History of Monmouth county, New Jersey, Part 84

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Swan, Norma Lippincott. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Philadelphia, R. T. Peck & co.
Number of Pages: 1148

USA > New Jersey > Monmouth County > History of Monmouth county, New Jersey > Part 84

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At the time the corner-stone was laid the sub- scriptions which had been received were much less than had been anticipated. In the begin- ning, the purpose of those who were active in the matter was to raise, if possible, ten thousand dollars ; but the amount collected up to the time the corner-stone was laid was less than three thousand dollars. This was discouraging ; but the gentlemen who had embarked in the enter- prise knew no such word as fail, and amid dis- couraging circumstances, in this respect, they laid the corner-stone, confident that they could successfully appeal to the honor of old Mon- mouth not to let the project fail, after going so far as to commence the work with imposing ceremonies.

Following is given an account of the cere- monies at the laying of the corner-stone, as written out by Eli Crozier, of Wilmington, Del., a patriotic citizen who attended all the centennial celebrations in the country, and who published a pamphlet giving an account of the proceedings at each :

" The little town of Freehold, made memorable by the Revolutionary battle fought here a hundred years ago, presented a gala appearauce to-day. It was robed in all the paraphernalia of patriotism. On every side, whichever way you might turn, there were to be seen the stars and stripes floating above house- top, store and factory, while across the streets was stretched the noble banner, dearer than ever to every American heart. There was manifested a generous spirit of rivalry among the residents; each did his best in honor of the occasion, and the result was such a display that did credit to their hearts and hands. The humblest citizen joined with his wealthier neigh- bor in contributing to the imposing demonstration. Very seldom has there been witnessed anywhere such a scene of beauty in the way of decorations; because so general. It is safe to say that uot a structure, no matter of what character, was without some insignia of a patriotic character. The portrait of the great commander-in-chief of the army, the immortal Wash- ington, occupied a prominent position upon the fronts of numerous houses, while the national colors were liberally displayed for festooning. Shields and stars, and the numerals 1778 and 1878 were to be seen at every turn. Long before entering this beautifully-

way from Monmouth Junction, a distance of several miles to the depot, were decked gayly, and it seemed as though the owners and occupants had given them- selves up entirely to the celebration. There was no half-heartedness in this grand-nay, more-imposing display. All entered into it with their whole sonl, as though determined to make the day one that should not be forgotten. That they sneceeded, needed no more than a walk through the streets of Freehold. Every one was in good humor, and bent upon making the most of the occasion. All the leading thorough- fares were thronged, and every train, of which there were many, arrived crowded with people, who swelled the happy sight-seers to over twenty thousand. Every town in the commonwealth of New Jersey, within a radius of fifty miles, sent its quota, and not a few were contributed by the goodly City of Brotherly Love and the gallant little State of Delaware, among whom was a representative of . Mad Anthony Wayne,' who presided at one of the stands. At an early hour the troops composing the Second Brigade, N. J. N. G., began to arrive, and by eleven o'clock, the time for the formation of the procession, all the militia ordered out by Governor Mcclellan were on the ground. These came from far and near, and. like everything else about the celebration, evinced a promptitude that was more than once the subject of remark. Not alone by rail was the great crowd made up; every sort of conveyance, from the humble wagon of the farmer to the stylish turnout of the man of ease, were em- ployed, while hundreds tramped long distances to share in the festivities. Old and young, rich and poor alike, took part in the joyous celebration of an event that will remain riveted upon the minds of all who trod the streets of the county-seat of Monmonth. The court-house probably was the gayest decorated structure of the town, for from turret to foundation there was an almost unending display of flags, stream- ers, shields and mottoes. The residences of ex-Gov- ernor Parker and Judge Shinn were among the most beautifully adorned residences. With a display that was so general, and an enthusiasm so unbounded, it would be almost impossible to particularize, and the attempt, if such were made, would be to make distine- tions which might be considered invidions. Freehold did her best ; her citizens did nobly ; and wherever a centennial celebration may be held, she can feel assured that none will excel her in honoring the men and the principles they espoused, for the priceless heri- tage they contended for for their children, the fruits of which are now being enjoyed. At an early hour in the morning, as early as six o'clock, the celebration commenced by the ringing of all the bells in the town. The people were astir in expectation of the initial portion of the well arranged and splendidly executed details of the very fine programme. They desired to miss nothing, and so were ready at the earliest mo- ment to participate in the festivities of the day. At

484

HISTORY OF MONMOUTH COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

half-past six o'clock a salute of thirteen guns was fired by the battery stationed on Briar Hill, a short distance out of town, under the command of Captain Charles F. Snowden and Lieutenant Hillman, of the quartermaster-general's corps.

