Prominent Figures
Overview
Since its first European settlement in the mid-1600s, West Windsor has been home to tens of thousands of individuals. Some, however, have made more of a name on the township than others. Below are short summaries of the figures that either show up most often in the annals of West Windsor's history of most heavily shaped its trajectory. Click on any of the images below to explore more!
Since its first European settlement in the mid-1600s, West Windsor has been home to tens of thousands of individuals. Some, however, have made more of a name on the township than others. Below are short summaries of the figures that either show up most often in the annals of West Windsor's history of most heavily shaped its trajectory. Click on any of the images below to explore more!
William Penn
William Penn (1644-1718) & David Lyell (Unknown)
The original inhabitants of what would become West Windsor were the Lenni Lenape - known to European settlers as the "Delaware." This group had a long and often violent history with their "Old World" counterparts. Indeed, it wasn't until the 1681 arrival of William Penn, infamous for his land purchases that would eventually become Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and the peace treaties he made with the natives - that the Lenni Lenape would meet a prominent figure dedicated to the well-being of both cultures.
So what about his influence on West Windsor? Well, In 1693, William Penn purchased a 6,500 acre tract east of the Stony Brook River, extending from Assunpink Creek to the Millstone River in the north. Four years later, a New York City goldsmith named David Lyell purchased another large tract immediately to the east of Penn's. The boundary between these two tracts - a straight line from the mouth of Big Bear Brook on the Millstone River to Assunpink Creek in the south - is still partially demarcated today by Penn Lyle Road, named after these two early land owners.
The original inhabitants of what would become West Windsor were the Lenni Lenape - known to European settlers as the "Delaware." This group had a long and often violent history with their "Old World" counterparts. Indeed, it wasn't until the 1681 arrival of William Penn, infamous for his land purchases that would eventually become Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and the peace treaties he made with the natives - that the Lenni Lenape would meet a prominent figure dedicated to the well-being of both cultures.
So what about his influence on West Windsor? Well, In 1693, William Penn purchased a 6,500 acre tract east of the Stony Brook River, extending from Assunpink Creek to the Millstone River in the north. Four years later, a New York City goldsmith named David Lyell purchased another large tract immediately to the east of Penn's. The boundary between these two tracts - a straight line from the mouth of Big Bear Brook on the Millstone River to Assunpink Creek in the south - is still partially demarcated today by Penn Lyle Road, named after these two early land owners.
Garret Schenck (Unknown-1745) & John Covenhoven (Unknown)
On November 28, 1737, Garret Schenck and John Kovenhoven jointly purchased a tract of 6,500 acres from three sons of William Penn - John, Thomas, and Richard. Having left Monmouth County, they blazed a trail through virgin forest and acquired this property for 2,175 pounds sterling. Penn, who died in 1718, had originally acquired the tract - demarcated by Stony Brook to the west, Bear Swamp to the east, Millstone River to the north, and Duck Pond Run to the south - in 1693.
This land purchase was enormous. In 2019, West Windsor is comprised of a little over 16,000 acres, meaning that Schenck and Covenhoven's acquisition was nearly 40 percent of the land area of West Windsor today. Their purchase of this land opened up the area to an influx of settlement in an area that would soon become known as "Williamsburgh" in honor of its eponymous first English landholder. The vicinity is now known as Penns Neck.
On November 28, 1737, Garret Schenck and John Kovenhoven jointly purchased a tract of 6,500 acres from three sons of William Penn - John, Thomas, and Richard. Having left Monmouth County, they blazed a trail through virgin forest and acquired this property for 2,175 pounds sterling. Penn, who died in 1718, had originally acquired the tract - demarcated by Stony Brook to the west, Bear Swamp to the east, Millstone River to the north, and Duck Pond Run to the south - in 1693.
This land purchase was enormous. In 2019, West Windsor is comprised of a little over 16,000 acres, meaning that Schenck and Covenhoven's acquisition was nearly 40 percent of the land area of West Windsor today. Their purchase of this land opened up the area to an influx of settlement in an area that would soon become known as "Williamsburgh" in honor of its eponymous first English landholder. The vicinity is now known as Penns Neck.
Tatam'ys Swamp in 2019
Moses Tunda Tatamy (c. 1695-1760)
Moses Tunda Tatamy was an instrumental figure in the history of central New Jersey. Born c. 1695, possibly around Trenton, he served as a diplomat and interpreter, serving a critical role in the French and Indian War by bridging the divide between New World and Old World cultures. His legacy in West Windsor remains in the naming of "Tatamy's Swamp," located just south of Clarksville Road.
In 1727, Tatamy witnessed the unlawful execution of his tribe's leader, named Weequehela. Fearing for his friends and family in a time of tenuous peace, Tatamy aimed to appease the European aggressors.
Although it is not known how exactly Tatamy grew to be a leader of his people, it is well-established that by the 1730s, he was well-known and trusted in the colonial world. In On December 30, 1736, he was granted 315 acres of land by the Colony of Pennsylvania near the Native American village of Welagemeka, located just north of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This grant was made by Thomas, Richard, and John Penn - sons of their much more famous father, William - in consideration of their "love and affection for Tatamy." The Lenni Lenape was to later host Moravian leader Zinzendorf on his property in 1742.
Moses Tunda Tatamy was an instrumental figure in the history of central New Jersey. Born c. 1695, possibly around Trenton, he served as a diplomat and interpreter, serving a critical role in the French and Indian War by bridging the divide between New World and Old World cultures. His legacy in West Windsor remains in the naming of "Tatamy's Swamp," located just south of Clarksville Road.
In 1727, Tatamy witnessed the unlawful execution of his tribe's leader, named Weequehela. Fearing for his friends and family in a time of tenuous peace, Tatamy aimed to appease the European aggressors.
Although it is not known how exactly Tatamy grew to be a leader of his people, it is well-established that by the 1730s, he was well-known and trusted in the colonial world. In On December 30, 1736, he was granted 315 acres of land by the Colony of Pennsylvania near the Native American village of Welagemeka, located just north of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This grant was made by Thomas, Richard, and John Penn - sons of their much more famous father, William - in consideration of their "love and affection for Tatamy." The Lenni Lenape was to later host Moravian leader Zinzendorf on his property in 1742.
