Hageman Farm facts for kids
The Hageman Farm is a historic house in Somerset, New Jersey. It is a special place that is officially recognized as a historic landmark in New Jersey. This farm has a long and interesting history, connected to the Hageman family for many years.
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The Hageman Family's Journey
The Hageman family started in America with Catherine and Adrian Hegeman. They came from the Netherlands around 1650. First, they settled in a place called Flatbush in New York. Later, in 1702, four of Adrian and Catherine's grandsons moved to Six Mile Run, New Jersey. This move began the family's deep roots in the area.
Benjamin B. Hageman and the Farm's Growth
One of Adrian's great-grandsons was Benjamin B. Hageman (1812–1890). In 1845, Benjamin married Jane Van Wickle (1823–1901). They lived and farmed in Somerville, New Jersey for sixteen years. Jane Van Wickle was related to Symen Van Wickle. In 1861, Benjamin moved to what is now known as the Garretson-Hageman farm. He made big changes to the house in 1868, making it larger and more modern for its time. Benjamin had two sons: Samuel Hageman (who lived from about 1845 to 1876) and Garretson Hageman (1846–1915).
Garretson Hageman Takes Over
Garretson Hageman became the next owner of the Hageman house. He was a smart person who graduated from Rutgers College in 1868. After college, he became a land surveyor, a civil engineer, and a notary in the area. This meant he helped measure land, design structures, and make legal documents official. Garretson married Caroline Gano Staats. They had four children: Jane Ann Van Wickle Hageman (1888–1978), who married Frederick Locke Bascom; Peter Hageman; Magdeline Gano Hageman, who married Tunis Davis; and Benjamin Hegeman.
Peter Hageman and the Tax Office
The house was passed down to Peter Hageman (who lived from about 1890 to 1943) in 1933. Peter had an important job: he was the Tax Collector for Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey. He held this job from 1928 until he passed away in 1943. After his death, his wife took over his duties. She continued to work as the Tax Collector from their home for another 24 years! For almost 40 years, a large room in the house served as the official Tax Collector's office.
Peter's son, Garretson Hageman, continued to live on the farm with his family. However, in 1972, the government decided to buy the land for a planned water project called the Six Mile Run Reservoir. This meant the family had to move.
The Meadows Foundation Saves the Farm
After the Hageman family left, the farm house was empty for more than five years. During this time, it was damaged by bad weather, neglect, and even vandalism. Luckily, the plan for the Six-Mile Run Reservoir was eventually canceled. This meant the house did not need to be torn down.
On July 13, 1978, the Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey government made a deal. They allowed the Meadows Foundation to buy the farm and its other buildings for only $100. The Meadows Foundation is a group that works to save historic places. In return for the low price, the foundation agreed to pay the Township an annual lease for the surrounding 1.5 acres (6,100 m2) of land, instead of paying taxes. Thanks to the Meadows Foundation, the Hageman Farm was saved and can now be enjoyed by future generations.
40°29′11″N 74°32′05″W / 40.48639°N 74.53472°W
