History of Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey, with Illustration and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 145

Author: Snell, James P; Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1140

USA > New Jersey > Sussex County > History of Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey, with Illustration and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers > Part 145
USA > New Jersey > Warren County > History of Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey, with Illustration and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers > Part 145

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" THIS INDENTURE made the 8th day of March in the third year of our sovreign Lord, George the Third, and Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King defender of the faith, and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty-four between Obadiah Ayers of the town of Hardwick and County of Sussex and province Jersey yeoman of the one part, and John Todd, Robert Beaden, Ezekicl Ayers, Daniel Landon, Isaac Bell, Thomas Sikens, Samuel Landon, John Sikens, the Committee chosen by the majority of the votes of the Presbyterian con- gregation at Musconetcong, near Thomas Ilelms' mills, in the town and

county aferesaid, of the other part, witnessethi that the said Obadiah Ayres, for the encouraging and promoting the Presbyterian Society near Thomas Helm's mill in the town and county aforesaid ; and for the sum of five shillings, proclamation money to him in hand paid by the parties aforesaid of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and at the special instance and request of the Presbyterian Congregation now frequentiog the Presbyterian meetinghouse near Thomas Helm's mills, aud the said Obadiah Ayres hath granted, bargained and sold, aliend, relensed, and confirmed and by these presents doth grant, bar- gain, sell, alien, release and confirm unto the said John Todd, Robert Beaden, Ezekiel Ayere, Daniel Landon, Isaac Bell, Thomas Sikens, Sam- uel Landon, John Sikens, the Trustees chosen and appointed by the said Presbyterian congregation and to their heirs and assignes, all that piece or lot of land, and is bounded as follows: Beginning at a post near the great road ; thence north 55 degrees east 6 chains and 60 links to a black- oak corner; thence south 35 degrees eust one chain and fifty-three links; thence sonth 53 degrees west 6 chains and 60 links; thence north 35 de- grees west one chain and 93 links to a post, the place of beginning, on the which lot of land is a meeting-house, built by the said Presbyterian Congregation, together with all the woods, naderwoods, timber and trees, ways, waters, water-courses, mines, minerals, ways, easements, profits, commodities, advantages, emoluments, improvements, hereditaments, and appurtenances whatsoever, unto the said hereby described tract of laod belonging or anywise appertaining, and the reservoir and reser- voirs, remainder and remainders, reuts, issues, and profits thereof, and of every part and parcel thereof, and all the estate, right, title, interest, claim, and demand whatsoever of him the said Obadiah Ayers, of, in, and to the said described tract or piece of land and of. in, amt to any part or parcel thereof, with the apurtenances; to have and to hold the described tract of land, with the appurtenances to the said John Todd, Robert Beaden, Ezekiel Ayers, Daniel Landon, Isaac Bell, Thomas Sikens, Sam- uel Landon, John Sikens, their heirs and assigns in trust, to the intent aud purpose that the said described and granted piece of land shall be and remain for the use and servis of the said congregation or people called Presbyterians, who de or shall hold and continue to hold the sys- tem of doctrine contained in the Westminster confession of Faith and Directory, agreeable to the present interpretation of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, to which they are now united, but under and subject nevertheless to the following conditions and similations, that is to say, provided always that no person shall be deemed to belong to the said congregation until he has statedly attended upon the public wor- ship of God in the said congregation for the space of twelve months, and shall have regularly contributed to the support of the ministry and other charges of the same, according to the usage of the Presbyterians, nor shall be deemed any longer a member thereof than he continues to hold and confirm to the Westminster Confession and directory, and shall con- tinue to attend statedly in an orderly manuer upon the public worship of God in the said congregation, and be in communion with the Synod as before expressed, and provided also that neither the said parties hereto of the second part nor neither of them, nor any other person or persons succeeding them in this trust who shall hereafter fall from or exchange his or their religious principles aforesuid or separate from the Synod, or depart from the said congregation, or who shall refuse or neglect to contribute toward the support of the same, shall be capable to execute this trust or stand seized to the uses nforesaid, por have any right or in- terest in the said described or granted piece of land and premises while he or they shall continue; but that in such cases, as also when any of them or other person or persons who shall succeed in the trust shall bappen to depart this life, that then it shall and may be lawful for the said congregation for the time being, from time to time, as often as occa- sion shall require, to make choice of others to manage the said trust in- stead of such as shall fall away, secede, separate, or be deceased; pro- vided, further, in order to prevent lawsuits, in case it shall be disputed in time coming whether any particular persons or oneuibers of the said congregation, er any debates shall arise amongst them touching the premises, that all such debates and all others of a civil nature respecting the said tract of land, shall be finally determined by a majority of votes of the adult male members of the said congregation ; being euch as afore- said convened after public notice (in which public convention the minis- ter of the said congregation for the time being, if present, shall always prestdo as moderator), er by arbitrators holding the principles aforesaid, chosen by them for the said purposes; and the parties hereto of the first part do further acknowledge and declair by these presents that they and their heirs severally and respectively, shall neither claim nor have by virtue of this present grant to them, any right, title or interest in the said described and granted piece or portion of ground and premises or any part thereof to their own particular use and benefit, but only to und

