SOMERVILLE.

This village is located on the north bank of the Raritan River, and on the line of the New Jersey Central Railroad, by the route of which it is 38 miles from the city of New York. The South Branch Railroad connects this village with Flemington,-a distance of 151 miles. It is slightly elevated from the river, which is on the south, and also from Peter's Brook, on the east and south. This brook runs through a valley which varies in width, as it goes back from the river, from a quarter of a mile to a mile and a half. A range of mountains to the north forms a delightful prospect. The population of the village, by the census of 1880, was 3108. It contains the court-house and the public Offices, seven churches, three hotels, post-, express-, and telegraph-offices, three newspaperoffices, a public-school building, young ladies' institute, depots of the New Jersey Railroad Company, and is the eastern terminus of the South Branch and Flemington Railroad. The Lehigh Valley, or Easton and Amboy, Railroad passes through the township. A station is at South Somerville.

The establishment of this location as the countyseat at "Tunison's Tavern," the building of the court-house and the log jail in 1783, and the decision of the Consistory of the congregation of the Dutch Church of Raritan to build a church edifice at this place, were the leading causes that determined the future of the village. It was known, however, as Raritan until about 1800, from which time the village has borne its present name. The Tunison tavern was built about 1770 by Cornelius Tunison, its first landlord. Its location was the same as that of the present Fritts' Hotel, of which the old tavern building forms a part. From the first it seems to have centralized all town matters. Prior to that time a tavern was kept by George Middagh, at the place where Mrs. F. F. Cornell now lives, and another by Cornelius Bogert, and later by John Arrison, in a house which now forms a part of the Frelinghuysen homestead. At these two taverns town meetings were held from 1749 to 1769, and at the latter principally from that time till the completion of the court-house. The court-house stood nearly in the centre of the present street, on the lot now owned and occupied by Dr. Wilson. The log jail was erected on the lot where the old building still stands.

The Great Road crossed Peter's Brook nearly halfway between the present railroad-bridge and the turnpike-bridge at the second bend in that stream, and entered what is now the village of Somerville near where Leonard Bunn's house now stands, then followed the line of Main Street to the Tunison Tavern, passed north of the old court-house, south of the brick church, north of the buildings on Main Street, and joined the line of the present road a little distance west of "the gate of the parsonage lands," near the junction of the Raritan road and North Branch road.

In 1797, John Hardenburgh purchased of the heirs of Philip Tunison 100 acres of land east of Bridge Street, and reaching to Peter's Brook. In 1799, by reason of some financial difficulty, this tract was sold at auction, and was purchased for $6000 by "The Somerset House Company." The stock was divided into ten shares, and taken as follows: George C. Maxwell, of Flemington, 2; James Van Derveer, 2; Peter D. Vroom, 2; Thomas Grout, 1; Moses Scott, 1; Andrew Howell, 1; John Meldrum, 1. The property included the "stable lot" on the south side of the Great Road. The tavern was kept by John Meldrum after the purchase, and on June 19, 1799, the auction sale of the old court-house lot and jail lot was held at the house of "John Meldrum's Somerset House," as per advertisement of May 9, 1799, in the Guardian of New Brunswick. The house company sold several lots, and May 26, 1807, the remainder- acres-was purchased by John Van Nest. The following is a description of the property, as taken from the records in the clerk's office in Somerville:

Beginning at a stake or stone, being the northwesterly corner of church lot, and standing in the line of lands now or lately belonging to Jacob R. Hardenburgh; thence running along the said line north 15° east 75 chains and 95 links to a heap of stones and locust-tree for a corner; thence south 79° and 80' east 11 chains to a stake for a corner; thence along Tunison's line south 17° and 30' west 77 chains and 25 links to the northwesterly corner of the original tavern lot; thence along the same south 55° and 45' east 3 chains and 58 links to a stake for a corner; thence continuing along the said lot south 17° and 50' west 4 chains and 65 links to the middle of the Great Road; thence along the same south 55° and 45' east 2 chains and 58 links to the corner of Rosencrantz lot; thence along the same south 70° and 10' west 4 chains and 88 links to a stake for a corner; thence north 64° and 80' west 8 chains 75 links to the southwesterly corner of the stable lot; thence along the same north 17° and 50' east 5 chains and 50 links to the middle of the aforesaid Great Road; thence along the same south 63° and 10' east 48 links to the corner of the court-house lot; thence along the same north 17° and 50' east 4 chains and 42 links; thence continuing along the said court-house lot north 70° and 30' west 2 chains and and 98 links to the northeasterly corner of the said church lot; thence along the same north 57° and 30' west 3 chains and 81 links to the beginning, - containing 79 acres, be the same more or lees. Also a certain lot or parcel of land situate, lying, and being in the township, county, and State aforesaid, at a small distance from the premises above described, which in a certain deed given and executed by John Hardenburgh, Esq., late sheriff of the said county, to John Bryan, bearing date Feb. 8,1797, for the same is thus described: Beginning at the northwesterly corner of a lot of land formerly purchased by Philip Tunison from Titus De Witt; from thence running as the line of said Tunison run south 38° east 11 chains and 90 links to a maple-tree standing on the westerly side of Peter's Brook, marked on three sides; thence up along said brook, and bending on the same the several courses thereof, till it comes to a blackoak tree and birch-tree, both marked on the side of said brook, and being also a corner of the said Philip Tunison's land; thence along his line north 38 1/4° west 8 chains and 9 links to a stone planted for a corner; thence south 43° west 8 chains and 50 links; thence south 8° west 83 links to the place of beginning, - containing 11 acres three- quarters, and one-tenth of an acre, - bounded southerly and northeasterly by the said Peter's Brook, and northerly, westerly, and southerly by lands late belonging to the said Philip Tunison, now deceased, always reserving and excepting out of the last parcel of land a certain lot on which the old gaol, now the dwelling-place of Philip Herder, stands, being 2 chains in length on a course north 38° and 15' east, and 1 chain and 19 links in breadth as a course south 51° and 45' east."

