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 121
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 121
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Kipp, Robert.
Martin, Nathaniel.
Hazling, Richard.
Knowles, Jesse.
Martin, Benjamin.
Flood, Stephen. Force, Samuel.
Hendrickson, Cornellue.
Lain, Abraham.
Martin, David.
Force, Thomas P. Fordyce, John.
Herbert, Obedinh.
Laird, Richard,
Martin, Gershom.
Forman, Isaac.
Herbert, Robert.
Lake, Benjamin.
Muitin, Irenais.
Foster, Nathaniel.
Herrod, Samuel.
Martin, Isaac.
Fourat, Henry.
Higley, Henry.
Martin, James.
Frazre, Beneun.
Higbey, John.
Lamberteun, Cornelius.
Martin, John.
Frazee, Hıram.
Higbey, Obadiahı.
Lambertson, David.
Martin, Joshua.
Frazee. Murrie.
Higgins, Jediah.
Lambertsun, Elijah.
Martia, Lewie.
Frazee, Muses.
High, Nathan.
Lamberteon, Garret.
Martin, Merrick.
Finzy, Benjamin.
Lambertson, John.
Martin, Michael. Martin, Muses.
Fredenburgh, Wm. Gartits, John.
Hillyard, Wm.
Lemiberteun, Simon.
Martin, Mulford.
Garritson, Juhu.
Hinds, William,
Lambertson, Thomas.
Martin, Nathan.
Hoagland, Abram.
Lane, Isaac.
Martin, Nathaniel.
Hoagland, John.
Lane, Jacub.
Martin, Robert.
Hoagland, William.
Lane, John.
Martin, Will.am.
Hobbs, David.
Langetaff, Heury.
Mason, Willinal. Mattersun, Auron. Mattison, Jacob.
Gilliland, Matthew.
Holloway, Richard.
MeAfee, Benjamin.
Gillman, Charles.
Holten, Ephraimn.
Lefurge, Benjamin.
McAfee, Richard.
Gillman, John.
Holton. Jos.
Leonard, William.
McDuwell, Thonias.
Hulton, Peter.
Leonard, William (2).
McFadden, Connoly. McGee, John. McGee, William.
Gillman John, Jr. Gilmore, Charles. Gudden, Amus. Goodwin, Amoe.
Horn, Stephen.
Letts, Eli-ha.
Melvin, Daniel.
Letts, John.
Melvin, George.
Gordon, Archutile. Gordon, Ezekiel. Gordon, James.
Horn, Will am. Horner, Timothy.
Lette, William.
Melvin, John.
Hartwick , John.
Lewis, John.
Melvin, Thomas.
Harris, David.
Jordon, John.
Manning, Euoch.
Harrison, Isaac.
Keeuan, l'eter B.
Manning, John, Sr.
Fisher, Jacob.
Hatfield, Johu.
King, George.
Fisher, William. Flat, John.
Hedden, Joe.
Knux, Joseph.
Martin, Daniel.
Hendricksun, Oaky.
Laing, Abraham.
Martin, Elmakim.
Hight, John N. Hill, John.
Lambertson, Joshua.
Garritson, Peter. Gibbs, John. Gibson, David. Gilissen, Richard. Gibson, William. Gilliland, David.
Holemian, Thomas.
Langstuff, James.
Holl, Jacob.
Lengstaff. John. Leaclı, Richard.
Hooper, William. Hurn, John.
Lester, Samuel. Letta, Elijah.
Light, l'eter. Lile, Julın, Sr. Lile, John, Jr. Lile, Moses.
Griggs, James. Griggs, Samuel.
Hull, Benjamin. Holl, John. Hull, Reuben.
Lurcom, Jacob.
Grosvendike, Samuel.
Hunt, James.
Levins, Richard.
Gume, John.
Jaquish, Jouathan.
Lott, Gershom.
Lott, Peter. Loughborough, Jobu.
Johnson, Andrew.
Low, Benjamiu. Luke, John.
Farey, Amariah.
Harriott, Saqiuel.
Jones, James.
Manning, Benjamin.
Lake, William. Lambert, David.
Graham, Janiee.
495
MIDDLESEX MEN IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
Merrill, Richard. Mershon, Henry. Mershon, Robert. Mershon, William. Messerol, Charles. Messerol, Jacob. Messerol, John. Messerol, Nicholas. , Messerol, Peter. Messerol, William. Messlar, Abram. Mickel, Juhn.
