| CHAPTER THREE
The Harrison Manor-an oil painting by Thomas Williams GLOUCESTER TOWN, THE COUNTY SEAT The land divisions of New Jersey were begun in 1676 when the State was divided into East Jersey and West Jersey, also known as South Jersey, by a line running from Little Egg Harbor Inlet to a point on the Delaware River, in the northwest corner of the state. The exact location of this line was the subject of much discussion in the General Assembly and the Proprietors' Council and was not definitely settled until 1767. The two surveys which had the greatest prominence were those run by George Keith in 1687 and the Lawrence Line fixed in 1743. After New Jersey was divided, West Jersey was divided into ten equal parts called tenths, and each of these was further divided into ten properties of one hundred full portions. Only five of these tenths are mentioned in any of the early legislation. We are interested only in the Third, or Irish, Tenth extending from Pennsauken Creek on the north to Big Timber Creek on the south. Gloucester Town was in this tenth. The Fourth Tenth extended from Timber Creek on the north to Oldman's Creek on the south and to the ocean. The Third and Fourth Tenths together made Gloucester County. In May, 1686, representatives of the Third and Fourth Tenths met at Arwamus (Gloucester) and developed a county constitution, thus establishing Gloucester County with the seat of government at Gloucester. A court house and jail were constructed, completed in 1694, being only 15 x 20 feet in size and occupying the site on the southwest corner of King and Market Streets.This was later sold, and a large building was constructed on the site, which lasted until destroyed by fire in 1786. After the many questions concerning the formation of Gloucester County had been settled and the government firmly established, the next step was the sub-division into townships. In 1694, the General Assembly of West Jersey passed a law directing that the counties of the Western Division should be divided into townships. Acting under this law, the Clerk and Grand Jury of Gloucester divided the county into five townships and nominated a constable in each. The report of the Grand Jury was approved by the court of Gloucester County on June 1, 1695, and spread on the court records. Thus began the townships of Newton, Waterford, Gloucester, Deptford, and Egg Harbor. The status of Gloucester Town as a township is still not definitely settled. It was established under an order of the Burlington County Court in 1685 as a town, but it is not clear as to whether this order carried with it any authority to establish a township government. It is, however, certain such a government was established on December 8, 1773. Union Township was formed in 1831 from a portion of the original Gloucester Township. Gloucester Town had up to this time maintained a separate existence and now became a subdivision of the newly formed Union Township. Gloucester Town remained in Gloucester County for 158 years. During the middle 1800's the people of Camden began appointing committees, putting out propaganda, and working on a project that a new county should be formed because, they claimed, it was necessary to accommodate the fast increasing population of the north and northwest townships of Gloucester County. The State Legislature passed the act creating Camden County in March of 1844.That part of Gloucester County bordering on the Delaware River between Pennsauken Creek on the north and Big Timber Creek on the south and the Atlantic County line on the southeast was organized as Camden County. Atlantic County had been previously established in 1837. Harry F. Green ORGANIZATION OF CAMDEN COUNTY As more and more English and Irish settlers came into the area surrounding Gloucester Town, the need for governmental services grew. Although Burlington, the capital of West Jersey, is only minutes away from Gloucester City today, the Swedes and Quakers resented the long trip to the provincial capital. The local area became so populous that a meeting was held on May 28, 1686, to form a county. The constitution was approximately ten paragraphs and encompassed a number of regulations, some not usually found in a constitution. Included in the constitution were regulations for the marking of hogs and other cattle, the establishment of two precincts in the county, the formation of a regular court, the provision for county officers, and the rules for the practice of law. Some historians insist that the people formed the county without permission of or action by the Provincial Legislature. If true, this would make Gloucester the only county in New Jersey organized by the direction of its people instead of the governing body. However, other historians insist that the Legislature gave tacit approval, at least, to the formation of the new county. Below are the dates given which have caused this controversy: 1. William McMahon-As a result of action taken by the General Assembly on March 15, 1686, the county was legally created on May 28, 1686. The residents had met on May 26, to compile what became the county constitution. 2. Charles Boyer-Gloucester County was formed as the result of a resolution adopted by the General Assembly on May 15, 1686. 3. Hazel Simpson-The county was formed on May 26, 1686. 4. George Prowell-A meeting was held on May 28, 1686, to form a county constitution. The boundaries were set and the area became known as Gloucester County. All needed offices were provided and the action was confirmed by the Provincial Government in 1692 and in 1694. A resolution, in reply to a petition of the early settlers, was adopted by the General Assembly on March 18, 1686, and stated, "Resolved ye there be a Court kept for ye third and fourth Tenths, one time ye same to be held at Newton and ye other time at Red Bank and William Warner is chosen Sheriff of that jurisdiction and John Reading Clark thereof." Perhaps the conflict of dates has been created by the difference between the legal year and the historical year used by the English during the period. (See letter from Edwin Salter.) Although Gloucester County was organized by resolution in 1686, it was not until 1694 that two laws were passed to make the resolution official. The first law created Gloucester County and designated Gloucester Town as the official name of the county seat. The act also combined the Third and Fourth Tenths into one county and set the boundaries. The second law extended the area of the county to include the section known as Egg Harbor (Atlantic County). The boundaries of Old Gloucester County were Pennsauken Creek (River Crapwell) on the north, Oldman's Creek (River Berkley) on the south, the Delaware River on the east, and the Atlantic Ocean on the west. The area then comprised the present counties of Gloucester, Camden, and Atlantic. Arwames, or Gloucester Point, was named as the county seat and remained so for 100 years. On June 12, 1686, the proprietors met in Gloucester and agreed to lay out a town. The town was laid out by surveyor-school teacher Thomas Sharp. Gloucester Town had 12 streets, ten running east and west and two north and south, and a square. This was then divided into 88 lots with numbers beginning at the north end of Water Street. (The Philadelphia Historical Society is in possession of the 1686 Thomas Sharp map.) The town boundaries were surveyed in 1689 and included 2000 acres of
land with 400 acres making up the town itself. Consequently, the land
between Newton and Timber Creeks, including the present West
Collingswood, was within the bounds of Gloucester Town. Because of this,
the first coins minted in West Jersey were made by Mark Newbie in
Gloucester. The coins, called Patrick's half-pence, were placed in
circulation by Newbie, who provided for their insurance. The copper
coins had been minted in Ireland. St. Patrick's likeness was on one side
and a kneeling king on the other. This coin was made official by an act
of the On September 1, 1686, the first court session was held in a private home. The first lawsuit involved Robert Zane, a surveyor and prominent member of the county, and Rebecca Hammon, an indentured servant. Rebecca had completed her required years of indenture, but Zane had refused to pay her what was due at this time. Under the law, Rebecca should have received new shoes and clothing and a number of acres of land. The court decided in Rebecca's favor and awarded her a complete outfit, including shoes, to be valued at 3 pounds, 7 shillings, and 6 pence and 50 acres of land to be hers and her heirs forever. The order was signed by Thomas Sharp and John Hugg. Courts were held alternately at Gloucester Town and Red Bank from 1686 to 1712. Eventually the Red Bank court sessions were discontinued because of the inconvenience of the location. The decision to erect a jail at Gloucester was made on December 2, 1689. Daniel Reading was paid one lot of land, to be conveyed to him and his heirs forever, to construct a goale (jail) or losse-house of 15 or 18 feet square. According to the court, ye said house to serve for a prison till ye County makes a common goale, or until ye said losse-house shall with age be destroyed or made insufficient for that purpose. This primitive prison remained in use until 1685. Private homes and taverns were used to hold court sessions. In 1695 another act of the assembly strengthened the jurisdiction of the County by setting up the division of the county into constablewicks or townships. The original township, listed in the court records of June 1, 1695, were Deptford, Gloucester, Newton, and Waterford. The colonial incorporation of Gloucester as a constablewick took place on that date also even though it had been acting as one since 1685. Andrew Hamilton became governor of East and West Jersey in 1692 and
was in office, with the exception of one year, until the end of the
proprietary period. His fine sense of tact and judgment made him popular
with the people and provided a period of relatively good government and
peace until 1697. *** LEGAL VS. HISTORICAL DATES: EXCERPTS FROM A LETTER (inset page 35) Fourth Auditor's Office, Wm. A. Whitehead, Esq., Dear Sir: Permit me to call your attention to disagreements between authorities as to the dates of many events occurring in our State a couple of centuries or so ago. For instance, the date of the passage of the law creating the four counties of Bergen, Essex, Middlesex and Monmouth, is given by some authorities,as March, 1688.On the other hand Leaming and Spieer ("Grants ad Concessions") in several places expressly say that the session when this law was passed, was held the year previous, that is, March, 1682. And the general reader of the early history of our State if he attempts to solve the difficulty by referring to the minutes of that General Assembly..., will be more perplexed than ever, as the year there is given, 168 2/3 which the uninitiated may imagine leaves him to take his choice of years. "It is further to be noted that the legal year in England began the twenty-fifth of March, but the historical year began the first of January preceding, . . which accounts for the seeming impropriety of dates of some of the foregoing and other ancient records." By this it will be seen that the legal year, 1682, did not expire until March 24th, 1683, and all laws passed in 1683, previous to March 24th, would be dated 1682. This explains some things in the minutes of the Assembly (1682-1703), above referred to, which to the majority of readers must prove quite puzzling. For instance, one daily session is dated March 24th, 168 2/3; as the following day, the 25th, the first day of the legal year is given 1683. When, consequently, in ancient records the year is given with the right hand figure expressed like a fraction, as in the date quoted above (168 2/3); it means that the upper figure is that of the legal year and the lower, that of the historical year. ..... The custom of beginning the legal year on the 25th of March, was was abolished by an English statute which went into effect January 1st, 1752. ..... Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Edwin Salter *** COUNTY TAXES-1709 (inset page 36) For every 100 acres of land taken up and surveyed--one shilling (12
cents) Taxes were to be paid on or before January the first in either the current silver money or corn or any other produce at money price. *** SUMMARY OF THE ARTICLES ESTABLISHING GLOUCESTER TOWN (inset page 37) Article 1. The town was to contain nine streets, extending inland
from the Delaware. The land involved was to be laid out and divided into
ten equal parts; every one was to front the river and contain, in
breadth, 220 yards. Article 12. The town was named Gloucester and the third and fourth
Tenths named County of Gloucester. The articles were signed by William Coxe, Frances Collins, William Royden, Thomas Sharp, Robert Zane, William Bates, Thomas Carleton, William White, Matthew Medcalfe, Thomas Thackara, John Fuller, Widow Welch, Richard Heritage, William Willis, James Atmore, Stephen Newby, Widow Bull, Thomas Coxe, And William Albertson. *** Whenever Hamilton presided over the courts, six magistrates sat with him. He was so well liked that some of the most respectable families were honored to be members of those tribunals. At other times it was difficult to get officers and jurors, especially when Jeremiah Bass presided. Hamilton's deputy in West Jersey was Edward Hunloke, one of the few
non-Quakers to gain prominent office. He presided over the Burlington
Court and occasionally the Gloucester Court. During these years a number
of important and useful laws were passed by the General Assembly.
