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 74
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 74
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 74
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88
1558. Edward B. Mudara.
Anthony A. Jordan.
1559. IMward B. Madara. Anthony A. Jordan.
1560. James England. Anthony A. Jordan. 1501. James England.
SCHOOL COMMITTEES AND SUPERINTENDENTS.
1. 44. Daniel C. Ogden. Samuel N. Cooper. Jacob II wwey. Vanroom Rotdiins. Martis N. Rulon.
1945. Daniel C. Ogden. Jacob Howwey. intervient).
IS47. John B. Hilyard . town super-
Samuel N. Cooper.
1845-51. Edward B. Borgs.
Woolwich in the War of the Rebellion .- The in- habitants of the township of Woolwich distinguished themselves during the late civil war by their patri- otism and activity in promoting enlistments, and for- nishing supplies and comforts for the men in the field. The patriotic ladies of the township did their full share of this work, by organizing societies for that purpose, and holding festivals, fairs, etc., to raise funds for providing the soldiers in the field with those comforts and delicacies which the government, with- out their co-operation, could not furnish ; and many a poor suffering soldier had reason to bless his un- known benefactresses in Woolwich for comfort .. which he never would have received but for them.
The township expended large amounts to promote the enlistment of volunteers and keep its quota under the different calls filled.
At a town-meeting held in December. 1863, it was determined that a township bounty of three hundred dollars should be paid to each volunteer, and that the township committee should be authorized to re- ceive loans and execute promissory notes for the sums loaned. In this way upwards of twenty-two thou- sand dollars was raised in a short time.
At a meeting in March, 1864. a bounty of three hundred and fifty dollars per man was authorized; and it was resolved to pay one-fourth of the town-hip debt during that year.
At a meeting in August of that year five hundred dollars bounty-two hundred and fifty dollars in cash and a township note of two hundred and fifty dollars, payable in one year-was authorized for each volun- teer. It was also resolved that a per capita contribu- tion of thirty dollars from each curolled person be asked, and if not paid no benefit in case of draft was to be received by the delinquent.
1880. Charles P. Shivers. Ephraim Waters.
1sts. John P. Sheets, Sr.
1882, Jolin Ford.
1570. Ephraim Waters.
1876. Henry C. Garrison. Peter Carey.
15:1. Hemy C. Garrison. : 1877-82. Hemy C. Garrison.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1831. Caleb Roof.
170. John T. Trvitt.
1558. John P. sheets. 1672. John Ford. Jucl Locke.
J859. Charles Holton.
1873. Jolin Sheets.
1860. Charles P. Shivers. Ephraim Waters.
1877, John Ford.
IS67. John Ford. Joel Jan ke.
1871. Valentine Heytoll .. Peter Carey.
. 1433-34. Charles J. Shivers. 1555-58. John C. Shivlet. 1509-62. Solomon Davis. ISAB-GS. J. Harvey Ashton 1569. Henty C. Garrison. Ji soph Cabala.
1.75. Henry C. Garrison.
: 1870. llenry C. Garrison. Alfred Jones.
1574. Thomis G. Batten, Julin B. Gray.
1871. Thomas G. Batten. John B. Gray.
1.72. Thomas G Batton.
John B Gray.
1st9. Willwn Pratherer. Zebulon Batten. 1 u. Zebulon Batten. John D. Gray.
1.51. Benjamin Bowers. Robert Stretch.
1.48, Taylor Baines. William F. Champom.
1-41. Taylor Haines.
Benjamin M. Richard-un.
Hemy C. Garrison.
Henty C. Garrison.
Benjamia F. McCollester.
1871. Benjam n F. McCollester. Henry C. Garrisou. 1872. Benjamin F. McCollester. Valentine Reynolds. 1873. Benjamin F. MeCollester. Valentine Reynolds.
--
1875. Henry C. Garrison. HI. B. Bright.
1877. Henry Garrison. Sante! Avis. 1-78. Henry C. Garrison. Saminel Avis.
1579. Sinonel Avis. Henry C. Garrison. 1880. Henry C. Garrison.
· ISIG. Daniel C. Ogden.
Franklin S. Beckett.
300
HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY.
At a meeting in January, 1885, the bounty was in- creased to six hundred dollars, one-half in cash, and the balance a township note for one year.
It is worthy of note, and it is a source of landable pride to the citizens of this township, that the whole of the large indebtedness incurred during the war was discharged within a few years after its termina- tion.
VILLAGES AND HAMLETS.
Swedesboro, the principal town of Woolwich town- ship, was one of the earliest settlements in the county of Gloucester. It was, as its name implies, settled by the Swedes, probably about the year 1638. Batten- town, which was formerly a separate town, is now a continuation of Swedesboro.
