USA > New Jersey > Union County > History of Union County, New Jersey > Part 64
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Here lye ye body of Joseph Lambert, who died Nove'm the 8th, 1756, in the 26th year of his age.
Here lies Entr'd ye Body of Recompense Stanbery, Esq., who died May the 20th, A. D., 1777, in the 67th year of his age. 4
Here lies our friend in mouldering dust, Whom Christ will raise to life we trust ; But mourning say his loss how great To Family, to church, and state.
This stone is erected to the memory of Margaret, formerly the Wife of Recompense Stanbery, Esq., Late wife of Captain John Darby, who died Janu'y 18th, 1812, in the 83 year of her age.
Here lies ye body of Deac'n William Darby, deceased Febru'y ye 26, 1775, in ye 82 year of his age.
Here lies ye body of Mary, wife of Deac'n William Darby, deceased April ye 13th, A.D. 1761, in ye 62 year of her age.
In memory of Joseph Searing, who departed this life June the 7th, 1790, in the 77th year of his age.
Here on earth I have sojourned This 3 score year and ten, and 7 years I have drank the cup Of sorrow, grief, and pain.
But oh the joy that may appear, The messenger draws nigh, Cries friend I '11 aid you too of Blest eternity.
In memory of Anna, Wife of Joseph Searing, who died Juue ye 30th, 1761, in ye 47th year of her age.
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY
Here rest the remains of Caesar, an African, who died Febru'y 7th, 1806. Aged 104 years. He was for more than half a century a worthy member of the church in this Place, and closed his life in the confidence of a Christian. His numerous friends have erected this stone as a tribute of respect to his numerous virtnes and piety.
When the last trump shall bid the dead arise, When flames shall roll away the earth and skies,
While atheists, kings, and infidels turn pale,
And every hope but Christ mankind shall fail,
Cæsar will soar from nature's funeral pile To bask forever in his Saviour's smile.
Here lies ye Body of Peter Wilcocks, jun'r, who departed this life Febrn'y ye 27, Anno Domini, 1764, In ye 46th year of his age. E. P.
Here lye ye Body of Abigail, Wife of Joseph Halsey, Junr, who died March ye 16th, 1777, Aged 21, I mon's, And 4 dys.
A tablet erected to the memory of Emily, wife of Rev. I. E. Rue, Pastor. She died Nov. 8, 1853. Age 30 years, 8 mo., 23 dys.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The early Methodists of this township were accustomed to worship at the surrounding towns, with occasional "supplies " who came from those churches and preached at the Jackson school house or at private dwellings.
In the fall of 1867 the Rev. Williamn Day, of Plainfield, organized a class of sixteen members. Efforts were made during the following year to secure regular services, and a supply was sent from Drew Seminary, Madison, New Jersey. In 1871-2, a building, costing about six thousand dollars, with sittings for about three hundred and fifty, was erected on the Springfield road,-afterward called Mountain avenue,-the Rev. J. A. Kingsbury being at that time in charge of the society. The Rev. G. H. Winans is the present incumbent as pastor of the church, which is in a flourishing condition.
ALL SAINTS' CHURCH.
The services of the Protestant Episcopal church were commenced in the village of Scotch Plains by the Rev. E. M. Rodman, rector of Grace church, Plainfield, in the year 1873. There was a small but influential band of church people, at whose head was Mr. Charles Kyte and his family, who were firm and in wearied supporters of the move- ment. The enterprise was known at first as All Saints' mission, organized with trustees, under the law of the state, and received financial help from the convocation of New Brunswick, in the diocese of New Jersey. The Rev. Charles L. Sykes was the officiating clergy- man until his death, and he was succeeded by the Rev. William M. Reilly, who resigned in March, 1892. By vote of the people connected with the church, there was a parish organized, under the laws of the state and the canons of the Protestant Episcopal church, in 1892, and the Rev. Edward Hyde True was chosen the first rector of the new parish organization, which position lie has since retained.