John Van Nest sold 48 acres of the northwest part of this land, July 29th the same year, to Dr. Jonathan F. Morris; also half an acre adjoining the church lot on the north, and November 12th of the same year sold to William Muir a portion east of the courthouse lot; on April 1, 1809, sold to Ferdinand Van Derveer five lots of land for $5500. The first was. the lot, containing about 111 acres, on which he afterwards built, now owned and occupied by Miss Mary Van Derveer. Judge Van Derveer was a native of this county, and had been in the mercantile business in Cooperstown, N. Y. He returned to this place and built the large brick house on Main Street. This was his residence until his death, and here his daughters, Mrs. Dumont Frelinghuysen, Mrs. William L. Dayton, Mrs. Isaiah N. Dilts, and Miss Mary Van Derveer, were born. The second lot adjoined Daniel Latourette; the third was in rear of church lot, and contained 22 acres; the fourth was east, on Peter's Brook ; the fifth was north of the turnpike.

Isaac Davis, July 23, 1799, purchased of John Whitenach, on the south side of the Great Road, a lot west of the "stable lot." In that year he erected the house at present occupied by Mrs. Dr. H. H. Van Derveer. Philip Herder occupied it during the latter part of 1799 for a tavern, when he purchased the jail lot and jail of Hendrick Van Arsdalen, May 3, 1800, and fitted up the jail for a tavern. It was afterwards kept by Thomas Arrowsmith, Jacob Wyckoff, and last by "Bill" De Camp, about 1850, when its history as a public institution ceased. It was owned by David Van Syckle, who paid $2600 to Abel Stuart to build the east end. It is now the property of William Ross. Isaac Davis sold the house erected in 1799 by Isaac Davis; it was sold by him to Jacob R. Hardenburgh, May 1, 1800. Mr. Hardenburgh purchased, at the same time, the old court-house lot, where for many years Joseph Van Derveer had a shop for repairing clocks.

Daniel Latourette purchased the court-house of Isaac Davis (who bought the property of the county), removed the timbers across the street, and built a store-house where Honeyman Brothers now are. He kept store in this building until 1817, when William J. Hedges purchased the property and carried on business many years. Daniel Latourette bought the residence of Jacob R. Hardenburgh, adjoining his store property, Nov. 21, 1803. He owned the property to the corner of Bridge Street. A large farm was on the site of the County Hotel, which was afterwards rebuilt and made into a dwelling by Mr. Latourette, and about 1805 or 1806 into a hotel, and kept by Richard Hall. Its changes have been numerous. It is now kept by A. Moore.

Maj. Richard Tunison's residence was where William Ross, Jr., now resides. Philip Tunison, a son of the Philip who owned a part of this tract at an earlier day, was a cabinet-maker, and built a shop on Main Street, west from the Philip Herder tavern (old jail). A tin-shop was subsequently kept by a Mr. High in the building next west. A dwelling had been erected by Samuel Hall opposite to and a little east of the old log jail. He also had a tan-yard in operation there. John Bryan purchased in 1797 a lot east of the log jail and on the same side of the street, where he lived. John Van Nest, who purchased the property of the Somerset House Company, lived on the south side of the Great Road ; his was the last house between the village and Peter's Brook. This property was purchased the same year the New Jersey turnpike was laid through Somerville, when the road was straightened and brought to its present course.

Tunison's tavern was later owned by Alexander McCalla, of Philadelphia. May 1, 1823, be sold the property to John Torbert, whose executors in 1847 sold to Jacob Fritts. It is handed down by tradition that the house afterwards kept by John Meldrum on the site of the post-office was the tavern known as the Somerset House, but the Somerset House Company did not own any land west of Bridge Street.

At this time but little was done in the way of improvements west of Bridge Street. Jacob R. Hardenburgh had owned the most of the ground west to the Frelinghuysen lot. The different purchases in 1765, 1768, and 1771 covered nearly all the property west of Bridge Street on which the village of Somerville stands. A portion of it had been sold, but not for building purposes. The ground for the Somerville academy was purchased in 1802 and the building erected. Judge Williamson now resides where it stood.

