Victory
Parade
indexes
DAILY TRUE AMERICAN
INDEX TO THE YEAR 1859
ANNUAL CHRONOLOGICAL EVENTS
IN TRENTON
Compiled by the Reporter
of the True American
JANUARY
1st After a cold disagreeable storm, the New Year opened with clear weather. The day passed off pleasantly, the citizens joining in the usual celebrations and courtesies of the season. The Sons of Malta distributed 1,000 loaves of bread to the poor.
2nd The religious discourses in several Churches were directed to the improvement of the New Year.
3rd A meeting took place in the evening at the First Presbyterian Church in favor of the Home for Friendless Children. Mr. Winner’s barn burned.
5th Common Council’s annual dinner at Trenton House. Ann P., wife of William Whitehead, died, aged 47. Joseph Ashmore died, aged 77. A new military company organized at Temperance Hall.
6th Grand Jury of the county found 26 bills of indictment.
9th Sydney S. Townshend died, aged 33.
10th William Bradford died, aged 82 years. Thermometer stood 4 degrees below zero.
11th Legislature assembled. Charles F., son of Charles Betchtel, aged two years. Charles Smith (colored) tried for the murder of Joseph Dowers; found guilty of murder in the second degree, and sentenced to the State Prison for twenty years. Deborah M., wife of James Whitaker, died, aged 28.
12th Ann B., wife of Edward Dolton, died. Grand Lodge of Masons met.
13th Sarah, wife of M. R. Hough, died, aged 31.
16th Mary, wife of James Gaffney, died, aged 36.
17th Lewis P. Higbee died, aged 51.
18th New Jersey State Agricultural Society met.
19th Room of the Sons of Malta thrown open for public inspection.
20th New Jersey Historical Society met. State Military Convention assembled. Mr. William Costner knocked down in the street by careless driving.
21st A. O. Zabriskie nominated by Governor Newell for Chancellor and rejected.
25th Newark Battalion visited the city. Concert held at Temperance Hall for the benefit of the Widow’s Home, and very largely attended. State Medical Society met.
26th New Jersey State Temperance Convention met. Grand Division of Sons of Temperance met. Asa Whitehead nominated for Chancellor and rejected.
27th A. O. Zabriski again nominated for Chancellor, and again rejected.
29th John Galager died, aged 54 years. William McKee died, aged 74 years. John P. Stryker died, aged 43.
31st Building of a new house of worship commenced at the head of town. Number of arrests for the month, 86.
FEBRUARY
1st Governor nominated Gen. Cook for Major General in place of Gen. Miller; and William M. Force for Trustee of State Normal School.
2nd Roswell, son of Matthew Lumley, died, aged 16.
3rd William Costner, who was knocked down by a horse and wagon on the 20th of January, died aged 78.
5th Public School in Market street, Third Ward, was opened with interesting ceremonies. William P. Coles, formerly of Trenton, died at Allentown, Pa.
7th John B. Vandoren died, aged 65. Sarah Ann, wife of John Swem, died, aged 24.
9th Ten persons arrested and fined for fast driving.
10th Editorial Convention assembled in this city. Home for Friendless Children formally opened. Governor Newell again nominated Asa Whitehead for Chancellor. Rebecca S. Cowell died, aged 8 years.
14th Adeline Cunningham died, aged 48. Albert Diamond died, aged 28.
15th Catherine Hageman died, aged 17. Mrs. Mary Street died, aged 82.
16th Jesse E. Bodine established the “Accommodation Express” between Trenton and Philadelphia, he being Director, President, sole stock holder, general agent, &c., &c.
17th The Senate confirmed the nomination of William S. Clawson and John Vandyke, as Judges of the Supreme Court, and William N. Wood as Judge of the Court of Errors.
18th A poet apostrophizes the members of the Legislature without any visible effect.
19th Mrs. Rachel Barwis died, aged 75.
20th Joseph Saxton died, aged 24.
22nd WASHINGTON’S birthday. The usual celebrations; military paraded the streets, &c. Aaron S. Pennington nominated for Chancellor. Nancy Wylie died, aged 22.
23rd Members of Legislature went a gallivanting to New York.
25th Rev. Edward D. Yeomans installed as pastor of the Fourth Presbyterian Church.
28th Number of arrests for the month, 67.
MARCH
1st Young Men’s Christian Association adopted a new Constitution.
2nd Gen. Joel Parker delivers his lecture on the history of New Jersey. Sons of Malta had a night procession----great sensation and much curiosity to identify certain queer looking individuals.
3rd Rev. Dr. Carnahan, President of Princeton College, died at Princeton, aged 84. Catherine, daughter of Samuel T. Emley, died.
4th Court of Chancery died.
5th Eliza Ann, wife of Lewis C. Pullen, died, aged 34.
