THE DAVENPORT FAMILY.

Perhaps there is no surer criterion of a people's progress in intelligence, wealth, and a refined civilization than the filial respect shown in commemoration of the virtues and deeds of their ancestors. To a greater or less degree has this been a characteristic of all nations, and in proportion to their progress in arts, literature, and the science of government, and signalizing each advancing epoch by monumental inscriptions to perpetuate their memory. This country, with its extent of fertile territory, matchless climate, and vast resources, has drawn hither a most enterprising, intelligent, and thrifty class of citizens from the older nations. This immigration has been continuous to the present time; but it has only been about half a century that a true distinctive type of American character has been exhibited, and so recognized by the other nations of the earth.

Hence it has now become a right and duty one owes to himself, his ancestors, and descendants, — in which justice, honor, property, and all he holds most sacred may be involved, — that at the earliest period he trace out the various links in the chain of his descent till he reaches the most remote point attainable. It is supposable that in a work of this character some errors and abuses will appear through the mistaken attempt of some to attain prominence through exaggeration and fulsome praise of their progenitors. But such abuses are no argument against meritorious works of history and biography; all such attempts will ultimately rebound upon their authors.

The family name of Davenport is of local origin. "Davenport township" is situated in the county of Chester, England, the name being derived from the river Dave that flows through it. The manorial history of this township involves a subject of rare occurrence even in England: the descent of a family in one uninterrupted male line from William the Conqueror to the present day, — a period of eight hundred years, possessing at this time the feudal powers and manorial estates with which the sovereign invested it, and preserving in its archives a series of original documents, the proofs of its ancient history and unbroken descent. In 1086 the illusive crest of the Davenports was conferred by the sovereign and borne upon the helmets of the sergeants, to the terror of banditti, which infested the district. The " Davenport coat-of-arms"-reckoned among the. most ancient in England — is a shield with sable, crosslets, I crest, a falcon's head couped at the neck, indicating "magisterial sergeantcy," the duty exacted being that of ridding the district of all robbers, highwaymen, and marauders, with summary powers over the lives of all such. There is now in possession of the family of Davies Davenport, late member of Parliament, a long roll, of very ancient date, containing numerous names of "master robbers" who were taken and beheaded.

Branches of the family extend through most of the counties of England and other parts of the world, yet the same coat-of-arms appertains to them all, and with singular accuracy the name in all instances is spelled the same. There has been almost perpetually a representation in Parliament, sent there from the numerous branches of the family in the realm.

Through marriage connections they have at times been brought in close relationship with the ruling powers and the Crown. Edward Hyde, Lord High Chancellor, married Margaret, daughter of Sir John Davenport, ancestor of Mary, wife of James II., and the mother of Mary, the consort of William of Orange, who together occupied the British throne, and also of Queen Anne, successive sovereigns of the kingdom.

The family have been frequently represented in the peerage, etc., and constantly in the Church. But no boastful claims are presented for aristocratic distinction: the family seeks no higher ambition than of belonging to the advanced order of the great middle class, — that of merchants, artisans, and scholars, loyal to the ruling powers, yet ever advocates and defenders of the cause of human rights.

It may be worthy of remark here that the Davenport Pottery-Works of Staffordshire, with branch warerooms in London,. Manchester, and Liverpool (in connection with the Wedgewoods, with whom there have existed for a long period close marriage relations), are the largest manufacturers of Queensware, China, and faience-ware in the world; and this position the house has maintained for more than a century. The firm of Davenport Bros. are, and have been for a third of a century, agents for the sale of their goods in New York.

The first of the name that came to this country was the Rev. John Davenport, the distinguished Pilgrim minister of that celebrated band of Christian heroes who landed in New England in 1637, comprising such names as Eaton, Hopkins, Beecher, Atwater, Lord Leigh, Cheever, Pierpont, the. Edwards, etc., to whom may be well and truthfully accorded the fame of being the fathers of the American Commonwealth.

