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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01809 4034
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GENEALOGV 974.901 H91J, 1893
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2013
http://archive.org/details/jerseyman02deat
THE
A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE
OF
LOCAL HISTORY
VOLUME 3.
FLEMINdTON. \. J.,
683019
TH
H
lJ
Vol. 2, No. 1
FLEMINGTOX, X. J.
March, L893.
Colonial Naturalisation List.
By HENRY RACE, M. D.
Reliable information relative to the im- migrant primogenitors of families is very desirable and satisfactory in genealogi- cal researches. The register of naturaliza- tion in Colonial times furnishes the names of immigrant ancestors in a large number of cases. Naturalization was not requisite of settlers who came from England, Ireland or Scotland as they made no change of their allegiance. Many of those from Germany, Holland and France located first in New Amsterdam (New York,) or on Long Island, where they took the oath of fidelity to the British Government and afterwards removed to New Jersey. This was more frequentl}' the case with settlers in Essex and Mon- mouth counties. It is probable that many of the pioneers were never naturalized. By the Act of Assembly of April 4th, 1709, owner- ship of one hundred acres of land or a per- sonal estate of fifty pounds was made re- quisite for the right to vote for public officers. This left but little motive for needy settlers to acquire a citizenship which, to them, would have been a mere pretentious nullity.
The following is a complete list of the names of all persons who were naturalized during the Colonial period, — compiled from Allinson's Acts of the General Assembly: March 1 1, 1 713-14,
Peter Bard, a native of France. March 17, 1713-14,
Stephen Chalines, Peter Romuer, natives of France.
January 26, 17 16-17,
Jacob Arents, and his three children, viz.: Nicholas Arents, Mary Arents and Margaret Arents.
November 30, 1723,
John Lewis, of the county of Hunterdon ; Cornelius Tomson.
February 10, 1727-8,
John Boshart, Ann Rosina his wife ; Chris- topher Boshart and Dorothy Boshart, their children.
July 8, 1730.
Christiana Elrington, Susanna Roeters, Godfrey Peters, Hendrick Bost, Johnan Willem Snoek, Nickolas Signe, Johannes Laux, Willem Guise, Jacob Moore, Hieron- imus Keyser, Joseph Bost, Rudolph Herly, Anthony Habback, John Moor, Johan Ludo- wick Rightmier, Jacob Houselt, Johannes Yager, Johannes Peter Yager, Paul Flag, Jacob Peer, Hendrick Dirdorf, Christian Cornelius, Carel Hierlogh, Bartholomews Melibagh, Hendrick Yager, Jacob Eigh, Christian Hasell, John Housilt, Johan Philip Kaes, Johan Peter Rockefelter and his two sons, viz.: Peter Rockefelter and Johannes Rockefelter, Peter Bodine, Jacob Engle, Jacob Sartor and his two sons, viz.: Johannes Sartor and Hendrick Sartor, Johan William Berg and his three sons, viz.: Johannes Berg, Pieter Berg and John Berg, Johan Gerig Miller, Johan Young, Martin Fisher and his two sons, viz.: Jacob Fisher and Philip Fisher, Koenraet Keiel, Hendrick Snook, William Han, Christopher Snider, Jacob Gerhart, William Engle, Pieter Fisher, Pieter Young, Herbert Homer, Koenraet Henerigh, Adam Homer, William Bellesfelt, Willem Kaes, Paul Kole, HieronimusHorin, Matteys Smith, Carel Maret, Johannes Giddeman and his son Hendrick Giddeman. MaUvs Kaalsit, Hendrick Weever. Ann Ilagg. An-
THE JERSEYMAN.
thony Dirdorf and his four sons, viz. : Peter Dirdorf, John Dirdorf, Anthony Dirdorf and Christian Dirdorf.
August i6, 1733. Henry Mershon of the county of Hun- terdon, planter, Peter Demong and Peter Knott of the county of Monmouth, planters. March 15, 1738-9. Peter Frauberg, Jacob Forsman, Nicholas Dahlberg, Nicholas Bud, Johannes Casparus Koch, Katharine his wife, and three sons, viz.: Joseph Koch, Anthony Koch and Jacobus Koch, Caspar Wister, Henry Fisher, John Bloom, John Peter Zenger, John Van- dreson, John De Wit and Charles Duran. July 31, 1740. Johannes Martinus Van Harlingen, Peter Soulard.
December 8, 1744. Ludwick Hadn, Jacob Urtz, Frederick Tendle Spick, Adam Hoeshield, Michael Tilheaver, Peter Dofgel, Hans Michael Milner, Johannes Hoffman, Matthias Hous- hilt, Johannes Trimmer, Adam Bellesfelt, Johan William Bellesfelt, Peter Bellesfelt, Johannes Henry Snug, Bastiyan Kes, Johan Chris Smith, Jr., Filliep Snieder, Hendrick Winter, Johan Diel Berg, Adam Diels, Hen- drick Diels, Matthias Trimmer, and Matthias Sharpentin.
January 19, 1747-8. Peter Louderbouch, Catharine, Elizabeth and Barbara, his three daughters. December 16, 1748. Hendrick Goeglets.
March 28, 1749. Peter Schmuck, Philip Marot and Peter Bruier.
October 8, 1750. George Cooper, Philip Cooper, Theophilus Bindur and Christopher Easter. June 6, 1 75 1. Philip Young, Henry Croo, Johannes Fisher, Jacob Winnacker, Michael Shuatterly and Jacob Kemper.
October 23, 1751. William Evelman.
June 21, 1754. Johannes Doremus, Hendrick Beuf, Hen- drick Beuf, Jr., and Cornelius Paraut. October 21, 1754. Henry Graaf, Johannes Myer, Christian Kaul, Hendrick Koch, Peter Hoffman, John
Young, William Hoffman, Christian Kule, William Barwick, Johannes Kase, Matthias Kase, Johannes Ross, Hantil Rester, Han- born Koch and Martie Shipley. August 20, 1755.
John Beulesheimer, Henry Landis, Peter Yager, Andrew Trimmer, Valentine Ent, Peter Werts, William Ecker, Henry Warner, Andrew Redick, Abraham Laslire, Justus Ranzel, John Sentiny, Michael King, Adam Agee, Jacob Vogt, Justus Gans, Henry Hoff- man, Martin Streetman, William Kelin, Adam Hag, Peter Case, John Immel, Jacob Young, Christian Wertchen, Michael Myer, John Pheger, Peter Neyzard, Harmon Wag- oner, John Kemper, Peter Coens, John Raker, George Geeler, Albertus Popplesdorf, Thomas Hall, Jacob Bourn, Adam Pocke, Henry Bemer, John Peter Fox, Tunis Young, Henry Harter, William Wertchen, Francis Bickle, Tunis Case, George William Van- bagh, Christian Beck, Christian Hassen, Adam Snook, Rudolph Staneman, and Chris- tian Kaul.
May 29, 1756.
Johannes Belesvelt, and Peter Van Allen. November 28, 1760.
Peter Penier, George Andreas Virselius, Jacob Autsoni, and Christopher Baue\-sen. April 7, 1 76 1.
David Slayback, Henry Luts, Michael Hammer, and John Allison. March 10, 1762.
George Beck, Jacob Wigmore, and Stephen Sarich.
April 28, 1762.
Christopher Huson, Hans Jacob Prettiker, Jacob Stucky, Henry Cook, Michael Maps, Charles Martin Roan, Henry Diffidaffy, Henry Swink, Nicholas Philips, Philip Marks, Leonard Fox, Caspar Grim, and John Rouse.
June 3, 1763.
Jacob Albright, Daniel Dorn, Nicholas Angle, Benedick Yare, Johannes Vos, Gabriel Hymer, Johannes Heyler, Cornelius Ferberg, Joseph Huppell, and John Snyder. December 7, 1763.
Johannes Kank, John Dellar, George Kesler, and George Himns.
February 23, 1764.
Joseph Behringer, John Snoffer, George Windemude, Casper Shepperd, Walton
THE JERSEYMAN.
Vokes, John Henry Snoffer, Martin Swort Welder, Adam Cnnkle, Andrew Wagener, John Philip Weiker, and John Morkel. June 20, 1765. John Houze, Peter Hendrick Striepers, John Herbergs, John William Pol 1 man n, and Peter Kurtz.
June 28, 1766. Jabob Hertel, and John Jacob Faish.
May 10, 1768. John Louterman, John vSnook, Frederick Hayn, William Stodder, Philip Bemer, John Haas, Johannes Mayer, Peter Colther and Nicholas Ott.
December 6, 1769. Christopher Bishop, John Lame, Peter
Lame, Henry I,ishman, Francis Ralph, George Sawibeck, Thomas Whisler, John Martin Fulkemer, Jacob Akelev, Frederick Smith, Matthew Marion, John Bonn, Gerhart Winter, Peter Brown, Andrew Congle, (Congle J) Peter Slim, John Ilartman, Johan- nes Hofses, Johannes Balthaser Harff, Walter Wob, Christopher Rob, John Cosman, John Marlin, and Henry Stricklan. < October 27, 1770.
Frederick Outgelt, Leonard I. \ master, Peter Lupp, John Bower, Lawrence Ivykei- nier, (ieorge Obert, Peter Obert, and John Irick.
September 26, 1772.
George Felthausen.
Historical and Genealogical Sketch of James Sterling.
By EDWARD BOKER STERLING.
ames Sterling was born in Coleraine, ifl North of Ireland, Jan. 6, 1742, and at a very early age (presumably 12 years) was brought to America by his uncle, James Hunter, a successful merchant then doing business in Philadelphia, Pa.
Of his parentage nothing definite at pres- ent is known but the presumption is that his parents were Scotch Covenanters driven from Scotland through opposition to their religion into the North of Ireland many of whom settled at Coleraine. They must have been very devout Presbyterians from the fact that we find James Sterling in early life to have been a strict Presbyterian, living up to the rules of his faith not only at church but in every walk of life and his home.
His uncle watched over him with the care of a wise father, instilled in him the virtues of a successful business career and guided his course to the age of maturity when he was fitted most wisely to enter upon the duties of an active business life.
Without capital, but with keen business tact*, honesty of purpose and determined to succeed he started in life when between 21 and 22 years of age to prove that success should be his by careful attention to every detail.
His uncle quietly went to the merchants
with whom he was dealing at the time and informed them that his nephew was about to embark in business for himself without capital, but being possessed of those qualifi- cations of a successful business man he would be responsible for any debts incurred but that he should not be so informed of the fact, as he wished to see how judiciously he would invest on the start.
