History of Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey, with Illustration and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 75

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 75
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 75

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It is not possible to present to the reader any detail of the progress of the church other than is afforded by the succession of pastorates. Mr. Cross was fol- lowed hy Rev. John Seran, after which Rev. Jacob Fort was assigned to the charge. He was succeeded by Rev. John Faull, after which the pastors in order are as follows : Revs. J. N. Vansant, Benjamin Palmer, J. N. Keys, George W. Horton, Walter Cham- berlin, E. V. King, and J. N. Keys, a second time, who is the present pastor.

The stewards of the church are C. A. Wilson, Amzi Ayres, Nelson Dewitt.

THE WANTAGE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The Wantage Methodist Episcopal Church was or- ganized through the zealous efforts of Rev. Mr. Shaw in 1831. The same year a church edifice was erected, services having previously been held in the barn of William Wilson and in the school-house of the neigh- borhood. The pastors who are located at Deckertown also minister to this congregation. The present stew- ards of the church are N. T. Woodruff, Hiram Van Sickle, and Benjamin Hart.

THE NORTH WANTAGE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

This church-better known as the Red Church, from the original color of the building-was erected in 1837 by Isaiah Winfield, the first pastor of the church being Rev. Mr. Baker. It was rebuilt and beautified in 1878, and is now enjoying the pastoral labors of Rev. Mr. Tompkins.

1.IBERTYVILLE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The Libertyville Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1860, and a building immediately erected under the auspices of Rev. S. C. Mertene, the ground for the purpose having been donated by Jacob Cort- right. The congregation has been growing and pros- perous.

MOUNT SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH.

This church was formerly an outpost of the Baptist Church at Unionville, Orange Co., N. Y., and was or- ganized by that body in 1833, under the ministry of Rev. Z. Grenell, Sr., who became its first pastor. The same year an edifice was erected by the parent church for the use of the congregation. The second pastor was Rev. John Case, and at a later date Rev. Stephen Case also filled the pulpit. Rev. C. Brinkerhoff fol- lowed, and Rev. Jacob Gesner was at a later date the clergyman in charge. Rev. C. Brinkerhoff was a second time settled over the charge, after which Rev. Ernest Thompson, at present settled over the Baptist Church at Newton, became pastor. Ile closed his labors in 1878, since which time the church has been without regular ministrations. The present deacons are William Wickham, S. S. Myers, and Sanford Vail.

IX .- TIIE LAST CENSUS.

The census of 1880 returns the names of the follow- ing citizens of Wantage who have attained advanced years :

William Ayers, 83; Enoch A. Ayors, 70; Mariah Ayors, 68; Elizabeth Ayera, 80; Rhoda Ageny, 66; Mary A. Adams, 65; John S. Barwell, 69; Mary A. Barwell, 66; Nathaniel Bond, 70; Alvah Beemer, 65; Mariah Beemer, 79; Jacob Blair, 65; Susan Blair, 70; William Comp- ton, 74; Margaret Clay, 73; Christopher Clay, 70; Madison Coyken- ilnll. 67; Susan Cortright, 86; Strong Conkling, 63; June Codding- fon, 66; Mary Crowell, 90; James Cox, 68 ; Marihn Cox, 87; Char- lotta Cole, 66 ; Margaret Coolbaugh, 81; Charles Duvis, 67; Gabriel 1 .. Dunning, 76; Harriet E. Decker, 72; John Donning, &1; Luko R. Pecker, 71; Sarah Drew, 68; June Evans, 66; Mary A. Glover, 68; E. 1. Griggs, 72; Keturah Hockenberry, 69; Hannah Howell, 71: John A. Hough, 65; Catharina Howell, 70; Barrett D. Havens, 75; Anna C. Hall, 77; Zephaninh Havons, 81; Huldah Havens, 76; Miles Hardin, 68; Phehe A. Ilardin, 66; Peter Hoyt, 86; I.yilia luyt, 68; George Jarvis, 66; Susanna Jarvis, 71 ; William Kernick, 69; Charles F. Kinney, 75; Peter Lungroy, 78; Azariah Lewis, 70; Hester Lowi«, 75; James McCarrick, 66; Lydia Marshall, 70; Joshal Medilaugh, 71 ; Christiana Meddaugh, 69; Aaron Mecker, 20; ('. A. Malnes, on; S. F. R. MrCoy, 81: Samuel Newman, 65; Jephtha l'otter, 87; Sarah Parcel, 87; David Perry, 68; Sarah A. Porry, 00; Peter C. Rutan, 71 ; Jane Rutan, 72 ; John V. Roloson, 73; Aldgail I. Roloson, 66; Stephen Ray, +4 ; Susan Roy, 79; Nathan Rolonon, 05 ; John Stewart, 72; Harvey Shepherd, 69; Walling Simonson, 70; Jano Simonson, 65; Mariah Stoddard, 74; Mariah Shepherd, 70; Mary Touker, 79; Ilebecca Valentine, 75; Giles Vanriper, 71; Zilla Van- riper, 76; Axa Wilson, 72; Matthew Westfall, 77; Maria Westfall, 70; Bethsheha Adams, 68; Sarah Adams, 6M. Isaac Beomior, 75; Eliza Bonmer, 79; George Hirink, 78; Phehe Brink, 71; Catharino