6th Rev. Mr. Cline preached to a number of fire companies, who were present in a body at the Front street M. E. Church. Rev. E. D. Yeomans preached his inaugural sermon.
7th The Registry bill was defeated in the House of Assembly.
8th Thomas C. Gibson died, aged 32.
9th Home for Friendless Children received a donation of $100 from Joseph Tyrrell.
11th Governor Newell and members of the Legislature left for another expedition to Easton, and thence by Central Railroad to Elizabeth.
14th New Jersey Monument Association revived. Wilson Coleman met with sudden death by falling into a cellar under the City Hall, aged 60.
15th Thomas McKenny died, aged 28. John, son of Edward Dillon, died, aged 4 years. Mrs. Catherine M. Haven died.
17th Joint Meeting of the Legislature held; John C. Ten Eyck elected U. S. Senator; every hotel in the city crowded with strangers. Arthur Mullin died, aged 35. Jackson Guards paraded in honor of St. Patrick’s day.
20th William H. Birdsall died, aged 53.
21st Ann Freeman died, aged 66. Henry Vancleve, of Lawrenceville, died, aged 72.
22nd Gen. Harrington, of New York, lectured at Temperance Hall, for the benefit of the Jackson Guards.
23rd Legislature adjourned sine die.
28th Andrew Gorman died. Mrs. Ellen Ann Seeds died, aged 59. A stranger drowned in the Feeder.
29th George W. Cross died, aged 4 years.
30th Miss Jane E. Cotton died. Ex-Governor Stratton died, aged 63.
31st Number of arrests for the month, 60. James Thropp died, aged 82.
APRIL
1st Moving day----domestic affairs turned topsy turvey.
4th Common Council met and granted twenty-eight tavern licenses.
6th City Convention met and nominated officers for the city government.
8th Sarah Fish, wife of Nathan Fish, died, aged 73.
9th City election; the usual excitement; election passed off quietly; F. S. Mills elected Mayor, G. Cogill, Recorder; J. M. Clark, Treasurer; John Bennett, Marshall; John G. Stout, Overseer of the Poor; A. R. Harris, Superintendent of Public Schools; Charles Biles and A. Rowley Freeholders, &c.
14th Dr. Thomas J. Corson appointed physician of State Prison. Moses Hughes died, aged 30.
15th New city officers sworn in.
16th Mary Catherine Zehner died, aged 81.
19th A man found drowned in the Feeder----not identified.
20th Miss Keziah L. Drain died. James N. Van Antwerp, chief clerk of the Locomotive Works died, aged 53.
23rd James S. Harden brought to this city from Wheeling, Va. in custody of officers of that place and George L. Dean, on their way to Belvidere.
25th Timothy J. I. Doyle died, aged 19. Firemen’s parade to receive the hose carriage of the America Hose Company. Frank Wilson, a boy 10 years of age, drowned in the Delaware.
27th Common Council left for Brooklyn to join in the grand celebration of the introduction of water into that city. Bishop George Washington Doane, D. D., L. L. D., died, aged 60 years.
28th Grand Jury of Mercer County presented 29 bills of indictment. Union Fire Company returned from a trip to Rahway, Brooklyn, and New York.
30th A delightful day. Number of arrests for the month, 42.
MAY
2nd The young people celebrate May day with the usual sports.
3rd Mrs. A. I. Fish, wife of Asa Fish, died. Mary L. Imley died, aged 49.
4th Patent roofing establishment of Geo. Sandt, in Warren street, destroyed by fire. Disturbance between the Chief Engineer and a fire company, in consequence of insubordination.
5th Edward Schooley died, aged 32.
6th Charles Frederick Klaus died, aged 35.
7th Decision of the Mayor on the complaint against the Chief Engineer published, dismissing the case.
8th A colored girl named Elizabeth Ann Ayres committed suicide by drinking a quantity of laudanum.
10th Joseph Kane died, aged 19.
11th Newly elected members of the Board of Freeholders organized and elected James C. Norris County Collector. Sarah, daughter of J. M. Hough died. Rebecca, wife of James B. Coppuck, died.
12th Mrs. Ryal died, aged 91.
13th Fannie M., daughter of Thomas F. Bonnell, died.
14th Shad fisheries doing a fine business.
16th Public School, formerly held in the old Methodist Church, corner of Academy and Greene streets, removed to Temperance Hall.
17th William Marseilles died, aged 71. Joseph Astle died, aged 31.
19th Rev. Mr. Duane instituted into the Rectorship of St. Michael’s Church.
18th John Ashmore, son of Capt. Thomas Ashmore, drowned, aged 29.
22nd Mrs. Catherine Colston died, aged 54.
23rd Masons and brickmakers laborers on a strike. Mary E., daughter of Ezekiel Pullen, died, aged 18.
24th Joseph C. Potts’ letter on the Gubernatorial question appears. Dr. Harl’s history of the Presbyterian Church in Trenton issued and for sale in this city.
