History of Union and Middlesex Counties, New Jersey with Biographical Sketches of many of their Pioneers and Prominent Men, Part 90

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 90
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 90

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"On the 1st of May, 1800, he stopped preaching, but he remained in the parsonage, and his salary was continued. On May 1, 1801, he was dismissed, and one year's further salary was voted to him. Ta 1803 he entered into his rest.

" It is recorded that near the close of his ministry Rev. Jonathan El- mer preached for himi ; and as he was without charge he requested a contribution, which was accordingly taken up, and amounted to eight dollars and some cents. It may seem to us an unimportant item to be made a matter of record, but we must acknowledge that he was a better judge as to its importance. In March, 1801, it was decided to hire Rev. Gershom Williams for one year from May let. In October of the same year a call was givea him, which he seems to have had under considera- tion for a long while, for the first communion after his acceptance of it was on the 23d of May, 1802. Ilis ministry here was marked by the most powerful revival that ever occurred in this church. He has left on record iu his owa handwriting two bits of personal experience that are es windows looking into the heart of the man, and disclosing something of the spiritual moods to which he appears to have been subject. Like the Psalmist David, he was susceptible of the highest exaltation and deepest depression. On Sept. 9, 1804, be went home from the Lord's Supper and wrote in the bitterness of his spirit, 'Not one new mem- ber sdatitted. O melancholy inetaace, ouce repeated since my pub- lic ministry began. May this evidence of barrenaess humble me and lead all the disciples to ardent prayer.' Four years the leanness coa- tinued, and there were but nine added to the church in the whole time. Then there was an addition of thirty at one communion, aad at another in the same year of fifteen. After that there was no general work af grace nutil 1814. On May 8th of that year the faithful pastor goes from the breaking of bread to his study in a far different mood from that which carried him there on that dark September day ten years be- fore. The fruit is at length ripening and droppiog into his baud, and his heart is full. He sit- down and writes a long list of names, every one of which he counts as a star, and then under the list he writes, "The above one hundred and one names were all added to the church

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in one day, of whom forty-one then received baptism. Wondrous day of the Lord, never to he forgotten !'

" It was, indeed, a wondrous day for the church at Springfield. These galleries were packed until it was feared they would break down; these seats and aisles were crowded to overflowing with penitent sainta and sinners that had been alike quickened into new life. Do you think that pastor's joy could have been measured that day by any earthly measure- ment? There are many treasures in this world that men reckon of priceless valne, and count with pride and delight, but there are none like the souls that are saved for Jeans. We know nothing of the full- ness of joy until we sit down to number the saved through our instru- mentality, who shall shine as stare hereafter in our crown of rejoicing.

"Just at the close of Mr Williams' ministry, in 1818, the first Sunday- school known in thie part of the country was started by Miss Catherine Campbell in a room fitted up for the purpose on her father's premises. The school began with three teachers,-Mise Catherine Campbell (now Mra. Wilbur, of Orange), Mise Eliza Campbell, and Miss Duyckiock,-end with one hundred scholars. Miss Eliza tought forty of the larger buys, Mies Catherine twenty-five of the larger girls, and Miss Duyckinck took the remaining boys and girls. A few months later the schools more im- mediately connected with this church were organized by Mrs. May Ten Broeck (now Mrs. Atwater, of New Haven) and a young lady (now Mrs. Samuel Halsey, of Newark). It began with about five teachers and a hundred scholars. Neither schoole had eny male teachers at the beginning. The good brethren wanted to see the innovation a suc- cess before they lent it any assistance that would be likely to compro- mise their Christian standing.

" Sunday-schools were then a new thing under the sun. A good many of the churches, and not a few of the pastors, regarded them suspici- ously as calculated to draw away the general interest from the lung- established means of grace and methods of salvation. The people also shared this want of confidence in them, or else were at a loss to know just what was intended by them. Some hed the impression that it was a money-making operation. One woman, to whom one of the teachers went asking if her children could attend, wanted first to know ' how much she was going to charge a quarter?' There were difficultive to overcome, but the schools were successfully established, and from the first were greatly prospered and blessed. They are not yet done bearing fruit.

