History of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, New Jersey : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 81

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 81
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 81

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HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

dained 1831), John E. Holcombs (ordained 1853, died 1859), William Waldron (ordained 1853, died 1866), Ralph Sutphin (ordained 1853), Jobo H. Johnson (ordained 1865, removed 1872), Jacob S. Prall (or- dained 1865, removed 1868), Jacob Voorhees (ordained 1865, died 1870), Zebulon Stont (ordained 1870), William Hill (ordained 1870), 1renæus R. Gleo, M.D. (ordained 1870, removed 1871), Jobu Y. Bellis (ordained 1872), George P. Rex, M.D. (ordained 1872), Abraham J. Prall (ordained 1872) .*

BAPTIST CHURCH, FLEMINGTON.

The beginning of any local interest in the Baptist denomination in Flemington, as near as can now be ascertained, was in the year 1765 (ten years before the first gun of the Revolution was fired), when Thomas Lowrey and James Eddy gave the land (about half an acre) for a Baptist meeting-house. The lot was situated on the northeast corner of the main street and the New Brunswick and Somerville roads .;

The house was erected in 1766, under the direction of Thomas Lowrey, James Eddy, Gershom Lee, Jonathan Higgins, John Jewell, and others. This was the first Baptist meeting-house in Amwell township, which at that time, together with the adjoining township of Kingwood, was a part of Bethlehem; since 1838, when Amwell was divided, this church has defined its location as in Raritan township. Although not a regularly-constituted church, it was called the " Bap- tist Meeting of Amwell,"# and was supplied with preaching by neighboring ministers. Rev. David

Sutton, of Kingwood, supplied them for some time during the Revolutionary war; he was finally shut out of the meeting-house by Mr. Jewell, because he was thought to be too favorable to the British. About this time the American soldiers used the house as a barracks and hospital, the marks of their fire- arms being visible on the floor as late as 1825.

Following Sutton was Rev. Nicholas Cox, "a min- ister of considerable talent, then of Kingwood." He supplied a part of his time regularly, but in 1790-91 declared himself a Universalist. This was a great

shock, and prostrated the church for some time. There was but little preaching for the next four years; then Rev. J. Ewing, of Hopewell, supplied them for ten months. In 1795, Rev. G. A. Hunt, of Kingwood, engaged with them for one-third of his time. At this period the meeting-house was almost in ruins; but, their circumstances becoming more auspicious, the house was repaired, and June 19, 1798, there were fifteen persons constituted into a regular Baptist church, under the title of "The Bap- tist Church of Amwell." The names of these original members were Nathaniel Higgins, William Merrell, Jane Merrell, Elizabeth Hartenbrook, Sarah Ott, John Runyan, John Carr, John Manners, Sarah Sut- phin, Hannah Wolverton, Rachel Manners, Anna Higgins, Elizabeth Yard, Anna Craven, and Mar- garet Wilson. The first six were baptized at Flem- ington by Rev. G. A. Hunt, of Kingwood church ; the others were from Kingwood and Hopewell churches. They then elected their deacons, their elerk, and a board of trustees. Rev. Mr. Hunt baptized fifty into his fold during his pastorate, which he resigned in the fall of 1803. In conjunction with Kingwood, in 1804, they called the Rev. James McLaughlin as their minister. He officiated until 1809, and was succeeded by Rev. Dr. Daniel Sweeney, whose pastorate con- tinued less than one year. Feb. 1, 1812, they called Rev. Charles Bartolette, of Lower Dublin, Pa., who had the pastoral charge for thirty-four years. When he came the membership was only about seventy.

The church edifice was again repaired and painted. A course of prosperity was now fully inaugurated, and their numerical strength so augmented as to ren- der their house too small for their accommodation ; therefore, in 1836, the second edifice was erected. The number of communicants in 1844 was about 300.

Rev. Mr. Bartolette resigned in April, 1846, having baptized more than 400 during his stay .¿ His suc- cessors, with the year of pastorate, have been Revs. Clarence W. Mulford, 1846-49; Levi G. Beck, 1849- 51; Thomas Swaim, 1851-67 ; E. J. Woods, 1867-72 ; T. E. Vassar, 1872-80. The Rev. Mr. Vassar resigned this charge during the fall of the present year (1880), and up to the present time no call has been made to his successor.