From merchant to merchant he imparted this information entirely unknown to James Sterling, who when he made known his wants with explanations of his limited means, was informed that he could have all the credit desired, a fact that seemed to im- press him greatly, for he refused to purchase other than in just sufficient quantities to stock a very small store, believing it would be easier to buy a fresh stock rather than to run in debt for quantities that he had no means of paying for, without selling at a profit what he had ventured to buy on the start.
His sagacity in buying and strict atten- tion to business methods, honesty in his dealings with all classes and promptness in paying his bills soon laid for him the founda- tion of a very large and prosperous business.
In starting in life he determined to break loose from the city of Philadelphia which
THE JERSEYMAN.
gave him his business education and seek a place in which he could command a clientage of his own. He looked over several loca- tions and finally settled in Burlington, N. J., then one of the most prosperous towns in New Jersey and the centre of travel between New York and Philadelphia.
His uncle James Hunter thought it a very poor selection, but James Sterling soon con- vinced him that he had looked the ground over carefully and made an excellent selec- tion.
James Sterling first started in business about the year 1762 or 1763 in the property situated on the upper side of Main street in the store now occupied by Bowen's con- fectionery and fruit store and remained there for several years. Finding business very good he finally located on the Main street, opposite Union street, where from time to time he enlarged his store as required, and his stock also. His business increased so rapidly that his store was the centre of all trade not only for Burlington county, but the surrounding country, and he was known from Sussex to Cape May.
Amusing incidents are told of his business career and it was a well known fact that nothing could be asked for he did not have in stock. I give two of the most amusing as then related :
"A party of gentlemen bent on fun made a wager of half dozen bottles of wine that James Sterling kept everything and that nothing could be asked for that he could not supply.
"The wager was taken, the party. adjourned to the store of James Sterling finding that gentleman in, walking up and down the vStore looking over his stock with his quick and discerning eyes. He asked, 'well gen- tlemen what can I do for you ?' The ques- tion was put, 'have you any goose yokes ?' 'Oh yes gentlemen, how many will you have ? A single one, by the pair or by the dozen ?' And calling to one of his clerks, bid him to run up stairs and bring down those goose yokes and show them to the gentlemen. It was not necessary, for the laugh was given, the joke appreciated and the wine duly partaken of."
The other incident which well illustrates his varied assortment is as follows :
"The trustees of the old church of which he w7as a member had decided to make some alterations and remodel the altar and sur- roundings which included a new pulpit ; the old one being removed to James Sterling's store-house unknown to the general public- In conversation in a public place some gen- tlemen were discussing the merits of James Sterling's wonderful store and various things to be found there, when one declared that he could ask for an article that it was impos- sible to have in any store ready made. The bet was taken and it was agreed that a dinner for the party should be the result of the same. The party adjourned to the store and were conducted by James Sterling to his store-house, where he showed them to their surprise and astonishment, the pulpit from the old church.
"It w7as the talk of the town for many a year to come, and soon became a common by-word that James Sterling kept everything that had been or could be asked for, and proven on several occasions."
As a merchant and man of business he was equalled by few. He conducted his affairs on a very large and extensive scale with great diligence, perseverance, punctuality and integrity, for more than fifty years. Possibly no other man in the State of New Jersey transacted as much business in the mercantile line with more honor, general approbation and satisfaction to those with whom he had dealings.
He retired from active business previous to the Revolutionary war, bought a valuable farm in Salem county and furnished it with stock and everything necessary to a com- plete farm.
He moved on his farm with pleasant anti- cipations but could not rest while such stirring times were passing and soon made himself very useful in the cause of Liberty.
At the commencement of the Revolution- ary war he was a Justice of the Peace under Royal Authority, but when England de- clared that the Colonies were no longer under his Majesty's protection he very justly con- cluded that where there was no protection there could be no obligations to allegiance. He then took a very active part in the American cause as a firm and zealous Whig.
Family tradition says that he was the
THE JERSEYMAN.
captain of a company that he fitted out at his own expense and went with the company to Staten Island and other places, in the public service.
He risked his reputation, his fortune and his all in the support of the Independence of the United States. In the Minutes of the Provincial Congress and Council of Safety 1775-76, of the State of New Jersey pages 51 and 52 : "Burlington Committee it was re- solved that in pursuance of the eleventh article of the said Association a Committee of Observation for the city and county be now appointed for the purpose in that article mentioned," and James Sterling leads the list of thirty-three prominent men, "the committee to be continued for one year from Tuesday, Feb. 14th, 1775."
"Officers and men of New Jersey in the Revolutionary War," by William S. Stryker: I find on page 339 from Burlington count}'. First Regiment, James Sterling, Second Major. On page 369 I find James Sterling, Second Major, First Regiment, Burlington county, September 28th, 1776.
About the close of the war he returned to Burlington, where he continued to reside till the close of his life, and again went into the mercantile business.
He accumulated a large estate and gener- ally was favored with good health and strong constitution. But the last three years of his life he was a man of much affliction, suffering greatly with aggravated hemor- rhoids from which he died.
In his civil and political life he exercised the same great intellect which was shown in his business career holding the following important offices :
"Civil List 1784-1851" Mayors of Burling- ton. James Sterling was the third Mayor of the city of Burlington, iSoi-i8o6, succeeding Joseph Bloomfield the second Mayor, 1 795— 800, who was Governor of New Jerse}' 1801- 1802 and again i8o3-:8i2.
"Alderman and Commonalty list," Bur- lington, James Sterling heads the list as first in that line 1 785-1 794.
"Common Council." He served in this body from loio to 181 1.
HIS RELIGIOUS LIFE.
His mother was a pious member of the Presbyterian church, by whose examples
and admonitions he had early religious ini-
pressions which he put into active practice
after starting for himself in business. II, withdrew from such company as might be hurtful to him and formed but few new
acquaintances excepting as might be of ad- vantage to him.
Il<- was a Presbyterian of the old school when he married Mary Shaw, of Burlington,
who was an Episcopalian. They mutually
agreed to make no difficulty on points of religion, difference in opinions or forms, but to have the worship of God in their house and family.
About the year 1771 he heard Rev. Francis Asbury, great Bishop of the Methodist Kpis- copal Society, at which time he was brought under deep awakenings and heart convic- tions. He then became a constant hearer of the Methodist preachers and soon after be- came a member of that society, and for a long time was a member of both the Presby- terian and Methodist societies.
He stood high in the world, a man of fortune and respectability, but the Metho- dists at that time were composed principally of the poorer classes and looked upon with distrust and disrespect. He however, con- tinued to be a member of both societies until objection was raised by the Presbyterians to his communing with them from his connec- tion with the Methodists.
The Session was divided some in favor of and some against his continuing with them as he had done. His certificate had been presented from a sister church ; they could find no fault with his life, except that he associated with the Methodists and must give up one or the other. For the sake of peace and harmony he withdrew from the Presbyterians and devoted his time, purse and energy to the building up of the Metho- dist faith not only in Burlington but other parts of New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. lie was a great friend to all the ministers of the Methodist faith, his home being the headquarters for all of that denomination, and frequently he entertained from 50 to roo at one time at his home. His heart went out to all, his purse was always open to a
minister, and he did great service as a lay- man and in building places of worship for
tlii' Methodists.
THE JERSEYMAN.
"History of Burlington and Mercer coun- ties" by E. M. Woodward, pages 22, 123, 126, 127, 128, 133, 134, 154, 156, 157, 158, 161, all refer to James Sterling and his sons.
A lengthy obituary notice of James Sterling was published in The American Daily Ad- vertiser, Philadelphia, Jan. 19th, 1818, by the Rev. Ezekiel Cooper, a life long friend.
' 'Memorials of Methodism of New Jersey, ' ' i860, by the Rev. John Atkinson. James Sterling's portrait occupies the front of the book, while pages 152 to 164 give a sketch of his services as a Methodist layman, and his name is frequently mentioned on the pages.
"Methodism in America," by Lednum, also "History of the Methodist Episcopal church," by Abel Stevens, two volumes, 1864,
oamss Sterling. all give interesting accounts of James Ster- ling as one who rendered great service to the Methodist church in New Jersey.
GENEALOGICAL RECORD.
James Sterling married Mary Shaw, of Burlington. N. J., Oct. 20th, 1768. He being 26 and she 17 years of age, the marriage license was obtained in Pennsylvania. There were nine children by this marriage.
Mary Shaw died about 12 o'clock Thurs- day morning, April 19th, 1785, aged 36 years, 7 months, and is intered in St. Mary's churchyard, Burlington, N. J.
CHILDREN BY FIRST MARRIAGE.
1st. James Hunter Sterling, b. Thursday, Sept. 14th, 1769, at Burlington, N. J., d. Sunday morning, Sept. 9th, 1798, m. Elizabeth Robbins, (d. Jan. 24th, 1832), two children. 2d. Elizabeth Salter Sterling, b. Saturday, July 6th, 1771, at Burlington, N. J., d. Aug. 5th or 15th, 1815, at Burlington, N. J., m. Mahlon Budd 1794? Two children ? 3d and 4th. Twins. James and Mary Ster- ling, b. Saturday P. M., June 19th, 1773, at Burlington, N. J., and died about two hours after birth. 5th. Samuel Shaw Sterling, b. May 9th, 1774, at Burlington, N. J., d. Friday, April 1st, 1808, unmarried, at Burling- ton, N.J. 6th. William Sterling, b. Thursday, Oct. 17th, 1776, at Burlington, N. J., d. Saturday, Sept. 22d, 1781, Burlington, N.J. 7th. Archibald Sterling, b. Thursday, Sept. 26th, 1780, at Burlington, N. J., m.
Mary Ann ? d. about 1830? Five
children ? 8th. John Wesley Sterling, b. Friday, Oct. nth, 1782, at Burlington, N. J., d. Monday, Aug. 16th, 1852, near Trenton, N. J., m. Ann Woodward Feb. 29th, 1S04. Six children. 9th. Margaret Sterling, b. Tuesday, April 12th, 1785, d. March 26th, 1856, m. John Johnston, June 5th, 1805. Five chil- dren. Through the first marriage I have recorded only so far as I have been able to trace, with the following results :
Nine children, twenty grandchildren, twenty-eight greatgrandchildren, forty-nine greatgreatgrandchildren, and twenty great - greatgreatgrandchildren. Total. 126.*
James Sterling married Rebecca Budd (the 10th child of Win. Budd, the 3d and Susan- nah Cole his wife who were married April 6th, 1738, born Sept. 27th, 1760, at New Mills, now Pemberton, N. J.,) at Good Luck,
* Note.— There are a great many descendents to be accounted for as I have no record at all of Archibald's family, few records of Margaret's, and I will be very glad to hear from any member of either branch that can help me on the same as to the decendents of the above named children.