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SUSSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

Brink, 65; Nancy Bross, 77; Cortright Beemer, 65; Nancy Roloson, $8; Abram Brink, 78; Jane Buckley, 70; Emma Bedell, 82; Mariah Bonghton, 67; David Bross, 67; Julia A. Bowman, 69; Moses Brink, 70; Harriet Brink, 71; Nehemiah Baird, 69; Elizabeth Baird, 68; Robert Banghan, 68; Margaret Baughan, 70; Eleanor Benjamin, 81; Catharine Cole, 81; Hannah Crawford, 68; Alvah Caskey, 76; James D. Curran, 77; Saralı Curran, 78; Charlotte Curran, 77; Ma- riah Crum, 69; John Cortright, 67; Gabriel Coykendall, 71; Harriet Coykendall, 69; Martin Cole, 68; Marella Cole, 71; Josiah Cole, 73; Harriet Cole, 70; William Cole, 70; Jane Cortright, 74; Jacob W. De Witt, 74; Moses De Witt, 89; Catharine De Witt, 85; Evi De Witt, 90; Julia De Witt, 65 ; John B. Decker, 76; Anna Drake, 78; Nelson Decker, 66; Eliza Decker, 68; Mary Doty, 91; Halsey Decker, 69; William Decker, 69; Phebe J. Earls, 69; William El- ston, 65; Sarah A. Elston, 66; Plebe Elston, 91; Catharine Elston, 85; Elinkim Everitt, 75; Eliza Everitt, 70; Thomas Everitt, 89; Neoma Everitt, 77; Mariah Fuller, 78; Edwin S. Fuller, 74; Albert Green, 68; Elizabeth Green, 65; William Halsted, 67; Sarah Hough, 69; Plebe Hoyt, 84; John Haggerty, 68; Asenath Howell, 65; Julia Kyte, 70; William Kern, 69; Anna E. A. Leach, 66; Jesse W. Lewis, 70 ; Jacob B. Leport, 65; Phebe La Farge, 71; Angeline Lambert, 75; Lebbeus Martin, 65; Rachel McCullougli, 85; Jenette Morrow, 67; Jacob Myers, 68; Sarah Myers, 65; Era Myers, 65; Harvey Mead, 82; Julia Mead, 75; Amos Munson, 77 ; Elizabeth Munson, 73; Louis Nape, 76; Sarah Preston, 74; Margaret Post, 79; Jesse Potter, 75; John Perry, 69; Catharine Perry, 66; Philip Pinkle, 70; John W. Quick, 71 ; Michael Quick, 65 ; Daniel Rosenkrans, 72: Jane Rosen- krans, 73; Peter Rogers, 83; Elizabeth Rogers, 78; William Space, 66; Phebe Smith, 72; Andrew Shorter, 69; Margaret Shorter, 65; Catharine Simpson, 66 ; Emma Simpson, 76; Asa Smith, 65; Samuel Schoonover, 73; Hannah Schoonover, 80; William J. Shorter, 65; Abram Smith, 70 ; Jane Smith, 71; Sarah Sharp, 72; Jamies Shelly, 67; Margaret Shelly, 70; Baltus Swarts, 68; Jobn Swarts, 70 ; Levi Schoonover, 76; Margaret Schoonover, 76; Eveline Stiles, 74; Mary Stiles, 69; Mariah Taylor, 76; Robert Thorn, 67; Mary Tucker, 76; Joseph A. Van Auken, 80; Francis Vansickle, 70; Jeremiah Van Gorden, 68; ITiram Vansickle, 65; Joel Van Auken, 68; Phebe Van Auken, 65; Martha Vansickle, 65: Elias Vansickle, 66; Sarah Van- sickle, 78; Abiah Wilson, 77; Lucy Wright, 68; Abram Wiggins, 69; Louisa Wiggins, 72; Ruth Woodruff, 78; Marin Wilson, 76; Angus- tns Wilson, 74; William Wickham, 72; Rebecca Wickham, 66; Coe D. Wickham, 67 ; Susan Wilson, 68 ; Sarah Lewis, 75; William Lewis, 76; Polly Van Gorden, 68. Number between the ages of 60 and 65, 114.

