History of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, New Jersey : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 95

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 95
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 95

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RAVEN ROCK POST-OFFICE is in the southwest corner of the township, at Bull's Island station, on the Pennsylvania Railroad, in School District 97. At present it embraces a railroad station, a store, and a dozen dwellings. Previous to 1859, M. H. Hoffman was postmaster; he resigned in that year, and Wes- ley Johnson was appointed.

SCHOOLS.

There are in this township cleven school districts and twelve teachers.

Number 92 is the " Croton" District, with the school- house in the northern part. It has had two school- houses. The first, erected in 1829, stood about one- fourth of a mile from the village, and at no great dis- tance from the present building, on the opposite side of the same road. It was a frame structure, IS by 20 feet, and was in use forty-one years, when it was fo- placed by the present house, built in 1871, in the centre of an acre lot donated for the purpose by Mrs. Ellicott, of Croton. Among the earliest trustees the name of Asa Jones is found.

District No. 93 is known as "Sand Brook." The first school-house was probably erected about 1790. In 1831 a new one was constructed on its site,

of stone, 20 by 23 feet. This was repaired in 1871. It is impossible to name the trustees farther back than 1820, in which year the board consisted of Henry Trimmer, Amos Sutton, Jacob Moore, George Bu- chanan, and Isaac Jluffman.

District No, 98, known as the "Stockton" District. embraces the village of Stockton and the hamlets of Brookville and Prallsville, with the school-house at Stockton. This is the only district in the township which supports two schools and employs two teachers. The schools are open ten months in the year. The first, or one of the first, to teach in this district was John Schomp. This district does not appear to have had a school prior to 1832. The first house stood near where the present edifice is located, and was built that year. It was an old-fashioned, oc- tagonal building, about 20 feet in diameter. The first teacher was Rev. Joseph Wright, still (or re- cently ) living in Wertsville, this county. For a short time prior to 1875 this district was divided into U'pper and Lower Stockton Districts, or Nos. 98 and 99, but about the latter date they were consolidated, and No. 99 was dropped, the district since being known as "Stockton, No. 98." The immediate result of the union was the construction, in 1875, of a commodious and tasteful building, 50 by 27 feet, with a wing 27 by 25, affording two large rooms. The first teachers in this building were Lewis C. Paxson and S. Hunt.

The Locktown District (91) was formed and the school-house built in 1804. The first trustees were William Lair, Capt. John Heath, and Richard Heath, who served for over twenty years. The first teacher was William Heath, who taught for seven years, and was followed by Adam Williamson for about the same length of time. The third teacher was Rev. John Elli-, who was at the same time pastor of the Baptist. Church at Baptisttown. He was succeeded by Royal Barrett, of Massachusetts. The first house was a frame structure, 20 by 24 feet, and stood north of the Old School Baptist church. The present editice, built in 1866, is of stone, 25 by 36 feet. The district lies in the northwest corner of the township.

The old school-house in District 94 (Moore's) stood originally about one mile from its present location, on the public road leading from Headquarters to Ringos. It was moved twice. It stood first on ground now owned by William P. Fisher ; it was afterwards re- moved to lands of David Moore, later to those of Gideon Moore, and subsequently sold. Among the teachers in this house was Mrs. Rhoda Wagner. widow of Albertus K. Wagner, and also Cyrus Van Dolah. The present house was built in 1866. Its size is 26 by 34 feet. This district is in the southeast part of the township.

Distriet No. 105 is a joint district, running into this township from West Amwell ; it lies between Districts Nos. 94 and 96, and reaches to Barber's Station.

