mMmmm ^ 1 voyage. Perhaps there were more. After the craft left the broad ex- panse of bay and followed the river's ^ course, the countenances of the PurfLVns^in''^ring°from'liiifonUo 1 '11 • 1 Newark. men and women were illumined, as rich verdure on either side was unfolded. This evidence of Nature's luxuriance was gratefully accepted as a welcome relief from the monotony of the voyage. Stretching away to the westward, the vista made a most pleasing picture to Puritan eye and mind. Undulating acres of wooded land, clearings of wide areas and lowlands thickly covered with growth of tender grass swept before the gaze till the view was lost in the blue haze of mountain-top. In a northeasterl}'- direction (now known as the Ilacken- 3 4 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK sack meadows) a dense growth of cedar trees was noted. This provided generous shelter against the winter's cold blasts. The Puritans thought also of the excellent oppor- tunity offered for securing sustenance from a soil promising rich harvests. The mists of time have blotted out the place where the vessels anchored. Along the western shore a high bluff extended a considerable distance and the point selected was no doubt at the most convenient depression. During the 250th anniversary celebration a memorial fountain was erected in Landing Place Park, at Saybrook Place, marking the historic incident. A party of Hackensack Indians were interested ob- servers of the scene of (to them) strange intrusion. They had long watched the unfamiliar craft laboriously moving along the tortuous course of the stream. Intently did they view the high prows, cumbersome sails, and other clumsy appointments of the vessels drawing near. Prosperous people they saw standing upon the decks — uncompromising religionists — determined upon erecting a government ac- cording to their idea of correct living. Governor Winthrop, in 1665, secured a charter from Charles II, which merged New Haven and Connecticut into one colony. This was displeasing to the strict church members in the former jurisdiction. Liberty of churches, in fact, their safety, was now in danger, they avowed, when the Half-way Covenant was adopted as part of the new Constitution. Baptism of children was thereby allowed, irrespective of parents' church membership. The Puritan practice permitted this ordinance only for cliildren of "the elect." The combining of the two colonies and the adop- tion of the obnoxious covenant had been anticipated by the more discerning of the "disaffected." Robert Treat was chairman of a committee acting for them in their desire to migrate from this intolerant religious environment. Several desirable tracts back of Staten Is- land, in the vicinity of Raritun River and under the juris- PURITANS ARRIVE IN THE WILDERNESS 5 diction of Governor Stuyvesant of New Amsterdam, were inspected. Negotiations with the Dutch ended, however, principally because sufficient liberty was not giuiranteed the Puritans in the proposed settlement. Ships, filled with English soldiers and sailors, soon afterward appeared in New York harbor, whereupon Governor Stuyvesant, sur- prised and overwhelmed, surrendered to the invaders, with- out resistance, all the dominion known as New Netherlands. Charles II, who assumed possession of the land by right of discovery, granted it to his brother, James, Duke of York. The latter then sent out the expedition which so tlioroughly bewildered the Dutch authorities. The Duke's estate extended from the west bank of the Connecticut River to the east shore of Delaware Bay and was named New Albion. Sir George Carteret and John Lord Berkley were assigned that portion now known as New Jersey, but first named Nova Caesarea. Ten shillings and an annual rent of one pepper corn to be paid on the day of nativity of St. John the Baptist, if legally demanded, was the con- sideration asked of and agreed to by Carteret and Berkley. The transfer was effected on March l^, 1GG3. Three months later, on June 23 and 24, 1GG4, the land was formally possessed. * Philip Carteret, cousin several times removed of Sir George Carteret, was commissioned Governor of New Jersey. Headquarters were established on a commanding plot of ground back of "Achter Koll," as the narrow body of water separating Staten Island from the mainland was named by the Dutch. Four families were living near the site when Governor Carteret and retinue of thirty persons arrived in August, 1664. The settlement was named Elizabeth Town, in honor of Lady Elizabeth, wife of Sir George Carteret. Flourishing growth was expected of this aristocracy; but it was, as will be shown in another chapter, a source of much trouble to the owners living 3,000 miles across the sea. Governor Carteret sent agents to New England, seek- 6 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK ing homesteaders for his colonization scheme. They carried the constitution of the new Government, entitled "The Concessions of the Lord Proprietors of New Jersey," which granted the essentials, religious and otherwise, sought by the Puritans. Eagerly did Robert Treat and Rev. Abraham Pierson (noted Congregational minister) accept the over- tures for settlement on the river "back of Achter Koll," where 40,000 or more acres of land were at the disposal of settlers. A yearly quit-rent of half -penny per acre, to be paid the Lord Proprietors, was agreed upon. Treat's glowing report of the country's agricultural possibilities, after a visit there in the late winter of 1665, was the incen- tive for immediate preparations by the Milford group for the exodus. And now the aborigines beheld the zealous people braving the hardships of an unknown region in ad- herence to their religious principles. According to family tradition, Elizabeth Swaine, daughter of Samuel Swaine, gained the distinction of being the first white woman to step ashore, being assisted by Josiah Ward, who afterward became her husband. The unloading of sundry articles of household necessity and other requisites for the pioneer life was quickly accomplished. This was followed by prayer, offered by one of the men, for safe de- liverance from the misfortunes of the sea and for safe de- barkation in the new home — this branch of Zion planted in the wilderness. An Indian, who had stolidly watched the scene, then stepped forward and demanded payment for the land about to be occupied.. The claim was advanced that it was the red man's property, and these Puritans, dressed in small clothes, and wearing queer, steeple-crowned hats, were interlopers. At least that was thought to be the probable explanation of the speaker's vehement language. The Puri- tans, by enlisting the services of an interpreter, John Cap- teen, a Dutchman, who lived at Hackensack, learned the cause of Indian ire. They were quickly apprised of the fact that the Governor had not attended to the treaty price PURITANS ARRIVE IN THE WILDERNESS 7 with the Indians, as he had guaranteed. Reluctantly it was decided to return to Milford. Alas! the migration was in vain, and visions of a Temple erected in yonder clearing to the glory of the Great Jehovah were now ruthlessly shattered. "I had expected the Governor had cleared the plantations from all claims and encumbrances," said Captain Treat to the Indians through the interpreter, "and had given us quiet possession, which he promised to do; but no sooner are we on the place and having our goods landed, than I and others of this company are ordered off. You claim right as Hackensack Indians by being first here. We have the Governor's order to take the land, but you say that it is unpurchased." The captain was very much exercised. Carteret appeared upon the scene as the vessels were being reloaded. The fate of the expedition now hung in the balance. Addressing the Governor, Captain Treat said that he did not under- stand his position. Had not the company agreed to pay the half-penny annual quit-rent per acre.'^ Had they not come into the land determined to settle and even end their days here, cultivate the soil and glorify the name of God.' The Puritan blood of the speaker was rising. Every word was listened to with profound interest by his associates, for he was a man of wisdom and of much experience in worldly and spiritual affairs. The interpreter communi- cated the statement to the Indians. They then knew the truth was told, if suspicion to the contrary had been enter- tained by them. 'J'he Governor acknowledged failure on his part to fulfill the contract, but implored the people to remain. Consent to this appeal was finally granted by heads of families (women had no voice in public affairs). The partly -loaded goods were again brought ashore and preparations made to spend the night as comfortably as the limited means per- mitted. The precious tinder box containing flint, steel and woolen 8 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK cloth was ever ready. The two hard substances were brought together with dexterous motion till sparks were produced. These ignited the cloth, then placed under the stack of wood, and in this manner the fire was kindled. Symbolical indeed ! Here was begun a fire of vital strength and usefulness which figuratively speaking was to burn on through the years till a great company, not numbered by tens, but by hundreds and even hundreds of thousands, were to receive the benefits of the heroic, sacrificial spirit of the pioneer group ! Perro, a minor chief, acting as spokesman for the Indians, informed the Puritans that Oraton, the great chief, was four score and ten years of age, and would, therefore, be com- pelled to leave the business details to younger men. Not a little surprise was expressed by the captain and his com- mitteemen, upon visiting the village at Hackensack, to note the well-cultivated gardens planted with corn, peas and other vegetables, all faithfully tended by the women while the men were absent on hunting trips, fishing excursions or engaged in warring upon other tribes. The principal style of dwelling was the lodge. Bark of the chestnut tree, grass, and other material were woven in the construction, making it quite impervious to the inclemencies of the seasons. The roof was usuallj^ dome-shaped; the oblong building was also used. The antecedents of the Hackensack band, Unami Di- vision, of the Delaware or Leni Lenape tribe, with whom the Puritan Fathers negotiated, are unknown, but there is no doubt of long possession. Implements of stone and other material were found in the soil and the evidences of long settlement at landing places and the character of the abodes, all tended toward this belief. The Hackensacks were not warlike, were scantily clothed, and always ready for a run over the fields in search of game. The principal garment of the women had more the appearance of a bag than a dress, consist in,;- of a square piece of buckskin, wrapped about the waist and allowing a bulge, into which articles needed in the daily life were placed while on a march. PURITANS ARRIVE IN THE WILDERNESS 9 Oraton, iliioii^li IVrro, assiiivd llic coiiimiitoc tluit the settlers would not be disturbed in their home making. The bill of sale, it was agreed, should be held in abeyanee till after the Branford and Guilford companies arrived in the spring of 1G67. Opportunity was thereby given to secure the purchase price at leisure — sundry useful articles, of more value to the Indians than silver and gold. CHAPTER II The Fundamental Agreement "Such was their creed — a Hfe and not a name And here to found their perfect State they came." A. D. F. Randolph. T TPON the settlers rested the weighty responsibility of ^^ final trial in the New World of "carrying on spiritual concernments, and also civil and town affairs according to God and a Godly government." Humor had no place in their daily routine, and life on this mundane sphere was continually a serious matter. The religious spirit finds expression in positive manner in the Fundamental Agreement or constitution upon which the town was founded. Unanimously adopted at the first town meeting on May 21, 1666, by the Milford company and delegates representing Branford and Guilford, the document was then forwarded to the two latter places for signatures of residents of those places contemplating the pilgrimage. Credit is therefore given the men of Branford and Guilford of signing first. THE AGREEMENT "OctoherSO, 1666. At a meeting touching the Intended design of many of the inhabitants of Branford, the following was subscribed: 1st. That none shall be admitted freemen or free Burgesses [Dent, i-13] within our Town upon Pesnyak River in the Prov- ince [Exod. xviii-21] of New Jersey but such Planters as are members [Deut. xvii-15] of some or other of the Congregational Churches, nor shall [Jer. xxx-21] any but such be chosen to magis- tracy or to Carry on any part of said Civil Judicature, or as dei)uties or assistants, to have power to Vote in Establishing laws, 10 THE FUNDAMENTAL AGREEMENT 11 and making or Repealing them or to any Chief MiHtary Trust or Office. Nor shall any But such Church Members have any ^'ote in any such elections; Tho' all others admitted to be planters have Right to their proper Inheritances, and do and shall enjoy all other Civil Liberties and Privileges, According to all Laws, Orders, Grants, which are or shall hereafter be made for this Town. 2d. We shall with Care and Diligence provide for the mainte- nance of the purity of Religion professed in the Congregational Churches. ^Yhe^efore unto subscribed the Inhabitants of Bran- ford. Jasper Crane Thomas Huntington Abraham Pierson Ebenezer Canfield Samuel Swaine John Ward, Sr. Laurence Ward Edward Ball Thomas Blactlily John Harrison Samuel Plum John Crane Josiah Ward Delivered Crane Samuel Rose Aaron Blatchly Thomas Pierson Richard Laurence John Ward John Johnson John Catling rr>, \'^ ^ T,. , ,-_-.. 1 nomas L Lvon Kichard Harrison niark " And upon the reception of their Letters and Subscriptions, the present inhabitants, in November following, declare their consent and readiness to do likewise, and at a meeting the twenty- fourth of next June, following, in 1667, they also subscribed with their own hands unto the two fundamental agreements ex- pressed on the other side, their names as follows: Robert Treat Obadiah Bruen Matthew Canfield Samuel Kitchell Jeremiah Peck Michael Tompkins Stephen Freeman Henry Lyon John Browne John Rogers Stephen Davis Edward Rigs Robert Kitchell his John B Brooks mark his Robert \ Lymens mark his Francis F Linle mark Daniel Tichenor John Bauldwin, Sr. John Bauldwin, Jr. Jonathan Tompkins George Day Thomas Johnson John Curtis Ephraim Burwell his Robert R. Dennison mark 12 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK Nathaniel Wheeler Ephraim Pennington Zachariah Burwell Martin Tichenor William Camp John Brown, Jr. Joseph Walters Jonathan Seargeant Robert Dalglesh Azariah Crane Hauns Albers Samuel Lyon Thomas Morris Joseph Riggs Hugh Roberts Stephen Bond The texts of Scripture incorporated, emphasized the com- plete obedience to an overruling Providence: "Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you." — Deut. i-13. "Moreover, thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating co vetousness ; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens." — Exod. xviii-21. "Thou shalt in any wise set him King over thee, whom the Lord thy God shall choose; one from among thy brethren shalt* thou set king over thee; thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother." — Deut. xvii-15. "And their nobles shall be of themselves and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them." — Jer. xxx-31. The Surveyor-General of Elizabeth Town arranged "Middle liighways in the length and breadth of the town (Broad and Market streets of our day) to be eight Rods wide and the Rest four." IMulberry and Washington streets, included in the first map of road laying, were named respectively East Back Lane and West Back Lane. Three ranges were provided "with due preparation and solemnization," one each for the people of Milford, Bran- ford, and Guilford. Drawing for home lots was adopted as the most expeditious and harmonious method of settle- ment. These lots consisted of six acres, except that of Captain Treat. He was allowed not only two additional acres, but also the privilege of first choice. This honor was in return for his skill and expense in negotiating the purchase of the land. He selected the lot at the southeast THE FUNDAMENTAL AGREEMENT 13 corner of the highways running the length and breadth of the towns and extending easterly to East Back Lane (now ^Mulberry Street) and in a southerly direction beyond the point now occupied by the First Presbyterian Church. The two extra acres were on the westerly side of the road- way, near the watering place. All the men capable of handling axe, adz and saw, made inroads into the adjacent forests as huge trees were felled and hewn into required length for home building. Before the summer and autumn passed the virgin soil of early spring was dotted with neatly laid-out farms, on which were erected the homes of the people. TOWN LOTS OF THE FIRST RESIDENTS Made hij Samuel H. Conger Northeast Section: A, Deacon Lawrence Ward; B, John Catlin; C, Samuel Kitchell; Z), Josiah Ward; E, John Rogers; F, Robert Kitchell; G, Jeremiah Pecke; H, Obadiah Bruen; I, The Seaman's Lot; J, Thomas Richards; K, John Harrison; L, Aaron Blatchly; M. Stephen Davis; N, Samuel Plum; 0, John Crane; P, The Boatman's Lot; Q, Robert LjTiion; R, John Davis. Northwest Section: A, Lieutenant Samuel Swaine; B, Sergeant Richard Harrison; C, Edw^ard Ball; D, John Morris, in 1688; E, John Ward, Sr.; F, Matthew Canfield; 6', Abraham Pierson, Jr.; H, Jasper Crane; 7, Thomas Pierson, Sr.; J, Benjamin Baldwin; K, Thomas Huntington; L, Alexander Munrow; M, The Elder's Lot; A^ John Ward, Jr., the turner; 0, Deacon Richard Laurence; P, Delivered Crane; Q, Hans Albers; R, Samuel Rose; S, The Miller's Lot; r, Samuel Dod; U, Daniel Dod; V, The Corn Mill. Southeast Section: A, Captain Robert Treat; B, Abraham Pierson, Sr.; C, Robert Denison; D, Thomas Johnson; E, George Day; F, Nathaniel Wheeler; G, Joseph Riggs; II, William Camp; 7, INIartin Tichenor; J, Stephen Freeman; K, John Curtis; L, John Baldwin, Sr.; M, 14 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK r^^ .. Stnnles- N John Baldwin, Jr.; 0, Deacon Michael ■^f Iweffk^W^'^thr-Meeti^^^^^^^^ ^. Cap- ' nf: W exTra C. J^Un Johnson; O. The Parsonage wLe Lot- E John Browne, Sr.; f, Stephen Bond G, "chariah Burwell; H, Ephraim Burwell; 7 Thomas Lnd- Z,acnaria Thomas Lyon; L, Joseph John- '"^"m John Trea? N, John Gregory; 0, Henry Lyon; P::iofihmite?srQ;Sa;nn.Can,^^^^ (or Douglas); S, Franeis Link- (or Lmdsley), T, Matthew Williams- U, Walter's second division. !» having its source in the spring on High Street enfptdTto the 'frog pond and did not conmuc to the Passaic River, as indicated on the map. This was !Il dripped from the roof in stormy weather, while a spring - ^-^r't^ tr t" - ::!2hr: trrs requirements^ ^h- these ^^^^^ T S was r frXd, was already provided near the hve stock "7 .■^•^'[^J" .',„_, (now the southwest corner intersectronoftl^twohigh^^^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^^ of Broad and Market streets;, n undisturbed in the early ^P^^^ 1;-;!*^: airsJrved a. a r T ^TtMS tit Sout belief, were barometer, iwice, accorui u^ j , -^ g they to be hushed by J^™^ J?*'':^" ;! a westerly ready for sP"ng P'an*»S^ dtv CoTirthouse, was the direction, near the ^-ex oi.n ^,^^ ,,^t,, trickled THE FUNDAMENTAL AGREEMENT 1.5 easterly course to tlie depression in wliich the water was impounded. Cavernous or double chimneys with which every house was equipped were made of clay and timber. They served more as an element of danger than safety till after a few years' trial, when stone and mortar were used exclusively in the construction. The hearthstone was in the main or living room, and used also as the kitchen. The door opened on a level with the yard. The master was thereby enabled to bring in the back log at night with comparative ease. Of ample girth and averaging six to eight feet in length, it was drawn to the kitchen door by horse or ox and then deposited upon the fireplace. This was the last chore of the daj^ Carefully were the burning embers banked about the log. Through the long night the fire smouldered and in the morning was quickened into a lively blaze. When this failed a member of the family was sent post haste with an iron kettle to the nearest neighbor, where some "live coals" were borrowed with which the fire was restored. Flint and steel had an obstinate way at times of refusing to send out the coveted sparks when wielded by hands numbed with the cold. Foodstuffs were largely provided from field and stream during the first summer and there was no worriment about the high cost of living. Of game there was plenty, and fish of many varieties were taken from the river. Strawberries, wild and juicy, peeping here and there in the grass when the June sun shone the strongest, were plucked by the women and children. Other fruits were also gathered in season. The grape and plum were the more luxuriant. Provision must be made for fuel (coal was not used till a century and a half later). Shortened September days gave warning of winter's approach and the attention of all the people was directed toward securing this necessary supply of household comfort. Stacks of firewood, towering many feet, rewarded the yeoman effort before the first snow whitened the landscape. 