Gloucester County had 20 The first real public building was ordered to be constructed in June, 1696, when the court decided that the jail being constructed be combined with a courthouse. The combination courthouse-jail was built at the southwest corner of King and Market Streets according to the following specifications: "A prison of twenty foot long and sixteen wide, of a sufficient height and strength, made of loggs, to be erected and builded in Gloucester, with a Court-House over the same, of a convenient height and largeness, covered with cedar shingles, well and workmanlike to be made, and with all convenient expedition finished." Matthew Medcalfe and John Reading were appointed by the court to oversee the construction and to pay for the work from county taxes. Medcalfe also built the first stocks near the court house in January, 1695. For some reason the interior of the courthouse was not completed immediately. In September of 1700, John Reading was awarded the job of completing the interior work. He was to put in the lath, apply the plaster, and fit up the gable ends. From 1695 until the moving of the county seat to Woodbury, Gloucester grew in importance. Not only was it the center of activity for the county, especially during court sessions but also became an important resort area for Philadelphians when the ferry was completed. In 1702 the West Jersey Proprietors conceded their rights to governing the area to the crown of England. However, they retained their right of ownership of the land. The court minutes recorded in June, 1709, were completed with this statement: "Here ends the Proprietary Government of ye Province of West New Jarsie, in America. God save the Queen" Queen Anne ruled New Jersey as a royal province from 1702 to 1714. During that period trouble began with the French which led eventually to the French and Indian War. In 1717 the Union Jack was adopted as the national flag. When the Queen died in 1714, the royal line ended since none of her 17 children had survived. The House of Hanover now assumed the throne and a German prince became King George I. From 1714 until 1776, county minutes ended with "God save the King." *** LOT OWNERS (inset page 38) Samuel Harrison #1 Blocks containing 20 lots were numbered from 44-88 Land outside the town but within the bounds *** COURT CASES (inset page 38) July, 1686-Andrew Wilkie was tried and found guilty of theft. He was
sentenced to four years of servitude. *** The justices of the court, together with the grand jury and the freeholders, had many jobs to perform in addition to hearing civil and criminal cases. They had the tasks of issuing various licenses,determining salaries and allowances for officials, ordering the construction of county buildings, and leveling taxes. (These are covered in separate articles in the chapter.) Apparently crime was on the increase for a stone and brick addition to the jail was ordered on October 5, 1708. To meet the cost of the improvement, the grand jury levied property taxes on land, animals, and Negroes. The specifications were presented in December. The addition was to be connected to the south end of the old one and was to be twelve feet in the clear and two stories high. The width was to be uniform with the foundation of the jail-courthouse and was to have a stack of chimneys. The county boundaries were redefined by the Legislature on January 21, 1709-10. This was supposed to settle the problems of boundary disputes that had been created by the lack of land surveys when Gloucester County was organized. The four counties of West Jersey were Gloucester, Salem, Burlington, and Cape May. As the population grew, both permanent and visitor, the jail-courthouse with the 1708 addition rather quickly became obsolete. In April, 1715, a new structure was ordered to be built. Another site was selected and a jail which was 24 feet long was constructed. The walls were nine feet high and two feet thick. The original building was sold to William Harrison in March, 1719. When the justices and freeholders inspected the completed new county building, they were quite dissatisfied with the workmanship. The officials ordered it torn down to the floor and rebuilt on the same foundation. They also ordered that a large pillory with stocks in the center and a whipping post with handcuffs at each end be constructed near the prison. An elaborate building was the result of the reconstruction. On the
first floor was the prison, and the courthouse occupied the second
floor. The main room, which was nine feet high, was reached by climbing
a flight of stone stairs. On the west side of the building a gallery ran
from end to end. Steps led up to the garret from the gallery. The tables
and bar for legal officers were sufficient to accommodate justices,
clerks, attorneys, and juries. However, the courthouse must not have
been very comfortable when the cold weather set in. According to the
minutes of December 19, 1721, the court passed a proclamation to adjourn
the Court of Common The coldness of the building must have raised the temperatures of court officials. In January, 1722, the board passed a resolution to prosecute Abraham Porter and William Harrison for non-performance of their duties as building commissioners. Thomas Sharp was to conduct the prosecution or face prosecution himself for paying the men the last of three payments before the money was due. It would seem the matter was settled by a compromise. The resolution to prosecute was suspended in 1723 so that Porter and Harrison could complete the work. Neither one had to forfeit the bond of fifty pounds each had posted when the contract was awarded. A yard, a watch-house, a workhouse, and a pump were added to the county building in 1736 by order of the board. Samuel Cole was named manager and made responsible for additions in 1750. Repairs to the county buildings were made in 1782. A fire destroyed the jail and courthouse in March of 1786 and this brought about the movement of the county seat from Gloucester. Since most of the shareholders wanted the county seat to be located elsewhere, the election was held and Woodbury was selected by the people. The courthouse had been the scene for many important or unusual moments in Gloucester history although they seemed insignificant at the time. One unusual case occurred in 1690 and involved the Ladd and Taylor
families in a slander suit. Samuel Taylor finally admitted in court
testimony that he had been telling "falsehoods" about the
older John Ladd and his wife Sarah. In his confession Taylor claimed to
be driven by "unadvised passion" and repented for all evil he
may have done. About fifty years later Ladd's son was slandered by a
neighbor William Ives. The younger Ladd also went to court and Ives
confessed to slander in the Court of Common Plea on October 28, 1744.
There are several possibilities for the Ladd problems, political or
religious feuds that were common at the Benjamin Franklin, a Philadelphia justice of the peace, was summoned to testify as a witness in a civil suit before the Gloucester Court. Franklin appeared on January 5, 1748, before judge James. G. Hinchman. Franklin gave sworn testimony that he had witnessed the signing of a document dated November 28, 1746, which leased to Isaac Cooper three hundred acres of swamp and marsh land near Billingsport. John Alford, a Charles Town, New England, merchant, and his wife had released the land to Cooper on November 29, for six hundred pounds. In 1759 and 1760 the courthouse was used to recruit men to fight against the French. Although the French and Indian War seemed far removed from Gloucester Town, local men from the county served with the New Jersey militia. In 1759 one thousand men, of the fifteen thousand liable for military duty from the state, were lost. Consequently, more men had to be recruited in 1760 and the recruiting office in Gloucester was one of five in West Jersey. The Pennsylvania Journal of March 5, 1761, announced that a lottery would be held to dispose of a forgotten strip of land, known as Lilliput, along the riverfront near Newton Creek. The ad stated that Lilliput had a delightful, pleasant situation and contained about two acres of garden ground which was improved and fenced in with boards. The lottery was held on Petty's Island but the new owner did not have the land very long. Apparently the lottery was held without the knowledge of the real owner David James Dove, a gentleman and popular poet of Gloucester Town and County--according to court records in 1753. *** COURT SESSIONS AT GLOUCESTER Court sessions of Old Gloucester County were quite different from the court sessions of today. The courts served as both judicial and legislative branches of government. Usually the courts followed English tradition and common law. Citizens could petition the courts to pass laws, to construct roads or public buildings, or to protect them from wild animals. Agreement to the petition by the grand jury and judges meant the request would be granted. In cases involving the breaking of existing laws, typical English punishments-whipping, branding, servitude for debt-were administered. When the colonists established the county in 1686, they decided the courts should meet four times a year. The first session was called to order on "ye 1st day of 7 month 1686." Since many of the court's records or extracts from them are in existence, it is relatively easy to find a number of interesting and many ordinary cases which were brought before the courts over the years. Many cases involved civil suits concerning indentured servants. John Ashbrook brought his complaint to the court in 1687. He had been a servant for four years to James Atkinson and now claimed 50 acres of Pennsylvania land and two suits of clothing were due him. The court agreed. Sometimes the owner of the indenture took a case to court. In 1693 John Hugg sued John Burroughs and his wife over an indentured servant girl named Jane Poor. Hugg had paid the girl's passage from Ireland when she was four years old. Jane was now eleven and her mother and stepfather, Mr. and Mrs. Burroughs encouraged her to leave Hugg before her indenture was completed. Hugg was awarded 3 pounds in silver currency. Imprisonment for debt was a common practice until July 4, 1842, when the legislature abolished this form of punishment.One example of this punishment is the case of William Gerrard, who was imprisoned for debt in 1768. Occasionally an orphan was bound by the courts until he reached the age of majority. Such was the case in 1699 when John Burroughs, orphan of John Burroughs was bound to John Hugg, Jr., until he would become 21 years old. Criminal cases absorbed much of the time of the courts and the attention of the people who frequently attended as spectators. The grand jury session of September, 1690, spent two days on a case in which Israel Helme, Jr., Mons Justenson, and William Cobb were charged with hunting hogs. Hance Hopman testified that he had given the men permission to hunt his hogs. However, John Hugg charged that the hogs had his ear marks. The jury acquitted the men. It seems strange that hogs could cause such a problem, but it must be remembered that hogs roamed freely through the streets and fields at that time. The following June, the Gloucester jury indicted John Hugg, Jr., for horse theft. As it turned out, John had found James Atkinson's horse in the woods, had caught it, and had taken a ride. Hugg was acquitted. *** NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS--1700'S Newspaper articles are historical records of the people of an area at a specific time. The lost and found, articles for sale, personal, and legal notices columns tell a story of people, what they value, what they sell, and many other minor but interesting facts. Following are extracts from newspapers of the 1700's. Stray'd or stolen, the 20th of this inst. June, from Joseph Hugg of
