History of Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey, with Illustration and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 172

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 172
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 172

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Ziba Osmun gratuitously furnished the timber, and many of those interested turned out in great earnest and cut, scored, and hauled timber and lumber without charge. So assiduously was the work prosecuted that the corner-stone was laid in June by Rev. Griffin, of Vienna, on which occasion $100 were raised.

Six months later (December, 1859) the church was dedicated by Rev. Caleb Lippineott, assisted by Rev. D). Graves, when the people raised $400, which covered the whole indebtedness. Its cost was 82000. The present value of the church property is estimated at $3500.

Rev. 1. N. Vansant was the pastor in charge during the building of the church, and remained until the spring of 1861. Following him were W. G. Wiggins, two years; Garrett Vanhorn, one year ; Caleb Lip- pincott, two years; Cornelius Clark, three years; William B. Wigg, two years ; J. B. Heward, one year ; Henry Sitts, three years ; Jacob Tindall, three years ; J. O, Winner, one year; J. F. Dodd, one year, and R. Thomas, under whose ministrations 15 members were added to the church.

Since the date of organization there has been con- neeted with the church a flourishing Sabbath-school, of which the superintendents have been as follows : J. R. Letson, one year; P. S. Howell, one year ; I. 1 .. lowell, four years; Wm. Savacool, four years ; Savon Newman, one year ; and John West, ten years.

692

WARREN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF JOHNSONBURG.

Previous to the advent of the present century the old Methodist itinerants, ever on the lookout for a place in which to plant the standard of the Cross, wended their way along the intricate, winding paths, over moun- tains, across the plains, through streams, in sunshine and storm, finding here and there a place where to bear aloft the banner of their Master would be a bless- ing to their few hearers, who received the word spoken as eagerly as and with the seeming satisfaction that a hungry person receives food. Among the old pioneers of Methodism in this region were such men of ac- knowledged piety as Manning Force and George Banghart, who in their wanderings came to Johnson- burg and pitched their tent at the house of Amos Mann, about a quarter of a mile ont from what is now the village. Here they made an appointment, and Mann's became one of their preaching-places. An- other appointment was at the house of B. Shaver Kennedy, who lived out on the Allamuchy road. Preaching from time to time was kept up at these two places, which in time resulted in the formation of a " Methodist Class," and B. Shaver Kennedy and John Harris were in all probability the first class-leaders, with William Hibler, Mrs. Vasbinder, Isaac Dennis, Mrs. Hunt, and Mr. Vought among the pioneer mem- bers of the one or two classes thus formed.

Among the other and later itinerants who traveled this then long and wilderness circuit were such devout men as Hevenor, Winner, Best, Nicholas Albertson, - Newman, Richard Van Horn, and C. A. Lippin- cott.

Services were held in houses and barns in winter, and in groves in summer, for a number of years, till the old union or Episcopal church was built, when the Methodists were allowed a certain portion of the time in which to hold their services.

Methodism in Johnsonburg having been planted by men of God in good and honest hearts, it grew up and bore fruit to the honor of God, and in 1850, during the administration of Rev. Van Cleve, the so- ciety built their present church, at a cost of about $1500. Isaac Dennis donated the lot upon which the church stands, also gave $500 towards the building. The church was built by a Mr. Flomerfelt, and dedi- cated by Bishop Janes, and the ministerial supply has been by the Newark Methodist Episcopal Con- ference, most of the time in connection with some ad- jacent church. Revs. Burrows, Herr, Paul, Seran, Hayter, Tindall, Wombongh, Dodd, and Litts are among the number.

The present pastor, Rev. T. S. Haggerty, of the Newark Conference, has been in charge since April last (1880). The members of the church at present are represented in about thirty families. The Sab- bath-school is being sustained through the winter season and is prosperous. George C. Gearhart is the present superintendent.

YELLOW FRAME PRESBYTERIAN CHURCII,*

The Yellow Frame Presbyterian Church was or- ganized about the year 1763, by the Presbytery of New Brunswick.

The precise time of its organization cannot be as- certained, as there is no record of the transaction in the minutes of the Presbytery, and the church rec- ords previous to the year 1823 were destroyed in the burning of the house of Mr. Aaron Hazen, one of the elders of the church.

The Presbytery of Newton was formed in 1817. From that time until the present the church has been under the care of Newton Presbytery.

