Class F_\^^_ toip^htN" ■^.O?"^ U COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. WOODBRIDaE VICINITY. JE'yyihracing the History of Woodhridge^ JPis- catuwiiy^ Wetuclien and contigwous pliiceS) from the earliest tinfvues ; the Mist'Ory SETTLEMENT. 7 were both Massachusetts men — Rolf, however, removing to this place after his purchase.* From the manner in which Mr. Woodbridge's name is attached to this paper, we should infer that he was an Assistant Justice, such as were annually elected to the Township Court of Woodbridge in the days of its early liistory. This inference is supported by Coffin's extracts from the old records of Newbury, in which we find that the select- men of the town were directed to petition the General Court to make Mr. Woodbridge a magistrate. f As he is subse- quentlv spoken of as " John Woodbridge, Esquire,"J it is beyond doubt that the Court clothed him with magisterial • powers. He was born in Stanton, Wiltshire, England, in 1613. and emigrated to New England in 1634, settling in New- bury the following year. He married Mercy Dudley, dauo-h- ter of Gov. Thomas Dudley.^ He returned to England about tlie year 1647; but in ];663 came back to Newbury,|| and on the 26th of July was engaged to assist his uncle, Mr. Parker, in preaching the Gospel in tlie quaint town mesting-house, receiving, for the first six months, ^30.. His deatli occurred Marcli 17, 1695 — the venerable minister having attained the age of eighty-two. The following (which is copied from the East Jerscv Records, Vol. i. p. 2, in the Secretary of State's office, Tren- ton, N. J.) will give us some idea of the original ownership of the soil upon which Woodbridge has been built; " A contract made by Capt. Philip Carteret, Governor ot the Province of New Jersey, John Ogden and Luke Watson, of Eiizabethtown, of the first part, and Daniel Pierce, of New- bury, Massachusetts, and his associates, of the second part. This article of agreenlent dated December 11, 1666. Daniel Pierce paid to the party of the first part the sum of four score pounds sterling, being in full for said tract of land known by the name of Arthur Cull, or Amboyle, or any other name it may be called by. This land was purchased from the natives or Indians by John Bayly, Daniel Denton, and the said Luke Watson, as by said bill of sale from the natives, bearing date the 28th day of October, 1664, will more at large appear; * Town Book, p. 221. t Hist, of Newbury, p. 135. f Ibid., p. 149. § .322. res. 8 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. which John Bayly and Daniel Denton have made over to the said Philip Carteret and John Ogden, as will appear by the bill of sale. Daniel Pierce made choice of, as his associates, Joshua Pierce, John Pike, John Bishop, Henry Jaques, and Hugh March, of Newbury; Stephen Kent, of Haverhill; Rob- ert Dennis, of Yarmouth; John Smith, of Barnstable, and in New England. These writings were signed, sealed and deliv- ered by Daniel Pierce in Elizabethtown, and it was ordered to be recorded by Philip Carteret, Governor of the Province of New Jersey, December 3, 1667." From this we find that the land was first purchased ot the Indians by John Bayly, Daniel Denton, and Luke Watson in 1664, and that it was afterward " made over " to Gov. Carteret and John Ogden ; and then in 1666 the two latter sold it to Daniel Pierce and others for ^80. Daniel Pierce and his associates took immediate possession: and what they further did will be fully detailed in the chapters devoted to the history of the "Town Meetings." The first settlers came to Woodbridge in the latter part of the Summer of 1665, and were a portion of the company of thirty English people who came to New Jersey with Gov. Carteret immediately after his commission was given to him by his brother,* Sir George Carteret, joint proprietor of tlie Province with Lord Berkeley. The Governor instantly sum- moned a council at Elizabethtown, which he so called for Elizabeth, wife of Sir George, and established his residence there. With considerable enterprise he published throughout New England the advantageous terms offered to land-holders in his Province, and succeeded in drawing hither a number of families from that section, some settling at Elizabethtown, some at Woodbridge, Piscataway, and Newark. The Gov ernor's ship, the Philips returned to England at the close of six months, and the following year came back to Elizabethtown with other emigrants and with implements and seed for tilling and planting. Other vessels in the meantime arrived at the Jersey port bringing substantial encouragement from the pro- prietors ; and the people who came were scattered througli ♦Philip is known as Sir George's brother, but he was really his foiirth cousin.— Ilatf. Eliz. HO. ORIGIN AND SETTLEMENT. 9 the few towns in East Jersey — Woodbridge, doubtless, receiv- ing its proportion because of its neighborhood to Elizabeth- town, the Capital. On the 2 1 St of May, 1666, articles of agreement were signed between Gov. Carteret, in behalf of the Lords-proprietors, on the one hand, and John Pike, Daniel Pierce, and Abraham Tappen in behalf of themselves and their associates of Wood- bridge and Piscataway, on the other. In these articles the Woodbridge and Piscataway people were to have liberty " to settle one or two plantations or townships, consisting each of forty or one hundred families, more or less " [rather precise !], " between a creek or river called Rawawak " [or Rahway | "and Rariton's River, and to begin to settle the same between this and the month of November." They were to have liberty to assign to each man the proportion of land due him, "according to their judgment and discretion." Two lots were to be laid out in each town for the benefit of the Lords- proprietors — each lot to contain five hundred acres of upland and meadow. The towns were to comprise six or eight miles square. The proprietors' lots were not to be inhabited by any to whom the residents made objection. Charters were asked for both of these towns, in which the residents were to have tlie privileges of choosing their own magistrates, their own ministers, and of nominating their military officers — the mag- istrates and officers subject to the Governor's approval. The agreement further empowered them to hold courts for the trial of all causes actionable within their own jurisdiction, from the decisions of which no appeal could be made which involved a sum less than five pounds. Liberty of conscience in religious worship was to be allowed, and two hundred acres of land were to be set apart for the maintenance of the minis- try perpetually. Provision was made for a church and church-yard, to be exempt forever from tax of any kind. The Governor, Council, and General Assembly were the joint authority for levying tax, but they were authorized to do it only for the public good; and all the freeholders of the Province were to be permitted free trade with the citizens. The yearly rent of half-penny per acre to the Lords-proprietors was to begin March 25, 1670 — tlius giving the inhabitants nearly four WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY years of exemption. All land patents were to be recorded within a year of the time when they were surveyed by the Surveyor-General. In case of war the Woodbridge and Pis- cataway men agreed to combine with other towns in the Province against the common foe. All freeholders were to have a " free voice " in the election of Deputies to the General Assembly. They swore allegiance to the King and pledged their fidelity to the Proprietors. They claimed the privilege of removing when and where they pleased, and of selling their land to the best advantage. They were to have the necessary authority to impose fines upon criminals, and inflict corporal punishment by " stocking, ducking, pilloring, and whipping" — the latter, provided the criminal did not merit more than twenty stripes. Ducking must have been instituted for the benefit of hot-headed culprits who needed cooling off in the adjacent mill-ponds. Seven years' possession of the land was to secure the same to the settler, his heirs or assigns for- ever. The democratic doctrine of a ruling majority is set forth in the concluding item of this document. The agree- ment is signed by the parties interested and witnessed by John Ogden and Thomas Louel. Three months were allowed for the consideration of the matter, during which the Governor promised to make no disposition of the lands which were indicated by the settlers of the proposed towns. On the nth day of May, 1668, eight new signatures were added to the instrument — all of them the names of Wood- bridge and Piscataway men, viz.: John Martin, Hopewell. Hull, Robert Dennis, John Gilman, Benjamin Hull, John Smith, Charles Gilman, and Hugh Donn. From this circum- stance it will be seen that the original makers of the agree- ment on behalf of the settlers failed to meet its requirements within the time specified; which was no fault of theirs, of whicli we may rest assured, because no more liberal terms were ever offered to any people. It is probable that every effort was put forth to accomplish the object in view ; but it was no easy matter to bring into one community forty or more families in those early days — especially to bring them into a wilderness such as Woodbridge was at that time. At the request of Daniel Pierce, the Governor extended the ORIGIN AND SETTLEMENT. II time mentioned in the agreement; and subsequently, when the' requisite number of families were settled in Woodbridge, theGovernor generously fulfilled the conditions of the paper. The early history of Piscataway is very closely interwoven with that of Woodbridge. Notwithstanding its establishment as a plantation over two hundred years ago, it is still a small village— so small as to scarcely merit the name, although it bidslair to improve rapidly within a few years. Piscataway is a plaintive Indian word : " It is getting dark." It is supposed that the tribe which first sought out and named the place arrived at nightfall or in cloudy weather. The Indians say but little, ana it is probable that as the company halted here on the edge of the evening one of the grim travelers ejaculated the word, which thus became the designation of the place. Others suppose that the name was given by some emigrants from Maine, who settled the town in part— the section in Maine from which they came being known as Piscataqua. However, it had been an Indian village for a great many years before the white people came into it; and these Indians, it their traditions are reliable, came from the West. So that every one is at liberty to determine the matter to his own sat- isfaction. The preponderance of evidence is in favor of the second supposition, although we are reluctant to surrender the beautiful Indian legend. Piscataway was not erected into a township at the same time as was Woodbridge (which was contemplated by the in- habitants when the "agreement" of 1666 was drawn up). And yet we are told that the Gilmans had settled there as early as 1663, two years before Woodbridge was inhabited.* The slow growth of the population was, of course, the cause of the delay in making a township of the plantation. This honor Piscataway realized in 1798, one hundred and tliirty-two years after it was first broached. Three years after the Gilmans entered the place several other families settled there, after which Piscataway was sta- tionary for a while. The modes of traveling, in the days of which we are writ- ♦.Historical Coll. ( f N. J., p. 323. 12 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. ing, were limited. No roads were yet constructed, and the chief method of locomotion was, therefore, the primitive one .of walking. Riding on horseback was also somewhat in vogue ; but so much depended upon a man's being rich enough to own a horse and fortunate enough to keep one trom the prowling Indians, that even this means of travel was some- thing of a luxury. The tales, therefore, of the strength and hardihood of the men and women of those times may be read- ily accepted. The rough pioneer school in which they learned life's lessons must have either killed them or made tliem strong. In December (the 3d) of 1667 the authorities ordered that Woodbridge should be laid out — that is, surveyed, and plots assigned to the settlers, and roads marked out. In the con- struction of these public highways there was not, in some sec- tions, as much difficulty as might at first be imagined Before the English came, the Indians had been accustomed to burn the woods in order to kill the deer, which had the effect to keep the forests very clear of underbrush. This custom of burning made the task of clearing up the lands and building- public roads comparatively easy. Before the latter were laid out, however, the paths leading from place to place were nothing more than " trails," the direction of which was indicated by marks on the trees that stood in the course. It was needful, tlierefore, tliat the traveler should exercise great care in the prosecution of his journey, else he would be lost for days in the wilderness around him: not a pleasant prospect to the most experienced hunter ; for hungry beasts and lawless Indians were not the most agreeable creatures for a solitary white man to meet in an vm known wood. If he were abundantly provided with ammunition and a gun, his chances for securing regular meals were good ; for wild pigeons were plentiful a great part of the year — coming in such immense flocks sometimes as to darken the sky and break the limbs of the trees upon which they rested in their flight.'^ Besides, there were pheasants, plovers, wild ducks, and other birds in large numbers. But the trouble was the ♦Smith's New Jersey, p. 511. ORIGIN AND SETTLEMENT. I3 poivder. Ammuiiitioa was very scarce. And it must have been a source of considerable aggravation for the epicurean inhabitants to see so many fat dinners flying overhead, with no hope of bringing them down. As a matter of contemporary history, it may be mentioned that Newark was settled about nine months after Wood- brido-c, May 17, 1666, by the Rev. John Pierson. This clergvman came from Branford, Conn., and brought with hinCto found the new village, thirty families. But for more than sixteen years Woodbridge seems to have been ahead of Newark in population. It is unnecessary for us to tell Jerseymcn that this has not always been the case, but that, at the present time, the figures are out of all proportion in favor of Newark. However, it is some satisfaction for us to know that at one period our own village was the more populous. The population of Newark is to-day more than double that of the whole county of Middlesex, in which county the town of Woodbridge is situated. Elizabethtown was the most highly favored of all the provincial towns in East Jersey, especially during the admin- istration of Gov. Carteret, which extended from 1665 to 1682. It was natural that it should be so favored. It became the seat of government and the residence of all the chief officers of the Province. It was accessible for vessels of the largest tonnage which in those days crossed the seas, although it had no natural harbor like that at " Ambo Point " (Perth Amboy). Doubtless it was the most lively town in this section. Ships sailed back and forth between here and England, bringing thence friends, letters, and needed supplies. And we can imagine we see the Woodbridge settler making his way towards the port, across ten miles ot almost untrodden path. He follows the edge of the salt-marsh— a great land-mark which has remained unchanged amid many changes. He is the bearer of exceeding precious messages to those who are expected to arrive in the next ship, or to those waiting to return to " merrie England." Perhaps it is a love-letter, which he is commissioned to forward home by the next vessel voyaging thither. And it may possibly be that he is expecting some dear friend on the inward-bound ship, who is 14 VVOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. to share with him the toils and pleasures of his pioneer life. How eagerly he asks the stranger whom he may chance to meet, " Has the ship come in ? " He reaches Rawawak River. If the tide is out he seeks a shallow place and wades across ; if the stream is full he must either swim to the opposite bank or sit down in patience until the waters flow back to the sea. When he at last approaches the Capital, he does not come with nicely-polished boots and a resplendent hat, as the Elizabethtown beau of the present time enters the presence of his chosen one. His boots are made of rough skin, and the only beaver he knows anything about is the one that builds its dam in the swamp ; for his head is surmounted by a shaggy cap. He carries a gun on his shoulder and a powder- horn dangles by his side. The Capital is not an imposing city. When Gov. Carteret arrived there in August of 1665 he found only four buildings erected, and they were log huts which had probably been built ill the previous year by the emigrants from Long Island or New England. The government buildings, which were constructed on the arrival of the Governor, might have been more pretentious ; but there is no trace of them remaining. Our traveler sees them, and no doubt is impressed with so much unwonted grandeur in this new country, and augurs from it more wonderful things in the future. How surprised he would be if he could stand in Water street to-day and be- hold the transformation which two centuries have produced ! The ship is in ! There are tidings from home ! Ah ! there is Jane, or Mary, or whoever the Woodbridge youth is in search of. The messages are delivered. How cordial the o-reetings are ! People who have never met before shake hands with each other. " So you have come over to try the new country, have you ? " " From what part of England did you come ? " " Did you know the Smiths in Lanca'shire? " *' How is Betsy?" "How is the baby?" These and hun- dreds of other questions are poured forth by the eager friends and equally eager passengers. We know these things to be so, without being eye-witnesses ; because it is human tor people so to do — and all our fathers and mothers of long ago were human, Darwin to the contrary notwithstanding. ORIGIN AND SETTLEMENT. 1 5 And now we confess to a little perplexity. That youn.i» Woodbritlge man has a girl to take home, and there is no way to get there except on foot, for we forgot to let the fellow- take a horse. How he is going to transport her across the Rawawak is beyond our imagination, and hence we leave it to that of our patient reader. CHAPTER 11. 1667—1677. The "Town Book" — Randolph's Copy — First Highways — Dunham's Grist Mill — View over the Sound — Old Dock — The First Mechanics in Woodbridge — And the First Baby — Old Landings. The earliest Town Records are the chief sources of inform- ation concerning the first years of this settlement. It is a :^rievous shame that the old " Town Book " has been mutilated by the abstraction of the first pages of it. The old Record ot Surveys, in the possession of the N. J. Historical Society, is also half destroyed. Such an outrage as the destruction of public records for the advantage of some individual (for this is, no doubt, the cause of the vandalism) deserves something more than the severest censure. We have handled the " Town Book " with reverence. Many of the leaves are loose, and all of them are yellow with age. A heavy piece of parchment forms the binding. Here we see the nervous penmanship of Samuel Moore, the second Town Clerk. It is so faded, in some places, as to be scarcely decipherable. This Book was copied in 1775-6 by Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, in a clear, round hand, by order of the Freeholders; and this well-preserved copy is in the hands of Mr. T. Harvey Morris, of Woodbridge. In accordance witli the order of December 3, 1667, we find A recorded, on the 8th of February, 1668, that several high- ways had already been opened. The first one mentioned ran down by the " Kirk Green," over the Papiack Creek, into tlic upland beyond. In regard to the size of the streams in Woodbridge a great change is said to have taken place. Papiack Creek has THE ANCIENT TOWN. I7 dwindled to a brook, compared to its former majestic flood. Vessels once rode at anchor in the stream by the Salamander Works, which is now dishonored and forsaken. Nearly two hundred years have choked it vip, and tradition tells us that it has become only the miniature of what it once was. It was along the road, over the Papiack, at the first bridge to which you come afier passing the Presbyterian Church, that Jonathan Dunham built the fii'st grist mill ever erected in this part of the country, in the year 1670. The town agreed to give Jonathan ^30 for the improvement and all the sod out of the meadow he might need for damming. His toll was to be one-sixteenth, and tradition gives him credit for turning out the most beautiful meal ; and we are assured that his toll was so light that a man who brought a bag of grain to him took back two bags of flour. This old mill stood for many years, grinding for the comfort of several generations, and the old timbers which once supported it are lying on the ground and mark the site of the ancient building, on the west side of the stream. The writer had the satisfaction, recently, of examining one of the mill-stones which Jonathan used in his mill. It is still to be seen near the house adjoining the Trinity Chuixh, which house was once the residence of the great Woodbridge miller; although, of course, the beautiful structure now erected there, as the Trinity parsonage, is a transformation. When Jonathan's house was built it was the iine house, par excellence, in Woodbridge. It was standing two years ago, and looked so weird and strange that some were glad to see the builders reconstructing it, while others were sad when they saw tlie landmark disa])pear. It was originally constructed of brick, said to have been brought from Holland by vessels sailing hither and used as ballast on the voyage. Ccmiing up from Papiack Creek the highway, of which wc have been speaking, passed the " meeting house green " (i. e., the land appropriated for religious purposes, upon part of which the Presbyterian Church now stands), and took a westward course. Another road, laid out at the same time, crossed the former at nearly right angles, running over the " meeting-house green," and having a north and south direction. J 8 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Another highway was laid out, running north from the foot of Strawberry Hill, or the " Sheep Common," as it was often called, crossing Manning's Brook and entering the common land beyond. Another road began at the southwest corner of the same hill and ran in a southerly direction, crossing the '• Spa Spring " Brook, and thence continuing toward Pertli Amboy. Another was surveyed from the west 'side of the hill, and, after passing through a thick wood, held a crooked course to Piscataway. Another was laid out, soon after those above mentioned, which Avas intended to accommodate persons who owned meadow adjacent to the upland over- looking the Sound. It began at the mouth of the Papiack Creek, in the neighborhood of the spot where Boynton's factory now stands, and ran northward, nearly parallel with the Sound, for a mile or two, and thence continued until it crossed the road leading' up from the meadow where Jonathan Dunham's mill afterward stood. Along these highways " house lots " were surveyed for the freeholders, to each of which a specified amount of " meadow- land " was added. The liouse lots were not of the same size. They varied in this respect very much. John Pike's lot, which was on the east side of Strawberry Hill, was ten acres in extent. The elder John Martin's, on the north of this hill, was a lot of eleven acres. Samuel Dennis had twelve acres for his house ; old Thomas Bloomfield, seventeen and a half; young Thomas, eleven and a half ; Samuel Moore, sixteen : John Dennis, nineteen and a half; Henry Lesenbe, ten; Obadiah Aycrs, sixteen, etc. The highway running north past the Kirk Green was not exactly "laid out" as we now find it. It ran behind the present Presbyterian Church building, instead of passing before it ; and, if it should ever be opened again, it would be found crossing the present highway at an acute angle in front of the Trinity Church, the northern branch diverging to the west and the southern branch tending eastward. ■^• The view over the sound on tlie upland, across the * Mr. T. H. Morris, a pracliciil surveyor, gives this as bis oi.inWn, alter a careful study of the old records. THE ANCIENT TOWN. 19 meadows, is a very fine one, and we do not wonder that our fathers chose it as part of their inheritance. If we blot from the picture before us the houses on Staten Island, the fences and dwellings in the Neck on the left, and the sails from the water we shall have a scene very much, if not entirelv, like that the early settlers looked upon. Not long ago we stood upon the bluff and tried to imagine that we were livino- two centuries in the past. Below us stretched the beautiful beach upon which the Indians used to wander at low tide in search of oysters. Far to the left the quiet waters of Smith's Creek were seen, winding this way and that, looking like a crumpled blue ribbon tlirown at random on the green meadow. Farther still, on the left, appeared the groves and white farm houses on what was once called " Papiack Neck." Before us the clear waters of the Sound swept around a graceful curve, fringed with the tall reeds that grow so abundantly in our salt marshes. Across the broad expanse are the highlands of Siaten Island, which make a handsome background for the picture — especially with the delicate blue sky of this August afternoon right above it. Pleasui-e boats are gaily floating yonder, and in the bend near Rossville we watch the approaching steamboat bound for New Brunswick. As she passes us the distant murmur of her paddle-wheels comes to our ears like the music of an ocean shell ; and so we note her disappearance far down the Sound. If we lean forward we may see, on the right, imder the bluff, the red building used for several years as a hay-press establishment ; and right in front of it the steamboat landing, where, in modern times, until the railroad was laid through Wood- bridge, we embarked for New York. Long ago, we imagine, an August afternoon w(juld have presented us an Indian canoe (;n the w\ater, with a swarthv occupant nonchalantly watching his fishing line. Perhaps some settler has parted the bushes and is glancing from this very bluff over the Summer scene. Farther up a group of Indians have gathered in the shade of some forest trees, and are gazing abstractedly at the smouldering fire where oysters are being roasted in the ashes. And along the beach, the beautiful sandy beach, there wanders another of the mel- 20 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. ancholy race, listening to tlie sympathetic voices of the little waves that plash upon the shore. Perchance the hungry face of a wolf peers through the upland thicket, and we almost expect to hear the sharp crack of the rifle of John Ilsly, the great Woodbridge wolf-hunter. How rudely is our reverie broken ! Just behind us, on this classic highland, is the noise of carts coming and going. There is a railroad in course of construction, and it requires no prophet to foresee that in time this bluff will be crowned witli Summer cottages, rivaling in elegance those of some of the sea-side resorts. For a short distance from its mouth. Smith's Creek keeps nearly to a north and south line. The first bend is toward the east. On the west side of this elbow there has evidently been a dock. The road-tracks are yet to be seen, though thickly overgrown with grass. It is supposed that this is the site of a very old dock which our fathers used in the transportation of salt hay. Ancient Woodbridge seems to have been well supplied with mechanics. Among them we notice five carpenters, viz.: John Ilsly, Samuel Hale, John Bishop, Henry Jaquis, and Hugh March; one shoemaker, John Watkins; four blacksmiths, John Crandel, John Robinson, Daniel Pierce, and John Taylor; one mason, Benjamin Cromwell: two tanners, William Elston and John Mootry ; and three weavers, Samuel Dennis, John Robeson, and Adam Hude. John French was a dealer in bricks, and was elected a Freeholder, on condition that he should furnish the Wood- bridge men with bricks in preference to all others. He was a mason by trade, and no doubt plied his vocation. Good- natured John Smith was a millwright. Tiiere was another man bearing this name (as there always will be), and the neighbors tried to keep them unmixed by addressing the latter us John Smith, Scolchman. Benjamin Parker was a joiner. " Benony Blacklich," who came into the settlement in 1671, was a shoemaker. Elisha Parker is mentioned ^as a merchant. Two doctors of medicine prescribed for the ailing — George Lockhart and Peter Dessigny. About the middle of November, 1667, a sensation was THE ANCIENT TOWN. 21 created in the settlement by the arrival of a baby — the first white baby born in the place. The town recognized the event in May (iSth), 1717, after the child had grown to womanhood and was married, by the following order : " itt was voatted & allowed yt Caleb Gamble shall Draw a Lott with use Jn this fourth Division [of] Lotts. Jn Consideration his Wife was ye first Christian Child yt was born Jn this town."* Her name was Mary Compton, daughter of William and Mary Compton. She married Caleb Campbell, January ist, 1696. Her grave is still to be seen in the rear of the Presbyterian Chtirch, marked by a brown stone partly covered with moss. The inscription reads as follows : "In memory of Mary, Wife of Caleb Campbell, who died Febry the 15, 1735. Aged 67 years and 3 months. The first Born child in Wood- bridge." We cannot resist the temptation to muse a little while. Was Mary pretty } Was her life a happy one .^ Could her friends say of her, as Whittier has done of another: " The blessing of her quiet life Fell on us like the dew ; And good thoughts, where her footsteps pressed, Like fairy blossoms grew " ? How much we might learn from her lips if they could be unsealed and the memory of other days be recalled ! It seems so strange that in this silent graveyard are hushed voices which two hundred years ago were familiar sounds in the settlement. Now, aught of good or evil they cannot tell us. And two hundred years from to-day — what then .? Will some one be standing over the stone which records your forgotten name, and wonder about you, as we marvel now over Mary's tomb .^ " Death comes, life goes ; the asking eye And ear are answerless ; The grave is dumb, the hollow sky Is sad with silentness. *Freeholders' Reords, MS., page 30. 22 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITV. "But warm, sweet, tender, even yet A present help is lie ; And faith has still its Olivet, And love its Galilee." It matters little where they laid thee, Mary ; for if thou hadst faith in Jesus thou shalt rise from this sunken grave to live with Him who saved thee. Pierce's Landing was a point at which many boats discharged their cargoes two centuries since It was named from the Pierces, who lived near by, and was situated at the mouth of the Papiack Creek (or River, as it was sometimes called), about where Boynton's dock is now located. It is not probable that any wharf was built there, but that the cargo was landed on the beach, which, tradition tells us, was beautifully graveled and sloped toward the water. Joshua Pierce, and Daniel, his father, lived a short distance along the upland road. Joshua's pasture land was contiguous to the Landing, and required to be protected b}^ a "good, sufficient gate " placed in the roadway. Voquillen's Landing, named for the provincial Surveyor- General, was nearly opposite Pierce's Landing, and is well known as the " Old Stone Dock " even at the present. It Avas intended to accommodate the inhabitants living on the other side of the Papiack, or Woodbridge Creek. The road leading down to it passed through Voquillen's land; and his en- deavor to shut off all communication with the dock by the inhabitants provoked the latter into compelling him to re-open the highway. Several other landings were known to the early settlers — among them Bacon's Landing, Cornfield Landing (now Cutter's Dock), Cortland's Landing, etc. The last is supposed to have been located on Smith's Creek, near the property of Mr. J. Bunn ; and doubtless this is the site of Cortland's saw- mill — one of the earliest constructed in the Province. Other localities and points of interest will be designated as they are found recorded in the Town Book. CHAPTER 111. 1 6 ( ') 7 — 1 1 > 7 7 [Continutd). WOODBRIDGE ChARTI.R ItS CONFIRMATION P.V THE LORDr- PROPRIETORS — First Legislature of New Jersey — In- surrection AGAINST Gov. Carteret's Government — Names of Settlers — Samuel Moore — Quit Rents — " Ambo Point" — Indian Sale — The Old Prison — Odd Names. As v/AS stated in the previous chapters, Woodbridgc was ordered to be laid out December 3d, 1667. It is probable that this order was in process of execution throughout the fol- lowing' year. On the ist of June, 1669, Woodbridge Town- ship was created, and on the i6th the Charter was granted. Gordon savs, very truly, in his History of ^^€70 Jersey, that this Charter " was one of the most liberal e\er given in America." It was framed in accordance with the ''Agreement " of 1666. Some of the landmarks by which the boundaries were designa- ted are, of course, unknown ; but a general idea of ancient Woodbridge may be obtained from this paper. The line began at the mouth of the Rahway River (called Ra'icack) and followed the stream as high as the tide flowed to a fresh-water brook running west north-west, " where there stands a beech tree that is marked on the four sides of it." From this tree the line ran straight west through one large swamp and two small ones until it reached a walnut stake in an open field. This stake was marked with two notches and a cross. The distance from the beech tree to the stake was five and a half miles. The line turned sharply to the south from this pcnnt, running through what was known as " Dismal Swamp," and striking the Raritan River at a distance of seven and a half miles from the walnut stake mentioned above. The line now comes within ten chains west of two red cliffs 24 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. on the opposite side of tlie river. On the border of the meadows were two black-oak trees, about a rod apart, which were marked with three notches, breast high, and a notch on the four sides of each tree on the stump, and a cross upon each tree above the upper notches. There was certainly no danger of losing those trees, unless some mischievous scamp had marked neighboring black oaks in the same mysterious manner. However, no bad boys were in existence at that time; so no danger was apprehended from this source. Midway between these two trees there was a stake driven, over which the township line extended from the point this side of the red cliffs mentioned before, and tw^o more stakes indicated the boundary across the meadows. The Charter then gives the general bounds, thus : " On the east side by the Arthur Cull River, otherwise called the Sound, that parts Staten Island from the maine [land] ; on the north side by the bounds belonging to Elizabethtown, on the west side by the bounds belonging to New Piscata- way, and on the south side by the aforesaid Rariton's River." Allowance being made for w^aste places and highways, the township was to contain six miles square, " which amounts to twenty-three thousand and forty acres, English measure." The proprietors reserved to themselves half of the gold and silver found in the New Jersey mines, and this reservation is mentioned in this Charter; but no great quantity of either precious metal was ever found in the township, and then only as it was brought in by the traders. The Charter further provided that sixty fxmilies at least should be comprised within the limits of the township, among whom the upland and meadow should be equally divided by lot, or in such other manner as they themselves might agree upon : " provided that Amboy Point be reserved, to be disposed of, by the Lords-proprietors, tov/ards the thousand acres of upland and meadow that is reserved by the first articles made before the settling of the said township." An official record ot each man's allotment was to be made, which was to be placed on file in the Secretary's office in Elizabeth. Two hundred acres of good upland and meadow were to be laid out for the use of the minister, and one hundred more EARLY EVENTS. 25 for " the maintenance of a free school." In addition, lands for building a church thereupon, for use as a church-yard, for the erection of a school-house, for a market-place, and other public purposes, were donated to the township, and forever exempted from taxation. The creation of a township Court, with the officers necessary for its effective operation, was authorized in accordance with the provisions of the " Articles of Agreement." The sections in the Articles in regard to Free Trade, War, Election of Deputies, Liberty to sell and remove from the place, were all substantially adopted in this generous Charter. The paper concludes with the reservation, to the Lords- proprietors, of nine hundred acres of upland in and around Amboy Point, and one hundred acres of meadow "in the most convenient place adjacent to Amboy Point." This was to be the tract of one thousand acres, mentioned previously, to be held exclusively by the Proprietors of the Province. The document is signed by the Governor, Philip Carteret ; by his Private Secretary, Jas. Bollen ; and by the Council of the Province, viz.: Robert Vanquellin, William Pardon^ Robert Bond, Nicholas Ver Lett, Samuel Edsall. Although the Charter went into effect immediately after it was granted, three years and a half elapsed before it was confirmed by the English Proprietors. The following is the Confirmation :* " We, the Lords-proprietors of the Province of JVeta Cesar ea^ or New Jersey, having taken a view of this above written deed, grant, or charter, made by Capt. Phillip Carteret, Esq., Governor of our said Province, and his Councell, bearing date ye first day of June, 1669, whereby he did enable and give power to ye Justices, Magistrates, and Freeholders, in the Towne of Woodbridge, in the said Province forever to become a corporation with generall limitations, priviledges, Buttalls, and bundalls therein par- ticularly expressed, No%v, know ye that wee, the said Lords- proprietors, at the request of the said Justices, Magistrates, and Freeholders, and for divers good causes, and consider- ♦East Jersey Records, vol. Ist., p. 144. 26 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. ations, us there-unto-moving have ratified and confi,rmed, and by these presents do for our heirs, successors, and assigns, for ever Ratifye and confirme unto the said Justices, Magistrates and Freeholders of Woodbridge, the said grant and Charter with all and every — the lands and meadows soe limited butted and bounded and all and singular other privi ledges and immunities therein mentioned and expressed* Reserving to us, our heirs and successors what else is therein reserved. Giving order hereby to ye Secretary of our said province to enter this our confirmation into our Records there, and to fix to it our province scale, Given under our hands and Scales at Whitehall, tlie seventh day of December, in the year of our Lord God 1673. Jo. Berkeley. Go. Carteret. " With such advantageous terms as were those embraced iu the Charter it would have been strange, indeed, if the town had not become one of the most prosperous in this section. The first Legislature of New Jersey met at Elizabeth on the 26tli of May, 1668 ; the first election tor Deputies (of whom two were to be chosen from each town) being ordered, by proclamation of the Governor, on the 7th of April previous. In this session Woodbridge \\as represented by Samuel Moore and Robert Dennis, two leading men in the settlement. The second session was held on the 3d of November of the same year. Deputies were present from Newark, Elizabeth, Bergen, Shrewsbury, Woodbridge, and Middletovvn, at these sessions, which were both short — the first being four days long, the next three. The latter was by no means a iiarmonious assemblage, and after its three days' purposeless discussion it adiourned. The next Legislative session was not held until seven j-ears afterward. The year in which the prosperity of Woodbridge was signalized by the erection of a grist mill came near proving disastrous to the Province at large. Shrewsbury and Middletown had been settled under grants from Gov. Nicliols, of New York, who imagined that his jurisdiction extended over all the country surrounding Manhattan. The settlers of these towns had bought their lands from the Indians, in addition to securing grants from Nichols; so that EARLV KVr.NTS. 27 they asserted tliat they were free from any obligation to pay the tax upon the land which was demanded by the Pro- prietors. This annual rent was to begin in 1670; and as the time drew nigh the malcontents became openly hostile to Carteret and his governinent, and resolved to overthrow them. Deputies were elected in the towns, and met in Elizabeth on the 14th of May, 1672, claiming to be the legal Legislature of New Jersey. The Governor went to England, carrying the news of the outbreak to the Proprietors. The Duke of York, under whom Gov. Nichols had been appointed, and under whose authority, therefore, the insurrectionists had set up tiieir claims, wrote to Governor Lovelace, of New York, that he would not countenance the New Jersey riot, and he declared the Nichols grants to be void. Lord Berkeley had become so disgusted with his Nova drsarca property that he sold out his share for less than $5,000 to John Fenwick and Edward By Hinge on the 18th of March, 1673. To what lengths the people in the Province might have carried their revolutionary proceedings, if no interruption to their designs had occurred, cannot, of course, be easily ciDnjectured. Proprietary rule seemed on the verge of utter extinction, when a fleet of Dutch vessels appeared in the harbor of New York, and. in July, 1673, captured the city, and with it the whole of New Jersey w^as subjugated. By a treaty of peace, in the following year, between Holland and England the Provinces were restored to Englisii rule. Edmund Aadross, a fussy, domineering man, was made Governor of New York, and Philip Carteret was re-appointed to New Jersey The latter was welcomed back to the Province, and resumed the reins ot Government as though nothing had interfered with it. The discontented settlers wisely refrained from again setting up their exemption claims — discouraged from it, either by the Duke of York's emphatic repudiation of the Nichols grants, or by the fear of coming into collision with the English Government. Then, too, nobody would come into the Province to settle while it was so distracted — hence, self-interest may have influenced them in this respect. At any rate the storm blew over, and 28 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. the inhabitants began the payment of the land tax of one half- penny per acre, or one whole penny, if the lands were valuable; and if there was any grumbling it did not again result in open rebellion againj-t the Government. The following list* of Freeholders of Woodbridge is supposed to comprise actual settlers to whom patents were granted in 1670, or thereabouts ; with the amount of land each man received. No doubt the land was laid out in plots, and selection was made by the drawing of lots, as was suggested in the Charter. The names in small capitals are those of the nine original associates, who were each granted 240 acres of upland and 40 of meadow, in addition to the regular allotment. The names in italics are not found in the list of land-holders in 1682, these persons having either disposed of their rights or been admitted as Freeholders subsequently; ACRES. John Adams 97 Ephraim Andrews (1678) 98 Thomas Auger, or Alger 167 Obadiah Ayers 171 Samuel Baker, or Bacon 170 Joshua Bradley 171 John Bishop 470 John Bishop, Jr 77 Matthew Bunn, " Mariner" 165 Tiios. Blomfield 326 Thos. Blomfield, Jr 92 John Blomfield 90 John Conger 170 John Cromwell.... 173 Wm. Compton 174 RoBT. Dennis 448 John Dennis 107 Sam'l Dennis 94 John Dilly (1076) 94 Hugh Dun 92 Jonathan Dunham (1672) 213 John French, " Mason " 15 Rehoboth Gannlt 448 Daniel Grasie 164 Samuel Hale 167 Jonathan Haynes (1673) 97 Elishallsley 172 Henry Jaques, \ .>p^ Henry Jaques, Jr. J ACRES. Stephen Kent 249 Stephen Kent, Jr 104 Henry Lessenby 88 George Little 100 FIuGii March 320 David Makany 168 Samuel Moore 356 Matthew Moore 177 Benjamin Parker, "Joiner" 105 Elisha Parker (1675) 182 John Pike 308 John Pike, Jr 91 Daniel Pierce 456 Joshua Pierce 30 Daniel Robins 173 Robert Rogers 91 John Smith, " Millwright "f 513 Samuel Smith (1676) 103 John Smith, Scotchman 176 Isaac Tappan 172 Abraham Tappan 95i-.< John Taylor, " Blacksmith " 93 Israel Tliorne (1676) 96 Robert Vanquellin, ) ^~.~ or La Prauie. \ John Watkins 93 Nathan Webster 93 .John Whitaker 91 Richard AVorth 172 * We have taken this list from Win. A. Whitehead's "Contributions to East Jersey His- tory," pngo 800. See also old Kecord, Lib. A. t Not wheelwrifrlit, as Whitehead s.iyp. EARLY EVENTS. 29 Fifty-seven names— quite a respectable settlement ! The following additional names are found in the Town Book, without date: ACRES. , ACRES. Thos. Adams \Iioperrdl Ilidl John Allen, "Minister" 97i John Ilsley 97 John Averill i. John Martin, Sr 255 Wm. Binglcy \%%\Thoma» Pike Jonathan Bishop jJobn Trewiuan 97 Capt. Philip Carteret 313 i Lords-proprietors 1,000 Jas. Gluicson, or Clarkson i For the Ministry 'SOO Jonathan Dennis [Maintenance of School 100 Samuel Moore was one of the most distinguished citizens of Woodbridge, and wielded considerable influence in the Province. He came from Massachusetts, and exhibited, in his new home, much of the enterprise and public spirit which have made the people of New England famous. He was very popular — being chosen Deputy to the General Assembly no less than five times: in 1668 (to the first Legislature held in the Province), 1669, '70, '82, '87. In 1672 he was President of the Township Court, of which he was a subordinate member the previous year. For nearly twentv years he was the Town Clerk — from 1669 to 1688 — a period ot official service almost without a parallel in these days of " rotation." On the 7th of December, 1672, the Proprietors sent from Whitehall a dispatch to the Governor, Council, and Receiver- General, ordering the payment to Mr. Moore of ^10 annually for the next seven years, and authorized them to give him sixty acres of upland for each person in his family, in addition to the land he had already taken up as a settler. A proportionate amount of meadow-land was also ordered to be donated to him. No reason for this liberality is given in tlie paper, but it was undoubtedly the reward for some public service. Land was often given by the Proprietors to stimulate the enterprise of the inhabitants. However this may be, he grew in favor with the authorities, for, in 1683, he was appointed High Sheriff of Middlesex County — a position of great dignity and responsibility at that time.* * He seems to have been eminently qualified for such a position, for, in 16T2-3, he was Mar- ."hal of the Proviuce umler Gov. Carteret (see Hatfield's Elizabeth, pp. 143 and I'iS). He was lor several years, 'I'reasurer of East Jemey, beinjr elected to that office, Dec 9 icTo cSee Learning Si, Spicer, pp. 101, 129.) ' , , . v^e 30 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY, In the same dispatch whicli conferred these gifts on Mr. Moore, the Proprietors gave to the Township of Woodbridge one-third part of the quit i-ents, or land tax, for the next seven years; at the end ot which time (about January, 1680) the corporation ivas to pay its full proportion, according to agreement. The devout people in the settlement had grown numerous enough and sufficiently strong to build a meeting-house, which was done in 1675. Three buildings have been erected on the same site. We shall have occasion, in the later pages of this volume, to recount the history of this church, so intimately connected with the story of our village. It was in July of the year 1676 that a great change was made in the government of New Jersey. Previously, Gov. Carteret's government had extended from Staten Island Sound to the Delaware River, and from Cape May to the hills of Bergen. By an agreement between the proprietors, the Prov- ince was divided — forming two Provinces, to be distinguished as East and West Jersey. East Jersey continued to be gov- erned by Philip Carteret. The line of partition began at Little Egg Harbor, and was drawn straight across in a north- west direction, until it touched the Delaware River, in latitude 41 degrees north. Tliis, at least, was the general direction which, it was agreed, the line should take ; but it was not sur- veyed and officially settled until long afterward, Woodbridge, of course, fell on the east side of the new boundary, and remained, therefore, in Carteret's jurisdiction. The Governor began to think of making a commercial town of Amboy, and cleared several vessels from the i^ort during this vear. He was tlie more zealous to do this because a great deal of the reserved property of the Proprietors was located there, and a busy town at this point would enhance the value ot it. If he had succeeded in this i)urpose it would have been the means of making a city of Woodbridge, for they lay but three miles apart. But New York was a dangerous rival, and, as will be seen, its authorities exerted themselves to the utmost to ruin the prospects of Amboy. The harbor of the latter is one of the finest in the world ; and it is a matter of ever-recurring wonder why it is not one of the chief commercial marts ia America. EARLY EVENTS. . 3 1 It was knowa among the Indians as Amho^ the Point, and was for some time called, tautologically, " Ambo Point" by the English. Afterwards it was called Perth, in honor of the Earl of Perth, who became one ot the Proprietors of the Province. But in 1698 the name by which it is now designated was officially given to it in a dispatch from the English authorities. In 1677 Gov. Carteret made a successful attempt to buy from the Indians all the unbought lands lying between AVoodbridge and Piscataway. It is the glory of New Jersey that not a rod of its domain was wrested from the Aborigines bv fraud or violence. Every foot was paid for. The land was purchased directly from the Indians, at prices that were satisfactor}- to both parties— a fact of which no other State can boast, not even that of William Penn. As a consequence the savao-es >\ere friendly to all the Jersey settlers, except the Dutch, who did not seem to understand them. It seems singular that the value which the Indians set upon the lands should have been so low. Smith, in his History of New Jersey, says tliev never asked a high price for anything they had to sell — a degree of modesty which has vanished with other barbarous peculiar- ities and usages. To see how cheaply they sold tlie valuable tract of country lying between Woodbridge and Piscataway, we have only to examine the agreement between the Indian land-holders and the Governor. The owners were three in number, viz.: Conackamack, Capatamin, and Tliing(.)rav.-is ; and this is the price of the land: one hundred fathoms of white wampum, six match coats, four blankets, three guns, six sliirts, twenty bars of lead, twenty double hands of powder, one anker ot rum, twelve axes, two half vats of beer, and six kettles ! That is all I And yet the natives thought it was enough and were thoroughly delighted wnth the bargain. The sale took place in the presence of Emerus, Sachem of the Nevesinks, Ouermacke, Eramky, and other Indians as wit- nesses. But, as this document is a literary curiosity, having never before been published, Ave give it to our readers, without alteration, as it is found in the archives of New Jersey: " Know all men by these presents that wee Conackamack, 32 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Capatamin, Thingorawis natives and owners of a certain tract of land lyinpf and being about Woodbridge & Piscataway, have bargained, alienated and sould unto the Hon. Phillip Carteret Esq. Governor of the Province of New Jersey for & in the behalf of the right Honoble Sir George Carteret Kt. & Bar- onet, Lord Proprietor of the said province, in the presence of Emerus, Sachem of the Navesinks; Ouermacke, Eramky and other Indians as witnesses hereunto, for, and in consideration of these species following, viz — one hundred fatheni ot white wampum, six match coates, Foure blankets, three guns, six shirts, twenty barrs of lead, twenty double hands of powder, one anker of Rum, twelve axes, two halfe Fatts of beere, and six kettles; the which said goods wee doe hereby acknowl- edge to have received to our content and satisfaction, the which said tract of Land begins at a place called Macask- hegen or Kent's Neck upon the Rariton River, from thence runs up the said river westward to a fresh river called by the Indians Saconck, from thence, running along the said river as the river runs downe North, easterly, to a swamp called by them Maniquescake (and by the English, Dismal) from thence to a place called Matockshoning where there is a stake planted for Woodbridge — northermost bounds; from thence to a Swamp called Tamagues (by the English great Swamp) and from thence running Southerly to Macaskhegen where it first began, to have and to hold the said Tract of Land as it is laid out and bounded, as aforesaid, together with all the woods, pastures, meadows, mines, mineralls, Quarryes, Swamps, rivers, & Rivulets thereunto belonging, joining and appertaining to him the said Sr. George Carteret hjs Heirs or Assigns forever, Free from any clainie, hindrance, or incumbrance whatsoever by us or by any of us, or by any of our heirs or successors forever, and that wee will for ever defend the said Sr. George Carteret his Heirs and Assigns for the quiet and peaceable government and possession of the premises from and after the date hereof. In witness whereof wee tlie said natives above mentioned have hereunto sett our hands & Seales the 14th day of September, 1677." The signatures of the three owners are attached. Conack- aniack makes a nervous-looking cross ; Capatamin makes a EARLY EVENTS. 33 mark like the figure 3, which, however, is nearly turned over on its back ; Thingorawis, for some reason, urged his brother Conackamack to sign the deed in his behalf, which he did with a bold X, Four Indian witnesses signed the paper. Emerus, Sachem of the Nevesinks, was the first, his mark looking very much like the English capital C. Eramky's very much resembles an F Clef in a glee-book — from which we argue that he must have been in high glee — especially in view of those ten gallons of rum which he, of course, expected to share with his friends. Ah, how much our fathers were to blame for introducing this vile beverage among the poor Indians! Queramack's mark looks something like the English capital G, and Nameth's signature resembles an A. Below these are three English names; John Bloomfield, Claude Valott, Hopewell Hull; and beneath these is the official sign manual of James BoUen, Secretary of the Province. The Indians living in and around Woodbridge when the first settlers came, and doubtless those from whom the land in the foregoing deed was bought, were mostly Raritans, or Raritons. No doubt other tribes frequently visited these sections, such as the Nevesinks, Minisinks or Muncys, Pomptons, Mantas and Naraticongs ; but the Raritans were the original owners of the soil along the river that bears their name. They were not numerous, nor, indeed, were any of the New Jersey tribes. Smith says that tribes in some sections were from ten to twenty miles apart. Many of these Indians came to Ambo during the fishing season to catch perch, eels, oysters, clams, and other fish. The oysters to be found at this place were so good and so plentiful that the}'- were the subject of many commendations by the delio-hted Englishmen, one of whom wrote home that he thought there were enough oysters at Perth to supply the whole of England — and they were such " brave oysters ! " In October, 167 1, a tax was levied by the " Town Meeting " to provide for an expedition against the Indians who were exhibiting signs of dissatisfaction — or, at least, were supposed to be manifesting an inclination to fight. Ten pounds of powder and twenty pounds of lead were bought, and then our c 34 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. forefathers waited for the war-whoop of the savages, prepared to march among them and annihilate them at the first sound of hostility. If such a war was actually prosecuted the town- ship officials must have been very much ashamed of it, for no record is preserved of the campaign. It is altogether likely that the suspicions of the people in regard to the Indians were groundless ; or it may be that the latter, observing the war-like preparations, relinquished their murderous designs. Four years after, in September, 1675, the inhabitants were ao-ain agitated on the subject. The Governor and Council ordered that a stockade should be built around the town prison, partly as a fortification and partly as a place of refuge tor the women and children in case of attack. It was built of logs at least nine feet in length. The fortification was never needed, for the anticipated assault was not made. Tradition informs us that the prison just mentioned stood, in those days, where Mr. J. Mattison Melick's house now stands. The author remembers when the old Presbyterian parsonage (a venerable stone structure) occupied the same site. This was torn down to make room for the present tasteful residence, the property having been sold by the Presbyterians. The "Prison" was also known, so it is said, as the " Court House."* The Township Court held its ses- sions in this building, and many criminals found a temporary resting place within its walls. Among other difficulties with which our fathers had to contend, not the least, perhaps, was the manufacture of appro- priate names for the numerous new localities with whicli they found themselves in contact. In some cases they used the Indian name ; but this was not always available, for the very good reason that their jaws were regarded as of more conse- quence than the designation of any place could possibly be. Besides, the Indians, being accustomed to using the nose very * There is another tradition which seems to indicate that this is incorrect. Mr. T. Harvey Morris, residing in the immediate vicinity of the old " Prison " site, says that an aged citizen informed him that the "Court House" stood on the spot mentioned above, and that the " Prison " (a separate building) was located some distance in the rear of it. This is corrobo- rated, apparently, by some diggers finding, a ft*w years aeo, a subtt-rranean structure resembling a dungeon (in which were found balls with chains attached, etc.), at a considerable distance Irom the sile of the old Court House. father, uieeting Elisha Parker, weaver, purchased seven acres in Woodbridge, Sept. 7, 16S0, from his er, EUsha, "lying on the west side of the highway that goeth from the prison to .tho tine house." This helps to locate the prison on the site Indicated as the Court House. EARLY EVENTS. 3S largely in pronunciation, producing a heavy nasal sound, our fathers found it difficult to pronounce some of their words, unless they were under the influence of a disagreeable catarrh. Consequently, sundry English words were employed to distinguish certain places from others ; with what success, may be gathered from the mention of two points of interest in the town. A little stream near the elder Stephen Kent's house, as we learn from the manuscript book of surveys of Woodbridge in the library of the Historical Society of New Jersey (page 84), was called " Sling-taile Brook." Just think of that — " Sling-taile Brook " ! AVhat the name commemo- rates we are not in a position to tell. Some Kilkenny cat fight may have originated it — or the windings of the brook may have given some one the idea that it was very slino--tail in its character — or some demure domestic animal mav have been switching herself contemplatively, as cows have done from time immemorial, and in so doing frightened some vil- lage swain who was rambling along the romantic stream, and he has caused a search after a supposable ghost, Avhich has resulted in detecting the sedate bovine busily employed in slinging her tail. However interesting the origin of the name, we cannot give any certain knowledge of it. The little stream which bore the distinction of " Sling-taile Brook " was that one in the neighborhood of Ford's Corner, which place was itself dignified as Sling fail in the memory of some people now living. The other name alluded to was equally sentimental. It was Alutton Holloiv^ situated on the west side of the town, in what is now known as the Clay Bank Region. Here again we are at a loss to account for the origin of the appellation. It is a holloiv, that much is certain ; but it is the mutton we cannot explain. Sheep meat is notoriously fat, and it is barely possible that some settler, noticing the greasy clay which abounded in the valley, took it for mutton fat. It is by no means certain that this is the correct history of this locality. We only suggest it as affording a faint clue to the origin of the name. It is a more modern name than " Sling-taile Brook" — the latter having been given some time before the year 1669. CHAPTER lY. 166T— 167T {Continued). Joshua Pierce — History of the Early Town Meetings— The Ilslys — Voquillen — Trouble with Piscataway — John Smith — The Township Court Difficulty — Re- ward Offered for the Woodbridge Constable's Head. The "Town Book" is divided into two parts — the first con- taining grants and surveys, the second recording the pro- ceedings of the "Town Meetings." The first entry in the latter part is dated January ist, 1669, which sets forth the fact that Joshua Pierce, who had been Clerk during 1667, point- edly refused to give up the record of the surveys and Town Meetings for that year; in consequence of which the events of 1667 are nearly a blank in the history of the town. It seems that this Pierce had kept the writings alluded to on loose pieces of paper, and when Samuel Moore, his successor, entered upon his duties, he sought to place them on record in a substantial book. To this Pierce demurred, and the sus- picion as to the cause, entertained by posterity, is anything but flattering to the recreant Clerk ; for it is supposed that the production of the records would have revealed dishonest deeds and purposes to which he was an interested party. It is possible, however, that he was disappointed in not securing a re-election to the Clerkship, and refused to surrender the papers in order to avenge the slight. Whatever may have been the reason, no means were taken, of which we are aware, to obtain the missing links; and, while we regret the loss, we are struck with wonder at the forbearance of our fathers, and their lofty indifference to the comfort of their present historian in his researches. At the first Town Meeting (Jan. i, 1669) of which we have any account, Robert Dennis and Samuel Moore were chosen TOWN MEETINGS. 37 "Burgases," or delegates to the Legislature, the latter was chosen Town Clerk, and John Smith was appointed Con- stable. It was ordered at this meeting that the Clerk should give notice of all subsequent meetings, which were to be opened at ten o'clock in the morning ; and a line of 2s. was imposed on all who absented themselves without excuse, and for leaving the room during sessions is. was exacted. The Clerk announced that the laws of the Province had been publicly read by him, as the law required. Samuel Moore was selected to " fix the brand marks upon both horses and cattle." The Town Meetings were ordered to be held at the house of John Smith, Constable, until further notice. This Smith is supposed to have lived on the highway which crossed Papiack Creek — a convenient point; for many of the early settlers lived on the upland along the Sound and could not reach the other side of the meadow without going over this road. It Avas built across the meadow at a place where the marsh was narrowest, and where, therefore, it would cost least to construct a causeway. The Town Meeting did not hold regular sessions at this time — the Clerk, with four others, being empowered to call the Freeholders together as occasion required. From Jan- uary ist until February ist no meeting was held, after which an interval of four months passed before the august assemblage visited John Smith's house on the west side of Papiack Creek. In the February meeting it was ordered that nobody should be allowed to cut down any timber for " pipe staves, clabords " [clap-boards], or shingles, unless they were designed for local use. Any violation of this order was punishable by a 405-. fine for each tree felled. On the ist of June it was "granted to Elisha II sly to be an inhabitant and to have accommodations equal Avith other inhabitants, he engaging to come and settle by Michaelmas next, except he be disappointed for want of an opportunity; if so, then to make use of the first opportunity that shall present." Elisha was a brother to John Ilsly, both of whom* according to Whitehead (who refers to Coffins History of Netvbt/ry), came from Newbury, in Massachusetts. They are 38 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. the ancestors of the Inslecs of the present day* (many of whom are now living in Woodbridge), as well as of the Ilslys in different parts of the State. There is a tradition, which may or may not be true, that they came over in the old ship Caledonia^ the wreck of which, for many years, was seen on the shore at Perth Amboy, by, some who are yet living. It is said that, driven by persecution, the Ilslys, with other dissenters, were compelled to flee from their homes, which were either in England or in the north of Scotland, and were allowed by their enemies to depart only because they embarked on the unseaworthy Caledonia, which Vv'as confi- dently expected to founder at sea and engulf the sturdy heretics. But, lo ! they came safely into harbor! Before they landed, however, the Dutch captain proceeded to bind them over as servants to the planters in the vicinity, accord- ing to custom, until certain real or fancied debts in the old country had been discharged. A Mrs. Ilsly, filled with indignation, seized a bar of iron and, flourishing it over the captain's head, declared with emphasis that she and the rest had fled from tyranny at home to find quiet in the new land ; and that she would not submit to slavery right on the borders of freedom. The doughty captain was cowed by the deter- mination of the brave woman, and saved his head by landing his passengers without the indentures having been executed. At the same Town Meeting in which Elisha Ilsly was elected a Freeholder "Robert Voquilin " (alias Vocklin, alias Vanquillen, alias Liprary, alias La Prairie, etc.) was elected to the same dignity, and was allotted ten acres of upland on the hill south of the Papiack Creek, near its mouth. Tlie hill was known as " Voclin's Hill " thereafter. The special reason for this man having so many names does not appear. His parents must have made sad havoc with the dictionary when Robert was christened — although of what language, it is not so easy to tell; for while Vanquillen has a Dutch tincture, La Prairie savors strongly of France. It may be that the maternal parent had occasion to answer the elder Vanquill en, *For proof of this we refer to the Town Records, Liber B, page 117, where a dead for certain lands is sipned by "William Insly" and " Jno. Inslee"— the two men signing differ- ently, as is shown by the quotation marks. This paper is very old, being dated 1714; from which we infer that the name ''Inslee" is synonymous with the more ancient " Ilsly." TOWN MKKTINGS. 39 when the question was "popped," in a mixed way — thus: " IcJi bill Dci/i, 7/ion hoviine c/icr." If so, we have a clue to the whole difficulty — one was Dutch, the other French. "■ This Voquillen (or whatever his name was) being Surveyor- General of the Province, was employed very much of his time in laying out the lands of tlie inhabitants. The hill on which his house stood is now the property of Mozart Pinner. The Town Meeting held July 6th, 1669, sent Lieutenant John Pike and Samuel Moore to talk to the Governor concerning a draught of a Charter sent to the Freeholders of the town. Some things in this first draught were regarded as objectionable and burdensome. Tiie same committee with the addition of Thomas Bloomfield, Sr., and Stephen Kent, Sr., was sent to tlie town of Piscataway to enquire what were the grievances of which those in that section complained. The Piscataway men had endeavored to destroy the boundary marks set up by the Surveyor-General on the Governor's warrant, between the two towns, and had so far succeeded as to have defaced the trees which had been marked —so that some confusion was likely to ensue if the matter was not speedily righted. On the 8th inst., two days after this committee was appointed, another meeting was held and it was reported by the committee that the Piscataway people were very much aggrieved by the boundary line being drawn so that Woodbridge was in possession of much territory which ought to belong to themselves. The Woodbridge people waxed war-like. The minute in the Town Book reads thus ; * ^- " it was passed by vote that that bounds that is now sett and laid out by the Surveyor General by vertue of the Governor's warrant between ye two Towns, viz. : the towns of Woodbridge and Pascattaway: we conclude doth c-f right belong to the freeholders of this town of Wood- bridge, and that right they will maintain by all such just and lawfull means as to their judgments may seem best, and this to be returned to the Inhabitants of Pascattaway as the answer of the freeholders of Woodbridge to their propositions made by their messengers." * Dr. Hatfield saya Vo<)uillen was a French sentleman from the city of Caen, and that ho came over with Gov. Oarten-t. (History of Elizabeth, p. 48.) He was called for some reason, " Dieur des Prairie" — Lord of the fields. Perhaps this had reference to his vocation, as he was a surveyor. There were twenty-two ways of spelling his name (.Hatfield, p. 97, note). 40 AVOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. That sounds as though our fathers had their tempers roused. The next meeting was held on the i6th of August, and the Freeholders "thankfully accepted " the Charter of the Town. The Piscataway trouble came up again. The people over there had been pulling up the stakes and the bounds of the town were "being demolished." The old committee who went to see the Governor in regard to the Charter were commissioned to go again to complain of the Piscataway men "concerning the injury, abuse and wrong" sustained by the Freeholders of Woodbridge. On the 2oth of August the inhabitants were permitted "to joyn together 4, 5, 6, 8 or ten, more or less," to view " such parcels of land " as were convenient to that already owned by them, which, if the next Town Meeting approved, should be divided among the company by lot. On August 27th it was voted that Strawberry Hill should be patented as a " perpetual Sheep Common " for the inhab- itants on the west side of Papiack Creek. Lieut. John Pike, Matthew Bunn, and Samuel Moore were appointed to appor- tion "the Indian purchase so as to know what is due for each man to pay towards it." The next meeting was held September loth, at which John Smith, the Constable, was elected Moderator, or Chairman, " until the Inhabitants shall see cause to the contrary." Daniel Hendricks was permitted to become an inhabitant of the Piscataway plantation, being the first of four men whom the Woodbridge authorities had the privilege of settling there. September 22d a "good, serviceable, stout bridge" was ordered to be constructed over the Creek below the," Meeting- house Green." Thomas Wiatt was elected the second Wood- bridge man to settle in Piscataway, according to an agree- ment between the two towns. In order to make the settlement as compact as possible, it was ordered on the 9th of October that no large quantities of land should be taken up within a mile of the body of the town; "that is to say, a mile or thereabouts from the brook on the north side of the Meeting-house or Kirk Green, a mile TOWN MEETINGS. 41 or thereabouts from Stephen Kent, Senr., his now dwelling house, and a mile from Strawberry Hill or the Sheep Com- mon," Where two or more of the companies, mentioned in the meeting of August 20th, had selected the same plots of land, or where land w^as selected which was insufficient in quantity for supplying a single company, it was ordered that lots should be cast by the claimants to solve the difficulty. Samuel Moore and John Smith were appointed to assist the Surveyor-General in laying out the land; and those employ- ing them were required " to give them mete satisfaction in seasonable help or otherways, that their Domestick afairs may not too much suffer at home by their owne absence." The Constable was directed to entertain the Surveyor- General with " meat, drink and lodging " at the charge of the town. "Spunk Hill," so called, we presume, because it required considerable spunk to climb it, was situated on the south side of the old Piscataway road; and, according to an entry in the records, was occupied by David Makany. At the following meeting, held October 19th, the Township Court was erected, Lieut. John Pike being chosen Judge and the senior John Bishop assistant. " Theophilus' house-lot " was granted to Samuel Bacon. What circumstance gave it this name we cannot tell. It may have been a dry joke at the expense of some would be Freeholder whose surname is forgotten. Under this date an order is recorded granting io.y. for every wolf killed — the animal's head to be taken to the Constable's house. And this reminds us what a good-natured man John Smith must have been ! Did the people wish to attend Town Meeting? They must go to John Smith's. Did they want the Surveyor-General to be entertained .' Let him go to John Smith's. Did they want a place to bring all the wolves' heads vinto? Take them to John Smith's house. Clever John Smith ! would that thy hospitality were as fre- quently met with as thy name ! On the 22d of October, the first Tuesday in every month was set apart for the Town Meeting day — the session to begin at ten o'olock in the morning and to close at four o'clock in the afternoon. Extra meetings were to be called Avhen 42 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. necessary. Late-comers were to be fined six pence and absentees two shillings. In the November meeting (ist) a little breeze was occa- sioned by some one succeeding in pushing through a town order for a new election for officers of the Township Court. Joshua Bradley stoutly protested that the order was illegal — contending that these officers had already been elected and recorded. He was followed by eleven others who joined in the protest. The officers previously chosen were suffered to remain in the Court, but two additional dignitaries were elected, viz.: S. Kent, Sr., and S. Moore, Assistants — the latter being sworn in as Clerk of the Court. The two Woodbridge Deputies were instructed to consult with representatives from other towns in the Province (Nov. 22) in order to petition the Governor for an explanation of the fact that no Legislature had recently been convened ; also to ask why all the laws of the last session had not been published. By a minute of the December meeting we perceive that Samuel Moore has tlie office of Constable added to liis other honors. But in January, 1670, Richard Worth is the happy (?) recipient of this position. In the same meeting, held on the 4th, John Smith and Samuel Moore were elected Deputies to the General Assembly, and the latter was chosen Town Clerk and Moderator for the year. Three days after, a special meeting was held to "smooth over" the ruffled feelings of some of tlie citizens in regard to the Court elections. Con- siderable bitterness had been evoked in the meeting of November ist, when the new election had been under discussion, and the asperity had increased in the meantime. The following is the preamble to a document presented at this meeting: " Whereas tliere hath been and still are many considerable and uncomfortable dcsircances in this Towne, occationed by the various apprehentions of the Inhabitants and freeholders of the same, about the erecting of a Court of Judicature and the prosecution of the same: and the Inhabitants and free- holders being mett together to compose the same, and in order thereunto have by a joynt consent made clioice of Mr. TOWN MEETINGS. 43 John Smith and Samuel Moore to consult together and to draw up some propositions for the considerations of the Towne, that in tlieir judgments may seem most Rationall for the uniteing of the freeholders and Inhabitants and for the composing of the Desireances now in being." Then follow seven propositions, the first of which reads thus : " That the Inhabitants and freeholders may with suteable purposes resolve and declare each to other that whatever hath been spoken and acted either in words or jestures by way of sturing up of strife or exassperating each other's spirits should be buried in oblivion, and so recorded." There is something noble in this language despite the homely phraseology. It breathes of Christian charity — the choicest of all virtues. The six other propositions retained the officers in the Court which were originally elected ; provided for an annual election of such officers ; for the choice of jurymen ; for fees and salaries and fines; and for four sessions a year. In case an extra session were called the plaintiff was to be required to pay the cost of it. It speaks well'for the spirit of the meeting that this paper was adopted inia>iiiiioiisly ; and it was ordered, very properly, to be recorded in the Town Book. And thus pleasantly ended the Township Court difficulty — the first which had disturbed the harmony of the people. At a meeting held February ist, 1670, some old grants were brought in and recorded. On the ist of March a committee Avas appointed to look for a mill-site; and a present of two hundred and fifty acres of upland and meadow was ordered to be given to the Governor, Philip Carteret — a township present. The meeting on April ist was an unimportant one, and that of May 13th likewise. It will be remarked that the town order designating the first Tuesday in each month as the regular Town-Meeting day was "more honored in the breach than in the observance." Very few meetings were held on this day, A communication was read in the June meeting from the Governor, in regard to military affairs — urging the aj^point- 44 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. ment of a Captain, Lieutenant, and Ensign. Under this date is recorded the agreement of Jonathan Dunham with the Town to build a grist mill, concerning which we have spoken elsewhere. This Dunham was a man of great energy. When he determined upon an enterprise he pushed it forward to success with indomitable perseverance. So many of his relatives settled north of the Kirk Green that the neighbor- hood was known as Dunhanitoivn for many years. The meeting of July 5th refers to the procviring of a settled Ministry in the Town, to which, with kindred topics, we have devoted chapter VII. There is only one item recorded in the August meeting (2d) and that relates to a very serious affair if it was carried out as it is written. It reads in Fitz Randolph's copy as follows : " It passed by vote that there should be twenty shillings paid to any person that kills a wolf or wolves within the bounds of this corporation, the party bringing the head of the Constable^ We were horror- struck when we first read this murderous edict, but we have been convinced by subsequent investigation that the Con- stable's head was not at all required. Wlien the wolf was killed the head was to be brought "^ the Constable " — i. e. the head of the wolf. September 6th the town ordered the erection of fences around the corn-fields, and a committee of four men were directed to inspect the fences in the Township, who should decide whether damages were claimable for the destruction of the crop by hogs and cattle. If the fences of the plaintiff were in good condition the claim for indemniiy was to be granted; but if they were poorly constructed the verdict was to be, in effect : " Served him right ! " But we must bring this chapter to a close, promising to resume the history of the " Town Meetings " in the next. CHAPTER V. 1667—1677 {Continued). Dissatisfaction with Tax — Cross Letter from the Gov- ernor — Wolf Pits — First Grand Jury in Woodbridge — The Honest Scotchman — Paying Fees in Pork — Robert Cuts — Dutch Rule — More Piscataway Trou- ble — The Pound — Stockade — Magazine — Importing Paupers — Legislature Meets in Woodbridge — The Laws it Passed — Second Session in Woodbridge — The Pikes. For some time previous to the events recorded in the pre- ceding chapter, Woodbridge had been agitated by certain of the settlers who aimed to set aside the claims of the Lords- proprietors on the ground that the purchase of the lands was made from the Indians themselves. It was virtually paying twice for them if they paid the tax levied by the English pro- prietors — so they argued. This view of the matter was pre- sented in such a plausible shape that many were inclined to adopt it. In order to crush this movement the Governor sent a message to Judge Pike, directing him to notify all parties con- cerned that those persons who did not conform to the terms of the Lords-proprietors should be denied the privileges of citi- zens of the town — not being permitted to vote in the town meetings or to hold office. Their lands were ordered to be confiscated. This order was issued October 25th, 1670, and was read November ist in the town meeting. At the same meeting Voquillen, the Surveyor-General, presented a crusty lettef from the Governor. Here it is : " To Mr. Robert Voquillen, alias Laprary — Sir : In answer to yours of the 3d Instant, I do not understand that the Town of Woodbridge hath any power to dispose of the Lords-pro- prietors' lands without their approbation, and contrary both to 4.6 WOODRRIDGE AND VICINITY. their laws and to their own articles. When it is theirs accord- ing to their Charter they may do with it what they please ; till then it is at the Lords-proprietors' disposing. Therefore without more ceremony, if there be any so contentious and will not patent their land, lay it out to them that will, and let them go and look for land where they can get it. For Amboy, I wonder Mr. Pierce should be so unadvised as to speak any more concerning it. He knows it was reserved for the Lords in lieu of the seventh part, therefore [he] may set his heart at rest, lor tIiat\\Q shall never have; and if he will not patent that land that is allotted for him, you may lay it out amongst the rest to those that will — I was absent when several of your Town brought corn which Champpine did receive, but not upon the account of Rent due to the Lords. He hath kept an exact account of what he hath received from every particular man, which I will [be] accountable for, and will give no re- ceipt to any of them upon the account of rent but those that have patented their lands ; therefore their policy in that will fail them. — For the Piscataway men, their dividing their lands without order will signify nothing for I am about to patent their land to particular persons which will be glad to have it upon the same conditions t/uy might have had it, and to turn them out of the country; and then let them go to England and dispute it in law with the Lords-proprietors who hath ye greatest interest. I have not more at present but that I am. Sir, Your assured friend, 4th of April, 1670. Philip Carteret." Voquillen presented in this meeting another paper — a war- rant from the Governor for laying out lands regardless of the interference of the disaffected settlers, who were to be ac- counted devoid of any right or title to any property in the Town. The meeting of November i6th was held to take measures for securing a Minister of the Gospel. That of December 6th voted ^8 for the Surveyor as payment for surveying the bounds of the Township and making a draft of the same. In the January meeting (3d), 167 1, the following officers of the Township Court were elected : President: John Pike, Sr.; Assistants: John Smith, John TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. 