USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Narratives of Newark (in New Jersey) from the days of its founding > Part 3
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CAMBRIDGE. Printed for Samuel Green, 1658.
Rev. Mr. Pierson's chief ambition was to establish the "Island of the Innocents," but in 1647, find- ing his hopes thwarted by many of more liberal views in religious matters, another effort was made at Branford to build a Puritan congregation. He also familiarized himself with the speech and customs of the Indians and at no little personal sacrifice prepared a catechism and printed it in their language. Conversions to the Christian religion fol- lowed in a number of instances.
Obdurate was the minister when it was suggested that he remain in the Connecticut colony, after its union with New Haven. He was strongly opposed to the Half Way Cove-
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REV. ABRAHAM PIERSON
PARISH CHURCH
nant and arraigned it severely. Unanimously the settlers agreed upon the lot adjoining Captain Treat's as the most available for the parsonage, it being nearly opposite the site chosen for the Meeting House. The town freely consented at the meeting on September 10, 1667, to dig a well for the minister, to pay his transportation charges and allow him eighty pounds "for the First Year which is to Be laid out in Building his House at Moderate prises for their Labour, which Year began the first of Oct'br Last, the Year 1667, and To the Last of October, 1668, and so to Stand from Year to Year."
Eighty pounds per annum was the stipulated salary which was to be paid in equal installments in October and March at prices current, "and they do agree to pay Him Yearly a pound of Butter for every milk's Cow in the Town, in part of his pay."
The minister was informed that "the Lords Half Penny rent, and Charges of Ways and Drainings in the meadows is exempted in this Vote." When he came to Newark Rev. Mr. Pierson was accounted an elderly man though only fifty-four years of age. Reverence was accorded him wher-
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ever and whenever he appeared. Boys and girls were enjoined by parents to stand by the roadside in attitude of attention till he passed. Men and women also stood aside when meeting him on the highways or in other public places, bowing low, almost obsequiously. Cotton Mather says of him that "the good man shone like a torch" in his going about the daily life.
Abraham Pierson and Abigail Wheelwright were married, it is believed, at the bride's New England home. She was the daughter of Rev. John Wheelwright, of Lincolnshire, England, who emigrated to Exeter, New Hampshire. Their children were: Thomas, born in Southampton, L. I., in 1641-42. Died before 1684, at Newark. John, born in Southampton, L. I., in 1643, died before 1671. Abigail, born in 1644, married in 1663, John Davenport, Jr., son of Rev. John Davenport, first minister of New Haven. Rev. Abraham, second pastor of Newark, born at Southampton, in 1645, married Abigail Clark. Grace, born in 1650 at Branford, married Samuel Kitchell, Signer of the Funda- mental Agreement. Susanna, born in December, 1652, at Branford, married Jonathan Ball, of Stamford. Rebecca, born in 1654, at Branford, married Joseph Johnson, Town Drummer, died in November, 1732. Theophilus, born in 1659 at Branford, became prominent in Newark affairs and died in 1713. Isaac and Mary the two youngest of the offspring.
A comforter in every trial, the saintly man responded night and day to the calls of his people. When ordinances were adopted by town meeting and the daily routine studied and brought to the most complete stage of efficiency, he was, as a rule, consulted. A most useful official in the parish work was the town drummer. Joseph Johnson, chosen at the town meeting of September 10, 1668, to act in this relation, was the "bell-ringer," calling the people to worship on the Sabbath, the midweek lecture and town meetings. The item duly recording this fact states that "Thomas John- son shall have Eight shillings for his Son's beating the drum this Year, and Repairing the remainder of the Year; And
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REV. ABRAHAM PIERSON
in case his Son's shall Be Appointed to Beat it any Time, Morning, and Evening after this Time, They shall be al- lowed after the Rate of Five Shillings the Month."
The drummer, who was seventeen years of age, lived with his father at the ordinary. His calls were sounded along the highway running the length of the town on the early Sabbath morning rounds, this English custom having been brought across the seas by the Puritans. The very air was charged with piety.
Later, on January 2, 1670, "the Town Choose Jos. John- son for Drummer as before, upon Condition that he Beats the first Drum at least up as far as the Saw Pitt on the Corner of Serj't Harrison's lot."
