return to History

Chapter XI
The Borough of Haddonfield

Early History - Francis Collins, John Kay, Timothy Matlack, Jacob Clement, Samuel Clement, Thomas Perry Webb, Thomas Bedman, Hugh Creighton, William Griscom, Benjamin Hartley - Local Incidents of the Revolution -Haddonfield in 1825 and 1835 - Friendship Fire Company - Old Taverns - The Post Office - Library Company - The Friends - Baptist Church - Methodist Church - Episcopal Church - Presbyterian Church - Schools - Business Interests - Societies.

EARLY HISTORY. - The land on which this town is situated was embraced in two surveys, one of five hundred acres, made to Francis Collins, Oct. 23, 1682, and another of five hundred acres to Richard Mathews, in 1683. The former may be described as lying southwest of Ellis Street, and extending from the head of the middle branch of Newton Creek to the south branch of Coopers Creek. The King’s Highway, or Salem road, passed through it. The 28th of Eleventh Month, 1724, Joseph Collins, heir-at-law of Francis Collins, conveyed the portion west of Salem road to John Estaugh. He retained the eastern portion, where his father had erected a mansion house on the hill south of the village, which he named "Mountwell." The site is now occupied by Reilly’s Seminary. The larger portion of the Collins tract, not occupied by the town, is now owned by the Hinchman estate and William H. Nicholson and others.

The Matthews tract adjoined the Collins tract on the north, and extended to Coopers Creek. Richard Mathews was a Friend and resided in London at the time of the purchase of this land, but, a few years later, removed to Stoke Newington, England, where he died in 1696. He was interested in the Province, was probably a creditor of Edward Byllinge, and, through his agents, made several surveys in Gloucester County, as it is not known that he ever came to this country. In 1691 he sold, through his attorney, Elias Fair, one hundred acres of the tract above mentioned to William Lovejoy, it being that portion that lay between the main street of Haddonfield and Coopers Creek. William Lovejoy was a blacksmith, and it is supposed his shop was the smith-shop marked on the Thomas Sharp map of 1700. The land was granted him by Richard Mathews, for services, and in 1696 Thomas Gardiner, Jr., son-in-law of Richard Mathews, as administrator of the Mathews estate, granted Lovejoy fifty acres additional, for services rendered. This tract lay beyond the present Evans’ mill, in Delaware township, and was called the Uxbridge. Lovejoy abandoned his occupation soon after, and sold all his land, in the year 1696, to Thomas Kendall, who erected a mansion-house and corn-mill. The mill contained but one set of burrs, and was known as the "Free Lodge Mill," and was probably the first of the kind in the county of Gloucester. The land and mill passed, in 1702, to Henry Treadway, who soon after sold to Mordecai Howell, who, in 1705, conveyed it to John Walker and Thomas Carlisle. The latter, in 1708, sold his undivided half-interest to Walker, who, in 1710, sold the land, one hundred and fifty acres, to John Kay, Joshua Kay, John Kay, Jr., and Simeon Ellis. In 1713 John Kay, Jr. and Simeon Ellis gave, to John Kay a quit-claim deed for their right in the property.

JOHN KAY was among the leading men of the settlement, and first purchased one hundred acres of Francis Collins in 1684, situated on the north side of the north branch of Coopers Creek, and is now part of the farm lately owned by Joseph W. Cooper, deceased. The land lies about one mile east of Ellisburg, in Delaware township, this county. At his house, in 1685, under the authority of the Quarterly Meeting of Friends at Burlington, an Indulged Meeting was organized, and continued there several years. In 1685 John Kay was elected to the General Assembly of the province of West New Jersey, and again in 1703-4. He was also appointed one of the justices of Gloucester County, by virtue of which he was one of the judges of the courts of the county. In 1710, (the year he purchased the Lovejoy survey), he was again elected a member of the Assembly, and upon the meeting of that body, at Burlington, elected speaker, and was re-elected for the sessions of 1711-12-13. He was defeated for Assembly in 1716 by Daniel Coxe. When in the Assembly he was chairman of the committee to make the settlement of the boundary line between New York and New Jersey, and also chairman of the committee to prepare a law to fix the partition line between East and West Jersey. He died in 1742, leaving a widow, Sarah, and several children, - John, Sarah (who married James Norris), Mary, Isaac, Josiah, Benjamin and Joseph. At the time of his death he owned all the land east of the main street in Haddonfield, from Coopers Creek to a line near Ellis Street, excepting a few lots sold to Timothy Matlack and others. He also owned tracts of land in Delaware township and other parts of what is now Gloucester and Camden Counties. In 1727 he conveyed to his son Isaac several tracts of land, containing seven hundred and thirty-four acres, situated on both branches of Coopers Creek. In this deed he is mentioned as "John Kay, of the Grist-Mill, at the head of Coopers Creek, in Newton township, Gloucester County, New Jersey." The only pare of the estate now in the family name is owned by Isaac M. Kay (a lineal descendant of John), of Haddonfield, and is in Delaware township. The tract in Haddonfield passed to John Kay, a son, except a portion owned by Sarah Norris. The mill property was in the portion conveyed to Isaac and passed to his son Joseph, by whom it was resurveyed in 1791, and, later, passed to Mathias Kay. The old mill was in Newton township, and its site can still be seen in the bed of the pond when the water is low. In 1779 it was moved about one hundred yards down the stream and to the north, on the site of the present Evans’ mill, in Delaware. In 1819 Thomas Evans purchased the mill property of Mathias Kay, and, in 1839, rebuilt it, and on the south side, at the end of the dam, about 1820, built a fulling-mill, which was rented by Russell Millard, who began business and continued until about 1854, when it was destroyed by fire. Thomas Evans died in 1849, and left the mill to his son, Josiah B. Evans, who, in 1854, associated with him Solomon Matlack, a millwright. He died in 1869 and left the property to his children. The business is now conducted by Joseph G. Evans & Co. In 1883 the machinery was changed and the Roller Process and other improvements adopted.

Sarah, a daughter of John Kay, married James Norris, a shipwright, and built one of the first houses in Haddonfield, on a lot given her by her father in which she kept a store. She was taxed in 1723 and for many years after. This was probably the first store in Haddonfield. Her husband died in 1742, and left a daughter, Elizabeth, who married Isaac Smith in 1739 and John Hinchman in 1747. Sarah Norris died in 1757. The old house in which she kept her store stood on the west side of the main street, near the corner of Potter Street, and her dwelling, a two-story hipped roof with a high basement, stood on the same property.

TIMOTHY MATLACK, son of William, came to Haddonfield in 1726 and opened a shop. In 1733 he was assessed l0s., and Sarah Norris 6s. 8d. Matlack received from his father, William, in 1714, a tract of land in Waterford township, near Glendale, where he built a house and settled. In 1726 he sold it and removed to Haddonfield. It does not appear that he bought until August 6, 1732, in which year he purchased of John Estaugh several lots on the west side of Main Street, embracing the American House property, and above and below and some distance to the rear. On September 1st, the same year, he bought four acres of John Kay, on the east side of the main street, opposite the American House. In 1743 he sold part of the last-named purchase to Jacob Clement, a tanner, in whose descendants it still remains. The lot on which the residence of George Horter now stands was part of the four acres of Matlack. Timothy Matlack purchased land on the north side of the road of Mary Gill and John Gill, Jr., March 31, 1744, which, October 17, 1754, he sold to John and Daniel Hillman, who, May 15, 1758, sold to John Shivers; the house now occupied by Mrs. Joseph B. Tatem, on Main Street, standing on the premises, was shortly after built.

TIMOTHY MATLACK, a son of Timothy Matlack, was born in Haddonfield, in 1730, and afterwards became noted in the councils of the nation. When a young man he moved to Philadelphia. He was educated as a Friend, and consequently as a non-resistant, but during the Revolutionary War he served as a colonel, for which he was "dealt with" by the Society and lost his membership. He was secretary of the Continental Congress when that body was in session in Philadelphia, and was known as an earnest advocate of the cause of the colonies. He died in 1829, and was buried in the grave-yard of the Society of Free Quakers (of which he was a member), on South Fifth Street, Philadelphia.

BENJAMIN COLLINS, a son of Joseph Collins, was a carpenter, and received from his father a tract of land fronting the south side of the main street, a part of the Mountwell estate. He died in 1756.

JACOB CLEMENT, who in 1743 bought a lot of Timothy Matlack, built thereon a tannery. The site of it is to the rear of John Clement’s house, and it was continued until about 1812. It passed to James Clement, his son, and later to John Clement, his nephew, and is now owned by John Clement, son of John. The old mansion-house stood on the site of John Clement’s present residence.

About 1750 James Hartley built a tannery on the lot of Charles H. Hillman, which was operated until about 1825.

SAMUEL CLEMENT, son of Jacob, who married Rebecca, the daughter of Joseph Collins, in 1735, received from him a large tract of land extending from the main street southerly to a line running from Coopers Creek westerly. On this tract and on the south side of Main Street, corner of Ellis Street, Dr. Evan Clement, in 1760, erected a large brick house, where he lived many years, as did his son, Samuel E. Clement. The property was recently purchased by Alfred W. Clement, who, in July, 1886, tore down ,the house and in the wall was found a brick bearing the date September, 1760. Samuel Clement was an active member Of the Society of Friends and prominent in the progressive movements of his day. He was also a surveyor and, entrusted with the settlement of township and county lines, which he faithfully and satisfactorily performed.

THOMAS PERRYWEBB in 1727, purchased of John Kay a triangular piece of land where now stands the store of Alfred W. Clement, where he had built a dwelling, and in 1733 was assessed as a tavern-keeper. In 1737 he was taxed 10s. as a blacksmith. He continued in business many years. His widow, Margery, in 1742, purchased a piece of land adjoining; but the only son being a seafaring man, the property eventually passed to others.

THOMAS REDMAN, who settled at Haddonfield about 1730, was the son of Thomas Redman, of Philadelphia, a leading mechanic in that city. He was apprenticed to a druggist and when of age came to Haddonfield, and in 1737 married Hannah, the daughter of John Gill, and opened a drug store in the village. He died in 1766 and left several children, of whom Thomas Redman followed the business of his father, and also was a conveyancer. He married Mercy Davis. They had a son Thomas, who married Elizabeth L. Hopkins. He too became a druggist and also a conveyancer and carried on the business in the same house which stood on the site of Mrs. Samuel C. Smith’s residence. He died in 1846 and his widow in 1852. Their children - Thomas (deceased), James, Joseph, Elizabeth (deceased), John, Charles and Sarah - are residents in the vicinity.

THOMAS CHAMPION, son of Nathaniel and grandson of John, who established a ferry over Coopers Creek in 1702, came to Haddonfield as a tailor and resided in the mansion built by Mathias Aspden. He afterwards became its owner. It is now the property of the Misses Blackwood, on Main Street. This was considered at the time of its erection the most expensive house in the village. The ownership of the lot passed from Thomas to his son Samuel, and after his death it passed out of the name and became the property of Benjamin W. Blackwood, M.D.

MATHIAS ASPDEN, in 1749, was one of the taxables in Haddonfield. He married the widow of Roger Hartley in 1756, and their son Mathias, as a shipping merchant in Philadelphia, accumulated a large estate. He was a Loyalist during the Revolution and in 1779 his property was confiscated. In 1786 the attaint of treason was removed and damage awarded to the estate. He died unmarried in London, August. 9, 1824. His estate was settled in accordance with a will made in 1791, and was left to his heirs-at-law. The will was contested by the English and American claimants, and after twenty years of litigation it was decided in favor of the American claimants and six hundred thousand dollars was distributed among them. Mathias Aspden, Sr., purchased a part of the four acres, on which he built a fine mansion. He later moved to Philadelphia, where he died in 1764. He bought of Timothy Matlack the most of his estate west of the main street, from Doughty’s store to the Redman property, and the same year the remainder of it.

HUGH CREIGHTON owned the tavern house which is now the American House, in Haddonfield. It was the place of meeting of the Legislature of New Jersey several times in the year 1777. The Council of Safety was created by act of Council and General Assembly of the State and was organized in this tavern house on the 18th of March, 1777, and transacted business there, and next convened at Bordentown, March 26th; returned to Haddonfield May 10th. Afterwards meetings were held at Morristown and Princeton, and on September 5th at Haddonfield, where it was continued until the 25th of the same month. Hugh Creighton lived in this tavern until 1790, and several years after in the town. He was the grandfather of Governor Stratton. A frequent visitor at his house was Mrs. Doratha Todd, later known as Dolly Madison. She was a daughter of John Payne and was born in North Carolina in 1772, when her parents were on a visit, they being residents of Hanover County, Va. Her father was a captain in the army during the Revolutionary War and afterwards became a member of the Society of Friends and was among the first who had religious scruples about holding slaves. In 1786 he sold his estate in Virginia and removed with his negroes to Philadelphia, where they were all freed from bondage.

"Doratha was educated according to the opinion of Friends, and in 1791 married John Todd, a wealthy young lawyer of that city, being of the same faith. He died in 1793 of yellow fever, leaving her with two children. After the death of her husband she abandoned the religious faith of her parents, laid aside plainness of dress and entered fashionable society. Her presence in Haddonfield drew around her the country beaux, and more than one, even in their old age, confessed their inability to resist her charms. Their out-door parties in summer and quilting parties in winter always found her a welcome guest, when she was the centre of attraction and admiration. Philadelphia was the metropolis and there resided those administering the government, whose wives and daughters made society gay and fashionable. Among the delegates to congress from Virginia was James Madison, a young lawyer of talent and even then regarded as one of the brightest intellects of the State. His strict attention to the duties of his office prevented his making many acquaintances, but on the occasion of his introduction to the bright young widow, he fell desperately in love. This, on the part of one whose attainments were in advance of his years, led to considerable gossip among the ladles and made him the point of many jokes and other pleasantries with the heads of government, even to President Washington, who appreciated his worth and abilities. In 1794 Doratha Todd, generally known as Dolly Todd, became Dolly Madison, and the wife of a future President of the United States. In 1801 her husband was appointed Secretary of State by Mr. Jefferson, and he removed to Washington, the new capital of the United States, then but a small town. They remained there until 1817, at the close of the second term of Mr. Madison’s Presidency, and then went to Montpelier, Va., upon his paternal estate. . . In her exalted position she never forgot her friends about Haddonfield, nor the many pleasant days she had spent among the people there.

Some of her old admirers sought honorable promotion at the hands of her husband during his administration, which claims were strengthened by her influence and led to success. . . . she would always relate the pleasant reminiscences of her early life to those presented to her as residents of west New Jersey, making inquiry concerning the old families."

The lots adjoining the hotel property of Hugh Creighton on the south were purchased by John Clement, in 1836, and the brick houses now standing were erected and given to his three daughters. The houses standing on the lots were small, one story and a half and hip-roofed. The one next the hotel was owned by Isaac Kay, the next by Thomas Denny and the third was moved to Ellis Street, where it now stands and is the residence of Mary Allen. The lot on which this house stood was owned by Samuel Mickle, who built it. He married, in 1742, Letitia, a daughter of Timothy Matlack. He died a few years later and in 1750 his widow married Thomas Hinchman. In 1752 Elizabeth Estaugh bought the Mickle property and Sarah Hopkins, after the death of her husband, Ebenezer, in 1757, moved to Haddonfield and occupied the house and lot. On the site of the old house is now the residence of Mrs. Sarah Hopkins, the widow of Griffith M. Hopkins, a lineal descendant of Ebenezer and Sarah Hopkins.