The imperfection of the early records of the church render it difficult exactly to report the statistics of this church, but they give a summary something as follows : 997 baptized, about 200 received by letter, about 250 died, 100 excluded, nearly 550 dismissed, and a fraction over 500 still remain in good standing. During the past forty years the charitable collections have amounted to over $30,000, while the amount raised for church edifices and the support of the gos- pel has been quite $150,000. Seven persons have gone forth from this church to preach the gospel,-Thomas Barrass and William Pollard in 1830; Edward Bar-

* The writor would acknowledge obligations to Rev. Amzi L. Arm- strong, stated clerk of Presbytery of New Brunswick, for transcript of proccodings of Presbytery; also to Rev. Georgo S. Mott, D.D., and E. Vosseler, Esq., of Flemington, for tho loan of documents.

+ Barber's Hist. Coll. State of New Jersey, p. 253.

# Tho titlo of this church was changed in 1853 to tho "Baptist Church of Flemington." Ses " Minutes of the Seventy-seventh General Assem- bly of State of New Jersey," 1853, pp. 197, 354, 417.

¿ Ho diad a few years later, und was buried in the shadow of the Sandy Ridge church.

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rass in 1831; William B. Stroupe and John L. Brooks in 1843; Moses lleath in 1851; and J. D). Merrell in 1854.

The seventy-fifth anniversary of the organization of this church was celebrated by suitable exercises, on which occasion an historical sermon was preached* by Rev. T. E. Vassar, and addresses delivered by ex- pastor Dr. Thomas Swaim, Rev. II. F. Smith, A. D. Willifer, etc.

Officers of the Church (1880).

Pastor, Thomas Edwin Vassar ; Dencons, John O. Biggs, Judiah Higgins, Jr., Asa Suydam, Avery Parker, Jonathan Higgins, Chester Vau Syckel; Clork, Asa Suydam ; Treasurer, Harry A. Fluck.

1867

BAPTIST CHURCH, FLEMINGTON.

The present church edifice was erceted in 1867. It cost, including organ and furniture, over $40,000. Has 1000 sittings. The structure is the largest of any in the county used for divine worship, and the congre- gation one of the largest, if not the largest, about 800 persons being connected with it.

The Sunday-school was formed in 1830. Its first superintendent was Charles George, the editor of the paper now known as the Hunterdon County Democrat. It numbered 25 all told, most of the teachers belong- ing to a family now extinct in Flemington, but then prominent,-the Blackwells. The school has enrolled to-day 330. Its superintendent is J. W. Britton. Hle is assisted by 30 officers and teachers.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, FLEMINGTON.t

A great sensation was produced in the Presbyterian Church when, one Sunday morning in 1822, the Rev.

* Afterwards published in pamphlet foru. t By Rov. R. Johns.

Dr. Clark stated that he had been requested by per- sons calling themselves Methodists to announce that a meeting would be held by them that afternoon in the court-house. The men who thus desired to commence Methodist meetings in Flemington were David and Isaac James, brothers and local preachers from Tren- ton. They had been invited to come by Asher At- kinson, a Quaker, distinguished for his love of a good argument on knotty theologieal questions, and partic- nlarly noted for a strong antipathy against the Calvin- istic creed.

Popular opinion was divided on the question of allowing the court-house to be used by the strange Methodists,t and Asher Atkinson, finding that the janitress was disposed to keep the building closed, strongly remonstrated with her, saying, " Let me tell you I am going to do as I please : when I say a thing I mean it. They are coming here, and are going to preach. The sheriff has given his consent, and they shall preach." David James was the preacher that day, and thus the first Methodist sermon ever heard in Flemington was preached by him, his brother fol- lowing with another sermon a week or two afterwards.

In 1823, Flemington was made a regular appoint- ment on the Trenton Circuit, Bartholomew Weed and James MeLauren being the stationed preachers.

In the fall of that year a camp-meeting, ealled the "Stony Ground Camp-meeting," was held on land owned by Asher Atkinson, located near Mr. Charles Ilanson's. At this meeting about forty professed conversion. The most of them joined the Methodist Church and were organized into a class, Among the number were Samuel Atkinson and Thomas Carhart. Polly Timbruck, living in the old house now occupied by the Miller family, having joined the little band, class-meetings were regularly held in her house.

About this time John Atkinson (half-brother to Samuel), a cabinet-maker, came from Philadelphia to live here. Hle was an earnest Christian, was the first regular class-leader, and has been called the father of Methodism in Flemington.

John Creamer and Isaac Wirmer were stationed here in the spring of 1824, and then the question of a church edifice was agitated. A subscription paper was drawn up by William 1lit, secretary of the otfi- cial board, and indorsed by the widely-known and much-esteemed Manning Foree, then presiding elder of the Trenton district. David James and John At- kinson were appointed a committee to " collect dona- tions and subscriptions for building a meeting-house, to and for the use of the Methodist Episcopal Society

$ During theso years the little band of Methodista had to contend with the strongest prejudices on every side. The following extract from the recorda of tho Readington Reformed Dutch Church will convey amo iden of the estimate placed upon them by the other churches of the town and county :

April 17th, 1755,-" Margaret Demott, for an offense to the church in countenancing the erroneous doctrine of the Methodista, having hereto- foro heen debarred the use of the Lonl's Supper, Is now, upon confession of slu, rendimitted to the benefit of that sacred onlinaller."

