Literary Burlington County

1. Literary Burlington County By Joseph M. Laufer Burlington County Historian

2. Mount Holly Library 307 High St., Mt. Holly

3. The Mount Holly Library, 307 High Street, Mt. Holly. • King George III first chartered this library in 1765 as the Bridgetown Library and for a time during the nineteenth century the institution also carried the name duel of The Burlington County Lyceum of History and Natural Science. • It is the fifth oldest library in New Jersey. The present Georgian style building dates to 1830 and once served as the mansion of James Langstaff, a wealthy farmer. It became the library’s first permanent home in 1957. King George III of England 1738-1820

4. The John Woolman Memorial – 99 Branch St., Mt. Holly John Woolman: October 19, 1720 – October 7, 1772

5. 2. The John Woolman Memorial, 99 Branch St., Mt. Holly – 1783 John Woolman (1721-1772) is considered the most famous American Quaker of all time. Born in the Rancocas area, Woolman became associated with the Rancocas Meeting and labored as a tailor in Mt. Holly. A noted humanitarian and abolitionist , his greatest contribution to literature was his anti-slavery Journal which he began writing in 1756. It was published posthumously and became well-known as far away as Europe. His writings included an abolitionist tract: Some Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes . He eventually persuaded the Philadelphia Society of Friends to decree that its members should not own slaves. Alternate or integrative monument: Site of Woolman Tailor Shop – plaque at entrance to 47 Mill St., Mt. Holly.

6. Final days • Woolman's final journey was to England in 1772. During the voyage he stayed in steerage and spent time with the crew rather than in the better accommodations of the other passengers. He attended the London Yearly Meeting, and the Friends there were persuaded to oppose slavery in their Epistle (letter sent to other Friends in other places). John Woolman went from London to York where he contracted smallpox and died. • Woolman’s wife, Sarah Ellis Woolman • is buried in the Mount Holly Friend’s • Burial Ground. They married in 1749. • A son died in infancy; Daughter Mary lived to adulthood. • Works by Woolman • Essays • "Some Considerations on Keeping Negroes", 1753 • "Some Considerations on Keeping Negroes, Part Second", 1762 • "Considerations on Pure Wisdom and Human Policy, on Labor, on Schools, and on the • Right Use of the Lord's Outward Gifts", 1768 • "Considerations on the True Harmony of Mankind, • and How it is to be Maintained", 1770 • Book • The Journal of John Woolman, published posthumously • The Journal of John Woolman is considered to be an important spiritual • document, as shown by its inclusion in the Harvard Classics.

7. John Woolman (October 19, 1720 – October 7, 1772) was an itinerant Quaker preacher, traveling throughout the American colonies, advocating against conscription, military taxation, and particularly slavery. John Woolman came from a family of Friends (Quakers). His grandfather, also named John Woolman, was one of the early settlers of New Jersey. His father Samuel Woolman was a farmer. Their estate was between Burlington and Mount Holly .

8. The Rancocas Lyceum 203 Main St., Rancocas (Westampton)

9. 3. The Rancocas Lyceum, 203 Main St., Village of Rancocas, Westampton. Rancocas Village was, at one time, one of the most intellectual and literate areas of Burlington County. The Rancocas Lyceum Association was considered one of the finest in the county. Organized in 1860, people came from all over to hear recitals, dramatic interpretations, poetry readings , and other literary events. Shakespearean recitals were so favorably presented that the Lyceum began to be called the “Quaker Theatre.” The Lyceum was such a success that they soon realized their original space (they had been meeting in the little Rancocas School House) was too small. In 1877, they raised enough money to build a public hall with a seating capacity of 500 (which , according to historical accounts, was still a bit tight on space). This building later served as the Rancocas Firehouse from 1925 until the mid 1990s. It currently houses the headquarters of the Westampton Historical Society.

10. The Sally Stretch Keen Memorial Library 94 Main St., Vincentown (Southampton)

11. Mary Irick Drexel 1868-1948 Born in Vincentown, NJ in 1868, Mary Stretch Irick would become, through marriage, a philanthropist and a patroness of the arts. Her father was General William Hudson Irick, and her mother, Sally Stretch.