The original name of the Hackettstown Presbyte- rian Church was Hardwick, and when a Presbyterian church was organized near Johnsonburg (Log Jail), it was named the Upper Hardwick Presbyterian Church, and the Hardwick ( Hackettstown) Church was called Lower Hardwick. These names were re- tained by these respective churches until the year 1782, when the township of Independence, including the village of Hackettstown, was formed from the southern part of Hardwick township. The Lower Hardwick (Hackettstown) Church was then named the First Presbyterian Church of Independence, and the Upper Hardwick ( Yellow Frame) took the name of the Hardwick Presbyterian Church.

The church was not incorporated until April, 1841, when it took the corporate name of "The First Pres- byterian Church of Hardwick."

In May, 1859, the corporate name of the church was changed from that of "The First Presbyterian Church of Hardwick" to that of " The Yellow Frame Presbyterian Church."+

The original church edifice, which was doubtless a log building and of rude structure, stood on the south side of the road leading from Johnsonburg to Greensville, distant about a mile from the first-named village.

No record seems to have been made in the minutes of the New Brunswick Presbytery of the names of ministers appointed to organize the church, but it is well established by tradition that the Rev. William Tennent, Jr., took part in this service.

The present church edifice was completed in 1786, its erection having been begun in 1784. It is a frame build- ing, originally nearly square, having the pulpit, which was high and contracted, on the west side, entrance being at the south and east. The building was re- paired and remodeled in the summer of 1841, at an expense of about $1200. The pulpit was at this time changed from the west side of the building to the

# By the pastor, Rev, R. B. Foresman.

+ The name derived from the fact of the church building being a frame and painted yellow when completed.

# The present "Yellow Frame" is the lineal successor of the old " Log Meeting-house" at Durk Moon. The first " Yellow Frame" was built in 1786, as indicated by the date on the old weather-vane, in the possession of the church until a few yeurs past.

693

FRELINGHUYSEN.

north end, and the gallery and seats altered and the building painted throughout.

In the summer and autumn of 1858 an addition was built on the north end of the edifice as a vesti- bule, crowned with a tower in which has recently been put a fine-toned Maneely bell, a gift from Mr. Levi Lanning, one of the ruling elders of this church.

At this time some changes were made in the audi- ence-room, the walls were handsomely frescoed, and the building repainted and tastefully refurnished. The expense incurred was $1337.

In the summer of the year 1874 the building was again tastefully frescoed and repainted within, and the pews handsomely cushioned, at an expense of about $1200.

No record has been found of exercises hell at the laying of corner-stones, or at the dedication of either of the church edifices.

The names of the original members cannot be as- certained. Among the names of those originally con- nected with the church were perhaps those of Allen, Armstrong, Cook, Green, Dyer, Hazen, Lanning, Linn, Shater, Roy, Hunt, and Reeder.

The church was served for a time after its organiza- tion by supplies appointed by the Presbytery of New Brunswick.

The Rev. Francis Peppard was the first pastor of this church. He was installed pastor of the Upper and Lower Hardwick churches April, 1773, and con- tinned to serve these churches until May, 1783.

The Rev. Daniel Thatcher supplied the church for a time after the release of the Rev. Mr. Peppard, but for the most part the church was dependent upon or- casional supplies until October, 1786, when the Rev. Ira Condit was appointed stated supply. He was or- dained and installed pastor of the churches of Hard- wick, Newton, and Shappenach in November, 1787.

Mr. Condit's pastoral relation to this church con- tinued until October, 1793, when it was dissolved, and he was dismissed to the Classis of New Brunswick of the Reformed Dutch Church.

From this time until November, 1803, the church was without a pastor, being served by supplies ap- pointed by Presbytery.

From November, 1803, to October, 1812, the Rev. John Boyd was pastor of the churches of Hardwick and Newton, serving them on alternate Sabbaths.

From October, 1812, until June, 1824, the church was again served by supplies appointed by Presby- tery.

In June, 1824, the Rev. Benjamin I. Lowe was in- stalled pastor of the churches of Hardwick, Marks- boro', and Stillwater.

Mr. Lowe's pastoral relation to the Hardwick Church continued until October, 1837, and was greatly blessed; during his pastorate 117 were received upon profession of faith, and 31 by certificate from other churches.

The Rev. Samuel B. Ayers, now of Tallula, II.,

was stated supply of the church for a short time after Mr. Lowe.

The Rev. John Sherwood was ordained and in- stalled pastor of the churches of Hardwick and Marks- boro', June, 1839, and served until February, 1841, when he removed to Milford, N. J., where he died soon after.

Rev. William C. McGee was installed pastor of the two churches Oct. 20, 1841, having ministered to these churches about six months previous to his in- stallation.

Mr. McGee continued to serve these churches faith- fully and acceptably until his relation to them was severed by his death, May 25, 1867. He was, there- fore, their pastor for a period of twenty-five years and seven months.

