Ancestry's Concise Genealogical Dictionary, p.101 freeholder: a person who owns property rather than rents it; one in possession of a freehold. here is the definition pertaining to owning land Shirl

In a message dated 99-04-16 05:25:50 EDT, [email protected] writes: << Can someone tell me what is or was a Freeholder? >> A freeholder, at least now, is a county commissioner -- or an elected official who watches after the county administration. Salem County is governed by freeholders. However, in the 1770s, it might simply have been a free person who 'held' land. In what context was the term mentioned? Maybe that would shed some light. Regards, Jeanne

Does anyone on this list know of the migration of about 100 families from Gloucester County, New Jersey to Clermont County, OH in the late 1700's or early 1800's? I understand the Pool family was a part of this group. I would appreciate any light anyone can cast on this subject. Bob Newman [email protected]

Hello, Anyone doing research on these surnames: PERKINS, SNELL from this county? My information is limited at this time. I only know that Jeremiah Perkins b.1808 NJ m.8-2-1831 Gloucester Co., NJ to Louisa Snell b. 1806 NJ. They had at least two children, Prudence b.about 1832 NJ and William b. about 1834 NJ, before departing for Clark Co., IN. I am waiting for the 1830 NJ Fed. Census but if anyone has information on these surnames I would be happy to hear from you. Judee

