USA > New Jersey > Hunterdon County > Flemington > History of the Presbyterian Church in Flemington, New Jersey, for a century : with sketches of local matters for two hundred years > Part 5
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During this period the Baptist Church had made great progress. In May, 1812, Rev. Charles Bartolette became the pastor. For six years he devoted his whole time to that charge. Then, in 1818, a colony was con- stituted into a new church at Sandy Ridge, and for fourteen years he divided his labors between the two. In 1832 the growth of the church in Flemington de- manded his entire time, and a separation took place. This fact probably had much influence in creating a con- viction among the Presbyterians, that the time had come for them to possess the full and exclusive services of a pastor. In 1836 the Baptist congregation determined to erect a new house of worship. This was built on the lot occupied by the present structure. Within two years
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after occupying the house, a blessed revival occurred, as a result of which 100 were added to their membership, fifty-four on one Sabbath. The Sunday-school was formed in 1830. Charles George was the first Superin- tendent. Most of the teachers belonged to the Black- well family, for many years prominent and useful in this town.
One Sunday morning in 1822, the Rev. Mr. Clark stated that he had been requested, by persons calling themselves Methodists, to announce that a meeting would be held by them that afternoon in the court- house. The men who proposed this were David and Isaac James, brothers and local preachers from Trenton. Asher Atkinson, a Quaker, was instrumental in secur- ing them. Popular opinion was divided whether they should be allowed to have the court-room for that pur- pose. The sheriff, however, gave his consent, and the meeting was held. The next year, Flemington was made a regular appointment on the Trenton Circuit. A camp-meeting held in the neighborhood, and the first in this vicinity, resulted in a large addition to that church. And the first class meeting met in the old Fleming house on Academy Street. In the spring of 1824, the question of a church edifice was agitated. This resulted in the erection of a building, which is now use- ed as stores and flats. It was designated as on the corner adjourning Charles Bonnell's tavern. The lot was purchased of Mr. Thomas Capner for the nominal sum of $50. The building was commenced in the autumn of 1825, and completed in the spring of 1826.
The court-house was burned Wednesday night, February 13th, 1828. In the morning all that remained
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were the walls, and a few smoking timbers. The prisoners were transferred to the jail in Somerville. Fortunately the county records were saved. The courts were held in the Methodist Church until the present court-house was finished. The corner-stone was laid Wednesday, May 7th, 1828. Within that stone was en- closed a Bible, among other documents.
Immediately after the court-house was burned, a stren- uous effort was made to have the county-seat removed to Lambertville. Indeed for several years previously the inhabitants of that village, as it then was, circulated petitions for such a removal. They had succeeded in securing the signatures of a large number of persons advocating this measure. They presented these peti- tions to the Legislature. A bill favorable to the meas- ure was reported, but it was finally withdrawn. The de- struction of the county buildings furnished a most favor- able opportunity for renewing the project ; and again the application was pressed upon the Legislature. This bill, which provided that an election should be held to determine the location of the county-seat, was opposed by a long and vigorous remonstrance, and was negatived in the House on Wednesday, March 5th, and, on the fol- lowing Monday, the Board of Freeholders took steps to- wards the erection of the court-house and jail.
On the 23rd of March, 1825, appeared the Hunterdon Gazette, the first newspaper published in Flemington and in what is now the county of Hunterdon. It was a non-partisan sheet, edited by Charles George. The subscription price was $2 a year. On May 2nd, 1832, the paper was discontinued, but it was revived in June, 1838, by John S. Brown. He changed the paper to a
.
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Whig organ. It was owned and conducted in turn by John H. Swallow, Henry C. Buffington, Willard Nichols, Alexander Suydam, J. Rutsin Schenk, who sold it to Charles Tomlinson July, 1866. He changed its name to The Democrat ; and after publishing fifty-one numbers, merged it into The Hunterdon County Democrat, which he had purchased meantime.
The first number of The Hunterdon County Democrat appeared September 5th, 1838. The feeling then ran high between the two parties. The Gazette was more and more inclined to the Whigs. And so the establish- ment of a Democratic paper became a political necessity. The proprietor was G. C. Seymour, and the price was $2 a year. In September, 1849, Edmund Perry became editor and proprietor, and remained until January, 1854, when Adam Bellis became part owner. He continued to have the charge of it, as manager and editor, until July, 1866, when it passed into the hands of Dr. Nightingale, who managed it until July, 1867, when it and the Gazette became one paper. After the death of Mr. Tomlinson, in 1875, the paper became the property of Robert J. Killgore, in whose hands it still remains.