Obert, George. Ockemao, Garline. Ockeman, John. Ogden, Benjamin. Ogden, John. Olden, John.
Rolan, George.
Sofer, Benjamin.
Rulen, James. Roler. Geurge.
Roler, William.
Rolle, Muses.
Rose, William.
South, Elijah.
Ross, Issac.
South, Isaac.
Ross, John.
South, William.
Ross, William.
Southard, Zachariah.
Overt, George.
Rowland, Jacob.
Sparling, Abraham.
Pack, Edward.
Ruwlison, William.
Sparling, Isaac.
Pain, Isaac.
Rua, Matthew.
Spurling, James.
Pangborn, Peter.
Runnals, Jae.
Sparling, Juhn.
Pangborn, William.
Runyan, Asa.
Sparling, Jua. Sparling, Peter.
Parker, Jolın.
Rnuyan, Hugh.
Spencer, Jos.
Parr, Thomas.
Runyan, Job.
Stanbury, Joshua.
Patrick, Samuel.
Runyao, Richard.
Stanley, leaac.
Paul, John.
Ryder, Bernardns.
Ryder, Garret.
Pearson, Benjamin P.
Pence, William.
Stelle, Jacob.
Perrine, Andrew.
Sielle, Jonah.
Perrine, Daniel.
Salard, Benjamin.
Perrine, Henry.
Sandersun, John.
l'errine, John.
Sands, Jos.
Stephens, Jun. Stephenson, John.
Perrine, Matthew.
Scheuck, Garret.
Stephenson, William.
Perrine, William.
Schenck, Jus.
Stewart, David.
Perry, Thomas.
Schenck, Peter F.
Stillwell, Daniel.
Pettit, Daniel.
Schenck, Roeloff.
Stimas, Christian.
Pettit, David.
Schurenian, Abrabam.
Pettit, Edward.
Scott, John.
Stintun, Jus. Stone, David.
Petty, Andrew.
Scott, Thonias.
Stone, William.
Phares, Amariab.
Scott, William.
Stoneker, Julın.
Phares, Andrew.
Sebring, Grurge.
Storey, Daniel.
Phillips, Ralph.
Sedam, Janies.
Storey, John.
Piatt, John.
Sedam, Ryke.
Sturey, William.
Pike, Asher.
Selleler, William.
Stutehoff, Peter.
Pike, JaDies.
Pike, Thomas.
Plum, John.
Service, Joseph.
Stricker, t'ornelius.
Purter, Nathaniel.
Service, William.
Stultz, Henry.
Putter, Enuch.
Sharp, Jonathan.
Srnitz, Jacob.
Potter, Gilbert.
Shaw, David.
Stultz, Peter.
Putter, Juseph.
Sheldon, Ephraim.
Putter, Ru bert.
Shipley, John.
lotta, Samuel.
Sherd, Hugh.
Sunderland, Thomas.
Munday, Henry.
Powell, ThuDias. Puwelsou, Powell.
Shotwell, Manning.
Muuday, Martin. Munday, Nicholas.
Powers, John.
Pricket, Isaac.
Pricket, Juhn.
Pricket, Stephen.
Pricket, William.
Skinner, Williamn.
Skinton, Thomas. Slay back, Abel.
Sutton, Jubn.
Pruvost, Jaxper.
Pruvost, Jolın.
Pruvost, Jonathan.
Smith, Andrew.
Pruvost, Peter.
Smith, Gideou.
Nevine, Peter, Sr. Nevina, Peter, Jr.
Ray, John.
Reclan, John.
Renunlds, James. Reed, James. Reed, Peter.
Reed, John.
Rice, Richa d. Richmond, William.
Suxp, George. Snedeker, Cornelius.
Snødeker, Garret.
Snedeker, 1. anc. Suedeker, Jacob. Snedeker, Jolın. Surlen, John. Soden, Thomas. Sulumun, John.
Taylor, Lewis.
Taylor, William. Ten Broeck, William. Tewell, Enuch.
Miers. John. Miller, Holse. Miller, Marsh. Miller, Noah.
Paooman, Peter.
Runyan, Enoch.
Minor, William, Mitchell, John.
