Samuel Kitchell, 1635-1690

Samuel Kitchell was among the first white settlers in present-day Newark, having come from the New Haven colony in 1666 with Robert Treat. According to The Mountain Society, the settlers had come believing that the land had already been purchased from the Indians by the Governor and Council. However, the Hackensack Indians would not allow them to settle. An agreement for a first sale, extending to the foot of "the great mountain called Watchung," was signed on July 11, 1667; Kitchell was one of the signers. A second sale was made a decade later. This was a purchase from the "Winachsop and Shenachtos Indians, the owners of the great mountain Watchung." This purchase included a large portion of surrounding land, including the present-day Oranges, Maplewood, Bloomfield, and Belleville.

Lois Ward, 1723-1804

Lois Ward, born September 21, 1723, was a great-granddaughter (on her paternal grandfather's side) of John Ward and a great-granddaughter (on her paternal grandmother's side) of Samuel Kitchell. John Ward (1620-1694) and Samuel Kitchell (1635-1690) were among the original white settlers who had come from the New Haven colony with Robert Treat to settle in Newark in 1666.

Lois was married in 1748 to William Hand. The couple had 11 children. For a time, the family lived at the Hand House (still standing) in present-day Maplewood. Both died in Livingston in the early 1800s.

Macculloch Hall, Morristown

Macculloch Hall, Morristown

Macculloch Hall, located at 45 Macculloch Avenue in Morristown, was built in 1810. George Mcculloch had emigrated to America from London with his wife, Louisa, and their two children in 1806. The home was built on top of an existing 18th century farmhouse, which is now the basement of the house and can be toured. Macculloch is best known as the father of the Morris Canal.

The Macculloch's daughter, Mary, married Jacob Miller. The couple had nine children and resided at Mcculloch Hall. George Mcculloch died in 1858, and Louisa Mcculloch continued to live with her daughter's family in the house until her death. The house next door to Macculloch Hall, at 49 Macculloch Avenue on the corner of Miller Road), was built between 1870 and 1880 by Henry Miller, a grandson of George Macculloch. Mr. Miller was a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy. The house, called The Kedge (meaning "small anchor"), was originally built as a summer cottage and was later enlarged to serve as a year-round residence. The house remains the home of Macculloch family descendants.

Macculloch Hall was purchased by Morristown philanthropist W. Parson Todd in 1949. Mr. Todd began the restoration of Macculloch Hall to house his collection of 18th and early 19th century art and home items.

The house also boasts a fascinating exhibit of the work of 19th century political cartoonist Thomas Nast. Nast and his wife lived at 50 Macculloch Avenue, directly across the street from Maccullach Hall, from 1872 to 1902, the year of Nast's death. Thomas Nast had moved to Morristown when New York City political boss, William "Boss" Tweed threatened Nast's life as a result of Nast's unfavorable depictions of Tammany Hall. Nast was the creator of the Democratic Donkey, the Republican Elephant, the Tammany Tiger, Uncle Sam, and our current image of Santa Claus. Macculloch Hall has the largest collection of Nast works in the United States, and possibly the world.

W.Parsons Todd also restored the gardens of Macculloch Hall to their 19th century splendor and it is now the oldest garden in Morris County. The garden is open for visitors every day, even when the museum is closed.

The Museum gives tours on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 1 to 4. For more information, please see Macculloch Hall's website.

Articles with more information:

Skylands Visitor website article on Macculloch Hall