" Long before the hour fixed for the formation of the procession, before even the arrival of a single or- ganization upon the ground, the streets through which it was to pass were thronged, and this was particularly the case with such thoroughfares as Yard Avenue and Main Street. Assistant marshals rode through the town, giving warning to the occupants of vehicles not to obstruct the highways, and in this way the route was kept perfectly clear of anything that might impede the progress of those who were to make up the great patriotic pageant. At twelve o'clock the procession moved over the prescribed route, in the following order: Grand Marshal, Major James S. Yard and aids; Committee of the Day, IIon. G. W. Shinn, Hon. A. R. Throckmorton, Colonel E. F. Ap- plegate; aids : C. A. Bennett, Jr., and Charles Throck- morton. Then came the Second Brigade, National Guards of New Jersey, commanded by Major-General William J. Sewell and staff, and composed as follows: Peterman's Band, of Trenton; Seventh Regiment, Colonel A. Wangel, commanding, numbering three hundred men; Sixth Regiment, preceded by the Sixth Regiment band and drum corps, commanded by General E. Burd Grubb, with four hundred and fifty-six men in line; Third Regiment, Colonel W. A. Morrell commanding, numbering four hundred and thirty men, accompanied by the Elizabeth Vet- eran Zouaves. An artillery company, provided with two fine Gatling guns, were the next in line ; they numbered sixty men, commanded by General J. Madison Drake, and were accompanied by Drake's Band. The corps was composed entirely of soldiers who served throughout the War of the Rebellion, in defense of their country, and carried with them four tattered flags, among which was one belonging to Phil. Kearney's division, and another captured by General Drake in Virginia, on the 24th of May, 1861, when the army crossed the Long Bridge. Next came Damas- cus Commandery, No. 5, Knights Templar, Charles E. Ingalls, Eminent Commander, numbering one hundred and ten knights, in full Templar uniform, accompanied by a fine band of music. Following were Olive Branch, St. John's and Wall Lodges, and the officers and members of the R. W. Grand Lodge, A. F. A. M., of the jurisdiction of New Jersey. Then came a long line of carriages, containing many prominent citizens, followed by Company A, Wash- ington Centennial Guards, of Princeton, in the uni- form worn in the days of the Revolution. Next in line were the Joel Parker Association, of Newark, [Here follows the account of the laying of the stone according to Masonic form and usage.] "The ceremo- nies were concluded by the Grand Marshal making proclamation that the corner-stone had been laid this named in honor of the distinguished ex-Governor, all elad in dark clothing and wearing white high felt hats, and numbering one hundred men. They were preceded by a fine band of music and presented a ! day by the R. W. Grand Master of Masons of New

very creditable appearance. The rear of the line was brought up by the Delaware Hose Company, of Bor- dentown, with their gayly-decked apparatus, dragged by thirty men in white shirts and wearing black helmet hats. The procession, after moving over the prescribed route, reached the Monument Park, where was erected a stand, upon which the ceremonies were to take place a little after one o'clock.

"Here, upon the site for the erection of the monu- ment to commemorate the battle of Monmouth, was a capacious stand, through the centre of which pro- jected the base and the derrick, from which hung the large, square block of granite which was to be the corner-stone. An awning shielded those who were to occupy the platform from the burning rays of the sun. The military, as they reached the monument, or rather where it is to be constructed, filed to the left and entered the capacious and well-shaded grounds of Mrs. Schanck, the donor of the park, where they rested from the fatigues of their march. The Knights opened order and the Masonic brethren marched through in inverse order and ascended the stand, when the officers assumed their appropriate stations : the R. W. Grand Master in the east, the R. W. Senior Grand Warden in the west, and the R. W. Junior Grand Warden in the South. On the right and left of the Grand Master were the Senior and Junior Deacons. The officers and members of the commandery also occupied places upon the plat- form, forming in a hollow square. As soon as every- thing was in order, Mr. Theodore W. Morris, in a few well-chosen remarks, presented the deed of the prop- erty upon which this monument is to be erected, to Ilon. Joel Parker, president of the Monument Asso- ciation. Governor Parker, in accepting the document of conveyance, said : ' On behalf of the Monument Association, I accept this agreement for transfer of this valuable property, to be used forever as a site for a monument to commemorate the battle of Mon- moutlı. No more beautiful location and none more appropriate could have been selected. I know the history of the family you represent on this occasion. Many of them were in the American army during the War of the Revolution, and some were at the battle of Monmouth. You truly say that no stain of dis- honor rests upon the memory of any of them. Con- vey to Mrs. Schanck and the others for whom you speak the thanks of the Monument Association for their most liberal gift. It will be our aim speedily to rear upon this spot a monument worthy of the great event. This we can do, if, in addition to what has already been contributed, the people continue to manifest the same liberality that has characterized them for the last few days.'

