USA > New Jersey > Hudson County > History of the county of Hudson, New Jersey : from its earliest settlement to the present time > Part 31
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Year.
No. of Passen- gers.
Tons of freight.
Year.
No. of Passen- gers.
Tons of freight.
1861
131,867₺
10,425
1866
450,401
17,687
1862
119,321
12,508
1867
511,882
20,240
1863
142,799₺
13,453
1868
541,830
24,054
1864
190,5163
13,230
1869
606,849
29,345
1865
224,568
15,946
Besides the foregoing, the following named railroads are in active operation, many of them doing a thriving business, viz. :
1 Tbe Abattoir was opened for business October 17, 1866. Nearly all of the stock brought to this place was carried over the Central Railroad of New Jersey.
" The above figures for the year 1873 include receipts up to December 17.
371
OCEAN STEAMSHIP LINES.
The Newark and New York Railroad, incorporated March 1, 1×66; went into active operation August 2, 1869; under the control of the Central Railroad. Its terminus is at the depot of the last named company. The New Jersey Midland Rail- way, incorporated March 18, 1867, and The New York and Os- i go Midland Railway, projected in 1865 ; incorporated Janu- ary 1, 1866; construction begun June 29, 1868 : first train run over the western end of the road November 5, 1869 ; first through train, August 18. 1873. The Jersey City and Albany Railroad, opened to Tappaen July 30, 1873. The present terminus of these three roads is the Pennsylvania Railroad depot in Jersey City. The Hackensack und New York Railroad, incorporated March 14, 1856, completed December 24, 1861, and The Pat- erson, Newark and New York Railroad terminate at the depot of the Erie Railway Company in Jersey City. The Boonton Branch of The Morris and Essex Railroad connects with the main line at the west approach of the Bergen tunnel. The New York and Fort Lee Railroud, incorporated March 3, 1862, is completed as far north as Guttenberg : is under lease to the Erie Railway Company, and used exclusively for oil, coal, and live stock.
OCEAN STEAMERS.
The Cunard Line was the first to terminate in Hudson Coun- tv. On the 14th of October, 1846, Samuel Cunard communi- cated to the Common Council of Jersey City the fact that he had made arrangements to bring the ships of that line to Jersey City. He desired their approval, which was given December 20, 1846. The Hibernia, Captain Ryrie, arrived in December, 1847, as pioneer of the line. At first the trips were monthly. They have increased until now two ships leave weekly. For some time this line had ships plying between Jersey City and Ber- muda and St. Thomas. Besides the Cunard Line there are now the Hamburgh Line, the Bremen Line, the White Star Line and the Cardiff Line. The business on these lines has grown to immense proportions. On the Cunard Line alone it amounted
372
HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY.
in the year 1872 to 94,535 tons of in freight ; 143,620 tons of out. freight ; 32,617 in passengers, and 10,559 out passengers.
BANKS.
On November 13, 1804, The Newark Banking and Insurance Company were authorized to establish a branch at Paulus Hoeck, with the consent of the Associates. The State reserved the right to subscribe $50,000 to the stock of this branch bank. This privilege was afterward sold to Colonel Aaron Ogden for $4,000. The branch was established under the name of The Jersey Bank, and books opened for subscription January 24, 1805 ; directors elected April 2, 1805. The bank building, on the southwest corner of Greene and Grand streets, was erected in the summer of 1805. The Legislature laid a tax of one-half of one per cent. on the capital of the Jersey Bank, November 2, 1810. The directors attempted to evade the payment of this tax, and sold their bank building. The sheriff, however, levied upon and sold it at public auction, the State being the purchaser, February 23, 1811. In March, 1811, the directors procured a charter in New York in the name of the Union Bank ; removed to that city, and began business at No. 17 Wall street, April 11, 1811.
The Jersey Bank (No. 2) was incorporated February 6, 1818, under the name of The President, Directors and Company of the Jersey Bank ; capital $100,000. The condition of the charter was that the company should purchase of the State the banking house formerly owned by the old Jersey Bank, for $5,000. It failed on Thursday, July 6, 1826. This cansed a " run " on the Weehawk and Franklin Banks. On the 24th of November following three commissioners were appointed by the Legislature to inquire into its affairs.
