•' .^ ^<. "'•'' ^^ • ' .^^ •\y ^^-V, '3 .^q 'ED IN PRINTING. READ THE LATTER I THE FORMER AND AUL WILL. BE WELL. 70 WOODSIDE. the same stretch, H. H. Nichols, John C. Bennett, Stoutenburg & Co., Romaine and Parker & Keasbey. A LESSON IN MANNERS. There is a story of one of the old residents here who was not given to taking impudence from any- one, particularly from those in his employ. He at one time had an obstinate Irishman to deal with, and dealt with him after the following fashion : — It seems that for some piece of impertinence our citizen knocked his Irish employee down and jumped on him, remarking as he did so : "I'll teach you to be a gentleman", to which the under dog as promptly responded, "I defy you". Our friend soon had his misguided opponent by the ears and was thumping his face into the dirt with a right good will ("laddy- holing" I believe this particular process is called), and with each movement of his arms he repeated over and over again his earnest desire to make a gentleman of the Irishman, to which the latter continued vehe- mently to respond, "I defy you! I defy you!" Whether he succeeded in his laudable efforts is not recorded, but he can at least be commended for his zeal in the matter. MR. MILES I'ANSON AND PREVIOUS OWNERS OF HIS PROPERTY. About 60 years ago a number of Englishmen settled in the northern part of Newark. This immi- gration was due to two causes: financial depression in the mother country and the Chartist agitation, BACK ROAD. 71 gown", as one unsympathetic informant puts it, for the purpose of being translated, but there was always some hitch, and I believe he finally gave it up and ultimately took the route that is open to all of us. NAMES OF SOME EARLY OWNERS. The "Strawberry" lot belonged to Joseph West, whose house stood, according to the map of 1849, where Washington avenue now cuts into the brother- hood of streets here. The old pump presided over by "Mose" in the days of our youth, and from which the street car horses were watered, was probably the pump attached to the West house. This house may have been built by Gerard Haugevort; it was occupied by him probably 75 years ago. It was also occupied, about 1845, by old "Mammy" PuUinger, who started life on the River road, as a groggery and a rather low resort. When Washington avenue was cut through Mr. Nichols moved the building a few hundred feet down the Gully road, where it stands to- day. Adjoining the West property on the north, and on the west side of the Back road was a narrow strip of land owned by Jesse Bennett, then came the Miles I' Anson property, which extended to that owned by John Morris Phillips, who also owned to the bend in the road, now Elwood place — ^this on the left. On the right the earliest map giving the names of owners, and which is probably not older than 1865 shows, for 72 WOODSIDE. 1839-1848. Among those who came over at this time was Mr. Miles I'Anson, who settled in the Woodside district, where he purchased a farm of about 30 acres, including the property south of the Phillips home- stead, extending about as far as the present May street, on the west side of Lincoln avenue. It was Mr. I'Anson, it is said, who first suggested the name of Woodside for this locality. A search of the I'Anson property made by Mr. Daniel F. Tompkins for Mr. I'Anson contains many inter esting_ items and names, and is here quoted from at length. By a deed dated December 10, 18 12, Richard L. Walker and wife sold the Back road property to Pe- ter Maverick. It is described as being located on the *'Drift" road, being bounded southeast on the Drift road northeast by land now or late of David Phillips, northeast (northwest?) and southwest by land now or late belonging to Isaac Plume. Peter Maverick and his wife Mary on October 5, 1820, mortgaged to Hannah Spencer the above lot and a lot beginning at the southeastern corner of John Hawthorne's lot on the western side of the "New Road" (probably the Bloomfield turnpike and below the Woodside line), leading from Garret Hogwart's to Francis King's; thence on the eastern line of said John Hawthorn's lot of wood ; thence to the northern line of the lot of land belonging to the estate of Isaac N. Kipp, dec'd; thence to the western line of said ♦•New Road". BACK ROAD. 73 January 19, 1833, William Dow, Sheriff, sold to Hannah Spencer the above two tracts of land. April I, 1833, Hannah Spencer sold both of these tracts to James Flintoff and George Flintoff. May II, 1839, the administrators of James and George Flintoff sold both tracts to William T. Haines. January 5, 1842, William T. Haines sold the Lin- coln avenue lot to David Day. January 7, 1842, David Day and wife sold the property to Miles I' Anson. November 19, 1841, William T. Haines and wife sold to William Barnett a part of the tract (as sup- posed) above referred to as situated on the western side of the "New Road". June 9, 1846, William Barnett and wife sold their land to Miles I'Anson. April 7, 1803, the executors of Isaac Plvmie, de- ceased, sold to John Hawthorne land at the northwest side of "the Road or Drift Way Leading out of the Public Road from Newark to Belleville", thence east to Ebenezer Smith's land, thence north to David Walker's land, thence west to the road. (This is copied as the search gave it.) September 14, 1822, Abraham Reynolds, Sheriff, sold the same land to James Kearney, Esqr., except in the 6th course "sold under Decree in Chancery, dated April 2, 1822, wherein Gerard Haugwort (the various spellings of this name follow those in the search; the correct spelling is probably Haugevort), adminis- 74 WOODSIDE. trator of Hester Sip, dec'd, is complainant, and John Hawthorn and Margaret his wife, Aaron Munn and Nathaniel Lindsley are defendants. September 14, 1822, James Kearney sold to Gerard Haughworth the same land last above. August 13, 1823, John Hawthorne quitclaimed to Philip Kearney for all his interest in the last above described land. The last will of John Hawthorne, dated August 18, 1841, and proved April 22, 1844, gives to John P. Hawthorne the lot of land contzdning 14 acres, called the Hogworth lot. April I, 1845, Philip Kearney quitclaimed to John Hawthorne for all his interest in the same land last above described. March 28, 1845, John P. Hawthorne sold to Miles I'Anson land beginning at a corner of the said Miles I'Anson's land on the west side of the Road leading from Newark to the Belleville Paint Works; thence south along said road, etc., the lot containing about 14 acres and bounded south, west and north by land owned by Miles I'Anson. December 14, 1853, Miles I'Anson sold to Robert Smith about an acre and a half, apparently to straighten the latter's line. THE PHILLIPS FARM. Not so very many years ago, those who journeyed back and forth to Belleville by way of the old "Back road" passed the Phillips farm. At the south end of the estate stood a quaint lit- THE PHILLIPS FARM HOUSE Erected before the Revolution. Picture taken in 1869 shows one of tlie cherrj' trees that then lined the sidewalk THE OLD PHILLIPS WELL Said to date back to tlie time of tlie Indians BACK ROAD. 75 tie dwelling, bearing unmistakable marks of antiquity upon its weather beaten boards and crumbling shingle roof. This house had been the dwelling place of sev* eral generations of the name. Colonel Phillips, the founder of the family in America, was an ofHcer in the English army under Oliver Cromwell, and on the accession of Charles II. to the throne of England, in 1660, he with others was obliged to fly to America. He first settled in Kil> lingworth (now Clinton), Connecticut, and subse- quently removed to New Jersey, purchasing nine hundred acres of land near Caldwell. One of his grandsons, David Phillips, settled in Newark and mar- ried Sarah Morris, grandaughter of a Doctor Morris, who was also an officer under Cromwell, and who fled to America with Colonel Phillips. David Phillips had this property from Morris Phillips, and he from Samuel Morris. David Phillips began his housekeeping in the little house which stands on the Lincoln avenue property, "purchasing 16 acres of land for which his family received a deed from the proprietors of East Jersey in 1696", and here Morris Phillips, the father of John Morris Phillips, was bom and here he died. This Morris Phillips was one of the proprietors of the quarries at Belleville which fur- nished the stone used in building Fort Lafayette, Cas- tle William on Governor's Island, old St. John's Church in New York, which has recently been closed by the Trinity corporation, and the old State House in Albany. 76 WOODSIDE. The fann house still stands on the property, though it has been moved back to Summer avenue in the rear of the house erected some years ago by Mr. John M. Phillips near the original homestead site. The old farm had gradusdly acquired that human in- terest which only comes of long tillage and close as- sociation with man, its fine orchard of ancient apple trees, the wood lot on the eastern slope of the hill which lapped over into the Mount Prospect avenue region, and which held for the man so many boy memories of dog and gun, and the fertile flat lands which stretched north along the old road. All these combined to entice the man back to his boyhood's home, and it is small wonder that Mr. John M. Phil- lips, who had a keen sense of the beauties and won- ders of nature, acquired the place for his own at the first opportunity. Here was an ancient well of deli- cious water, which tradition tells us was known to and used by the Indians. Up to very recent times this stood with its long well-sweep picturesquely adorn- ing the landscape. A REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENT. In the winter of 1779 General Anthony Wa5me marched his troops up the Back road to the fields be- tween the present Elwood avenue and Second river, where he went into camp. Mr. Frank Crane tells me that when a boy it was a common thing to find along this hillside, all the way to Second river, hollows in the earth which are supposed to have been dug by the soldiers for shelter. BACK ROAD. 77 Just about the time the troops reached the Phil- lips farm, Mrs. Sarah, wife of David, mentioned above, had finished a baking of bread; this she took out and gave to the hungry soldiers with pretty much ever3^hing else in the house that was eatable. It has been handed down in the Phillips family, as else- where, that the soldiers when they halted stood with their feet in their caps to protect them from the snow — those poor naked feet which had been cut and torn by the sharp crust of the snow until they marked the white highway with a trail of blood. The old grand- mother many times told the tale to the family gath- ered about the warm hearth of the old farm house on wintry nights, and the boy John never forgot it. THE PEROU TRACT. A rather interesting tangle over the northern end of the Phillips tract has taken much patience to im- ravel. This concerned a small slice of land now largely occupied by Phillips Park and Elwood avenue. About 1825 Benajah Perou purchased a certain parcel of land from John Morris Keen, of which the above was part. Perou was a seafaring man and, in the spring of 1828, sailed for New Orleans, and noth- ing was afterward heard from him. Being unmarried his heirs were his six brothers and sisters, and in 1845 this property was divided amongst them, each receiv- ing a long narrow strip, 66 feet wide, fronting on the "road from Newark to Belleville Paint Works", and running back into the sunset. 78 WOODSIDE. Daniel Perou received as his share the northern- most strip, known as lot No. 6. He was living back in the country and, in 1849, died intestate and unmarried; thus his 66 foot strip fell to the five remaining broth- ers and sisters, or their heirs, none of whom appear to have paid any attention to the property. In the mean- time said brothers and sisters had been getting mar- ried and having children, and these children had in- sisted on growing up and doing likewise, until genera- tions arose who knew not that they were interested in the property. Naomi Perou, one of the sisters of Benajah, mar- ried Morris Phillips, and in due time became the mother of John M. Phillips, who was one of the last of the line to be born in the old farm house. And as time went on and John M. prospered he began to buy up the interests of others in the adjoining property imtil he owned all of the Perou tract, or thought he did. But by the time an attempt was made to defi- nitely fix the title to lot No. 6 there were found to be more than three hundred shares into which this lot must be divided, each one amounting to something less than three inches in width, and extending from Lincoln avenue to Mount Prospect. The hunt necessitated to clear this title led all over the country. One heir was traced as far as New Or- leans, and lost; another vanished in the Civil War; another moved to Mystic, Conn., and could not be traced to his final end, and so it went. One was found in Kansas and another in Western New York. BACK ROAD. 79 It cost more to perfect the title than the land was worth, and when it was perfected the lot — or all that was left of it — was given to the city for a park, a me- morial to the late John Morris Phillips. THE ANTHONY WAYNE CAMP GROUND. It is family tradition among most of those whose ancestors resided here during the Revolution that Gen. Anthony Wa5me camped along the old Back road, but so far as can be ascertained the books are silent on the subject. The New York Historical So- ciety can find nothing in its archives, and if the New Jersey Historical Society has anything bearing on this point it does not know it. The only mention of the event that I have been able to find is an unsigned article which appeared in the Daily Advertiser of December 12, 1884, which is quoted here entire, as it contains much of interest. The Advertiser says: — "The attention of an Advertiser reporter was rc- "ccntly called to a tradition that Gen. Anthony "Wayne with 2,600 men was camped for a consider- "able time during the severe winter of 1779 in the "vicinity of what is now Elwood avenue, and the old "Belleville road in this city. It was rather doubted "whether this could be possible, and all accounts of it "lost. Such an event would certainly have left an im- "prcssion which could not be entirely obliterated even "in a hundred years. From information obtained, "however, from the late John M. Phillips, whose 80 WOODSIDE. "grandfather was a revolutionary soldier; William A. "Wauters, whose grandmother owned the woods in "which it is alleged Wayne camped, together with a "personal inspection of the ground made by Mr. "Daniel F. Tompkins, of Woodside, his son and the "writer, the following facts were ascertained: — "General Wayne, with a detachment of the Ameri- "can Army, after the evacuation of New York, rc- "mained for a portion of the winter encamped in the "Coe3mian woods, in what is now Woodside. His "encampment extended from a point a little west of "and in line with the old Belleville road and north of "Elwood avenue, along the ridge up to Second river. "Traces of this encampment are found in the excava- "tions which the soldiers made for their huts. The "excavations are found also along the line of the "Montclair & Greenwood Lake Railroad at the south "side of the bridge across the Second river. They are "found also on the side of the hill west of Mount "Prospect avenue, and south of the line of Elliott "street, and extending north several hundred yards, "the most marked being at the northern limit. In "one of these excavations the stones which marked "the temporary fireplace still remain. The troops cut "down the growing timber from these woods, and the "owner, Minard Coeyman, was paid for it by the gov- "ernment. About half a mile northwest of this ridge "the old barn, in which were slaughtered the cattle for "the use of the army, still stands. It belongs to the BACK ROAD. 81 "Crane family. Mr. Nathaniel Crane, who was bom "in 1808, well remembers hearing his father and uncle "talk about the encampment. Wayne had several "field pieces with him, and the men used to take the "horses down to Second river to water at a point 100 "yards from the railroad bridge, and near the ruins "of the old copper works, opposite Woodside Park. "In February Wayne moved his army to Morristown. "The close proximity of the British is given as the "cause of Wayne breaking camp. In his position at "Woodside he was liable to be flanked. Jasper King, "father of the late William King, of East Orange, was "a boy at the time Wayne was at Woodside, and his "father was a soldier in Wayne's army. Jasper went "with his grandfather and his mother to say good-by "to his father at the encampment in Coeyman's woods. "Jasper King related to the late John M. Phillips "that when the roll was called the soldiers came out "from their tents and some of them threw their caps "on the snow and stood on them with their bare feet. "He said it began to snow as the troops started on "their march to Morristown and some of the soldiers "left marks of blood on the snow as they marched. "Their way was along the old Bloomfield road, which "may have been reached by crossing the fields past "the old Crane Mansion, or by the way of Keen's "lane, the outlines of which can still be traced south- "west to the Bloomfield road. From Bloomfield the "march was through Caldwell, where the snow be- 82 WOODSIDE. "came so deep that the artillery was left behind and "remained imbedded in the drifts on a by-road near "where the penitentiary now stands, until spring. At "Bloomfield a picket was posted to guard the rear. "One of the men climbed onto the fence to see if the "British were pursuing. In the act his gun was dis- "charged, killing him instantly. "The story of Jasper King is corroborated by the "known fact that on February 3, 1779, a snow storm "set in, which lasted three days, and the snow was "said to be eight feet deep on the Bloomfield road. "The inference that Wayne's encampment at Wood- "side was in the winter of 1779 is made more proba- "ble from the fact that in his attack on Stony Point "in July, 1779, he had no artillery. That Wayne was "on the coast and near New York in the winter of "1779, is made exceedingly probable also by the fol- "lowing letter from Lord Stirling, which if he had "been at Morristown with Washington would have "been directed to the Commander-in-Chief: — " 'Ramapogh, Jan. 5, 1779. — Dear Sir: From every " 'intelligence I have received I am induced to bc- " 'lieve that Count D'Estaing is on this coast ; in con* " 'sequence of it I need not explain matters to you. " 'Notwithstanding my situation of body, I will be at " 'Paramis to-morrow and should be glad to see you " 'there as soon as possible, to concert every neces- " 'sary measure that may occur to us both. " *I am, D sir, your most ob'd sev't. " 'Gen. Wayne. STIRLING.' " BACK ROAD. 83 "That Wayne had artillery is evident from the "fact that Mr. Tompkins found a grape-shot on the "ground of the encampment. He also found a sword, "which, evidently, had been worn by a noncommis- "sioned officer. A REVOLUTIONARY INCIDENT. "During the winter of 1780-81 the British were at "Belleville and may have used the same encamp- "ment previously occupied by the Americans. It is "known that they occupied ground near where the "new steel works of Dodge, Blake & Lyon now are. "During this time a party of British stopped for the "night on Keen's lane, mentioned before on what is "now Mr. Henry J. Winser's lot, on Washington "avenue, opposite Carteret street. Another party "coming from Newark along the Passaic, stumbled "on the pickets of the first party and immediately "began firing. There was quite a skirmish in the "darkness before the true state of affairs was learned. PHILLIPS FARM HOUSE. "The old house in which the grandfather of the "late John M. Phillips lived stood flush with the old "Belleville road at the time of which we write, and "was visited frequently by the American officers. It "now stands in the rear of the new house on Lincoln "avenue, and is well preserved. A middle-aged Irish "woman came to the door at the knock of Mr. Tomp- "kins the other day and seemed inclined to deny an "inspection of the premises; but when it was made 84 WOODSIDE. "known to her that the visit was to see the house "where the men who whipped the British a hundred "years ago had lodged, she accorded a right royal "welcome. A mere glance was sufficient to prove "that the house was not of modern date. There is no "plastering, and the joists that support the upper "floors are thick and strong and as substantial as "when put in, more than a hundred years ago. THE BRITISH ON WOODSIDE SOIL. "While the British were encamped on this side of "Second river, near the steel works, the grandfather "of Mr. Tompkins, who was a scout in the American "Army and noted as an athlete, was reconnoitering, "with four companions, on the old Belleville road. "They accidentally came upon a picket post in the "dusk, the officer of which rode up and cried out: " 'Who you be for?' Tompkins, to gain time, asked "the same question, 'Who you be for?' 'For King "George', said the English officer. 'We be for the "Continental Congress', shouted Tompkins as he "sprang into the woods. There was a fence that "stood in the way, and as Tompkins vaulted over it "the entire picket guard fired. Two of Tompkins's "companions who, instead of jumping the fence had "climbed over it, were killed, but the former escaped "by the balls passing under him as he jumped. One "of the scouts who was killed on that occasion lies "buried in the old Bloomfield grave yard. The enemy "probably not knowing that they had killed any one, "left the bodies where they fell." BACK ROAD. 85 THE MAGAZINE HOUSE. The march of improvement, in the opening of Wood- side avenue, has recently caused the destruction of the "Magazine house", a low stone building which stood back of the present Summerfield M. E. Church. This dated back to about 1812, when it was built for the storing of powder made at the Decatur Powder Works, which were located on the site of the present De Witt Wire Works, Belleville. There was a spirit of mystery and adventure about the place that some- how tickled my boyish fancy greatly, and I always passed it with a sense of adventure, but the above is all that can be said of the spot. When Jacob Rutan was building the calico print works on Second river he lived here and his wife, Elizabeth, a member of the King family, formerly of the River road, boarded the men who were doing the mason work. How they all slept in this small building is a mystery. EARLY LANES. Just below the powder house ; in fact, opposite the point where Elwood place runs into Summer avenue, the John Morris Keen lane led away to the Bloom- field road. This, it appears, was part of a lane from the River road, the easterly section of which was known as the Stimis lane. Whether the latter was opened for the purpose or, being established, was merely used because convenient, has not been made plain, but I am told that formerly a paper mill stood on the Bloomfield road, and that the paper was made t6 WOODSIDE. from reeds gathered on the Hackensack meadows, brought up the Passaic river, landed possibly at the Point House landing and carted from there via the two lanes to the mill. THE HAUNT OF THE HIGHWAYMAN. The Back road, in the Elliott street neighborhood, seventy-five or more years ago, entered a deep gully surrounded on all sides by dense woods. It is possi- ble that this gave the early name of "Drift" road to the highway, as it was a place into which snow could easily drift and cause trouble to travelers. This was a noted spot for highway robberies, many such hav- ing occurred here, and the place was long dreaded by those who were compelled to pass this way. The only actual hold-up of which I have heard is said to have occurred in 1856, when four men who came out of the woods from the direction of the Magazine house attempted to rob a passing farmer. What success they had I do not know, but it appears that they were recognized and later arrested. One of these, at least, was a Woodside man, but the names of the others have been forgotten. Tom Coeyman built about sixty years ago at the upper edge of this gully. His house stood near the junction of Summer and Grafton avenues, and this seems to have relieved the gloom of the place, for so far as known there were no robberies after the one mentioned above. BACK ROAD. 87 NOT A CHRISTMAS CARROLL. Probably before our time the Back road was the dwelling place of "Owney" Carroll and his good wife Peggy. Both were convivial souls, and each a char- acter in his or her way, but our most vivid memories cling about the old lady. One old resident recalls that in his youth the couple lived where now stands the Elliott street school, and that one time when he was passing with a load of wood Peggy was discovered in a somewhat awkward predicament. It seems that one or the other — or possibly both — had been looking on the wine when it was red, as was their custom, and that the husband had concluded that his better half would be improved by a bit of fresh air and, having thrust her forth, locked the door. Now Peggy does not appear to have taken this in good part and, finding an open window, she proceeded to crawl within; but, when about half-sill over, the sash came down on her back and pinned her fast — just as our informant was coming down the road with a load of wood. In the course of years Mrs. Carroll became a sort of attache of our back door, and I have a general recollection that the old lady's methods did not al- ways meet with the entire approval of my mother. She certainly thoroughly disagreed with one of Peggy's capers. My mother was a great lover of plants, and among her treasures was a lemon tree which actually bore lemons; these Mrs. Carroll discovered one day while cruising about the back yard and, carefully BB WOODSIDE. gathering the treasured crop, she brought the fruit to the back door and tried to sell it to my maternal an- cestor. Mrs. Carroll did not call at the house again for some time. THE WOODS OF THE OLD BACK ROAD. Those who sought knowledge at that fount known as the Elliott street school, when it was but a coun- try schoolhouse, delight to recall how they were al- lowed to roam the woods that then bordered the old road on the west, for the first flowers of spring, and how the schoolmaster would ring the bell from the schoolhouse door summoning a return to study, and the children would come scampering back with hands full of bloom — ^windflowers and hepaticas mostly, whose blue and white are so emblematic of the spring- time heavens. To those who can hark back so far that patch of woods is remembered as a wonderfully attractive spot. JESSE C. BENNETT. Jesse C. Bennett came to this country from Stock- port, England, in 1833, to superintend the calico print works, which lined the south side of Second river from the Back road to the De Witt mill pond, and he built a house at what is now the southwest corner of Summer and Verona avenues. Mr. Bennett was an Episcopalian, and as danc- ing was one of the accomplishments of the day and not barred by that creed, he engaged a master of the art who once in so often gave the small Bennetts (there were twelve of them) lessons in an addition BACK ROAD. 89 at the rear of the dwelling which provided a suitable room. As time wore on Mr. Bennett became a Second Adventist and turned this rear room from a dancing hall to a place for prayer. One of the fervent brothers of these times was Mr. Harry Harvey, who was given to long prayers ; in fact he thought nothing of praying for an hour at a stretch. For these exercises the chil- dren were brought in and ranged under the long man- telpiece on one side of the room, but an hour was a long time to be good in those days, and generally one or two or three would steal awhile away without be- ing noticed. This gradually emboldened the others, and one time while the heads of the elders were bowed in devotion the entire youthful congregation man- aged to get out unnoticed, and there was considerable commotion when the fact was discovered and, as I understand it, the commotion was not entirely con- fined to the elders. Later Mr. Bennett became a Methodist and joined the church of that denomination in Belleville. Mr. Bennett once had a man working about the place who was fresh from the Emerald Isle and he, venturing out one evening shortly after his arrival, came running back a badly scared Irishman, and an- nounced that the woods were full of fairies, for he had seen their lanterns. It proved to be his first acquaint- ance with fireflies. THE CALICO PRINT WORKS. The calico print works which lined the south bank of the Second river from the Back road to the De 90 WOODSIDE. Witt mill pond developed into a large industry tmder Messrs. George and Jonathan Bird. This part of the river bank has been a mill site for more than one hundred years. The first on record was the grist mill of Captain Bennett. His mill was a small affair which stood on the bank where the Back road crossed. Next came a Captain Stout, who rebuilt the mill. Both of these lived in the dwelling later known as the "Bird" house. About 1824 the Stout mill and lands were sold to the Eagle Printing Company, which erected a large factory for the printing of calicoes along the south bank of Second river, extending from the Back road to the De Witt mill pond. The concern employed several hundred hands and conducted a business of great magnitude for those times, but it finally fell on evil days and failed about 1855. At this time the Back road was so narrow that wagons could hardly pass ; indeed, so much of a coun- try lane was it that even as late as 1850 the passing of a load of calicoes from the mill was an event to call the few inhabitants to the windows to see the sight. After this Andrew Grray and one Wright success- fully conducted the business for some time, and finally George and Jonathan Bird became the pro- prietors. Jonathan Bird lived in the stone house that has since been known as the "Bird" house, and here dispensed a hospitality that was famed for many a mile aroimd. In due course George Bird died, and THE "BIRD" HOUSE, SYLVAN AVENUE Legend lias it that this was built hy an Englishman who was compelled to leave the country when the Revolutionary war broke out BACK ROAD. 91 later Jonathan sold to a stock company, of which John Eastwood was a member. This company put in some expensive machinery but, owing to internal strife, the business was abandoned after a brief exist* encc. After remaining idle for some time the hat manu- facturing concern of Moore & Seeley purchased the buildings, but before they did much the factory burned, and was never rebuilt. The story given out to account for the fire was to the effect that it was due to Chinese cheap labor. According to this ver- sion the hatters introduced Chinamen and the Irish element, which predominated at the time, objected, and the fire gave point to their objections, but there are some still living who account for the fire in a wholly different way. A FLESH AND BLOOD GHOST. There was a time when the Back road bridge across Second river was haunted by a headless ghost — at least I am so informed — but it seems that when off duty the ghost was known as old Sam Adams's daughter, Mary Ann. When I was a boy the ruins of the old grist mill still stood close to the southeast corner of this bridge. It was then known as Benson's mill, a man of that name having been the last miller. Some time some one was either murdered and thrown into the mill race here, or else was accidentally drowned. In either case the situation furnished the proper material for a mystery, and it would appear that there was talk of 82 WOODSIDE. an apparition having been seen on the bridge shortly after the occurrence. This was taken advantage of by Mary Ann Adams to frighten the boys, and as a result few people cared to cross the bridge after dark, as too many had actu- ally seen the ghost to leave any doubt of its exist- ence. This, of course, was long ago, when Mary Ann was young. She died some six years ago, an old woman. WASHINGTON RESTS AT SECOND RIVER. There is a legend that Washington once rested at the grist mill, and that here his troopers purchased feed for their horses. This was probably during the retreat from Fort Lee. Somewhat south of the mill stood the miller's house; in fact the building is still standing on its old foundations, at the southeast corner of Summer and Sylvan avenues. Here was bom Col. Henry Ben- son, whose accidental death at Malvern Hill during the Civil War furnished Belleville with its first mili- tary funeral. THE OLD BLOOMPIELD ROAD IN 1903 uokiug north to houses at the corner of Clifton and Berkley Avenues. This part of tlie old road is now obliterated. Those who laid out this Iiill top had no appreciation of the fact that a crooked road is a line of beauty, both this and Murphy's Lane having been suppressed in favor of a series of right angles. What would New York above 59th Street be if the curves of Broadway were straightened? OLD BLOOMFIELD ROAD. 93 THE OLD BLOOMFIELD ROAD. The old Bloomfield or Long Hill road is fre- quently spoken of by the older inhabitants as a for- mer Indian trail "from the mountain to the river". This may have been one of the many paths which in- tersected the great Minisink trail extending from the Shrewsbury river to Minisink Island, in the Delaware river below Port Jervis, where the council fires of the Leni Lenape constantly burned. This particular branch probably passed through Great Notch on the First mountain, meeting the main path near Little Falls. The white man's road began where what is now Second avenue joins Belleville avenue, and labored up the grade to the present Prospect place, where it turned toward the north for Bloomfield. The old road is less prolific in story and incident than any other part of this region. Those interviewed have in- variably wished that I might be able to talk with some one now gone who was full of ancient lore, but as dead men tell no tales I have found myself at a disadvantage. Not only have the inhabitants gone, but the old road itself is largely a memory, for those who are now 94 WOODSIDE. exploiting this region have almost obliterated the former highway, finding that its meandering course interfered with their straight lines, and not having in mind the attraction that a bend in the road, the curving line of beauty, with its mystery of a fair, un- known country beyond, has for the stroller. LORENZO DOW. Along this road during the early days of the last century passed the eccentric preacher Lorenzo Dow, on his way to the little Methodist church beyond Sun- fish pond. Dow was an occasional visitor in the vicinity and left a memory of peculiar sayings and doings that flavored the local gossip for the better part of a hundred years. It is said that a toll-gate once stood near the canal bridge, which was kept by Archibald Jacobus, and those who were boys when I went skating on SunRsh pond will recall the ruins of an ancient grist mill whose wheel was turned by the waters of the pond. Concerning this Mr. Walter S. Nichols remembers when a boy making regular jour- neys to this mill with a grist of com for the grinding — this was in the fifties, after the Searing mill on the canal had been abandoned. THE OLD ROAD A HIGHWAY. Until the toll-gates were removed, some twenty- five or more years ago, from the Turnpike or "New" road, as the present Bloomfield avenue was called, the old road was the avenue for pleasure driving and also for much heavy traffic between Newark and Bloom- OLD BLOOMFIELD ROAD. 95 field. This made the highway of prime importance and may help to explain the inflated values set on land in this region before the panic of '73. ADRIAN SCHARFF. The Adrian Scharff house, which stood just within the Woodside line, was erected some time before 1850. It seems that Mr. Scharff brought his old world ideas with him to this country and thought he must either have a river frontage for his home or a view. He had almost decided on the site now occupied by the Mount Pleasant Cemetery, but finding that that was not available, contented himself with the next best spot near the hilltop. THE "WHITE-HOUSE" SMITHS. Beyond the Scharff house the road ran through dense woods for a short half mile to the Robert Smith property — ^known as "White-house" Smith to distinguish him from "Brick-house" Smith further north. The records show that this property was sold by Thomas Saffin to Thomas Havens, and by him to Ebenezer Smith. When this house was built is not known, but probably it was erected by Ebenezer Smith, father of Robert. Ebenezer Smith, born February 24, 1791, who was one of a large family, was the son of Scotch parents who immigrated to this country before his birth. Ebenezer had two sons, Robert and Ebenezer, Jr., and one daughter. Robert fell heir to the "White-house" Smith property. Ebenezer, Jr., married a daughter of 96 WOODSIDE. Matthias Baker, and thus came into the property on which his son, Matthias Smith, erected the home of the "Brick-house" Smiths. Ebenezer, Jr., had two sons, Robert (2) and Matthias. Robert (i) lived in New York and used this as a summer home; he died in 1858. Robert Smith was a lover of fast horses and was in the habit of driving from Jersey City to his home. He had one horse, of which he was particularly proud, that would cover the distance in an hour. In those days the Hackensack meadows were cov- ered with a dense cedar growth which was a hiding place for those whose deeds were evil, and the road was the scene of many hold-ups. On one occasion Mr. Smith, while driving home, overtook a woman who asked for a ride, and he took her in his trap, only to discover that the supposed woman wore heavy boots ; he then concluded that they would later meet with others who would assist in relieving him of the neces- sity of carrying his money home. Having made up his mind to rid himself of the passenger, he dropped his whip and requested her to get it, as he could not leave his restive horse; and, of course, once she was out, he did not wait for whip or passenger. The children of Robert Smith all of whom are now dead, were Charles H., Eugene B., Robert A., Sarah and Agnes W. LAI*D VALUES BEFORE THE PANIC OF '73. This property Was purchased by Peter H. and John H. Ballantine just before the panic of 1873 (the deed is dated January 31, 1873) when prices were OLD BLOOMFIBLD ROAD. 97 greatly inflated, and they paid therefor the sum of $2x7,000, paying $50,000 down and giving a mortgage and bond for the remainder. It was not long before the new purchasers saw the error of their ways and desired to relinquish the property and the $50,000, but to this the Smith estate would not agree. It is hardly probable that they will ever see a profit on the investment, as interest at 5 per cent (and it was more than five in those days) would in itself now amount to almost twice the original outlay, and when the taxes and assessments to which the property has fallen heir are added to the loss