USA > New Jersey > Historical and genealogical miscellany : data relating to the settlement and settlers of New York and New Jersey > Part 3
USA > New York > Historical and genealogical miscellany : data relating to the settlement and settlers of New York and New Jersey > Part 3
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1690. He was called Lewis Morris, of Tinton, when he received a patent, of three hundred and forty acres of land, in Middletown.
Advancing years, and the care of a large estate, failed to keep Colonel Morris aloof from public life.
In 1681-2, he was elected a Representative to the Assembly, from Shrewsbury, but his place became void, by reason of his appointment, February, 1682, as a Member of Deputy- Governor Thomas Rudyard's [New Jersey] Council, which he held during 1682 and 1683. As a Member of the Council, he was one of the Judges of the Quorum, for Essex, Middlesex, Monmouth and Bergen Counties.
From 1683 to 1686, he was a Member of Governor Dongan's [New York] Council.
1686, September. Court of Sessions, held at Middletown. Lewis Morris, who had been arrested, was brought before the Court to answer concerning an informacon brought in about the death of a Negro woman named Francke; the sd Morris did appear with a habeas corpus from the Governor Gawen Lawrie to be removed to the next Court of common right, to be holden at Amboy Perth, etc.
Col. Lewis Morris married twice. Bolton, Vol. II, p. 290.
"Before leaving Barbadoes, Lewis Morris had, unfortunately, married a woman of low extraction and bad conduct, whom he brought with him to America. During Morris' last illness, this woman destroyed all the family papers she could lay her hands on and so remodeled his will, as to leave herself, and one Bickley, her accomplice, the whole personal estate, with negroes and silver. The fraud, however, was so evident, that, when young Lewis came of age, some years after his uncle's death, the Legislature gave him possession of the estate, as his uncle's heir-at-law."
New York Genealogical and Biographical Record.
If the record of birth given to Col. Lewis Morris is correct, he was about ninety years of age when his will was drawn, and perhaps, impressionable to undue influence, but there is such strong evidence of his affection for his wife, and generous provision for many friends, vigorously and lucidly expressed, that it seems difficult to reconcile the treachery attributed to his wife.
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MORRIS OF MONMOUTH COUNTY
Further, he sets forth, at length, a sufficient number of grievances to account for his estrangement from his nephew, Lewis Morris. There was some irregularity in the execution of the will and several erasures, which suggests that the testator may have meant to revise it, but I think it doubtful. Be that as it may, it was successfully probated, and, as Colonel Morris' wife had, in the meantime, died, between Feb. 7, 1690 and May 8, 1691, letters of administration were granted to Lewis Morris, his nephew and next of kin.
1690, "this seventh day of this twelfth month, called February." Will of Col. Lewis Morris, commonly called Colonel Morris, of New York, made at "my plantation over against Harlem, in the province of New York," "to prevent all discords and variances"; proved May 8 and 15, 1691, mentioned:
"Whereas I formerly intended to have made my nephew, Lewis Morris, son of my deceased brother, Richard Morris, my sole executor; his many and great miscarryages and disobedience toward me and my wife, and his causeless absenting himself from my house, and adhering to and advizeing with those of bad life and conversation, contrary to my directions and example unto him, and for other reasons best known to myselfe, I doe make and ordaine my dearly beloved wife, Mary Morris, sole executrix of this my last will and testament;" and
To the meeting of Friends, at Shrewsbury, in Monmouth Co., five pounds current money of New York, per annum, forever, to be paid out of his plantation, at Tinton ironworks, to be paid on 25th March yearly.
To Thomas Webley, of Shrewsbury, two hundred and fifty acres on the westermost part of his two thous- and acres, lying between Swimming River and Hop River, Monmouth Co.,-he paying quit rent one half penny, sterling, per acre.
To Lewis Morris, of Shrewsbury, one of his best mares in the woods, and £20, New York currency.
