Between the years 1720 - 1730, a young man, from the eastern part of the Province, more in quest of fortune than of fame, came here and settled along the banks of the “Delaware,” and constructed a “Hut” in which to dwell.

He was, evidently, both shrewd and enterprising. Seeing his opportunity, he embraced it, by buying an extensive tract of land and beginning traffic with the Indians.

The shortest and most direct route between New York and Philadelphia was the “Indian Path” through the forest to the river, along whose banks he had his “Hut,” and tradition tells us that, at this time, he was the only white man in this region.

In 1732 this man applied to King George II. for the exclusive right of a ferry three miles above and the same distance below his “Hut.”

This he obtained, calling it “Coryell’s Ferry,” from his own name (which was Emanuel Coryell), a. name it retained for eighty years, and one that was notable in history during the Revolution.

In that same year (1732) he built a commodious and ( for the time) imposing stone house, which was an Inn for the travelling public.

The house now owned and occupied (1902) by the heirs of the late Griffith Williams is on the site of the original “Ferry House.” It was a very pretty location, as the ground sloped to the creek.

The canal and canal banks are responsible for its present elevated perch.

An addition was built to the “Ferry House” in after years, which was left standing for some time after the original was razed, and was leased to tenants.

Mr. Sydney Blackwell tore down the addition and built the present edifice. It also contained a tablet on which was cut the date, 1749. (Mr. Daniel Gallagher is authority for this last statement, as he saw the tablet and date when Mr. Blackwell was tearing it down.)

Tradition says that the “Hut” was the tavern until the “Ferry House” was occupied, and that its location was on the corner of Main and York streets, on the site where the Episcopal Church now stands.

1732 seems to have been an eventful year in Emanuel Coryell’s history, for it was in this year his son Cornelius was born.

Emanuel Coryell died when comparatively a young man, being less than fifty years of age, and was buried in his field in sight of his late dwelling, the “Ferry House.”

Four sons survived him, and in the division of his real estate the heirs apportioned the burial plot in which their father was buried to be a “Grave Yard” for his descendants forever. It is the same on which the Presbyterian Church now stands.

It seems to be a singular act of neglect that in this “Grave Yard” no stone marks the resting place of the first white resident and founder of this city.

His sons and grandsons also were remark-able for longevity.

A coffin-shaped stone, hewn from the granite of his own “Goat Hill,” records the names of two of those sons. Cornelius, about whom I have previously spoken, died in the hundredth year of his age, being ninety-nine years and six months old.

His brotlier Ahram’s record on the same stone is ninety-one years.

John Coryell, a grandson, died October 31st, 1861, in the ninetieth year of his age.

It may interest some of my readers to know that a modest monument marks the resting place of George Coryell, son of Cornelius, who clied in this city in 1850, aged ninety-one years.

He was a fellow a fellow-Mason with George Washington in the Masonic Lodge at Alexandria, Va., and, as is stated on the monument, the last survivor of the six men who laid the “Father of his Country” in his tomb. Lest some one question the historic accuracy of this statement, it should be mentioned that, as a member of the lodge, next in degree, Mr. Coryell was called on to take the place of one of the six pall-bearers selected -- (Lieutenant) Moss, who was taken ill.

Mr. Coryell was a personal acquaintance of George Washington, through connecting circumstances in his youth, and through his influence was induced to go to Alexanclria, when he eventually married the daughter af Commodore Hamilton, U. S. N. Here he continued to be a resident citizen until he was an aged man and retired from all business.

His family all gane, he then returned to his native home to spend the remnant of his days among his remaining kindred.

The writer was well acquainted with Mr. Coryell, and talked with him about George Washington’s funeral, knowing that he had been one of the bearers on that occasion.

He told her that after the body had been lowered in the grave, with appropriate ceremonies, each member of the lodge drew from his right hand his glove and threw it on the coffin.