David Brainerd
In 1745, Tatamy converted to Christianity, to further leverage his role as a diplomat and peacemaker. This was accomplished with the help of the famed missionary David Brainerd (1718-1747), who took notes on the event and grew to consider Tatamy a leader of his people. He even saw Tatamy as analogous to Moses - destined to lead his people towards Christianity. Below is an excerpt from Brainerd's writings, where he describes his counterpart:
" Lord's day; July 21"..."It may perhaps be satisfactory and agreeable that I should give some brief relation of the man's exercise and experience since he has been with me, especially seeing he acts as my Interpreter to others"..." His conversation and deportment were much altered, and even the careless world could not but admire what had befallen him, to make so great a change in his temper and behaviour. Especially there was a surprising alteration in his public performances. He now addressed the Indians with admirable fervency, and scarcely knew when to leave off. Sometimes when I had concluded my discourse, and was returning homeward, he would tarry behind to repeat and inculcate what had been spoken. His change is abiding, and his life, so far as I know, unblemished to this day, thought it in now more than six months since he experienced this change. During this time he has been as much exposed to strong drink as possible, in divers places where it has been moving free as water; and yet he has never that I know of discovered and hankering desire after it. He seems to have a considerable degree of spiritual exercise, and discourses feelingly of the conflicts and consolations of a real Christian. His heart echoes to the humbling doctrines of grace, and he never appears better pleased than when he hears of the absolute sovereignty of God, and the salvation of sinners in a way of mere free grace. He has likewise of late had more satisfaction respecting his own state, has been much enlivened and assisted in his work, and has been a great comfort to me.
Upon a strict observation of his serious and savoury conversation, his Christian temper, and unblemished behaviour for so considerable a time, as well as his experience which I have mentioned, I think there is reason to hope that he is "created anew in Christ Jesus to good works. His name is Moses Tinda Tautamy. His is about fifty years of age, is pretty well acquainted with the Pagan notions and customs of his countrymen, and therefore the better able now to expose them. I am persuaded he has already been, and will yet be, a blessing to the other Indians."
" Lord's day; July 21"..."It may perhaps be satisfactory and agreeable that I should give some brief relation of the man's exercise and experience since he has been with me, especially seeing he acts as my Interpreter to others"..." His conversation and deportment were much altered, and even the careless world could not but admire what had befallen him, to make so great a change in his temper and behaviour. Especially there was a surprising alteration in his public performances. He now addressed the Indians with admirable fervency, and scarcely knew when to leave off. Sometimes when I had concluded my discourse, and was returning homeward, he would tarry behind to repeat and inculcate what had been spoken. His change is abiding, and his life, so far as I know, unblemished to this day, thought it in now more than six months since he experienced this change. During this time he has been as much exposed to strong drink as possible, in divers places where it has been moving free as water; and yet he has never that I know of discovered and hankering desire after it. He seems to have a considerable degree of spiritual exercise, and discourses feelingly of the conflicts and consolations of a real Christian. His heart echoes to the humbling doctrines of grace, and he never appears better pleased than when he hears of the absolute sovereignty of God, and the salvation of sinners in a way of mere free grace. He has likewise of late had more satisfaction respecting his own state, has been much enlivened and assisted in his work, and has been a great comfort to me.
Upon a strict observation of his serious and savoury conversation, his Christian temper, and unblemished behaviour for so considerable a time, as well as his experience which I have mentioned, I think there is reason to hope that he is "created anew in Christ Jesus to good works. His name is Moses Tinda Tautamy. His is about fifty years of age, is pretty well acquainted with the Pagan notions and customs of his countrymen, and therefore the better able now to expose them. I am persuaded he has already been, and will yet be, a blessing to the other Indians."
A monumental tree in Tatamy's Swamp
Throughout his life, Moses Tatamy traveled across the mid-Atlantic on numerous diplomatic missions. He experienced tragedy along the way, as two of his sons - William and Peter - died trying to take after their father's sense of civic duty. The first was shot on August 9, 1757 by a young Pennsylvania boy who had been raised to fear the natives; the second died of disease in 1753 while attending Princeton College. Even Tatamy's third son, Nicholas, who served with the New Jersey Provincials, was captured at the fall of Fort William Henry on the same day that William died.
Despite these tragedies, Moses Tunda Tatamy pushed on. By 1758, he served as an agent for the rest of the Lenni Lenape in settling every land dispute in New Jersey.
Two years later, Tatamy died at Edmund Bainbridge's estate on the Upper Road west of Princeton, during an era of relative peace. His legacy lives on in the naming of the borough of Tatamy, Pennsylvania.
Until recently, this leader's name was also memorialized by two West Windsor landmarks. The first was North Post Road: it was originally called "Tatamy's Swamp Road." It is this swamp - just south of the sharp bend in Clarksville Road that takes it over the Northeast Corridor rail line - that is the second living memorial to the Lenni Lenape leader. Although heavily developed, it still exists to this day, and, through an extensive document written by Richard S. Wailing of Communipaw Consulting in 2012, had been extensively detailed. This same paper describes Tatamy's life and exploits in more detail than are shown here, and even proves that this swamp - probably the final home of Moses Tatamy - is possibly also the location of his burial ground.
Despite these tragedies, Moses Tunda Tatamy pushed on. By 1758, he served as an agent for the rest of the Lenni Lenape in settling every land dispute in New Jersey.
Two years later, Tatamy died at Edmund Bainbridge's estate on the Upper Road west of Princeton, during an era of relative peace. His legacy lives on in the naming of the borough of Tatamy, Pennsylvania.
Until recently, this leader's name was also memorialized by two West Windsor landmarks. The first was North Post Road: it was originally called "Tatamy's Swamp Road." It is this swamp - just south of the sharp bend in Clarksville Road that takes it over the Northeast Corridor rail line - that is the second living memorial to the Lenni Lenape leader. Although heavily developed, it still exists to this day, and, through an extensive document written by Richard S. Wailing of Communipaw Consulting in 2012, had been extensively detailed. This same paper describes Tatamy's life and exploits in more detail than are shown here, and even proves that this swamp - probably the final home of Moses Tatamy - is possibly also the location of his burial ground.
Gray's Mill, c. 1890
Jacob Scudder (Unknown)
The grist mill after which Scudders Mill Road in Plainsboro was named was located approximately at the bend in Mapleton road, along what was once a much narrower Millstone River. It was constructed some time between 1737, when Josiah Davison bought the land from his brother Dr. Daniel Brinton Davison, and 1749, when he sold it to Jacob Scudder (who had moved to Princeton with his family from Long Island) for 1,400 pounds.
Jacob Scudder left his mill and surrounding property to his son William, in a will dated November 7, 1773. It continued to be passed down through the family, ending with Isaac Scudder's acquisition of the property.
The development of the village of Aqueduct, which straddles the border of West Windsor and Plainsboro, can be directly attributed to this mill, which provided jobs for locals and food for the area. In fact, it was not until the second iteration of the mill - known as "Gray's Mill" - shut down following the creation of Lake Carnegie and the flooding of the Millstone River that the village disappeared. The man after whom the structure was named remains immortalized through Scudder's Mill Road in Plainsboro.
