New Bergen history book features chapter on Allendale's John Fell
December 09, 2009
A new book from the History Press sheds new light on the life and trying times of Revolutionary War hero John Fell of Allendale.
The book, “Revolutionary Bergen County: The Road to Independence,” includes an essay by Allendale author Jim Wright (whoever he is) about Fell’s harrowing time as a prisoner of war in Britain’s Provost Jail in New York City – and the historic secret diary he kept during his 10-month imprisonment.
John
Fell led the resistance against the British and their sympathizers in
Bergen County, to the point where he was known as “the great Tory
Hunter.”
Fell’s house, which still stands at 475 Franklin Turnpike across from the Celery Farm, is the focus of efforts to purchase and preserve it for
future generations.
The 192-page book also features essays by Bergen County historian Kevin Wright (on the old Campbell Tavern in Hackensack), former Bergen County Executive William “Pat” Schuber (on the leadership skills of George Washington), and Palisades Interstate Park historian Eric Nelsen (on the 1779 Closter Landing raids).
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The book, edited by Barbara Z. Marchant, also features a foreword by renowned historian Barnet Schecter, author of “The Battle for New York.”
As Schecter writes in the foreword, “These richly detailed essays bring Revolutionary Bergen County to life, revealing the upheaval and suffering endured by individuals caught between opposing armies and torn by conflicting allegiances to family, church, community and country.”The book, which includes several photographs, sells for $21.99. It is available in Allendale at Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery. Proceeds from the sales will benefit efforts to save the Fell House.