USA > New Jersey > Morris County > History of Morris County, New Jersey > Part 52
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lawn, and from their color gave to the place tlie Revolu- tionary title of the " Red Barracks," have long since dis- disappeared. Of the Mansion House at Old Boonton but a small portion, in a very dilapidated state, now re- mains. The family names of all the former owners of those abodes have faded from the locality; nothing is left to perpetuate them saving two freestone slabs lying in a neglected spot at Irish Lot, and another in a lonely corner of the graveyard at Parsippany. Sic transit gloria mundi.
Captain Michael Kearney, according to tradition, was of a genial and jovial disposition and a high liver, as might be expected of a captain in the British navy. His domain, well stocked with choice fruit, was so ac- cessible to the less favored dwellers upon the surrounding farms as to seem almost a common possession. Upon a wide uncultivated portion of his estate whortleberries abounded, and at the season of their gathering it was his custom to give a sort of out-of-door reception to the whole neighborhood. A table was set profusely spread with substantial edibles, and liquors indigenous to the lo- cality were bountifully supplied. These seasons were further enlivened by music and dancing, and were long remembered and talked of by the participants therein.
The manor of Beaverwick contained more than a thousand acres, and was purchased by Mr. Beaverhoudt about the year 1742. The estate was under cultivation when he purchased it, and while in his possession was worked by numerous slaves brought from the West In- dies, who became the progenitors of quite a numerous colored population, of whom some remain in the locality at the present day. During the Revolution this seat was much resorted to by the officers of the continental and British armies, it being at one time held as neutral ground. We have it upon good authority that Washing- ton, Hamilton and other notables of that period were often entertained under its hospitable roof; and further we have it, that the father of his country and the hero of the hatchet did most dignifiedly dance a minuet with one of the belles of the neighborhood. We also have it upon tolerably good authority that Major Andre, the British spy, managed here to catch sight of the great leader of the rebel army, possibly with an evil eye to his entrapment; which affair was brought about in this wise: The officers of the contending armies being admitted upon equal footing to the hospitalities of the Red Bar- racks, it so happened that Major Andre was there visiting. Washington and some members of his staff also drew up for entertainment, and upon Andre's solicitation he was permitted to feast his eyes upon the most imposing pres- ence of the age.
1.
Andrew Bleabb
HON. ANDREW B. COBB.
Col. Lemuel Cobb, the father of Andrew B., was born at his father's home near Parsippany, May 15th 1762. He did not in early life enjoy even ordinary ad- vantages for obtaining an education; but his thirst for practical knowledge and the indomitable energy of his character supplied the place of these facilities. It is said that he pursued the study of his profession (that of a civil engineer and surveyor) while attending a saw-mill. In thus surmounting the obstacles which were in the way of his early advancement he developed those qualities which fitted him for his subsequent successful career and which were inherited by his son. Prominent in military affairs and in politics he took lively interest in the development of the locality, was long one of the judges of the court, and filled other places of trust. He was thrice married. His first wife was Mary, daughter of Benjamin Smith, whose only surviving child, Eliza- beth, became the wife of Benjamin Howell, of Troy. His second wife was Susan Farrand, daughter of Ebenezer Farrand, by whom he had six children, of whom two only survived him, Julia A., wife of W. C. H. Waddell, and Andrew B. His third wife was Elizabeth Shaw, by whom he had no children. He died April Ist 1830. He was a member of the board of proprietors of the eastern division of the State, and for many years the surveyor- general of that division. In the practice of his profession he availed himself of his opportunities for acquiring land, and he left an estate of more than ten thousand acres, which he devised to his son Andrew B. Cobb; to Benjamin Howell, who was the husband of his daughter Elizabeth; to his daughter Maria, whose husband was Walter Kirkpatrick; and to his daughter Julia Ann, the wife of William Coventry H. Waddell. Mrs. Kirkpat- rick and her son Eugene died before her father and the property was divided between the other three children.
