History of Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey, with Illustration and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 171

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 171
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 171

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

1867 .- F. Cooke, Henry J. Tool, George A. Gray, Abram Newman, Theophilus Ray.

1868 .- 1. J. Durling, G. A. Gray, Lowis A. Savacool, Theophilus Ray, Levi Lanning.

1869 .- F. Cooko, G. A. Gray, 1. J. Durling, Nathan Cook, L. A. Sava- coul.

1870 .- George W. Luudy, Auron R. Cooke, I. J. During, L. A. Savacool, N. Cook.

1871 .- G. W. Lundy, A. R. Cook, George W. Hibler, Stewart W. Ramsay, Nathan Cook.

1872-73 .- G. W. Indy, A. R. Cook, G. W. Hibler, G. W. Hawk, Aaron Ii. Allen.

1874 .- Cummins O. Harris, L. Lanning, Abram Cook, G. W. Hawk, A. HI. Allen.

1876 .- L. Innning, C. O. Harris, Abram Cool, Anron R. Cooke, Jesse Lowis.

1870 .- I. Lanning, J. Lewis, A. It. Cooke, Abram Cool, Joseph S. Dur- ling.

1877 .- L. Lanning, S. D. Savncool, Abram Cool, A. R. Cooke, J. Lowis. 1×78 .- L. Lanuing, A. Cool, S. D. Savacool, L. J. Ilowoll, J. Lowis. 1879 .- Levi J. Howell, A. R. Cooke, Sylvester D. Savacool.

1880 .- William M. Savncool, N. D. Vasbinder, A. Il. Cooko.

FRELINGHUYSEN'S WAR RECORD.

When the life of the nation was threatened by the slave power of the South, and troops were called for to suppress the Rebellion, Frelinghuysen responded to the first call of her country, and as the struggle progressed was in the front rank with her men and means for the preservation of the Union.

Aug. 15, 1863, the town committee ordered a tax

688

WARREN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

levied to pay each volunteer $300. May 16, 1864, the town committee, by a vote of the township, levied a tax to pay each three years' volunteer $600, and Dec. 31, 1864, the township authorized its committee to pay $600 for each substitute or volunteer. In every instance Frelinghuysen filled her quota of men called for.

V .- VILLAGES AND HAMLETS. JOHNSONBURG.

This village was once the county-seat of Sussex County, and known for many years as "the Log Gaol." The first licensed tavern at this place was Jonathan Pettit's, in 1753, but how long he had lived here at that time is not known. At his " log hotel" were held the first courts. The old "log gaol" stood on the lot where Robert Blair's wagon-house stands. At that time there were but very few houses in what is now Johnsonburg, and those were built of logs. John Green is credited with building the next log tavern at this place. It stood on the site now occu- pied by Joseph S. Durling's hotel. William Arm- strong is said to have kept the pioneer store at this place, near where Harden's store now stands. He was succeeded by a Mr. Carr, or Kerr, and he by a Mr. Johnson, from whom the post-office and village took its name. Robert Blair was one of the succeed- ing merchants. Among the early tavernkeepers were Morris Sharp, Isaac Frees, and a Mr. Jones. The innkeepers since 1800 have been Morris Sharp, Rob- ert Blair, John N. Givens, J. T. Vass, and J. S. Dur- ling. The land upon which Johnsonburg is situated was owned at one time by William Armstrong, who lived where Robert Blair now resides. The pioneer log school-house stood in the old camp-ground, a little northwest of the grist-mill, near Federal Spring.

There are at this place at the present time three churches (Christian, Methodist Episcopal, and Pres- byterian Chapel; there is no Presbyterian organiza- tion at this place, and the chapel is only used for a preaching-place) ; one school-house; three stores, George W. Van Horn, Elbridge Harden, and J. W. Hart; three blacksmiths, John Tilman, Elwood Searls, and David Miller; two shoemakers, David Ryman and John L. Armstrong; two wheelwrights, Joseph Van Wye and John Searls; a cabinet-shop, by Andrew T. Hill; a tin-shop, by Adrien L. Cook ; cooper-shop, by Casper Beegle ; a grist-mill, by Sam- uel Harden; and the hotel, by Joseph S. Durling. The village physician is Dr. F. R. Roeback. The present postmaster is George W. Van Horn. Popu- lation of the village, 215.

