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Topography - The Matlack Family - The Colllns’ - Organization - Glendale M.E. Church - Gibbsboro - Lucas Paint Works - Church of St. John in the Wilderness - Berlin - "Long a-Coming - Business Beginnings - Societies - Library -Churches - Berlin Cemetery - village of Atco - Societies and Churches -Chesilhurst - Waterford village - Churches - "Shanes Castle," The Woos Brothers and the Beginning of Catholicism.

WATERFORD is one of the original townships of the old county of Gloucester, dating its existence from 1695. Its bounds have been changed on a number of

occasions, its present limits being as follows: On the north and east is Burlington County, the Atsion River being the boundary line in part; on the southeast, boundary of Atlantic County; on the south the townships of Winslow and Gloucester, the boundary line being irregular to include Berlin and also Coopers Creek, which is the southwestern line; on the west and north is the township of Delaware, which was included in its territory until 1844. Near the middle of the township is the divide, a pine-covered ridge about two hundred feet above tidewater, which is the source of the principal streams. Coopers Creek and its affluents flow into the Delaware, while beyond the water-shed are the Great and Little Egg Harbor Rivers and the tributary streams connected therewith. Formerly they yielded water-power, which was used to operate saw-mills, nearly every stream being utilized. Much of the land adjoining these streams has been utilized to produce cranberry marshes. The surface is mainly level and was originally covered with a heavy growth of timber, the pine and cedar predominating. The process of removing these forests was slow and laborious, and settlement, consequently, was much retarded, especially in the central and southern parts. In these localities the soil is sandy or sandy, loam, and better adapted for fruit culture than the cereals. The northwestern section is underlaid by a very rich deposit of green sand marl, whose use has made this one of the best agricultural sections in the State. Before the use of this valuable fertilizer many of the farms were poorly tilled and held to be of little value. The construction of a railroad through the township and the use of the fertilizing agent nature has so freely provided have wrought wonderful changes in the appearance of the country, which has now well-tilled fields and very attractive farm improvements. The Camden and Atlantic Railroad traverses nearly the entire length of the township, and east of the central part the New Jersey Southern Railroad crosses the territory diagonally in its course to New York City. Easy communication is thus afforded with the great cities of the country, which has enhanced the value of real estate.

The first settlements were made in what is now the township of Delaware, the preference being given to localities near tide-water, which afforded the only means of communication at that early period. Later, after roads were cut out, locations were made in the interior.

In the lower part of the township, on Coopers Creek and near the Delaware township line, the Matlacks made early and important improvements. William Matlack, the head of the family in New Jersey, lived in Burlington County, but purchased large tracts of land in what is now Waterford township in the early part of the last century, upon which he settled his children. In 1701 he bought of Richard Heritage one thousand acres of land on both sides of the south branch of Coopers Creek, around and near Kirkwood, lying in what is now the townships of Gloucester and Waterford. In 1714 he gave his son George five hundred acres of the land in Waterford, upon which George had settled some years previously. His house stood on the south side of the present Haddonfield and Berlin road, near Glendale. He built a saw-mill on Coopers Creek, which, in later years, was called "Hilliard’s" mill, but which went to ruin many years ago. After the decease of George Matlack the land was divided and now constitutes several good farms. In 1717 William Matlack purchased two hundred acres of land of John Estaugh, attorney of John Haddon, lying in what is now Waterford and Delaware townships, near Glendale. Here his son Richard settled in 1721 - the same year that he had married Rebecca Haines, of Burlington County. Upon this tract of land is the Matlack burial-ground, containing the graves of the older branches of the family, where Benjamin, a son of Richard, was the first person interred. Richard Matlack himself died in 1778, and was the second person there interred. The following year his farm was sold to William Todd, and later Richard M. Cooper became the owner of the land, which is now the farm of Alexander Cooper, who is in the maternal line a descendant of Richard Matlack. In 1714 William Matlack gave his son Timothy the remaining part of the Heritage lands, in Waterford township, upon which he built a house and settled. This house stood near Glendale, on the present Ephraim Tomlinson farm. In 1720 Timothy Matlack married Mary Haines and probably settled on his farm about that time. He lived there but a few years, as in 1726 he moved to Haddonfield, where he erected a house and kept a store. He was the father of Timothy Matlack, of Philadelphia, who was secretary of the Continental Congress for some time.

In 1732 the elder Timothy Matlack again lived in the township, but that year sold out his farm of three hundred and nineteen acres to his brother Richard, and took up his residence permanently at Haddonfield. John Matlack, another son of William and brother of the foregoing, purchased two hundred acres of land of Francis Collins, in 1705, upon which he settled three years later, when he was married to Hannah Horner. The house he built on this farm stood more than one hundred and fifty years, when it was taken down to make room for the fine mansion owned by the heirs of John Wilkins, the present proprietors of part of the tract. John Matlack removed to Haddonfield before the Revolution, where he built the house now owned by Isaac A. Braddock.

The Matlack lands in Waterford and Delaware at one time aggregated more than fifteen hundred acres, all of which has passed out of the name.

John Collins (the son of John), who was the grandson of Francis Collins, settled in Waterford township, near Glendale, building a large brick house. This no longer remains. He became the owner of considerable real estate in that region before his decease, in 1768. His wife survived him, and his child, Mary, became the wife of Samuel Hugg, of Gloucester. She dying without issue, the property, by the terms of her father’s will, passed absolutely to John and Job Collins, sons of Francis Collins, Jr., who lived on the Waterford property some time. But the entire property has long since passed out of the name and family.

The names of other settlers appear in connection with the villages where they resided.

CIVIL ORGANIZATION. - On the 1st of June, 1695, the grand jury of Gloucester County made return to the court, in which it was declared that, "Whereas there was a law made by ye last assembly for dividing ye county into particular townships, therefore they (the jury) agree and order that from Pensaukin or Cropwell River to the lowermost branch of Coopers Creek shall be one constabulary or township, which received the name of Waterford, it is supposed, from a resemblance of the lower part of the territory to a fishing town on the Barrow, in Ireland. Edward Burrough was appointed constable for the year in ye upper township."

Waterford, as erected at this time, extended from the Delaware River, southeastward, between the two creeks Pensaukin and Coopers, to an indefinite head-line of the county, which was not accurately determined until 1765, when Samuel Clement made a survey and established the same. The township was thus about thirty miles long, extending from the Delaware to the head-line just named, and following the windings of the Pensaukin and Coopers Creeks, in some places scarcely two miles wide. It retained this form until 1844, when all that part below the Evesham road was set off to form Delaware township, which was subdivided to form the township of Stockton. The area of Waterford is about seventy square miles.

The records prior to 1850 have not been preserved, making the compilation of a complete list of the principal officers, from the organization of the township to the present time, an impossibility. Since the period named the following have been the

TOWNSHIP CLERKS.
1850-51.	Wm. J. Rogers.	1864-65.	George Watson.
1852.	John W. Thackara.	1866.	Thomas T. Smith.
1853-54.	Cornelius T. Peacock.	1867-73.	Eayre Sharp.
1855-56.	Isaac S. Peacock.	1874-76.	Wm. H. Norcross.
1857-60.	Gamaliel P. Marple.	1877.	Robert Wills.
1861-63.	Wm. J. Rogers.	1878-86.	Eayre Sharp.
ASSESSORS.
1850-51.	Joseph G. Shinn.	1867-68.	Joseph S. Read.
1852.	Isaac L. Lowe.	1869-72.	William Thorn.
1853.	Marmaduke Beckley.	1873.	William Davis.
1854-56.	William Penn.	1874-76.	Robert F. Wood.
1857.	Isaac S. Peacock.	1877-80.	Wm. Thorn.
1858-60.	Wm. Penn.	1881-86.	Thomas S. Thorn.
1861-66.	Gamaliel B. Marple.
COLLECTORS.
1850-51.	Jos. L. Thackara.	1864-70.	Samuel S. Sickler.
1852-55.	Joseph S. Read.	1871-76.	Thomas S. Thorn.
1856-61.	Brazillia W. Bennett.	1877-84.	J. Curtis Davis.
1862-63.	Joshua P. Sharp.	1885-86.	Wm. H. Norcross.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1850.	Joseph L. Thackara.	1868.	Manley I. Peacock.
	Washington Schlosser	1869.	Josiah C. Engle.
1855.	Joseph J. Rogers.	1874-79.	B.W. Bennett.
1856.	Richard Stafford.	1880.	Salmon Giddings.
1857.	Brazillia W. Bennett.	1884.	B.W. Bennett.
1858.	Jesse Peterson.	1885.	Salmon Giddings.
1862-67.	Brazillia W. Bennett.	1886.	Samuel Layer.

