USA > New Jersey > Union County > History of Union County, New Jersey > Part 53
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As Captain Clark lived until 1853 his friendship for old "One Horn" extended over a period of seventy-three years, and his love for it was touching. History says "he was ex- tremely anxious to have it well taken care of, and on all occasions when its services were in requisition contributed liberally for powder." From the time of its capture old "One Horn" was the central object of interest on "general training " days and in every 4th of July celebration. It has been fired in scores of patriotic rallies, and often during the Rebellion, when the wires announced the triumph of Union arms, old "One Horn" was rolled out to celebrate the victory. In fact the dear old cannon was so highly prized by the patriotic descendants of the Revolution in near-by towns, that OLD SUGAR-HOUSE PRISON they have made many rival claims to ownership. For half a century, surrounded by strong old harnesses, drag ropes and chains, it lay quietly in the "Arsenal," a small building which once stood on the corner near the present residence of Charles B. Peddie. Then, taken from its carriage, it was stolen by "the boys" of Scotch Plains and for safety was buried in the old cemetery. Then, captured by the Central Railroad men and buried beside the track, it was retaken by the peaceful payment of "ten dollars." Soon, in an unguarded moment, it fell into the hands of the Rahway boys, and after its recapture it was in turn hidden away in cellars, garrets, haymows and, for a long time, in an old well. A few years ago the writer was trying to ascertain the whereabouts of old "One Horn." Sitting on an old- fashioned lounge in the kitchen with a friend who had often helped recapture the famous relic, I asked him if he had any idea where the
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY
cannon was then located. Suddenly turning and solemnly demanding if I could keep a secret, he told me to "feel under the lounge." I did so, and there was the old treasure. But the very next 4th of July, after old "One Horn" had done its accustomed patriotic duty in waking up the valley, "the boys" were invited next door to be treated. They were off duty, and the cannon for a moment was left unguarded. It was easy work for half a dozen lusty "Plainfielders " to rush up, tear it from its carriage, and lift it into a waiting wagon, and then they raced it to Plainfield. There it was carefully hidden, and after a time placed in the G. A. R. rooms. Despairing of its recapture in so well policed a location, the writer, with S. W. Reese and some of our Grand Army men, succeeded in pleading so loyally for its return that on Decoration day, 1889, when our soldiers' monument was unveiled, it was magnanimously returned to Westfield, and now, its troubles over, sacred to friend and foe, old "One Horn " peacefully guards the above monument, in Fairview cemetery.
Captain Mathias Clark was another patriotic old soldier deeply interested in old "One Horn," since he also took a part in its capture. He was the grandfather of the present Martin V. Clark, and lived where his grandson now lives. Marauding parties often sought to capture the leaders of the Continental army while "off duty," and once Captain Clark had to run for the swamp for his life. His family now have in their possession an old clock once owned by him, and also an ancient musket, marked "Jordan 1747," which they claim he captured from the British. The inscription on his monument, in the old cemetery, reads:
CAPT. MATHIAS CLARK. Died July 7, 1808 aged 54 years. A REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIER. Companions here we lie, Entomhed beneath this stone, Till Christ shall bid us rise, And to the judgment come.
Henry Hetfield, who was on the Westfield artillery roll of 1832, and who is now living, makes the following affidavit as to the capture of old "One Horn :"
This cannon was captured by the British and recaptured by our men about the time they were in Westfield and occupied the old church there. The government sent eight sets of harness for this cannon, -four of them for the canuon and the remaining four for the baggage wagon. The government built a place on Sylvanus Pierson's ground as a means of storage for the safety and protection of this caunon. The cannon on "general training " days was pulled to the field by a pair of horses, paid for out of the company's collections. On the arrival of the gun in the field we would attach a drag-rope on both sides, and go through the various motions of the drill. We would then proceed to some elevated point and, at the word of command, fire it off, amid great enthusiasm. The last place for drill with this cannon was at Camptown, near Newark ; also at Paterson, and at Scotch Plaius, in William Stanbury's field. I can remember the gun as far back
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY
as 1812, in Joseph Lyon's field, at Scotch Plains, in Westfield township. The uniform that was worn in the artillery consisted of white pants, white vest, blue coat with red shoulder straps, and silk hat with the brass coat-of-arms attached, and a red feather tipped with white, and a sword attached to the belt.
(Signed) HENRY HETFIELD.
The above affidavit was witnessed by his grandson, Henry H. Jardine, and by D. G. Hetfield. The original artillery roll, above named, is in the possession of N. W. Cadwell. The following document is copied verbatim et literatim, and explains itself :
WESTFIELD, April the Ist, 1811.