47 Bishop, Sr., John Martin, and Samuel Moore ; ■ Marshal : Samuel Hale ; Jurymen : Jonathan Dunham, T. Bloomfield, Sr., Abraham Tappen, Isaac Tappen, John Bloomfield, Oba- diah Ayers, John Adams, Samuel Dennis, Benj. Parkis, Thomas Auger, Ephraim Andrews, and John Smith, " Scotch- man." From an entry dated February yth we learn that two wolf- pits had been constructed in different parts of the town, and it was ordered that twenty acres of common land should be set apart for keeping the pits in repair. It will be seen from this and previous orders that these animals were very numerous around Woodbridge. Many methods were employed to de- stroy them, but it was a long time before the settlers were exempt from their destructive forages. These pits, we pre- sume, were deep excavations with perpendicular sides, the opening being covered with slender strips, upon which were scattered leaves so thickly as to close up every crevice and present the appearance of solid ground. Of course, the moment the weight of the unsuspecting wolf came upon it the frail fabric gave way, and the animal found himself a pris- oner at the mercy of the first hunter that came in that direc- tion. The next meeting, March 7th, reveals nothing important in town affairs. On the 4th of April " all Births, Burials, and Marriages " were ordered to be recorded thenceforth ; and it was voted that two Grand Jurymen .should annually be chosen " to take Notice of. Enquire into, and to make Due present- ment of all or any kind of Misdemeanor in this corporation, and to have an oath administered to them for that End." The two chosen for 1671 were Thos. Bloomfield, Sr., and Joho Martin. Two months after this, on the first Tuesday in June (6tli), the next town meeting assembled and appointed two "Way wardens " to attend to the mending of the country roads. An order was passed forbidaing the obstruction of the highways by the felling of timber; a grievance which must have been common, for tlie heavy fine of loi-. was exacted for every tree felled across the road. John Smith, Scotchman, was a man of such remarkable 48 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. integrity of character that the July meeting (4th) directed that liis half bushel measure should be the standard by which all the freeholders should be governed in buying and selling ; *' and all those that shall sell or buy by any other measures, until law makes other provision, shall be accounted villianous to buy or sell by unjust measures." What a tribute to the Scotchman's honesty ! Nothing noteworthy occurred in the meetings of August ist and September 5th ; but in that held on the last day of the latter month a warrant from the Governor was read requir- ino- the immediate election of two Legislative Representatives. John Smith and Samuel Moore were chosen. The meeting of the 30th ot October made the preparations for the Indian expedition which are alluded to elsewhere. One thing, however, strikes us as having a ludicrous aspect. The ammunition for this war was ordered to be paid for "by the Constable in wheat or pork out of the Treasury." How many towns in the State have a pork-barrel for a Treasury ? And how many government contractors are there to-da}' who are content to be paid in spare-rib and pickled pigs' feet for the supplies they furnish 1 " O teiupora ! O mores ! " We almost imagine we see the solemn-kniking Constable fishing in the Treasury for his salary, and the great Justice of the Township Court carrying his greasy fees to his home at Strawberry Hill. These were IhcmWy /at oj/iees. On the 5th of December the Common Lands within the bounds of the township were ordered to be patented to the Freeholders of the town forever, according to an offer of the proprietors, in consideration of a yearly tax of ^^5, to be paid to the Governor.^ The regular January election occurred on the 2d, in the year 1672, Thos. Bloomfield, Sr., being chosen Constable; Samuel Moore, President of the Court; John Smith and Robert Dennis, Deputies, etc. The Deputies were allowed 3^. 6/. per day, during the sessions of the Legislature, out of which they were expected to pay their expenses. On the 7th of May the Freeholders agreed to allow Robert Cuts to build a store-house near the landing, on the east side of Strawberry Hill (now known as Cutter's Dock), giving TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. 49 him a strip of land for the building 60x25 feet, and a dwelling house lot at some other place to be selected by himself. We are compelled to jump from the last date to July 2d, 1674, as only one record of any Town Meeting occurs during this long interval of two years. It is probable that the possession of New York by the Dutch in 1673, ^.nd the demoralization attendant upon the change of government in the Province (for the conquerors at New York extended their dominion over all the surrounding country), affected Wood- bridge ; and Town Meetings were, for a time, abandoned. Besides, Samuel Moore was too loyal to the English Gov- ernment to exercise any office under the Dutch. Some conflict occurred between Moore and the government at New York which nearly resulted in his being imprisoned. It was in regard to a certain bail-bond held by him, as Marshal under Carteret,* which he wished to retain ; but John Ogden, the Sellout, virtually Governor of East Jersey at this time, was authorized to arrest him if he refused to deliver the document into his hands. There is some intimation that Moore carried the case into court. It is possible that the petition which he sent to New York in May, 1674, in which he sets forth that he is "aggrieved" by the "judgment" of the " Schout and magistrates of Woodbridge," may have reference to this case. If so, it is evident that the decision was unfav- orable to him. His petition was considered on the 26th, by the Dutch authorities,! but the matter was referred to the local judiciary. Some matters connected with the Dutch rule should be noted in this place. Three days after the country submitted to the Hollanders, the following appears on the records at New Orange, which was the name given to New York by the victors : " John Baker, Jacob Melyn, John Ogden, cum sociis. Dep- uties from the village of Elizabethtown, Niew-\v^orke, Wood- bridge and Piscatteway, situate in the province heretofore called New Yarsey, praying by petition that they may be allowed to send some Delegates from their said villages to * Itatfleld's Elizabeth, p. 1T6. t N. Y.'Col. Doc, vol. 2, p. 714. D 50 \V(30DBRIDGE AND VICINITY. treat with the Admirals and associate Council of war respect- ing the surrender of their towns under the obedience of their High Mightinesses, the Lords States of the United Nether- lands, and his Serene Highness, the Prince of Orange, and that no audience be granted to their late Governor, Capt^ John Berry, before and until the same be granted to the said Delegates, &c."*. Dated August 12th, 1673.! The next Tuesday morning was appointed for the delegates to make their appearance at the City Hall in New Orange. On the Friday ensuing, these towns were accorded all the privileges enjoyed by the Dutch towns in the Province — freedom of conscience and the undisturbed possession of their lands. On Saturday, the 19th, Deputies were present at the Coun- cil from Woodbridge, Piscataway, and other towns, who were ordered to call together the inhabitants of their respective towns for the nomination oi Schepens (or Magistrates) and the election of two delegates from each town, to meet together as a Board for nominating three persons for Schout and three for Secretary, from which a selection would be made. The nom- inations were presented in due time. John Ogden Avas chosen Schout,^ and Samuel Hopkins, Secretary, over the six towns of Woodbridge, Piscataway, Newark, .Elizabeth- town, Middletown, and Shrewsbury. Six names for Schepcns were sent to the Council of War at Fort William Hendrik from the inhabitants of Woodbridge, and three of them were selected on the 24th of August, and were sworn in September ist, 1673. The fortunate men were recorded as " Samuel Dennis, Obadiah Hoits and Stephen Kent."! The name of " Hoits " was the Dutch rendering of Haires, which was the [equally erroneous rendering by the English settlers at^Woodbridge of the good old name of Ayers. Obadiah Ayers was the man, doubtless, for no Obadiah Hoits lived in Woodbridge. Captains Knyf and Snell were appointed, September 6th, to visit the different towns in " Achter Coll," as this section was called, to administer the oath of allegiance to the inhab- * N. Y. Col. Doc, Vol. 2. p. 571. t Hatfield says "Sept 12"— a mistake. % Called a " Schoat " in F. R.'s copy of the Records. !| N. Y. Col. Doc, Vol. 2, p. 5S2. TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. 51 itants. From their reports we are enabled to give the number of adult males in Woodbridge and Piscataway. In the former place there were fifty-five, of whom fifty-four were sworn on the 14th of September — one only being absent ; and in the latter place there were forty-three, all of whom took the oath on the same day.'^ The Dutch Government did not last long, but during its continuance it was benignant, and gave satisfaction, except to such as adhered to the Crown of England. Voquillen was among the latter, and was tried for sedition and banished. But we must return to the Woodbridge Town Meetings : We presume, from a brief minute, dated February 2d, 1674 (see page 1S9, Town Book), that Satuuel Moore thought his services were worth a salary ; and as none had been paid to him he refused to spend his time in writing the proceedings. The town, in tlie minute alluded to, paid him ^5 for his past services, and twenty shillings for the year 1674, after which Mr. Moore resumed the record. In the meeting of July 2d, 1674, the Piscataway trouble came up again. Daniel Denton and John Gilman, in behalf of that town, had begun a suit against the Woodbridge settlers in order to obtain the upland and meadow in dispute between them. The boundary line which separated the one Township from the other had been drawn by Voquillen, so that the coveted territory was thrown in the corporation of Woodbridge. The Piscataway people regarded this as unjust, and bitter feeling grew up between the sister towns in consequence, manifesting itself in acts of petty spite — as '.ve have previously related. This suit was the culmination of the Piscataway wrath. The Court for the trial was to beheld at Elizabethtown, on the 7th of July, and this special Town Meeting was occupied in getting ready for it. CapL John Pike, Lieut. Samuel Moore, and Jonathan Dunham were appointed by the Magistrates (and approved by the Free- holders) to be the attorneys for defending the interests of Woodbridge. But the trial never came off. The Dutch had possession of the country when the suit was begun; but on * N. Y. Col. Documents, Vol. 2, p. 607, 52 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. the very day the trial was to take place, July 7th, orders were received from the Board of Admiralty at Amsterdam to surrender the forts and restore the country to England.* Of course, all legal processes were abandoned. Under English rule there was no hope for Piscataway, for Carteret had frowned upon its aspirations; but, under the Dutch, favor was expected. The Court was constituted by Deputies from all- the towns in the Province (except those interested in the case) and three men chosen by the Government, of whom one, John Lawrence, was made President.f In the New York Colonial Records the contested lands are mentioned as ",Valleys in dispute," but no other description of them is given; and they remained in the possession of ihe Wood- bridge men. The following is the first entry in the proceedings of the October meeting (2d): " It was passed by vote that there should be a Suffrcient pound Built and Sett up near the Smith's Shop by the Last Day of Novr. next Ensuing the Date hereof, the persons to see it done are the Magistrates of the Towne to witt. Capt. John Pike Left. John Bisliop and Insigne Saml. Dennes." In regard to the location of this "pound " we are somewhat uncertain, but, as it was near a blacksmith shop, we presume it was situated in the neighborhood of John Taylor's residence, which was on the corner of the road opposite the late Israel Rowland's house; and we think so, principally, because John Taylor was a blacksmith. October 27th, the meeting learnedly discussed architecture ; and, as a result of their lucubrations, made preparations for erecting a house of worship thirty feet square — which shows what an eye for proportion our fathers had. November 5th, Capt. Pike and Ephraim Andrews were sent to Bergen to hear the publication of orders from the Lords-proprietors — the substance of them to be brought back to the town and verbally re-published to the settlers. Passing by, for the present, the three intermediate meetings, which chiefly relate to ecclesiastical matters, we * N. Y. Col. Doc, p. 728, vol. 2. t Ibid., pp. 722, 728, vol. 2. TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. 53 come to the 13th of September, 1675. In the meeting held on this day the question regarding the fortification of the town was considered, and the result was the building of a stockade about the prison, as we have already stated. The construc- tion was to be under the supervision of the military officers, and the work was to begin the next day. The men were divided into four squads to act under four leaders, viz. : " Saml. Dennes, Saml. Hale, John lisle, and Thomas Blom- field, Junr." How jealous our fathers were of their rights may be seen in the appointment of Mr. Moore to address the Governor and Council with respect to the prerogative of nominating certain military officers, which, by the Charter, belonged to the Freeholders of Woodbridge, but had been usurped by the Governor. November 3d, 1675, it was ordered that timber on the common land w^hich was not removed within a month from the time of felling it might be used by any of the inhabitants, free of charge. On the 28th the younger Pike was elected Constable — an office which nobody seemed to want, for everybody tried to dodge it. All the Freeholders had a chance, therefore, to enjoy the honors attached to it, for somebody must be Constable. The meetings of January loth, 1676, and April 17th are in reference to the " Meeting house " affairs. On the 15th of May a call was made for the " powder and shot " which each inhabitant was to bring into the Town magazine for purposes of defense. It was also "voted that all unruly Horses that keeps about the Towne, and Doth use to get into mens Land over tolerable fences, that By the owners be Cloged or fettered." September 26, 1676, a committee was appointed "to take the Subscriptions which are Behind for the Governor's areers, according to Law." John Bishop was elected a "viewer and sealer of leather," and a mark was directed to be put upon all bundles of that material by the packer, which mark was a " W with an O in the midst." The Town seal for leather was W with a B adjoined. It was customary, in those days, for the inliabitants to 54 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. entertain the pocu- at tlie houses where the latter happened to stop (as no almshouse had yet been provided), the expense of which was paid by the town. This system was much abused, if we may judge from an order issued by the Freeholders. All persons were prohibited from bringing in or causing to be brought in the settlement any individuals who were claim- ants of the public bounty — from which it appears that some of the citizens were in the habit of importing paupers and charging the town tor their maintenance. The order directed that upon complaint in such a case, the Constable was required to warn the parties so offending, and exact security for the payment of all charges by the offender. A lapse of nearly three years occurs between the meeting in which the above matters are detailed and the next recorded gathering of the Freeholders. The cause for this syncope we are unable to declare. It is possible that the Town Clerk found his time occupied with business of a more valuable character. ,It is more than likely that the small salary of 20S., which had been appropriated for his services in 1674, was discontinued subsequently; and hence the record was suffered to take care of itself The General Assembly of the Province met in Woodbridge on the 5th of October, 1676, lasting four days. Doubtless our readers would like to know what laws were passed in this early Legislature. We therefore extract them from " Learn- ing and Spicer's " collection of early laws (see p. 119). The first enactment is in regard to the Governor's salary, and reads thus : ''Be it enactcdhy this present Assembly that the Salary for the Governor, that is assessed to him for this present year shall be paid in good Merchantable Pease and Wheat, or if any Town will pay in Tobacco not less than a Hogshead, and if their Salary amounts to more, the Remainder to be paid as above said, in Wheat and Pease; every Town to be at the Charge of bringing in the said Payment to the Governor at Elizabeth-Town, without any Trouble or Charge to the Governor, at or before the first Day of December next ensuing the Date hereof. The Price of the aforesaid Species to be as followcth, Winter Wheat at five Shillings per Bushel. TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. 55- Summer Wheat at four Shillings and six Pence the Bushel. Pease at three Shillings and Six Pence per Bushel. Good merchantable Tobacco at three Pence per Pound. The Constable of each Town to collect this Pay; the said Constable appointing a Day for the Inhabitants of each Town to bring it in to him; and if any Person or Persons shall refuse or neglect the Payment hereof, he or they stall pay double the Value of his Salary, and the Constable shall have Power to lay distraint for the same, having a Warrant from a Justice of the Peace of the Town to which the said Constable belongeth." We presume the Governor must have shipped his wheat and peas to England for sale, for no stretch of the imagina- tion will allow us to suppose that he ate them all. It was further enacted that any one detected in an attempt to defraud the Governor ot his "Wheat and Pease " should forfeit double his rate. The next Act of the Legislature directed the Treasurer of the Province to provide a standard for both weights and measures, to be preserved for the use ol the Province. A law was also passed forbidding a Justice of the Peace to exercise any power as an Attorney under penalty of ten pounds fine for every default. Another, in regard to meat casks, reads as followeth: " Whereas there was an Act made April the Sth, 1676, touching the Gage of Meat Casks for Sale, that a Barrel should contain Thirty-two Gallons, but finding by Report of Coopers, that a Barrel containing Thirty-one or Thirty-one and a half Gallons, is merchantable, " Be it therefore enacted^ that all Barrels made for sale, shall contain Thiitj^-one Gallons, or between Thirty-one and Thirty-two Gallons, and such shall pass for merchantable." It was enacted in regard to the rate for the year that " Hog's fat " was to be excluded — from which we infer that the Government was not particularly fond of grease. Grand Jurymen were ordered to be sworn immediately after their election. Rates were to be collected by distraint as promptly as possible. Deputies, who came to tlie Assembly not properly qualified by the towns they represented, were to be 56 WOCDBRIDGE AND VICINITY. permitted to act with the rest; but the negligent constituents should be fined ;£io for every such default. A Thanksgiving Day is thus promulgated : *' Whereas there hath been signal Demonstration of God's Mercy and Favour towards us in this Colony, in the preserv- ing and continuing ovir Peace in the midst of Wars round about us, together with many other Mercies which we are sensible of, which call aloud for our Acknowledgment and Thanksgiving to the Lord, Wherefore be it enacted by this Assembly, that there be a Day of Publick Thanksgiving, set a Part throughout the whole Province, to give God the Glory and Praise thereof, and oblige us to live to his Praise, and in his fear always, which Day shall be the second Wednesday in November next ensuing." This good old custom of a November Thanksgiving Day has not yet grown obsolete and we sincerely hope that it never will. A preamble, setting forth that "this Province is yet in its Minority and Infancy, and that we may be as Provident as we can for the Ease and Benefit of the same," is succeeded by an act in which the Governor is allotted 4^. per day, during the Legislative Session, and 3^, each to the Councilmen and Deputies. Fifty pounds were levied upon the Province as the tax for the year. Inasmuch as, by the terms of the Concessions, no law passed by the Assembly could be effective for a longer period than one year, all the enactments of the previous year were re-affirmed. An act requiring these laws just passed to be read in the several towns within a month was decreed — and thus ended the session, the Assembly adjourning on the 8th inst. The next session was held partly in Woodbridge and partly in Elizabethtown — beginning October loth, 1677, at the former place and concluding on the 19th at the latter. Among the enactments we notice one to suppress /ji/ig, or the publishing of false reports " with an Intent to deceive People." The lawyers would grow fat and the Courts would be overburdened if such a law were'[enforced now-a-days. What our fathers, in their simplicity, thought a crime, has become a science. No man will endure to be called a //ar, TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. 57 but he will deceive and misrepresent his fellow and gain advantages by these means, in telling of which he is never tired and always boastful. He does not lie — he is sagacious. Ah, well ! our fathers might have learned something from us ! Rowdies were to be put in the stocks "for two whole hours without relief" for swearing, quarrelling, drinking liquor, " Singing any vain Songs or Tunes of the Same," on the Sabbath. Selling strong drink to the Indians was to be allowed if great caution should be observed. If danger or disturbance resulted from it the dispenser of the fire-water was liable to a fine of twenty shillings. None but keepers of "ordinaries "* were to sell it.f These men were required to charge eight pence only for a meal, and six pence a day for pasturing a horse. These were the laws passed by the two sessions of the General Assembly which were held in Woodbridge. It may be interesting to our readers to look a little further into the early laws. Our fathers, with all their good sense, were so tinctvired with the prejudices of the times that on the 9th of December, 1675, a law was passed, requiring that " if any Person be found to be a Witch, either Male or Fe?nale, they shall be put to Death. "J To have a reputation as a witch was, therefore, not an enviable notoriety. In the General Assembly of 1694, which was held in Perth Amboy on the 2d of October, a law was enacted to relieve John Pike and his son John from the opprobrium of felony, with which they had been charged on the i6th of September, 1 684.1 A jury had, at that time, convicted them of stealing, because the missing goods had been found on their premises. Subsequently it was proved that the Pikes were ignorant of the presence of the stolen goods in their house. The object of this act was to restore the Pikes to their former standing in Woodbridge and to punish any publication of the unfortunate affair which might injure the reputation of the family. But this was misconstrued, by some evil-minded persons, as an act of favor and pardon ; which, of course, would indicate that the * Taverns. t Learning & Spicer, p. 128. % Learning & Spicer, p. lOG. ! Ibid, p. 389. 58 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. parties concerned were guilty. When tlie Legislature met at Perth Amboy, in February, 1698, after the elder Pike had died, it was enacted that the General Assembly intended by its former act " to publish and make known to the World, that the said Captain John Pike deceased, and his Son John Pike, were innocent, clear, and free of the said Felony in the said Act mentioned."* How hard it is to right the wrong, even when wrong is unconsciously done ! * Learning & Spicer, p. 875. OHAPTE*E Yl 1686— 1Y50. The Quakers — Meetings at Amboy — First in Woodisridge — "G. F." — Building the Woodbridge Meeting-house — Quaker Books — Plainfield and Rahway Meetings, Etc. The history of the Quakers in New Jersey has never been written, notwithstanding it is a field which presents interest- ino- facts, throwing much light on the times of the settlement as viewed from the present. It is a well-known fact that the Friends were much more numerous in the State two hundred years ago, in proportion to the population, than they are now; hence their history is no insignificant part of the history of the State. A great many ot them settled in East Jersey ; and it is with these, especially those of them who came to Wood- bridge, that we have to do in this chapter. The first meeting in this section of which we have any account was held August 3d, 1686. The old book in which this record is made is a curiosity. It is bound, like the Woodbridge Town Book, in thick sheep-skin, and is written in the quaint chirography of the time The orthog- raphy is also unmistakably ancient, but remarkably legible. With this old book in our hands we seem to be en rapport with the men and events oi aid d king syne. Its record extends from 1686 to 1750. The following is the entry under the first date : " Friends at Amboy agreed to have a Monthly Meeting their and that upon the second 4th day of each Month, and the first to begin the second 4th day of the 9th Month 1686." That is all. The next entry, made on the loth of Septem- ber, announces that the monthly meeting held at Amboy 6o WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. "agreed" that "all friends" should bring " Minuts of ye Births & Burials since they first came into this place that they may be Recorded." The Monthly Meetings continued to be held for three years at Amboy, when a Monthly Meeting was begun at Wood- bridge. But we will make. a few extracts from the Amboy minutes, inasmuch the Woodbridge Quakers worshiped with those of that place until the period designated. On the Sth of October (1686) the Friends " agreed to pay' three pounds Mony of this province for the yearly Rent of the Meeting Room." "Likwayes finds it necessary that there be six formes for seats in the Meeting Room the Making of which John Laing toke into consideration." The carefulness of the Friends in providing for the needy among them is seen in the following : "At the Monthly Meeting held in Amboy the 13th of the 2d Month 1687 John pearce being present the Meeting told him that he had done wrong in sending a paper to the people of the world (desiring to be suplyd with a cow he being poor) and not coming to the Monthly Meeting of friends to lay his necessities before them. And thus left him to considder & whether he would Redress his fault if he feels it in himself" On the nth of March of the same year it was directed that " John Reid or his wife take care that widow Mill do not want & give Report to the Meeting." Also two Friends were ap- pointed " to speak to widow Mitchel that shee do not talke of Peter Sonmans as it seemes shee doth, Rather wish hir to come to the Meeting and if yr be difference lay it before friends according to the order of truth." At the next meeting (April Sth) the " difference " alluded to was settled by arbitration. The " formes " were reported as having been paid for. Where the Meeting Room in Amboy was located is a matter of much uncertainty. The Friends themselves cannot tell. John Barclay's house may have been the place,* inasmuch as * "Mr. Barclay's residence in Amboy was probably the old brick building, still standing, in the rear of the house for many years occupied by the Golding family, on High street, near the Square."— Whitehead's Cont. to E. Jersey Hist., p. 4-3. THE QUAKERS. 6l le was a prominent member of the denomination. I judge ;his to be the case from another fact, although it is by no iieans conclusive : that John Barclay was appointed to -eceive the contributions for the payment of the " six formes "or seats" — it being highly probable that the owner of the louse should be entrusted with the funds for its internal mprovement. "At the Monthly Meeting held in Amboy the 13th of the 5th Month 1687 The friends appoynted to speak to Benjamine Clerk brought his answer, which was, that he would not :ome [to meeting] because Governor Lawry called him a divil (as he sayes) wherewith friends not being satisfied desires George Keith & John Barclay to speak to him igain." But Mr. Clerk persisted in his charge against the Governor, after which we find no further reference to the matter. On the 14th of October John Reid, who had hitherto kept ;he book, resigned it in consequence of leaving the place; ^oing to Monmouth County, doubtless, to settle on the tract jn the Hope River which was granted him for services in irawing maps for the proprietors (Whitehead's Contributions, 3. 45). Benjamin Griffith was appointed to fill the vacancy. Whitehead mentions this man as arriving at Perth Amboy in [687, and subsequently, in 1696, becoming a Commissioner of ;he Minor Court {Confrib., p. 44); and yet on the 17th of A-Ugust, 1689, a meeting is appointed at his house "in IVood- bridge." From these facts we infer that Griffith moved to Woodbridge somewhere about 1689. His penmanship is of an elaborate description, and easily read. The first Monthly Meeting held in Woodbridge occurred on the 17th day of August, 1689, as above stated, and is recorded thus: "At a Monthly meeting in Woodbridge it was agreed that the monthly meeting should be kept the third Fifth day in every month, at Benjamin Griffith's in Woodbridge. That Friends of the Ministry coming to Visit us, should be taken care of" The next entry in the record is written in a large, bold hand, as follows : " The above said Monthly Meeting fell from ye year 1689 to ye year 1704 by reason of George Keith's 62 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Separation which was 15 years and Then was appointed to Be Kept att Woodbridge Fflrst by a preparative Meeting and abt 2 years after Kept a Montlily Meeting." The cause of this long interval of fifteen years in the history of the Woodbridge Quakers is well known. George Keith,* a man eminent among the Friends in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, began preaching and writing in favor of plainer garments, "of the abandonment of all forcible measures to uphold secular or worldly government, and the emancipation of negroes after a reasonable term of service." Keith had many followers, causing much bitterness in the hitherto peaceful denomination. The leader, however, was unequal to the task of crystallizing the elements he had disturbed. He became censorious and overbearing, in consequence of which his influence declined; and in 1694 the yearly meeting in London divested him of all authority and his career as a Quaker was ended. In 1702 he visited Shrewsbury as an Episcopalian missionary and created a profound sensation. On the 24th of August, 1704, at a quarterly meeting held in Shrewsbury, it was "agreed" that "for time to come it [the meeting] should be kept at Nathaniel Fitz Randolph's house in Woodbridge every first day of the week until Friends se kause to alter it." " It was then and there proposed by some friends in and about Woodbridge, to wit, John Kensy, Benjamin Griffith, William Sutton and John Laing whether it mio-ht not be konvenient to have a Preparative-meeting setled there to be held once a month ? the Question was considered by friends and they answered, that it was their sence that it might be Serviceable and agreed to it, and left the appointment of the day when it should be held, to the friends of Woodbridge meeting." The Woodbridge meetings, except tvvo,f continued from this time forward to be held at the house of Fitz Randolph until the Friends had completed their meeting house, in which the first session was held September 19th, 1713. We cannot tell where Fitz Randolph dwelt; hence we cannot i: : * "Whitehead's Contrib., p. 16. + These were held at John Kinsey's In Norember and De- cember, 1707. I THE QUAKERS. 63 designate the locality where the Quakers met, for so many years, in harmonious council. Nor are we wiser in regard to the house of Benjamin Griffith where the first Quaker meeting in the village was convened. In 1707 we find the latter spoken of as an inhabitant of Amboy, from which we infer that he had returned to that place, although he attended the Woodbridge meetings with unabated interest. It may not be out of place to state that some well-informed people believe Nathaniel Fitz Randolph's residence to have occupied the site of the building which was the property of the late John Barron, near the depot on Green street. The Preparative Meeting, which the Shrewsbury Quarterly Meeting had authorized in Woodbridge at the discretion of the Quakers at the latter place, was instituted September 9th of the same year (1704) and appointed to be held every third Thursday in the month. We shall not, in the following account of successive events, make mention of every meeting held, but select such facts and sentiments as will prove most interesting to the reader. On the 2ist of October, 1704, Benjamin Griffith was re-elected clerk, and continued to serve in that position until his death, which occurred in April or May, 1709. December 15th, 1704, a long article, full of good counsel, was read in the meeting. It was signed " G. F." Who " G. F." may have been, we can only conjecture. Possibly it was Grace Fitz Randolph, wife of Nathaniel. It may have been some Shrewsbury Friend of eminence writing an advisory letter occasionally to the East Jersey Quakers. The latter seems the more plausible supposition, from the fact that many of the things mentioned in the article referred to, pertain to matters of doctrine and discipline. Two letters, signed " G. F.," follow the lengthy document, the first of which reads thus: "Dear Friends Be faithful in ye service of God and mind ye Lords business, be diligent, and bring ye power of ye Lord over all those that have gainsaid it ; and all you that be faithful, go to visit them all that have been convinced, from house to house, that if possible you may not leave a hoofe in Egypt, and so every one go seek ye lost Sheep, and bring him home on your back to ye Fold, and there will be more joy of that one Sheep, than of the Ninety nine in the Fold." 64 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. From the second letter we make the following extract : *' And Friends all take heed of sleeping, sotishness and dulness in Meetings for it is an illsavory thing to ^e one sit nodding in a Meeting, & so to loose ye sense of ye Lord & shamefac'dness both; and it grieveth ye upright and watchful, that wait upon ye Lord, to se such things, and for ye Priests people and others that come into your Meetings, to se you that come together to worshi]) God and wait upon him, to have fellowship in His Spirit, for you to sit nodding is a shame & unseemly thing." Tn this December meeting, in the record of which the fore- going matters are Avritten, a proposition was made for the purchase of a piece of ground for a meeting house and burial place. It was not regarded at that time with general favor. The proposition was renewed at the next meeting, held January 15th, 1705, with no better result, although considera- ble "discourse " ensued. An act having been passed by the Legislature " for the Ease and Benefit of the People call'd Quakers," the April meeting (21st), made out a certificate, to be used in case of necessity, which, under the provisions of the law, secured to the holder thereof exemption from military duty. In the meeting of May 19th we catch our first glimpse of the trouble among the Friends in regard to the giving and taking of certificates of membership. A small minority opposed the system as being tuo much conformed to the ways of the world ; the majority favored it because it prevented imposition and established the character of the member removing, above the reach of suspicion. Two letters were read from John Pearce of Elizabethtown, a man of very excitable temperament, in both of which he reproves the Woodbridge Quakers for using the certificates. The yearly meeting, held at Burlington in July, 1705, issued a letter to "all Quarterly & Monthly Meetings in East Jersey, West Jersey & Pennsylvania," which is given /// extenso in this old record. It is an ably written paper, occupying eleven large, closely-written pages. From this we learn that the Yearly Meeting was the chief authority among the Quakers, next to which ranked the Quarterly and then the Monthly THE QUAKERS. 65 Meetings. Two representatives were chosen in the Wood- bridge Monthly Meeting four times a year to go to Shrews- bury, where the Quarterly Meeting was generally held. The Quarterly in turn sent at least four representatives to the Yearly Meeting, which was held at different places at the option of the Meeting itself. The Preparative Meeting is thus described: " — ye meeting called ye Preparative- meeting where they are established by ye monthly-meeting * * be held at ye breaking up of every weekly- meeting of worship next before ye monthly-meeting they belong to, unless ye monthly-meeting se cause to appoint another day." The Woodbridge meeting was Preparative from 1704 until October 19th, 1706, Avhen the yearly meeting established it as a monthly meeting. The following extract will give modern readers an idea of the strictness which was enjoined upon Friends in "ye olden time ": They are not considered good Quakers '-If any men or women friends young or old keep not themselves and children to plainness of apparrel as becomes our antient Christian profession, If any men weare long lapped sleeves, Coats folded on the sides. Superfluous Buttons, broad Ribbands about their Hats, or gaudy flower'd, or striped stuffs, or any sort of Perriwigs unless necessitated, & if any are necessitated, then that it be as near ye colour as may be to their own, & in other respects resembling as much as may be a sufficient natural head of hair, without the vain custom of being lono- behind, or mounting on the forehead. Also, if any women yt profess the Truth, wear or suffer their children to wear their Gowns not plain, or open at the breast with gawdy stomachers, needless rolls at the sleeves, or line their mantues or Bonnets with gawdy colours, or cut their hair & leave it out on ye brow, or dress their heads high, or to wear Hoods with long laps, or Pinners plaited or gathered on ye brow, or double hem'd or pinched, or wear long Scarfs open before, or have their Gowns pinn'd upon heaps, or plaits like the vain fashons of the world, or if any are found to wear or follow any other vain and needless fashon & dresses, for as it hurts their growths, so it also burthens the life in such as are E 66 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. careful & faithful, it being not agreeable to that shamefaced- ness, plainness & modesty which people professing godli- ness with good works ought to be found in, as the holy Scriptures testify. That therefore friends be careful as much as may be not to buy or sell any striped or flowered stuffs and that all Taylers concern'd be advised not to make any gaudy or superfluous aparrel. "If there be any superfluous furniture in houses, as double- curtains and Valiants, great Fringes &c : that they be laid aside. " If any accustom themselves or children to call the week dayes and months the names given them by the heathen in honor of their Gods it being contrary to Scripture and our antient testimony. "If any accustom themselves or Children to speak the corrupt and unscriptural Language of you to a single person." On the i8th of August the building of a jNIeeting-house was again discussed, John Kinsy offering a plot of ground for the purpose. Kinsy 's offer was not accepted on account of the inconvenience of the locality in which his land lay. It was resolved, however, to select a suitable place. In September Nathaniel Fitz Randolph reported tliat no eligible spot had been heard of; but in October he stated that a man willing to sell a desirable piece of ground had been found. He was authorized to effect the purchase of it. On the 21st of January, 1706, he informed the Friends that the land, comprising half an acre, could be obtained for six pounds. The meeting approved the proceedings of Fitz Randolph, and he was directed to make the purchase in his own name. A subscription of eleven shillings and six pence was paid, which was swelled at subsequent meetings to the full amount required. William Sutton, being about to remove from Piscataway to Burlington, on the 15th of June donated a year-old steer "towards building [tlic] Meeting-house." Tjie animal was taken to be " wintered " for ds. by Thomas Sutton, son of William, by order of tlie Friends. At this date the land in question had been laid out by Nathaniel Fitz Randolph and John Allen ; and a deed was written by the THK QUAKERS. 67 Clerk, Benjamin Griffith, by which the land was held in trust for the Quakers by Fitz Randolph and John Kinsy. John Allen, formerly minister of the Woodbridge Town Church, was the man from whom the plot was bought (Quaker Records, p. 36), the said Allen owning considerable property about where tlie Methodist Episcopal Church now stands. Many of our Woodbridge readers remember the Friends' burial place, recently occupied by the lecture-room of the Methodists ; but few, if any, are aware that a Quaker Meetino- House once stood there. Such is the fact, and the history of this ancient building, no trace of which is left, is that which we are now recounting. How soon, alas, pcrislies all the handiwork of man ! This house had cost much sacrifice and toil to complete it, as the records show; but wliat remains, except these yellow leaves, to tell us the struggles of the godly worshipers.? May they sleep tlie sleep of the just in their unknown graves, for the story of their toils is known to Qne who giveth rest to His beloved. The deed for the land for the Meeting-house and buryino-- ground is recorded in full, and the bounds are thus o-iven: "On the north by a highway, ou ye west by land now in the possession of Benjamin Donham, & on ye south & east by land of the said John Allen." It is dated "the fourteenth day of the second month," 1707. In the meeting of March 15th, 1707, the following minute occurs: "Agreed That the Land design'd for a Burying-placc be fenced with Posts & Rails, & John Lootbourrow & Joseph Fitz Randolph were desired to endeavour to git some body to doit." But this rail fence was not begun until March, 1708, a year after it was ordered ; so that we regard the order as quite necessary which was passed at the latter date, that Loof- bourrow and Fitz Randolph "take care to git it finished." In May, 1708, the first decided movement toward building the long-talked-of Meeting-house was made. On the 15th a subscription of ^^^34 was effected, to which £^-] 5^-. was added at the next meeting. That steer which William Sutton donated in June, 1706, was "wintered" at first for 6.;.; then, in 1707, for 6^-. 9^/.; and in 1708, after vainly trying to sell the animal, John Laing prevailed on Daniel Sutton to "winter" 68 WOODBRIDGV: AND VICINITV. it for S.C. 6/a/sfer- ing both mean plastering, for in October of the preceding year it Avas " plaistered." Besides, it is unlikely that tlie plaster for a wall would be put upon the clap-boards — yet in that October it was " plaistered upon the clabords," on "all but the South Side." The south side being the front, probably, it was adorned, perhaps, with a brighter paint or wash, as the custom is, to this day, in some parts of the State. Capt. John Bishop, Matthew Moore, John Ilsly, and Joshua Bradley were appointed to oversee the " Daubing [of] the Meeting House." The entire male population was called out lo participate in the da//l>, "with such tools as [were thought to be] Suteable." Twu) doors were yet to be made, for whicii nails were ordered; and the third door, which w^as hanging without a lock, was to be supplied with one immediately. Four thousand lath nails were also bought. And thus all things presaged a speedy termination ot the struggle wnth the half-finished meeting- house. On the 26th of September, 1682, the towmsrnen petitioned the Governor and Council to "Induct" John Allen formally, as their minister, into his holy office. Capt. Pike bore this paper to the august assemblage, and was undoubtedly suc- cessful. Some time previous to January 1st, 1686, Mr. Allen's connection as pastor to the Woodbridge congregation was severed. The cause can (jnly be conjectured : but it is probable that the health of the clergyman had sulfered some- what, for he did not go elsew^here to preach. He lived iu Woodbridge until the day of his death, which was January 19th, 1 7 15. He was married three times. The name of his last wife was Deliverance Potter; the names of the others are unknown. It is not certain that he came from England to this settlement, but it is probable; for Capt. Bound had an account against the town which was not settled until a year or more after Mr. Allen's coming;* and as the only agree- * frt'e Town Book, F. Uaiid.'s cojiy, pa^'e 210. 84 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINrrY. nient with him on the part of the town w^as in regard to the transportation of a minister from England in 1679, we pre- sume that Mr. Allen was that minister, and that the town's debt to the Captain Avas incurred in the manner indicated. January ist, 1686, a committee was appointed to communi- cate with Mr. Archibald Riddell (or " Ruddell ") "to Encour- age him concerning his Settleing in tliis towne," as its preacher. Mr. Riddell accepted the call and in the same year began his ministrations. On the iitli of October he was granted eight acres of land, "adjoyning to the Meetinghouse Green fronting upon the Highway that Runs west into the woods from the Meeting House Green." He was also admitted as a Freeliolder and allowed one hundred and twenty acres of upland for a farm and ten more "for plant- ing" — all of which he enjoyed free of tax; but his heirs or assigns were required to pay a half-penny per acre annually. His ten acres "for planting" were laid out on the last day of December, at a place called Bald Hill (a name given, perhaps, by some wag in town to preserve in memory the Christian name of Mr. Riddell — Arc\\\-l>al(f). The eight acres granted to liim were returned to the town by the clergyman in Feb- ruary, 1687, together with the frame of a liouse which he had begun to build upon it. This was ordered to be finished, and Mr. Riddell to be indemnified for any expense he might have incurred by it tlius far. The building was rented, as soon a.^ it was completed, by the year only, and brought a small revenue into the town treasury.'"" It is supposed that Mr. Riddell ministered to the Wood- bridge congregation until he left the country in 1689. He was the brother of Sir John Riddell and seems to have been a preacher of considerable power. f Before he came from Scot- land to New Jersey he was imprisoned at Edinburgh, ostensi- bly for preacliing in the open air contrary to law, but really because he was connected " with the rising of Bothwell in 1679." Being finally released by intercessions in his behalf, he emigrated hither; but, in the unhappy voyage which befell the Henry and Francis, he lost his wife. He came • r«vfn B.)ok, 227. I See WliitOica I's Contr. K. .1. Hist., p.-i^e 307. THF. TOWN MEETING-HOUSE. 85 to Woodbridge after landing, and settled, becoming the town minister. Others, who arrived in the same vessel, may have settled here, likewise; for many of them, it is supposed, visited the place.* As we have stated, in 1689 he left the country — designing to return to his native land, now that political changes had made his residence possible in Scotland. Setting sail in June with his son, who was but ten years of age, a French war vessel captured the ship, on the 2d of August, just off the coast of England, and the passengers were imprisoned in Rochefort. Mr. Riddell and his son found their way back to the hills and dales of Scotland after a bitter experience of two years in the prisons of France. In 1700 he disposed ot his Woodbridge land to Thomas Gordon. In the deed he is called " Minister of the Gospel at Kirkaldie, in the county of Fife." And this is our last glimpse of this heroic man who once preached to our fithcrs. After such an event- ful life, so full of shadow and storm, wc cannot but hope that, when its evening fell, some golden light from heaven broke over his path, as the sun bursts through a rifted cloud at the close of a cheerless day. In Scott's Lay of the List Minstrel Sir William of Dcloraiuc makes a rapid ride from Branksome Hall to Melrose. A stanza in Canto First reads thus: " Unchallensed, thence passed Deloraine To ancient RUldeW s fair domain. Where Aill from mountains freed Down from the lakes did raving come ; Each wave was crested with tawny foam, Like the mane of a chestnut steed." The note referring to this verse is as follows : "The Rid- dells took their name from Ryedalc. Tradition carries them back to 727 and 936, the dates of some stone coffins found there." But to return to the Woodbridge meeting-house : On the last day of May, 1686, the town decreed that the galleries on the east and west sides of the building "should Be forth with ♦Whitehead, p. .".2. Tho " Henry ami Francis " brought abotit 100 prisoners .to New •'ersey, who were subject to intense sutt'ering on account of the bad food eaten on the voyage. Several died before tho leaky ship came to land. Th« captain is said to hav« been very cruel to th« )>ani8hed company. Kiddell and others had embarked voluntarily. 86 . WOODRRIDGE AND VICINMTV. made usefull and Serviceable, to Be floured [i. e. floored] and Seated, and the Stairs made." December loth, 1692, is the next date at which we find the meeting-house mentioned. It needed shingling; and two men were to shingle one side and two others the opposite side of the roof, the town furnishing the nails and allowing the citizens who did the work to deduct the value of it from their annual tax. The shingles were to be made of chestnut — " Five Inches in Breadth & at Least half an Inch in thickness," to be furnished at the rate of 6s. per liundred. Ezekiel Bloomfield and Matthew Moore, Jr., were appointed to cover one side of the roof, and John Pike and Thomas Pike were selected to repair the other. No mention is made of any minister being souglit, after Mr. Riddell left in 1689, until November ist, 1692, when a commit- tee of eight were directed to write "to some Sutable Man lor the End aforesaid." As an evidence ot a perverted appetite we notice that it was "Passed by Vote that Mr. Powel Shall have and enjoy the grass that shall grow on the parsonage Meadow the Ensuing year 1693." On the 8th of February, 1693, Epliraim Andjews promised to go to New England, as a messenger of the town, in search of a minister on condition that he was furnislied " with money Sufficient for his Journey and a Hors to Ride on." He was directed to " Do his Beast Endeavour to procure a Sutable Man." Ten pounds were accordingly raised to meet the expense. This adventure was as fruitless as Samuel Dennis' proposed trip "to the Northward " in 1674. Over two years elapsed before a preacher was settled in the town. On the ist of October, 1695, Mr. Samuel Shepard was voted ^50 per annum, or its equivalent in the "current pay of the country," which, as our readers arc aware, was pork, peas, wheat, etc. This was to be raised by direct tax upon all the townsmen. Samuel Dennis and Jonathan Bishop were appointed to receive it. On the ground of conscientious scruples William Webster, a freeman of the town, objected to the ministerial assessment. Whereupon Capt. John Bishop assumed his share of the annual rate during his (Bishop's) life-time. A " memoran- dom " in the Town Book sets this forth as follows: " William THK TOWN MKF.TINC-IIOUSF,. 87 Webster pretending- that it was Contrary to his Conscience to pay anything toward tlie Maintenance of a Minister, Capt. John Bisliop hath Engaged in open Town Meeting to free the Said Webster from the Said Charge and to pay the Said websters part so long as the Said Bishop Shall Live." This was the first decided stand against the tax for the support of tlic town minister of which we have an account. The matter had, doubtless, been the subject of much private discussion, and was destined to eventuate in the complete separation of civil and ecclesiastical affairs, the town relinquishing the latter, remitting them to a regularly organized church. In May (i9tl)), 1696, Mr. Shepard for some reason having determined to go to New England (whence he came to Woodbridge. ])robably, the year before) the Town Meeting voted him the building known as the "Town House'' on condition that lie should return. In addition to this house, ihirtv acres of land were offered to him on the same condition. As there was only one suitable building owned by the corporation, we presume that it was the one promised to Mr. Shepard. This house, it will be remembered, was built by Mr. Riddell in part and completed by the town. So anxious Avere the Freeholders that Mr. Shepard should return that a delegation of the most distinguished citizens was commis- sioned, on the 28tli of July, to wait upon him "to Signify the Towns mind" that ''they did unanimusly Desire that [he] Should Return." We note that on April 19th, 1697, it was ordered that John Pike should "■ Disburst the Money Raised for finishing the galleries" of the meeting-house. July i5tli, 1698, other improvements were directed to be made. The walls of the building were to be whitewashed by John Pike, member of the Assembly and Clerk of the corporation ! Just think of that, ye modern men of eminence! Ezekiel Bloomfield was to build a " New Pulpit forth with." Ezekiel was an ex-Assem- blyman, having held that office in 1687 ; and, " Aliis, how fortune varies ! " in November, 1693, he became Pound Keeper, receiving, "for each Beast /6?.v;/^/. 25. ^ IbM. 6. TOWN MEETINGS — RESUMED. 97 this and other facts, to be detailed hereafter, that County pris- oners and some Provincial prisoners were honored with lodg- ings in this Woodbridge common jail. A serious charge was brought against Robert Voquillen (or VauquelUn, as the name is spelled in the " Record of the Governor & Council of East Jersie ") — being to this effect, that he had made his surveys without reference to the " Con- cessions " of the proprietors; that many were without dates or any warrant from the proper authorities. Being sum- moned to answer, he refused to appear. Accordingly, on the 2 1 St of March. 1683, the High Sheriff of Middlesex was ordered to " forthwth repaire to the house of the said Robert vauquillin &: him bring before the Governor and Cbuncill." The Sherifi" was also directed to search his house and bring any records or surveys which he might find. The ex-Sur- veyor-General was present on the 23d, but denied having any papers in his possession which concerned the public. A bill was brought in on the 26Lh from the House of Deputies which was designed to " disenable " both Voquillen and Samuel Edsall from holding office thereafter. What Edsall's crime was, does not distinctly appear; but perhaps it was the destruction of a warrant for laying out certain lands. ^- The bill was signed by the Deputy Governor on the same day.f * Gov. it Gounc, p. ei. + Ibid., 87. CHAPTER IX. 1683—1690. Moore and Dennis — The Sheriffalty — First Tavern in woodbridge — more of the piscataway trouble The Deputy Governors — Quit Rent Agitation — Highways — Pound — Obadiah Ayers — Vigilance Com- mittee — Landings — Second Division of Land — Death OF Samuel Moore — ok Israel Thornell — First Side- walk. We continue our history of the Town Meetings, beginning with that of January ist, 1683. An election was held, as usual, for the choice of officers for the Corporation. Samuel Dennis and Samuel Moore were, just at this time, the two most popular men in the township. The latter was a remark- able man, as the observant reader has already discovered. Perhaps there was no man in the Province better known than he, nor one more implicitly trusted. For many years he had held some of the most important positions, and yet no diminution of his reputation or influence had occurred. If any envied him, as no doubt some did, they were unable to sully his fair fame, or win the proud place he occupied in the hearts of the people. In this meeting, Dennis and Moore were elected Deputies to the General Assembly. As an evidence of the popularity of these two men we find that both Avere in nomination for the Presidency of the Township Court, and the vote stood thus: Moore, 12; Dennis, 10. The Freeholders, doubtless, voted for others; but these stood highest when the ballots were counted. Instead of discriminating between them, the town sent the two names to Deputy Governor Rudyard (whose prerogative it was to confirm all nominations of Justices) that he might choose one of them. Rudyard, taking TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. 99 into consideration the manifold duties already imposed on Mr. Moore, decided in favor of Samuel Dennis.* During this year Mr. Moore held the offices of High Sheriff of Middlesex County, Deputy to the Assembly, Messenger of the House of Deputies,! Town Clerk of Woodbridge and Tax Collector for the township! Besides, he administered (Nathaniel Fitz Randolph assisting) the estate of Capt. James Bollen, late Secretary of the Province, who died intestate ;| and did a great deal of township business as member of different committees, and opened a tavern. On the 23d of February an arbitrary order was passed. If any Freeholder was elected by a majority vote (subject, of course, to the Governor's approval) as a Justice of the Peace, and refused to serve, he was required to pay a fine for such refusal ranging from 20s. to 40s. This is something like the bill which the Deputies sent up for the concurrence of the Governor and Council on the 26th of May of this same year (1683), for punishing those who refused to serve as Sheriffs when they had been commissioned.§ Inasmuch as there was no salary attached to the Sheriffalty, the Council opposed the bill as unjust and having a tendency to bring the office into contempt. The case of Barent vs. Wandle, cited by Knickerbocker, in evidence of the sagacity of Wouter Van Twiller as a magis- trate, may not be an exaggeration after all, in view of the laws just mentioned. Our readers will remember, in the case referred to, that Gov. Van Twiller counted the leaves of the account books and weighed them carefully in his hands and decided that as one was as thick and heavy as the other that they were balanced, and that Barent should give Wandle a receipt and Wandle should give Barent a receipt, and f/iaf the Constable should pay the costs! Knickerbocker remarks that "the office of Constable fell into such decay that there was not one of those losel scouts known in the province for many years." If New Amsterdam had passed a law like those above-mentioned, the Constable would not only have been compelled to pay the costs in Barent vs. Wandle, but also to pay a fine for refusing to serve. * Gov. & Council, p. 42. t Ibid., 52. % Ibid., 4-3. § Gov. & Council, p. 74. Consta- bles who refused the office were to be fined £4. Leatning & Bpicer, p. 868. lOO WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Apropos to this, we find the following entry in the minutes of the Governor and Council (p. 71), under date of May 23, 1683: "The petic'on of Samll Moore late p'vost Marshall of this p'vince now high SherifFe of the County of Middx and the keeper of the Com'on Goale for this p'vince being read, therein setting forth his former great Cost and Charge in keeping and mainctaining the prisoners wthout any allow- ance for the same wch charge is yet Continued upon him there being noe p'vission to this Day made for him, It is the sence of this board as well his former as his latter Charge expended is p'vinciall and ought to be borne by the Country for wose service it is, Therefore it is ordered that his Case bee recommended to the Deputyes now assembled that they may Consider of some effectual way for his redresse, And it's further p'posed that the petic'oner, being in a p'ticular of his Charge that some Due Course may be taken to settle by Act of Assembly or otherwise such a Sallery on that office or other p'vision that the office wch is so necessary may not onely be borne wihout Cost or Charge to the officer but a due Encouragemt. for such who undertake the same, it's ordered that Captn Berry and Capt. Palmer carry up our sence to the Deputyes." Rather cool! Fining a man if he refuses to serve (or threatening so to do), and yet requiring him to bear all the expenses of his office withouf a salary .' Shade of Van Twiller ! Sheriff's fees were not granted until 1686 (Learning and Spicer, p. 300). Jailers' fees were then also allowed: "Turn- ing the Key in and out," Zs.; affixing the seal of the Province to documents, 5^. On the iStli of April Samuel Moore and Samuel Dennis were appointed to petition the new proprietors to confirm the Town Charter, which met, doubtless, witli a favorable re- sponse, but the confirmation was not given. In June the Corporation Court was directed to hold s3ssions on the first Tuesdays in May, August, November and February annually. At this meeting Samuel Moore was "By a unanimo is Vote Made Choice of to keep ordinary TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. lOI [i, e. an inn] for this Towne, and whilst Rum is to Be had from the Merchant at three Shillings or two Shillings and Six pence for [a] Galln he is to aford it for Money at 3 pence for [a] gill, Six pence the half pint, and Eighteen pence the Quart; if he gives more, then to Raise the price." Rum-sell- ing was regarded as a respectable business in those days, much as we wonder at it. Moore's was the first tavern set up in the place, and probably occupied the site upon which Dr. Samuel E. Freeman's drug store now stands, as that is the spot which both the record and tradition assign as his residence. In the meeting of October ist, three men, Samuel Moore, John Bloomfield, and Jonathan Bishpp, were appointed to meet with a committee from Elizabethtown to consult con- cerning the best route for a highway between that place and Woodbridge — their decision to be laid before the next Assembly for final disposition. This road was eventually opened ; whether in consequence of these, or subsequent negotiations, we cannot tell. The bridge and causeway over the Papiack Creek and meadow were ordered to be repaired. In November a committee, headed by the Woodbridge military chieftain, Capt. John Bishop, was directed to exam- ine the magazine and report the "Town's Stock of Powder and Shot." If the report was ever made no record of it has been preserved. The amount of war material was, doubtless* inconsiderable; and a contest with an enemy would have found the settlers illy prepared to cope with him successfully. Notwithstanding that the Woodbridge men had intended in the latter part of November, 1682, to fix the boundary between their own land and that of the Piscataway men, we find that as late as February, 1684, it had not been done. A committee of six engaged to do it, at a Town Meeting of the latter date, and to complete it by the last day of the following April for the sum of thirty-eight yhillings. The money was ordered to be raised and the Piscataway people to be notified, but whether the boundary line was run or not belongs to res incognitae; for the committee never thought it was worth while to report. In all probability Piscataway objected to the I02 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. proposed line and the matter was indefinitely postponed. The Piscataway Deputies had presented a petition to the •Council of the Province in May, 1683. The memorial, "Desireing a grant of all the lands w^thin the Indian purchase for ffourteen pounds p. Ann: was here read — and Edw. Slater and John Gilman being then p'sent, they were Answered that their request was not intelligeable, the quantity of Lands wthin those bounds being uncertain." So the paper was dismissed.* This was designed to overthrow the Woodbridge claim, and would have had the intended effect if it had been acceded to; for its very indefiniteness would have given the Piscataway men unlimited authority over the disputed ter- ritory. On the 28th day of February, 1684, another change in the Provincial government took place. f Gov. Barclay sent over a Deputy to supersede Thomas Rudyard, who, on the day designated, called his new Council together, assigning to his predecessor, Rudyard, the position of Secretary. In the new Council we find the name of Samuel Dennis, of Woodbridge, who served through the administration with great fidelity, as the records show. The new Deputy Governor was Gawen Lawrie, who held the office until October, 1686, when Lord Neill Campbell was commissioned by Barclay as the chief officer of the Province Both Rudyard and Lawrie had failed to give satisfaction to the Proprietors because the taxes were not collected with sufficient promptness, the dividends coming in very slowly; besides, they were more anxious to secure large tracts of land for thernselves than urge the interests of those whom they were appointed to serve. J The Council held at Perth Amboy on the 28th of December, 1686, was the last at which Gov. Campbell presided; for, hearing that James II. was becoming tolerant to Protestants, he, wlio had fled for his life for daring to be one, hastened back to England to greet his wife and children again,§ leaving his honors in the hands of one of his Councilmen, Andrew Hamilton, of Amboy. Hamilton's commission was officially read March 1 2th, 1687. During his term of service we note that two * Cov. & Council, p. 74. t Gov. & Council, p. 100. t Uatfiold's Elizabeth, p. 231. § Ibid , 233. TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. lOJ Woodbridge men were chosen among his Councillors — John Bishop and Samuel Dennis. To return to the Town Meeting of February 25th, 1684: A committee of three was appointed to "Meet with the Governor or proprietors at Amboy to treat with them or with whome they appoint for the Renewing of the bounds accord- ing to the first Survey between amboy and our towne of Woodbridge." What resulted from this conference we cannot tell. Robert Wright, in asking for a certain tract of land, formerly the property of John Trueman, was granted posses- sion of it on condition that he should settle on it and work at his trades. He was a tanner and shoemaker, and came from Staten Island. John Allen, the popular preacher of Woodbridge, was now actively engaged in agricultural and kindred pursuits. At this meeting he was chosen meat packer for the town. The exportation of meat had grown to be a lucrative traffic among the settlers; and, to foster it, they threw around it the safe- guard of public inspection by an honest and capable officer. On the loth of April, Capt. John Pike and his son John and Capt. John Bishop were chosen to discuss the Quit Rents and other matters with the Governor and Proprietors. Dis- affected parties throughout the Province were endeavoring to znake it appear that land bought from the Indians should be exempt from tax, except that which they levied upon them- selves. So specious were the arguments advanced that the Woodbridge men, in their desire to be loyal, appealed to the Proprietors for some conclusive evidence against the Indian- title theory. They were manifestly non-plussed. The town order is thus stated : "That which the towne Desires should be Debated with the governor and present proprioters is as foUoweth: Viz: first how it may apear, that the Gentlemen that Now Claims the proprioty of this province of East Jersey: have So Real an Jnterest, th.at they have Reason, Justice and Law on their Sides to Demand Quitrents from the Jnhabitants of East Jersey, and that the Jnhabitants may Safely pay it to them as Not [to] be Questioned for the Same in time to Come by any I04 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Others, zdly to Desire of these present propriotors, the Con- firmation of our Charter and General patten for Commons. 3dly the Confirmation of our particular pattens." The committee reported to the meeting of May 22d that the items specified had been discussed. It was recommended that a petition should be presented to the Governor and Proprie- tors asking for the confirmation of the Woodbridge Charter and the patents just mentioned. In regard to the debate on the Quit Rent question nothing was reported at this^time. On that point we imagine that the Freeholders were dissatis- fied; for, as late as January ist, 1685, we find a "difference" between them and the Proprietors on this subject. However, four of the chief men of the town were eznpowered to settle the difficulty, which was amicably done; and subsequently the following minute appeared in the record: "At a Publick Towne Meeting the 22d Day of September 16S5: it is Deter- mined By the Jnhabitants that the Quitrents aught to be paid, and that to the present Goverment; and Every person to take Care to Discharge their parts of the Quitrents with what Convenient Speed they Can." Thus did the Woodbridge Freeholders commit themselves to the payment of this land tax, concerning which so much controversy has arisen and such diverse views have been held. The celebrated Elizabeth- town Bill in Chancery grew out of the discussion of this question. A large and influential party sought to throw oft' what to them appeared to be a dreadful incubus, by contesting the case in the courts. The bill was drawn in 1746, but was never decided by process of law. Deputy-Governor Lawrie sent a message to Woodbridge, which was read in the Town Meeting of June 30th, 1684, in which he requested the gift, for the Proprietors, of five hundred acres of land, to be included within the bounds of Amboy. This was unanimously and decidedly refused by the Freeholders. In October it was resolved to repair the highways. Capt. Bishop was appointed to look after the Rahway roads; Samuel Smith was assigned to the same duty "for the Middle part of the towne"; Ephraim Andrews for the road leading from Capt. Pike's (at Strawberry Hill) to the Amboy line ; TOWN MEET1N(;S, CONTINUED. 105 and Israel Thornell for the highway from the Amboy line to the P iscata way road ; — "and all the Jnhabitants are obliged to appearc at the Several places appointed By the Several overseers, and to Be Ready to go to work By Sun an hour High or Else the overseers may Refuse them." The old pound, having been neglected, was in such a state ot dilapidation that in September, 1685, John Pike was engaged to make a new one on the old site; "to be of the Same Length and Breadth with the old pownd, to be made with good Square posts, and five good faire Rails & a good Substatial Cooping, Rails wellfixed to the heads of the posts." For which Pike was to receive ;^3. On the common land much timber was cut and used ille- gally by certain persons who sought thus to enrich themselves at the expense of the town. Eight men were chosen, who lived in as many different localities, to guard the common property. John Conger and Noah Bishop were chosen for Rahawack [Rahway] and parts adjacent ; Samuel Dennis and Israel Thornell for the west side of the Papiack Creek ; Mat- thew Moore and Isaac Tappen for the east side; John Dennis and John Bloomfield for "the out plantations near Piscata- way." In January, 1686, two Constables were chosen instead of one, as heretofore — " Nathaniel Randolf & Obediah Hayers," as the transcriber puts it. Some of our acute readers will recognize Obadiah. in spite of the picturesque spelling, as a member of the "Ayres" or "Ayers " family. He was often almost indistinguishable as Haires. His name is spelt Ayers in a record of the year 1695, so that there is no doubt of his identity. In this January meeting (ist) John Bishop " Ingaged to make a Sufficient Bridge over the Brook Called the Mill Brook in the Country Highway Leading to Elizabeth towne." This is the stream in Lower Rahway (or Leesville) which is now spanned by a bridge, as in those days, and probably at the same place. At the Town Meeting of the 31st of May the following order passed unanimously: "that if at any time it Shall So hapen that any person or persons whatsoever whether Neighbors or Io6 VVOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. St[r]angers Shall act any Manner of trespas against, Jnfringe, Jntrench or Jncroach upon the Rights, Libertys or previledges of this towne or Corporation of Woodbridge; or act any way against the Prudential orders of the Same : that then all aad Every Jncroachment Trespas or act : with the Name of the person or persons by whome it is Done, Shall forth with be given into the Committy Made Choice of by the towne for that pr.rpose, or to one or two of them, to the End the Matter be forth with Jmparted or Communicated to the Rest, which Comitte hereafter Nominated are hereby Jmpowered to take Cognizance of Consult about, and Determin as the Major part of them Shall agree upon Conclution of any Such Matter or thing, and to appoint one, two or three more or Less of themselves, or any other according to their Discretions in th6 townes Behalf, as the Matter Shall Require, to Summons, arest, Enter plea action or Declaration against, and in Course of Law, amply and fully to procicute to the full all Jntents and purposes, any action or plea So Entered, and also to Defend any action and answer any plea that may Be Entered or made against the towne By any person or persons whatso- ever, or that may be Entered or Comenced against any particular person or persons, wherein the Right, title, prev- iledge or Jnterest of the Town or Corporation may Be Directly Concerned, taking profit or Loss, with the Standing or falling of Such Case or Cases So Commenced, or plea or pleas Entered: the towne holding for good what from time to time the Said Comitte Now, or hereafter By them to Be Chosen Shall Lawfully Do or Cause to be Done, in or about the Before mentioned premises Defending and Maintaining them in the Same." This looks a great deal like a Vigilance Committee, and we can imagine only two reasons for its existence; either the Piscatavvay men were contemplating another raid on the Woodbridge boundary, and this was intended to intimidate them; or dishonesty and rascality were so prevalent that such a measure as this was necessary for public security. We have stated, in a previous chapter, that the tone of society in general was very low in the settlement in consequence of the lack of moral and religious influences; so that it is not TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. I07 improbable that out of this fact grew the necessity of this committee. Jonathan Dunham, Robert MacCleland, Capt. Piice, Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, and Samuel Moore were elected under the provisions of the town order. Nothing occurred worthy of note between that May Town Meeting in 1686 and the one in January of the next j^ear, except certain ecclesiastical matters which are chronicled elsewhere. A highway was laid out on the 8th of January, 1687, for the Rahway settlers, beginning at Robert Wright's landing (at William Edgar's corner, just as you enter Rahway from the Woodbridge road), and extending thence easterly down to "John Codington's point" into the meadows. The landing here mentioned' was reserved, by town order, for a public dock perpetually — as also was the landing at Capt. John Bishop's on the same stream, east of the Captain's grist-mill. These docks were first built for the transportation of hay; but, althovigh that continued for many years to be one of the principal articles of export, an extensive trade gradually developed in breadstuflfs, etc., which rendered the landings well-known and important points. Their names were as familiar as household words in those early days; but the advent of steam, superseding the oar and sail in commerce, has nearly obliterated them from the memory of man. Of the many landings all along our creeks, only four or five are known to the present generation. One Autumn day we started in search of an old-time dock on Smith's Creek, and, after hunting diligently along its margin, we found it at the end of a lane, leading out of the main road, the ruts of which were filled with tangled grass. The wharf is very old, but its appearance indicates that it is substantial even yet. This is supposed to be the once well-known Cortland's Landing (see Chapter II.), now seldom used and its history involved in obscurity. John Conger and Noah Bishop, who, in 1685, were appointed to prosecute any one in Rahway or adjacent places who illegally cut the timber on the common land, were the victims ot a suit, brought against them by Thomas Thorp in 1687, for removing from the commons some of Thorp's dressed Io8 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. trees — by mistake, doubtless. The costs fell upon the town, of course, as Conger and Bishop were acting as its agents in the matter; and to prevent further litigation the meeting of February 14th sent a committee to the victorious Thomas to ask for a cessation of hostilities. This meeting being occupied, till late in the afternoon, with ecclesiastical business, it adjourned until eight o'clock the next morning; at which time there was, probably, a large attendance, for the second division of land was to be con- sidered. The quantity ot land in the first division is found approximately indicated in Chapter III., in the list of original land-holders. The second division was to comprise sixty acres of upland J or each Freeholder. We ti\anscribe the order for the survey : " Jt also passed By Vote that the Divisions of Land Now to Be Laid out Shall Begin a little to the westward of the High- way that Runs to Elizabetli Towne upon the west line Betwixt Elizabeth towne and Woodbridge and So to Extend westward So far as the towne Bounds Extends, and from thence upon the South line untill they Come to the Heads of the farms already Laid out, and if in that Circate [circuit] there Be Not land Enough then to Begin at the Rear of the Lots abovementioned, and to Run the Same way that the first Range Did Runn, and to Continue the Same Manner till the Compliment of Lotts Be all Laid out if there Be Land Enough: and for the Efecting the Leying out of the Said Land, the towne hath appointed ten Men for that End, which Men or the major part of them hath full power (if "any Now Nominated Do fail going) to make Choice of any other person or persons in their Rooms, provided that Mr. Lipray,- Jonathan Dunham or Saml. Moore Be one of the Major part, they Being the three principle persons we would and Do hereby oblige them with the Rest that Shall assist them to use the Best of their Discretion to Ley out Each Division of Land Eaqually as May Be & if it So falls out that one Lott of Land be like to Be Better than the other, then to add So much in Quantity to the Bad Lott that may Countervail the Goodness • Another perversion of Qen. Voqnillen's name. TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. lOQ of another, and Exactly to mark out Each Lott and to Num- ber them as they are Laid out : and that the Said ten Men or the Major part of them Shall Ley out the Said Lotts as Con- veniently as they Can upon good Land: and if there be any Low Barrin or Swampy Land Not fitt for Service or Jmprove- ment, to Leave that out according to their Discretion : the ten Men appointed for this Service are Viz: Mr. Robert Voquillin, Jonathan Dunham, Saml. Moore, Saml. Smith, John Blomfild, Ezekiel Blomfild, John Pike, Matthew Moors, John Conger, Jonathan Bishop, and it is Desired that these ten Men would make their Business forth with to Ley out the Said Divisions of Land ; Six hands to be Each Day about the Said work and to have for their pains three Shill- ings per Day." The parcels of land were drawn by lot after they were laid out and numbered — the numbers being written on slips of ^paper and thrown promiscuously into a bag, from which they were drawn by one the Freeholders appointed for that pur- pose.^' January ist, i68S, being Sunday, the meeting was adjourned to assemble on Monday, after electing two Deputies to the Legislature. But nothing of any importance occurred be- tween this date and June 15th, when the long period of Mr. Moore's official life is seen to have come to an end. It was during this year (May 27th) that he died, and Samuel Dennis was elected Town Clerk in his stead, in the June meeting. We have elsewhere alluded to the varied and efficient public services of Mr. Moore. Matthew, his brother, is fi^equently mentioned in the old Town Book ; but he did not attain to the distinguished position of Samuel. The latter seems to liave been a capable, faithful, and honest servant of the town- ■^hip and province; and, as such, he will ever be held in honor — and it is no small part of our purpose to rescue from obscurity the names of those who have done well in "ye days of yore." Samuel married, in New England, Hannah Plumer, who died, eighteen months afterward, in December, 1654. In September, 1656, he married again — Mary Ilsley becoming his wife and removing with him to Woodbridge. * FrwhoMors" Records, p. ?0. no WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. By her he had six children — four sons and two daughters. Whitehead considers it probable that "he was married a third time (Dec, 1678) to Ann Jaques." This is possibly correct. His wife Mary was living in June, 1678, as we learn from the Birth Record, in which her name occurs in connection with a doubly interesting event ;* but it would seem scarcely probable that he married in December, even if his former wife died in June, which is not chronicled. But he did marry a third time; and by Ann he had one child, Sarah, who was born September i6th, 1681. This daughter died in January of the same year her father was buried — a little more than four months intervening. So in June, 1688, Samuel Dennis became Town Clerk ; and in October following he was elected Moderator, to serve "dureing the towns plasure." John Dennis, on the 29th of the latter month, was appointed to superintend the making of a bridge near his house over the brook which runs across the road on the west of Alexander Edgar's residence. Dennis lived on the east side of the highway, about where Edmund Ayers now lives. The death of Israel Thornell, the "rate-gatherer" for 1688, seems to have made a great deal of trouble. He died, prob- ably, in September or October, after some of the taxes had been paid; but left his accounts in an unsettled condition. Evidence and personal oaths were required to settle the ques- tion of payment in many cases. Not that Thornell was dishonest; but being stricken down suddenly, he had no time to adjust his business with the town. As receipts were not given by the Collector the inhabitants were liable to be visited a second time for t:he same year's tax. John Ilsley acceptably filled out the unexpired term of Mr. Thornell. The first sidewalk we read of was ordered to be made on the 24th of October, 1689 — to follow the highway leading to Thomas Pike's house, in the direction of Rahway. We need not assure the reader that the sidewalk was not flagged or laid a la Asphaltum. Very likely the blackberry vines and young sassafras trees were cut down on the side of the road and then — the path was done ! OHAPTEE X. 1690— ITOO. ' The Rangers — Geese Troubles — Town in Debt — The Courts — Another Town Clerk — Indian War — A Sick Man in Town — New Bridge — Walker's Experience — Too Much Talk in Meeting — The Freemen — A Model Compact — Riot in Woodbridge. An alarm was created in the Province, in the Spring of 1690, by the report of the approach of hostile French and Indians. Elizabethtown sent the note of warning, suggestino- that Woodbridge, as other towns were doing, should employ an able man to range the woods, in company with the rest) "above the towns," in order that they might not be surprised and butchered by the foe. But no tomahawk was lifted, nor did a Frenchman make his appearance in the hamlet. Mr. Lyon, the Ranger, put up his gun and brought in his bill for ;£i 5^., after tramping in the woods for a little more than a week. The geese began to be troublesome on Strawberry Hill, This classic spot was set apart for sheep alone; but the geese, in^defiance of the Town Meeting, invaded it and ate the tender grass with keen relish, thus depriving the sheep of their means of sustenance. In September the geese came near being "dealt with according to law;" but the settlers never fell over each other through excessive haste, so the matter was postponed. On the 30th of March of the next year the fol- lowing order removed all hope from any Woodbridge goose's breast of again enjoying the timothy and red-top on Straw- berry Hill ; " It passed By Vote that from and after ye fifteenth Day of May Next Coming after the Date hereof, that Neither the freeholders or Inhabitants of this towne and Corporation Shall Suffer any of their Geese or ganders to go and feed on any 112 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. the usual Sheep Commons or feeding ground within the said Corporation." And if any goose or gander was so unfor- tunate as to be caught taking a sly nibble in the forbidden places the fowl was to be killed forthwith. From all of which we conclude that the settlers were "sound on the goose question." The sheep of the settlers were distinguished by certain marks and ran together in large flocks; but between the 20th of July and the loth of November yearly, after 1691, the rams were taken frotn the rest and housed by the respective owners. They occupied the commons, especially congregat- ino- in large numbers on Strawberry Hill, v/hich is hence often spoken of in the records as the Sheep Common. In November, 1691, we find the town's credit impaired. A third part of all its former debts vv^as to be " abated," by the consent of the several creditors. The following debts for 1690-91 were provided for by special tax in the Town Meet- ing of December loth : " For five wolfs, ^3. 6^-. 8^/. to Mr. Lyon J^\. 55. to Jonathan Bishop ;!^i. to Samuel Dennis for Clerkship ;Q\. to Rate gatherer 15 Shillings: for the Covering the Meeting House X8." None of this was to be paid in eash, but in produce. During the next year great attention was given to the improvement of the highways. Edward Hains was granted permission to put up a blacksmith shop on the cast side of the road, adjoining Samuel Smith's. This is near the spot occupied by Mr. Lorraine Freeman's residence. In November liberty was given to any inhabitant of the town "to plant or Jmprove by Sowing" any of the common land for six years, provided no more than six acres were taken by any individual, and that the land should be restored" to the town " well cleared of trees." In the meeting of January 2d, 1693, the Monthly Court, otherwise called the " Court of Small Causes," was estab- lished in the township. This Court was authorized by Act of Assembly in 1675, for the trial of cases involving 405. or less,* to relieve the calendar of the County and Corporation • Lesmlog & Spicer, \ TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. II3 Courts, and to afford relief to the poorer classes, who, by reason of the expense attending a suit in the upper Courts, were unable to recover their small amounts by action at law. It was required to meet on the first Wednesday of every month, and was to comprise three persons only (without a jury"'), one of whom was to be a Justice of the Peace. Execu- tion, in due process, might issue from this tribunal ; and even a jury might be summoned, if either plaintiff or defendant demanded it. A Clerk and a Messenger were its officers. The County Courts, or "Courts of Sessions," were author- ized in the same year (1675), as also was the Province Court, or "Court of Assize," which was ordered to meet yearly at Woodbridge on the first Tuesday in October.f The Middle- sex County Court held two sessions annually, at first — one at Woodbridge on the third Tuesday in March, and the other at Piscataway on the second Tuesday in September.,]; These two towns comprehended the county then, as the enactment declares. Later (in 1682), Middlesex is thus described: ^'Middlesex County, to begin from the parting Line, between Essex County and Woodbridge Line, containing Woodbrido-e and Piscataway, and all the Plantations on both sides the Rariton River, as far as Chesquake Harbor Eastward, extend- ing South-West to the Division Line of the Province, and North- West to the utmost Bovinds of the Province."