USA > New Jersey > Salem County > History of the counties of Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland New Jersey, with biographical sketches of their prominent citizens, vol. 1 > Part 40
USA > New Jersey > Gloucester County > History of the counties of Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland New Jersey, with biographical sketches of their prominent citizens, vol. 1 > Part 40
USA > New Jersey > Cumberland County > History of the counties of Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland New Jersey, with biographical sketches of their prominent citizens, vol. 1 > Part 40
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BRIG.GEN. CHARLES G. HARKER was born at Swedesboro in 1835. Ile became an orphan in early life, and at the age of twelve or thirteen en- gaged in the service of Hon. N. T. Stratton, of Mui- lica Ilill, as a clerk. By Mr. Stratton he was recom- mended for appointment to the West Point Military Academy, which he entered in 1854, and from which he graduated in 1858. Ile became a second lieuten- ant in the United States army the same year, and in 1861 he was made colonel of the Sixty-fifth Regiment of Ohio volunteers. He joined Gen. Buell's army of the Ohio, assisted in constructing the military road in Eastern Kentucky, participated in the battle of Shiloh and the siege of Corinth, and commanded a brigade of the force that chased Bragg out of Ken- tucky. In the Army of the Cumberland, under Gen. Rosecrans, he distinguished himself at the battle of Stone River, and was recommended by his superior for promotion. Ile participated in the Tennessee campaign, and under Gen. Thomas, at the battle of Chickamauga, he was largely instrumental in saving the army. Ile was promoted to the position of briga- dier-general, his commission dating from that battle. At Mission Ridge he was wounded, and his horse was killed, and at Re-aca he was again wounded, and had another horse killed under him. At the battle of Kenesaw Mountain he fell, mortally wounded, while leading an assault on the enemy. His last words were, " Have we taken the mountain ?" Gen. How- ard said of hiu,-
" I was surprised and pleased to find that so young a mau had won the complete confidence of the commanding general of the department. The only complaint that I ever heard was that if Harker got started against the enemy he could not be kept lack. Yet I never knew him other than coul and self-possessed. Whenever anything difficult was to be done, anything that required peculiar pluck and energy, we called on Gen. Harker."
From the address of Judge B. F. Carter, at the dedication, the following brief notices of the subor- dinate officers, and some of the soldiers whose names appear on the monument, are condensed :
" Gens. Bayard and Buford commanded the cav- CAPT. EDWARD CARLYLE NORRIS was the son of Rev. William Herbert Norris, an Episcopal clergy- maan. He was born in Virginia in 1841, but came to Woodbury with his parents in 1854. He passed two years at Trinity College, Hartford, Conn., and early alry belonging to the Army of Virginia. Their duties were peculiarly arduous and hazardous, and it is not too much to say that throughout the operations, trom the first to the last day of the campaign, scarcely a day passed that these officers did not render service . in 1862 was commissioned a second lieutenant in
John A. Peaples Andrew J. Peck. John R. Pediich. Benjamin line.
Alfred J. Somers.
Charles W. Skill.
Francis Mills. Edward Mills. Robert Morris.
John H. Smith.
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GENERAL HISTORY.
the Seventy- first Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. In April of that year he was prostrated by typhoid fever, from which he recovered. At the battle of An- uetam he was in command of his company, and was one of the large number who fell under the terrific fire of eight minutes. lle was wounded in his breast, but . survived during eight months, in which time he was commissioned a captain in his regiment. He died May 12, 1868, nearly twenty-two years of age.
LIEUT. JAMES S. STRATTON was the son of Hon. Nathan T. Stratton, of Mullica Hill, and brother of Capt. Edward L. Stratton, of the same place. Aug. 14, 1862, when only eighteen years of age, he enlisted was made a sergeant. He became second lieutenant in May, 1863, and early in 1864 he was promoted to of his death. Ile was shot through the head in a charge at the battle of Ream's Station, Aug. 25, 1804, having then nearly completed his twenty-first year. He was a young man of extraordinary promise, and it was said of him, at the time of his death, by a brother offieer, "The example of loyalty, of bravery, of an in- telligent and dignified manhood which he has left will not soon be forgotten."
