USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Montclair > History of Montclair township state of New Jersey; including the history of the families who have been identified with its growth and prosperity > Part 46
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Mr. Siegfried, from boyhood, has been ready in speech, and in youth was prominent in debating and literary societies-which is not strange, as he comes from a line of preachers and public speakers. In 1590 he was selected to deliver the annual address before the National Editorial Association at St. Paul, where his " Criticism of the Counting Room " attracted large attention and shook a good many "dry bones." He is in frequent demand as a platform speaker on practical questions of moral and social reform, Young Men's Christian Association work, and so on, but he never appears before an andience, large or small, without careful preparation, and unless he feels that he really has something to say that ought to be said.
Among others of his popular lectures are two interesting ones on several of his canoeing trips a sport in which he is yet much interested. He began extended cruises in the early seventies, and in 1879 went to the source of the Mississippi. His paddle and sail have carried him many thousands of miles and over nearly all the noted American waters. He, with W. L. Alden and N. H. Bishop, are the remainder of the earliest devotees of this sport, and his lectures and writing did much in its infancy to arouse interest in and love for it.
After establishing himself in business in the East, Mr. Siegfried lived for a time in Brooklyn, but being desirous of getting away from the noise and tumult of the city he visited several suburban towns. contignons to New York, and finally decided on Montelair, which came nearer to his ideas of comfort, beauty and healthfulness than any place he had seen, and in isst he removed thence with his family. His object was rest and recreation, but he could not be idle, neither could he " hide his light under a bushel," and without any special effort on his part his influence was soon felt in the community, and his
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services were in constant demand by his neighbors. Nature had been lavish with him in her musical as well as other gifts. With a fine tenor voice and the ability to direct others, he naturally beeame a precentor and director and held leading positions in this line in the Congregational and other churches. lle was also capable of condueting the instrumental as well as the vocal services, and in the absence of the organist could always be relied on as a substitute, having served professionally as organist in leading churches of Marietta, Louisville, St. Paul, etc. For the benefit of the people of Montelair he introduced a series of musical entertainments for which he secured the services of a number of leading artists, much to the delight of those who found it inconvenient to visit the metropolis at night in order to enjoy this privilege. Ilis greatest work, however, has been in connection with the Young Men's Christian Association and the Citizens' Committee of One Hundred. From the melens of the Young Men's Reform Club he aided in founding the Association, and bent all his energies to make it a success. He was its first president. The young men of Montelair rallied round him and gave him their hearty support, and this is now one of the strongest and best managed associations of the kind in the State.
Mr. Siegfried, until his recent removal to Philadelphia, was a member of the Congregational Chib of New York and Vicinity ; of the Montelair Club; of the New Jersey State Executive Committee Young Men's Christian Association, and Chairman of its Sub-committee on the Public Press; Vice- President and member of the Executive Committee of the Outlook Club, Montclair; President of the Quill Chb. New York ; Chairman of the Montelair Citizens' Committee of One Hundred, the law and order league as related to liquor selling, and was connected with many other organizations. In February, 1894, he was unanimously elected President of the Young Men's Christian Association State Convention of New Jersey.
Personally and socially Mr. Siegfried may be described as a man of fine tastes, a good listener, an entertaining conversationalist, and an indefatigable worker in anything he undertakes. He not only makes friends but keeps them. He is frank almost to bluntness, but is sincere in his opinions, possessing, withal, a warm and liberal generosity of feeling-that " touch of nature that makes the whole world kin."
Mr. Siegfried married, in 1868, in Marietta, Ohio, Miss Mary E., daughter of Dr. A. B. and Mrs. M. A. Heterick. The issue of this marriage is three children. Ilis eldest daughter, Miss Mary Holton Siegfried, has already taken a high position in the musical world. She was graduated with distinguished honor from the Metropolitan College of Music, New York. She holds a Fellowship degree in the American College of Musicians-the body which sets the standard of professional ability and scholarship for the entire country-has successfully held the position of organist of the First Congregational Church, Montelair, has played both as church and concert organist in leading churches and music halls in New York, Brooklyn, ete., and is regarded by her older fellows in music as one of the most brilliant and promising among the younger eastern organists, pianists and teachers.