485

THE TOWN OF FREEHOLD.

Jersey, in ample form. The Masonic brethren then left the stand, and Hon. Joel Parker called the assem- blage to order.

" The following-named gentlemen were announced as the officers of the meeting : Vice-Presidents, Dr. Robert Laird, Thomas Burrowes, John H. Laird, Hon. Chilion Robbins, R. W. Dayton, G. H. Van Mater, John A. Morford; Secretaries, John B. Conover, John J. Ely. A fervent prayer was made by Rev. Frank Chandler, and, after music by an excellent band, ex-Governor Parker addressed the people as follows:

"'FELLOW-CITIZENS :- We are assembled on a battle-field of the American Revolution. Here, one hundred years ago, our forefathers struck a blow for liberty. Near the spot where we now stand, on that quiet Sabbath morning in June, the first gun of the battle of Monmouth was fired and the first blood shed. Here the Continental troops emerged from the woods, and yonder [pointing to an eminence where the other meeting was in progress ] the Queen's Ran- gers received the first volley, fled through the village and joined the main army of the British, then slowly retiring over the plain beyond. The American ad- vance, under Lee, quickly crossed the ravine which forms the eastern boundary of this farm, descended into the plain and engaged the British rear.

On this beautiful and appropriate site the generous gift of a publie-spirited lady, whose paternal as well as maternal ancestors were in the battle, in the presence of this vast multitude, with most solemn and fitting ceremonies, we have laid the corner-stone of a monu- ment. The work is auspieiously begun and the monument will be built. The honor of the county of Monmouth is pledged to its completion. When all here assembled shall have passed from earth the granite shaft to rise on this spot will still point towards heaveu, and in after centuries will speak to the generations who follow us of the heroic deeds and virtues of those noble men who, on these fields one hundred years ago, achieved a victory which helped to make our country free.'

"A stand one hundred yards or more away was ereeted in what is termed Throckmorton's Field, which was gaily decorated, and upon which was sta- tioned a band of music. Here ex-Governor William A. Newell presided, assisted by the following officers : Vice-Presidents, Jolin S. Applegate, Dr. S. Il. Hunt, Collen B. Miers, O. C. Herbert, Levi G. Irwin, Thomas S. Field, D. R. Conover, David Baird; Seereta- ries, J. Clarence Conover, Hon. John J. Wheeler. After a prayer by Rev. Thomas HI. Cullen, and an eloquent address by Governor Newell, a fine selee- tion of musie was rendered by the band, and Colonel Henry B. Carrington, United States army, delivered a historical sketch of the battle of Monmouth.

" At the conclusion of the musical and literary exercises the troops were re-formed and made a short parade, passing the residence of ex-Governor Parker,

where they were reviewed by Governor George B. Me- Clellan, who uncovered as every regiment came in view. This concluded the festivities of the day, which were brilliant and successful, and were credit- able in the highest degree to all concerned. Through- out the day the entire military and the guests of the occasion were furnished with a bounteous repast at Shinn's Hall, as many as nine hundred sitting down to the tables at one time.1 There was full and plenty, and none were permitted to leave dissatisfied. Such hospitality has rarely been equaled, and the ladies, of whom there were many, were unremitting in their attentions in waiting upon the men who had come to Freehold to help swell the throng, and to add to the interest of the great centennial celebration of the battle of Monmouth, and here before closing let me say that the ex-Governors of New Jersey nobly re- sponded to the invitation to grace the occasion by their presence, four-Price, Parker, Newell and Bedle-being prominent in all that was transpiring, and exhibiting quite as much enthusiasm as any of the good people of this, one of the original thirteen States."

