USA > New Jersey > Hudson County > Paper read before the historical society of Hudson County. 1908 > Part 29
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31
Since this paper has been read at the annual meet- ing of the Historical Society, it has been revised with the addition of many names.
The author of this paper acknowledges his indebted- ness to Mr. Daniel Van Winkle and Mr. John Heck for valuable memoranda. Also to Mr. Daniel Van Winkle for his efficient aid in securing portraits of many of the ministers to whom allusion has been made.
The Historical Society of Hudson County.
No. 11
Organized January 17, 1908.
OFFICERS
President : DANIEL VAN WINKLE.
Vice Presidents : Ist-REV. CORNELIUS BRETT. 2d-JOHN W. HECK.
Treasurer : NELSON J. H. EDGE.
Librarian :
ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL.
Corresponding Secretary : Recording Secretary : GEORGE W. CASE. LOUIS SHERWOOD.
Assistant Librarian : EDMUND T. MILLER.
Board of Governors :
DEWITT VAN BUSKIRK
WM. R. BARRICKLO
-
DAVID R. DALY 1917
SAMUEL DRAYTON
CHARLES W. CARRICK
VREELAND TOMPKINS
1918
JOHN WINNER M. J. CURRIE J. W. MCKELVEY
1919
Library Rep .:
DR. G. K. DICKINSON
DAVID W. LAWRENCE
F142 . H8H6
GIFT INCIETY ATR 7 127
No. 11
HUDSON COUNTY (PART ONE) EARLY HISTORY AND FORMATION by Daniel Van Winkle December 22d, 1916.
HE early history of the first settlers of the territory now known as Hudson County shows fully the unflagging in- dustry, and stern determination that urged them on in the con- quest of the new land. Sturdy and resourceful, no difficulties were too great to be overcome. Perhaps in their individual strivings, sometimes their ambitions led to encroachments upon another's rights and led to reprisals, but the differences were usually referred to arbitration and amicably settled. But it was found that some more definite and effective way must be pro- vided for the determination of these neighborhood differences.
It will be remembered that the permission to settle in- cluded the obligation to gather in villages. This meant that their houses must be placed within the defences, while their farms were located outside. These were called "Buyten Tuyn" or outside gardens. This outside territory or "outdrift" was conveyed October 26th, 1661, by Governor Stuyvesant to the inhabitants of the village of Bergen in the same manner as it was purchased by him from the Indians January 30th, 1658. All this territory including the village of Bergen, and now practically, with the addition of the Barbadoes Neck afterward added, is known as Hudson County.
This outside land was held in common and used for pas- turage and farming, but because of the depredations of the cattle on unfenced land, and also because of the unwarranted fencing in of choice sections of grazing land, this ownership in common became the source of great annoyance, and complaints were made because of the damage sustained. Arbitrators were appointed and the inhabitants commanded to submit to their decision. But sometimes the disputants were unwilling to sub- mit, and as were their right, they were obliged to turn to the Court at New Amsterdam.
At that time the form of government was vested in a Di- rector General or Governor and Council, with the right of appeal from their decisions to the States General of Holland. This authority was established at New Amsterdam in 1653, and
.
2
their power extended over the whole of New Netherland, for there were then no State or Territorial divisions, the whole country being under one and the same government. The members of the Council held office at the pleasure of the Di- rector himself, so that he was in reality the supreme ruler. In one instance with the aid of a file of soldiers he ejected the whole Council because of their disagreement with his policy, and in another instance, actually caned a recalcitrant member. This Court had power to establish Inferior Courts in the differ- ent villages or towns, when needed, their decisions to be sub- mitted to the Central Court for final action.
The local differences, springing up continually, led to requests for the establishment of local courts, for the people felt that these neighborhood differences could be settled more wisely at home.
September 5th, 1661, in response to a petition presented by the inhabitants of Bergen, an ordinance was passed by the Director and Council, granting to them, "an Inferior Court of Justice, with the Privilege of Appeal to the Director General and Council of New Netherland, to be by their Honors finally disposed of this Court to consist of one schout who shall convoke the appointed schepins, and preside at the meet- ings, etc., commencing on the 20th of this month." The fol- lowing were elected by the Director and Council as Schepins for the organization of the Court: Michel Jansen, Harman Smeeman, and Caspar Stynmets. This Court was authorized to "enact some ordinances respecting surveys, highways, out- lets, fencing of lands, building of churches and schools
but to submit their opinions in writing to the Director General and Council." Tielman Van Vleck was made schout, and under this simple government the people prospered. The first form of municipal government in the State of New Jersey.
