William Shreve

Notes:

COLONEL WILLIAM SHREVE
...Sharing the military spirit of other members of the family, William Shreve rendered himself amenable to the discipline of the Friends' society as early as 1759, and was dealt with in that year by the Chesterfield Meeting for "Training," evidently in connection with the French and Indian wars. When the Revolution came on he resumed training. August 26, 1775, he was commissioned Second Major, First Regiment, Burlington County, N. J., Militia. September 28, 1776, he was promoted to First Major; March 15, 1777, Lieutenant Colonel, and April 18, 1778, was made Colonel, continuing to serve when occasion required for several years. In August, 1782, his son Richard was elected Captain of the troop of Light Horse belonging to the same regiment.
...Being active in support of the Revolutionary cause, Col. Shreve suffered with many others during the march of the British army through New Jersey in the summer of 1778. His claim for damages, submitted to State government, showed a total loss, June 23, 1778, of nearly £1,400, including "one dwelling house 24 X 32-1/2 feet, 2 stories, high Seiled & Painted, built in the year 1765.'
...About the close of the Revolutionary War, Col. Shreve entered mercantile life in Burlington County, but was not successful. On November 2, 1782, he and his wife Anne made an assignment of all their "messuages, lots of ground, lands, tenements, hereditaments and real estate whatsoever and wheresoever situated, moneys, debts, credits, etc. (except Family's wearing apparel)," to three prominent Philadelphia merchants, Jeremiah Warder, Jr., Mordecai Lewis, and Samuel Coates, in trust for his creditors, "anything remaining to be for use of William Shreve and family." On December 12th, 1789, these assignees for "divers sums of money and further sum of £2537 -- 10 shillings conveyed to Moses Ivins 304 acres of land, being the same land and premises which William Shreve and wife Ann conveyed to Jeremiah Warder, Mordecai Lewis and Samuel Coates, Nov. 2, 1782"; showing considerable of an estate for those times. It is not known how much accrued to Col. Shreve after the payment of all obligations, but in 1788 he journeyed to western Pennsylvania with his brother Israel and others. Evidently the prospect was not alluring in that locality, as he returned to Burlington County, N. J., and resumed business there with success. His will, dated May 1, 1819, proved January 1, 1813, disposed of personal estate amounting to $2,043.00. His wife Anne was given the estate that belonged to her at the time of her marriage, and also one half of the real and personal estate of the decedent, after debts and other small legacies were paid. his daughter, Keziah Shreve, received the other half of the property, and her mother's wearing apparel. His other children's share was one hundred dollars each. (Reference: Compiled and Published by Howard Barclay French, Genealogy of the Descendants of Thomas French - Volume I: With some account of Colonial Manners and Doings (Philadelphia: Privately Printed, 1909) pg. 302,303)

MEETING RECORDS
Chesterfield Monthly Meeting Minutes:
...10 mo. 4th 1759 William Shrieve laid before this Meeting and Acknowledgement Condemning his Training and marrying contrary to good order and Discipline Established among Friends which was read and left for further proof of his conduct. Anthony Sykes is desired to read it at the close of some First Day Meeting before our next Meeting.
...11 mo. 1st 1759 Anthony Sykes reports he has read William Shrieves Acknowledgment pursuant to the order of last Meeting. (Reference: Compiled and Published by Howard Barclay French, Genealogy of the Descendants of Thomas French - Volume I: With some account of Colonial Manners and Doings (Philadelphia: Privately Printed, 1909) pg. 304)

Birth:
8th mo. 4th, 1737

William married Anna Ivins on 8 May 1756 in Burlington, New Jersey, British Colonial America. Anna (daughter of Thomas Ivins and Abigail Hopkins) was born in of Burlington County, New Jersey; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Rhoda Ivins on 15 Dec 1768. Rhoda and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
[12th mo. 15th, 1768]

William married Anne Woodward on 17 Feb 1779. Anne and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

...The Shreve family were among the earliest settlers of New England, Caleb, the progenitor, being recorded as a resident of Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1641. Two of his sons, Caleb and John, located in Rhode Island, the former, in 1680, marring Sarah, daughter of Dirick Areson, of Flushing, L. I.. Soon after he removed to Shrewsbury, East Jersey, in the vicinity of which he remained from 1685 until 1699, when he purchased a large tract of over 300 acres from Richard French, Mt. Pleasant, Mansfield Township, Burlington County, West Jersey. This notable homestead has remained in the possession of successive generations of the family until this day.
...Caleb Shreve had seven sons and three daughters. At his death in 1740, sixty years after his marriage, his wife was still living. His will bequeathed to her one third of his personal property and a life interest in his real estate. In a note "inferted before signing of ye same,' he requested that his wife, at her death, leave her personal property to Benjamin, the youngest son to whom was left the entire estate, after his mother's death, except certain small legacies to his brothers, Thomas, Joshua, Joseph, Caleb, Jonathan and David five shillings each; the same to his daughters, Mary (Shreve) Gibbs and Sarah (Shreve) Ogburn; five shillings to his son-in-law, Benj. Scattergood and some personal property to Sarah Shreve, daughter of his son Joshua. It is supposed that the older sons were provided for in his life time. The daughter who was the wife of Benj. Scattergood evidently was deceased.
...Benjamin Shreve added to his valuable patrimony by various land purchases some 450 acres. Tradition says he died prematurely in consequence of a fall from his horse. He was not yet fifty years of age. His will shows his solicitude for his minor children and their careful bringing up. Several of his sons and one grandson distinguished themselves in the war for national independence. Although the Shreve family were honored and esteemed Friends, meeting and government records show that the various branches of the family were possessed of a martial spirit to an eminent degree. A portion of the old house was built by Caleb Shreve in 1725, and another part by Benjamin in 1742, these figures being conspicuous on the eastern end. it stands upon high ground commanding a fine view, and within has many colonial features, in old Dutch tiling, fireplaces, cupboards, etc. From Caleb the property passed to his son, Benjamin, who died in 1844. In 1902 it descended to the present owner, B. F. Haywood Shreve, of Philadelphia. (Source: Compiled and Published by Howard Barclay French, Genealogy of the Descendants of Thomas French - Volume I: With some account of Colonial Manners and Doings(Philadelphia: Privately Printed, 1909), pg. 223)

