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More Interesting History (Part 2) |
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Bordentown -
the 'little city with a lot of charm' is the place to be, the charm
evolving from its history |
The Early Years
The Quaker Thomas Farnsworth purchased land between Black's
Creek and Crosswicks Creek on a high bluff overlooking the Delaware
River. He purchased it from the owners in England, and before
settling on it he also paid the American natives who occupied the
region. Many Friends had also settled along the creeks in the area.
He felt it was a good time to establish a trading post and shipping
source. In 1682, it became known as Farnsworth's Landing. The
original house is believed to be the left portion of the property
located on the Northwest corner of Prince and Park Streets.
Joseph Borden saw a perfect opportunity when he visited the area. In
1717, he bought enough property to eventually design a town plan and
expand the shipping business by developing a stagecoach line
connecting Philadelphia to New York. This act was to affect the
future of what was now called Borden's Towne.
The Revolutionary Years
By 1776, Bordentown was full of patriots. Patience Lovell
Wright, America's first sculptor, was creating wax busts in King
George's court in England. Being on a first name basis with George
and Charlotte, the king and queen, gave her ample opportunity to
send information back to Ben Franklin in the sculptures she sent to
her sister in the colonies.
Francis Hopkinson, signer of the Declaration of Independence and
designer of the American flag, Col Joseph Borden, Col. Kirkbride,
Col. Oakey Hoagland and Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense
were a few of the more prominent patriots who lived in town. Their
imprint on the history of America was deep and noticeable.
'Marine Turtles', concocted by a group of local men to harass and
blow-up the enemy ships in Philadelphia harbor failed. Francis
Hopkinson commemorated this brave action with his poem 'The
Battle of the Kegs'. In retaliation, the Hessians occupied
Bordentown.
The Developing Years
John Fitch developed his steamboat and tried to get financial
backing while being docked in Bordentown, to no avail. Others
followed with creations of their own.
By now, a busy shipping industry had developed.
The 'John Bull' railroad engine was shipped from England and put
together by Isaac Phipps, a local mechanic. This first steam
locomotive in New Jersey ran on Bordentown track, pulling carriages
refitted with different wheels. Madame Murat, wife of Joseph
Boneparte's nephew Prince Lucien Murat, was the first woman to ride
the rails.
In 1834, as the railroad track was being laid, the Delaware and
Raritan Canal was completed. It was 75 feet wide, 7 feet deep, and
ran for 42 miles across the state.
The Boneparte Years
Joseph Boneparte, the elder brother of Napoleon, was a kind and
cultured man. He was more inclined to being a country gentleman than
a king of Spain and Naples, where his brother had placed him. He
loved the people here and the peaceful tranquility of Bordentown.
The laws were changed for him, a non-citizen, so that he could
purchase the vast estate he eventually named 'Point Breeze'. Many
notables of the day visited his home. Among them were the Marquis de
Lafayette, John Adams, Henry Clay and Noah Webster.
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The Arts
It has been said that the air of Bordentown is filled with a
creative energy that enhances the artistic.
From the early years came international fame of the widowed sisters,
sculptors Patience Lovell Wright and her sister Rachel Wells. Her
son Joseph Write did a life mask and portrait of George Washington.
Another famous portrait painter who lived in Bordentown was Gilbert
Stuart. Joshua Shaw brought his family from England to live here in
1844. Charlotte Julie Boneparte , daughter of Joseph, was an
accomplished amateur artist who exhibited at the Pennsylvania
Academy of Fine Arts.
Florence Scoville Shinn was an artist and illustrator for the
Bordentown authos Jeanette Gilder and many other published books in
the 19th century.
The Waugh family of Bank Street contained several internationally
know artists. Father Samuel Waugh was a famous portrait painter, as
was his daughter Ida. Seascapes and marine paintings were son
Frederick's forte.
Susan Waters of Mary Street was renown for her pastoral scenes.
August Zeller carved the white marble monument 'Slaughter of the
Innocents'.
The 20th century blossomed artist Florence C. Magee who also
illustrated her husband's book, 'Bordentown 1682 - 1932.,
added to the list of the world renown are Edward R. Burke, George
Earle, Dr. Nathan Smulian, Juanita Woodington Crosby and hybridizer
Franklin Carr.
The Literary
Early and most famous writer of all Bordentownians was Thomas
Paine.
This 'Citizen of the World' was born in England and lived in France
during their revolution, but Bordentown was the only place where he
purchased property and which he called home.
The Gilder family was as bursting with writers as was the Waugh
family with painters. Richard Watson Gilder was a newspaper critic,
editor of Century Magazine, and the most important American
in his field. Sister Jeanette wrote and published more than one
book. Brothers Joseph was a published author, John Francis Gilder a
composer, William a lecturer and Robert Fulton Gilder was editor of
the Omaha World-Herald of Nebraska.
The Education of Bordentown
Private schools were located here in the earl 1700's. Clara
Barton was responsible for starting the first public school with
constancy in New Jersey, while visiting Bordentown. The students
responded in full attendance. The Bordentown Female College was very
successful, as was the Linden Hall School for finishing ladies. It
was operated by Madame Murat and her two sisters. Bordentown
Military Institute's fine reputation was extensively known.
The Present Day
While the face of downtown has seen some changes, it has also
retained much of the architecture and certainly the charm of earlier
years. The events of history, the integrity, creativity and
patriotism of its founders are seen in the parks, the streets and
the homes.
The aura is like a blanket protecting but encouraging continued
growth in its culture.
The imprint of greatness remains and lives on through its present
day residents and visitors.
Arlene S. Bice
www.arlenebice.com
December 2002
11-06-07 |
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