District No. S lies on the east side of the township, and is known as the " Iliggins District." This dis-

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trict had a school-house prior to 1776. The clerk of the district says,-

" The old building I can trace back over one hundred years. It was ultimately sold for $46, and is still standing, about 300 yards south of the new building, on the east side of the road, where it has now (1876) stood for forty-five years. Previous to this time it stood ahout one mile north of its present location. In 1831 the trustees, then all living in the south part of the district, put the house on wheels, and, with several yoke of oxen, removed it to the spot where it now stande. This resulted in a lawsuit: the north part of the district sued the southern for damages, and recovered half the value of the building, or $40. The most aucient board of trustees was Paul Kuhl, Jacob Dilts, George Trout, William Bishop, Nicholas Swallow, and Asa Higgins. The above-named Paul Kuhl was one of the first teachers.

" The school-house often stood empty in those early days for a long time, as schools were made up hy subscription ; at such times the chil- dren attended the adjoining districts. After the old house was removed, the people in the north part of the district sent their children to the Sand Brook school."*

The present building was erected in 1873, and is a large, tasteful edifice.

District No. 97, known as the "Reading" District, lies in the west corner of the township. The first school-house, built in 1796, stood about 25 feet east of the present building. It was 20 feet square, and constructed of stone. The lease dates back ninety- four years. Jobn Kitchen taught here sixty-seven years ago. The names of the earliest trustees that can be ascertained are Samuel Wolverton, John Reading, and John Huffman. The following persons (all living in 1876) attended school in this building : George Huffman, seventy-six years ago; George Ser- geant and John Huffman, sixty-seven years ago; Jehu Huffman, sixty-six years ago; Elias S. Johnson, fifty- four years ago. The clerk says, "There have been only two school-houses, as far as we can prove, al- though there are traditions of an old log school-house belonging to this vicinity, which is reported to have stood three-quarters of a mile from the present site." The building now in use was erected in 1861. It is of stone, 27 by 33 feet, in good condition, and will accommodate sixty pupils.

District No. 89 is a joint district, the school-house standing on the Raritan side of the road, near the old " Boar's Head" tavern.

District No. 96 is " Van Dolahs." The school-house is near the centre of the district, and is octagonal in shape. This district has had three school-houses. The first, of logs, was erected in 1780, and was 20 feet square. Early trustees were William Sharp, Caleb Runk, and Charles Barber. Charles Rice was the first teacher. Of the second building we have no ac- count. The one now in use was built in 1822, of stone.

District No. 95, known as the "Sergeant" District, is located in the west half of the township, and bounded east by Districts Nos. 93 and 94; south by Districts Nos. 96 and 98; west by District No. 97 ; northwest by a Kingwood district; north by District No. 91. It is not known when or where the first house was built. The present building was erected in 1830, and was enlarged in 1874.

CHURCHES.

BAPTIST CHURCH OF LOCKTOWN.

The Baptist Church of Kingwood, now worshiping at Locktown, was organized July 27, 1745, at Baptist- town. The original or constituent members were Elder Thomas Curtis (also the first pastor), John Walter (church clerk), William Fowler, John Burt, . David Drake, James Wolverton, - Ruckman, Job Warford, Thomas Hill, Eleanor Hunt, Edward Slater, Elsie Curtis, Martha Burtis, Agnes Drake, Abigail Wolverton, Elizabeth Warford, Elizabeth Collins, Ann Larue, Elizabeth Barris, Mary Still, and Mary Green. The first meeting-house was built in 1750, of logs, 30 by 38 feet, on a lot donated to the church by George Burket, The second was a frame building, and the present structure, of stone, was built in 1819. The first two stood on or near the site of the present edifice.

