History of Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey, with Illustration and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 146

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 146
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 146

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During the seven years of its history the Hacketts- town Institute has had over 1500 students in attend- ance, representing various denominations and many of the States of the Union and nine foreign coun- tries. Because the building and equipments of the school are the free gift of the people, the trustees are enabled to offer board and tuition at the exceedingly low rate of $225 per year.

The faculty is constituted as follows: Rev. George H. Whitney, D.D., President, and Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy and Logic; Miss Fanny Gu- lick, M.L.A., Preceptress, Belles-Lettres and Ger- man; L. HI. Batchelder, A.M., Professor of Chem- istry and Mathematics ; A. O. Hammond, A.M., Professor of Ancient Languages; E. A. Whitney, Professor of Commercial Department; A. M. Free- man, A.B., Professor of Latin and Natural Sciences ;

Professor F. C. Bauman, Musical Director; Miss Anna Nicholl, M.L.A., History, Painting, and Draw- ing; Miss Charlotte E. Crane, English Literature, French, and Italian; Miss Stella Waldo, Piano, Organ, Vocal Music ; Mrs. C. L. Blake, Matron.

REV. GEORGE II. WHITNEY, D.D.

George H. Whitney was born in the city of George- town, D. C., on July 30, 1830, and is a son of William Whitney, a native of Connecticut. The family are of both French and English descent, and were among

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the early settlers of Connecticut, many of them having been numbered among the benefactors of mankind, notable among whom was Eli Whitney, the inventor of the cotton-gin.

While yet in his infancy, Mr. Whitney's father re- moved with his family to the city of Washington, D. C., where young Whitney obtained his rudimen- tary education. After leaving school he became a bookkeeper in a large establishment, and subse- quently, when only seventeen years of age, he became the city editor of the Daily National Whig. Two years later he removed to Irvington, N. J., where he taught a select school for two years. On attaining his ma- jority he became one of the teachers of the Wesleyan Institute, at Newark, N. J., where he remained three years. On terminating his connection with that in- stitution he entered the Wesleyan University, at Mid- dletown, Conn., where he was graduated in the class

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HACKETTSTOWN BOROUGH.

of 1858. Among his classmates were H. P. Shepard, professor in the Albert University, Canada; Nathaniel Fellows, principal of Wilbraham Academy, Massa- chusetts; and Daniel C. Knowles, principal of Pen- nington Seminary, New Jersey.

Soon after graduating, Mr. Whitney was chosen principal of Macedon Seminary, Macedon Centre, N. Y., and from 1859 to 1861 he occupied the same position at Oneida Seminary, Madison County, N. Y. In 1861 he joined the Newark Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was stationed the first year at Somerville, N. J. His subsequent pas- toral appointments were as follows : Elizabeth, N. J., two years; Newton, N. J., three years; Plainfiehl, N. J., two years; Trinity Church, Jersey City, two years; and Passaic, N. J., where he ministered for three years, during this time being the means of having a fine stone church building erected, at a cost of $80,000.

A short time previous to the laying of the corner- stone of the Centenary C'ollegiate Institute, at Hack- ettstown, N. J., which took place Sept. 9, 1869, Mr. Whitney was chosen president of that institution, the selection being but a fitting recognition of his ener- getic and valuable services in the establishment of that useful seat of learning. Ile superintended the construction of the building, and during the erection thereof performed pastoral anty, preaching educa- tional sermons and soliciting aid for the completion of the structure. The institute was finished and dedi- cated Sept. 9, 1874, and he at once entered upon his duties as its principal.

The school opened with large classes, and the at- tendance has been to the fullest capacity of the edi- fice ever since. It is designed to afford the amplest facilities for both sexes to receive a superior educa- tion, and to prepare young men for the higher classes in college or in the theological seminary. The de- partment for ladies is a regularly-chartered college, empowered to confer degrees upon those who com- plete the prescribed course of study. The edifice, which cost about $200,000, is an elegant and substan- tial one, and in taste and adaptation to its purpose is one of the most admirable structures of the kind in the Union, and in every respect impresses the most scrutinizing visitor with the forethought displayed in its construction and the ability of its present manage- ment. No detail that adds to the care, comfort, or safety of the students seems to have been omitted.