Probably one of the first acts of the newly established Court at Bergen, was the granting of a petition of William Jansen "to work a ferry between Bergen and the Island of Manhatta," for we find that on December 22nd of that year, he asked the Director and Council at New Amsterdam "to ratify a permission given him by the schout and schepens of Bergen, to work a ferry, etc. This was done and in pursuance thereof, a ferry was established with landing at Communipaw. The
3
rates for daytime and fair weather were fixed, but at night or in stormy weather they were "to be as the parties might agree." The ferryman was to keep his boat in readiness at all times, but more particularly on three days of the week, to be agreed upon unanimously by the inhabitants of Bergen and Commu- nipaw.
Jansen evidently expected he was to enjoy the monopoly of transporting produce and passengers across the river, for shortly after, in 1662, he complained that the people of Bergen ferried themselves over as they pleased, much to his loss and discomfort, and that the authorities of Bergen had decided that each one had a right to keep and use his own boat. He there- fore appealed to the Council at New Amsterdam December 28th, 1662, for relief. The Bergen authorities upheld their decision and furthermore complained that Jansen had refused to carry over some who applied for ferriage. Jansen justi- fied his refusal on the ground that such refused to pay the fer- riage rate. The final result seems to have been a partial victory for both sides, for the schout was instructed "to aid the ferryman in getting his pay" and that he (the ferryman) "must do his duty or be dismissed." It does not appear how long Jansen officiated as ferryman, but June 25th, 1669, Gov- ernor Carteret issued a license to one Pieter Hetfelsen "to be the only and constant ferryman between Communipaw and the City of New York, for and during the term of three years from the date hereof for his own proper use and ben- efit" and at the same time prohibiting all persons whatsoever from transporting or carrying over any person, goods, corn or cattle, without the consent of the said ferryman, but any per- son may keep his own boat or canoe, for transporting his own goods or his own family, but no other." One of the conditions of this license seems to have originated the "Free Pass" sys- tem in this State for transporting officials free, for as stated "the said ferryman is at all times and on all occasions, for the public service, when thereunto required by the Governor, or those authorized by him, to carry over any person, packet or letter gratis, etc."
Sometimes differences arose with the people of Communi- paw in respect to cattle straying and fence lines, but they were no more serious than often occur in any community, when the
4
selfishness of human nature asserts itself for the sake of per- sonal advantage.
Under the wise administration of Governor Stuyvesant the colony grew and prospered. Being in great part a farming community, cultivated fields appeared in place of unbroken woodland, and comfortable homes soon sheltered the hardy settlers, while the energy and enterprise of the traders carried their activities to the English settlements, and aroused a fear among them lest they should be overshadowed by their Dutch neighbors. The village of Bergen was fast becoming the nu- cleus of a greater community, and with its Court of "schout and schepens" was the arbiter of its outlying dependencies.
England had never relinquished her claim to the territory of New Netherland, but had never given it much concern, until it was discovered that the Dutch colonies were fast becom- ing important rivals to her in building up the trade and com- merce, and developing the industries of the new land. She found them crowding out toward her settlements on Long Island and along the Fresh (Connecticut) river; hence she determined the only way to get rid of her troublesome neigh- bors, was to drive them out or control them.
Accordingly Charles, who was King of England at the time, gave to his brother James, Duke of York, the territory claimed by the Dutch as New Netherland, and likewise on May 25th, 1664, dispatched a fleet of four vessels under command of Colonel Richard Nichols to enforce this claim. Early on the morning of the 18th of October following, the English vessels were seen from the hills of Bergen, coming through the Nar- rows, and a cannon was fired to warn the people of their approach.
As the fleet, with the English flag flying, drew near, the people on both sides of the river watched to see what would take place. Col. Nichols demanded the surrender of the city and submission to the English government. Governor Stuy- vesant stormed about and refused the demand, declaring he would first blow up the fort. The Dutch burghers of New Amsterdam, however, fearful of the destruction of their prop- erty, begged the Governor to do nothing rash and at last he yielded to their entreaties. The Dutch flag was displaced by the English ensign, and New Amsterdam now became New
5
York, so called in honor of the Duke of York, who was now the owner of the territory by right of possession as well as by Grant.