The grist mill after which Scudders Mill Road in Plainsboro was named was located approximately at the bend in Mapleton road, along what was once a much narrower Millstone River. It was constructed some time between 1737, when Josiah Davison bought the land from his brother Dr. Daniel Brinton Davison, and 1749, when he sold it to Jacob Scudder (who had moved to Princeton with his family from Long Island) for 1,400 pounds.
Jacob Scudder left his mill and surrounding property to his son William, in a will dated November 7, 1773. It continued to be passed down through the family, ending with Isaac Scudder's acquisition of the property.
The development of the village of Aqueduct, which straddles the border of West Windsor and Plainsboro, can be directly attributed to this mill, which provided jobs for locals and food for the area. In fact, it was not until the second iteration of the mill - known as "Gray's Mill" - shut down following the creation of Lake Carnegie and the flooding of the Millstone River that the village disappeared. The man after whom the structure was named remains immortalized through Scudder's Mill Road in Plainsboro.
The Red Lion Inn, pre-1929
Asher Temple (Unknown)
One erstwhile innkeeper of particular note was Asher Temple, who served for many years as the owner of the Red Lion Inn in Penns Neck. In 1817, his name appeared on the township tax roll as the owner of 150 acres of land, 3 horses, 5 "neat cattle," 1 dog, 1 riding chair, and 2 sills. Undoubtedly, he was a prominent resident. Indeed, around the same time, he is referred to in other records as being a constable, from 1819-1821!
In addition, Temple served as host to several township meetings in the early 1800s; numerous minutes between 1800 and 1825 show his inn serving as the locale where the nascent government made consequential municipal decisions.
In 1819, ownership of the Red Lion Inn was transferred from William Kovenhoven to Asher Temple for the then-whopping sum of $4,000. This payment soon spelled trouble for Temple; On May 25, 1826, he and Kenneth Dye (Dey), an associate, borrowed $200 from a James Green. Although they agreed to pay back the money within 60 days, a May, 1827 action by Green against the two was heard by the Supreme Court in Middlesex County.
One erstwhile innkeeper of particular note was Asher Temple, who served for many years as the owner of the Red Lion Inn in Penns Neck. In 1817, his name appeared on the township tax roll as the owner of 150 acres of land, 3 horses, 5 "neat cattle," 1 dog, 1 riding chair, and 2 sills. Undoubtedly, he was a prominent resident. Indeed, around the same time, he is referred to in other records as being a constable, from 1819-1821!
In addition, Temple served as host to several township meetings in the early 1800s; numerous minutes between 1800 and 1825 show his inn serving as the locale where the nascent government made consequential municipal decisions.
In 1819, ownership of the Red Lion Inn was transferred from William Kovenhoven to Asher Temple for the then-whopping sum of $4,000. This payment soon spelled trouble for Temple; On May 25, 1826, he and Kenneth Dye (Dey), an associate, borrowed $200 from a James Green. Although they agreed to pay back the money within 60 days, a May, 1827 action by Green against the two was heard by the Supreme Court in Middlesex County.
The Red Lion Inn in 2018
The court subsequently issued a judgement against the two debtors, ordering that their real estate be sold to satisfy the amount owed. Unfortunately, they could not gather the money, and a result the inn was sold at a public auction to a man named Gooden Hall for $200. Hall, a resident of New York City, allowed Asher Temple to remain an innkeeper.
Perhaps as a way to recuperate his finances, Asher Temple also operated a semi-successful horse racing circuit. In September of 1835, the "Trenton State Gazette" noted: "Penn's Neck Races - The Races will commence over this course on the first day of October and continue for two days. For particulars see handbills. Asher Temple." Although it is unknown for exactly how long the horse racing continued, a column nearly 30 years later in a local paper bemoaned: "We hear complaints that the law prohibiting horse-racing is violated frequently at Penns Neck. There are frequent races there, large sums of money bet, and crowds of people assembled. The nuisance will probably be laid before the next Grand Jury."
Perhaps as a way to recuperate his finances, Asher Temple also operated a semi-successful horse racing circuit. In September of 1835, the "Trenton State Gazette" noted: "Penn's Neck Races - The Races will commence over this course on the first day of October and continue for two days. For particulars see handbills. Asher Temple." Although it is unknown for exactly how long the horse racing continued, a column nearly 30 years later in a local paper bemoaned: "We hear complaints that the law prohibiting horse-racing is violated frequently at Penns Neck. There are frequent races there, large sums of money bet, and crowds of people assembled. The nuisance will probably be laid before the next Grand Jury."
Rev. Amzi L. Armstrong (1827-1910)
Throughout its existence, the Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church has witnessed a variety of clergy members, but none as memorable as the Reverend Amzi L. Armstrong. Armstrong was a pastor who served the church for over four decades, from 1857-1900. However, for all his years of service, his life was unfortunately overshadowed by the grim nature of his death - a murder that rocked the sleepy village of Dutch Neck.
Born in August 1827 to Francis Armstrong (1788-1881) and Hulrah Poppino in Tioga, New York, Amzi graduated from Princeton University in 1852. He soon found work as a clerk at the Presbytery of New Brunswick, and four years later was licensed to preach in the city. He married Catharine Ann Hoover (1833-1886)on May 10, 1871 in Manhattan, but she unfortunately died on September 16 of that year. He next married Annie Rue (1872-1910) in 1900, and remained wed to her until their death in 1910.
The details of this tragedy can be further explored on the Crime & Punishment web page.
Throughout its existence, the Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church has witnessed a variety of clergy members, but none as memorable as the Reverend Amzi L. Armstrong. Armstrong was a pastor who served the church for over four decades, from 1857-1900. However, for all his years of service, his life was unfortunately overshadowed by the grim nature of his death - a murder that rocked the sleepy village of Dutch Neck.
Born in August 1827 to Francis Armstrong (1788-1881) and Hulrah Poppino in Tioga, New York, Amzi graduated from Princeton University in 1852. He soon found work as a clerk at the Presbytery of New Brunswick, and four years later was licensed to preach in the city. He married Catharine Ann Hoover (1833-1886)on May 10, 1871 in Manhattan, but she unfortunately died on September 16 of that year. He next married Annie Rue (1872-1910) in 1900, and remained wed to her until their death in 1910.
The details of this tragedy can be further explored on the Crime & Punishment web page.
Scott Berrien (1830-1922)
Born at Grovers Mill and raised in Penns Neck, Scott Berrien was, in his lifetime, one of the largest landowners in West Windsor in the 1800s. Family tradition traces his ancestry to the town of Berrien, France, and supposedly Charlemagne even further back. In 1669, Cornelius Jansen Berrien was the first of his family to settle in the "New World," (specifically in Flatbush).
At the age of 16, Scott joined his uncle Nathaniel Berrien as a clerk at a general store in Princeton, and in 1849, founded his own store in Baker's Basin in Lawrence.