In addition to his other labors, Dr. Whitney has written several works of value, among which may be mentioned " A Bible Geography," the result of years of patient investigation, and which has reached a large sale, and a " Commentary on International Sunday- school Lessons," which was also received with great favor. Ile has also been a valued contributor to vari- ous magazines and periodicals, and is at present en- gaged on a work to be entitled "Old Testament Ar- chaology." It is intended to comprise fifteen volumes,

and to be published by the Methodist Book Concern, the entire set to be known as "The Theologieal Li- brary."

Since Dr. Whitney has been at the head of the Cen- tenary Collegiate Institute he has been called to some of the leading institutions of learning in the country, but he has chosen to remain at Hackettstown to con- tinue the work so auspiciously commenced and sue- cessfully carried on under his scholarly supervision. lle was married, on Nov. 17, 1858, to Carrie A. Shep- ard, of Northern New York, who died Dec. 19, 1865, leaving a son, Irving Shepard, now engaged in the mercantile business in New York City. Ile was united to his present wife, Miss Nettie, daughter of P. M. French, of Plainfield, N. J., on Dec. 24, 1867. By this marriage have been born two daughters, May Vincent and Bertha Hurst Whitney.

VI .- SOCIETIES. INDEPENDENCE LODGE, NO. 29, F. AND A. M.,

was warranted on May 9, 1813, William Hampton, Master ; Daniel Metiregor, S. W. ; Benjamin Gustin, J. W. On the 11th of November, 1817, the warrant was surrendered. On Nov. 13, 1822, the warrant was restored, t'aleb II. Valentine, Master; C. F. Line- back, S. W .; George Heberton, J. W.

Nov. 13, 1827, leave was granted to meet at Spring- town. The Sth of November, 1842, Independence Lodge was ordered to be struck otl the rolls. On the 13th day of May, 1858, a dispensation was granted by Most Worshipful tirand Master Trimble to revive Independence Lodge. The following officers were duly installed by him,-viz., Andrew Ingals, W. M .; E. P. Allen, proxy for C. F. R. Moore, S. W .; Wil- liam S. Osborn, J. W .; Caleb H. Valentine, Treas. ; Eben Winton, Sec. ; E. J. Post, S. D .; Marcus Ford, J. D .; George II. Kagler, Tyler.

Jan. 12, 1859, a charter was obtained for Independ- ence Lodge, No. 42 (instead of No. 29, as formerly ), the names appearing on the charter being Andrew Ingals, W. M .; C. F. R. Moore, S. W .: William S. Osborn, J. W. Present membership, 95. Present officers (1881) : E. F. Ferris, W. M .; C. M. Wade, S. W .; Nathan Klotz, J. W .; D. MeClellen, Treas. ; A. G. Freeman, Sec. ; A. Lundy, J. D .; J. J. Harre, Tyler.

MUSCONETCONG LODGE, No. 81, I. O. O. F.,

was organized May 1, 1845. Its present officers are S. C. Larison, N. G .; T. S. White, V. G .; Jacob Wiley, See .; James Burrell, Permanent Sec. ; J. M. Everett, Treas. The present membership is 53.

SEDGWICK POST, No. 18, G. A. R.,

is the only post of the Grand Army in Warren County. This order is composed of 42 members, every one of whom is a veteran of the late war. The officers are : Commander, J. B. Smith ; Vice-Commander, I C. Chamberlain ; Adju- tant, Andrew A. Neal; Quartermaster, Dr. A. G. Freeman; Chap Inin, Rov. Alexander Proudht ; Officer of the Day. R. B. Kinsey ; Officer of the Guard, Lyman Parks ; Sergeant. Major, Robert Belle) ; Quartermasto -Sergeant. William Hall.

