History of the First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, N.J., 1742-1882 pt 1, Part 62

Author: First Presbyterian Church in Morristown (N.J.)
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Morristown, N.J. : "Banner" Steam Print
Number of Pages: 942

USA > New Jersey > Morris County > Morristown > History of the First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, N.J., 1742-1882 pt 1 > Part 62

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I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient, The Marquis de Lafayette.

To Lieutenant Jonathan Ford Morris of the Artillery at Morristown."

In Graham's life of General Daniel Mor- gan, (to which we are greatly indebted), we find another letter from Lafayette to Mor- gan. This letter is dated 1777, and as it re- fers to the Major's death, it must either have been in confident anticipation of that event or the year given is an error. He certainly died January 5, 1778. It is more likely that Lafayette made the common mis- take in naming the old year, the new year being but a few days old when Morris died. I777.

" Dear Sir :- I just now received your fa- vor concerninglour late friend, Major Morris, and I need not repeat to you how much I am concerned in the interests of his family. I spoke the other day to his Excellency on the subject, and I shall write to Congress a very particular letter, where you will be men- tioned. I intend to speak as in your name, and that of all your corps, and as being my- self honored with their confidence. It is my opinion that a decent estate might be given to the family as mark of gratefulness

from their country, and that his son must be promoted as soon as possible. But, my dear sir, you know how long Congress waive any matter whatsoever before a decision, and, as Mrs. Morris may be in some want before that time, I am going to trouble you with a commission which I beg you will execute with the greatest secrecy. If she wanted to borrow any sum of money in expecting the arrangements of Congress, it would not be- come a stranger, unknown to her, to offer himself for that purpose. But you could (as from yourself) tell her that you had friends, who, being in the army, don't know what to do with their money, and as they are not in the mercantile or husbandry way, would willingly let her have one or many thousand dollars, which she might give again in three or four years, etc., etc.

One other way could be to let her believe that you have got or borrowed the money from any town or body you will be pleased to mention, or it would be needless to men- tion where it comes from.

In a word, my dear sir, if with the great- est secrecy, and the most minute regard for that lady's delicacy, you may find a manner of being useful to her, I beg you would communicate to me immediately.

I shall, as soon as possible, let you know the answer of Congress, whenever an an- swer will be got, and in expecting the plea- sure to hear from you, I have the honor to be, very sincerely.

Your most obedient servant, The Marquis de Lafayette. Col. Morgan, of the Rifle Corps."

Major Morris' widow (Hannah Ford) sur- vived him five years, dying at Morristown, Oct. 12, 1783, of consumption. She was buri- ed by the side of her husband.

In the proceedings of the New Jersey Coun- cil, March 1, 1780, it was "ordered that a warrant do issue in favor of the said Han- nah Morris for the sum of twenty-five dol- lars per month, being the amount of the half-pay of her deceased husband during her widerhood."

We have attempted no more in this sketch than to give without embellishment such facts in the history of Major Morris as have been discovered in a very desultory though protracted search, excluding many traditions which may be exaggerations and which are certainly wanting in the verities essential to our purpose.

It is our hope that we shall have attained one result at least. That of provoking ad- ditional interest with those inclined to such researches, and especially with those who

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are directly or collaterally related to the subject of our sketch. We will be thankful for further information, promising that it shall be used, giving proper credit, in a more extended effort at some future time. *