The town is at the head of sloop navigation on Raccoon Creek, about twelve miles, by the tortuous course of that creek, from the Delaware River. Until the railroad to this place was completed all the commerce of the town was carried on, by means of light vessels, through this creek and the Delaware River. Wood was. in former times, the chief article of export, and this was shipped in large quantities from this point. Vessels were formerly built and launched here, but since the establishment of the era of railroads water-carriage here has declined. . Formerly from five to twelve vessels were frequently seen at the wharf here, but now sailing-vessels are rarely seen. Barges, towed by tug-boats, are used in their stead for the carriage of the garden truck which is largely produced in this vicinity, and for bringing the manure which is extensively used on the land. There are now but three people living here who were resideuts of the town in 1810, and only fourteen who were here in 1830.
According to the memory of John Pierson, who was then a boy, the following houses stood in Batten- town and Swedesboro in 1810 :
An old frame house, owned by David Gordon. a shoemaker, stood where the house now owned by Lewis Batten is.
Next, the house of Joseph Ogden, a tanner, whose tannery was near his residence. The house has been remodeled, and is now owned by his grandson, Clark- son Ogden.
The brick house now owned and ocenpied by Wil- liam Welch was built previous to the Revolution, and was owned by a Dr. Otto, who was a Revolu- tionary officer. It is said that the woodwork of this house was burned by the British. It is also said that a British force encamped one night in a field where the house of Mr. Charles Decker now stands. In 1810 Mr. Welch's house was owned by Dr. Hoover.
Next stood a large house of cedar logs, on the oppo- site side of the street, on land now owned by Isaiah Mayhew. It was taken down a few years since.
The house owned by Mayhew, and now occupied by John Leap, was then owned by Enoch Gabb. It has not been greatly changed.
William Madara owned the house where his son, Harminins K. Madara, now resides. Additions have been made to it.
William Denny, a cabinet-maker, owned and oven- pied a house where the residence of Karl Robbins, owned by Mrs. Black, now is.
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Next was a cedar-log house (now weather-boarded) owned by Andrew Hendrickson, a wheelwright. I! is now owned by Mrs. Restore Turner.
Between the last two mentioned John Pierson, Sr., had a blacksmith-shop, which was burned in 1812.
On the opposite side of the street stood a large log house, owned and occupied by John Pierson, the father of John Pierson who gives the information on which this sketch is based, and who was born in this house in 1805. Near this house a brick black- smith-shop was built in 1812, after the other was burned. The house stood till 1833, when it was taken down by the present John Pierson. John David- son's residence stands on the site of this old house. The shop was taken down by Mr. Davidson a few years since.
Next, on the southeast side of the street, stood the tavern of Rebecca llarker, now owned by Vanneman brothers, and occupied by William Noreross.
Next, on the same side of the street, stood a small house now belonging to the estate of Hester Wistell.
In Swedesboro, commencing at the upper end of the town, and taking the houses in succession on the northwest side of the street, the first was a small framed house owned by Robert Olderaft. now the residence of Mrs. Hannah Black.
Next was the hotel of John Logan, where now stands Plummer's hotel. The okl building was taken down to make place for the present establishment, which was built by Mr. Plummer in 18-47.
Next was a small hatter's shop, owned by Richard Tittermary. John Moore's house stands on the old site of this shop.
Aquila Barber's house was next. It is now the residence of Dr. Luther F. Halsey. It has been en- larged. The tailor's shop of Mr. Barber stood near the house.
About 1810 Abner Batten built, for a hotel, the house on the corner of Main Street and Railroad Avenue, now owned by Isaac II. Vanneman. The front of this house has not been remodeled. It ceased to be kept as a tavern forty years sinec.
A small framed house stood on the present site of Aaron Jurfl's house. The original building wa- made the rear of the present structure.
Next was the large framed house of Dr. Loomis, now owned by Mrs. Mary Clark. 1 story was added to this house by the late E. F. Garrison.
Next to and sdjoining this was the stone house of Robert Brown, a wealthy citizen. It is now owned and ocenpied by Dr. John F. Mu-grave. This, in the time of the Revolution, was occupied by Col. . Brown of the Revolutionary army ; and when a Brit-
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301
TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH.
ish force passed through the town his furniture was taken out and burned in front of the house. It was related by his daughter, the late Mrs. Catharine Strong. that the soldiers found in the chamber a litter of kittens, and that they brought them down impaled on their bayonets.
John Vandyke owned and ocenpied the house which is now the property of William JI. Hanoldl. A cabinet and undertaker's shop stood near this house, and it is noteworthy that it still stands there, having ever since been used for the same purpose.