The writer attended Mr. Coryell’s funeral, and not a glove was thrown in the grave, but his brother Masons, with the ceremonies of their order, threw on his coffin a little branch of evergreen.

The Rev. Dr. P. O. Studdiford delivered very impressive services on that occasion.

During the summers of 1776-1777, when Washington was retreating through New Jersey, and watching the movements of Lords Howe ancl Cornwallis, to prevent their seizing and occupying Philadelphia, Cornelius Coryell, the son of Emanuel, made himself useful to Washington, both as a guide and in every other way possible.

The army was divided into three cantonments, the middle one coming to Coryell’s Ferry.

Redoubts and batteries were cast up on the Pennsylvania side of the river.

Washington reconnoitered and tools observations from the hills and prominent surroundings. T’here is a flat rock near a spring on “Goat Hill,” known as “Washington’s dining rock,” on which he is said to have dined on one of these occasions. Also another on the south side of the same hill called “Pinnacle Rock,” from which the most extensive view could be taken. The western shore of the “Ferry” performed a very prominent part in the history of 1776, both in collecting and secreting boats all along the Delaware, as well as sheltering them behind the small island of “Malta,” one and one-half miles below the “Ferry.”

In these boats the loyal troops were conveyed across the icy “Delaware” at “McKonkey’s” on Christmas, and surprised and captured the enemy at Trenton on the following day, December 26th, 1777.

Cornwallis had previously heard of boats being collected at “Coryell’s Ferry,” and sent spies up on the Nevi Jersey side, but they saw nothing to verify the report, and dared not cross the river and face the frowning batteries on that side.

Nearly every foot of the shores of the “Ferry” is full of interest to the student of historic lore pertaining to the Revolution as enacted here. The whole section abounds with incidents connected with the Colonial and Revolutionary days.

At Coryell’s Ferry, on the Pennsylvania side of the river, it is said that Washington, with Generals William Alexander (Lord Stirling), Green and others who were in command of the troops at that time, planned the “Battle of Trenton,” which we have already mentioned.

General Benedict Arnold (The Traitor) was at Coryell’s Ferry, June 16th, 1777, and from there wrote to General Washington. On the 29th of July, 1777, we find the honored and lamented Alexander Hamilton,
then a Captain of Artillery, writing to the Honorable Robert Morris from the same place.

Colonel James Monroe, afterward President of the United States, was also quartered at a farm-house a little below the Ferry, 1776.

In June, 1778, when the British evacuated Philadelphia, to avoid being caught in a trap, Washington broke camp at “Valley Forge” and came to the Ferry, crossing over into what is now Lambertville. His soldiers camped in an orchard, which is now one of the business portions of our city, viz., the northeast corner of Bridge and Union streets.

While here General Washington penned the following letter to Major-General Arnold:

HEADQUARTERS NEAR CORYELL’S, June 22d, 1778.
To Major General Arnold,
SIR: -- I leave the honor to inform you, that I am now in New Jersey, and that nearly all of the troops have passed safely across the river, at Coryell’s. The latest intelligence I have, respecting the enemy, was yesterday, from Gen. Dickinson, who said, they were, on that morning, at "Mount Holly" and at "Morristown," but that he has not been able to learn what route they would take from thence; nor was it easy to determine the matter from their situation. They will either proceed to South Amboy, or by way of "Brunswick." We have been a good deal impeded in our march by rainy weather. As soon as we have cleaned the "arms," and can get matters on train, we propose moving towards Princeton, in order to avail ourselves of any favorable occasions that may present themselves, for attacking or engaging the enemy. I have the honor to be writing to Major General Arnold.   GEORGE WASHINGTON.

When the soldiers again took up their line of march, it was through a valley, between two heavily timbered hills. That valley is now known to us as "The Hook." The road was at the foot of the north hill, crossed "Swan’s Creek," then ascended the "Old Saw-mill Road" to the high ground, or "Farmers’ Highway," which was a steep ascent. Following this route the army reached "Hopewell," where they again rested. The onward march from there was to "Rocky Hill," "Kingston," Cranbury, and then to Monmouth, where they overtook the enemy and fought that memorable battle, June 28th.

