History of Union and Middlesex Counties, New Jersey with Biographical Sketches of many of their Pioneers and Prominent Men, Part 94

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 94
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 94

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This mission, belonging to the St. Luke's parish, Rev. Dr. Scott, rector, has supervision, holding regular services. There are a number of families who esteem it a privilege to give this mission their especial atten- tion ; and it is now in a prosperous condition, with Mr. Robert Kiplin, who has charge of the school as superintendent.

Sittings, one hundred and seventy ; communicants, thirty ; Sabbath-school scholars, forty-five, with a number of efficient teachers.

Necessarily, the Episcopalians are few in this neigh- borhood, as the population is chiefly composed of Presbyterian families.

Schools .- In the records of the township at a meet- ing held April 13, 1847, of the Town Committee. " It was resolved, That one hundred and fifty dollars for

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HISTORY OF UNION AND MIDDLESEX COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.

school tax be raised in the township for the present year."

At the expiration of ten years (April 13, 1857) "the township has increased the school tax to six hundred dollars."

And at a meeting held the 8th day of April, 1867, it was resolved that "also for support of public scholars the sum of two dollars ($2) a head for each child."

" A tax was raised of $3.00 per head for each child April 14th, 1873, between the ages of seven and eighteen years. There are nearly five hundred chil- dren enrolled in the township."

The following district reports as corrected :

District No. 23, Unionville .- The number upon roll, 66; the attendance is about 35. Teacher is Miss I. C. Grant. Trustees, W. C. Headley, who is clerk, A. A. Decker, and T. C. Baker.

District No. 25, North Roselle .- This is a beantiful building in the Queen Anne style of architecture, and built on high ground, having a fine view of the surrounding country, and surrounded by some of the best-built houses in Union township. The trustees | appear to feel an interest in keeping the building and grounds in excellent order. The report of scholars is about 200, and attendance about 97. The trustees are C. O. Andrus, clerk, T. Kingland, O. S. Bogart. The following are the teachers : R. A. Dunham, Miss A. W. Townley, T. A. Akerly.

The following names of former teachers in this district, which was formerly called the Washington District School-House at an early date: Miss Mary Crane, a Miss Camp, 1847-51; Miss Emiline Miller, George Frost, 1858; Mr. Ames, 1859; Miss Hannah Johnson, 1861-63; and Edward P. Coapling, 1865. The property was sold and altered into the present St. Luke's Episcopal Mission.

District No. 27, Connecticut Farms .- This is one of the oldest schools in the township, being estab- lished before the Revolutionary war. Here many have taught and been taught; but little can be learned of those who taught here. There are about 93 scholars in the district. The trustees are G. W. Doty, district clerk, D. Hegel, and N. B. Compton. The present teacher is A. W. Wright. Within a short time the old frame building was removed and the present neat structure erected. Miss Emiline Miller, Mr. Ames, and Miss Camp were teachers.

District No. 28, Lyons Farms .- Number of scholars in district, 87 ; trustees, J. B. Morrison, clerk, J. S. Dod, and J. H. Doremus; present teacher, C. Du- boise ; former teachers, Sarah Grumon, 1818; Thomas Winter, 1825. George Frost, from Newton, Conn., was here for a short time in 1837-38 ; and Miss Ellen Tich- enor took his place in 1839-40 ; a Mr. Alcock was here in 1826; again in 1840-42. Miss Ellen Tichenor re- turned after a few months' absence, but remained but a short time. Miss Phebe Winans took her place. A Rev. Mr. Knapp, a Methodist clergyman, taught

in this district, and also a Mr. Duboise, but the date cannot now be learnt. Again the name of Miss Tich- enor is made mention of in 1870-72; and when she left Miss Elizabeth Woodruff took the position for a time. The school was called the " Hillside," and built in 1817, originally a stone building. The late Elihu Bond, father of the Rev. Lewis Bond, of Plainfield, was "much interested in education," and "gave the site," "some stone," and also " ten dollars in money." The present building is a frame, neat in appearance, and built a few years since.

District No. 29, Salem (formerly called Sodom), has about 150 scholars in the district, but the attend- ance is small, less than 40. The following are the trustees : J. W. Lim, district clerk, O. Woodruff, and W. A. E. Earle. The teachers are Miss M. A. Stiles, principal, and C. J. Wilcox.

We find the schools of this township well appointed for the development and training of the younger part of this township; but it is to be regretted that all do not attend for instruction, as they are so well furnished with the needed appliances as to supply all ample op- portunities and facilities for securing a good educa- tion to every child in these five school districts, and so convenient for all to attend.