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HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

of Flemington." A board of trustees was elected, consisting of Andrew Hoagland, Samuel Atkinson, Asher Hankinson, John Atkinson, and Peter Bodine, taking for their corporate name "The Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Society of Flemington." The lot on which the church now stands, designated as " on the corner adjoining Charles Bonnell's tavern," was obtained from Thomas Capner, Esq., for the nominal sum of $50.

The subscription-list shows that moneys were ob- tained from Trenton, Pennington, Bordentown, Allen- town, Crosswicks, Lebanon, Haverstraw, Nyack, New York, New Brunswick, and other places, in sums ranging from six and one-quarter cents up to $20. The building, commenced in the fall of 1825, was completed in the spring of 1826, John Walker and Richard W. Petherbridge being the stationed preach- ers. A camp-meeting for the Trenton and Asbury Circuits was held in this neighborhood, probably on grounds near the residence of John Huff, from June 9 to 14, 1825.

After the burning of the court-house, in 1828, this church was occupied for the holding of the several courts; four regular terms, besides special terms for a year, were held therein.

In 1826, John Walker and James Moore were sta- tioned on the circuit; 1827-28, Thomas Davis and William H. Bull; 1829, J. Finley and M. Lacost ; 1830, John Finley and James H. McFarland; 1831, Richard W. Petherbridge (second term) and John Buckley ; 1832, Solomon Higgins, while Mr. Pether- bridge seems to have settled on the circuit as super- numerary,-that is, temporarily retired ; 1833, Thomas J. Thompson.

In 1834, Flemington appears on the minutes as a separate circuit on the East Jersey district, it having been heretofore connected with the Trenton Circuit.

J. S. Swaim was appointed preacher in charge. J. L. Lenhart followed him in 1835. Mr. Lenhart pos- sessed considerable popular talent, and years later, when chaplain in the United States navy, met with a tragic fate, going down with the "Cumberland" in the gallant but unequal conflict with the ironclad " Merrimac."

The total number of members reported this year for the circuit was 127 whites and 5 colored (in those days the colored members were reported separately) ; the amount of collections, $4.78. In the following spring, when Mr. Lenhart's time expired, 170 white members and 13 colored were reported. J. Lewis was then stationed here.

In the year 1837 the old Philadelphia Conference was divided, and Flemington appears in the minutes of the New Jersey Conference and Newark district. The circuit must have been divided also, for only 98 white and 3 colored members were reported; but the collections amounted to $19.29. Manning Force was presiding elder, James Hevener and J. M. Tuttle the preachers for this and the following year. While

Mr. Tuttle was here controversy between the Baptists and Methodists ran high. He invited Rev. Anthony Atwood to come and preach on the points in dispute. He having lately published a book or tract on " Bap- tism," Mr. Tuttle supposed him to be just the man for the occasion. Three sermons were preached by Mr. Atwood.

In 1839, William Hanley and James White were stationed here; 1840, Abraham K. Street and George Hichins ; 1841, A. K. Street and Washington Thomas; 1842, J. W. McDougall and T. T. Campfield. Mr. Campfield's letter gives a full and interesting account of the circuit, especially of the great revivals with which it was favored, and of the work of a Methodist preacher in those days :

ą "Our Sabbath preaching-places were Flemington, Readington, Ser- geantsville, Lambertville, and the Rocks, in Amwell township. We held an extra meeting in the woods at Amwell, commencing on the 15th of September and continued it until November,-part of tho time in the woods, at night in a large barn. When it stormed we had it in the school- honse. Over 70 conversions ; 60 of this number joined our church. Then we held an extra meeting at Readington which lasted twelve weeks ; 120 converted; 102 joined the church. We then commenced an extra meet- ing at Flemington about Christmas of that year, and about 30 coo- verted. In January, 1843, we held a meeting at Lambertville; 25 con- verted and joined our church. In February we held a meeting at Sergeantsville, with 60 conversions, Rev. Enoch Green, of the New Jer- sey Conference, being one of them. This meeting was continued until the last of March. Then we went to Conference, held at New Bruns- wick, N. J. Mr. McDougall lived at Flemington, in a rented house, bear the Presbyterian church. I had my home among the people, a few days in a place. Rev. McDongall received $300 as salary, and a house; my allowance was $100. Over 300 were converted during that year."

