USA > New Jersey > Passaic County > Paterson > Paterson, New Jersey : its advantages for manufacturing and residence: its industries, prominent men, banks, schools, churches, etc. > Part 8
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A notable feature of this college is the increasing num-
ber of young ladies in attendance. In these practical times a business education is of great value to young la- dies as well as to young men. This fact is beginning to be appreciated. If ladies desire good situations as book- keepers, cashiers. &c., they must thoroughly prepare themselves for these positions and the college affords first- class opportunities for doing so. And even if they do not intend to put the knowledge to immediate use it is desir- able that they have a thorough business education, so that whatever happens they may have the ability to support themselves. It does not necessarily follow because a young lady takes a business course of study that she in- tends to be a book-keeper. It is the best kind of educa- tion she can have, far better than one that is mere embel- lishment: for it is of a practical nature and qualifies her to take care of herself in case it becomes necessary. Be- sides this, thorough instruction is given in the essential English branches.
The business course can be completed by attending eve- ning sessions and the college diploma secured upon pass- ing the final examination. The evening sessions, which are entirely distinct from the day sessions, are designed for the instruction of men, women and youth, without re- gard to age, who are engaged during the day in offices and in various kinds of business, but wish to secure a practical education that will enable them to obtain better positions and higher pay. The exercises are conducted in such a manner that no embarrassment is experienced by any student who is earnestly endeavoring to improve op- portunities. The sessions are held five evenings of each week and the hours of instruction are from seven to nine.
Mr. Latimer has received numerous complimentary let- ters from persons now engaged in the active pursuits of life who in their earlier years attended the Business Col- lege. A few of these are compiled in the College Cir- cular, a beautifully illustrated pamphlet, which is issued annually.
Paterson's Military.
By JOHN T. HILTON, Adjutant First Battalion, N. G. S. N. J.
"Why cannot we have a good military company in Pat- erson?" remarked Samuel V. S. Muzzy to Joseph W. Major. Congdon in the fall of 1879. "We could if we only had a financial backing, for it will take quite a sum to start it," answered Mr. Congdon. Several conversations took place between them and other citizens of Paterson, and when Mr. Wm. Strange told Mr. Congdon that if he would get the men and take hold of the movement, he, Mr. Strange, would see that the money was raised, the movement at once assumed form.
Mr. Congdon was a man of good executive ability, and an ex-member of the 22d Regiment, N. G. S. N. J., and he went into the movement with his characteristic energy. From the number of young men who were anxious to go in a military company, he soon saw that at least two good companies could be formed, and when the first formal meeting was called in Pope's Hall in Market street, on December 19th, 1879, it was found that about 100 had signed the roll. After transacting considerable business the meeting was adjourned until January 23d, ISSo, at the Sunday school rooms of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, corner of Ellison and Church streets. At this meeting it was decided to form a battalion of two companies, and the name of the organization to be the Paterson Light Guard. This was the parent organization of the First Battalion N. G. S. N. J. The Paterson Light Guard was to be an independent military and social organization, owning their own uniform, arms and equipments. Some $4,5co was subscribed for the purchase of the latter, the admission fee of $25 for each member purchasing the former, and the uniform to be the personal property of each member. The uniform consisted of grey coat, suitably trimmed, dark blue cloth trousers, a seal skin shako with pompon, and a regulation fatigue cap. for drills. Seal skin knap- sacks, and Springfield rifles, 51 calibre, with nickel plated barrels were purchased, and with the belts and plates with the monogram P. L. G., was rather a showy and striking uniform, and equipments to match.
At the January meeting an election was held for a com-
mandant and line officers, Mr. Congdon being elected
Washington Hall was engaged for a drill room, and three rooms in the same building were rented as an ar- mory, officers and company rooms, and were fitted up for those purposes in a suitable and substantial manner.
On January 31, ISSO, Major Congdon issued his first orders and as they clearly state the object of the organiza- tion, the line, staff and part of the non-commissioned staff officers, I give them in full.
HEADQUARTERS, "PATERSON LIGHT GUARD, "} PATERSON, N. J., JAN. 31st, 1880.
General Orders, No. 1, SS., 1880.