16 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK In the town i)lanning space was reserved for tlie market place, where the people exchanged commodities. This was known as the Upper Common, now Washington Park. Military Park was also an original reservation and was designated the Lower Common or the soldiers' training ground. Not till November did the delegation of New Englanders arrive with the long-awaited Fundamental Agreement, signed and sealed and necessary subscriptions guaranteed. Chilling winds and snows of the long winter months were succeeded by the balmy days of the vernal season and sing- ing birds filled the woods with their music. The year 1667 had arrived and the Branford and Guilford contingents were daily expected. Early in June they came with their worldly effects. On the 24th of the month the items to be attached to the Fundamental Agreement for town guidance were read, discussed and adopted. Signatures of the Mil- ford people were duly attached to the document and the remainder of the meeting was devoted to solemn service of prayer. In this manner was Milford by the Pesayak River dedicated to the service of God and man. The name was later changed to Newark, in honor of Rev. Abraham Pier- son, who received his ministerial orders at Newark-on-the- Trent, in England. The name was also pronounced and spelled New W^orke and New Ark. The character of the people desired, their behavior while in residence and the manner of their going from town was promulgated in this manner: Item, it is agreed upon that in case any shall come into us or rise up amongst us that shall willingly or wilfully disturb us in our Peace and Settlements, and especially that would subvert us from the true Religion and worship of God, and cannot or will not keep their opinions to themselves or be reclaimed after due Time and means of Conviction and reclaiming hath been used; it is unanimously agreed upon and Consented unto us as a Funda- mental Agreement and Order, that all and Persons so ill disposed and affected shall after due Notice given them from the Town, THE FUNDAMENTAL AGREEMENT 17 quietly depart the place Seasonably, the Town allowing them valuable Considerations for their Lands or Houses as Indifferent Men shall price them, or else leave them to make the best of them to any Man the Town shall approve of. Item — it was ordered and agreed upon, in Cases of changes of Lands or any kind of obligation whatsoever by Gift, Sale, Ex- change, or otherwise, that any new Inhabitant shall arrive or come into Town, to inhabit with us; it is agreed and ordered that he or they from Time to Time shall in all Respects subscribe and enter into the same engagements as his Predecessors or the rest of the Town have done, before he or they can or shall be accounted Legal Inhabitants in our Town, or have . . . Title to their Lands or Possessions therein. Item — it is solemnly consented unto and agreed by all the Planters & Inhabitants of the Town of Newark from their set- tling together at first, and again publicly renewed as their Joint Covenant one with another, that they will from Time to Time all submit one to another to be led, ruled and governed by such Magistrates and Rulers in the Town as shall be annually chosen by the Friends from among themselves, with such orders and Law whilst they are settled here by themselves as they had in the Place from whence they came, under such Penalties as the Magis- trates upon the Nature of the offence shall determine. Steadfastly did the Puritans adhere to these strong binding ties till the tide of changing sentiment encroached upon their sacred domain. No government in the New World had a purer conception or a more enduring hold upon the people than the one inaugurated in Newark. CHAPTER III Indians Sell Land to Puritans "Just to themselves, to others they were true, The Indians at their hands no outrage knew; They took his lands and paid as they agreed. And had from him a primal title deed, For these fair lands, that from the river shore Break at the mountain; full many a score Of miles of wood and undulating plain. And valley low, by purchase did obtain." — A. D. F. Randolph. ANNOUNCEMENT was publicly made soon after the town lots were assigned the latest arrivals that the sale of land incorporated in the original purchase would be consummated on July 11, 1667. Silently the Indians formed a semicircle in a convenient grove on the day set for the ceremony. In front of them was arranged the pur- chase price. The Puritans, solemn-vlsaged, looked after every detail and spoke only when necessary and In low tones. After "due preparation and solemnization for It," the sale began. Carefully the parchment was brought forth, the Indians looking on In awe as It was unrolled. Quiet reigned and naught was heard but the gentle midsummer breeze stirring the leaves of the trees. Nearly fourteen months had passed since the enactment of the memorable scene on the river bank, when the white man promised to reward the, native for settling on his land. Fulfilment of the contract, verbally made, was now being executed, with every legal and moral requirement. Articles named in the bill of sale, and agreed upon by both parties, were enumerated, first by Samuel Edsall, who conducted the business In behalf of the Puritans, and then by John 18 INDIANS SELL LANDS 19 Capteen, the Dutch interpreter, representing the Indians, wlio promised to: deliver a Certain tract of Land, Upland, and Meadows of all sorts, Wether Swamps, Rivers, Brooks, Springs, fishings. Trees of all sorts, Quarries and Mines, or Metals of what sort soever. With full liberty of hunting and fouling upon the same, except- ing Liberty of hunting for the above said Proprietors, that were upon the upper commons, and of fishing in the above said Pesayak River; which said tract of Land is bounded and Limited with the bay Eastward, and the great River Pesayak northward, the great Creke or River in the meadow running to the head of the Cove, and from thence bareing a West Line for the South bounds Wh. said Great Creke is Commonly Called and known by the ' name Weequachick, on the West Line backwards into the Coun- try to the foot of the great Mountaine called Watchung, being as I is Judged about seven or eight miles from Pesayak towne. I The said Mountaine, as Wee are Informed, hath one branch of Elizabeth Town River running near the above said foot of the mountaine; the bounds northerly, viz.: Pesayak River reached to the Third River above the towne, ye River is called Yauntakah, and from thence upon a northwest line to the aforesaid moun- taine; all which before mentioned Lands for the several kinds of them, and all the singular benefits and Priviledges belonging to them, with ye several bounds affixed and expressed herein, as also free liberty and range for Cattle, horses, hoggs, and that though they range beyond any of the bounds in this deed Expressed, to feed and pasture Without Molestation of or damage to the owners of the cattle, &c., above said. Shall we not listen as the list of goods is called.^ "Four barrels of beere!" And given by our Puritan Fathers, too! But this stern, pious folk were tolerant of individual tastes when held within due bounds. ■ Next we hear of "two ankors of liquor or something 'equivalent!" Records do not disclose the character of the latter. "Fifty double hands of powder" were then called. Small or large hands were not mentioned. "One hundred barrs of lead, ten swords, twenty axes, 20 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK twenty coates, ten guns, twenty pistols, ten kettles, four blankets, ten paire breeches, fifty knives, twenty howes (garden hoes), 850 fathoms of wampum, three troopers' coates." "These things," the bill concludes, "are received, only a small remainder engaged to them by bill." Fantastical flourishes were used by the Indians with which they indicated their mark. Oraton, feeble in health, sent able men in his stead. The signers were, on his behalf, Wapamuk, Harish, Captamin, Sessom, Mamustone, Peter, Wamesane, Wekapro- kikan, Cacanakrue and Perawae. For the Puritans, Obadiah Bruen was selected to first place his signature, fol- Tea ketue used in oba- lowcd bv Micliacl Touipkius, Samucl Kit- diah Bruen's home chell, John Brown, and Robert Dennison. Wampum mentioned in the bill of sale was made by the squaws of Indian tribes from the thick or blue part of sea clam shells. Ten of these were placed on a hempen string about one foot in length. From five to ten strings con- stituted a day's work by one fairly well adapted to the task. The price of each string was reckoned at one shilling or twelve and a half cents. As a fathom measures six feet the money exchanged was about $63.75. Eleven years later, March 13, 1678, the land to the moun- tain top was conveyed to the town of Newark by the Indians. Winocksop and Shennoctos acted for them in the sale. The consideration was " tliirteen kans of rum, three coates and two guns." The entire cost of the two tracts was about $700. Homes of the Branford and Guilford settlers were ap- proaching completion as the summer advanced. Willing hands make light work. And there were plenty of them. Autumn came on apace, the three neighborhoods were com- fortably situated, blazing fires crackled on the hearthstone, firewood was well provided, supplies were laid away for win- ter's use, and the spirit of contentment reigned in the town. CHAPTER IV Instituting Provincial Government GOVERNOR CARTERET, on April 7, 1GG8, ordered the first General Assembly of the province of New Jersey to meet at Elizabeth Town, on May 25 next, "for the making and Constituting such wholsome Lawes as shall be most needful and Necessary for the good government of the said Province & the maintayning of a religious Com- munion & Civil society one with the other as becometh Christians, without which it is Impossible for any body Politicq to prosper or subsist." The Governor selected his council of six members, com- posing the upper house, and the lower house was organized by two deputies or Burgesses each from Newark, Elizabeth Town, Woodbridge, Middletown, Piscataway and Bergen. Captain Robert Treat and Samuel Swaine were the Newark deputies. Puritanism was injected into every act placed upon the statute books. Persons resisting established authority were ordered punished at the discretion of the Court. Men between sixteen and sixty years of age were required to pro- vide themselves with arms, on penalty of one shilling for the first week's neglect, and two shillings for every week thereafter. Punishment for burglary and highway robbery was cruel. For the first offence burning in the hand was prescribed and for the second infraction burning in the forehead. In both cases restitution was made. For the third offence the penalty was death. Then, it was adjudged, the culprit was incorrigible and a detriment to society. Undutiful children, smiting or cursing father or mother, except pro- voked thereto for self-preservation, were punished with 21 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK death. Treble restitution for stealing was exacted and for second offence such increase of punishment as the court might determine, even death, if the party so offending appeared to be utterly depraved. The thief, if unable to make restitution, was punished at the whipping post or sold for satisfaction. Night walking or reveling were mis- demeanors of serious character. Woe betide the innocently minded individual walking, even in modest manner, after the prescribed hour for retirement. Curfew was set at 9 o'clock and the assembly gave the magistrate discretion in administering punishment to disturbers of the quiet of the town. No son, daughter, maid or servant could marry without the consent of his or her parents, masters or overseers. Three times the notice of forthcoming wedding must be published in public meeting or kirk near the abode or set up in writing at some pub- lic house near where the parties lived, four- teen days before the ceremony. The marriage was then solemnized "by some approved minister, justice or chief officer, who on penalty of twenty pounds and to be put out of office is to marry none who have not followed these direc- tions," Thirty pounds was the first levy made for provincial ex- penses, Newark's share being five pounds. Winter wheat was accepted for taxes at the rate of five shillings per bushel, summer wheat at four shillings and six pence, peas at three shillings and six pence, rye at four sliillings and beef at two pence and half penny per pound. These articles passed as currency in town and province. Strangers appearing in town were first billeted among the homes. This proved unsatisfactory and Henry Lyon was, in January, 1668, appointed first keeper of ordinary or" tavern. Two years later he moved southward and his place was known as Lyons Farms, now in the corporate limits of Map of New Jersey be fore Puritans' arrival INSTITUTING PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT !s>;i Elizabeth. Thomas Johnson succeeded Lyon as tavern proprietor. The hostelry was established at the Johnson home, the site now the corner of South Broad and Walnut streets, where Grace Episcopal Church is standing. After the town meeting granted him power to keep the "Ordinary in the Town for the Entertainment of Strangers," a bind- ing clause relating to the dispensing of refreshments was added. "And Prohibited all others from Selling any Strong Liquors by Retail under a Gallon, unless in cases of Ne- cessity, and then by license from the Magistrate," is the language of the resolution. The tap room opened on a level with the street. Benches were arranged out-of-doors on either side of the doorway, if the custom of tavern equip- ment of the early period was followed. Hither came the seafaring men, the town officials, itinerant venders, settlers of neighboring towns and visitors from other colonies. Postal matter was distributed at the tavern. Letters arriving on a very irregular schedule were deposited on a table and handled by all so inclined. Goodman Johnson, as he was popularly known, was the father of the town drummer, Joseph Johnson. Another child in the family was named Saving. While the men were conducting town affairs or working their farms, the women, too, were active. In addition to their many household duties they gathered herbs in the field, portions of which were stored for medicinal purposes. Summer savory, profuse and redolent, was used in stuffing the juicy fowl (wild and domestic). Large quantities of white walnuts (hickory nuts), chestnuts, butternuts, hazel- nuts and beechnuts were brought from the forests by the boys and girls in the autumnal season in the true spirit of thrift and economy. Indian customs were interesting to the settlers. The marriage ceremony, particularly, was witnessed by grown people as opportunity afforded. The bride and bride- groom and their families assembled and were seated in a semicircle. First the bridegroom delivered a wild animal's 24 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK rib to the bride. Then she gave him an ear of corn, signify- ing that she was to provide the bread and he the meat. Without further formahty the couple began the roimd of existence, having the great outdoors as a dwelhng place. Assembled at a given point in a forest or clearing, where danger of attack from warring tribes was lessened, the natives formed circles one within the other when worship- ping the Great Spirit, and on certain occasions made sacri- fices of first fruits. The fattest buck was burnt upon a fire kindled for the purpose, and all feasted upon provisions brought by the women, taking care that no bones of animals eaten should break or be broken in any manner, for that, they reasoned, would invite visi- tation of evil spirits upon the tribe. The Indian did not intrude upon the life of the Puritan but Robert Treat's signature . i • i i • i i • it was his delight to bring to the early homes sundry articles of food — product of hunting expedition, or exploration along the ocean beach for oysters and clams. They proved a very acceptable change in the daily diet. The most notable transaction after acquiring the land was the establishing of the boundary line between Newark and Elizabeth Town. This was arranged on May 20, 1668, at Divident Hill, now in Weequahic Park. Newark repre- sentatives were Captain Robert Treat, Jasper Crane, Samuel Swaine, Matthew Canfield, and Thomas Johnson, every man well read and versed in diplomacy. John Og- den, Luke Watson, Robert Bond, and Jeffrey Jones acted for the Elizabeth Town planters. The description of the dividing line is decidedly ambiguous in this remote day. "It is Consented unto that the Centre, or place agreed upon by the said Agents of the Towns for to Begin the Dividing Bounds, is from the Top of a Little round hill, named Divident Hill; and from Thence to run up a North West Line, Into the Country," begins the description. INSTITUTING PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT 2.5 "And for the Ratification of onr Agreements, the said Agents of EHzabeth Town have marked an Oak Tree with an E, Next them; And the Said Agents of Newark Town have marked the same Tree with N, on that side next them and Their Town; and to tlie said Agreement we have this Twentieth day of May in the year 16G8, set to our hands Enterchangably." Then follow the commissioners' signa- tures. When all the legal matters were attended to a solemn service of praise to God was held. Captain Treat, with his right hand lifted heavenward, commanded the officials and witnesses to kneel for the benefit of prayer. Three- quarters of a century later, in 1743, legal difficulties arose over the boundary line. A very old man made affidavit of the scene as it was impressed upon his boyhood mind: And I heard Captain Treat tell after what manner the line was settled between the two towns, and it was done in so loving and solemn a manner that he thought it ought never to be removed, for he, the captain himself, being among them at the time, prayed with them on Divident Hill, that there might be a goodly govern- ment between them. And after the agreement was signed, Mr. John Ogden, one of the commissioners, prayed among the people, and returned thanks for their loving agreement, and the captain said also that if the people of Newark differed with the Elizabeth Town people concerning that line that he believed they would never prosper. CHAPTER V Rev. Abraham Pierson, First Pastor 1^ EARLY twenty years had the Rev. Abraham Pierson -^ ^ administered the spiritual affairs of the Branford parish when the hegira to the wilderness about the Pesayak River began. He was in the zenith of his career as a Puritan preacher and endowed with superior talents, which he exercised indefatigably. Born in Yorkshire, England, he was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, graduating therefrom in 1632, at the age of nineteen years. He was Episcopally ordained, it is Some Heipsfor the bcHeved, at the parish church in Newark-on- I N D I A N S * the-Trent. Coming to America, in 1639, in im^'veieirNlJJrai^Iron.'* qucst of rcliglous frccdom, he settled in Bos- . . B,*;";— :^D^«, ton. While there he was ordamed a Con- tLSit^ gregational minister and in the following UUthSD ^Bj^^NJM \ciRso:v year, 1640, was leading a company of people EZn'^^tplvXl . "finding themselves straightened" in the Experienced Gentleman (in theJii* CT" i iil i T" Til '''jo'l^nc^^^ town ot Lynn to a settlement on Long Island. • cjMBRiDo^: Tlicy fouiidcd the town of Southampton. Rev. Mr. Pierson s chiet ambition was to establish the "Island of the Innocents," but in 1647, find- ing his hopes thwarted by many of more liberal views in religious matters, another effort was made at Branford to build a Puritan congregation. He also familiarized himself with the speech and customs of the Indians and at no little personal sacrifice prepared a catechism and printed it in their language. Conversions to the Christian religion fol- lowed in a number of instances. Obdurate was the minister when it was suggested that he remain in the Connecticut colony, after its union with New Haven. He was strongly opposed to the Half Way Cove- 20 REV. ABRAHAM PIERSON 27 nant and arraigned it severely. Unanimously the settlers agreed upon the lot adjoining Captain Treat's as the most available for the parsonage, it being nearly opposite the site chosen for the Meeting House. The town freely consented at the meeting on September 10, 1667, to dig a well for the minister, to pay his transportation charges and allow him eighty pounds "for the First Year which is to Be laid out in Building his House at Moderate prises for their Labour, which Year began the first of Oct'br Last, the Year 1667, and To the Last of October, 1668, and so to Stand from Year to Year." Eighty pounds per annum was the stipulated salary which was to be paid in equal installments in October and March at prices current, "and they do agree to pay Him Yearly a pound of Butter for every milk's Cow in the Town, in part of his pay." The minister was informed that "the Lords Half Penny rent, and Charges of Ways and Drainings in the meadows is exempted in this Vote." When he came to Newark Rev. Mr. Pierson was accounted an elderly man though only fifty-four years of age. Reverence was accorded him wher- 28 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK ever and whenever he appeared. Boys and girls were enjoined by parents to stand by the roadside in attitude of attention till he passed. Men and women also stood aside when meeting him on the highways or in other public places, bowing low, almost obsequiously. Cotton Mather says of him that "the good man shone like a torch" in his going about the daily life. Abraham Pierson and Abigail Wheelwright were married, it is believed, at the bride's New England home. She was the daughter of Rev. John Wheelwright, of Lincolnshire, England, who emigrated to Exeter, New Hampshire. Their children were: Thomas, born in Southampton, L. I., in 1641-42. Died before 1G84, at Newark. John, born in Southampton, L. I., in 1643, died before 1671. Abigail, born in 1644, married in 1663, John Davenport, Jr., son of Rev. John Davenport, first minister of New Haven. Rev. Abraham, second pastor of Newark, born at Southampton, in 1645, married Abigail Clark. Grace, born in 1650 at Branford, married Samuel Kitchell, Signer of the Funda- mental Agreement. Susanna, born in December, 1652, at Branford, married Jonathan Ball, of Stamford. Rebecca, born in 1654, at Branford, married Joseph Johnson, Town Drummer, died in November, 1732. Theophilus, born in 1659 at Branford, became prominent in Newark affairs and died in 1713. Isaac and Mary the two youngest of the offspring. A comforter in every trial, the saintly man responded night and day to the calls of his people. When ordinances were adopted by town meeting and the daily routine studied and brought to the most complete stage of efficiency, he was, as a rule, consulted. A most useful official in the parish work was the town drummer. Joseph Johnson, chosen at the town meeting of September 10, 1668, to act in this relation, was the "bell-ringer," calling the people to worship on the Sabbath, the midweek lecture and town meetings. The item duly recording this fact states that "Thomas John- son shall have Eight shillings for his Son's beating the drum this Year, and Repairing the remainder of the Year; And REV. ABRAHAM PIERSON 29 in case his Son's shall Be Appointed to Beat it any Time, Morning, and Evening after this Time, They shall be al- lowed after the Rate of Five Shillings the Month." The drummer, who was seventeen years of age, lived with his father at the ordinary. His calls were sounded along the highway running the length of the town on the early Sabbath morning rounds, this English custom having been brought across the seas by the Puritans. The very air was charged with piety. Later, on January 2, 1670, "the Town Choose Jos. John- son for Drummer as before, upon Condition that he Beats the first Drum at least up as far as the Saw Pitt on the Corner of Serj't Harrison's lot." Strange spectacle it would be on our modern Sunday mornings for an official to walk solemnly along Broad Street, wearing tall crowned hat, close fitting coat, trousers extending to the knee, long stockings, and shoes capped with buckle, and carrying a drum almost as large as himself, striking it at intervals, warning the people to attend church. Rev. Mr. Pierson was well pleased with the success of the government of Newark. He could not have been otherwise. Brief was his part, however, in the period of changing affairs. The Proprietary Government, restored after the quarrel over the quit-rents, announced the right to admit planters was vested solely in the Governor and council. The Dutch came in control about the same time and the people were compelled to substitute the Reformed Church system for Puritanism. Bravely the conditions were met. The troubles ecclesiastical prematurely aged the pastor before coming to the Pesayak River, and he resigned him- self to the inevitable when authority over which he had no control removed the props from under his feet. "^I'lic Puritan form of worship was resumed, however, after Dutch withdrawal, and also the daily customs of those subscribing to membership in the Meeting House Society. Rev. INIr. Pierson needed assistance, which was allowed liim, July 28, IGGJ), when "the Town by their Unanimous 30 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK Vote, declared their Freeness to desire and call upon Mr. Abraham Pierson, Junior, to be helpful to his Father in the exercising his Gifts in the Ministry for the space of a Year; and for his Encouragement they are willing to allow him Thirty Pounds for this Year." As a mark of special attention, firewood was brought, when needed, to the pastor's kitchen door by the town men. Temporal blessings freely offered by an appreciative people touched his heart. At last he found a haven of refuge. His every word of paternal admonition was listened to with rapt attention. As infirmities increased, the father leaned more and more upon the son who at town meeting on March 4, 1671, was requested to join him as a co-laborer. Now there was to be a division of the ministrations of the preacher, teacher and physician. "And upon good experience of him," said a parishioner, speaking of Mr. Abraham Pierson, Jr., "he was called and ordained to be our teacher." The pastor's annual salary of eighty pounds was continued and the son allowed forty pounds. Both were furnished firewood. The health of the elder Pierson failed during the summer of 1678. He was able part of the day to sit near the window in his favorite chair, gaze over the highway and receive occasional salutations of passersby. As the midsummer flowers were fading into their long sleep the Shepherd of the Flock on the ninth day of August, 1678, relapsed into unconsciousness, and he, too, entered a long sleep, to awake in the glorious likeness of the Master he loved and served so faithfully. The days of the Pilgrim and the Puritan were over and earth would know him no more. He had fought a good fight and had kept the faith. The people came to the parson- age, and in subdued tones offered their sympathy to the stricken widow and children. Reverently on the day set for the funeral services the con- gregation assembled at the Meeting House and expressed their sorrow. It was a season of sore trial and of discipline. REV. ABRAHAM PIERSON 31 Those physically able followed (he hearers who carried the l)ody down the lane leading- to a knoll west of the edifice where all that was mortal of Rev. x\braham Pierson, the first pastor, was placed in the grave. The little God's Acre, back there somewhere in the vicinity of Branford place and long, long since lost to mankind's view, had al- ready received several of the Puritan company gathered under the trees on the July day in 1667, when it made the honorable compact with the Indians. Deacon Lawrence Ward, Sargeant Riggs, senior, Robert Kitchell, Hugh Roberts, Matthew Canfield, Delivered Crane, Stephen Crane, John Harrison and Josiah Ward were among those who preceded the pastor in death. Solemnly the people wended their way to the parsonage where the last office was performed. Refreshments were served and then the last will and testament was publicly read. The instrument bore the date of August 10, 1671, well remembered as the time when a serious illness seized the minister, and fear was then expressed that his end was near. If God takes me away by this sickness, or until I have made a more formal will, of a future date, then I do make and constitute this my last will and testament, being firmly persuaded of the everlasting welfare of my soul's estate and my body's res- urrection to eternal life by Jesus Christ, my dear and precious Redeemer. Imprimis. I will that all my debts be duly and truly paid as tliey are expressed and recorded in my broad book for reckoning, which I brought from Brandford, being carefully understood because of imperfections of the writing, or whatever else shall appear due to any though not there recorded. 