Gloucester, a bay horse, with a white Face, with one wall Eye, and three
white Feet. Branded with O on the near Shoulder, and Mark'd with a half
Crop on one ear, and a Slit in the other; he is a Natural Passer, and
goes well. Whoever takes up, and secures the said Horse, so that his
owner may have him again shall have 40 Shilling as a Reward. Paid by me
Joseph Hugg. These are to give Notice that the House and Land in Gloucester, formerly belonging to Richard Bull, Deceased,and by him sold to Nathaniel Tylee deceased, is to be Sold to the highest Bidder, at Gloucester, on the 25 Day of April 1728. by Sarah Bull, to whom the same is conveyed by the said Nathaniel Tylee, by Order of the Court of Chancery of New Jersey, in order to the Sale thereof for the payment of the said Richard Bull's Debts. Sarah Bull. The terms of sale are to be seen in the hands of said Sarah Bull. The American Weekly Mercury, March 28 to April 4, 1728. Upon seeing Advertisement Published in the Mercury, the 4th of this instant April, that a certain House and Land in Gloucester, is to be Sold to the highest Bidder, the 25th Instant. It is conceived proper, further to Advertise, That Isaac Norris of Fairhill, in the Province of Pennsylvania, hath a True and Absolute Conveyance without any Covin made him about Four Years ago by Nathanial Tylee, on a Valuable Consideration, then truly paid for a certain Messuage commonly called the Malthouse, wherein the said Tylee then swelt, together with Twenty Four Lots in the said Town of Gloucester, with other Land adjacent. and all whom it may Concern, are desired to take notice, that the said Norris hath never alinated this Property therein, and hopes it may in due Time appear, that he is not legally divested thoerof. The American Weekly Mercury April 4-11, 1728. Philadelphia, June 1. Yesterday in the Forenoon a Man, pretty well advanced in years and well dress'd, came to the House of Joseph Gregory at Gloucester in West-Jersey, and wanted a Passage to Philadelphia, and seem'd Impatient at the Ferry Boats stay, and asked for some Water to drink, which was brought him, and then he took a walk in the Orchard, leaving his Saddle-Baggs and Hat in the House: About a Hour after he was found hanging by his garters on a Limb of an Apple-Tree astride over the Fence, we have not yet learnt his Name. The New York Gazette, June 12, 1738. We hear from Philadelphia, that on the 10th of March (being Lord's Day) about 3 a'Clock in the Afternoon, six Boys who went from thence in an open Boat Pleasuring; they design'd to cross the River over the Gloucester, and in their way one of them lost his Hat overboard, and they not understanding how to manage the Boat, tack'd about all on a sudden endeavoring to get the Hat, in so doing the Boat over-set, and three of them were drowned, and the other three were sav'd from perishing in the Waves, (thro' the Divine Providence of God) by some Persons who went in Boats from the City to their Assistance. Gloucester, July 10, 1775 a house, situate in the town of Gloucester, now in the tenare of James Dundas, is very convenient for either store or shop-keeper, being well accommodated with good cellars, and has been long occupied in that way, is also very convenient for taking in pork; it would also suit a genteel family, who have an inclination to retire from the noise and bustle of the city; it is accommodated with a very good garden and several other conveniences. Any person inclining to become a tenant, may know the terms by applying to William Hugg. The Pennsylvania Gazette, July 19, 1775. *** Usually the charges were more serious. The September, 1690, court convicted two men of burglary. The criminals were given a choice between being burned to the bone on the hand with the letter T (thief) or serving five years on an island in the West Indies. The men chose transportation and servitude. John P. Ponson of Philadelphia was imprisoned in 1695 after being found guilty of stealing a barrel of shad from George Webb's cellar in Gloucester. Authorities had searched for Ponson in Philadelphia and in Gloucester and Burlington counties. The case was quite costly to Mr. Webb, who spent 10 pounds 5 shillings 4 pence to complete all proceedings.One pound 14 shillings of the total was spent to feed the prisoner for seventeen days.That was a very expensive barrel of shad. A public execution was held in early June, 1730. At that time a man was hanged for assaulting an eight year old girl and then attempting to cut her throat with a dull knife. The man confessed to his crime and told the details to the court. The trial attracted much attention and was reported in the New York Gazette and the New England Weekly Journal. Public executions and punishments, such as the use of stocks and the whipping post, were abolished by the New Jersey Legislature in 1838. In 1770 several men were tried for being involved in a shooting
brawl. The Court House was packed with spectators during the trial
before the grand jury, John Munyon, Andrew Hendrickson, Zebulon Lock,
Andrew Culling, and William Bright were all found guilty. The court
ordered a fine of 10 shillings each after they were found guilty. From time to time cases involving "contempt of authority" came before the court. Ann Powell, of Philadelphia and Joseph Eastlake, of Gloucester County, were indicted for not giving public notice of their marriage before the wedding in September, 1698, at the home of John Ashbrook. Edward Burroughs and Samuel Gibson were indicted, found guilty, and fined 10 shillings each when they were found guilty of detaining a "hue and cry" for several days. They had not forwarded the message and a felon had apparently escaped. An iron pot belonging to Thomas Sharp was.seized and sold because he had not appeared to do jury duty. In 1706 the Gloucester Court fined William Leak of Egg Harbor for contempt of authority. The fine was I pound 10 shillings 6 pence. Acting as a coroner's jury in May, 1688, the Gloucester Court declared that the drowning death of Esther Thackerey was accidental. Testimony proved that she had upset her canoe while pulling in a large sturgeon from the Delaware River. Frequently the court sessions were involved with the passage of bounty laws. A bounty on wolves was provided by the grand jury in 1687. Two years later the jury provided a bounty for wolves heads to be paid to Indians and others. If the court was not in session and someone paid the bounty, that person would be reimbursed by the court. Panthers became the object of a bounty law in 1692. At that time a bounty of 12 guilders was to be offered and would be paid when the head was presented as evidence. According to the Minutes of the Court in 1686, Francis Collins was hired by the grand jury to build a bridge over the upper branch of the Gloucester River (Little Timber Creek). The county was also to pay the cost of marking the way to and from the bridge through the Indian fields. In 1756 the bridge was to be rebuilt by William Gerrard for 24 pounds 16 shillings to be raised by taxes. This was the method by which roads and bridges in the old county were built-pass the law to meet the needs of the citizens and then levy the taxes to pay the cost. *** FAIR GLOUCESTER (inset page 44) Writing in 1698, Gabriel Thomas said, "There is Gloucester Town, which is a very fine and pleasant place, being well-stored with summer fruits, such as cherries, mulberries and strawberries; whither young come from Philadelphia, in the wherryboats, to eat strawberries and cream, within the sight of which city it is sweetly located, being about three miles distant from thence." Writing in 1708, Oldmixon said, "Gloucester is a good town and gave name to a county. It contains one hundred houses, and the country about it is very pleasant." *** Business licenses were issued by the court. Licenses for "houses of entertainment" were first issued in 1692. During that year three establishments were licensed in the county, all of them in Gloucester Town. George Webb and Matthew Medcalfe are named in a resolution of the court which awarded two of these licenses. Another early inn keeper was Mary Spey. The first ferry license was issued to William Royden in 1688. John Reading obtained a license to operate one ferry over the Gloucester River and one between Gloucester and Wicaco (South Philadelphia) in 1695. On specific occasions the courts offered rewards for escaped prisoners. Sheriff Thomas Denny advertised on January 30, 1775, a 10 pound reward for four escaped men. William Collins, convicted of felony; John Mickle, a Dutchman also convicted of felony; Hugh Jones Welsh, a Welshman; and John Randel, an English servant man, had broken out of the Gloucester jail. The reward listed in the newspaper for Collins and Mickle was 3 pounds each, and the amount for Welsh and Randel was 40 shillings. Wills had to be registered with the courts to handle the inventory of the estate, payment of debts, appointments of executors or guardians, and sale of property when necessary. Any sales of land or transfers of deeds also had to be registered in county court records. The courts of Old Gloucester County were involved in almost every phase of a colonist's life, whether freeholder, indentured servant, slave,criminal, male, or female. Handling both judiciary and legislative matters made each court official a very special and highly respected member of the community. Court sessions were lively and were attended by most of the people of the county. During each of the four sessions, Gloucester Town became THE center of activity. *** COUNTY FIRSTS (inset page 44) May 28, 1686-First Constitution for Gloucester County (Additional information available in History of Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland Counties, New Jersey.) *** CENTER OF COLONIAL LIFE Life during the very earliest years of settlement was very difficult and very simple. People worked long hours to obtain the barest of necessities. It took many years of sacrifice to progress to reach the point of being able to afford even small luxuries, such as china plates or forks. Each nationality that came to settle in the area of Old Gloucester County contributed to the architecture, dress, social customs, religion, education, and other factors which made up everyday life in the colonial era. Over the years these contributions were assimilated and became part of the culture of all people so that it has become difficult to tell who did what first. It is necessary to study the lives of the ethnic groups in the country of their origin and the larger settlements established by the various groups. Houses were very crude in the early years and were frequently nothing more than survival shelters. Since the settlers had to clear land and plant crops as quickly as possible, they had only enough time to put up a temporary lean-to or sod hut. The Swedes brought the log cabin to West Jersey. They would notch the ends of the logs to get a tight fit and pack the spaces with mud or sod. The doors were so low that people had to stoop to get in the house. Because glass was almost nonexistent, oiled paper was used to keep out the cold but to allow in some light through the small windows. The next step in the development of housing was the one story house of timber planks stood vertically. The planks were unpainted, sawed or roughhewed boards. The cabins had only dirt floors, but sometimes an artistic settler would make designs in the dirt. Dutch