cider-mill. Erected the most extensive hatting-works
that have ever been in the county, with improved
machinery and buildings adjusted to each depart-
ment. Ill addition, he embarked in a new and sepa-
rate trade,— that of manufacturing sumac for the
morocco-factories of Philadelphia, — which grew into
large proportion-. pro\ itig vc r\ profitable.
All these various branches of business were in full
operation at the same time, in which large numbers
of hands were constantly employed. The prosecu-
tion of these numerous enterprises made Pluckamin
a place of considerable importance at that day.
Mr. Davenport's intense, untiring application to
these various business project-, with the physical
labor and anxious solicitude, caused a too heavy strain
for his naturally strong constitution to longer endure,
and, while apparently in the full vigor of life, he was
suddenly stricken down with apoplexy. He died at
Pluckamin, Sept. is. ls:',n. in his fifty-second year. In
I Mr. Davenport was of average statue, portly, of
handsome presence, possessing a well-developed and
evenly-balanced intellect, the reasoning, perceptive,
and moral faculties predominating, a rare tempera-
ment of vital energy, that could rouse every faculty
to duty with obedience to hi- control. It was this
trait that equipped him with that executive power
for which he was so distinguished. With a cheerful,
magni tic disposition, he took the greatest pleasure in
making others happy ; was generous and hospitable,
but intolerant to the idle and vicious. In his inter-
rse was free, direct, and outspoken, hut proud-
spirited, and the very soul of truth and honor. He
utterly loathed all sycophants and hypocrites. He
Was Strictly moral, and religion- without pharisaism,
and temperate almost to absteiuioii-iie - , which fot
thus,' days of general inebriation was remarkable.
He supported Adams for the Presidency, though
not an active politician, but despised the acts of dent-
in the \\..rd- of a leading eiti/.en. uttered
many years since, in -peaking of Mr. Davenport,
whom he had long known. " lie was beloved and
held iii the highest esteem by those of the intelli-
692
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
gent, moral, and honorable of our citizens, who knew
him the most intimately."
MEMOEIA IN iETEENA.
The likeness of James S. Davenport, at the head of
this sketch, has been selected by the family, as in
features and general physical appearance he more
closely resembles the father.
Below we give the descendants of John Davenport.
As they are nearly all living and mostly reside in or
not far removed from Somerset County, we deem it
most appropriate to do but little more than give their
names and connections.
John Davenport was married twice, — first to Mar-
garet Traphagen, in 1804; she died 1811, leaving two
children, Ralph and Sarah Ann, the latter died in
1829, no descendants living. Ralph, born 1805, mar-
ried Phoebe A. Voorhies, 1827 ; she died soon after,
leaving no children. He was married again in 1838
to Sarah Drake, by whom he had two children,
Ralph and Mary. The former married Ellen Vannest,
the latter William Jeroloman, all living and have
children. Ralph, the father, for about twenty years
resided in New York ; the balance of his life has been
spent in Pluckamin, where he still resides; is hale
and hearty in his seventy-sixth year ; is a farmer.
John Davenport was married again in 1813 to Mary
Boylan, daughter of John Boylan, of Pluckamin, a
most estimable woman, who died in 1848, leaving six
children ; all but one are now living, as follows, the
names given in order of birth, beginning with the
eldest :
Margaret, born 1814; married Geo. Vannest, 1839;
he died 1864, leaving seven children, all living and
residing in Somerset County. The widow is still liv-
ing on the homestead, two miles southwest of Pluck-
amin.
John married Hester Voorhies, 1838 ; he died 1848,
leaving five children, all living but one, James, a
brave and noble youth. He enlisted when scarcely
eighteen years of age, served his country with heroic
bravery, was captured while fighting for his country,
after nearly all his company had fallen, was incarcer-
ated in Andersonville prison, and died in delirium
through barbarous treatment while a prisoner.
Thomas married Frances Smith, 1851 ; had six
children, all living but one, Margaret, an estimable
young lady, who died 1880. Reside in Jersey City,
but usually spend their summers in Somerville.
Eleanor married Wm. L. Jones, 1836 ; resides in
Plainfield ; had two children, one died in infancy,
the other, Eliza, married Lieut.-Col. Janeway, of the
First New Jersey Cavalry, who bravely fell leading
the charge in the battle of Jettersville, Va., the last
battle of the war of the Rebellion. The widow has
since married Horace Bannard.
James S. married Maria Remsen, 1845 ; resides at
Raritan ; have three children, one son and two daugh-
ters, all married.
Samuel W., born 1822, married to Amelia Besteder,
1846 ; residence in Somerville, N. J. ; have seven
children, three sons and four daughters.