Your request is so specific, and of such a pleasing subject, that I will type the whole portion, which begins on p. 605 and goes through to p. 607. FISHERIES.--Various places along the Delaware River, at Gloucester, became noted as shad-fishing stations at the time of the settlement, but the first mention of them is contained in a will of Sarah Bull, made in 1742. She was a daughter of Thomas Bull, whose mother, Sarah Bull, is mentioned as a widow in 1688, and as owning one of the lots that extended down to the river. The fishery designated was above the wharf, extending to Newton Creek, and was left by her to the Harrisons, and used until the erection of the factory, when its usefulness was destroyed. Gloucester Point has ever been the resort of experienced fishermen, whose purpose was less for pleasure than gain, and fisheries with immense nets have troubled the waters ever since the white man's boat first pressed the gravelly strand. For many years it was the occasion of an annual picnic with New Jersey farmers, far and near, to go with their teams, in large companies, each spring, to Gloucester Point, load their wagons with shad, haul them home and cure them for family use during the year, salted and smoked herring and shad being deemed as essential to the larder as pickled pork. Shad were more plentiful and larger in those days than now. In the language of Alexander A. Powell, a fisherman, threescore years ago, "Shad don't run as they used to do when I was a boy; they used to bring in six thousand at a haul; now six hundred is a big catch, and such big ones as they used to catch! eight-pounders, many of them, while now a four-pounder is called a beauty." The Hugg fishery, extending from Clark's to the old ferry at Hitchner's, and the Champion fishery, north from Hitchner's to Newton Creek. The latter was purchased by the Gloucester Land Company in 1848. The Clark fishery was united with the Hugg right about seventy years ago, and Alfred Hugg, a leading lawyer of Camden, whose ancestors for generations owned the fishery, with other heirs, is now the owner, and was the operator until 1886, when it was leased to William J. Thompson and William Guy. The net used is five hundred and seventy-five fathoms in length, twenty fathoms in depth, and the lines over four miles long, being the largest net used on the Delaware. Shore-fishing has been less lucrative since gill-fishing came into vogue. This method came into use as early as 1800, and was considered injurious to the general fisheries to such an extent that an act was passed, November 26, 1808, prohibiting the use of the drift net or gilling seines. This act was in force many years, and June 10, 1820, Aaron Patterson, Charles Anderson, William Griffith and William Campbell were tried for the offense committed May 6th, opposite Howell's fishing- grounds, at Red Bank. The act became inoperative a few years later, and the method was largely used. Alexander A. Powell was one of the earlies to engage in this mode of fishing. He drifted his first net, sixty fathoms long, from Gloucester to Red Bank, in 1828, and continued in the same occupation, each returning spring, until 1882, when the weight of seventy winters compelled him to desist. Sixteen gill-fishers now constitute the Gloucester contingent, using nets one hundred and thirty fathoms long. Formerly sturgeon fishing was quite a business, but it has fallen off, and the boats go to the bay in the early part of the season, following the fish as they move up the river, and reach Gloucester in July. There are two fishing districts on the Delaware River, in Camden County. The southern district extends from Federal Street, Camden, to Timber Creek. Patrick McGallagher is fish warden of this district. The following is a statement of the catch for 1886, with the number of men employed and nets used: At Gloucester, William J. Thompson and William Guy employ sixty men, and work a net of five hundred fathoms length. The number of roe shad caught was 9240; bucks, 6153; skips, 2431,-- total 17,824; herring, 179,406; rock fish, 691. Gloucester City, 21 gillers, 2500 fathoms, 8300 shad. Bridge Avenue, Camden, 10 gillers, 750 fathoms; 3000 shad. Kaighns Point, 10 gillers, 1000 fathoms, 5000 shad. PLANKED SHAD may not be called an industry, but planked shad dinners are an institution peculiar to Gloucester Point, one that is rapidly winning popularity for the locality. Who was the inventor, and when and where the invention was first applied, is not surely known. Tradition has it that a hundred years ago Jersey dames, living near the banks of the Delaware, always famous for the abundance and delicate flavor of its shad, pleased and cultivated the epicurean appetites of their lords, the ploughmen and the fishermen of the day, by serving up the dainty fish, toasted on oaken planks, free from the effluvia of swine fat. This is tradition, however, dark, dim and uncertain, but living testimony verifies the statement. Samuel Reeves, now in his ninety-sixth year, living in Haddonfield, began fishing at Eagle Point fishery, at Red Bank, in 1818, and says planked shad were then prepared, but not often, and not until many years later did it become extensively known. About fifty years ago "Aunt Polly" Powell, wife of Abraham Powell, living near the shore at Gloucester Point, so served the fish, on occasions, to the hungry disciples of "Izaak Walton," who sought the gravelly shore on piscatorial expeditions. "Aunt Polly"--the term was one of affection and respect--did not make it a business to cater for the hungry, but, at times, fishing-parties, hungering and thirsting, would entreat her kind offices in warming a cup of coffee or frying a bit of bacon, and, in the goodness of her kindly heart, she sometimes varied the regimen with planked shad, to their delight and her gain. "Aunt Polly's" skill, however, never made planked shad famous. They were delicious, and the fishermen knew it, and repeated the experiment to prove the fact; but they were not judges, for fishermen are always hungry, and a hungry man knows not whether it be the excellence of the viand or the sharpened appetite that makes it taste so good. The first to provide the dish to parties was Mrs. Wills, the widow of Aden G. Wills, who kept the ferry-house, "The Old Brick," over forty years ago. He removed to Red Bank, where Mrs. Wills supplied planked shad to her guests occasionally. Aden Wills died, and Mrs. Wills, who is still living in Philadelphia, leased the Buena Vista, at Gloucester Point, about thirty years ago, and had a limited patronage for planked shad. Among her regular patrons was Detective Ben Franklin, who sometimes alone, at other times with company, doubled his enjoyment by sampling the luscious dish while inhaling draughts of cool air. But while Mrs. Wills was an expert in the culinary art, she knew not the mysteries of printer's ink, and the knowledge of the dish was limited. Daniel Wills, a son, served planked shad at the Buena Vista years later, and after that at the Lazaretto, where many a bon vivant sought his hospitality. A Chester host took up the role a number of years ago, and many went thither for the delightful dish, but the later lustre of the Gloucester dinners has paled the rival lights in the land of Penn, and if they still burn, it is dimly and subdued. Plank shad continued to be served, but their renown was confined within narrow bounds, and Philadelphia almost monopolized the privilege until about ten years ago, when William J. Thompson, who had been running the Buena Vista, was supplanted by John Plum, and, building a house of his own farther south on the shore, set rival tables, which, exciting emulation, led to a strife for trade that lined both their coffers with silver and gold. The rivalry led to extensive advertising, until Gloucester Point's special dainty had been read of all over the land, and parties from distant States, after experimenting, have gone home, told their story and started others on the pilgrimage. John J. Jackson succeeded Plum, who supplied the commodity at the "Buck," on Timber Creek, but the pilgrimage to Gloucester still continued, requiring constant expansion and multiplication of appliances to feed the increasing pilgrims, which this year will reach ten thousand. All classes are included, United States judges, Senators, Congressmen and heads of departments, Governors, legislators, State, county and municipal officials, military and naval heroes, the grave, the gay, all, in singles, pairs and fifties, all partake; even the bootblack, if he has the price, may enjoy the luxury, barring the wine. Mr. Thompson is constantly adding attractions to his spacious hotel, and his guests warmly praise his hospitality and successful management. He is one of GLoucester's most active citizens, and in business and political matters, a leader. When Mr. Thompson came to Gloucester (1869) "planked shad" dinners were served in a primitive way. He has brought it to a state of perfection, and his hotel is the resort not only of Philadelphia's most noted people, but the entire country. It is a great place for foreign tourists, who desire to receive instruction about the mysteries of that great American dish. Plank shad is thus prepared and served. A hickory or white-oak plank, two and a half inches thick, is heated almost to ignition; upon it is placed a "roe shad," fresh from the water, and split down the back, seasoned and then placed before a fire of coals. It requires from half to three-quarters of an hour to cook properly. The fire cooks one side, the hot plank the other, the process conserving the aroma and juices; and served hot, with new potatoes, fresh green peas, asparagus and waffles, with wine to those who will, it is a dish fit for the most epicurean of American sovereigns. Among the noted sportsmen was John Burroughs, whose reputation for fishing and gunning was second to none in the country. This was so nice, and serves three purposes, so I send it to the NJCAMDEN and NJGLOUCESTER groups, also. First, for your lookup. Second, for a bit of unique history. And third, to let the others know I am back, and will continue on the Cooper typings if given the page number and paragraph number again (I lost all my mail the other day, etc.). Vince