This eminent divine, Rev. John Davenport, was born in Warwickshire, England, in 1597, of wealthy parentage; graduated at Oxford; soon after became minister of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, London. His profound learning, eloquence, fervent piety, and bold, fearless advocacy of Puritanical doctrines, then becoming prevalent, aroused the anger of Laud, Arch
bishop of London; persecutions followed. Davenport, with many of his congregation and other adherents, fled to Holland; were met with open arms by others of like faith in that asylum of religious liberty. After a brief stay, permission being granted, they returned to England, when, after collecting their scattered band and holding frequent conferences, they resolved to emigrate to America. They accordingly chartered a vessel, taking all their earthly effects aboard, set sail in the spring of 1637, and arrived at Boston after a three-months passage. These immigrants being highly connected in the mother-country, of much learning and considerable wealth, strong inducements were offered to persuade them to settle within the confines of the Plymouth colony. After a full discussion it was decreed best, for various reasons, to establish a distinct colony. Accordingly, after a brief period of inspecting the country, they selected a spot, which met the approval of all, in Connecticut, on Long Island Sound, and located the town of New Haven. The records, and all writers on that period, accord Mr. Davenport the honor of leadership in developing and establishing, through organic law, those great principles of civil and religious freedom which have rendered that colony so illustrious. He urged the necessity and duty of universal education, and framed the outline principles of what has since been known as the common-school system, now become national since the triumphant suppression of the slaveholders' rebellion. In 1654, assisted by his friend and parishioner Governor Eaton and others, he embodied in written form the plan, which was substantially adopted, establishing Yale College; also contributed and collected funds in its aid. For thirty years, with zeal and energy, he labored and ministered in that parish, when, in 1668, being seventy years of age, he received and accepted a call (against the universal regret of his people) to the First Church of Boston, then the largest in the colonies. He labored here for three years with full acceptance, when he was suddenly stricken down with apoplexy, in his seventy-third year. His tomb can now be seen in Dings Chapel, Boston. His death was universally deplored. Writers on that period agree that the man above all others who has stamped the impress of his genius most indelibly upon the institutions of New England is the hero of this sketch. The descendants of the family, with others who soon after came from the parent-branch in England, became numerous and scattered through most of the States, and have maintained the reputation of the Pilgrim ancestor.

A continuous line of ministers have succeeded, numbers in colleges, institutions of learning, the army, navy, at the bar, and as legislators in State and national government. They heartily sustained the colonial cause in the Revolution by pen and sword; were in the army as officers and privates. Two of the name were in Congress in each of the administrations of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson. A grandson of the Puritan, the Rev. James Davenport, stationed at Southhold, L. I., was a preacher of singular eloquence and power. His renown attracted hither the celebrated Whitefield in 1740, then just arrived from England, who wrote home, "I am comforted by meeting my dear Brother Davenport, by whose hands the Lord has done such great things." They matured and organized a missionary tour ; together they held meetings in the leading towns of New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, etc. At Princeton they met the Tennents, who traveled with them. Sometimes they would journey separately, then meet on great occasions. "During this time Davenport was preaching to a congregation of three thousand in Mr. Cross' church in Basking Ridge, this county. Whitefield met him there and aided in the work with great success." After this tour closed Davenport preached in Connecticut, and finally was stationed in Hopewell, on the border of Somerset County, where he died in 1753. Another of the family, Rev. John Davenport, was born in Freehold; graduated in Princeton; stationed at the former place, and at Deerfield, N. J. The celebrated John I. Davenport, chief supervisor of elections, now of New York, by his fearless fidelity to prevent fraud upon an honest and free ballot, causing enemies and committees of Congress to own him right in law, justice, and honesty, most fully exemplified the spirit of the great Puritan, of whom he is a direct lineal descendant.