Thomas Curtis remained pastor from its organiza- tion till his death, in 1749. He was succeeded in 1749 by Malachi Bonham, who remained until Feb. 17, 1757. The next minister was David Sutton, from March 26, 1764, to Aug. 3, 1783, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Nicholas Cox, who ministered from Nov. 4, 1784, to June 5, 1790. He was followed by Garner A. Hunt, Oct. 5, 1795, who continued until May 1, 1807, when he left the Baptists and joined the Presbyterians. The next pastor was James McLaugh- lin, Nov. 1, 1808, for about one year. In the spring of 1813 the church called John Ellis, who continued till the spring of 1817. He was succeeded, in the spring of 1818, by Elder David Bateman, who offici- ated until his death, Aug. 10, 1832. April 1, 1833, William Curtis was chosen, but he resigned at the end of six months. Aug. 30, 1834, James W. Wigg came, and continued till Feb. 2, 1839. April 1, 1840, Elder J. Felty took charge, but resigned at the end of one year. In January, 1841, Elder William Hause became pastor, and continued till April 1, 1845. Elder G. Conklin was his successor, May 16, 1846, and remained until his death, April 16, 1868. May 28, 1870, the church called Elder A. B. Francis to the pastorate, which he retained until November, 1876.

Present membership, 71 ; present value of property, $5000.

BAPTIST CHURCH OF SANDY RIDGE.

Feb. 1, 1812, Rev. Charles Bartolette accepted a call from the Baptist Church of Amwell, now Flemington, and devoted a part of his time to Sandy Ridge, con- tinuing to do so under adverse circumstances, riding from seven to nine miles and preaching from house to house, in the summer season on Sabbath afternoons, and in winter on week-days.

The first house of worship was built near the site of the present edifice, and was opened for'divine wor- ship in January, 1818. Oct. 24, 1818, a church was con- stituted with nineteen members from other churches, fourteen of whom were members from the Amwell Church, as follows : Samuel Hunt, Mary Larowe, Mat-

* Report of County School Superintendont, 1876.

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DELAWARE.

thew Covenhoven, Esther Butterfoss, Rebecca Ent, Catharine Dilts, Phebe Johnson, Anna Reeder, Mary Ilunt, Isaac Wolverton, John Hunt, Esther Hunt, Nehemiah Hunt, Elizabeth Hunt, William Mitchell, Mary Ringo, John Smith, Sr., Rebecca Larowe, and Hannah Rittenhouse. The ministers present were Revs. Thomas B. Montague, David Bateman, Alex- ander llastings, and Charles Bartolette.

The first deacons were Samuel Hunt and William Mitchell, who were chosen the same day. Dec. 5, 1818, Samuel Hunt, William Mitchell, Samuel Rit- tenhouse, John Smith, Joseph Brittain, John Coven- hoven, and John Ilunt were elected trustees ; and the first clerk, Garret Wilson, was chosen Feb. 20, 1819. Two persons were baptized Oct. 25, 1818, Samuel Hunt and Joseph Brittain, being the first into this membership.

March 24, 1818, the church extended a call to Mr. Bartolette to become their supply, he to give half his time here and the other half to Flemington. Ile served thus till the spring of 1832, during which period he baptized seventy-one. Mr. Bartolette's duties at the Flemington Church requiring all his time, this church extended a call to Rev. Joseph Wright, who then settled as pastor. Mr. Wright closed his labors here in the autumn of 1842, after a ministry of ten years. During the winter of 1842-43, Rev. E. B. Hall supplied the church; the following spring Rev. theorge Young was called, and remained till April, 18-17. May 21, 1847, Rev. J. E. Rue was installed, and continued till Jan. 1, 1850. During this time were purchased six aeres of land adjoining the, church property, on which the present parsonage house was built. Mr. Rue took a deep interest in the cause of education, and Sandy Ridge was represented in the university at Lewisburg, Pa., until 1870. Early in 1850, Rev. J. James Baker settled, and continued till April, 1851. During his ministry the church maintained four Sabbath-schools and kept up regular preaching at four outposts,-Stockton, Sergeant's Mills, Sand Brook, and Hopewell. Rev. J. Timber- man was called as supply in April, 1854, and served as pastor till April, 1857. After him the church was supplied by Rev. Joseph Wright for nearly a year, until the spring of 1858, when Rev. Samuel Sproul was called ; he continued his labors till the elose of the year 1867. During his ministry the church built two fine substantial houses of worship,-one at Stock- ton, in 1861, and the other, in 1866, at Sandy Ridge, on grounds adjoining the original edifice. For nearly a year Rev. Morgan R. Cox officiated (until Oct. 1, 1867), when Rev. George Young, formerly a pastor, settled, and remained until Jan. 1, 1872.

