History of Monmouth county, New Jersey, Part 93

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 93

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).

About this time the first Sunday-school was established, with a limited queans and inexper- ience, but which proved an important element in building up a strong Christian sentiment in both the past and present generations. Father Roberts, as he was known, labored in this part of the field under many difficulties, having no house for publie worship, preaching in a school- house and in private houses in the different neighborhoods, holding service every two or four weeks, in the evenings during winter and afternoons in the summer.

Here the first temperance society was formed, called High Point Temperance Society. AAlco- hol reigned supreme; no household was without it; it even entered into the sanctity of the pulpit ; engrafted, in fact, into all the phases of society. Entrenched as it was by long usage, it was not so formidable a foe but that these few devoted followers of truth and right ventured to make an attack upon it; and in a few years a marked change had taken place, which had been accomplished through their unostentatious labors. The good work progressed until public sentiment compelled the evil to disappear from the sideboards, etc., and a healthier Christian feeling began to prevail, the meetings began to i be better attended and larger numbers added

539

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP.

to the church. A large number of the mem- bers traveled five or six miles, almost every Sunday, to hear the preaching of the Word. About this time Father Roberts resigned, and the Rev. D. B. Stout was ealled; he accepted, and commenced labor with distinguished honor to himself and usefulness to the community. R. A. Leonard, co-operating with the pastor, began to hold what was called a two or three days' woods-meeting; large revivals were the result; weekly prayer-meetings were started; preaching in the public school-house was com- meneed on every Sunday afternoon in the sum- mer, and evenings in the winter; and a series of meetings in the fall or winter, resulting in the conversion of large numbers.

The school-house accommodations having be- come too small, a large number of the members determined on the erection of a house of wor- ship, which objeet was accomplished. Weekly Sunday-school was commenced and kept open the year round; weekly prayer and conference meetings also. Many remarkable revivals were witnessed, and scores were added to the church. The way was now open for a change; many of the members determined to avail themselves of this part of the field for the organization of another church; steps were immediately taken for the accomplishment of this object.

The First Baptist Church of Middletown met at their meeting-house for business July 30, 1853; fifty-five members of said church, living in Riceville and vicinity, requested to be dismissed, to constitute a Baptist Church at Riceville, on the 3d day of August following.

"Middletown, July, 1853.

"To the First Baptist Church in Middletown :- A number of the members of this church invited their pastor to meet with them in the meeting-honse in Riceville, to take into consideration the propriety of organizing a Church of Jesus Christ at that place for the benefit of brethren and sisters living too remote from Middletown for constant attendance there, and also for others who incline to favor Baptist principles. Our beloved pastor spoke decidedly in favor of the design as laudable and Christian in its character; for we had no design of taking any step in the business withont his approbation and the cordial concurrence of the church. Therefore, we, whose names are here- unto appended, respectfully ask to be dismissed for the purpose above stated. We have no self-interest

to answer; the Gospel of God and the good of souls are the objects which we seek to advance; and, as we believe this church to be equally interested in the promotion of the cause of Christ with ourselves, therefore, we submit the matter to your decision. If an organization is needed there, and you say to us, go there and labor for God, in llis strength we will go.

" And may the Spirit of our ascended Redeemer go with us, and also remain with you, that both may live and labor in perfect love and harmony and know no other interest but that of Christ.

"We remain affectionately yours,

"R. A. LEONARD.

" Richard A. Leonard,

Elizabeth C. Roop,

Sarah Leonard,

Martha N. Carhart,

Richard Carhart, Louisa Carhart,

Catharine Carhart,

Edward Hooper,

R. A. Leonard, Jr., Mary E. Leonard,

Elizabeth Bowne,

Thomas Leonard,

Rev. Thomas Roberts,

Mary A. Leonard,

Eleanor Roberts,

Elizabeth Leonard,

Harriet Solly,

James II. Leonard, Catharine Debowe,

Walter Maxson,

John Morris,

Alice Debowe,

Elizabeth Brown,

Joseph Davis,

Valeria Skidmore,

Sarah Davis,

George Eldridge,

George Davis,

Mary Ann Eldridge,

Sarah Davis,

Ursula Hooper,

Anna Tilton,

Mary A. Tilton,

Nathaniel Roberts,

Julia Yarraw,

Phebe M. Roberts,

Tenbrook Davis,

James Brown,

Nehemiah Brower,

Susan Jenkins,

James Applegate,

Jonathan Maxson,

Letitia Applegate,

Sarah Maxson,

Lydia Smith,

William Roop, George Alley,

Vilimpa Roop,

Catharine Alley,

Matthias C. Roop,

Joseph Maxson,

Joana Roop,

Maria Maxson,

Charles Merrit.

