Hibernia (N.J.)

In 1753, Joshua Ball purchased a tract of land in Rockaway Township, New Jersey containing a rich vein of iron ore. This land became known as the Hibernia Tract and a furnace was built on it. The Hibernia Furnace was owned by a number of men including Lord Stirling and William Scott, who purchased the furnace and surrounding land in 1821 and built a forge near the furnace dam. He and his wife, Susan Dodd Scott, divided the land amongst their children including Elijah Scott and his wife Jane E. Scott. Benjamin Beach and Elizabeth Beach also purchased plots and their family also became prominent in the Hibernia area. In August 1880, Chilion Beach sold parcels of land to the School Trustees Board for the establishment of a local school building.