John, Robert and Samuel Swartwont having become the owners of the meadows lying between Hoboken and the hill, and on the Hackensack, and desiring to improve the same, obtained a charter for The New Jersey Salt Marsh Company, January 28, 1820, with a capital of $300,000. It
373
BANKS.
received power to " drain, diteli, dyke, embank, cultivate and improve " the marshes. On November 15, 1822, this company were authorized to ereet a banking house in Hoboken, and use one-half of their banking capital for banking purposes for fifteen years, in the name of The Hoboken Banking and Grazing Company. They forthwith erected the building on the southwest corner of Washington and Second streets. On No- vember 24, 1826, a commission was appointed to examine into its affairs, to inquire if the capital had been subscribed and paid, and whether one-half of the stock had been employed as directed in the aet incorporating the Salt Marsh Company.
The New Jersey Manufacturing and Banking Company was incorporated December 9, 1823; capital $150,000. It went into operation in March, 1824. On February 4, 1828, the Legislature required it to make a full report of its affairs. It suspended payment in March, 1829, and then the Chancellor enjoined it.
The Franklin Bank of New Jersey was incorporated Decem- ber 28, 1824 ; capital $300,000 ; bonus to the State, $25,000. Its whole capital was subscribed March 22, 1825; directors elected April 8, 1825. It did not live through its appointed time, but suspended in 1826. On the 24th of November in that year com- missioners were appointed to examine into its affairs. Proceed- ings in court were also instituted against it. These were discon- tinned, and it resumed payment April 2, 1827. It again sus- pended July 14, 1827. It resumed once more, and was enjoined May 29, 1828. Its charter was repealed February 22, 1843, and so its spasmodic existence ended.
The Weehawk Banking Company was incorporated December 28, 1824; capital, $125,000; bonus to the State, $5,000. On November 30, 1825, the company received authority to change the name to The Washington Banking Company, and locate the bank at Hackensack. Its charter was repealed February 22. 1843.
The President and Directors of the New Jersey Protection and Lombard Bank were incorporated December 29, 1824; cap- ital, $400,000 ; charter limited to twenty-one years ; bonus to the State, $25,000. A "run" was made upon the bank November
374
HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY.
17, 1825, and on the next day it failed. Its charter was re- pealed November 23, 1825, and trustees appointed to take charge of its property. Its bills fell to 373 cents on the dollar.
The more recent banks, some of which endure, while the others had a brief and profitless existence, are as follows :
Name.
Incorporated.
July 7, 1851.
Mechanies' and Traders' Bank (First Nat.),
Jersey City Bank (Second Nat.),
June 25, 1856. March 18, 1857.
IIoboken City Bank,
Marine Bank,
September 21, 1857. March 24, 1862.
Hudson River Bank,
Bank of America,
City Bank of Jersey City, -
July 4, 1862. September 9, 1862. - October 17, 1862.
United States Stock Bank,
Highland Bank, December 4, 1862.
North River Bank, December 10, 1862.
Union Bank, January 2, 1870.
NEWSPAPERS.
The Bergen County Gazette and Jersey City Advertiser, weekly, was established in 1830 by E. B. Spooner, son of the editor of the Long Island Star. It was printed in Hackensack. He soon abandoned the enterprise, and his brother George, after- ward of the Saratoga Whig, took it in charge. It existed but a few months.
The Bergen County Courier, weekly, was first issued Feb. 1, 1832. It was printed in Jersey City by John Post and Joseph E. Handley. They not only furnished the matter, but printed and distributed the paper. Enterprise and economy were not, however, equal to the occasion, and the paper died Nov. 14, 1832, with the forty-second number. Part of its material went to the outfit of the Philadelphia Ledger.
The Jersey City Gazette and Bergen County Courier, semi- weekly, was first issued Feb. 11, 1835, by Robert W. Lang, son
Hudson County Bank, - - 1853.
375
NEWSPAPERS.
of the editor of the New York Gazette. The paper was printed at No. 2 Hanover square, New York City, and was burnt out in the great fire of December, 1835.