2dly. That my wife shall have the thirds of my whole estate, to whose love and faithfulness I commit the bringing up of my children and do appoint her my sole executrix and give her my great Bible and what other English books she pleaseth to choose. •Sdly. For my choice and precious daughter Davenport I will that her hundred pounds be made good, which I i)romised her upon 32 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK lier marriage, always provided that if ii{)on just account of mine estate and debts, my other daughters have an hundred pounds a piece, that she shall be advanced as much as any. 4th. For my son Abraham, I do will that besides what he has had, or any horse kind he hath that he shall have all my books (except what by particulars I give to any) together with the frame belonging to the books; upon which consideration I will that he sh. pay back again to the estate eight pounds in part of the portion of my daughter Mary, upon her marriage day, or two after. For my next three sons, Thomas, Theophilus and Isaac, I will that they sh. have my whole accommodation of lands layed out or to be layed out within the limits of this plantation, always provided that my wife's thirds shall be at her sole disposal, during the continuance of her natural life. For my son Thomas, I do not bring in on his account either the home lot which the-^town gave him, or any horse kind which in former times I gave Him. I will that he have a sufficient house lot upon his home lot in part of portion, and do give him Dr. Hall his paraphrase upon the Bible as a token of my love. For my two youngest sons, I would have them in due time to have each of them half of the homestead. Finally, all my just debts paid and my wife's thirds kept entire, I would have the whole of my remaining estate to be divided as portions to the rest of my children to wit: my three sons and four daughters according to equal valuations and pro- portions, the same to be payable on the day of their respective marriages, or one month after; but if they be not married, then, the male children — their portions sh. be payable when they are of the age of twenty. Furthermore, I would have my two lesser boys, to be taught to read the Eng. tongue and to write a legible hand, and all my chd. that be at home with me to have each of them a new Eng. Bible and a good Eng. book out of the library, such as they by the advice of their mother sh. choose. Likewise, I do request and hereby ordain my trusty and well beloved brethren and friends, Mr. Jasper Crane, Mr. Rob. Treat, Lieut. Swaine, Brother Tompkins, Bro. Lawrence and Bro. Sergeant Ward, to become supervisors of this my last will and testament, to be helpful unto my wife, and to see that this my last will be faithfully executed, and when any one of these sh. die or depart the place, the rest sh. with my wife's consent appoint some faithful man to fill up the empty REV. ABRAHAM PIERSON 33 place. In witness whereunto I have set my hand, the day and year first above written. Abraham Pierson. Witness, Thomas Pierson. The above Thos. Pierson doth make oath th. this the last will and testament of the deceased Abr. Pierson, and th. he knows of none other. Sworn before me, the l'2th of Mar. 1678. A true copy. Chas. G. M. McChesney, Register. Writing to their children in their Connecticut home, Obadiah Bruen and his wife thus informed them of the sorrow that had befallen Newark: Dear Loving Son and Daughter: Hoi)ing of your health, with yours, as we are at present. Praise to our God. It hath pleased God hitherto to continue our lives and liberties, though it hath pleased Him to embitter our comfort by taking to Himself our reverent pastor, Aug. 9, 1678, Mr. Pierson. Yet hath He not left us destitute of spiritual enjoyments, but He hath given us a young Timothy — a man after God's own heart, well-rooted and well-grounded in the faith, one with whom we can comfortably walk in the doctrines of the faith. Praise to our God. Upon experience of him he was called and ordained to be our teacher, Mr. Abraham Pierson, who follows in the steps of his ancient father in goodness. Praise to our God. Your loving father, Obadiah Bruen. and mother Sarah Bruen. The net value of Rev. Abraham Pierson's estate was 822 pounds, a portion of which was incorporated in the library of 440 volumes, one of the largest private collections of books in the Western World. Best of all was the legacy of a good name which he bequeathed to posterity, and the influence of which is felt in our community in this remote day. CHAPTER VI Building the Meeting House METHODICAL in his every action, the Puritan en- gaged in one thing at a time and usually with a very large measure of success. Most pressing of town require- ments in 1668 was the Temple where the people could wor- ship the Creator in simplicity of service, but dwellings must first be provided, laws enacted, town laid out, the mmister settled and other details arranged in keeping with this model settlement by the river. These had all received attention, . and plans for the sanctuary were at last considered m the town meeting on September 10, 1668. Discussion, almost to the point of weariness, preceded this action: The Town hath Bargained with Deacon Ward, Sarj. Richard Harrison, and Sarj. Edw. Rigs for the sum of Seventeen Pounds to Build the Meeting House, according to the Dimentions agreed upon, with a Lenter to it all the Length which will make it Thirty Six foot Square, with the doors and Windows, and Flue Boards at the Gable ends; only the Town is to Hew and Bring all the rest of the Timber upon the place, which is Agreed upon to be done as soon as they Conveniently Can; With whom the Town Confided in to have well done, and Some Abatement m the price if they can afford it. Crops were harvested and other necessary winter prep- arations completed before the task of securing Meeting House timber was assigned the settlers. Though zero weather often retarded operations many trees were telled during the winter and were drawn from the forests, by teams of horses or yokes of oxen to the site for the edifice designated by Rev. Mr. Pierson and others. Contrary to modern building methods each of the four sides was laid out on the 34 BUILDING THE MEETING HOUSE 35 ground and oak pins and a few nails used in fastening tlie timbers. Wliile llie assiMiihled town peo])le stood at a dis- tance, the men raised, one side at a time, till ail lour were in position. The lenter, roof and other accessories were afterward added. Accidents frequently happened when houses and barns were raised, but the Meeting House was finished without any untoward incident. Soon after the new year, on March 30, 1669, "The Town Agreed with Thomas Ludington and Thomas Johnson to raise the Meeting House for five Pounds; the Town having shewed their willingness to be helpful upon Moderate Terms, and to lend them Things as they Needed that was within their Compass, to carry it on and for the Place where it should stand it was agreed to set up in the place where it now lies, and to stand near fronting on a square with the Street ; which for ^ piTsTMeeting House' the very Place and more direct manner of standing it was left to the advice of Mr. Pierson, Deacon Ward and Mr. Treat." No sooner was the raising over, than a shortage of nails was discovered. This was responsible for the town meeting "the 7th of April, 1669, when they Agreed to provide Nails for the closing the Meeting House, in a voluntary Way, to see what every man would do in a voluntarily; and they chose Brother Tompkins, and Good'n Johnson to . . . and know what the Rest of the Town would engage upon such Accounts, for such an End; and they are all to be paid out of the Town Treasury — all which nails are to be paid into Broth. John Brownes, as soon as they can." Not till January 2, 1670, did "The Town Agree with Thos. John- son About his Floaring Half the Meeting House, for Four Pounds, of Good Chestnut or Oak, of 2 Inches and a Half Plank, and they are to find and do all, to Edge and Lay Down the floar on Seven Good Sleepers; and in like Manner they Have Bargain'd with Jno. Brown, Mr. Burwell, Jno. Baldwin and Joseph Riggs to do the other Half." 36 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK Town meetings and long hours of catechetical exercises and schoolmaster's sessions for the children were to be associated with this Temple of Newark in its creative days, while the incense of divine service was to buoy many a lite in troubled hours of physical and spiritual suffering. Around it was the tide of town progress to ebb and flow m an era fraught with uncertainty and hardship. Destined was this rude structure to stand for two score years on the main highway, silent witness of the hopes and aspirations, the joys and sorrows of a quamt folk, placing their very existence most trustfully and with child-hke confidence in the Lord. , Sabbath Morning arrived-the day of Meeting House dedication. Housewives had tidied their homes, the frugal morning meal was early served and the town drummer announced first call for service. Even of step, hands folded and eyes cast downward, the Puritans approached the operi sanctuary door. Silently one and all entered and accepted the seats assigned by the townsmen, according to otiice, age, estate, infirmity, descent or parentage." Would that I had the pencil and the skill, The opening service fitly to portray; How would your eyes with tears of gladness fill. Your hearts leap up as theirs to sing and pray. The gray-haired sire, the bronzed and stalwart son, The stooping mother and bashful maid, With little children, quiet now and staid. Had in their places gathered, one by one. No organ peal disturbed the solemn air. No anthem ushered in the opening prayer; First on the ear, stretched to its true intent. Broke th' full voice of him whom God had sent; They at its summons rose with reverent mien. They bowed low, the heart too full for speech, While on the wrinkled face there might be seen A look that compassed heaven in its reach. BUILDING THE MEETING HOUSE 37 As from the preacher's lips there outward went Words that on wings of ])raise were heavenward sent; And when he ended with his full Amen! From trembling lips it faintly rose again." — A. D. F. Randolph. Facing the door was the dais, where the minister sat so that he could see all who entered. The Bible and the hour glass were in place on the desk, and in view of the congrega- tion; the latter marked the passing of time while the Word was expounded "that all may the better live more godly lives." Chief seats were reserved for the deacons — the venerable Michael Tompkins and Richard Laurence — the latter having succeeded Lawrence Ward, recently deceased. Rough wooden walls did not detract from the spirit of wor- ship. Hearts of all were attuned to gratitude for the reali- zation of long-hoped-for accomplishment — the erection of the edifice, now the most pretentious structure in the town. Rev. Mr. Pierson arose and looked upon the congregation. Adult faces w^ere stern set; young people and children, ex- pressions of awe creeping over their faces, glanced timidly at the pulpit. The service had begun. There was a long prayer, singing of a psalm in metrical version, one line at a time, by precentor and people, the reading of Scripture and the preaching, dealing no doubt with the total depravity of men. Announcements were made of the bans (if there were any). Not long after the dedication morning, Eliza- beth W'ard, relict of Josiah Ward, she who was Elizabeth Swaine, and David Ogden "were read out in meeting" as desirous of entering the holy bonds of matrimony. Sweet resignation marked many a womanly face as the minister dwelt upon the awfulness of sin and of the terrible visitations which would surely follow too worldly occupation of one's thoughts and actions. Regularly were the Sunday services held at the Meeting House regardless of weather conditions. Misbehavior of the young people and of the elders, too, was under review of 38 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK town meeting on November 24, 1679, when it was chroni- cled : There being Complaint that many as are grown Persons, as well as boys, do misbehave themselves on the Lord's Day in the time of Public Service, both in the Meeting House and without by the House Sides; also by sleeping. Whispering or the like. Wherefore the Town hath chosen Thomas Pierson, Junior, and Samuel Potter, to use their best Care and Endeavors to restrain like Disorder in Time of publick Worship, by rebuking such Per- sons as behave themselves irreverently, within or without the House; and if there are such grown Persons as will not be re- strained by their Rebukes, then they are to present therii to the Authority. On November 29, 1680: It is agreed upon by Vote that a Man should be chosen to look after and see that the Boys and Youth do carry themselves rev- erently in time of public Worship upon the Lord's Day, and other Days and Times of Worship. And if any grown persons shall carry themselves irreverently he is to make Complaint to the Authority and present their Names; and his Word shall be accounted Evidence against him or them offending, whether the offence be committed within or without the House. Joseph Walters is chosen to be the Man for the Purpose above said. Church attendance was compulsory winter and summer. The only protection against the chilly atmosphere of the barren edifice was the foot-stove, made of tin or metal. This was filled with wood coals and brought by the people from their homes. A trial it was for the women and chil- dren sitting through a long service, often lasting two hours, while the temperature hovered about zero. Clothes were occasionally dampened by a storm through which they passed on their way to the Meeting BUILDING THE MEETING HOUSE 39 House. Umbrellas were unknown till the middle of the next century, and then were only used by women. Henry Lyon, appointed first tavern keeper and who was living at Lyons Farms, near Elizabeth Town, "hath a Right to and shall have a Seat in the Meeting House, paying proportionately with his Neighbors," is a town record of July 24, 1680. At the same time "it was agreed by Vote that that Middle Part of the Meeting House which is yet to be seated, shall have Three Seats of a Side." Deep- rooted was the spirit of leligion in Newark's cradle days and it has so continued through the centuries. CHAPTER VII Rev. Abraham Pierson, Jr., Second Pastor UNUSUALLY subdued was the town on the first Sab- bath after August 9, 1678. This date marked the separation of the spirit from the earthly tabernacle of Rev. Abraham Pierson, Sr. "And the evening and the morning were the seventh day" was interpreted by the Puritans, in consonance with Levitical law, as the time to "Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy." Secular activities began with the setting of the sun on the day now known as Sunday. The dinner hour on Saturday of each week (always served with punctuality and when the sun was at meridian) was the signal for men, women and children to prepare for the weekly ob- servance. As the sun descended behind the mountains the master of the household called his family about him — in summer by the open door, just inside the entry, and in the winter by the glowing hearthstone fire. Tranquil was the hour of twilight! Serene were the faces of sire and mis- tress and solemn those of children. They saw not the ex- quisite colors of the western sky as the orb of day faded from view. Their eyes rested upon the Bible, as the pages were turned for the selection. "I will extol thee, my God, oh, King, and I will bless Thy Name forever." The 145th psalm was chosen. At the sixteenth verse the master read with emphasis: "Thou openest thine hand and satisfiest the desire of every living thing," A long prayer was fervently offered and the simple service ended with the benediction. The fire, winter and sinnmer, was banked earlier than on other days, refreshing slumbers waited ui)on the household, and with the rising sun all were in readiness for further 40 REV. ABRAHAM PIERSON, JR. 41 participation in service of praise to Almiji^lity God. Only necessary attention to live stock was permitted in the way of worldly activity. Quietly it was done, all conversation, except upon religious themes, strictly prohibited. Joseph John- son, the town drummer, could not help his reflective mood as he sounded the call for ^Meeting House services. He was now a member of the Pierson family, having married Rebecca, daughter of the first pastor, and thoughts constantly recurred to ^^^^y ^^^'"P the good man so recently gone to his rest. Sensible of the responsibility thrust upon him in assuming his father's mantle, the young preacher entered the pulpit at the hour announced, and, we are informed, "gave a good account of himself." Rev. Abraham Pierson, now thirty- three years of age, was born at Southampton, Long Island, in 1645. Rudiments of his education were received from his parents, and then he entered Harvard College, graduating in 1668, the second year of Newark's settlement. In full flush of manliood, the minister was comely of appear- ance and his figure well-proportioned, indicating physical and mental endurance. Disdaining not to labor in the field, he accumulated worldly goods and sustenance in tJie hours of relaxation and also acquired health for the prosecu- tion of his chosen profession. Rev. Mr. Pierson was one of the first clergjTnen born, educated, and ordained to the priesthood on the Western Continent. An environment, religiously high-tensioned, ex- hibited weakening signs, at the beginning of the second pastorate, and no one was more aware of the fact than he of the cloth. To the Meeting House on September 30, 1678, came the men of Newark to provide for his temporal welfare, as they had so loyally for the father "It is fully and unanimously consented to," reads the action taken, "and agreed upon by every Planter now Pres- ent, all being called by Name, that they will from Time to 42 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK Time pay or cause to be payed Yearly, in their full Pro- portions Equally in a Rate that may be agreed on by the Major Part of the Town, to the Maintenance and allowance now agreed upon for the upholding and preaching of the Word in our Town, and Eighty Pounds by the Year is agreed upon to be allowed to the present Minister with his fire wood — and to be Rate free." The pastor was first assigned a home lot on the highway running the breadth of the town, but a few years later he purchased the homestead at the northeast corner of the two main highways, the tract being part of the drawing by Deacon Lawrence Ward in the original allotment. When the latter died the property reverted to his widow Eliza- beth. In the town book of deeds and surveys this item is found : John Catlin and John Ward, turner, administrators of the estate of the late Deacon Lawrence Ward, convey to Abraham Pierson, Jr., Clericus, with consent of Elizabeth Ward, relict of Deacon L. Ward, the dwelling house, well, yard, barn, garden and orchard with one acre and three rods of land, contained by and adjacent to the same according to a bill of sale bearing date of February 1, 1672, as also one great wainscott chair, two hogs- heads, one kneading trough and two joint stools, formerly be- longing to the said Lawrence Ward. Rev. Mr. Pierson married Miss Abigail Clark, daughter of George Clark, of MiKord, Conn. Abraham, the first-born of this marriage, was, in after years, a prominent Con- necticut Magistrate. The other children of the minister's family were Sarah, Susanna, Mary, Hannah, Ruth, James, Abigail and John. The last-named became a well-knov/n Presbyterian clergyman. Peter Watson who had come to the province, writing to his brother John^ in Selkirk, Scotland, in August, 1684, indicated changing religious sentiment in Newark. He says: "They are here very good Religious people. They go mider the name of Ijidependents, but are most like to the REV. ABRAHAM PIERSON, JR. 43 Presbyterians, only they will not receive every one to their Society. We have great need of good and Faithful Ministers And I wish to God that there