25th Proceedings of the Protestant Episcopal Convention at Burlington reported in the TRUE AMERICAN.
27th Pamelia, wife of John Crossley, died, aged 71. The report of the closing proceedings of the Episcopal Convention published; Mr. Odenheimer elected on the thirteenth ballot.
28th Frame house at the corner of Warren and Mill streets, occupied by Budd S. Bodine and William Smith, burned to the ground.
31st Mercer County Bible Society held its annual meeting. Number of arrests for the month, 33.
JUNE
1st The old Methodist Church, corner of Academy and Green streets, demolished. Charlotte V. McIntosh died, aged 15. Subscription books of the new Delaware Bridge opened. Republican State Convention called.
2nd James Douglass drowned in the Feeder.
4th Anthony Kohrn, a German, aged about 50 year, drowned in the basin of the Trenton Locomotive Works.
8th Peter Cornell had his right arm crushed in the machinery at Wilson’s woolen factory.
9th Mercer County Sabbath School Convention met. Cold enough to make overcoats comfortable, if not necessary. Ground broken for the new State street Church.
11th William Sawyer died, aged 72. John Saxton, an employee at Wilson’s factory, badly scalded.
13th Scott Life Guards visit Trenton, and entertained by the citizens.
14th Firemen’s parade to receive the Harmony engine, which had been undergoing repairs.
16th Mary Catherine Herting died, aged 33.
18th Anna M. Brandt drowned in the Water Power, aged 12 years. City Marshal issued his edict against the canine species. Thomas Flanigan died, aged 50.
20th A German, about 33 years of age, named Michael Byringer, killed on the railroad about 3 miles below the city.
21st Christopher Wollfinger fell down the cellar way of his residence and killed.
22nd The old Trenton and Lamberton Baptist Church edifice demolished to make room for a new building, since erected.
23rd Democratic State Convention called.
26th Mrs. Margaret Hayes died, aged 64. Mrs. Hannah Marie Hance, wife of Dr. Hance, died, aged 39.
29th Hottest day of the season; outdoor workmen compelled to abandon their labor.
30th Number of arrests for the month, 73.
JULY
1st Our streets enlivened by the exhibition of the self-propelling steam fire engine, manufactured by Lee & Larned, New York.
3rd Neptune Library Company, of Wilmington, Delaware, arrived here on a visit to the Harmony Engine Company.
4th Celebration of the anniversary. Rev. John Hall, D. D., delivered an oration before the New Jersey Cincinnati at the Front street M. E. Church. Cincinnati dined at Trenton House. The Harmony Fire Company, accompanied by their guests from Wilmington, had a parade. The Jackson Guards did the honors of the escort to the Cincinnati. Capt. Joseph A. Yard acted as Marshal. A gala day among the citizens; the usual pyrotechnic display, &c., &c.
6th Military Commissioners met to revise the military laws of the State.
7th Fire broke out in S. K. Wilson’s woolen factory; but extinguished without much damage.
12th Theodore Howell died, aged 41. William Horrock died, aged 43. Thermometer stood at 93 degrees.
13th First meeting of the stockholders of the new City Bridge held. Thermometer stood at 96 degrees.
14th The Doctors absent on a picnic; the town very healthy.
15th Mrs. Rachel Staats died, aged 60.
16th Teachers of Public Schools presented a handsome silver pitcher to William S. Yard, the Superintendent.
17th Matilda Hankins died, aged 53. Catherine Elizabeth, wife of Daniel Clark, died, aged 64.
18th A son of George Mitchell, aged 8 years, was drowned. Mr. James F. Rusling announced as one of the editors of the Gazette and Republican.
19th Grand exhibition of the children connected with the St. John the Baptist school.
21st Corner stone of the State street M. E. Church laid.
22nd Mary R., wife of George M. Cogill, died, aged 30.
23rd A fire broke out in the house of Patrick Grey; not much damage.
26th A man named McCormick found dead in the county prison. City Clerk reports the number of marriages in the city for the year ending June 1, 193; births, 562; deaths, 272. Messrs. Phelan and Bird, the celebrated billiard players, played in the evening at Mr. Wright’s room.
28th Corner stone of the First Baptist edifice (formerly Trenton and Lamberton) was laid.
29th Jacob S. Yard was killed by the falling of a stone wall in Mercer street. Mr. Yard was an esteemed citizen, and had only reached his forty-first year. Barn in Clinton street, near the Cemetery, burned. Number of arrests for the month, 76.
AUGUST
1st Funeral of Jacob S. Yard took place, and was very largely attended; among the followers being the Good Will Fire Company, Trustees of the Public Schools, Temperance Societies and Loan Association. Trenton Rifles and German Turners paraded our streets and had a picnic at Moses woods. Contract for addition to County Clerk’s office awarded to Samuel Kerr.
