History of Union and Middlesex Counties, New Jersey with Biographical Sketches of many of their Pioneers and Prominent Men, Part 118

Author: W. Woodford Clayton, Ed.
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia: Everts
Number of Pages: 1224

USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > History of Union and Middlesex Counties, New Jersey with Biographical Sketches of many of their Pioneers and Prominent Men > Part 118
USA > New Jersey > Union County > History of Union and Middlesex Counties, New Jersey with Biographical Sketches of many of their Pioneers and Prominent Men > Part 118

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James Edgar, of Woodbridge, a private in the Middlesex militia, was visited three times and very effectually pillaged. Among his losses he records that of a fine five-year-old mare and a number of cattle, " taken by Col. Simcoe."

Isaac Furman and John Fisher, of New Brunswick, and John Flatt, of Woodbridge, all were privates in the Middlesex militia, and were thoroughly de- spoiled of their cattle and household goods, special attention having been paid to their ample stores of women's clothing and bedding. Among the multi- tude of caps, aprons, gowns, kerchiefs, and other articles of female wear of which the last-named was robbed he laments " 1 pair of Stays as good as new," which some uxorious British or Hessian soldier ap- propriated for the wardrobe of his better half. Mr. Flatt also records in one item the loss of " 1 Common Bible, I good Rifle, and a Bullet-mould," an odd ad- mixture of weapons, spiritual and carnal.

Jonathan Freeman, of Woodbridge, was first a private in Capt. Morgan's company of the Second Middlesex Regiment, and afterwards in Capt. Nixon's troop of light-horse. He was robbed of his house- hold goods, and had a fine horse shot. Besides him eleven others of the Freeman family were privates in the Middlesex militia, but two only of them, Israel and Samuel, both of Woodbridge, were molested. The latter suffered the loss of four fine horses, and among other things "6 Silver teaspoons and a set of china."

There were nine of the Fields of Middlesex in the

patriot service, and of these three were pillaged. Benjamin and Richard, both of Piscataway, were privates, and Jeremiah, also of Piscataway, was first a private, then sergeant, and finally a lieutenant in the First Regiment of Middlesex. Their inventories amount to a total of £414.

William French, of Piscataway, a private in the Middlesex militia, to use an expressive colloquialism, was thoroughly "cleaned out." The enemy burned his "Dwelling-House large, and a Store-House ad- joining the same," "1 other Dwelling-House," "2 Barns and a Smoke-House," valued by William Horn and John Shippey, carpenters, at £316. They carried off his horses, cattle, sheep, wagons, sleds, pleasure sleighs, grain and hay, and robbed him of his house- hold goods and farming utensils. From the character of many of the articles, which could only have proved useless impediments to the marauders, it is evident that they must have been wantonly consumed with his buildings. In his inventory we find mentioned that favorite article of furniture with our ancestors, "3 Cupboards of Dutch make equal to new." Also "3 Swords & 1 Gun and Bayonet good," and " 3 bibles, 1 large dutch ye other English, worth £2.11.6." Wil- liam had a Bible for each sword, and, doubtless, was equally a man of war and of prayer.

Henry Fouratt, of Piscataway, was a private in the Middlesex militia. It is evident from his inventory that he combined the occupation of an oysterman with that of a farmer. Besides his "green grain in the ground" he recites the loss of a "Skiff 17 feet long, 2 Oyster Rakes, 1 pr. of Tongs, I Anchor, and a New Cable."

Moses Guest, of New Brunswick, the author of an odd compound entitled " Guest's Poems and Journal," was first an ensign in Capt. Voorhees' company in the Third Middlesex Regiment, and afterwards a cap- tain in the Second Regiment. While in the former capacity he had the good fortune to capture the dar- ing partisan, Col. Simcoe, the incidents attending which he himself relates as follows :1 "Simcoe was not discovered to be an enemy until he had got seven miles north of N. Brunswick at Quibble town, from which place an express was dispatched to Col. John Neilson, at N. Brunswick, who immediately ordered ont his regiment. We were soon marched to the bridge at Raritan Landing. From Quibble town Col. Simco proceeded rapidly to Col. Van Horns's house at Middlebrook. He was much disappointed in not finding the Governor there [Governor Livingston was then at N. Brunswick]. He then went on to Van Vechten's bridge on the Raritan river, and set fire to some forage and flat-bottom boats; from which he went to Millstone, a small town 8 miles N. W. of Brunswick; here lie set fire to the court-house and jail. While we were at the landing bridge we dis- covered the smoke of those buildings. It was then