The statement regarding the army while here is unquestionably correct, as the writer heard it from the lips of an aged man -- the son of Captain George Coryell, and grandson of Emanuel, at whose house some of the officers were entertained, he being at the time a lad presumably twelve or fourteen years of age.

Washington, with other officers, was quartered at Richard Holcombe’s, in the ancient mansion we know as "Washington’s Headquarters."

It is said that just previous to their departure a council of war, lasting two hours, was held with the officers and General Greene, under an old apple tree at the rear of the "Mansion," and it is further stated that in that house Washington wrote his letter to Arnold.

Abram and John Coryell, two of the four sons of Emanuel, were at that time the proprietors of the "Ferry," Abram on the Net Jersey side, and John on the Pennsylvania. These brothers conveyed the army across the river; also furnished commissary supplies and forage for the horses, for which they were paid in Continental money, which was never redeemed, in consequence of which these men were greatly impoverished.

Mention has been made of the "Old Sawmill Road," the location of the "Mill" from which the road derived its name being where Mr. Harry Montgomery’s house now ( 1902) stands. The old slanting wall, over which the water flowed from the mill, was still there in the writer’s childood days; also the mill-race, the north bank of which was supported by large oaks and beech trees. The dam was gone, but about where it had been was a "Mineral Spring," with a depth of four or more feet, and having a millstone encircling its top, with its waters strongly impregnated with iron. [The writer has often. drunk of this water.] When undisturbed, a scum covered the surface, and the stones near by, together with the drain from the spring, were always covered with a heavy, rusty sediment.

In. 1776 we find plenty of evidence that this region was fast becoming a farming district, and that the people were quite thrifty.

There was a, small "Grist-Mill" at the head of the "Falls," run by one Jonathan Pidcock (an Irishman), also a small saw-mill on Swan’s creek, about one-half mile distant from the river.

Just on the outskirts of our town is now stored, in two large reservoirs, the water from that creek, this being the water-supply for the city of Lambertville.

The tailor and the shoemaker of those days not infrequently plied his respective trade in the house of his patrons; this, perhaps, being done both for convenience as well as economy’s sake; while the schoolmaster took turns boarding at the homes of his patrons.

At the time of the Revolution there were but four conimodious houses in, the hamlet -- “The Ferry House,” Captain George Coryell’s, Richard Holcombe’s and George Tanner’s. Tanner’s house was located on the south side of Coryell street, along the river bank. To this house was attached -- on the west side -- a storehouse for the storage of grain and other merchandise. The Delaware being the highway for the interchange of commerce between Easton and Philadelphia. and the surrounding country, made it very profitable for this man who lived so near to it. Through this medium a large business was done, during the war, the produce being conveyed to and fro on large canoe-shaped boats, called “Durham boats,” from the name of the place where they were first built.

These "Durhams" were propelled by sails and setting-poles, with a long steering oar at the helm.

Immense quantities of lumber were rafted down the Delaware annually from the Lehigh and Upper Delaware. Now a raft on the river would be a curiosity. The destruction of the forests, as well as two canals, has tended to rob the river of much of its earlier copious water flow.

The oldest houses now standing are the “Washington Headquarters” and the Bellmont House, which latter was built by Judge John Coryell in 1797, where he commenced his married life.

There all his children were born, and from it he buried both his wives and his father, Captain George Coryell.

The yard and surrounding grounds extended as far back as Coryell street.

Since then stories have been added, and extensions and additions have been made, thus changing its appearance entirely.

The old store-house on the southwest corner of Coryell and Main streets, is said to have been built at the same time as the Judge’s house.