would come some over here; they can live as well, and have as much as in Scotland, and more than many get; we have none in all the Province of East Jersey except one who is Preacher in Newark." The people, impressed with the pastor's independence re- garding church membership and attendance, baptismal rites and his desire for a general revision of Puritan practices, were arrayed for and against him, and even his salary was withheld. Discordant notes were injected into the daily life, and the bolder of the town men discussing the issues with him found themselves no match for one so skilled in debate as he and who was equally shrewd in reading the character of men by their demeanor. The opposition developed into a fear for the man who demonstrated his ability in an unusual degree to occupy the office of town leader. Rev. Jonathan Dickinson, of Elizabeth Town, first Presi- dent of the College of New Jersey, ascribed the trouble to an unwarranted jealousy among the people, principally because of the Rev. Mr. Pierson's superior attainments. Matters were approaching a climax during the winter of 1687, when the pastor's supporters, having a majority vote at the town meeting on January 2, adopted the following: "The way of rating, as formerly, which was after desisted from, and agreed upon to pay the Minister by Contribution for the year 1687." Another meeting was called for January 9, one week later, when: It is fully and unanimously consented to and agreed upon by every Planter now present, all being called by Name, that they will from Time to Time pay or cause to be paid yearly, in their full proportion, equally, in a Rate that may be agreed on by the Major Part of the Town, to the Maintenance and Allowance now agreed upon for the upholding and preaching of the Word in our Town, and Eighty Pounds by the Year is agreed upon to be allowed to the present Minister, with his firewood and to be 44 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK Rate free. Note, it is to be understood that every man that doth now subscribe to this Agreement, he paying his Proportion in the Rate, shall not be liable to be prosecuted to make Pay- ment for any that may be deficient in non-payment. In Con- firmation whereof we have hereunto set to our Names. John Ward, sen., John Bruen, Thos. Johnson, Samuel Freeman, John Curtis, John Baldwin, jr., Seth Tompkins, Micah Tompkins, Samue^ Tichenor, Edward Ball, Edward Riggs, Samuel Kitchell, John Cockburn, Anthony Oliff, Joseph Riggs, Theophilus Pierson, Azariah Crane, Samuel Harrison, Daniel Dod, Stephen Davis, Samuel Plum, sen., John Crane, Nathaniel Ward, John Browne, sen., Zachariah Burwell, Ephraim Burwell, Thomas Browne, John Tichenor, Joseph Browne, John Browne, jr., Joseph Walters, Ebenezer Canfield, Matthew Canfield, Robert Dalglesh, Francis Lindly, Samuel Pierson, Jasper Crane, Joseph Harrison, Thomas Pierson, Samuel Dod, George Harrison, Samuel Lyon, Thomas Richards, David Ogden, Samuel Rose, Richard Lawrence, Jona- than Sargeant, John Baldwin, sen., Hans Albers, Jonathan Tomp- kins, Joseph Robinson. Now was the house divided. Twenty-one years had elapsed since the pioneers came to the country. Town government, fostered upon the purest principles of ^Christian fellowship, was eminently successful under the leadership of men of indomitable character, and the moral tone of the community was the equal, if not superior, to all others in the province. The civic and religious life was not broken. Only a slight jar had been received. The homes in constant need of fuel caused the settlers to cut wide clearings in the forest. The town nevertheless continued supplying Rev. Mr. Pierson's firewood. The day appointed for sawing, chopping, hauling and arranging it in the minister's yard partook of holiday spirit. While the men were engaged in their self-imposed labor, the women were busy in the parsonage kitchen, arranging the feast. Refreshments, liquid and solid, were served in unstinted quantities to the hungry and thirsty woodchoppers, wht; minded not their fatigue in the enjoyable aftermath, which was as mirthful as Puritan rigidity allowed. Cider REV. ABRAHAM PIERSON, JR. 45 was served in generous portions and there was food enough for all. Dr. Pierson may have preached reminiscently as he an- nounced his intention to leave Newark after notifying the town officials of his acceptance of a call to Killingworth, Conn., in 1G92. He was now forty-seven years of age, dis- tinguished in bearing and of a perspicacity difficult to attain in a partly unresponsive intellectual environment. Differences existing for many years were laid aside as the day for dis- solving the relationship drew near. Amends were made for remissness in withholding the pastor's salary. It was an humbled meeting of planters responding to the drummer's call on April 2, 1692, when, with as much haste as Puritan slowness of action warranted, this provision by way of rep- aration was adopted unanimously: It is voted that Mr. Pierson shall be paid his Salary for the Time for which no Rates have been made proportionable to the Rate made for Two Years together fviz) '88 and '89. The preacher and teacher, counsellor and consoler, who was about to leave for far-away New England had spent pleasant hours by the planters' firesides and partaken of their hospitality. It was not an easy matter to say good- bye after the long association. The last sermon was preached ; the ship was loaded with the minister's merchandise and household goods; the final hand-clasps were exchanged. Matrons and maidens wept as wind and sail set the craft in motion, and more than one of the solemn-looking men standing on the shore with difficulty shouted their fare- wells, so overcome were they at the parting. It was a separation, indeed, forever. Covering a quarter of a cen- tury and more, the two Piersons, father and son, planted their souls' best efforts in Newark life. Their work abides even to this day. After serving the people of Killingworth (now Clinton) about ten years, Rev. Mr. Pierson accepted the call, in 1701, to the rectorship of Yale University, or the College of Con- 46 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK necticut, its first designation. Six years he occupied the high office. Known as a divine of close apphcation to the Scrip- tures and an eminent scholar, he brought to the new insti- tution a high sense of obligation. Faithfully he administered the duties of the office till failing health overtook him. He died at the close of the year 1706. Trumbull, of Connecticut, says : " He had the character of a hard student, a good scholar and a great divine. In his whole conduct he was wise, steady and admirable, was greatly respected as a pastor and he in- structed and governed the college with general approbation." An inscription on a tombstone at the burial plot, furnished by Miss Lizzie Pierson, compiler of the Pierson Genealogy, contains the following: Here Lyeth ye body of ye Rev. d Mr. Abra.h Pierson, The first Rector of ye College of Connecticut, who deceased March ye 5th 1706-7 aged 61 years. And alongside is a tombstone with this inscription: Here lyeth ye body of Mrs. Abigail Pierson wife of ye Rev. Mr. Abra.m Pierson who deceased March ye 15th A. D. 1727 aged 73 years. CHAPTER ^^11 The Corn Mill ONE of the settlement's urgent needs was a corn mill. Reducing the grain to a digestible commodity was an abiding necessity and more frequently performed by the laborious process of pestle and bowl. Corn meal, the break- fast diet nearly every day in the year, known also as mush, hasty pudding, porridge and suppawn, was prepared by tossing the golden mass into a kettle of boiling water. It was poured into pewter cups after a few minutes' energetic stirring, milk added, and served to the waiting members of the family. A Sabbath Day variation was effected by serv- ing it cold. Silver bowls were used by the master in homes of affluence, a mark of distinction rather than of pride. A pine table without cover answered for our modern mahogany, and the furnishings of the home were limited to the articles absolutely used in the round of the day. Opinions were frequently expressed by a few more in- geniously inclined at the town meeting on March 9, 1668, that the creek in the north end of town would provide ample power for a corn mill, in the erection of which efforts half- heartedly made earlier in the year had failed. Captain Treat now proposed a plan for the encourage- ment of an individual or individuals to assume the con- tract for building the mill, that it might be finished before reaping the next harvest. Firm was the belief of all in home trade. The thought was not in public mind of turning to New England or any other place to secure one skilled in the trade of millwright. Confident were more of the optimistic planters that from among their number a proposition would be advanced in response to this alluring offer: 47 48 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK "The Town saw Cause, for the Incouragemeiit of any amongst them that would Build and Maintain a Good Mill for the supply of the Town with Good Grinding, To offer and Tender freely the Timber Prepared for that use, Twenty Pounds Current Pay, and the Accommodations Formerly Granted Belonging to the Mill, viz. : 18 Acres of upland and 6 of meadow, with the only Liberty and privilege of Building a Mill on ye Brook; which Motion was Left to the Considera- tion of the Town Betwixt this and the 12th of this Mo. Current at Even, and the Meeting is adjourned to that time. And in Case any desire sooner or in the Mean Time to have any further Treaty or Discourse, about his or their under- taking of the Mill, they may repair to Mr. Treat, Deacon Ward, and Lieut. Swaine to prepare any Agreement between the Town and them." The most perplexing municipal problem of the Twen- tieth Century involves no greater difficulties than did this first public utilitarian enterprise. The drummer warned the planters to attend the adjourned meeting on March 12, 1668. All were eager to hear Captain Treat's report and were prompt in attendance, but he was compelled to regretfully announce that no offers had been received for taking up the important task. Lieutenant Swaine, who was a millwright by trade, after a conference with the cap- tain and others, volunteered to act in the capacity of super- visor if all the town men would assist in the work. For his compensation Swaine was to receive twenty shillings by the week "and three Pounds over for his skill." He was also "to give his best advice about the Dam . . . and the Town promiseth to help him with Work in part of his pay as he needs it; common Laborers at two shillings by the Day and Carpenters at 2s. 6d. the Day." Robert Treat, Henry Lyon, John Brown and Stephen Davis were to oversee the work, Thomas Pierson and George Day were "to call the men forth to Labour," and Zachariah Burwell and John Baldwin "to saw about half the Timber that's to be cut," and were allowed six shillings for each 100 feet of boards THE CORN MILL 49 "and for the Two inche Plank they are to have 6d. more in the Hundred." The meeting adjourned with the under- standing that the "town would send men forth upon the Discovery to see if they could find any suitable Stones for Millstones." Nearly a year and a half the work dragged along till the town patience was exhausted. x\t the opportune moment, Grinding Stone found near site of Com Mill Captain Robert Treat and Sergeant Richard Harrison, agreed, at the meeting on August 24, 1670, to build the mill. "The Town at length INLide a full agreement with Mr. Robert Treat and Serj't Rich'd Harrison," reads the ac- count written by Captain Treat, "about the Building and Maintaining of a Sufficient Corn Mill, to be set upon the Little Brook, with suitable Necessary's, and IVIaking the Damns, and all other Provisions, needful for and belonging to the sd Mill, and furnishing the same with a good Miller, and to keep it in Good repair; to Grind all the Town's Grist's into Good Meal, Giveing Such due Attendance tliereto 50 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK as the Town being the one Party and the owners of sd Mill the other Party shall from Time to Time and at all Times Agree upon for the Twelfth Part of Indian Corn and the Sixteenth of all other Grain. "And for their Encouragement to set upon the Work with as Speed as they Can, and upon their Efecting and Maintaining thereof sd Town doth promise and agree to and with the sd Treat and Harrison, that they shall have the sole privilege of the sd Brook, Not prejudicing Common Highways; with all the Town's Grist's from Time to Time, all Stones, Capable of Millstones in the Town's utmost Limits and Bounds, with all the Timber, that was prepared for it by Jos. Horton, with 2 days work of every Man and Woman that Holds an Allottment in the Town; with all the Lands formerly Granted to Jos. Horton, Entailed to the Mill in all respects as their own Lands During the Time and Term of their Having and Upholding the sd Mill; they being not to be Alienated or disposed from the Mill without the Consent of the Town; and also Thirty Pounds to be Paid to the sd Crane & Harrison, their Heirs or Assigns at or before the 1st of March Next, in Good Wheat, Pork, Beef, or one Fourth in Good Indian Corn, at such Prices as may be Like to procure Iron, Millstones, or the Workmens wages, viz.: Winter Wheat at 5s pr. Bus'l, Summer, do. at 4s. 5d, Pork 3d. pr. lb. Beef a 2d, and Indian Corn a 2s. 6d Bus'l; and upon these Conditions the said Town with their Two Inhabitants, have Mutually Bargained and Agreed for the Carrying on this work." The mill was nearing completion in the spring. Grinding days were proclaimed on May 23, 1671, when "it's agreed that the 2d day of the week and the 6th day of the same week and the Next Days if the Town Need and the Work Cannot be well done on those days that are appointed and agreed upon by the Town Meeting and the Owners of the Mill to be their Grinding Days; upon which days the Miller is to attend to his Grinding and the Town are to bring their Grists and the Miller Promiseth to do his best as for THE CORN MILL 51 Himself to secure the sain(> imlil il Be enclosed imdei- Lock and Key." All was in readiness Tor (;j)erali()ns on a certain bright May morning in 1671. 'J'he dam had formed a good sized pond and the final inspection of the mill proved its worthi- ness. Puritan and Indian viewed with awe the creaking timbers in response to the turning of the water wheel. The sluice gates were opened, the stones began to move and clouds of dust arose from the pit where corn was turned into a finely powdered meal in an instant. Now the mill was a reality ! A place was assured for the town grinding. Praises were on the people's lips for the two men who wrought the achievement. The miller presented an odd-looking figure in his stout trousers of leather, apron of same material and woolen shirt. He was well shod and he wore a large hat winter and sunmier. The dust, passing through one or two rents, powdered his hair a yellow tinge. He who turned the wheel of Newark's first industrial venture was happy in his work, so happy that he may have whistled a Meeting House tune when grinding was heavy and the mill was working well abreast of the rush orders. The Indians arrived carrying bags of corn across their backs and departed with the grain turned into meal. Wheat and rye were brought to the mill by the settlers, but corn was the largest item of the grist. Robert and Richard gathered in the shekels while peace and harmony, prosperity and plenty, rewarded the merry water wheel's churning. The partnership was dissolved by mutual consent when the former returned to his Milford home about a year after the installation of the plant. Sargeant Harrison continued as the sole owner till May 16, 1683, when he transferred his interests in the property to his three sons — Samuel, Joseph, and George. The father who was now three score and ten years old, the age limit prescribed by the psalmist, was pre- paring his estate for the final end. The young men — they were under thirty-five years of age — continued the grinding till their davs of labor were 52 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK over. Then others took their places and Mill Brook, Corn Mill, its pond, raceway, and all the traditions clnstered about them were associated with the town life nearly two centuries. Here it was that the boy and girl of several generations spent happy hours while the water flowed gently on its way to the ocean in the calm summer day or dashed furiously when dis- turbed by autumnal or winter storms. And here in the stirring Revolutionary period tar barrels were lighted as Liberty's Torch and peace proclaimed and independence abroad in the land, the fire was kindled for many years on each recurring anniversary of the country's natal day as an expression of the intense patriotic Newark Spirit. CHAPTER IX System of Taxation Inaugurated "PRINCIPLES of sound local government were launched -■- before the town was organized. While on the his- toric trip from Milford to the wilderness about the Pesayak River the Puritans discussed the constitution whereon to build the settlement. Equal distribution of all the burdens was planned and an item attached to the Fundamental Agreement explains the justice of the method employed in raising taxes. "The Town hath agreed that a rate should be made for Payment of every Man's Share of the Purchase," we read, "and that they would refer the Matter to Seven Men, that should have full Power to hear, examine and judge of every ]\Ian's Estate and Persons, as their Rule, by which they will proceed in Time Convenient to pay for their Lands bought of the Natives, with the necessary Charges of settling the Place, and Mr. Pierson's Transport, and the Divisions and Sub-Divisions of all their Lands and Meadows belonging to the same. "And the Men so Chosen were Mr. Robert Treat, Deacon Ward, Samuel Swaine, Mr. Camfield, Michael Tompkins, Richard Laurence and Joseph Walters, any five of whom shall have full Power to act herein, and for their Direction herein, the Town saw Cause to allow and pass upon every Head of a Family or that takes up Allotment in the Town, to be valued at 50 pounds, and for every Child or Servant in the Family besides, Ten Pounds by the Head, which shall be allowed as good Estate; and for all other kinds of Goods and Estates, Real and visible, that Men intend, God willing, to transport on the Place, the town wholly referrs themselves and the sole Detennination into their Hands, according to 53 54 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK whose Judgment it shall stand — Which being done, the ''J'own saw Cause that One Third Part of every Man's Estate in generall through the whole Town should be de- ducted, and according to the Remainder both the Charges and the Divisions of Land should be proportionated and borne for this Year." "A sure List of Every Man's Estate Approved by the Sale Men," was also incorporated. Mr. Robert Treat was rated at $3,300, Deacon Ward at $1,850, Samuel Swaine at $2,750, Mr. Camfield at $2,500, Richard Laurence at $1,365, Joseph Walters at $900 and JMichael Tompkins at $1,300. Material wealth was measured by actual individual hold- ings. Gold and silver were scarce as mediums of exchange in barter and sale. A brass or iron kettle was of incalculable value and carefully treasured. They were needed in the daily life, and could only be obtained from the Mother Country. Corn, peas, wheat, beef and pork were staple products and The Pine Tree Shilling currency was standardized by these necessaries, under a regulated system of prices estab- lished by the Provincial Assembly. Accustomed are the people of the Twentieth Century to business dealings involv- ing vast sums of money and the collection of millions of dol- lars for public use. How insignificant, in comparison, the first tax budget appears ! It amounted to an even $1,200! Newark's levy for 1915, providing for only a small portion of the territory of 1666, was $6,500,000. Thomas Johnson, of sound financial understanding, whose name is prominently identified with the foundation period, was appointed tax collector. The manner of paying the tax was indicated at the same meeting: "The One Half of it that is to be Paid between this and the first of January next, and the other half Between this and the Last of March Next, in any Current pay that SYSTEM OF TAXATION INAUGURATED 55 will pass and is Accepted Between Man and Man iii)on the place, and the Town hath made choice of Henry Lyon to be their Town Treasurer for the Year Insueing, or until the first of January come Twelve Months." Tillers of the soil made their way to Johnson's home and paid their stipulated tithe — corn on the cob, shelled corn, wheat, pork, wood, pelts of wild animals; in fact, anything allowed in the way of exchange. The treasurer took account of stock, handed a receipt to the collector and then i)roceeded to liquidate town obliga- tions. First a portion was returned to Johnson, for he was "Allowed Eight Shillings for His Son's beating the drum this Year, and Repairing the remainder of the Y''ear." Corn was rated at three shillings per bushel, so the father of the drummer carefully measured two bushels and two-thirds of a bushel, good measure, of corn as his son's compensation. This allowance was rated at about 96 cents. Later, how- ever, the drummer received a large increase in his annual salary, it being fixed at five shillings per month or about $7.50 for the year. Other items of the first tax levy were seventeen pounds for building the INIeeting House, five pounds and more for raising and supplying nails in construction, and incidentals for erecting town pound, corn mill appropriation and sun- dries. Five years later the Puritan was dilatory in squaring his account with the tax collector. Debate on the levy for 1(571-1672 waited till the harvest was stored and then two (lays were required to complete the business, as the record shows : Town Meeting 14th Nov'r, 1671, which Meeting adjourned lo the 26th Inst, to finish what they Cou'd Not due this day; and Concerning rates it was agreed that all rates that shall be levied this Present Year. (Except the Lonl rent and Surveying of Land), should be made and Levied by Persons Valued at Is. Id. per Head, })y Lands the Home Lotts rateable at three half Pence pr Acre, and for the First division of Upland and Meadow 56 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK to Goe at Id. pr. Acre, and for the Second of land Not to berated this Year; also Cattle to be rated as they were last year; and Concerning the Lord rent and Surveying of Land, the Charges thereof to be levied by lands only, which rates was Ordered as follows, viz: a Rate of 50 pounds was Granted to be Levied forth- with, to answer the Occasions of the Town, and where to any Unto whom they are Indebted. Item — a rate of 20 pounds was ordered to be made to pay the Charges of Surveying Lands; which Monies are to be paid into the Treasurer's Hands. Item — its agreed that a List of every Man's Estate Shall be Brought in to the men apointed. Between this and the 2d Decemb'r Next, and Every one that dwells in the North End of the Town to Serj't Jno. Ward, and those of the South End to Thos. Johnson, under the Penalty of 6d. to be charged to the rates of any that are defective, having Had Notice of this order which 6d. Shall be Taken out of the Rates of Those Men, that are put upon the trouble to get it; and the Men Appointed to make the rates are Mr. Obadiah Bruen, Serj't Jno. Ward, Thos. Johnson, Jno. Curtis and