USA > New Jersey > Monmouth County > Tennent > History of the Old Tennent church : containing : a connected story of the church's life, sketches of its pastors, biographical references to its members, all its earlier record lists, full quotations of its earlier historical records, a complete list of burials in all its graveyards, many of its local traditions, most of its important illustations and maps, an account of the battle of Monmouth, and a large collection of genealogical notes > Part 3
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In an old book in the County Clerk's office at Freehold marked "Minutes of Monmouth Co. 1688-1721," p. 239, is this, "At A Court of Genarall quorter sessions held At Shrowsbury for ye County of Monmouth on ye fourth Tusday In december Annoqe Dom 1705."
The next day after this opening the record reads thus :-
"At Six aclock ye Court being opened
John Bowne Esqr. Richard Salter Obadiah Bowne
President
Presant
Anthony Woodward George Allen Jeremiah Stillwell
Assistants
At ye Request of Mr. John Craig Walter Ker William Ronnol Patrick Inlay in behalf of themselves & their breatheren ye protestant decenters of freehold Called Presbyterians that there publick Meeting
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4.
. to the Bestistant Viscenters fattoda subitotions of it down? of Farhold On & County of Newsouth in a Province of Man Varity is Rituali Built lying & Bring of & unser a pair of Diving ground on bella nicht formerly known filed by this notes de Il In Folown.
might of Zomitted to quantify kindof as the new directs in that Behalf. Ordered Hat further consideration theend of life) stift the next font of Questioffrons."
At & this found that Bajainse Boter fun. Constable of Friskole & time for viol going for attendant. at this Court in ip Sum of forty Shillings Cuisant Many of the provinces with cost to Be Bad Boy dishes By the Sionif upon his years and Rubies and flat the Showist Lav: the X die at the next Sclions to the rate of our Soutien.
1
EARLY COUNTY COURT RECORDS ABOUT OLD SCOTS CHURCH AND JOHN BOYD.
29
EDIFICES.
house may be Recorded Ordered by this Cort yt It be Recorded as followeth.
The Meeting House for Relidgous Worship belonging to the Prot- istant discenters Called ye Presbeterions of ye town of Freehold In ye County of Monmouth in ye Province of New Jarsey is Scituate built lying & being at & upon a pece of Rising grownd or little hill Com- monly known & Called by the nane of free hill In sd town."
This recording of the meeting house gave to the Old Scots people a sort of charter and title of possession together, as Rev. H. G. Smitli says that it gave to these Presbyterians "an endorsement by the constituted authorities of their ownership and their rights to own."
Of the men mentioned in this recording, Walter Ker was he of whom Wm. Tennent speaks, that he came over in 1685 banished for religion's sake. He was then about twenty-nine years of age. He seems to have served indentures for four years, when Thomas Parr, brick maker, deeded to him March 2, 1689-90 "the 30 acres of head- land coming to him." He became a land-holder as his name in early deeds may show, in Matawan, in Topanemus, and near the Old Ten- nent church. Once lie is spoken of thus, "John Reid of Hortencie to Walter Ker of the same place," intimating a place where he once lived 1698. He has left a large list of descendants of whom three at least became preachers, Rev. Nathan Ker, Goshen, N. Y., Rev. Jacob Ker, Somerset Co., Md., and Rev. Frank M. Ker, Hempstead, Long Island. (see Appendix. ) He was evidently a man of decided opinions and force of character. He and his sons were active elders and deacons in the church. He passed the years of his early life amid the sad scenes of persecution in his native land ; but by the mercy of God he was given to be a man serviceable in promoting the Christian religion in this Old Tennent region, and to be a witness in his declining years of the glorious scenes of "The Great Awakening" in America. Smith says, "Walter Ker came from the Parish of Dalsert, Lanarkshire, and was banished two days before Pitlochie's expedition sailed through the influence of the curate of the Parish, Joseph Clelland."
About one-half mile east of the present Old Tennent church on a wooded and hilly point of ground, his grave stone may still be seen bearing a unique inscription which testifies to the esteem in which he was held in character and in worth, and also suggests the strong scriptural faith of his friends in Christian eschatology.