Coryell street is the oldest street in our city. It is recorded that it was opened by Judge John Coryell in the year 1802, at which time a few building lots were sold. This street extended from Main street to the river. The ground east of Main street to the foot of the hill was known as "Bog Meadow;" the water course from there to the river, in wet times, being through what is now Perry street. A small stone bridge with one arch crossed Bridge street about the center of Dr. Lilly’s lot. The first house built on Coryell street at that early date was erected by Dr. Richard Kreusen, who died in 1807, aged forty-nine. (His successor was Dr. John Lilly.) Kreusen’s widow, with her son and daughter, occupied this house until all were deceased. Opposite their home was the residence of Joshua Anderson. A brick dwelling was built on this site, in 1846, by his son, John H. Anderson. This house is owned at the present time (1902) by Mrs. Helen Matthews.

Another building lot on which a comniodious frame house was erected -- by whom it is unknown -- was located midway between what is now Union street and Anderson’s property. The house was purchased by Mr. Brannon, a brother-in-law of Dr. John. Iilly.

On the southwest corner of Union and Coryell streets was built a frame residence, known to the writer as the “Yellow House.” No doubt it was a very pretty dwelling when occupied by the original owners, as it had the appearance of having been well finished inside as well as out.

The next mentioned is the property of Mrs.Thomas R. Fidler, which has undergone many changes. The date of building and original ownership are unknown to the writer.

Another frame dwelling on Coryell street was owned, and occupied until his death, by a very aged man, named Charles Pidcock, a native-born citizen of this community. This house adjoined the present property of Mr. Jacob Heins.

The stone house on South Main street, at the foot of Goat Hill, was built by Jacob Coryell, son of Cornelius and grandson of Emanuel.

There is no known date of its erection, but it is supposed to be coeval with the Bellmont House, if not older. At the present time this house is owned by Mr. Samuel Case.

"Tanning" was the business carried on by Jacob Coryell and his sons.

The water-supply for the use of the "Tanyard" came from a small brook which flowed down between Cottage ancl Goat Hills. This "Tannery" was in operation until a later date than 1840.

Qn the northwest corner of Main and Coryell streets was a dwelling and storehouse,.supposed to have been built in 1805 by Emley Holcombe, who for many years kept at this place a store -- for general merchandise.

In 1812 the building of the Delaware bridge was begun, it being finished two years later, at a cost of $69,000. As this bridge was to make a new road or street, Captain John Lambert commenced the erection of a new "tavern," the present "I,ambertville House." This was a well-conducted and respectable "hostlery," which he kept himself until his death. The "Ferry House" was then closed, and became a private dwelling.

Judge John Coryell sold to Doctor John Lilly a lot of land from the "road" (Bridge street) to Swan’s creek on the south, said lot extending to Franklin street on the east, and to Main street on the west.

On this lot he built a brick residence fronting Bridge street. A broad path led up to the front door, which was covered by a commodious portico, and was reached by a flight of steps. There was another high porch on the south side, to the right of which was the basement-kitchen. What is now called Lilly street was the doctor’s private driveway and entrance to his office, kitchen, etc.

His barn, carriage-house, wood-house, “sty,” etc., were opposite, and near enough to the home.

The ground sloping towards the creek was cultivated for domestic purposes.

Building lots were sold from his land on the east side of Main street to Solomon Landis and David Naylor.

The residence, described briefly in the above, is now owned by Mr. John Lilly, having undergone many changes since it was first built.

The next two oldest houses on Bridge street besides the Lambertville House, were built by Jacob Smith and Philip Marshall. Marshall’s old home is now owned by the Catholic Church as the "Sisters’ Home," while Jacob Smith’s house is just opposite.

The residence now owned by Randolph Everett (1902) was built in 1830, by William Biles, who died there October, 1833.

Samuel Hill built the house now occupied by Doctor George L. Romine, but the date of its erection could not be learned; and Samuel Stryker built, in 1827 or ’28, the storehouse and dwelling next jt, now occupied by the Catholic priest as his residence.