of interest, even eighty dollars a foot can hardly seem a large sum to the Bal- lantine estate. WHERE JOHN MORRIS LIVED. Passing the Robert Smith place we come to the home of the Bartholfs, which was erected more than sixty years ago, as it is so designated on the map of '49. Who Mr. Bartholf was or where he came from I have not ascertained. The records show that John G. Bartholf purchased the property from Samuel Morris, who had it from Zebulon Morris, to whom it came from John Morris. This was probably that John Morris who was a resident of the old Bloomfield road during the Revolution. Mr. John Morris Phillips, in the Daily Advertiser of February 19, 1880, stated that John Morris was his great-grandfather, and that it was to his house that the son of Joseph Hedden came when he fled from the British (referred to elsewhere), having nothing on ra WOODSIDE. but his night clothes and a pair of stockings. His feet were frozen to the bone as a result of the ex- posure. Some time in the sixties Mr. Albert Beach ac- quired this property which he at first used only as a summer home. The house was taken down in No- vember, IQOQ. KEEN FAMILY TRADITION. The Keen homestead adjoined the Beach property on the north. Just when the farm house was erected is not known, but that it is pre-Revolutionary there is no question. In 1765 Thomas Keen, a native of England, and Miss Clorinda Lake, of Holland, were married on Long Island, and subsequently settled at Belleville, Essex County, New Jersey. Their son, Joseph Lake Keen, was maried to Abi- gail Morris in 1790. Their son, John Morris Keen, was married to Peninah Sanford in 1820. Their son, Zebulon Morris Keen, was married to Hanna Maria Garrabrant in 1863. Their surviving son, John Morris Keen, was mar- ried in 1908 to Helen Virginia Brainard. The grandfather of the present John M. Keen was bom in 1797, and Peninah Sanford was born in Kear- ney (New Barbadoes) in 1792. She was a descendant of Capt. William Sanford, mentioned elsewhere. The Keen homestead still remains, the house be- ing substantially unchanged, but the bams, cribs and THE KEEN FARM HOUSE Pre-Hevolutiouary. Tliis shows the huilding as it stands to-rtay OLD BLOOMFIELD ROAD. 99 smoke house have long since been removed. Pear trees standing in the yard over twenty years ago were said by Mrs. Peninah Keen to be over two hundred years old. This same grandmother, who began life in 1792, has stated that Washington, in one of his journeys to and fro, came up the old Keen lane and stopped at the farm house for a glass of water. This lane has been in use for at least one hundred and fifty years, as seventy-five years ago trees lined its borders which were then not less than seventy-five years old. THE "BRICK-HOUSE" SMITHS. Almost opposite the Keen home lived the "Brick- house" Smiths. This building was erected fifty-three or fifty-four years ago by Matthias Smith on the site where formerly dwelt his maternal grandfather, Mat- thias Baker. The latter had the property from Isaac Soverhill. THE SIDMANS OF OTHER DAYS. The Sidman family dates back to the time of William the Conqueror, when the first ancestor of whom there is any record is said to have come to England from Normandy. He appears to have been a favorite of the great William and received from him a considerable grant of land on the river Syd and from this the family derived its name — Sydenham, which was later shortened to Sidman. The introduction of the Sidman family to this neighborhood began with a romance, when John Syd- enham ran away with Susannah Handcock, in 171 1. It seems that Edward Handcock, "yoeman" (or 100 WOODSIDE. Handcook, as one document gives the name) was liv- ing on this property in the year above mentioned, and that John Sydenham, who happened along from no one knows just where, fell desperately in love with Susannah, an only daughter, but the stem father frowned on the young man's suit and Susannah was locked in an upper room. However, John brought aroimd a ladder one night, and the two adjourned to the parson. That they were promptly forgiven is evidenced by the following ex- tract from a deed, made in 171 1 by Edward Hand- cock, in which he says: "for and in consideration of "the love, good will and affection which I have and "do bear unto my loving son-in-law, John Sydenham, "etc., and my only daughter, Susannah, his wife". He then deeds to his son-in-law four acres of his land situated on the "highway to Acquacanong", and six acres on the "highway to Watersson", which latter ad- joined land owned by Jasper Crane and by John Godon. The following genealogy of the family is furnished by Miss Laura M. Sydenham of Plainfleld, and is taken largely from the family Bible : — John Sydenham (i) married Susannah Handcock, 1711. They had issue: John (2), bom March 16, 1 7 14; died in 1754. Samuel, who died intestate and unmarried in 1759. There is some doubt about this Samuel, there being but slight mention of him in the records, but it is presimied that he was the son of John Sydenham (i). OLD BLOOMFIELD ROAD. 101 John Sydenham (2) married Martha Longworth, December 8, 1741. They had issue: — Dorcas, born November 30, 1742. David, bom October 11, 1744. William (i), bom July 8, 1746. John (3), bom May 10, 1748. He removed to parts unknown on the upper Hudson river, and nothing further has been learned con- cerning him. Susannah, bom February 15, 1750. William (2), bom November 15, 1751. Thomas, born November 4, 1753; died August 12, 1816. Thomas Sydenham married Sarah Fordham, in October, 1779. They had issue: — Susannah, bom 1780; died 1852. Martha, born 1783. John (4), born 1785; died 1859. Mary, bom 1788. Sarah, bom 1791 ; died 1831. David, born 1795; died 1822. Bethiah, born 1798; died 1844. John Sydenham (4) married Amelia, daughter of Matthias Baker, August, 181 7. They had issue: Mary E., Martha A., Albert T., Sarah E., John E., Matilda L., Harriet and Julia. John Sydenham (2) married Martha Longworth, as stated above; she was bom August 23, 1724, and died May 12, 1804. Her sister Mary (born April 22, 1737, died September, 1793) married a Mr. Eckley. 102 WOODSIDE. The sisters both resided in the Sidman house now standing. One Isaac Longworth, who owned a store in New York in 1759, and was the owner of a sloop which traded up the Passaic river, is believed to be the father of Mary and Martha^ and also of a son Nicholas, who removed west to Cincinnati, and be- came the progenitor of that branch of the family. The house now standing is not the Hancock house of 1 71 1, though it is known to be more than one hun- dred and fifty years old. The Dutch oven, where bread and pies were formerly baked, is still a part of the structure, and the long-handled, wooden shovel, used to remove those edibles when baked, is still a part of its furnishings. The present spelling of the name Sidman has been in occasional use for at least one hundred and fifty years, as the name is so spelled in the grave-digger's bill for John (2), who died in 1754. In the paper de- tailing the settlement of the estate of John (2) the name is spelled Sidnham. In an inventory of his goods is mentioned "Hagarv a negro girl", who was valued at £40. In a document dated in 181 6 the name is spelled Sidingham. The present spelling came into general use with David, son of Thomas, who refused to sign his name other than Sidman. Miss Laura M. Sydenham tells me that when she was a child a certain hollow on the crown of the ridge which had the appearance of having been surrounded by a heavy stone wall, and which was situated in the fields, she thinks, somewhere between the house of Hi ' "*• -ixc "\\ \mk ^.^1 ■rl^^Jv^ / - \% /-' ^M IClI T •'■^'.>^'^ X #1 .'' 'i ^1 P HLf' ^^^1 B^^* " • ^^^Wj ^l^^l BMfe?y<^ ^ " ^* THE SIDMAN (SYDENHAM) HOMESTEAD Date of erectiou not known. Picture taken in 1909 OLD BLOOMFIKLD ROAD. 103 Mr. EHas G. Heller and the Presbyterian church, was pointed out by the elders as the site of a fort erected for protection against the Indians, but nothing more definite than this is known. Miss Sydenham also remembers having been told that a Tory, whose house was burned because of his unpatriotic tendencies, resided between the present Sidman house and Murphy's lane. The woods on the Sidman place were used to some extent as a camping ground by certain Indians. Miss J. A. Sidman recalls having heard her grandmother tell of an invitation extended to her by these Indians to dine with them and, as she preferred not to offend the red-skinned neighbors, the invitation was ac- cepted; but this proved to be one of the times when a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, for she ar- rived in time to see the dinner preparing and the careless and uncleanly methods of her hosts so nause- ated her that she invented some excuse and came away. Another of the early memories is Mollic, an old Indian basket maker, who frequented the neighbor- hood, securing her material from the Sidman woods. She frequently slept on the floor of the kitchen, al- ways in a sitting posture. One day other Indians came this way and the wild instinct returned to the old basket maker who, after an excited conversation with her new-found friends, departed with them never to be seen again in the neighborhood. The upper end of Branch Brook park, which was 104 WOODSIDE. formerly a part of the Sidman domain, was known as "Blue Jay" woods. FOREST HILL BEFORE MORRISTOWN. Some years before his death Mr. Daniel F. Tomp- kins called at the Sidman house and made the state- ment that he had found in New York a document which contained information to the effect that Wash- ington contemplated establishing his winter camp at "Sidman's (Sydenham's) Clove", but owing to its proximity to the British lines the idea was abandoned and instead he fixed the camp at Morristown. Mr. Tompkins believed that this referred to this Sidman property which then covered a considerable tract, but no member of the family had ever heard any part of the estate called the clove, and nothing further was de- veloped. A brief search among the records of the New York Historical Society fails to reveal the source of Mr. Tompkins's information. A KEEN HOMESTEAD. On the comer of the old road and Murphy's lane stands another Keen homestead. The original house, which has been added to until it has lost much of its identity, was part of the Crane estate and came into the Keen family through the marriage of Alfred Keen with a sister of Nathaniel J. Crane. The older part of the house was probably built a hundred years ago. The front part was erected by Alfred Keen about fifty years ago. THE FARRAND FAMILY. The old Moses Farrand home formerly joined the OLD BLOOMFIELD ROAD. 105 Keen property, extending to the canal. The building was torn down some years ago. It was a fine old place in its day, having been erected, it is said, near the close of the eighteenth century. The rooms were spacious for those days, while a great central hall ex- tended from front to rear. The walls were thick and massive, the brown stone of which they were con- structed is supposed to have been taken from the quarry at Soho. Dr. Edward D. Griffin pastor of the First Presby- terian Church of Newark from 1801 to 1809, was in the habit of riding out to this house to conduct reli- gious sevices for those living in the neighborhood. The family record in the old Farrand Bible, now in possession of Miss Anna B. Farrand, begins with Moses, who was born in October, 1728, and died Sep- tember 19, 1805; following him comes Samuel, bom July 25, 1759, died December 26, 1826; he married Sarah Andruss, who was bom December 30, 1769, and died in June, 1874 ; Joseph, bom December 20, 1801 ; born January zo, 1792; Moses Andruss (2d), bom October 11, 1793, died January 26, 1862; Rachael, bom August 13, 1795, died August 19, 1816; Sarah Ann, bom August 4, 1797 ; Charles, bom July 29, 1799, died in June, 1874; Joseph, bom December 20, 1801 ; died August 19, 1830; Phoebe, bom November 23, 1802 ; Samuel Edward, born June 2, 1803 ; John Her- man, bom June 2, 1805, and Samuel Edward (2d), bom May 19, 1807. The oldest Farrand home in this region was situ- 10« WOODSIDE. ated on our old road, but across the line in Bloom- field. Here Washington is said to have been a guest. This property fell to Charles, father of Miss Anna B., who has given me most of the family history. The Farrands, name originally spelled Ferrant, were Huguenots, and presumably were part of the emigrants who left France owing to the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, following which several hundred thousand Frenchmen were compelled to seek refuge in other lands. A considerable colony of these settled in the neighborhood of New York during the early part of the eighteenth century. There is nothing further of interest concerning the old Bloomfield road; the short stretch beyond the canal which lies within the confines of Woodside offers no discoverable history or legend that may be used for this sketch. .I.M. Kkkn THK WATERFALL ON SKCOND RIVER AT BIRD'S WOODS Picture taken in 1903, before all the beimty of the region liail been destro.ved MURPHY'S LANE. 107 MURPHY'S LANE. The Lower Road From Belleville to Bloomfield. THE VAN RIPER FLOWER GARDEN. One who knew Murphy's lane in years gone by would naturally begin with Charlie Van Ripcr's flower garden. When we were young, Charlie Van Riper lived in a frame house, the northern windows of which overlooked Second river. The foreground of his view was a neglected expanse through which me- andered Murphy's lane, and also a second cart track which, as I recall it, merely shortened the distance a few feet for those seeking "Murphytown" from the south. This cart track, which is now Sylvan avenue, west of Summer avenue, ran close by the old-fashioned flower garden, which Charlie knew so well how to encourage to do its best, with its marigolds and holly- hocks, and all the old friends set out in little odd- shaped beds bordered with box. Charlie was as gen- erous with his flowers as his flowers were generous to him, and many a child who stopped to gaze through the picket fence into that wonderland of gorgeous color went on his way with a bunch of blossoms given to him by the kind old soul. That portion of the wild land which was not inter- 108 WOODSIDE. fered with by the traffic of Murphy's lane offered in- ducements to the youngsters that I am inclined to think they rather preferred to the Van Riper flowers, and these were the hazel bushes which grew in abim- dance, the ripened fruit of which was a great attrac- tion. BIRD'S WOODS. "Bird's Woods", where "The slant yellow beam "down the wood-aisle doth seem like a lane into "Heaven that leads from a dream", should have had a Sidney Lanier to immortalize its cool and delicious depths. It was the picnic resort of many a Sunday school, but picnics in the early days were simple af- fairs and did not call for changes that seriously marred the beauty of the forest. The growth was al- most wholly pine and hemlock, and the balsam-laden air is refreshing even yet to think of. A few swings and a sheltered platform, where lunch was served, were the only attempts of man to improve on the situ- ation. Second river with its babbling waters, the ruins of the old paint mill, and the old dam, with its waterfall at the woods' end, all combined with the forest to lend enchantment and to a child furnished possibilities for entertainment that were inexhaustible. How well I remember the rush of small feet when the Sunday school children reached the entrance to the woods, and how they spread out like a fan through its coverts of mystery, each one intent on finding something new or re-discovering some old friendly spot. MURPHY'S LANE. 109 Then the woods were full of sound, and I can still recall the infectious laugh of Mr. Hine, who, as super- intendent of the school and chief promoter of jollity, urged the children on to a full enjoyment of the occasion and his call to a stray robin that might at the moment be voicing his approval of the place, "That's right, old fellow. Go it!" and then he would whistle to the bird in the tree in a way that started him all over again. We will never see the like of "Bird's Woods" again. NAMES OF FORMER DWELLERS ON MUR- PHY'S LANE. As nearly as can now be recalled the line of houses on Murphy's lane was in the following order: Joseph Johns (later John T3mer), William T. Wauters (later John Beardsley), John Murphy, Thomas Murphy, James Murphy, Pat Murphy (the chief ingredients of "Murphytown"), Bill "Whitehead" Bennett, N. J. Crane and Alfred Keen (on the corner of the old Bloomfield road). The Shields Guards was, before the Civil War, one of the institutions of Murphy's lane. The armory in which the g^ns and accoutrements, loaned by the state, were stored, was situated some distance back from Charlie Van Riper's house, near the present Mt. Pros- pect avenue. There were many Irishmen in the neighborhood and they formed this company as a rival to the Continental Blues, which numbered Belleville's best among its members. no WOODSIDE. THE FIRST SUNDAY SCHOOL IN WOODSIDE. Among Mr. Hine's papers is a note to the effect that about 1822 a Sunday school was carried on in Woodside (for how long he could not ascertain) in the house of Mr. Joseph Johns, on Murphy's lane. This was an old stone house containing two rooms on the ground floor, in one of which, about fifteen feet square, the Sunday school was held. The house stood at the lower end of Murphy's lane, very near Second river. It was torn down during the winter of 1886. Mr. Hine says: — "Mr. Johns himself does not appear to have been "exactly a saint, but his wife, Peggy, was a woman of "exceptionally fine character and a devoted Christian. "She died thirty-three years ago (this was written by "Mr. Hine in 1887), and those who were children dur- "ing her later years speak of their visits to her house "as among the bright spots in their child life. From "the best information I can obtain, it was she who '•gathered the children of the neighborhood together "for Sunday instruction, but I learn also of students "from a seminary in Bloomfield who came down there "to teach, and who also established a school in Frank- "lin; they called it Pobishon. Whether that was an "Indian name of the region or merely a local title, I "do not know, but children from Belleville used to go "to both schools. "I have not been able to find out whether this an- "cient Woodside school was divided in classes or "taught in a body by the person conducting it; but MURPHY'S LANE. Ill "the exercises were simple and now and then a tract "would be given to a child, who in those early days, set "great store by the simple gift. I only know of two "persons now living who attended this school of sixty- "five or more years ago: they are Mr. Henry Stimis, "who lives on the River road in Woodside and his sis- "ter Eliza, who are well known to many of us. Mr. "William Wauters, who was a cousin of Mrs. Peggy "Johns, has for many years, and until recently, been "a resident of Woodside, and is the father of two "former faithful workers in this school, the Misses "Lizzie and Lucy Wauters." In view of the fact that the first Sunday school in Newark was held in 1814 (Daily Advertiser, Oct. 27, '83.) it speaks well for this country region that one was held here only eight years later. AN EASY WAY TO DIVIDE EVEN. As nearly as I can gather from current remark, Mr. Joseph Johns was a remarkably fine specimen of an awful example for a temperance lecture — certainly that appears to be the impression he left behind among the neighbors. A story still survives which indicates that Mr. Johns was also somewhat original in his method of doing things. It seems that he once had a sum of money in shape like a parcel of bills of tempting thickness, and Mrs. Johns, believing that it would be rather more safe in her possession than in his, tried to persuade him to give it up, but, failing in this, she firmly in- 112 WOODSIDE. sisted that half of the amount belonged to her, and that he should at least divide. To this proposition he agreed and, taking the package to the chopping block, with one whack of an axe he cut it in two and handed one bundle to his wife, saying "there's your half". When he came to and realized the destruction he had wrought, he was at great pains to paste the bills together again, and in this condition they were put into circulation. For some years it was a common thing to find some of "old Johns's money" among change received at the Belleville stores. WAUTERS— WAUTERSE. Beyond the Johns house stood the dwelling of William T. Wauters — Wauterse, as his Dutch fore- fathers spelled it. The house is shown on the map of 1849, but could not have been erected a great while before that date. POLLY VAN WINKLE AGAIN. It seems that Polly Van Winkle, mentioned in connection with the River road, was an inhabitant of BloomHeld and used Murphy's lane as one of her routes to and from the water side. She left the same general memory here that she did elsewhere — a little, old woman, bent nearly double with years and the weight of an enormous pack, which was her constant companion. MURPHYTOWN. Not much has been learned of the Murphys, who appear to have been brought over to work in the A BIT OF MURPHY'S LAXE As it was twenty years ago MURPHY'S LANE. 113 calico mills, and who settled so thickly about midway of the lane that the spot became known as "Murphy< town". THE GYPSIES DO BUSINESS. Some time before the Civil War a small band of g3rpsies, headed by one James Trail, who had been in the habit of camping in the woods on the south side of the lane, purchased some of the Murphy property for the purpose of establishing a winter home. In those days this was an out of the way spot and quite suitable for the nomads. During the warm months these gypsies wandered over the country and at one time, while in Tennesee, they came upon a gullible person named Ferris. Him they induced to bury a pot of gold, or at least to allow them to bury it, at an auspicious moment when the moon and stars favored increase, on the theory that if left a certain length of time, long enough to allow them to get well out of the country, it would multiply the dollars to a marvellous extent. At the proper time Mr. Ferris dug up the pot and found it heavily laden with — lead, and was sorely vexed. So far the plans of the gypsies had worked as they wished, but what they had not counted on was the persistence of their victim, who managed to trail them to their winter lair. He then sought out 'Squire Sandford of Belleville, and offered him a reward if he would capture the thieves and get the money back, which the 'Squire did in short order. 114 WOODSIDE. All who knew 'Squire Sandford in his active days know how useless it was to attempt to bluff him, and it is hardly necessary to state that the gypsies promptly came to terms. This resulted in their giv- ing up the property on Murphy's lane in order to avoid further trouble, and the 'Squire received half of the land in lieu of a money reward. THE BENNETT PROPERTY. On the far edge of Murphytown stood the home of Bill "Whitehead" Bennett. There were many Ben- netts in the neighborhood, and it was necessary to distinguish one "Bill" from another — this one appears to have been a blond. The records show that the heirs of Joseph Crane sold this property to John P. Durand, and he to Simon Sainsimon, he to Daniel Crane, he to Aaron I. Crane, he to William Bennett» he to Abram S. Hewitt, and he to Dr. Grenville M. Weeks. The following items in regard to the owner- ship of the property I have from Dr. Weeks. PETER COOPER OWNS LAND HERE. Early in the fifties Peter Cooper and Abram S. Hewitt bought a tract comprising about 38 acres just beyond "Murphytown", their intention being to make a homestead of it, but they did not build. In i860 Dr. Grenville M. Weeks who was then a young man, living in Bloomfield, discovered the place and, liking it both for its beauty and for what he thought would be its future possibilities as the city grew, saw Mr. Cooper and asked if he would sell. The latter said MURPHY'S LANE. US no, as he had purchased intending to make his home here, but that since then he and his son-in-law had been looking at a place near Greenwood Lake, and they might sell a year hence, if they decided on the latter place, as Hewitt thought the city would crowd them out of this spot. DR. GRENVILLE M. WEEKS COMES ON THE SCENE. In '6 1 the Doctor again called on Mr. Cooper, who said, "Well, are you as hungry after that place as ever?" and when the young man said yes, the owner wanted to know how much he would pay down. The Doctor who was only twenty-one, had a half interest in a small drug store in Bloomfield, which had netted him $500, a very considerable sum to him, and when he said he had $500, Peter Cooper said, "$500 ! Young "man, have you any idea what the relation of $500 is "to a $10,000 place?" The Doctor then thought he could raise another $500, and the owner said, "I will "make a contract and give you a deed when you can "save another $1,000 and give me a mortgage for $8,- "000." The Doctor had by this time entered the Navy, and was thus enabled to secure the second thousand and the deal was consummated. In the course of time John I. Briggs bargained for the property, agreeing to pay $15,000, and paid $100 down to bind the contract, but he never paid interest on the mortgage, and the Doctor was compelled to foreclose. 116 WOODSIDE. MR. JAS. YEREANCB A RESIDENT. Next came Jeremiah Counsellor, a conductor on the M. & E. R. R., and a well-known character, and he asked the Doctor for an opportunity to sell the property, stating that he would sell it inside of a month, and that he wanted as his commission half of all he could get over $50,000. This was just before the panic of '73, when prices were largely inflated and the Doctor was naturally pleased, as, having been at- tached to the government service most of the time, he had not appreciated the rise in land values. Shortly thereafter the sale was made to Mr. James Yereance, a New York business man, for $57,000, $25,000 being paid down. The interest was paid for some years, but Mr. Yereance was finally unable to meet the pay- ments, and an amicable arrangement was made whereby part of the property was deeded to the father of Mr. Yereance and the remainder was bought in by the Doctor at Sheriff's sale. The Doctor speaks very highly of the honest manner in which Mr. Yereance treated him all through these transactions. DR. WEEKS AND THE MONITOR. Dr. Grenville M. Weeks carries with him a use- less right arm as a memento of the Civil War. He was surgeon on the Monitor when she sank, and tells such an interesting story — not only of this event, but also of the conception and building of the Monitor, many points of which he says are not commonly known — ^that a brief outline of his story is embodied here : — MURPHY'S LANE. 117 DR. THEODORE RUGGLES TIMBY. Dr. Theodore Ruggles Timby, who died Novem- ber 10, 1909, at the age of 91 was, the Doctor believes, the real inventor of the Monitor. In 1843, Dr. Timby gave thought to the immense unprotected stretch of coast which this country presented to an enemy, and recognized how impossible it would be to construct forts that would cover its vast extent. It then oc- curred to him that if floating forts could be con- structed which could be taken to any point threatened, the difficulty would be met. It is said that the old cir- cular fort on Governor's Island first suggested a re- volving turret to him. By much thinking he gradually evolved the Moni- tor type, and fifteen years before the Civil War broke out had perfected his plans and submitted them to the various European governments, even sending them to China, but they all scouted his idea, some one of them remarking that every inventor had his soft spot, and evidently that of Dr. Timby was the thought that he could float an iron ship. Dr. Timby returned home and continued to work over his plans, placing airtight compartments in bow and stem, and in such other ways as he could devise meeting the objections that had been raised. When the Civil War came the inventor managed to get his plans before Mr. Lincoln, who immediately became interested, and who used frequently to visit his workshop in Washington to discuss them. Finally Mr. Lincoln, who had some knowledge that the Mer- 118 WOODSIDE. rimac was being constructed and knew that some- thing must be done to meet the emergency, sent Dr. Timby with his plans to three of the wealthiest and most prominent men in New York, with a request that they submit the plans to the best engineer they could find. These took the model and plans to John Ericsson, then regarded as the best engineer in the country, and he, after shutting himself up with them for ten days, submitted a report in which he stated his belief in the feasibility of the plan, and that he could construct the vessel in one hundred days. The order was immedi- ately given to go ahead, and at the end of the one hun- dred days the "Monitor" was floating on the waters of New York harbor, to all appearances a success. An interesting addition to this story, which be- longs here, comes from Mrs. Lucy Gate Abercrombie of Forest Hill, and, while it is not part of the Doctor's narrative, it helps to complete the history. When Ericsson announced that the Monitor could be built, he was called to Washington for con- sultation and, among other questions, was asked where the plates necessary to armor the proposed ves- sel could be secured. He responded that he did not know, that such plates were only made in Glasgow, and that it was impossible to secure them from there, but that there was a man in Baltimore who had in- vented machinery for rolling large plates, and per- haps he could do the work. MURPHY'S LANE. 119 MR. HORACE ABBOTT MAKES THE MONITOR A POSSIBILITY. This was Mr. Horace Abbott, the grandfather of Mrs. Abercrombie, who had perfected a machine for rolling heavy plates, by the invention of the third roll, but he had put his last dollar into the invention and the stagnation of business due to the war was writing ruin for him in very large letters. Mr. Abbott was sent for and a contract was signed, and in forty-eight hours thereafter the first plate had been rolled, and this led to other government work. Thus the Moni- tor not only saved the fortunes of the Union, but also those of one of its inventive citizens. Mr. Abbott's invention revolutionized the methods employed in rolling heavy plates; it has never been materially changed and is in use to-day in every roll- ing mill in the country. THE MONITOR GOES TO HAMPTON ROADS. Word was sent to Lincoln that the Monitor was afloat and he, knowing that the Merrimac was almost ready, ordered it to proceed immediately to Hamp- ton Roads. Ericsson, however, responded that this was impossible, that the vessel was intended only for harbor defense and would not last in a sea, as she was merely an iron deck set on a scow with an over- hang at each end of twenty-five feet, and that the force of the waves under this overhang would lift the upper works from the hull. He had not followed Dr. Timby's plans as to the hull, which would have saved the vessel in the storm off Hatteras referred to below. 120 WOODSIDE. The only excuse for the twenty-five foot overhang that can be thought of now is that the short hull was sufficient to fioat the structure and cost less than a longer hull. The President, however, sent per- emptory orders that the Monitor should go, and we all know the result. TALE OF THE MERRIMAC'S ENGINEER. Some years after the close of the war Dr. Weeks met the engineer of the Merrimac in Dakota, and as the conversation drifted to the days that had been, the engineer told how the Southerners were highly elated at the first success of the Merrimac, and felt that nothing could stop them, and when they came out of the James river on the morning that the Monitor arrived, the captain was annoyed to see what he sup- posed was a raft lying between him and his intended prey, the Minnesota, and not realizing what it was or that it could offer resistance, ordered full speed ahead, expecting to ram and destroy the obstruction. "You can imagine our amazement", said the en- gineer, "at the shock of the impact, which threw us to "the deck; it was like running on a ledge of rock. "The iron prow of the Merrimac, which was made "for ramming, was bent and useless, and had we not "struck a slanting blow the result to the Merrimac "would have been serious. "But what finally overwhelmed us were the "enormous balls, eleven inches in diameter, which "came thundering at our railroaded sides until they "began to make breaches. Finally one of these ripped MURPHY'S LANE. 121 "through us from stem to stern, killing or wounding "seven or more, upsetting gun carriages and causing "terrible devastation. Then it was that we realized "that destruction awaited us unless we could escape." DR. WEEKS TRANSFERRED TO THE MONITOR. One of the mistakes made by Ericsson was the placing of the conning tower, from which the vessel is fought, aft of the turret instead of on its top, as the plans called for. Because of this the officer in charge was compelled to swing the bow forty-five degrees out of her course in order to see ahead. This delayed the fight greatly and also caused Lieut. John L. Wor- den, who fought the Monitor, to be almost blinded by smoke and burned powder. This fact led to the transferring of Dr. Grenville M. Weeks to the Moni- tor, as it was necessary to relieve Lieutenant Worden and the Monitor's surgeon, Dr. Daniel C. Logue, went with him to the Brandywine, while Doctor Weeks, who was surgeon on the Brand5rwine, was or- dered to replace Dr. Logue. CAPTAIN BANKHEAD IN COMMAND. Captain Bankhead succeeded Lieutenant Worden in command of the Monitor and, as the Doctor says, there was a certain poetical justice in the succession of Captain Bankhead to this command. It seems that a board consisting of General Bankhead, the Captain's father, and Colonel Thornton of the army, and Joe. Smith of the navy, had been appointed some years before to determine whether this was a great piece of 122 WOODSIDE. folly, as the Europeans thought, or whether it was of value, as the inventor believed. Thornton and Smith reported against the invention, while General Bank- head made a minority report in its favor. The Bank- heads were Southern men, but loyal when the Civil War came. SINKING OF THE MONITOR. The Monitor was ordered to Charleston, S. C, and on December 29, 1862, was taken in tow by the Rhode Island, a powerful side-wheel steamer. A West India hurricane was raging up the Atlantic Coast, and two days after the start that very thing happened to the Monitor that was predicted by Ericsson, the tre- mendous lift of the seas under the long overhang of twenty-five feet caused the deck to break away gradu- ally from the hull, and soon the cabin was awash and the heavy dining table was crashing into the state- room doors and cabin sides as the rolling of the clumsy little vessel rushed the water from side to side. At this point the Doctor went below for some- thing and found an engineer so sick in his stateroom that he did not realize their perilous position, and when the man refused to move the Doctor attempted to force him out, but now a wave swept over the deck and the Doctor, supposing the Monitor was going down, sprang for the companionway and had to fight his way up through a solid wall of water. Once outside he sought the top of the turret with the Captain ; in the meantime rockets had been set off to notify the Rhode Island that her tow was sinking MURPHY'S LANE. 123 and the latter had cut her loose. By this time the fires were nearly out and the Monitor was so water- logged that she did not rise to the seas, but dived into them, while her officers and men could with diffi- culty hang on, shutting eyes and mouth until the flood had swept astern. The Rhode Island immediately proceeded to lower a boat on its port quarter, but while this was being done one of the most desperate situations of this des- perate night occurred. In some way an end of the immense tow rope which had been trailing astern became entangled in one of the paddle wheels and stopped the machinery. Thus she lay helpless for the time being. In the meantime the Monitor, which was still slowly running under her own power, her fires as yet not having been drowned out, was bearing down on the Rhode Island. In the darkness the prox- imity of the two boats was not discovered until the Monitor was on the point of ramming. Just at this critical moment the paddle wheel was cleared and the Rhode Island began slowly to forge ahead, and con- sequently the blow was not severe enough to cause serious damage, but it was a heart-rending moment to those on both of the vessels, who felt that they were very close to eternity. The collision smashed the boat which was being lowered but another quickly took its place smd, recog- nizing how easily it could be stove, this was well guarded with rope fenders. 