THE JERSKYMAN.
N.J. meeting-house, Nov. 13th, [785.
Rebecca Budd Sterling died June 10th, 1841, 8 P. M., aged 80 years, 8 months and 15 days, at her residence in Burlington, N. J. She was among the first fruits of Method- ism in New Jersey. About 1779, she joined the society, that being more than five years before the organization of the Methodist Episcopal church.
r
James Sterling died Jan. 6th, 1818, at Bur- lington, N. J., 76 years of age, greatly be- loved and respected by all who knew him. His tombstone bears the following inscrip- tion :
He who is rich in Soverign Mercy,
Has called him from works to rewards.
In life he was esteemed and in death lamented.
His friends and society generally have sustained
An irreparable loss in his infinite gain,
Thereiore they sorrow not as those who have no hope.
He died in the triumphs of faith, and he left the following lines to be engraved on this sacred stone :
"Christ to me as life on earth And death to me is gain Because I trust through him alone Salvation to obtain."
CHILDREN BY SECOND MARRIAGE-
i st. William Asbury Sterling, b. Friday, Aug. nth, 17S6, d. Thursday, March 12th, 181 1, at Burlington, N. J.
2d. Thomas Chew Sterling, b. Friday, April 4th, 1788, d. Nov. [8th, 1854, Trenton, N. J., m. Edith Wetherby June 13th, 181 1, (died May 19th, 1876, Trenton, N. J.) Four children.
3d. Mary Shaw Sterling, b. Saturd
5th, 1789, d. Dec. 7U1, 1870, at Phila- delphia, Pa., in. Charles E. Hollins- head, Oct. 20th, [813. Six children.
4th. Joseph Sterling, b. Monday, Jan. 30th,
[792, d. Nov. 14th, 1865, Trenton, \. J.,
111. Sarah Hamilton, of Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 14th, [815, (b. July 9th, 17S7,
d. Dec. 6th, 1866, Trenton, X. J.) Seven children.
5th. Benjamin Sterling, b. Sunday. April 6th, 1794, d. Feb. 15th, 1822, Burling- ton, X. J., m. 1st Rebecca Klkinton, Jan. 2d, 181 7, (d. Feb. iSth, 1818), m. 2d Elizabeth Fenton, April 19th, 1819, (d. Nov. 26th, 1845, Bristol Pa.) One child.
6th. Budd Sterling, b. Monday, April 18th, 1796, d. Friday, Sept. 18th, 1863, m. Eliza Wright, May 2d, 181 7, (d. Feb. 17th, 1868.) Nine children.
7th. Susannah Budd Sterling, b. June nth, 1798, d. Friday, Dec. 4th, 1891, Brook- lyn, N. Y. She attained the greatest age of any of the children either by the first or second marriage, retaining her faculties until the day of her death. Married Win, Frederick Van Amringe Oct. 7th, 1818, (b. May 22d, 1791, Parish of Basanhale, city of London, England, d. March 16th, 1873, New York city.) Twelve children.
wuo^-.'-.:.- > Cv— . Aj"n,ri~.cc
THE JERSEYMAN.
8th. Rebecca Budd Sterling, b. May 5th, 1801, m. 1st, Wm. Cowperthwaite, Dec. 5th, 1821, one child; m. 2d, Rev. John S. Porter, Feb. 12th, 1834, (b. Aug. 23d, 1805, Green Hill, Md., d. Burlington, N. J., Oct. 2d, 1890.) Three children.
N\rs. l^eTgecca Porter.
Mrs. Rebecca Budd Sterling Porter, (widow of the Rev. John S. Porter, D. D.,) living at Burlington, N. J. with her son John Samuel Porter in the 92nd year of her age, is a remarkably bril- liant old lady and very widely known especially among the Methodists in New Jersey.
James bicrLino.
9th. James Sterling, b. Thursday, July 7th, 1803, m. 1st, Caroline E. Fennimore, Dec. 1st, 1830, (d. Friday, Feb. 9th, 1855, Burlington, N. J.,) m. 2d, Amelia L. Porter, Tuesday, Nov. 9th, 1858. Four children.
James Sterling the youngest child, now in his 90th year, is living at present in Philadelphia with his two daughters Caroline and Florence, in the full enjoyment of all his faculties, and is a very remarkable and active old gentleman, a pleasing and agreeable conversationalist, and glad at all times to meet his friends and talk over old times.
He has held many important posi- tions of trust and has been a man of great influence as the following record will show :
Woodward's "History of Burlington and Mercer counties."
Served in Common Council 1826, 1835-36, 1839. Collector 1838, 1869-70. Assessor 1S72-74. Township Committee 1837. Director of the Mechanics Bank, of Burlington, April 26th, 1839, until 1850, when he was appoint- ed the third Cashier June 14th, 1850, which he held until he re- signed in January, 1869. Third clerk to the bank June 21st, 1845, to 1S50.
March nth, 1853, he was ap- pointed on the Board of Trustees of the Union M. E. Church, also Treasurer, which offices he filled for about 13 years, and he was Steward until 1874. By the second marriage I have recorded only those decendants I have been able to trace at the present writing, which are, nine children, forty-seven grandchildren, eighty- four greatgrandchildren, seventy greatgreat- grandchildren, four greatgreatgreatgrand- children. Total, 214.
Then we have by both marriages, eighteen children, sixty-seven grandchildren, one hundred and twelve greatgrandchildren, one hundred and nineteen greatgreatgrandchil- dren, twenty-four greatgreatgreatgrandchil- dren. Total, 340.
My Genealogical Register is by no means complete, and I will thank all those who are in any way connected with the Sterling family in its collateral branches to furnish me with such dates of births, marriages and deaths as are in their possession, and any other information relative to the Sterling family in America.
Trenton, N.J. .Jan. 2d, T893.
Page 128.
" 127.
" 127.
" 127.
" 134-
134.
156.
H
U
JL. 1 I
Vol. -2, No. 2 and
FLEMINGTON, N. J
June and September, 189J
A Historical Sketch of the Meeting and
Meeting House of the Society of
Friends, at Quakertown, N.J.
By MARY C. VAIL.
£t exactly what date the first members of the Society of Friends settled in the vicinity of Quakertown it is impossible to determine ; but it is probable that it was not earlier than 1726 or '27.
The Doughtys, Stevensons, Kings, Rock- hills, Emleys, Larges, Willsons, Williams's and Schooleys were among the first families to migrate hither from Burlington county about 1727 to 1730, or some of them possibly a little earlier. John Stevenson's deed for 500 acres of land bears date 1727. This tract included the farm whereon George and Jacob Race now live, and is described as adjoining land of Jacob Doughty, by which it appears that Doughty owned land here previous to that date. He (Doughty) purchased another tract, containing 1,212 acres, of Mathews Gardiner in 1729. He is supposed to have lived where David Case now lives.
Joseph King bought a tract on the South Branch in 1729, at the present site of Sunny- side, and built the first mill at that place.
Edward Rockhill purchased in 1731, set- tled at Pittstown, and built a mill where the the machine-shop now stands. John Emley lived where Isaiah Mathews now does, and built a house there in 1732, which stood until 1831.
John Coat owned, and probably lived on, the JOvSeph R. Mathews farm in 1730; but in 1743 it was owned by Samuel Schooley.
Samuel Large purchased a portion of Jacob Doughty's 1,212 acre tract, and moved here- in the early part of, or before 1729. He set- tled where Wm. Dubon now lives. Samuel Willson also purchased of Jacob Doughty, in 1730, and took up his residence at the place still known as the old Willson home- stead. There was a small stone dwelling standing there as late as 1819, in which it is supposed he lived until 1735, when he built the house which is still standing. Samuel Large and Samuel WTillson were brothers- in-law, and both were ministers of the So- ciety of Friends.
When the Williams and Schooley families came, is uncertain. Samuel Schooley mar- ried Avis Holloway in 1725, and may have settled here soon after.
The Friends here were then members of Chesterfield Monthly Meeting, Burlington county, and on the records of that meeting, under date of Tenth month, 4, 1729, appears the following minute : " Thomas Williams. Samuel Schooley and others made applica- tion to this meeting that, whereas their set tlement being remote from Friends, they request Friends approbation and consent to meet together at one of their houses every First day of the week to worship God ; whereupon this meeting, well knowing the advantage the people of God have in meet ing together in His name, approve of their so doing until there be an established meet
10
THE JERSEYMAN.
ing nearer to them, or until Friends see some inconveniency in their so doing."
Strangely enough, there is no mention of where " their settlement " was, but if it was at this place — which can scarcely be doubted — it gives us the date of 1729 as that of the first establishment of the meeting here. This seems the more certain, as in 1731 there was a proposition before the Monthly Meeting (Chesterfield) "To appoint over- seers for Bethlehem," by which name this meeting was long known, from the name of the township.
In 1733 Jacob Doughty conveyed to Sam- uel Large, Samuel Willson, John Stevenson, Edward Rockhill and Joseph King, as Trus- tees, four acres of land for the use of the meeting. This lot was at the northeast cor- ner of Doughty's tract, and included the site of the first meeting-house, but there is no record of the date of its erection. Tradi- tion says it was built of logs, and stood about thirty yards southwest of the pres- ent edifice. In 1744 a Monthly Meeting for business was established here. There is no mention made of ariy appointment of clerks, but as John Simcock seems to have been the first recorder, it is probable that he acted in the capacity of clerk also, for the men's meeting.
Friends had by this time considerably in- creased in numbers, and included, besides those already mentioned, the Kester, Web- ster, Robeson, Lundy, Atkinson,' Willets, Heath, and probably several other families.
Their meeting was doubtless also attended by some not members, and the old log build- ing was found to be too small. Accordingly application was made to Burlington Quar- terly Meeting — of which this was a con- stituent part — for liberty to build a new one, which was granted, and pecuniary as- sistance rendered. Advice was also given by the Quarterly Meeting as to size, and that it be built of stone. At a Monthly Meeting held Third month, 14, 1747, it was ordered : ' ' That a report be made to the Quarterly Meeting that we are building our new Meeting-house thirty-nine feet long and twenty-seven feet wide, and that we expect by computation the cost will amount to ,£150, and have yet but £100 towards dis- charging the same."