We add the names of the following members of school committee and superintendents of schools:

School committee, James Carpenter, 1845 ; Albert R. Meeker, 1845; Stephen H. Crane, 1845; William H. Woodruff, 1846 ; Samuel Doty, 1846 ; John Crane, 1846.

Superintendents of schools, John Crane, 1847-51 ; Rev. Robert Street, 1852-62; George W. Cooper, 1863; Edward E. Searing, 1864; Noah Woodruff, 1865-66.

Connecticut Farms Burial-Ground. - This old historic burial-ground of the first settlers of this township is situated on a knoll or rising ground. The Presbyterian Church, one of the oldest in this county, stands surrounded by these graves. But few of the oldest stones can now be deciphered, and there are many which were not marked except in the early records of the church book of burials. But in 1780 the church and parsonage were burnt by the British and the church books were also destroyed. The ground is surrounded by a brick wall, with the exception of part of the southerly slope, which may have been the first that was buried in.

The Evergreen Cemetery .- This association was organized under the general act of the Legislature of New Jersey, March 10, 1853. It is beautifully situ- ated on the road from Elizabeth to Newark, about half-way from each city. For a long time it was found necessary that something should be decided upon, as the places for the interment of the dead were being crowded. The following gentlemen were chosen trus- tees : Richard T. Haines, president ; Francis B. Chet- wood, vice-president; Josiah Q. Stearns, treasurer ; and William F. Day, secretary ; William Brown,

James C. Baker

The parents of Mr. Baker were John and Mary Meeker Baker, the birth of the former having occurred Oct. 28, 1790, and his death Feb. 4, 1834. Mrs. Baker was born Nov. 25, 1793, died Feb. 8, 1830. Their children were James C. and Aaron M., the eldest of whom is the subject of this biographical sketch. He was born Aug. 17, 1817, in Union township, on the land which is his present residence, and to which he succeeded by inheritance as a por- tion of his father's estate. He also inherited his father's love for country life, and has estab- lished a reputation as a successful agriculturist.

Mr. Baker was married on March 31, 1852, !

to Miss Mary, daughter of Amos and Martha Day, whose birth occurred June 2, 1822. To this marriage were born three children,-Ed- ward Clark, deceased ; James Arthur, also de- ceased ; and Aaron Clifford, who resides at home.

Mr. Baker was an early Whig, and became a Republican on the organization of the party. He has since been one of the most stanch and earnest advocates of its platform and measures. Both Mr. and Mrs. Baker are among the most active members of the First Presbyterian Church of Lyons Farms, in which the former is an influential elder.

all & Grane

The great-grandfather of Mr. Crane was Andrew, who resided in what is now designated as Union township before the war of the Rev- olution. Among his children were Andrew, wider field of usefulness than the limits of his. native township, he repaired to that city and learned the trade of a carpenter. Here he passed ten years; after which he returned to David, and Jacob; the latter of whom was also Union County, and having purchased the home- born in the township, where he married and had children,-Jacob, Matthias, Stephen, and one daughter, Phebe, who became Mrs. Stiles. stead made it his residence. He was married to Miss Margaret, daughter of John Winans, and had children,-Sarah F. (Mrs. M. W. Matthias, of this number, was born on the family estate and spent his life in farming pur- suits. He was united in marriage to Miss Pru- dence Lum, and had one child,-a daughter, Prudence. By a second union, with Miss Sarah Lum, he had children,-Matthias B., David L., John, Samuel, William Henry, Jane Elizabeth, and Stephen J. The death of Mr. Crane oe- curred upon the homestead where his life was spent. His son Matthias B., a brief sketch of whose life is here given, was born Dee. 27, 1808, and spent his early life on the farm. Having determined that New York offered a Crane), Marietta A. (Mrs. E. B. Earle), Anna M., and John W. Mrs. Crane died in 1868, and he married a second time, Miss Abbie, daughter of William and Maria Chandler Moore, whose ancestors were of Scotch descent and heroes of the Revolution, as were also those of her husband. Mr. Crane is in politics a Republican, though not ambitious for official distinction, and in early life cast his vote with the Whig party. He is a Presbyterian, and both he and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth, of which he was formerly a deacon.

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UNION TOWNSHIP.