Andrew Bell Cobb was born on the 7th of June 1804, at Parsippany, Hanover township, in the house where he resided till his death. He received a fine academic edu- cation. His youth was passed in assisting his father in the care of his landed estate. On the death of the latter, April Ist 1831, he came in possession of a large portion
of that estate, including the homestead at Parsippany, and commenced the active career which he followed through the rest of his life. His attention was mainly devoted to the management and improvement of his landed possessions, which steadily increased with the lapse of time. Incidentally he was engaged in agricul- ture, and he engaged to some extent in mining. He evinced a deep interest in the development of the iron interest in the county, and was at a late period in his life an iron manufacturer. He erected a charcoal blast furnace at " Split Rock." He was always active in the promotion of local improvements.
In public and political affairs Mr. Cobb took an active part. He was a Whig till about 1853, after which he acted with the Democratic party. In 1838 he was ap- pointed judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Morris county, which office he held about five years. In 1849 and 1850 he was a member of the General Assembly from this county, and was again elected in 1853, though his party was not in the majority in his district. He was a leading member of the House in the session of 1854, and was active in promoting the legislation of that session which resulted in the limitation of the monopoly of the " Joint Companies" to the ist of January 1869. In 1856 he was elected to the State Senate where he served efficiently during three sessions. He was during many years a member of the board of proprietors of East New Jersey.
Judge Cobb had much individuality, was warm and earnest in his friendships, and very decided in the mani- festation of his dislikes and aversions. He had many devoted and zealous friends, and his unquestionable in- tegrity, his manly honor and the generosity of his nature compelled the respect of his enemies. He was a man of extensive information and a good citizen.
He was twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth F., daughter of Captain David Kirkpatrick. She died December 11th 1857, leaving a daughter, now the widow of Frederick A. De Mott. His second wife was Frances E., daughter of Nathaniel Ogden Condit. Their child- ren are Andrew Lemuel, and Elizabeth.
In 1871 he became affected with paralysis, which gradually increased till his death, which occurred Janu- ary 3Ist 1873.
PROMINENT EARLY RESIDENTS OF HANOVER.
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"Old Jamaica spirit and Barbadoes rum by the hogs- head or less quantity; best London lump white lead; black horn buttons; and an excellent farm of about 500 acres lying at Raritan. To be sold by Abraham Lott at Beaverwick, near Morristown; from whom may also be had in exchange for all kinds of country produce the very best rock salt. August 29th 1778."
" Rod and Sheet Iron of all sizes to be sold by Samuel Ogden at Boonton, Morris county, New Jersey. November 1778."
The manor of Old Boonton was also during "the time that tried men's souls" a place of frequent resort to the officers of the Revolutionary army, and undoubt- edly camp kettles and other necessities in that line were there manufactured for the continental army. The place, at that time in the possession of the Ogdens, was, as afterward, appointed with reference to a considerable degree of state, as will appear from the following description by one who remembered it in its palmy days: "Serpentine pleasure walks studded on either side by fragrant shrubbery extended along the hillsides even as far as the main road. The gardens were exten- sive, handsomely laid out, and filled with choice fruit and blooming shrubbery. Gushing fountains and vine- clad arbors were interspersed throughout all these richly embellished grounds, giving to this enchanting place a novel and fairy-like appearance." These incidents and reminiscences are given to show the degree of civilization to which the locality had attained even at that early date.
Some of the early settlers whose descendants still re- main in the township were: Samuel and Joseph Tuttle, from the north of England, near the river Tweed; Joseph and Abraham Kitchel, brothers, and Francis Lindsley, all from England. In addition to these might be men- tioned the Baldwins, Bowlsbys, Stileses, Thomases, Cobbs and Howells. The Baldwins and Bowlsbys were, doubt- less, among the very first settlers in the township, and held possession of large tracts of land, as is evident from old deeds, and some portions of these large possessions still remain in the direct and collateral branches of these races.
The present seat of John L. Baldwin is doubtless a por- tion of the old domain, still held not only in the family but in the name. The ancient residence of his immediate ancestors stood a short distance southwest of his res- idence, and traces of garden culture, together with an old well, mark the spot.
Hannah Woodruff Baldwin, wife of Elder Job Bald- win, and grandmother of John L., was a woman of strong practical judgment and kindly disposition, and moreover of a genial temper, and the mother of a large family. Her decease, at a good old age, was the occasion of gen- eral sorrow, and in the old churchyard is erected a suit- able memorial, bearing the following epitaph, written by her eccentric but somewhat gifted son Job:
" A benefactress to the poor,
Dear reader, now lies sleeping here."