2nd The death of Rev. James W. Alexander, D. D., announced.
4th Zeriack Loveless died, aged 70.
9th Abner Hooper died, aged 82.
10th Paper mill of Megargee & Brother, on the Water Power, in the Fourth Ward, burned down.
14th Re-opening of the Front street Church, after important improvements, with appropriate religious ceremonies. William Cornish died, aged 13.
15th A steam fire engine from New York exhibited in Trenton.
17th American Normal School Convention met in Trenton. Death of Hon. Littleton Kirkpatrick announced.
22nd Trenton Beneficial Society have a grand picnic in Moses’ woods.
24th Democratic State Convention held. E. R. V. Wright nominated for Governor. Convention very largely attended.
24th Mrs. Catherine Klein, wife of John F. Klein, died while attending the funeral ceremonies of Samuel Phillips, deceased.
26th Officer Briest found a baby, without an owner.
29th Peter Gale died, aged 30.
30th The election for directors and officers of the Trenton City bridge took place; Dr. J. L. Taylor elected President. Number of arrests for the month, 83.
SEPTEMBER
1st Agnes, wife of William Holt, died, aged 31. American State Convention held at Camden, and Peter I. Clark nominated for Governor.
2nd Elizabeth Wilson died. George Kurts died, aged 31. Sarah Elizabeth Updike died, aged 18.
3rd Arrest of Washington D. Eveland, a counterfeiter , who succeeded in passing about $10 on different citizens.
7th American and Opposition (Republican) State Conventions held, and Charles S. Olden nominated for Governor. Thomas Grinslade died, aged 3?. The annual convocation of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of New Jersey took place.
8th Good Will Fire Company made an excursion to Camden. Mrs. Mary Mount, wife of John Mount, died, aged 44.
10th Fire broke out in a stable in the rear of the residence of John A. Hutchinson; the stable completely destroyed. The Good Will Fire Company returned from Camden, and received by the America Hose. New Lutheran Evangelical Church dedicated.
11th Henry H. Bottom died, aged 45.
12th Henry English died, aged 33.
13th A disconsolate damsel attempted, during a love fit, to drown her passion and herself in the Feeder, near the waste weir bridge; rescued by gallant young men.
14th Workmen commenced laying the foundation of the Fourth Presbyterian Church.
16th A son of George Callahan, aged 8 years, drowned in the Feeder.
18th A tremendous wind and rain storm; thirty-nine trees blown down in the city. Elizabeth, wife of Henry Parker, died, aged 41.
19th The Jackson Guards had a grand picnic at Moses woods. Jonathan K. Alberston died, aged 58. Mr. Davis, proprietor of the Mercer County Hotel, fell from his buggy and had his ribs broken. Mr. James F. Rusling retired from the Gazette and Republican. Work on the city bridge commenced.
20th Canvass for Governor going on briskly; meetings being held nightly.
22nd Daniel McLea died, aged 20. Nancy, wife of Humphrey Fagin, died, aged 70.
23rd Grand Jury of the county presented 48 bills of indictment; also, presented the jail as a nuisance. Sarah Brister died, aged 67.
25th Five boys arrested for stealing apples and locked up in the county jail.
27th Charles Weldon died, aged 42. Foot race came off today between Pittsburgh boy, named Davis, and John Thomas, of Newark, the former winning in a close race. John Casey, a convict in the State Prison, hung himself in his cell.
29th Lynn Fire Company visited the city, and were received by the Fire Department, and entertained by the Trenton Hose; a handsome procession paraded the streets; grand dinner at the American Hotel; and grand ball at Temperance Hall in the evening.
30th George W. Brandt, son of Richard Brandt, died. Lynn Company took their departure for Philadelphia. Number of arrests for the month, 41.
OCTOBER
1st Rev. Mr. Goodwin, Rector of Trinity Church, resigned, for the purpose of removing to California.
3rd Camp meeting commenced in the Greene street Church, and continuing during the week; the meetings were densely crowded.
4th Olden Farm House dedicated for the holding of political meetings by the Opposition, in Warren street, near American Hotel: It is an unsightly building.
5th Empire Fire Association, of Lynn Massachusetts, passed through the city en route for home. Salutations were exchanged at the depot them and our Trenton Hose Company.
7th St. Michael’s Church resolve to build a chapel for Sunday Schools.
8th We are now enjoying very fine weather. The Opposition County Convention met at Princessville. Col. Cook nominated for Senator on the thirteenth ballot; his competitors were Martin Voorhees and Robert C. Hutchinson. A fire broke out at Fisher & Norris’s anvil factory; in that part where Kerosene oil is manufactured; damage trifling.
10th Council resolved to erect a new house for the America Hose Company.
