USA > New Jersey > Mercer County > Trenton > History of Trenton, New Jersey : the record of its early settlement and corporate progress. > Part 20
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Colonel Hamilton was educated at the Trenton Academy, and prepared for college at the Lawrenceville Classical and Commercial High School. In 1839, he graduated from the College of New Jersey. Immediately after completing his college course, he commenced the study of law with his father, at Trenton, and in 1842 he was admitted to the bar. For two years he was engaged in the practice of his profession in Camden, New Jersey. From 1844 to 1849, he filled a position in the Philadelphia post-office.
A desire for literary life led him to resign his clerical position and accept the position of editor of the "True American," published in this city. This was the commencement of a successful and brilliant newspaper career, lasting over forty years. In 1853, the "True American" was sold to Judge Naar, who became its editor. Other positions were at once offered Colonel Hamilton, and he has since been connected with several prominent dailies, both in the East and West.
Governor Fort appointed him on his personal staff, with the rank of Colonel, and he served in that capacity from 1851 to 1854. On February 27th, 1884, he was elected State Librarian, and since has held that posi- tion. He is the most thoroughly qualified Librarian that New Jersey has ever had. His large experience in general literary work and his extensive knowledge of law are invaluable to him in his present position.
Colonel Hamilton, although well advanced in years, is a very active man, and is still a familiar figure in political and social circles. He is prominently con- nected with Concordia Lodge, No. 4, I. O. O. F., of this city, and is a Mason, holding his membership with Lodge No. 15, of Camden, New Jersey.
In 1844, Colonel Hamilton was married to Harriet P. Halstead, of Newark, a granddaughter of Governor Pennington. Of his four sons, the eklest, Captain Ellis Hamilton, of the Fifteenth New Jersey Regiment, was fatally wounded at the battle of the Wilderness, and the youngest, Harry, was widely known as an Actuary of MORRIS R. HAMILTON. Insurance and translator of Virgil and Saunders' Medi- cal Dietionary. His two living sons are quite distinguished men ; one of them, Fritz, being an artist of recognized ability, at Louisville, Kentucky, and the other, Frank, connected with the United States Navy Department, at Washington, D. C. His daughters, of whom he has three, are all married, and reside, one in Newark, the other two in this city.
GREAT SEAL OF NEW JERSEY.
The office of the Secretary of State, at the Capitol, contains the original Great Seal of New Jersey, together with the resolution providing for its adoption. The present Great Seal was ordered by the General Assembly and Council, sitting in Princeton, September 6th, 1776.
On October 3d, 1776, Francis Hopkinson, the "Signer," was ordered to employ a proper person in Philadelphia to prepare the silver seal of the State. This symbol of State authority was to be round, two and one-half inches in diameter and three-eighths of an inch thick. The arms were three plows in an escutcheon, the supporters Liberty and Ceres and the crest a horse's head, with the words "The Great Seal of the State of New Jersey.
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
Hopkinson consulted with the artist-archaeologist, Pierre Eugene Du Simitiere, who, in Octo- ber, 1776, drew the design.
For want of a proper symbol of sovereignty, the private arms of Governor William Livingston were used as the Great Seal of New Jersey from October, 1776, to May, 1777, or during the period while the present Great Seal of the State was in the hands of the artist and engraver.
Beyond doubt, the State has no official motto, and the words "Liberty and Prosperity" are simply explanatory of the supporters. Previous to the present century, a variety of mottoes were used.
NEW JERSEY SCHOOL FOR DEAF-MUTES.
The New Jersey School for Deaf-Mutes occupies the commodious building and grounds for- merly belonging to the Soldiers' Children's Home, at the corner of Hamilton and Chestnut avenues, about a mile and a quarter from the State Capitol. By an act of the Legislature, approved March
PHOTO ETC. CON.Y.
NEW JERSEY SCHOOL FOR DEAF-MUTES.
31st, 1882, this property was set apart for its present use, and a Board of Trustees, consisting of the Governor, the State Comptroller, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and eight other gentlemen, was appointed.
The buildings and grounds, under appropriate legislation, have been improved to meet the demands of the school, which was opened, with ninety pupils, in 1883. The object of this institu- tion is to give to children thus afflicted a knowledge of the English language in its written and, if possible, in its spoken form. This knowledge, except for such institutions, would never be acquired. The pupils are instructed in the rudiments of an English education. They are also trained to acquire such a degree of general intelligence and of manual dexterity that they may become self-supporting men and women. Their training also enables moral forces to be brought to bear upon them, with the effect of raising them from a condition of moral irresponsibility to the level of respectable citizens.