Since writing the foregoing narrative. we have thought it appropriate to add a brief notice of Dr. Jonathan Ford Morris, the son of Major Joseph Morris. He was born in Hanover. Morris County, New Jer- sey, March 21, 1760. In his sixteenth year he was made ensign in his father's Revolu- tionary company. Heis spoken of as tall and large, distinguished for his talent and energy even at that early age. We get traces of him at Ticonderoga early in 1776. On March 1, 1777 he was made Lieutenant in Proctor's Artillery, and was during the war also attached to Col. Stevens' Artillery. While with Proctor's Artillery he was in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown, and in the latter was conspicuous in the as- sault upon Chew's House. He was also in the battles of Princeton and Monmouth. In the Summer of 1779 he was with a body of Americans who intercepted the enemy un- der the command of Col. Simcoe of the Queen's Rangers, who made a raid for the purpose of burning some boats on the Rari- tan River. When near New Brunswick, Simcoe was attacked by the Americans, who had concealed themselves behind logs and bushes. Simcoe was taken prisoner, his horse being killed and himself stunned by the fall. Simcoe's life was saved by Morris, " who adroitly averted a deadly blow aimed at him by one of the soldiers." Simcoe in his journal records the fact, and mentions the further fact of his having been bled by Mor- ris and receiving from him other necessary assistance. Long after the war, when Simcoe was Governor of Upper Canada. Morris re- ceived a letter from him inviting him to visit him at Toronto, and acknowledging the kindness which he experienced at his hands. He had resigned his commission in the army on Nov. 28, 1778, at the solicitation of his widowed mother. It appears from the proceedings of Congress that a letter of that date had been received from him tendering his resignation as Lieutenant of Proctor's Artillery. Early in 1779 he entered upon the study of medicine under the instruc- tions of Dr. Moses Scott, of New Bruns- wick. He afterward studied under Dr. Shippen, of Philadelphia, who was so im- pressed with his abilities that upon the completion of his studies he suggested a partnership. Dr. Morris declined, but ever afterward regretted his decision. March Ist, 1784, he married Margaret Smith Euen, of Elizabeth. She was a decendant of Rev. Jno. Harriman, of the Ist Presbyterian Church Elizabeth, whose daughter married John Hendricks, whose daughter married David

Smith whose daughter married a Euen : the latter being the parents of the wife of Dr. Jonathan Ford Morris. They had nine children :

Joseph Euen Morris, born Nov. 10, 1785. He died May 5, 1830, leaving a widow and' six children in Steuben County. N. Y.

Wn. Cullen Morris, died an infant.

Wm. Cullen Morris (second), born Aug. 17, 1787. He died May 20, 1870. He was a highly respected lawyer in Belvidere for many years; subsequently living in Jersey City where he died, leaving four sons and one daughter.

David Euen Morris, the fourth son, was born April 22, 1791. He died Sept. 24, 1870, leaving a widow (his second wife), six sons and three daughters in Michigan.

Edward Young Morris was born Sept. 5,. 1793. He died April 6. 1819, leaving a widow without children in New Jersey.

Wm. Patterson Morris was born Oct. 9,- 1795. He died Sept. 21, 1842, leaving a widow and two children in New York. His son Edward now lives in Rahway, N. J.

Alexander Melville Morris was born Aug: II, 1797. He died May 7, 1837, leaving a widow and three children in Michigan.

Hannah Mary Margaretta Morris was born April 24, 1799. She married Dr. By- ington of Belvidere, N. J., and was left a widow without children. She now lives with her only surviving brother.

Rev. Jonathan Ford Morris, in Bushnell, Ills., who lived for many years in Mendham, N. J., and who is well-known as a retired clergyman of the Dutch Reformed denomi- nation, whose talents and high character are recognized by all who know him. He was born June 7, 18cI, and has had nine children, five daughters and four sons-all living but one son.

Dr. : Jonathan Ford Morris practised medicine with great success in the region about Somerville for number of years. It is recorded of him that, "As a citizen he was philanthropic and public spirited. In company reticent, but as a writer forcible and direct." He died April 13, 1810, aged 50 years. His widow died February 12, 1844, aged 86 years. They were buried in the old church yard in Bound- brook and over their remains a suitable memorial was erected.

In conclusion we find in a standard Eng- lish authority (Burke) that the name of Morris is of very great antiquity and is known under various orthographies, among others occur Morys, Moris, Morris, Morriss. Mores, Morrice, Maurice, etc., compounded with Fitz Clan, Mount, De, and various other initial expressions. It is composed of the Welsh words Mawr-ryce meaning "war- like," "powerful in war." To this one of the mottoes borne by the family of Morris seems to have reference,

" MARTE EN MARI FAVENTIBUS."