WILLIAM GRISCOM, a saddler, came to Haddonfield about 1750 and lived in the house that now stands on Main Street, owned by Isaac A. Braddock. During the Revolution it was used as a guard-house; a frame shop adjoining was set on fire by the British troops and destroyed, but no further damage was done. The building was the residence for many years of Captain James B. Cooper. It is now occupied as a millinery store.

BENJAMIN HARTLEY, October 25, 1764, purchased of John Kay, son of Isaac, a lot of land, now owned by Charles H. Hillman, on which his son James erected a tannery about 1770, which was continued until about 1825. The old house was removed in 1881.

Prior to the Revolution George Hanold erected a house on Main Street, above Potter, which now belongs to the heirs of Hannah Ann Clement. The house now owned by the Misses Kirby, opposite Tanner Street, was erected before the Revolution, and was the residence of Rev. Robert Blackwell from 1772 until 1777, when in charge of the mission in this section. This property passed to John Branson, whose executors, in 1805, sold it to Kendall Cole. He disposed of it to Evan Clement in 1813, who, January 22, 1816, conveyed it to Stephen Kirby, whose descendants now own it.

For sketches of Richard Snowden, Nathaniel Evans and Rev. Dr. Blackwood, see chapter on Authors and Scientists.

LOCAL INCIDENTS OF THE REVOLUTION. - The brick house nearly at the north end of Main Street, and now owned by Isaac A. Braddock, was built before the Revolution by John Matlack, son of William. The house on the site of the present one of the late John Gill was also erected previous to the Revolution.

AUTOGRAPHS OF THE FIRST SETTLERS IN THE VICINITY OF HADDONFIELD. AND OF EARLY RESIDENTS OF THE TOWN.

Eliza. Estaugh. Daughter of John Haddon and wife of John Estaugh. She died 1761, childless. Haddonfield was named in honor of her.

Jn. Estaugh. A minister among Friends. Married Elizabeth, daughter of John Haddon. Died 1742.

John Gill. A first settler. Cousin of the Haddons, and their attorney. Died 1749, leaving one son, John.

Tim’y Matlack. Son of William the emigrant, and father of Col. Timothy of Revolutionary fame.

George Matlack. Son of William the emigrant, and brother of above Timothy.

Rich’d Matthews. Large proprietor in Haddon and Deptford townships. Died 1696, leaving one son, Thomas.

William Lovejoy. A first settler. Purchased part of Matthew’s survey in Haddonfield.

Jacob Clement. Son of James, of Flushing, Long Island, the son of Gregory the regicide. Had sons Samuel, Thomas and Jacob.

Samuel Clement. Son of Jacob the first settler. He was a practical surveyor of Haddonfield.

John Kay. A first settler. Died 1742. Had sons John, Isaac, Josiah, Benjamin and Joseph.

Francis Collins. Early pioneer of Burlington and Newton. Died 1720, leaving sons Joseph, John, Francis and Samuel.

Joseph Collins. Eldest son of Francis the emigrant. Died 1741, leaving one son, Benjamin.

Thomas Perrywebb. One of the first tavern-keepers at Haddonfield.

Hugh Creighton. Proprietor of the tavern in Haddonfield where the Legislature met in 1777.

The last encampment of the Hessians, under Count Donop, before the battle of Red Bank, October 22, 1777, was in Haddonfield. This body of troops was about twelve hundred strong, and were encamped across the street and in the field near John Gill’s house. During the night of October 21st the headquarters of Count Donop were in his house. The next day the battle was fought, and Count Donop was mortally wounded, and died three days later.

During the Revolutionary War the Hessians and American troops were often ranging through the town. After the battle of Red Bank, where the Hessian troops were defeated, they returned in detached bodies, and the old Friends’ Meeting-house was used as a hospital, and later by both armies. A Scotch regiment was encamped during one winter just east of John Clement’s residence. Their deportment made them many friends, especially among the boys, who carried on a lively trade by exchanging game for powder. Many amusing incidents used to be related by the old people. Upon the abandonment of Philadelphia by the British army, in June, 1778, it passed through Haddonfield on the way to New York. The army was four days and nights passing through the town, by reason of the great amount of material and camp equipage to be transported. Many times during the war the people of Haddonfield and vicinity were harassed by troops from both armies, foraging for supplies. A secluded spot was selected, it being a low swampy piece of timber land, about two miles east of the village, between the Milford road and the north branch of Coopers Creek, familiarly known as Charleston, now owned by George C. Kay. At this place a tract of several acres was surrounded by a strong high fence; no roads led to it, and whenever necessary, cattle were driven there and confined until danger was over. Silverware and other valuables were buried. One farmer kept his pork and provisions in a hogshead, which was buried in the cellar. Lydia Bates, who lived in a small house on the site of the late residence of Samuel M. Reeves, kept a cow, which was often caught by the soldiers and milked. This proceeding did not meet with Lydia’s approval, and on the approach of the soldiers she would drive the cow into her cellar, where she was safely kept until they were gone.

Upon the breaking out of the Revolutionary War the members of the Society of Friends in the colonies found themselves in a peculiar situation. The principles of non-resistance and passive obedience entered so largely into their faith and practice that it was not long after hostilities began that they were accused of sympathy with the loyal cause. In some instances this was true, but much the larger number were on the side of the people, and rendered such aid and comfort as could be done consistent with their profession.

It affected large bodies of influential and wealthy citizens in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and drew toward them the attention of the authorities. A notable instance of this was that of Thomas Redman, of Haddonfield, who was arrested and confined in the county jail at Woodbury from January 21 to March 18, 1777. The charge was that he, as clerk of the Preparative Meeting of Haddonfield, had read an epistle from the Meeting of Suffering of Philadelphia, before the Haddonfield Meeting, relating to the members of the society bearing arms.

Before the committing magistrates he admitted the fact, yet insisted that he could not avoid the discharge of his duty - neither had he violated the law.

Certain paragraphs in the epistle, it was claimed, were of "dangerous consequences" to the cause of the people, and he was required to give security for his good behavior in the future, or stand committed. This he could not conscientiously do, and was, therefore, sent to prison.

He remained there until the sitting of the court, when the case, was heard and he was fined five shillings and the costs of prosecution. He informed the court, for the same reasons, that he could not comply with the sentence, and was about to be remanded when the sheriff announced that the same had been discharged, and Thomas Redman was released. As he took his departure he disclaimed any knowledge of how or by whom the fine was paid; and never, perhaps, discovered who was the friend in disguise.

The journal kept by him while incarcerated - still preserved by the family - is an interesting manuscript. It shows how kind and attentive the officials were to him, and the frequent visits of friends, who carefully looked after his creature comforts. It is evident that the proceeding was contrary to the better judgment of all concerned, for the offence; being merely technical, carried with it no intentional harm.

HADDONFIELD IN 1825. - On the west side of the street, from Coopers Creek, the first brick house was that of John Middleton, now owned by Isaac A. Braddock. It was built by John Matlack prior to the Revolution. The next below was the John Gill house, also brick, on the site of the present house still in possession of the family - an account of Count Donop, in connection, is elsewhere given. Next below was the house now owned by Mrs. Joseph B. Tatem. From Grove Street, not then laid out, south, was a house built by Joseph Bates, about 1815, and for many years the residence of Dr. Bowman Hendry, now owned by Col. Jesse E. Peyton. Next was the American house property, since owned by John Roberts. Below the tavern were the three low, hip-roofed houses, the first owned by Isaac Kay, next by Mrs. Denny and the third was the Estaugh Hopkins house, now on Ellis Street. Next were the shops kept by Zaccheus Logan, shoemaker; Franklin Eggman, tailor; and John Whitehead, watchmaker. Below was a hip-roof house, formerly owned by Thomas Githens, a blacksmith, whose shop was at that time fronting the street. Next was the Thomas Redman house, in which the third Thomas Redman was keeping a drug store; it is now the site of Mrs. Samuel C. Smith’s residence. The Griscomb house was next, and the residence of Captain Jas. B. Cooper. Beyond the Ferry road was Samuel Kennard’s brick house, now the property of W.H. Harrison. Samuel Kennard purchased the lot April 14, 1782, and built upon it the brick house. He was a justice of the peace many years. His grandson was a prominent Baptist minister in Philadelphia, and his great-grandson in Washington.

Adjoining the Kennard house was also a brick house many years owned and occupied by Joseph Branson. Next below, Turner Risdon, a saddler, resided in a brick house built many years before. Next below was the brick house and store built by Richard Stafford, now the site of Willard’s drug store. The site of the post-office was occupied by the tavern-stand, built in 1775 by Edward Gibbs, and now occupied by Samuel R. Stoy. On the corner of Tanner Street was the shop of Jeremiah Elfreth, a cabinet-maker; below on the same street, were the old Estaugh tavern-house and two or three small houses. On the north side of Tanner Street were three lots, with houses, owned by John Clement. Daniel Fortiner, about 1800, built a house on Main Street, the only one south of Tanner Street, on the west side of Main Street. He was a cabinet-maker, and the house is now the property of William H. Clement. On the east side of the street, south of the railroad, there was but one house, which was owned by Silas Willis, a mason; it stood on the land now belonging to the heirs of Joseph Walton. A frame house, still standing, owned by Nathaniel Clement, is now owned by Nathaniel T. Clement, his grandson. The next house stood on the site of the Presbyterian Church, and was built by Jeremiah Elfreth, who lived there all his days. Above was the house occupied from 1772 to 1777 by Rev. Robert Blackwell, later owned by Dr. Evan Clement, since the property of Stephen Kirby, and later owned and occupied by his daughters. On the site of Perrywebb’s blacksmith shop, about the year 1825, John Reeves built a store and kept it several years. It was later kept by Samuel M. Reeves, S. Stokes Hillman and Adrian C. Paul, and the site is now occupied by the store of Clement & Giffin. Next above was a house built by the Alexanders, oh the site of Lydia Bates’ frame house. It passed to Benjamin Cooper, and is now the property of Samuel M. Reeves’ heirs. Next was a small frame house on the site of Dr. N.B. Jennings’ residence. On the site of the residence of Mr. George Horter was a house owned by Abel Nicholson, previously by Munson Day. Above was a small house owned by Samuel Champion, now by the Misses Stout. Next was the Mathias Aspden house, then owned by Samuel Champion, later by Dr. Benjamin Blackwood, whose heirs still reside there. Next was the Matlack house, which was a guard-house at the time of the Revolution.

Jacob Clement’s house was next; it stood until John Clement built his present residence, about 1857. The next house, now standing, was owned by J. Stokes Coles, and built by John Clement, son of Jacob. The Sarah Norris house, in which she kept a store, later used as a tavern, was torn down. in 1842-43, and the present brick residence, now owned by Aaron C. Clement, was built by his father, John Clement. Above Potter Street, on Main Street, stood a house of George Hanold’s. Next above was the house now owned by Charles H. Hillman, then in possession of the Hartley family. The Roberts house, still owned by the family, was built by John Roberts in 1816. The old Baptist Church and burying-ground were situated above. The church was built in 1818, torn down and rebuilt in 1852, which was in turn torn down in 1885. An old house stood between the Baptist Church and the creek, owned by Samuel Zane, where "Aunt Jenny" kept home-made beer, cakes and candy for the small boys of the vicinity.

Off the Main Street were the Grove School-house, built in 1809, and still standing; the Friends’ Meeting-house, which is now torn down, and the old Friends’ School-house, built in 1787, and still standing. On Tanner Street was a tannery, from which the street took its name. It was built about 1800 by Samuel Brown, who kept it many years. In 1828 it passed to Samuel Allen, by whom it was operated many years, and abandoned about 1875. The property is now owned by Mary Anne Clement, his daughter, and wife of A.W. Clement.

On Potter Street, John Thomson established a pottery in 1805, and about 1808 sold the business to Richard W. Snowdon, son of Richard, and then a young man, who continued the business until his death, October 29, 1868, from which time it was continued until 1883, by his son Richard. It is still in operation.

THE BUSINESS INTERESTS or HADDONFIELD IN 1835. - The first business places on the east side of Main Street, for the year named, was a store kept by Samuel M. Reeves, now the site of Clement & Giffin’s store; above were shops of Isaac Albertson, wheelwright; Edward Raynolds, gunsmith; Daniel Fortiner, blacksmith; Turner Risdon, harness-maker; and Charles Lippincott, tailor; next was the engine-house; above was Franklin Eggman, tailor; and on the corner of Potter Street was a store kept by James M. Glover. On the west side of the street, from the south end, and on the corner of Tanner Street, Samuel H. Burroughs had a cabinet shop; above was the tavern of Enoch Clemens, and stores kept by Franklin Eggman and David Roe; the drug store of Thomas Redman; tailor shop of Isaac Middleton; tavern and store of Thomas A. Pearce; and shoe shop of Spencer Kirby. On the site of the Methodist Church, Samuel Thackara had a blacksmith shop, and above was Daniel Garrett’s shoe shop.

As Haddonfield increased in size, and the surrounding country became settled, the several mechanical industries were developed, which attracted the people of a large section of the surrounding country to the place, and made it the centre of considerable trade. Carriage-builders, wagon-makers, blacksmiths, carpenters, masons, tailors, cabinet-makers, shoemakers, tanners, and other branches were carried on here, and of these each generally had several apprentices and consumed a large amount of material in each branch. Apprentices were indentured to serve until twenty-one years of age, to be taught the "art and mystery" of the business, to serve their masters faithfully, to be allowed one week’s "harvest" each year, and at the end of their term to receive a full suit of "freedoms," which was the name applied to a new suit of clothes - from hat to shoes - received on such occasion. By the week’s harvest, which each apprentice was allowed, he obtained his pocket-money for the coming year. He was careful, therefore, to fill each day in some farmer’s grain-field, and for which he would receive the "going wages." Farmers looked to this source for their supply of harvest hands, and, when the grain began to ripen, would arrange among themselves the days to cut the grain, and come into the village and notify the apprentices accordingly. When learning to reap the apprentice was known as a cub or half-hand, and the butt of the older boys in his awkwardness and waste of grain. Soon, however, he would rank among the best, and stand ready to rally the next boy for his like inexperience. The system of apprenticeship, from various causes, gradually fell into disuse, and for many years past not a boy has been indentured in this region. The effect has been to leave the country bare of skilled workmen, and to necessitate the introduction of foreign labor to fill the place. This is felt in every branch of mechanics, and will not be remedied except the old path be followed. Machinery has done much to simplify and expedite many kinds of work, but nothing is lost when a workman is employed whose early instruction has fitted him for the task set before him.