The faultless cadence of this couplet indicates the possession' of the more than ordinary musical taste which was largely inherent in the family, as evinced by the said Job, several of his sisters, and their descendants. The Baldwins emigrated from the Puritan settlement of Newark, as did the Howells and Thomases.
The Cobbs were from New England direct, and be- came possessors of large tracts of land, held by their descendants to this day. This family has in several in- stances produced men of uncommon business ability, among whom may be enumerated the late George T. Cobb, of Morristown, and the late Colonel Lemuel Cobb, of Parsippany, of the last of whom a sketch is given in 'connection with the biography of his son Andrew B.
The Kitchel family, some of which still hold posses- sion of portions of the primitive family purchase, has produced several instances of marked ability, of whom may be mentioned Prof. William Kitchel, who preceded Prof. George H. Cook as State geologist, and Aaron Kitchel, member of the United States Senate from 1807 to 1811, of whom a short biographical sketch is here given.
He was born at Hanover in 1744. Bred to a farmer's life, with only the scanty education to be picked up at home, his enterprising spirit craved a more active and congenial field of labor, and of all such within his reach none seemed more congenial and promising than the life and work of a blacksmith. To this trade he was duly ap- apprenticed, but his master proved to be an unthrifty pe :- son, and, absconding, left the business and his family on the hands of his trusty apprentice, who nobly assumed the care of the forsaken family and paid off the debts. During his struggle with these adverse circumstances he, by reading and study, enlarged his field of knowledge and rapidly rose in public esteem and confidence. In the Revolutionary struggle he early espoused the cause of freedom, and was among the first volunteers in the patriot army. After the close of the war he was for some years in the State Legislature. In 1799 he was elected representative in Congress, which trust he held by successive elections until 1807. He was then chosen United States senator, in which capacity he served four years, being compelled to resign on account of ill health. He died June 25th 1820, and lies buried in Hanover churchyard.
David Young, Philom., was born January 27th 1781, at the point of Hook Mountain, on what is known as the Miller place. While yet a mere lad he exhibited a decided inclination toward those studies in which he was afterward to excel, and many anecdotes are current illustrative of this bent of his genius. He soon out- stripped his preceptors in mathematical pursuits, and commenced a course of independent study. With his little savings he would purchase books and instruments to aid him in the gratification of a desire for learn- ing which in him was a passion. He wrote articles for the New York papers which attracted such general attention among the learned that a French savan wrote requesting him to undertake some very
30
220
HISTORY OF MORRIS COUNTY.
difficult problem which had long puzzled the best bridge in Lower Whippany is named, which family re- scholars in the department of mathematics. He solved sided on the spot now owned and occupied by the Misses the problem satisfactorily, and set the price of his Elizabeth and Phebe Johnson. When the war of the Revolution broke out this Troupe enlisted in the king's service, and was sent to the south, accompanied by his wife. He was mortally wounded at the battle of Eutaw
long labor at the modest sum of $50. He received sev- eral solicitations to go abroad, but strenuously persisted in remaining at Hanover. He prepared the manuscript for the Farmer's Almanac published by Benjamin Olds in Newark, which popular work brought him sufficient to supply his humble wants. He also wrote the original account of the Morristown Ghost, a rare work, as the issue was suppressed with deference to the feelings of some of the dupes in that famous affair. About the year 1825 Mr. Young delivered in many places in New Jersey a lecture on the laws of motion, which was published in pamphlet, copies of which are still extant. He was singularly childlike in his manner, absent minded and of extremely tender feelings. He died February 13th 1852, and lies buried in the graveyard at Hanover. A marble slab marks his place of rest, bearing his name, the date of birth and death, and the following simple epitaph:
"Farewell, my wife, whose tender care Has long engaged my love; Your fond embrace I now exchange For better friends above."