THE RECORD

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, MORRISTOWN, N. J. " THIS SHALL BE WRITTEN FOR THE GENERATION TO COME."-Psalms 102 : 18.

VOLUME V.

DECEMBER, 1885. NUMBER 36.

[Printed with the Approval of the Session.]

THE RECORD

Is published monthly ; terms $r.oo a year, in advance. Single numbers for any month, 10 cents each. Subscriptions should be made to Mr. James R. Voorhees. Matters pertaining to the publication should be addressed to the

EDITOR OF THE RECORD.

Entered at the Post Office at Morristown, N. J., as second class matter.

PUBLICATION OF THE RECORD TO BE STOPPED.

With this number the publication of THE RECORD will be discontinued, at least for the present. At no time have the subscriptions been sufficient to pay the cost of publica- tion, and a point has now been reached in the total arrearage at which it is wiser to stop than to go on. No debt will be léft and no call for help will be made, as contri- butions, mainly from two persons, have al- ready been received sufficient to cover all deficiencies.

Subscribers who appreciate the amount of genealogical and historical matter con- tained in the RECORD as thus far published, aside from the.labor which has been required to gather and prepare it, will be satisfied with the result attained. This result may be briefly stated as follows: Ist, Historical narratives of the Church and Town from 1742 to 1840; 2d, Biographical narratives concerning some of the pastors and leading men of former generations ; 3d, Reprints of rare and valuable publications respecting the Church ; 4th, A continuous copy of all the matters of importance recorded. in the Minutes of the Parish, of the Trustees, and of the Session, from 1742 down to 1882 ; 5th, Complete lists of all the names recorded in the various Registers of the Church, viz., those of . Baptisms, of Communicants, of Marriages and of Deaths, from 1742 down to

1815 ; together with the beginning of an al- phabetical arrangement, printed nearly through the C's, which includes all names down to 1885.

It is hoped that it may be possible, before long, to complete the printing of the Com- bined Registers, and some other matters. In this case the monthly form will not be resumed, but all additional pages will be is- sued at one time, and supplied free to old subscribers, who may take the trouble to send us their names and addresses before Jan. 31, 1886.

DIRECTIONS FOR BINDING.

To those who desire to bind their RE- CORDS at once, and do not wish to take the risk and delay of waiting indefinitely for the. possible issue of additional pages, the fol -· lowing order is suggested as best calculated to group. parts that belong togther. It should be remembered that no numbers. were issued during the year 1882 :

Ist. All the numbers of Vols. I. and II. pages .1 to 192.

.2d. All the four-paged Supplements of Vol. III., pages 193 to 240.

3d. Report and Roll for the year ending 7th April, 1884, pages 145 to 152, and issued as a Supplement with May number of 1884.

4th. All the parts of Vols. III., IV. and V. that bear the Title, each part containing eight pages in Vol. III., and only four pages in Vols. IV. and V .; running continuously from page I to page 192.

5th. All the Supplements containing the Minutes of the Session, the Trustees and! the Parish for successive pastorates. The first issue of these was with the number for January, 1884; from which time they were issued every month until and including the number for June, 1885; the last and com- pleting part; for the present, being sent out this month. Each part contains eight pages,.

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and the paging runs continuously from I to 168.

6th. The parts of the Combined Regis- ters. The first of these was issued, as an extra Supplement, with the number for. February, 1885, the next issue was with the July number, from which time it appeared every month, closing, for the present, with the number for November. The paging is continuous, from I to 48.

Particular ATTENTION is called to the fact, that some of the Supplements have been incorrectly folded ; care should be taken to have these folded properly. before binding. In the set examined, this mistake was dis- covered in the Supplements for May and June, 1883, July, 1884, June and November. 1885.

WHO CAN TELL ?