Strange spectacle it would be on our modern Sunday mornings for an official to walk solemnly along Broad Street, wearing tall crowned hat, close fitting coat, trousers extending to the knee, long stockings, and shoes capped with buckle, and carrying a drum almost as large as himself, striking it at intervals, warning the people to attend church.
Rev. Mr. Pierson was well pleased with the success of the government of Newark. He could not have been otherwise. Brief was his part, however, in the period of changing affairs. The Proprietary Government, restored after the quarrel over the quit-rents, announced the right to admit planters was vested solely in the Governor and council. The Dutch came in control about the same time and the people were compelled to substitute the Reformed Church system for Puritanism. Bravely the conditions were met. The troubles ecclesiastical prematurely aged the pastor before coming to the Pesayak River, and he resigned him- self to the inevitable when authority over which he had no control removed the props from under his feet. The Puritan form of worship was resumed, however, after Dutch withdrawal, and also the daily customs of those subscribing to membership in the Meeting House Society.
Rev. Mr. Pierson needed assistance, which was allowed him, July 28, 1669, when "the Town by their Unanimous
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NARRATIVES OF NEWARK
Vote, declared their Freeness to desire and call upon Mr. Abraham Pierson, Junior, to be helpful to his Father in the exercising his Gifts in the Ministry for the space of a Year; and for his Encouragement they are willing to allow him Thirty Pounds for this Year."
As a mark of special attention, firewood was brought, when needed, to the pastor's kitchen door by the town men. Temporal blessings freely offered by an appreciative people touched his heart. At last he found a haven of refuge. His every word of paternal admonition was listened to with rapt attention.
As infirmities increased, the father leaned more and more upon the son who at town meeting on March 4, 1671, was requested to join him as a co-laborer. Now there was to be a division of the ministrations of the preacher, teacher and physician. "And upon good experience of him," said a parishioner, speaking of Mr. Abraham Pierson, Jr., "he was called and ordained to be our teacher." The pastor's annual salary of eighty pounds was continued and the son allowed forty pounds. Both were furnished firewood.
The health of the elder Pierson failed during the summer of 1678. He was able part of the day to sit near the window in his favorite chair, gaze over the highway and receive occasional salutations of passersby. As the midsummer flowers were fading into their long sleep the Shepherd of the Flock on the ninth day of August, 1678, relapsed into unconsciousness, and he, too, entered a long sleep, to awake in the glorious likeness of the Master he loved and served so faithfully.
The days of the Pilgrim and the Puritan were over and earth would know him no more. He had fought a good fight and had kept the faith. The people came to the parson- age, and in subdued tones offered their sympathy to the stricken widow and children.
Reverently on the day set for the funeral services the con- gregation assembled at the Meeting House and expressed their sorrow. It was a season of sore trial and of discipline.
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REV. ABRAHAM PIERSON
Those physically able followed the bearers who carried the body down the lane leading to a knoll west of the edifice where all that was mortal of Rev. Abraham Pierson, the first pastor, was placed in the grave. The little God's Acre, back there somewhere in the vicinity of Branford place and long, long since lost to mankind's view, had al- ready received several of the Puritan company gathered under the trees on the July day in 1667, when it made the honorable compact with the Indians. Deacon Lawrence Ward, Sargeant Riggs, senior, Robert Kitchell, Hugh Roberts, Matthew Canfield, Delivered Crane, Stephen Crane, John Harrison and Josiah Ward were among those who preceded the pastor in death.
Solemnly the people wended their way to the parsonage where the last office was performed. Refreshments were served and then the last will and testament was publicly read. The instrument bore the date of August 10, 1671, well remembered as the time when a serious illness seized the minister, and fear was then expressed that his end was near.
If God takes me away by this sickness, or until I have made a more formal will, of a future date, then I do make and constitute this my last will and testament, being firmly persuaded of the everlasting welfare of my soul's estate and my body's res- urrection to eternal life by Jesus Christ, my dear and precious Redeemer.
Imprimis. I will that all my debts be duly and truly paid as they are expressed and recorded in my broad book for reckoning, which I brought from Brandford, being carefully understood because of imperfections of the writing, or whatever else shall appear due to any though not there recorded.
2dly. That my wife shall have the thirds of my whole estate, to whose love and faithfulness I commit the bringing up of my children and do appoint her my sole executrix and give her my great Bible and what other English books she pleaseth to choose.