124 WOODSIDE. It was midnight and very dark, the two vessels had drifted apart again, but finally the small boat was discovered close in on their starboard quarter. It did not dare come alongside, however, for fear of being smashed, and the men were compelled to jimip. The Doctor was one of the last to leave the Moni- tor, and by this time the small boat had drifted so far off that he fell short into the icy water, but those on board caught him by the hair and collar and he was dragged to safety. The Doctor will never forget see- ing one of the engineers, who had been the life of the party and who was loved by all, miss the boat by five feet as he jumped, 2ind go down in the darkness never to be seen again. There were sixteen in the small boat, but it was staunch, and they felt comparatively safe. The waves were tremendous; at one moment the boat was rid- ing the crest of a mountain, the next it was engulfed in the depths. While thus momentarily between two great seas they dimly saw the bow of a second boat from the Rhode Island hanging above them, which the next moment would come down athwartships and grind them to pulp. A shout of warning enabled each helmsman to throw his tiller over and sheer off to some extent, but what saved the situation from be- coming a catastrophe to all was the Doctor's quick wit. He tells the story very modestly himself. Springing up and bracing his feet he grasped the bow of the oncoming boat as firmly as possible and pushed MURPHY'S LANE. 125 it to one side and this, with the prompt action of the helmsman, just prevented the impending collision, but, as the one boat came down on the other, the Doc- tor's arm was gripped between them and he was pulled down to the water, his arm was dragged from its socket and hung attached to his body by a few stretched muscles. The intense pain caused him to faint, and had it not been that the cold water revived him as his head went under he would have been pulled overboard. When the boat reached the Rhode Island they found a spar extended from which depended ropes up which the sailors scrambled as only a sailor can, and then the Doctor thought of death, and it was not pleasant in spite of the intense pain he was enduring. One sailor lost his grip and fell into the sea, never to be seen again. What could a man so maimed as the Doctor was do to save himself under such circumstances? Noth- ing. There seemed no hope for him, and he thought of descending into that watery grave and slowly dis- integrating in the ooze at the bottom of the ocean; and the horror of it took hold on him, for he was a young man and wanted to live. Finally all were out of the boat but the men at bow and stern, the Doctor, and George W. Tichenor, when the latter shouted that they must do something to save the man who had saved them all. A rope was then thrown from the vessel and a bowline passed 126 WOODSIDB. over the Doctor's right shoulder and under his left arm, and the poor, maimed body was dragged on board as a bag of potatoes might have been, but he was saved. It was good to feel the wooden deck un- der foot once more. NOTES ON THE CRANE FAMILY. The last property on this old road was the Crane estate. The first of the name to settle here was Jasper Crane (bom 1680), and he is supposed to have come here about 1730. The family genealogy goes back to an earlier Jasper, born 1600, who is said to have been a son of Gen. Josiah Crane, who was in the service of King James I. of England. Jasper married in England, as his son John was born there in 1635. Jasper came from England about 1639 and was one of the early settlers of New Haven, Connecticut, where he was a magistrate for several years. From there he removed to Branford and from the latter place to Newark in 1665. Here he was a magistrate, was first president of the Town Council and was first on the list of depu- ties to the General Assembly of New Jersey for six years after the settlement of Newark. (See note page 127.) John Crane, born 1635, had a son Jasper, bom z68o (the first to settle here). His son Joseph was born 1722; this Joseph had a son Joseph, born 1767, and his son was Nathaniel Jonas Crane, bom z8o8. The old Crane stone house is supposed to have been erected about 1760 by Joseph Crane; this was taken down about i8go. The small wing at the right CRANE HOMESTEAD Supposed to have been erected about 17tiO. Picture takeu in 1890. Tlie baru which stood back of tliis house was tlie one in wliich cattle were slaughtered for the trooi.s of General Anil.ony Wayne MURPHY'S LANE. 127 of the building is believed to have been the older part of the house. Those now living remember that in the attic of this part were several swords of various de- scriptions which Nathaniel J. Crane has said were used by members of the family who fought in the French and Indian War. The barn which stood in the rear of this house is the one referred to elsewhere as having been used as a slaughter-house when Gen- eral Anthony Wayne was camped under this ridge. Beyond the Crane house is the Keen homestead, which is mentioned in connection with the old Bloom- field road. Note for page 126.— Information concerning the Sidman family which was received after this book was in type and inserted at the last minute, shows that Jasper Crane owned land here as early as 17x1. See page 100. PART II. C. C. BINE IN 1895 "Tliere may have been men of greater and more beautiful character than his, but I never Icnew any and never read of any. I count it one of the moHt fortunate things of my life to liave been for so many years so closely associated with him. While it (the portrait) does not do full Justice to the subject (I do not think any photograph couldf, it is a face I am glad to look at and it recalls some of the pleasnntest memories of my whole life and some of the things which, 1 am sure, have been of the utmost value to me in many ways. He left nothing but a trail of good wherever he went. My memory is of a {i/e rather than of episodes; I only wish I could describe it as it was lived. The only two absolutely unselfish people I ever knew were Mr. Uine and my own mother." J AT TEKETCK. ^^^^^^^^^^^K^W ■>.. ^Wi ^ ■ ^^^^^^^^^^v ^^1 ^^^^^^^^■*>Jm^H B ^^BBBBm >*>«% a|p| B ^^^H^^^^^^^^^^^^HBp^!^^^^^^!^^ j^^^^H ^^. ^1 ^^^^^^^^^^^^K^^HkTy}^^^\^^H JttlK^^ ^HHI^B| k 'i^^l ^■^^^■^^^■■gBH ■r'-ri^m _n»mi^_ ^ ^^^H ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^V ^jS^^ 5 ^^^H^^Hh^^HIHPHH^^^k^^^^ ^^^^^^■^^|^E3Hpbak-M^;77?I^^^^^HHH| ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Hf --^^d^' *^^Pi^^^^^^^| ^^^^«M pp ^^^^^^^^^E^^^^^^^HVi "^ ',' 'JMBH^^^B^ ^^^^E^^K '^H ^^^^^^^^^^^^B^^j^M^^^^f^^^'^-"^^^^^^^ L J C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. This second part is intended to cover as well as may be the period of time beginning with the open- ing of Woodsidc as a residence section. During these years Mr. Charles Cole Hine took such an active in- terest in the welfare of the neighborhood and was so wrapped up in and identified with its best interests that its history is his biography, consequently I feel that it will be proper to give here a brief outline of his life previous to the year 1867, when he settled in Wood- eide. Wficn women could lift their little children up to "take a last look at the best friend they ever had", as was done while the people passed by the coffin of Mr. Hine as it lay in the church, such as did not come in direct contact with the man may to some extent un- derstand what a feeling of love he inspired in those who knew him. For me he had a living reality that death has never removed; it was years before I could accept the situ- ation. Concerning no one else have I ever had the same feeling. Death has removed others and I have accepted the condition as final, but for a long period 132 WOODSIDE. after the death of my father I had a feeling amounting to momentary conviction that he had opened the of- fice door and was coming toward me. and have looked up from my desk many a time to welcome him. This could not have been a matter of local association, for I was occupjdng an oflBce which he never saw. What it was I do not know. "Thy voice is on the rolling air, I hear thee where the waters nm; Thou standest in the rising sun. And in the setting thou art fair." CHARLES COLE HINE. Charles Cole Hine was bom in New Haven, Conn., December 21, 1825. When six years of age his parents removed to Homellsville, N. Y. His father was a car- riage builder, but of nomadic tendencies, and the boy had small opportxmity for schooling, though as a mat- ter of fact he went to school all his life ; he had an in- stinct for acquiring knowledge that could not be sup- pressed, and as a result those who knew him best in after life took it for granted that he was a college-bred man. With the versatility of many another self-made man he turned his hand to many things in his youth while finding himself. He once went on a concert tour with three other yoimg men, driving from town to town through Ohio and western Pennsylvania. At one time he turned to art for a living and actually did support himself, after a fashion, for a brief period. C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 133 painting portraits. Mr. Hine's father moved to Mas- sillon, Ohio, in 1837, «"^d there the boy grew up and cast his first vote. Once when clerking in a store in Massillon, among the commodities of which was a line of books, the proprietor, who was of a kindly disposi- tion, allowed the yoimg man to read as he liked, and as a result he read every book in the place, including an encyclopaedia, some six hundred volumes in all. When the telegraph was young he became inter- ested in that and established lines through parts of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, contracting for poles and their erection, selecting the local operators and teach- ing them the Morse alphabet, and doing any other missionary work that was needed. That he was some- thing more in this than ordinary is evidenced by the fact that in Reid's "History of the Telegraph in America" Mr. Hine's name is frequently mentioned, and always in complimentary terms. While in charge of the office in Louisville, he invented a trans- mitter to repeat messages in order to save the time of an operator, for in those days the electric fluid only carried a message so far, and long distance messages must needs be repeated by hand. Later some one in- vented and patented the same thing and made, I be- lieve, a fortime by it. An operator in the early days of telegraphy was a more important personage than at present. Mr. Hine has told how, when he was stationed in St. Louis, 1848-9, P. T. Barnum was taking Jenny Lind aroimd 134 WOODSIDE. the country and, upon reaching St Louis, he insisted on getting inside the telegraph office and making the acquaintance of the operator. As a result he took Mr. Hine riding with him and gave him two tickets for each concert, no mean gift when tickets were selling at $20.00 each. The year 1849 was the year of the cholera and of the "great fire" in St. Louis. "The city was a charnel "house; funerals were the principal events and the "chief business of the hour; hearses went on a trot "when they could not go faster." Mr. Hine was con- valescing from the disease and had been carried from a room at Olive and Main streets to his boarding house. That same night the "great fire" started on the levee. Four hundred buildings in the business heart of the city, which included Olive and Main streets, were destroyed. While living in St. Louis Mr. Hine met Mary Haz- ard Avery, whose parents had also removed from Connecticut, and was married to Miss Avery in that city July 4, 1853. Before that time he had established himself in New Albany, Ind., where in due course he represented the Adams Express Company, and was secretary of a plank road, notary for two banks and agent for several insurance companies, fire and life. While living here the New Albany Theological Seminary removed to Chicago, leaving a splendid set of buildings vacant, and Mr. Hine thought he saw the opportunity of his life in the establishment of a girls* C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 135 seminary. The property was easily obtained, and he spent all the money he had and all he could borrow fitting up the place but, as he once put it, "the New ''Albany Female Seminary opened simultaneously "with the great panic of 1857". He lost every cent he had and came out of the crash many thousands of dol- lars in debt. When Mr. Hine wished to enter active business again he bought up the outstanding notes against him in order to protect himself and, although his former creditors had no claim on him thereafter, he gradually paid back every dollar of indebtedness with interest. In this he followed the somewhat unique method of ascertaining who among his old creditors were most in need, and paying these first. As an insurance agent Mr. Hine had represented the ^tna Insurance Company, whose western general agent had said to him : "Mr. Hine, if ever you should "want to go into insurance again, please let me know "first", and after the crash Mr Hine promptly sent word to the headquarters in Cincinnati that he wanted a position and as promptly got it. Thereafter he was connected with the western office of the ^tna until he removed to New York in 1865. Mr. Hine was brought east by the offer of the secretaryship of the International Insurance Company, but the methods adopted not being to his liking he resigned. He was then practically offered the position of Superintendent of the Insurance Department of the State of New 136 WOODSIDE. York, but preferring to be his own master and delight- ing in editorial work, he purchased the Insurance Monitor in March, 1868, and that became his life work. MR. HINE IN SEARCH OP A HOME. As soon as his work would permit he began to look about for a home, and ultimately decided on Woodside, which was then beginning to be exploited as a residence section for toilers in the city. In this connection it can do no harm to tell a little story which he often told of himself. As a young man he spent many of his leisure hours painting, and in 1844 painted much with a certain man in Massillon, Ohio, who was something of an artist, and during this time painted the man's portrait, but he had completely lost sight of his friend for more than twenty years. In 1866, when looking for a home site, Mr. Hine answered, among others, an advertisement of a Mr. M., in Morrisania, and while inspecting the house saw a portrait which he recognized as that of his artist friend of 1844, and one which he had seen many times, but which the lady of the house told him was Mr. M., an entirely different name. When the gentleman himself arrived Mr. Hine rec- ognized him, but neither gave any indication of the recognition and an appointment was made for Mr. M. to call at the New York office of his prospective cus- tomer the next day. In the meantime Mr. Hine got out his old portrait HOME OP MR. HENRY J. WINSER House erected In 1866. Situated at 201 Washington Avenue. In the foreground stands the old apple tree that was used as a talking point by Mr. Ananias C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 137 of the man and placed it in his office where the caller would see it, expecting a good time in resuming the old acquaintance, but Mr. M. never came, and inquiry showed that he had disappeared suddenly, leaving no address, and that his house was vacant and in the hands of an agent. Mr. Hine's portrait of the man hung for many years over a door in the dining room at No. 209 Wash- ington avenue, and he was fond of relating an entirely new supposition accounting for the mysterious dis- appearance of the gentleman, which was advanced by his pastor who, on a certain occasion, was dining at the house when the story was told, and who "looked "up from his plate, gazed at the picture a moment, "and then looking me square in the eye said, in a calm, "deliberate voice: 'Maybe he was afraid you would "paint him again.' " MR. HINE FIRST VISITS WOODSIDE. Mr. Hine first visited Woodside in August, 1866; the house at 201 Washington avenue was for sale, having been erected by a Mr. Babbitt, who was unable to occupy it. Mr. Hine concluded it could be made to meet his requirements, and immediately closed the bargain; but it seems that Mr. Henry J. Winser had before this discovered the house and, being attracted by the great trees growing on the place, secured the refusal of the property for a few days, and it was be- fore this time had expired that Mr. Hine made the purchase. 138 WOODSIDE. Here was a state of things which was unpleasant for all except Mr. Babbitt, who had his money, and he referred Mr. Winser to Mr. Hine, thus dismissing the matter so far as he was concerned. Mr. Winser as city editor of the New York Times was then investi- gating the Tweed Ring and could not attend to per- sonal matters, hence it devolved on Mrs. Winser to open the negotiations which resulted in a sale to Mr. W. and the purchase of property adjoining on the north by Mr. Hine. THE FIRST HOUSES ERECTED ON WASHINGTON AVENUE. The Winser family moved in on September i, 1866. At this time there were five detached houses on this (east) side of what was then Belleville avenue ; these were occupied by Messrs. Winser, Best, Baldwin, Neumann and Daniel F. Tompkins. On the west side were six houses, occupied (from south to north) by Messrs. Sommer, an artist; Shannan, Mrs. Van Wyck, James Gamble, George B. Callen and John P. Contrell. Between Elwood avenue and Carteret street the foundations for four houses were laid, and on the hill above Carteret street Mr. Charles D. Mor- rison who, with Mr. John I. Briggs, composed the firm of Morrison & Briggs, builders, was erecting his own dwelling. Below these groups on the south there was no building until we came to the spacious house, em- bowered in trees, of Mr. Horace H. Nichols, and across Washington avenue from Mr. Nichols, at the C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 139 point, the house built by Mr. A. P. Scharff, later oc- cupied by Dr. MacKie, Mr. James A. C. Van Rossam and one Flavel. THE FIRST HOUSES ERECTED ON LINCOLN AVENUE. On what was then known as the Back road were the houses of Colonel Buck, Messrs. Samuel Royce, Miles I'Anson, E. A. Boyden, John Scharff, John C. Bennett; the first house of C. D. Morrison, present comer of May street and Summer place ; the old Phil- lips farm house and the house of James Swinnerton, Jr., on the northeast comer of Elwood avenue, which was then Berkley street. HOUSES ERECTED IN 1866-7. Within the year there were built the houses of Mr. Hine, Mr. Harlan, C. D. Morrison, Miss Teel, Mr. Pratt, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Faitoute, Mrs. Jackson, Mr. F. F. Mercer, Mr. Blackwood, Mr. McDonald and Wm. Chippendale, the latter a son of Richard Chippendale, who came to this country on account of the Chartist troubles in England, and about this time the house of Mr. Horace Carter on the Gully road was built. Several new houses were built on the River road near Grafton avenue, and were occupied by Mr. Web- ster, Mr. Oliver Gordon, formerly of Brookljm, who had a large business with China and was a colleague of the Lows; and Benjamin Brigg, son-in-law of Mr. Gordon and the representative of the Brigg woolen mills in Huddersfield, England. 140 WOODSIDE. HOMES OF AN EARLIER PERIOD. Of the old settiers there were the houses of Sand- ford, Munn, Melius, Colonel Gumming, Stimis, John McDonald, Coe5mian and Weiler, on the River road; Mr. Alfred Hardwick Gibbs on the high ground north of the Gully road, known as "Thomhill"; the "Cedars", built by Frank Forester (H. W. Herbert), which had been bought by Mr. Sanchez y Dolce, and was then occupied by him, and also a group of houses about the junction of Washington and Grafton ave- nues and Halleck Street, which is treated of elsewhere. On the west side of Belleville avenue near Second river was the interesting old house occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Bird and Mrs. Bird's two sons by a former marriage, Lewis and George Ashmun. This was a most delightful house, and the hospitality of the Birds was renowned. Mrs. Bird was a daughter of the Rev. Dr. Strong, of Massachusetts, and in- herited her gracious manner and charm of conversa- tion from a long line of ancestors who were among the best people of New England. They entertained with the grace of the early part of the nineteenth century, before the advent of that class of plutocrats that brought ostentatious pomp and more or less bad manners into society. Mr. Bird was a gentleman of the old school, and Mrs. Bird one of the most gracious and beautiful of women. It was always a delight to attend their evenings at home. One was sure of meeting all the charming people of C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 141 the surrounding country and Newark, and there was no lack of brilliant conversation. When the gather- ings were not too large and the company could assem- ble around the hospitable board the table-talk was sparkling with wit, while matters of graver import were freely discussed. It is impossible to say when this old house was erected ; it bears every evidence of having been a very fine place in its day. One informant recalls having heard Mrs. Bird state that the house was built before the Revolution by an Englishman who sympathized with his king and was consequently compelled to leave the country when war was declared. This in- formation Mrs. Bird secured from a daughter of Harry Coeyman, who had received it from her father. Presumably this is Henry M. Coeyman, a son of Minard, who is said to have served in the Revolution, and the son would thus have come on the scene early enough to know the facts. The records do not go beyond 1790. On July 5, 1790, James H. Maxwell conveyed the property to Alexander McComb who, on May 21, 1792, conveyed it to Daniel McCormick who, on July 18, 1792, conveyed to Thomas Bennett. The next transfer is a sheriff's deed dated June 24, 1812, to Jacob Stout, and on April 9, 1825, his widow, Frances, conveyed to the President and Directors of the New Jersey Bleaching, Printing & Dyeing Company. On September 10, 1829, a sheriff's deed conveyed to Samuel Wright et 142 WOODSIDE. als. Then follow the names of owners as follows: Andrew Gray, Bolton et als., Edward Dwight et als., American Print Works, 1835; James K. Mills, 1853; George Bird, 1853, and Jonathan Bird, 1859. During the time that the house was occupied by Mr. Bird the place was approached from Mill street by a bridge across Second river just above the pres- ent Washington avenue bridge. INTRODUCING MR. ANANIAS. After the many years of unclouded friendship that have existed between the families of Hine and Winser it is difficult to realize that there could ever have been any other state of feeling, but at the outset conditions were just the reverse and the cause of it is rather an interesting little story. Both homesteads were situated within what was once a Stimis apple orchard and each contained sev- eral magnificent apple trees that were probably over one-hundred years old, and it was one of these trees and an unruly tongue that caused the trouble. The tree in question was a picturesque old giant that stood on the Winser premises near the street and near Mr. Hine's line. A neighbor of both families, whom we will call Mr. Ananias, took a dislike to Mr. Hine, even before his house was finished, and undertook to make trouble for him. Knowing that both families admired and valued the trees which adorned their places he pitched on this particular apple tree, and first called on Mr. C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 143 Winser and during a conversation managed to intro- duce the subject of the new neighbor, incidentally re- marking that Mr. Hine, who was a new-rich up- start from the west, had taken a dislike to the Winser family and, having learned of its love of trees, had announced that he was going to have that apple tree down, Winser or no Winser, under the pretense that it interfered with his view. Having planted and properly watered the seed of discord he proceeded to sow tares in the next field by informing Mr. Hine that the Winsers had expressed themselves in a very disparaging way concerning him and his, proposing to annoy him in any way they could and, having heard of his admiration for this great apple tree, intended to cut it down to spite him. After this it was quite natural that the families should pass by on the other side — in fact the one turned its back on the other in so pronounced a fashion that there was no overlooking it. The Winsers saw the family move in and noted that it consisted of one gentleman, two ladies and three children, and concluded that the slender lady, who was in black, was a widow, and that the slender boy was her son. And thus matters stood until one morning there was a bad accident in the Hine kitchen and Miss Avery, the supposed widow, came over for help. The cook had been burned and Mr. Hine, in beating out the flames, had had his hands burned until the skin hung from them in shreds. 144 WOODSIDE. Carron oil was wanted and a doctor was wanted, and Mrs. Winser, who was home alone at the time, did all in her power to assist the distressed by sending her horse for the doctor and coming to offer personal help. When she first saw Mr. Hine he was sitting with hands extended to avoid contact with anything, and when she expressed a wish to help he gladly ac- cepted, but voiced his surprise that, feeling as she did, the offer should be made. This led to a prompt re- tort, and almost before they knew it the situation was explained and the eyes of both opened, and thereafter there was a well-worn path between the two houses. During the ten days or more that Mr. Hine was con- fined to the house Mrs. Winser took down any mat- ters he wished to dictate and made frequent journeys to his New York office in his behalf. Much might be told in regard to the sayings of Mr. Ananias, but possibly one or two more of his pleasantries will suffice : — Mrs. Winser recalls her first visit to Woodside and the swarms of mosquitoes in the horse cars that were on hand to greet her: they were the real Jersey mosquitoes of well-defined propensity. It was Au- gust, and as she and Mr. Winser alighted in front of the house, which was then building, and which later became theirs, they were met by Mr. A., and to him voiced their opinions of the pests, but he waived it off with the casual remark that Woodside only had mos- quitoes for a week or ten days during the middle or C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 14$ latter part of August, and while they were bad then, it was only for a brief period. In July, 1867, Mr. Winser sailed for Europe on the destroyer "Dunderburg", built by Mr. Webb, but finished too late for use in the Civil War, and which had been purchased by the French government. The trip was considered dangerous, as the vessel had been intended merely for coast defense, and the traveler not only made his will, having been warned that he was going to a watery grave, but left the most minute written instructions to help Mrs. Winser over the rough places. What was Mrs. Winser's astonishment when, as soon as her husband was out of reach, "the Woe of Woodside" (our friend Ananias) came to her with a memorandum saying that Mr. Winser had pledged himself to pay $300 toward the erection of an Episco- pal church in Woodside. This was news to her, and she searched the book of written instructions in which all claims and all money matters had been entered by Mr. Winser without being able to find that he had made such a pledge as was claimed. When she made this announcement to Mr. A. he promptly answered : "Well, if this amount is not paid "by you, your husband's honor will be at stake and "you will be the cause". Imagine the feelings of this wife of fifteen months when told that she must pay this moral ( !) obligation or cover her husband's name with dishonor. Finally, without consulting any one 146 WOODSIDE. versed in the ways of the world, Mrs. Winser paid over the money and, according to Mr. A., the name of H. J. Winser was put down on the subscription list with others, but some weeks later she learned that the name was not down among subscribers, but headed the list, and was used as a means of extracting money from other Episcopalians in the neighborhood. The Winsers had brought their letters to Christ Church in Belleville, and had had no thought of mak- ing any change; hence, on the return of Mr. Winser, and the facts being known, he was filled with wrath. It was too late, however, to do anything. The reason for this conduct on the part of Mr. A. is supposed to have been purely monetary, as he expected to profit by the work involved in the erection of the proposed church building. Thus when one acquainted with all the circum- stances once remarked that "the church was con- ceived in sin and bom in iniquity" the statement is thought to meet the situation with a fair degree of ac- curacy. Mrs. Winser was later appointed treasurer of the church guild, and had great satisfaction in making Mr. A. toe the mark when his part of the work was not properly done. ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Until the building was under cover services were held in Morrison's Hall, Washington avenue, opposite Elliott street, and the Lenten services, morning and C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 147 evening, in the Winser house; but, as I understand it, when the church was organized some of the first services were held in Mr. Hine's house, as witness the following : — "At the first regular meeting of the Vestry of St. "John's church of Woodside, N. J., the following "resolution was offered by Mr. E. A. Condit and "unanimously adopted : — "Resolved, that the Vestry of St. John's Church, "Woodside, hereby tender their acknowledgments to "C. C. Hine, Esquire, for his numerous acts of kind- "ness and courtesy in their behalf, and especially for "the free use of his house as a place of public worship "during the past summer. "Resolved, that the Secretary communicate this "resolution to Mr. Hine and record the same in the "minutes of the Vestry. "E. A. CONDIT, "Secy, of the Vsty." On September 15, 1868, St. John's Church was dedicated, the church building having been in use for some time previous to this. The annals of the parish pass this service over. Bishop Odenheimer and some twenty odd clerg5rmen were present. Rev. Mr. Lounsbury was the first rector; he re- mained only a short time and Rev. Samuel Hall suc- ceeded him in February, 1868. The following notes are from the parish register : — "First meeting to organize, September 2, 1867. "Cornerstone laid, November 29, 1867. 148 WOODSIDE. "Rev. Samuel Hall, rector, February 8, 1868, to "February 8, 1873, when he resigned to become rector "of the Church of the Redeemer, Morristown. "Rev. H. H. Barbour, rector from April 17, 1873, "to November i, 1875. "November i, 1874, rectory occupied. Rev. Fran- "cis A. Henry, rector from April 29, 1876, to October "3, 1876. "Rev. I. B. Wetherell, rector from November 29, "1876, to April 18, 1877. "Rev. I. H. McCandless, rector from April 18, "1877, to November i, 1877. "Rev. George C. Pennell, S. T. D., rector from "January, 1878, to January 15, 1880. "Rev. Arthur B. Conger, rector from March 28, "1880, to April I, 1882. Resigned on account of ill- "ness. "Rev. A. L. Wood, rector from September 11, 1882, to September i, 1891. "Rev. Frank Albion Sanborn, B. D., rector, Scp- "tember i, 1891." He was followed by Rev. George W. Lincoln, who was succeeded by Rev. Rowland S. Nichols, the pres- ent inciunbent. A WOODSIDE MOLASSES JAR. That the women of Woodside were unusually at- tractive there is no denying. Of one of them it is told that she found herself in Newark rather late one evening after the cars had ceased to run and, being C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 149 alone and unable to secure a livery team (for Newark was as primitive in its way forty years ago as was Woodsidc) she applied at the police station for help and an officer was sent with her on the walk home. They evidently had a very pleasant trip, for it was not more than three days later that the officer appeared at the lady's home, dressed in his best, only to find that she was married. An introduction to the husband somewhat cooled his ardor. CAPT. KIDD IN THE WINSER BACK YARD, There is a tradition that Captain Kidd buried treasure at a point in the Winser back yard where an ancient apple tree flourished when we were young, and the following facts seem to show good foundation for the belief: — We are told that oft during the quiet of the night (this was before the day of the trolley and its out- rageous roar) the sound of a pick being driven vig- orously into the earth could be heard from the direc- tion of the old tree, but when the hearers gazed out into the dark no one could be seen. Those watching with the sick frequently noted such sounds, and as there were no visible diggers and the following morn- ing no indications that the earth had been disturbed, it seems impossible that the work could have been done by other than the shades of the departed pirates. What, indeed, is to prevent our supposing that the ghost of the pirate captain himself was on hand, su- perintending the work in his old burying ground? ISO WOODSIDE. Then there were the snakes that guarded this old apple tree — great black snakes of a peculiarly fero- cious and menacing aspect — ^which, as is well at- tested by the most reliable witnesses, were known to deliberately simulate crooked sticks which, when about to be picked up by some unsuspecting human, would dart out a fiery tongue and with a terrible hissing sound drive the too venturesome explorer to the uttermost parts of the Winser lot. MORRISON & BRIGGS. Morrison & Briggs were the chief builders of the first Woodside houses. As nearly as can now be learned it seems probable that it was they who in- duced Messrs. Parker & Keasbey to purchase land here about 1865, open streets and lay out sites for residences. The builders at first had a very small shop on Berkley street (now Elwood avenue) imme- diately adjoining the house of Mr. Swinnerton, but it was not long before they erected a two-story wood- working establishment on Washington avenue, just north of Elliott street Charlie Morrison, of the firm, was a curious speci- men, good natured to a degree it would appear, for he was seemingly so unwilling to disappoint any one that he would promise the impossible without a blink. His fondness for moving was epitomized by his bet- ter half (very much better) once when she remarked that if he died first she should have his cofHn put on wheels, as he would never be content to rest in one place long. C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 151 Morrison & Briggs had not been exactly trained in the art of building but they managed to bungle it through in one way and another. The house at 209 Washington avenue is an example: this was built in 1866-7, and my recollection is of hearing that the cel- lar wall must needs be torn down twice before it would pass inspection. When the last payment on the house was due it was necessary to furnish the build- ers with a list (quite a long one) of those things left undone with a gentle intimation that the final check would be forthcoming when the deficiencies were sup- plied. There was then a very good feint at something doing, when another list, somewhat shorter than the first, was handed to the builders, and so by a gradual process of elimination, as it were, the house was pro- nounced complete. THE SAD FATE OF THE WINSER HORSE. During the winter of 1868 the Winser horse came to a bad end. It seems that a brother of a certain General S. had rented a house on Halleck street, and as the General was an old friend of Mr. Winser it was taken for granted that the Major, his brother, was of the same standing, and he was immediately taken into the Winser bosom. About this time the Winsers, having small use for their horse, had arranged to board it for a period in Westchester County, but when the Major heard of this he suggested that he take the animal, and that then if they wanted it at any time it would be near by. C. C. HINE AND HI3 TIMES. 1J3 ing that this witness had no knowledge of the points of a horse, by showing that he was indebted to the Major for his position at that time and that he had not seen the horse until she had been in the Major's pos- session for some time. The Major was inclined to be flippant with the Court and, finally, when asked how he stood in regard to certain transactions, he an- swered that he *'stood in his shirt and trousers'*. The judge warned him that he would have to answer for contempt of court. After ten minutes' deliberation the jury returned a verdict against the defendant for $400 for the value of the horse and also assessed the costs on him, but it is needless to say that he never paid either amount, being a politician of note. The Republican party in Newark has certainly been loaded with a hard lot of citizens, first and last. THE OPENING OF WASHINGTON AVENUE. It will now be necessary to go back a bit in our chronology in order to get at the beginnings of the Woodside we know. The opening of Washington avenue, about 1865, was the beginning of a new era for the neighborhood, for then Parker and Keasbey purchased a consider- able tract in the vicinity of Washington and Elwood avenues and cut it up for suburban dwelling purposes and Morrison & Briggs, contractors, appeared on the scene. To be sure "the opening of the new highway con- \S4 WOODSIDE. "sisted merely in setting the fences back and making "a narrow cut through the hill just north of Carteret "street, the earth from which was used to fill the ra- **vine further north". A single car track was then laid from the cemetery to Second river, and Woodside was open for business. But it was not Woodside in those days. The first name attached to the locality, and which appears to have come into use about 1863. was Ridge wood. There was. however, a postoffice of this name already established in the state, and when the town was set off from Belleville the name was changed to the pres- ent form. In 1865 this was a part of Belleville, but it was not long before efforts were made for a separation, as the following documents indicate: — ASSEMBLY— NO. 49S. STATE OF NEW JERSEY. An Act to set off from the township of Belleville, in the county of Essex, an election district, to be known as Woodside. I I. Be it enacted by the Senate and General As- 3 sembly of the State of New Jersey, That all that 3 part of said township of Belleville, lying and being 4 south of the Second river, be set off from the 5 township of Belleville, and made and constituted 6 an election district to be known and called Wood- 7 side. 1 a. And be it enacted. That Alfred Keen, 2 Charles D. Morrison, and Charles Akers be and C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 15S 3 are hereby appointed inspectors of election with 4 power to elect and appoint a clerk for said election, 5 at the annual town election to be held in April 6 eighteen hundred and sixty-eight, at Woodsidc 7 polling district in the public hall known as Wood- 8 side hall, and who are hereby required and au- 9 thorized to perform all duties required of inspect- 10 ors of election, in and for said district, and shall 11 preside at said first town meeting in said district, 12 as inspectors of election. 1 3. And be it enacted. That at the election to be 2 held in April, anno domini eighteen hundred and 3 sixty-eight, and at each succeeding April, three 4 persons shall be elected as judges of election for 5 such election district for the term of one year, who 6 shall possess the powers, be required to perform 7 the duties, and be subject to the liabilities as other 8 judges or inspectors of elections, according to the 9 general laws of the State of New Jersey, as they 10 now are or may hereafter be, and said judges so 11 elected shall act as judges of all elections to be 12 hereafter held in said district, no ballot for this 13 purpose shall contain more than two names; in 14 case more than two names are voted for, the bal- 15 lot shall only be void as to said judge, and the 16 three persons who receive the highest number of 17 votes shall be deemed and taken to be elected 18 judges of election, in case two persons shall have 19 received an equal number of votes, the first person 20 named on the ballot for judge of election shall be ISS WOODSIDE. 21 elected, and the said judges and clerk shall receive 22 two dollars per day for their services, and the said 23 judges of election shall procure a proper box for 24 said district, of which place and time of holding 25 elections they shall give at least two weeks' no- 26 tice in five of the most public places in said dis- 27 trict, and the said board shall have power to ap- 28 point a clerk, who shall perform such duties as is 29 required in the act to which this is a supplement. 1 4- And be it enacted. That all acts or parts of 2 acts inconsistent with this act be and the same are 3 hereby rej>ealed. 