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The church building, erected in 1882, is of brown-stone, with terra cotta trimmings, is about eighty feet in length and thirty in breadth, and is one of the Romanesque style of architecture and consid- ered to be a fine specimen of that order and an ornament to the village. The cost of the edifice was nine thousand six hundred dollars, and it is furnished tastefully and with churchly consistency, has a seating capacity of two hundred, and is lighted by electricity. The land on which the church stands is one hundred by two hundred feet in extent, and was given by Christopher M. Bell, M. D., of New York city. It is sufficiently large to permit of the erection in the future of otlier buildings for parish nse. The situation of the entire property, midway between the villages of Scotch Plains and Fan- 1 wood, is advantageous for the gathering to- gether of a good con- gregation as these two communities increase in population. The nuin ber of families re- ported by the rector on October 31, 1897, being the fifteenth anniver- sary of the opening of the church for worship, is over sixty, witlı ninety-three cominuni- cants in their member- ship. The Sunday ALL SAINTS' CHURCH school is small, but held regularly, at ten o'clock, A. M., through all the months of the year except August.
The officers of the parish are as follows : Rector, Rev. Edward Hyde True, M. A .; Wardens, Harry Robinson and William Henry Carter ; vestrymen, Augustus Frentz, Thomas G. Reynolds, Earl H. Smith and Charles Kellaway.
INNS AND INN-KEEPERS.
The two public houses were early called stage houses, and one of them was afterward called Sutton's hotel, -this being one of the popular resorts one hundred years ago. John Sutton was one of the early set- tlers on the Plains, as it was called, and opened this house of entertain- ment for man and beast. After his death Samuel Rope, in 1814, kept it as a stage house, about 1825. James Frazer kept the house for a short time in 1826. After lie left, others took charge of it. The old
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A VIEW IN GLENSIDE PARK
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tavern, standing at the forks of the road, dates back over one hundred years. Some of the first who settled in this village had charge of this public house, which was one of the popular inns, and was well known throughout the country. It was a resort in the summer for many desiring to live for a few weeks in the country, and it eventually became known as a summer boarding house and inn. The following is a list of former keepers : J. Stanbery, 1799; J. Miller, 1818; Sanford Hicks, 1819; Thomas Burlochs, 1820; -- Crane, 1824; Jonathan Hetfield, 1827; P. B. Davis, 1829; W. H. Cleaver, 1830; Thomas T. Barr, 1841; Abraham Nelson, 1844; Antone De Bou, 1853; Thomas Paff, 1879.
SEELEY PAPER MILLS.
About the year 1763 a grist mill was established about two miles from Fanwood station, and on the line of the two counties, Somerset and Union, and this was for many years known as the Fall mill. The mill was in the notch, above Scotch Plains, and was owned by a man by the name of Wilcox, who did a large business for the farmers here for many years. In 1851 Edwards & Clark became the proprietors, and in 1853 Edmond A. Seeley, from Troy, New York, became pro- prietor, and founded the extensive paper mills which have since been operated on a large scale at this place. The Green brook, fed by springs, passing through the gorge of the mountain, together with steam power, gives abundant facilities for turning out hundreds of tons of pasteboard per annum.
Mr. Seeley erected his homestead dwelling in 1876.
WARREN ACKERMAN,
son of Jonathan Combs Ackerman and Maria Smith Ackerman, was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, November 27, 1827. His father, a prominent financier and merchant, sent him to private schools in his native city, where he acquired a thorough preparatory education for mercantile life. Upon the marriage of his eldest sister, Caroline E., to Dr. Abraham Coles, he left New Brunswick to make his home with them in Newark, New Jersey. Having received from his father, who was one of the founders of the India-rubber industry in New Jersey, some shares of the capital stock of the Newark India Rubber Company, he at once took an active interest in the development and success of this company, soon being elected to its board of directors. Owing largely to his individual efforts, the company was very successful until about the year 1850, when, in opposition to his advice and that of others, an inferior article of rubber was purchased and manufactured into goods which proved worthless, and nearly ruined the credit and business of the company.
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ENTRANCE TO LYDE PARK
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Warren Ackerman, as soon as practicable thereafter, secured enough of the capital stock of the company to give him the entire con- trol of its inanagement, and its manufactured goods thenceforth bore a reputation for uniform excellence. In January, 1852, Daniel Web- ster, representing the Newark and other India-rubber companies, argued at Trenton the important India-rubber patent cause, which proved to be the last great forensic effort of this eminent American statesman and jurist. Mr. Ackerman subsequently bought the con- trolling interest in other rubber companies, and during the late civil war supplied the United States government with a large portion of its best rubber goods.
While thus prospering in business, he gave liberally of his means for philanthropic objects. At one time, while a member of the Collegiate Dutch church, New York city, he paid off the entire indebtedness of its board of foreign missions, and gave it an additional large sum with which to begin its work afresh.
