History of Union and Middlesex Counties, New Jersey with Biographical Sketches of many of their Pioneers and Prominent Men, Part 77

Author: W. Woodford Clayton, Ed.
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia: Everts
Number of Pages: 1224

USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > History of Union and Middlesex Counties, New Jersey with Biographical Sketches of many of their Pioneers and Prominent Men > Part 77
USA > New Jersey > Union County > History of Union and Middlesex Counties, New Jersey with Biographical Sketches of many of their Pioneers and Prominent Men > Part 77

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The following have been elected foremen : 1854-56, Samuel Manning ; 1857-58, Edward P. Thorn; 1859, John Roselle; 1860-61, Edward P. Thorn ; 1862-63,

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TOWNSHIP AND CITY OF PLAINFIELD.

John H. Tier ; 1863-64, John Roselle ; 1865-67, The- odore F. French ; 1868, William P. Bailey ; 1869-74, William J. Force; 1875-77, Thaddeus O. Doane ; 1878-81, Augustus H. Martin; 1882, Thaddeus O. Doane.

The following have been secretaries : 1854-56, Lewis H. Ayres; 1857-58, Alexander Dunn ; 1858, Joseph R. Eno ; 1859-65, Ellis Ayres ; 1866, John T. Lee ; 1873-78, William J. Force.

A full regulation uniform was adopted Feb. 6, 1861, -red shirt, belt with name of company, and regular fire-hat.

In the year 1869, just after a fire had taken place, July 6th of that year, a meeting was called at Laing's Hotel to devise some plan to secure another steamer, as that fire proved the inadequacy of the department to cope with such fires. The meeting was presided over by Nathan Harper, Esq., and G. W. F. Randolph was secretary. The meeting was largely attended.

It was resolved to present a memorial to the Legis- lature asking them to allow of such legislation as would provide means to the extent of $10,000 for the procurement and maintaining of another steamer and appurtenances. Also a document was presented ready for the signatures of those desirous to con- tribute money towards this purpose, and money was contributed liberally. Messrs. Wallace, Vail, E. W. Runyon, and George Hoadly were appointed a com- mittee to circulate the petition papers. Through Mr. Vail's indefatigable efforts some $12,400 were re- ceived in subscriptions within forty-eight hours. Chief Engineer Frazee, Fire Commissioner J. W. Manning, and J. F. Hubbard were appointed a com- mittee to at once purchase the engine. The com- mittee lost no time in closing a bargain with the Amoskeag Company for one of their third-class engines, the same as No. 2. On the 4th of October, 1869, a delegation of "Gazelle" firemen and Chief Frazee visited New York and escorted the new en- gine to Plainfield. While this engine was being built another engine company had been formed of citizens of North Plainfield, under the name of Warren Engine Company No. 3.

When the new steamer arrived at Plainfield all the fire department were in line at the station to receive the engine. The fire commissioner formally turned over to the Gazelle Company the new steamer, and the hand-engine over to the new company, " Warren, No. 3." The fire commissioners secured the needed legislation at the next session of the Legislature, and relieved all the subscribers on the list. Their names were merely pledges of security to the builders.

The Plainfield Company, No. 2, was organized in 1867. They have an excellent company, and have done good service with their steamer at the various fires in this city.

ZEPHYR HOOK-AND-LADDER COMPANY, NO. 1 .- Their truck was purchased by subscription through the efforts of the citizens, foremost of whom were the late

respected George Miller, Esq., and Benjamin A. Mumford. The apparatus was afterwards turned over to the fire department.

The first chief engineer of this department elected was the late Jolin Roselle, May 4, 1868. Theodore F. French, James F. G. Fraser, and Frank W. Vail. The first annual parade took place Sept. 3, 1868.

