, Joseph Stillman, Mrs. Elijah Carman, George Reading, Christopher Cool, Martha Wilson, Edward Wyckoff, Elizabeth Griggs, William Young, David Bellis, Samuel MeNair, John Maxwell, John Lee, Abraham Huthinan, Isaac Van Dorn, Joseph P. Chamberlin, Col. David Bishop, Arthur Sehenek. Only four pews were unlet, and of four more the half of each was taken. The pastoral relation between this church and Mr. Field continued only three years. It ter- minated by his own request, April 27, 1813.

Jacob Ten Eyck Fickl was born in Lamington, N. J., Oct. 31, 1787. Early in life he conoected him- self with the church of that place. He entered the College of New Jersey in 1806, and pursned theolog- ical studies under Rev. Dr. Woodhull, of Monmouth, then labored for a few years as missionary in and around Stroudsburg, Pa., before coming to Fleming- ton. After leaving this church he accepted a call to Pompton, N. J. He died at Belvidere, N. J., May 17, 1866, in his eightieth year. He was an intimate friend of Drs. Kirkpatrick and Studdiford. He "stood up" with Dr. Kirkpatrick when he was mar- ried, and in turn was married by the doctor, and they went to their reward almost hand in hand.

In the summer of 1815 (June 14th), John Flavel Clark was ordained and installed. In 1818 a Sab- bath-school was organized and held in the academy for three years, when it was removed into the gallery of the church. In winter it was brought down around the stoves. This remained a union school until about 18244, when each congregation formed its own school. The first superintendent of this union school was Daniel Griggs, who held the position for three years, and until he removed from the village. Mahlon Smith then became its superintendent,* and during the three years it was under his charge there was a revival, which strengthened the school and the church. Augustus Frisbie became superintendent at a later date, resigning in 1842, when Augustus G. Richey, now of Trenton, was elected to that office. He retired in 1844, on leaving Flemington, and Wil- liam P. Emery took his place in 1845. He continued superintendent (with the exception of two years. when Col. Clark occupied that post ) until his resig- nation, in 1870. Hon. J. T. Bird was then elected and served for two years. On his resignation E. Vos- seller was called to the head of the school, which position he yet retains.

. He also had charge of the school at Walnut Grove, which he orgau- ized In 1819.

312

HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

This church continued to enjoy Mr. Clark's exclu- sive services until 1820, and from that time until 1836 united with the First Amwell in his support, each paying one-half of his salary, and he preaching for both on alternate Sabbaths. For sixteen years existed this harmonious co-operation. Iu 1836 both churches deemed it expedient to resume their sepa- rate pastoral relations; and Mr. Clark, receiving a call from each, decided to accept that of Amwell.

During the pastorate of Mr. Clark the interior of the church and its surroundings were much improved. In 1827 a new pulpit was put in; it was a small hex- agon, large enough for only one person, and stood on a high pillar with a sounding-board over it. The time-honored slab benches in the gallery were super- seded by rows of seats. The graveyard was enlarged in 1833, and the next year the whole plot was in- closed.

In 1837 (April 19th), Rev. J. M. Olmstead was in- stalled. There were then 109 members on the roll. He entered vigorously upon his duties, and the growth of the church confirmed the wisdom of hav- ing the entire services of a pastor. Under his min- istry the church was blessed with several seasons of religious interest. At one communion in 1842, 34 united on confession. In October, 1839, the Presby- tery of Raritan was formed, and this church was transferred to it from the Presbytery of Newton, with which it had been connected since the formation of that Presbytery, in 1818. The first meeting of the new Presbytery was held in Flemington, and also the last, in May, 1869, in which year that Presbytery was dissolved and divided among the adjoining Presby- teries. In the summer of 1844 a lecture-room was erected, 27} by 373 feet, on a lot which was given by William H. Sloan, Esq. Mr. Olmstead built the house which is now the parsonage. In October, 1847, he sent a letter to Presbytery, stating that on account of feeble health he would be unable to preach for several months. The ministers of Presbytery offered to give a Sabbath and thus supply the pulpit, and an appointment was accordingly made for every other Sabbath. Although Mr. Olmstead's health improved under this rest, he soon became satisfied that his strength was not adequate to the work of the parish. IIe resigned, and the pastoral relation ceased Nov. 1, 1849.