X .- NOTES AND INCIDENTS.

The following inscription is copied from the monu- ment erected to the memory of Dominie Van Ben- schoten in the cemetery of the Reformed (Dutch) Church, New Brunswick :

" The memory of the jnst is blessed .*

" The Rev. Mr. Elias Van Bunschoten was born October 26th, 1738; gradnated A.B. 1768; licensed to preach 1773, and settled in the ministry, first at Shagticoke, afterwards at Minisink. He died January IOth, 1815. Established in the truth and ardent in its defense, from his youth to his old nge he preserved in a good profession of faith and in a holy and ex- emplary life. In the ministry of the gospel he was faithful, and dili- gently employed his talents in the service of his divine Redeemer. Ilis zeal to promote the interest of the church of Christ prompted him to make a very liberal donation to the support ef indigent students and the benefit of the theologieal college at New Brunswick. To perpetuate the memory of this venerable and charitable man, and to express their grati- tude, the Right Reverend Gent Synod of the Reformed Dutch Church have erected at the public expense this MONUMENT.

" Well done ! good and faithful servant."+

EARLY EXPLOITS AT DECKERTOWN.

The following incident is related as having occurred at the tavern kept by Samuel Decker at an early day. On a certain evening a man was seen riding towards the upper end of the tavern-stoop. The horse was a

light sorrel in color, with a bald face. The knight rode up to the stoop, and made his horse step upon it. He then rode past the kitchen to the bar-room door, thence he turned and rode into the bar-room, and was seen no more from the street. On entering, he advanced with his steed to the bar. Meanwhile, the barkeeper and proprietor was stooping down in the act of replenishing his bottle from the barrel, and, having his back turned, did not observe what was pro- gressing. With a kind of a neighing voice the knight from his horse called for drink. The barkeeper looked up, and suddenly encountered the nose of the steed. He considered this as a challenge, and sprang through a side door to a wood-pile with the inten- tion of grasping an axe with which to kill the horse. Some of his friends, deeming this unwise, detained him as he was returning with the weapon.

The horse was with difficulty ejected from the house, when suddenly a band of pugilists poured from the bar-room and swarmed upon the stoop. Oaths and imprecations rose, and clenched fists flew, till dark night drew a curtain over the turbulent scene.

The design of this affray, as proved afterwards in court, was to provoke the tavernkeeper to kill the horse in the bar-room, and then to open the animal, stuff the innkeeper into the cavity, and sew him up, leaving only the head protruding, after which they purposed using the bottles at will and departing in triumph.

This outrage upon the common decencies of society was not originated by the denizens of Deckertown, but was the offspring of the fertile brains of what were called in those days liners. They dwelt upon the State line between New York and New Jersey, having doors opening into both States. These people were as wicked as the evil one wished them to be, and occasionally so much worse as to injure even the cause of the devil.

THE GRAND ENCAMPMENT OF VETERANS.

In response to an invitation extended by Gen. Judson Kilpatrick, the Annual State Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic for the year 1878 was held at Deckertown, in August of that year. For many weeks previous to the occasion extensive preparations were in progress, that the veterans might be welcomed with becoming éclat. Invitations had also been extended to various State regiments of militia and to the venerable Hexamer Battery, of Hoboken. A welcome was also given to citizens of the county who desired to join in the reception of the State's heroes by old Sussex. An irregular company of cavalry was improvised in the county for escort duty, which assembled at Newton on the 26th of August and marched to the scene of action the fol- lowing day.

