History of Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey, with Illustration and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 72

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 72
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 72

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It is thought that as late as 1780 there were not more than seventy families in the town. As these families may very properly be considered as ancestors to the rising generation, a catalogue of their names will very appropriately begin this part of our history. It will at least serve as a respectful inscription to their memory and a pleasing relic to their descend- ants. A threefold division in time will mark with sufficient accuracy the periods when they settled in this region.

Ist. Those who were here one hundred and forty years ago or more were the Messrs. Decker, Cort- wright, Winfield, Titsworth, Middaugh, Cuddabaeh, Westbrook, Wilson, Adams, Wyker, Brink, Koykin- dall, Crowell, Beemer.

2d. Those who were here one hundred years ago were the Messrs. Strader or Strouder, Criger, Conulus, Snook, Kymer, Bockover, Sebold, De Witt, De Puy, Cox, McCoy, Roloson, Collum, Skellinger, Longcor, Elston, Davenport, Cole, Rittenhouse, Chimers, Ayres, Sayre, Vanfleet, Gomo, Martin, Hains, Swazy, Lewis, Colt, Tims, Hough, Casky, Stephens, Nightengill, Newman, Westfall.

3d. Those whose settlement in this region will range from eighty to one hundred years ago were the Messrs. Vansickle, Swartz, Rutan, Wintermute, Carr, Rogers, Watson, Havens, Phillips, Dunning, Crowell, Comp-

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ton, Baxter, Vanauken, Struble, Dunn, Williams, of the family was Moses Dewitt, who served in the In- Shepherd, Quick, Richards, Smith, Evans, Rosen- crantz.

The descendants of these families are to a great extent resident in this region, and constitute a large majority of the inhabitants of Wantage.

The whole line of settlements along the Wallkill up to this point, with few exceptions, and along the Rosendall until we reach the Delaware in that direc- tion, are two limbs of the same parent stock, the root of which must be sought in the countries of Europe. The carly emigrants comprising the series of settle- ments alluded to are, with few exceptions, either of Dutch or French origin, as their names sufficiently indicate.

A l'ew German families found their way here di- reetly from Germany. There are also in the township several families-a few that are ancient, and some more recent-who are descended from the Pilgrim Fathers, who lled to this country for the love of civil and religious liberty.

The first white settler of whom any authentic facts are known was Peter Deeker, who came from the Neversink settlement in 1740 and chose a spot of ground where now stands the growing village of Deckertown." Upon this he erected a log abode, which was occupied during his lifetime, and passed by descent to his son, who also made it his residence. Peter Decker is the progenitor of all the family of the name now residing in the township. Joseph, one of his sons, resided early at the Clove, where he erected the first grist-mill and was an extensive farmer. His children were Bofdewine, Abram, William, Famitje, and Margaret. The sons lived and died in the town- ship. Famitje married Ephraim Kilpatrick, grand- father of Gen. Judson Kilpatrick, and Margaret was united to Seth Wickham. Bowdewine, one of the sons, was, during his lifetime, a prominent citizen of Wantage. John B. Decker, a venerable resident of the township, is a great-grandson of Peter and a son af Bowdewine Decker.

William Titsworth ( formerly spelled Titsoord), the earliest representative of a pioneer Wantage family, with his household, escaped from the massacre in Schenectady, N. Y., and by invitation of friendly Minisink Indians removed to a home situated on the elbow of the Neversink. On June 3, 1700, he re- ceived a deed of land from the Indians during his residence there. While the French and Indian war was in progress he left the Neversink settlement and located in Wantage, upon land where his descendants have since resided. Among the latter are William, Wallace W., and Alfred, who are all residing upon ancestral estates.

The Dewitt family enme early to the township, and located on the Jacob W. Dewitt farm. The pioneer

dian wars and participated in the Minisink slaughter, in which he displayed marked bravery. He was a captain of militia, and a considerable landowner in the township. Jacob and Soferein Dewitt located in Wantage, and Samuel removed to the West. The family is still largely represented in the township. Evi Dewitt is one of the oldest residents of Wantage, being now in his ninety-second year. Moses and Jacob are also prominent citizens of the county. There are twenty-four grandchildren, most of whom reside on adjacent lands.