MARKSBORO',

located on the left bank of the Paulinskill, and north border of the township, was settled as early as 1755 or 1760 by Col. Mark Thomson, and subsequently named Marksboro' in his honor. He owned all the land upon which the village is located, besides some of what are now the farms outside the limits of the vil-

lage. He built the grist-mill at this place in 1758 or 1760. Previous to this there was a small mill on the north side of the creek, which was subsequently con- verted into a fulling-mill, and in after-years aban- doned for milling purposes.

When the present mill was built (one hundred and twenty or more years ago) there was no bolt for sift- ing the flour. The first bolt used was turned by hand, and the boy who took a grist of wheat to mill had to turn the bolt or take his ground grist home without sifting.

William Shafer was probably the pioneer merchant. He kept in the old storehouse down Bridge Street from Main. His trade must have been light as far as the village was concerned, for, as late as seventy years ago, there were but five or six small houses in the neighborhood. Grant Fitch also kept store here for many years, and became quite a prominent man.

Jacob Thomson was a lawyer at this place, and afterwards acquired the title of "judge."

The pioneer tavern at Marksboro' stood in rear of the present hotel, and was, previous to being con- verted into a tavern, occupied as an academy, for which purpose it was built. The pioneer landlord was a Mr. Shepherd, who kept the tavern as early as 1810. Shepherd was succeeded by George Crockett, and he by George A. Hunt. Other landlords have been John Hazen, Slater, Wildrick, and J. S. Ball, the present proprietor of the commodious "Marks- boro' Hotel," who is known all over this section of country as "Snowball," and who has kept the tavern since 1850. James Blair was postmaster here in 1846.

The pioneer blacksmithi was Mahlon Mills, who located here previous to 1800, and carried on the business here for many years, and owned the property where Isaac Vough now lives.

William R. Frazier was the pioneer millwright in Marksboro'. He was born in the latter part of 1808, in Pike Co., Pa., and came to Marksboro' at an early age, where he has since resided. He married a daughter of Mahlon Mills. They are both living, a few doors east of the Presbyterian church. The widow of Hamilton Thompson is still living, and re- sides at Marksboro'.

There are at present in Marksboro' one hotel, by J. S. Ball; two stores, Van Horn & Lanning and John Mayberry ; two blacksmiths, John S. Ryman and Ryerson Tranger ; one harness-maker, Job L'Homa- dieu ; one grist-mill, by Jacob C. Van Horn ; school- house ; Presbyterian church; and a population of 150. W. S. Van Horn is the present postmaster, receiving two mails per day.

PAULINA,*

on the Paulinskill, near the northwest corner of the township, named after the creek. The first settler here of any note was Judge William Armstrong, who built a grist-mill on the site of the present one now

* Takes its name frem the stream upon which it ia located.

639

FRELINGHUYSEN.

operated by Josiah Crisman. In the early part of this century Paulina was a business place, but it now has little to show that it was once the pride of the Paul- inskill valley. Here are a school-house, Presbyterian chapel, grist-mill, sash-and-blind factory, a few dwel- lings, and about 75 inhabitants. Theodore P. Cor- nell is the present postmaster, and receives two mails per day.

VI .- SCHOOLS.

There are in this township six school districts, in which are 343 children of school age.

Johnsonburg District, No. 58, has a school-house valued at $1000, which will accommodate 80 pupils. The district has 74 pupils of school age, and 76 enrolled on school register, with an average attendance of 34.

The following is an outline of the history of this district :

" The old school-house was situated near the old camp-ground or Fed- oral Spring woods. It has not been possible to ascertain when it was built, nor who were its builders. In the year 1765 there were in the county of Sussex eight school-houses, and it is not Improbable that this wILy one of the number.