"Therefore, on the 30th of July, 1853, at Middle- town, it was moved, seconded and carried that the above said members be dismissed to be constituted a regular Baptist Church of Jesus Christ, at Riceville, in the township of Middletown, in the county of Monmouth, and State of New Jersey.

" Done by order and in behalf of the Church. "JAMES FROST, Church Clerk."

A conneil was held in the meeting-house at Riceville, August 3, 1853. Rev. D. B. Stout appointed president; R. Middleditch, vice- president ; E. Hooper, secretary. The Rev. Mr. Votey, of Eatontown, opened the meeting with prayer. Sermon by Rev. R. Middleditch, of Red Bank. Recognition, Rev. Mr. Jenkins.

Thomas Bowne,

540

HISTORY OF MONMOUTH COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

The church represented by R. A. Leonard. The church to be called the Second Middletown Baptist Church.

An adjourned meeting was held on the 20th of August, 1853, for the election of officers for the church. The Rev. Thomas Roberts was appointed moderator ; E. Hooper, clerk. By a unanimous vote, Messrs. R. A. Leonard and Thomas Leonard were elected deacons, and E. Hooper clerk. At this meeting was unani- mously adopted the New Hampshire confession of faith and covenant. The members of this infant church, possessing many elements which secure prosperity, were, nevertheless, men and women of limited means. The house belonged to the parent church. A committee was ap- pointed by the church to confer with the First Church in regard to it. The committee re- ported, conveying to the church the house of worship, together with the lot of ground upon which it is erected, without any incumbrances. In October of the same year the following persons were elected trustees : R. 1. Leonard, David B. Swan, George Carhart, Daniel Roberts, Richard Carhart, Joseph Davis, Silas Tilton.

A call was tendered to the Rev. W. V. Wil- son to become pastor. He accepted and com- . meneed work October, 1853. After one year's service he resigned, October, 1854.

The aged and venerated Father Roberts, after many years of absence, returned to Mid- dletown and became a member of this church, which now being without a pastor, Father Roberts consented to serve as a supply until the church should call a pastor. Ile success- fully served the church four years. Twenty- four were added to the church by baptism.

The church extended a call to the Rev. E. S. Browe, which he accepted, and commenced his pastorate July, 1858. After four years of labor he resigned, January, 1862. Twenty-one baptisms. The church now remained a few months without a pastor. Rev. W. B. Harris became pastor, and entered upon his duties July 13, 1862, and served until March, 1867. Baptisms, forty-eight.

It was during the pastorate of Mr. Harris that the death of Father Roberts occurred.

After preaching the gospel for more than fifty years (four years of which he spent among the Cherokee Indians) he died, on September 24,1865. In the usual letter to the association, the Second Middletown (now Navesink Baptist Church) writes : "One event has occurred within our church which is of interest to the members of the association. Our aged and venerated brother, Thomas Roberts, has gone from our midst to his rest above. We can truly say that his place, probably, can never be filled. Aged, wise and experienced ; lovely in spirit and life, generous, and devoted to Christ and His cause; always ready, as far as the infirmities of age would per- mit, for every good work. He has lived long among us, and ever exhibited the spirit of the journeying pilgrim, expecting to reach the land of rest. Suddenly his journey ceased, and the aged pilgrim entered the gates of pearl, leaving his brethren and numerous family the legacy of his meek, laborious and persevering example."

The church was without a pastor until Janu- ary, 1868, when Rev. J. J. Baker was called to the pastorate. He served the church over eleven years; resigned February, 1879 ; baptisms, sixty. He served the church longer than any other one. Before his settlement the church owned a par- sonage, three-quarters of a mile distant, pur- chased at the time of Rev. E. S. Browe's set- tlement ; it was sold and a new parsonage bought in the village, near the church, the Rev. J. J. Baker being the first occupant. Other changes were made during his ministry. The relation with the East New Jersey Baptist Association was changed to the Trenton Baptist AAssociation May 29, 1872; also the name of the church, and, according to the new aet of the Legislature ofthe State concerning Baptist Churches, changed the corporate name of the Second Middletown Baptist Church to the corporate name of Nave- sink Baptist Church.

