USA > New Jersey > Hudson County > Paper read before the historical society of Hudson County. 1908 > Part 24
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June 17, 1634, Jan Evertsen Bout succeeded Paulus as the company's superintendent, and he in turn, two years later, was followed by Cornelius Van Vorst, whose descendants have been closely identified with the growth and development of our city.
The first conveyance by the West India Company of lands within the limits of Pavonia was to Abraham Isaacsen Planck, dated May 1, 1638, as follows: "This day date underwritten before me, Cornelius Van Tienhoven, Secretary of New Netherland; appeared the Hon., wise and prudent Mr. William Kieft, Director General of New Netherland, on the one part, and Abraham Isaacsen Planck on the other part, and mutually agreed and contracted for the purchase of a certain parcel of land called Powles Hoek, situated westward of the island Manhattan, eastward of Aharsimus, extending from the North River unto the valley which runs around it there, which land Mr. Kieft hath sold to Abraham Planck, who also acknowledges to have bought the aforesaid land for the sum of 450 guilders, calculated at 20 stivers the guilder, which sum the aforesaid Abraham Isaacsen Planck promised to pay to the Hon. Mr. Kieft in 3 yearly installments."
As the value of one stiver in our money is 5 cents, the amount paid by Plank for Paulus Hoek was $450. He here established his farm or bouerie and remained in possession of same for upwards of sixty years.
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April 5, 1664, Governor Peter Stuyvesant, who succeeded Kieft, granted to Cornelius Van Vorst a plot of ground at the head of Harsimus Cove, southwest of the wagon road, which became his home lot, and at the same time other additional property lying to the south of Aharsimus and extending to Jan De Lachers Hook, for all of which, after the acquisition of New Netherland by the English Government 1664, he received from Governor Carteret a confirmation deed.
North of Van Vorst's holdings, and reaching to the limits of Hoboken, was an unappropriated tract of land. It will be remembered that at the time of the surrender to the English, the property rights of the Dutch were guaranteed in following terms: "All people shall continue free denizens and shall en- joy their houses, lands and goods wheresoever they are within this country and dispose of them as they please. As this tract was included in the grant of Peter Stuyvesant to the village of Bergen and no claimant appeared, it became part of the common lands of Bergen and after the occupation of the territory by the English it became the common property of the Duke of York, on whom Charles II bestowed the country of New Netherland; and hence became known as "The Duke's Farm." It will thus be seen that all the land lying east of Bergen Hill and south of Hoboken to Communi- paw Cove was divided between Planck, Van Vorst and The Duke's Farm, and was under the control and within the limits of the township of Bergen by virtue of the grant of Peter Stuyvesant, dated October 26, 1661.
September 13, 1698, Cornelius Van Vorst purchased from Planck, Paulus Hook under the same description as conveyed by the West India Company to Planck sixty years before, and he therefore became the sole owner of all the land below the Hill between the Duke's Farm and Communipaw Cove. He here maintained his farm and ruled over his household with feudal power. He died at a good old age and his descendants continued closely identified with the growth and development of the modern city. Cornelius Van Vorst, the 5th in the line of descent from the old pioneer-who officiated in the early days as Pauw's superintendent-deserves more than
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a passing notice, as he was the connecting link between colonial and more modern times.
He was noted for his many activities. While cultivating his farm land assiduously, he was a great lover of out-door recreation and indulged freely in the sports common to those early times. He established a race course on the high ground near Montgomery and Varick Streets in 1753, and horse racing continued until the Revolutionary War. In 1764 he established a ferry to New York, in great part to afford facilities for the citizens there to attend the races. As advertised in the New York Mercury of July 2, 1764: "The long wished for ferry is now established and kept across the North River from the place called Powles Hook to the City of New York. Good crafts will be ready at each ferry to convey over all persons who may incline to see the races-good stables with excellent hay and oats will be provided for the horses, and good accom- modation for the grooms. To start at 2 o'clock precisely on each day." These races continued until the war great at- tractions for the sporting men of the neighboring city, as well as for the farmers in the adjoining territory, who sometimes surprised other participants by securing first honors and prizes. In connection with the ferry a road was established leading from the landing along the line of present York Street, turn- ing northwesterly at Washington across to about Warren near Newark Avenue 'and afterward extended along the line of Newark Avenue across the marsh through Van Vorst's land to and over Bergen Hill. Another road ran from the ferry road, approximately along Railroad Avenue to Prior's Mill, which was located near the junction of Fremont Street with Rail- road Avenue, becoming part of the post road, continuing along and ascending the easterly side of the hill on the route of Mill Road to Mercer Street, and thence across to Bergen Avenue, forming the stage route from Paulus Hook to Philadelphia.