Rev. John Ford was born at Monroe in this township in 1787. While still a lad he was apprenticed to the trade of tanner and currier. From childhood he had evinced an insatiable thirst for books and study. His hours for recreation and often his hours for rest were de- voted to reading. In his nineteenth year he was hope- fully converted to Christ, and his employer, knowing his studious habits, gave him the remainder of his time, and encouraged him to enter upon a course of study prepara- tory to the work of the ministry. He entered Princeton College, having prepared for the senior class; graduated with high honors, and entered into active life as a teacher in Bloomfield, where he was eminently successful. In conjunction with the duties of his calling he pursued the study of theology and Hebrew. He was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Newark, and in 1815, not having had any previous experience in the ministry, he was called and ordained to the duties of the pastorate of the Presbyterian church at Parsippany, in which position he remained forty years, performing all its duties with Christian zeal and earnestness. He died December 31st 1872.
Dr. John Darby, or "old Dr. Darby," who owned the premises lately in the possession of John S. Smith, of Parsippany, and of whom mention is made in the review of the Presbyterian church of that village, was a native of Elizabeth in this State, born about 1725. He studied but to what extent is uncertain. All records of convey- for the ministry, was licensed, and afterward prepared ance previous to the organization of the county of Morris were kept at Burlington or Perth Amboy, and the curi- ous in these matters can, no doubt, avail themselves of much information by consulting those records. himself for the practice of medicine. About the year 1772 he located himself at Parsippany, practiced medi- cine, and supplied the pulpit of the old church when required. He was twice married, and was the father of six children. His oldest daughter by the first CHARACTERISTICS OF POPULATION. wife, Hester by name, was married about 1755 to John Troupe, a member of the family after whom Troupe's
Springs, and died in Charleston. The widow afterward married a man by the name of Ross, and with him went to reside in Canada, where Ross died. After the death of her second husband she contracted a third marriage, with a Canadian by the name of Guion. Where this man Guion died is not certain, but about 1800 Mrs. Guion married one John Fox, a soldier of the Revolution- ary army, who held a captain's commission and was at the battle of Monmouth. Fox seems to have been a very versatile creature-was by turns a preacher, teacher and merchant; but, not proving much of a success in these pursuits, he at last became a farmer, and settled on a small tract of land at the foot of the hill which bears his name. He seems to have sought this secluded spot with reference to its fitness for conducting the contra- band business of counterfeiting, in which he there en- gaged. His abode was, however, discovered, and he was arrested, tried, convicted and sentenced to serve seven years in State prison. After the expiration of his term he returned to his farm, lived poor, and died in 1815. His wife survived until 1824. She died in the re- ceipt of a pension from the British government. The Foxes were buried in the old graveyard at Parsippany, but no slab marks the spot where they lie. The above sketch is given upon the authority of reliable documents, now in the hands of Justice William H. Grimes, of Parsippany.
TITLE TO LANDS.
Shortly before the grant of King Charles II. to the Duke of York, which was made on the 22nd day of Oc- tober 1664, John Bailey, Luke Watson and Daniel Den- ton of Jamaica, Long Island, purchased of certain Indian chiefs on Staten Island large tracts of wild lands, which tracts probably embraced lands in Hanover township. Subsequently the proprietors of New Jersey, who claimed these tracts under the grant to the Duke of York, re- sisted these claims under the Indian title, and a long liti- gation was the consequence. This suit was finally de- cided in favor of the proprietors, and those who had pur- chased lands under Bailey & Co. were either compelled to renew their claim under the proprietors or relinquish their lands. Probably some of the first purchasers of lands in this township were implicated in this lawsuit,
The population of this township at the several census dates has been as follows: 1810, 3,843; 1820, 3,503;
221
THE PEOPLE OF HANOVER-VILLAGES IN THE TOWNSHIP.
1830, 3,718; 1840, 3,908; 1850, 3,608; 1860, 3,476 (95 colored); 1870, 3,624 (109 colored); 1880, 4,138 (Littleton 338, Whippany 504).