3dly. For my choice and precious daughter Davenport I will that her hundred pounds be made good, which I promised her upon
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her marriage, always provided that if upon just account of mine estate and debts, my other daughters have an hundred pounds a piece, that she shall be advanced as much as any.
4th. For my son Abraham, I do will that besides what he has had, or any horse kind he hath that he shall have all my books (except what by particulars I give to any) together with the frame belonging to the books; upon which consideration I will that he sh. pay back again to the estate eight pounds in part of the portion of my daughter Mary, upon her marriage day, or two after. For my next three sons, Thomas, Theophilus and Isaac, I will that they sh. have my whole accommodation of lands layed out or to be layed out within the limits of this plantation, always provided that my wife's thirds shall be at her sole disposal, during the continuance of her natural life. For my son Thomas, I do not bring in on his account either the home lot which the town gave him, or any horse kind which in former times I gave Him. I will that he have a sufficient house lot upon his home lot in part of portion, and do give him Dr. Hall his paraphrase upon the Bible as a token of my love. For my two youngest sons, I would have them in due time to have each of them half of the homestead. Finally, all my just debts paid and my wife's thirds kept entire, I would have the whole of my remaining estate to be divided as portions to the rest of my children to wit: my three sons and four daughters according to equal valuations and pro- portions, the same to be payable on the day of their respective marriages, or one month after; but if they be not married, then, the male children-their portions sh. be payable when they are of the age of twenty.
Furthermore, I would have my two lesser boys, to be taught to read the Eng. tongue and to write a legible hand, and all my chd. that be at home with me to have each of them a new Eng. Bible and a good Eng. book out of the library, such as they by the advice of their mother sh. choose. Likewise, I do request and hereby ordain my trusty and well beloved brethren and friends, Mr. Jasper Crane, Mr. Rob. Treat, Lieut. Swaine, Brother Tompkins, Bro. Lawrence and Bro. Sergeant Ward, to become supervisors of this my last will and testament, to be helpful unto my wife, and to see that this my last will be faithfully executed, and when any one of these sh. die or depart the place, the rest sh. with my wife's consent appoint some faithful man to fill up the empty
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place. In witness whereunto I have set my hand, the day and year first above written.
ABRAHAM PIERSON.
Witness, THOMAS PIERSON.
The above Thos. Pierson doth make oath th. this the last will and testament of the deceased Abr. Pierson, and th. he knows of none other. Sworn before me, the 12th of Mar. 1678. A true copy. CHAS. G. M. McCHESNEY, Register.
Writing to their children in their Connecticut home, Obadiah Bruen and his wife thus informed them of the sorrow that had befallen Newark:
DEAR LOVING SON AND DAUGHTER:
Hoping of your health, with yours, as we are at present. Praise to our God.
It hath pleased God hitherto to continue our lives and liberties, though it hath pleased Him to embitter our comfort by taking to Himself our reverent pastor, Aug. 9, 1678, Mr. Pierson.
Yet hath He not left us destitute of spiritual enjoyments, but He hath given us a young Timothy-a man after God's own heart, well-rooted and well-grounded in the faith, one with whom we can comfortably walk in the doctrines of the faith. Praise to our God.
Upon experience of him he was called and ordained to be our teacher, Mr. Abraham Pierson, who follows in the steps of his ancient father in goodness. Praise to our God.
Your loving father, OBADIAH BRUEN. and mother SARAH BRUEN.
The net value of Rev. Abraham Pierson's estate was 822 pounds, a portion of which was incorporated in the library of 440 volumes, one of the largest private collections of books in the Western World. Best of all was the legacy of a good name which he bequeathed to posterity, and the influence of which is felt in our community in this remote . day.
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CHAPTER VI
BUILDING THE MEETING HOUSE
M ETHODICAL in his every action, the Puritan en- gaged in one thing at a time and usually with a very large measure of success. Most pressing of town require- ments in 1668 was the Temple where the people could wor- ship the Creator in simplicity of service, but dwellings must first be provided, laws enacted, town laid out, the minister settled and other details arranged in keeping with this model settlement by the river. These had all received attention, and plans for the sanctuary were. at last considered in the town meeting on September 10, 1668. Discussion, almost to the point of weariness, preceded this action:
The Town hath Bargained with Deacon Ward, Sarj. Richard Harrison, and Sarj. Edw. Rigs for the sum of Seventeen Pounds to Build the Meeting House, according to the Dimentions agreed upon, with a Lenter to it all the Length which will make it Thirty Six foot Square, with the doors and Windows, and Flue Boards at the Gable ends; only the Town is to Hew and Bring all the rest of the Timber upon the place, which is Agreed upon to be done as soon as they Conveniently Can; With whom the Town Confided in to have well done, and Some Abatement in the price if they can afford it.