LIEUT. JOSEPH H. JOHNSON, the son of Jonathan Johnson, of Carpenter's Landing, first served three months in the Nineteenth Pennsylvania National Guards. Oct. 3, 1861, he enlisted and was made sec- ond lieutenant of Company II, Seventh Regiment New Jersey Volunteers. After achieving a most honorable record he was instantly killed at the bat- tle of Williamsburg, May 5, 1862, in his twenty-third year.
LIEUT. JOSEPH PIERSON, youngest son of Joseph Z. Pierson, of Woodbury, enlisted as a private in Com- pany F, Twelfth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers. by John Crane. It existed but a few months owing to lle was commissioned second lieutenant in that com- pany Aug. 19, 1862. At the battle of Chancellors- ville, while in a sitting posture, firing and at the >ame time ealling, "Steady, boys, steady," to his men, he was shot in the head and breast and in- tantly killed. At the time of his death he was in his twenty-second year.
WILLIAM WADDELL LADD was the youngest of those whose names are on this monument. At the
age of sixteen he enlisted in Company D, Second New Jersey Cavalry. Six months afterwards he died of dis- case, in a rude negro cabin on the banks of the Mis- sissippi River, near Columbus, Ky. Young as he was, there is no doubt of his patriotism.
JESSE A. O-BORN, the son of Henry Osborn, was killed at Martin's Ford, as he and his brother Elias were taking their food after the fighting was over ; he was shot by a sharpshooter, and fell in the arms of his brother withont uttering a word.
LIEUT. MARK II. ROBERTS, the son of Thomas E. Roberts, of Harrisonville, enlisted April 23, 1861, as JOSEPH W. LING was the son of Joseph Ling. He a private in the Twentieth Pennsylvania Volunteers. , served three years in the Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania He was made second lieutenant of Company K, Regiment; was with it in all its battles without re- ceiving a wound, was discharged with it, and with it re enlisted for three years. ITe was instantly killed in his first battle after his re-enlistment,-that of the Wilderness. He was in his twenty-second year. Eighty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, in August, 1861, and was promoted to the first lieutenancy in his company in 1862. On the 30th of June in that year, at the battle of Malvern Hill, he was instantly killed by a cannon-shot, which tore off his left breast and CHARLES W. SKILL. the son of Josiah Skill, was captured by the enemy, and died at Andersonville prison. shoulder. Ile was then in the twenty-second year of his age, and he had passed through the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Charles City Court-House, and Gaines' Mills.
HENRY BRADSHAW, JR., was one of the few who volunteered at midnight in the attack on Fort Sum- ter. He was taken prisoner at the fort, and carried to Andersonville, where he died.
JOHN R. PEDRICK volunteered in Company 1. Third Regiment New Jersey Volunteers. He became
in Company F. Twelfth New Jersey Volunteers, and | color-sergeant of the regiment, and received from the hands of Governor Parker the regimental flag. One week later, at Salem Church, he was instantly killed
the rank of first lieutenant, which he held at the time . while bearing the flag. He fell with it wound around
his body.
It is believed that no stain rests on the memory of any of the two hundred and thirteen whose names are inseribed on this monument. They sealed their patriotism with their lives, and their grateful eoun- trymen have erected this monument to their memory.
CHAPTER XXXIL.
THE PRESS IN GLOUCESTER COUNTY.
FROM a historical address delivered by Judge B. F. Carter, in 1872, the following sketch of the press in Woodbury to that time is taken.
Gloucester Farmer .- This, which was the first news- paper published in Woodbury, was established in 1816, an imprudent publication. The editor soon removed from the town.
The Village Herald was the next paper published here, in 1819. It represented the Whig party, and was edited by Philip J. Gray, Esq. He published the Herald for ten years, then sold it to Joseph Sailer, who edited it in support of Democratie measures for a number of years and then sold it to William John- son, who continued it as a Democratic paper, and
156
HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY.
after a time removed it to Camden, where it passed into other hands.
The Constitution .- In 1834, this was first published in Woodbury by Augustus S. Barber, Esq. It started and continued for some years as an advocate of the Whig party, and since of the Republican party. This was some years (during Mr. Sailer's time) before the Herald was removed to Camden, so that at that time . Woodbury. there were two papers published in Woodbury, repre- senting the two leading parties. The Constitution, in its forty-ninth year, still lives, and it is one of the ' most successful county papers in the State, and now, ; with its long experience, it appears in all the fresh- ness and vigor of youth. It was the first to introduce steam-power press in the State, below Trenton, which
The journal is still conducted by Mr. Barber, as- sisted by his son, A. S. Barber, Jr., associate editor.
