The Journal's History of Jersey City gives an interesting sketch of the
origin and development of the National Guard of the state and ascribes
to Mr. William E. Rogers, a former resident of Hudson City, the honor
of being the founder of the 4th Regiment and of the National Guard
of New Jersey. He was a member of the National Zouaves, a New York
company, drilled by W. W. McChesney, the former drill master of the
Ellsworth Zouaves. This company was one of the first to enlist for two
years in the beginning of the Civil War. During the first year Private
Rogers was severely wounded while on picket duty and incapacitated
for active field duty, but he obtained a detail as chief clerk of the
General Hospital, now the Soldiers' Home at Fortress Monroe, where
he served until mustered out of service. After his return he became
the teacher of a Bible class of forty boys in Simpson M. E. Church on
Central avenue. The boys induced him to give them instruction in the
manual of arms. A company was formed which was known officially as
"Company A, unattached, N. J. Rifle Corps." Its first public appearance
was in a parade at Newark, on Washington's birthday, 1865. It turned
out eighty strong, in a blinding snow storm, and by its discipline and
soldierly bearing won the commendation and friendship of Governor Ward
and Major General Runyon, the reviewing officers.
There was much opposition to Company A by the officers of the old
Hudson Brigade, of which there was not left a single uniformed and
equipped company. Through the efforts of Mr. Rogers a committee was
appointed to draw up a law to conform with the National Guard Act
passed by Congress. General Runyon, Colonel Plume and Colonel Rogers
were the committee. After much opposition the Legislature passed
the law and Governor Randolph signed the act March 9th, 1869. Other
companies were formed: Company B, by Captain Bullard; Company C, by
Captains McLaughlin and Murphy; Company D, by Lieutenant J. J. Toffey;
Company E, by Captain Henry G. Shaw; Company F, by Captain John B.
Randolph. General orders were issued creating the six companies into
the 4th Regiment, N. J. Rifle Corps, with Colonel William E. Rogers,
Lieutenant Colonel C. G. Van Reyper, Major William B. Shafer. By a
general order issued by Adjutant General W. S. Stryker on April 14th,
1869, these six companies and Company G of the Second Regiment, N. J.
State Militia, were assigned to the Fourth Regiment, First Brigade.
Colonel Rogers was appointed Inspector General on the Staff of General
Runyon, and for more than a year was constantly occupied in securing
compliance throughout the state with the National Guard Act. The
regiment gave an inaugural concert and hop at Kepler's Hall (now the
Academy of Music) on the evening of May 12th, 1869--"one of the most
brilliant events in the history of the city up to that time." For
twenty-five years their armory was at 25 and 27 Newark avenue. The new
armory in Bergen avenue was completed in February, 1895. The regiment
has served honorably on several occasions in suppressing riots, both at
home and in other states; it has joined in numerous parades, and has
acted as Guard of Honor at the funerals of several notables. At the
State Camp its members have nearly all qualified as marksmen at the
state rifle ranges. One of its early officers, Lieutenant Colonel Shaw,
was the author of the competitive system of rifle shooting as practiced
in the United States. He was instrumental in starting the Creedmoor
Range, which was known for years as the American Wimbledon, but has
since been surpassed by the New Jersey State Range in the variety of
ranges for different shooting.