USA > New Jersey > Historical and genealogical miscellany : early settlers of New Jersey and their descendants, Vol. III > Part 25
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In 1636, the young man built the thirty-eighth house in Scituate. Mass., where he married. May 10, 1637, Elizabeth, daughter of Elder or Deacon Thomas Blossom, by Anne, his wife, of Plymouth, Mass., one of the Mayflower Pilgrims. This wife, Elizabeth (Blossom) Fitz Ran- dolph, was born in Leyden, Holland, after 1620, and came with her parents, in 1629, to Fly- mouth, Mass., where she dwelt until 1633. After her mother's second mariage, to Henry Rowley, of Scituate, they all removed to that place.
EDWARD FITZ RANDOLPH is said to have settled, with his children, about two miles from New Brunswick, Middlesex Co., N. J .; however, I have yet to sce positive proof that he himself removed from New England to New Jersey, but his wife, accompanied by her sons, John, Joseph, Thomas and Benjamin, are to be found in Piscataway township, near what is now known as Randolphsville. in 1676, and she, Elizabeth (Blossom) Fitz Randolph, his widow, married, June 30, 1685, Captain John Pike, Sr., of Woodbridge, as his second wife.
While living at Barnstable Edward Fitz Randolph had baptized the following children :
Issitc
2 Nathaniel Fitz Randolph; baptized Aug. 9, 1640; died, and buried at Barnstable, Dec. 10, 1640.
3 Nathaniel Fitz Randolph (2nd); baptized May 15, 1642.
4 Mary Fitz Randolph; baptized Oct. 6, 1644; died young.
5 Hannah Fitz Randolph; baptized Apr. 23, 1648; married, Nov. 6, 1668, Jasper Taylor.
6 Mary Fitz Randolph (and); baptized June 2, 1650. Town record says, "last of May, 1651." which is presumably an error; married, Jan. 15, 1658/9, Samuel Hinckley.
7 John Fitz Randolph, born Jan. 2, 1652; died young.
S John Fitz Randolph (and), born Oct. 7, 1653.
9 Joseph Fitz Randolph. born Mch. 1. 1656
io Thoma, Fitz Randolph, born Aug. 10, 1651.
235
239
FITZ RANDOLPH OF NEW JERSEY
TI Hope Fitz Randolph, born Apr. 2, 1661.
12 Elizabeth Fitz Randolph
13 Benjamin Fitz Randolph
3 NATHANIEL FITZ RANDOLPH. son of Edward Fitz Randolph, 1, was baptized, at Barnstable, Mass., May 15, 1642: married, November, 1662, Mary, daughter of Joseph Holly (Holloway), of Sandwich, Mass., and removed to Woodbridge, Middlesex Co., N. J., where he died Nov. 21, (Sept. 21?), 1713.
This Nathaniel Fitz Randolph was a man of distinction, being a Member of the Assembly of East Jersey, 1693-4, and High Sheriff of Middlesex Co., in 1699.
17:3, May 5. He made his will; proved May 12, 1754, in which he styles himself, planter, of Woodbridge, and alluded to a wife, unnamed, and the following children: Benjamin, under age, Samuel, Joseph, and a grandson, Isaac Fitz Randolph.
While residing in Woodbridge, N. J., this Nathaniel Fitz Randolph married, 12th of 4th mo., 1706/7, at her own house, in Frechold, N. J., Jane, daughter of Thomas Curtis, and respectively the widow of Samuel Ogborne and John Hampton, by whom he had a son, Benja- min Fitz Randolph. Upon the death of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, Jane, his widow, married, fourthly, John Sharp. Inferentially Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, 3, had also a son named after himself, Nathaniel l'itz Randolph, 19, who was probably he who appeared as a fellow bondsman, as Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, Jr., on a bond of 1695.
Issue 14 John Fitz Randolph, as by Barnstable Town Records, born Feb. 1, 1662. 3. 15 Isaac Fitz Randolph, as by Barnstable Town Records, born Dec. 7, 1664.
16 Samuel Fitz Randolph, as by will.
17 Joseph Fitz Randolph, as by will.
18 Benjamin Fitz Randolph, as by will.
19 Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, Jr., (supposed).