Berrien resided in Princeton Basin for most of his life and opened a general store there as well. It served as the center of life for the small village and was an oft-visited social hub for townsfolk and bargemen along the Delaware & Raritan Canal. This store sold a myriad of items - from clothing to blankets to curtains to candles to "Mrs. Mary Brown's Chewing Tobacco" to tow lines. In addition, Berrien published a unique poem inviting everyone around to patronize his establishment:
Born at Grovers Mill and raised in Penns Neck, Scott Berrien was, in his lifetime, one of the largest landowners in West Windsor in the 1800s. Family tradition traces his ancestry to the town of Berrien, France, and supposedly Charlemagne even further back. In 1669, Cornelius Jansen Berrien was the first of his family to settle in the "New World," (specifically in Flatbush).
At the age of 16, Scott joined his uncle Nathaniel Berrien as a clerk at a general store in Princeton, and in 1849, founded his own store in Baker's Basin in Lawrence.
Berrien resided in Princeton Basin for most of his life and opened a general store there as well. It served as the center of life for the small village and was an oft-visited social hub for townsfolk and bargemen along the Delaware & Raritan Canal. This store sold a myriad of items - from clothing to blankets to curtains to candles to "Mrs. Mary Brown's Chewing Tobacco" to tow lines. In addition, Berrien published a unique poem inviting everyone around to patronize his establishment:
"THE PRINCETON BASIN
Wholesale, Retail, & Commission House
Statesmen, Divines, Poets, Philosophers,
Physicians, Lawyers, and Agriculturists;
Merchants, Mechanics, and citizens all;
We would respectfully invite you to give us a call.
Varieties greater, were never shown,
And greater inducements never known
Either by wholesale or retail,
The following articles are for sale:
Segars, Coffees, Molasses and Teas,
Pilot Bread, Cake, Crackers and Cheese,
Dried Peaches, Apples, White Beans and Rice,
Oranges, Lemons, and all kinds of Spice.
Hams, Shoulders, Beef, Meet of every kind,
Cod Fish and Mackerel you will always find,
Vegetables of all kinds we have got,
Those that are entirely free from Rot.
Phosphate of Lime, Cement, Coal and Wood,
No. 1, Peruvian Guano, warranted good;
Men's and Boy's Hats and Caps, Shoes, and Boots,
And a perfect variety of Gentlemen's Suits.
Every article that's scarce, especially Butter,
Which we'll warrant there is none better,
Dry Good and sundries of every description,
Besides Fancy Articles, too numerous to mention.
Goods on commission bought and sold,
Thousands of extras not here told,
Such as willow ware, Brooms and Pails,
Oil, Burning Fluid, Candles and Nails.
Everything that's wanted, nothing excepted,
By leaving your order may soon be expected;
Come on, come all: Don't say no,
And look at the Goods of S. Berrien & CO.
Wholesale, Retail, & Commission House
Statesmen, Divines, Poets, Philosophers,
Physicians, Lawyers, and Agriculturists;
Merchants, Mechanics, and citizens all;
We would respectfully invite you to give us a call.
Varieties greater, were never shown,
And greater inducements never known
Either by wholesale or retail,
The following articles are for sale:
Segars, Coffees, Molasses and Teas,
Pilot Bread, Cake, Crackers and Cheese,
Dried Peaches, Apples, White Beans and Rice,
Oranges, Lemons, and all kinds of Spice.
Hams, Shoulders, Beef, Meet of every kind,
Cod Fish and Mackerel you will always find,
Vegetables of all kinds we have got,
Those that are entirely free from Rot.
Phosphate of Lime, Cement, Coal and Wood,
No. 1, Peruvian Guano, warranted good;
Men's and Boy's Hats and Caps, Shoes, and Boots,
And a perfect variety of Gentlemen's Suits.
Every article that's scarce, especially Butter,
Which we'll warrant there is none better,
Dry Good and sundries of every description,
Besides Fancy Articles, too numerous to mention.
Goods on commission bought and sold,
Thousands of extras not here told,
Such as willow ware, Brooms and Pails,
Oil, Burning Fluid, Candles and Nails.
Everything that's wanted, nothing excepted,
By leaving your order may soon be expected;
Come on, come all: Don't say no,
And look at the Goods of S. Berrien & CO.
By 1860, his store also housed J. W. Fielder and Sons' sash and blind factory and M. Gerneau's laundry and dyeing establishment. But Berrien's entrepreneurship didn't end there; during his residency in Princeton Basin, he also owned and managed a number of business ventures, including a lumber yard (with John Jerolamon, Jr.), hay and grain sales (with John Wyckoff), a flour and feed store in Newark, a grocery store in Princeton, and a coal and lumber business in Princeton. When he finally retired, his work was so great that it was split up among several individuals.
Scott Berrien passed away at the age of 92 in 1926 in Princeton Basin, in the center of the village that he helped build.
Scott Berrien passed away at the age of 92 in 1926 in Princeton Basin, in the center of the village that he helped build.
Alexander Lawrence Berrien (1870-1926)
Known as "Judge" to his friends, Alexander Lawrence Berrien, son of Scott, was responsible for the creation of Berrien City, West Windsor's first housing development. Located around Scott Avenue, Berrien Avenue, Lilly Street, and Alexander Road, the development is over one hundred years old and served as a portent for West Windsor's rapid Post-WWII development. By 1924, Berrien had bought enough property south of the train station to build 114 uniform lots, each with 50-foot wide frontages. Berrien offered each lot directly to a buyer who would decide on the type and size of house to be constructed. This “city” grew rapidly and exhibited a variety of architectural styles. It still stands to this day as a memorial to the very start of West Windsor's transition between purely agrarian community and semi-suburban township.
Known as "Judge" to his friends, Alexander Lawrence Berrien, son of Scott, was responsible for the creation of Berrien City, West Windsor's first housing development. Located around Scott Avenue, Berrien Avenue, Lilly Street, and Alexander Road, the development is over one hundred years old and served as a portent for West Windsor's rapid Post-WWII development. By 1924, Berrien had bought enough property south of the train station to build 114 uniform lots, each with 50-foot wide frontages. Berrien offered each lot directly to a buyer who would decide on the type and size of house to be constructed. This “city” grew rapidly and exhibited a variety of architectural styles. It still stands to this day as a memorial to the very start of West Windsor's transition between purely agrarian community and semi-suburban township.
Maurice H. Hawk (1881-1972)
Our best depiction of Maurice H. Hawk (whose first name was actually pronounced "Morris"), after whom Maurice Hawk Elementary School was named, comes from a description written by James Mitchell in 1955. The full text of this speech can be found here.
