The Island of Secaucus

Date: [unknown] [unknown]
Location: New Jersey
Surnames/tags: Earle Erle

This page includes excerpts quoted From the book: The History and genealogy of the Earles of Secaucus: ^[1]

The Island of Secaucus New Jersey

The transfer of the Island of Secaucus to Edward Earle took place on April 24, 1676. This goes to show that Edward was in New York or vicinity several years before he acquired possession of Secaucus. In the deed he is described as "Edward Earle of New Yorke, Planter." The word "planter" makes us almost sure that this is indeed the Edward Earle who owned a plantation with Joseph Dockings in Maryland. Of his residence in New York there is no other record, but it is probable that he was there for some time, and it has been suggested that he may have been in business with Pinhorne, with whom he is subsequently associated in the ownership of Secaucus. This, however, is conjecture.

According to historical records:

"Edward Earle, on April 24, 1676, “bought the Island of Ci-ka-kus, in the Province of New Jersie, for 2000 Dutch Dollars, together with an existing house, some stock, and eight or 10 Christian and Negro servants,” (need source)

Siskakes, Sikakes or Secaucus, is an Indian word and signifies "the place where the snake hides," "and is so named because of the numerous snakes which infest it." (Long Island Hist. Soc, i. 156.)

Secaucus, became the home of Edward Earle and his family.

It is an inland island, lying northwest of Jersey City, and west of Hoboken, about three miles distant from New York City. It is surrounded by the Hackensack River on the north, west and south, and by Pinhorne Creek (incorrectly spelled Penhorn) and Crom-a-Kill Creek on the east.

These creeks flow into the Hackensack, the former to the south, the latter to the north. There was formerly a ditch, connecting the heads of these two streams, which are not far apart, so that Secaucus is really an island. It is a beautiful piece of upland, rising out of the extensive marshes that lie west of the Hudson. This tract is perhaps seven miles long by about half a mile wide, and embraces about three thousand acres.

On the southerly end of the island is a bold bluff, rising out of the salt marsh, on the east side of the Hackensack River. This is known as Snake Hill. In the time of the Dutch it was called Slangenbergh, of which "Snake Hill" is the English equivalent. It had evidently retained its reputation as the home of the snake, which secured for it its Indian name. This name was transferred to all the upland lying between the River and Pinhorne Creek. Snake Hill is the most conspicuous object in the landscape which meets the eye on entering Jersey City from the west. It towers up like a sentinel from the general dead-level of the surrounding meadows. A little northeast of Snake Hill is an elevated piece of upland, once known as Mount Pinhorne.

The Island of Secaucus was purchased from the Indians in 1658, by Peter Stuyvesant, and was first conveyed to Nicholas Verlett and Nicholas Bayard, in 1663. This patent was afterwards confirmed by Carteret in 1667. The wording of Carteret's patent is as follows:

"Doe hereby Give, Grant & Confirme unto Nicholas Ver Lett, Esqr, of the town of Bergen, and Nicholas Bayard, of New Yorke, a sartain Plantation or Parsel of land, lying & being in the Kill van Cole, known in the Indian language by the name of Sickakus, which was lawfully purchased from the Indians and paid for, as may appeare by the Bill of Sale made by the Indyans, the 30th day of January, in the Year of Our Lord, 1658, Stila Nova, which said Parcell of Land, together with all the Land and Meadows round about it and annexed thereunto, with the Creek & Creeks, Ponds, Poules, Swamps & Isletts, as far as it reaches to the fine land, Fishing, Fowling, Hunting, with all and singular the appurtenances &cc"

"The said Plantation or Parcell of land is esteemed and valued according to the survey and agreement made, to contain, both of upland meadow, the sum of two thousand acres, English measure."

(This was an underestimate, for Pinhorne's half, sold some years later, was advertised at eighteen hundred acres.)

STUYVESANT'S PATENT.

"The Patent of Petrus Stuyvesant to Nicholas Varlet and Nicholas Bayard, dated the tenth Day of December, One thousand six hundred and sixty three. Confirmed by Patent from Philip Carteret to said Varlet & Bayard, dated the thirtyeth Day October, One thousand six hundred and sixty-seven, for a certain Plantation or Parcel of land and Meadow called Sekakus, lying in the Kill van Cul.

"Survey: Beginning at the mouth of Pinhorne's Creek (On the Northeasterly side of Hackinsack River) and thence runs up along said Pinhorne's Creek the several courses thereof as it runs to a Creek or Ditch (which communicates or joins said Pinhorne's Creek with another Creek, called Crom, a-Kill), then down said Creek or Ditch as it runs to said Crom, a-Kill, then down along said Crom, a-Kill Creek, the several courses thereof, as it runs to said Hackinsack River, then down the said Flackinsack River, the several Courses thereof as it runs to the mouth of said Pinhorne's Creek, the place of beginning."

