At this time, about 1665, all the region was a
wilderness. The only roads through it were the
trails of Indians and of wild animals. But the
situation appeared to Treat to be excellent, here
on the banks of the Passaic, and thirty families
prepared to transport themselves in a ship
commanded by Captain Samuel Swaine. It is
reported that when the landing was about to be
made, great rivalry arose among the passengers
as to who should first set foot upon the new
land, and at last it was voted that the Cap-
tain's fair daughter, Elizabeth, be given the
privilege. Her lover, Josiah Ward, waded out
knee-deep into the water to assist her to reach
the land.
According to the custom of loyal Connecticut
Presb3rterians, the first thing done in the build-
ing of the new colony was to establish a church.
The Rev. Abraham Pierson was the first pastor;
fourteen others in succession have followed him.
The church now standing is the third built
upon this site, the first having been a little
wooden temple, the next a simple stone structure
erected in 171 5, and the one now standing dating
from 1 79 1. The Rev. Aaron Burr, father of the
statesman, was one of the famous men who held
the pulpit in early days, and his portrait now
hangs within the parish house.
The SchoiAhouse at Ike O'.i Lyons Farms, where Washiiislan Spoke to the Cliildrea.
The Lyons Farmhouse, Said to be the Oldest House in New Jersey.
