USA > New Jersey > Mercer County > Genealogical and personal memorial of Mercer County, New Jersey > Part 39
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Richard Stockton, whose name heads this sketch, son of Attorney General John P., of Princeton, New Jersey, and Sarah (Marks) Stockton, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was born in Princeton, New Jersey, June 4, 1859. While in infancy he was taken to Italy, where his fa- ther was serving in the capacity of United States
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minister. He learned Italian and English while a child in Italy, and when his father returned to the United States and settled in Princeton, New Jersey, took up the study of English and Ger- man under Professor Gardner as a private tu- tor. When his father represented New Jersey in the United States senate, young Richard at- tended the famous Young's school in Washing- ton, D. C., and had for a companion in the school Jesse Grant, the son of the late President U. S. Grant. Richard Stockton completed his education at Columbia University. During the latter part of his father's term in the United States senate he acted as secretary to his father. and in this way and through attending a number of nationel conventions learned to know an un- usually large number of men of national prom- inence. Upon the expiration of his father's term in the senate, 1875. Richard went into the navy department, in the office of Secretary Robeson, where he remained until he resigned two years later and went to New York.
About this time Mr. Stockton performed an act of heroism which resulted in the presentation to him of a medal by an act of congress for sav- ing the life of Emory Clapp, a New Orleans banker, visiting at Long Branch. Mr. Stockton was an expert swimmer and he went to the rescue of Mr. Clapp, who was a considerable dis- tance out at the time, when the bathing master said it would be fatal to make the attempt. The rescuing of Mr. Clapp was witnessed by Con- gressman "Sunset" Cox, who had congress pass the act awarding Mr. Stockton the medal.
Mr. Stockton remained in New York in bus- iness until 1885. when President Cleveland ap- pointed him consul in Rotterdam. For two years he filled that post and then was promoted to the diplomatic service and was placed in charge of the legation at the Hague, succeeding Isaac Bell, who in turn had succeeded William L. Dayton. In 1887 he returned to the United States on leave of absence and married Clemence Finch, daughter of George R. Finch, of St. Paul, and a cousin of Admiral Dewey, the hero of Manila. He returned with his wife to Holland and there his eldest son, Richard Stockton, Jr., was after- wards born. When Mr. Stockton returned to the United States lie became connected with dif- ferent business enterprises, and during the World's Fair represented John Osborn Sons & Company, wholesale importers in the west with headquarters in Chicago. Mr. Stockton was also
connected with two successful enterprises at the World's Fair. Upon his return to Trenton, New Jersey, in 1895, he became treasurer of the Mex- ican Land Company, in which he is still inter- ested, though no longer an officer. He also be- came chief clerk in the office of his father, the attorney general of the state, and was continued in the same position by Attorney General Grey until he resigned and interested himself in the formation of a new gas company in Trenton. Mr. Stockton continued his connection with the Peo- ple's Gas Improvement Company as treasurer and general manager until the consolidation of the local company, and was re-elected as gen- eral manager of the united concerns.
In addition to the many other things in which he has been active, Mr. Stockton has also done considerable writing, using James Ashley as a nom de plume. A few years ago he wrote a story entitled "From the Grasp of a Title," which won the first prize in a contest opened by the Illustrated American. There were about four hundred contestants. In April, 1905, he was ap- pointed receiver of the Princeton Light Con- pany, and after he had carried this through he became associated with the Princeton Light and Power Company. He was also appointed receiv- er of the Freehold Light and Power Company, of Freehold. New Jersey. In the spring of 1906 he was appointed receiver of the American Lamp and Brass Company of Trenton, and in April. 1906, became the manager and Trenton repre- sentative of the firm of Taylor & Smith, mem- bers of the New York Stock Exchange, with head offices at No. 49 Wall street, Trenton of- fice, No. 40 East State street, which he still con- tinues. He organized the aforesaid People's Gas Improvement Company of Trenton, and was the first man in New Jersey to introduce one dollar gas. This company became the Trenton Gas and Electric Company, which became the South Jersey Gas and Electric Company, which formed the nucleus of the Public Service Corporation. such as it now is today. At one time Mr. Stock- ton held twelve directorships, but in 1902 re- signed them all.