Capt. Elias Cooper was a native of Fishkill, N. Y., and became a resident of Sussex County in April, 1812. His maternal uncle, Dominie Elias Van Ben- schoten, owned large landed estates and other prop- erty, which came by inheritance to Capt. Cooper. The representatives of the family now in Wantage are John J. Cooper, Dr. Charles A. Cooper, and Dr. Daniel W. Cooper. Dr. Charles A. Cooper, who is a son of the captain, for a score of years followed his profession in the township.

Among other prominent physicians of an early date were Drs. Berret Havens, John Titsworth, and Alex- ander Linn,

Moses Coykendall was born in 1767, and came early to the township. He married Hannah, daughter of Samuel Decker, and had many children. The late Simeon Coykendall, attorney, of Deekertown, was his grandson. Many representatives of the family still reside in the township.,

Samuel Coykendall was born near Beemerville in 1752, and served with distinction throughout the Rev- olutionary war. His son, Gabriel Coykendall, is still a resident of Deckertown.

The Martin family were early residents of Middlesex County, from whence they emigrated to the southern portion of the township, the pioneer of the family having been Humphrey Martin. The representatives of this family have for many generations been actively identified with the progress of the township. A more detailed sketch of its members will be found else- where.

James Cuddeback was a descendant of an ancient Dutch family of Esopus, and first settled in Wantage in 1770. Ile came from Minisink and selected a small tract of land, where he built his cabin of logs. He then brought his Dutch wife and began the work of clearing the wilderness. He was famous as a hunter and trapper, and would frequently start for a can- paign of three months in the forests of the Delaware. Ile would invariably return laden with bear, wolf, and other skins of much value as the trophies of his skill, the proceeds of which assisted in the payment of his lands. Hle later raised large quantities of wheat. The first market for that commodity was at Goshen. Several farmers would join together for protection and go down with six or eight loads. By industry and close economy he bought and paid for

* Edsall, In his " Contennial Address," gives the date of 1731 As the Ilme of Poter Dockor's advent in Wantage.

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tract after tract, until he got together about 400 acres. After his first cabin got old and he had paid for his land he concluded to build a new one, and did erect a spacious mansion for the times. It was about 16 by 24, two stories high, with a cellar under it, built of hewn logs. He also bought and owned the Perry mill-property. His last purchase was a large tract of land in the Holland Purchase, on Lake Ontario, where his sons moved after his death. The home- stead remained for a long time in the hands of his executors, but was finally purchased by Lewis Whit- aker.

George Backster was an early settler, and followed his profession of surveying, in which his services were much in demand. Until 1800 the meadow in front of his house was a vast swamp and a secure refuge for bears, wolves, and other animals. Through the in- dustry of its owner it was later converted into a fruit- ful field. Mr. and Mrs. Backster both died during 1817, and were interred in the same grave.

The farm adjoining Mr. Backster's was settled at an early day by a Mr. Pierce, who sold his improvement to a Mr. Southworth, and he to Abram Coursen, a tanner by trade, who, having capital and enterprise, improved the place rapidly, built a large dwelling- house, barn, and the necessary buildings for carrying on his trade. Mr. Coursen conducted his business on an extensive scale, bark having been plenty and no tannery was then nearer than Newton. He also em- ployed a large force of skilled laborers to work up the leather for customers. The supply of water was furnished by a spring not far distant, which also con- veyed it to the dwelling by means of an aqueduct.

George McCoy came from Bucks Co., Pa., in 1754, purchased land, and erected upon it a log cabin. His first clearing was a tract of land on the east and south side of the meadow, in front of the house, and the sandy gravelly vales where he cultivated his corn, wheat, and other grains necessary for family use. Being away from ready markets, it was natural to re- sort to every available means to defray eurrent ex- penses, and, game being plenty and furs high and light to carry, he devoted his time to hunting and trapping. Being uncommonly expert at such busi- ness, he realized large sums for his peltry, as it was then called.

Among the settlers on the west side of the Papa- kating was a family named Smith, embracing the patriarch of the tribe and his nephews, Hector and Malcom Smith. They at once erected their log cabin and improved the land surrounding it. Hector for many successive seasons taught school in a building on the west bank of the brook. The last time he taught, when engaged in his usual routine of duty, he was closing the exercises for the day ; while giving out the spelling-lesson he fell from his chair with a scream and groan that like a shock of electricity af- fected the whole school. Many ran off screaming, and others, with more fortitude, stayed by him until

the neighbors came and bore him home. He revived from the paralytic shock, and lived some months afterwards. His nephew, Malcom, raised a family, and died about 1800.

