USA > New Jersey > Mercer County > Trenton > History of Trenton, New Jersey : the record of its early settlement and corporate progress. > Part 3
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In this term, Joshua Wright was appointed Overseer of the Highways for Nottingham. During 1689, Robert Pearson seems to have been Constable for Nottingham.
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
At a court held June 3d, 1690, John Rogers attested as Constable for Nottingham. At the court November 3d, 1690, William Emley, Thomas Wright and Joshua Wright were presented for purchasing lands of the Indians, contrary to law. They were later acquitted. By Jno. Tatem, attorney, in 1690, Daniel Cox sued Jno. Wood for trespass. Wood took up Cox land at the Falls, which Cox had purchased of Thomas Budd. Wood had marked trees and "started " hay. The witnesses were Thomas Lambert, Richard Basnett and Thomas Revell. The defendant was fined £5 and costs because he " disparaged & defrauded publickly the Tytle."
On February 20th, 1690, Thomas Gilberthorpe was selected as the Nottingham Constable and John Lambert as Overseer of the Highways.
On February 20th, 1691, John Abbott was selected as Nottingham Constable and John Lan- bert cominmed as Overseer of the Highways.
In May, 1692, the Grand Jury presented the county of Burlington for not laying out and taking care of lawful highways "where they are wanted-to ye ffalls." In February, 1692-93, Thomas Tindall was selected as Constable, and Thomas Gilberthorpe and Joshua Ely as Overseers of the Ilighways in Nottingham. In 1693 ( February), William Watson, who had been selected Constable, stated that he had "hyred Robert Pearson and ye Cor't accepts him." The court, in 1693, also ordered the townships of Nottingham and Chesterfield to meet together and lay out a way to East Jersey. In 1693, the Overseers of the Highways for Nottingham were John Wilsford and Robert Pearson.
On the twentieth of February, 1694, William Hixson was selected Nottingham Constable, and John Abbott and John Byerley as Overseers of the Highways. In 1695-96, Samuel Overton became Constable and Gervas Pharoe, Overseer for Nottingham.
At the sessions of August, 1696, the court approves of twelve men in Nottingham for laying out a road from a "hickery tree near Crosswieks Bridge" to Thos Gilberthorpe's meadow where W'm Watson's way crosses a run, thence to a stake in middle of certain parcel of land of Thos Gilberthorpe. Anthony Woodward was to choose his best "Convenience to ye sd Roade."
On February 20th, 1696-97, Anthony Woodward was selected as the Nottingham Constable, but Samuel Overton took his place. At this court, it is of very great importance to note that Maidenhead was erected into a township in the following indefinite terms : "The Inhabitants above Assanpinke ordered by ye Court to be a Towshipp of themselves by the Name of Maidenhead."
It will be noticed that by this order all that portion of what later became Trenton, lying north of the creek, was created into a township, practically cutting Nottingham into two parts.
In 1697 (August), John Lambert, of Nottingham, announces that he has a boy, George Slaiter, whom he bought from James Trent, July 21st, 1697. The court orders the time Slaiter shall serve his master. November session Martin Scott exhibited a Scotch boy, named James Haddyard, and Thomas Lambert also exhibited a Scotch boy, John Young, whom they had purchased from James Trent. At the February sessions, 1697-98, John Bryerly was selected as Maidenhead Constable and William Quicksall as Nottingham Constable. The Justices were forbidden to give liquor licenses unless the same be issued by the court. The Constable of Maidenhead was ordered to call twelve sufficient men to lay out the King's Highway from a point on the Province line to the Assanpink. In May, 1698, the Maidenhead people were fined £100 for not paying their county and provincial taxes to Peter Fretwell, Provincial Treasurer. The fine was later removed.
The Constable returned the following deseription of the Maidenhead road : "Beginning on ye sd line at Yorke old Roade at ye Corner of Joseph Worths land, thence to ye eight mile Runne thence through Jonathan Daviss his land Improved & Inclosed, thenee over ye six mile Runn through Theophilus Phillips land, thence over several mens lands and over Thomas Smiths land to yo five mile Runne thence over Mahlon Stacys land to Assanpink Creeke neare ye mill of Mahlon Stacy."