1 5. And be it enacted. That this act shall take 2 effect immediately. ONE DOLLAR EACH. "Woodside, 13 Mar. 1868. "Gentiemen — At a meeting of the citizens of "Woodside, held last evening to consider the matter "of a new Township it was resolved that the passage "of the Bill now before the Legislature was desirable "and Major Sears and Mr. Alfred Keen were ap- "pointed (with power to select three associates) to "proceed to Trenton and urge the passage of said BilL "It was also resolved that the means to defray the "expenses of these gentiemen be provided by a con- "tribution of one dollar each from the signers of the "Memorial, and I was appointed to collect such con- "tribution. It being impossible for me to spare the C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 157 "necessary time to call upon you all, I request that you "will hand the amount to my son, the bearer. "Respectfully yours, "C. C. HINE, "To Messrs. C. D. Morrison, Lorenzo Hart, Wm. "A. Wauters, A. Bigelow, Edw. Carrigan, Jonathan "Bird, E, Coeyman, Sam'l Royce, J. S. Gamble, Louis ''Dovell, T. H. Blake, E. B. Smith, Geo. W. Harlan, "H. McFarlin, B. Dodd, T. A. Roberts, E. F. Higgins, "P. Smith, J. P. Contrell, Dan'l F. Tompkins, N. "Caughlin, Edw. Morrison, Jas. Swinnerton, Jr., J. C. "McDonedd, H. E. Joraleman, Geo. Ashmun, John H. "Meeker, Wm. Dixon, Geo. T. Teel, A. Van Riper, J. "P. Fowler, Alfred Sears, John I. Briggs, Geo. B. "Callen, A. C. Neumann, W. J. Harlan, B. R. Sage, D. "Evans, Geo. W. Keen, Owen Carroll, C. C. Hine, "B. F. Baldwin, H. J. Winscr, Wm. Jacobus, Stephen "Joraleman, G. W. Gumming, E. G. Faitoutc, Aaron "H. Keen, Anthony Epworth, E. Charlier, Henry "Farmer, Geo. W. Gore, Patrick Brady." If there were more names than these they were on another sheet which has been lost. The separation was effected appju-ently without much difficulty, and thereafter for a brief period Woodside was independent. For the gobbling of it by Newark see the early pages of this book. REMINISCENCES BY MR. SWINNERTON. The following items are taken from the "Rem- iniscences" by Mr. James Swinnerton, which were 158 WOODSIDE. read before the Woodside Sunday School on the oc- casion of its twentieth anniversary, 1887. "At first a single stage which ran every hour was **the only public conveyance between Newark and "Belleville. This region was then a very primitive "neighborhood. Early comers recall the fact that "Washington Irving and his friends roamed over "these beautiful hills and wooded vales with gun and "dog. It was a veritable Sleepy Hollow, and Irving, "had he been a resident, instead of an occasional "visitor, might easily have rendered the Passaic and "its valley as famous as he did Tarrytown and the "Hudson. The hill above Carteret street through "which Washington avenue was cut was then a well "known spot to sportsmen, quail, ground-doves and "rabbits being the chief game as now recalled. "The infusion of new blood in Belleville quickened "the old, a direct avenue to Newark was demanded "and a horse railroad determined upon. Farmers and "others gave their time and the use of their teams to "break through the ridge north of Carteret street, and "a rough pathway was made over the hills to the "bluff on this side of Second river. Those traveling "further north must do so on foot after descending "the bluff by a steep flight of steps and crossing the "river on a rickety foot bridge of logs." THE WOODSIDE OF 1867. "The early settlers found a country beautiful to •*behold, but with the usual discomforts of a new C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 159 "place. There were no stores, when short of provi- "sions neighbor must forage on neighbor; there were "no schools, Sunday or secular; there were no "churches, there were no Sunday horse cars — ride to "church we could not. There were no sidewalks, but "there was a superabundance of mud — ^walk, there- "fore, we dared not. Those who were bold enough to "do so found mud over shoe and usually arrived at "the church door in a state of mind. Mud in Wood- "side at this time came early in the fall, stayed the "winter out and lingered through the spring. Go- "loshes were at a premium and blacking brushes at a "discount. "A Woodsider of the period has been compared to "a duck standing on one foot, with the difference "that the duck stands thus from instinct, the Wood- "sider for the reason that he had no spot on which to "place his other foot. "During the day the horse-cars ran on twenty and "forty-five minutes' headway and seldom ventured "out after dark, owing largely to the peculiar facility "with which they ran off the track and the difficulty "of setting them in the straight and narrow way "again. "Your present get off, cross over and wait for the "bob-car arrangement is an improvement on the past, "decidedly; as such it may afford you some consola- "tion and hope for the future". (Mr. Swinnerton thus wrote in 1887 when there was loud and prolonged in- 160 WOODSIDE. dig^ation over the "bobtail" car service furnished Woodside). These wdth other discomforts made life in Wood- side interesting and will serve to show the situation during the first year. We were without the bread of life — often short of the bread that perisheth. As there were no sidewalks the middle of the road was used as a foot path by those too early for the next car. "One day", writes Mr. Swinnerton, "in the "middle of the road, and in the spring of 1867, I met "and was introduced to Mr. Hine. After the usual "civilities Mr. Hine declared his purpose to start a "Sunday school just as soon as he had moved into "the settlement. This was good news, but I won- "dered how the ways and means were to be provided. "Many of us had spent our last dollar when moving "in, and there was not a spare room in the hamlet large "enough to accommodate a Sunday school." "Several months before this the residents met un- "der an old apple tree before the door of a small car- "penter shop (Morrison & Briggs's) to consider church "and other interests, but the carpenter shop had dis- "appeared and the apple tree promised little comfort "beyond shade. "When I ventured to ask 'where?* Mr. Hine's re- "ply 'In my own house* afforded me a new experience. "The notion of any one inviting the children of a "neighborhood to his home for religious instruction "was novel." HOME OF MH. C. C HINE, 209 WASHINGTON AVENUE 111 this house tliree cliuiches have been orKanized, Pres- byterian, Episcopalian and Dutch Reformed C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 161 THE SUNDAY SCHOOL OF JUNE 16, 1867. "Business engagements prevented my attendance "at the first session of the school, but its praises were "sung by the bairns at home and on the second Sab- "bath I went over, expecting to find a few scholars "and a teacher or two arranged around an out-of-the- "way room. To my surprise teachers and scholars in "crowds were pouring into the house by the front "door. On entering I saw chairs and benches in the "parlor and the room occupied by the larger children; "the library held the infant department, and there "was provision for a Bible class in the hall. "The school was in full swing — children singing " — Mr. Hine leading and thumping a melodeon vigor- "ously with one finger and a thumb — his practice "when no five-fingered player was at hand. "This show of life and activity was contagious. I "fell into line at once by offering to fill the position "of librarian. Mr, Hine's reply to my offer, 'we will "look no further, but you must find your own library*, "was characteristic of the man and the school. "Money and books were in hand by the following "Sunday." Church services were also held in the parlor of Mr. Hine's house. The Rev. Mr. Scofield, pastor of 162 WOODSIDE. the Central Presb3rterian Church, Newark, preached the first sermon from the text, "What think ye of Christ?" Several city pastors filled the pulpit— or, rather, stood at the table, propping up the Bible with a pile of books. Invitations to preach were frequently extended in this form: "We shall be very happy to have you "come, but there will be no fee and you must bring "yourself as there are no cars, and not a horse in the "whole congregation." Ministers from a distance came Saturday nights and "boarded roimd". Theo- logical students accepted invitations, bringing their first sermon, and glad enough of an opportunity to try it on a real congregation. The following letter from Mr. Swinnerton, found among some of Mr. Hine's old papers, is inserted here as it is interesting in this connection: — "Newark, N. J., July i6, 1867. "Mr. Hine:— "Dear Sir — Send this just to let you know how we "got along with the meetings on Wednesday and the "Sabbath and, I am happy to say, first-rate. At the "prayer meeting there was a fair attendance. Mr. and "Mrs. Boyden led the singing. Messrs. Teal, Ben- THE FRONT DOOK AT 209 WASHINGTON AVENUE Tliroiigli which the Suuilay School teacliers ami scholars streamed each Sabbath for eighteen months beginning with June 16, 1867 C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 163 "nett, Pettit, Teal Junior and myself took part in the "exercise. "The Sabbath school attendance was 56 against 57 "Sabbath previous. Mr. Taylor gave us a new chap- "ter in Sunday school experience. Singing good. "Mr. Dixon preached at night; the service very "interesting ; good singing. Mr. S. was not very well "but remarked on Monday morning that it had done "him more good to come up and preach for us and "breathe the country air than if he had stayed at "home. We had a full house. We filled the aisle "with chairs and there were, besides, nearly a dozen "persons in the hall. Mr. Pettit led on Wednesday. "I report progress with books — ^bookcase painting. "Shall see about preaching for next Sunday to-day. "Yours truly, "J. SWINNERTON." A CHURCH BELL IS PROCURED. Occasionally an expected supply would fail to come, and those who gathered for the services were then disappointed. To meet this Mr. Hine purchased a bell and hung it in the tower of his house and this, by clangor or silence, gave notice to all the country side. There were no street lights, and those attend- 164 WOODSIDE. ing evening service on moonless nights have been likened unto swarms of fireflies as they ranged over the fields toward the house, every man with a lantern in hand. Building up a congregation without the help a pastor can give, and raising money for a church edi- fice, are no light tasks. Several of the families held cherished church connections in Newark which they were loath to give up; others were indifferent. FAIRS, CAKE SALES AND LECTURES. The few especially interested worked with vary- ing experiences. Fairs were held, the ladies baked cakes and gave them to the fair, the cakes were pur- chased by their husbands and carried home again. In October Mr. Henry J. Winser gave a lecture for the benefit of the church in the house of Mr. Hine, his subject being his recent trip across the Atlantic in the Dunderberg. As showing the capacity of the house, a circular issued at the time states that "about 200 persons can be seated". The basement of a Newark church was secured for a midwinter festival (sec copy of poster) ; we were snowed under, and with difficulty reached our firesides. OF THE Woodside Presbyterian CHURCH, m THE BASEMENT OF THE Dutch Reformed Church MARKET STREET. Wednesday Jhursday & Friday DECEMBER 11, 12 and 13, 1867, Afternoons and. Evenings. The managers desire to give special emphasis to the announcement that ALL ARTICLES OFFERED FOR SALE ARE MARKED AT THE SAME PRICES ASKED FOR THEM IN REGULAR ESTABLISHMENTS. In no single instance has extortion or imposition, either in prices or the quality of goods, been permitted, and purchasers may rely upon fair dealing at all the Tables and Stands. Variety has been secured, and some new features introduced, at considerable cost and labor, and it is hoped that a generous public will appreciate them. THE SUF»F»ER. K003JC. Here may be had OYSTERS, COFFEE, TEA, MEATS, PASTRY, CAKES and other edibles of the season, all served in good style, and at reasonable prices. Useful and Fancy Articles made by the Ladies. Attention is invited to the variety here offered : Needle- Work, Knitted- Work, articles of Clothing and Ornaments, &,e., &.o. There was an old woman who lived in a shoe. She had so many children she didn't know what to do. OUR little woman knows what to do. She SELLS her children ! And, wonderful to re- late, Philanthropists, Humanitarians, Anti-Slavery people, Fathers, Mothers, Children and all applaud her acts! Buy one — they never cry nor dirty their own faces. Art Gallery and Museum of Curiosities. A little nonsense now and then, Is relished by the wisest men. This feature must be seen to be appreciated. Do not fail to buy a Catalogne and visit the ART GALLERY. All who do so, enjoy the fun and recommend their friends to do likewise. About one hundred Gems of Art and eft'usions of Genius have here been deposited, for the delectation of admiring friends. They are mainly original contributions, al- though some copies from approved masters have been admitted. The Fine Art Department. A Beautiful Collection of Chromo Lithographs, and Fine Standard Engravings. These are all good goods, obtained from a wholesale house in New York, on terms that enable the ladies to offer them at prices never known before in Newark For example: "Irving and his friends," the beautiful steel plate, published at $12 will be offered at $5. "Washington's Last Inter- view," which usually brings from $3 to $4, will be offered at $2. Beautiful chromos of Ni- agara and Lake George, usually sold at $5 and ^6, at $4 and so on. This is a rare opportunity to secure beautiful embellishments for a very reasonable figure. Purchases will be delivered at the close of the Fair. The Erection Fund Subscription. This is the focus toward which all the other matters converge. Large or small favors here bestowed have direotneaa and force nowhere else attained. The Lemonade Well. — The Ice-Cream Stand. —The Cake and Confectionery Tables. These all speak for themselves and confirm their attraction to all partakers. Holiday Presents. CHRISTMAS IS COMING. Fancy Holiday Goods and Rich Presents are here offered at reasonable prices. Make your purchases at our tables. Silver-Plated Ware. These are all Fine Goods, direct from the Factory, and will be sold lower than the same quality can be purchased in the city. Persons desiring this quality of goods cannot do better than to examine the beautiful specimens here exhibited. Groceries and Family Supplies. This Department will furnish any article of Family Supplies, in any quantity, large or small. Purchasers can rely upon getting precisely what they order, and the goods will be delivered in the morning. Buy a barrel of Flour, a box of Soap or Starch — anything from a Nutmeg to a hogshead of Molasses. Prices the same as at the best City Groceries. OTHER DEPARTMENTS will probably be added as the fair progresses, of which due notice wUl be given. NEWARK EVENING COURIER POWER PRINT, 309 BROAD STREET. 168 WOODSIDE. An auction of choice engravings and Prang's chromos was attempted in the third story of a deso- late building in Newark near the Market one Satur- day night. Few people attended the sale and none purchased the pictures. At a similar attempt in Belleville chromos to the value of $1.25 were sold and, on counting the cash, it was found to be thirty-seven cents short. THE RETREAT FROM BELLEVILLE. "Moscow to Napoleon was a trifle compared to "our retreat from Belleville that wintry night. Si- "lently we carried our goods through that long- -drawn-out village. Looked at through the mist of "time this appears like a trifling incident, but then "the giant Despair loomed above us, and it was only "the splendid courage of Mr. Hine and his indomi- "table energy and perseverance which kept us going. "Family interests he sacrificed for the common weal. "To every objection there came but one reply: 'I "have enlisted for the war, and until a permanent "building is erected my doors will stand open.' " "They did stand open for eighteen months, or until "January 3, 1869, when the second building erected "for church and Sunday school purposes in Woodsidc "opened its doors — the Woodside Presbyterian "Church — St. John's Church having been opened "some months previous." (Here ends Mr. Swinner- ton's very interesting paper). THE ERIE RAILROAD. One of the advertised inducements to settlers in C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 169 Woodside was direct railroad connection with New York. The Erie had leased the Paterson, Newark & New York Railroad, which was opened in 1868 and connected with the Newark & Hudson Railroad to Jersey City, also leased to the Erie. This promised blessing was slow in coming, for at least three years elapsed before the New York connection was made, and in the meantime those whose business called them to the greater city must take the occasional horse car or walk to the D., L. & W. (which in those days stood for "Delay, Linger and Wait"). The Erie has ever been to a Woodsider as a red rag to a bull. The extremely limited service of the "Newark Branch" and the absolute indifference of the management toward the convenience of travelers have been so pronounced as always to give the impression that the road regarded passengers as a necessary evil, to be endured but not encouraged and, as a result, hundreds in the old days turned from it in disgust and went elsewhere. It is safe to say that the Erie was the chief factor in holding the growth of this sec- tion in check, while to-day its foul breath blackens the heavens and desecrates the landscape as its engines vomit vast clouds of smudgy soft coal smoke with a villainous impudence that can nowhere be equaled. The Erie is the only railroad with more than one stop in Newark that charges more to one station than to another, and no other gives so little or so poor service. Such is its uniqueness. 170 WOODSIDE. THE MAKING OP A SUNDAY SCHOOL. Mr. Hine took up his abode in Woodside on April X, 1867. The following circular shows how prompt he was in starting the Sunday School: — SUNDAY SCHOOL IN WOODSIDE. There -will "be a Sunday School at the house of Mr. C. C. Hine, on Belleville Avenue, on Sunday June IH, 18t57, at: Half-past T^wo o'clock, p. m. All 'Who reel an interest in this -worlc are cordially in- vited to he present at that hour. Arrangements have heen made for good sinsins and plenty of it. This SUNDAY SCHOOL, is intended to he permanent. In the Svening, at Eight o'clock. Rev. Mr. Soofield, ft*om the Central Presbyterian Church of Newark, will preach on "THE PRECIOUSNESS. OF CHRIST." On Wednesday Evenings, at Eight o'clock, until f\irther notice, there vrill he Social Prayer Meetings. All these Services are intended to he permanent. C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 171 A "BEFORE-THE-WAR" STORY. Mr. Mine's love for the Sunday school is so well known that no one will be surprised to learn that as a young man, and while traveling, he once taught a class in an Atlanta (Ga.) Sunday school. This was before the war, and Mr. Hine used to tell as a good joke on his self-esteem, how adults gathered about his class to listen, until they outnum- bered the scholars. This naturally made him feel somewhat elated until he found later that his audi- tors, learning that he was from the North, had gath- ered to ascertain whether he would inject any aboli- tion talk into his teaching. The young man, however, was too wise to try anything of that sort, and was more than thankful that he had been when he discov- ered the true cause of his popularity. THE MAKING OF A CHURCH. Even before the Simday school Mr. Hine had in- augurated church services in his dwelling, as is evi- denced by this second circular: — IJrcsbjjtcrian Cl)utcf) in iDootisilie* Since the 9th of June public worship has been held in a private house in Woodside, the Presbyterian minis- ters of Newark officiating. A weekly Prayer Meeting has also been sustained since the same date. A Sunday School was organized on the 16th of June, and its roll now includes 84 names* Application was duly made to Presbytery^ and a committee of Ministers and Elders was appointed to visit Woodside and organize a Church, which duty they per- formed on the evening of Monday, Sept. 23d* Seventeen members united at that time, seven others have signi- fied their intention of doing so, and it is thought the number will soon be increased to thirty* An eligible lot of nearly a half acre has been secured, and subscriptions, sufficient to pay for it, made by the residents. An appeal is now made to the Newark Churches for means with which to build a Chapel* $4,000 or $5,000 will be needed. The rapid growth and flattering prospects of Wood- side are well known in this community, and the import- ance of FIRST occupying this promising field can hardly be over estimated. Generous encouragement promptly extended will, under God's blessing, result in the speedy up-building of a much needed place of worship* PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, CARTERET STREET Tlie first church organized in the house of Mr. C. C. Hine C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 173 THE FIRST CHURCH OF WOODSIDE. The following "Annals of the First Presbyterian Church of Woodside" are copied from memoranda in Mr. Mine's handwriting: — "Woodside, Essex County, N. J. "June, 1867. "The first Public Worship held in Woodside was "at 8 o'clock on the Evening of Sunday, June 9, 1867, "in the house of Mr. C. C. Hine on Belleville avenue. "Rev. Wm. C. Scofield of the Central Presbyterian "Church, Newark, preached a stirring discourse from "the text, "What think ye of Christ?" "After the sermon it was announced that a Sun- "day school would be organized in the same place at "25/^ o'clock p. m. on the following Sabbath; and on "a vote to establish and maintain a Social prayer "meeting twenty hands were raised pledging attend- "ance. "At this date the village of Woodside is a mere "suburban settlement, containing some forty houses "that have all been built within the past sixteen "months (this, of course, refers to the Washington avenue neighborhood). The want of Church privi- "leges has been deeply felt, and this movement is de- "signed to supply that want, draw the people of "Christ together and build up a Church wherein and "whereby He may be honored and souls saved. "Saturday, June 8th, was a rainy day. The storm "continued furious over night and until after midday "Sunday. At sunset it was fair. Notice had been in- 174 WOODSIDE. ^'serted in the Newark evening paper, and on Sunday "afternoon forty-one houses were visited (by Mr. "Hine himself) and personal invitation extended. "About one hundred people assembled and the ac- "commodations were crowded to their utmost "capacity. "Wednesday Evening, June 12, 1867. "Twenty-five persons attended the first prayer "meeting to-night. Messrs. Hine, Teal, Bennett and "Pettit prayed — in the order written, and with sing- ling and remarks and reading a part of Luke 12th "the hour was profitably spent." MR. HINE'S HOUSE THE FIRST CHURCH BUILDING. The parlor of Mr. Hine's house was left unfur- nished; it was a room 15x25 feet and the arrange- ment was such that the hall and the "library" across the hall could be used as an overflow. He purchased benches for the main room and placed a speaker's table at the front end of the room, so that it com- manded the hall and beyond, as well as the parlor. A bell so heavy that it shook the entire house, when in use, was hung in the tower, and his eldest, who, though young, was a husky lad, recalls with many a smile how he used to shift those long, heavy benches to meet the varying requirements of the day, display- ing a species of muscular Christianity at this time which greatly pleased his sire, and how he would sit on the tower stairs and study his Sunday school les- son while he rang the bell for church or school. But not all were of so becoming a disposition, for C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 175 I am told that Mr. A. P. Scharff, who taught a class in Sunday school, called his scholars a "Band of Hope", as that was the only thing he could do for them. I very clearly recall being a member of the infant class — Class No. 9 — under Miss Hannah Teel of blessed memory, and seating myself with other in- fants on the ledge of a book case in the library. If ever there was a good woman and a faithful one, it was Miss Teel, who watched over that infant class for many years, and who was wholly unconscious that she was doing an3^hing more than her plain duty. That kindly face is indelibly impressed on the memory of many grown-ups who were once children of the infant class. Of Miss Teal an old-time neighbor says: "Her "memory is dear to all who were children in the early "seventies. She was a woman of much executive "ability and, in addition to her Infant Class in the "Simday school, she had a school for young children. "Her sway was mild, but firm, and she delighted in "teaching the little girls not alone the four necessary "branches and sewing, but also many gems of poetry "suitable for their young minds. In her home she was "the mainstay of the household." Three churches were organized in this house, which can truly be called the First Church of Wood- side: the Presbyterian, St. John's Episcopal, and the Dutch Reformed, the latter being formed after a split in the Presbyterian congregation. 176 WOODSIDE. A SPLIT IN THE PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATION. In organizing the first church the majority favored the Presbyterian denomination, and funds were col- lected for a church building, which was duly erected on Carteret street. The first minister was one Clar- ence Eddy, and he proved so very unsatisfactory that he was soon invited to resign. I believe that the gov- erning body of the Church had had occasion to cen- sure the reverend gentleman for something, and later found that the minutes containing the censure had been tampered with. This was the last straw, and Mr. Eddy was given an easy opportunity to vacate, as the following letter indicates: — "Woodside, N. J. "June 15, 1870. "Rev. Clarence Eddy. "Dear Sir — The undersigned, members of your "congregation, beg respectfully to express the belief "that a dissolution of your connection with the church "is, under existing circumstances, desirable. "We, therefore, earnestly request that you will "take early steps to consummate the separation; and "this we do in a spirit of kindness to yourself and of "regard for the church. We entertain no sentiment "of personal hostility towards you and desire the "separation to be made in such a manner as shall least "disturb your own feelings and interests, both profcs- "sional and private, and best conserve all the im- "portant relations involved." This letter was signed by forty-six members of the C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 177 church, including the families of Messrs. Hine, Nich- ols, Halsey, Swinncrton, Beach, Dovell, Blackwood, Harlan, Briggs, Smith, Snowdon, McDonald, White- head, Coeyman, Boyden, Slater, Madure, Carter, Snyder, Baldwin and Tompkins. Mr. Eddy refused to accept the gentle hint and it then became necessary to take the matter before the Newark Presbytery, which held several highly spiced meetings, and which finally decided that "we must support the poor minister", as one of the other "poor" ministers incautiously stated in public, and there was nothing left for those who had organized the church and erected the church building but to re- sign. The following, taken from a newspaper clipping, shows what the separation meant to the church. The writer, who merely signs with the initial D, states that of the $5,000 already paid on the church, less than $450 were paid by those who remained, while some $4,500 were raised and paid by those "who, from self respect, have been obliged to leave it", and more than two-thirds of the current expenses of the church were also paid by them. Personally I am just enough lacking in Christian charity to be pleased at the hole the Eddyites found themselves in, but that has long been a thing of the past and the bitter feeling then en- gendered is so completely forgotten that one who was in the front rank of the Eddyites can now say that "Mr. Hine was Woodside". :78 WOODSIDE. A PARTISAN. Mr. Daniel Halsey, who resided on Carteret street, at one time did business in Petersburg, Va., and it be- came the custom to have Mr. Halsey send to Peters- burg for a colored girl when any of his neighbors de- sired such help; thus there was gradually formed a small colony of Southern negroes, who were usually intensely loyal to their employers. One of these, a large, husky negress named "Milly", was employed by Rev. Mr. Eddy and thereby hangs a tale, as the story books say. Shortly after the split in the Presbyterian Church, and when the feeling was very bitter and the entire neighborhood was divided into "Eddjrites" and "Hineites", Mr. Hine had occasion to call on Mr. Eddy for some purpose and was conducted by that gentleman upstairs to his study. Two or three times during the interview Mr. Eddy, who was an extremely nervous man, thought he heard some one on the other side of the closed door and, excusing himself, got up to look out into the hall, but, seeing no one, resumed his seat. The conference over, Mr. Hine was shown out, and as Mr. Eddy re- turned to his study he saw standing in a niche near the head of the stairs his colored Milly, with a flat- iron in either hand and, as he approached she brandished her weapons, shouting as she did so: "Ah was ready for him ! Ah was ready for him !" ex- pecting, of course, there was to be a fight and recog- nizing her duty to her employer. Probably Mr. Hine C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 179 never knew how close he came that day to a broken head. Milly was one of the impulsive sort and, so far as her lights went, she lived up to them. Mrs. Perry tells how, when she used to stand on the comer of Lincoln and Elwood avenues, hesitating to engage the sea of mud which lay between her and home, and which was usually over shoe-top— the real, red, Jersey mud — Milly, when she happened to spy her beloved Sunday school teacher in this predicament, would rush from the Eddy back door to the comer, pick up the little woman, tuck her under her arm and carry her across the street as a child might carry a doll. It was of no use to resist; Milly was as large as a man and as strong as two. PIONEERING IN WOODSIDK. In these crude times many were the emergencies that arose, and much ingenuity was called into play to meet them, for between the Erie Railroad and that farce known as the street car, Woodside was almost as isolated as an island in mid ocean. Thus the mak- ing of a mistake that in these days would be a trifle was sometimes momentous in its consequences. This gave a certain pioneer flavor to the situation and made of the community one great family where neighbor was dependent on neighbor, and thus brought out and developed character that the present easy times do not call out, and men and women loomed large or small as they actually deserved. One of the small-sized emergencies which arose 180 WOODSIDE. had to do with a certain Sunday morning communion service in the Presb3rterian Church, and the situation was like this: — Mrs. Gumming had made objection to the use of wine at the communion, claiming that its very smell was intoxicating and its influence bad, and the dis- cussion that followed led to a resolve to try unfer- mented wine, which was then just beginning to be introduced. As a consequence Mr. John Maclure, at whose house the vessels used in the service were kept, and who had charge of the preparations for the service, made a special journey to New York to pur- chase a bottle of the unfermented wine. Mrs. Margaret Perry, a daughter of Mr. Maclure, tells how on the Sunday morning of this particular communion service, while she was practising the morning's music on the church organ and her father was preparing the communion table, she heard an exclamation of surprise, and looked up to ascertain the trouble. Mr. Maclure was a Scotch Presbyterian, and was necessarily limited in his Simday morning vocabulary, and there he stood in a momentary daze, and wholly unable to fit words to the situation, with a quart bot- tle in his hand which, instead of containing, as he had supposed, unfermented wine, was full of Carter's best black ink. The clerk in New York had wrapped up the wrong bottle. Imagine the desolation of the situation when, after inquiring of Mr. Hall, rector of St. John's, it was C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 181 learned that he had only just enough for his own com- munion service, and there was no other where to turn, for there was probably not a bottle of wine of any sort in the small community. But here was demonstrated the pioneer readiness to meet and conquer the unexpected. Mr. Maclure gathered his family about him and all repaired to his garden, where the grapes were just beginning to ripen, and while some gathered others pressed the fruit, and by straining the mass through cheesecloth enough "unfermented wine" was secured to meet the situation and save the day. PASTORS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Following Mr. Eddy came Dr. James Evans, who served for five or six years; then the Rev. James A. Trimmer, four to five years ; the Rev. Jos. W. Porter, five to six years; the Rev. Henry C. Van der Beek, who served nineteen years; during his pastorate the church was moved to Forest Hill. The present in- cumbent is the Rev. Frederick W. Lewis. SUNDAY SCHOOL IN THE ELLIOTT STREET SCHOOLHOUSE. Mr. Swinnerton writes that Mr. Hine did not favor the suggestion that another Sunday school be started when the subject was first proposed, as he was not willing to do anything that would appear like oppo- sition or that might cause damage to his first love, but there were sixty-odd children among the families that had left the Presbyterian Church, and they were soon clamoring for Mr. Hine. In the meantime the 182 WOODSIDE. trustees of the public school which had just been erected on Cottage, now Elliott, street, Messrs. Albert Beach, John C. Bennett and James Swinnerton, of- fered the use of the building for Sunday school pur- poses, and though Mr. Hine hesitated, they kept on with the work of organization and, when he fully ap- preciated the feeling, he yielded and, once his mind was made up, took hold in good earnest. FORMATION OF CHRIST CHURCH OF WOODSIDE. The Sunday school was naturally followed by a church organization, and the services of the Rev. John M. Macauley, who was then living in Belleville, were secured, Mr. Hine and Mr. E. A. Boyden being ap- pointed a committee for this purpose. As a burned child dreads the fire, it was but natural that the first thought was for a church organization independent of all denominational control but, this not appearing feasible, it was later decided that the Reformed Dutch Church would satisfy the larger number, and that denomination was adopted. The following, taken from the church books, shows the method of procedure and gives the names of those who were active: — "Woodside, N. J., May 16, 1871. "At a meeting held at the house of Mr. Charles C. "Hine, and composed of representatives from thirteen "families of the neighborhood, it was resolved to or- "ganize a Church Society. "After reading of the scriptures and prayer being C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 183 "offered by Revd. Dr. Macauley and Messrs. C. C. "Hine and H. H. Nichols, the meeting was formally "organized by the election of Horace H. Nichols as "Chairman and Jas. Swinnerton, Jr., as Secretary. "It was then voted to organize without a denomi- "national name or connection, and on the standard of "belief of the Presbyterian Church, and it was also "decided, by a full vote, to call the Society 'Christ "Church of Woodside', "A committee composed of H. H. Nichols, C. C. "Hine, £. A. Boyden and Jas. Swinnerton, Jr., was "appointed to post the legal notice and arrange a "meeting for the election of officers, etc. "The meeting then closed with prayer by Dr. "Macauley. "The persons present at the above meeting were: "Revd. Dr. Macauley, "Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Hine, "Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Nichols, "Mr. and Mrs. A. Beach, "Mrs. Callen, "Mr. L. Dovell, "Mr. Stent, "Mr. Warnock, "Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Higgins, "Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Boyden, "Mr. and Mrs. B. G. Blackwood, "Mr. Jno. I. Briggs, "Mrs. Miller, 184 WOODSIDE. "Mr. Dowling, "Jas. Swinnerton, Jr. "JAS. SWINNERTON, Jr., Secretary. "The following is a copy of a notice posted pur- "suant to vote of meeting held the i6th inst.: — "NOTICE! "Notice is hereby given that a meeting will be "held at 8 o'clock on the evening of Tuesday, May "30, 1871, at the house of Mr. Chas. C. Hine, in New- "ark, Essex Co., N. J., to complete the organization of "a church to be known as 'Christ Church of Wood- "side*. and to elect officers for the same and to "transact such other business in connection therewith "as may be necessary. Persons desirous of uniting "are requested to present their letters at that meet- "ing. "H. H. NICHOLS, "C. C. HINE, "JAS. SWINNERTON, JR., "E. A. BOYDEN, "Committee. "Woodside, May 18, 1871. "Woodside, May 30, 1871. "Pursuant to notice given, a meeting was held at "8 o'clock p. m. this day at the house of C. C. Hine, "Esq. "After prayer by Rev. Dr. Macauley, the meeting "organized by the election of Mr. H. H. Nichols as "Chairman and E. F. Higgins as Secretary. C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 18S "The notice calling the meeting was then read by "the Secretary and, after some discussion, a paper "was drawn up and signed by those persons present "willing to unite in the proposed Church organization. "The following is a copy of said paper and signa- "tures: — "We, the Undersigned, hereby organize ourselves "as a Christian Church, to be known as 'Christ Church "of Woodside', Essex Co., N. J., to be governed by "such standards and regulations as may be hereafter "adopted. (Signed by) — "H. H. NICHOLS, "MARY C. NICHOLS, "AMELIA F. NICHOLS, "C. C. HINE, "MARY H. HINE, "JANE A. AVERY, "B. G. BLACKWOOD, "R. T. BLACKWOOD, "E. A. BOYDEN, "JANE D. BOYDEN, "LOUIS DOVELL, "MRS. LOUIS DOVELL, "ALBERT BEACH, "MARIA A. BEACH, "MRS. G. B. CALLEN, "JAS. SWINNERTON, JR., "ELIZABETH E, SWINNERTON. "Messrs. C. C. Hine and E. A. Boyden were ap- "pointed a committee to secure additional signatures. 