" It was a very smell, rudely-constructed frame building, and, with its sinh benches and large, old-fashioned fireplace, would seat, when crowded to Its utniost capacity, abont 30 pupils.

" The name of the first teacher of whom there is any knowledge was Willian Crosby. He was a native of Ireland, and had served in the war of the Revolution under Gen. Washington. He was present at the aur- render of Cornwallls. He is represented as being a tall, finely-bullt mat, fond of relating the scenes of the war.

" His successor was John Bradbury, of whose life we can learn nothing.

"The next teacher, John Adkinson. was an Englishman. He is re- membered as being a superior penman. He lived to a great uge.

" Henry l'almor tanght the school about the year 1x12. He afterwards became a physician.

" Frederick Dresser Is remembered as n tencher, aud Samnel Dimmick, a native of Connecticut, was employed to take charge of the school about the year 1818, teaching three years. He afterwards removed to Milford, Pa., where ho kept a hotel and boarding-house for many years.

" In the year 1822 the old school-house was burned to the ground. It was supposed to have been purposely fired. At that time the school was being taught by a Mr. Pinkney. The school was kept for a time in the house now occupied by Jonathan Jones, and afterwards in various houses in the village.

" Jehlel Gardner and Robert Steele taught in various houses and shops in the village during the years 1823-25. In 1820 a new school-house was built, of stone, on land bought of John Middlesworth, and is still stand- Ing in the upper part of the village. Dr. Green, Elins Mushback, and Jonathan Jones were the trustees at that time. The building cost about $500, which was raised by subscription.

" Elam March wiw the first teacher In the new building. He is re- membered as being a very worthy and estimable man.

" WIHlInm Rankin taught the school In 1828. Here In the old stone schoolhouse he began his long and successful career as o tencher in this his adopted State. Though he remained but a short time, he WHO ane- cesaful lu making for hinself many friends. A letter from Mr. Rankin Is preserved, from which wo give un extract :

"" Nothing could touch me with exciting emotion sooner than the mention of the old school-house ut Johnsonbirg [ thon bog Jull], the first place I taught in Now Jersey. I think It was on the first of August, 182x, that I commenced my school. I don't remember that there were formerly any trustors. Klins Mushback, Esq, seemed to manage the whole affairs of the school. He sall If I could stand An examination, they would give me n trinh. The examination was carried out by Pr. Bylington ; It passed nit has since obtained some celebrity. When I nr. rived in Johnsonhurg I had just performed a long journey on foot, and was so far out of money as to have in my pocket but one sliver six ponce. I went into John Mushbuck's store and threw duwn my whole treasure, nud naked hlin for n sheet of paper on which to write a seland article. He put befuro mo six sheets. I took up one and turned to leave. Mr. Mushback called to me that I had not taken all my paper. I replied that I had what I wished. I went on and wrote my niticle, nud it was

signed by all who wished to send to school,-all according to the system (if it can be called a system) at that day In Jersey. I taught elght werks.'

" Walter Scott Nott, a successor, wie a untive of Ballston, N. Y., a non of fine address and well educated.

" Frederick F. Peak, Stephen MI. Todd, and Thomas O. Beujamala como next on the list. The latter lul but one leg.

"Granville W. Lears taught the school for a number of years. Ilo mulwequently removed to Dhiv, where he was elected first to the State Legislature and later to the United States Congress. Succeeding Mr. Lears we have Mr. M.Cauley, Phillp Brakeley, At present a physician of Belvidere, Orvil Tuylor, W. H. Hemingway, Wilberforce Gaylord, Elwin Janes, now a practicing physician In New York City, Ira K. Wilson' Elwin Dimmick Leighton, John N. Glvens, who taught hore alwut ton yours. He was a captain in the United States army during the late war, and later a member of the State Legislature. He is At present a pruc- ticing lawyer in Belvidere.