The parsonage was erected in 1751, and is now owned by Joshua Doughty. The Wallace House was built in 1797. The old house known as the Doty house is still standing, near the depot. A little house built by Isaac Vactor, a tailor, was opposite the academy. These houses, the John Hardenburgh house, now Dumont Frelinghuysen's, and the academy were about the only buildings west of Bridge Street in 1803. Soon after that the progress of improvement was westward. Job Van Arsdale a little later built a small two-story house and a blacksmith-shop where John W. Gaston kept a saddlery and harness-shop. Abel Stuart built a house next. This house was subsequently enlarged and fitted up for a hotel; John Meldrum was the first landlord. It was afterwards kept by Daniel Sargeant, who came to Somerville about 1815 and purchased the property of one Middagh. It was afterwards kept by Charles Toms, and while unoccupied was burned down on a Christmas night, but in what year is not ascertained. The old pump is still in use, and stands west of J. Van Epp's house. A grand festival of the Masonic fraternity was held at Somerville, and at the conclusion of the ceremonies dinner was provided for the brethren at this hotel. This was the festival of St. John the Evangelist. The occasion was an invitation of Solomon's Lodge, No. 1, to the Rev. John S. Vredenburgh to preach a sermon before the lodge. The officers were Dr. William McKissack, Master; Andrew Geddes, Senior Warden; and James Herring, Junior Warden. The sermon was delivered in the Dutch church (that being the only one in the village at the time).  March 2, 1807, John Davenport purchased of Jacob R. Hardenburgh a tract of 109 acres (being part of a tract left in trust by Rev. Jacob R. Hardenburgh for the children of John Hardenburgh) fronting on Main Street (then the New Jersey turnpike), bounded east by the east line of the store of D. D. Craig, west by the west line of Dr. Troutman's lot, and running back towards the mountain. Mr. Davenport built the house now owned by John Bergen, and lived there until he removed to Pluckamin, about 1809. He was a hatter, and carried on the business at this place while here. At the time of his removal 105.4 acres of the tract were divided into lots, the rest having been sold. William Johnson, of New York, became interested with Mr. Davenport in the disposition of the lots by lottery. A map was made and filed in the clerk's office, and 460 tickets at $10 each were issued, each entitling the holder to a lot of nearly a quarter of an acre. These tickets were all sold, but only about a hundred of the deeds were recorded, they all having been signed in blank by Mr. Davenport, bearing date Oct. 25, 1809. The larger portion of the tickets having been sold in New York, many of the deeds were never demanded. The farm-house of Mr. Davenport was the first prize. This was owned several years by Mrs. Mary Howe, and was sold by her to Peter Vredenburgh, April 3,1817. The number of prizes unclaimed for many years left the title to considerable of the land in a very uncertain condition. The "Lottery Field" had become the rendezvous for colored people from all parts of the State, and the disreputable characters that gathered there rendered the place a blot upon the village. Meetings were held to consult upon a means of improving its condition, and a bill was drawn and passed by the Legislature which authorized the board of commissioners of Somerville to purchase the "Lottery Field," provided they made the amount of purchase-money out of the resale of the whole or any part of said premises. They accordingly purchased the right, title, and interest of Davenport's heirs in the property, for $1600.

Before the sale to the commissioners, Samuel W. Davenport, an executor of the estate, inaugurated among the colored people living on the place a series of meetings calculated to inspire them with a desire for improvement. Many of them joined heartily in the movement. Lectures were delivered by Wendell Phillips, Fred Douglas, Dr. George Cheever, and others. The funds obtained and collections raised among themselves ($2800) were expended in the erection of a school-house. These efforts had their effect, and are still felt in the community.

In 1809, Peter Dumont built a house opposite Fritts' Hotel, and George McDonald, adjoining east, very soon after built the house which became known as the Governor Vroom house. George McDonald opened a law-office there.

A blacksmith- and wheelwright-shop stood on the corner where the Ten Eyck house stands. The clerk's office was built about 1810, west of the court-house, that building having been erected in 1798. Some time after the opening of the New Jersey turnpike, in 1807, a long low tavern-building was erected at the junction of the two roads, where Eugene Doughty now lives. It stood there until 1848, when it was purchased by Albert Cammann and removed west to the seminary building, where it still stands.

In 1809 the thoroughfare which is now Bridge Street was laid out and opened, the river being crossed at or near the present bridge by a ford. Prior to this the road or path ran along the river for a short distance and in the rear of Mr. Dumont Frelinghuysen's house, and came out on Main Street at Somerset Hall, by Isaac Auten's house. The old chain-bridge over the river was built about 1814, and is said to have cost about $23,000. The pier now in use for the covered bridge was built for the chain-bridge. The bridge was in use until January, 1821, when the north end went down with a crash. It was decided to build a new one, and the present covered bridge was erected in the summer and fall of 1821.