The Dunn family were early represented in the township, Daniel, the first to locate in the county, having come from Piscataway, N. J., before the Rev- olution and located on a tract of land now owned by Oscar Dunn, and which has been generally known as the homestead. Charlotte, the wife of Nicholas Cox, is a granddaughter of Daniel Dunn, and resides in the township.

Zachariah Hoffman located in Wantage soon after the Revolutionary war, near what is known as Van Sickletown. He married Sarah De Witt, to whom four children were born,-James, Zachariah, Corne- lius, and Mary. James continued his residence in Wantage, where his descendants still live. Zacha- riah, who died in the township, was the father of Ira D. Hoffman. Horace D. Hoffman and Mrs. Thomas N. Roloson are children of Ira D. Hoffman.

Samuel Whitaker was born in Unionville, N. Y., in 1796, having been au early merchant at Beemerville, and later at Deckertown, where his death occurred in 1871. He was a man of much influence in the latter place, which owed much of its progress to his business energy. He was early married to Miss Margaret Adams, of Wantage, and two of his children now re- side in Deckertown,-Jonathan A. Whitaker and Mrs. Jacob E. Hornbeck. .

The Kilpatrick family, of which Gen. Judson Kil- patrick is a distinguished representative, are among the oldest settlers in Wantage. The members of this family are further referred to elsewhere.

The Wilson family are of Scotch descent, and have resided for many years in the township. Andrew Wilson, the earliest representative, was born in Scot- land, and emigrated to America in early life. He served in the battle of Ticonderoga, was badly wounded, and retired to Wantage, where he followed farming pursuits. He had fifteen children, a portion of whom settled in the township. Most of the family followed farming pursuits, and for a succession of years cultivated the same land. Many of its mem- bers still reside in the township.

Soferein Westbrook came from Kingston and lo- cated upon the place now occupied by Jacob West- brook. His son John, better known as the " Blind Captain," served with credit in the war of the Revo- lution. The homestead has been for many years in possession of the family.

John McCoy, a brother of George, already men- tioned, came from Bucks Co., Pa., at the same time, and chose land on the east side of the Papakating stream. The following graphic description of his set- tlement, and the primitive methods employed in the construction of the early dwelling, given by his grand- son, Simeon McCoy, and written nearly thirty years ago, will be of cspecial interest here:

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" My grandfather, John, chose The enst side of the stream, and George the west side, opposite nearly to each other. John built his first log house on the rock now covered by William McCoy'e granary und carriage- house, and began clearing up the land to rafer something to support bit- self and rising family ; and by Industry and perseverunre the forest was opened around him, and In a few years he had quite on improvement, so that he began to have herds of cattle, und flocks of sheep, and horses. He had also sons and daughters to help indoors and out. Others coming in, the settlement advanced; produce and all kinds of stock commanded a high price, and was bought up and driven away by speculators beyond the mountains south of the valley. After paying for his first tract he took up another, and as his means increased he bought more land, until he had abont 1000 acres all in one body, and he, like the patriarchs of old, in the centre, his sons and danghters settled around him. As his fun- fly Increased and grow up be found his log house was too small for their accommodation, and be built onother nent to the first, leaving a passage of 5 or 6 feet between them, through which, and mounting up a ladder, they entered the chambers through a passage made by enwing off the logs; the shingle roofs wore joined together, so as to cover the passage- way between them. They were not costly mansions, yet the erectlon of one did require two skillful axemen, one on each corner, to ent the notch and fit them to their place. I have boon to several such raisings In my boyish duys. After the neighbors had assisted the ownor in laying up the logs the shingles were prepared by selecting some giant red-oak In the forest that was sound and straight-rifted, as the shingle-men called it. It was cut down, sewed in shingle longths, split into bolts, and with a tool enlled n froe split and shaved fit for putting on the roof. A car- penter was then called to put them on, make the doors and windows, lay the floors, etc. The owner and his boys did the mason-work by chinking between the loge with split pieces of wood, plustering over with clay, lay- ing up a wide back with stones as high as the benms, and carrying the chimney above the roof with split sticks fuld in clay montar, and well plastored with the same. Generally there were no jums; the back pru- jected six or eight inches inward, and a large stone hearth joined up to the back ; thos they saved all the room, and a log could be rolled on as big na three or four stout boys could bundle, -- and thus in o fow days after the lugs were on the ground the house could be built und occupied. His barn and stables were Inrge, built of logs, and the roof made of straw, as was the custom In those days. He built the first saw-mill ever erected In this settlement, and had a complete monopoly of that kind of business for tanny years. In the house thus described he lived to n good old age, and saw his children sottled around him on Innds purchased by their joint efforts solely by agricultural pursuits. He settled his oldest non ou the farm now owned by James Shelley. My father, Samuel, went on what was called the Brown place, where the Widow McCoy now lives. He built a house for his son John where J. W. McCoy now lives, and his son Junes settled on what they called the bog-meadow pharo, now owned by Robert Mubco. He retained his homestend till near his death, and super- Intended his business, which ho carried on largely, especially in breeding hne horses amt cuttle, I can remember of bis having many colts running In the fields unbroken until they were four or five years ohl. He was of Scotch descent, has no euration, but showed his nationality in every trait of his character ; of n robuust Irume and constitution ; quick of np- prehension, shrewd in business transactions, indefatigable in accomplish- ing his purposes; a true Whig and bitter enemy of the Tories in Rtovo- Intionary times. Ho suffered great losses by the young government; his llocks and bords were driven off to support the army fighting for Hberty, und never got compensation for them in money. A few years before his death ho destred his son John to come nud build a house and live with him; which request was complied with, and they built the house where William MeGay now lives. Before it was fairly completed he died Inter- tute, and his large estate was divided among his children under the law giving sons two slinres and danglitory one."