At the close of this period we are reviewing, the only mining operations which have existed in Fleming- ton had their inception. Before the Revolution copper mines had been operated in this neighborhood. There were evidences of this on the farm now owned by George Van Sinderen, about a mile and a half south of Flemington, and on the farm now owned by O. B. Davis. In opening one of the old shafts on the latter, the miners came upon some mining tools, such as wedges and picks, and an oak bucket of about two bushels capacity,
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strongly bound with iron. They found an irregular chamber, about fifteen feet square, from which they be- lieved copper ore had been taken. So confident were many persons that valuable deposits of ore existed, that in 1825, a petition was sent to the Legislature asking for the formation of a mining company. The company was not organized until 1836, and was called the Ne- shanic Mining Company. They bought the farm for $3150. The incorporators were Hugh Capner, John H. Capner, W. H. Sloan, Samuel Hill, and Joseph Case. The capital was $100,000, 1000 shares. By a supple- ment to their charter, they increased the number of shares to 15,000 ; and secured the privilege of building a railroad to the nearest point on the South Branch, and Delaware rivers respectively, but to be used only for purposes connected with the mining operations. The project failed and was abandoned.
But the mining excitement broke out afresh, when in digging the cellar of the house now owned by Captain John Shields, good copper ore was found. Hugh Capner, who owned the land, sold it for $35,000; and on February 24th, 1847, the "Flemington Copper Company" was chartered. During the following years several companies were formed which purchased adja- cent tracts of land, supposed to contain copper. Money was expended in sinking shafts. At the Minebrook property a large sum of money was expended in an en- gine-house, steam engine of 200 horse power, three pumps, crushing and jigging machinery, large brick house, eight miners' houses, a carpenter's and black- smith's shop, tools, etc. At times the mine was worked with great energy, and then operations almost
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ceased, until it was sold by the Sheriff, October 31st, 1862. It passed from one purchaser to another, until October 24th, 1866, the property was sold 10 John Moses, and has not been worked since. Mr. Elias Vos- seller of this town has written a full history of these mines, from which the above facts have been obtained. It was published in The Jersyman, vol. I., April, 1891. Undoubtedly copper exists, but it cannot be mined at a profit. "The ore is that variety known as gray cupric sulphide. In color it is a dark lead gray. Specimens are sometimes found that polish readily by rubbing them with a woollen cloth." Cornelius W. Larison, in Geology of Hunterdon County.
Several lesser, yet interesting, events may not be out of place in this narrative just here : 1826 was the fiftieth year of our national independence. The 4th of July of that year was celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the country. Nor was Flemington lagging in her ex- pression of patriotic devotion. The day was ushered in by ringing the court bell, the display of the national flag, and by a salute of fifty guns. A procession was formed at the house of N. Price, consisting of cavalry, and infantry, and citizens. Among them were thirteen ladies dressed in white, to represent the thirteen origi- nal States, and eleven misses, to represent the eleven new States. At the court-house, the survivors of the Revo- lutionary army, of whom there were forty-six, joined the procession, which then proceeded to the Presbyte- rian Church. The services consisted of singing, prayer by Rev. J. F. Clark, reading of the Declaration of Inde- pendence by Alexander Wurts, and an oration by Andrew Miller.
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From 1825-30, the village had two military companies, A uniform infantry company, commanded by Captain Voorhees, and a troop of cavalry, commanded by Captain Case. In 1830, there was a parade of the Hunterdon brigade of militia, which was a noteworthy occasion. The brigade was composed of four regiments of infantry, and several troops of cavalry. Military companies from adjourning counties were present. Governor Vroom and suite, Major General Stryker and suite, graced the occasion with their presence.
January 17th, 1828, a public meeting was held to con- sider the question of turnpiking the streets and improv- ing the side walks. The first side walk was laid by Charles Bartles, in 1833, in front of his residence. The pottery works were established by Samuel Hill, about 1816, and have been in operation ever since. At the time when efforts were made to elevate the moral tone of the county, vigilance societies were formed, and associations to prevent crime. In 1824 the "Flemington Vigilant Society " was in existence ; and under one form or another continued until 1870. Similar associations were formed at that early day in different parts of the county. In 1828 Flemington had three mails weekly from New York, Philadelphia and Trenton.