1 Guest's Poems and Journal, pp. 144, 145, 146.

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HISTORY OF UNION AND MIDDLESEX COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.

thought probable that the enemy would endeavor to pass this bridge in their retreat. Col. Neilson there- fore continned there, being in hopes of cutting off their retreat, and dispatched me with thirty-five men with orders to endeavor to fall in with them, and to annoy them as much as possible. Soon after get- ting on the road leading from Millstone village to the bridge I was informed by an express that the enemy was within a few hundred yards of me; I had just time to get to an open piece of woods when they made their appearance. We attacked them as they came up, but they came on so rapidly that we could only give them one discharge. Col. Simco's horse received three balls, fell on him and bruised him very badly ; there was one man killed and several wounded. I left a physician with Simco, and proceeded on. We soon found his party had halted on the heights west of Brunswick. They sent a doctor and his servant to us bearing a flag. The doctor requested permission to attend Col. Simco, which was granted, but as the enemy was proceeding on their retreat whilst the flag was negociating, which is contrary to the rules of war, the doctor and his servant were considered as prisoners. After Simco fell, Major Stuart (a refugee, who had piloted him) took the command. Soon after we dismissed the doctor, we witnessed a scene that was truly distressing. We found Captain Peter Voor- hies lying in the road mortally wounded, and to all appearance nearly breathing his last breath.1 He had just returned from General Sullivan's army, and with a few militia horsemen was pursuing so close on the enemy's rear as to cause a detachment to sally out. They soon came up with him and cut him with their broadswords in a most shocking manner, which caused his death in a few hours. We pursued them until we got to South river bridge, 8 miles south of Brunswick, at which place we received information that 500 men had been landed at South Amboy to cover their retreat, and that they were embarking for Staten Island."

So far as the "Record of Damages" shows, Capt. Guest was not despoiled of any property ; but his relatives, Henry and John Guest, also of New Bruns- wick, and who were privates in the Middlesex mili- tia, did not fare so well. Henry was a tanner, and was well curried by the enemy. In his inventory he enumerates, among other things, "122 Slanghter Hides from Fort Lee," which had just before capitulated to the British. This item suggests an incident which I have heard my grandfather (Dr. Jacob Dunham, late of New Brunswick) describe with great animation. The British during the Revolution had a fort oppo- site New Brunswick on the east side of the Raritan, near the present residence of Mr. Augustus T. Stout. At one period they expected the approach of a body

of American troops by way of the road from Trenton, and were vigilantly on the lookout. One night Mr. Guest, whose tannery was just above New Street on Livingston Avenne, put out a large number of hides to dry, possibly the identical "122" above named, hanging them on his fences. When the sun rose the British mistook the hides for the long expected Ameri- can troops, and set up a brisk cannonade from the fort. But fire as furiously as they might they could make no impression on the foe, who held their position firmly without manifesting the least disorder. They were as unflinching as any veterans, and the thing began to grow serious. It was not until field-glasses were brought into nse that the enemy discovered they had been training their batteries for several hours on a lot of " recreant" hides. When this had been ascer- tained there was a sudden cessation of hostilities ; and the joke becoming widely known caused great merri- ment among all good patriots in the town at the ex- pense of the redcoats.

David Gilliland, of New Brunswick, was a lieuten- ant in the Third Middlesex Regiment. He had his wagon and pleasure-sleigh confiscated, and these comprised all his losses.

Richard Gibson, of Woodbridge, and James Griggs and John Gronendike, of South Brunswick, were privates in the Middlesex militia. Their losses were chiefly of horses and cattle. But John Gillman, of Piscataway, another private, records a sweeping de- struction of his fencing, cattle, grain, and household articles.