Diligent but futile inquiry has been made to learn whether any of the persons named below are now living, and, if so, what their present address may be. If the reader can give any information concerning any one here named, a great favor will be conferred by sending word to the Pastor of the Church. Once before, after a similar list had been published, it was casually discov- ered that several could have given the in- formation desired ; but they supposed that " somebody else would give it," and never troubled themselves any further about the matter. Please do not wait for “ somebody else." If it is too much trouble for you to write out the information, the Pastor or Clerk will call on you, if you will only some- how let him know that you can help to clear up the Church Roll.

Susan Bayard, received in 1856.

Mrs. S. C. Bartlett, received in 1871, from Wysox, Pa.

Charles Boss, received in 1853, from Sparta, N. J.

Jane Brant, received in 1860, from Chat- han

Ellen Corkhill, received in 1858.

Laura J. Crane (or Crone,) received in 1856 ; did she marry a Loree in 1859 ? Alice Crampton, received in 1866. Catharine W. Cree, received in 1876.

Margaretta Davenport, rec'd in 1846, from Newfoundland, N. J.

Margaret Doremus, rec'd in 1876.

Ann Louisa Fairchild, rec'd in 1842 ; did she marry a Taylor ?

Mary B. Freeman, rec'd in 1-864.

Oliver S. Freeman, rec'd in 1869, from Dover.

Elizabeth Gustin, rec'd in 1841, from Hard- wick.

Thomas J. Harrison, rec'd in 1874.

Anna Hammell, received in 1874.

Annie Heffern, received in 1876.

Edward Irwin, received in 1858.

Nancy Irwin,

Sarah Maria Johnson, colored, received in 1851.

Leo Kofler, received in 1872, from Cincin- nati.

Bridget Landon, received in 1856;

Annie M. Lawrence, rec'd in 1873.

Elizabeth Ann Marsh, wife of Wm. L. Lewis, rec'd in 1858.

Harriet E. Leonard, rec'd in 1862. .

Louisa Matilda Leech, rec'd in 1864, from South Orange.

Mrs. Eliza Lindsley, rec'd in 1876, from Chatham.

Sophia Mackid, a servant of W. C. Baker, rec'd in 1858, from Canada.

Jane Maria Martin, colored, rec'd in 1851. Mary Miller, rec'd in. 1845, from West Somers.

Eliza Miller, rec'd in 1872, from Newark.

Eliza Jane Moore, widow of Wm. L., re- ceived in 1876.

Elias Pruden Mount, rec'd in 1843.

Isabella McCord, rec'd in 1870, from New York City.

Jenny Elizabeth McDermott, received in 1875.

Margaret McDonald, rec'd in 1876.

Elizabeth Pemberton, rec'd in 1855.

Nelson A. Rankin, received in 1865, from Mendham.

Austin Requa, Jr., rec'd in 1866.

Frances Rittenhouse, rec'd in 1851, from Hackettstown.

Sarah Margaret Roy, rec'd in 1843.

Margaretta Louisa Shafer, rec'd in 1843.

Charles Stewart, rec'd in 1879, from Raritan.

John L. Thompson, rec'd in 1876.

Wm. L. Tunis, and his wife Mary A., re- ceived in 1869, from Baskingridge. .

John H. Tunison, rec'd in 1872.

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Ann VanDoren, colored, rec'd in 1863, design, the central figure .of which is the old from Hackettstown.

Luther G. Van Vliet, rec'd in 1879, from Washington, N. J.

Sarah Voorhees, rec'd in 1853, from Plea- sant Grove.

Mrs. Sarah Voorhees, rec'd in 1866, from Mendham.

Phebe A. Ward, widow of Wm. B., rec'd in 1858, from German Valley.

George G. Wagner. rec'd in 1871. Elizabeth Wilkins, rec'd in 1874.

Henry R. Williams, rec'd in 1861.

THE MANSE. .

(From the Banner of May 21st, 1885.)

All the past winter and early spring we have been watching. with great interest the building of the " Manse" for the First Pres- byterian Church, and now that it has just been finished and is in every way such a per- fect and complete house, a short description of it will be read with interest.