And now we return to the history of the church. April 19th, 1837, Rev. J. M. Olmstead was installed. There were then 109 members on the roll. He entered vigorously upon his duties; and the growth of the church confirmed the wisdom of having the entire ser- vices of a pastor. Under his ministry the church was blessed with several seasons of religious interest. At one communion, in 1842, thirty-four united on con-
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fession. October 16th, 1839, the Presbytery of Raritan was formed; and this church was transferred to it from the Presbytery of Newton, with which it had been connected since the formation of that Presbytery in 1818. The first meeting of the new Presbytery was held in Flemington, November 5th, 1839, for organization ; and also the last, in May, 1869; in which year that Presbytery was dissolved, and divided among the ad- joining Presbyteries. /
In the summer of 1844 a lecture room was erected, 2712×3712 feet. This building stood on the south side of the street running from the main street eastward, between the Hopewell building and the drug store of Mr. Cooley. It was very much needed for the Sunday-school, and for evening meetings, being in the centre of the town. This building was used for these purposes until 1870, when it was sold. The lot was the gift of William H. Sloan, who at that time was a distinguished member of the New Jersey bar. He was the oldest child of the Rev. William B. Sloan, who was pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Greenwich from 1798-1834. Mr. Sloan came to Flemington to study law in the office of Peter I. Clark, and was admitted to practise in 1821. He died greatly beloved, January 21st, 1850.
Mr. Olmstead built the house, which is now the par- sonage. In October, 1847, he sent a letter to Presbytery, stating that on account of feeble health he would be un- able to preach for several months. The ministers of Presbytery offered to give a Sabbath, and thus supply the pulpit ; and an appointment was accordingly made for every other Sabbath. In April, 1848, the Presbyterial
REV. JAMES MUNSON OLMSTEAD, PASTOR 1837-1849.
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Narrative of the State of Religion refers to a law recently enacted, that taverns should be closed on Sun- day, and declares that the law was generally observed. The tavern which stood near to the church was open on Sunday ; nor was it uncommon for church members to stop and get a drink before going home. Although Mr. Olmstead's health improved under this rest, he soon became satisfied that his strength was not adequate to the work of the parish. He resigned, and the pastoral relation ceased November Ist, 1849. He was a man of decision and independence. He expressed his views boldly. As a preacher he was able, instructive, and often pungent. He was a devout man, walking closely with God. He was a diligent student, and the author of several books on religious subjects. "Thoughts and Counsels for the Impenitent," published in 1846, was a popular book, and reached the third edition. "Our First Mother" is an attractive work, written in the form of lectures, given by a pious and intelligent woman to her daughters and nieces. His third book, “Noah and His Times," published in 1854, received very favor- able commendations.
James Munson Olmstead was born at Stillwater, N. Y., February 17th, 1794. He entered Union College, in 1816, and graduated in 1819. His theological course was pursued at Princeton Seminary, from which he graduated in 1822, He then served as an itinerant home missionary, for several years, in New York. From the first a feeble constitution hampered him. Thinking his health might be improved by a residence in the South, he spent the winter of 1824 in Virginia. June,
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1825, he was ordained and installed pastor of the churches of Landisburg and Centre, Pa., where he la- bored for seven years. In 1834 he accepted a call to Middle Tuscarora Church, Pa., in which he remained until he came to Flemington. After leaving this church, he removed to Snow Hill, on the eastern shore of Maryland, where he preached for several years ; and then, in 1854, he made Philadelphia his residence. Here he remained in comparative retirement, although taking an active interest in all the movements within the church, until, on Sabbath, the 16th of October, 1870, he entered into that rest which remains for the people of God.
During his pastorate, 101 united with this church on confession, and 40 by certificate. Elders elected were Daniel Marsh, Mahlon Smith, John Griggs, Cornelius Williamson, Leonard P. Kuhl, William P. Emery. Trus- tees, William G. Kuhl, Samuel Hill, Benjamin S. Holt, Joseph P. Boss, Augustus Frisbie, John W. Kline, Peter I. Clark, George B. Stothoff, William P. Emery, John Chapman, James N. Reading, William H. Sloan, Peter N. Burk, and Edward R. Bullock.