Daniel Sergeant, soon after he retired from the hotel upon the post-office site, built the brick house where Mrs. Jacob S. Rockafellow now lives. He also built the wooden building east, and commenced the manufacture of boots and shoes for the wholesale trade, employing from twelve to fifteen men. In selling his goods he traveled with a wagon as far as New Brunswick, Lambertville, and Philadelphia.

April 13, 1801, Joseph Doty purchased of Garret Terhune 54.56 acres of land lying west of Bridge Street, south of Main Street, and east of the land of the Rev. John Duryea, then the old parsonage lot, a section 40 feet square being reserved for a burialplace. The north part of this farm he plotted, and between 1807 and 1810 sold lots along the Main Street to William Skillman, Richard Compton, Garret Tunison, James Carpenter, Isaac Auten, Abraham Stryker, John Hardcastle, John Garmo, and Linus High. After Mr. Doty's death it passed into other hands, and March 31, 1823, Col. Isaac Southard purchased of Albert Cox 461 acres,-all that remained of the farm Mr. Doty had purchased. In 1832 the lot was sold for the Methodist Church, in 1834 one was sold to the Second Reformed Church, and in January, 1835, the first lot was sold to Barney Mulford. This was the lot on which Miss Kate Dunn now lives.

The property west of the " Lottery Field," north of Main Street, had been purchased by Dr. Swan with the old parsonage property and the Hardenburgh property. In 1810, Dr. Swan sold the land below Main Street to Dr. Peter I. Stryker, and moved to the house now standing east of Adair's store, on Main Street. This old building was opened about 1836 as the Drovers' and Farmers' Hotel. It was first kept by John Linn, afterwards by Van Cleef, Hoagland, Isaac Apgar, and last by John Mehan. Farther west the land was owned by Dickinson Miller. John Whitenack, who owned south of Main and east of Bridge Street, sold off a number of lots on Main Street, east of the "stable lot," from 1799 to 1808 or 1809; He sold to Daniel Latourette fourteen acres on July 6, 1804, in the rear of Main Street, south of the first tier of lots. Latourette sold to William J. Hedges, in February, 1816, the store and house property. The land west of Bridge Street and to the line of the "Lottery Field" was in possession of Jacob R. Hardenburgh in 1805, except the academy lot and a few lots along the north side of Main Street.

In 1829 the only kinds of business that were advertised were as follows : At the office of the Somerset Messenger were kept books of all kinds, wrappingand writing-paper, Swaim's Vermifuge, Butler's Vegetable Indian Specific, waterproof blacking, etc. William Wagoner kept an assortment of saddles, bridles, etc., in charge of William H. Gatzmer, at the office of the Somerset Messenger. John Argue had a new arrangement for the Somerville and New Brunswick coach for "persons wishing to take the fast line for Phildelphia, the Princeton and Trenton coaches, or the stage for New Hope." J. J. Moore had just received a new assortment of dry goods, hardware, crockery, and groceries. Henry V. Dehart kept a cabinet-shop opposite Mr. Samuel Brant, and Peter Ten Eyck sold dry goods, groceries, etc., "in the store lately occupied by Tunis I. Ten Eyck."

A military event of considerable interest in the village of Somerville was the parade of the Somerset brigade and its march to the division muster-ground at Freehold in 1829, a notice of which is given in the Somerset Messenger in August of that year, to which the reader is referred.

In 1836, Joshua Doughty purchased what was then known as the Stryker farm, and, later, property on the north side of the street. In 1838 he erected the brick building now occupied by William Koeler, the baker, which was the first brick store on the street. The completion of the railroad in 1842 to Somerville, as the Elizabethtown and Somerville Road, did much to facilitate the growth of the village. Many years later the road was continued to Easton, and finally consolidated into the New Jersey Central Railroad. The first station-agent at Somerville was Bernard Stearns, with James Kreusen as assistant. The latter is the present incumbent.

The first school-house known to exist in what is now the village of Somerville was in the rear of the First Reformed church, and is supposed to have been built about 1790. Who the first teachers were is not known. The school was merged into the academy in 1802, and from that time until its close, in 1855, an English department was kept. The children of the village were educated at this school and the schools held at private residences, one of which was taught by Miss Phoebe Studdiford, on what is now High Street; another by Miss Annie Auten, on South Street near Bridge. Later, Mrs. Nottingham taught about two years. She was succeeded by Mrs. Bonnell, of Morristown, who taught until the organization of the Young Ladies' Institute, in 1849. In 1856 the present brick edifice was erected on High Street at a cost of $5000.

By an act of Legislature approved March 23, 1866, School District No. 5, Somerville (old district), was authorized to elect a board of education. In 1876 the school-building was enlarged at a cost of $4000. The county was divided into districts under the new law in 1867, and Somerville became District No. 28.

About 1807 an effort was made to establish a public library. Liberal contributions were obtained, and a committee appointed to make a selection of books. The library was kept in the store of Daniel Latourette, opposite the court-house, and in the Messenger office. It was sustained until after 1829.