Moon, Jacob. Moore, David. Moore, James. Moore, Matthias.
Panl, Banjamin.
Ryder, Juhn.
Starkey, William. Stelle, Abel. Stelle, Isaac.
Moore, Sumuel. Morehead, Andrew. Morgan, Abralium. Morgan, Juhn. Morgan, Philip. Morgan, Ephraim. Morgan, Elijah. Morris, John.
Perrine, Joseph.
Salvia, David.
Morris, Randolph. Morris, Reuben. Morris, William. Morrison, James. Morse, Randolph. Morton, Jowph.
Moses, Randolph. Mosa, James. Mount, Hezekiah. Mount, Humphrey. Monut, Joseph. Mount, Richard. Mount, William. Mulford, James. Mullen, William. Munday, Benjamin. Mundny, Clarkson. Munday, Gabriel.
Selover, Isaac. Service, Jolın.
Stout, Abel. Stunt, John.
Munday, Peter. Monday, Reuben. Munday, Samuel. Myers, John. Myler, Cornelius. Myseler, Sinion. Neifes, Garret W. Nentes, John. Neifua, William. Neplina, Jacob.
Prolan, Garret.
Pruvost, David.
Slover, Jobn. Smalley, John.
Sutton, Joseph. ..
Sutton, Nihemiah.
Sutton, Peter. Sutton. Peter (2). Sutton, Willianı. Snydaoi, Cornelius.
Quackenboss, Isaac.
Smith, Hezekiab. Smith, Jeremiah.
Smith, JobD. Smith, Simeon. Smith, William. Smick, Hendrick. Smock, Robert.
Suy dam, Charles. Suydani, Jacob. Snydam, Simon. Swart, Baltus. Swart, Stephen. Talmage, Thomas. Tallyon, l'eter. Tomton, Francis.
Newton, Gilbert. Newtun, William. Nickulle, Lewis. Nıckeun, Alexander. Nitina, Garret. Nixon, Richard. Nue, Andrew. Noe, Jantes. Nue, John. Norris, William. Oakley, Abraham. Obart, George. Obart, Julio. Obart, Peter.
Shuhart, James. Shubart, John.
S.mpson, Abraham. Skillman, Jacob. Skinner, J.Iın.
Sudam, John. Sullivan, Patrick.
Sonderlin, Jobn. Surl, Willian. Sutphen, Dirck. Sntphen, James. Sutphen, James (2). Sutton, Henry. Sutton, Henry (2). Sutton, Jenny.
Tappan, Abraham. Таррна, 1знас.
Richero (?), Abrahan). Rino, William. Robbins, Jesse. Robertson, Joseph. Rulanson, Amirew. Rue, Asabel. Ruff, Ebenezer.
Sofer, Jonathao. Sofer, Joseph. Sofer, Renben. Sunlan, Benjamin.
Orman, Benjamin. Orman, Stephen. Ontsell. Frederick.
Ryder, William. Ryon, William.
Stelle, Jos. Stelle, Samuel.
496
HISTORY OF UNION AND MIDDLESEX COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
Tharp, Baker.
Vao Pelt, Isaac.
Tharp, Benjamin.
Van Pelt, Abraham.
Thaxton, John.
Van Sickle, John.
Thomas, William.
Van Sickle, Stephen.
Thompson, William.
Van Tilburgh. Henry.
Themaon, Charles.
Van Tilburgh, John. Van Tilburgh, William.
Thomson, Corneliua.
Thomson, David.
Vautine, Abraham.
Thomson, Bngh.
Vantine, Ephraim.
Thomaon, Jamea.
Vantine, Isaac.
Thomson, John.
Van Winkler, Evert.
Thom, Richard.
Van Zandt, Peter.
Thormell, Benjamin.
Vangh, Jacob.
Thormell, Israel.
Vliet, William.
Till, Peter.
Voorheea, Jamea J.
Tindall, Richard.
Tindall, William.
Voorheea, William.
Tomba, Lewia.
Voorhees, Gurret R.
Totten, John.
Voorhees, Jacob.
Totten, Thomas.
Voorhees, Martines.
Voorhees, Daniel.
Trembley, Alexander.
Vreeland, Abraham.
Trout, Jacob.
Waldron, Chris.
Turner, Daniel.
