USA > New Jersey > Gloucester County > Newton in Gloucester County > Sketches of the first emigrant settlers in Newton Township, old Gloucester County, West New Jersey > Part 27
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The charter, which contained "large powers and privileges," has become a venerable document. It has been framed, and it now hangs in the office of the secretary of the commonwealth at Harrisburg. It is ornamented with heraldic devices on strong parchment, and, at the top of the first page, displays a finely executed likeness of Charles the Second, king of England, &c.
The letter contains one other sentiment worthy of note, which is that this grant of land, and the laws that he proposed to establish there, would make the colony "the seed of a nation." Whatever may have been the expectations of this great man in · regard to the people that should spring up on his new acquisi- tion, or whatever he hoped that time would develop in the resources and advantages of the soil within its bounds, he · never could have contemplated any such advancement as the present generation beholds at this day. He only knew it as it lay upon the river Delaware ; which stream would offer all the water communication that was necessary for the wants of the people. The immense forests, the inexhaustible mineral resources, the advantages of water power for manufacturing purposes and inland transportation, as well as the extensive agricultural districts that lay within the bounds of his pur- chase, were things beyond his view, and beyond the scope of his imagination. The "tender care" which he had for the government, that emigrants might be assured of justice to all, marked him as a man of foresight and deserving merit, and in this he certainly planted the "seed of a nation."
Many difficulties occurred in regard to titles to land made by Penn, some concerning the boundaries, and others, the right of
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possession ; these troubles were frequently referred to Robert Turner, who mostly settled them to satisfaction. As Thomas Sharp, and those other adventurers who settled at Newton. came from Dublin, and took their land within the bounds of the Irish tenth, as laid forth in West Jersey, there can be no doubt that Robert Turner knew them before they came, and continued the acquaintance after their arrival here. In the memorial left by Sharp touching this part of their history, reference is made to the adjustment of a difficulty by Robert Turner in relation to land taken up by George Goldsmith. In this settlement he showed his good feeling toward Goldsmith by conveying him a portion of the survey whereon he had made his improvements. The remainder of this survey he sold to Isaac Hollingsham.
The Graysburys purchased a tract of land lying in Newton, which he had located on the south side of the main branch of Newton creek. He made other surveys in the township, some of which were bounded by Cooper's creek, and some by the river front, now included in the city of Camden.2 For the five years immediately after the first settlement, he perhaps owned more land in this township than any other individual, and no doubt took much interest in its advancement and progress. In the sales of land, as made in Pennsylvania by William Penn to those who were settling there, and to many residents in England, and Scotland, and Ireland, who never came thence, the name of Robert Turner often occurs ; and, at his death, his landed estates must have been large and valuable. In the city, he owned several squares of ground, which he, no doubt, used for farming purposes, but which are now in the centre of the metropolis.
The wife of Robert Turner was Susanna, daughter of William Welch, and their children were Edward, who married Catharine Carter. (He dying, she married John Baldwin.3 She also survived him and married - Cloud of Chester county, Pa. ) ; ‘ Martha, who married Francis Rawle ; and Mary, who married Joseph Pidgeon.5 Mary Rawle, a daughter of Francis, married William Cooper in 1732, a son of Daniel and grandson of the
2 Sharp's Book, 03. O. S. G.
4 Lib. E, 69.
3 Lib. G3, 379.
5 Lib. BB1, 352.
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first William.6 Her husband settled with her in Philadelphia, where he remained until his death.' He was the owner of much land in Camden, coming to him from his paternal ancestors. Mary Pidgeon deceased in 1733, leaving one son, Joseph. Francis and Martha Rawle had other children than Mary, as follows : Robert, Francis, William, Joseph, John, Benjamin, Jane, Rebecca, and Elizabeth. Robert Turner died intestate.