Jno. Brown, Jun'r, who are desired to attend the work and Issue It as soon as they Can: the prizes of Corn and flesh are the same as it's Expressed in the Country Laws. The Lord Baltimore Shilling Unresponsive were some of the planters to this appeal, their procrastination making the more prompt brethren nervous as the winter grew on apace. Delinquents must be brought to a knowledge of their civic duty, it was declared at the town meeting on January 1, 1671. Various motions were offered and then this item was made of record: The Rates made for the Town were read and Published, and its agreed that every Man should pay his proportion to the Treas- urer between this and 10th Feb'y Next, or else the Constable, by order must destrain for it. Indignation prevailed, rising and falling in about the same imM\^w SYSTEM OF TAXATION INAUGURATED 57 proportion that tlio iiicrcury docs in the barometer indicating* atmospheric changes. Evidences are not hicking that a re- belhous spirit was exhibited against the word "distrain," cuhninating at the meeting on August 10, 167S, in a serious dispute. Expletives were injected into the discussion and several of the planters were called to account for unruly con- duct. The disturbance arose over the manner of raising the rate. Charges were made of individual attempts to dodge reasonable taxation. While the Recorder was writing the spicy particles of speech in the town book, including adjectives (Puritan), fearful looking on paper, he well knew they would all be expunged of record. This, for reasons un- explained, was not done, however, till February 25, 1G75, two years and a half later. Puritan temper moderated on November 14, when the business of compelling the planters to pay their share of taxes was discussed in orderly manner. Then it was "Agreed that every Man shall Bring in a List of their Estates to Jno. Curtis and Jno. Brown, Jun'r Next day after this Meeting; and if it's known they Leave out any of their Estates they shall forfeit 5s. in the pound; and if any Do not Bring in their Estates Timely, the said Johns shall have Is. for every one they Fetch." Some of the August temperature remained, but it was dropping by de- grees. A motion prevailed that "All Swine and Cattle that are Rateable which are now a Live, or hath been killed since August shall be Rated." Another resolution reads: "It's Agreed, that all land shall be a Like Rated Now and Hereafter, upon Condition that there may be no more dis- turbance in Town about the way of Rateing; Lands at Id. pr. Acre, Cattle of all kinds as formerly." This insight into the manner of raising taxes in the early days indicates that not the least of the troubles of the founders was equitable distribution of the burden of main- taining town government. CHAPTER X Exterminating the Wolf THE trials of the early Newark householders were com- plex. The proverbial Puritan patience was exhausted by the depredations of wild animals. Wolves strayed at will from their lairs above the ridge (where High Street now crosses) and a variety of game abounded within the two purchases extending from the river to the mountain-top. This well-watered land was a paradise for the feathered tribe and for the wild animals darting here and there through the thicket. The young men, tramping through the woods and view- ing the wide-spreading vista from the rocky eminence at the western town limits, discovered several nests of eagles at the highest point, which became famous as a lookout station for Washington's scouts during the Revolutionary War. Turkey Eagle Rock was known far and wide and the name, abbreviated, has abided ever since. The striking beauty of the spot has made it an ideal retreat for the nature lover. Now included in the Essex County chain of parks. Eagle Rock has been saved for all time, though much of its former ruggedness has disappeared. When winter snows were upon the ground the wild animals, nearly crazed for the want of food, stealthily ap- proached the clearings under cover of night. Wolves were the chief annoy ers, and their need of satisfying meals sent them searching for live stock. They even attacked horses and oxen. It was no unconnnon occurrence for a housewife, upon opening her door, to see snarling wolves displaying their fangs as they prowled about the yard. Bears also ap- peared at the doorways, but were more cautious. Efforts were made in the very beginning of the settlement 58 EXTERMINATING THE WOLF 59 to cxteraiinate the wolf. ""The town agreed that any Man that would take Pains to kill Wolves he or they for their Encouragement should have 15s. for every grown wolf that they kill, and this be paid by the Town Treasury," is an item attached to the Fundamental Agreement. Sergeant Riggs, during the first two or three years, was the principal dispatcher of wolves. He acquired skill by similar exploits in Roxbury, Mass., Milford, Conn., and other places where he lived. His marksmanship was proved also in the Pequot W^ar, where he won his military title for rescuing his captain and twelve men from an ambuscade. An expert in the use of firearms, he slew the animal upon sight. The wolf pit was also employed by Riggs. The keen olfactories of the sensitive animal detected from a distance the bait set under the thin layer of tree branches and earth and little time was lost in an investigation. It gin- gerly stepped upon the artificial covering in search of the tempting morsel and was plunged into the excavation underneath. The Sergeant then secured the prize, re- ^^'"' °\q^^'' Jersey, moved the ears, took them to the magis- trate as evidence of his prowess, and received the bounty offered. Restless nights were caused the Puritans by the wolves as they howled singly and in chorus when appearing in the settlement during the hours of darkness. An occasional crash at the enclosures where sheep, pigs and other animals were thought to be safeguarded, revealed the presence of the intruders. The ever-ready gun was brought forth in the hands of a trusty Puritan, and there was one less wolf to annoy the people after its well-directed charge reached its mark. Provoking indeed was the problem of conquering this beast. For a time it also appeared as if all the wild animals in the province were gathering in the Newark plantations. Bears were seen about the uplands in the summer seeking 60 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK berries and other food. They were trapped and also taken by hunters. Other fur-bearing animals were captured and their pelts used in making warm garments for the women and children. Wild pigeons, ducks, and turkeys, flocking about the watering places, furnished the homes with a choice array of edibles. The summer of 1679 was trying to Puritan nerves. The wolf was growing bold in its successful raids and came into the town more frequently. As autumn approached the nui- sance was becoming unbearable for even the mild Puritanic temper, and on October 13, 1679, it was declared "that if any Person shall kill any Wolves and bring the Heads to the Constable, shall have allowed by the Town Ten Shillings per Head." Bounties were offered continuously, leading the struggling colonists to enter the campaign of extermination. The routine of life was varied with exciting chases after the wary animal over the fields and through the woods, where in this day are comfortable homes and other evidences of a highly civilized community. The planters more skilled in the use of firearms or at trap- ping added a considerable sum to their accounts. But they were suspected of shrewd practices, and at the town meeting of February 24, 1681, "it is agreed that if any Person or Persons kill any Wolves or Bears, which they require pay for from the Town, they shall only be such Wolves and Bears that are killed within our Town Bounds, that they shall be allowed pay for." Other less ferocious animals, chiefly the deer, damaged fences surrounding the gardens, ate the tender shoots of new corn in the spring and trampled with impunity over the vegetables in the summer months. The unconquered denizens of the forest so exasperated the people that on September 6, 1698, "it is agreed upon by vote for Incouragement to those that will kill wolves that they shall have Twenty Shillings p. Head ($2.50) allowed them in a Town Rate for this Year." Four years later (November EXTERMINATING THE WOLF 61 2, 1702), "It is voted that those Persons that have killed Wolves since the last Town Rate or shall kill any wolves, shall be allowed twelve Shillings p. Head." Decimation of the species was in process. An economical clause of the September meeting action provided that "those Creatures which People intend to kill for their Use, shall be Rate Free." The bear at first exempt, came under the ban when the town offered five shillings for the capture of cubs. An additional bounty was offered by the Provincial Assembly. The deer ran wild in the mountain section till after the advent of the Nineteenth Century. In 1830 a fine specimen was brought down by a hunter on the site of the Elmwood School in East Orange. Hunting parties from Newark found game of larger variety in the mountains and valleys for a century and a half after the settlement and the lesser animals — foxes, raccoons and opossum — till a recent period. Stories of exciting chases over the fields in the "brown October days" and the feasting afterward were incidents relieving an otherwise prosaic life. CHAPTER XI Lessening of Puritan Restraint NEARLY seven years did the Puritan hope of mankind's redemption, embodied in the Fundamental Agreement, remain in force, till the restored Carteret Administration revoked the town privilege of selecting prospective planters, on December 11, 1672. Then the war between Holland and England-France placed the people under Dutch government. The province, once more restored to the English, Sir George Carteret, in his instructions to Governor Philip Carteret, on July 30, 1674, again announced that granting of letters of admission to towns in the province would only be through the Governor and Council. The Puritans did not act in the matter, however, till March 1, 1677, when this resolution was adopted: It is voted as a Town Act, that all and every Man, that improves Land in the Town of Newark, shall make their appearance at Town Meetings, and there attend to any Business as shall be proposed as any of the Planters do, and be liable to any Fine as others are in Case of their Absence at the Call, or a whole day, or going away before the Meeting break up — and also that the Clerk is to set their Names in a list, and Call them as others are called. Every planter was now on an equal footing irrespective of membership in the Established Church, and permitted by voice and vote to engage in town affairs. But there came a remorse of conscience. The Puritan spirit did not expire easily; the freedom given non-church members was not en- tirely approved of by the more staid of "the elect." "Abom- inations would creep in to the hurt of the town," one of the more sanctimonious remarked, the provincial authority to the contrary notwithstanding. 6i LESSENING OE PURITAN RESTRAINT 03 The situation was discussed periodically till November 7, 1685, when as a balm to the troubled feelings, an item was adoi)ted at the meeting, providing that "William (^ami) and John Baldwin, Jim'r are chosen to go from House to House of those who have not subscribed to our fundamental Covenant and return their answer to the Town." But their report, if ever made, was not recorded. And in this way the Puritan ideal was eliminated from the official life. Never was a man again to be questioned about his church membership when voting at elections. Imagine a citizen in our day being ques- tioned about his religious affilia- tion before allowed to cast his ballot! Even then, twenty years after Beit wom by mchard^HYtshome, shrews- the signing of the historical docu- ment, the dawn of a new liberty was appearing, dispelling restraint and ushering in gradually, it is true, a spirit of tolerance. Frequently less than a majority of planters answered their names at regularly called meetings. Fines, as a result, were l)rovided for absenteeism on November 28, 1672, personal visits were made upon the delinquents by townsmen and constables and every human power exercised to awaken a keener sense of the electorate's duty. The drummer was directed not to save the instrument, but to beat it with all his strength when announcing the alarm for the assembly; but there are "none so deaf as those who will not hear." Temper was near the breaking point at the meeting on Januarj^ 1, 1683. The Puritan had no idea, however, of I)ersonal attack upon his brother. That would have been an awful departure, even with provocation, from the rules of behaviour. An instance of this kind has not been discovered in our early local history. The ancestors were businesslike. "Whereas, there is an Order made by Vote 21 of March, 1675-6," begins the reso- 64 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK liition, "for our Orderly attendance at Town Meetings, and for want of due Execution many are remiss in their Attend- ance, by which means Town Business is much hindered, and some as do attend are much damnified by losing their Time. We that are now present do assent that all past offences upon this account be past by us to this Day. "And do now subscribe our names (provided that Three- fourths of the Planters do subscribe) to submit to all and every penalty in that Order before mentioned upon our late Coming, total Absence or a regular going away before the Meeting be dismissed. "And whereas, the said order directs every Delinquent to give their Reasons to the Town. We do now agree and think it most fit that Three Men in each End of the Town be Chosen for each Person, that is remiss to repair to within two or three Days at the most after the Meeting, and if their Reasons are satisfying to them why they were absent they shall be remitted their Fine; otherwise within three Days after such Town Meeting their Names as are remiss shall be returned to the Constable, who is to gather up such Fines, and shall have half for his Pains." "Having had much trouble about the disorderly coming to Town Meetings," reads the resolution of March 21st, referred to in the above articles, "the Town doth now agree that Twenty-four Hours shall be accorded legal Warning, and if any Man doth not come to the Place of Meeting to Answer to his Name, at the Second Beat of the Drum shall be fined 6s." If absent a whole day "he is to be fined half a Crown, and for half a Day's Absence fifteen Pence, and for going away before the Meeting is dismissed without leave two Shillings, except he give a satisfying reason as afr'd. "Also, if any man be absent Part of the Day, he shall be- side his fine, lose his Vote, and stand to what the Town hath done or shall do in his Absence." Fines were levied upon the stay-at-home voters but often there was neither meat nor corn, let alone money, in the A M A H I K A N, Indian Chief of 1709, who roamed in the Valley of the Hudson River Cotirle-iy of ihc American iliiscum of Salurul Ilislory LESSEiNING OF PURITAN RESTRAINT G5 households to pay them. "Well, then, said the Constable to a delinquent Puritan: "If ye have neither corn nor meat there is plenty of timber that needs cutting. Prepare fire- wood for the Minister!" Anthony Oliff (proper spelling Olive) was appointed con- stable's deputy. His home was on a sixty-eight acre tract at the mountain, where Tulip Avenue and Oak Bend now intersect in Llewellyn Park. Cherry trees planted by Olive were standing there in 1852. He passed away on March 16, 1723, at the age of 87 years. His tombstone with its rude carving is the oldest one in Orange's Old Burying Ground. Felling trees, chopping wood and other menial work were assigned the dilatory settlers till their conscience was ad- justed to a better understanding of citizenship. This is the roll of men who defied their fellow citizens by levying fines upon them: John Ward, Thomas Johnson, Richard Lawrence, William Camp, Stephen Davis, John Baldwin, Jr., Samuel Plum, John Wilkins, John Johnson, John Burwell, Zachariah Burwell, John Bruen, Thomas Lyon, John Curtis, Samuel Potter, Joseph Brown, Edward Ball, Thomas Brown, Samuel Harrison, Samuel Tichenor, Joseph Riggs, John Ward, Jr., Thomas Luddington, John Bald- win, Sr., Joseph Walters, David Ogden, Theophilus Pierson, An. thony Oliff, Samuel Lyon, Ephraim Burwell, Samuel Rose, Thomas Pierson, John Crane, Edward Riggs, Jonathan Tomp- kins, Jabez Rogers, Seth Tompkins, Stephen Brown, John Brown, Sr., Henry Lyon, Samuel Kitchell, Robert Dalglesh, Richard Fletcher, John Brown, Jr., Jonathan Sargeant, Joseph Harrison, Thomas Richards, Ebenezer Canfield, John Tichenor, Samuel Ward, Nathaniel Ward, John W^rd, Turner, John Treat, Francis Lindly, Daniel Abett, Prominent citizens are missing from this roll. The ab- sentees for the most part lived at the mountain, out of hearing of the town drum. The census of Newark on January 1, l()8o, in the seventeenth year of the settlement, discloses a population of about 450, of which eighty were lot owners. 66 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK including two widows. The latter were Mrs. Mary Bond and Mrs. Elizabeth Morris. Matthews Williams, admitted a planter in 1680, and among the list of stay-at-homes, was the progenitor of the Williams family in Essex County. He possessed a large acreage fronting along the main highway. Grace Episcopal Church and the Y. M. C. A. buildings in Orange are occupy- ing part of his land. A weather-beaten tombstone in the Old Burying Ground in that city has this inscription: M. W. Here Lies the Body of Matthew Williams, who departed this Life November 12, 1732. in the 81 year of his age Remember this as you pas by As you are now so once was I As I am Now so you may be, Prepare for death and follow me. As an alternative, favoring those planters who objected to the frequency of meetings, it was decided on January 8, 1685, to hold "four Town Meetings in a Year, at a Time Cer- tain (viz) : the first upon the first day of January, the Second the Second day of April, the Third the first second day of July, the fourth the first second day of October." Provision was also made for posting upon the Meeting House door the announcement "10 or 12 days before appointed by this Order." The attendance improved and the affairs of town moved along in much smoother channels than they had for several years. CHAPTER XII Care of Domestic Animals EVERY year, beginning in January, 1GG8, two reliable men were chosen for the responsible offices of Fence Viewers. The first two appointees were known for their special qualifications in this task, tact and restrained temper. That all interests might be safeguarded, "Serj. Ed'd Rigs and Michael Tompkins are Chosen to be Viewers of Fences of our Town for this Year Ensueing," is recorded at a meeting held in that month. Theirs was not an enviable office, yet they did not shrink from the performance of its duties. The annual inspection was made as soon as the frost disappeared from the ground in the spring and visits made at other times when exigencies demanded. Four score years was this practice continued, till stone walls were generally used for partitioning public and private property and the need of Fence Viewers had passed. An all-day meeting on October 19, 1681, was concerned in the fencing of four acres of common land. To each and every homestead a task was assigned. No excuse was accepted. If an owner was physically unable to perfonn the stint, a substitute was provided. More than eighty allotments were made, ranging from two rods to fifteen and one-half rods. The more difficult labor of arranging the gates was assigned Aaron Blatchly, Samuel Harrison, David Ogden, John Curtis, John Baldwin, Sr., Deacon Michael Tompkins, William Camp, John Ward, Jr., Matthew Canfield, and Thomas Johnson. "The Barrs called Wheeler's Barrs to Joseph Riggs," we read, as the business of assigning portions of the work proceeded, "to be sufficiently made and main- tained from Time to Time, instead of Three Rods of Fence — 67 68 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK there is two Rods of Fence allowed for the Two Mile Brook." This item was faithfully placed in the day's record: "It is always to be understood that the Rod Pole this Fence was laid out by was 16 feet and 9 inches in length." Three inches more than a rod was indeed worth considering by the weary Puritan when the sun was high in the heavens, his back aching and the stretch apportioned him not more than half finished. The planters met in the pasture land on a cool October morning, equipped for duty. Loads of chestnut posts and rails were drawn by oxen and horses guided by stalwart pioneers, to holes opened at regular intervals under the direction of the surveyor, and fence-making continued throughout the day with now and then a pause for refreshments. Toiling uncom- plainingly, the founders were proving by the sweat of their brow a right to citizen- ship. With the completion of the work an inspection was made by the Fence Viewers who reported the rails and gates all in their proper places and they, with their brother Puritans, rejoiced that an enclosure was at last provided for pasturing the town cattle. The pound was one of the first institutions and authorized three years after the exodus, on May 24, 1669: "The Town Ordered and Agreed that for all unruly Cattle or Horses that are turned in or voluntarily Left in the Neck or Com'on Field, that they shall pay Five Shillings by the Head Pound- age; half to the Pounder and half to the Town, besides all damages that they shall do to any Man in his Corn, Grass, or Hay, or otherwise, and for all Cattle that are not unruly. Horses, Oxen or Cows, Four Pence by the Head Poundage, Besides any damages." The ox, most patient and useful animal, sharing honors with the horse as man's close friend in the brute creation, was not placed in the list of "unruly animals." Docile and easy to manage, the faithful beast Candle-stick CARE OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS G9 was a valuable asset. Fortunate indeed was a planter possessed of an ox; doubly fortunate if he had a yoke of oxen, for he was then rated "well-to-do." Evidence of the hog being in disrepute was produced at an earlier meeting on April 17, 1669, when "the Town Agreed with John Catling to hang out and sufficiently fasten some Poles or Young Trees in the River, at the end of or adjoining to our Common Fence, and to turn them out and up the River about a Rod or Two, and somewhat back again after the manner of a Pound, to Prevent Hogs swinnning around the Fence into the Neck; and upon his so doing they stand for this summer, he is to be allowed Ten Shillings out of the Treasury for his Pains." Often seen in the highway in spring and summer, wallowing in the soft ground at the frog pond, rooting down by the river's edge, the hog was a source of trouble. Occasional squeals were heard as it became partly immersed in a quagmire or quicksand. Not till cool weather appeared did the animal cease its annoyance of town folk. Reduced to spare-ribs, pickled pork, highly seasoned sausage, and well-smoked hams and bacon, the hog proved a household blessing. After a hearty dinner, in which a succu- lent joint of roast pork formed the principal article of diet, the Puritan sat on cold winter days in front of the hearth- stone fire a picture of contentment, smoking a long clay pipe filled with Virginia tobacco brought to Newark in exchange for apples and cider. At a later period, if it was not