Collection # 34

PERRINE PAPERS, 1809 - 1938

Processed by Lois R. Densky

Edited by Gregory J. Plunges

Monmouth County Historical Association
70 Court Street
Freehold, New Jersey 07728

June 1981



INTRODUCTION

David Perrine (Jan 10, 1784 - Aug 4, 1843), the son of John Perrine (1762 - 1848) and Ann Stout (1761 - 1822), was born in Millstone, NJ. He spent most of his life in Perrineville, which was named after him. David Perrine was a tavern keeper from 1816 to 1829 in Hightstown, Upper Freehold, and in Clarksburg. From 1830 to 1835, he owned and operated a grist mill in Perrineville. He also served as a constable.

On March 31, 1808, David Perrine married Phebe Baird (1790 - 1855), the daughter of David Baird and Lydia Tapscott. Their children were: Lydia Ann (1809 - 82), John D. (1811 - 92), Mary (1813 - 36), David Clark (1816 - 88), Alfred (1818 - 79), Rei Baird (1820 - 29), Deborah Ely (1822 - 93), DeLafayette (1824 - 29), Caroline (1826 - 61), Charles (1829 - 72), Edwin A. Stevens (1832 - 81), and Margaret Cook (b. 1835).

David Clark Perrine (Oct 20, 1816 - July 6, 1888), son of David Perrine and Phebe Baird, was born in Clarksburg. After obtaining his education in Hightstown, he removed to Freehold about 1830 and became a clerk for Lippincott, Davis & Co. He was eventually made a partner. From 1840 to 1852, David C. Perrine and Enoch L. Cowart (1807 - 89) formed a mercantile partnership and operated a general store in Freehold. From 1852 until his death, DC Perrine owned and operated the "Big Red Store" on W. Main street, one of the largest 19th century general stores in Freehold. Upon his death in 1888, his son David V. Perrine continued the business. In addition to his mercantile interests, DC Perrine operated a mill on the Matchaponix River in Middlesex Co., and was considered one of the largest buyers and shippers of grain in Monmouth County.

David C. Perrine married Hannah Matilda VanDerveer (1829 - 1900), the daughter of David I. VanDerveer and Mary Conover, on Feb 5, 1851. Their children were: David VanDerveer (1853 - 1939), William Conover (1855 - 56), John Rhea (1857 - 61), Mary Conover (1863 - 73), and Arthur D. (1868 - 69).

In 1857, DC Perrine4 was one of the incorporators of the Freehold Gas Light Co., and served as its president and treasurer. He was one of the incorporators of the Citizen's Gas Light Co. in 1860. Perrine served as treasurer of the Freehold and Englishtown Turnpike Co. In 1868, he was one of the incorporators of the Freehold Institute (est. 1847), and served on its board of trustees. He was appointed a Freehold judge of elections in 1869, and was elected as Freehold Borough's first town treasurer. Perrine was affiliated with the Freehold First Presbyterian Church, but was buried in Old Tennent Church graveyard.

David VanDerveer Perrine (May 25, 1853 - Dec 27, 1939), son of David C. Perrine and Hannah M. VanDerveer, was born in Freehold. His early education was obtained at the Freehold Institute (ca. 1863 - 73), and he later entered the sophomore class at Princeton University (1873 - 76). Upon granduation, David V. Perrine worked for his father at the "Big Red Store". After his father's death, he took over its management until his retirement in 1933. In addition to his mercantile interests, DV Perrine invested in real estate. He owned property on Main and Court Streets in Freehold, the Bowne farm, and several parcels in Manasquan.

David V. Perrine married Elizabeth Wyckoff Conover (b. 1857), the daughter of Elias Conover and Mary A. Wyckoff, on Nov. 29, 1900. There were no children.

DV Perrine was a large stockholder in the Freehold Electric Light Co., and in the Freehold Gas Co., serving as director of the latter. He was a founder and charter member of the Monmouth County Historical Association (est. 1898), and donated the lot at 70 Court Street in 1930 for the expressed purpose of erecting a museum and library building. Perrine was considered an authority on local history and genealogy, especially the Battle of Monmouth.