The Swedesboro Times .- This, which is the only newspaper in Swedesboro, was established by Zenas Emory, the editor and proprietor, in 1871, the first number appearing December 14th of that year. It was removed to Swedesboro from Brieksburg (now Lakewood), in Ocean County, where it was owned and edited by George MI. Pither, who sold it to Rev. Lewis Thompson, and he to Zenas Emory, who re- moved it to Swedesboro. Mr. Emory died in Deeem- . ber, 1872, and his wife, Mrs. Loui-ie Emory, sue- ceeded him in the publication of the paper. retaining it till June 12, 1882, when it passed into the hands of . weekly circulation of abont one thousand, and it has William W. Taylor, the present proprietor. a liberal job and advertising patronage.
The Times has never been the organ of any sect or party, but it has been independent in all things, fearlessly upholding the right and denonneing the wrong, even when to do so was money out of poeket. Its aim has been to promote the best interests of its town and neighborhood, and thus to make itself wel- come in the homes of its patrons.
Weekly Item .- The Item was established at New- field, Oct. 14, 1873, by Albert C. Dalton, the present publisher and editor. It is an eight-column paper, and the oldest Democratie sheet in Gloncester County. It is devoted mainly to loeal and general news. The paper enjoys a liberal job and advertising patronage, and a circulation of more than six hundred eopies weekly.
The Liberal Press was established by W. E. Schoch and F. H. Heritage, and was conducted by them till August, 1882, when Mr. Heritage withdrew from the firm, and Mr. Schoch has since been the sole pro- prietor. It was first published in Woodbury Hall, but in 1879 was removed to its present location. northeast corner of Broad and German Streets,
The Gloucester County Democrat. - This journal was established at Woodbury, Sept. 3, 1878, by Wil- liam Gibbs. In March, 1879, it was purchased by the present editor and proprietor, James D. Carpenter. It is, as its name indicates, a Democratic journal, and it is the organ of the Democratie party in Gloucester County. It has a weekly circulation of thirteen hun- was done in 1863. It is recognized by all as a well- ' dred, and enjoys a liberal patronage in its advertising conducted journal.
and job departments. Its presses are of modern styles, and are driven by steam-power.
The Enterprise and Labor Advocate .- This paper was established in 1880 at Clayton by D. S. May- nard. It was first published under the name of The Enterprise, and was purely a newspaper, inde- pendent on all subjects. Early in 1882 it assumed its present title, and in March of the same year it was removed to Glassboro, where it is now pub- lished. Although still independent in polities, it is partieularly devoted, as its name implies, to the in- terests of the laboring classes. It is now published by the Enterprise Publishing Company, under the editorial management of D. S. Maynard. It has a
The Clayton Star was established Nov. 1, 1881, at Clayton, by G. D. Duffield & Son, with W. H. Duf- field, the junior partner, as editor. It is a purely local journal, neutral in politics. Although only a year old, it has established itself on a firm basis, and its future prosperity is assured.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
GLOUCESTER COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM.1
THE Dutch who first settled New York and the adjacent port of New Jersey held the church and the school in the same high estimation with which they were regarded in their own fatherland. The West India Company was chartered in 1629, and in that early document the patrons and colonists were en- joined in the speediest manner to endeavor to find out ways and means whereby they might support a minister and a schoolmaster.
The Liberal Press .- The publication of this jour- nal was commenced in August, 1877. Its avowed object was to supply local news and furnish such reading matter as would develop correct literary taste, promote social reform, and elevate polities to a higher plane. The paper has been in all respects independent. Its conductors appear to have recog- nized the fact that the true mission of independent journalism is not alone the dennnciation of wrong. The first sehoolmaster who taught in New Jersey but also the commendation and enconragement of i was Englebert Steenhuysen. He arrived in this right, and they have songht for their paper the ful- fillment of this mission. 1 By William Milligan, contty superintendent.