Maurice Hawk was born on December 30, 1881, on the Schenck Farmstead. His family moved around the area during the first nine years of his life, finally settling in West Windsor. in 1899, Hawk enrolled in Rider College and became a member of the Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church.
In 1914, Hawk found his path. One year after purchasing two local farms, he became a member of the West Windsor School Board and District Clerk of the Board. Hawk served for over four decades, overseeing much of its growth, including a youth population "boom" after World War II.
Hawk officially retired in 1950, but continued to be an active member of the board, and a very active community member, also serving as clerk to the Board of Trustees of the Dutch Neck Church, custodian of the cemetery, and treasurer of the Township.
Maurice Hawk passed away in 1972 and is buried in the cemetery behind the Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church. Much of the Historical Society of West Windsor's records relating to him were donated by his niece, Annabelle Hawke.
Our best depiction of Maurice H. Hawk (whose first name was actually pronounced "Morris"), after whom Maurice Hawk Elementary School was named, comes from a description written by James Mitchell in 1955. The full text of this speech can be found here.
Maurice Hawk was born on December 30, 1881, on the Schenck Farmstead. His family moved around the area during the first nine years of his life, finally settling in West Windsor. in 1899, Hawk enrolled in Rider College and became a member of the Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church.
In 1914, Hawk found his path. One year after purchasing two local farms, he became a member of the West Windsor School Board and District Clerk of the Board. Hawk served for over four decades, overseeing much of its growth, including a youth population "boom" after World War II.
Hawk officially retired in 1950, but continued to be an active member of the board, and a very active community member, also serving as clerk to the Board of Trustees of the Dutch Neck Church, custodian of the cemetery, and treasurer of the Township.
Maurice Hawk passed away in 1972 and is buried in the cemetery behind the Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church. Much of the Historical Society of West Windsor's records relating to him were donated by his niece, Annabelle Hawke.
Georgianna Hauck (1901-Unknown)
Georgianna Hauck served as principal of the now-gone Penns Neck School (constructed in 1917) for forty years: from 1924-1916. She overasaw one of two institutions (the other being Dutch Neck School, also constructed in 1917) that were built to accommodate a growing youth population, and to replace the school houses that were once the only educational buildings. In 1983, the Historical Society of West Windsor interviewed Hauck about her tenure as a teacher and principal. The transcript is available on our Oral Histories page!
Georgianna Hauck served as principal of the now-gone Penns Neck School (constructed in 1917) for forty years: from 1924-1916. She overasaw one of two institutions (the other being Dutch Neck School, also constructed in 1917) that were built to accommodate a growing youth population, and to replace the school houses that were once the only educational buildings. In 1983, the Historical Society of West Windsor interviewed Hauck about her tenure as a teacher and principal. The transcript is available on our Oral Histories page!
Kay Reed, Max Zaitz, Clifford Reed, Mary Schenck, and Warren Schenck in the early 1990s
Max Zaitz (1906-1995)
Max Zaits, a Hightstown resident, was a wealthy cattle farmer who owned thousands of acres of land in central New Jersey. Along with his brother, he operated an interstate cattle business that reputedly stretched to Chicago.
According to those who knew him, Max had influence - whenever he walked into a meeting, the room would fall silent. And for good reason - Zaitz's influence as a landowner was near-legendary. In fact, in 1981, he purchased the Trenton Fairgrounds which had historically hosted the New Jersey State Fair since 1881.
Max Zaits wasn't alone as an entrepreneur; cattle-raising was a family affair. Throughout her lifetime, his wife, Betty (1921-2015) operated an agricultural investment company - B. Zaitz & Sons - which is continued by the couple's son, Benjamin, to this day.
Max's father provided the first frequent meeting house for what would become the Beth El Jewish congregation of East Windsor. Max inherited his father's drive to see Beth El succeed, and was an active member of the community, eventually growing rich enough to be able to fund much of its operations. In 1998, the synagogue added the Zaitz Education Wing in his honor.
In 1991, Max Zaitz deeded sufficient land to the Historical Society of West Windsor for the purpose of setting up a museum dedicated to West Windsor's history. Two years later, he donated another 120 acres to the township for recreation, which was turned into Zaitz Park and Zaitz Forest Preserve.
Max Zaitz's name continues to live on through these land donations, as well as the naming of Zaitz Farm Road just next to the Schenck Farmstead and the Zaitz Education Wing of Beth El. Due to his generosity, the heritage of West Windsor is permanently preserved by the Farmstead. just southeast of the farmhouse is a black cast-iron bell, dedicated in his honor.
Max Zaits, a Hightstown resident, was a wealthy cattle farmer who owned thousands of acres of land in central New Jersey. Along with his brother, he operated an interstate cattle business that reputedly stretched to Chicago.
According to those who knew him, Max had influence - whenever he walked into a meeting, the room would fall silent. And for good reason - Zaitz's influence as a landowner was near-legendary. In fact, in 1981, he purchased the Trenton Fairgrounds which had historically hosted the New Jersey State Fair since 1881.
Max Zaits wasn't alone as an entrepreneur; cattle-raising was a family affair. Throughout her lifetime, his wife, Betty (1921-2015) operated an agricultural investment company - B. Zaitz & Sons - which is continued by the couple's son, Benjamin, to this day.
Max's father provided the first frequent meeting house for what would become the Beth El Jewish congregation of East Windsor. Max inherited his father's drive to see Beth El succeed, and was an active member of the community, eventually growing rich enough to be able to fund much of its operations. In 1998, the synagogue added the Zaitz Education Wing in his honor.
In 1991, Max Zaitz deeded sufficient land to the Historical Society of West Windsor for the purpose of setting up a museum dedicated to West Windsor's history. Two years later, he donated another 120 acres to the township for recreation, which was turned into Zaitz Park and Zaitz Forest Preserve.
Max Zaitz's name continues to live on through these land donations, as well as the naming of Zaitz Farm Road just next to the Schenck Farmstead and the Zaitz Education Wing of Beth El. Due to his generosity, the heritage of West Windsor is permanently preserved by the Farmstead. just southeast of the farmhouse is a black cast-iron bell, dedicated in his honor.
Robert, Allen, Vernon and Malcolm Roszel in front of the family's barn (now the Windsor Chapel)
Malcolm Roszel (1919-2005)
Born in Trenton on November 29, Malsolm Roszel was from a family that owned a turkey farm across the street from Dutch Neck Elementary School. Located at the corner of Edinburg Road and Village Road East, the farm was founded by William Roszel (born 1893) in the early 1900s. It was here - amid the immense stretches of agrarian land that epitomized West Windsor prior to the 1980s - that Malcolm, a farmer and carpenter by trade, grew up, and where his daughter, Marcy Hafner, would live out her childhood, memorialized in a Community News article in 2018.