Here lies what's Monial of Walter der Deceased June 10 1943 iny 92 year of his Ache who love with Patience Bore lifes heavy load willing to spend is to be spent for God the noble Portraits ip a line to - paint he Breath'da Forher lingl & Byl a saint Here deine in peace the aged one's Duse Till the stack Trump arouse the sleeping Juse
TOMBSTONE OF WALTER KER IN 1897. (L R. Cheeseman, Photographer.)
3I
EDIFICES.
The tombstone is of "firmed-grained sandstone" and the letters are neatly and clearly cut, and may still be easily read, thus :
"Here lies what's Mortal of Walter Ker Deceased June roth 1748 in ye 92 year of his age who long with Patience Bore lifes heavy load willing to spend & to be spent for God the noble Portrait in a line to paint lie Breathi'd a Father liv'd & Dy'd a saint Here sleeps in peace the aged sire's Dust
Till the glad Trump arouse the sleeping Just."
His autograph here given is taken from the deed of 1727, when he was about seventy years of age.
William Ronnol (or Ronnel) was an early settler. A William Ronald (possibly the same name), came over by or before Dec. I, 1684, and was registered "in the Secretary's books of Records," and indentured for four years. William Ronald made his will 1709, mak- ing his wife Helen executrix, and names his sons John, William, and James, and daughters Euphame, Janet, Helen and Sophia. In 1712 John bought land on Doctor's Creek, near Allentown.
Patrick Imly is possibly to be identified with the one that was a grantee in the Matawan tract and landing ; and that acquired land on Doctor's Creek, Allentown ; and that left descendants Robert, William, and Parthenia. The N. J. Archives show the name spelled variously, and yet doubtless the same person.
The Philadelphia Presbytery was the first one formed in America. Some claim that its first meeting about which anything is officially known, was held in Old Scots' church Dec. 29, 1706, when it or- dained John Boyd, the first known virtual pastor of the church ; and for this reason great honor and interest have been attached to the spot. Steen questions this assertion, and gives a number of argu- ments to show why it could not have been so. The official records of this Presbytery open in the midst of the account of the examina- tion and ordination of Jolin Boyd, as the first leaf of the record is missing, and doubtless irrecoverably lost, to the extreme sorrow of the Presbyterian Church in this country. And therefore it can not be positively affirmed at what place that meeting was held.
32
HISTORY OF OLD TENNENT.
There is a deed still carefully treasured by the church, dated June 1, 1727, given by Alexander Neiper to Jolin Johnston, Senr. Esq., Peter Watson, Walter Ker, Senr., Patrick Imlay, Senr., Archibald Creige and Richard Watson for a lot of ground five chains square, or two and one-half acres. (see Appendix). To this deed an agree- ment is added and signed at a later date, March 27, 1728, thus, "Be- fore the signeing & sealing of this Deed the within Mentioned persons Doth all promise that them theire heirs and Every of them shall use the said Land for a buring Yard and to Keep a prisbteran Meeting and for No Other Use the sade Alexander Nipper his heires Exetor shall Not be troubled with No taueran Nor No Residentar on the said tract of Land," and this is signed by Walter Ker, Archibald Creige, Richard Watson, and Charles Gordon. The land was sold "for and in consideration of a competent Sum of money," and a sort of rent was to be paid, thus, "Yeilding & Paying therefore Yearly & every Year for ye Said Tract of Land unto him ye Sd. Alexander Nepier, his Heirs & Assigns a corn of Peper or the value thereof at or upon every 25th day of March for ever hereafter in Lieu & instead of all other Services & Demands." Perhaps this means that the land was virtually given to the church. A number of graves had already been made around the church, and the agreement subjoined was perhaps an effort made to have the ground preserved sacred. Of the men therein named, Steen says of John Johnston that he had been a drug- gist in Edinburgh, married Eupham, daughter of George Scot, April 18, 1686 after coming to this country, and by her came into posses- sion of a large tract of land of thousands of acres. He practiced medicine, and was prominent as a public official. He had six sons, John, Andrew, William, James, George, and Lewis (William and James died young), and seven daughters only two of whom were married : and a large and respected posterity followed. He died at Perth Amboy Sep. 6, 1732 in his 71st year. Archibald Craige may possibly be identified with the one who came over under Lord Neil Campbell Dec. 1685, whose list includes and spells, Jolin, James, Archibald, and Orsella Graige ; and with the one named among the grantees of the Matawan tract 1701 ; and with the one named in a deed April 10, 1702, "John Craige of Amboy to his son Archibald Craige, for a lot in Monmouth Co., on Spotswood Brook ;" this would be in Old Tennent locality. He died March 6, 1751, aged 73 years, and was buried in Old Scots yard. Richard Watson was another
33
EDIFICES.