For many years the annual elections were held at the public-houses at Berlin, but in 1873 the township purchased the old school building at this place and converted the same into a town hall, where these meetings have since been held. Being large and centrally located, it is well adapted for its use.

Glendale is a small hamlet two miles from Kirkwood, consisting of a store, church and half a dozen dwellings. The business stand was erected in 1851, by Ephraim Tomlinson, who opened a store there, placing it in charge of Thomas Rogers, who had previously carried on his store at Laurel Mills. Tomlinson was also appointed postmaster, holding that position until the office was discontinued. David Middleton and Robert Wood were also storekeepers, the latter a long term of years. For a long time Glendale was an excellent trading-point, and a second store was opened by Josiah C. Engle, occupying the building on the corner opposite, which is now his residence. This store was discontinued after a few years, but the old stand is still occupied by George Stafford, though the place has lost its former activity.

The only public-house in this locality was the Cross Keys Tavern, on the public road to Gibbsboro’, which was kept many years by Asa Vansciver, Elwood Wolohon Joseph Bates, Britton Ayers, John Elwell and others. As long as the road was much traveled, before the railroad was built, the patronage of the house was good, but its usefulness departed many years ago. The building has been removed, and there is scarcely a reminder of the old hostelry.

The soil at Glendale appears to be specially adapted for the cultivation of small fruits, and Glendale berries have become widely known. In 1882 Josiah C. Engle had in cultivation one-third of an acre of strawberries, which yielded him six hundred and twenty-five dollars, an amount so large that it attracted general attention. Among the principal growers of this fruit at Glendale are Josiah C. Engle, John Robbins, E.W. Coffin, Montgomery Stafford and a few others.

GLENDALE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH is a small frame building, on a stone basement, which is used for school purposes. It stands on a lot of ground donated by Alexander Cooper, who also gratuitously furnished the stone in the building. The house was erected about 1855, by the neighbors, for the purpose of securing a building convenient for both church and school use. Among those interested in promoting these objects were Richard Stafford, Catherine Engle, Nixon Davis, Joseph C. Stafford, Jesse Peterson, Israel Riggins, Theodore Bishop and Montgomery Stafford. Most of these adhered to the Methodist Church, and also constituted the first members of the class organized before the house was built. The appointment was for many years supplied in connection with Greenland and other churches. While connected with Berlin, twenty-six years ago, the Rev. Thomas Hanlon, at that time a young man, was the preacher in charge, and, under his ministry, the church had the greatest accession of members. Removals have diminished the number, so that in 1886 but thirty belonged. At the same time the trustees were Montgomery Stafford, John Bates, Jehu Engle, Jacob Acey and Charles Brown.

Ashland is a station on the Camden and Atlantic Railroad, on the Delaware township line. A post-office of the same name has been recently established, and Amos Ebert appointed postmaster. Aside from these, no other interests have been created.

Gibbsboro’ is a village of two hundred and fifty-five inhabitants, two miles from Kirkwood and nearly the same distance from Glendale, and near the site of a saw-mill built by Enoch Core as early as 1731. It is important on account of the location of the paint and color works of John Lucas & Co., the proprietors of the village site. Its population is composed almost wholly of the employees of the works, many of them, through the liberality of John Lucas, owning their own homes. Additions have been recently completed, and with the prospect of having a branch railway from the Camden and Atlantic Railroad, the future of the place has become correspondingly bright. Besides the works of John Lucas & Co. there is a fine Episcopal chapel, a number of beautiful residences, with attractive grounds, and several stores. At the older stand, Thomas Henderson was first in trade. In June, 1881, J.S. Clark began merchandising at the second stand, and since February 5, 1883, has served as postmaster of the Gibbsboro’ office, established at that time.

THE GIBBBORO’ WHITE LEAD, ZINC AND COLOR WORKS. - These extensive works, employing a large number of men and creating prosperity in all the region round about them, were established by Mr. John Lucas, who commenced the paint business in Philadelphia in 1849. He was led to choose this locality on the head of Coopers Creek by the consideration that the water in the ponds or lakes here was of just the proper and necessary quality for the manufacture of certain specialties in paint, which, by experiment, he had discovered, or, it may not improperly be said, invented. He found the water free from lime and iron-salts - an absolute requisite for the production of unchangeable colors - and purchased a large estate, upon which was an old grist and saw-mill. Here he began manufacturing in a small way, making use of the old water-power, which, however, was soon superseded by steam. The works were enlarged from time to time as the demands for the products of the factory rapidly increased, and to the list of the colors manufactured were added all those which he had formerly imported. Mr. Lucas has also gradually extended his land possessions, with a view to securing control of the water supply and its surroundings, and thus maintaining its purity. While this has been the motive of successive land purchases, another effect has resulted, which redounds to the advantage of the employees, for the proprietor has been enabled to sell such of them as wish to locate in the neighborhood, building lots, or larger tracts of land on a most liberal system of advances and easy payments. Any employee can, in a few years, provide himself with a home, with many comforts and pleasant surroundings.

The products of the works, as the name implies, are white lead, zinc and all kinds of paints. A full line of varnishes is also manufactured. Some idea of the magnitude of the works is conveyed by the statement that the grinding and crushing machinery have a capacity of sixty thousand pounds per day. The best machinery known to the trade is in use in the several departments, and whatever is new, or whatever ingenuity can suggest in the way of improved processes, is readily adopted. There is an extensive laboratory in connection with the works, in which experiments are constantly being made, and in which practical experience and theoretical knowledge are united to produce the best results attainable. This department is under the supervision of Mr. Lucas’ sons, Albert and Harry S. Lucas. Three other sons, John T., William E. and James F., also fill positions of responsibility in these extensive works. Mr. John Lucas has given his business close attention and made many practical improvements in the manufacture of lead and paint, as the result of his study. In October, 1870, he took out letters-patent for a combination apparatus for the manufacture of painters’ and paper-stainers’ colors, which effects a saving of fully fifty per cent. in labor alone; in 1872 he procured a patent for preparing pure linseed-oil liquid paints, and in 1878 he patented an improved process for corroding and manufacturing white lead.

The house has offices and stores at 141 -143 North Fourth Street and 322 -330 Race Street, Philadelphia, and at 84 Maiden Lane, New York, in which city the first office was opened at 122 West Broadway, in 1869.

JOHN LUCAS,¹manufacturing chemist, was born at Stone, Staffordshire, England, November 25, 1823. He is the eldest son of Thomas Lucas, of the same place, and a descendant of John Lucas, of Ashbourn, Derbyshire, the warm friend and companion of the celebrated Izaak Walton. He received a liberal education at Fieldplace Commercial Academy, near his native town, which having terminated, he entered the store and counting-room of his father, who was a grocer and tea dealer, where he remained for a short time. Finding, however, that mercantile pursuits were not to his taste, he commenced the study of agricultural chemistry. His progress in this and its kindred branches was so marked that to it he owes his present attainments as a manufacturer. As he desired to see something of the world before selecting his future home, he left England, in 1844, for a visit to the United States and the Canadas. He was so well pleased with the former that on his return to England he made the necessary arrangements for immigrating and becoming an American citizen. It was in 1849 that he finally quitted the "old country," and it was to Philadelphia that he directed his steps. On his arrival, with the usual energy and activity which have ever marked his life, he entered at once into business, and for a while pursued the calling of a foreign commission and shipping merchant. He represented several large European manufacturing houses, selling good F.O.B. in Europe, or importing to order. His first store was at No. 33 North Front Street, where he confined himself almost exclusively to paints and colors, or materials used in the manufacture of the same; but finding it a difficult matter to ascertain - through the medium of the wholesale trade - the most desirable articles needed in the American market and by painters, he took a large store on Fourth Street, north of Arch, the locale then, as now, of the paint and color trade, and himself served behind the counter, thus coming into direct contact with the practical painter, for the purpose of discovering what were his actual requirements. By this mans he learned that a good green paint was needed to take the place of the Paris or arsenical green, so deficient in body and so injurious to those using the same. Now, his proficiency in chemistry was of immense service to him, and, after repeated experiments, he discovered a method of producing the required article, and has received letters-patent for valuable improvements in the machinery requisite in manufacturing the same.