I. In pursnance of an election held on the 23d inst., the undersigt- ed hereby assumes command of this Battalion.
II. It is believed that, in the organization of the Paterson I ight Guaid, the gentlemen who have enrolled themselves have thus entered upon what they consider to be the discharge of an important public- (Inty, that of affording additional protection to the lives and property of the people of Paterson and are furthermore actuated by the worthy desire of promoting a spirit of publie pride in a military organization. of commendable discipline and drill. While this association has not been effected by the process of enlistment in the National Guard of New Jersey, it has been entered into with no feeling of disrespect or disaffection toward the citizen soldiery of this State, or the able officers who command it; but, on the contrary, with a desire to receive from the State anthorities such acceptance as shall invest the Paterson Light Guard with the dignity and responsibility that will constitute it the military protection of this important municipalty. It is intended to represent no especial class of society, sect, or nationality ; nor does it acknowledge identification with the interests of any particular portion of this community as against another. It is urged, therefore, that every man enrolled shonkl regard himself as bound, by every consid- eration of duty and honor, to conform to the true character of a sol- dier while in uniform, supporting on all occasions his dignity as a citi- zen and his reputation as a gentleman. For only as such can he ex- pect to merit the approval of the military anthorites of the State, or win the respect and confidence of the citizens of Paterson.
Ill. The following elections and appointments, to fill original va- cancios, are hereby announced :
Co. A .- Captain, James Beggs. Ist. Lient. - Jno. H. Berdan. 2d Lient .- W. 11. 11. Stryker.
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PATERSON, ILLUSTRATED.
Co. B .- Captain, Chas. Curie,
Ist Lient. - Alex. T. Groser. 2d Lieut. - John T. Hilton.
Staff. - Adjutant, Jas. Inglis, Jr. Quartermaster, Jno. H. Hindle.
Commissary, Albert Tilt. Paymaster, A. S. Allen. Judge Advocate, Geo. S. Chiswell.
Chaplain, Rev. Chas. D. Shaw. Surgeon, Geo. W. Terriberry, M. D. Asst. Surgeon, Theo. Y. Kinne, M. D. Sergeant Major, Jos. Mosley.
Quartermaster Sergeant, A. D. Winfield. Commissary Sergeant, Wm. W. Evans.
IV. Company drills during February will be held at 8 o'clock P. M., on Tuesday, 3d, Wednesday. 11th, Tuesday, 17th, and Friday, 27th. The officers (including staff) will meet for theoretical drill and instruc- tion on Friday evening, February 6th. For the present no visitors will be allowed in the Armory during drills.
V. From this date members will be required to answer to the Court Martial for all delinquencies and absences from drills.
VI. Until further orders Commandants of Companies will dri:l their men in the "School of the Soldier" as far as the Manual of Arms (Upton, page 30.) They will detail men to serve temporarily as Ser- geants.
VII. All who have not yet procured their uniforms and equipments will apply for them at once to the Quartermaster. Until the Armory lockers are in readiness, men will keep their uniforms, &c., at their homes. They are to be worn only on drill or parade, except by per- mission of the Commandant.
VIII. Men desiring transfers from either company to the other will make application at once in writing to their respective Captains.
By order of Jos. W. CONGDON. Major Commanding.
JAS. INGLIS, JR., Adjutant.
Captains Curie and Beggs; Lieutenants Groser, Stryker and Hilton ; Adjutant Inglis, Surgeon Terriberry. and Assistant Surgeon Kinne : Sergeant Major Mosley, and Commissary Sergeant Evans, were veterans of the war of the rebellion, and a number of veterans were non-commis- sioned officers and privates in the two companies.
The organization at this time numbered about 120, at least fifty per cent. of whom were merchants, manufactur- ers, clerks, salesmen and professional men, the balance representing the various industries of the city.
As the months rolled around it became the settled con- viction of the officers and a large number of the men, that the organization would be of more service to the commun- ity, and the State, if engrafted as National Guardsmen in the State service. Negotiations were pending with that end in view, when on the first Sunday in May, ISSo, a homicide on Garret Mountain led to a riot in that vicinity. Great excitement prevailed. Nearly all the officers and members flocked to the armory and asked to be led out to help suppress the riot and restore peace, but Major Cong- don knowing the law in such cases, informed the members that he was powerless to lead them out as a military com- pany ; as being an independent organization they were not recognized by the State authorities, and could only go as individuals as part of a Sheriff's posse. Order was re- stored in a few hours by conveying the originator of the
trouble to Newark, and then came a fusilade against the organization from the daily newspapers. Unjust and uncalled for criticisms were made, and in one case were replied to by Major Congdon, which put the matter prop- erly before the public as follows :
To the Editor of The Sun:
SIR :- In justice to the members of the Paterson Light Gnard, per- mit me to correct what appears to be a misapprehension on the part of the reporters who furnished the account of the riot in this city on San- day last, as to the military character and efficiency of that organi- zation.