then a practice, the housewife joined the husband in smoking. Their pipes were a solace in an exacting day of dull routine. For 250 years the goat has been identified with Essex County life. He was ever present in that part of the town known as the Neck, and was in disrepute on January 1, 1671, when "it's Ordered that no Goats at any Time of the Year shall be kept anywhere in the Neck, or Common Fence." Ousted from the feeding ground, this animal was chased here and there, abused, never out of trouble, always express- 70 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK ing dislike for public pastures and private preserves. He reveled in a scamper along the highways. All the settlers were out on their lots in the spring of 168'2, repairing their fences. The Viewers carefully made their rounds, pausing to offer suggestions and receiving scant courtesy in return from the more recalcitrant owners. Daniel Dod was brought before the toWn meeting for exam- ination on April 19, 1682. The Viewers reported that "there having been much Damage done by Reason of defec- tive Fences, and in special by a Piece of Fence against a Home Lott formerly given to Daniel Dod, upon account of his making and maintaining a Fence at the Front of his Lott so given. "And Altho' this Grant (To Daniel Dod) is not found upon the Record, Yet several Persons that was then Present do now declare that they do fully remember that the Lott was given to Daniel Dod upon the afs'd Condition, as namely: Deacon Michael Tompkins, Deacon Richard Laurence, Mr. Thomas Johnson, Stephen Davis and William Camp, and also several others. Yet now Daniel Dod refuseth to make or maintain the same, only as his Proportion in Common with other, tho' made and maintained by him at first. Upon these Persons' Testimony and the Complaint of Damage done by the Insufficiency of this fence — the Town doth, by Vote declare their Minds concerning the same (Viz): that Dan'l Dod is to make and maintain, from Time to Time that Fence at the front of his Lott by as is before exprest." And the aforesaid Daniel, who was thus brought to judg- ment, complied with the town meeting requirement. Pro- geny of this settler have been among the leading residents of Essex County in the succeeding generations and serving the country and community in a commendable manner. CHAPTER Xin Captain Treat Leaves Newark npHE town records do not disclose the day and month ^ Captain Robert Treat bade his neighbors farewell. His name last appears on May 26, 1673, when at a public meeting "It is agreed that the highest Estate in our Town is to patten but one Hundred Acres, within that compass as is already purchased, and so every one, accordingly, proportionable to his Estate." The Captain drew No. 63. He was now fifty-one years of age and well preserved in physique. Per- haps he offered one of his famous prayers "so lovingly spoken" for the comfort of the people he was leaving. An Englishman by birth, Robert Treat emigrated in boyhood with Richard Treat, his father, to Wethersfield. The son was in early manhood, about 1640, a resident of Milford, and later he served there as town clerk. His ex- perience in this office proved of notable service to the Newark settlers. Minutes of the town's first six years were written by him. The captain was elected to the office of magistrate, and also commissioned major of militia on his return to Connec- ticut. He was active in defending the colonists while King Philip's War raged and his life was in danger during the uprising. A ball passed through his hat at the Battle of Bloody Brook, and it is said that he had no less than "seventeen fair shots at the enemy." His bravery and ex- cellent execut ve ability qualified him for the office of Deputy Governor to which he was elected in 1676 and served seven years. He was then chosen Governor, retiring in 1698, the infirmities of old age compelling him to do so. He was prevailed upon, however, again to accept the office of Deputy Governor, holding it till 1708. The transition into the 71 72 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK larger life was on July 12, 1710, and the sunset of the four score and five years was gloriously achieved. Governor Treat's name has an imperishable renown in colonial history in connection with the Charter Oak. Sir Edmund Andros, in 1686, attempted while Governor of New England to seize the charter of Connecticut during a session of the Assembly. Governor Treat would not relinquish the oflSce he was administering so successfully, extinguished the light in the room, forestalled the action of Andros and Captain Treat's chairs conveyed the precious instrument to Captain Wadsworth, who deposited it in a hollow tree, now known as the Charter Oak of Hartford. Lambert's History of the New Haven Colony gives this estimate of Governor Treat's life and service: Few men have sustained a fairer character or rendered the public more important services. He was an excellent military officer, a man of singular courage and resolution, tempered with caution and prudence. His administration of government was with wis- dom, firmness and integrity. He was esteemed courageous. CAPTAIN TREAT LEAVES NEWARK 73 wise and pious. He was exceedingly beloved and venerated by the people in general and especially by his neighbors at Milford where he lived. Children of Captain Treat remained in Newark. John Treat, his son, was a deputy to the Provincial Assembly, from 1694 to 1702, and was for many years a leading citizen of the town. He died August 1, 1714, at the age of sixty-five years. Sarah Treat married Jonathan Crane, son of Jasper Crane, Jr., and Mary was the wife of Deacon Azariah Crane. Descendants of the latter occupied the home of Captain Treat till about 1800. Azariah Crane was a notable man and one of the first settlers of Montclair. When Captain Treat returned to Milford he "betrusted his property at Newark to liis son, Deacon Azariah Crane, who lived in the stone house at Newark." The deacon left a permanent memorial when he bequeathed to the First Presbyterian Church of Newark, his "silver bole to be used by the Church forever." Children of Deacon Azariah and Mary Treat Crane were Nathaniel, Azariah, Jr., John, Robert, Mary Baldwin and Jane. "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches and loving favour rather than silver and gold," was a favorite Puritan quotation from the Book of Proverbs. INIichael Tompkins, Signer of the Fundamental Agreement, vacated his Milford home, one of the most pretentious in the New Haven Colony, to follow the westward trend of Puri- tanism. The house was twenty feet square, two stories in height and about thirty rods distant from the Meeting House, Under cover of darkness, the Refugees Goffe and WHialley, fleeing from the English wrath for passing judgnnent ui)on Charles I, found an asylum in the Tompkins home. They were given accommodations in a room on the first floor, where they remained two years. Directly overhead was the living room, where the young women of the household spent many hours of the day. Unconscious of the guests being on the floor beneath, 74 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK the young ladies, having learned a satirical ballad floated across the ocean from England, frequently sang it set to a popular air. In substance the satirization was upon the two hidden refugees, who found it difficult to remain quiet, so convulsed with laughter were they over the young ladies' lack of knowledge of their presence. John Browne, Jr., elected town clerk in 1676, was the first "outsider" admitted into the close connnunioh of Newark citizenship. Permission was thus granted him at the fourth town meeting, held March 5, 1668: John Brown, Jr., was by a full vote of the Town admitted and received a planter, and hath the Grant of an Accommodation. Both of uplands and Meadows, According to his Estate that he does Give in, and is truly possessed of; he paying his proportion of the Charges Laid out for it, and do Seasonably Come to possess the Same Some Time this Spring. In addition to the home lot, planters were allowed a hold- ing of meadow land, the area according to their rating. Brown duly appeared on a spring day, true to his promise, and signified his intention of becoming a planter. The ceremony of receiving him into full membership of the Puritan government was impressively performed. Ques- tions were first asked regarding his status, religiously and financially. Satisfying the officials that he intended to reside permanently and become a useful citizen, a large Bible was produced. The young man placed his right hand upon it while the oath of allegiance was given, in the fol- lowing language: You do Swear upon the Holy Evangelists Contained in this Book to bare true faith and Allegiance to our Soveraine Lord King Charles the Second and his Lawfull Successors, and to be true and faithful to the Lords Proprietors, their successors, and their Government of this Province of New Jersey as Long as you shall Continue an Inhabitant under the Same without any Equi- vocation or Mentall Reservation whatsoever, so help you God. CAPTAIN TREAT LEAVES NEWARK 75 When the second purchase was made to the mountain-top each settler received an additional share of land. Sons of planters, when they attained their majority, were the recipients of lots, upland and meadow, if found capable, after due examination, of tilling the soil. One of the first young men of the town requesting full association was John Bruen, who appeared before the fifth town meeting on March 9, 1668, when "on Mr. Obadiah Bruen's Motion in the Behalf of his Son, Jno. Bruen, was taken into Con- sideration and Granted, that he should have Six Acres of Upland Somewhere in the Neck adjoining to his Father's second division; he Taking of his share of Fence, and paying unto the Treasury Sixteen Shillings, for all Charges past To This day." Newark's pioneers were of one mind, that in union there is strength. The first families were upon terms of close relationship: the home life, impregnated with hardships, was the pivot around which the strength of the settlement revolved and had its being. CHAPTER XIV Preparing Against Indian Invasion TDROVISION was made for training day at the town ^ meeting on May 23, 1671, when it was "Agreed upon that the 5th of June Next shall Be forthwith Published for every Soldier that day to appear at the beat of the drum, to shew his Arms and Ammunition, and to spend the day in the Exercising their Arms, as they shall Agree among Them- selves; under the Penalty of 2s. 6d. for Absence, and all former penalty's Agreed upon for being defective in their Arms — and they so met shall have full power to Appoint another day of Meeting — and to order the matter of the Squadrons for the carrying of Anns to Meeting and Ward- ing on the Lord's Day During the Time of Publick Exer- cise; which is the Town's mind and order that it should be Strikly Observ'd and Attended. ' The training ground at first was near the frog pond. Memorable was that fifth of June, when an entire day was devoted to military exercises. Permanent oflScers were elected at the meeting on August 30, 1673. Lieutenant Swaine and Thomas Johnson were selected Captains, Ser- geant Ward and Josiah Ward Lieutenants, and Sergeant Harrison and "Mr." Samuel Harrison Ensigns. The Puritan Fathers were engaged, they thought, in a more important contest than that of waging war upon savages. Their spare time was used in attacking Satan. Militant they were not and averse to clash of arms, though occasions are not lacking for self-protection, when the martial spirit was displayed. Hostile Indians were visiting settlements not far removed from Newark in the late summer of 1673. Apprehension for town security resulted in a meeting on September 24, 76 AGAINST INDIAN INVASION 77 in which it was agreed "that if we are desired to join with other Towns to send Men to the Indians to demand the Robbers, that we should send Men with them." No rec- ord was made of our local soldiers joining the punitive force. "It was also by the Magistrate's order published that in consideration of the present Danger, and fear of what may further ensue, We do therefore require that every INIan in our Town, under Sixty, and above Sixteen Years of age, Shall meet together with their arms well fixed, upon Eight of the Clock on the first day of October, which is this day Senight, upon the penalty of five Shillings. The Ammuni- tion for Each Man to bring with him being Half a Pound of Powder and Twelve Bullets, fit fov his gun, or Two Pounds of Pistol Bullets and upon that Day tlie Soldiers shall chuse the rest of their Offi- cers. The town was not unprepared in August, 1675, when reports of Indian uprisings were received. King Philip was on the war path in New England. Neighboring colonists were passing through a scourge of the red candlestick man's hatred and it might be Newark's turn next. Heart-rending stories of massacred white people were vividly told by seafaring men at the ordinary, wliither they repaired after anchoring their ships at the Landing Place. On one particular day, the 28th of August, 1675, the drummer went along the highway, beating his drum fu- riously. Leaving plow in furrow, axe by woodpile, horses and carts standing by roadside, the men of military age proceeded with all haste to the Meeting House. A few can-ied firearms which they were able to grasp as they passed their homes. Fears were expressed for the town safety. Instant attention, it was urged by the officials, should be given to bulwarking the Meeting House and con- vertmg it into a fortress, where the people could flee in 78 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK emergency. Indians were in hostile array, and they were expected to visit Newark. Rumors of their presence were daily circulated. "It's agreed that the Meeting House shall be lathed,'' begins the first item adopted, "and filled up with thin Stone and Mortar below the Girts, and the Charge hereof shall be levied as the Town shall Agree." And further: "Item — It is also agreed for the better Security of the Town, all the Men above Sixteen Years of Age, shall from Day to Day as their Turn come attend this Work about the Meeting House till it be finished and bring their Arms with them. Twelve Men is appointed to appear in a Day." Provision was neglected for supervising officials. A meet- ing was called on September 10, and the defect remedied in this manner: "It is agreed that two Men of these Twelve which are to come according to their Turns, are chosen to be Over- seers to appoint the work and to take Notice who is wanting." The barricading then proceeded more expeditiously. Town authority was needed to establish directors of the work. Method, even in preparations for safeguarding the people's Uves, was a Puritan trait. Referring again to the meeting on August 28, 1675, "It is agreed that two Flanckers shall be made at two Corners of the Meeting House with Palisades or Stockades; and the Charge of aU this Work to be borne by the Persons and Estates as belongs to the Town." Systematic watcliing was suggested, and "It is agreed that all the Home Lotts as belongs to this Town watch according to their Tm'n, as well as those as are not Inhabited as those that are." Near the end of the year the available war material was inventoried and a deficiency disclosed. John Ward, Tm*ner, declared that powder and ball were nearly exliausted. On roll call an alanning condition was discovered. Unbelievable as it may seem, yet no man had enough aimnunjtion to engage in a wolf himt, let alone prosecuting a defeiLsive attack of savages. Replenisliing AGAINST INDIAN INVASION 79 tlic stock was ordered on March 21, W75, as follows: "John Ward, turner, is clioseii to procure a Barrel of Powder and Lead Answerable to it, as reasonably as he can for the Town's use; provided that the Town pay him once within this week in Corn, Fowls, Eggs, or in any way to satisfy him." A watch was provided on June 10, 1679, "for the better Security of the Town. It is agreed to ha\e a Watch kept in the Town. Three in a Night, at some House ap- pointed by the Sarjents, and one of the Three to stand Gentry, one at one Time, and another at another; and at the break of Day or thereabouts all Three of them to be walking, that if there be Danger it may be timely discovered and prevented, and about half an hour after Daybreak to call the Drummer and he is to beat the Drum. It is also agreed that one fourth Part of the Town at a Time, and so taking their Turns, shall carry arms to Meeting on the Lord's Day — and two to Ward, and to stand Gentry." The drum was beaten at dawn, the favorite hour of attack, for the purpose of frightening away any hostile Indians lurk- ing about the town. Another watch was decided upon at a meeting on Febru- ary 25, 1680. Then it was voted that "Stephen Davis and Joseph Rigs are appointed to give a Gharge to the Watch every Night. Gaptain Swaine and Lieutenant Gurtis are chosen to give the Gharge for the Watch and Warders." The men on guard sallied forth at stated hours into the night, proceeding northward as far as the Corn Mill and southward to William Gamp's (now Lincoln Park). The watcher's only light was a tallow candle, snugly placed in a lantern, sending a faint ray barely a man's length ahead into the darkness. Vigilance of the pioneers saved, possibly, a blurred page of distressing narratives in the local history. CHAPTER XV Rules of Conduct TT^REEDOM of the town was not granted strangers within A the gates of Puritan Newark, Officials passed upon requests for settlement in a most rigid examination till the power was usurped by Governor Carteret. Notwithstanding the interdiction, visitors from ne ghboring colonies or from across the sea were not suffered to tarry if suspicion arose in official mind that they would in any way detract from the pious life of the pioneer era. Once welcomed, however, the hospitality continued as cordial as was within the power of the people to extend. Fourteen years after the town was instituted a growing propensity toward frivolous conduct was corrected at a meeting on February 25, 1680, as follows: To prevent sundry Inconveniences which may grow to this Town of Newark, by the inconsiderate receiving and entertaining of Strangers amongst us — It is Voted, That henceforward no Planter belonging to us or within our Bounds or limits, receive or entertain any Man or Woman of what Age or Quality soever, coming or resorting to us, to settle upon their Land nor shall any person that hath been or shall be received as a Planter among us, by Right of Inheritance or otherwise, sell, give nor in any way alienate, or pass over, Lease, or Lett any House or House Lott, or any Part or Parcel of any of them, or any Land of what Kind or Quality soever, to any such Person, nor shall any Planter or Inheritor permit any such Person or Persons so coming and re- sorting, to stay or abide above one Month, without License from those the Town shall appoint for that Purpose, under the Penalty of Five Pounds for every such Defect; besides all Damages that may grow by such Entertainments. Town morals did not improve to an appreciable extent. A withheld resolution adopted at the February meeting was 80 RULES OF CONDUCT 81 again discussed on October 19, 1681, and duly placed in the records: To prevent disorderly Meeting of Young People at unseasonable times, it is voted as a Town Act, that no Housekeeper or Master of a Family, shall harbour or entertain any Person or Persons in the Night after Nine o'clock, or at other unseasonable Times (extraordinary occasions excepted), nor shall they suffer them disorderly to meet any Place, within their Power, to spend their Time, Money or Provisions inordinately in drinking, gaming or such like; nor shall they suffer any Carriage, Conference or Coun- cil, which tends to Corrupt one another. All such persons so transgressing shall be liable to such fines the Authority shall think fit. Perhaps the watch had noticed people moving about in the evening or pleasure parties may have come in from adjoining settlements and tarried late. Promptly at 9 o'clock each night an inspection was made of the town, when all lights were ex- tinguished, except in those homes where illness had seized a member of the family. -j^ , . , lip Candle lantern Explanation was demanded tor every burning candle after the hour and silence required. There was little relaxation of Puritan restraint. Children even of leading families were acquainted with toil, and taught to be helpful to mother in the never-ending, multitu- dinous household duties. Youth quickly merged into middle life and women were placed in the old age set at two score and five years, when they were expected to wear a lace cap, sit by the fire-place, knit and engage in other light work. Even the necessities of life were obtained under most aggravating conditions. The kettle of boiling water often fell into the fire, creating havoc and causing pain to those standing near, from contact with steaming splashes of the fluid. Roasting a joint required patience. Tied to the end of a rope, suspended from the ceiling, it was the duty of a 82 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK boy or girl to twist it continuously before the open fire till mother had pronounced it "done to a turn." How the housewives would have enjoyed the luxury of running water in their hoines and other Twentieth Century con- veniences ! The quiet of the town life was shocked by the appearance of foreigners carrying swords and pistols. All who sailed the high seas were armed in preparation for an attack by pirates, who then were very numerous. The local port in the latter Seventeenth Century was widely known. Vessels dropped anchor at the Landing Place, discharged consign- ments of goods and received barrels of cider, apples and other commodities in return. The Provincial Assembly convened at Perth Amboy, on April 6, 1686, at which a bill providing for the restriction of firearms was introduced. Complaint of surreptitious dis- appearance of boats from the riverside was also considered by the lawmakers. Thirteen days did the House of Depu- ties, where the bill originated, and the Councilors discuss the measure, and at the "post meridian session" April 17, 1686, the following is recorded by the clerk in the quaint writing of the period: A Bill from the House of Deputyes for p'hibiteing the weareing of swords daggers plstolls Dirks stilettoes &c., by the Inhabitants of this province — was here Read — amended and sent back by Mr. Sam'l Dennes — and againe brought here and signed by the Gover- nor, &c. It was ordered at a session of the Assembly, held April 10, 1686, that "The Bill for the punishm't of such p'sons as shall take away clandestinely Canoes and boates which was this day sent to ye Deputyes with sundry amendm'ts being fairly Transcribed out was signed by our Governor for Concurrance &c.