houses were easily distinguished by the area under the wide eaves. A platform was built under the eaves and eventually this developed into a porch. This area was used to store various pieces of farm equipment. Benches were built along the walls of the house and the family and friends used them to sit outside in nice weather. In addition to improving the construction of the house, the settler had to clear more land, pry out the stumps, and plant more crops. Barns were raised with the help of neighbors. *** FAVORITE COLONIAL RECIPES (inset page 45) Sweet Potato Buns: Boil and mash a potato, rub into it as much flour as will make it like bread. Add spice and sugar to your taste, with a spoonful of yeast. When it has risen well, work in a piece of butter. Bake it in small rolls to be eaten hot with butter either for breakfast or tea. Journey Cake (Johnny or Hoe Cake): Scald one pint of milk and put in three pints of Indian meal and half pint of flour. Bake before the fire. OR scald with mil 2/3's of the Indian meal or wet 2/3's with boiling water. Add salt, molasses, and shortening. Work up with cold water pretty stiff and bake as above. Pepper Pot Soup: Place tripe, a veal shank, three quarts of water, and salt in a large, heavy pot. Bring to boil, then simmer and scum it. Boil it softly two hours. Remove the meat from the broth and cut it from the bones and into chunks. Add onions, carrots, celery, green pepper, and parsley with meat and Irish potatoes to the broth. Tie up cloves and peppercorns in a square of cloth and add it to the broth. Cover and bring to boil, then simmer as necessary for all to be tender. Serve up to a good family of 12 if they eat not excessively. Beef-Steak Pie: Beat rump steak with a rolling pin. Season with pepper and salt according to taste. Make a good crust, lay in the steaks filling the dish. You may pour in much water as will half fill the dish. You may put in the hard-boiled yolks of six or eight eggs, if you choose it. Put on top crust and bake it well. *** NEWSPAPER EXTRACTS (inset page 46) By way of public vendue, at the house of William Hugg, at Gloucester,
on Wednesday, the 19th Day of December next the sale to begin at 10
o'clock: A great variety of household and kitchen furniture, viz. A
great number of feather beds and bedding of the best quality; one
repeating and one alarm clock; a considerable quantity of walnut
furniture, of several kinds; a great quantity of pewter; horses, cattle,
hogs, hay, Indian corn, a large, strong iron-bound waggon, husbandry One Hundred Dollars Reward *** Prosperity and the arrival of more settlers brought more changes in house construction. Brick from local clays began to replace the wooden planks. Houses still being constructed of planks were being built with finished boards. Houses were roofed with thatch, shingles, slate, tile, or lead, The lead roofs disappeared during the Revolutionary War and became bullets.The type of roof was one indication of the wealth of the owner. Houses of one and a half story now made their appearance.The roof was extended over a lean-to kitchen in back, an imitation of Dutch houses.The half-story had bedrooms and a large attic above. As houses grew in size, the number of rooms increased. Again the national origin of the settler could be seen in the rooms and how they were used. The Dutch preferred a huge kitchen which doubled as a sitting room. The parlor was reserved for weddings and funerals. The English parlor frequently had a bed in it so that it could double as. a guestroom. Dutch bedrooms were built with alcoves or closets where the bed was placed. In this way the bed was hidden during the day. The garret in these larger houses were used to hang clothes to dry in winter and as a storeroom for hams, bacon, and other meat after curing. Cellars were dug and used as storerooms for potatoes, turnips, parsnips, beets, apples, butter, salt pork, and other foods. Household furnishings might be considered crude because most of it had to be made by the settlers themselves. However, the people were apparently comfortable and warm. The large open fireplace was found in every house. Wood was cheap, easy to obtain, and left wood ashes needed to make soap. Pewter dishes,wood platters, tin vessels, perhaps some earthenware, spoons,a few knives but no forks were the common utensils. Nearly everyone had soft feather beds which were heated with bed warming pans in the winter because bedrooms were unheated. Children usually slept in a low trundle bed pulled out each night from under the four-poster bed of an adult or older child. Tables and chairs were simple in design.The tables usually were only planks nailed to wooden carpenter's horses. Most homes were supplied with benches to be used at the table, but these were soon replaced with individual chairs. The master's (father's) chair was the only one which had arms. All the other chairs were simple straight-backs. Many homes had stools which were used as foot rests when floors were cold. A family's wealth was sometimes indicated by the style of the stool. More affluent homes contained stools which were padded and covered with expensive upholstery. The houses were usually scrupulously clean on the inside. Housewives soon discovered the best way to clean the plank floors was to use wet sand. As the wet sand was swept, it gathered up slew and dust and prevented the dust from rising. This method would clean the boards and save the bedding, pictures, and all the furniture from dust and dirt. Walls were decorated with cross stitch samplers made during the long winters. After 1720, there was a change to Georgian architecture. A newcomer to the area could immediately locate the most prosperous households.The well-to-do families lived in large houses of brick with imposing, wide halls and many rooms. The bricks were placed in a special way, with long and short edges alternated, so that the differing shades of the bricks made a striking effect. The outside of the house displayed white shutters and doorways which were ornamented with pediments. Another sign of the financial standing of the owner was more and larger windows with real glass. These houses were frequently called manors. The prosperity of a Dutch farmer could be recognized by the size and number of out buildings. The springhouse, used as a dairy in the summer, had plastered stone walls and ceiling. The floor was covered with flagstone except where the stream flowed through. In addition, the Dutch would have a cider house, several workshops, and a tan vat room where they would tan their own leather. They were very thrifty and frugal people. The settlement of Gloucester Town also showed signs of increasing numbers of people and economic growth. Farmers who had developed skills while making their own furniture and tools began to establish small shops in one corner of the common room of the house. As he obtained more customers and as his skills improved, the craftsman built a small shop onto the house. Soon small shops where the settlers could buy shoes, brooms, barrels, farm tools, and leather goods were scattered all over the county. Some farmers sold their farms to concentrate on their craft business. Eventually Gloucester became not just the county seat but the shopping center of the county. New houses and shops were built by the craftsmen and by 1708 the population within the bounds of Gloucester Town had grown to 400. Peddlers, traders, and other travelers needed accommodations and more inns developed. *** RECIPES CONTINUED (inset page 47) Pike, Carp, or Large Trout: Baked Indian Pudding: Pumpkin Pudding: *** REDRAFT (map of lots page 48) *** Women also played an important role in the development of a town. Housewives were expected to have chaste thoughts and stout courage; to be patient, watchful, diligent, witty, pleasant; to be a good friend who was wise in discussion but did not speak very often. She was also to be good at all skills needed to care for a home and family. Each day started with a large breakfast made at dawn by the housewife. The day was filled with cleaning, cooking, and many other chores to be completed by the colonial woman. Since there was almost no economic opportunity for a woman during this period, marriage was the only choice a woman had which was completely acceptable to the community. Clothing was made by the women from sheep's wool or linen made from flax grown in their own fields. The color was gotten by using dyes made from bark or berry juices. A commonly used textile was "linsey-woolsey." It was made by weaving a linen warp (lengthwise threads) with a woolen woof (crosswise threads). The cloth produced had the strength of linen and the warmth of wool. Spinning and weaving were done when all other tasks were completed. Sometimes widows or homeless women traveled around doing this work for people who could afford it. However, the pay occasionally was only lodging and board-no money. Making soap was an all day chore that had to be done on a clear, warm day. Barrels filled with wood ashes from the fireplace were set outside and buckets of water were poured over them. This process was called leaching. The liquid drained from the barrels was lye. Into the big black soap kettle placed over a blazing fire went the lye from six bushels of wood ashes and twenty-four pounds of fat. From this the housewife would get one barrel of soft soap. To make hard soap, brine (a salt solution) had to be added to the fat and lye. The soap would rise to the top, was allowed to cool, and then was taken out. The soap was then cut into squares and stored. Soap-making meant a day of standing over this very hot kettle and stirring the mixture, but it was just one task faced by the colonial housewife. A more pleasant job, although somewhat tedious, was quilt making. The men got together to raise a barn; the women joined forces to make a quilt. Common patterns were "Log Cabin," "Job's Trouble," "Rising Sun," and "Sugar Bowl." Neighbors frequently exchanged patterns. The quilt was worked from the outside toward the center as the women talked, sang, and enjoyed each other's company. The people of Gloucester Town enjoyed a variety of foods. Meat was usually plentiful. The woods nearby had sufficient small game and the colonists raised cattle, hogs, goats, sheep, chickens, and ducks or geese. As a matter of fact, so many hogs ran freely through the streets that the Dutch door became popular among all people. The lower section could be closed to keep out the hogs and the top could be opened to let in fresh air. Every household had a garden to grow vegetables and fruits. Cider and beer were common beverages along with tea. During the 1700's coffee began to grow in popularity. The Dutch women were considered the best cooks. They were famous for their delicious preserves and pies, and they introduced kool slaa--cole slaw. The Dutch women also dried the hops and brewed the ale in addition to gathering herbs for medicines. They also made their own perfume from the flowers they grew. Dutch breakfasts and midday meals were very large. However, supper was the same every night-a porridge of cornmeal. *** RECIPES CONTINUED (inset page 49) Great Cake: Icing for Great Cake: Flummery (An elegant dessert): Fish House Punch: *** Strange as it may seem, there was a system of class distinction in
Old Gloucester County. Freemen fell into three classes. Provincial
officials, ministers, and wealthy businessmen formed the upper class.
They were known as "gentlemen" and were honored with the
titles of "Mister" and "Esquire." The middle class
was composed of most of the white population who were artisans,
tradesmen,and small landholders. They were called "Yeomen."
