USA > New Jersey > Historical and Genealogical Miscellany , early settlers of New Jersey and their descendants, Vol. V > Part 38
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Abraham White, page 138.
Avis White, page 77.
Amos White, page 139.
Brittin White, page 20.
Charles White, page 55.
Francis White, page 102.
Levi White, page 207. Mary White, page 231.
Peter White, Middletown, page 54. Peter White, Shrewsbury, page 94.
Peter White, Jr., page 120. Robert White, Saddler, page 134. Robert White, Joyner, page 6. Robert White, Cooper, pages 126 and 160. Standley White, page 1 12. Thomas White, Jr., page 25.
Thomas White, Mason, page 96. Thomas White, Deal, page 63.
Thomas White, Shoemaker, page 245.
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HISTORICAL MISCELLANY
FROM THE SHREWSBURY TAX-LIST, FOR 1759.
Amos White, Esqr.
Maletiah White
Amos White, Rumson.
Peter White
Brittain White
Robert White, Cooper.
Christian White
Robert White, Jr.
George White
Samuel White
George White
Thomas White, Rumson.
John White, Weaver.
Thomas White, Shoemaker.
Joseph Whites
Thomas White, Weaver.
Joel White
Thomas White, Deal.
Levi White & son.
Vincent White
Michael White
FROM "A LIST OF THE POOR RATE AND DOG RATE FOR THE YEARS 1764 & 1765."
Amos White, Rumson.
Levi White
Amos White, Deal.
Michael White
Christian White
Robert White, Cooper.
Dinah White
Robert White, Jr. R.
George White
Samuel White
George White, Jr.
Thomas White, Rumson.
John White, Rumson.
Thomas White, Carpenter.
John White, Weaver.
Thomas White, Shark River.
John White, Shark River.
Thomas White, Deal.
Joseph White Joel White
Vincent White
The following record was written by Benjamin White, 98, about the year 1825, and was copied for Mrs. George Hance, in October, 1865, by Henry F. Spaulding, from which copy a transcription was taken, in August, 1899, and this is a copy of such transcription. Since it was taken both the original and the copy have disappeared, and, on inquiry being made for the transcription where it was supposed to be, that also was found to have followed suit and become invisible.
Benjamin White lived in what is now the Presbyterian parsonage, in Shrewsbury, a large part of which he built, as is set forth in these papers. He was a Quaker, and was familiarly known as "Book Muslin Bennie." The record of births, marriages and deaths, subsequent to his own death, were added, it is believed, by Mr. Spaulding, from his own memoranda.
A MEMORIAL AND RECORD OF THE LIFE OF BENJAMIN WHITE, FROM HIS CHILDHOOD TO OLD AGE, WRITTEN BY HIMSELF. SHREWSBURY, N. J.
I have been thinking for some time of leaving for my children, a short sketch of my life from early youth until the evening of my life. That they may see the great goodness of a kind providence and how
Robert White, Metetecunk.
Francis White
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God has preserved my life from many dangers nigh unto death which the remembrance thereof has given me great cause for thankfulness and gratitude to my preserver. I was born on the 4th day of the 12th mo. 1755. My father George White son of Thomas and Christian White, my Mother Anna daughter of John Lippincott she dying when I was young, I have but a slight remembrance of her. At her death she left in my father's care (7) seven children the youngest twins: Viz., John, Sarah, Thomas, Robert, Benja- min, Joseph and William. The last two were about nine months old. My father had a great care on his hands to provide for this family of small children. He lived a widower the remainder of his life. My dear father met with a serious accident, which I think shortened his life. He went up in the store house chamber for something and returning he fell from the top step in the stairs to the bottom across a half- bushel which hurt him very much from which he never recovered. When he was dying he requested that all his children should be at his bedside, he gave us all good advice taking one at a time by the hand, beginning at the eldest and so on down to the youngest. I can remember some of his words while hold of my hand-Benjamin, he said, farewell-be a good boy and do not run about on first days. We all then went out of the room weeping in tears for our dear father. My aunt informed me since that he requested them not to weep for him for he was going to a place of rest he said he saw the angels around him as white as snow and I believe he is now in the realms of bliss I hope I may be prepared to meet him. We were now left without either father or mother our things were sold at Vendue which last three days. I then went to live with my uncle John White, and went to school a short time after which I worked on the farm for my uncle Thomas White where I remained till I went to learn the tailors trade of Abel Middle- ton, Crosswicks. He also kept a store and made too free use of ardent spirits which made him neglect both trade and store. I had to come once a year to see my friends in Shrewsbury. My time was most of it spent in working on his farm and I had a small prospect of learning my trade. After a while I went to work with Jacob Cook to obtain an