The Duke of York, by deed dated September 3rd, 1664, conveyed to Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret, that part of his grant now known as New Jersey, so called from the island of Jersey, the birthplace of Carteret.
Under the "Concessions" made by Lord John Berkley and Sir George Carteret to "The Adventurers and Planters of New Jersey," Feb. 10th, 1664, following "Powers and Privileges" were granted :
"To constitute and appoint Courts in the particular Cor- porations already settled."
"To choose twelve Deputies or Representatives
who shall join with the Governor and Council for making necessary Laws."
"Where Parishes, Divisions etc. are made,
the Inhabitants shall annually on the 5th of June, meet and choose Freeholders for each Division, etc.
to be the Representatives of same which body or the major part of them, shall with the Governor and Council be the General Assembly of said Province."
This Assembly was empowered to enact such "Laws, Acts and Constitutions as shall be necessary for the well govern- ment of the said province," which Laws were to be "Conson- ant to reason and as near as may be to the English Laws and Customs."
It "should constitute all Courts with Limits and Powers of same, and determine the several officers of said Courts, etc." Philip Carteret was made Governor. He arrived in 1665 and reorganized the Court at Bergen as one of his first acts. This was to be held and kept open in the town of Ber- gen as often as necessary. The officers of the Court were: President, Nicholas Varlett, Harmon Smeeman, Caspar Sti_ mets, Elias Michelson and Ide Van Vorst. They took the oath of allegiance to the English King, November 20th, 1665, and all the inhabitants were required to do likewise. They were now in truth subjects of the English crown.
Goverror Carteret ordered an election to the Assembly to be held at Elizabethtown, May 25th, 1668. The members
6
elected convened for the first time the next day (the 26th). On the 22nd of September following, Governor Carteret granted a new charter to the town and freeholders of Bergen, which "confirmed all the Titles to land that had been granted by the Dutch, and all the Rights and Privileges they had en- joyed" specifically stated, and describing the boundaries of the same as follows:
"The bounds and limits of the aforesaid Town and Cor- poration of Bergen is to begin at the North end thereof, from a place called Mordavis meadow (near present Shadyside) lying on the west side of Hudson's river, from thence to run on a northwest line, by a three rail fence that is now standing to a place called Espatin, and from thence to a little creek sur- rounding N. N. W. till it comes into the Hackensack river, containing in breadth from the top of the hill, one and one- half miles or 120 chains, from thence it runs along said Hack- ensack river upon a S. S. W. line till it comes to the point or neck of land that is over against Staten Island and Shooters Island in Arthur Cull Bay, (S. Wly. corner of Bergen Point) containing in length about twelve miles, from thence to run eastward along the river called Kill van Kull, that parts Staten Island and the main, to a point or neck of land called Constable's Point or Hook and from thence to run up north- ward all along the bay up into Hudson's river till it comes to Mordavis meadow aforesaid, so that the whole tract of upland and meadow properly belonging to the jurisdiction of the said Town and Corporation of Bergen, is bounded at the north end by a tract of land belonging to Captain Nicholas Varlett and Mr. Samuel Edsall, on the east side by Hudson's river, on the south end by the Kill van Kull that parts Staten Island and the main, and on the west side by Arthur Kull Bay (Newark Bay) and Hackensack river. The whole, both upland, meadow and waste land, containing according to the survey, eleven thousand, five hundred and twenty acres, English measure."
To encourage settlers, Carteret after his appointment as Governor in 1664, issued an edict to the effect that every man who should embark with him, or meet him on his arrival "pro- vided with a good musket, bore twelve bullets to the pound, with bandelins and match convenient and with six months' pro- visions" for himself, should receive one hundred and fifty acres
7
of land, and a like amount for every servant or slave brought with him provided with the same necessities.
The change of government produced scarcely any effect in the village of Bergen. The people had been assured that their title to their land would be guaranteed and their rights would not be interfered with. The Dutch language was spoken and the church services and school instruction continued without change. The people were no longer compelled to keep the ever ready musket close at hand, while working in the fields or forests, for the Indians could not withstand the advance of civilization, and had withdrawn deep into the recesses of the forest, where their savage instincts might have full play.