son of Peter, beside those mentioned in Chapter I. Alexander Nei- per was possibly the one that came over in 1684 and indentured for four years. He was Presbyterian, then Quaker, then Episcopalian. He appears to have been father-in-law to Peter Watson.
This Old Scots ground had been granted to Alexander Neiper Feb. 5, 1697, by deed of sale "from John Reid Esqr. Deceased of Horten- sie." John Reid was a map-drawer of the province, and subse- quently became its Surveyor-general. He had one son, John, who went to Westchester and practiced law. One of his daughters, Anna, married Capt. John Anderson of Monmouth : the other daughter, Helena, married Rev. John Bartow of Westchester, N. Y. ; another daughter died in infancy. John Reid had a brother Andrew. Also he had a brother, James, who had sons Samuel and John, and who
5 Chs. 3 West
4 South 5 Chs.
53/100 Acres
1.26
fence
Road
Containing 94/100 Avis ...
A Map of the Scotch Meeting huse Lot. Begining at a Stake which lies N.N. West! ;and two degrees more Northerly 16 Chs. and 3/ of a Chain from Walter Benhils North east along Alexander Napiers line, and! from the Said Line due east 2-71 Ch andy runing East 5 Ch$ 2 North 5 Chs 3West! 5Chs. 4 South 5Che to Where it began Containing 2.50 Acres Datecl / .. June : 1727-
4'hoo Acres
N 34° 5 E 2.58
Zun by me without the usual Alowrance; for Variation the 12; October 1815- 9 H. Newell, D. Ju-1 . N.B. the lines dotted thus
. - Was!
. not accurately run that includes. the grave yarch
2 North
Beg?
1 East 5 Chs.
Map of Old Scots Ground.
5 Chs.
-
34
HISTORY OF OLD TENNENT.
has had many descendants in Old Tennent congregation. According to Whitehead "Hortensia" was a tract of 200 acres of land given to John Reid for his services in drawing maps. It was situated in Mon- mouth County on the east branch of Hope River.
This plot of two and a half acres of ground at Old Scots was held in peaceable possession by the congregation for many years. In 1815, on the 12th of October, J. H. Newell, D. Sur., resurveyed this ground, and made a map, showing the original lines. Within this are the lines of the cemetery which then enclosed ninety-four hundreds of an acre. Oct. 1, 1816, the trustees of Old Tennent church (Thomas Hender- son, M. D., being President of the Board) sold to Garret I. Coven- hoven one acre and a half of this ground for the sum of $90, "money of the United States." The deed stipulated that the whole plot of ground was sold to Mr. Covenhoven "excepting and reserving out of the same one acre which has been occupied and used for a burying ground by the presbyterian Congregation aforesaid for seventy or eighty years past, and is to be and remain for that use and purpose forever hereafter." The trustees of Old Tennent claimed the right of selling this ground, as they stated in the deed "by virtue of a deed of sale from under the hand and seal of Alexander Neiper bearing date the first day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and twenty-seven which deed has been duly proved and re- corded," and also "by virtue of possession the said Congregation not having had any Legal claim Set up against the said lot or any part thereof since the date of the aforesaid deed and having enjoyed the peacible quiet and undisturbed possession thereof for about ninety years." Thomas Henderson signed this deed " and affixed the Seal of the Said Corporation" to it. This deed is recorded in the County Clerk's office at Freehold, N. J., in Book Z, page 288. The state- ments made in this deed, as they are above quoted, form a part of the argument that Old Tennent church is one continuous organization with Old Scots. From 1816, it appears, the Old Scots burying-ground has remained the same in area as it is at this present day, namely about one acre.