Mr. Stockton is a member and treasurer of the American Cross of Honor. This was founded by H. A. Herndon, of Washington, D. C., who (levoted much of his time to bringing it before the United States government, and at last suc- ceeded in having it recognized by a special act of congress. This is to be the equivalent to true
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Americans of what the Victoria Cross is to the English, the Legion of Honor to the French, etc. He is a member of the following clubs: The Philadelphia of Philadelphia, the Metropolitan of Washington, D. C., Country of Trenton, Nas- sau of Princeton, and European clubs. He is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church of Tren- ton.
Of his marriage with Clemence Finch two sons were born, as follows: Richard, Jr., born in Rotterdam, Holland, January 19, 1881, when his father was United States consul there and he was appointed lieutenant of the Third Regiment of National Guard, quartermaster's department. without the use of his father's influence. J. Pot- ter, born Princeton, New Jersey, September 29, 1890.
Bayard Stockton, of Trenton, New Jersey, cousin of Richard Stockton, is a son of Richard Stockton, elder brother of Attorney General John P. Stockton and Caroline Bayard (Dod) Stock- ton, daughter of Albert B. Dod, of Princeton. Bayard Stockton is one of the best known law- vers of Trenton. His first wife was Charlotte J. Shield. daughter of Professor Charles W. Shield, of Princeton, by whom he had two sons : Bayard, Jr., and Richard Stockton. After her death he married her half-sister, Helen B. Shield. He is a member of the Nassau and Com- mercial clubs of Princeton, New Jersey. At one time he was the prosecuting attorney of Mercer county.
RICHARD STOCKTON, for many years one of the foremost lawyers of Princeton, Mercer county, New Jersey, was a representative of the famous Stockton family, whose earlier members were among the first settlers of the state of New Jersey, and who have been prominently repre- sented in the professions, political life and in the defense of their country. A detailed history of the genealogy of this family will be found in the sketch of Richard Stockton, which immedi- ately precedes this.
Richard Stockton, son of Commodore Robert Field and Harriet M. (Potter) Stockton, was born in Princeton, Mercer county, New Jersey, January 2, 1824. He was graduated from the Princeton University with honors and adopted the law as a profession, in which career he soon rose to a leading position. He was also active- ly identified with the financial interests of the community, and was for many years treasurer
of the old Camden & Amboy Railroad Company. Like other members of the Stockton family he was public spirited to a degree, and spared no effort on his part where the welfare and ad- vancement of the community was concerned, and was a prime mover in many plans for the im- provement of the town. He was a member of the Episcopal church of Princeton, in which he held the office of vestryman.
Mr. Stockton married, October 4, 1860, Su- san Bayard Dod, born January 5, 1840, daughter of Professor Albert B. and Caroline (Bayard) Dod, of Princeton, the latter a daughter of Judge Samuel Bayard, also of Princeton. Mr. and Mrs. Stockton had children: 1. Emily, born July 31, 1861, married Edgar Ross Jackman, and has two children, David Kilbourne and Edgar Ross Jackman ; the mother of these children died January 7, 1906. 2. Catherine. 3. Alice B. 4. Richard, a lawyer in New York city, married Mary H. Keane, daughter of Oscar Keane. 5. John, resides in Hoboken, New Jersey, married Mrs. Mary Loper, whose maiden name was Sav- age, and has one child, Louise. 6. William L. 7. Helen F., married Dr. Walter H. Andrews, who was graduated from Princeton University . in the class of 1897, and is now a medical prac- titioner in Germantown, Pennsylvania. Richard Stockton, father of the aforementioned children, died April 6, 1876.