The church was vacant one year, when Oct. 29, 1850, Rev. John L. Janeway was installed on a salary of $700, which afterwards was raised to $1000. The membership of the church numbered 163. The con- gregation had now so grown that all desiring seats could not be accommodated. The building also needed repairs. In 1848 a committee had been ap- pointed to ascertain what alterations and repairs were necessary. A report was made, but no further steps were taken. Committees were appointed and reports made for several years, but nothing definite was un- dertaken until in March, 1852, when an architect was

employed to make an estimate of the cost of repair- ing, of the expense of an addition, and of an entire new building. During the next year (1853) a sub- scription was opened for a new house. But little was accomplished, so that at the meeting of the con- gregation the next April the committee was con- tinued. Progress was checked by a desire to have the church located in a central part of the town. Finally, it was determined to build on the present site, and additional land was purchased of William R. Bellis, lying on the east side of the church-lot, at the ex- treme southern point of which stood a tavern, just where the front entrance now opens. The building committee were A. J. Holcombe, Hugh Capner, J. C. Hopewell, A. V. Bonnell, William P. Emery. The corner-stone was laid in May, 1856, and the church was dedicated the next May, on the 14th, on a very stormy day. The sermon was preached hy Prof. Wil- liam H. Green, of Princeton Theological Seminary. The edifice cost something over $11,000, which was made up by subscriptions and the sale of pews. The same year (1857) an additional acre was purchased of Mahlon Smith, enlarging the church-yard to its pres- ent dimensions. At that date, also, the practice of holding quarterly celebrations of the Lord's Supper was inaugurated. In 1859 a melodeon was introduced, which was replaced by an organ in 1867. At first the singing was led by a precentor. Col. Clark for some sixteen years had charge of the choir, up to 1857, when he resigned. His services were gratuitous.

During the absence of the pastor (Rev. Mr. Jane- way) in the war of the Rebellion the pulpit was supplied by Rev. N. L. Upham, who afterward settled at Reaville.

Under the ministration of Dr. Janeway the con- gregation increased in numbers and influence. In 1852 and 1866 were seasons of religious awakening which added many to the church. But the exposures of the camp while he was chaplain seemed to have undermined his constitution, and on account of his enfeehled health he resigned in December, 1868.

In January, 1869, George S. Mott, D.D., the present pastor, was called, and installed May 4th of the same year. During the summer the lecture-room became too small to accommodate the classes of the Sunday- school, and Hopewell Hall was hired. The lecture- room was given up to the infant-school, which was organized as a separate department in May. In a few months Miss S. Hopewell was called to the head of it, an still remains there. Beginning with 15 it has num- bered as high as 100. In 1879 the two schools took possession of the present chapel.

In 1870 the house of Dr. Janeway, on Main Street, was purchased, repaired, and enlarged into the present commodious and attractive parsonage at a total cost . of $11,683.

During the present pastorate there have been three revivals,-in 1870 when 66 united on confession; in 1874, 37, and in 1876, the same number. The total

313

RARITAN.

additions are 218 on confession and 140 by certificate from other churches. The membership now is 430. During the same period the congregation has con- tributed $24,869 for missionary and benevolent pur- poses, and has disbursed $47,552 in meeting its ex- penses. In 1877 the congregation sent the pastor to Europe, generously providing him with a purse sufficient for a journey of three months and a half.

In the history of this church, covering as it does nearly a century of time, it is only possible to here give the prominent facts of the past. Appended is a chronological list of the pastors, elders, deacons, and trustees.

Pastors.

1791-1809, Thomas Grant : 1810-13, Jacob Ten Eyck Field ; 1815-36, Jolın Flavel Clark ; 1837-49, James Munson Olmstead; 1850-68, John L. Junowny ; 1869, Georgo Scudder Mott .*

Elders.

Thomas Rending, ordainod 1797, diod 1811 ; Jasper Smith, ordained 1797; Arthur Schenck ;+ Jonathan Hill ;+ Isaac Hill, orduined 1811 ; Cor. Williamson, ordained 1811, died 1818; Jeptha Anderson, ordained 1816, diod 1820; Paul Kuhl, Jr., ordained 1816, died 1859 ; Christopher Cool, or lained 1816, died 1844 ; John G. Trimmer, ordained 1816, died 1844; Daniel Marsh, ordained 1838, died 1866; Mahlon Smith, or- duinod 1838; John Griggs, ordained 1838, died 1872; Cor. William- son, orrlained 1838, died 1853: Leonard P. Kuhl, ordained 1848, died 1857; William P. Emery, ordained 1848; Peter I. Clark, ordained 1857, died 1863; Jolin Kershow, ordained 1857, died 1868; Jolin Y. Yard, ordained 1857; Peter Nevius, ordained 1864 ; George B. Stut- hoff, ordained 1864; William B. Kulil, ordained 1>69, died 1870; Joho T. Bird, ordained 1860 ; E. R. Bullock, ordainod 1869; A. T. Connet, ordained 1869.

Deacons.

1869, John C. Coon, John S. Emery,; Richard S. Kuhl, Joseph Higgins.

Trustces .?

1792 .- Jasper Smith, Thomas Reading, Arthur Gry, Charles Reading, Samuel Hill, Joseph Capner, Cornelius Polhemud.

1795,-Jasper Smith, Samuel Hill, Thomas Reading, Arthur Gray, Samuel Robert Stewart.

1806 .- Thomas Rending, Georgo C. Maxwell, Charles Reading, William Bennet, Samuel Hill, Joseph Capner, Isaac Hill.

1800 .- George C. Maxwell, Charles Reading, John R. Reading, Samuel 1H11, Isaac Hill, Arthur Schenck, Jonathan Hill.