! In this year (16S2) the sessions of the County Court were increased to four, as follows: "The third Tuesday in March yearly, in the publick Meeting House, in Woodbridge. The third Tuesday in June, in the publick Meeting House in Piscataway. The third Tuesday in September in the publick Meeting House at Woodbridge. And the third Tuesday in December, in the publick Meeting House, at Piscataway. "§ Criminal and civil causes were tried by this Court, the Judo-es of which were the Justices in the County. Three of them, at least, were reqviired to occupy the bench in all trials — a jury of twelve men rendering the verdict. In Woodbridge for several years the jury was chosen annually for the Township Court, just as were the other town officials. * Learning & Spicer, 229. t Ib'd., 9T. i Ibid., 95. 1| Ibid., 229. § Ibid., 231. n 114 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. The Court of Common Right, or Supreme Court, was established in 1682, and held four sessions yearly at Eliza- bethtown. Its members might number from six to twelve, none of whom were permitted to behmg to the High Court of Chancery.* The town of Amboy Perth, as it was then called, was not of sufficient importance until 1686 to establish a Court there. In that year the Middlesex Court sessions were thus arranged: The third Tuesday in December at Amboy Perth; in March, at Piscataway; in June, at Woodbridge; in September,'"at Amboy Perth again; "and so to go circularly and successively round. "f Another Town Clerk was sworn into office in January, 1693. Samuel Dennis had become tired ot it, besides being burdened with a multitude of other public cares. Ills suc- cessor, the fourth Clerk of the Corporation, was Thomas Pike, son of the distinguished Capt. John Pike. For some cause not now known, Dennis was chosen Town Clerk instead of Pike on the nth of April, 1694, and was required to appear to take the usual oath. Richard Powell, Daniel Robins, and Obadiah Ayers, Senior, were sent to bring him to the meeting for that purpose ; but he stubbornly refused to come. Pike was, therefore, re-elected, and held the office until 1711 — a "fj^rxod. oi eighteen years. Between 1707 and 17 11 his time was largely occupied in laying out lots for the Freeholders, and recording them. But to return to 1693 : On the 2d of February it is recorded that John Bloomfield and Jonathan Bishop should each receive 12^'. for "going up to the Jndians this Last Spring." It is likely that they went to the north to treat with the savage tribes and secure their friendship. At this time the Indians were in alliance with the French and were disturbing the frontier. The war between England and France was raging, and the emissaries of the latter were plotting the destruction of the English colonies. All means were employed to propitiate the red men, and the Jersey settlers generally were secure from their fury. Gov- * Learning & Spiccr, 370. t Ibid., 296. TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. II5 ernor Hamilton, in October of this year, called for men and money to forward to New York for the defence of that Province from the allied forces.* The Deputies ap^reed to send fifteen men to Albany to protect that point. The Gov- ernor was indignant. He wanted thirty men, at least. Tiiey said they had five more, making twenty, who might go. The Governor told them that it "seemed very strange that they should bargaine as if they were buying or selling a horse or a Cow, when their own seafty & Credit Lyes at stake. "f But the Deputies would only send twenty men, arguing that they were too poor to pay the expenses of a larger number. They were poor, doubtless; but their generosity was not remark- able. In April the Town was unwillingly the nurse of a sick man — a stranger, named John Taggett. He had come into the place and fallen ill. The Freeholders were much distressed thereat. Thomas Swan was paid ^s. a week to keep the poor fellow, and Samuel Hale promised to receive the pork and wheat, etc., to dispense to the tender-hearted Swan as the 5^-. worth of them fell due. A committee was appointed to warn all strangers to leave the place if they^ seemed to be poor and likely to be sick. They were permitted to stay by giving security that they would behave and free the town from all expense in case of sickness or other misfortune. Two men, Ephraim Andrews and John Pike, were appointed in November to meet the Justices at the next session of the County Court to make some provision for its expenses. Andrews was also empowered " to Clear the way Between Amboy Bounds and Pascataway path," over whicJi some trees had been felled. A committee of four' was sent in January, 1694, to look at the Papiack Creek, near Jonathan Dunham's mill, to consider how best to construct a cart bridge over it. The old bridge was either worn out or had been swept away by a high tide. The new one was to be built immediately. The Town Meeting met in the meeting-house, as usual, oa the 22d; but it was cold in there, and they hastily adjourned • Gov. & Council, 159. + Ibid., ICl. Il6 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. to " Samuel More his house." We presume this " More " was the eldest son of Samuel Moore, the late Town Clerk, and that he had succeeded to his father's business as inn-keeper. He was only twenty-four years of age at this date. At the two subsequent meetings during the Winter the Freeholders adjourned to Richard Powell's house, which was nearer, probably, than Moore's; but nothing of special note is re- corded in these gatherings, except some ecclesiastical and educational matters referred to, in the proper places, in this volume. In the Autumn, the bridge over the Papiack was pushed forward to completion, under the supervision of Matthew ;^oore. In January, 1695, the standard prices of certain products, by which the annual taxes were gauged, were as follows: Indian corn, per bushel, 2s. 6d. ; Rye, ;^s. ; Wheat, 4^. ; and Oats, IS. 6d. On the ist of February the Freeholders beat a retreat from their cheerless meeting-house to the hospitable home of Richard Powell to hold their Town Meeting. Stoves were not dreamed of in those days, and a fire-place in a meeting- house was sacrilegious and ridiculous. So our fathers shiv- ered all through the sermon, and our mothers sat patiently anticipating Summer, while the good man told, perchance, ot the land over which blow "no chilling winds " — into Avhich, doubtless, they have since entered. A committee of five was appointed, consisting ot Messrs. S. Dennis, S. Hale, E. Andrews, E. Bloomfield, and J. Pike, to call Town M-eetings by written notices sent by Francis Walker throughout the region round about. Walker prom- ised to do this as long as he remained in the place; he was to receive 3^'. for every meeting, going to" each man's liouse to give the notice. His first and last experience was in March. He retired from the position in disgust. To travel from Ra,hway to the verge of Piscataway and from Amboy through the settlement to the Rah way River on the north, was not an easy task — especially in the unpropitious month of Marcli, concerning which Byron was not iar wrong in describing its coming — " With storms of wind and cbans^ino; skies." TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. II7 After Walker's defection the two Constables were empow- ered to carry the notices through the township, receiving 3^-. each for every " warning," as it was called. To secure punc- tuality the Freeholders were not permitted to vote on any question which had been settled by a majority vote previous to their arrival at the meeting. The meeting of the 25th of March, which was the one called at the expense of the boots and patience of Francis Walker, found it necessary to check the volubility of its members. It was ordered " that No person Shall (in our meetings) Speak to any Towne Business, Except he Shall first obtain leave from the Moderator So to Do, who having Spoke his Mind Shall Be Silent and give place to others; and when Every man have had free Liberty to Speak, then to Jssue the Same By a Vote." The order of 1672, requiring the vote of every Freeholder present to make valid an appropriation of common land to an applicant, was now repealed. Such an appropriation might be made hereafter by the consent ot the majority. Several /;r^/;/^/i! having been accepted by the town, it was considered necessary to define the privileges and responsibil- ities of this class of people. Hence the following appears on the record : " The Terms for Admiting free Men arid Disposeing of Land. " March ye 25th, 1695, Jt passed By a free Vote of the freeholders of the towne and Corporation of woodbridge, that whomesoEver Shall Be admited a freeman of this Corpora- tion, Shall By Virtue of Said admition have Liberty of graz- ing or feeding (according to proportion) on the Commons? fire wood, fenceing and timber for their use upon their planta- tions, and for this they Shall Be obliged to pay Down or within three Months after their admition twenty Shillings for the Townes use: and also to Bear their Eaqual proportion of the five pounds per annum for our Commons; 2dly that whomesoever Shall have any Land granted out of our Commons, Shall pay twelve pence per acre at the Delivery of the Said Land; and Shall pay one half penny er acre Sterling Money to the use of the Towne yearly for Ever; and also they are to pay twenty Shillings for their freedom as Il8 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. aforesaid, and to Bear Eaqual proportion of the Common Rent as abovesaid from the time of their Being So admited." The following paper was signed by thirty-four of the best citizens. Why such an excellent agreement was not more generally favored is not apparent. We have modernized the spelling; "Corporation of Woodbridge, April the 17th, 1695 — "The engagement of all freeholders by original rights, and all free men which have been, are, or shall be so admitted in this town and Corporation — viz: As a good and useful mem- ber of this entire body, in government and guidance I will be subject to all the lawful and regular motions thereof, and to the utmost of ray skill and ability I will move and act with it so as may most directly tend to its peace and prosperity. Its nakedness I will cover; its secrets I will not discover; but its weakness I will support. And finally, in word and deed, according to my ability and its occasions, at all times I will endeavor to prevent the evil- and to promote the good and just interest of this body and each member thereof, on penalty of correction or expulsion, as default may require. In testimony hereof, we, underwritten, have subscribed our names." r>uring the remainder of this, and all of the following year, nothing more interesting than routine business was done in the Town Meetings. January ist, 1697, Town Meetings were directed to be " warned " by " a paper Set up on the Meeting House Doore Six Days Before the Meeting; " from which it is is evident that the Constables relished the task of carrying the news through the township as little as did Mr. Walker. Wolves must have become troublesome again, for on the 13th of March 255-. were offered for every one killed before January ist, ensuing. At this meeting an order was passed to prohibit the waste of timber on the common land. Certain individuals would go on the commons and cut down the finest trees, which they would sell or export to adjacent towns by boats. This order required that, unless authoritative consent was obtained, no such privilege should be permitted. A license committee, TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. II9 consisting of Messrs. S. Dennis, S. Hale, E. Andrews, E. Bloomfield, and Thos. l^ike, was directed to attend to this matter. April 19th, the meeting was largely taken up with orders regulating the feeding of swine and " Jadges " on the common land. Now, what is a "jadge .-^ " Whitehead asks the same question in his sketch of Woodbridge, except that he calls them Fadgcs. But Jadges is the way it is written. They were animals, that much is certain; but whether they were jack-asses or goats, or both, we cannot tell. The swine were to be " yoaked and ringed" before March ist annually. The order of May 31st, 1686 (see Chapter IX.), is again unanimously passed on the loth of June, 169S. Thp com- mittee to carry out its provisions is changed — Capt. Bishop, Justice Hale, Justice Dennis, Jonathan Dunham, and John Pike being elected. John Crandal, blacksmith, was granted two acres of upland on the 15th of July, 169S, provided he would settle in Wood- bridge and follow his trade. This he agreed to do and set up a shop accordingly. The wolves must have been brought into the village in too great numbers for the condition of the treasury; for in September the price fixed for each one slain was \2s. — a reduction of ly. It will be remembered that in March, 1695, the Freeholders passed a resolution requiring each other to be silent after speaking on any question before the Town Meeting — thus preventing interruptions and giving all a chance to express an opinion. It became necessary to reiterate the resolution on the 2d of January, 1699 ; and, as a panalty for its violation, it was distinctly declared that the obnoxious Freeholder should " pay down nine pence in money" (not \n peas and pork this time) — and if he refused he was to be unceremoniously "turned out of the Meeting House." The Town Meetings were all held in the meeting-house, except in the coldest weather, when an adjournment to a neighboring dwelling was speedily effected. Indeed, this very January meeting, after re-affirming the resolution of 1695, just referred to, found it so cold in the meetine-house that the residence of Samuel Smith I20 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. across the road, was invaded by its lialf-frozen members, and the remainder of its business was transacted there. Among other things Samuel Dennis was directed to consult an "able Counseler" in regard to defending the common land from ■intruders and false claimants. For a few years past considerable excitement had arisen whenever Proprietary rule was discussed in the Province. It had reached a degree of violence in 1699 which Avas fright- ful. The people denied that the Proprietors had any right to rule, and desired to be brought directly under the Crown. Consequently the authority of the officers of the Proprietors was set at naught. Indeed, they were beaten, and prisoners in their%charge were rescued, jails being broken open to effect the release of criminals. As the Woodbridge jail was the one in which were incarcerated the provincial prisoners, it was attacked and emptied by a crowd of desperate men. On the 1 6th of May the government records contain the following item : " Ordered that a writ of Inquiry be Issued out to the Sherriflf of the County of Monmouth to return a Jury upon he riot comitted at Woodbridge."* Nathaniel Fitz Randolph was High Sheriff of Middlesex, out had shown such contempt for the existing governmentf that the case was not given into his hands. The disorders reached their culmination in 1701. Disorders prevailed throughout both East and West Jersey to such an extent that the Proprietors, wearied of the struggle, surren- dered the government in the following year — Queen Anne accepting it on the 17th of April, 1702. Henceforth East and AVest Jersey were known as one province which was called New Jersey, Edward Hyde, Lord Cornbury, being the first Governor under the new regime — his dominion extending also over New York. * Gov. and Council, p. 223. t Ibid., 227. CHAPTER XL 1702— 1872. The Episcopal Congregation — George Keith — Edward Vaughan — Halliday — First Church — Piscataway Church — Shutting out Halliday — Skinner — Chand- ler — McKean — Parker — Preston — The War — Church Officers. Although no congregation of Episcopalians was formed previous to 171 1, yet, as early as 1702, George Keith, the dis- affected Quaker, having been sent out as a missionary by the " Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in foreign parts " (an English Episcopal organization), arrived in Woodbridge on a mission of propagandism. This was a work for which he was well qualified, and his labors, in some parts of the State, were attended with much success. In his Journal* he mentions his visit to Woodbridge thus : " On Thursday, De- cember 30, 1702, preached in Woodbridge at the Independent Meeting House, at the desire of Mr. Shepherd and some others there, on i Tim. 3, 16. After sermon Mr. Shepard kindly entertained us at his house." These were acts of Christian courtesy, on the part of Mr. Shepard, which present his character in an attractive light. He was the town preacher, and therefore liable to the preju- dice and jealousy which existed, to some extent, in every denomination at that time. It is pleasant to find that he, with some others in his congregation, rose superior to such narrow sentiments. Keith preached on the same day in Piscataway.f In 1704 Mr. John Brook preached at Piscataway, Rah way, Amboy, and other places until 1707, when he was lost at sea; but Woodbridge had no Episcopal missionary in the town imtil * Whitehead, II. Contr. p. 8S9. t Whitehead, p, 212, note. 122 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Rev. Edward Vaughan (an able man who was sent to Eliza- bethtown in 1709, by the " Society for the Propagation of the Gospel ") responded to an invitation from several men who were dissatisfied with Rev, Nathaniel Wade, the town preach- er, and began to visit and minister liere in 171 1. At first he held service in a house offered for that purpose by Benjamin Dunham. Rev. Thomas Flalliday, who came to Amboy in 1711, subsequently assisted Mr. Vaughan at Woodbridge. I am indebted to the Hon. W. A. Whitehead, the historian, for the privilege of making the extracts, which follow, from the letters of Vaughan, Halliday, and others, to the " Society for the Propagation of tlie Gospel." Tiie original MSS. are now in the possession of Rev. Francis L. Hawks, D. D., who intends publishing them, together with other documents of the Society. On the 5th of August, 1711, the Rev. Mr. Halliday writes to the Secretary of the Society that he is officiating at two places, Amboy and Piscataway. Concerning the latter place he says : " Piscatoqua makes a much greater congregation, and there are some pious and well-disposed people among them. Some come from good distances to this meeting, but there is noth- ing among us like the lace ot a Church of England, no sur- plice, no bible, no communion Table, an old broken house insufficient to keep us from injuries of the weather, and where likewise the anabaptists which swarm in the place and do sometimes preach and we cannot hinder, the house belonging to the Town." From a letter written by Rev. Mr. Vaughan to the Secre- tary, bearing date February 28th, 17 12, we learn that his labors had been divided between Elizabeth and Rahway after Mr. Halliday had arrived to assist him. He says that he delivers a monthly lecture at Rahway and catechizes the children there; that he has complied with a request from some individ- uals in Woodbridge to officiate in that town, it being " so evi- dent a demonstration of their good disposition to receive the doctrine of the gospel from my mouth." He says further that a project is on foot to build an Episcopal Church in Wood- bridge; and that it is his intention to officiate there once a THE EPISCOPALIANS. 1^3 fortnight during the Summer, and in the Winter to visit Woodbridge and Elizabethtown alternately.'"'' Oa the 24th of December, 1714, a letter was sent to the Sec- retary by the Church at Piscatavvay, making a report of their circumstances. It is signed by the two Church Wardens, Thomas Wetherel and John Barrow, and ten others. It sets forth that a man by the name of Barron had agreed to " build a timber Church floor'd and plaistered and furnished with a decent communion table and pulpit;" for which he was to re- ceive ^100. But some desired a brick Church ; so the agree- ment was broken. The brick Church was designed to be 87 feet in length, 23 feet wide, and the height of the side walls 13 feet. ^100 had been subscribed. Mr. Barron had already delivered to them stone, brick, and lime to the value of ^80, of which only about one-half had been paid. The letter con- cludes thus : " We are a people who are only the first beginnings of a Country ; the whole Township which is 16 Miles broad and 10 Miles long contain but about 100 families, and not many more than 10 of those truly affected to the Church, or who live a convenient distance tor giving constant attendance on the Lord's Day." Rev. Mr. Vaughan writes to the Society under date of Sep- tember 28th, 1 7 16, concerning the Elizabethtown and Wood- bridge Churches. In respect to the claims of the latter, on the attention and support of the Society, he says that the in- habitants of the town are " chiefly of English and Scotch ex- traction, born in New England and Scotland, and bred in both places in the greatest prejudice and opposition to the estab- lished Church of England;" that up to 1711 they had wor- shiped after the manner of the Independents and Quakers; but at that time some of them " being deeply scandalized and much offended with the irregular life and conversation of Mr. Nathaniel Wade their then congregational teacher " (this is Mr. Vaughan's language), they sent him the following invita- tion : * Hatfield's Elizabeth, p. 35T. 124 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. " Sir the unhappy difference between Mr. Wade and the people of Woodbridge, is grown to that height, that we cannot joyn with him in the worship of God as Xtians ought to do, it is the desire of some people here that. if you think it may be for the Glory of God, and no damage to other Churches, that you would be pleased to afford us your help sometimes on the Sabbath days, according as you shall think convenient ; we do it not with any intent to augment the difference among us, but rather hope that with the blessing of God, it may be a means for our better joyning together in setting up the true worship of our Lord Jesus Christ, here amongst a poor delu- ded people, this is the desire of your humble servants, "Rich. Smith, John Ashton, Benj. Dunham, "Amos Goodwin, Gershom Higgins, Henry Rolph, " John Bishop, Will'm Bingle, George Eubancks, " Robert Wright." Mr. Vaughan quotes this invitation entire in the report to the Secretary of the Society in England, September 28th, 1716. From 17 1 1 until about' 17 16 services were sometimes held by him in a house offered by Benjamin Dunham, and sometimes in the new Church, which he almost immediately began to build. This Church was never finished, but services were neverthe- less held in it when the weather would permit. Vaughan says of it that it is " probably the smallest you have ever seen, but amply sufficient for the congregation at this day." Where the building stood which Benjamin Dunham offered for religious worship we cannot tell, but probably it was situated somewhere within the precincts oi Dunhamtown, just north of the Meeting-house Green. The little Church stood on the Green, north of the Meeting-housb, occupying a lot granted, by general consent, to the Episcopalians. Mr. Vaughan continues his letter by stating that he sent to the Governor of the Province [Hunter] soon after the above invitation readied him, for a license to build a Church at Woodbridge, and that the Governor had graciously given it and subscribed ^^5 toward the enterprise. Of the location of the new Church, Vaughan says, it is situated " upon a piece or lot of ground appropriated in the first settlement of the THE EPISCOPALIANS. 125 town for that use and purpose by the prudent and pious care of Philip Carteret, Esqr. and the Governor of the Province of New Jersey under the then Lds Proprietors, John Ld Barclay and Sir George Carteret." The death of Benjamin Dunham is spoken of as having a depressing effect upon the congre- gation, the completion of the Church being prevented by the sad event. Benjamin was the son of Jonathan Dunham, the Woodbridge miller, and was a man of considerable wealth and influence. His demise was, therefore, a misfortune to the struggling Church from which they did not speedily recover. Under date of July 8th, 1717, Mr. Vaughan writes to England that no Church has yet been built at Piscataway. He says he now lives there, having removed from Amboy. Rev. Mr. Halliday, in a letter written on the 9th ot October following, states that he has agreed with Mr. Vaughan to attend, jointly with him, Elizabethtown, Piscataway, Wood- bridge, Amboy, and Freehold. On the ist of August ensuing Mr. Halliday reports to the Society as follows: "In Woodbridge there is a timber Frame clap boarded without either floor or glass ; it was built by a subscription procured by Mr. Vaughan which was near a ^100 — money very well laid out though there is but a small congregation belongs to it. The ground on which it stands was given by Governor Cartwright [Carteret] to the Church for Parsonage, &c., on which land there is no considerable improvements, new brick buildings, &c., and Fll procure a copy of the Deed and send it to your Secretary." It is probable that the plural, "buildings," is a mistake. The "new brick building" may be the Dunham mansion on the edge of the Meeting-house Green. This building is now Episcopalian property, which was not the case when Hallidav wrote; so that he was, doubtless, referring to tlie improve- ments on the Church-land and the contiguous property, to indicate its value. Some, who have thought it improbable that a building was erected by the Episcopalian Church at that early period, will undoubtedly be convinced, by the foregoing testimony, that it was actually constructed. To "make assurance doublv 126 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. sure" we subjoin an extract from a letter, dated September 22d, 1764, written by James Parker, the printer, than whom no more honorable man is mentioned in these pages. He lived in Woodbridge at this time and held the office of Justice of the Peace. He says : " I remember a very small Church or building was standing in this village about forty-five years ago, and divine service was sometimes performed in it ; but the number of members were so few, and these but poor, the building fell to the ground." As Parker was a member of the Episcopal Church, acting occasionally as lay-reader in the Woodbridge congregation, and as the letter from which this extract is taken was sent to the authorities ot that Church in England, no doubt can exist that the building he refers to was the first Episcopal Church in this place. Mr. Halliday mentions, in the same letter which we were considering before this digression, that a frame structure had been put up at Piscataway, but the congregation worshiped in a "country house." He says that there is no glebe or parsonage house in the Province for the Episcopal clergy, nor any local support, pecuniarily, except at Elizabethtown, where a salary of ^30 annually is paid. He complains that Mr. Vaughan had been the cause of the agreement being broken between the Piscataway congregation and Mr Barron for the building of a wooden church. Mr. Vaughan wanted a brick church, which was never erected, and his breaking the agreement had retarded the building of the other. No very friendly feeling existed between these men, Hal- liday and Vaughan. They both, however, did a great deal of good in the communities where they ministered which will never be forgotten. While we state unpleasant facts, without color, Ave cast the broad mantle of Christian charity over them. If we consider the asperities of a missionary life in that early time, the long years bringing more shadow than sunshine, the multiplied annoyances, the successive disap- pointments, the bitter cup of poverty pressed to the lips as age and feebleness came on, the long rides to service, the care of dependent ones — ah, well! it does not behoove us to sit in judgment on such men as these. It would make your heart THE EPISCOPALTANS. I27 throb with pity to read some of the letters of the missionaries. The Church doors were closed against Mr. Halliday in Woodbridge and Amboy at the instigation, so it was asserted, of Mr. Vaughan and Mr. Talbot, the latter also a missionary. The truth of the matter is, that Mr. Halliday had espoused certain political sentiments, having for their object the supremacy of the Church of England in tlie Colonial Gov- ernment and the repression of the Quakers, who were rising in power ;^' and this gave great offence to the Woodbridge and Amboy congregations. George Willocks, at Amboy, was the leader of this opposition, whom Mr. Flalliday de- nounced publicly — asserting that he had dishonestly used certain funds which had been collected for building a Church. The people who had hitherto borne with him were filled with indignation. He became unpopular. Gov. Hunter speaks of him, in a letter to Willocks, as ''that wretch," and Avishes '' the countrey could get ridd of him at any rate."f Hence the Church doors in Woodbridge and Amboy were shut against him. Mr. Vaughan expresses his regret at this proceeding, in a letter to England dated November 4th, 171S. He re- grets, also, that it should have been said that it was done by the express order of himself and John Talbot; but he thinks the punishment well deserved for "his base and bar- barous treatment of Mr. Willocks." Mr. Halliday continued to officiate at Piscataway.| His rupture with the two Churches, related above, occurred in the Summer of 1713, and he remained in the Province until about 1 7 18. Rev. William Skinner was sent, by the "Society for the Propagation of the Gospel," and arrived at Perth Amboy in 1722. Under date of March 7th he writes to the Secretary that "the congregation at Piscatoqua also grows dail}^ and they are now building a Church there, and in all probability will be as numerous a congregation as any in these parts. * "'' I have preached but once at Woodbridge, for the Church there, being made up of Clapboards nailed together in a very sorry manner, and nothing done to the * Whitehead's Hist. Contr., p. 216. t Wlalehcad, p. 2IT. t It.id. 12$ WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. inside, one can hardly be in it any space of time in the winter without imminent danger. Those that raised that Church are dead some years and the place being Avithin four miles of Amboy, those of the Church of England which are there but three attend here [at Amboy] but so soon as the season will permit I design, God willing, that Sunday I preach at Amboy to preach at Woodbridge in the afternoon, hoping some people at Amboy will be so religiously disposed as to accompany me till such time as, by the blessing of God, I can glean a congregation there ; and though I have but little hope of finding acceptance with a New England people, by which that place is chiefly settled, yet I am resolved to try, trusting in Providence for success." This is additional evidence of the existence of an ancient Episcopal Church — although Mr. Skinner's description of it is anything but flattering. On the 22d of May, 1724, he writes to the Secretary that he still preaches at Woodbridge. There is a "handsome chapel " at Piscataway where the number of communicants is eighteen or nineteen. On the 7th of October following he writes that he has a congregation of "about 50" at Woodbridge, but "almost all dissenters and violently attached to the New England scheme." He says he lived at first in Amboy, but had removed to the other side of the river. In a letter written July 5th, 1749, he states that the Church at Piscataway is crowded with antipedobaptists. He must have been highly appreciated by the Baptists, as well as by his own people, for in May, 1741, he reported that he preached every third Sunday in the Piscataway chapel, and his congre- gation numbered from 200 to 300 persons. Mr. vSkinner died, aged 70, in 1758. For thirty-five years he had been rector of St. Peter's Church at Amboy, serving the Woodbridge and Piscataway congregations also, as we have seen. There was another place at which he ministered dur- ing the Summer of 1749, and perhaps subsequently, of which he thus speaks : "Now is my time of trial. In this extraordinary dry and hot summer, hitherto, since Whitsuntide, I have gone, and to the end of October must go, to South River every Sunday. THE EPISCOPALIANS. \2<) In doing which I must cross a river almost two miles broad, and that done, ride twelve miles in the sand, equally scorch- ing with those of Arabia, and not a house by the way except- ing one by a saw-mill, and that good for nothing. This is hard service at the present time of day with me, for I am old and also mucli w^orn out." He left five children. Gertrude, the only daughter, became the wife of James Parker. Cortland, his eldest son, was made a British General during the Revolution. The venera- ble clergyman -was buried in the shadow of old St. Peter's Church, but- the precise place of his rest is unknown. Rev. Thomas B. Chandler, of Elizabethtown, began his missionary labors here in 1752 — six years before Mr. Skinner died The latter, however, had grown too old to supply Woodbridge — which, indeed, neither he nor any other Episco- pal clergyman had done for twenty years previous to Mr Chandler's arrival. Mr. Vaughan, rector of St. John's Church at Elizabethtown, having died in October, 1747, left that Churcii without a pastor until 1751, w'hen Mr. Chandler arrived from England with the necessary credentials. From 1747 until 1751 Chan- dler had held the position of catechist, or lay-reader, in St. John's Church, being called to it from Woodstock, Conn., where he had been teaching school. In 1766 Oxford con- ferred the dignity of D. D. upon him. He is represented as "a large, portly man, of fine personal appearance," and as possessing "an uncommonly blue eye." He liad a " strono- commanding voice" and "fine powers of conversation."* He ministered monthl}^ at Woodbridge. He wrote to the Society in 1752 that the place " has not been visited by any of our clergy for upwards of twenty years." During this time some of the congregation had attended Mr. Skinner's Church at -Vmboy, and otliers had joined dissenting bodies. He speaks encouragingly of the future and says that he has seldom less than two hundred licarers at Woodbridge, and that tiie number of Episcopalian families there is fifteen. His time being more occupied in a few years, Mr. Chandler's * Ilattl -Id'a Eli;;nbplli, p. 551. I ISO \V(;<)I)I!RIl>(;i-: AND VitlNI'jy. visits were made once in six weeks. In the interim James Parker acted as lay reader (jn the Sabbatli. In 1754 a new Churcli was built, supposed to be on the site of the first, whicii stood for over a Imndred years, an honored temple. It was destroyed by fire in 1858. Fortunately, Mr. Whitehead made a sketcii of it several years before the buildini^- was burned, vv'hich, throug-h his kindness, we pre- sent to our readers. It was a plain, uii|)rclcnd!no- structure whiclj many of our citizens h.ivc seen — a number of whom have a tender rec- ollection of it as their early sanctuai'v. But it has gone like many other pleissant thing-s we knew and hjved in childhood, reminding us tiiat []\c true temple is "eternal in the heavens;" that we nuiv bear oui' worship tliitiicr, to the " iiouse not made with hands." In 1764 Rev. Robert McKean, tiie missionary at Amboy, was appointed U) lake ch.arge of the Woodbridge congrega- tion. Mr. Chandler continued his labors in Elizabcthtown, but brcjuglit much misery upon himself as well as general unpopularity bv his Tory sentiments during the Revolution. rm; ri'iscoi'Ai.iANs. 131 He fled to England. After the war was over lie returned to his parish; but, being feeble, he did not long minister to his people. lie died June rvtli, 1790, aged sixty-four.* Mr. McKean wrote to th(; JSociety April i6th, 1764, that he devoted one-third of iiis ministerial services to Woodbrido-e. He reports twelve families, c<)mprising fifty persons, as his congregation, and fourteen communicants. He died October 17th, 1767, having officiated at Amboy for four years and at Woodbridge for three. lie was hio-hly esteemed. His brother, Gov. McKcan, of Pennsylvania, raised a monument over his grave. The Woodbridge congregation was niaterially affected, some tinie previous to this (in 1760), by that malignant visitant, the small-pox. It was a time of deep affliction, for many estima- ble citizens fell under the dreadful scourge. Mr. Chandler was a victim, and, altliough it did not prove fatal in ids case lie bore the marks of the disease until death. James Parker had officiateanipliU't, " Mctuchfii,'" p. 8. TOWN MEETINGS. 145 commons sliould be but sixty acres of good land to each Freeholder. The Piscataway line was ordered to 'be "re- newed," from which it would seem that it had at last been settled by the two corporations, and the long quarrel was ended. The rcue-nml of the line was rendered necessary by the transient character of the landmarks. Notched trees, stakes, and equally unreliable means ot indicating the boundary were largely employed in those days. The renewed line was doubtless drawn, with the concurrence of both towns, on the 24th of March, the time appointed for the purpose. It was felt to be a necessity that this should be done betore the contemplated division of the common land was effected. Throughout 1702 the matter of division was but little agitated. Indeed, the Freeholders did not seem to desire any further movement in that direction until the convulsions in the provincial government were allayed. In the meeting of January 29th, 1703, it was resolved that no land in the commons should be laid out to any person on any pretence, except a grant was first obtained from the town, within the following bounds : Along the Rahway River from its mouth to Jonathan Bishop's saw-mill, down the south branch of the river to Trout Brook, and from thence in a straight line to the west side of Stephen Kent's farm on the Raritan River. A new pound was among the things determined upon September 29th, the "old stuff" being condemned to be sold to help pay for the improved structure. Pounds, it will be observed, received a large share of the public attention. Ani- mals v/ere not allowed to walk around the village with impunity. The boundary line between Amboy and Woodbridge was ordered, on the same day, to be definitely fixed; and a com- mittee, consisting of John Bloomfield, John Pike, and Thomas Pike, was appointed to execute the will of the people, giving due notice thereof to the neighboring town. On the ist of November the Freeholders met in the meet- ing-house. But it was so cold that, having chosen Capt. Bishop (the young John) Moderator for the day, they hastened over to Samuel Smith's house to warm themselves by his J 146 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. blazing fire and discuss the business before them. It is no difficult thing to imagine tlie company gathered about the wide and cheerful hearth, and the November wind blowing shrilly out-of-doors. Fancy you see, behind the kitchen- table, the militai-y man of the town, Capt. Bishop, calling the meeting to order. Beside him sits the Town Clerk with this very book, bound in sheep-skin as Ave see it now, laid carefully under his hand. There are Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, John Pike, Jr., Jonathan Bishop, Elisha Parker, and Adam Hude among those present. Here, also, is ^Matthew Moore, so highly complimented, as a cautious and capable man, by Gov, Hamilton in a letter to the Governor of New York during the Indian troubles on the frontier,^' A very interest- ing group was that assembled in Mr. Smith's house on this November morning. Fifteen pounds were ordered to be levied in the township — ;^5 for the local government and ;£\o for the " Countreys Concerns." To raise this amount 3^. were assessed to every man in the corporation. Town rates had not heretofore been very promptly paid. In some cases years were suffered to intervene before payment was made by the delinquents; and in many instances it was postponed to that mythic period in the future which has not yet arrived — the convenient season. To stir up such laggards this Town Meeting empowered Elisha Parker and Jonathan Bishop as attorneys, with power to prosecute and arrest all who were in arrears. These attorneys began to work up sundry bad cases. Among others, we find that Benjamifl Cromwell was a victim to tlieir zeal. On the ist ot January, 1704, he paid to them ^/'i for his admission as a Freeman of the corporation; 10s. for ten acres of land granted to him at the Wolf Swamp in 1696, for the rent of which, during the seven years, he was required to pay 3^-, 8r/. additional. . More strict resolutions were passed February Sth, 1704, for punishing trespass and unlicensed felling of trees on the public lands, Elisha Parker was chosen Corporation Treas- urer, John Cleak was granted twenty acres of land on * N. Y. Col. Docs. vol. 4, p. 199. TOWM MEETINGS. I47 condition tiiat he put up his contemplated "fulling-mill" on the south branch, of the Railway River. Mr. Cleak, Clake, or Clark (poor fellow! he is spelt several ways) agreed to this, and the land was laid out March ist, with the further under- standing that if he removed or gave up the fulling business the twenty acres reverted to the Freeholders. They began tc» grow more chary in bestowing real estate. %. From this date the minutes of the Town Meetings are less full and circumstantial. The years flit by more rapidly as we turn the pages of the record. As we grow older Time passes with swifter feet ; and thus it seems to be with corporations — the weight of age gives tliem momentum onward which permits them to note but little in the vanishing years. The first Town Couunittce was chosen March 30th, 1705, and seven men composed it. They were Capt. John Bishop, Capt. Elisha Parker, John \\s\y, Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, John Pike, Joseph Rolph, and Thomas Pike. They were chosen for one year, to act for the town in all matters relating to its welfare except the disposition of land and the raising of money. At this meeting permission was given to Elisha Parker to build a "good Grist Mill" on the Papiack Creek, with a grant of a piece of land about forty feet square. It was to be built as near the bridge as possible. This may have been the mill which once stood on the stream just back of Jaques Venet's present residence. It has long ago disappeared. William Coddington, recently deceased, informed the writer that he remembered the old mill that occupied this site — that he had, in boyhood, carried grain there to be ground. The Town Committee were empowered, on the 34th of October, to divide the commons according to their discretion. A certain section of this land was to be laid out in equal plots, except where the land was poor, when a larger quantity of it was expected to offset the more favored places; and at a set time lots were to be drawn, with numbers to designate the parcels of land correspondingly marked. Sixty acres of good land were assigned to each plot. A committee was instructed to present certain grievances of the town to the next Assembly, in the meeting of March 148 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 28th, 1706. The Assembly' was tlien expected to begin its sessions in the following October ; but the members refusing to respond to Gov. Cornbury's proclamation, no sitting of this august body occurred in 1 706. ^■•" These grievances were consid- ered in the Assembly of 1707. A Capt. Bown had made false representations in the Province, asserting that he was a sort of financial agent for the Government, by which means he privately obtained the promise of large sums of money- John Pike had agreed to furnish him witli ^2of through his (Bown's) accomplice, Richard Saltar. Others had also been victimized by the imposture. These were indignant that the government resorted to such means of replenishing its treasury, not suspecting that the authorities knew nothing about it. Their complaints elicited the truth; and Bown, a member of the House of Representatives, was put on trial. Samuel Dennis and John Pike were the witnesses fi'om Wood- bridge.^ The House voted to imprison Bown temporarily for contempt in refusing to depose as to the disposition of the money lie had collected — Elisha Parker, one of the Wood- bridge Representatives, being the only dissentient. Bown was finally expelled from the Flouse in disgrace, April 30th, i7o7-li The first division of land so-called, though really the sec- ond (see p. 308) was made on the 14th of October, 1706, in accordance with the previous arrangements. The number of lots drawn was sixty-eight, representing the sixty-eight orig- inal Freeholders. The second division, § comprising twenty-two and a half acres to each original Freeholder, was made some time in June, 1707. The number of acres was at first limited to 20; but for some unknown reason two and a half were subse- qviently added. In this division the Strawberry Hill Common and certain other sections were to remain unmolested. Straw- berry Hill, Papiack Neck, the Parsonage and School lands were laid out in "common fields " to be planted with corn. The third division of land^ was allotted in July, 17 15, and each plot embraced ten acres; the fourth division* (eight * Journal Uoine of Rep., \>. 74. Smith, i>. 284. + Journal House of Rep., p» 09. t Ibid., 9.5. ! Ibi1. t Froeh. Boo"t, fol. 81. ± Freeh. Book, fol. 6). § Ibid., fol. 72. l62 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. By reference to the lists of township officers in Chapter XII. it will be seen that he filled many important positions. He was Deputy to the General Assembly in 1675, 1680 to '8^, 1688, and '98-99. In 1699 he was appointed by Jeremiah Basse one of the Governor's Council, a post which he held with honor for several years. From 1688 to 1692 he Avas Town Clerk of Woodbridge. He was elected to the same position in April, 1694, but refused to serve in spite of the earnest solicitation of his friends. In the years 1683 and 1692 \^e find his name in the list of Assistant Justices of the Township Court. It would appear, from the minutes of the Governor and Council (pp. 143-4), that he was President of the Court in 1686-7. While in the performance of his duties in the last-mentioned office in 1686, he was arrested, at the instance of the Governor, Lord Campbell, for an alleged violation of the law in holding a session of his Court in Piscataway on the third Tuesday of December. The minutes of the Governor's Council, held at Amboy on the 27th of December, 1686, contain the following facts in regard to this matter. We quote : " My Lord gave this Board an Accompt of the Transactions of the Justices of the County of Middx in holding a Court att the Towne of piscataway the 3d Tuesday in this Instant month of December, Contrary to Act of General Assembly and the Governors p'ticular proclamation — Whereupon it's Agreed and ordered that a warrt bee issued out to the High Sheriflfe of the County of Middx, Im'ediately to bring before this Councill on tomorrow morneing by Eight of the.Clocke, the boddy of Mr. Samll Dennes of Woodbridge, who was prsident of that Court, to answer to prmisses," &c.^ The next day the officer appeared before the august tribunal with the prisoner. He Avas examined as to his offense. He admitted that at the time specified he had held a Court at Piscataway ; but declared distinctly that he had not acted contrary to law. He was given a week to find security in ;,^3oo to appear at the next session of the Court of Common Right at Amboy in May to answer the charge; in default of which lie was to be " Close Com'itted to the Gaole of wood- TOWN MEETINGS, CONTINUED. 1 63 bridge." It is likely that the Governor found out his mistake and discharged the Judge. By the law of 1675 (see Learning and Spicer, p. 96), the Governor was right; but by the law of 1682 (L. and S., p. 229), which virtually annulled the former, the y"//<4'''^ Avas right. (See page 113 of this volume.) The third Tuesday in December was, in 1682, set down for the holding of the County Court at Piscatavvay. In the House of Deputies on the i6th of March, 1698, Mr. Dennis Avas elected to the Speaker's chair, a post which he worthily and honorably filled for a year, when he was taken into the Council by the Governor, He went down to the grave full of honors, and amid the profound regrets of the people he was buried. CHAPTER XY. 1700—1760. The Town Meetixg-Housk and the Presbyterian Congre- gation — Samuel Shepaku— liis Wife's Decision — Na- thaniel Wade — Presbyterianism — The Secession — Sur- veys OF Parsonage Land and :The Meeting-House Green — Rev. John Pikrso)n — Rev. Nathaniel Whita- ker. The thread of our luirrative concerning the old Town Meeting-house \vas broken off in the inidst of the pastoral labors of the Rev. Samuel Shepard (see Chap. VII.). Every- thing seemed to be favorable to tlie prolongation of Mr. Shepard's ministry. He was popular, having received many proofs of the esteem of his Woodbridge friends. In a short time, however, one little circumstance was destined to change the whole aspect of affairs. On Thursday morning, April loth, 1 701, the Town Meeting passed a resolution directing that Mr. Shepard should be ordained as the AVoodbridge minister; and the following influential men were delegated to talk with him on the subject and obtain his consent, viz.: Samuel Dennis, Samuel Hale, John Ilsley, Adam Hude, Wm. Stone, Gawen Lockhart, John Pike, Jonathan Dunham, Jon- athan Bishop, Joseph Rolph, and George Brown. These men represented the wealth and intelligence of the town. They waited upon Mr. Shepard and urged him to consent to ordina- tion as the village minister on the ground of mutual benefit. But ordination meant a settlement for life; or, at least, for a longer period of service than Mrs. Shepard, the clergyman's wife, desired. The committee, therefore, reported that ordina- tion could not be thought of", as the lady in question positively obiected to it. Further actio a was deferred until June 24tli, when Messrs. Hale, Andrews, and Lockhart were commissioned to hold THE PRESBYTERIANS. 165 another conference with the preacher, and to present to the next Town Meeting a fall report of the result. On the 14th of the next month a notice was conspicuously posted, calling a meeting on the 23d to hear the report and take further action. Accordingly, at noon on Wednesday, the 23d of July, the grave men of Woodbridge assembled in the Meeting- house. The report of the latter committee was embodied in that of the former. Being called upon, the eleven men ap- pointed on the loth of April presented substantially the same report as was given by them to the meeting of June 24th. They said that they had been several times in conference with the reverend gentleman on the subject of ordination, but that his invariable answer was, that "though he is otherwise will- ing to be ordained, he cannot admit of ordination to settle as a minister in this town," because " his wife is so adverse to his settling here." The committee hinted that " his wife, upon second thoughts, might be persuaded." Mr. Shepard replied: " There is no hope of my wife's compliance with my settling here; and therefore I would advise you to look out for another." "It will be more difficult," said the committee, "to get and settle another minister than it hath been formerly upon several accounts, one of which is your being on the most convenient place for a minister's dwelling, by the Meeting- house." (Mr. Shepard's land lay on the north of the Kirk Green and his house was, doubtless, the Town House, voted to him in May, 1696. That stood on the west side of the Green.) "That shall be no hindrance," responded tlie clergyman, "to the settling another minister; for let the town but pay me my disbursements laid out on the place [where] I live, and [they may] settle another on it as soon as they please." The other committee said that they had called on Mr. Shepard to see if his wife's mind had not undergone a change. Vain hope ! " When a woman says she will, she will, you m;iy depend on't, And when she says she won't, she icorCt, and there's the end on't." l66 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Juvenal, horrid fellow ! says that "few disputes exist which have not had their origin in woman." However, we confess to a liking for Mr. Shepard, because of his abnegation. His wife, Alice, did not wish to live in Woodbridge all her days; her husband, surrendering his own inclinations for her sake, abandoned all his advantages as a settled pastor. Worldly wisdom may say it was foolish ; but we say it speaks well for his heart, and that it is a good exposition of the text; " Hus- bands, love , your wives!" The preacher informed the per- sistent committee that his wife w^as " utterly adverse to his settling here." He says "he concludes she will so remain" if they should "still wait longer for a change of her mind." "He therefore adviseth us," says the committee, "to have no further dependence on him, but look out for another." Considerable debate, doubtless, followed the presentation of these facts. The general feeling was one of disappointment. It is altogether probable that Mrs. Shepard was unsparingly condemned, and that her husband was spoken of as "tied to his wife's apron-string." The Freeholders proceeded to declare themselves "absolutely free from any and all former engagements by them made " Avith the minister. A committee was sent to him with this information. This committee was also empowered to procure a successor to Mr. Shepard "with all convenient speed," and close all business relations with the late pastor. Notice was sent to him that all improvements hereafter made to the place on which he lived should be at his own expense. In December of 1702 Mr. Shepard was still in Woodbridge, preaching in the old Meeting-house. His salary was paid out of the town rates, as of yore, in spite of the protests of the Quakers. The following minute appears on the record under date of January 3d, 1703: " It Passed By Vote that Mr. Shepard Should Be Desired to Preach in this Town upon the Saboth Days untill we Can Supply ourselves with another Minister." From which it appears that the usual fortune befell the Woodbridge. men in their hunt after a preacher. So that Mr. Shepard c(jntinued to minister to them in holy things until as late as 1705-6,* * Hatfield's Elizabeth, p. 297 THE PRESBYTERIANS. 1 67 perhaps even later. He removed from the place in 1707, probably; for his name does not occur, after that date, in the records. One child, Joanna, was born to him in Woodbridge, December 20th, 1701. After his removal we lose all trace of him. Whitehead says he died in 1722 or 1723;* and here the curtain falls over the life-story of another historic character conspicuous in our village annals. f Samuel Hale and Adam Hude were appointed, on the 29th of September, 1703, to " Repair the Meeting House and Hang the gates of the Burying Place." In October, 1705, -Qt^o were levied by the Town Meeting, partly for the relief of the Poor and partly for repairing the meeting-house and the grave-yard fence. In the March meeting of the ensuing year this sum was devoted entire to the Poor, and the dilapidated fence was left to its own resources. In 1707 the " minister's land and meadow" were rented. During this year Nathaniel Wade came to Woodbridge and began his ministry. .He was ordained and installed in Janu- ary, 1708. The first entry in the Church records, written by Mr. Wade himself, is in relation to this fact, and reads thus: "January 29th, 1707-8, Was gathered the Church of Christ in Woodbridge by Nath. Wade, Pastor. Present there were as Messengers, two from ye Church of Newark, and one from the (/hurch of Elizabethtown ; Theophilus Pierson, Jonahs Wood, Benjamin Price. The foundation of ye Church was laid first upon three persons Avho had been Communicants in other churches, viz: Sam'l Hail, John Pike, and Noah Bishop." Here follows a list of the members of the church during Mr. Wade's pastorate We give their names below with the dates of their admission to the communion: 1707-8, ! Jan. 20lb— Stephen Tutllc. Jan. 29th— Samuel Hail, x\.ssistant. j " John Ford, Deacon. " John Pike, " Feb. 28th— Eobert Groves. " Noah Bishop, " 1 " Thomas Pike, Deacon. *ni8t. C ntr., p. -.SSfi. t In tbe list of Marri:ij»es we find tli.at T!lizeu3 Barron and Mary Andrews were married by Mr. Shepard Dec. '27, 1705, and he sipna himself "Sainl. Sliepird, Justice " We infer from this that be still hved in Woodbridtre and was an officer. later, Timothy Hloomfield aad liose HijjguiB flere married by him, April 2, 1707. i68 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Feb. 28th— John Ayers, Assistant. " Richard Skinnor. June 6th, 1708, " Joseph Gray. ' " Lydia Bishop. " Francis Skinei'. " 20th— Mattiiew Fors, Aug. 15th— Joseph Thorp. -. " Daniel Britton. " Richard Cutter. " Sarah Pike. Elizabeth Britton. " Sarah Fors. " Elizabeth Gray. " Lydia Pangborn. " 20th— Sarah Holland. " John Ilsley. " John Jaques. " John Skiner. ." Nathaniel Pike. " JMary Groves. " Ann Skiner. " Elizabeth Ilsly. " Mary Cutter.-- Mercy Pike. - Mary Stillvvell. " Susannah Jaques. " Desire Walker. jVIehitable Butler. Hannah Freeman, Mary Wade. " Joanuah Dunham. Ester Bloomfield. Oct. 31st— John Chaplin. " Benjamin Jones. " John Ilobiiisou. " Daniel Dane. " Mary Curtis. Elizabeth Thorp. - " Phebe Ayers. Dec. 2Gth, 1708. " Nathaniel Dunham. ' ' Mary Ayers. " Sarah Congor. Jan. 2d, 1709. William Thorp. " Mary Thorp. Feb. 27th— Moses Ptoljili. " Hopewell Bloomfield. May 12th— John Conger. " Edward Wilkinson. Thomas Collier. Mary Rolph. " Mary Conger. May 12th— Anna Thorp. - " Samutl Butler. June2Gth.— Jolin Dille. Elias Foard. June 26th— Ruth Dille. " Joanna Pangborn. " Hannah Crowel. " Susannah Sbippy. " Penelope Tilus. " Rebecca Phylips. " Obadiah Avers. Jan. 1st, 1710. Peter Pain. " Joanna Ayers. " Hannah Right. June 25th — Benjamin Thorp. "" " John Scudder. Sept. 10th— Hannah Colliar. " Rebecca Mills. Oct. 3d — Joanna Jones. " John Ayers, Jun. AVife of Daniel Thorp. '^ Wife of Benj. Fors. Wife of Elip't Phillips. Charles Fold. ' ' Jonathan Dennis & Wife. Samuel Rolph. " Esther Borroughs. " Ezekiel Thorp. " Wife of Benj. Thorp. ~ " Thomas Edgar. " Obadiah Ayers. " Joseph Bonny & Wife. " David Dunham &. Wife. Joseph Bloomfield & Wf . " Samuel Jaques & Wife. Eph. Lockhart & Wife. " Wife of John Moores. " Ocilla Hoviof. " Rebecca Stone. " Wife of Peter Pain. ' ' Wi fe of Samuel Freeman. . " John Campbell. " Mrs. Heard. " David Chimbel. Rachel Chimbcl. " Stephen Pangboura, " Jonathan Chimbel. " Abraham Tappen. " Anne Moores. " Sarah Rennols. " Smuiel Motfet. " Mary Coddington. Wm. Ford & Wife. " Mary Ayers. " Abigail Loufl)eriy. " JMaiy Wilkinson. AVile of Capt. Cutter. Oct. 1710— Judge Hude. " George Brown & Wife. " Widow Lockhart. " Wife of Thomas Ayers. THE PRESBYTERIANS. 169 Oct. 1710— Wife of Robert Ayers. | Oct. 1710— -Junes Rossc. " Jonathan Frazee. '* Elizabeth Miller. " Hannah Perkins. | The year 1707 has generally been regarded as the date of the establishment of Presbyterianism in Woodbridge — a tiieory open to some dispute. In the first place the ordination and installation of Mr. Wade were performed in January, 1708, in accordance with the time-honored customs of the New England Independent Church ; that is, with an ordain- ing council of " messengers " and clergymen from neighboring Independent Churches. In the second place, the Newark and Elizabethtovvn Churches, represented by " messengers " at Woodbridge on this occasion, were both Independent at that time. Thirdly, Messrs. Hale, Pike, and Bishop, spoken of as having been "communicants in other Churches," had come from the Independent Church in New England; and yet they officiated in these ceremonies- — something they would have been incompetent to do if it were a Presbyterian ordination. Lastly, the "Records of the Presbyterian Churches in the United States" assign the year 1710 as the period when the Rev. Mr. Wade and his congregation joined the Presbytery of Philadelphia.^' The Independent Church of Elizabeth became connected with this Presbytery six years afterward. Indeed, Presbyterianism became popular among the New England- bred people throughout the Province, although they at first treated it with great caution. The evidence that the Woodbridge Congregation became Presbyterian in 17 10 is corroborated by an entry in the Church Book, in which the officers of a Presbyterian form of government are mentioned for the first time. Here it is: "March 2Sth, 1710. At a Church meeting, chosen: John Foard, John Pike and Thomas Pike for Ruling Elders in the Church of Christ in Woodbridge." In 17 1 1, as will be seen by reference to Chapter XI , a serious difference between Mr. Wade and certain of his people caused a secession from the Presbyterian Church. An invita- tion was sent, by the recusant members, to Rev. Edward * See Hatfield's Elizabeth, p. 830. Hodge's Pres. C. 83. lyo WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY, Vaughan, Episcopalian missionary at Elizabethtown, to estab- lish services in Woodbridge after the manner of the Church of England — an opportunity which Mr. Vaughan was not slow to improve. Now, what was the cause of this differ- ence.? Mr. Vaughan, in speaking of it, says it Avas Mr. Wade's "irregular life and conversation." This, however, being ex-pat te evidence, would not weigh much with any reader unless supported by incontestable proof. Intimations of such proof we find in Dr. Charles Hodge's History of the Presbyterian Church in the United States^ the very best authority on questions relating to that communion. He takes his facts from the official records. He tells us that at the date of his ordination many were opposed to Wade. That was in 1708. The difficulty became so great that, as a propitiation to the disaffected parties. Rev. John Boyd, of P'reehold, was induced to preach in the Woodbridge meeting-house, in 170S, every third Sabbath. ■''■ This did not have the intended soothing effect. The congregation divided into two parties — one fav- oring ISIr. Wade and the other denouncing him. The cause of this opposition was, perhaps, two-fold; Mr. Wade's per- sonal unpopularity being one element of it, and the desire of some for Presbyterianism and of the rest for Independency being the other element. The preacher, doubtless, favored the proposed change of ecclesiastical government, for he entered the Presbyter}^ of Philadelphia, with his congregation, in 17 10. It is altogether probable that his action in this matter was offensive to some of his parisliioners and was the cause of the secession of Benjamin Dunham and his adherents to the Episco- pal body. Mr. Wade seems to have been a man of dogmatic temperament, very much bent upon having his own way. The early congregations of the Independents were famous for their obstinacy. So Greek met Greek, and then came the "tug of war." Dr. Hodge, speaking of this unlovely strife, says that the Woodbridge Church "gave the Presbytery more trouble than all the rest put together" — not a very complimentary remark, but a true one, as the general records attest. In 171 1, the members of the Presbytery say, " divcrses of * Dr. Hodgo's History, p. 83. THE PRESBYTERIANS. 171 the people of Woodbridge appeared, some for and some against him [Mr. Wade], against which he made the best vindication he could, but not so good but_that we thought it convenient to advise him to demit his pastoral relations to the whole people of Woodbridge."* The Towni Meeting, acting on the suppbsition that Mr. Wade would heed this advice appointed a committee on the 6th of December, 17 ii, " to look out for a minister" — from which it appears that the town still manifested an active interest in the ecclesiastical matters they had conti'olled so long. This committee consisted of Capt. Elisha Parker, John Ford, Samuel Dennis, George Brown, and Thomas Pike. Mr. Boyd, the Freehold minister, did not long supply the Woodbridge pulpit, nor did Mr. Wade leave his charge as the Presbytery had advised; so that things remained in statu quo until the following year. The Presbytery then authoritatively dismissed Mr. Wade and appointed a Rev. Mr. Gillispie in his place. This displeased Mr. Wade very much. He appealed to Dr. Cotton Mather, going to Boston to confer with him. The eminent divine, doubtless misunderstanding the case, sent Mr. Wiswall to Woodbridge in company with Mr. Wade, recommending him as a suitable minister for the people at that place. In the meantime, Mr. Gillispie w^as preaching acceptably in the little meeting-house. The arrival of Mr. Wiswall and his unpopular escort led to more tumult, in the midst of which Gillispie left. Mr. Wiswall did not long remain here. So Mr. Wade again became the preacher, as is proven by the following minute of the Town Meeting held January 28th, 17 14: "Granted to Mr. Wade to have the use of the Parsonage meadow so long as he shall continue our minister." The Parsonage Land is mentioned so frequentlv in this volume that it is only proper that we should give a few facts concerning it before proceeding further. As is Avell known, this land was granted by the Lords- proprietors for the support of the ministry in the town. In * Dr. Ilodge, l>. ST. 172 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 1682 (October loth), it was decided by the Town Meeting that twenty-four acres of it should be " meadow or marsh ; " the remaining one hundred and seventy-six acres to be upland. At various times it was rented, and sometimes it was planted with corn for the benefit of the public treasury. The follow- ing is a correct transcript of the survey of this land, made March 12th, 17 16. (See Freeholders' Book, folio 84.) "Then Layd out by us vnder named two Hundred acors of land Given by Lord John Barkley & Sr. George Carteret, ye former proprietors of ye province of new jersy, to ward ye Charge of maintaining a gospell minister in this town, wch shall be Called & seatled amongst us by ye mejority of ye hinhabitance in ye town of woodbridge ; ye sd. Land Lying & being att a place known by ye name of trout Brook neck : Begining att ye south west Corner of ye School Land, from thence runing north & by west twenty two Chaine to a maple tree markt on four sides, standing in ye line of ye sd. School land; thence west south west seven Chaine to ye south East ^Corner of John Edde ['s] land; thence south west in ye line of sd. Eddes. So Extending on ye same Course forty one Chaine to ye north East Corner of Jchabod Smith ['s] third devision lott; thence southerly on ye sd Smith ['s] line of sd. lott ten Chaine to his south east Corner; thence south south east twenty one Chaine to a stake planted six rod east ward of ye northeast Corner of william Ilslee['s] addition; so Extend- ing from tlience to matuching [i. e. Metuchen] Road, leaving a highway between ye sd. addition & sd. ministers [land] ; from thence Easterly on sd. Road thirty five Chaine to a large white oak markt on four sides standing by ye sd. road; thence north & by west forty seven Chaine to a beech tree markt on four sides standing four rod west ward of ye great spring & from thence East four rod to ye place where it began, by ye appointment of ye town. Thos. pike, lott Layer, John Jaques, George Brown." It will be considered appropriate for us to introduce just here the survey of the " Meeting-house Green," entered in the Freeholders'' Book, folio 134: THE PRESI3YTERIANS. 173 "Surveyed the 2Sth of the 8th month, called August, 1784, at request of Doctor Moses Bloomfield and Jonathan Bloom- field, Esq. (at the same time were present Samuel Barron, Esq., William Smith, John Noe, John Barron, and Charles Jackson), a lot of land, lying in the Town Spot of Woodbridge, whereon is erected the Presbyterian Meeting-house and a building commonly called a Church, which said lot of land is called the Meeting-house Green: Beginning at the North- west corner of the home lot of land, formerly laid out for Samuel Smith, now belonging to William Smith; from said beginning running N. 11° 46', E. 20 chains, 55 links, to a gray rock, now within Samuel Barron's enclosure; thence with the line of the said Samuel Barron S. 18^ and 25 minutes — E. 19 chains, 90 links, to a stone planted and shown by Samuel Barron for the South-west corner of his land; then S. 15° 20', W. 2 chains, 61 links, to a stake; then S. 8° 40', E. 5 chains, 97 links to a stake now standing within William Smith's enclosure; then with the said William Smitli's line N. 80= 30', W. 8 chains, 93 links, to the beginning— containing eleven acres and three-tenths of an acre, as per the Plan delineated by a scale of 4 chains to an inch." To resume our story : The Rev. John Pierspn succeeded to the pastorate of the \Voodbridge Church in 17 14. He was the son of Rev. Abra- ham Pierson, of Killingworth, Conn., the first President of Yale College. John was only about twenty-eight years old when he came to this place. It is supposed that Rev. Jonathan Dickinson, the talented and celebrated Independent preacher at Elizabethtown, introduced young Pierson to the notice of the people here. Dickinson had been educated by the elder Pierson, and an attachment had grown up between the boy?, thus associated, which continued throughout life. John Pierson was ordained, as the Woodbridge minister, April 29th, 1717— his friend, Dickinson, participating in the services.--^ The Presbytery of Philadelphia met, on this occasion, in the quaint meeting-house here, and Mr. Dickin- son was enrolled among its members for the first time. * Hatfield's Elizabeth, p. 88 174 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. From a letter written by Rev. Thomas Halliday, November 8th, 1716, we judge that Mr. Pierson's salary was about jQ%o per annum, raised, of course, by private subscriptions. Speak- ing of Newai'k, Elizabethtown, and Woodbridge, he says : " In each of those towns there is a large Independent congregation who support their preachers with the allowance of ;^8o per annum, besides House, Glebe, and perquisites of Marriages."* The Woodbridge congregation was not then Independent, but of this he may not have been aware ; or, it may be, that he preferred using the old term to prevent misunderstanding. Nothing of importance occurred during Mr. Pierson's ministry, which continued for thirty-eight j^ears. The " Church enjoyed great peace and quietness, gradually increas- ing; there being no remarkable revival of religion in his day. Its number was small, at no time exceeding thirty. "f In the Town Meeting of October 29th, 1722, this minute is recorded : " Mr. John Peirson our present minister Shall have the whole use of the Land Layd out for the use of the person- age dureing the time he continues minister of the Gospel Jn this town. Giving him here by full power to Take Care to preserve the timber from being destroyed or taken away by any person or persons whatsoEver." March 12th, of the ensuing year, the Town Meeting agreed " that mr. John Person our present minister shall have power to make what Jmprovement; he pleas on ye personage Land by Letting of it out or other wise as lie Shall Se meet for the further Jmprovement thereof." In 1732 Mr. Pierson was deprived, by death, of the compan- ionship of his wife. Her epitaph on the tombstone in the old grave-yard at Woodbridge represents her as being remarkable for meekness, prudence, and piety — shining qualities in a minister's wife. The following is the chief inscription on the old slab : " Here is interred the precious remains of Mrs. Ruth Pierson, wife of the Rev. Mr. John Pierson, and daughter of the Rev. Timothy Woodbridge of Hartford, in New England, who fell asleep in Jesus 7th of January, 1732, aetatis z^." * Ilatfield'B Elizabeth, p. 829. + Kev. Azel Koe's MS. History. THE PRESBYTERIANS. 175 At the Town Meeting held on the second Tuesday in March, 1745, we find the next and last mention of the minister in the township records. We transcribe the " minute "; "It also passed by a major vote that Robart Hude Esqn, James Smith, Esqr., John Moores, Esqr., Mr. William Stone & Mr. Joseph Bloomfield shall be a Commetie (any three of them to have power to act) to Joyn with the presbyterian minister of this town for the time being to manage ye parson- age Land by Leseing of it out or otherways as ye sd. minister & ye major part of ye sd. commetie or their sucsessors shall Judge most advantagious for and towards the Suport of a presbyterian minister in this town." Edward Crowell, the Town Clerk, says, in regard to this action, that " this was done as I was informed at the request of Mr. John Pierson our present minister." In March, 1748, Abraham Tappen and Joseph Freeman were added to the committee "to manage ye parsonage Land." In 1740 the eloquent Methodist divine, George VVhitefield, preached in Mr. Pierson's Church. The congregation was very large. The sermon was preached on Monday morning at ten o'clock, April 28th. The distinguished clergyman dined, with the friends who accompanied him, at Mr. Pierson's house; and then hastened to Elizabethtown where an audience of 2,000 souls were assembled to hear him in Jonathan Dick- inson's house of worship." The brilliant Dickinson died October 7th, 1747, of 'pleurisy, in the 60th year of his age. Mr. Pierson, his life-long friend, preached the funeral sermon at Elizabethtown on the 9th. This sermon was subsequently printed. Fifteen )'ears before, Mr. Dickinson had performed the sad service over his friend's wife, Ru,th Pierson ; and now that friend was pronouncing a long farewell to his much-beloved Jonathan. Twentv-three years after, the three met in the Kingdom, " To be parted nevermore. " Mr. Pierson died at Hanover, N. J., in 1770, in the Sist year of his age, having preached the Gospel for fifty-six years. * Hatfield'B Elizabeth, p. 341. 176 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. In 1752 he was dismissed from Woodbridge at his own'request in consequence of " some dispute or difference arising betwixt him and his people."* He was, however, dismissed " w ithout the least censure or imputation upon his character or con- duct. He was justly reputed and esteemed a worthy and able minister of the New Testament, sound in the fixith. Of exemplary conversation and candor, he well supported the dignity of his office, and had but few equals in his day in theological knowledge. "f He was one of the first Board of Trustees of the College of New Jersey, of which the lamented Dickinson was the first President. Rev. Nathaniel Whitaker, a licentiate of the Presbyterj'- of New York, succeeded Mr. Pierson. He was ordained and duly installed December loth, 1755. There is very little known of this clergyman. He remained in Woodbridge five years, and was then dismissed at his own request. A disturb- ance in his Church, from some trivial cause, occurred during liis ministry, producing, to use Rev. Mr. Roe's language, "a small rent." In 1756 the Presbyterian Church at Woodbridge secured a royal charter incorporating it as the " First Presbyterian Church " of this town. It was given by Gov. Jonathan Belcher, and is dated September 8th. The Rev. Azel Roe succeeded Mr. Whitaker; but we reserve for a future chapter the history of this distinguished man. * Cburcb Ilistory by Kev. A. Koe. t Ibid. CHAPTER XVL 1669—1793. Educational — The Free School Land — First School- Teacher — John Browne — John Beacher— Survey of the School Land — Rahway School Matters — Straw- berry Hill — George Eubanks — School Fund — The Old Academy. Provision for the education of children was made by the township of Woodbridge in the days of tlie settlement. A school was regarded, by the villagers, as indispensable, and was named in the Charter, in 1669, as an object for the appro- priation of public land. The general location of this land was agreed upon, but it was not at first surveyed. In conse- quence, some ungenerous persons sought to occupy the chosen ground and obtained patents for it. This aroused the indignation of their fellow-citizens. In September, 16S2, resolutiohs were passed in a Town Meeting strongly con- demnatory of the men holding the free school tract, declaring their patents to be illegal. It was determined to complain to the authorities that the grievance might be redressed. In case this should prove ineffective, the law was to be invoked to secure the ejectment of the intruders. Capt. Pike, John Bishop, Sr., Thomas Bloomfield, and Samuel Moore were appointed a committee to enforce the sentiments and deter- mination of the town. The committee did as they were instructed. The land vvas recovered for school purposes alone. It consisted of one hundred acres, twelve of which, by a town order of October loth, 1682, were to be marsh and the remaining eighty-eight to be upland. The first school-teacher in Woodbridge was James Fuller- ton, who was elected to that dignity on the 3rd of March, 1689. The following is the minute in regard to the matter: "Jt also passed By Vote that they were generally willing 178 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. that James FuUerton Shall Be Entertained in this towne as a School Master, and to be Encouraged by Such as vSee cause^to Employ him." Mr. Fullerton, with his brothers, Thomas and Robert, came into the Province in 16S4. James settled on Cedar Brook, on land claimed by Jeffrey Jones, In 1693 Jones ousted Fuller- ton, who, in September, brought a suit against Jones for the recovery of the property. The trial was held in May, 1695, before the Court of Common Pleas at Perth Amboy, and Fullerton was restored to the ownership of the disputed territory. Jones appealed to the King of England, who, after a re-hearing of the case, reversed the judgment of the Court, and Fullerton was finally dispossessed.'"^ ' It is probable that he taught the Woodbridge scliool until 1691. In January, 1694, Nathaniel Fitz Randolph and John Bloomfield were sent "to Discourse with John Browne of Amboy or any other person that May Be Sutable," to secure his services as teacher. On the 27th of February, " Jt Passed By Vote that John Brown of* Amboy Should have twenty- four pounds a yeare alowed him for keeping a free School in this towne this next yeare." John Conger protested against this vote, on what ground does not appear. He demanded that his protest be recorded, which was done. Doubtless he thought ;^24 too lavish an expenditure for teaching one year. His views of a liberal educational policy were well illustrated in the signature he attached to an important township paper a year after — subscribing his name with the cabalistic X — " his mark." Previous to Mr. Brown's advent we must place John Beacher, who was offered ^13 to teach six months on trial. The offer was extended to Beacher December loth, 1691, with this proviso : " that he Shall be constant & faithfull in that employ as a School Master aught to Be, and that he Shall Be Jngaged to attend the School this winter time untill Nine oclock at Night." • Hatfield's Elizabeth, p. 241. TOWN SCHOOLS, 1 79 Whether John was a progenitor of the distinguished Brook- lyn orator, Henry Ward Beecher, we are not assured. -' On the 1 2th of June, 1695, a tax was ordered to be levied forthwith to make up the School Master's salary, which was largely in arrears. John Browne, of Amboy, who was teach- ing the village school at this time, could not have been very much fascinated with his professional prospects in view of this state of things. In the Town Meeting of January 29th, 1701, it was decided that no division of the common land should be made until the " Free School land " was laid out. A committee was appointed to make the survey, and to lay out the land " in such place or places as they in their discretion should judge best." This survey was ordered to be recorded, which Avas done. The property is situated not far from the Uniontown station tjn the Pennsylvania Railroad; and is now better known as the Poor House Farm, the township having hired the land from the trustees for the benefit of its homeless poor. The following is a copy of the survey alluded to, taken from the Town Book (see Randolph's copy, page 124). It will be seen that it is all upland, instead of part marsh as Avas first intended: "December ye nth, 1701. Then Laid out by us here under Named, one Hundred acres of upland, which was granted to the Town of Woodbridge by the proprietors of New Jersey for a free school : begining at a maple tree marked on all four sides Standing on a point on the west Side of the mouth of a fresh brook, known by the Name of trought brook : from thence Running Southerly as the said brook Runs forty Chains to a bending white oake marked on all four Sides, Standing by the Said brook ; from thence west and by South twenty five Chaine to a beach tree — marked on four Sides Standing about two Rod Eastward from a Spring knoAvn b}^ the Name of the great Spring, from thence North and by west fourty Chaine through a great Swamp known by the Name of * It will be observed that Mr. Whitehead calls this mau "John Boacker," iustead of " Beacher." Randolph's copy spells it as we have done. Notwithstanding, Mr. Whitehead's rendering is possibly correct. It must be borne in mind, however, that the original Town Booij is badly blurred, and Randolph copied it when it was more legiljle. A discrepancy in the date of the school-teacher's arrival will, also, bo noted. The date wo give is plainly writ- ten in Randolph's copy. I So WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Rahawack Swamp to a Beach tree marked on all four Sides, Standing Near to the Northwest branch; from thence East twenty two Chaine to Rahawack River where Standeth a Swamp oak tree marked on all four Sides: and from thence as the Said River Runs to the maple tree where it first began : in the aforesaid Land there is alowance for a Highway if there be occation for it : — Samuel Dennis, John Bishop, Samuel Hale, John Bloomfield, Jonathan Dunham, Thomas Pike." We find a call for a Town Meeting in the old records bear- ing date July 14th, 1701 — the Freeholders to assemble in the Meeting-house on the 23d, at 12 o'clock, to consider, among other things, the project for erecting a school-house. The meeting w^as held at the time specified, but the ordination of Rev. Mr. Shepard was the exciting topic of discussion, and the school-house is not even mentioned in the minutes. Never- theless, it is not improbable that it was under consideration; for Rahway was not as large a settlement as Woodbrldge, and yet in the following December ten rods of land were set apart there by the township Freeholders "to build a School-house on." This land lay "between John Robinson Tailers House and the House of John Alstone." If the Woodbridge Town Meeting should thus make provision for primary education in Rahway it is reasonable to suppose that it would early make the same in this more populous section. The famous Straw- berry Hill school-house is supposed to have been built during this year. Before that structure was completed it is likely that the village school held its sessions in the Meeting-house; and that, as little boys, our fathers sported on the Mceting- House Green. Wild boys they were, too, if we may credit contemporaneous records. In 1707 the town voted to lay out the School Land and Strawberry Hill in common fields for raising corn. On the 28th of January, 17 14, it was unanimously voted that John Kinsey, James Clarkson, Henry Rolph, and Samuel Ayers should be appointed to the " special care of the School Land in that manner as shall to them seem most advantaQ:cous TOWN SCHOOLS. iSl for the end it was laid out for; and also to agree with those that have now got timber cut upon it." The next teacher after John Browne's departure, the next of whom we have any account, was George Eubanks, a man of some ability. He began teaching in Woodbridge some time during 1711, probably; for in that year we find a grant of ten acres to him on Red Brook (or Reed Brook) for his "encouragement" as school teacher. The land was given, as the deed stipulates, on condition "that the sd. George Ewbancke do remain, abide and teach School In woodbridge aforesd. In ye Publick School house now built for yt purpose, during his natural life, or as long as he shall be capable. Provided always yt the Inhabitants of ye sd. Town, satisfying and paying unto the said Geo. Ewbancke for his Teaching of their Children, yearly & every year, So Long as he shall be capable of Teaching of School, anything aforesd. to the con- trary notwithstanding, that then [the] present relase [release] Shall Stand In full force." How long Mr. Eubanks taught the "young idea how to shoot" on Strawberry Hill, for here, doubtless, was the scene of his toils, is not known. As the ten acres were made over to him, it is most probable that he filled the conditions of the grant, and remained in the town, spending a laborious, useful and honored life among the youth of that time. He was a member of the Episcopal Church ; and it was he,'perhaps, who penned the invitation to Mr. Vaughan by which the latter was induced to come to Woodbridge to establish Episcopal services, for his name comes last on the paper. The following survey'-^ shows that Railway school interests were not neglected : " March ye 2Sth, 17 16. Then Lay'd outt by us under written (Pursuant to a town Grant to the Inhabitants of Rahawack) two acres of School Land Begining att a white oak tree Markt on four sides, standing by the Rode wch Run's by ye widow Jones house; thence Runing South west & be west twenty eight Rod to another white oak markt on four Sides ; * Freeholders' Book, folio 25. l82 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. thenc south south east twenty Rod to a small white oak markt on four sides: thence North East & by East sixteen Rod to a Wallnutt tree markt on four sides: and from thence on a straight Line to ye Place where Jtt began : Thos Pike, Lott layer. John Jaqves ) George Brown >• Comitte. Will: Ileslee ) Just one year previous to this survey it was proposed at a public meeting to divide Strawberry Hill into equal parts for the benefit of the Freeholders, notwithstanding a town order of long standing making it a perpetual common. The land was becoming valuable, and some of the more avaricious desired to add portions of it to their already large possessions. A vote was taken, March 8th, 17 15, by which this measure was authorized.