For about a year after Mr. McGee's death the church remained vacant, being supplied by appointment of Presbytery every alternate Sabbath.

Until this time the church had always been asso- ciated with a neighboring church or churches in the support of a pastor.

The congregation now felt that their interests would be best promoted by having a pastor for the whole of his time. An effort was therefore made. and a sum deemed adequate for the comfortable support of a pastor for the whole of his time was pledged.

The Rev. William C. Stitt was called to the pas- torate of the church under this new arrangement, and was installed May, 1868. Mr. Stitt continued the faithful and beloved pastor of this church until April, 1872, when he was released to accept a call from the Reformed Church of Piermont, N. Y.

The present pastor, the Rev. Robert B. Foresman, began his labors in this church on the first Sabbath of January, 1873, and was installed pastor May 15, 1873. The present membership of the church is 112. The Rev. William C. McGee was the first superintendent of the church Sabbath-school. The Rev. R. B. Fores- man is the present superintendent.

The Yellow Frame Presbyterian Sabbath-school, which meets near the church on Sabbath morning before publie worship, is small, on account of many of the families of the congregation residing quite a distance from the church. Its number of pupils is about 35. There are four other Sabbath-schools in the bounds of the congregation, where children of the congregation attend. The whole number of Sabbath- school children in the families of the congregation is about 125.

The property belonging to this congregation con- sists of the main church edifice, which is a substan- tial, commodious, and comfortable building, in good repair, and neatly furnished. A large cemetery, which is kept in good repair. A comfortable church building in Johnsonsburg, erected in 1851, at an ex- pense of about $1700, which has recently been re- painted and otherwise repaired. A half interest in a commodious and well-furnished chapel at Greensville.

694

WARREN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

A large and comfortable parsonage building, with a good barn and wagon-shed, to which is attached four acres of good land. The parsonage property was gen- erously donated to the congregation, June, 1871, by Levi Lanning, one of the elders of the church.

The congregation have an invested fund of about $500 for the purpose of keeping the parsonage prop- erty in good repair.

The church property is unencumbered, and is worth, including the fund, about $9500.

VIII .- CEMETERIES.

There are five plats of ground in this township occupied as public burial-places,-one at Marksboro', on the north side of the township, one on the north- east side of the township, at the Presbyterian ( Yellow Frame) church, one on the south, the fourth on the east of the village of Johnsonburg, and the fifth is the old

DARK MOON BURYING-GROUND.

This is also known as the " Dyer burying-ground," as a man by the name of Dyer owned the land in that neighborhood.

In this ancient city of the dead lie the remains of many of the pioneers of this valley and the hills sur- rounding it. These are the grand- and great-grand- fathers of the present generation of people inhabit- ing this part of the township and adjoining country. Among the inscriptions still legible are the following :

"Here lies the body of Anne Reeder, the - of Benjamin Reeder, who departed this life in the 25th year of her age, June 25th, 1769."

This is the oldest date, no doubt, and is cut on a thin slate stone of a shelly nature, from which time or the rude hands of man have removed several chips. Another stone was a mere fragment, lying upon the sod, and of the inscription the date only (" 1772") remains.

" Mary, daughter of John and Anne Wright, aged 17 years. Died July 4th, 1791.

" In faith she died, in dust she lies, But faith foresees that dust shall rise, When Jesus calls, while hope illumes, And boasts her joy among the tombe."

" Thomas Allen, died 27th January, 1796, aged 65 years."

" Anne Hunt, wife of Abran Hunt, died Nov. 16, 1796, aged 26 years 9 months and 20 days. Mouru not, dear friende, for me-for why-my race is run, because it was the will of God. So let his will be done." "John Wright, died 1797."

" M. Luse, died February 8th, 1796.

" My race ie run, My time is spent, No mortal soul Can death prevent."

" Moses Hazen, died October 11th, 1799, aged 23 years."

"In memory of Isaac Lanning, Seu., Elder of Hardwick Church, died August 30, 1811, iu the 64th year of hie ago."

IX .- INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.

The pioneer mills of what is now Frelinghuysen were built by the Armstrongs and Thomsons. Wil- liam Armstrong built the original grist-mill at Paulina about the year 1768 or 1770. There has been a grist- mill on the same site ever since, and is now operated

by Jonah Crisman. Mr. Armstrong also had a grist- mill at Johnsonburg prior to the Revolutionary war, on the site of the mill now owned by Samuel Harden. He also owned a grist-mill at Marksboro' at the same time he owned the others.