A brick house stood next, owned by Mrs. Rachel Harrison. About twenty-five years since it was re- modeled and rough-cast, and a framed addition was erected. It is now owned by George Meley.
Next came the memorable old stone building known as the Swedesboro Hotel. In 1810 it was called the George Washington Hotel ; and over its sign swung a life-size figure of the " Father of his Country," painted expense. This house was taken down and rebuilt in 1875 by George Ford, the present owner and keeper. In a cavity in one of the walls of this house the dried remains of a turkey were found. The bird had evi- dently been " walled in" when the house was erected; probably by reason of some ancient Swedish super- -tition.
John Vandyke owned the next building, which was occupied by his son, Thomas. The front was a store, and the rear was a dwelling. The wheelwright- shop of Mr. Vandyke stood in the rear of this build- ing. The shop has been removed, and the house is owned and occupied by Mrs. Gibson and sons, as a store and dwelling
Next was a one-story log house, also owned by Jolm Vandyke, aud occupied by his son-in-law, Wil- liam Hulings. A blacksmith-shop stood in front of this house. This is now the residence of John Pier- son, and the old log house is the kitchen, etc., of Mr. Pierson's residence. The shop was torn down by him in 1852.
The old stone sehool-house, that was taken down in 1812, stood on the line of the street next.
The large framed house now owned and occupied by Isaac S. Stratton was then the property of Robert Tittermary. Some additions have been made to the ' Mary Batten.
rear of this building.
Then came Trinity Church, the front of which has | of which, where Isaae Stratton's house now stands, not been changed.
Returning to the upper end of the town, on the opposite side of the street stood the brick house of Dr. Ercurius Fithian, afterwards the residence of Dr. ; Denny, now by Dr. Garrison.
Charles Garrison, and now owned by J. C. Rulon.
An old one-story framed store stood on the corner of Main and Mill Streets, on the present site of II. C. Garrison's store and hall.
A small framed house, now a part of the residence of Mr. Wolf, the marble-cutter, stood next. It was then owned by Mr. Keen.
About this time the brick houses now owned, one by Mrs. Harriet Gaskill, and the other by Edward C. Talman were erected, the first by Samnel Dyer, and the other by William Harrison, Esq. The fronts of these have been but little changed.
Next, where Hall's brick building- now stand, were the stables and sheds of the old Swedesboro Hotel. These remained till 1875, and were considered during many years a nuisance.
A large framed house, known as the Fisler prop- erty, stood directly opposite to Mr. Pictson's present , residenee. It is now owned by Samuel A. Groff.
The house of C. P. Shivers, Esq., was then owned by Joseph James. Attached to it was a cooper's shop, built of logs.
Next was a log house owned by Phebe Keen, and used as a cake and beer saloon. It was taken down some years since.
Next came a framed house, then owned by William
The old Episcopal parsonage, a log building that wats erected in 1764, stood on the site of the present rectory. It was built of cedar logs, and afterwards weather-boarded, giving it an appearance not differ- ent from that of an ordinary framed house. It was, on the 20th of March, 1765, occupied by Rev. John Wick-ell, a missionary, who had been sent here by the Swedish government in 1760. In 1842 a part of this building was moved a short distance up the street, where it is now owned by Mrs. Rebecca Clem- out.
A large brick house with a stone kitchen, owned and occupied by Daniel England, stood where now is the residence of Henry Mitchell, Ji. The old house was torn down, and the present one erected, in part, from the materials taken from it.
A large brick building near the creek, built about 1784 by David Harker, was then used by him as a store and dwelling. It is now the residence of Restore Adams.
Across the creek stood the large brick mansion built by the late Dr. Stratton ; afterwards the residence of Governor Charles Stratton, and now owned by the heirs of James D. Gibbs, late of Philadelphia.
On Church Street was the house now owned by
Then came two houses owned by Dr. Hoover, one has been taken down; the other is owned by Aaron Ilorff.
Next was a large framed house then owned by John
Opposite to this was a large framed house, owned by William Dyer, now the residence of John Meley. A small Jog house, owned by Thomas Brown, stood on the site of the Catholic parsonage.
In 1830 Swedesboro contained sixty-four houses, five stores, two hotels, two shoe-shops, two tailor- . shops, a harness-shop, a carriage-shop, a blacksmith's
by a distinguished artist of Philadelphia, at a large : Vanleer, now the property of C. P. Shivers, Esq.