Walker, Asher.
Underdunk, Isaac.
Walker, Francis.
Updyka, Clament.
Walkar, Robert.
Updyka, William.
Walker, Samuel.
Van Arsdalen, John.
Wall, James.
Van Aradale, Urins.
Wartenby, William.
Van Campen, Gidaon.
Wartenaba, William.
Van Cleaf, Michael.
Watra, Jacob.
Van Derbeck, Benjamin.
Webater, Thomas. White, John.
Van Derhoven, Jamaa.
Van Derveer, Abraham.
White, Samuel.
Van Dervanter, Christian.
Whitehead, Moaea.
Van Derventer, Isaac.
Whitehead, Samuel.
Van Derventer, Jacob.
Whitlock, William.
Van Derventer, James.
Wickoff, Garrat.
Van Deursen, William.
Wickoff, Jacob.
Van Dyke, Handrick.
Wilcocks, Isaac.
Van Harlingen, Jolın.
Wilkins, Jeptha.
Vau Hess, Garret.
Willett, Hartshorn.
Van Hess, John.
Willatt, Samuel.
Van Kirk, Arthur.
Williams, Taaac.
Van Kirk, Jameson.
Williams, Stephan.
Van Kirk, William.
Williamson, Henry.
Van Zandt, John.
Van Lew, Frederick.
Willia, Henry. Willis, Joseph.
Van Mickler, John. Van Nest, Henry.
Willis, Samual. Willock, William.
Van Nica, John.
Wilmouth, Lazarua.
Van Nortwick, Samuel.
Wilson, Daniel.
Van Orsdol, Cornaliua.
Van Orsdol, Isaac.
Wilson, Garret. Wilson, Isaac.
Van Orsdol, Jacob.
Woghun, John.
Van Orsdol, John.
Wooding, James. Wortman, David.
Van Palt, Joseph.
Wright, Smitb.
Van Pelt, John.
Wyckoff, John.
CHAPTER LXVIII. BENCH AND BAR OF MIDDLESEX.
LAWYERS appeared in regular practice in the courts of this county at an earlier period than we find them in any other county of East Jersey except Bergen. The cause of this is found in the fact that
Perth Amboy, being intended as the capital and the commercial rival of New York, drew thither at the time of its founding and soon after a class of mnen who had studied law and politics in the schools of England and Scotland. At a later period New Bruns- wick took the lead in professional men,-in the law, in medicine, and in divinity.
The first record we have of the names of counselors being called in the courts of this county was at the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace held at Perth Amboy in September, 1708. They may have prac- ticed at an earlier date even than this, perhaps be- ginning soon after the opening of the courts in the reign of Queen Anne, but the minutes being lacking from the close of the proprietary government till the year 1708, there is no means of ascertaining whether there were lawyers or not in the courts prior to the latter date. The record of September, 1708, mentions the calling of the names of Francis Sites, John Lof- ton, and Corse Froam (probably Vroom), "counsel- ors," but none of them appearing, "the under sheriff informed the Court that Corse Froam was sick." The reason of the absence of the others is not men- tioned ; but they were all in court in August, 1709, and with them Andrew Gordon, a lawyer of Perth Amboy. The latter appeared in nearly all the courts, and had much business for more than a quarter of a century.
From 1741 to the commencement of the Revolution we find the following lawyers practicing in the courts of the county : Philip Kearney, 1741; John Smyth, 1741; Francis Costigin, Richard Williams, John Price, John Lawrence, and Messrs. Rosevelt and Patrick McEwers, 1741-42; Cortland Skinner, Lewis Morris, and David Ogden, 1742; Messrs. Lyne, Lur- tin, and Anthony White, 1743; Barnardus Lagrange, 1745; Elisha Parker, 1746; Messrs. Lewis M. Ashfield and Coxe, 1748; Peter Kemble and Anthony Waters, 1749; Messrs. Kelly, William Pidgeon, R. Lawrence, Jacob De Hart, Abraham Cottnam, from 1750 to 1753; Thomas Kennedy, 1754; Richard Stockton, 1755; James Hude, Jr., 1760; Cornelius Low, 1760; William Thomson, Jonathan Deare, G. Ross, Elias Boudinot, Ravand Kearney, 1762-63; Jasper Smith, Ephraim Anderson, James Graham, - Waddell, 1763-64; Jolin De Hart, 1765; Henry Allen, 1766; Messrs. Cuyler, Chetwood, and De Bow, 1767; Jona- than Sergeant and Bowes Reed, 1768; Bryan and John Laferty and Abraham Ogden, 1769.
