USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Narratives of Newark (in New Jersey) from the days of its founding > Part 6
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CARE OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS
was a valuable asset. Fortunate indeed was a planter possessed of an ox; doubly fortunate if he had a yoke of oxen, for he was then rated "well-to-do."
Evidence of the hog being in disrepute was produced at an earlier meeting on April 17, 1669, when "the Town Agreed with John Catling to hang out and sufficiently fasten some Poles or Young Trees in the River, at the end of or adjoining to our Common Fence, and to turn them out and up the River about a Rod or Two, and somewhat back again after the manner of a Pound, to Prevent Hogs swimming around the Fence into the Neck; and upon his so doing they stand for this summer, he is to be allowed Ten Shillings out of the Treasury for his Pains." Often seen in the highway in spring and summer, wallowing in the soft ground at the frog pond, rooting down by the river's edge, the hog was a source of trouble. Occasional squeals were heard as it became partly immersed in a quagmire or quicksand. Not till cool weather appeared did the animal cease its annoyance of town folk.
Reduced to spare-ribs, pickled pork, highly seasoned sausage, and well-smoked hams and bacon, the hog proved a household blessing. After a hearty dinner, in which a succu- lent joint of roast pork formed the principal article of diet, the Puritan sat on cold winter days in front of the hearth- stone fire a picture of contentment, smoking a long clay pipe filled with Virginia tobacco brought to Newark in exchange for apples and cider. At a later period, if it was not then a practice, the housewife joined the husband in smoking. Their pipes were a solace in an exacting day of dull routine.
For 250 years the goat has been identified with Essex County life. He was ever present in that part of the town known as the Neck, and was in disrepute on January 1, 1671, when "it's Ordered that no Goats at any Time of the Year shall be kept anywhere in the Neck, or Common Fence." Ousted from the feeding ground, this animal was chased here and there, abused, never out of trouble, always express-
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ing dislike for public pastures and private preserves. He reveled in a scamper along the highways.
All the settlers were out on their lots in the spring of 1682, repairing their fences. The Viewers carefully made their rounds, pausing to offer suggestions and receiving scant courtesy in return from the more recalcitrant owners. Daniel Dod was brought before the town meeting for exam- ination on April 19, 1682. The Viewers reported that "there having been much Damage done by Reason of defec- tive Fences, and in special by a Piece of Fence against a Home Lott formerly given to Daniel Dod, upon account of his making and maintaining a Fence at the Front of his Lott so given.
"And Altho' this Grant (To Daniel Dod) is not found upon the Record, Yet several Persons that was then Present do now declare that they do fully remember that the Lott was given to Daniel Dod upon the afs'd Condition, as namely: Deacon Michael Tompkins, Deacon Richard Laurence, Mr. Thomas Johnson, Stephen Davis and William Camp, and also several others. Yet now Daniel Dod refuseth to make or maintain the same, only as his Proportion in Common with other, tho' made and maintained by him at first. Upon these Persons' Testimony and the Complaint of Damage done by the Insufficiency of this fence-the Town doth by Vote declare their Minds concerning the same (Viz): that Dan'l Dod is to make and maintain, from Time to Time that Fence at the front of his Lott by as is before exprest."
And the aforesaid Daniel, who was thus brought to judg- ment, complied with the town meeting requirement. Pro- geny of this settler have been among the leading residents of Essex County in the succeeding generations and serving the country and community in a commendable manner.
CHAPTER XIII
CAPTAIN TREAT LEAVES NEWARK
"THE town records do not disclose the day and month Captain Robert Treat bade his neighbors farewell. His name last appears on May 26, 1673, when at a public meeting "It is agreed that the highest Estate in our Town is to patten but one Hundred Acres, within that compass as is already purchased, and so every one, accordingly, proportionable to his Estate." The Captain drew No. 63. He was now fifty-one years of age and well preserved in physique. Per- haps he offered one of his famous prayers "so lovingly spoken " for the comfort of the people he was leaving.
An Englishman by birth, Robert Treat emigrated in boyhood with Richard Treat, his father, to Wethersfield. The son was in early manhood, about 1640, a resident of Milford, and later he served there as town clerk. His ex- perience in this office proved of notable service to the Newark settlers. Minutes of the town's first six years were written by him.