Malcolm Roszel was one of West Windsor's most prolific civil servants, serving a myriad of positions in the municipal government. After graduating from Princeton High School in 1937 and Trenton State College in 1941, he served in the United States Air Corp as a pilot of the B-17 Flying Fortress. He flew 35 missions (including 2 on D-Day) over Europe during World War 2, becoming heavily decorated for his efforts.
Roszel served West Windsor for over 30 years, beginning as a member of the Township Committee, where he stayed on for 13 years. He was also mayor for 10 years (1961-1971), member of the Township Planning Board for 10, the Zoning Board for 7, and the School Board for 6. While living in the township, he was also a member of the West Windsor Lions Club, the West Windsor YMCA, the West Windsor Keenagers, the Dutch Neck Fire Company (now the West Windsor Fire Co. No. 1), the West Windsor Board of Education, and the American Legion. He also served on the Board of Trustees and Deacons in the Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church.
Even in 2019, Roszel is still remembered by many of West Windsor's longtime residents. When he passed away in 2005, he left behind a township that he had helped shape for over 3 decades.
Born in Trenton on November 29, Malsolm Roszel was from a family that owned a turkey farm across the street from Dutch Neck Elementary School. Located at the corner of Edinburg Road and Village Road East, the farm was founded by William Roszel (born 1893) in the early 1900s. It was here - amid the immense stretches of agrarian land that epitomized West Windsor prior to the 1980s - that Malcolm, a farmer and carpenter by trade, grew up, and where his daughter, Marcy Hafner, would live out her childhood, memorialized in a Community News article in 2018.
Malcolm Roszel was one of West Windsor's most prolific civil servants, serving a myriad of positions in the municipal government. After graduating from Princeton High School in 1937 and Trenton State College in 1941, he served in the United States Air Corp as a pilot of the B-17 Flying Fortress. He flew 35 missions (including 2 on D-Day) over Europe during World War 2, becoming heavily decorated for his efforts.
Roszel served West Windsor for over 30 years, beginning as a member of the Township Committee, where he stayed on for 13 years. He was also mayor for 10 years (1961-1971), member of the Township Planning Board for 10, the Zoning Board for 7, and the School Board for 6. While living in the township, he was also a member of the West Windsor Lions Club, the West Windsor YMCA, the West Windsor Keenagers, the Dutch Neck Fire Company (now the West Windsor Fire Co. No. 1), the West Windsor Board of Education, and the American Legion. He also served on the Board of Trustees and Deacons in the Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church.
Even in 2019, Roszel is still remembered by many of West Windsor's longtime residents. When he passed away in 2005, he left behind a township that he had helped shape for over 3 decades.
Ron Rogers (1929-1999) and Bernt Midland (1927-1998)
Ron Rogers was a life-long conservationist and founding member of the Friends of West Windsor Open Space (FOWWOS), established in 1995. His efforts to preserve West Windsor's land amid the surge of suburbanization starting aroudn 1980 led to a township-wide farmland/environmental conservation movement that still operates as one of the core drives of West Windsor's land use allocation to this day.
Also an erstwhile president of the West Windsor Lions Club, Rogers spent a large portion of his spare time growing evergreens that he sold as Christmas Trees on his Grovers Mill property. He was dedicated to teaching others about forestry, and when he passed away in 1999, a township arboretum committee was immediately formed to decide how to best memorialize his efforts. Two years later, on April 21, 2001, The Rogers Arboretum across from High School South was dedicated. This tract showcases different oaks (Ron's favorite trees) along with groves of various other species of native trees. A walking path circumnavigates the field and contains both pavers commemorating residents of the township and bluestones identifying various trees throughout the Arboretum.
At the northeast corner of the field, where the woodland trails begin, is a granite obelisk topped by a bronze replica of Ron’s favorite hat. This stands just a few hundred yards northeast of the township's 9/11 memorial, dedicated to the eleven residents of West Windsor who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Also a founding member of the FOWWOS was Bernt Midland. He was its first chairman, leading the organization as it decided on a name, became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and successfully advocated for an open space tax increase in 1998. Midland, an IBM employee and West Windsor Lions Club member, led many other significant public efforts outside of his purview as chairman, including assembling an unofficial commission to hear citizens' concerns about traffic accidents outside of the old Acme shopping complex (Windsor Plaza in 2019).
Bernt Midland's name is memorialized in the main stretch of road running through the West Windsor Community Park, which was formed partially as a result of his efforts. That street name? Bernt Midland Boulevard.
Ron Rogers was a life-long conservationist and founding member of the Friends of West Windsor Open Space (FOWWOS), established in 1995. His efforts to preserve West Windsor's land amid the surge of suburbanization starting aroudn 1980 led to a township-wide farmland/environmental conservation movement that still operates as one of the core drives of West Windsor's land use allocation to this day.
Also an erstwhile president of the West Windsor Lions Club, Rogers spent a large portion of his spare time growing evergreens that he sold as Christmas Trees on his Grovers Mill property. He was dedicated to teaching others about forestry, and when he passed away in 1999, a township arboretum committee was immediately formed to decide how to best memorialize his efforts. Two years later, on April 21, 2001, The Rogers Arboretum across from High School South was dedicated. This tract showcases different oaks (Ron's favorite trees) along with groves of various other species of native trees. A walking path circumnavigates the field and contains both pavers commemorating residents of the township and bluestones identifying various trees throughout the Arboretum.
At the northeast corner of the field, where the woodland trails begin, is a granite obelisk topped by a bronze replica of Ron’s favorite hat. This stands just a few hundred yards northeast of the township's 9/11 memorial, dedicated to the eleven residents of West Windsor who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Also a founding member of the FOWWOS was Bernt Midland. He was its first chairman, leading the organization as it decided on a name, became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and successfully advocated for an open space tax increase in 1998. Midland, an IBM employee and West Windsor Lions Club member, led many other significant public efforts outside of his purview as chairman, including assembling an unofficial commission to hear citizens' concerns about traffic accidents outside of the old Acme shopping complex (Windsor Plaza in 2019).
Bernt Midland's name is memorialized in the main stretch of road running through the West Windsor Community Park, which was formed partially as a result of his efforts. That street name? Bernt Midland Boulevard.
John Forbes Nash, Jr.
Possibly West Windsor's most famous resident, John Forbes Nash, Jr. made significant contributions to mathematics, economics, and the worldwide community as a whole. Born in Bluefield, West Virginia, Nash graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with both bachelor's and master's degree in mathematics. He worked as an instructor at MIT, a consultant for the RAND Corporation, and a mathematical researcher at Princeton University. Throughout his life, he won numerous awards, including the John von Neumann Theory Prize in 1978 and the American Mathematical Society's Steele Prize for a Seminal Contribution to Research in 1999.