Of this school, Weston Jenkins is Principal, with an efficient corps of instructors in the various departments.
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
THE FIRST NEW JERSEY STATE PRISON.
Previous to the year 1797, the State prisoners were kept in the county jails. These were usually poorly-ventilated, ill-lighted, disease-breeding institutions, where men and women were thrown together, without reference to sanitation or morals. Murderers, drunkards, counterfeiters, thieves, poor debtors, idiots and lunatics met upon a common level. To remedy this evil the Legislature caused to be ereeted a prison, which has upon its front the following inscription-its pur- pose thus suecinctly explained :
LABOR, SILENCE, PENITENCE. THE PENITENTIARY HOUSE, ERECTED BY LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY.
RICHARD HOWELL, GOVERNOR. IN THE XXII. YEAR OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE, MDCCXCVII. THAT THOSE WHO ARE FEARED FOR THEIR CRIMES,
MAY LEARN TO FEAR THE LAWS AND BE USEFUL. HIC LABOR, Hoc OPUS.
THE ARSENAL.
Jonathan Doane, father of Bishop Doane, was the builder. The main building was about eighty feet front by two hundred feet deep, built of gray sandstone, and, with its walls of like material, covered about three acres of ground.
The wall, which completely inclosed the main edifice, was about twenty feet high. It was sur- mounted by a wooden roller, the entire length, into which were driven sharp iron spikes, for the prevention of the escape of prisoners.
In the center of the wall, and on the top, immediately opposite the main building, was erected the guard-house, so arranged as to overlook the entire premises. Therein a sentry kept continual watch. Solitary confinement was unknown.
The rapid increase in the population of New Jersey and the general overspreading of the criminal classes led the Legislature to abandon the old building and ereet a new one within a square of the first edifice. The messages of Governors Vroom and Southard gave an incentive to the mat- ter, and upon the completion of the present prison it was proposed that the old one be converted into an arsenal for the safe keeping of the arms and military property of the State, which, previous to that time, had been kept in the old State Bank, corner of Warren and Bank streets. The accouter- ments and camp and garrison equipage had been stored at the State House. After the removal of the State convicts from the old prison, permission was given to the county of Mercer to occupy it as a jail until their jail, then in course of completion, was finished, and when it was again vacated it was converted into an arsenal.
THE PRESENT STATE PRISON.
This massive structure, in the Egyptian style of architecture, is built of Ewing red sandstone and is situated on the block inclosed by Federal, Third, Cass and Second streets. It is one of the finest institutions of its kind in the country. Its erection was authorized by an act of the Legisla- ture, passed February 13th, 1833, and it was completed in the year 1836, having one hundred and fifty cells, at a cost of about $180,000.
The main building is the residence of the Keeper. From the "Center" several wings, con- strueted at various times, radiate north, south and west.
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
From time to time the prison has been enlarged, and although there is not sufficient room to afford separate confinement for each prisoner, as required by law, the provisions of the act are ear- ried out as far as possible. Under the Hon. John H. Patterson, Keeper, the rules and regulations now in foree have brought the internal affairs of the institution, as to cleanliness, discipline and victualing, to a much higher standard than was ever before reached.
On March 4th, 1847, 85,000 was appropriated to build an additional wing to the original building. On March 25th, 1853, $15,000 was granted for the erection of a new wing for hospital purposes. On March 22d, 1860, the sum of $17,000 was voted for the purpose of building an additional wing for eells, and on February 16th, 1861, a further sum of $2,243.01 was appropriated to complete the same. On April 16th, 1868, $6,000 was appropriated for the building of an addi- tional wing, to provide room for female convicts. An act passed April 2d, 1869, provided for the appointment of commissioners to extend the grounds of the prison to the wall of the State Arsenal, to build an additional wing and workshops, and made an appropriation of $50,000 for that purpose, and in the same month $9, 734 was appropriated for the purpose of completing the wing of the female department. On April 4th, 1871, the sum of $75,000 was appropriated for the purpose of completing the new or cast wing, and on April 4th, 1872, a further sum of $28, 700 was appro- priated for the completion of the same. March 3d, 1874, $12,000 was voted for the construction of gas works for the supply of illuminating gas for the prison. On March 8th, 1877, the sum of $100,000 was appropriated for the enlargement of the prison and the purchase of a burial- ground for deceased convicts. The north wing was remodeled out of this last appropriation, and a burial-ground purchased.