The following trustees were elected March 24, 1877 : Thomas Leonard, R. A. Leonard, N. H. Roberts, William H. Posten, George Davis, James H. Leonard. At the same meet- ing R. A. Leonard, Jr., was elected deacon. Among the events of interest occurring during this period, and one of the most important, as well as afflietive, was the death of the senior

541

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP.

deacon, Richard A. Leonard, born in February, 1812, and died on May 5, 1877, in his sixty- fifth year; baptized by Father Roberts, April 4, 1834 ; was a constituent member of the church, the Rev. Theodore M. Riley, whose successor was the Rev. Mr. Murray, who accepted in February, 1869, and resigned in November, 1871. The Rev. J. S. Weills became rector and elected deacon in 1853, which office he September 1, 1872. He remained until 1875. filled with rare fidelity until his death. At the | His snecessor was the Rev. Samuel Edson, who was, in turn, succeeded by the Rev. Dr. McKim, the present rector.

very outset of his Christian career he actively engaged in every good word and work; the cause of temperance had in him a firm and con- sistent advocate, especially among the young, and of the Sunday-school he was superintendent from the first until his death.

The present pastor, Rev. Charles T. Douglass, was settled over the church June 1, 1879. The present membership of the church is one hundred and forty-six.

About 1866 a Methodist Church was formed at Navesink, and the Chapel at Chapel Hill was sold and a new church edifice built at this place. The pastors who have served at this church have been A. J. Gregory, E. J. Lippin- cott, L. M. Atkinson, S. F. Gaskill, G. R. Sny- der and L. A. Lavelle.

The church lot was purchased, and the Memorial Church erected on it complete, by John H. Stephens, Eleanor P. Stephens, James A. Edgar, Charles E. Milnor, and others connected with Mr. Stephens' fam- ily. The church is of field stone of dark orange tint, with Dorchester stone trimmings. It was designed by Richard M. Upjohn, an architect of New York. The windows are all memorial. The All Saints' Mission School and the rectory were completed before 1872.

The Atlantic Highlands are on Sandy Hook Bay, to the northwest of the Highlands of Navesink, which latter, together with the At- lantic Highlands and all the elevated lands ex- tending south and east from the bay to Clay- I'it Creek and the Navesink River, were known in the days of the early settlements as Portland Heights ; and at the same time the locality now called the Atlantic Highlands was named Portland Point, from which place westward to Point Comfort the bay was called Shoal Harbor. On the 12th of June, 1669, "at a legall towne meeting " of the town of Middletown, it was voted " that the meadows that lies only about Shoal Harbour necke shall for present bee laid out into thirty-six lotts, the rest to bee laid out betweene the 29th of September and the 25th of December." James Grover was appointed to lay out the meadows. June 14th, shall bee fenced with a general fence by the whole inhabitants, being thirty-six in num- ber ... the fences to bee made and mayn- taind."

ALL SAINTS' MEMORIAL (EPISCOPAL) CHURCH is located on the Maelise Creek, southwest of Navesink village. On the 16th of October, 1861, the rector of Trinity Church, at Red Bank, began week-night services in the school-house at Riceville (now Navesink), and continued them for a time. In June, 1862, Charles E. Milnor, Esq., residing in Riceville. gathered his own and some of his neighbors' children together on Sundays and gave them religious instruction ; other children and teach- ers gathered in, and the desire for a church be- came great. The death of Mrs. James A. Edgar caused her father, John H. Stephens, to ereet a memorial to Mrs. Edgar and other , at a meeting, it was ordered " that the meadows deceased members of the family. A parochial organization was effected in 1863, and in Octo- ber of that year the corner-stone of All Saints' Memorial Church in the Highlands was laid by the Right Reverend William H. On the 15th of December, 1667, fifteen days before the Middletown lots were laid out, ten lots had been laid off at Portland Point, a record of which is found in Book A of Deeds, as follows : Odenheimer, D.D., bishop of New Jersey. The church was consecrated October 7, 1864. Soon afterwards the Rev. Me Walter B. Noyes became rector of the parish. He was succeeded by

542

HISTORY OF MONMOUTH COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

"The Lotts on Portland Poynt being into No. 10 are layd out and are in breadth 20 yds rach Lott and run up from the banck into the woodes upon A strait line W. & N. with Sor nar as the land is Good About 60 or 70 poles, the further west lott one the south side No. 11 No. 2, James Bounds; No. 3 Richard Richardson's. The Lott one the north side the swamp or valley. The first is Randall Huetts Sen- ior, No. 4; the next lott, is Ilenry Pixsey, No. 5; No. 6, John Binds [ Bowne]; No. 7, Randall Huetts Junior; No. 8, William Bounds; No. 9, William Shakely

" And further it was granted unto the inhabitants aforesaid att portland point att the time of ye Cort and laying out off ye above named ten Lotts December 15, 1667, that in regard off the small quantity of land to those the said Lotts Belonging att present, that if hereafter any more laod remaint at hand bee found fitt for planting the inhabitants above said shall have the benefitt thereof for ye further In- largment of the above said Lots of Land."