302
HISTORY OF GLOUCESTER COUNTY.
shop, a fulling. mill inow a plaster-mith, and a grist- mill,
It has now four general store-, two hotels, a grocer and confectioner, two provision stores, a millinery- store. a drug-store, a gentlemen's furnishing store. a shoe-store, a meat-market, a bakery, a tin-shop, a harness-shop, three shoe-shops, a foundry. four blacksmith-shops, two wagon-shops, two barbers, a grist-mill, and a plaster-mill.
Cootstown and Small Gloucester are hamlet-, mostly of colored people.
Ground-Rents .- A large portion of the land in the town of Swedesboro is held under leases, or titles requiring the payment of annual ground-rent. In the history of Trinity Church is given an extract from a deed, showing the origin of this tenure in that portion of the town deedled to the church in 1703. The following extract from a lease by Sammuel Mickle to Thomas Wilkins shows the origin of the ground-rents in that portion known as Laddstown :
" And the said Hannah Ladd, by her last will and testament in writing, bearing dato the fifth day of the tenth mouth, called O toler, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-two, anthor- ized and emipowered her nephew, the said Samnel Mickle, one of the parties to these presents, to grant und lease out on ground-ient forever all her lots of land as hid out on said tract as by the sul will, recourse therennto being had, will more at large appear, together with all and singular the streets, lanes, roads, ways, alleys, passages, waters, Water- courses, lights, liberties, privileges, Hereditaments, and appmitenames whatsoever therenato belonging, and the reversions, remainders, rente, issues, and profit- thereof; to have and to hold the said 1 st No. 24, atore described hereditaments and premises hereby granted or mentioned, or interuled so to be, with the appurtenances, unto the said Thathas Wil- kins, his hohe and assigns forever, yielding and joying therefor unto the said Samuel Mickle, his heirs and assigns, the yearly rent or sum . of four Spanish silver milled dollars, rach of them weighing seventeen IKDnyweights and six grains. on the twenty-fifth day of the third month, called March, in every year forever hereafter, the first payment therefer to be made on the twenty-fifth day of the third month, which will be in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety- eight; and if the said yearly rent herety reserved, or any part thereof, shall be behind and unpaid after the day and time in every year borein- before appointed for payment thereof, that then, and as often as the Rame shall he so behind and unpaid, it shall and may te lawful to and for the said Samuel Mickle, bis heirs and asigne, or any of them, into and upon the end described lot of ground hereby granted, and into the messenger, tenements, and buildings thereon to be created, with the ap- puitenances, to enter, and distrain for the same rent and airenrages thereof, if any, and the distives and distresses then and there found and taken to lead, drive, carry away, and ing ouml; and impounded, to detain and keep at the proper risque and charges of the raid Thomas Wilkins, bis heirs and assigas, for the space of five days, layment and satisfaction of the said ient hereby reserved, and the arreatages thereof, if any, be not made, then and at any time thereafter the said distress and distresses to expuse and sell, al puldie auction or vendue, for the best price that be reasonably gutten for the same, leaving in the hands of the Sheriff. or officer who shall aid and assist in making the said di-tress, the surplusage, if any be after the rent att arrearages ard all charges of distress, determine, and sale are first deducted ; but if suf- ficient Cistress cannot be found and taken in and upon the hereby Granted premises, then it shall and may be lawful te and for the grid Sammel Mickle, bis heirs and as-igns or any of them, into and upon the il lot of ground berely granted, and itto the thiestinges, tehenients, and building, thereon to be elected, and every or any part there &, with the appnitenaners, wholly to re-enter and the same to have again, re- posines, and enjoy, and the tente, issues and profits il -reof to receive and take until the yearly ient hivrely reserved and all the arreuras.z therecf be fully paid and satisfied, anything hereinbefie contained to the contrary thereut in any wise rodwithstanding. And the said Thomas Wilkins, for his self, hia heirs, 'xecutora, administrators, and assigns,
dothe covenant, promise, grant, and agree to and with the aid . .. Mickle, his let's, and assigns, by things presente, that he, the .al Th may Within , his heis or assigns, -hall and will truly joy, et .. ... to be paid nuto the sand sammel Michle, his heita rassigns, the .fr said yearly rent of ent of four Spanish silver milled & dlar .. . . them weighing seventeen penyweights and six grains, on the day .... time in every year b trinbefore appointe for payment thereof. 5. 4. same shall from time to time grow den and payable, and al ash als ! will at his own propor costs and charges, within the space of war year next ensuing the date herrof, orvet, Fald, and completely finish one good. substantial, wooden frame dwelling-home, pastmed, with a stone wall cellar undes it, upon the premises hotely granted to of the value of the hundred and fifty pounds in specie at least ; and the s tid Samuel Mickle, for his self, his heirs, executors, and administrators, duth covenant. promise, aud giant to and with fhe said Thomas Wilkins, his heirs, atal assigns, by these presence, that he the said Thomas Wilkins, his hairs or assigns, paying the said rout hereby reserved, and performing the cove- nauts and agreements aforesaid, shall, or lawfully may, from time to time, and at all times hereafter, forever freely, poaceaddly, and quietly have, hold, occupy, possess, and enjoy the hereby granted premises, with the appartenance-, alul receive and take the rents, issnes, and profits thereof without any manner of let, suit, trouble, or molestation whats wever of him the said Satanel Mhekle, bis heirs, assigns, or of any other person whomsoever, by or any of their act, means, consent, printing, or pro- curement.