The battalion was very recently formed. It has been in existence just three months. It has had but twelve drills; only six of them with rifles. The men have not been instructed in the tactics as far as load- ing and firings." It is no part of the State militia. ' Its enlistment pa- pers are not yet in readinesss for the mustering officer. Although cartridges were some time since purchased, they were held on order in New York, because on the admission of the battalion in the National Guard, a different cartridge woukl be supplied by the State.
Its services were offered without cartridges to Gen. Plume, and he re- plied that the battalion could serve ouly as a Sheriff's posse. The Sheriff declined the proffered services because the men were narmed. The Sheriff, the Chief of Police, the Mayor, and the City Counsel all approved the course of not bringing out the battalion unarmed. Un- der these conditions was not discretion the better part of valor?
Jos. W. CONGDON, Commandant.
PATERSON, May 3, 1880."
Major Congdon's course was endorsed by high military authority, and Governor George B. MeClellan, ex-Com- mander of the Army of the Potomac. considered the sub- ject of so much importance that he had the following or- der issued :
STATE OF NEW JERSEY, ) OFFICE OF ADJUTANT GENERAL, TRENTON, MAY 11TH, 1880. 1
General Orders No. 6 :
The following paragraph from the statute laws of this State is pub- lished for the information and guidance of all concerned.
"In case of any breach of the peace, tumult, riot or resistance to process of this State, or apprehension of immediate danger of the same, in any county or city of the State, it shall be lawful for the may- or of chy, or sheriff of such county, to make application to the Com- mander-in-Chief for military aid of the National Guard."
It will be noticed that in case of any apprehension of dar ger from riot, certain civil officers may legally apply to the Governor of the State by telegraph at the executive chambers at Trenton, for the mili- tary aid of the National Guard. There is no authority for them to call upon any other official of the State for that purpose, there is no au- thority for them to use any military organization not in the National Guard, to furnish them aid, there is no authority for any such organi- zation to attempt, by force of arms, to suppress a mob. In the mean- time it is the duty of the civil officers of the city and county, while- they may call for aid as herein stated, to fully exhaust the povers con- ferred upon said officials in the "Act to prevent ronts, riots and tum- ultnous assemblies," before the final appeal is made to the stern inter- ference of the military arm of the State.
By order of Commander-in-Chief, WILLIAM S. STRYKER, Adjutant General.
Official:
S. M. DICKINSON, Assistant Adjutant General."
As one of the leading papers stated, the above order had "obvious reference to the recent disturbance in Pater- son, and the action of the 'Light Guard' on that occasion .. which is now clear was not only judicious, but the only action they could have taken ; to have gone out as a mili-
8
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PATERSON, ILLUSTRATED.
tary organization on that occasion being, as stated in this order, contrary to law."
This riot hastened the mustering in of the Battalion in the State service, and on May 25th. ISSo, the formal mus- ter took place in the Washington Hall drill room. The Paterson Light Guard as an independent military organi- zation ceased to exist, and then began the real
HISTORY OF THE FIRST BATTALION, N. G. N. J.
The Battalion was mustered into the State service on May 25, 18So, by Lieut. Col. G. E. P. Howard, Inspect- or of the ist Brigade, as Mustering Officer, 121 men be- ing mustered. The line officers were commissioned June 15th ; Major Congdon July 15, and the staff at various dates from July 27 to September 5th, the only changes from the roster of the Light Guard being the election of Ist. Sergt. Aaron V. Il. Doremus as 2d Lieut. of Com- pany A in place of Wm. H. II. Stryker; the promotion of Surgeon Terriberry to the Brigade staff, leaving the position of Surgeon vacant until September 29, 1881, and the appointment of C. F. W. Myers as Assistant Surgeon. Surgeon Terriberry acted as Surgeon of the Battalion dur- ing the rifle shooting that year, however, by request of Major Congdon.
The first formal parade of the battalion was on Memo- rial Day, ISSo, when it acted as escort to the local G. A. R. Posts.