The progenitor of the family in Somerset County was John Davenport, of the same lineal ancestry as that of the New England Puritan, but arrived at a later date. He was born in Bury, near Manchester, England, in 1777; emigrated to this country near the close of the last century. Landing in Connecticut, the home of so many of the name, he first settled in Danbury. After a brief period he aspired to seek a more favorable business locality. Being quite young, ambitious, and energetic, he quickly perceived the superior advantages that New Jersey presented in her milder climate and prolific soil, and more especially by her geographical position between the two great cities of New York and Philadelphia. He concluded to visit there, and, pushing for the centre of the State, heard of Pluckamin, then a thriving village, giving promise of being the most important manufacturing town in the county. After a visit of inspection he determined to locate there. Accordingly, he settled in Pluckamin in 1800 and engaged in general merchandising. After three years, observing Somerville showing signs of more rapid growth (the county-seat having recently been transferred there from Millstone), he concluded to invest there, with a view of permanent removal. He purchased a farm facing on the Main Street, running north a mile, including within it what has since been known as the "Lottery Field" (an account of which appears in another part of this work). The next year he built and occupied the house now the residence of Messrs. John and James Bergen. While still continuing his business in Pluckamin, he formed a partnership branch of hatting in Somerville with Mr. George Vannest. After a few years' experience he found difficulties in managing two enterprises thus separated: hence he closed up with Mr. Vannest, negotiated for the sale of his Somerville farm, moved back to Pluckamin, and permanently concentered his entire business there. Then, being in prime, vigorous manhood, with a singular wealth of resources, be harnessed all these energies to untiring service in his various undertakings.

He purchased a fine farm adjoining the village, improved and cultivated it. The tannery- and currying-works on the place he repaired and enlarged. Built a flouring- and grist-mill; also a distillery and cider-mill. Erected the most extensive hatting-works that have ever been in the county, with improved machinery and buildings adjusted to each department. In addition, he embarked in a new and separate trade, — that of manufacturing sumac for the morocco-factories of Philadelphia,-which grew into large proportions, proving very profitable.

All these various branches of business were in full operation at the same time, in which large numbers of hands were constantly employed. The prosecution of these numerous enterprises made Pluckamin a place of considerable importance at that day.

Mr. Davenport's intense, untiring application to these various business projects, with the physical labor and anxious solicitude, caused a too heavy strain for his naturally strong constitution to longer endure, and, while apparently in the full vigor of life, he was suddenly stricken down with apoplexy. He died at Pluckamin, Sept. 18,1830, in his fifty-second year. In person Mr. Davenport was of average statue, portly, of handsome presence, possessing a well-developed and evenly-balanced intellect, the reasoning, perceptive, and moral faculties predominating, a rare temperament of vital energy, that could rouse every faculty to duty with obedience to his control. It was this trait that equipped him with that executive power for which he was so distinguished. With a cheerful, magnetic disposition, he took the greatest pleasure in making others happy ; was generous and hospitable, but intolerant to the idle and vicious. In his intercourse was free, direct, and outspoken, but proudspirited, and the very soul of truth and honor. He utterly loathed all sycophants and hypocrites. He was strictly moral, and religious without pharisaism, and temperate almost to abstemiousness, which for those days of general inebriation was remarkable.

He supported Adams for the Presidency, though not an active politician, but despised the acts of demagogues. In the words of a leading citizen, uttered many years since, in speaking of Mr. Davenport, whom he bad long known, "He was beloved and held in the highest esteem by those of the intelligent, moral, and honorable of our citizens, who knew him the most intimately."

MEMORIA IN AETERNA.

The likeness of James S. Davenport, at the head of this sketch, has been selected by the family, as in features and general physical appearance he more closely resembles the father.

Below we give the descendants of John Davenport. As they are nearly all living and mostly reside in or not far removed from Somerset County, we deem it most appropriate to do but little more than give their names and connections.

John Davenport was married twice, first to Margaret Traphagen, in 1804; she died 1811, leaving two children, Ralph and Sarah Ann, the latter died in 1829, no descendants living. Ralph, born 1805, married Phoebe A. Voorhies, 1827; she died soon after, leaving no children. He was married again in 1838 to Sarah Drake, by whom he had two children, Ralph and Mary. The former married Ellen Vannest, the latter William Jeroloman, all living and have children. Ralph, the father, for about twenty years resided in New York ; the balance of his life has been spent in Pluckamin, where he still resides; is hale and hearty in his seventy-sixth year; is a farmer.

John Davenport was married again in 1813 to Mary Boylan, daughter of John Boylan, of Pluckamin, a most estimable woman, who died in 1848, leaving six children; all but one are now living, as follows, the names given in order of birth, beginning with the eldest: Margaret, born 1814; married Geo. Vannest, 1839; he died 1864, leaving seven children, all living and residing in Somerset County. The widow is still living on the homestead, two miles southwest of Pluckamin.