In 1879 he sold out all his rubber interests and turned his attention to the development of the cement industry, especially that of the Lawrence Cement Company, of Ulster county, New York, some shares of which he had received from his father in the year 1853. He secured as rapidly as possible a controlling interest in this company, and was made its president. Under his management additional territory was purchased, new buildings were erected, the most approved machinery was introduced, and the annual output increased from one hundred and forty thousand barrels to over one million barrels a year. Besides the Lawrence Cement Company, Mr. Ackerman controlled the Rosendale Cement Company, of Ulster county, New York ; the Cumberland Hydraulic Cement and Manufacturing Company, of Cumberland, Maryland ; and he also owned, in Pennsylvania, extensive quarries from which is produced the finest quality of Portland cement.
In 1860 Warren Ackerman purchased a farin of about fifty acres, in Scotch Plains, Union county, New Jersey. Later he bought many other farms, including the " Deserted Village," originally called Feltville, now the well known and popular summer resort named Glenside Park. Upon these he expended large sums of money. Perhaps to no one is the public in general more indebted for the present system of good roads in New Jersey than to Warren Ackerman.
In 1876 he married Lydia P., the youngest daughter of the late Isaac L. Platt, Esq., of New York city. After his marriage Warren Ackerman made his home at Lyde Park, which name he gave, in honor of his wife, to his first purchase at Scotch Plains, adjoining the residence property of his brother-in-law, Dr. Abraham Coles. Here, with the exception of brief sojourns in the south, in Europe, or at the seaside or in New York city, he passed the remainder of his busy yet unostentatious life.
The most prominent banking, industrial, educational and charitable
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THE HOMESTEAD, LYDE PARK
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY
institutions of New York and New Jersey knew him as a wise counselor and also as a reliable friend. To the efficient help rendered by Warren Ackerman and others was due the prevention of the foreclosure of the mortgages on the Central Railroad of New Jersey, in 1877.
After a short illness, Mr. Ackerman died at his home, August 30, I893. Mrs. Ackerman survives him.
GEORGE C. MILLER.
The glory of our republic is in the perpetuation of individuality and in the according of the utmost scope for individual accomplishment. The record of accomplishment in this individual sense is the record which the true and loyal American holds in deepest regard and highest honor. In tracing the career of the subject of this review we find revealed not only a personal potentiality, but that it has been his to stand representative of an ancestry long and honorably associated with the annals of American history.
George Clinton Miller was born on the Ioth of January, 1855, in the eighth ward of the city of New York, being the son of Michael and Catharine V. G. Miller. He is descended from an old line of honored patriots who came to America on the ship "Mary and John," disembarking at the Isle of Nantucket, on the 30th of May, 1630. In the materual line the original American ancestor, of the colonial epoch, was Elder John Strong, who was born in England in 1605. Mr. Miller's maternal grandfather was General William Kerby Strong, who served witli marked distinction in the war of the Rebellion and who was the personal friend of Lincoln and Clay. The General was the son of Joseph Strong, who rendered valiant service as a soldier in the conti- nental army during the war of the Revolution. He was with General Washington in the memorable crossing of the Delaware, on the 8th of December, 1776, and also in the recrossing, on the 25th of the same month, at which time was compassed the successful surprise on the Tory forces occupying the city of Trenton. He also participated in the battles of Princeton, Brandywine and Germantown, and he received in his right leg a wound of such severity as to necessitate the amputa- tion of the member. Mr. Miller is related in a collateral way to many families of national prominence,-the Twombly, Van Giesen, Van Blarcom, Post, DeBevoise, Duryea, DeBorn, Conselyea, Colyer, Thurs- ton, etc.
George C. Miller received his preliminary educational discipline in the city of his nativity, attending grammar school, No. 35, in West Thirteenth street, until his tenth year, when he entered Lawrenceville high school, at Lawrenceville, New Jersey, where he graduated, with the highest honors, in 1870. Among his schoolmates were included many who have since become quite well known in the state of New Jersey,-
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY
the Gummeres, Parkers, Ritchies, Potts, Cooks and Roeblings. After leaving Lawrenceville Mr. Miller devoted three years to the study of law, then making a brief trip to the Pacific coast, returning to New York in August, 1880, and entering the employ of the celebrated corset manufacturers, Thomson, Langdon & Company. By strict attention to the details of the business and by reason of the distinctive executive ability which he brought to bear, he was adınitted to membership in the firm, on the Ist of January, 1889, whereupon the title of the concern was changed to Langdon, Batcheller & Company. Since 1892 he has had entire charge of the manufacturing and marketing of the firm's produc- tions, being recognized as an able and representative business man of the metropolis. He is a prominent member of the Merchants' and the Colonial Clubs, of New York; is a member of the advisory com- mittee of the Merchants' Association, and is also identified with several social and military clubs.