In 1843, Edward Page and J. F. Canfield were here; 391 white and 14 colored members were reported. In 1844, "Flemington and Readington" was the name given to the charge, and Edward Saunders was the preacher ; 1845-46, Caleb A. Lippincott. He was altogether a most remarkable man,-eccentric, pos- sessing natural talents of a very high order, and highly successful everywhere. The parsonage was then built, its first occupant being Nesley Robertson, 1847-48. The house was in an unfinished state when Mr. Robertson arrived, and the people thought them- selves unable to add the improvements necessary to make it habitable, but by his persuasions a successful effort was made.

In 1849-50, Joseph Ashbrook was appointed. Dur- ing his first year an unfortunate disagreement between him and some of the prominent members made a great deal of trouble and hindered the prosperity of the church. So strong was the feeling that a protest was made against his return the second year; and when, in the face of that protest, Mr. Ashbrook was reap- pointed, several persons left the church, never to re- turn. Iu 1851-52, J. W. McDougall was stationed here for the second time.

In 1853-54, J. P. Daily was pastor.

In 1855-56, Fletcher Lummis preached ; in 1857, S. Armstrong. Mr. Armstrong was a man of marked ability, a strong anti-slavery man.

In 1858-59, Thomas Walters, a genial Englishman,

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a good singer, and a master in the art of phonography. He was popular with all classes. The Presbyterians were particularly friendly towards him, and when his two little children, twins, died, they gave him the burial-spot in their graveyard where the little ones were tenderly laid away.

G. Vanhorne was the preacher for 1860-61. During his term the church edifice was greatly improved and enlarged, at an expense of over $4000. The proposed constitutional amendment changing the term of min- isterial service from two years to three was brought before the Quarterly Conference, and the vote was declared to be in favor of the old rule of two years. In 1862-63, Sylvester H. Opdyke served; 1864-66, J. P. Daily. From an item in the pastor's report, April 30, 1864, to the Quarterly Conference, we learn when the Sunday-school, in connection with the church, was established. He says,-

" There Is nothing in connection with this church that is e more cheor- ing sign of advancement than the present state of its Sunday-school. Eleven years ago wo fonud this charge with no Sunday-school; there is now a good one at this place, kept open all the year, and on average attendance of fifty scholars."

David Walters had charge in 1867-69. Flemington become a station the year of Mr. Walter's appoint- ment, the Readington Church in connection with Al- lertown having J. W. Dalley as its pastor.

In 1870-71, Albert H. Brown was the preacher in charge; 1872-74, G. H. Winans; 1875, S. J. Morris ; 1876-78, T. E. Gordon; 1879, Richard Johns, at present stationed here.

The last official report gives the church 197 mem- bers and 13 probationers.

The Sunday-school, under the superintendency of Dennis S. Hall, reported 27 officers and teachers and 146 scholars.

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH, FLEMINGTON.

When the first Episcopal services were held here is not known, although, no doubt, quite early in this century. A chapel was also built quite early, but at what time is not definitely known. By appointment of the Right Rev. Bishop of the diocese, the Rev. Mr. Crane officiated here on every alternate Sabbath after- noon, "at four o'clock, in the session-room." This was in the summer of 1838 .* The Right Rev. Bishop Doane, on his annual visitation, preached nt "Cal- vary church," Tuesday evening, Oct. 18, and Wed- nesday morning, Oct. 19, 1842.+

Mrs. E. A. Perry contributes the following reminis- cences :

" About thirty years since we, as a family, removed to Flemington, wishing to enjoy church privileges. A chinpel belonging to the diocese then occupied the lol where Dr. Rowland's house now stands. A fino avenue of trees extended quito a distanco into the lot, which ran through to a parallel street, Intended to be used as n cemetery. Mr. William Clark buried a child there; I know not how many others.

" The same spring that we came to Flemington the officiating mission- nry, Mr. Adams, left the place with other prominent members, including the family of William Davis, who were carnest and efficient workers.

* Hunterdon Gazelle, July 18, 1838.

+ Fbld., 1812.

The chapel was closed for some time. The Rev. MIr. Browa, from Lam- bertville, held afternoon services in it a few times to an exceedingly smiull congregation. Afterwards the chapel was sold, to close the mort- gage.

" The Rev. S. P. Jacques, from Port Colden, opened the services ngnia, with much earnestness, in the court-room, and the communionservico ia our parlors, to a vory fow communicants. Then, that we might have regular Sunduy services, I socured the services (from the New York Theological Seminary) of n student, Mr. Wennas, as o tutor to my sons through the week, the bishop constituting him a lay-render. After Mr. Wennun left we had infrequent services, sometimes ied by loy-readers, sometimes by ordulnod ministers."