WILL
Benjamin Shreve
...In the Name of God Amen The Fourteenth Day of March in the Year of our Lord 1750.51 One Thousand Seven Hundred & Fifty, Fifty One, I Benjamin Shreve of Mansfield in the County of Burlington in the Province of West new jersey Yeoman being weak and Sick in bodey but in perfect Mind and Memory thanks be given to God for the Same, therefore calling to mind the Mortality of my Body and knowing that it is Appointed for all Men once to die, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament. And as touching Such Worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this Life, I give devise and dispose of the Same in the following manner and Form. Imprimis it is my Will and I do order, That in the first place, all my just Debts and Funeral Charges be paid and Satisfied by my Executors hereafter mentioned.
...ITEM I give to my well beloved Wife Rebecca Shreve One Third part of all my personal Estate, to her Heirs and Assigns forever, And also the Benefit of my Real Estate if She continue my Widow till my Children come of Age each in their Order it being to enable her to bring them up, but if she happen to Marry again She Shall have no power any longer in my Real Estate or the bringing up of my Children, Saving at the Discression of my Exrs. as they Shall Appoint or order. ITEM I give to my Two Daughters (Viz) Kezia Shreve and Sarah Shreve Share and Share alike of the remainder of my Personal Estate to be paid them as they attain to the Age of Eighteen Years. Now it is my Will tat Kezia she Shall have her Portion within a Year after my Decease Seeing She is of Age and Sarah as above said now if either of my Daughters Die within a Year after my decease She that Surviveth Shall have the Portion of the Deceased. ITEM I give to my Son Caleb Shreve all and Singular the Estate of Lands and Tenements I now live on to him his Heirs and Assigns forever. ITEM I give to my Son William Shreve all and Singular the Lands Farm or Plantation I lately purchased of Preserve Brown lying and being in Mansfield and part in Chesterfield in ye Said County of Burlington to be enjoyed by him when he Attaineth to the Age of Twenty One Years, his Heirs and Assigns forever. ITEM I give to my Son Israel Shreve all that Farm or Plantation I lately Purchased of Jacob Ong of Hanover and also the One Hundred Acres of Land I had by Virtue of my Fathers last Will & Testament which Land my Father Purchased of Daniel Smith, to him his Heirs and Assigns forever. And also a right for One Hundred Acres of Land which I Purchased of Preserve Brown all which to be enjoyed by him when he attaineth to the Age of Twenty One Years his Heirs and Assigns for ever. ITEM I give to my Three Sons (Viz) Caleb, William and Israel all & Singular my Cedar Swamp to be equally Divided amongst them by North and South Lines, Caleb to have the West Side, William the middle part and Israel the residue to be enjoyed by them their Heirs and Assigns forever. Further it is my Will that if my Son Caleb Should Die before he come of Age that William Shall have the Portion that was given to Caleb, and Israels Portion shall be that is given to William and if either of ye younger Ones die before they come of Age the Survivor to enjoy both their Portions his Heirs and Assigns forever. ITEM I give to my Two Youngest Sons Benjamin and Samuel each of them Five Hundred Pounds to be paid them as they attain to the Age of Twenty One Years, and if either of them die before they come of Age the Survivor to have the whole and to be paid as followeth Caleb to pay to Benjamin Four Pounds and William to pay to Benjamin One Hundred Pounds lawful Money of the Same Place. And William to pay unto Samuel Four Hundred Pounds & Caleb One hundred Pounds to compleat their Portions to be paid them out of their Estates given them as abovesaid. Also it is my Will that my Nigro Man Jack be immediately Set free he paying to them that enjoyeth the Homestead forty Shillings per Year for Five Years after my Decease and the Money to be kept in order to keep him in his Old Age, and the rest they that enjoyeth the Homestead Shall make up in Maintaining him. I likewise order that no Timber be cut to waste or destroyed Saving for the necessary use of ye places, nor no more upland to be cleared neither any of ye Meadows & Swamp land to be plowed. Lastly I Constitute and appoint Daniel Doughty and Michael Newbold my trusty and well beloved Friends, my only & Executors of this my last Will and Testament. And I do hereby utterly disallow, revoke & disanul all and every other former Testaments, Wills, Legacies, & Executors, by me in any ways before this Time Named, Willed and Bequeathed, Ratifying & Confirming this and no other to be my last Will and Testament In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my Hand and Seal the Day and Year above written.
Benjaman Shreve (seal)