George Harriott, of Woodbridge, was first a captain in the Third Middlesex Regiment, and afterwards in the First. In one of their forays the enemy robbed ' him of his horses, cattle, and numerous other valua- bles. But David Harriott, also of Woodbridge, who was only a private in the Middlesex militia, was lit- erally stripped of everything "when the enemy passed through in November, 1776, and some time after." They confiscated his household finery, con- sisting among other things of a "Set of Home- spun curtains wove damask flowers, 1 do. of White in large damask flowers, and 1 do. of double dimons ;" his abundant store of napkins, quilts, bedspreads, sheets, “ large flowered damask table- cloths," and sundry linen articles. They plundered his wife of her " long gowns," and " short gowns of chintz, of calico, of striped Holland and homespun ;" of her forty-two " bed sheets of 3}-hundred linen," and "1 do. of 5-hundred linen ;" of her " 28 yards of new whitened diaper-wove Huckabuck ;" of her "Shifts of 5-hundred linen ;" of her six " petticoats, 1 of them of flannel," and " 1 of damask, new ;" of her handkerchiefs of " lawn, ganse, and silk ;" of her aprons of " new flowered lawn," of " striped muslin," of " fine linen," and of " homespun ;" and of her " 8 caps, cambric and lawn, all new," comprising a com- plete temale ontfit, even including " 2 diaper bibs for a child." Finally, they stole his boots, his " broad-

1 My grandfather pointed out to me when a lad the place of Voorhees' death. It was on the road between the Potter's Field and Town Lane, that ran from the Trenton turnpike to George's rosd, now within the city limits of New Brunswick.

483

MIDDLESEX COUNTY IN THE REVOLUTION.

cloth coat," his "velvet Jacket & breeches," and other unmentionables innumerable ; besides " Cash £6.4., his silver teaspoons, silver stock-buckle, and silver sleeve-buttons. They smashed in his windows and doors, tore up his floors, broke down his parti- Robert Kip, of Raritan Landing, a private in the Middlesex militia, was thoroughly despoiled. It is evident from some phrases in his inventory that he had attempted to secrete a portion of his valuables from the enemy, but their scent was too keen or their tions, destroyed his grain and fencing, stampeded his ; information too sure for anything to escape. Among cattle, and did not leave him so much as a bed, a trammel, or a gridiron." His neighbor, James Hamp. ton, also of Woodbridge, and a private in the Middle- sex militia, lost " a cow and calf." the numerous items in his inventory are "2 Hogs- heads of Rum, nigh half full," "} Barrel of Metheg- lin," and " 2 Sets of cooper's tools." He also records the loss of " 1 Hog® of good Tobacco," and the fre- quent recurrence of entries of similar large lots of the " weed" in the " Record of Damages" provokes the inquiry whether it was raised in Middlesex County or brought from one of the other colonies.

William Hoagland, of New Brunswick, a private in the Middlesex militia, met with a " mixed" loss, among the articles of which he was despoiled being " 1 Gun, bayonet, Cartouch box & Cutlass, 2 pair of Stays, 100 Ibs. of Tobacco, and a linen wheel."

His townsman, John Halfpenny, was a private in Capt. Voorhees' company, Third Middlesex Regi- ment, and afterwards in the State troops. He seems to have followed the same occupation as Hortwick, and lost " 1 Scow of ten tons burthen valued at £80. & 4 Oy-ter Rakes."

Thomas Hadden, of Woodbridge, was first a cap- tain, then major, and at length lieutenant-colonel of the First Middlesex Regiment. He escaped for- tunately with the loss of three fine horses only.

Barnet Hagaman and William Hillyer, both of South Brunswick, were privates in Capt. Morgan's company in the Second Regiment of Middlesex. Besides a wagon and other articles, the former was plundered of his sword-belt, while in the inventory of the latter such things figure as " bobben," "luten," " millenet and white gause," and "790 sewing-needles," indicating that he was in the dry goods line. Among his other entries appear the following : "60 shillings in hard cash" and " 600 Dolls. in Continental cur- rency," the last named being appraised at £2 148. 6d.