590

WARREN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

Their hall is above the Gazette printing-office, and is well and neatly furnished. They have a full stand of arms, and on the walls hang battle-flags, many of which are torn in shreds and perforated with bullets. They show unmistakable evidence of having been through many a hard-fonght engagement. Around the room are hung some beautiful paintings, promi- nent among which are "Evacuation Day," "The Battle of Gettysburg," "Sherman's March to the Sea," and the famous painting "Decoration Day." The appointments of the lodge-room are very credit- able, and evidences that the society is a live institu- tion.

VIII .- THE POST-OFFICE.

The post-office at Hackettstown was established prior to 1800. The names of the first postmasters cannot be learned from the meagre records in this office. About the year 1825 Nathan Stiger was post- master, with the post-office near the bank of the river, on what is now Mill Street, where he had a store. Subsequently the office was moved to a store in front of the Warren House, where Redding Bell now lives. Here it was kept by one of Stiger's sons. The next incumbent was Robert Steel, and the post-office was located next to Mrs. Rusling's, on Main Street. Fol- lowing Steel came William and George W. Johnson, who kept the post-office in their store for many years. It was next kept by Wm. Allen, where is now D. McClellen's hardware-store. He was postmaster until Andrew Johnson became president, when Lam- bert McWilliams was appointed. He died two years later, but his wife served out his unexpired term. Joseph K. Rice then secured the post-office and held it for ten years, when the present incumbent, Robert Rusling, Jr., was appointed.

IX .- WATER-WORKS.

There are few towns more favorably situated for the introduction of water. At a comparatively small cost a fine reservoir was built on the side of Schooley's Mountain by damming up the largest mountain stream, thus securing an abundance of pure cold water at a sufficient altitude to throw it over the top of the highest buildings. In 1853 an act of incorporation was granted to the " Hackettstown Aqueduct Company." Wil- lian Rea, Robert Steel, Lewis C. Cook, William L. Johnson, and Robert Rusling were appointed to re- ceive subscriptions to the stock. The charter placed the capital stock at $10,000, with privilege to in- crease to $20,000, to be divided into shares of $20 each.

The company secured a site for a reservoir on Mal- vern Hill, and went to work. Pipes were laid through part of the town, but the supply was insufficient. As it was found a change would be necessary, legislative aid was again sought, and by an act approved March 17, 1870, the directors of the "Hackettstown Aque- duct Company" were authorized to transfer and con-

vey all their works, property, and franchise to the "Inhabitants of the Town of Hackettstown."

Thius empowered, the town purchased all the stock and franchise of the aqueduct company for $21,000, and bonds of the town were issued, at the rate of seven per cent. interest, for the purpose of paying the original owners and further improving their works.

The first commissioners under the charter were John Shields, I. W. Crane, Reading Bell, Robert Rusling, Lewis J. Youngblood, and William L. John- son. They were to serve as follows: Two for one year, two for two years, and two for three years, their respective terms of office being determined by lot. After the purchase was made a new site was pro- cured and the Schooley's Mountain reservoir built, since which the water-supply has been ample. It was found necessary to make a further issue of bonds, and the total water debt now amounts to about $54,000. The annual revenue derived from water-rates is $4200. The income more than pays the interest, and enables the town to pay off some of the outstanding bonds each year.

X .- FIRE DEPARTMENT.

This department of public interest is represented by "Cataract Hose Company," which was organized in 1877. It has 1000 feet of improved rubber hose and suitable trucks. There is also one hand-engine, under control of the Common Council. S. P. Cook is chief engineer. The water system, however, is so perfect that the one hose company is deemed suffi- cient to meet all the demands for the protection of property.