" Rev. James W. Tucker, who succeeded Mr. Williams, came here from New England. He was installed Aug. 4, 1818, end was here but a few months. He died suddenly Feb. 11, 1819. He is described as & man of remarkable pulpit ability, having few equals in his day in this re- spect. He was warmly in sympathy with the two infaut Sunday-schools, and greatly endeared himself to the earnest workers of the church during his short stay among them.

" Following him in 1820 was the Rev. Elias W. Crane. He was in- stalled January 5th, and preached bere six years. He was dismissed Oct. 17, 1826. A large number were added to the church during his ministry. While here he preached the first historical sermon, but there le no copy of it to be found at present. It was during his time that a decided novelty in the shape of & stove was introduced into the church. Hitherto foot-stoves heated with corncobs and flat stones well toasted and wrapped up, together with the warming power of the pulpit and the inward heat of the spirit, had been relied upon. But the people were getting more tender or fastidious or both. There seems not to have been, however, as much opposition here to the ungodly thing as in many other places. It came and took peaceable possession of the centre aisle about one-third of the way from the door. The pipe ran straight up towards the pulpit to within & few feet of it, and then sent out two arms at right angles that were thrust out through these side windows. As there were no chimneys you can imagine the condition of the church on windy Sundays. The stove was paid for by voluntary contributions. An incident connected with this fact has been preserved to illustrate the generous spirit of those good old times, of which we delight to hear, if It is not too frequently thrust upon our notice, as in sharp contrast with the more penurious epirit of the praseut age. One liberal-minded young man, when the contribution-box was passed around, dropped twenty-five centa into it, and a near neighbor, witnessing his ruinous liberality, nudged him, and inquired, reprovingly, ' What did you give so much for ?

" During the last year of Mr. Crane's ministry the people of the town- ship met in this church to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the na- tion'e independence, and to listen to an able and eloquent oration deliv- ered by Mr. Sylvester Cooke, then a young man, and a teacher in the public school, now & venerable minister of the gospel retired from the active work.

"Rev. John D. Paxton followed Mr. Crane, and was here little less than a year. He was never installed. He was moderator of the session from Oct. 27, 1826, to June 25, 1827.

" Rev. William Gray was settled Feb. 6, 1828, and was here about & year. He left some time in 1829.

" In the cassional records, as kept by these earlier pastore, I find that whenever there W88 & meeting of the session, if one of the elders was absent he was called to an account nt the next meeting, or even if he was late he must give his reasons. It was considered a matter of sacred duty in those days that every elder should be present at every meeting of the session. It was a cnetom that might be practiced to advantage in our day.

" Rev. Horace Doolittle was installed in May, 1830, and dismissed in April, 1833.

" After Mr Doolittle's time the church was without a pastor, except as eupplied by Rev. Mr. Woodbury, until 1835. On April 28th of that year Rev. John C. Hart was installed, and romeined eight years. He was diemissed Sept. 1, 1843. Mr. Hart is remembered as en earnest preacher and most excellent pastor. There were lerge accessione to the church during the time of his ministry bere. He preached a historical sermon, July 1, 1840, to which reference is made in the ' Historical Collections of New Jersey.' From his manuscript we learn of a thrilling incident that occurred during the battle of Springfield.

" When the alarm was sounded upon the mountain, a family Ilviog where Mrs. Daniel Smith is now living began to hide away their more Valuable household goods. While they were all thus busily engaged the two armies were posted for the fight on either side of the Rahway River. They themselves were directly between the contending forcee. They could not go down the road to cross at the bridge without ex- pusing themselves to the fire of friend and foo. So they sought the shelter of the woode in the rear of the house, and becoming separated from each other, one of the family, a young girl, fourteen years old, found herself alone with a little sister in her care. Taking the baby in her arms, she bravely forded the river while the battle was raging, and ran with it past the church on the road to Milburn, until she sank down exhausted. There the father and mother soon found her, and they all continued their flight to a place of safety among the Short flills.