But the States General of Holland were not disposed to give up so easily their valuable possessions, and they deter- mined to make an effort to secure again the territory that had been taken from them by the English. They therefore sent five vessels, under the command of Capt. Anthony Colve, to retake their former possessions. This fleet arrived at New York July 30th, 1673, and the Fort at New York surrendered on demand, and the Dutch again took possession of New Netherland. Capt. Colve was invested with chief authority, was made Governor and changed the name New York to New Orange. A demand to surrender was sent to "the village of Bergen and the Hamlets and Boueries thereon depending, etc."
We may well imagine this demand did not disturb the inhabitants, for now once more the flag of the homeland floated over them. They at once sent in the names of some of their citizens from whom their magistrates might be chosen. On the 18th of August, 1673, the following were appointed after taking the oath of allegiance.
Schout and Secretary-Claes Arientse.
Schepens-Gerritt Gerritse, Thomas Fredericks, Elias Michelse, Peter Marcellessen, and Cornelius Abraham.
These took the oath on the 21st following, and were noti- fied that the commander would visit their town on Sunday after the sermon, in order to administer the oath to all the peo- ple. On coming to the village as appointed, the commander and council found the burghers of Bergen and dependencies to be seventy-eight in number, sixty-nine of whom appeared at
8
drum beat and took the oath. The magistrates were ordered to secure the oaths of those not present. And now again there was a period of readjustment, but fortunately for the people, except in name, no actual change had occurred. They contin- ued to live in the same houses and cultivate the same farms, with the same confidence, whether their title to the land was written in Dutch or English.
August 25th, Governor Colve notified the authorities of Bergen that they must be prepared to help defend New Orange in case of attack by the English and that they should con- tribute to the fortifying of the city according to their means.
In response a military company was raised, and Septem- ber 4th, 1673, Casper Steinmetz was made captain, Hans Died- erick was made lieutenant and Adrien Post, ensign. March 4th, 1674, notice was sent to all the militia officers of the pro- vince to gather at New Orange, to discuss plans for defence, and it was decided, in case of danger threatening, boats should be sent over to Bergen to ferry over the troops. But Colve's reign was short, for on the 9th of July, 1674, a treaty was made between England and the States General of Holland, whereby New Netherland was given up to the English government and remained subject thereto until the termination of the war of the revolution.
Again the change in ownership of the territory of Bergen, required a new oath of allegiance to the English king. This was taken without delay. They had experienced a somewhat similar change, and had no reason to fear any unjust treatment. They were chiefly anxious about their rights and privileges, and as long as they were sure these were not to be interfered with, they cared little whether the government was Dutch or English. They were assured that "all people shall enjoy their lands, houses and goods wheresoever they are within this country, and dispose of them as they please. The Dutch here shall enjoy their own customs." These liberal terms doubt- less had much to do with the cheerful submission of the people.
Carteret was re-commissioned as Governor and after a renewal of the Oath of Allegiance convened the Assembly at Elizabethtown November, 1675, and among its first enact- ments was a provision for the holding of Courts in each County
9
in the months of March and November in every year, as follows:
"Bergen and the adjacent Plantations to be a County."
"Elizabethtown and Newark to make a County."
"Woodbridge and Piscatequa to be a County."
"and the two Towns of Nevysink to be the Fourth" (Mid- dletown and Shrewsbury).
It will thus be seen that there were no exact boundary lines established, the evident intention being to designate some central points, where the courts should be held for the con - venience of the surrounding neighborhood. To remedy this indefiniteness, the Assembly established a more certain division as follows: Bergen County to contain "All the settlements between the Hudson and Hackensack rivers, beginning at Con- stable's Hook and so to extend to the uppermost bounds of the province northward between the said rivers, with the seat of government at Bergen. (The specified boundaries of the other counties do not concern us at the present time).
The rich farming country lying in and adjacent to the val- ley of the Hackensack attracted the attention of the settlers, and in 1670 a company of sturdy Hollanders purchased from the Indians what is known as the Acquackononck Grant. This grant covered much of the present Passaic County and Belle- ville. Many of the grantees with their families removed thither and were followed by others. June 8th, 1677, one David Demarest purchased from the Indians a large tract of land extending from the Palisades on the west bank of the Hudson to the Hackensack river, and reaching north about six miles, and with a company of Huguonots settled on this tract. The withdrawal of the Indians and the continued friendship of the few remaining, gave confidence to the settlers, and they gradually spread out farther in the country and the population grew apace.