In 1852, for the purpose of extending his business, he associated himself with Joseph Foster, a relation of his, who was an old and experienced color manufacturer. They removed their establishment to No. 130 Arch Street, and he purchased a tract of land in Camden County, N.J., on which there was a large sheet of remarkably pure water, entirely devoid of iron or lime (the head-waters of Coopers Creek). Thereon he erected the. "Gibbsboro’ White-lead, Zinc and Color Works." The purity of the water enabled him to produce the beautiful permanent "Swiss" and "Imperial French Greens," now so favorably known and so extensively used throughout the United States and the Dominion. The perfection to which he has brought the white oxide of zinc, effected by continued and careful chemical experiments, may be understood when it is stated that the best judges of the article have pronounced it to be not only superior to any manufactured in this country, but fully equal to the world-renowned Vieulle Montaigne Company’s production. The pulp steel and Chinese blue and primrose chrome yellows have superseded the French and English, and are now used by all the leading paper-hanging manufacturers in the United States. In 1857 Joseph Foster withdrew from the firm, when the senior partner was joined by his brother, William H. Lucas, who took charge of the salesroom and financial department, leaving the former at liberty to devote his sole attention to the manufacturing and chemical departments, a plan which has enabled the firm to attain that pre-eminence they now hold in the trade. Having become an American citizen by naturalization, he has ever since identified himself with every national movement. At the outbreak of the Rebellion, in 1861, he threw all his heart and energy into the Union cause, and took active part in organizing, drilling and equipping volunteers for the army. The location of his large interests in New Jersey has naturally caused him to feel a deep interest in the prosperity of the Camden and Atlantic Railroad, of which he has been for some years a director, and of which he also served as president from 1876 -77, and through it in the welfare of the town at its terminus on the sea-coast. His works, near "White-Horse Station," contribute revenue in no small degree to the road from the amount of freight shipped and received at that point. Personally, he is genial and affable, combining the shrewd man of business with the polished gentleman; while among the mercantile community his name for honesty and integrity, has no superior.

John Lucas was, upon September 6, 1854, united in marriage with Harriet Annie Bown (born May 27, 1836), only daughter of Abraham and Ellen Bown, of Philadelphia, both born in England. They have been the parents of fifteen children, twelve of whom are living - eight sons and four daughters, viz.: John Thomas, William Edward, James Foster, Albert, Harry Spencer, Joseph Wilson, Robert Suddard, S. Barton, Harriet Annie (now Mrs. Charles A. Potter), Ellen Bown, Elizabeth Sanders and Frances Ethel. Mrs. Lucas was instrumental in building the Episcopal Church at Gibbsboro’ - "St. John’s in the Wilderness" - and a rectory is nearing completion as a result of her well-directed energy. In Philadelphia she is identified with the Chinese and Italian Missions and the Indian Rights Society and is a manager in several institutions, the last being the Hayes Mechanics’ Home, on Belmont Avenue. She is also president of the Women’s Silk Culture Association of the United States.

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ST. JOHN IN THE WILDERNESS.² - After a residence of several years in the village of Gibbsboro’, during which time the increase of population had been considerable, it became a matter of duty, as well as a work of love, to Mr. John Lucas and others of the color works, to provide a church for the regular opportunities of service to God. It seemed proper, after years of prosperity, to thus acknowledge his blessings, and in this spirit work was begun and the corner-stone of the church edifice laid October 1, 1882. Bishop John Scarborough officiated, and in his address emphasized the duty manufacturers and other employers owe to their employees, and urged them to have a care for their spiritual as well as their bodily needs. On June 24, 1883, the church was consecrated and deeded to the diocese, as a free-will gift, in a state of full completion. It is a handsome frame structure in the Gothic style of architecture, with a slated roof, relieved by a neat belfry. The interior has a modern finish, the windows being stained glass and the furniture of unique design and rich construction. The outside surroundings are also very pleasing, the grounds being well set with trees and shrubbery, causing the place to be one of the most attractive in the village. The entire cost of the property was more than eight thousand dollars, much the greater part of which was borne by John Lucas.

In the spring of 1886 Lucian Wooster donated a lot of ground to the trustees of the church upon which they will erect a rectory the coming summer, and it is also proposed to erect a St. John’s guild-house, the ensuing year, for literary meetings and entertainments, and to establish a reading-room in connection. It is believed that such a measure will contribute to a fund to extend the usefulness of the church and to awaken an interest in its work. A plat of ground will also be prepared as a God’s acre, where may be placed the mortal remains of those who had their habitation here and who, in death, can repose in the Shadow of the church where they worshipped.

On St. John’s day of each year a confirmation class of from six to ten have been presented to the bishop, and the doctrines and teachings of the Protestant Episcopal Church have been eagerly accepted, especially by the young of the village. The church has a flourishing Sabbath-school of seventy scholars and there are also connected with it a sewing guild, an entertainment guild, and a beneficial association at the works for the benefit of the men of Gibbsboro’ and vicinity, all proving valuable adjuncts.

The first rector of the church was the Rev. James W. Ashton, formerly of the Grace Protestant Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, but now rector of St. Stephen’s, Olean, N.Y. He began his ministry here in the school-house December 1, 1882, and continued until March 3, 1883, when he left for his present parish. The Rev. Ezra Isaac became the next rector conducting an earnest ministry for a period of one year and nine months, until continued sickness caused him to resign and return to his home at Bordentown. The present rector, the Rev. John R. Moses, took charge of the church March 9, 1885, and here received his degree as a minister. His labors have been earnest and, having the co-operation of his members, St. John’s in the Wilderness will become a potent factor among the religious influences of the township.

Berlin is the oldest village in the township and ranks as one of the oldest settlements in the upper part of the county. Its present name is of recent adoption, the place being known for more than a hundred years as Long-a-Coming. There is a tradition that this term originated as follows: "In the latter part of the seventeenth century, while some sailors were toiling along the Indian trail from the coast, to Philadelphia, wearied by the hot summer’s sun, fatigued and thirsty, they momentarily expected to find a stream where they had been told they might obtain pure water. But hour after hour they were doomed to disappointment, nothing but sand and pine forests appearing on either hand. At last, when wearied to faintness and about yielding to despair, a beautiful stream tame to view, shaded by pendant boughs and decked around with woodland flowers. Hastily throwing aside their packs they bounded to the brook, exclaiming, ‘Here you are at last, though long-a-coming.’ They told their companions about this stream and the circumstances connected with finding it, when the name Long-a-Coming was applied to the locality, by which it became known near and far."

The stream in question is the main branch of the Great Egg Harbor River, and, being near the source of the same and flowing through a cedar swamp, the waters were pure and fresh. It was but natural, then, that this place should be selected for settlement many years before the lands in the surrounding country were located, and that many miles intervened between this and other settlements for a long term of years. The lands here were located in 1714 by Peter Rich and Richard Moss, the place being at that time already called Long-a-Coming. A few rude cabins were built on the highest ground, where Samuel Scull afterwards lived and had a tavern, as early as 1760. This tavern was later continued by John Scull, and was, no doubt, a place of great accommodation to the travelers of that day. In 1770 John Rogers bought a piece of land of Scull, near the grave-yard, where he built a house and lived until his death. The farm was long known by the family name. George Marple lived in the same locality, having bought some land of Scull, which he improved. Other early settlers were Joseph Murrell, George Budd, John Thorne, Joel Bodine, Jacob Phifer, Andrew Newman and Richard Bettle. Some of these lived a short distance from Long-a-Coming proper, but were a part of that settlement. Their improvements were meagre and for many years the farms were small, the principal occupation of the inhabitants being lumbering. The products were hauled to Chews Landing, whence they were taken by boats to Philadelphia. Joel Bodine became a tavern-keeper at a later day, having his place in part of the present lower stand. The house has been enlarged and has had many keepers, Joseph S. Read and Joseph Shivers being among those who continued longest. Where is now the residence of B.W. Bennett, Thos. Wright had a public-house some years, but more than fifty years ago built part of what is now called the upper tavern. Later landlords at that place were Jacob Leach and Samuel S. Cake, whose fame was not confined to their own neighborhood; but since the building of railroads the glory of both of these old taverns has departed.