585

HACKETTSTOWN BOROUGHI.

for the trust, tues, purposes and servises hereinbefore mentionadl, und to no other use and servis whatsoever ; and therefore in further necom- plishment and performance of the trust and confidence aforesaid, they the enid Juhn Todd, Robert Boden, Ezekiel Ayers, Daniel Landon, Isaac Bell, Thomas Sitkens, Summel Landon, John Sikons, for thenmselves and many of these, and for their and cach of their heirs, severally and re- spectively coveannt, promise, grant and agree to and with the said Oba- diah Ayers and his heirs, that they, the said parties hereto of the second part shull aad will nt all or any time or times hereafter upon the request of the said congregation or a majority of the mule members thereof con- vened no nforesaid, make, du, execute, and acknowledge all such further All other act und actu, convoyances and assurances whatsoever in the law as shall be advised by counsell learned in the law, to be needfull for the better conveying and vesting the land and premises in the succred- ing trusteen, and further auring of the said-described plece of land, with the appurtatances to and for the uses, Intents and purposes afore-

" In witness whereof the puuty first mentioned have bereunto set my hand and soul the date obovs suid.

"Signed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of

" OBADIAIL AYERS.

" MIosrs LEONARD, " SAMUEL FOSTER, " JOHN BOCKLY."

Sept. 2, 1785, the congregation met for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of procuring a parsonage or glebe. A committee was appointed, consisting of Samuel Landon, Ezekiel Ayers, James Thompson, Samuel Chidestor, George Reynards, Wil- lium Lawrence, Thomas Fleming, William Little, James Little, William Stewart, Abram Johnson, and Archibald Stewart. Oct. 1, 1785, a subscription was " set on foot for the purchase of a parsonage," and the sum of £323 9%, was subscribed, Archibald Stewart heading the list with £20.

Jan. 17, 1786, purchased for $325, of Charles Sarto- rius, a certain tract or " plantation of land," contain- ing 120 acres. On August 5th the following trustees were chosen after listening to a sermon from the Rev. Mr. Hanna : Samuel Landon, William Stewart, Thomas Fleming, Ezekiel Ayers, James Little, Wil- liam Holmes, and Archibakt Stewart. August 28th, an agreement was made between the trustees of the church and Obadiah Ayers, for the consideration of 5 shillings, for a certain lot bounded by lands of James Little on the south and cast, by the lot on which the meeting-house stands on the north, and by the great road on the west, containing half an acre. Sept. 27, 1756, a call was made to Rev. Peter Wilson. They agreed to pay for half his ministerial labors (the Mansfield Church paying the remaining half ) the sum of $55 in half-yearly payments, together with the use of parsonage, and guaranteed to keep a sufficient amount of firewood at his door. In March, 1786, there being a deficit in the subscription for the parsonage, owing to bad debts, ete., another subscription was circulated, and £25 were subscribed. From 1786 to 1789 the record is blank. In February, 1789, another subscription was circulated for the debt on the par- sonage, and £85 13s. secured. A list of the pew- hollers, with amounts of rent atlixed, also a diagram of the interior of the building, were in the records in June, 1790, but have since been lost.