In the Baptist Church, Rev. Mr. Bartolette resigned in April, 1846, after a very successful ministry of thirty- four years, during which he had received into the church more than 400 persons. He was buried in the Sandy Ridge graveyard. He was followed by Clarence W. Mulford, who remained only two and a half years, on account of failing health. During the pastorate of Mr. Bartolette two colonies were sent out, one in 1818 to form the Sandy Ridge church, and another in 1838, which became the Baptist Church of Wertsville.
The working of the copper mines brought a number
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of Irish miners, some of whom made this their per- manent home. These, being mostly Roman Catholics, soon sought the services of their church, which were held occasionally from 1847 to April 1848. Mining was then suspended, and, as the miners left the place, services were discontinued until 1853. That year Flemington was included in the Lambertville parish, and a priest visited Flemington once a month for four years. Mass was celebrated at the residences of members. The in- creased numbers encouraged the building of a church, which was begun in 1859. Its dimensions were twenty- four feet by thirty-four. In September, 1879, the corner- stone of the present edifice was laid, and the church was consecrated on December 21st by Bishop Corrigan. The building is 37 x 66 feet, and cost nearly $4000.
The Presbyterian Church was vacant one year, when, on the 29th of October, 1850, Rev. John L. Janeway was installed. Rev. Dr. Kirkpatrick presided, and gave the charge to the pastor ; Rev. S. F. Porter preached the sermon ; Rev. J. H. Stevenson gave charge to the people. Dr. Janeway was called on a salary of $700, which after- wards was raised to $1000. The members of the church numbered 163. The congregation had now grown, so that all desiring seats could not be accommodated. The building also needed repairs. In 1848 a committee had been appointed to examine what alterations and repairs were necessary. A report was made, but no further steps were taken. Committees were appointed and reports made for several years, but nothing definite was undertaken until in March, 1852, when an architect was employed to make an estimate of the cost of repair- ing ; of the expense of an addition ; and of an entire new
.
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building. That estimate stated the cost of repairs would be $2363; of an enlargement, $2435; total of enlarge- ment and repairs, $4498. A new building would cost $6650. The next year, 1853, a subscription was opened for a new house. But little was accomplished, so that at the meeting of the congregation, the next April, the committee was continued. Progress was checked by a desire to have the church located in a central part of the town. Finally it was determined to build on the present site ; and additional land was purchased of William R. Bellis, lying on the east side of the church lot, at the extreme southern point of which stood a tavern, just where the front entrance now opens. And thus the church came in possession of the large triangle which now constitutes our churchyard. The land ex- tended south of the present entrance, and came to a point just beyond the Soldiers' Monument. The build- ing stood just where the present structure is. The di- mensions were 56 x 90 feet.
The walls were stone covered with plaster. The in- terior was frescoed. A choir gallery extended across the front, and over the vestibule. There were no win- dows at either end. The building committee were: A. J. Holcombe, Hugh Capner, J. C. Hopewell, A. V. Bonnell, William P. Emery. The corner-stone was laid Tuesday, June 3d, 1856, and the church was dedicated Thursday, May 14th, 1857, which was a very stormy day. The sermon was preached by Prof. William H. Green, of Princeton Theological Seminary. The cost was a little over $11,000, which was made up by sub- scriptions and sale of pews. The same year, 1857, an additional acre was purchased from Mahlon Smith for
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DEDICATED MAY 14TH, 1857.
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$200, and the graveyard was brought to its present area. In November of that year, the present method of holding four celebrations of the Lord's Supper yearly was introduced; previously that sacrament had been ob- served once in six months. In 1859 a melodeon was in- troduced and $100 appropriated to pay the player. In 1867 an organ was purchased which cost $1500. At first the singing was led by a precentor. Colonel Peter I. Clark for sixteen years had charge of the choir, up to 1857, when he resigned. His services were gratuitous.
