USA > New Jersey > Union County > History of Union County, New Jersey > Part 6
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After General Scott left this house Mr. Archibald Gracie, as on of the old New York merchant of that name, moved into it and lived there many years, until lie purchased the property on Elizabetli avenue, known as the old Salter place, where he also lived many years, and which property still belongs to his heirs. During Mr. Gracie's occupancy of it the house on Hampton place was an abode of elegant hospitality, and very many prominent men of that day were entertained within its walls.
In the former residential periods of Colonel Mayo and General Scott, the visitor's roll would undoubtedly contain names representing celebrities from all parts of our country, as well as from other lands.
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The full story of this historic house, second to few in age and claims on modern notice, who shall adequately tell ? Its ancient face commands respect, and summons us to think of former generations. Like its noted compeers in Elizabeth, "Ursino," the famed "Liberty Hall" of the Revolution, General Dayton's and the Governor Belcher and the Ogden mansions, near by, its associations are highly worthy of commemoration.
We cannot close this record without expressing our gratification that the "General Scott House," once the charming abode of a gallant soldier who fought for his country in many fields and for many years, is in the hands of a gentleman, as owner and occupant, who takes a warm interest in its past history and future preservation1.
HON. ABRAHAM CLARK.
Abraham Clark, known as one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was born at the home of his ancestors, on the upper or western road, about midway between Elizabeth Town and the village of Rahway, where his father, Thomas Clark, his grandfather, Thomas, and probably his great-grandfather, Richard, had lived before him. The last named became a resident of the town in 1678. The Clark mansion was about half a mile north by west of the Wheat-sheaf tavern.
Thomas Clark had at least three sons and one daughter, -Thomas, born 1701; Abraham, born 1703 ; James, of Connecticut Farms ; and Mrs. Day. Abraham, the only son of Thomas was born at the home- stead on February 15, 1726. He received a good business education for the times, and entered into business as a surveyor and conveyancer. He made himself familiar with the common points of law, and was ever ready to aid his neighbor with legal advice gratuitously, and so obtained the sobriquet of "The Poor Man's Counselor." In 1764 he was appointed by the legislature one of the commissions to survey and divide the common lands of the old township of Bergen. He held the office of high sheriff of Essex county in 1767, and of clerk to the colonial assembly ; he was a member of the committee on safety, in December, 1774, and subsequently their secretary ; he was chosen to the provincial congress in September, 1775, and was elected by them, June 22, 1776, one of the delegates from New Jersey to the Continental congress in September, 1775, in which capacity he had the honor of affixing his name to the Declaration of Independence.
He was rechosen to congress in 1776 and in 1777, serving until April 3, 1778 ; again in 1780, 1781, 1782, 1786, 1787, and 1788. He was appointed to the first constitutional convention, at Annapolis, in 1786, and again in 1787, but did not attend the latter on account of ill health. He was chosen by the people under the new constitution to the second and third congresses, and died before the completion of his last terni. During his long public career he proved himself the incorruptible
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patriot, an active and judicious legislator, a prudent counselor and a true friend of the people. His death occurred September 15, 1794, from sunstroke.
No history of Union county would be complete without a short sketch of four of the greatest inen of their period, General Elias Dayton, Colonel Jonathan Dayton, Governor Aaron Ogden and Colonel Francis Barber. They were closely associated with General Washington, the Revolutionary war, and with the United States and state government.
GENERAL ELIAS DAYTON
was born in Elizabeth Town in 1737. His father, Jonathan Dayton, was one of the incorporators of the borough. General Dayton served with the British troops as captain in the French war on the frontiers. He took an active part in the measures which led to the forming and signing of the Declaration of Independence. In the beginning of the American struggle for freedom he was placed by congress at the head of the Third New Jersey Regiment. Before the end of the war he was made major-general. He was a gallant soldier, respected and loved by the men he led during those years of conflict. He was the first president of the Society of the Cincinnati ; was chosen for congress in 1779 ; was a delegate 1787-8. In both the temporal and spiritual affairs of his native town he held positions of trust. In character he was open and generous, ever upholding the right and just. In person he was said to closely resemble General Washington. He died October 22, 1807.
HON. JONATHAN DAYTON,
the son of General Elias Dayton, was born in Elizabeth Town, October 16, 1760. He was educated at Princeton College, graduating there in 1776. At the age of eighteen he entered the army, and was with General Sullivan in his western expedition. He became a captain in his father's regiment. He was one of the six chosen to represent New Jersey at the convention that framed the federal constitution.