For information on the shootings in the LDS Research Library in Salt Lake City.. Shirl http://www.desnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,75004201,00.html

I have just come across information that one of my ancestors was a Freeholder in Gloucester Co. 1770-1800. Can someone tell me what is or was a Freeholder? Many thanks.

Have you checked the Gloucester Co. newspaper item death record films that are available from the family history center near you? I've had pretty good luck looking for names in that time period. The films are alphabetized. Marilyn

I am looking for the parent of Elizabeth Giberson b Sept 28, 1783 ( reported to have been Gloucester Co) . She died April 20, 1862, in Harrisonville, NJ, She was married to Israel Ewan..... looking for information on his family also! The Atlantic Co Historical Society told me I should check out Cumberland Co since there were many Giberson located here during that time. I have been given 2 different sets of parents and I'm trying to eliminate one. William Giberson and wife Elizabeth ?? are one set. The other is John Giberson III ( from Monmouth Co) and wife Hannah Tice found in Williamstown, NJ at one time. Since I live in Florida it is really hard for me to research all the great records in the various Historical Libraries there, although I do get back "home" as often as possible. Any help with this Giberson family would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Susan

Hello, everybody! I just checked out the Ancestry web site and found that one of the FREE databases they're offering for today is "Camden County, NJ, Marriages from 1837-1910." Here's the description of the database: "Created in 1844 from Gloucester County, Camden County in New Jersey was one of the most populous counties in the state in the late 1800's and remains the most populous county south of Trenton. This database is a collection of marriage records, taken from original documents filed with county clerk, between 1837 and 1910. Each entry provides the name of the groom and bride, respectively, and the date of marriage. Marriage dates follow a month-day-year format. Containing over 6000 records, this collection can be a helpful source of information for researchers seeking ancestors from New Jersey." Check it out at http://www.ancestry.com/ancestry/search/3725.htm Generally the database stays free for a week or so after it's uploaded, so hurry over to see who's there! Good luck! Suzan Kaye Mountain Home, AR