The captain was elected to the office of magistrate, and also commissioned major of militia on his return to Connec- ticut. He was active in defending the colonists while King Philip's War raged and his life was in danger during the uprising. A ball passed through his hat at the Battle of Bloody Brook, and it is said that he had no less than "seventeen fair shots at the enemy." His bravery and ex- cellent execut ve ability qualified him for the office of Deputy Governor to which he was elected in 1676 and served seven years. He was then chosen Governor, retiring in 1698, the infirmities of old age compelling him to do so. He was prevailed upon, however, again to accept the office of Deputy Governor, holding it till 1708. The transition into the
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larger life was on July 12, 1710, and the sunset of the four score and five years was gloriously achieved.
Governor Treat's name has an imperishable renown in colonial history in connection with the Charter Oak. Sir Edmund Andros, in 1686, attempted while Governor of New England to seize the charter of Connecticut during a session of the Assembly. Governor Treat would not relinquish the office he was administering so successfully, extinguished the light in the room, forestalled the action of Andros and
Captain Treat's chairs
conveyed the precious instrument to Captain Wadsworth, who deposited it in a hollow tree, now known as the Charter Oak of Hartford.
Lambert's History of the New Haven Colony gives this estimate of Governor Treat's life and service:
Few men have sustained a fairer character or rendered the public more important services. He was an excellent military officer, a man of singular courage and resolution, tempered with caution and prudence. His administration of government was with wis- dom, firmness and integrity. He was esteemed courageous,
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wise and pious. He was exceedingly beloved and venerated by the people in general and especially by his neighbors at Milford where he lived.
Children of Captain Treat remained in Newark. John Treat, his son, was a deputy to the Provincial Assembly, from 1694 to 1702, and was for many years a leading citizen of the town. He died August 1, 1714, at the age of sixty-five years. Sarah Treat married Jonathan Crane, son of Jasper Crane, Jr., and Mary was the wife of Deacon Azariah Crane. Descendants of the latter occupied the home of Captain Treat till about 1800. Azariah Crane was a notable man and one of the first settlers of Montclair. When Captain Treat returned to Milford he "betrusted his property at Newark to his son, Deacon Azariah Crane, who lived in the stone house at Newark." The deacon left a permanent memorial when he bequeathed to the First Presbyterian Church of Newark, his "silver bole to be used by the Church forever."
Children of Deacon Azariah and Mary Treat Crane were Nathaniel, Azariah, Jr., John, Robert, Mary Baldwin and Jane.
"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches and loving favour rather than silver and gold," was a favorite Puritan quotation from the Book of Proverbs.
Michael Tompkins, Signer of the Fundamental Agreement, vacated his Milford home, one of the most pretentious in the New Haven Colony, to follow the westward trend of Puri- tanism. The house was twenty feet square, two stories in height and about thirty rods distant from the Meeting House. Under cover of darkness, the Refugees Goffe and Whalley, fleeing from the English wrath for passing judgment upon Charles I, found an asylum in the Tompkins home. They were given accommodations in a room on the first floor, where they remained two years. Directly overhead was the living room, where the young women of the household spent many hours of the day.
Unconscious of the guests being on the floor beneath,
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the young ladies, having learned a satirical ballad floated across the ocean from England, frequently sang it set to a popular air. In substance the satirization was upon the two hidden refugees, who found it difficult to remain quiet, so convulsed with laughter were they over the young ladies' lack of knowledge of their presence.
John Browne, Jr., elected town clerk in 1676, was the first "outsider" admitted into the close communion of Newark citizenship. Permission was thus granted him at the fourth town meeting, held March 5, 1668:
John Brown, Jr., was by a full vote of the Town admitted and received a planter, and hath the Grant of an Accommodation. Both of uplands and Meadows, According to his Estate that he does Give in, and is truly possessed of; he paying his proportion of the Charges Laid out for it, and do Seasonably Come to possess the Same Some Time this Spring.
In addition to the home lot, planters were allowed a hold- ing of meadow land, the area according to their rating.