John D. Norris, Lewis W. Sparks, John H. Rolston, Apollos M. Elmer, Charles A. Higgins, Isaac M. Ward, Josiah Q. Stearns, Frederick Phelps. The surveyor appointed was Ernest L. Meyer, and the superintendent ot the grounds James Amm. The grounds are well laid out and ornamented. They have opened, graded, and appropriately and taste- fully arranged avenues and paths throughout the whole grounds to the extent of more than six miles, and erected capacious receiving tombs in Egyptian architecture for the use of persons desirous to become proprietors in the cemetery. On the 13th of Decem- ber, 1853, the grounds were dedicated. The late Rev. David Magie, D.D., of the Second Presbyterian Church, made the dedicatory remarks, and the Rev. Robert Street the prayer.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

EDWIN MAGIE.

The Magies are of Scotch extraction, the ancestor of the family in America having left the land of his birth during the period of persecution in 1685-87, and established himself in his trade as a blacksmith

Edurne Maque

in the land of his adoption. His death occurred in 1736, and but little else is known of him. Among his descendants was Michel, who resided in what is now known as Magietown, in Union township, and had children,-Benjamin, John, Catharine, Hannah, and one whose name is not recalled. By a second

marriage his children were David, Joseph, Job, Haines, Ogden, and Mary Jane. John of this num- ber was born Aug. 21, 1785, in the township of Union, where he during his lifetime resided and pursued the avocation of a farmer. He married Dec. 19, 1807, Mary, daughter of Jacob Searing, whose birth occurred Oct. 26, 1785. They had children,-Phebe, Edwin, Joel, Mary Ann, Jane Harriet, John, William Henry, and Catharine, who died in youth. The death of Mr. Magie took place on the 23d of April, 1862, after a long and industrions life, and that of his wife April 5, 1867. Their son Edwin was born Dec. 13, 1810, on the homestead, where he remained until his eighteenth year, after which he removed to Newark and acquired a trade. He returned again to the township, and having purchased the farm he at present occupies, began its cultivation and improvement. He was married Dec. 14, 1842, to Miss Ann Eliza, daughter of Harvey Thompson, of Union. There were horn to them children, - John Harvey, Frances Amelia, David T., who is married to J. Etta Ward, Edwin M., and Jessie, of whom David T. and Jessie are the only survivors. Mr. Magie was an early Whig, but became a Republican at the formation of the party, and has since remained in its ranks. He has devoted his life to the superintendence of his business interests, and had little time to devote to affairs of a public char- acter.

His religious associations are with the Presbyterian Church, Mrs. Magie and their children, David, his wife, and Jessie, being members of the Second Pres- byterian Church of Elizabeth, as was also their daughter Frances.

DAVID S. HIGGINS.

James Higgins was a native of the township of Union, where he was not only a successful farmer but a citizen of much influence. He was born March, 1763, and married March, 1787. He served with credit in the war of the Revolution, and died after an eventful life, Oct. 12, 1826. His son, David S. Hig- gins, was born July 26, 1804, on the family estate in Union township, and in early life, after acquiring the rudiments of an education, engaged in mercantile pursuits in the city of New York. Here he remained for seven years, at the expiration of which time he removed again to the scenes of his childhood and became a farmer. This labor proving congenial to his tastes was continued during the remainder of his life. He was married on the 24th of February, 1827,- to Miss Margaret Searing, daughter of Jacob Searing, of Revolutionary fame, and became the father of the following children : Elizabeth, deceased, who was the wife of R. S. Van Tassel; Hannah, deceased, who married James Clark ; Margaret, wife of Rev. H. C. Townley; Rebecca, who was united in marriage to Henry H. Richards ; James W., and David S. C.

Mr. Higgins may be described in his political pred-

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HISTORY OF UNION AND MIDDLESEX COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.

ilections as an old-line Whig, and to the principles of his party he adhered during his lifetime. Though interested in all public affairs which redonnded to the welfare of the community, he was never an aspirant for office and rarely engaged in the successive yearly

D. I. Higgins

contests which were the precursors to official position. He was by religious preference a Baptist, and a con- sistent member of the First Baptist Church of Eliza- beth, N. J., of which he was one of the founders and an officer from its organization.

The death of Mr. Higgins occurred on the 3Ist of October, 1871. His life was one of integrity and use- fulness, and his death universally deplored. Mrs. Higgins still survives him, and daily exemplifies in her life the virtues of a Christian lady. James W., the only surviving son, was born in the township of Union, Feb. 31, 1839, and still resides near the place of his birth, where he is a representative farmer and a man of much influence. IIis family consists of a wife and two sons, the latter representing the fourth generation in the township.

David S. C. enlisted at the outbreak of the Rebel- lion at the age of seventeen, and served during a period of three years. He died at home from illness contracted during the campaigns in which he parti- cipated.