In 1698, John Byerly returned John Clerk as his successor for one year in the Maidenhead Constabulary. Ralph Hunt, Overseer of the Maidenhead Highways, returned Thomas Smith for one year, and William Quieksall returned Isaae Watson for the Nottingham Constabulary.
In 1698, there was dissatisfaction in Maidenhead concerning the two roads from their town to the Assanpink. A precept directed the Constable to call the inhabitants and put it to vote, so that the "Road which shall be picht upon & approved of by the majority of votes shall be the Establisht road."
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
In 1698, the Maidenhead Constable was John Brierley, and the like office in Nottingham was filled by William Quicksall. In 1699, the following is an abstract of the course of the Maidenhead road : "Begins at the partition line ; by marked trees to 8 mile run ; to a white oak in land of Johannes Lawrence ; by marked trees to a white oak before Ralph Hunts door by the run ; by marked trees to bridge over 6 mile run in Robt Lannings Land ; thence direct through Wm Acres land and Jasper Smith's land and Thos Smiths land to 5 mile run to a hiceree tree ; by Samuell Mathews & Saml Stacy to Shabakunck Bridge ; thence through Mahlon Staey to mill as trees direct." This was signed by Ralph ( Hunt?), Samuel Hunt, Thos Smith, Theopholus Phillips, Joshua Anderson, Joseph Smith, John Lanning, Hezekiah Bonham.
At a session held February, 1699, there was presented a "Petition of some of the Inhabitants above the ffals for a New Township to be called Hopewell as also for a New Road & Boundaries of the said Town read & upon file Ordered That there be a Town there called Hopewell and that ye Boundaries thereof be as follows (vizt) To begin at Mahlon Stacys Mill and so along by York road untill it come to Shabbacunek and up the same until it meet with ye line of Partition that divides the Societies 30,000 acres Purchase from the 15000 then along the line of the Sd Societie's 30000 aeres Purchase to Delaware River."
Herein are the beginnings of Hopewell. Thus we find the site of Trenton embraced in the bounds of three townships-Hopewell, Maidenhead and Nottingham. Of these, Hopewell alone retains its name, although embracing a much less area than in the past. The court at this session selected Theopholus Phillips as Constable for Maidenhead, Caleb Wheatley to the like office for Nottingham, and Stephen Wilson for Hopewell ; as Overseers of the Highway, Hezekiah Bonum was for Maidenhead, Thomas Tindall for Nottingham, and Andrew Heath for Hopewell. In February, 1700, the Constables of the court reported as to the action of the inhabitants in choosing Assessors and Colleetors of the County Tax. The Constables were : For Maidenhead, Theophilus Phillips ; for Hopewell, Jonathan Davis ; for Nottingham, Caleb Wheatly. In February, 1701-2, the Constables selected were : In Hopewell, Elnathan Davis ; in Maidenhead, Theophilus Phillips, and in Nottingham John Lambert chose Thomas Tindal. The next year Tindal remained, and William Spencer became Constable for Hopewell. On the nineteenth of the twelfth month, 1702, the inhabitants of Nottingham presented the following interesting petition to the Justices :
" Whereas there has been for more than twenty years past a Highway Leading from the ffals towards Burlington over Croswick Creeke through the Plantation now of Samll Overton which Much Shortens the Journey as well for the Convenancy of Travelers as also for ye Inhabitants of the township of Nottingham and Whereupon the Inhabitants at their Last towne meeting Were Unanimusly Coneenting and did there all Concent and agree (Excepting the said Samll Overton) that the same should be so Continued and remaine as a free Bridle Stye and way for travelers and therefore humbly prays the Concurrence of the Court in Confirmation of the same-Signed in Behalfe of the town p Willm Emley Clerk. Whereupon the Court Orders that it shall continue a Bridle Way."
At the December session, 1704, the Constable selected for "Maydenhead " was Powell Hoofe ; for Hopewell, Byell Davis, and Nottingham, Richard Willgoose for Isaac Watson.