SAMUEL STOCKTON, deceased, who was for many years one of the most highly respected citizens of Princeton. Mercer county, New Jer- sey, and who earned an enviable reputation for bravery during the progress of the Civil war, is a representative of one of the old colonial families of the state. The Stockton family owns a large amount of land in various portions of the state, a great part of which is rented out for farming purposes. The grandparents of Samuel Stockton were Richard and Mary ( Field) Stock- ton, and the genealogical history of this family will be found in the sketch of Richard Stock- ton, which precedes this.
Samuel W. Stockton, son of Richard and Mary (Field) Stockton, died November 25, 1836. He served with bravery in the United States navy for a number of years. He married Mary Hun- ter, daughter of Rev. Andrew and Mary ( Stock- ton) Hunter, and among their children was Sam- miel, see forward.
Samuel Stockton, son of Samuel W. and Mary
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( Hunter) Stockton, was born in Princeton, Mercer county, New Jersey, November 25, 1834, died December 25, 1899. His remains were in- terred in Princeton cemetery. He was the recipi- ent of an excellent education, and at an early age evinced a more than ordinary degree of love and veneration for his country and all that con- cerned her interests. He held the rank of cap- tain in the Fourth United States Cavalry, and was in active service throughout the Civil war, setting a gallant and praise-worthy example to the men in his command. He resigned his com- mission 41 1866 and turned his attention to agri- cultural pursuits, becoming a gentleman farm- er. He was notcd for the affability and courtesy of his demeanor, especially toward those in in- ferior positions, and his readiness to lend assist- ance to those in need of help won him the af- fection and esteen of all classes.
Mr. Stockton married, August 9, 1866, Sarah Bache Hodge, daughter of Dr. Charles and Sa- rah (Bache) Hodge, the former a professor in the Theological Seminary at Princeton, New Jersey. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Stockton were: Mary Hunter. Sarah Bache. Charles Hodge, was a civil engineer, and died in Nicar- augua, December 12, 1899. Richard, manager of the Stockton estate. David Hunter, married Anna M. Scott, daughter of Colonel U. L. Scott, now (1906) superintendent of the military acad- emy at West Point. Katherine W. Annis B.
HORACE ELMER CASE was born Septem- ber 12, 1875, in Trenton, Mercer county, New Jersey.
There was a settlement of Germans in Am- well township, Hunterdon county, New Jersey, in 1721, as appears from a road survey, in which there is mention of the "palatins-land." Among the names of those who belonged to the stone church built there in 1749 are Kase, Dietz. These settlers are said to have been distinguished for their intelligence and thrift.
John Case is the first mentioned in the avail- able family records of the subject of this sketch. He married Ann Deats. They were natives of Sandy Ridge, Amwell township, New Jersey, and about 1808 removed to Bucks county, Penn- sylvania, locating on the Centre Bridge road, be- tween Centre Hill and Centre Bridge.
Alexander Johnson Case, son of John and Ann (Deats) Case, was born September 15. 1798. died October 7, 1872. He purchased, June 6,
1822, property at Greenville, now Holicong, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, from Aaron Ely, and his residence is given as Buckingham, occu- pation bookmaker. He married, Dec. 28, 1824, Letitia Ellicott Carver, born Dec. 7, 1802, and died January 10, 1859, in Bucks county. She was the daughter of John Carver, born 1762, and Saralı Ellicott, his wife, married 6 mo. 2 da., 1785. John was the son of Henry and Rachel (Smith) Carver, married 1755. Rachel was the daughter of William and Rebecca (Wilson) Smith. William was the son of William and Mary ( Croasdale) Smith, married 1690. Will- iam Smith came from Yorkshire, England, in 1684, and was one of the earliest settlers of Wrightstown. He died 1743. Mary was the daughter of Thomas and Agnes Croasdale, born in England 8 mo. 31, 1669, and arrived in this country with her parents in the ship "Welcome" with Penn, 10 mo., 1682. The family settled in Middletown, Pennsylvania.