John married Hester Voorhies, 1889; he died 1848, leaving five children, all living but one, James, a brave and noble youth. He enlisted when scarcely eighteen years of age, served his country with heroic bravery, was captured while fighting for his country, after nearly all his company had fallen, was incarcerated in Andersonville prison, and died in delirium through barbarous treatment while a prisoner.

Thomas married Frances Smith, 1851; had six children, all living but one, Margaret, an estimable young lady, who died 1880. Reside in Jersey City, but usually spend their summers in Somerville.

Eleanor married Wm. L. Jones, 1836; resides in Plainfield; had two children, one died in infancy, the other, Eliza, married Lieut.-Col. Janeway, of the First New Jersey Cavalry, who bravely fell leading the charge in the battle of Jettersville, Va., the last battle of the war of the Rebellion. The widow has since married Horace Bannard.

James S. married Maria Remsen, 1845; resides at Raritan; have three children, one son and two daughters, all married.
Samuel W., born 1822, married to Amelia Besteder, 1846; residence in Somerville, N. J.; have seven children, three sons and four daughters.

Of the names above, Thomas, James S., and Samuel W. compose the firm of Davenport Bros., New York, importers and dealers in china, Liverpool, and glassware. It was established in 1843, Samuel W. entering it ten years later. It is now in its thirtyseventh year. During that long period, in which such vast changes have occurred in the country and the world, — times of prosperity and of depression and disaster, — the firm, although experiencing seasons of trials and losses, has never been compelled to succumb to the vicissitudes of business.

They ever took a lively interest in domestic manufactures, believing the time would soon arrive when we could produce as good ware as we were importing the war hastened the event. A few years since they embarked in manufacturing at the City Pottery, Trenton; now the largest part of their goods are made there.

The family lay no pretentious claim to position, titles, wealth, or honors: they simply claim the right of belonging to the great middle class; of high morality, strict integrity, truthfulness, and honesty in the discharge of every just due or other obligation, supporters of the church and of right everywhere, in proportion to ability, ever observing to be just before being liberal. They own to a feeling of pride in one matter,viz., that of the almost universal fidelity and support rendered by those of the name to the nation in the hour of its direst struggle with treason and rebellion for its right to live.

JOHN R. EMERY.

John R. Emery, youngest child of Peter R. and Anna (Rockafellow) Emery, was born at Dreahook, Hunterdon Co., N. J., where the family resided, July 22, 1827, and died at Bloomington, N. J., June 17, 1880.

His early life was spent on the farm, where he became inured to labor and learned that economy and industry are necessary elements of success. Upon reaching manhood he went into mercantile business at White House, subsequently removed to Somerville, and was employed on the Central Railroad. Here he was given charge of a wood-train, and finally became the financial agent of the company, collecting rents, buying and selling real estate, etc. This position he filled with such honor to himself and credit to the company as to obtain their full confidence in his financial and business ability. In 1867 he became the partner of D. K. Craig in the coal and lumber business, the firm being D. K. Craig & Co. This firm continued a successful business until 1872, when the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Emery remained in the railroad company's employ until the formation of the Lehigh and Wilkesbarre Coal Company, when he became its line agent, and subsequently opened an office opposite the depot in Somerville, which business he continued until his death.

By his sterling integrity as a business man he rose gradually to a position of honor and profit,-first in the Central Railroad of New Jersey, and then in the Lehigh and Wilksbarre Coal Company. The excellency of his character, however, centred in his religious principles, which were fixed and controlling. In his whole deportment he moved in consistency with his profession. He united with the Second Reformed Church of Somerville at the September communion in 1864, and, as a proof of his zeal and decision in religion, he led in prayer at the next devotional meeting, and conducted the services at the succeeding assemblage of the brethren, services which he preserved while he retained his connection with the congregation. Such was the confidence reposed in him by the Consistory that he was elected deacon in 1866 and elder in 1869, — stations which he filled with executive ability. In 1870 he removed to Lebanon, where he connected himself with the Reformed Church, and was leader in liberality and exertion to repair the house of worship and erect a new parsonage. He will be remembered for his integrity, and uprightness as a citizen, for his domestic virtues as a father and husband, and for his eminent usefulness as a church-member.