20 Edward Fitz Randolph, as by the will of Joseph Fitz Randolph, 17, was born 1670.
21 Martha Fitz Randolph, born 1674; married, May 15, 1712, John Vail.
8 JOHN FITZ RANDOLPH, son of Edward Fitz Randolph, I. was born, at Barnstable, Mass., Oct. 7, 1653; married, Oct. 1, 1681, Sarah, daughter of Nicholas and Hannah (Fuller) Bonham, born Feb. 16, 1664/5.
John Fitz Randolph died, at Woodbridge, N. J., in 1727, as June 19, of that year, adminis- tration upon his estate was granted to his son and heir-at-Jaw, John Fitz Randolph.
It may be that this last item refers to John Fitz Randolph, 14.
Issue
22 Sarah Fitz Randolph, born Apr. 25, 1682/3; married, Jonathan Smalley after June, 1707.
23 Elizabeth Fitz Randolph, born Feb. 18, 1683/4; married or died before June, 1707. 24 Temperance Fitz Randolph, born Nov. 20, 1685; died Dec. 27, 1635.
25 Temperance Fitz Randolph (and), born June 15, 1687; merried, about 1703, John Martin.
26 John Fiiz Randoloh, born Nov. 2, 1693. 27 Edward Fitz Randolph, born May 25, 1608.
240
HISTORICAL MISCELLANY
JOSEPH FITZ RANDOLPH, son of Edward Fitz Randolph, I, was born Mich. 1. 9 1656; was residing, in Piscataway, N. J .. in 170; S. when he made affidavit, and stated therein that he was about fifty-one years of age. He married. Jan. 16, 1688, Joanah. daughter of John and Mary Conger. born, at Woodbridge, August, 1670.
1709. He was a Grand Juror in Middlesex Co.
1:19/20, Mich. 1. He made his will: proved Jan. IS, 1726 '7. in which he called himself yeoman, of Piscataway; named his wife, Johannah, and the children enumerated below.
Issue
28 Joseph Fitz Randolph, born Feb. 11, 1691; married, about 1714, Rebecca, daughter of John and Rebecca (Trotter) Drake, born Nov. 21, 1697; died 1749.
Issue
Ephraim Fitz Randolph; married Rachel Stelle; the ancestors of Governor Randolph of New Jersey.
Joseph Fitz Randolph, born Mch. 24, 1722; died about 17S2; married, about 1742, Esther, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Smalley) Broderick; the ancestors of L. V. Fitz Randolph, the author of "Fitz Randolph Tradi- tions."
29 Jonathan Fitz Randolph; not of age, as by his father's will, in 1719/20.
30 Moses Fitz Randolph
31 Hannah Fitz Randolph; married Andrew Drake.
32 Mary Fitz Randolph; married John Morris.
33 Bethia Fitz Randolph; married John Clarkson.
34 Lydia Fitz Randolph
35 Susannah Fitz Randolph
36 Ruth Fitz Randolph
37 Anne Fitz Randolph
38 Prudence Fitz Randolph
39 Isaac Fitz Randolph
14 JOHN FITZ RANDOLPH, son of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, 3, was born, at Barn- stable, Mass., Feb. 1, 1662/3; married, first, Martha ..... , in 1681; second, Apr. 8, 1702 Sarah Potter. They were Quakers and settled in Woodbridge, N. J.
Issue
40 Christaen (Christopher) Fitz Randolph, born Feb. 23, 1682.
4I Rose Fitz Randolph, born July 28, 1685.
42 Desire Fitz Randolph, born July 22, 1689; married Mr. Wright.
43 John Fitz Randolph, born May 18, 1690; died November, 1691.
44 Joseph Fitz Randolph, born and died Nov. 4, 1691.
45 John Fitz Randolph, born Apr. 25, 1693.
46 Martha Fitz Randolph, born Apr. 25, 1693; marriage intentions published Feb. 17, 1712, with John Vail. 47 Ann Fitz Randolph, born Jan. 24, 1694.