In this Old Scots cemetery are a number of memorial tablets of brown sandstone, the forms and inscriptions of which are antique. How interesting and helpful in our study of those times it would have been if all the graves had been thus marked, and bearing items of family history. Among the oldest may be noted that of William
35
EDIFICES.
Redford and his wife Margaret, telling that they came from North Brittain 1682. The State Secretary's Records show that they came with seven children from Frier Shaw in Tiveodaill, that he was a husbandman, and that he was "to have 100 a. rent free for 10 yrs." in East New Jersey.
How long services continued in Old Scots church is not known. The Minutes of the Board of Trustees of the College of New Jersey (Princeton ) for a meeting held in the college Aug. 2, 1785, show that there was produced an extract from the will of William McConky of Monmouth county dated Oct. 9, 1760, as follows :-
"First I give and bequeath the interest of the sum of one hundred pounds for the support of a Presbyterian minister at the Scotch Meet- ing-house in Freehold ; and this aforesaid sum to be committed to the care of the Trustees ; likewise this aforesaid sum if not continuing in that use, it is to be given for the support of poor scholars at the Col- lege of New Jersey. Likewise I do give and bequeath the sum of one hundred pounds to my cousin Samuel McConky son of Samuel for the use of college learning ; and if not put to that use, to return likewise for the support of poor scholars at the College of New Jersey. I do likewise give and bequeath the sum of one hundred pounds for the support of poor scholars at the College of New Jersey."
Then the college trustees "Resolved that Mr. Woodhull be author- ized and impowered to negotiate the business and to settle the legacies mentioned therein to be appropriated to the purpose of educating poor scholars at this college, with the said Wm. McConky" etc. (i. e. the Wm. McConky to whom administration of the other William's estate had been granted). Mr. Woodhull was asked to request Gen. Forman to assist in the above negotiation, and to report to the next session.
In connection with this the records of the Trustees of Old Tennent read, for April 30, 1790, that "The money by the said will committed to the care of the Trustees which is one hundred pounds was put on loan to Derick Sutphin and a bond taken therefor payable to this Board with legal interest from the sixth day of february seventeen hundred and eighty seven." This money was subsequently paid to the Trustees and they put it out again on interest Nov. 8, 1791. The significance of these records, in regard to continued service at Old Scots, may be inferred.
4
Bak of Ahilham Bach of Margret Record Who canitune of William Efrom north Britain Redford Who came
Anno Domini 168 a From north Brinem Who Depaired this uno D916se Vhe Life March the fit's. Depared this life DaAnno Domini Aprill the 1z Dv17 g
REDFORD TOMBSTONE IN OLD SCOTS YARD, IN IS95.
37
EDIFICES.
The second house for worship in the history of Old Tennent was not erected on the Old Scots ground, but about five miles directly south on an eminence called "White Hill," the name probably mean- ing White (oak ) Hill from the numerous oak trees on and around it. The chief reasons perhaps for this second building were the enlarge- ment of the congregation, and the settling of a large portion of the members around what is now Freehold town, and Tennent, and to- ward Manalapan. Rev. H. G. Smith, in his Old Scots History, says that in 1727 the church obtained a permit from the Crown for this proposed building, and that this permit was in existence some years ago but seems now to have disappeared. This permit, or a copy of it, may possibly have been among the papers destroyed by the de- plorable fire of 1869. On the first page of the Congregational Records, (which are the earliest that Old Tennent now possesses and of which in some places the edges of the leaves are broken off or so stained , that the writing is now illegible) may be seen what arrangements were made for this second building, thus :-
"The Minutes of Freehold Congregation Begun Tuesday June 9th, 1730."
"June 9th afd. the Congregation Met and Chose John Henderson to be their Clerk, and Charles Gordon, Timothy Lloyd, Jonathan For- man, Robert Cumming & John Henderson as helps to Waltar Ker & John Hutton Elders, or to Represent the Congregation.