Crops were harvested and other necessary winter prep- arations completed before the task of securing Meeting House timber was assigned the settlers. Though zero weather often retarded operations many trees were felled during the winter and were drawn from the forests, by teams of horses or yokes of oxen to the site for the edifice designated by Rev. Mr. Pierson and others. Contrary to modern building methods each of the four sides was laid out on the
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BUILDING THE MEETING HOUSE.
ground and oak pins and a few nails used in fastening the timbers. While the assembled town people stood at a dis- tance, the men raised, one side at a time, till all four were in position. The lenter, roof and other accessories were afterward added. Accidents frequently happened when houses and barns were raised, but the Meeting House was finished without any untoward incident.
Soon after the new year, on March 30, 1669, "The Town Agreed with Thomas Ludington and Thomas Johnson to raise the Meeting House for five Pounds; the Town having shewed their willingness to be helpful upon Moderate Terms, and to lend them Things as they Needed that was within their Compass, to carry it on and for the Place where it should stand it was agreed to set up in the place where it now lies, and to stand near fronting on a square with the Street; which for First Meeting House the very Place and more direct manner of standing it was left to the advice of Mr. Pierson, Deacon Ward and Mr. Treat."
1225216
No sooner was the raising over, than a shortage of nails was discovered. This was responsible for the town meeting "the 7th of April, 1669, when they Agreed to provide Nails for the closing the Meeting House, in a voluntary Way, to see what every man would do in a voluntarily; and they chose Brother Tompkins, and Good'n Johnson to and know what the Rest of the Town would engage upon such Accounts, for such an End; and they are all to be paid out of the Town Treasury-all which nails are to be paid into Broth. John Brownes, as soon as they can." Not till January 2, 1670, did "The Town Agree with Thos. John- son About his Floaring Half the Meeting House, for Four Pounds, of Good Chestnut or Oak, of 2 Inches and a Half Plank, and they are to find and do all, to Edge and Lay Down the floar on Seven Good Sleepers; and in like Manner they Have Bargain'd with Jno. Brown, Mr. Burwell, Jno. Baldwin and Joseph Riggs to do the other Half."
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Town meetings and long hours of catechetical exercises and schoolmaster's sessions for the children were to be associated with this Temple of Newark in its creative days, while the incense of divine service was to buoy many a life in troubled hours of physical and spiritual suffering. Around it was the tide of town progress to ebb and flow in an era fraught with uncertainty and hardship.
Destined was this rude structure to stand for two score years on the main highway, silent witness of the hopes and aspirations, the joys and sorrows of a quaint folk, placing their very existence most trustfully and with child-like confidence in the Lord.
Sabbath Morning arrived-the day of Meeting House dedication. Housewives had tidied their homes, the frugal morning meal was early served and the town drummer announced first call for service. Even of step, hands folded and eyes cast downward, the Puritans approached the open sanctuary door. Silently one and all entered and accepted the seats assigned by the townsmen, according to "office, age, estate, infirmity, descent or parentage."
Would that I had the pencil and the skill, The opening service fitly to portray; How would your eyes with tears of gladness fill, Your hearts leap up as theirs to sing and pray. The gray-haired sire, the bronzed and stalwart son, The stooping mother and bashful maid, With little children, quiet now and staid, Had in their places gathered, one by one. No organ peal disturbed the solemn air, No anthem ushered in the opening prayer; First on the ear, stretched to its true intent, Broke th' full voice of him whom God had sent; They at its summons rose with reverent mien,
They bowed low, the heart too full for speech, While on the wrinkled face there might be seen A look that compassed heaven in its reach,
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BUILDING THE MEETING HOUSE
As from the preacher's lips there outward went Words that on wings of praise were heavenward sent; And when he ended with his full Amen!
From trembling lips it faintly rose again."