We, the subscribers, seeing the necessity of supporting the American Standard, and the civil and military laws of our country, in order to maintain the Rights, person and Liberties that was so dearly purchased by the energy of the patriots of the United States who fought and hled for the same, and as General Crane has shown a special Respect towards the 2d Regiment of the county Essex Militia, in bestowing a piece of artillery to said Regiment, to be under the care of a company regularly uniformed and equipped, John Pearson being captain. Now we, the candidates and subscribers enlisted under said Captain as Artillery under the Military Laws of the State of New Jersey, do pledge ourselves firmly to each other to equip in complete uniform through the course of the present season and to be prepared with a sword and a Hat by the 7th of June next. Likewise to prevent failures we subscribe the following obligation formally :
OBLIGATION.
We, the subscribers, candidates for a company of artillery belonging to the 2d Reg- iment County Essex Militia, State of New Jersey, John Parsons, Captain, Promise to pay or cause to be paid to John Parsons, Captain, thirty dollars severally if we are not equipped before the first of April next, eighteen hundred and twelve, in Uniform, according to the tenor of the above article. The money arising from failures, should they be any, to go for the benefit of said company, and said John Parsons binds himself to pay all fines should any officer or officers attempt to impose any on his subscribers or company.
Witness my assignment with the several assignments following :
SUBSCRIBERS:
JOHN PARSONS, Captain.
JOHN W. OSBORN.
SYLVANUS PIERSON, Jun.
JAMES PIATH. (?)
JOHN G. CRANE.
JOHN BRAGLE.
JOSEPH DUNHAM, Jun.
ALLEN COLE.
MOSES DUNHAM.
JOHN HAYS.
EZEKIEL DECAMP.
DANIEL HAYS.
ABRAM CLARK.
JAMES DUNHAM.
CONKLIN DRAKE.
CLAYTON GASKILL.
GIDEON KEYT.
EBENEZER CONNET.
JOEL LOVEE (?) is down.
The artillery roll for 1832 included the following names: Frazee Lee, captain; Benjamin Connet, lieutenant; Zophar Hetfield, ensign; Samuel A. Connet, Daniel Woodruff, Charles Foster, Enoch Ryno, Ephraim Ryno, Henry Hetfield, Jesse Dolbeer, Joel Woodruff, John C. Townley, William Wietsel, Elias Mott, Elias Ryno, David Townley, Isaac F. Randolph, Esq., sergeant; Abner R. Miller, Israel C. Ander-
-
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY
son, Silas Fatoot, William Rogers, Luther Ball, Benjamin Squier, Jolin Brown, John M. Crane, Clark Ryno, H. S. Townley, David Dunkin.
CAPTAIN JOHN SCUDDER AND LORD STIRLING.
Soon after enlistment John Scudder was promoted to the position of captain and colonel. It is said that, by his special request, Morgan was executed on his farm, now the property of Isaac F. Scudder. Aunt Ann Scudder, who died in her ninety-fifth year, said that he was prosperous and hospitable, and that she had often heard her inother relate the fact that once Lord Stirling stopped at her father's house, with some of his men, for six weeks, and, moreover, that by means of the military papers of Captain John Scudder, the following five men were able to secure pensions: Daniel Hetfield, Henry Hetfield, Ichabod Clark, William Clark and Jacob Ludlow.
Samuel Downer (1) was born in Norwich, Connecticut, in 1722, and was a member of Captain Scudder's company. He came from Elizabeth Town, about 1744, and learned the blacksmith trade of Daniel Robinson, whose father, John, in 1734, sold forty acres of land to the Westfield church. Mr. Downer and his son were " minute men," and their names appear on the official roster of the state. Robinson's forge was about one half mile east from the old Ross homestead, shown on another page. Tradition says that one day a party of Hessians entered, and roughly demanded a drink, which was refused. Then the enraged Hessians burned the place the ground, and Mr. Downer soon set up a forge of his own, on the "Jerusalem Road." It is said that Samuel was for a time with Washington at his Morristown camp, and that both father and son were in the engagements at Springfield, Connecticut Farms and Eliza- beth Town. At the former place the elder Samuel became separated from his company during the battle, owing to the irregular manner of fighting, and, being between the fires, was for a time in a position of great danger. Mr. Downer was patriotic to the last, and never tired of relating his military experiences. He possessed great physical powers, and men listened spellbound to the tales of his deeds of prowess. For years previous to his death, as one of the surviving heroes of the war, and as tribute to his great age, Westfield often awarded him the honor of carrying his country's flag on " general training " days. " He died, at Orange, October 22, 1824, aged one hundred and one years, and his remains lie in the old cemetery in Westfield, where four generations of the Downers are buried. Early Westfield records claim he was a mem- ber of the Presbyterian church prior to 1759.
