New Jersey

Early Settlement of the Hudson River

In the early 17th century, Dutch ships began trading with Native Americans at Manhattan. Adrian Block’s 1613 winter stay marked the beginning of organized colonial ventures, leading to the establishment of New Amsterdam in 1624 after purchasing the island from the Indians for sixty guilders. The West India Company facilitated further settlements, including Fort Orange near Albany and various manors along the Hudson River. Tensions with English settlers grew, culminating in English conquest, leading to New Amsterdam’s eventual transformation into New York.

Vital Records of Bergen New Jersey

Hudson Valley Map Detail c1634

Bergen was the first permanent European settlement in New Jersey, following failed attempts in nearby areas due to conflicts with local tribes. With a history spanning 200 years, the township dissolved in 1862. The records provided in this collection, sourced from editions of the Year Book of the Holland Society of New York, include baptismal records from 1666 to 1692 and marriage records from 1665 to 1788, predominantly featuring Dutch names. These vital records enhance our understanding of Bergen’s early community dynamics.

Personal Names of Indians of New Jersey

This compilation provides approximately 650 personal names of the Lenni-Lenape, illuminating the language and cultural characteristics of New Jersey’s indigenous peoples. The names primarily consist of combinations reflecting their linguistic structure and thought processes. Comparative analyses with names of white inhabitants show similarities in initial letters, revealing intriguing phonetic preferences. The list, largely sourced from New Jersey Archives, aims to assist scholars in understanding the Algonquin language. Additionally, it discusses the complexities of indigenous land deeds, highlighting historical misconceptions regarding inheritance rights.

Biographical Sketch of Warner L. Eddy, M. D.

Dr. Warner L. Eddy, a prominent medical practitioner in Milan, Rock Island County, has successfully served the community for fifteen years. Born on December 17, 1869, in New York, he was educated locally and at Rush Medical College, graduating in 1892. After settling in Milan, he married Alice V. Fellows in 1893, and they had two children. A member of several medical societies, Dr. Eddy is actively involved in his profession and is a devoted member of the Methodist Church in Milan.

Biography of Colonel George Davenport

Colonel George Davenport, born in 1783 in England, was the first permanent settler in present-day Rock Island County, arriving in 1816. A veteran with a notable military career, he served against Native American tribes and fought in the War of 1812. After the war, he transitioned to Indian trading and became a respected figure among local tribes, known as Sag-a-nosh. Davenport’s contributions included acting as postmaster and helping establish the town of Davenport, Iowa. His life ended tragically in 1845 due to a robbery, but his legacy as a humanitarian remains significant.

Biography of Dr. Levi W. Ballard

Dr. Levi W. Ballard was born on December 21, 1815, in New Hampshire. After early education, he taught in New Jersey before studying medicine at Cleveland Medical College, graduating in 1848. Following personal losses, he journeyed to California, engaging in mining before returning to Ohio. He moved to Oregon in 1853, where he practiced medicine and served as a surgeon during the Rogue River War. Settling in Washington Territory, he established the town of Slaughter. Active in community affairs, he remained a prominent figure until his later years.

Biography of Dr. Wilson Bowlby

Dr. Wilson Bowlby, a significant figure in Washington County, was born on July 4, 1818, in New Hampton, New Jersey. After working in New York City and studying medicine, he practiced in Indiana before relocating to Oregon in 1852. A member of Oregon’s first state legislature, he served in various political roles, including as an examining surgeon during the Civil War. Residing in Forest Grove for most of his life, he balanced his medical practice with public service, earning respect and recognition in his community. Dr. Bowlby has three living children and remarried after his first wife’s passing in 1883.

Biography of Hon. Harrison Clothier

Hon. Harrison Clothier, born on July 9, 1840, in Corinth, New York, emigrated to Wisconsin in 1868 and later moved to Minnesota, where he farmed and taught. He entered merchandising in 1872 and eventually settled in Oregon, founding Mt. Vernon in 1877 with partner Edward G. English. A Democrat, Clothier served as auditor and probate judge of Whatcom County, showcasing his popularity by winning nearly all votes in his precinct during elections. He also owns a significant timber tract in Skagit County.

Biography of Hon. Robert C. Hill

Hon. Robert C. Hill was born on September 14, 1829, in Hatboro, Pennsylvania. He moved to Philadelphia for education and began a career in wholesale dry goods before relocating to the Pacific. After establishing a lumber yard in San Francisco and engaging in mining, he settled on Whidby Island in 1853. Hill played significant roles in public service, including clerk of the U.S. district court and auditor of Island County. He later co-established the First National Bank in Port Townsend and prioritized public good in his political pursuits. Hill married Elizabeth Philipps and had three children.