insight of the tailoring business. After that I applied to Edward Weaver of Jacob Town, and bound myself by an Indenture until I was twenty one years of age. I remained with him untill he was taken sick with consumption which was some years-he went to live with his sister at Colestown, and I went at journey work with Thomas Bliss of Bordentown. I afterwards heard that my master was near the close of life, I went to him at Jacobstown, and found the price he asked for my time. I took the money I had earned at Bordentown and of a friend, gave my note for the balance and paid my master for my time. I then returned went to work earned anough to pay off my note and then worked with Levi Budd at the new Miles until I had an offer to go to, Philadelphia where I remained for some time-until I was taken very sick and had to leave the city and returned to West Jersey, and boarded with my old mistress Polly Middleton, where I remained for some time in very poor health- was reduced very low, My friends thought dropsy or consumption would be my end. I was recommended to drink cheese whey, which I did and made the Cheese curd my diet. In a short time thereafter through the kind providence of God my health returned. After which I returned to Philadelphia, and then went to New York to see my brothers John and Robert. I also thought I would visit my relatives and friends in Shrewsbury. I came on a boat with Capt. Wardell and Slocum, in company with Peter Parker old Joseph Allen and Thomas Seebrook the wind north east and snowed a little the sea rolled heavily and one time we thought we shold all be lost. after much labor we passed safely into the River I have often admired the goodness of a kind Providence-our lives from a watery grave -- the night was dark and there was ice in the river and with much labor we broke our way through the ice until we reached the shore. Soon after that I was gunning after ducks down the river in company with a boy a very cold day our boat drifted from us we were left on the sedges and came near perishing with cold. After my visit in Shrews- bury I returned to Philadelphia and worked at my trade till the sound of war. I then went to New York and worked Journey work with my brother Robert. We had a room and kept Batchelor's hall, our furniture was a bed, chest, 2 cups and 2 spoons, our provisions we kept in the chest. Brother Robert was cook and I went to market we made ourselves as happy as we could we had to depend on our labor for our living and to save time he done the cooking nights, he met with a misfortune spraint his ankle and had to lay up for some time-how long we might have continued in this way is uncertain if the war had not progressed as I shall mention hereafter. As I lay in bed one night I heard the firing of large guns. I immediately arose and went into the city and found the people in great confusion, drums beat to Arms. The ship, Asia was laying off in the river firing upon the town. The people were removing the large guns from the Battery and I had hold and helped move them nothing now but war preparations going on some moved out of town, business was on a decline, we soon broke up housekeeping and I took the stage for Crosswicks boarded with my old mistress and followed my trade. Being often fined for not doing military duty I left and came to Shrewsbury, and went to making salt by boiling seawater-did not answer-I returned to West Jersey continued my trade until the battle of Trenton when Gen. Washington with his army crossed the Delaware River, took the Hessians at the battle of Princeton, Gen. Putnam and Mifflin's
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head-quarters was with my old mistress where I boarded and every one must do something either go the British, to Jaile, or join the American Army. They were in want of forages for their horses and wanted some one well acquainted with the farmers, where the British had not been. I told Gen. Putnam, if he would give from under his hand that the teams should not be prized, I would procure them plenty, which he did and I bought hay, corn, cheese, &c. and sold it to the Army so when the Army moved to Princeton I was appointed Wagon Master, and remained with the Army for some time, I drew Captain's pay had my horse saddled always ready for an alarm or marching orders. Everey morning I had all the brigade of Wagons drove up, and sent some for wood, some for hay, grain &c. The carters must have my written order or they could not obtain either provisions for themselves or feed for their horses. While in the army I tried to be useful both to the Army and to the farmers in returning property unlawfully taken, being at Stoney Brook Samuel Worth informed me that his team had been prized and he never expected to see it again had been gone some time in the way for Morristown. I obtained the team and sent it to the owner. I also helped Isaac Field obtain his horse. I went with him from Bristol to Burlington with a military guard. None could cross the ferry unless in the service of the Army neither the wagon or horse could have been obtained if I had not been respected by