Signed, Sealed, Published and Declared by the Said Benjamin Shreve as his last Will & Testament in ye Presence of us ye Subscribers
Barzillai Newbold
Levi Nutt
Robt. Bland
Daniel Doughty & Michael Newbold Executors in the within Testament named being duly affirmed according to Law did declare that the within Instrument contains the true last Will and Testament of Benjamin Shreve. (Source: Compiled and Published by Howard Barclay French, Genealogy of the Descendants of Thomas French - Volume I: With some account of Colonial Manners and Doings(Philadelphia: Privately Printed, 1909) pg. 227, 228)

Benjamin married Rebecca French on 23 Apr 1729 in Springfield Township, Burlington County, New Jersey, British Colonial Ameirca. Rebecca (daughter of Richard French and Mary King) was born in 1709 in Burlington, New Jersey, British Colonial America; died after 1750 in Burlington, New Jersey, British Colonial America. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
23da 2mo 1729

Other Events:

• Name: Caleb Sheriff
• Occupation: Blacksmith

Notes:

...Caleb Sheriff permanently located in New Jersey on his marriage about 1680. He lived after 1699 in Burlington county, seven miles east of the present site of Mount Holly. At that date his children numbered seven. The eldest, Martha was twelve years of age; the five next older were boys, with probably the youngest, Mary, an infant; a daughter and two sons were subsequently born. Previous to the birth of the youngest in 1706. the oldest daughter, Martha, married in 1704.
...The family remained unbroken by marriages until 1711-1713, during which period Thomas, Joshua, Joseph, and Caleb married. The marriages of the remaining children occurred; Jonathan in 1720, Mary in 1721, Sarah in 1724, Benjamin the youngest in 1729. After marriage the father gave each child a fine farm, the precise locations of which are not known. They were probably all living in Burlington County in 1739, as the poll book of an election held in that county that year has in it the names of every son and son-in-law, excepting John Ogborne. The four elder children had sons old enough to vote, but they may have moved to other places. In the list of voters is an Amos Shreve and Caleb, Jonathan, Samuel and Thomas Scattergood, who were probably sons of Martha Shreve and Benjamin Scattergood. The descendants of Benjamin, the youngest child, have preserved the best history of the family. He acquired from his father by will the old homestead and became by contract with his mother sole heir to her property, to cover her interest in the rumored Amsterdam estate. This instrument was executed February 28, 1740-41, while she was living with Benjamin and after the marriages of her other children.
...Caleb and Sarah Areson Shreve were members of the Society of Friends in Burlington County. Caleb's will was dated April 5, 1735. Caleb changed the family name from Sheriff to Shreve after moving to New Jersey. (Source: L. P. Allen, The Genealogy and History of the Shreve Family from 1641 (Greenfield, Illinois: Privately Printed, 1901), pg. 19)

Caleb married Sarah Areson about 1680 in Long Island, New York. Sarah (daughter of Diedrich Areson and Sarah Orrest) was born in 1660; died after 1699 in Burlington, New Jersey, British Colonial America. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Sarah Aaronson

Notes:

...Benjamin's mother Sarah Areson Shreve lived with Benjamin at the Homestead in Burlington County until her death.
...Benjamin had a son William, who had a son (1757) married to Sarah Beck in 1775 who had a daughter Sarah Shreve (married to David Ingersoll of Lee, Massachusetts. (first families v.3, pg. 310)

Other Events:

• Baptism: 15 Dec 1666, Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire, England; Church St. Peter and St. Paul

Notes:

...A memorandum in the family Bible of Thomas ffrench, then residing at Nether Heyford, England, and in his own handwriting, says: "December the first about ten at night my son Richard was borne, 1665. The Lord give him grace that hee may continually walk before him." A long and useful life shows how fully this characteristic prayer of a devout and loving father was answered. Richard was a lad of fifteen when he came to America with the family, in 1680. So far as known, his youth and early manhood were spent on the Rancocas homestead plantation. That he was devoted to farm life is shown in the fact that upon his marriage, in 1693, he purchased an extensive tract of land, 460 acres, in Mansfield township, Burlington county, where he seems to have resided during the remainder of his life. A deed of release of all claim to the home farm, after his father's death, to his younger brother, Charles, shows the kindly relationship that existed and his contentment with his own lot.
...That Richard French was a faithful and zealous Friend is evident from meeting records of the period, wherein his name appears many times. His nearest meeting was the one early established at Crosswicks. In 1715 he is frequent representative at Quarterly and Yearly meeting. He was now past middle age, but for a quarter of a century continued active in the work of preaching and visitation, journeying through the wilderness to New England and the South. The original certificate of 1733, is wonderfully well preserved, showing many notable names of that pioneer period. In the promotion of religious life in the colonies Richard French was conspicuous and influential. In business affairs he was active and prosperous, as his many deeds and other papers show, particularly his will and the accompanying inventory of personal property. In 1701 he served as tax collector for Mansfield township. He raised a large family, all of his ten children reaching marriageable age. The peculiar phraseology of his recorded papers shows a mind exceedingly careful of details, with a just and kindly spirit, a continuing answer to the fervent prayer of his father at his birth. His monthly meeting fittingly testified, after his death, that in the exercise of his gift in the ministry, "he labored faithfully in his declingin age, and travelled much in North America." (Source: L. P. Allen, The Genealogy and History of the Shreve Family from 1641 (Greenfield, Illinois: Privately Printed, 1901), pg. 93.)