" June 15: 1669 It is further agreed that the men That are deputed to asist James Grover in the laying out the meadows shall bee satisfied in soe many dayes workes as they are out upon the service: and these dayes workes to bee perfourmed by the rest of the In- habitants at such times as they are upon the service Themselves bearing an equall part with the rest.

"James Ashton making a satisfactory excuse to the Towne of nott asisting James Grover in laying out the meadows John Smith was chosen to supply his roome

" It was further ordered that the equality of the divis- ion of the meadows is putt to the Judgement of James Grover : Richard Stoutte : and Jonathan Hulmes.

" It is likewise ordered that as many lotts: as ac- cording to Judgement are found defective : that upon Just complaint : the three men : viz: James Grover : Richard Stoutte: and Jonathan Hulmes: shall take a view : of the said defective meadows: and accord- ingly shall give the choice in this second division to the owners of the defective meadows : and further that according to the degree of the defect of any ones meadow in the first division: viz: (shoale harbour meadows) soe have they full power (by vertne of this order) to dispose of successively : wch disposall of the three above named : by agreement of the towne shall stand for Equality.

"Ordered : that upon debate : of putting fresh lotts to salt lotts acording to the desire of some who thinke it equalty is left to decide : when an exact cognizance of the meadows is taken when they are divided : and the fresh and salt lotts in the first and second division of meadows well veiwed.

"Testis : Edw: Tartt : Town Clearke."

On these Portland Point lots a considerable number of houses were built, and courts were

held there many times during two or three years following,-November 2, 1669, at the house of Richard Richardson, and July 5, 1670. Courts and "General Assemblys" were also held at the house of Randall Huett, at Portland Point.

Randall Huett, Sr., died in January, 1669, and his widow, Margaret, became the wife of Bernard Smith before July 14, 1673, as on that date she appeared before John Bowne, justice of the peace, as " the wife of Bernard Smith, formerly wife to the late deceased Ran- dall Hnett," and consented to the sale of her lands, goods and cattle, which were sold as follows :

" To all people to whom these presents shall come I Bernard Smith of Portland point in the province of New Jearsy send greeting: Know Yee : that I the afforesaid Bernard Smith : for: and in consideration of a valuable summe of monney : beeing part of a Debt owing from my Predessesor Randall Hluitt late deceased : to Cornelius Stenwicke : Merchant of new Yorke as apeares by obligation bearing date the 20th of may : 1658 of wch valuable summe of monney I doe acknowledge my selfe fully satisfied contented and paid : and thereof: doe exonerate acquitt : and dis- charge : the said Stenwicke) have hereupon absolutely sould : infeofed : and confirmed : and by these pre- sents : doe sell infeofe and confirme : all that my towne share of land : wch was formerly procured from the Pattentees : by my predessesor Randall Huitt late Deceased : weh towne share of land is comprehended in one of the three purchased neckes : Viz : newsinke Narramsun and Potepecke: as may apeare in the booke of Records of the said three necks : like wise I the afforesaid Bernard Smith in consideration of the above said valuable summe of monney have sould to the said Cornelius Stenwicke all that my share of that land commonly called the gift land belonging to my predessesor Randall Huitt as may apeare in the said Records all wch towne share of land : and share of gift land as apeares in the said Records : with all the apurteanances and priveledges thereunto belonging or apertaining : 1 the afforesayd Bernard Smith from mee : my heires : unto the afforesaid Cornelius Sten- wicke and his heires for ever : and by vertue hereof doe make good the purchase: warranting the sale from any that shall lay claime thereunto : by vertue of any right : title : or interest : (claimed from the grand pattent and booke of Records : or any else : from : by : or under mee: in wittnes hereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seale this sixt day of ffeb- ruary 1672

livered in the presence "Signed : Sealed and De- Signum talis of Edward Tartt Bernard B Smith Signum talis

Towne clearke

Margret m Smith

the seale was affixed."

1 The lot No. 1 was owned by John Thornberry.

543

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP.

The Portland Point settlement for some rea-

fine residences are built at the Atlantic High- son did not thrive, and the greater portion of lands. A pavilion and large anditorinin have the land on the west part came into the posses- ! been built for religious services in summer; the sion of John Bowne, by whom it was left by latter has a seating capacity of four thousand people. will to Daniel Brown, November 25, 1768 ; sold it to Mary Brown; it was adjoining the Esek Hartshorne traet. It was left to Uriah Brown, who, April 14, 1800, sold to Joseph Hooper a part of it, described as " situate on Sandy Hook Bay, being the westernmost point of Portland Heights." The other part was sold to the Leonards, who still occupy a part of it.