A RELIC .- The following interesting facts are re- lated : In June, 1855, a committee consisting of Wil- liam W. Webster, John Layton, Jr., and Samuel Manning were appointed to procure a bell to bẹ hung in the belfry of the engine-honse. It was rung for the first time on the morning of July 4, 1855. The money to pay for it was raised by subscription. There is quite a history connected with this bell, as follows: In the year 1867 the fire department pur- chased a steam fire-engine, and it was decided to form the nucleus for a new company out of the mem- bers of Gazelle, No. 1. Accordingly the roll was called, and as each member's name was announced he decided by his answer whether he would remain with No. 1 or join the new company. Twelve mem- bers decided to form the new company, and eighteen remained with No. 1. Then came a contest as to what should be the name of the steamer company. The men who formed the new company wanted also to take the number with them, and call their com- pany No. 1, and Gazelle No. 2. The members re- maining with the hand-engine finally triumphed, and the new steamer company was called " Plainfield, No. 2," and from that time there has existed a friendly strife between the two companies. When the old engine-house was purchased by Mr. Levi Hetfield the members of No. 2 thought to spring a trap on those of No. 1 in securing the bell as a trophy, and obtained the consent of Mr. Hetfield to allow them the bell. But members of No. 1 heard of this and determined that the old relie of the early days of the fire department in the village of Plain- field, which they justly considered belonged to their organization, should not fall into the hands of their rivals. One night the bell disappeared from the belfry, and then there was a hue and ery. The owner of the building threatened to sue somebody for the theft; who that somebody was no one could tell. Finally ex-Foreman Edward Thorn bargained with Mr. Hetfield and bought "a pig in a bag," as the saying is, by purchasing the bell for a nominal sum, the same to become his when found. For a long time that bell remained out of sight to the gaze of any member of No. 2. Finally, on the occasion of their annual ball and supper, the evening of Febrn- ary 22d, they determined to astonish their friendly rivals. During the progress of the daneing, when the " full set" was reached, the assemblage were astou- ished at hearing the loud elanging of a bell behind tbe paraphernalia and decorations at the end of the hall, a flag was drawn aside, and the astonished eyes of those members of No. 2 present fell upon the bell

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HISTORY OF UNION AND MIDDLESEX COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.

so long sought for. It was beautifully gilded in gold, and hung so that it could be swung at leisure. Infor- mation was received that an attempt would be made to rescue the bell, but a strong guard was kept over it, and it was returned again to a place of seereey until Mr. Thorn announced himself the owner of it, when all attempts to capture it were dropped. This historic bell has now a place in another organization of this city, whose members often listen to its silent midnight tolling with pleasure.

The officers for 1881-82 are as follows: President of Board, Jeremiah Van Winkle; Secretary, T. J. Gillies ; Treasurer, E. H. Depew; other members of board, E. L. Morris, Solomon Flaig, W. E. Jones. Chief Engineer, Frank W. Vail; First Assistant, George Kesselring ; Second Assistant, Stephen Davis.

Gazelle, No. 1, Steamer .- Foreman, T. O. Doane; First Assistant, Jerry Moore; Second Assistant, Charles P. Sebring.

Plainfield, No. 2, Steamer .- Foreman, William L. Wright; First Assistant, William Laing ; Second As- sistant, Andrew D. Jennings.

Warren, No. 3, Engine .- Foreman, John Becker; First Assistant, William Harding ; Second Assistant, George Becker.

Zephyr, No. I, Hook-and-Ladder .- Foreman, Eph- riam Hedden ; First Assistant, Samuel Robinson ; Second Assistant, Charles Smith.

Alert, No. 1, Hose Company .- Foreman, A. Sals- man; First Assistant, S. T. Varian ; Second Assis- tant, E. N. Erriekson.

THE FIREMEN'S RELIEF ASSOCIATION .- Joseph A. Hubbard, president; David W. Rodgers, vice- president; W. R. Cock, secretary ; A. D. Mallinson, treasurer ; relief committee, A. S. Force, A. D. Jen- nings, and Frank Whiteley.

CHAPTER XLVIII.

TOWNSHIP AND CITY OF PLAINFIELD .- ( Continued.)

Water-Supply Company .- An organization of citizens of Plainfield for supplying the city with water was effected in 1869, and the intention is at some future day to develop the much-needed and easily-arranged improvement for receiving a supply of fine, pure water from the neighboring hills, where there are abundant never-failing springs sufficient for all demands, either for extinguishing fire or for do- mestie or manufacturing purposes. The city will un- doubtedly find it necessary sooner or later to draw its water supply from this source.