Burlington Monthly Meeting Minutes
At our men's Monthly Meeting held at the house of Thomas Gardiners 6 Jul 1693; Richard French and Sarah Scattergood came before this Meeting and Declared their Intention of Marriage it being the First Time.

At our men's Monthly Meeting held at the house of Thomas Gardeners Adjorned to this 11 Jul 1693; Richard French and Sarah Scattergood came this second time and declared their intentions of Marriage and the Meeting upon Enquire finding them clear they are permitted to Solemnize the same as in the fear of God they see meete.

Chesterfield Monthly Meeting Minutes
4 Oct 1701, Richard French and Mary King signifyed their intentions of taking each other in marriage and according to the good order used amongst us, William Wood and Thomas Scholey are appoynted to enquire concerning the clearness on their account and make report to our next Monthly Meeting.

1 Nov 1701, Richard French and Mary King signified their intentions of marriage with each other the 2nd time, and enquiry having been made on both parts concerning their clearness from others on their account and nothing appearing but that they are cleare, they are left to proceed according to that good order used amongst us. (Source: Chesterfield Monthly Meeting Marriage Certificate)

Richard married Mary King on 13 Jan 1702 in Burlington, New Jersey, British Colonial America. Mary (daughter of Harmanus King and Mary Greijn) was born about 1669 in Nottingham County, New Jersey; died on 5 Jan 1728 in Burlington, New Jersey, British Colonial America. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE
Chesterfield Monthly Meeting Record, Book1, Marriages, Births and Deaths.
Whereas Richard French of the Township of Mansfield & County of Burlington is the province of West Jersey yeoman, & Mary King daughter of Harmanus King of the Township of Nottingham & County & province aforesd having intentions of taking each other in marriage did publish the same before Several Monthly Meetings of the people called Quakers & had the consent of the said Meetings & parents & Relations concerned. And for the full determination of their said Intentions They the said Richard French & Mary King aforesaid appeared in a Solemn Afsembly of the aforesaid people met together for that end & purpose at the House of Harmanus King in the Township of Nottingham & County & province aforesaid upon the thirteenth day of the Eleventh month One Thousand Seven hundred & one Where he the said Richard French, taking the said Mary King by the hand did openly declare Friends in the fear of the Lord & in the presence of this Afsembly I take this my friend Mary King to be my Wife promifsing to be loving & faithful & loving Wife till death Separate us. And as a further confirmation thereof the said Richd French & the said Mary Afsuming her husband's name upon her did then & there Set their hands to thefe presents & we whose names are hereunto Subscrived were Witnefses to the said Solemnization & Subscription.
Richard French
Mary (m her mark) French
Francis Davenport...................Hannah Woodward.................Harmanis King
Josiah Gratton.........................Rose Fowler.............................Mary King
Antho. Woodward...................Mary Quicksall.........................John King
Saml. Overton.........................Katherine Thorne.....................Charles French
Jno. Bunting............................Sarah Davenport.....................Joseph King
Jno. Leeson............................Anne Davenport......................Jno. French
Geo. Nicholson.......................Susanna Decow.....................Tho. Scattergood
Tho. Folkes Senr.....................Bridget Davenport...................Tho. Brian
Tho. Folkes Junr.....................Sarah Bunting Junr..................Joseph Pancoaft
Gervas hall..............................Esther Overton........................Wm. Pancoaft
Francis Davenport Junr...........Martha Shreeve......................Thomasin Pancoaft
................................................Hanna Overton........................Wm. Quicksall
................................................Eliza. Folkes............................Jos. Scattergood
...................................................................... ..........................Hannah Pancoaft
...................................................................... ..........................Lydia French

Married:
[13da 11mo 1701]

Notes:

...The ancestry of Thomas Sheriff, of Rhode Island, may be tradition, but the early records of that province show conclusively that he had eight children and was a property-owner when he died. As late as 1737 the members of the family that remained in the vicinity retained the name "Sherrif," while Caleb, who had married and emigrated to New Jersey, adopted the form "Shreve."
...1675, Jun. 11. Inventorys, £218, 12s., viz.: house and land £15, a horse and mare £7, 2 cows, 3 calves, 5 ewes, 5 lambs, 8 shoats, a feather bed, 6 pillows, 2 bolsters, 6 blankets, ring, flock bed, 56 pounds pewter, warming pan, silver dram cup, looking glass, &c. (Source: L. P. Allen, The Genealogy and History of the Shreve Family from 1641 (Greenfield, Illinois: Privately Printed, 1901), pg. 17)

...Indenture was one of the most common ways for free-willers to pay for their passage. The practice in those days was to book passage and then allow the captain to "sell" off an indenture to another more prosperous passenger. According to the Plymouth Church Records (12:32), Thomas had apparently been indentured to John Barnes and then, "On the fourth of August 1638 John Barnes sold Robert Bartlett the remaining three years of Thomas Shreve's indenture." Robert Bartlet is mentioned in the 1627 Division of the Cattle as a member of the company of Francis Eaton.
...The indentures were of two lengths, a shorter of five years and a longer of seven years. If we assume a five-year indenture, its term would have begun in 1635-1636. If Thomas were contracted into a seven-year indenture, then it would have begun in 1633-1634. This points to an arrival date inside a three-year window between 1633 and 1636. The indenture also lends credence to a birth date earlier than 1620, as he would have been only 13-15 years of age booking passage on a ship and selling his indenture. Not impossible, but perhaps unlikely. With a birth date of 1610 he would have been 23-26 years of age.
...From the early records it appears Thomas lived initially in Plymouth and then purchased land in Little Compton, now Rhode Island, but originally a part of Massachusetts. The original part of the "Old Colony" of Plymouth covered a much larger territory. At that time, Little Compton was occupied by an Indian tribe called the "Saconets" (Hills 1977, p. 82)