12. 4. The Sally Stretch Keen Memorial Library, 94 Main St., Vincentown. (1923). A gift to the people of her hometown, Mary Stretch Irick Drexel (1868-1948) built and endowed the library in memory of her mother, Sally Stretch (Irick) Keen, a resident of Vincentown . The townspeople dedicated the library  on June 18, 1923, with carefully planned ceremonies. It was a major social event for the quiet village of Vincentown. Mary married George W. Childs Drexel, son of Philadelphia financier Anthony Drexel. Mrs. Drexel grew up in Vincentown on an estate known as Locust Grove, located on Retreat Road, just off Route 206. She was known for her equestrian skills. In later life she became a patron of the arts in Philadelphia and Director of the Red Cross in that city. The Drexel's lived in Bryn Mar at the time of the endowment. In presenting the deed, Mrs. Drexel spoke of the great pleasure it gave her to present the Library to her hometown that she always remembered with affection. Mr. and Mrs. Drexel gave a large number of books over the years to keep folks interested in reading. Of special interest is the sunburst window over the double entrance doors.

13. Married at age 23 on November 18, 1891 to George W. Childs Drexel here in Trinity Episcopal Church, Mill Street, Vincentown She wore a double star of diamonds, the gift of Mrs. Anthony Drexel. Guests came by train from Philadelphia. Episcopal Bishop of NJ officiated.

14. George W. Childs Drexel was the son of Anthony J. Drexel. He was named after Anthony’s close friend, George W. Childs, editor and owner of the Public Ledger – who never married. Anthony J. Drexel Father of G.W. Childs Drexel Childs served as editor and owner of the Philadelphia Public Ledger from 1864 until his death in 1894.  As one of A.J. Drexel’s closest friends he contributed to the founding of the Drexel Institute in 1891 and served on the school’s first board of trustees.  Childs and Drexel also collaborated on a number of philanthropic ventures including a retirement home and burial ground for union printers.  Portrait of George W. Childs Drexel as a child

15. Gilder House Crosswicks St., Bordentown

16. 5.Bellevue - the historic Gilder House, Crosswicks Street, Bordentown. Birthplace and home of Richard Watson Gilder (1844-1909), a noted poet, author and editor of Century Magazine. The house features two stages of construction. The earlier section , c. 1725, was built in the style of an English yeoman’s house, while Samuel Rodgers added the later two -story addition in 1788. The property passed to Thomas Nutt in 1814. His daughter, Jane Nutt married the Rev. William Henry Gilder, a Methodist minister who operated “ Bellevue,” a boarding school for girls in the home. William died of small-pox while ministering to ill soldiers in Virginia near the end of the Civil War. His son, Richard Gilder became sole owner of the property in 1895. Richard became the most famous Gilder.

17. Richard Watson Gilder (1844-1909) After serving in the Civil War, he became an assistant paymaster on the Camden and Amboy Railroad. He later started Newark’s first and only morning newspaper and became editor of Scribner ’s Monthly (Century Magazine). His son Rodman presented this house and the surrounding 13 acres to the City of Bordentownin 1935 to be used as a park and historic monument to the Gilder family. The house is undergoing major restoration thanks to a matching grant from the Garden State Preservation Trust Fund.

18. Richard Watson Gilder 1844-1909 Richard Watson Gilder, Helena de Kay Gilder, and Rodman de Kay Gilder, 1879; this cast, ca. 1883–84Augustus Saint-Gaudens (American, 1848–1907)Plaster; 8 5/8 x 16 7/8 in. (21.9 x 42.9 cm)

19. 1736-1809 The Thomas Paine House became the home of the fiery pamphleteer in 1783. Paine's "Common Sense;' published in early 1776, began "These are the times that try men's souls.“ His words and spirit heartened many a patriot in the early days of the Revolution.