TWO HEROES OF THE WAR.
The incidents referred to in the following biographical sketches of Abram P. Haring and Harry Littlejohn read like a romance, and unless supported by documentary evidence, would appear incredible. The failure of these men to receive proper recognition is due to their extreme modesty in failing to press their claims at the proper time, and the compiler of this work claims the honor of making the discovery and furnishing to the world the record of two heroes which has hitherto remained buried in oblivion. If ever the records of the War Department are carefully searched it will be found that some of the greatest heroes, who composed the "rank and file" of the Army, remain unrecognized, while the self-constituted ones, who were promoted through personal influence, have inseribed their own names and achievements on the pages of history.
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ABRAME PYE HARING.
VOLUME XII. page 136, of the " Rebellion Records" contains the following paragraph :
" Haring. Lieut. Abram P., 132d Regiment, N. Y. Vols. Had not cleven men of the 132d under Lieutenant Haring in the blockhouse at Batchelor's Creek. N. C., withstood a rebel army for over one hour, Newberne would have been captured by the rebels."
" Honors of the Empire State in the War of the Rebellion," by Thomas S. Townsend, pages 348-9. contains the following :
" Ilad not eleven men of the regiment uunder Lieut. Abram P. Haring kept back the rebel army until the rest of the regiment came up, Newberne would have been captured."
in the gift of his sover- tion over received by bronze medal, presented inscribed . The Congress 1st Lieut. Co. G., 132d Infty."
The above is the only record of one of the most remarkable and gallant achievements of the War of the Rebellion. Had it occurred under any European government the hero woukl have been decorated with the highest honors eign. The only recogni- Mr. Haring is the simple by the Secretary of War, to Abram P. Haring, late Regt. New York Vol. The facts obtained from Mr. Haring, who is as as follows : the Confederate army. the blockade, which eut ply. were greatly in need and learning that a large stores, ete , had been sent Newberne, N. C., deter- the place. A large force artillery. composing a part sent on the night of Feb- the attack. It was a dark. objects could only be dis- tance. To reach their rebel troops were obliged spans Batchelor's Creek Lieutenant Haring, outpost pieket duty, was modest as he is brave, are In the winter of 1864. owing to the efficiency of off their sources of sup- of the munitions of war. amount of ammunition. by our goverment to mined on the capture of of infantry, cavalry and of Pickett's division, was ruary 1. 1564. to make rainy (at 2 s.M.) night, and tinguished at a short dis- place of destination the to cross a bridge which on the road to Newberne. who was then engaged in A. P. HARING. left with a detachment of larin men as a reserve, and to guard this bridge. His regiment was some four miles distant, and his nearest supports over a mile distant. lle had a line of earthworks which were intended only to guard against a small attacking force. Mr. Haring was never caught " napping ;" his first intimation of the approach of the enemy was a few shots and the tramp of men on the opposite side of the bridge. Ile at once gave orders in rapid succession as though in command of a large force. "One to six fire, seven to eleven fire !" and so on. The enemy, believing that a large body of troops were in their front, were cautious in their movements, and after firing several volleys brought up their artillery to cover the attack of the infantry, and under the continuons fire of the artillery. three separate attempts were made to cross the bridge, and each time repulsed by the small force in front. Lieutenant Haring, in the meantime, while keeping up the firing by a portion of his men, ran along up and down the river bank with the remainder, shouting and yelling like demons to the imaginary reinforcements to " hurry up," at the same time giving orders in quick succession to " fall back one ! forward two! fire" ete. This ruse was kept up and the enemy held in check for two hours, until reinforcements arrived which consisted of
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detachments of 150 men. In the meantime the ammunition of this little band of Spartans had given out, but they "held the fort" until assistance came. With this small additional force the enemy was held in cheek until 9 o'clock the next morning. In the meantime while a feint of attack was kept up in front a large force of Confederates crossed the stream some distance above, and flanked the small force defending the bridge. The men, finding themselves surrounded, attempted to force their way through the rebel ranks. About half the number succeeded : the rest were captured. Lientenant Haring, with half a dozen men, made a rush and broke through, and about a quarter of a mile distant found a brigade of Federals drawn up in line of battle. Ile was immediately ordered to fall into line on the extreme left. Being familiar with the topography of the country he informed the officer in command that the position was indefensible, and that they would certainly be flanked, and so it proved. The Confederates extended their line of battle for a long distance in front, keeping up an occasional firing. In the meantime a large Hanking force which had been sent out began an attack in the rear of the Federals' column, and before they were aware of it they found themselves completely surrounded. Lientenant Haring, being on the extreme left, made a break with his men, without waiting for orders, and struck out for the swamp. and succeeded in making his way to his regiment. He immediately reported to his colonel the condition of affairs, and told him that unless he moved his command at once they would be surrounded by the enemy. Lieutenant llaring was immediately ordered to take command of the Monitor train. the front car of which was covered with corrugated iron, and provided with swiveled howitzers.