Thomas married Martha _____ in 1649 in Portsmouth, Newport County, Rhode Island, British Colonial America. Martha was born in 1630 in Little Compton, Colony of Rhode Island, British Colonial America; died about 1691 in Rhode Island, British Colonial America. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Martha Hazard
• Name: Martha Hues
• Name: Martha Sheriff

Notes:

...She m. (2) Thomas Hazard and (3) Lewis Hues.
...Plymouth, Mass., Portsmouth, R. I. 1641, Dec. 7. He and William Brown complained against James Laxford in an action of trespass. They attached four goats and a lamb in the hands of Samuel Eddy and Joshua Pratt, amounting to 33 shillings, and several other sums in other persons' hands. 1666, Dec. 10, Portsmouth. he deeded Thomas Hazard a quarter of a share in Misquamicut and also paid him 20 pounds, receiving in exchange therefor 30 acres in Portsmouth, and house, orchard, etc., all to belong to Thomas Hazard for life and at decease of Thomas Hazard to be for Thomas Sheriff and his wife Martha for their lives, and at death of both of them to go to 2nd son John Sheriff and heirs, and for want of issue of John to go to 3rd son Caleb, etc.
...Her second husband, Thomas Hazard, made a declaration (just after her first husband's death in 1675, May 29): "This is to satisfy all men, whom it may anyway concern, whereas there is a promise of matrimony betwixt Thomas Hazard and Martha Sheriff, yet I the foresaid Thomas Hazard do take the said Martha Sheriff for her own person, without having anything to do with her estate or with anything that is hers," etc.
...1691, Mar. 22. Martha Hues, wife of Lewis Hues, made agreement with her son John Sheriff, which she had by former husband. Whereas said Lewis Hues was lawfully married to his above named wife Martha, took an occasion privately to go away within six or seven weeks after he was married, taking away great part of her estate that was hers in her former husband's time. She now surrenders all her estate real and personal to her son John, excepting provisions, bedding, etc., and such things as she formerly gave her daughter Susanna Sheriff. John Sheriff to pay his mother £6, on Dec. 25th yearly for life, and thirty pounds good butter and thirty pounds good cheese and two barrels cider, two barrels apples, firewood, room at north-east end of home she now lives in, east part of garden, and keep of a horse or mare, etc. (Source: L. P. Allen, The Genealogy and History of the Shreve Family from 1641 (Greenfield, Illinois: Privately Printed, 1901), pg. 17-18.)

Diedrich married Sarah Orrest in Holland, Netherlands. Sarah was born in 1635 in Holland, Netherlands; died in in Long Island City, Queens, New York, British Colonial America. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Sarah Forest

Other Events:

• Baptism: 3 Nov 1639, Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire, England; Church of St. Peter and St. Paul

Notes:

Thomas ffrench, founder of the New Jersey branch of the French family, resided, in 1680, the year of his migration to America, in Nether Heyford, a parish in the hundred of Newbottle Grove, county of Northampton, seven miles south by west from the city of Northampton, England. This parish is very ancient, the church of S. S. Peter and Paul having been erected in the early part of the thirteenth century. the first patron was Roger de Heyford, in 1216. The register that has been preserved begins in 1558, showing the French family parishioners as far back as 1560. The church is a splendidly preserved specimen of Norman architecture. (Source: Compiled and Published by Howard Barclay French, Genealogy of the Descendants of Thomas French - Volume I: With some account of Colonial Manners and Doings (Philadelphia: Privately Printed, 1909), pg. 40.)

...As will be observed, Thomas ffrench, the progenitor, was the son of Thomas and Sara ffrench. His baptism, in childhood, in 1639, in the Protestant Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, Nether Heyford, England is recorded, but when the religious Society of Friends arose he with other members of the family became actively identified therewith, suffering for his faith at different times. Upon one occasion he was sentenced to imprisonment for forty-two months for refusal to pay tithes to the amount of eleven shillings, he being at the time a resident of Upper Norton, Oxfordshire. Five other names of this family appear in Beese's remarkable book, namely, George, Robert, John, William and Moses. Penalty was inflicted upon the latter five times. He served altogether several years in prison.
...That Thomas ffrench was a man of great force of character, intense religious conviction and earnestm, consistent life, is abundantly evident. he shared with his associates trials and hardships and always resented everything bearing the slightest resemblance to injustice or oppresion. A glance a the most vigorous efforts were made to suppress the Society of Friends. Their meetings were outlawed, their property unjustly taken, through fines and the imposition of tithes, and great numbers were thrown into prison, where they were cruelly treated, hundreds suffering unto deathl.
...Following is a literal copy of references to Thomas ffrench in "Sufferings of the People Called Quakers":
..."Thomas French, of Upper Norton, was imprisoned, in 1657, at suit of William Thomas, a lawyer and renter of Tithes, and for a demand of but eleven shillings for Tithes suffered two and forty months imprisonment." Vol. I, p. 564.
..."Thomas French was taken from meeting at Banbury, in 1662, and committed to prison." Vol.I, p. 568.
..."Thomas French, 1666, taken at meeting at house of Elizabeth White, at Coggs, near Whitney, committed to House of Correction for one month." Vol. I, p. 571.