20. 6. The Thomas Paine House, Corner of Church St. and Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown.Thomas Paine (1737-1809) , Pamphleteer for American Independence, and “Father of the American Revolution ,” bought this Bordentown house in 1783 and lived in it periodically until his death in 1809. Paine’s Common Sense, published in 1776 began: “These are the times that try men’s souls… .” His words and spirit heartened many a patriot in the early days of the revolution. His other works include The American Crisis (1776), Rights of Man (1791), and The Age of Reason (1793-94). The latter was his most controversial work.

21. Statue of Thomas Paine Prince St. at the waterfront Bordentown, NJ

22. Thomas Paine Statue • Location: At the corner of Prince St. and Park St. close to the Delaware River embankment. • Significance - The Bordentown Historical Society was responsible for initiating and constructing only the third public monument to Paine in the U.S. This statue was unveiled and dedicated with much fanfare and half the national colonial war re-creation forces on June 7, 1997 (the weekend of the 188th anniversary of Paine's death). The Inscription on the base reads: "Thomas Paine - 1737-1809 - Father of the American Revolution". The statue was sculpted by Lawrence Holofcener.

23. Farnsworth at Park St. intersection, Bordentown 101 Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown The Francis Hopkinson House was the home of one of New Jersey's five signers of the Declaration of Independence. Occupied by the enemy on several occasions, it was spared the torch by a scholarly Hessian officer who was impressed with Hopkinson's library.

24. 7. Francis Hopkinson House, 101 Farnsworth Avenue, Bordentown Francis Hopkinson (1737-1791) One of New Jersey’s signers of the Declaration of Independence, Hopkinson was a man of extraordinary talent and charm. He was the first scholar and first Graduate of the College of Philadelphia. He studied Law both in America and Europe. He composed music, poetry , and satire. His notable works include A Pretty Story, a skeptical examination of the relationship between Great Britain and the colonies, and Battle of the Kegs, a sarcastic taunting of the British forces occupying Philadelphia.

25. The Battle of the Kegs – by Francis Hopkinson

26. The Battle of the Kegsby Francis Hopkinson The royal band now ready standAll ranged in dread array, sir,With stomach' stout to see it out,And make a bloody day, sir. The cannons roar from shore to shore.The small arms make a rattle;Since wars began I'm sure no manE'er saw so strange a battle. The rebel dales, the rebel vales,With rebel trees surrounded,The distant woods, the hills and floods,With rebel echoes sounded. The fish below swam to and fro,Attacked from every quarter;Why sure, thought they, the devil's to pay,'Mongst folks above the water. The kegs, 'tis said, though strongly made,Of rebel staves and hoops, sir,Could not oppose their powerful foes,The conquering British troops, sir. From morn to night these men of mightDisplayed amazing courage;And when the sun was fairly down,Retired to sup their porridge. A hundred men with each a pen,Or more upon my word, sir,It is most true would be too few,Their valor to record, sir. Such feats did they perform that day,Against these wicked kegs, sir,That years to come: if they get home,They'll make their boasts and brags, sir. Some fire cried, which some denied,But said the earth had quaked;And girls and boys, with hideous noise,Ran through the streets half naked. Sir William he, snug as a flea,Lay all this time a snoring,Nor dreamed of harm as he lay warm,In bed with Mrs. Loring. Now in a fright, he starts upright,Awaked by such a clatter;He rubs both eyes, and boldly cries,"For God's sake, what's the matter?“ At his bedside he then espied,Sir Erskine at command, sir,Upon one foot he had one boot,And th' other in his hand, sir. "Arise, arise," Sir Erskine cries,"The rebels--more's the pity,Without a boat are all afloat,And ranged before the city. "The motley crew, in vessels new,With Satan for their guide, sir,Packed up in bags, or wooden kegs,Come driving down the tide, sir. "Therefore prepare for bloody war;These kegs must all be routed,Or surely we despised shall be,And British courage doubted.“ Gallants attend and hear a friendTrill forth harmonious ditty,Strange things I'll tell which late befellIn Philadelphia city. 'Twas early day, as poets say,Just when the sun was rising,A soldier stood on a log of wood,And saw a thing surprising. As in amaze he stood to gaze,The truth can't be denied, sir,He spied a score of kegs or moreCome floating down the tide, sir. A sailor too in jerkin blue,This strange appearance viewing,First damned his eyes, in great surprise,Then said, "Some mischief's brewing. "These kegs, I'm told, the rebels hold,Packed up like pickled herring;And they're come down to attack the town,In this new way of ferrying.“ The soldier flew, the sailor too,And scared almost to death, sir,Wore out their shoes, to spread the news,And ran till out of breath, sir. Now up and down throughout the town,Most frantic scenes were acted;And some ran here, and others there,Like men almost distracted.