* After the meeting adjourned, if not before, considerable opposition was manifested; and in the succeeding meeting July 1 2th, the subject was re-considered, and Strawberry Hill^ with some other commons, was excepted from the contem- plated division of land. At this time it was also determined to re-survey the School Land. The Freeholders resolved to sell the one hundred acres appropriated for schools, but found tliat an order from the General Assembly would be essential to make the sale valid. Accordingly, on the 3d of January, 1717, this minute appears on the record : " Itt also pased by a free voatt yt where as ye freeholders & Inhabitants of this town Conceive itt will be More Convein- ient & advantagious to sell ye School land : & being nott able to give a title wth outt ye assisstance of ye Generall Assem- bly: they do hereby appoint Jno. Kinsey and Moses Rolph to petition ye sd assembly to pass [an act] to enable us to do ye same." This action, however, was never carried out. The land was not sold. The town was wise in retaining it and is reaping the fruits of that wisdom to-day. Freelioldcie' Book, fol. 28. TOWN SCHOOLS. 1 83 Afraid, perhaps, that another effort would be made to divide Strawberry Hill into house lots, the Freeholders, on the 9th of January, 1724, decreed that "a piece on the End of Stra- berrey Hill Next the town Between the Road that Leads to Amboy and the Dwelling house of Ephrim Andrews Deceassed Shall Ly perpetually Comon. '''••' It was to be used only for a school-house, market place, or a similar public service. The management of the school land was given, from year to year, into the hands of committees appointed by the annual Town Meeting. The following table shows how the fund> arising from the rent of this property, increased in value from the year 1764. The principal was ;^36i. loj-. gd. at that date, and the interest accruing amounted to JCT2. ijs., making a total of ^434. 7-f . gd.: ■ £. s. d. ITfii 4:i4. 7. !). iTO.j 4f;r>. .'). 3. 17GB 53;]. 8. 3. £. .9. d. 1772 8.50. — — 177o OIJO. — — 1774 985. 4. 10. 1767-0 — — 1775 1,0(33. 14.11. 1770 740. — — 177G 1,162. 12. G. 1771 7!J4. — —I Then came tlie dreadful days of war v.^hen this amount was reduced to a low figure for carrying forward the military operations- It is supposed that the money was absorbed for such purposes, but no account of the expenditure is to be found. The following entry in Liber B (folio 25), explains itself: "March nth, 1783, at a general town meeting the trustees for the free School Land of the Township of Wood- bridg do Report that there acounts on the furst of march was as follows, viz. Due on Bonds Bills and Notes together with money due on the Land, ^477. 2>^. ^d. Cash in hand, ^""3. "]$.; total amount, ^480. loi-. 5^/." Whitehead, in commenting on this exhibit, seems to regard the p/^480, etc., as the total fund. But is not that view a mistaken one.'* The interest on the bonds, notes, etc., is all that the ;^48o represents; the ])aper representing the princi- pal. That is the way we look at it, but others must judge for themselves. On the nth of March, 1766, the question of applying the * Freeholdera' BjoU, fol;o 32. 184 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. interest of the School Fund for the " schooling of poor peo- ple's children " was raised in the Town Meeting, but it was vo;ed down. In 1789, the inhabitants, as Whitehead sayS) -' appear to have learned something from experience; " for they not only used the interest of this fund, bvit also the tax on dogs, for educating these children. In 1793 subscriptions were obtained for money to build the far-famed Woodbridge Academy. It was built by Jonathan Freeman at a total cost of ^342. 2s. ^d. The site is now occupied by the down town District School house which was erected in the Fall of 1851. The old Academy was not destroyed, but was sold and removed to a lot immediately adjoining Mr. George Lasslett's residence, where it stands to this day. It no longer resounds with the yells of refractory pupils and the hum of the multiplication table, but it has become an unassuming dwelling. CHAPTER XYIL 1720—1737. Slavery — Market-Place — Encroachments — Roads Made Narrow — The Sonmans-Stelle Difficulty — John Kinsey's Shrewdness — Lists of Town and Freehold- ers' Clerks — The Seventh Division of Land — Last of the Sonmans-Stelle Law-suit. We again turn our attention to the general history of the town. It is uncertain whether slaves were brought from Europe with the first settlers of the Province, but the traffic in human souls began at a very early period. In 1680 there were 120 negroes in bondage in the Province, which in 1737 had increased to 3,071 ;* in 1790 the State (the two provinces being united, of course) had within its limits 11,423 slaves; in 1800 it had 12,422 ; after which the number rapidly declined, until in 1850 there were only 236 in New Jersey. In 1810 Wood- bridge contained 230 slaves. During the century, between 1700 and 1800, the traffic was largely carried on in this State, and Woodbridge was greatly interested in it. Records of the sale 'of Africans are frequently found in MSS. relating to the town. The following, bearing date June 3d, 17 17, is written in Liber B, folio 100: "Know all men by these presents yt J, Shoball Smith, of Woodbridge, Jn ye County of Middx Jn ye provence New East Jersey, for and Jn Consideration of ye sum of fifty pound Currant Silver money, of ye sd provence, to me Jn hand paid by Samuel Smith of ye Same place, yeoman of ye town and provence aforesd — do bargain, sell, allineat and Deliver one Negro woman Named Phebe to sd Samll Smith, for him, his heirs and assigns," etc. * Gordon's N. J., p. 29. (Gazettee- .) l86 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. In the Freeholders' meeting of January 9th, 1724, Justice Hude presiding, it was voted that certain pieces of land should lie perpetually common, among which were these: A plot at Metuchen, adjoining the south-west corner of Israel Thornell's land; one lying before Moses Rolph's door (John Allen's house-lot forming the rear bovuidary); and one, as the Clerk describes it, "on the End of Straberrey Hill, Next the town, Between the Road that Leads to Amboy and the Dwelling house of Ephrim Andrewes, Deceassed." These commons were to be devoted to "publique uses" only, such as "the building School houses. Market places, &c." Public market-places were, in those times, regarded as essential to the well-being of an}^ town; and provision was made, therefore, for the erection of a market here. Perth Amboy was favored with such a building,* which was destroyed, in 1842, by the owner, into whose possession it came in that vear. Whether one was built in Woodbridge is unknown ; but it is improbable, inasmuch as no mention is made of it. Nor can we find any survey locating a plot for that purpose. However, such a survey may have been made and the record of it may be lost. A tradition, regarded as reliable, assigns as the Woodbridge market-place the ground upon which tlie village hotel (the Pike House) now stands. Mrs. David Paton lias told me that three acres in that locality were set apart for the purpose indicated — her grand- mother, who remembered the matter distinctly, having so informed her. Little by little individuals owning land adja- cent to it absorbed the greater part (jf it, and thus it became private property. Mrs. Paton's grandmother, Mrs. Campyon, resided in the building now occupied as a drug-store by Dr. Samuel E. Freeman. She is authority for a story of an amusing contest between two neighbors living near the market-place. One of these, whose land bordered the public property aforesaid, found it necessary to build a new fence, and, surmising that what belonged to everybody belonged to nobody in particular, built it several feet beyond his own line. This roused the ire * Whiteheyd's Ctu'riLutioua, i>. 'Ja.'). TOWN MEETINGS, RESUMED. 187 of a lady near by, who instituted measures for circumventing the avaricious man. In the morning after the construction of his fence he was astonished to find it lying flat on the ground, having been demolished during the night. The posts were re-set and the reconstruction completed, when the same mis- fortune befell the structure. It was found prostrated through some unknown agency. Filled with wrath, the man openly attributed the mischief to the lady living near, who oifered no denial, but coolly informed him that he might put up the fence as often as he pleased and he would find it taken down just as often. "A pint of ram will do it!" she exclaimed tri- umphantly. Finding himself discomfited and unable to satisfy his avarice at the public expense, the encroacher abandoned the disputed territor)^ baffled by the spirit and prompt action of a courageous woman. The dishonest practice of absorbing public land by fencing it and attaching it t(^ private property was very common. The town authorities were constantly passing resolutions denouncing it; in spite of which, however, whole acres were appropriated by unscrupulous persons. The public School Land came near being entirely lost to the township at one time b}' false claimants. It is only necessary to look at the public highways to see the frauds which private owners have perpetrated. Very few roads in the township are as wide as they should be. Those which the surveyors determined should be six rods in width have been, in many instances, reduced to four; and the four-rod roads have become, in some cashes, narrow lanes, through the cupidity of certain land- holders. As an illustration, take the six-rod road laid out September 15th, 1704, "all along by the River."* Who can find a highway of that width "along by the river"? The thoroughfare known as the Kings Highway, which ran through Woodbridge, was, when first laid out, a great deal wider in many places than it now is. The same is true of nearly everv otlier road in tlie township. A man would build a fence, putting it out far enough in the road to make the extra land pay for the improvement. His next-door neighbor did * Towu Records, A., p. 87. ISO V/OODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. likewise— for it would look odd if his fence stood back several feet from the line of the other. Thus the narrowing of the highways became general. So it came to pass that some that were intended to be spacious were contracted and barely passable for two vehicles side by side. The Freeholders of Woodbridge held a meeting on the 24th of March, 1727, to consider the claims of Peter Sonmans, of Perth Amboy, a matter destined to give the people of this town considerable trouble. We have already alluded to it. (See page 153.) Gabriel Stelle was another claimant. These claims related to land on the boundary line between Amboy and Woodbridge. The Woodbridge men held that the land was on this side of the line and had never bsea granted or otherwise bestowed upon the claimants. Both Sonmans and Stelle were prominent men in Amboy, the latter having founded a ferry, in 1728, between South Amboy and Staten Island, stopping at Perth Amboy en route* In the March meeting just referred to, John Kinsey, Jr., a shrewd man, well versed in the intricacies of law, was made a sort of counselor to a committee of investigation, appointed to look into the Sonmans-Stelle claims. The committee consisted of Adam Hude, John Kinsey, Benjamin Force, Daniel Britton, Wm. Bunn, James Thomson, Shobel Smith, Moses Rolph. On the 15th of December following, another meeting occurred, Benjamin Force, Moderator. The minutes read thus: " Mr. John Kinsey Came Jnto ve meeting and Satisfied the Freeholders Jn those matters and things the above Comitte was ordered to confer wth him about — and then it was voated that sd. Mr, Kinsey should be added to sd. Comittef and yt they should take ye first oppertunity to Discourse wtli Mr. Sonmans Jn Relation to Som Lands he claimes on amboy Line, and also to Endevoure if it be practible to Se if the freeholders Can purchase Such a Right of Quit Rents as may Enable them to Discount wth the propriotors tor the Quit Rent due on our Generall patten." * Whitehead, p. 272. t The John Kiusey already on the Committee was probalily liis father. TOWN MEETINGS, RESUMED. 1S9 The committee were authorized to give public notice when they were ready to report.'-^ The next meeting recorded was not held until January 9th, 1730, when Capt. Matthew Moore, John Veall [Vail] and Moses Rolph were chosen a committee to report what was best to be done at the present juncture of the Sonmans-Stelle affair. The Freeholders then adjourned to the 26th. At ten o'clock on the morning designated they met again and the committee last appointed reported as follows : '•The Said Comjtte first do think it proper and absolutely nessary that money be forth [with] Raised to Defray the Charges of Runing and assertaining the bounds between us and at our neighbouring towns, Especially the bounds between us and amboy well we think ought forth wth to be don as Sone as possible; and if any have wthjn the Limation [i. e limitation] of ye Law before or Shall hereafter ofiTer to Trespass wth Jn our bounds, that they be forth wth pros- ecuted. — 2ndly, we think it Just there should be no more Land Layd out to any person whatsoever wth Jn our bounds but to those who have not had there ten pound Rights Layd out to them, Exclusive of what is Called the five pound Right, Except it be La3'd on Land yt is not Liable to be any ways controverted between us and our Neighbours, til our bounds are assertained. — 3dly We think it proper to Qviet the minds of all and to prevent jelousies Jn Som Jn Relation to ye Raiseing money for the Ends and purposes afore sd. that there be a Comitte apointed by the Freeholders and Jmpowered by them to take a Count of our atturneys (to whom they sd atturneys shal be acountable) for what money conies Jn to there hands." This report was received with mucli favor, and the monev Avas at once called for. The attorneys alluded to were John Kinsey, Henry Freeman, and Moses Rolph, who Avere ap- pointed in the meeting af March 25th, 1720. It Avas now required that each Freeholder should pay, nolens voiens, ten shillings for contesting the claims of the Amboy men. The * If the Committee did report at any public meetii:g it is evident that it umountcd to uotl ing. SonmaLS w„8 immovable. igo WOODERIDGE AND VICINITY. committee, whose pi-opositions had proved so acceptable, were continued as an advisory cabinet to whom the attorneys might resort for consultation. By the way, John Veall^ one of them, will be more readily recognized as John Vail. As we have before intimated, our fathers had a frightful way of writing their names. John's name is spelt Veall in several places and Vaile in another, in such a way that his identity is preserved, so that we know the same man is meant in every instance. The Vcall being thus disposed of, revenons a nos moutons : The meeting, which we presume was a lengthy one, ad- journed in time, perhaps, for a late dinner. On the 5th of February it re-assembled at ten o'clock in the morning, as before. John Kinsey, the elder, was chosen Moderator, as the Chairmen of these early town gatherings were called. He presented a paper written by the younger John Kinsey, "shewing his opinjon what was best to be don by the Free- holders to put them Jn away to opose and Defend themselves against those who had or should Trespase wth Jn there bounds," This document, which was a shrewd plan for proceeding in the disputed case, was unanimously approved. We give it in full : "Jn order to determine the Controversey Relating to ye Lands claimed by Gabriell Stelle ard others and Jn the mean- time to preserve ye timber Growing there on J propose — That the Freeholders of Woodbridge (or at Least so many of them as may be procured) make a Realase [release] of the Land Jn Controversey to some person Jn trust and Grant also the timber growing thereon, the Lease to Continue for seven years, and a proviso therejn to be Conteined that if the said Freeholders or the Greater number of them or any other person by there order or the order of the Greater number of them shal at any time there after tender one Shiling To the Lessee, his heirs, Exr. admrs. or assigns, that then the Sd. Lease to be void, by this Lease ye person trusted may have it Jn his power to punish Tresepasers and become plaintive or defendent Jn order to trie the title: and Jn case of danger of TOWN MEETINGS, RESUMED. I9I betraying his trust the Freeholders always have it Jn there power to put a period to his Claime by virtue of the Lease on the Tender of one Shiling. Jf the Freeholders think fit to do this, the Lessee may Enter upon the premises Jn the presents of'witneses, upon whom Gabriell Stelle may ReEnter and turn him out, for wch an action may be brought that will trie the title. IJ^^And note, where any of those have Free- hold rights [who] are under age, there guardians must Leas for them ; not a guardian apointed by the Governour, for such have no power Jn the Case; but either the person to whom the Father by deed or Last wil Jn his Life time had Comitted the Custody of Jnfant to; or where there is no such appoint- ment, by such person whome the Law C>omitts the Guardian ship of the child to ; that is to say, to the next of kin to whome the Jnheritance can't desend. John Kinsey, Junr." From tills it will be seen that John knew what he was doing, A Philadelphia lawyer could not have proposed a better plan. As might have been expected, John himself was nominated and elected the " Lessee " mentioned in the paper — '■'■ nemone contradicente," as the Clerk pompously put it. As the year 1731 has been reached in our narrative, we pause in the history of the litigation to note the advent ot a new Town Clerk, Edward Crowell. He served in this office from 1 73 1 to 1756 — a period of twenty- five years ! His is the longest term of service in this position in the township. We give a table of the Town Clerks down to 1800 : -1668, Joshua Pierce. 1 669-1 688, Samuel Moore. 168S-1692, Samuel Dennis. 1693-1711, Thomas Pike. 1712-1731, Moses Rolph. 1731-1756, Edward Crowell. 1757-1769, Nathaniel Fitz Randolph. 1769-1773, Daniel Moore. 1773-1783, Robert Fitz Randolph. 1 783-1 784, David Frazee. 1784- , Charles Jackson. 1 788-1 794, James Paton. 192 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 1 794-1 795, Robert Ross, Jr. 1795- , Ichabod Potter. They were usually elected in the Spring of each year. The Freeholders began to hold meetings by themselves in the year 1707. At first the Town Clerk was also Freeholders' Clerk. Thomas Pike and Moses Rolph served in both clerkships — but, although Rolph was succeeded by Edward Crowell as Town Clerk, he was succeeded by Thomas Gach as Clerk of the Freeholders. Here is a list of the latter Clerks down to 1S15: 1 707-1 7 1 1, Thomas Pike. 1712-1731, Moses Rolph. 1 732-1 770, Thomas Gach. 177C-1773, Nathaniel Fitz Randolph. T773-1784, Dr. Moses Bloomfield. 1784-1790, 1791-1815, Jonathan Bloomfield. Nothing more is recorded in the minutes concerning the Sonmans-Stelle affair until 1734. A meeting was held March 29th, 1732, but only to elect a Clerk and appoint a committee to adjust certain inequalities in the division of the public land. On the 4th of February, 1734, we observe that John Kinsey and Moses Rolph are superseded by Ezekiel Bloomfield and Shobal Smith in the management of the law-suits. The 12th of March was set down for the next meeting. A number met in the appointed place on that day; but they immediately adjourned to the ist of April, when Richard Cutter was chosen Moderator and a tax of seven shillings was levied on each Freehold for carrying on the law-suit against Sonmans and Stelle. The new Clerk did not improve, in the matter of spelling. upon the efforts of his predecessors. A vendue becomes a "vandew" under his magic quill; Pabiaek Neck becomes " papioc nack." In speaking of the disbursement of money to Moses Rolph, he says (Oh, shade of Noah Webster!) that ii was ^- Dis busted" to him ! We can fixintly imagine the fright- ened look Moses had when his money " cut up " in that way. If he was a 3 fond of the shillings as the people of to-day, he TOWN MEETINGS, RESUMED. I93 held on in spite of the "busting." When our Clerk wants to tell us that certain lands are held by the Freeholders, we arc shocked to read that these places are " hell " by them ! Not pleasant localities, we should say. On the first Monday in May, 1734, the Freeholders deter- mined to lay out all the land claimed by Sonmans and Stelle and divide it by lot — this allotment to be known as the seventh division of the Woodbridge commons. As the law- suit was still in progress, an assessinent of 14^'. on each Free- hold was made to meet the expense. Though the seventh division was made, according to resolution, yet it is certain that the Freeholders never entered into permanent possession of it; for Peter Sonman, Sr., having died in March, 1734, young Peter, his son, and Samuel and John Nevill, his broth- ers-in-law, made an offer in 1737 for the land in dispute, wliich was wisely accepted by the Woodbridge men. The case, which was in the Supreme Court, was, previous to this offer, allowed to go by default against the Sonmans party (and this involved the failure of Stelle's claim also), and the lon^y struggle of twenty-eight years was ended. It is worthy of note that John Kinsey's plan w^as in opera- tion to the last — Henry Freeman being the lessee at the time harmony was restored between the litigants. The offer made by the Sonmans party was very favorable to Woodbridge. It was this: If the Freeholders would give the Sonmans party a clear and perfect title to the land (120 acres within the Woodbridge bounds on the Amboy line), they would give the Freeholders, as compensation, perpetual exemption from all quit-rents past, present, or future, by surrendering to them three and a quarter proprietary rights forever. The Freeholders did well to accept this; for since John Pike, in 1709, began the legal battle, no benefit of any consequence had accrued to them from the territory — and no greater benefit could be desired than was offered in 1737. On the 17th of May, 1737, the Freeholders met and voted that the land recovered from Col. Gabriel Stelle should be sold to as great advantage as possible, and the proceeds be devoted to paying such as had advanced money for carrying forward the law-suits, etc. Mr. Kearney (Philip, doubtless, of M 194 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Perth Amboy), who was the lawyer employed, was voted a suitable fee out of the forthcoming sale. This was to occur on the third Tuesday in June at twelve o'clock. The surplus proceeds (i. e., the money in excess of the objects named above) were to be divided among the Freeholders equally. On the day^designated for the sale a goodly number undoubt- edly assembled at John Heard's house, the place appointed, but we do not find that any one purchased the land. Turning to the Town Book for a moment, we observe that nothing has occurred, in the annual Town Meetings, of unusual interest. The election 'of officers and the regular taxes comprise nearly all the matter on record. The meeting of March nth, 1735, varied the monotony a little by resolving to lease the School Land for a term of years not exceeding ten. After this gleam of intelligence we are again left in the dark. It we felt inclined to 'pun we "should say the Town Clerk was both Crowell and cruel. CHAPTER XV ILL 1738—1770. England and France at War — The Sixth Division Dif- ficulties — The Eighth Division — Woodbridge in 1748 — An Old House — James Parker, the Printer — First Printing-Press in New Jersey Located at Wood- bridge — Incidental Matters. The land that was recovered from Gabriel Stelle was not sold, if we may judge by the proceedings of the meetino- of Freeholders held on the 28th of March, 173S; for a committee was appointed to prosecute individuals who were guilty of taking timber from it. Three years intervene before another record is made. The gathering alluded to (March 30th, 1741) was of little consequence — an order for the survey of the common land being the only subject of interest under dis- cussion. In fact, the meetings of the Freeholders beo-an to grow uninteresting and infrequent. It may be that the dis- turbed condition of the Province had something to do with their indifference. Lewis Morris had been appointed Royal Governor of New Jersey in 173S and continued in oiRice until his death, in 1746; during which time unseemly quarrels between him and the Assembly prevented the transaction of any public business. Added to this was the fact that a war was brewing between England and France, which broke out in 1744; and soon the smoke of the conflict arose over the American colonies. In 1748 the two great powers entered into treaty relations and the contest ended. Peace did not endure a great while. France pressed her claim for the territory in the northwest in 1749. Another war was begun in 1754, known as the French afid Indian War, which was concluded so gloriously for England in 1763. For a long time during these distracting events the British ministiy was so feeble in its policy and efforts with respect to the colonies that 196 WOCDBRIDGE AND VICINITY. it Avas feared that the French and their subtle Indian allies would overrun the settlers. It is, therefore, not a marvel that our fathers grew careless of their records; for if the tide o* fortune should set against them and they were driven from their homes, of what benefit would be their divisions and surveys and grants of land ? Two years elapsed since their last meeting. March 28th^ 1743, they met again, to consider certain claims to the sixth division lots, which had been authorized over twenty-two years ago. They assembled next on the 20th of April, 1744, when a standing committee, for hearing complaints and correcting mistakes growing out of the division of the commons, was appointed. This committee consisted of Robert Hude, James Smith, Richard Carman, and David Donham. The quit-rents due to the Freeholders were ordered to be collected, by virtue of the proprietary rights obtained of young Sonmans and the Nevills. A long interval ensues. On the 19th of June, 1749, after five years of inactivity, a brief session was held. Samuel Moore, Shobal Smith, and James Brown were added to the standing committee, elected in the last meeting, for adjusting matters relating to divisions of public land. The errors in some of these divisions, especially in the sixth, must have been very gross. Indeed, almost all the trouble grew out of the sixth series of lots. Benjamin Par- cost's assigns complain, in this very meeting, that "by reason of sum mistack," they cannot enjoy the land they should have had. The cause of these mistakes is not difficult to discover The sixth division was ordered January i6th, 1721 — each Free- holder to have any tcnappropriated land he chose in his ijnmcdiatc neighborhood to the value of ^\^. This plan was a great blun- der. Two neighbors may select the same field, which may be contiguous to both; and because both cannot own it, jealousy, bitterness and strife are engendered, life-long enmities created and numberless obstacles placed in the path of local improve- ment. In some cases the most valuable lands would be within the reach of the few, and this would lead to conten- ions ; and disputes would arise as to how much more valua- TOWN MEETINGS, AGAIN. 197 ble this meadow was than that, and hoAV many acres ^i^ ought to purchase in the different localities. It was now twenty-eight years since the sixth division was authorized, and yet the difficulties attending its settlement were, appar- ently, as insurmountable as ever. We find bvit few of the lots recorded. Those surveyed in the right of Samuel Smith, George March, Jonathan Donham, and William Compton were located in 1721. Ten shillings' w^ortli of land in Jona- than Donham's right in the sixth division was not laid out until 1763; eighteen shillings' worth in John Insley's right was not surveyed and allotted until 1758; etc. It w^ill be seen, therefore, that a generation, at least, passed away before this allotment was adjusted. It is doubtful whether it ever was satisfactorily settled. Another long period of silence occurs in our Freeholders' affairs. Nine years have nearly passed when, on the 14th of March, 1758, they meet again. Perhaps they assembled rather to discuss the French and Indian War, then in progress, than to do any serious business; for they adjourned to the 20th without passing a single resolution. New Jersey raised 1,000 men for this war during 1757-8, and every hamlet in the province was, therefore, interested as to the issue. On the 20th, Shobal Smith was chosen Moderator, and then was discussed another division of the public domain — the eighth. William Kent was elected Surveyor, to lay out the remainder of the town commons. We have been unable to discover any further facts relating to the eighth division. The next record of a meeting is made in 1774 by Dr. Moses Bloomfield, Freeholders' Clerk. During the long interval of sixteen )'ears the proceedings of these men are involved in profound mystery. We shall revert to Dr. Bloomfield's clerk- ship by and by. It may be interesting to our readers to know what was the general aspect of the town at the period of which we have been writing in this chapter. Thanks to Prof Peter Kalm, the Swedish botanist, who traveled through this section in October, 1748, we have a brief, but very interesting description of its ap- pearance. (See Kalm's Travels in N. Amcr., I., p. 181.*) Here it is : '' Hatfield's Eliz., p. 374. 198 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. "Wood-bridge is a small village in a plain, consisting of a few houses; we stopped here to rest our horses a little. The houses were most of them built of boards ; the walls had a covering of shingles on the outside; these shingles were round at one end and all of a length in each row ; some of the houses had an Italian roof, but the greatest part had roofs with pediments ; most of them were covered with shingles. In most places we met with wells, and buckets to draw up the water." It is evident from this that the houses were well-built, and rather tashionable for that time. The pediment roof was very much in vogue, although it is seldom met with now. The shingles were carefullv cut round on the bottom like the scallops on a lady's garment. It is manifest that our fathers Avere a little proud in building their houses. One of the oldest wooden buildings now standing in Wood- bridge is, doubtless, that belonging to 'Mr. William Inslee, near his residence, and now used by him as a sort of repair- shop. It is said to be of a date long anterior to the Revolu- tion, and possibly belongs to the period of Prof. Kalm's visit. It is a one-story building and shingled on the out-side, where from old age the shingles liave not rotted from the nails and fallen off. The door is double, after the ancient style — the upper part swinging open while the lower remains shut. There are two rooms below with a small addition at the rear, and an attic above reached by a flight of stairs. The ceiling is low, and the heavy timbers overhead make it seem still more so. The great wide fire-place, suggestive of a sparkling blaze from huge logs and of a Winter evening's comfort, occupies a goodly proportion of the eastern side of the building. Two windows to the west and one to the south afforded the inmates a view of the public highway leading to Amboy and of the hills of Staten Island. Standing on the threshold we almost persuade ourselves we hear the noise of the spinning-wheel, and the voice of the spinner singing the psalm tliat was sung last Sabbath at Parson Roe's meeting-house. Perliaps it is Doddridge's hymn, Avrittcn in 1740: TOWN MEETINGS, AGAIN. I99 "And Thou, my Go J ! whose piercing eye Distinct surveys each deep recess, In these abstracted hours draw nigh, And with Thy i^resence fill the place." Now evening comes; and from the distant field the husband and his stalwart sons draw near to greet the quiet little woman who lovingly Avatches their approach leaning upon the lower half of the door. She turns occasionally to see that the roasting venison over the hickory fire is not over-done. The cows come leisurely homeward, a little in advance of the men. The breeze lightly stirs the branches of the venerable trees near the house, the swallows twitter delightedl}- as they circle round and round, and tlie large red sun sinks slowly down behind the great forest across the road. Perhaps in the twilight, as the old gentleman sits outside the door enjoying the Summer evening, the parsori, returning from some pastoral visit, stops to chat a few minutes. The time of the Revolution is near at hand, and possibly the aggressions of England are the topic of conversation. If so, it is no fancy of ours that invests Parson Roe's figure with so much dignity. His pleasant face becomes stern as he denounces British tyranny. Possibly they discuss the cruelt}' of the commander of the English ship Greyhound, who fired into the little boat of Col. Rickets, of Elizabethtown, on Thursday, the 7th of Juno, 1750, killing one of the party. '■'■ This circumstance occasioned a great excitement among the people of New Jersey, and there was much indignation manifested against the British. Such oppressive acts as these caused the anger of the colonists to wax hot against the government that pretended to protect them. At the rear of Mr, T. H. Morris' residence in Woodbridge is a part of a building that is very old. It is shingled on the side with the round-bottomed shingles described by Prof. Kalm in 1748, and was probably constructed somewhere about that time. It is a part of the old Elm Tree Tavern, which stood near the spot it now occupies; and it is not unlikely that Kalm's party stopped at this very place to rest their * Hatfield's EUz., p. 37.). 200 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. horses. The tavern received its name from tlie fact that a very large elm stood in front of it for many years. AVhen the tree was cut down in 1837, its destruction being rendered necessary by its decayed condition, the circumference of it was thirty- two feet. It was averred that fifteen men could stand upright together within its hollow trunk. It was evidently a tree which Avould have proudly vied with some in the far-famed Yosemite Valley. The memory of it still lingers around the locality; and the writer hereof looks back with pleasure to the hours he passed in the Elm Tree Institute, which was for him truly an alma mater. It is fitting that we refer, in this place, to the disting-uished James Parker, primer, a native and for many years a resident of Woodbridge. He was born in 17 14. His father, Samuel (born June ist, 1674), was the son of Elisha Parker who removed to Woodbridge from Staten Island about the year 1675- James was apprenticed to William Bradford, the first printer in New York, in 1725. Bradford was then publishing the New York Gazette. In May, 1733, Parker ran away and his employer advertised him on the 21st of that month. The cause, of Parker's absconding is not known, nor is it known where he betook himself for nearly nine years. The New York Gazette being discontinued by Mr. Bradford, young Parker began the publication of the Weekly Post Boy in 1742-3, in New York ; and this is the first that we hear of him since lie ran away. The Post Boy was published by him for several years. It was printed on large foolscap, one sheet of which was used for each copy. Few copies are now extant, and these are, of course, very valuable. It was in 1751 that Mr. Parker established his press in Woodbridge — the first printing-press in New Jersey. It is supposed, with very good reason, that his office was located on the lot adjoining and north of the present residence of Mr. David Demarest, about where Dr. Samuel P. Harned lives. Not only is this supposition supported by tradition, but also by the fact that individuals employed in cultivating land near this spot have plowed up metal types at different times. Mr. Robert Coddington says that when he was a boy, he, in TOWN MEETINGS, AGAIN. 20I company with others, was accustomed to go to this locust grove and search for these types ; and many were found. Mr. Parker printed, on his Woodbridge press, the Legis- lative proceedings and many public documents. He still owned the New York Post Boy, but he resided in Woodbridge. Bradford, his former employer, died in 1752, aged 92, to whom he wrote and published an excellent tribute. He entered into partnership, with respect to his New York business, with William Weyman in the beginning of the year 1753, which was dissolved in January, 1759. In the previous year he began to publish at Woodbridge the JVew American Magazine. ■This Avas the first periodical published in the State. Each number contained forty pages octavo, and was filled with a variety of entertaining and instructive matter. The maga- zine was issued monthly until March, 1760, edited by Samuel Nevill, of Perth Amboy, who wrote under the nom de plume of " Sylvanus Americanus." In 1755 Parker and John Holt became partners, the latter taking charge of the New York branch of the business after Weyman left it. Parker and Holt established a press at New Haven, and printed the Connecticut Gazette there, the first newspaper in Connecticut. In 1762 Mr. Holt leased Mr. Parker's New York press until 1766, when the latter resumed possession of it. He and his son, Samuel F. Parker, continued from this time to carry on the business until within a short time of the father's death, which occurred on the 2d of July, 1770. In 1 76 1 the elder Parker printed, on his Woodbridge press, the second volume of Nevill's Laws of New Jersey; and in 1764 he printed a " Conductor Generalis," intended as a guide to Justices of the Peace. The latter publication was sug- gested, doubtless, by his own experience, for he was holding the office of Justice at this time. In 1765 he transported his press from Woodbridge to Burlington to accommodate Mr. Samuel Smith, the historian, in the issue oi\\\s History of New Jersey. The manuscript of this valuable work is preserved in the library of the Historical Society at Newark. It makes a book of 574 pages, printed in excellent style. Wm. A. White- head, to whom we are indebted for many of these facts concerning Mr. Parker, says of him, very justly, that "he was 202 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. a correct and neat printer, understanding liis business per- fectly." After this important work was completed he removed his press to Woodbridge. He was a very busy man. The position of postmaster in New York was held by him for several years. At the time of his death he was Comptroller and Secretary of the postal department for the Northern District of the British Colonies, It is not improbable that his intense application to business made of him an invalid. He died at Burlington, whither he had gone to regain the health he had lost. He was brought to Woodbridge for burial. A number of the citizens of Burlington followed the funeral cortege for five miles out of town ; and a similar delegation from Perth Amboy met the sad procession near that place and attended it to the Parker residence in Woodbridge. The body was buried about six o'clock in the evening, in the Meeting-house yard, the last rites being performed by Rev. Mr. Preston, the Episcopalian clergyman. To this day no stone marks his place ot rest — a melancholy comment on the popular forgetfulness of the truly great and good. Janet Parker, only daughter of the distinguished printer, was married to Gov. Gunning Bedford, of Delaware, in 1796. Samuel F. Parker, the son, sold the press in Woodbridge soon after his father died, and leased the New York office. The Woodbridge printing-office was burned to the ground by a band of tories during the Revolution.'''' We now find ourselves on the threshold of that stirring period in American history — the Revolution. Before enter- ing it we return to the Freeholders' Book to note the last meetings therein recorded. Dr. Moses Bloomfield, an excel- lent penman, was chosen Clerk in the meeting of April nth, 1774, which was held at the house of Charles Jackson. In a short preface to his regular minutes the Doctor tells us that Thomas Gage (or Gach) continued to act as Clerk until his death; after which James Eddy, his executor, delivered the books to the Freeholders on the 2d of April, 1770, when * So Robert Coddingtou says — anil others. TOWN MEETINGS, AGAIN. 203 Nathaniel Fitz Randolph was chosen to the vacant office- Fitz Randolph died in 1773, and the official books were surrendered by the administrator of his estate in 1774, and then Dr. Bloomfield was charged with the safe keeping of them. These books were two in number — one was a small volume containing the sixth division surveys; the other, the portly book now open before me. The former has been lost. No business was done on the nth of April beyond the election of Dr. Bloomfield as Clerk and James Eddy as Moderator. On Monday, the 25th, the Freeholders met again. Cortlandt Skinner was "unanimously chosen Moderator till another be chosen in his room." The meeting deprecated the " disorder'd unsetled situation " ot affairs — referring not to the state of the country, but to the management of the public lands of the township, etc. Resolutions v/ere passed favoring the appointment of a committee to investigate the right of suffrage among those who claimed the privilege of voting; directing stated meetings to be held, either quarterly or half- yearly; and constituting Reuben Evans Surveyor for the town. The committee just mentioned consisted of Samuel Barron, William Stone, Joseph Shotvvell, "of Perrytown," Samuel Jaquish, and David Kent. The general records were represented as being in a " very bad plight." The committee was therefore required to make out a new list of the present Freeholders, with a statement showing their rights and from whom they were obtained. Seven meetings were called subsequently, which were all compelled to adjourn because so few attended that it was impossible legally to transact business. Tlie last of these seven was on the iSth of April, 1775; but the minds of the citizens were now filled with excitement, and prosaic Free- holders' meetings were out of the question. On the next day after the date just mentioned the first blood of the Revolution was shed at Lexington. No other attempts were made to hold meetings. The smouldering fires of the war were fairly aflame and all private interests were, for a while, forgotten. We close the Freeholders' Book with a sigh ; for we have reached the last entry, save one brief record which is found in folio 108, and belongs to the year 1791. It seems as though 204 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. we are shutting out the face of a friend when we turn these yellow leaves in farewell ; for we have spent long hours together in faithful converse. Doubtless the old book will survive many years him who now smooths its antique pages, as it has survived the many whose names are written in it. Reverently, therefore, we close the volume. Retracing our steps a little, we search the meager records of Liber B, and find a few items of interest. In the Town Meeting of March 8th, 1764, William Thorn reported that as Collector he had collected the dog-tax. The Town Clerk adds: "But ye meeting got into Confewsion and so Broke up." The reason is not given. Maybe some of the people objected to the dog-tax. In the meeting of March loth, 1767, the old Overseers of the Poor, having failed to make up their accounts, were required to meet the new Overseers at the house of Nathaniel Heard on Thursday, t!ie 19th. Heard's residence was situated about where William Harned's dwelling now stands. The old homestead of the Heard family is now in possession of Oliver Martin.'^' Many, if not all, the public meetings of the town were held, during this period, at the village tavern, kept by Charles Jackson. After his death, his widow performed the duties of landlady and entertained the annual Town Meeting for several years. The following "minute," under date of March 13th, 1771, seems curious: "That the Poor of this Town Shall be Sold at Publik vandue immediately after the buisness of the day is over next general meeting, & so to continue yearly & every year imtill it Shall be alterd by vote again." The idea is, of course, that the lov/est bidder should take care of the ])oor for the amount of his bid, to be paid by the town. In 1709 the amount raised for the poor was jQ,'2.^. The tax was never so low, subsequently, but twice: in 1714, when it was ^15, and in 1730, when it was £,20. Previous to 1764 the highest assessment had been ^100. This was in 1755. In 1763 it was £,(io. The following year it jumped to ;^2oo, and * So we are infoimed by A. V. Shotwell. TOWN MEETINGS, AGAIN. 205 the same tax was maintained the year after. A large influx of paupers must have contributed to increase the tax to this high figure. In 1766 it fell to ^^140; in 1769 it was at the moderate sum of ;£(>o. But in 1773 the poor claimed the unprecedented outlay of £212,- There is no account of a poor-tax levied previous to 1705, when ;^3o were assessed. In the meeting ot March 14th, 1775, it was " Voted That the Town Book [s] or one of them Be by Nathl. fitz Randolph Junr Coppyd in a good Bound Book by thee Next Town Meeting which will Be in thee year 1776 — & if t-d. Nathel f: Randolph Cannot attend, for thee Town Clark to Endevour to git Sombody Else to Do it as it is in a Dangerous Setuation by Reason of its being old & mutch to Peases." On the isth of November ;^2 2o were appropriated for the poor and the copying of the old book. Dr. Moses Bloomfield and Samuel F. Parker were appointed to examine and compare the copy with the original. In the March meeting (12th), 1776, Daniel Moore was chosen in the place of Mr. Parker to make the examination alluded to. It was resolved that Fitz Randolph, the copyist, should have the "priviledge to chuse John Smith of Amboy to Inspect sd. book in behalf of himself." And this is the manner in which we were favored with Fitz Randolph's excellent copy of the old town records. After the town gathering of March 12th, 1776, in the minutes of which there is not the remotest allusion to the war, no other meeting was held until 1783 — at least, none of Avhich any account is preserved. We append the following, in reference to an old bridge, which appeared in a Perth Amboy journal* recently, entitled, "A Relic of the Past": "A friend in Woodbridge sends the following copy of a document, the original of which was found by a gentleman of Philadelphia, among the papers of one of the old Wood- bridge families, the Fitz Randolphs, and appears to contain not only the names of those Avho did subscribe towards building the Bridge, but also those in the neighborhood whom the promoters hoped would do so : * Middlesex Co. Democrat, March, 1871. 2o6 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. "'Woodbridge June iith 1757. Proposals being made for building a good stone bridge across the great brook adjoining to Thomas Lewis', [now Jacques Venet's property] in order to encourage it, the follow- ing persons agree to give the several helps toward it as is annexed to their names, on condition that said bridge is actually built directly. Viz : James Parker (subscription illegible). Alexander Edgar, five load of Stone. Thomas Gach Esq. Six load of Stone & load of wood. John Bloomfield, three load of Stone. Jonathan Inslee, five load of Stone & load of wood. James Pike, four load of Stone. John Conway, 14 Shillings. Benjamin Bloomfield, 10 Shillings. Gershom Conger, 10 Shillings. Edward Barber, two days work and 10 Bushels of Shells. James Osborne, four days work. Thomas Lewis, twenty Shillings, Arthur Adlington, five Shillings. Thomas Hadden, two loads of Oyster Shells. Joseph Bloomfield, five load of ^Stone. William Thorne, ten Shillings. Mary Jackson, Seven Shillings. Daniel Noe, (if sent for) one load of oyster shells. Annanias Lewis, four Shillings. Joseph Shotwell, Jun., Seven Shillings. Daniel Shotwell, Seven^ Shillings. Jonathan Kinsey, one load of Shells. David Evens, two load of Stone. William Frazee, five shillings. John Thaxter, two days work. James C^Jrowell, three Shillings and Six pence. James Walker, Seven Shillings. Nathaniel Fitz-Randolph (uncle) two days work. Seriah Bunn, Seven Shillings. Nathaniel Heard. John Heard. William Kent, Cash 14 Shillings. TOWN MEETINGS, AGAIN. 207 isaac Tappen. Joseph Cutter. William Cutter, 3 loads of Stone. Richard Cutter, 3 load of Stone. Daniel Ayers. Nathaniel Pike, 2 days work. William Pike. Richard Wright, 10 Shillings. William Smith. Shobal Smith, Robert Stone, four load of Stone. Samuel Barnes (or Barron). AVilliam Stone. David Harriot, 4 load of Stone & one ot wood. George Harriot. Benjamin Alford, 3 days work. David Perkins. James Jones, three load of Stone. Jonathan Harned. Doctor Moses Bloomfield. Francis Compton. 'Jacob Fitz-Randolph. Joseph Havilan. Joseph Thorne. Samuel Jaques. Rev. Mr. Nathaniel Whitaker. Henry Freeman, 3 Shillings and 6 pence. Isaac Freeman, 5 load of Stones. Alexander Freeman. John Freeman.^ Esseck Fitz Randolph, 5 Shillings. John Barron, 10 bushels of Shells and 4 days work. Isaac Fitz Randolph. Reuben Fitz Randolph. Thomas Thorp. Henry Martin. James Smith. David Dunham. James Brown. 208 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. George Brown. Thomas Brown. John Brown. Wm. Smith. John Moore, 3 Shillings and 6 pence. Joseph Moore, 8 Shillings and 8 pence. James Kelly, one load of Stone if he can. Wm. Walker, 4 load of stones. Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, Blacksmith, 40 bushels of lime. Samuel Fourd, 2 load ot Stones. John Kent, i Shilling and 9 pence. Samuel Moore, Shoemaker 2 shillings and it pence. ^ John Geddis. Andrew Brown, 3 days work. Robert Fitz Randolph. Jacob Fitz Randolph. Henry Freeman Junr. John Kelly, Jun. 10 Shillings.' " OHAPTEE XIX. • 1751—1788. The Quakers — Grave-stones Taken Down — First Quar- terly Meeting in Woodbridge — The Draft — Mend- ham Quakers — Rahway — Ministerial Friends — War Troubles — Rapid Decline in Woodbridge — The Rev- olution. We resume the history of the Woodbridge Quakers bj- opening the second- book of records, which is a well-kept and very legible volume. '-•" Much of it is of a private character. We shall spread before our readers only such facts as are of a public nature. At the monthly meeting held in Woodbridge on the iSth of February, 175 1, we find it stated that "Some friends hauino- been Consernd in Seting up grave Stones in our Buryino- ground, John Vail and Joseph Shotwell are desired to Treat v^^ith tliem and to desire them to haue them Remoued." On the 2ist of April a report was rendered that some had taken the stones down, but had laid them on the graves. Others had not done even that — the stones remaining in their orio-inal positions. On the iSth of the next month, however, it was reported that all the stones were taken down. The last Monday in May vvas a day long remembered among the Quakei's in Woodbridge. The Quarterly Meetino- assembled for tlie first time in the village. Heretofore this important body had met in Shrewsbury. It was with much gratification that the Friends at this place entertained those from abroad, arrangements for whicli had been in progress for along time. John Shotwell and Edward Fitz Randolpli were the representatives from the Woodbridge Montlily Meetino-. The Quarterly Meeting, as our readers will remember, was to * The pre-Ndous Chapter on the " Quakers" is the VI h, p. 50. N 2 10 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. be lield henceforward once, at least, during the year at this place; but a communication from Shrewsbury asked that the time of holding it might be changed — May being regarded as an iinpropitiovis part of the season. The traveling during the Spring must have been decidedly wretched ; for with all the modern improvements the region around Woodbridge is even at the present day the muddiest of the muddy in the Spring- time. A native never comprehends these lines, or anything like them ; "Oh, how I love the Sprhig-time, When Winter's reign is o'er ! " He regards such sentiments as so many heartless jokes intended to recall the unhappy time when his wagon stuck fast in the road, and the wicked school-boys on Strawberry Hill bellowed out in a chorus: "Mister, your wlieel is turning 'round! " The Quarterly Meeting referred the matter of changing the time to the Woodbridge Friends, who, after mature reflec- tion, decided that the month of May was the " moste suitable," and they desired its adoption as the season of the regular meeting. The Shrewsbury Quakers objected, but the first Quarterly Meeting in 1752 sustained the Woodbridge Friends. On the 15th of October one of the members here sent iil a letter to the Monthly Meeting condemnatory of himself for attending the marriage of a Friend who wedded a person not a Quaker. It illustrates the strictness with which these men of old endeavored to fulfill every duty enjoined upon them ; "Wharas I haue had my conuersation amongst the people called quakers and for want of a close walking up to the measur of grace Receiued haue gon to a marriage of a friend who married out of friends vnity for which I am Trewley sorrey for it and hartily condem my Self and desire friends to pass it by." Shobel Smith and Nathaniel Fitz Randolph were appointed on the i8th of June, 1752, to take care of the burying ground. The Monthly Meeting of February 15th, 1753, was held on a stormy day. Friends who had been to Shrewsbury were present, however, and had brought from thence a package of ten new books, all copies of a work entitled " Memories of the QUAKER HISTORY CONCLUDED. 211 Life of John Roberts," by Daniel Roberts. We may imagine the eagerness witli which these volumes were read by the Friends. Frequently such were tlie gifts brought from Shrewsbury; so it is probable that the return of the repre- sentatives from that town was an event of some importance to their constituents. For some reason the Quarterly jMeeting of May, 1753, was held at Shrewsbury instead of being convened at Woodbrido-e. Small-pox prevailed at the former place, which intimidated two of the representatives from this town, but the third attended the meeting notwithstanding the contagion, it would appear from the minutes of July 19th that the protest of the Shrewsbury Quakers against the holding of the Quar- terly Meeting at Woodbridge in the Spring had at last proved effectual ; for the Summer session was held in the latter place. This Avas the season, for many years subsequently, in which the Friends met here in Quarterly Meeting. From the minutes of the Monthly Meeting, assembled on the 17th of July, 1755, we learn that legacies had been bequeathed, at different times, to the Woodbridge Monthly Meeting, amounting to ^100; besides the half-acre given by John Laing for building the Meeting-house at Plainfield. "in the same meeting the question "respecting a man's marrying his wife's first cousin " was considered, and it was decided that it was a difficult matter to determine. Neverthe- less, the prohibition of such marriages, heretofore existing among the Friends, was re-affirmed as the wisest and safest plan to be adopted. On the 19th of November, in accordance with the recom- mendation of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, a Ministers' and Elders' meeting was established in Rahway, to gather monthly at the house of John Vail, "on the third 2d day of the weak at Eleven oclock." A member of the fraternity living at Metuchen was reported as being addicted to intoxicating beverages, and he was, ot course, called to account. His excuse was that he took tlie draught as a remedy. In December he "acknowledges he has Sundery times Taken more liquour then was Servissable but not to be disguised thereby Except once when under a fit ot 212 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. tlie cholick he took the Liquoiir for a Remedy." But on investigation this statement was found to be a slight deviation from the truth. Either the colic was very bad or the man thought it would be; for he took his remedy very industri- ousl)', the effects of which were visible. He was, therefore, publicly disowned by the Friends at Woodbridge. During the year 1756 a draft was made to fill the quota from this State of the soldiers required in the war against France. This contest was, of course, discountenanced by the Quakers, quarrels and warfare being contrary to their cherished principles. Stephen Vail's son was among the drafted men. On the iQth of February this appears on the record: '"Com- plaint is made that Stephen vail Imployed a person in the place of his Son who was prest to go to ye fruntears in order to ^ build block houses." In other words a substitute was procured, which was regarded as abetting the evil. Jon- athan Kinsey Avas also complained of for attempting "to Raise a number of men in order to Transporte prouisions to the armey Intended to attack tlie Subjects of the King of france." Several Mendham Quakers suffered some animad- version for redeeming their goods from the authorities which had been taken from them for refusing to " train " with the militia. A committee of enquiry, consisting of John Web- ster, Abner Hampton, William Morris, Jacob and Joseph Shotwell, was instructed to go to Mendham and notify the culpable parties of the dissatisfaction of the Woodbridge Quakers. In August the offending members, seven in num- ber, acknowledged that they had done wrong and were peni- tent. At Mendham a fifth-day Weekly Meeting was authorized by the Monthly Meeting of this place (for the Friends at that town were subordinate to the Woodbridge society), and a Preparative Meeting was also established there, to be con- vened once in three months. This entry, January ist, 1757, indicates that Railway mem- bers were growing restive : " Friends at Rahway haue Repeatedly made application to tlie monthly meeting for leave to build a meeting house at that place which friends at Woodbridge are oneasey with, and QUAKER HISTORY CONCLUDED. 213 to put an end thereto it is Refered to the Consideration of the Quarterly meeting." .V The representatives brouglit word from that body, the sub- stance of which was that, in regard to the matter in question, it was "the Solid Sence of that meeting that a meeting house aught to be built at Rahway." Without further opposition the project was pushed forward. During February and Tvlarch much was done toward the new enterprise. Solomon Hunt, Samuel Marsh, Abraham Shotwell,'* and Benjamin Shotwell were appointed to purchase a suitable lot. Francis Bloodgood, Abncr Hampton, and Robert Willis were ap- pointed to assist in selecting the ground and determining the size of the plot. It was decided that the new building should be thirty-four feet lon-g and thirty feet wide. Meetings for worship Avere established on " first days " at Rahway, to begin at four o'clock in the afternoon — the vote for this innovation having passed on the 21st of April. The effect of it was no doubt apparent in a short time in the diminished attendance at the Woodbridge assemblies, a result long foreseen by the Quakers residing here. The use of odd names in the designation of different locali- ties is frequently illustrated in these as well as other ancient records. We read of a Quakeress who came from " Gun- powder " to visit those of her taith in this village. In 1758 Abner Hampton made a journey to "the Oblong," in New York State, bearing the greetings of the Friends at home. It is possible that the shape of the meeting-house at the " Oblong " accounts for the name — this being given to dis- tinguish it from tlie square structures which almost universally prevailed. On the 19th of April, 1758, arrangements were made for building a house of worship at Mendham, to be built on land belonging to Robert Schooley. The size of it was at length determined to be "26 foot wide & 25 long " — a queer-looking piece of architecture to modern eyes. Its estimated cost was In December Abner Hampton informed the Friends that he * He lived at Eahway. Another Abraham lived at Metuchen. 214 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. was "under a consern To vissit the Isle of Bcrbados and perhaps Sum of the adjacent Islands, and Requests friends consideration thereon, and a Certificate if they are Easey therewith." The certificate was given to him, but a general objection to his making such a long journey appears to have prevented his departure. The Quarterly Meeting discussed the matter and doubtless influenced Hampton's friends to keep him at home. At this time Thomas Lewis had the care of the Woodbridge Mecting-housc, George Parker had in charge tl)c one at Plainfield, Cowperthwait Copeland that at Rahway. Robert Willis was one of the most active ministers of the sect in this part of the country. He often made journe)^s to other places to the edification of those among whom he sojourned. On the 17th of April, 1760, he informs the Wood- bridge Friends that "he has been under an Ingagement of minde for sum time to Vissit the meetings of friends in the Southeron Provinses." His proposed trip was approved, and a commendatory certificate was given to liim. The record says: " He being under low Circumstances, Joseph & Abra- ham Shotwell are appinted to provide a hors & to furnish him with necessarys of all kindes Suitable for tliat Jarney." Sarah Shotwell was also well known as a speaker, and a pattern of humility and faithfulness. After her death a memorial was written by a committee, John Webster and Abner Hampton, which was adopted in tlie June Monthly Meeting. The senior John Vail (there were three Johns) liad some eminence, several years before, as an instructive teacher of the truth. Likewise was William Morris at one time an honored and useful minister who "went about doing good." In July of this year (1760) it was decided that Mendham should pay one-fourth of the money required for the treasur}- of the Woodbridge Monthly Meeting. A proposition was made in the following month to remove the Plainfield Meet- ing-house, which was rejected in September. Where it was proposed to move it, and why it was considered necessary to do so, are not stated. Robert Willis returned from the South in October, with QUAKER HISTORY CONCLUDED. 215 pleasant testimonials of his useful ministry in and about "West River" in ISIaryland, which were a source of much "^ satisfaction to the Woodbridge Quakers. The minutes of the October Monthly Meeting are largely occupied with the report of the sufferings of those who refused to bear arms or train with the militia between 1757 and 1760. From the list given we learn that twenty-three experienced the penalty of the law — the heaviest fine being imposed on Hartshorn Randolph, tie valued the goods taken from him at ;2^3, j6s. When Jacob Laing, who was fined ^3, was brought before the officer, Col. Jacob Ford, he was asked what reasons he could give for refusing to accompany the expedi- tion against the Frencli. tic answered that " he was princi- pled against bearing arms against his fellow creatures." After several hours' detention he was permitted to go home — a distance of twelve miles. In 1758 Hugh Webster was drafted and taken three miles from his dwelling. Capt. Benjamin Stites, before whom he was taken, demanded that he should go into the service him- self or furnish a substitute. Hugh positively refused to do either; so he was led away eight miles further to a spot where the guard expected to find the company assembled. The soldiers, however, had marched away. He was left to take care of himself, and returned to his residence, stopping at Capt. Stites' house to inform him that his men had set him free. Several soldiers under (!^ol. Samuel Hunt seized the horses and wagon of Abner Hampton on the 24th of May, 1760, as he was driving leisurely along the road, nine miles from home. They wanted the team for the transportation of their baggage a distance of twelve miles. They endeavored to persuade Abner to dri^-e for tliem or procure a teamster, promising a generous remuneration. He declared that conscientious scruples forbade either his performing the task or receiving any reward therefor. The wagon was laden and the soldiers disappeared with it, the worthy Quaker pvu-suing his lonely way homeward on foot, with no very bright hope of seeing his horses again. But on the 27th who should drive up to Abner's y door but Azariah Dunham with the team all safe and sound! ' Such instances of devotion to their time-honored anti-war 2l6 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. principles served to strengthen tlie Friends in Woodbridge and its vicinity. In the early part of 1761 Robert Willis made a tour, in his ministerial capacity, to South River, " Isle White," Cider Creek, and Fredericksburg. In the same year Abner Hamp- ton and Joseph Shotwell (who vv^as, for many years, the excellent Clerk of the Woodbridge Monthly Meeting) made a fraternal visit to West Jersey and Pennsylvania. These journeys seem to have been the cause of much congratulation among all the parties concerned. Willis went to New York and New England in the Summer. He was apparently inde- fatigable in his ministrations abroad. On the 20th of August, 1761, three Preparative Meetings were established: one at Plainfield on the last Aveek-day meeting preceding tlie monthly ; one at Woodbridge at the same time before the Monthly Meeting there; and one at Railway under similar circumstances. The trouble .with Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, which began in January, 1759, threatened at one time very serious conse- quences to Quakerism in this place. Fitz Randolph became offended at certain utterances of two prominent members of the Society. Efforts were made to bring about a reconcilia- tion; but as Fitz Randolph would retract nothing and the accused members Avere proven to be guiltless, not much satisfaction resulted. The matter was not settled until 1762. The Monthly Meeting publicly disowned the refractory mem- ber; whereupon he appealed to the Quarterly Meeting, which, after a patient hearing of the case, referred it to the Wood- bridge Friends for re-consideration, b) whom the sentence was confirmed. As Fitz Randolph belonged to an old and influential family these proceedings created considerable ex- citement. During July, 1762, the question of holding several Monthly Meetings at Plainfield, instead of confining them to Wood- bridge, was mooted. The arrangement Avas altered so far as to include Rahway in the plan, when it Avas submitted (in 1763) to the Quarterly Meeting. In May the programme Avas published, according to orders received from the Quarterly Meeting. The Monthly Meeting Avas to be held thereafter at QUAKER HISTORY CONCLUDED. 21 7 each place four times a year, as follows ; At Woodbridge on the 3d fourth day of April, May, July, and August; at Plain- field on the 3d fourth- day of March, June, September, and December ; at Rah way on the same day in January, February, October, and November. This arrangement went into eifect immediately. That the Society began to wane in Woodbridge and grow in the other towns, is sufficiently evident in the minutes of a Railway meeting in February, 1766, where it is recommended that the Railway and Plainfield meetings should, "from time to time," appoint some of their members to visit those at this place. In May it is recommended that "as friends Feel a spring of Love in them selves they chearfully Give up to Go & partake with thir Brethren at woodbridge." Three years after this the Woodbridge Preparative Meeting was removed to Railway, and the Monthly Meeting held its last session in Woodbridge on the 19th of April, 1769. Hence- forth it alternated between Railway and Plainfield, in which towns the Quakers still have their strongholds. The Quar- terly Meeting, which, up to this time, had assembled a large number of Friends once a year in our village, was requested to be held hereafter at Railway, At an expense of about ^161 the meeting-house there was enlarged for the reception of the delegates who met in it for the first time in August, 1769. In 1770 Robert Willis left his friends to go to Europe to preach the truth, intending to spend a portion of his time in Ireland. In October of this year the Weekly Meetings here were so thinly attended that it was seriously pi'oposed to drop them altogether. A Quaker who had come from a distance to worship at the old-fashioned meeting-house found that the service for that day was entirely abandoned. The " sclackness and Indifferency " of the Woodbridge members were freely discussed in the November meeting at Railway. On the 20th of February, 1771, a committee was sent to enquire into the dereliction of duty, viz: Samuel and Benja- min Shotwell, James Haydock, and Solomon Hunt. They found that no meetings had been held during the Winter, but a feeble effort was being put forth to recover the lost priv- ilcQ-es. 2lS WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. In the July meeting of 1773, held at Rahway, we find that complaints were lodged against several Friends for " giving way to drowsiness." The ©verseers reported that they had "treated" with some of them with a view to keeping them awake during public service. Truly, sleeping in church has antiquity in its favor, though it has not devotion. At a Rahway meeting on the iSth of May in the following year, we see that the treasurer was ordered "to pay Cow- perthwaite Copland 26^-. 9^/. it being for Phisick for John Thorn his apprentice." We do feel sorry for John. Twenty-' six shillings' worth oi physic ! Whew! For several years the question of holding negroes in bond- age had agitated the Society. A report to the Monthly Meeting at Plainfield in August, 1774, shows that at this time only one negro "fit for freedom," within the jurisdiction of the Societ}^ remained a slave. Robert Willis returned in September from Europe, having visited the Quakers in England, Ireland, and Scotland. He brought certificates from Dublin and London expressive of the great satisfaction his sojourn had given to his foreign Friends. Meetings in Woodbridge for worsliij) were not yet altogether abandoned. The hour of service was fixed, in February, 1775. at ir o'clock in the forenoon for the "first day" meeting — the only one held here. In the Spring Jonathan Ilarned, Jr., fenced the meeting-house yard. We now begin to catch occasional glimpses of the difficul- ties surrounding the Quakers through the protracted struggle of the Revolution. Twenty pounds, proclamation money, were subscribed by the Rahway meeting of July 19th, 1775, for the relief of the New England Friends who were suffering by the war. Under date of June 19th, 1776, the following appears on the record : "This [Plainfield] Meeting is informed that Benjamin Ilar- riss has signed a paper for independency, and has suffered his apprentice to go in tlie army and has received His Wages." Several Friends tried to show Benjamin the error of his Avays, but he refused to give them any "satisfaction for his Miscon- duct." He was, therefore, cut off from their communion. QUAKER HISTORY CONCLUDED. 219 The Quaker meeting-house here was occupied, during a part of 1776, by soldiers, as will be seen by these extracts: [Plainfield, August 2ist] — "This Meeting is informed that a Number of Soldiers have enterd some time ago, & still abide in the meetinghouse in Woodbridge. Joseph Shotwell, Ben- jamin Shotwell, Abraham Shotwell, John Haydock, John & Hugh Webster are appointed to enquire in what manner they have taken possession thereof, and whether they obstruct Friends from meeting quietly therein, & to visit tliat Meeting at times while tliey remain there." [Rahway. Sept. iSth]. "The Friends appointed to visit the meeting at Woodbridge & enquire how the Soldiers came posess'd of the Meeting house, report they took Posession of it without leave from any Friends ; they at times continue there yet, but dont much interrupt Friends in time of Meeting." The Winter Quarterly Meeting of 1776-7 at Shrewsbury was very slimly attended. The representatives from this section did not go, giving as the reason that they were "pre- vented b}' an Apprehension of great difficulty attending their passi-ng through the contending Armies of Soldiers." The Quakers in this vicinity during* the first six months of 1777 were mulcted in the sum of ^252, 5^. ic/., for refusing to bear arms or to pay the war tax. Jonathan Harned having died in 1776, a beque.^t in his last will of ;!<^2o for the poor of the Society was put out at inter- est. In May, 1788, this legacy had been reduced to ^11, 17^". 2d. — the remainder having been lost through the " old paper emission of the province," as the record expresses it. Jon- athan Harned Avas a good man. A little while before his death he manumitted Mai-y, his old colored servant; but promised, nevertheless, to supply all her wants until she should need them supplied no longer. Robert Willis, who might rightly be called the Quaker Missionary, had some idea of visiting the South in 1778; but "great commotions" in Plainfield, " occationed by War," prevented his contemplated journey. He was loth to leave his Friends in the midst of so much distress. A committee for the relief of sufferers was formed this )'ear, consisting of Abraham Shotwell, Wm. Smith, Hugh Webster, John Vail, 2 20 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Wm, Thorne, and Elijah Pound. Subsequently Thorne re- signed and Edward Moore was chosen in his place. Thorne said, in the November meeting at Rahway, that he was compelled to affirm his allegiance to the Continental Congress several months before — having no choice except to do that or be thrown into prison. Elijah Pound did the same thing, and was, therefore, relieved of his position on the committee just mentioned, being allowed to resign. Under similar circum- stances and at the same time, probably, another Quaker living in this section got into difficulty. He says: "Whereas I, Marmaduke Hunt, was coming home, was taken by a Party of light horse and Carried to Morris Town Goal where I was confind in a Navisious room to the Injury of my health, and Deprived of the Necessaries of life to that degree that I could procure no more for my support but one meal for seven da)'s; in this distress liberty was offered me on condition of my taking the affirmation of fidelity to the States, which, through unwatchfulness, I submitted to." John Laing tells the same story. He, also, was taken to Morristown and locked up for several days in wh.1t he describes as a "very Loathsome goal," being liberated only on making affirmation of allegiance. Several tables appear on the record showing the articles confiscated for taxes and fines. The officers took all sorts of things: chairs, Bibles, shovel-and-tongs, andirons, spoons, kettles, bedding, cows, horses, oxen, hogs, basins, Avatches, corn, guns, pails, bellows, hay, sheep, tubs, overcoats, etc. On a warrant issued by Henry Freeman, Justice, Edward Moore was visited three times during 1780 by Daniel Compton, the Constable, for the collection of a tax of ^29, and a fine of ^500. Two tables were taken at the first visit, February 28th. The second call of the Constable, July 29th, resulted in a deficit of two calves, an Iron pot, a hand saw, an auger, a square and compass, broad-ax, drawing-knife, hammer, grind- stone, spade, and a hand-saw file. On the 9th of August the Constable came again. He only wanted Moore's cow this time. In the same year Jonathan Harned, Jr., of Woodbridge, was QUAKER HISTORY CONCLUDED. 221 called on, first by Constable Corapton, then by Constable Peter Harpendine, on warrants issued by David Crow and Jeremiah Manning, Justices. These visits cost Harned " 3 Sydes [of] Leather." Some time in February Compton car- ried off Mary Dunlram's tea table for unpaid war tax. Harned was subsequently called on for more leather, from which we judge that he was a tanner. Edward Fitz Randolph was compelled, in 1781, to surrender four and a half bushels ofwdieat. Among other things taken from James Flaydock we notice "13 chizzles " and a *' mouse trap." Among the officers, civil and military, who were conspicu- ous in enforcing the existing laws against non-combatants, were James Edgar, David Dunham, David Crow, and David Crowell, Col. John Webster, Col. Moses Jaques, Sergt. James Bishop, Sergt. Benjamin Scars, Sergt. James DeCamp, Col, John French, Capt. John Paine, Sergt. Joseph Marsh, Sergt. Abraham Morris, Col. John Hart, Samuel Fitz Randolph and Henry Freeman, Justices. But we must bring this chapter to a close by mentioning briefly several relevant matters. At a meeting held at Rahway, July 15th, 1784, the Friends determined to sell the meeting-house at Woodbridge. An unknown person offered to buy it, but the negotiations were broken off; for a while, at least. The old building has lonp- since been demolished, and the ancient burying-ground is now the property of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Quakers began to build a school-house at Rahway, in 1785, on the meeting-house lot. It was constructed to front the road, was twenty feet by thirty, and was one story in height. A new meeting-house was built in Plainfield during 1787-8. The plans were settled on the 15th of November, 1787. The dimensions of the building were to be thirty-four by forty- eight feet. A passenger on the New Jersey Central Railroad will observe the modest structure on the right as the train approaches the Plainfield depot from New York. It is substantially the same as when it was erected eighty-five years ago. A recent fire injured the southern part of it, but it was repaired in a style similar to the unburnt portion. This 222 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY, meeting-house does not stand on the site of tlie old one, but was built on ground situated near the house of '' John Web- ster the third " — so called to distinguish him from two other Johns. May it long remain as a memento of that time long past, of which all our dreams are poetic, but, which, alas ! was a time to many of bitter griefs and scalding tears. OHAPTEE XX. 1761—1873. Thk Presbyterians — Rev, Azel Roe — The Metuchen Church — The New Woodbridge Church — Rev. Messrs. Mills, Barton, Martin, and Lucas — The Old Bury- ing-Ground. In a precedino; chapter (XV.) we brought the liistory of the Presbyterians down to the time of Rev. Azel Roe. In tlie present chapter we shall conclude our investigations with respect to this ancient Christian body. One year after Mr. Whitaker's removal from the Wood- bridge pulpit, in 1761, Mr. Roe, a licentiate of the New York Presbytery, was invited to preach on trial at this place. In response to a call tendered him he was installed and regu- larly ordained pastor of the Woodbridge Church in the Autumn of 1763. Mr. Roe was born at Setauket, L. I., on the 20th of March, 1738,* and continued to preach at Woodbridge until the year ot his death, 1815. His style of preaching is represented as argumentative and very effective. He was a man of excellent address and commanding presence. His memory is precious to many who have never seen him, simply because of the heroic traditions that embalm his name. He Was a zealous man. He rode frequently over to Metuchen on horseback in order to hold meetings at private houses. Thus he won the affections of tlie people throughout all this region. The Metuchen Presbyterians had, for several years prior to this, effected some sort of an organization, holding meetings for religious worship by the courtesy and with the assistance of neighboring ministers. It is said that a rude structure served, during the early years, as a church — the one standing * Hunt's Hist. Metucheu — quoting Sprague'3 Annals, 224 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. during the Revolution being the second which had occupied the same site.* The old one had originally been a barn, if tradition is reliable. On the 5th of August, 1767, the Me- tuchen congregation united with that of Woodbridge,f by which arrangement Mr. Roe's services were to be divided equally between them — preaching on alternate Sabbaths at the two places. In Mr. Roe's MS. church history we find it stated that " these churches were to be considered as one in all things of an ecclesiastical nature; in their government and discipline to have but one Session ; but separate and distinct in their temporalities." Until 1793 the Metuchen society was known, after the union, as the " 2d Presbyterian Church of Woodbridge;" frequently it was distinguished as the "upper congregation." An unfortunate dispute arose in regard to the disposition of the 200 acres of land left for the maintenance of the ministry of the township by the charter of Woodbridge. For several years the " lower congregation " had enjoyed it exclu- sively. Later, the "upper congregation" was permitted a share of one-third of the rent of it (^20). Still later, the Metuchen people asked for an equal share in the property as a right guaranteed to them under the township charter, contend- ing that, as Metuchen was within the township limits, and six or more of the original settlers were members of the " upper congregation," the grant was intended as much for their benefit as for the emolument of Woodbridge. This was denied by the latter; hence the dispute. The Woodbridge Church authorities say that "in or about the year 1768 they [the Metuchen Church] separated from us," and were re-united with the the lower congregation in 177 1 at the request of the Metuchen Presbyterians.;]; Now, neither Mr. Roe, in his MS. history, nor the historian of the Metuchen Church, makes any reference to any separation in 176S or a re-union in 177 1. Indeed, Mr. Roe says, after speaking of the original union of the two societies, "it pleased God, in the course of a fnv years, to visit this ii/iited church with the more than ordinary infiu- ence of his Spirit." But if the separation took place in 1768, one year after the union, and lasted nearly or quite three * Hunt's Motuclien, p. 29. t Ibid. t Brief statement, etc, by the Truatees. THF, PRESBYTERIANS, CONCLUDED. 225 years, why is no allusion made to it by Mr. Roe.' And yet such an episode may have occurred. We are searching for facts : not to establish any rival claim, but to make our story complete. In 1780 the Metuchen society paid Mr. Roe ^70 — onc-lialf of his salary. In 1787 (October), it was incorporated as the 2d Presbyterian Church of Woodbridge ; and the first Trustees, Benjamin Manning, John Conger, John Ross, Ebenezer Ford, Ellis Ayers, Timothy Bloomfield, and Robert Ross, were elected on the 5th of April of the same year.*' In 1783 this Church was allowed one-third of the rent of the parsonage land, and in several succeeding years one-half of the rent was granted. t In 1792 the edifice at Metuchen was enlarged fifteen feet in depth, chimne3's built and stoves put up for the first time — foot-stoves having been tlie limited means of warmth heretofore indulged. The buiiding was now about thirty-six by forty. In this partial reconstruction application was made to the Woodbridge Church for permis- sion to procure the required timber from the "Great Parson- age," as it was called. The request, so the Metuchen people say, was evaded; and, instead of an answer, the lower congre- gation asked that the two churches should "jointly apply to Presbytery " for an assistant minister. Metuchen not acced- ing, Woodbridge alone applied for a separation in October, 1792, but without success. The Presbytery of New York met at Orange, N. J., on the 9th of May, 1793, when the applica- tion was renewed by the Woodbridge Presbyterians for a separation from the Metuchen Church, which was granted. In 1794 (April 2 2d) a call was given to Rev. Henry Cook, of Morris county, who on the ist of May became the pastor at Metuchen, receiving a salary of ^120. The law-suit between the two churches in regard to the parsonage land was begun in 1795 ^^^ ^^s prosecuted by the Metuchen congregation with great vigor until 1800, when the Court of Errors, to which the case had come up from Chan- cer), confirmed the previous decision in favor of the Wood- bridge people by a vote of eight to five. * Dr. Hunt's Metuchen, p. ;!2. t Ibid., p. 30. O 226 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. It is eminently proper that the matter in dispute should be impartially stated. We shall make the statement succinctly without comment : Metuchen claimed the land in part because the grant was asserted to be for the maintenance of the ministry of the town of which Metuchen was a part, some of its residents being among the earliest settlers. To this Wood- bridge responds : It was intended for the town ministers, but for the ministers in succession, not for those of different congre- gations ; besides, Metuchen has no title to this property, while Woodbridge /^fli' a title to it of excellent character. If there were any doubt in regard to the purpose for which the land was appropriated, is not that doubt solved by the uniform action of the Freeholders in permitting its use for the succes- sive ministers of the Woodbridge Church only ? To which, in effect, Metuchen makes answer; For many years we were part and parcel of that Church, and" we did not surrender our right to the land when we separated from it. As there was no other congregation but the one at Woodbridge for a long time, no occasion was given for any deviation from the uniform action of the Freeholders. Their action would have sanctioned a division of the land had they foreseen a division of the Church. Woodbridge replies: If all the churches in the township were to share in the property it would necessi- tate endless divisions and sub-divisions, and defeat the very purpose for which it was granted. Hence it is improbable that the property was left in such uncertain tenure. This, we believe, is the substance of the arguments pro and con. At the age of fifty-live Mr. Cook died (in 1824), having spent thirty years among the people of Metuchen as their pastor.