In 1792 a deed was given by Obadiah Ayers to the 38

church, in consideration of 5 shillings, for a burying- ground, which also provided that the fences should be kept in repair. Nov. 12, 1792, we find that there was still a debt on the parsonage of £75, and another sub- seription was "set on foot," and about £60 were sub- scribed. In April, 1786, the Rev. Peter Wilson applied for a dismission, which was granted, and the congre- gation were supplied by Presbytery for twenty -one years. April, 1809, the congregation unanimously called Rev. Joseph Campbell, and rented for him the new house of Ziba Osmun for $20 per year, he also agreeing to furnish the pastor firewood. This house was recently purchased by Thomas Shields, Jr., of S. M. Lozear, and is now being repaired. Rev. Joseph Campbell received $334.34 for two-thirds of his time and ministerial labor. At this time John Robertson, Ziba Osmun, James Thompson, Ezekiel Ayers, John Stewart, and Job Johnson were trustees. March, 1812, the stone wall which partly surrounds the present old churchyard was built at a cost of $639.

William Little was ordered to superintend the building of the walk. In November, 1813, at a special meeting of the congregation, the salary of Rev. MIr. Campbell was increased to $500. Five years after the call of Rev. Mr. Campbell the church was found to be too small, and at a meeting in 1818 it was resolved to build a new church of stone, to be commeneed early in the following year. The old church was sold and removed to Beatyestown, where it was converted into a barn. Relic-hunters might find some of the timbers in a large barn of Thomas Shields. The new building was built of frame instead of stone, as was agreed upon, at the erection of which a Mr. Foster was killed, and was the first one interred in the bury- ing-ground. The congregation, at a parish-meeting, resolved to use the ground for no other purpose than burying the dead. After much consultation, in 1826 " colored people" were permitted to be buried in the lower part of the yard.

Dr. Campbell acted as pastor until 1838, when, in opposition to Hackettstown charge, he was called to Milford, at which place he died two years afterwards .* When the church was erected it had a large steeple, but, not being properly built, it leaked, and after several years was taken down and the present cupola erected in its stead. Rev. Elias S. Schenck, D.D.,

· His body livs aod has monument stands near to the pulpit ho so long ocenpled In Hackettstown. Several revivals of religion took place during his pastointe. He served both Hackettstown and Pleasnot Grove until 1832, when he withdrew from the latter. lo was rather under medium stature, but straight and ereet, with strongly-marked Scotch features. His face was one of benevolent expression, and would have been hand- some but for his short nose, He was n man of warm piety and zeal, wrote with vigor, was ready In debate, forcitile, earnest, and able as a preacher. Those who have personal rocollections of his pulpit appear- nace will remember the peculiar smile he wore, which was not banished even when his tears flowed. They will remember, too, that he always prayed with his eyes open ; nad that, both in the pulpit and in family devotion, there was a peculiarly long hiatus between the terminus ol bis prayer and the "amen." He was doctoratod by Lafayette Collego, aud was worthy of the honor .- Rev. D. N. Junkin, D.D.

586

WARREN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

was called after Dr. Campbell, serving from 1838 to October, 1842. Rev. John H. Townley officiated from July 26, 1843, to October, 1851, after which Dr. Hugh N. Wilson was the pastor from 1852 to 1858. Again the subject of building a new church was agitated. It was commenced in 1859, during his successor's, F. R. Harbaugh's, pastorate, and finished in 1861, when Rev. G. C. Bush was the pastor. He was succeeded, in 1867, by Thomas McCauley; he by Rev. Alex- ander Proudfit, the present pastor. The present value of the church property, including the parsonage, is about $30,000, and the present membership is 450 .*

ST. JAMES' EPISCOPAL CHURCH

was erected in 1859. It is a mission belonging to the Convocation of Newark. The pastors have been Revs. Mr. Morrison, Peter Jaques, Mr. Martin, and the present pastor, Rev. Levi Johnston. There are 12 communicants.