DAVID ROE, SR. - The Roe family, one of the oldest in Gloucester County, N.J., is of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and settled in the province of New Jersey as early as 1700. The first one of the family of whom anything definite is known was Abraham Roe, the father of Henry Roe, who was born in Blackwoodtown May 20, 1754. He (Henry Roe) married Miss Ann Jaggard, born October 4, 1760, whose father, James Jaggard, was a large owner of land in and around Blackwoodtown. In 1762 Mr. Jaggard deeded to his daughter Ann the farm now owned by Dr. Joseph B. Roe, which farm has since remained in the family. Henry Roe was a man of fine character, and, like his ancestors, a Presbyterian of the old school. He was an elder and liberal supporter of the Woodbury Presbyterian Church. He served through the war for independence and held the rank of major. To Mr. and Mrs. Roe were born twelve children, ten of whom grew to maturity. Of his sons, William and Robert served in the War of 1812. Another son - Henry - was of a literary turn, and in his boyhood cared more for his Latin grammar than for farm implements. He became a professor in a college at Annapolis, Md. He died of cholera in 1829. David Roe, the youngest son, was born on the home farm February 4, 1800, and grew to manhood there. His education was acquired at the Woodbury Academy, and was superior to that obtained by most farm sons of that time.

About the year 1821 he removed to Haddonfield, N.J., and commenced merchandising by opening a "country store," where everything was expected to be found for sale. By attention to business, anticipating the wants of the people and a careful system of accounts, his success was marked. In a few years after, he began the purchase of real estate and made some ventures in farming. Attracted to this line of employment, and finding it better for his health, he gradually increased his acres until he had sufficient land to require his whole attention. He closed out his business as a merchant, and became one of the best and most systematic agriculturists in the neighborhood. His theory was that soil properly fertilized, and cultivated made the best return, and the more liberally this theory was followed the more successful was the farmer. This idea was applied to his stock, his utensils and his workmen, - claiming that the best was always the most economical.

He was a man of decided convictions, and for several years an elder in the Presbyterian Church, the obligations of which he discharged conscientiously and acceptably to the society. He became an active opponent of the sale and use of intoxicating liquors, and at a time when such sentiments had but few advocates, and were generally unpopular. In no way discouraged, he pressed his opinions on this question on all proper occasions; and, as it was shown that his precepts were no more observable than his example, and controlled by a disinterested and moral motive, every one admired his consistency, if they did not accept his practice. The use of liquors among his workmen was not allowed, and even during harvest he adhered to the rule, and at last convinced those employed by him that its use was not beneficial. His conversion to this belief was due to a careful and thorough study of the subject, and, as an evidence of his strong conviction of the harm caused by the use of liquor, it is known that he destroyed a large quantity he had in his store, believing that it would be as wrong to return it to those from whom he obtained it as to sell it himself.

In his family he was a model husband and father, and while strict as to moral and religious principles, he was indulgent and lenient in a marked degree in all other matters. In politics he was a Whig, but never a politician.

Mr. Roe was married, on the 3d of February, 1825, - the ceremony being performed in Philadelphia by Mayor Robert Wharton, - to Miss Rebecca Say Bispham, of Moorestown, who was the daughter of Joseph and Susan Bispham, born in Philadelphia, on Market Street, between Front and Second Streets, on November 6, 1797. Mr. Roe died May 24, 1855.

The children of David and Rebecca Roe were Henry, who married Miss Clark, and is now engaged in farming in Missouri; Susan B., married to James Murphy, a retired Philadelphia merchant; Rebecca B., married to Charles O. Morris, of Elizabeth, N.J., now engaged in banking in New York; Anna R., married to Clinton Morris, of Elizabeth; David, who now owns and resides upon the farm in Haddonfield owned by Mr. Roe at the time of his death. On this farm David, Jr., has resided half a century. He married Miss Ella Caldwell, of Philadelphia. Joseph B., who married Miss Mary Caldwell, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) as a physician and surgeon, and served during the Rebellion, as a surgeon, in the Philadelphia Hospital. Like all of his brothers, he is a strong Republican, and is the only politician in the family. He has held various township offices, and represented his district in the Legislature.

SAMUEL C. ALBERTSON was born near Mount Ephraim, not far distant from where William Albertson, the emigrants and his ancestors settled, and within the limits of old Newton township. He was a son of Samuel and Rachel (Collins) Albertson, and born February 6, 1802.

He was apprenticed to Stephen Kirby, a tailor in Haddonfield, and when he attained his majority went to the city of Charleston, South Carolina. Finding the climate unhealthy, he returned to Philadelphia, and was employed by Enoch Allen until he removed to the city of New York. He was among the first to develop the ready-made clothing business in that city, which business has now grown to such large proportions. Strict attention and fair dealing in the midst of a rapidly increasing population assured his success.

Upon the death of his brother Isaac, in 1835, he relinquished his business in New York and returned to Haddonfield, where he resided during the remainder of his life. He saw the increase of the metropolis in population and commerce, and in his later visits there scarcely recognized many of the places formerly so familiar to him - the march of improvement was so rapid. Although reticent about his private affairs, yet he always responded liberally when charity demanded. He never married and died May 30, A.D. 1884.

FRIENDSHIP FIRE COMPANY. - On March 8, 1764, at a meeting of the male inhabitants of the town, a fire company* was organized. At this meeting articles of association were drawn up, the preamble of which is as follows:
     "The eighth day of the third month, called March, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and sixty-four, we whose Names are here unto subscribed, reposing Special Confidence in each other’s Friendship, Do, for the Better preserving our own and our Neighbors’ Houses, Goods and effects from fire, Mutually agree in Manner following, That is to say."

This is followed by ten articles which recite that each member shall provide two leather buckets, marked with their name, at his own expense, and that the company shall provide six ladders and three fire-hooks. The names of members were Samuel Clement, Thomas Redman, William Griscom, John Matlack, Jr., Isaac Kay, John Hinchman, Robert Friend Price, John Langdale, Jacob Clement, John Gill, Thomas Champion, James Davis, John Githens, Samuel Clement, Jr., Thomas Cummings, Edward Gibbs, Hugh Creighton, Joseph Collins, Caspar Smith, Benjamin Hartley, Benjamin Vanleer, Thomas Redman, Jr., Thomas Edgerton, Ebenezer Hopkins, Thomas Githens and William Edgerton.

At a meeting September 6, 1764, it was agreed that the ladders of the company shall be stationed as follows: Two at John Gill’s, two at the old stable and two at Samuel Clement, Jr’s. September 5, 1765, Edward Gibbs reported the fire-hooks finished, and presented his bill for fifteen shillings for the same. At a meeting May 7, 1767, John Langdale, clerk, reported that he found four of the ladders at the meeting-house, and the other two in Aspden’s old loft, and that the buckets were all in good order. Joseph Collins requested his name to be "razed out," which was granted. At a meeting May 7, 1778, William Griscom reported his buckets "missing since the late fire, and are supposed to be lost."** The company ordered them to be replaced if not found.

The members of the company in 1792 were Isaac Kay, John Gill, Edward Gibbs, Hugh Creighton, Thomas Redman, Samuel Kennard, Esq., Thomas Githens, Nathaniel Clement, William Doughten, James Hartley, Jacob Cox, John Middleton, John Ward, Jeremiah Elfreth, Benjamin H. Tallman, Turner Risdon, John Branson, Evan Clement, William Foster, James Davis, Samuel Clement, John Clement, Isaac Kay, John Githens and John Roberts.

New ladders were made in 1794. During the years 1795-96 no meetings were held, and a call was made for the 7th of October, 1797, which was well attended and new members admitted. On March 12, 1808, there were but ten members at the meeting; eighteen new members were admitted. Prior to this time the company met in the Friends’ Meeting-house, and from this time in the schoolhouse. A constitution was adopted on June 9, 1811, and article first provided that each member should have in his possession "two buckets and one bag, and string, consisting of three yards of linen, at least three-quarters of a yard wide." Article seventh arranged for providing a fund for sinking wells, and the purchase of a hose and engine. To this constitution there were thirty-two subscribers. At a special meeting held at the Friends’ Meeting-house, January 29, 1818, it was agreed that all money collected "shall be appropriated for the express purpose of digging public wells and putting pumps in them, in such places in the town as shall be designated by the company." A subscription paper was laid before the meeting for the purpose of procuring an engine by subscription. A committee was appointed to visit the citizens for the purpose and to examine and inquire the cost of a suitable engine for the town. This committee reported, at a meeting February 19th, that they had received subscriptions to the amount of four hundred and thirteen dollars, and that they had examined several engines, and recommended one of Perkins patent, which could be obtained for three hundred dollars, with a warrant for ten years, and privilege of returning within three years if not satisfactory. The committee was authorized to purchase the engine as soon as possible. A committee was appointed to purchase a lot on Main Street, between the lot of Elizabeth Rowand and Jeremiah Elfreth’s corner, for the purpose of erecting an engine-house. At the next meeting, March 5, 1818, reports were made that the engine was under contract to be completed April 1st, and that the Friends offered to allow the company to occupy the grounds at the end of their horse-sheds, on the east side of the street, for the purpose of erecting an engine-house. The offer was accepted, and John Roberts and Joseph Porter were appointed to build the house thereon. At this meeting it was agreed to sink three wells in the main street, fourteen feet from the line of the street, - one on the line between Rachel Hanold’s and Elizabeth Hartley’s (now property of Charles H. Hillman), one on the line between Sarah Day’s and Samuel Champion’s (now in front of the lot of George Horter), the other one to be at the small bridge below Richard Dickson’s tavern, on the west side of the street. These wells are all in use and provided with suitable pumps. The one in front of Mr. Horter’s was near the market-house, when that was built later, and is now covered by a flagstone. July 18, 1818, six members were chosen as engineers, whose duty it should be to exercise the engine on the last Saturday of every month, at which time the company were to assist with their buckets. In 1828 twelve buckets were purchased, to be placed in the engine-house. In 1830 a well was ordered to be sunk on the back street. At a special meeting held January 16, 1841, the engine, engine-house, wells and pumps were ordered to be put in complete repair. A committee was authorized to invite the Rowandtown Fire Company to join the company. No mention is made concerning the Rowandtown Company in later minutes, and it is presumed the invitation was not accepted. About 1846 a new fire-engine was purchased which is the one now in use.

The company kept its organization until 1851, when it was absorbed into the Haddonfield Fire Department, which was incorporated by Act of Assembly dated February 21, 1851, but as the department was not organized in accordance with the provisions of the act, a supplement was passed February 7, 1854. It is evident that the department was not organized until three years later, February 21, 1857, when a meeting was held at the house of Samuel Githens, and the department was organized by the election of Richard W. Snowden, Esq., as president; Jacob L. Rowand, secretary; and a treasurer and a board of managers. It was agreed that one thousand dollars be raised by tax for the use of the department. February 26th a committee was appointed to make inquiries as to the best method to procure an abundant supply of water, to ascertain cost of hose, branch-pipes and other fixtures, and to have the public pumps of the town put in good repair, to procure hooks, chains, ladders, hose-carriage and suitable building in which to keep the supply of the department. March 7, 1857, a committee was directed to purchase a suction-engine and three hundred feet of copper-riveted hose. February 15, 1858, the managers recommended to the department to raise by tax three hundred dollars for the purpose of erecting a new engine-house and for other purposes. The board of managers made an annual report March 5, 1858, in which they state that there were five wells, six feet in diameter and twenty-seven feet in depth, and the old wells put in repair; fire-engine repaired, three hundred and ten feet of hose, and necessary connections and branch-pipes, a set of new ladders, fire-hooks, chains, and a hook-and-ladder cart, and a house on the town lot voted at last town-meeting for ladders, etc. The board at this meeting called the attention of the department to the dilapidated condition of the engine-house, and recommended that application be made at the next town-meeting for the privilege of erecting an engine-house on the town lot next to the Friends’ grave-yard, and that three hundred dollars be raised by tax for the purposed Permission was granted, and an engine-house was built, on the town lot, east of the Town Hall, which was used until a few years since, when the present rooms were fitted for the purpose in the first floor of the Town Hall. The minutes of the department are missing from 1858 to May 1, 1872. At a meeting held on the latter date, Isaac A. Braddock, of a committee, reported the engine-house enlarged, and a new force-pump purchased for one hundred nd sixty-nine dollars, which was mounted on wheels. June 9, 1874, it was reported that consent was given to dig a cistern with capacity of ten thousand gallons, and also the purchase of three hundred feet of rubber hose. On the 10th of February, 1875, proposals were made for four new wells and one cistern in the town. They were contracted for and completed May 1st following. Upon the incorporation of the borough of Haddonfield, in March, 1875, the Fire Department was placed in charge of the borough commissioners, who have kept the department in good order. The engine is available for use and supplied with hose, wells and other apparatus. The town is supplied with wells and cisterns, and the department is now under the charge of Samuel P. Hunt.

OLD TAVERNS. - The first reliable data of a tavern-license being granted within the limits of Haddonfield is found in the old town-book of Newton township, in which mention is made, in 1733, of Thomas Perrywebb being assessed as a tavern-keeper. He lived on the corner of Ellis and Main Streets, on the site of Clement & Giffins’ store. In 1737 he was a blacksmith, and had a shop at that place. A brick building which stood on the west side of Tanner Street, near Main, owned by Elizabeth Estaugh, was used as a tavern many years before the Revolution. The house of Sarah Norris, on the site of Aaron W. Clement’s house, was also used as a tavern before the Revolution. The present "American House" was built, in 1750, by Timothy Matlack, who purchased the property in 1732. It was sold soon after to Mathias Aspden, by whose son, Mathias, it was sold, in 1757, to Thomas Redman, who, May 1, 1777, conveyed it to Hugh Creighton, who, in 1754, was running a fulling-mill in the township. The Council of Safety and the Legislature of New Jersey met in this tavern before he became the landlord, and several times after, during that year. Creighton was "mine host" until 1790, when he sold the property to John Burroughs, who kept it until February 24,1804, when he sold to Samuel Denny, who, March 28, 1805, conveyed it to John Roberts. Denny was the landlord and continued many years. Among the landlords who have since occupied this house are Thomas A. Pearce, Samuel Githens, Theodore Hunphries, Samuel C. Smith, Samuel E. Shivers, Edward Brick, Steelman & Brick, John Plum and George W. Stillwell, who is the present landlord, and came into possession February 24, 1874.

The present post-office building was erected in 1777 by Edward Gibbs, for a tavern, and kept by him during the Revolutionary War and later. In 1818 it was kept by Richard Dickson, in 1821 by Joseph C. Stafford, later by Enoch Clemens, who was also postmaster. Samuel Githens was landlord at this house before taking the American. The last to keep the house as a hotel was George Higbee. In 1873 the town and township voted "no license," since which time Haddonfield has been without liquor sold in public places, and the result proves that a town can thrive without it, despite the oft-repeated saying that the sale of whiskey gives life to a place.