From that time till 1871 no successful movement was made towards a public library. F. Lyman was then instrumental in procuring the names of 250 persons to unite and form an association, known as the People's Reading-Room and Library. Oct. 1, 1871, the association was organized by the election of A. A. Clark, President; J. S. Knox, M.D., Vice-President; J. T. Conklin, Treasurer; William E. Johnson, Secretary; F. Lyman, Librarian. Annual dues were placed at one dollar, and with the funds books were purchased. The society has at present 938 volumes and a reading-room well supplied with periodicals and leading papers of the day. The principal officers for 1880 were S. C. Blackwell, President; Hugh Gaston, Vice-President; Secretary, G. L. Loomis ; Librarian, Bessie B. Smith.

POST-OFFICE.

The following is a list of the postmasters of Somerville, with their date of appointments, from 1822 (when the post-office was established) to the present time:

Aug. 12,1822, Ferdinand Van Darveer; Dec. 22, 1824, Wm. J. Hedges; June 21, 1841, Theodore D. Dumont; March 3, 1843, Wm: G. Steele; April 27,1849, Alexander Wilson; April 6,1853, John W. Van Arsdale; May 28,1861 Culver Barcalow; April 15, 1871, Daniel Porter March 27, 1877, Emma J. Porter.

WATER-SUPPLY

The charter for the "Somerville Aqueduct Company" was obtained Nov. 18, 1807, for the purpose of supplying the village of Somerville with pure water. A large spring on the mountain, north of the village, was used as a supply. Pine logs were laid to conduct the water to the village, and a pen-stock was placed at the tavern now occupied by Jacob A. Fritts. The head of water was about on a level with the ball on the spire of the First church, and the weight of the column was so great that breaks were often occurring; and it was finally abandoned. An effort was then made to procure good water by boring. A well situated in the yard of Ferdinand Van Derveer was selected, and a boring of nearly 200 feet wait made, but finally abandoned, and no effort has since been made.

The history of the religious organizations, secret societies, cemeteries, etc., of Somerville, will be found under their department headings on following pages.

BOUND BROOK.

The cluster of dwellings and business places at Bound Brook was but a straggling village from its earliest history until about 1834 or 1835. It has the honor of being the oldest village in the township or the county. The brook east of the village was the bounding-line of lands granted to the people who settled Amboy and its vicinity. The name "Bound Brook" occurs as early as 1660; hence it came to be accepted for the locality. For many years a considerable distance round about on both sides of the river wait known by this name, the village of Bloomingdale bearing the appellation South Bound Brook. At the beginning of the present century the old "Swift-sure" line of stages passed through this place, leaving Newark at 6 A.M., passing through Elizabeth, Bound Brook, Somerville, and reaching Philadelphia the next evening. In 1829 the Somerville and Brunswick Union Coach Line ran through Bound Brook, connecting with the steamer "Trenton"; this line was owned by John Argue. The Swift-sure Line of modern time also passed through here. The opening of the Delaware Canal, in 1836, gave an impetus to Bound Brook, which was increased by the completion of the Central Railroad to that place in 1839. Boats commenced to run from New Brunswick to Bound Brook in 1836; William Tappan was the first to pay toll on this part of the canal.

The post-office was established about 1803; Joseph Mollison was the first postmaster. His successors were John H. Voorhees, Israel S. Tucker, Jeremiah R. Field, Hiram Bush, and the present incumbent, Benjamin F. Littell.

A hotel was kept here before the Revolution, and was known in later years as the Frelinghuysen House, by Peter Harpending; one at Middlebrook in 1798 by John Van Duyn; in 1802, by Dr. Ten Eyck. William Harris built the Middlebrook Hotel, which was kept by Israel Harris in 1815. Bound Brook Hotel stands on the site of George Cossart's house; he was one of the three who purchased, in 1700, the tract where the village now stands.

A bridge across the river at this place was ordered built by an act of Legislature passed in 1728. It was not erected however, until 1731, for a supplementary act was passed that year in reference to it. It was afterwards called the Queen's Bridge. The present bridge was built in 1875, at a cost of about $75,000.

This village contains (census of 1880) a population of about 1000, four churches (Presbyterian, Congregational, Methodist, and Catholic), hotel, post-office, a newspaper-office, depots of Central and Easton and Amboy Railroads, and other business interests.

The "Bound Brook Mutual Fire Insurance Company" was organized in 1836, and did business from that time until Feb. 24, 1838, when it was incorporated under the name as above. The following constituted the corporators: John H. Voorhees, John Latourette, Caleb C. Brokaw, Robert S. Smith, John Ross, Ebenezer C. Lewis, Andrew V. D. B. Vosseller, John S. Randolph, Nehemiah V. Steele. The persons named in the act as the first directors were John H. Voorhees, John Latourette, Robert S. Smith, Ernest Schenck, Nehemiah V. Steele, John D. Field, John Garretson, John Steele, Jr., Andrew V. D. B. Vosseller, Matthew Hopper, John S. Randolph, John Ross, Jeremiah Parsell, Caleb Morton, and Ebenezer S. Lewis. The original charter expired in 1880, and in 1876 it was extended to July 4, 1925.
Caleb C. Brokaw was secretary from the organization to February, 1844; then Abraham Skillman was elected,, and served till February, 1845, when A. C. Mollison followed, and served until 1874. E. H. Redfield then acted till 1878, when John Bush, the present secretary, was elected. The losses sustained
in 1878 were $450, and in 1880, to September 1st, $672.39.