On Tuesday, the 27th, the first regular day of the encampment, Gen. Kilpatrick, escorted by Mattison's cavalry, received the troops at Deckertown and con-

* In Hebrew.

+ In Greek.

303

WANTAGE.

dueted them to the ground, which was located two miles north of the village.

This parade was the most imposing spectacle of the kind witnessed in the county. A section of Capt. Eller's Iloboken Battery during the march had been dispatched to the grounds to fire a salute, while the remaining section performed the same duty at the depot. The following was the order of march :

Sussex County Cavalry. Gen. Klpatrick, Cols. Hamilton and Davis. Department Commander Mueller, G. A. R., and staff. Fourth Regiment Militia, Col. Dudley G. Stocle. Drum Corps. Second Battalion Essex County, Capt. Matthews. Westwood Cornet Band. Ninth Regiment Milltin, Col. Hart. Brass Band, 50 pieces. Hexamer Buttery, Cupt. Ellis. Lincoln Post, No. Il, Newark. Uzat Dodd Post, No. 12, Newark. Hexamer l'ust, Orange. Phit Kearney Post, No. 1, Newark. Farragut Post, No. 28, Paterson. George G. Meade Post, No. 7, Passalc. Chaplain Butler Post, No. 35, Paterson. Rankin Pust, No. 10, Brooklyn. T. M. K. Lee Post, No. 5, Camden. Buyard l'ost, No. 8, Trenton. Kearney Kennedy Post, New Brunswick. U'iric Dahlgren Post, No. 2, Philadelphia. Voss' Band, Nownrk. Hudson County Battalion, Col. Toffy. Veteran Battalion, Maj. Farrier, Jersey City. Hackettstown Band. Veterans Hackettstown, Washington, und Dover. Detachment of Veterans of Varlous Organizations.

This was followed by a long cavalcade of carriages and wagons of every description. The march was hot and dusty, and a few succumbed to the heat and were obliged to leave the ranks. The officers, with brilliant uniforms and spirited horses, made a fine appearance. Immediately after the procession of the Grand Army posts were several carriages, containing Gen. Daniel E. Sickles, Gen. John C. Robinson, com- mander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic of the United States, Gen. Graham, Gen. Carr, Prof. Atherton, Hon. Garret Ilobart, llon. F. 1. Potts, Hon. Samuel T. Smith, Hon. John Hill, Socrates Tuttle, of l'aterson, and many others.

Extensive arrangements had been made for the com- fort of those who participated in the display, many of the invited guests having been entertained by the general at his residence. Eloquent addresses were made by Gen. Daniel E. Sickles, Gen. J. C. Robin- son, and others. Fine music also enlivened the scene, and a poem descriptive of events in the late war was read by one of the veterans.

The scene outside the tent was picturesque. Below the road the artillery was encamped, and through the dim light afforded by the camp-tires the guus of the battery could be discerned. Beyond the big tent were numerous Sibley and A tents where the organi- zations were encamped, and over the grounds numer- ous lights presented a weird and martial look.

The sham battle commeneed about noon. The veterans were commanded by Col. Mueller and the militia by Col. Hart, of the Ninth. Kilpatrick, ac- companied by his orderly, placed the troops in posi- tion. The battle opened by the firing of the cannon on the hill and in the meadow in front of the house. The militia ascended the hill and captured the bat- tery. The veterans came around, and after some firing of musketry retook the cannon. The Ninth and Fourth Regiments formed a line of battle below, and the two forces met in contest. There was con- siderable excitement during the conflict, in one or two instances the men coming in elose contact with each other, so that the fighting assumed almost the appearance of a genuine battle. A flag of truce, borne by tien. Kilpatrick, ended the sham fight, and, standing in his saddle, he made the farewell speech to the veterans and the State militia. The soldiers then marched to their tents, stacked arms, and made ready for their departure. For the remainder of the afternoon the road was crowded with wagons, and the paths through the fields to the village were filled with pedestrians.

Nearly 40,000 people were assembled on the grounds, and the success of the enterprise afforded matter for congratulation to all who participated.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

IIUGHI JUDSON KILPATRICK.