* He married twice, and the four daughters who survived him are now dead. He is spoken of as an ordinary man physically, but as an exceptionally good preacher. What consolation there is in that fact for a homely clergy- man ! Mr. Cook was a good man and his death was lamented by a large circle of affectionate friends. In 1818, during his ministry, a revival resulted in the addition of one hundred and Hunt's Metuchen, p. 37. THE PRESBYTERIANS, CONCLUDED. 227 seventeen to his own, and a number to the neighboring church (Baptist), at Piscataway. This gracious event greatly invig- orated the membership, and much of its. fruit was gathered "after many days." A small house and a lot were purchased in 1795 for ^200, which were known for a long time as the Metuchen parson- age property. Ellis F. Ayers now occupies the premises. A small lot was added to the parsonage land in 1807. Mr. Cook's successor was Rev. Michael Osborn, who was installed February 23d, 1825, at a salary of $400 per year. He was born on the 21st of March, 1796, and died at Farmville, Va., July 3d, 1863. His ministerial life was largely spent in the South. After a little more than two years he severed his connection with the Metuchen Church, and went to Schraal- enburg, N. J., as pastor of the Dutch Reformed Church at that place."* Rev. Holloway Whitfield Hunt, son of Rev. Gardiner A. Hunt, was the next preacher at Metuchen. He was born at Kingwood, N. J., March 31st, 1800. His installation occurred on the 29th of April, 1828, and his pastorate continued about eighteen years. A new church was proposed in 1834 and was completed and dedicated January 30th, 1836, The dimensions of this build- ing were forty by sixty feet. After Mr. Hunt's resignation. Rev. Peter H. Burghardt became pastor November 30th, 1847, and resigned June 5th, 1850. He was born at West Stockbridge, Mass. Rev. Robert J. Finley was the successor of Mr. Burghardt, and was installed November 14, 1850. He remained in Metuchen until October, 1857, when he went to Talladega, Ala., where he died in i860. Rev. Gardiner S. Plumley, the present able pastor of the Metuchen Church, succeeded Mr. Finley, and was installed April 28th, 1S58. Mr. Plumley was born at Washington, D C. He wields a facile pen and is favorably known as a lecturer. But there is little need for us to speak of this talented preacher in terms of laudation. Is his name not written in the hearts of his people ? ' Dr. Hunt's Metuchen, p. 41. 228 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. The spire which adorns the Metuchen Church was con- structed in 1863, and in June, 1865, a bell was placed in it.* The number of communicants in 1870 was 250. Soon after Mr. Finiey's departure, in 1857, about lorty members seceded and organized a Dutch Reformed Church which is now in a flourishing condition. With this brief sketch of tlie Metuchen Church we return to the parent congregation at Woodbridge. Rev. Azel Roe continued to grow in the affections of his people, and some pleasant things are told of him. He became prominent as a patriot, warmly aiding the cause of liberty by voice and action. On one occasion he incited some of his members to assist a company of Continental troops in attack- ing some British soldiers near Blazing Star. He was in this skirmish, the result of which is unknown. Subsequently he was taken prisoner and removed to New York, where he was compelled for a time to accept the dubious hospitality of the Sugar House prison. On the way the British officer, who had charge ot him, offered to carry the rather portly and reverend gentleman across a small ford. With true ministerial regard for his shoes and stockings, the preacher bestrode the back of his amiable escort, facetiously remarking; " Well, sir, you can say after this that you were once priest-ridden. "f The drinking of intoxicants was universally indulged in at this time, and the preachers were not at all disgraced by taking a "wee bit" occasionally, and the excellent Dr. Roe was no exception to the general rule. The matter was not looked upon at that period with the reprobation which now attends it. Dr. Hunt, of Metuchen, tells of an expected visit of the pastor to Dugald Campbell's house in that place on a cold, blustering day in March. Henry, tlie son, remembers that his mother came to the door and called to his father : "Dugal! Dugal ! Don't you know tliat Parson Roe is to preach here to-night, and we haven't got a drop of sperits in the house.'' " And the generous host responded : " Well, then, one of the boys will have to go and get some." Accordingly, a messen- ger was dispatched to Brick town for the liquor. * Hunt's Meluchen, p. 4). t Hunt's Metuchen, 34, quoting Spraguys /.nials. ■ THE PRESBYTERIANS, CONCLUDED. 329 From reliable tradition we know that the people regarded it as a breach of hospitality for them to fail to provide " sperits " for the honored guest, and we suspect that not a little was the pastor's popularity enhanced by his hearty appreciation and acceptance of the " flowing bowl." Not that he ever drank immoderatel)^ Nor do we, at this late day " cast a stone " at those who conformed to the usage of wliich we speak, for it is not within our province to sit in judgment on such cases as these; and, if it were, we should judge leniently, for how should we dare to stretch forth our hands "against the Lord's anointed".^ God used these men, and to Him alone belongs^ the judgment of them. They were weak and sometimes sinning — but which of us is strong and wholly pure.' Will unfriendly hands, in days to come, turn over the faded leaves ot your life's history and find no blot, no mis- Lake, no sin .' We make no apology for wickedness ; it has our unqualified hatred. But these men of yore were so true and so good, Avith all their errors, that we feel like taking the language from the sacred lips ot the Master: "He that is without sin among you let him first cast a stone." In April, 1803, "the people set about building them a new house of worship, their present house being old and going to decay, having stood for almost a century."'- So 'Says Dr- Roe; but as the ancient building in Woodbridge was erected in 1675 it must have been juore than a century old at the time the new structure was begun. It was, indeed, one hundred and t7vcnty-eight years since the frame ot the meeting-house was put up. The good Doctor (Mr. Roe was honored by Yale College in 1800 witii the degree of D. D.) says that the new building was imdertaken with "great unanimity and spirit," and that it was "almost finished by the Fall, so that it was opened and consecrated in the beginning of December." It is described as "a very decent, convenient house, sufficiently large and spacious." As the structure still stands, with but slight altera- tions, on the old " Meeting-house Green," no extended descrip- tion of it will be necessary. We hope it will be permitted to remain substantially as we now see it, with its old-fashioned, * Dr. Roe's MS. Church History. 23° WOODBRIDGE AND VICINrrV. tall, white steeple pointing heavenward for many years after the present generation has passed away. It may not be amiss to give a list of the subscriptions toward the building of the new church. The paper was circulated in April, 1802, with the understanding that a fourth part of the amount each man subscribed was to be paid in August ; a fourth in January, 1803; a fourth in July, and the remainder in January, 1804. The money was to be applied to the erec- tion of a Presbyterian Church, as the paper states, " nearly where the old one stands," to be sixty-six by forty-six feet, with posts twenty-four feet high and enclosed with shingles. Here is the list of subscribers: — Campyon Cutter $250 Timutby Brewster 250 Joseph Barron 250 William Edgar, J r 200 Samuel Harriot, Jr 25 John Brown 100 John Barron 100 David Edgar 100 James Edgar 100 Samuel Brown 40 Kobert Moores 50 James Coddington 20 Ephraim Harriot 50 Robert Coddington 80 ■"^Samuel Cutter 40 Philip Brown ^ 80 Israel Dissosway 50 Edward Munday, B. S. work 20 Richard Wright 150 Foreman Brown 60 Ellis Crow 25 Isaac Potter 80 Jonathan Freeman 100 John Conway 100 Crowell Haddeu $40 Morris Reed 25 Thomas Jackson 30 Daniel B. Moores 100 Peter W. Gallaudet 20 Joseph Bloomtield 100 Clarkson Edgar 200 Henry Dunham 10 James Smith 200 Thomas Edgar 150 Elias Thomson 20 David Tappen 20 Ichabod Potter 100 Alexander Edgar 40 James Paton John Manning..., James Biown, Jr, 100 60 50 Jotham Coddington 15 Thomas Acken 6 Doct. Jo: Griffith 10 Samuel Jacjucs 5 William Laing 5 Seth Dunn 16 Tlie following statement of the financial manager, David Edgar, will be interesting to our readers: Dr. The Pdrish of Woodbridgc 111 account with David Edgar. Cr. 1803 & 4. £. X. p. To Sundry payments to the hands. £. s. p. Receipts for work 712 1 To sundry payments for material and receipts. ..1,221 Commi.ssion at 3 per ct... 58 Int. on money advanced. 17 2,008 4 By moneys collectrd and due on the Suhscrii)tioii lor building the Meet- ing house 1,779 11 By Sales ot Sundries at "Vendue 85 8 By Balance due me .43 4 2,008 4 THE PRESBYTERIANS, CONCLUDED. 2^"^ 1806. March 19tb, To balance due me 14 Errors excepted. Paid John Kinsej'.... 4 9 Contra. 12 143 46 16 8 9 By a mistake in adding the Subscription 40 By SethDunn 6 8 46 8 Due David Edgar 97 8 9 March. 24th, 1806, the Committee appointed examined and certified the above account and find due David Edgar $243. 60cts. Copy Signed, Joseph Crowcll James Paton James Brown Joseph Barron P. S. David Edgar was authorized by a vote of the Parish to assess the balance due him on the subscribers. Among otlier public matters with which Mr. Roe's name is connected are several installations. On the occasion of Rev. David Atistin's settlement as pastor of the Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, September 9th, 1788, Mr. Roe preached the sermon, choosing for his text Galatians i. 10.^' The building was crowded with a serious and interested atidience. When Rev. John Giles was installed at the same chtuxh on Tuesday, Jtme 24th, 1800, Mr. Roe delivered the charge to the people.f He presided at the installation of Rev- Buckley Carll at Rahway on the 28th of December, 1802 ;J and at variotis other official gatherings we find Doctor Roe a prominent man. He was a trustee of the College of New Jersey from 1778 until 1807, a member of the First Presby- terian General Assembly, and Moderator of that distinguished body in 1802. He was buried in the Presbyterian cemetery at AVoodbridge and a suitable monument marks his place of rest. The following inscription is cut upon the stone: " Sacred to the memory of the Revd. Dr. Azel Roe, pastor of the first Presbyterian Church in Woodbridge, who after a life cheerfully, faithfully and affectionately devoted to the ser- vice of Jehovah Jesus, his Saviour and his God, and to the eternal interests of his flock, fell sweetly asleep in the bosom Hatfield's Elizabeth, p. 597, t Ibid., 607. X Ibid., 633. 232 WOODERIDOE AND VICINITY. of that Saviour, the 2d day of December, 1815, in the 77th year of his age and the 53d of his ministry." He was twice married. His first wife, Mary Rebecca, who died on the ist of September, 1794, at the age of fifty-five, was the daughter of Dr. Isaac Foot, of Branford, Conn. Hannah his second wife, was the daughter of a New York clergyman, Rev. David Bostwick.* She is spoken of as an eminently ]3ious woman, and she died, " with a song of triumph " on her lips, November 28th, 1815 — only four days before her hus- band's death. As a preacher Dr. Roe is said to have been an able man, but not brilliant. He relied more upon the power of the simple words of the Gospel than upon the arts of an address. Not with enticing words of man's wisdom, "but in demonstration of the Spirit; " so he preached the glorious truths of salvation to the men and women of his day, the impress of which will not be lost, though the memory of the minister may fade in the " dis- solving view" of rapidly revolving years. Farewell, faithful man ! and may thy mantle fall on thy successors through many generations! And, as one by one they fall asleep, may they have as calm repose as thou, and as honored a resting-place — for thy parish is buried around thee. Many who heard thy voice in the church out yonder are waiting in profound still- ness near their pastor's lowly dwelling for the resi'irrection he taught them to look for. "So Jesus slept; God's dying Son Passed through the grave and blest the bed ; Rest here, blest saint, till from Ills throne The Morning break and pierce the shade." It will not be necessary, in giving an account of Presbyte- rianism beyond Dr. Roe's time, to dwell upon it at any length. Four ministers have filled the pulpit of the Woodbridge Church since his death. Rev. Henry Mills settled here as his successor in 1816, but left the place in 1821 ; and in the follow- ing year Rev. William B. Barton, then twenty-nine years of age, accepted the pastorate, the duties of which he continued * He was jiastor of the First Presbyteriau Church iu N. Y. City. See Dr. Stiles' MS luBcriptioue, ](>. THE PRESBYTERIANS, CONCLUDED. 233 to perform until his death, April 7th, 1852, at the age of fifty- nine. For nearly thirty years he was the beloved minister of this parish, and he is remembered by many now living as an excellent preacher and a godly man. His name is always spoken with affection by those who were accustomed to attend his ministrations, and it will never be forgotten by those whom he led to the precious Cross of Christ. His wife, Hannah Maria, was the daughter of Rev. Aaron Condit. She died infi827, aged twenty-three. Flarriet B., Mr. Barton's second wife, was the daughter of John Stanber}-, and her death occurred in i843.'^' The next minister was the Rev. William M. Martin, who accepted the pastorate in 1852 and resigned it in 1863. The Rev. George C. Lucas began to minister here in the year of Mr. Martin's departure and continued his connection with the Church until the Autumn of 1873, when he left the village. At the present writing the congregation is without a pastor, but there is a prospect of supplying the pulpit within a short time. In 1819, while Rev. Henry Mills was pastor, a large Sabbath- school was organized by the Presbyterians — said to be the first instituted in New Jersey. The three teachers elected were Sally Potter, Jane Potter, and Mrs. Harriet Paton. The school is still in successful operation, doing a good work. Mr. Mills, the preacher, was the principal, in 1802, of the Elizabethtown Academy. Subsequently he was connected with the Auburn (N. Y.) Theological Seminary. He was a man of scholarly attainments, and the degree of D. D. was justly bestowed upon him.f Unfortunately, a part of the official record of the Church is lost; and, of course, the facts contained in the missing portion are beyond our reach. But we gather up a few items of public interest, with which we close the chapter. The parsonage land of two hundred acres, concerning which so much has been said, was sold by the Presbyterians on the 6th of April, t86o, to Elias Dey, Cornelius Wyckoflf, and William Hutchin- * Dr. H. K. Stiles' MS. luecriptious. t Hatfield's Eliz., p. 560. 234 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINI'lY. son, for the sum of $6,750." The following table, compiled by Whitehead, gives the number of church members at different periods : In 1787, 82 members; 1830, 160: 1831, 157; 1832, 170; 1S33, 181; 1834, 184; 1835, 211; 1837, 196; 1838, 206; 1839, 198; 1840, 201; 1841, 194; 1843, 242; 1845, 233; 1847,213; 1850, 200; 1853, 163. In 1863, as we learn from tlie Church authorities, the mem- bership numbered 179; and in 1873, the present year, it num- bers 125. The Sabbath-school numbers over 100 scholars in actual attendance. Messrs. Martin and Lucas are both able ministers of the Gospel, of whose abilities it would not be delicate for us to speak at length, as they are still living. The Presbyterian cemetery at Woodbridge is one of the oldest in the State, and one of the most interesting in the Union to the lover of local history. In the great congrega- tion which lies buried here are the remains of distinguished men and heroic women. We see the graves of such ancient worthies as the war-like Capt. Matthew Moore, who died, aged sixty-six, on the 24th of February, 1732; the astute Judge John Pike, who, having attained the age of seventy-five years, died in August, 17 14; whether buried near his fatlier, the distinguished Capt. John, we do not know, as no stone marks the tomb of the elder Pike. Here, however, is Zebulon's grave and that of the third John. Zebulon was born in 1692 and lived to be seventy years old. There lies Edward Crowell, born in 1680 and livinir for nearlv seventv-six years — twentv- * Deeds, Book 84, p. 613 ; in County Clerk's office. The following, taken from the laws of New Jersey, 18.")!), page '.'SJ, is the legal permit to the Woodbridge Pi'esbyteriaus to sell the Parsonage Land : 1st. Be it Enacted by the Senate and Oeneral Assembly of the State of New Jersey : That the Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church in the Township of Woodbridge, County of Middlesex, are hereby authorized and empowered to sell, at jniblic or jirivate sale, all or any part of those laiids, known as the "parsonage lands" of the said Church, and which were conceded by the proprietors of East Jersey to John Piersou and others in tiust. for the use of the Minister for the time being; and to make and execute a good and sulhcient deed or deeds for the same under the corporate seal of said Church ; provided, nevertheless, that the wi-itten consent of all the trustees at the time of such conveyance be ot)tained. 2d. And be it enacted. That when such sale or sales shall be made, the proceeds received therefrom shall be invested in the name of the trustees vipon bond and mortgage on unin- cumbered real estate, worth double the amount of such investment, and the interest only used toward the yearly expenses of said Church, incurred for the preaching of the Gospel. 3d. And be it enacted. That this act shall take effect immediately. Approved March 15th, 1851). THE PRESBYTERIANS, CONCLUDED. 235 five years the Woodbridge Town C^lerk. This is Joseph Gil- man's grave; he was born in i6S8 and died in 1733. And this is the tomb of Major Richard Cutter, wh® was born in 1682 and died in 1756. David Campbell is interred in this ceme- tery — born in 1700 and dying within fifteen years of the Revolution. And here is Jonathan Inslee, who was born in 1686 and was buried in December, 1744. Yonder is the grave of James Smith, aged seventy-two when he died, who was born in the year 1700; while Benjamin and Ichabod Smith, born in the previous century, are resting not far away. Samuel Parker's wife, Sarah, the daughter of William Ford, lies buried here, her death being recorded as liaving occurred in October, 1768. Peter Pain was entombed, in his seventy-first year, in 1756. Capt. Daniel Britton, a prominent man in the township in his day, died in 1733, and his children lie asleep around him. At the rear of the church, almost within its afternoon shadow, is placed to rest the great Woodbridge Judge, Adam Hude, clarum et venerabile nomen, in his eighty- fifth year. He died on the 27th of June, 1746. Near him reposes his worthy companion, over whose grave are written these words : " Here Lyes ye Body of Mrs. Marion Hude, Wife of Adam Hude, Esqr: For ye Spase of 46 years dearly beloved in Life, and lamented in death. She lived a Patern of Piety, Patience, meekness and affability; and, after she had served her generation in ye love and fear of God, in ye 71st year uf her Age fell asleep in Jesus, Nov. ye 30, 1732." In this yard we see the burial-place of Henry Freeman, born in 1670 and dying in his ninety-fourth year. All around us, as Ave stand on the consecrated ground, are the unpretending memorials of Revolutionary men and women. Here is the sepulchre of Gen. Nathaniel Heard, who died, aged sixty-two, October 28th, 1792. Others of the family are grouped in serene slumber, for " Life's fitful fever is over." Capt. Nathaniel F"itz Randolph, the brave and dashing chieftain ; Capt. David Edgar, the spirited cavalryman ; Lieut. James Paton, the courageous Scotch patriot; Maj. Reuben Potter, the faithful friend of liberty, and a host of others here 230 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. take their "rest profound." Col. Samuel Crow, Col. Benja- min Brown, Capt. Ellis Barron, Capt. Abraham Tappen, Gen. Clarkson Edgar, and Capt. Matthias Sayers, of Revolutionary fame, are surrounded by many of the "rank and file;" and they wait, in the quiet grave-yard, for the grand reveille, when the army of the Lord shall shine in the clouds of heaven and the dead .in Christ shall awake to swell its numbers and shake the gates of Death with their martial tread. How suggestive of other days is the mere mention of the names of thoj-e who have "gone down the valley!" Judge Jeremiah Manning, Dr. John G. Wall, Justice Henry Free- man, Timothy Brewster, William Jones, Robert Coddington^ Samuel Jaques, Robert Lacky, Thomas Haddon, William Brown, John Alston, David Harriot — all tliese, and many more, are gathered within the hallowed precincts of this cemetery. It is probable that there are two thousand graves. The author counted nearly twelve hundred in Dr. H. R. Stiles' MS. volume of inscriptions; and, doubtless, as many more are without stones to indicate the lowly dwellers. And now, as we turn from the church-yard with the October hues brightly blending with the blue sky, and afar off "la the listening woods there is not a breath To shake their gold to the sward beneath ; And a glow as of sunshine upon them lies, Though the sun is hid in the shadowed skies" — we truly feel that, as the unknown poet in Black-dioO(fs J/aga- zi/ie, }ust quoted, recently expressed it: "No sorrow upon the landscape weighs." A true faith sees no sadness in a grave-yard. The Spring and Summer of life are gone, to which succeed naturally the Autumn and Winter. This before us is Death's harvest ; but will not Spring return.' " The Spring-time longings aie past and gone, The passions of Summer m longer are known, The harvest is gathered, and Autumn stands Serenely thoughtful with folded hands. Over all is thrown a niimo.ial hue, A glcry ideal tlie real ne'er knew; THE PRESBVTKRIANS, CONCLUDED. 237 For memory sifts from the past its pain, And siiflers its beauty alone to remain. With half a smile and with half a sigh It ponders the past that has hurried by ; Sees it, and feels it, and loves it all, Content it has vanished beyond recall. O glorious Autumn, thus serene, Thus living and loving all that has been! Thus calm and contented let me be When the Autumn of age shall come to me." Since the foregoing was placed in the ])rinter's hands we have had access to the Session Book of the Woodbridge Church, which contains the names of the Elders elected in that church from 1795 to 1831. We present the list herewith: 179o — Cleorge Harriot. Joseph Crowell. Campyon Cutler. -^ Jonathan Bloomfield. 1803 — Ephraim Harriot. Jonathan Freeman. Joseph Crowell. Campyon Cutter. ^ Jonathan Bloomtield. 1804— The same Elders as in the previous j^ear except the last one — Jonathan Bloomfield. 181- — Campyon Cutter. Ephraim Harriot. Jos. Crowell. Jonathan Freeman. Thomas Edgar, Jr. William Cutter. ^ 1816 — The same men re-elected. 1822 — The same men cho.seu, except Mr. Edgar, who left the place in this year. 182i) — Lewis Thornell. Joseph Barron. Campj^on Cutter. .- Ephraim Harriot. Joseph Crowell. Jonathan Freeman. William Cutter. 1829— John Drake. George Y. Brewster. Also, the members of 1823. Thornell went to New York in 1828, but held tlie oftice of El- der in Woodbridge until March, 1829, when he applied for and received his certificate of dis- mission. 1831-Same Elders as in 1829. In the Session Book from which we gathered the list just given are a few additional facts in regard to the Rev. Messrs. Mills and Barton. It seems that on Tuesday, June nth, 1816, the Presbytery met in the Woodbridge Church and installed Mr. Mills; and on his application the pastoral relation was sundered June 19th, 182 1. The Rev. Mr. Barton was ordained and installed June 25th, 1822, Dr. Fisher preaching the ser- mon. Dr. Richardson gave the charge to the minister and Rev. Mr. Kiggs delivered the charge to the people. 238 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. We find the names of only two Deacons mentioned in the record referred to — Lewis Thornell and Joseph Barroni who were elected at the same time to the eldership. Their election to the diaconate occurred February 8th, 1823. Mr. Barron died, aged sixty-eight years, on the 4th of July, 1831, greatly lamented as a citizen and a useful member of the Church. CHAPTEE XXL 1775—1788. The Revolution — Taxation — Tea-Drinking — Old Heroes — General Heard — Scared by a Swivel — James Paton — David Edgar — Smith Bloomfield — Samuel Dally — Capt. Nathaniel Fitz Randolph — Timothy Bloom- field — His Daughter — Dr. Moses Bloomfield — David and Robert Coddington — Peter Latourette — The Inslees — List of Heroes. The causes which led to the war of the Revolution are so well known that it would be a wearisome and profitless task for us to dwell upon them. We shall not largely discuss them ; nor shall we give any particular account of the pro- gress of the conflict, having in view only its local aspects. In 1765 the English Government passed the famous Stamp Act, by which all deeds, bonds, and other written instruments were null and void unless executed upon stamped paper for which a duty was exacted.* It was to go into operation on the first day of November ;f but so violent was the opposition among the colonists in America, for whom the law was designed, that no stamp officer felt safe in attempting to enforce the statute. An organization, called " Sons of Lib- erty," was effected, which became powerful in its resistance to British tyranny. The " Sons of Iviberty" of Woodbridge and Piscataway were conspicuous during 1765-6 in their devotion to the cause of Freedom. They sent word, by a delegation, to William Coxe, of Philadelphia, that unless his office of Stamp Distributor tor New Jersey were vacated within a week, they would visit him in force with unpleasant conse- quences. J Mr. Coxe found it convenient to resign early, in September, 1765. " Goodrich's U. S., p. I'JO. t IbicL, 203. t Whitehead, p. 398. 240 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. The Stamp Act was repealed in the Spring of 1766, causing great rejoicing; but in the following year tax was imposed on glass and some other imported articles, which again aroused the colonists. If they were allowed no representation in Parliament why should they be taxed.'' That was the ques- tion of the hour. A tax of three pence a pound on tea was' retained, but all other imposts were removed in 1770. The people resolved to give up the use of tea. Vessels sailing up the Delaware in 1773, laden with this commodity, were sent back to England without being permitted to discharge their cargoes on the Jersey shore. Speaking of tea reminds me that the first cup of this famous beverage ever enjoyed in Woodbridge or in the State was drank by a company of ladies, in the year 1730, in the build- ing now occupied as a drug store by Dr. Samuel E. Freeman. The tea was brought from New York, and was regarded as a choice article. Mrs. Campyon (a widow, who owned the house), her daughter, afterward Mrs. Cutter, Mrs. Van Cort- landt, and others were present. A discussion arose among the ladies as to the vessel in which it should be prepared. A tankard was produced and pronounced serviceable. Should the tea be boiled, brewed or steeped.'^ Various opinions were advanced; but the steeping party was in the ascendancy, so the tea was steeped. When it was ready to be served, it was poured out into diminutive cups, and the flavor of the draught was the subject of many comments. Cake was eaten between the sips, and this, perhaps, contributed toward the favor- able verdict rendered with regard to the tea.* Now, this nectar was to be banished from the table of the patriot. The tax on tea made the unoffending beverage itself obnoxious. A convention met at New Brunswick on the 21st of July, 1774, made up of delegates from all the counties in the province, to consider the state of the country. The conven- tion elected representatives to meet those of other colonies in Philadelphia on the 5th of September. Thus was constituted that grand body of men — the Continental Congress. ' Mrs. David Paton (Mrs. Canipyou's graud-daugUter) tells these iuterestiug facts. THK REVOLUTION. 241 On Wednesday, April 19th, 1775, the war fairly began, for the first patriot blood was shed upon the green at Lexington, Mass. The excitement occasioned by this wanton massacre was intense. The feeling Avas as strong in Woodbridge as elsewhere. Tories were treated as strangers by those who hitherto had lived near them as neighbors. People gathered about the public places to discuss the latest nevi^s from Boston. The village tavern was thronged every evening, and the men sat late over their rum or cider, eagerly listening to the nervous recitals of travelers who had stopped for the night under the whispering boughs of the broad elm tree. There was a sober cast in many faces, as though the threatening cloud over the political sky, thick with storm, had left its shadow there. Suppose to-night we lean against this ancient tree a little while and glance in the tavern. The cheerful firelight from the blazing logs reveals the excited group. " Mine host," Charles Jackson, is prominent among his townsmen in the noisy discussion of British tyranny now going on. There, too, may be seen Ebenezer Foster, the Justice of the Peace. Possibly he is discussing current events with Robert Fitz- Randolph, Jr., the Town Clerk. Is that fine-looking man Dr. Bloomfield.'' He is talking with Samuel F. Parker, the printer's son, perchance; and talking wisely, too, for he is a man of great ability. There is the muscular Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, destined to become the terror of his enemies. Do you note the flash of his eye .-* ZT,? is not born to be a slave. They all call him " Natty," in a familiar way. You shall hear of him again before we close this volume. Near him we fancy that we behold another distinguished face, that of Nathaniel Heard, afterwards well known as Gen. Heard. Far in the shadow of the room, deeply engrossed in the conversa- tion of a belated traveler, stand, like a tableau, the figures of men whose names are so nearly forgotten that, when we hear them, they sound like faint echoes from some far-off shore. They are Robert Clarkson, John Shotwell, Benjamin Thornell, James Ayers, Samuel Jaquish, Isaac Freeman, Wm. Moore, Jr., James Bonny, James Mundy, William Smith, and others. Committees of Correspondence were organized in many of p 242 WOCDBRIDGE AND VICINITY. the towns. The Woodbridge Committee was actively at w^ork during this year (1775). The Tories in this place were strong and influential, but the Whigs out-numbered them and succeeded in over-awing them. On the 17th of June, 1776, Col. Nathaniel Heard (the Woodbridge man mentioned above) marched to Amboy, under orders from Samuel Tucker, President of the Provincial Congress of New Jersey, to arrest Wm. Franklin, the Gov- ernor. The Colonel proceeded to Franklin's residence with a guard of sixty men, surrounded the house and captured the indignant official. The cause of this arrest was the Governor's adherence to the English Government. He would have been released from captivity if he had consented to give his parole. Refusing to do this, he was committed to the custody of Gov. Trumbull, of Connecticut, by whom he was held a prisoner for two years and four months, when he was exchanged and went to New York to assist the Royalists. Col. Heard's militia at this time occupied the Amboy barracks. The Tory element in that place and on Staten Island was so large that during the Summer of 1776 about a thousand men were encamped at Blazing Star and Amboy to prevent open alliance with the Royalist cause. At the latter place Maj. Duychink arrived on the 5th of July with 450 of the Middlesex Militia. Rumors were prevalent, immediately on his arrival, that the British intended to attack him by crossing from Staten Island. Gen. Heard ordered the Major to move his troops outside the town, which was done; but the attack was not made, and on the 6th the Americans re-entered Amboy.* Washington sent directions to Heard in July to apprehend any of the Amboy or Staten Island Tories who made themselves obnoxious to the cause of liberty. f Gen. Heard's residence was on the corner where William Harned's house now stands— adjoining Commoss & Ensign's store. He had three sons and four daughters. John, one of his sons, was a captain in "Sheldon's Dragoons," a famous soldiery during the Revolution. Whitehead says he saw John, "as General Heard, in his continental uniform of blue • Whitehead's Contrib., p. 330. t Uatfield's Eliz., p. 437. THE REVOLUTION. 243 and buff, at Woodbridge in 1824, when General LaFayette passed through on his way to Philadelphia from New York." James and William were the other sons of the old General, The former was a " Cornet " in Lee's Legion in 1779, ^.nd in the following year he was commissioned as a lieutenant. He afterward became a captain.* The father, Nathaniel Heard, was commissioned as Colonel of a battalion of " minute men " on the 12th of February, 1776. In June he headed " Heard's Brigade," a name given in honor of the brave man ; and he was made, on the 25th, Brigadier General Commanding. A commission as Brigadier-General of Militia was given him February ist, 1777. f Woodbridge, during 1776, was the scene of the greatest excitement. Troops were constantly passing and repassing through the town. In the latter part of the year the Brit- ish had collected about 400 head of cattle and 200 sheep in the place, intending that these should feed their troops during the cold weather -jj but a company of impudent American militia entered the town on the night of the nth of December and quietly drove John Bull's beef and mutton into the other camp. According to tradition, Timothy Bloomfield's house, on the corner of the old Amboy turnpike (intersecting the Wood- bridge turnpike near Ford's Corner)§ was a rendezvous for the " Jersey Blues " in Woodbridge. Here the patriots met to discuss the progress of the war and propose means for harassing the enemy. Their meetings were secret, of course, and were partly composed of young men not yet serving in the army. One night news was brought to the assembled "boys" that a British war-vessel had appeared at Perth Amboy. Some one proposed that an old swivel cannon in town should be taken down to Amboy and fired into the ship with the idea of frightening the enemy out of the harbor. This plan was enthusiastically applauded. It was yet early in the evening and it was determined to carry out the project before daylight. The gun was procured and loaded. It was taken with all haste to Amboy. Campyon Cutter, then a • Oflacers and Men of N. J, in Rev., p. 81. t Ibid., 349. t Hatfield's Elizabeth p 451. { airs. D. E. Patou. 244 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. VVoodbridge young man, assisted his comrades to plant the artillery near the Episcopal Church, overlooking the water. There, sure enough, they saw in mid-stream the dark outlines of the brig. They knew the moon would rise at ii o'clock, and they waited patiently until it began to glimmer over the Island, Aiming their gun with due precision, the touch-hole was filled with powder, the torch was applied, there was a heavy detonation, and then all was quiet. With some anxiety the venturesome gunners "laid low." In a short time they heard the crew raising the anchor, and a ball came whizzing into the grave-yard. The light was so uncertain at this junc- ture that the British imagined, probably, that they saw a host on the highland. With jubilation the patriots saw that they were frightened and were moving off.* Among the Woodbridge men who distinguished themselves during the ever-memorable war of the Revolution, we must mention James Paton, who came from Stirling, North Britain, in 1774. The two years previous to his departure from Stir- ling were spent in the service of Alexander Wright, a mer- chant of that place, who gave him an excellent recommenda- tion for honesty and faithfulness when he left. He joined the " Light Dragoons " (2d Regiment, Continental Army), com- manded by Col. Elisha Sheldon, of Connecticut, when they were first organized, in 1776, and continued his connection Avith them until 1779, at which time he was a " Cornet "f David Edgar was a captain in this organization. Edgar was a Woodbridge man, between whom and Paton a warm friend- ship existed. He (Edgar) became First Lieutenant of the Fourth Battalion, 2d Establishment, on the 28th of November, 1776; then in the following year lie held a Captain's commis- sion in this battalion, which he soon after resigned to take a lieutenancy in Sheldon's Dragoons. He became a Captain in this corps November 27th, 1778, and was honorably dis- charged at the end of the war.J James Paton was often addressed as Lieutenant by his friends, the officers of the Dragoons; from which we infer that * Mrs. David Paton, to whom the author is indebted for this narrative, is the daughter of Campyon Cutter, one of the particiiiauts iu the exploit. t Paton papers. Mr, Patou was commisBioned as Cornet Jan. 1, 1778. } Gen. Stryker'e Oflaoial Roster, p. 80. THE REVOLUTION. 245 he held such a commission as early as the Summer of 1778. A certificate from Brigadier-General Samuel H. Parsons, written August 15th of this year, gives him that title. A letter written by Paton in 1786 alleges that he held that rank in the army. In 1788 he was commissioned, by Gov. Livingston, as a Captain of the First Battalion of Middlesex Militia. In 1792 Capt. Paton was assigned by Gov. Paterson to the co mmand of a company of Light Infantry organized in this county. He was placed on Gov. Joseph Bloomfield's staff in 181 1, with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, having seven years previously held a Major's commission in the ist Regiment Middlesex Militia. But it is to his services during the Revolution that we call attention. In June, 1780, the British opened their campaign in New Jersey by moving their troops* into the State via Staten Island and Elizabethtown, with the intention of capturing Gen. Maxwell's Brigade of Jersey troops and then marching on to Short Hills, there to await the arrival of reinforcements, with which a grand movement was to be made on Morris- town, and Gen. Washington with the whole Continental army would be nicely bagged. But "The best laid schemes o' mice and men Gang oft aglee." Washington had no special admiration for the plan, and accordingly he coolly occupied Short Hills with all his forces. This was naughty of Washington, because the British had expected to make a camp there and have a general good time thrashing the Americans in the neighborhood. As it was, they were compelled to beat a retreat, in the course of which they were harassed by little parties of militia firing upon them from behind fences, trees, etc., all along the route. They had entered Elizabethtown on the night of the 6th, on the 7th they were checked at Connecticut Farms, and in the evening they were hurrying down to the " Point " in a drench- * Aboiit 6,000 well-equipped soldiers. 246 • WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. ing rain to escape the pitiless pursuit of the Jersey soldiers.* Not a very glorious record for the British, trul)'-. In the two days' brisk skirmishing (of the 7th and 8th) parties of militia were collected from all the towns adjacent. Woodbridge had several representatives in the engagements, among whom were James Paton, Jeremiah Clarkson,f Jere- miah Dally, and a man named Brown. Paton was wounded on Thursday, the 8th, from the effects of which he never entirely recovered. In a letter directed to " Captain David Edgar, 2d Regt. Light Dragoons, at or near Crompond," dated at Elizabethtown, June 30th, 1780, Lieut. Paton thus tells the story : "Dear Edgar: I am happy to be able once more to write to an old friend, which is more than I expected so soon. Must inform you that on Tuesday, the 6th inst., at night, the British army landed at the Point and marched near Springfield. On Wednesday [they] burned all the houses and [the] Church in Connecticut Farms, and in the evening retreated in a heavy rain to the Point. On Thursday all day was skirmishing, and unfortunately for me, dear Edgar [I], received a very bad wound. The ball entered below my left temple and came out nearly opposite. I got it near the New Point and kept my horse until I rode to my uncle's house,! when I dismounted, hitched my horse and walked in and was dressed and declared not mortal, but expected to lose the sight of my right eye. However, thank God, my eye has come to, remarkably. I am able to walk in the garden. The wound heals very well. It discharges mostly out of my nose. I am in hopes it will leave little or no mark in my face. I have fell away very much. I was wounded on the 8th and was kept concealed in my uncle's house until the 19th, when I was made a prisoner and got a parole to return when called for. I never was visited by a doctor during eleven days. Miss Aggie dressed me all the time. I am not able to give you the particulars of the expedition, only the brave Capt. Nathl. Fitz Randolph was wounded the last day the British • Hatfield's Eliz., p. 486-490. t Clarkson lived whore Isaac Thoruell resides. t This uncle's name was .Tohn Adams. *' Aggie," who is mentiouod further on, was au adopted daughter of the Adams family. Miss Aggie Brought was her original name. THE REVOLUTION. 24? troops marched to and burned all Springfield, and is since dead and much lamented. Smith Bloomfield is also mortally- wounded and not expected to live, I believe. It is impossible to describe the distress that prevails in this part of the world. My head aches with writing: you must excuse me. I believe all friends are well. My uncle, aunt, and Miss Aggie join in compliments, and believe me to be, dear Edgar, your sincere friend, James Paton. N. B. — Pray, write to me soon. The next opportunity [I] will write you all the news, for I have a great deal to tell you. Mr. Brown is well, and behaved very well and gained great credit. But poor I had it not long in my power to do anything; and God knows when I shall be exchanged. J. P." In tliis skirmish Lieut. Paton was acting as an officer temporarily under the command of Capt. Obadiah Meeker, of the " Essex Horse," who was executing an order of Lord Stirling, Major-General of the»American forces. Major Wm- Crane, who commanded the ist Battalion of Essex Militia, and who was present during the fight, says of Paton : " he behaved wutli spirit and bravery through the whole course of the alarm till wounded and taken.'"'' This intrepid soldier died November 6th, 1816, in his 58th year. He was married twice — to Hannah Edgar, daughter of David, who died in 1801 ; and to Mrs. Ann Bloomfield, who survived him thirty-four years. Capt. David Edgar, to whom allusion has been made several times, was another Woodbridge hero. He was a lieutenant for awhile in Heard's Brigade, but his military reputation was largely achieved during his connection with Sheldon's Dragoons. This regiment was part of the time in Connecticut, then in New Jersey, and part of the time in Delaware. Adjutant Iloogland, of this corps, wrote to Lieut. Paton (then at Westfield), from Bedford, Conn., in 1779, that in the last week of June the Dragoons had a brush with the enemy at Lower Wright's Mills, in which it is supposed, though not positively known, that Capt. Edgar participated. * Autograph letter among the Paton papers. 248 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. The Yankees were compelled to retire before superior num- bers. Capt. Edgar (then Lieutenant) was the leader in a coup de grace at Marcus Hook in May, 1778, which Brigadier-Gen. eral Smallwood, at that time commanding the Maryland division of the army, characterized as an act of "extraordinary gallantry." The facts in the case are these: A sloop, called the Sallys had been making trips all Winter between Duck Creek, Del., and Philadelphia, to supply the British army, which occupied the latter place, with provisions. The Duck Creek people were Tories, and obtained considera- ble money by trading with the English. But poor Sally came to grief. As she was sailing unsuspiciously past Marcus Hook on her way to the city of Brotherly Love, Lieut. Edgar with five Dragoons made an assault upon the vessel and captured it. It was a novel affair, and compels us to believe that Capt. Jinks' " hoss marines " are not so much of a joke after all ; for nothing is more astonishing than a naval engagement by a party of cavalry. The sloop was found to be loaded with flour, wheat, and bacon, of which the commis- sary officers took charge. Gen. Smallwood ordered that Lieut. Edgar and party should be paid just the value of the captured provisions, and that the sloop with all its appurten- ances should be delivered to Edgar for the benefit of the captors. The Sally was drawn up on tlie shore. The Light Horse being under marching orders, to move east, probably going to Connecticut, Edgar had not time to dispose of his prize. During his absence an American officer, named Col. Wade, repaired the sloop and ungenerously used it without permission for eighteen months. As the Continental army now occupied Philadelphia, the British having been com- pelled to evacuate it, Wade doubtless carried on a lucrative trade, with t^ie stolen vessel, between that city and the lower counties of New Jersey and Delaware bordering on the river. Lieut. Edgar appealed to the authorities for redress with satisfactory results, it is presumed.* This gallant alTair was no doubt the cause 'of Edgar's pro- .- 1 — — - — — * Many of these facts are taken from the autograph letters of Capt. Edgar and other officers of the army. THE REVOLUTION. 249 motion, about six months after, to a captaincy in tlie regiment. During the Summer of 1780, Edgar was recruiting in Con- necticut for Col. Sheldon's Dragoons. On the 8th of June of this year, when his friend Lieut. Paton was so severely wounded, he was probably at Windsor, Conn. Among his papers we find a unique bill presented by a harness-maker against Capt. Barnet of the Dragoons (the officer under whom Edgar served while Lieutenant), which is dated April i8th, 1777. We extract a few items: £ s. p. To a sadel by Isack Mash 10 To a sadel and brid el by John meker was 11 To asadel and tjridel and sirsengel by James Patron... 12 12 To a sir singel by wilem panes 16 To a curbbridel by leftenent Etger 2 To mendenasadel by david Ager puten in a nu pud and anugurt 1 To putenonanupare of bits 1 12 To putenon nu letbr on old parspl bits and stufen a pad for wilem Conger 1 A little study of this literary puzzle will give us the clue to the harness-maker's meaning; but we do not very strongly recommend his style for a model. Capt. Edgar died September 6th, 1810, in his 60th year,* and is buried in the Presbyterian burying-ground at Wood- bridge, not far from the spot where his friend and brother-in- law, James Paton, lies buried. His residence is supposed to have been just beyond the present residence of Mr. Robert Vail, along the highway westward. Smith Bloomfield, who participated in the skirmishes at Springfield and vicinity in the latter part of June, 1780, and was mortally wounded at that time, was a Woodbridge man. Unfortunately we know very little about him. He was taken prisoner by the British January 3d, 1778, and was subse- quently exchanged.! He died some time in July, 1780, probably from the effects of his wounds. Samuel Dally and Jeremiah, his son, were soldiers in the ' Dr. Henry R. Stiles' MS. Churchyard Inscriptions. t Paton papers. 250 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. first regiment of Middlesex militia.* Samuel fought, at one time, under the leadership of Washington. He was one o^ the faithful few who crossed the Delaware in mid-winter to surprise the Hessians at Trenton ; and. he shared also in tlie glory of the battle of Monmouth. His death occurred March 9th, 1784, in the 53d year of his age. Jeremiah ran away from home when only fourteen or fifteen years old to enter the service of his country. He was in the engagements at Connecticut Farms and Springfield in 1780, and perhaps others. At forty years of age he died, November 7th, 1823. Modesty forbids the writer to pursue further the history of these men, from whom he is proud to trace his own lineage; but, craving the forbearance of his read^-s, tlie following extract from a pamphlet in the possession of the family is given as a local incident of the war of independence ; "Mary Dally,f wife of Samuel, was part of the time left at home with none to cheer her solitude but the little ones; for Jeremiah had gone to war, contrary to the wishes of his parents. He did not relish being left to attend the farm while the other boys and young men in the neighborhood had hastened to the field of conflict. In one instance, Mary narrowly escaped death, while alone with her children. She was leaning out of an upper window, watching with anxiety the progress of a skirmish near the house between a body of English and a body of American troops. The latter were victorious. The British turned toward Perth Amboy in re- treat. In doing this they passed the house where Mary lived ; she had scarcely withdrawn from the window when a ball from one of the retiring party fractured the casement and, striking the opposite wall, fell to the floor. When some of the Americans stopped to refresh themselves with a drink ot buttermilk the patriotic woman handed it to one of them who promised to send it back among the retreating " Red Coats," and he did — but what execution it effected it was impossible to tell. Mary lived several years after the war was ended ; and. it is said, would relate with much animation the story we have • Strj'ker'8 Roster, p. 565. t.SUo lived in a hoiLse, now destroyed, in the rear of John Flood's place. THE REVOLUTION. 25 1 briefly told. On a previous occasion, the marauders had pillaged her house ; and, among other things, carried off the family Bible. It is to be hoped that they read it as carefully, and learned to prize its contents as highly as did the good lady from whom they stole it." Among Capt. Edgar's troop we notice several Woodbridge men. Joseph Gilman,* Jonathan Jaquish, Jedediah Freeman, and Lewis Dunham were in that company. f Robert Codding- ton was a fifer in the Middlesex Militia and in the Con- tinental army. Henry Freeman was fifer in Capt. Asher F. Randolph's company of Jersey troops I One of the most conspicuous men for dash and daring, who lived in Woodbridge during these stormy times, was Capt. Nathaniel Fitz Randolph. Authentic tales told of his extra- ordinary courage recall the days of Roman valor and savor of the chivalric period of which Virgil wrote : Arma vh-umque cano. His was one of those lives in which grand achieve- ments are accomplished within brief seasons; for he was only thirty-two years old when he died. He is described as "active, bold, and intelligent "; the antithesis, physically and mentally, ot his brother Ezekiel, who often fell asleep on his butcher's cart as he made his round in serving his customers.^ Of Nathaniel's intelligence we have a proof in his accurate copy of the old Town Book. He was a captain of the Middlesex Militia, at first; and was elected naval officer for the Eastern District of New Jersey on the 1 2th of December, 1778, The day before this election the C/Ouncil ordered that a sword should be purchased for him as a fitting tribute to " his patriotism, vigilance, and bravery during the war," which was subsequently presented to him. II On the 24th of June, 1778, he made an attack with fourteen men on the enemy's guard opposite Elizabethport. It was Wednesday night, and the party reached Staten Island in boats. The Tory account says that two of the guard were wounded, and that the American party hurried down to their * Gen. Stryker's Eoster, p. 200, t Paton papers. t Stryker's Roster, p. 482. § Wliitehead's Coutr., p. 95. B Stryker's Uos., 406. 252 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. boats and escaped, being pursued by the British.* But it is probable that the raid was much more effective, for the Tories distorted facts from motives of policy; so that their state- ments were notoriously unreliable in many instances. Some time during the Spring or Summer of this year Fitz Randolph captured a number of the enemy on Staten Island, concerning the exchange of whom the Governor communi- cated with Gen. Washington.! Capt. Randolph often said that the enemy should never take him alive; and this declaration would have been verified, doubtless, if it had depended on his courage to prove it. In a fair contest he seemed almost invincible, and his name became a "tower of strength" to the patriot cause in this section. His conspicuous bravery was the admiration of his friends and the fear of his adversaries. It is not surprising, therefore, that the latter made vigorous efforts to capture him. Several attempts to entrap him signally failed; but we are told that he was twice made a prisoner. Tradition inforais us that one night he went home; and three armed and mounted Tories, who had been watching for him, saw him enter the house, it was hardly wise for him to go there; but human nature, long deprived of the home-life, will sometimes impel a man to enter the jaws of death to enjoy the fireside chat for one brief hour. " Why did yon come home, Natty .' " exclaimed his anxious mother. " You know the Tories are determined to take you, and three of them have been prowling around the house today ! " "Ah," said the Captain, pointing significantly to his sword and pistols, " no three men can take Natty alive ! " Blankets were hung up at the windows to keep the curious eyes of the neighbors, or the enemy, from beholding the guest of the evening. The table was spread, and the warrior almost forgot the camp and field in the glow and sparkle of the fire on the hearth and the odor of smoking viands on the table. After a season of pleasant converse with the family, a noise of tramping feet was heard, succeeded by a sharp rap on the . • Hatfield'a Eliz., p. 407. t Couuoil of Safety, p. 250. THE REVOLUTION. 253 door. One of the inmates expressed the deepest anxiety lest the Captain should now be subjected to the horrors of a British prison. Releasing his sword from the bracket on the wall the soldier replied: "They shall never take Natty alive ! " Loud calls from without for the surrender of the sturdy patriot were responded to by the Captain himself, who, flinging open the bolted door, stood upon the threshold with his drawn weapon in his hand, "/am Natty Randolph! " he said, pointing a pistol at the group ; " and no three men can take Natty alive ! The first who dares to stir is a dead man ! " When Randolph was ready he gave the order for them to move. The melancholy trio rode down the lane, followed by the eagle eye of the American. They knew that two deadly weapons in experienced hands covered them as they departed. They were, therefore, very circumspect in their deportment until they were out of range, when they struck spurs into their horses and scampered away toward Staten Island. Some of the stories of Randolph's marvellous strength are, undoubtedly, greatly exaggerated ; but there can be no question that he was a very muscular man. It is told of him that he was once crossing Staten Island at the head of his men, when he came unexpectedly upon a company of Hessians. One of the latter, a little in advance of the rest, raised his gun and fired, wounding Fitz Randolph in the left arm. Natty, pre- tending he had something confidential to communicate, left his company, approached the audacious soldier, seized him and carried him in triumph under his right arm to the expectant Americans — the Hessians, in their amazement, making no attempt to rescue their comrade.* Natty was very much attached to his company and refused a Colonel's commission because its acceptance would sever the relations between him and his men.f It scarcely need be said that his soldiers were devoted to him. While at the head of a detachment of them he was once surrounded by a superior British force. Instead of surren- dering, the brave fellows stood at bay and fought, under the inspiring example of their leader, until every one of them had * Rahway Museum aud Advocate, Aug. 31, 1822. t Ibid. 254 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 'fallen, either killed or wounded, on the hotly-contested field ; and Natty alone, with the blood streaming from his own wounds, stood among his slain companions brandishing a musket with astonishing effect. The British officer, admiring his pluck, sought to take him alive ; but every hostile approach met with a stunning blow from the musket. The officer then begged him to surrender, arguing that it was a pity for such a brave man to die. Finding his strength failing. Natty exacted a promise of kind treatment and an early exchange, which being cheerfully accorded, he gave himself up as a prisoner of war. The slaughter in this affair is said to have been very great, for the number engaged, on both sides.* The promise of the English officer was fulfilled — the American captain was speed- ily exchanged, every kindness being shown to him in the meantime. The former declared that Fitz Randolph was the bravest man he had ever met. A reliable tradition well illustrates the coolness and daring of our hero. A baggage-train belonging to the enemy was progressing toward the inimical camp. Capt. Fitz Randolph discovering it determined upon its capture. But he was alone. This, however, did not intimidate him. Waiting until nightfall, he fell upon the rear of the train, sword in hand, shouting at the top of his voice; " Come on, boys ! Here they are ! We've got them ! " The teamsters, unable in the dark- ness to see their unknown assailant, and fearful that they would be surrounded, were panic-stricken and fled precipi- tately — the guard also joining in the inglorious flight. Natty, exultant, found means to bring his trophies into the American camp, greatly to the discomfiture of the British and the merriment of the Whigs. The Captain, much to his chagrin, was captured in January, i779,f by a party commanded by Capt. Ryerson. One author- ity says that he was on Staten Island at the time, conducting a scouting expedition, and that " the tories dogged him " to the house in which he entered in the evening; and, after he had laid aside his arms, they rushed into the room and made him * See Rahway Mub. & Adv., Aug. 31, 1822. t Gen. Stryker's Official Roster, p. 406. Wliitehead says "February "— Contr., p. 95. THE REVOLUTION. 255 a prisoner before he could seize his weapons or effect an escape.* Another authority informs us that he had retired, and was taken from his bed by his unwelcome visitors. f He was conveyed to New York and imprisoned and cruelly treated, until May 26th, 1780, a period of about a year and four months;! at which time he was exchanged; it is sup- posed, for a Capt. Jones of the British army. This Jones was seized by some of Fitz Randolph's men, for this very purpose, at the old stone tavern at Port Richmond, Staten Island. The story of this capture was told to me by Robert Codding- ton. William Bowman, of Staten Island, a waterman, used to tell it also. It seems that Peter Latourette, a Woodbridge man, famil- iarly known as " Pete Tourette,"§ found out that Capt. Jones was sick at Port Richmond and resolved to secure him as an exchange for Randolph. Peter was fully equal to the task. His courage was unquestioned and his strength remarkable- He stood six feet and two inches in his stockings, and was stoiit in proportion. He and three or four kindred spirits, all Woodbridge men, crossed to Staten Island by daylight, in citizens' dress, and went to the tavern. The guard, a small one, supposed the new-comers were private citizens and paid very little attention to them until they began to wrestle with each other. This pastime amused the soldiers greatly, and they became very free in their bearing toward the Jerseymen. The latter heard the sick officer cough and calculated, from the direction whence the sound came, just the room in which he could be found. The guard, unsuspicious of danger, stacked their guns in the hall and proceeded to the supper- table, spread in an adjoining room. Latourette did not intend to execute his plan until after dark; but this chance was too good to be lost. He seized the guns and armed his men, and then quickly entered the British Captain's apart- ment and carried him out of the house, stuffing his handker- chief into the sick man's mouth to prevent his giving the ' Rahway Miis. & Adv., August 31, 1822. t Gen. Stryker's Roster, p. 400. t Ibid. 5 Peter is disrespectfully called a " thief " and " an infernal fiend " by the Tory papers in New York. Tlie stories of his cruelty to the Tories may be true, but we find no eyidenco to sxipport them except in the joui'nals alluded to. See Hatfield's ishz., p. 507. 256 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. alarm. The party hastened to the shore, sprang into a boat and rowed to Bergen Point with their prisoner, who was lodged in the Bergen jail until he was exchanged for Capt- Fitz Randolph. No sooner was the gallant Nathaniel released than he entered the active service again; but, alas, within two months the heroic soldier passed away — to the land, we trust, where the march of hostile battalions and the tumults of war are unknown. He died of the wounds he received at or near Springfield, N. J., on the 23d of June — his death occurring one month afterward, July 23d, 17S0.* He was buried in the Presbyterian Church-yard at Woodbridge with the honors of war. He was once married — to Experience Inslee, afterward the wife of James Coddington. Timothy Bloomfield Avas another patriot of Woodbridge. It was his house, which was situated on the old Amboy turn- pike, that was the rendezvous of the whigs, as we have previ- ously related. He was an outspoken foe to British tyranny, and was, therefore, the subject of the vindictive malice of the tories. Made a prisoner during the war, he was incarcerated part of the time in the Jail at New York, and part of the time in the notorious Jersey Prison Ship — the victim ot gross in- dignities and terrible cruelty. For refusing to acknowledge his allegiance to King George he was twice taken out of Jail to be hung, being suspended by the neck until life was nearly extinct. True as steel, with returning consciousness he per- sisted in his refusal. Nothing but the fear of retaliation pre- vented his inquisitorial tormentors from taking summary ven- geance for his obstinacy. f He was finally released. He died at the age ot 73 years, January i8th, 1813, and was buried in the old grave-yard at Metuchen.J His sons (supposed to be Smith and Timothy) were in the Continental army, so that the farm and the old homestead were open to the ravages of the predator}^ parties of the enemy. Among other things stolen were the family Bible and * Lieut. Patou, iu his letter to Capt. Edgar (already quoted), fixed Fitz Randoli^li's death in the latter part of Juue. As he was a prisouer his iuformation ou this point was limited. t Rahway Museum, March 22, 1822. t Dr. H. E. Stiles' MS., p. 68. THE REVOLUTION. 257 a brindle cow. The precious book could not be readily given up. It was the comfort of the pious household during the long absence of the men; to be deprived, therefore, of its counsels and divine consolation in their hours of anxious watching and bitter trials was a prospect too melancholy. But what could be done.^ Bibles were costly in those days, and the family, made poor by the fortunes of war, had not the means with which to purchase another. Eunice, daughter of Timothy, concluded at length to appeal to the British com- mander on Staten Island for the restoration of the priceless volume. In company with another girl, residing with the family, Eunice started from home, walking to the river. It was a brave deed, for these were troublous times and lawless bands were abroad. Doubtless the God whom they honored by seeking for His Word sent flaming spirits to guard them in their dangerous way. On the shore they were nonplussed. How should they reach the other side.^ Not far awa^ they espied an old scow. Pushing it into the water, they paddled across, objects of much curiosity to groups of red-coated soldiers on the Island. With deference, the guard on the bank assisted them in debarking and enquired their business. They informed him that they wished to see the officer in command. Very courteously he conducted them to head- quarters. The commander received the young women with affability and listened to their story and to their earnest pleading for the old Bible. They saw the tears gathering in tiie officer's eyes, and felt sure their suit was won. So, indeed, it was. He sent to the ship, riding at anchor some distance from the shore, to which, it seems, the volume had been carried It was brought and placed in Eunice Bloom- field's hands. Gratefully the young women were about to turn homeward when the commander kindly enquired if anything else of value had teen taken from them. They replied affirmatively — that a brindle cow had been driven away by his men. In adjoining fields large droves were feeding. Leading his guests to these, he pointed toward the cattle and asked if they recognized their own spotted animal. A long scrutiny failed to discover the domestic favorite. As they were about to give 258 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. up the searcli in despair, the brindle came bounding toward them with every demonstration of pleasure; and placed her- self, in a satisfied way, close beside Eunice — as much as to say: "Come! It is milking time ! " The officer smiled, and averred that there was no doubt ot the original ownership of the cow. A guard ot soldiers escorted the girls across the water with their regained treasures, and accompanied them for a consid- erable distance toward home, at which they arrived with hearts overflowing with thankfulness. The feelings with which they opened the old Bible that night, who can describe.'' On the family record, in this same old Bible, some Tory hand had written remarks, against one of the boys in particu- lar, who was afterward killed near Elizabethtown while in action.'''' Dr. Moses Bloomfield, whose acquaintance we have made already as Clerk of the Freeholders, was a native of Wood- bridge and a man of more than ordinary culture and ability. His patriotism was fervent, inducing him to offer his services to his country at an early period of the war (May 14th, 1777),! as an army surgeon. In the United States hospitals he lield the position of Senior Surgeon. He was the son of Joseph and Eunice Bloomfield, and was the father of Gov. Joseph Bloomfield. It is thought that his residence was the old Bloomfield homestead, where Mr. George C. Hance now lives. His body was placed to rest in the VVoodbridge Pres- byterian yard, and a stone, with tlie following inscription, marks the spot : " Dr. ]\Ioses Bloo^i field, 40 years Pbysician and Surgeon . in this Town ; senior Phy- sician and Surgeon in the Hospitals of the United States ; Representative in tlie provincial Congress and Ge- neral Assembly ; an \ipriglit Magistrate ; Elder of the Pres- byterian Church, &c. Born Deeeraber the 4th, 1729, died Aut, the 14th, 1791, in his 63d year." * Our authority for the story of Eunice Hlootnfield is chiefly Mrp. D. E. PatOD. 8e« also Rabway Museum, etc. t Gen. Stryker's Roster, p. 72. THE RIVOLUTIOX. 259 He was in the hospital at Princeton in 1778, as the follo\r- ing minute from the session of the Council of Safety- of Oct. 2d will show: "Agreed that Dr. Moses Bloomfield be re- quested to attend the Board to-morrow morning at 8 O'clock with a list of the Physicians, Surgeons and Surgeons' mates attending at Princeton & the number (jf sick in the hospital there." A great deal has l)een written about tlie capture of Col. Christopher Biilop at his residence near Billop's Point, Staten Island, on the 23d of June, 1779. Some say that Capt. Na- thaniel Fitz Randolph was the leader in the affair ;f this is strenuously denied by others who declare that Capt. Fitz Ran- dolph had nothing to do with it..]; As Robert Coddington's father was a participant in the affair and a relative of Fitz Randolph (the two being brothers-in-law), I went to see Rob- ert, the son, one day to enquire wijeiher he had heard his father, the elder Robert, niention the matter. He said that he had heard the story from his father!s lips, an I that it was an unaccountable mistake which ascribed the leadership in this undertaking to the Captain. David Coddington was the chief of the daring party who captured the influential Tory. Four or five comprised the company. David and Robert Coddington and Peter Latourette were among them. It is said that for a long time watchers were stationed in the steeple of St. Peter's Church, at Perth Amboy, who kept a sharp look-out on the Biilop mansion across the water. At length the Colonel was discovered walking through his grounds. They knew, therefore, tiiat he might be found at home. The night of the 23d was very dark, and the adventurers launched their boat in profound silence, rowing across the harbor with muffled oars. From a black woman they had obtained the countersign, with which they expected to pass all the guards in safety. Having landed, they approached the house in " Indian file " and entered it without arousing the enemy. Col. Biilop had gone to bed. The party quickly secured him and then hastened to the shore, taking the usual precautions • Council of Safety of N. J., p. 28t>. t Whitehead, p. 95. t See N. Y. Kvening Post, Oct. 18th, 187;t. (!apt. tltz Ilauilolpli w::s made a i)risoiier iu the Jauuary previous, and was yot a pi-iuoner. It is e\ideut, therefore, that he was not iu this affair. 26o WOODBRIDGE AND VICINIIY. against an outcry by their prisoner. One of the men had taken the Colonel's horse, a beautiful animal, from the stable. But the steed refused to enter the water, whereupon the soldier shot him. Immediately the boat glided from its covert, for the British were thoroughly alarmed by the start- ling report of the gun. Tlie audacious Jerseymen were not discovered, but arrived safely on the opposite shore. Biliop was sent to the Burlington Jail in November, put in chains and permitted to subsist on bread and water only, in retaliation for the cruelties imposed by the British on their American prisoners — especially on John Leshier and Capt. Fitz Randolph, who were being harshly treated by their jail- ers at this time. The following note was written by the New Jersey Commissary of Prisoners to Col. Biliop: " Elizabethtown, Nov. 6, 1779. "Sir: Sorry am I that I have been put under the disagree- able necessity of a treatment towards your person that will prove so irksome to you; but retaliation is directed, and it will, I most sincerel)' hope, be in your power to relieve yourselt from the situation by writing to New York to pro- cure the relaxation of the sufferings of John Leshier and Captain Nathaniel Randall.* It seems nothing short of retaliation will teach Britons to act like n^.en of humanity. " I am, sir, your most obedient servant, "Elisha Boudixot, " Com. Pris." Tlie Tory Cohjnel remained in custody at Burlington until December 26th, when he was exchanged for an American officer. On "HoUister's Corner" lias lain, for a long while, a rusty old gun made in Queen Anne's time. It was used for many years to celebrate the independence of America. Many a Fourth of Jidy salvo has resounded from the grim nioutli of this dishonored cannon. But how did the town come into possession of it.'* Well, that is just what we are going to tell. Some time about the year 17S0 a large British vessel, con- * Hie name was often (Ustoried into "Baadall." THE REVOLUTION. 26 1 taining a choice cargo of molasses and other provisions, was boarded at what was known as Great Bend, not far from Perth Amboy, by a party of four or five Jersey men. Capt. Storey Avas the leader. Robert Coddington,* Peter Latourette, and James Bloomfield (a boy at the time), with one other, perhaps, whose name is forgotten, constituted Capt. Storey's assaulting party. They were all good boatmen, although none of them, as far as we know, belonged to the naval service, except John Storey. f Coddington, Latourette, and Bloomfield are re- corded among the soldiers of the Revolution in the official roster of New Jersey. It was a bitter cold night in Winter when the attack was made. The ice was thick enough along the shore to sustain a heavy burden. Capt. Storey approached the British vessel in a gun- boat in a cautious manner, leaped aboard with his men, spiked the gi;ns and took prisoners the crew thus uncer- emoniously disarmed. The surprise was complete. The groceries were subsequently drawn on the ice to Perth Amboy, after which the boat was burned to prevent its falling into the hands of the English. This old gun was taken off as a trophy and brought to Woodbridge. It was in the keeping of Peter Latourette for several years, who would bring it out on each Fourth of July to give it voice in the general jubilation. Peter lived where Daniel Voorliees now resides. He offered to give the piece to the township if the latter would construct a gun carriage for it. This was done, and the deep-toned thunder of the old cannon afterward welcomed the dawn of many an Independence day. Now, alas, it is flung aside as a useless thing. True, it is rusted and no longer available as a weapon of defence; nor is it safe to salute the stars and stripes with it, for its once smooth bore, worn out by long service and much neglect, is full of dangerous cavities. But it is a sad sight to behold it lying here unnoticed. The long grass that caresses it to-day seems more tender and pitiful to the prostrate thunderer than all the people in the town out yonder- How careless they are of thy fallen majesty, O historic •His son Robeii, uow living in Woodbridge, is our authority for this narrative- t Gen. Stryker'B Rostn-, 1.. 872. 262 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. treasure! Are they forgetting tlie men who shed their blood for freedom in the early days of the Republic, as they have forgotten thee? Will not some kind hands lift thee up for the sake of what thou hast been, and for the sake of the warriors who stood around thee long, long ago ? Would that we might learn that it is dangerous to patriotism to permit its hard- earned trophies to lie unhonored in neglected places. There was an hour a voi(« of power Resounded from thy hollow throat ; Through smoke and flame the message came To many a heart in rockiiig boat. Thy word was death, and in a breath Thy mess ige came of loas and woe; And Sfiddcned souls since then have told Of smitten ones the waves below. Now mule thy voice ; and we rejoice That all thy deeds of blood are o'er; Thy husky throat gives forth no note To tell of death on ship or shore. Thy silence cheers the hope of years, That Christ, tlie Prince whom we adore. Will bring the time. Oh, thought sublime ! When nations shall learn war no more. Several of the Woodbridge family of Inslees distinguished themselves in the Revolution. John Inslee,* the father of Gage, was a soldier in the Continental army, and was made a prisoner by the Tories and shut up in the old Sugar House at New York. His farm was devastated and his house burned. Jonathan Inslee (Robert Coddington's mother's tather) suffered very much for his adherence to the cause of liberty. Near Isaac Flood's barn, alongside the brook, stood Jonathan's dwelling. From this he was tiiken a prisoner by the Royal- ists and conveyed to New Brunswick to be lodged in jail. He was compelled to wade through the river at a ford; and then, all wet and shivering, was thrust into a cold room without being permitted to dry his clothing or exchange it for more comfortable raiment. His faithful wife followed the • Johu lived in a honse in the old " pear tree lot " 011 the Gag« Inslee estate near PeriJi Am boy. THE REVOLUTION. 263 merciless Tories to New Brunswick and begged tlie jailers to liberate her husband. After persistent effort her object was accomplished, and she took the maltreated man home, only to see him die; for the cruel exposure caused his death, Febru- ary 24th, 1777, in his 6ist year. His brave wife (wliose name was Grace Moore before her marriage) died October 3d, 1794, aged 67, and they sleep side by side in the Presbyterian burial-ground, disturbed no more bv war's alarms. Elizabeth Inslee, who afterward married Joseph Codding- ton, once came near being mutilated for life by the brutality of a British soldier. Large bodies of the enemy's troops were accustomed to collect on Spunk Hill (right above Isaac Flood's residence), for drill and parade, presenting a brilliant appearance with the long line ot bayonets glistening in the sun and the gaudy uniforms of red and gold. But the com- munity was generally terror-stricken at their approach, and the sacredness of home was invaded wherever they stacked their arms. They would enter the houses near by and Lake away any object that struck their fancy. Coming uncere- nifjniously into Jonathan Inslee's house one day. a soldier spied a valuable ring on one of Elizabeth's fingers. He strode toward her and was about to cut off her finger to obtain the piece of jewelry when an officer suddenly appeared, sharply rebuked the inliuman fellow, and sent him back to camp. In this locality lived William Jones, a tailor, and a soldier in the Continental army. His house was nearly opposite Spunk Hill, between tlie residence of Joel Mehck, Jr., and that of Robert Coddington. It has been destroyed. Mr. Jones told Abel V. Shotwell, of Rahway, that his first duty^ on entering the army, was to make a coat for ('apt. William Piatt, who fouglit imder Gen. St. Clair. We present a list of the Woodbridge ''Continentals" and militia of the Revolution, so far as we have been able to gather the names — omitting those already noticed : Archibald Auger, sometimes spelled Eager. Ellis Barron, a Captain of ist Regiment of Middlesex, com- missioned January loth, 1776. 264 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Shotwell Bishop, grandfather of Mr. Shotwell B. Frazee. He lived near James R. Potter's at Short Hills. James Bloomfield (alluded to on page 261 of this Chapter), resided in Woodbridge, but died in Milton. EzEKiEL Bloomfield, father of Wm. Bloomfield, who is still living in Rahway. Robert Burwell belonged to Capt. Asher Fitz Randolph's company. His residence was in Rahway Neck, near George Brown's. Jonathan Bloomfield. Nathan Bloomfield resided, probably, near Bonhamtovvn. Thomas Bloomfield, Sr., called " Continental Tommy," was the father of David Bloomfield who lives near Jotham Coddington's place of residence. Thomas Bloomfield, Jr., is said to have been imprisoned in the Jersey Prison Ship on one occasion during the war. He died where L. M. Perkins now resides. Benjamin Brown, father of Warren Brown, lived on the Woodbridge Neck. Dugald Campbell lived near Oak Tree; died in 1809, aged 77. Buried at Metuchen. Joseph Crowell. Kelsy Cutter died in Woodbridge March 7th, 1798, aged 42. Samuel Cutter was in several of the boat expeditions made by Capt. John Storey, and was one ot his favorites."^ Stephen Cutter and Ford Cutter, see next Chapter. -Morris De Camp, Sergeant in Sheldon's Light Dragoons. He was wounded on Staten Island on the 23d of August, 1777. Joseph Dunham belonged to Capt. Asher F. Randolph's company. James Edgar and William Edgar. Ambrose Elston lived in Rahway and was a Middlesex County Judge. Crowell Evans. Capt. Asher Fitz Randolph lived at or near the old Blazing Star. He did effective service with his excellent com- * See " Cutter Family," p. 98. THE REVOLUTION. 265 pany during the war. At the age of 62 years he died, April i6th, 1817, and was buried in the Woodbridge Presbyterian grave-yard. (See Captain Matthew Free- man^ Melanchtox Freeman, Surgeon, father of Dr. Matthias Freeman. His death occurred November nth, 1806, in his 60th year, and his grave is in the old Metuchen cem- etery. Capt. Matthew Freeman died in 1824, aged about 81 years. He was made 2d Lieutenant of the ist Regiment Mid- dlesex Militia in January, 1776, and afterward became Captain. Asher Fitz Randolph served as Ensign under Capt. Freeman at the beginning of his career; then Asher became one of his lieutenants, and subsequently left Freeman's company for a Captaincy in Maj. Hayes' Battalion. Matthew is buried at Metuchen. Jonathan Freeman. David Freeman. Samuel Force resided where Dr. Jaques died. Hiram Frazee lived where John Lasslett now resides. Morris Frazee lived between Oak Tree and Plainfield. " EsiEH " Fitz Randolph, Ezekiel, Malachi, and Michael belonged to Capt. Asher F. Randolph's company. The Fitz Randolph family was one of the most patriotic of the war. Among those going to battle from this section we find, besides those just mentioned, Barzilla> Daniel, James, Joseph, Stelle, Phineas, Samuel, Thomas, Zedekiah, and others. "^ John and Joseph Gilman belonged to Capt. David Edgar's Troop of Light Horse. Charles Oilman. Thomas Hadden was a Captain of ist Regiment Middlesex Militia; then Major, and in April, 1778, he was com- missioned JLieutenant-Colonel, but resigned in Decem- ber of the same year. Samuel Jaquish. James Kinsey, Sr., is thought to be a Woodbridge man ; so is James, Jr., and John (an artilleryman), and Shadrach. Concerning James, Sr., it is recorded that he was dis- 266 WOOHRRIDGE AND VICi'nITY. charged for disability, January 3d, 17S3, "after seven years' faithful service " — a brief but satisfactorv evidence of a noble and self-sacrificing devotion to the cause of liberty. Abraham Loughberrv, or Luffberry, resided in Rahway, near the house of Francis Labaw. He was a Sergeant in Hazen's Regiment (2d Canadian). His son, the late Joseph O Lufbery, was a prominent and highly es- teemed citizen of Rahway. John H. Lufbery, ex-Mayor of Rahway, is also his son. The old family name is spelled Loofljourrow. . When Gen. Lafayette visited Rahway, in 1824, Abraham was the chairman of the committee appoini:ed to receive him ; and it is said that the French patriot recognized him immediately, not- withstanding forty years had intervened since they had parted. Abram Laing lived where the late Cornelius \^ancierhoven resided. Capt. Nathaniel Leonard, who died May 9th, 1S03, in his 50th year, and is buried in the old Metuchen cemetery, has inscribed on his tomb-stone these words : "Served through the Revolutionary war." He was a Wagon- master and Captain in the Continental army. Oliver Martin resided in Rahway and built the house occu- pied by Jonathan Woodruff, wliicli he called the " Peace Tavern." Jeremiah C. Force was his .'-on-in-law. He belonged to the 3d Regiment of Militia. Eliphalet Moore, of the 2d Regiment of Artillery, Conti- nental Army, lived on the farm in Rahway Neck, lately owned by Reuben Drake. Capt. Christopher Marsh belonged to Essex Light Horse; but he lived on the Kinsey Farm, between Six Roads and Milton. He was at first a lieutenant in Capt. Blanchard's Troop. On the 2d of June, 1777, he was j3romoted to a captaincy. He was the grandfather of Rolph M. Crovvell. Died in 1810, aged 67 years. Ralph Marsh, made ist Lieutenant in Capt. Ellis Barron's company, January loth, 1776. Merrick Martin. A number of Martins, residing in this THr, REVOLUTION. 267 section, were soldiers in the Revolution. Many of them lived at or near Metuchcn. Jeremi.\h Manning, Captain ist Regiment of Militia, died June loth, 1803, aged 67. The following is inscribed on the stone over his grave in the Presbyterian yard at Woodbridge: "He filled the office of magistrate 26 years, most of which time he was also one of the Judges of this County. At the age of 22 he became a member of the Baptist Church, and, although interred here, continued such until his decease, counting all things but loss, as nothing compared with the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord." Peier Noe lived at Blazing Star. He was the grandfather of Joel B. Laing. Several other Noes from this section lought for freedom. James belonged to A. F. Ran- dolph's company. Peter died Sept. 2d, 1S19, aged 69. Capt. Zebulon Pike was a Cornet in Moylan's Regiment of Continentals in March, 1777; an Adjutant, November ist; a Lieutenant, March 15th, 1778; then Paymaster; and finally Captain, December 25th, 1778. Capt. Robert Ross, of Metuclien, died January 15th, 1822, ^g^d 73 years, and was buried in the old Metuchen cemetery. He was a Captain in the ist Regiment of Middlesex Militia. In June, 1781, he was recruiting officer for this County. John Ross is supposed to have lived at Bonhamtown where Benjamin Tappen resides. Isaac Sears (or Sayers) was a fifcr in Capt. Ogden's company, ist Regiment of Militia. His residence stood where Hazelwood Cemetery is now located. Thompson Steele was a Captain of Militia and Paymaster. Possibly he lived at Piscataway. He was a County C(>mmissioner (for seizing the effects of disaffected parties who had gone over to the enemy) until June, 1777, when he was taken prisoner by the British.* Capt. Richard Skinner, of the ist Regiment, Militia, was killed July ist, 1779, at the Six Roads Tavern — at least that is supposed to be the place. * Council of Safety of New Jersey, p. 67. 