The letters of Jacob
R. Van Arsdale include two letters to Jacob's father Isaac, from Jacob's uncle
Henry Van Arsdale, on the subject of Jacob's entry into Rutgers College, and
one letter to Isaac Van Arsdale from Peter J. Nevius. The remaining
correspondence consists of letters from Jacob to his father while a student at
both Rutgers College and New Brunswick Theological Seminary and during the
initial years of his pastoral ministry.
Collection No.:
R-MC 027
Language
English.
Repository:
Rutgers University
Libraries. Special Collections and University Archives.
Jacob R. Van Arsdale was born September 13, 1811 to Isaac and Laura
(Lane) Van Arsdale. He married Martha Dawes of Stanton, NJ, and together they
raised a family of eleven children. Jacob earned an A.B. degree from Rutgers
College in 1830 and graduated from the New Brunwsick Seminary in 1833. He was a
clergyman of the Reformed Church of America, serving as pastor of the Reformed
Churches of Berne, New York (1834-35), Stanton/Mt. Pleasant, New Jersey
(1835-50), and Tyre, New York (1850-1864). Jacob Van Arsdale died in 1871.
This collection offers a glimpse into the life of a member of the
Rutgers College Class of 1830 as told through correspondence between members of
the Van Arsdale family of Pluckemin, New Jersey. The bulk of the letters
contained in this collection were written by Jacob Van Arsdale, who enrolled at
Rutgers College at the age of 17 and pursued additional studies at New
Brunswick Theological Seminary after completing his work at Rutgers. All but
three of the letters are addressed by Jacob to Jacob's father, Isaac Van
Arsdale, and describe events and personalities at Rutgers as seen through the
eyes of young Jacob. Jacob's subjects run from the very mundane routine of life
in New Brunswick at that time to his own reflections on his education and on
the state of religion, and his perception of the quality of the instruction he
receives at Rutgers and New Brunswick Theological Seminary. The letters also
cover the initial two years of his pastoral ministry, which began after his
graduation from New Brunswick Theological Seminary in 1833.
The Van Arsdale Collection is located in five folders. Folder One
contains three letters to Jacob Van Arsdale's father, Isaac, from Peter Nevius
and Henry Van Arsdale just before Jacob becomes a student at Rutgers, 1827-28.
Folder Two contains ten letters to Jacob Van Arsdale's father, Isaac Van
Arsdale, from Jacob while a student at Rutgers, 1828-29. Folder Three contains
ten letters to Jacob Van Arsdale's father, Isaac Van Arsdale, from Jacob while
a student at Rutgers, 1829-30. Folder Four contains ten letters to Jacob
Van Arsdale's father, Isaac Van Arsdale, from Jacob while a student at New
Brunswick Theological Seminary (1830-1833) and in the years immediately
following his graduation from the seminary (1834-35), and three receipts for
board. Folder Five contains typewritten transcriptions of all of the letters in
folders One to Four, except for the last three letters.
Letters to Jacob Van Arsdale's father, Isaac, from Peter Nevius
and Henry Van Arsdale
Box
Folder
1
1
Peter J. Nevius to Isaac Van Arsdale
November
5, 1827
Nevius will forward his letter by way of New Brunswick, where he
has a store. Regarding the "disposition" of three children, he offers to pay
for the training of the eldest, a girl, perhaps as a mantua maker.
2
Henry Van Arsdale to his brother Isaac Van Arsdale
April
30, 1828
Henry has met with Elias Brown and "Doc" [the Reverend James
Spencer] Cannon [theological professor] regarding the entrance of Isaac's son
[Jacob] and Elias's son [John M. Brown, also of Pluckemin, 1830] into classes
at Rutgers.
3
Henry Van Arsdale to his brother Isaac Van Arsdale
September 10, 1828
There will be no exam until next Monday (according to Rev. Mr.
Fisher), so Jacob need not come down until then. Henry will see that Jacob is
"agreeably and advantageously situated."
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
September 20, 1828
Jacob has been pressed to join a secret society, and has
joined the Peithessophian Society without first seeking his father's consent,
as it will probably be of real service to him. His eyes continue weak.
(The ink in this letter has faded, which makes the letter
difficult to read.)
2
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
October 11, 1828
He has only 9 pence remaining of his 3 dollars, after buying
textbooks, snuffers and blacken. Henry Wychoff [Wyckoff, 1828; died 1829] has
returned, has entered the Seminary, and is very much engaged in preparing to
preach to all nations. Another student, [Simon V. E.] Westfall [1831, died
1856] has suffered from a fever called "the remitting verging towards the
billious."
3
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
February 3, 1829
Because of a snowstorm, "nothing is heard save the tingling of
the bells the loud roar of laughter and the savage shouts." A professor is
lecturing four nights a week (40 lectures) on geology, mineralogy and
chemistry.
4
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
February 20, 1829
Jacob has injured his foot, and missed four days of classes.
His eyes have not been well, which he attributes to dust.
5
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
February 28, 1829
As soon as his bruised toe recovered, he took a heavy cold,
which caused him to miss two days of lectures.
6
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
March
10, 1829
A Mr. Manly's shop and two-story home have burned,
interrupting attendance of worship on the Sabbath for inhabitants of the city.
Jacob's eyes are considerably better. The societies have been very well
attended recent nights.
7
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
May
7, 1829
Dr. Ogden died unexpectedly on Wednesday afternoon, after a
week of illness in his breast. He could not consider, when asked, if he had
made his peace with God, the time of sickness being no time for reflection.