During this period the following were judges of the Common Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the Peace :
1741. Robert Huda. James Thompson. Hanry Freeman. Ezekiel Bloonfiald.
Benjanun Hull. Samuel Nevil.
1746. John Nevill. Nicholas Everson.
James Ilude.
Runte Runyon.
Thomas Gach.
John Heard. Jamea Splith.
1741. Jeremiah Field. Richard Cutter.
1742 Pontius Stelle.
1743. Stephen Warna.
1747. William Hutchinson.
Tillny, Peter.
Voorhees, Jamea R.
Tindall, John.
Voorhers, Janies.
Voorhees, Nicholaa.
Touratee, Peter.
Toy, John.
Voorhees, John R.
Voorhees, Abraham.
Tborp, Jonathan.
Van Palt, Jacob.
Van Ostrand, John.
497
BENCH AND BAR OF MIDDLESEX.
1748. William Cheesman. Jedediah Higgins.
1749. Jadies Neileon.
Joslah Davisoo. Jobn Barclay.
1751. Abrabanı Lage.
Jonathan Frazee.
1754. William Heard.
1760. Nehemiah Dunham. William Crawford.
1761. James Parker.
Thomas Walker. 1762. Samuel Barroo.
The following have been chief justices and asso- ciate justices of the Supreme Court of New Jersey :
CHIEF JUSTICES.
1709. Thomee Gordoo.
1728. Thomas Farmer.
-
1777. Robert Morris. 1803. Audrew Kirkpatrick.
ASSOCIATE JUSTICES.
1710. Pefer Sonmans. 1711. Lewis Morris.
1748. Sammuel Neville. 1797. Andrew Kirkpatrick.
Thomas Farmer. 1838. Jagies S. Nevine.
1735. John Hamilton. 1845. Joseph F. Randolph.
1739. John Alleo. 1859. John Van Dyke.
MEMBERS OF THE MIDDLESEX BAR SINCE 1800.
Joseph Warren Scott, February, 1801, February, 1804. Jacob R. Hardenbergb, February, 1805, February, 1859.
Cornelius L. Hardenbergb, September, 1812. James S. Nevins, November, 1819, September, 1823. Littleton Kirkpatrick, May, 1821. Jebu S. Blauvelt, November, 1825, February, 1829. George Richmond, November, 1825.
William H. Leupp, September, 1827, September, 1830.
George P. Mollesoo, February, 1828, May, 1831.
Robert Adriau, Jr., September, 1830, November, 1833.
Benson Milledoler, September, 1930, September, 1833. George H. Vroom, September, 1833. Heory V. Speer, February, 1834, November, 1839. John Van Dyke, February, 1836, February, 1839. Garuet B. Adrian, September, 1836, September, 1839.
John C. Elmendorf, November, 1837, September, 1841. Edward S. Vail, September, 1842, January, 1847.
Abraham V. Schenck, November, 1843, Jannary, 1847. James G. McDowell, September, 1838.
Charles S. Scott, February, 1844. Warren Hardenbergh, October, 1848. William Hartough, January, 1849. Alexander C. Stark, April, 1850. Jehn 11. Frazee, April, 1850. Benjamin R. W. Strong, February, 1852.
George C. Ludlow, November, 1853, November, 1868.
George R. Dutton, November, 1857.
J. Elmer Stout, November, 1857. Charlee 1. Rutgers, November, 1857. Charles Morgan Herbert, June, 1860, November, 1866. Charles Morgan, June, 1860. Joseph J. Ely, June, 1860, June, 1868. Herbert Stent, June, 1861, February, 1865.
Theodore Strong, Jr., November, 1861.
J. Randolph Appleby, February, 1862. Henry L. R. Van Dyke, June, 1862. Samuel M. Schanck, November, 1862, November, 1865. Jonathan Dixon, Jr., November, 1862, Noveoiber, 1865. Oliver E. Gordon, June, 1864, June, 1867. Charles T. Cowenhoven, November, 1865.