Although not a resident of the colony, yet, in 1685, he was returned as one of the representatives of the third tenth in the Legislature of West New Jersey ; but he did not appear at the first sitting thereof.8 At the second session, his name appears, at which time he was appointed as one of the commissioners to regulate the sale of land, and to contract with the Indians for the purchase of their right in the soil. He was also appointed one of the committee to examine proxies sent by the proprie- tors residing in England, since some difficulty had arisen con- cerning their legality, the manner in which they were obtained, and the way in which they were being used.
The exercising of these privileges by Robert Turner would seem to show that he lived in West New Jersey for a short time, although nothing beside would lead to such conclusion ; or that the custom prevailing in England at that time, and still, to some extent, followed there, of electing persons of one section of the realm to represent those of another, in this single instance obtained here. Supposing such to be the fact, the rule was much strained in this case, for he then resided in another com- monwealth, based upon a different constitution and governed in many particulars by different laws. That he had large interests here is well known. He was also as desirous as the inhabitants were that wholesome regulations should be provided for the growing colony, in order that new comers could be induced to settle; for, as a consequence, the value of the land held for sale would be greatly increased. It would appear that Robert Turner's interest in New Jersey was not confined to the western division, for, in 1683, as one of the owners of East New Jersey,
6 Lib. F, 03, Philadelphia Records.
7 Vol. IX., 19, New Jersey Historical Society Proceedings.
8 Leaming & Spicer's Laws of New Jersey.
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he, by his proxy, voted to confirm Gawen Lawrie as deputy governor of that province under the appointment of Robert Barclay, he being empowered so to do by the original covenant entered into with the proprietors.9
He was also one of the signers of the letter from the pro- prietors to the planters in that province, about the same date; in which is expressed a desire that equity and justice may rule, and that right shall be done to all who may transport themselves into that country. But little is said of him in the many histories and narratives of those early times; which is surprising in view of the large estates which he held in Pennsyl- vania, East and West New Jersey. He did not participate very much in the political affairs of these colonies, and is not known in any of the troubles that occurred in those times. His place seems to have been that of umpire in the settlement of personal troubles to the avoidance of law suits and other like scandal.
9 Leaming and Spicer's Laws of New Jersey.
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SAMUEL CARPENTER.
T "HE business relations of William Penn with Edward Byllynge and his creditors, and the disposal of the latter's landed estate in West New Jersey to settle their claims against him, as well as his troublesome diplomacy with John Fenwick, are said to have been the first motives that attracted his attention toward the establishment of a colony in America. The indebtedness of the crown to his father for valuable naval services, which remained unpaid at the time of his decease, and, in the financial condition of the government treasury at that period, were likely so to remain, was an additional incentive for the son to petition for a grant of land in liquida- tion of the claim.
This petition was strongly opposed in the privy council ; some of whom, on the subject of civil and religious liberty, were hostile to his views. He succeeded, however, after much importunity, in securing a charter for the territory of Pennsylvania, and at once took steps to transport emigrants thereto. His position in the Society of Friends, his known honesty and singleness of purpose, soon drew around him very many persons who were willing to "make the adventure," a greater part of whom had sufficient of this world's goods to make their outfit comfortable, with enough, after their arrival, to protect them from want. His form of government and code of laws were especially acceptable to such as were thus suffering from the intolerance
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that surrounded them in England; and of these they took advantage by joining the various companies of emigrants coming to Pennsylvania. One important principle involved was set forth in these words: "That all persons living in this province, who confess and acknowledge the one Almighty and Eternal God to be the Creator, Upholder and Ruler of the world, and that hold themselves obliged in conscience to live peaceably and justly in civil society, shall in no wise be molested or prejudiced for their religious persuasion or prac- tices in matters of faith and worship; nor shall they be com- pelled at any time to frequent or maintain any religious worship, place, or ministry whatever."