DV Perrine also held memberships in the Sons of the American Revolution, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Holland Society, the American Institute of Civics, and the NJ National Guard. In 1884, he was vice-president of the Freehold Fire Department. He was also president of the Freehold Chamber of Commerce.

David V. Perrine was for many years affiliated with the Freehold First Presbyterian Church. He served as elder and deacon, and participated in many other church activities. Later he became a member of Old Tennent Church and is buried in that graveyard.

DESCRIPTION OF COLLECTION

The Perrine Papers consist of the personal, business, and civic papers of David, David C., and David V. Perrine. The collection is arranged in three record groups. The David Perrine papers contain letters, financial and legal records. The David C. Perrine papers contain correspondence, finaincial records, legal records, Cowart & Perrine mercantile records, Freehold and Englishtown Turnpike records, Freehold Institute records, and printed material. The David V. Perrine papers include correspondence, Freehold Institute school papers, financial records, legal records, surveys, diaries, Freehold First Presbyterian Church papers, Monmouth Presbytery papers, Old Tennent Church papers, and printed material. The bulk dates of the collection are from 1836 to 1938.

The Perrine Papers document two important 19th and 20th century Freehold men who were active in the economic, religious, civic, and social affairs of Monmouth County. The collection documents local business, educational, and religious history. The David V. Perrine genealogical collection will be useful to genealogists, and is housed separately from the main collection. Additional subjects found in these papers include Manasquan, NJ, the Monmouth County Agricultural Society, and the Monmouth County Historical Association.

Collections housed at the Monmouth County Historical Association which relate to this collection include the Cowart Papers, the Freehold Young Ladies' Seminary Collection, the Holmes Family Papers, and the Cherry Hall Papers. These record groups provide additional local mercantile and educational material. The Cowart Papers contain the bulk of the Cowart and Perrine mercantile records. There are Perrine photos in the photograph file. The museum collections contain items donated by Perrine family members, some of which are family memorabilia. A collection of Monmouth Presbytery minutes will be found at Rutgers University in New Brunswick.

SERIES DESCRIPTION

DAVID PERRINE PAPERS, 1809 - 1845

1. Papers, 1809 - 45. Arranged chronologically.

Series includes incoming personal letters, financial records, legal records, and a survey. Correspondents include John W. Norton, David Clark Perrine, and Richard Jones. Legal records document David Perrine's tenure as constable. The survey may be of the land and mill owned by Perrine. There are some estate papers (David C. and John D. Perrine, executors)

DAVID C. PERRINE PAPERS, 1836 - 1907, n.d.

1. Correspondence, 1839 - 85, n.d. Arranged chronologically.

Series consists of mostly incoming personal and some business letters. There are many invitations. Most letters are from David V. Perrine to his parents. DV Perrine's grades from the Freehold Institute are also included here. A few letters are addressed to Mrs. Hannah M.V. Perrine. Many outgoing letters pertain to DC Perrine's insurance policies.

2. Financial Records, 1836 - 1907, n.d. Arranged chronologically.

Series contains records of business (mercantile and investments) and personal transactions. They include accounts, bills, receipts, tax bills, account books, stock certificates (Freehold and Englishtown Turnpike Co., Monmouth County Agricultural Society, Freehold Electric Light Co., and Manalapan & Freehold Turnpike Co.), bonds, lists, and a daybook for the "Big Red Store". Post-1888 records reflect transactions of Perrine's estate (David V. and Hannah MV Perrine, executors).

3. Legal Records, 1848 - 1893, n.d. Arranged chronologically.

Series documents business and personal legal transactions; primarily includes deeds and insuance policies for business, personal, and investment properties. Series also contains a copy of Perrine's will, mortgages, releases, quitclaims, title searches, and estate papers.