Mr. Emery was among the foremost in purchasing, laying out, and beautifying the new cemetery grounds in Somerville, and, unassisted, relieved the property from a heavy debt resting upon it, thereby placing the cemetery association in a position to own the property unencumbered.

Upon his death the following resolutions were passed by the Board of Directors of the First National Bank of Somerville:

" FIRST NATIONAL BANK,
" SOMERVILLE, N. J., June 22,1880.
" Whereas, In the Providence of God our late associate in the Board of Director of the First National Bank, John R. Emery, has been removed by death, therefore,
" Revived, That we remember with great satisfaction his prompt and energetic business talent, his sterling integrity, his genial disposition, and his general kindness of heart and manner towards all with whom he was associated."

For his first wife he married Ann W. Swackhamer, of Readington, who died the age of twenty-eight in 1856, leaving one daughter living, — Anna M., — who is the wife of Mr. C. Stewart Hoffman, of Somerville. His second wife was Matilda Porter, who died leaving two sons, — William H., a telegraph-operator, and Benjamin S., in business at White Haven. His third wife was Anna Gilbaugh, who died leaving four children, — John C., Jennie B., Lizzie B., and Albert L. Mr. Emery married for his fourth wife, in February, 1878, Mrs. Mary Louisa Cooper, of Newark, N. J., who survives him.

AARON V. GARRETSON.

Aaron V. Garretson was a grandson of Garret R. Garretson, a major in the Revolutionary war. Maj. Garretson's place of residence was about two miles east of Millstone, N. J., where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was commonly called "Major;' was a gentleman of the olden time, taking no active part in political affairs. He was no less prominently identified with all movements tending to develop the resources of his native county, and to encourage its material prosperity. He was a man of sound judgment, of strict integrity, and was one whose counsel and assistance were sought by all classes of people. He was frequently selected as executor and administrator in the settlement of estates, and one in whom the people had confidence. He was a member of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Millstone, and for thirty years was precentor of that body. He was also officially connected with the church as deacon and elder.

Maj. Garretson was three times married. His first wife was the Widow Terhune, who bore him one son and two daughters, viz., Court, Ann, and Catharine. Ann married, for her first husband, Abraham Voorhees, and for her second husband John Montfort. Catharine became the wife of Garret Schenck, of SixMile Run. Maj. Garretson's second wife was the Widow Hageman, by whom he had Garret, Richard, and John Garretson, the latter becoming a minister. His third wife was the widow (Mary Perrine) of Judge Hardenburgh, at one time sheriff of Somerset County. Of this union was born Daniel Perrine Garretson. Court Garretson, father of our subject, was born near Millstone on Oct. 19, 1781. He was a shoemaker by trade, although he followed the occupation of a farmer for the greater portion of his life. He occupied various farms in the county, but finally purchased one of sixty acres where Aaron C. Martin now resides, near Somerville. He was in no respect a public man, although an earnest supporter of the old Whig party. He was a member of the Second Reformed Church of Somerville, with which he was officially connected as deacon. His wife was Margaret Cowenhoven, of Long Island, who was born May 24, 1784. The children of this marriage were John C., Garret R., Aaron Van Pelt, Richard, and Nicholas Cowenhoven Garretson, all of whom are living save Aaron Van Pelt, who died Dec. 9, 1880, aged sixty-nine years. John C. is a prominent citizen of Somerset County, and resides in Somerville. Garret R. resides in Flushing, L. I., Richard in Arkansas, and Nicholas in New York City.

Court Garretson died Jan. 18,1958, and his wife Aug. 1, 1867. Aaron V. Garretson was born near Millstone, N. J., Sept. 13, 1811. During his minority he remained on the home farm, and received the educational opportunities afforded by the common schools of his day. For several years after reaching his majority he was engaged in carrying on his father's farm. In 1836 he married Catharine M., daughter of Rynier and Anna (Brokaw) Van Nest. She was born May 24, 1817. In 1844 he purchased, for the sum of three thousand three hundred dollars, a farm in the township of Bridgewater, comprising at that time one hundred acres, to which he afterwards added twenty acres. The dwelling-house occupied by Mr. Garretson is still standing, and is one of the old landmarks of the vicinity, and was built eighty years ago by Thomas Cooper.
Mr. Garretson's life was devoted wholly to agricultural pursuits, and while an adherent of the Democratic party, he was no seeker after place, although he has held minor offices. His first vote was cast for his personal friend, Governor Vroom. He was a member of the Second Reformed Church of Somerville, where he has filled the office of deacon.