48 Peter Titz Randolph, born Apr. 20, 1695. Woodbridge Town Records.
15 ISAAC FITZ RANDOLPH. son of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, 3, was born. in Barn- stable, Mass., Dec. 7, 1664; died, at Woodbridge, N. J .. in 1604, as on July and, of that year. administration aoon his estate was granted to his widow, Reply, and Five ap, mos. Namania
241
FITZ RANDOLPH OF NEW JERSEY
It: Randolph, Sr., of Woodbridge, doubtless his father, gave a bond for the payment of $13, ,8, for the use of Isaac and William Fitz Randolph, his children.
Isaac Fitz Randolph, the father, married, first, Sept. iS, 1690. Martha Bingla. who died Aug. 1, 1691 ; second. Apr. 23. 1692, Ruth Higgins, and by his second wife he had his children. His widow, Ruth (Higgins), in October, 1605, was the wife of Stephen Tuttel, when she ac- counted for her late husband, and charged for the support of the two sons of the deceased and for ber "lying in." And Stephen Tuttle, of Woodbridge, Dec. 31, 1695, gave a bond to maintain and educate, to their fifteenth year, Isaac and William Fitz Randolph, the children of Isaac Fitz Randolph.
IsSUC
49 Isaac Fitz Randolph, born Apr. 16, 1693; administration was granted upon his estate Aug. 23, 1750, to Hannah, his widow, and her bond was signed by Samuel Dove, her brother, with John Cox as surety,
50 William Fitz Randolph, born Oct. 27, 1694. Woodbridge Town Records.
16 SAMUEL FITZ RANDOLPH, son of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, 3, married, June S, 1693, Mary Jones.
Issuc
5) Samuel Fitz Randolph, born Dec. 16, 1694.
52 Prudence Fitz Randolph, born Aug. 20, 1696.
53 Susannah Fitz Randolph, born Dec. 30. 1699.
Woodbridge Town Records.
17 JOSEPH FITZ RANDOLPH, son of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, 3, was born 1667; married, 1700, Isabella Laing.
1718, May 20. He made his will: proved July 21. 1718, in which he calls himself planter, of Woodbridge, and mentioned:
Wife, Isobell
Children, Joseph, Nathaniel, Margaret and Mary; all under age.
brothers. Samuel and Edward
Her will was made in favor of their daughter, Margaret, wife of Thomas Haddon, and their children.
Issuc
54 Joseph Fitz Randolph, born 1701.
55 Nathaniel Fitz Randolph
56 Margaret Fitz Randolph; married, about 1726, Thomas Haddon. 57 Mary Fitz Randolph
19 NATHANIEL FITZ RANDOLPH, JR., supposed son of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, 3. married, Apr. 23, 1692, Grace, daughter of Tristram Hull, of Woodbridge, N. J.
1702/3, Ich. 18. He made his will; proved Apr. 9, 1703, wherein he declared himself a husbandman, of Woodbridge, and mentioned:
Wife, Grace
Children, Nathaniel, Mary, Experience and Rachel
Witnesses: John, Joreph, Edward and Samuel Fits Randolph, which are names that correspond with those of his uncles.
Nathaniel Fitz Randolph's widow, Grace (Hull), married, as appears in the Records of Shrewsbury Monthly Meeting of Women, 3 mo .. 1. 1704, fsecond intentionst. john Kinsey, and was present with Him. as & withers, at the marriage of her late her band's father, in 1;c' ;. to Jane Hampton.
242
HISTORICAL MISCELLANY
Issue
5S Mary Fitz Randolph, born Apr. 28, 1693; married, Sept. 20, 1711, Joseph Ashton. Rahway and Plainfield Quaker Records.
59 Tristram Fitz Randolph, born Sept. 22, 109.1.
60 Experience Fitz Randolph, born June 14, 1696.
61 Rachel Fitz Randolph, born May 15, 1698.
62 Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, born Jan. 5, 1700. Woodbridge Town Records.
20 EDWARD FITZ RANDOLPH. son of Nathaniel Fiz Randolph, 3, is established as such by the will of Joseph Fitz Randolph, 17, of Woodbridge, who alludes to his brothers, Samuel and Edward. Ile married, in 1704, Catharine, daughter of Richard and Margaret (Carr) Hartshorne, born. 3 mo., 2, 1682. He was born 1670 and died Feb. 23, 1760.