" Following Mr. Glvens wo have A. J. Gaylord, Nathan Shaffer, ut present cashier of the Third National Bank of Scranton, Pa., Miss Re- dont, Jacob S. Newman, now a surgeon-dentist at Newton, and Themar Snover, the last of those who taught In the old school-house. During the year 1868 a new school-house was Imilt to meet the requirements of the school, which had greatly Increased. This neat and substantial structure cost about $3000. It will seat comfortably eighty scholurs. Braldes the main school-room, there is a recitation-room, hall, and cloak - room. Mr. William S. Van Horn, Mr. John Hall, and Mr. William Armstrong were the trustees at this time.

" After the completion of the new building Mr. Suover continued in charge of the school until 1871, when M. H. Fountain took his place. He remained but n few weeks when ho resigned to accept a position ten- dered him by the Sussex Railroad Company. His successor, Mr. Henry Phillips, remained two years. He was an able and successful teacher.

" J. II. ('lark succeeded Phillips as teacher, uml was at the post of duty in 1876. In 1875 a bell weighing about 700 pounds was placed upon the school-house, and in 1876 money was raised to purchase a school library. The trustees for that year were A. W. Cooke, Samuel O. Ramsey, and Joseph Durling."

In 1880 the amount of money appropriated to each of the districts of this township was $300. The present state of the several schools may be seen in the follow- ing table, condensed from a recent report of the school superintendent :

DISTRICT.

Total amount money re crived from all sources.

Value of school property,

No. of children of school

nge in district.

No, of children enrolled

on the schwol register

during the year.

Average attendance.

Number of children the

schonit will acat.

Number of teachers.

Johnsonburg, No. 68 ...

$300

$1000

Marksboro',

4 59 ...

Panlink,

4 60 ...

300

Ebenezer.

G1 ...

300

541

Howard,

63 ...

300

$1800

$1750

3.13

314

138

VII .- CHURCHES.

MARKSBORO' PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHI.

This church was instituted in one of the upper rooms of the old tavern at Marksboro', Nov. 1. 1814, by Rev. Mr. Finley, who was appointed for that pur- pose. It was organized as " The Second Congre- gational Church of Hardwick," and subsequently changed to Presbyterian form of government. The original members of the church were Abraham Hazen, Lovinia Hazen, William Cooke, Margaret Cooke,

.39

Southtown,

62 ...

300

1[MX)

2.4

690

WARREN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

James Cooke, John Stinson, Nicholas Boyce, Eliza- beth Stinson, Sarah A. Kennedy, Webley Edwards, Elizabeth Simpson Kennedy, and Elizabeth Pro- basco.

Rev. John Boyd succeeded Mr. Finley, preaching to this people on alternate Sabbaths, in the barn of Frederick Snover. The old barn is still standing, and is now owned by Jacob Mott, east of the village of Marksboro'. In 1815 a brick meeting-honse was built on the site of the present church building, and the record says: "Dec. 1, 1815, the walls of the brick church were up and the roof on." The furniture of the church consisted of a rude pulpit, and slab benches answered instead of carpeted pews. The church, however, was completed and dedicated by Mr. Boyd about the year 1822. Mr. Boyd was suc- ceeded in the ministry here by Rev. Jehiel Talmadge, who supplied the pulpit from 1820 to 1823, when Ben- jamin I. Lowe became pastor of this church, and with all his eccentricities, he remained till 1838, when he resigned his pastorate and went to Utah. The church was supplied for the next two years by Revs. T. B. Condit and Richard Graham. Rev. Jonathan H. Sherwood was the next pastor, and was installed June 26, 1839, and remained till Feb. 16, 1841. His suc- cessor was Rev. William C. McGee, who was installed as pastor of this church Nov. 16, 1841, and remained till his death, which occurred May 25, 1867. His re- mains were interred in cemetery at the "Yellow Frame" church. During Mr. McGee's pastorate, the old brick house of worship had become too small to accommodate the increased numbers of the congrega- tion, and was taken down, and the present commodi- ous and modernized house of worship built upon the same site. This meeting-house was built in 1859, and dedicated the same year, or early in 1860.