Brown duly appeared on a spring day, true to his promise, and signified his intention of becoming a planter. The ceremony of receiving him into full membership of the Puritan government was impressively performed. Ques- tions were first asked regarding his status, religiously and financially. Satisfying the officials that he intended to reside permanently and become a useful citizen, a large Bible was produced. The young man placed his right hand upon it while the oath of allegiance was given, in the fol- lowing language:
You do Swear upon the Holy Evangelists Contained in this Book to bare true faith and Allegiance to our Soveraine Lord King Charles the Second and his Lawfull Successors, and to be true and faithful to the Lords Proprietors, their successors, and their Government of this Province of New Jersey as Long as you shall Continue an Inhabitant under the Same without any Equi- vocation or Mentall Reservation whatsoever, so help you God.
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When the second purchase was made to the mountain-top each settler received an additional share of land.
Sons of planters, when they attained their majority, were the recipients of lots, upland and meadow, if found capable, after due examination, of tilling the soil. One of the first young men of the town requesting full association was John Bruen, who appeared before the fifth town meeting on March 9, 1668, when "on Mr. Obadiah Bruen's Motion in the Behalf of his Son, Jno. Bruen, was taken into Con- sideration and Granted, that he should have Six Acres of Upland Somewhere in the Neck adjoining to his Father's second division; he Taking of his share of Fence, and paying unto the Treasury Sixteen Shillings, for all Charges past To This day."
Newark's pioneers were of one mind, that in union there is strength. The first families were upon terms of close relationship: the home life, impregnated with hardships, was the pivot around which the strength of the settlement revolved and had its being.
CHAPTER XIV
PREPARING AGAINST INDIAN INVASION
PROVISION was made for training day at the town meeting on May 23, 1671, when it was "Agreed upon that the 5th of June Next shall Be forthwith Published for every Soldier that day to appear at the beat of the drum, to shew his Arms and Ammunition, and to spend the day in the Exercising their Arms, as they shall Agree among Them- selves; under the Penalty of 2s. 6d. for Absence, and all former penalty's Agreed upon for being defective in their Arms-and they so met shall have full power to Appoint another day of Meeting-and to order the matter of the Squadrons for the carrying of Arms to Meeting and Ward- ing on the Lord's Day During the Time of Publick Exer- cise; which is the Town's mind and order that it should be Strikly Observ'd and Attended. ' .
The training ground at first was near the frog pond. Memorable was that fifth of June, when an entire day was devoted to military exercises. Permanent officers were elected at the meeting on August 30, 1673. Lieutenant Swaine and Thomas Johnson were selected Captains, Ser- geant Ward and Josiah Ward Lieutenants, and Sergeant Harrison and "Mr." Samuel Harrison Ensigns.
The Puritan Fathers were engaged, they thought, in a more important contest than that of waging war upon savages. Their spare time was used in attacking Satan. Militant they were not and averse to clash of arms, though occasions are not lacking for self-protection, when the martial spirit was displayed.
Hostile Indians were visiting settlements not far removed from Newark in the late summer of 1673. Apprehension for town security resulted in a meeting on September 24,
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in which it was agreed "that if we are desired to join with other Towns to send Men to the Indians to demand the Robbers, that we should send Men with them." No rec- ord was made of our local soldiers joining the punitive force.
"It was also by the Magistrate's order published that in consideration of the present Danger, and fear of what may further ensue, We do therefore require that every Man in our Town, under Sixty, and above Sixteen Years of age, Shall meet together with their arms well fixed, upon Eight of the Clock on the first day of October, which is this day Senight, upon the penalty of five Shillings. The Ammuni- tion for Each Man to bring with him being Half a Pound of Powder and Twelve Bullets, fit for his gun, or Two Pounds of Pistol Bullets and upon that Day the Soldiers shall chuse the rest of their Offi- cers."
The town was not unprepared in August, 1675, when reports of Indian uprisings were received. King Philip was on the war path in New England. Neighboring colonists were passing through a scourge of the red man's hatred and it might be Newark's Candle-stick turn next. Heart-rending stories of massacred white people were vividly told by seafaring men at the ordinary, whither they repaired after anchoring their ships at the Landing Place.
On one particular day, the 28th of August, 1675, the drummer went along the highway, beating his drum fu- riously. Leaving plow in furrow, axe by woodpile, horses and carts standing by roadside, the men of military age proceeded with all haste to the Meeting House. A few carried firearms which they were able to grasp as they passed their homes. Fears were expressed for the town safety. Instant attention, it was urged by the officials, should be given to bulwarking the Meeting House and con- verting it into a fortress, where the people could flee in
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emergency. Indians were in hostile array, and they were expected to visit Newark. Rumors of their presence were daily circulated.