HON. NOAH WOODRUFF.

Few of the residents of Union township who have passed away have left memories of a life so franght with beneficent results as did the subject of this biog-

raphy. Born in the most humble but respectable conditions, and left when but a lad to fight the bat- tle of life unaided, he by his own inherent strength of purpose achieved a position of influence and filled a career of extended usefulness. Noah Woodruff was born April 22, 1804, in Union township, and early acquired a familiarity with farming enterprises. These he conducted successfully during his lifetime. He was on the 7th of January, 1835, united in marriage to Miss Mary Miller, to whom were born nine chil- dren,-Abby F., John C., Stephen M. (deceased), Mary J., Noah, Elizabeth S., Abram M., Sella, and Edward E.

Mr. Woodruff became identified with the interests of Union County when it was still a portion of Essex County. Hisacknowledged executive ability, together with an integrity that offered no ground for question, cansed him to be frequently chosen for positions of responsibility and trust. He was at one time borough sheriff of the city of Elizabeth, and for a period of thirty years filled the office of assessor of Union township, being a portion of the time also its col- lector.

Having received the appointment of master in chancery, he combined also the duties of a justice of the peace, which office was faithfully filled for suc- cessive terms.

His constituents having discerned the peculiar abil- ities which enabled him to grasp subjects of public and general import, chose him for two terms as their representative in the State Legislature while Union County embraced two districts. In this position he proved himself a judicious and able legislator. His latest official service was as a member of the board of chosen freeholders for Union township, having been director of the board during his last term. The death of Mr. Woodruff occurred Jan. 12, 1873, while his mental vigor and usefulness were yet unimpaired. His life was a bright example of industry, wisdom, and probity, and his death an occasion of sorrow to many hearts. His widow, who still survives, is one of the contributors of this testimonial of regard to his memory.

JOUIN T. HUTCHINSON.

John Hutchinson was a native of Scotland, and through life followed the business of a florist. He was for years engaged in this pursuit on Staten Island, and in 1866 established the enterprise which is now conducted by his son in Union township and Elizabeth, N. J. His wife, Elizabeth, was of English birth, and became the mother of five children,-John T., William, Jesse E., Annie G., and Frederick L. The death of Mr. Hutchinson occurred March 10, 1870, in his forty-fourth year, and that of his wife Sept. 30, 1879, in her fifty-sixth year. Both were consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, and highly esteemed for their many virtues. Their son, Jolin T., was born Aug. 8, 1854, on Staten Island,

Arah Modige

Jemin Long

Mr. Long may with propriety be mentioned as one of the most conspicuous examples of a self-made man the county of Union affords. He is the son of Patrick and Mary Sullivan Long, and was born in Thurles, County of Tipperary, Ireland, on the 8th of April, 1843. He while a lad attended school for a brief period, and soon after, having coneluded that America offered inviting fields of labor to the young emigrant, embarked in 1855 with his sister, Ellen B., for New York. His footsteps were directed towards New Jersey, and having reached Union township he at once sought employment, and for four years received as the price of his labor his board and the privilege of attendance at the public school in winter. He at the expiration of this period was engaged by Aaron Baker, with whom he remained nine years, and during that eventful time was by frugality and economy able to accumulate the sum of two thousand dollars, with which he purchased a farm. He at onee stocked his farmi and devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. Upon the land was a dilapidated dwelling which was demolished, and in 1879 the spacious and

comfortable residence which is his present home was built upon the site. Mr. Long was on the 9th of March, 1869, married to Mary E., daughter of John and Ann Tunison, of Union township. They have had children,-Lillie M., James A., Jennie W., and Francis B. Mr. Long, while absorbed in the cultivation of his land, having added largely to his original pur- chase, is not unmindful of the privileges which are accorded to every American citizen, and casts his vote regularly with the Republican party. He is a member of the New Jersey State Agricultural Society, and also of the Union County Farmers' Club. He is also vice- president of the New Jersey Poultry Associa- tion, and has usually been in charge of the poultry exhibitions at the State Fair.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Long are members of the Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church. James Long, the brother of the subject of this sketch, served with credit in the late war as first lieutenant of Company E, Eighth Regi- ment New Jersey Volunteers, was wounded at the battle of Williamsburg, and died at Fortress Monroe.