186 WOODSIDE. "It being thought desirable not to proceed further "in the organization until the report of the committee "had been received, the meeting adjourned to meet at "the same hour and place on Tuesday evening, the **6th day of June, 1871, "ELMER F. HIGGINS, "Secretary. "Woodside, June 6, 1871. "An adjourned meeting was held at 8 o'clock p. m. "at Mr, Mine's house and, after prayer by Rev. Dr. "Macauley, the officers of the last meeting presiding, "the minutes of the first and second meetings were "read by the secretary and approved. "Mr. Nichols reported having conferred with the •^Gentlemen interested in the Reformed Church, who "stated that they did not intend to locate in Wood- "side. "Mr. Boyden for Committee to secure additional "signatures, reported having seen several persons who "stated that they would attend this meeting if possi- "ble, and that some were present. "Mr. Hine then read a form of covenant which "was referred to a committee of three, consisting of "Dr. Macauley and Messrs. Beach and Blackwood, "for revision or amendment, who at once retired and, "after about fifteen minutes, returned. "Dr. Macauley reported that the committee "thought the paper remarkably well drawn up, but "that they would suggest that the clause reading 'that C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 187 "repentance to-ward God, faith in the Lord Jesus "Christ and assistance from the Holy Ghost are suffi- "cient to cleanse us from our sins and restore us to "fellowship with our God', be altered slightly in its "phraseology, which alteration would not materially "effect or change the meaning, as follows: 'That "through repentance towards God, and faith in our "Lord Jesus Christ, by the grace of the Holy Ghost, "we may be cleansed from our sins and restored to "fellowship with our God', which amendment being "accepted by Mr. Hine, this paper as amended was "adopted and reads as follows: — "In the fear of God and with a sincere desire to '^promote the cause of Christ and our own growth in "the divine life, we do now enter into covenant with "God and with one another in the formation of a "Church to be known as 'Christ Church of Woodside*, "the following being a brief summary of our belief. "We take the scriptures of the Old and New Testa- "ment as the only rule of faith and practice; we "avouch the Lord Jehovah to be our God and portion "and the object of our supreme love and delight ; the "Lord Jesus Christ to be our Saviour from sin and "death, our Prophet to instruct us, oiu: Priest to atone "and intercede for us, and our King to rule over, pro- "tect and enrich us, and the Holy Ghost to be our "Sanctifier, Comforter and Guide. "Unto this Triune God— Father, Son and Holy "Ghost — ^we do without reserve and in a covenant "never to be revoked, give ourselves to be his willing 188 WOODSIDE. ''servants forever, and in humble reliance on the Lord **Jesus Christ we promise to discharge our several "duties, in the closet, in the family and in the com- "munity, and also to attend upon the stated means "of Grace, the preaching of the Word and the ordi- "nances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. "We do humbly confess the total depravity of our "natures, the enmity of our hearts against God and "the manifold transgressions of our lives, but we be- "lieve, nevertheless, that through repentance toward "God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, by the grace "of the Holy Ghost, we may be cleansed from our sins "and restored to fellowship with our God; and as a "further expression of our faith and belief we adopt "the creed commonly known as the Apostle's Creed. "We do bind ourselves by covenant to this "Church, to watch over it in the Lord, to seek its "peace and edification, to submit to the discipline of "Christ as here administered and to strive together "for the support and spread of the gospel of our "Saviour in all ways as opportunity may be given us, "relying only upon Him who is able to keep us from "falling and to present us faultless before the pres- "ence of his glory with exceeding joy. "On motion of Mr. Beach, Messrs. H. H. Nichols, "C. C. Hine and B. G. Blackwood were elected as "Elders for one year. "Messrs. A. Beach, E. A. Boyden, E. F. Higgins, "Jas. Swinnerton, Jr., and L. Dovell were elected as "Trustees for one year. C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 189 "After prayer by Dr. Macauley the meeting ad- "journed. "ELMER F. HIGGINS, "Secretary, "Christ Church, Woodside, Newark, N. J., from "which the First Reformed Church of that place was "organized, held its first service of public worship in "the schoolhouse on the corner of the old Belleville "road and Cottage street, on the 19th of February, "1871, Rev. John M. Macauley, D. D., officiating. In "the following month — March 12, 1871 — Dr. Ray "Palmer and Rev. Mr. Strieby preached; with this "single exception Dr. Macauley continued to preach "there for two years. During this time a call, signed "by every member of the church not absent from "home at the time, was tendered to Dr. Macauley to "become the regular pastor of the church. "In September, 1872, the question of a denomina- "tional connection was decided in favor of the Re- "formed (Dutch) Church and application was made "to the classis of Newark for admission. This appli- "cation met favorable consideration and a committee "consisting of Revs. E. P. Terhune, D. D., J. P. "Strong, D. D., C. E. Hart, and Elders A. C. Wheaton. "James Browe, was appointed to visit Woodside and "organize the church in accordance with the regula- "tions of classis. "Woodside, October 30, 1872. "The committee appointed by classis to organize a "Reformed Church at Woodside assembled for that 190 WOODSIDE. "purpose Wednesday evening, October 30th, at the "schoolhouse. The exercises were opened by reli- **gious services. Rev. Dr. J. P. Strong preached a ser- "mon from Psahn Ixxxvii., 3d verse. '*After these services the committee proceeded to "receive the members, thirty-two in number, applying "to be organized as a church. "The organization was completed by the election "of Horace H. Nichols, Charles C. Hine and Baxter "G. Blackwood as Elders, and James Swinnerton, Jr., "Louis Dovell and £. A. Boyden as Deacons. "The following resolutions were adopted:— "Resolved, That the ordination of officers take "place on Sabbath, November 17, 1873. "Resolved, That the title of the church be 'Christ "Church, The First Reformed Church, Woodside'. "November 17, 1872, after morning service, and in "pursuance of previous action, the ordination of the "officers elected October 30th was taken up. Dr. Ma- "cauley officiating. Mr. Boyden having declined to act "as Deacon, Messrs. Dovell and Swinnerton were duly "ordained to that office, and Messrs. Blackwood, "Nichols and Hine as Elders." During the summer of 1872 arrangements had been made for the erection of a neat chapel on an elevated piece of ground on Washington avenue and work on the same commenced. The building was com- pleted during the following Spring and worship was begun therein on the 2d day of March, 1873. The house was dedicated shortly afterward (March gth). CHRIST'S CHURCH, WASHIXaTON AXD DF.LKVAN AVENUES Tile tirst ImililiHsr of this congregation and the third church to he nrgiiiiizefl in the house of Mr. C. C. Hine. Note the horse cars C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 191 Revs. Terhune, Strong, Abeel, Hart and the pastor, Dr. Macauley, taking part in the services. The stained glass used in this building was a Woodside production, made by George Laerter in a small place in the neighborhood of Washington avenue and Hal- leck street. DR. MACAULEY THE FIRST PASTOR OF CHRIST CHURCH. On the 5th of March, 1873, at a meeting attended by all the elders and deacons, it was resolved to re- peat the call to Dr. John M. Macauley, to become the settled pastor of the church. A committee was then appointed and instructed to proceed with that duty in conformity with the usages of the Reformed Church. The call was duly drawn up and, on the 31st of De- cember, 1873, a meeting, moderated by Rev. Dr. J. P. Strong, of Belleville, was held, at which the in- strument was completed and signed and ordered to be placed in Dr. Macauley's hands for approval prior to presentation at the next regular meeting of classis. DR. JOHN M. MACAULEY. On May 3, 1874, Dr. Macauley was installed pas- tor of the church. The Doctor was a man of rare edu- cation, a delightful companion with a brilliant mind and a forceful and graceful method of speaking; a pulpit orator of the old school, trained in gesture, word and manner as well as mind. Will Gumming, of the River road, then a young man studying law, and himself unusually clever, used to come regularly to the Sunday morning service in order to study the 192 WOODSIDE. Doctor's polished manner and language. The Doctor was one of the very few who could preach a long sermon and hold the close attention of his audience to the last word. TWO UNMENTIONABLES. After the Doctor came two who covered a period extending from 1881 to 1894, and concerning whom little that is agreeable can be recorded. However a search of the church records shows that on Decem- ber 8, 1888, a bill for fertilizing the church lawn was submitted by the pastor and ordered paid; thus we see that his labors were not all in vain. During this period the church building was moved from No. 215 Washington avenue to the present location and a par- sonage was erected in the rear. REV. ISAAC VAN WART SCHENCK. As is well known it is easier to get an old man of the sea on one's back than to get rid of him, but the spell was finally broken when, on August 13, 1894, a call was extended to the Rev. Isaac Van Wart Schenck, who proved to be the opposite in every re- spect of his two predecessors. Mr. Schenck was a whole-souled man who always gave his best to the church and he was greatly beloved by Mr. Hine. It is interesting to note that the first trolley car ran through Woodside on the first Sunday that Mr. Schenck preached in the church. REV. HENRY MERLE MELLEN. Mr. Schenck was succeeded by the Rev. Henry Merle Mellen in September, 1900, and, under his ad- CHRIST'S CHURCH. WASHINGTON AND DELEVAN AVENUES The scccjid clmrcli edifice of tliis coueresation. Erected 1906-7 C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 193 ministration, the present church edifice was erected, the success of this enterprise being largely due to Mr. Mellen's exertions. On December 6, 1903, the mortgage of $1,900 on the old church property was burned and the church cleared of all indebtedness. February 4, 1904, the question of erecting a new church edifice was publicly discussed by the congre- gation, and the minister was instructed to appoint a building committee of twenty members. March 10, 1904, the building committee met and organized with Judge Alfred F. Skinner as chairman, William B. Abbey as secretary, and George S. Bruen as treasurer. It was decided to limit the cost of build- ing and furnishings to $25,000. April 29, 1905, Charles G. Jones of Belleville was selected as architect. March 20, 1906, it was decided to move the old building to the back of the lot. April 12, 1906, ground was broken for the new building. June 14, 1906, the corner stone was laid under the auspices of the Classis of Newark. January 20, 1907, the new church was opened for worship. January 21, 1907, the building was dedicated. Memorial windows to the memory of Mr. C. C. Hine and Mrs. Mary H. Hine, to Mrs. Anna W. Hine and to the parents of Mr. Mellen, the minister, were placed in the building. 194 WOODSIDE. The cost of the new church complete was a trifle over $46,000. This brief outline by no means tells the story. As before stated, the inception of the church is due to the Rev. Henry Merle Mellen, and the raising of money was also largely due to Mr. Mellen's activity and unselfish devotion to the cause. The building committee was more than fortunate in its chairman and members, and the result of their work is an orna- ment to the locality. INCIDENTS OF THE EARLY DAYS OF THE CHURCH. During the very early days of the church on the hill, sexton Budd introduced his patent gasoline lamps for lighting purposes, and no doubt was proud of his accomplishment, but why the crazy things did not blow up the first time they were lighted is the chief mystery of the situation. As nearly as we can recall the outfit consisted of the ordinary glass font with a small metal tube at the top through which the vapor arose, which gave light when a match was applied. These did not stay long, for Mr. Hine, who was an insurance man, very shortly discovered their possibili- ties. The lighting of Christ Church was first accom- plished with kerosene lamps, there being no gas in the neighborhood then, except that made on the premises of Mr. Hine for his own house. It occurred to that gentleman that he could attach the church (which then stood on the lot adjoining his home) C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 195 to that same gas machine, and thus do away with the dim and troublesome kerosene burners. The idea was good, but the pumping machinery which forced the flow of gas through the pipes was inadequate for the extra work and, as a result, the pump must be wound up by hand two or three times during a Sunday evening. This usually fell to the lot of the small boys who did not go to evening service, they being strictly charged to visit the cellar every thirty minutes or so and do the necessary work; but small boys had a way of getting sleepy in those days, and there is a tradition that Mr. Hine, being warned by the gradual dimming of the lights, had to leave the church in a great hurry occasionally and operate the pump himself. THE CHURCH CHOIR. Mr. Hine was musical to his linger tips and found great enjoyment in the practice of the art. In his youth he composed a number of songs and ballads which were published in St. Louis. Naturally he had charge of the church music, and among the pleasantest experiences of his life were the choir rehearsals, and particularly was this the case when Mr. Jay Ten Eyck presided at the organ and the quartet choir consisted of Mrs. F. W. Schmidt, Mrs. Dr. J. E. Janes, Mr. Har- rison I. Norton and Mr. Hine. One who knew him well at that time has said that "he was just like a boy "going to a ball game when he came down to the "church on choir rehearsal nights", such was his en- thusiasm. 296 WOODSIDE. The selection and preparation of special music for Easter and other occasions gave him the most keen delight. At such times he would come home with an armful of carols and spend evening after evening try- ing them, usually with his flute, his daughter-in-law being at the piano. The possibilities were then taken up by the choir and the resulting music was reason- ably good, though considerable good natured fun was poked at the choir-master on one occasion, at least, when, after having labored earnestly over a long Easter Sunday anthem the domine immediately be- gan his prayer with, "Oh, Lord, we thank Thee that it is finished". Mr. Hine was notably successful with the Sunday school music, having a peculiar faculty for arousing the enthusiasm of children. His "Now, children!** brought prompt and complete attention from all, and he was so absorbed himself in the work and was so much a part of it that the children abandoned them- selves to his sway and responded with a gusto that made the singing of the school a great feature. WOODSIDE, 1868-9. Woodside was set off from Belleville in 1868 and lasted as an independent town just about two years. Again I fall back on Mr. Swinnerton, who was town clerk both years, for details. He says: — "When the new element came it found a lot of old- "timers, very glad to welcome us and to benefit by "the church and Sunday school privileges, but unwill- C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 197 "ing to spend any money for street or sidewalk bet- "terment. Belleville contained many of the same sort, "but there were some there who helped us secure our "set-off into a township." WOODSIDE TOWNSHIP. UNION TICKET. For Judges of Election, CHARLES AKERS. EDWARD P. SNOWDEN. HORACE B. NICHOLS. For Aaseasor, NATHANIEL J. CRANE, For Collector, JAMES 8. GAMBLE. For Town Clerk, JAMES SWINNERTON, JR. For Justice of tbe Peace, ELIAS OSBORN. For Town Committee, CHARLES AKERS. MILES I'ANSON, JOSEPH I. DOWLINO. HORACE CARTER, JOHN McMULLEN. For Commissioners of Appeal, JOHN C. BENNETT, EDWARD G. FAITODTE, JOHN I. BRIGGS. For Cbosen Freeholder, CHARLES AKERS. HORACE H. NICHOLS. 198 WOODSIDE. For Constables, JOHN BURKE, BETHDEL MDNN, PHINEAS M. SMITH. For Surreyora of HighwafS, TRUMAN H. ALDRICH, GEORGE K. HARRISON, JOHN 0. BENNETT. For Poand Keepers, NATHANIEL J. CRANE, JOHN C. BENNETT, JOHN I. BRIGGS. JOHN McDonald, GEORGE K. HARRISON. Boad Tax f4,000 00 School Tax, per child 8 00 Poor Tax 500 00 Dog Tax, aa the law allows. Incidental Expenses SOO 00 "The village had scarce gained its independence, "however, when it was saddled with a heavy debt in "the shape of bonds for the Midland (now Greenwood "Lake) Railroad. This made it imprudent to attempt "the raising of money for local improvements, but "the year Mr. Hine was on the Town Committee $4,- "000 was raised for street improvements and divided "between the five districts of River road, Washington "avenue. Back road, Bloomfield road and the cross "road in Woodside. Mr. Hine spent $600 in making "a gravel walk from the cemetery to Carteret street, "and gave the remaining $200 to General Cumming "for use on the Gully road. C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 199 "Our portion went to Soho (which appears to "have been then a part of Woodside). The others "stirred the ground a little, leaving the mud as deep "as ever." Woodside was an awful mud-hole in wet weather. The Town Committee met at night, usually in the house of Mr. Swinnerton, Town Clerk; none but the town officers attended these meetings. The two an- nual town meetings were held in a small hall on Wash- ington avenue, opposite the Morrison & Briggs car- penter shop; this hall burned later. Two or three informal meetings were held in a small carpenter shop standing in Mr. Swinnerton's yard, on the northeast corner of Elwood and Lincoln avenues (this was the first Morrison & Briggs shop). Here Woodside was given its present name. So far as can now be recalled the Town Commit- teemen were General Cumming, for the River road; Mr. Hine, for Washington avenue ; either Mr. Phillips or Mr. Faitoute, for Lincoln avenue; Charles Akers, for the Bloomfield road; "a fine, old Irish gentleman for Soho", and Joseph Dowling for the cross street. James S. Gamble was Treasurer. A WOODSIDE TRAGEDY. Possibly the only tragedy connected with Wood- side was the shooting of Albert D. Richardson on December 2, 1869. Mr. Richardson was a celebrated newspaper correspondent and an author of some note. He had traveled over a large part of the United States 200 WOODSIDE. and had settled in Woodside because of its rural beauty, having purchased the house built by Miles I'Anson, which now stands on Summer avenue, facing Chester. A Mrs. McFarland, who was later known to litera- ture as Abbie Sage Richardson, and who came of a good Boston family, married Daniel McFarland, the black sheep of a prominent New York family, and, after supporting him for a reasonable length of time, she secured a divorce. Mr. Richardson assisted her in establishing herself, and about this time McFar- land, while under the influence of liquor, met him in the office of the Tribune and shot him down. Rich- ardson was removed to the Astor House and lived for a week. He was a widower with three young chil- dren and, desiring Mrs. McFarland to look after them, he married her while on his deathbed. WOODSIDE AND THE STREET CAR. From the beginning and up to comparatively re- cent times Woodside has been compelled to make a continuous fight for proper street car service. The first car track laid extended from the ceme- tery to Orange street, where it met the track which had been laid in 1862 from Market street. There was but one car, and that was pivoted on the trucks so that, a king bolt being drawn, the body of the car was swung around while the trucks remained on the track — this instead of reversing the horses to the other end of the car, as was done later. About 1865 the tracks C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 201 were extended north through Woodside to Second river, to what was then known as "Flanigan's sta- tion", and for six years they went no further. It was many years before the Woodside section was treated as part of the main line, all sorts of bob- tail excuses being offered us. Cars would come as far as the "Pump" (cemetery), and there passengers could wait for the "bob-tail" or walk as they saw fit. There was no shelter against the winter's storm or shade from the summer sun. "Old Mose", who watered the horses at the pump, which stood just about where the Washington avenue sidewalk on the west now ends, was possessed of a movable bench which followed the shadows of the trees as the sun made its daily progress through the heavens, and this was the only spot whereon to rest our weary bones while waiting. Mose was a good natured old soul whom every one liked, and was as much of an institu- tion as was the old West-farm pump from which he drew the water for the horses. His "Now, William, let her propel", when it was time for a car to start, became a by-word. Naturally those living in Woodside were always grumbling at the poor car service furnished, and there was a constant fight with Mr. Battin, and later with Mr Barr, and many a delegation descended on the Board of Aldermen, and almost invariably its head and front was Mr. Hine who, while he loved peace, did not believe in peace at any price. The company's 202 WOODSIDE. charter required that all cars should run to the city line (Second river), and Mr. Hine, with his wonted energy, at once inaugurated an active campaign by writing to the papers as well as stirring up the City Fathers, and by dint of his "sticktoitiveness", as he called it, he won his point and the octopus was forced to loose his tentacles and be subject to the law gov> eming its agreements. In this connection a friend writes concerning Mr. Hine: "I remember, of course, his prominence in our "town meetings and meetings after Woodside became "annexed to Newark. He was the best speaker by "far in our section, and better versed in parliamentary "rules, so that he kept the meetings in better order "than they would otherwise have been. He had a great "faculty of leading people to state their views, thus "getting a subject well ventilated and adding much "interest to a meeting. In consequence of his great "ability for speaking he was always chosen leader of "our citizens' delegations whether to the City Fathers ''for better horse car facilities, or to the Erie Railroad "officials for improvements on that 'system'." NOTES ON MR. HINE'S CHARACTER. Mr. nine's character was of a grade not often met with. I was with him probably more than any one else, as for many years we came and went together morning and night and were closely associated during business hours, and I can in all truth say that never once have I heard him utter a word, even by implica> C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 20} tion, that could not have been uttered in any pres- ence, nor did I ever hear him gossip of his neighbors nor offer a criticism of any one not present except once, and that was so gentle that, had it come from another, it would have passed unnoticed. In this one case he referred to an erratic genius who played the church organ for many years, and who sorely tried his patience. But it must not be supposed that because of his gentle ways Mr. Hine could not fight. Nothing could stop him when a sense of duty impelled ; not even the fear of death — if he ever had any such fear. As an instance: When traveling for the Mtnai Insurance Company Mr. Hine, shortly after his marriage, and when a wife and baby were dependent on him, was sent to a town in Arkansas to establish an agency for the company, being instructed to select a certain man if he was found to qualify. They met and Mr. Hine, being satisfied, gave the man his commission as agent, but during the follow- ing evening he discovered that his new appointee had celebrated by getting drunk, and immediately con- cluded to take up the agency. Those acquainted with the man, however, insisted that he do nothing of the sort, stating that his agent was a fire eater, who would accept it as a personal insult and would shoot. Mr. Hine believed that only a coward carried arms and never did so himself, though he had been much in the Southwest and recognized the small value put 204 WOODSIDE. ; on life (this was about 1857 or 8). However he saw what he believed was his duty and, while admitting later that he faced the man with considerable fear of the consequences, he did face him, and as briefly and with as little sting as possible, stated his reasons for withdrawing the commission. Strange to say the "fire-eater" acknowledged the justice of the move and expressed himself as sincerely sorry at the outcome. Only the highest class of courage can compel a man to face such a situation. I once by chance heard him tell an individual him- self that he was either a knave or a fool, but neither knew that the remark was overheard, and Mr. Hine never again spoke of the matter so far as I know. He could tell the man himself, if necessity demanded it, but would never speak of it to others. His contempt for money, except for the good it could be made to do, was genuine and deep seated. His charities, considering his limited income, were boundless, as evidenced by his check stubs after his death. An examination of these showed merely that the $50 or $100 had gone to "an old friend", or were marked with the one word "charity". While in many cases money thus handed out was ostensibly loaned, Mr. Hine early learned never to expect its return, and he was seldom disappointed. One of his pet aphor- isms, "gratitude is a lively sense of favors to come", was frequently applied to this situation. The fact that he was imposed on and defrauded by C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 205 charity fakirs time and again never made any differ- ence; the next time he would take chances rather than run the risk of not helping where help was needed. He often said that "he could swallow any- ting he could get through his shirt collar", and his shirt collar was a mighty easy affair, as many "a friend in need" discovered. On the other hand, no matter how much it might curtail his income by antagonizing a customer, he would hit every head in sight if he thought it deserved it, and he knew how to hit — none better. He had a way of grasping a situation and clarifying its follies or crooked features that was at times merciless. As before stated, Mr. Hine's opportunities for school education were limited in his youth. On the other hand, his knowledge was almost universal. How he kept abreast of the times as he did was a mystery, even to his own family, for he had no time to read, beyond his morning and evening paper be- tween home and office. His evenings, when not filled with church matters, were largely taken up by those who were ever calling on him for help and who never went away without receiving the best he had to give, whether they were young or old, or the poorest of the poor. He would explain a matter to a child with as much courtesy and patience as to an adult. On one occasion when he was confined to the house with some slight indisposition a small girl appeared at the back door with a straggling bunch of field flow- 206 WOODSIDE. ers in her hand and handed it in with the simple mes- sage, "Tell Mr. Hine that I love him". Hardly any- thing could have touched the recipient more deeply, and yet that small girl voiced a sentiment that was al- most universal among those who knew him best. Mr. Hine was as punctilious in doing for his own boys as for the church, and while he believed in mak- ing them earn those things they desired, that they might the more fully appreciate them, he always stood by his agreements, not only in letter but in spirit. His idea seems to have been to make the boy feel sat- isfied that he had been given a square deal. Possibly one or two small instances will do no harm here: — One of the boys once saw a velocipede in a New- ark store that he thought he wanted, and began to save his money for that purpose. As I recollect it, the machine was to cost $12. In the meantime the father saw one in New York for $10 that looked to him just as good, and told the youngster about it, and announced that he would bring it out. On arrival it proved to be a size or two smaller — a $10 size — and the boy was disappointed, but instead of telling him it was just as good, he seemed to get down to the lad's level and appreciate that it was a matter of impor- tance to him, and he made good without a hint of grumble at the extra trouble involved in taking the machine back and bringing out the larger one, and he paid the added $2 himself. He had said he could get one just as good for less money. He seemed to expect C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 20? no particular thanks, merely giving the impression that he was only doing what he had agreed to do. Mr. Hine's eldest was probably born with a streak of tar in his composition, for he has been an ancient mariner ever since I first knew him. No sooner was the boy large enough to run around a bit than he wanted a row boat on the river; but his father promptly responded to such a proposition with, "No, young man ; not until you can swim across the river", evidently in the belief that this was still some seasons off. But the lad wanted the boat, and the moment he could stand the temperature he was in the river, and generally several times a day (his mother never sus- pected how often), and by hard work and much per- sistence he managed to get the hang of the thing long before the summer was out, and one day announced that he could swim across the river and wanted the boat. Naturally his father was a bit incredulous, but they went to the water's edge, and while the elder hired a boat at the Point House, the son retired to the privacy of the Melius dock and stripped for the ordeal. His clothes were put in the boat and the two started, and you can be sure that the father kept close by in case of accident, but there was none, and the boy got across all right. Then his father asked if he could swim back, and he said he would try, and did. No sooner were his clothes on again than he said: "Now, can I have that boat?" and quite as promptly 208 WOODSIDE. came the answer, "Yes; we will go down town now and get it". There was no quibbling or hesitation or delay, and no matter how the father may have felt in allowing his small son to have a boat, he had given his word and that settled it, and within the hour the lad was rowing up the river in his own boat, as proud as any small boy could be and without any idea of the situation except that both parties to the bargain had lived up to it. His methods of punishment were usually well fitted to the occasion. I still recall one instance with a clarity of vision that omits no detail. Mr. Hine was left in charge of the Winser premises during the ab- sence of that family in Europe and, during that por- tion of the year when "sling shots" are in vogue, a group of young highwaymen, of which the younger two hopefuls of the Hine family were members, thought it was fine fun to sling stones between the blinds of the Winser house, then vacant, and hear the glass smash. But one day Mr. Hine dscovered what was going on, and appointed himself a committee of one to investigate. He made no fuss whatever — ^just said we would have to replace the glass. It made no difference that others besides ourselves had helped in the mischief; if the others would help to pay for it that was all right, but none of his affair. Of course few of the other boys could see the thing from our point of view, and it took just about all of our little hoard, which had almost reached the point where we C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 209 could purchase a greatly desired printing press, to pay for the damage. It was a cruel blow, but we never broke any more glass. Mr. Hine, just as a matter of course, did any little thing he could for friend or neighbor; it never oc- curred to him to hesitate when he saw the oppor- tunity. When the matter of a station agent was first being agitated for the Woodside stop on the Newark branch of the Erie, one who thought he wanted the job fixed up a petition and went to the depot one morning to secure the signatures of such commuters as he knew. Seeing Mr. Hine and hoping for his name to head the list, he offered the paper to him, asking that he sign it if he approved. After reading Mr. Hine not only signed, but himself took the paper to every man pres- ent and insisted that each one sign, responding to those who objected that they did not know the young man, that he did, and had known him almost all his life, and knew he was safe to indorse. The result was that twice as many signatures were secured from that group as were hoped for. It was a small thing, but the prompt and hearty way in which it was done made it a benediction, and that man still thinks of Mr. Hine with pleasure and likes to tell why. MRS. MARY HAZARD AVERY HINE. Mrs. Mary Hazard Avery Hine was born in Westport, Conn., January 29, 1821. Her parents re- moved to the West when she was a young woman, 210 WOODSIDE. and she met Mr. Hine in St. Louis, Mo., and there married him. Mrs. Hine was educated in New Ha- ven, receiving the best schooling which that city could give a girl eighty odd years ago, and she grew up un- der favoring circumstances. She was a woman of fine mind and great breadth and strength of character, and a recognized leader. Mrs. Hine was the third president of the Y. W. C. A. of Newark, and remained at its head through the many trying years of its youth, and when it was a very different institution from the present and very differently managed. She was also for many years president of the New Jersey branch of the Women's Indian Association, and one of its most active mem- bers. Nearer home she organized and conducted a Zenana Mission Band which, in itself, would have been considered work enough by most women and, in addition, she carried on a large Bible class in the Sunday school — all this without interfering in the least with her household duties, which she was slow to delegate to others. THE ZENANA MISSION BAND. The Zenana Mission Band, which was started by Mrs. Hine, became quite an institution, with its bi- weekly meetings and annual fair, which were held in the home at 209 Washington avenue. Just when it was begun, or how, I am unable to state, but it was many years ago, and the meetings were only stopped C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 211 when advancing years compelled Mrs. Hine to give up the responsibility. The meetings began early in the fall and lasted the day out. These continued until a fair was given during the following May or June, at which time the entire lower floor of the house was stripped of its furniture and devoted to the event. Tables and booths for the sale of all manner of articles, from em- broidery to ice cream, being erected in every avail- able corner. Mrs. Hine designed the embroidery patterns used and both she and Miss Avery, being expert with the needle, began the pieces and set the pace for the others, they having been brought up at a time when household duties and the finer uses of the needle were a part of every girl's education. Some of those with whom I have talked look on the educational value to those who came to these meetings as possibly the more important feature, believing that many of the young women who attended would never otherwise have had their taste and skill for such work developed, for the embroidery was most rich and elaborate, re- quiring exceedingly careful manipulation. When the fair fell on rainy times and the fancy goods did not go off as desired Miss Avery would take a bundle of the best to New York and there dispose of the articles among her friends, for just about so much money was wanted to send out to India each year, and if it did not come it must be gone after. 