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About The Howe Farmstead Project
Join us in Saving and Reimagining a Somerset County Treasure
The Somerset County Historical Society (SCHS), and its partner Somerset County, are proud to announce that the Howe Farmstead in Franklin Township will undergo extensive restoration and historical preservation work to restore this farmhouse and surrounding property to its past glory. Once completed, the farmstead will serve as an interdisciplinary engagement site that will host local history events, new-age programs and leisure activities. These efforts will recreate the beauty of the original Howe Farmstead in a way that honors its longest residents, Dr. Eugene and Lois Howe, who resided in the farmhouse from 1947 to 2008.
The Howe Farmstead is a historic group of buildings and land nestled inside of Colonial Park. The original farmhouse (c. 1732) is believed to have been constructed and owned by a member of the Van Doren family that owned property in the area. A good example of the eighteenth century Dutch farmhouses found throughout Somerset County, the land surrounding the house also includes a carriage house, hay barn, corn crib, chicken house, hired man’s house, outhouse and well. The original dwelling now serves as the kitchen wing, with a larger two-story farmhouse addition added on c. 1790-1810.
This is the first time a historic property is being restored as an all-original venue for historical and other purposes in this unique fashion, while paying homage to an up-and-coming concept of “socio-history.”
"Socio-history," explains Rikki Lyn Hauss-McCarthy, a trustee of the SCHS, "doesn't disregard the architectural significance of the Howe Farm or other properties. Instead, it fosters a broader focus to include the people that built, preserved and resided on the property and their contributions, as well as the cultural norms of each era that the farm has survived through.”
The SCHS is currently seeking concerned citizens, nonprofit organizations and businesses to provide financial and labor support to renovate and preserve the Howe Farmstead. In taking on this project, the SCHS seeks to build collaborative partnerships dedicated to historic preservation that will ensure the farmstead remains an important fixture of the community for years to come.
The Howe Farmstead is a historic group of buildings and land nestled inside of Colonial Park. The original farmhouse (c. ~1830) is believed to have been constructed and owned by a member of the Covert family that owned property in the area. With a good example of the eighteenth century Dutch and English farmhouses that is found throughout Somerset County, the land surrounding the house also includes a carriage house, hay barn, corn crib, chicken house, hired man’s house, outhouse and well. The original dwelling now serves as the kitchen wing, with a larger two-story farmhouse addition added on c. 1840.
The nearby athletic complex and nature trail also bear the names of their benefactors, the Howe family, who donated land and financial resources to the park and community. The Howe family, who were respected historic preservationists in the area and were notably founding members of The Meadows Foundation, made a number of documented physical changes and repairs to their beloved home in an effort to maintain its enmeshed historic value and modern use. In 1992, the Howes donated their property to Somerset County with the agreement that they be allowed to continue living in the farmhouse. It was their intent that their beloved farmstead be preserved by Somerset County for generations to come. Lois passed away in 1995 and Dr. Howe died in 2008.
QuarterMaster General Nathaneal Greene
Who was Nathaneal Greene?
Only one of Washington's Generals to serve continuously through out the war fighting in both Northern and Southern theaters. Trusted advisor to Washington. Sometimes called “The Fighting Quaker.” Quartermaster General for two years. Sometimes called “The Savior of the South” His tactics there combined regulars, militia and guerrillas into a force that used rapid movement and continuous pressure against the British. “This use of irregular forces foreshadowed what often happens in modern wars of national liberation.”
While he was stationed at the Van Veghten House during the Second Middlebrook Cantonement from Oct 1778 to April 1779, he was responsilbe for supplying the entire army in New Jersey and New England, as welll as the prisoners of war from the Battle of Saratoga.
How is he remembered?
According to Wikipedia, numerous places and things have been named after Greene across the United States. Fourteen counties are named for Greene, the most populous of which is Greene County, Missouri. Municipalities named for Greene include Greensboro, North Carolina; Greensboro, Georgia; Greensburg, Pennsylvania; Greenville, North Carolina; Greenville, South Carolina, and Greeneville, Tennessee. Other things named for Greene include the Green River in Kentucky, Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn, and several schools. Several naval ships have been named for him, including the USRC General Green, the USS General Greene, the USS Nathanael Greene, and the USAV MGen Nathanael Greene.
A brief overview of his life before the war
His great grandfather, a surgeon, emigrated from England, followed Roger Williams to Rhode Island, purchased large tracts of land, and established the family business.