Of the names above, Thomas, James S., and Sam-
uel W. compose the firm of Davenport Bros., New
York, importers and dealers in china, Liverpool,
and glassware. It was established in 1843, Samuel
W. entering it ten years later. It is now in its thirty-
seventh year. During that long period, in which
such vast changes have occurred in the country and
the world, — times of prosperity and of depression and
disaster, — the firm, although experiencing seasons of
trials and losses, has never been compelled to suc-
cumb to the vicissitudes of business.
They ever took a lively interest in domestic manu-
factures, believing the time would soon arrive when
we could produce as good ware as we were importing :
the war hastened the event. A few years since they
embarked in manufacturing at the City Pottery, Tren-
ton; now the largest part of their goods are made
there.
The family lay no pretentious claim to position,
titles, wealth, or honors : they simply claim the right
of belonging to the great middle class; of high moral-
ity, strict integrity, truthfulness, and honesty in the
discharge of every just due or other obligation, sup-
porters of the church and of right everywhere, in pro-
portion to ability, ever observing to be just before being
liberal. They own to a feeling of pride in one matter, — â–
viz., that of the almost universal fidelity and support
rendered by those of the name to the nation in the hour
of its direst struggle with treason and rebellion for its
right to live.
JOHN R. EMERY.
John R. Emery, youngest child of Peter R. and "
Anna (Rockafellow) Emery, was born at Dreahook,
Hunterdon Co., N. J., where the family resided, July
22, 1827, and died at Bloomington, N. J., June 17,
1880.
His early life was spent on the farm, where he be-
came inured to labor and learned that economy and
industry are necessary elements of success. Upon
reaching manhood he went into mercantile business
at White House, subsequently removed to Somerville,
and was employed on the Central Railroad. Here
he was given charge of a wood-train, and finally be-
came the financial agent of the company, collecting
rents, buying and selling real estate, etc. This posi-
tion he filled with such honor to himself and credit
to the company as to obtain their full confidence in
his financial and business ability. In 1867 he became
the partner of D. K. Craig in the coal and lumber
business, the firm being D. K. Craig & Co. This firm
continued a successful business until 1872, when the
partnership was dissolved. Mr. Emery remained in
the railroad company's employ until the formation of
the Lehigh and Wilkesbarre Coal Company, when he
i;i;iih;i:\vati:i;.
693
became its line agent, ami subsequently opened an
office opposite the depot in Somerville, which busi-
n li ii .lit i nuiil until his death.
By hia sterling integrity as a business man he rose
gradually to a position of honor and. profit,— lirsl in
the Central Railroad of New Jersey, and then in the
Lehigh and Wilksbarre Coal Company. The ex-
cellency of bis character, however, centred in his
religious principles, which were fixed and controlling.
In his whole deportment be moved in consistency
with his profession. lit- united with the Second
lief. iniied Church of Somerville at the September
communion in L864, and, as a proof of his zeal and de-
cision in religion, he led in prayer at the next devo-
tional meeting, and conducted the services at thesuc-
eeeiling assemblage of the brethren, — services which
he preserved while he retained hi- connection with
the congregation. .Such was the confidence reposed
in him by the Consistory that be was elected deacon
in 1866 and elder in 1869,- stations which he filled
with executive ability. In L870 he re ved to L< ba-
non. where he connected himself with the Reformed
Church, ami was leader in liberality and exertion to
repair the house of worship and erect a new parson-
age. He will be remembered for his integrity and
uprightness as a citizen, for his domestic virtues as a
father and husband, ami for his eminent usefulness
as a church-member.
Mr. Emery was anion- the foremost in purchasing,
laying out, and beautifying the new cemetery grounds
in S rville, and, unassisted, relieved the property
from a heavy debt resting upon it, thereby placing
the cemetery association in a position to own the
property unencumbered.
Upon his death the following resolutions were
passed by the Hoard of Directors of the First National
Hank of Somerville:
"Fid i n Ma..v\r. Baits,
"S"Mi can i, N. .1., .In no 22,1880.
" P/A-fTMt, In llin Providence of God our Into associate in ttio Board of
Dlroctorsof tlio Firot National Hunk, .John It. Kmory, has boi-n
t'v death, thei tbi
/.Tlmtu.' remember with great satisfaction bis prompt and
OIIOrKI'tlc hll-.ni>' - t ih'Ul, hi . I , ',,: , , , ,
and his genoml kindness of heart and manner towards nil with whom
lio wiw easoeintod."
For his ti i - st w if.- be married Ann \V. Swackhamer,
of Readington, who died the age of twenty-eight in
I soil, leaving one daughter living. —Anna M., — who
IS the Wife Of Mr. C. Stewart 1 1 oilman . of S..in.-i'\ ill.-.