The smallest group in number was the lower class, Dress also indicated social rank. Servants, laborers, and hunters wore leather breeches. Silk stockings and breeches were the symbols of wealth. Wigs became very popular in the 1700's but were not a sign of social status since even small children and slaves wore them. Voting qualifications were also tied in with wealth. In order to vote, a person had to own 100 acres in real estate plus personal property equal in value to 50 pounds, according to the law enacted by the Assembly. Social life was somewhat limited in the colonial period. Both the Dutch and the English organized social clubs and enjoyed picnics, dancing, sleighing, and fishing parties. The Dutch used New Year's Day and May Day to visit friends and to hold family reunions. They were the biggest holidays to the Dutch. The English favored fox hunting, cock-fighting, and card playing. Mixed dancing was frowned on by the the early Quakers but they could not stop the young people from joining the dancing when the various ethnic groups met and mingled. The most popular dances were jigs and square dances.Gambling was very popular among the men of all backgrounds and the lottery was used to raise money to construct bridges and roads, to build churches, and to fund colleges. *** A Gloucester Town gentleman wore a suit bound with braid or lace and
fine leather shoes. *** Courtship took place under the supervision of parents. A young man had to have the consent of the girl's father before speaking to the young lady. Marriage was negotiated by the parents of the young couple. Being alone was quite difficult to achieve but the couple could go on long rides or take long walks to do their "sparking." Economic conditions and social customs made it undesirable to be unmarried so most people married at an early age. Widows and widowers remarried after short periods of mourning. One story is told of a widow who used the left-overs from the funeral meal to feed the guests at her second marriage. Public opinion made unmarried ladies uncomfortable by calling them "antique maids" and other names of that sort if they reached the age of twenty and were not yet wed. Bachelors found life just as difficult because they were looked upon with suspicion. In all reality, no one could live alone and be completely accepted by the townspeople. People met at religious services, at court, at the fair, and at "neighborhood frolics." The Jersey term for a work party in colonial times was "raising frolic." Everybody in the area or neighborhood helped build new houses or barns; no man was excused except for illness or an equally valid excuse. While the men worked, the women cooked the meals as needed. Huge quantities of meat, potatoes, vegetables, bread, fruit pies, dumplings, and pot pies were consumed. In the evening the older folks talked, young people danced or "sparked," and children played games. This combination of work and fun was a social event that would also be held for husking corn, mowing hay, harvesting wheat, pulling flax, hauling stone, clearing stumps, or hunting animals that were destroying crops. Court sessions had social as well as business and legal importance.
People came many miles to attend court and filled inns, taverns, and
homes of friends and relatives. Only the fair seemed to draw more people
than the court sessions. An act of the Assembly said it was legal for
people to buy and sell all manner of lawful good and to be free from
arrest on the fair days and for two days before and after fair days.
Goods from England and the West Indies included Perry wigs, Pewter The legal and medical professions were certainly not true professions
during the colonial period. Since there were no law or medical schools,
young men served apprenticeships to older men. Most lawyers were
incompetent and consequently people handled their own cases in court.
Legal matters involving Quakers were The dental profession was nonexistent during colonial years. Anyone who needed a tooth pulled made a visit to the local apothecary or barber. With luck the patient might find a doctor who would eliminate the tooth ache. Although there were no tooth brushes in 1718, there were tooth washes and tooth powders. Using a cloth, the colonist would rub the cleaner over the teeth once daily or twice weekly according to the type of cleaner. Spectacles and ear trumpets were in use during this early period. The majority of Gloucester Town residents were of the middle class.
As a center of colonial life in West Jersey, skilled craftsmen of all
types found the town a good place to locate a business. Tanners could
obtain the hides needed to make leather from the local farmers. The
leather could then be sold to the cobbler. Farmers, in One problem facing the colonists was the lack of money in circulation. The Commissioners of West Jersey met in Burlington on May 3, 1681, to fix the rates of English coins. One English shilling was to equal 18 Pence. They also declared that no one had to take over 6 Pounds of copper coins, in one payment. In 1693 the commissioners found it necessary to rate foreign coins. The silver dollar became the coin of the colonies about 1700. Although the rate was set at 4 shillings 6 Pence, the real value of the dollar was 6 shillings. Most people, however, paid for services in kind (goods or work). *** HOME REMEDIES (Inset page 52) For a Cough: Take three pints of' water, about one-half ounce of
licorice, one ounce of raisins, two figs sliced, and a little barley.
Boil till it comes to quart, then strain it off. *** BEAUTY AIDS (Inset page 52) Lip Salve (lipstick): Take half a pound of hog's lard, cut it into a
pan with one ounce and a half of virgin wax. Let it stand on a slow fire
till it is melted. Take a small tin-pot and fill it with water. Put
therein some alkanet-root, let it boil till it is of a fine red colour.
Strain some of it and mix it with essence of lemon. Pour it into small Cold Cream: Melt one ounce oil of almonds, half ounces spermaceti, one drechm white wax. Then add two ounces of rose water and stir it constantly until cold. Hair Brightener: Beat four egg whites to a froth. Rub them thoroughly into the scalp and leave them to dry. Wash them out and rinse with equal parts rum and rose water. This is one of the best cleansers and brighteners of the hair that was ever used. *** The young people of the town apparently created a second problem for
the residents. Numerous complaints were registered with the Assernbly
concerning the young people who were running around at night, drinking
excessively, and gambling. Consequently, a Curfew Law was adopted by the
lawmakers. Any person found away from his home who was engaged in
nightwalking, drinking in taverns after nine o'clock, and not about his
lawful business could be locked up by the constable until morning when
he would appear before the Just of the Peace. Later, a law was enacted
to provide for' a night watch. The man appointed to this position made
rounds Children were raised in a very strict manner. There were many rules
concerning behavior that children were required to learn and to follow.
In church they were not run to the pew, not to change seats or run out
of the church, to keep their eyes on the minister, and to walk decently
and soberly home. While attending school, the children were to stand
steady and upright and not wiggle, to blow the nose into a handkerchief
and not to go "singing, whistling, or hallowing along the street.
" At Come not to the table without having thy hands and face washed, thy
head combed. Children's toys were those that could be made at home. Dolls could be
made from any material available. Favorite materials were corn husks and
rags, leather, wood, and dried apples. Animals could be carved from wood
and animal bones. In addition, many toys were made from forest products:
nuts, twigs, acorns, milkweed pods. Even chicken and turkey feet became
playthings for colonial children. *** GLOUCESTER'S HISTORIC HOUSES (Inset page 53) [Four photographs of houses] Clockwise from upper right: The Powell House, located on the north
side of Market Street at 4th, shows the typical combination
English-Dutch style. The Rainsplitter, an example of the one and
one-half story house, was built in 1753 at 5th and Market Streets. It
was demolished in 1903. On the northeast corner of Brown and Mercer
Streets stood one of Gloucester's most historic homes, the Harrison
Manor built in 1756. Two views of the house taken years apart *** EXAMPLE OF WILLS RECORDED IN OLD GLOUCESTER COUNTY 1731, June 11 Hugg William (above 14 years of age) eldest son and heir at law of Joseph Hugg, late of Gloucester, inn holder, with consent of his mother, Ann Wolden, made choice of Christopher Taylor, inn holder, and Samual Harrison, Esq., as his guardians. 1737, September 5 Medcalfe, Hanna, of Gloucester Town and County; will of. Children--Matthew, Rachel, William and Susanna. 50, etc.to Abraham Alberson for services. Executors--brother, William Hutson (Hudson), Joseph Cooper, Witnesses--Tobias Holloway, Job Ingraham, Mary Hollinghum. Affirmed 2 November 1797. October 3 Inventory (188: pounds 1 shilling 2 pence) includes 38 ounces of silver (15 pounds 4 shilling), a piece of gold and gold buttons (3 pounds 11 shilling 6 pence). Appraisers-James Hinehman,Tobias Holloway. 1739, December 17 Alberson, Abraham, of Gloucester, Gloucester County; will of. Sons--Abraham, Ephraim, and Joseph Alberson, to have equally "all of my plantation whereon I live." Daughter--Rebecca Beverly. Executors to have the rest of estate, real and personal for bringing up of three sons, Aaron, Levi and Jonathan Alberson until they will be 14, and then to put them out to some trade. After they attain 21 years, executors to pay them 10 pounds apiece. To son-in-law (step-son) Richard Chew 10 pounds, when he will be 21. Executors--sons Abraham and Joseph Alberson. Witnesses-Joseph Law, William Hampton, John Kaighn. Proved 18 February 1744. 1739, December 6 (filed 1744). Inventory of the personal estate of Abraham Alberson senior (193 pounds 4 shilling 6 pence), includes Negro Tom (5 pounds), 30 lbs. of wool and 12 lbs of worsted, beef, pork and lard. Appraisers--John Mickle, Joseph Law. 1741, September 7 Mickle, John of Gloucester County, Yeoman, will of. Wife Mary. Sons--William, to have 411 acres on the last side of Oldman's Creek in Gloucester Co., With 37 acres of meadow and swamp on a branch of said Creek called Allsprout," John, at age 21, the plantation where I live, within the town bounds of Gloucester, also 47 acres of Cedar swamp "I took up in conjunction with William Alberson," Samuel, the residue of my lands, taken or untaken, by virtue of my Propietary Rights, the same to be shared with my daughter, Hannah Ladd. My cousin, Joseph Cooper, of Gloucester Co., to have charge of the estate and education of my son John during his minority. Grandchildren--Job Mickle, to have 126 acres in Penn's Neck, Salem County, adjoining Hugh's land; Hannah Mickle, 10 pounds. Executor--sons William, Samual and John, and son-in-law John Ladd. Witnesses-Joseph Thacakray, Joseph Heritage, Job Seddon. 1744 December 8 Inventory (623 pounds, 8 shilling 11 pence) includes Bible, 2 pounds 17 shillings; Negroes-Jim, 20 pounds; Tom 40 pounds; Nell, 40 pounds; Jack, boy, 25 pounds; Tom, boy, 18 pounds; Lindes, girl 13 pounds; Moll, girl, 10 pounds, and Roger, boy, 6 pounds; wherry 5 pounds; cattle 82 pounds. Appraisers--William Harrison, Jacob Alberson. 1756, March 23. Talman, James, late of Gloucester, N.J., now of Philadelphia, gentleman; will of. Wife, Kexlah. Sons--Hinchman and James, both under age. Farm of 400 acres on Oldman's Creek. Greenwich, Gloucester Co.; other real and personal estate. Executors--Susannah Badger, Asher Mott, John Reilly. Codicill of August 23, 1758, makes slight changes, Witnesses--Stephen Ayars, Halbidge Ayers, Joseph Harrison. Proved September 16, 1758. 1758, September 4 Inventory (1928. 19 pounds) includes a large Bible and two other books, 13 pounds; four Negroes, 160 pounds; bills, bonds, book debts and notes, 1394 pounds 6 shillings 6 pence. Appraisers--Joseph Harrison and Richard Sparks. 1775, August 30. Hugg, William, of Gloucester, Gloucester County, yeoman; will of. Daughter, Sarah Ellis, my house, late in the tenure of James Dundas, and to her heirs, but it she have none, then to my son, Williams, and to his heirs, and if he have none, then to my sons, Joseph and Samual. Son, Joseph, one of my plantations, for several years in his tenure. Son, Samual, the other plantation, which has been in his tenure for several years; also 4 lots of meadows on the west side of the King's road; also 12 acres of Woodland which I brought of Joseph Hugg, deceased. Son, William, my ferry house, wharves and stores with all other lands; also the house called the Meadow House. Daughter, Sarah Ellis, 300 pounds. Sons--Joseph, Samual and William rest of my personal and real estate. Executors--sons, Joseph, Samual and Williams. Witnesses--Samuel Kaighn, Barzillai Hugg, Samuel Spicer. Proved December 16, 1775. *** The sadness of death was also known to the early residents of Gloucester Town and was another reason for people to gather. Invitations to the funeral would be carried by riders to all relatives and friends. Services usually took two or three hours and were followed by a large meal with the customary drinking. Mourning clothes were necessary for all members of the family. Widows wore heavy black veils. A common practice was to carry a mourning fan if the person who died was prominent or a close relative. Frequently mourning jewelry was made from the hair of the departed. *** OBITUARY OF JOHN HUGG, ESQ. (Inset page 55) "In this year (1780) died John Hugg, Esq., of Gloucester County. He was about ten years one of the council. Riding from home in the morning, he was supposed to be taken ill about a mile from his house; when getting off his horse he spread his cloak on the ground to lie down on-and having put his gloves under the saddle and hung his whip through one of the rings, he turned the horse loose, which going home put the people upon searching, who found him in his circumstance speechless; they carried him to his house and he died that evening." John Hugg, who married Priscilla Collins, had a sizable estate and considerable respect among the people of Old Gloucester County. He was important enough to have his death noted in Smith's History of New Jersey as quoted above. *** Before the Revolution. the wedding feast was the occasion for
merrymaking. Quakers had to post banns thirty days before the wedding.