Uzal O. Howell built a saw-mill on the Vasbinder property, at the outlet of Glover's Pond, previous to 1775. A saw-mill is still in operation on the same site, now owned by J. W. Vashinder. Farther down the creek is the saw-mill, bending-shop, and distillery of the Howell Brothers. In the south corner of the i township, at a small hamlet called "Shiloh," is a grist- and saw-mill owned and operated by C. W. Ribble, on Albertson Creek. A short distance east of Marks- boro' is the cider-mill and distillery of C. Shuster. The grist-mill at Marksboro', built one hundred and twenty years ago, is now owned and operated by Jacob C. Van Horn.

X .- PROMINENT MEN.

Col. Mark Thomson and Judge Armstrong were probably the most prominent men of their time in this township. George Mushback was elected sheriff in 1825, and was afterwards judge of the county. William Armstrong was elected sheriff in 1860.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

LEVI LANNING.

Levi Lanning is one of the oldest residents of Fre- linghuysen township, Warren Co., N. J., and was born Oct. 31, 1799.

His grandfather, Richard Lanning, resided near the Yellow Frame Presbyterian church of Hardwick, and was one of the founders of that church, about 1780. He was a farmer by occupation, and lived there when the country was new, and probably prior to the Revo- lutionary war. His wife was a Miss Hunt, who bore him the following children : Richard, Edward, John, Katy, wife of Samuel Strond, and Rebecca, wife of Mr. Bebout.

On account of his lameness he was not called to serve as a soldier in the war, but on one occasion he was compelled to take a load of provisions to Sara- toga, when the struggle was going on.

His son Edward was father of our subject, was born May 15, 1764, and married, April 1, 1792, Jane, a daughter of Michael Smith. She was born Jan. 18, 1768, and lived to be over ninety years of age. He died in the seventy-seventh year of his age.

Soon after his marriage, Edward Lanning purchased about one hundred and four acres of land in what is now Frelinghuysen township, to which he subse- quently made additions of land, owning in all, for a homestead, three hundred acres. Most of this land he cleared of its timber and prepared for crops, and upon it he spent the remainder of his life. He was

Levi Lannunz

Daniel Vliet

DANIEL VLIET is a grandson of Cornelius and Eleanor Vliet, who were early residents near New Germantown, N. J. They had two children,-John, a tanner by trade, who settled in Brooklyn, N. Y., where his descendants still reside, and Abraham M., the father of the subject of this sketch.

The latter was born on Feb. 20, 1797, and on June 20, 1822, married Ann, daughter of George and Mary Biles, of Hope township. She was born on Nov. 22, 1801. Of this union were born the following children,-namely, Eleanor M., born Aug. 23, 1823, widow of W. H. Cook, of Frelinghuysen township; Margaret, born March 10, 1825, widow of Jonathan Lundy, of the same township ; Sarah E. Y., born July 4, 1827, wife of Gideon L. Albertson, of Hope town- ship; William D., born Jan. 24, 1829, farming in Mansfield township; Edna, born Aug. 28, 1831, died March 30, 1834; and Daniel, born Sept. 13, 1833. Abraham M. Vliet passed the earlier years of his life as a bound boy in Independence township. Upon at- taining his majority he worked on the farm of Jacob Cummins, of that township, for three and a half years, then on the " Widow Stewart" farm, near Newton, N. J., for six years, and on that of Nathan Drake, in the same locality, for three years. In the spring of 1832 he purchased the farm at present occupied by Daniel Vliet, in Frelinghuysen township, where he passed his days as a farmer, and where he died in February, 1868.

He was a man of quite unostentatious habits, a Demoerat in polities, though no seeker after place, and for many years a strong pillar in the Union Methodist Church in his locality. His wife died on Jan. 4, 1874.

Daniel Vliet was born on the farm which he now occupies on the date indicated above, and enjoyed the usual advantages of a farmer's son, attending the district school in the winter season and being trained to habits of industry during the summer. He assumed the management of the home-farm in 1860, and upon the death of his father came into possession of it, where he has continued to reside. The tract now comprises two hundred and thirty-six acres of land, besides seventeen acres which he owns in the adjoining township of Hope. Mr. Vliet is recognized as one of the leading farmers in his section of country, and is universally respected for his enterprise, thrift, and reetitude of character. His buildings are all good and well arranged, his fences substantially and handsomely built, and his fields carefully irrigated and tilled. The products of his farm frequently receive special recog- nition, by way of premiums, at the fairs of Warren and adjoining counties. He has confined his life-work entirely to agricultural pursuits, and, while an ardent Democrat, has persistently refused political place. He. is a director in the Merchants' National Bank of Newton, N. J., and has been for a number of years a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 23, A. F. and A. M., of that place.