To his nephew, Lewis Morris, son of his brother, Richard Morris, as soon as he attains the age of twenty- one, the residue of the estate, i. e. his plantation and iron works, at Tinton, with all lands, etc., etc., all his negroes on that plantation, cattel, horse, kinde, swine, and all other creatures; all household goods, utensils, etc., bills, bonds, patents, books of account, debts belonging to ye place, all profits, etc .; also one flat handled spoon, one small tankard, one salt cellar, one small sugar box, all of silver, one small cabinet sealed up ;- wherein is four pearl necklaces, three or four jewels set in gold, and several other things of value; one negro woman named Bess,-which formentioned plate, cabinett, and negro woman, were his brothers-unto which he adds all the children of said woman, Bess, except one that is otherwise disposed of ; I dozen silver spoons, one large tankard, one large tumbler, one small tumbler, and one porringer, all of silver; all of which last men- tioned things he gives to his nephew in lieu of some things that are lost and supposed to be embezzled by Walter Webley; also £20, in silver, current at New York, and ten guinneys, the whole given with this restriction and limitation, that he shall quietly and peaceably acquiess and submit himself, wholly and absolutely, unto every thing mentioned in the will, and shall make no opposition against the same, but to his power shall perform and fulfill all things whatsoever that on his part I have hereby enjoyned unto him; otherwise, it is my final deter- mination and result, that if my said nephew, Lewis Morris, his heirs, etc., on any pretence or right from his father aforesaid, whether by partnerships with me or purchase, or any way else, shall, at any time hereafter, either by himself, or any other person or persons claiming from, for, by or under him or them, by any manner of way or means whatsoever, make any demand or pretend any right, etc., to any part of the estate that now doth or may hereafter belong to me, more than I have by these presents entitled unto him, and in such case, I do hereby make void all and every part of what I have hereinbefore given unto my said nephew, Lewis Morris.
In case of any disturbance by my said nephew, concerning the premises hereby otherwise bequeathed, and that my said dearly beloved wife, Mary Morris, her heirs, etc., shall thenceforth and then immediately enter into possession, etc., and enjoy all the before recited premises, legacys, etc., given or to be given to my said nephew, Lewis Morris, if he or any, under pretence of him, shall at any time molest my said wife, her heirs, etc., in her or their peaceable enjoyment of whatsoever estate, etc., that is or shall be herein and hereby given unto her or them, etc., only giveing unto him; and I doe hereby give unto my said nephew, Lewis Morris, the sum of ten pounds, current money of New York, to be paid unto him by my said executrix, etc., in case of any such disturbance or molestation as aforesaid.
Unto my honored friend, William Penn, my negro man Yaff, provided the said Penn shall come to dwell in America; otherwise the said Yaff is to serve my said wife, equally, with other negroes.
Unto William Bickley one negro girl named Maria.
Unto Wm. Richardson one negro boy named Jack.
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HISTORICAL MISCELLANY
Unto Sam'l Palmer one negro girl named Buckey.
Unto my negro man Toney, the cooper, the sum of 40 shillings a yeare, during his life, besides his usual accommodation.
Unto my negro woman Nell her freedom and liberty to goe att large wheresoever she shall please after the decease of my said wife.
These last two bequests on condition that the said negroes shall be obedient and respectful to his wife. Unto John Adams, of Flushing, the sum of five pounds, which is due to me on his obligation.
Unto my said nephew, Lewis Morris, all my land and meadows att Mattinicot, on Long Island, together will all the profits and privileges thereof, etc., together with one-half of all my pewter and one-half of all my house linen for bedding and tabling that is on my plantation over against Harlem, and all my printed books, except such as my said wife shall please to reserve unto herselfe.
The above legacies are given under the same provisions relating to the earlier bequests to his nephew, Lewis Morris.
Unto ye meeting of Friends, in the province of New York, the sum of six pounds, per annum, to be paid out of my plantation over against Harlem aforesaid, in the said province, etc., and on every 25th of the month called March, yearly and every year, forever.
The remainder of my estate and plantation, both real and personal, where I now inhabitt over against Harlem aforesaid, I give unto my dearly beloved wife, Mary Morris, her heirs, etc., the lands thereof, contain- ing about two thousand acres, etc., together with all houses, barns, etc., woods, negroes of all kinds, cattell, swine, sheep, horse, kinde, and all other creatures and improvements whatsoever, also all goods, household stuff and utensils, money, plate, and everything else moveable, etc., within doors, etc., that now is, or hereafter shall be in my possession, etc., except what is here otherwise disposed of.