Before reaching Newberne Lieutenant Haring discovered the enemy's cavalry approaching on a parallel line toward Newberne. He immediately halted the train and opened fire with his howitzers, but when the enemy came up with his artillery he was compelled to move, having several men killed in as many minutes. On reaching a bridge just outside of Newberne, he was ordered to take his command and remain at the bridge. In the first engagement at the bridge several of the enemy were killed, the fire of Lieutenant Haring's men being directed by the sound, while that of the Confederates was at random, it being impossible to discern any object in the darkness.
Mr. Haring has been a resident of Montelair since 1876. He purchased, in 1880, the Beatty farm, on Valley Road, and remodeled the homestead, and resided there until 1891. In 1893 he moved into the large new house which he erected at 66 Park street. The house was designed by E. R. North, architect, and is the style known as colonial renaissance.
Mr. Ilaring comes of the old Holland stock, one branch of which settled at Tappan about 1650, and the other-from which he is descended-on Manhattan Island. His mother was a Miss Van Ostrand, a descendant of one of the old Rockland County, N. Y., families. He was born in New York City November 15, 1840. Ile attended publie school in New York until he was fifteen years of age, and then entered a faney goods house. lle afterward obtained a position with Otis & Co., wholesale millinery and fancy goods, remaining until the spring of 1862, the second year of the war. Without consulting any of his friends he walked from his place of business one day to a recruiting office, and enlisted. This was in Angust, 1862. He was immediately assigned to Company (', 132d Regiment, N. Y. Volunteers, commanded by Colonel P. J. Claassen, which was attached to the Second Empire Brigade. Eighteenth Army Corps. He was soon after promoted to Sergeant Major on the non-commissioned staff, and in January. 1863, was made Second Lientenant, and in March following was promoted First Lieutenant of Company G. He was soon after sent with his regiment to Newberne, N. C., where he was engaged most of the time on outpost picket duty, a position attended with constant danger and very little glory. It was while engaged in this service that he had the memorable encounter with Pickett's division in February, 1864. At the battle of Southwest Creek, N. C., in the spring of 1865, he was wounded by a ball passing through his check, fired by a sharpshooter. After the first day the wound was left undressed for four days, which prolonged his suffering's, and he was rendered unfit for service for several weeks. Ile was honorably discharged in May 1865, by reason of wound, as First Lieutenant. Had his case been properly presented to the War Department he should have retired with rank of Major, and the brevet of Lieutenant-Colonel, to which he
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was justly entitled. His own modesty and the negleet of his friends prevented his receiving these honors until the time for granting them had expired.
At the close of the war he returned to his old position in New York where he remained for two years, when he engaged in the business of manufacturing stationer under the firm name of Stewart, Warren & Co.
lle is a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, U. S .. also of the Medal of Honor Legion, U. S.
He married, in 1866. Miss Emma Hollett, of Cornwall, N. Y., a daughter of Amos M. Hollett.
HARRY LITTLEJOHN.