Mr. Garretson was known in the community as a man of strong mind, self-reliant, and possessed of sterling principles. His children have been Rynier Van Nest (who resides in Bridgewater township), Garret (died in infancy), John C. (resides in Franklin township), Henry Van Nest (living at the old homestead), William Van Nest let and William Van Nest 2d (both died iii infancy in 1845), Margaret C., Abraham Van Nest, Anna Van Nest, and George, all of whom reside at home.

SEYMOUR C. TROUTMAN, M.D.

His father, Sir John J. Troutman, was born on Staten Island in 1766. — For many years prior to reaching his majority he was midshipman in the English navy, and was under Admiral Rodney in a number of engagements with the French and Spanish fleets. About the year 1788 he engaged in trade between New York and Jamaica, having in charge several vessels, which he carried on for many years profitably. In 1801 he quit trade, married Miss Susannah, daughter of Jacob Schnell, of Brooklyn, N. Y., purchased a country-seat on Long Island, where the Eighteenth Ward of the city of Brooklyn now is. Here be became quite an extensive agriculturist, and owned slaves who worked his farm. The remainder of his life was spent on this spot, where he died in 1824.

Sir John J. Troutman was a man high in rank in the order of Knights Templar, and is said to have spent thirty thousand dollars in support of that and similar organizations. He became a member in 1798, and was subsequently Past Master of the Royal Lodge of Knights Templar, No. 283, A. Y. M., of Kingston, Jamaica. He received the order of the Red Cross and of the Holy Royal order, and was solemnly initiated by the Kingston Lodge into the sublime mysteries of the invincible and magnanimous orders of Knights of Rhodes and Malta.

Dr. Troutman was born in Brooklyn, L. I., Feb. 3, 1823. At the age of eleven lie was sent to Quaker Hill, where he became a pupil under Cyrenus Jones, a teacher of note. There he remained for two years,, and was then sent to New Canaan, Conn., where he completed his mathematical studies, having in the mean time given considerable attention to the study of the classics. In 1838 he engaged in a wholesale and retail drug-house in New York as clerk, where he became fully schooled in the various kinds of medicine and drugs, and where he first conceived the idea of the study of medicine. In 1843, Dr. Troutman married Ann F., a daughter of Richard and Jane (Todd) Ten Eyck, of Millstone, N. J., and a granddaughter of Frederick and Anna (Field) Ten Eyck, who were among the first settlers of that place. Mrs. Troutman is a descendant from the old Dutch stock, first settlers of New York, and a lady of refinement and high moral and Christian worth. Their only child is Sarah Jane, wife of Louis Kaczorowski, a resident of Somerville.

In 1845, Dr. Troutman established the drug business for himself in Brooklyn, N. Y., which he carried on until 1851, when he began the study of medicine and surgery with Dr. John A. Lidell, assistant surgeon in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, and was graduated at that institution in 1854, having, during his time as a student, practiced medicine and surgery in the college for some two years. The same year of his graduation he established himself in practice in New York City, where his ability and skill in the profession were soon recognized, and gave him a place among leading physicians. After a continuous yet profitable practice for three years, he removed from the city, purchased real estate, and settled in Somerville, N. J., where he has since resided, giving little attention to the practice of medicine.

Dr. Troutman's naturally sociable and genial disposition causes him to enjoy life, and among his most pleasant recreations is that of yachting, in which he spends some time during the hot summer months. Since he became a resident of Somerville he has been interested in its prosperity, and a contributor to its various local enterprises, to church interests, and other worthy objects. He has not been a seeker after political preferment, although always interested and well read in questions in any way affecting local and national legislation.

JOHN T. VAN DERVEER.