THE POST-OFFICES AND POSTMASTERS. - The first definite knowledge of the establishment of a post-office in Haddonfield is in the fact that on the 12th of July, 1803, John Clement was appointed deputy postmaster, as then termed, by Gideon Granger, Postmaster-General of the United States. There were at that time no stage-routes through the town, and mails arrived irregularly. About 1824 a route was established between Haddonfield and Camden, on which coaches carrying mails were run twice a week. About 1828 Joseph Porter was appointed and the office was kept in his store, then on the corner of Main and Potter Streets. A route was soon after established from Philadelphia to Leeds Point. Porter was succeeded by James M. Glover, who kept store at the same place. The office next passed to Enoch Clemens, who kept tavern in the present post-office building. He was succeeded by Adrian Paul, who removed the office to his store, now Clement & Giffins. Mr. Paul was succeeded by James Jobson, harness-maker, who moved the office to his shop, then in the Odd-Fellows’ Hall building. He was succeeded by Alfred W. Clement in 1861, who kept the office in his store during his incumbency in office for several terms, which extended to September, 1885, with the exception of six months, when Jacob P. Fowler served as postmaster, by appointment under Andrew Johnson. Thomas Hill, the present incumbent, was appointed by President Cleveland, and removed the office to the old tavern property, where it still continues.

INCORPORATION OF HADDONFIELD. - The town was incorporated as a borough by an act of Legislature approved March 24, 1875.

The powers granted under this act were very limited, being confined to the election of five commissioners, who were vested with the powers of township officers and the right to pass and enforce ordinances to regulate and light streets, grade sidewalks, take measures to suppress fires, etc. The first election was held April 6th of the same year, and the following-named persons were chosen commissioners: John H. Lippincott, Joseph F. Kay, Alfred W. Clement, Nathan Lippincott and Samuel P. Hunt. The present board is composed of Adrian C. Paul, Joseph F. Kay, Alfred W. Clement, Samuel P. Hunt and J. Morris Roberts.

THE HADDONFIELD LIBRARY COMPANY was organized by members of the Society of Friends on the Third Month 5, 1803. A meeting was held at the school-house on the meeting-house lot, on the date given above, in pursuance to a public notice. James Hopkins, was chosen chairman and Stephen M. Day secretary. A plan was proposed and considered by paragraphs and a vote of the meeting taken on each section. The preamble recites that the company is organized under the act of Assembly dated November 22, 1794. Article 4 declares that the trustees "shall not admit into the library any atheistical or deistical books, and as the Society of Friends advise against the reading of plays, novels and romances, for the use of this class of the members, it is further declared that in making choice of books of those denominations, care shall be taken not to admit such as are of vain, immoral or corrupting tendency."

The names of the nineteen original subscribers are Thomas Redman, Andrew Caldwell, John Blackwood, James Hurley, Joseph C. Swett, William E. Hopkins, Samuel Middleton, John Gill, Samuel W. Harrison, Jacob Middleton. Joseph Griffith, Josiah Matlack, Charles Collins, John’ Clement, Samuel Zane, Benjamin Hopkins, Benjamin Morgan, James Hopkins, and John Roberts. The persons who soon after became subscribers were Thomas Preston, Edward Z. Collings, Jacob Stokes, John Githens, John Barton, John Branson, Matthias Kay, Robert Rowand, Dr. Bowman Hendry, Daniel Fortiner, John Burrough, Jr., John Stokes, Joseph Bates (inn-keeper), James Graysbury, Joseph Githens, Joseph Hugg, Joseph Champion, Abraham Inskeep, John Kay, Edward Collins, Wallace Lippincott, Charles French, Aeon Kay, James Hartley, Abel Nicholson, Samuel Brown, Jr., Benjamin Kay, Joseph Z. Collings, Samuel Hopkins, Joseph Burrough, Jr., Dr. Samuel Bloomfield, Mahlon Matlack, Samuel Ellis, Aquilla Stokes, Joshua Lippincott, Richard Snowden, David Doughten, Levi Ellis, John Est. Hopkins, Isaac Glover, Israel Morris, Luke W. Morris, Isaac Kay and William Todd.

The shares of stock of the company were placed at eight dollars each; the nineteen original subscribers took thirty-two shares. At a meeting March 8th in the same year John Clement was chosen librarian and clerk. A certificate of incorporation was drawn up March 12th, which was filed April 4th following; over fifty volumes were presented to the company by Andrew Caldwell, John Evans and Joshua Cresson, the last two being merchants of Philadelphia. A committee was appointed to purchase books. The library was kept and meetings held in the Friends’ Schoolhouse from the date of organization until 1851. From that time until it was located in its present rooms, about 1877, it was kept at various places. It was provided in the constitution that the library should be open from 7 to 9 o’clock on each week day evening, from 3 to 5 P.M. on seventh day Of every week and from 11.30 to 12.30 A.M. on every fifth day of the week. This provision has been strictly complied with. In 1817 the library had accumulated five hundred volumes. On the 23d of November, 1854, the Haddon Institute was organized at the Grove School-house, for the purpose of establishing a lecture course and literary institute. On March 17, 1855, the library company passed a resolution uniting the library with the institute. The institute was short-lived, closing in 1856, when the books were again placed under the management of the original company, and so continued until the present time. In 1875 the Haddonfield Library Company was again incorporated. It at present contains over sixteen hundred volumes and the number is constantly increasing. It is now under charge of the following officers: Trustees, John H. Lippincott, Charles S. Braddock, Charles Rhoads, John Gill, William H. Shyrock, Joseph G. Evans and Samuel A. Willits; Librarian, Charles F. Redman.

THE FRIENDS IN HADDONFIELD. - The early settlement of this region of country was on the middle branch of Newton Creek, where, in 1684, a Friends’ Meeting-house was built. Later, the Haddon estate, on the King’s highway near Coopers Creek, became a desirable place for location, and many new-comers settled there. At the Friends’ Meeting at Newton the propriety of organizing a new meeting was considered, and about 1720,a log meeting-house, larger and more comfortable than the one at Newton, was built near the King’s Highway, and meetings were held there. In 1721 Elizabeth Estaugh returned to England, and procured a deed from her father for one acre of land, on which the meeting-house was built. It was deeded in trust to William Evans, Joseph Cooper, Jr., and John Cooper. In 1732 John Estaugh and Elizabeth, his wife (the Haddon property having been transferred to them), conveyed to trustees, for the use of the Society of Friends, one and a quarter acres adjoining the meeting-house lot At that time the trustees were John Mickle, Thomas Stokes, Timothy Matlack, Constantine Wood, Joshua Lord, Joseph Tomlinson, Ephraim Tomlinson, Joseph Kaighn, John Hollinshead, Josiah Foster and William Foster. In 1768 the remaining trustees conveyed to John Gill, Joshua Stokes, Nathaniel Lippincott, Samuel Webster, John Glover, James Cooper, John Lord, John E. Hopkins, John Brown, Isaac Ballinger and David Cooper, who had been appointed to receive the trust. In 1828 all the trustees last-mentioned were deceased, and Samuel Webster, as oldest son of Samuel Webster, the survivors of the trustees, continued the trust to others appointed for the same purpose. In March, 1754, the township of Newton purchased of Elizabeth Estaugh a half-acre of ground for a burial-place for the poor. This lot was found not convenient, and exchange was made with John E. Hopkins for a quarter of an acre of land adjoining the Friends’ Meeting-house and burial-lot, the deed for which passed December 24, 1755. The name "Poor’s Burying-Ground" after a time became objectionable, and by a vote of the town authorities March 8, 1808, the name was changed to "Strangers Burying-Ground," in obedience to a request in a memorial presented by Thomas Redman and other Friends at the Town Meeting. The plot was placed under their charge, embraced in their grounds and is at present a part thereof. In 1760 the old log meeting-house was removed to the opposite side of the Ferry road and a brick house, more commodious, was erected upon its site. This house was in use until 1851, when a tract of land containing about three acres, north of the meeting-house lot, was purchased and the present brick meeting-house was erected. In 1787 the brick school-house was built on the west part of the meeting-house lot and for many years it was the only school-house in the town. In it the town meetings and elections were held for many years. A frame addition was made to it later on the west side, on which the library of the Haddonfield Association was kept many years. The old building, having been enlarged, is still in use as a dwelling and school-house.

The efforts of George Keith in 1689, when he was an earnest supporter of the faith and doctrine of the Society of Friends, to endeavor to place the society securely upon the doctrine of the trinity, did not die out with his separation from the society, as the seed he then sowed grew slowly and brought forth its fruit in the division of the society in 1828. To quote from William Hodgson, a Friend: "George Keith had been an eminent instrument in the gathering of people called Quakers from the barren mountains of empty profession to the green pastures and still waters of pure, life-giving Christianity." Keith insisted that the, society, should clearly define the doctrine of the inner light, which they failed to do, and in 1691 he left the society and in 1692 the Burlington Yearly Meeting published a declaration of disunity against him. Keith returned to England and in 1700 was admitted to Holy Orders in the Episcopal Church, returned to this country, and with many of the Friends of rank, wealth and influence, who were in sympathy with his views, united in forming the Episcopal Church in New Jersey. Others in sympathy with him formed a society called Keithian or Christian Quakers. Many were dealt with by the society and disowned. It was not until 1827 -28 that the great "separation" occurred in the society, when those who believed with Elias Hicks’ became generally known as the Hicksite Friends and their opponents as the Orthodox Friends. After this the two branches continued using the meeting-house, divided by a partition, until its destruction by the Orthodox Friends, in 1851, when the Orthodox built their present house near the main Street and the Hicksites theirs on Ellis Street.

The Public Friends who have ministered to the meeting at Haddonfield have been quite numerous. There were many visiting friends who were prominent speakers. It is not known who were the regular speakers or ministers before 1700, but probably Friends from the meetings in Philadelphia or Burlington. In that year John Estaugh came to this country and in 1702 became connected with this meeting, then at Newton. He remained in connection until his death, in 1742. His wife, Elizabeth, survived him and died in 1762. Hannah, the wife of Joseph Cooper, also a public Friend, was a speaker in England and in 1732 married Joseph Cooper, of Newton township. In 1739 she went on a religious visit to Barbadoes. She died in 1754. John Griffith, a leading public Friend of London, made a religious visit to this country, which extended from 1736 to 1766. He ministered several times during that period at Haddonfield. His journal was published in London in 1779. Thomas Redman, the first of the name who resided in Haddonfield, was also a public Friend and traveled much. He died in 1766. His son, Thomas Redman, followed him and was a staunch supporter of the faith and principles of the Society, and for his adherence to the principles was imprisoned in Gloucester jail eight weeks, from January 20, 1777, to March 18th following. Joseph Tomlinson came to the country about 1686 and was in the household of Thomas Sharp. He became a preacher and was highly respected. He died in 1719. His son Ephraim was born in 1695 and died in 1780. He was held in high estimation as a preacher and for his consistent life. Joshua Lord was one of the trustees of Woodbury Friends’ Meeting in 1696, and also a trustee of Haddonfield Meeting in 1732. Joshua Lord was trustee of Haddonfield Meeting in 1771. The last-named was a prominent minister. Joshua Evans, from about the time of the Revolution, was also a minister. He resided on the Cuthbert farm. Benjamin Swett and his wife were preachers of the meeting many years. Elizabeth L. Redman, wife of Thomas Redman and mother of John, Charles and Sarah, was an acceptable preacher. The present public Friends of this Orthodox Meeting are Charles Rhoades and his sister Deborah.

Marriages.- The following is a list of the marriages of the Haddonfield Meeting as obtained from the early records from 1720 to 1800:

1720.	1762.
Timothy Matlack to Mary Haines.	David Davis to Martha Cole.
Jedediah Adams to Margaret Christian.	James Gardiner to Mary Tomlinson.
Joshua Raper to Sarah Cooper.	1763.
Thomas Adams to Hannah Sharp.	Job Kimsey to Elizabeth Eastlack.
1722.	1764.
Samuel Nicholson to Sarah Burrough.	James Whitall to Rebecca Matlack.
Thomas Ellis to Catharine Collins.	Caleb Lippincott to Ann Vinacomb.
1723.	James Starr to Elizabeth Lord.
Samuel Burrough to Ann Gray.	James Cooper to Mary Mifflin (widow
Joseph Mickle to Elizabeth Eastlack.	Ebenezer Hopkins to Ann Albertson.
1724.	1765.
James Wills to Sarah Clement.	Jonathan Knight to Elizabeth Delap.
Thomas Sharp to Elizabeth Smith.	William Cooper to Abigail Matlack.
1725.	Joseph Burrough to Mary Pine.
John Hudson to Hannah Wright	1766.
Robert Jones to Sarah Siddon.	Griffith Morgan to Rebecca Clement.
Isaac Albertson to Rachel Haines.	Constantine Jeffreys to Patience Butcher.
1726.	Isaac Townsend to Katharine Albertson.
John Burrough to Phebe Haines.	1767.
John Wills to Elizabeth Kaighn.	John Wilkins to Rachel Wood.
1727.	Josiah Albertson to Elinor Tomlinson
Joseph Kaighn to Mary Estaugh.	Caleb Cresson to Sarah Hopkins.
Ephraim Tomlinson to Sarah Corbit.	John Redman to Sarah Branson.
James Cattle to Mary Engle, widow.	Aquilla Jones to Elizabeth Cooper.
1728.	1767.
John Haines to Jane Smith.	Joshua Lippencott to Elizabeth Wood.
Isaac Knight to Elizabeth Wright.	Robert Cooper to Mary Hooper.
1729.	Mark Miller to Mary Redman.
Thomas Wright to Mary Thackara.	John Gill to Abigail Hillman.
John Turner to Jane Engle.	1768.
1730.	Jacob Haines to Bathsaba Burrough.
Timothy Matlack to Martha Haines.	Samuel Brown to Rebecca Branson.
Samuel Sharp to Mary Tomlinson.	1769.
John Kay to Sarah Ellis.	Job Whitall to Sarah Gill.
Bartholomew Wyat to Ellzabeth Tomlinson.	1770.
David Price to Grace Zane.	Joshua Cresson to Mary Hopkins.
1731.	James Sloan to Rachel Clement.
Daniel Morgan to Mary Rakes, widow.	Jonathan Iredell to Elizabeth Hillman.
1732.	1771.
William Mickle to Sarah Wright.	Joseph Gibson to Sarah Haines.
1733.	Isaac Buzby, to Martha Lippincott.
Samuel Abbott to Hannah Poster.	1772.
Thomas Egerton to Sarah Stephens.	Joseph Mickle to Hannah Burrough.
Richard Bidgood to Hannah Burrough, widow.	Thomas Wright to Mary Branson.
1734.	Benjamin C. Cooper to Ann Black.
Peter White to Rebecca Burr.	Amos Cooper to Sarah Mickle.
1735.	1773.
Nathan Beaks to Elizabeth Hooten.	Samuel Allison to Martha Cooper.
1736.	Geo. Ward to Ann Branson.
Edward Borton to Margaret Tomlinson.	John Barton to Amy Shivers.
Thomas Bishop to Rachel Matlack.	1774.
Nathan Lippincott to Mary Engle.	Joseph Reeve to Elizabeth Morgan.
1736.	Benjamin Catheral to Esther Brown.
Walter Fawcett to Margaret Rillings.	Joshua Stretch to Lydia Tomlinson.
David Stratton to Mary Elkinton.	Wm. Zane to Elizabeth Hillman.
1737.	Wm. Kneas to Sarah Pederick.
Jacob Taylor to Ann Andrews.	James Stuart to Mary Ballanger.
Thomas Redman to Mercy Gill.	Enoch Allen to Hannah Collins.
Jacob Howell to Mary Cooper.	1775.
Thomas Thorne to Mary Harrison.	Joab Wills to Amy Gill.
1738.	Wm. Edgarton to Tabitha Harrison.
Thomas Egerton to Esther Bates.	John Haines to Hipparchia Hinchman.
1739.	Caleb Lippincott to Zilpah Shinn.
James Whitall to Ann Cooper.	1776.
Charles French to Ann Clement.	Nathaniel Barton to Rachel Stokes.
Robert Stevens to Ann Dent.	John Clement to Hannah Griscom.
Isaac Lippincott to Hannah Engle.	Jonathan Brown to Sarah Ballinger.
Thomas Rakestraw to Mary Mason.	1777.
1740.	Samuel Tomlinson to Martha Mason.
Jacob Hinchman to Abigail Harrison.	Joshua Evans to Ann Kay.
1741.	Job Cowperthwaite to Ann Vickers.
Samuel Stokes to Hannah Hinchman.	David Branson to Elizabeth Evans.
Thomas Stokes to Abigail Matlack.	1778.
William Albertson to Jane Turner.	Joseph Burrough to Lydia Stretch.
Joshua Stokes to Amy Hinchman.	Marmaduke Cooper to Mary Jones.
1742.	Wm. White to Ann Paul.
Isaac Burrough to Deborah Jennings.	1779.
John Ashard to Mary Middleton.	Samuel Stokes to Hope Hunt.
1742.	Joshua Paul to Mary Lippincott.
Thomas Hooten to Mercy Bates.	James Hinchman to Sarah Morgan.
Samuel Mickle to Latitia Matlack.	Jededia Alien to Ann Wilkins.
1743.	Benj. Test to Elizabeth Thackara.
Henry Wood to Ruth Dennis.	Richard Snowden to Sarah Brown.
Daniel Fortiner to Rebecca Smith.	1780.
Joseph Wilkins to Sarah Hartshorn.	Benj. Horten to Sarah Snowden.
Daniel Hillman to Abigail Nicholson.	Wm. Lippincott to Elizabeth Folwell
1744.	Samuel Tomlinson to Mary Bates.
Abraham Haines to Sarah Ellis.	1781.
Samuel Nicholson to Rebecca Saint.	Peter Thompson to Mary Glover.
John Warrington to Hannah Ellis.	John Gill to Sarah Pritchett.
Job Siddon to Achsa Matlack.	Robert Zane to Elizabeth Butler.
1746.	Daniel Hillman to Martha Ellis.
James Cooper to Deborah Matlack.	Isaac Ballinger to Mary Bassett.
John Hillman to Hannah Nicholson.	John Webb to Amy Wills.
Samuel Noble to Lydia Cooper.	Edward Gibbs to Hepsibah Evans.
1747.	1782.
William Miller to Elizabeth Woodward.	Joshua Cooper to Abigail Stokes.
Jacob Clement to Hannah Albertson.	John Barton to Rebecca Engevine.
1748.	John Reeves to Beulah Brown.
Joseph Snowden to Rebecca Howell.	David Ware to Sarah Shinn.
Michael Lenis to Rachel Richardson.	Restore Lippincott to Deborah Ervin
Samuel Clement to Ruth Evans.	Joshua Harlan to Sarah Hinchman.
Benjamin Champion to Ann Hewitt.	1783.
William Matlack to Mary Turner.	Zaccheus Test to Rebecca Davis.
Samuel Collins to Rosanna Stokes.	Isaac Stiles to Rachel Glover.
1749.	Jacob Jennings to Ann Hopkins.
Samuel Nicholdson to Jane Albertson (widow).	Asher Brown to Mary Ward.
James West to Mary Cooper.	1784.
Jacob Stokes to Priscilla Ellis.	James Thackara to Jane Gaunt.
John Jaffereys to Mary Butcher.	Charles Fogg to Ann Bates.
Archibald Mickle to Mary Burrough.	Wm. Knight to Elizabeth Webster.
1750.	James Hopkins to Rebecca Clement.
Thomas Hinchman to Letitla Mickle (widow).	Darling Haines to Mary Lippincott.
Jacob Ellis to Cassandra Albertson.	James Mickle to Hannah Lord.
John Branson to Sarah Sloan.	Jonathan Morgan to Elizabeth Fisher
John Thorne to Mary Gill (widow).	1785.
John Barton to Elizabeth Champion.	Daniel Roberts to Hannah Stokes.
Jonathan Fisher to Hannah Hutchison.	Abraham Warrington to Rachel Evans.
Simeon Breach to Mary Shores.	Peter Thompson to Sarah Stephenson.
1751.	John Stuart to Deborah Griscom.
Jacob Burrough to Sarah Throne.	John Evans to Elizabeth Browning.
Enoch Burrough to Deborah Middleton.	1788.
John Glover to Mary Thorne.	Isaac Jones to Sarah Atkinson.
Joseph Bispham to Elizabeth Hinchman.	Caleb Atkinson to Sarah Champion.
1752.	Francis Boggs to Ann Haines.
Samuel Hugg to Elizabeth Collins.	1789.
Thomas Bates to Sarah Pancoast.	Wm. Rogers to Mary Davis.
Restore Lippincott to Ann Lord.	Joseph Davis to Mary Haines.
Charles West to Hannah Cooper.	Wm. Saterthwaite to Mary Prior.
James Hinchman to Sarah Bickam.	Samuel Glover to Hannah Albertson.
1753.	John Thorne to Mary Duberee.
Joshua Evans to Priscilla Collins.	1790.
Nathan Beaks to Lydia Morgan.	Thomas Knight to Hannah Branson.
Robert Stevens to Mary Kaighn.	Thomas M. Potter to Mary Glover.
Jacob Burrough to Cassandra Ellis.	Josiah Kay to Elizabeth Horner.
1754.	1791.
Samuel Burrough to Hannah Spence.	Geo. Abbott to Mary Redman.
1755.	Samuel Abbott to Martha Gill.
John Hillman to Mary Horner.	Jeremiah Wood to Mary Horner.
Isaac Ballinger to Patience Albertson.	1792.
1756.	Joseph Burrough to Martha Davis.
William Bates to Elizabeth Hooten.	John Gill to Susanna Branson.
Isaac Horner to Elizabeth Kay.	1793.
1757.	Jesse Lippincott to Mary Ann Kay.
Josiah Burrough to Sarah Morgan.	Joseph Cooper to Sarah P. Buckley.
Caleb Hughes to Abigail Ellis.	1793.
1758.	Marmaduke Burr to Ann Hopkins.
Samuel Clement to Beulah Evans.	Abraham Silver to Sarah Knight.
Daniel Tomlinson to Mary Bates.	Joshua Roberts to Sarah Cole.
John Buzby to Sarah Ellis.	1794.
Samuel Tomlinson to Ann Burrough.	Obediah Engle to Patience Cole.
1758.	John Albertson to Ann Pine.
Joseph Morgan to Mary Stokes.	1795.
1759.	Isaac Bellinger to Esther Stokes.
Thomas Thorne to Abigail Burrough.	Job Bishop to Lardle Jones.
Samuel Webster to Sarah Albertson.	Joseph Kaighn to Sarah Mickle.
John Branson to Sarah Sloan.	Jesse Smith to Mary Paul.
1760.	Wm. B. Hopkins to Ann Morgan.
John Starr to Eunice Lord.	1796.
John Brick to Abigail French.	Joseph Glover to Sarah Mickle.
Thomas Champion to Deborah Clark.	Aaron Pancoast to Ann Cooper.
Chatfield Brown to Hannah Andrews.	Joseph Bennett to Mary Morgan.
Constantine Lord to Sarah Albertson.	Reuben Braddock to Elizabeth Stokes
1761.	1797.
John Sharp to Sarah Andrews.	Jonathan Knight to Elizabeth Kaighn
Simeon Zane to Sarah Hooten.	Peter Hammit to Mary Duel.
Elnathan Zane to Bathsaba Hartly.	Joseph C. Swett to Ann Clement.
Jacob Jenning to Mary Smith.	1798.
Richard Gibbs to Mary Burrough.	Richard M. Cooper to Mary Cooper.
1762.	Joseph Burr to Mary Sloan.
Jacob Cozens to Esther Zane.	Abel Ashard to Ann Jennings.
John Mickle to Elizabeth B. Hopkins	1799.
James Brown to Catharine Andrews.	Robert Rowand to Elizabeth Barton.
John B. Hopkins to Sarah Mickle.	Wm. Roberts to Ann Brick.
Stephen Thackara to Elizabeth Sloan	Isaac Thorne to Rachel Horner.
	Samuel Hooten to Sarah Ballanger.

The Hicksite Friends. - In the years 1827-28, when Elias Hicks, the exponent of the early teachings of Robert Barclay and others, was traveling through the country, he visited the Friends’ Meeting in Haddonfield, and Won to his cause a number of the Friends, who at once organized a meeting of Hicksites, as his followers were termed. The feeling between the two parties was such that the partition in the meeting-house was kept down, and separate meetings held from that time until the destruction of the house, in 1851, by the Orthodox Friends. A lot was then purchased at Ellis and Walnut Streets, and the present brick meeting-house erected. The public Friends who have ministered to the people of this branch of the society were Samuel Allen and Mary, his wife, both deceased.

HADDONFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH. - The history of the Baptist Church at Haddonfield is closely identified with the Baptist Churches of Mount Holly and Evesham. As early as 1784 the Rev. Peter Wilson, pastor of the Baptist Church at Hightstown, Monmouth County, occasionally preached at Mount Holly, in Burlington County, N.J. At intervals others of like persuasion officiated there, and in 1801 a church was organized with thirty-six members. About the year 1788 religious services were held at the house of Matthew Wilson, in Evesham township, Burlington County, and afterward continued, with more regularity at the school-house in that neighborhood. In 1803 Joseph Evans and Letitia, his wife, and Rebecca Troth were baptized, they being the first in that region, and two years after, the covenants were adopted and a church organized with forty-five members, many of whom had been dismissed from the church at Mount Holly.

Among those who connected themselves with the church at Mount Holly was John Sisty, then a young man, and a resident of that town. Yielding to the persuasions of his associates, he occasionally addressed religious meetings, which developed a gift for the ministry. In 1814 he was made a licentiate, the next year ordained, and preached regularly once in each month at the Evesham Meeting-house for nearly four years and without compensation.

During this time he removed to Philadelphia, and had his residence and place of business on the west side of Front Street, a few doors below Market Street, and there continued for many years. While friends of his own religious belief at Haddonfield, in the year 1817, requested him to preach, with a view of founding a Baptist Church. This invitation was accepted, and in the afternoon or August 17, 1817, he preached his first sermon in the Grove School-house. These meetings were continued the second and fourth Sabbaths of each month until June 11, 1818, when a Baptist Church was regularly organized.

At that time the Society of Friends was the only religious denomination which had stated meetings in the village, and, it might be said, in the neighborhood, save, perhaps, the Protestant Episcopal Church at Colestown. The Grove School-house, in which he conducted the first services, was a plain building, furnished with unpainted desks and with benches without cushions of backs. To this uninviting and uncomfortable place was Mr. Sisty taken when he first sought to promulgate the opinions and practices of his adopted church. In this unpretending structure, many miles from any other in doctrinal sympathy, did that good man persevere in his efforts to draw around him those who were willing to accept his views of religion and follow the requirements of his creed as by him explained. The services were of the simplest character, often without the singing of hymns, for there were but few who understood or had any knowledge of music. He soon found, however, that these meetings attracted attention and was much encouraged to continue his efforts, with the ultimate object of founding a branch of the society. In after-years Mr. Sisty often spoke of the kind and sympathetic manner in which he was received by members of the Society of Friends, and who always expressed themselves as pleased with his efforts and hoped that success might attend him. An organization was effected June 11, 1818, with the following-named persons as members: Chas. Kain, Isaac Cole, Samuel Vanhorn, John Fairlam, Hannah Clement, Maria Hillman, Sarah Kain, Ann Kain, Elizabeth Vanderveer, Keturah Rowand.

Charles Kain and his wife, Sarah, resided at Fellowship, in Burlington County; Isaac Cole, in Camden; Hannah Clement, in Haddonfield; and Ann Kain, at Marlton, Burlington Co. Elizabeth Vanderveer resided at Moorestown, in the last-named county; John Fairlam and Samuel Vanhorn, near Colestown; and Maria Hillman and Ketturah Rowand lived near Fellowship.

Zaccheus Logan, Joseph Evans, Isaac Smith, David Vanderveer and Charles Kain were selected as trustees to take the title of the lot which was purchased of the heirs of Elizabeth West, deceased, by deed dated Feb. 19, 1819, and duly recorded. On this lot was erected a neat and comfortable brick meeting-house. The building, when finished, presented a creditable appearance, and was much admired by strangers. The entrance was by a front-door and two side-doors, the latter being used by those coming in carriages. The inside arrangement was admirable, with a double range of pews in the middle and a range on either side, next the walls, with two side-aisles to a cross-aisle, between the side-doors. The pulpit was paneled, but plain, and reached by several steps on either side, only large enough, however, for two persons to sit in; galleries extended around three sides of the building and furnished with benches throughout. Two large ten-plate woods stoves stood in the main aisles for heating purposes. The pews were neatly finished with solid backs and doors, but without paint and not numbered.

The collections were taken in velvet sacks attached to long black handles, and were by the deacons passed solemnly round near the close of the service. The money in circulation in those days were the old Spanish coins, and twelve and six-penny bits generally made up the sums contributed. Open baskets were at last substituted on account of the many pieces of spurious coin found in the velvet sacks and placed there by those who had little regard for the necessities of the church. September 5, 1818, John Sisty presented his letter of dismissal from the Baptist Church at Mount Holly, and, on August 14, 1819, by a formal vote of the church and the pew-holders, was invited to become their pastor. At the same meeting Charles Kain and Isaac Coles were selected as deacons. November 13th following, Mr. Sisty, by a letter, accepted the charge; his services being rendered without compensation, the church paying his necessary expenses, which seldom exceeded one hundred dollars per year.

The building was dedicated on the last Sabbath in November, 1818, when Dr. Holcom, Reverend Mr. Gregg, Mr. Mahlon and Mr. Cooper were present with Mr. Sisty to conduct the services. These were novel and interesting in a Quaker neighborhood, where formality of any kind on such occasions was studiously avoided. Visitors came from all the country-side, and under the persuasive eloquence of the eminent speakers, contributed liberally towards the payment of the outstanding debt. It is not too much to say that broad-brimmed hats and plain bonnets were scattered through the congregation, and although not of those who then gave, were known to be in sympathy with the enterprise and hoped for its success.

It is proper to record something of the constituent members of the church. Charles Kain was baptized at Salem, New Jersey, in the twentieth year of his age, by the Rev. Job Sheppard, and became a member of the church at that place. The next year, 1813, he removed to Philadelphia, and by letter joined the Rev. Dr. Holcom’s church in that city. In 1816 he came to New Jersey again and worshipped with those of the Old Causeway Meeting-House, near Marlton, Burlington County, and there remained until he became one of the constituent members of the church at Haddonfield. He is remembered as leading the singing, to which place he was chosen as clerk and acceptably filled it for several years.