On Dec. 12, 1867, Rev. Joseph H. Thyne was in- stalled as pastor, and remained about fonr years, when the church was without a pastor or preaching for a year or more.

Rev. C. II. Rodney accepted a call from this church, and was duly installed May 7, 1872, and remained till November, 1878, and was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. R. J. Burtt, who was installed April 15, 1879, and divides his time between the church at Marksboro' and Hope.

In 1856 the society and congregation built the present Presbyterian chapel at Panlina. The parson- age house and lot was purchased in 1868.

The first elders of this church were James Cooke, Abraham Hazen, and Joseph Grier. The present officers of the church are Elders A. W. Cooke, Ira Kerr, Jacob Cooke, and Solomon F. Jennings ; Trus- tees, A. W. Cooke, George Cooke, William S. Van Horn, and George Simmons.

Present membership, 102; present value of church property, including church, chapel, and parsonage, $10,000. The Sunday-school connected with this church was organized in the first quarter of the

present century, and has at present 80 scholars on its rolls, with an average attendance of 60, with Alfred W. Cooke as superintendent.

THE JOHNSONBURG CHRISTIAN CHURCH*

was organized by Revs. Simon Clough and J. S. Thompson, July 15, 1826, with the following con- stituent members :

Isaac Read, John Mushback, Elizabeth O. Winterstein, Elizabeth Silver- thorn, Margaret Howell, Hannah Space, Savilla Jones, Samuel Drake, Mary Honeywell, Samnel Read, Philip C. Banghart, Garret Howell, Ananias C. Willett, Ira Kerr, Phebe Kerr, Thomas Bartron, Rachel Bar- tron, Achsah Creager, Mary Kerr, John Beach, Mary Beach, Michael Banghart, Elizabeth Banghart, John Cummins, Matthias Cummins, Mary Read, William Silverstein, Jolin Middlesworth, Sarah Middlesworth, Eli Wilson, Elizabeth Wilson, Levi Howell, Margaret Howell, Maria Com- mins, Jacob Cummins, William Sharp, Alice Stillwell.

The meetings were held in the Episcopal church. This organization was the result of the labors of Mrs. Abigail Roberts, who first came to this place in 1824, and was assisted by Revs. Clough and Thompson.

The following is the declaration made on the day of organization :

"We covenant together to take the Scriptures as our rule of Faith and Practice, and agree, as far as in ns lies, to walk by them. Allowing to each other the right of private judgment in matters pertaining to the Conscience."

The following is a list of the pastors and the length of their pastorate :

Rev. J. S. Thompson, ten years; Rev. John II. Currier, two years; Rov. Joseph K. Morris, one year. [There seems to be an interim of several years in which several supplied the pulpit.] Rev. G. F. Hauk took charge in 1845, and served six years ; Rev. Jolin S. Maxwell, four years; Rev. J. W. Hunter, three years; Rev. - Harvoy, one year ; Rev. J. D. Laner, six years; Rev. C. A. Beck, two years; Rev. John McGlauflin, four years; Rev. John N. Hicks, one year; Rev. George Tenney, three years; Rev. William G. Wade, one year; Rev. Henry J. Rhodes, three and one-half years, closing April I, 1881.

Oct. 6, 1838, the following were constituted a board of trustees : John Mushback, Charles Wintermute, Jonathan Jones, Eli Wilson, David Luse, Isaac H. Van Horn, and William Middlesworth ; after which it was voted to build a meeting-house. The work was delayed for several years; in fact, the building was not completed until 1848, on November 11th of which year it was dedicated, the sermon being delivered by Rev. William Lane. The same building is still in use, and in very good condition, having been built of limestone and upon a rock. It occupies a command- ing position in the south part of the village. In 1878, during the pastorate of H. J. Rhodes, a very conve- nient parsonage was built on the church grounds. The present membership of the church is 120, and the valuation of the property about $10,000.

The first Sunday-school was organized April 28, 1850, with Ira K. Wilson, superintendent, and James Straley, assistant, and 59 teachers and scholars. The average attendance for 1880 was about 40.