Samuel Downer (2), the son referred to above, boru 1759, died 1846. He kept the first store in Westfield, with a full line of dry goods and groceries. His business was at first conducted in the side room of a house then located between the present dwellings of .Dr. Cooper and Dr. Harvey. In 1812 he built upon the opposite side of
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY
the street, and marks of the old counter may now be seen in the parlor floor of the residence now owned by Dr. F. A. Kinch. Mr. Downer was one of the prominent citizens of Westfield, and one of the original stockholders of the Elizabeth & Somerville Railroad. (Vide Westfield postmasters.)
Samuel Downer (3) born about 1790, died 1847. He was an older brother of Rev. Edwin Downer, who died in the Presbyterian pulpit here, and of Rev. David R. Downer, of New York city,-to both of whom specific reference is made on succeeding pages of this chapter.
INDIANS IN THIS TOWNSHIP.
The Lenni-Lenapes, of the Delaware tribe, or Mohekaneews, hunted and fished in all this territory, which was once well wooded and abounded in game. The word, Lenni-Lenape, means the "original people, an unmixed race, which had never changed its character since the creation."
Mr. C. A. Leveridge, the able localhistorian of Plainfield, New Jersey, says: "I have conversed with many of the older portion of Westfield people, and remember that the late Mr. Jacob French said that this tribe possessed noble traits, and that they worshiped a spirit whom they called the great Manitou,-which answers to our sacred- word God or Creator,-and who, though invisible was recognized as the great first cause." In speaking of the great accuracy acquired in the use of the bow and arrow he also says: "I have seen those Indians living on what is called Bottle Hill, back of Westfield Hill, strike a point the size of a half-dime at seventy feet or more, provided that the silver covered the aforesaid spot."
Of the honesty of the Lenni-Lenapes one of the early missionaries in this section says: "When the Indians were first visited by the whites, and after our people began to erect houses among them, they thought very strangely of the white people locking their doors, and could not for a time be made to understand the motive. When they left their homes they set up a pestle or compounder against the outside of the door, which was enough to show that there was no one at home. The premises were then considered sacred, no one thinking of entering the house. It is recorded that as late as 1771 large quantities of goods, received from the traders, have been protected in no other way."
A few mounds on the Silas D. Miller farm, just east of Fair- view cemetery, mark the place of an old Indian burial ground. Fine stone arrowheads, darts, spears and stone axes have been found in this vicinity. A small collection may be seen at the Job Male library, in Plainfield.
As early as 1740 Rev. Jonathan Dickinson, of Elizabeth, said that his soul was stirred within him at the benighted condition of the savage tribes in New Jersey, and, in connection with Pemberton, of New York,
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY
Burr, of Newark, Azarialı Horton and others, a missionary work was begun among them. '
That this work was begun none too soon is proven by the terrible Indian outrages of about 1755, in our western borders. Irritated by the scheming white man, or incited by a foreign foe, the peace-loving Lenape at last became a bitter enemy. The last severe battle with the Indians was fought " near Jacob French's late residence, on the road to Springfield, which resulted in the defeat of the Indians." During these battles inany a family on the plain sought refuge in the Badgley home on the mountain,-a cut of which is shown elsewhere. Fortunately the French war in Canada drew off the Indians in that direction, and 110 considerable number ever returned to this vicinity.
SLAVES IN WESTFIELD ..
Quite a number of slaves were held in this community. It was the custom, and few questioned the right for years. The following is a true copy of the manumission paper of a colored man, Job, the prop- erty of Dennis Coles:
To all to whom these presents shall come, know ye, that I Dennis Coles, of the township of Westfield, in the county of Essex and state of New Jersey, have, and by these presents do, hereby liberate, set free, manumit and forever discharge my slave named Job, or Jobias, of the age of thirty-eight years or thereabouts. And this said Job is hereby discharged from any further service to me, my heirs, executors or adminis- trators forever hereafter. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 3d day of April, 1827. DENNIS COLES. [L. S.]
Sealed and delivered in presence of
IRA F. RANDOLPH,
SAMUEL B. MILLER.
