USA > New Jersey > Cape May County > The history of Cape May County, New Jersey : from the aboriginal times to the present day > Part 7
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Spicer was not, it is said, an habitual attendant upon the sessions of the Assembly, and there are records to prove that his attendance was often forced. In 1716 the officers of the colony were sent after him to compel his attendance, and Spicer, avoiding them, he was expelled and a new elec- tion ordered. This. however, did no good. because the peo- ple immediately returned Spicer as Assemblyman.
At the council of the president and councillors of the province, held on March 30 and 31, 1716, at which were present Colonel Daniel Coxe, president, and Messrs. George Deacon, John Humphries, John Wills and Richard Bull, the "following surveys, with others, were inspected and ap- proved by the Council of Propri'es and ordered to be recor- derd:" Daniel Cox and Jacob Spicer, 3933 acres; do., 100 acres ; do., 500 acres; do., 50 acres.
In 1719 Jeremiah Bass began his services as a member of the Assembly for Cape May, and served until 1723. He figured as as attorney at Salem from 1710 to 1716, but whether he was the same Jeremiah Basse who was an Ana- baptist minister, agent for the West Jersey Society for Cape
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HISTORY OF CAPE MAY COUNTY.
May in 1694 and 1695, when he resided at Cohansey, and at Burlington, deputy governor of West Jersey 1698, and de- parted for England in 1699 or 1702, is not known. The for- mer may have been a son of the latter, and probably was.
Whitehead says: "Jeremiah Basse was appointed governor of New Jersey July 15, 1697, for one year, and assumed the office April 7, 1698, and retained it until superseded by Governor Andrew Hamilton (whom he had succeeded), in December, 1699, returning to England before that time. He returned in 1703 as secretary of the province, under Lord Cornbury, by whom he was given various offices. In 1716 he was elected to the Assembly from Cape May, where he then resided. In 1719 he was Attorney-General of the prov- ince. He died in 1725, his will being proved August 9, in that year."
In the session of 1718-19 of the Assembly Colonel Jacob Spicer was appointed to collect two instalments of colony tax, amounting to £42 8s. and £17 6s., and Spicer was also to administer oaths to Isaac Sharp, appointed colonel of the Salem and Cape May regiment, and to Jolin Ralph, who was made major.
Early in the development of Cape May the attention of the inhabitants was turned to the cultivation of the oyster, and the attention of the early legislators was turned toward the preservation of this industry. The first protective measure on record is that of March 27, 1719, which sets out in its preamble that oyster beds are "wasted and destroyed by strangers and others at unseasonable times of the year, the preservation of which will tend to great benefit of the poor people and others inhabiting this province." It was enacted, therefore, that no person should rake or gather up the oys- ter or shells from May 10 to September I, that non-residents could not gather them up at any time to take away with them, under a penalty of forfeiting their vessels and equip- ments. Appointments were made to execute the provisions of the law, to inspect oyster boats and seize any which might be under suspicion. Jacob Spicer and Aaron Leaming were appointed the commissioners for Cape May, while for Glou- cester (Atlantic) county Richard Summers and James Steel- man were named. The fees of the commissioners were half
MARITIME TENDENCIES AND CATTLE OWNING. 81
«of the forfeitures, while the other half went to the colony. In 1723 Richard M. West, one of the councillors appointed by the Crown for the colony, reporting to the Lords of Trade in England, complained of this act, protesting that it acted against non-residents, claiming that the non-residents had as much right, inasmuch as the beds were not located, as the Jerseymen to take the oysters. The law, however, was not interfered with.
Old newspapers contain these accounts of wrecks on the coast:
"Boston News-Letter," September 17-24, 1724, says: "Boston, Sept. 23 .- We have advice from Cape May, by way of Philadelphia, the 10th instant, that there was a sloop drove ashore as a wreck, her hands having left her at sea, and was got safe in at Lewis Town. She was commanded by Captain Thomas Moussel, from Boston, loaden with rhum and molasses. The sloop is since got off and is at Cape May."