13th Democratic County Convention held in Trenton. Major Napton nominated for State Senator. Second Assembly District Democratic Convention met and nominated Harper Crozer for Assembly.
15th Rev. Lyman Wright resigned his pastoral relation with the Central Baptist Church. Corner stone of the Fourth Presbyterian Church laid with appropriate ceremonies. Address by the pastor, Rev. E. D. Yeomans.
17th Page & Lanning’s planing and sawing establishment burned to the ground; also saw mill of Grant & Whitaker; less, $12,000; fifty hands thrown out of employment. John W. Neal nominated by the Americans for the Assembly.
18th Robert Aiken nominated for the Assembly by the Opposition Convention.
19th Grand Democratic ratification meeting held in front of Kay’s Hotel.
21st Rev. Samuel Clements returned from a visit to Europe.
24th The Eagle engine arrived from Philadelphia, on which occasion there was a parade of firemen; a presentation of a beautiful banner by the ladies. Elizabeth Grant, wife of William G. Cook, died. Elizabeth Worthley died, aged 52. Daniel Wilson announces himself as a candidate for Assembly.
26th Rev. Messrs Dill & Wilson, Irish delegates, addressed a religious meeting at Dr. Harl’s Church. Helen R., wife of James R. Aitken, died, aged 26. The first snow of the season fell today.
27th A fire broke out in that part of Fisher & Norris’s anvil factory used for the manufacture of Kerosene oil; damage, $500. Capt. Thomas Ashmore of this city drowned at New Brunswick, aged 64.
28th Politics is waxing warm, and politicians are beginning to boil over. Rev. Jacob Kirkpatrick, formerly pastor of the Third Presbyterian Church, died at Ringoes.
29th Dennis Lane’s child fell into the water near Cheverie’s mill; it was rescued, although badly hurt by the wheel.
30th Elizabeth Justice, wife of R. C. Belville, died. Sarah Hall died, aged 20.
31st Number of arrests for the month, 68. Trenton Rifles paraded.
NOVEMBER
2nd Margaret, wife of John Brown, died, aged 64. Mary, wife of John H. Willis, died, aged 45.
3rd Nothing seems to be doing but political canvassing.
4th Both parties expect to elect their candidates.
5th Meetings are held this evening in almost every township in the county.
6th Even Sunday is not entirely free from the canvassing of politicians.
7th Both parties announce their prospects as cheering. Gov. Newell has just made a prophecy, that Mr. Olden will be elected by 3,000 majority.
8th The election day. Olden elected Governor by 1,600 majority; Cook,(Opposition,) elected to the Senate from Mercer County; Crozer, (Democrat,) elected to the Assembly from Trenton. Mrs. Margaret S. Cline, wife of Rev. Philip Cline, died. Sarah A. E., wife of Joseph B. Yard, died, aged 39.
9th The politicians are gathering up the payments and making resolutions to reform their drinking habits. An effort made to count out Major Applegate, elected to the Assembly from the 3rd district. Some excitement.
10th The death of Richard P. Thompson is announced.
12th Official vote of Mercer county published; Democrats quite jubilant over a majority in both houses of the Legislature; Opposition chop fallen.
14th Jonathan S. Fish elected Chief Engineer of the Fire Department. John S. Whitley died, aged 49. Peter Ulrick died, aged 82.
15th Government House in Trenton has been sold, and is to be converted into a first class hotel. Rev. G. R. Darrah invited to the pastorate of the Central Baptist Church.
16th State Sabbath School Convention met, and was well attended; great interest manifested in the cause; very influential Convention. The work for the tunnelling of the canal, and laying of a new railroad track commenced.
17th Papers report largely of the proceedings of the Sabbath School Convention.
20th Henry M. Lewis purchased machinery and fixtures of Harding’s paper mill.
21st Hannah, wife of Samuel L. S. Stull, died, aged 23. Bishop Bayley lectured for the poor.
22nd First lecture of the season by “Ike Marvel.”
23rd A young man named Jonathan Shaver, a boatman, was drowned in the Feeder. Henry Parker died, aged 49. Father Mackin leaves for the South.
24th Thanksgiving day; services in the churches; love feast of all the Methodist people in the evening, at the Green street Church; 34 persons confirmed at St. Michael’s Church.
26th A Mrs. Fletcher and an infant child were knocked into the canal by a train of cars on the road, near this city; both recovered.
27th Douglas M. Heald died, aged 22.
29th State Canvassers met and declared the official vote for Governor; Olden received 53,315; Wright, 51,714. Olden’s majority, 1,601.
30th The rafting business is quite brisk; about 100 rafts have already come down. Number of arrests for the month, 48.
DECEMBER
1st The weather very fine; out door operations going on briskly.
2nd “Old Brown’s” remains passed through Trenton in the Owl line. John G. Stevens appointed Deputy Quarter Master General, and Stephen B. Smith Deputy Adjutant General.