The Jersey Blue and. Bergen County Democrat, weekly, was established in July, 1835; burnt out Aug. 8, 1838. It was pub- lished in Hoboken by Childs & Devoe.
The Jersey City Advertiser and Bergen Republican, semi- weekly, was first issued Dec. 2, 1837 ; Henry D. Holt, editor. It became a weekly Dec. 14, 1838. When Hudson County was set off' from Bergen, its name was changed to the Jersey City and Hudson Republican. It united with the Sentinel in 1848.
The Jersey City Democrat, weekly, was first issued May 14, 1842 ; M. Cully, editor. It suspended Jan. 15, 1848.
The Morning Sentinel, daily, was first issued Aug. 23, 1845 ; Mr. Reynolds and Luther A. Pratt, editors. It united with the Jersey City Advertiser and Hudson Republican in 1848, and was thence known as the Sentinel and Advertiser.
The Daily Evening Sentinel was established in December, 1844; Luther A. and William W. Pratt, Publishers.
The Jersey City Telegraph, semi-weekly, was first issued March 15, 1847 : John H. Voorhis, editor. It became a daily ; suspended June 25, 1859; John A. Ryerson, editor. Its ma- terials went to the outfit of the American Standard.
The Hudson County Union, weekly, was first issued Aug. 12. 1852 : A. R. Speer, editor ; became a daily Jan. 24, 1854; S. P. Hull and William T. Rodgers, jr., editors ; suspended in June, 1854. Its materials went to the outfit of the Hudson County Democrat.
The Hoboken Gazette, weekly, was first issued Sept. 12, 1853 : Thomas W. Whitley, editor. Became a semi-weekly in Feb .. 1355 ; a daily in Aug., 1855, and suspended in Oct., 1855.
The Hudson County Democrat, weekly, was established in September, 1854; Augustus O. Evans, editor; published in Hoboken ; became a daily in 1869.
The Jersey City Courier, weekly, was first issued Aug. 1. 1855 ; William B. Dunning and H. F. Milligan, editors. In a short time it became a daily : merged with the Sentinel and
376
HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY.
Advertiser in Jan., 1856 ; thence known as the Courier and Ad- vertiser : suspended in May, 1861. In connection with this paper was a weekly, the Hudson County Courier and Adver- tiser : suspended in 1861.
The City Gazette and Hudson County Chronicle und Culti- vator, Thomas W. Whitley, editor, was issued for a short time after the suspension of the Hoboken Gazette. When this paper suspended, the same editor, having been elected a justice of the peace, brought ont a few numbers of the Circuit Judge.
The Hoboken City Standard, weekly, was first issued Oct. 9. 1836; P. M. Reynolds, editor.
The American Standard, daily, arose from the ashes of the Daily Telegraph, and was first issued Aug. 8, 1859, by Metz & Brother. John H. Lyon became proprietor Oct. 14, 1859. It is published in Jersey City.
The People's Advocate, daily, was established by John C. Clarke & Co. It was published in Jersey City, and merged in the Jersey City Times.
The JJersey City News, weekly, was established in 1854 by Daniel E. Gavitt. It existed about one year.
The Jersey City Herald, weekly, was first issued July 19, 1864. by Hugh MeDermott. It merged with the Hudson City Ga- zette.
Jersey City Times, daily, was first issued Sept. 14, 1864; Z. K. Pangborn, editor; changed to a weekly Nov. 8, 1873.
The Evening Journal, daily, was first issued May 2, 1867. It is published in Jersey City by Z. K. Pangborn, Wm. B. Dun- ning and Joseph A. Dear.
The Hudson City Gazette was established in March, 1867; William D. McGregor, editor. It merged with the Jersey City Herald.
Jersey City Chronicle, semi-weekly, was first issned Feb. 14, 1863, by Davidson & Colston ; discontinued Aug. 24, 1864, and merged in the Jersey City Times.
The Hudson County Volksblatt, weekly, was established in 1868 ; published in Hudson City by Dietz & Timm.