In 1674 the Indians raised a question as to the Dutch title to the Island. They contended that the deed to Stuyvesant included only Espatingh and its dependencies." But the Dutch Council at Fort Willem Hendrick, having examined the deed and heard arguments, decided that the land was included in the sale. The Indians replied that they did not know this, and thought "They ought to have a present of an anker of rum." To extinguish their title this was given (Colonial Flistory of New York, ii. 707), and the simple ones were satisfied.

"While in possession of the patentees, Varlet died, and Samuel Edsall and Peter Stoutenburgh were appointed his administrators. They joined Bayard in selling the tract, April 24, 1676, to Edward Earle of Maryland."

"Which patented premises, after the decease of the said Nicholas Varlet, was, with all the appurtenances thereunto belonging, granted & conveyed by the administrators of said Varlet, and Nicholas Bayard, to Edward Earle by deed dated the 24th day of April, in the year One Thousand six hundred & seventy six, pursuant to written articles entered into by said administrators & Nicholas Bayard on the one part, and Edward Earle on the other part, dated the 16th of October, 1673, wherein the said Administrators & Bayard agree to sell & convey to said Earle the Island of Secaucus &c"

DEED OF SECAUCUS ISLAND. The following is a copy of the deed given to Edward Earle, Sr.:

To all Xtian people unto whom these presents shall Come, send Greeting. Know yee that wee, Samuel Edsall and Peter Stoutenburge, Administrators of the Estate of Captn Nicholas Verlett, Deceased, and I, Nicholas Bayard of New Yorke, Merchant, for a valuable consideration before signeing and sealeing hereof, to us in hand payd by Edward Earle of New Yorke, Planter, wherewith we confess ourselves to be fully satisfied and payd, have bargained, sold, enfeoffed and confirmed, and by these presents do bargaine, sell, enfeoffe and confirm unto the said Edward Earle, his heirs and assigns, all our title, interest and p'perty to a certain plantation, or parcell of land lyeing aid being in the province of New Jersey in Kill after Coll, knowne by the name of Sicacus, together with all the lands, Meadowes, Creekes, ponds, poules, swampes, islets and all other the appurten'ces thereunto belonging, or in any wise appertaining, as more at large is set forth and doth appeare by the Patent and Confirmation from the Hon. the Governor and Council of the pr'vince of New Jersey aforesaid, bearing date the 30th of October Anno Dni 1667. To have and to hold the said parcell of land, Meadow, with all the appurten'ces, unto the said Edward Earle, his heires and assignes, unto the sole and Pr'per use and behoofe of him the sd Edward Earle, his heires and assignes forever. In confirmation whereof wee hereunto set our hands and seals in New Yorke, this 24th of April 1676 - N. Bayard, Saml Edsall, Peter Stoutenburge.

Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of John Darvall, Will Pinhorne.

Mr. Nicholas Bayard and Mr. Peter Stoutenburge appeared this first day of August, 1683, and made oath that this is their owne hand signeing before me Will Beekman, Deputy May'r. Coyed xv die August Anno Rex Caroli sedi Angl'ce et Evicewinno Quinto. pr Sam'l Edsall coram me Tho Rudyard. Recorded in Liber A of deeds, pages 35 &c

The "valuable consideration" mentioned in the deed, was, as we are informed elsewhere, "2000 Dutch Dollars." As the record has it, "Bought the Island of Ci-ka-kus, in the Province of New Jersie, for 2000 Dutch Dollars, together with house, some stock, and 8 or 10 Christian and Negro servants."

"Two thousand Dutch Dollars was in those days a very large sum of money, and proves that he must have been well to do. The pay of a day laborer was then but ten pence Sterling, and of a skilled mechanic twenty pence, a day."

"Earle sold to Judge William Pinhorne, March 26, 1679, for £500, one undivided half of the tract, also one half of the stock, 'Christian and negro servants.' The following schedule was annexed to the deed: One dwelling-house, containing two lower rooms and a lean-to below stairs, and a loft above, Five tobacco houses, one hors, one mare and two Coults, eight oxen, ten Cows, one bull, foure yearlings, and seven Calves, between thirty and forty hoggs, foure negro men, five christian servants."

Not long after this, Scott, in his "Model of the Government of East Jersie," calls the place "a brave plantation."

Pinhorne and Earle held in common until April 15, 1682, when a division was made. Earle took the upper and Pinhorne the lower portion of the Island. On the east boundary of Pinhorne's land was a creek which took its name from the Judge, and to this day is known as Pinhorne's Creek." (From Winfield's Land Titles, p. 130.)

A. C. Merritt says, "Pinhorne was a Welshman and a member of the Governor's Council, and a prominent politician. The sale was no doubt made to secure Pinhorne's influence in maintaining title against Colonial claimants, holding under patent of the Duke of York, and the claims of what were known as the Twenty-four Proprietors of New Jersey, the Earl of Bellemont being their Governor."