Nov. 27, 1867, the new house was dedicated. The cost of rebuilding was $5500. It is 44 by 60 feet, of stone, having a fine basement and audience-room. It is a neat and attractive place of worship. Five per- sons have been licensed by this church to preach,- viz., Charles E. Wilson, William E. Lock, William V.

Wilson, A. Ammerman, and Edward C. Romine. The church from its infancy has always contributed to the different benevolent objects of the denomina- tion, and was one of the few represented in forming the New Jersey Baptist State Association.

The following have been chosen deacons: Samuel Hunt, William Mitehell, Garret Wilson, Jonas Lake, Tobias Shadinger, Dilts Larue, Achor Moore, C. Hig- gins, James Romine, Benjamin Larison. The present value of property is $7000, and the present member- ship is 130. The Sunday-school numbers 70, with an average attendance of 60. James M. Cox is super- intendent.

CHRISTIAN CHURCH, LOCKTOWN.

In giving a history of this church it is thought proper to make brief mention of the pioneer efforts.

The following is from a record kept by one of its members :

" About the middle of January, 1827, MIrs. Abigail Roberts, accom- panied by her husband, Mr. Nathan Roberts, visited the county of Hun- terdon und attended a number of meetings in different neighborhoods, which produced great excitement among the people who came out to hear her preach. . . . The third Sundny in June, 1829, there was ap pointed a two-days' meeting in the woods near Locktowo, attended by Simon Clough, of New York, William Inne, of Ohio, John F. Thompson, of Johnsonsburg, N. J., und Mrs. Roberts. On Saturday the meeting was held in n jmiblic house occupied by Benjamin Hide (Ilyde). On Sunday the meeting was held in the woods, a largo assembly of people being present. William Lane preached on the 'Sonship of Christ,' and the sermon caused greut excitement among the people."

From further records, we conclude the organization of the church took place between Oct. 16, 1829, and Feb. 13, 1832. The following is the record :

"On Sunday, Oct. 16, 1829, the First Christian Church, acknowledged at Milford, Hunterdon Co., N. J., with a part of her members Hving in the townships of Amwell and Kingwood, a distance of from eight to four- teen nurles, were met, and took into consideration the propriety of build- ing a house for public worship. A plot of ground was selected, and the owner, Joseph Luir, agreed to deed three-quarters of an acre in the southwest corner of his farm for that purpose. The aforesaid members making their intention koown to the body of the church, It was agreed ou, and a meeting appointed at the house of Samuel Cooley, In Milford, for the purpose of appointing trustees; which meeting took place April 21,1832.

" Francis Roberson was appointed chairman, and Samuel Cooley secre- tary, when Francis Roberson was appointed trustee for one year, Philip Gordon for two, and Elisha Rittenhouse for three years, Trustees were appointed to raise fonda und superintend the building. The building was commenced the last of May, raised about the middle of June, and su far completed that meolings wore held in it on Saturday and Sunday, 13th and H4th of October, 1832. The dedicatory sermon was preached by William Lane, from Romania xvi. 17."

At a meeting held April 21, 1832, a series of reso- lutions defining the doctrines of the Christian Church were adopted, which are too lengthy for publication in this work. The proceedings of that meeting were signed by Francis Roberson, chairman, and Samuel Cooley, secretary. The following is a copy of the subscription list by which money was raised to build the church :

" And to the end that the same may be established, wo the subscribers do hereby promise and engage to pay to Francis Roberson, Philip Gor- don, Esq., and Elisha Rittenhouse, trustees appointed as nfuromid, or either of them, or their successirs in office, or either of them, the soveral soms at to our respective names, at such times and in such instalments

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HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

as the trustees aforesaid, or a majority of them, may agree upon, on de- mand. In witness whereof, we hereunto subscribe our names, and affix the several sums thereto respectively, the - day of -, A.D. 1832."