"The New York Gazette," July 30, 1733, said: "Philadel- phia, July 26 .- We hear from Cape May that last week the Bodies of three Men drove ashore there, one of them had good Cloaths on, Gold Buttons in his Shirt sleeves, two Gold Rings on his Finger, a Watch and some pieces of Gold in his Pocket, and Silver Buckles on his Shoes, but was shot thro' the Head, the other two had their Heads cut off. About the same time a small sloop drove on shore about 15 Miles to the Northward of the Cape, but it is not known who she or the Men are. We also hear that a Brigantine sailed up our Bay as far as Bombay Hook, then tacked about and stood to Sea. Some think it was the Brigantine bound from Bristol with a number of Convicts, and that they have mutinied, and Murdered the Master and Men. We expect a more particular Account of this barbarous Murder in a few days."
"The Pennsylvania Gazette," July 28, 1743, says:
"Philadelphia .- We hear from Cape May that a ship bound into Virginia from Aberdeen,-Stuart, Master, came :ashore there last Friday morning just before day. 'Tis un- certain whether she can be got off. or not."
"New York Weekly Post Boy," January 9, 1744: "Phil-
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HISTORY OF CAPE MAY COUNTY.
adelphia, December 29 .- We hear from Cape May that or Friday, the 16th Instant, in the Evening, the Seneca, Capt .. Wasbrough, from Bristol, bound to this Port, was drove. ashore to the Northward of the Cape, bilged and filled with .. Water, but the People were all saved. She had been out 14- Weeks."
The following reports of arrivals and clearances of Cape- May vessels ard vessels bound to and from Cape May are- given from early newspapers:
"The New England Courant," of November 6-13, 1725" says:
"Custom House, Boston .- Cleared Out-Freeman, for Cape May."
"New England Weekly Journal," October 16, 1727, says:
"Custom House, Philadelphia, Octob. 5. Cleared Out, Tarresan for Cape May."
"New England Weekly Journal," April 17, 1727, says:
"Custom House, Philadelphia, April 6. Cleared out Hen- ry Stiles for Cape May."
"Boston Gazette, April 24, mentions same clearance.
"American Weekly Mercury," of October 9 to 16, 1729 .. says:
"Perth Amboy, October the 14th, 1729. Cleared for De- parture. ** Sloop Jane and Mary, Samuel Sears, for Cape May."
"The New England Weekly Journal," November 22, 1731, says :
"Entries at the Port of Philadelphia, Nov. II. Outward Bound. Butler for Cape May."
"The Boston News-Letter," July 1-8, 1731, says:
"Boston, July 7. Outward Bound, John Townsend for Cape May."
"Boston News-Letter," June 8-15, 1732. says:
"Cleared Out Jos. Worth, for Cape May," from "Boston Post," June 14.
"Boston News-Letter," September 7-14, 1732, says:
"Philadelphia, Sept. 7. Intred Inwards, Clymer from Cape May."
"New England Weekly Journal," April 2, 1733, says:
MARITIME TENDENCIES AND CATTLE OWNING. 83
"Custom House, Philadelphia, March 6 to 13. Entred In. White from Cape May."
"New England Weekly Journal," April 16, 1733, says:
"Custom House, Boston, April 14. Entred Inwards, Jo- seph Worth for Cape May."
"Weekly Rehearsal," August II, 1735, says.
"Custom House, Boston, Aug. 9. Entred inwards, Whill- der from Cape May."
"The New England Weekly Journal." August 19. 1735. says:
"Custom House Boston Aug. 18, cleared out, Wildow for Cape May."
"Boston Weekly Post Boy." July 30. 1744:
"Newport, Rhode Island, July 27. Cleared Out, Davis for Perth Amboy, Stephens for Cape May."
Before the eighteenth century began Cape May's early pioneers, who had come from Long Island, New Haven and other places, began to own cattle, which they pastured in almost every part of the county. From 1690 to 1730 a large number of the brands used on the cattle were known as "earemarks," because these red-hot brands were socked into the flesh near some part of the ear, and the marks were used as identifications to show ownership of the stock. Those who owned cattle were probably the well-to-do part of the community. These marks were not confined to cattle alone, but stamped upon horses, sheep, swine and lambs. In "Liber A, of Deeds and Miscellaneous Records," at the county clerk's office can be found a large number recorded. A sample of the records given shows the quaint manner of recording them:
"Joseph Ludlon his Eare Marke and El under the Left Eare. Recorded this 13 Day of March 1696-7. Now the mark of his Son Anthony Ludlam."
"John Townsend's Eare Marke a Smalle forke on ye Right Eare and a half penny under ye Lefte. Recorded ye 20 of February 1694-5. Now the mark of Richard Town- send, Jr."