the officers in the Army. Samuel Worth above mentioned was a brother to Mary Middleton my old mistress. As soon as I could I left the Army, and presented my certificate for services as Wagon Master in the Army, and I drew Continental Money. After a short time I returned to my native soil, Shrewsbury, with but little money as to value, it being Continental and old Jersey money. I went to work at my trade. My brother Robert worked at distilling in Partnership with Robert Bown. After some time a French fleet came to anchor off Jumping Point and sent their boats ashore for water. They were cut off by the British fleet from obtaining water at the watering places. I assisted them in carting their empty casks filling them and returning them through the surf to the boats. After the fleet had sailed a large drove of cattle arrived for their use, but as they had sailed I went with the drove to Gen. Maxwell's Army then laying at Spottswood. Col. White's troop of horse and Maj. Lee were then at Brown Brook they had taken the horse "Heron" then owned by R. Bown and my uncle Thomas White. I went for the horses "Heron" and one for Nathan Justious- his answer was T. White my uncle was an old Tory and would not let me have him he delivered up Nathan Justious horse which I led home to his owner. The other after sometime was returned and my brother Robert with myself purchased a 14 of a share for £46 and sold the same to my uncle T. White and never received a penny from him or from his estate. This is the end of old "Heron" so to return to my former memory and trials in the war. I returned to my trade. I was seldom idle, strove to make a living and lay up all I could while I had health. Robert Bowne proposed to my brother Robert that we should keep a small store, and he would assist us. We then hired Martin Miars wife to keep house for us. We began with 1/2 lb. of butter, I Ib. Pork and a few potatoes. We had no china, but it was much better than being in the army, still we were not far from them. We were so near the line, that in the fore part of the night we had British and Refugees, in the morning the American troops. My brother was called a Kings man or Refugee and myself a Rebel and friend to Jersey troops. Colonel Ford and Lee came. We had to find quarters for the army. The dwellings for some distance around were occupied by soldiers. We gave up our kitchen and cellar. Sometimes after this we commenced our store, began with a little tea, Barrel of sugar, papers, a pr. small scales with other small articles and I hhd. Rum. Apple spirit we had plenty as we carried on the distilling business at that time. We had gone on in this way but a short time when a large party of British and Refugees came off in order to surprise and take Col. Ford, with all his troops but they were informed just in time so as the rear of our troops passed the lanes by Wardells or where Tilee Williams now resides the whole of the British forces came on their rear shot and chased them to the Falls, but being so enraged that they had lost their prey that they set fire to the houses and burned many of them and plundered on their return. I hid most of our dry goods but they broke open the store, robbed us of what they could, filled their canteens with spirits and let it run to waste. My brother was from home. They had my mare out and going off with her. I ran and got hold of her and while I was tusling with the soldier others were plundering my house, the guns left by our troops were broken across the fence. They seemed like wild or mad men. I kept hold of my mare until some of the Amer- ican troops who was in persute fired at them he then left me and run across the graveyard, so I saved my mare and some of the plunder. I had often to go to Philadelphia to buy goods. My brother was not acquainted, and I had that to do, but when he went out to work at his trade, I staid at home to watch and when I went he did the same, so we always kept busy trying to make a living, war appeared all around us-we were constantly in danger-near the line -- between two fires-through favor we were preserved. We started very early one morning to gunning at Black Point, Judiah Allen's brother and Brother Robert the weather was very cold. I shot some fowl and in going for it on the ice I broke through -lost my gun in the water and came near drownding. I was expecting every moment to sink under the