Unto my said dearly beloved wife all that my houses, land in New York city, situate over against the bridge, unto all appurtenances, profits and advantages whatsoever thereunto belonging, with all deeds, pat- tents, writings, bills, bonds, obligations, and all things else whatsoever, named and unnamed, belonging.
Unto John Bowne, of Flushing, one negro girl named Abba; is att old Thomas Hunts.
Unto Miles Foster one servicible negro boy, such as my dearly beloved wife shall appoint.
Unto Richard Jones, merchant, of New York, one negro boy or negro girl, such as my dearly beloved wife shall appoint.
Unto William Bickley and my nephew, Lewis Morris, all my right, etc., in and to the ship Friends' Adventure, as also of all my part of her profits and advantages, by freight or otherwise, to each of them the equal alike part.
Unto my said nephew, my gold seale and my negroman Yeabba; and whereas, I have bequeathed unto my said nephew, Lewis Morris, all my estate at the ironworks, at Tinton, with this expression, viz., (as soon as he shall attaine to the age of 21 years), etc., I doe now revoake ye said expression as to time, giving unto him full power and authority to enter into and possess the said estate, etc., immediately after my decease, etc .; all the rest of my plate and money, silver and gold, I give unto my dearly beloved wife.
I appoint my trusty ffriends, Richard Jones and Miles ffoster, of New York, John Bowne, of fflushing, Wm. Richardson, of Westchester County, Richard Hartshorne and John Hance, of the County of Monmouth, and Wm. Bickley, of Westchester County, aforesaid, to be my executors in trust, and overseers, etc .; and in regard to the remoteness of their abodes from one another, I do order that any three of them may act as they shall find needfull, provided Wm. Richardson, Wm. Bickley, or Richard Hartshorne be of that number; and for want of a 3d persons in the County of Monmouth, Richard Hartshorne and John Hance may act there as they shall find cause, or may choose a 3d person to act, etc.
Witnesses: Johannis Vermilje, Jan Tibout, Lamueert Zoches, Davied Lillies, and mark of Susannah Roberts, and Wm. Bickley.
Bolton's Westchester, Vol. II, pp. 290-293.
"The last will and testament of Colonel Lewis Morris having been exhibited, and the six witnesses severally appearing before me, two of them only, to wit, David Lylly and Susanah Robert were able to give oath in due form of law, that the said will was signed, sealed, and published to be the last will of said Lewis Morris, and the executrix being dead, and there appearing several razures, and all the witnesses having declared that they knew nothing of the said razures except Wm. Bickley who declared he knew of them and wrote the will, but knew not for what end the said razures were made. And the said will remaining not proved nor executed, the said two witnesses David Lylly and Susanah Roberts were accordingly sworne, and administration granted to Lewis Morris, next of kin of the said Colonel Lewis Morris.
Dated May 8, 1691.
H. SLAUGHTER." New York Wills, Lib. 3-4, p. 197.
The inventory of his estate amounted to £4071.
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MORRIS OF MONMOUTH COUNTY
Issue
7 Miss Morris; married John Walters, and probably died without issue. "At the attack upon Chepstow Castle, which was defended by Sir Nicholas Kemish, the king's general, Lewis Morris was the second in command. After an obstinate resistance, the garrison was reduced by cutting off the supply of water which ran through the estate of Pearcefield, then owned by Col. Morris' son-in-law, John Walters, and setting fire to the castle. From this circumstance, the family assumed as their crest a castle in flames, with the following motto, 'tandem vincitur'-at length he is conquered." Bolton's Westchester, Vol. II, p. 285.
3 WILLIAM MORRIS, son of William Morris, I, was born in 1612. He was seated at Denham, and upon the breaking out of the Rebellion, he actively sided with the Parliamentary party. When defeated, he considered it discreet to cross the ocean until the storm had blown over, but was lost at sea.