4. Cowart & Perrine Mercantile Records, 1844 - 1860. Arranged chronologically.

Series contains the business records of the Enoch L. Cowart and DC Perrine partnership for a general store in Freehold. It consists of accounts, bills, receipts, insurance policies, and store script money.

5. Freehold & Englishtown Turnpike Co. Records, 1875 - 1882, n.d. Arranged chronologically.

Series includes financial and legal records of company treasurer DC Perrine, and includes bonds, bills, receipts, accounts, and turnpike tickets.

6. Freehold Institute Records, 1859 - 1887, n.d. Arranged chronologically.

Series contains letters, financial records, legal records, and printed material of trustee members including DC Perrine. Letters, financial and legal records document business activities of the board. Financial records include bills, receipts, and accounts. Legal records include insurance policies for the Institute and incorporation papers. Printed material contains miscellaneous copies of school catalogs.

7. Printed Material, 1863 - 1873, n.d. Arranged chronologically.

Series consists of miscellaneous Freehold Young Ladies' Seminary catalogs, an advertisement circular, NJ Democrat and Republican political tickets (two in German), and clippings.

DAVID V. PERRINE PAPERS, 1861 - 1938, n.d.

1. Correspondence, 1861 - 1933, n.d. Arranged chronologically.

Series includes personal (many invitations), business, and genealogical letters. Many early letters are addressed to DV Perrine while he was attending the Freehold Institute. Business letters pertain to legal matters and real estate investments (i.e., Manasquan tax and property assessment problems). The Dec 15. 1920 and Oct 17, 1921 letters pertain to the Monmouth County Historical Association.

2. Freehold Institute Papers, 1863 - 1873, n.d. Arranged chronologically.

Series contaons DV Perrine's school work and includes composition notebooks, a drawing book, an autograph book, Latin translations, debates, and compositions.

3. Financial Records, 1879 - 1934, n.d. Arranged chronologically.

Series includes bills, receipts, accounts, bonds, tax records, stock certificates, and an account book. All material reflects personal and business (i.e. Manasquan real estate) transactions.

4. Legal Records, 1888 - 1937, n.d. Arranged chronologically.

Series contains deeds, bylaws, mortgages, title searches, afficavits, subpoenas, agreements, insurance policies, and specifications. Most material reflects business transactions. Many documents pertain to DV Perrine's tax assessment dispute for property owned in Manasquan. The Aug 26, 1927 and Jan 1, 1929 items document the transfer of the 70 Court St. property from DV Perrine to the Monmouth County Historical Association.

5. Surveys, 1889, 1905, n.d. Arranged chronologically.

Surveys are of property in Freehold and Manasquan.

6. Diaries, 1865 - 1886, n.d. Arranged chronologically.

Diaries kept by Perrine while attending the Freehold Institute and Princeton University. The undated notebook contains genealogical material. Probasco bible records are also included in this series.

7. Freehold First Presbyterian Church, 1882 - 1921, n.d. Arranged chronologically.

Series consists of letters, petitions, reports, printed material, an account book of church debts, minutes, directories, calendars, and certificates. All material documents church business, programs, and activities. DV Perrine was a very active member. Correspondence documents the resignation of the Rev. Herman C. Fox. Subjects include the Young Men's Prayer Meetings, the Young Men's Association, Sunday School, the Society of Christian Endeavor, and the Women's Aid Society.

8. Monmouth Presbytery, 1904 - 1938. Arranged chronologically.

Printed material including abstracts of minutes and manuals.

9. Old Tennent Church, 1911 - 1938, n.d. Arranged chronologically.

Printed material including minutes, a public notice, certificates, a brochure, and cemetery rules and regulations.

10. Printed Material, 1879 - 1927, n.d. Arranged chronologically.

Series composed of miscellaneous catalogs, programs, brochures, bylaws, magazines, and flyers. Subject include the NJ Sabbath School Association, the Freehold Lyceum, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the NJ Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Freehold Institute, the Monmouth County Sunday School Association, the NJ Military Academy and Freehold Military School, Battle of Monmouth celebrations, Manasquan, the Synod of NJ, Allentown Presbyterian Church, and the Red Bank Register.