3rd Five “wharf rats” arrested and put through at the Mayor’s office.
4th A prisoner, who had five months to serve, escaped from the New Jersey Prison, and was re-captured about thirty miles from Trenton.
6th Members of the Union Fire Company organized a target company. A child of Oliver H. Knowles burned so that it died during the day.
8th Death of Rev. Samuel L. Southard, formerly of Trenton, is announced.
9th Mayor, Councilmen and city physicians make an official visit to the Poor House. The Steward, Mr. Morris, gave them an excellent dinner. Col. Cook defined his position on sundry questions. Catherine Clatlen, widow of Ebenezer Clatlen, died, aged 68.
12th Dr. Wiley gave a capital lecture on “Our Country.” Weather very cold; skaters on the pond. Thomas D. Gordon died, aged 42. Common Council passed resolutions against fanaticism, and in favor of the Union.
15th Public meeting called to consider application for a new city charter.
16th Child burned to death at Ruslingville, having been left alone in the house.
17th Proposals are advertised for by the City Delaware Bridge Company. Catherine Davy died, aged 59. Fire broke out in a freight car at the depot; damage small. In returning from the fire the Eagle company was assaulted by stones thrown by boys, who were subsequently arrested and held to answer. Meeting held in the evening relative to a new city charter; Charles Skelton, Mercer Beasley, Barker Gummere, Charles Parker and David Naar appointed to a committee. Sudden death of Professor Hope of Princeton occurred.
18th Margaret, widow of late John Cornell, died, aged 70.
20th The American and Morse telegraph offices in this city are united. Mr. Wright appointed operator.
22nd Amelia S. Havemeyer, wife of Rev. A. T. Geissenhainer, died suddenly.
24th The Mission Schools have a Christmas entertainment. Prisoners in State Prison treated to a Christmas dinner. William Briest, Jr, son of William Briest, died, aged 9 years.
25th Christmas discourses in our churches appropriate to the day.
26th Jackson Guards paraded; general observance of the day as a holiday; great number of boys skating on the Assanpink; a boy named Daniel Grady, about 12 years of age, drowned. Presentation of $200, by outsiders, to Rev. Mr. Batcholder.
27th Concert for the benefit of Home for Friendless Children; densely crowded.
28th President’s message published in Trenton papers. Death of Judge Nevius, late Supreme Court Judge, occurred at Jersey City.
29th Joseph B. Wolcott died, aged 67. Sunday School celebration at Second and Third Presbyterian Churches, and at Presbyterian Chapel, Warren street. Snow fell to the depth of three inches.
30th Merry jingle of sleigh bells; reporter gets a ride----gets jubilant and writes about it.
31st We have reached the close of the year 1859. Although sometimes he showed signs of excitement, and especially amused himself in stirring up members of Congress and politicians, to the country generally his reign has been one of peace. Large numbers of people assembled at the Front street Church, and Warren street Church, to give the old year a decent religious burial. Number of arrests for the month, 50.
Whole number of arrests at the Mayor’s office for the year---January, 86; February, 67; March, 60; April, 42; May, 33; June, 73; July, 76; August, 83; September, 41; October, 68; November, 48; December, 50; Total, 727.
TRENTON IMPROVEMENTS
IN 1859
The following is believed to be a nearly correct list of the buildings and improvements erected in the city of Trenton in the year 1859, also their location, the names of the owners, the material of which they are principally constructed, the uses for which they are designed, and in most cases the names of the builders, and the cost in round numbers of each one respectively.
FIRST WARD
On the corner of State and Stockton streets, a stone Church edifice for the State street Methodist Episcopal congregation; C. Graham, architect, William Johnson, mason, E. W. Page & Co., and Preston Graham, carpenters---Cost, $18,000
South side of State street, between Montgomery and Stockton streets, Frederick Wilkinson has had erected a three story brick dwelling house, with two story brick dining room and kitchen in the rear; David S. Anderson and Bennett & Carlisle, builders, C. Graham, architect---Cost, $9,000
On the corner of State and Clinton streets, a stone church edifice is being erected for the 4th Presbyterian congregation, C. Graham, architect, Samuel T. Forman and William R. & F. Titus, the builders---Cost, $20,000
On Carroll street near Perry, Jonathan Steward has had two small brick houses put up at the cost of $600 each. $1,200
The Porcelain Works of Rhodes & Co., on Carroll street near Perry have been enlarged by the addition of new brick buildings and two additional kilns at an expense of about $5,300
Mr. Lewis Perrine has built a small frame house on his land east of Mr. Hargous at a cost of about $450
Mr. E. C. Hunt, two three story brick dwellings on the north side of Washington street, between Greene and Warren streets, costing $750 each, $1,500
Mr. Barton, on the same street, near Greene, has put up three brick dwellings, three stories high, costing about $750 each, $2,250
Wm. Grant, a brick store house near the Trenton Basin and north of the Tremont House, costing $1,900
The Merchants Transportation company, additions to their store houses at the Trenton Basin, at an expense of some $300
D. C. Mount, an addition to his property in State street, adjoining the Mansion House,
$250
Peter Katzenbach, an additional story on a portion of his hotel, the “Trenton House,” at a cost of about $950
James C. Manning, adjoining the above, has had put up a two story brick building in the rear of his store, costing about $1,900
The Green street Methodist Church, an improvement to their Church property on Green street, consisting of an iron fence, &c., costing about $400
________________
$64,300
SECOND WARD
William Hancock, a three story brick house on the north side of Front street, near Warren; Bennett & Carlisle and John Kane builders---cost, $2,000
Mahlon Craft, a three story brick dwelling on the south side of Front street, opposite H. M. Lewis’ paper mill. $1,300
Also an addition to his shop, sheds, &c., on the same property. $400
Wm. Boswell has had two small two story brick dwellings put up on New street, near Washington, costing about $700 each. $1,400
The Greene street Methodist Church have had a Chapel built on the west side of Warren street, near Pennington street, costing $800
On the north side of the Belvidere Railroad, and west of Willow street, four two story frame dwellings have been erected, by whom owned or built we could not ascertain, worth about $2,000
or $500 each.