The four brick houses opposite the depot were erected in 1830 by William and Dennis Hall. The contracting carpenter, who also did the work, was Jacob Chamberlain. The masons were James Appleton and William Hansell, the fine plasterers being "Andy" Kirkpatrick and John McConogy, Irishmen.

Sometime about the year 1830 there were two schools for boys -- these accommodating both boarders and day scholars were kept by two clergymen, Rev. Mr. Culp, Baptist, and Rev. P. O. Studdiford, Presbyterian, where the higher branches of education were pursued. Suspended students from Princeton who were far from their homes were often sent to Rev. Studdifard’s school until their terms of suspension had expired. This school they termed "Botany Bay," which at that time was a British "penal" colony.

In 1812, the Honorable John Lambert, U. S. Senator during Jefferson’s Adminstration, applied to the Post-office Department for a post-office. His petition being granted, he named the village “Lambertville,” and his nephew, Captain John Lambert, became the first postmaster
.
The Coryells were very indignant at the name given, for they considered it a usurpation of their rights, and, in consequence, refused to accept it, calling it “Lambertsvillainy” instead. Their side of the village they called Georgetown, there being three prominent men living there, named, respectively, George Hoppock, George Tanner and George Coryell; but it was all in vain. The post-office “Lambert’s Ville” gained the day. Previous to that time letters sent to friends here were addressed:

                “Coryell’s Ferry, Pa.,
                             Amwell, New Jersey.”

When the town was incorporated the letter “s” was dropped, and it is now the City of Lambertville.*

* The name of John Lambert appears in the records of State and country as well as those of his native town. He was a member of the Legislature and Council of New Jersey, and at one time acting Governor. He was also a member of the House of Representatives, and, as we have stated above, United States Senator during Jefferson’s administration.

In 1817 the Presbyterian Church was built. This structure was made of bricks, which were burned on Main street, about forty yards north of the First Ward School House, at the foot of Mt. Hope. The timber used was hewn from the woods, being contributed to a large extent by the country people. Mr. Studdiford said the massive beams were indeed a sight to behold. There were two front doors to the building, but no vestibule. Inside a gallery extended round three sides -- the north, east and south -- while the pulpit was on the west. This was very high, being reached by a flight of stairs with a door at the bottom. That the pulpit occupied this "lofty" position was probably for the convenience of the worshippers in the gallery.

The collection which was taken up in a black pocket, which was attached to the end of a long pole. This, with other “conveniences,” was kept in a closet under the pulpit stairs. No carpeted foor nor cushioned pew adorned this church; nor footstool -- unless it was a personal convenience to some individual -- and no paint on the pews, save on the top, where was a strip of molding painted red, and that was always so moist in the summer time that if the worshippers happened to lean against it they were sure to carry away with them the marks of the paint.

(The above is an accurate description of the "First Church" in the city.)

On the fourth of July, eighteen hundred and twenty-six, just fifty years from the time of the "Declaration of Independence", there occurred a celebration of that event in this church. Over the pulpit hung a "Spread Eagle" made of moss, while from a circular centerpiece in the ceiling was suspended a large cedar bush filled with brightcolored "holly hocks."

The writer, being at that time less than five years of age, was allowed to attend the celebration, in company with an older sister, but she had neither eyes, ears nor understanding for anything but that "beautiful cedar bush," which to this day stands out fresh in her memory.

Mr. Samuel Kinsey, of New Hope, read the "Declaration of Independence," and an appropriate song for the occasion was sung to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne," with a chorus to each verse, beginning "Just fifty years ago."

The father of the late Dr. Breed, of New Hope, was one of the singers, if not the soloist, on that great day. He was, presumably, a prominent member of the church, and memorial tablets to himself and his family may be seen in the old graveyard on the north side of the edifice.

The farmer, who with his family, attended worship, was seldom out of his place.