The officers of the company are G. W. Smith, Fore- man; Nathan Klotz and G. T. Everett, Assistant Foremen; L. C. Caugle, Secretary; N. E. Wade, Treasurer; R. G. Clark, Steward. The members are as follows:

William Ackley, C. H. S. Boettiger, Jacob Creveling, W. B. Cramer, Ja- cob Albers, O. A. Hummer, W. L. Hairhouse, G. W. King, Jr., Nathan Luff, Theo. Menagh, F. J. Smith, E. F. Tuttle, J. L. Smith, James Braut, E. R. Bell, Wilson Daylie, James E. Gerard, F. W. Halsey, Robert O. Howell, James D. Klotz, Theo. Ackley, Jacob McCracken, A. D. Sidner, J. R, Swick, H. W. Voorhees, G. M. Titus, Jacob Van Syckle, Nelson Wiley, Eugene Bilby.

XI .- COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS. STORES.

The first store in Hackettstown was kept by Thomas Helms, in a building which stood near the present site of the brick mill owned by L. J. Youngblood. This was prior to the Revolutionary war, and was for many years the only store in the settlement. In 1820, Wil- liam Little sold goods in a store opposite the Warren House. The building is now used as a dwelling by Mr. Martin. Jesse Johnson kept store where his grandson, Morris N. Johnson, now is. Nathan Stiger was also a merchant at that time.

The various branches of trade are represented at the present time as follows :

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HACKETTSTOWN BOROUGHI.

T. G. Plate, Charles Hairhonse, and C. Webber, jewelers ; Jolin B. Muck- low, hats; M. Katz, G. A. Beatty, James Mitchell, T. S. Vanhorne, Morris N. Johnson, J. W. Blackwell, C. C. Huff, varieties; J. D. Flock, J. D. Hoffman, W. C. Sharp, J. N. Sharp, and Isaac Katz, dry goods; W. Il. Drake & Brother, J. S. Koggen, H. H. Van Dusen, hardware; F. W. Kloppelberg, musical instruments; A. W. Trimmer, stationur ; David McClellou, S. M. McClellen, J. N. Everett, and W. D. Metler, Irvess; D. H. Naramore, photographer ; W. G. Sutphin, Sat- uel Rea, druggista; F. Wendt, T. C. Emmons, W. L. Douglass, and A. Brown, clothiers; Alexander C. Howell and E. A. Weeks, confec- tioners; W. B. Rico, F. Kampf, boots and shoes: Rico & Illlder- braut, E. 11. Albertson, C. S. Down & Son, Mrs. Hughes, grocers ; John F. MrClellen, marble ; Jacob Young, 31. L. Hirst, B. S. Bottiger, und %. Bush, tobacconiets ; Klutz & Ackley and W. F. Rodda, butch- ers; William SicCracken, Josephs MeCracken, and Frederick Smith, Hvery-stables. Hotels are mentioned elsewhere.

THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK

was organized in 1855, with a capital of $100,000. Dr. William Rea was president, and George Roe cashier. The enterprise proving successful, in 1865 a charter was obtained, and it became the " First National Bank of Hackettstown," At this time its capital was $150,000. President, John C. Welsh; Vice-President, Seymour R. Smith; Cashier, Robert A. Cole; Di- reetors, William Dellicker, John B. Fisher, William M. Everett, Samuel Rea, Caleb Swayze, and Andrew J. Cummins.

The bank has a surplus of $50,000, and is considered one of the staunchest moneyed institutions in the county.

" THE MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY"

commenced business in 1867. The officers are John B. Fisher, President ; R. S. Price, Secretary ; Caleb 11. Valentine, Treasurer. Its directory embrace Sey- mour R. Smith, J. W. Welsh, William Shields, Rich- ard Stephens, Robert Ayres, Jr., William Dellicker, Joseph K. Rice, William M. Everett, Theodore Young, and John C. Welsh.

It conducts its business strictly on the mutual plan, and has so far been very successful. The company was not obliged to eall on its policy-holders for any assistance for over three years after it began to write policies. Notwithstanding the fact that it has paid losses up to the present time to the amount of $22,000, a cash capital of $50,000 has accumulated. It is ably managed, and does business quite extensively through- out Warren, Sussex, and Morris Counties.

XIf .- PROFESSIONAL. PHYSICIANS.