The beauty and quaintness of the exterior reflects great credit upon the architect. It is after the "Renaissance" style of architec- ture, but with a great deal of originality. The grey stone was quarried in Mendham, and the buff trimming stone is from Berea, Ohio. The whole effect of the building is picturesque on account of its long sweeping outline and sharp angles of roof and rough stone work, relieved by graceful gothic arches.

To enter the house we cross a broad en- trance porch to the hall door, which is of the old Dutch style, being cut in two in the centre, allowing the upper half to open while the lower half is closed, giving good ventilation to the large reception hall. The vestibule is finished in cherry and has a large closet at one side for hats, umbrellas, etc.

The reception hall is also finished in natural cherry. The stairs at one end are broad and of beautiful design, winding up to the third story. The fire place in the hall is built of pressed brick, and opposite this in the recess of the stairs is an old-fashioned seat built in, and upholstered with red leather. The size of the hall is 9 feet 6 inches x 23 feet 6 inches.

The stair case and halls are lighted by an immense stained glass window of beautifull the business intended.

seal of the Church, adopted by the Trustees in 1788-a sheaf of wheat within a maltese cross, around which is lettered " First Pres- byterian Church, Morristown, N. J., MDCCXXXIII." This window was built with money raised by the Sabbath school, and bears under it the legend, "By the School of the Church, MDCGCLXXXV."

On the first floor to the left is a drawing room. It has a hard wood floor of oak, but all the rest of the wood work, including the mantel is of polished mahogany. This room is lighted in front by an immense window, partly of stained glass. : The fire place cut- ting off one corner of the room is very hand- some with its elaborate mantel especially designed for the room. All the mantels on this floor, including that over the hall fire place are ornamented with mirrors of heavy bevelled plate glass, and they are specially designed by the architect. This room is 15 feet x 18 feet 4 inches.

The dining room is large and bright. It is all finished in " quartered oak" with a high wainscoting. The bay window has a screen of wood-work over the upper part. The mantel of this room is hand-carved in fruit and floral pieces. Its size is 15 x 20 feet 6 inches.

The library is treated in Louis Quatoze style. The floor is of maple, but the re- mainder of the wood-work is painted a creamy white. The corner mantel is white to correspond, and has seats at each side of the fire-place. The impression that this room gives at first is quaintness, making a pleasing relief and contrast to the rooms connected with it. Its size is 12 feet 6 inches x 13 feet 6 inches.

All the rooms on the first floor open into the reception hall by large double rolling doors so that the whole floor can be thrown open when occasion requires.

The kitchen is large and light and has several roomy closets. A fully equipped butler's.pantry connects the kitchen with the dining room, so that the kitchen is really isolated from the living rooms of the house, yet entirely convenient to them. The size of the kitchen is 13 x 15.

In the rear of the kitchen is the laundry, a fine large room thoroughly furnished for

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In a brief description we cannot do justice to the work. The wood-work of this floor is really a cabinet finish, the large amount of panel, spool and other work blending superbly. The door knobs and hinges are of brass, and altogether the work is harmo- nious and pleasing.

On the second floor, over the drawing room, is a large convenient study, the walls lined with book shelves. This room, as well as all the bed rooms in the house, has a roomy comfortable closet. Besides this room there are three large bed rooms, a dressing room and bath room on this floor. Two bed rooms and the dressing room con- nect, making a very handsome suite.

The wood-work in the bath room is oak. and all the plumbing work is particularly fine, every trap being ventilated and the work is sanitary in every respect. All the bed rooms on the second floor are provided with open fire places and originally designed mantels, a plaster-work feature forming panels and richly colored, being something new.

There are four fine bed rooms and a trunk room on the third floor. All the bed rooms are finished in pine, oiled, and all have large closets. The three halls are large and roomy, and yet there is no lost space in the build- ing. The thickness of the walls form deep recesses for the windows and admirable space for inside blinds. The house is heated by furnace, as well as open fire places.

In no part of the building can it be said that convenience has been sacrificed to beauty, yet there is nothing to mar its archi- tectural perfection, whether we consider the interior or exterior. Mr. Louis R. Hazeltine, the architect, has received many deserved compliments on his work, as a whole, as well as for the care and attention he has paid to every little detail, and the work cer- tainly does him an honor that will prove lasting.