The inhabitants of this township are chiefly the off- Parsippany, the second village in size, is about three miles north of Whippany on the Parsipanny Brook. It is a rambling settlement of about 300 inhabitants, and con- tains two churches, Presbyterian and Methodist, both situated on commanding eminences; two blacksmith and two wheelwright shops, two stores, and a two-story public school-house located upon a third eminence. It is a post village, contains several handsome residences, and all together presents an air of quiet thrift and refinement. spring of the primitive settlers, who, as before stated, were mainly from the New Englandish settlements of Newark and Elizabeth, and, like their ancestors, present in strong relief all the peculiar characteristics of the stock from which they sprang. The sturdy moral and relig- ious character of these primitive settlers, evinced in the prominence given to religious and mental culture, has been faithfully transmitted to their offspring of the present time, and Hanover township may be set down as one of the best church-going communities of the State. The cause of education, likewise, has not been lost sight of, and it may safely be asserted that there are more college- bred farmers within its boundaries than be found in any other township in the county. As a result of these char- acteristics, it will be found that no person from this township has ever been convicted in our court for a cap- ital offence or very exalted crime. In physical develop- ment the people of this township vie with those of the more rugged mountain townships; and, indeed, in the gi- gantic stature of six feet seven, attained by one of our In the spring of 1842, while a well was being dug on the slope of an eminence which rose about twenty feet in fifty rods, and when the excavation had reached the depth of 22 feet, a roaring noise was heard by the per- son at the bottom, who in his fright requested to be raised from his perilous position. This was speedily ex-sheriffs, we may fairly challenge competition with any region of our country. Strong local attachment, ren- dered stronger by the fertility of the soil and a pleasant climate, prompts the Hanoverians to cling to the home- steads of their fathers. Many families can be found holding estates through three generations, and in one in- done, as he was followed by a gush of water, which has ever since been running over the top, and now supplies the large creamery of Mr. Smith with an abundance of pure cold water.
stance an estate is held which belonged to all four of the owner's great-grandfathers. During the Revolution the loyalty of this portion of the county was unmistakably expressed, as was attested by the numerous pensioners formerly resident here. The first military company in Morris county was formed at Whippany, in 1775, under the command of Captain Morris, and in the subsequent conflict with the mother country in 1812 the same attach- ment to our country's cause was evinced. The Rev. Samuel M. Phelps, pastor of the Presbyterian congrega- tion at Parsippany, at the head of about 180 men from this locality volunteered to aid in the erection of tem- porary defences on Long Island. In the Mexican war Captain Yard's company of infantry was largely made up of volunteers from Hanover township, and in the late re- bellion the same region was handsomely represented in the Union army.
VILLAGES.
Whippany, the most important settlement in the town- ship, is located on both sides of the river which gives it a name, is well built and contains about 500 inhabitants. The larger part of the population find employment in the paper-mills and cotton-mill there located. A Pres- byterian, a Methodist and a Roman Catholic church fur- nish facilities for religious culture, and a well conducted public school of two departments affords adequate means of secular instruction. Five stores, several blacksmiths' and a wheelwright shop minister in their several spheres
to the necessities of the community, and when the mills are in full operation the village presents an animated and thrifty appearance. A post-office is located here.
Troy, which constitutes a part of the Presbyterian parish of Parsippany, is situated upon the highlands bordering the meadows. It consists of a long succession of well built residences of the thrifty farmers of the lo- cality. It contains a saw-mill, a grist-mill, blacksmith and wheelwright shops, a public school-house and a gen- eral store. T. O. Smith's milk depot is located here on ' the flowing well. It sends from fifty to seventy-five cans of milk and cream a day by mule teams direct to his store in New York.
Littleton, also a post village, can boast of several first- class country seats, and has a store, public school-house, etc.
Hanover, another post village, boasts the oldest church organization in the county. It is a cleanly, agricultural place; has a neat church building (Presbyterian), a public school-house and several fine residences.
SOIL AND AGRICULTURE.
The soil of a great part of the township is somewhat clayey and tenacious, retains for a great length of time the fertilizing elements applied, and where properly drained is of unsurpassed fertility. Bordering upon the Passaic and its tributaries there is an extent of lowland containing 3,000 acres, exceedingly valuable as meadows, although, being subject to overflow, the crop is in wet seasons liable to considerable damage. These lands, however, furnish the main supply of manure for the up- lands, and of a most suitable quality. The hay which they produce is used profusely as a litter, and, becoming saturated with barnyard deposit, is in the spring plowed into the furrows of the stiff upland soils, thus promoting drainage, as well as supplying during its decay many needed elements to the growing crop. Moreover, in dry seasons, the grass, then being of a more edible quality, compensates for the diminished crop of the upland, and
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