Samuel Shreve was the first merchant of any prominence. About 1816 he engaged in trade at the present Smith stand, continuing until 1835, when he removed to Burlington County. In the course of twenty years he returned to Berlin, settling on the present Ezra Stokes farm, where he died in 1868. He not only carried on a store, but had a tannery and manufactured most of his leather into harness and shoes, having shops near by, where these trades were carried on by him. He also had an interest in the Waterford Glass Works. About the same time Thos. Wright started his charcoal works, thus making the upper end of the village a busy place. The tannery was discontinued before 1885, but the store was carried on by Joseph Shreve. Others in trade at this place were John Burrough, John P. Harker and Joseph S. Read. The latter removed the stock to the old Peter Ross store, which was built in 1849, but which has been long used as a residence. At the Shreve stand Thos. T. Smith has been in trade and postmaster since 1865, following Samuel S. Cake. The office has four mails daily. At the lower end of the village Wm. Dill opened a store sixty years ago, and later merchants at that stand were Josiah Albertson, Marmaduke Beckley and the present Sam’l Sickler. Near the same time John Albertson began trading in the present Wm. Albertson store, continuing until 1847. A little earlier John Thackara opened a small store, and in the same neighborhood Joseph L. Thackara traded a short time, in recent years, where is now the store of William & Samuel Haines.

These business-places being widely separated, the village was built in a straggling manner, a few houses being clustered around each store, all being on the old Blue Anchor road, for a mile or more. None of these lots were regularly plotted, but when the Camden and Atlantic Railroad located a station here, in 1856, the Land Improvement Company connected with that corporation laid out a number of acres into lots and sold the same at public auction. This induced settlement, and a number of fine houses were built in the new part, which has a healthy location, being one hundred and eighty-four feet above tide-water. In subsequent years the growth was slow, the entire population in 1886 not exceeding five hundred.

The first station agent was Joseph L. Thackara; the present is H.C. Sharp. At Berlin the shipment of fruit forms a large share of the business done by the railroad. Among the principal growers and shippers are Ezra Stokes, John C. Clay, John P. Harker, John Bates, Job Albertson, Ward Robinson, George Robinson, Augustus Olt and L. Heath. Shipments of fruit have more than doubled in recent years, and the acreage around Berlin is constantly increasing. From 1854 to 1862 Ezra Stokes had a nursery near the village, whose business had grown to fine proportions, when the war caused him to discontinue it.

WRIGHT’S CHARCOAL WORKS is the only manufacturing interest in the village aside from the ordinary mechanic pursuits. This business was begun about seventy years ago by Thomas Wright, the grandfather of the present proprietor, in the upper end of the village, near the public-house which he was at that time keeping. His mill was small, the grinding being done by a single horse. About 1839, Thomas B. Wright, his son, established the present works on a scale much greater than the old mill, which has been abandoned. After his death, in 1847, his son Charles took charge of the business and has since successfully carried on the same. About twenty years ago he began using steam-power, whereby he was enabled to greatly increase the capacity of the works. In 1886 there were seventeen retorts, capable of refining six hundred bushels of daily. The demands of trade require the preparation of the coal in various forms, the principal ones being pulverized and granulated. These works have been useful in converting the surplus timber supply of this section into a commodity whose shipment is easily made and has furnished steady employment to a number of men. In late years nearly all the crude coal has been brought to the works from outside the county by the railroad, which has here a convenient side-track.

The first practitioners of medicine in this part of the township, after the pioneers whose circuit extended over the entire county, lived at Tansboro’, some being in practice here a short time only. Among those best remembered, after 1840, were Drs. Stout, Parham, Barrows, Risley, Grigg, Ricord and Lee. The latter left the place to go to the Mexican War.

The veteran practitioner at Berlin is Dr. Daniel M. Stout, who has here been active in his profession for nearly forty years, serving, also, about all the time as township physician. He has as contemporaries in the same school of medicine, Dr. William Westcott since 1883, and Dr. William C. Raughley since 1884. As a homoeopathist, Dr. Robert H. Peacock has been in practice a few years, following Dr. Samuel H. Johnson. The latter had practiced about a dozen years, when he died at this place. Other homoeopathist physicians at Berlin were Dr. Joseph Shreve and Dr. Samuel G. Shivers, each for a few years.

LIPPARD CIRCLE, No. 14, B.U.H.F., was instituted in March, 1884, and has had a flourishing existence. In 1886 there were more than sixty members. The first principal officers were John H. Dill, Thomas E. Bradbury, Job Albertson, Henry Westcott, John Hampton and Howard C. Sharp

BERLIN BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, No. 3, was chartered March 8, 1886, and is, as its name indicates, the third institution of the kind at this place. The first was organized in 1868 and closed up its business inside of the seventh year. The second series, placed on the market in 1874, matured in about the same period of time. Association No. 2 was incorporated July 8, 1872. In No. 3 the par value of a share is fixed at two hundred dollars and the number of shares restricted to six hundred. The following composed the board of directors: Thomas E. Bradbury, president; Samuel E. Layer, vice-president; John P. Harker, secretary; Joshua Barton, treasurer; W.H. Bishop, H. Snyder, S.S. Stokes, H. McCulley and G. Crum.

These associations have been beneficial to the village, materially assisting in building up the place as well as proving profitable investments.

BERLIN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION was organized February 1, 1882, to establish and maintain a library and reading-room in the village. It owes its existence to the efforts of Mrs. R.H. Strong and Miss Lizzie Chew, two of the public school teachers, who were most active in this work. The association selected as its first officers: President, Joshua Barton; Vice-President, Mrs. R.H. Strong; Secretary, H.G. Smith; Treasurer, Miss S.E. Collins; Librarian, Benjamin F. Read; Executive Committee, J.L. Thackara, S.S. Stokes, H.C. Sharp. Soon after the library, with sixty volumes, was opened to the public, and has since been well patronized. In June, 1886, the members numbered thirty-five, and there were two hundred and eighty books in the library, besides pamphlets and public documents. The funds for the support of the library are obtained by a yearly membership fee of one dollar, and the proceeds arising from lectures and entertainments given by the association. This body derives much of its active support from the public schools, which were graded in 1875. The aggregate attendance of the schools is one hundred and forty-two. The school building is spacious and has a beautiful location. It is the best public improvement in the village. About a mile from this Riley’s Select School was located a few years before it was permanently established at Haddonfield. In a sketch of that village may be found a full account of the school.

BERLIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. - Soon after the church at Blackweod had been built, the missionaries who preached there visited Long-a-Coming statedly, and held meetings at this place. The services were held first at private houses, but about 1766 in the log building which had been erected in the grave-yard, and which was conveyed that year to a number of persons, in trust, most of them being also trustees of the Blackwood and Woodbury Churches. John Brainerd, the Indian missionary, preached here, and later Benjamin Chestnut became the regular minister, so far as he could supply the wants of the congregation. But who composed this congregation, and just when it was organized, cannot now be determined. John Rogers was one of the members, and Northrop Marple another; but it is probable that they were always few in number. Though deeded to Presbyterian trustees, the log meeting-house was free to all denominations, and was occupied by traveling ministers belonging to the Friends, Episcopalians and, later, Baptists and Methodists. The Presbyterian congregation does not appear to have sustained an existence after the war, and soon after became wholly extinct. Mr. Safford said, in 1821:
"I visited Long-a-Coming at the request of Dr. Janeway. It is fourteen miles from Philadelphia, and contains twelve or thirteen houses. Here was formerly a church under the care of Mr. John Brainerd. It is now extinct. There are, however, four persons residing in the place who belong to the Second Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia. They greatly desire missionary labor. Their cry is, ‘Come over and help us.’" But it was not until July 10, 1867, that another (the present) Presbyterian congregation was organized. Its constituent members were Ellen M. Hunt, Ellen M. Adams, Sarah W. Brace, Mrs. S. Read, Richard Brace, Mary S. Brace and George A. Brace. Richard Brace was elected the first ruling elder, and was ordained July 28, 1867, and the Rev. John B. Edmundson became the first pastor. The first meetings were held in the old Methodist Church, but on the 8th of September, 1868, the corner-stone of a church edifice was laid, which was completed the following year at a cost of four thousand dollars. In 1870 the Rev. E.D. Newberry assumed pastoral relation to the church, which continued one year. In 1871 and 1872 the pulpit was supplied by students from Princeton. In July of the latter year Elder Brace and his family removed, since which time the congregation has had no ruling elder, and the interest in the affairs of the church have steadily declined. In 1886 the members numbered ten, and services were only occasionally held. The church building, a large frame, had become dilapidated, but was about being repaired by the few devoted members remaining, assisted by the citizens of the village.