The building was so far completed as to be used, but was not entirely finished when, in 1752, it was burned. At a Monthly Meet- ing " held at Robert Large's, Jeremiah Wil- liams, Jonathan Robeson. Joseph King, Sr., and Thomas Atkinson were appointed to agree with suitable workmen to repair it. ' ' There was some difference of opinion as to the form in which the roof should be re- built, and the advice of the Quarterly Meet- ing was again called for. At a Monthly Meeting held Fifth month, 9, 1754, the fol- lowing report was made to the Quarterly Meeting: "We have, to general satisfac- tion, finished rebuilding our Meeting-house (according to the former model, as we were advised by the Quarterly Meeting), so far that we hold our meetings there, it being about as near completed as it was before it was burnt."
Theodore Probasco, of this place, remem- bers the building as it doubtless then ap- peared, having dormer windows and gal- leries at the sides ; these were subsequently removed, and the gambrel-roofed structure assumed the appearance which is familiar to the memory of many persons now living. It was torn down in 1862, and the present more convenient, but less picturesque, one erected nearly on the same site, and, in part, of the same materials. Tradition says that the old meeting-house was occupied for a time during the Revolution by a party of British soldiers, and I well remember how, in my childhood, I viewed with wonder the burned places on the floor, said to have been made by their camp-kettles. Some of the officers were quartered at the house of Sam- uel Kester, where J. T. Stires now lives, and others at John Allen's, where J. A. Laing lives.
Sometime previous to 1745, probably about 1743, a number of Friends migrated from here to the "Great Meadows," in Morris (now Warren) county, some of their neigh- bors kindly accompanying them to assist in building their log houses. In 1745 a request for holding a meeting for worship there was made to the Monthly Meeting, which was granted, and in 1749 "Friends at the Mea- dows" requested that the Monthly Meet- ing appoint a committee from here to assist them in fixing upon a place for building a
THE JER8EYMAN.
11
meeting-house. Accordingly Jeremiah Wil Hams, Joseph King, vSr., Joseph Webster,
Josej)h King, Jr., and William King were appointed. Subsequently the names of John Emley, Peter Schmuck, Jacob Simcock and William Emley were added to the com- mittee.
In 174S, when Kingwood township was set off from Bethlehem, the name of this meet- ing was correspondingly changed, and it was known as Kingwood Meeting for more than a century ; since 1859 it has been called Quakertown Meeting. The one at the "Meadowrs" was first called Ilardwick Meeting in 1752.
Daniel Doughty, in 1752, conveyed to Samuel Large, Jonathan Robeson, Jeremiah Williams and John Emley, of Kingwood, and Thomas Atkinson, of Am well, as trus- tees, a small lot of land adjoining the four acres given by his father, and in 1764 the same person conveyed two other lots to James Willson, Robert Large, Harmanus Kester and Samuel Kester, of Kingwood, and Samuel Webster, of Bethlehem, for the use of the meeting. These last were the "graveyard lot " near J. L. Nixon's, the title deed to which Friends still hold, and the well-known "spring lot," which was sold some years since. A part of the four acre tract was also sold in 1862.
In 1807 a common Board of Trustees was appointed for all the property. Their names were Robert Emley, Thomas Twining, Sam- uel Webster, John Allen and Henry Cliffton. The last named was the survivor, and he conveyed the trust to William Webster, Samuel Willson, David Laing and William Cliffton, Jr., in 1829. William Cliffton in turn conveyed it, in 1855, to John Willson, Jonathan Harned, Joseph Cliffton and Abram R. Vail.
In 1756 the first appointment of elders was made, and John Simcock, Joseph King, Sr., Robert Large, Mary Williams, Martha Will- son and Mary Large were named for the Kingwood branch, and Richard Lundy, Sam- uel Sehooley, Thomas Lundy, Anne Col- lins, Mary Willson and Avis Sehooley for Hardwick.
In 1759, at the request of Ilardwick Friends, it was agreed that the Monthly Meeting be held alternately there and at
Kingwood, which was accordingly done un- til 1797, when they became separate Month- ly Meetings, the line of division being the
Musconetcong.
This Monthly Meeting was separated from Burlington Quarterly Meeting and joined to Shrewsbury in 1789, and remained a con stituent part of that Quarterly Meeting until [833, when it was united to Bucks Quarter.
The Robeson and Lundy families, of whom frequent mention is made in the records, came here from Pennsylvania, the former from Wrightstown in 1746, and the latter from Exeter Monthly Meeting in 1747. The Clifftons, prominent members of the meet- ing for nearly a century, came originally from Philadelphia. Henry married in 1777. Amy, daughter of Isaac Horner, and settled at the home of his father-in-law, where Dr. Snyder now lives. William settled at what is now the residence ot Morris Hampton.
There were as many as seventeen minis- ters connected with the meeting, from the time of its first establishment to the end of the century. Perhaps the most prominent one was Joseph Moore, who brought a cer- tificate from Rahway in 1766. He settled on a farm about three miles from Flemington, near to Thomas Atkinson, who built the first mill on the South Branch, at the place which is now known as Rockafellow's lower mills; and he and Thomas became very inti- mate friends.
In 1786 Joseph Moore made a religious visit to Friends in Nova Scotia, traveling on foot ; and in the following year, accom- panied by a Friend from Philadelphia, he made a second journey to that province with a donation from Friends to be distributed among the poor there. In 1703, Joseph Moore and several other Friends went to Detroit, in company with General Benjamin Lincoln, Colonel Timothy Pickering and Beverly Randolph, Esq., commissioners ap- pointed by the Government to endeavor to make a treaty with the Indians, the latter having requested that some Friends be sent with the commissioners. The journey was an arduous one, and Joseph was much fa- tigued when he reached Philadelphia on his return. He staid there to attend the Yearly Meeting which was in session, notwith-
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THE JERSEYMAN.
standing the yellow fever was then prevail- ing to an alarming extent in the city. After the close of the meeting he returned to his home, was taken ill with the fever, and died in a few days.
From 1 77 r to 1792 a meeting was held at the house of Joseph Moore during the win- ter season. There was also a meeting held for some time at the house of Jacob Bird- sail, which was probably in the same neigh- borhood, from the fact that the meetings were not to be held at the same time. Sarah Lundy, Gabriel Willson and Henry Widdi- field were also quite prominent ministers belonging to the Hardwick branch of the meeting.
Several members of the meeting were heavily fined, and at least two — Joseph Moore and John Allen — imprisoned for their peace principles during the wTar of the Revo-
lution. I remember hearing John Allen's granddaughter relate an anecdote of his ar- rest. Mary Large (who afterward became his wife) was on her way to his shop to be measured for a pair of shoes, when she saw the officers coming behind her. She whipped up her horse and rode on to warn him. He calmly awaited their approach, and when they claimed him as a prisoner, quietly asked if they would not wait for him to get his coat.
In the old burial-ground in the northwest corner of the four-acre lot given to the meet- ing by Jacob Doughty, are laid to rest many of the old-time worthies who figured in the early history of this region. By far the larger number of the older graves are un- marked, and the earlist date to be found there is 1751 ; but there were doubtless many interments there before that time.
Recollections of Pittsto^^n General Training.
Read toy J. W. LEQUEAR,
BEFORE THE HUNTERDON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
jQF;t has occurred to me that some recollec- (9! I tions of Pittstown may not fail to be interesting to you at this time. That part of the militia of Hunterdon, composed of the enrolled militia of Kingwood, Bethle- hem and Alexandria townships, assembled at Pittstown once a year, in the month of June, for parade, inspection and review. Company and battalion trainings were held at other places, but this was called the gen- eral training, and began to be held here some time prior to the War of 1812. This was a great gala day for the men and boys of the surrounding country who gathered there, and quite a number of the women of the immediate neighborhood were present to participate in the enjoyment. It was thought necessary that the militia should meet occasionally and receive some instruc- tion in military tactics. I do not know or pre- sume that the instruction was very thorough. Neither Scott nor Hardee had as yet pub- lished their manuals. Although sixty years have passed away since I first attended this training", vet I have almost as clear recol-
lection of it as if it had been a month ago. My father and his hired man belonged to a uniformed company. Their dress was white pantaloons and a closely-buttoned red round- about coat and a scarlet feather, formed by attaching small feathers around a reed stem until it was eight or ten inches long. This was stitched fast alongside a tall fur hat. I recollect the bustle of training morning in getting this feather attached to the hat, and getting on the uniform ; and then the heavy two-horse bolster farm-wagon would be run out, two good horses geared to it, boards for seats, or house-chairs, and from six to a dozen men and boys loaded in. The boys thought it was a grand holiday. We gener- ally took hay or grass and feed along for the horses. M}r father generally drove down into the grove below Little's oil and fulling mill. There were more trees there than now, and not so much cut up with races and ditches. They were their own hostlers, the running- stream affording a good watering-place for the horses. The sound of the bass drum could now be heard at the hotel, and follow- ing the sound we ascend a flight of broad
THE JERSEYMAN.
L3
stairs on the outside at the northeast corner of the house and enter the northeast room, in the second .story. Mere we find the musi- cians. Joe Hull and Henry Slack beat the bass drum. I forget who was the fifer, but they made the windows rattle. There is nothing that stirs up the martial spirit like the drum and fife. Down in the basement barroom, whiskey was dealt out at a bar quite different from the bar at this day. It was boarded up tightly about five feet high, then slatted up to the ceiling, about far enough apart to set out a glass of liquor ; and in one corner of the northeast room up-stairs a board was put across and liquor was dealt out freely, and sometimes liquor was carried to the field and a bar established there ; so if people did not get drunk, it was not for want of liquor. In the kitchen the sweat- ing cooks were preparing a grand dinner. There were several companies of horsemen, and they came riding in arrayed in their different uniforms. This was the usual way the people rode that day. Some rode in gigs, a two-wheeled vehicle, as not an elliptic spring was to be found in all the country. Captain Peter I. Case had command of a company, and generally put on quite a mili- tary air when at the head of his company. Another company, recruited in the neigh- borhood of Baptistown, was in command of Captain William Eick. Another horse com- pany, in gray coats, came from Alexandria. I cannot give the name of the captain. I recollect one company that carried flint-lock muskets that were furnished by the State, and the horse companies carried flint-lock pistols in their holsters. The hunting guns carried were all flint-locks. It was about this time the percussion locks began to come into use. This was an important day for Iyarison Stryker, who kept the hotel.