Issitc
63 Mary Fitz Randolph; marricd, 1729, William Thorne.
64 Edward Fitz Randolph, born 1706; married, 8, 3, 1734, Phebe Jackson.
65 Thomas Fitz Randolph
66 Richard Fitz Randolph, born Apr. 16, 1705; married, Sept. 25, 1735, Elizabeth Coilies.
67 Robert Fitz Randolph
68 Nathaniel Fitz Randolph
69 Hugh Fitz Randolph
70 Eseck Fitz Randolph
71 Hartshorne Fitz Randolph
72 Margaret Fitz Randolph
26 JOHN FITZ RANDOLPH, son of John Fitz Randolph, S, was born Nov. 2, 3693: married about 1713, Elizabeth ; living, in Somerset Co., N. J., in 1738.
Issue
73 Isaac Fitz Randolph, born Nov. 10, 1713; living 1738.
74 John Fitz Randolph, born Apr. 4, 1716.
75 James Fitz Randolph, born Nov. 24, 1721.
40 CHRISTOPHER FITZ RANDOLPH, son of john Fitz Randolph, 14, was born Feb. 23, 1682. It is not unlikely that this name is confounded with Christaen through diffi- culties in the chirography. Christopher Fitz Randolph married Sarah
Issue 75a Grace Fitz Randolph, born, according to the Woodbridge Town Records, Feb. I. 1703.
He was probably the Christopher Fitz Randolph, of Cohansey, Salem County, N. J., who died, in 1715, administration being granted on his estate to Henry Joyce, merchant, of the same place, Dec. 30, of that year.
Christopher Fitz Randolph may have been the father of Peter Fitz Randolph, who died intestate, and upon whose estate administration was granted, Apr. 22, 1730, to William Wat- son, of Salem Co. Peter Fitz Randolph possessed an estate of C:42, which included a maid servant valued at Có -10.
243
FITZ RANDOLPH OF NEW JERSEY
51 JOSEPH FITZ RANDOLPH, son of Joseph Fitz Randolph, 17, was born 1701; married Abigail Shotwell.
Issue
76 Jeremiah Fitz Randolph, born 1731; married Rachel Ford, for his second wife, and by her had
Issue Janet Fitz Randolph; married 1781, Col. John Taylor, born 1751.
55 NATHANIEL FITZ RANDOLPH. son of Joseph Fitz Randolph, 17, made his will Jan. 15, 1726/7; proved Jan. 8, 1727/8, wherein he called himself blacksmith, of Woodbridge. and said he intended to make a sea voyage, and mentioned: his farm at Smoking Point, alias Blazing Star, in Woodbridge township, and his personal estate, all of which he conveyed to his mother, Isabell, and his sisters, Margaret and Mary Fitz Randolph. He appointed John Kinsey, Sr., his executor.
61 RACHEL FITZ RANDOLPH, daughter of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph. 19, was born May 15, 1696; married, in 1717, Thomas Vail, of Woodbridge, who made his will Mch. 11, 1717/S; proved May 1, 1718, wherein he called himself yeoman, of Woodbridge, and men- tioned:
Wife, Rachel Brother, John
Cousin, Thomas Steady, Jr.
John, son of Edward Crowel.
Executors: wife and brother.
Witnesses: John Kinsey, Abraham Randall, J. Kinsey, Jr.
1718, Apr. IT. The inventory of his estate was taken by Samuel Fitz Randolph and Samuel Dennes. and sworn to by his widow, Rachel Vail.
Rachel (Fitz Randolph) Vail, the widow, married, in 1719, William ffarson, at which time they were residents of Delaware, and Elizabeth Stout's name is found as one of the witnesscs.
62 NATHANIEL FITZ RANDOLPH, son of Nathaniel Fitz Randolph, 19, was born Jan. 5, 1700; married Mary .
Issue
77 Mary Fitz Randolph, born July 4, 1721.
78 Rachel Fitz Randolph, born Apr. 13, 1723.
79 David Fitz Randolph, born Mch. 7, 1724/5.
61 EDWARD FITZ RANDOLPH, son of Edward Fitz Randolph, 20, was born July 5, 1706; married, 8, 3, 1734, Phebe, daughter of James Jackson, of Flushing, L. I.