On Dec. 2Sth. of that year, at the unveiling of the Statue of Maj. Gen. Philip Kearney in Military Park, Newark, the battalion made its debut with the Brigade. The Army and Navy Journal in commenting on that parade, says, "The First Battalion of Paterson, Major Congdon with a staff of six officers, well mounted, and two compa- nies sixteen full files, was third in line. The battalion was well equipped, their seal skin shakos, handsome knapsacks and leather leggings adding to their fine ap- pearance. The marching and alignments of the compa- nies were splendid, and notwithstanding the cold weather the manual of arms on the march was of an excellent de- scription. The battalion was the best organization in the column and frequently applauded."
On September 26th, 1831, the battalion again paraded with the Brigade in Newark, at the Garfield obsequies.
In this year the Legislature authorized the Governor "to organize a Provisional Battalion composed of compa- nies selected from the whole body of the National Guard for their proficiency in drill and discipline and soldierly bearing, neatness in appointments and equipments, to be designated by inspection and competitive drill," to repre- sent the state at the centennial anniversary of the surren- der at Yorktown, Va.
Both companies, with their officers, were designated as two of the ten companies to form this battalion, aud Major Congdon was appointed a special aid on the staff of the commandant, Col. and Brev. Brig. Gen. E. Burd Grubb.
The Yorktown Battalion consisted of 10 companies 32 full files = 640; 5 Sergeants per company = 50: 1 Com-
missary per company = 10: Line Officers, 30: Field, Staff and Non-Commissioned Staff, 20; Supernumerary Officers, 12 : Band Drum Corps, So : total. 842.
The writer, who has seen hundreds of regiments, both in active service and National Guardsmen, has never seen a better one. The camp at Yorktown was an ideal as well as a real one, and the discipline was excellent.
The U. S. Centennial Commission notified Gen. Grubb that a silver vase costing $1,000 manufactured by Tiffany & Co., of New York, was to be presented by the commis- sioners, "to the regiment or battalion which should, dur- ing the entire encampment. present the best military ap- pearance." The review held by the President of the United States on this memorable battle field was a grand sight, and from the applause given to the New Jersey bat- talion on its march, it was evident that the fine appear- ance and soldierly bearing of the organization had won the approval of all who saw it. A committee of regular army officers acting as a board of inspection notified the commissioners that New Jersey's Provisional Battalion were entitled to the vase, and it was presented to the or- ganization in front of the old Moore house. The battal- ion, which had gone to Yorktown by the way of Balti- more, and from there to Yorktown by steamer, returned home by the route of the Potomac River and Washington. On arriving in Washington the battalion paraded through some of the principal streets, and were reviewed by the General of the Army, Wm. T. Sherman. The citizens and those members of the battalion who had not been on the trip, tendered a fine reception and banquet to the Yorktown contingent.
The vase on the route was in charge of a guard of honor, Color Sergeant Florian Oborski of the First Bat- talion being one of them, and it was subsequently present- ed to the Legislature, while in session, Lieut. Angus of 3d Regt. and Lieut. Hilton of the First Battalion, acting as the vase bearers, at the presentation. The Legislature subsequently voted a medal to every member of the Pro- visional Battalion, in commemoration of New Jersey's achievements.
The next parade outside of Paterson that the First Bat- talion took part in, was on Memorial Day, 1882, when it paraded in New York, and was the guest of Hawkins Veteran Zouaves, formerly the cth, N. Y. Vol's, Capt. Curie's old regiment.
The Zouaves had a medal struck off to commemorate this event.
The Army and Navy Journal says of this parade : "Conspicuous and deserving of special comment for their handsome and soldierly appearance was the Paterson Light Guard of New Jersey, who well sustained the high reputation won by them at Yorktown."
On June 15 of this year, the whole brigade had a field day at Santiago Park on the banks of the Passaic River. During the sham battle, which was a part of the exercises, Private Wm. E. Meller of Company B was accidently shot in the leg with a blank cartridge by one of the men
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PATERSON, ILLUSTRATED.
in the rear ranks. At first it was not supposed to be dangerous, but he died in a few days, and he was buried with exceptional honors, the Brigade Commander and Staff and the whole of the battalion attending. Though the battalion has lost a number of members by death, Private Meller is the only member lost in service ; but an ex-member, ex-Sergeant John E. Hartley of Company A. promoted as Major and Judge Advocate on the Brigade staff. subsequently died, caused by injuries received in a fall from his horse in the ISS7 camp at Sea Girt.