All these things took place within three years after the arrival of the first emigrants at Burlington. The settlements of the English on both sides of the Delaware river, were thus made almost identical. The same enlarged views in the form of gov- ernment, and the same liberality in the sale and disposal of land, were as faithfully observed in the one colony as in the other ; and whatever was considered as advantageous to the one was certain to be adopted by the managers of affairs on the other side of the river. The social and religious intercourse that was constantly kept up between the settlements introduced many business transactions, some of which involved the sale and pur- chase of real estate on one side of the stream to persons residing upon the opposite side; and it was frequently the case that persons in Pennsylvania owned considerable tracts of land in New Jersey ; many of which were held for terms of years, and sometimes descended through several generations of the same family. Of these persons, Samuel Carpenter was one. The first purchase of land made by him in Gloucester county was of Samuel Jennings in 1684. It was one of six hundred acres, lying on the south side of Timber creek, and having considerable front on the river Delaware. 1 This included what has since become the valuable fisheries at Howell's Cove, though, at the time of purchase, they had no worth in the eyes of the contracting parties. These lands remained in the family for many years, passing to the son Samuel, whose widow, Hannah, sold part thereof, as executrix of her husband, to
I Lib. B1, 43.
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SAMUEL CARPENTER.
Samuel Ladd, through whom they descended to his daughter, Deborah West.2
In 1689, Samuel Carpenter bought fifty acres of William Royden, situated in Newton township, with a front on the river. This was part of the survey that Royden had previously made, extending from the river easterly to Cooper's creek.3 Upon this now stands the principal part of the city of Camden, which, after several conveyances, became the property of Wil- liam Cooper. The fifty acres extended down the edge of the stream from near Cooper street, and back from the shore sufficiently far to obtain the full quantity, as called for in the deed. This, however, he sold the same year. He did not make any subsequent purchase of land in the township. In Bowden's History of Friends, may be found a short sketch of Samuel Carpenter. This says :
" He emigrated to Pennsylvania a few years after its settle- ment. He had previously resided in Barbadoes, when, in 1673, and again in 1685, he suffered considerably in distraints, for his faithful testimony in bearing arms. Next to William Penn, he was considered the most wealthy person in the province, for, besides large mills at Bristol, Darby and Chester, and dwelling houses, warehouses and wharves in Philadelphia, he also held nearly twenty thousand acres of land in different parts of the province, and was largely engaged as a merchant. In 1693, he became a member of the Assembly, and, a few years later, one of the . council, and ultimately treasurer of the province. Through a great variety of business, he preserved the love and esteem of a large and extensive acquaintance. His ability, activity and benevolence of disposition in divers capacities, but more particularly among his friends, the Quakers, are said to have distinguished him as a very useful and valuable member, not only of that religious society, but also of the community in general. He died in 1713."
He took an active part in the political affairs of the city of Philadelphia, being, for several years previous to 1712, one of the members of council, and, in 1701, also sitting as a
2 Lib. AL, 496.
3 Lib. C, 128. Lib. G, 103.
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member of the Assembly, representing a larger constituency than any other person elected. Beside the real estate which he held within the city bounds, he was also the owner of large tracts of land in the interior of the State, the grant for which was made directly to him by the patroon. Near the mouth of the Schuylkill he had considerable marsh land, which he improved into meadow, and which for many years was called Carpenter's island.
Whether he was a native of the Island of Barbadoes, or was banished from England on account of his religious principles, does not appear ; but that he was a consistent and active mem- ber of the Society of Friends, cannot be questioned. On that island there were many of this religious pursuasion, and to this place nearly all the ministers of this Society that visited America resorted before their return to England. This was before settlements were attempted in Pennsylvania or New Jersey; and the island was looked upon as a place of banish- ment for those who fell under the displeasure of the govern- ment, and whose adherence to their creed and practice could not be abated by any of the punishments inflicted at home. A few years corrected much of the misery and destitution that was intended by those in power, who not only imprisoned such as became subject to their tyranny, but robbed them of their property, and transported them without any means of future support ; for, in a short time, those who had been previously sent for like offences, had, by thrift and economy, secured enough to assist others who came under similar circumstances, and to render their condition comparatively comfortable.
By the industry and perseverance of this class of citizens, the agricultural advantages of the island were soon developed ; and the increase of revenue to the home government, as well as large exportations of the products to England for trade, appeared as a reproach upon those who had so shamefully driven these people from their home and estates for opinion's sake.