Because of its favorable location Paulus Hook was con- sidered a point of vantage during the Revolutionary War, and was early seized upon by the British as a base of operations. It remained in their possession throughout the whole war and was the scene of the raid by Light Horse Harry Lee in 1779,
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the details of which have become familiar through its recent celebration. Van Vorst espoused the Patriot cause with his customary energy and was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of the Bergen County Militia by the Provincial Congress June 29, 1776.
For several years Paulus Hook was but the abode of a small agricultural community and served as a landing place for travellers to West or South. A stage line was established in 1764 in connection with the ferry, from Paulus Hook via Bergen Point and Elizabeth to Philadelphia in three days. In 1769 a new route was opened via Newark, Elizabeth and Bound Brook. 1772 John Mesereau left Powles Hoek three times a week and running to Philadelphia in 1 1/2 days. The next year he left Paulus Hook Tuesdays and Fridays at or before sunrise and went to Princeton, there meeting the stage from Philadel- phia and returning the next day. For the accommodation of passengers one Michael Cornelison built a dwelling near present Grand Street, east of Greene, which served ; likewise for a tavern and ferry house.
After the close of the Revolution, in common with the rest of the country, Paulus Hook and the surrounding territory passed through a period of readjustment and soon all traces of the war were obliterated. The ferry and stage lines resumed their operations and the farmers cultivated their fields in- dustriously, encouraged by the excellent market they found in the neighboring city. As may be imagined, the ferry was as yet in a very primitive condition, being composed of a landing with steps down to the water, and periauguas or flat bottom boats, which were often at the mercy of the wind and tide, the intervals of crossing being regulated thereby. In order to transport their produce the farmers were obliged to unload it from their wagons and carry it on the boats, transhipping it in the same manner on arrival on the opposite side. Their teams were left at the landing until their return. The stages remained on this side of the river likewise while their passengers crossed on the boats, and having transacted their business recrossed and resumed their places in the coach for the return trip. About 1800, Major Hunt leased the ferry and hotel property and erected additional sheds and stables for the
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accommodation of the stage lines centering at this point. These were the only buildings in Paulus Hook at that time, the entire population numbering fifteen persons of all ages.
At last the natural advantages of Paulus Hook were recognized. February 8, 1804, John B. Coles, a New York merchant, purchased the Duke's Farm and preparations for the improvement of the property were at once undertaken. Survey was made and maps prepared, dividing the plot into 292 blocks of 32 lots each.
Shortly after, Anthony Dey obtained a perpetual lease from Cornelius Van Vorst of Powles Hook with following limitations as expressed in the conveyance. "Bounded on the east by Hudson's River. On the north by said river or the bay commonly called Harsimus Bay. On the south by the said river, or the bay commonly called Communipaw and on the west by a line drawn from a stake standing on the west side of said tract (from which stake the flag staff on Ellis Island bears S 1-201 E and from which the chimney of the house of Steven Vreeland on Kayman bears S 56°. 101 W. From which the steeple of the Bergen Church bears N 500-201 W) N 26º. 301 E to Harsimus Cove aforesaid, with the right of ferry from the said tract or parcel of land across Hudson's River and else- where, and the right and title of the said Cornelius Van Vorst under the water of Hudson's River and the Bays aforesaid op- posite the said premises as far as his right to the same extend." Dey likewise took immediate steps for the improvement of the property.