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ice, my mind being turned unto the Lord, I said "O Lord I am now coming unto thee-do thou have mercy on my poor soul" at last having got my arms on the ice and with my feet as if swimming brought me to the top of the water and with great effort I gradually craled on the ice, and as I moved I said, am I yet alive, and I praised my Maker for deliverance. John Hartshorne had been an eye witness to all my struggles in the water, but dared not come to me until I was on the strong ice, he then gave me his arm and helped me to Widow Marshes tavern at Black Point. They put me to bed, I felt as if I should per- ish with the cold, when the frost began to come out of me it resembled the steam from a boiling pot. In the evening I was conveyed home my agitation was so great that I found but little sleep my thoughts were on so great deliverance and at this time when I pen these lines I can say that I feel that I am a monument of his Mercies, and have great cause to bless His dear name for all his favors. The skin of my hands all pealed off like a potatoe, my gun was fished up with oyster tongs. As soon as I was able I started for Philadelphia for goods in a sleigh, at Burlington we went on the ice on the river to the city and back again which was never done before nor since to my memory-the winter was very severe. The ground froze to great depth. Joseph Lippencott died that winter and in digging his grave it was all frozen ground. We kept our store going for some time and then my brother married William Crawford's daughter, then our housekeeper left and we were much better suited. I was very fond of gunning after water fowl. I went to Little Silver and put my gun in the boat with the muzzle toward me, there was ice in the boat, the gun slipped, the lock struck the timbers and she went off the whole load passed through the bow of the boat, I stood by the side of the boat near the bow, this I saw was another great deliverance, and I could say what shall I render unto the Lord for so many favors and benefits. We rented the house we lived in and kept store in the front part, afterwards we bought it of John Corlies and paid the cash down, we bought it in partnership. It was the lot where I now live, we strove for an honest living and we had our health and seemed to be blessed. Sometime after I married Mary Morris, the war still con- tinued. We lived in a small way in a small house which I bought of my wifes brother John Morris. Sometimes after my brother Robert told me that he must move. I found that he was in earnest. I told my wife that we must move in as I could not leave the store. Brother R. moved where he now lives-our families increasing we divided the household goods, and began to charge each other with what we took out of the store before this we each had out of the store without charge for many years. We have now obtained our Independence. War is at an end. We have agreed to give Quit Claim to each other, and I pay him the difference I took the lot in Shrewsbury town, and he the one where he now lives-through much hard work both my wife and myself we build a new home. My cellar is 32 x 42 and 7 feet deep. I asked the mason how many stone he would want for the cellar wall he said fill the hole full just leave room enough for him to stand. I worked very hard getting the material for my cellar. The free stone in front came from Newark. The day I raised my house was a busy day. I had made up my mind not to have any rum, or spirits of any kind on the day of raising, although the expense was greater. I had a barrel of good beer with plenty of good cider and wine and eggs in the morning-it was raised without accident. The next morning as I was walking on the foundation show- ing my wife where the little bedroom was to be I fell with my breast on the joice hanging with both hands for some time at last fell to the bottom of the cellar. I was hurt very much was bleeding in both arms and confined to my bed for some days. As soon as I was able I went to Philadelphia for more goods by the way of Bordentown while the war continued I had to go on horseback to Philadelphia generally two teams met me at Bordentown sometimes in freezing cold winter and at other times hot schoring summer days-through all I have been preserved to the present moment and I have cause to be thank- ful. A law has been passed in Jersey that all goods found going towards the enemy's lines or coming out of Philadelphia should be seized and one half should go to the informer the other half to the state unless the owner was qualified that they were imported according to law-therefore all goods which I bought I presented to the Notary Public and was sworn or affirmed that what they sold me were so imported I also had the large seal of Pennsylvaia when they arrived at Bordentown. One Peter Tallman came with a company of men and said the goods were contraband and he should detain them as such. I showed him my invoice all attested and according to law, after looking them over he handed them back and replied that I had acted well and hoped every one would be as careful and guarded as I had been, but very few believed him, as he had been watching for the goods and would have been better suited to have kept them and a very great disappointment to him and many others in his gang. Richard Davis was in company with me and uncle Letson drove our team and Lamon Taylor his it was a fine pass time for all of them when they saw Tallman so chop fallen and all his gang skunk away. After I had paid my bill at the tavern we started for Shrewsbury and arrived home safe. I mention this to show that we had to be as wise as serpants and ought to have been as harmless as doves. I mentioned the raising of my house which was after the war and peace proclaimed then we began to ship goods from New York.