This profession has been well represented since the earliest settlement. Before, during, and after the Revolution this place was included in the ride of the pioneer doctor, Samuel Kennedy, who resided at " Log Jail," or Johnsonsburg. Dr. Robert Com- mins, located at Mount Bethel, also officiated here. Dr. Stockton practiced in Hackettstown prior to 1790, and Drs. Fowler and Hoagland soon after that date, and before 1800. Dr. William Hampton came to Hackettstown in 1803 (but remained only a year ), Dr. John Beach in 1810, and Ruel Hampton, brother of William, commenced practicing here in 1817.

Thomas P. Stewart, his pupil, became his partner in 1820, and upon the removal of Dr. Hampton, in 1822, succeeded to bis practice. Dr. William Rea settled here and commenced practice in 1829. Dr. Silas Cook came in 1828, and practiced until 1841, when he removed to Easton, returning again to llacketts- town in 1857, where he died in 1873. Dr. Lewis C. Cook, son of the last named, followed hi- profession here from 1841 until his death, in 1874; another son, John S. Cook, studied medicine with his father, and has practiced in this town and vicinity since 1850. Brief sketches of most of the above mentioned will be found in the chapter upon the medieal profession, in the general history, anteerdent.

Other physicians located here are Drs. E. T. Blaek- well, Theodore Crane, John W. Dalrymple, Alvah C. Van Sickle, and Alden E. Martin.

LAWYERS.

Among the prominent members of the bar at the present day is Col. Caleb II. Valentine, grandson of Judge Valentine. He was born in 1838; entered Yale C'ollege, where he remained until the death of his grandfather, in 1861. He studied law with Jehiel G. Shipman, of Belvidere ; was a member of the State Legislature in 1869 to 1871. While there he was one of the original and most earnest promoters of the present free-school system. Ile was admitted to the bar in 1869. .A. II. Dellieker was a graduate of Phillips' Academy, Andover, Mass., in 1872; went to Princeton College two years ; studied law in the office of Col. C. II. Valen- tine, and was admitted to the bar in 1879. S. Pierson Cook, a graduate of Princeton in 1874, also studied law with Col. Valentine, and was admitted to the bar in 1878. 1le is a member of the law-firm of l'rice & Cook. R. S. Price, another student of Col. Valentine, was admitted to the bar in 1875. He has served as mayor one term and as town clerk for six years. He is the senior member of the firm of Price & Cook. J. C. Allen and D. B. Harvey also practice law in Hackettstown. Jacob C. Allen received an academic ulucation at Hackettstown, and was engaged for some years in the mercantile business before he took up the study of law. He is energetic and diligent in the pursuit of his profession. D. B. Harvey is a graduate of Dartmouth College, N. Il. He was a professor in a Georgia college till the war of the Rebellion broke out, when he came North, settled at Hackettstown, and opened a law-office, where he has continued since.

XIII .- INDUSTRIAL.

Carriage manufacture is carried on more exten- sively than any other industry. The first factory was established by Jacob Day, about 1815, and was con- tinued for twenty-five years. Those now engaged in this line of manufacture are Crawford & Co., R. E. Dickerson, L. H. Neighbour, Mclean & Co., W. B. Cramer, T. H. Brant, T. II. Heed, Sidner & Niper, Sanders & Mack, and J. F. Bird.

592

WARREN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

John S. Johnston owns the only kiln in the town. He also works a very extensive limestone-quarry. Another quarry is owned by George Fuller, of New York ; it comprises about three squares, located south- west from the college. It is worked by G. W. Fra- zier, and yields about 2000 tons per month.

The blast-furnace is located near the limits of Hack- ettstown, next to Mansfield township. It was origi- nally built by a stock company, who purchased a large tract of land and commenced operations under the name of the Hackettstown Land Improvement Company. Among the directors were Caleb H. Val- entine, Redding Bell, George W. Johnson, William L. Johnson, Shields & Karr, Joshna H. Curtis, and others. The enterprise was not successful, and the property was sold at sheriff's sale to Wood Bros., of Philadelphia, from whom Joseph Wharton, the pres- ent owner, purchased some two years since. The fur- nace has a capacity of turning out 40 tons of iron daily.