Associated with him were other New York merchants as appears from the Sentinel of Freedom of March 13, 1804, as follows :
"We understand that Anthony Dey, Richard Varick and Jacob Radcliff, Esqs., of the City of New York, have obtained from Mr. Van Vorst a perpetual lease of the land and premises known as Paulus Hook. Application has been made to our Legislature for an act of incorporation for themselves and associates and leave given to present a bill at the next sitting. It is contemplated to level the place and lay out a regularly planned city. It will be laid out in 1,000 lots valued at $100 each, requiring of every original adventurer 6%, which amounts
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to $6,000, equal to the sum agreed to be paid Mr. Van Vorst annually. We further understand that some of the most wealthy and influential citizens, both of New York and this State, have embarked in the undertaking; and who knows but that a very few years will make it the emporium of trade and commerce of the State of New Jersey."
In order to effect a proper organization for the holding and development of the property, Anthony Dey, April 18, 1804, conveyed to Abraham Varick of New York City the property at Paulus Hook, who the next day conveyed to Richard Varick, Jacob Radcliff and Anthony Dey lands on Paulus Hook as shown on a map made by Joseph T. Mangin of the City of New York "also the present wharves and rights of soil from high to low water mark, to extend from north to south the breadth of 480 feet on Hudson Street and the right and title to the land under water in Hudson's River opposite to the said premises above granted, together with the ex- clusive right of ferry from Paulus Hook to the City of New York and elsewhere."
The act alluded to above was passed November 10, 1804, incorporating "The Associates of Jersey," giving them a per- petual charter with almost absolute rights and power, and arrangements were made for putting the property on the market at once.
The following Prospectus was issued :- "The Proprietors of Powles Hook have lately completed their purchase and agreed with Major Hunt, the present occupant, to deliver the possession of the premises to them (except the ferry buildings now occupied by him) and they give notice they will commence the sale of lots at Powles Hook at public vendue on Tuesday, the 15th day of May next at Powles Hook; and on the succeed- ing day at the Tontine Coffee House in the City of New York. The sales will commence at 12 o'clock noon on each day. A map of the whole ground will be exhibited and the conditions of the sale made known by the first day of May next at the office of Mr. Dey, No. 19 Pine Street, in the City of New York, and also on the days of the sale. An accurate survey of the premises is now making, which will include the extent of the grounds both at low and high water mark and the soundings
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in the river to the depth of 16 feet at low water, for the pur- pose of building docks or wharves, at proper distances in the channel, which closely approaches the shore along the whole front upon the river. The different elevations of the ground will also be accurately taken in order to ascertain the proper height for the central streets, from which the most advantageous descent will be given in every direction to the water. It is proper to notice that the whole premises will be surrounded by the waters of the Hudson."
"The tide at present, unless obstructed, flows through a small ditch in the rear, which extends from the North to the South Bay. A straight canal along the line by which the property is bounded on the West, is proposed to be opened, of sufficient depth and dimensions for the passage of flat bottom- ed boats by which the whole tract will be insulated and possess the benefits of navigation on every side."
"The natural shape of the grounds with these and other advantages will also furnish a fair opportunity to determine by experiment how far local situation with the aid of proper regulations will tend to protect the health of its inhabitants. This is an object that shall receive early and strict attention."
Thus early were the splendid commercial possibilities of our city recognized, but the same paralizing influences pre- vented the execution of the project, that even to this day hinder and delay the carrying out of important needful improvements.
The property was laid out into 1344 lots. Hudson Street at times overflowed by tide water, was the eastern boundary, Harsimus Cove and First Street the northern; a line drawn from about the corner of Washington and First Streets to South Street or Communipaw Cove, formed the westerly boundary, while the waters of the bay limited the southerly extent. The intersection of Grand and Washington Streets, being the highest part of the town, established the grade for the whole plot, inclining from this point in all directions. The north- erly side of Montgomery Street was washed by waters of a goodly sized creek and the westerly side of the plot just be- yond Washington Street descended into a deep marsh which was intersected along Warren Street by a tidal creek which continued along the line of Newark Avenue and emptied its
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waters into Harsimus Cove at Henderson Street. Boats of goodly size frequented this creek which was the landing place for the many shad fishermen who frequented the waters of the bay; for the discharge of their cargoes.