The Carvers of Buckingham township, Bucks county, are probably descended from William, the second of three brothers who came over in 1682 and settled in Byberry, Philadelphia coun- ty. John, the eldest brother, took up six hun- dred and ninety acres on Poquessing creek in the northeast part of the township, vid. History of Bucks County, pp. 280 and 412.
Sarah Ellicott was the daughter of Thomas, born March 16, 1738, died 1789, and his first wife, Anne Ely, married October 26, 1763. (The Elys belonged to an old English family.) Thom- as Ellicott was a man of distinguished mechan- ical ability, and contributed largely towards bringing mills for the manufacture of flour to the perfection which they have arrived at in the United States. He superintended the erection of flour mills in Bucks county, and had a mill of his own at Carversville. He was the fourth son of Andrew, born July 11, 1708, died June, 1741, and Ann (Bye) Ellicott, married June 17, 1731, in Friends' Meeting. The progenitor of the family in America was Andrew, son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Hodge) Ellicott (mar- ried June 11, 1677), of Collumpton, near Exe- ter, in Devonshire, England, and who married, February 10, 1707, Mary, eldest daughter of Francis and Tabitha Croker Fox of St. Ger- mans in Cornwall, England.
Andrew Ellicott, the father, was a land own- er in Collumpton on the Colm river, Devonshire, England. His son Andrew was a woolen mantı-
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facturer and concluded to visit America in the vear 1730. They selected for their future home a place on the main road from Philadelphia to New York, within a short distance of Bucking- ham meeting-house, where the father of Ann Bye was a large landed proprietor.
The records of the Society of Friends in Dev- onshire furnish interesting notices of the fam- ily, residents from the time of William the Con- querer. Members of the family became promi- nent. One was surveyor general of the United States, and adjusted the boundary between this country and Spain ; also was consulting engineer in laying out the city of Washington, and com- pleted the work which Major L. Enfant had planned.
Ellicott Arms-Cheeky, or and sable, bordure gules. Crest-An oak tree, p. p. v. Motto- 'Sto super vias antiquas."
Henry Carver Case, third son of Alexander J. Case and Sarah Ellicott Carver, his wife, was born August 9. 1835. in Greenville, Bucks coun- ty. Pennsylvania, died May 16, 1901. He was educated in the public schools, and later be- eame a clerk in a store in New Hope. Pennsyl- vania. He married at this place Sarah Sands, April 9, 1857, and in 1862 came to Trenton, pur- chased property on Perry and Hanover streets, and engaged, with profit, in the grocery business, under the firm name of West, Cole & Case. He was for over thirty years a valued member of the Old Green Street Methodist Church ; later he assisted in establishing the State Street Church of the same denomination, and transferred there his membership. He was a man of strong convic- tions and sterling integrity, a Mason, member of Lodge No. 5.
Horace Elmer Case, only son of Henry Car- ver Case and Sarah Sands, his wife, was born September 12, 1873. In his youth the advantages of the public schools, Model School and Stew- art Business College were his, and after gradua- tion from the latter he entered the grocery firm with which his father was connected. He fol- lowed the faith of his father, and united with the State Street Methodist Church, Trenton, in early life. He is, also, a member of the Masonic order, thirty-second degree, a Knight Templar and Mystic Shriner. Politically his affiliations are with the Republican party, being a member of their club. His name is found upon the list of those belonging to the Tuscarora Club, and the Fellowcraft Club. His sister Florence mar-
ried Mr. Charles Case, the well known real es- tate man of Trenton.
We learn from the contents of an old letter published in the Pennsylvania Magasine, Vol. 16, pages 462 and 403, "that Stephen Sands left a wealthy parentage behind and that he came to this provinee to enjoy liberty of conscience among the people called Quakers, being one." Therefore it was interesting to find this record : "James Dilworth of Thornley in Lancashire, hus- bandman, came in the ship the 'Lamb' of Liv- erpool. The master, John French, arrived in this river (Delaware) 8th mo. 1682, with William their son, Servant Stephen Sands, to serve one year, and to have 50 acres of land." This por- trays the sturdy character of the man, who for- sook ease and worldly prospects for "liberty of conscience," and his memory should be revered by his descendants.