Nathaniel Heard, of Woodbridge, was one of the first of our patriotic ancestors to take the field. In 1775 he raised a body of troops which he placed at the disposition of the Provincial Congress and the Committee of Safety. At first he was colonel of the First Middlesex Regiment, then colonel of a bat- named after himself-" Heard's Battalion," then brigadier-general commanding the same, and finally brigadier-general of militia. He suffered a heavy penalty for his patriotism, his inventory of losses amounting to £2186 178. 6d. His grain (over one thousand bushels) was carried away, together with seventy tons of hay, one thousand panels of fence, twenty-two hogsheads of cider, and two splendid horses. And, in addition, his " two dwelling-houses, 4 rooms on a floor, 2} stories high, well furnished, and 50 feet in length," were burned to the ground, as also were his " Boalting House, Hatter's Shop, Weaver's Shop, Chair House, & 2 Barns." John Hampton, of Woodbridge, an ensign in the First Middlesex Regiment, was another heavy suf- ferer. Apparently he was an inn-keeper, since among his losses are "60 Galls. Spirits," "40 Galls. Rum," "30 Do. Cherry Rum," "30 Do. Brandy," " 15 Do. Cherry Brandy," " 60 Do. Madeira Wine," " 40 Do. talion of "minute-men," then colonel of a battalion Teneriffe Wine," "40 Do. Country Gin," and " 200 lbs. of Tobacco." He was pillaged on three several occasions, and his total losses exceeded six hundred pounds. His bedding, clothing, furniture, crockery (which was unusually plentiful and good), and house- hold stores were mercilessly ransacked and appro- priated. He records the loss of "Cash £20, taken at Quibbletown," and "400 Continental Dollars," the latter of which, however, were worth little more than a "continental darn," their appraised value being £6 188. 8d. He also inventories a "Sloop of 32 tons taken at Paulus Hook in Dec. 1776, when the British first came to New York," and " 2 pipes of Wine taken out of Col. John Neilson's store at New Brunswick, paid him for it £200 York money, Octr. 1776."

James Jones, of Woodbridge, was a private in the Middlesex militia, and suffered only the loss of some fencing, sheep, and cattle.

John Jordan, of New Brunswick, was a private in the Middlesex militia. Before the war he, like other heroes, pursued the peaceful avocation of a tanner, with the difference that it was diversified by that of a fisherman. He recounts the loss of fifty-two kegs of | of "60 Galls. Madeira Wine," " 65 do. best Claret," lampblack, a lot of calf-skins and sides of leather, a fishing-boat, and two oyster-rakes.

Peter Keenan, of New Brunswick, was first a private in the Second Middlesex Regiment, then in the State troops, and afterwards in the Continental army. His loss was limited to a few articles of clothing.

Jacob Hyer, of Princeton, was first lieutenant- colonel of the Third Middlesex Regiment, and after- ward became its colonel. He, too, must have been either an inn-keeper or a " fine old gentleman of the olden time," since he notes (and if he were an inn- keeper doubtless his guests sorely bemoaned) the loss

"8 Barrels Hores' best porter," "30 Galls. Cherry Whiskey," "6 Groce Black Bottles," " 20 Gin Cases and flasks," besides spits, saucepans, pie-pans, bake- ovens, etc., innumerable. That he was an inn-keeper is made further probable by such items as "5 fluted | brass candle-sticks, best kind," " 2 pr. Comon do.,"

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HISTORY OF UNION AND MIDDLESEX COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.

"1 Doz. Iron Do. and 10 pr. of Snuffers," "11 feather beds with bolsters and pillows," " 6 pair new Slippers," and a great variety of other things be- tokening a well-to-do and amply furnished house- hold. The enemy left him literally nothing, carry- ing away even his "Iron Chain for Smoke Jack" and the trammels appertaining. Like Gen. Heard, Col. Hyer appears to have exercised a care for the outer man. He was a hatter as well as a landlord and a soldier, there being recited among his losses "50 th. of Hatter's wool carded, 14 Caster, and 20 Wool Hats and a new hat press."

Francis Letts, of South Amboy, was a corporal, and Elisha, Elijah, and John Letts, of the same place, were privates in Capt. Morgan's company of Middle- sex militia. Francis and Elisha had their dwelling- houses and barns burned, besides experiencing other losses, and Elisha's mother, the widow Hannah Letts, was plundered of her cattle.