After some maneuvering the cavalcade took up its line of march up the hill road, which was lined with wagons of cake and beer venders, to a field on the west side of the road — generally a fine field of grass, that seemed a shame to trample under foot. Here some time was spent in drill, march- ing, and instruction. An escort was sent down to the hotel for the staff officers to come up and review and inspect the men and arms. I can recollect some of the offi-
cers. Dr. John Blaine was Brigadier-Gen eral ; George A. Allen, then in the vigor
of robust young manhood, was Adjutant ;
Adam C. Davis. Brigade Inspector; Victor Bonnet, Quartermaster; Janus N. Reading, Colonel, and a Mr. Dunham or Mr. Little, Major. After the review they returned to the hotel, and I think the dinner was not taken till then. After dinner the crowd repaired to the meadow between the stone stable and the creek and witnessed one or two lights be- tween individuals of a pugilistic taste. A noted fighter was Ike Robbins, who called himself "Bluebird," who was generally ready for a fight. Peter Stout and Henry White were other characters that figured here. Among the characters who yearly attended the training was a farmer and tanner by the name of George Arnwine, accompanied by his son Charles, living a little east of Bap- tistown. They generally drove four good horses to a heavy bolster farm wagon, with a full load of men ; and as they were fond of whiskey, they generally got on a good load of it and became bold. Charles was a skillful and daring driver, and when the time came to start for home, would crack his long- lashed whip and come around with a flour- ish and a Texas yell ; and their custom was to pass, or attempt to pass, every wagon on the road. Many anxious to go home would inquire if the Arnwines had gone, preferring to wait until they had started.
As this general training came early in June, sometimes it was very hot, with thun- der showers. Many years ago, Seth Rose, of Kingwood, was major of the militia, and a heavy shower coming on, he got a good wetting. Amos Bonham, a jocular young man of Kingwood, visiting in Am well, they inquired of him what was the news in King wood. "Well," he said, " the latest news was Major Rose was caught in a shower and his sword got wet and rusted in the scab- bard, and it took three of the strongest men to draw it out."
This training was kept up until about 1840. A number who had participated in this holiday soldiering had an experience in its reality a little over twenty years a fur ward, when some of them marched to the battle front and laid down their lives in de fence of the glorious Union. About eight}
14
THE JERSEYMAN.
years ago, I have heard my parents tell of one Nimrod Hughes, who foretold the de- struction or end of this world, which day happened to fall upon the same day of gen- eral training ; the men had gone to general training, and the women and children were left alone. In the afternoon there came up one of the awfulest thunder showers. The heavens grew dark and forked lightning shot across the sky, accompanied by violent wind and rain that filled the hearts of the women and children with terror, thinking the end of the world had surely come. After the disbanding of the militia, a number of uniformed companies were organized in the different villages of Flemington, Lambert-
ville, French town, Clinton, Hamden, Cher- ryville, Locktown, Milford, Sergeantsville and Baptistown.
They met often for drill exercise, and ac- quired great precision in their movements ;« and taking much pride in it, their soldierly appearance was the admiration of all.
These continued until the breaking out of the war in 1861, when the uniformed militia was called out again for inspection ; and in the fall of that year we were again called out to Pittstown to train, but it had lost all its old time attractions. The uniformed companies went down under the call for active soldiers in the field, and have never revived.
A Sketch of tine F'ittstown Branch of trie Rockiriill Family.
By HENRY RACE, M. D.
the third Indian purchase above the Falls of the Delaware, (Trenton,) was made in 1703 and '4. It comprised all of the terri- tory, which, later, became Hunterdon county, except Mr. Daniel Coxe's two tracts in Hopewell and Maidenhead. These, com- puted at 60,000 acres, had been previously bought of the natives by Adlorde Boude, agent of Dr. Coxe. The Council of Proprie- tors distributed the land by allotments to the persons who had contributed the fund for its purchase. Much of it, being desirable for settlements, was speedily occupied by hardy pioneers.
About 1725 to '30 a number of families be- longing to the Society of Friends migrated from Burlington county, N. J. and .settled in the vicinity of Quakertown. Prominent among these was Edward Rockhh,i. who came from the township of Chesterfield in that county. He was a son of Edward Rock- hill, Sen., who immigrated from Yorkshire, England, in or near 1686. Family tradition represents him as a son of Edward Rockhill, and grandson of Robert Rockhill, of Lin- colnshire, England. Edward, son of Robert, was a member of the Society of Friends, and was persecuted and imprisoned for his unfal- tering adherence to his religious principles.
Edward Rockhill the immigant and Mary
his wife purchased and settled on a tract of land in Chesterfield township, Burlington county. They were leading and exemplary members of the Friends Meeting at Cross- wicks in that county. They had eleven chil- dren :
1. John Rockhill, born in Yorkshire, Eng., 12 mo., 9th, 1683.
2. Sarah (Black,) born in Yorkshire, Eng., 4th. mo., 6th, 1685.
3. Jonathan, born in Chesterfield, Bur- lington Co., 1st. mo., 6, 1787. He died in in- fancy.
Mary (Stevenson,) born 9th. 1
4- 1688
5-
6.
7- 1693
s.
Joseph, born — Robert, born 1st. Anne (Clothier,)
mo. , born
>5th, 1692. 12th. mo.
3d,
5th,
Edward, born 1695. (?)
9. Samuel, born 12th. mo., 25th, 1707.
10. David, born — n. Jonathan, —
His, Edward Rockhill's will was dated April 9th, 1722, and probated May iSth, same year.
Edward Rockhill Jr., the eighth son of the foregoing Edward, migrated from Burling- ton county to Hunterdon, previous to 1730.
THE JERSEYMAN.
l.>
On October 12th, 1 73 1 he purchased "two
several Tracts or Parcels of land and Timber Swamp .... Situate, lying and being in the Township of Bethlehem," ofThomas I [at ton, of Philadelphia, agent of Abel Strettel of Dublin, Ireland, "in his (Rockhill's) actual
possession now being by virtue of a
Bargain and Sale to him thereof made for one whole year." One tract was described as "upland," and included part of the land on which Pittstown is situated. The begin- ning corner in the description of its bounda- ries was "a beech tree on the south side of the Capolon creek opposite a part of the vil- lage ; and from that point the line ran due west irX chains ; thence .southwesterly 80 chains to a hickory sapling ; thence south 32^/2 chains to a corner post ; thence east 69 >£ chains to a corner black oak ; thence north 88 yz chains to the place of beginning, con- taining 438 acres." The other tract, in the language of the deed, "being generally Tim- ber Swamp," contained 408 acres. The be- ginning corner in its description was a tree which stood in the *Laokolong creek, near the present Oak Grove mill.
These two tracts were a part of Abel Stret- tel's 5,000 acres in the Lotting Purchase.
Edward Rockhill's deed designates him as "Yeoman of Bethlehem township, in the county of Hunterdon." Bethlehem town- ship was set off from Amwell in or near 1728, and included what, later, became Kingwood township. He built a grist-mill in Pitts- town which stood where a part of Mr. Beats' machine-shop is now situated. This was one of the earliest, and, for many years, the only mill for grinding grain in this section.
He married Anne Clayton, of Chesterfield, Burlington county. They passed Meeting 1st. mo., 4th, 1724. They had four children ; Mary, wife of William Godley ; Dr. John Rockhill ; Anne, wife of Maurice Robeson, of Orange county, New York ; and Achsah. He was one of the leading men of the So- ciety of Friends at Quakertown ; was a member of the Hunterdon county Board of Justices and Freeholders in 1739 ; and a Justice of the Peace in 1746. He died in 1748. His wife survived him.
Mrs. Rockhill married Saltar, of
Trenton, for her second husband. In In i will, which is dated Trenton, August loth, 1767, she makes a bequest to "inv daughtei Mary Chen v." (widow of William Godly.)
John Rockhill, son of Edward, was bom
in Chesterfield, Burlington county, March
22nd, 1726. When a young man he became an office student of Dr. Thomas Cadwalder, of Philadelphia, and, after completing his course of study commenced the practice of
medicine at Pittstown, in [748, at which place he continued to reside and follow his profession for fifty years. There were but few physicians in this part of the Colony at that time and the scope of country over which he rode was very large. He was a Deputy Surveyor under the commission of the Sur- veyor General of the Province ; and in 1764 he became a Justice of the Peace. He was also a conveyancer and did much public business. He married (1st,) Rachel, daughter of Jonathan Robeson, of Upper Dublin, Philadelphia count}-, Pennsylvania, whose brother, Maurice Robeson, married his sister Anne Rockhill. Dr. John and Rachel had three children, Thomas, John Clayton and Anne, (wife of Scott Erwin.) He married (2nd,) Elizabeth Potts, widow of Thomas
Potts and daughter of Lukins, Esq.,
of Pennsylvania, and sister of John Lukins, Esq., Surveyor General of that State, prior to the Revolution and a member of the Philosophical Society. The Doctor had no issue by his second marriage, but her chil- dren, by a former marriage, intermarried with his by his former wife for several generations.
John Clayton Rockhill, son of Dr. John, lived at Pittstown. He was a Deputy Sur- veyor, a Justice of the Peace and a farmer. He married August 27th, 1790, Gayner, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Potts. They had six children ; Thomas, Robeson. William, Lukins, Elizabeth and Edward Augustus.
Thomas, son of John C, was a Philadelphia merchant, conducting a large business on Market Street. He had three children : Edward, Abram and Mary.
William was also a merchant in Philadel-
phia. He married a Miss Shivers of that
^aokolong is, apparently, a corruption of the Indian LechauUmg, [Uchau-9 fork, and <>>ik a suffix, equivalent to place where,) pronounced lay-ko-long, and implying a stream which has forks.
16
THE JERSEYMAN.
city. They had one son, who died young.
Robeson lived and died at Pittstown. He was for many years a Justice of the Peace, and, by occupation a fanner. He was a well-read man, of fine social culture, su- perior judgment and large personal influence in his community. He married Susan Read- ing, an amiable, kind-hearted woman who enjoyed the affectionate regard of a large circle of friends. They had one son ; John Clayton Rockhill, who was a merchant in Philadelphia. He married ist, Caroline Bur- ton, widow of John Reading, of Philadelphia. They had one son, Clayton Rockhill, who studied Law, and is living somewhere in the vicinity of New York. He married (2nd,) a Miss Trego of Baltimore. They went to Europe several years ago, and the last in- telligence I have had of them they were at Munich, Bavaria.