The first meeting of the Monument Associa- tion after the centennial celebration, was on the 22d of February, 1879. The president stated the object of the meeting, and said, in addressing the association, " The honor of the county of Mon- month is now pledged to the completion of the monument, the corner stone of which we have laid." The treasurer, Mr. John B. Conover, reported the total receipts for monument fund, up to that time, to be as follows, viz. : Receipts from all sources, 83957.03; disbursements, in- eluding expense at celebration, $332.25; in treasury 22d of February, 1879, 83624.78.

This statement was certainly discouraging ; but the few stout hearts foremost in the under- taking were not appalled, but in strong faith re- doubled their efforts. Plans for monuments were sought, to cost from five to ten thousand dollars, and several plans were submitted.

At the meeting of June 28, 1879, the receipts had increased over twelve hundred dollars. The Rev. Thaddeus Wilson, of Shrewsbury, ad- dressed the association at that meeting. The

1 It was estimated that fully three thousand persons, in- cluding the soldiers, were provided for at the public tables. Every township in the county contributed double the quantity of provisions asked for. The arrangements, which were almost perfect, included even the furnishing of ice-water in profusion at many different points for the re- freshment of the military and visitors.

486

HISTORY OF MONMOUTH COUNTY. NEW JERSEY.

trustees and officers chosen were those who had previously been elected. The association was now in condition to receive the deed for the site. On the day the corner-stone was laid, Mr. Theodore W. Morris, son-in-law of Mrs. Schanck, had delivered to ex-Governor Parker, president of the association, an agreement signed by that lady, in which she agreed to give the deed to the association when five thousand dollars had been subscribed and paid in towards building the monument. The deed for the site, containing over three acres, was signed and executed on the 28th day of June, 1879, by Mrs. Mary A. Schanek and her children. This was indeed a most generous gift of a valuable plat of ground. The site is pronounced by all who have seen it the very best that could have been obtained. The thanks of the association and of the people of Monmouth are due to Mrs. Schauck and her children, and especially to Mr. Morris, through whose influence chiefly this noble gift was made.

The fund continued to increase gradually but slowly. On July 10, 1880, the treasurer re- ported the amount received and in hand, secured by bond and mortgage and United States bonds, to be nearly seven thousand dollars. It now

amount of subscriptions. It must be confessed that success in that direction then seemed doubt- ful, but the meeting

" Resolved, That the executive committee of this Association be authorized to take such measures as to them may seem advisable to obtain from the State of New Jersey, at the present session of Legislature, pecuniary aid toward the erection of the monument to commemorate the battle of Monmouth, and that ap- plication for that purpose may be made to the Legis- lature in the name of the Association."

Application was made to the Legislature dur- ing the session of 1881, in conformity with the resolution above quoted, and with what snecess appears by a report made at a meeting of the association, hekl on the 2d day of April, 1881, by ex-Governor Parker. He reported, amid applause, that the Legislature had passed an act giving ten thousand dollars towards building the monument, and also stated that Senator Me- Pherson told him he "thought the Congress of the United States would make an appropriation of ten thousand or twenty thousand dollars for the same purpose ;" so that the prospect was good for over forty thousand dollars to build the monument, as a considerable amount would still be realized from private subscriptions.

It must not be supposed that the appropria- became apparent that the subscriptions would tion from the State was obtained without effort. soon reach ten thousand dollars. Ex-Governor Parker had obtained forty one-hundred-dollar subscriptions, besides many of fifty dollars, and nearly one thousand five hundred dollars was paid through Major James S. Yard, of the Mon- mouth Democrat, and about six hundred dollars came through collections of James T. Burtis, Esq. It took weeks of hard work to accomplish it. The president of the association and others saw every member and explained to each every reason for the appropriation. It was fortunate that there were in the Legislature a few warm friends from the first. The Hon. George C. Beekman, a patriotic gentleman and an enthu- When it became probable that the ten thou- sand dollars of subscriptions aimed at would be obtained, the active promoters of the project began to think that a ten thousand dollar mon- mment would not be of sufficient dimensions to worthily commemorate a battle so important to the State and nation as that of Monmouth ; but how to add to the fund was a most difficult problem. siastic student of American history, at that time represented Monmouth County in the Senate, and gave all his energies to secure the passage of the bill, which was also warmly and earnestly advocated by the Hon. Holmes W. Murphy, of Freehold, a popular gentleman with his asso- ciates in the House of Assembly. The president of the Senate, Hon. Mr. Hobart, of Passaic County, was born in Monmouth. Senator Sewell, of Camden, and Taylor, of Mercer, were At a meeting held on the 21st of February, 1880, Governor Parker advocated an application to the Legislature of New Jersey for an appro- priation of ten thousand dollars to duplicate the also warm advocates of the measure. Senator Beekman was selected to introduce the bill, which had been carefully prepared by ex-Governor Parker.