Issue
80 James Fitz Randolph, born 1735; married, first, Hannah Skinner, by whom he had seven children; second, Elizabeth Laing, who was the mother of fourteen other children .*
81 Rebecca Fitz Randolph; married Robert Clarkson.
82 Catharine Fitz Randolph; married John Vail.
See Newark News, Apt. 2. 9, and i, igt.
244
HISTORICAL MISCELLANY
83 Mercy Fitz Randolph; married Robert Fitz Randolph.
84 Mary Fitz Randolph; married John Edgar.
85 Margaret Fitz Randolph: married Abraham Vail.
S6 Edward Fitz Randolph, born Apr. 23. 1749; married, 1;82, Mary, daughter of Hugh and Sarah (Marsh) Webster, born 1758.
Issue Hugh Fitz Randolph; died young.
Edward Fitz Randolph: died young.
Phebe Fitz Randolph; married James I. Compton.
Sarah Fitz Randolph; married Jacob Vail.
Mercy Fita Randolph: married, first, Jacob Laing; second, Evy Evans.
Mary Fitz Randolph; married Joseph Vail.
Ira Fitz Randolph, born May 2, 1794; married, 1817, Sally Round. Asa Fitz Randolph, born Oct. 10, 1795; married, 1816, Rachel Vail.
66 RICHARD FITZ RANDOLPH, son of Edward Fitz Randolph, 20, was born Api. 16, 1705; marricd, Sept. 25. 1735, at her father's house, Elizabeth, daughter of John and Naomi (Edwards) Corlies. His will was dated Jan. 20, 1754, and recorded Nov. 25, 1754.
Issite 87 Richard Fitz Randolph, born, May 8, 1736, at Shrewsbury, N. J .; died June Jo, 1743. 88 George Fitz Randolph, born, Feb. 14, 1738, at . \mboy; settled in Georgia ; married the widow Mason. He was living 1759.
Issue Edward Fitz Randolph George Fitz Randolph Mary Fitz Randolph 89 'Thomas Fitz Randolph, born Oct. 21, 1740; married, Abigail Vail, Nov. 23, 1763; administration on his estate was granted to his widow, Abigail, Oct. 1, 1767.
Issue Richard Fitz Randolph Elizabeth Fitz Randolph
Stephen Fitz Randolph Edward Fitz Randolph Thomas Fitz Randolph Phebe Fitz Randolph
90 Sarah Fitz Randolph, born Jan. 15, 1739/40: died before 1754.
91 Catharine Fitz Randolph, born Dec. 24, 1742; living in 1759; married, by license dated Dec. 28, 1763, Gilbert Sherer, of New York.
92 Richard Fitz Randolph, born Mch. 1, 1746.
93 Elizabeth Fitz Randolph, born Oct. 16, 1748: died, at Amboy, Feb. 5, 1753.
94 Mary Fitz Randolph, born Feb. 25, 1751; manied, by license dated Apr. 12, 1783; Captain Elisha Brown, of Philadelphia.
95 Edward Fitz Randolph, born Feb. 20, 1754: died, at Philadelphia, Mch. 12, 1837: married, Mch. 16, 1776, Anna Julianna Stelle. He was Captain in ath Pena. Regulars. For further allusions to his G-condents, See Julianna R. Wood's T'amily Sketches.
245
FITZ RANDOLPH OF NEW JERSEY
67 ROBERT FITZ RANDOLPH, son of Edward Fitz Randolph, 20, was born May 10, 1712; died about 1804; married, 1737, 8?, Catharine Taylor. See Newark News, Nov. 12. 1910. Issue
94 Mary Fitz Randolph, born Feb. 16, 1740.
95 Taylor Fitz Randolph, born, at Woodbridge, Aug. 21, 1756: married, 1782, Sarah Baum. He moved to Tobyhanna, or Tory Creek, Pa., and is reputed to have perished in the Wyoming massacre.
71 HARTHORNE FITZ RANDOLPH, son of Edward Fitz Randolph, 20, married, b; license dated Aug. 16, 1746, Ruth Dennis.
Issite
96 Sarah Fitz Randolph, born Feb. 21. 1763; died Feb. 2, 1799: married John, son of Samuel and Mary (Shotwell) Marsh, born Feb. 1, 1756; died February, 1800.