TRINITY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

This society was organized in 1832. There was no regular Methodist appointment prior to that time, though services were occasionally held. A meeting was held Dec. 1, 1832, at the house of Jacob Sharp. Rev. Jacob Hevener was called to the chair, and Nathaniel Hoagland was appointed secretary. After resolving to "build a house for the public worship of Almighty God," they chose seven trustees, as fol- lows : George W. Cummins, William Wright, Silvane B. Down, Richard B. Bray, Christian W. Cummins, Jacob R. Shurts, John and P. Sharp. They further resolved to take upon themselves the incorporate name of the "Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church of Hackettstown," and that the seal of the cross be chosen as the seal of their incorporation. This scal was recorded in the county clerk's office at Belvidere, vol. i. file 16, Dec. 18, 1832. The trustees purchased a lot of ground from Amos Moore, lying on the east side of Main Street. It contained 13 acres, and the consideration was $200. Jan. 10, 1833, the trustees met at Jacob Sharp's house to receive proposals for building a new church. They resolved to erect a church 30 by 48 feet. Martin Clawson and Peter Perine agreed to build the house for $1575, and gave bonds for the proper fulfillment of their contract. The church minutes state at this time (1834) that Aaron Gearhart was preacher in charge. Feb. 11, 1835, the trustees resolved to sell part of their lot, for $35, to Rev. Jacob Rusling.

At this time Methodism was in its infancy in this part of the State. The ministers had circuits or sev- eral appointments, covering large portions of the State. There were two preachers assigned by Con- ference to each circuit, and, on account of the number of their appointments, they could only preach every two weeks. This was the case here until the town

grew and the membership increased, when they were able to have preaching every Sabbath. There are six years in which no record of the church can be found. In 1840-41, Rev. John S. Swaim was pastor ; Richard B. Westbrook, 1842; Mathew Mattison and Jacob Hevener in 1843; Mathew Mattison and Ebenezer Gregory in 1844; Rev. George Banghart and Garrett Vanhorne were on this circuit in 1845; Rev. George Banghart was returned, and, with Samuel Post, occu- pied the pulpit in 1846-47; Revs. James M. Tuttle and Palmer M. Force, 1848-49; John O. Winans. In April, 1849, the circuit of Warren was changed or divided, making a separate charge called Hacketts- town. William P. Corbitt was appointed pastor in 1850. Mulford Day was sent to this charge in 1851, but died in June of that year. In September, Charles S. Coit was sent to fill the vacancy. John M. Crane was pastor in 1852-53. In 1854, Jacob P. Fort was called to the place. In 1855-57, C. A. Lippincott was pastor, at which time it was a station. In 1858, Rev. David Groves was pastor, serving two years. He was so well liked the Conference sent him back in 1860. After his time expired Rev. Vanhorne was here three years; 1863, C. S. Van Cleve. In 1864, J. S. Porter was sent, and remained three years. Rev. J. T. Crane preached in 1867. James R. Bryan was pastor for three years; Charles E. Little one year. The church has been supplied since then by the following pastors: J. M. Freeman, E. E. Cham- bers, S. B. Rooney, C. E. Little, and A. H. Tuttle.

One of the oldest members of the church living is Mrs. Kemple, who resides on the edge of Morris County. There were Methodist meetings held at her house many years before the first church was built. The renowned Lorenzo Dow once preached in her house. There was a new edifice built in front and nearer the street in 1858; the old one is now used as a Sabbath-school room.

ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH.