The present officers are Lewis P. Clark, President; R. F. Giles, Vice-President; John Bush, Secretary and Treasurer; William J. Diltz, Levi Hatfield, Albert Voorhees, John Hampton, L. P. Clark, R. F. Giles, James M. Thompson, James E. Gillem, R. V. Lindabury, C. L. Waldron, B. C. Ammerman, George W. Adair, John D. Voorhees, B. T. Clark, and A. C. Wyckoff, Directors.

RARITAN.

This pleasant village is situated on the river bearing the same name, about one mile southwest of Somerville. It contains three churches (Reformed Church, Methodist, and Catholic), a bank, post-office, hotel, and school-house, several large manufacturing establishments, and the different kinds of trade usual in such villages.

One of the old historic houses of Somerset County is located in Raritan. It is the brick building now owned by Mrs. John T. Bartlett. Its history will be found elsewhere.

In 1844 there were but four houses and the gristmill in what is now Raritan village.-the old Coejeman house, a house occupied by J. V. D. Kelly, the seminary building, on the corner of Thompson and Somerset Streets, and the double house on the corner of Somerset and Nevius Streets, then occupied by John A. Staats and Abram Oppie. The first store was opened by J. V. D. Kelly, who owned the gristmill, the next by the screw-factory, and these were soon followed by Samuel Hopkins. The first Sundayschool was opened in 1845 in the blacksmith-shop on Somerset Street, owned by John A. Staats. About 1848 a tavern was opened by Culver Voorhees, on the location of the present hotel.. Services were held for several years at private residences by members of the different denominations until the building of the old school-house on Wall Street, when worship was held there.

The first school-house in Raritan village was 25 by 36 feet, and two stories inn height. It was erected on the east side of what is now Wall Street, under the old school law. In December, 1871, the house and lot were sold to the Methodist society, the present brick edifice having been erected the summer of that year, and dedicated with appropriate exercises on the 5th of September.

A post-office was started about 1850, the mails previous to that time having been brought from Somerville. The village contains a population of 2240.

About 1846 or 1848 a number of the inhabitants met in the machine-shop of David P. Kinyon to decide upon a name for the embryo village. After some discussion it was decided to christen it after the river on which it was located. The Central Railroad of New Jersey passes through the village, thereby furnishing means for both transportation and travel equal to any in the State.

The first bridge across the river was built in 1849, with 5 piers, 54 feet span, and 324 feet in length.

MARTINSVILLE.

This hamlet was commenced by Absalom and James Martin, who came from near Chimney Rock. About 1852 a chapel was erected, and for a time was occupied by all denominations. Later it came under the control of the Presbyterians. It is not an independent organization. The village contains, besides the chapel, a store, post-office, hotel, blacksmith-shop, and several dwellings. It is located in What is known as Washington Valley, between the First and Second Mountain.

SCHOOLS OF THE TOWNSHIP.

There are but few traditions of schools in this township before the commencement of the present century. The first written record of any kind which has been found hearing upon the subject of schools is a receipt as follows:

" Rece'd, Mar. 15, 1771, from Jeromes Van Weed, by the hand, of George Fisher, schoolmaster, the fall sum of four pounds, Jersey Light money, in full for my demands from said Jeromes Van Nest.
" FOLKERT TUNISON.
"£ 0s. 0d." '

The first school-house of which anything is known was situated in what is now the ground of the Presbyterian church at Bound Brook, and a little west of that edifice. Some of the traditions relate that it was originally a Presbyterian church and afterwards used as a school-house. It was a low, one-story building. The first teacher of whom any mention is made was one John Wacker, whose name occurs as early as 1742; the name of John Brade is also found. He was succeeded by William Hedden, who acted as principal until 1768, when he removed to Newark. He was succeeded by Peter Walsh, a Scotchman, who taught until the erection of the academy, in 1800. This building stood east of the residence formerly occupied by the Rev. Dr. Rodgers, and was two stories in height, standing broadside to the turnpike, with a steeple on the east end. A bell that hung in the steeple had the inscription "1734, Amsterdam." The academy was built in part from money bequeathed by Michael Field, who died in 1792. The bequest is given in the words of his will:

" I give the sum of £500, lawful money of the State of Now Jersey, towards a free school that may be erected hereafter within the Presbyterian congregation of Bound Brook, which my executors are hereby required to put into the hands of the trustees of the congregation aforesaid, and the trustees are required to put the same at interest, and to keep the interest money arising therefrom in their custody and possesion until the said' Free School-House' shell be built and then apply the maid interest money for that purpose, and supporting said school, and for no other purpose."

Peter Walsh was the last teacher in the old building and the first in the academy. He was succeeded by Isaac Toucey, afterwards Secretary of the Navy under President Buchanan. While he was in charge a female department was added, under the supervision of Miss Joanna Deeds. This building was in use until 1857, when it was demolished and the present edifice erected upon the spot.