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GENERAL HISTORY.
country in 1659, and was licensed and commenced his labors in 1662. At the outset but temporary quarters were provided ; a permanent structure, how- ever, was provided for him in 1664. This was lo- vated on the site of the school-house now known as School No. 11, Bergen Square, Jersey City. It was used both as a church and as a school-house until the year 1680. At this time that which is now Jersey ''ity was known as " the town of Bergen."
The first charter of Bergen, dated Sept. 22, 1668. granted by Philip Carteret, Governor of the then Province of New Jersey, stipulated " that all persons should contribute, according to their estates and pro- portions of land, for the keeping of a free school for the education of youth." This stipulation was com- plied with, and thus the Dutch, who had settled in this portion of the State at this early date, have the credit of making provisions for the education of their children. In 1769 the following record of a vote at a town-meeting held March 14, 1769: "Caleb Camp bid off the poor at one hundred pounds, and is to keep them in elothing and victuals, and give school- ing to such as require it." It was also voted that "the poor children shall be constantly sent to school at the expense of the person that takes them." This system of " farming out the poor children," to be fed. clothed, and schooled by those who bid them off, con- tinued until 1813, when the town, by a vote, " Re- solved, That the sum of five hundred dollars be raised for the schooling of poor children." Out of this sys- tem of free education for the poor has grown our sys- tein of free education for all. The pioneers iu West New Jersey were Quakers. Education was part of their religion. To them school-houses were scarcely second in importance, and were usually placed under the same roof with the meeting-house. Feuwick's settlement at Salem opened a school soon after its es- tablishment, and maintained it without interruption to the present day.
As early as the year 1667, George Fox advised his brethren in New Jersey to e-tablish boarding-schools, " that young men of genius in low circumstances may be furnished with means to procure requisite educa- tion."
The first school law of the State was enacted by the General Assembly of East New Jersey, at Perth Amboy, ou the 12th of October, 1693. It read as follows :
" WHEREAS, the cultivating of learning and good manners tends greatly to the good and bencht of mankind, which hath hitherto been much neglected within this province,
" Be it therefore enacted by the governor, council, and deputies in gen- eral as-emibly now met and assembled, and by the authority of the same, that the inhabitants of any town within this province, shall and may, by wariant from a justice of the peace of that county, when they think fit and convenient, mert together, and make choice of three men of said town, to make a rate for the salary and maintenance of a school-toaster within the said town, for so long time as they think fit ; and the consent and agreement of the major part of the inhabitants of the said town shall bind and oblige the remaining part of the inhabitants of the end town to satisfy and pay their shares aud proportion of the said rate ; and in case of refusal or non-payment, distress to be made upon the goods
and chattel- of such person or persons so refusing er not paying, by the constalite of the said town, by virtue of a wariant from a justice of the peace of that county, and the distress to be sold at public vendue, and the overplus, if any be after payment of the said rate and charges to be returned to the owner.""
In 1695 this act was amended, providing that three men should be chosen yearly in each separate town to have " power to appoint the most convenient place or places where the school shall be kept, that as near as may be the whole inhabitants may have the benefit thereof."
Under the operation of this law schools were es- tablished in all parts of the province wherever a ma- jority of the inhabitants desired them.
This was a complete recognition of the principle of taxing property for the support of public schools, which at that time was up to the most advanced legis- lation on this subject in America. The first definite step taken by the Legislature of the State to provide the means of education by creating a fund for the support of free schools was in IS17. The aet that was passed made certain appropriations for the establish- ment of a permanent school fund. Our present school fund. which now amounts to one million six hundred and sixty thousand five hundred and two dollars, had its origin in this act of 1817.
In the year 1820 the townships of the State were first authorized to raise money for school purposes. The seetion granting this authority is found in an act entitled " An Act incorporating the inhabitants of townships, designating their powers, and regulating their meeting»." The section reads :
" That hereafter it shall be lawful for the inhabitants in each of the townships of this state, duly qualified to vote at town meetings, at their annual meetings to vote, grant, and raise in the same manner, other moneys for town purposes, as are anthorized to be raised. Such sum of money as the majority of said meeting shall agree upon to be laid out and expended under the direction of the town committe- in ench town- ship, for the education of such poor children as are paupers. belonging to said township, and the children of such poor parents resident in said township, as are or shall be, in the judgment of said committee, unable to pay for schooling the same."