On the south side of Spring street, west of Willow, a neat two story frame house,
$800
On the south side of Quarry street, near Willow, a small two story brick dwelling, costing about $500
John A. Hutchinson & Sons, a three story brick store house, including an office, &c., on the south bank of the water power, and adjoining the bow factory, costing about
$2,500
John Grant has had erected, between State and Quarry streets, near his stone yard, a stone carriage house and stable, costing about $700
J. V. D. Joline has enlarged the American Hotel by a three story brick addition in rear, some 30 feet square, which, together with a frame building adjoining the same, makes his improvement to cost about $2,400
The State street (late the Government House,) has also been enlarged by a three story brick addition 30 feet square, which, together with other improvements on the property, has cost $2,500
H. M. Lewis has improved his property on the south side of State street (formerly the Jenkins property,) by the erection of a substantial iron fence, and a model of its kind, costing $130
The Front street Methodist Church has been improved and slightly enlarged by an expenditure of about $1,000
________________
$78,750
THIRD WARD
The congregation of the Trenton and Lamberton Baptist Church have had erected by Wm. Johnson, carpenter, and S. T. Forman, mason, a meeting house for worship, corner of Centre and Bridge streets, costing some $15,000
Felix Maguire has had two three story brick houses built on the westerly side of Broad street, near the Assanpink creek; John Kane and Bennett & Carlisle builders, at a cost of $1,100 each $2,200
James Redmon and F. S. Mills, a three story brick house, with three story dining room and kitchen in rear, situate on the west side of Broad, nearly opposite Livingston street; Morris Mathews carpenter, and S. T. Forman, mason, costing about $2,600
Caleb S. Green, two brick dwellings in Clay street, two stories high, about $850 each
$1,700
John Conover, a two story brick house in Clay street, near Lewis street, costing
$1,100
Mr. Kelly, of the firm of Grant & Kelly, has had two three story brick houses erected on the west side of Jackson street, between Market and Taylor streets, Mr. Matthews builder, and cost $1,600 each $3,200
On the east side of Centre st., next to the public school house, Morris Mathews has erected a two story brick house, similar to that adjoining his present dwelling, costing about $1,300
On the same st., and nearly opposite St. Pauls Episcopal Church, George Streble has had erected a two story brick dwelling for his own use costing about
$1,100
Jacob Gilbert is now having built by Levy & Walter, carpenters, two frame dwellings two stories high, on the east side of Lamberton st., south of Bridge st., the two costing
$850
Nicholas Hatter has had built, by the same builders, two small frame dwellings on the east side of Disputed Ally, between Second and Center sts.,
$600
William Bailey, a two and a half story frame house, west side of Second st., below Bridge st., John Kane builder---cost, $570
George James has made additions and improvements to his two brick houses on the west side of Jackson st., near his old lime kilns, at an expense of $850
Grant & Kelly have erected on their lumber yard near the State Prison, a two story brick building to be used for the purpose of steam*** *** ing, sawing and turning mill, costing ***
The same parties have *** *** their office building *** ***
On the west *** of Second st. *** *** some *** name unknown, has ***
small brick kitchen in the rear ***
two stories high, at a cost of some ***
On the west side of Second st., near ***
Whitaker, a small frame house, ***
Mr. John Whitaker has also improved *** cer County Hotel property, and by *** *** a new carriage house and stable on *** *** adjoining the above, has expended abou** ***
Charles Harley & Eden Cuberly have *** *** small frame dwelling house, near Grant *** *** lumber yard, for Mr. O. Neill, costing about ***
D.S. Anderson and Bennett & Carlile *** *** story brick building on the State Prison g*** for A. Bariolo, costing ***
On the east side of Mercer st., south of Market st., Wm. Johnson and Alexander Reed, have made an addition to their houses, cost about $550 each,
$1,100
Job M. Bennett and Samuel Kerr have put up an addition to the Mercer County Clerk’s office costing about $2,000
Samuel K. Wilson has made an extensive addition to his factory, by the erection of a five story brick building on Factory st., extending to Moore’s mills, and on the Assanpink side a frame dye house---Robert Aitken carpenter and Bennett & Carlisle and Wm. F. Pitcher mason---cost, $10,000