The congregation increased in numbers and influence during the ministry of Dr. Janeway. There were constant accessions to the Church. In 1852 a religious awakening was the means of bringing thirty-six into the membership upon confession. Again, in 1866, twenty-one were added on confession. Dr. Janeway manifested a deep interest, and took an active part in all that appertained to the welfare of the town. In him the poor always had a sympathizing helper, and toward every good cause he was a generous contributor. The exposures of the camp, while he was Chaplain, produced disease, and he was compelled to return home for a few weeks. Although he seemed to recover, his constitution was undermined, and more and more he felt himself unable to meet the demands of his parish, and in November, 1868, he resigned, after a pastorate of eigh- teen years.
John L. Janeway was the son of Jacob J. Janeway, D.D., a prominent divine in our Church. He was born in Philadelphia, April 2Ist, 1815. He graduated at Rutgers College in 1835. He then engaged in mercan- tile pursuits in New York for two years. Entering the
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Theological Seminary in New Brunswick, he took a full course, and was licensed by that Classis in 1840. He served as stated supply to the churches of Media and Ridley, in Delaware County, Pa., until 1843, when he was settled over the Dutch Reformed Church at Montville, N. J., where he remained seven years and a half, until called to Flemington. The degree of D.D. was conferred upon him by Lafayette College in 1866.
Dr. Janeway has resided in Philadelphia since his resignation, because his health has not permitted him to assume the care of a congregation. During the pastorate of Dr. Janeway 154 were added on confession, and 116 by certificate. Elders elected were Peter I. Clark, John Kershow, John Y. Yard, Peter I. Nevius, George B. Stothoff. Trustees elected : Charles Bartles, Peter I. Clark, John G. Reading, George B. Stothoff, William B. Kuhl, Peter I. Nevius, Richard Emmons.
The eighteen years which covered Dr. Janeway's pastorate brought many and valuable improvements to the town.
First among these was the opening of a railroad to Lambertville. The right of way was purchased in 1853. The tract was graded, ties and rails were laid, and a train run in 1854. The success of this enterprise was mainly due to the influence and energy of Mr. Charles Bartles, who was then engaging in large transactions.
In 1859 gas was introduced into the village. In this undertaking Mr. John C. Hopewell was foremost. He had removed to Flemington, in 1854, having retired from business carried on in Philadelphia. Mr. Bartles was more interested to supply the town with good water.
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He insisted that the well water was more or less im- pregnated with copper. He and Mr. Hopewell united their forces, and the year after the completion of the gas works, water was introduced, in 1860. So far back as 1808 water was brought, in wooden logs bored through the centre, from springs on the property now occupied by Robert Thatcher. There were two fire plugs, one at the court-house, and the other just north of the Presbyterian Church. They were greatly out of repair in 1822, and they had been neglected, so that for years previous to 1859, the town was without an ade- quate supply of water in every dry season.
The "Flemington Water Company " purchased springs about two miles west of the town, and brought the water in iron pipes to a reservoir on Mullins Hill. This supply did not meet the wants of the people, es- pecially in the dry season, and in 1880 a connection with the South Branch was made, from which water is pumped into the enlarged reservoir.
The first bank was the Hunterdon County Bank or- ganized in 1854, under the general banking laws of the State. Afterwards it received a special charter from the Legislature. It was thus continued until May, 1865, when it became a national bank. Isaac G. Farlee was the first president. The Flemington National Bank was chartered April, 1876.
The Presidential Campaign of 1856 found the rising Republican party without a newspaper, to represent its principles in Hunterdon County. A stock company was formed, and the Hunterdon Republican was established. On October 15th, 1856, the first number was issued, Thomas E. Bartow being the editor. He continued in
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that position until the autumn of 1862, when he was succeeded by George A. Allen. He retired from his editorial position in 1872, leaving it to the sole control of William G. Callis, who is now the proprietor and edi- tor. August 17th, 1864, the steam fire engine was brought to town. It was purchased by the individuals, whose names are recorded on a plate, on the engine.
"On September 6th, 1849, Levi G. Beck became pastor of the Baptist Church. Immediately thereafter a third colony of fifty-nine members went out to constitute the Church at Cherryville."* He remained two years, and then Thomas Swain was called, in the spring of 1851. He remained until the Ist of April, 1867. For several years previous to this date, the question had been discussed, whether enlarged accommodations should be provided, or a second church be formed in town. It was finally decided to erect a new and larger house of worship; and in July, 1867, the trustees were directed to proceed at once toward the building, which was completed the following year. The first Episcopal Church was built in 1841.
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