HARRY Larragons, who has resided on Watchung Avenne, Montelair, sinec 1570, has earned his right to citizen-hip as well as a place on the " Roll of Honor " for services rendered his adopted country in her hour of need. He is of Scotch parentage, and received an early education in Leslie, Fifeshire, Scotland ; afterward he attended the School of Arts in Edinburgh. His uncle. Dr. I. D. Littlejohn, is a noted physician of that city. He came to this country in 1858, and engaged in mercantile business for two years, and in March, Is60, he went to Cuba and engaged in the manufacture of chemicals for purifying sugar. He re- turned to New York in March, 1861, and soon after enlisted in Company D., First Regiment, Oregon Ritles. a company belonging to one of these embryo regiments whose full organization was never completed, the whole regiment being composed of this one company, most of the members having enlisted with the understanding that they were to be Second Lieutenants and First Sergeants. The company was sent to the front at Williamsport, Md., a small town on the Potomac River, where, with a company raised in that town, and another raised in Martinsburg, Va., they did outpost duty on the Upper Potomac. Mr. Littlejohn was made Corporal immediately after his enlistment, was quickly promoted to First Sergeant, and, on the company's arrival at Williamsport, was unanimously elected Second Lieutenant.
In December, 1861. while his company was doing picket duty at Dam No. 5, on the Upper Poto- mac, Lieutenant Littlejohn, like many others at that particular time, was eager for a brush with the enemy. The company at this time was guarding several miles of the Potomac, and especially the Baltimore and Ohio canal. by which supplies were forwarded to Washington. (The several dams are made to supply the canal with water ) His wishes were gratified sooner than he anticipated, for on Saturday, December 7, while visiting the picker at Little Georgetown, he saw a large force coming out of the woods in the direction of the dam. (This proved to be a force of 600 infantry and a battery of artillery under the command of "Stonewall " Jackson, who was sent to destroy the dam.) Riding quickly back to the head- quarters of his company at Four Locks, Lieutenant Littlejohn informed Captain Robinson of the enemy's approach, who immediately called out the reserve, and marched to the dam, a mile below. While he, with his small force, was marching toward the dam on the Maryland side, the rebels were pursuing a parallel course on the Virginia side. Lieutenant Littlejohn's men opened fire on the rebels, which was im- mediately returned, and a running fire kept up until they reached the dam at night. The Confederates took advantage of the darkness to cut away the dam, placing relays of men to work with axes and shovels. In order to deceive the enemy and convey the impression that he had a large force, Lieutenant Littlejoin scattered his few men about on the opposite bank and again opened fire, driving the rebels from their work and foreing them to seek shelter.
Early the following morning the rebels opened fire with their artillery and mnsketry. In the meantime Lieutenant Littlejohn, with his small force of fifteen men. had taken shelter behind the parapet of the dam, and kept up a continuous fire, which prevented the rebels from working their guns. A number of percussion shells were fired by the rebels against the rocks in the rear of the little Spartan band, which exploded withont any serions damage. This unequal contest was kept up for nearly three hours, until reinforcements arrived, and the rebels were driven back and compelled to abandon the attempt.
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Another attempt was made by the rebels on Dee. 17 following to destroy this dam, but they were again repulsed with severe loss.
In February, 1862, by order of the Adjutant-General, the company was consolidated with the Third Maryland Volunteers. The letter of the company, "D," was then changed to "C," thus becoming the Color Company. The regiment was then assigned to General Bank's command, and on August 9, 1862, for the first time, as a regiment, engaged the enemy at the battle of Cedar Mountain.
After Bank's retreat under General Pope, the regiment was assigned to Third Brigade (General Green), First Division (General Williams), Twelfth Army Corps (General Sloeum), until April, 1864, and
RESIDENCE OF H. LITTLEJOHN, WATCHUNG AVENUE.
was then assigned to the Ninth Army Corps, under General Burnside, and took part in the several engage- ments under General Grant, including the battles of the Wilderness and the Petersburg Campaign.
Lieutenant Littlejohn was promoted Captain September 1, 1862. He was wounded by the explo- sion of a shell in front of Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864, and on his return to duty he was made Assistant Inspector-General on the Brigade Staff. He was honorably discharged under General Orders-Circular No. 75. A.G.D., Sept. 22, 1864-on Oct. 7, 1864.
lle participated in the following engagements : 1. Dam No. 5, Dec. 7 and 18, 1860 ; 2. Boliver
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Heights, Va .. May 30. 1-62; 3. Cedar Mountain, Va., Ang. 9. 1862: 4. Beverly Ford, Va .. Aug. 21. 1862: 5. Chancellorsville. Va., May 1, 2,3, 1>63: 6. Raccoon Ford. Va., Sept. 17, 1863; 7. Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864 ; 8. Spottslyvania C. II., Va .. May 10, 11, 12, 1864 ; 9. Shady Grove, Va., June 1, 1864 ; 10. Cold Harbor, June 2, 1>64; 11. Before Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864; 12. Blieks Station. Va., Welden and P. R. R., Aug. 19. 1864: 13. Do., do., Ang. 21, 1564 ; 14. Poplar Grove Church, Sept. 30. 1864.