Judge Pinhorne's residence was probably on the elevated ground northeast of Snake Hill, known as "Mount Pinhorne." "In the summer of 1729, Col. Kingsland advertised Mount Pinhorne for sale,—'600 acres of timber, 200 acres of cleared land, 1000 acres of meadow, with a new house and barn, two orchards of about 1200 bearing apple trees.' If there were 1800 acres in Judge Pinhorne's half, it will be seen that the estimate of the original deed, 2000 acres, was too low for the contents of the whole Island.

Pinhorne's portion of Secaucus Island is now owned by the County of Hudson, and the Alms House, Lunatic Asylum and Penitentiary are located there. Three hundred acres of this Plantation now constitute the Poor House Farm.

It is evident from Edward Earle's will that he became a large landholder, for mention is made of two considerable tracts, with houses and tenements.

In the Archives of New Jersey for 1701, Vol. II, p. 417, is given a list of "Persons Recommended by ye Majority of the Proprietors of the Province of East and West Jersie to be of ye Councill in New Jersie."

The names given are:

Lewis Morris, Anthony Pintard, William Pinhorne, Edward Earle, William Sandford, Samuel Dennis, of Woodbridge, Samuell Leonard, Miles Forster John Johnstone,

Opposite these names is this sentence: "These are persons of ye Best Estates in East Jersie."

This estate at Secaucus, N. J , just outside of Jersey City, may be considered the homestead of this branch of the Earle family in America.

For here Edward Earle, Sr, the patriarch of this line, and his wife Hannah, established themselves in 1676 and passed the remainder of their days. Here their only child, Edward Junior, grew to manhood and married, and here his large family of 12 children were born and raised. Here the senior Edward built a home in 1689. This edifice, quite a mansion for those days, was of red sandstone, and on a stone tablet, which probably formed a part of the original wall, was this inscription, "EDWARD EARLE, 1689." This Colonial residence remained in the possession of the family until 1792.

Many of the descendants of Edward Earle settled in the vicinity of Secaucus, and their names are to be found on the registers of neighboring churches. Some of his descendants are living in the neighborhood today, having never wandered from the ancestral home. In fact, that part of New Jersey which lies adjacent to New York is peculiarly the family seat of this tribe of Earles.

We may conjure up a picture of home life on the Secaucus Plantation during these years, until the death of Edward Earle in 1711. In the house of red sandstone dwelt Edward and his good wife, Hannah. This residence stood on the western side of the Island, overlooking the Hackensack River. It sat back a few rods from the river, on high ground. About it clustered other buildings of the Plantation, tobacco houses, servants' quarters, or, perhaps, we ought to say slave-quarters, for there were really several negro slaves on the place, who were bought with the property.

Edward divided his large estate into two tracts, and on the second, at a little distance north from his home, stood another stone house with its tenements, where Edward Earle, Jr. , was established, with his wife, Elsie Vreelandt, whom he married on February 13, 1688. Here they were living when Edward Senior made his will, in 1709, and here, in all probability, the forbears of our race, the entire third generation of our line, were born and raised. This second old stone house, therefore, possesses for us a peculiar interest and sacredness. The twelve children of Edward and Elsie were all born before the death of their grandfather, so that there was no lack of child life in the Secaucus home.

Edward Earle, Sr, was not only a man of large wealth for those times, he was also a man of position and influence in the Province. In 1694 he was a member of the House of Delegates, the only authoritative body under the Governor and his Council. In 1698 he was again a member and was chosen Speaker.

In the New Jersey Archives, Vol. XIII, p. 259, is this minute:

"At a Council held ye 8th of March, 1698, the whole House of Representatives came before this Board and presented Mr. Earle for their speaker in place of Mr. Harrison, who is ill, and he was received accordingly,"

There are frequent references to Edward Earle, Jr. , in the Journal of Governor and Council, from 1694 to 1699. We feel sure that that these were intended for Edward, Sr. The histories of the time are in hopeless confusion between Edward senior and Edward junior. Winfield makes Edward Jr. the purchaser of Secaucus and founder of the Earle family in Bergen and Hudson Counties. But Edward Junior was only eight years old when Secaucus was purchased. Harvey, in his Genealogical History of Hudson and Bergen Counties, has followed Winfield too closely, and consequently his sketch of Edward Earle, J r , is full of errors.

The acts of the father are attributed to the son, and vice versa, and both are made to die on the same day, Dec 15, 1711. It seems well nigh impossible, at this distance of time, to disentangle this snarl.

But it is probably safe to say that it was Edward, Sr, who was commissioned Justice of the Peace for Bergen County, Nov. 28, 1684, and Assistant Judge of the Bergen Common Pleas in 1705.

A possible explanation of this confusion, though we do not advance it with confidence, may be that Edward, Sr, was himself the son of Edward, and that, during the minority of his son, he was sometimes known as Edward, Jr.

In 1709 Edward Earle, Sr, made his will. This is a curious document and will be read with interest by his descendants, at the distance of two hundred years. It is dated May 16, 1709, and is given as nearly as possible just as written, capitals and all.