Notwithstanding the efforts made to attract investors, the development of the plot was slow. The persistent claim of ownership by New York of all lands under water to low water mark on the New Jersey side of the river, caused the new enterprise much embarrassment. This claim was of course denied by the Associates, who, notwithstanding the warnings to desist from building wharves, continued their operations, but the uncertainty in reference to the water rights greatly inter- fered with the projected sale and only a few lots were disposed of with following results: 2 lots on Morris Street at $225 each, and i at $230, 2 lots at $250, I lot on Montgomery Street at $200 and I at $250. Robert Fulton located his ship yard on the river bank at Greene and Morgan Streets and received deed dated November 3, 1804. The controversy over the vexed question of riparian ownership continued for 30 years and was not definitely settled until 1834, when New York relinquished her claim but insisted upon the continuance of her jurisdiction over the bay and harbor.
The old Van Vorst holdings were divided by will in 1814, his son John Van Vorst receiving the old original homestead at Pavonia and the lands adjacent thereto, and nephew Cornelious that portion lying between "Harsimus and Jan Le Lachers Hook".
He (Cornelius V. V. 5th) built a homestead on the rise of ground near the northeast corner of present Wayne Street and Jersey Avenue. It was a commodious mansion of the comfort- able colonial style with a wide porch extending along the en- tire front and shaded by a group of large willow trees. For many years it was the centre of social enjoyment and continued to be occupied by descendants of the family until the erection by Cornelius the 7th of the building on the southerly side of Wayne Street nearly opposite the site of the old home- stead, when it was demolished. In the sidewalk in front of this building was placed the stone that formed the base of the
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equestrian statue of George III which had been erected at Bowling Green, New York, before the Revolution, but which was destroyed at its outbreak. This was an object of inter- est and invited inquiry from the passerby, because of the three indentations in which the hoofs of the horse had been imbedded.
In April, 1805, the Jersey Bank was organized and shortly after a building was erected on the corner of Greene and Grand Streets. This venture was found to be not remunerative and about six years after, or March, 1811, the directors obtained a New York charter under the name of the Union Bank and removed to Wall Street, New York City.
Mccutcheon's Hotel on York Street near Greene, with its extensive stables reaching through to Montgomery Street, was the terminus of the numerous stage lines from different points West and South. Near the ferry at the foot of the street a circular open space was reserved, around which the stages were driven, on arrival, to discharge passengers at the landing and then return to the stables. In 1805 a hotel on Grand Street west of Hudson was built, afterward called the Hudson House.
The first house built under the new regime was in 1806 on Essex Street, which locality, before the march of improve- ment obliterated its natural beauties, was most attractively situated for residential purposes. High and commanding, the ground sloped gradually to the shore, affording a wide unob- structed view of the bay, bordered by the hills of Long and Staten Island in the distance. It naturally became in the early days of the city the choice location for residences.
Notwithstanding the utmost efforts of the Associates, the growth of the embryo city was slow. Although laid out into blocks and lots, the streets were ungraded as well as unlighted. The water supply was unsatisfactory and no definite system of governing and control had been established. In order to se- cure a general water supply, the Associates in 1807 offered a bounty of $1.00 per foot toward the cost of digging wells, provided they were at least five feet deep. Under this offer one Amasa Jackson dug a well 5 feet wide and 17 feet deep at the foot of Sussex Street, receiving therefor the sum of $17.
August 10, 1816, Colonel Varick purchased 3 lots on Essex Street, directly fronting the bay, and erected a double
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brick dwelling; others followed him and in a short time the shore was lined with comfortable attractive homes, with the dormer windows affording a convenient and attractive outlook over the bay, and the quaint gothic structure of Captain Rogers', located on the northwest corner of Essex and Hudson Streets, is still distinctly remembered by many old residents. At that time the shore of the bay at high water mark curved southwesterly from Morris Street, along and above the west- erly line of Hudson to near the foot of Greene Street on Com- munipaw Cove, and the captain was obliged to build a sea wall for the protection of his door yard which was filled in be- hind it. It may be wondered why, when vacant lots were so numerous, the captain located his domicile in such close proximity to the water, but a long continuance of sea life had made him somewhat of an amphibian and it was his delight to walk his front porch in the face of a fierce southeast storm, as though pacing the deck of his vessel in years gone by. Others located along the northerly side of Essex Street, among them Phinehas C. Drummer, the proprietor of the glass works and afterward mayor of the city, Messrs. Halsey, Wintringham, Ruggles, Vroom and others.