268 WOODERIDGE AND VICINITY. David Stewart, father of Randolph Stewart, lived near the Dog Tavern. Benjamin Thorp, of Spencer's Regiment of Continentals, lived near James Potter's at Short Hills. Israel Thornell died May 19th, 1819, in his 74th year, and was buried at Metuchen. Benjamin Thornei.l belonged to the ist Regiment of Militia, and afterward to the Continental Army. Samuel Willis was one of Capt. A. F. Randolph's company. He lived between Houghtenville and New Dover." There may be some names omitted in the foregoing table; but, if so, the omission is unintentional. It is not an easy task to make a complete statement of this kind; but w^e flatter ourselves that we have prepared the best that has been made to the present date. • For information in this list I am uidebted to A. V. Shotwell, Dr. H. R. Stiles, the " Cutter Book," Gen. Stryker's Roster, and reliable tradition. CHAPTER XXIL 1775— 17S3. The Revolution, Continued — Stirring Times — Spanktown — Events Between 1776 and 1783 in Chronological Order — Grace Lacky — Baitle of Ash Swamp — Ezra Mundy — The Cutters — Clarkson Edgar — The Moores — Jennet Gage. The year 1777 was the most exciting one of the war, proba- bly, to the inhabitants of Woodbridge. The latter part of the year before had been very disastrous to the cause of liberty. The American army had retreated across the State to Penn- sylvania, passing en route through Bonhamtown and New Brunswick. In its wake followed the British and Hessian troops, who, flushed with success, ravaged the country, to the great consternation of the residents They were checked at Trenton in December {25th), 1776; but through all the suc- ceeding Spring the enemy despoiled the Eastern part of New Jersey. There was terror in every patriot household. Camps of the foe were established at Bonhamtown, Raritan Landinjr, and New Brunswick, from whicli strolling parties in search of plunder were sent out through all the regions adjacent. Woodbridge was not neglected by the foragers, as may readily be imagined. Skirmishes between them and small parties ot Jersey militia were frequent; but the latter were feeble and poorly equipped and were in jeopardy every hour. The condition of the inhabitants was forlorn and defenceless in the extreme, and Hessians marched through the village with their huge brass fronted caps, long pig-tails hanging down their backs, yellow waistcoats and breeches, and blue dress-coats — tyrants of the hour. We now propose to give a succinct statement of events occurring in Woodbridge and vicinity in nearly chronological order, after w^hich we will resume the biographical narratives of the preceding chapter. 270 WOODimiD(JE AND VICINI'IY. In July, 1776, the 2d Pennsylvania Battalion of Philadelphia marched through Woodbridge on the route to Amboy, One company, Capt. Wilcox's, remained on the Smith Farm in Woodbridge Neck — for how long a time we do not know." In August It was expected that an attack would be made on» Amboy by the enemy. Among other measures for defence, four hundred men were ordered to be s;tationed at Woodbridge. After the battle of Trenton the British tlirough this section made their strongholds at Amboy and New Brunswick. Piscataway was visited a little while previous to this, and the houses robbed of bedding, cooking utensils, etc.,t the wives of predatory soldiers assisting in the robberies. Soon after the British camp was formed at Bonhamtown a Mr. Comptofl, grandfather of Henry Compton, was visited by the British, who had learned that two of his sons were serving in the Continental army, and telling him to pack up his bed and furniture, gave him the old grey horse and a wagon, and sent him away. They then burned his house and out-build- ings and stole his six horses, thirty head ot cattle, and fifty sheep. I Mr. Compton's dwelling stood by the brook between Metuchen and Bonhamtown. The camp at the latter place was composed of live British regiments. The officers occupied the house now the dwelling of Benjamin Tappen — owned at that time by the grandfather of Jerome Ross.i^ About the 6th of January, 1777, one thousand bushels of salt were taken from the English at Spanktown (Rahway) after a sharp encounter in which the Americans were victori- ous. The conflict lasted two hours. When the British found themselves being worsted they sent dispatches to Woodbridge and Amboy for reinforcements. Two regiments hastened to their relief; but the Hessians encamped at Woodbridge refused to go, imagining that the Jersey militia were at Spanktown in immense numbers. The two regiments arrived there just in time to save their comrades from total disaster. || The reason for calling Rahway by the unprepossessing name of Spanktown is not obvious. We do not suppose any more spanking was done in ancient Rahway than usually befalls • WUitehead, 331. t Ibid., 339. t Hunt's Metuchen, p. 12. J Ibid., p. 11. I Hat- field, p. 456. THK RKVUI.UTION, t:t)N TIN UKD. 27 I the rising generation in any thrifty town. But, taking our cue from the astute Knickerbocker (who began his history of New York from the creation of the world), we go back to the old meaning of spank^ and find that it means a quick trot. So we say, " he went along at a spanking gait,"- which does not mean that his mother administered castigation as he pro- ceeded, but that he moved along on his steed at a lively pace. Now, what is more reasonable than that Rah way was so noted for its fast horses that it became Spanktown on that very account.'' The name is certainly invested with much more dignity in the latter than in the former view of the case, although we are free to confess that the evidence for the one is as good as for tlie other. At any rate, we see one signification exemplified; Rahway is growing at ^spanking rate; and we rejoice in its prosperity. As it was once a part of Woodbridge we feel a sort of motherly pride in its progress. As the child has grown larger than the parent, it would seem that the period of correction has passed; the toddler is approaching maturity, and the days of its castigatory trials are ended. The river that flows through Rahway was styled Rahwack, Rawawack, and Rahawack in the early da3's — so called, it is thought, in honor of an Indian chief of that name. It has been rendered more euphonious by the modern residents, who call it Rahway ; but this name was not given to the town, perma- nently, until Monday evening, July 29th, 1S22." Previous to that date Bridgetown was its frequent appellation; but at that time a meeting of prominent citizens at Smith Freeman's hotel (Richard Marsh, Chairman, and Jos. O. Lufbery, Secre- tary) settled the matter in designating the town bv its present cognomen. But to return to Revolutionarv matters: Somewhere about February ist, 1777, an engagement occurred at Piscataway between one thousand British, with three heavy guns, and seven hundred Americans, in which the former were compelled to retreat. But receiving reinforce- ments and three more guns the enemy drove back the militia, * BriOgetowu MuBeiuu and N. J. Advoc, Aug. 3d, 1822. 272 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. losing in the attacks at least thirty-six, who were killed. Of the Americans nine were slain and fourteen were wounded.* The distinguished British Gen. Howe came near being captured in the neighborhood of Bonhamtown in March of the same year. He was at that place on tlic 8th attempting to open communication with New Brunswick, which had been cut off by the Americans; but he failed. In his attempt to return to Amboy 3,000 men were called out as a guard — sup- posed to be the entire force in the neighborhood of Bonham- town. These troops were put in battle array on " Punk Hill," as the nearest advantageous point. Is not this locality "Spunk Hill".? It would seem so — the Spunk and Funk being confusedly mixed in the mind of the chronicler. Skir- mishes occurred between parties of Gen. Maxwell's men and these British soldiers, one effect of which was to bring on a serious engagement, resulting in loss on both sides. The British lost, probably, sixty men killed and wounded, a bag- gage-wagon and three pieces ot artillery. f If Maxwell's force had attacked the hostile army on the hill and been successful, Gen. Howe, probably, would have fallen into the hands of the Americans. At Spanktown a severe encounter occurred on tiie 23d of February, between Maxwell's troops, stationed there, and the 3d British Brigade from Amboy. The latter made a detour by way of Spanktown for the purpose of capturing Maxwell ; but their real destination was New Brunswick, into which town they intended to bring their prisoners in triumpli. Sad to relate, Maxwell was not accommodating enough to be captured; but the Americans followed their foes through the snow all the wa}' back to Amboy, pouring a destructive fire into their ranks as they proceeded. Their loss, from their own accounts, was large — four officers and nearly one hundred men killed and wounded. The Americans set down the British loss at 500 and their own at 3 killed and 12 wounded X Sucii a great disparity seems almost incredible. Several American soldiers were made prisoners during April at or near VVoodbridge. Among them we find Patrick * Whitehead, p. 341. t Whitehead, p. 34:2. t Whitehead's Contr., p. 344. THE REVOLUTION, CONTINUED. 273 McConnally, a Hunterdon County man. He was taken on the nth* Isaac Cotheal, who was a member of Capt. Marsh's troop of Essex Light Horse, was wovinded and captured near Woodbridge on the 19th. His wounds must have been severe. Because of them he was discharged from the service May ist, lyyS.f Cotheal was a guide for the patriot army at the time of his capture. He was living in 18 10, as we learn from a letter of Lieut. Paton, in which it is stated that he was suffer- ing greatly from his wounds, and an increased pension for him is mentioned as desirable. At two o'clock on the morning of April 15th, 1777, -^ detach- ment of Col. Cook's i2th Pennsylvania Regiment, under Capt Alexander Paterson, made a successful attack on the British picket guard at Bonhamtown, The entire guard (twenty- five soldiers) were either killed or taken. The main body of the British forces retired to the intrenchments near at hand.J Col. Cook's camp was not far from Bonhamtown; and two other parties from his regiment, on the nights of the 20th and 2ist, harassed the enemy's picket, driving it in on both occa- sions. Lieut. McCabe made the former attack with only 16 men, killing one and wounding two. Lieut. Lodge made the latter assault, assisted by McCabe, having 32 men in com- mand ;§ and the British were in such a state of alarm that the entire encampment was kept under arms all night. On the 23d of April, long after dark, a detachment of 6^ men under Capt. Lacy marched through Woodbridge, from the vicinity of Rahway, on the route to Amboy, to surprise the Hessian pickets there. But the pickets had been removed ; so that, beyond a little consternation and the killing of one sentinel and the wounding of another, this adventure was not remarkable. On the following night another American party of about thirty attempted to accomplish the same purpose? but the darkness was great and they stumbled right among the Hessians, who captured every one.^ In May the Royal Highlanders (71st Scotch Regiment) had posted themselves half way between New Brunswick and Bonhamtown with six companies of light infantry. On the • Gen. Stryker's Roster, p. 243. t Ibid., pp. 174, 656. t Barber & Howe'B His. Coll., p. 325. 5 Ibid. IT Whitehead's Contr., p. 344. 274 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY, loth they were assailed by a part of Gen. Stevens' division and the battle lasted about an hour and a half. Near Piscata- way the Highlanders took possession of a wood, but the Americans drove them out of it. The pickets of the enemy were also driven inro Bonhamtown. Although the Royal troops were reinforced, such was the vigor of the onslaught of the Continentals that they again retreated, fighting as they retired. Another British reinforcement compelled the Amer- icans to give way. In excellent order they fell back with a loss of twenty-seven. Tlie Highlanders suffered severely, but the loss is not stated.* The British army evacuated New Brunswick on the 22d of June, retreating to Perth Amboy. On Thursday morning (26th) they marched forth under Sir William Howe and Lord Cornwallis as far as Westfield, intending to annihilate Gen. Washington, whose camp was now situated in the neighbor- hood of Plainfield. But the resistance they encountered at every stage of their advance was disheartening in the extreme. Nearly every cross-road had its squad of pugnacious militia which poured its deadly volleys into the splendid columns of the well-equipped troops. As they were passing through Woodbridge they were checked for half an hour by Col. Daniel Morgan's Rangers. Some sharp skirmishing and rapid firing resulted in considerable loss of life. The army moved from Amboy in two columns, one march- ing by Vv'ay of Metuchen meeting-house under Howe, and the other passing through Woodbridge under command of Corn- wallis. These columns were to form a junction beyond Me- tuchen; and then, two miles further on, they were to separate in order to fiank the Americans at Quibbletown. Four bat- talions took up their position at Bonhamtown, with six heavy guns, in the morning of this eventful day. The right column, under Cornwallis, was the one that met Morgan's Rangers at Woodbridge. Lord Howe's official dispatch states that Mor- gan's force comprised 700 men. Of course, the Rangers were compelled to give way, for the odds against them were too heavy. ' • HiBt. Coll. of N. J., p. 325. Wbitebead, p. 344. THE REVOLUTION, CONTINUED. 275 When Cornwallis entered the road leading to Scotch Plains, just above the " Metuchen meeting-house," he was checked by Gen. Stirling's corps of American troops. A general skirmish ensued. Stirling was well posted in a wood, but he was compelled to retire after a severe contest, in which he lost three brass pieces of ordnance, and several men. Lord Howe admits the British loss to be five killed, thirty wounded, and thirteen prisoners ; but sets down the loss on the other side at sixty-three killed and over two hundred wounded and prisoners — a gross exaggeration if we may believe Gen, Stirling's report. The enemy's troops in this conflict com- prised three, regiments of Hessian Grenadiers, one of British Grenadiers, one of Light Infantry, the Hessian Chasseurs, and the Queen's Rangers. Doubtless one cause ot Gen. Stirling's retreat at Metuchen was the knowledge he must have pos- sessed that Lord Howe was advancing in the rear of the right column and would soon overtake it with a powerful reinforce- ment.* After an intensely hot day and a fatiguing march, the Brit- ish army entered Westfield. Looking toward the hills the weary soldiers saw that Washington had made his camp among them, having forsaken Quibbletown and all the plain. Every movement was in view of the American commander; for, taking his position on the bold bluff now so well known as " Washington's Rock," he was able to distinguish any important manoeuvre the foe might choose to make. It was three o'clock on Friday afternoon that the English Generals, seeing Washington's impregnable position, took up their line of march from Westfield to Amboy, assaulted flank and rear by Scott's Light Horse and Morgan's Rangers, They encamped that night at Spanktown. The next day, harassed as before, they resumed their retreat and arrived at Amboy, from which, on the last day of June, they departed — leaving New Jersey in possession of the American army. During the remainder of the war the latter held Amboy, and the State was never again so completely overrun with marauders and British troops, although many parties entered it lor pillage from hostile camps in adjoining States, * Howe's dispatch ; see Whitehead, p. 346, Also Hatfield, p. 460. 276 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. While the British cause seemed to be in the ascendency, in the former part of 1777, the Tories were exultant and assisted the King's troops in every possible vv^ay ; but now they were doomed to severe retribution. Many of them were glad to escape with their lives to the English lines, leaving their prop- erty in the hands ot the angry citizens. There were cases of tarring and feathering, which caused a speedy exit of certain Royalists to the congenial latitude of Staten Island. TJie New Jersey Council of Safety,* which met at Haddon- field on the i6th of August of this year, cited Ichabod Bunn, Thomas Bloomfield, Sen., Samuel Freeman, Samuel Heard, Michael Long, John Kinsey, and Samuel Insley to appear as witnesses in respect to disaffected parties in this section. As a result, perhaps, of this citation, we find the following, on the record of the Council, bearing date Wednesday, August 27th : " Ordered the wives and children (under age) ot John Heard, Ellis Barron, Wm. Smith, Isaac Freeman and Saml. Moores, late inhabitants of the Township of Woodbridge, but now with the Enemy, be immediately apprehended & sent over to Staten Island; & that Col. Fredk. Frelinghuysen be directed to carry this order into execution." In the early part of October troops began to assemble at Woodbridge and Elizabethtown in large numbers, supposed to be two thousand militia, under Gea. Maxwell. Generals Heard and Maxwell led a large detachment from these places on Friday (the 2d) toward Hackensack to attack the British troops wliich Avere threatening to invade Bergen County. f A guard was kept at Railway by tlie Americans at this time to prevent incursions from Staten Island; but forays were, nevertheless, of frequent occurrence. Thirteen mounted Tories rode into Railway on Sunday evening, January 30th, 1780, and surprised nine soldiers in the company of several young ladies. Tlie refugees took their prisoners to the Island, to a social atmosphere by no means as pleasant as that from which they had been so ruthlessly snatched. | As this Winter was very cold the Sound was frozen over, and the Tories and other inimical marauders were able to cross it at any point • Miuutes of the Council, p. 117. t Hatfield's Elizabeth, 469. t Ibid., 483. THE REVOLUTION, CONTINUED. 277 with horses and vehicles. It was, indeed, a terrible Winter to all the inhabitants in this section. But several other matters connected with the year 1777 ought to be mentioned here : The Council of Safety met at Princeton on the 8th of December, and a guard from Major Potter at Woodbridge brought the following prisoners from Middlesex before the Board: Ellenor Worth, Charles Friend, John Willis, Walter Noakes, Michael Condin, and William Fleming. All but the two last were taken into custody and detained in Princeton. Maj. Reuben Potter was 2d Major in the First Regiment of Middlesex Militia from 1776 to 1778, when he resigned. The following appears in the minutes of the Council of the same date: "Agreed that there be paid to Israel Freeman for coming with his Waggon & two horses from Woodbridge with Guards & five prisoners to the Council of Safety and returning to Woodbridge ^4. 11. 6." On the next day (Tuesday, the 9th) the Council "Agreed that his Excellency [the Governor] direct Col. Seely com- manding at Elizabetiitown to remove the Cattle from Rahway Neck, and such other places where from their proximity to the Enemy tliey may be in danger of being carried off by them, to places of greater security, (the owners of such cattle refusing to do it, on notice given to them for that purpose) and that the removal of such Cattle be Effected with as little damage to the proprietors as circumstances will allow or the public service requires." Col. Seely was directed on the Saturday following to remove all "sheep and hogs," also "out of the reach of the enemy." On the afternoon of the 20th the Council "Ordered That Majr. Potter be directed to remove to Staten Island, Sarah Barron, & the wife of William Smith, the wife of John Heard, & the wife of Samuel Moore, as well as the wives of sucli other persons as have returned from the Enemies' lines, without leave, after having been removed into the same by order of the Council of Safety; & make a return of what he shall have done in the premises with all convenient speed. Agreed that there be paid to Matthew Freeman for himself & 278 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Guard & three prisoners from Woodbridge, with a Waggon & 2 horses and a spare horse, the sum of ^11. o. o."* A petition was received by the Council on the loth of January, 1778, from certain of the inhabitants of Woodbridge asking that Mrs. William Smith might be permitted to remain in the town, which was granted on condition that she should remain with her father's family. In the Spring of '78 several of these wives of disaffected parties were taken by . Maj. Potter from Woodbridge to Elizabethtown, whence they were sent by a flag of truce to Staten Island. f On the 5th of June Ebenezer Ford, a Woodbridge man, was appointed Commissioner for Middlesex to dispose of Tory property, in place of Capt. Baker, who had resigned. J On the 17th Gen. Winds was directed to remove all the cattle from Woodbridge Neck and its vicinity, as they were liable to fall into British hands. § On the first Thursday evening in June, 1780, a party of thirty Tories landed on the Raritan River and proceeded to Woodbridge, where they captured Justice Freeman, a Mr. Edgar, six other white persons, and two negroes, all of whom were taken to New York.^ During 1781 the "Cow Boys" visited the Jersey border, opposite Staten Island, in frequent forays, plundering and imprisoning the inhabitants in unprotected localities with impunity. One Wednesday niglit in March (21st) a party of them from the Island entered Rahway and kidnapped nearly a dozen of its residents, besides stealing all the available property along the way.| In 1782, William Clarke, one of these "Cow Boys," was shot near Woodbridge while making one of his predatory excursions in this vicinity. It was asserted that he had carried into the British lines, since the Autumn of 1776, over one hundred fine horses from this and neighboring counties. He was a sharp fellow and managed, by disguises, to keep Avithin the American lines a large part of the five years in which he plied his dangerous vocation, without being de- tected; but he was decoyed into an ambuscade by several * MiQutes of Council, p. 177. 1 Minutes of Couu. of Safety, p. 215. t Ibid.,p. 247. § Council of Safety, p. 255. H His. CoU., p. 326. II Hatilelil, p. 502. THE REVOLUTION, CONTINUED. 279 patriots, who lured hini by a forged letter, purporting to come from a confederate, in which he was informed that at a certain place near Woodbridge would be found on a given day two valuable horses tied to a tree. Tempted by the chance, Clarke approached the spot only to be slain by a volley of musketry.* On the nth of April, 1783, Congress proclaimed a cessation of hostilities, a treaty of peace having been signed between Great Britain and the United States; and at noon on Satur- day, the 19th, just eight years after the war began, the proclamation was officially promulgated to the entire Ameri- can army, and the independence of the colonies was estab- lished. We return now to the personal narratives of those who lived in these stirring times : James C. Moore resided, during the Revolution, with his father on the farm now well known as the Maj. Edgar Home- stead; and, although he was quite young, he remembered and would relate, previous to his sickness and death, many inter- esting incidents connected with that heroic period. He said that on the opposite corner, east of the house, stood a cider- mill which fronted the dock. Lurking in the neighborhood was a man frym Staten Island who was suspected of being a Tory and a spy. Knowing these suspicions were aroused the stranger began to feel uncomfortable, and yet he found it dif- ficult to get back to the Island because all intercourse there- with was prohibited and no boats were permitted to cross the Sound. His situation becoming more critical every day he grew desperate; and going to the cider-press one dark night he loosened the large trough, which was used to receive the crushed appld^, and launched it with the ai d of rollers into the river. A shovel, which he found in the mill, served for a paddle — and thus he began his novel voyage, which, it is said, he accomplished in safety. If this was not " paddling his own canoe" it was as close an imitation of that far-fomed operation as he could achieve with somebody else's craft. A shrewd lady was Grace Lacky. While Woodbridge was infested with Hessians they impudently entered the houses of * Historical Coll. of N. J., p. 323. 28o WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. the inhabitants and carried off anything on which they could lay their hands. Grace did not fancy such visitations and accordingl)/ devised a plan to prevent them. She inscribed in large letters on her door the word, " Small-pox ! " It is hardly necessary to say that when the import of the dreadful term was made known to the redoubtable sons of Hesse they deserted that part of the village with commendable speed. Grace was by no means a coward. On or about the 20th of May, 1777, as she was passing a deserted house in this village she looked through the window and saw an intoxicated Hessian soldier lying on the floor. He had evidently strag- gled from his party and entered here to sleep off the effect of his copious potations. What should she do .-• There was no American force nearer than a mile, nor were there any men of Continental principles anywhere at hand. Should she consult her own convenience and safety and leave the drunken fellow.'' No, that she would not. Going home, she hastily clothed herself in man's attire and sallied forth again. Enter- ing the forlorn dwelling in which the soldier was peacefully snoring, she cautiously took his gun away and then aroused the sleeper with a demand for his immediate surrender. Somewhat sobered by the critical situation of affairs, he gazed, in a muddled sort of way, at his captor, who stood ready to discharge his musket at his head if he made a hostile demon- stration. At Grace's command he staggered to his feet and walked, with an uncertain gait, out of the house and down the road toward the American quarters. The patrol guard of a New Jersey regiment, stationed near Woodbridge, met the effeminate captor with her victim, and the prisoner was placed in the custody of the soldiers, to the great satisfaction of all parties, except the Hessian.* What is known among our oldest citizens as the "battle of Ash Swamp " was fought in this township. By a recent act of the State Legislature creating Raritan Township (passed in March, 1870), the scene of that engagement is no longer embraced within the limits of Woodbridge, but witiiin those of Raritan. Its exact locality is a little west of Robert C. * This is a reliable tradition. For corroboration see Barber & Howe's HiBt.Coll., p. 325. THE REVOLUTION, CONTINUED. ' 281 Vail's present residence. Robert Coddington was at that time a boy about sixteen years of age — so his son, Robert, tells us — and he acted as a guide to the American troops. The battle probably occurred in the Spring of 1777, and was a desperate conflict. Previous to the contest the British pre- pared and ate a repast on the farm of Daniel Moore — for some of them it was the last meal. No doubt there was great hilarity among the red-coated soldiers as they partook of the rustic dinner. We imagine we see them scattered in pictur- esque groups over the wide field, with the blue smoke from many camp-fires rising in languid spiral columns from the ashes and 'embers. There pace the vigilant sentinels ; here dozes a sleepy teamster; there prance the cavalry horses; here gleams the burnished steel of a stack of muskets; there flutters the bunting of England — the British cross; here reclines a thoughtful officer in the brilliant uniform of the Royal Light Horse; there is a busy aid-de-camp hurrying from company to company ; here is a noisy crowd discussing the probable issue of the campaign. In graceful attitude stands not far away the bugler with his highly polished cornet in his hand awaiting the word of command. When the clear ring- ing notes are heard at length the aspect of the whole camp is changed. The men vault lightly in their saddles, the drunivS tremble with the rapid strokes of the loud "call to arms," the infantry fall into line ; and, as if by magic, the hour of uproar and feasting is succeeded by complete silence of human voices. The birds sing gaily in adjacent woods, save which only the heavy tread of the t^plendid troops is heard as they move to the tap of the drum. A volley is heard. There is a halt. A man here and another there fall wounded in the ranks. There is a hurried consultation. When the smoke clears away a body of Amer- ican infantry is descried, opposing the further advance of the invaders. The latter were chiefly British Light Horsemen ; but some of them were foot-soldiers, who, reliable traditions tell us, covered their musket-balls with verdigris and so poisoned the Americans, wounded by them, that many died who otherwise would have recovered. The British cavalry charged upon the sturdy patriots who fed before them. It is 262 • WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. probable that this flight was a ruse de guerre, because the Americans hurriedly retreated into the treacherous swamp. They were well acquainted with it, but the cavalry men, who came thundering after them, were not at all informed of its morasses and fenny recesses. So eager was their pursuit that they plunged into the swamp at a swift gallop and soon discovered their fatal mistake. From behind the large trees a shower of balls greeted the unfortunate horsemen and many a steed started riderless away. In vain the spur and rein. The soft adhesive mud clung to every hoof. The animals, with trembling limbs, struggled wildly for solid ground, and the confusion increased momentarily as the unseen foe dimin- ished the British ranks with terrible precision. At last the carnage was ended. The Americans were vic- torious. Those of the British who had not ventured too near the swamp retreated in safety. Every house in the neighbor- hood was filled with the wounded, and we may readily believe that not many inhabitants in that region retired to sleep that night. What a woful scene must have been presented " When the eveuiug st;u- went down." The dead were buried on the farm late Noe Clarkson's. Noe was a boy at that time, and was employed, witli sled and oxen, in bringing water to the wounded. For many years the inhabitants told the story of this battle; and as late as 1822 musket balls were to be found on the ground and every tree bore marks of the terrible struggle.* Ezra Mundy, born near Oak Tree, was a chili during the war. He has told his descendants that he was once taken by his mother to an old barn near the school-house wiiile British troops were passing. His father was in the American army, so that the family was without a protector. Other women and children, similarly situated, had sought the same refuge. As Ezra v;as playing with some of his companions he heard one woman say to another; " How little these children know of our danger ! " As if to emphasize the remark a cannon ball soon after passed througli the barn. But the hiding-place * I .im indebted for iuformation concerning this engagement to A. V. Shotwell, Robert Coddington, and the "Bridge-town Museum " of July 27fh, 1822. THE REVOLUTION, CONTINUED. 283 was not further molested and the troops passed out of sight.* It is supposed that the house now occupied by Benajah Kelly, not far from Oak Tree, was once a British guard-room. + Cut into the glass of a window in the east room is the following inscription : " Capt. Wm. Thompson arrived at this house from New York loth Day of October 1775 ^^^ with sorrow and harts Distress he many da\-s hear spent much." Over this is the name of John Cutter, who was, doubtless, another rebel prisoner. Speaking of Cutler reminds me that Stephen Cutter, son of Deacon William, had some Revolutionary experience which deserve^ to be remembered. A party of the enemy from Staten Island once came up the Woodbridge Creek and took him prisoner. He lived, so it is supposed, in the house now occupied by Samuel R. Cutter, which is the old homestead and has been in possession of the family over one hundred and fifty years. As the house is A-ery near the water it is not singular that the British visited it, especially as Stephen was a "rebel." He was taken at night, and in crossing the Sound his captors commanded him to take the oars to assist in row- ing, which he refused. They threatened to throw him over- board, if he did not comply, but they did not execute the threat. Tabitha Cutter, Stephen's wife, was no friend to the British, especially after a visit some of them made, when they dam- aged her furniture and took the dinner-pot from the fire and spread the contents over the floor. She regarded this as unpardonable, and what woman would not.' She was the daughter of Samuel F. Randolph, and died, aged eighty-nine, in 1841. Her husband^lived to be seventy-eight years old, and died in AVoodbridge on the 21st of June, 1823/}; Ford Cutter, son of Richard, was a farmer in this town. He was born about the year 1757 and died in 1817. In the battle of Monmouth his health was badly shattered. The day was intensely hot and our troops suffered terribly, many of them dying of thirst. Ford never entirely recovered from the bodily injuries he received during that notable struggle. At the time when this part of the country was overrun with • Dr. E. M. Hunt's Metuchen, p. 11. t Ibid. t " See Cutter Family," p. 93. 284 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. British troops, large herds of cattle were kept by them in the commons around the Strawberry Hill school-house. Among the animals was a yoke of oxen belonging to Ford. He, of course, was not consulted when they were driven from his field, and he felt indignant at the robbery. One night he quietly entered the enclosure and released the creatures, which recognized and followed him from the Hill. The rest of the cattle silently followed Mr. Cutter's oxen until they were all beyond the soldiers' reach. We do not know whether any of the animals were re-captured or not. Ford Cutter in 1797, while living at Elizabethtown, was interested in a line of stages running from that place to New Brunswick. This was part of the passenger line from New York to Philadelphia.* Clarkson Edgar, sometimes called " General Edgar," is buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery at Woodbridge. He died, at the age of sixty, on the 21st of July, 1816. He was Captain in the ist Regiment of Middlesex, and then First Major in the same corps. The latter commission was given to him on the 12th of December, 1778. On the 9th of October, 1779, he was transferred to Col. Holmes' New Jersey Regi- ment with the rank of Major. f Britain Moores, son of Daniel, was a sturdy friend of the American cause and suffered for it. The Tories visited the house in which he lived in Woodbridge and carried him, a prisoner, to New York, where he was kept "in durance vile" for six weeks. James, his brother, was also abused for his patriotism. The mother, Mrs. Moores, was very sarcastic in her conversations with the Tory neighbors and sometimes openly hostile to them. One of these, Isaac Dunham, would drop over to see the Moores occasionally, and appeared covertly pleased with the evidences of misfortune he saw at the old homestead. He always seemed to know when a raid had been made and availed himself of the first opportunity to call on the afflicted household to rejoice in its sorrows. An emphatic protest by Mrs. Moores, on one occasion, accom- panied by vigorous demonstrations with various loose articles " Cutter Family," pp. 101, 102. t Geu. Stryker's Roster, p. 364. THE REVOLUTION, CONTINUED. 285 near at hand, caused Isaac to put his long legs in rapid motion, with a mental resolution never to go near that dan- gerous woman again — especially as he was kindly informed that if he came to the Moores place after this his head and its appurtenances would be laid under contribution by a well- directed broomstick or some other effective appliance. It is unnecessary to remark that he suspended his neighborly visits for an indefinite length of time. Daniel Moores, the father of Britain and James, was a prominent man in the township. He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church and led the singing for many years. The war broke out about seventeen years before his death, which occurred in his sixtj'-fourth year, on the 28th of April, 1792. Jennet Gage was another historic character belonging to this period; but her name is chiefly associated with the raising of the first "liberty pole," or flag-staff, in Woodbridge. It was some time after the close of the war. Popular excite- ment ran high for awhile over the joyful result of the pro- longed struggle. The general enthusiasm manifested itself in various ways. Jennet was determined to have a pole erected; so, taking the black man "Joe," and a yoke of oxen, she went into the woods and selected one of the stateliest and most symmetrical hickory trees. "Joe" cut it down with great satisfaction and trimmed it with care. Then the oxen were brought into requisition and the tree was drawn to the corner of the road opposite Commoss & Ensign's store, where it was set in the grovxnd by Jennet and " Joe." Here the "stars and stripes" were unfurled and gracefully saluted the Tillagers as the rattling halliards bore them to the top of the pole. This staff was standing nearly in front of the old " Cross Keys' Tavern ; " but it became so insecure that it was taken down. Jennet was the sister of Zebulon M. Pike's father and was the mother of Ellis, James, and "Big Philip" Gage. She lived below Hampton Cutter's present residence — half way between his house and his clay-bank, along by the brook. It is not improbable that she found her tall hickory in the woods near her dwelling. Jennet is represented as being a woman of enthusiastic temperament and of rather masculine charac- ter, but of undoubted patriotism. CHAPTER XXIll. Conclusion — Town Meetings During the Revolution — Our Great Men. We have now brought down the history of Woodbridge and vicinity to the period we had assigned as the limit of this volume. But before closing we must gather up several frag- ments which belong to this portion of the story of our town- ship. The following are the minutes of the Town Meetings from 1776 to 1783 inclusive, literally transcribed from Liber B. It will be seen that between March 12th, 1776, and March nth, 1783, no meetings are recorded; and our readers will not fail to observe that no allusion is made to the war. These minutes are valuable, however, because they show who held the town- ship offices during this memorable time : " March ye 12th, 1776 — At a general Town Meeting of thee Jnhabitants of woodbridge Persuant to an act of General Assembly it Passed by a general and free voate as followeth — ist William Smith Shall Be Moderator for thee Preasant Day— 2d That Robert F. Randolph Shall Be Town Clark ye Jnsu. year. 3d That John Shotwell Jsaac & Matthew freeman be Over Seears of the Poor for the Jnsuing year— 4th Benjamin Thornal & Samuel Force be Freeholders for ye year. 5th That Joseph Shotwell Serve as assesor for ye year Jnsuing — 6th That Nathl. Heard Serve as Collector to geather ye taxes ye Jns. 7th That James Bonny & Robt. Clarkson Be Serveyors ye year Jnsuing. 8th That John Marsh, Marmeduke Hunt, Jsrael freeman, CONCLUSION. 287 David Kent, Wm. Moore Junr., James Munden, & James Ayres Be overseears of thee Roads thee year Jnsuing — 9th That Samuel Jaquish, Benjamin Thornal, Moses Bloom- field, Nathaniel Heard, Robert Clarkson & Joseph Shotwell be continued as trusteeas to the Scool Land & Money for thee year Jnsuing, The Report made by thee aforeSd. trustees is that thee Total, Principal, Jntrest, &c., of Schooal Land Money amounts to ;^ii62: 12: 6. loth Voted that Daniel Moores Jnspect thee town Book in thee Rooam of Samuel Parker & that sd. Moore & Moses Bloomfield Vallue sd. Town Book & give an order on thee overseears of sd. Poor for thee Sum — and that Nathl. f. Ran- dolph shall have the priveledge to chuse John Smith of Amboy to Jnspect sd. book in behalf of himself. Robt. Randolph, Town Clark." The last minute above has reference to the Fitz Randolph copy of the old Town Book, as we have shown elsewhere (see page 205). The item relating to the School Fund, under the next date, is omitted, as it is embodied in Chapter XVL " March nth, 1783, at a general town meeting of the inhab- atants of the township of woodbridg pursuant to a Nad of general assembly it passed by a general and free Voate as fol- loweth : 1. that Moses Blumfield be moderator for the preasant day — 2. that David Frazee shall be town Clark for the year insu- ing— 3. that Marthew Freeman and Cornelas Baker be freholders the year in suing. 4. that Clarkson Edger shall be assesor for the year insu- ing— 5. that Jeremiah Clarkson and James Manning shall be Corlectors and over sears of the poor the year insuing — 6. that Henery Marsh, Asher F. Randolph, Jeames Bonney, Jsreal Thornal Shall be the asestants to the assesor ye insuing year. 7. that Thomas Edger, John Ross, Cornelas Baker, be Com- misheners of apeels the year insuing — 288 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 8. that Benjaman Shotwell and Carlile Brown Shall be the Survares of the Roods the year insuing — 9. that Thomas Eston, Jur., Jsaac Tappen, Thomas Free- man, Henery alien, John Brown, John Dobs, John Mursha- row, Carlile Brown, Benjaman Kelly Shall be oversears of the Roods for the year insuing — 10. that Jonathan Conger, Danel Compton, Benjamen Ford shall be Constabels for the year insuing — 11. that Jeremiah Clarkson, Jeames Bonney, to joyne the commitey of the Schoole Land in the Rume of Justice man- ning and Josiah Freeman — 12. that John Brown call on Robert F. Randolph and get the town Books that are in his hands — 13. that Clarkson Edger and Jeames Bonney agree with John hampton on the best tarmes they can for the town Books that are in his hands. 14. that Jonathan Blumfield, Henery Marsh, Clarkson Edger, John Marsh, Marthew Freeman, for to settel with the committey of the School Land." "June nth, 1783, the town meeting apinted to Rase money for the Relef of the poor is agi/?-tide to tuesday 17th of this Jnstant [when it is recorded], 1. that it passed by a general and free vot that Moses Blum- field be moderator for the day — 2. that one hundred pounds be Raised for the Releef of the poor. 3. that twentey pounds be Raised to Repare bridges of said town." There is some frantic spelling in these minutes which is not altogether unintelligible. In the last record we are sorry to spoil such a scholastic invention as agurndc; but through pity lor prevalent ignorance we feel impelled to bring the word down to the level of ordinary minds. We must translate it. Malicious whisperers might insinuate that it has something to do with the Dutchman's " ager fits ; " but such souls have no eye or ear for the beauties of language. Agurnde simply means adjourned. Could anything be more obscure or more tasteful than this ingeniously occult term ? It looks like a stately Latin word, and beside it the common participle sinks into CON'CI.USION. 289 insignificance. There, too, is tiie word surveyors — how beauti- fully has the Town Clerk transformed it ! Sitrvarcs is certainly as elegant as ^'agurnde" and shows the fertility of a brain fully given up to orthography. The taxes for 1780-81, according to an accoi;nt in L.iber B, folios 2b and 27, were paid in Continental paper, State money, and "hard cash"— the last being rather scarce. ^43,939, 9(f- is the amount of the year's receipts for ta.xes; an enormous sum, apparently, but when we consider that only ^^4, 2s. Gd. out of the £,1.20-,, 2,s. gt/. paid to Thomas Edgar as O /erseer of the Poor were in "hard cash," we are not greatly aston- ished at the big figures. Of the round sum (/^44,ooo) it is highly probable that ^'43,500 were in paper. To galvanize an old joke: it required a wagon to take the money to the butcher and a pocket-book to carry the steak to Mary. At the close of the war how many firesides were enlivened by the vivid stories of its actual participants ! Late at night by the wide chimney, up which the sparks and tobacco smoke went cheerily together, the names of Natty Randolph, General Heard, and many others (some, alas, unknown to us) mingled in the thrilling narratives whh. which the evening was whiled away. Gaping boys and large-eyed girls drank in eagerly the wonderful reminiscences; and manv a hero, over his mug of cider, recalled the recent scenes of daring encounter to an admiring grouyi of listeners. Grateful was the patriot to hearken to the conversation of two old soldiers, suggesting to each other events familiar to both. And ladies, not vet grown old, tarried at the table sipping the fragrant tea, and repeating the startling experiences through which thev had latelv passed. -A common cause and a common interest had drawn many people together whom nothing but the same sufferings and rejoicings would have brought into social relations. So the war had its beneficent results to offset its record of woe. The old folks tell us that the pleasant times of the past can never be repeated — that the people of that period were more friendly and that the visits of acquaintances were less osten- tatious than those of to-day. Perhaps things are as they represent them. Certain it is that the simplicity of former times has almost departed. We hear verv little now of the 290 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. unconventional gatherings for which that age was distin- guished. The husking frolics, the apple bees, the quilting parties, and other simple means of pleasure liave given place to the greatest bore that was ever invented — the modern dance, at which everybody feels as stiff and constrained as though he had been doing penance for a week in a refrigera- tor. Well, we do not wish the old times to come again — we do not lament that they have gone forever — but we wish the genial spirit of them might be restored to the people of to-day. In the haste to get rich many of the finer feelings of the heart are almost destroyed, as flowers are trampled under hurrying and careless feet. Were it not for the sweet and elevating in- fluence of the religion of Jesus, mankind, in its headlong race after ignoble prizes, would soon plunge back into barbarism. It is greatly the fashion at this time to laud the native gener- osity of the human heart ; but the laudation comes from those who least need assistance and who, therefore, know least about the subject. The heart grows callous to sympathy when it is turned in wholly upon itself. Wars in the past history of this country have had the providential compensa- tion, apart from the objects aimed at, of bringing the people closer together. The burst of patriotism evoked in 1776 has communicated an electric shock to the nation which tingles througjh the encrusted selfishness of 1873. Selfishness, sa^s one, was surely not manifested when Chicago was burned. True; that was a noble generosity which poured its benevo- lence into tliat stricken city. But criminal selfishness robbed New York and permitted frauds in Philadelphia, Newark, and other places. Selfishness, the hot-bed of aristocracy, the foe to true republicanism, planned the Credit Mobilier scheme and scores of comparatively petty thefts upon the public. Selfishness establishes caste and holds itself an enemy to the spirit of American institutions. Is there no necessity for unity — for a broader political culture — for an enlightened, unselfish patriotism ? This nation is emphatically a brother- hood, and its darkest hour will come when the feeling of fra- ternity dies. That is why the Christian religion is a necessity to us. It is full of brotherly kindness — the sap of our national existence. The lack of it has brought disgrace upon us in the recent past. I CONCLUSION. 291 J" But we did not intend to write a pliilosophic disquisition, b f ly-^ We merely intend to point out the danger of trifling with the ^"A hard-earned results of the Revolution, and to show that unsel- y !rv "^ fish patriotism should be cultivated if we would remain a true "^ \ \ democracy. \ 4^-? Reviewing the history we have written, we think we must f ,^ assign the most prominent place in it, previous to the war of - "^ V '76, to Samuel Moore. He was scrupulously exact in all his 3 -i^ ^ transactions wnth the local and provincial governments, and l^^JlS was, moreover, a man of great financial and executive ability. VTS"^ He was, in fact, one of the greatest men of Woodbridge, and *^ 'j V he is the central figure in the days of the settlement. In some f ^^ respects the jurist, Samuel Dennis, was the peer of Moore- !^ ^ and, as we have seen, both men were held in high estimation ^ f ^ by the town-folk. Dennis, however, achieved much of his | j popularity after Moore's death — the people regarding him as "^ >,■ ^ the only man qualified to succeed their favorite. Dennis 4^ ; ^ continued to figure prominently in public affairs until his ^ ^ Vn decease ; but Judge Pike became a formidable rival before ^* ^ that event occurred. Pike was a man of considerable judicial 'i^^'i^ acumen and is the ancestor of some notable men. He seems k to have thrown himselt heartily into the township business, , y and displayed so much wisdom in his counsels that his fellow ?' ^ -I citizens made him a Judge. A son, named John, also, was -"^ ^^ conspicuous in our village annals. Dennis outlived Pike *^ ^ seventeen or eighteen years. Had Pike survived Dennis v> ^ ^ there is no question but that he would have been the foremost ,^ "^ ** ^ ""^ !W> man in the community. Pike was for many years the military chieftain of Woodbridge, and he is often spoken of as "Cap- S 1 -V tain"; but the village soldiery was of little importance and V ">- '^ not a great deal of real honor was attached to the imposing ^>^ ^ army titles. The Bishops had a monopoly of the cheap dis-)^ ^ ^ ^ tinction at one time — young John glorying for a long time in ^ ^ the captaincy, old John in the lieutenancy — Jonathan being '^ ensign. No use being made of these officers, of course we k f cannot say just how valiant they were. In civil life the f ^ ^ Bishops were exceedingly useful, and did good service in v* 4k their " day and generation " whereof we have reason to be "^ v; ^ glad. The most notable man after Dennis and Pike had *a f^ ■i * 4 ^'^ 292 WOODBRIDGli AND VICINITY. passed away was Judge Hude, although his name does not occur as often in t'Le records as the names of otliers. After him arose the distinguished James Parker, the printer. Of no event ought Woodbridge to be more proud, in its civil history, than of the birth of this remarkably talented and viseful citizen. Many men had labored for the material advancement of the place — striving to make it a populous and wealthy town ; but he labored for its mental and moral improvement. With his types and press he did more for the elevation of his State than many a more prominent man. And though in the lapse of years his name has ceased to be connected with the impulse which he gave to thought and literature in his time, yet his influence is stirring many hearts to-day like the subtle force at the pole which produces com- motion at the equator. Just as, long after the hand of the musician is withdrawn, the strings of the lyre continue to vibrate and give out pleasant sounds ; so, long after a forceful life is closed, its sweetness and influence are felt even by some who cannot trace the mysterious power tg its author. Park- er's unreco2;nized influence is felt to-day and will be felt for many days to come. PI is was an earnest life and left its impress — " foot-prints on the sands of time " ; " Foot-priQt3 that perhaps another, Sailing o'er life's solemn main, A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, Seeius, shall take heart again." The Revolution produced a host of strong characters, as we have seen; and some of them were our fathers and mothers. We do not propose the invidious task of singling from the noble group any name for special mention; for stars of the same brilliancy shine best in clusters. We refer, therefore, to the preceding pages for the names of some of the grandest patriots known to history. Not that they have ever been talked of in foreign courts ; not that their faces were often seen among the great and wise; not that they are mentioned in the volumes that commemorate the spirit of '76 ; but they were grand patriots because they did their duty bravely, con- tending even unto death for the freedom we enjoy. In a speech delivered a number of years ago by Hon. R. M. Crow- CONCLUSION. 293 ell, well known to Woodbridge people, allusion is made to the sufferings ot our fathers during the trying years of that war, especially to the cruelties of the Sugar House and the Prison Ships. Speaking of these, he says : " Wc cannot form the least conception of the misery and wretchedness of those places. The prisoners were crowded together in the dark caverns of those dismal ships, almost deprived of air, covered w^ith vermin, surrounded with filth, and constantly gnawed by hunger. They were crowded among the sick, the dying, and the dead. From the Jersey prison ship alone it is computed that more than 11,000 prisoners paid the debt of nature," How different is the scene which our village presents to-day in comparison with that of the long ago which we have en- deavored to reproduce in these pages ! Taking our position on Strawberry Hill we glance over a picture which, rising sud- denly to the vision ot Judge Pike two hundred years ago, would have astonished him. Not that Woodbridge has grown so large, but that it has such a different population and has such new elements of growth. Below his whilom dwelling-place, just skirting the salt meadow, he would have seen the tossing smoke of the locomotive and the swiftly-passing train of dark red cars. The weather-beaten telegraph poles supporting the slender v/ires would have aroused his curiosity. Across the meadow he would have observed Plaillips' mill — a new object to him ; and nearer at hand Berry's fire-brick manufactory with its peculiar chimneys above the kilns. At the left he would liave seen the graceful spire of the elegant brick Methodist Church ; and much puzzled he would have been to understand the de- nominational status and tenets of Methodism, for in his day it was unknown — it was not even dreamed of. The white spire of the Presbyterian Church would have been a marvel to him, also; for he was accustomed to worship in the rude meeting-house, the history of which we have already given. The brick Episcopal Church would have attracted his atten- tion ; and so would the tall flag-staff in front of the Wood- bridge Hotel. Then the fine residences, so different from the plain, unpretending buildings of his day, would have made the good judge open his eyes in bewilderment and ask him- self, " Is this indeed Woodbridge, where I spent the years of 294 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. my manhood?" It was a wilderness when Pike came to the settlement, and he would scarcely recognize at this time a familiar spot. The Sound, perhaps, would have been a remem- bered feature of the landscape ; but the creek, it is said, has undergone considerable change. The meadows, with their tall rushes and thin-bladed salt grass, doubtless present the same monotonous stretch of level green as they did in John Pike's time. The former magnate of Woodbridge would have seen, therefore, very little to remind him of the settlement where he won a name. The large fire-brick manufactories, the handsome brick Masonic Hall now in course of construction near the depot, the improved school buildings, the busy clay wagons passing and re passing all day long between the " Banks " and the boats, cars, or factories — these would have been new sights to him. If we could play Rip Van Winkle and open our eyes on the village two hundred years from now, doubtless we should see more wonderful changes than would have appeared to the view of John Pike if he had recently revisited his home of two centuries ago. Our town is near enough to New York to afford a home for the merchants of that city, and our traffic and manufactures are rising in importance every year. In the natural order of things, therefore, our destiny is one of steady ])rogress. Obstacles may prevent our development, such as the lack of public spirit among our leading men, a lax morality, anti-Christian influences, and a degenerate popula- tion. To some extent these opposing forces arc already among vis — especially the lax morality among our young people. We are not going to croak. We see many bright tints in our future sky. But we see little clouds there, too. May we not utter a word of warning before the storm comes and throws some noble bark upon the strand ? Growing up among us are manv fine-looking young men, strong, self-reliant, and ambitious. The late Avar for the Union despoiled many homes of the bravest and best, and our public gatherings were dreary enough for a while, we missed them so. Some of them returned, and glad we were to see them back again; but some sank to the grave on Southern fields, and unknown hands performed for them the hasty rites of CONCLUSION. 295 burial. In the stillness of deserted wilds and far-away battle- grounds some of them rest to-day. Those were brave young men. Shall the generation which follows them be less so.'* They were animated by high and 'iioble purposes and per- formed heroic deeds — shall not this generation emulate their spirit .' The hope for the future is in our young people. Will they betray it .'' It is for them to decide. To love God and to do good constitute the noblest life that a man can hope for; and in sucli a life we invite the young people of Woodbridge to expend their powers, assuring them that it is the only one that brings no disappointment. Another hand before many years will doubtless find mate- rial enough in the yet unknf)wn and future history of the town to set it forth before the world. That such a record may contain honorable mention of many of our young men and young women is our earnest hope. But, better than any other record, may their names be written in the Book of Life. It has been said that a historian should not exhort or render an opinion as to the relation of the facts which he presents to his readers. If we are now A'iolating this canon it is in the interest of sound morality and the public welfare. The dissi- pation to which many of our young people are giving way evokes the darkest cloud in our future ; and as many young eyes may glance over these pages we cannot close without this gently-spoken warning: Beware of .ship-tvreck ! Not long since we were looking from the western window at a gorgeous spectacle. The beams of the setting sun shot upward in dazzling effulgence ; the stray clouds caught the light and arrayed themselves in its beauties. Imperceptibly the scene changed. The azure became a delicate cream color. Across this background, like floating isles, moved majestically the most beautiful golden clouds, shining so brightly in the rays of the already sunken sun that it wearied the eye to behold them Right above these were clouds that reveled in the most exquisite carmine, and so full was the sky of this brilliancy that a tint appeared to be thrown over everything around us. Like a celestial cascade the resplendent hues seemed to ripple down from the zenith to the fiir southern horizon. The whole west was in a glow ; and ruddy_with 296 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. the reflected light, the neighboring windows shone in their borrowed beauty. We were reminded of the grand apostrophe of blind Ossian : "Oh, thou that rollest above, Kound as the shield of my fathers I — AVuence are thy beams, O Sun, Thy everlasting light V Thou comest iorth in thy awful beauty ; The stars hide themselves in the sky ; The moon, cold and pale, sinks in the western wave ; — But thou thyself movest alone ! Who can be a companion of thy course? The oaks of the mountains fall ; The mountains themselves decay with years; The ocean shrinks and grows again ; The moon herself is lost in heaven; But thou art forever the same. Rejoicing in the brightness ot thy course. When the world is dark with tempests, When thunder rolls and lightning flies, Thou lookest in thy beauty from the cloud And laughest at the storm. But to Ossian thou lookest in vain ; For he beholds thy beams no more, AVhether thy yellow hair flows on the eastern clouds, Or thou tremblest at the gates of the West. But thou art perhaps like me — for a season : Thy years will have an end. Thou shalt sleep in thy clouds Careless of the voice of the morning." Why may not your life be as full of grandeur as the sun and as glorious in its close as the decline of an October day ? Keep alive every patriotic emotion and worship the God of your fathers; and thus, if you never live in the hearts of your countrymen to the degree to which your ambition aspires, you may live in the memory of Him who hath caused it to be said that "the riglueous shall be in everlasting remembrance." Thus ordering your life, the setting sun will be a faint figure of the glory in reserve for you ; for the time will come when " the sun shall be no more thy light by day, neither for bright- ness shall the moon give light unto thee; but the Lord shall be unto thei- an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. CONCLUSION. 297 Thy sxin shall no more go down, neither shall thy moon -with- draw itself; for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended." APPEj^DIX. In the following pages we have presented some of tlie more important documents relating to the early liistory of Woodbridge. Besides these, will be found herein the lists of "Marriages, Deaths, etc.," contained in Libers A and B. These serve to throw a great deal of light on the genealogies of many families, affording a clue to s(nuo of them which, if closely pursued, will lead to valuable results. None of these papers have ever before been published, and in process of time they would doubtless be lost to liistory unless preserved in the printed page. They will be valuable for reference in time to come, as our readers will perceive. APPENDIX A. CHARTER GRANTED TO THE TOWNE OF WOODBRIDGE JUNE IST, 1669. This Deed Bearing date the first day of June in the year of our Lord 1669 and in the 21st 3'ear of the Reigne of our Sovrn. Lord Charles by the Grace of God of England, Scotland, France and Ireland King, defender of the Faith, etc. Witnesseth of the Charier Granted to the Towne and Freeholders of "VVoodbridge, in the province of New Cesarea or New Jersey bj' Capt. Phillip Carteret Esqr. Governor of the said Province and his Councell under the Right Ilonabl. John Lord Berkley Baron of Stratton and Sr. George Carteret Knight and Baronet the absolute Lords proprietors of the same, contayning the limits and bounds of the jurisdiction of the said Towne together with the immunities and privilidges thereunto belonging and appertaining as lollowelh : 1st. Imprimis, the bounds of the aforesaid Towne of "VVoodbridge is to begin on the East Side from Arthur Cull Riv«r otherwise called tlie Sound, at the going in to Rawack River, and to go up the said River as hye as the tyde flows, to a fresh brook that runs West-north west, where there stands a beach tree that is marked on the four sides of it, from thence it extends upon a direct west line through a great Swamp and through two other small swamps till it comes to a walnut stake that is pitched upon the plaine marked with two notches and a crosse, which is from the said beach tree Five miles and a halfe ; From which stake it extends upon a South Lyne through another great Swamp Called Dismal to the Raratons River ; In length seaven miles and a halfe, Butting within tenn chains to the westward of two Red Clifts that stands on ye other side of the said River called turne about, which said lyne comes between tv.o black oakes that stands at the entering in of the meadows, within a Rod the one from the other, where a stake is planted betweenethem, which said oakcs are marked upon each of them -with three notches about brest hye, and u notch on all the fower sides of each of the said trees on the lower part of the stump neare the ground & a cross upon each tree above the uppermost notches. From ■which said stake bctweene the two trees there is two stakes more pitch in the meadow answering to the bounds before mentioned on the other side of the aforesaid River, Being butted and bounded on the East side by the Arthur Cull River, otherwise called the Sound that parts Staten Island and the maine, On the North side by the bounds belonging to Elizabeth- APPKNDIX. 299 towne ; on the west side by the bounds belonging to New Piscataway. And on the South side by the aforesaid Raratons River, as may more at large appeare by a draught made by the Surveyor Generall hereunto an- nexed. The whole said tract of upland & meadow being valewed and esteemed by the Surveyor Generall, Allowance being given for waist land and hye wayes to contaiue six miles square, which amounts to twenty three thousand and Fourty acres, English measure. Which said limits and bounds together with all rivers, ponds, creeks, Islands, Inlets, Bays, Fishing, Hawking, Hunting and all other appur- tenances whatsoever thereunto belonging, and appertayning, (The halfe part Golde and Sdver Mynes and the Royaltie of the Lords proprietors only excepted) to continue and remaiue within the jurisdiction, corporalicn or Township of the said towne of Woodbridge from tlie day of the date hereof and for ever ; they submitting themselves to the authority of the Lords proprietors and the government of the said provmce. To be holden by them, the said Corporation or Township their heirs and successors as of the manner of East Greenwich in free and common socage. 2dly. The said Corporation or township called by the name of Wood- bridge shall consist of at least sixty families, and as many more as they shall think fitt, which Families shall be accounted as the associates and Free- holders of the aforesaid corporation or township, which said Freeholders, or the major part of them are equally to divide the aforesaid tract of upland and meadows among themselves by first, second and third lotts, or as the}' can otherwise agree upon. Provided that Amboy point be reserved to be disposed of by the Lords proprietors towards the thousand acres of upland and meadow, (ihat is reserved by the first articles made before the settling of the said townsnip) to their use, in Lieu of the seventh part mentioned in the Concessions. And when settled to pay all rates equal! with other plantations, which Land being so divided and agreed upon by all or the major part of the said Freeholders, the same is to be entered upon Record by the Secretary or Recorder Generall of the province, and also a Record thereof to be kept in the towne book of Records together with every particular man's name, of his allotment that he is to have; which beiug done, the Surveyor Generall is by warrant from the Governoi' to survey^ butt and bound every ]iarticnlar man's alotmont and to bring the same to remaine upon the file in the Secretarie's office, that recourse may be there- unto had on all occasions. And for the more securitie of every man's right, and the L(jrds proprietors interest, eveiy p.irticular man is hereby obliged to hold his Land by pattent from the Lords proprietors and to pay to them, their heirs, successors, or assigns, as acknowledgement, or hye Rent yearly, on every 25th day of March according to the English accompt, the sum of one halfe penny of good and Lawfull money of England, or the value thereof in good and current pay of the country, for every acre that shall be so pattented, which said payment is to begin on the 2.'3th day of March 1070 and so to continue for ever. Which said rent is to be paid within the province, to the Receiver Generall without any charge to the Lords. 300 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Always provided that iff tlic aforesaid Freeholders sh:di willtiilly neglect to pattent their proportions of Land as aforesaid, then it shall and may be lawful! for the said Lords proprietors, their heirs, successors, or assigns to dispose of the same as they shall think fit. As also ot all such proportions of land as shall remaine unpattented according to the aforesaid survey, unless the said corporation or township will answere the Rent as aforesaid and Dattent the same within three years from the day of the dale hereof. And that all Lands so surveyed, pattented and recorded as aforesaid is to Remaine to Ihein, th'.ir heirs. Executors administrators or assignes for ever, And after seven years in the possession the said land is not upon any pre- tence whatsoever to he resurveyed nor the bounds altered, but to remaine and continue according to tlie first survey for ever. And moreover that all bargains, sales and transports of land, house or houses from one man to another, And all leases for land, house or houses made or granted to any tenant for above the space of one yearc shall be acknowledged by the grantor before the Governor or Justice of peace, or by two sufficient wit- nesses attested on the, back side of the said Deeds or Leases and so to be recorded by the Secretary or Recorder Generall as aforesaid to avoid all Con- troversies in law ; for neglect whereof all such bargains, and sales, trans- ports or leases are to be vciid and of no etiect in Law. 3dly. That the Freeholders aforesaid or the major part of them havG power to choose their owne Magistrates to be assistants to the president or Judge of the court, and for the ordering of all public affairs within the said jurisdiction, they have power to likewise to nominate their Justice or Justi- ces of peace and their Militarie officers, Provided that the Justices of the peace and Military officers are to be approved of, and Commissionated by the Governor. They have also power annually on the first day of January, or at any other sett tyme to clioose one or more Constables for the public service, all which said officers are to be Sworue in tlieir places and offices. 4thly. That they have power b}' the pluralitie of voices of tlie Freeholders and freemen of the said corporation to choose their owne minister or minis- ters for the service of God and the administring of Flis Hoi}' Sacraments, and being so cho?en, inducted and admitted, all persons as well the Free- holders, as others the freemen and iniuibitants admitted in the said corpora- lion or towneship shall contribute accordmg to their estates for his main- tenance, towards which charge there shall be two hundred acres of good upland and meadow laid out, to the use and behoof of the said minister, and one hundred acres more for the maintenance of a free schoole, which said Land shall not be aliionated, but shall remaine from one incumbant to another fur ever. Wliicli said land together with the land for the building ofachurcli, cuurch-yard, school-house, market-place and the like shall be exempted from paying the Lord's Rent of a halfe penny jir. Acre, or any other rate or taxes whatsoever for ever. Nolwithst.indiiig it shall and may be Lawlull for any of the said Freeholders ami inhabitants aforesaid that arc of a difierent judgment in matters of Religion 1o maintaine any other minister or ministers at their own Cost and cliarges witliout being molested or distutbed for the same. APPENDIX. 301 othly. Tbat the said cori:>orntion or towueship have power to erect and ordaine a Court of Judicature wilbin their owne jurisdiciion and the limits thereof for the tryall of all causes actionable betweene party and party from -whence there shall be no ajipeale, under the sum of five pounds starling And jilso for the tryall ol all Crimiualls and Causes of misdemeanor, and to intlict such lines (not exceedin.<^ the sum of tenn pounds) and punishments as the merit of the Cause shall rec[uire, as by imprisonment, stocking, pillor- ing, ducking, "whipping (not exceeding twenty stripes) and the Like. Which court is to consist o! a president (who is to be a Justice of the peace) and of the magistrates or any two of tluMu at the least, A Clarke and such other ofBcers as they shall appoint. Which said magistrates and Clark are to be sworne in their offices. And the Clarke is to be approved of by the Secretary Generall of the Province, whoe is to keep an exact Record of all actions that shall be brought in and tryed in the said Court, and to give an accompt thereof Unto him, when there unto required by the Governor and his Councell. No Freeholder is to be arrested or delayned a prisoner for debt, unless judgment be passed and execution granted, unless it can be made appeare that the party has an intent to defraud iiis creditors, by run- ning out of the Country. That all persons, as well Freeholders as other inhabitants, in case ot appeale, the appelant shall give in seourit}'- to prossocute his appeale or to stand to the judgement of the Court, All causes according to the laws of England shall be tryed by a jury of six or twelve men, And whomsoever shall trouble and molest his neighbour, being of the same corporation by aiTcsting of him and going to law in another jurisdic- tion shall be lyable to a fine according to the discretion of the Court. The Justice or Justices of the peace bemg commissionated and sworne, in their office have power to administer the oath of allegience and fidelity and all other oaths that are required according to Law. And to ishue out in his maj'ties name, or in whose name or names it shall or maj' be appointed by the Laws, their Avarrants of summons and arrest within the Limitts and jurisdiction of the said Corporation or towneship. Directing the same to the Constable, Marshall or to what other officer or officers the said Corpora- tion shall in their discretion think fitt to appoint for that service ; who are to put the same in execution accordingly. And ako to ishue out their w'arrants lor the apprehending of all malefactors and Runaways and to prossecute them by way of Hew and Cry. And to do all such thing and things by their autiiorUy agreealjle to Law and justice as may conduce to the peace and well-government of the said Corporation or towneship. Provided that all fines are to be disposed of for charitable or public uses. Glhly. That in matters of Religion and the worship of God there is liberty of Conscience granted to all persons as well to the Freeholders as to all others that are or shall be admitted inhabitants within the said Corpora- tion or Towneship, they taking or subscribing to tbe oath of alegiance to the King, and Fidelity to the Lords proprietors. And that no person ■whatsoever shall be molested, injured or troubled lor his or her diS'erence in opinion in matters of Religion. Provided that this liberty granted shall 302 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. not extend to Licentiousness nor to the disturbance of others atul the public peace. 7thly. That the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the said Corporation or Towneship, shall have a free trade allowed them, and that no tax of Custome excise or any other imposition whatsoever shall be imposed on them but such, as shall be levied by the Governor Councell and Generall Assembly for the maintenance of the Government and for the defraying of the public Charge. 8thly. That in case of invasion or insurrection by ye Indians, or others, they are mutually to joine with all other townes and plantations within the said province for the defence and safty of the same. But no warr to be levied without the consent of the Governor, Councell, and Generall Assembly, 9thly. That the Freeholders aforesaid, or the major part of them, are, upon the Governors summons to make choice of two deputies to joyne with the Generall Assembly, f®r the making of Laws ik, carrying on the public affairs of the whole province. lOthly. The Freeholders and inhabitants aforesaid are to submit them- selves to the Laws and government of this province, and to sware or sub- scribe to the oath of allegiance to the King and fidelity to the Lords Pro- prietors, their heirs, and successors ; and in case they or any of them have a desire to remove and transplant themselves to any other place, they have liberty so to do, and to dispose of their lands and estates to their best advantage. llthly. And lastly. It is here to be understood that the major part of the said Freeholders have power to admit ot their owne inhabitants, (excepting the land belonging to the Lords proprietors) and to order and carry on all other affairs as may be for the good, advantage, and well-governing of the said Corporation or towneship. Provided that all things be done according to equity and justice, and the laws of the province. Whereas it is said in the second article provided that Amboy point be reserved towards the thousand acres of upland and meadow that is reserved to be disposed of by the Lords proprietors, (in lieu of the seventh part mentioned in the concessions) It is to be understood and agreed upon to and with the said Freeholders that the nyne hundred acres of upland is to be in and about Amboy point, as it is now surveyed by the Survej'or Generall ; And for the hundred acres of meadow is to be laid out by the said Surveyor in the most Convenients place nearest, adjacent to the said Amboy Point. In Confirmation of all the aforesaid demised premisses, we the Governor and Councell aforesaid have hereunto subscribed and fixed the Scale of the Province, the day and yeare first above written. Ph: Carterett. Ja Bollen Robert Vanquellia William Pardon Robert Bond Nicolas VerLett Samuel Edsall APPENDIX B. CHARTEU OF PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. On the back of the Charter are these words : " Let the Great Seal of the Provhice be hereunto affixed. To Uie Secretary of J. j Belcher." New Jersey, ) The full text of this document is as follows : GEORGE THE SECOND BY THE GRACE OF GOD OF GREA.T BRITAIN FRANCE AND IRELAND KING, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH, TO ALL TO WilOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, GREETING. Whereas the advancement of true Religion and virtue is absolutely necess;iry for ths promotion of peace order and prosperity of the State, and Whereas it is the Duty of all Christian Princes & Governors by the Love of God to do all they can for the Encouragement thereof. And Whereas Sundry of our Loving Subjects of the Presbyteiian Persuasion Inhabitants of and about the Township of Woodbridge, within our Colony of New Jersey bj' their Humble Petition Presented to our trusty and well beloved Jonathan Belcher Esquire, our Captain General and Commander in Chief of our Province of New Jersey, and Vice Admiral in the Same Shewing that the Petitions and others of the same Persuation Inhcbitants in and about the Township of Woodbridge aforesaid Do make up a very large and considerable Congregation. That the most advantageous Support of Religion among them necessarily requires that some Persons should be incorporated as Trustees for the community that they may take Grants of Lands and Chatties thereby to enable the Petitioners to erect and repair Publick Buildings for the worship of God and the use of the Ministry and School-houses and Alms Houses and Suitably to Support the Ministry and the Poor of their Church and to do and perform other acts of Piety and Charity and that the Same Trustees may have power to Lett and grant the Same under a Publick seal for the uses aforesaid and that the same Trustees may Plead and be impleaded in any suit touching the Premises and have perpetual succession, that as the known Loyalty of the Petitioners and the Presbyterians in General to us their firm affection to ©ur Persou and Government, and the Protestant Succession in our Royal House gave the Petitioners hopes of all Reasonable Indulgeance and Favour within the Same Colony where the Religious rites of Mankind are so happily Preserved, and where our cquil Grace and Bounty to all our Protestant faithful 304 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINirv. subjects however ditterin.o- in opinion about lessor matters lias hither to been so sensibly felt and enjoyed the said Petitiouers therefore most humbly prayed our Grant of an incorporation to the Petitioners by the Name of the Trustees of the first Presbyterian Church in tbe township of Woodbridge with all such powers Capacities and Priviliges as might be afiectual in Law for the purposes aforesaid and that Richard Cutter, Edward Crowel, William Heard, David DonMm, George Brown, John Moores and Mosen Bloomfielcl might be the first Trustees which Petition signed with the Names of a Oreat Number of our faithful and Jjoving Subjects Inliabilants in and about the said town, we being willing to grant, Know Ye tliat we of our Special Grace certain knowledge and meer motion have willed and ordained con- stituted given and Granted, and for us our Heirs and successors by these Presents Do will ordain Constitute give and Grant that Richard Cjtter, Edward Crowel, William Heard, David Donham, George Brown, John Moores and Moses Bloomfield from hence forth and their successors forever hereafter shall be and remain one Body Polelick and Corporate in Deed fact and Name, by the Name of the Trustees of the first Presbyterian Cluirch in the township of Woodbridge and tliem and their successors by the Name of the Trustees of the first Presbyterian Church in the Township of "Wood- bridge, one Body Corporate and Politick in Deed Fact and Name, realy and Trully We do for us our Heiis and successors erect make ordain constitute declare and create by these Presents, And by that Name they Shall and may have Perpetual Succession. And also that they and their successors by the Name of the Trustees of the first Presbyterian Church in the Town- ship of Woodbridge, be and forever hereafter shall be Persons able in Law to Purchase take hold Receive and enjoy any Messuages, Houses, Buildings, Lands, Tenements, Rents, Assigns and other Hereditaments and Real Estate in fee Simple or otherwise, so as the yearly clear Value of the Sum does not Exceed the sum of Two Hundred pounds Sterling the Statute of MoBTMAiN, any other Law to the Contrary not withstanding and Also Goods Chatties and all other things of what kind or Quality soever. And also that they and their Successors by the Name of the Trustees of the first Presbyterian Chu.ch in the Township of Woodbridge shall and may Give Grant and demise assign Sell or otherwise dispose of all or any of their Messaages, Houses, Lands, Tenements, Rents, Possessions and other Hereditaments and Real Estate and all their Goods Chatties and other things aforesaid as to them shall seem meet And also that they, and their Successors by the name of the IVusteen of the first Presbyterian Church in the township of Wi)odbridge be and forever hereafter shall be persons able in Law capable to sue and be sued, implead or l!e im]>leaded, answer or be answered, defend or be defended in idl courts of judicature whatsoever. And also that the said Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church in the Township of Woodbridge for the time being and their Successors shall and may forever hereafter have and use a common Seal with such device or devices as they shall think proper for Sealing all and singular Deeds, Grants, •Conveyances, Contracts, Bonds, Articles of Agreement, Assignments, APPENDIX. 