He was a member of the legislature, re-elected three times, and was speaker from 1795 to 1799, when he was chosen United States senator, and served from 1799 to 1805. He was appointed brigadier- general by President Adams ; at first he declined, but on being inforined that this would not deprive him of his seat in the senate, he accepted. With Symmes and others he became interested in the settlement of western military lands. The town of Dayton, Ohio, was named for him. He was an honor to his native town, which contributed largely in shaping the politics of state and nation. He died October 9, 1824.
GOVERNOR AARON OGDEN,
son of the Hon. Robert Ogden, was born at Elizabeth Town, December 3, 1756. He was educated at Princeton College, graduated 1773 ;
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joined the army with the rank of colonel, serving with great bravery until the close of the war.
He then commenced the practice of law and took a high position at the bar. In November, 1796, he was appointed one of the presidential electors of New Jersey, and in February, 1801, was appointed to the United States senate. In October, 1812, he was chosen by the legislature, governor of New Jersey. In 1829 he was made general president of the Society of the Cincinnati.
In February, 1813, he was appointed by President Madison one of the six major-generals provided by act of congress, February 24th.
He was considered one of the most honored citizens of his native town, and died April 19, 1839.
COLONEL FRANCIS BARBER
was born at Princeton, New Jersey, 1780, and was the son of Patrick Barber. When a young man, he taught in the celebrated old academy that stood where the chapel of the First Presbyterian church, Elizabeth, now stands.
At the commencement of the Revolutionary war he resigned his position, Matthias Williamson (son of General Williamson), then only a lad of sixteen, succeeding him. Alexander Hamilton was a pupil there at that time. One of the first acts of the war in New Jersey, was the capture of the British frigate the "Blue Mountain Valley." Francis Barber, then lieutenant, with Captain Oliver Spencer, Captain William Brittin and other brave men, under Colonel Elias Dayton, on the night of January 22, 1776, assisted Lord Stirling, with his men, in capturing this frigate that lay in the waters between Elizabeth Town Point and the New York shore.
He was appointed by congress major of the Third Battalion of New Jersey, but long before the war ended he was advanced to the rank of colonel. All records of those years, when brave inen fought for liberty, show that Francis Barber was a brave soldier.
When yet a young man he met with a most tragic death. On the day that General Washington announced to the army the signing of the treaty of peace, he invited several officers to dine with him, Colonel Barber being one of them. It was at New Windsor, New York. A brother officer asked him before going to this dinner to do an official errand for him. He went on horseback, and while passing a piece of woods where some men were cutting trees was killed by one as it fell. The news of his death was brought to Washington as he sat at dinner. He said, "Men of higher rank and more wealth may die, but there is but one Francis Barber."
CHAPTER XI.
UNION COUNTY IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION.
HIS county was not represented by any organized body of troops in the first militia sent out for three months' service in the war of the Rebellion. The second call for troops was for three hundred thousand men, and was issued by the presi- dent of the United States May 3, 1861. On the 17th of May the governor of New Jersey received a requisition from the war department for three regiments of infantry (volunteers), to serve three years or during the war, and a general order detailing the plan of organization.
Union county had three companies in the First, Second and Third Regiments of the First Brigade, New Jersey Volunteers, viz: Com- panies A of the First and Second respectively, and Company K of the Third Regiment, officered as follows: Company A, First Regi- ment-captain, David Hatfield ; first lientenant, Thomas T. Tillou ; second lieutenant, Luther Martin. Company A, Second Regiment- captain, James Wilson ; first lieutenant, Bradbury C. Chetwood ; second lieutenant, William J. Cree. Company K, Third Regiment- captain, John H. Whelan; first lieutenant, John B. Lutz; second lieutenant, David Fairly.
The field and staff officers of the First Regiment were : Colonel, William K. Montgomery ; lieutenant-colonel, Robert McAllister ; major, David Hatfield ; adjutant, William Henry, Jr. ; quartermaster, Samuel Read ; surgeon, Charles C. Gordon ; chaplain, Robert B. Yard. Of the Second Regiment the colonel was George W. McLean; lieutenant- colonel, Isaac M. Tucker ; major, Samuel L. Buck ; adjutant, Joseph W. Plume; quartermaster, William E. Sturges; surgeon, Gabriel Grant ; assistant surgeon, Lewis W. Oakley; chaplain, Robert R. Proudfit. Third Regiment, colonel, George W. Taylor; lieutenant- colonel, Henry W. Brown ; major, Mark W. Callett; adjutant, Robert T. Dunham ; quartermaster, Francis Sayre ; surgeon, Lorenzo Cox; assistant surgeon, Edward L. Welling; chaplain, George R. Darrow.
