The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1882-12-26
Selert Storv.
A Tale Of the Revolution.

New Jersey, as wei as new OrB, was
orieinallv settleiby eolonists from Hol-
land, and although the English at one
time got possession OF the territory, the
Dutch rcgained II aud held it under the
name OF Achter Kol, until 1878
! Among the early emigranss from Fl IL
land was family by the name OF Ko-
venhoven, who took up lands in what is
now Monmouth County, nearthe pres
ent village Of Eatentown. Their de-
scendakls. under the anglicised name OF
Conover, live 10 the same region to this
day.
In 1777-S this family had farm on
the ocean shore, probably within the
preseIt limits Of Long Branch. At thai
time the men folks were all away with
tn Continental army, under General
Washington. The family left at home
consisted of the mother, daughter Of
eighteen or twenty years, son of six
teen wears, and another of ten. These
,eentrived TO support themselves On the
farm, and also to contribute literally to
tie Continenlal cause.
notwithstanding the defenseless con-
iition of the plsce, with the enemy in
possession of the country. the Koven-
hoveu homestead was an important post
in q line Of secret communication kept
up between the parties Of New York and
their friends beyond the Delaware.
The elder CT the Kovenhoven boys,
though only growing lal,wa trusted
messenger in this "grspe-vinc' postal
service, and by his skill and daring in
working throu IN the British lines had
already won the name OF Katie Koven-
hoven, or, as we would say now, Cool
Conover.
Early in the GUNNER OF ITS, when
Gen. Clinton was preparing to abandon
the line Of the Della ware and fall back
on the Hudson River. a. body of Hessian
troops was sent through the Jerseys to
open the way to Sandy Hook, where the
army was TO embark for New York.
The Hessians hsrred The. country to
some extent, foraging as they advanced,
and making special efforts to break up
the secret postal service known to be
maintained in spite OF their utmost Wig
lance. The line was kept running at
that time, as may readily be supposed,
with redouhled activity, and the messen-
gers spared neither risk nor hardship to
get their di-patches through The service
was all the harder as the activity Of the
enemy forced them 10 seek roundabout
ways and travel long distances. The
route was turned through the pines, an
unbroken wilderness extending, at that
time, nearly across the South Jerseys.
One night in June young C"nover re-
turned home from a trip into the pines
weary and worn. He had ridden manv
long mile through the soft sands Of the
forest without daring to wal, for rest and
refreshment.
Stopping at the bars and turning his
tired mare into the salt meadow. he
shouldored the saddle and carried 1t into
the barn. He had an important dispatch
with him fastened under his arm in q
waterproof cover. Worn out with hard
riding from early morning TIL midnight
and with the constant strain Of anxious
watchfulness, he felt relieved ard thank
ful 10 get home in safety.
Sitting down on heap OF straw, be
took of hie heavy riding boots and un-
but,oned his shirt to remove the precious
package, and then, in an instant, the re.
action from over-exertion conquered
him, and he dropped into deep sleep.
He slept heavily until the first beams
Of DAYLIGHT began to shine through thu
cracks in the barn. Then lie was sud
denly awakened by tremendous thump
ing close by him. AS he sprang mp lhe
butt OF musket broke through lht
door, enthusiastically he realized tha
, for once he had been caught mapping
It was his way to face danger when ht
could not avoid i, so he spr-ng to th'
door, feeling TOR his package and finding
it safe under bis arm, at the same mo-
ment.
Six men stood outside, and in the din
morning light be recognized them as
detail from q detachment of Hessian
from whom he had been dodging all tn
previous afternoon. They addressed
him roughly, and one of them, in bro
ken English, commanded him to fut
forsge for their horses.
"Und, yunker," he added, "rouse de
hause and get right away breakfast"
The boy brought hay and grain il
abundance for The horses, and then LEI
the way to the house. His sister, Katie
was already astir, and Immediately com
pretending the situation, she set ahou
preparing a breakfast without any fus
or hesitation.
, The meal passed OF quietly, the fam