Hugh Judson Kilpatrick was born at Deekertown.' N. J., Jan. 14, 1836 ; graduated at the United States Military Academy, and entered the army as second lieutenant of artillery May 6, 1861 ; was commissioned captain of the Fifth New York Volunteers May 9th, and was wounded at the battle of Big Bethel, June 10th, 1861. On his recovery he was commissioned lieuten- ant-colonel of the Second New York Cavalry Volun- teers, of which regiment he became colonel, Decem- ber, 1862. With his regiment, he participated in the Rappahannock campaign, in the second battle of Bull Run, and many minor actions, and in the Maryland campaign. During "Stoneman's raid" to the rear of Gen. Lee's army he commanded a brigade of car- alry, and was promoted to be brigadier-general of volunteers, June, 1863. At the battle of Gettysburg he commanded a brigade and division. In April, 1864, he was ordered to duty with Gen. Sherman in the West, and at the battle of Resaca, May, 1864, Was severely wounded. During Gen. Sherman's march to the sea and sub-equent campaign through the Caro- linas, he commanded the cavalry and was actively engaged. In June, 1865, he was promoted to be ma- jor-general of volunteers. Hle resigned hi- commis- sion in the regular army, December, 1865, and his volunteer commission Jan. 1, 1866. In November, 1865, he was appointed I'nited State- Minister to

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SUSSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

Chili; was recalled in 1868 .* For details of his mil- tary operations see Chapter XV. of this work.

SAMUEL WHITAKER.

Samuel Whitaker was for many years one of the leading spirits of Wantage township, and identified, in a remarkable degree, with the growth and develop- ment of that part of Sussex County. His parents were Richard and Elizabeth (Forgerson) Whitaker, of Uniouville, N. Y., where the former was a success- ful tiller of the soil. The brothers and sisters were Jacob, . Aaron, Richard, Johu, Halsey, and Lewis. Whitaker, and Mary, who married Dr. Austin, of Unionville; Milly, who married Benjamin Haynes, of Unionville; Charlotte, second wife of Benjamin Haynes ; and Fanny, who became the second wife of Dr. Austin. Descendants of Jacob reside at Oswego, N. Y., a son of Richard at West Town, N. Y., and daughters of John at Goshen and Middletown, N. Y .; Lewis lived and died in Wantage, and is represented there.

Samuel Whitaker was born at Unionville, N. Y., on June 22, 1796. His educational advantages were such as the common schools of his day afforded. In early life he embarked in the mercantile business, at Beemerville, Sussex Co., where he remained a number of years. Removing to Unionville, he continued the mercantile business at that place for several years, and about the year 1835 located at Deckertown, N. J., where lie was a leading merchant until within a few years of his demise, which occurred on Oct. 20, 1871.

Although a man of plain habits, and of a retiring disposition, he was possessed of remarkable energy and foree of character, and took an active part in all movements tending to advance the material welfare of the community in which he dwelt. He was one of the founders of the Farmers' National Bank of Deck- ertown, and a director for many years. In bringing the Midland Railway to Deckertown no man was more active, and he subscribed liberally to the pro- ject, and devoted much time and energy in furthering its accomplishment. He was a member of the Pres- byterian Church of Deckertown, and in politics a Democrat. He filled the office of county collector of Sussex County several years, and that of postmaster at Deckertown for many years. In all his business relations he sustained an exalted character for integ- rity and fair dealing; and left behind him, at his death, recollections of an upright and honorable life.

Mr. Whitaker was married, when a young man, to Margaret, daughter of John E. and. Jane Adams, of Wantage township, and had three children,-namely, John A., born July 1, 1818 ; Richard, born March 24, 1820, died Aug. 31, 1845; and Zillah M., wife of Jacob E. Hornbeck, of Deckertown, born June 16, 1822.

John A. Whitaker is the president of the Farmers' National Bank of Deckertown. He was cashier of that institution from Jan. 1, 1857. until his election as president on Jan. 13, 1874, previous to that time being engaged in the mercantile business at Deckertown. He is a leading and influential citizen in that village, of genial manners, and widely known throughout his section as a successful business man. He was mar- ried in the year 1846 to Mary A., daughter of John and Amanda (Sayre) Holbert, of Chemung Co., N. Y., and has four daughters,-viz., Isabel, wife of Theo- dore F. Margarum, cashier of the Deckertown Bank ; Amanda H., wife of Capt. Theodore F. Northrop, of New York City; Mary Alice, wife of Charles D. Tyler, of Newark, N. J .; and Josephine, wife of John Bennet, of Elmira, N. Y.