Capt. Archibald Craig & William Ker Chosen for Trustees for the Money that The Congregation has in Bank."
"Willm. Ker & Samuel Ker Chosen to Act as Deacons or to take Care of the Collections untill Deacons be Ordained."
"Monday July 20th The Elders & Representatives above Mentioned Met at the House of Charles Gordon and Agreed to build a Meeting House between William Kers Barrs & Rockey Hill Bridge Also that the Revd. Mr. John Tennents Year begin the 15th Day of April last past viz 1730."
"August the 3th at a Meeting of the Congregation at Willin. Kers, It was Agreed that the Service be one Sabbath at the Upper Meeting House & the other at the Lower Meeting House and so to Continue Successively ; Also that all Diligence be Used to get Subscriptions for the Building the Meeting House & that the Old Or lower Meet- ing House be Repaired With all the Haste that can be. William Ker & John Henderson to be Clear of all Charges towards the Old Meet-
38
HISTORY OF OLD TENNENT.
ing House in Consideration of their Charges in going to New-Castle Presbetrie ; That John Hutton bring in his Accompt of Charges that he was at in his going to Synods & Presbetries &c. for the Congre- gation and that Said Accompt be paid out of the Collection Money."
"Saturday August the 29th 1730 the Elders & Representatives Met at House of David Rhe & Chose for Undertakeis or Managers in Building the Meeting House at W'm. Kers Jonathan Forman, Timothy Lloyd, Archibald Craig, David Rhe, William Ker and John Henderson who is to go on in Building with all the Speed possible after this Sowing time is Over and the Congregation is to give each Man their Bill or Bond to the Said Managers to enable them to go on with the Work."
"The Meeting House to be made Forty feet Long and Thirty feet Wide and Each of the Builders to have One Seat in it above their Common Due."
The work on this second sanctuary must have prospered well, for by the next springtime it was sufficiently finished for the holding of services ; and in that first service Margaret Ker, daughter of Win., was "the first Baptized in the New Meeting House," as the Baptis- mal Records show (see Appendix.) Concerning this new meeting house the Congregational Record has these further items :-
"April 18, 1731 was the first Time that there was Service in the New Meeting House on White Hill."
"May 2th 1731 Charles Gordon was Ordained an Elder of this Con- gregatn. Jonathan Forman & Archibald Craig Esqrs. & Timothy Lloyd having Declined Serving as Mannagers in Carying on the Meeting House Aaron Mattison of his own free Will Served And the Said Mattison together with David Rhe William Ker and John Hen- derson, carryd on the Work which is now Inclosed and Glased."
"Saturday April 13th 1734 The Meeting-House on White-Hill being Inclosed The Men of the Congregation Met and Voted That Aaron Mattison, David Rhe, William Ker & John Henderson who had hitherto Carried on the Work of the House Should proceed in getting a pulpit & Pews Made and Appoint where each Person Should Sit and what the Price of Each Pew Should be, According to the following figure." (see illustration ) whole * * the Pews (190. * magers to have the priveledge of one Sitting at the Table (besides * Elders or Deacons) in consideration of their Carrying on the Work of the Meeting House." "April 13th 1734 The Congregation Chose The
39
a large window
a large window
Alley for Gallery
James Reynolds
John Shaw
Waltar Wilson .. ES.
James
Robert Cumming
Makes - - 29.
Makes .- 28 .. 10.
a Bench
a Table
- a Seat --
William Ker £8.
Aaron Mattison
David Rhe £9. 10.
John Henderson £7.10.
Joseph Wilson 30/ Wm. Van Kert 30%
Wm. Allen 20/ Joseph Preston 301.
Peter Wilson 20/ John Tomson 10%.
An Alley wherein is
the Gallarie Stairs
Stairs
0 .15
1 .. 10.
Seat -
-5
4
w
2
34
33
32
31
30
East Door
Wm. Cowenhoven P. & Mich Sweetman. £4.
Peter Gordon £5.
17
18
Robert Newall £5.
Jonathan Forman Esq. & 3. Aaron Forman £4.
1.29
An Alley
Richcl. King., John Mc Connel 85 Daniel Cannon £ 4.