There were two acts of the Legislature passed in 1874: first, an act to authorize the construction of water-works for supplying Plainfield with pure and wholesome water; and second, an act to authorize the construction of works for supplying with pure and wholesome water, pursuant to an act of April 2, 1869.

Societies .- THE CALEDONIAN ASSOCIATION .- This society was organized io 1877 of resident Scotch- men. It is devoted to benevolence and the popular sports peculiar to the Highlanders.

THE ATHLETICCLUB .- Among many of the younger portion of this city the Athletic Club is an institution, and has grown in popularity and influence by its suc- cessful sports and by its wel !- managed annual games, with liberal prizes which draw together many of the most celebrated athletes as well as amateur competi- tors in the country.

The Muhlenberg Hospital was fully organized in 1878. For years previously the want of such an in- stitution had been felt by the citizens. Donations of money were made, fairs, ete., were held, and a fine plot of land was donated by the former mayor of the city, Job Male, Esq. The building was then com- menced. It is now completed and ready to receive those needing medical treatment. The building with grounds are valued at about ten thousand dollars. The officers of the board of governors: Right Rev. John Scarborough, D.D., president; Nathan Harper, vice-president ; W. R. Cock, secretary and treasurer. Medical Board : H. D. Burlingham, M.D., phy- sician-in-chief; Charles Hart, M.D., surgeon-in-chief; Charles H. Stillman, M.D., consulting physician ; J. E. Jamrin, M.D. (New York ), and C. M. Field, M.D. (Bound Brook), consulting surgeons ; Drs. Probasco, Boone, and Tomlinson, attendant physicians; Drs. G. W. Endicott and Long, attendant surgeons.

Plainfield Gaslight Company .- For a number of : years some plan was sought to be adopted for light- ing the streets of this growing city. Many plans were proposed and found to be impracticable or un- successful. At length an act of the Legislature was Relief Association .- This association have rooms corner Madison Avenue and Second Street. They give needed help to the poor through an employment bureau to those who are able to work, and dispense clothing, food, medicines, etc., through a scrutinizing executive board of self-denying ladies,-Mrs. G. W. Ferry, president; Mrs. C. E. Ryder, vice-president ; Mrs. Joseph M. Myers, treasurer; Mrs. John S. Lam- son, secretary ; Mrs. H. C. Marshall, assistant score- tary ; Miss A. J. Pray, superintendent. passed incorporating "The Plainfield Gaslight Com- pany," March 13, 1857. In 1870 this act was amended. The company have several miles of mains laid in the principal streets, and are constantly extending them as demand increases. Capital, one hundred thou- sand dollars. The offices are located at the corner of Fourth and Washington Streets ; President, I. R. Van Deventer ; Superintendent, E. R. Pope ; Secretary and Treasurer, P. Brunsen ; Engineer, T. H. Morse ; Directors, J. R. Van Deventer, Elias R. Popc, Peter Plainfield Library .- In 1879 an act was passed by Brunsen, George W. F. Randolph, and Carmon Parse. | the Legislature creating a library fund. The follow-

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TOWNSHIP AND CITY OF PLAINFIELD.

ing list of officers has been elected with three terms, viz .: Walter L. Hetfield, Craig A. Marsh, J. K. Myers, secretary and treasurer, hold office until 1883; George H. Babcock, Henry E. Daboll. John B. Dumont, president, hold office to 1884; John H. Evens, Mason W. Tyler, Henry R. Talmadge, hold office to 1885. Within the next six months this library will be opened to the public, and will be a valuable acquisition to the city.