" In witness whereof, the said parties have interch ingeably set their hands and seals thereunto; dated the day and year fist above writen."
Schools. - Parochial schools were, from time to time, established and maintained by the Swedes. The first schoolmaster that is known to have taught at Raccoon Creek was --- Branjan, who came from Sweden with Rev. Jonas Ausen in 1706.
In the time of Lidenias the elder, in 1715, Dr. Jesper Swedborg taught a school in this place. He was a brother of the celebrated Emanuel Swedenborg, the founder of the Swedenborgian sect, and a son of Archbishop Swedborg, then of Sweden. The name became Swedenborg when the archbishop was enno- bled.
John Abraham Leidenius kept a Swedish and English school in Repaupo in 1715, "and the chil- dren," says Pastor Wiek-ell, in the church register, " were greatly profited by his teaching, especially in the Swedish tongue."
Public School in Swedesboro.1-Previous to 1771 the people of Swedesboro (then called Raccoon. were without the benefits of a regularly established school. At that time the Rev. John Wicksell, a mis- sionary, who had been sent here by the Swedish gov- erninent, was rector of the Swedish Evangelical Ln- theran Church, and to him the inhabitants, in their anxiety for facilities to educate their children, ap- plied. Mr. Wieksell was a man of much learning and ability, and he possessed great influence with the members of his parish. He called a meeting of his wardens and vestrymen, at the parsonage, and laid the matter before them. There were present at that meeting Mr. Wiek-ell and Meses. John Lock, John Helins, Lawrence Lock. John Derrickson, Mounee Keen, James Steelman, Charles Lock, and Charles Dalbo. The rector proposed that half an acre of ground, in the central part of the town, should be
1 By permission, from a manuscript history by the late J. Thompson, Esų.
303
TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH.
rented as a site for a school house, and presented for their consideration a hase for the same, which he had drawn up. This lease set forth the kind of school to be established,-that it should be a public and free school; that is, free for the children of all persons who would or could pay the tuition prescribed. After due deliberation and some hesi- taney, " the rector, church wardens, and vestrymen of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church in the town of Swedesboro, near Raccoon Creek," adopted a resolution to establish such a school, to last for all time. The lease was signed by the entire board, and bore the date April 2, 1771. The following is the entry made at the time, and still to be found in the record of the church : "The desolate state of Edu- eating children in these parts having long laid at the heart of the present Rector, and very desirous to re- move ignorance, and exile darkness and barbarity, he now tenders to his vestry whether a lease could not be granted on a half-acre of ground in this bor- ongh for the use of a public school-house, fice from all manner of Ground Rent forever. The form of a lease for that purpose was drawn up by the Rector, and read to the present vestry, and after a due con- sideration and debating, it was approved of and re- solved to be excented."
The first board of trustees consisted of Rev. John Wicksell, Thomas Denny, Esq., and Thomas Brown. A rule was adopted that the rector of the church should be ex officio, the president of the board.
In the same year a school house was erected on the lot thus leased, the same lot whereon stands the present school building. This house is believed in . have been a very small one, built of logs. as was then the custom. It stood with its front on the line of the street. This house was burned in 1778,1 and another was erected of stone, one story in height, with two rooms, one on the southwest side, for a school-room, and another on the northeast side, for a teachers' dor- mitory, with a door between them.
The first teacher in this school of whom any knowl- edge remains, was Rev. John Croes, in 1789, who was at the same time rector of the parish and teacher in the school. He was assisted by one Daniel Cole- man, an excellent scholar and chirographer, and a proficient in vocal music.
A brief account of these early adventurers and friends may here be given. They were member- of the same company in the Revolutionary army ; Croes an illiterate private, unable to write. and Coleman a · tion of ore dollar. A new house was at once erected, drummer. The latter gave the former his first lessons in writing, with a coal, on his drum-head. After the war Croes returned to Newark, and entered on a course of studies. While in the midst of his theolog-
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