The following are the years and the names of those who
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HISTORY OF CAPE MAY COUNTY.
had ear marks recorded during the period, whose names are given to show the families then living in the county:
1691-2 .- Henry Stites, Esaroh Stites.
1693 .- James Cressie, George Taylor, Joseph Hondoin, John Taylor, Shamgar Hand, Constant Hughes, Jr., Joseph Houldoin, Jr., Caleb Curwithy, Samuel Johnson, Joseph Whilden, Isaac Whilden, Oliver Johnson, William Seagrave, John Parsons, William Shaw, Jonathan Foreman, William Johnson, Jonathan Richardson, Benjamin Richardson.
1694 .- Robert Cressey, Timothy Brandreth, Samuel Crowell, Barnabas Crowell, Benjamin Land, Isaac Hand, Lubbart Gisborsen, Samuel Richardson, Caesar Hoskins, John Cresse, Jr., John Stillwell, William Simpkins, Thomas Goodwin, Peter Coston, Jonathan Carman, Samuel El- dridge, Thomas Gandy, Jonathan Osborn, Jos. Badcock, Daniel Johnson, Nathaniel Hand, Ezekiel Hand, William Smith, Joshua Carman, Thomas Langley, Jacob Dayton, Capt. Downs.
1694-5 .- Nathaniel Shute, Cornelius Skelinger, John Townsend, Richard Townsend, Jr., William Jacox, Randall Huit.
1696 .- George Booth, Edward Lumus, Joseph Ludlam, Abraham Hand, John Hand, Thomas Leaming, John Jervis, Thomas Hand, Daniel Hand, George Hand, Jeremiah Hand, Edward Foster, Jacob Crowell, Samuel Croell, Jr., Humphrey Hughes, Jr., Thomas Mathews, Lewis Mulford, Elijah Hughes, Jacob Spicer, Joseph Hand, Eliu Swain.
1696-7 .- Randall Huit, Col. Spicer, Joseph Ludlow.
1703 .- Richard Townsend.
1704 .- John Crofford, George Crofford.
1706 .- Ezekiel Eldridge, Robert Pereman, John Buck, Aaron Leaming, Richard Stites, Abigail Stites, Samuel Johnson, "formerly George Booth, who left the county;" Ebenezer Johnson, Abraham Bauer, Richard Swaine, Jona- than Swaine, Thomas Hand, Jr., Cornelius Hand, Jeremiah Hughes, Jeremiah Leaming, John Taylor, Nathaniel Short, Joshua Shaw.
1707 .- John Crandall. Shamgar Hand, Jr., Henry Young, Benjamin Stites, Jonathan Stites, Ebenezer Swaine, Silas Swaine, William Matthews, Constant Hughes.
MARITIME TENDENCIES AND CATTLE OWNING. 85
1708 .- Josiah Crowell, Samuel Crowell, Robert Town- send, Zelopead Hand and son, Nathaniel.
1709 .- Benjamin Hand, John Garlick, John Cresse and his son, Robert; Aaron Leonard, Aaron Lcaming, Jr.
1710 .- Moses Cressy, Richard Fortescue, Henry Stevens, Isaac Shutton, John Goafe.
1711 .- Charles Robinson, Joshua Garlick, Ebenezer Nu- ton, Joseph Whilden, Senr., James Whelden, Peter Hand, Christopher Church.
1712 .- Benjamin Holden, Henry Stephens, Jonathan Foreman, David Cresse, Lewis Cresse.
1713 .- Jeremiah Church, Samuel Eldridge .-
1714 .- Nathaniel Hand, James Brigs.
1715 .- Thomas Bancroft, Benjamin Crofford, Ezekiel Mulford, Samuel Swaine, John Willis.
1716 .- William Robinson, William Mulford, Nathaniel Norton, Daniel Norton.
1717 .- John Hand, William Nickkolls.
1718 .- Thomas Langley, Richard Shaw, John Taylor, Jr.
1720 .- Nathaniel Foster, Nathaniel Rosco, Joshua Crof- ford, Andrew Godfrey.
1721 .- Zebulon Swaine, Charles Barnes, Thomas Leam- ing, John Cresse, Jr., "formerly Caesar Hoskins, who de- serted the county;" John Stillwell, Samuel Richardson, John Hand.