Jerusalem Lodge, No. 40, R. and A. M .- The committee appointed to reply to certain inquiries of the Committee on Masonic History of the Most Wor- shipful Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey would respectfully report as follows :

1st. At the annual communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, held at Trenton, on the 11th day of November, 1817, the following petition was presented :

" To the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey .- The petition of the subscribers moet humbly showeth, that your petitioners are all regular Ancient Masons, sod having the honor and prosperity of Masons much at heart are very desirous to promote its philanthropic principles. That for the convenience of their respective habitations and for other good purposes they have agreed to form themselves into a new lodge to be named 'Union Lodge,' and have nominated Capt John Allen to be our first Master, Doctor Elias Runyou to be our Senior Warden, and Captain William D. Sherwood to be our Junior Warden, That in cousequence of this resolution they pray for a warrant to empower them to assemble and hold a regular lodge in the township of Westfield, and county of Essex, in East New Jersey, and then and there to make, pass, and raise masons according to the forms of the society and to execute all other duties of the craft. May it, therefore, please your Right Wor- shipful body to grant this request, and your petitioners faithfully prom- ise strictly to obey and conform to all the orders and regulationa of the Grand Lodge that shall be enjoined on them, and your petitioners as in duty honud will ever pray.

Signed, " JOHN ALLEN, " ELIAS RUNYON,

" WILLIAM D. SHERWOOD, " JACOB LAZALIAR,

" WILLIAM WILLIAMSON,

" SIMEON GAUGE,

" WILLIAM STEWART."

The petition having been read, it was "ordered that a warrant do issue and that Brother John Allen be the first Master; Elias Runyon, first Senior Warden ; and William D. Sherwood, first Junior Warden of said lodge."

The lodge was known and numbered as Jerusalem Lodge, No. 40, in the township of Westfield (now city of Plainfield) in the county of Essex.

2d. There is no evidence of this lodge having pre- viously worked under a dispensation.

The first applicant for degrees under the warrant was John Norcett, in May, 1818, and received the first degree in said lodge June 22, 1818.

The first meeting of the lodge under the warrant was held Dec. 27, 1817. The following officers and brethren were present, viz. : John Allen, W. M .; Elias Runyon, S. W .; William D. Sherwood, J. W .; Wil- liam Williamson, Treas .; Elias J. Thompson, of Chatham Lodge, Sec. pro tem. Alexander Kinner, S. D .; Simeon Gauge, J. D .; Andrew Wallace, Tyler; William Stewart, David Smalley, R. W. Dept. Grand Master; William McKissack, R. W. Dept. Grand Secretary ; George McDonald from Solo-

mon Lodge, No. 1, at Somerville; Bros. Luther Little and Elias J. Thompson, of Chatham Lodge, No. 33.

During the entire existence of Jerusalem Lodge, No. 40, from Nov. 11, 1817, to April 23, 1834, no name is more prominently identified with its history than that of Col. John Allen. He was present at the annual communication of the Grand Lodge when the warrant was granted, and served his lodge as a representative eleven years. In the year 1832 he was elected to the honorable position of Senior Grand Warden. He was most faithful in his attendance at the regular communications of his own lodge, bolding the station of Worshipful Master, serving the years 1818-19, 1823. As a citizen he was respected and honored as one of the most prominent in the com- munity. After the lodge had ceased labor he removed to the State of Ohio. With his change of residence there was no abatement in his love of the institution of Masonry, and at his death, in 1856, he desired to have his remains taken to Plainfield, in New Jersey, and that the usual Masonic services should be per- formed by his brother Masons of Plainfield. A dele- gation from his lodge in Ohio accompanied his re- mains to his old home, and he was interred in the cemetery of the Baptist Church in this place. The funeral services were held on Sunday, July 13, 1856, and the ceremonies at the grave performed by Jerusa- lem Lodge, No. 26.

Jerusalem Lodge, No. 26, F. and A. M., located in Plainfield. This lodge was organized under dis- pensation by Most Worthy Grand Master Stewart, May 9, 1853, and the following officers were admitted : Elias Runyon, W. M .; Richard Manning, S. W. The minutes of the proceedings furnish the following list of brethren present on the occasion : Elias Run- yon, Richard Manniog, Stephen Hall, James G. Wil- liams, James C. Lyon, Edmund Seeley, Debruskoss A. Husson, Thomas Wallace, Samuel Scott, Jona- than M. Wilcox.

The following are the officers of the lodge, Feb. 18, 1882: William R. Cock, W. M. ; Benjamin F. Coriell, S. W .; Jonathan B. Johnson, J. W .; John L. Hall, Treas .; Edward Nelson, Sec .; John Ulrich, S. D .; Thaddeus O. Doane, J. D. ; John Chandler, S. M. S .; Joseph G. Miller, I. M. S .; David Weaver, S .; Wil- liam L. Wright, S .; Charles H. Westfall, Tyler.