CENTENARY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH was organized at Berlin soon after 1830, having among its early members John C. Thackara and his wife, Elizabeth, and a few others. The first meetings were held in the upper room of the Thackara’s store building and, after a time, in the schoolhouse on the cemetery lot. Soon after a plain frame meeting-house was built on the Main street of the village, which was used until the present edifice was occupied. This was built in 1866 - the first centenary of American Methodism - and on the 7th of December, that year, the church became an incorporated body, with the above name. The trustees at that time were John P. Harker, James M. Peacock, James Duble, Joseph L. Thackara, Daniel M. Stout, Gamaliel B. Marple and John A. Cobb.

In February, 1867, the new church was consecrated and the old building was soon thereafter conveyed to the Baptist Society of Berlin, by whom it has since been used as a place of worship. The Centenary Church is a very large frame building, erected at a cost of eight thousand dollars. This amount was a heavy burden to the congregation, from which it was not relieved until May, 1885, when about $2000 was raised and the church declared free from debt. Since that time a parsonage, standing on a lot adjoining the church property, has been purchased for eighteen hundred dollars, and improvements made on the church itself. A small building, near the church, the gift of one of the members, T.T. Smith, is used as a chapel, in which business meetings are also held. In 1886 the trustees of the property were Dr. D.M. Stout, T.T. Smith, J.P.P. Brown, J.P. Harker, Dr. R.H. Peacock and Swain Thackara.

Since 1876 Berlin has sustained the relation of a station to the Conference with which it is connected, and the preachers in charge have been the Revs. W.C. Stockton, James F. Murrell, William Margerum, W.E. Greenbank, John Joralemon, J.S. Parker, R.G. Ruckman and the present, T.S. Willson.

The church has ninety members and a Sunday-school having about the same membership superintended by Harry G. Smith. This school was organized in 1839 by Joseph L. Thackara, and has been kept up since that period.

BERLIN BAPTIST CHURCH. - This church was organized June 7, 1874, with the following members: N.A. Haines and wife, Peter Brodie and wife, Levi Lippincott and wife, Chalkly Haines and wife, W.C. Talcott apd wife, Mr. Treat and wife, Mr. Murray and wife, Joseph N. Gorton, Ruth A. Gorton, Thomas Y. England, A.H. Combs, George Haines and J.G. Rowand. The Rev. A.J. Hires presided as moderator. An election for officers resulted in the choice of Thomas Y. England, as clerk; Chalkley Haines, as deacon; and W.O. Talcott, L. Lippincott, J.G. Rowand and the two foregoing, as trustees.

The old Methodist meeting-house was secured as a church and services were now regularly held, and on the 29th of July, 1875, the Rev. Thomas W. Wilkinson was ordained the first pastor, the meeting for this purpose being largely attended by visiting clergymen. He remained pastor of the church until 1880, and has occasionally preached since that time. Soon after his accession there was an encouraging increase of membership, the number in 1878 being in the neighborhood of a hundred. At this time I.N. Gorton, Peter Brodie and William Haines were deacons, and Hillman F. Sharp, clerk. The removal of some members and other causes led to a decline of interest in church work, until at present (1886) the membership is very small. The pulpit is supplied irregularly and it is with difficulty that the church is kept up.

Joseph N. Ross, of Berlin, has in his possession a copy of a Bible which was published in 1599, and is supposed to be the oldest book of the kind in New Jersey. It is a small octavo volume, printed "at London by the Deputies of Christopher Barker, Printer, to the Queens most excellent Majestie 1599 Cum privilegio."

Bound up with the Bible proper are hymns with tunes, the ritual of the Church of England, and the "Booke of Psalmes, collected into English Meter by Thomas Sternhold, John Hopkins and others, 1633."

The book was bought in 1760 by William Gough, and brought to America by that family. Excepting the cover, the book is still in a good state of preservation.

THE BERLIN CEMETERY. - A little more than half a mile from the main part of the village is a cemetery whose history antedates the Revolution. Believing that his new home would become the centre of a large settlement, notwithstanding that it was so much isolated at that time, Samuel Scull set aside three acres of land, which should he sacred to the dead; and to put this purpose in proper form, he conveyed the same, September 18, 1766, to Michael Fisher, David Roe, Peter Cheeseman, Northrop Marple and Henry Thorne, as trustees of a Presbyterian Church³ which had just been organized, and whose meetings were held in a log building which stood on this lot of ground. In making the transfer, he speaks of a "grave-yard thereon, near a place called Long-a-Coming, being near the head of the Great Egg Harbor River," so that, most likely, burials had here been made for some years. The old building continued to be used for school and church purposes, and after its decay was replaced by a better building, in which public schools were held. Thus the cemetery, being a public place, was kept up with reasonable good care until it passed under the management of the Berlin Cemetery Association, which has assured its future preservation. This association was formally incorporated January 26, 1884, with a board of officers which has been continued to the present.

The cemetery contains a larger number of graves than any other rural burial-ground in the county. The resting-places of those first interred are indicated by plain, low sandstones, without inscriptions. Two rows of graves thus appear whose occupants are to the present generation unknown. Many other graves have neat marble head-stones, from which the following facts have been gleaned:

Mary Swain, died April 10, 1857, aged one hundred and three years, four months and twenty-four days.

The cemetery association has converted the old school building, standing on the grounds, into a chapel, and made other necessary improvements, including neat iron fences along the road-sides. In all particulars the arrangements bear comparison with town cemeteries. In June, 1886, the officers of the association were Thomas A. Thorne, president; James C. Bishop, treasurer; Charles I. Wooster, secretary; John Bate, James H. Howard, Henry M. Cully and Marmaduke Beckley, directors.

THE JACKSON GLASS WORKS were named in honor of the hero of New Orleans. They were established in the wilds of Waterford, by Thomas H. Richards, in 1827, but soon became the scene of a business activity, which continued for nearly half a century. After the death of Thomas H. Richards his sons, Samuel H. and Thomas, carried on the works until the exhausted timber supply made further operation unprofitable. They were destroyed by fire in May, 1877, one factory only of the three formerly at this place being in use by Thomas Richards, the last operator. The buildings being abandoned soon went to decay, and but few evidences of this once busy place now remain. The post-office was discontinued about 1873, and after the removal of the workmen all former interests were abandoned.

The Richards estate owned about three thousand acres of land in this section, extending from the Burlington County line beyond the Camden and Atlantic Railroad. Where the railroad from Williamstown forms a junction with that road and the New Jersey Southern Railroad, on part of this estate, nineteen miles from Philadelphia, George W. Hancock laid out the town of Atco⁵ in 1866. The original plat embraced sixty acres, which was surveyed into large lots and twenty streets. The principal one of these was called Atco Avenue, which crosses the Camden Railroad at right angles. The avenues along the railroads were named Atlantic and Raritan, respectively. The town site being on high, dry lands, on the southern slope of the divide, near by, and having exceptionally good railroad facilities, its importance was soon recognized. A number of lots were at once sold, and for a time it was flourishing beyond any of the villages in the county. Its subsequent improvement was less rapid, and in 1886 the population did not exceed four hundred.

The first building in the place was put up in 1866 by James E. Alton, on the south side of the railroad, and the second was by Ira Wakeley, in the same neighborhood. The same year the Richards estate put up the hotel building opposite the railroad depot, which was opened as the "Atco House." Its name has since been changed, but it is still used for the entertainment of the public. In 1866 Wellington Baker opened the first store, occupying a frame building on the site of the Woodland Block. The latter is a three-story brick and frame building, erected to its present condition, in 1885, by Charles H. Woodland. Since October, of the same year, Woodland has been the postmaster of the Atco office, Baker being the first postmaster and Salmon Giddings being the intermediate appointee. Under the latter’s administration the office was kept at the store of A.J. Day, who has here been in trade since 1877. Other stores were kept by W.O. Talcott, E. Parker and W.C. Sloan, the latter being at present in trade in the old comb factory building.

In 1877 John T. Wilcox established the first manufacturing enterprise in the village - a horn-comb factory. Steam-power was employed, and a successful business was done for several years. In 1883 operations were suspended, the machinery sold and the engine removed to the plant of

THE ATCO GLASS WORKS. - These works have an eligible location, near the junction of the railroads, which have provided good track facilities. They were gotten in operation in April, 1884, by the Atco Glass Manufacturing Company, under the management of J.T. Wilcox. There is an eight-pot furnace, with the latest improvements, arranged for the manufacture of window-glass of superior quality. Employment is given to fifty men, who were working in 1886 under the management of W.M. Flood.

The Atco railway station had, as its first agent, Wellington Baker; the present agent is F.F.L. Hintz. The principal shipment is fruit, and among the chief shippers are Henry Treat, Salmon Giddings, W.S. Walker, George Reeves, Monroe Githens, W.O. Talcott, Sarah Varnum, Albert Hall, E.E. Fry, Jacob Gehring, Joseph Varnum and James Grieb.

