Morris Canal and Banking Company

Content Note

In February 1918, the canal and railroad companies filed a bill in the Court of Chancery against the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission to stop the construction of the Wanaque Reservoir (needed to supply Newark with water). The canal company protested that diverting water from the Wanaque and Pompton Rivers for the reservoir would render operation of the canal impossible. The trial, which took place in Newark on 7 June 1920, was of great importance to the destiny of the Morris Canal. Judgment was against the water commission, and this produced additional support for the movement to abandon navigation on the canal. The transcript gives the testimony of thirteen witnesses, including Cornelius C. Vermeule, Benjamin B. Metz, and Reuben W. Messinger. An index at the end of the volume shows page references for direct and cross-examinations.

225 West State Street
P.O. Box 307
Trenton, NJ 08625-0307
609.292.6260 (general information)
609.633.8334 (administrative office)
609.292.9105 (fax)