27. Old St. Mary’s Church West Broad St., Burlington

28. 8. Old St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, W. Broad Street, Burlington. The oldest Episcopal Church in New Jersey (1703). The architecture and landscaping of St. Mary’s Church displays the sensibilities of Burlington’s early adherents to the Church of England During the American Revolution, this church served as the focal point of the activities of the American Loyalists. Reverend Jonathan O’Dell worked diligently from the pulpit and penned rhythmic Tory poetry and songs to convince people that King George III was the rightful ruler of America, until his own expulsion from the new nation.

29. 23 West Union St. Burlington

30. 9. The Library Company of Burlington, 23 West Union St., Burlington. King George II chartered this library in 1757 for founder Thomas Rodman and John Reading. It is the oldest library in continuous operation in New Jersey, and the 7 th oldest in the United States. The first patron was William Franklin, son of Benjamin Franklin. Today the library still houses many of its original volumes from the eighteenth century. King George III of England 1738-1820

31. The Collins House Corner of York and Broad St., Burlington

32. 10. The Collins Jones House, northeast corner of Broad and York Streets, Burlington. The Crown appointed Isaac Collins as His Majesty’s Royal Printer in 1770 and he proceeded to furnish the colony with three -pound notes. He started the first newspaper in New Jersey which he titled ,The New Jersey Gazette. In 1777, Collins began publishing The Gazette in Burlington , but after producing several editions there, Collins moved his printing press to Trenton. Many of his editorials criticized local leaders and his reputation for honesty made him an influential force.

33. Selected Titles Printed by Collins in Burlington and Trenton New-Jersey Gazette.Burlington, Dec. 5, 1777-Feb. 25, 1778.New-Jersey Gazette. Trenton, March 4, 1778-Nov. 27, 1786. New-Jersey Almanack.Trenton, 1778-1795. Benezet, Anthony, Brief Considerations on Slavery, and the Expediency of its Abolition. Burlington, 1772. The New England Primer, Improved. Trenton, 1780. The Holy Bible.Trenton, 1791. Laws of the College of New-Jersey. Trenton, 1794.

34. Birthplace of James Fennimore Cooper (on the left) 457 High Street, Burlington (House on right was home of Capt. James Lawrence)

35. 11. Birthplace of James Fennimore Cooper. 457 High St., Burlington. The Cooper House was the birthplace of America’s first true novelist, James Fenimore Cooper, author of The Last of the Mohicans , Leatherstocking Stories , and numerous other books about the American Wilderness. Part of the Burlington County Historical Society complex, it is adjacent to the Lawrence House. Observing the structure from High St reet, The Cooper House is on the left; the Lawrence House on the right.

36. James Fennimore Cooper 1789-1851

37. James Fenimore Cooper Born in Burlington on September 15, 1789, James Fenimore Cooper was the eleventh of William and Elizabeth Cooper's twelve children. When James was one year old, his family moved to the frontier of Lake Otsego, New York, where his father established a settlement which became modern-day Cooperstown. Drawing on his experiences in upstate New York, Cooper authored several books about the American wilderness, including The Deerslayer and Last of the Mohicans. Though he never again lived in his birthplace, Cooper returned to the Burlington area for nearly two decades later in life. • Related reading: • The Deerslayer • ISBN 0873957903 - Amazon. Barnes & Noble. Borders. • The Last of the Mohicans • ISBN 0899682545 - Amazon. Barnes & Noble. Borders. • Correspondence of James Fenimore Cooper • ISBN 0838312950 - Amazon. Barnes & Noble. Borders. • James Fenimore Cooper: Novelist of Manners • ISBN 0874134870 - Amazon. Barnes & Noble. Borders.