Isaac Cole, who lived in Camden, was an active member, was liberal to the church and acted as treasurer for several years. He gradually became interested in the church in Camden, and believing that his usefulness lay in that direction, requested his letter, which was granted February 28, 1836, that he could properly connect himself therewith.

Hannah Clement, educated and baptized as a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church at Chews Landing, a few miles from Haddonfield, was convinced of the faith and practices of the Baptists under the preaching of Dr. William Staughton while residing in Philadelphia. She became a member of the First Baptist Church of that city and was dismissed therefrom June 11, 1818, to connect herself with the Haddonfield Church. She was the first resident Baptist in the town, and used her best efforts towards planting the church there.

She was the wife of John Clement, who look much interest in the enterprise and acted as cashier during the erection of the house. At morning and evening service he could always be seen in his seat at the head of his pew, and through all the mutations of the church he regularly occupied the same place, and only abandoned it when he found his remonstrances would not avail to prevent the taking down of the building he had assisted to erect and maintain. He could not be convinced of the need of such a change, which would entail a heavy debt and not add very much to the seating capacity. His wife was alike jealous of any innovation that endangered the ancient landmarks and was likely to weaken or destroy them. She looked suspiciously upon any change in the old forms of worship, and held fast to the ways of the fathers. She lived to see the small beginnings at the Grove School-house come to be a large and influential society. She died an exemplary Christian.

Elizabeth Vanderveer was the wife of David Vanderveer, a resident of Moorestown, some six miles from Haddonfield. Through her influence several other families came from the same town and neighborhood, and were pew-holders in the church. After the death of her husband she was dismissed, November 29, 1838, and took her letter to the Tenth Baptist Church of Philadelphia, to which city, with her children, she went to reside.

John Fairlam was a farmer residing near Colestown, and rendered what assistance his limited means would allow towards the new enterprise. He was baptized by John Sisty in 1817, and became a member of the Old Causeway Meeting, and was dismissed therefrom to join the organization at Haddonfield. He was separated from the church and became chorister at Colestown.

Samuel Vanhorn, also a farmer and residing near Colestown, was baptized by John Sisty in 1818, and always remained a consistent member of the denomination.

Sarah Kain, wife of Charles, was also baptized by John Sisty, and was ever after an upright and faithful member among her associates. She was anxious that her children should follow in her footsteps, and had the pleasure in her declining years to know that her precept and example had done much for them.

Ann Kain, sister of Charles, was baptized by John Sisty. She afterwards married Samuel Wilkins, and for several years lived in Haddonfield, and then removed to Woodbury, Gloucester County. With her husband and family she returned to the village, where she died in full membership with the church, having never removed her letter therefrom.

Keturah Rowand, wife of Joseph Rowand, and sister of Isaac Coles, was, with her husband, a member of the Old Causeway Meeting. She was zealous in the cause of religion, and through her influence many were induced to join the church.

Maria Hillman resided near Haddonfield, and although not a conspicuous member, was generally found in her place and ready to assist in every good work.

The grave-yard in the rear of the church brings back many sad recollections. About one-half of the first purchase of land was laid out with two avenues and a range of lots on the right and left of each. The pew-holders had the choice of lots, and such as paid four years in advance for their seats in the church, were given the lot selected without other consideration.

In later years this home of the dead has been much enlarged, and the outlines of the original yard are almost obliterated. The first funeral here, tradition says, was that of Lieutenant Nicholson, of the United States navy, who died in the neighborhood, where he was boarding. He is remembered as a martinet in dress, and a genial companion, but a victim to intemperance which unfitted him for duty. His habits were a great mortification to his family, and after his burial no friend or relative was ever known to visit his grave. His remains were laid in the northeast corner of the yard, but through long neglect the particular spot has been lost sight of.

The custom of Friends had its influence, and many of the first graves are without monuments; and hence lost sight of. In the old part may be seen the graves of several of the founders of the church, and among them that of John Sisty, who provided that his remains should be laid within the bounds of the place he loved so much. Here are the plain, unpretending stones, showing where lay those who were active and useful in their generation, and whom their descendants have reason to love.

Something about the baptisms, or, more properly speaking, the immersion, should be written. The first baptism in connection with this church took place on September 13, 1818, and the persons immersed were Samuel Lippincott, John S. Wilmot, Clarissa Laconey and Sarah Sleeper. Baptisms occurred on Sabbath morning, and generally at Evans’ Mill pond, above the dam, but sometimes below the flood-gates, when the ice was too thick on the pond.

In 1837, after much opposition, the old house was remodeled at a considerable expense; the pulpit was removed, the floor lowered, the railing around the galleries was replaced by panel-work and the old chandelier and side-lights taken away. The wood-stoves were banished and better heating apparatus substituted, and the whole inside of the church handsomely and tastefully painted. The next year a frame addition was built in the rear, in which the business meetings and Sunday-school were held, and, although not very sightly, furnished the much-needed space necessary to the increased membership.

Anno Domini 1838 was an eventful year. February 17th the Reverend Timothy Jackson was invited to conduct a series of meetings, which extended over twenty-three days and evenings, and ended in some eighty persons being baptized. He was a remarkable man as a sermonizer and exhorter, and crowds followed him wherever he preached. He was popular among the people and his services were, always in demand. This strengthened the church in numbers and increased its zeal, through which its influence was enlarged and much good done.

August 18,1837, a desirable lot of land on the east was purchased, which gave much more space on that side of the house and nearly doubled the number of lots in the grave-yard.

The most important event of this year was the resignation of John Sisty as pastor. Nothing can better express his feelings relating to this subject than the words written with his own hand. They are as follows. 
    "Resigned my pastoral charge of the Baptist Church in Haddonfield, September 30th, 1838. But few churches and ministers continue so long in harmony and unbroken friendship. Much imperfection and unworthiness have marked the tenure of my way, but by the grace of God we are what we are. J. Sisty."

As the church property increased in extent and value, it was deemed prudent that the membership should become an incorporated body, according to the laws of the State of New Jersey in such cases made and provided; and December 15th, of this year, a resolution to this effect was passed. March 16, 1839, Charles Kain, Daniel Fortiner, James G. Webster, John Osler, John G. Shivers, Thomas Marshall and Thomas Ellis were chosen as trustees, and July 20th following took the obligation of office.

The numbers went on increasing, and as evidence of the earnestness and vitality of this body of professing Christians, it is only necessary to notice the several churches that can trace their beginning to those who were attached to the Baptist Church in Haddonfield. To name them chronologically, the church at Moorestown was founded in 1837 by members from this. In a short time a house was built and now it has a large number of adherents. In 1839 a few others were dismissed to establish one at Marlton, which, after some opposition from the Old Causeway Meeting, was organized and has always been prosperous.

In 1841 others of the church, in connection with a few from Marlton, sought to draw around them a congregation at Medford, and, although much effort was made, it was not as successful as those before named. In 1843 preaching by regular appointment was had at Newton, and a house erected, but dissessions crept in and disappointments followed. In 1848, with better success, a few of the members residing near Blackwoodtown established themselves, obtained a house and secured stated preaching in that village. A few years after a like effort was made at Tansboro’, since removed to Berlin, where a respectable congregation always attends.

The Sunday-school was organized at the same time as the church, and John Gill, an elder in the Society of Friends, was chosen the first president, again showing the sympathy and kind feeling that existed between these religious denominations. It was always well sustained and brought within its influence and control many who in after-years became valuable members of the church.

The Rev. C.C. Park followed Mr. Sisty as pastor, with a salary fixed at four hundred dollars. In 1840 the Rev. Charles Wilson took the place of Mr. Park. He was succeeded by the Rev, Marvin Eastwood in 1844, who remained until 1847, when the Rev. Orion H. Caperon was called. On account of bad health he remained but a short time, when the Rev. William H. Brisbane supplied the church. This last person was an attractive speaker and increased the attendance during his short stay. As his pastorate was understood to be limited, he was, in 1848, followed by the Rev. William Hires.

In 1850 the Rev. Samuel B. Willis was settled and remained for about one year, when the Rev. Alfred S. Patton succeeded him. During his administration the subject of erecting a larger and more commodious building was seriously considered, which movement was bitterly opposed by the older members and many of the congregation. Those in favor of this step argued that thirty years had increased the attendance so much that the old building had not sufficient capacity, and that its architecture and appearance were entirely behind the age.

On the other hand, it was regarded as the boldest vandalism to tear down the building so much venerated by those who assisted in its erection, and who had for so many years contributed to its support, with which the better days of the church were identified. The progressive ones refused to be convinced, and in the order of time the old house was razed to its foundations and another one soon arose in its place.

The old meeting-house was torn down in July, 1852, and the corner-stone of a new church was laid August 12th following, with appropriate services. Addresses were made by the Rev. John Sisty, Rev. Joseph H. Kennard, Rev. Stephen Remington and the Rev. J. Dowling, D.D. The church was built of brown stone, and was forty-two by sixty-five feet, surmounted by a steeple one hundred and twelve feet high, containing a bell. The lower room was dedicated January 1, 1853, and the auditorium in June following.

As pastors the Rev. Mr. Latham followed Alfred S. Patton in 1855; Mr. Meeson in 1856, and the Rev James E. Wilson in 1857. When he resigned, in 1861, the Rev. Robert F. Young was called to fill his place.

By death and removals the board of trustees has been changed at different times, but now consists of Isaac M. Kay, Joseph F. Kay, Benjamin F. Fowler, George D. Stuart, Joseph S. Garrett, Aaron. C. Clement and Isaac P. Lippincott.

With the removal of the old building it is proper that this sketch should end; but it may be inquired what time and circumstances have done with the constituent members, since they assembled to plant the seed that has yielded such a harvest. John H. Fairlam was excluded in 1821; Maria Hillman was dismissed to another church in 1825; Hannah Clement died in 1834; Isaac Coles took his letter to Camden in 1836; Elizabeth Vanderveer to Philadelphia, in 1838; Charles Kain and Sarah, his wife, were dismissed to Marlton in 1839; Keturah Rowand died in 1842; Ann Kain (afterwards Ann Wilkins) died in Haddonfield in 1864; and Samuel Vanhorn, by reason of old age, was prevented from active service, but died in unity with the church.

John Sisty had dissolved his official connection with the church at the time before named, but retained his interest in its welfare, and did much in after-years to heal dissensions and preserve brotherly love. He was always a welcome visitor, and received with the greatest respect by the members. He died in 1863, surviving all save one of his contemporaries in this undertaking. He was generally present at the installations of the new pastors, and charged them as to their solemn and important duties, never forgetting to remark that short, pithy sermons were more popular than long, prosy discourses.

The church that in 1818 began with ten members, has increased in the sixty-eight years of its existence to three hundred and ninety-one.

The Rev. Robert F. Young served this church until his death, January 5, 1884, after a pastorate of twenty-two years. In May, 1884, Rev. Henry A. Griesemer became pastor of this church, and still remains.

A lot on the Main Street was procured in the spring of 1885, and on the 17th of July, in that year, the corner-stone of a new house of worship was laid with appropriate ceremonies.

The plan of the church was designed by Isaac Percell, of Philadelphia, and is in the Gothic order of architecture. It is built of stone. The audience-room is large and commodious, with a lecture-room to the rear. The lecture-room was opened for use on the first Sunday in January, 1886, and it is intended to dedicate the audience-room when the outstanding debt is provided for. The entire cost of edifice and grounds is about thirty-two thousand dollars.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. - Religious meetings were held in the open air at Rowandtown about 1797, at which Ezekiel Cooper, a Methodist of Philadelphia, preached occasionally. Between the years 1800 and 1810 a Methodist meeting-house, about twenty-five by thirty-six feet, was built at Snow Hill by both white and colored people. It was used by them until 1815, when a separation took place, and the white people built a church at Greenland. The first sermon preached under the auspices of the Methodist Society in Haddonfield was by John P. Curtis in 1850. He is now living in Greenland at an advanced age. The services were held in the Baptist Church at the request of Rev. John Sisty, who was then the pastor of that church. Mr. Curtis was soon after followed by others who preached in the old Grove School-house. The first Methodist people to reside in the town were Richard Stafford and his wife, who lived on the site of Willard’s Drug Store. The ministers on the Burlington Circuit in 1825 were Jacob Gouber and Wesley Wallace. The circuit then extended from Burlington to Cape May.

The Grove School-house was, by resolution at the time it was built, declared to be open for the use of all sects, and even if school was in session and application was made for preaching, the school should at once be dismissed. About 1825, when the minister of the Methodist Society visited Haddonfield, application was made for the school-house in which to hold services. Some parties refused to admit the minister and locked the doors. John Clement ordered the door unlocked, which was finally done.

In 1827 George Wooly, then on the Burlington Circuit, requested John P. Curtis to transact some church business at Snow Hill, he not having authority, but as far as permitted, conferred upon John P. Curtis the title of bishop, a name which some of his old associates still cling to. John P. Curtis was a member of a class under John Hood, the first class-leader of Philadelphia. A class was organized in Haddonfield in the year 1830, with the following members: Charles Lippincott and wife, Russell Millard and wife, Sarah A. Lippincott, Richard Stafford, Rachel Stafford, Mary Walker, Elizabeth Matlack, Esther Ann Reeves, Sarah Boker, James Rhoads, Hope Rhoads, Thomas Pitman, Hampton Williams, Mary Willis, Rebecca Van Dodd, Mary Ann Connell, Sarah Hillman, Kezish Stafford, Anne M. Pitman, John Clark, William England, Priscilla Obes, James Hopkins, Atlantic Kelly, Mary Ann Elbertson, Phoebe Ann Guthrie, Hannah Kendall, Wesley Armstrong, Ann Chew, Sarah Matlack and Atlantic West.

Meetings were held generally in the school-house until the erection of a church at the east end of the village, in 1835. It was dedicated in August of that year by Rev. R.E. Morrison, then in charge. This house was used until 1857, when it was demolished, and the present church built on the corner of Grove and Main Streets. The first effort towards the erection of a new church was made at the meeting of the Quarterly Conference, October 30, 1852. A committee was appointed to purchase a lot. They reported on September 8, 1853, that a brick house, forty-three by sixty-five feet, could be built for four thousand dollars. A committee was appointed to ascertain the best plans and to dispose of the old church property. In 1856 a building committee was appointed; a lot was purchased on the corner of Grove and Main Streets.