From the records of 1705, it is apparent that the loosely-defined boundaries of Hopewell and Maidenhead were at once productive of trouble, and the court, without any further discussion, disposed of the entire matter :
" Whereas there has been a difference between the Townshipp of Maidenhead & hopewell Concerning a Devident or Division of the Two Townshipps It was ordered that Six of one of the Townshipps and Six of the Other Shall Meet and agree about a Division and Make their report which they of hopewell having refused to chuse their men it is now ordered by the Court that the Two Townshipps shall stand as before till further orders (vizt) All Maidenhead."
In 1705, Nathaniel Pettit, Jr., Bartholomew Thatcher, William Wardell, John Richardson and Henry Bell are mentioned as residents of Hopewell. In 1707, John Clark, Gent., is recorded of that locality.
At the sessions, December 11th, 1705, the Constable selected for Maidenhead was Jasper Smith ; for Hopewell, Zebulon Heston and John Parks, and for Nottingham, William Emley and Richard Wildgoos.
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
At a session March 5th, 1706, Andrew Heath and Nicholas Brown have licenses for keeping a common vietualing-house.
In June, 1706, the Overseers of Highways were selected : Maidenhead, Joshua Anderson, John Hart, Sr .; Hopewell, Jonathan Davis, Jr., Abraham Temple ; Nottingham, Thomas Gilberthorpe, Isaac Watson. Jasper Smith, as Constable for Maidenhead, was called, as was Zebulon Heston, Constable for Hopewell.
At the sessions, December 10th, 1706, the Constables selected were : Maidenhead, Robt. Lan- ning ; Hopewell, Enoch Anderson ; Nottingham, Wm. Watson.
In March, 1707. Enach Anderson, Constable of Hopewell, was excused, and William Watson was fined 103. for not "chusing a fitt man for Constable."
In 1707, John Clark, Gent., is mentioned as being of Hopewell. "Samuel Oldal [e] complains that he was not paid for building a bridge over Assunpinck Creek, it is ordered that Theophihis Phillips John Bainbridge John Clark & Capt. Hunt to assess persons in Hopewell & Mai-(who have not subscribed )"
At the March sessions, 1708, Henry Mashon was selected Constable for Maidenhead, Alexander Lockhart for Hopewell, and William Beaks for Nottingham. In Nottingham, William Quicksall and Mahlon Stacy were selected as Overseers of the Highway, and William Green and Jonathan Hird as Overseers of the Poor for Hopewell.
The following tax was laid upon the townships, in 1708, for repairing the Court House : Amwell, 12% .; Hopewell, €3 10%. ; Maidenhead, €3; Nottingham, £3, which Maidenhead and Hopewell refused to pay.
In 1709, the Constables selected were : Amwell, Jno. Arburtin ; Maidenhead, Timothy Baker ; Hopewell, Thomas Smith ; Nottingham, Samuel Radford. Overseers of the Highways were : Hope- well, John Ely and William Green.
At the sessions, June, 1709, Peter Leister and Joseph Stout were selected as Collectors for Hopewell, and John Byerly in like office for Maidenhead.
By act of Assembly, passed to provide for the "Destroying of wolves, panthers, crows and blackbirds," it was provided that money be raised by the townships for this purpose, and that collectors be appointed. The following assessments were levied : Nottingham, £3; Hopewell, €3; Maidenhead, £2 10s .; Amwell, $1. In Nottingham, Thomas Tindall and William Emley were appointed Assessors, and Robert Pearson, Collector. In Hopewell, William Green and Jonathan Davis were Assessors, and Daniel Howell, Collector. In Maidenhead, Ralph Hunt and Robert Layning were Assessors, and James Price, Collector, and in Amwell, John Reading, Sr., and John Wilkinson, Assessors, and Samuel Green, Collector.
The two road descriptions which follow have an especial interest, as they were the main highways by which the Falls people reached the Sourland mountain region :
Hopewell Dee 26, 1707.