Thomas ffrench was among the first to take a practical interest in the colonization of Friends in America. With William Penn, Gauen Laurie, Thomas Olive, Daniel Wills, Edward Byllnge and about one hundred and fifty others, he signed the famous "Concessions and Agreements,: at London in 1676, which provided for the settlement of New Jersey, It is evident from records that he made a preliminary prospecting visit to this country, to locate his land and select a home site. He has left an account of the coming of himself and family, three years after the arrival of the pioneer colonists. He sailed from London, in the ship Kent, Gregory Marlowe, master---the same vessel which brought the first company of settlers in 1677 to Burlington---about the 1st of August, 1680, with his wife and nine children, four sons and five daughters, the oldest child being sixteen, while the youngest was not yet four years of age. He settled upon a tract of 600 acres of desirable land located along the banks of the Rancocas, about four miles from Burlington. Throughout the remainder of his life he held and influential place in the colony and prospered in business. He was commisioner of highways 1684-5. At his death, in 1699, he was possessed of some 1,200 acres of improved land and also his proprietary share of unsurveyed lands, approximately, 2000 acres. During nearly twenty years residence as a leading citizen of Burlington County, Thomas ffrench trained all his children in ways of sobriety, industry, and religion, they in turn founding families in whom traits of stron characher were noted. Each performed his and her share in the prosperous and happy development of colonial life. (Source: Compiled and Published by Howard Barclay French, Genealogy of the Descendants of Thomas French - Volume I: With some account of Colonial Manners and Doings(Philadelphia: Privately Printed, 1909), pg. 43-48.)

THOMAS FFRENCH'S FAMILY BIBLE
The family Bible of Thomas ffrench, printed in 1630 and brought by him to this country in 1680. The record presented and transcribed is in the handwriting of the progenitor, evidently having been set down at different times, under varying circumstances and influences, throughout a period covering over thirty years, the last entry being made a little while after the death of the long-time companion who had borne him thirteen children. Some of the lines have faded and a few words are quite illegible.
Copy of the writing.
Thomas ffrench and Jane his wife, and Jane and Rachel his children.
Jane was born about a fortnight before Saint James (in the Church Calendar July 25) in the year 1662.
Rachel was born March the 24, 1663
Rachel was born March the 24, 1664. She alone was ris.

...In the year 1673 was a very stormy year for the waters did sore break out of their bounds and was a very wet season, such wet May day, after which floods that flooded the meadows when they were ready to mow and drove away in many stacks and bindings of hay, and we had a summer like unto winter for cold and wet for the general year.
...I and my wife and nine children through the great mercy of God came into this country and landed at Burlington, the 23 of the 7 month 1680. Thomas ffrench.
...The Lord in heaven have mercy upon me.
...Thomas ffrench his book. God give him grace in ____ Then was I in great sorrow and tribulation. The Lord deliver me out of them all.
...Tho. French his book. God give him grace in Jesus Lord and when the bell for me doth toll, good Lord in heaven do rest my soul.
...The Lord deliver me out of all my troubles and pardon my sins. Lord bless all that (He) hath given in hand.
...The Lord deliver me in time of trouble and in time of adversity, and Lord deliver me from all my enemies.
...I Thomas ffrench was married to my wife Jane, June 12, 1660. December the first about ten at night my son Richard was born, 1665. The Lord give him grace that he may continually walk before Him.
...I Thomas ffrench was baptized November the 3, 1639. My son Thomas was born ____ in 1667 between 8 and nine o’clock at night. 1671 my son Charles was born, the 20 day of March between 11 and 12 at night.
...In the year 1673 was a very strange ___.
...The Lord be gracious and merciful unto me which way so ever I go whether it be out of the land or in the land or on the sea, the Lord be merciful unto. This was wrote in the year 1664.
...My wife Jane deceased this life fifth day of the 8 month 1692.
...My youngest child died the 12 of the same.
...William French the son of Richard ffrench and Mary was born April the 7 in the year 1712.
...Sarah French the daughter of Richard French and Mary was born the 20th day of the 7th month 1715.
...All prophesies were given by inspiration and written for Learning upon whom the ends of the world are come.
...Rachel French the daughter of Richard Jun. And Rachel was born the 12th day of the 11th month 1722.
...Benjamin French 1737
...William French his book May 10th 17__ Thomas ffrench
(Reference: Compiled and Published by Howard Barclay French, Genealogy of the Descendants of Thomas French - Volume I: With some account of Colonial Manners and Doings(Philadelphia: Privately Printed, 1909), pg. 52-63.)