The wedding usually was held in the home of the bride's parents at noon.
Guests then were treated to a hot meal and meat; cake and punch were
distributed to everyone living in the area. Early in the evening the
newlyweds were escorted to their new home. There the guests would eat
supper, dance, and play games. About nine o'clock, the girls would take
the bride upstairs. Then the young men would take the groom upstairs.
About an hour later the remainder of the guests took refreshments up to
the bridal The population of Old Gloucester County included a number of indentured servants and slaves despite the fact that Quakers were not supposed to own other human beings. According to the existing records most indentured servants were Irish, but they were not highly regarded. The inhabitants claimed that the Irish were always drinking and fighting. Slaves were mainly Africans but there are accounts of German, Scot, Irish, and Scot-Irish slaves in West Jersey. When slave auctions were held, the highest bids were made for Scots and the lowest bids were for Irish Catholics. Indentured servants were from many countries and even included some free Africans who became indentured in order to get land. In the 1700's many blacks converted and were admitted to the
churches. After their conversion, slaves were usually given their
freedom. In 1737 when the total The census of 1790 also provided other interesting information. Among
settlers were Swedes, Finns, Dutch, Germans, English, Irish, Scots,Welsh,
Africans, and a few Lenni Lenape. The people also gave their religion to
the census taker. Religious groups found in the county were Walloon,
Hugenot, Lutheran, Jewish, Catholic, Quaker, Moravian, Methodist, and
Dutch Reform. In 1765 there were seven Quaker meeting houses, five
Presbyterian churches, four Episcopalian churches, one Swedish Lutheran
church, one Baptist church, and one Moravian church. Richard Boardman
and Joseph Pilmoor, the first Methodist missionaries to America, During the colonial period schools did not exist in the town. The
first schools were private and were established as part of the religious
instruction of children. Quakers did not give much attention to higher
education because they did not believe that a knowledge of the classics
was necessary to live according to Quaker One of the great schoolmasters of the colonial period was David Dove, owner of a piece of land called Lilliput. Dove, who was described as crotchety and forceful, taught in the Philadelphia area from 1751 until his death in 1769. School master Dove trained many teachers who maintained his high academic standards, thereby making a lasting contribution to education in the area. *** PIRATE TREASURE IN GLOUCESTER??? (inset page 57) Is it possible that pirate treasure was buried in the vicinity of old Gloucester Town about the turn of the century--1700, that is? Spanish coins found on a farm in Highland Park and in Newton Creek would indicate the possibility of' this being true. According to legend, Captain William Kidd buried his gold and silver booty somewhere along the Atlantic Coast. There are those who believe he put into either Newton or Timber Creeks and buried the money while hiding from his pursuers. The discovery of Spanish coins on Foster's farm, which was located near the old Highland Park Railroad Station, helped to convince people. Boys, swimming in Newton Creek at the bend in Highland Park, would bring up coins from the creek bottom. One more reason to believe the story of pirate treasure was added. Tracing Captain Kidd's Movements from 1690 until his death also lend credence to the legend. Kidd, who had been commissioned by the king to end piracy in the Indian Ocean and to attack French ships, became bored when he could not find any French or pirate ships and turned to piracy himself. It is difficult, nearly impossible, to determine exactly how much booty was taken, but one ship alone contained $150,000. When Kidd learned that he was wanted for piracy, he supposedly sailed to the American coast, picked a secluded spot, buried the loot and then turned himself in to the authorities. A search of the ship found only $70,000. Captain Kidd pleaded his innocence to charges of piracy. He claimed the ships attacked had been flying the French flag. However, Kidd was found guilty and hanged in 1701. The site of the buried treasure was never revealed. Anyone interested in going on a treasure hunt? *** Gloucester Town was noted for its gathering spots or taverns. To obtain a tavern license, the applicant had to get recommendations from ten respectable freeholders and to prove he had a reputation for honesty and temperance. Each tavern had to have at least two spare beds and a stable room for horses. The law prohibited gambling in taverns. The first tavern licenses in Gloucester Town were issued in 1692 to Mary Spey, George Webb, and Matthew Medcalfe. The most famous tavern was Hugg's Tavern, which was located near the county buildings. Joseph Hugg was granted a license by the Board of Freeholders and erected his tavern in 1720-21. Due to its location, Hugg was given the contract for feeding the prisoners. The county records of November, 1721, show that Hugg was granted a license by the Board of Freeholders and erected his tavern in 1720-21. Due to its location, Hugg was given the contract for feeding the prisoners. The county records of November, 1721, show that Hugg was paid £ 2 and 19 shillings for "dyating one Christian Bill, alias Logan," who was sentenced to be hanged and for providing liquid refreshment for the spectators. Newspapers of the period list information of public sales and auctions held at the tavern. When Joseph Hugg died, his former wife Ann Wheeldon was granted the tavern license because Joseph's son was not old enough to operate the establishment. She continued as the keeper of the tavern until William Hugg took over management in 1741. Occasionally the Board of Freeholders met in the tavern and the owners were paid for services rendered. Mrs. Wheeldon was paid £ 1 and 18 shillings in 1733 but refused to receipt the bill. In 1742 after a two-day session of the Board, William Hugg was paid £ 4 and 4 pence. While William was tavern keeper, the name was changed to the Sign of the Ship for several years. It was during the ownership of William Hugg that the tavern earned its historic value. In 1769 the militia was directed to store its arms at the tavern in the custody of William. He was ordered by the Board of Freeholders to hire someone to keep the muskets in proper working condition. Records show he was paid 15 shillings for having the 159 muskets cleaned. The fame of Hugg's food spread among the prominent men of Old Philadelphia and in 1766 a number of them organized the Fox Hunting Club. When the Committees of Safety, Correspondence, and Observation were organized in the 1770's, Hugg's Tavern was selected the meeting place. William Hugg, Jr., became tavern keeper after his father's death in 1775 and operated the tavern throughout the Revolutionary War. When the county buildings were destroyed by fire in 1786, the various county meetings were held at Hugg's Tavern. Although the tavern operated for more than 200 years, there was insufficient interest on the part of the majority of Gloucester's residents to save it. Hugg's Tavern (Sign of the Ship, Old Brick Tavern, Surf House) was torn down in 1927 by the Camden County Park Commission. There were several other taverns in Colonial Gloucester Town. Among the tavern keepers were Sarah Bull (1733), Isaac Hollingham, Jr, (1733-1741), John Hough (1736-1739), and Nehemiah Cowgill (1740-1749). The major competition of Hugg's was the tavern opened in 1740 by Henry Sparks. Some taverns were also considered infamous because of the clientele. (More on taverns in Chapter 6). The drinking habits of the residents were properly accommodated by the taverns and at home. The beverage selected by person might be considered a clue to his nationality. Cider was the most common beverage for the English and was consumed by all including babies who were given a weakened cider. Many adults drank a quart before breakfast. Cider fortified with rum was served at funerals, weddings, church raisings, and meetings of organizations. The Dutch and Germans preferred beer and usually made it in their own brewery at home. The Irish were fond of hard liquor but would drink whatever was available, especially distilled cider which was called "jersey lightening." Many people distilled local fruits to make various kinds of brandy. By 1758 there were at least 50 different alcoholic beverages obtainable in Gloucester Town. *** KING STREET A STREET OF FIRSTS (Inset page 58) If one area of Gloucester were to be designated as an historical area (as has been done in Burlington and other towns), it would have to be the King Street section of town. When the town was surveyed and planned by Thomas Sharp, King Street was one of the first streets to be laid out. From that time on it was the location for businesses, transportation, entertainment and other phases of town life. Many residents can remember when a person went to King Street to get the trolley to Camden or Washington Park and the ferry to Philadelphia; to shop for clothes, shoes, or groceries; to transact business at the bank; or to attend to the medicine show, carnival, or movies. Those who worked at the Argo Mills, Welsbach Company, or Armstrong Cork crossed the street each day. Curiosity seekers would stroll down to the Immigration Center/Alien Detention Center to stare or heckle. King Street is truly Gloucester's "street of Firsts" as shown by a partial list below: courthouse and jail *** Transportation throughout Old Gloucester County was really a serious