His second wife was Matilda Porter, who died leaving
two sous, William ll., a telegraph-operator, and
Benjamin B., in business at White Baven. Mi- third
wile was Anna I lilbaugh, who died leaving four chil-
dren, John 0., Jennie B., Lizzie I'.., and Albert I..
Air. Emery married for bis fourth wife, in February,
1X78, Mrs. Mary Louisa Cooper, of Newark, V J.,
who survives him.
AARON V. GARRETSON.
Aaron V. Garretson was a grandson of Garrel R.
Garretson, a major in the Revolutionary war. Maj.
(i:irrctsou's place of residence was about two miles
cast of Millstone, N. . I., where he engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits. Be was commonly called "Major:"
was a gentleman of the olden time, taking no active
part in political affairs. Be was no less prominently
identified with all movements tending to develop the
resources of his native county, and to encourage its
uial. rial prosperity, lleua-a man of sound judg-
ment, of strict integrity, and was one whose counsel
and assistance were sought by all classes of people.
lb- was frequently selected as executor and adminis-
in i he si tt h in- ni iii estates, and one in w horn
tin- i" ople had i lid. in-.', ll.- was a member of the
Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Mill-ton
for thirty year- was precentor of that buds . lie was
al80 Officially neCtedwith the church as deacon and
elder.
Maj. Garretson was three times married. 1 1 i ~ first
wife was ib. Widow Terhune, who bore him s,, rl
and two daughter-, viz., Coin i. \nn. and Catharine.
Ann married, for her first hu-ban.l. Abraham Yo..r-
ind for h.r second husband John Montfort.
t latharine became the wife of ' larrel Schenck, of six-
Mil.- Run. Maj. Gai ond wife was the
Widov Bageman, by whom he had Garret, Richard,
and John Garretson, the latter becoming a minister.
His third wife was the widow Mary Hen
Judge Hardenburgh, at on.- time sheriff of Somerset
694
SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JEESEY.
County. Of this union was born Daniel Perrine
Garretson. Court Garretson, father of our subject,
was born near Millstone on Oct. 19, 1781. He was a
shoemaker by trade, although he followed the occu-
pation of a farmer for the greater portion of his life.
He occupied various farms in the county, but finally
purchased one of sixty acres where Aaron C. Martin
now resides, near Somerville. He was in no respect
a public man, although an earnest supporter of the
old Whig party. He was a member of the Second
Eeformed Church of Somerville, with which he was
officially connected as deacon. His wife was Mar-
garet Cowenhoven, of Long Island, who was born
May 24, 1784. The children of this marriage were
John C, Garret E., Aaron Van Pelt, Eichard, and
Nicholas Cowenhoven Garretson, all of whom are
living save Aaron Van Pelt, who died Dec. 9, 1880,
aged sixty-nine years. John C. is a prominent citi-
zen of Somerset County, and resides in Somerville.
Garret E. resides in Flushing, L. I., Eichard in
Arkansas, and Nicholas in New York City.
Court Garretson died Jan. 18, 1858, and his wife Aug.
1, 1867. Aaron V. Garretson was born near Mill-
stone, N. J., Sept. 13, 1811. During his minority he
remained on the home farm, and received the educa-
tional opportunities afforded by the common schools of
his day. For several years after reaching his majority
he was engaged in carrying on his father's farm. In
1836 he married Catharine M., daughter of Eynier
and Anna (Brokaw) Van Nest. She was born May
24, 1817. In 1844 he purchased, for the sum of three
thousand three hundred dollars, a farm in the town-
ship of Bridgewater, comprising at that time one
hundred acres, to which he afterwards added twenty
acres. The dwelling-house occupied by Mr. Garret-
son is still standing, and is one of the old landmarks
of the vicinity, and was built eighty years ago by
Thomas Cooper.
Mr. Garretson's life was devoted wholly to agricul-
tural pursuits, and while an adherent of the Demo-
cratic party, he was no seeker after place, although he
has held minor offices. His first vote was cast for
his personal friend, Governor Vroom. He was a
member of the Second Eeformed Church of Somer-
ville, where he has filled the office of deacon.
Mr. Garretson was known in the community as a
man of strong mind, self-reliant, and possessed of
sterling principles. His children have been Eynier
Van Nest (who resides in Bridgewater township),
Garret (died in infancy), John C. (resides in Franklin
township), Henry Van Nest (living at the old home-
stead), William Van Nest 1st and William Van Nest
2d (both died in infancy in 1845), Margaret C, Abra-
ham Van Nest, Anna Van Nest, and George, all of
whom reside at home.