1742 Nathaneal is born on July 27 at Potowomut in Warwick, Rhode Island, fifth child in a family with 8 children, 7 boys and 1 girl. He has two older brothers from his father's first marriage.
1753 His Mother, Mary, dies. He is 11. His Father, Richard, a Quaker pastor, believes knowing the Bible is all the education a man needs. But Nathanael loves to read and devours all books he can find or borrow. He also loves dancing and socializing, often sneaking out at night when the family is asleep.
As a young man he takes over management of the family foundry (they made anchors, among her things) and traveled widely in the area meeting other merchants and professional people. Borrows books from many of them. c. 1770 British official William Dudington seizes a vessel owned by Greene and his brothers. Greene files an ultimately successful lawsuit against Dudington for damages. While the lawsuit was pending, Dudington's vessel was torched by a Rhode Island mob in what became known as the Gaspee Affair. In the aftermath of the Gaspee Affair, Greene becomes increasingly alienated from the British. 1773 Removed from Quaker meetings. First woman he propose marriage to turns him down. 1774 July 20 Marries 19 year old Catherine Littlefield in Warwick, RI. She is the niece by marriage of the RI governor, an influential politician and distant cousin of Greene. 1774 Helps form the Military Independent Company of East Greenwich. 1774 Oct Helps form the Kentish Guards, a local militia, and serves as a private. (Was he overlooked for an officer slot because of his limp?) 1775 May 8 Commissioned as brigadier general of RI Army of Observation and goes to siege of Boston 1775 June 22 Commissioned as a brigadier general in the Continental Army. (This was a downgrade from RI position. Unlike other officers he does not protest.)
His Military Career- Northern Campaign
1776 March 20 Following British evacuation, of Boston, takes command of the American forces occupying Boston. 1776 Aug 9 Commissioned a major general in the Continental Army.
1776 Sep Washington charges him with the defense of Long Island.
Sep 16 Experiences first combat at Battle of Harlem Heights 1776 Nov 20 Overseas evacuation of Fort Lee and joins retreat across NJ 1776 Dec 26 Participates in Battle of Trenton
1777 Jan 3 Participates in Battle of Princeton and moves to Morristown.
Apr 13 Leads reinforcements from Morristown after Battle of Bound Brook. 1777 Sep 11 Participates in Battle of Brandywine Creek. His forces allow for an orderly American
retreat after the Battle
1777 Oct 4 Participates in Battle of Germantown.
1777 Nov Involved in failed efforts to maintain control of Forts Mercer and Mifflin in
south Jersey. Winters at Valley Forge and leads foraging parties
1778 Washington appoints him quartermaster general after previous man abandons his post.
Reluctantly accepts and begins to overhaul organization
1778 Jun 28 Participates in Battle of Monmouth Courthouse.
Aug 29 Commands right wing at Battle of Rhode Island.
1778 Oct to Winters at Van Veghten House during Middlebrook encampment and is joined by his
Apr 1779 wife. (During the course of the war, he and Catherine have 6 children.)
1780 Jul 26 Resigns as quartermaster after Continental Congress, struggling with need for
capital and appalled by size of operations (more than 3000) and expenses, removes part of
the responsibilities of the job.
1780 Sep Presides over military court that sentences John Andre to hang for acting as a spy in aiding
Benedict Arnold's treasonous efforts to surrender the fort at West Point
1780 Oct Appointed commander at West Point.
His Military Career- Southern Campaign
1780 Oct 14 Chosen to command Continental Army in the Southern Department.
1780 Dec 16 Decides to divide his army in the Carolinas.
1781 Mar 15 Leads army at Battle of Guilford Courthouse.
1781 Apr 25 Commands army at the Battle of Hobkirk's Hill.
1781 May 22 Directs unsuccessful siege at Ninety-Six.
-Jun 19
1781 Sep 8 Leads army at the Battle of Eutaw Springs.
1782 Dec Occupies Charleston after its evacuation by the British.
1783 Jun Furloughs the Southern Army.
Nov 27 Carrying considerable debt, reunites with his family at Spell Hall in Coventry, RI.
1785 Settles on Mulberry Grove slave plantation near Savannah, GA, given to him by the state.
First rice crop fails. Oldest son drowns.
1786 Jun 19 Dies of heatstroke at his plantation. Estate is involved in protracted law suits for many
years.