THE STATE PRISON.
The improvements to the New Jersey State Prison now under way are ealeulated, in a great degree, to further the effieieney of this institution. There is a new eell-house, one hundred and sixty by forty- eight feet, built of stone. The eells, of which there are four tiers, will be built entirely of iron and steel, with eonerete floors. Of these eells, two hun- The two rows of eells will have
dred are five feet wide, seven feet long, and seven feet high. between them what is called a "utility corridor," which contains all the gas, water, air and sewer pipes.
A hospital, in the shape of a Greek cross, two stories high with basement, and built of briek, will have about two thousand four hundred square feet on each floor. This building is divided into three wards, with accommodations for about sixty patients. There is to be a dispensary and operat- ing-room, nurses' room, dining-room and store-room. This hospital will be as complete in all its details as modern appliances can make it. The wards ean be completely isolated should oeeasion require. The building will be connected with the new cell-house by a covered passageway.
A new iron gate will be set in the wall, near the southeast tower, on Third street.
The present hospital over the "Center" will be used as a chapel, which has long been needed, and for which it is well adapted.
The erection of these new buildings will relieve the present crowded condition of the prison, and will make room for many needed improvements, which, when completed, will place the New Jersey State Prison on a par with any institution of the kind in the country.
In excavating for the foundation of the new wing, a superior quality of elay-gravel was found, which was used on the streets around " Prison Square," making them equal to any in the city.
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
During the nine years that Mr. Patterson has been Keeper of the prison there has been no breath of scandal or sign of wrongdoing ; the standing of the prison has been raised, punishments have been lessened, abuses abolished, night schools established, convicts treated as human beings, and all movements that tended toward the reformation of the convicts have received his cordial co-operation.
John H. Patterson was born in Middletown township, Monmouth county, New Jersey, in 1834. He is the son of Hon. James Patterson, who presided over the State Council (now Senate) under Governor Pennington. His grandfather, Jehu Patter- son, was also a member of the State Council.
Jehu Patterson was enrolled in the Continental army at the age of eighteen, just prior to the battle of Monmouth, and served until our independence was declared. James Patterson was in the War of 1812.
The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm, and now owns the homestead farm, which has been in possession of the family for six generations, located on the banks of the beautiful Shrewsbury, opposite Red Bank, and is one of the most charming and healthy locations in the State.
In 1852 he went to California and engaged in mining, also "packing" goods across the mountains. He returned home in 1857 and engaged in farming, oystering and freighting on vessels. He was always an ardent Democrat, and took a prominent part in the various campaigns, doing yeoman service for his party. In 1868 he was elected Sheriff of Monmouth county. In 1872 he was nominated for Congress. In 1874 he was elected Doorkeeper of the House of Representatives, at Washington, D. C., receiving every vote in the House.
JOHN H. PATTERSON.
In 1876 he returned to his farm, on which he was quietly engaged until 1886, when he one day received a telegram to meet the Governor's messenger at Red Bank, which he did, and was handed his commission as Keeper of the State Prison, which was the first intimation he had that his name
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had been thought of for that position. In 1891, he was re-appointed. His term will expire in 1896. Mr. Patter- son is one of the commission on the new building for the State Prison. The citizens of New Jersey can point with commendable pride to the management of this institu- tion, which is not excelled in this country.
THE STATE INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS.
Upon a farm of eighty acres, in Ewing township, near the city of Trenton, is located THE STATE INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS. the State Industrial School for Girls. A substantial building, well equipped, accommodates the persons sentenced under the act of April 4th, 1871. Previous to the erection of the new building, the school was located at "Pine Grove," a large mansion, in
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
South Trenton, overlooking the Delaware river. This house formerly belonged to Joseph Bona- parte, ex-King of Spain, who established his home in Bordentown during the early decades of the
MERCER COUNTY COURT HOUSE.
present century. The school for girls is conducted by a Board of Trustees and Lady Managers, of which the Rev. George C. Maddock, of Tren- ton, is President, and Mrs. Mary A. McFadden is Matron.
THE COURT HOUSE.