This denomination in Hackettstown enjoyed ser- vices in their church for the first time in 1864, that being the year of its crection, under the pastorate of the Rev. Edward McCosker, who had charge of the Newton, Franklin, Hackettstown, and Stanhope sta- tions. His predecessors had been the Revs. Messrs. McMahon and Mckay. St. Mary's Church was dedi- cated by the Very Rev. B. McQuade, now bishop of Rochester, and then vicar-general of the diocese of Newark, and administrator during the absence of Bishop Dr. Bayley, who, in 1872, was transferred to Baltimore as archbishop of that see.

Before the erection of St. Mary's Church the few Catholics in Hackettstown and immediate vicinity had services once a month in a house near the Morris and Essex Railroad.

In 1872 the mission was divided, the Rev. Edward McCosker retaining Newton and Franklin, Hacketts- town and Stanhope being assigned to the Rev. Wil-

" The Dauville Church was a colony from the Hackettstown Church in 1831, prior to which date it was in the parish of the "First Church."

CENTENARY COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE, HACKETTSTOWN, N. J.

587

HACKETTSTOWN BOROUGH.

liam Henry Oram. The membership at present is about 200.

V .- CEMETERIES.

The first burying-ground we find any record of was on the lot adjoining the old Presbyterian church. People were interred there as early as 1770. In 1792 a deed was given by Obadiah Ayers to the Pre-by- terian Church for a lot of ground to be used as a cemetery. The consideration was five shillings. It was situated on the west side of Main Street, and was used as a union cemetery by all the churches until about the year 1860, when, on account of being filled up, a new piece of ground was purchased near the outskirts of the town, in the southeastern part, which has since been used as a cemetery by the several de- nominations. This cemetery is situated across the Musconetrong River, near the Morris County line.

VI .- SCHOOLS.

The earliest record of any school being kept in Hackettstown was 1797. One person only can be found now living who attended school at that day. This is Mrs. Nancy Pownell, who is ninety years of nge. The schools were what were known as "subscrip- tion" schools, the parents paying a stated sum quar- terly for their children's instruction. The school- house stood where Mrs. Vanhorne's house now stands, but it was removed many years ago. In 1825 a new school-house was built, and when it became too small for the needs of the settlement it was converted into a dwelling. It is now occupied by Mr. Metler. Another ancient building, which was formerly used as a school- house, and stood near the old churchyard, is now or- cupied by William B. Cramer as a carriage-shop.

One of the early teachers was a Mr. MeGregor. He taught the higher branches, such as Greek, Hebrew, and Latin. Among his pupils were Alpheus and Wil- liam Gustin, Thoma- Stewart, Joseph W. Campbell, and Aaron Robertson. His terms were $5 per quar- ter. Joseph McCord taught school in 1835, and among his scholars were many men who have occu- pied prominent positions in public life. Those who became most celebrated were Hon. Jacob Vannatta, Theodore Little, attorney-at-law, Rev. Peter Vannatta, the C'ole family, Lewis C. and John S. Cook, who are prominent physician- in the place, John and Theo- dore t'rane, George Haszen, president of the Common Council, and Dr. Ruel Stewart. There were two school districts formed as the town grew in popula- tion, which embraced part of the surrounding country.

In 1874 the facilities for school purposes were con- sidered inadequate, and a fine three-story brick build- ing was erected at a cost of $39,000. E. R. Warrener is the superintendent.

The number of the Hackettstown district is Is, and from the report of the State superintendent of public instruction for the year ending Aug. 31, 1879, its status is found to be as follows :

Anwount from State appropriation ... $1,849.72 Total amount received fromu all sources for public school purposes .. $3,349.72

Present value of school property. $20,000.00

Whole number of children between five and righteen years of age residing in the district 693

Average number of children in attendance ... ...

205

One male and eight female teachers are employed in this district.

The "Kindergarten" is a private school taught by Mrs. Elizabeth Osmun. It was opened only two years ago, and has been conducted very successfully since. It has an average of 25 scholars.