History says: "Of negroes there were not a few, -some in almost every family, -while here and there a 'poor Indian' also was held in bondage as a menial." In 1741 occurred the famous "Negro con- spiracy " in New York, causing a panic to which a slave-holding com- munity is ever liable. "One hundred and fifty-four negroes were imprisoned, fourteen burned at the stake, eighteen hanged, seventy-one transported, four white persons executed, etc." Naturally the panic extended to this county. The following notes in the County Book of Freeholders need no explanation :
"June 4, 1741, Daniel Harrison Sent in his account of wood Carted for Burning two Negroes allowd cury o. II.O." A similar account is entered in the following February. Hatfield says: "As specimens of the domestic slave trade the following advertisements, by one of the most prominent citizens, an active member of the Presby- terian church (Elizabeth), president of the board of trustees, and subse-
* In the first volume of the Minutes of the Presbyterian General Assembly, 1801, we read : "The prospect of the conversion of the Indians is now more flattering than it has ever been before. The wilderness already begins to bud, and it is hoped will soon blossom as the rose." During this same year, 1801, the Westfield Presbyterian church gave about seventy dollars " for gospelizing the Indians and for other pious uses proposed by the General Assembly."
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quently an elder for many years, are worthy of notice: (April 27, 1752.) 'A likely parcel of Negro boys and girls, from twelve to twenty years of age, who have all had the smallpox. To be sold by Cornelius Hetfield, in Elizabethtown." On June 4, 1753, he sells another "parcel," but in 1779, June 20th, in the darkest days of the war with England, we read: "On Sunday night last it was discov- ered that the negroes had it in contemplation to rise and mur- der the inhabitants of Elizabeth Town." Slaves were kept in many of the best Westfield families. They ' were well treated and happy. Many of them became imembers of the Presbyterian church. In the old session book of the Presbyterian church of Westfield the pastor, Benjamin Woodruff, writes as follows : "August 12, 1759. Baptized my negro child: on my own account, N. Margaret." Again, "August 2, 1761. Baptized my negro child on my own account, N. Violet." Again, "July 12, 1780. Married my Negro Frank to Dr. Elmer's Negro woman Flora." Again, " Novem- ber 8, 1778. Baptized a negro woman belonging to Samuel Meeker, N. Dorcas."
The following is an article of agreement, whereby a slave girl was sold out to service,-all parties being members of the Presbyterian church:
Know all men by these presents, that I, Benjamin Hinds, of the County of Essex and Township of Westfield, for the sum of forty dollars in hand paid or secured to be paid, have and do bargain and sell to John Dunham, of the township and county afore- said, his executors, administrators and assigns, a certain Negro girl named Lydia for the term of eight years, commencing the first day of January, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirteen, to have and to hold to him, his executors, administrators and assigns, of which said girl I have put the said John Dunham in full possession at the sealing of these presents, and I do warrant and will defend the said John Dunham in the peaceable possession of said girl against me and all persons whatsoever, Witness my hand and seal this first day of January, in the year eighteen hundred and thirteen. 1813.
Sealed and delivered in
BENJAMIN HINES. [SEAL.]
the presence of
his
SALLY DUNHAM.
JOHN (x) VANWINKLE.
[SEAL.]
mark.
WHERE THEY LIVED OVER A CENTURY AGO.
"They who lived in history only seemed to walk the earth again." (Longfellow.) James Badgley was located on the mountain, where John and Charles Badgley, bachelor brothers, now live. This is probably the oldest house in the township, a portion of the framework having been put up in 1735. Mr. Badgley " made choice of that location because it abounded in heavy timber." He and "Peter Willcox (originally Will- coxie, then Wilcocks) located on the mountain before any persons settled below."
In 1816 the first Sunday school in Westfield township was organized in this house. Here "were gathered children and youth, not only from
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY
Westfield, but also from Summit and New Providence." Rev. Edwin Downer, who died in the Presbyterian pulpit in Westfield, was one of the first, perhaps the first superintendent. Mr. Acken resided where Moses McManners lived in 1839,* nearly opposite the Squire Radley (Talcott) farın. Nathaniel and Henry Baker, brothers, from East Hampton, Long Island, bought and lived first where the widow of Jacob Baker resided in 1839, now the John H. Vail (Robbins) place. The black-walnut trees here were old seventy-five years ago, and have prob- ably stood one hundred and fifty years. A view of this homestead is shown in connection with the history of old "One Horn," at an earlier point in this chapter. Nathaniel Baker soon bought and occupied the property of Thomas Clark,-now the Addison S. Clark place,-just east of the lake. Mr. Bryant resided where John R. Miller did in 1839, now the Alonzo Miller farm, toward Branch Mills. John Crane lived in Cranford, now the Beadle place. His father, Elijah, was often called "Elijah, the prophet," be- cause of his peculiarities and his habit of carrying a long, crooked staff. Jonathan Crane resided where Wheeler Foster lived in 1839, in front of what is now known as the Children's Country Home of Westfield. Will- iam Clark lived where Abner Miller, Jr., resided in 1839, now the Michael Miller place, on the Rah- way county-road. Henry THE BADGLEY HOMESTEAD Clark lived where Edward Townley resided in 1839, now the Italian settlement, on Central ave- nue. The old well is still seen (November, 1897). At that time there was no other house between it and the Corra Osborn place, except that of Robert French. James Craig lived where Andrew Craig lived in 1839, now the house, at Branch Mills, where Mr. -- Tippen lives.