The purchase of New Jersey and Pennsylvania by Friends, whose liberal form of government was so attractive, opened an asylum for such as remained under persecution. Hither they soon directed their footsteps, and here they laid the found-
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SAMUEL CARPENTER.
ation for the institutions that now surround us, "where none should make them afraid."
Samuel Carpenter married Hannah Hardiman in 1684. She was of South Wales, and came to Pennsylvania with her parents.+ Their children were Hannah, who married William Fishburn in 1701; John, who married Ann Hoskins in 1710; and Samuel, who married Hannah Preston in 1711. Samuel removed to Gloucester county, New Jersey, where he deceased in 1747, leaving a widow and children.5 Many of the name are now residents of this State, and the direct and collateral branches are numerous throughout the United States. As the record of the family of Samuel Carpenter is uncertain, by reason of the early branches thereof residing in another state, it is perhaps proper that a conveyance of land made by Robert Turner to Abraham Carpenter, a mariner, and Joshua Carpen- ter, a brewer, both of Philadelphia, in 1693, should be referred to.6 This tract contained four hundred and twelve acres, and lay in Newton township, fronting on Cooper's creek and adjoin- ing the lands of Archibald Mickle, Edward Newbie and others.
In 1697, the Carpenters sold the whole to Joseph Cooper, who, in 1714, gave the same to his eldest son, Joseph.7 This tract of land now constitutes the most easterly part of the Cope estate, lying between Haddonfield and Camden. These men were brothers of the first Samuel, and resided in Philadel- phia. Joshua was a man of considerable real estate in the city, and acted as commissioner for William Penn in the sale of his land in Pennsylvania.
That the subject of this sketch was always a resident of Penn- sylvania, and came to Philadelphia before it had shape as a town, has generally been accepted as historic truth. Yet there is doubt upon this point, as will appear from the following references. In the year 1685, he was a member of the Friends' Meeting at Salem, as, on the 30th day of the 9th month, he was one of a committee to visit a member for some shortcoming. In the next year, he discharged a similar duty, and was also a contributor (he subscribing the largest sum) to finish the new end of the meeting house. On the 25th of 5th month, 1687, he
+ Vol. 1X, 19, N. J. Historical Society proceedings.
5 Lib. No. 5, 433.
6 Lib. A, 148.
7 Lib. A, 08, Gloucester Deeds.
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was appointed one of a committee to attend the Quarterly Meeting at Newton.
In the year 1700, when the Yearly Meeting was held in Salem, he took an active part in the proceedings, and was one of the committee to receive money for the support of the Yearly Meet- ing, on behalf of the Salem Meeting. In Leaming and Spicer's revision of the laws of New Jersey, which also contains full lists of the members of the Legislature, may be found the name of Samuel Carpenter, as returned to represent the Salem tenth. This was in May 1685 ; and the inference would naturally follow that he resided within the limits of that division of the province at that time, and was selected to look after the interests of the people in those parts. A note, however, appended to the list says, "Robert Turner and Samuel Carpenter appear not." A curious feature of this session was that the Legislature sat but a single day, and, in the words of the resolution, agreed "to continue things upon the same foot and bottom as formerly, until things shall be controverted in England, or the king's pleasure be further known therein." The day was spent in appointing justices, commissioners, treasurers, clerks, sheriffs and constables for the several divisions, and in assessing a general tax upon the people.
On the 25th of the ninth month in the same year, this body again assembled, at which time Samuel Carpenter appeared and took his seat, representing the Salem tenth, and was appointed one of the council. The sitting on that occasion was for nine days, in which time a number of salutary laws were passed, and several resolutions acted upon, concerning the duties devolving upon them. All this looks as if Samuel Carpenter had been a resident of West New Jersey until about the year 1702, as, in that year, he gave fifteen pounds to erect the new meeting house at Salem, in which contribution he is mentioned as residing in Philadelphia, where he soon grew into the confidence of the patroon and rendered him valuable services in the government of the colony and the selling of his land. In reference to the laws of New Jersey passed while he was a member of the Legislature, the first act recorded may interest many persons at the present day, as it shows how our
SAMUEL CARPENTER.