William Lake, of South Amboy, Benjamin Luker, and Aaron Longstreet, of South Brunswick, and John Langstaff, of Piscataway, were all privates in the Middlesex militia. They were plundered lightly, -Lake, of his cattle; Luker, of forage and provis- ions ; Langstaff, of timber, clothing, and provisions ; and Longstreet, who was a blacksmith apparently, of "300 Bushels of Coal," " 200 th. of Iron and Steel, and a Vice," " all the small tools belonging to a Smith's Shop," and sundry other things.

John Lyle, of New Brunswick, was first a captain and then a major in the Third Middlesex Regiment. Evidently he was another patriotic tanner, as he speaks of "1 shed and 3 platforms destroyed in ye : pounds, except Merrill, whose loss exceeded £160. Tan-Yard," together with " 30 Sides of Upper leather and a lot of hark." He also lost, or the contraband lost himself, "1 Negro Man, aged 20 yrs., £100." Mr. Lyle was a prominent member of the Presby- terian Church at New Brunswick.

The Martin family had nineteen of their number in the patriot army, and twenty of that name were more or less severely pillaged. Of those who were in the army, David, Benajah, and Nathaniel lived in Piscataway, and were privates in the Middlesex mil- itia, David having also served in Capt. Asher F. Randolph's company of State troops. Daniel, Elia- kim, James, William, and John were privates in the State troops, James having afterwards served in the Continental army. William was the severest sufferer of them all. He was visited five times by the enemy between February, 1777, and April, 1781. Each time they carried off two or three horses, besides, at their several calls, seven geese, ten fowls, four ducks, three Guinea fowls, fifty-five sheep and lambs, and eight cows. Ile makes special mention in one entry of two of the luxuries of which they rifled him, namely, "6 ths. of Tobacco and 6 ths. of Sassages." The losses of the others comprised horses, cattle, provisions, sheep, grain, hay, and household goods. Among the numer- ous entries there are none worthy of special mention,

except "5 tb. of Spanish Tobacco," and "1 pr. of black Everlasting Breeches," recorded by James, and by John his literary collection, consisting of " 1 Book callª the London Art, 1716."

The Mundays of Middlesex were also good pa- triots, eleven of them having served in the Revolu- tionary armies. Of these, Martin, Reuben, Samuel, and Benjamin lived at Woodbridge, and Nicholas and Peter at Piscataway. They were all privates in the Middlesex militia, and were plundered of sundries which caused their inventories to range from £6 to £60 each.

James Morgan, of South Amboy, was first an en- sign and then a captain in the Second Middlesex Regiment. He was afterward a captain in the State troops, and was very active. Of course he was not overlooked by the enemy. They destroyed his "kiln of stone ware not burned," broke open his desk and rifled it of a "Silver Watch and 300 Continental dollars," took off his wife's entire wardrobe (including that good lady's " velvet hood"), dashed in 23 of his window-panes, made free with his "4 pr. of Silver shoe buckles & 1 pair of silver knee buckles," besides carrying off such of his military trappings as they found, consisting of "1 Appalet," "1 Silver Hilted Sword," "1 Gun Good & 1 Gold lase & hat band."

Ephraim and John Morris and Samuel Moores, of Woodbridge; Andrew and David Manning and Riclı- ard Merrill, of Piscataway ; John Messerol, of South Brunswick; and John and Humphrey Mount, of Windsor, all were privates in the Middlesex militia, and suffered for amounts varying from two to sixty

William and Jeremiah Manning, of Woodbridge, both were captains in the First Middlesex Regiment, and were severely scourged by the enemy, especially Jeremiah, whose store-house, chair-house, stable, and barn were burned, his fine orchard containing " 223 apple trees, 23 cherry trees, and a quantity of peach do.," were wantonly cut down, his fences leveled and burned, and scarcely an article left him for wear or use.

John Noe, of Woodbridge, was only a private in the Middlesex militia, but nevertheless he was as ruthlessly harried as if he were a brigadier. The enemy pillaged him on twelve different occasions, taking him away as a prisoner at one of their visits, and carrying off literally every article of clothing belonging to himself and family, besides "1 negro man named Fenox" (Phoenix ?), and all his household goods, farm implements, provisions, horses, and cattle to the value of over £400.