Issue 8 John Morris
4 MARY MORRIS, daughter of William Morris, I, was born in 1614.
It is stated that she married Walter Webley. Of this I have no proof, but have ascer- tained the following facts about Walter Webley, who may have been confused with a reputed husband of Mary Morris.
Walter Webley was a resident of New York City, or of the region just over the Harlem River, likely on property adjoining Capt. Richard Morris, in 1673, when the Dutch subjugated this province. His active interest in caring for the effects of Capt. Richard Morris' infant child, and the estates of Capt. Richard and Col. Lewis Morris, portions of which he took to Shrewsbury, N. J., to place beyond the reach of the Dutch invaders, brought him into direct conflict with that authority. Col. Lewis Morris made peace for him however:
"On the urgent request of Col. Lewis Morris, Walter Webly is allowed to retain his residence within this government, on previously taking the oath of allegiance.
Dated Fort Willem Hendrick, this 19th of October, 1673."
He, however, shortly violated his parole and was fined in consequence thereof:
"Feb. 1, 1674.
The Fiscal, Pltff. against
Walter Webley, Deft.
The Pltff. alleges that the Deft. hath been contrary to the Proclamation of the 12th Xber last, in the enemy's country and brought letters thence hither; concludes therefor that the Deft. shall be condemned in the fine according to the placard, &c.
Deft. answers that he hath pursuant to the Proclamation, delivered the letters into the Secretary's office and says, he hath had before this a pass to go in search of his uncle Morris, which he claims he can again do, on said pass, &c.
The Governor-General and Council having heard the Fiscal's demand and Deft's excuse condemn the Deft. for the reasons aforesaid, in a fine of eight Beavers, with costs.
Note "Tis ordered that the above Beavers shall be applied one-half to the Fiscals and the other half to the Church."
The preceding suit establishes the relationship of Walter Webley to Col. Lewis Morris; he was a nephew and not the brother-in-law, as has been stated heretofore. Further cor- roboration of Walter Webley's residence and relationship lies, in the application of Lewis Morris to transport his nephew's goods, and the order, issued, in pursuance thereof, Nov. 30,
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HISTORICAL MISCELLANY
1673, wherein he alludes to his cousin's plantation, in Bronck's land. The use of the term cousin, for nephew, was general in the phraseology of that day.
When Col. Morris, in 1674, returned to Barbadoes to wind up his business in that island, he appointed Walter Webley his attorney:
1674. Walter Webley was the agent of Lewis Morris, for a grant of land.
1675. Judgment of the Mayor's Court, of New York, for plaintiff, in the case of Walter Webley, trustee of the estate of Richard Morris, plaintiff, and Peter Aldrix, defendant, for the recovery of a negro woman.
1679. Walter Webley was a witness, to a will, in Westchester County, N. Y.
What became of this Walter Webley, I do not know, but he may have been living, in 1691, when his uncle, Col. Morris, spoke disparagingly of him in his will, alluding to his re- taining various silver pieces. These may be some of the things that he took, eighteen years before, to secrete them from the Dutch, and if so, it proves Col. Morris had a singularly re- tentive memory and unforgiving disposition.
"unto wch I add the Children of the said Negro Bess, (Except one that is otherwise Disposed of), and One Dozen of Silver Spoons, One Large Tankard, one Large Tumbler, One Small Tumbler, and one Porringer, all of Silver, all of which last Menconed things added, I give and bequeath unto my Said Nephew, Lewis Morris, in Lieu of Some things that are Left and supposed to be embezelled by Walter Webley." Will of Col. Morris.
The relation of the preceding Walter Webley to the following Thomas Webley, I conceive to be a brother, for Walter Webley is the established nephew of Col. Morris, and Thomas Webley, in his will of 1698, solicits the kind intervention of his "christian kinsman, Lewis Morris," [the Governor], in his settlement of his affairs.
1684. Thomas Webley, of Shrewsbury, was a Debtor.
1684. Thomas Webley, of Fenwick's Colony, was a witness.
1685 and 1687. Thomas Webley, of Shrewsbury, was a witness.