351-352
Quaker ancestors avoided the inconsistency that is generally charged upon them, in regard to the military establishment attached to the province, which they saw the necessity of main- taining thereafter. It is as follows:
"That whereas the purchasers and chief inhabitants for the generality in this province of West New Jersey, are a people whose principles for conscience-sake cannot bear arms nor be found in the exercise of war: Nevertheless and notwithstand- ing, that such their principles may not be found or judged injurious to the King's and Queen's service, (under whose pro- tection we now live, and heartily receive them as such, as by our Proclamations thereof may appear) ; Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and Representatives now in General Assem- bly met and assembled, and by the authority of the same, that such our principles and practices as aforesaid, shall be no ways binding or obliging to restrain such of the inhabitants of this province whose freedom and principles induce them to serve the King in the defence of the Province in such posture and form as the Governor and Council shall seem meet, being the liberty that we claim to ourselves, may not justly be denied to them, least we should do as we would not be done unto. Any act or law made to the contrary heretofore notwithstanding."
In the framing and passage of this act, Samuel Carpenter, no doubt, took part. It bears the marks of great concession on behalf of Friends in this particular, and shows that no trouble would arise on their part with the executive of the govern- ment, touching a matter at that time considered so essential to its dignity and existence. Andrew Hamilton was then governor; he differed with the representatives of the people in many matters relating to the laws, and in their observance and enforcement ; yet, in this enactment, he could not but see the yielding of this religious sect to his wishes, and their desire to avoid trouble among the people.
THOMAS GARDINER.
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T HOMAS GARDINER came to Burlington in 1678 with his wife and children, bringing also considerable estate. His house was the first dwelling erected within the limits of the town. Although of logs, it was of larger dimensions than any other among his neighbors, and was finished with more care and expense; in it was held the first Yearly Meet- ing of Friends in New Jersey. He probably came from the city of London, as some real estate owned by him there became the property of his grandchildren, who were, at the time, residents of Burlington. This is an inference only, and may prove erroneous.
James Bowden, in his History of Friends, says: "At Burling- ton Monthly Meeting in the third month, 1681, it was concluded to establish a Yearly Meeting, the first to be held in the sixth month following. A notice of this conclusion was circulated among Friends of the provinces of East and West Jersey, and on the 28th of the sixth month, 1681, the meeting assembled at the house of Thomas Gardiner, of Burlington. But very little information of the proceedings of this Yearly Meeting, which occupied four days, has been preserved."
In one of the manuscripts of Samuel Smith, the historian, has been found the following passage: "1685. This year erected a large and commodious meeting house. Samuel Jennings, Thomas Budd, John Gosling, Richard Guy, William Brighton and Thomas Gardiner were the principal promoters and con-
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tributors." The authority from which this is derived cannot be questioned, and is conclusive as to the building of the "great meeting-house at Burlington."
The Monthly Meeting, as above named, was regularly estab- lished three years previous to this time, the original records of which have been preserved, and from which the first minute there entered is here copied, as follows:
"Since, by the good Providence of God, many Friends with their families have transported themselves into this province of West Jersey, the said Friends in the upper parts have found it needful, according to the practice in the place we come from, to settle monthly meetings for the well ordering of the affairs of the church. It was agreed that accordingly it should be done the 15th of the fifth month, 1678."
This Monthly Meeting consisted of Friends settled about the Falls (now Trenton ), and of the particular meetings of Ranco- cas, in New Jersey; Shackomaxon, and Chester in Pennsylvania. From all of these places, Burlington could be reached by water ; and of this easy mode of transportation those attending the Monthly Meeting, no doubt, took advantage. It also shows that the Friends who had settled on the west side of the river had not as yet organized their meetings, and were not yet in a position to assume the business relations necessary to a proper intercourse with kindred associations. In fact, the yearly meet- ings were, for several years, alternately held at Burlington and Philadelphia, which included all the meetings in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
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