1722 .- Benjamin Johnson, Samuel Bancroft, William Smith and son, Richard; David Hildreth, Josiah Hildreth, Thos. Leaming and his son, Christopher; Cornelius Schil- liux, Jr., Nathaniel Rosco, James Hawthorne.
1723 .- John Smith, Zebulon Swaine, James Swaine, Wm. Mathews.
1724 .- John Tomson.
1725 .- Wm. Doubleday, Ephraim Edwards, John Cran- dell. .
1726 .- Anthony Ludlam, Providence Ludlam, William Nickols, Samuel Foster. Peter Paige, William Eldridge.
1727 .- Cornelius Hand.
1730 .- John Garlock. Thomas Stonebank.
1731 .- Isaac Ludlam, Hezekiah Schull, Samuel Mathews, Jas. Jacocks, "formerly Jon. Swain, he leaving the county;"
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HISTORY OF CAPE MAY COUNTY.
James Edwards, Dan'l Norton, Moses Cresse, Ebenezer Norton, Caleb Norton.
1732 .- Joshua Shaw, John Shaw.
1734 .- Nathan Osborn, Deborah Golden.
Among the commissions made out at Fort George, New York, in 1721, were one of August 3, 1721, to Aaron Leamy- ing to be clerk of peace and of court, and those of Octo- ber 2, to Jacob Spicer, Thomas Leming and Aaron Lem- ing, to administer civil and military oaths, and to Richard Downs to be high sheriff. The next year the commission of the peace was composed of Jacob Spicer, Humphrey Hughs, Joseph Whilding, John Hand, Robert Townsend, William Smith, John Parsons, Christopher Church and Hen- ry Young. On September 11, that year, John Ralfe was made deputy surrogate for the counties of Cape May and Salem. During the same year Cape May county was re- quired to pay colony tax amounting to £76 19s. 8p., and Richard Downs was appointed to collect it.
At various times during the early part of the eighteenth century the Spanish were at variance with England, and Spain was trying to secure some trade from the American colonies, and preyed upon English merchantmen. Early Cape May men saw some of these privateers, and the fol- lowing newspaper reports of those times are here given:
The "Boston News-Letter," of from Monday, January 7, to Monday, January 14, 1712, says in its "Boston Notes:"
"By a certain Person come hither from Cape May in the Province of Jersey, we are inform'd, that on the 16th of No- vember Last about 3 leagues off that Cape he was taken in the Sloop Betty of St. Christophers Walter Scot. Commander, bound from Jamaica to New-York, by a Martinico Privateer Sloop of 8 Guns 130 men, Scot had on board when he was taken 38 Hogsheads of Rum, and 48 Negroes. The Priva- teer sent his Prize to Martinico, with Some of her men, enough to condemn her, the rest he put on shore the next day at Cape May."
The "New England Courant," of Boston, from July 30 to August 6, 1722, says:
"Philadelphia, July 26. On Sunday the 22d arrived a small Sloop, Jonathan Swain Master, from Cape May, by
MARITIME TENDENCIES AND CATTLE OWNING. 87
wsvhom we have Advice, That a Pyrate Brigantine and Sloop have been cruising on and off both our Capes for above Three Weeks. They several Times sailed up the Bay Ten "or Twelve Leagues; and on the 8th Instant brought a large Sloop down with them, which they took up high in the Bay. That Night they anchored in the Bay about a League and Half off the Shore, beat Drums all Night and seemed to be very full of Men. What Vessels they have took we do not yet understand, none of the Prisoners being set on Shore. Our Trade is entirely stopped by them, no Vessel daring to go out and all took that offer to come in. They were both seen on Thursday last cruising about their old Station, not fearing disturbance from the Men of War, who, by dear Ex- perience we know, love Trading better than Fighting. No Vessel has arrived here for a Week; except Hargrave in the Sloop Little Joseph, who sailed from hence about two months ago for the Island of St. Christophers, but was taken by the Pyrates three Times and rifled of most of her Cargo, so that she was obliged to return back."
"The Boston Evening Post," of August II, 1740, says: "New-York, August 4. Captain Janney, off of Cape May, saw a black Sloop (supposed to be a Spanish Privateer, and the same as mentioned in our last) laying to under her Foresail, but on seeing Janncey, she up with her Mainsail and made up to him, but a ship appearing she left Janncey, who saw her come up to the Ship, but missing Stays, the Ship got away, when the Sloop went after her again, but missing Stays a second time, the Ship who was under dou- ble Reeft Sails, let them out and got clear of the Sloop."