The following is a list of ministers who served on the Burlington Circuit after Haddonfield became a station. Haddonfield became a regular preaching-place in 1825, under Jacob Gruber and William Wallace, presiding elders. In that year Riley Barrett, David Duffell, Andrew Jenkins and Isaiah Toy preached in the Grove School-house. Robert Gary, a junior preacher, assisted in the services:

1826.	George Wooly.	1845-46.	Z. Gaskill.
	Robert Gary.	1847.	B. Weed.
1827.	George Wooly.	1848.	Robert Given.
	----- Sovereign.		G.A. Raybold.
1828.	Henry Boehm.	1849.	James B. Dobbius.
	L.M. Prettyman.	1850-51.	Levi Herr.
1829.	Henry Boehm.	1852-53.	A.S. Brice.
	W. W. Folks.	1854.	Samuel M. Hudson.
1830.	Daniel Parish.	1855-56.	J.R. Bryan.
	Wm. J. Wilmer.	1857-58.	Samuel E. Post.
1831.	John Walker.	1859-60.	Jacob B. Graw, D.D.
	Jefferson Lewis.	1861-62.	Aaron E. Ballard.
1832.	John Walker.	1863.	Albert Atwood.
1833.	E. Page.	1864-65.	Benjamin F. Woolston.
	David Bartine.	1866.	Charles R. Hartranft.
1834.	William Gammel.	1867-68.	Robert S. Harris.
1835.	John P. Curtis.	1869-70-71	William S. Zane.
	M. German.	1872-73-74.	J. Stiles.
1836.	E. Stout.		Levi Herr.
	C. Jacquett.	1875-76.	James G. Crate.
1838.	James Long.	1877-78.	Charles H. Whitecar.
	J.B. McKeever.	1879-80-81.	James H. Mickle.
1839.	James Long.	1882-83-84.	Daniel B. Harris.
	W. A. Brooks.	1885-86.	William Pittinger.
1843-44.	George A. Raybold.

In 1839 the Haddonfield Circuit was formed and included several churches, the aggregate membership of which then was five hundred and fifty-two whites and seventy-two colored persons.

GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.- According to the journal of the convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in New Jersey for 1842, the Rev. Andrew Bell Patterson, rector of Trinity Church, Moorestown, N.J., began holding services and preaching in Haddonfield September 5, 1841. These services were held in a building locally known as the Grove School-house, which is now used for school purposes for colored children.

On Monday, April 4th, Bishop Doane visited Haddonfield and preached in the evening in the Baptist meeting-house. It was his intuition to lay the corner-stone of the church building, but he was prevented by a severe rain-storm. A lot had been purchased, and on March 28, 1842, was conveyed by John Clement to Joseph Fewsmith and Chas. D. Hendry, M.D., trustees for the congregation. On April 11th the corner-stone was laid with appropriate services by Rev. Andrew Bell Patterson, the rector in charge. The building was consecrated by Bishop Doane, September 29, 1842, being the "Festival of St. Michael and all the Angels." The following is the charter:

"HADDONFIELD, April 20th, 1843.

"To all whom these Presents may Concern,
     "We whose names and seals are hereto affixed do certify, That the congregation of Grace Church, in Haddonfield, in the County of Gloucester, and State of New Jersey, which is a Society worshiping according to the customs and usages of the Protestant Episcopal Church, desiring to form themselves into a Body Corporate, according to the act of the Legislature of the State of New Jersey in such case made and provided, met in Grace Church aforesaid on the seventeenth day of April, in the year of Our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty-three, pursuant to ten days’ previous notice given as the intention of said Congregation to form themselves into a body corporate by an advertisement set up in open view on the outer door of said Grace Church, it being the place where said congregation usually assemble for Divine service, which notice designated the day when, and the place where, they designed to meet for that purpose. There being no Rector or Minister present, Doctor Charles D. Hendry, Esq., one of the Church vestry, presided, and Benjamin M. Roberts, the Secretary, recorded the proceedings.
     "The Congregation then proceeded, by a vote of the majority of those present, to designate the corporate name or title by which the said Church shall be known, and which is, The Rector, Wardens and vestrymen of Grace Church in Haddonfield.
     "The Congregation then chose two Wardens and seven Vestrymen, and also by a majority of voices, fixed and determined on the Second Tuesday of March annually as the day on which new elections of officers of said Church shall take place.
     "In the testimony whereof; and in order that these proceedings may be recorded, we, the Church Wardens and Secretary aforesaid, have hereunto set our hands and seals, this Twentieth day of April, in the year of Our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty-three.

"CHARLES D. HENDRY, (L.S.)
"THOMAS ASHBURNER, (L.S.)
"JOSIAH E. COLES, (L.S.)
"JOHN WHITE, (L.S.)
"J.B. FENNIMORE, (L.S.)
"BENJAMIN M. ROBERTS, (L.S.)
"Secretary,
"GEORGE LEE, (L.S.)
"WILLIAM STARN, (L.S.)
"J. FEW SMITH. (L.S.)

The church was admitted to the convention in 1843.

The Rev. Andrew Bell Patterson continued to hold services in Haddonfield until he resigned his parish in Moorestown. He was succeeded at the latter place in 1846 by the Rev. Thomas L. Franklin, who also officiated at Haddonfield. In 1848 Rev. Franklin was succeeded by Rev. X. P. La Baugh, who remained in charge until 1850. In the autumn of this year the Rev. L.M. Bartlett, rector of the Church of the Ascension, at Gloucester, became responsible for the services. In 1854 he was succeeded by the Rev. Samuel Hallowell, and for the first time in its history the church became independent of other parishes for ministerial services. During Rev. Hallowell’s rectorship an addition was made to the church building, rendered necessary by the increase of membership. Mr. Hallowell resigned the parish in December, 1865, and was succeeded in March, 1866, by the present rector, the Rev. Gustavus M. Murray.

In September, 1871, ground was broken for the erection of a rectory on the lot immediately adjoining the church. The building was finished and occupied by the rector and his family on March 3, 1872, and again, in 1885, the interior of the church was thoroughly repaired and needed alterations made in harmony with distinctive features of church worship. For a number of years it has been evident that the work of the parish required better accommodations; to this end efforts are being made looking to the accumulation of funds for the erection of a new and substantial stone church, with the necessary accommodations for Sunday-school and parish work.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH of Haddonfield was organized on the 21st day of November, 1871, with twenty-one members, of whom six have died, ten removed to other places and five are still active members of the church. The first gathering for religious worship among the Presbyterians of the village was held in midsummer of 1871, in the Town Hall, when the Rev. F.D. Harris (now of Camden, who has been from the first a nurse to the infant church) preached for the few who assembled.

Loyalty to Presbyterianism and perhaps a wise foresight, which caught a glimpse of the growth of the town, held the little handful of faithful men and women together under the leadership of Mr. Harris, and in October of the same year a petition was sent to the Presbytery of West Jersey praying for the organization of a church. Rev. V.D. Reed, D.D., Rev. L.C. Baker and F.M. Harris and Elders Reinboth and Fewsmith were the committee appointed by the Presbytery, in compliance with the petition, to constitute the church. The young church continued to hold services for a time in the Town Hall, and, then in a room which is now a part of the store of B.F. Fowler.

In April, 1873, the lot of ground on which the church now stands was purchased, and in June the work of digging for the foundation was begun. In the spring of 1874 the congregation gathered in the chapel for the first time and rejoiced in the possession of a home. Under the care of the Rev. Edwin D. Newberry, the first pastor, the congregation grew rapidly stronger and gained many friends and wider influence. But dissensions arose between pastor and people, which continued for three years, until at last, in 1879, it was checked, the cause removed and the young church walked forth to regain her strength.

The first elders elected and ordained over the church were Joseph B. Tatem, who died March 1, 1881, and David Roe, still acting in that office.

The Rev. Julius E. Werner was called to the church in December, 1880, and was installed in the month of May following. The main audience-room of the church was completed and dedicated in August, 1882, and the church has been steadily gaining in numbers and influence under the present administration. It has at the present time a membership of eighty-five, and in point of contributions to benevolent societies and objects bears a good reputation. The Sabbath-school connected with the church at present has about one hundred and forty members enrolled as regular attendants, while liberal contributions and frequent public exercises show the sincerity and diligence of scholars and teachers.

ST. JOHN’S MILITARY ACADEMY AND ST. AGNES’ HALL. - St John’s Academy was established in Camden, in 1866, by the Revs. Theophilus M. and William M. Reilly, clergymen of the Episcopal Church. In 1870 a tract of land containing one hundred and ten acres, lying near and adjoining the town of Haddonfield, was purchased. This place was part of the Francis Collins tract, surveyed to him in 1682, on which he erected a mansion-house, and named the place Mountwell. The greater part of the tract, including the mansion-house, in 1716 came to Joseph Collins, his son, by whom the old house was built. This building upon the purchase by the Messrs. Reilly was fitted for school purposes, and used until it was destroyed by fire, in 1872. The present building, containing one hundred and seventy-five rooms, was soon after erected, at a cost of twenty thousand dollars. The character of the academy was changed, and it became a military school. The military department is under the charge of Captain Wilder, formerly of West Point, and contains about sixty cadets. The buildings were destroyed by fire October 30, 1886.

St. Agnes’ Hall was established in 1878, and at present has fifteen pupils. The students of both schools are under the direction of Mrs. William M. Reilly, with a corps of competent assistants.

Burlington College, Burlington, N.J., is also under the same management, the Rev. Theophilus M. Reilly, giving his personal attention at Burlington, and the Rev. William M. Reilly having charge of St. John’s’ and St. Agnes’, at Haddonfield.

SCHOOL-HOUSES. - The first school-house in Haddonfield was built by the Friends, in 1786, on the southwest corner of the present burial-ground. It is still standing, and has been used almost continually, in later years, as a boarding-school. In 1809 a lot of land on Grove Street was donated by William E. Hopkins, on which a schoolhouse was built and named "The Grove School-House." It was the public school-house, from that time until 1854, when the Town Hall was built and rooms fitted up for school purposes; since then it has been used for primary schools, and is now used for colored children. The public schools were taught in the Town Hall from 1854 until the completion of the present commodious stone edifice, in 1869, and were for a few years under the charge of Miss Sarah C. Hillman.

The Hicksite Friends, in 1851, erected a schoolhouse upon their lot, in which School was kept a number of years.

Mrs. Charlotte and Emily Hendry taught a private school in the town from 1838 to 1848.

Miss C. Sarah Hillman for several years after her retirement from the public schools, in 1869, taught school in a building she erected for the purpose, on Chestnut Street, and which now belongs to the G.A.R. Post.

There being a demand for increased school accommodation, the town purchased of William Coffin, in 1868, a lot of land on Haddon Avenue, from Chestnut Street to Railroad Avenue, and in 1869 erected a two-story stone edifice, sixty by seventy-five feet, under charge of Elwood Braddock and William M. Hoopes. The entire cost, including lot and furniture, was about twenty-two thousand dollars. Later, on the south part of the lot, a brick building, thirty by fifty feet, two stories in height, was built for primary classes, at a cost of three thousand five hundred dollars.

The public schools of the town were, in 1885, under charge of Arthur Pressey as principal. The following are the teachers engaged for the school year commencing on Monday, September 6, 1886: Principal, Mr. S.E. Manness; Vice-Principal, Miss Emma W. Middleton; Miss Sarah A. Wells, Miss Ella H. Schwab. Primary Department - Miss Ella McElroy and Miss Mary B. Redman, and at the Grove (colored) School, Mr. John Jackson has been re-engaged.

MANUFACTURING AND BUSINESS INTERESTS. - A lumber business was established on Potter Street, June 3, 1841, by Benjamin M. Roberts, who, in September, 1843, sold to Charles H. Shinn, who also bought the coal business of John Busby at Coles Landing. Samuel S. Willits, about 1854, purchased the lumber interests of Charles H. Shinn, and moved the business from Potter Street, to the corner formed by Euclid Avenue and the turnpike, and shortly after associated himself with S.P. Browning, under the name of Willits & Browning. Mr. Browning retired in 1862, and Mr. Willits continued until 1866, when he died and the business was sold to his son, S.A. Willits, and Joseph G. Evans. From this time till 1876 several changes were made in the firm, Mr. Willits being continuously a member, and in 1876 the co-partnership of S.A. Willits & Co. was formed. This enterprising firm now does a large business in the sale of lumber, coal and hardware.

The Haddonfield Paint Works were established on the present site, in 1877, by John G. Willits & Co., and continued for a time and passed to others. In September, 1881, it came to A.W. Wright & Co., who purchased the interests and are now engaged in the manufacture of lead, zinc, colors and varnishes, and a successful business is done.

The carriage shops of Geo. H. Tule, situated on Turnpike and Mechanic Streets, were established in 1880, when a two and a half story building was erected, thirty by sixty feet, and sheds, thirty by forty feet, and the manufacture of heavy and light wagons and buggies was begun. About fourteen men are steadily employed in all the departments. The first to establish business at the place was Joseph Bates. In 1846 he began business in the old Thackara blacksmith shop, which stood on the site of the Methodist Church, and continued there until the sale of the lot to the Methodist Society, in 1856, when the shop was moved across the street on property now owned by Mr. Mitchell, where he continued until the building was destroyed by fire, January 17, 1859. In the spring of that year Mickle Clement erected the one-story brick shop now part of Tule’s establishment, and Joseph Bates moved to the place and carried on a blacksmith shop until his retirement. George H. Tule, the present proprietor, entered the shop of Mr. Bates as an apprentice in 1861, and in 1880 purchased the business and increased it to the present state.

Charles M. Haines began the carriage-making business in Haddonfield in the spring of 1884.

The blacksmith shop now conducted by Samuel K. Matlack ,at the point at Ellis and Potter Streets was in 1846 owned by Wm. Tomlinsqn, formerly by John S. Peak.

The business interests of Haddonfield at present are as follows:

General Dealers. - Clement & Giffin, B.F. Fowler.

Grocers. - Truitt & Clement, Thomas Young, W.H. Harrison, W.S. Doughty.

Confectioners. - Mrs. J.J. Schlecht, Geo. Stillwell, Wm. Plum.

Hotel. - George Stillwell.

Lumber and Coal Dealers.- S.A. Willits & Co.

Bakery and Confectionery. - Martin Schlecht.

Flour and Feed. - Truitt & Kay.

Physicians. - C.H. Shivers, B.H. Shivers, W.S. Long, L.L. Glover, F. Williams.

Printing Offices. - South Jersey News, H.D. Speakman.

Florists. - C.W. Turnley, ----- Brown.

Newsdealer. - Mrs. E. D. Lettellier.

Carriage-Builders.- Geo. H. Tule, C.W. Haines, James G. Webster.

Hardware. - Charles S. Braddock, J.J. Pettibone & Son, H. Bennett.

Undertakers. - R. Cooper Watson, Chas. Githens, Samuel Burroughs.

Agricultural Implements and Coal. - Bell Brothers.

Auction Goods. - Wm. H. Clement.

Dentist. - A. H. Miner.

Livery. - Benjamin P. Shreve.

Dealers in Horses. - C. H. Smith, Geo. D. Stewart.

Harness Shop. - Isaac Vandegraff.

Paints and Colors. - W.W. Wright.

Paper Hangings. - Samuel R. Stoy, Walter W. Wayne.

Drug Stores. - Roland Willard, Charles S. Braddock, Jr.

Meat Markets. - Samuel Albertson, Alfred Ludlow.

Barbers. - Coward Bros., ----- Westcott.

Painter. - Lancelot Hill.

Masons. - Elwood Braddock, Frederick Thomas, R.W. Budd.

Contractors and Builders. - W. S. Caperon, W.H. Hoopes, Henry Albright, Caldwell Baker, Thomas Hill, William Bowker.

Surveyors and Conveyancers. - John Clement, J. Lewis Rowand.

Jewelry Box Manufacturers. - Julius Smith.

Milk Dealers. - Mrs. Mary Craig, Patrick Haughey.

Millinery. - Misses Stout.

Boots and Shoes. - W.H. Fowler.

