Captain Adriaen Post first came to America from Harlengen, Holland, about 1653, as agent or manager of Baron Van der Cappellan’s colony on Staten Island. Upon the destruction of that colony by the Indians early in 1655, Mr. Post fled to Bergen (Jersey City), whence, in September following, he, with his wife, five children, two servants, and one girl, were taken prisoners by the Indians at what is known as the second massacre of Pavonia. The family escaped by the payment of a heavy ransom, and Post was thereupon dispatched by the Bergen colonists to treat with the sachems of the Hackensack tribes for a release of other prisoners. After his return from a successful performance of this duty he settled at Bergen and eventually became one of the most active and influential members of the struggling colony. Having had some military experience in Holland, the Bergen colonists appointed him Ensign of the militia September 6, 1665. On May 12, 1668, he bought from Governor Philip Carteret lots Nos. 35, 55, 117, 100, and 164, of the Bergen common lands, containing in all about 165 acres. He built and resided on lot 164, containing fifty-five acres. On June 10, 1673, he was elected to represent the Town of Bergen in the provincial assembly, where he acquitted himself with distinction. On July 19, 1672, he was appointed Prison Keeper for East Jersey, and was the first person to hold that position. “Captain Post,” by which official title he always went, died at Bergen in February, 1677. His wife’s name is not mentioned. He left a large family. He was the ancestor of all the Posts in Bergen and Hudson Counties. He resided in the town on lot No. 164. His children were Adriaen, William, Elias, in the town on lot No. 164. His children were Adriaen, William, Elias, Margaretta, Francis, and Gertrude. Adriaen (2) became one of the patentees of the Aquackanock patent. The latter’s two sons, Adriaen and Abraham (3), came to Bergen County in 1735, and married respectively Hendricke Ackerman and Rachel Hertie. Abraham located on the upper Saddle River, purchasing lands of Hendrick Vandelinda.
John H. Post, the subject of this sketch, is descended in the seventh generation from Captain Adriaen Post. His paternal grandfather, Henry Post, a farmer, was born in the western part of the county, but died in Secaucus, where his son, Adriaen Post, the father of John H., was born in 1818. Adriaen Post was a farmer in New Durham and Secaucus, and died in the latter place March 15, 1896, in his seventy-eighth year. His wife, Mary Van Giesen, daughter of Garret Van Giesen, died December 31, 1891, aged seventy-two. Her family was also a very early one in Hudson County, and like the Posts was of Holland Dutch descent. Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Post had five children, namely: Henry, Leah Ann, John H., Adrian, Jr., and one who died in infancy.
John H. Post was born in New Durham, Hudson County, October 7, 1844, but has spent most of his life on a part of the old family homestead on the Paterson plank road in Secaucus. He received a thorough education, attending the public schools of Secaucus, Union Hill, and Bergen Point, and a boarding school at Deckertown, New Jersey, and since completing his studies has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. Mr. Post is one of the best farmers in Hudson County, and has been eminently successful. He has always taken a deep interest in public affairs, and, though never aspiring to office, has served three years as a school trustee and three years as district clerk. With these exceptions he has declined political or public preferment. In politics he is a consistent Republican, and in a quiet way has rendered efficient service to his party. He is a progressive, patriotic citizen, honored and respected, and enjoys the confidence of the entire community.
Mr. Post was married April 6, 1868, to Fredericka Huber, daughter of Frederick Huber, of Secaucus. They have four children: Adrian, Christina, William H., and Walter.