Dr. Heman Allen came from Orange County in 1821 and located near Deckertown. He was a phy- sician, enjoying a large practice, and also followed farming pursuits. He continued his professional la- bors until ill health compelled their relinquishment, when he retired to private life, and died in his eighty- first year. Ilis daughter, Mrs. Sanford Lench, still resides in Wantage .*

Samuel Shelley came from Morris County before the Revolution, and was employed by Bowdewine Decker as a tanner and currier. He later ocenpied a farm, now owned by James Cox, in the southern portion of the township, where he conducted a tannery. Mr. Shelley afterwards purchased the property now owned by Simon Wilson, and at a later date moved upon the farm at present occupied by Mrs. Samuel Van Druff. He was a man of migratory habits, and made a final removal to the farm now owned by his son, James Shelley, in this township. llis death occurred in Sparta, in his one hundred and second year. But two children, a son and a daughter, now reside in the township.

The progenitor of the Ayres family in Wantage was Levi Ayres, who came from Basking Ridge and located in the township, where Enoch Ayres now lives. He erected, about 1755, a dwelling one story in height, filled in with chinking, with boards for ceiling and a fireplace eight feet wide. It also had two large stone chimneys, and hand-made nails were used in its con- struction. Here the family have for years resided. This structure was demolished in 1854, and a modern dwelling erected by Enoch Ayres in its stead, which is his present residence. Levi Ayres had four sons,- Levi, Edward, Israel, and Enoch,-all of whom lived and died in the township. The sons of Levi were Is- rael, Levi, Isaac, David, Edward, and Caleb. The sons of Edward were Enoch (one of the lay judges of the county), John, Jehial, and Edward. The sons of Israel were Elisha, Selah, and Israel. The sons of Enoch were John, William, Thomas, Squire, Enoch, and Jefferson. Each had daughters, most of whom married. There are now living in Wantage William and Enoch Ayres, the sons of David, and the children of Levi and William.

Charles Roloson, one of the early settlers of Wan- tage, was of Dutch descent, and resided on the farm occupied by his son, the late Isaiah Roloson. He was the parent of a numerous family of children, whose descendants are now residents of the township. John V. Roloson, the son of Henry, resides at Beemerville, and others of the family are located near Mount Salem.

The Hornbeck family are of Dutch extraction, and early sought a home in Sussex County. The pioneer to Wantage was Philip Hornbeck, whose son Jacob was one of the early and prominent physicians of the township, and resided during a portion of his life in Sandyston, and also in Montague. He was also a member of the Legislature. Jacob married Esther, daughter of fapt. John I. Westbrook. Their children who reached mature years were John W., Maria, Elizabeth, Cornelius, Margaret, and Jacob E. The latter is a prominent citizen of Deckertown.