1814 .- Samuel L, Southard, Charles Reading, Cornelius Wyckoff, Samuel Griggs, John R. Reading, Jonathan Hill, John G. Trimmer.

1817 .- Thomas Gordon, William P. Young, Andrew Van Fleof, Cornelius Wyckoff, Samuel Griggs, John H. Reading, William Maxwell.

1810 .- David P. Shrope, WIlHam Williamson (in place of Thomas Gordon and William Maxwell, resigned).

1820-Daniel Marsh (In place of Shrope, resigned).

1×21 .- Nathaniel Saxton, Cornelius Wyckoff, Samuel Griggs, William WHHamson, Daniel Marsh, Andrew Van Fleet, William P. Young. 1823 .- Josoph Reading, George Risler, John F. Schenk, M.D.

1826 .- Nathaniel Saxton, Samuel Griggs, Cornelius Wyckoff, Panlol Marsh, Joseph Reading, William P. Young, Neal Hart.

1828 .- Joseph Reading, Elisha H. Johnson, Alexander Wurts, Georgo Maxwell, Daniel Marsh, Neal Hurt, Robert K. Brading.

1831 .- Joseph Reading, Robert K. Reading, Daniel Marsh, Paul Kuhl, Christopher Kuhl, John Trunner, Henry M. Kline.

1833, -Joseph Rending, John Trimmer, Paul Kuhl, Christopher Kull, Daniel Marsh, Noul Hart, Cornelius Williamson.

1834 .- Thatcher I'rall, Leonard P. Kuhl (In place of Trimmer and Kuhl, resigned).

18:35 .- Charles Bartles, John Griggs, Paul Kuhl, Thatcher I'rall, Leonard P'. Kuhl, Neal Hart, Cornelius Williamson.

* Now (1881) officiating.

+ Dato of ordination not stated.

: Removed In 1876.

¿ In the years not enumerated, the same persons were trustees as fo the luat year recorded.

1 Van Fleet and Young, resigned. 21

1838 .- Robert K. Reading, Leoonrd P. Kuhl, William G. Kuhl, Somnel 1H11, Benjamin S. Holt, Joseph P. Bors, Juhn Griggs.

1839 .- Thatcher Prall (in place of Willian. G. Kuhl).

1844 .- Charles Bartirs, Augustus Friable, Alexander Wurts, John W. Kline, L. P. Kuhl, Joseph P. Boss, Peter 1. Clark.

1840 .- George H. Stothoff, Cornelius Williamson (in place of Kline and Bows).

1847 .- William P. Emery, John Chapman (in placo of Wurts and Frisblo).

1818 .- James N. Reading (in place of Williamson).

1849,-John Chapman, Janes N. Reading, William H. Sloan, L. P. Kuhl, Peter W. Ilurk, Edward It. Bullock, William P. Emery.

1×50 .- Charles Bartles, Peter I. Clark (In placo of Sloan and Chapman). 1852 .- Julin G. Reading (in place of James N. Reading).

1855 .- George B. Stothoff (in place of C. Bartles).

1x57 .-- Charles Burtles (in place of K. I. Bullock).

1858 .- George B. Stothoff, Peter T. Clark, John G. Reading, William P. Emery, Peter W. Burk, Charles Bartles, William B. Kuhl.

1864 .- Peter Nevins (in place of P. I. Clark, deceased).

1867 .- Richard Emmons (In place of J. G. Reading).

1870 .- T. C. Haward (in placo of William B. Kuhl, deceased).

1873 .- J. T. Bird, A. T. Connet (in place of C. Bartles and H. Emmons).

1874 .- 1'. K. Hoffman (in place of W. P. Emery).

1876 .- John T. Bird, Thomas C. Haward, Andrew T. Connet, Poul K. Ho9man, John L. Jones, L. L. Novlus, Johu Kershow.

The names of some of the earlier members of this church are here appended. The proceedings of the Session of Flemington Church were not regularly recorded previous to 1810. At that time the following names were on the roll : John Reading, Sr., Thomas Reading, Jonathan Hill and wife, John G. Trimmer, William Bellows, Sr., Mrs. Mary Cool, John Maxwell, Sr., and wife, Abraham Williamson, Mrs. Griggs, Arthur Schenck. Probably there were a few others not recorded.

1810,-Confession : Tsanc Hill, Mrs. Mary Hill, Joakim Hill, William Bloom and wife, John Phillips, Mrs. Mercy Gray, Miss Nancy Read- ing, Christopher Cool and wife.

1811 .- Confession : MIrs. Rachel Field, Miss Mary Young. Certificate : Corneline Williamson, Mrs. Elizabeth Williamson, David Baker.

1812 .- Confessim : Mrs. Wyckoff, Mrs. Vandoren, Mrs. Phobe Polhemus. Certificate : Mrs. Abignil Marsh, Mrs. Mary Baker.

1815,-Confession : Ann Williamson, Cornelius Williamson, Richard WII- Hamison. Certificate : Jepthn Arrison and wife, William Williamson and wife.

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History of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, New Jersey : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 79

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