Stephen Sands prospered in his adopted coun- try, as he deserved to do, for upon the 3rd day of Ist mo., 1698, an indenture was delivered to him from Joseph Growden for one hundred acres of land in Bensalem township. Bucks county, Pennsylvania, vid. Book of Deeds No. 2, p. 287. This land was a part of the five thousand acres which William Penn had confirmed by deed, Oc- tober 24, 1681, to the above Joseph Growden. In 1708 "Oldmixon" bears testimony to the worth of Joseph Growden and his great services in planting this county with English colonists of worth and character. Stephen Sands continued to acquire land in Bensalem township, as evi- denced by deeds on record. He married Ist mo. 21st, 1684, Jane Cowgill, who came in the "Wel- come" with her widowed mother. Elizabeth Cow- gill, and brothers, Edmund and John, and sis- ter, who married Bernard Lane, of New Jersey. The Cowgills were prominent and the ancestors of some of the best people in Philadelphia today.
The children of Stephen Sands and his wife, Mary (Cowgill) Sands, were: Richard, John, Elinor, William and Edmund. Vid. will of Ste- phen Sands, dated January 25, 1730, probated February 15, 1732-33, Book of Wills I, p. 197. Stephen Sands married (second), at Middletown meeting, 8 mo., 9 da., 1701, Elizabeth Norcross, widow of William.
William Sands, son of Stephen and Jane (Cow- gill) Sands, is mentioned as a witness to Peter Wood's will. Bristol. July 10, 1745. He died in- testate and the letter of administration ealls him, "William Sands late of Bensalem township, yeo-
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man, Apr. 5th, 1758, Mary, widow of the said Intestate." Vid. Book A of Administration, p. 32, Bucks county. The widow removed to Bur- lington after the death of William, but later re- turned certificate to Middletown meeting. She died intestate. The second son, Edmund Sands, administered upon the estate May 5, 1760, vid. Book of Administration A, page 33. Edmund Sands married ( first) Rachel Clowes, 1740 ; mar- ried (second) Mary Barber, 1770. No children. His will is dated May 2, 1773, proved May 29, 1773. Vid. Book of Wills 3. p. 327. He men- tions in will brothers, Thomas, William, Abra- ham and Benjamin; sisters, Jeanette Clowson and Mary Sands. Edmund Sands had never filed a settlement of his mother's estate, but Sam- uel Morgan and Mary, his wife, late Mary Sands, widow, an executrix of Edmund Sands, deceased, filed an account of William Sands' es- tate, and a distribution of the account gives the names of children as follows :
Thomas Sands, eldest son, William, an ances- tor of Sands family in Buckingham. Ed- mund, no issue. Jeanette Clawson, wife of Cor- nelius Clawson ; her receipt filed with account in registrar's office.
Benjamin.
Abraham. Marv.
Vid. copy of account on file with papers be- longing to estate of William Sands.
Thomas, eldest son of William Sands and his wife, Mary, is described in a deed dated Novem- ber 25, 1817, as "Thomas Sands of the township of Solebury, Buck's County, shoemaker." Vid. Book of Deeds 49, page 306. April 1, 1863, he purchased more land in the same township ad- joining land late of Cornelius Clawson, who was the husband of his sister Jeanette.
Thomas Sands married (first) Sara Scar- borough ; issue : John, born 2 mn0. 28, 1812, and others. He married ( second) Deidama (sup- posed). She joins her husband in dispos- ing of land to Amasa Ely, 1836. Vid. Book of Deeds 60. p. 435. Thomas Sands was disowned from Middletown meeting 3d mo., 1781, for pay- ing military fines.