"It's agreed that the Meeting House shall be lathed," begins the first item adopted, "and filled up with thin Stone and Mortar below the Girts, and the Charge hereof shall be levied as the Town shall Agree." And further:
"Item-It is also agreed for the better Security of the Town, all the Men above Sixteen Years of Age, shall from Day to Day as their Turn come attend this Work about the Meeting House till it be finished and bring their Arms with them. Twelve Men is appointed to appear in a Day."
Provision was neglected for supervising officials. A meet- ing was called on September 10, and the defect remedied in this manner:
"It is agreed that two Men of these Twelve which are to come according to their Turns, are chosen to be Over- seers to appoint the work and to take Notice who is wanting."
The barricading then proceeded more expeditiously. Town authority was needed to establish directors of the work. Method, even in preparations for safeguarding the people's lives, was a Puritan trait. Referring again to the meeting on August 28, 1675, "It is agreed that two Flanckers shall be made at two Corners of the Meeting House with Palisades or Stockades; and the Charge of all this Work to be borne by the Persons and Estates as belongs to the Town."
Systematic watching was suggested, and "It is agreed that all the Home Lotts as belongs to this Town watch according to their Turn, as well as those as are not Inhabited as those that are." Near the end of the year the available war material was inventoried and a deficiency disclosed. John Ward, Turner, declared that powder and ball were nearly exhausted. On roll call an alarming condition was discovered. Unbelievable as it may seem, yet no man had enough ammunition to engage in a wolf hunt, let alone prosecuting a defensive attack of savages. Replenishing
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the stock was ordered on March 21, 1675, as follows: "John Ward, turner, is chosen to procure a Barrel of Powder and Lead Answerable to it, as reasonably as he can for the Town's use; provided that the Town pay him once within this week in Corn, Fowls, Eggs, or in any way to satisfy him."
A watch was provided on June 10, 1679, "for the better Security of the Town. It is agreed to have a Watch kept in the Town. Three in a Night, at some House ap- pointed by the Sarjents, and one of the Three to stand Centry, one at one Time, and another at another; and at the break of Day or thereabouts all Three of them to be walking, that if there be Danger it may be timely discovered and prevented, and about half an hour after Daybreak to call the Drummer and he is to beat the Drum. It is also agreed that one fourth Part of the Town at a Time, and so taking their Turns, shall carry arms to Meeting on the Lord's Day-and two to Ward, and to stand Centry." The drum was beaten at dawn, the favorite hour of attack, for the purpose of frightening away any hostile Indians lurk- ing about the town.
Another watch was decided upon at a meeting on Febru- ary 25, 1680. Then it was voted that "Stephen Davis and Joseph Rigs are appointed to give a Charge to the Watch every Night. Captain Swaine and Lieutenant Curtis are chosen to give the Charge for the Watch and Warders."
The men on guard sallied forth at stated hours into the night, proceeding northward as far as the Corn Mill and southward to William Camp's (now Lincoln Park). The watcher's only light was a tallow candle, snugly placed in a lantern, sending a faint ray barely a man's length ahead into the darkness. Vigilance of the pioneers saved, possibly, a blurred page of distressing narratives in the local history.
CHAPTER XV
RULES OF CONDUCT
F REEDOM of the town was not granted strangers within the gates of Puritan Newark. Officials passed upon requests for settlement in a most rigid examination till the power was usurped by Governor Carteret. Notwithstanding the interdiction, visitors from ne ghboring colonies or from across the sea were not suffered to tarry if suspicion arose in official mind that they would in any way detract from the pious life of the pioneer era. Once welcomed, however, the hospitality continued as cordial as was within the power of the people to extend. Fourteen years after the town was instituted a growing propensity toward frivolous conduct was corrected at a meeting on February 25, 1680, as follows:
To prevent sundry Inconveniences which may grow to this Town of Newark, by the inconsiderate receiving and entertaining of Strangers amongst us-It is Voted, That henceforward no Planter belonging to us or within our Bounds or limits, receive or entertain any Man or Woman of what Age or Quality soever, coming or resorting to us, to settle upon their Land nor shall any person that hath been or shall be received as a Planter among us, by Right of Inheritance or otherwise, sell, give nor in any way alienate, or pass over, Lease, or Lett any House or House Lott, or any Part or Parcel of any of them, or any Land of what Kind or Quality soever, to any such Person, nor shall any Planter or Inheritor permit any such Person or Persons so coming and re- sorting, to stay or abide above one Month, without License from those the Town shall appoint for that Purpose, under the Penalty of Five Pounds for every such Defect; besides all Damages that may grow by such Entertainments.