— and by the Request of the Deputies — It's Agreed that the same bee im'ediately published." "The Secretary gave the board an account," reads the RULES OF CONDUCT 83 concluding paragrnph of [hv record, "that in the Dreadful fire w'ch hap'ned in his hous<' upon Sattenhiy h.st the origin d Concessions of Lord 15erkley and Sir (ieorge Carteret amongst other writings bookes and papers were there burnt and consumed." CHAPTER XVI Beginning of Newark's Industries XTOW famed the world over, Newark's industries had their ■^^ initiative in scanty resources and crude appHances. Encouragement was officially given artisans of neighboring and even distant settlements "inclined to come among us," by offering them homestead grants. Every effort consistent with town regulations aided those engaging in industrial en- terprises. "Jonathan Sargeant," we read in the transactions of the town meeting of December 5, 1670, "for his Encouragement to settle in the Town, follow his Trade, and to help Mend his Home Lott they gave Him that piece of Meadow that Lies at Beef Point which was fonnerly Granted to John Rockwell, the Boat Man." Town weavers of the Milford group, eager to erect their homes and ply their trade, made an error in laying out their home lots. They were established nearly six years, when at the town meeting of March 19, 1673, "It is agreed that Weavers Thomas Pierson and Benjamin Baldwin shall be considered to make their Lotts on the Hill shorter." John Cunditt, another early and industrious weaver, installed a loom near the Corn Mill. Thomas Pierson was pious and hard-working. This was equally true of his neighbor Baldwin. Both tended their looms with punctuality and zealousness as became good citizens. Weaver Pierson was often visited by his kinsman, Rev. Abraham Pierson, first pastor, who "dropped in" of a morning or afternoon, as inclination prompted him. While the loom was clicking merrily under the skilled guidance of Thomas, the two Puritans talked of spiritual matters, those of town concern, of the latest news brought into port from distant parts, and of prospects for comnmnity expansion. 84 BEGINNING OF NEWARK'S INDUSTRIES 85 Shearing slieep, cleansing and carding wool, spinning and dyeing yarn, weaving cloth, required a month or more of tedious effort. Sheep raising was a profitable industry, and, on March 10, 1704, the flocks were so nu- merous that "it is voted that there shall be a Shepherd hired for to keep the Sheep — Samuel Harrison, Robert Young, Eli- phalet Johnson and Thomas Hays are chosen Sheep Masters." Dyeing of wearing apparel was a domes- tic industry" in which women were experts. The dye vat was made of wood, strongly bound with hickory hoops. A pemianent position was given it near the hearthstone. Covered with a cushion, a seat was thus provided for the younger members of the family. Dyes were extracted from sumac, the bark of black walnut, chestnut, and other trees. Spinning wheels were used in the latter part of the Seventeenth Century. Chests of snowy linen were the housewife's pride and the bride furnished her home with all the requirements in this line made by her own hands. Beehives were generally possessed by householders. Honey was used as a medicine and as food, and varied the monotony of corn meal diet at break- fast. Feathers of wild geese were care- fully sorted and made into bedding and pillows which, sad to relate, were used every month in the year. Children and elderly people were jjlaced in feather beds, when the weather was intensely cold, as a preventive against illness. Before retiring at night logs of wood, heated at the fire- place, were "smoothed" about the bed till a requisite degree of warmth was attained. Later the warming pan, in which wood coals were placed, serve* 1 as an acceptable substitut<\ Warming Pan 86 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK Shoemaking, Newark's chief industry at the beginning of the Nineteentli Century, had its inception in the vocation of the travehng shoemaker. Men pursuing this calhng were needed in 1680, and on June 23, "a good and true shoemaker was invited to come among us" in this unique overture: It is Agreed that the Town is wilhng Samuel Whitehead should come and Inhabit among us, provided he will supply the Town with Shoes, tho' for the present we know not of any Place of Land Convenient. Samuel, who was prospering at his trade in Elizabeth Town, declined this half-way invitation. How could he make shoes if he. had no place to lay his head and incidentally his tools of trade. f* He remained at home, where he after- ward served as town clerk and in other official capacities. Itinerant shoemakers, as a rule, made the rounds of settle- ments in early autumn. They who plied this trade were wel- comed not only for their skill but also for the gossip they brought with them. The upper parts of shoes were made by adult members of the family, while the itinerant ad- justed the heavy soles, lasting, it was expected, until his next annual appearance. Food and shelter were provided for him at the home during his employment, and he was accorded the place of honor at the dining table where the family was enter- tained with stories and items of news of other towns visited. Forerunners of the extensive leather industry of Newark were the tanneries operated by Hugh Roberts and Hans Albers. The former, who settled in the southeast section, succumbed to the rigors of the pioneer life. Albers, however, continued for many years as a tanner in the northern part of the town. Soap making was a home industry and a duty of the women folk. Wood ashes were carefully scraped from the fire-place, deposited in a barrel and water added. When the desired quantity had accumulated a fire was built in the yard, a tripod erected and a large kettle suspended therefrom, into which the contents of the barrel, strained through a cloth, were poured. Scraps of fat were then carefully stirred BEGINNING OF NEWARK'S INDUSTRIES 87 in till the mess bubbled into soap. The precious material was then placed in tubs for future use. Unavailable refuse was consigned to the fire-place, an in- cinerating plant, handy indeed. Cooperage, or the trade of barrel-making, was a profitable industry, requiring skilled labor. Thousands of hand-made barrels were produced in Newark every year. Those used for holding liquids were of white oak, while the ones for stor- ing dry commodities were of red oak. The staves were bound by hickory hoops. Two complete barrels of white oak were the product of a day's work of maker and helper, while the others were turned out at the rate of four or five in the same time. The soil was especially adapted to the growth of apple trees. They were very numerous on the mountain-side, and the blossoms as they appeared in the spring created a scene of marvelous beauty. The delicate fragrance of the flower- freighted air was detected from a distance by travelers on water and on land. Newark plantation apples were readily disposed of in other colonies and large consignments were sent to the West Indies. Late in the Seventeenth Century more than 1,000 barrels of cider were exported each year. Jersey's famous applejack was also distilled in large quantities till the latter part of the fourth decade of the Nineteenth Century, when a tem- perance movement resulted in the destruction of nearly all the orchards. This was done so that the fruit could not be used in making whiskey. Tallow candles were made from scraps of fat boiled in a large kettle. Into this a hempen string or three of them formed in a braid were dipped. The process was repeated till the required thickness was secured. Hence the name "tallow dip" was often applied. Half dozen or more strings were suspended from a round piece of wood and these were "dipped" as a labor-saving device. A day's product aver- aged from 200 to 250 candles, varied in size and the length was from a foot to a few inches. 88 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK Sergeant Richard Harrison was the first town sawyer, and well he carried on his trade of supplying the people with building material. Thomas Davis received permission to erect another saw mill in the southern section of the town on June 19, 1695. Slaves were permitted in the province. In the concessions granted by Governor Carteret to the signers of the Funda- mental Agreement, 150 acres of land were offered to every freeman, "and the same quantity for each able man servant and seventy-five acres for every weaker servant or slave carried with him or sent." No record was made, however, of the importation of slaves into Puritan Newark. Fair dealing, thrift and economy were ever practised. Pro- ducers were not permitted to send goods, raw or finished, out of town, till local needs were satisfied. CHAPTER XVII The Proprietors' Quit-Rent GOVERNOR CARTERET, as the year 1GG9 drew to a close, anxiously waited for an expression of Newark's attitude toward payment of the quit-rent. An agreement was entered into before the settlers departed from New England, whereby, in exchange for the grant by the Pesayak River the Lords Proprietors were to receive as their compen- sation a half penny per acre per annum, the payment to begin in 1670, for all lands occupied. The Governor knew of the prosperous yields of Newark soil. He also remembered the incident three years before, when the Puritans were compelled to pay the Indians for the very land from which he was now expecting the ever memorable tax. Most solicitous was his excellency for his subjects' welfare, embodying his sentiments in a letter read at town meeting on February 3, 1669. Pleased was he with striking evidences of material wealth in Newark's well-ordered plantations. "Are the planters mindful of the Lord Proprietors' tax.^" inquired the Governor. One can almost detect Captain Treat's broad smile as he carefully read the letter and then submitted it to the meeting. "Why should we pay the Lords' tax?" more than one planter inquired. "Because," the Captain answered, "we have given our solemn promise to do so." All were of the same mind after a brief discussion. Treat, as the recorder, was directed to reply to the Governor. "After all due salutations to be presented by the Con- stable to our Worshipfull Governor," the letter began, "we, the Inhabitants or freeholders of the Town of New Ark do by him make Return to the said Governors Writing, as followeth, 89 90 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK viz: That they do Hold and Possess their Lands and Rights in the said Town, Both by Civil and Divine Right, as by their Legall purchase and Articles doth and May Shew. And as for the payment of the Half Penny per Acre for all our Allotted Lands, According to our Articles and Interpretations of them, You assuring them to us, We are ready when the Time Comes to perform our Duty to the Lords or their Assigns." Murmurings were heard among the Elizabeth Town set- tlers over the payment of the Lords' rent. Several held lands under warrants issued by Governor Nicholls of New York, who also acted as Governor of New Jersey before Carteret came. The required quantities of grain were set aside for proprietary tax in every Newark home, on March 24, 1669. "It was by the Joint vote agreed," reads the resolution pro- viding for the payment "that Henry Lyon and Ths. Johnson should Take and receive every Mans Just Share and Pro- portion of Wheat for his Land; the Summer Wheat at 4s. pr. Bush'l and Winter Wheat at 5s. according to the order and Time prefixed to them to Bring it to Johnson's House before the day be over, or else if they fail they are to Double the quantity ; which Corn the said Lyons & Johnson is to Morrow to Carry to Elizabeth Town, and make a Tender Thereof to the Governor upon the account of the Lords Proprietors rent for the Land we make use of according to Articles 25th March, 1670. ' How did the Governor receive the tithe-bearing settlers? Was it in a spirit of brotherly love or was it one of arrogance .^^ When Johnson and Lyon appeared in Elizabeth Town a crowd of men were assembling about the Governor's head- quarters in a defiant mood and dared the receiver-general to collect the obnoxious quit-rent from them, while others de- manded an adjustment by the Provincial Assembly. Newark representatives were greatly surprised to learn that only money — gold and silver — passing as currency in Eng- land would be received. "As for the settlers being out of purse," said the Governor, "I cannot help them therein." THE PROPRIETORS' QLTT-RENT 91 Argument in behalf of the Newark settlers, thougii to no purpose, was well advanced by Johnson and Lyons, who con- tended that grain was the recognized medium of exchange in the country and that the tithes ought to be accepted, re- ceipt given and assurances vouchsafed that toll in the future would be on a similar basis. The corn and wheat were re- turned to the Newark settlers, and a spirit of discontent prevailed as spring merged into summer and another harvest season was at hand. On January 2, 1670, "the renewall of our Solemn Agreement to submit to Law and Authority among our Selves till it Be settled in the Province," was pledged. Unmindful of the aroused condition in surroimd- ing towns, two months and a half later quit-rents were again gathered. "It was Agreed that Henry Lyon and Thos. Johnson shall Goe to our Governor," reads the opening line of a resolution adopted on March 20, 1670, "in behalf of the Town, make a Tender to Him in Good Wheat for the Payment of the Half Penny pr Acre to Him for the Lords Proprietors in like Manner as they did the Last Year at the Day Appointed: in Case that he will iVccept of the Same, That then they are fully impowered to Give Notice by the Warners of the Town for every one to Bring in his Proportion of Corn to the Con- stable's House, the Morning of the day appointed, by 7 or 8 o'clk that they may send it to their Governor, and take a Discharge of Him for the same; and they are at Least to bring as Much as they Did the Last Year, and More if they see Cause." Johnson and Lyon prepared for another Elizabeth Town visit on New Year's Day, March 25, 1671. Bags of wheat and corn were taken there in a spirit of faithfulness, and accompanied by prayers of the pious settlers. The Governor again insisted that only English money would be accepted as quit-rent payment; once more the committee retraced its steps homeward and the grain was distributed to the con- tributors. Confusion now reigned in the })rovince. Each of the New- 92 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK ark planters, solemnly obligated to uphold the town govern- ment in every predicament, was faithful to his vows. Planting season and apple blossom time arrived and on a balmy spring day the drummer was sent out, calling a public meeting. Rumors were current of disorder in neighboring towns. Provincial authority was out of existence on May 13, 1G72, when the men assembled at the Meeting House in response to the drummer's warning. Determined stand was advocated in sustaining order, and "Mr. Crane and Lieut. Swaine that were chosen representatives for the Town are desir'd by the Town to Consult with the rest of the repre- sentatives of the Country, to order matters for the safety of the Country." When the committee appeared at Elizabeth Town next day delegates and groups of non-official planters were arriv- ing from every town. Mr. Crane and Lieutenant Swaine cared not for the leathern cups containing English ale served at the tavern, and with other conservative subjects of the Lord Proprietors, quietly discussed the issues of the hour in retirement. Governor Carteret, fearing physical violence, escaped from the country. Proprietary interests were now scattered to the four winds of heaven. John Berry, a large plantation owner in Newark, and Deputy Governor, took charge of the ex- ecutive office. James Carteret, a son of Sir George Carteret, despite his act, was called before the people's representatives, and acquainted with their desire to install him as President of the Country, but he declined the honor and the position was not created. The provincial affairs were In chaotic condition and one was wanting who could predict the outcome. Philip Car- teret, a few weeks later, on July 1, 1G72, sailed for England, where he consulted with the Lords Proprietors over plans of amelioration. The Newark settlers combined with others of the Province in sending a long ])etilion to Berkley and Carteret, which they received simultaneously with the Gov- ernor's arrival In England. The Proprietors, after the con- THE PROPRIETORS' QUIT-RENT 93 ference, endeavored to calm the colonists' tenii)er by issuing this statement through James Bollen, secretary of the Governor: We have received a long Petition from yon, and of no Date, yet out of tender care we have of your pretended Grievances and Complaints have examined some particulars thereof, the Governor and Mr. Bolen being now in Town, yet we are very ready to do you all the Justice you can expect, tho' you have been unjust to us, by which means you have brought a troul)le upon yourselves, and if j'ou will send over any Person to make good your Allegations in your Petition (while the Governor is here) we shall be ready to hear all Parties, and incline to do you right, altlio' you have not had such a tender regard of our con- cerns in these parts, as in Justice and Equity you ought to have had. And we do likewise expect for the future you will yield due obedience to our Government and Laws within the Province of New Caesarea, or New Jersey, and then we shall not be wanting to manifest ourselves according to your Deportment. Dated the 11th day of December, 1672. Your Loving Friends, J. Berkley, G. Carteret. Berkley and Carteret prepared a proclamation which Deputy Governor Berry received in May, 1G73. Messengers were at once sent about the country, reading it to the settlers. Powers of the General Assembly were restricted by vesting in his excellency, the Governor, and his council, the right of appointment of ministers of the Gospel, representatives of municipalities having only the nominative right. Towns could not engage a preacher without first applying to the Governor, and he alone was judge of a candidate's fitness for the ofiice. Power w^as also given the Governor and council to regulate and adjourn all meetings of assembly, to establish courts, apportion lands, nominate and appoint officers, and admit planters. Quit-rents (ah, how repulsive the very name was now to our i)lanters) were to be paid in three years 94 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK from 1673, in addition to "growing" rents. Wise counsel prevailed among the Puritans. The first day of July was des- ignated for a town meeting "to consider what the Governor had to say." "It was Voted and agreed by the General and Universal Consent and Vote of all our People," let us read every line, "That there Should be an Address by way of petition sent to the Lords Proprietors of this Province for the removing of the Grievances incumbent, and of obtaining of what may be necessary for the Good of the Province, and of the Planta- tion — in testimony of our Consent hereto, and of our agree- ment; what necessary Charge shall arise hereupon we will defray by way of rate, proportionately to the number of those who join in the sd. Petition. "Mr. Crane, Mr. Bond, Mr. Swaine, Mr. Kitchell and Henry Lyon are Chosen a Committee, to consider with the messengers from the other Towns, about sending a Petition to England." A conference of representatives from Elizabeth To\vn, Piscataway, Woodbridge, Shrewsbury, Bergen and other settlements was called. Groups of men discussed the grave import of governmental conditions. Their homes and property, now so carefully guarded, and upon which much labor and means had been expended, were in danger of con- fiscation, and the families sent adrift in the wilderness, if the spirit of rebellion became too earnest. The Newark delegates, upon their return from the con- ference, reported that John Delavall, a settler upon the Raritan River, and who had large interests involved, agreed to present "our side of the argument to the Lords Pro- prietors, in England." And on July 5, 1673, "Mr. Crane, Mr. Bond, Mr. Kitchell, Henry Lyon and John Ward, Turner, are chosen to agree with Mr. Delavall about Money to send a Messenger to England; and as they did agree with him, it should be paid by the Town." CHAPTER X\^II Newark Under Dutch Rule UNKNOWN to the pioneers, who with those of other settlements were collecting money to defray the ex- penses of a visit by Delavall or his representative to the Lords Proprietors, King Charles of England and Louis XIV of France declared war against Holland in the last month of 1672. Before arrangements were completed for the emissary's passage bearing the tale against Governor Carteret, twenty- three vessels, eighteen of which had been captured from the enemy by the five Dutch ships on the way across the ocean, swooped down upon Manhattan Island. The fort and out- lying territory were surrendered without loss of life to a land- ing party of 600 officers and men. Formal possession was an- nounced on July 30, 1673. The white flag of surrender was hoisted over Newark and the people placed themselves at the mercy of the Hollanders, thus avoiding unpleasant situations falling to the lot of other towns. The new government mani- fested a desire to be friendly. Labor of every description ceased on the morning of Au- gust 4, 1673. The drummer went out with alacrity after sun- rise, calling the men to meeting. "We're all Dutchmen now," he exclaimed, passing along rapidly. Rev. Mr. Pierson, Jasper Crane and others expressed opinions relating to the character of overtures the town would offer the new government. A new county, incorporating all the towns between the Pesayak and Raritan Rivers, and the same liberties as those enjoyed in the past, were to be sought. This was the town's mind: It was agreed that we should join with the rest of the Province to agree with the Generals at N. Orange to have a priviledged 95 96 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK County between the two Rivers, Passaick and Araritine or as many as will join with us, and if none will join with us upon that account, then to desire what may be necessary for us in our Town. Mr. Crane, Mr. Bond, Lieutenant Swaine and Sarjent John Ward are Chosen Deputies to treat with the Generals about the Busi- ness. The petition was prepared and sent on August 12, 1673, to the City Hall, in New Orange (now New York), where the Dutch established headquarters. The Newark committee and other delegates were granted an audience six Samuel Harrison's sawni Mdunlamb' days later. Warriors of note composed the Dutch Com- mission. They were Commander Jacob Benckes, Com- mander Cornelius Evertsen, Jr., Captain Anthony Colve, Captain Nicholas Boes and Captain A. F. Van Zyll. Cordial greetings were exchanged and inquiries made by the com- missioners regarding the condition of the country and the products. Commander Benckes made the declaration, say- ing: We liave read the Petition of the inhabitants of New Worke, Elizabeth Town and Piscataway. We will order that all of the inhabitants of those towns shall be granted the same privileges and Freedoms as will be accorded to native born subjects in Dutch towns; also the Petitioners and their Heirs shall unmolested enjoy NEWARK UNDER DUTCH RULE 97 and possess lands, which shall afterward be confirmed to them by the Governor in due form; in regard to the boinids of each town, they shall hereafter be fixed by the Governor and Council. In respect to impressment, none of the English nation shall, in time of war with his Majesty of England, be impressed against their own nation on condition that they comport themselves quietly and peaceably, but their ships and boats shall be subject thereto. Concerning inheritance, they shall have to regulate themselves, according to the laws of Netherland, but be at liberty to dispose of their property by will, according to their pleasure; and in case any wish to depart from this government with their property, they shall be at liberty so to do within the' term of six months on condition of previously paying their debts, and obtaining proper passport from the Governor. Furthermore, no person shall be suffered