After this services were held here at intervals, but without any settled rector, and sustained mainly through the zealous labors of a few churchmen and women, prominent among whom may he mentioned Mrs. Dr. Sullivan. During the past year the erection of a fine chapel was commenced in the village, and the tokens indicate a revival of interest and etfort in this church.

ST. MARY MAGDALENE DE PASSIO (ROMAN CATHOLIC) CHURCH OF FLEMINGTON;

Prior to 1847 there were but two families of this faith in Flemington, embracing four adults and one child. The working of the copper-mine, west of the village, brought thither quite a number of Irish miners. There was no church here at that date, but, through the invitation of the miners, Father Maekin, of Trenton, visited this place Sept. 18, 1847, held ser- vices at the house of a miner named James Hurley, on Sunday the 19th, and then went to Lambertville, where was a Catholic mission. He was the first priest to celebrate mass in or near Flemington. He visited Flemington again on Christmas Eve, and in February following.

In April, 1848, the mining was suspended and the miners (who were Catholics) all left. From that time until 1853 no priest came here. In that year Father Jeigou, a French priest, was located in the Lambert- ville parish, which then included this place ; he vis- ited Flemington once a month for four years, and held mass in the dwelling-houses of Myles Cunning- ham, Joseph Purcell, William Purcell, Nicholas Barry, and William Dennis. During this time they had grown to number six Catholic families. Many young women of this faith also came to Flemington and found employment as servants. Such was the inerense that in 1858 it was proposed to build a church. September 16th of that year, at a meeting held at the house of Myles Cunningham, it was re- solved to purchase a lot and build a church. The lot was purchased of ex-Sheriff Bonnell, and William Pureell and Myles Cunningham solicited subscrip- tions from the people of the village to pay for the same. The citizens generally and generously re- sponded to this appeal for help, and they proceeded to erect a small church, 24 by 34 feet, which accom- modated the Catholic people until 1879. In the sum- mer of that year, and during the ministrations of the late pastor, Rev. B. Henry Ter Woert, it was resolved

* From memoranda furnished by Myles Cunningham.

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HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

to build a new church. To the subscription-paper which was circulated the people of the village of all denominations very kindly responded, some giving liberally, and almost all giving something. The corner-stone was laid on the first Sunday in Septem- ber, by Right Rev. Bishop Corrigan, and December 21st it was dedicated by the same personage. The church is 37 by 66 feet, and cost $3200, besides some $500 in labor, etc. The lot is paid for, and the church also, save a small incumbrance. Myles Cunningham and James H. Murphy are the present trustees.

From 1848 to 1879 this church was attended by the priests located at Lambertville,-namely, Fathers Jei- gou, Carny, Catlen, O'Keefe, Murphy, P. F. Connolly, J. P. Connolly, and B. H. Ter Woert, the latter of whom officiated until July 1, 1880. The present pastor, Father Brady, resides at Clinton, and attends the three churches,-of that place, High Bridge, and Flemington. This church has received six visits and two lectures from the Right Rev. Bishop Bailey, bishop of the diocese, and three visits and lectures from Bishop Corrigan.

The Catholic population of Flemington about a year ago was 250 individuals, but since that date several families have moved to Raritan, Somerset Co., so that it does not now embrace more than 180.

CEMETERIES.

The first burial-ground of Flemington was on the knoll back of the dwelling of Judiah Higgins, upon Mr. Fleming's land. His first wife was there interred. Afterwards most of the bodies were removed to the cemetery on the south side of Academy Street .*

The cemeteries now in use for mortuary purposes are those connected with the Presbyterian, Baptist, and Catholic churches, and the public ground incor- porated as Prospect Hill Cemetery.

The Presbyterian burial-ground was established at about the same time as was the church, and inter- ments were there made prior to 1800. It is said that Austin Gray Runyan was the first person there buried. His inscription is as follows :-

"]n Memory of ARTIIUa GRAY RUNYAN, Son of Hill & Nancy Runyan, who departed this life the 21st of July, 1794, aged 2 years, 10 months, & 26 days."

Here are the graves of many of the early settlers of this neighborhood, as well as those of Gearhart, Howe, and other Revolutionary heroes; but, unfor- tunately, the slabs marking the resting-place of the latter worthies, save alone that at the grave of John Howe, are without inscription of any kind, while that of the last named is almost illegible. The fol- lowing inscriptions are from some of the old tablets :

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History of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, New Jersey : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 81

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