-A. D. F. RANDOLPH. -
Facing the door was the dais, where the minister sat so that he could see all who entered. The Bible and the hour glass were in place on the desk, and in view of the congrega- tion; the latter marked the passing of time while the Word was expounded "that all may the better live more godly lives." Chief seats were reserved for the deacons-the venerable Michael Tompkins and Richard Laurence-the latter having succeeded Lawrence Ward, recently deceased. Rough wooden walls did not detract from the spirit of wor- ship. Hearts of all were attuned to gratitude for the reali- zation of long-hoped-for accomplishment-the erection of the edifice, now the most pretentious structure in the town.
Rev. Mr. Pierson arose and looked upon the congregation. Adult faces were stern set; young people and children, ex- pressions of awe creeping over their faces, glanced timidly at the pulpit. The service had begun. There was a long prayer, singing of a psalm in metrical version, one line at a time, by precentor and people, the reading of Scripture and the preaching, dealing no doubt with the total depravity of men. Announcements were made of the bans (if there were any). Not long after the dedication morning, Eliza- beth Ward, relict of Josiah Ward, she who was Elizabeth Swaine, and David Ogden "were read out in meeting" as desirous of entering the holy bonds of matrimony. Sweet resignation marked many a womanly face as the minister dwelt upon the awfulness of sin and of the terrible visitations which would surely follow too worldly occupation of one's thoughts and actions.
Regularly were the Sunday services held at the Meeting House regardless of weather conditions. Misbehavior of the young people and of the elders, too, was under review of
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town meeting on November 24, 1679, when it was chroni- cled:
There being Complaint that many as are grown Persons, as well as boys, do misbehave themselves on the Lord's Day in the time of Public Service, both in the Meeting House and without by the House Sides; also by sleeping, Whispering or the like. Wherefore the Town hath chosen Thomas Pierson, Junior, and Samuel Potter, to use their best Care and Endeavors to restrain like Disorder in Time of publick Worship, by rebuking such Per- sons as behave themselves irreverently, within or without the House; and if there are such grown Persons as will not be re- strained by their Rebukes, then they are to present them to the Authority.
On November 29, 1680:
It is agreed upon by Vote that a Man should be chosen to look after and see that the Boys and Youth do carry themselves rev- erently in time of public Worship upon the Lord's Day, and other Days and Times of Worship. And if any grown persons shall carry themselves irreverently he is to make Complaint to the Authority and present their Names; and his Word shall be accounted Evidence against him or them offending, whether the offence be committed within or without the House. Joseph Walters is chosen to be the Man for the Purpose above said.
Church attendance was compulsory winter and summer. The only protection against the chilly atmosphere of the barren edifice was the foot-stove, made of tin or metal. This was filled with wood coals and brought by the people from their homes.
A trial it was for the women and chil- dren sitting through a long service, often lasting two hours, while the temperature hovered about
zero. Clothes were occasionally dampened by a storm through which they passed on their way to the Meeting
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House. Umbrellas were unknown till the middle of the next century, and then were only used by women.
Henry Lyon, appointed first tavern keeper and who was living at Lyons Farms, near Elizabeth Town, "hath a Right to and shall have a Seat in the Meeting House, paying proportionately with his Neighbors," is a town record of July 24, 1680. At the same time "it was agreed by Vote that that Middle Part of the Meeting House which is yet to be seated, shall have Three Seats of a Side." Deep- rooted was the spirit of religion in Newark's cradle days and it has so continued through the centuries.
CHAPTER VII
REV. ABRAHAM PIERSON, JR., SECOND PASTOR
T TNUSUALLY subdued was the town on the first Sab- bath after August 9, 1678. This date marked the separation of the spirit from the earthly tabernacle of Rev. Abraham Pierson, Sr.
"And the evening and the morning were the seventh day" was interpreted by the Puritans, in consonance with Levitical law, as the time to "Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy." Secular activities began with the setting of the sun on the day now known as Sunday. The dinner hour on Saturday of each week (always served with punctuality and when the sun was at meridian) was the signal for men, women and children to prepare for the weekly ob- servance. As the sun descended behind the mountains the master of the household called his family about him-in summer by the open door, just inside the entry, and in the winter by the glowing hearthstone fire. Tranquil was the hour of twilight! Serene were the faces of sire and mis- tress and solemn those of children. They saw not the ex- quisite colors of the western sky as the orb of day faded from view. Their eyes rested upon the Bible, as the pages were turned for the selection.
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