Aaron Me. Baker,

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SUMMIT TOWNSHIP.

where his boyhood until the age of twelve years was spent, after which he removed with his parents to Union township. He became interested in the enter- prise in which his father was engaged, and applied

John J. Hutchinson

himself to the acquirement of a thoroughi knowledge of its details. This enabled him on the death of his parent to become his successor, and greatly to develop and increase the business. He makes a specialty of cut flowers, which find a ready market in Elizabeth. He has also acquired a reputation for skill in decora- tion and landscape-gardening which is especially noticeable in the Evergreen Cemetery, where his taste is frequently called into requisition.

Mr. Hutchinson has an office in Elizabeth, where orders are received, and where his refined taste and skill find appreciative patrons. ffe was, June 16, 1880, united in marriage to Miss Boyd, of Newark. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Second Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth.

AARON M. BAKER.

The Baker family are of Holland extraction, though little is known of their representatives prior to the ad- vent of Ezekiel Baker in Union township, where he resided for many years. He formed two matrimonial alliances, the first with Miss Hannah Meeker, to whom was born a son, Ezekiel, and a second with Miss Phobe Dickinson, whose children were John,

Mary, Rhoda, Phebe, Fanny, Ephraim, and William. Mr. Baker spent his life in farming occupations, and died at his home in Union township. His son John, the father of the subject of this biography, was born on the family estate, and at an early age acquired a knowledge of farming, to which his energies were de- voted. He also developed a taste for military tactics, and was prominently identified with the State militia. He was married to Miss Mary Meeker, to whom were born two sons, James C. and Aaron M., the birth of the latter having occurred Aug. 19, 1819, at the homestead. He enjoyed in youth all the advan- tages of education afforded by the common schools of the day, and entered upon the duties of life soon after as a farmer, which has since been his vocation. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary E., daughter of Edward and Mary Woodruff Earl, of the same township, and granddaughter of David Earl. The birth of Mrs. Baker occurred Nov. 25, 1823.

Mr. Baker is in his political belief a Republican, his first vote having been cast for William Henry Harrison. He is a Presbyterian in his religious be- lief, and has been for a number of years a deacon of the Second Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth, of which both he and Mrs. Baker are members. He has ever manifested a deep interest in the furtherance of edu- cation in the township, and was chiefly instrumental in securing the tower and bell which ornament the imposing school building in his district.

CHAPTER LIII. SUMMIT TOWNSHIP.

Geographical Situation .- Summit township was formed from Springfield and New Providence by act of the Legislature in the year 1869. It is situated in Union County, and is bounded on the north by Mil- burn township, Essex County, on the east by Spring- field, Fanwood, and New Providence, and on the west by New Providence and Passaic River. The Passaic River is also the dividing line between Union and Morris Counties.

Natural Features .- This township comprises ex- tensive alluvial and diluvial deposits. The former consists of elongated and also rounded crystalline trap, sand gravel, and loam; the latter are a stiff whitish clay, a yellowish-brown clay above this, and in parts the outcropping of a silicious sand. The ma- rine fossil shells found in these clays, belonging to the Hamilton group, and a few impressions of trilo- bite, orthoceratite, and other extinct species, represent- ing more the remains of the Trenton group, show that these deposits were made at an earlier period than those thrown down by rivers or oceans in mod- ern times. To this system belong also the trap bowl- ders scattered in this township.

388

HISTORY OF UNION AND MIDDLESEX COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.

The surface is hilly until you reach the summit proper. The road winding along the eastern line of the Second Mountain to the old Springfield road, passing the site of the "Old Red School-house," and leading to the Balty Roll Heights (the scene of the murder of Mr. Roll), in Westfield township, exhibits the surface quite uneven, rising at several points higher than the First Mountain and several hun- dred feet above tide-water. This chain of hills, being parts of First and Second Mountain ranges, includ- ing this township from New Providence, gives it a fine lofty appearance, surrounded by timber in its natural wild ståte, and the valleys between having fine cultivated farmns. These features make the town- ship desirable for health and fine landscape scenery. Just opposite the farms lately occupied by Jacob F. Badgley and Moses Reeves, being the southerly part of this township, we find the head source of Green Brook, fed by many springs. On the westerly line, along the Passaic and Delaware River Railroad, we meet much of the drift rock and pebbles in uneven ledges, and in some places cropping out, until we reach the Passaic River near the New Providence depot, when a stiff clay loam intervenes. Here are to be seen well-cultivated farms, fine orchards, etc. There is still to be seen much fine timber in this sec- tion. The soil in the valleys and on the spurs of the Third Mountain produces excellent crops.

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History of Union and Middlesex Counties, New Jersey with Biographical Sketches of many of their Pioneers and Prominent Men, Part 94

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