Lukins Rockhill had one son, George W. Rockhill, who was born March 12th, 1820. He was a farmer and lived at Pitts- town. He married Miss LaReine Fox, of Salem county. They had four children ; Lukins, Annie, Mary and Margaret. The former two died young. Mary married Lambert Conover, of Clinton, N. J. They had several children. Margaret is married, but her husband's name is not remembered by the writer. They are living in Brooklyn, N. Y. George W., died September 14th, 1868.
Elizabeth Rockhill was never married. She lived with her brothers, Robeson and Edward A., at Pittstown.
Edward Augustus Rockhill, was born June 4th, 1804. He was a farmer and lived at Pittstown. He was of upright character, an unfaltering friend, and social in his per- sonal relations. He married, 1829, Eliza, daughter of Hugh Potts. They had four children ; two sons and two daughters. One, a daughter, died young. The eldest son Edward, died when a young man. Gayner, the daughter, married Edward L. VanCleve, of Lawrenceville, Mercer Co., and died a few years ago. The youngest son William P. was born August 31, 1836. He was an as- sistant of his uncle William in the mercan- tile business in Philadelphia. At the break- ing out of the war he enlisted as a private in the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Regiment of Cavalry and was in service about two years. He went through every grade of promotion from corporal to captain. He was shot through the thigh by a musket ball at the battle of Stone River December 29, 1863, and in July 1864 resigned on account of sickness. He married October 10, 1866, Miss Harriet Potts, of Philadelphia. They had two children Edward P. and Annie. He, William P. died at Pittstown, in September 1882.
. J5 'A A <£& «S|i A dfe t£& <£& ' A n A A A ££% A A A .&S& No, 1 &
Flemington, Aug. 7, 1786. ^C
NINE-PENCE. %i
•JM T PROMISE. to pay the Bearer NINE- Q fag) 1 PENCE on Demand. g
Nine-pence. M
S illustrate above, a piece of home currency that, unfortunately for us, the maker forgot to sign. We have searched for two years past among the collections and dealers stocks that have been accessible but have not been able to discover another cop}-. If any of the readers of the Jerseyman have a signed copy we would be glad to know the name attached.
H
I
RSEYMA1
Vol. 2, No. 4.
FLEMINGTON, N.J.
De< i MBER, I S9J
Tlie Soldier's Monument at FMemingtori,
New Jersey.
fHIS monument was recently erected at Flemington, to commemorate the valor and self-sacrificing devotion of her noble sons, who left the pleasant scenes of home life to meet the foe of their country's peace and prosperity, that a government so benign, and institutions so valuable and beneficent might be perpetuated ; and while it commemorates the inestimable service which they rendered, it also reminds the observer of the awful struggle through which this great and glori- ous republic has just passed, and its narrow escape from disintegration which would, in all probability have been followed by utter ruin.
In May, 1888, the Lambert Boeman Post G. A. R. after preliminary consultation with individual members, concluded to begin in- itiatory work looking toward the erection of a suitable pile which would, for generations to come, remind the people of this favored land, of the devotion which had burned in the hearts of those who had seen the sun of pros- perity clouded in, who had witnessed the gathering storms, and yet had stood firmly at their several posts of duty at the cost of their lives, that the ship of state might weather the gale and bear her precious burden safely across life's ocean, where, the haven reached, the Supreme Father would com- mend them for their recognition and defence of the great principle of human brotherhood.
Accordingly at the regular meeting of the Post, at the date above mentioned, on motion of Past Commander Andrew T. Connet, the
following resolution was unanimously adopt- ed:— "Whereas it is the sense of this Post that an organized effort be made by it, to erect a soldier's monument in Flemington, to per- petuate the memory of our comrades who went out for the defence of our country's flag in the war for the preservation of the Union, therefore be it
" Resolved, that a permanent committee of seven, of which the present commander shall be one, be appointed by the commander, whose duty it shall be to solicit subscriptions, take charge of raising funds for, selecting a suitable site, and erect a suitable monument on or near Main Street, Flemington, New Jersey." In accordance with this resolu- tion, Commander James S. Fisher appointed the following comrades to act with him on that committee. Samuel L. Hart, Capt. John Shields, S. W. Boss, Andrew T. Con net, (*,. B. Higgins, and Theodore B. Bellis.
On memorial day of that year Rev. Dr. Mott brought the subject before the people in a very impressive manner, and one well calculated, as events proved, to awaken an interest in the subject which would mature in fruitful action.
As the idea was thus begotten in the Tost room and born on the platform OH Memorial day, it augured success from the start ; and with comrades on the committee who m knew or thought of defeat on the field, we
can well see that failure would not be taken into consideration at all. when SO noble an undertaking was on hand as the comment-
18
THE JERSEYMAN.
oration of the deliverance of our country by Almighty God, through the instrumentality of her faithful sons, from threatened ruin which at one time was so portentious.
Accordingly the Monument committee met January 18th, 1889, and organized with Capt. John Shields as chairman, and Andrew T. Connet as Secretary and Treasurer, and adopted plans for securing subscriptions to the Monument fund. These plans were faithfully followed out and the generous re- sponse from citizens nobly reinforced by that indespensable auxiliary of Lambert Boeman Post, the Women's Relief Corps, (through whose efforts alone nearly one-third of the whole amount was raised), soon convinced the committee that they would be justified in making arrangements for a site, and en- tering into correspondence for designs and estimates on a monument.
After a thorough examination of various sites proposed for a monument, the commit- tee by unanimous vote on January 27th. 1891, selected the triangular park or plot of ground in front of the Presbyterian Church on Main street, as the most desirable, and soon after- ward the consent of the authorities was freely given for the placing of the monument there.
After a long and patient examination of the many designs which had been submitted by various firms, and after getting an ex- pression of opinion from the subscribers to to the fund, and from the Women's Relief Corps, the committee resolved on March 27th to purchase a monument of E. B. Koch, of Middletown, New York ; and on April 15th 1891, the committee entered into contract with him for the erection of a monument according to designs and specifications sub- mitted, for the sum of two thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars. This Monument, beautiful in design, and of faultless propor- tions, was put in place and ready for the un- veiling ceremony just in time for the Me- morial day service, 1892.
Rev. Dr. Mott, in his speech on that occa- sion, beautifully alluded to the position of the sculptured figure which crowns the monument; it is a life size figure of a Union soldier at the position of rest; significant, as he said, of the rest which the veteran soldier, in common with the rest of the country, is now having, after the .struggle is over ; also
in that he is facing the South toward the point where the terrible strife stilled the pulse of so many loyal hearts, and with a quiet dignified mein surveying the scene, as though to make sure that no further out- break should take place to re-enact those scenes of blood and death. Further the two roads coming from the Northwest and North- east in the rear of the figure converge until immediately in front of it they unite, form- ing Main Street, running directly South, significant of the North, East, West and vSouth, now forming one peaceful happy country.
Two or three little incidents occurred dur- ing the ceremony which it would require but a little stretch of imagination to recognize as significant.
While the orator of the day, Maj. William H. Lambert, was vividly and eloquently portraying the past of our country's history, the seats upon which the immense throng had gathered, broke down; fortunately no one was seriously injured, and only a mo- mentary pause occasioned.
Then a thunder storm began to gather black in the West, and threatened, but when seeming most imminent, and a few drops only had fallen, the storm parted and passed around on each side of us, and the ceremo- nies proceeded undisturbed; all significant, as we trust, of the undisturbed prosperity of our beloved country; though storms and dangers may threaten, yet He who guides the thunder-bolts, will protect and preserve us, if we truly put our trust in him.
On the front is sculptured the infantry emblem, underneath which is the word " Gettysburg."
The main inscription is "Flemington's grateful tribute to the self sacrificing valor of her loyal sons who went to defend our country's flag. 1S61-1S65."
On the North side (rear) is the navy em- blem, underneath are the words "Hampton Roads."
On the left side is the artillery emblem with the word "Appomattox" under it, and on the right side is the cavalry emblem, with the words "Brandy Station" beneath it. The committee have during the present summer erected a neat iron fence which adds to its
THE JERSEYMAN
L9
beauty and protects it from the clangers of The best they had — themselves, BO let then
the street. rest ;
"The strife is over— on the blood-stained fields But write in flaming words each gallant deed,
Now flowers bloom. And give them, although late, their well- The echoes of the Cray earned meed.
In patriotic strains have died away, Engrave upon Columbia's gleaming crest.
And weary heroes sleep upon their shields. The name of every brave heroic son
They sleep, but where? perhaps 'neath Who gathered in his unprotected breast.
southern skies The spears his misled brothers at her aimed.
Once lurid with the raging battle's glow; Go search the record, too, old Hunterdon,
In dismal swamp, perchance, where mosses And have thy noble sons' memorial framed.
grow 'Tis done; .
To hide their mouldering forms from vandal In age enduring granite wrought
eyes, The memory stands incarnate. Or on the mountain side where war-scarred Bow thy head
pines Child of the younger days, and hear the dead
Yet mark the highway cut by thinning vSpeak, though in silent voices, through the
lines. stone;
A few are slumbering 'neath the hallowed ' The freedom thou dost boast is dearly
sod, bought;
Which in their childhood they have often Guard thou the priceless boon for which we
trod bled,
To lay a blossom on some loved one's grave; And claim the blood-writ title deed thine It matters not — their work is done; they gave own.' ' J. C. Sundrrlin.
The Hunterdon County Historical Society,
JRjHE Hunterdon County Historical Soci- %^> ety was organized September nth, 1885, by Doctors Henry Race, Geo. H. Lari- son, N. B. Boileau, Geo. N. Best and Rev. Dr. Geo. S. Mott, Rev. C. S. Conkling and William T. Srope, E. M. Heath, John W. Lequear, Jacob Servis, Richard H. Wilson, Walter F. Hayhurst, Jos. C. Exton, E. T. Bush, Asher W. Carroll and Elias Vosseller. Doctors G. H. Larison, Henry Race and Rev. C. vS. Conkling were appointed a com- mittee to draft a Constitution and By-Laws. In the Constitution the object of the Society is declared to be "to discover, procure and preserve whatever relates to any department of the History of Hunterdon County, natural, civil, genealogical, literary or ecclesiastical : and generally of other parts of the State."
"It shall also act in auxiliary relations with the New Jersey Historical Society ac-
cording to the plan adopted by that Society." Doctor George H. Larison was elected its first President. The yearly business meet- ing is held on the third Saturday of October, in the chapel of the Presbyterian church of Flemington, at which time officers are elected for the coming year, reports of the officers made, the more important items that have been added to our Collections during the year, exhibited, one or more papers of his- torical value read, and plans for the good of the Society discussed.