The trustees have been as follows : 1830-40, Francis Roberson, Philip Gordon, Elisha Rittenhouse, Jona- than Harden, David Lair, William Rake, Teunis Ser- vis, Isaac Hann; 1840-50, Elisha Rittenhouse, Nathan Stout, Mahlon Emmons, Isaac Hann, Tunis Servis; 1850-60, Nathaniel Stout, Joseph B. Slack, Eli Brit- ton, Abraham Slack, Thomas Hibbs; 1860-70, Fran- cis Rittenhouse, S. D. Horner, David Bodine, John Bodine, George Hoppock, Wesley Hawk, John Eick, Samuel Bodine; 1870-80, Peter Hoppock, Asa Cor- son, David Bodine, Wesley Hawk, Edward Hellier, William J. Walker, Richard S. Conover, John T. Eick, Sylvester Lake.

The present chapel was built in 1864, on the site of the old one, and the balance of the building debt can- celed in 1871. During this time the sheds attached to the chapel were built, at a cost of $225. Between April 1, 1876, and July 1, 1877, the society built the present parsonage, located on the opposite corner of the street from the church, at a cost of $1100.

The following-named persons have served as pastor : William Lane, from the date of organization till May, 1833; James Macdoran, William Lane, Wil- liam Lauer, Philip Hawk, Henry Black, 1858; Elder James Lauer, 1859. Oct. 21, 1859, Elder William H. Pittman was chosen, and served ten years. In the spring of 1870, Elder John Soule took charge and remained four years. In the spring of 1874, Elder B. F. Summerbell became pastor for one year, and was succeeded by J. M. Woodward, in April, 1875. April 1, 1876, Elder George Tenney became pastor, and remained till July 1, 1877 ; he was followed by Elder John N. Spoor, until Dec. 9, 1877, when he was succeeded by the present pastor, Elder Jacob Rodenbaugh.

The present membership is 204; present value of property, $4000.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SERGEANTSVILLE.

In 1830 a "woods meeting" was held near Ser- geantsville, when quite a religious interest was awakened; a class of Methodists was formed, with Amos Hoagland as leader, and Jonathan Rake, Amos Merseilles, Philip Rockafellow, and a few females as members. Meetings were continued at the residence of Mr. Hoagland, who then lived in the house now occupied by H. H. Fisher, Esq., of Sergeantsville, and it was in this house that the first class at this place was formed.

In 1832 the society built a church, of stone, on the site of the present edifice, the lot and $100 in cash being donated by H. Il. Fisher, Esq. Amos Hoag- land, Jonathan Rake, Amos Merseilles, and Philip Rockafellow were the pioneer trustees, and Rev. James M. Tuttle the first preacher. There is no record of any formal laying of the corner-stone or of the dedication.

In 1867 the society enlarged the old church at a cost of $4300. The rear end and side walls remain as they were originally, the walls being raised and an addition built on in front, making the seating capacity 550. The church, as rebuilt, was dedicated in the summer of 1868, by Rev. David Bartine.

The following are some of the ministers who have served this society and congregation : Revs. McDou- gal, Canfield, E. Page, Caleb C. Lippincott, Josiah Campfield, Street, W. M. Burroughs, J. L. Hays, Richard Thomas, in 1867-68, Albert Van Dusen, George T. Jackson, Frederick Bloom, and John H. Timhrell, the present pastor, who also preaches at Stockton, this heing a part of the Stockton and Ser- geantsville charge.