THE ATCO NATURAL SCIENCE SOCIETY. - On the 21st of January, 1868, a number of gentlemen at Atco founded the "Atco Library and Museum Association," selecting as their officers George W. Hancock, president; Nelson Varnum, vice-president; Wellington Baker, secretary; E.C. Scott, treasurer; George H. Perkins, L.W. Plant, A.B. Thatcher, A. Wakely, B.F. Marshall and H.G. Tyrrell, directors. One of the principal objects of the association was to awaken an interest in horticulture and kindred matters. After working under the above name about ten years the present title was adopted January 13, 1879, which became fixed by articles of incorporation April 5, 1879. The scope of the new society "was to foster the study, and diffuse a knowledge of natural science, to make and preserve collections, illustrations of its various branches, and to form a library." To secure funds in promotion of these purposes, the society held a fair at Atco, September 5 -9, 1879, which, under the management of M.J. Skinner, was very successful, netting a sum which became the nucleus of a fund for the building of a "Science Hall." The society had received a lot in feesimple, and in October, 1879, took action looking towards the erection of such a building on it at an early day. The hall was built the following year by a committee composed of Thomas Richards, H.A. Green and W.F.F. Murray. It is a very substantial stone building, valued at eight hundred dollars, and afforded excellent accommodations for the society, which was at this time at the zenith of its existence. In 1880 its directors of sections were as follows: Library, W.D. Siegfried; Mineralogy, Geology, Conchology and Kalonology, H.A. Green; Zoology, N. Varnum: Botany, M.J. Skinner. Rare and valuable cabinets in the different departments of study were gathered, and under the general direction of Professor Green, Science Hall became one of the most attractive places in the village. The death of some of the members and the removal of others, who were most active in the work of promoting the interests of the society, so seriously affected its welfare that its meetings have been discontinued, and many of the cabinets have been removed. The organization of the society is nominally preserved and "Science Hall" is still owned by it. In 1886 the officers were A.J. Day, president; M.J. Skinner, vice-president; Adam R. Sloan, secretary; and W.F.F. Murray, treasurer.

On the 1st of January, 1880, the society began the publication of the Science Advocate, a small quarterly, edited by Henry A. Green. The paper was well received, but declined with the other interests of the society and was discontinued at the end of the second year.

COMANCHE TRIBE OF RED MEN, No. 75, was instituted at Atco September 28, 1884, with thirty members. The order has been very successful at this place, reporting seventy-eight members in May, 1886, and the following principal officers: Monroe Githens, Morris Robinson, George W. Young, Charles McHard, James Hand and J.W. Varnum. Its meetings are held in Comanche Hall, which was completed in September, 1885, by the Comanche Hall Association, incorporated March 3, 1885, composed of a number of stockholders at this place, who organized by electing A.J. Day, president; Monroe Githens, treasurer; O.B. Tiffany, secretary; Joseph Varnum, Monroe Githens and George Bates, trustees.

The hail is located on the principal street of the village, and is a two-story frame building, thirty by seventy feet. The upper story is fitted up for lodge purposes, and the lower forms a spacious public hall. It was erected at a cost of thirty-five hundred dollars.

In the same building the Associated Glass Blowers hold their meetings, as well as the Assembly of Knights of Labor, which was organized June 5, 1886, with thirty-five members.

GOLDEN EAGLE COUNCIL, No. 22, JR. O.U.A.M., was instituted February 28, 1885, and had, in 1886, forty-five members. It is a growing organization.

RELIANCE LODGE, No. 20, A.O.U.W., instituted June 6, 1882, reports thirty-eight members, and is in a prosperous condition. Its meetings are held in the hall of the public-school building.

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ATCO. - The meetings which resulted in the organization of this congregation were held November 17 and 24, 1867, by the Rev. Samuel Loomis, of the Vineland Church. At the date last named fourteen persons subscribed to the articles of membership, as follows: Henry A. Green, C. De Witt Carpenter, J.E. Alton, Mrs. M.R. Loomis, Mrs. A. Carpenter, Mrs. L. Alton, Mrs. F. Childs, Mrs. Thankful Gould, Mrs. P.L. Wakeley, Mrs. L.M. Green, Mrs. A. McHary, Miss Margaret McHary, Miss Clara E. Gould and Miss Mary E. Gould.

C. De Witt Carpenter and J.E. Alton were elected the first ruling elders and the Rev. Samuel Loomis became the first pastor. The church being properly organized, was received into the Fourth Presbytery of Philadelphia. Soon after the society became a body corporate, with the following trustees: Thomas Richards, Peter McHary, A. Wakeley, W.O. Talcott and H.A. Green.

In order to promote the building of a church, the Richards estate donated an acre of ground, where the foundation of an edifice was laid early in 1868. The building was to be thirty-two by fifty feet, and it was designed to complete it that season, but owing to the inability of the pastor to continue serving the congregation, work was suspended. September 21, 1868, the Rev. E.B. Newberry took charge of the congregation, and under his direction the church was completed for dedication the first Sunday in March, 1869. For a period the congregation flourished, but, not having a regular pastor, soon experienced a decline of interest. In 1872 the Rev. George Warrington supplied the pulpit, and from 1873 to 1876 the Rev. James G. Shinn was the acting pastor. Since that time there have been numerous supplies, among them being the Revs. Frank E. Kavanaugh, R.A. Bryant, H.W. Brown, J.R. Gibson, R. Bant and Alexander Hill.

In the summer of 1883, during the ministry, of the Rev. J.R. Gibson, the church was repaired and now has a more inviting appearance. But the congregation is small, there being but fifteen members, and there are no ruling elders. A large and prosperous Sabbath-school is maintained in the church.

THE ATCO METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. - The present society was organized in December, 1885, with fifteen members, the following being trustees: Caleb Githens, George Brown, James Parks, John Ash and A.J. Day. The first meetings were held in Comanche Hall, but, in the course of a few weeks, the Universalist Chapel was purchased and converted into a church home. The membership has been increased to twenty-five and the future prospects of the church appear encouraging. A flourishing Sunday-school has James Parks as its superintendent.

Soon after the establishment of the glass-works at Jackson, Methodist preaching was established at that place, and the meetings were continued until after the workmen, who comprised the principal membership, removed. For a time no services were held by the Methodists in this locality, when preaching was again commenced at Atco, which resulted in the formation of the present society. The old Jackson society was connected usually with Tansboro’ and Waterford in forming a charge.

The Universalist Society was formed a few years after the founding of the village by the Rev. Moses Ballou, who was the first and only pastor. He was a man of marked ability, whose failing health obliged him to leave his home in Massachusetts to settle in this locality for the benefit of a milder climate. He died at Atco May 19, 1879, and thereafter Universalist meetings were so seldom held that they were altogether discontinued a few years ago, and in 1885 the chapel, which the society had erected, was sold to the Methodists. The membership of the society was never large, but during the lifetime of Dr. Ballou large congregations assembled to listen to his ministrations.

Late in the fall of 1885 St. John’s Protestant Episcopal Mission was established at Atco, which has since been under the care of the Rev. De Witt C. Loop, of Hammonton. Semi-monthly services are held in the Presbyterian Church.

The Richards estate set aside a lot of ground at Atco in 1868 for cemetery purposes, where some interments have been made, but the general place of burial is in the cemetery at Berlin, which is old and well kept.

This village was plotted in 1884, but the work of improving it was not begun until the summer of 1885. It is located on the high lands between Atco and Waterford, and the site embraces one thousand two hundred and seventy acres of laud, extending along the Camden and Atlantic Railroad about a mile. A railway station has been provided and unusual inducements offered to make this a populous place of suburban homes. Many of the avenues have been cleared up, and four-fifths of the five thousand lots have been sold. There are a store, hotel and several dozen dwellings, some belonging to the proprietors of the town - Simpson & Wade, of Philadelphia. The first house was the dwelling of N.R. Gatchell, built in the fall of 1885. Near the same time the house of Charles Heacock was completed, and a little later the store building of J.H. Richter, where William Nifer was in trade in 1886. In the spring of the latter year J.K. Cope opened the first hotel, and brick dwellings were erected by Mrs. Blake and Thomas Harrold. Clay for brick-making was discovered on the village site, and several yards were opened in the summer of 1886. The village has a healthy location, about two hundred feet above tide-water, on high, dry land, and gives promise of rapid and permanent growth.