AMOS MUNSON.

Amos Munson is a son of Israel Munson, who was born in Morris Co., N. J., in 1771. The latter was a wheelwright by trade, and followed that occupation at New Vernon, Morris Co., when a young man. In early life he removed to Sussex County and entered upon the calling of a farmer in Hardyston township, where his son, Asa Munson, now resides. Here he passed the remainder of a long and industrious life, engaged in agricultural operations, and died in 1838. His wife was Nancy Conger, a native of New Vernon. Her parents kept a public inn four miles below Mor- ristown during Revolutionary times, in an ancient dwelling that is still standing. Her mother was a representative of the Whitehead family, that has been favorably identified with different interests in New Jersey.

The children of Israel and Nancy Munson were as follows,-viz., Amos; Lavinia, who married Capt. William Berdslee, of Hardyston ; Samuel ; Saren B .; Susan, who became the wife of Edward S. Berdslee ; James L .; Israel; Theodosia, who married John Go- ble; John ; and Nancy. Of this large family there are living, Amos, the subject of this notice ; Samuel, at Paterson, N. J .; Asa, in Hardyston township; Saren B., in Michigan; Susan, at Jerseyville, Ill .; James L., in Sparta township ; and John, in Wantage township.

Amos Munson was born on the homestead, in Har- dyston township, Feb. 11, 1803. His earlier years were passed upon the paternal farm, and his educa- tional advantages were those afforded by the district school of his locality. When a young man, he clerked for a time in the store of Robert Baldwin, at Ham- burg, then in charge of Stephen F. Margarum, and married, on Jan. 14, 1824, Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas and Anna (Farber) Ryerson, of Vernon township. She was born Aug. 30, 1807. The young couple at once entered upon the active duties of life, and on March 5, 1824, located at Paterson, N. J., where Mr. Munson carried on the butcher business with success for fourteen years. In 1838 they re-

* Johnson's Cyclopidia.

2-3

Armaz Mundono

11511

Samuel OMPortaldey

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WANTAGE.

moved to Deckertown, N. J., where he purchased a farm of one hundred and forty-four acres, upon which he has since resided.

Mr. Munson belongs to that class of business men who, by industry and the intelligent discharge of business duties, meet with success in any calling in life. As a farmer he has been industrious and clear- headed, and by careful management has accumulated a good estate. A large portion of his property is now included within the corporate limits of Deckertown, and comprises streets and lots, one of the former of which bears his name. In various ways his life has been intimately identified with the growth and de- velopment of Deckertown, until, after many years of residence at that place, he is looked upon as one of the veritable fathers of the village. Himself a member of no religious sect, he has ever been a contributor to the various benevolent enterprises of his day, and, with liberal hand and intelligent advice, assisted in the erection and construction of all the churches and schools of the village, and in other ways co-operated in all movements tending to advance the material, so- cial, and educational interests of the community in which he resides. In bringing the Midland Railway

to Deckertown he was actively interested, and, be- sides subscribing fifteen hundred dollars in cash to the encouragement of the project, he gave the right of way through his farm, of two thousand five hun- dred and seventy-two feet of land, half of which was one hundred feet in width, and the remainder, upon part of which the depot stands, one hundred and thirty feet. He is still pursuing the avocation of a farmer, and though now at the ripe old age of seventy-eight years, is well preserved, in the full possession of all his faculties, and in personal charge of all his affairs. He has ever been foremost in welcoming the aid of invention in lightening the arduous labors of a far- mer's life, and introduced the first mowing-machine and first horse-rake used in Sussex County. On his farm are to be found all the latest mechanical con- trivances of the present day. Himself and wife, after the long period of fifty-seven years of married life, now live peacefully and happily in their pleasant home at Deckertown, enjoying in their old age the respect and esteem of all classes of citizens, and the consciousness that they have performed their allotted tasks in life with fidelity and success. No children have been born of the union.

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History of Sussex and Warren counties, New Jersey, with Illustration and Biographical Sketches of its Prominent Men and Pioneers, Part 75

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