| Vol.1 No.4 |
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April 1997 |
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(Continued from Vol. 1 No. 3) The Lenape needed tools and implements with which to carry on their
daily lives. Obviously they had to make any tools, weapons and implements
from what was available in nature. Flint and other stones were chipped
and flaked to make arrowheads, spearheads and axes. Most of the flint and
stones needed to make these implements were either traded or bartered from
other tribes. Flint was not native to this area and was only available
from long distances from here. There was good stone in the area of Greenwich,
Cumberland County which was suitable for implement making and it was sought
after by the local Indians. In fact they believed if they kept the stone
buried in the ground until they needed to make tools or arrowheads the
stone would chip more easily. The Lenape made arrowheads and spearheads for hunting and fishing. It
took patience to make a sharp and balanced point to use in successful hunting.
The points were notched so they could be attached to shafts made of wood
split from dried tree trunks. The dried, split wood was rounded and smoothed
until it would be accurate when used as a weapon. This process took much
practice and patience. Many a broken flint was discarded and it took many
years to learn the art of implement making. Medicine was known to the Lenape. They relied upon what nature offered
them to cure the illnesses that visited the tribe. Wild plants and herbs
were brewed to make teas that were used for cures. Rest and eating lightly
were part of the remedy much as we do today. The Indian's doctor was known
as the medicine man. However, he was only called upon in cases where evil
spirits were suspected as the cause of illness and he was expected to scare
the evil spirit away. The Lenape also believed in sweating the disease away and were known
to put patients in a sauna like hut. Stones were heated until red hot then
water was poured on them to make steam. The patients stayed as long as
they could tolerate the heat and then ran from the enclosure to the nearest
stream to cool off. When death came to the visit the Lenape there was ritual of load howling
that could be heard for great distances. The body was bound with hands
in front and drawn knees to the chest. Sometimes they were buried with
wampum and pipes in their mouths. Platforms were often built over the grave
and offerings of food were brought to the scaffold. To close this review of the Lenape of New Jersey, a quotation from Chief
Seattle of the Duawanish tribe written to President Franklin Pierce. His
prophetic words follow: "The Great Chief in Washington sends word that he wishes to buy our land. How can you buy or sell the sky - the warmth of the land? The idea is strange to us. Yet we do not own the freshness of the air or the sparkle of the water. How can you buy them from us? Every part of this earth is sacred to my people. Every shiny pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every clearing and humming insect is holy in the memory and experience of my people. We know that white man does not understand our ways. One portion of land is the same to him as the next, for he is a stranger who comes in the night and takes from the land whatever he needs. The earth is not his brother, but his enemy, and when he has conquered it he moves on. He leaves his father's graves, and his children's birthright is forgotten. "There is no quiet place in the white man's cities. No place to hear the leaves of spring or the rustle of insect wings. But, perhaps because I am a savage and do not understand - the clatter only seems to insult the ears. And what is there to life if man cannot hear the lovely cry of the whippoorwill or the arguments of the frog around the pond at night. "The whites too, shall pass - perhaps sooner than other tribes. Continue to contaminate your bed and one night you will suffocate in your own waste. When the buffalo are all slaughtered, the wild horses all tamed, the secret corners of the forest heavy with the scent of many men, and the view of the ripe hills blotted by talking wires. Where is the thicket? Gone. Where is the eagle? Gone. And what is it to say goodbye to the swift and the hunt - the end of living and the beginning of survival." The Indian's way of life is gone from our area but we shall remember
him. Today there is a renewed interest in his way of life and pride in
those who can claim they are of his blood. Chased from their land they
have survived and have gained our respect. There are many Lenape sites in the Egg Harbor Township area. Arrowheads
and implements can be found along the banks and shores of our rivers and
streams. Their footprints remain! Atlantic Journal Friday, March 16, 1860 A few days ago I was at English Creek. The day was rainy and for the
season of the year there was very heavy thunder. I made my way to the residence
of Peter English, Esq. In order to find shelter of myself and horse, in
which I was not disappointed. I found shelter and food for Old Fox, and
everything needful for the inner man. During my short visit with Mr. English,
he showed me a gun which he has in his possession, which is a rare specimen
of fire arms, especially in this section. It was used by a Mr. Somers,
one of General Jackson's guards in the war of 1814 It measures seven feet
three inches including stock. The length of the barrel is six feet and
is said to be a superior shooter. He also showed me a quantity of turnips
which speak well for Atlantic County. One hundred of these from the smallest
to the largest weigh six hundred pounds, or an average of six pounds each.
Who can beat it? F.H.H. Atlantic Journal Friday, August 17, 1860 We are glad to perceive that our friend, Capt. E.E. Hudson, has put
on a new and more commodious coach for conveying passengers between here
and Egg Harbor City. He as also provided himself with a relay of horses
that cannot be surpassed by any team on the road. . Early Records of Egg Harbor
Township November 16, 1784 Came to house of Thomas Doughty Junior a Stray Hafer about 4 yares olde with Crop of the Nose by III & hapenny under the off Eyes of a ablae Coller* Saml Risley Clerk November 18, 1784 Came to the house of Morris Risley a Strae yerelon of abeindih coller with Crope of the off Eyes afore. Saml Risley * ASBURY METHODIST CHURCH  Asbury
Church was formerly known as English Meeting House. Religious services
were held at the home of Joseph English in the 1700's . English Meeting
House was built in the 1790's . The original meeting house was located
in the cemetery at the rear of the present church just west of the large
cedar tree. In 1852 the first Asbury Church was built and it was lit by
the candles of the worshipers which they placed upon the beams of the sanctuary.
On Christmas Eve 1860 the church was destroyed by fire. The present Asbury
Church was built upon the foundation the burnt church . Constructed by
Joseph Endicott Smith it was completed in 1863 and serves the English Creek
community today. (Link to more
information for Asbury Church)Contributors are welcome to the newsletter.
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