O. H. Bond has converted the building formerly used as a store by Bond & Wilson, into a dwelling, and by the erection of kitchen in the rear has expended in improvements,
$1,200
H. McCall has improved the paper mill on Green st., by the erection of two new water wheels---Mahlon Craft the builder, and costing about $1,800
___________________
$52,340
FOURTH WARD
H. M. Lewis has built on the branch water power near the foot of Mill st., a brick mill for the manufactory of paper which, together with the machinery attached to the freehold, costs about $3,500
John Drummond, a three story brick house on the west side of Warren st., above Mill st.,---John Kane builder---cost, $2,000
A two story house between the branch water power and Delaware river near James Hammel’s shop, costing about $600
Rev. A. D. White, an addition to his home in Warren near Mill st.,---costing
$480
Andrew Dutcher, adjoining the above, has expended on his property in restoring it from its partial destruction by fire, $350
The Saxony mill (near the Rolling mill,) has been enlarged at an expense of
$1,000
The Delaware Fire Engine house enlarged and improved by a three story, and bell tower, costing $1,000
Mr. Spracklen has enlarged his property on the east side of Warren between Bridge and Fall sts., by the erection of a two story brick building in the rear, and fitting up the front, as a handsome store, costing about $1,900
Ex-Mayor Wood has greatly improved his residence, formerly the Redmond property west side of Warren st., by the erection of a substantial brick wall and fence around his extensive grounds, and repairs to the mansion, at an expense, he tells me of about $4,900
Mr. Wood has also converted the large building south west corner of Warren and Ferry st., formerly used as a store house, into a number of comfortable dwellings, expending thereon $2,000
________________
$17,330
FIFTH WARD
Benjamin Reed and Joseph McPherson have erected on the east side of Greene street, corner of Academy street, a three story building for the purposes of a wholesale grocery store, built of brick, by S. T. Forman, E. W. Page & Co., and Joseph Martinett, costing
$7,000
On the north side of Perry, east of Greene street, D. S. Anderson and Wm. F. Pitcher have erected, for the use of the congregation of Saint Michael’s church, a two story brick chapel or school room, for $2,300
On the west side of Montgomery, near Academy street, Rev. Mr. Geissenhainer has had erected by H. C. Scott and Samuel Mulford a neat building of brick for the use of the Sunday school and chapel services of Christ’s church, (Lutheran,) costing
$1,600
Nearly opposite the above, Reed & Cook have put up a three story frame building for the use of America Hose company, costing $655
Joseph Bond and Myers and May have each made additions to their residences in the upper part of the Fifth Ward, averaging about $300 each, $900
Mr. Young’s porcelain knob factory has been enlarged, at an expense of about
$350
In Bond street, Joseph Martinett has put up for Francis Conglen a small frame dwelling for $300
On the southerly side of Feeder street and east of Montgomery, two small frame tenements have been put up (by whom we don’t know) and worth about
$500
On the easterly side of the canal and north of Perry street, Phillip Freidman has put up a new frame house two stories high, and made an addition to a house adjoining it at an expense of $800
In the same locality on Behm street, Martin Weisman has built himself a small dwelling, costing about $350
On Jefferson street, John Lucas, two frame dwellings, costing about $400 each,
$800
On Southard street, a frame dwelling $700
____________________
$16,155
SIXTH WARD
On the east side of Centre street, in Lamberton, Samuel Lenox has had erected a brick dwelling with dining room and kitchen in the rear, the whole 2 stories high, costing
$2,300
The Terra Cotta Works of Lynch & Co., have had erected near the fire brick works of Edward Daviss, buildings and kilns, for the manufactory of their superior drain pipes, costing about $5,200
The River View Cemetery has been improved by building and fencing to the amount of $2,000
__________________
$9,500
RECAPITULATION
1857
1858 1859
1st Ward $51,500 $73,050 $64,300
2nd “ 27,900 10,300 78,750
3rd “ 38,800 35,355 52,340
4th “ 14,800 2,500 17,330
5th “ 21,100 27,750 16,155
6th “ 800 850 9,500
Showing that the last year has exceeded the year previous by $28,570.
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