To this county belongs the honor of being the home of the men who were most instrumental in obtaining and founding Rutgers College. Rev. John Frelinghuysen opened a theological school in which young men were fitted for the ministry. Jacob Rutsen Hardenburgh, Rynier Van Nest, and Matthew Leydt received instruction from him, and afterwards became eminent.

The Rev. Jacob R. Hardenburgh was most active in obtaining the charter, in 1770, of Rutgers College, and was its first president; Hendrick Fisher, of Bound Brook, was also prominent in its establishment Frederick Frelinghuysen, a native of Somerville, was the first tutor. It is thus seen that Rutgers College originated with men in this township, and that a school was opened here, the influence of which culminated in its establishment.

A school-house was erected in Raritan (now Somerville) about 1800. The last teacher was a Mr. Tennard. The school was merged into the Somerville academy at its commencement, in 1802. There was also one on the mountain-road north of Somerville; it remained as late as 1840.

The next educational interest of importance was the establishment of the Somerville academy, the history of which is quoted from Dr. A. Messler's "History of Somerset County:"

' The idea of erecting such a building and attempting to maintain a classical school at such an early day was nn honor to the inhabitants of the village.
" It came in this wise: A number of gentleman from Somerville and its vicinity met together to celebrate the Fourth of July, 1801. The public exercises of the day were held in the church.... After the excercises, the gentlemen repaired to the hotel, where a dinner had been prepared.. Among them. were several who had sons to be educated. After a free conversation on the subject of education, it was resolved to make an effort to establish a classical school, where young men might be Instructed in Latin and Greek and prepared to enter college. Immediate action was taken, and on the 18th of July, at another meeting, a constitution was adopted, which provided for the erection of a building and the organization of an association aiding In its support and patronage."

The constitution was signed by Peter Studdiford, John Bryan, John Frelinghuysen, Andrew Howell, Jonathan Ford Morris, Thomas Talmage, John Elmendorf, Jacob R. Hardenburgh, John Simonson, John W. Hall, Joseph Doty, Dickinson Miller, Cornelius Van Deventer, Bergun Brokaw, Edmund Elmendorf, John Brokaw, John Cox, Garret Tunison, Philip Herder, Roeluf Nevius, Peter B. Dumont, and Mathew A. Lane. The subscription amounted to $1701. The first officers of the association were Peter Studdiford, President; John Bryan, Vice-President; John Frelinghuysen, Treasurer; Andrew Howell, Secretary. The board of regents consisted of Jonathan F. Morris, John Wortman, Thomas Talmage, John S. Vredenburgh, John Elmendorf, Jacob R. Hardenburgh, Dickinson Miller, John Simonson, Garret Tunison, and the president.

A house was erected, a teacher employed (Lucas George, an Irishman, who proved himself to be a fine scholar and an efficient instructor), and the school opened in May or June, 1802.

In 1804 the association was incorporated under the laws of the State, and Peter Studdiford, John S. Vredenburgh, Peter D. Vroom, John Elmendorf, Andrew Howell, Jonathan F. Morris, and John Frelinghuysen were the trustees. In March, 1805, Jacob Kirkpatrick succeeded Mr. George as principal. Then W. C. Morris, a son of Dr. J. F. Morris, taught for a time. Nov. 26, 1808, Stephen Boyer was engaged as principal, remaining such until 1810. Afterwards Isaac N. Wyckoff and the Rev. John Cornell taught, and the school flourished extensively. It had no rival except Basking Ridge, and enjoyed an extensive patronage for some time. After Rev. John Cornell the school was taught by Rev. Peter Studdiford, Mr. Neville, John Walsh, William Thompson, Charles Hageman, William D. Waterman, and John L. See.
This school was discontinued in 1855, the property sold to S. S. Hartwell, and the proceeds divided among the original stockholders and their heirs.

SOMERVILLE CHARITY SCHOOL.

In 1816, Mrs. Rev. John Vredenhurg, Mrs. Andrew Howell, Mrs. Dr. Henry Van Derveer, Mrs. Dickinson Miller, Mrs. William J. Hedges, Mrs. Ferdinand Van Derveer, Mrs. Mary Stewart, Mrs. William Manse, Mrs. Matthew Williamson, Mrs. C. G. Tunison, Mrs. Dr. Vredenhurg, and Mrs. Gen. John Frelinghuysen associated themselves together to educate and instruct the poor children of the township, under the name of the Somerville Charity School. April 16th in that year a Sunday-school was opened; in connection with it, but a little later, a day-school was added. It was continued until about 1845, when it ceased, common schools having been introduced into the State and accomplishing part of the work.

A young ladies' school was taught at the house of Mr. Walsh in 1828-29 by Miss M. A. Poole. In addition to a complete course of English studies, music, drawing, and lace-work were taught.

A young ladies' seminary was erected by Gen. John Frelinghuysen in about 1832. Mrs. Nottingham was principal. It was continued four or five years, but finally ceased. Mrs. Nottingham removed to Somerville, where she taught about two years.