The stewards are Wilson H. Snyder (president of the board), John H. Green, Robert Post, John B. Fuher, Manuel Green, and Joseph Hagaman; the leaders, Robert Post, John B. Fuher, and Elisha Alward ; the trustees, W. H. Snyder; John H. Green, Robert Post, John B. Fuher, George R. Hann, Ed- ward C. Green, Elisha Alward, Manuel H. Green, and Joseph Hagaman.

Present membership, 85; present value of prop- erty, $6000. A flourishing Sabbath-school is con- nected with the society, of which John H. Green is superintendent.

GERMAN BAPTIST CHURCH.

This branch of the Christian Church seems to have had its origin among the Pietists in Germany, in 1708, a miller by the name of Alexander Mack being their spiritual leader. The word Dunker, by which they are sometimes known, is a corruption of the Ger- man Tunker, the signification being "dippers," or "Baptists by plunging." In the fall of 1719, Peter Becker, with a company of Dunkers, came to Penn- sylvania and settled in Germantown, but soon their principal settlement was in Ephrata, in Lancaster County. It is supposed that a society was organized in what is now Delaware township, and a church built about a mile northeast of Headquarters, where their church now stands, as early as 1750. The only records of this church now in existence are in the hands of Cyrus Van Dolah, the church clerk, from which we make the following extracts :

" At a meeting of the German Baptist Church which is in Amwell township, N. J., held on the 11th of August, 1835, at their meeting-house, for the purpose of transacting business relative to the peace and good order of said church, it was resolved that there be a record made und kept of all important business transacted relative to said church affairs.

" ISRAEL POULSON,

" Elder. "GIDEON MOORE,

" JACOB WAOOONER, " Deucons. " ABRAHAM LAWSHIE, " Clerk.

" Resolved, That Gideon Moore, Henry Lawshe, and Asa Moore be the trustees."

" April 13, 1839 .- Agreed to take n lot of Gideon Moore for n burying- place, "#

* This lot adjoins the church lot.

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DELAWARE.

The land upon which the meeting-house stands was dueded to the church by Israel Poulson and his wife, Hannah, and the deed specifies that it is " for the use of a German Baptist Church, and for no other use whatsoever," and is signed, sealed, and delivered in presence of Peter Fisher and Hetty Poulson, May 27, 1811. The deed was given to Gideon Moore, Samuel Fans, and Henry Lawshe, trustees, ete. The church building was originally of wood, but was rebuilt in 1856 at a cost of $1600. The present pastor is Rev. Israel Poulson.

The church property is valued at $3500.

GERMAN BAPTIST CHURCH OF SAND BROOK.

This church, locally known as the " Moorites," is a branch from the German Baptist Church located in School District No. 94, on the road from Headquarters to Sand Brook, and was organized by adopting the following articles of association, under which the church is still working :

" We the undersigned, after careful and serious consideration, do unanimously ngroo to stand in union together as professod Christian brethren and sisters, inosmuch as wo think It is an all-important matter und privilege that we have the indisputable right to worship God accord- ing to the dietates of our own consciences, consistent with His word as we understand it, for which privilege we confess that we have great cure to be very thankful ; therefore we have concluded that by the os- sisting grace of God we design to try to keep the ordinnoces of the Lord's house according to the doctrines ond principles of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and His holy opostles, as they are delivered anto ns in the Gospel, which our Savions says shall judge us In the coming day. There- fore wo feel that we are under obligation, as much as in us lies, to try and live in unlon together in the church militant (because we feel that It has in time past done much hurt and made soro by being of different minds) ; and therefore we would that there should be no pre-eminence one obovo another, considered that in regard to the business that wo de- sign to fransact of Importance we want to be united In, nud agreed to havo officers in said church, and also did legally appoint us elder John P. Moore, and as deacons William H. Moore nud Jacob Douss ; ood further agreed that our plan of rocelving members in said church is that all the members present must be agreed, and, to excommunicate, all must be consulted before and agreed to; which subscribe our names, this tenth day of March in the your of our Lord one thousand eight hundred ond forty-nine.

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History of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, New Jersey : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 95

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