However, it was in 1994 that he received the best-known award: the Nobel Prize for economics, for his work on game theory. Furthermore, in 2001, his life was memorialized and made famous by the movie "A Beautiful Mind," staring Russel Crowe and based off the Sylvia Nasar book of the same name, that explored both his genius and his struggles with paranoid schizophrenia.
John Forbes Nash, Jr. lived with his wife, Alicia Esther Lopes-Harrison de Larde Nash, and their son. The family worked hard to eliminate the stigma of schizophrenia, and were helped by a number of organizations around the area. In addition, they made frequent trips to local haunts, such as Brothers Pizza, Subway, PJ's Pancake House, First Wok, and Crown of India.
Sadly, both Nash and his wife, Alicia Esther Lopez-Harrison de Larde Nash died in a car crash on the NJ Turnpike in 2015, after returning from Norway where John had been awarded the Abel Prize for Mathematics. After his death, it was decided to rename the pocket park along Alexander Road Nash Park. In 2019, a pagoda-style gazebo named the Beautiful Pavillion stands in the park as a memorial to this iconic figure.
Possibly West Windsor's most famous resident, John Forbes Nash, Jr. made significant contributions to mathematics, economics, and the worldwide community as a whole. Born in Bluefield, West Virginia, Nash graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with both bachelor's and master's degree in mathematics. He worked as an instructor at MIT, a consultant for the RAND Corporation, and a mathematical researcher at Princeton University. Throughout his life, he won numerous awards, including the John von Neumann Theory Prize in 1978 and the American Mathematical Society's Steele Prize for a Seminal Contribution to Research in 1999.
However, it was in 1994 that he received the best-known award: the Nobel Prize for economics, for his work on game theory. Furthermore, in 2001, his life was memorialized and made famous by the movie "A Beautiful Mind," staring Russel Crowe and based off the Sylvia Nasar book of the same name, that explored both his genius and his struggles with paranoid schizophrenia.
John Forbes Nash, Jr. lived with his wife, Alicia Esther Lopes-Harrison de Larde Nash, and their son. The family worked hard to eliminate the stigma of schizophrenia, and were helped by a number of organizations around the area. In addition, they made frequent trips to local haunts, such as Brothers Pizza, Subway, PJ's Pancake House, First Wok, and Crown of India.
Sadly, both Nash and his wife, Alicia Esther Lopez-Harrison de Larde Nash died in a car crash on the NJ Turnpike in 2015, after returning from Norway where John had been awarded the Abel Prize for Mathematics. After his death, it was decided to rename the pocket park along Alexander Road Nash Park. In 2019, a pagoda-style gazebo named the Beautiful Pavillion stands in the park as a memorial to this iconic figure.
Thomas R. Grover (1946-1969)
Thomas Roy Grover, son of Florence and LeRoy Grover, was born on the Grover Farm in Dutch Neck on the 22nd of August 1946. He grew up on his family’s farm along Village Road East, helping his parents with the harvest and attending high school at Princeton High School. The summers there were long and busy with all the trappings of farm life. As a childhood friend recalled, “The air was always scented with the smell of the earth as potatoes were being dug, the smell of tomato vines when the picking was on, or of wheat from the combines.”
When asked to serve, he readily gave himself to the cause, and began his tour in Vietnam on the 4th of May 1968. Grover assigned to the army as a Specialist Class 4. He was deployed to the 3rd Infantry Regiment, 199th Separate Light Infantry Brigade, 2nd Battalion, Company D. His service history is currently unavailable but will be added here pending a request to the National Archives Office in Illinois.
The details of his death, for which he was posthumously awarded the silver star, among the highest honors a soldier can receive in the US Army, are taken directly from his Silver Star Citation. This citation is reprinted in its entirety below:
"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Thomas Roy Grover (ASN: US-51978915), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 2 February 1969, while serving as a member of a night ambush patrol with Company D, 2d Battalion, 3d Infantry Regiment, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light), in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date the night ambush patrol came under intense enemy fire from a concealed enemy force. Specialist Grover immediately and unhesitatingly left his relatively safe position and entered an exposed area where most of his comrades were located in order to provide suppressive fire and direct them to safety. Only after his comrades reached a safe area did he seek cover for himself, and while moving to another location he was fatally wounded. His unselfish actions contributed significantly to the defeat of the enemy force. Specialist Fourth Class Grover's valorous actions and devotion to duty, at the cost of his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army."
(General Orders: Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders dated March 13, 1969)
Thomas’s body was recovered and buried at the Presbyterian Cemetery in Dutch Neck. Every year, a rock is placed on his headstone, much like the rocks placed on the obelisks in the Veterans Memorial to mark a visit by someone paying respects. He is further memorialized in West Windsor by Thomas R. Grover Middle School, which bears his name.
Thomas Roy Grover, son of Florence and LeRoy Grover, was born on the Grover Farm in Dutch Neck on the 22nd of August 1946. He grew up on his family’s farm along Village Road East, helping his parents with the harvest and attending high school at Princeton High School. The summers there were long and busy with all the trappings of farm life. As a childhood friend recalled, “The air was always scented with the smell of the earth as potatoes were being dug, the smell of tomato vines when the picking was on, or of wheat from the combines.”
When asked to serve, he readily gave himself to the cause, and began his tour in Vietnam on the 4th of May 1968. Grover assigned to the army as a Specialist Class 4. He was deployed to the 3rd Infantry Regiment, 199th Separate Light Infantry Brigade, 2nd Battalion, Company D. His service history is currently unavailable but will be added here pending a request to the National Archives Office in Illinois.
The details of his death, for which he was posthumously awarded the silver star, among the highest honors a soldier can receive in the US Army, are taken directly from his Silver Star Citation. This citation is reprinted in its entirety below:
"The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Thomas Roy Grover (ASN: US-51978915), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 2 February 1969, while serving as a member of a night ambush patrol with Company D, 2d Battalion, 3d Infantry Regiment, 199th Infantry Brigade (Separate) (Light), in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date the night ambush patrol came under intense enemy fire from a concealed enemy force. Specialist Grover immediately and unhesitatingly left his relatively safe position and entered an exposed area where most of his comrades were located in order to provide suppressive fire and direct them to safety. Only after his comrades reached a safe area did he seek cover for himself, and while moving to another location he was fatally wounded. His unselfish actions contributed significantly to the defeat of the enemy force. Specialist Fourth Class Grover's valorous actions and devotion to duty, at the cost of his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army."
(General Orders: Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders dated March 13, 1969)
Thomas’s body was recovered and buried at the Presbyterian Cemetery in Dutch Neck. Every year, a rock is placed on his headstone, much like the rocks placed on the obelisks in the Veterans Memorial to mark a visit by someone paying respects. He is further memorialized in West Windsor by Thomas R. Grover Middle School, which bears his name.