Boot and Shoe Makers. - R. Elmer Clement, John S. Garrett, Ralph H. Barton, Peter Hudon.

Cigar Store. - Chas. Reinear.

Post-Office. - Thomas Hill.

Express. - ----- Atkinson.

Telephone Office. - Willard’s drug store.

ELWOOD BRADDOCK is a descendant of a long-settled New Jersey family - a branch of that to which belonged the distinguished General Braddock. Edward Braddock was a major-general in the British army in 1709, and retired in 1715, having been altogether forty years in the service. He died at Bath, England, June 15, 1725. His son, Edward Braddock, was also a major-general in the British army, was in command of the English forces in the French and Indian War at Braddock’s Field (now the village of Braddocks, a suburb of Pittsburgh,) where he was so severely wounded that he died a few days later, July 12, 1755, and was buried by the side of the road on the retreat to Philadelphia. About this time a branch of the family, of which Rehoboam and Jemima Braddock were the great-grandparents of our subject, came to America and settled in Burlington County, N.J. Their children were Job, Elizabeth, Bathsheba, Hannah, Darnell, Phebe, William, Jemima, Mary and Rachel. Many of their descendants now live in Burlington County. Darnell Braddock, born 1764, and his wife, Sarah, were Elwood Braddock’s grandparents. They had ten children, - William Rodgers, Martha, Jemima, Eliza, Benjamin, Reuben, Asa, Hester Ann, Sarah and Darnell, the eldest Of whom, born in 1799, with Sarah, his wife, were the parents of Caroline, Charles S., Elwood, William Shreve, Abbie, Elizabeth and Isaac A. Braddock.

Briefly reverting to this line of ancestry, it may be mentioned that Rehoboam Braddock, the great-grandfather of Elwood, was noted for his wonderful strength. His son Darnell died quite young, but, as we have seen, left a large family. William R., the eldest son, was a powerful man physically, and story after story is related of his prowess in keeping the peace in the olden time. He was a justice for about thirty years in Medford, Burlington County, and ordered the last man (a negro) convicted under the old law, to be given thirty-nine lashes. He was a staunch Old-Line Whig, and was elected to the Legislature in 1848 for a term of three years. He was for half a century a prominent surveyor in Burlington County and also in the counties of Camden, Ocean and Atlantic. In 1850 he called attention to what might be done in growing cranberries in New Jersey, by planting the Sorden meadow, in the old Indian reservation at Shamong, which his neighbors called "Braddock’s Folly," and which still bears fruit. Upon this land, prior to 1850 utterly unremunerative, the crop of cranberries was an exceedingly large one in 1885.

Elwood Braddock, the second son of William R., was born December 23, 1829, at Medford, N.J., and at the age of sixteen years was apprenticed to the trade of a mason and builder with Isaac A. Shreve, at Burlington, and helped to build St. Mary’s Hall and Burlington College, under Bishop Doane, of the Episcopal Church, and while still an apprentice assisted in building the very first houses in Beverly. After he became of age he started for New York City with some funds in his possession, but on arriving there found that he had been robbed and that he had only a shilling in his pocket, which had escaped the nimble fingers of the thief. He soon found work, prospered at his trade, had a hand in building up Brooklyn and Williamsburg and remained in the vicinity two years. He then, in 1852; decided to go to Atlantic City, which had just then started, and he there helped to build several fine hotels and other edifices, among them the Ashland House. In 1855 he removed to Davenport, Ia. but after about a year spent in the West concluded to return to his native State. Soon afterwards he married Rachel W. (Collings) Shreve, widow of Benjamin P. Shreve, of Medford, and settled in Haddonfield, where they continue to reside. Both he and Mrs. Braddock are members of the Baptist Church.

Mr. Braddock is still engaged in building operations, having built both of the school-houses in Haddonfield; built by contract the stone and mason-work for the Baptist Church and erected many other buildings; has been a director of the Haddonfield Building Association for thirteen years; is still engaged in cranberry growing in Burlington and Atlantic Counties, where he owns large meadows. He is a good mathematician and thorough Latin scholar; has attained these and other acquirements unaided and under many disadvantages, and is known as an active, enterprising and wholly trustworthy man.

Of Mr. Braddock’s brothers and sisters it is proper to add a few words. Charles S. settled in Haddonfield in 1853, establishing the drug business and continuing in the same for twenty-five years; now a hardware merchant of Haddonfield; married Ann (Zane) Collings, sister of Rachel W.; they were of a very old New Jersey family. Caroline married a Mr. Bridge and lives in the State of Delaware. William Shreve, who resides in Waterford and owns and operates the Bates sawmill, married Rachel Borton. Abbie Braddock married Mr. George Rhoads and lives near Westtown, her sister Elizabeth residing with her. Isaac A., a druggist of Haddonfield (successor to Charles S., his brother), the youngest of the family, married Anna Collings, of Camden, and is a man of great enterprise.

SAMUEL S. HILLMAN is a descendant of John Hillman, who came to America in 1697, and settled in Gloucester (now Centre) township. Daniel Hillman, the grandfather of Samuel, was married to Martha, daughter of Isaac Ellis, of Ellisburg, by whom he had ten children, - Daniel, Jacob, Jonathan, John, Simeon, Abel, Isaac, Hannah (married to John Ware), Martha (married to Samuel Brown) and Mary (married to Jacob Wollahom).

Daniel resided at Ellisburg, and was a wheelwright by trade. He married Hester, daughter of Samuel and Hope Stokes, who resided near Haddonfield, by whom he had eight children, - Samuel S., Daniel E., Aquilla, Alfred, Albert, Daniel, Charles and Mary Ann.

Samuel S. Hillman was born at Ellisburg, August 18, 1816. He remained upon the farm with his father till he was fifteen years old, when he went to Philadelphia and entered the dry-goods house of Jacob Jones, where he remained till of age. He then came to Haddonfield, opened a store, conducted it successfully for fifteen years and then Sold out to A.T. Paul & Brother. He has since been retired from active business.

On March 12, 1840, he was married to Rebecca, daughter of John and Rebecca Ford, of Paulsborough, Gloucester County, N.J. Their children are John F., who is married to Kate, daughter of Joseph R. and Emma Sorver, by whom he had three children, - J. Herbert, Robert (deceased) and Heslen. John F. is a member of the firm of Wanamaker & Brown, of Philadelphia. Benjamin R. is married to Lizzie C. Andrews, daughter of George and Julia Andrews, of Newark, N.J., by whom he has two children, - Agnes and Reamer. Benjamin R. is employed with John Wanamaker during the past fifteen years. Charles H. married Jennie, daughter of Col. Jesse E. and Mrs. Jane Peyton, of Haddonfield. Charles H. is a member of the firm of King, Hillman & Gill, manufacturers of cottons, etc., Philadelphia; and Clara R., who is at home. Samuel S. Hillman is a member of the Society of Friends. In politics he is a Republican. He has been elected surveyor of highways, and is a director in Haddonfield Building and Loan Association, and takes great interest in the improvement and progress of the town in which he resides.

Mrs. Hillman died March 12, 1886, upon the forty-sixth anniversary of her marriage. She was a woman of noble virtues, universally loved and respected.

SOCIETIES. - Haddonfield Lodge, No. 130, F. and A.M., was chartered January 18, 1872, and was constituted February 10, 1872, in Wilkins’ Hall, at Haddonfield, with fourteen charter-members, including the officers. The meetings were held in the hall until November 23, 1877, when the lodge was moved to the hall in the New Jersey Building. On the 24th of October, 1882, a change was again made and meetings were held until February 18, 1883, in Granger’s Hall, from where they moved to Clement’s Hall. The new Masonic Hall was built in 1883, and on the 11th of March, 1884, the lodge held their first meeting in the new quarters. On the evening of the opening ceremonies the Worthy Master, Charles H. Mann, presented the lodge with the furniture, except the carpet and seats. The lodge is at present in a flourishing condition, with ninety-six members.

The present officers are Frederick Sutton, W.M.; Carrington W. Taylor, S.W.; Benjamin F. Fowler, J.W.; Edward S. Huston, treasurer; Henry D. Moore, P.M., secretary; Rev. Gustavus M. Murray, P.M., chaplain; Samuel Browne, S.D.; Abram P. Vandegrift, J.D.; Julius P. Graf, S.M.C.; Rowland Willard, J.M.C.; William S. Hart and R. Wilkins Budd, Stewards; Louis H. Hall, Organist; Richard E. Elwell, Tiler. Past Masters, N.B. Jennings, M.D. (deceased), Edward W. Reeve (deceased), John S. Stratford, John W. Swinker (deceased), J. Morris Roberts, Henry D. Moore, William D. Cobb, Rev. G.M. Murray, James S. Da Costa, C.H. Shivers, M.D., Charles H. Mann, James A. Webb.

During the early part of 1883 the matter of erecting a Masonic building was discussed and culminated in the formation of a Masonic Hall Association, and on, May 13, 1884, the building being finished, was dedicated with impressive Masonic ceremonies by M.W. Henry Verhlage, Grand Master of the jurisdiction of New Jersey, assisted by nearly all the Grand Officers of the Grand Lodge. The ceremonies took place in the new hall at three o’clock, P.M., after which the Grand Officers, invited guests, including the Hon. Leon Abbett, Governor of New Jersey, and members of Haddonfield Lodge, in number about two hundred, repaired to the New Jersey Building and partook of a banquet.

Morning Star Lodge, No. 70, I.O.O.F., was instituted February 3, 1848, with the following officers: John K. Roberts, N.G.; Jacob P. Thornton, V.G.; Nathan Conrad, S.; Joseph L. Shivers, A.S.; Silas McVaugh, treasurer. Meetings have been held from the date of the organization to the present time in Odd-Fellows’ Hall, on Main Street. The lodge has a membership of sixty-three. The present Noble Grand is Edwin R. Claggett. The following is a list of the Past Grands from the organization to the present time: John K. Roberts, Urias Shinn, Clayton Hollinshead, Charles F. Redman, Elijah E. West, William McKnight, John Stoy, Joseph H. Fowler, William Conard, Samuel D. Proud, Aaron Clark, John A. Swinker.

The Evening Star Encampment, No. 39, I.O.O.F., obtained its charter November 16, 1869. The place of meeting since the time of organization has been in Odd-Fellows’ Hall. The present Chief Patriarch is Edwin a Claggett.

Haddon Lodge, No. 12, K. of P., was instituted April 20, 1868, with the following charter members: Charles E. Redman, William Plum, Charles Lovett, Samuel S. Tomlinson, W.S. Wilmot, Rennels Fowler, David M. Southard, Thomas Eldridge and Joseph C. Stackhouse. Meetings were held for one year in Odd-Fellows’ Hall, about one year in a room over Fowler’s store, at the end of which term the lodge was removed to the present rooms, fitted up in the upper story of Clement & Giffin’s store. The society has sixty members and George B. Stewart is Chancellor Commander.

Local Branch, No. 67, Order of Iron Hall was organized May 6, 1882, with twenty-one charter members. Meetings are held in the room of the Thomas H. Davis Post, G.A.R.

The Order of Chosen Friends, Perseverance Council, No. 8, was chartered October 4, 1882, and held its meetings in the hall. It has a membership of fifty-four.

Cordon Lodge, No. 2, of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, was chartered September 1, 1881, and holds its meetings in the hall of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Mohican Tribe, No. 64, I.O. of R.M., was instituted in Haddonfield under a charter which bears date, in their phraseology, the 25th Sun of the Hot Moon, G.S.D. 392. Meetings are held in Wilkins’ Hall.

Eureka Lodge, No. 2, I.O.M., was chartered November 21, 1882, and holds meetings in Wilkins’ Hall.

American Castle, No. 12, K. of G.E., was instituted May 17, 1886, with fifty members. Meetings will be held in the Wilkins’ Hall.

JOHN A.J. SHEETS is a native of Pennsylvania and the descendant of a family long settled in Lancaster County. His father, John Sheets, was born there and in his youth moved to Williamsport, Lycoming County, where he married, at a later period, Catharine Emmons, of the same county. About the year 1818, he removed, with his family, to Fairfield township (Lycoming County), and there his son, John A.J. Sheets, the subject of this biography, was born on the 6th of March, 1828. The father during his lifetime was variously employed as blacksmith, farmer and landlord, in all of which vocations he achieved success, and his son receiving a common school education, being very apt and advancing rapidly, was able at the age of thirteen to assume charge of his books and attend to many details of business.

At the age of eighteen he was made agent for Messrs. Baltzell & Co., a Baltimore firm, who operated a saw-mill on the West Branch of the Susquehanna, and devoted his attention to receiving and forwarding the lumber by boats to Baltimore. He was thus engaged for several, years, and in 1850 formed the acquaintance of John F. Norcross, then residing in Montoursville, who was interested in a saw-mill located on the West Branch. Two years later he entered into partnership with Mr. Norcross in the wholesale and retail lumber business and established a lumber-yard and wharf at Kaighns Point, Camden, N.J., with a branch office at Green Street wharf Philadelphia. The Camden yard was continued for two years, when, at the solicitation of several large manufacturers of lumber on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, they were induced to concentrate their business at Green Street wharf Philadelphia, making it exclusively wholesale. Here they continued for several years, receiving meanwhile large consignments of timber and manufactured lumber from Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida. In 1865 they moved from Green Street to Fairmount Avenue wharf where they continued successfully until 1875, when Mr. Norcross retired from the firm, as a result of declining health. At the period of dissolution the firm of Norcross & Sheets was the oldest firm in the wholesale lumber and commission business without change of firm-name, in the city of Philadelphia. Mr. Sheets has since that time continued the business alone. John A.J. Sheets was married, in 1854, to Rachel T., daughter of Samuel A. Cook, of Camden County, and niece of his former partner’s wife. Their children are Catharine E. (wife of George A. Howes, who entered the employ of the house when quite a youth, and for the past few years has had charge of Mr. Sheets’ business at Fairmount Avenue wharf), Caroline E., John (married to Emma, daughter of the late B.B. Thomas), graduated from the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania in the spring of 1880, spent a year in one of the largest hospitals in Germany, also visiting those in London and Paris, and is now a practicing physician and a specialist in diseases of the throat, nose and ear, at 1324 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia; Samuel A., Mary C., Robert A., Susan McVey and Harriet L. Mr. Sheets resided in Philadelphia and Camden until 1862, when he ‘removed to a farm on the White Horse road, four miles from Camden and remained twelve years. He then built and removed to his present home at the west end of Haddonfield. A Republican in politics, Mr. Sheets has served as borough commissioner of Haddonfield, but has never been an active, politician. He is a director of the First National Bank of Camden and of the Haddonfield Mutual Loan and Building Association.

 

* The above sketch of the company was compiled from the minute-book of the company, from 1764 to 1846, now in the possession of William H. Snowden.

** William Griscom lived at that time in the house now Isaac A. Braddock’s. It was used part of the time during the Revolutionary war as a guard-house, and a frame building adjoining was set on fire by the Hessians and destroyed.

SOURCE:  Page(s) 608-635, History of Camden County, New Jersey, by George R. Prowell, L.J. Richards & Co. 1886
Published 2010 by the Camden County Genealogy Project