THE CENTENARY COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE

was projected by the Newark Methodist Episcopal Conference at its session in 1866. A number of places competed for the honor of its location, but finally, in 1868, Hackettstown was selected, whose citizens con- tributed $10,000 in cash with ten acres of eligible land. The selection was made on account of the grandeur of the scenery, the purity of the water, and the health- fulness of the climate. The corner-stone was laid Sept. 9, 1869, when addresses were delivered by Bishop Simpson, Chancellor Runyon, David Campbell, Esq., C. Walsh, Esq., and Rev. L. R. Dunn. During the centenary year contributions were made amounting to $12,000. The sum was increased by the gift of $10,000 from David Campbell, Esq., of Newark, and by sub- scriptions at the laying of the corner-stone of $6000, making $38,000 for the commencement of the enter- prise. In 1869 the Rev. George H. Whitney, D.D., was elected president. The edifice was five years in process of erection, the trustees having wisely adopted the motto, "Pay as you go." During these five years subscriptions were solicited through the bounds of the Conference. The ministers nobly subscribed from their own resources $30,000; the congregations gen- erously pledged $120,000. Of this amount more than $20,000 were given by David Campbell, Esq., of New- ark, and over $40,000 by George J. Ferry, Esq., oť Orange. The entire cost of the edifice, furniture, etc., exclusive of grounds, was nearly $200,000.

The building is of brick, five stories high, with three towers, and is constructed in the most substan- tial manner. It is heated throughout by steam, lighted by gas, and supplied with mountain spring- water on every floor. Provision is made against fire by the most modern improvements, The sleeping- rooms are furnished with black-walnut bedsteads, bureaus, spring-mattresses, carpets, and every requi- site. Great attention has been paid to ventilation. The dining-hall and chapel are spacious and well fur- nished. A powerful pipe-organ adds to the attract- iveness of the chapel, which will accommodate over 600 persons. Three elegantly-furnished parlors open- ing into each other form a suite of rooms 20 by 70, with veiling of 14 feet. There is also a gymnasium in a separate building.

The institute was dedicated Sept. 9, 1874; a large concourse was present, and addresses were delivered by Hon. George J. Ferry, Governor Joel Parker,

588

WARREN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

David Campbell, Esq., and Rev. C. N. Sims, D.D. In the afternoon, in the chapel, Mr. Ferry, president of the trustees, delivered the keys to the president of the institution, Rev. Dr. Whitney, who then delivered his inaugural. It was followed by brief addresses. Much credit is due Cornelius Walsh, David Camp- bell, and George J. Ferry, the successive presidents of the board of trustees, for their noble efforts.

The institute opened with 183 students, 130 of whom were boarders. The first graduating class num- bered 25, II of whom were ladies. The ladies' depart- ment is a full chartered college. Diplomas are granted to ladies who complete the belles-lettres course or the classical conrse. There are courses in music, art, and commercial branches. In the gentlemen's de- partment students are carried through classes in Greek, Latin, mathematics, and the sciences, being prepared in the most thorough manner. A proof of this thoroughness is attested by the fact that for two late successive years the prize at Wesleyan Univer- sity for " best college preparation" has been taken by pupils from Hackettstown Institute. Its students stand foremost also in Harvard, Yale, Boston Univer- sity, Princeton, Rutgers, etc. New Jersey may be proud of this magnificent building and the splendid career of this institution. The science course is wider than in any similar institution, the students having special facilities for thorough work in the chemical laboratory. The president of the institute, Dr. Whit- ney, had the organization of this great school from the laying of the corner-stone till its formal opening, since which time he has had the pleasure of seeing the enterprise grow continually in strength and in- flueuce, taking rank as superior to most and second to none of the collegiate institutes of the land. In addition to his other duties, Dr. Whitney has written several works, among which may be mentioned " A Hand-Book of Bible Geography," the result of years of patient investigation, and which has reached a very large sale both in this country and in England. He is at present engaged upon a work to be known as " Old Testament Archæology."

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History of Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey, with Illustration and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 145

Author: Snell, James P; Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford) Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Peck Number of Pages: 1140

Author: Snell, James P; Clayton, W. W. (W. Woodford)
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1140