Company A of the First Regiment (from Elizabeth) was the first company mustered into the United States service under the first call for volunteers to serve three years or during the war. It was mustered in May 21, 1861, at Camp Olden, near Trenton, where the various other companies encamped till the completion of the organization. The material of these regiments was excellent, being identified with some of the best militia organizations of the state.
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The First, Second, and Third Regiments left the state June 28, 1861, and, immediately on their arrival in Virginia, entered upon the active duties of the soldier. They formed part of General Runyon's division of reserves in the battle of Bull Run, and aided materially in covering the retreat of our forces on that fatal day. Immediately afterward the First and Second Regiments went into camp near Alexandria, and were soon joined by the other regiments of the brigade.
On the 25th of July, Major Philip Kearney was appointed to the command of the New Jersey troops. He had greatly distinguished himself in the Mexican war and was appointed brigadier-general of the New Jersey volunteers. He was assigned to his command early in August ; his troops were attached to Franklin's division, and the brigade headquarters - were established at Fairfax Seminary, three miles from Alexandria, Virginia.
The experience of the brigade during the fall and winter months was marked by but few important incidents, the time being mainly occupied in drill and the ordinary camp duties. On the 7th of March, 1862, this brigade was ordered to Burke's Station, on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, for the purpose of guarding a party of laborers. On the morning of the roth, a detachment from the First Regiment, under Major Hatfield and Captain Vansicle, was sent forward from Fairfax Court House (where the regiment was stationed), to Centre- ville, at the first Bull Run, having the honor of being the first to occupy the place in the second advance. On the same day the remainder of the brigade pushed cautiously forward, reached and, at ten o'clock in the morning, entered the abandoned works at Manassas Junction, -eight companies of the Third being the first to take possession and hoist the regimental flag. The withdrawal of the enemy at this point had evidently been precipitated, and an immense amount of hospital and commissary stores was found, together with eighty baggage wagons, several locomotives, four or five cars, two hundred tents and other property of value. Among the trophies were seven flags,-one of white silk with the motto, "Carolinans in the Field: Traitors Beware," and another, bordered with heavy silver fringe, with the inscription "State Rights : Sic Semper Tyrannis."
The New Jersey Brigade took part in the battle of West Point, fought May 7, 1862, but, aside from much skirmishing and unimpor- tant engagements , little of interest took place in the history of the regiment till the battle of Gaines' Farm, which occurred on the 27th of June. Of this battle we give General Taylor's official report, which is as follows :
"My command, by order, left our intrenched camp on the right bank of the Chickahominy, on Friday afternoon, the 27th of June, and crossed the said stream by the Woodbury bridge.
"The battle begun the day previous had been renewed near
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Gaines' Farm, where we arrived about four o'clock, P. M. I immedi- ately formed my brigade in two lines, -the Third and Fourth Regiments in front, and the First and Second Regiments in the second line.
"My line was scarcely formed when the Third Regiment, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Brown, was ordered to advance forward into the woods, where a fierce combat was raging. Colonel Brown immediately formed his regiment in line of battle, led it into the woods, and began a rapid fire upon the enemy. As this was the first of my regiments engaged, I will complete my report of it by saying that they continued to fight in the woods until the close of the action. They were all this time under a galling fire, often a cross fire, but maintained their ground until near sunset, when the whole line fell back. They had at this time expended (a large majority of the men) their last cartridge, sixty rounds to the man. It is but justice to say that this regiment bore itself most heroically throughout the entire action. Their conduct was all that could be desired. With their comrades falling around, they stood up like a wall of iron, losing over one-third of their number, and gave not an inch of ground until their ammunition was expended, and the retrogade movement became general ; they were under this fire one hour and a half.
" The First Regiment entered the woods about half an hour after the Third and remained until the close of the action. Colonel Torbert being unwell, the regiment was led by Lieutenant-Colonel McAllister and well sustained by his presence and courage. I shall, however, say that Colonel Torbert, though suffering from low fever, followed us to the field and was present.