During the summer at such time and place as the Executive Committee m;i\ select, .1 more general meeting is held, and often largely attended. Such meetings have been held in the M. E. Church, of Frenchtown. in the grove of W. F. Ilolcombe, at Mt. Airy, in connection with the Ilolcombe Re-union, in the Baptist Church at Baptisttown. at Deer Park, Penn. in connection with the
20
THE JERSEYMAN.
Buck's county Historical Society, in the room of the W. C. T. U. in Clinton, in the Baptist Church of Sandy Ridge, in the home of Jacob Servis, in Lambertville, in the Pres- byterian Church of Milford and in the Hall at Pittstovvn.
The first paper read before the Society was by George N. Best, M. D., on the "Duties of the Historian." Other papers of importance have been prepared and read by the following members ; — By Henry Race, M. D., on "Jane Mc Crea " who at one time lived in Hunter- don County, and who was brutally murdered near Fort Edward, N. Y., in 1777. This paper was afterward read before the New Jersey Historical Society and incorporated by them in their "Proceedings." He also prepared and read a '-Historical and Genea- logical Account of Col. Thomas Lowry and Ester Fleming, his wife," and showed their photographs. This article has been pub- lished in pamphlet form, by Mr. H. E. Deats, of Flemington, including the pictures, and has been of great interest to the numerous branches of those families. Also "A His- torical Sketch of the Rockhill Family," and other shorter papers.
From Geo. H. Larison, M. D., we have had "A Genealogical History of the Hol- combe Family," "The dead in Barber's Burying Ground," "The mode of life in our Early Settlements," "Elnathan Stevenson Family," including the "Sharps" and the "Fields," A History of the Sandy Ridge Baptist Church," "A Sketch of the Life of Dr. Gershom Craven" who practiced medi- cine in Ringoes and vicinity from 1771 to 1819.
From our Recording Secretary, Mr. John W. Lequear we have had "The Early Settle- ment and History of the Baptists in Hunter- don County," " History and Settlement of the Rittenhouse Family in Hunterdon County," "History of the branch of the Ing- ham Family in Hunterdon County," "The Culture of Flax, and making of Flax seed Oil ; their labor and importance in the early wealth of Hunterdon County," with samples of home-spun and home-made linen, ging- ham, and calico. "Also "Biography of Robert Rittenhouse," Some Recollections of Lambertville over fifty years ago," "The Rodman Tract" once owned by Col. Thos.
Lowry, The "Rio Grande Mills," and Rem- iniscences of the Border between Kingwood and Delaware Townships," and "Recollec- tions of Pittstown General Training" of Militia.
From Mr. Stacy B. Bray, we have had an important paper on "The Life and Times of General Robert Hunter," the Colonial Gover- nor after whom Hunterdon County was named, showing an oil painting on wrood of his Excellency. Also "Some accounts of General Daniel Bray's Efforts in procuring the Boats for Washington's Crossing the Delaware" bringing to our minds an impor- tant act in our National History, of which every Jerseyman is proud, as it was the turning point of the Revolution.
From Rev. George S. Mott. D. D., we have had "The old churches, more particu- larly the Presbyterian Churches of Hunter- don County."
From Jacob Servis, "The Early Marriages in old Amwell Township from Official Records of Rev. William Frazer from 1769 to 1793." Also an account of a "Visit to the Mc Neely Farm and Grave Yard, near New Hope." Here a number of Revolutionary soldiers were buried.
From Mr. W. T. Srope, "Baptisttown and Kingwood History," The Sheriffs of Hunter- don County," and obituaries of Hugh E. Warford and Rev. C. S. Conkling, deceased members of our society.
From Rev. W. W. Bullock, "The Founda- tions on which our Fathers Built" and "The Rittenhouse Manual Labor School." This school was established by Robt. Rittenhouse in 1830 near Locktown. It was not a finan- cial success and Mrs. Rittenhouse soon complained that all the manual labor came on her. It reminds one of this clever charac- terization of a would-be Reformer.
" Day by day he gave the Almighty advice, Which he deemed of great worth. And his wife took in sewing, To keep things going, While he superintended the earth."
From Miss Kate Taylor, "Shuster's Hol- low School and its Teachers."
From Dr. Hayhurst "A Memorial of Jacob Servis," one of our most enthusiastic mem- bers. From our Corresponding Secretary, Mr. EHas Vosseller, "A Sketch of the Copper
THE JER8EYMAN.
21
Mining Enterprises near Flemington." This also was published in pamphlet form by Mr. II. K. Deals.
From Mrs. Mary C. Vail "A Historical Sketch of the Friends Meeting at Ouaker- town." From Walter F. Hay hurst an appreciative Sketch of the Life of ( Jeorge 1 1 . Larison, M. I)., our first President, whose death was greatly deplored,
One of our members discovered that Rev. John Atkinson, the founder of the M. E. Church of Flemington was living in Benton Harbor, Mich. Through his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Winans, a considerable correspondence was carried on with him and many interest- ing items relating to the early history of Flemington and such families as the Alex- anders, Flemings, Lowrys and Atkinsons were secured. He died in the spring of 1891 of La Grippe in his ninety-fourth year.
Our Society sent the following Communi- cation to the Legislature of Pennsylvania, which explains itself.
The members of the Hunterdon county (New Jersey) Historical Society desire to call your attention to the Bill now pending before your legislature relating to the pur- chase by your state of Valley Forge. We hope you will pass this, or a similar Bill, so that this historic spot, dedicated to the spirit of Liberty, may be preserved. We are of opinion that Valley Forge stands for a crisis in our Country's history of no less magni- tude than Gettysburg. At Gettysburg amid the roar and flame of battle, our brave troops showed that our country was able to conquer the Military power of the Rebellion. At Valley Forge our forefathers by heroic endur- ance, amid manifold discouragements, even the elements of nature seeming to augment and protract their misery, proved their abil- ity to maintain their war for Independence.
We cherish their memory. We would honor them by preserving, as nearly intact as possible, this spot the very mention of which recalls such worthy deeds."
The Bill passed both Houses and was signed by Governor Pattison on last Memor- ial Day, an act appropriate to the day and the day worth}' of the deed.
The Columbian Liberty Bell Committee
appealed to Historical Societies and Mu- seums for filings from objects of Historical value, especially those that had any bearing on the struggle for Freedom, to be cast in tin- Bell. Our Society responded as below ; "On the 14th, of December 1770. Cornet Francis Geary with about twenty picked men of the r6th Regiment Queen's Light
Dragoons, the- pet Cavalry Regiment of the British Army, led a raid from Trenton New Jersey, on the village of Flemington Hun- terdon County New Jersey.
" By a clever ruse on the part of Col. Thom- as Lowry he was frightened out of the vil- lage without doing much harm.
" On his retreat he was ambushed by Capt. John Schenck, home on a furlough from the Patriot Army, who hastily collected a halt dozen farmers for that purpose. In the skir- mish Geary was killed and was buried near the spot where he fell.
"A committee of the Hunterdon county Historical Society opened his grave in May 1891, and took from it the silver buttons from which these filings were taken."
Our Society has stirred up a new interest in local history and in genealogical research and we receive many inquiries relating to families that were prominent in the early history of the County. In some cases we are able to furnish the information desired, in others, are able to suggest probable sources of information.
We are making a Collection of Books, Pamphlets, Newspapers, old Deeds &c relat- ing especially to Hunterdon County. We invite all to co-operate with us in this. We have even undertaken to collect complete files of all the newspapers ever published in our County. Stray numbers of any of these that precede 1880 will be welcomed by our Librarian Mr. 11. F. Deats. We have the nucleus of a very interesting Historical Col- lection which some day will be an honor to our County, and of sufficient interest to at- tract the attention of visitors.
At present we have fifty-four Resident members, and eleven Corresponding and Honorary Members.
ELIAS VnSSKI.I.KU,
Corresponding Sec'j
22
THE JERSEYMAN.
The First Years of Frenchtown.
HK West Jersey Land Society's Great Tract in Hunterdon County originally comprised 92,513 acres. In 1752, when it was conveyed by the English company to John Stevens, Andrew Johnston and John Johnston 33,860 acres had previously been sold, leaving 58,653 acres. The three Amer- ican purchasers formed a joint stock com- pany and arranged the stock in fifteen equal shares. Of these William Alexander (Earl of Sterling.) became the owner of two shares, John Stevens five and James Parker three shares. In 1762, '63 and '64, 32000 acres were surveyed, by a Mr. Hampton, into farm- tracts, mapped, numbered, and divided by allotment, between the several shareholders.
In or about 1757, Alexander, Stevens, and Parker associated in the ownership of a tract of 968 acres of land situated, chiefly, in Alex- andria township ; and in the enterprise of surveying and laying out streets and build- ing lots on a part of it for a town where Frenchtown is now situated. A manuscript map, or draught, of the survey in possession of the writer, shows that the streets were laid out the same as they are located at the present time. There was a ferry and the place was called Calvin's Ferry. After the survey, in compliment to William Alexan- der, they gave the name, Alexandria, to the embryo town. The township in which most of it is situated had been so named, from the same motive, William Alexander being a large land-holder within its borders.
Stevens and Parker lived at Perth Amboy and Alexander at Baskingridge. (About the beginning of the Revolutionary war Stevens removed to Round Valley in this county ; Parker to his (irove Farm near Pittstown, now occupied by Edwin Melick, and Alex- ander enlisted in the army as a Major Gen- eral).