On Jan. 25th, 1883, a new company, C, was mustered in the State service and attached to the battalion. Their armory was fixed at Continental Hall, corner of Main and Van Houten streets. Alexander T. Groser was commis- sioned as Captain, Wm. F. Decker as Ist Lieut., and Walter Van Emburgh as zd Lieut., Feb. 16th, of that year.
Captain Groser and Lieut. Decker had graduated from Companies B and A respectively, and Lieut. Van Em- burgh had served several years in the 2d Battalion at Hackensack.
The battalion of three companies made their first out- door parade on the evening of May 25th. preliminary to the parade with the Brigade at Jersey City on Memorial Dav.
In the two years' service that A and B had experienced in the National Guard they had been kept well up to mil- itary work, and they concluded to have a little of the fun, on the principle that "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy."
It is true that they held two of the finest military balls that Paterson had ever witnessed, and as social events they were the leading features of the season ; still they yearned for an outside trip, and voted to go to Saratoga, by way of Troy.
They decided to go as the "Paterson Light Guard," wearing their distinctive uniform of grey, supplemented by white flannel trousers, and their unique equipments.
Just before the hour of starting Captain Doremus, in behalf of the organization, stepped from the ranks and presented Major Congdon with a diamond badge, as a token of their esteem for him, and their appreciation of his services as commandant of the organization. It was a genuine surprise to the Major, and he feelingly responded to the sentiments expressed by the gift, and the remarks of Captain Doremus. The badge was the battalion es- cutcheon in gold, with diamonds set in the centre, and surrounding points, and was worth $400.
They started on September 3d. 1883, leaving New York on the Steamer Drew, with Voss's Ist Reg't. N. G. N. J., band, which is a favorite with the battalion. Sou- venir menu cards were printed by the steamer company, and coupled with the menu itself, and the evening con- cert by the band, made a delightful evening pass to all. A breakfast in the Delavan House in Albany the next morning put the party in excellent condition to meet the Trojans. A special boat carried the party to Troy, and
before the wharf was reached, cannons belched forth a greeting, and the cheers of the large crowd awaiting en- sured a hearty welcome.
The local military, consisting of the Tibbett's Veteran Corps, Troy Citizens' Corps, Tibbets Cadets, and the Fourth Battery, were drawn up in line, and after the usual military salutes, the line of march was taken up. The excursion party consisted of 90 of the Guards and 21 invited guests, and no visiting party ever received a heartier welcome. Troy is noted for its military spirit and large hearts, and the applause accorded to the visit- ors made them feel about three inches taller. After the parade a banquet followed, accompanied by excellent mu- sic from Doring's celebrated band. The toasts were unique, and the responses very good. A\ general inter- change of courtesies then followed, and at the hour of de- parture the visitors could scarcely tear themselves away.
The regular train had gone ; a special was made up, and amid handshakings, a hundred "come and see us agains" and "come down and see us." cheers loud enough to raise the roof, and we were off for Saratoga. Arriving there the Saratoga Citizens' Corps awaited the party, and escort- ed the visitors to their quarters, the Grand Union Hotel. Mine host Clair had assigned one wing of that hugh cara- vansary to the party and told them to enjoy themselves. and they did. The only military duty required of them was a dress parade and escort to the colors ; the balance of the two days' stay being occupied as each individual saw fit. Excursions to Saratoga lake, a horseback parade. and a parody on it by the funny members of the party, who hired all the village carts in the place and decked them- selves out with sunflowers, were some of the notable fea- tures of the stay. The officers of the Citizens' Corps ten- dered many courtesies which were appreciated. The un- dress parade in the hotel at midnight, the genial Capt. Beggs, commandant, was one of the funniest incidents of the trip, and is often spoken of to this day. But even fun must end some time, and on the 7th the pilgrims bid good bye to Saratoga, and its springs; its Citizens' Corps, and big hotels ; an } the steamer that left Albany that night car- ried a pretty tired party, who went to sleep a little earlier than they did on the up trip. A breakfast at the Metro- politan Hotel in New York closed one of the finest excur- sions that the organization ever had and reflected credit on the committee of arrangements, headed by Major Congdon and Quartermaster Hindle. The fine executive ability possessed by the latter was never better exemplified than on this excursion.
The year 1884 was memorable from the visit to Paterson of one of the organizations who gave the Light Guard such a hearty reception at Troy, the Tibbets Veteran Corps.
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