November 13, 1819, the Associates applied to the Legis- lature for the passage of an act to incorporate the City of Jersey in the County of Bergen, which act was passed January 28, 1860.
Under this act the control of the city passed under a Board of Control consisting of five freeholders called select- men and the limits of the city determined as follows: "Bounded on the west by a creek between the Associates of Jersey and lands of Cornelius Van Vorst, east by the middle of Hudson's River, north by Harsimus Cove and south by Communipaw Cove and South Street. The amount of the annual tax levy was limited to $100, and in 1825 Joseph Kissam, who had been appointed tax collector, reported collections amounting to $18.45, balance arrears. This amount was increased in 1828 to $39.87, balance arrears.
The selectmen met at the hotel on Grand Street and paid for all accommodations including light, heat and stationery, the sum of $1.00 for each meeting, increasing the revenue by
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fining themselves for tardiness 25 cents and for absence 50 cents.
Because of the defects and limitations of this act, no im- provements could be carried forward, taxes could not be col- lected or assessments levied, and enlarged powers of govern- ment were found necessary.
January 23, 1829, this act was repealed and an act In- corporating the City of Jersey City in the County of Bergen was passed, by which the number of selectmen was increased to seven and the amount of tax levy to $300, but the power of levying assessments for improvement was omitted. Progress was slow. The total population at this time was 1,357.
In order to encourage the permanent settlement and de- velopment of the city the Associates set apart for church purposes a tier of lots running through the blocks between York and Sussex Streets, directly opposite the present No. I school building. The lots fronting on Sussex Street were assigned to the Episcopal denomination, those directly in the rear of these and fronting on Grand Street to the Presby- terians-afterward in 1830 turned over to the Reformed Dutch- opposite and fronting on the north side of Grand Street to the Catholics and in the rear of these and fronting on York Street to the Methodists. These two latter plots were located directly on the edge of the marsh, and the unstable founda- tion caused much trouble. The little frame building of the Methodists was built on piles and because of the difficulty in entering the building on account of the rise of the tide, a raised plank path from the high ground a few feet to the east, was required.
The Catholics, however, were much more embarrassed, for their deed from the Associates contained the stipulation that the building should be erected of stone with walls of certain demensions. Unfortunately proper consideration had not been given to the character of the ground, for when partly erected the foundation gave way and the westerly wall fell. The restrictions were partly removed and the church opened in 1837. The Episcopal and Reformed Dutch Churches had previously been opened and the original building of the latter denomination was, in later years, when greater accommoda- tion was needed, moved to the opposite side of the street and named Park Hall.
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This building became the favorite meeting place for all public gatherings and in later years, at the outbreak of the Civil War, it was the recruiting office for the Communipaw Zouaves and throughout the continuance of the war a resting place for many regiments on their way to and from the front.
In 1815 Isaac Edge, was among the first to locate at Powles Hook, obtained from the Associates a plot of land bordering on the Hudson River and erected a grist mill at about the pre- sent intersection of Greene Street with the Penn. R. R. embankment. He constructed a wharf on the easterly side for the convenience of farmers who brought their grain by water. This was the favorite mode of transportation in those days. Farming and fishing were usually combined, so that every far- mer owned his own boats, and their communication with the New York markets was by means of sail boats or, as they were called, periauguas.
In 1824 the glass works were located at the foot of Wash- ington Street, corner of Essex, and the next year the Jersey City Pottery, one block west on the corner of Warren. These were noted institutions in their day and constituted an import- ant element in the industrial activities of the new city, furnish- ing employment to a majority of the wage earners located here.
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