On the IIth of March, 1873, Mr. Miller became a member of the National Guard of New York, serving until March 31, 1882, in the Seventy-first regiment, and being then transferred to the Twenty- second regiment. From private he served in every grade to com- manding officer. He resigned March 2, 1888, to accept the lieuten- ancy of the Twenty-third regiment, in Brooklyn. On the 19th of December, 1889, he retired from the National Guard, having served continuously for sixteen years and nine months.
Mr. Miller has maintained his residence in Fanwood, New Jersey, since July, 1890, and he has been closely and prominently identified with local affairs, having been called upon to serve in public positions of trust and responsibility. He was one of the founders and the first president of the Fanwood fire department. He was elected a member of the township committee, and was the incumbent as its chairman for one term. On December 7, 1893, he was elected a member of the board of chosen freeholders of Union county, to serve an unexpired term. In March, 1897, he was honored in being elected to the chief municipal office, that of mayor of Fanwood borough. In politics he renders stanch allegiance to the principles and policies advanced by the Citi- zens' party. He is an active member of the Society of the Founders and Patriots of America.
On the 6th of March, 1884, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Clarita Caroline Schlesenger, and they have one son, Clinton Van Giesen Miller, who was born September 21, 1893.
LEWIS W. MILLER
was born in New York city, January 1I, 1839. He is the son of Lewis W. and Priscilla (Jones) Miller. He received his education at Ferguson's College, Delaware county, New York. After leaving school he engaged,
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY
with his father, in the manufacture of carpets. In 1854 hie removed to Scotch Plains, New Jersey, but continued doing business in New York until 1874, when he settled on the farm where he still lives. Mr. Miller has been treasurer of the town committee since the organization of the township,-from 1878 to 1897, inclusive. He served under ex-Sheriff Kyte four years, from 1893 to 1897.
Mr. Miller was married in 1894 to Jennie Wygant, daughter of Miles C. and Elizabeth (Mc Henry) Wygant. His stepson, Edward F. Miller, is fourteen years of age.
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CHAPTER XXXI.
UNION TOWNSHIP.
NION township was set off from the borough of Elizabeth- town, November 23, 1808. The surface of the township is nearly level, the soil is a clay loam with occasional out- cropping of red shale, but it is generally rich and produces excellent crops. It is said that when General Washington was passing through this section he pronounced it the "garden of New Jersey," on account of its beauty and fertility.
During the summer and autumn of 1667 the settlement of this part of the county began to be made. Hardships incident to the settlement of a new plantation in the midst of savage tribes can only be imagined. " It is not safe " says an early writer, "and had not been to the time of the conquest of the English, in 1664, to venture far into the interior. It would have been exceedingly hazardous for a few families to plant themselves on these outskirts of civilization as residents and occupants of the land, unprotected."
In the year of 1667 the Rev. Abraham Pierson, with the families of Bonnel, Meeker, Crane, Headley, Wade, Townley and others from Branford and Guilford, Connecticut, settled in that portion of the township known as Connecticut Farms. We also find the names of Ball, Bonnell, Meeker, Headley, Crane, Wade, Miller, Woodruff, Potter, Jaggers, Littell, Searing, Earls, Mulford, Terrill, Winans, Hays, Williams, Thompson, Bond and a few others in this part of the township in an early day.
The name Ball is a common one in Union. Nathaniel Bonnel was one of the first company of Elizabeth Associates. Mrs. Nathaniel Bonnel had an allotment of one hundred and twenty acres, "lying upon the south branch of Elizabeth Town creek (Wade Farms), and ye plaine which said above mentioned creek passeth through," also twelve acres of meadow lying in the great meadows, (salt meadows) " upon John Woodruffe's creek." There was a constable by the name of Woodruff in this town in 1674. In 1684 he was sheriff of the county. He was the owner of a large tract of land in the town.
The Meeker family came, at an early date, from New Haven, Connecticut, the record having the date July 1, 1644. William Meeker, constable of the town, owned one hundred and fifty acres of land in the town. He died in December, 1690. His sons, Benjamin and Joseph, are
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. HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY
.
numbered among the Elizabethtown Associates. Joseph Meeker was probably one of the first merchants in the township. His store was near the church at Connecticut Farms. Part of his family settled in Turkey (New Providence) in 1720.