James H. Van Cleef, June, 1867. Beasley Mercer, Jr., Jude, 1865.
Edward Wood. William Disborough. Alpheus Fremao. George W. Atherton, June, 1875.
George Berdino, February, 1875, February, 1878. Daniel R. Boice, June, 1870, Jnoe, 1873.
A. K. Cogswell, November, 1870, February, 1875.
J. V. De Mott, June, 1877.
Silas D. Grioisted, November, 1872, November, 1875. Howard MeSberry, -. James Nielson, November, 1871, November, 1874.
William Reiley, Jr., June, 1869.
Charles H. Ruoyon, February, 1876.
J. Kearney Rice, November, 1876. William Steddard, November, 1877. David A. Storer, November, 1877. Edward W. Strong, June, 1875. Alleo H. Strong, November, 1877. Willard P. Voorhees, November, 1874, November, 1878. M. Bedell Vail, November, 1879.
H. Breweter Willia, June, 1881.
J. W. Beekman, February, 1875, February, 1878.
J. M. Chapman, April, 1846, July, 1849. Williaci Patterson, November, 1838. Epbraim Cutter, November, 1877. Charles Morgan, June, 1860.
A. S. Cloke, February, 1862, February, 1866.
THOMAS GORDON was chief justice of the province of New Jersey in the year 1709. He was from Aber- deen, Scotland, and came to Perth Amboy in 1684, with his wife, Helen, four children, and seven ser- vants. The wife and children died soon after of a fatal disease then prevalent. Mr. Gordon became a very useful and prominent man in the province. In 1692 he was appointed deputy secretary and register for the proprietaries by William Dockwra, their chief secretary in London. The same year he was made clerk of the Court of Common Right, register of the Court of Chancery, and a commissioner, with David Mudie and James Dundas, for the trial of small causes at Perth Amboy. The ensuing year he was appointed judge of probate, and in 1694 an officer of the customs, Amboy being made a port of entry. He was intrusted by the proprietors in America with an important mission to England in their interest in 1695; and in 1702, on the vacation of the office by Mr. Dockwra, he was appointed chief proprietary secretary and register. Besides these responsible positions he held various local and political offices of trust, being the representative of Middlesex County in the General Assembly from 1703 to 1709, and part of the time Speaker of the House. He was a member of Gov- ernor Hunter's Council, and held the same office under the administration of Governor Burnet. From June, 1710, to March, 1719, he was receiver-general and treasurer of the province.
THOMAS FARMER was one of the provincial jus- tices of the Supreme Court, having been appointed an associate in 1711, soon after his arrival at Amboy from Staten Island, where he had previously resided. He was made chief justice in 1728, and presided over the court for that year. He represented Middlesex County in the General Assembly during the adminis- tration of Governor Morris, 1740 to 1743. Judge Farmer for some time before his death was insane. He kept a country store in Amboy. He had several sons, who were interested in military expeditions against the Spaniards in the West Indies in 1740-42.
PHILIP KEARNEY was one of the first lawyers at the Middlesex bar. He was a son of Michael Kear- ney, of Monmouth County, a native of Ireland, who in 1716 purchased a lot of land and settled in Perth Amboy. He was soon appointed to the secretaryship
498
HISTORY OF UNION AND MIDDLESEX COUNTIES, NEW JERSEY.
of the province (Oct. 24, 1720), was made clerk of the Assembly, Dec. 16, 1720, and of the Court of Common Pleas, April 23, 1731. His mansinn house at Perth Amboy became the residence of Governor Hunter upon his accession to the office, and was subsequently occupied by his son Philip, the lawyer. Philip was twice married. His first wife was Lady Barney Dex- ter, whose maiden name was Ravaud, and who was a client of his in Philadelphia. He became interested in the widow, as well as in the defense of her prop- erty, and married her. They had a son, Ravaud Kearney, who hecame a member of the bar in 1762, and practiced in the courts of this county. The chil- dren of Philip Kearney by the first marriage were Philip, Elizabeth, Susannah, and Ravaud. He mar- ried for his second wife Isabella, daughter of Robert Lettice Hooper, of Trenton, chief justice of the prov- ince, by whom he had five children, viz .: Sarah, Michael, Frances, Joanna, and Isabella. Mr. Kear- ney died July 25, 1775, "universally lamented," hav- ing practiced in the courts of Middlesex and other counties thirty-four years, and by his honorable char- acter and social position exerted a wide influence. He was one of the first lawyers of this section of country, and was very able and popular.