212 WOODSIDE, MISS JANE A. AVERY. In this connection I cannot forbear from a brief word concerning Miss J. A. Avery, Mrs. Hine's sis- ter and aid in all good works. Miss Avery was one of the most lovable persons I have ever met, her self- sacrificing spirit and constant thought of others being most marked. And with a saintly spirit she had an attractive personality quite beyond the ordinary. She has been compared to a bit of delicate Sevres china, and possibly that is as good a comparison show- ing her daintiness as could be made, but Miss Avery was something more than merely attractive; her de- votion to any duty in hand was such that she never had a thought of fear, nor did she allow the discom- fort of pain to interfere. Before the day of trained nurses she was caring for an uncle — ^Judge Edward Avery of Massillon, Ohio — ^who required constant at- tention, and while so engaged the bones of one foot were crushed by the falling of a heavy iron. The doctor insisted that she must not stand on this foot, but this injunction she felt it was impossible to obey, and made that same doctor whittle out a thin board and bind it to the injured foot, and thus she hobbled about in constant pain, but giving the unremitting at- tention required by her patient. One who knew Miss Avery well for many years writes that she "was one of those rare characters whose "mission it is to bring comfort and cheer to their fel- **lows. She was one of those large natures of whom C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 213 "Goethe says, 'They impress not by what they do, " 'but by what they are'. "Wherever she went she was welcome; she had "the remarkable faculty of seeing at a glance what "was needed, and without a word doing the right "thing, the wonderful gift of tact which, with a lov- "ing nature, makes the possessor a tower of strength. "So winning was her personality that she made friends "wherever she went, and always said laughingly that "she could travel all over Europe with only her "mother-tongue." It is impossible at this date to go into details con- cerning all those who were active during the early days of this period, but there are a few in regard to whom I have been able to secure some bits of in- formation. MR. HORACE H. NICHOLS. Mr. Horace H. Nichols was a man who left his impress on all those who came in contact with him. Mr. Nichols was a carpenter and builder in Newark before his removal to Woodside. He secured the con- tract for fencing the cemetery and that brought him this way, and the beauties of the country gave him a longing to turn farmer, and so he bought a consid- erable tract here in 1846, and in 1852 built the white house which still stands back from the road. Here he started the growing of fruit, and was very success- ful, as many of us can testify. Mr. Nichols had the character of a saint and. 214 WOODSIDE. while not an aggressive man, was alwajrs ready "to dig down in his jeans" whenever the church called for help, and was ever looking for the opportunity to do his share — rather an unusual trait. REMINISCENCES OF MR HENRY J. WINSER Mr. Henry J. Winser was not with us during much of the very early period, owing to his appoint- ment as consul at Sonneberg, Germany, during the eight years when Grant was President, and also through the term of President Hayes, and he had little oportunity for local activity. Mr. Winser's earliest experience in the War of the Rebellion was as military secretary (with the rank of first lieutenant) to Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth, whose blood was the first shed in the war. The friendship with Ellsworth began in 1855 when he came to New York, a youth of seventeen, from his home in Saratoga County, hoping to be appointed as cadet to West Point. In this, however, he was disap- pointed, as the politicians desired the places for their friends' sons. He then began the study of law in Chicago, but also kept up his study of the art of war and, becom- ing impressed with the tactics of the French Zouaves during the Crimean War, and being well known in military circles in Chicago, it was an easy matter for him to form a company. This was organized as the Ellsworth Zouaves, and was composed of the flower of the youth of Chicago. C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 215 The fame of the "Chicago Zouaves" had become so widespread that a year or two before the war Ells- worth was asked to bring his men East, and so great was the enthusiasm over their exhibition that Colonel Ellsworth's methods were soon widely copied. At the time of Mr. Lincoln's election to the Presidency Ellsworth was employed in his law office. He accompanied him to Washington and remained near the President during the unsettled period which followed the inauguration. He was among the first to obtain a military commission from President Lincoln, and was sent to New York with instructions to form a regiment from the ranks of the Volunteer Fire Department of the city in the shortest possible time. Mr. Winser was impressed into the service on this occasion. In a very short time Ellsworth had twelve- hundred men enlisted and mustered into the service of the United States under the call for three months' volunteers, and in the extraordinarily brief period of three weeks from the time he arrived in New York he marched at the head of a thousand well-equipped men to the steamship at the foot of Canal street. On reaching Washington this body of raw recruits was at first given quarters in the Capitol building, owing to lack of camp equipage. There were many anomalous things connected with the organization of the volunteer forces in the early stages of the war, and not the least anomalous 216 WOODSIDE. was the fact that Ellsworth appointed Mr. Winser his military secretary, with the rank and uniform of first lieutenant. The advance into Virginia had been determined upon and instructions were given to embark at two o'clock in the morning for Alexandria. Ellsworth then entered the tent which he and Mr. Winser shared and asked the latter to get some sleep while he finished his final arrangements. Then it was that he wrote that brief, but pathetic letter to his parents which drew tears from many unaccustomed eyes after it was pub- lished. The letter is in an old scrapbook of Mr. Winser's, and reads as follows: — "Headquarters First Zouaves, "Camp Lincoln, Washington, May 23, 1861. "My dear Father and Mother: — "The regiment is ordered to move across the river "to-night. We have no means of knowing what re- "ception we shall meet with. I am inclined to the "opinion that our entrance to the city of Alexandria "will be hotly contested, as I am just informed that a "large force has arrived there to-day. Should this "happen, my dear parents, it may be my lot to be in- "jured in some manner. Whatever may happen, cher- "ish the consolation that I was engaged in the "performance of a sacred duty, and to-night, thinking "over the probabilities of the morrow and the occur- "rences of the past, I am perfectly content to accept "whatever my fortune may be, confident that He who C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 217 "noteth the fall of a sparrow will have some purpose "even in the fate of one like me. My darling and ever- gloved parents, good-bye. God bless, protect and care "for you. ELMER." Just as daylight was breaking on the morning of the twenty-fourth of May, the steamers carrying the Ellsworth Zouaves arrived at Alexandria. The com- mander of the sloop-of-war Pawnee, which lay off Alexandria, had already proposed terms of submission which had been accepted by the city, and it was sup- posed that there would be no resistance to the occu- pation of the town. The following is Mr. Winser's account of what oc- curred : — "Ellsworth was the first to land, and then Company 'E, Captain Leveridge, formed upon the wharf. With- *out waiting for the remainder of the regiment to dis- 'embark the Colonel gave some hurried instructions 'for interrupting the railroad communication and, 'calling to me, said: 'Winser, come with me to the ' 'telegraph office. It is important to cut the wires.* 'Mr. E. H. House, correspondent of the New York 'Tribune, had accompanied the expedition, and he and 'the Rev. E. W. Dodge, chaplain of the regiment, who 'were standing near, asked if they might go with us. 'We had gone only a few paces when I suggested to 'Ellsworth that perhaps it would be well to take a 'squad of men as an escort. He assented at once and *I soon overtook him with a sergeant and four men 218 WOODSIDE. "from Company A. We ran up the street for about "two blocks on a double-quick in the supposed direc- "tion of the telegraph office, meeting a few sleepy- "looking people on the way. The Colonel at this mo- "ment caught sight of a large Confederate flag which "had just been raised above the roof of a building ap- "parently two or three blocks distant to the left. He "at once said: 'Boys, we must have that flag!* and "told the sergeant to go back and tell Captain Coyle "to follow us with his entire company. "Not heeding the mission to the telegraph office "for the moment, we pushed on toward the building "with the flag flying over it and found it was the "Marshall House, an hotel of second-class grade. As "we rushed into the open door the Colonel called out "to a man in shirt and trousers who was entering the "hallway from the opposite side: 'What flag is that "over the roof?' The fellow looked neither surpised "nor alarmed at the irruption of armed men, and an- "swered, doggedly as I thought: 'I don't know any- "thing about it ; I am only a boarder here.* Without "further parley the Colonel ran up the long winding "stairway to the topmost story, the rest of us follow- "ing closely. It did not take long to find the attic "room, whence opened a skylight with the flagstaff "within easy reach, and the large flag was soon upon "our heads. "I passed it down to the men below, and as I got "off the ladder I saw the Zouaves tearing off pieces as C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 219 "mementoes of the exploit. This I stopped, saying "that the flag must not be mutilated, but must be pre- "served as a trophy. The entire occurrence could "not have occupied more than a couple of minutes. I "was busy rolling the long flag over my arm when "Ellsworth turned to the stairway holding one end of "the flag. He was preceded by Private Francis E. "Brownell, of Company A. Mr. House and Chaplain "Dodge were close beside him, and I was a few steps "behind, still rolling the flag on my arm as compactly "as possible. There were two men in the attic room "whom we had not noticed at first in our eagerness to "get down the flag. They arose in great bewilderment "to witness our deed and were almost fully dressed. "They had, however, no connection with the tragic "event. "In the order I have mentioned we began our de- "sccnt of the broad, winding stairway. My attention "was too much occupied in managing the bulky flag to "know by actual observation precisely what hap- "pened in the first instant of the lamentable tragedy. "I heard the clash of weapons and at the same mo- "ment the report of two guns, with so imperceptible "an interval between that it might have been taken "for a single shot. I saw Ellsworth fall forward at "the foot of the first flight of stairs, and I saw Brown- "ell standing on the landing near the turn to the sec- "ond flight, make a thrust with his bayonet at the tot- "tering form of a man which fell headlong down half "the second flight of stairs. No explanation of what 220 WOODSIDE. "had happened was needed. As Brownell reached the "first landing place, after the descent of a dozen steps, "a man rushed out and, without noticing the private "soldier, leveled a double-barreled gun squarely at "Ellsworth's breast, Brownell said that he made a "quick pass to turn the gun aside, but was not suc- "cessful, and the contents of both barrels, slugs or "buckshot, entered the Colonel's heart, killing him in- "stantly. He was on the third step above the landing "when he received the shot, and he fell forward in "that helpless, heavy manner which showed that every "spark of life had left his body ere he reached the "floor. The murderer's fingers had scarcely pressed "the triggers of his weapon when Brownell's rifle was "discharged full in the centre of his face, and as he "staggered to his fall the shot was followed by a bayonet "thrust of such force that it sent the man backward "down the upper section of the second flight of stairs, "where he lay for hours afterward with his face to "the floor and his rifle beneath him. This man proved "to be James T. Jackson proprietor of the Marshall "House, and I fully recognized him as the person we "had met as we entered the house. "We were dazed for a few seconds at the shocking "calamity, but we rallied, not knowing how soon we "should be called upon to defend our own lives. There "were only seven of us, and Mr. House was unarmed. "The noise and confusion of the last few moments "had aroused the sleepy household, and we saw that C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 221 "in point of numbers we were in a small minority. I "stationed the three Zouaves at points commanding "the approaches to the passages converging on the "stairway where we stood, and directed that the first "man who showed himself in the passages should be "shot down. The occupants of the rooms in our im- "mediate vicinity were gathered together in a single "apartment and Brownell, who had reloaded his rifle, "was placed as guard over them with instructions to "shoot the first man who should evince a hostile dis- "position. The Chaplain and I searched the story "above, finding only the two men whom I have before "mentioned as being in the attic room when the flag "was cut down; these we led down and put in "Brownell's custody. Mr. House, meanwhile, had "kept watch that no one approached us from the story "below. These defensive measures were only the "work of a minute or two. "We next turned our attention to our dear friend, "the Colonel, whose life-blood had literally deluged "the hedlway. If we had not been too sadly sure that "he was beyond the reach of any aid we could offer "there would not have been even the slight delay there "was ere we raised him from the floor. Mr. House and "I lifted him up tenderly and laid him upon the bed in "a room that was vacant. His uniform was so "drenched with blood that it was almost impossible "to discover the exact location of his wound. Un- "fastening his belt and unbuttoning his coat we found 222 WOODSIDE. "that the murderous charge had penetrated his left "breast, taking into the wound much of the clothing, "making a cavity almost large enough to insert a "clenched hand. Poor fellow! We washed the stains "from his face, which was beautiful in death — the ex- "pression of the handsome features not at all changed, "except by the pallor, from that which his friends "knew so well in life, and we composed his body, over "which we laid the Confederate flag which had so long "waved in defiance within sight of the White House, "feeling that its use in this way purified it." The sword which Ellsworth wore at the time of his murder was given to Mr. Winser and is still in the possession of the family. Mr. Winser was at the battle of Cold Harbor and had his horse shot under him. After the battle, during the night, a rifle ball lodged in the tent pole directly over his head, so low down that it must almost have passed through his hair, but so exhausted was he that he was all unconscious that death had been so near. During the Draft Riots in New York, in July, 1863, Mr. Winser was in command of the battery which protected Printing House Square. He also did ef- fective work in communicating with the authorities on Governor's Island, and although he was a marked man owing to his connection with the New York Times, he went fearlessly about the city looking after his friends in the sections where a reign of terror had set in. C. C. KINE AND HIS TIMES. 223 Mr. Winser was once made prisoner of war by Gen. Thomas W. Sherman, who was in command at Beaufort, S. C. Mr. Winser had criticised his methods in a letter to the Times. This so angered the General that he caused his arrest, sending him on board the Arago, which was just leaving for New York, without permitting him to communicate with any of his friends. The publication of the affair resulted in Mr. Winser's reinstatement at headquarters in South Carolina. Mr. Winser was with Farragut at New Orleans, as a representative of the Times. In those days the means of communication were exceedingly slow, and Mr. Winser, recognizing the value to his paper of such a "scoop" as the first news of this important event would be, rowed down the Mississippi from Fort Jackson to the Gulf, where he found a schooner bound for Key West. This he boarded, and reached his destination a few hours ahead of the steamer from Havana, Cuba, which touched here for mail and pas- sengers on its way to New York. Thus the New York Times had an account of the bombardment and surrender of Forts Jackson and Phillip three days in advance of any other journal. This was considered the greatest "beat" ever known in the history of journalism. It was not only the means of giving the news to the country, but was also the first intimation that the government itself re- ceived of the success of the fleet. Mr. Winser re- turned to New Orleans and was there during the But- 224 WOODSIDE. ler regime and chronicled the General's achievements for his paper. Mr. Winser was also present at the meeting of Grant and Lee under the famous apple tree to arrange for the surrender of the Confederate Army. He was one of the commissioners for the exchange of prisoners from Andersonville, and his reports of the condition of the men were most harrowing. When the famous Butler-Porter controversy oc- curred in 1889, it was Mr. Winser who was able to prove that Butler's charges against Porter were un- true. When Mr. Winser sent his report of Farragut's passage of the forts below New Orleans (as narrated elsewhere), fearing there might be a miscarriage, he wrote a second account which was forwarded by the same steamer that carried the letters of other newspa- per correspondents. This latter manuscript was re- turned to him and hence, when Admiral Porter wrote, asking him if he remembered the circumstances of the sudden order from Captain Porter to the flotilla to cease firing and return, Mr. Winser was able to give a transcript of the affair from his manuscript letter. It was a great grief to Mr. Winser that General Butler should have placed himself in so unpleasant a position, for he had valued him as a friend and sol- dier, and was most reluctantly brought into the con- troversy. When he settled in Woodside Mr. Winser was city WOODSIDE AS GOD MADE IT Picture taken about 1885 from a Washington Avenue backyard. Looking south across the tields toward the Passaic C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 225 editor of the Times and was deep in the investigation of the Tweed Ring. This work was so exacting that he had no time even to attend to his own private af- fairs, and paid Uttle attention to Woodside politics, except in one instance. During the first year of Woodside's independence there were no politics; no salaries attached to any of the offices, and consequently the good men were al- lowed to fill them. But by the time the second annual election approached there were a few soreheads who joined themselves unto the scattering Democrats and the house was divided against itself. This necessitated some electioneering, which was undertaken by Mr. Winser and Mr. Theodore G. Palmer, who went the rounds of the district canvass- ing for votes. The result was overwhelmingly Re- publican and eminently satisfactory. Mr. Winser broke down in January, 1869, and was told by the doctors that he must stop night work. He was advised by a friend to apply to General Grant for a consular position, and Sonneberg was suggested for its beauty of location and the wide field it offered for consular and other work, as it was the largest con- sulate in Germany. Mr. H. J. Raymond, of the New York Times, was bitterly opposed to this and refused to help in any way, declining even to write introductions to his po- litical friends in Washington or to request their aid in the appointment. Mr. R. said: "I do not want 226 WOODSIDE. you to leave the Times and I shall in no way help you in your desire." But after Grant's inauguration Mr. Winser wrote, asking for the Sonneberg post, and his was the first appointment made after March 4, 1869. Secretary of State Hamilton Fish was a friend of Dr. Cox, father-in-law of Mr. Winser, and knew his (Mr. Winser's) record as a journalist, and this doubt- less was a help. Mr. Winser's appointment was re- garded as most remarkable, in that politics and pressure had nothing to do with it. Grant made it because he was a personal friend and the State De- partment probably sanctioned it because, in the ap- plication, Mr. W. said that he spoke three languages and referred to his Times editorials upon political matters. While consul at Sonneberg Mr. Winser was ap- pointed by the United States Government, Commis- sioner to the World's Fair at Vienna in 1873. When Mr. Winser returned from Sonneberg in 1873, intending to resign, Mr. Fish urged him to re- consider his decision and return to his post to go on with the work he had done for the government. Mr. Winser was the first American officer to look into the emigration from Germany. He stopped the deportation of criminals from Germany to this coun- try. He was the first man to study the forestry sys- tem in Germany, the consulate being in the centre of the forestry department of the country. Knowing the C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 227 language thoroughly and being persona grata in high official circles he had access to all departments. He wrote a most exhaustive report on the "Forests and Forest Culture of Thuringia", which was sent to the State Department on November 28, 1873, and is in the "Commercial Relations" of 1873. So valuable was this report deemed by the State Department that it was printed as a separate pamphlet and sent to every newspaper in the country. In his report Mr. W. urged upon this country the necessity of cultivat- ing and preserving its forests, as the time would come when care would be needed for their conservation from an economic point of view, for the supply of timber and for the effect they produced upon the climate, rainfall, etc. The press of this country, one and all, hailed the report with derision, it being regarded as ridiculous that this great country with its primeval forests and its vast area of timber land could ever be depleted. Even the Times feared that Mr. Winser's four years* residence in a little country like Germany had dwarfed his ideas. Twenty years later when the country became alarmed concerning the fearful devastation then go> ing on throughout its forests men were rushed to Germany to learn its art of forestry. Mr. Winser sent the government the first transla- tion of the new German tariff. It was received from the Coburg Minister of State within an hour after 228 WOODSIDE. he received it from the Imperial Government, and permission to keep it for twenty-four hours was given. At 9 a. m. Mr. and Mrs. W. sat down, after giving directions that they were not to be disturbed, and at 8 p. m. the work was finished, they dividing the pamphlet book in half and each working inde- pendently of the other. This feat created a sensation at the State Department and at the Consulate General at Frankfort. Mr. Winser had taken the precaution to notify the State Department that the voluminous matter had left Coburg on a certain date. He also wrote the Consul General, through whose office all documents were forwarded, that he had done this, so that no detention could be possible on the way. It was a fortunate thing that this was done, as the Con- sul General wrote he was sorry that he could not keep the document for a few days that he might get "some points". He wanted to know how it was pos- sible for Mr. W. to obtain the law before it had been given to the public. Mr. Winser also sent the first translation of the new laws concerning the Rinderpest to the govern- ment. On Mr. Winser's return from Germany he was ap- pointed, by Mr. Henry Villard, Chief of the Bureau of Information of the Northern Pacific Railway. In this capacity he inspected all the coimtry tributary to the railroad, writing many pamphlets on the resources of the far West. He also wrote concerning the Yellow- stone Park and its wonders. C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 229 He was in charge of the foreign guests at the cele- bration of driving the last spike of the railroad. Later he became assistant editor of the Commercial Adver- tiser, and then became managing editor of the Newark Daily Advertiser. Just before his death he prepared the history of Trinity Church, Newark, on the oc- casion of the sesqui-centennial celebration. For nine years he was clerk of the vestry. Mr. Winser was one of the charter members of the "Monks of the Passaic", a literary organization affili- ated with the "Monks of the Meerschaum" in Philadel- phia. Mr. Winser, Mr. Noah Brooks and Prof. Byron Matthews organized "The Wednesday Club", which has become one of the best-known literary clubs of Newark. He was a life member of the New Jersey Historical Society. Mr. Winser's church and other connections in Woodside are referred to elsewhere. MR. JAMES SWINNERTON. Mr. James Swinnerton, to whom I owe more than to any other one man for material covering this period, was a member of Swinnerton Bros., manufac- turing jewelers in Newark. He removed to Wood- side in 1866, being one of the very first of the new element. Mr. Swinnerton immediately assumed a promi- nent place in the community, being town clerk during both the years of local independence and taking a fore- 230 W00D5IDE. most position in church and Sunday school develop- ment. So well satisfied were the voters with his work as town clerk that when the second annual election was held, and an opposition ticket was put in the field, he received 185 of the 193 votes cast for that office. Mr. Swinnerton has a natural antiquarian bent and, as a consequence, has preserved many memorials and a \nvid memorj' of the past, and such of these as relate to Woodside he has freely put at my disposal, throwing light into many a dark comer, MR. ALBERT BEACH. Mr. Albert Beach was bom in Newark and moved to the Bartholf farm on the old Bloomfield road about 1865, He was a kindly man and had a number of boys who were alwajrs ready to help along any mischief in which we were interested, and as Mr. Beach himself was much interested in the church we were quite neighborly, boy and man. And then all bo>'s appreci- ated Mrs. Beach, who was one of those who sensed the fact that a boy's heart lay nest his stomach, and who immediately established close relations with both. The Beach house was ovemm with boys a goodly portion of the time, and they were not all Beach bovs, either, GEN. GILBERT W. GUMMING. General Gilbert W. Gumming lived on the River road in the old Stimis house The General's prop- erty came down to the swamp where we bo}*s learned C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 231 to skate, and his rail fence was a great temptation when a fire was wanted, which was mostly all the time. It is still well remembered how, on such occa- sions he would come charging down the hill "spitting blue sparks". The General's habit of language was ac- quired in the army, apparently, and it generally sounded as though the army was in Flanders at the time; certainly it was of the p5M:otechnic order, and no one could well blame him with such an inciting firebrand as his rail fence became. He was a thor- oughly good man, however, and while he had the reputation of being somewhat crusty and quick tem- pered, he could be quite genial when all things worked together for peace. "He was an old-fashioned lawyer of the Abe Lincoln school." The General was born March 12, 18 17, of Scotch parents, at Stamford, N, Y. He was admitted to the bar in New York, but removed to Chicago in 1858. When the Civil War broke out he offered his services and was appointed Colonel of the 51st Illinois Volun- teers, which he was largely instrumental in raising. Under General Pope he participated in the battle of New Madrid, Mo., and while in charge of a brigade on the way to Tiptonville his capture of Island No. 10 against great odds brought him prominently to the front. For this he was made a brigadier-general for "gallant and meritorious services at Island No. 10". Proceeding to Tiptonville he assisted in the capture of 6,000 Southern soldiers and later took part with his 232 WOODSIDE. brigade in the attack on Fort Pillow. He was also at Corinth and Shiloh and was brought home from the latter on a cot, his breakdown being due to hard work and exposure. During a long rainy period he re- garded himself as fortunate if he had a brush heap to sleep on, such a thing as a tent or any form of shelter being out of the question. He never fully recovered from a mild form of paralysis induced by these hard- ships. During one period of his service he was placed as a guard over a Southern home occupied by its mistress. The General applied to her for permission to sleep on the porch of the house, but she promptly respHDnded that no '"Yankee" could sleep on her porch, and he was compelled to wait until all were asleep before he could venture to seek its shelter. Being a polite man, the General did not fail to thank the lady on the fol- lowing morning. He used to tell how the Yankees, after stewing their coffee again and again until there was nothing left to extract, would sell the grounds to their oppo- nents for a dollar a poimd- Johnny Reb must have been in straits for coffee. In spite of all he went through the General was a strong temperance man, never drinking liquor, even in the army, where good drinking water was often impossible to nnd. The General was always to be found on the side of law and order and was the one to whom Mr. Hine went in the early dajrs of Wood- side to stop the Sunday horse cars. Ideas have C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 233 changed greatly during the past forty years in regard to the observance of the Sabbath, and it may seem strange to some that a serious effort was once made to disconnect this rural settlement from the rest of the world on that day, but such is the fact. The General did get out an injunction and the peace of the neighborhood was complete for a time, but the street car people, as usual, had their way in the end. MR. JOHN MORRIS PHILLIPS. Mr. John Morris Phillips belonged to that gen- eration which was the last to be born in the old farm house now standing on Summer avenue, and he ap- pears to have been the first to break away from the traditions of the farm. Mr. Phillips was bom November 4, 181 7, and early showed an inclination for mechanics. He was apprenticed to the pattern making business under Mr. Horace T. Poinier, and later found employment under the noted Seth Boyden; afterward he worked for the West Point foundry and from there came to the Nov- elty Iron Works, New York City, and all this time was learning and perfecting himself in every detail for future activity. His memory was so phenomenal that when he had examined a piece of mechanism its details never passed from his mind, and he could duplicate it without again referring to the original. This, of course, was a tremendous help in after life. In the fall of 1845 the Hewes & Phillips Iron Works were started in a small way at 60 Vesey 234 WOODSIDE. Street, New York, but the following year the business was moved to Newark. The concern grew rapidly to large proportions, and by the time the Civil War broke out was one of the foremost establishments of the kind in the country and during the war it did an im- mense amount of work for the government. All the turret machinery for the first "Monitor" — the one which saved the day in Hampton Roads — was made here, as was that for the five succeeding moni- tors including the Modoc, Cohoes, etc. That the Monitor's machinery was well made the action at Hampton Roads amply proved. Over 200,000 stand of arms were manufactured at the Hewes & Phillips Works, and here the govern- ment also sent 12,000 flint-lock muskets to be mod- ernized. These, it is said, were part of a gift to the country made during the Revolution by LaFayette, which had not been used at that time. Mr. James E. Coombes, an expert on American military small arms, writes that Hewes & Phillips did alter a number of flint-lock muskets to percussion, but he doubts if they were such obsolete weapons as those brought over by LaFayette. Mr. Coombes says: "It was the policy of the government to use only the later models of flint-locks for this purpose, as there was a vast quantity of them on hand. I have seen a num- ber of these guns. They were stamped *H & P' on the nipple lug — in fact, have two in my collection, but they are all late models." Mr. Coombes's opinion is accepted by military au- C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 235 thorities generally, but in spite of this I am inclined to think that the story is correct, because it appears to have come so straight from Mr. John M. Phillips himself. Hewes & Phillips also altered 8,000 flint-locks for the state of New Jersey, asking nothing more in re- turn from the state than the actual expense of the work. The machinery for the first Holland submarine was made here during the Civil War. Owing to threats made by Copperheads during the latter part of the war that the factory would be destroyed, the place was guarded day and night by a company of infantry. At that time Mr. Phillips lived on Bridge street and his back yard adjoined the ma- chine works, and he could step from his house to his shop without exposing himself to possible danger from the disaffected element. Of the seventy boys and men who went out from this factory to enlist in the army every one came back, and not one received a scratch to show for his service. All apprentices who enlisted before their time was up were put to work on their return at jour- neymen's wages, while serving the remainder of their time as apprentices. Thus did the firm at its own ex- pense recognize the services rendered by these young men to their country. That Mr. Phillips was a broad-minded and far- seeing man is not alone proven by the business foundation he laid, but also by the monument he left 236 WOODSIDE. in beautifully embowered Lincoln avenue. His love for trees was almost as great as for human beings, and because of this Lincoln avenue is to-day as beau- tiful as is the traditional New England village green. When the city saw fit to improve Lincoln avenue it did so by cutting down all its shade trees and transforming it into a dreary desolation. Mr. Phil- lips had in front of his house a row of cherry trees which were his pride and admiration and were also, alas, a source of considerable friction between him- self and the neighborhood small boy, for the boys found it comparatively easy to adapt themselves to the Phillips cherries. I believe that their owner finally dis- covered that a generous coat of fresh tar on the tree trunks was as good a small boy preventive as it is in the case of certain insects. There is a tale of an ex- pressman who took one of these tarred tree trunks to his bosom before he discovered the error of his ways, and the manner in which he blessed his tarry top- lights — so to speak — is one of the traditions of the neighborhood. These cherry trees went with the rest, and when the destruction had been so complete that there was no further job for the contractor-friend of the poli- ticians that functionary went elsewhere. Then Mr. Phillips called on his neighbors in an effort to enlist them in a plan to rehabilitate their street by the planting of trees but, finding most of them indiffer- ent, he planted trees on both sides of the way, from C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 237 the cemetery to Phillips Park, a double row one-half mile long, and it is these trees which to-day shelter the avenue from the summer's sun. The trees were procured from a nursery on his own property located about where Delavan ends in Summer avenue. MR. DAVID MACLURE. "The memory of him is sweet and pleasant", more than one of his former scholars testifies. Mr. Maclure is a round peg in a round hole, although he happened into his present line of work in rather an accidental manner. He was the first clerk that the Prudential Insur- ance Company ever employed, but earning his bread and butter by such uncongenial drudgery soon wearied him, and he gave up the position with the idea of turning to art or to the ministry for his life work; but while in this somewhat uncertain state of mind the fates decided otherwise. At this time he was living at the home of his par- ents on Lincoln avenue, and, when it was learned that the school at Montgomery was closed for lack of a teacher, a friend fairly pushed him into the oppor- tunity thus opened. He shortly became popular with old and young, and fitted so snugly into the position that vaulting ambition has never since troubled him. From the Montgomery school he came to the Elliott Street School in Woodside, was next transferred to the Eighth Ward School, and from there to the Chestnut Street School, where he has been principal 238 WOODSIDE. for many years. Mr. Maclure has a way of making study attractive to children and stimulating them to strive the more to reach that promised land which he pictures so pleasantly — that those who have once been his scholars remember the days spent under his care with unmixed pleasure. "Beyond the Alps lies Italy", is the way he sometimes put it to them. The following verse is not offered as an evidence of Mr. Maclure's literary skill, but rather to show the personal interest which he takes in the children, and as one of the many ways in which he attaches them to him: — "To Annie E. Bennett, March 27, 1883. " 'Dear Anna, on your natal day, A word of wisdom let me say: Grow up, my blithe and little lass, So that, as years and seasons pass, You'll still be found as pure and good As on this day of bright childhood. Remember this, my little maid. That youth and beauty soon will fade; But truth and honor ne'er decay. But live to bless life's closing day.' "Written expressly for you on your eleventh birth- day by your friend and teacher, "David Maclure." Mr. Maclure is a many-sided man: A painter of pictures — good pictures — a writer of books and maga- zine articles, and a designer and maker of fine furni- ture. His home is full of his handiwork, which is the C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 239 more to be praised because "the kitchen is his work- shop". A book of poems entitled "Thoughts on Life", and two novels, "David Todd" and "Kennedy of Glen Haugh", have brought him fame in the literary world, and he is also the author of several school text-books. COL. SAMUEL L. BUCK. Col. Samuel L. Buck, according to the dry records of the Adjutant-General's office at Trenton, was com- missioned Major in the Second Regiment, Infantry, New Jersey Volunteers, on the twenty-second day of May, 1 86 1, and was mustered into the United States service as such for the period of three years. He was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel January 20, 1862; Colonel, July i, 1862; and was honorably discharged July 21, 1864, during the War of the Rebellion. The official record goes no further. He was at Chickahominy June 27, 1862, when of the twenty-eight hundred men in the Second Regi- ment only nine hundred and sixty-five answered at roll-call the following day. He commanded the regfi- ment at Crampton's Gap, where it met Longstreet. He was wounded at Chancellorsville, and was in many engagements. The Colonel delivered a lecture on his recollections of army life in the Woodside Presbyterian Church, April 3, 1879, which was later published in pamphlet form, but he was so extremely modest as regards his own part in the fighting that it furnishes no data for 240 WOODSIDE. my purpose. Many recall that he had a fine record for bravery and efficiency, but I have found no one who could tell the story. MR. DANIEL F. TOMPKINS. Mr. Daniel F. Tompkins was an antiquarian whose researches brought to light and preserved much that was interesting concerning the local his- tory of Woodside. He discovered a number of Revo- lutionary relics in the "Anthony Wayne camp ground" west of Summer avenue in the Carteret street neighborhood and his inquiries among the old inhabitants resulted in the preservation of valuable and interesting matter that would otherwise have been lost. Mr. Tompkins was a somewhat eccentric man and had some rather odd fads — possibly the best known of which was his large flock of goats, which was a prominent feature of the Washington avenue land- scape for many years. Another, which was possibly not so well known, was a fondness for choice toilet soaps, of which he is said to have kept a large quan- tity in his house. We all know that cleanliness is next to Godliness. That he was public spirited and alive to the value of a park system there is no doubt, in fact he might almost be called the father of the Essex County park system of to-day. Mr. Tompkins owned property around the Boiling Spring, which has been a bound- ary mark from time immemorial and one of the cor- C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 241 nets of Woodside, and he was the first to suggest a park in that region, offering to give his land if the city would purchase more and make the whole into a public park, and while his offer was not taken, there is little doubt but that he helped to start the agitation which resulted in the present system of breathing places for the people. JOHN F. DRYDEN. The history of the man who has made a success of this life is always interesting. Starting with nothing but a willingness to work and an ability to think and having faith enough in himself and his ideas to hold to his purpose through all set-backs and discouragements, he is reasonably sure to reach the top. When or where Mr. Dryden was born I do not know, but he may have come from the land of wooden nutmegs, as he was a graduate of Yale. I do know that he came to Woodside in the early seventies a poor man; so poor, if his old neighbors remember rightly, that he did not even possess an overcoat to keep out the chill of winter. One cold, cheerless day a gentleman and lady with two children were seen to enter a vacant house on Lincoln avenue, just below Elwood. Those living nearby noted that the gentleman made frequent ex- cursions to the front gate, evidently looking for that load of furniture which did not come. After consider- able persuasion he was induced to accept an invita- ion from a neighbor to spend the waiting time in that neighbor's house. 