Provenance: Acquired between 1931 and 1938, a give of David V. Perrine, Freehold, NJ. Acquired in 1940, a gift of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, Red Bank, NJ, who purchased items from the DV Perrine estate and/or Miss Laura Conover.

Restrictions: None.

Size of Collection: 5-1/2 linear feet.

CONTAINER LIST

PERRINE PAPERS, 1809 - 1938

COLLECTION #34

Box / Folder / Contents

David Perrine Papers

1 / 1 / Papers, 1809 - 1845

David C. Perrine Papers

1 / 2 / Correspondence, 1839 - 1869

1 / 3 / Correspondence, 1871 - 1885

1 / 4 / Correspondence, n.d.

1 / 5 / Financial Records, 1836 - 1879

1 / 6 / Financial Records, 1880 - 1907, n.d.

2 / 1 / Legal Records, 1848 - 1859

2 / 2 / Legal Records, 1860 - 1869

2 / 3 / Legal Records, 1870 - 1873

2 / 4 / Legal Records, 1874 - 1879

2 / 5 / Legal Records, 1880 - 1885

2 / 6 / Legal Records, 1886 - 1893, n.d.

3 / 1 / Cowart & Perrine Mercantile Records, 1844 - 1849

3 / 2 / Cowart & Perrine Mercantile Records, 1850 - 1860

3 / 3 / Freehold & Englishtown Turnpike Co. Records, 1875 - 1882, n.d.

3 / 4 / Freehold Institute Records, 1859 - 1869

3 / 5 / Freehold Institute Records, 1870 - 1878

3 / 6 / Freehold Institute Records, 1882 - 1887, n.d.

3 / 7 / Printed Material, 1863 - 1873, n.d.

David V. Perrine Papers

4 / 1 / Correspondence, 1861 - 1878

4 / 2 / Correspondence, 1880 - 1899

4 / 3 / Correspondence, 1900 - 1933

4 / 4 / Correspondence, n.d.

4 / 5 / Freehold Institute Papers, 1863 - 1872

4 / 6 / Freehold Institute Papers, 1870 - 1873

4 / 7 / Freehold Institute Papers, n.d.

5 / 1 / Financial Records, 1879 - 1934, n.d.

5 / 2 / Financial Records - Account Book, 1914 - 1921

5 / 3 / Legal Records, 1888 - 1919

5 / 4 / Legal Records, 1920 - 1922

5 / 5 / Legal Records, 1923 - 1937, n.d.

5 / 6 / Surveys, 1889, 1905, n.d.

6 / 1 / Diaries, 1865 - 1872

6 / 2 / Diaries, 1873 - 1876

6 / 3 / Diaries, 1886, n.d.

6 / 4 / Freehold First Presbyterian Church, 1882 - 1902

6 / 5 / Freehold First Presbyterian Church, 1902 - 1921, n.d.

6 / 6 / Monmouth Presbytery, 1904 - 1938

6 / 7 / Old Tennent Church, 1911 - 1938, n.d.

7 / 1 / Printed Material, 1879 - 1897

7 / 2 / Printed Material, 1906 - 1923

7 / 3 / Printed Material, 1925 - 1927, n.d.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ellis, Franklin. History of Monmouth County, New Jersey. Philadelphia: RT Peck, 1885.

"Obituary Notice" Freehold Transcript, Dec 29, 1939. For DV Perrine.

"Obituary Notice" Monmouth Democrat, July 12, 1888. For DC Perrine.

Perrine, Howland Delano, comp. Daniel Perrine "The Huguenot" and his Descendants... South Orange, NJ: Privately Printed, 1910

Wiley, Samuel T. Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia... Philadelphia: Biographical Publishing Co., 1896.