I'm interested in finding out more about the following people: Rachel Parker Married: Joshua Eldridge July 01, 1800 in Christ Church, Philadelphia, PA Thank you, Debi

Hi , My server did a massive update and while I erred and deleted some files , I lost all of my email . Anyone who has kindly emailed me since Sunday April 11 , please re-send . Thanks , Anna

Folks! I know there are many CHEW researchers out there in NJ, my homestate. Particularly Gloucester County, but also Burlington and Camden. This URL, one you are by now familiar with, http://www.familysearch.org/ the LDS site, has *much* Chew data. It even connects the various branches, and goes back to 1500. What I did was to start with Jeremiah Chew, I think it was, and worked back. I found a birth date. Some names have multiple representations, so I check out each one. Then, from that, I find the parents names. Then I check the father out, figuring, usually, the father is a minimum of one year sooner for his marriage date. Seldom is it many years more. I do this by entering the father and mother's name from the previous find. Once I have done that, then I go for the father's name alone, which then gives date entrances of birth for the father. I repeated the process, clear through a John Chew or two, until I ran across the best item of all, an Ancestral File. This is a collection of data, and gives interrelationships in great detail. Wound up back in England, after passing through Flushing, Queens, NY first. 1500 before it all stopped. Perhaps if I then did a search on that man, I could have gone back further, but, hey, 1500 was enough for me. Now, this is not even truly secondary data, but on the ancestral file, if you click on details of the source, it gives the submitter's names and addresses, and they are listed as of 1978, so you have a chance of contacting one or more of them. Well, enough for now. Vince

I just ordered the following census films which I will have in appr. 2 weeks. I will have use of these films for 30 days. I will be happy to look up any names that you email me before the film comes in. Please list a surname and given name. I can't look up all the listings for a particular surname,but I will make a photocopy of the whole page it is on. If you want that photocopy, let me know with your request, and I will make a copy if I find your listing. I will let you know if I hit paydirt. At that time, I will mail you the copy if you send me a SASE. The films are: 1870 - Cape May County 1870 - Gloucester County 1880 - Cape May, Camden (ED64, Sheet 13-End) and Cumberland (ED82, Sheet 30 1880 - Gloucester, Essex (Excluding Newark)(ED110, Sheet17-End) 1890 - Veteran's Census for the following counties: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem. please email me privately at [email protected] Shirl

I am trying to find any information other than what I have on French Mullica: Born 21 Sept. 1830 in Mullica Hill, NJ, died 17 Sept. 1916 in Algona, IA. Married Mary Jane Jewett. Had son William Mullica on 27 June 1867. Thanks for listening. Hope you can help! Diana

I am interested in someone looking up two names in the New Jersey 1890 Veterans Schedule. 1890 BREYER HENRY A. Gloucester County, NJ Page 002 Ed 62 Deptford Twp. 1890 BREYER JOHN Camden County, NJ Page 001 Ed 166 Camden It looks like they are my Uncles and that they served in the Civil War, interested in what it says for them on the above page numbers. Also, does anyone connect with Breyer Family in these two counties, believe they are originally from London, England. Martha Allen b. cir. 1796 and Laurence Benhard BREYER b. ? Both born in England Marriage: 22 Oct 1815 London, England Alfred Breyer b. 1829? Christened 7 Mar 1830 London, England Believe he married Elizabeth Siddon? 26 May 1850 Camden, Camden Co., NJ Lawrence Breyer b. 1831? Marriage: Margaret Flick 10 Jun 1855 Camden, Camden Co., NJ Henry A. Breyer b. 1826/1827 London, England? Policeman/Brass Moulder Married Ann D. ? b. 1826/1827 Henry A. Breyer b. 1848 PA Married Mary A. Shute on November 24, 1869 in Camden, NJ Mary A. Shute's parents were: Thomas Shute b. 1820? and Elizabeth Ann ? b. 1810?. Also trying to find out if Martha and Frederick are part of this BREYER family also. Martha Breyer Christened 16 Aug 1816 London, England Frederick Breyer Christened 25 Jul 1824 London, England I was born in Camden and was adopted as a baby. My birth mother died at age 19. I found my real birth sister in 1997 and we met for the first time after 56 years. My sister was born in 1938 and I was born in 1940 and our mother died January 1941. I am trying to trace our family history. I was born a RUEBECK (German) - related lines BARNABY/PAUL/BREYER/WATSON/JOHNSON/FOWLER and my adopted name was BISHOP - related lines EMLEY/SOMERS etc. I am trying to research both lines in New Jersey even though I live in Tennessee. Thanks for any help, Carol Holt Born in Camden, New Jersey Live in Middle Tennessee