The Bayonne Herald and Greenville Register, weekly, was
377
NEWSPAPERS.
first issued Dec. 25, 1869; Roswell Graves, editor. It is pub- lished at Bergen Point.
The Hudson County Journal, weekly (German), was first issned Dec. 19, 1868 ; published in Hoboken by Rabe & Bayer, now by Bayer and Kaufmann.
.Jersey City Herald and Gazette, weekly, was established in 1×70 by MeDermott & McGregor. It was the result of the merging of the Jersey City Herald and Hudson City Gazette.
Hudson County Register, weekly, was first issued July 23, 1870, at West Hoboken, by Peter Y. Everett, editor.
Palisade News, weekly, was first issued Ang. 6, 1870, at West lloboken, by Alfred E. Gregory, editor.
Hudson County Times, weekly, was established in August, 1870 : published at Bergen Point by the Times Printing Com- pany of Jersey City, now by Edward Gardner.
Die Wacht am Hudson, weekly, was established in 1871 ; published in Jersey City by the Hudson County German Pub- lishing Association.
Highland Sentinel, weekly, was first issued March 29, 1873, at West Hoboken : Joseph Paul Bugie, editor.
Hudson County Independent, weekly, was first issued May 3, 1873. at Hoboken, by Augustus O. Evans, editor. It had but a brief existence.
Dispatch, weekly, was established in 1873; published at East Newark by Trelease, Simmonds & Co.
The Evening Palisades, daily, was first issued June 30, 1873, at West Hoboken, by the Palisades Publishing Society.
378
HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY.
SKETCHES OF THE CHURCHES IN THE COUNTY.
BAPTIST.
REFORMED.
EPISCOPAL.
| No. of churches.
Sittings.
Value of property.
No. of churches.
Sittings.
Value of property.
| No. of churches.
Sittings.
1850. . .
4
1,275
$12,100
5
2,770
$54,000 185,000
2
772
$26,000 109,500
1870. .
9
3,450
15
8,615
13
4,500
METHODIST.
PRESBYTERIAN.
ROMAN CATHOLIC.
1850. .
8!
3,150
$37,500
1,000
$35,000
1 1,000
$7,500
1860. . .
11
4,630
85,100
4,450
136,000
61 3,500
104,500
1870. ..
114|
6,300
9
5.000
15
9,000
GERMAN REFORMED.
LUTHERAN.
SWEDENBORGIAN.
1850.
1860.
1
375
$3,000
1
300
$3,000
1
150
$750
1870.
UNITARIAN.
1850.
Total value of property for 1870. ... $1,849,700
1860.
1
450
$8,000
1870.
The foregoing table is made from the United States Census for the years named.
THE REFORMED (DUTCH) CHURCHES.
The Bergen Reformed Church is the oldest church in the county, and probably the oldest in the State. It was organized about the time, or at least very soon after, the village of Bergen was settled. In December, 1662, the schout and schepens of the village petitioned the Governor-General and Council of New Netherland for a minister, as follows :
" Shew with all reverence the schepens of the village of Ber- gen, how that they supplicants, having observed and weighed your Honor's fatherly care and direction, the building of churches and schools, they deem it expedient and highly desirable to pos-
Valne of property.
1860.
6
2,900
60,800
8
4,800
10
4,150
00 -
.
379
THE REFORMED CHURCHES.
sess a pious man as minister, who may instruet, edify and learn them to fear God. This would be a desirable object for the community of Bergen and its district ; on which the schepens have deemed it proper and highly desirable to propose a similar plan to each individual to inform themselves what sum each of the inhabitants should be willing to contribute, annually, moved by the impulse of a good heart, by pure affection and an ardent love for God's holy and blessed name with the view to obtain a good minister till that time when the Noble Directors of the Privi- leged West Indian Company, after the custom of this country shall receive the tythes.