A Highway from Maidenhead through Hopewell. Beginning at the said road near Shabaconk in Jonathan Davis land to a Spanish white oak marked on west side, then to Alex Lockarts land to a black oak tree in his line thence to corner of Henry Boles Land & thenee between them to eorner then straight to Joseph Hill's as marked to John Burrows to Black oak marked 3 notches in Jos Sacketts breadth 2 rods.
Tho Lambert ) John Clark Com Theo Phillips
Hopewell Nov 1, 1708
a Road 4 rods broad, from two oak trees on S. W. side Rogers Road thence to white oak on S. W. side Jacob Reeders land, thence direct as may be to black oak marked betwixt Jon. Davis & Alex Lockerts, voiding the Davis land road, thence to Joseph Sackets thence to Enock Anderson's land to hickory tree marked in a valley in Anderson's land thence to Thomas Winderman's land.
In August, 1714, Mahlon Stacy sold his plantation of eight hundred acres, lying on both sides of the Assanpink ereck, on the Delaware, to Colonel William Trent, of Philadelphia, who removed
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
to Trenton shortly after, and built the mansion now in the occupancy of Edward H. Stokes. it subsequently belonged to Dr. Daniel Coxe, and was known as the Bloomsbury farm. The tenant- house was the building situate on the corner of Market and Union streets, near the water-power.
"BLOOMSBURY COURT," NOW "WOODLAWN," 1721-1895.
The advent of Colonel Trent was of great importance to "The Falls," for from him the name of the city, Trent-town, is derived. It is traditional that at this time a discussion was had as to whether the place should be called Yardtown, in honor of William Yard, or Trenton. Both for euphony and on account of the distinguished purchaser the latter nomenclature was adopted, and the settlement became Trenton. "The Falls" was not dropped for years-in fact, was in common use until the Revolution.
CHAPTER III.
LIFE IN TRENTON IN THE COLONY.
SOME EXTRACTS FROM THE PRESS-COUNTERFEITING AND HORSE-STEALING-PROPERTY SALES- SLAVERY AND THE REDEMPTIONERS-SOME EARLY INDUSTRIES-RECORDS OF FRESHETS- SIDELIGHTS ON THE LIFE OF THE PEOPLE-THE TRENTON TOWN BOOK.
HE HISTORY of Trenton would be incomplete were not some reference made to the life of the people during those times which are shrouded in the mists of tradition. From the newspapers, which, after all, were the truest mirrors of colonial existence, a few characteristic excerpts have been made which, briefly, will give some idea of Trentonians from 1725 to 1775. Certain phases of life have been grouped under especial headings for more easy reference and are selected from the remarkable collection made by William Nelson, Esquire, of Paterson, Secretary of the New Jersey Historical Society. Further and more elaborate references may be found in Volumes XI, XII. 1st Series of New Jersey Archives.
COUNTERFEITING AND HORSE-STEALING.
The two crimes of colonial days in which the public were the most interested were counter- feiting and horse-stealing. Both of these came directly home to the people. The economic policy of Great Britain in depleting the Province of gold, silver and copper money, necessitated the issuance of paper bills of credit. These were frequently poorly printed and consequently easily imitated. The uninhabited woods of the south and the hill country of the north furnished ample opportunity for counterfeiters to carry on their operations. The money was readily put in circu- lation in the market and fair towns, and, with no secret service, the government had great difficulty in capturing the well-organized gangs of money-makers.
In days when horses were practically the only means of conveyance, stealing of these animals was a serious crime. To show the general aspect of these crimes, the following citations are made : During September, 1727, the "American Weekly Mercury" states that one Thomas Wright, alias Smith, a weaver, claiming to be born in Maryland, but having lived on Long Island and in New England "and traded from one End of the Country to the other," was in Trenton prison. He was arrested on suspicion of stealing a " Bay Sallion."
On the sixteenth of September, 1727, there was "Taken away by Force on the High-Rode between Trent-Town and Bristol," a saddled branded, small bay horse. The thief is described as a " Short Fellow with a Pea Jacket." The horse was in the care of a "young Lad named James Sanders, belonging to William Bantoff, Baker."