Philip, his son, lived for a time at Amboy, in the house occupied of late years by Hon. James Parker. He was a man of wealth, and subsequently removed to the west bank of the Passaic River, above Newark, where the old mansion is still in the possession of his descendants. He was the father of the Kearney Brothers, merchants, of New York, and grandfather of Gen. Philip Kearney, of the United States army.1
Ravaud Kearney inherited his father's law library. He lived at one time near South River, and also for a time in Monmouth County. He married Ann, daughter of James Hude, one of the judges of the county court, and died Sept. 3, 1806, in his sixty- eighth year. His widow, who was a very estimable lady and held in high esteem, survived bim until April 3, 1828, when she died at the advanced age of ninety. (For further information respecting the family the reader is referred to the history of Perth Amhoy in this work.)
CORTLANDT SKINNER was a lawyer in this county for thirty-four years, having made his first appear- ance in the courts in 1742, and practiced till he left the country at the outbreak of the war for independ- ence. His residence was at Perth Amboy. As a lawyer and statesman he occupied a distinguished position. He was attorney-general of the province and Speaker of the last General Assembly under the
crown. There is evidence that Mr. Skinner, although an uncompromising loyalist, disapproved of the arbi- trary and repressive measures of the British ministry towards the colonies, regarding that policy as calcu- lated to drive them all the sooner into a fruitless attempt to secure their independence of the mother- country. To Governor Boone, of South Carolina, he wrote in October, 1775,-
"Taxes and a restraint on the West India trade are most likely to force the colonists into manofactures aud put independence into their hands. They are on the high road to it now, and though 'tis true that they have not strength to effect it, but must submit, yet 'tis layiog tha foundation for great trouble and expense to Britain in keeping that by force which she might easily do without, and alienatiog a people which she might make her greatest prop and security."
As attorney-general he continued to occupy his position during the year 1775, although the object of continued distrust and suspicion on the part of the determined Whigs; but in January, 1776, a letter of his to his brother, a lieutenant-colonel in England, was discovered, which induced Continental Congress to order that it should be sent to the Committee of Safety of New Jersey, and that orders be sent to Lord Stirling to take with him a sufficient force and immediately apprehend and keep in safe custody the said Cortlandt Skinner, of Amboy, until further orders. The said Cortlandt Skinner, however, had taken pains to leave the colony and take refuge on a British man-of-war, and all the Provincial Congress could do was to direct their treasurer not to make any further payment of his salary. It does not appear that he ever made any attempt to act as attorney- general after this. He no doubt confidently expected to resume the position before many years, but the opportunity to do so never came.
Governor Joseph Bloomfield, of Woodbridge, and Andrew Bell, of Perth Amboy, had been students at law with Mr. Skinner. The latter, like his preceptor, embraced the royal cause; the former, after receiving his license and practicing a short time in Bridgeton, was, in February, 1776, commissioned a captain in the Third New Jersey Regiment, under command of Col. Elias Dayton. Bloomfield's company of sixty- five men, recruited in Salem County, started on the march to join the Northern army in Canada on the 26th of March, and on the 18th of April arrived in Perth Amboy. Here, by a singular coincidence, Capt. Bloomfield was ordered by Lord Stirling to execute the order of Continental Congress in the arrest of Mr. Skinner, it not being vet known that he had escaped and taken refuge with the enemy.
Mr. Whitehead, in his "Contributions to the Early History of Perth Amboy," remarks that the "first duty Capt. Bloomfield undertook, or upon which he was sent, is believed to have been the arrest of his former friend and adviser, Mr. Skinner." And he adds, " It is to be hoped that the duty was delegated, not assumed. We will not venture to analyze the feelings with which the house in which he had ever found a home was carefully searched in the hope of
1 In the "Old Merchants of New York" is a sketch of the Kearney family. The author is probably in error in supposing that the father of John W. and Philip Kearney, founders of the well-known mercaotils boosa in New York in 1803, came from Ireland and was the ancestor of the Kearney family in America. He was of the third generation, a grandsou of Michael Kearney, of Moumooth, and went from Perth Amboy to his residence on the Passaic.
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