Gardner Connet lived where Ebenezer Connet did in 1839, now (1897) the Louis Thiess farm. The old house, as here depicted, is still standing. Here neighborhood prayer meetings were held in early days, and here the British stopped on their retreat from Westfield. A skirmish took place on this and the adjoining farm. The following is an account of an old-fashioned apple or paring bee held at the Connet homestead over a century ago. The following verbal invitation was
* Vide sermon of Rev. James Huntting, 1839.
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY
given by Cuff, the colored slave :* "How-de-do? You'd better hitch up next Wednesday night and come over to our house. We are going to have an apple bee." "Well, Cuff, who is going to be there ?" " Why, all the folks, and Mistis says to tell your wife to bundle up and bring the girls and nicest boys." "Why, you won't have room for all of us, nor stalls enough for the beastesies." "Oh, Master says if the barns is full you can hitch and blanket the horses by the trees across the road. The paring begins at early candle-light; and, say, don't forget your jackknife." One reply, verbatim et literatim, was as follows:
Dear - : Yours at command. Cuff arrived, and wife first reckoned how she could not come no way ; cause she had thie candles to run, the sassiges to make, the carpet-rags to color and a chunk of cloth to set in Bige's trousers. And the old mare has got a chestnut in one of her ears aud is lame a little, but we are coming if we have to walk. Perkins' oldest boy is coming over to milk aud feed the chickens, so that we can get away early. Wife is all in a pucker about how to get herself up,-whether to wear her plain Linsey Woolsey and calash, or her new speckled chiuts and hunnit. Unless you send word by Hatfield's boy when be comes over to Lambert's Mills in the morning, we shall come just as we are.
Your obedient servant,
P. S. Can you lend us a lantern to come home by ? Sally Lee will come with us and her oldest son Jenis.
OLD CONNET PLACE
Mr. Denman lived where John Denman did in 1839, in the old homestead, near Cranford. John Davis, Jr., resided where Isaac French did in 1839,-where the latter's son, Jacob French, now lives. John Davis, Sr., lived where Levi Hetfield resided in 1839, now the old Jacob S. Ring place, on Cumberland street ; then the only house between those of Theodore Hetfield and Francis R. Baker, Sr. Zebulon Gennings lived where Abraham Ryno resided in 1839, one half mile east of Scotch Plains. Isaac Frazee, where Deacon Henry Baker, Jr., lived in 1839, now the Allen place, near the Squire Radley (Talcott) farm. Mr. Abner Frost, where James Roll did in 1839, now the old Roll homestead, on Springfield road, opposite Mrs. J. E. Burtis'. Moses Frazee, where Samuel Lee lived in 1839, now the Thomas Lee homestead, at Willow Grove. Isaac Hendrix, where Elias Potter lived in 1839, now just below Charles Pierson's ; old house burned down. Samuel Hinds resided at
* Kindness of C. A. Leveridge.
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY
Williams Factory, just over the Rahway river, Cranford. John High lived, in 1753, where the widow Rachel Mooney resided in 1839. It stood nearly opposite what is now called the Ritchie place. The house is gone, but the old well and curb are still seen. Here a day school and neighborhood prayer meetings were often held.
John Lambert, son of Roger Lambert, of Wiltshire, England, and grandfather of the present (1839) James Lambert, lived where Zophar Hetfield, Jr., did in 1839, now where Samuel Hetfield lives. The accompanying cut illustrates one of the later Lambert homesteads, and it still stands, at Willow Grove. Anthony, Andrew, Abraham, Absalom, Moses and John Littell resided at Willow Grove,-some in the Littell homestead, others in the house at the foot of the Fanwood road, and also the house on the corner of the Rahway road, opposite John Lambert's.
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