242 WOODSIDE. Such was Mr. Dry den's introduction to Woodside, but even then he was dreaming of industrial insurance, and his constant companions and most intimate friends were mortality tables and dry statistics, and it was not long before he became acquainted with cer- tain gentlemen who succumbed to his persuasive tongue and furnished the capital with which the Pru- dential was started. At first the company consisted of Mr. Dryden and an office boy, and occupied a comer of somebody's store on Broad street, Mr. Dryden's salary at this time being $io per week but growth was rapid, and soon Col. Samuel L. Buck was installed as assistant, and it was not long before the office became a hive of Wood- side men and boys, many of whom have grown up with it and still remain in its employ. It is not necessary to follow Mr. Dryden through his many successes. He long ago became too great for Woodside, and removed to other surroundings, but he is part of the early history of this region. "One with a flash begins and ends in smoke; The other out of smoke brings glorious light. And (without raising expectation high) Surprises us with dazzling miracles." THE "COUNT". No stronger contrast to Mr. Dryden could be shown than in the person of "Count" Whitehead, a debonair gentleman who began with a flash and ended in smoke. For a brief period our friend was the glass of fashion and the mould of form for Woodside; he C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 243 had some money and an ability to "blow it in" that was notable. During this period he drove tandem and clothed his Adonis-like figure in a way that held all eyes. When last heard of the "Count" was a ticket chopper in the Pennsylvania ferry house. LIEUT.-COL. W. E. BLEWETT. In the spring of 1861, Mr. Blewett beceime active in organizing a company of volunteers, the men being recruited principally from Belleville. This company of 10 1 men subsequently formed Company F of the Second Regiment of New Jersey (three-year volun- teers). They were mustered in at Trenton May ist, 1 86 1, as part of the First New Jersey Brigade, report- ing on May 6th at Washington, being the first fully organized brigade to arrive for the defense of the Na- tional Capital. A few days later the brigade crossed the Potomac, and was the first regiment of three-year volunteers to enter the state of Virginia. At the Battle of Bull Run, July 21st, 1861, the Brigade (4th Division under General Runyon) was held as a reserve, but not engaged. They, however, were of service in covering the retreat of our army to Centerville. Later the Second was attached to the First Brigade (Kearny's), Franklin Division; after- ward to the First Brigade, First Division, First Army Corps. After much service and a most brilliant career, on the expiration of its term, the Brigade returned to New Jersey for muster out. The Second New Jersey was pre-eminently a fight- ing regiment. 244 WOODSIDE. On June 12th, 1861, Mr. Blewett was mustered in as Second Lieutenant of Company F; June 4th, 1862, received commission as First Lieutenant, and April 1 6th, 1862, by command of Brigadier General Kearny, was detailed to take command of the Provost and Ar- tillery Guards. Of this command he was very proud, owing to the fact that the appointment came direct from General Kearny, a much coveted honor. Friday, June 27th, 1862, the First New Jersey Brigade was ordered to Woodbury's Bridge over the Chickahominy, there to meet Gen. Porter's Division. (Six companies of the Second, under Lieut.-Col. Sam- uel L. Buck, were at that time on picket duty, and therefore took no part in this action.) Colonel Tucker led out the remaining four companies, including Lieu- tenant Blewett's command with the rest of the Bri- gade. From Woodbury's Bridge this Brigade, with others, was sent to engage the enemy near Gaines's Mills and was soon in the thick of the fight. Porter's Division, in hand-to-hand conflict, held their position against overwhelming odds until reinforcements, long delayed, arrived, but owing to the fact that their position was unfavorable and to the superiority of the enemy in num- bers, the Union troops were compelled to retire. (The Confederate forces numbered perhaps 56,000; the Union troops, 33,000. The Union loss was 6,000 killed and wounded, besides nearly 2,000 prisoners.- The Confederate loss was placed at 9,000 killed and C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 245 wounded.) The Second Regiment had the right of line, and though outnumbered and flanked by the enemy, they were the last to leave their station in the field. In this fight the regiment lost its colonel, Isaac M. Tucker, Capt. Charles Danforth, Color Sergeant Thomas Stevens of Belleville, and many others. The flags taken at this time were returned by a North Carolina regiment many years after. On the after- noon of June 27th Lieutenant Blewett was shot in the right breast. The ball took a downward course, and remained lodged in his side. While working his way to the hospital a fragment of a bursting shell cut his belt and accoutrements from his side. Upon arriving at Gaines's Mills, then used as a hospital. Dr. Oakley dressed his wound and advised him to stop there, but fearing capture he continued on. This was fortunate, as later all the wounded at that hospital were taken prisoners. Aided by his colored servant he reached home in Belleville, July 4th, 1862. Owing to the fact that the ball could not be located the wound was long in healing. This incapacitated him for active service, and while stationed in Washington, September 9th, 1862, he resigned. Later Lieutenant Blewett became active in the National Guard of this state, was com- missioned Captain Company H, Second Regiment, New Jersey Rifle Corps, September 19th, 1866; Cap- tain Company H, Second Regiment National Guard, April 14th, '69 ; Major and Quartermaster on the staff of Joseph W. Plume, Brigadier-General First Brigade, October 27th, '69 ; Lieutenant-Colonel and Brigade In- 246 WOODSIDE. spector, November 27th, '71 ; resigned November 30th, '74. MR. THOMAS W. KINSEY. Mr. Thomas W. Kinsey comes from a long line of warriors, and has lived up to the traditions of the family. Four brothers of the name came to this country in the Mayflower : two settled in Connecticut and two in New Jersey. An early ancestor, John Kinsey, was speaker of the New Jersey House of Representatives. The grandfather of Thomas W., Joel Kinsey, fought in the Revolution; his son, Joel, Jr., volunteered for the war of 181 2, and his grandson, Thomas W., above, when fifteen years of age, enlisted for three years at the beginning of the Civil War and, when his time had expired, re-enlisted on the field for three more, or until the end of the war, putting in four years and seven months of fighting. During this time he received four wounds and two furloughs, one of ten days for bravery on the field of battle and one of thirty days after serving three years in the ranks. And Mr. Kinsey says he "had no special adventures — just plenty of fighting". By the time his mother had given her consent to his enlistment all the New Jersey regiments were full, so this fifteen-year-old boy went to New York and enlisted at Fort Schuyler in the First Long Island Regiment, which was principally raised through the efforts of Henry Ward Beecher, whose brother was chaplain to the regiment and whose son was a lieu- C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 247 tenant therein. This regiment was later known as the 67th N. Y., and when its members became deci- mated by slaughter it was merged in the 65th N. Y. Mr. Kinsey was in all the principal engagements of the Army of the Potomac except that at Win- chester. During the Battle of the Wilderness he re- ceived a bullet in his leg which he carries yet. At the Seven Days' Battle, under Brigadier General Aber- crombie, his regiment could see nothing in front be- cause of fields of tall grain, and he alone volxmteered to scout, keeping a couple of hundred yards more or less in advance of the line, climbing trees and expos- ing himself in other ways, and it was for this exhibi- tion of bravery that he received the ten days' furlough referred to above. He was promoted to the sergeancy of Company C, 67th N. Y. ; was shot in the head while before Peters- burg, a "minie" ball, which is about the size of one's thumb, passing through his cheek and out of the back of his head at the base of the brain. Because of this wound he was in the Fairfax Seminary, which had been turned into a hospital, when Lincoln was shot, but through the efforts of Governor Ward was trans- ferred to Newark, and was here in the hospital some three months, being mustered out while still a patient, on August 8, 1865. Mr. Kinsey came to Woodside in 1867 and has ever since resided at the northeast corner of Summer place and May street, in the first house erected by Morrison & Briggs. 248 WOODSIDE. DR. J. E. JANES. Dr. J. E. Janes is worth a good word if for no other reason than because of the good he did. The Doctor never refused to go when a call came, no matter what the night, or if he knew that there was no money compensation for him. He was endowed with that good Samaritan disposition that is so typical of our asso- ciations with all that is best in the old-fashioned country doctor — everybody's friend and at the service of all. When the Doctor found it necessary to re- move his family to the balm of the southern California coast Woodside lost a man. MR. PETER WEILER. Mr. Peter Weiler of the River road is spoken of as a man of large stature and determination and, withal, not easily bluffed. When the Paterson & Newark Railroad (now the Newark Branch of the Erie) was put through, the railroad people made every effort to avoid adequate payment for the land taken, and in many cases they succeeded in securing the property for little or nothing, but such an ar- rangement did not at all meet with the views of Mr. Weiler, and when they attempted to rush his place he built a rail fence across the proposed line of track and mounted guard with a shotgun, and the railroad- ers, like Davy Crocket's coon, came down. BELLARS. One of the queer sticks of the times was Bellars, the church organist. No one ever called him "Mr.'* C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 249 Bellars — he was just plain Bellars — an odd combina- tion of ignorance and musical genius. He could not read the simplest Sunday school music but, once he heard a tune, nothing could drive it out of his head. When it came to new music he was a trying proposition and grievously tormented Mr. Hine's patience. Occasionally there were stormy scenes about the organ loft, and at least once Mr. Hine threatened to dismiss him if there was not an imme- diate improvement, winding up his peroration with "It's a short horse and it's soon curried". During the latter years of the Bellars reign Mr. Hine owned a house on Cottage street, opposite the school house, which he allowed the former to occupy rent free as compensation for his weekly performance on the organ, and somehow the organist got it into his twisted noddle that the house had been given to him for work done, and it became necessary for the court to pass on the matter. Bellars employed Will Gumming as his attorney, and the latter showed considerable genius in handling the case, for he led his forlorn hope in such fashion that he almost prevailed against the facts, and as Mr. Hine's lawyer was as lame as Will was active, the case actually looked serious at one time because of the ease with which the young man whipped the elder around the legal stump. Bellars was the music teacher of the neighborhood at a time when my benighted parents conceived the 250 WOODSIDE. notion that I should learn to play the piano. Now, while Mr. Hine was very musical, my mother's one standard of music was the speed at which it was per- formed, and one could play to her on a Sunday such a secular composition as "Yankee Doodle", if only it were played slow and solemnly, and she would ac- cept it as orthodox without hesitation, and I am my mother's son when it comes to musical matters ; hence I call my parents benighted for casting their money before Bellars. So far as can be judged, at this distance, Bellars's chief notion of the teacher's function was to receive the dollar, or whatever the lesson cost. Thus we can readily comprehend what the result must have been when such a teacher and such a pupil got together. The gentleman was a ventriloquist, or said he was, and he would cause little birds to sing up the chimney or under the piano, and sometimes a cat would meow or a dog bark in the far corner of the room. All this served to pass the hour devoted to the weekly lesson. The last time I saw Bellars was some years after his departure from Woodside, on an occasion when he was gawking down Broadway with a carpet bag that must have long lain dormant in some neglected corner, a picture that would have done a Puck artist a world of good, with his lean figure and excruciat- ingly thin visage. What was his latter end I know not, but I verily believe that he dried up and blew away. C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 251 BOATING DAYS ON THE PASSAIC. During the eighties and early nineties the Passaic river, where it skirted Woodside, was one of the most celebrated rowing courses in the country, and here assembled well-known oarsmen from far and near, in- cluding such men as Courtney, Hanlon, Oomes, Ten Eyck, Edward Phillips and George Lee. So far as known, the Rev. Mr. Sherman, rector of Christ Church, Belleville, was the first to use a racing shell on the river. Closely following Mr. Sher- man came Mr. James S. Taylor, whose earliest recol- lections are of the river and its ways. Mr. Taylor grew up on the water and was one of its first boatmen. Probably the first boat club was the Woodside Rowing Club; but this was more of a social organi- zation with rowing as a side issue. John Eastwood, a leading member, later joined the Tritons and be- came Commodore of the Passaic River Rowing Asso- ciation. The Passaic Boat Club is considered the first. Its original house was situated about opposite Centre street, but it was not long before the Club moved to Woodside and established itself just below the Point House. The Triton Boat Club, the third to be organ- ized, soon out-distanced the others, and became the social as well as the boating centre of the Passaic. It was really born in 1868, in Phil. Bower's boathouse, where certain oarsmen stored their boats, but was not officially organized until 1873, when the members met in the office of the Newark Lime & Cement Company. 252 WOODSIDE. Twelve men attended this meeting, but only six names are given as organizers of the club : Frederick Town- ley, Henry C. Rommel, Truman Miller, Samuel A. Smith, Frederick Earl and Sidney Ogden. The other six seceded and organized the Eureka Boat Club. About 1875 the club built its first house at the foot of the Gully road, and the following year the first re- gatta was held. The Passaic offered a beautiful course to oarsmen, but it did not come prominently before the country until the Eurekas rowed in the races held at Philadelphia during the Centennial. This called attention to the Passaic and resulted in the first Na- tional Regatta on its waters, 1878. A moonlight race between the Tritons and the Viking Boat Club of Elizabeth, which was pulled off in October, 1879, is remembered as one of the notable events. Both Edward and Frank Phillips were prominent as oarsmen of the club, the former so much so that he, with Henry Rommel, was sent to the National Re- gatta held at Saratoga in 1881 or 1882. Henry Rom- mel, by the way, is probably the most **be-medaled" member of the club. George Small was another well- known Triton, as was George Lee who was brought out by the club and sent by it to England. Those enthusiastic members who had no time for meals, recall Ed. Holt's "Floating Palace" with its cargo of pie and soft drinks as a welcome haven of refuge, and they also indorse the statement that the place was entirely respectable. A CANOE REGATTA ON THE PASSAIC As seen from tlie lioat of the lanthe Canoe Club C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 253 It is Still a matter of common remark by oarsmen of other localities that the Passaic was the finest river on which they ever rowed. The Triton organization still exists in the hope that some day the river will be restored to its old-time purity and again be in condition for aquatic sports, but all it does at present is to eat a dinner once each year. It is rather a remarkable fact that the club has never lost an active member by death, except in one case of suicide. Possibly the first racing boat other than a single shell owned by the Triton Club, was one fitted for three pairs of oars and a coxswain, which was origi- nally purchased by a well-known group of gentlemen that resided on the banks of the Passaic. John Ruth- erfurd was one of these, and the boat was kept for a long time on the lawn in front of his dwelling. One of the familiar figures of early days was Doc- tor Lauterborn, of Mulberry street who, after walking to the Passaic boathouse, thought nothing of rowing to the city of Passaic and back, finishing his afternoon by walking home. CANOEING RECOLLECTIONS. The history of the lanthe Canoe Club, and of canoeing in general on the Passaic river, dates back to a certain mysterious green canvas canoe that, in 1880, appeared from no one knows where. Presumably it was constructed by some budding genius in the loft of his father's barn, but all that we know definitely now is that its discovery was made by Will McDonald. 254 WOODSIDE. This green canoe was the inspiration which set others at work and during the winter of '80-1 a second canvas canoe, painted black, was built in the cellar of 77 Lincoln avenue, by "Lin" Palmer, who, as he won the first canoe race ever paddled on the Passaic and launched the first white man's canoe on our beautiful stream, so far as is known, is entitled to a central po- sition in the limelight. The black Palmer was launched with much cir- cumstance in the following spring, and was at that time the only canoe on the river, as its green pro- genitor was not baptized until some time later, when Will McDonald purchased her. In 1 88 1 a group of six boys, consisting of Lincoln B. Palmer Robert M. and Albert Phillips, Will Mc- Donald, John Russell and one other, formed the lanthe Canoe Club. John Russell was boy in a drug store at the corner of Belleville and Bloomfield ave- nues, and he brought to the meeting a soda water fountain catalogue, which contained many pretty names, and from this the name of the club was se- lected, the lady appearing therein as a particularly at- tractive water sprite. George P. Douglass, who be- came a factor in canoeing circles about 1887, was a later acquisition to the club. The old Woodside Rowing Club's building was standing idle. It belonged to the Messers. Hendricks, and a visit to these gentlemen resulted in an arrange- ment whereby the club was to have the building rent free, provided it kept the place in repair. C. C. HINE AND HIS TIMES. 255 The club grew and prospered and in August, 1882, its members were invited by the Triton Boat Club to participate in the first canoe race ever held on the river. It seems that one Hussey, a member of the Triton Club owned a canoe and had a reputation as a paddler, and it was because there was no one else to play with that the boys were asked to enter the race. There was no thought but that Hussey would win; he had been in races before and was the star of the occasion. "Lin" Palmer beat him quite handily and there was gloom in the home of the Tritons. And thus ended the first canoe race, which was participated in by "Walt" and Will McDougall, as well as by "Lin" Palmer and Hussey. During the following five years the club prospered greatly, but no events of importance are recorded. In 1887 John Pierson, of Bloomfield, and "Lin" Psilmer, were sent as the first representatives from the Passaic river to an American Canoe Association meet, which this year was held on Lake Champlain. Neither of these representatives had ever been on such an expe- dition before, and their outfit was primitive in the extreme — so much so that they were shortly dubbed "the frying pan cruisers" by those who traveled with more elaborate and cumbersome outfits. But from now on the lanthe moved up into the front rank of canoeists, as its members acquired the habit of cap- turing prizes, and held this position until the condition of the river drove all boating from its surface. 256 WOODSIDE. A LAST WORD IN REGARD TO MR. HINE. We have about come to the end of this somewhat peculiar narrative, but before closing it I wish to say a final word in regard to Mr. Hine: I have inter- viewed very many who had to do with the early days of Woodside, without reference as to whether they were personal friends or not, and have heard but one opinion expressed, and universally expressed, in a man- ner too sincere to admit of any doubt. Each one re- calls the man with a vividness and interest that time seemingly cannot dull, and each impression is but a repetition in one form or another of a great heart and a pure, clean minded man. It is given to few to be remembered as is Mr. Hine, and though he has been dead more than twelve years (April i6, 1897), ^^^ memory of him and the impression he left are as distinct and clear as though his departure were but yesterday. The abundant tears which were shed over his bier came from hun- dreds who felt that they had lost a personal friend and helper. PART III. C. C. HINE— PERSONAL. The following is personal to C. C. Hine» the writ- er's father, and consists of extracts from a "private" book, from obituary notices, anecdotes, etc. I have found it impossible to select words that give a true idea of my father's character, it was so simple, so lovable, so piure, and yet so strong, and even rugged. He had a faith that nothing could shake. There was no room for doubt in his mind ; his religion was to him an absolute fact, and when his wonderful strength of character and broad knowledge of the world are considered, this child-like trust was remark- able. As boy and man he received many hard knocks in the struggle for existence and had seen rough and trying times, but through it all he kept his mind clean and his love for his fellow-man bright. Presumably he was always so— the testimony of his mother indicated it, and I have only recently dis- covered a private book which was never intended for other eyes, but which shows one of his phases so clearly that it is here quoted from at length. November 20, 1852, Mr. Hine wrote in this book which he then started for the purpose of system- atizing and keeping track of his giving: "Three 260 WOODSIDE. weeks before the beginning of the present month, I came to a definite conclusion regarding a system of formal and regular giving for charitable and religious purposes, with which to govern my future course." He adopted a scale system whereby, if his income ever reached $14,000 he would give one-half of it away, and this was not intended to cover "occasional and irregular giving". At the time he made this covenant with himself he was receiving, in St. Louis, $800 per annum. On the ist of November he removed to New Albany, Ind., and began again at $400 per annum, but on Decem- ber I St his income was increased to the rate of $600 per annimi. That he gave imtil it hurt him there is ample evi- dence, for we read in January, 1853: "I find myself very much straitened in many matters and greatly fear I will fall far behind my hopes of what I should save up for my visit home March ist"; but his ac- counts show that he kept on giving. "July 4, 1853, I was married. — Prov. xxxi.:ii. Amen. During August I was preparing to engage in a new line of duty, and as I am now entering upon an employment whose results will not be ascertainable each month I must credit what I give as I go along and then balance up a year hence." Apparently on December 31, 1854, he writes: "Not knowing the precise condition of my business I have been unable to charge up the percentages heretofore. I now find that my net income for the year ending, say, C. C. HINE— PERSONAL. 261 August, 1854, was about $1,800, besides my living. This, situated as I was, did not amount to more than $200 for self and wife. Calling the year in round numbers $2,000 I must charge myself with one fif- teenth of the whole amount, which is $133.33. * * * I thought I was wonderfully liberal all along through these sixteen months, and yet the figures bring me in debt $75! I can never be sufficiently thankful that God put it into my heart to begin this account, for I have found that the majority of my opportunities for giving have occurred when, from exterior circum- stances, I have 'felt poor', and but for the conscious- ness that I owed, fairly, justly and honestly owed, according to a bargain of my own making, a large bal- ance to the Lord's work in general, and perchance — who could know — to the very case in hand in par- ticular, I should not have given even the little I have." By December 31, 1856, he had exceeded the limit for giving established by his scale to the extent of over 32 per cent. He debates with himself as to whether he should charge his pew rent in this account, but finally concludes to do so. In 1857 he notes that his income is about $2,000 "and my family has been increased by a Father, Mother and Sister-in-Law, making me six mouths to fill instead of three." * * * "I must now record one of those eras that will happen in men's lives when they are not content to let well enough alone: — 262 WOODSIDE. "In April, 1857, 1 abandoned a prosperous business, mounted a hobby and galloped headlong into an en- terprise that has sunk every cent I had in the world and plunged me very deeply in debt besides, so that I will have to work for years to extricate myself. "I have now — ^July, 1858 — as the result of my folly, no offering of money to make to the Lord's cause." Then follows his account brought forward which, in spite of the fact that only one dollar is credited "By Missionary Subscription", is still somewhat ahead of his limit. "Many months have gone by since the foregoing was written — ^months of varied experience. "In January, 1859, I relinquished my school en- terprise, a loser, probably, of $13,000 and about $7,000 'worse than nothing'. * * * Providentially I was not permitted to remain idle a day. January ist I was engaged with the JE.tna Insurance Company at $1,500 per annum. * * * "It has been a matter of much debate in my mind whether it was proper for me while so deeply involved in debt to 'give away' anything. It has seemed like assuming to disburse the money that belongs to others without their knowledge or consent. "I do not find, however, that, when I entered into this covenant seven years ago, I made any provision for my present predicament. Hence I must regard this covenant as prior, and not to be annulled by sub- sequent transactions. I am glad that I can see this C. C. HINE— PERSONAL. 263 view of the case very plainly, as I find great comfort in it. I shall now be relieved from one of the most onerous results of my pecuniary disaster — inabilty to join in the various contributions to the Lord's cause. "During the Winter and Spring of 1859 I was traveling in Texas. The following Summer in Ken- tucky, and the Winter of i860 in Georgia, Alabama and other Southern States, until April. All this time being under great pecuniary pressure and not having clearly arrived at the decision just above recorded, my contributions were neither frequent nor large. No regular account was kept and I can only recall two in addition to those recorded." Then follows his ledger account with the various percentages charged against him, and showing that he had fallen considerably behind his scale. "In June, i860, 1 removed my family to Covington, Ky., to be near my business headquarters in Cincin- nati, and I trust that I may again fall into somewhat like regularity of habits, both in my business life and Christian experience." * * * April 5, 1861 : "Hitherto this record has been kept in an old 'Pass Book', but from its semi-journal form it has assumed dimensions not anticipated nine years ago, when first begun. Hence I have purchased this book and copied out and set in order the whole thing from the beginning. "But I find that this long parade of figures and remarks is likely — unless I have a care — to prove a 264 WOODSIDE. snare to me, as Gideon's ephod did to him and his house. Truly man delighteth in vanity." During the three years past his income had been gradually increased to $2,000 per annum, but "Sept. I (1862) my income was again decreased, on account of the stringency of war times, to $1,500". * * * "This is the second year of the great civil war; times have been pretty hard for men with fixed in- comes, but I have kept even, thanks to a kind Provi- dence." By July, 1864, he had nearly caught up in his giv- ing to the amount with which he had debited himself. At this time he writes : — "Let me here record one of those singular and precious providences that my faith, thank God, is broad enough to recognize. The 'war times* were pinching me, prices of necessaries were enormous. Only by the closest figuring could I 'make both ends meet'. I said to the Lord 'Send me an increase and I will make a thank offering of the first $100'. On a business visit to New York this month I unexpectedly got a contract to write a book for $500, a matter to be completed 'nights and mornings' in three or four months. On my return home I obtained an advance on my salary of $750 per annum. An opportunity sud- denly presented itself also for me to buy a piece of paper at a profit of $98 which I cleared in a transac- tion involving a couple of hours' labor. These three things (if I except the advanced salary, which I ought C. C. HINE— PERSONAL. 265 to have had long ago, but had almost despaired of) were unexpected and providential. I was thus granted the honor of assisting in the rescue of the American Board by a greatly advanced (for me) con- tribution." January g, 1865 : "I was elected secretary of the In- ternational Insurance Company of New York, at a salary of $6,000. If I make a thank offering of my first half -month's salary it will be in harmony with the past, but a small testimonial for the Lord's goodness to me in giving me more than I asked." He then debits himself "To Thank Offering $250". "In March (1865) I removed from Walnut Hills, Ohio, to New York with my family, and on May ist to Brooklyn, L. I., where we connect ourselves with the South Congregational Church, Rev. Edward Tay- lor, Pastor." By June, 1865, he had again slightly exceeded his limit of giving, and thereafter seems to have kept well ahead. "We resided but one year in Brooklyn and in May, 1866, we went to Piermont, N. Y., on the Hudson, to spend the Summer. Here we remained four months and in September went to Newark, N. J., where we boarded until March, 1867, when, on the completion of our new house at Woodside, N. J., we removed to that beautiful place in the expectation and hope of making it our permanent home. Our family consisted of six souls." 266 WOODSIDE. The next entry was made in 1879, and reads: — "Years have elapsed — twelve of them — since the last entry in this book, and I have been meantime having my books of account kept as memoranda, rather than as double entry accounts, in deference to a favorite employee, so that I have been unable to make precise statements. For 1867 I paid income tax on $6,280, but that was after allowed deductions of nearly $1,900. In March, 1868, I became the propri- etor of the Insurance Monitor in New York and en- tered upon a publishing business which for several years netted me $12,000 per annum. Since 1873 this has gradually fallen off and now, 1879, amounts to but half as much. I think that, for the last thirteen years, 1867-1879 inclusive, $8,000 per annum would be a full statement of my profits." * * * Mr. Hine goes on to state that during all these years he has kept no detailed account, but is satisfied he has given sufficient to cover the percentage due, and that "there is no necessity for detailed entries and, besides, I am reminded of a passage in the life of Ichabod Washburn, where he found that such an ac- count as this let his right hand know what his left was doing, and he abandoned it. So long, therefore, as I am quite clear that I am disbursing as much or more than my contract calls for, I will omit the entries here". Under date 1886 he writes: "It is six years since I have looked or written in this book and it will prob- C. C. HINE— PERSONAL. 267 ably be longer before I open it again. Meantime I am glad that I released myself from bookkeeping in the matter of giving. Without accounts quite as well as with them I am conscious that I have lived up to my plan and I expect to do so in the future." The last entry is dated 1892 : "Wholly by accident I came upon this book. I am past sixty-six years old now. I have nothing to add except that for the last few years, perhaps five or six, I have not been giving as freely as I formerly did. This is partly because of a change in my convictions of duty in regard to my local church relations, and partly because the general demands upon me have crowded my income very closely, and partly because my business has been less remunerative and my accounts unsystematiczdly kept. I do not remember the details very fully, but my gen- eral consciousness is that I am falling behind in my giving and getting in debt on this account." When Mr. Hine summed up as above he evidently did not include his "occasional and irregular giving" for an examination of his check stubs after his death led to the belief that he was then giving away fully 50 per cent of his income. WHAT OTHERS THOUGHT OF MR. HINE. It is difHcult to put on paper that which will ade- quately depict Mr. Hine's many-sided character, but the following extracts from some of the death notices written by those who knew him best in his business life are given to show what sort of an impression he made on these : — 268 WOODSIDE. "He was always so active that, although he had passed his seventy-first birthday, his death was something that had never been thought of by anybody except possibly himself. He traveled so much, did so much, was interested in so many things, that he will be widely missed. His was a many sided nature. He had a good knowledge of both art and mechanics. * * * He was always self reliant, and to the end independent." — [Insurance Times. "Every person who knew Mr. Hine at all inti- mately feels himself bereft of a friend." — [Mutual Underwriter. "He was an able and strong writer; and whatever he wrote was fully 'tuned* to his convictions." —[The -ffitna. "Personally, he was a lovable and amiable man, and as a business man his reputation for fairness and integrity was never questioned." — [Travelers* Record. "A remarkable man was the late Charles C. Hine. What tireless industry he had, what versatility, what cheerfulness. What long journeys he took and kept taking, in his advanced years. Hale, hearty, ready to join in debate, to read a paper, to sing a song, and sing it well. * * * Fresh as a young man and capable of all kinds of work. Invincible, irrepressible; a typical American.** — [Insurance Magazine. "To us the sad news was especially painful, as we C. C. HINE— PERSONAL. 269 had known him intimately, and been associated with him in business relations for many years, in which connection we had learned to admire his great talents as a writer on insurance, and deeply to respect his noble character, in which there mingled all the ele- ments that do honor to man. * * * The professional labors of Mr. Hine may pass on to other hands, but the personality of the man has left an impress which will make his name honored and revered long after the busy world has ceased to think of his professional work. * * * As an editor he was in his vocation, for his very wide reading, shrewd judgment, great ca- pacity for literary work, raised him to great distinc- tion in this field. * * * But most of all will he be missed by those many mourners who, forgetting the intellectual attainments of the man, can only feel that his great and pure and kindly heart has ceased to beat." — [Insurance & Finance Chronicle, Montreal. "It has been truly said of Mr. Hine that as a pro- moter of sociability and a softener of rancour he had few if any equals, and certainly no superiors." — [The Index, London. "The education emanating from a type of mind such as that possessed by Mr. Hine is beyond the or- dinary mention." — [Short Rates. "As a writer his style was original, vigorous and entertaining. He had strong opinions, and never hesitated to express them. * * * "Mr. Hine had lived for many years in Newark, 270 WOODSIDE. N. J., and though purposely avoiding any interming- ling in political affairs, he was closely identified with what was best in the social and religious life of the city, in which activities he made himself a positive force." — [Insurance Age. "His death came as a shock to all who knew him, for, although in his seventy-second year, his clean and wholesome life had left few marks of age on his strong and kindly face, and, though his hair and beard were white with the frosts of years, his vigorous bearing and evident strength of mind and body gave promise of many years of usefulness." — [Insurance Opinion. "Mr. Hine was a brilliant ornament to the pro- fession, and his death is a severe blow to the insurance press and the insurance world. * * * "Mr. Hine's portrait stands on our desk, and will ever remind us of the memory of a good man." — [Review, London. "Though the passing years had whitened his hair and beard he seemed young — and in spirit and thought he was young. * * * We shall not soon forget his words at one of the meetings of the Fire Underwrit- ers' Association of the Northwest, when he urged the young men to be clean men. How well the word clean describes him who is gone. He was clean in thought, word and action. He was an inspiration to men to make the most of themselves." — [Philadelphia Intelligencer. C. C. HINE— PERSONAL. 