Mr. Vliet has been twice married. His first wife was Maria E., daughter of Robert Ayers, of Freling- huysen township, whom he married in 1860, and who died Sept. 12, 1864, leaving one child, Arna M. Vliet, who is still living. His present wife is Mary E., daughter of Alexander and Rachel Decker, of Blairs- town, to whom he was united in 1866. By this mar- riage have been born Abraham M. Vliet, and Rosa E., Emma D., Anna E., and Mary E. Vliet.

695

FRELINGHUYSEN.

one of the early members of the Yellow Frame Church (so also was his wife), and for many years he served as elder.

He belonged to the party of reform in politics, and was quite active in all matters in any way affecting his township and county. He served as one of the board of committeemen for many years. Upon his decease he left a large property to his children, which he had accumulated by his own industry and good management.

llis children are Richard, born Feb. 10, 1793; Jere- miah, born July 3, 1794; David, born Sept. 11, 1795; Isaac, born April 23, 1797 ; Levi, born as above stated ; Peggy, born Sept. 18, 1801; Sarah, born March 28, 1803, widow of the late Charles Dodder, of Stillwater; Huldah, born Feb. 9, 1805, became the wife of Henry Teel, of Hardwick ; Edward, born Oct. 16, 1806; and Hannah, born Sept. 5, 1810, became the wife of Ste- phen (. Hart, of Green town-hip.

Levi was never married. By purchase he became the possessor of the old homestead, upon which he has resided since his birth, and now, in his eighty- second year of age, retains the faculties of mind and body to a very remarkable degree. He is one of the most prominent and influential farmers in his town- ship, and is among the most liberal contributors to benevolent and charitable objects.

For nearly sixty years he has been a member of the church of his forefathers, and for a score or more years he has officiated as elder. Among his local do- nations have been the following : In 1876 he presented a bell to the church of which he is a member, and about 1870 he purchased and gave the same church a parsonage property.

Mr. Lanning has always been interested in the af- fairs of his township, and for about threescore years has officiated as one of its committeemen. He was formerly a member of the Whig party, and upon the organization of the Republican party adopted its principles.

Mr. Lanning has lived to an honorable old age, and is highly esteemed by all who know him for his manly qualities, his generosity, his help to the deserving poor, and for his sterling moral and Christian princi- ples. Upon the organization of the Merchants' Na- tional Bank of Newton he was one of its original stockholders.

WILLIAM S. VAN HORN.

The subject of this sketch represents one of the old stock families of Warren County. His grandfather, Wm. Van Horn, came from Holland about the year 1760, necompanied by a brother, and located at New Egypt, N. J. Ile subsequently removed to what was then Ilnrdwick township. Su-sex Co., N. J., but now the township of Frelinghuysen, Warren Co., and en- gaged in the purchase and sale of live-stock, selling a

great deal in Canada. He is supposed to have been murdered along the St. Lawrence River, in Canada, about the year 1778, and was never heard of after- wards. His children were Cornelius, Matthew, Abra- ham, James, George, Ruth, and Anna.

WILLIAM S. VAN HORN.

George Van Horn, father of our subject, was born in Frelinghuysen township, on Oct. 14, 1771. He married Levina, daughter of Samson Howell, on Aug. 24, 1811, and had children,-Wm. S., born Aug. 19, 1812; Isaac II., born March 10, 1814; David G., born Oct. 8, 1816; Abraham S., born March 27, 1819; and George, born April 20, 1822. Mr. Van HIorn was prominently identified with the interests of his local- ity for many years. Ile was for sixteen years a con- stable in the township, and twelve years a justice of the peace. He performed active service in the war of 1812, and was a brigade inspector at Sandy Hook.

William S. Van Horn was born on Aug. 19, 1812, and passed the earlier years of his life on his father's farm. At the age of twenty-three he was seized with a desire to travel and see more of the world, and, after traveling throughout the greater part of the l'nited States, he shipped in 1836, as steward, on board of a merchant-vessel sailing from Philadelphia, and until 1845 visited the principal commercial ports of the world. In that year he returned home, and, locating on one hundred and eighty-four acres of land which his father gave him, he began the life of a farmer, clearing up the place, erecting new buildings and fences, and making it one of the best farms in the township. Here Mr. Van Horn has since remained, engaged in agricultural pursuits. lle is a Republi- can in politics, though no office-seeker, and exerts a

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History of Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey, with Illustration and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 172

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