305 Powers, Autliorilies, and all Singular their affairs and things touching or concerning the said Corporation; Ani Also that the said Trustees and their Buccessors (orever may as oft as th'iy see fit break, change, and new make the Same or any other their Common Seal ; And Further, We do of our special Grace, certain knowledge & meer Motion for us our Heirs and Suc- cessors by these Presents, will, ordain, constitute, give and Grant, that upon any Vacancy among the Trustees of the said first Presbyterian Church iu the Township of Woodbri Ige by Death, Removal, or other Incapacity whatsoever that the Minister or Ministers Elders and Deacons for the time being of the said first Presbyterian Church iu tlis Township of Woodbridge, Shall and may meet together at the Town ot Woodbridge, aforesaid, and then and there elect and choose such Person or Persons out of the Congre- gation of the said Church, as they think Proper to Supply the Vacancy of such Trustee, or Trustees, cause by Death, Removal, or other Incapacity as aforesaid. And also that at any and at all times whatsoever when the Said Minister or Ministers, Elders and Deacons of the Church aforesaid or the majority of them for the time being, shall and do Judge it proper & for the Benefit of the Said Corporation that any Trustee or Trustees Should be Removed & Displaced from his, or their office of Trustee, that then and in such case, the said Minister or Ministers, Elders and Deacons of the Said Church, or the majority of them fcr the time being, shall and may meet together at the Town of Woodbridge aforesaid and are hereby Sufficiently authorized then and there to Displace and remove from the office of Trustee any such Trustee or Trustees, And in their Room and stead to elect and choose out of the Congregation of said church, any Person or Persons to supply the place or places of such Trustee or Trustees So Displaced and Removed. Provided, always that the Number of the Said Trustees exceed not Seven, & every Trustee so elected and appointed as aforesaid, Shall by virtue of these Presents, and of such election & appointment be vested with all the Powers and Priviledges which any of the other Trustees has, or Las had. And we do further will and ordain. Give and Grant that the Trustees of the Said fir^t Presbyterian Church in the Township of Woodbridge and their successors for the time being, shall from time to time, have Power to choose their President out of the Trustees for the time being, who shall have the Custody of the Public Seal of the said Corpora- tion, and all the books Charters, Deeds, and Writings, anyways belonging tj the said Corporation and shall have Power from time to time and at all times hereafter as occasion shall require to call meetings of the said Trustees at Town of Woodbridge aforesaid for the execution of all or of any of the Powers hereby given and Granted. And in case of Sickness, Absence or Death of the President, all the Powers by these presents Granted to the President shall be and remain in the Eldest Trustee upon Record, until the recovery or return of the President, or until a new President be chosen as aforesaid, And we do further, will, ordain, give and Grant, that all and every Act, and Order of Five of the Said Trustees (but not of any lesser number) consented & agreed to at such meeting of the Trustees aforesaid 3o6 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. ehall be good, valid, and eflectual to all inteuts and purposes, as if Ihc whole number of the said Trustees had consented and agreed thereto. And WE do further will and ordain that all the acts of the said Trustees shall from time to time be fairly entered in a book or books to be kept for that purpose by the President of the Trustees for the time being, which Book or Books, together with the Seal of the said Corporation and all the Charters, Deeds, and Writings whatsoever belonging anyways to the said Corporation, shall be delivered over by the former President, to the President of the Said Trustees newly Elected for the time being as Such President shall hereafter from time to time Successively be Chosen. Ami Lastly We do of our Special Grace certain knowledge and meer Motion for us, our Heirs and Successors by these Presents, Give and Grant uuto the said Trustees of the first Presbyterian Church in the Township of Woodbridge and their Suc- cessors forever that these our Letters Patent or the Enrollment thereof Shall be good and Effectual in the Law to all Intents and Purposes against us our Heirs and Successors without any other Licence, Grant or Contirma- tioQ from Us our Heirs and Successors hereafter by Said Trustees of the first Presbyterian Church in the Township of Woodbridge, to be had or obtained, notwithstanding the not Reciting or mis-reciting or not Naming or mis-naming of the aforesaid officers Franchises Previledges immunites or other the Premises or any of them and notwithstanding a Writ of " Ad Quod Damnum" hath not issued forth to enquire of the Premises or any of them before the Ensealing hereof any Statute act ordinance or Provision or any other matter or thing to the Contrary, Notwithstanding 7b have Hold & enjoy all and Singular the Previledges Advantages Liberties Immunities and all other the Premises, herein and hereby Granted and Given or which are meant. Mentioned or intended to be herein-given and Granted Unto them the said Trustees of the first Presbyterian Church in the Township of Woodbridge and to their Successors forever. lit, lestimony whereof we have caused these our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of our Said Province of New Jersey to be here unto affixed. Witness our Trusty and well beloved Jonathan Belcher Esquire Governor & Commander in Chief of said Province of New Jersey this eighth Day of September in the Thirtieth year of our Reign, and in the year of our Lord one Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty-six &c Charles Read Secretary I have perused the above Charter & find nothing therein contained Incon- eistcnt with His Majesty's Honour. Courl'd Skinner Atty. Genl. [L. S] The above Charter is Recorded in the Secretary's office at Perth Amboy in Book C. 3 of Commissions Charters &c Page 5 «S:c and examined by Bowes Reed, P. Sec'y, APPENDIX C. CHARTER OP THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH. A A-ERBATI>[ ET LITERATIM COPT, Gfeorge The Third, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King Defender of the Faith &c: To all to whom these presents Bhall come Greeting Whereas, Sundry of our loving Subjects Inhabitants of the Town of Woodbridge in the County of Middlesex in behalf ot them- selves and others have by their humble petition to our trusty and well beloved William Franklin Esquire our Captain General Governor and Com- mander-in-chief of our Province ot New Jersey set forth that they have erected a church in our town of Woodbridge aforesaid for preaching the Word of God, and administering the holy sacraments according to the doctrine and liturgy of the Church of England and have therefore prayed to be incorporated by the name of the Minister, Church Wardens and Vestry of Trinity Church in Woodbridge with lull power to receive gifts and dona- tions to purchase land and houses and to make leases and such rules and orders for the disposal ot their church affairs as shall be agreeable to the laws and customs of our Kingdom of Great Britain. Know ye, therefore, that we, willing to give all due encouragement to the professors of the Church as by law established in that part of Great Britain, called England ; of our especial grace certain knowledge and mere motion have willed', ordained, constituted, given and granted and for us, our heirs, and succes- sors do will, ordain, constitute, give and grant that the Rev. Mr. John Preston, the present incumbent, Samuel Jaques and Samuel Tino-ley the present Church Wardens, David Alston Esq, Thomas Ha dd en ,° Joseph Donham and Ebenczer Forster the present vestrymen of said church and their successors forever hereafter shall be one body politic and corporate in deed and in name by the name of the Minister, Church Wardens and Vestry- men of Trinity Church in the Town of Woodbridge and they and their suc- cessors by the name of the Minister, Church Wardens and Vestry-men ia the town of Woodbridge one body politic and corporate in deed and ia name really and fully we do by these presents for us our heirs and succes- sors elect, ordain constitute declare and create ; and also that they and tbeir successors elected and chosen as hereinafter directed by the name aforesaid be and forever hereafter shall be capable and able in the law to hold pos- sess, sue for, recover and enjoy any lands hereditaments or real estate already granted or set apart for a glebe to the said church in the said towu of Woodbridge upon the first settlement thereof or at any time since and to have, take, receive and enjoy to them and their successors other messages 3o8 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. lands, tenements, rents, possessions and other hereditaments in fee simple or for life or lives or years or in any other manner to the value of five hun- dred pounds sterling by the year and also g<)ods, chattels, and all other things of what kind or nature soever in fee and perpetuity so as the same exceed not at any time the sum of ten thousand pounds sterling, money of (Jreat Britain in the gross, and that tliey and their successors by the name aforesaid be and forever hereafter shall be persons able and capable in the law to sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded answer and be answered unto defend and be defended in all courts and places before us our heirs and successors and before all and any the judges and justices, officers and minis- ters of us our heirs and successors in all and all manner of actions, suits, complaints, pleas, causes, matters and demands of what nature or kind soever in as full and ample manner as any other our subjects can or may do : and also that the said minister, church wardens, and vestry-men of Trin- ity Church in the town of Woodbridge for the time being aud their succes- sors shall and may forever hereafter h;i.ve and use a Common seal with such device or devices as they sliall think proper for sealing all and singular deeds, leases, grants. Conveyances, Contracts and all aud singuhir other instruments, affairs aud business snyway touching coHcerning and relating to the said Corporation and the same to alter, change and new make when and as often as to them shall seem meet and convenient. And we do further of our especial grace Certain knowledge and mere motion for us our heirs and successors will, ordain, give and grant to the minister or incumbent of the said Cuurcli for the time being or in Case of his absence or death that the eldest church warden for the time being, shall and may from time to time Call a meeting of the vestry when as often as it shall be necessary and they and their successors forever hereafter being so met and assembled shall and may constitute ordain and m ike constitutions laws and ordinances for the good of governing and ordering of the affairs of the said Church, and the same from time to time repeal as to them or the majority of them, shall seem convenient, provided always, that the said laws and ordinances so made be not repugnant to the Constitutions of our said Church of England as by law established ; and for the better and more regular election of the church-wardens and vestry-men of tbe said church forever hereafter. We do hereby further Will, ordain, give and grant that the minister or incum- bent of the said church for the time being together with the church-wardens and vestry-men of said church for the time being shall assemble and meet at the said church yearly and every year on Tuesday in Easter week and then and there by plurality of votes elect and choose two church-wardeiw and so many vestry-men as shall to them seem convenient not exceeding ten in the whole out of the most discreet persons of the congregation of the said church. And we do further of our especial grace, certain knowledge and mere motion for us, our heirs and successors, by these presents give and grant unto the said Minister church-wardens and vestry-men of Trinity Church in the town of Woodbridge that they and their successors forever hereafter, all aud singular the rights, privileges, powers, capacities aud APPENDIX. 309 authorities lieiein before mentioned or intended to be granted shall and ma^- have, hold and use without the impeiiiment of us, our heirs and successors or of any of our officers or ministers whatsoever of us, our lieirs and successors. A.nd that these our letters patent or the enrollment thereof from time to time and at all times hereafter be and shall be firm, valid and effectual in the law toward and against us, our heirs and successors according to the true intent and meaning hereof and shall at all limes be construed and taken in favor and for the advantage profit and benefit of the minister, church wardens and vestry-men of Trinity Church in the town of Woodbridge and their successors forever as well in all courts as elsewhere notwithstanding any defect, default or imperfection may be found herein or any other cause or thing whatsoever in iestt7nony whereof vfe have caused these our letters to be made patent and the great Seal of our said province of New Jersey to be hereunto affixed and the same to be entered of record in our Secretary's office in our said province. Wii?iess our trusty and well beloved William Franklin esquire, our Captain General, Governor and Commander in Chief in and over our said province of New Jersey and territories thereon depend- ing in America Chancellor and Vice Admiral in the same &c : at Burlington the sixth day of December in the tenth year of our reign. Anna Domini One thousand seven hundred and sixty nine. Pettit. [Seal.] I have perused the within Charter and find nothing therein contained inconsistent with his Majesty's Honor or Interest. 5 Deer : 1760 Corf Skinner Att'v General. APPENDIX D. Date, CHAPTER OF THE FREE SCHOOL LAND IN WOODBKIDGE. VERBATIM ET LITER A.TIM. George the third by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King defender of the faith &c. To all to whom these presents shall come Greeting. Whereas in and by a Charter bearing date the first day of June in the year of our liord one thousand six hundred and sixty nine Granted by Phillip Carteret then Governor of the Province of New Jersey under the Right Honorable John Lord Berkely Barron of Stratton and Sir George Carterett Ivnight and Barronet the then proprietors of the Province of New Jersey to the Town and Freeholders oi Woodbridge among other things it is 100 Acres, therein directed, that one hundred acres of land in the said Town should be laid out for the maintenance of a free school. And whereas the Freeholders of the town of woodbridge by their humble petition presented to our Trusty and well beloved Charter grant- William Franklici Esqr. Captain General Governor and Com- ed by William mander in Chief in and over our province of New Jersey, have Set forth that in pursuance of the CUarter granted as aforesaid by the said Philip Carterett Esqr one hundred acres of land hath been laid out for the use of a free School and the rents thereof received by such uersons as the Freeholders of the said Town at their yearly meetings have from time to time appointed with intention to make a Cai)it:il for the building a School house or houses and the maintainance of proper and able teachers; But that from the want of a proper Charter of incor- poration the Said Freeholders find themselves unable and without authority properly to settle the accounts with such persons as have from lime to time been appointed to receive the rents and issues of the Said one hundred acres of land or to prosecute such persons as from time to time have committed waste and trespass on tlie Same or to build a School house or to make provision for the maintainance of proper masters and Teachers and to make and ordain proper laws and instructions for the good governing of the Said Schools and have therefore prayed our Letters Patent under our Great Seal of our said province of New Jersey to incorporate tiie said freeholders of APPKNDIX. 311 the Town of Woodbridge with such Powers, immuiulies, priveledges and jurisdictions as maybe thought requisite and necessary for the more effectual promoting and the better ordering and governing the said school or schools in the said Town of Woodbridge. Know ye therefore the We willing and desirous to encourage our dutiful and loyal subjects, the freeholders of the s lid Town of Woodbridge in tlieir good in- tentions, of our special grace certain knowledge and mere motion have named constituted and appointed and by these presents do nime constitute and appoint John Moores, and First Trustflafl Nathaniel Heird Esqrs Mises Bloomfield, Benjamin Tborn- hill, Ebenezer Foster, Joseph Shot well, and Robert Clarkson, the present Trustees of the fiee school in the said Town of Woodbridge wliich s lid Trustees and their successors now are anl at aU timis hBreafter shall be one b xly politic and fui'^co^por^te. corp:)rate and shall' a-id miy have perpstu d succession in deed fact an I name to be kuown and distinguished in all deeds, grants birgain^ sales evidences, writings muniments or otlier wise whatsoever by the name of "The Trustees of the Free ^.,, , ■' Title Schools of the Town of Woodbridge" and that they and their succes'sors by the sa:ne name of the Trustees of the free schools of the Town of Woodbridge be and forever hereafter shall be persons capible and able in the law to purchase take acquire hold receive enjoy hive anl possess any manors mess'iages, hou*^ real and h )u?e3 baildiugs, Ian Is, ten jm ^nts, rents, possessions, and other P^^onai estate hereditaments, anl real Estate whatsoever, within our said province Oi New Jersey, in fee simple or for term of life or lives, or years, or in any other manual whatsoever to th« Value of five hun '.red pounds sterling by tiie year, in the cle xr, Real Estate and also goods and chatties an 1 all other things of what nature ^'''^'^ sterUug and kind soever not exceeding t\ie sum of t'-'n thousand pounds „ ^ . ■■ , , Not exceeding sterung m the gross, and also by name aforesaid sliall and £io,ooo ster- may grant barg an demise assign sell and convey or otherwise "^" dispose of all or any of the m innors, Messuages, houses, build- ings, lands, tenements, rents, possessions and other heredita- ments, and real Estate, and all their goods and chatties and other things aforesaid in such manner and form as to them shall seem meet and also that they and their Successors by the same name of the Trustees of the free Schools of the Town of Woodbridge be and forever hereafter Shall be persons capable and able in law to Sue and be Sued implead and be imp'eaded appear answer and be answered unto defend and be defended in any of our Courts of Judicature either in law or Equity in our Said province of New Jersey or elsewhere before us our heirs and Successors and before all and every the Judges Justices officers an 1 ministers of us our heirs and Successors in 3'2 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. all manner of actions Suits complaints pleas matters and demands whatsoever and of what nature or kind soever and also that they and their Successors by the name aforesaid Shall and may demand receive and take of and from the persons heretofore appointed by the freeholders of the Town of Wood- bridge all Such Sum and Sums of Money by them received and arising and issuing out of the one hundred acres of land aforesaid and upon non payment thereof by the name aforesaid to Sue for and recover the Same for the use of the Schools May make and ^^oresaid. And also that they the Said Trustees of the free use a seal. Schools of the Town of Woodbridge aforesaid and their Successors Shall and may make and forever hereafter use one common Seal with Such device and devices as to them Shall .Seem proper for the Sealing all and singular Deeds Grants conveyances contracts and all and Singular other instruments affairs and business any way touching concerninaj and relating to the Said free Schools and also that they the Said Trustees of the free Schools of the Town of Woodbridge and the majority of them Shall and may from time to time make constitute ordain and confirm by Such name or names as to them Shall Seem good and likewise to revoke discharge change and alter as well all and Singular Governors, Masters, Teachers or other officers wliich Shall be by them or the majority of them, thought fitt and needfull to be made or used for the govern- ment of the Said free Schools, and also to make ordain and establish all such orders laws directions instructions and forms May make or- fit and necessary for and concerning the government of the &?\or"«;iioolB ^^^^ Schools and the same at all times hereafter to execute abbrogate revoke or change as they or the Majority of them Shall think fittest for the benefit and advantage of the Said Schools and wee have given and granted and by these presents do give and grant for us our lieirs and Successors to the free holders of the Town of Woodbridge full power and authority to assemble and meet together on the first Tuesday in March annually at the usual and accustomed place for holding the Town meetings or at Such other place as they shall think Com.to inspect proper and then and there by plurality of Voices to appoint accountB of g^ch and So many persons as they or the major part of them Trust ccB "^ *■ ** Shall think proper to inspect the accounts orders minutes and transactions of the Said Trustees or their Successors. And in ase of the death refusal or disability of either or any of the Said Trustees or they or any of them ceasing to be freeholders of the Said Town of Woodbridge or resigning the Trust in incaseof death them reposed then and in Such case we for us our heirs and cj^how filled^" Successors will grant and ordain that other fit person or persons Freeholders of the Said Town of Woodbridge be by APPENDIX. 313 the Said Freeholders of the Said Township of Woodbridge or the majority of them nominated elected and chosen in the place and Stead ol him or them so dying refusing or otherwise dis- abled as aforesaid. And further we have given and granted and by these presents do give and grant to the Said freeholders of our Said Town of Woodbridge full power and authority to assemble and meet together once in three years but not oftener 'VNiien to meet to 6l6ct TruS" on the first Tuesday in ]\tarch at the usual and accustomed tees. place for holding of the Town Meetings or at Such other place as the majority of them Shall from time to time appoint and then and there by plurality of voices alter change or continue all or any of the Said Trustees now appointed or that shall hereafter be appointed elected or chosen by virtue of these presents to have and to hold all and Singular the privileges advantages liberties and all other the premises to them the Said Trustees of the Iree Schools of the Town of Woodbridge Charter to con- and their Successors forever yielding rendering and paying therefor yearly and every j'ear forever hereafter unto us our heirs and Successors at Pertb Amboy in the County of Middle- sex unto our receiver General of the Said province on the Twenty fifth of March one barley corn if the Same be legally demanded. And lastly our will and pleasure is that these our letters patent Shall be of full force and efficacy to all intents and purposes whatsoever as above mentioned expressed and declared and that the Same or the enrollment thereof Shall in all courts of law and Equity forever hereafter be construed and comts of Law taken most favorably and beneficially for the Trustees of the ^^^ Equity. free Schools of our Town of Woodbridge according to our royal intention herein before declared not withstanding that any writ or writs_of ad quod damnum hath or have not issued or is or are not returned before the making these presents. And notwithstanding the not reciting misreciting or not rightly or certainly reciting the Said rights privileges powers authori- ties or any other the premises in and by these presents granted or meatt mentioned or intended to be granted or any part or parcel thereof. In testimony whereof we have caused these our Letters to be made patent and the Great Seal of our Said Province of New Jersey to be hereto affixed. . — ■' — ^'— ' — - Witness our trusty and well beloved Wil- i Great i ^^'^"^ Franklin Esq our Captain General and ^ Seal of the ' Governor in Chief in and over our province \ Province ^ °^ ^^^ Jersey and Territories thereon de- ( ■ ) pending in America Chancellor and Vice Ad- -— -, — ^- — . — miral in the Same &c. At our City of Bur- lington the Twenty fourth day of June in the ninth year of our reign Anno Domini 1769 314 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Brought to the office to be recorded June 13th 1803 and recorded the 14th following. Examined and agrees with the original John Beatty Secy Liber A. V. Deeds folio 136 Secretary of States office APPENDIX E. RdCORD OK MAURtAGES, BIRTHS, AND DEATHS, TRANSCRIBED MTERALLT FROM LIBER A. This valuable list will enable our readers to trace several family histories and glean many local genealogical facts. A. Obediah Ayers Son of Obediah Ayers and Hannah his wife was Born ye 20th Octr. 1071. Joseph Ayers Son Obediah Ayers Born ye 4th of April 1674. John Adams Son to John Adams and Elizabeth his wife Bora ye 9th of June 1674. Joseph Andrus Son to Ephraim Andrus and Dorcas his wife Born ye 23d Day of Novr. 1673. Siizanah Andrus Daughter to Ephraim Andrus and Dorcas his wife Bora the 10th of January 1675. Hannah Adams Daughter to John Adams and Elizabeth his wife Bom 1676. Joseph Adams Son to Thomas Adams and Rebeckah his wife Born ye 27th of January 1676. Thomas Ayers Son to Obediah Ayers and Hannah his wife Bom ye 17th Day of December. Elizabeth Adams Daughter to Thomas Adams and Rebeckah his wile Born March ye 2nd 1678. John Ayers Son of John A^'ers and JLiry his wife Bora ye 1st of April 1693. Thomas Ayers Son of John Ayers and Mary his wife Born ye 21st of Jan- uary 1692. Ephraim Andreus Son of Ephraim Andreus and Dorcas his wife Born 1678. These May Certify all persons Concerned that Obediah Ayers was Married to Joanna Jones. April ye 28th 1694. By Me Samuel Hale. John Allen Son of John Allen and Susanah his wife Born Feby ye 5th. 1683. Sarah Allen Daughter of John Allen and Jane his wife Born Fcby ye 5th 1089. Elizabeth Allen Daughter of John Allen and Jane his wife Born January ye 15th 1691. Mary Allen Daughter of John Allen and Jane his wife born January ye 1st 1693. 3^6 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. John Adams and Elizabeth Married June ye 1st 1671. Ephraim Andreus and Dorcas Smith Married ye 16th day of November . 1671. William Alger and Rebeckah Avirit was Married ye 13th day of March 1684. Woodbridge, these May Certify all persons that John Ayers was Married to Maiy Walker February ye 24th 1689. Samuel Hale, Hannah Ayers Daughter of Obediah Ayers and Joanah his wife Born Jan- uary ye 18th 1694. Henry Alward was Married to JuJith Hendrickson January ye 26th 1693. By me David Maudie — Justice. Suzanah Andreus Daughter to Ephraim Andreus and Dorcas his wife Departed this Life February ye 4th 1675. John Adams Son to John Adams and Elizabeth his wife Departed this Life March 25th 1676. Hannah Adams Daughter to John Adams and Elizabeth his wife Departed this Life February 17th 1677. John Adams Son to John Adams and Elizabeth his wile Deceased ye 31st January 1680. Thomas Ayers Son of Obediah Ayers and'Hanaah his wife Deceased ye 13th October 1675. Sarah Ayers Daughter to Obediah Ayers and Hannah his wife Deceased ye 8th day of Novr 1683. Hannah Ayers wife to Obediah Ayers Deceased the 30th of May 1689. Obediah Ayers Deceased November ye 14th 1694. Sarah Ayers Daughter of Obediah Ayers and Joanna his wife Born Janu- ary ye 8th 1696. John Alward Son of Henry Alward and Judeth his wife Born March ye 29th 1697. Mary Ayers Daughter to Obediah Ayers and Joanah his wife Born Feby ye 23d 1698. Francis Ayei's Son ot John Ayers and Mary his wife was Born March ye 15th 1698. Rhoda Ayers Daughter of Samuel Ayers and Elizabeth his wife was Born April 12th 1700. David Ayers Son ol Samuel Ayers and Elizabeth his wife was Born May ye 25th 1702. Phebe Ayers Daughter of Joseph Ayers and Phcbe his wife was born March ye 3d 1699. Joseph Ayers Son of Joseph Ayers and Phebe his wife was Born March ye 10th 1701. These May Certify all persons that Joseph Ayers was married to Phebe Camp January ye 5th 1098. Francis Ayers Son of John Ayers and Mary his wife Born March ye 15th 1698. APPENDIX. 3n Benjamiu Avers Son of John Ayers and Mary his wife Born June ye lOtli 1703. Dorothy Alstone Daughter of John Alstone and Mary his wife was Bora May ye 7tli about 4 in ye Moruiug in the year 1698. Mary Alstone Daughter of John Alstone and 3I:iry his wife was Bora Octr ye 17th 1690. about 7 in the Morning. Jonathan Ayeis Son of Joseph Ayers and Phebe his wife was Born jMay ye 29th 1701. Sarah Ayers Daughter of Obediah Ayers and Joanah his wife was Born Januarj^ ye 8lh 1G90. Mary Ayers Daughter of Obediah Ayers and Joanah his wife was Born Feb. ye- 2:3rd 1698. Rachfl Ayers Daughter of Obediah Ayers anl Joanah his wife was Bora May ye 23rd 1701. Obediah Ayers and Joannah Ayers Son and Daughter of Obediah Ayera an 1 Joanah his wife was Born December ye 2oth 1703. Robert Ayers Son of Obediah Ayers and Joanah his wife was Born July ye 18th 1706. David Ayers Son of Joseph Ayers and Phebe hii wife Born January ye 2nd 1707. Mary Ayers Daughter of Obediah Ayers and Joanah his wife was Bora Sept ye 29th 1708. Benjamin Ayers Sou of Obediah Ayers and Joanah his wife was Bora Novr ye 17th 1715. James Ayers Son of Samuel Ayers and Elizabeth his wife was born May ye 2nd 1716. Mary Ayers Daughter of Obediah Ayers and Joanah his wife Deceased Novr ye loth 1704 Aaron Ayers Son of John A3^er3 and Mary his wife was Born July ye 14th 1708. Allison Aide Daughter of John Aide and Elizabeth his wife was born Augt ye 2nd 1707. Marien Aide Daughter of John Aide and Elizabeth his wife was Bora January 29th 1708. James Aide Son of John Aide and Elizabeth his wife was Born Feby ye 8th 1710. Samuel Ayers Son of Samuel Ayers and Elizabeth his wife was Bora Octr 25th 1707, Rachel Ayers Daughter of Samuel Ayers and Elizabeth his wife was Born June ye 19th 1710. Jacob Ayers Son of Samuel Ayers and Elizabeth his wife was Born June ye 19th 1710. Rebeckah Ayers Daughter of Obediah Ayers and Joanah his wife was Born Novr ye 14th 1710. Benjamin Ayers Son of Samuel Ayers and Elizabeth his wife was Bora Octr 31st 1712. 3l8 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Zebulon Ayers Son of Joseph Ayers and Phebe bis wife was Born August ye 4th 1708. John Allen was married to Deliverance Potter October 24lh 1707. By Nathaniel Wade— Clerk- Samuel Allen Son of John Allen and Deliverance his wife was Bom August ye 24th 1708. John Allen Son of John Allen and Deliverance his wife was Born March ye 6th 1710. Ocilla Allen Daughter ot John Allen and Deliverance his wife was Born May ye 34th 1714. Susanah Allen Daughter of John Allen and Deliverance his wife was Born ye 30th of Novr 1715. The Said John Allen Died January ye 19th 1715. Obediah Ayers Jur was Married to Elizabeth Comptou February ye 15th 1716. By Thomas Pike — Justice of the Peace. Patience Ayers Daugliter of Obediah Ayers and Elizabeth his wife Born the 10th of December 1717, Elizabeth Ayers Daughter of Obediah Ayers and Elizabeth his wife was Born Octr 28th 1720. B. Judith Bradly Daughter of Joshua Bradly and Judith his wife Born ye 17th of Feby 1667. Joshua Bradly Son to Joshua Bradly Sen. and Judith his wife Born ye 15th of June 1671. William Bingle Son of William Bingle and Elizabeth his wife Born ye 13th of May 1663. Benjamin Bacon Son of Samuel Bacon and Martha his wife Born ye 22nd of December 1670. Elizabeth Bradly Daughter of Joshua Bradly and Judith his wife Born ye ISthof Aue;ust 1673. Joseph Bacon Son of Samuel Bacon and Martha his wife Born ye 7th of February 1673. Jeremiah Bacon Son to Samuel Bacon and Martha his wife Born ye 6th of April 1675. Ann Bacon Daughter to Samuel Bacon and Martha his wife Born ye 19th of April 1677. Thomas Bloomfield Son of John Bloomfield and Sarah his wife Born Oclr ye 3rd 1679. Sarah Bloomfield Daughter to John Bloomfield and Sarah his wife Born March ye 28th 1681. Timothy Bloomfield Son to Ezekiel Bloomfield and Hope his wife Born ye 11th of Febr 1681. Sarah Bishop Daughter to Noah Bishop and Lydia his wife Born the 10th of Febr 1684, Jonathan Bishop Son to Noah Bishop Born ye 9th Day of January 1686. Ezekiel Bloomfield Son to Ezekiel Bloomfield Born Novr ye 26th 1683. APPENDIX. 319 Rebeckah Bloomfield Daughter of Ezekiel Bloomfield Born June ye 7tU 1686. Nathaniel Bloomfield Son of Ezekiel Bloomfield Born February ye 9lh 1688. Ruth Bloomfield Daughter to John Bloomfield Born ye 28th Day of March 1686. Phebe Bloomfield Daughter to John Bloomfield Born ye loth of Novem- ber 1688. Ruth Bishop Daughter to Noah Bishop and Lydia his wife Born ye 9th of Feb 1690. Mary Bishop Daughter of Noah Bishop and Lydia his wife Born April ye — 1G93. Jeremiah Bloomfield Son to Ezekiel Bloomfield and Hope his wife Bora January ye 28th 1693. George Brown was ]Manied to Annabell Knocks w idow February ye 13th 1693. By me Samuel Hale— Justice. James Brown Son of George Brown and Annabell his wife Born Novr ye 8lh 1693. Thomas Bloomfield and Elizabeth Deunes Both of this TonTU Manied By Capt John Pilie May ye 10th 1676. John Bloomfield and Sarah Moore both of this Town Married October 3rd 1676. John Bloomfield and Elsie Heard widow were Married ye 27th of May 1684. John Bloomfield Son of John Bloomfield and Elsie his wife Born January ye— 1693. Joshua Bradly Son of Joshua Bradly and Judith his wife Deceased ye 18th of April 1669. Ruth Bloomfield Daughter of Thomas Bloomfield and Mary his wife Deceased the 9th Day of September 1678. Thomas Bloomfield Son of Thomas Bloomfield and Mary his wife Deceased March ye 37th 1679. Timothy Bloomfield Son of Thomas Bloomfield and Mary his wife Deceased December ye 28th 1 678. Sarah Bloomfield wife to John Bloomfield Deceased ye 13th Day of April 1681. Rebecah Bloomfield Daughter to Ezekiel Bloomfield Deceased ye 25th December 1688. Joseph Bloomfield Son of Ezekiel Bloomfield and Hope his wife Born March ye 21st 1695. Noah Bishop Son of Noah Bishop and Lydia his wife was Born March ye 8th 1694. Ann Bishop Daughter of Noah Bishop and Lydia his wife Born March ye 8th 1697. these May Certify all persona Concerned that William Bingle was Married to Ann — 320 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Andrew Brown Sou of George Biown and Annabell bis wife was Born September ye 3rd 1705. Hannah Bloomfield Daughter of Ezekiel Bloomfield and Hester his wife was Born January ye 16th 1711. These May Certify all Persons Concerned that Timothy Bloomfield was Married to Rose Higens ye 2ud April 1707. By Samuel Shepard — Andreus Barron Son of Elizeus BaiTon and Mary his wife was Born August ye 12th 1706. The above said Andreus Departed this Life August ye 29th 170G. Samuel Burrell Son of Samuel Burrell and Susannah bis wife was Born May ye 26th 1707. Rebecah Bloomfield Daughter of Timothy Bloomfield and Rose his wife was Born June ye 3rd 1709. Sarah Bloomfield Daughter of Timothy Bloomfield and Rose his wife was Bom August ye 19th 1710. Benony Bloomfield Son of Thomas Bloomfield and Sarah his wife was Born March ye llth 1707. These may Certify all persons Concerned that Ezekiel Bloomfield of Weodbridge was Married to Hester Dunham December ye 23rd 1706. b}'- me Moses Rolph Justice These May Certify all persons Concerned that Elizeus Barron was Mar- ried to Maiy Andreus December ye 27lh 1705. By me Samuel Shepard Justice. Mary Barron wife to the above said Elizeus Barron Departed this Life August ye 23rd 1706. Moses Bloomfield Son of Ezekiel Bloomfield and Hester his wife was Born December ye 8th 1707. Richard Bloomfield Son of Timothy Bloomfield and Rose his wife was Born January ye 4th 1707. These May Certify all persons Concerned that Thomas Bloomfield was Married to Sarah Moores May ye 1st 1705. Isaac Bloomfield Son of Thomas Bloomfield and Sxrah his wife was Born January ye 22nd 1705. Judith Bradly wife to Joshua Bradly Deceased the 7th Day of December 1682. Nathaniel Bloomfield the Son of Ezekiel Bloomfield and Hope his wife Deceased the 15th Day of October 1689. Nathaniel Bloomfield Deceased May ye 31st 1689. Ezekiel Bloomfield Deceased February ye 15th 1702. Amos Butler Son of Samuel Butler and Mehitabell his wife was Born Novrye 23rd 1701. Thomas Brown Son of George Brown and Annabell his wife was born March y.2ud 1695. William Brown Son of George Brown and Annabell his wife was Bora May ye llth 1698. Christian Brown Daughter of George Brown and Annabell his wife born April ye 26th 1701. APPENDIX. 321 Grier Brown Sou of George Brown and Annal;ell liis wife Born Sept 5'e 3rd 1703 Mary Brittain D.uighter of Daniel Brittuin and Elizabetii his wife wa3 Born Fobiuary je 2M\ 1700. Sarah Couipton Daughter to William Compton and Mary his wife Born ye 3oih July 1(570. David Compton Son to William Compton an I Mary his wife Born ye 2lsl July 1671. Sarah Compton Daughter to Willian Compton and Mary his wife Boru ye 1st of June 1073. Jonathan Compton Son to "Willi im Compton and I\Iary iiis wife Boru ye 18th of December 1074. Mary Compton Daughter to John Compton and Eli/ahctli his wife was Born ye 20th of June 1000. Sarah C(mger Daughter to J. dm Conger and Mary his wifu Born in January 1068. Joanah Conger Daughter to John Conger and Mary his wife Born in August 1670. John Conger Son to Jolin Conger and Mary his wife Born ye 24lh Day of May 1G74. John Coddington Son to John (Joddington and Annaii his wife Born ye 8th day of Novr. 1077. Benjamin Coddington Son to John Coddington and Annah his wife Born ye 8th of Oclr 1080 Hannah Coddington Daugliter to Jolm Coddington and AnnaU his wife Born ye ^Tth of May 1083. Elizabeth Conger Daughter to John Conger and Mary his wife Born ye 1st of January 1678. Lediah Conger Daughter to John Conger and Mary iiis wife Boru ye Ist of Januarj' 1670. Jonathan Conger Son to John Conger and Maiy his wife Born ye 29th March 1083. Jane Codiick Daughter to llallick <\)drick and Jane his wife Born ye IGth day of OctoDer 1080. Sarah Coddington Born ye 28th of March 1087. Peter Codrick Son* of llallick Codrick Born the 10th of March 1688. Edward Crow Late of New England Deceased the 31.st of July 1088. William Compton Son of John Compton and Eliz il)eth his wife Born May ye 2:th 1693. John Compton Son of John Compton and Elizabeth his wife Born ye 28th of Febr 1601. Mary Corbit Daughter of Jolm ('orbit and Mary his wife Born ye 27th of March 1090. John Corbit was Married h) Elizabelh Adams Widow March ye 27lh 1693. By me Samuel Hale Justice, u 322 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Moses Collier Son of Thomas Collier ami llunuah his wife Born Octr ye 14lh 1695. John Compton was Married to Elizabeth Muuday of Piscataway March ye 6th 1681). By me Samuel Hale Justice. Moses Collier Son of Thomas Collier Deeeased Octr ye 39th 1095. To all Persons that may be Concerned Know ye that John Piobeson was Married to Jennet Cotter widow April ye 33rd 1G89. By me Samuel Hale Justice. . Doctor Peter Designy Married to Ann Roaers widow of Robert Rogers Deceased August ye 30th 1685. Moses Collier Deceased ye 17th Day of March 16S4 in ye 59th 3'ear of his age. Caleb Cambel was Married to Mary Compton January ye 1st 1095. By me Samuel Hale Justice. Sarah Compton Daughter to William Compton and Mary his wife Deceased ye 16th of September 1670. Isaac Clark Deceased ye 16 day of July 1689. Thankful! Crow Daughter to Edward Crow and IMary his wife Deceased about the Middle of December 1088. Enos Conger Son of John Conger and Sarah his wife Deceased ye 31st of November 1689. Thomas Collier was Maviied to Hannah Deunes March ye 1st 1693. By me John Bishop Justice. Rachel Cambel Daughter of Caleb Cambell and Mary his wife was Born May ye 30th 1697. William Cramer Son of William Cramer and Rachel his wife was Born June ye 13ih 1691. Abraham Clark Son of Samuel Clark and Mary his wife was Born October ye 11th 1699. Joseph Cromwell Deceased at Philadelphia August ye lOlh 1695. Joseph Cromwell Son of Benjamin Cromwell and Sarah his wife Deceased Novr ye 6th 1696. Hannah Cromwell Daughter of Benjamin Cromwell and Sarah his wife Born Novr ye 15th 1698 about five of the Clock in the Morning. Hannah Collier Daughter of Thomas Collier and Hannah las wife was Born April.ye 10th 1698. Lydia Conger Daughter of John Conger and Sarah his wife Born April ye 28th 1698. Rachel Compton Daughter of John Compton and Elizabeth his wife Born January ye 17lh 1698. John Cromwell Son of Benjamin Cromwell and Sarah his wife was Bora March ye l'.)th 1698 at a 11 o'clock in the forenoon. Ebenezer Alias Benjamin Cromwell Son of Benjamin Cromwell and Sarah his wile was Born ye 9lh Day of December 1700. about 11 of the Clock in the forenoon. James Clarksin Son of James Clarkson and Christian his wife Born ye let of March 1«87. APPF.NDIX. 323 Joseph Cromwell Son of Benjamin CroniMTll and Sarah hig wife Born Octr ye 27lh 1694. Joseph Conger Son of John Conger and Sarah his wife Born May ye 17th 1692. Job Cungxr Son of John Conger and Sarah his wife Born June ye 9th 1694. Joseph Coddinglon Born March ye 32nd 1G89. Elizabeth Comptou Daughter ol John Conipton and Elizabeth hia wife Born Se{)tember ye ITth 1695. Rachel Conger Daughter of Joim Conger and Sarah his wife Born May ye 12th 1690. Anna Coddiugton wife to John Coddingtou Deceased Septr ye 20th 1090. Sarah Compton Daughter to John Compton and Eiizabetli his wife Born Angust ye 15th 1697. David Compton Son of John Compton and Elizabeth his wife Born May ye 16th 1704. John Coddinglon was Married to Mary "White the lirsl Day of May 1691. Zebiah Collier Daughter of Thomas Collier and Hannah his wife was Born April ye 10th 1701. Jonathan Compton was Married to Esther Martin Septemberye 24th 1701. By me Samuel Hale Justice. Moses Collier Sou of Tiiomas Collier and Hannah his wife was Born Febr ye 20th 1703. Jost-ph Catterliu Son of Barnird Catterlin and Alice his wife was Born December ye 22nd 1703. Nathaniel Catterlin Son of Barnard Catterlin and xVlice his wife was Born January ye 30th 1704. Anna Coddiugton Daughter of Benjamin Coddingtou and Mary his wife was Born May ye 6th 1705. Margret Coddiugton Daughter of Benjamin Coddiugton and Mary his wife was Born ye 7th Day of May 1706. John Coddingtou Son of John Coddingtou and Elizabeth his wife was Born March ye 35th 1700. Sarah Collier Daughter of Thomas Collier and Hannah his wife was Born July ye 2nd 1705. Thomas Collier Son of Thomas Collier and Hannah his wife was Born March ye 29th 1707. Moses Collier Son of Thomas Collier and Hannah his wife was Born February ye 36lh 1702. Sarah Cutter Daughter of Richard Cutler and Mary his wife was Born Novr ye 0th 1707. Rebeckah Cutter Daughter of Richard Cutter aud Mary his wife Born April ye 30lh 1709. These may Certify all persons concerned that John Corbit of Woodbridge was Married to Sarah Pike ye 28th Day of Septr 1703. By me Samuel Walker Justice. 324 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. John Coibit Son of John Corbil and Sarah his wife was Born April ye 26 th 1704. These May Certify all persons Concerned that John Corbit Junr was Married to Elizabeth Cramer ye 2::5rd Day of Octr 1705. By me Samuel Hale Justice. Those May Certify all Persons whom it may concern that Richard Cutter was Married to Mary Pike August ye 30th 1700. By me Moses Rolph — Justice. Jonathan Compton Son of JoniUhan Complon and Esther his wife was Born July ye 12th 1700. John C(jlller Son of Thomas Collier and Hannah his wife was Born April ye IGth 1709. Rich:ird Coddington Son o( John Coddiugton and Elizabeth his wife was Born May ye 27th 1708. Hannah Compton Daughter of John Com))ton and Elizabeth his wife was Born January ye 29th in the year of our Lord 1708. Edward Crowell was Married October ye 5th 1707, to Sarah Veal. By me Nathaniel Wade Clerk. Elizabeth Crowell Daugliter of Edward Crowell and Sarah his wife was Born July ye 8th 1708. John Crowell Son of Edward Crowell and Sarah liis wife was Born Octr ye 25th 1709. Samuel Crowell Son of Edward Crowell and Sarah his wife was Born July ye 30th 1711. Mary Crowell Daughter of Edward Crowell and Sarah his wife was Boru August ye ;]rd 1713. Edward Crowell Son of Edward Crowell and Sarali his wife was Born ye 8th of March 1715. Surah Crowell Daughter of Edward Crowvll and Sarah his wife was Born Octr ye 17th 1717. Joseph Crowell- Son of Edward C!n>well and Sarah his wife was Bora Septr ye 24th 1724. Thomas Crowell Son ol Kdward Crowell raid Sarah his wife was Boru March ye 22n(l 1720. Edward Crowell was M-xrried to Eliz d)elh Pike, November ye 21th 1731. By me the Reverend Mr. John Pierson. The Said Elizabeth Departed this Life November ye 20tU 1733. Annabel Crowell Daughter of E Iwar.l Crowell and Cnristian his wife was Born. ye 17ih Day of April 1741. Agnes-'S Daughter of Edward and Christian Crjwell was Born November ye 2nd 1743. Katharine Crowell Daughter of Edwaid and Christian Crowell was Boru January ye 0th 1730. James Son of Edward Crowell and Christian his wife was b )rn May ye 7th 1739. Samuel Compton Son of John Compton aud Elizabeth his wile was Boru July ye lot I 1712. APPKNDIX. 325 James Collier Son of Thomas Collier aud HanQali his wife was Born^ye Cth day of July 1711. David Conger Son of Gershora Conger and Ann his wife was Born March ye 15th 1707. Phebe Conger Daughter of Gershom Conger and Ann his wife was Born SeptryeSSod 1708. Gershom Conger Son of Gershoni Conger and Ann his wife was Born April ye 5th 1711. Yelverton Crowell was Married to Hannah Adams Oetobec ye sth 1703. By Samuel Hale— Justice. Seth Crowell Son of Yelverton Crowell and Hannah his wife was Bora December ye 2nd 1706. Yelverton Crowell Son of Yelverton Crowell and Hann ih his wife was Born March ye 31st 1710. Benjamin Crowell Son of Yelverton Crowell and Hannah his wife was Bom Novr ye S3rd 1715. Hannah Crowell Daughter of Yelverton Crowell and Hannah his wife was Born April ye 33Qd 1719. at 9 o'clock in the Morning. Seth Crowell was Married to Mary Crowell Novr 11th 1730 By Joseph Webb Minister. Hannah Crowell Daughter ot the aforesaid Seth Crowell and Mary his wife Born September ye I81I1 1731. Euos Crowell Son of Seth Crowell and Mary his wife was Born Septem- ber ye 11th 1733. Sarah Crowell Daughter of Seth Crowell and Mary hi^ wife was Bora April ye 1st 1735. D. John Dennes Son of John Dennes an 1 Sarah his wife Born ye 9th of Septr 1669. Mary Dennes Daughter of John Dennes anJ Sarah his wife Born Decem- ber ye 7th 1671. Sarah Di'unes Daughter of John Dennes and Sarah his wife Born in July ye lyth 1673. Elizabeth Dennes Daughter to John Dennes and Sarah his wife Born February ye 14th 1674. Suzanah Dilly Daughter to John Dilly and Sarah his wife Born ye 14th of June 1674 Sarah Dilly Daughter to John Dilly and Sarah his wife Born yc 28lh of December 1677. John Dilly Son to John Dilly and Sarah his wife Born ye 34th of January 1680. Elizabeth Dennes Daughter to Jonathan Dennes and Rachel his wife Born ye 8th of January 1678. Mary Dennes Daughter to Jonathan Dennes and Rachel his wife Born ye 7tli ot April 1683. Rachel Dennes Daughter to Jonathan Dennes and Rachel his wife Bora yc 30lh of Oclr 1683. 326 WOODBRIDGIi AND VICINITY. Jonathan Dilly Sou to John Dilly arid Sarah his wife Born the Last Day of September 1681 Jonathan Dennes Son to Jonathan Donues and Rachel his wife Born ye 29th of January 1685. Joseph Dennes Son of Jonathan Dennes was born ye 18th day of Febru- ary 1687. Hannah Dennes Daughter of Jonathan Dennes and Rachel his wife Born ye 26th of January 1691. Mary Dennes Daughter of Samuel Dennes and Mary his wife Born December ye 21st 1698. John Dennes Son of John Dennes and Rachel his wife was Born January ye 14ih 1700. Josej^h Donnes Son of John Dennes and Rachel his wife was Born May ye 8th 1697. John Dennes and Sarah Bloomfield Married December ye 18th 1668. Doctor Peter Designy Married to Ann Rogers ye 20th of August 1685. Samuel Dennes Junr was Married to Mary Crowell December ye ord 1695. This is to Certify all whonie it may Concern that Phillip Dodridge and Frances Moore was Lawf .illy JIarried October ye 15th 1696. Pr Me Sini- onera Smilh Chaplain to his M;.n Dunham Departed this Life September ye 6th 1706. Richard Duuham Son of Benjamin Dunham and Mary his wife was Bora ye 28th day of J\Iay 1707, about a 11 of the Clock in ye Morning — Abigal Dennes Daughter of Phillip Dennes and Mary his wife was Bora April ye 17th 1704. Daniel Deane was Mariied to Rebecah Phillips August ye 2nd 1710. By me Nathaniel Wado— Clerk. 328 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Sarah Deaue Daughter of ye said Daniel Deaue and llebecali his wife was Born May ye 8th 1711. William Dean Son of Daniel Dean and Rebecali his wife was Born March ye 1st 1712. Nalhanifl Dunham was Married to Joannah Thornell ye 20th of October 1703. By Samuel Hale— Justice. Elizabeth Dunham Daughter of ye above said Nathaniel Dunham and Joannah his wife was Boin May ye 10th 1710. Mary Dennes Daughter of Samuel Dennes and Mary his wife was Born January ye 9th 170:1 Samuel Dennes Son of Samuel Dennes Junr and ]Mary his wife was Born July ye 8th 1700. Kebecah Dean Daughter of Daniel Dean and Rebecah his wife was Born ye 22nd of June 1717. Benjamin Dunham Son of Benjamin Dunham and Mary his wife was Born December 4th 1712. Katherine Dunham Daughter of Benjamin Dunham and Mary his wife was Born March ye iSth 1712. Jonathan Dunham Son of Benjamin Duniinin and Mary his wife was Born January ye 7th 1710. Mary Dennes Daughter of Samuel Dennes and Mary his wife Deceased October ye 1st 1706. These May Certify all Persons Concerned tluit Jonathiin Dennes was Married to Agness Sharp ye Gth Day of February 1710. By Mr. Wade Minister. Samuel Dennes Sou of Jonathan Dennes and Agness his wife was Born Octrye 25lh 1711. Joannah Dunham Daughter of Nathaniel Dunham and Joannah his wife was Born Septr ye 25th 1712. Jerusiia Dunham Daughter of Nathaniel Dunham and Joannah his wife was Born March ye ;5rd 1714. Susannaii Dean Daughter of Daniel and Kebecah Dean his wife was Born May ye 31st 171."). Daniel David was Married to Mary Man ye ;h-d Day of March 171fi. By John Bishop— Justice. Hester David Daughter of Daniel David and Mary his wife was Born ye 1st of September 1717. Samuel Dally Son of Charles Dally and Elizabeth his wife was Born iii the year ]7;]2. E. Daniel Ervane was Married to Hannah Brooks October ye 22ud lti94. By me David Madej' — Justice. Enoch Elison Son of William Elison and Mary his wife was Born December ye 4th 1697. Abraham Eastwood Son of John Eastward and Lydia his wife was Born ScptryeSth 1707 APPENDIX. 329 John Eddie was Married to Elizabeth Edwards the Last day of March in ye year 1706. By Samuel Hale — Justice ot Peace. Elison Eddie Daughter of John Eddie and Elizabeth hi'^ wife was Born August ye 8th 1707. Meriam Eddie Daughter of John Eddie and Elizabeth bis wife was Born January ye 2t)th 1708. James Eddie Son of John Eddie and Elizabeth his wife was Born February ye 25th 1710. Jane Eddie Daughter of John Eddie and Elizabeth his wife was Born December ye 28th 1712. Elizabeth Eddie Daughter ol John Eddie and Elizabeth his wlte Born Febr ye20lh 1715. Robert Eddie Sou of John Eddie and Elizabeth his wife was Born March ye 3rd 1717. John Eddie Sou of John Eddie and Elizabeth his wife was Born January ye 29th 1719. Gawen Eddie Son of John Eddie and Elizabeth his wife was Born February ye 17th 1721. William Eddie Sou of John Eddie and Elizabeth his wife was Born June ye Olh 1723. Thomas Eddie Son of John Eddie and Elizabeth his wife Born Septr ye 5th 1725. F. Marthew Fitz Randolph wife of Isaac Fitz Randolph Deceased August ye 11th 1691. Christian Fitz Randolph Son to John Fitz Randolph and Martha his wife Born the 23rd Day of February 1682. Rose Fitz Randolph Daughter to John Fitz Randolph Born ye 28th of July 1685. Resier Fitz Randolph Daughter to John Fitz Randolph and Martha his wife was Born July ye 22nd 1G89. Isaac Fitz Randolph Son of Isaac Fitz Randolph and Ruth his wife Born April ye 16th 1093. Mary Fitz Randolph Daughter of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph and Grace '-^ his wife Born April ye 28th 1693. John Fitz Randolph and Martha Fitz Randolph Son and Daughter of John Fitz Randolph and 3Iartha his wife was Born April ye 25th 1693. William Fitz Randolph Son of Isaac Fitz Randolph and Ruth his wife was Born October ye 27th 1694. Peter Fitz Randolph Son of John Fitz Randolph and Martha his wife was Born ye 20tli of April 1695. Isaac Fitz Randolph was Mariied to Ruth Higgins may ye 26th 1692. By Me Samuel Hale — Justice. Nathaniel Fitz Randolph was Married to Grace Hull May ye 26th 1692. By Me Samuel Hale — Justice. Samuel Fitz Randolph Publication for Marrage Dated Sepir ye 28th 1693. 33° WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Samuel Fitz Randolph was Married to Mary Jones June ye 8th 1(393. By me John Bishop— Justice. Moses Freeman Son of Edward Freeman and Hannah his wile Born August ye 24th 1700. Rachel Freeman Daughter of Edward Freeman and Hannah his wife Born March ye Gth 1701. Joseph Fitz Randolph Son of John Filz Randolph and Martha his wife Deceased ye 4th of Novr 1G91. Truslrum Fitz Randolph Son of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph and Grace his •wife Born Septr ye 22nd 1(394. Ann Fitz Randolph Dauajhter of John Fitz Randolph and ^Martha his wife Born Jauuar3'^ ye 24th 1094. John Force Son of Matliew Force and Sarah his wife Born December ye 24th 1697. Elizabeth Force Daughter of Mathew Force and Sarah his wife was Bora Septr ye 22nd 1699. John Foord.was Married to Elizabeth Freeman December ye 18th 1701. By Me Samuel Hale— Justice. Edward Freeman was Married to Hannah Phillips March ye 11th 1696. By Me Samuel Hale— Justice. Mathew Force was Married to Sarah Morris January ye 7tli li)9C. By iMe Samuel Hale — Justice. John Fitz Randolph Junr was JMarried to Sarah Potter April ye 8tli 1702. By Me John Bishop — Justice. Samuel Fitz Randolph Son of Samuel Fitz Randolpii and ]\Iary his wife was Born ye IGth of December 1694. Prudence Fitz Randolph Daughter of Samuel Fitz Randolph and Mary his wife Born August ye 20tli 1696. Susannah Fitz Randol]>h Daughter of Samuel Fitz Randolph and Mary his wife Avas Born December ye SOtli 1699. Experience Fitz Randolph Daugliter of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph and Grace his wife was Borti June ye 14lh 1698. Rachel Fitz Randolph Daugliter of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph and Grace his wife was Born May ye 15th 1698. Nathaniel Fitz Randolph Son ot Nathaniel Fitz Randolph and Grace his wife was Born January ye 5th 1700. ^ Grace Fitz Randolph Daughter of Christopher Fitz Randolph and Sarah his wife Born Febr ye 1st 1708. Mary Foice Daugliter of Mathew Force and Sarah his wife Born Novr ye 18th 1701. The Said ]M;'.ry Force Deceased April ye 17th 170;>. Mary Foreman Daughter to Jolui Foreman was Born September ye 25th 1697. Ursula Foreman Daughtrr to John Foreman and JMargarel his wife Born Septr ye 25th 1700. Isaac Filz Randolpli his Publication for Marriage with Ruth Higgens Dated April ye 2:Jrd 1692. APPENDIX. 331 Nathaniel Fitz Randolph his Piiblicaliou for Marriage with Grace Hull Date April ye 23rd 1G93. These May Certify whome'it May Concern that Isaac Fitz Randolph was Married to Martha Bingla ye 18th Day of Septr 1690. By Me John Bishop Jacob Foord Son of John Foord and Elizabeth his wife was Born April ye iSth 1705. Rachel Freeman Daughter of Edward Freeman and Hannah his wife was born March ye 29th 1706. Benony Freeman Son of Edward Freeman and Hannah his wife Born March ye 19th 1709. These May Certify all Persons Concerned that John French was Married to Mary Bonamy August ye 4th 1705. By Me Samuel Hale— Justice. Susanniih Frencli Daughter of John French and Mary his wife was Born June ye lllh 1706. William French Son of John French and Mary his wife was Born Janu- Bjy ye 15th 1707. Mary French Daughter of John French and Mary his wife was Born June ye 4th 1710. Sarah French Daughter of John French and Mary his wife was Born November ye 25ih 1712. Rachel Freeman Daughter to Edward Freeman and Hannah his wife Deceased October ye ord 1704. Hannah Freeman Daughter of Edward Freeman and Hannah his wife Departed this Life October ye 19th 1704. William Freeman Son of Edward Freeman and Hannah his wife was Born March ye 18th 1713. Edward Freeman Son of Edward Freeman and Hannah his wife was Born March ye 2nd 1714. Henry Freeman was Married to Elizabeth Bonne May ye 16th 1695. By Samuel Hale— Justice of the Peace. Ann Elizabeth Freeman Daugliter of Henry Freeman and Eliz ibeth his ■wife was Born February ye 16th 1695. John Freeman Son of Henry Freeman and Elizabeth his wife was Born Novr ye 5th 1698. Jonathan Freeman Son of Henry Freeman and Elizabeth his wife was Born July ye 13th 1700. Mary Freem m Daughter of Henry Freeman and Elizabeth his wife was Born June ye 5th 1702. Sirah Freeman Daughter of Henry Freeman and Elizabeth his wife was Born February ye 1st 1703. Rachel Freeman Daughter of Henry Freeman and Elizabeth his wife was Born Janr ye 18th 1705. Samuel Freeman Son of Henry Freeman and Elizabeth his wife was Born March ye 31st 1708. Jo.seph Freeman Son of Henry Freeman and Elizabeth his wife was Born December ye 21st 1709. 332 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Hannah Freeman Daughter of Henry Frceaiau and Elizabeth his wife ■was Born Octr ye 31st 1711. Benjamin Freeman Son of Henry Freeman and Elizabeth his wife was Born June ye 8rd 1713. Isaac Freenian Sou ot Henry Freeman and Eliz:ibeth his wife was Born May ye 25lh 1715. Henry Freeman Son of Henry Freeman and Eliz ibelh his wife was Born March ye 23rd 1717. James Freeman Son of Henry Freeman and Elizabeth his wife was Bora Novrye 1st 1710. G. Josiali Grabham alics winter Son of Obediah Crabham alies winter and Margret his wife Born the loth day of March 1(501). Hester Grabliam Daughter to Oljediah Grabham alies winter and ^largret his wife Born ye 10th day of October 1G71. Obediah Grabham Son of Obediah Grabham alies winter and Margret his wife Born ye 10th of October 1673. Elizabeth Gra^^ Daughter of Joseph Gray and Elizabeth his wife was Born Pebr ye 3oth 1698. Joseph Gray Son of Joseph Gray and Elizabeth his wife Born Septr ye 22nd 1700. Benjamin Gray Son of Joseph Gray and Eliz ibeth his wife born October ye 7th 1702. Richanl Gibson was Married to Jemima Collier March ye 1st 1693. By Me John Bishop —Justice. Jemima Gibson Daughter of Klchard Gibson and Jemima his wife was Born Febr ye 2nd 1694. Grace Gibson Daughter of Richard CJibson and Jemima his wife was Born July ye 7th 1697. Woodbridge May ye 29th 1689. These Certify that James Greer was Married Said Day unto Miriam Cowan. By Me Archd Riddle in Pres- ence of Samuel Hale These May Certify that Joseph G:ay was Married to Elizabeth Hollon October ye 13th 1698. James Gold'A'ell Son of James Goldwell and Mary Hews Born at Wood- bridge August 31st 1700. James Gilcrist Son of Robert Gilcrist and Miriam his wife was Born December ye 20lh 1704. These May jDertify all Persons Concerned that Robert Groves was Married to Mary Sanderson .luly ye 30th 1705. By Me Samuel Dennes— Justice. Timothy Goodfelow Son of Samuel Goodfelow and Comfort his wife was Born March ye 2!llh 1709. H. Sarah Hale daughter to Samuel Hale and Sarah his wife Born ye 25th of October 1675. Mary Hale Daughter to Samuel Hale and SaraJi hib wile Boni ye 28th of Novr 1678. Arpr,NDix. 333 Ann Hcminway Daiiglitor of Robert Hcniinway nnd Mary bis wife was Born Marcb ye 21st 1(598. Pertb Am boy ye 24lb of Novr 1603. Tbese are to Testify tliat I Married Edward Hains and Sarali Decent By the Testimony of iSamuel Dennes Clerli in Woodbridge, tbis Day and Date above written. David Mudie — Justice. Sarab Hale wile to Samuel Hale Departed tbis I>ife ye Ifitb Day of Janu- ary 1681. Samuel Hale Esqr Departed tbis Life November ye 5tb 1709. Being Sixty Nine Years Nine Montbs and tbree Days Old. He Dytd of tbe Small Pox. These May Certify all Persons Concerned that Francis Hollon was Mar- ried to Sarah Frost ye 6th d^y of Februtuy 1701. By Me John Herriman. Mabittabell Hollon Dauglter of Francis Hollon and Sarab bis wife was Born December ye 20tb 1702. Mary Hollon tbe Daughter of Francis Hollon and S irab bis wife waa Born Marcb ye 18tb in tbe year 1709. Tobias Hatch Avas Married to S:irab Cromwell ibe Last Day of October 1717. Joseph Hatch Son of Tobias Hiitcb and Sarab bis wife was Born Novem- ber ye 22nd 1718. John Hude Son of Adam Hude and Mary his wife Born ye 2:Jrd of July 1687. Agness Hude Daughter of Adam Hude and IMary bis wife Born October 1689. Robert Hude Son of Adam Hude and Mary his wife Born Septr ye 5th 1692. John Hude Son of Adam Hude Deceased Novr 1687. I ANB J. John Jaijuish Son to Henry Jaquish and Hannah his wife Born ye 2nd of August 1674. Henry Jaquish Son to Henry J;uiuish and Hannah his wife J?orn ye 12th of September 167."). Sarab Jaquish Daughter to Henry Jaquish and Hannah liis wife Born ye 12th of Janr 1677. Jonathan Jaquish Son of Henry Ja(iuisb and Ilannub bis wife Born ye 9tb day of April l()7n. Rebeckah Ilsly Daughter to John Ilsly and Ann his wife Born ye 10th Day of June 1673. John Ilsly Son to John Ilsly and Ann his wife Born ye22ud ol May 1675. David Ilsly Son to John Ilsly and Ann his wife Born ye 3rd Day of August 1677. Mary Ilsly Daughter to John Ilsly and Ann bis wifeBt)rn ye 13th of April 1680. David Ilsly Son to Jobn Ilslj- ami Ann bis wife Born September ye 9th 1682. Jonathan Ilsley Son to Jcbn Ilsly and Ann bis wife iJorn November ye 19th 1689. 334 WOODBRIDGF. AND VICINITY. Joseph Ilsley Son to Joliu Ilsly and Ann bis wife Born April ye 29th 1693. Tliese May Certify any person Concerned that John Jaquish was Married unto Susannah Meirik widow the Eleventh Day of December 1700. Before Me Jolin Bishop — Justice. John Jaquish Son of John Jaquish and Susaunali his wife Born Decem- ber ye 11th 1701. Daniel Jones Son of Edward Jones and Hester his wife Born January ye 23rd 1694. Elipbalet Jones Son of Richard Jones and Sarah liis wife Born May ye 31st 1096. Moses Jones Son of Edward Jones and Hester his wife Born October ye 19th 1696. Hannah Jones Daughter of Richard Jones and Sarah his wife was Born March ye 29th 1699. These j\Iay Certify all persons Concerned* that Edward Jones was Married to Jane Cone April ye 14th 1696. By Me John Bishop— Justice. Edward Joiies Son of Edward Jones and Jane his wife Born December ye 26th 1697. Jane Jones Daughter of Edward Jones and Jane his wife was Born May ye 16th 1699. Mar^^ret Jones Daughter of Edward Jones and Jane his wife Born March ye 17th 1702. Sarah Jaquish Died ye 12th Day of April 1678. Henry Jaquish Departed this Life ye 17th Day of April 1679. David Ilsly Died ye 28th October 1681. Margret Jones Daughter of Edward Jones and Jane his wife was Born March ye 18th 1701. Susanah Jaquish Daughter of John Jaquish and Susanah his wife Born June ye 4th 1708. Mary Jaquis Daughter of John Jaquis and Susanah his wife was Born Novr ye 9th 1710. John Jaquis was Married to Deliverance Allen widow Novr ye 17th 1716- Pr Moses Rolph — Justice. Samuel Jaques was Married to Sarah Cutter Febr the 12th 1730. Susanah Jaques Daughter of above said Samuel and Sarah Jaques was Born January ye 17lh 1731. Richard Son of ihe above said Samuel and Sarah Jaques was Born March ye 6tli 1733. Mary Daughter of the above slid Samuel and Sarah Jatiues was Born March ye 14lh 1737. Samuel Son of the above said Samuel and Sarah Jaques was Born April ye 29th 1739. Sarah Daughter of the above said Samuel and Sarah Jaques was Born Septr ye 2nd 1744. William Son of the above said Samuel and Sarah Jaques was Bora June ye 26lh 1750. APPENDIX. K. 335 Stephen Kent of Wooilbndge and Jane Scott were Married ye 25th Day ol December lOSo. Susanah Keut Dau-rhter to Stephen Kent and Jane his wife was Born ye 21st of December 1684. David Kent Son to Stephen Kent and Jane his wife was Born ye Last Day of June 1G80. Nugient Kelly an;l Hannah Kelly his wife the Eldest Daughter of Wil- liam Insley Late of Woodbridge Deceased, was Married on ye 2nd Day of April 1721). Elisha Kelly their Eldest Son Born February ye 6th IToO. Katharine Kelly Born August ye 31st 1781. Katharine Kelly died Julj' 30th 1732. Mary and Elizabeth Kelly Born March the 26th 1734. William Insley Kelly Born December 28th 1735. Mary Kelly Died Xovember ye 30th 1736. Ricliard Kelly Born January ye 29th 1738. Hannah Kelly Departed this Life October ye 7th 1743. L. , . John Looborrow his Publication for Marriage with Hannah Bunn was Dated October ye 20th 1688. John Looborrow his Certiticate Dated Novr ye 22nd 1688. To all Persons that are or May Be Concerned Know ye that John Loof borrow was ]NL\rried to Hannah Bunn November ye 22nd 1688. Before Samuel Hale — Justice. Entered By Me Samuel Dennes — Clerk, These May Informe all Persons that i\Iay Be Concerned that Joha Mathew was Married to Katharine Hume ye 22ud Day of October 1690. By Me Samuel Hale — Justice. These May Informe All Persons that ^lay Be Concerned that Samuel Lewis was Married to Su.sanah Jones Septr ye 29th 1698. By me Samuel Hale — Justice. Mar2.ret Lockhart Daughter of Gawen Lockhart and jMary his wife Boru ye 27th of Febr 1688. Mary Lockhart Daughter of Gawen Lockhart and 'Slury his wife Bora ye 29th of April 1690. Thomas Loofborrow Son of John Loofborrow and Hannah his wife wa3 born June ye 6lh 1090. John Loofborrow Sou of John Loofborrow and Hannah his wife was Born June ye 6th 1692. Mary Loof boi row Daughter of John Loofborrow and Hannah his wile Boru Novr ye 5th 1694. Susanah Lume Deceased ye 16th of January 1669. Mary liockhart Daughter ot Gawen Lockhart and Mary his wife Deceased ye 21st of Septr 1690. 336 WOODBRIDGE AND VICtNI lY. Eliz ibelb Lockhurt Daiiohter of GoAveu Locklurl and Mary his wife was Born February ye '24tb 1G!)1. James Lockhart Son ot Goweu Lockhart and i\fary his wife was Born July ye 17th 1093. Samuel Lockhart Son of Gowcn Lockhart and Mary liis wife Born April ye lOth 1700. Margret Lockhart D.iughter of Gowcn Lockhard and Mary his wife Born April ye 22Dd 1703. Ephraim Lockhart Son of Gowen Lockhart and Mary his wjfe Bora March ye 27lh 1705. Levi Lewis Si>a of Samuel Lewis and Siisinah his wife was Born Septem- ber ye loin 1706. These Maj^ Certify all Persons Concerned that James Leaith was Married to Ann French June ye 29th 1711. By Nathaniel Wade— Clerk. Margret Leaith Daughter ot James Leaith and Ami his wife was Boru Februarv ye Oib 171 ;>. M. Elizabeth Moore Daughter to Samuel Moore and Mary his wife Boru ye 30th July miS. Samuel Moore Son of Samuel Moore and ]\Luy his wife Born ye olst day of March 1«70. Thomas Moore Son of Samuel Moore and Mary bis wife Born 3'e 26th of July 1672. JohH Moore Son to Samuel Moore and Mary his wife Born May ye 20th 1674. James M oores Son to Mathew Moores and Sarah bis wife Horn March 1669. John Moores Son to Mathew Moores and Sarah his wife Born August ye 15th 1671. Samuel Moores S(m to ilalhew Moores and Sarah bis wife Born August ye 8rd 1673. Mary Morris and Ann Morris D.iughters to John Morris and Mary his wile Born ye 14th December 1676. Sarah Morris Daugiiter to John Morris and Maiy his wi(e Born ye 5th day of August 1678. John Morris Son to John Morris and Mary bis wife Born June ye 24th 1680. Enock Moore and Frances Moore twins Son and Daughter to Samuel Moore and Mary his wife Born ye ord da}'' of June 1678. Sarah Moore Daughler to Samuel Moore a'jd Ann Ills wile Born ye 16th of September 1681. John Man Son of John Mux and Elizabeth his wife Born at Quinauicut Island the i;Ub of April 1688. Edward Man Sou to John Man aud Elizabeth bis wile Born January ye 19th 1()89. Sarah Moores Daughter of William A[oorcs and Cliristian bis wife Boru ye 29tli ot August 1091. APPENDIX. 337 • Mathew Moores Son of "William ^loores and Cliristian his wife Born ye 30th of Octr 1692. Mary Moores Daughter to John Moores and Mary his wife Born January ye 12th 1694. Henry Man Son of John Man and Elizabeth his wile Born May ye 8th 1692. John Manning Son of John Maning and Elizabeth his wife Born Decem- ber ye 25th 1693. This 3Iay Certify all Persons Concerned that Samuel Moore was Married to Sarah Higgins October ye 26th 1693. Before Me John Bishop — Justice. Jamss M )ore3 was Married to Margret Crage, October ye 31st 1693. By Me Samuel Hale — Justice. Mathew Moores and Sarah Parker were Married November ye 25tli 1696. By Me Samuel Hale — Justice. Samuel Moores Son of James Moores and Margret his wife was Born August ye 29ih 1694. Samuel Moore Son of Samuel Moore and Sarah his wife was Born August ye 23rd 1694. Mathew Moores Son of William Moores and Christian his wife Born May ye 11th 1694. James Moores Sou of James Moores and Margret his wife Born ye 3rd of August 1698. John Morris Married to Mary Small March ye 27th 1676. Samuel Moore and Ann Jaquish Married December ye 23rd 1678. This May Certify any whome it May Concern that William Moores was Married unto Christian AUward ye 24th of July 1690. Before Me John Bishop These May Certifj' any whome it j\Iay Concern that John Moores was Married unto ^lar}' Wright ye 26th Daj-- of December 1692. By j\[e John Bishop Ann Moores Daughter of William Moores and Christian his wife Born July ye 26th 1696. Ann Morris Daughter to John Morris and Maiy his wife Deceased ye 30lh December 1676. Mary Morris Daughter to John Morris and Mary his wife Deceased ye Last of Febr 1676. Samuel Moores Deceased ye 27lh of M:iy 1688. Sarah Moores Daughter to Samuel Moores above mentioned Deceased this Life the 12th Day of January 1688. Melatiah Moores Daughter of Mathew ^loores and Sarah his wife Born ye 24th of December 1697. Mary ]\[oore Daughter of Samuel Moore and Sarah his wife Born July ye 17th 1699. Priscilla Moores Daughter of William Moores and Christian his wife was Born August ye 29lh 1698. V 338 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. • Elizabeth Moores Daughter of Moores Bora Novr ye 6th|1701. Nehemiah Moores Son of Mathew Moores and Sarah his wife was Born January ye 8th 1699. Ann Moores Daughter of William Moores and Christian his wife was born July ye 20th 1096. John Moores Son of John Moores and Mary his wife was Born October ye 28th 1700. Rachel Moore Daughter to Samuel Moore and Sarah his wife was Born May ye 26th 1701. Robert Moores Son of John Moores and Mary his vvife Born September ye 17th 1702. Thomas Moore was Married to Mary White December ye 25th 1699. By me John Bishop — Justice. These May Certify all Persons Concerned that John Moore was Married to Hope Robinds March j'e 18th 1699. By Me John Bishop — Justice. John Moore Son of John Moore and Hope his wife Born December ye 3rd 1700, in ye Town of Freehold. Joseph Moore Son of John Moore and Hoiie his wife was Born October ye 5th 1703. Sarah Moore Daughter of Thomas Moore and Mary his wife was Born March ye 8th 1702. Michael Moore Son of Thomas Moore and Mary his wife was Born January ye 28th 1704. Mary Moore Daughter of Thomas Moore and Mary his wife was Born August ye 8th 1707. Rachel Moore Daughter ot Thomas Moore and Mary his wife was Born January ye 7th 1709. Benjamin Moores Son of John Moores and Mary his wife was Born March ye 19lh day 1704. Sarah Moores Daughter of John Moores and Mary his wile Born January ye 23rd 1708. Thomas Moores Son of John Moores and Mary his wife was Born April ye 10th 1711. Samuel Moores Son of John Moores and Mary his wife was Born ye 6th day of August ut one of ye Clock in ye Morning Anno: Domi: 1715. Samuel Moore Son of Thomas Jloore and Mary his wile was Born Septr ye 1st 1712. Hannah Moore Daughter of Thomas Moore and Mary his wife was Born February ye 8th 1710. Jonathan Moore Son of Thomas Moore and Mary his wife was Born April ye Ist 1718. Benjamin Moore Sob of John Moore and Hope his wife was Born October ye lOlh 1705, in Elizabeth Town. Enoch Moore Sou of John Moore and Hope his wife was Born ye 7th of December 1707. Samuel Moore Son of Joiin Moore and Hope his wife was Born April ye 4th 1709. APPENDIX, 339 Daniel iMoore Son of John Moore and Hope his wife was Born August ye 24th 1711. Rachel Moore Daughter of John Moore and Hope Ins wife was Born October ye 15th 1713. John Moore was Married to Mary Oliver Novr j'e 21st 1717 By Me John Bishop —Justice. Mary Moore D.iU!i;hter of John Moore and Mary his wife was Born Janu- ary ye 17th 1719. William Moore Son of John Moore and Mary his wife was Born Auf^ust ye 30th 1720. Hannah Moore Daughter of John Moore and Slary his wife was Born March ye 31st 1722. John Morehouse was Married to Susanah Ogden ye 17th Day of January 1717. By Mr. Jonathan Dickeson— Minister. John Moore Son of John Moore and Mary his wife was Born May )'e 13tli 1725. Deborah Moore Daughter of John Moore and Mary his wife was Born March ye S8th 1727. Sarah Moore Daughter of John Moore and Mary his wife was Born December ye 6th 1728. P. Sarah Peirce Daughter of Joshua Peirce ami Dorothy his wife Born ye 18th D.iy of March 1688, the 5th D.iy of the week about Break of Day. Joshua Peirce the Son of Joshua Peirce Late Deceased and Dorothy his wife born ye 14th of Januar}'^ 1670. Samuel Parker Son to Elisha Parker and Elizabeth his wife Born ye 3rd of March 1609. Mary Parker Daughter to Elisha Parker and Elizabeth his wife Born ye 3rd of December 1672. Samuel Parker Sou to Elisha Parker and Elizabeth his wife Born June ye 1st 1674. John Pike Son to John^Pike_and Sarah his wife Born ye 9th Day of April 1677. Sarah Pike Daughter to Jq^JPike and Sarah his wife Born ye 15th of January 1679. Joseph Pike Son to John Pike and S.irah his wife Born October ye 18th 1G80. ^""- John Pike Son to John Pike and Sarah his wife born ye 5th day of December 1681. Thomas Parker Son of Thomas Paiker and Mary his wife Born ye 9th Day of March 1682. Joseph Pike Son of John Pike and Sarah his wife Born ye 24th of October 1083. • Elisha Parker Son of Thomas Parker and Mary his wife Born ye 20th Day of August 1084 Sarah Pike ye 2n(i was Born ye 17lh of October 1686. 34° WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Mary Pike Daughter of John Pike and Sarali his wife Boin ye 9th of November 1687. Hannah Pike Daughter of John Pike and Sarah his wife Born ye 18th of December 1689. Thomas Pike Son of Thomas Pike and Hester his wife Born ye SOtli of Septr 1690. Daniel Parker Son Thomas Parker and Mary his wife Born ye 1st of May 1676. Joseph Parker Son of Thomas Parker and Mary his wife Born ye 18th of September 1690. Elizabeth Parker Daughter of Elisha Parker and Hannah his wife Born ye 23rd of December 1691. Nathaniel Pike Son of Thomas Pike and Hester his wife Born ye 39th of May 1693. Joseph Pike Son of Thomas Pike and Hester his wife Born April ye 30lh 1694. Benjamin Son of Thomas Parker and Mary his wife Born January ye 4th 1693. Henry Potter Son of Marmeduke Potter and Mary his wife Born Septr ■ ye 30th 1679. Elizabeth Potter Daughter of Marmeduke Potter and Mary his wife Bora May ye 13lh 1683. Martha Potter Daughter of Marmeduke Potter and Mary his wile Born June ye 4th 1693. Mary Potter Daughter of Marmeduke Potter and Mar}^ his wife Born August ye 10th 1690. Zebulon Pike Son of John Pike and Sarah his wife was Born ye 17th of August 1693. John Parker Son of Elisha Parker and Hannah his wife was Born Novemberye 17th 1693. John Price Son of Christopher Price and Hannah his wife was Born August ye 8th 1698. George Parker and Elizabeth Parker Son and Daughter to Thomas Parker and Mary his wife was Born March ye 30th 1695. Elizabeth Parker Daugliter of Elisha Parker and Ursula his wife was Born March ye 21=t 1698. Mary Parker Daughter of Elisha Parker and Ursula his wife was Born December ye 23nd 1703. Joseph Pike S(m of Thomas Pike and Hester his wife Deceased May ye 11th 1694. Ursula Parket Daughter of Elisha Parker and Ursula his wife was Born December ye 31st 1700. Tliese are to Make Known that there is an Intent of jMarrage Between Thomas Pike and Hester Buna Both of Woodbridge June yc 39th 1689. To Samuel Dennes Town Clerk of Woodbridge these May Imforme You that Thomas Pike and Hester Bunn Came Before Me and were Married According to Law, August ye 14th 1689. John Bishop— Justice. APPENDIX. 341 Thomas Pike was Married to Elizabeth Parker ye 2oth of January 168G. By Me Archbalcl Ridall. Marmarduke Potter was Married to Mary Bingla November ye 8tli 1677. Hannah Parker wife to Elisha Parker Departed this Life October ye 14th 169G. These May Certify all Persons Concerned that Elisha Parker was Married to Ursula Crage the 27th of Septr 1697. By Me John Bishop — Justice. These May Certify all Persons Concerned that Thomas Pike was Married to Mary Phillips June ye 30th 1699. By Me Samuel Hale — Justice. Elizabeth Pike wife of Thomas Departed this Life ye 12th September 1688. Hester Pike wife to Thomas Pike Deceased December ye 7th 1694. Samuel Parker Departed this Life ye 27th December 1672. '■""- John Pike Sun of John Pike and Sarah his wife Deceased ye 14th Day of May 1677. Joseph Pike Son of John Pike and Sarah his wife Deceased the 28th December 16S0. Sarah Pike Daughter to John Pike and Sarah his wife Deceased je 17th Day of December 1681. Katherine Powell wife to Richard Powell Deceased May ye 16th 1689. Elizabeth Parker Daughter of Elisha Parker and Hannah his wife Died March ye 13th 1691. John Pike and Sarah Stout Married at Middletown February ye 2nd 1675. Marmeduke Potter and Mary Bingla Married November ye 25th 1677. Richard Powell and Elizabeth Thorp widow and Relick of Thomas Thorp Deceased Married December ye 4th 1689. These May Certify all Persons Concerned that Elisha Parker was ^Married to Hannah Rolph j^e 26th Day of March 1691. By Me Samuel Hale — Justice. Entered By Me Jany ye 8th 1691. Samuel Dennes, Town Clerk. John Pitney Son of James Pitney and Sarah his wife Born on Saturday Sun two Hours High in February or March in ye Year 1700. Jacob Peatt ye Son of Rene Peatt Born ye Last of October 1678. Elisha Parker Son of Elisha Parker and Ursula his wife was Born November ye 2oth 1704. John Pangburn Sun of Edmund Pangburn and Lydia his wife was Born Septr ye 25th IV 10. Deborah Perry Daughter of Thomas Perry and Elizabeth his wile was Born ye 9ili Diiy of August 1738. Samuel Pitney Son of James Pitney and Susanah his wife was Born ye 9th of March in the Year 1718. Jonathan Pitney Son of James Pilney and Susanah his wife was Born July ye 17th 1721. 342 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. John Priched Son of John Priclied and Mary his wife was Born January ye 22nd 1712, in Woodbridge. Entered By Me Moses Rolph— Clerk. Nathaniel Pike was Married to Grace Turnbull ye 23rd of July 1715. By Thomas Pike — Justice. Thomas Pike Son of JSTathaniel Pike and Grace his wife was Born July ye 14th 1716. Mary Pike Daughter of Nathaniel Pike and Grace his wife was Born March ye 28th 1718. William Pike Son of Nathaniel Pike and Gi'ace his wife was Born Septr ye 5th 1722. Nathaniel Pike Son of Nathaniel Pike and Grace his wife was Born July ye 30th 1725. Hester Pike Daughter of Nathaniel Pike and Grace his wile was Born June ye 2nd 1727. Joseph Pike was Married to Elizabeth Frazee December ye 27th 1716. ' By Moses Rolph — Justice. John Pike Sou of Joiseph Pike and Elizabeth his wife was Born January ye 4th 1718. Timothy Pike Son of Joseph Pike and Eiizabtth his wife was Born April ye 3rd 1720. Sarah Pike Daughter of Joseph Pike and Elizabeth his wife was Boru July ye 29lh 1722. Elizabeth Piko Daughter of Joseph Pike and Elizabeth his wife was Born Born April ye 23rd 1725. Ichabod Potter and Polly Compyon were ]\Iariied the 14th of April 1790. Sally Randolph Potter Daughter of the above Said I^habod Potter and Polly his wife was born February thi; 19th 1791. Nancy Potter Daughter of the above Said Ichabod and Polly Potter was Born the 2ath of July 1793. Francis Compyon Potter Son of Ichabod Potter and Polly his wife was Born the 27th June 1795. Jane Potter Daughter of Ichabod Potter and Polly his wife was Born the 12th of April 1797. Edward Crowell Potter Son of Ichabod and Polly Potter was Born May the 26th 1799. R. Lydia Robinds Daughter to Danic'l Robinds and Hope his wife Born ye 25th of July 1668. Joseph Robinds Son to Daniel Robinds and Hope his wile Born March ye 27th 1670. Richard Robinds Son to Daniel Robinds and Hope his wife Born Febru- ary ye 14th 1673. Hope Robinds Daughter to Daniel Robinds and Hope his wife Boru July ye 15 1 h 1674. Nathaniel Robinds Son of Daniel Robinds and Hope his wife Born yc 22nd of March 1675. APPENDIX. 343 Ro' ert Rogers Son to Robert Rogers and Ann his wife Born ye 20lh Day of November 1(170. Thomas Rogers Son of Robert Rogers and Ann bis wife Born OctoUer ye 17th 1677. Moses Robinds Son to Daniel Robinds and Hope his wife Born ye 27lh of March 1079. Robert Rogers Son to Robert Rogers and Ann his wife Born ye 14th of February 1071). Hope Robinds Daughter to Daniel Robinds and Hope his wife Born December ye 10th 1081. Aaron Robinds Son to Daniel Robinds and Hope his wife Born ye 34th Day of May 1683. Benjamin Robinds Son to Daniel Robinds and Hope his wife Born ye 15th Day of June 1080. Sarah Ivolph Daughter of John Rolph and Sarah his wife Born November ye 27th 1089. John Rolpli was Married to Sarah Moorcs July ye 18th 1088. Tliese May Certify any Concerned that Richard Robinds was Married unto Hannah Moores ye 20lh of October 1693. Before Jle John Bishop. Robert Rogers and Ann Alward Married ye 28th of November 1075. November ye 27th 1076. This May Certify any whome it May Concern that Daniel Robinds was Married unto Mary Parker ye 27th Day of November 1691. Before Me John Bishop Hope Robinds Daughter to Daniel Robinds and Hope his wife Departed this Life ]\Iarch ye ^rd 1674. Robert Rogers Son to Robert Rogers and Ann his wife Deceased Decem- ber ye 18ih 1076. Robert Rogers Son to Robert Rogers and Ann his wife Died ye 28th of July 1679. Sarah Rolph wife to John Rolph December ye 4th 1689. Sarah Rolph Daughter to John Rolph and Sarah his wife Deceased December ye 23rd 1089. Mary Robinds wife of Daniel Robinds Juur Deceased ye 5th of October 1692. Joseph Robinds bis Publication for Marriage with Anna Pack Dated April ye 22nd 1092. Richard Robinds his Publication for Marriage with Hannah Moores Dated ye 34th of September 1092. Joseph Robinds was Married to Anna Pack June ye 8th 1093. Elizabeth Robison Daughter of John Robison and Susanah his wife was Born August ye 1098. John Robison Sou of John Robison and Jennet his wife Born yo 11th of August 1690. Daniel Robinds Son of Daniel Robinds and Mary his wife Born October ye 5th 1692. 34 t WOCDBRIDGE AND VICINITY. , ^ Anna Robiuds Daughter of Joseph Robinds and Anaa his "wife Born Felraaiy ye Stli 1692. Andrew Robison Son of John Robison and Jennet his wife Born j'^e 15th of July 1693. Jonathan Robinds Son of Daniel Robinds and Mary his wife Born December ye 23rd 1694. John Robinds Sou of Daniel Robinds and Mary his wife Born February ye 24ai 1695. Meribah Robiuds Daughter of Richard Robinds and Hannah his wife Born April ye 13tli 1693. John Robison was Married to Susanah Collier Novpmber ye 17th 1697. John Robison Son of John Robison and Susanah his wife was Born June ye 22nd 1701. These May Certify all Persons Concerned that Moses Rolph was Married to Mary liiggens June ye 4th 1702. By Me John Bishop — Justice. {Note : This Moses Rolph was a son-in-law of Sam'l. Hale. See Liber A., p. 309. Mary Higgens was probably a widow.) Samuel Rolph Son of Moses Rolph and i\Iary his wife was Bom February ye 13 th 1703. Elizabeth Rolph Daughter of Moses Rolph and Mary his wife was Born August ye 9th 1705. Eastei Rolph Daughter of Moses Rolph and Mary his wife was Born April ye 12th 1707. Apphiah Rolph Daughter of Moses Rolph and Mary his wife was Born January ye Gth 1708. Richard Rolpli ye Son of Closes Rolph and Islnyy his wife was Bora May ye 12lh 1710. Richard Rolph Son of IMoses Rolph and Mary his wife Died September ye 7th 1711. Nathaniel Rolph Son of JIoscs Rolph and Mary his wife was Born September ye 15th 1712. Jonathan Rolph Son of Moses Rolph and Mary his wife was Born August ye 80th 1714. Richard Rolph Son of Moses Rolph and Mary his wife was Born August ye 1st 1717, and Died the 13th October 1719. Tliese May Certify all Persons Concerned that Benjamin Rolph was Mar. ried to Margret Holion December j'e 2nd 1703. By Me John Bishop— Justice. Rebeckah Rolph Daugliter to Benjamin Rolph and Margrct his wife was Bora September 3'e 26th 1704. Benjamin Rolph Son of Benjamin Rolph and Margret his wife was Born January ye 1st 1106. Martha Rumworth Daughter of John Rumworth and Sarah his wife was Born ye 31st of December 1711. Mary Rogers Daughter of William Rogers and Elizabeth Rogers his wife T?as Born the 12th Day of March 1714. APPENDIX. 345 Robert Rolph Son of Moses RolpL and Mary his -wife was Born ye 18th of May 1719. Sarah Rolph Daughter of Moses Rolph and Mary his wife was Born ye 4th of April Anno. Domi: 1721. Henry Rolph Son of Moses Rolph and Mary his wife was Born June ye 2Glh 1728. S, Easter Smith wife of Samuel Smith Deceased the 14th Day of August 1G90. Mary Smith Daughter of Richard Smith and Elizabeth his wife Deceased December ye 5th 1690. Elizabeth Smith wife to Richard Smith Junr Deceased January ye 14th 1690. William Spence Son of William Spence and Elizabeth his wife was Born May ye 12th 1703. These May Certify all Persons Concerned that Richard Smith was Married to Rebeckah Scatown July ye 27th 1693. By Me Samuel Hale— Justice. These May Certify all Pei-sons Concerned that William Stone was Married to Margret Dix August ye 18th 1696. These May Certify all Persons Concerned that Samuel Smith was Married to Elizabeth Peirce June ye 8th 1692. By Me Samuel Hale— Justice. Sarah Smith Daughter of Richard Smith Born September ye 8th 1704. Moses Smith Son of Thomas Smith and Deborah his wife was Born /.ugust ye 25th 1701. Joanna Shepard Daughter of Mr. Samuel Shepard and Alice his wife was Born December ye 20th 1701. Susanah Smith Daughter of Samuel Smith and Elizabeth his wife was Born September ye 27th 1699. George Speedwell Son of John Speedwell Born January ye loth 1685. Hannah Speedwell Daughter of John Speedwell Born January ye loth 1688. Elizabeth Smith Daughter of Samuel Smith and Easter his wife was Born ye 15th Day of August 1681. Samuel Smith Son of Samuel Smith and Easter his wife was Born ye 18th Day of April 1685. Benjamin Smith Son of Samuel Smith and Etister his wife Born ye 28th of January 1687. Elizabeth Smith wife of Richard Smith was Delivered of two Daughters ye 25th of November 1690, their Names Called Mary and Elizabeth. - William Sharp was Published for Marriage with Mary Smith Januar}' ye 23rd 1688. " William Sharp had his Certifycate for Marriage Febr 13th 1688. Hannah Smith Daughter of Richard Smith and Rebeckah his wife was Born November ye 9tii 1697. Amme Shippie Daughter of John Shippie and Susanah his wife Born May ye 26th 1703. 34^ WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Sarah Smith Daughter of Richard Smith and Rebeckah his wife Born December ye 24lh 1693. Richard Smith Sou of Richard Smith and Rebeckah his wife was Born October ye 4th 1695. Deborah Smith Daughter of Thomas Smith and Deborah his wife was Born ye 27th of August 1695. Mary Stone Daughter of William Stone and IMargret his wife was Born August ye 6th 1697. Hannah Smith Daughter of Richard Smith and Rebeclcah Ms wife Born November ye 9 th 1697. Thomas Smith Son of Thomas Smith was Born ye 17th of November 1697. Dorothy Smith Daughter of Richard Smith and Rebeckah his wife Born April ye 13th 1699. Mary Salyars Daughter of Charles Salyars and Mary his wife Born Octo- ber ye 17th 1695. Shubal Smith Son of Samuel Smith and Elizabeth his wife was Born January ye 2nd 1692. Joseph Smith Son of Samuel Smith and Elizabeth his wife was Born Iklarch ye 9th 1695. The Said Joseph Smith Deceased Septr ye 22ad 1704. Mary Shippey Daughter of John Shippey and Judeth his wife Born August ye 21st 1697. Siisanah Smith Daughter of Thomas Smitli and Deborah bis wife was Born August ye 25lh 1099. Susanah Smith Daughter of Ichabod Smith and Hannah his wife was Born March ye 19th 1698. Nathan Smith Son of Richard Smith and Rebeckah his wife was Born March ye 18th 1708. Joseph Salyer Son of Charles Salyer and Rebeckah his wife was Born January ye 6th 1719. Johanah Salyer Daughter of Charles Salyer and Rebeckah his wife was Born in North Carolina January ye 23nd 1724. Samuel Sulycr Son of Charles and Rebeckah Salyer was Born in North Carolina February ye 23rd 1726. Zacheriah Salyer Son of Charles Salyer and Rebecliah his wife was Born Jany ye 24th 1730. Jeremiah Salyer Son of Charles Salyer and Rebeckah his wife was Born April ye 6th 1732. Hugh Hamilton Smith Son of Thomas and Phebe was Born September 4th 1814. T. Isaac Tappin Son to Isaac Tappin and Hannah his wife Born ye 20th of Septr 1673. Mary Tappin Daughter to Abraham Tappin and Ruth his wife Born ye 25th Day of Octr 1674. y APPENDIX, 347 Elizabeth Tappen Daughter of Isaac Tappen and Hannah his wife Born ye 26th of January 1676. William Thornell Son of Israel Thornell and Annah Lis wife Born ye 24th of December 1676. Mary Taylor Daughter to John Taylor and Sarah his wife Born ye 27th Day of January 1676. Elizabeth Tlaornell Daughter to Israel Thornell and Annah his wife Born ye 5th Day of March 1678. Hannah T;ippin Daughter to Abraham Tappin and Ruth his wife Born ye 14th April 1677. Isaac Tappin Son of Isaac Tappin and Hannah his wife Born ye 12th Day of June 1678. Ruth Taylor Daughter to John Taylor and Sarah his wife Born ye 25th of December 1678. Israel Thornell Son to Israel Thornell and Hannah his wife Born ye 3rd Day ol November 1679. David Tappin S(m to Isaac Tappin and Hannah his wife Born ye 2nd Day of November 1680. Elizabeth Tbornell Daughter to Israel Thornell and Annah his wife Born ye 5th Day of March 1681. John Tappin Son to Isaac Tappen and Hannah his wife Born ye 16th Day of ^larcli 1682. Joseph Thornell Son of Israel Thorne]! and Hannah his wife Born ye IG daj' of January 1683. Joannali Thornell Daughter to Israel Thornell and Hannah his wife Born ye 25th Day of February 1684. Hannah Tappin Daughter to Isaac Tappin and Hannah his wife Born ye 23rd Day of December 1686. Benjamia Thornell Son to Israel Tiiornell and Hannah his wife Born ye 19 th Day of March 1687. Mary Tappin Daughter of Isaac Tappin and 3Iary his wife Born Novem- ber ye 17th 1693. Abigal Thorpe Daughter of Daniel Thorp and Abigal his wife Born May ye 30th 1693. AUice Thorpe Daughter of Daniel Thorpe and Abigal his wife Born April ye 29th 1694. Elizabeth Town Septr ye 7th 1692. These Certify that the Day and Year above said Daniel Thorpe of Wood- bridge and Abigal Norrige of Elizabeth Town were Joyned together in Holy Wedlock. Pr Me Jobn Harumo. Stephen Tutle of Woodbridge was Married to Ruth Fitz Randolph of the Same Town Septr ye 12th 1695. By Me Samuel Hale— Justice. Rebeckah Thorpe Daughter of William Thorpe and Lydia his wife Born March the 31st 1688. Lydia Thorpe Daughter of William Thorpe Born January ye 22nd 1690. William Thorp Son of William Thorp Born April ye 25th 1692. 