The church has enjoyed a few very precious re- vivals, which resulted in large accessions to the men- bership. During its existence it has had over 500

* By Rov. Henry J. Rhodos, pastor of the church in 1880.

691

FRELINGHUYSEN.

members. The first church clerk was Mr. John Mushback, who kept a complete record of every ser- viee and meeting held, the name of every minister who preached, and every text used. IFis record is complete until 1855. In 1838, Rev. Joseph Thomas, popularly known as "Tbe White Pilgrim," visited the church, preached one sermon, was immediately taken ill, and died. (See further mention on preceding pages of this township history.)

THE EBENEZER METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH,*

a neat frame structure, is located among the hills and fertile valleys of southern Frelinghuysen, about mid- way between Hope and Marksboro', two miles from Blairstown and three from Johnsonburg. It stands on a gently sloping hill in the midst of a thrifty, en- terprising farming community, and surrounded by a beautiful grove, whose refreshing shade invites many a passer to pause on summer Sabbaths.

The first meeting in the interest of a new church was held Feb. 4, 1859, in the White Stone school- house, about 200 yards from the site of the church. The object of this meeting was to appoint locating and building committees, which were composed as follows: Locating Committee, Fletcher Lummis, .John West, Philip S. Howell, Kinney Howell, and Ralph Titus. Building Committee, Fletcher Lummis, Thomas West, John West, James Kishpaugh, and Philip S. Howell. On motion of P. S. Howell it was decided that a meeting for the election of trustees should be called at once; also that the deed be exe- ented on the following Saturday.

The locating committee, after considering several eligible sites for the new church, finally chose a beau- tiful heavily-wooded lot consisting of one acre, which was generously donated by Thomas West, one who took a very deep interest in the enterprise, was the largest subscriber, and who has since passed to his reward.

In pursuance of a call issued in accordance with the New Jersey statutes, the people assembled in the school-house Feb. 17, 1859, for the purpose of elect- ing a board of trustees. The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. F. Lummis, after which Jacob AHen, Esq., was elected chairman, and F. Lummis, secretary. The election resulted in the choice of Thomas West, John West, Elisha Cook, James Kish- paugh, and Jonas H. Read, who were duly sworn in office by Jacob Allen, Esq.

At this meeting P. S. Howell withdrew from the building committee, and Elisha Cook clected in his stend. It was also decided in acknowledgment of the helping hand of the Lord to call the church " Eben- ezer"; and as at Ebenezer of old the Lord thundered with a great thunder upon the Philistines and discom- fited them, so at this Ebenezer it was hoped the thun- der of the gospel would discomfit and lead to repent- ance the unconverted of this community.

* ny Mr. John Wost, one of the stewards of the church.

The idea of a new church was first suggested by the incapacity of the school-house to accommodate the crowds that flocked to the meetings, and was forced upon the attention of the people by the school trus- tees closing the school-house in the midst of a revival meeting, which act, aggravating the feelings of the neighborhood, was a most fortunate affair for the church, as in consequence many per-ons contributed much more readily and liberally than they otherwise would.

The first meetings held in the White Stone school- house were in February, 1853, by Rev. Charles La- rew, of Hope charge, with which this society has since been connected. The meetings continued sixteen days, and resulted in the conversion of 8 persons. For two years following meetings were held by Rev. William Burroughs, during which time there were 8 conversions and a class of 15 members formed, with Jacob R. Let-on for leader. Meeting- were success- ively hehl by Revs. Martin Hurr, Caleb Maulsbury, and George O. Carmichael. Under the last named occurred 15 conversions, among whom were Harrison and Theodore Haggerty, now ministers in the New- ark Conference. In the spring of 1857, Rev. Fletcher Lummis assumed the pastorship for two years, and during the latter portion of this term the new edifice was commeneed and carried vigorously forward. Through the untiring efforts of Thomas and John West, who solicited subscriptions, and the generous liberality of the people, $1400 were quickly sub- scribed.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey, with Illustration and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 171

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