SOMERSET CLASSICAL INSTITUTE.

This school was established in 1848 as the " Somerset Institute for Young Ladies." The old tavern standing at the fork of the New York and Easton turnpike and the Raritan road, on the present site of the castellated residence of Eugene Doughty, then the property of Alfred Camman, was selected for the purpose, and moved back on the turnpike to its present location. John S. Severance, of Berkshire Co., Mass., opened the first session, Sept. 5, 1848, although the institution was not incorporated until Dec. 6, 1849. The first board of trustees were Rev. A. Messier, D.D., President; Samuel G. Hartwell, Secretary; William Thompson, C. H. Brown, Joshua Doughty, T. B. Allison, and John I. De Forest, all deceased except Dr. Messier and Joshua Doughty.

Mr. Severance, after continuing the enterprise for two years, without pecuniary success, returned to Massachusetts; his position being filled by his niece, Miss Nancy P. Stoughton, who, aided by her brother pecuniarily, exerted herself to make the enterprise a success. This she did, to the profit of her pupils, but to her own pecuniary disadvantage. She continued the school for two years, when it passed into the hands of the Rev. Calvin Butler, of Massachusetts. Purchasing the property, he added a story to the building, erected an outside recitation building, and, Still lacking room, purchased the adjoining house and lot.

In 1857-59 the political questions of the day became so prominent, and the contest so bitter, that the educational interest began to decline, and in the spring of 1860 Mr. Butler left the place, going to Connecticut. He gave to the county the largest and most prosperous seminary she has ever had.

J. S. Chamberlain succeeded as principal, followed in 1866 by Rev. William I. Thompson, son of Judge Thompson, of Readington, but he was cut off from a sphere of usefulness by death, March 19,1867. Arthur Crosby taught out the unexpired term.

Sept. 4,1867, the Rev. William Cornell, D.D., LL.D., took charge of the school. He was a ripe and cultured scholar, a thorough and enthusiastic teacher. The year following his advent he erected a building in South Street and removed his school thither, where he died Sept. 11, 1876.

There was then a vacancy until March, 1877, when P. N. Mitchell took charge. But to build up this school after such an extended vacancy was not the work of a day. With patient energy, however, he overcame all difficulties. The latter part of the year this school and that of William P. Flowers, A.M., were consolidated, since which time it has been very successful.

It only remains to add that during the interim when the institute was removed to South Street, a female school, under the old name, was kept for six years by Mrs. Duren, ending in 1878. The lady still takes a few pupils upon a private estate a few miles south of the village.

A Miss Gaston, a native of the place, also taught a school with varying degrees of prosperity for twenty years or more in that part of the building known as the two-story house, removing in the spring of in September, 1754, after having administered to this 1880 to the Minor house, — Governor Vroom's old residence. The church was vacant for nearly three years. Jacob R. Hardenburgh, who commenced his studies with the Rev. Mr. Frelinghuysen, continued for about three years, and was ordained by the Coetus in 1767. He was the first minister in the Dutch Church in America who received a license in this country. His labors commenced May 1, 1.758. He removed to Raritan, to the house where his early studies were pursued, having married the widow of his former teacher, Mrs. Dinah Frelinghuysen. In August following he was installed as pastor of the five congregations, Raritan, North Branch, Bedminster, Millstone, and Neshanic.; In 1781 he resigned his pastoral charge at Raritan and removed to Rosendale, N. Y.

The Rev. Theodore Frelinghuysen Romeyn was called to the pastorate in 1784. He died September, 1786, and was succeeded, Oct. 14, 1785, by the Rev. John Duryea, as pastor of the churches of Raritan and Bedminster, until 1799.

Meetings were held in the Court-Martial building, situated on Mount Pleasant, after the burning of the church, in 1779, until the court-house was completed. Sept. 6, 1782, the Consistory of Raritan made a proposition to the freeholders of the county of Somerset to unite with them in the erection of a building for church and county purposes. This proposition was accepted on the 14th of October of that year. A building was erected on the spot now occupied by Dr. Wilson, east of the present court-house, at a cost of £559 19s. 2d. Worship was held in that building until the completion of the church.

May 10, 1786, the Consistory resolved to sever their connection with the county, and asked for a committee of the freeholders to meet with them for a settlement, which was made. The county ordered £228 6s. 9d. to be paid to P. D. Vroom, treasurer of Raritan Congregation.

June 15, 1784, it was resolved to build a new house of worship. Discussion was had as to the location, the membership being about equally divided between Somerset court-house and Van Veghten's bridge (where the old church stood). The former was selected, and subsequently Reynier Veghte, Abraham Van Neste, Peter D. Vroom, John Hardenburgh, Robert Bolmer, and Jacobus Winterstein were appointed a committee to superintend the erection, with Andrews Ten Eyck as manager. The present church lot was purchased of Cornelius Tunison, and a building 40 by 60 feet was erected, with a small cupola and bell. The old church was rebuilt and enlarged in 1838 at a cost of $10,000.