39. Stephen Meader Home 565 East Main St., Moorestown, NJ

40. 12. Stephen W. Meader home, 565 East Main Street, Moorestown. Author of Children’s Books (1892-1977) . Stephen Meader, born to Quaker parents, wrote his first children’s book, The Black Buccaneer , in 1920. H e moved his growing family to Moorestown in 1922 and by 1927, he had obtained a position with the Philadelphia advertising firm of N.W. Ayer & Son. Meader published his second book in 1934: Down the Big River. He quickly became a prolific writer of children’s books , totaling 20 volumes and many short stories and poems. His works includ e some stories with a New Jersey or Burlington County theme, including Cape May Packet and Shadow in the Pines. Among his most widely known books was T-Model Tommy . Many of these books are currently being reprinted. During his life in Moorestown, Meader served as the President of the Moorestown Free Library trustees from 1937 through 1963. At the time of his death in 1977, he resided in Cape May Courthouse, New Jersey. The Meader home is currently owned by Robert and Camille West. It is over 100 years old and has undergone extensive renovation in recent years.

41. George DeCou 3 West Maple Ave., Moorestown

42. 1867-1950

43. 13. George DeCou residence, 3 West Maple Avenue at the northwest corner of Maple and Mill in Moorestown. George DeCou (1867-1950), wrote numerous history books and pamphlets on Moorestown, Burlington County , and South Jersey: Moorestown and Her Neighbors (1929 and 1952); Burlington: A Provincial Capital (1945); The Historic Rancocas (1949); and pamphlets on other Burlington County communities. DeCou became President of the Ramblers, a popular Moorestown literary society in 1899 and again in 1914. Over his lifetime he lived in different parts of Moorestown, but his primary residence, built in American Vernacular style, still stands at 3 West Maple Street. DeCou designed and had the home built in 1912. He and his family lived here until 1931. The current occupants, Mr. & Mrs. James Delaney, purchased the home in 1976 from the Winston Family.

44. Dr. James Still Black Doctor of the Pines

45. Office (preserved) Dr. Still’s home (no longer extant) which was located to the right of his office.

46. 14. Office of Dr. James Still (1812-1885), 209 Church Road (Rt. 616), Medford. Dr. James Still’s life is an amazing tale of the son of former slaves growing up in extreme poverty and becoming one of New Jersey’s earliest medical doctors. He was one of 18 children of slave parents. Dr. Still was a distinguished herbalist at a time when most doctors relied on often questionable, patent medicines. Called “The Black Doctor of the Pines,” he had a large biracial practice. He also distinguished himself as a spokesman for the black community of South Jersey. The Medford Historical Society has reprinted his autobiography: “Early Recollections and Life of Dr. James Still” (1877). The work chronicles the African-American experience in Burlington County before, during, and after the Civil War. The State of New Jersey, Burlington County, and Medford Township, New Jersey agreed in 2006 to preserve Doctor Still’s office and property as part of the New Jersey’s Green Acres program. Plans are being finalized to restore the office as a museum.

48. Beverly Free Library 433 Cooper St., Beverly

49. 15.The Beverly Free Library, 443 Cooper St. Beverly. Built in 1929, the Beverly Library grew out of the Beverly Paragraph Club, a literary organization formed in 1895. The Paragraph Club bought the ground for the library after selling a plot of land along Warren Street given to them to build a clubhouse. The library first started about 1911 with club members and other local residents supplying many of the original books. The original club disbanded in 1930, but a new Paragraph Club organized in December 1946. On the front lawn there is a monument indicating that the library building is a memorial to the men who served in World War I; a plaque at the foot of the flagpole in memory of David Weiss, “Patriot and Philanthropist”, 1889-1967; and a marble bench honoring Elaine M. Curtin, Library Director from 1975 through 1997.

50. Riverside Homestead (1750/1850/1886) 7 Taylor’s Lane, Cinnaminson