| Readington's First Settlers (pp. 192-93) |
| Adrian Lane, at Readington, and Van Etta, southwest of Centerville, were the first actual settlers we know of in the township. They came as early as 1700, and the Lows, who settled in the southeast corner of the township, shortly after. Frederick Van Fleet came from Aesopus, New York, in 1725, and bought lands of Van Etta, his homestead being the late residence of C. W. Van Fleet, deceased. He shortly afterward became the owner of a large tract at Van Fleet�s Corner. His son Thomas, the great-grandfather of A. V. Van Fleet, Esq., of Flemington, became the owner of a valuable tract of 200 acres, a part of which is now owned by his grandson, John J. Van Fleet. John J. Van Fleet�s father, John F. Van Fleet, known as �Old Collector,� for many years, was born and died on the same property, at the age of 93 years. His son-in-law, Peter Schomp, is now the owner of the homestead, south of the residence of John J. Van Fleet, between Centerville and Three Bridges. Col. Abraham Van Fleet, the father of the lawyer, is remembered by many as one of the brightest young men of Readington. When a boy he showed an intelligence and discretion beyond his years, and mingled with men in conversation. He was a practical farmer, and possessed native military talent, and a love of arms that amounted almost to a passion. In his school boy days, when not ten years of age, at every interval between the hours of study, it was his delight to have all the boys parading up and down the playground with wooden guns. As a man, he was famous for drill at militia trainings. He died at the early age of 35. Our informant says, that had he lived till the late rebellion, he would have attained high rank as an officer, and notwithstanding his advanced years, �he�d have been in.� Lequear's "Traditions" were originally published 1869-70. |