In summer he wore no coat to church, but a nicely laundered shirt of bleached muslin, an equally nice Marseilles vest, linen trousers and a clean straw hat completed his "Sunday-go-to-meeting" outfit.

In 1825, nearly eighty years ago, five disciples of Christ, earnestly desiring to enjoy the blessings of church relationship, according to the New Testament teachings, resolved to unite in the formation and constitution of the Lambertville Baptist Church.

The first church meeting was held on the twelfth of February, 1825, at which time it was resolved to erect a house of worship, and a committee was appointed to procure subscriptions for that purpose. Having been successful in their efforts, work was begun, and on June the thirteenth the corner-stone of this edifice was laid with appropriate exercises; and the house being completed the following October, was dedicated to the worship of God.

The church was a very neat structure, being built of stone, and rough-cast. The roof projected over the porch, which extended the entie length of the front, and was supported by four large pillars, they also had the same rough coating as the building proper.

Like the Presbyterian Church, there was novestibule, but two front doors, through which entrance was effected into the main room. Under this room was a basement, divided into two compartments. The one to the west was always used for a school-room, while the east room was put to such use as the occasion required.

About the year 1812 two English families, named respectively "Frost and Fennel," and related to each other, came to the village. There being no vacant houses just then, they took up their abode in this east room until they could find better accommodations. To the school children on the other side these people were a great curiosity. The women made thread lace, while the children, very much interested, watched them through the windows.

The process of making the lace seemed quite complicated to those onlookers. The work was
done on a round cushion, made so by stuffing it like a bag. This cushion was supported on a trestle, while to it was fastened a strip of per-perforated horn filled with pins, which looked like those we use for ordinary purposes. From the cushion hung pendant bobbins, filled with the thread, the pattern, no doubt, being traced on the "horn," of which we have already spoken.

In the fall of this same year 1829 these people bought a live hog for slaughter, the “butchering” taking place in the yard. “Necessity, the mother of invention,” came to their aid at this time. After the death of the animal they improvised a gallows, on which it was suspended, but not having the conveniences for scalding off the bristles, as is the custom in America, they procured a bundle of straw and singed them instead.

Mrs. Frost had considerable difficulty in purchasing supplies for the family, not being familiar with the names we call the articles in this country.

On one occasion she accosted a man with “‘Mon dear,’ where do you get ‘treacle’? I have been to every store in the place, and ca-ant get a bit.” “Go ask them for molasses,” he replied, "and you will get ‘treacle.’”

India rubber shoes at that period had never been heard of, and Americans plodded through the mud and snow in thick leather foot coverings. These women, in bad, sloppy weather, wore on their feet an iron ring, a few inches in height, fastened on the shoes, which they called "Pattens." This raised their feet from.
the snow and mud.

Having given a brief description of these people and, what seemed to the inhabitants, their eccentricities, we again turn our attention to the interior of the upper room, which I will try to picture to your imagination. From the entrance to the rear of the church the floor had a steep and awkward ascent. Why it is not easy to imagine, unless the architect suited his plans to the fashion of the times; since all the women of that day wore bonnets with immense fronts, and crowns in them, proportionately large to accommodate the high-back comb then in vogue. Had it not been for the elevated floor, those sitting in the middle and rear of the church would never have been able to see the minister while he was preaching.

The pulpit occupied a position in the front of the church, thus enabling each one who entered to see those who followed, without turning round, as is done, sometimes, by the curious.

There were a number of supporting posts or pillars in the audience room, extending to the ceiling, which were adorned with a sort of hanging candlestick, composed of a strip of tin, with a hole in it, to hang it up by, a semi-circular dripping-pan with a fluted edge, and a little tin tube in it, to hold the “tallow-dip.” No snuffers having been provided, one young lady, who had recently become a member of the church, commenced her Christian work by taking with her a pair of scissors, and, as it became necessary, clipped the wicks on her side of the church. This was in 1838 and later, but previous to that time evening services were seldom held.