...Thomas ffrench, in accordance with the custom of his family for generations, and that of nearly all Prostestant Englishmen of his time, had his children baptized in the Church of England, notwithstanding his early sympathy and unity with the Society of Friends. The obligation thus assumed, as to religioius care and training of his children, was faithfully kept, the family Bible being an impressive witness in this respect.
...The following is taken from the parish records of the Church S. S. Peter and Paul, Nether Heyford, England, concerning the marriage of Thomas ffrench and Jane Atkins.
..."Note. March 8 1663 The said Jane ffrench prsenting unto me John Bedford parson Heiford A Consigned Certificate of the said
...Thomas ffrench jun and Jane Atkins both of Heiford pish Testifying that they the said Thomas & Jane wr marryed in the pish Church of Whilton June 12 1660 by mr Richard Morris then Minister there: Returning her Certificate of marriage backe againe into her owne custody, I thus entred the Record of ye said marriage at her request, into this my Heiford pish Register."
...Thomas ffrench and Jane his wife were buried in a private burial lot, sixteen and one half feet square, on the homestead plantation. Rancocas, N. J., and this reservation was mentioned in deeds and observed for many years. Its exact location is now unknown. (Source: Compiled and Published by Howard Barclay French, Genealogy of the Descendants of Thomas French - Volume I: With some account of Colonial Manners and Doings (Philadelphia: Privately Printed, 1909), .pg. 65.)

WILL OF THOMAS FFRENCH, 1698
I Being intended if the Lord will goe for Old England not knowing whether I shall ever returne againe to my ffamily doe make & ordaine this my last will & Testamt Revokeing all other Wills and promises whatsoever In manner & forme following. I give unto my wife Elizabeth after my decease if shee be the longer liver the House & Plantation where now I live with four Hundred Acres of Land belonging to it with Twenty Acres of Meadow as it is surveyed and Recorded In the place next below the Land of John Test Together with the Use of all my Stock & Household goods with the Corne growing upon the ground To have & to hold the same dureing her naturall life without Impeachment of Wast. I give unto my Sonne Charles ffrench Two hundred Acres of land lyeing next John Hudsons with the ffour or ffive Acres of Clear land at Creek with ye Little Meadow lyeing by it to him and Heirs forever allowing my wife Elizabeth Egresse & Regresse to Transport any goods or Hay: I give unto my Sonne Charles ffrench after the Decease of my & my wife to him & his Heires forever Provided that hee pay that which I shall appint him to pay all the Plantation where now I live together with the dwelling house Barnes & other Outhouses Gardens Orchards Arrable Land & Clear land Together with four Hundred Acres of Land belonging to the Plantation aforesaid also Twenty Acres of Meadow Together with two hundred Acres of land belonging to the Meadow Also Six Hundred Acres of Land more which shall or may fall to me In my Third takeing up my Will is that my sonne Charles ffrench shall pay out of the Lands and Plantation aforesaid unto the rest of his Brothers & Sisters as followeth, I give unto my Daughter Rachell Allen to her & her Heires Twenty pounds. I give unto my Daughter Sarah Wood to her & herselfe alone as she shall have need of it her Husband shall not have noe part or share in it to her & her Heires Twenty Pounds. I give unto my Daughter Mary Busby to her & her Heirs twenty Pounds. I give unto my Daughter Jane Hall to her & her Heires Twenty pounds. I give unto my Daughter Lydia French Twenty pounds. I give unto my sonne Thomas ffrench Six Shillings. I give unto my sonne John French Six Shilligs. I give unto my Sonne Richard French Six Shillings. I give unto my sonne Richard French all the Reversion of my Eighth par of a Propriety and that Lott at Burlington upon which Richard Bassnett hath buildt Houses upon to him & his Heires forever. I give unto my Sonne Charles ffrench all my Yard land in the ppish of neather Heyford to him & his Heires forever In old England. My Will is that my Sonne Charles ffrench shall pay all my Debts and Thirty pounds to my youngest Daughter Rebecca ffrench out of the Yard Land aforesaid if Rebecca shall live to the Age of Eighteen yeares and if Rebecca shall happen to die before shee come to the Age of Eighteen yeares then the Thirty pounds shall be paid unto & amongst my Five younger Daughters to Hannah Busby & Sarah Wood Mary Busby Jane Hall & Lydia ffrench my Will is that after the decease of me & my Wife that my Goods shall be divided amongst all my Daughters mention in my Will. And also my Will is that if I & my Wife Elizabeth shall happen to die before my youngest Daughter Rebecca is brought up that then my Sonne Charles ffrench shall bring her up or else to allow her Five pounds a year untill shee come to the Age of Ten yeares for & towards the bringing of her up. In Witness hereof I have hereunto sett my hand & seale the Third day of the fourth month called June (1698)
Thomas ffrench (seal)

Sealed & delivered in ye presence of John Paine Tho: Eves John Hollinshed junr
The above written is a true Coppy of the Originall will or Codecill of Thomas ffrench above named, being with the same Originall Examined this Third Day of May Anno Dom 1699 as witnefse hereunto my and & seale of Office
Tho: Revell Secry & Regr
(Reference: Compiled and Published by Howard Barclay French, Genealogy of the Descendants of Thomas French - Volume I: With some account of Colonial Manners and Doings (Philadelphia: Privately Printed, 1909). pg. 76-77.)

...Thomas French, the eldest son of Thomas and Sarah French (Ffrench), was born in Nether Heyford, England, Oct 1639, and on 3 Nov 1639, was baptized in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, in that parish. He was reared in the faith of the Church of England, but as a young man was attracted to the doctrine preached by the Society of Friends (Quakers), and was one of the most enthusiastic followers of George Fox. As a Quaker he suffered many persecutions and trials (documentation on record) for his beliefs and spent many months in prison.
...He had met and fallen in love with Jane Atkins, of Nether Heyford, at this time and on 12 Jun 1660, they were married in the parish church at Whilton, Northamptonshire, England by the Rev. Richard Morris. Why they were not married in their own parish is not clear, but on 8 Mar 1663, at the request of Jane (Atkins) French, the Rev. John Bedford, of Nether Heyford, entered the marriage in his records.