His grandfather was John Van Derveer, who was born on Oct. 3, 1752. In the year 1800 he purchased a tract of land comprising five or six hundred acres on the North Branch of the Raritan River, and on it passed his life as a farmer. About the time mentioned he built a dwelling-house where Mrs. John T. Van Derveer now resides, which was succeeded a score of years ago by the present residence, built by his son, John T. Mr. Van Derveer was among those old substantial citizens who contributed so much to the settlement and development of the country, and he passed a quiet, industrious, and honorable life. He was a member of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of North Branch. His wife was Jane Van Pelt, who was born on April 13, 1754. The children of the marriage were John, Peter, Tunis, and Mary, who became the wife of Abraham Quick. Mr. Van Derveer died about 1840, aged eighty-nine years.

Tunis, the son of John Van Derveer, was born on the old Van Derveer farm, and upon attaining manhood married Sarah Van Arsdale. His children were John T., Philip, James, and Jane, who became the wife of Samuel Gaston. James was a popular physician for many years at North Branch. Tunis Van Derveer was cut down early in years, and in the midst of his usefulness, passing away about 1822.

The subject of this memoir, John T., son of Tunis Van Derveer, was born on Dec. 1, 1806, on the paternal farm. His earlier years were passed at work upon the farm, and in attendance upon the district schools of his day. On Nov. 1, 1833, he married Margaret C., daughter of Richard Field. She was born Feb. 8, 1815. The life of Mr. Van Derveer was passed as a farmer, and though a member of the Republican party, and while he took great interest in public affairs, he confined himself strictly to his bucolic pursuits. He was actively identified with the Reformed Church of North Branch, and was officially connected with that body both as deacon and elder, filling the latter office at the time of his demise, in 1867. He was a man of strict integrity, pure morality, and bore with him to the grave the reputation of an upright and honorable citizen. His children were Tunis, who resides at North Branch; Richard H., who is working the home farm ; James D., a successful physician at Liberty Corner; Samuel G., William F., and John Q., all deceased; Sarah E., and Mary J., wife of William J. Voorhees.

Rev. John Q., son of John T. Van Derveer, was born March 13, 1854, and was raised on his father's farm. He was graduated at Rutgers College, N. J., in the class of 1877, and soon after entered upon theological studies in the seminary at New Brunswick. Owing to failing health, he was compelled to break away from his work at that institution and to go South,, residing in Texas for nearly three years. During this period he was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Austin, and filled the pulpit of various churches on different occasions. But his usefulness was soon to be terminated, and he called up higher. On June 24, 1880, while returning North with his family, he died of pulmonary disease, and was buried at sea with appropriate services. He left a wife, nee Miss Julia Robinson, of Corning, N. Y., and a little daughter, Ada L. Thus early was cut off a young and promising life,, and the hearts of friends were made desolate forever.

DAVID DUNN.

David Dunn was born at New Market, N. J., in 1797, and married Prudence Runyon, of that place. About the year 1845 he settled in Somerset County, residing first at Millington. He then spent some time in New York City, and in October, 1856, located on the farm now occupied by the widow of his only son, John R. Dunn. He purchased this property of Lewis Anderson, and it was originally included in a tract of land comprising sixteen hundred and fifty acres belonging to Daniel D. Donator, and which was conveyed in 1730 to Gisbert Lane, who erected the present Dunn residence in 1737. In 1765, Mr. Lane left it, by will, to his two sons, Aric and William, between whom it was equally divided. He was interested in all worthy local enterprises, and sought to promote church and kindred interests. He was a prominent member of the First Baptist Church of Somerville, and deacon of the church at the time of his death, July 28, 1876, aged seventy-nine years and five months. His life was largely spent as a farmer, although he was in trade for some time at New Brunswick and Brooklyn, and ran the mill at Millington. In politics he was a Whig, and upon the organization of the Republican party became a supporter of its principles.

John R. Dunn, only child of David Dunn who reached manhood, was born at New Market, N. J., Sept. 3, 1828. He married, January, 1850, Jane T., daughter of Cornelius M. and Catharine (Dents) Williamson, and soon after that event took up his residence on the old Williamson farm, below Somerville. Here he lived for five years, and then located with his father
on the Dunn farm, where he continued to reside until his decease, May 3, 1878. He was a member of the First Bapt