History of Education in Freehold Township (cont.)

During the same time period, there was another school that was announced by Joseph Rue. It was called the Latin School and was held in the house of Henry Perrine. It was advertised in Collins’ Gazette dated March 14, 1778, and was "where scholars can be accommodated in the best manner and at the lowest expense."

It is also reported that there was an English and Classical School taught by the Rev. Andrew Fowler, the rector of St. Peter’s Church. However, additional information could not be found. The next reference to a school at this time was known as the Old Log Schoolhouse.

It stood on the byroad (now Barkalow Avenue) leading from the main road to the Old Baptist Cemetery, south of the mansion on the Covenhoven Farm (Clinton House-Moreau Farmstead). General David Forman, of Revolutionary War fame built the schoolhouse. He was also known as Black David because of his swarthy stature and to distinguish him from Sheriff David Forman. General Forman gave General George Washington one of his own horses when Washington’s was shot from under him during the Battle of Monmouth. This school was maintained by General Forman as a select school for the education of his own children and neighbors who chose to avail themselves of this privilege. It operated for many years. Judge Charles A. Bennett attended it between 1825 and 1830 when it was then the only public school in the vicinity of Freehold. Scholars from Blue Ball (now Adelphia), Mounts Corners (now West Freehold), and other neighborhoods also attended this school. The school has also been known as the Ancient Baptist Burying Ground Schoolhouse.

In 1779 Ellis records show another school that was opened by Rev. John Woodhull, pastor of Old Tennent Church. It was billed as a classical school. This was the only school of its kind in this part of the state, and became quite popular. Many important men were trained here. Garret A. Hobart, 26th Vice President of the United States, S. Berien who later became Attorney General of the United States; and George Ord, biographer of the life of Alexander Wilson, the Ornithologist, attended this school. Alexander Wilson was a friend of John A. Audubon and published several volumes of his "American Ornithology" between 1766-1813. After Wilson’s death, his friend, George Ord, edited two additional volumes of his works.