problem. In 1765 there were only three villages-Gloucester Town,
Haddonfield and Woodbury-and many scattered farms. For the most part,
roads did not exist. If a person wanted to visit anyone, it usually
meant a long walk or a ride by horseback over paths that had been Indian
trails. A few roads were wide enough for carts but in spring the
conditions were so bad that carts could not use the Due to the many problems, most people traveled only when absolutely necessary. It was easier to send a letter, when possible, by the post rider than to make a trip, business or pleasure. When a young woman married, a side saddle was usually included in the dowry since she would have to ride when going on any trips. Coaches, carriages, and chairs were seldom seen in Gloucester Town before the Revolutionary War. If a resident had to travel to the capital at Burlington or to Salem or New York on business, he went to Haddonfield to get the stage which used the Great Road or Old Salem Road. He could also connect with stage service at Cooper's Ferry and in Woodbury. At the north end of Gloucester Town there was a bridge across Newton Creek. Using the road from this bridge, a traveler could get to the Haddonfield-Cooper's Ferry Road. A ferry across Cooper's Creek connected with a road to Moorestown. At the south end of town Gloucester Road (Browning Lane) went eastward to the King's Road (Great Road, Salem Road) or to Haddonfield or Woodbury via Clement's Bridge Road. Within the town limits the two main roads or streets were King Street and High Street, now called Market. According to county records, the first bridge was built over the upper branch of Gloucester River (Timber Creek) by Francis Collins. The county was to pay the costs and the agreement was finalized on December 1, 1687. As time passed, the county ordered five more bridges to be built and to be maintained in the area. With the growth of population and the increase of business transactions and court sessions, these facilities were required to somewhat ease the difficulties of travel. About 1730 the trails had to be widened to accommodate the use of vehicles, such as the spring-free Jersey wagon and an occasional Conestoga wagon. In winter, sleighs and sleds were used to get various farm products and heavy items to market. Corduroy roads came into use about this time to avoid building bridges in swampy areas. The Assembly realized the damage that could be done to roads by heavy vehicles and passed an act to regulate wagons and other wheeled carriages. By 1756 it became necessary to build a new bridge across Newton Creek. William Gerrard was licensed by the county to build the bridge, to erect causeways at the north and south approaches, and to operate a toll house and tavern there. When Gerrard was imprisoned for debt, Samuel Shivers acquired the toll bridge and operated it from 1768 to 1773. Upon his death, Mary Shivers and Elizabeth Cozens, Shivers' daughters, operated the bridge. The state confiscated the bridge after the war because Mrs. Cozens' husband Daniel was a Tory. When he died in 1802, the bridge was returned to Elizabeth but no compensation for lost revenues was made. Since most of the bridges in the county were deliberately damaged or destroyed during the war, a major effort to replace them was made after the British withdrawal from the area. *** GLOUCESTER CONNECTION TO THE OLD SALEM ROAD (Inset page 59) Map showing the following labels: As the settlements at Salem and Burlington grew, the need for a road connecting the two was soon recognized by the assembly. The highway, known as both the Salem Road and the King's Road, ran through the present towns of Moorestown, Haddonfield, Mt. Ephraim, Westville, Woodbury, and Swedesboro. Since ferries connected Philadelphia with Gloucester and Cooper's Ferry, two roads were used to connect travelers to the Salem Road. The road from Cooper's Ferry (Camden) to Haddonfield is now known as Haddon Avenue. This was used by Von Donop's Hessian troops in their unsuccessful attempt to take Fort Mercer. The other road began at the approximate location of Line Street and Haddon Avenue and proceeded toward Gloucester Town across a toll bridge about 600 feet east of Broadway and on to the point where King Street meets Broadway. The map above shows the route taken as the road continued through
Gloucester. The old road went south along King Street to its
intersection with Market Street. Here the road turned east until it
passed what is now Broadway. At this point the road went off at an angle
and crossed the present railroad at Powell Street. At the site of the
old city stables the road curved south and later curved eastward.
Passing the Indian village, the road turned south and crossed the bridge
over Little Timber Creek and finally Big Timber Creek's bridge. By 1707,
a traveler could go from Gloucester Town to Cape May using Old Road to
the Salem Road *** WHERRY OR FERRY RATES (inset page 60) Over Gloucester River From Gloucester to Wicaco (John Reading's rates 1695) Over ye mouth of Gloucester River Gloucester River to Philadelphia The danger and inconvenience of travel was a common topic of
conversation and of editorials in newspapers. One newspaper ran this
story: "We hear from Gloucester County in the Jersies that on
Saturday last one John Watson was riding in his cart. The wheel passing
over a stump upset the cart on him and killed him on the spot."
There were no road signs and houses were frequently 20 miles or more
apart. Both sides of the roads were nothing but forests in most of the
county. The wise traveler made sure of directions and traveled only in
the daytime. The first passenger-vehicle travel in America was by wagon
called a "flying machine" which made the trip from New York to
Philadelphia twice a week: "Flying time" was four o'clock in
the morning to sunset. Stage lines began to operate in New Jersey in
1706 when Hugh Huddy was granted a license to operate a line from
Burlington to Perth Amboy, and they continued until after the Civil War.
The stage driver was called a "whip" and was easily identified
by his clothing. A round trip fare from Woodbury to Cape May cost $2.00
and the trip of 75 miles and back took Aaron Silver began a stage line which left once each week from Cooper's Ferry to Salem in 1767. Another weekly stage from Cooper's Ferry to Bridgeton began operation in 1772 by Azel Pierson. A sign which indicates the growth of the area is the addition of another weekly stage line to Salem started by Samuel Brick in 1773. In 1801, the stage left on Thursday from Cooper's Ferry and arrived in Cape May on Friday. Daily mail service from Cooper's Ferry to Salem began in 1843. The U.S. Mail stageline was operated by T. B. Parke. Travelers on the old stage coach lines were frequently entertained by the driver's singing. With the advent of the railroad in the 1800's and the death of the stage lines, the "whip" sang this song: "Oh 'tis once I made money by driving my team, But now it is hauled on the railroad by steam. May the devil catch the man that invented the plan, For it ruined us poor waggoners and every other man." Although stage coach lines affected Gloucester Town only indirectly, the ferries played a prominent role. Early ferries were not much more than large rowboats called wherries. With a proper wind, the boatman would put up a sail and save himself some hard work. The first license to operate a ferry in Old Gloucester County was granted to William Royden in 1692. The ferry operated in present day Camden and Royden Street was named for him. John Reading was awarded the first ferry license in Gloucester Town on June 1, 1695. He actually operated two wherries: one over Gloucester River and one across the Delaware River to Wicaco. The operation of two wherries by Elias Hugg was licensed on June 1, 1696, and by Matthew Medcalfe in 1705. These also crossed the Gloucester River and the Delaware to Wicaco (South Philadelphia). Other licenses for ferries across the Delaware were granted to John
Spey, August 22, 1707; Dorothy Medcalfe, January 6, 1710; and Joseph
Hugg, November 26, 1722. Hugg's Ferry was located near his tavern and
the courthouse--very convenient for travelers and those on court
business. Farmers throughout the county relied on the ferries to get
their products to the growing market in Philadelphia. Residents of
Philadelphia relied on the ferries to bring them to Jersey for pleasure.