SEYMOUR C. TROUTMAN, M.D.
His father, Sir John J. Trputman, was born on
Staten Island in 1766. For many years prior to
reaching his majority he was midshipman in the
English navy, and was under Admiral Eodney in a
number of engagements with the French and Spanish
fleets. About the year 1788 he engaged in trade be-
tween New York and Jamaica, having in charge
several vessels, which he carried on for many years
profitably. In 1801 he quit trade, married Miss
Susannah, daughter of Jacob Schnell, of Brooklyn,
N. Y., purchased a country-seat on Long Island, where
the Eighteenth Ward of the city of Brooklyn now is.
Here he became quite an extensive agriculturist, and
owned slaves who worked his farm. The remainder
of his life was spent on this spot, where he died in
1824.
Sir John J. Troutman was a man high in rank in
the order of Knights Templar, and is said to have
spent thirty thousand dollars in support of that and
similar organizations. He became a member in 1798,
and was subsequently Past Master of the Eoyal Lodge
of Knights Templar, No. 283, A. Y. M., of Kingston,
Jamaica. He received the order of the Eed Cross
and of the Holy Eoyal order, and was solemnly
initiated by the Kingston Lodge into the sublime
mysteries of the invincible and magnanimous orders
of Knights of Ehodes and Malta.
Dr. Troutman was born in Brooklyn, L. I., Feb. 3,
1823. At the age of eleven he was sent to Quaker
Hill, where he became a pupil under Cyrenus Jones,
a teacher of note. There he remained for two years,
and was then sent to New Canaan, Conn., where he
completed his mathematical studies, having in the
mean time given considerable attention to the study
of the classics. In 1838 he engaged in a wholesale
and retail drug-house in New York as clerk, where
he became fully schooled in the various kinds of
medicine and drugs, and where he first conceived the
idea of the study of medicine. In 1843, Dr. Trout-
man married Ann F., a daughter of Eichard and
Jane (Todd) Ten Eyck, of Millstone, N. J., and a
granddaughter of Frederick and Anna (Field) Ten
Eyck, who were among the first settlers of that place.
Mrs. Troutman is a descendant from the old Dutch
stock, first settlers of New York, and a lady of refine-
ment and high moral and Christian worth. Their
only child is Sarah Jane, wife of Louis Kaczorowski,
a resident of Somerville.
In 1845, Dr. Troutman established the drug busi-
ness for himself in Brooklyn, N. Y., which he carried
on until 1851, when he began the study of medicine
and surgery with Dr. John A. Lidell, assistant sur-
geon in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of
New York, and was graduated at that institution in
1854, having, during his time as a student, practiced
medicine and surgery in the college for some two
years. The same year of his graduation he estab-
lished himself in practice in New York City, where
Qrfutsyyuritsz/Sfy?* Qrfrn*?'
ST\-4^-7
BRIDGEWATEIt.
695
his ability and -kill in the profession were soon
recognized, and gave him a place among leading
physicians. After n continuous yet profitabli prac-
tice for three years, be removed from the city, pur-
chased rt-iil estate, and settled in Somerville, N.J..
where he has since resided, giving little attention to
the practice of medicine.
Dr. Troutman'a naturally sociable and genial dis-
position causes him to enjoj life, and among his most
pleasanl recreations is thai of yachting, in which he
spends Borne time during the hot summer months.
Since he became a resident of Somerville he has been
into rested in its prosperity, and a contributor to its
various [oca] enterprises, to church interests, and
other worthy objects. He 1ms not been a seeker after
political preferment, although always interested and
well read in questions in any way affecting local and
national legislation.
JOHN T. VAN DERVEER.
His grandfather was John Van Derveer, who was
born on Oct. 3, 1702. In the year 1800 be purchased
a tract of land comprising five or six hundred acres
on the North Branch of the Karitan River, and on it
passed bis life as a farmer, Al t the time men-
tioned he built a dwelling-house where Mrs. John T.
Van Derveer uow resides, which was succeeded a
score of years ago by the present residence, built by
his son, John T. Mr. Van Derveer was among those
old substantial eiti/ens who contributed so much
to the settlement and development of the country,
and he passed a quiet, industrious, and honorable
life. He was a member of the Reformed Prot-
estant Dutch Church of North Branch. His wife
was Jane \':in l'i li , v. ho \\ a- born on \ pril 111, 17"> I.
The children of the marriage Were John, Peter,
Tunis, and Mary, who became the wife of Abraham
Quick. Mr. Van Derveer died about 1840, aged
. ightj -nine year-.