Jerusalem Chapter meets the second and fourth Thursday evenings of each month in Masonic Hall, the Vandeventer Block, Front Street. John Hall, H. P .; 1. C. Pope, E. K .; Edward Nelson, E. S .; 1. N. Steiner, Treas .; T. A. Rodgers, Sec.

Anchor Lodge, F. and A. M., meets second and fourth Tuesday evenings of each month in Masonic Hall, in City National Bank building, Front Street. W. A. Freeman, W. M .; I. B. Dumont, S. W .: Charles Tweedy, J. W .; J. S. Nason, Treas .; James Lyon, Sec.

Odd-Fellows .- PLAINFIELD LODGE, No. 44, meets every Monday evening at their hall in Coward's build-

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HISTORY OF UNION AND MIDDLESEX COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.

ing, Park Avenue. Officers, 1882: C. E. Austin, N. G .; William Boe, V. G .; T. J. Young, Treas. ; I. K. Arnold, Rec. Sec .; P. V. Weaver, Per. Sec.

MOUNT HEBRON DEGREE LODGE, No. 11, meets second Thursday evening of each month. Officers for 1882: M.Schenck, D. M .; A. R. Hartpense, D. D. M .; Fred. Slater, Sec. ; T. J. Young, Treas.

Knights of Pythias .- PERSEVERANCE LODGE, No. 74, meets every Thursday evening in hall, Front Street, corner of Park Avenue. I. C. Carney, C. C .; N. H. Guttman, V. C .; Martin Cronce, P .; Webster Grant, R. of F .; F. Whitleby, M. at A .; L. Ulrich, Trustee.

Howell's Division, No. 97, Sons of Temperance, meets at Alberti's Hall, East Front Street, opposite Park Avenue, every Tuesday evening. Webster Grant, W. P .; James R. Perine, W. A .; I. M. Taynor, P. W. P .; J. M. B. Pyatt, R. S.

The Would Be Social Club was organized June 15, 1877, and has occasional meeting at their rooms, No. 12 West Front Street.

Plainfield Sængerbund. - This large association was organized a few years ago for the care of the sick and helping the destitute. The singing society con- nected with this club give occasional entertainments, which have become popular with the German-speak- ing citizens of this city. They meet every Monday and Friday evenings at Frederick Caspar's hall.

Ancient Order of Hibernians meets in Associa- tion Hall, Park Avenue, the first Monday evening of every month. W. J. Tobin, president; James Mul- downey, vice-president; Charles McCann, secretary ; Michael Nugent, treasurer.

Children's Home .- This home is located on Hill- side Avenue. It was found that something should be done for the children of this city who needed care and support, and many little ones, orphans and half- orphans, or those whose parents are incompetent to provide for their necessary wants. This home was organized in 1872, and has been the means of doing a good work. The officers: Mrs. Horace Kimball, president ; Mrs. James McGee, vice-president ; Mrs. Charles Place, secretary ; Mrs. L. W. Serrell, treas- urer; Miss Lucy Everett, corresponding secretary ; Mrs. C. V. F. Nevius, matron ; E. W. South, M.D., physician of the Children's Home.

Holly Tree Inn .- This benevolent institution is situated on North Avenue near the depot. It is a well-patronized resort for the youth of our city, where they can find a home welcome, good, promiscuous reading-matter, and a simple lunch without any evil temptations. It is nearly self-sustaining, though needing the sympathy and assistance of a charitable public. It exists in the interests of temperance, and is doing a good work under the direction of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Officers: Mrs. J. W. Yates, president ; Miss H. M. Convey, secretary ; Mrs. S. S. Struthers, treasurer ; Miss H. W. Convey, superintendent of Inn.

The Washington Monument Association .-- This society, for the purpose of erecting upon Washington Rock a suitable monument, was organized in 1859, and its determined purpose is in no distant future to honor the memory of our great American chieftain by erecting a suitable memorial upon this summit, and near the notable rock that bears his name.