NOTE-There is doubt in my mind whether John Vail married Martha Fitz Randolph. 21, or Martha Fitz Randolph, 46. 1 incline to the belief that it was the latter, 46.
-
GROVER
OF
MONMOUTH COUNTY
This family is of English origin and a considerable number of the name, apparently un- connected, were early settlers in the American Colonies.
Savage gives the following:
Grover, Andrew, Malden, married, 7 Feb., 1674, Hannah Hills; died the 24th of April following.
Grover, Edmund, Salem, 1633. His three children, Naomi, Mary and Lydia were baptized May 17, 1646, and Deborah was baptized Mch. 26, 1618. He lived in Beverly Side. Perhaps his wife was Margaret. He may have had other children.
1678. He was a Freeman, and died, June, 1683, in his 82nd year.
Deborah Grover married, in 1671, John Bennett.
Grover, John, Charlestown, 1640. He died, December, 1686, aged 80 years. Issue by his wife, Elizabeth
John, born 18 Feb., 1641. Elizabeth, born I Sept., 1642. Lydia, born 28 Apr., 1644. Paul
Grover, Samuel, came from London, in the "Truelove, " in 1635, aged 16 years.
Grover, Thomas, Charlestown, Malden Side. He died 28 Oct., 1661.
Issue by his wife, Elizabeth Lazarus, born 5 Apr., 1642. Elizabeth, born 27 Dec., 1652. Thomas, born 1 Apr., 1653. John, born in 1656; died young. Grace; died 3 Oct., 1658.
16;8, December. Will of Paltie! Grover; proved May 15, 1670, mentioned: " Faltiel Grover being in perfect sense and understanding. This . Lehet sad and Testenant.
245
247
GROVER OF MONMOUTH COUNTY
I give a peice of Land, with a shop on it, in Beston, to my Son, John Grover, when he come at age, and dla I make my wife, Lydia Grover, law full Executris of all my Estate."
Signed: Palatiel Grover
Witnesses: James Bill, Sent, and Joseph Bill.
Boston Wills, Vol. 12, P. 359.
In the inventory of his estate, he is described as of Rumney Marsh.
1686, Dec. I. Will of John Grover, "aged Eighty yeares or thereabouts"; proved Dec. 16, 1686, mentioned:
Daughter, Elizabeth Gencks
Son, Paul Paul's children
Grand-daughter, Lydia Morall, who was the wife of Joseph Bill.
No residence is given.
Boston Wills, Vol. II, P. 54, No. 1521, of original.
Simon Grover was a prosperous resident of Southold, Long Island, when, in 1665, he was a witness to the will of David Carwithy.
In 1696-7, he was a witness to the will of John Youngs, of Southold.
1699, Oct. 2. He made his own will, wherein he mentioned his wife, Elizabeth Grover, to whom he gave his estate for her life; his daughter, Elizabeth Horton, C4o; his daughter, Mary Youngs, and his daughter, Martha Moore; to all of whom he devised lands,
JAMES GROVER, the founder of the Monmouth County Family was one of those brave, . adventurous spirits, of whose history, prior to his coming to Gravesend, Long Island, at its first settlement, we know little or nothing.
The first positive knowledge of James Grover is the granting to him, Feb. 20, 16;6,4 in the first division of Gravesend lands, of a house, lot and farm of twenty acres.
1655, NIch. 9, with James Hubbard and George Baxter, he proclaimed the Republic of England and repudiated the Dutch Government, at Gravesend, but managed to escape, when they were arrested on a charge of treason, although his hands hoisted the English flag there. He went to Boston, and thence to England, but, in 1657, reappeared at Gravesend, bringing with him a letter from the Protector, Oliver Cromwell, addressed to the English inhabitants of Long Island. which he afterwards presented to the magistrates of Gravesend "to be opened and read"; but Director Stuyvesant had been informed of it, and he, Aug. 24, 1057, sent the following letter, addressed:
Ilonb'e, Dear, Faithful, the Schout and Magistrates of the village of Gravesend We received quite late your information that one James Grover had come there with a letter from the Lord Protector to the English inhabitants on Long Island. The Indians and English inhabitants outside of our jurisdiction and Government can take and read them to their people, but we are unable to understand how any letters from any foreign Prince or Potentate can be accepted within our Government by subjects under oath and obedience to us. Therefore you are hereby requested, and at the same time authorized to send said James Grover with his letters to us, in order to exhibit to us in our Council what writing he has for our subjects. Awaiting which, after cordial greeting, we shall commend you to God's protection, and remain, Honorable, Dear, Faithful, Your affectionate friends. The Director and Council of New Netherland.