It is interesting to observe that the money raised under this section was for the education of " such poor children as are paupers." This is the first act that makes reference to poor children as the only elass that is to be educated at public expense. It was in consequence of this legislation that the public schools of the State were for so many years regarded as pau- per schools. This opprobrious term as applied to the public schools remained in all subsequent enactments until the year 1838.
In 1824 the Legislature provided that one-tenth of all the State taxes should every year be added to the school fund. In 1828, in addition to the money which could be raised for the support of schools, authority was first granted the townships to raise by vote, at town-meeting, money for the purpose of building and repairing school-hou-es. This money was placed in the hands of the township committee and expended "according to their judgment. This same year an act
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158
HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY.
was passed whereby all the tax received from bank- ing, insurance, and other incorporated companies in the State was added to the school fund, which amounted in 1829 to two hundred and forty-five thousand two hundred and four dollars and seventeen cents.
During the years 1828 and 1829 there was a general movement throughout the State in favor of the en- actment of some liberal and comprehensive law that would give to the people a system of public schools. The townships had been authorized to raise money by taxation for school purposes, but there was no com- ; pulsion in the matter. and no inducements were held
The general state of education in the State was described as "deplorable."
:
In 1838 there was a general movement throughout the State to secure the re-enactment of the prominent features of the law of 1829, which had been repealed by subsequent legislation. Publie meetings were held. and a State convention assembled at Trenton on the 16th day of January. This convention recommended ; the appointment of a State superintendent of common schools, and appointed a committee, of which Bishop Doane was chairman, to issue an address to the people. The address said to the inhabitants, " Tax yourselves for the support of common schools and you will never be in danger of taxation from a foreigu power. You will need less taxation for the support of pauperism houses. See that they are convenient of access ; that they are comfortable; that they are neat and tasteful. Look to the teachers. See that they are taught them- selves and apt to teach,-men that fear God and love their country. See that they are well accommodated, well treated, well remunerated. Respect them and they will respect themselves, and your children will respect them. Look well to the scholars. Remember you are to grow old among them. Remember you are to die and leave your country in their hands."
In 1846, T. F. King was elected State superinten- dent. During this year town school superintendents were elected. This officer was allowed one dollar per day for his services. The town superintendents were required to visit schools at least once a quarter, to examine and license teachers, to hold school moneys, and to apportion and pay out the same, and to make an annual report to the State superintendent.
In 1848 authority was first given to the townships to use the interest of the surplus revenue for the sup- port of public schools.
In IS51 an act was passed which changed the basis of apportionment of the State appropriation. It was made to the counties in the ratio of population, and to the townships in the ratio of the school census. This change was important. Prior to this time the wealthy sections of the State received the greater portion of the State aid, and the poorer portions were left with but little assistance.
In 1854 teachers' institutes were first established by law. In 1852, John II. Phillips was elected State superintendent of public schools.
In 1860 the trustees of the school fund elected F. H. Record State superintendent of public schools, and out; and a few availed themselves of the authority ; in 1864 C. R. Harrison was elected to this position. granted.
The State Board of Education was established in 1866. It was made the duty of this board to appoint the State superintendent of public instruction, to recommend such changes in the school law as were thought important, and to make to the Legislature an annual report of the educational work of the State. The board elected Ellis A. Apgar, the present State superintendent, March 29, 1866.
In 1867 the board appointed county superintendents to take the place of the township superintendents. William Milligan, of Woodbury, was appointed super- intendent of Gloucester County in 1867.
The county superintendent appoints a board of ex- aminers, who must hold first grade county certificates ; this board meets every three months for the purpose of examining candidates who wish to become teachers. F. McCollister, of Bridgeport ; and H. K. Bugbee, of Williamstown. The first two having resigned, James Gallaher, of Paulsboro, and John S. Tharp, of Thoroughfare, were appointed.
WOODBURY .- The first school-house built in this town was what is now known as the Deptford School, on Delaware Street. It was built in 1774. It had originally but one story. In 1820 the second story was added, James Cooper having bequeathed five hundred dollars for that purpo-e.
Provision was first made for a State superintendent of public schools in the act of 1845. The exercise of his authority was limited to the counties of Essex and Passaic, but other counties desirous of coming under his supervision might do so by giving notice through their boards of chosen freeholders to the trustees of | and submission to the rules. Among the "rules" is the school fund if such desire.
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