"The Boston Gazette or Weekly Journal," of September 29, 1747, says :
"Philadelphia, September 17. Monday morning last ar- rived here an express Boat from Lewis, the Advice that they had been under Arms there for three Days, on account of two Spanish Privateer Sloops being at the Capes, one of ten the other of Eight Guns: That they had taken the Ship Del- aware, Cap. Sake of this Place, outward bound, one (un- known) bound in, and were in Chase of a Third; they had also taken three of our Pilots. But a Pilot Boat has come up
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HISTORY OF CAPE MAY COUNTY.
since from Cape-May, who saw nor heard nothing of them: so that tis thought they are gone off with their Prizes."
"The New York Evening Post," July 20, 1747, says:
"Philadelphia -. Yesterday came up to Town, one of our Pilot Boats with 4 men lately belonging to a Sloop. bound from Virginia to New-York. Constantine Hughes,. Master, which was drove on Shore on Monday last on Cape- May, by a Spanish Privateer Sloop, which Sloop had taken" a few Days before, 2 of our Pilot-Boats, one of which they mann'd with 30 Hands & sent up our Bay, above Bomb -. Bay-Hook, where they landed on Sunday last, and to the Plantation of Mr. Edmond Liston, and took away 4 Negroes, and every thing else that they tho't they wanted to the Value of about 2001. from whence they went to another Planta- tion and took a Negro, but the People shutting the Door upon them they fir'd at them and shot a Woman thro' the Thigh, and in the Evening they went down the Bay again, where meeting with another of our Pilot-Boats, they stripped her of the Sails &c. and on Tuesday Morning she was seen. going out of the Capes to look for the Privateer Sloop, having one of our Pilots on board, and they told the last Pilot they took, that they had taken 13 Vessels on our Coast, four of which they sent home, and sunk and burnt the rest.""
"Boston Gazette or Weekly Journal," of July 21, 1747, says, in speaking of a privateersman's acts:
"Soon after they fell in with a poor Cape-May man, laden with Shingles, which they took, and gave to 25 of the Pris- oners, with scarce any Provisions on board."
The "New York Evening Post," of August 10, 1747, says: "New-York, August 3. Last Saturday arrived here Capt. Hughes from Virginia: who informs: that on the 13th of July being off Cape-May, he was chased by a small French. Privateer Schooner, so near the Land, that he was forced to run her ashore and quit her, the Privateer came along Side of the Sloop, broke open the Hatches, and began to. throw some of her Cargo over board, and by that means got off, next morning Capt. Huges came down and saw her un- der sail, soon after another Vessel hove in sight, they all left the Sloop to go after the other, he seeing this got a small.
MARITIME TENDENCIES AND CATTLE OWNING. 89,
Craft with some men besides his Compliment, went on board' hoisted Sail, and is safe arrived."
The "Boston Weekly Post Boy," of July 4, 1748, says:
"Philadelphia, June 23. On Friday night came to Town, Capt. Wm. Clymer. jun. bound in here from S. Carolina, but was chased in near Cape May by a Sloop on Wednesday last, upon which he quitted his Vessel, and went ashore with his Men in the Boat."
About the same time Don Joseph Hautenoan, a Spanish, privateersman. took four vessels off Cape May.
CHAPTER VII. ANCIENT LOANS AND TAXES.
The accounts of the treasurer of West Jersey from Septem- ber, 1720, to September, 1725, exhibit that Richard Downs, as collector, paid all the moneys from Cape May county during these five years. During the years 1722 and '23, the treasurer received £39 9s. od., of which Humphrey Hughes received £16 15s. od. for his attendance as representative for the county in the Assembly. In 1723 the tax received was £33 OIs. 102d., of which, on March 16, Humphrey Hughes was paid £22 Ios. od. and Jacob Spicer fio for their serviecs as members. In 1724 two equal payments of £21 14s. od. were received, and in 1725 £31 4s. 6d. The latter year the treasurer paid "Mr." (probably Nathaniel) Jenkins and Humphrey Hughes each £23 14s. od. for their services as members of the Assembly.
On July 2, 1723, the first court, of which records were preserved, was held in the Presbyterian meeting house at · Cold Spring.