...Over the next few years England was too warm for Thomas French. The authorities were continually annoying himn because of his Quaker principles. It is no wonder that he took keen interest in the plans of William Penn and other leading Friends to found a religious asylum in the "New World". In Mar 1676, the "Concessions and Agreements of the Proprietors, Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Province of West New Jersey, in America", were published. This is one of the great historic documents in America, for it formulated the principles of equality and righteousness which were afterwards incorporated the Government of the colony, but also provided for fair dealings with the abrigines of New Jersey. It was signed by 150 prominent Quakers, headed by William Penn, and among the signatures on that immortal Constitution the name of Thomas French was conspicuous.

...In 1677 the famous ship, "Kent", under the command of Gregory Marlowe, sailed from England, conveying the first English families to colonize West New Jersey. It is not known whether Thomas French was on this vessel, but it is a known fact that he came alone to America to look over tha land and make plans for his home. Then he returned to England for his family, and on 1 Aug 1680, he and his family came to New Jersey on teh "Kents's" second voyage. In due time they arrived in Burlington County, and settled on a tract of 600 acres on the banks of the Rancocas Creek, about four miles from the newly founded city of Burlington. 8 May 1692, his wife, Jane, died at their home at Rancocas, New Jersey. While his grief was no doubt great at the loss of this staunch companion who had been by his side through his troubled years, 6 Jun 1694, he announced his intention to go to England, and asked two close Friends to inquire into his "Clearness upon the Account of Marriage" and by their report as also several other neighbors the meeting was satisfied to give him a "Certificate from the Meeting" which was accordingly done. This procedure meant that the Meeting was requested to issue to Thomas French a certificate showing that he had not entangled himself with other women - that he might freely wed the lady of his choice. 25 Jul 1695, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Stanton, a member of the Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, where the ceremony was performed.
...Thomas French was destined to survive this marriage only a few years; he died in 1699 at Rancocas, Burlington County, New Jersey, and was buried beside his first wife in the fas burial plot, on his plantation in Rancocas. From his will, it would appear that in his last years he had contemplated returning to England - as he had planned in 1694 - but death evidently altered his intention. At his death he was one of the largest landowners in the Province, possessing 1200 acres of improved land, and in addition to this domain, his proprietary shares of unsurveyed land gave him approximately 2000 acres.
...Thomas French was a man of strong and forceful character, and was blunt and outspoken in his comments. He frequently had cause to regret his hasty remarks and actions, and seldom hesitated to apologize, if he believed he was in the wrong. Nor would he refuse to retract his statements if, in his opinion, he had justice on his side. He was a deeply religious man, and performed his tasks as a member of the Society of Friends with conscientiousness and devotion.
...Thomas French, in accordance with the custom of his family for generations, and that of nearly all Protestant Englishmen of his time, had his children baptized in the Church of England, notwithstandinghis early sympathy and unity with the Society of Friends. The obligation thus assumed, as to the reliqious care and training of his children, was faithfully kept, the family Bible being an impressive witness in this respect. He had issued, by his first wife, Jane: Sara (died and infant), Jane, Rachel, Richard, Thomas, Hannah, Charles, John, Sarah, Mary, Jane, Lydia, an infant; by his second wife, Elizabeth; a daughter, Rebecca.

Will proved: 3 May 1699

25 Jul 1696, Thomas French letter to marry Elizabeth Stanton. (Reference: Hinshaw, pg. 528)

Thomas married Jane Atkins on 12 Jun 1660 in Whilton, Northamptonshire, England. Jane was born about 1639 in Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire, England; died on 5 Oct 1692 in Rancocas, Burlington County, New Jersey, British Colonial America. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The following is taken from the parish records of the Church S, S, Peter and Paul, Nether Heyford, England, concerning the marriage of Thomas ffrench and Jane Atkins.

"Note. March 8 1663 The said Jane ffrench p'senting unto me John Bedford parson of Heiford A Consigned Certificate of the said Thomas ffrench jun & Jane Atkins both of Heiford pish Testifying that they the said Thomas & Jane w' marryed in the pish Church of Whilton June 12 1660 by M' Richard Morris then Minister there: Returning her Certificate of marriage backe againe into her owne custody, I thus entred the Record of ye said marriage at her request, into this my Heiford pish Register."

(Source: Howard Barclay French, "Genealogy of the Descendants of Thomas French", (Philadelphia, Privately Printed, 1909), pg. 64.)

Other Events:

• Misc: 1686; was fined one hide valued at 15 shilling for not training because he was a Quaker

Notes:

Misc:

Taken from Harmanus King of Flushing by John Farrington some time in the 10th mo. 1686 for not training one hyde valued at 15 shilling.

Harmanus married Mary Greijn on 28 May 1676 in New York Colony, British Colonial America. Mary was born about 1652 in Nottingham Township, Burlington County, New Jersey Colony, British Colonial America; died on 24 Jan 1741 in Nottingham Township, Burlington County, New Jersey Colony, British Colonial America. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Green

Notes:

Married:
as Harmanus Cooning and Marye Grien