John S. Sands, son of Thomas and Sara (Scar- borough) Sands, was born February 28, 1812, married Susan Mellen Stockton. He died 3 mo. 14, 1872. Their daughter Sarah married Henry Carver Case, of Trenton, whose children
are: Mary Wharton, Carrie Sandt, Florence Nightingale, Susan Sands, Horace Elmer.
Sara, wife of Thomas Sands, was the daughter of Isaac and Susan (Dean) Scarborough. Isaac, eldest son of Euclides and Mary Scarborough, was born 1745, at the old homestead in Solebury township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania. He fol- lowed the occupation of blacksmith in Solebury and Upper Makefield. Isaac and wife Susan were the parents of five children, viz: Enos, Joseph, Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary. The mother dying, Isaac Scarborough married (second) Rachel Lewis, and had three children: Thomas, Isaac and Rachel. He died in Solebury, 1825.
Euclides Scarborough, the second son of Will- iam Scarborough, was born in Solebury, and was a minor at his father's death. He inherited from his father the homestead of sixty acres. Sold it in 1746 and purchased two tracts of over one hundred acres of his brother William. In 1762 he re-purchased the sixty acres homestead, and probably resided there until 1770, when he sold all of his real estate and removed to Maryland and died there 1808.
William Scarborough, son of John Scarbor- ough, Jr., and his wife Mary, was born 10 mo. 30, 1691, in Middletown, Bucks county, Penn- sylvania, and removed to Solebury with his par- ents when ten years of age. He was a cabinet maker by trade. He married and settled on a tract of sixty acres conveyed to him by his father in 1724. His will is dated Solebury, April 27. 1727, probated September 24, 1727. He died a few months after his father. His wife's name is unknown. He mentions son William (200 acres left me by will of father John Scarborough, Vid. Book of wills No. 1, p. 107.) Brother John, ex- ecutor son Euclides, daughters Lydia, Martha, Sarah. Book of wills No. I. p. 105.
John Scarborough, Jr., son of Jolin Scarbor- ough, Sr., was born in England, and came when a youth to this country with his father. It is said he ran away and resided several years with the Indians, learned their language, and later of- ficiated at Indian treaties as interpreter. He is said to have at one time averted an Indian war. He is known to have been a great friend of the Indians, and to have visited them on religious missions. He married Mary, and although an active member of the Middletown meeting the maiden name of his wife has never been found. In pursuance of the power of attorney, he sold the Middletown land and obtained a warrant of
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survey for five hundred and ten acres in Sole- bury, on which he settled about 1700.
A sketch published on p, 244 of Vol. 29 of the Friend indicates that he was the first white man to settle in Buckingham, Solebury Valley. The quarterly meeting records mention him as a min- ister and also in a list of founders eminent for their piety and virtue. He died on his Solebury plantation, I mo. 29, 1727, devising it and the Liberty Lot at Fifth and Spruce streets, Phila- delphia, patented to him in 1705 in right of his father's purchase of two hundred and fifty acres to his sons: William. John, and Robert. Vid. Book of Wills No. 1, Bucks County, Pennsyl- vania.
Jolin Scarborough was the earliest known pro- genitor of the Bucks county family. He came from the parish of St. Sepulcher's, London. He was known there as a coachmaker and black- smith. He was a member of Fal monthly meet- ing of Friends in Fal Court, 65 St. John's street, IO, mo. 26, 1677.
He purchased of William Penn two hundred and fifty acres of land in Pennsylvania and em- barked for the Delaware to locate liis purchase and prepare a home for his family. He left his wife in England, but took with him his only son John, then a youth. The two hundred and fifty acres were survėved to him in Middletown town- ship, near the present site of Langhorne. After two years he returned to England to bring his wife, leaving his son in care of a friend. His wife declined to come and he remained with her. In 1696 he executed and sent to his son John power of attorney to convey his lands in Bucks county. His early experience among the Indians is mentioned on p. 222 of Vol. I, Proud's History of Pennsylvania. He died 5 mo. 21, 1706, aged sixty years. Vid. History of Bucks County, Vol. III P. 175.
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