THE CHESILHURST BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION was incorporated in November, 1884, to have places of business at Waterford and Chesilhurst. Its object is to provide loans and to encourage building. The incorporators were W.O. Bisbee, Joseph E. Thompson, N.R. Gatchell, Charles Sappmire and William H. Wade.

The village of Waterford is located in both Waterford and Winslow townships. It is a station on the Camden and Atlantic Railroad, a little more than twenty-two miles from Philadelphia, and is on high and dry ground. In the surrounding forests many native pines are still growing, whose odors contribute to the salubrity of the village. Its healthfulness is one of the marked features of the place. The village has Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal and Catholic Churches, two stores, a post-office (called Waterford Works) and the usual interests of a country trading point. The village had its origin in the establishment of the Waterford Glass-Works at this point, in 1824, by Jonathan Haines. At that time the country was an unbroken forest, and the works were begun on a small scale, being enlarged from time to time as business expanded. In 1828 Jonathan Haines died, and the works were sold to Thomas Evans, Samuel Shreve and Jacob Roberts, the latter dying and Joseph Porter securing an interest in the business, the firm becoming Porter, Shreve & Co., John Evans having at this time also secured a sixth interest. Joseph Porter resided at this place, and devoted all his energies to make the business a success. He was an active, energetic manager, and, under his direction, the works prospered. Samuel Shreve sold out his interest to Joseph Porter in the course of years, who then associated his sons with him, the firm becoming Joseph Porter & Sons. Joseph Porter having died, and the firm being dissolved, about 1863 William C. Porter took charge of the works and carried them on several years, when the property was sold to Maurice Raleigh, who connected it with his vast Atsion estate. At the time the transfer was made there were three glass-factories, two fitted up for the manufacture of window panes and the third for hollow-ware. For a short time Raleigh carried on the former, and subsequently John Gayner used the latter in making window-glass and lamp-chimneys, when each was allowed to remain out of blast, and the buildings went to decay.

After the discontinuance of the glass-works, Raleigh busied himself to provide new employment for the workmen residing in the village, and established industries which seemed to cause a new era to dawn upon the place. He converted one of the glass-factories into a hosiery-mill, where a large number of young people found occupation for several years. He also united with James Colter in erecting a three-story frame shoe-factory, where a hundred operatives were at work for about a year, when it was closed up as an unprofitable enterprise and the machinery removed. A part of this building was now used as a shop for the repair of textile machinery, and as such was carried on a short time. In May, 1882, a conflagration, resulting from a fire in this building, destroyed all the works, which ended manufacturing operations in the village. The destruction of the buildings and the death of Maurice Raleigh had a very depressing effect upon Waterford, which caused the removal of more than half the inhabitants and the suspension of several business interests. After several years of inactivity the prospects of the village were again brightened by the policy of the Raleigh Land and Improvement Company (which had become the owner of the immense Raleigh estate, consisting of thirty thousand acres of land in this and the adjoining counties), whose efforts brought it before the public as a desirable place for suburban residence, and the adjoining country as being specially adapted for fruit-growing. A number of locations have been made, and, in the course of a few years, Waterford will regain some of its former prominence. As a point for the shipment of fruit, it has become widely known. Within a radius of a few miles the following are the principal fruit-growers: John W. Hoag, Alexander Heggan, William O. Bisbee, Edward Battelle, James McDougall, Josiah Albertson, Godfrey Walker, Edward Reed, John Nichols, E.Z. Collings, Christopher Crowley, Pitman Bates and William S. Braddock. Several of these are extensive cranberry-growers, the annual product of Collings’ bog being as high as twenty thousand bushels, necessitating the use of a large storage-house at Waterford.

The first store in the village, not kept by the owners of the glass-works, was on the site of the Stewart mansion, and was carried on by Josiah S. Rice. He sold out to Lewis W. Nepling, who built the store on the opposite side of the railroad, where he is still in trade. John Fornham opened another store in the present Joseph Thompson stand, and a third place was occupied by Abner Gurney, which is no longer continued. The only hotel of note was kept in the Porter mansion, near the Episcopal Church, soon after its erection, in 1858, by a man named Pickett. Here is now kept the Waterford post-office, of which William G. Wilson is the postmaster. The first postmaster was Joseph C. Porter. Four mails per day are supplied. Dr. Joseph A. Stout was one of the first practicing physicians, living near Tansboro’, and was followed by Dr. Risley, of the same place. Dr. John W. Snowden lived in the neighborhood of the Spring Garden tavern (which was the public-house of this section and was kept many years by the Albertson family) and had a good practice. He removed to Hammonton, and Dr. Joseph North was his successor, living for a time in the village.

The population of Waterford the past few years has not been permanent, many of the Raleigh buildings being occupied for a few months only, but approximates two hundred and fifty inhabitants. There are about one hundred buildings, seventy-five belonging to the Land and Improvement Company, whose interests here are in charge of George W. Wurts.

WATERFORD METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. - Soon after the establishment of the glass-works at Waterford the Methodists began holding meetings in the school-house, and were encouraged to form a society by Joseph Porter and others, on account of the influence the meetings had over the workmen. A cordial welcome was extended the itinerant preachers by the Porters, and in due season the nucleus of a congregation was gathered. A division of the Sons of Temperance was also organized, and to accommodate both bodies, it was proposed to erect a two-story building in which their meetings could be held, each in a separate room. Accordingly, Samuel Shreve, Joseph Porter, Joseph C. Porter and Thomas Porter set aside a lot of ground for the purpose of erecting thereon such a building, conveying the same, in trust, to John McCann, Richard A. Winner, Daniel W. Westcott, Micajah Cline, Brazier Wescoat, Arthur Wescoat and Jacob Read, in May, 1848.

Soon after, a two-story frame building was put up, the upper story being fitted up for the use of the temperance society, the lower being the church proper. Both bodies had a flourishing membership as long as the glass-works were carried on, but after they were discontinued most of those belonging removed, leaving so few interested in their future existence that the division suspended its meetings, and in the church occasional services only were held. On 23d of March, 1864, Brazier Wescoat and Arthur Wescoat, the two remaining trustees, conveyed the property to the Methodist Episcopal Church and Division No. 49, Sons of Temperance, where the title still rests. Lewis W. Neipling is one of the few surviving members, and now has the property in charge. Owing to disuse, the house is not in good condition, but the graveyard connected bears evidence of recent attention. Though showing signs of decay, and being no longer the useful factor it was in by-gone days, the old church should not be abandoned, but should be reconsecrated to an era of new usefulness in connection with the rapid development of this part of the township.

THE WATERFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. - The congregation occupying this church was organized April 25, 1866, with the following members: William Robinson, Calcina C. Robinson, Caroline R. Barnard, James McDougal, Eliza McDougal, Alexander Heggan, Mary H. Porter and Edward Battelle. Preparations were at once made to build a house of worship, and, on the 14th of June, 1866, the corner-stone was laid. The edifice is a frame, thirty-two by fifty feet, and has a spire ninety feet high. Its cost, entire, was more than three thousand dollars, and was dedicated January 3, 1867. William Robinson was chosen the first ruling elder, and upon his resignation, James McDougal and Edward Battelle were elected to the same office, serving to the present time.

The Rev. John W. Edmundson became the first pastor in 1867, but continued that relation only one year. In 1868 the Rev. S.C. McElroy became the stated supply and ministered to the congregation more than a year. In 1871 the Rev. E.D. Newberry was the supply, and in 1873 the Rev. James G. Shinn began to serve in the same relation, being the last to preach statedly. Since his connection the pulpit has been filled by numerous ministers, for short periods, but as there are only twenty-four members, it has been impracticable to have a regular pastor. The Sabbath-school, organized about the same time as the congregation, is maintained with unabated interest. It numbers forty-five members.

CHRIST PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. - In 1868 a congregation of this faith was organized at Waterford, George Moody becoming senior warden, and Dr. John W. Snowden, Major R.G. Porter and Jabez Fisher, vestrymen. A lot of land for a church building was donated by William C. Porter about the same time, and with the means secured by Mrs. Elizabeth D., the wife of Major R.G. Porter, the erection of a house of worship was made possible the same year. The services of the church were conducted about a year by a lay reader, but in March, 1870, the Rev. William Stewart removed to this place and became the first rector, the Waterford Church and the church at Hammonton forming a parish. His zealous labors were beginning to be apparent, when he was stricken down by death, in April, 1871, and now lies interred in the cemetery of the church. The devoted Mrs. Porter had preceded him to the spirit world, departing this life February 9, 1871. Two of the most active members being thus taken away and other patrons removing, in consequence of the suspension of business at this place, the church was weakened to such an extent that it has never recovered its former vitality. Having no rector or active organization, it has for some years had a merely nominal existence. In 1886 it was without a vestry and the twelve communicant members remaining had an occasional service by the Rev. William C. Starr. Since 1871, Mrs. C.S. Stewart has faithfully superintended a Sunday-school, which had forty members in 1886. The church building, a fair-sized frame, is kept in good repair, and has a well-kept burial-ground connected.