Soon after his return from the war he became connected with the Eagleton Manufacturing Com- pany, and later with the publishing house of F. J. Huntington & Co .. and March, 1870, he engaged with the Scovill Manufacturing Company. Later he assisted in forming the Scovill & Adams Company, of which he was elected Secretary, a position he still holds.
Hle removed to Montelair October, 1870, locating on Watchung Avenue, having purchased the old Zeek homestead, which he remodeled and made of it a beautiful and attractive residence, as shown in the accompanying illustration.
October 3, 1>>3. Captain Littlejohn married Charlotte Louise, daughter of the late William 11. Wilson, who for many years was a prominent citizen of Montelair.
CHURCH STREET.
Chapter XVII.
ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES OF MONTCLAIR HOMES .- FRANK E. WALLIS, ARCHITECT .- RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM FELLOWES .- OF FREDERICK J. DRESCHER. - THE " FARLEY HOUSES."-CHRISTOPHER A. ILINCK .- THOMAS S. GLADDING.
ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES OF MONTCLAIR HOMES.
HIE stranger visiting Montelair is attracted by the large number of beautiful villas and cottages of a style of architecture entirely unlike that seen in most suburban towns and villages. There is a variety and yet a harmony in style and proportion which indicates the progressive character of the people.
About the beginning of the present century architecture became a lost art on the other side of the Atlantic, and it was not in fact until toward the close of the sixties that any real healthy regulation took place. Ease, comfort and convenience was sought without regard to architectural proportions or adaptation to the topography of the country. Those who have watched the progress of rural architecture for some years past have noticed a marked advance in architectural design and proportion. The change began with the English Gothic, followed by the Italian, the Grecian, the French villa, with Mansard roof and tower, and lastly the so-called " Queen Anne." In nearly all suburban towns throughout this country these are the prevailing styles in architecture, and it is a notable fact that, in many cases, the owner has tried to outdo his neighbor in originality and variety of design. thereby violating every rule in architecture and in topographical features of location, which would indicate that the proprietor himself was either his own architect, or sought to impress his individuality on the style of architecture.
You shall see a man Who never drew a line or struck an arc, Direct an architect and spoil his work. Because, forsooth, he likes a tasteful house ! He likes a muffin, but he does not go Into his kitchen to instruct his cook ; Nay, that were insult. He admires fine clothes, But trusts his tailor ! Only in those arts Which issue from creative potencies Does his conceit engage him?"-HOLLAND'S KATRINA,
There is a class of old domestie work which is to be found everywhere throughout the more early settled States, such as the old manor houses along the valley of the James River in Virginia, on the banks of the Hudson, and a few of the older cities of Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, which is unique in style, attractive in appearance, and combines many of the most important elements conducive to convenience and comfort. To utilize this style of architecture, and combine it with all the modern improvements, creating a new and distinctive type of American villa-known as American Domestic - was the work of a young architect-Frank E. Wallis-an assistant of Richard M. Hunt, and now a permanent resident of Montelair.
A number of the most beautiful houses in Montelair have been designed by him, and many others of the same character, from designs published by him, and modified to suit the taste of the architect and the convenience of the owner.
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It is this distinctive feature of Montelair, added to its extreme healthfulness, that has induced so many strangers after a short residence during the summer season to become permanent settlers. The homes deseribed and illustrated in this work have been selected with a view of illustrating the various styles of architecture, the topography of the country, and the taste displayed by the owners in utilizing the natural beauty of the surroundings.
FRANK E. WALLIS.
As ax architect. Mr. Wallis has become well and favorably known to the people of Montelair, having designed some of the most beautiful houses in the township. He is recognized as one of the pio- neers, if not the chief promoter, of the prevailing style of architecture known as the colonial.
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