In the "American Weekly Mercury," October, 1726, James Gold, of Trent Town, is spoken of as one to give a reward of 50s. for a Yorkshire horse, strayed or stolen from Freeland's pasture, at Inian's Ferry (New Brunswick).
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
On October 22d, 1732, Benjamin Smith, of Trent Town, was robbed of a "large Dapell grey " and a dark-brown horse. The latter had "two slits in his off Ear, and one hind Foot white." Five pounds reward was offered in the "Mercury."
In April, 1750, the house of William Douglass "at Trenton Landing," was robbed, as well as his shallop, from which was taken a "Piece of Holland."
As an introduction to the subject of counterfeiting, an advertisement is cited which shows the needs of a medium of exchange and the manner in which the Colony was emerging from the condi- tions of barter and trade.
In the "American Weekly Mercury," February 26th to March 6th, 1740-41, is to be found a notice from the firm of Thomas Hooton and William Atlee, limiting their debtors to May 1st, 1741, for payment. Otherwise suit will be brought. In the advertisement, Atlee "proposes with John Dagworthy, jun, to continue Store in Trenton, to sell cheap and buy and sell only for ready Money."
In the "Pennsylvania Gazette," March, 1731-32, is to be found an account of a stranger who, in passing through Burlington, changed two counterfeit 6s. Jersey bills "of the small sort." He was captured in a boat going to Trenton and was conveyed thence to the jail at Burlington.
Henry Yager, a counterfeiter of Jersey current money, according to the "Pennsylvania Jour- nal," of July 28th, 1748, was condemned to die and was executed in Trenton on the 16th of that month. "The government is determined to exertt itself in detecting and punishing this growing evil."
An advertisement appears in the "Pennsylvania Gazette," in January and February, 1742-43, branding one alleged "John Spencer late of Trenton" as a forger of Maryland bills of exchange. He is thus graphically described : "has lost two of his upper Fore Teeth, wears a brown Coat, and a short brown bob Wig, has a Gold chased Watch and rides a large black pacing Horse with a Star in his Forchcad. *
* Is much addicted to Gaming."
The Trenton Jail, at that time, where the prisoners were usually confined, was not a very secure building.
On July 26th, 1732, according to the "Pennsylvania Gazette," three prisoners broke Trenton Jail. They were John Langford, an Allentown butcher, "commonly wears a Flannel Jacket laced before : he was born in Old England." There was also Edward Butler, who pretends to be a shoe- maker and tinner by trade, of Long Island, and "drawling in his Speech." The third was Warren Barr, an Irish cooper, formerly ferry-keeper " next above Delaware Falls on the Jersey side." All three middle aged and great lovers of drink. Thirty shillings apiece and reasonable charges were offered for their return by Enoch Anderson, Jr., Sub-Sheriff.
PROPERTY SALES.
The transfer of property, by virtue of public advertisement in the colonial press, is of great interest to the seeker after genealogical information. To show the extent of local holdings and the increase in property values, as well as to locate carly owners, the newspapers are of great interest. A few extracts follow :
In the "Pennsylvania Gazette," 1st of 3d mo., 1729, is the following advertisement that a house and ferry were "to be Let on the River of Delaware above the Falls, commonly call'd Heath's Ferry with an Orchard adjoining, and conveniency for getting Fire Wood." James Gould, attorney, or Francis Bowes would give information, at Trenton, as to the terms.
" To be LET
"A Plantation Three Miles above Trenton near the Ferry above the Falls, one mile from Yardley's old Mill and 3 from his new one containing about 500 Acres, with a large stone House, Barn 12 Acres of Orchard 250 Acres of Cleared Land, and a share in a Fish pond either at shares or Rent. Enquire at Capt. James Gould at Trenton."-"Pennsylvania Gazette," September, 1731.
The American Mercury (August 8th-15th, 1723) contains an advertisement of the sale of two dwelling-houses and an acre of land (presumably curtilage) belonging to Peter Pumme, of Trent
D
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THE CITY OF TRENTON.