The Navesink Park Company was formed in 1879, and purchased two hundred and sixty acres of woodland southeast from Atlantic High- lands. It embraces within its limits Mount Mitchell, from the summit of which a fine view of the bay and ocean are obtained. A wharf was built ; also a pier thirty feet in width, which extends one thousand feet into the bay. The lands were laid out by Egbert L. Viele, the landscape engineer of Central Park, New York.

About 1834, William Brown built a landing at the place which had been Portland Point. The property came to the possession of Thomas

The Hillside Park Improvement Company Leonard, and his son, Thomas H. Leonard, lives , was incorporated June 22, 1883, with a capital in the old Brown farm-house. About 1877, . of thirty-five thousand dollars, with the object Thomas Leonard and others built a dock and of improving land on the Atlantic Highlands. Their lands lie back of the Atlantic Highlands and north of Navesink village. It is intended to develop it as a place of summer resort. ran the steamer " Marion " to New York for freight and passengers. This dock was later extended by the Atlantic Highlands Association into the bay about three-quarters of a mile to deep water.

Leonardsville is situated in the northeast part of the township, near the bay. It is a little

In 1879 the Atlantic Highlands Assoociation was formed to purchase and lay out lands for , hamlet, which received its name for the family of Leonard, who came to what is now this

camp-meeting purposes. About three hundred acres of land was purchased of Thomas Leonard, 'county, and built for James Grover the iron- Edward Hooper, Nathaniel Roberts, Charles works at Tinton Falls, then called the " Falls Woodward, John L. Patterson, Jacob Swan and John Dye. Improvements were at once made, and the grounds were formally opened July 27, and from that time to about 1667 were engaged 1880.

On the 11th of February 1881, the association became incorporated with a capital of two hun- dred and fifty thousand dollars. The corpora- tors were the Rev. Stephen C. Ballwin, D.D., ; thereafter, discovered traces of bog-ore at or of Newark; Rev. J. E. Lake, of Seabright; near the Falls of Shrewsbury, on the line be- Thomas Leonard, of Leonardsville; Somers T. 'tween Middletown and Shrewsbury. He sent -

Champion, of Pleasantville, Atlantic County ; for the Leonards to come to New Jersey and constrnet iron-works, which they did, as men- tioned. The name of Henry Leonard occurs Rev. S. Wesley Lake, of Atlanticville; and Robert Emory, of Seabright. The corner-stone of a Methodist Episcopal Church was laid ' frequently in the records for many years. The December 23, 1882, which was finished and is first mention is August 27, 1697, of " Henry now in use as a house of worship.

Several hotels were erected, the largest of which is the Grand View. A fire company was organized January 9, 1883, as the Everett Hook-and-Ladder Company, No. 1. Many , made in 1709, as Henry Leonard's saw-mill in

of Shrewsbury." James and Henry Leonard came from England, in 1642, to Taunton, Mass., in constructing iron-works in the eastern colo- nies. James Grover, one of the Monmouth patentees, settled at Middletown in 1667, and while surveyor of the township, a few years

Leonard's saw-mill, on Saw-Mill Brook, on the Manasquan road." March 6, 1706, a road was ordered laid from Lawrence Mill, on Hop Brook, to Leonard's Mill. Mention is again

544

HISTORY OF MONMOUTH COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

Middletown ; and many times as " ye Leonard's mill." Samuel Leonard was a justice in 1700. An old tide-mill was standing many years ago on Mine Run, the site of which is now out in the bay. The Leonard family lived many years at Shoal Harbor, and are still living at the place called Leonardsville.

A store was opened at the place many years ago by Thomas Leonard, and a post-office was established. Soon after the opening of the At- lantic Highlands it was moved to that place. A Baptist chapel was erected in 1883, and dedi- cated in June of that year. It is under charge of the Navesink Baptist Church.

On the bay, near Leonardsville, is " Apple- gate's Dock," located on a part of a large tract of land lying along the bay, which, in 1674, was the subject of a dispute between Bartholomew and Thomas Applegate and Richard Sadler on one part, and John Bowne and others of the Monmouth settlers on the other. The case is explained with tolerable elearness in the fol- lowing extract from the minutes of " A Couneil held at Fort Willem Hendrick (New York City), on Thursday, the 8th of March, 1674, and presided over by the Dutch Governor-Gen- eral, Anthony Colve." This was during the brief reoccupation of New York by the Dutch, in 1673-74. The extract is here given, viz .:

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History of Monmouth county, New Jersey, Part 93

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