Courtesy of Community News (click on photo to go to article)!
Shing-Fu Hsueh
Like Malcolm Roszel, Shing-Fu Hsueh was one of West Windsor's longest-serving civil servants, who from 2001 to 2016 served as its mayor. He graduated from National Taiwan University with a BS in Chemical Engineering in and immigrated to the United States in 1969, whereupon he earned a M.S., M.Ph., and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical & Environmental Engineering from Rutgers University. With this resume, he found various jobs between 1974 and 1997, working for the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection, serving as an instrumental figure during New Jersey's longest drought (1998-2002).
Hsueh moved to West Windsor in 1985, whereupon he immediately registered to become a volunteer with the township government, due to his drive to learn how the municipality functioned and how he could help. In 1993, he was elected to public office as a member of the first Township Council, which had just been formed that year, as the municipal government transitioned from a Township Committee hierarchy to one of a Mayor-Council relationship.
In 2001, Hsueh was elected mayor of West Windsor, defeating incumbent Carole Carson, who served from 1997-2001. During his tenure, he oversaw several critical community-building and infrastructural ventures.
Attempts to transform West Windsor's roadways were a large part of Hsueh's efforts. One of the most memorable infrastructural project was the reconstruction of the Alexander Road Bridge leading over the Northeast Corridor railroad line. It had previously been a dangerous T-intersection on the southeastern side of the tracks; in 2008, it was rebuilt to feature its current traffic-circle configuration. Moreover were the realignment of Meadow Road and the cleanup of Grovers Mill Pond were among the larger physical projects of Hsueh's tenure. However, unsuccessful was an attempt to build a "Millstone River Bypass" along Harrison Street, in order to ease traffic congestion in Penns Neck. Route 1 remains heavily congested as of 2019
In addition, Hsueh oversaw a number of community-building ventures, including the establishment of the West Windsor Farmer's Market, the West Windsor Arts Center, and the environmental education center at the Schenck Farmstead. He also counts the creation of the Religious Leaders of West Windsor (an interfaith community group that often confronts the issue of identity in West Windsor) as another one of his successes. In addition, a few recreational facilities - including the Trolley Line Trail, which cuts through the heart of the township and runs along an old railroad track that once lined Trenton to New Brunswick - were constructed during his tenure.
Hsueh's leadership wasn't always smooth sailing, however. Often times, he would clash with council members on myriad of political and cultural flashpoints. Moreover, as West Windsor's first Asian-American mayor, he was forced to deal with with the racial dynamics of a demographically-evolving township, often bearing the brunt of racism himself and having to serve as a voice for many Asian-American community members.
Due to the boom in West Windsor's population starting around 1980, Hsueh also had to contend with a nearly at-capacity school system, affordable housing obligations due to the Mt Laurel Doctrine, and rapid suburban development of this once-rural township. Many of these issues persist well into 2019 - best epitomized by the controversy surrounding the proposed development of the Howard Hughes (formerly American Cyanimid) tract in what was once the historic village of Clarksville.
After a whopping 16 years in office, Mayor Hsueh decided not to seek a 5th term as mayor and was replaced by Mayor Hermant Marathe in 2017. In that same year, he was interviewed by Community News, where he recounted his tenure in more detail. The year after, he went on to lead the Trenton Water Works, helping the struggling department start to get back on its feet until he stepped down in 2019. As of the time of this writing, he is enjoying a long-overdue retirement.
Like Malcolm Roszel, Shing-Fu Hsueh was one of West Windsor's longest-serving civil servants, who from 2001 to 2016 served as its mayor. He graduated from National Taiwan University with a BS in Chemical Engineering in and immigrated to the United States in 1969, whereupon he earned a M.S., M.Ph., and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical & Environmental Engineering from Rutgers University. With this resume, he found various jobs between 1974 and 1997, working for the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection, serving as an instrumental figure during New Jersey's longest drought (1998-2002).
Hsueh moved to West Windsor in 1985, whereupon he immediately registered to become a volunteer with the township government, due to his drive to learn how the municipality functioned and how he could help. In 1993, he was elected to public office as a member of the first Township Council, which had just been formed that year, as the municipal government transitioned from a Township Committee hierarchy to one of a Mayor-Council relationship.
In 2001, Hsueh was elected mayor of West Windsor, defeating incumbent Carole Carson, who served from 1997-2001. During his tenure, he oversaw several critical community-building and infrastructural ventures.
Attempts to transform West Windsor's roadways were a large part of Hsueh's efforts. One of the most memorable infrastructural project was the reconstruction of the Alexander Road Bridge leading over the Northeast Corridor railroad line. It had previously been a dangerous T-intersection on the southeastern side of the tracks; in 2008, it was rebuilt to feature its current traffic-circle configuration. Moreover were the realignment of Meadow Road and the cleanup of Grovers Mill Pond were among the larger physical projects of Hsueh's tenure. However, unsuccessful was an attempt to build a "Millstone River Bypass" along Harrison Street, in order to ease traffic congestion in Penns Neck. Route 1 remains heavily congested as of 2019
In addition, Hsueh oversaw a number of community-building ventures, including the establishment of the West Windsor Farmer's Market, the West Windsor Arts Center, and the environmental education center at the Schenck Farmstead. He also counts the creation of the Religious Leaders of West Windsor (an interfaith community group that often confronts the issue of identity in West Windsor) as another one of his successes. In addition, a few recreational facilities - including the Trolley Line Trail, which cuts through the heart of the township and runs along an old railroad track that once lined Trenton to New Brunswick - were constructed during his tenure.
Hsueh's leadership wasn't always smooth sailing, however. Often times, he would clash with council members on myriad of political and cultural flashpoints. Moreover, as West Windsor's first Asian-American mayor, he was forced to deal with with the racial dynamics of a demographically-evolving township, often bearing the brunt of racism himself and having to serve as a voice for many Asian-American community members.
Due to the boom in West Windsor's population starting around 1980, Hsueh also had to contend with a nearly at-capacity school system, affordable housing obligations due to the Mt Laurel Doctrine, and rapid suburban development of this once-rural township. Many of these issues persist well into 2019 - best epitomized by the controversy surrounding the proposed development of the Howard Hughes (formerly American Cyanimid) tract in what was once the historic village of Clarksville.
After a whopping 16 years in office, Mayor Hsueh decided not to seek a 5th term as mayor and was replaced by Mayor Hermant Marathe in 2017. In that same year, he was interviewed by Community News, where he recounted his tenure in more detail. The year after, he went on to lead the Trenton Water Works, helping the struggling department start to get back on its feet until he stepped down in 2019. As of the time of this writing, he is enjoying a long-overdue retirement.