The Young Men's Christian Association was or- ganized in 1867. They formerly had their rooms upon Front Street, but now have commodious quar- ters in the Chautanqua Building, corner of Park and North Avenues. They have in membership nearly three hundred, and a circulating and reference library of nearly two thousand volumes, and a free reading- room containing many of the best religious and secu- lar publications. Under the auspices of the Young Men's Christian Association is given every season an excellent course of literary and scientific lectures and musical entertainments. The Sabbath-school normal class, with the main object of pursuing a systematic Biblical study, and the consideration of practical methods of religious instruction, is one of their most influential and important branches of Christian ac- tivity, having given to Plainfield a national reputa- tion as a Sunday-school centre. Under its manage- ment the first congress of Sunday-school workers of the United States was convened in this place during the spring of 1876, when one hundred and sixty dele. gates were present, representing thirteen States and twelve different denominations. The efforts of the association in philanthropic as well as religious ways are designed to help and elevate the young men of Plainfield. The following officers, 1882: H. R. Munger, president; George R. Cornwall, vice-presi- dent; Walter MeGee, recording secretary ; H. J. Runyan, corresponding secretary ; W. P. Webster, general secretary ; H. O. Newman, treasurer; and W. S. Angleman, librarian.

Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle .- The national headquarters is in the Chautauqua Building, corner of Park and North Avenues. Rev. J. H. Vincent, D.D., president ; Miss Kate F. Kim- ball, secretary. Plainfield Branch, Rev. J. L. Hurl- but, president ; F. E. Marsh, treasurer.

The Potter Printing-Press Works .- They were erected in 1879 by C. Potter, Jr., about half-way from this city to Evona, on the southerly side of the New Jersey Central Railroad tract, having sufficient conveniences for loading and unloading their mer- chandise at the factory doors. The buildings are of brick, and are commodious, covering nearly an acre of ground,-the machine-shop, foundry, work-shop, and necessary buildings. The firm is an old, well-es- tablished concern, having had their works in Rhode Island for many years. Their workmanship is unex- celled by any other in the country. They employ over one hundred first-class mechanics.

The Clothing Establishment of Messrs. Schep- flin, Baldwin, Tweedy & Co., ranks among the first

DUNDEEHOOK

Lagt but

- POTTER PRINTING

PRESS WORKS .-- PLAINFIELD N. J. C. POTTER JR. PROPR.

D. J. Borce

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TOWNSHIP AND CITY OF PLAINFIELD.

of this class of industry in the United States. At their massive brick buildings on West Front Street they employ a great many skilled workmen, and afford steady occupation to scores of others in the surround- ing neighborhood.

Mutual Agricultural Association of Union and Middlesex Counties .- This association was organized in the year 1879, and in the following month of Sep- tember they held their first annual exhibition, which proved a grand success. They have ample grounds well located upon the easterly portion of Raritan township and the limits of the city of Plainfield. The grounds contain outbuildings and accommoda- tions for the show of fine cattle. The regulations concerning the horse department are ample, and the past season many have been induced to introduce their fine stock, which these two counties are so well known to pride themselves in. The secretary, Hon. James S. Vosseller, has produced the past season a liberal premium list through the direction of the board of directors.

One of their articles of incorporation is the follow- ing : " All articles raised, grown, or manufactured in the counties of Union and Middlesex and in the township of North Plainfield may be exhibited, although the owner may not reside in such counties or townships."

Board of directors, John I. Holley, president; R. S. Little, Hon. Charles A. Campbell, first vice- president; Nathan Robins, second vice-president ; J. W. Johnson, third vice-president; James S. Vos- seller, secretary ; E. C. Pearson, treasurer ; James Neilson, M. H. Acker, I. C. Meyer, I. H. Platt, I. T. Pearson, William S. Darling.

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History of Union and Middlesex Counties, New Jersey with Biographical Sketches of many of their Pioneers and Prominent Men, Part 77

Author: W. Woodford Clayton, Ed. Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Philadelphia: Everts Number of Pages: 1224

Author: W. Woodford Clayton, Ed.
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia: Everts
Number of Pages: 1224