"I take great pleasure in saying, for both these regiments fought under my own eye, that the First Regiment showed the same indomit- able courage as the Third Regiment, exposing themselves to the leaden hail of an often unseen foe, advancing with the Third Regiment, and stood steadily under a most galling fire until the close of action. Their loss was enlisted men killed, twenty ; wounded, eighty ; missing, fifty- seven. The loss of commissioned officers was one killed, four wounded and one missing, making a total of one hundred and sixty-three.
" I have now to speak of the Second and Fourth Regiments, the first of which, under Colonel Tucker, numbered only four companies, the other six being on duty in the field-work at Camp Lincoln, and left behind under Lieutenant-Colonel Buck. While absent to the front, these four companies, by order of General Porter, without my knowl- edge, were sent to the woods, suffering a most galling fire. Their loss was : enlisted men killed, twelve; wounded, forty-five ; missing, forty, making a total of ninety-seven enlisted men. I also regret to record the death of Colonel I. M. Tucker, and probably Major Ryerson, both of whom were left upon the field ; also Captain Danforth, mortally wounded, and Lieutenants Blewit, Root and Bogert, severely wounded,
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and Lieutenant Callan, missing. They, however, sustained themselves most gallantly, and proved their courage against superior numbers. The fate of the Fourth Regiment, one of the most efficient regiments as regards officers and men, was most painful.
"At the moment when victory seemed wavering in the balance, an aide of General Mcclellan took them from my command, and ordered them into the woods. All the account I can give of them is that but one officer (wounded) and eighty-two men have joined mny command ; all the rest, if living, are believed to be prisoners of war.
"I learn from those who have come in that up to the time the regiment was surrounded they had received from and returned the enemy a most galling fire. I annex a report of the casualties of the day, showing the total loss of my brigade.
"In conclusion, I would say that, so far as I am at present informed, my officers, commissioned and non-commissioned, nobly performed their duties, and it might therefore be invidious to par- ticularize. Still, in justice to the gallant dead who have devoted their lives to their country, I must record the names of Captain Brewster, of the First Regiment, and Captain Buckley, of the Third ; also Second-Lientenant Howell, of the Third,-all officers of dis- tinguished merit. These officers fought under my eye. As regards the conduct of the Second and Fourth Regiment officers, I am told that it was all that could be desired, but these regiments having been taken from me, I did not see them during the action.
"It is due to my staff-officers to say that they carried out my orders intelligently and promptly, and did not hesitate, and were often exposed to the hottest fire of the day."
These companies with their regiments and brigades participated in over forty engagements, beginning with that of Bull Run, Virginia, July 21, 1861, and including others fought by the Army of the Potomac, the last of the series being that of Lee's surrender, Appoma- tox, Virginia, April 9, 1865. In all these engagements the regiments and companies of the brigade inade for themselves an honorable record.
The Ninth Regiment contained two companies, G and K, from Union county. They were officered as follows : Company G,- captain, John P. Ritter ; first lieutenant, William Zimmerman ; second lieutenant, William Benton. Company K,-captain, Elias J. Drake ; first lieutenant, W. B. S. Boudinot ; second lieutenant, Jonathan Townley, Jr. Joseph W. Allen was colonel of the regiment ; C. A. Heckman, major ; Francis S. Weller, surgeon ; Louis Braun, assistant surgeon ; Abraham Zabriskie, adjutant ; Samuel Keyes, quartermaster ; Thomas Drumm, chaplain.
The regiment was splendidly equipped with Springfield rifles, and on the 4th of December, 1861, proceeded to Washington, D. C. Janu- ary 4, 1862, it proceeded by rail to Annapolis, and was then assigned
4
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to the brigade of General Jesse L. Reno. The operations of this regiment were confined to the states of North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The regiment participated in about thirty engagements during the war, and maintained its organization from time to time during 1863-4-5. Their gallant and successful operations in a swamp during the action at Roanoke Island were the cause of General Burn- side's promulgating an order, on the roth of February, that the Ninth Regiment should have the words "Roanoke Island, February 8, 1862" emblazoned on their banners, in compliment for their gallantry on that day. The gallantry of this regiment in different engagements is well known. The New York Tribune, speaking of the battles of New Berne, says :
"In the capture of New Berne the Ninth New Jersey Regiment sustained the honor of their state with characteristic gallantry. Though their position in that brilliant engagement was one of great exposure, they bore themselves through the conflict like veterans, suffering more severely than any other regiment on the field. Out of a total loss of three hundred and sixty-four killed and wounded they lost sixty-two, or one-sixth of the whole, although twelve regiments were in the battle. Bravo for the Blues !"