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My house was begun in the year 1789 and finished in 1790, we both my wife and myself worked very . .... We had a family of young children and many work people to provide for but we were blessed with good health through the goodness of a kind providence. We finished the house and moved the kitchen to the east end of the house. It has served for that use ever since. My brother Robert felt dissatisfied that I had a new house and he none. I told him that I would assist him in building one. I helped him until his house was all completed and then built his barn. Dr. Johnson was much in debt and had to sell his corner house and land-we bought it and found it very much encumbered with mortgages &c. It cost us a great deal of money and trouble. He owed some in New Brunswick, some above New York. I had to go to all who had claims on the estate and pay them off, so we still own all except what we sold to Corlies and Allen, the stone hill out southward is a part of the bargain. Then I bought in com- pany with Brother Robert 20 acres of woodland of James Williams-50 acres of Daniel Williams, out by Bill Crafts. I claimed a right on 100 acres near Natts Hill-I let Brother Robert have one half, bought 40 acres of John Morris. I bought the old Sand field adjoining it and the new ground more or less which makes the land square. I built a small house on it and planted 2 orchards and fenced it. I also bought a lot adjoining the above built a small house and repaired the barn. Bought of James R. Holmes Vandue 3 Lots of Woodland at Chestnut plains, also at the same time two lots of Woodland of John Holmes, one near the Falls 67 acres the other by Polly Britons 58 18/100 acres, which I paid for in Silver Money, and all the rest has been paid for which the deeds will show. I mention the above lots to let my children know how they came to be mine as well as the dwelling houses and out houses they came by industry and hard labor, with the great goodness of the All wise Providence. He can bless a little and blast a great deal. I hope I may ever be truly thankful for all his favors and say what shall I render unto thee O Lord for all thy benefits and favors. This brings to my mind another favor. I went to New York with my wife Mary to buy goods she went Westchester to visit brother John White. I sent my goods on board of a Boat lying at the foot of Peck Slip, to sail next day for Shrewsbury. My wife had returned to Robert Bowns. I went to the boat in the evening to put something on Board, it being dark I fell into the water from the dock and put my shoulder out of joint. I found a ring and cable in the corner of the dock which I held unto and cried for help. and the Mounts on board heard me and helped out of the water to R. Bowns house. Dr. Simmons came and set my shoulder. It made a loud report when replaced. They bound me with silk handkercheifs in my chair when he bled me, I fainted away. I went on board next day and arrived safely at home. This I mention as another nar- row escape from death. My brother R. seldom went from home I often thought he did not know the dangers and hardships I had to pass through, but his health would not permit him, and not being so much in the store his judgment was not so good in buying or selling. I was very fond of fishing and gun- ning whenever I had an opportunity. It gave me new life. I often caught Sheepshead, Barb, Bass and other fish with hook and line. I owned a large fishing seine, but of late I found it did not answer and I sold the seine boat and ropes to Dr. Longstreet. He broke so I lost all. I then had John King's boat and his son Benjamin a small lad we fished in the channel near Tallman's Creek. We concluded to hoist sail and run down to the Beech. In doing so the Skiff upset. The boy and myself got on to the bottom of the boat. I lost my hat-it sunk to the bottom. We remained there for sometime. At last William Pichard and Samuel Lain came from Rumson to our deliverance they refused receiving anything for their services but I think I have since rewarded them. I came to John Kings without a hat and glad to get home alive. This was just before my daughter Betsey was married to Amos Tilton. They had passed meeting. I hardly expected to see it accomplished when on the bottom of the boat in the channel, but blessed be his Holy Name I am still a monument of his Mercies. My brother John proposed to join us in partnership, he to purchase all the goods and I to take charge of the store and share the profits equally. We purchased a boat, after a while business declined our boat did not pay ware and tare. The hands run away with all the profits. We mutually dissolved partnership and I had to buy all the goods, and have ever since. When we dissolved partnership with Brother John it was agreed that we should pay him a commission for purchasing goods we wrote for, but when we settled he wanted pay for all goods bought. I thought hard in his so doing but I let it pass. I had a large family to support. My wife and myself had to rise early and work hard to support them. I had an old un- settled account with Brother John for lumber from Ludlow's Yard. After his death his son George (was not a member of the Friends) became much embarrassed. I concluded to let it go with the rest, but it gave me some consolation that they all alowed it to be my just due. From inability my brother Robert was seldom in the store he was very fond of setting up different mechanics, but not to see to any part of selling or carrying them on. He in company with Joseph Parker built a saw mill-Betsey Parker's husband. He was a poor tool for his works proved him to be so-he had the worst work in building the mill done in cold short days-men worked with mittens. At last he began sawing we were to have half.
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