271 "For, while he was successful, he had been through the tests that try men's characters and he was a clean, honorable and self-respecting man who saw more in life than mere pecuniary reward. * * * It is a great thing to go through the world clean-handed, clean- minded and in good repute without sacrificing indi- viduality and force. Mr. Hine did that." — [Insurance Herald. "Always pleasant, always a gentleman. He could not well be otherwise, for he had nothing else in his make-up. * * * He was a man of exceedingly cor- rect habits, and it would seem as though he ought to have lived for many years yet. * * * jf there is any particular place on the other side set apart for the genial, as well as for the good, C. C. Hine will be di- rected thereto." — [Oriental. "Though the largest assembly room in that por- tion of the city of Newark, its auditorium was not large enough to hold all the people who desired to pay to the memory of the deceased their tribute of re- spect and affection. The seats and aisles were filled, and many, unable to gain admittance, stood outside." — [New York Insurance Journal. "He was a good editor, a vigorous writer, a clear thinker, and a student. He led a cleanly life. His methods were pure and honorable." — [Insurance Record. "Mr. nine's social and personal qualities were such 272 WOODSIDE. that he was respected and loved by all who knew him. He was a pure and gentle soul." — [Insurance Advocate. "The death of C. C. Hine * * * called forth such widespread and universal expressions of sorrow and esteem that his death, like the record of his life, will long continue a source of inspiration and noble incentive to every one in his profession." — [Western Insurance Review. "Mr. Hine was widely known and as widely re- spected. He was an able man, a good man, steadfast in friendship, large in the spirit of comradeship, gentle, kind and true. * * * Constant growth and intel- lectual development were among his most marked characteristics. * * He was a many-sided man — interested and studious in various directions. * * * His popularity in the insurance business and far be- yond it, was not the result of a promiscuous outpour- ing of honeyed words, for he was a man of decided opinions, and could always give good reasons for the faith that was in him. * * * Mr. Hine was a re- markable man, and extraordinarily successful in win- ning the love of those who were close to him, and the lasting respect of all others with whom he came in contact." — [Insurance Press. "Is life worth living? As long as a man can find the determination to live as Colonel Hine did, and in death call out so much sincere and strong recogni- C. C. HINE— PERSONAL. 273 tion of the effectiveness and usefulness of his life, the question stands answered in the affirmative. And when one has so lived there is no dread of death — ^it has no sting." — [Insurance Herald. "Mr. Mine's life is his best epitaph." — [Insurance Press. "He was one of the most consistent Christian men we ever knew. The principles he professed were acted out in his life. He loved his neighbor as him- self, and his genial, sunny manner will never be for- gotten by those who were fortunate enough to come within the circle of his acquaintance." — [Insurance Agent. *'He had faithfully wrought out his task, never flinching from bearing his share of burdens, and was still in the harness when called hence. He leaves be- hind most pleasant memories of a stalwart man whose example is worthy of emulation." — [Rough Notes. "Mr. Hine was a man of exceptional mental poise, with not only an extensive knowledge of men and events, but endowed with prudence and skill to make use of that knowledge for the achievement of prac- tical results." — [Argus. "He took pride and pleasure in his editorial work, and it was performed in a cleanly and conscientious manner. It was marked with amiability, versatility, good sense and comprehensive grasp of every subject. * * * Free from improper motives himself, he was 274 WOODSIDE. slow to suspect or discover deceit and trickery in others. * * * Even in controversy he was emi- nently fair and temperate and just.'^ — [Baltimore Underwriter. "The universal esteem in which C. C. Hine was held is voiced in the comment in the insurance press upon his high ideals of living and the able and fear- less manner in which he represented insurance thought in his writings. * * * j^ speaking of the insurance press, he referred to its editors as being the 'high priests* of the insurance business." — [Standard. ''A clean and lovely soul the old man was, fighting wrong and supporting justice with honorable weapons. He well fulfilled the motto of Lincoln: "With charity for all and malice toward none." — [United States Review, April 29th. "The ledger of his life is full of good deeds." — [Views. "The passing away of Charles C. Hine, the widely respected editor and publisher of the Insurance Moni- tor, of New York, has brought sadness and a sense of personal loss to thousands of hearts. He was an up- right man, a forceful character in the world, and in many respects lived an ideal life. His career was one of usefulness, and the world is better off because he lived. It was his good fortune to be favored in liberal measure with those endowments which won and re- tained the cordial regard of the multitudes who knew C. C. HINE— PERSONAL. 27S him. A man of inflexible integrity of character, of superior mental equipment, and a disposition which constantly inspired him to modest acts of helpfulness and sunshine, he was more than respected — ^he was be- loved. As journalist, publisher, author and public speaker, he stood in the foremost rank in the insurance circles of the United States, and he constantly digni- fied and took pride in his work." — [United States Review, April 22d. "The personality of him who was affectionately known as the 'Patriarch' covered more than literary talent, more than business ability, more than profes- sional strength. It embraced, as many of us can tes- tify, an instinctive and undeviating support of the highest ideals of integrity, honesty and honor. * * * His heart was kindly, and his life pure and upright. As a friend and neighbor he was S3mipathetic and helpful; as a counsellor of those in need his aid was unstinted." — [Resolutions adopted by the Fire Un- derwriters' Association of the Pacific. " 'A good name is better than riches', says the proverbialist of the Old Scripture, and the truth of the saying is never more forcibly illustrated than when death has called away the possessor of such a name. "Nothing is said of the amount of money accumu- lated by Mr. Hine during his lifetime, but all are elo- quent in praise of his integrity, his courage in well- doing, his broad charity and his devotion to the cause of righteousness and truth. * *• ^ Colonel Hine 276 WOODSIDE. was a rare man, one whose example shines like a bea- con above the rocks and shoals of commercial life, re- minding those still voyaging there that deeds 'are the harvest of eternity*." — [Vindicator. "We know that he does not participate in our pro- ceedings to-day, but who dares to say that, from be- yond the purple and the gold, his keen eye is not watching us, and that his old-time smile does not beam from his pale, thoughtful, scholarly, beautiful face, as we have so often seen it do at these meetings. Such a man as he was, with the work he did, and the ex- ample he gave, needs no eulogfy. Let us then try to tell, in plain and simple language, the story of his life, which was like a beautiful road, strewn on either side with flowers and fruits, with birds and butter- flies. * * * "Charles C. Hine was more than we have hastily described him as being. He was something besides a telegraph operator, an underwriter, an editor, a busi- ness man, a lecturer. He was a g^eat man with a great soul; a good man with a good heart; a strong man with a strong mind. He was a man who had traveled as far as the sun and yet never gotten away from his childhood. He was the Doctor Johnson in whatever circle he chose to move, and yet as modest as a girl. He was the pride and glory of a great pro- fession and yet as unassuming as a bashful boy. He remembered the love of his father, the caresses of his mother and the kisses of his sister— contact with the C. C. HINE— PERSONAL. 2l7 world did not harden his heart. He married the woman he loved, and for over forty years lived a per- fect wedded life. He was a consistent member of the church and for thirty years the superintendent of a Sunday School. He was a working officer of the In- ternational Law & Order League. Three or four years ago, at Chautauqua, he addressed an audience of over five thousand persons. To measure the good he did in the world would be as impossible as to esti- mate the blessing of the sun's rays. He became an old man on earth and continued to believe in God, in charity, in love, in goodness. He found inspiration in the stars, music in the birds, wisdom in babes, and peace in the Bible. He believed in women and trusted men. — [Memorial address of I. W. Holman. "A few days later, in the little church, the simple ceremony was performed. The house was filled to overflowing by men, women and children, neighbors and friends — all mourners. With streaming eyes they followed him to his last resting place on earth. His grave was filled with flowers and tears, and dedicated, in sorrow, to love. The dusk gathered softly, the shadows fell slowly — a helper of the poor, of the widow and the fatherless, was gone. * * * "If it is the noblest epitaph to be written over the grave, that the man who lies there has been active, determined and firm in his principles, and has won notable success while passing through the fire of life 278 WOODSIDE. without a stain of dishonesty upon his character, then Charles C. Hine lies fairly crowned with that finest laurel of mortality." — [From memorial adopted by the National Associa- tion of Life Underwriters. "The death of Mr. C. C. Hine removes one of the most conspicuous figures in insiu'ance journalism. Personally, we lose a valued friend, the profession loses an ornament. He was a good editor, a vigorous writer, a clear thinker, and a student. He led a cleanly life. His methods were pure and honorable, and he was a man that every editor of a paper could point to with pride, and say : 'He is the Patriarch' of us. His death came as a great surprise. We had always con- sidered him physically strong and likely to live for many years. But then we did not think of the fact that he had lived the prescribed limit of 'three score years and ten'. It appears that he had been ailing for a long time, and on Saturday, the i6th, he sank quietly to rest. The Insurance Monitor, whose coliunns he so long presided over, will miss him greatly, and his death will prove a distinct loss, not only to journalism, but to the entire profession of underwriting. "Monday afternoon, a meeting of the insurance journalists was held in the office of The Weekly Un- derwriter, and the following minute was adopted : — " 'The insurance journalists of New York, con- vened this 2oth day of April, 1897, upon news of the death of Mr. Charles C. Hine, unite in testifying their C. C. HINE— PERSONAL. 279 sorrow for their own great loss and in respectfully tendering their sympathy to the bereaved family. ** 'As editor and publisher for nearly fifty years of the Insurance Monitor, he had in all sincerity and with eminent ability wrought well for what he deemed the best in insurance — the best for all. Nor in this way alone, but in very many public addresses, in books and pamphlets of his own, and in contributions to other books, had he labored to the same good purpose. And so he came to be, in fact, as long ago he was affec- tionately styled, "The Patriarch" among us. *' 'He believed in his work, rejoiced in it, was proud of it. To him are all insurance journalists debtors for the high standard of life and labor which he set and by his conduct exemplified. " 'Called hence in his yet unwithered ripeness of mind and heart, he leaves us the pleasant and heart- ening memory of one who honored our profession by staunch though tolerant fidelity to his sense of right. " 'Committee.* "The Life Underwriters* Association of New York, at a meeting held last night, appointed a committee which drew up the following minute : — " 'The members of this association are profoundly grieved in learning that their brother and friend, Charles C. Hine, has passed out of the mortal into the immortal life, and that they are to see his face no more. He was known to life insurance workers around the world. For a third of a century his was 280 WOODSIDE. a helping hand to every toiler in the life insur- ance field. His journalistic work was not per- functory, but glad and joyous. He believed. He had strong convictions. And he lived to see the little rill of life insurance broaden and deepen into the mighty river. As a writer he was many-sided. He knew the tensile strength of fact as expressed in figures and diagrams ; and his work was enhanced in value by a never-ceasing play of humor. As a speaker none who ever heard him will forget him. He was ready, convincing, entertaining, versa- tile, apt. Living two years beyond his allotted three- score and ten, he seemed in appearance but to have entered upon the Indian Summer of his days. When last with us, but a few weeks since, he appeared to be but little changed from what he was a score of years ago. When the end came he was as a "shock of com fully ripe", ready to be garnered. It was meet and fit that he should go thus swiftly, with the light shining on him from the worlds out of sight, for he had lived his life with such a transfer in view. This association holds out its hand in silence to the sorrowing ones of his household, for whose deeper grief it has the pro- foundest sympathy. "Committee.* — [Insurance Record — April. "It was a good morning for taking a last look. The sun shone forth in cloudless beauty, the air was sweeter for a frost of the night before; there was C. C. HINE— PERSONAL. 281 green grass« and much token, too, of leafage and flower. This is the time of year when the outer world tries hard to tell us of something better than itself. Not a violet or a dandelion by the wayside that does not sing of bloom that shall never fade. A seeming endless repetition of life and death points true to the endless life, the spring time unfading, the friendships that endure. "The simple ceremonies were held at the little church where the man was best known. There were banks of flowers, and there were streaming eyes. He must have been dear to the children for many of them were weeping as though they had lost a father. The place was crowded. The minister told a simple story of what the life had been on its religious side. Mr. Hine was an earnest Christian worker. He was a helper of others. He had no debate over doctrines. He accepted the truths of Christianity, and practiced what he believed. He was a helper of the poor, of the widow and the fatherless. It was a most pathetic ad- dress, out of the heart of a man who felt that the com- munity has suffered an irreparable loss. "Thus did we get a glimpse of the real life of the man, and take note of the things he lived for. Many, many years we knew him here in the great, babbling town. Like the rest of us, he had his work to do, and he did it with a will. But his heart the while was there in the little church, there with the pastor, the poor, the children. ''It is a benefaction to be buried when life is burst- 282 WOODSIDE. ing forth everywhere. The autumn entombment is followed by a cold and dreary winter. It is so hard for those who weep to listen to the sleet against the win- dow, the madness of the storm. And the snow piled up on the fresh tomb, how it chills one to think of it ! But now come sunshiny days and calm, sweet nights, and through all the shining stars talk to us, and tell us that our dead were never buried, but journeyed swiftly to worlds more glorious ; and we believe what they say. But we hear not the star voices except when there are calm and warmth, and bud and blossom." — [Charles D. Lakey, in Insurance. *'C. C. Hine was a stalwart figure in whatever walk of life he appeared. His character was sturdy and substantial in its development. Bom in New Haven, Conn., in 1825, he early went to the then Far West to try his fortune, and in those rigorous times he laid the foundations for a sound physiccd and mental manhood. He was successively school teacher, artist, leader in telegraphy, insurance agent and insurance officer. In 1868 he purchased the * Insurance Monitor*, the oldest American insurance journal now in existence, and had, therefore, conducted it, as editor and proprietor, for upwards of thirty years. As a writer his style was original, vigorous and entertaining. He had strong opinions and never hesitated to express them. Es- pecially in fire insurance he left his impress upon the thought and practice of the time. He had a peculiar facility in verbal expression, and was often called upon C. C. HINE— PERSONAL. 283 to speak in public upon insurance subjects, his ad- dresses being always acceptable." — [Insurance Age. "And so our old friend and ever courteous con- temporary, Charles C. Hine, has gone over to the great majority. Although his stay here was longer in years than is the measure of time allotted earthly visitors, his departiire is none the less sorrowful to all of us who knew and loved him well for his exemplary characteristics. As editor of the Monitor, and as a comrade in a special field of journalism, we were proud of the cordial relationship that existed without friction or interruption for more than a score of years between C. C. Hine and us. *To him' — as Editor Davis well said in the minute adopted at the meeting of insurance journalists — 'are all insurance journalists debtors for the high standard of life and labor which he set and by his conduct exemplified'. But, as Brother Lakey graphically expressed it, in the resolu- tion he prepared for, and which was adopted by, the Life Underwriters' Association: 'When the end came he (C. C. Hine) was as a "shock of corn fully ripe", ready to be garnered. It was meet and fit that he should go thus swiftly with the light shining on him from worlds out of sight, for he had lived his life with such a transfer in view.' In adding a word of tribute to the fragrant memory of this good man may we not confidently voice the hope, as we say farewell to him, that peace and joy shall be his share for evermore?" — [Vigilant. 284 WOODSIDE. "Personally, Mr. Hine was a most agreeable com- panion, well informed on a wide range of subjects, an easy and interesting talker, always ready with a good story and, what is somewhat rare among story tellers, as willing to listen as to tell. Everybody liked him, and he had the good word of the people where he had lived. The writer of this well remembers some twenty years ago being down at Peru, 111., on a case before Squire Underbill, a Justice of the Peace. The trial had drawn together quite a lot of old citizens, and while waiting for a witness a general conversation was indulged in. The writer happening to mention that he had just got back from New York, and insurance being referred to in connection with the visit, the *Squire's face lit up and he said: 'New York — ^why, that's where Charley Hine lives; runs an insurance paper down there. Do you know Charley?' The ques- tion being answered satisfactorily, one and another of the old citizens began to tell about when Charley Hine set up the telegraph in Peru along back in 1850, or thereabouts, and what a smart young fellow he was. and so pleasant and accommodating, too. We have no doubt that his acquaintance with Charley Hine helped the learned counsel to win his case, which was not an especially good one.'* — [Insurance. y. M. C. A. IN 1855. "The new Yoimg Men's Christian Association building on Pearl and Main streets was opened yes- terday to the public. * * * C. C. HINE— PERSONAL. 285 "A resume of the life of the Young Men's Christian Association in this city will be of interest to the read- ers. The association was first organized in this city in 1855 by C. C. Hine, and is said to be one of the old- est in the country." — '[New Albany (Ind.) Tribune, 1893. THE PATRIARCH RAISES HIS VOICE IN SONG. "I thought I knew the Patriarch fairly well, and that I was 'on' to all of his varied accomplishments. I knew that he could get upon his feet before an as- sembly and make an interesting talk, but I never knew until recently that he was a singer! I read in a report of the last meeting of the Fire Underwriters' Association of the Northwest that 'Father Hine was then introduced, and after a few jokes sang a song which evoked continuous laughter'. There is some- thing droll in the idea of it to me, but I would bet an- other (dinner) with whosoever would take me up that Mr. Hine acquitted himself with his usual complete- ness. He can do a good many things, and i' faith he can do 'em all well. He would not undertake any- thing he could not." — [Insurance World, November, 1896. AFTER THE BANQUET WAS OVER. "In his October Monitor, C. C. Hine modestly re- fers to 'a little occurrence' that followed the recent banquet of the Northwestern Association. The 'lit- tle occurrence' was a one-minute speech made by Mr. 286 WOODSIDE. Hine himself, in the presence of a company of fifteen, in response to a very complimentary toast proposed by H. C. Eddy of this city (Chicago). As near as we can recall it, this is what the Patriarch said : 'Gentle- men, I am nearly three score and ten years old. It is getting to be half-past eleven with me, and the longer I live and the older I grow the more I appreciate the friendships I have made and the more I appreciate such friendly expressions as this.' Then, taking up his glass, he added, 'I became a teetotaler at the age of twelve, and must therefore drink with you in cold water.' The Patriarch said this from his heart, and the late hour and the deserted banquet hall added to the impressiveness of his remarks. But was he quite sure as to his own age? His eye is as bright and his voice as clear and ringing as when first we knew him, and his form is as erect and upright as his life has been. We repeated Mr. Hine's little speech to two grandmothers that we know, and they repeated it to 'the boy', and the grandmothers told the boy that they hoped so good a temperance advocate would live a thousand years. 'So say we all of us' — God save the Patriarch!" — [Insurance Post, October, 1894. YE PATRIARCH AS A HOOSIER. [ Communicated. ] "Recently my travels took me to the quiet, yet beautiful, city of New Albany, Ind., and while walk- ing through its shady streets I remembered that the C. C. HINE— PERSONAL. 287 former home of Mr. C. C. Hine, the well-known un- derwriter, the accomplished writer, the able statis- tician, and the eloquent orator, was in this identical city. That here, when a local agent, he distributed blotting pads and cultivated the art of soliciting, which has served him many a good turn in later years. Here the foundation was laid for the broader work which fate had in store for him. The bright, young Hoosier, full of wit and good humor, was to become the grave and thoughtful 'Patriarch', honored and be- loved as a leader in his chosen profession. "There is a 'touch of nature' in us all, which in- spires a curiosity to know something of those who have succeeded in life — who have become distin- guished. That a great humorist should have wept at the tomb of Adam was to me no joke, provided that the spot selected was the genuine burial place of that eminent citizen. Who would not like to walk in the garden where Plato conversed, or view the forum from which Cicero spoke? To visit Avon and spend a day where Shakespeare sleeps will always be indeed a pleasure. Who, that is thoughtful, goes to Spring- field, or Galena, without seeing the modest houses where Lincoln and Grant lived, when unhonored and unknown. "With this feeling, I sought and found the little, old-fashioned brick building, where, a third of a cen- tury ago, was the insurance office of Mr. Hine. On the side of the hill, a few blocks away, was the unas- suming dwelling house, where the young agent lived 288 WOODSIDE. in comfort and dignity, surrounded by a most loving family, and respected and esteemed by neighbors, many of whom have themselves since become known throughout the United States as wise statesmen, brave soldiers and honorable business men. "While in New Albany I was told many anecdotes illustrating Mr. Hine's goodness of heart, fondness for children and devotion to charitable and Christian work. These cannot be repeated at this time. The following, however, told me by an old citizen, illus- trates a type of manhood that, I fear, is becoming rarer each year, and is in danger of becoming, in time, entirely extinct: — "About 1853 the McCormick family offered the New Albany Theological Seminary $100,000 if that institution should be removed to Chicago. The offer was accepted, and Mr. Hine purchased the property which was vacated, and spent all the money he had, and all he could borrow, in erecting and fitting up buildings for a female college. The institution was thoroughly advertised, had the sympathy of the best people in the Southwest, and was about being opened under the most favorable auspices, when the financial crisis of 1857 swept over the West, cruelly prostrating and crushing thousands of the best and most public- spirited men in the country. Mr. Hine went down with the rest, losing every dollar he had, and being many thousand dollars in debt. He was broken up — badly broken up — but, fortunately, not broken down, for there is all the difference imaginable between the C. C. HINE—PERSONAL. 289 two. Mr. Hine then returned to the insurance busi- ness, traveling awhile for the ^tna Insurance Com- pany, then becoming secretary of the International Insurance Company, subsequently, on the decease of the famous Tom Jones, purchasing the Insurance Monitor, at the head of which he has remained until the present time. "What became of his debts? Did he forget his creditors when he subsequently became prosperous, as so many others do? These were the questions I asked. Were the circumstances of his failure such as reflected unfavorably on his integrity and honesty? Did he afterward make settlements with his creditors that were satisfactory? Let others answer. **i. Gen. B. F. Scribner a well-known citizen of Indiana, and a resident of New Albany, said to me: 'Mr. Hine's failure was an honest one, and in no way reflected unfavorably on his honesty and integrity. He subsequently made settlements with his creditors that were entirely satisfactory. His conduct all through his troubles was such as to command the re- spect and S3mipathy of all right-minded citizens. The brevity of this statement very feebly expresses my ad- miration for Mr. Hine's conduct and character.' **2. John C. Culbertson, Esq., formerly of New Albany, but now an honored resident of Santa Bar- bara, Cal., said: 'Mr. Hine has been my intimate friend for over thirty years. He failed in New Albany years ago. Borrowed money to pay his servants. The £tna Insurance Company advanced him $ioo to 290 WOODSIDE. support his little family in this trying time. Since then he has prospered, and has hunted up his credit- ors and paid them all in full, with interest, in some in- stances more than two dollars for one. He is an up- right. Christian gentleman.' "3. L. G. Mathews, Esq., vice-president of the Ohio Falls Car Company, said: *Mr. Hine's failure was due solely to the depressed condition of the times, financially. I was one of his creditors, and never knew of any one who complained of his honesty or want of integrity. As fast as he recovered from his misfortunes, and could spare the money, he devoted it to paying his debts. His manner of doing it was characteristic. He picked out the poorest and neediest of his creditors and paid them first. As an incident, I failed in business in 1872. Mr. Hine heard of it and sent me his check for principal and interest in full. I doubt if there is a man living, who, having left New Albany, could return and receive such a cordial wel- come from all who knew him.' "4. Walter Mann, Esq., formerly a banker at New Albany, and now a resident of Minneapolis, said: *Mr. Hine left New Albany largely in debt and with nothing to begin the world again with, except experi- ence and the best wishes of his friends. He afterward paid his debts, principal and interest. I was one of his creditors and speak whereof I know. His failure was an honest one and his conduct characterized by the highest integrity and honor. He paid his debts after he had ceased to be under any obligations to do C. C. HINE— PERSONAL. 291 SO, and his record shows his thorough old-fashioned honesty and entire devotion to what he regards his duty.' "This article is written without the knowledge of Mr, Hine, and purely as a labor of love. In common with thousands of other underwriters I am indebted to the editor of the Monitor in a way that can never be paid with money." I. W. H. [The above was published in an Indianapolis (Ind.) paper about 1890.] APPENDIX. REPORT OF THE FIRST YEAR OF THE WOODSIDE SUNDAY SCHOOL. (This and the school census are given because they furnish many names of early residents.) Organized Sunday, June i6, 1867. Completed a year (52 Sundays), June 14, 1868. No Sunday omitted during the year. Names enrolled during year 121 Total attendance during year ........ 3,024 Average attendance during year 58 Contributions (begun July 7, 1867) . ..$107.28 Smallest attendance, 44; largest 71. Organization consists of 11 classes, 3 librarians, i organist, i superintendent. Number of books in li- brary, 250; amount expended on account of library and papers, $150. Class No. I has had one teacher, Mrs. Sarah L. Tompkins. The names enrolled are Ida Cox, Nelly Gait, Mary White, Frances Honess, Christina Coey- man, Anna Chappell, Alice Chappell, Hannah Filand, Emma Forbes. Class No. 2. — One teacher, Mrs. Jenny Stimis. Enrollment: Ada Joralemon, Eva Rogers, Fanny Bennett, Jessie Dalrymple, Ellen Mackey, Emma Royce, Jenny Fisher. Class No. 3. — One teacher, Thomas Kinscy. En- 296 WOODSIDE. rollment: David Bennett, Willie Pratt, Walter Clark, Theo. Palmer, Henry Mackey, Livingston Forbes, William Fisher. Class No. 4. — One teacher. Miss Annie Kinsey. Enrollment: Fanny Winser, Bella Gore, Kate Dal- rymple, May McDonald, Anne Crane, Mary Bennett, Mary Phillips. Class No. 5. — One teacher, John C. Bennett. En- rollment: Willie Faitoute, Alvah Stimis, Willie Earl, Willie Clark, Harry Winser, George Boyden, Elven Forbes, John Beach, Fred Moore, Frank Moore, Wal- ter Harlan. Class No. 6. — Three teachers, Mrs. Bell Z. Booeram, Prof. A. Bigelow, Miss J. A. Avery. En- rollment: Henry Pettit, Avery Hine, George Gore, Charles Van Nostrand, Will Cumming, Wm. Smith, Charles F. Eddowes. Class No. 7. — Two teachers, Harris McFarlin, Mrs. Harris McFarlin. Enrollment: Allen Earle, Garry Mackey, Charles Briggs, William Epworth, Alex Van Riper. Class No. 8. — One teacher, Mrs. Anne Callen. En- rollment: Abby Tompkins, Jenny Stimis, Matty Palmer, Cora Clark, Gabrielle ScharfF, Letitia White, Lottie Coeyman. Class No. 9. — One teacher, Miss Hannah Teel. Enrollment : Emma Tompkins, Jenny Morrison, Nelly Baldwin, Anna Swinnerton, Laura Palmer, Belle White, Carrie Morrison, Emma Keen, Gilbert Hine, Neddy Hine, Joseph Swinnerton, Willie Roberts, APPENDIX. 297 Clarence Swinnerton, Charley Mackey, Fred'k Som- mers, Henry Sommers, Johnny Gore, Johnny Morri- son, Lottie Francisco, Jenny White, Harry Callen, Jimmy Carroll, Monroe Coeyman, Miles Coeyman, Alie McFarlin, Lulu Farmer, Violet Scharff, Johnny Evans, Arthur Stimis, Lavina Van Riper, Stella Joral- emon, Freddy Beach, Freddy Faitoute, Caroline Coey- man, De Witt Joralemon. The above nine classes were the original organiza- tion. Class No. 10. — One teacher, George Blackwood. Enrollment: George Blackwood, John Blackwood, Arte Bigelow. Class No. II. — One teacher, Mrs. Mary H. Hine. Enrollment: Carrie Day, Emma Sandford, Mary Sandford, Susie Mackey, Mary Carter, Lizzie Carter. Showing the present regular membership to be: — Scholars, 68 ; teachers, 1 1 ; librarians, 3 ; organist, I ; superintendent, i. OF TOTA^NSHIP COMMITTEE OF THE TOWN roil THE 'STEA-H. BITID To amount of Tax Duplicate $15,501 22 State School Fund due District Woodside 1 14 04 $16,616 26 THE SHIP OF WOODSIDE, ESSEX COUNTY, IlSra- .A.FTi.IlL. GTtl, 1870. Cr. Paid P. S. Plerson, County Collector $5,720 00 Woortslde school District, Teacher's Salary 150 00 Montgomery " " " 150 00 Chas. D. Morrison, 1 $4 00 Clias. Akers, > Judges ot Elections 4 00 Alfred Keene, ) 4 00 12 00 Ellas Osbom, Assessor's Fees. 77 82 Births, Deaths, Marriages and Militia. Chas. Akers, Collector's Fees 172 48 Gilbert W. Camming, Attorney Fees 60 00 E W. Cobb, Justice's Fees 4 28 Gilbert W. Camming, 1 $58 00 Chas. C. Hine, 44 00 John McMullen, S Town Committee 44 00 Theodore G. Palmer. 54 00 Eugene D. Smith, J 44 00 244 00 Jesse Bennett, Sr., i $6 00 Nath. J. Crane, > Commissioners of Appeals 6 00 Jas. S. Gamble, ) 6 00 18 00 Jas. Swinnerton, Jr., Clerk's Fees $96 00 " " Clerk to Commissioners 8 00 104 00 Chas. Akers, Overseer of the Poor, Fees $5 00 " " For the Support of the Poor 57 39 62 39 Alfred Keene, Expenses in Procuring a Copy of Supplement 7 50 Dodd Bros., Township Seal 6 00 Newark Dally Journal, Kotices of Meetings 4 10 " " Advertiser, " " 1 00 A. P.Young, Copying and Engrossing Bill for Presentation to the IiCgislature 5 00 Chas. I). Morrison, Ballot Box 14 00 Fogg& Sanborn, Township Books, Tin Box for Clerk 12 50 Interest on Town Notes, Discounted 151 44 Boad District, No. 1, Sum Appropriated and Expended 800 00 No.2, " " " 800 00 No. 3, " " "... $800 00 liOanedtoDistrict No. 4 200 00 Expended in District No.3 656 09 Eoad District, No. 4, Sum Appropriated $800 00 Borrow ed from and Due District No. 3 200 00 Expended in District .^ o. 4 1,000 00 Road District No. 5, Sum Appropriated and Expended 800 00 Amount of Uncollected Taxes to Date 3,588 21 Taxes Remitted by the Commissioners 348 40 Balance of Cash on hand 656 05 $15,615 26 JAMES SWINNERTON, Jr., GILBERT W.CDMMING, 1 Town Clerk. CHAS. CHINE, JOHN MCMULLEN, )■ Town Committee. THEODORE G. PALMER, | EUGENE B. SMITH, J 300 WOODSIDE. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DISTRICT CLERK OF TOWNSHIP OF WOODSIDE August 31, i86g Children Between 5 and 18 Years of Age Parents or Ouardians. No. Barney Agnew i <( << 2 " " 3 ♦• «« 4 " " 5 G. A. Boyden 6 John C. Bennett 7 ♦' " " 8 " " " 9 Geo. H. Bartholomew 10 «' " " II Baxter T. Blackwood 12 13 Edwin Benson 14 Artemus Bigelow 15 Francis Clough 16 Franklin Baldwin 17 William A. Bradford 18 «« •' " 19 Timothy Barrett 20 <« " 21 Albert Beach 22 " " 23 24 Residing in the District Children. Daniel Agnew Joseph " James " Agnes " Andrew " George O. Boyden Fanny Bennett David " Mary " Emily T. Bartholomew Lewis " George Blackwood John " Edwin Benson Arte Bigelow Frank Bennett Nellie Baldwin Esther C. Bradford Millie Catherine Barrett Michael " William Beach John " Maria '* APPENDIX. 301 Parents or Gtiardians. ^o. Albert Beach 25 " " 26 Mrs. Mary Hopkins 27 Thomas H. Coeyman 28 i( (( »« 29 '« " " 30 George B. Callen 31 Franklin Pratt 32 " " 33 William A. Clark 34 •' " 35 Gilbert W, Gumming 36 Horace Carter 37 Henry Coeyman 38 39 «« " 40 J. S. L. Cummings 41 Edward Carragan 42 N.J.Crane 43 " " " 44 " " " 45 Joseph Dreyfous 46 47 «« " 48 '« " 49 Reuben W. Earl 50 " 51 Anthony Epworth 52 E. G. Faitoute 53 " " " 54 G. W. Gore 55 " » " 56 Wilbur Garrabrant 57 «« " 58 Oliver Gordon 59 Children. Fred Beach Josephine " Hattie L. Barnes Harriet Coeyman Monroe " Miles " Harry Callen Annie Chappall Alice " William T. Clark Walter A. *' William Gumming Lizzie Carter Lottie Coeyman Mary " Caroline " Bessie Cummings Edward Carragan Frank S. Crane Jennie M. " Sarah " Walter Dreyfous Adele " Gertrude '• Herbert " Willie Earl Charlie " W^illiam Epworth Willie Faitonte Freddie " Belle Gore Johnnie Gore Frank Garrabrant George " Bertie Gordon 302 WOODSIDE. Parents or Guardians. No. William Hunter 60 61 William J. Harlan 62 63 Daniel Halsey 64 C. C. Hine 65 " " " 66 " " " 67 Ralph Hyde 68 '« 69 " «' 70 Robert Honess 71 S.U.Bard 72 William Kennedy 73 74 75 George W, Keene 76 James S. Mackie .... 77 " " " 78 «« «' ♦« 79 '« " " 80 " 81 Mrs. Mary F. Mann 82 Charles D. Morrison 83 <' '« «< 84 85 Ashley Melius 86 Bethuel Munn 87 " " 88 John McDonald 89 90 John H. Mackey 91 ♦' " " 92 " " " 93 " " " 94 Mrs. Sarah Moore 95 Children. Lizzie Hunter Annie " Melville Harlan Walter " George Halsey Avery Hine Gilbert " Edward «' Florence Hyde Alice " Ralph " Charles W. Honess A. Judson Mary E. Kennedy Sarah " Elizabeth " Emma Keene Clara Mackie Chas. P. Mackie Stewart J. Mackie Robert O. " Alia C. Ella Mann Jennie Morrison Carrie " Johnnie " Theodore Melius Jennie Munn Louisa " Mary S. McDonald John P. Charlie Mackey Henry " Garry " Ella Frank Moore APPENDIX. 303 Parents or Guardians. No. Mrs. Sarah Moore 96 (< X «l M George Megrath 98 << «« QQ Patrick McCabe 100 •« " lOI Michael McGrann 102 Cornelius Mclntire 103 «« «« 104 " «' 105 «« «• 106 Mrs. Holt 107 «« «« 108 J.C.Neagles 109 Lewis A. Osbom no •« «« '< Ill «( it «< 112 Francis O'Conner 113 William F. Pettit 114 Theodore G. Palmer 115 •» «« •* 116 «« «« «« 117 John M. Phillips "8 . 102 Taxes, What We Get for Our 3 Teel, Miss Hannah 175 Terhune Place 37 Thomas, Thomas 62 Thornhill 37 Timby, Dr. Theodore R 117, 118 Tobey, William 64 Tobey's Lane 65 Tolcr, Hugh . 37 Toll Gate on Old Bloowfleld Road 94 Tompliins, Daniel F 53, 240 Tompliins, Francis 49 Tory, A 103 Town Meetings 199 Tragedy, A Woodside • 199 Trail, James 113 Triton Boat Club 251 Two Bottles 46 V Van Cortlandt Genealogy 55 Van Cortlandt House, Old 55-57, 68 Van Cortlandt, Stephen 55, 59 Van Emburgh, Abraham 26, 42 Van Emburgh, Capt. Chris 32 Van Rensselaer, John 57, 58 Van Riper. Charles 107 Van Winlile, Polly 39. 112 Washington Avenue, Opening of ....153, 158 Washington, Gen'l, on the Back Road... 92 Washington, Gen'l, on the River Road . . 53 Wauters, William T 109, 112 Wayne, Anthony, Camp 33, 34, 79, 240 Weeks, Dr. GrenviUe M 114-126 Weiler, Peter 248 We.st, Joseph 70 Winser, Henry J., Reminiscences of.. 214-229 Wlnser, Henry J., Settles in Woodside.. 138 Witch, A, of the Gully Road 10 Woodside, 1868-9 196-199 Woodside a Part of Belleville 2, 151 Woodside a Part of Bloomfield 2 Woodside a Township 2, 154-157 \Voodside Absorbed by Newark 3 Woodside Before March, 1743 1 Woodside Formerly Ridgewood 164 Woodside in 1849, Map of— Facing Page 1 Woodside — Its Boundaries 1, a Woodside Molasses Jar, A 148 Woodside School Census, 1869 300-304 Woodside, The, of 1867 168 Woodside Township, First Annual Report of 298. 299 Woodside, When There Were No Politics In 225 Y— Z Yereance, James 116 Zenana Mission Band 210 HKZ48-78 ^^s ^^•n^. 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