" Mr. Hart was succeeded by Rev. Edward E. Raukio, who was in- stalled April 23, 1844, and dismissed in 1850. Tle is spoken of as a man of fine personal appearence, having a clear pleasant voice, wbich while it was not loud was always easily heard. His ministry here was largely blessed. During his pastorate he took a trip to Europe, and Rev. Mr. Stark weather supplied the pulpit in his absence.

" Rev. William E. Locke, formerly & preacher in the Baptist denomi- nation, succeeded him. He was installed May 28, 1851, and dismissed in 1852.

" Of his successor, the Rev. O L. Kirtland, who was installed May 3, 1853, and dismissed at his own request on account of failing health April 17, 1872, it is not necessary that I should speak even to the children of thie congregation. It is not to be expected that the words of one who was a strenger to him can make any more dear or fragrant that name of blessed memory tu you all. How many hallowed associations are clne- tered around it in your hearts and honies? He is the man who for twenty years was your sympathizing friend aud spiritual adviser. In the very nature of the case no other can ever take his place to many of you. lle married you, he baptized your children ; he stood with you at the grave of your loved ones, lie sought to soften the sorrow by words of boly comfort; he has been in your homes a frequent and hunored guest ; his memory is associated with days that were bright and days thet were cloudy; he has been to you father and brother and friend; and such friendships are formed but once in a lifetime. There were one hundred and fifty-eight added to the church during Mr. Kirtland'e pas- torate here. In the early part of his ministry the lecture-room was built, and near the close of it the church was remodeled to ita present appearance and the organ put in its place. Two years after hls resigna- tion he fell asleep in Jesus.

" On the 24th of October, 1872. Rev. Mr. Bowen was Installed pastor of the church, and dismissed in April, 1874, to euter upon the Turkish mission, where he now is.

" The present pastor was called aud began the supply of the pulpit in May, 1874, and was installed October 28th of the same year.

" During the past year (1875) an infant class-room has been built upon the lecture-room, and the lecture-room repainted at an expense of about eight hundred dollars. The church has liad since its beginning fifteen pastore. Of the men who have served you in the gospel ministry sev- eral took this as their first charge and were ordained here. One was married here, two died and were buried here. From the membership of

Henry I Felles /eller

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the church three young men, Alfred Briant, William Townley, and Wil- liam D. Reeve have entered the mioistry. One young lady has gone out as a foreign missionary, Mise Rebekah Smith, who weot as the wife of Rev. Mr. Forbes to one of the Sandwich Islands. Thue have we en- deavored to give as concisely as possible but faithfully as to facts and dates the history of this church. .. . "

We have thus given a large part of the historical sermon of the Rev. H. W. Teller. The church was burned by the British in 1780 and rebuilt in 1791. Sittings, 500; communicants, 161; Sunday-school scholars, 175.

REV HENRY WILDEY TELLER .- The family of Mr. Teller are of English extraction, and first settled at Teller's Point (now Croton Point), on the Hudson. The earliest representative was William Teller, one of whose descendants was Daniel, the grandfather of Henry Wildey. He married and had children,- Joshna, Harrison, Smith, John, James, and Julia, who became Mrs. Lonnsberry.

Joshua, of this number, was born at Yorktown, Westchester Co., N. Y., and married Miss Martha Nemire, whose family were of Dutch descent and re- sided in the city of New York. Their children were William, Louisa, Lewis, Esther, Griffith, Daniel. Julia, Sarah, Henry, Jenny, Mary, Martha, and one who died in infancy.

Mr. Teller removed in 1855 to Monnt Kisco, where his death occurred Dec. 19, 1875, in his seventy-third year. Mrs. Teller still survives her husband. Their son, Henry W., was born July 16, 1843, at Croton Falls, N. Y., and with his parents removed to Monnt Kisco in his boyhood, which was devoted to study. He later pursued a preparatory course of instruction under the direction of Prof. Burroughs, of the Nassan Preparatory School, at Princeton, N. J., and entered the Connectiont Theological Seminary at Hartford, Conn., in 1867, from which he was graduated in 1870. , Jonathan Totten, exhorter.