Town. The sale was to be conducted by Joseph Peace. These properties joined "Allbartus Ring- gos Land near Mr. Trent's Mill."
In the "American Weekly Mercury," January, 1733, George Mason, of Philadelphia, adver- tises for sale "sundry Tracts of Land one containing 500 Acres of very good Land." This was upon Whitekelock creek and near properties of Thomas Woolverton and George Fox above the " Falls."
In Trenton, according to the "Pennsylvania Gazette" of March 28th, 1734, Philip Ringo offered for sale a stone house and lot of three-fourths of an acre, and another lot and orchard of nine acres, "both which Lotts are scituated in Trenton in New Jersey." Application could be made for terms of sale to Philip Ringo, in AAmwell, or Cornelius Ringo, in Trenton. Dr. Hall adds in one of his extracts : " It lies in a very convenient part of the town for any manner of business, being near the mill." The last citation is from the Mercury, May 13th, 1736.
A Nottingham plantation, about four miles from Trenton, is offered for sale in the "Penn- sylvania Gazette," July, 1734. One of the qualities of this farm was a "large Quantity of Meadowing."
Samuel Bustill, of Burlington, and John Coxe, of Trenton, two of the executors under the last will of Daniel Coxe, being empowered to sell his land, give notice to certain settlers through the columns of the "Pennsylvania Gazette, " September, 1739. Daniel Coxe owned two tracts "com- monly known by the name of the 30,000 and 15,000 Acres Scituate in Hopewell and Maidenhead in Hunterdon County." Those settlers who had not purchased or leased of Daniel Coxe during his lifetime were instructed to "come and agree for the lands * * * or that they quit their respective Possessions or yield up the same to the Executors by the Tenth Day of November next."
The "American Weekly Mercury," September, 1739, advertises the sale of a three-hundred- acre tract in Hunterdon county. William Atlee, merchant, of Trenton, could give purchasers all necessary information.
The "Pennsylvania Gazette " of March 6th, 1739-40, gives an advertisement of Hopewell land for sale. Thomas Clarke and Joseph Peace, of Trenton, are mentioned as agents.
In the "Pennsylvania Gazette" for June 7th, 1744, appears an advertisement of Jane Atlee, administratrix of William Atlee, who offers for sale a house, lot, stables, stage wagon, five horses, "a Servant Man's Time for three Years, being us'd to drive said waggon, and 93 acres of land half a mile out of town." The lot had a spring and was " fit for a Tanyard."
Enoch Anderson, in the "Pennsylvania Journal," June, 1748, offers for sale a dwelling-house in Trenton, with garden, on the "Street that leads directly to New York." Also "two Lotts opposite the Presbiterian Meeting-House." Suburban timber land was also to be disposed of.
In February, 1742-43, Thomas Cadwalader, of Trenton, offers for sale 700 acres of woodland within a mile and a half of the town. On this tract was "a very good Conveniency to erect a Forge or Grist Mill, it being on the same Stream on which Trenton Mills stand."
William Morris, in 1746, offers for sale sundry lots on Hanover street, 45 x 147 feet, a lot on Queen street and a lot on King street, in Trenton.
In 1750, the Alexander Lockhart plantation, near Trenton, on the Scots Road, adjoining the "old Meeting-house lot," and the Charles Clark homestead, were offered for sale. John Cox, of Trenton, was the agent.
In June, 1750, was offered a plantation of 250 acres, within a mile of Trenton. Among the attractions were "a large new framed barrack, and a fine young bearing orchard of cyder fruit." Joseph Worrell was the agent.
William Hoff, in 1740, offers a two-story brick house in Trenton, near the grist mill, fronting on "two very publick streets " and "hath a good Spring before the Door." On the fifteenth of October, of this year, "at the House of Thomas Barnes at Trenton" was sold 2,237 acres of Hunterdon county land at Pequease.
In 1745, eighteen one-fourth-acre lots on Second street were offered for sale by Ephraim Bon- ham, of Philadelphia.
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