487

THE TOWN OF FREEHOLD.

The day before the vote was taken in the Senate it was somewhat uncertain how it would result. All the Senators thought the object a worthy one, but some said it was introducing a precedent for appropriations, and they thought their constituents would blame them for voting the money. The reply was that all the people of the State were, or should be, interested as well as those residing in Monmouth, and the precedent involving the raising of ten thousand dollars by those interested in another battle-ground before a bill could be passed, and all the people of Monmouth asked of the rest of the State was to duplicate their subscription.

On the night before the bill was to come up in the Senate, Mr. Charles P. Smith, of Tren-' sion were the president of the Senate and the ton (since deceased), gave a reception in honor of the newly-elected Governor Ludlow, and the newly-elected United States Senator, Sewell. To this reception the Senators and members of Assemby, as well as the judges of the Supreme Court, were invited. Ex-Governor Parker was present. It so happened that Mr. Smith had a fine painting representing Molly Pitcher at the battle of Monmouth. Of course, the ex-Governor took pains to call the attention of the legislators to that painting, and dilated considerably on the heroism of the brave woman in the battle. On the next day the vote was taken, and out of twenty Senators present, nineteen voted for the bill. On the same day the bill passed the House of Assembly, under suspension of the rules, by a two-thirds vote.

On the 2d of April, 1881, resolutions were a member of the commission, which was a passed in conformity with the law authorizing a deed to be made to the State for Monument Park on or before the first Monday of May, 1881, and to hand over and transfer also to the commissioner for the State eight thousand dol- lars in money and securities. It will be seen that the whole ten thousand dollars which had all future meetings of the commission, to assist been subscribed was not to be handed over to the commissioner, but that two thousand dollars was reserved to aid in putting the park in order ; but the commissioner did actually receive as much as ten thousand dollars from the Monu- ment Association in addition to the land, for the aceumulated interest and the subsequent sub- scriptions turned over amounted to some two

thousand dollars in addition to the eight thou- sand dollars.

By the act of March 14, 1881, appropriating ten thousand dollars for the erection of the monument, the work was placed under the charge of a commission instructed to select a design, contract for, erect and finish a monu- ment in the park at Freebold, where the battle commenced, June 28, 1778. Under this act the Monument Association selected five trustees -Mr. Theodore W. Morris, Major James S. Yard, Mr. James T. Burtis, Mr. Hal Allaire and Mr. John B. Conover-to represent them in the newly-created State Commission. The State officials to represent the State on this commis-

Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Edward J. Anderson, comptroller of the treas- ury, General Lewis Perrine, quartermaster-gen- eral, and General William S. Stryker, adjutant- general. On April 9, 1881, the commission was organized by eleeting Hon. Garret A. Hobart, president of the Senate, to be president of the commission ; Hon. Harrison Van Duyne, Speaker of the House of Assembly, and Mr. Theodore W. Morris, vice-presidents; Colonel Edwin F. Applegate, secretary, and Mr. John B. Conover, treasurer. The commission, at this meeting, ordered a deed to be executed to the State of New Jersey for Monument Park. It was stated that ex-Governor Parker, having been appointed a justice of the Supreme Court of the State, was unwilling to accept election as body under the State law, because it seemed to be against the spirit of a statute of New Jersey which forbids a judge of the Supreme Court holding another office. It was, therefore, re- solved, on motion of E. J. Anderson, "that Hon, Joel Parker be requested to be present at by his counsel and advice." And Judge Parker was appointed to go to Washington, and, if pos- sible, procure an appropriation from Congress.

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History of Monmouth county, New Jersey, Part 84

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Swan, Norma Lippincott. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Philadelphia, R. T. Peck & co. Number of Pages: 1148

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Swan, Norma Lippincott. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Philadelphia, R. T. Peck & co.
Number of Pages: 1148