THE WATERFORD ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH was built, in 1880, by Maurice Raleigh, for the accommodation of his workmen professing the Catholic faith. It is a large frame building, but plain in every respect. The church never had a resident priest, and since the removal of many of the members, services are held at long intervals only, by priests coming from Egg Harbor. The communicants are few in number.

SHANE’S CASTLE, THE FIRST CATHOLIC CHURCH. - About a hundred years ago there stood on the north side of Clark’s Branch of the Egg Harbor River a cabin of cedar logs, squared and framed together so as to make a substantial dwelling. It was covered with cedar bark, so laid as to exclude snow and rain, and the spaces between the logs were so carefully filled with moss and clay that the storms were effectually kept out. It was large enough to form living and sleeping apartments, besides having an attic. The floor was of clay only, and for windows there were mere openings in the logs without glass; but it was made comfortable by huge fire-places in each room, the chimneys being built of sticks on the outside of the cabin. Its site was one mile south of the village of Waterford, and for many years it stood solitary and alone in the grand old forests. No other habitation was within many miles of it. This house, unpretentious as it was, the builders called "Shane’s Castle," a name which it bore as long as one log rested upon another. It was erected by three German brothers, - Sebastian, Ignatius and Xaverius Woos, who had fled from their native country to avoid military conscription, and who thus immured themselves in the wilds to make a home where they might enjoy their freedom unhindered. When they came is not known, but in 1760 they applied to the Council of Proprietors to grant them title to the land upon which their house stood.

After being in this country some years the affianced of Sebastian followed him, having eluded the vigilance of her parents, who had opposed the suit, by taking passage on a ship. She was met at Philadelphia by her lover, who had managed to maintain correspondence with her. After weeks of patient waiting, on account of the uncertain arrival of the vessel, he was made happy by the sight of his loved one, and after paying her passage to prevent her from being sold, as was the custom at that time, they were married by a Catholic priest and began their journey to their new home. What an impression the strange sights through the forests they traveled must have made on the mind of the young wife! Their journey was long and toilsome, the streams being unbridged and the roads tortuous. But, happy in her marriage, the surroundings soon became familiar, and even attractive. She was content with her lot, as cast in the wilds of America, though far from the friends of her old home and isolated from all society except that furnished by her husband and his brothers, and an occasional caller at the cabin. They cleared up a few acres around their home, where they planted vegetables, and worked in the cedar swamps preparing staves for the West India markets. Fish and game were abundant and they did not lack the necessaries of life, though entirely unacquainted with its luxuries.

Ignatius and Xaverius never married, but Sebastian had two daughters, who became young women and married Herman Myrose and Eli Neild. The latter occupied the old castle as long as it was habitable, while the former lived on another part of the property. The older members of these families died in the township, and were buried in a small graveyard on the opposite side of the stream from the castle. This contained some rude stones, which have fallen into decay, and there is but little left to mark the places where these pioneers are buried, and, like the castle itself, they will soon pass into oblivion.

But it is in connection with the holding of Catholic services at Shane’s Castle that the greatest historic interest attaches. About the middle of the last century efforts were made to utilize the bog iron-ore so abundant on the eastern slope of New Jersey, and furnaces were erected at various points. The operatives at these iron-works were generally foreigners, and adherents of the Catholic Church. In visiting them, the priests would pass Shane’s Castle, whose inmates were Catholics, and who extended a hearty welcome to the ministers, urging them to hold services in their house. In this way worship was held many years in Shane’s Castle according to the forms of the Catholic Church, and these meetings were probably the first of that denomination in West Jersey. On such occasions the few people residing in that region were invited to attend the services and hear the gospel preached.

Sparse as were these, their number was occasionally increased by a few natives, who, without understanding a word that was uttered, could see in the deportment of the worshippers the sincerity and reverence that moved them. They only knew that the worship of the "white man’s God" was unlike the silent awe with which they regarded the Great Spirit, which was always about them in the mystery and grandeur of an unknown existence.

"Being above all beings! mighty one!
Whom none can comprehend and none explore;
Who fill’st existence with Thyself alone
Embracing all - supporting- - ruling o’er -
Being whom we call God - and know no more?"

JOEL P. KIRKBRIDE. - Joseph Kirkbride came to Pennsylvania from England in 1681. He was in his minority when he arrived, but soon grew to man’s estate and became a useful citizen. He settled in Bucks County, was a member of the Legislature for several years, and discharged the important duties of magistrate as well. He was a preacher among Friends, and returned to England in 1699 on a religious visit.

He married Sarah, a daughter of Mahlon Stacy, who came to America in the ship "Shield" in 1678. Mahlon settled in Nottingham township, Burlington County, N.J., now part of the county of Mercer. Joseph Kirkbride died in 1737 and left five children - Mahlon, John, Sarah (who married Israel Pemberton), Mary and Jane (who married Samuel Smith, author of the "History of New Jersey").

Israel Pemberton, who married Sarah, was a son of Phineas, who came to Pennsylvania from England in 1682, and became largely interested in the real estate of West New Jersey, and located several surveys in Atlantic County. Mary Kirkbride, whose grandfather and father were also owners of proprietary rights, located a survey of about twelve hundred acres in 1745, and upon which the larger part of the town of Hammonton now stands.

These were of the most influential families in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and in private and public life were so recognized, and from this line came the subject of this sketch. He was born December 24, 1824, and is the son of John and Elizabeth Kirkbride, of Burlington County, N.J. He has combined the avocation of farmer and miller, and, by strict attention to business and fair dealing, has made both successful. In public life he has represented the people of his district in the Legislature, and held the office of revenue assessor fbr the United States government for several years, and clerk of Camden County for one term.

The ages of Joseph Kirkbride and Sarah, his wife, and their children are Joseph, born 1691; Sarah, born 1702 (daughter of Mahlon Stacy and Mary Rogers); Phebe, born 1724, married Joseph Milnor; Hannah, born 1726, married Langhorne Biles; Mary, born 1728, married Samuel Rogers; Joseph, born 1731 (Colonel in Revolution), married Mary Rogers; Elizabeth, born 1734, married Daniel Bunting; Sarah, born 1736 (single).

From the Borden-Hopkinson. family grave-yard, Bordentown, N.J.:
"This stone, inscribed by the hand of friendship, shall commemorate the virtues of Joseph Kirkbride, a native of Pennsylvania, for he was a patriot who zealously served his country in her armies and councils during the Revolution of 1776. He was a citizen who faithfully performed the duties of social life, and he was an honest man, who, in his thoughts, words and actions, illustrated the noblest work of God. He died October 26, 1803, aged seventy-two years."

Phineas Kirkbride came to New Jersey a young man, and was married to a Rogers, and his children were Samuel (who died young), William, Mary, Phineas, John, Margery, Mahlon and Stacy (who were twins), Joseph, Jonathan, Job and Martha. John was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Mary Prickett, who was of the Sharp family. Their children were Stacy P., Jacob P., John R., Mary S., Elizabeth P., Joel P., Martha R. and Charles.

Joel P. Kirkbride was married to Abagail W. Stricker, daughter of Philip and Sarah Stricker, who was the daughter of Amos and Lydia Wilkins, January 31, 1849. Their family are Annie B., married to Jacob C., son of Freedom and Letitia Lippincott; Joel S., married to Emma, daughter of George M. and Sarah Rogers; Lidie J., who is single; Joel S., deceased January, 1885. Joel P. Kirkbride is a Friend, as were his ancestors on both sides. In politics he was a Whig and afterward a Republican. He has been a director in the National State Bank of Camden for nearly twenty years, and closely identified with the Marl and Turnpike Companies. He has always been active in all the industrial enterprises of the county. He gave the land for the station at the railroad, and is to-day one of the most influential and useful citizens of the county.

SOURCE: Page(s) 656-671, History of Camden County, New Jersey, by George R. Prowell, L.J. Richards & Co. 1886
Published 2010 by the Camden County Genealogy Project

The Township of Waterford