Essex, Conn., was his earliest field of labor, from whence he was called to his present charge in 1874. During his pastorate the Presbyterian Church at Springfield has enjoyed great prosperity.

Mr. Teller has been especially devoted to Sunday- school work. The old chapel connected with the church has been remodeled for Sunday-school pur- poses, and a decided interest awakened among his people in this department of Christian labor.

Mr. Teller was married June 11, 1873, to Miss Ida S., danghter of John and Mary Elizabeth Smith, of New York City. They have two daughters, Irma and Edith. Mr. Teller is favorably known as a con- tributor to many of the religious periodicals of the day, both in prose and verse, prominent among them being the Illustrated Christian Weekly and the Chris- tian at Work.

Methodist Episcopal Church .- It is recorded in the trustees' book of Springfield Union Academy, Aug. 4, 1828, that an application was made to the trustees by

" Philemon Dickerson for Permission to admit our Methodist Breth- ren to hold their Religious meetings in said Academy, Resolved, AI-

though this Board feel personally disposed and would cheerfully unite with them in Christian fellowship and devotion, yet for the peace of nnity and the good of the church already established in this place the Board deem it inexpedient to grant the request ; Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing resolution be forwarded to Mr. Dickerson, signed by the President and countersigned by the Secretary.

" ABAJAH L. DUMEL, President." " WILLIAM STITES, Sec."

A mill that stood just east of the present church, which had stood unoccupied for some time, was offered Mr. Dickerson and accepted ; there they con- gregated for some time, and Col. Wade's place is also mentioned their holding religious meetings. A class at this time was organized, and in the year 1833 the Rev. William Hanley was sent them as their preacher, when they were organized as a church with the fol- lowing members: Philemon Dickinson, Hetty Dick- inson, Ammon and Catherine Bannan, David C. Headly and his wife Charlotte, Hannah Headly, Mary Brown, Calvin H. Gardner, Mary Gillam, Maria Hallett, Nehemiah Taylor, Margaret Taylor, Mary Whitehead, Jotham Taylor, Job Swain, John S. Campbell, Catherine Bailey, Hannah Briant, Mary McChisney, Josiah Cahoon, Mary Cahoon, George Hoyt, Jacob Lacey, Lucy Lyon, Harriet Miller, Agnes Denman, Jane Edwards, Thomas Lyon, Aaron F. Ross, Hannah Ross, Mary Drew, Mary Taylor (Senior), Mary Taylor, Joanna Taylor, Reuben Miller, Parmelia Tichinor, William P. Dickinson, Abner Reeve, Nelson Sharp, Sarah Ann Dickinson, Julia Ann Meeker, Sarah Sharp, Susannah Sharp, Harriet McChisney, Mary Crane, Aaron B. Edwards, Elenor Sharp.

In the year 1834, at the Conference held in Phila- delphia, Springfield, New Providence, Chatham, and Genungtown were comprised in a circnit, and Stephen Day as deacon ; William W. Loder, preacher ; and

The present church was erected in 1838, and altered · in 1873. The former pastors, Revs. W. Hanley, Wilmer, - Decker, T. T. Campfield, C. S. Van- cleave, A. Van Dewater, H. Trumbour, Curtis Talley. J. Challels, J. Canfield, Morcudi Stokes, J. P. Daly, J. Daved, S. T. Moore, W. Chamberlain, C. Wam- bold, J. W. Barrett, G. Winans, A. H. Brown, J. E. Hancock, J. Cowan, Fletcher Loomis, W. H. Dicker- son, and the present pastor, Rev. Samuel P. Lacey. Stewards and trustees, George Mulford, S. B. Brown, Samuel Ball, A. Reeves, Z. H. Sickly, J. Kent, J. Sellick, A. Brill, C. Woodruff, C. Van Wort, and D. J. Mundy. Superintendent Sabbath-school, George Scott. Sittings, 250; communicants, 120; Sunday- school scholars, 160.