Town morals did not improve to an appreciable extent. A withheld resolution adopted at the February meeting was
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again discussed on October 19, 1681, and duly placed in the records:
To prevent disorderly Meeting of Young People at unseasonable times, it is voted as a Town Act, that no Housekeeper or Master of a Family, shall harbour or entertain any Person or Persons in the Night after Nine o'clock, or at other unseasonable Times (extraordinary occasions excepted), nor shall they suffer them disorderly to meet any Place, within their Power, to spend their Time, Money or Provisions inordinately in drinking, gaming or such like; nor shall they suffer any Carriage, Conference or Coun- cil, which tends to Corrupt one another. All such persons so transgressing shall be liable to such fines the Authority shall think fit.
Perhaps the watch had noticed people moving about in the evening or pleasure parties may have come in from adjoining settlements and tarried late. Promptly at 9 o'clock each night an inspection was made of the town, when all lights were ex- tinguished, except in those homes where illness had seized a member of the family. Explanation was demanded for every burning candle after the hour and silence required.
Candle lantern
There was little relaxation of Puritan restraint. Children even of leading families were acquainted with toil, and taught to be helpful to mother in the never-ending, multitu- dinous household duties. Youth quickly merged into middle life and women were placed in the old age set at two score and five years, when they were expected to wear a lace cap, sit by the fire-place, knit and engage in other light work. Even the necessities of life were obtained under most aggravating conditions. The kettle of boiling water often fell into the fire, creating havoc and causing pain to those standing near, from contact with steaming splashes of the fluid. Roasting a joint required patience. Tied to the end of a rope, suspended from the ceiling, it was the duty of a
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boy or girl to twist it continuously before the open fire till inother had pronounced it "done to a turn." How the housewives would have enjoyed the luxury of running water in their homes and other Twentieth Century con- veniences !
The quiet of the town life was shocked by the appearance of foreigners carrying swords and pistols. All who sailed the high seas were armed in preparation for an attack by pirates, who then were very numerous. The local port in the latter Seventeenth Century was widely known. Vessels dropped anchor at the Landing Place, discharged consign- ments of goods and received barrels of cider, apples and other commodities in return.
The Provincial Assembly convened at Perth Amboy, on April 6, 1686, at which a bill providing for the restriction of firearms was introduced. Complaint of surreptitious dis- appearance of boats from the riverside was also considered by the lawmakers. Thirteen days did the House of Depu- ties, where the bill originated, and the Councilors discuss the measure, and at the "post meridian session" April 17, 1686, the following is recorded by the clerk in the quaint writing of the period:
A Bill from the House of Deputyes for p'hibiteing the weareing of swords daggers pistolls Dirks stilettoes &c., by the Inhabitants of this province-was here Read-amended and sent back by Mr. Sam'l Dennes-and againe brought here and signed by the Gover- nor, &c.
It was ordered at a session of the Assembly, held April 10, 1686, that "The Bill for the punishm't of such p'sons as shall take away clandestinely Canoes and boates which was this day sent to ye Deputyes with sundry amendm'ts being fairly Transcribed out was signed by our Governor for Concurrance &c .- and by the Request of the Deputies-It's Agreed that - the same bee im'ediately published."
"The Secretary gave the board an account," reads the
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concluding paragraph of the record, "that in the Dreadful fire w'ch hap'ned in his house upon Satterday last the original Concessions of Lord Berkley and Sir George Carteret amongst other writings bookes and papers were there burnt and consumed."
CHAPTER XVI
BEGINNING OF NEWARK'S INDUSTRIES
N TOW famed the world over, Newark's industries had their initiative in scanty resources and crude appliances. Encouragement was officially given artisans of neighboring and even distant settlements "inclined to come among us," by offering them homestead grants. Every effort consistent with town regulations aided those engaging in industrial en- terprises.
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