8
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
May
13, 1829
Uncle Henry was down, but brought no letters from home. Jacob
is eager to hear how the early corn stood the cold weather.
9
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
June
18, 1829
The Seniors have completed their examinations and received
their grades. Robert Ormiston Currie has received the first honours; Garret I.
Garretson and John Forsyth the second.
10
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
July
1, 1829
Preparing for examinations. To read the history of England
while awaiting commencement. Young potatoes selling for $2 per bushel; green
beans and peas in the shell for $1; "great encouragement to gardeners and
farmers." "Religion seems to be very dull in this place. I don't think that
there is any one of the students who intend to join the church.
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
September 19, 1829
Rutgers College is growing, while enrollment at Nassau Hall is
in decline. Mr. McClelland [Professor of Languages] has not yet arrived, but is
expected soon. "If reports are true he will be an ornament to this
college."
2
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
September 26, 1829
There are now about sixty students in Rutgers College, and
twenty in the seminary. Professor McClelland is a superior lecturer. "I confess
I do not feel that earnestness in religion at present which some express." The
funeral service for Henry Wyckoff was very affecting.
3
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
October 12, 1829
He has an opportunity to sell Day's book on mathematics. He
waxes philosophical on the brevity of life.
4
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
November 7, 1829
His eyes are better; he has read Heroditus and has commenced
Rollins' history of the world. A lantern recently ignited a barn a mile from
town, illuminating the whole city.
5
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
November 24, 1829
Mr. Hardenburgh is to leave New Brunswick, having received a
call from a congregation in New York. There is an abundance of Bible,
missionary and temperance societies here. Jacob is a member of a temperance
society connected with the college.
6
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
January 12, 1830
Dr. Milledoler's solemn administration of the sacrament
yesterday has revived Jacob from his lethargy. Several acquaintances are
affected by consumption, and one has died.
7
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
February 15, 1830
Dr. Janeway's preaching at the Dutch church last Sunday was
good in its simplicity and truth. The congregation is expected to call him to
be their minister.
8
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
February 15, 1830
Dr. Janeway intends to give up his congregation, as the duties
incumbent upon him are too arduous. Jacob only goes up to the college three
times a week. Every other day they have a recitation at Dr. DeWitt's house.
Cornelius Van Arsdale has been dismissed for irregular conduct.
9
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
March
15, 1830
Dr. Janeway has accepted a call from the consistory, but he
must obtain a dismission of the presbytery before he can come. Great
disappointment over the will of the late Colonel Rutgers, which provided
nothing for Rutgers College.
10
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
June
16, 1830
Preparing for examinations; weather very warm. Attended the
debates at the session of the general synod. Dr. Cannon advises him not to
speak at commencement.
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
October 9, 1830
Studying Hebrew and pastoral theology. He now lives in the
lower end of town, but items may be left for him with Mr. Parsells, Henry Van
Arsdale, or at Henry Vroom's.
2
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
October 25, 1830
Now rooming alone, as Mr. [Peter James] Quick [1833] was
imposed on by Professor DeWitt to room with a new student from Albany, to whom
DeWitt is guardian, as a good influence. Jacob's room is decently furnished,
including a small franklin stove, at $2.00 per week. Jacob vacillates between
joy in believing and a lack of interest in Christ. Must begin writing one
sermon a month.
3
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
November 1, 1830
The death of a relative, Ann Van Doren, prompts reflection on
mortality. William and (John) Mahelm Brown (1830) are to teach school; "Mahelm
will make considerable money, something like 500$.
4
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
December 2, 1830
"So great have been the exertion of our class this term that
they are all sick but myself & one more. Those who have got sick have gone
home. Their sickness originates from hard study."
5
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
January 17, 1831
"The Raritan is frozen over. The steam boats come no farther
than Amboy." Two seminarians of the theological school, Swarts and Robins, have
consumption. Robins is not expected to live until spring.
6
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
January 28, 1831
Drs. DeWitt and Cannon are his professors in the study of
sacred history, including the antiquities of the Jews. Much snow; wood sold
briefly for $8 a cord. The Sunday School is no longer conducted by the divinity
students, as their opposition to the elders over a proposal to join the school
with the N. Fork union caused such chagrin.
7
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
March
4, 1831
The ice, which was 18 3/4" thick, has broken up in a high tide
which heaped it onto the docks, overflowing the lower part of town and flooding
cellars. Huge quantities of corn were carried off from granaries. Steam boats
are expected today. There is a revival of religion in New York and other
places, and meetings are held in New Brunswick every Thursday evening to stir
up the people to the importance of religion. "These meetings have been well
attended but no very visible effect has been produced."
8
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
June
22, 1831
A theological student named Gregory has received a call to
preach in Oreid, N.Y. for a $500 salary. A young boy has drowned in the
river.
9
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
January 16, 1832
Hermans is much engaged in his clerical studies, and appears
zealous. Most approve of him, but some dislike him.
10
Jacob Van Arsdale to Isaac Van Arsdale
July
13, 1835
He delivered an address at Bernville on the 4th of July. He
has received the call from Mt. Pleasant for a salary of 350$, which he expects
will be increased.
The unused portion of this letter has been used to record
processes for making hard soap and for boiling gum turpentine for candle
making.
This folder contains typewritten transcripts of the letters found
in Folders 1 through 4, with the exception of the last three letters contained
in Folder 4.