348 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Isaac Tappin Married to Hannah Kent ye 29th September 1669. Abraham Tappin and Ruth Pike Married ye 9th Day of November 1670. Isaac Tappin was Married to Mary March ye 27th of March 1691. By Me Samuel Hale. To all Persons that May Be Concerned Know ye that John Tailler was Married to Mary Murlet widow December ye 7th 1685. By Me Samuel Hale Elizabeth Thornell Daughter to Israel Thornell and Hannah his wife Deceased ye 23rd of Septr 1681. Benjamin Tappin Son of Isaac Tappin and Mary his wife Born ye 23rd of July and Deceased ye 14th of August 1692. Hannah Tappin wife to Isaac Tappin Died ye lOlh of December 1689. Abraham Tappin Son of Isaac Tappin and Mary his wife Born ye 18th of May 1695. Timothy Tutle Son of Stephen Tutle and Ruth his wife was Born October ye 16th 1696. Thomas Thorp Son of William Thorp and Lydia his wife Burn October ye 18th 1695. Daniel Thorp Son of Daniel Thorp and Abigal his wife w^as Born Febru- ary ye 1st 1702. Paul Thorp Son of Joseph Thorp and Hannah his wife was Born April ye 4th 1704. Mary Thorp Daughter of Joseph Thorp and Hannah his wife Born April ye 6th 1706. Caleb TJiorp Son of Joseph Thorp and Hannah his wife was Born April ye 25th 1711. AVilliam Thornell Son of Israel Thornell Deceased Octr ye 31st 1702. Rebeckah Thorp Daughter of Daniel Thorp and Abigal Born July ye 9th 1704. Zebulon Thorp Son of Joseph Thorp and Hannah his wife was Born ye 25th of August 1707. Jonathan Tliorp Son of Joseph Thorp and Hannah his wife was Born in June ye 9th Day in ye Year 1717. Caleb Tliorp Son of Joseph Thorp and Hannah his wife Departed this Life Novr ye 1st 1719. Joseph Thorp Son of ye above said Joseph and Hannah his wife Departed this Life August ye 14th 1718. Aged 22 years. Bathsheba Thorp Daughter of William Thorp and Lydia his wife was Born Octr ye 7th 1705. Mary Tborp Daughter of William Thorp and Lydia his wife was Born June ye 26th 1716. Joseph Thornell was Married to Elizabeth Allen August ye 20th 1711. By Me Nathaniel Wade Robert Thornell Son of Joseph Thornell and Elizabeth his wile was Born May ye 20th 1712. Elizabeth Thornell Daughter of Joseph Thornell and Elizabeth his wife was Born October ye 8th 1714. APPENDIX. 349 Thomas Tranerry Son of Thomas Tranerry and Mary his wife was Born ye 14th Day of December 1713. Job Thorp was Married to IMary Wright April ye 23rd 1741. Joseph Thorp Son of Job Thorp and Mary his wife was Born February ye 31st 1742. Ichabod Thorp Son of Job and Mary Thorp was Born September ye 18th 1743. David Son of Job and Mary Thorp was Born April ye 11th 1746. Paul Son of Job and Mary Thorp was Born May ye 21st 1748. W. John Worth Son to Richard Worth and Mary his wife Born May ye 10th 1660. Judith Worth Daughter to Richard Worth and Mary his wife Born ye 18th of March 1670. Joseph Worth Son to Richard and Mary his wife Born March ye 22nd 1673. Jonathan Wallier Son of Francis Walker and Ann his wife Born ye 14th Day of October 1684. David Wallier Son of Francis Walker and Ann his wife Born ye 18th Day of October 1686. Mary Webster Daughter to William Webster and Mary his wife was Born ye 31st of July 1690. Hannah Webster Daughter of William Webster and Mary his wife Born ye 18th of September 1693. Ann Walker Daughter of Francis and Ann his wife was Born September 1688. Francis Walker Son of Francis Walker and Ann his wife was Born ye 9th day of Octr 1693. William Webster Son of William Webster and Mary his wife Born January ye 19th 1693. Moses Webster Sou of William and Mary his wife Born October ye 5th 1694. Sarah Webster Daughter of William Webster and Mary his wife Born June ye 24th 1695. ^lary White Daughter of Michael White and Mary his wife Born Febru- ary ye 18th 1684. Martha Walker Daughter of Francis Walker and Ann his wife Born September ye 10th 1696. Sarah Wood Daughter of William Wood and Grace his wife Born Sep- tember ye 21st 1695. Elias Walker Son of Isaac Walker and Desire his wife Born April ye 3rd 1693. John Wilconson Son of Edward Wilconsoei Born ye 15th of February 1685. Allen Wilconson Son of Edward Wilconson Above said Born ye 2ud of June 1687. 35° WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. David Walker Son of Jonathan Walker and Pennelope his -wife was Bora September ye 17th 1704. Allen Wilkison Son to John Wilkison and Rebeckah his wife was Born September ye 22nd 1709. Thomas Wilkison Son of John Wilkison and Rebeckah his wife was Born February ye 16th 1711. Moses Wilkison Son of John AVili'ison and Rebeckah his wife was Born November ye 22nd 1712. Patience Wilkison Daughter of John Wilkison and Rebeckah his wife was Born August ye 7th 1714. Aaron Wilkison Son of John Wilkison and Rebeckah his wife Born Octr ye 24th 1716. Hannah Wright Daughter of Robert Wright and Hannah his wife was Born August ye 2nd 1701 about 2 of ye Clock in ye Morning. Ann Wright Daughter of Robert Wright and Hannah his wife was Born August ye 2oth 1703, about 3 of the Clock in ye Morning. Desire Worth Daughter of John Worth and Jane his wife was Born Feb- ruary ye 6lh 1707. Elizabeth Worth Daughter of John Worth and Jane his wife was Born September ye 10th 1709. Benjamin Worth Son of John Worth Departed this Life !5Iarch ye 12th 1707. " Abner Wright Son of Richard Wright and Sarah his wife was Born December ye 3rd 1703. Nathan Wright Son of Richard Wright and Sarah his wife was Born in September yc 1705. Jeremiah Wright Son of Richard Wright and Sarah his wife Born Febru- ary ye 3rd 1707. Mary Worth Daughter of John Worth and Jane his wife was Born April ye 28th 1711. Moses Wright Son of Richard Wright and Sarah his wife was Born Octr ye 22nd 1710. Mary Wright Daughter of Richard and Sarah his wife was Born May ye 31st 1714. Richard Wright Son of Richard Wright and Sarah his wife was Born Februarj' ye 29th 1716. David Son of Richard and Sarah Wright was Born February ye 28th 1721. APPEI^DIX F. LIST OF BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND PEATHS IN LFBER B. Note: Nearlj* all in this record are Births; but a few Marriages and Deaths' are to be found in these pages. We give the list verbatim, just as we find it written in Liber B. A. John Ayers was married to Mary Creshon January ye 17th 171G by Moses Rolj)!!— Justice John Ayers Son of John Ayers and Mary his wife was born June ye fourth 1719. B. Alexander Black was married to Ursula Brown. James Johnson Black Son of Alexander and Ursulia Black was born July 17th 17G6. Foreman Black Son of Alexander and Ursulia Black was born May ye 29 Ih 1768. Jane ye Daughter of Alexander and Ursulia Black was Born July ye 26th 1770. Alexander ye Son of Alexander and Ursulia Black was Born Sept ye 9th 1773. Eunis Bunn Daughter of ]\Iiles Buun and Mary his wife was born Novem- ber the 20th 1703. Mary Bunn Daughter of JMiles Bunn and Mary his wife was born Novem- ber ye 17th 1705. Sarah Bunn Daughter of Miles Bunn and Mary his wife was born June the 4th 1709. Rhoda Bunn Daughter of Miles Bunn and Mary his wife was born August ye fourth 1712. Miles Bunn Son of Miles Bunn and Mary his wife was born November ye 25th 1713. Nathaniel Bunn Son of Miles Bunn and Mary his wife was born February ye 13th 1715. William Buun Son of Miles Bunn and Mary his wife was born June ye Uth 1721. Jeremiah Bloomfield was Married to Cathrine Weeks January 8th 1722. By John Peirson — Clerk. Ezekiel Bloomfield Son of Jeremiah Bloomfield and Cathrine his wife was born October 16th 1723. Hannah Bloomfield Daughter of Jeremiah Bloomfield and Cathrine his wife was born December 9!h 1725. 352 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Ebenezer Bloomfield Son of Jeremiah Bloomfield and Catbriue his wife was born Feb 5th 1737. Jeremiah Bloomfield Son of Jeremiah Bloomfield and Cathrine his wife was born December 7th 1730. Eunice Bloomfield Daughter of Jeremiah Bloomfield and Cathrine his wife was born July ye 25th 1733. ^ Ursula Daughter of Jeremiah and Katharine Bloomfield born ye 11th day of April xVnno. Dom 1737. J Joseph Bloomfield was married to Unis Dunham Sept 5th 1721. by Mr John Peirson — Clerk. Hannah Bloomfield Daughter of Joseph Bloomfield was born November 13th 1722, and Died in February following. Hannah Bloomfield Daughter of Joseph Bloomfield and Uniee his wife was born June 12th 1724. Martha Bloomfield Daughter of Joseph Bloomfield and Unicehis wife was born July 2G.th 1726. Moses Bloomfield Son of Joseph Bloomfield and Eunice his wife was born Sept ye 4th 1729. Asa Bloomfield Son of Joseph Bloomfield and Eunice his wife was born Oct ye 25th 1733. James Brown Son of Andrew Brown and Sarah his wife was born January ye 13th 1731. Joseph Brown Son of Andrew Brown and Sarah his wife was born ye 29th of December 1733. Anable Brown Daughter of Andrew Brown and Sarah his wife was born August ye 28th 1735. John Bingla Son of William Biugla and Mary his wife was born Deer ye 25th 1720. "William Bingla Son of Wm Bingla and Mary his wife was born Deer ye 8th 1723. Eunice Daughter of Andrew and Sarah Brown was born ye 15th of November 1738. George Brown Sou of James and Agnes Brown born Deer, ye 20th 1724. Thomas Son of ye Said James and Agnes Brown born February ye 14th 1726. Agnes Daughter of ye aforesaid James and Agnes Brown was born August ye 29 th 1730. Christian Daughter of ye Said James and Agnes Brown born Deer ye 10th 1733. John Son of yc Said James and Agnes Brown born February ye 2ord 1735. Ursula Daughter of ye Said James and Agnes Brown was born February ye 21st 1737. Mary Daughter of Jeremiah and Katharine Bloomfield was Born yc 17th day of March 1739. Gordon Brown Son of Andrew and Sarah Brown was born ye 20lh day of March 1739. ' APPENDIX. 353 Katharine Daughter of Jeremiah and Katharine Bloanifield was born ye 20th day of April 1743. William Son of Andrew and Sarah Brown was born April ye 20th 1742. George Son of ye Said Andrew and Sarah Brown was born July ye 27th 1745. C. John Campyou was Harried to Martha Walker January ye 12th 1719. By Mr. John Peirson. Minister. Joannah Campyon Daughter of ye above Said John Oampyon and Martha his wife was born April ye 8th 1723. Francis Campyou Son of ye above Said John Campyon and Martha his wife was born Marcli ye 4th 1725'. Ann Campyon Daughter of John Campyou and Martiia his wife was born July ye 6th 1730. Eliakim Compton and Rachel Corapton Son and Daughter of John and Mary Compton was born Sept ye 1st 1727. Elizabeth Daughter of John and Mary Compton was born April ye 12tU 1735. , Daniel Son of John and Mary Compton was born July ye 31st 1738. D. Jonathan Dilley Son ot Jonathan Dilley and Hannah his wife was born the 2nd day of Sept 1714. John Dilley Son of Jonathan Dille}" and Hannah his wife was born ye 7th of March Anno Dom 1717. Aaron Dilley Son of Jonathan Dilley and Hannah his wife was bora August 28th Anno. Dom 1721. Sarah Dilley Daughter of Jonathan DiUey and Hannah his wife Wf.s born Sept 2ud 1723. Ephvaim Donham Son of Nathaniel Donham and Johanna his wife was born November ye 17th 1724. F. Nathaniel Fitz Randolph was Married to Mary Broocks By Ezekiel Bloomtield Esq in ye year 1735. Robert Fitz Randolph Son of Nathaniel F. Randolph and Mary Fitz Randolph was Born the 25th Day of Sept 1737. Hannah Fitz Randolph was born ye 29th of Octobei 1739. Thomas F. Randolph was born ye 21st of Deer 17jll. Hannah Fitz Randolph Departed this Life ye 26ih June 1742. JIary Fitz Randolph and Mother to the above mentioned Children Departed this Life the 12th of July in ye year 1743. Robert Fitz Randolph was Married to Phebe Pearsall the 7th Day of March 17 Samuel F. Randolph Son of the above Named Robert and Phebe P. Ran- dolph was Born the 1st Day of Deer in the year of our Lord 1708. Mercy F. Randolph Daughter of ye above was Born the 5th of May in the vea;- v'/.''. 354 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. , Mary F. Randolph Daughter of ye above was Born the 19th Day of Feb- ruary In ye year 1775. Joseph Fitz Randolph Son of the above Robert and Phebe Fitz Randolph was Born the 8th Day of January in the year of our Ijord 1781. The above Joseph was born on Staten Island. Mary Fitz Randolph Daughter of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph and Mary his ■wife was born the 4th of July 1721. Rachel Fitz Randolph Daughter of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph and Mary his wife was born the 13th of April 1723. David Fitz Randolph Son of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph and Mary his wife was born the 7th Day of March Anno. Dom 1724. H. Tobias Hatch was Married ye 31st Day of October to Sarah Cromwell By me John Peirson in ye year 1717. Joseph Hatch Son of Tobias Hatch and Sarah his wife was Born Novem- ber ye 22nd 1718. Elizabeth Hatch Daughter of Tobias Hatch and Sarah his wife was Born ye 30th of March in ye year 1721. John Hatch was Born April ye 22nd 1723. I. William Ileslee was married to Mary Aj^ers June 18th 1700, by Samuel Hale — Justice. Hannah Ileslee Daughter of William Ileslee and Mary his wife was bora June ye 18th 1701. M. Samuel Moore was married to Mary Harrison June 2nd 1718. by Thomas Yates — Justice of the Peace. Jonathan Moore Son of the above Said Samuel Moore and Mary his wife was born February ye 18th 1720. John Moore Son of Said Samuel Moore and Mary his wife was bora February 24th 1722. Sarah Moore Daughter of Said Samuel Moore and Marj' his wife was born March 24lh 1724, and Died the 22ud of March 1725. Samuel Moore Son of Said Samuel Moore and Mary his wife was born June 18th 1720. Joseph Moore Son of Samuel Moore (Carpenter) and Mary his wife was born January ye 9th 1731. Edward Moore Son ©f ye above Said Samuel Moore Carpenter and Mary bis wife was born Novr. ye 0th 1733. Sarah Moore Daughter of ye aforesaid Samuel Moore Carpenter and Mary hia wife was born July ye 31st 1735. Joseph Morry Son of Ebenezar and Mary Morry was born October ye 2nd 1731. Anna Daughter of Ebenezar and Mary Morry was born ye 27th day of May Anno Dom 1738, APPENDIX. 355; Marion Daughter of Thomas and Rachel Moores was born ye 31st day of October 1735. Annapel Daughter of ye Said Thomas and Rachel Moores was born ye 3rd day of March 1736.- *? John Son of ye aforesaid Thomas and Rachel Moores was born ye 15th day of November 1738. Isaac Moore Son of Samuel and Mary Moore born ye 10th day July Anno. Dom 1737. John Son of Samuel and Mary Moore was born ye 11th day of May 1739. Phcbe Daughter of Ebeaczar and Mary Morry was born ye 27th day of May 1741. Job Son of Ebenczar and Mary Morry was born ye 8th day of October 1743. Mary Daughter of Thomas and Rachel Moores was born ye 3rd day ot October 1740. Hope Daughter of Thomas and Rachel Moores was born ye 3rd day of: February 1743. John Ogilsbie was married to Damaris Force, January 13th day 1784. By Jonathan Bloomfield — Justice. P. Rachel Prise Daughter of John Prise and Mary his wife was born AugusS ye 17th 1719. Jonathan Pitney and Susanah his wife was born the 17th Day of July Anno Dom 1721. James Presmell Son of Robert Presmell and Margaret his wife was born ye28thday ofMay 1729. Nathaniel Pike Son of Nathaniel Pike and Grace his wife was born Sept ye nth 1719. Thomas Pike was married to Elizabeth Bloomfield ye 8th day of Septem- ber 1737. Mary Daughter of ye afore said Thomas and Elizabeth Pike was born ye 14thday of August 1738. Grace Daughter of ye above said Thomas and Elizabeth Pike was bora ye 21st of November 1740. R. Kezia Rude Daughter of Job Rude and Hannah his wife was born ye 4tli of May 1718. S. Samuel Sarjant Son of John Sarjant and Sissel his wife was born Sept ye- 1st about half an hour past One in ye afternoon 1727. And ye Said Joha and Sissel were Married on ye 24th of November 1720. by ye Reverend Mr. John Peirson. Sarah Sarjant born ye IGth of January Anno. Domini 1729. Daughter of John and Sissel Sarjant. Robert Sarjant Born April 4th Anno. Dom 1732. 356 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Margaret Sarjant born June tlie 23nd 1734. Jane Stewart Daughter of David and Christian Stewart was born January ye 23rd 1728. Ursula Daughter of David and Christian Stewart was born March ye 14th 1730. John Skincr was married to Elizabeth Cutter March ye 2Gth 1736. Ann Daughter of John and Elizabeth Skiner was born Deer ye 36th 1736. Hannah Daughter of the above said John and Elizabeth Skiner was born February ye 2nd 1742. Easter Daughter of ye above said John and Elizabeth Skiner was born April ye 1st 1744. Elizabeth Daughter of ye above Said John and Elizabeth Skiner was born April ye 29th 1746. T. Abraham Tajipen was Married to Mary Stone February ye 6th 1718. by Robert Gilchrist— Justice. Sarah Tappen Daughter of Abraham Tappen and Mary his wife was born November ye 2Gth 1719. Isaac Son ot Abraham and Mary Tappen was born ye 8th day of Sep- tember 1721. Benjamin and Elizabeth Son and Daughter of ye above Said Abraham and Mar}'^ Tappen was born January ye 15th 1723. Abraham Son of ye above Said Abraham and Mary Tappen was bora January ye 12th 1725. William Son of ye above Said Abraham and Mary Tappen was born Jan- uary ye oth 1729. Mary Daughter of ye above Said Abraham and Mary Tappen was boru July ye 25th 1727. Hannah Daughter of ye above Said Abraham and Mary Tappen was boru July ye 9th 1732. Cecilia Daughter of ye above Said Abraham and Mary Tappen was boru January ye 21st 1734. Asher and Moses Sons of ye above Said Abraham and Mary Tappen was born February ye 1st 1737. Margaret Daughter oi ye above said Abraham and Mary Tappen was boru June ye 7th 1740. ye above Said Abraham Tappen was Married to Sarah Renolds November ye 22nd 1750. Isabel Daughter of ye above Said Abraham and Sarah Tappen was bora April ye 1st 1752. Jacob Son of ye above Slid Abraham aud Sarah Tappen was bora November ve IGlh 1753. W. James Wilkison was Married to Mary Dunham December ye 16th 1726, by John Peirson — Clerk. APPENDIX, 357 Sarah Wilkison Daughter of James Wilkison aud Miiry his wife was boru December the 28th 1727. John Williams Son of Ebenezar Williams and Sarah his wife was bora July ye 10th 1732. Thomas Wilkison was Married to Hannah Crowell March ye 31st 1739. by Henry Freeman Esq. John Son of ye above Said Thomas and Hannah Wilkison was born ye 12th day of February 1740. Crcwell Son of ye above Said Thomas and Hannah Wilkison was born ye 9thday of July 1741. Moses Son of ye above Said Thomas and Hannah Wilkison was boru ye lOlh day of March 1742. Hannah Daughter of ye above Said Thomas and Hannah Wilkison was born ye 26th day of August 1744. APPEI^DIX a. QUAKER LIST OF MARRIAGES: Embracing only those names belonging to Woodbridge and vicinity ; taken from the ancient Quaker Records. PARTIES MARRIED. RESIDENCE. TIME AND PLACE OF MARRIAGE. A. I Atkinson John and Susannah Hadden. Ailing, Samuel and | Martha Shot well. B. Bloodgood, Wm. and Mary Gach. Brook, Charles and Woodbridge Ann Shotwell. Elizabeth Burling, TLomas and {New York Sarah Shotwell. jWoodbridge Burdsall, Job ifc Woodbridge Hannah "Webster. Woodbridge Bowne, Robert H. & INew York Sarah Hartshorn. | Brotherton, Henry & jWoodbridge Ann Shotwell. 'RicLm'd co. N.Y. .1737. .1728. 1726-7. 38th of 8th Mo. at Rahwav .1788. 8th of 5th Mo. at Rahway, 1771. 36th of 9th Mo. at Rahway,1805. 36lh of 11th Mo. at Rahway... 1807. 1713. C. Copeland, Cowperthwait, Woodbridge Susannah Atkinson. Woodbridge Oopeland, Cowperthwait, Woodbridge Margaret Flatt. Woodbridge F. Fitz Randolph, Natb'l & Mary Shotwell way) Farrington, Jesse & Bridgctowu(Rah- Mary Copland Fitz Randolph,*Thomas,&iMiddlesex Co. .. Abigail Vail. 'Somerset Co Fitz Randolph, John, & JWoodbridge Mary King. Fitz Randolph, Sam'l. Jr. & Johannah Kinsey. Fitz Randolph, Joseph & Eiizubelh Kinsey. Elizabeth 36th of 3d Mo. at Woodbridge, 1750 1st of 4th Mo. at Plainfield, 1773 1745. 39th of 12tb Mo. Rahway, 1791. 33d of 11th Mo. at Plainfield, 1763 •25th of 7th Mo. at Rahway, 1793 .1729. .1731." APPENDIX. 359 PARTIES MARKIED. RESIDENCE. TIME AND PLACE OP MARRIAGE. G. 22d of 3d Mo. at Rahway, 1793. Gibbs, Abel, aud Woodbridge Elizabeth Haydock. Woodbridge Griffith, John & Elizabeth Gage Gach, Thomas, & 1 Elizabeth Bloodgood. 1731. .1709. H. Harned, Jonathan & Sarah Laing. Hedger, Jolin and Mary Fitz Randolph. Hallet Israel & Naomi Sholwell. Haydock, John, & Mary Shotwell. Hampton, Joseph, tt Elizabeth Cook. Hartshorne, Hugh & Elizabeth Brown. Harned, John & Phebe Laing. Harned, .Jonatlian vk Judith Blondgood. Harned, Nathaniel & Alida Cilar Miller. Heady, Epiiraim it Susannah Fitz Randolph. Hunt, Solomon it Katlierine Bishop. Heborn, John ife Sarah Laing. Hick?, Samuel, & \ Amy Brouk, widow. K. j Kinsey, Mootry, & iMiddlesex Co....36lh of 1st Mo. Woodbridge, Sarah F. Randolph.! Middlesex Co....j 17G4 Kester, Stephen & Kingwood, N. J. 34lh ot 12th Mo. Plainfield, Sarah Laing. Piscataway ' 1806 iWoodbridge .23d of 7th Mo. at Plainfield, ^ 1706 Sotiiorset Co ,27th of 2d Mo. at Rahway, 1765. Woodbridge j Long Island i21st of 11th Mo. at Rahway, Elizabeth I 1765 Rahwav !23d of 4th Mo. at Rahway, Rahway i 1766 Bridgetown 33d of 10th Mo. Rahway, 1805. I3ridii;(4o vvn New" York City... 36th of 6th Mo. Rahway, 1806. Rahway j Woodbridge l37th of 3d Mo. Plainfield, 1811. Piscat away Woodbriige 24th of 3d Mo. at Woodbiidge, Perth Amboy ....j 1768 Woodbridge i35thof4th Mo. Plainfield, 1804. Bridire water i n 1724. 1729. ' 1734. Westbury, N. Y.i20t]i of 2d Mo. Rahway, 1794. Rahway i King, Jos. (son of Nathan) tt Catherine Laing. Woodbridge 24th ot 1st Mo. Rahway, 1805. Hardwick J25th of 9th Mo. Rahway, 1783. \V()otU)ridge New York City. . J3d of 6th Mo. at Rahway, 1814. Middlesex Co I 1 1738. Lundy, Jacob, Jr. & Sarah Hampton. Leggett, Reuben, Mary Marsh. Laing, Samuel, Elizabeth Smith. Laing, John, Sarah Smith. Laing, David, Mary Thorn.' l23d ot 7th Mo. Plamfield, 1795. .1741. .1741. •^6o WOOm^UUH-.K AND VIClNirY PARTIES MARRIED. RKSIPEXCE. 1 TIME AND PIACE OF MARRIAGE. Laing, Jos»^ph. Piscattnvay i;M of 7lb Mo. Pliiinfielil, 1795. Ani.a AVobstor. Essex Co Laing, Isaac. .Miildlosox Co....i8th of '.?d Mo. Rahway, 17S8. Gnioo Moore. Middlesex Co ,'. Laing, Isaac, ,lr.. Woodbiidiic -.i'M of 5th ^lo. Rnhway, 1788. Katherine Kiusey. Woodbiidge Laing Josepl>, ' MiddlosexCo iOth of 8th Mo. RsUnvay, 1784. Sarah ^lai-sli, Essex Co .' Laing, David, ruscat;wvay iSth ot 10th Mo. Plaintield,178G. Sarah Shotwell. Piscataway Laing Thomas, Woodbridge iSd of 1st Mo. Phiinfield, 1793. Mary Sholwell. Essex Co Laiusr. James," Piscatawav •.?4th of 7th Mo. Phdnrteld, 1811. Betsy Webster. West tield. N. J.. Laing, Isaac, (,son ot" Thosi Woodbridge 5th of ItJth !Mo. Plaiulield, 1810. Mary Laing. Middlesex Co Laing, David, i^son ot Woodbridge oOth of 5th JIo. Plainficld, 1804. Thonias\ ^larcaret Vail. Biidirewater.N.J Laing, .lacob. Jr. Piscataway i7thof tUh Mo. Plaintield, 1804. Mercy Fu/. Kaudi>lpoh Bridge\vater,X.J Latham, ThiMiias, Woodbridiie '^Sd of 4th Mo. at Rahway, ^liriam Allen. Woodbridge ITlUi .".. M. 3ilarsh, James. Eli/.abethtown.... 04lh of 5th :Mo. Rahway, 1793. Margaret Elston. Woodbridjie " Marsh, Joseph, Woodbridge -^-^d of 0th Mo.Woodbridge,1750. Martha ^yebster. Elizabethtowu Marsh, Mordecai. Rahway e9th of 10th JIo. Rahway, 1778. Mary Shotwell. Elizabethtown Mai-sh. John, Woodbridge OOth of 8lh IMo. Rahway, 1790. Phebc Allen. Woodbridge '.. Marsh, Joseph. Woodbiidge 8th of 11th Mo. Rahway, 1770. 3Iary Coplnul. Woodbridge .'.. Moore, Sanuiel, Jr. Falmouth,'" Mass. •28lh of 9th Mo. Rahway, 1815. Elizabeth L. Shotwell. Rahwav .' 3Iiller. Robert, Morris "Co {^[Mh of 5th Mo. Plaintield, 1778. Katherine F. Randolph. 'Middlesex Co... P. Pound, Samuel. Piscataway 24th of (5th :Mo. Plaintield, 1807. Ann Laing. Piscataway Pound. David, '' Piscataway 27111 of lOtb Mo. Piaiufield, Mary Shotwell. Piscataway 17JX> Pound, Btujamin, Piscataway 2od ot 2d Mo. Plaintield, 1763. Elizabeth Laing. Piscataway Piirker, George. Jr., Piscataway 28th of 4th 3Io. "Woodbridge, Martha Thorn. Woodbridge 1703 Pound, Hugh, Piscataway 24th of 4th Mo. Rahway. 1794. Sarah King. Elizabethtown Parker, George, 1735. Elizjibeth Laing Pound, Samuel, ' Piscataway 2l)th ol 8ih Mo. Plaintield, Catherme Webster. Elizabethtown ... 1772 APPENDIX. 361 PAUTIKS MABBEED. RESIDENCE. TIME AND PLACE OF MARBIAOS. R. I I ]{ogerB, Timothy, Pickcrinj?, C'nada:28th of 10th Mo. Rabway, 1813. Anna IIarned.*;\Voodbri(Jge S. Shotwell, Wni. and Eli/.abcthtown ... 2.'5th of 3d Mo. Plainfield, 1772. Eli/iibeili Pound. |l'iscataway Sbotwell, Isaac, jWooilbridge 28lh of lltb Mo. Rabway, 1770. Hannah Shotwell. 'Wood bridge i Shotwell, Titus, iWoodbridge |20lh of 7tb Mo. Rabway, 1787. Deborah Moore. |\Voodljridge ! Sbotwell, John, Woodbrldge i28th of 6th Mo. Rabway, 1769. Margaret Haydock jWoodbridge ! Shotwell, .Jacob, Elizabctbtown ... 22d of 3d Mo. Plainfield, 1769. 13arsbcba Pound. Piscataway ' Shotwell .Joseph, Woodbridge 20lh of 8tb Mo. at Woodbridge, Elizabeth Jackson. Morris Co 1743 Shotwell, Abraham, 'Woodbridge 28th of 12ib Mo. Woodbridge, Mary Jackson. 1751 Shotwell, Wni. !Elizab(-tbtown ... 25lh of 10th Mo. Rahway, 1792. Elizabeth Moore. Woodbridge Sbotwell, Jo.sei)b D. Woodbridge 22d of ad Mo. Rahway, 1804... Elizabeth F. Randolph. Woodbridge Shotwell, Samuel, Piscataway '21st of 5th Mo. Plainfield, 1788. Hannah Lundy. Piscataway Shotwell, Daniel, iWoodbri.lge i25th of 10th Mo. Rahway, 17e7. Margaret Alstone. Woodbridge [ Sbotwell, Diniel. jWoodbridge i24th of Ist Mo. Plainfield, 1753. J^oitorah Sbotwell. Piscataway ' Shotwell, Joseph, | j at Woodbridge, 1716. Mary Manning Shotwell, John, ' 1736. Elizabeth Smith Shotwell, John, 1 1743. Grace Webster. Smith, Samuel, i 1743. Mas.sy Taylor.| '• Smith Samuel, lElizabetbtown ...J27th of 5th Mo. Woodbridge, Elizabeth Shotwell. Woodbridge 1773 Smith, Benjamin, | 1 1713. Sarah Shotwell.! Smith, Shobal, iWoodbridge 1716. Prudence F. Randolph. ' '. Shoemoker, Abraham, New York City. '3d of 10th Mo. Rahway, 1793. Margaret Laing. Woodbridge : Smith Samuel, lElizabetbtown ...;27th of 3d Mo. Plainfield, 1769. Sarah Pound. Pi.scala way Thorn, Samuel, ;Somerset Co 13th of 5th Mo. Plainfield, 1810. Rachel Laing.|Pifecataway" i Thorn, Isaac, Woodbridge i24th of 12lh Mo. Plainfield, Sarah Webster. Essex Co I 1706 ' Daughter of Jonathan Hamed, of Woodbridge. 36^ WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY, PARTIES MARRIED. 3 ] : 1 1 ] ( I riME AND PLACE OF MARRIAGE. Mi.idlesex Co.... 23d of 9th Mo. Rahway, 1778. Middlesex Co Woodbiidge 23d of lltli Mo. Rahway, 1786. Woodbridije 33d of 6th Mo. , 1750. Woodbridge ... Elizabetbtown Thorn, Isaac, Hannah Shotwell Thorn, Benjamin, Mary Shotwell Thorn, Abraham, Susannah Webster Thorn, Webster, Woodbridge |37th of 6th Mo. Rahway, 1793 Elizabeth Martin. Woodbridge Thorn, Abraham, ! 1717. Mary Shotwell. Thorn, Jacob, ! 1733 Susannah Shotwell. Thorn, William, Mary F. Randolph. Thorn, Abraham, Ann Laing. Thorn, .John, .1729. .1739'. Mary Shotwell.; Woodbiidge V. Vail, Thomas, and Rachel F. Randolph. Vail, John, Margaret Laing. Vail, Stephen, Esther Smith. Vail, Isaac, Sarah Thorn. Vail, Ephraim, (sou of Abraham) Rebecca Vail. Vail, Isaac, (som of John) Sarah Shotwell. Vail, Abraham, Marcaret F. Randolph. Vail, David, Phebe Jacltson. Vail, Edward, Sarah Kinsey.j Woodbridge Vail, Ciarkson, (s. of Benj.) Woodbridge Sarah Laing, (d. of Isaac.) Woodbridge Woodbridge |23dl3thMo. Woodbridge, 1773. Somerset Co.., Middlesex Co. Somerset Co... .1717. '.'1731'. !l733' 33d of 11th Mo. Rahway, 1793. 31st c f 3d Mo. Plaintield, 1810. Woodbridge .... Woodbridge .... Somerset Co.... Middlesex Co.. Somerset Co.... Woodbridge .... Bridgewaler .... 39th 11 til Mo. Rahway, 1810. W. Webster, Morris, Hannah Marsh. Webster, Smith, Mary Laing. Way John, Mary Marsh. Webster, Wm., Susannah Laing. Webster, Isaac, Mary Laing. Webster, William, Sarah Thorn. Rahway Westfield, N. J. Piscataway Newtown, . L. I. Woodbridge Newtown, L. I. Piscataway Elizabetbtown ... Piscataway F^lizabelhtown ... Woodbridge 38th of 8th Mo. Woodbridge, 1766 33d of 4th Mo. Plainfield, 1766. 36th 13th Mo. Rahway, 1793. 33d of bill Mo.' Rahway, isii! 38th 9th Mo. Rahway, 1815. 26l'h ' "9th Mo. Plaiiifieid, 1804. 36th ibth • iio.' Rahway, * 1768. sist of etii ivio. ii:::^" 1787; 34th of lOlh Mo. Plainfield, 1787 5th Mo. . 1749. APPENDIX. 363 PARTIES MAURIED. RESIDENCE. TIME AND PLACE OF MARRIAGE. Webster, William, Susannah Cowperthwait. Wren, Peter, Ann Brotberton. Webster, Joseph, Elizabeth Shotwell.; [N. J. Willson, Jeremiah, Independence, Joanna Moore. Woodbridse Willson, James, (s. of Jo-|Rahway siah) Anna Moore, (d of Henry) 'Rahway .1717. .1738-9. 1733. 21st of 9lh Mo. 1792. 24th of 10th Mo. Rahway, 1805. APPENDIX H. PUBLIC LANDING AND WATERING PLACE. Woodbridge Middlesex Co. Province of New Jersey. October 7th 1725. Then Laid out at the Request of Said Town by us the undersigned Sub- scribers, Surveyors of tbe Highways for Said County, a Publick Landing Place and Highway. Begining at a Stake Planted by a River Side Called and known by the Name of the Sound and is the South East Corner of a fifth Division Lott in the Commons of Said Woodbridge Drawn in the Right of Hugh ]\Iarch and Stands Ten Rods South-west from the mouth of a Creek Called Papiack Creek, Thence Running westerly as the Line of the Said Lott Runs to the South west Corner of the Said Lott. Thence North- erly on the Rear of the back Lotts to the Corner of Nathaniel Fitz Ran- dolphs Land, and So Extending Northerly as the Said Randolphs Land Runs till it Comes to the Road that Leads Down to the Blazing Starr. Bounded on the westerly Side by the Land of INIiles Bunn and James Clarkson till it comes to the Corner of a fifth Division Lott Drawn in the Right of John Bishop, So Extending Southerly" on the front of the Lotts Called the Rear Lotts as Layed out by the Lott Layers till it comes to James Browns Meadow, So Running South Easterly as the meadow Runs to the aforementioned Creek, Said Road Containing four Rods in Breadth. Together with a Small Square Left for a Watering Place in the Said Road, all which Landing Place, Road, and Watering Place was Left by the agree- ment of the Freeholders oi Said Woodbridge for a 5*ublick good. fJohn Sutton, Surveyors -' ^*^^^'y freeman, &ur\e3ors j^^^^ Herriot, iJohn White. Recorded in County Clerk's ofiice, Middlesex Co. N. J. Early Records, page 20. Note : The above-mentioned " Watering Place " was situated on the west side of the road, adjoining Lot No. 38 of the 5th Division lots, drawn in the right of Robert Rogers (see Freeholders' Book, folio 89). The high- way leading to the mouth of the Woodbridge Creek being shut up, and not being legally vacated, the surveyors of the highways reopened it, in 1799, to the width of six rods, as it was laid out Feb. 8th, 16G8. The survey which we give above (1735) was, therefore, illegal. The survey of 1799, which restored the road to its original width, will be fouud recorded in Road Book, pages 53 and 54. APPENDIX I. DOCK AT THE MOUTH OP WOODBRIDGE CREEK. An Act to authorize the township committee of the township of "Wood- bridge, in the county of Middlesex, to buiUl a dock at the mouth of Wood- bridge creek . Sec. 1. Be It Enacted by the Council and General Assenibly of this State, f nd it is hereby enacted bj' the authority of the same, That it shall and may be lawful for the inhabitants of the township of Woodbridge, in the County of Middlesex, to raise bj' tax or oil erwi^e, a sufficient sum to be expended under the direction of the township committee, or t'leir successors, in b lilding a dock or wharf at the ancient public landing place on Arthur Kull or Staten Island Sound, rear the mouth of Woodbridge, formerly Papiac creek, on the northeasterly side thereof, to extend a sufficient distance to accomu odate such vessels and Steamboats as usv.a''ly navigate the same ; Providtd the said dock or wharf shall not obstruct the naviga- tion of s dd river or Sound. Sec. 2. And be it enacted. That if any person or persons shall destroy or in any way injure the said dock, such person or persons shall; be responsible for, and shall make good all damages to the township commit- tee vvhich they shall commit. Sec. 3. And be it enacted, That it shall be lawful for all vessels to touch, make fast, load and unload at said dock ; and it shall be lawful for the township committee of the township of Woodbridge, and their successors, to demand, receive and collect compensation therefor, from all vessels or Steamboats as may mate use of the same, excepting only such vessels or Steamboats as are owned by and belong to the residents of the said town- ship of Woodbridge. Passed March 7th, 1844. [See Laws of New Jersey, 1844, p. 176.] APPE]SrDIX J. TWO HIGHTW'AYS LAID OUT 174 YEAKS AGO. February ye 9tli 1699 : Then Laid out by us under named a Highway Six Rod in Breadth : begining at the Highway which Runs by Jonathan Bishops Now Dwelling House about ten Rod Eastward from the North East Corner of tlie Said Bishops Orchard : from thence Runing over the Mill Brook, and So Extending on the Southerly Side of John Rolpha Dwelling House to the House of John Jaquls : from thence Runing through the Said Jaquis his Land four Rod in Breadth, by the Bans Side and through the land belonging to Jonathan Jaquis : from thence upon a Direct Line to John Stewards Dwelling House : the whole way between the House of the above Said John Jaquis and John Stewards House being but four Rod broad. Also a Highway from the Landing on the River ; about fifty Rod below the Said Stewards House, begining at a Black Oak tree marked on three Sides : thence Runing by the River Six Rod broad to Mr. Cortlands Saw-mill : from thence to a Black oak tree Standing Near the Bank of the Said River ; the way Runing between the Said tree and the bank : thence Extending along by the bank to town Line : from thence by the Town Line and through a Corner of John Jaquis his Laud on the South Side of a Rowe of marked trees into the Common : the Said way from Cortlands Mill being four Rod broad : Ezekiel Bloomfield Samuel Hale Ephi'aim Andrews Thomas Pike Taken from F. Randolph's copy, p. 111. APPENDIX K. THE PISCATAWAY BAPTIST CHURCH. It seems to be eminently appropriate that we should present an account in this place of the Baptist Church in Piscalaway. For the facts presented here, we are principally indebted to the sketch printed in 1870 in the minutes of the East New Jersey Baptist Association, written by the Rev. James F. Brown, the present pastor of the Piscataway Church. The first building for worship was projected in January, 1686; to be twenty feet wide, thirty feet long and ten feet "between joints." This meeting house, like the one at "Woodbridge, was built by the settlers of the town ; and as the Baptist element predominated, it gradually became subject, in its services and proprietary interests, to that denomination — just as the Presbyterians of Woodbridge came into possession of the property lelt in that town for the " support of a Gospel ministry." The primitive structure stood not far from the river, about a mile south- east of the present Church building. The Rev. Thomas Killingsworth, au English clergyman, and first pastor of the Cohausey Church, organized the Baptist Society of Piscataway in the Spring of 1689 ; and from this date until the year 174^ the original meeting-house was occupied for regular services. The membership of the Church, at its organization in 1689, was feeble, consisting only of six persons : John Drake, Hugh Dunn, Edmund Dunham, jSTicholas Bonham, John Smalley, and John Randolph. The three first-menTioned were exhorters or lay-preachers. John Drake became the pastor at the organization of the Church, and held the position until the period of his death, which occurred in 1739, making his ministerial career fifty years in duration. Nothing of importance is recorded within this time, except the statements that in 1707 the Church united with four others to institute the Philadelphia Association (the first Baptist Association in America), and that in 1709 the Church in Piscataway numbered only twenty members. The Rev. Benjamin Stelle, the second pastor, was ordained soon after the death of Mr. Drake. He was the son of Pontius Stelle, a French Flugue- not, and was born in New York in 1683. For twenty years he continued to preach the " unsearchable riches of Christ." He died, aged seventy -five years, in January, 1759. His ministry was a successful one. The Church numbered over one hundred members in 1746, fifteen of whom, in the fol- lowing year, formed a Church at Scotch Plains, and others residing near Morristown organized a Church there ; so that the precious seed scattered by this man of God was widely sown, and who shall count the harvest .•> ^SS WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. In 1748 a new meeting-houae was built. The lot had been purchased in April, 1731, of Alexander McDowell, and contained four acres and six- tenths. This is the lot upon which the present structure stands, which is the third that has occupied the same site. The first of these three (that of 1748) was forty feet by thirty-six feet in size, and is spoken of as "a well- finished house," but without the "convenience of a stove." It stood for seventy-seven years, when (in 1825) it was taken down, and a building fifty- two by forty -two was erected at a cost of $3,000. This was entirely- destroyed by fire on January Is^t, 1851. The present house of worship was speedily constructed upon the ruins of the old church building, and recently a graceful spire has added to its attractiveness. The edifice is sixty-eight by fift3^-two, and has a gallery on three sides, three aisles,and a recess pulpit. The third pastor. Rev. Isaac Stelle, was the son of Benjamin, the preced- ing minister, and was, undoubtedly, a man of no ordinary abilities. He had been ordained to assist his father in 1752, and, in 1759, when his father died, he was inducted into the Dulplt as his successor. He had some repu- tation abroad as well as at home, for he went about doing good. So many dismissions had been given to members removing to other localities, that when he assumed the pastorate the Church numbered only forty ; but in 1775 the membership had increased to seventy-five. He died in the 63rd year of his age, on the 9th of October, 1781 — having fulfilled the duties of a pastor for twenty-two years. Rev. Rcune Runyon, the fourth minister, was pastor of the Church at Morristown from 1772 until 1780. He was a native of Piscataway, the son of Reune Runyon, Esq., of French descent. The date of his birth was November 29th, 1741, and that of his death was November 21st, 1811. He succeeded Mr. Stelle in 1783 and continued to perform a pastor's duties until the time of his decease. The length of his service to the Church at Piscataway was, therefore, twenty-eight years. He owned a farm which afforded him a comfortable support when his salary of £50 per annum was not fully paid — which sometimes happened. Only thirty-nine members were reported in the communion in 1785 ; but in the following year an extensive revival of religion prevailed which increased the number to one hundred and twenty-one. The good work did not end with the close of the year, but progressed powerfully throughout many months; so that in 1790 a membership of one hundred ar.d forty-eight was reported to the Associa- tion. Two years after the last-mentioned date the Baptist Church at Samp- town was organized by some of the members residing there. In August, 1792, the Piscataway Church dissolved its relation to the Philadelphia Association, with which, for so many years, it had been connected, and joined the New York Association. Its spirituality began to decline in 1794 to such a degree that a day of fasting and praj'cr was observed — earnest invocation being made that God, in tender mercj% might pour out His Spirit upon the suppliant people, nnd upon those who had grown indiflereut to holy infiucnccs. Four days of public prayer were appointed in the following year on account of the coldness in religious matters waich APPENDIX. 369 prevailed throughout the community. During 1807 and several succeeding years the result of all this prayer was seen in many additions to the Church. In the midst of the ingathering the faithful man of God was taken from his field of labor b}^ the great Harvester, and others gathered his sheaves. Rev. James M'Laughlin, the fifth pastor, became Mr. Runyon's successor ©n the 1st of October, 1813 — nearlj' a year after the pulpit became vacant. The Church had no parsonage, so the new prencher rented a house in New Brunswick, where some of his parishioners resided. In the morning he preached at Piscataway and in the afternoon at New Brunswick, where a house of worship had been erected two years previously ; but it was not until September 16th, 1816, that the New Brunswick members were organized as an independent church. In the following May, M'Laughlin ceased to supply the ISew Brunswick pulpit on account of the desire at that place for a separate ministry; and in October ensuing he resigned the Piscataway pastorate. He is spoken of as a man of great piety and of unusual solemnity in declaring the Gospel. Rev. Daniel Dodge, of Wilmington, Del., was the sixth preacher at Piscataway, beginning his pastoral labors October 1st, 1818, and concluding them by resignation on the 39th of May, 1833. Forty souls were added to the Church during the first year, and some were baptized every year of his ministry at this place. He lived at New Brunswick, as the parsonage was not yet built. Two questions agitated the Church during Mr. Dodge's term of service. One was in regard to the imposition of hands after baptism, which, the pastor held, " was a Gospel ordinance " and a necessity. Many of the brethren regarded this as an innovation and a misunderstanding of the Scripture, and they were much grieved in consequence. The second ques* tion was in regard to the Scriptural teaching as to a man who married 'his deceased wife's sister" — and the controversy waxed warm, some holding the opinion that such a marriage is unlawful and some maintaining the opposite view. Much strife and bitterness resulted from the discussion, which was finally transferred to the Association tor some authoritative decision. That body very wisely recommended that differences of opinion on that point might not be made a bar to Christian fellovvship, and a Coun- cil of Seven was sent to Piscataway to promote better feeling in the communion. A session of this Council, beginning June 10th, 1839, and lasting three days, brought about the much-dei^ired reconciliation. The question of imposition of hands after baptism was settled, at the same time, in favor of Mr. Dodge's usage. Tho pastor bought a farm near the meeting- house and resided there until he left Piscataway to preach for the First Church, Newark. Deacon Samuel Smith describes him as "a godly man, a good preacher, in doctrine strongly Calvinistic, neat in person, dignified in deportment, winning in manners, and very exemplary in his walk and conversation." Rev. Daniel Lewis, of Paterson, N. J., succeaded him as the seventh pas- tor of the Church. Mr. Lewis began his ministry on the 33rd of June, 1833, and ended it sixteen years after, on the 37th of September, 1849— the date X 37© WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. of his death. One hundred and sixty-five souls were brought into the fold as the result of his toil iu this vineyard. He was not an educated man, but a most devoted servant of his Master. Through his influence the Church returned to its ancient custom of admitting candidates without the imposi- tion of hands after baptism. Indeed, he did not respond to the call extended to him until he was assured that the Church had returned to its former position on the question. A special meeting on the 1st of January, 1834, voted that the mattar of a man's marrying the sister of his deceased wife should be left to the conscience of the individual — this vote being also secured through the influence of the preacher. In the Winter of 1837-8 the Spirit of the Lord was manifest in the conversion of forty-five persons. Again in 1843 a great awakening occurred, continuing many months. One hundred and one united with the Church as the fruit of that great revival. In November, 1841, the East New Jersey Baptist Association was formed, and the Piscataway Baptists joined it, thereby severing their connection with the New York organization. Nearly eight years after, the humble preacher died, and his aflectionate people placed him to rest in the old burying-ground alongside the house of worship in which he had ministered so long. Rev. Henry V. Jones, of Newark, N. J., was the eighth pastor. His labors began April 1st, 1850, and were discontinued, on account of his impaired health, in March, 1856. Twenty acres of land and a house were purchased for the use of the Piscataway ministers before Mr. Jones arrived. The old house was, however, supplanted by a new and commodious build- ing, which was occupied by the preachers until 1869, when the property was sold on account of the distance from it to the meeting-house (two miles) and the unnecessary amount of land. One acre was bought near the house of worship and a tasteful parsonage was forthwith constructed at a cost of $8,300. Under Mr. Jones' fervent ministrations greater spirituality and vigor began to pervade the Church. The cause of missions received much atten- tion and four Sunday-schools were permanently established. Mr. Jones' health began to decline some time before his pastorate was ended ; but his people were loth to part with him. They accepted his resignation with reluctance in March, 1856, when he left the parish amid universal regret. Rev. Christian J. Page, the ninth pastor, came from Bristol in the same year, and began his successful ministry on the 1st of October. He resigned in March, 1867, and went to Spring Valley, N. Y., in the Autumn. A revival followed his advent resulting in the addition of one hundred souls to the Church within eit,hteen months. This work of grace began at an out-station, and proved a blessing to the entire community. In 1858 the membership numbered two hundred and eighty-five, to which four others were added in the succeeding year, making the highest total in the history of the Church. The five years following were years of comparative unfruit- fulness, only ten being baptized in that time. In September, 1863, Mr. Page having received an appointment as Chaplain in the Union army, was voted leave of absence for nine months with salary. On his return a good APPENDIX. 371 work began which added forty to the fold, and the gracious influence continued during bis stay in Piscataway. Rev. James F. Brown, the tenth pastor of Ihis ancient Church, became Mr. Page's successor in March, 1808, and is now worthily filling this honor- able position. jMr. Brown came from Bridgeton, N. J. Under his care the various benevolent enterprises of the Baptists and the general religious interests of the village have not suffered. Ten ministers have been given to the cause of Christ by the Piscataway Church; viz.: Revs. John Drake, Isaac Stelle, Renne Runyon, Henry Smalley, Jacob Sutton, Lewis F. Stelle, Warren Randolph, D. D. Bergen Stelle, George Pawley, and Charles C. Smith. The three first mentioned were pastors at their rative place ; Rev. Mr. Smalley became connected with the First Cohansey Baptist Church on the 8th of November, 1790 where he preached until his death in 1839; Rev. Mr. Sutton was licensed ia January, 1811, and ministered at Penn's Neck until the close of his life ia 1814; Rev. L. F. Stelle, son of Deacon Drake Stelle, began his labors la September, 1843, and died December 21st, 1863, having been the pastor at Branchville, Herbertsville, and Bloomingdale in succession ; Rev. Dr. Ran- dolph was ordained at Pawtucket, R. I., on the 24th of August, 1851, and became pastor of the Fifth Baptist Church of Philadelphia ; Rev. B. Stelle, brother of the Rev. L. F. Stelle, was licensed November 29th, 1848, and preached first at George's Road and then at Cherryville, in which pastorate he died, in ihe 49th year of his age, August 9th, 1864 ; Rev. G. Pawley was licensed on the 25th of March, 1860, but did not long remain in the ranks of the profession ; Rev. C. C. Smith was licensed October 2d, 1860, and was ordained as pastor of the Cooperstown (N. Y.) Baptist Church in March, 1870. The officers of the Piscataway Church in 1870 were as follows : — Pastok : Rev. James F. Brown; Deacons, Henry Smalley, Alexander Dunn, Sam- uel Smith, Augustus T. Stelle, James D. Stelle ; Trustees, Runyon "Walker, Furman R. Stelle, Wm. E. Crowell, Martin Lupardus, Wm. F. Randolph, Philip Hummer, and MsPTord Runyon. In that year the member- ship numbered two hundred and fifty-five, and its total collection for the year amounted to $3,954. The burial-ground alongside the Church building contains some interest- ing memorials of auld lang syne. There is Edward Griffith's grave — he died March 23rd, 1813, aged seventy-five years. Upon the stone we read these words: "He worthily fulfilled the office of Deacon in this Church near 50 years." What a good record that is I Here is old Ephraim Martin's place of rest. His death occurred in his seventy-third year on the 28th day of February, 180G. William Drake's wife, Hannah, sleeps near at hand, buried in March, 1797, in the forty-first year [of her age. Fit/. Randolph Drake died October 6th, 1791, aged seventy-five, and his body is slumbering here. George Drake's wife, Elizabeth, who was buried in 1768 at the age of fifty- six, has this flattering testimonial recorded upon the stone : ''Frugal like Martha as a wife, And lived Mary's godly Ufe." 372 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITV. Capt. Andrew Drake, Elizabeth Sutton, and many other old-time people here " wait for the morning." Blessed Ohurch ! What a history thou hast! What precious memoriea linger around this spot ! How many, with tears, have sought the Lord in the temples which have been destroyed ; and how many with gladness have found the Saviour on this hallowed ground ! What scenes of solemnity have here awakened thought and emotion ! What words of burning elo- quence have held the listening congregation as questions of eternity stirred the heart of the preacher ! What a delightful influence moved every soul when the Spirit of the Lord brooded over the place ! May that Spirit often return to greatly refresh the Church in which for so many years such signal mercies have been enjoyed. LOCAL CHRONOLOGY. Woodbridge bought of the Indians by Bayley, Denton & Watson. The town settled by English. The town bought by Daniel Pierce and associates. Articles of agreement signed between Gov. Carteret and the Woodbridge men. Piscataway formed into a settlement. Woodbridge laid out. First baby born. First Legislature of the Province held at Elizabeth, May 26. The first recorded town meeting held January 1. Woodbridge township created, June 1. Charter granted 16. Strawberry Hill made a commons, Aug. 27. First bridge over the creek, Sept. 22. Dunham's grist mill built. Samuel, Treat, the first town minister, arrives. First Grand Jury in this town. False alarm of Indians. Woodbridge under Dutch rale. The town meeting-house begun. Stockade built around the prison. Legislature meets in Woodbridge, October 5. Lands between Piscataway and Woodbridge bought of the Indians. Legislature meets here a second time, October 10th. John Allen becomes town preacher. Middlesex County created. Samuel Moore made High SheriS. First overseers of the poor chosen. First tavern in town. Samuel Dennis arrested (sec p. 162). Rev. Mr. Rid dell arrives. Death of Samuel Moore. First Quaker meeting held here. First school teacher, James Fuller- ton arrives. Piscataway Baptist Church constituted. Alarm of Indians ; a ranger appointed. Monthly Court established here. Adam Hude comes to reside here from Staten Island. Rev. Samuel Shepard comes to town. Wolves grow troublesome. Riot in Woodbridge against the Proprietary Government. The Piscataway boundarj' quarrel settled. School laud laid out, Dec. 11. The first Episcopalian missionary comes here. Rev. John Brook begins Episcopal service in Piscataway. The first town committee appomted. Parker's grist mill built. The first division of common land, October 14. Second division of land, in June. Rev. Mr. Wade installed. 374 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. 1709. Law-suit against Sonoians begun. Pike & Cutter's grist mill built. Beginning to build Quaker meeting-house. 1710. Richard Soper's grist mill begun. Presbyterian Church established. 1711. Rev. Edward Vaughan forms an Episcopal congregation here, and begins to build a church. George Eubanks arrives, the first school teacher on Strawberry Hill. 1713. Church doors shut against Rev. Mr. Ilalliday. Weekly worship begun in the new Quaker meeting-house. 1715. Third division of land in Juiy. 1717. Fourth division of land, May 8. Rev. John Pierson ordained M Presbyterian preacher in this place. 1730. Fifth division of land, April 4. 1731. Sixth division of land authorized January 16. 1730. First cup of tea drank in this place. 1734. Seventh division of land. 1737. End of the Sonmans-Stelle law-suit. 1739- Rev. Benj. Stelle became the second pastor at the Piscataway Bap- tist Church. 1740. Rev. George Whitfield preached in Woodbridge. 1748. Prof. Kalm, the Swedish botanist, visits Woodbridge. 1751. Mr. Parker established the first printing-press in the State at Wood- bridge. First Quarterly Meeting ot the Quakers held here. Rev. T. B. Chandler arrives. 1754. The second Episcopal Church built in this place. 1755. Rev. Nathl. Whilaker installed, Dec. 10. 1756. The Presbyterian Church secures a Charier. 1957. Quaker meeting-house begun at Rihway. 1758. Military dratt afl?icts the Quakers ; some are imprisoned. 1761. Rev. Mr. Roe is invited to Woodbridge. 1763. Rev. Mr. Roe installed. 1765. "Sons of Liberty" organized in town. Quaker meetings begin to decline. 1769. Episcopal Church of this place secures a charter, Dec. 6. 1778. Continentals encamped in town. Gen. Heard of Woodbridge arrests Gov. Franklin at Amboy, June 17. Soldiers quartered in the Qua- ker Mrcting-house. 1777. Hessians encampeJ in Woodbridge. Skirmish with Morgan's Ran- gers, Jime 86. Battle of Ash Swamp. 1780. Capt. Nathaniel Fitz Randolph died July 23. Captured cannon brought to Woodbridge. 1783. Peace proclaimed. 1784. Quaker Meeting-house at Woodbridge was sold. Errata. — On page 116, three lines from bottom, read Bryant for Byron, and the last hne is slightly misciuoted. On page 147, thirteen lines Irom bottom, read James instead of William Coddington. ^ COl^TEFTS. Preface 3 CHAPTER I. 1665-1666. Ancient New Jersey — Hunting — Origin of Woodbridge — Gov Car- teret's Arrival — The Articles of Agreement— Piscataway — Travel — Newark — Elizabethto wn — Early Romance 5 CHAPTER II. 1667-1677. The Town Book — Randolph's Copy of it — First Highways— Jona- than Dunham's Grist Mill — View over the Sound— Old Dock — The First Mt;chauics in Woodbridge— And the First Baby— Old Landings :.... 16 CHAPTER III. 1667-1677. Woodbridge Cliarter — ^Its Coutirmation —First Legislature of New Jersey — Insurrection against Gov. Carteret — Names of Settlers — Samuel Moore— Quit Rents — ximbo Point — Indian Sale of Land Between Woodbridge and P'scataway — The Old Prison — Odd Names 33 CHAPTER IV. 1687-1677. Joshua Pierce — Early Town Meetings — The Ilslys — Voquillen — Trou- ble with Piscataway — The Inevitable John Smith — The Town- ship Court — Reward for the Constable's Head 36 CHAPTER V. 1667-1677. Dissatisfaction with the Quit Rents — A Cross Letter from the Gover- nor — Wolf Pits — First Grand Jury in Woodbridge— Tiie Honest Scotchman — Paying Fees in Pork — Tbe Dutch Rule— Piscataway Troubles — Tlie Pound — Stockade — Magazine — Importing Pau- pers—Legislature in W^oodbridge — Second Session Here — The Pikes 45 CHAPTER VI. 1686-1750. Hie Q«afcers— Meetings at Araboy — At Woodbridge — " G. F." — Build- ing the Woodbridge House of Worship — Quaker Books — Plain- field and Rahway Meetings 59 376 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. CHAPTER VII. 1669-1700. 2lu Town MeeUng-House — The Kirk Green — The First Minister, Sam- uel Treat — Benjamin Salsbury — Jobn Allen— The New Meeting- house—Archibald Riddell— Samuel Shepard — Opposition to Tax for Supporting the Town Minister 76 CHAPTER VIII. 1G78-1683. Gov. Andross — Bridge over the Papiack — Low Treasury — Township Court Regulations— Deputy Gov. Rudyard — A Woodbridge Citi- zen Disgraced 89 CHAPTER IX. 1683-1690. Moore and Dennis — Shrievalty — First Tavern — More Piscataway Trouble — The Deputy Governors — Quit Rent Agitation — High- ways—Pound — Obadiah Ayers — Vigilance'Committee — Landings Second Division of Land — Death of Samuel Moore— of Israel Thornell— First Side-walk 98 CHAPTER X. 1G90-1700. The Rangers- Geese Troubles— Town in Debt — The Courts — Another Town Clerk — Indian War— A Sick Man— New Bridge — Walker's Walk— Too much Talk— The Freemen— Model Compact— Riot. Ill CHAPTER XI. 1702-1872. 2he B/piscopnl Congregation—GQorge Keith — Edward Vaughan— Hal- liday — First Church— Piscataway Church — Skinner — Chandler — McKean— Parker— Preston— The Revolution— List of Church Officers 121 CHAPTER XII. Township Officers from 1668 to 1700 -Deputies— Town Clerks— Con- stables— Court Officers — Overseers of Highways — Rate-makers — Rate-Gatherers— Other Officers 187 CHAPTER XIII. 1700-1707. Provincial Difficulties — Cornfield Landing — Metuchen— Pound at Rahway— Dividing the Commons — Boundary Between Wood- bridge and Ambo}'— Arrears in Taxes— Fulling Mill— First Town Committee— Parker's Grist Mill— John Pike Swindled — The Eighth Division of Land — Ancient Woodbridge 14S CHAPTER XIV- 1709-1720. The Pound again— Pike vs. Sonmans— Pike & Cutter's Mill— Free- holders' Book— Judge Adam Hnde— Mos?s Rolph— Strawberry Hill— The Commons— Second Town Book— Fourth Division Lots— Ear Marks— Death of Samuel Dennis 15S CONTENTS. 377 CHAPTER XV. 1700-1760. S7ie Pretbyterians — Samuel Shepard — His "Wife's Decision — Nathaniel Wade— Presbyterianism Established— The Secession — Surveys of the Parsonage Land and the Meeting-House Green — John Pier- son— Nathaniel Whitaker 164 CHAPTER XVI. 1669-1793. Educational — The Free School Land — First School Teacher, James Fullerton — John Browne— John Beacher— Survey of the School Land— Rahway School — Strawberry Hill— George Eubanks — School Fund—Old Academy 177 CHAPTER XVn. 1720-1737. Slavery— Market-place— Encroachments — Roads Made Narrow— Son- mans-Stelle difficulty — Kinsey's plan — Town and Freeholders' Clerks — Seventh Division of land — Last of the Law-suit 185 CHAPTER XVHL 1738-1776. England and France at war — The Sixth Division difficulties- The Eighth Division — Woodbridge in 1748 — An old house — James Parker the printer — First printing-press in the State located at Woodbridge — An old bridge 195 CHAPTER XIX. 1751-1788. The Quakers — Grave-stones removed — First Quarterly Meeting in Woodbridge — The Draft — Mendham Quakers — Rahway — Minis- ters — War troubles — Rapid decline at Woodbridge — The Revolu- tion 20» CHAPTER XX. 1761-1873. 2he Prcihyterians — Rev. Azel Roe — TheMetucheu Church— The New Woodbridge Church — Rev. Messrs. Mills, Barton, Martin, Lucas — The old Burying-ground 233 CHAPTER XXI. 1775-1783. The Revolution — Taxation — Tea-drinking — Old heroes— Gen. Heard — Scared by a Swivel — James Paton — David Edg'ir — Smith Bloomfield— Samuel Dally— Capt. Nathaniel F. Randolph— Tim- othy Bloomfield — Eunice— Dr. Moses Bloomfield— David and Robert Coddington — Peter Latourette- -The Inslees — List of Old Soldiers 239 CHAPTER XXII. 1775-1783. The Revolution continued — Spanktown — Events between 1776 and 1783— Grace Lacky— Battle of Ash Swamp— Ezra Mundy— The Cutters— Clarkson Edgar — The Moores — Jennet Gage 269 CHAPTER XXIII. Conclusion —Town Meetings during the Revolution— Our greoX men. 286 APPEl^DTX. A. — Woodbridge Town Charter 398 B. — Presbyterian Cliarter 303 C. — Episcopal Church Charter 307 D.— Free School Land Charter 310 E. — Liber A. list of Mirriages, Births and Deaths 315 F.— Liber B. list 351 G. — Quaker list of Marriages 258 H.— Public Linding 364 L— Public Dock 365 J. — Two highways hud out 174 years ago 366 K. — The Piscataway Baptist Church 267 Local Chronology 373 Contents 375 Index 379 IISTDEX. Note. — This Index does not comprehend the lists of Marriages, Births, and Deaths in the Appendix, as those lists are alphabetical. Obadiah, 18, 28, 47, 50, 105, 114, 138, 151, 9, 168. A. Academy, Town, 184. Elizabethtown, 233. Acken, Thomas, 230. Adams, John (1), 28, 47, 151, 9. J«hn (2), 246. Thomas, 29, 160. Adlington, Arthur, 206. Agreement, original Town, 9, 23. Albany, 115. Alford, Benjamin, 207. Allen, Rev. John, 29, 66, 67, 69, 81, 82, 83, 84, 103, 138, 160, 186. Henry, 288. Alston, Diivici, 132, 307. Alstone, John, 180, 236. Alwood, Joseph, 161. Andrews, Ephraim, 28, 47, 52, 86, 88, 91, 92, 93, 104, 115, 116, 119, 137, 9, 140, 1, 159, 164, 183, 6, see. Jeek'diab, 151, 9. Mary, 167. Andross, Gov., 27, 89, 90, 01. Arthur Cull, 7, 24, 298. Achter Coll, 50. Arrowsmith, Milton, 135. Ash Swamp, 280. Ashton, John, 124. Auburn TLeol. Sem., 233. Auger (or Eager), Archibald, 263. Thomas, 28, 47 (or Alger), 159 Austin, Rev. D.,231. Averill, J, 287, 9, '064, Grace, 63. - T Captain Asher, 251, 264, 5, 268, 287. Haitshoin, 215. Jacob, 207. Edwiinl, 68, 71. Joseph (l.), 67. (II.), 265. Eiiah, 265, Ezekiel, 265. Malachi, 265, Daniel, 265. Michael, 265, James, 265. Barzilla, 265, Stelle, 265. Phineas,265, Thomas, 265. Zedekiah, 265, Es- seck, 207. Nathaniel (III), 191, 2, 203, 208. Isatic, 307, Reuben, 207. Edward, 209, 221. Samuel, 321,265, 288. Robert, 191, 308, 241, 286,7,8. Flag-Btaff, first, 285. Fleming, Wm., 377. Flood, Isaac, 263, John, 250. Fog?, Rev. E., 80. Fold, Clia?., 168. Foo(e, Dr. I., 283. Forbes, C. A., 135. Force, Benj., 188, Jeremiah C, 266. Samuel, 265, 286. Ford, Ebenezer, 225, 378. Siimuel, 308, Elias, 168. John, 167, 169, 171. Wm., 168, 335, Jacob, 315. Ford's Corner, 35, 150, 243. Fors, Matthew, 168. Sarah, 168. Mrs. Btnj.. 168. Forster (Foster ?), Ebenezer, 139, 241, 307, 311. Fox, Geo., 72. Franklin, Gov., 242, 307, 9, 10, 13. Frazee, David, 191, 287. Jonathan, 169, Wm., 206. Shotwell B. 364. Hiram, 265, Morris, 265. Freehold, N. J., 170. Freeholders' Book, 3, 203. Clerks, 192. Freeman, Joseph, 175. Henry, 189, 193, 207, 220, 1, 235, 6, 251, 278, 864. Dr, E. B., 4. Jedediah, 251. Dr. S. E.,101, 240. Israel, 277, 286. [168. Samuel, 276. Mrs. Sam'l, Alexander, 307, Hannah, 168. Dr. Matt., 133, 5. 265. Isaac, 207, 241, 276, 288. Lorrain, 112, 134. Melancrhon, 135, 265. Jonathan, 161, 184, 330, 7, 265. John, 207, David, 265. Gapt. Matthew, 265, 377, 388, 7, 8. Smith, 271, Josiab, 388. ' Freemen, the, 117. Frelinghuj'sen, Col. P., 376. French and Indian War, 111, 114, 195, 213. 215. French, John, 20, 28. Col. John, 221. Friend, Charles, 277. Fullerton, Jas , 177, S, Thos., 178. Robert, 178. G. Gach (or Gage), Thomas, 71, 192, 202, 6. 384 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Gage, Jennet, 285, Ellis, James, and Philip, 385. Gallaudet, P. W., 330. Gannit, Rehoboth, 38, 150. Geddis, John, 308. Geese, the. 111, 153 General Assembly, see "Legislature. '"Harris, Benj., 318. Nathan, 135. AVm., 304, 343, Dr. S. P., 300. Harriot, David. 307, 336, John, 364. Siimuel, Jr., 330. Geo., 307, 337, Ephraim, 330, 7. Giles, Rev. J., 331. Gilchrist, Robt., 157, 8, IGO. Gillispie, Rev., 171. Gilmaus, the, 11. Gilman, John (I.), 10, 51, 102 (II.), 365. Charles (I.), 10, 150, 5, 160 (H.), 365. Joseph (I.), 155, 161, 335, (II.), 351, 365. Goodwin, Amos, 134. Gordon, Thomas, 85. Grand Jury, 47, 55, 143. Grasie (Gresey or Gresie), Daniel, 38, 151, 159. Gray, Joseph, 157, 168. -Elizabeth, 168. Great Bend, surprise at, 361. Green, Meeting-house, or Kirk, 16, 17, 18, 40, 44, 76, 77, 84, 134, 135, 149, 153, 7, 165, 173, 180 339. " Greyhound," the, 199. Griffith, Benj. 61, 63, 63, 67.-Dr. J.. 330. John. 68, 69.-Edward, 871. Elizabeth, 70. Groome, Sam'l, 96. Grove, Robert, 156, 167. -Mary, 168. "Gunpowder," 313. H. Hackensack, 376. Hadden, Thos. (I.), 71, 133, 161, 306, 336. (II.), 365, 307. Crowell, 330. Haddonfield, 376. Haines, Jonatlian, 38, 159 Edward, 113, 149. Hale, Sam'l. 30, 38, 47, 53, 79, 94, 115, 116, 119, 138, '.I, 140,3,9, 159 164, 7, 9, 180, 366. Halliday, Rev. T., 133, 135, 136, 7, Hudson, Capt. H., 5 174. Iluflmaster, F. 134. Hamilton, Gov., 103, 115, 143, 4, 6. Hull, Hopewell, 10, 39, 3?, 150, 9 Hampton, Abner, 313, 313, 14, 15, 16. Benj.. 10. Hance, Geo. C, 136, 358. Hummer, Philip, 371 Harpendine, Peter, 231. Harr, Col. J., 331. Hartford, Conn.. 174. Haverhill, 8. Haviland, Joseph, 307. Haydock, James, 317, 321, John, 319. Hayes, Maj., 365. Hazlewood Cemetery, 367. Heard's Bri.s^ade, 343, 7. Heard, John, 161,194, 306, 343, 377. Sam'l, 376, Mrs., 168. James, 343, Wm., 343, 304. Gen. Nath'l, 304, 6, 335, 341, 342, 3, 376, 386, 7, 9, 311. "Henry and Francis," the, 156. Hendricks, Dan'l, 40. HerroLl, Wm., 135. Bigh Sheriff of Middlx., 39, 100, 163. Higgms, Gershom, 134, Rose, 167. Highways, 13, 16, 17, 18, 47, 101, 4, 7, 113, 140, 4. 172, 187, 366. Hofiman, Rev. E. A., 133, 4. Hollister's Corner, 150, 1, 360. Hollister, Geo., 133,5. Holland, Sarah, 168. Holt, John, 301. Holton, H. W.,135. Holmes, Col., 384. Homans, Rev., 134. Hooglaud. Aclj.,347. Hopkins, Sam'l. ,50. Hotel, Woodbridge, 293. House-lots, 9. Houghtenville, 308. Hoviof, Ocilla, 168. Howe, Lord, 373, 4, 5. Hude, Adam, 30, 146, 156, 7, 1«4, 167, 8, 186, 8, 335, 393. ]\irs. Marion, 335. Robert, 156, 175, 196. Agnes, 15P, James, 156. RevoC, 134. Hanbam, Wra., 134. Hanover, 175. Harnod, Jonathan, 71, 161, 307,319. Jonathan, Jr., 318, 330. Hunt, Solomon, 313, 315, 317. Marmaduke, 320, 386. Rev. H. \V.,237, Dr. E. M.,238. Rev. G. A., 227. Hunter, Gov., 134, 137. INDEX, 385 Hunting, 5, 13, 299. Hutchinson, Wm., 233. I. Ilslys, the, 38. lisly, John, 20, 29, 37, 53, 83, 91, 93 110,137,9.142.7. John, Jr., 138,141. Elisha, 28, 37, 159. Jonathan, 161, 2U6. M iry, 109, Davi'l, 157. Wm., 158, 172, 182. Elizabeth, 168. Independent Church, 169-171. Indians, the, 5, 6, 8, 19, 26, 30-34, 40, 4.5,48, 102, 111, 114, 144. Inslee, Jonathan, 235, 253. E.'cperience, 256. John. 262, Gage, 262. E!izal)eih, 263. Sim'l, 276, Wm.,198. Capt. Isaac, 151. J. lacksoD, Chas.,173, 191, 202. 4,241. Marv, 203, Thomas, 230. ladges, 119, 150. Tail (see Prison). Tames II., 102. Taques, Henry, 8, 20, 28, 151, 9. Henrv, Jr., 28, 159. Col. Moses, 221.-Dr. 265. Sam'J, 132, 168, 203, 7, 230, 6, 307. Mrs., 168.-x\nn, 110. John, 134, 158, 168, 172, 181, 366. Rev. P. L.,133.-Jamea, 134. Susannah, 168. Taquish, Sam'J, 241, 265, 287. Jonathan, 251, 366. Jersey Prison Ship, 256, 264, 393. Jersey Blues, 243. Tones, Jas., 135, 207.-BeDj., 168. Geo. 135.-Joanna, 168. Isaac, 135.-Jeffrey, 178. Rev. H. v., 370. Capt., 255.-Widow, 181. William, 236, 263. K. Kalm, Prof, 197,8,9. Ivearnev, Piiilip, 193. Keith, Geo.. 61, 62, 121. Kelly, James, 208.-John, Jr., 208. Benajah, 283. Kent's Creek, 154. Kent's Neck, 32. IKent, Stephen, Sr., 8, 28, 35, 39, 41,43, I 50, 139, 145, 150, 9. Stephen, Jr., 28. 150, 9, 160. Wm., 197, 206.-David, 287, 208. John, 208. Kisrgs, Rev, 237. Killlngsworth, Rev. T., 367. Killingvvorlli, Conn., 173. Kingwood, N. J., 227. King's Highway, 187. Kinsev, John, Sr., 62, 06, 68, 60, 155, 180, 2, 8, 190. John. Jr., 188, 9, 190, 1, 3, 3. 230, 265, 276. Jonathan, 206, 212. Shadracl), 2a5.-Grace, 81. James (I.), 265.-tIl.), 265. Kinsey Farm, 266. Kirk Green, 16. (Sec "Green, Meet- ing house.") Knyf, Capt., 50. Labaw, Fi'ancis, 266. Lacy, Capt., 273. Lafayette. Gen., 243, 266. LacKy, Robt., 236 -Grace, 279. Laing, Jilcob, 215- Wm., 230. John, 60, 02, 67, 74,211, 230. Abram, 266- -Joel B., 267. Latourette, Peter, 2.55, 9, 261. LingstatJ, John, 134. Lanastaff's Hill, 157. Landings, 19. 20, 22, 48, 69, 107, 144, 154, 364, 5. Lasslett, Joiin, 265.-Geo., 135, 184. Law rie. Gov., 61, 102, 4. Lawrence, John, 52. Law-suit, the Sonman's, 154, 188-191 193, 4. Leacock, Rev. H. J., 133. Le Clair, 135. Lep, Robt., 135. Leesville, 105. Lee's Legion, 243. Legislature, 26, 27, 29, 42, 54-58, 90, 115, 143, 156, 182, 195. Leonard, Capt. N., 266. Lesenbe, Henry, 18, 28, 149, 159. Leshicr, John, 260. Le Prairie (see "Vnquillen, Robt."). Lewis, Thos., 206,214. Annaiuiis, 200.-Rev. D., 370 Little Egg Harbor, 30. Little, Geo., 28, 77, 159. LiviHgiton. Gov., 245. Lockhart, Geo., 20.-V/idow, 168. Epliraim, 168. 3^6 WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY. Gawen, 138, 141, 164. Lo:3ge, Lieut., 273. Ivong, Michael, 376. Loofbourrow, John, 67, 81. (Spelt Luf berry, 69 ) Louel, Thomas, 10. Lovelace, Gov., 27. Lucas, Rev. Geo. C, 283, 4. Luckhurst, Jas., 185. Latberry, Abraham, 266. Joseph O., 266, 371. John H., 366. Lnpardus, Martin, 371. Lyon, Mr., Ill, 112. M. Masazine, 53, 101. 143. Mikany, David, 28, 41, 160- Manning's Brook, 18, 150. Manning, Jerem., 231, 336, 367. Beni..325.-Jas. 287. .John, 135,230. March, Hugh, 8, 30, 28, 159, 364.- Geo. 159. 197. Marcus Hook, 248. Marsh, Elias, 132. 4. -Richard, 270. Joseph, 135, 221.-Thbs. 135. Capt. Chris., 266, 273. Ralph, 266. -John, 286. Sim'], 213.-Isaac, 249. Market, 25, 183, 6, 300. Martin, John, 10, 18, 28, 47, 139, 140, 2. 159. Oliver, 204, 366- Merrick, 366. Henry, 207. -Rev. W: M., 233, 4. Ephraim, 371. Masonic Hall, 294. Mather, Cotton, 171. Mawbey, Dennis, 135.-Wm. W-, 135. Henrv, 135. Maxwell, Gen.," 245, 372, 3. McCabe, Lieut., 273. McClelland, Robt., 107. I McConally, Pat.. 373. McDowell, Alex., 368. Mcliean, Rev. R., 130, l,2.-Gov., 131. Mcllvaine. Rev. R. C, 183. McLaughlin, Rev. J., 369. Meat packing, 103. Meeting-house, 30, 52, 53, 77, 79, 83, 112,113,15,16,19,121, 149, 156, 104. 180, 239. Meeker, S. A., 136.-John, 349. Capt. O., 247. Melyn, Jacob, 49. Melick, Leonard, 101. -Peter, 101. J. M., 34, l49.-Joel, Jr., 263. Mendhara, 212, 213, 214. Methodist E. Church. 67, 331, 293. Meluchen, 144, 172, 186, 211, 213,223, 228, 256, 264, 5, 6, 7, 8, 270, 4, 5. Presbyterian Church at, 223-8, 275. Retormed Church at, 228, Middlesex Co., 13, 93, 113. Middletown, 26, 50. Military, the town, 9, 44, 53, 140, 291, 300. Mill Brook, 105, 366. Mill, Mrs., 60. Mills, 17, 22. 44, 91, 93, 107, 215, 145, 7, 9, 154, 393, 366. Mills, Rebecca, 168.-Rev. H., 232, 3, 7. Miller, Elizabeth, 168. Milton, 264, 6. Ministry, the town, 9, 24, 44, 46. (Chap. VII.), 300. Mitchel, Mrs., 00. Monmouth, 383.-County of, 93, 120. Moore, Samuel (I.), 16," 18, 26, 28, 29, 36, 37, 39, 43, 47, 48, 49. 51, 53, 77, 79, 91, 94, 95, 96, 98, 99, 100, 101, 7, 8, 9, 110, 137, 8, 9, 140, 1, 2, 9, 159. 177, 191, 291. (II.), 116, 196. Daniel, 191, 205, 281, 4, 5, 7. Matthew, Sr., 28, 83. 105, 9, 116, 138,141, 2,6,159,189,234. Matthew, Jr., 86, 138. John, 155, 208. Joseph 208. -Grace 263- Sam'l, shoemaker, 208. Eliphalet, 266. Edward. 330. -Jas. C, 279. j Wm.24l.-Wm., Jr.,287. iMoores, Robt., 330.-Daniel B., 230. Sam'l. 276. 7. -Jas., 284. Britain, 284. jMootry, John, 20. Moffet, Sam'l, 168. Molden Men, 150. Mores, John, 138, 175, 304, 311. Mrs., 168.-Sam'l, 140. Wm., 138.-Anna, 168. Morris, Wm., 212, 214.-Jolm, Jr., 161. Abraham, 231. -Gov. Lewis, 195. T. H..4, 16,18,34, 150, 199. Morristown, 245, 367. Jail at, 220. Morgan's Rangers, 274. 5. Mundy, Edward, 132. 4, 5, 230. James, 241, 287. -Ezra, 283. INDEX. 387 Henry, 133, 4. Mutton Hollow, 35. N. James, the Printer, 126, 9, 130, 1, 200, 6, 292. James (H.), 134, 5. -Geo. 214. aam'l, 200, 235, 287. S:app, Henry, 69. Sam'l, F., 201, 2, 5, 241. STewark, 8, 13, 26, 49, 50, 77, 167, 174,; Janet 202. -Sarah, 235. 201, 369, 370. iParsons, Gen., 245. S'ew American Mai>;azine, 201. jPansonage laud, 144, 8, 158, 171, 2, 4, !^evv Brunswiclc, 19, 156, 240, 262, 9,i 5, 224, 5, 6, 233, 4, 270, 2, 3, 4, 369. STewbury, Mass., 6, 7, 8. ^ew Dover, 268. STew Haven. 201. S^ewton, Alansou, 134, 5. S^evill, S.itn'l, 193, 201.-Jobn, 193. S'icbols, ',T()V., 26, 27. Sfoakes, Waller, 276. ^oe, Daniel, 206.-James, 267. Peter, 161, 267.-Johu, 173. ^. Y. Gazette, 200. Post boy, 200, 1. O. )ak Tree, 264, 5. 283, 3. • Oblong," the, 213. )i.leubeimer, Bishop, 134. Officers, Town, 9, 137-142, 300, 1. 3:4den, John, I, S, 10, 49, 50. Capt., 267. Dgilby, Rev. F., 133, 4. ;)|J Cannon, 260. Jran.s^e, N. J., 225. "-'■••rri, iJ,'v. HA., 227. •f, .James, 206. iS ot Hiiihwajs, 140. of Po'or, 142, 204. 3viu. Dr..81. jKtord, 129. P. Page, Rev. C. J., 370. Palmer, Capt., 100. ?am, Peter, 168, 235.-Mrs., 168. Ciipt. John, 221. - Wm., 249. Pangboru, Stepheu, 168.-Lydia, 168. Joanna, 168. Papiack Creek, Ki, 17. 18, 22, 38, 40, 69, 77, 92, 101, 5, 115, 116, 147,152,364. Neck, 19, 148, 157,192. parcost, Benj., 196. ParJepus. Rene, 134, 5. Pardon, W 111., 25, 302. Parker, Elisha, 20, 34, 138, 141, 6, 7, 8, 9, 157, 9, 171, 200. Benjamin, 20, 28. (Parkis 47), 159. Rev. m-., 7. -John, 158, 9- 300. Parsonage Presbyterian, 34, 149. Eoiscopal, 17, 125. Paterson, N. J.,370. Patcrson, Gov., 245. -Capt. Alex., 278. Paton, James, 191, 230, 5, 244, 5, 6, 273. David E., 135. -Mrs.. 233. 240. Pawley, Rev. Geo., 371. Pearoe, John, 60, 64. Peck, Rev. J., 77,80. Penn, Wm., 96. Penninian, Rev. J. A., 133. Perkins, Hannali, 169. -David, 207. L. M., 264. Perrytovvn, 203. (This is now called Uuiontovvn.) Perth Amboy, 13, 18,24, 25, 30,33, 38, 46, 57, 59, 60, 61, 102, 3, 4, 5, 114, 115, 121. 2, 7, 8, 9, 130, 1, 2, 145, 151,3,0,162,178,9,183, 6, 8, 193, 8, 201, 2, 5, 243, 250, 9, 261, 270, 299, 302, 6, 311. Phillips' Mill, 293. Phillips, Rebecca, 168. -Mrs. Eliphalet, 168. Piatt, Capt. Wra., 263. Pierce, Daniel, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 22, 28, 46, 152, 9. Joshua. 8, 22, 28, 36, 77, 138, 140, 152, 9, 191. Rev. Mr., 133. Pienson, Rev. John (I.\ 13. -(II.), 173- 6. 234. Rev., 77.-Theopliilus, 167. Rev. Abraham, 173. - Ruth, 174, 5. iPike, John (I.), 8, 9, 18,28, 39, 40, 41, •• 45, 46, 51, 52, 57, 68, 69, 77, 7b, 79, 83, 86, 87, S8, 92, 94, 96, 103, 4, 5, 7, 9, 114, 115, 116, 137. 8, 9, 140. 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 151, 4, 5, 164, 7, 9, 177, 193, 234, 291, 3, 4. Jolm (II.), 28, 53, 57, 92, 103, 137, 8, 141, 2, 6, 151, 5, 234, 291. John (HI.). 234. Thomas, 29, 86, 88, 110, 114, 119, 138, 140, 1, 5, 7, 151, 5, 7, 160, 7, 388 WOODBRIDGK AND VICINITV. 9. 171, 3, 180, 3, 191, 2, 866. Mary, 154 -Sarah, 168. Zebulon, 161. 234, 267. Nalhaniel, 168, 207. MtTcy, 168.-Jaines, 206. Wm., 207. -Zebulon M.,285. Pike's Neck, 151. Pike House, 186. Piscataway, 8, 9, 10, 11, 18. 24, 31, 32 39, 40, 46, 49, 50, 51 52, 66, 95, 101, 5, 6, 118, Burial Ground al W. , 67, 69, 71,209,210. [211. Ministers and Elders, 'hitg., Books of, 72, 210. Queen Anne, 120, 260. Quibbletovvn, 274, 5. Quit Rents, 9, 27, 28, 30, 45,89, 102, 3, 4, 188, 193, 299. R. Rahawak Swamp, 180. 114, 115, 116, 121, 2, 8,!Raiiway, 74, 75, 104, 5, 7, 116, 121, 2, 125, 6. 7, 8, 182, 8, 144, 5, 159, 162, 168, 227, 289, 267, 270, 1, 4, 299, 867. Burial ground at, 871. Boundary troubles of, 39, 40, 51, 102, 6, 145. Plainfield, 74, 211,214, 216, 218,219, 221, 265, 274. Plumer, Hannah, 109. Plum ley, Rev. G. !S., 227. Poor, Ike, 54, 142, 153, 5, 8, 167, 204, 287, 8, 9. Poor House Farm, 179. Pope, P. B.,135. Port Richmond, S. I. , 255. Population of W.,81. Potter, Deliverance, 83.-Jas., 268. Ichabod, 192, 280. -Isaac, 230. Sally, 288. -Jane, 238. Miij. Reuben, 285, 277, 8. Pounds, the, 52, 87, 95, 105, 142, 4, 5, 150, 8. Pound, Elijah, 220. -Rev. Mr., 134. Powell, Rich, 86, 114, 116. Piei,byterian Church, 17, 18, 76, 132, 164-176: 223-288: 285, 298, 803. Preston, Rev. John. 132, 202, 307. Princeton, N. J., 259. 277. Prmceton College, 176, 231. Price, Bcnj., 167. 188, 144, 151, 5, 180, 1, 211, 212, 218, 214, 216. 218, 281, 268,4; origin of, 271, 276, 8. Rahway River (sometimes written Rahawak, etc.), 9, 14, 28, 98, 116, 145, 7. 180, 271, 298. Rahway Neck, 266, 217. Randolph, (see Filz Randolph.) Jotham, 135 -John, 8(57. Wni.F.,371.-Rev. Dr., 371. Rangers, 111 -MurgMu's, 274, 5. Raritan, River, 9. 28, 24, 82, 113, 145, 278 298, i). Landing, 269. Township of, 280. Rate Gatherers, 142. Makers, 141. Read, Chas., 306.-Bnwes, 306. Reed Brook, 156, 181. Reed, Chas. B., 184, 5.-Morris, 230. Reid, John, 60, 61. Rennols, (Reynolds ?) Sarah, 168. Revolution, the 199. 202, 3, 218-221 ■ 228, 289-289. Richardson, Rev. Dr., 237. Rickets, Col. 199. Rickhow, Joshua, 161. Riddell, Rtv. A., 84, 85, 87. Sir John, 84. Rifle, O , 13.5. Prison, or Town Jail, 34, 53, 96, 97,'Right, (Wright ?) Hannah, 168. 100, 120, 148, 9, 156, 162 Prison ships, 298. Proprietary Rule, 143. Robeson, John, 20, 188 Koberts, Dauid, 211. -John, 211. Roads, see '" Highways." |Hobinson,Wm.,68.-John,20, 168,180. Q Robins, Dan'l., 28, 91, 114, 188, 140, 1, Quakers, the, 59-75, 88, 16G, 209-222 2, 159. Woodbridge, Mretinir-house Rolf (or Rolph.) .Tohn. G, 7, 141, 360. of, 64, 66-69, 81,214.219, 221 S;.muel, 168.-Jos., 188, 147, 164. Pr.'parative meetings of, 65, Mary, 168. 216, 217. Rolph, Moses 69, 155, 7, 8, 168, 182, Monthly meetings of, 65, 70. 186, 8, 9, 191, 2. Quarteily mtg., at W., 71, 209, 210, 211. [217. Quarterly mtg., at Rahway, Ueurv, 124, 180.-BeDj,, 157. Roe, Rev. Azel, 100, 176, 198, 9, 223- 232. INDEX. 389 Mrs. Mary, 232 -Mis. H., 232. Rogers, Robt., 28, 151,9.-Wni.,157. Ross, Robert, Sr., 225. Eobert. Jr., 192, 267. Jolin, 225, 267, 287. Jerome, 270. -James, 169. Rowland's Corner, 155. Rudyard, Tlios , 96. 98, 102. Ruuyou, Rev. R , 368, 371. Meflbrd, 371. Ryerson, Capt., 254. S. Sabbath School, Presb , 233, 4. Salsburv. Rev. B., 78,79. Saltar, il., 148. Samptown, 368. Savers, Capt. M.. 230. Schools, &e., 25, 82 144, 8, 155, 8, 172, 177-184 , 186, 7, 194, 221, 284, 287. 8, 300, 310. Schoolcv. Robt.. 213. Scotch Plains, 275, 367. Soott's Lisibt Horse, 275. Schraalenlmrij, 227. Scudder, Jolin, 168. Sears, Ser<;t. Benj., 221. -Isaac, 267. Seely. Col., 277. Scwell, Wm., 72. Sliaw, Daniel, 130. Slieep, common, 112. Sheep-masters, 154. Sheldon's Dragoons, 242, 4. 7,8, 9, 264. Shepard, Rev. S., 86, 87, 88, 121, 164, 165, 6, 7, 180. Mrs. Alice. 164, 5, 6. Joanna, 107. Short Hills, 245, 264, 8. Shot well, Abram., 69, 70, 213, 214. 219. Joseph, 74, 75. 203, 0, 9, 212, 214, 216, 219. 287, 311. Daniel, 71, 206.-A. V..4,263. John, 75, 209, 241, 287. Jacob, 212.-Sarali, 214. Benjamin, 213, 217, 219, 288. Siimuel, 217. Shippv, Susannali, 168. Shrew'sbury, 26, 50, 62, S3, 68, 71, 75, 209. 210, 219. Nolice of, 72- Sbrievally, tlic, 99. 100. Si'.le-wiilk, fust, 110. Six Roads Tavern, 266, 7. Sliinncr, Rev. Wm.. 127, 8, 9. Gertrude, 129.-Anu, 168. Coriland, 129, 203, 306, 9. Richard, 138, 155, 168. 267. John, 157, 168. -Francis, 168- Slater, E., 102. Slavery, 73, 185, 218. Slme-tail Brools, 35. SlooV, Sally, 248. Smallcy, Henry, 371. -John, 367. Rev. Henry, 371. Smallwood, Gen., 248. Smith, Jobn, (millwriclit.) 8, 10, 20, 28,37, 40,41. 42,43,46,48,77, 137, 8, 9, 141. 9, 159. John, (Scotchman,) 20, 28, 47, 149, 159. John, (III.). 287. Sam'l, 28, 104, 9, 112, 119, 138, 140, 1, 5, 6, 9, 159, 160, 173, 185, 196. Sbobal, 71, 185, 8, 192, 6, 7, 207, 210. Richard, 124.-Bcnj., 235. Wm., 173, 207,219,241, 277,8, 286. James, 132, 4, 175, 190, 207, 230, 5. Frederick, 135. Ichabod, 158, 172, 235. Samuel, the historian, 201. Samuel, (UL), 371. Rev. C. C.,371. Smith Creek, 19. 20, 22, 107. Smith Farm, 270. SncU, Capt., 50. Somerset Co., 93. Sonmans, Peter, CO, 153, 4, 188-191. Poter, Jr., 193. Sons of Liberty, 239. Soper, Ricbarti, 154. South Amboy, 188. Sar House Prison. 228, 262, 293. Sutton, VV., 62, 66, 67, 70. Thomas. 66.-Dauiel, 67. Rev. J., 371.-Elizabeth,372. Swan, Tho3., 115. Tas.'gett, John, 115. Tarbot, Rev. J., 127. Tappen (or Toppan). Isaac, 28, 47, 105, 138, 140, 1, 2, 159, 207. David, 230. Abraham (I.), 9, 28, 47, 140, 159, 161, 8, 175. (XL), 236. Bonj., 267, 270. Taverns, 99, 101. Taxes, 89, 92, 94, 96, 110, 112, 116, 146, 289. Taylor, Wm., 133,4, 5. John, 20, 2e, 52, 150, 160. Tor, fir.st cup of, 240- Terrill, Dan'l. 132, 3, 4, 5. Wm. p., 132,4,5. Thanksgiving D ly, 56. Thaxtcr, John, 206. Thompson, Capt. Wm., 283. Tlionison, James, 188.-Elias, 230. Thorn, VVm., 204, 0, 220. -Jos., 207. John, 218. Thornell, Israel (I.), 28, 93, 105, 110, 138, 140. 1, 2. 151, 186. (II.), 268, 287. Lewis, 237, 8.-Isaac, 246. Benj., 241. 208,286, 7.311. Thorp, Thos.. 107, 137, 8, 207. JoseDh. 138. 168.-Wm., 168. Daniel, 138, 168. -Elizabeth, 168. Benj., 168, 268. -Mrs., 168. I Ezekiel, Anna, and Mary, 168. Tingley, Sam'l, 132, 307. Titus, Penelope, 168. Town Books, 3, 16, 36, 77, 146, 155, 6, 8, 205, 251, 287. Town Clerks, 138, 191, 2. Town Committee, 147, 155. Town house, 87, 88, 149, 165. Town Meetings, 36-58, 89-120, 143- 103, 185-205. Treat, Rev. S..77. Trenton, 250, 269, 270. Trewman (Trueman), John, 29, 103, 159. Trinity Church, 18. (See Episcopal Church ) Trout Brook, 145, 172, 9. Trumbull, Gov., 242. Tucker, Sam'l, 243. Tufts, J. M., 135. Tuttie, Stephen, 138, 157, 167. Turnpike, Amboy, 243, 256. Wood bridge, 243. U. Uniontown (formerly Perrylowu), 149, 179. Vail, John, 69, 70, 71,189,190,209, 211,214, 219. Stephen, 212.-Robt., 24b. Robt. C. , 280. Valott, Claude, 33. Vanderhoven , C , 266. Van Courtlandt, Mr.s. , 340. Van Tvviller, Gov. , 99. Vaughan, Rev. E., 122, 3, 4,5, 6,127, 9, 169. 170, 181. Venet, Jaqucs, 147,206. Ver Lett, Nicholas, 25, 302. Vestrymen, list of, 134.-6. Vickers, Capt., 96. " Voclin's Hill," 38. Voorhecs, Daniel, 261. Voquillen. Robt.. 22, 25, 28, 38,39, 45.46,51,96,97,108,159, 302. W. Wade, Rev. N., 122, 3, 157, 167-171. Col., 248. -Mary, 168. Walker, Francis, 116, 117, 138. Desire. 168. -James, 200. Wm.. 208.-Ruuyon, 371. Wall, Dr. J. G.,236. Wardens, list of, 134. Warlock, John, 13a INDEX. 391 "Washington, Gen., 242, 5, 250, 2, 274, 5. Rock, 275. Waterine-place, 157, 364. Watson, 'Luke, 7, 8. Watkias, John, 20, 28, 159. Way Wardens, 47. Webster, Nathan, 28. 159. John, 212, 214, 219. Wm., 86.-Hugh, 215, 219. Col. John, 221. John, (in ), 222. Westfielcl, N. J., 275. West River. Md., 215. Welherel, Tho3..123. Wevman, VVm., 201. Whitaker, John, 28. (Spelt Witcher), 159. -Rev. N.,176, 207, 228 White, Jol)n, 364. Whitfield, Rev. G., 175. Wiatt, Thos., 40. Wilcox, Capt., 270. AVilkinson, E., 168.-Marv, 168. Willis, Robt., 218, 214, 21G, 217, 218, 219. Sam'l, 268.-Jolin, 277. Willocks, Geo., 127. Wiswell, Rev., 171. Witches, 57. Winds, Gen., 278. Wood, Jonas, 167. Woodbridge, Rev. John, 6, 7. Rev. Timothy, 174. Woodbridge Neck, 264. 270. 8. Creek, 283. 865, (see Pa- piack Creek.) Woodruff, Jonathan, 266. Worth, Ellinor, 277.-Joiin, 138. Richard, 28, 42, 138, 9, 151, 9. Woodstock, Conn., 129. Wolves, 41, 44, 47, 112, 118, 119, 154. Wolf Swamp, 145. Wnght, Robt., 103. 124, 138. Richard, 207, 230. Wyckoff, C, 233. Yale College, 173. Yarmouth, 8. Young, Chas., 135. Zellar, John, 135. Z. &"] "WOODBRIDGE AND VICINITY." A New Book. — We have received tbe first numbers of Rev. Joseph W. Daily's History of Woodbridge, a work which will interest all re&idents of Middlesex county, and become also a valuable book of reference. It is issued in weekly numbers at 25 cents eacli, and Mr. Jeremiah Dally, of Woodbridge, is the ac;ent to whom orders should be addressed. We shall take occasion to refer to the work more fully at a future Ximc— Middlesex Demoerat. The work alluded to in the above paragraph is being published at this office. It will be interesting to all residents in Central New Jersey. It is a work highly deserving of generous patronage.— New Brunswick [N. J.] Daily Tunes. History of Woodbkidge AiSD Vicinity. — We have received the four first numbers of this work with the above title. It includes a history of Piscalaway, Metuchen, and otner places from the eailiest times, and Historical Sketches o"f different Ecclesiastical bodies, as well as important official doc- uments relating to the township of Woodbridge. etc. We have not had tmie to examine the minor points, but so far as we have looked over the lour numbers, we find them to contain much interesting and i-nstructive matter. — Perth Amboy [N. J.] Guardian. Rev. J. W. Dally, formerly of Woodbridge, now stationed at Blooms- bury, Hunterdon county, has been engaged in preparing for the press an early historv of Woodbridge and vicinity. The advance sheets show that it cannot failto be of interest to every resident in this section ot the State. It is now in press at the Times office, and will make a volume of about 400 pages. Mr. Dally is a gifted and well educated gentleman, and has had good opportunities for hunting up the old history of this section. This volume will bring up the history to about the time of the revolution, the author finding that to give the later history would make too much lor one volume, and furnish material enough for an additional one, which he propo- ses to proceed with.— Rahway [N. J.] National Democrat. It is well printed in plain Roman type, and will be an interesting vol- ume for our readers to possess; for Rahway was for a long time closely identified with Woodbridge township politically and geographically. --Rah- way [N. J.] Advocate and Times. Price, bound in a substantial and tasteful style, - $3-25- Address all orders immediately to JEREMIAH DALLY, Woodbridge, N. J. Notice.— If the sale of " Woodbridge and Vicinitv" is sufficiently rc- muncrativt', the aulhor in;iy soon vi-niure upon the publicalion of a srcond volume, bringiu'.^ tlie history of the township down lo the present time, in- cluding the focal events connected with the war of 1812, the recent war in the South, &c. ; together with a particular dcscripliou of the business enlcr- prises of the place.