The Centennial in Springfield, 1876 .- Wednes- day evening, June 10th, at a regular meeting of the Town Committee at Town Hall, it was resolved and carried that a small appropriation be made for the celebration of the Centennial Fourth, and a com- mittee appointed to make collections, with a propo- sition to report Saturday evening.

Saturday evening, June 13th, a small meeting, with

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S. Lyon, chairman ; H. M. Graves, secretary. Rev. H. W. Teller, A. D. Bailey, A. T. Woodruff, N. C. Cox, and others attended, and after informal business adjourned to meet Monday evening.

Monday evening, June 15th, a large and enthusiastic meeting, with S. C. Smith, chairman ; H. Graves, sec- retary ; numerous speakers and others. The following committees were appointed to make preparations for the celebration of the Centennial Fourth in Spring- field, viz .:

General Committee, with full supervision of pro- ceedings and celebration, Samuel C. Smith, chair- man ; Henry M. Graves, secretary ; Ziba H. Sickly, treasurer ; Sylvanus Lyon, Asa T. Woodruff, mana- gers.

Marshals, David W. Fairchild, grand marshal; Wm. Morrison, James M. Sickly, Albert Sickly, W. B. Denman, his aides.

Committee on Street Parade and Carriages, J. Martin Roll, H. E. Agens, C. T. Corby, Charles H. Roll, Eli M. Barber.

Committee on Decorations, James Farrow, D. F. O'Brien, A. D. Bailey, N. C. Cox.

Committee on Church Music, George Mulford, Theo. H. Sommers, J. Fred. Chamberlin.

Committee on Band, Asa T. Woodruff.

Committee for U. S. Six-pound Cannon, Wm. Tay- lor, Daniel Day, William Day, John W. Sbevill, Wm. McCormick, Abram J. Kolster, Augustus T. Tappan.

Committee on Finance and Soliciting, Sylvanus Lyon, Asa T. Woodruff.

Committee on Fireworks, Sylvanus Lyon, George Mulford, N. C. Merwin.

Committee on Relics, George Mulford, James Far- row, Sylvanus Lyon.

For Notes of Celebration and Publication, Sylva- nus Lyon, Henry M. Graves.

The day was ushered in with the sound of cannon, ringing of church-bells, and the rejoicing and happi- piness of the people, making it an ever-memorable day.

A large and imposing procession of one hundred carriages, riders, troupe of fantastics, fine decorations, and a large concourse of the people met promptly at the town square at 9' A.M. After forming line, the procession marched past the old Revolutionary house to scene of battle at the Rahway River, returning through Millburn, passing W. Campbell's, S. Lyon's, and Hartshorne's corner to Summit line, and return- ing to the Presbyterian Church. Most of the houses were gayly decorated, and the people all along the route cheered and smiled enthusiastically.

ORDER OF PROCESSION.

Grand Marshal (as Washington), David W. Fair- child; W. Morrison, Albert S. Sickly, W. B. Den- man, Jas. M. Sickly, his aides.

Carriages with invited guests: Rev. Lewis H. Clo- ver, St. Stephen's Church, Millburn; Rev. Dr. J. D.

Rose, St. Stephen's High School, Millburn; Rev. Wm. H. Dickerson, Methodist Church, Springfield ; Hon. Israel D. Condit, Millburn, N. J .; Rev. Charles H. Babcock, Millburn Baptist Church; Father R. P. S. Dagnault, St. Rose of Lima, Millburn.

Joseph Solano's brass band, Orange, N. J.

Bearer of cap of liberty, Abram Reuck, Esq. Color-bearer, Eli M. Barber.

Triumphal car with thirteen States (thirteen young ladies of Springfield, dressed in costume and with State emblems): New York, Miss Frances Barber ; Pennsylvania, Miss Jennie Headley ; Virginia, Miss Carrie Sickly ; Georgia, Miss Lizzie Headley ; Mas- sachusetts, Miss Mary Fairchild; North Carolina, Miss Loraine Pierson ; South Carolina, Miss Gertrude Fairchild; New Hampshire, Miss Lilly Wolcott; Maryland, Miss Mary Wade; New Jersey, Miss Lottie Lawrence; Connecticut, Miss Nealie Wood- ruff'; Delaware, Miss Vinnie Dickerson ; Rhode Island, Miss Ada Denman.