1687. Thomas Webley, of Shrewsbury, was a bondsman.
William West, of Shrewsbury, called Thomas Webley "my loving and trusty brother." 1687. Thomas Webley was a witness.
1687 and 1688. Thomas Webley, of Shrewsbury, was an appraiser.
1688. Thomas Webley succeeded Robert Hamilton, as Clerk of the Court, and Recorder, . of Monmouth County.
In 1691, he was willed two hundred and fifty acres of land, at Tinton, by Col. Lewis Morris.
In 1694, Thomas Webley deposes that he is "thirty ffour Yeares or thereabouts" of age. 1700. Thomas Webley, of Monmouth County, was a Grand Juror.
1701, Oct. 25. Thomas Webley, of East Jersey, Gentleman, attorney for James Wasse, of London, "chyrurginon," sold three hundred acres of land, near a branch of Morris' River, called Quiahocking, to Jonathan Beere, of Salem Town, gentleman.
At a Court of Sessions, held at Shrewsbury, the Third Tuesday in October, 1700.
"Thomas Webley having spoke several contemptuous and reproachful words in the Court, and having otherwise misbehaved himself in the presence of the Court, the Court therefore order that said Thomas Webley doe immediately pay the sum of five shillings for the use of the poor, or be put by the constable in the stocks for the space of two hours."
Thomas Webley paid the said five shillings for the use aforesaid.
1698-9, Jan. 10. Will of Thomas Webley, of Shrewsbury, yeoman; proved Mch. 29, 1703, mentioned:
Wife, Audria
Daughters, Catharine Ann
Mary
Only son, John
23
MORRIS OF MONMOUTH COUNTY .
His estate in Wales, inherited from his father; an estate coming from his uncle, Edward Webley; land at Shark River or Squancum, and lands at Barnigat Beach. Personal property, including books. His Christian kinsman, Lewis Morris, is asked to try and obtain something for "my Indian Wright at Croswicksum." No executor is named.
Witnesses: William Woolley, John Tilton, Johanna Grant or Gaunt and Abiah Edwards.
1702-3, Mch. 9. Inventory of the personal estate of Thomas Webley was made by Nicholas Brown and William West; included a negro boy, and amounted to £40-0-0.
He married Audrey, daughter of Bartholomew and Catharine (Almy) West, and was lost at sea on a voyage to London.
In 1687, Audrey Webley was. a witness.
1705. His wife, Audrey Webley, was a witness to a Shrewsbury marriage.
It was probably she who was a witness, as late as 1732, to another marriage, at Shrewsbury. Thomas Webley stood high in favor with Col. Lewis Morris, who gave him lands, in Mon- mouth County, in his will:
"unto Thomas Webley, of Shreswbury, aforesaid, Two Hundred and fifty Acres of Land, to be Laid out att his Charges, on the Westermost Parte of my Two Thousand Acres yt Lyes between Swimming River & Hop River," etc.
Issue; supposed, of Mary Morris Webley
Walter Webley Thomas Webley
These two brothers, Walter Webley and Thomas Webley, had an uncle, Edward Webley, so called in the will of Thomas Webley. He was a resident of Monmouth County, and probably died without issue:
1686, Feb. 14. Edward Webley bought lands, of the Indians, at Crosswicks, Monmouth County.
1686. Edward Webley sold lands, in Monmouth County, to Thomas Webley.
Thomas Webley, by his wife, Audrey West, had
Issue, as per his will
John Webley; married Elizabeth (Woolley?)
Catharine Webley; married Philip Edwards.
Ann Webley; married Richard Chambers.
. Mary Webley
Of these children, John Webley received, in 1698, from Governor Lewis Morris, and his wife, Dame Isabella, of Shrewsbury, sole heir of his uncle, Col. Lewis Morris, certain lands, in the deed to which he was spoken of as, a son of his kinsman, Thomas Webley.
John Webley resided at Shrewsbury, where he was a witness, to marriages, in 1720 and 1721, and in 1715, the same, with Ann Chambers.
The following data concerning the Webleys has been accumulated, but it needs more research to disclose, with certainty, the relationship of the individuals.
BAPTISMS-CHRIST CHURCH, SHREWSBURY, N. J.