The Shepherd family were early residents of the Minisink region. Abram Shepherd fell a victim to the Indian depredations in 1755. His son James, an early blacksmith at Deckertown, purchased later a

* Sro biography of Dr. Allen In chapter upon the " Medle al Profession of Sussex County," In this work,

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tract of land 23 miles southeast of the village, where he pursued his vocation, and also became a tiller of the soil. He was the grandfather of George Shep- herd, the present occupant of the homestead, which was erected in 1806 and occupied for years by Henry, father of the latter gentleman. The children of Henry are Jesse, George, Fanny, Lavinia, Lydia Ann, and Mary. The latter two reside at Unionville.

Petrus Swarts was of Holland lineage, and settled in Ulster Co., N. Y., near Kingston, where he died in 1735, leaving five sons and six daughters. One of the sons, Baltus by name, came to Sussex County about 1780, and engaged in farming pursuits, which were followed until his death. Of his large family of chil- dren, Jacob Swarts was the eldest. He resided during his lifetime in Montague, where his death occurred in 1879.

William Mott came from Monmouth Co., N. J., in 1755, and, having purchased a tract of land, erected a log cabin. He was an industrious and successful farmer and a skillful hunter and trapper. Mr. Mott had two daughters, whose children, together with an adopted son, inherited the property which was after- wards purchased by Simeon McCoy.

The Cooke family, though not among the oldest set- tlers in Wantage, merit, from their prominence, a word in this history. Rev. Sylvester Cooke was born in Massachusetts, Aug. 25, 1799, was graduated at Am- herst College, and ordained to the ministry in 1829. In 1843 he received a call to the Clove Church, where he remained until 1871, when increasing infirmities rendered his retirement necessary after a pastorate of twenty-eight years.

Mr. Cooke had five sons, all of whom entered the service of the government during the war, and two of whom are buried in the cemetery of the Clove Church. Frederick A. died in the service, June 13, 1864, at the age of twenty-six, while an officer of the Second New Jersey Cavalry. Edwin F. rose to the rank of colonel and brevet brigadier-general, and died at San- tiago, Chili, Aug. 6, 1867, while secretary of the United States legation under Gen. Kilpatrick, from disease contracted while confined a prisoner in Libby Prison ; he was thirty-two years of age.

Rev. Sylvanus Cooke was one of the respected citi- zens of Wantage who have left their mark upon the religious, moral, and educational interests of the town- ship.

IV .- SCHOOLS.

Little information is obtainable regarding the ear- liest schools opened in the township. That portion of the population who were able to incur the attendant expense educated their sons and daughters at the pop- ular classical and boarding schools of the day. The common schools of the township were not of a high grade, and comparatively little was done at an carly day to foster education.

The most widely known of the public schools of the township was that opened in the Pond school-

house. Many of the children within a radius of several miles received their first lessons here, under the dictation of one Master Gunn. Another school building was located on the site of the present hotel of Benjamin Smith, at Deckertown. It was 20 by 24 feet in dimensions, and was also taught by Master Gunn, or "the old Gunn who shot the boys every time," as he was facetiously described by the scholars. His terms were $1 per scholar for a period of three months. He was followed by Masters Hammill, Wheeler, and Loomis.

At this time the school-houses in some localities of the township were huilt of logs, though that known as the union school-house, near the Wantage Meth- odist Episcopal church, was more pretentious in its construction.

WILLIAM RANKIN'S SCHOOL.

In 1833, William Rankin, having realized the lack of opportunities for education in the township, de- termined to open a select school at Deckertown. So little interest was felt in the enterprise that he with difficulty obtained a room 14 feet square for the pur- pose. This he rented, and began his first term with a single scholar,-Mr. John A. Whitaker, still a resi- dent of Deckertown.

Mr. Rankin was esteemed as a classical instructor, but the undertaking was regarded by the community as an impracticable one. The school continued for some time with but a single pupil, though the num- ber gradually increased, until the ensuing spring it numhered twenty scholars. From this small begin- ning it grew to be a power for good, and with its suc- cess dawned a new era in educational matters in Sussex County. At the end of ten years over a thousand pupils had sat under his instruction.

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History of Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey, with Illustration and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 72

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