A foundry and machine-shop is carried on by Mi- chael Bowers, Jr.

To Gen. William Helms belongs the credit of build- ing the first grist-mill erected in this part of the country. The exact year it was built cannot be learned, but it is known to have been prior to 1770. It was a frame building, situated on the Musconet- cong River, a short distance above where the present brick mill stands. There was a saw-mill attached, and here the lumber was sawed that built the first honses of ancient Hackettstown.

The present grist-mills are the brick mill, owned by Lewis J. Youngblood, and two frame mills, owned by John C. Welsh and Isaac W. Crane, all propelled by water-power.

There is one steam saw- and planing-mill, owned by Messrs. Haszen & Clawson, who also manufacture sash, doors, and blinds. This firm are also exten- sively engaged in building carriage- and wagon-rims.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.

DANIEL AXFORD.

Daniel Axford was born in Oxford township, near the present Oxford Iron-Works, July 19, 1794. The farm on which he was born was part of a tract taken up about the year 1730 by his great-grandfather, John Axford, the first settler of this part of the country. This farm, after having been in the Axford family for upwards of a hundred years uninterruptedly, was sold to Cornelins Pittenger, and is now occupied as the site of the principal buildings of the Oxford Iron- Works. John Axford, the ancestor of the entire Ax- ford family known in this country, came originally from Oxford, England, but had lived for a while near Trenton, in this State. When he came to this part of

the country it was an unbroken wilderness, and the government subject to the British crown. He was at- tracted to this particular locality by the natural meadows in the vicinity, and his first log house was built by the large spring where Charles Scranton now lives. He showed his prudent foresight by taking up all the rich valley between where Washington and Broadway now stand, and sending his claim to the county clerk's office in Burlington, the nearest county record at that time. Through some one's neglect it failed of record, and the property never came in pos- session of the family.

He had, however, taken up sixteen hundred acres nearer to him, which he divided among his four chil- dren, who were all sons. John Axford and his wife, Anna Beach, belonged to the Society of Friends, and at their death were interred in the Friends' burying- ground in the Quaker Settlement of this county. The name of Axford was commonly pronounced Oxford in those days, and it is probable the township takes its name from him.

His four sons were named Abraham, Samuel, Jona- than, and John. Abraham settled where Theodore Hoagland now lives; Samuel, where the stone house stands on Furnace Brook, at the junction of the Fur- nace and Butzville roads; Jonathan, on the lands owned by the late David and Aaron Smith ; and John, the grandfather of Daniel, at the old homestead by the big spring.

John Axford married Abigail Hunt, and Samnel, the oldest of their nine children, was Daniel's father. He married Margaret McDonald, with whom he had twelve children, five sons and seven daughters. Daniel was the third son. Three of his brothers and one sister removed with their families to Oakland Co., Mich., where they all rose to wealth and influence and left a large posterity.

The opportunities for education were very limited in Oxford when Mr. Axford was young, and he grew up with little schooling. He was early put to work on the farm, and was required to apply himself closely until he came of age. He reached his manhood in the midst of the hardships of the war of 1812, and he was himself drafted for the service, but so late in the contest that peace was proclaimed before his company reached the seat of war. On the 1st of January, 1817, he was married to Margaret, daughter of Ben- jamin Morgan, and with her began that journey and work of life which they prosecuted afterwards so honorably and successfully together for half a cen- tury. Their sole occupation through life was farming.

The Axfords have been farmers, with few excep- tions, from the earliest generations, and almost inva- riably successful ones. Mr. Axford began the world entirely without capital, but by prudence and industry rapidly acquired a competency, which by the meridian of life had grown to a handsome fortune. Had he been ambitious of wealth to the last, he would now have been one of the wealthiest men in the county.

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History of Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey, with Illustration and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 146

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