In 1723 bills of credit were issued by the province of New Jersey to the amount of £40,000. Cape May's share in this loan was £1115, and commissioners for this part of the fund were Humphrey Hughes and the Rev. Nathanael Jenkins, who were given an annual salary of £1I. (In' 1728 their sal- .aries were reduced to £4 Ios.) Cape May was required to furnish for ten years an annual sum of £31 4s. 6d. to go tow- ard a fund to sink the bills. From the manuscripts of Aaron Leaming, Ist, and Aaron Leaming, 2d, the following facts are found: About 1723 the State of New Jersey had her ob- ligations indorsed by Great Britain and a large sum of mon- ey obtained to loan on mortgage security in the different . counties of the State. Under this and subsequent acts three loans were made to Cape May county by the State, viz .: First, £1115; second, 1731, £634; third, 1734, £1248.
91
ANCIENT LOANS AND TAXES.
In 1753 these loans matured and the State ordered them paid. Messrs. Hughes and Jenkins served as commission- ers of the loan office until 1737. In 1733 the Legislature vested the power of selection of the commissioners in the justice of the peace of the county, and Henry Young and Henry Stites were the first appointed by the freeholders and justices to manage this loan, and continued until May 12, 1742, when they resigned, and the same day Aaron Leaming, Ist, and Aaron Leaming, 2d, father and son, were appointed commissioners, and remained so until the death of Aaron Leaming, Ist, in 1746, when Henry Young was chosen in his place, and they remained commissioners until the loan became due in 1753. The books remained in the commis- sioners' hands until August 14, 1765. Jeremiah Leaming, "who was a collector of taxes, assisted the other commis- sioners in the performance of their duties. In 1765 Aaron Leaming, 2d, says: "The loans are all paid except some tri- ffling sums, and the mortgages canceled."
Mr. Leaming further states in his diary:
"June 20, 1765-the Gen'l Assembly of N. J. passed a law for removing the Books out of the hands of the respective commissioners of the Loan Office in the several counties of this province, into the hands of the Clarks of the Peace ·of the counties, and as I hapepned to be one of Loan officers for Cape May (Henry Young, Esq., being the other), I thought proper to take the following extracts from the said "books before they passed out of my hands." These extracts have been woven into the preceding paragraphs of this book.
In the accounts of John Allen, treasurer of the province from 1733 to 1751, in the exhibits of the moneys received from 1733 to 1736 for the support of the government are tthe following entries of receipts from Cape May county:
"Cape May, £97:19:06.
"Interest money recd acct £40,000 loan, Cape May, £7:09:08.
"Interest money recd on acct £20,000, Cape May. £133 :- ¥00:06.
"Interest money rec'd on acct £40,000, Cape May. £53 :- (08:00."
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HISTORY OF CAPE MAY COUNTY.
1739. "To int. money from Cape May £24:16 :- on acct. £20,000, £43:8."
1740. "Int. money Cape May £73:13:6. Cape May, £160:4 :-. "
1743 and 1744. "Int. money from Cape May on £40,000) & £20,000, £146:5:0."
1745, 1746 and 1747. "To int. money recd from Loan Off .. Com, from Cape May, £182:6:6."
1748. "Int. on £20,000 & £40,000, Cape May £39:19:6," and also, the same year, £28:5:6.
1750. "Int. money from Cape May £22:4:0."
1751. "Int. money from £14:8:0."
In 1751 Treasurer Allen paid Aaron Leaming £34:2:0 and! Jacob Spicer £7:4:0 for services, which are not stated.
The county of Cape May was divided into three town -- ships, Upper, Middle and Lower, April 2, 1723, of which the official record says:
"At a court of the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace, holden at the house of Robert Townsend, on the 2d day of April, 1723:
"Justices Present .- Jacob Spicer, (first), Humphrey Hughes, Robert Townsend, John Hand, Henry Young,. William Smith.
The county divided into precincts, excepting the Ce -- dar Swamp; the lower precincts being from John Tay- lor's branch to the middle main branch of Fishing Creek, and so down ye said branch and creek to the mouth thereof.""
"Middle precinct, to be from the aforesaid John Taylor's; branch to Thomas Leaming's, and from thence to a creek: called Dennis Creek, and so down the said creek to the bay- shore, along the bay to Fishing Creek."
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