The “Choir,” or “Foresingers,” as they were then called, consisted of three or four men, who chanced to be the "Deacons." These men stood in front of the pulpit and faced the audience, the leading "foresinger" lining the verses of the hymns in a very solemn manner. This was clone so all the congregation could sing, as there were only a few hymn-books.

The church was heated by two sheet-iron stoves, set in a box of sand. The fuel used was "Stone Coal." Stovepipes extended from the front of the building to the back, where the chimney was located, being held in position by wires, fastened to the ceiling. These pipes served in part as heaters.

The collection was taken up in the same kind of apparatus as that used by our Presbyterian brethren. The "Stone Coal," as it was then called, and which we have merely mentioned, was brought from the coal regions of the Lehigh and Delaware rivers, on "Arks," there being no other means of transportation at that time. It came in immense rocks, pieces being chipped off for use by means of a large sledge-hammer.

It was burned in churches, stores and other large buildings, but not until a much later date did it become a domestic and household fuel. Mr. Jacob Smith, a blacksmith, and the father of the late "Amos Smith," was the first one to use it in his forge.

"The Arks," on which the coal was conveyed to market, were never sent back, but were sold for the lumber they contained.

The first pastor to take charge of the Baptist Church was the Rev. Samuel Trot, who divas called in connection with the Harbourton church, preaching at the latter every alternate Sunday, as did also the Rev. P. O. Studdiford, who served both Lambertville and Solebury. This arrangement gave a preaching service to the citizens of Lambertville every Sabbath morning.

Mr. Trot received for his services to this church a salary of one hundred and twenty-five dollars a year. He served for a period of four and one-half years, when he resigned.

On the 5th of January, 1832, David B. Stout was called as pastor. He remained five years, resigning April 16th, 1837. When he became the pastor the membership numbered but nineteen; when he resigned it had increased to eighty-five. Under the ministry of the former pastor, Mr. Trot, the church had become somewhat leavened with "The Old School" Theology, which did not advocate Sunday-schools, missions, ministerial education, etc. This was distasteful to many until the feeling culminated in something like a division under Brother Stout’s pastorate. The majority of the members, however, held to the doctrine denominated "New School," while a number of the opposite way of thinking called for letters of dismissal, and united with the " Harbourton " and other " Old School " churches.

During the year 1835 it was resolved to enlarge the edifice. This work was begun in July and finished the following October, the cost being about three hundred and sixty-five dollars, and the alterations a "botch."

In 1830 the late Dr. Samuel Lilly, a boy of fifteen, came from New York city to visit his uncle, Dr. John Lilly. When the time of his visit had expired, his uncle, finding he had enjoyed himself so well, asked him if he would like to make his home here, to which he promptly replied in the affirmative.

From that time the uncle’s house became his home until his death.

Although only seventeen years of age at the time the town was visited by the "Cholera Epidemic," he was an invaluable assistant to his uncle John.

About the time of his visit ( 1830) the "Stone-house" (on the hillside), which later became the hospital for cholera patients, was in course of erection. The rafters were in place, but the house was unshingled, when Samuel (boy-like) one Sunday climbed to the top, and, seating himself on the rafters, proceeded to take a view of his surroundings, also to count the number of buildings he could see. Just previous to his death he related this circumstance to the writer, and told her he had counted just one hundred buildings in the vil-
lage.

It is said that just below the "Falls" there stood a "Stone Tavern," where the watermen " were wont to halt and "refresh" themselves after encountering the perils of "the Rocks" in the Delaware. This tavern was also a great place for card-playing, drinking and fisticuff fighting. As one side of the building was set against the hill, that side of the roof sloped down to the ground.