To give the enterprise of their future town a start, and to facilitate the building of the houses, they arranged for the construction of a saw-mill, as the following contract, in the hand writing of James Parker, will show:
' ' It is agreed between Samuel Schooley
of the first part & John Stevens & James Parker for themselves & in behalf of William Alexander of the second part as follows — to witt — Samuel Schooley agrees immediately to cut down and procure timber for a Saw mill and mill Dam to be sett up on Neshasackaway near the River Delawar which said mill He is to build at his own Expence both wooden work & Iron & every other necessary for a Saw mill, Compleat & to sett the said mill a going and to build a Mill Waggon compleat, In Consider- ation of which the said John Stevens, James Parker for themselves & in be- half of William Alexander agree to pay to the said Samuel Schooley the sum of one hundred pounds one half when the said mill is Raised, the other half when the said mill is compleat and sett agoing & to allow said Schooley five shillings per foot for every foot the said Damn shall exceed forty foot in length & the said Samuel Schooley agrees that the Damn shall be a good strong & Sub- stantial frame damn and well fixt, The Cill to be let into the Rock which is to be Cut out at the expence of sd. John & James. That the mill shall saw a log of thirty six feet in length & that the Carriage shall run back b}* water, that he will cover said mill & in ever}' respect build her in a Compleat work- manlike manner In wittness whereof the Parties to these Presents have sett their hand this twentieth Day of Octo- ber 1758." The new project failed to start off with an impulsive scramble for building lots like that in some recent western towns. It had no board of trade to engineer a "boom." The following year, 1766, the proprietors arranged for the building of a store house and dwelling ' 'under one Roof or otherways' ' by selling a lotto a Philadelphia merchant on the terms stipulated in the following contract :
"It is agreed & concluded upon be-
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23
tween James Parker for himself and Wil- liam Earl of Sterling & John Stevens who are Equally concerned with him in the Town Plot of Alexandria on Ik-la ware River <S: the Creek called Nes hasackaway Creek c\: Thomas Riche of Philadelphia as follows to witt The sd. James Parker for himself <S: the sd. William Earl of Sterling & Jno. Stevens hereby Covenants cc agrees that he will joyn with them in a good & sufficient Conveyance or Deed for one Town Lott in the sd. Town plot known & distinguished by Lott No. 5 To the sd. Thomas Riche his Heirs & Assigns for ever upon the following conditions that the sd. Tho. Riche shall within Eighteen months from the date hereof Build upon said lott a Dwelling House & store house under one Roof or otherways with a Cellar under the Same or Part, & pay to the sd. James Parker Wm. Earl of Sterling & John Stevens yearly & every one Ear of In- dian Corn if Demanded on the premises In witness Hereof the sd. James Parker & Tho. Riche Have Interchangeably Sett their Hands and seals this fifth day of August 1766.
Sealed and Delivered ] in the Presence of j
Richd: Stevens James Parker
John Emley Thos. Riche."
The store-house and dwelling was built by Mr. Riche and he became the owner or lessee of the grist mill which was erected a little later whether by him or by whom is not ascertain- ed. It was leased for a time to a Mr. Calvin, and later to John Sherrerd. The store was stocked by Mr. Riche and the business super- tended by John Sherrerd, in accordance with the following agreement :
"ARTICLES of Agreement, Indented, made and fully Concluded and Agreed upon The Seventh day of April in The War of our Lord One Thousand and Seven hundred and Sixty Seven. Be- twkkn Thomas Riche of the City of Philadelphia, in the Province of Penn- sylvania Merchant of the One Part, And John Sherrerd of the same place Mer- chant of the Other Part.
Whereas The said Thomas Rich, now hath and keepeth a Store or Trading House at Alexandria, in The County of Hunterdon, in the Province of New Jei sey, And hath Contracted and a_"
with The said John Sherrerd to Employ
him as a Factor, Clerk or Store keeper And to Vend Sell and Utter, all such Goods, Wares and Merchandizes, as The
said Thomas Riche shall send to him. The said John Sherrerd in the said Store or Trading House for and during The space and Term of One Yearto be com
pUted from The day of The date hereof.
Now These Presents Witness, And
it is Convenanted Granted Concluded and Agreed upon by and between The said Parties and they do for themselves Their Executors and Administrators re- spectively Covenant Grant and Agree, to and with each other reciprocally that is to say. The said John Sherrerd doth Covenant promise Grant and Agree, to and with the said Thomas Riche. That he the said John Sherrard, shall and will Accept, receive and take in his Trust, Charge and Custody, all such Goods Wares and Merchandizes, as he The said Thomas Riche shall from time to time during The said Term send to him at the said Store or Trading House. And Also shall do and Use his best En- deavours to Vend and Sell the same for The best Profit and Advantage of The said Thomas Riche. Also That he the Said John Sherrard, shall keep or cause to be kept, just, true, fair and Regular Books of Account in Writing of all such Goods Wares & Merchandizes, as the said Thomas Riche shall from time to time during The said Term, send to him at The said Store and as shall come into The Charge and Custody of The said John Sherrerd, of The time when, and to whom vSold, and for what price, and
if for Cash or Country produce. Also
of all Monies and other things by him The said John Sherrard, taken and re- ceived in pay for all Goods Wares and Merchandizes, b\ him Vended and Sold.
And Also of all Trade and Business, done by him The said John Sherrerd during The said term of One Yc.u t<»
24
THE JERSEYMAN.
which Books, The said Thomas Riche shall have Recourse, and inspect into at all times and as often as he shall see Occasion during The said Term. Also shall make true payment and Delivery unto The said Thomas Riche his Exec- utors Administrators or Assigns, as often as the same shall be demanded, of all such Monies & other things, as shall come to the hands of and be received by the said John Sherrard for all Goods Wares and Merchandizes, by him Sold during the said Term. And at the Ex- piration of The said Term, or other soon- er Determination of this present Agree- ment, shall deliver up unto The said Thomas Riche his Executors Adminis- trators or Assigns, all such Goods Wares and Merchandizes, as shall remain in The Custody of The said John Sherrard, Together with all Monies and papers and all other Things relating to the said Store. And Lastly That he the said John Sherrard shall be true, just and Faithful unto The said Thomas Riche, and Observe, fulfil and keep all the Or- ders and directions by the said Thomas Riche from time to time given in and [ ] The selling and Vending of
all Goods, Wares and Merchandize, and in all Other matters Business and things, by the said John Sherrerd Transacted, done carried on at the said Store during the said Term, and shall not defraud The said Thomas Riche in any respect in The premisses And shall and will at his own proper Costs and Charges find and provide himself in all Necessary Meat, drink, Washing, Lodging and apparel.
In Consideration Whereof The said Thomas Riche doth hereby for him- self his Executors and Administrators Covenant Promise Grant and Agree to and with the said John Sherrard, That he the said Thomas Riche his Executors and Administrators, shall and will well and truly pay, or cause to be paid unto The said John Sherrard his Executors and Administrators or Assigns, The just and full Sum of One hundred pounds, Pro- clamation Money of New Jersey a Year, for ever>- year during the said Term.
Also shall and will pay all costs, Charges and Storage Books Carriage and other Charges attending The said Store or Trading House the Meat, drink, wash- ing, Lodging and Apparel of the said John vSherrard Excepted, And to the true Performance of the Covenants and Agree- ments aforesaid, on the part of the said parties respectively, They the said par- ties bind Themselves Their Heirs Exe- cutors and Administrators respectively in The penalty or Sum of Five hundred pounds Lawful Money of Pennsylvania firmly by these presents to be paid by the party defective to the party Com- plying. In Witness whereof the said parties to these Presents have inter- changeably set their hands and Seals here unto dated the day and Year first within written.
Sealed & Delivered ) In presence of Us Jno. Sherrerd." Elnathan Pettit. )
Letters and business papers of the period show that a large trade was done in grain and farm products, part of which was sent to Philadelphia by water.
After the expiration of this partnership, which continued two years, a new joint partnership, to run for three years, was formed between Riche, Sherrerd and Curtis Clay, the latter a Philadelphia merchant and importer. The firm name was John Sherrerd & Co. Clay furnished the store- goods and Sherrerd conducted the business, assisted by Elnathan Pettit as clerk. Riche was allowed £ 25 per annum for rent of the store, dwelling-house and granary.
After the close of this partnership the business of the store was conducted by the firm of Lowrey & Sherrerd. William Alex- ander became embarrassed, financially, and his interest in the tract in and around French- town was bought by his former partners, Stevens and Parker. May 20, 1776, ther- eon veyed the whole 968 acres to Thomas Lowrey, with the exception of the lot previ- ously granted to Thomas Riche. This lot was sold, later, to William Lowrey, a son of Col. Thomas Lowrey, and, Dec. 1, 1794, con- veyed by William to his father. The store- house on this lot stood near the site of Brit-
THE JERSEYMAN
ton's brick building, and the dwelling-house
some yards distant in a southeasterly direc- tion.
The population of the village steadily in- creased. The name of Alexandria was re-
tained till after the advent of the wealthy French familj of Prevosts, in 1795, when the place began to be called Frenchtown.
Henry Raci . M. D.
The Spartanburg Stamp.
fll ?N the spring of 1862 '(q*1 I was with the 38th Illinois Infantry mak- ing a tedious march from Pilot Knob, Mis- souri, south into Ar- kansas. We guessed we were coming out at Little Rock, but got no nearer there than Jacksonport, eighty miles north.
We had some slight skirmishes here and there, so that we marched with considerable caution.
One of these encounters we had at Poca- hontas on Black River in north-east Arkan- sas. Four rebels were killed and a few taken prisoners. We captured some supplies and a rebel mail bag. That mail was carefully examined. One of the examiners, there were three of us, found a gold dollar. I was less fortunate, but found a dime and a half dime. Nothing else of value was found, and no information that was deemed of sufficient importance to report to the commanding officer. There were some red hot letters from rebel soldiers to other rebels at home. Some love letters "just too sweet for anything," others from soldiers who were too love-sick
and home-sick to last mucfa longer, and one pretty letter from a sweet little rebel in South Carolina to her lover in one of the Western armies, enclosing a cockade- made of pal- metto, which she declared was "quite the rage in South Carolina." and no end of let- ters conveying notices of protests of com- mercial paper.
I sent a number of these letters home, .it my first opportunity, selecting the curious ones, and those having queer stamps on the envelopes.
When I reached home I gave away a good many of the stamps as well as the letters.
Later on when stamp collecting came in fashion, I found many more had been given away than remained. Among those remain- ing was a Petersburg, Ya. stamp which I sold to a collector by the name of Brown in New York City. On the back of another envelope, over the flap, were two Spartan- burg, South Carolina five cent stamps, one of which I sold to Mr. H. E. Deats, of Flem- ington, N. J.
And this answers your inquiry, how the stamp came into my possession.
Ki.ias Y( iss 1: 1. i.kk.
683019
Index to VoIvTJme 2.
Colonial Naturalization List Henry Race, M. D i
Editorial H. E. Deals, 16
First Years of Frenchtown Henry Race, M. D.y 22
Historical and Genealogical Sketch of James
Sterling, Edward Boker Sterling \ 3
Historical Sketch of the Meeting and Meet- ing House of the Society of Friends, at Quakertovvn, X. J., Mary C. I'ail,
Hunterdon County Historical Society Elias Vosseller 19
Recollections of Pittstown General Training, . J. W. Lequear 12
Sketch of the Pittstown Branch of the Rock- hill Family Henry Race, M. D., 14
Soldier's Monument at Flemington, New
Jersey /. C. Sunderlin 17
Spartanburg Stamp Elias Vosseller 2^
45
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