The ferry The ten years before the out-break of formal hostilities between the colonies and Great Britain were marked by four important events in the history of Gloucester City. At the time, the events probably occurred without special notice by the inhabitants; they were simply ordinary happenings of the period. In 1766 the first organized fox hunting club in America met in Gloucester Town at Hugg's Tavern. The club, which remained active for more than 50 years, was formed by 27 men from Philadelphia and Old Gloucester County. In late 1774, when war with Great Britain appeared inevitable, 22 of the members became the core of the Light Horse Troop of Philadelphia. The experience of riding over the New Jersey countryside was put to good use by General Washington. From December 1,1776, until the Battle of Trenton on December 25, the 26 men of the Light Horse Troop, with a few members of Sheldon's Dragons, were the only calvalry at Washington's disposal. The troop also saw action at Princeton and in other local fighting. When the news that Washington, D.C., had fallen to the British during
the War of 1812, the unit was called on to defend Philadelphia. From
August to December, 1814, the men were on active duty which was more
ceremonial than shooting and were hailed as heroes when they returned
home. Their present home, an armory on Twenty-first Street, was
dedicated in November of 1874 to celebrate their 100th anniversary. BRIDGE TOLLS Every wagon or ox-cart with 2 creatures and a driver, 3 pence (These were the posted tolls for the bridge over Newton Creek in
1756.) The First City Troop, as the unit is presently known, continues to function in 1976. The cavalry unit in full colonial uniform takes part in many formal ceremonies and celebrations. They have been the ceremonial escort for every President of the United States since George Washington, in addition to escorting visiting heads of state from other nations. The First City Troop of Philadelphia is the oldest unit in continuous service in the United States and it began in Hugg's Tavern, Gloucester Town. In contrast to the role played by Hugg's Tavern in the formation of a military unit is the romantic role of the tavern played in 1773. It was in the tavern of William Hugg that the secret elopement of Elizabeth Griscom, a well-bred young Quaker lady, to John Ross, the son of the assistant rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, took place on November 4, 1773. The secrecy was necessary because of the religious difference of the young couple. Hugg's Tavern was chosen because William was a friend of John Ross and because a license could be obtained without the knowledge of the Griscoms. Mr. Hugg not only helped John plan for the elopement but also loaned him the money to post the bond required and prepared the wedding feast. A bond of £ 500 was required by New Jersey law to guarantee that the bride was 21 years old and did not have any disabilities. Since John Ross was just beginning a business as an upholsterer, he did not have this large sum of money. William Hugg came to his rescue. Governor William Franklin, the son of Benjamin Franklin, issued the New Jersey marriage license to the couple. His fee was one pound and five shillings. Justice of the Peace James Bowman performed the ceremony and was paid ten shillings. The last charge was eight shillings for recording the event. In New Jersey currency of 1773, the wedding cost two pounds and three shillings or five Spanish dollars (pieces of eight). Frank Stewart found the marriage license in his collection of documents and it is now in the vault of the County Court House in Woodbury. The license reads as follows: By his Excellency WILLIAM FRANKLIN, Esq. Captain-General and Governor in Chief in and over His Majesty's Province of New-Jersey, and Territories thereon depending, in America, etc. To any Protestant Minister, or Justice of the Peace, Whereas there is a mutual Purpose of Marriage between John Ross of the City of Philadelphia of the one Party, and Elizabeth Griscom of the same place of the other Party, of which they have desired by License, and have given Bond, upon Condition that neither of them have any lawful Let or Impediment. Pre-Contract, Affinity or Consanguinity, to hinder their being joined in the Holy Bonds of Matrimony. These are therefore to authorize and impower you to join the said John Ross and Elizabeth Griscom in the Holy Bands of Matrimony, and then to pronounce them Man and Wife. Given under my Hand and the Prerogative Seal, at Burlington, the fourth Day of November in the fourteenth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord GEORGE the Third, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, Annoque Domini, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Three. Entered in the Registry of the Prerogative office. James Bowen The Back of the certificate shows the various costs involved. The couple and the patrons of the inn enjoyed a hearty wedding feast prepared by Hugg. To avoid suspicion, Elizabeth and John returned to Philadelphia before nightfall by the old horse-propelled wherry. John and Elizabeth lived in their separate homes in a vain attempt at keeping the marriage a secret. However, the story of the elopement became known in the spring of 1774 and angered friends, relatives and the Quaker deacons. Because of her "disobedient conduct," Elizabeth was expelled from Quaker Meeting. John Ross purchased a house at 239 Arch Street and the young couple
began what proved to be a short married life. John taught Elizabeth the
upholstering skills and she assisted him in the business. In January,
1776, John was killed while fighting the British. The Widow Ross
maintained the business and supported herself until she married Joseph
Ashburn in 1777. Joseph, a sea captain, was captured by the British and
died in 1782 while still imprisoned. Elizabeth gave birth to two
daughters When John Claypoole, a childhood friend, brought the news of Ashburn's death to Elizabeth, the old friendship was rekindled and grew. John and Elizabeth were married in 1783.The Claypooles were blessed with five daughters. The Betsy Ross House at 239 Arch Street has become famous as the birthplace of Old Glory. Although historians have not uncovered any documented evidence to credit Betsy with making the first flag, legend and tradition spurred on by her grandson have recognized Betsy Ross with contributing the Stars and Stripes to the United States. Elizabeth or Mrs. John Claypoole died in 1836 and was recently reinterred at 239 Arch Street. On December 8, 1773, King George III signed a patent giving the citizens of Gloucester Town all the rights and privileges enjoyed by citizens living in England. Unfortunately pieces of paper are not always followed by positive actions and the guarantees became mere words unproved by deeds. The patent established the boundaries of the town and declared that it would remain forever township and community and was to be called the Town of Gloucester. If those boundaries were still in existence, the city would include Brooklawn, Mt. Ephraim, Bellmawr, and parts of Barrington and Haddon Heights. The patent gave the residents the right to select their own officers and guaranteed privileges, rights, liberties, and immunities for the people and their descendants. The responsibility for enforcing this patent was given to William Franklin, royal governor residing at the capital in Burlington. Approximately one week after Gloucester Town was granted a patent,
citizens of Boston protested the abuse of the guarantees of citizenship
by British authorities. The famous Boston Tea Party took place on
December 16, 1773, and served as an inspiration to residents of West New
Jersey. The following year on December 22, 1774, some men disguised as
Indians conducted New Jersey's version of a tea party at Greenwich in
Cumberland County. Instead of throwing team into the harbor, the men
raided Dan Bowen's warehouse on Cohansey Creek and made a bonfire of the
tea which had been left there by Captain Allen of the Greyhound. The tea
was supposed to go to Philadelphia or Gloucester Town but Captain Allen
decided against these ports because of several events he learned had
taken place Letters from residents of Gloucester Town had been sent to England in
the summer of 1773 to warn the English not to send tea ships to this
area. For a few months shippers seemed to be heeding the warnings.
However, the tea was beginning to rot in British warehouses and owners
decided to take the risk of sending tea ships to various ports in the
colonies. News of the Boston Tea.Party arrived in the Delaware Valley
area on Christmas Eve. The next day a tea ship was spotted sailing up
the Delaware River. The Polly anchored off Gloucester Town. The Polly was "an old black ship, without a head or any ornaments." Captain Ayres, "a short fat fellow but obstinate withal," was in command of the ship. Emergency meetings were held at Hugg's Tavern and in Philadelphia. Both groups appointed a committee to visit Captain Ayres with appropriate advice concerning his safety and that of his ship's. The committee from Gloucester Town reached the ship first. Very politely, but very firmly, the captain was given 24 hours to reprovision and to take on water. He was then to leave the Delaware River area. Although no threats were actually made, the captain, acting with wisdom, sailed the Polly back to England. The advice by the local committees reinforced the advice printed on handbills given to Captain Ayres by river pilots. One of the handbills read: "You are sent on a diabolical service, and if you are so foolish and obstinate as to complete your voyage by bringing your ship to anchor in this port, you may run such a guantlet as will induce you in your last moments most heartily to curse those who have made you the dupe of their avarice and ambitions. What think you, Captain, of a halter round your neck, ten gallons of liquid tar dicanted on your pate, with the feathers of a dozen wild geese laid over that to enliven your appearance?" A second handbill read: "So much the worse for him (Captain Ayres); for as sure as he rides rusty (the ship Polly) we shall heave him keel out and see that his bottom be well fired, scrubbed, and paid. His upper works, too, will have an overhauling, as it is said he has a good deal of quick work about him, we will take care that such part of him undergoes a thorough rummaging." Following this incident there was a period of relative calm. News would arrive of incidents in other parts of the colonies but the British seemed to be avoiding an outright confrontation along the Delaware. However, after the use of Philadelphia as the meeting place of rebels and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the importance of the area was soon realized by the British. Although the area was directly involved in the war for a relatively short time, the role played was extremely important and contributions to the war effort were made by residents on both sides of the conflict during the entire period from 1776 to 1788. Citizens who stayed at home in Gloucester Town throughout the Revolution did not have an easy life. During the British occupation of the town, great tact and diplomacy was needed to save the inns and homes from destruction, since so many men were off with the militia and many townspeople were members of various committees. The farmers were constantly being hit by foragers from both armies. The Americans were slightly kinder because they gave the farmers I.O.U.'s to be paid by the American treasury. The problem, of course, was to collect the money. The General Assembly was aware of the financial problems of New Jersey citizens. The March 13, 1776, issue of the Pennsylvania Gazette contained this public notice: "Gloucester, March 5, 1776, The GENERAL LOAN-OFFICE for the County of Gloucester WILL BE OPENED at the Court-House, at Gloucester, on Second Day, the 25th Day of this instant March. The Commissioners will be ready to receive Borrowers, qualified according to, the Directions of an Act of the Province of New Jersey, intituled, "An Act for Striking One Hundred Thousand Pounds, in Bills of Credit, and directing the Application thereof'; at which Time and Place Attendance will be given to Law, by John Hinchman, John Gill, and Joseph Hugg, Commissioners." By October, 1779, the situation was serious enough for a petition to be sent to the General Assembly protesting a law enacted by the body. The Act prevented people from receiving compensation for damages done by Loyalists (Refugees) from the monies obtained by the confiscation and sale of property previously owned by them. Portions of that petition follow: "To the Honorable the Legislative-council and General Assembly
of the State of New-Jersey The REMONSTANCE and PETITION of a number of
the Inhabitants of the County of Gloucester--presented at the last
sitting. At the end of the war in 1781, Gloucester Town and its residents returned to the normal operations of the county seat for about five years. Repairs to the courthouse and jail were ordered in 1782, along with repairs to the county house to make it tenable. In March, 1786, Gloucester Town was struck by a disastrous fire which destroyed the county buildings. According to some records, the center of the town was destroyed. Historical records, however, validate only the destruction of the courthouse and jail. The county seat for just short of 100 years would now be moved southward. At the home of William Hugg on March 27, a special meeting was held of the Justices and Freeholders of Gloucester County. A petition was written and sent to the legislature requesting "a law to be passed to enable the inhabitants to build a new courthouse and gaol in such a place in said County as a majority of the inhabitants thereof shall determine by a fair and impartial election." On August 3, the election was held and Woodbury was selected to be the new county seat. The new courthouse and jail in Woodbury was completed in 1787. Gloucester Town now faced a decline which lasted about 50 years. The Market Square was turned in to a garden plot; a number of streets were plowed up and became gardens. Important people no longer came to the town and many residents moved. Instead of a thriving county seat, Gloucester Town was a quiet, sleepy village. Back to Chapter Two Back to Master Page of Book Links Continue to Chapter Four
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