Robert Nixon, of South Brunswick, suffered lightly. He was first a captain in a troop of light-horse, to which he was afterwards breveted major, and finally was first major of the Third Middlesex Regiment. He was another patriotic tanner, and the enemy ap- propriated from his establishment "75 Sides of Sole Leather, 17 Kip Skins, and 19 Calf Skins."

485

MIDDLESEX COUNTY IN THE REVOLUTION.

John Neilson, of New Brunswick, was first the colonel of a battalion of "minute-men," the colonel of the Second Middlesex Regiment, then colonel of a regiment of State troops, then brigadier-general of militia, and finally deputy quartermaster-general. He was pillaged of his household goods, of " 2111 1b. of pork purchased that fall," and of a number of things from his store and warehouse, among which are mentioned, as exhibiting the heavy stock of cer- tain goods required at that day as compared with the present, "25 dozen New England Scythes." His total loss somewhat exceeded £220.

Frederick Outgelt, Peter Obert, and Benjamin Ogden, of South River, and John Olden, of Windsor, were privates in the Middlesex militia, and were severally plundered to the extent of from £21 to £95. Obert's loss was the heaviest, being largely of cattle, besides " 50 dollars in Cash." Ogden's loss was also of cattle mainly, ten head having been carried off in one swoop. Among his other losings were " 1 fishing- net 65 fathom long," "2 skiff's and 1 good firelock." But among the items in his inventory the one on which he lingers the most regretfully perhaps of any is "1 Iron bound Cask containing 4 Barrels of very good cider."

Samuel Parker, of Woodbridge, I believe to be identical with the Samuel F. Parker who was first a captain in Col. Forman's battalion, " Heard's Bri- gade," and afterwards a major in the same. He was a printer, as was his father, James Parker, also of Woodbridge, who printed the "Votes and Proceed- ings" of Assembly from 1768, and perhaps earlier, Eseck and Malichi Randolph were first privates in the Middlesex militia and afterwards in Capt. Asher F. Randolph's company. Eseck was plundered at five different times of everything in the form of ap- parel that was at that time to be found in the house of a comfortable farmer, if, indeed, he were a farmer, tory of "70 gallons of rum" and "6 case bottles full of cherry and plain rum." Malichi was plundered twice only, but yet very effectually. The enemy burned his capacious barn, thirty-six by twenty-four feet in dimensions; destroyed his shed, cider-mill, and over five thousand rails and posts ; damaged his dwelling-house, and wantonly laid waste his orchards, one of which, he says regretfully, was "in its perfec- tion." until 1770. Early in the session of the Twenty-first Assembly, on Sept. 28, 1770, "a petition was pre- sented to the House from Samuel F. Parker, setting forth that his late father, James Parker decd, was employed as printer to the Ho. of Assembly, and that the printing-office in Woodbridge has devolved | which I am led to doubt from the items in his inven- on him, praying the House to appoint him their printer." On September 29th Isaac Collins presented a similar petition, and on October 1st the printing was awarded to Collins. That Samuel F. Parker and the Samuel Parker of the " Record of Damages" are identical is rendered probable by the circumstance that in the inventory of the latter, exhibited by his widow, one of the items is "Part of a printing office" and various articles of furniture for the same. His " dwelling house, well furnished," appraised at £200, was burnt, and a number of articles of unusual ele- gance for the time were destroyed or stolen. Among these were "1 large Silver Bowl would hold two quarts £20," " 1 Large Silver Tankerd £20," " 1 pair of gold sleeve bottons," "1 do. garnet ring 208.," "Cash 20 Dolls.," "1 Silver Nitten Sheath," and " 1 Silver Whistle for a child to play with 78. 6d."

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History of Union and Middlesex Counties, New Jersey with Biographical Sketches of many of their Pioneers and Prominent Men, Part 118

Author: W. Woodford Clayton, Ed. Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Philadelphia: Everts Number of Pages: 1224

Author: W. Woodford Clayton, Ed.
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia: Everts
Number of Pages: 1224