The Headley family was here in 1665. Leonard Headley had surveyed, in the right of himself, one hundred and fifty acres, October 14, 1678, and must have been one of the associates. He owned other lands by the Elizabethtown creek. He was a weaver also and is said to have owned a saw mill. He died in February, 1683. Headley Town, situated on the Springfield road, is named from the family. The Wade family had representatives here as early as 1675. Benjamin Wade, probably a son of Robert Wade, was a clothier. He died in 1698. Richard Townley took up his abode in this settlement in 1684. His lineage can be traced back to the time of William the Conqueror. Samuel Potter owned a large amount of real estate here. He was a justice of the peace and one of the elders of the Presbyterian church at Connecticut Farms. The family of Jaggers came from Long Island and settled at what is now known as Lyons Farms. Their tract of land was allotted to them by the Elizabethtown Associates.
Of the other early settlers should be mentioned Thomas Terrill, a blacksmith, who died in 1725; and Samuel Hays, who came with other colonists and settled first in Newark and afterward near the Elizabethtown creek. Samuel Williams, one of the memorialists of 1700, together with his son Joseph, gave the name of Williams Farm, on the Westfield road. Thompson, one of the deputies of Elizabeth- town, was spoken of in the legislature of 1672. He was active in opposing the arbitrary measures of Governor Cartaret and was renowned for his patriotism. He owned lands on the Rawack meadows, also on Morris creek. His three sons were among the original settlers. Their names were Moses, Aaron, and Hur. Aaron came into possession of the homestead at his father's death, September, 1676.
The Bond family settled at Lyons Farms at an early date. They came originally from Lynn, Massachusetts. Robert and John Bond are spoken of as early as 1662. Robert was appointed justice of the peace March 13, 1676. His first wife was Hannah, a sister of John Ogden. They owned a large tract of land in the eastern part of the township. The Winans owned lands at Rawack river and Elizabethtown creek, in all two hundred acres. John Winans died in 1694. His estate was valued at two hundred and seventy-one pounds, fifteen shillings, eight pence.
There are many fine villas, with well laid out grounds, the residences of many doing business in adjacent cities, the place having always been noted for being a healthy location, and most attractive for those desiring a quiet country neighborhood. In this township there are many small settlements which at an early date took the names of the first settler.
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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY
The settlement generally comprised a dozen or more houses, and perhaps a schoolhouse. Leonard Headley had surveyed, October 14, 1678, in the right of himself and his wife, one hundred and fifty acres, and from this branch a large number of the name have sprung, and Headley Town, on the road to Springfield, is now well known.
Magietown was first settled by John Magie, (McGie) in 1699-1700. He was a blacksmith, and came over from Scotland during the period of persecution, 1685-7. He purchased land just west of the "town plot " (Elizabeth), which in great part his descendants have occupied until now.
Wade's Farms take title from Benjamin Wade, who was a clothier. He settled in this township as early as the year 1675, and probably much earlier. He died about 1698. The family is still living in this township, and inany of the branches have settled in the west.
LYONS FARMS.
This little hamlet is situated in the eastern part of Union town- ship, in the suburbs of Elizabeth, and has a depot on the Lehigh Railroad, which runs through the village. It was settled by Samuel Lyons who came to this part of the county in 1667. In 1807 there were many families by the name of Lyons in this township. Peter Sparks opened a store here in 1821, and kept it till 1830. It was then purchased by Jonathan Harrison who carried on the business for many years. Harrison was the first postmaster. He was appointed in 1836, and then his son Caleb was appointed postmaster, the store and office remaining in that family until about the year 1872, when the property was sold to Sylvester P. Looker, and moved to its present location. Mr. Horace. G. Looker has the store and postoffice at the present time.
The first school was taught, in a private dwelling, by Hannah. Grumman, for two winters, and afterward by her daughter, Sarah Grumman, who taught in 1812-13. A meeting of inhabitants was called in the year 1817 to arrange for building a school house, when Elihu Bond offered them the land for their building and also ten dollars in inoney. It was called the Old Red School House. Mrs. Elizabeth Ogden taught school there in 1818 and after her came Sarah Grumman, Rev. Thomas Winter, a Baptist clergyman, the Rev. Mr. Knapp, a Methodist clergyman, Mr. Alcock, Mr. Stone, Miss Phebe Winans, Miss Ellen Tichenor and others. The old building was finally removed, and what was afterward known as the Hillside Academy was erected.
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