Alexander A. Young, Tinsmith and Newspaper Owner was in Mt. Holly in 1826 when he founded the newspaper The New Jersey Chronicle. He married Eliza Budd d/o Isaiah Budd and Sarah Budd. Sarah was d/o Hannah Gill and Samuel Budd. Isaiah was of Gloucester County and I know nothing more about him. If anyone can help with the Young family or Isaiah Budd, I would be very grateful. Thanks, Georgia

Otto, Thank you for the reply. I'm glad to hear that STUTZ is a German name. I'm not having much luck pursuing Christina Stutz,b1833/36Wurttemberg , d.1919 (NJ, USA). I found out that she was orphaned at age 2, and then brought to New York and then Philadelphia, at age 16, by an aunt and uncle (names unknown). She married Charles Mood, (also emigrated from Wurttemberg),c.1848/1850, and they moved to Vineland, NJ, then to the Mullica Hill area of NJ.,c. 1864, where they farmed.

NJ Researchers, Looking for any information on my Davis ancestors from NJ. Any possible connection, please let me know. Thanks James Davis James DAVIS Wife: Mary TAYLOR b. 1761 Hunterdon County, NJ b. 1765, NJ m. 1780-1792 ?Where d. 1837, Union Cty, IN d. 6-26-1827 Union County, IN Enlisted in the Revolutionary War, 3rd NJ Regiment under: - Capt. Anthony Sharp 8th Co. - Col. Elias Dayton 3rd Reg, 1st Establishment - Capt. Samuel Flaningham Co. - Col. Elias Dayton 3rd Reg, 2nd Est. - Capt. Joseph I Anderson Co. - Col. Elias Dayton 3rd Reg Served 1776 to 1780 Moved to Indiana around 1803-1806. - Children: 1)Bartholomew DAVIS Wife: Racheal Maxwell b. 2-11-1792, Hunterdon, Cty,NJ b. 1792, KY m. 1813 Preble Cty, OH d. 185?, Union Cty, IN d. 8-24-1848 Union County, IN 2) Samuel DAVIS Wife: Dorcus Flint (?Jones) b. 8-10-1795, Hunterdon Cty NJ b. 1795 m. 12-18-1817 Franklin Cnty, IN d. Est. 1823-1889 in Mexorville, IN d. 11-4-1867, Union Cty, IN (d. November 21, 1868) 3) John W. DAVIS Wife: Lydia Farmer b. 4-1-1797, Hunterdon Cty, NJ d. 2-18-1837 d. 9-17-1870, Union Cty, IN

I have family buried in Cedar Hills Cemetery in Philadelphia. Apparently their remains had been moved from Mutual Burial Grounds in 1860. There is no longer a cemetery of that name in Philadelphia, and I've been unable to locate any former records. The family had originally lived in Gloucester County, however, so it has occurred to me that perhaps the elusive cemetery was in NJ, and the son moved the remains to the local cemetery. Does anyone know if there was a cemetery by this name in Gloucester Co.? The family members who were moved were Joseph Thomas STOW and Martha STOW. These are the names of my 3g-grandparents, and they are in the same plot as my 2g-grandparents John and Rachel DUFFIELD STOW. Thanks.