James English £ 5.
John Forman £ 5.
Thomas Hinnan Daniel Mackay 2 .. 11.
28
`An Alley
8
Nicholas Cook £4.
James Robinson £5.
15
2.0
Joseph Forman £ 5.
Gawen Watson 30%. Peter Watson 10/-£2. Flugh Mackferrin-2. 4 .
27
T
Wm. Logan_ £2. 9 Robt. Davison-£2. £ 4 .
Wm. Crawford, ₺ 5.
14
21
John Berry & William Hampton £5.
David English £2. Michael Errickson 2. 4.
26
a window
10 Benj. Allgor
Archibald Craig Esqr. and
13
John Reed - £ 3 1. 22 John Glendinnen - 2. David Rhe 3 .. 0
John Clayton _ £3. Francis Von Schoieck- 1 4 ..
25
£ 4.
No 24
Not1 Joseph Ker £4.10.
Samuel Craig £ 10.
12 23
Samuel ker £ 5. 10.
William Mc Conky £4.10.
a large window
South Door
a large window
Diagram of Pews in 1734 in the First Church Built on White Hill
EDIFICES.
West Door
6
7
16 19
Richard Clark
Pulpit
£8.
a window
a window
£7.
£7 .. 10.
Graham
£8.10.
George Walker - 3".
Timothy Lloyd -£ 4.
Charles Gordon -₺ 7.
Win Laird 101 £7.
£ 2 ..
a window
40
HISTORY OF OLD TENNENT.
following Persons * viz. * Robert Cumming, David Rhe, Wil- lian Ker, Joseph Ker & John Henderson Out of which the Minister & Elders that now are may take which they Prefer (?)." "Lords Day May 12th 1734 Robert Cumming was Ordained an Elder and William Ker & Samuel Ker Ordained Deacons."
"The Upper part of the Congregation of Freehold having for some Years past Complained of great hardship put upon them in Travail- ing so far to the Lower Meeting-House Seeing the Upper Meeting House was below the Centre of the Congregation, And for the pres- ent desires only to have the Service two Sabbaths at the Upper- House for one at the Lower during the Winter Six Months Accord- ingly David Rhe & John Henderson were Appointed with them of the Lower part the 3d. of Febr. 1737-8 at Mr. Timothy Lloyds who Accordingly Met with Messrs. Lloyd, Gordon, Reed & Logan where the matter at last was Refferred to the Session by them under the fol- lowing Restrictions viz. that if the Session would Enact that if the people of the Lower part would Join & Subscribe for the Lower Meet- inghouses' Reparation & the people of the Upper part would not Join then the Subscription to fall & the Reparation to be made out of the publick Stock. Accordingly the Session Met on the 9th Day of Sd. February where was present all the Members Mr. Lloyd came when the Session had Almost finished & Denied Agreement & Said the above Mentioned Supperscription was a Missunderstanding & that he in the Name of others had only Consented that the Lower Meeting- house Should be maintained out of the Collections The Major part of the Session being Inhabitants of the Upper part of Congregation thought it not fit to give their Judgment in the Affair but Refferred it to the next Presbyterie for their Judgmt. in the Affair which the Session tho't was Weighty And Advised each party to attend the next meeting of the Presbyterie by their Commissioners If there be not Some Expedient found out before that time for a Christian Accon- modation of the Affair this Unanimously Agreed to by the Session."
"Monday May the 8th Day 1738. In Refferrence to the above affair Mr. Tennent Gave the Congregation Notice of the time of the Sitting of the Presbytrie & Desired the Congregation to go & Agree Amica- bly or to Choose Commissioners for Each party & fit the Business for the Judgment of the Presbyterie, Accordingly after Service a Nun- ber of Each party Stayed at the Meeting-House & after Debating be- tween them they Came to the following Agreement viz. That the
41
EDIFICES.
Congregation Should Join Unanimously & Repair the Doors & De- fective post of the Lower Meetinghouse & that from Henceforth the Service Should be two Sabbaths at the Upper Meeting House & one at the Lower, & the Lower Meeting house was forthwith Repaired pursuant to Sd Agreement."
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