" When this was proposed by the sehepens, the following per- sons, goodly minded, declared to be willing to pay annually. which sum of similar voluntary promissors, amounted, as it was calenlated nearly to +17 gl. in seawant, however, there are yet among them a few who give to understand that, if the Lord our God did bless them, and their property increased. that then they would perform, in proportion to their abilities, what might be in their power. The second class, by whose names no sums are annexed, contains yet some who are willing, but many very stupid, but as the number of those willing to contribute is the greatest majority, and declare that when a minister should be called, that in such case they would join others to the utmost of their abilities, and whereas the supplicants are not informed if those of Staer Simens' are included in it. it is not in the suppli- cants' power to give a correct account of it, neither can ascertain what they would be willing to contribute. The schepens deem it advisable and highly necessary that the village should be pro- vided with a gospel minister, and therefore they submit it, with- ont hesitation, to your Honor's mature consideration and decision, which then might be communicated to the Lords Patrons with the vessels now ready to sail. Your Honors know with what courage the settling and concentration of the village Bergen
1 I am unable to giveany clue to the whereabouts of this place. Wearkimins- Connie was somewhere in this vicinity, but I have not been able to locate it. The two names may refer to the same place.
380
HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY.
was undertaken by its inhabitants without any burthen to the Lords Directors. The community, therefore, is of opinion, that this by the patrons shall be taken in consideration to support in their discretion the village of Bergen, and to provide them with a minister during one or two years at their own expense, about which time the country, no doubt, under God's blessing shall have arrived at a higher prosperity, to which then might be added what this liberal minded community would contribute for its assistance.
"Specification of the well intentioned Promissors with the quantity of the promise of each individual."
The following is a copy of the subscription referred to in the body of the petition :
Tielman Van Vleck, - fl. 60
Jacob Sergeant, - fl. S
Michiel Jansen, 25
Arent Laurense, -
10 .
Harman Smeeman, 25
Jan Cornelis, 3
Casper Steynmets, 25
Cornelis Abrahams, - -
6
Jan Schulten, 25
Claes Pietersen, of Gemen-
Michiel Tunisen, 6
ера, - 50
Dirck Gerritson, - 20
Geurt Coerten, 13
Jan Lubbertsen, 6
Direk Claeszen, 10
Jacob Laenderse, - 25 Jan Losercht, - 6
Jan d'Engelsman, 6 Gerrit Gerritsen, - 6
Paulus Pietersen, - 25
Claes Arentsen, S
William Jansen, 10
Joost Van Linden, 10
Adriance Post, 20
Douwe Harmanse, - 6 4171
At this time, and until 1680, the people used the log school-
I N. Y. Col. MSS., x., pt. i., 277, 279, 281. A singular error concerning this subscription has been made by Dr. Taylor in his Annals of the Classis of Bergen, 110. Not having seen the original manuscript, but depending on information received from the late J. Romeyn Broadhead, he says : " As early as 1662 * * four hundred and seventeen guilders * * were raised by tax, in the town- ship of Bergen, towards the erection of a church." It was raised, not by tar, but by subscription ; not for the erection of a church, but for the support of a minister. I am happy to be able to make this correction.
THE REFORMED CHURCHES.
house for a place of worship. This was on the site of the present school-house fronting the square.1 In the spring of the year 1680, the first church build- ing in Bergen was begun .? Willem Day was the build- er. Its form was octagonal. 7 > with the windows quite high from the ground, probably as much for a protection against the In- dians as to prevent the youngsters looking out during the services. The accompanying illustration, enlarged, is taken from the Field Map. It was located in the old graveyard west of Bergen avenne, and sonthi of Vroom street, and AVEINEAU DU LU STRATION was yet standing in 1764. OCTAGONAL CHURCH, 1680.
In 1773 a new building was placed on the site of the old Octagonal. Over the front door was a stone, with this inscrip- tion :
" Kerk Gebouwt in Het Yaer 1680. Her Bouwt in Het Yaer 1773."
The bricks in the windows and arch over the door were brought from Holland. The corner stone of the present building was laid August 26. 1841. The building was dedicated July 14, 1842.
Previous to the arrival of Rev. Henricus Selyns, Dominie van Nieuwenhuysen did most of the preaching at Bergen- statedly from 1672 to 1680. He preached and administered the Lord's Supper three times a year, for which he received " thirty bushels or fifteen bags of wheat."3 He preached in Bergen on
1 Winfield's Land Titles, 105.
2 L. I. Hist. Soc., i., 157. 3I bid, i., 158.
382
HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY.
week days. He is represented as a thick, corpulent person, with a red and bloated face. There can be no doubt, however, that previous to the services of Van Nieuwenhuysen, Dominies Johannis and Samuel Megapolenses preached in Bergen. The village in its corporate capacity seems to have been responsible for the pay of these elergymen.