Upon the formation of the county of Mercer, the Court House and annexed Surro- gate's and Clerk's offices were commenced. These were fin- ished in 1839. These edifices were built of stuccoed brick, in the Grecian style, at a cost of $70,000. Granite steps, with a basement of sandstone, are features of these structures. The Clerk's office has been
During the past half century, many changes have taken place. connected with the main building, and a second story has been constructed. This gives a large room for the meeting of the Board of Free- holders. A fire-proof vault for county records has been added to the Clerk's office. The old jail is now usually devoted to the reception of United States prisoners, whilst a new jail, with cells in double tiers, has been erected. A boiler and cook-house, with a large side room, have been added. The court-room has been recently removed, and a consulting-room has been added thereto for the convenience of the Justice of the Supreme Court in circuit and the Law and Lay Judges.
THE NEW JERSEY STATE NORMAL AND MODEL SCHOOLS.
These famous educational institutions are located upon the square bounded by Perry, Monmouth and Southard streets, and Clinton avenue, containing a wide-spreading campus on the north and south of the schools. Upon the east side of Clinton avenue are located the boarding halls. An act of 1855 established these institutions, wherein the purpose of the Normal School was defined to be the training and education of its pupils in such branches JAMES M. GREEN. of knowledge and such methods of teaching and governing as will qualify them for teachers of our common schools. The Model School was designed to be a place where the Normal students shall have an opportunity to observe and
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NEW JERSEY STATE NORMAL AND MODEL SCHOOLS,
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
practice the modes of instruction and discipline inculcated in the Normal School, and in which pupils may be prepared for the Normal School. Since 1855, the Model School, whilst still used for such purposes, has widened its curriculum. In recent years the Model graduates, prepared for university or college, have ranked with the honor students of the most famous preparatory schools of the United States. The Normal and Model are co-educational institutions, support a number of literary societies, of which the oldest is the Thencanic, sustain a school paper, "The Signal," now ten years old, maintain active athletic and musical organizations, and an alumni association founded in 1889.
The original cost of the buildings and grounds was $155,000, now increased to $380,000. In 1890 new buildings were erected, and in 1893 the gymnasium was completed, making the schools thoroughly equipped. During the years since 1855, the Normal has graduated 1,750 students, whilst the Model has among its alumni and alumna, men and women who have become prominent in State affairs. The Model School and the Boarding Halls are self-supporting. The Nor- mal School is aided by a $28,- 000 annual appropriation from the State of New Jersey.
The Principals of the Schools have been William F. Phelps, 1855-1865 ; John S. Hart, 1865-1871; Lewis M. Johnson, 1871-1876 ; Wash- ington A. Hasbrouck, 1876- 1889, since which time James M. Green has served in that capacity. Dr. James Monroe Green was born at Succasunna, Morris county, New Jersey, August 29th, 1851. After passing through the district school at his home, he entered the New Jersey State Model School and later the New Jersey State Normal School, graduating from the latter in 1870.
For one ycar he taught school at Morris Plains, New Jersey, and three years at Long Branch. He then en- tered Dickinson College in the THE NEW MASONIC TEMPLE. fall of 1874, and after two years in that institution was called to the Principalship of the Long Branch High School. With rare ambition he completed his college course as a non-resident student, and received his honorary degrees. He also pursued a special non-resident course in connection with the Illinois Wesleyan University, and received the degrees of B. A. and Ph. D. upon examination. He has been promi- nently identified with the educational interests of New Jersey for twenty years, and has served on numerous committees, such as the School Law, and has read many papers at County and State Institutes.
Among the offices which Dr. Green has held are those of President of New Jersey State Teachers' Association, in 1881, and President of New Jersey Sanitary Association, in 1886. He represented New Jersey in National Department of Superintendence at Washington, D. C., in 1887. Upon October 8th, 1878, he married Caroline Estelle Morris. They have two children, Lucile and Bayard Monroe. Dr. Green is a member of State Street Methodist Episcopal Church.
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
THE MASONIC TEMPLE.
One of the first attempts to build a Masonic Hall in Trenton was on March 1st, 1860, when the Masonic Hall Association of the city of Trenton was incorporated with a capital stock of 850,000, divided into shares of $20 cach.
The corporators were Jonathan S. Fish, David Naar, Joseph HI. Hough, William R. Clapp, John Woolverton, Thomas J. Corson, Edward W. Seudder, Harper Crozer, William T. Nicholson, Andrew Dutcher, Elias Phillips, James S. Aitkin and William W. L. Phillips.