Messrs. Schenck & Young, the carpenters, Sturges Brothers, who did the stone and mason work, T. B. Pierson, the plumber, and Thatcher. the decorator, have all done their work well, as a critical examination will prove, all having aided in the erection of a building that will prove an ornament to Morristown as well as a graceful and sub- stantial addition to the First Church prop-

erty. The cost of the Manse is about $18,000.

" Ebenezer, hitherto the Lord hath helped us."

(HYMN SUNG AT THE CENTENARY ANNIVERSARY, 29th SEPT., 1842. BY WHOM WAS IT COMPOSED ?)

Almighty God, great King, draw near, Where Thou, with love, hast often heard Our Fathers' voice of praise and prayer, And blest, with power, Thy gracious word.

A hundred years have roll'd away, Since here, in faith. they first did raise An altar to the Lord. To-day, Their sons would lift their voice in praise-

And tell of wonders God hath done, To magnify His gracious name In saving souls, who else had gone To everlasting grief and shame.

Here Thou hast made the listening throng, Imbibe Thy saving truth and love- Here pardoned rebels joined the song Of sinless seraphim above.

Still, let Thy word melodious sound, And spread celestial bliss around, 'Till all shall humbly seek Thy face, And joy in Thine abounding grace.

MINISTERS WHO HAVE BEEN MEMBERS OF THIS CHURCH.

(This list is but a partial one. We shall be glad to receive information by which the list may be enlarged and made complete.) Philip Lindsley.

John Ford, son of Jas.

Marcus Ford, son of Jas.

Samuel Whelpley.

Melancthon Whelpley, son of Samuel.

Jared D. Filer.

Henry Ford, son of Jonathan.

Elias Winans Crane. David Moffat Halliday, son of Samuel.

Samuel Byram Halliday. " 64 John Ray. Charles L. Mills.

Isaac Todd, son of Robert.

Baker Johnson, son of Mahlon.

Arthur Granger.

Levi Hunt Christian.

Joseph Vance.

James Perrine Cutler, son of Joseph.

John Mills Johnson, son of Peter A. Edward William Condict,son of Edward B.

James Douglass Robertson.

Calvin M. Parks.

Thomas E. Souper. Walter Condict, son of Silas B.

Arthur Johnson, son of J. Henry. Allan F. DeCamp.

David Merchant Davenport.

David Olyphant Irving, son of Rev.David.

PASTORATE OF REV. TIMOTHY JOHNES, From 1542 to 1794.

---: 0:

RECORDS OF THE SESSION.

[Title page as written by Dr. Johnes. ]

THE RECORD OF

THE CHURCH

IN THE TOWN OF MORRIS, FROM THE FIRST ERECTION

AND FOUNDING OF IT THERE ;- AND UNDER CHRIST, AS COLLECTED, AND SETLED, AND WATERED (IN MUCH WEAKNESS) BY TIM'O. JOHNES.

PASTOR ; who first came Aug't 13th, 1742. stayed 6 Sab. & then fetched my Family and was ordained Feby, 1742-3.

42 till after Equinox.

[Page following title in Dr. Johnes' Record Book.]

THE ALPHABET OR RATHER CONTENTS.

I. The names and Number of the Persons that were in full Communion when the Ch. was first Collected, & founded ; together with the Number of those that Came since from other Churches, with their Removal Page 1. &c.

2. The names and number of Persons admitted by my selfe to the Ch. Since My ordination- together with the time of yr admittance-Page 6 &c.

3. The names and number of the Children I have baptized, with the time of their Bap- tism-Page 50.

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History of the First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, N.J., 1742-1882 pt 1, Part 62

Author: First Presbyterian Church in Morristown (N.J.) Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Morristown, N.J. : "Banner" Steam Print Number of Pages: 942

Author: First Presbyterian Church in Morristown (N.J.)
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Morristown, N.J. : "Banner" Steam Print
Number of Pages: 942