In 1693 the limits of Bergen County were enlarged and under the new description covered practically the territory now embraced in the counties of Hudson, Bergen and Passaic. In the same year, 1693, for the better control of local matters, the different counties were divided into townships, Bergen County was divided into three townships, viz: Bergen town- ship, New Barbadoes township, and Hackensack township.
IO
Bergen township included all the territory purchased from the Indians by Governor Stuyvesant in 1658, being the present Hudson County east of the Hackensack river. Hackensack township is described as all the land between the Hudson and Hackensack rivers, that extends from the corporate bounds of Bergen township to the partition line of the province.
New Barbadoes township covered, in addition to other ter- ritory, all the land in Barbadoes Neck betwixt the Hackensack and Passaic rivers, this latter description containing the pres- ent units of Harrison, Kearney, Arlington and East Newark, or as familiarly known, West Hudson.
The government of these divisions was by means of a township committee chosen each year at a meeting of the citi- zens duly called. At this time matters of general interest were openly discussed, especially the raising of moneys for the public benefit and the manner of its expenditure. Owing to the extent of the territory and for the better accommodation of the people of Bergen township, the elections were held on two successive days, in the upper part of the township on one day, and in the lower part on the next day, usually at the Three Pigeons, New Durham, and at the Stuyvesant Tavern alter- nately, the remains of the latter still decorating the corner of Bergen and Glenwood avenues. This difficulty was afterward overcome by a division of the township into North and South Bergen townships, the Pennsylvania Railroad cut being the dividing line.
The laying out and maintenance of the roads seems to have been regarded as the most important function in those early days, and for their better control, Bergen township was divided into nine road districts, each under the supervision of an overseer. To meet the necessary expenses a road tax was laid, which the land owner was permitted to work out in lieu of the payment of money, and it was the practice of many of the farmers to join together with their teams, in their efforts to prevent the diminishing of the family purse. These road districts were designated by the names of Bergen Point, Pem- brepogh, Communipaw, Bergen, North Bergen, Secaucus, New Durham, Weehawken and Bulls Ferry.
The enlargement of the County of Bergen and the contin- uing increase of population in the northwestern part, de-
II
manded better and more central court facilities. Until 1709 Bergen village was the county seat and hence the place for holding the county courts, but at this date the village of Hack- ensack was designated as the county seat, it being more centrally located, and hence the county courts removed thither.
Meanwhile the inhabitants of the Township of Bergen pursued the even tenor of their way. The increase of popula- tion and the clearing away of the woods had in a great meas- ure driven away the fur bearing animals, the capture of which had been a source of livelihood in earlier times, and hence the cultivation of the soil was found to be more remunerative. Most of the adventurers had disappeared, leaving behind them a thrifty, industrious community, who devoted themselves to the raising of cattle and produce suitable for the markets of the neighboring City of New York.
Because of the peculiar topography of the township of Bergen, the inhabitants of the village and immediate surround- ings formed a community of their own. The marsh land sur- rounding the hill on the east and west prevented easy access or egress, and consequently they lived separate and apart from outside activities. Several families located at Communipaw, a few at Pamrepo, and on the high ground at Aharsimus and Paulus Hook were two or three others, but as a rule the houses of the settlers clustered about the village of Bergen, while iso- lated farm houses appeared at intervals over the surface of the hill. They were a farming community and were able to sup- ply most of their simple wants through their own industry. There was a hard practical side to life that does not exist in these days. Then, housekeeping meant hard personal work, and the daily duties of the family circle demanded an econom- ical use of every passing hour. The clothing was not only made by hand, but the cloth from which it was fashioned was made from the flax and wool spun and woven by the homely carding board and spinning wheel. The young girl was early taught the use of the needle and was given her share of the household sewing, and the old grandmother's trembling fingers knitted the stockings and mittens for the family, while the mother, or "Hausvrow," as she was called, bustled about keep- ing an eye on all the domestic activities. The visits to the city was made in their own periauguas for the purpose of dis-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.