Late one night a jovial party had assembled there for their "usual enjoyment," when some boys procured a "black ram," led him up the roof and shoved him down the chimney. The animal gave a loud "Bah," sprang for the door, upset the table, and struck consternation in the hearts of the gamesters, who fled for their
lives (likewise the sheep). Ever after, these people believed they had indeed seen his "Satanic Majesty" materialized, "for they had a glimpse of his hoofs and horns," so they said. At a very early period the "Hamlet" was called by the disgraceful title of "Bungtown." Why this term was given to it has never been
very clearly defined.

At the foot of Coryell street were the wharves, where boats received and unloaded freight, which was often stored in Tanner’s store-house. It is asserted that on one occasion a barrel of whiskey was left on the wharf for a short time, when some miscreants stole the contents from the bung-hole, either to get gloriously drunk on the spot or for future use.

As early as 1760 it was called by this name, for we find that the arbitrators, in apportioning the real estate of Emanuel Coryell to his heirs, awarded to his son George the "Bungtown" lot, said lot starting from Church street and extending to Delevan, which makes the above story seem pla.usible, as ta the origin of the name, which clung to it for many years.

In 1832 the construction of the Delaware and Raritan canal was begun.

Two superintendents, Captain Andrews and Captain Mason, had general control of the work from Bool’s Island to Trenton, and probably all the way to New Brunswick. These men sub-let small sectians to competent contractors.

Just below the present rubber mill on Main street a village of small shanties for families and large boarding shanties sprung into existence, and emigrants poured in by the shiploads.

Distressed creatures they were, too, these men and women, carrying on their backs and heads all their earthly possessions, and looking like Bunyan’s Pilgrim, fleeing from the City of Destruction. They also brought with them a pestilence.

Quarantine restrictions evidently were not, at that time, what they are at the present. The epidemic of "Asiatic Cholera" broke out among these people, spreading, not only through the town, but to the outlying districts.

One Sunday three men stere walking from Bool’s Island to the town, when, on nearing it, one of the number was suddenly stricken with the dread disease. His companioms hurried him, with all speed, to the doctors, and from there he was taken to an Irish boarding house, located on the southeast corner of Main and Lilly streets, but the terrified inmates refused him admittance, so he was carried to the barn and made as comfortable as the circumstances would permit, but he died in the course of a few hours. The next morning his companions took his clothing and whatever blankets had been used about him, carried them on long poles across the meadow and buried them back of the Baptist Church on what is now Ferry street.

This was the first case. The entire community was dreadfully alarmed, as they had ample cause to be. The late Ashbel Welch, then a young civil engineer in the employ of the Canal Company, at once took an active part in organizing a Board of Health, procuring hospital accommodations and providing a "Potter’s Field" for the burial of its victims. The stone house on the side of the hill just opposite the lot owned by Mr. John Lilly stood in the same unfinished condition as his father, when a boy, had found it. Workmen were at once set to work to finish it as rapidly as possible for the admission of patients, and nurses were procured. A great many of the floating homeless were taken there, and perhaps many others, but it is not known that one cholera victim left it alive, and one of the nurses (a colored man) died at his own home.

The children on the streets shunned all the emigrants as well as any dirty-looking people. The doctors and the Board of Health issued precautions, both as to diet and cleanliness. To the dirty and dissipated, when stricken, it was, without fail, fatal, and such victims lived but a few hours after being taken with this dreadful disease. Multitudes were buried in the Potter’s Field, the location of which was on the south side af the Rocktown road, a little below the farm now owned by Mr. John Lilly, on land which he purchased recently
( 1901 ), and on the verge of a small gully.

Nor were the residents of the town exempt from this dreadful plague. A little indiscretion in diet or exposure would very often result fatally. Even "Cholera Morbus" became epidemic, it being so nearly allied to cholera, and not infrequently caused death. Surely this year (1832) was one of terror and gloom to the inhabitants, and depression seemed depicted on every countenance, as each one felt he might be the next victim. In the year 1849 and 1854 the town was again visited by this plague, many dying; but there was no comparison in the death rate either time to that of 1832.

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