Tunis, the son of John Van Derveer, was born on
the old Van Derveer farm, and upon attaining man-
hood married Sarah Van Arsdale. Hi- children
were John T., Philip, James, and Jane, who became
the wife of Samuel Gaston. James was a popular
physician for many years at North Branch, Tunis
Van Dervei r was cut down early in year-, and in the
midst of his usefulness, passing awa] about lsj^.
The subject of this memoir. John T., son of Tunis
Vim Derveer, wa- born on Dee. I, ISnii, on the pa-
ternal farm. His earlier years "ere pa— cd at work
upon the farm, and in attendance upon the district
schools of bis day. ( >n Nov. I, 1888, he married
Margaret <'., daughter of Richard Field. She was
bom Feb. 8, 1815. The life of Mr. Van Derveer was
passed as a farmer, ami though a member of the
Republican party, and while he took great interest in
putlr affairs, he confined bun-, If stn.tiv to bis
bucolic pursuits. lie was actively identified with the
Reformed Church of North ['.ranch, ami was officially
connected with thai body both as deacon and elder,
filling the latter office at the time of his demise, in
1SG7. He was a niauof strict integrity, pure morality,
J^ 7£.@L
'■€^sCXJlS^-
and bore with him to the grave the reputation of an
upright and honorable citizen. His children were
Tunis, who resides at (forth Branch; Richard 1 1., who
is working the home farm; .lame- D. a BUCCessful
phys i tan at Libert? i irner; Samuel I W ilium r
and John Q., all deceased; Sarah E., ami Mary J.,
wife of William J, V 'bees.
Rev. John Q., son of John T. Van 1 lerveer, was born
March 13, 1854, and was raised on bis father's farm.
lie was graduated at Rutgers College, X. J., in the
class of 1877, and soon after entered upon theological
studies in the seminary at New Brunswick. Owing
to failing health, he wa- compelled to break away
from hi- work at that institution and to go South.
residing in Texas for aearrj three years. During this
period he was licensed to preach by the I're-hvlery of
Aii-tin, and filled the pulpit of various churches on
different occasions, But his usefulness was soon to
be terminated, and he called up higher. On June
24, 1880, while returning North with hi- family, he
died of pulmonarj disease, and was buried at sea
with appropriate services. He left a wife, nk M. -
Julia Robinson, of Corning, V ST., and a little
daughter, Ada I..
Thus early was cut off a young and promising life,
and the hearts of friend- w. re made desolate forever.
696
SOMERSET COUNTY. NEW JERSEY.
DAVID DUNN.
David Dunn was born at New Market, N. J., in
1797, and married Prudence Runyon, of that place.
About the year 1845 he settled in Somerset County,
residing first at Millington. He then spent some
DAVID^DTJNN.
time in New York City, and in October, 1856, located
on the farm now occupied by the widow of his only
son, John R. Dunn. He purchased this property of
Lewis Anderson, and it was originally included in a
tract of land comprising sixteen hundred and fifty
acres belonging to Daniel D. Dunster, and which was
conveyed in 1730 to Gisbert Lane, who erected the
present Dunn residence in 1737. In 1765, Mr. Lane
left it, by will, to his two sons, Aric and William, be-
tween whom it was equally divided. He was inter-
ested in all worthy local enterprises, and sought to
promote church and kindred interests. He was a
prominent member of the First Baptist Church of
Somerville, and deacon of the church at the time of
his death, July 28, 1876, aged seventy-nine years and
five months. His life was largely spent as a farmer,
although he was in trade for some time at New
Brunswick and Brooklyn, and ran the mill at Mill-
ington. In politics he was a Whig, and upon the
organization of the Republican party became a sup-
porter of its principles.
John R. Dunn, only child of David Dunn who
reached manhood, was born at New Market, N. J.,
Sept. 3, 1828. He married, January, 1850, Jane T.,
daughter of Cornelius M. and Catharine (Deats) Wil-
liamson, and soon after that event took up h is residence
on the old Williamson farm, below Somerville. Here
he lived for five years, and then located with his father
on the Dunn farm, where he continued to reside until
his decease, May 3, 1878. He was a member of the
First Baptist Church of Somerville, and a man of cor-
recthabits and strict integrity in all the relations of
life. He was a Republican in politics, but never
sought political preferment. The children are Al-
bert ; Emma R., wife of Charles C. Reimer, of Mill-
town ; Cornelia W., wife of William T. H. Vosseller,
of Somerville; Mathew H, who lives in Pennsylvania;
Walter and David, Jr., at home ; Ellen Frances and
Jennie S., deceased.
ABRAM J. POWELSON.
The Powelson family came very early to this coun-