Thomas French

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]

Thomas married Elizabeth Stanton on 25 Sep 1696 in Pennsylvania, British Colonial America. Elizabeth was born in in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Baptism: 17 Mar 1661, Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire, England; Church St. Peter and St. Paul

Other Events:

• Baptism: 8 Aug 1662, Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire, England; Church St. Peter and St. Paul

Other Events:

• Baptism: 3 Apr 1664, Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire, England; Church St. Peter and St. Paul

Rachel married Matthew Allen in 1687. Matthew died in Oct 1701. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Rachel married Hugh Sharp on 9 Feb 1702. Hugh was born on 3 Jun 1668; died in 1742. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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 Sarah Scattergood on 11 Sep 1693 in Burlington, New Jersey, British Colonial America. Sarah was born in 1670 in Stepney, London, England, United Kingdom; died about 1700 in Burlington, New Jersey, British Colonial America. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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]

Other Events:

• Baptism: 31 Oct 1667, Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire, England; Church St. Peter and St. Paul

Other Events:

• Baptism: 5 Sep 1669, Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire, England

Other Events:

• Baptism: 2 Apr 1671, Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire, England; Church St. Peter and St. Paul

Other Events:

• Baptism: 2 Jan 1673, Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire, England; Church St. Peter and St. Paul

Other Events:

• Baptism: 23 Feb 1674, Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire, England; Church St. Peter and St. Paul

Sarah married Isaac Wood on 1 Apr 1695. Isaac and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Baptism: 8 Aug 1675, Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire, England; Church St. Peter and St. Paul

Family/Spouse: Nicholas Buzby. Nicholas was born in of Burlington County, New Jersey; died on 28 Aug 1727. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Baptism: 19 Nov 1676, Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire, England; Church St. Peter and St. Paul

Notes:

Birth:
6th month 8, 1697

Rebecca married Robert Murfin on 3 Apr 1729. Robert was born on 12 May 1705; died in 1753. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
8th mo. 20th, 1696

Notes:

Birth:
[3da 9mo 1707]

Mary married Preserve Brown, Jr. on 15 Oct 1724 in Burlington County, New Jersey, British Colonial America. Preserve (son of Preserve Brown, Sr. and Mary _____) was born about 1699 in Chesterfield Township, Burlington County, New Jersey, British Colonial America; died on 22 Jul 1760. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Rebecca married Benjamin Shreve on 23 Apr 1729 in Springfield Township, Burlington County, New Jersey, British Colonial Ameirca. Benjamin (son of Caleb Shreve and Sarah Areson) was born on 9 Jun 1706 in Mansfield, Burlington County, New Jersey, Brithsh Colonial America; was christened on 9 Jun 1706 in New Jersey, British Colonial America; died on 14 Mar 1751 in Burlington, New Jersey, British Colonial America. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Lydia Taylor on 20 Sep 1748 in New Jersey, United States. Lydia was born in of Bordentown, New Jersey; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
7th mo. 20th, 1715

Sarah married William Marlin in Apr 1741. William and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
7th mo. 5th, 1717

Family/Spouse: Jacob Taylor. Jacob and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Abigail married James Lewis in Mar 1737. James and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
12th mo. 11th, 1719

Benjamin married Martha Hall on 29 Jan 1742 in New Jersey, United States. Martha and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
11th mo. 27th, 1722

Jonathan married Esther Matlack on 12 Mar 1744. Esther died in 1795. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Keziah married Moses Ivins about 1753 in Mansfield, Burlington County, New Jersey, Brithsh Colonial America. Moses (son of Isaac Ivins and Sarah Johnson) was born in 1725 in Mansfield, Burlington County, New Jersey, Brithsh Colonial America; died in 1803 in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
6th mo. 10th, 1732

Notes:

Birth:
8th mo. 25th, 1734

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Caleb married Grace Pancoast on 19 Nov 1755. Grace and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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]

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

Other Events:

• Military: 31 Oct 1775; Revolutionary War - Lieutenant Colonel, Continental Army, Second New
• Military: 28 Nov 1776; Revolutionary War - Colonel, Continental Army, Second New Jersey

Notes:

...Colonel Israel Shreve was born in 1739 in New Jersey. Before rising to a position of military leadership in General George Washington's Continental Army during the American Revolution, he worked as a farmer in Gloucester County....On Oct. 31, 1775, Shreve was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the Second Regiment of New Jersey troops. On Nov. 28, 1776, he was promoted to Colonel for the reorganized line, which was now known as the Second New Jersey Regiment, Second Establishment.
...The 2nd N.J. Regiment fought at the Battle of Brandywine on Sept. 11, 1777, and at the Battle of Germantown on Oct. 4, 1777. They also spent the cold winter of 1777, short of clothing and food supplies, with Washington's troops at Valley Forge.
...On June 28, 1778, Shreve played a part in the strange events of the Battle of Monmouth. Major General Charles Lee led the advance column against the British troops, but gave his men hasty orders to retreat after being startled by a counterattack from the British. He did not give word of his decision to General Washington, who was following behind him with the main army. As an angry Washington met up with columns of confused troops falling back from the front, he pressed the approaching Colonel Israel Shreve for an explanation. "Colonel Shreve answered in a very significant manner, smiling, that he did not know, but that he had retreated by order, he did not say by whose order."* Following the Battle of Monmouth, Lee was court-martialled and removed from command.
...In July of 1779, Shreve and the 2nd N.J. Regiment joined Major General John Sullivan in his campaign against the Tory-allied Iroquois Indians. Shreve was appointed commander of the expedition's base at Fort Sullivan at Tioga, while General Sullivan and his troops went on a punishing spree against the Indians, burning 40 of their towns and destroying corn, vegetables, and orchards.
...According to one source, Shreve was "immensely fat" and such an incompetent officer that in Dec. of 1780 Washington declined to promote him to Brigadier General, saying, "Here I drop the curtain." Shreve retired from the army on Jan. 1, 1781, but for inexplicable reasons remained in command through the rest of the month. In early January, troops in the Pennsylvania Line mutinied over lack of pay and other grievances. When the New Jersey Line followed suit on Jan. 20, Shreve by all accounts botched or neglected handling the situation. At the end of January, Elias Dayton took over as Colonel.
...Shreve apparently participated in the General Assembly of New Jersey following the end of his military career. In April 1783, members of the New Jersey Line requested that he represent them to the Assembly on the issue of receiving five years' full pay at the end of their service, rather than half-pay for life.
...Shreve returned to farming after the war, eventually settling in the west with his wife and children. He died in 1799. (Source: Israel Shreve Revolutionary War Letters, Courtesy of Special Collections & Archives, University of Houston Libraries. http://www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/uhsc/00024/hsc-00024.html)

Birth:
12th mo. 24th, 1739

Israel married Grace Curtis on 27 Feb 1760 in Burlington, New Jersey, British Colonial America. Grace was born in of Burlington County, New Jersey; died on 12 Dec 1771. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Israel married Mary Cokley on 10 May 1773 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, British Colonial America. Mary was born on 17 Oct 1749 in Amity Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, British Colonial America; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
[7da 10mo 1747]

Family/Spouse: Susan Wood. Susan was born on of Alexandria, Virginia; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Benjamin married Hannah Vail on 10 Jul 1770. Hannah and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married three times.

Birth:
25da 1mo 1750

Family/Spouse: David Scattergood. David and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Joseph Beck. Joseph and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: John Nixon. John and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]