The car with Public School No. 22 (decorated ), of Springfield, N. J., Prof. A. D. Bailey and Miss Susan W. Stiles, teachers, and fifty scholars.

The car of liberty (with canopy of flags, American shields and colors) : Goddess of Liberty, Miss Adele C. Lyon ; Uncle Sam, Howard K. Lyon.

Millburn, N. J., guests : Roger Marsball, Esq. (six- horse team, with citizens of Millburn, N. J.).

Troupe of fantasticals : Spirit Beauty, S. Lyon.

Colored dame (immensely dressed, with huge broad- sword, and riding a lamb's mule) : Mephistopheles, Voziferei Sayer; Sioux Indian, Stewart Marsh; Old Veteran, Samuel Taylor; White Domino, A. McCor- mick.

The evergreen car: Henry Monker, with invited guests.

The fancy mule-team of Fred. Farley.

Carriages, riders, etc.

The Old Presbyterian Church, memorable for its record of Revolutionary times, looked brilliant and festive, filled with patriotic citizens, and gayly deco- rated with festooned colors, flags, emblems, lanterns, and flowers. There was a large shield back of the altar, with a picture of Washington at its crest, with sacred trophies in front, and a pyramid of red, white, and blue flowers for bouquet.

The trophies and relics were as follows: Pyramid of cannon-balls from Springfield battle-ground; old British sword captured at Trenton (Dr. J. D. Pol- hemus); old British sword captured at Springfield (A. T. Woodruff) ; battle-flag captured at Chancel- lorsville, Va. (Rev. Dr. J. D. Rose) ; American eagle shot on Springfield Mountain (S. Lyon) ; young American eagle (V. Sayer).

The programme of exercises in the Presbyterian Church was as follows: Prayer, by Albert Graves, Esq .; reading of Declaration of Independence, by Alderman William Wade, of New York ; together with the following pieces of music: "The Star-Spangled

Miriam Stites

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Banner," " America," Whittier's Centennial Ode, Graves' Centennial Chorus.

The choir was composed of Miss Amelia Park, organist ; Mr. Theo. H. Sommers, Mr. J. Fred. Cham- berlin, Mr. G. W. Chamberlin, Mr. Wilbur Sopher, Mrs. M. Faitoute, Miss Pamela Graves, Mr. and Mrs. Ball, and Miss Ada Graves.

The gunners again at close of the day made vocal music with salute of United States six-pounder, and the inhabitants gathered on the magnificent grounds of Beers and Shirley to witness the splendid display of fireworks, consisting of rockets, wheels, pieces, balloons, and ending with head of Washington and batteries, and thus the memorable day was ended.

The pyrotechnists were Messrs. Roll, Graves, Lyon, Merwin, Hull.

The celebration was noticed in the following man- ner by some of the leading journals :

"SPRINGFIELD, N. J .- This village, noted for stirring incidents and a battle of the Revolution, celebrated ite centennial in a truly patriotic grand style. A new flag and staff for Town Ilall. Baod, connon, grand procession, with marshal, aides, and fantasticale. The Rev. H. W. Teller delivered the oration. Alderman W. Wade read the Declaration. The church and dwellings were tastefully decorated, and a fine display of fireworks on the grounde of Beers and Shirley made this & truly me- morable Fourth."-New York Tribune.

"SPRINGFIELD, N. J .- Thie old town celebrated its centennial in a truly patriotic maoner, recalling its Revolutionary incidents. The dec- orations were fine. A large procession, with marshal and aides, fantasti- cals, and emblematic carriages, with an oration in the church sod fireworks, made it a glorious Fourth for Springfield."-New York World.

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History of Union and Middlesex Counties, New Jersey with Biographical Sketches of many of their Pioneers and Prominent Men, Part 90

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