The Masonic Temple of the city of Trenton is a particularly handsome structure, gracing the northwest corner of State and Warren streets. The site of the building was purchased for $68, 200. In the erection of the building, particular stress was laid upon these considerations : Proper accommodations for the fraternity whose name the building bears ; the securing of the largest amount of revenue for the outlay, and the erection of an edifice that would be a credit to the order as well as an ornament to the city. The plans of the structure were designed by Architect William A. Poland, of Trenton, and the various contracts were awarded May 4th, 1884. Upon the six- teenth of June, 1884, the cor- ner-stone was laid with impos- ing Masonic ceremonies. The building was occupied about May 1st, 1885. The Temple as it at present stands has cost about $80,000, its affairs being managed by a stock company.
The first floor of the build- ing is devoted to stores, the corner store being occupied by Britton, the druggist. The second floor is devoted to the purposes of the Masonic Grand THE OLD MASONIC TEMPLE. Lodge of the State of New Jersey. The auditorium, which is a large assembly-room, is also the armory of Company A, of the Seventh Regiment. This assembly-room has also been used for theatrical purposes and for entertainments of a social character. Other Masonie bodies, local and State lodges, meet in the building. The upper rooms of the structure are devoted to Rider's business college and the gym- nasium thereto attached.
Early Masonry in Trenton is directly associated with the old Masonic Hall, on Front and South Willow streets. The corner-stone of this edifice was laid upon the nineteenth day of August, 1793, the structure being erected by Trenton Lodge, No. 5, and owned by this lodge until 1869. Shortly before this period Taylor Opera House was completed, and No. 5 moved into the lodge-rooms in that building. Since 1869, the old Masonic Temple has been used as a place of residence and for small store purposes.
THE CITY HALL.
The present City Hall was built in the year 1837. It was a three-story building, the mansard roof portion not being erected until within the last few years. The State street side was devoted to
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
stores, as, in 1844, the City Hall Committee were instructed to rent the offiees and rooms to such people as they might deem proper. By virtue of the first charter of the eity, the Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen of Trenton were empowered to hold a court of "General Quarter Sessions of the Peace," which provision was soon repealed. In accord- ance therewith, the Council Chamber was fitted with a Judges' bench, which extended along the north side of the room, and which was used until a recent period.
In the early days of the City Hall, the building con- tained a large assemblage- room, which was used for pub- lie meetings, leetures, "shows" and exhibitions. At this period, the " saloon," as it was called, divided the honors with Temperance Hall, Taylor Opera House not being built until 1867.
Alterations have been made in the arrangements of the City Hall, although the general outline of the building remains as it was fifty years THE CITY HALL. ago. In 1883, the facade of the building was renovated, and the former police station, on the north of the edifice, was devoted to other municipal purposes. At a later time, the cells were torn out, as the entire police system had been transferred to the Central Precinet Station.
ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL.
St. Francis Hospital was established in the year 1870, the foundation-stone for the first building being laid on October 15th of that year. The hospital was dedieated by Bishop Corrigan on May 31st, 1874. The grounds upon which the main building stands were purchased for $1, 800, from Samuel K. Wilson. On the purchase-money he received $500 in cash, and generously donated the remainder. The corner-stone of the chapel was laid on December 8th, 1879, and was dedicated by Bishop Corrigan on March 25th, 1880. The remainder of the beautiful grounds that surround the hospital, were purchased in 1888, for $20,000. In 1889, on another part of the grounds, separated from the main hospital, St. Joseph's was built for contagious diseases. On April 28th, 1895, the corner-stone, for the new wing in course of erection, was laid by Bishop MeFaul.
St. Francis Hospital was incorporated by an act of the Legislature of the State of New Jersey, approved by the Governor, at the ninety-seventh session, February 12th, 1873. Sinee that time almost 10,000 patients have been received at the hospital, and more than that number of outside patients have been treated. The devoted Daughters of St. Francis know no rest, and they are truly blessed by the sick and suffering throughout the State. No question is asked with regard to religion or color. Everyone's faith is respected and never interfered with. The people of Trenton have always recognized the good work that this institution is doing. The Sisters bear testimony to their generosity on every oceasion that they appeal to them. With a philanthropy worthy of their noble ealling the leading physicians of the city devote their time gratuitously to the sick of the hospital.
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