to settle within this government without the Governor's previous approbation, and, finally, the Petitioners are granted the accorded Freedom of conscience as the same is permitted in the Netherlands. The towns were required to nominate by plurality vote six persons for schepens or magistrates and two deputies to assist in forming a joint board representing New Jersey towns for the purpose of nominating three persons for schouts and three for secretaries. From this list three magistrates, schout and secretary were to be chosen for the six towns collectively — New Worke, Elizabeth Town, Piscataway, Woodbridge, Shrewsbury and Middletown. Oflficers for the "town of Bergen and dependencies" were elected on August 18. Submissive were all the planters to the wishes of the Dutch Council, though a few were of the opinion that shoal water was ahead for Newark's fragile craft. In accordance with the Dutch desire, Jasper Crane, Robert Bond, Sergeant John Ward, Obadiah Bruen, Stephen Freeman, and John Curtis were nominated for office of magistrate. The first three, having receiveil the liighest number of votes, were selected by the counnissioners and sworn in office September 1, 1G73. They were known as Schepen Crane, Schepen Bond and Schepen W^ard. Newark's 98 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK representatives in the house of deputies convening at Wood- bridge, on August 23, were Deacon Lawrence and Sergeant Harrison. Jasper Crane, upon his return, was undetermined as to his nationahty, whether it was Enghsh or Dutch. His good wife no doubt consoled him with the thought that it was far better to be a Dutchman with a comfortable house and broad acres than a penniless refugee. John Ogden and Samuel Hopkins, of Elizabeth Town, were respectively elected schout and secretary. Next was the hardest task of all — swearing allegiance to Dutch authority. Assembled at the Meeting House on September 6, 1673, the planters felt their position keenly. Seventy-five names were recorded at the roll call; eleven were absent and no one answered for them. Resisting to the very last the substitution of Dutch Government for that of Puritanism, the "dyed-in-the-wool" adherents of the faith found sudden business errands up the river or back in the mountains. They were all known and would eventually acknowledge Dutch authority or suffer loss of their property. Military oflficials also subscribed to the oath of their office as follows : Captain, Samuel Swaine; Lieutenant, John Ward; Ensign, Samuel Kitchell. They were placed in charge of town sol- diers for the protection of local property. The religion of the Established Church was superseded by "that of the Reformed Christian Church, to be maintained in conformity to the Synod of Dodrecht, without permitting any other sects at- tempting anything contrary thereto." It was also decreed by the Dutch Commissioners that "the Sheriff shall be pres- ent, as often as possible at all the town meetings and preside over the same." The affairs of Newark were soon adjusted, but not altogether in a spirit of sincere relationship to the new government. Another trying situation (and there were many) in which our settlers became enmeshed was over the purchase of the New Barbadoes Neck, the story of which will be exploited in NEWiUlK UNDER DUTCH RILE 99 another chapter. Anthony Colve, selected Governor by the Dutch authorities, issued a "Proclamation for a day of Humiliation and Thanksgiving" on November 15, 1673, to his "Trusty and Well Beloved Concidering the Manifold Blessings & Favours wch the Bountifull & Merciful god hath bene pleazed graciously to Bestow upon this Province and the Inhabitants thereof amongst wch is to be Esteemed be- yond all others the free & pure worship of god wch Blessing together \^i:h all others ought Not to drawe & oblidge us to dutifull thanckfulnesse but also to meeknesse & Rependance because of our Manifold sins and Transgressions to the End the sd Blessings & favours of our god may be Continued to- ward us & the People & Country be free from this weldeserved Wroth & Indignation." It was ordered that the thanksgiving and fast must be held on "the first Wesnesday of the next ensuing month of December, being Second day of the sd Month & soo Alsoe uppon every first wenesday of ye month thereunto Ensuing. . Wee do hereby strictly prohibite & forbid on the sd day of humiliation Thanksgiving all manner of Labour & exercizings of hunting ffisshing gaming, Excess in Drincking, and the lyke & all Inkeepers & ordinaris not to retajde any Licquors or drincke uppon penalty of Corperall Punishment." Thomas Johnson's supplies at the ordinary were nearly ex- hausted in the winter of 1673, and he applied for pennission to bring in his vessel from New England. The pass was granted in the following form: Thomas Johnson, inhabitant of New Worke, at Aghter Coll, is hereby permitted to proceed hence, in person, to New England, and to remove thence and bring here his vessel and some goods lawfully belonging to him, on condition that he do not carry hence nor bring in here any letters contrary to the placard, and be bound, on his return, to surrender this permit and to report himself to the governor-General here; and all Captains, Commanders, and other officers of this province are hereby required to allow said Thomas Johnson to pass and repass this time. Done Fort Wilhelm Hen- drick, this 2d March, Ao. 1674. 100 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK The Dutch-Puritans were about to be relieved of their hyphen on November 7, 1674. At the town meeting "Mr. Ward and Mr. Kitchell are chosen to go over to Bergen to hear what the Governor hath to read according to his Warrant." Before this, on October 31, "Mr. Ward, Mr. Kitchell, Mr. Freeman, Mr. Pierson, Deacon Tompkins, Deacon Law- rence, Sargent Harrison, Stephen Davis, and Thomas Richards are chosen a Committee to consider of such Things as may tend for the Good of the Town; also they have Liberty to debate of such Things with any they shall see Occasion so to do, without calling a Town Meeting." These nine men, tried and true, were the reconstructiomsts of returned Puritanism, and well they performed their labors. The treaty of peace was signed February 9, 1G74. Built about 1690 by wealthy Barbadoes planter. Isaac Kingsland. nephew of ^athanrel Kmesland at Kingsland, New Jersey, part oj Newark in the early days -Strnrway >s of sohd mSny-In cellar are huge iron rings to which slaves were fastened when wh.pped-Intenor woods imported from the Barbadoes Governor Eclinund Andros CHAPTER XIX Governor Carteret Resumes Control over New Jersey ADJUSTMENT of town affairs after English restoration was speedily made. From the date of Governor Car- teret's resumption of office on November 6, 1674, the people continued under English dominion nearly 102 years, till July 4, 1776. Though all who attended the meeting on December 11, 1674, experienced more or less discomfort in the chilly at- mosphere, yet the Governor's overtures for a reorganization of the Provincial Government were not hastily considered. More cheerful we would prefer to depict the scene, with a blazing fire roaring on the hearthstone, but this was con- sidered a sacrilege. Living coals in the House of the Lord, declared the Puritan fathers and their descendants for more than a century, were mockery to the Most High. John Brown, Jr., who was the recorder and scrivener, prepared a document for the Governor's perusal , declaring that submis- sion would be made to the Proprietary Government if the people's rights were restored. Several of the leaders were in favor of conservative action. It would, they argued, be too presumptuous to dictate terms; therefore, it was ordered that: Mr. Ward, Mr. Kitchell, Mr. Freeman, Captain Swaine, Ser- geant Harrison, Thomas Richards, Deacon Lawrence, and Thomas Johnson are chosen to go down to Elizabeth Town to treat with the Governor upon the jiarticulars written jind if they cannot agree without, not to deliver that writing; but in Case he will not hear them, then they are to present this Writing to him, and leave it with him. John Brown, Jun'r is chosen to subscribe this Writing in the Inhabitants' Name. The commissioners were true and tried and their faith in Newark was unshaken. The town had a soul, illumined by 101 102 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK the sacrifices of its leaders. Governor Carteret and his Council, consisting of Ca])tain John Berry, William Sanford, John Pike, John Bishop, Sr., Robert Vauquelhn and James Bollen, secretary, met with the connnissioners at the Gov- ernor's house in Elizabeth Town a few days later. Cordial spirit marked the conference at the beginning. "Directions, Instructions and Orders," given by Rt. Hon. Sir George Carteret, knight and baronet, vice chamberlain of His Majesty's Household and one of His Majesty's Privy Council, Lord Proprietor of the County or Province of Nova Caesarea or New Jersey, were there read. It was ordered that all land possessed by the planters before the war with Holland should revert to them without reservation. "Then we lose the Neck purchased from the Dutch Gov- ernment?" inquired Captain Swaine, as he and his fellow townsmen glanced at each other in consternation. "No way to help you," replied the Governor. "The land belongs to Major Kingsland." Intently did our Newark committee listen to the "fifthly clause," of the directions: That if any person refuse or omitt to pay or Deliver his Rent due to us & arrear since the twenty -fifth Day of March one thousand six hundred & Seaventy to the Constable of the respec- tive town or Jurisdiction where the Land for which the Said Rent is Due Doth Lye at Such Tyme & place as the said Constable shall ap'oint or if any p'son shall refuse or omitt to pay or Deliver his Rent which shall hereafter become Due to us at Such Tyme as the Same Shall become Due & at Such Place as the Constable of Such towne or Jurisdiction shall ap'oint that then it shall & May bee Lawfull for the Said Constable or his Successors to Distrayne the goods & Chatties of such p'son Soe refusing or omitting to Sell the Same, rendering the overplus besides the rent arrear of the Cost & Charges of Distrayning to the party. And wee direct that the Constable shall pay the Rent hee shall receive or raise to our Receiver General. And although our Con- cessions Say it shall be pay'd in currant or lawfull Monney of England yet at the request of our Governor & Council Wee will GOVERNOR CARTERET RESUMES CONTROL 103 accept of it Such M'chantable pay as the Countrey doth produce at M'chants price to the value of Monney Sterling. x\nd if by this meanes wee cannot obtaine our Rent, then the Marshall of the Province shall be impowered as above said, to collect & raise the Same at the Charge of Such the Inhabitants as Doe refuse or omitt to pay at the tyme & place as aforesaid. This was a concession not expected, coupled though it was with a most drastic alternative. Twice had the Governor Hugh Robert's will. First one made in Newark before the war refused farm produce offered in payment for quit-rents. Now he was ready, following the orders of his superiors, to receive this in lieu of "money currant." Our connnittee took exceptions to the sixth clause, the part re- ferring to Newark being: That the Land to bee purchased from tyme to tyme as there shall bee occasion by the Governor & Councill from the Indians in the name of the Lord Proprietors and then every individual person is to reimburse the Lord Proprietor at the Same Rate as it was 104 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK purchased together with *the charges — That wee the Lord Pro- prietors will build a Frisson & a house for the Keeper at our own p'per cost and Charge out of the p'duct of the quitt Rents, where the Governor & Councill shall thinke fitt; and wee will Send over guns & am'unition as a Magazin. But all other are to bee Defrayed by the Countrey and that all writts be issued in His Majesties Name, except the Sum'oning of Burgesses, which is to be in our Name. That in case of appeales for England the appealant be bound to pay all cost & Charges if Cost, and upon ap'eale shall pay as a fyne to the Judge twelve pounds, besides all Cost & Dam'ges adjudged against him in the Province & to give in Security of a hundred pounds there for p'secuting the Same within Eight Months. That all strays of beast at Land & Wrecks att Sea belong to Us, the Lord Proprietor, and that all p'sons that shall Discover any Such thing shall have Such Sattisf action for their paynes & care as the Governor & Councill shall think fitt. That the arrears of the Quitt Rents of Newark & all other Plantations that have not been pay'd since one thousand six hundred & seaventy bee paid to our Receiver General at the Rate of half pen'y a yeare for every acre besides the growing Rent till the arrears be satisfyed. Sir George Carteret desired it distinctly understood that absolute power was vested in the Governor and his council to admit all persons desiring residence in the province, but who were not to have a voice in town government unless actually holding lands by patent from the Governor. Power was also vested in them to convene and dissolve the Assembly, but the Courts of Assize and Session were to be created by the entire body — Governor, council and deputies — each town having two representatives in the latter house. Ceremoniously the conference continued and ended. The Newark committee disappointed, returned home and re- ported the proceedings to the settlers. Deliberating on the situation, Thomas Richards and Thomas Johnson were finally chosen on February 20, 1G74, to interview the Gover- nor over some possible lessening of the restrictions upon Newark's local government, but their efforts were unsuccess- GOVERNOR CARTERET RESUMES CONTROL 10") ful. A stronger committee was chosen on INIarch 8, 1674, as we read from the proceedings: Being, it is thought fit we should send in Writing our Minds about pattenting to the Governor, Mr. Ward, Deacon Lawrence and Thomas Johnson are chosen to go down to EHzabeth Town and present it, and also to debate with him about that Matter. Both Mr. Piersons are desired, together with Mr. Kitchell, to draw up Matters in Short for that End. They also were met with a rebuff. Committees were sent, however, two or three times each year, seeking redress from commands entirely out of the Puritan range of fair dealing. On March 30, 1G77, "it was thought needful and agreed upon by Vote to send a Petition to the Governor and Council for a Charter, with as good Privileges as our Neigh- bors at W'oodbridge have." The second purchase of land ex- tending from the foot to top of the mountain was contem- plated. "Deacon Tompkins, ]\Ir. Kitchell and Stephen Davis are chosen (with Mr. Pierson's help) to draw up a Petition to the Governor and Council," reads another note of insistence. Wlien plans were completed "Mr. Ward, Mr. Johnson, Deacon Tompkins and Stephen Davis, or some of them, are chosen to present the Petition to the Governor and Council." Not waiting for official sanction, the settlers with determina- tion characteristic of their way of taking hold of problems more or less intricate, designated at the same meeting — March 30, 1677— "John Curtis and John Treat to run the West Line with the Indians, and to meet wdth Edward Ball and Daniel Dodd, who are chosen to run the North Line with the Indians, and to meet with others on the Mountain." Ball and Dodd, who were the town surveyors, carefully laid the lines without the aid of the surveyor-general of Elizabeth Town. Friendly relations between town and Proprietary Govern- ments outwardly continued, however. Deputies were chosen each recurring year to attend the Assembly and the people conscientiously pursued their daily course. Problems of civil 106 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK and religious interests in the province were hopelessly en- tangled while the government locally was strengthened. Quit- rents — produce and grain — were paid as often as the year ended. The Carteret government was, however, doomed to an early disintegration. CHAPTER XX Unprofitable Land Speculation np HE Puritans' success in purchasing land of the In- -■■ dians may have been the lure into another acquisition of territory which, unfortunately, proved a humiliating financial loss. If they had been more thoughtful when se- curing this title to upland and meadow from the Dutch Government, ten years of worriment would have been avoided. This was the well-known New Barbadoes Neck. Captain William Sanford bought the property from the Hackensack Indians on July 4, 1668, when "all the meadows and upland," is the official description given, "lying south of a line drawn from the Hackensack to the Pesaj^ak, seven miles north from their intersection, comprising 3,508 acres of upland and 10,000 acres of meadow, were granted to Captain William Sanford, of Newark, for twenty pounds sterling per annum in lieu of the half penny per acre." The Indians received, in return, " 170 fathoms of black wam- pum, nineteen watch coats, sixteen guns, sixty double hands of powder, ten paire breeches, sixty knives, sixty-seven barres of lead, one ankor of Brandy, three half fats of beere, eleven Blan- kets, thirty axes, twenty howes and twenty coats of duffils." Nathaniel Kingsland, Sergeant-Ma j or in the Island of the New Barbadoes, was later granted two-thirds of the upper part of the tract. He and his wife, Mary, were identified with the town, forsaking it, however, during the Dutch occupancy. Newark planters in 1671 cast covetous glances at this attractive property. In fact, they were overwhelmed with its acquirement and negotiations with Kingsland were in progress when the Dutch confiscated the entire estate, in the sunmier of 1673. The town people then grasped the oppor- tunity for bargaining with the new owners. 107 108 NARRATIVES OF NEWARK It was ordered on September 6, 1673, "That a Petition should be sent to the Generals at New Orange that if it might be, We might have the Neck. Mr. Crane and Mr. Johnson are chosen to carry this Petition and treat with the Generals about the Neck." Oh, that this resolution had not been adopted! The settlers were unconsciously drawing a net about themselves, in which they floundered in misery for a decade. Governor Anthony Colve paused in his repast of sausage and waffles when the committee visited him and expressed a desire that the Kingsland purchase be transferred to Newark. The prospects of substantial addition to the Dutch treasury placed the Gov- ernor in an affable mood. Confidentially, he informed Mr. Crane, who acted as chairman, that formal possession of the estate would be assumed in the name of the Holland Govern- ment and the sale would soon be consummated. The Governor (also confidentially) remarked that he in- tended asking assistance of the Newark committee in dis- posing of Kingsland's livestock and other movable property. The Dutchmen were indeed most friendly and promising were the prospects for the "Neck" becoming part of town terri- tory. A proclamation was issued on October 1, 1673, accord- ing to promise, ordering the sale. This was quickly accom- plished, for the choice assortment of stock found ready pur- chasers at nominal prices. When the tract was cleared of everything portable an order of October 20, 1673, offered the real estate to the highest bidder. In its efforts to secure the prize, and aware of the forthcoming sale, Newark pledged 310 pounds (about $1,500) on October 13, 1673, one week be- fore the Dutch Commissioners' announcement. The committee was hastily sent to New Orange upon re- ceipt of favorable reply, clothed with authority to perfect the deal, though it was hoped that an abatement in the price would be made. John Catlin and John Ward, Turner, were "chosen to go over to New Orange to buy Kingsland's Part of the Neck as Chea}) as they can," was the ortler of town meeting. The commissioners would not dicker over terms, UNPROFITABLE LAND SPECULATION 109 however, the original offer was accepted, and the Kingsland estate became a part of Newark. "It is unanimously voted and agreed by the Town" on October 25, "that every Individual Man or Planter in the Town shall by Way of proportion in Rate be engaged for the purchase of that part of the Neck which formerly belonged to Major Kingsland." The contract was to be ful- filled in three equal payments of $500 each. "It is voted," at the meeting on Novem- ber 17, 1673, "and agreed that this Day Fortnight every Man shall bring a List of their Estate to the Meeting as is then ap- P^iiip carterets official pointed for that End and there be read.'* The purchase money was being paid on February 4, and twenty days later Edward Ball, John Catlin, Nathaniel Wheeler and John Baldwin, Sr., were authorized to close the deal, the first clause of town agreement reading: That in Case Their Part shall be lost by any Claim of Kingsland or any in his Right within the space of Two Years, the Town shall be liable to return them so much of the Money as shall by that time be paid by them; they themselves bearing their Part to- gether with the Town, unless those who receive it shall repay it them. Delivery of the deed was withheld. Rumors were per- sistent a few months later, in the spring of 1674, that the war was ending. Positive alarm was expressed on June 29, of that year, when this item was adojjted: It is voted that there shall be a Petition sent to the Governor (and Council) for the obtaining a Confirmation of our bought and paid for Lands, according to the General's promise. Magistrate Crane and Rev. Abraham Pierson, Jr., visited the commission but obtained no satisfaction. John Brown no NARRATIVES OF NEWARK was sent over on July 3, 1674, but he, too, received scant oourtesy at the Dutch Headquarters. There is a time we know not when A point we know not where. That turns the destiny of men To glory or despair. Several months passed, war between Holland and England- France had ceased and the town was responsible for the debt of 310 pounds invested in the Kingsland estate. Desire for redress was expressed by more than one settler attending the meeting on February 20, 1674, and a proposition to lay hands upon Nicholas Bayard, Secretary of the Dutch Com- mission, was unanimously approved. Demand for restitution upon the official produced not a farthing. Dissenting voice was not heard when this was adopted: Stephen Freeman, John Ward, and John Catlin are chosen to go over to New York and the Town doth empower these Men upon good Advice to lay an Arrest upon person and Estate of Nicholas Bayard. Though duly placed under restraint, the official offered no recompense to the committee. Few persons have been heckled more persistently than was he, derisively spoken of as "Nick" Bayard. Another effort was made to secure the payment when it was "agreed that Mr. Bayard should be sued in Respect of recovering the Money which was paid upon account of ye Neck. Sarjant Thomas Johnson and John Ward, Turner, are chosen to prosecute this Suit upon Mr. Bayard." But there was no liquidation of accounts. Despairingly did the planters assemble at the Meeting House on January 21, 1675, when "The T«wn did Volun- tarily by Vote oblige themselves to pay that money de- manded upon account of the Neck, in a Rate made according to Proportion, as they put in their Estates at the first to take up Land by." Like Banquo's Ghost, the Neck Purchase UNPROFITABLE LAND SPECULATION 111 would not down. On OcIoIkt 5, 1()77, '*ii is N'oIchI lliat this Money due upon I lie Xeck Aecounl sluill l)e ni;id<' into a Kate." Seekin