BERGEN REFORMED CHURCH, 1773.
Their salaries were not fully paid, and on May 21, 1674, the authorities were informed that there was yet due from the town of Bergen to each of them fl. 100, " for earned salary," which the magistrates were recommended to pay forthwith.1 On Mr. Selyns' arrival, in 1682, he found at Bergen a new church, and 134 members. He continued the previous arrangement of preaching at Bergen three times a year. He died on Saturday, P M., July 19, 1701.2 In 1699, Rev. Gualtherius Du Bois be- came associated with Mr. Selyns, and served the church in
1Col. Ilist. of N. Y., ii., 722.
"N. Y. Hist. Soc., i., 390.
383
THE REFORMED CHURCHES.
Bergen until September, 1751. He was born in 1671, at Street Kerf, Holland, where his father, Petrus du Bois, was the Dutch pastor. He was edneated at the University of Leyden, licensed in 1697, preached until September, 29, 1751, and died on Wed- nesday, October 9, 1751, in the eighty-first year of his age.1 The following eloquent tribute to his memory is from the Weekly Post Boy, October 14, 1751 :
A Gentleman of a spotless Character and undissembled Goodness ; Amiable in his Temper, and in all Points exemplary : Of a benevolent Disposition, a diffusive Charity. and for his engaging Manners, and for the sanctity of his Morals, Beloved by all but the Foes of Virtue. Great was his Knowledge in sacred Literature ; Nor was he ordinarily skill'd in the liberal Sciences : But for human Prudence, and the Knowledge of Meu, To most superior and surpassed by none. Of a catholic Disposition, and a christian Charity, He never usurp'd the Province of God, Nor thundered his Anathemas against those of different Sects, whose lives were irreprehensible. On controversial Points, and polemic Theology, often destructive to vital Piety, He scorn'd to employ his precious Moments : Yet stripping an Argument of its specions Glare, He had an admirable Talent to expose its Disguise and Sophistry.
The awful Majesty, and the Rigour of Religion, He soften'd by the winning Mildness of his Converse ; And those Virtues which appear stern and forbidding in others, Shone in him with attractive Beauty, and ineffable Lustre.
Doc. Hist. of N. Y., iii., 537.
384
HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY.
His Deportment was grave, venerable and solemn, yet open, nnaffected and familiar. His Discourses remarkable for a pleasing Variety, of the Natural and Sublime, Yet intelligible to the most illiterate : His style was nervous and emphatic, Yet neither destitute of flowing Periods, Nor the Flowers of Rhetoric. To ecclesiastical Dominion, and spiritual Bondage. To blind Superstition, and frantic Enthusiasm ; with every species of ghostly Tyranny and Priest-craft, He was a resolute and irreconcileable Foe : But for primitive Christianity, and the Gospel of Christ (unadulterate with human Inventions or the Roguery of Priests), Together with a Freedom of Enquiry and the Liberty of Man, A Triumphant Defender.
Unambitious of Power, Affluence, or Honors, He consecrated his literary Acquirements, to inculcate Religion in its Evangelical Purity : And looking on the glittering Toys of mortal Life with a wise Indifference, He laid up Treasures in the Regions above, Where he now partakes, as the Reward of his Toils. Pleasures immortal and everlasting Repose.
By his Doctrine, his Prayers, and his Life, lle liv'd the Blessing and Ornament of his People, for above the Space of Fifty-two years :
And longing for Heaven, and for Heaven mature, He departed this Life with Serenity and Joy. or rather Acclamation and Triumph ; Bequeathing to his Church Lamentation and Woe. And to his Followers a bright and shining Example.
385
THE REFORMED CHURCHES.
Ilis remains were interr'd in the Old Dutch Church, where they sleep in Expectation of a glorious Resurrection.
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