PETRUS STUYVESANT."
But James Grover was not anxious to see Stuyvesant and prudently made his escape, leaving the letter with the magistrates. They sent it, unopened, to Stuyvesant, and Out. 30, 1637, he sent a communication to his superiors, in Holland, in the course of which he says: "After closing and dispatching our general letter, we were informed that the English nation on dn. East
: 12, 3640, jay .. T. G. Pozger, IL4.
248
HISTORICAL MISCELLANY
end of Long Island had probably sent a petition to the Lord Protector to be released from the government of the Dutch, and to be taken under his protection, which we, for divers reasons, too long to be here stated, believed to be true. One of the foundations on which they built. is the letter of the Lord Proteera written: "To the English wel affected In Habiting on Long Islant in America." The aforesaid letter being brought into the village of Gravesend, the bearer of it, James Grover, requested it be opened and read; as is to be seen by the subjoined copies sent us on that subject, both by the bearer and Magistrates and our answer and order to prevent the same thereunto annexed. That letter was sent your Honors, per the ship de Waech, as it was received by us. without our daring to open it, or allow it to be opened, so as not to be accused by the Lord Protector of the crime of opening his letter or rending his seal, or by your Honor, of admitting letters to your subjects from a foreign Prince or Potentate, from which rebellion might result." * * * *
James Grover's farm was on the southeast portion of the town, and, in 1657, he had six acres of it under cultivation. He must have been protected by the magistrates and people of Gravesend, for he continued to live there, although he was an open enemy to the Dutch govern- ment.
In 1663, when the Director sent Lieuts. Cowenhoven and Stillwell to hunt up volunteers for the war with the Esopus Indians, Christian Jacobse testified that Whitlock and James Grover, of Gravesend, had written to and visited the English towns on Long Island and dis- suaded their inhabitants from enlisting, so that their efforts were unsuccessful.
About this time some of the people of Gravesend made up their minds to emigrate, and a number of them went in search of a place to settle. Stuyvesant heard of it, and sent a vessel in pursuit of the party, and from their journal so many interesting facts may be gleaned that we give it entire:
1663. Voyage to the Nevesiuks made in the Hon. Company's yacht, and what has happened during the same, on board the yacht having been MI. Krieger, Govert Lockermans, Jakes Cortelyou, and Peter Evel (Ebel) with ten soldiers, two sailors, the Sachem and another savage of Staten Island.
Dec. 6. About 3 o'clock we left Manhatans under sail and arrived behind Staten Island at about s o'clock in the evening, where the Sachem of the island and the savage went ashore; they remained about one hour on land, and then came again on board; the tide coming in we set sail and sailed through the kill van Kuli, passed Schutters's Island into the shallow water and dropped anchor to remain here until the tide should go out.
Dec. 7. About three hours before break of day, we heaved the anchor again, and went with the chb down the Kill behind Staten Island. In the morning we put on sails and tacked until the ebb had run out, when we again cast anchor. The tide having run out at about 2 o'clock in the afternoon we raised the anchor and tacked again; toward the evening we saw a sail, with which we came up in the evening, and we hailed her, for it was Peter Laurensen (Lawrence) with his sloop, having on board Jacob Cowenhoven. They sahi they were going to barter for deer meat. We tacked with our two yachts the same evening as far as the end of Staten Island, and came to anchor at the mouth of the Raritan Kill (river], where two houses of Southern savages stand. The said Cowenhoven told u: the English, numbering nineteen men, had gone in an open boat up the Raritan the day before, to where the Raritan and Nevesink were camping together about three long leagues up the Kill. The savages reported to us the same. We remained before the Raritan Kill over night to go up the Kill also the next day, and follow the English, but as it began to blow very hard from the North- west during the night we had to remain over night.
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