On the 24th of December, 1862, the regiment was made the recipient of a beautiful stand of colors, costing seven hundred dollars, presented by the legislature of New Jersey, and accompanied by suitable resolutions presented by that body.
The Eleventh Regiment had two companies of men from Union county, viz : Companies B and D, with the following officers : Com- pany B,-captain, William H. Meeker; first lieutenant, Lott Bloomfield; second lieutenant, Alexander Beach, Jr. Company D,-captain, Luther Martin ; first lieutenant, Sydney M. Lyton ; second lieutenant, James H. Carr. Robert McAllister, who had been lieutenant-colonel of the First Regiment and who subsequently became brigadier major-general by brevet, was commissioned colonel of the Eleventh Regiment, on the 30th of June, 1862, and on the 25thi of August following, the regiment left for Washington. On November 16th it was attached to the brigade of General Carr, Sicles' division. The initiation of the regiment into actual war was in that merciless slaughter at Fredericks- burg, where they sustained a loss of two men killed, four wounded and six missing. The reputation of the regiment for fighting qualities was maintained through all the campaigns to the surrender of Lee and the close of the war. In all, the regiment participated in twenty-nine engagements.
FOURTEENTH REGIMENT.
Companies C and E of this regiment were from the county of Union, the former being under the command of Captain Chauncey Harris, with Ebenezer Muddell as first lieutenant, and Joseph W.
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Walker as second lieutenant; and the latter commanded by Captain James W. Bodwell, Isaac T. Tingley, first lieutenant, and James O. Bedell, second lieutenant. William S. Truax was colonel; Caldwell K. Hall, lieutenant-colonel ; Peter Verdenburgh, Jr., major ; F. Lemuel Buckalew, adjutant; Enoch L. Cowart, quartermaster ; Ambrose Treganowan, surgeon ; Joseph B. Martin and Herbert B. Chambers, assistant surgeons ; Frank B. Rose, chaplain.
The regiment was mustered into the United States service at Freehold, New Jersey, August 26, 1862. It left the state on the 2d of September and was first sent to Baltimore, Maryland. Following this came picket duty and skirmishing around and about Frederick City, South Mountain, Antietam, Harpers Ferry, and other points in Virginia and Maryland. The regiment took part in the chase after Lee in his retreat from Gettysburg, and at Locust Grove made a gallant fight, receiving congratulations from their brigade commander for their bravery and "great steadiness throughout the battle."
During the winter a deep religious interest was awakened in the regiment through the earnest labors of Chaplain Rose. Regimental churches were built of logs and covered with tents furnished by the sanitary commission.
In May, 1865, Grant began his advance upon the Wilderness. The Fourteenth Regiment was now placed in the Sixth Army Corps, but still remained in the First Brigade, and on the 3d of May the forward movement was made against the enemy, now concentrated at the Wilderness. All day on the 5th a furious battle raged, in which the Fourteenth Regiment fought bravely and lost heavily. Upon emerging from the Wilderness the regiment again went into action, the enemy being driven back, with a loss of fifteen hundred men.
General Norris was wounded in the action, and Colonel Truax was placed in temporary cominand of the brigade. Fighting, skir- mishing and manœuvering continued until June Ist, when the march to Cold Harbor was begun. In this battle the Fourteenth Regiment suffered heavily, losing in two hours two hundred and forty, in killed and wounded, -Lieutenant Stults, of Company H, and Lieutenant Tingley, of Company E, being among the former. The Fourteenth Regiment lost heavily again at Petersburg. The next fighting of this regiment was on a different field. Hunter, with a large Union force, having abandoned the Shenandoah valley, Lee sent Early northward with all the force he could muster. The Union force at Martinsburg retreated to Harpers Ferry. Grant now deemed it necessary to send more forces into Maryland, and on the 6th of July he detached the Third Division of the Sixth Corps, and hurried it forward to Locust Point, near Baltimore, where it arrived, under General Rickets, on the morning of the 8th. From this point the division, numbering five thousand men, proceeded to Monocacy, the old familiar ground of the
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