1747, May 9. Audrey Webley, aged 2314 years; [born 1724]. Ann Webley, aged 1812 years; [born 1728]. Catharine Webley, aged 2114 years; [born 1726].
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HISTORICAL MISCELLANY
1747, May 24. Audrey, daughter of John Webley, aged 23 years; [born 1724]. Catharine, daughter of John Webley, aged 22 years; [born 1725]. Mary, daughter of John Webley, aged 20 years; [born 1727.]
I747, Nov. 21. Thomas and Elizabeth Webley had daughter, Sarah, baptized, aged - weeks.
1748, May 8. Margaret, daughter of John Webley, was baptized. Mary, daughter of John Webley, was baptized.
BURIALS AND DEATHS-CHRIST CHURCH, SHREWSBURY, N. J.
1749. Mrs. Webley, wife of Thomas, was buried, March 6.
1762. Elizabeth Webley died, aged 67 years; [born 1695].
1775. John Webley died, aged 82 years; [born 1693].
1789. Ann Webley died, aged 61 years; [born 1728].
1742. Margaret Webley was a witness, to a marriage, in Shrewsbury.
1692, May 12. Mary Webley married to Joseph West, by Peter Tilton. Witnesses: Nicholas Browne, his mark. Mary Williams Audrey Webley John West Thos. Webley
MARRIAGE LICENSES
1740, Dec. 13. Audrey Webley and Joseph West, both of Monmouth County. 1748-9, Mch. 24. Catharine Webley, of Shrewsbury, and Peter Slocum.
1756, July 27. John Webley and Elizabeth Wardell, both of Shrewsbury.
1757, Jan. 23. William Smith and Margaret Webley had a license to marry.
1759, Nov. 17. Mary Webley and Jonathan Slocum, both of Shrewsbury.
1765, Oct. I. Sarah Webley and Daniel Taber, both of Shrewsbury.
MARRIAGES, CHRIST CHURCH, SHREWSBURY.
1749, June 27. Peter Slokom and Catharine Webley, both of Shrewsbury, by license.
5 CAPT. RICHARD MORRIS, son of William Morris, I, was born in 1616. He, appar- ently, accompanied his brother, Lewis Morris, to the Barbadoes, where he settled, and by his marriage to Miss Pole, of that island, largely increased his wealth. He was appointed Captain, in the regiment commanded by his brother, Col. Lewis Morris.
In 1670, he settled in New York and engaged in mercantile life. His residence was in that portion of Westchester County, later created into the Manor of Morrisania. This land he bought in conjunction with his brother, Col. Lewis Morris.
He died in 1672; and his wife, Sarah, some time earlier, leaving an infant about six months old. The changing of the government from English to Dutch and back again, occasioned some confusion in the guardianship of the infant and settlement of his father's estate:
1672, September. "Whereas Captain Richard Morris, of this city, merchant, died intestate, leaving a considerable estate behind him, and whereas his brother, Colonel Lewis Morris, hath a great interest for the protection of the estate, it is judged requisite that some extraordinary care should be taken," and in con- sequence, Gov. E. Andross appointed Mr. Matthias Nicoll, Mayor of the city, Capt. Thos Delavall and Capt.
25
MORRIS OF MONMOUTH COUNTY
Cornelius Steenwych, of the Council of His Royal Highness' Government, Capt. John Berry and Mr. Thos Gibbs, to be administrators.
1672, July 26. Capt. Richard Morris, merchant, of New York City, had a grant of one thousand acres of land, on the Delaware River, over against New Castle, from Philip Carteret.
Issue
9 Lewis Morris; known as Governor Morris, born Oct. 15, 1671; died 1746.
6 THOMAS MORRIS, supposed son of William Morris, I.
The degree of kinship, of Thomas Morris to Lewis Morris, has never been positively proved but he was, evidently, upon the same plane of descent from a common ancestor. This is estab- lished by a careful study of dates, appearing under Lewis Morris, his son, 10. From these I deduce that Thomas Morris was born about 1630, and was, of necessity, either a brother or a cousin of Col. Lewis Morris. He probably never came to this country.
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