F 137 .S52 Copy 1 Craven's Choyce BY EDWARD S. SHARPE, M. D. PRESIDENT PAPER READ BEFORE THE SALEM COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY ON JUNE 9th 1908 ?^ Craven's Choyce ■^ BY EDWARD S. SHARPF, M. D. PRESIDENT PAPER READ BEFORE THE SALEM COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY ON JUNE 9th 1908 oifi ^■^ Society Kt "CRAVEN'S CHOYCE" By gifts or primary grants from Roy- alty, the Continent of America i e:— North America, as far as it was known, was originally divided amongst great pro- prietors, individual and corporate, who proceeded to populate them with settlers, usually of the lower orders, who came as laborers, and only in exceptional cases as tenants. Accustomed as they were to feudal conditions, the first immigrants were still dominated by them, and had no more expectations of owning property themselves in fee, than they had before leaving their native shores, and estab- lishing themselves permanently in the new world. In New Jersey, however, other senti- ments prevailed. The Colonists there looked forward to emancipation from this partial servitude, and to the estab- li>:1inieiit of commonweaKhs. where cer- tain liberties could be enjoyed, i e: — the exercise of unrestrictd thought, together with religious freedom, which, inconsist- ent with the arbitrary government thev had escaped, gradually broke down the civil and social barriers inherited througJi centuries of monarchial rule, finally re- sulting in the great revolution, which se- cured the independence the general wealth and power of the inhabitants de- manded, and ultimately gained, by the united efforts of their indomitable cour- age, during the long and sanguinary con- flict from which it was evolved. More than a century of republican or democratic government, since that not- able triumph, has swept away all oppo- sition to political suffi'age, and proprie- torship in the soil, has become the uni- versal e?onomic law, underlying the foundation of the State. But, more than two centuries ago, a re- action had commenced in this regard, es pecially in Nova Caesarea, inaugurated by a regulation of the Proprietors, by which every male settler coming to the Province as a servant, at the expiration of his time, was entitled to one hundred acres of land, generaly known as "head lands" contained in surveys of suitable size and divisions, intended for that par- ticular purpose. Previous to this con- cession, they received only "a set of agricultural implements, necessary ar- ticles of apparel, and ten bushels of corn." Many of these young men, (as stated bp several historical writers), who emi- grated as servants, and whose names were not even inscribed on the passen- ger lists of the vessels in which they embarked, (numbers being substituted a.s more convenient) had considerable natur- al ability and some education, becoming in time conspicuous members of the community, while their masters as they termed those for whom they worked and with whom they lived and served their times, have, with their descendants, long since been forgotten. As an example, Joseph Tomlinson, sent to America by Anthony Sharpe, of Dublin, and who in a letter written in 1691, addresses him as "Most respected Master," through his daughter, Eliza- beth, who married Bartholomew Wyatt. Jr., became the grandfather of Sarah Wj'att. who married Richard Wistar, of Philadelphia, and tlius was great-great- Si-andfather of their son. Doctor Casper Wistar, of that City, a graduate, and afterward Professor of Anatomy, in the University of Pennsylvania, one of the most distinguished physicians that in- stitution has ever produced, and whose name will not be forgotten, while the "Wistar Parties," originated by him, shall continue to be observed and hon- ored, and hospitality and social enter- tainment distinguish Quaker City life. To illustrate the custom then in vogue, regarding indentured servants, I include the following, viz:— (Redemtiouist Indenture) ( L. S.) "This Indenture made the ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, seven hundreJ and twenty- seven, between Samuel Moor of the one part and Alexader McDonall, weaver, ot the other part— Witnesseth that the said Alexander McDonall, doth hereby coven- ant, premise and grant to and with the said Samuel Moor, his executors, ad- ministrators and assigns, from the day and date hereof, until the first and next arrival at Pennsylvania or New Yor and after, for and during the term of five years to serve in such service and employment as the said Samuel Moor or his assigns shall there employ him ac- cording to the custom of the country in the like kind. In consideration whereof the said Samuel Moor doth hereby coven- ant and grant to and with the said Alexander McDonall to pay for his pas- sage and to find and allow meat, drink, apparel, and lodging, and other neces- saries, during the said term; and at the end of said term to pay unto him the usual allowance according to the custom of tlie country in the like kind. In wit- ness whereof the Parties above mention- ed to these indentures have interchange- bly set their hands and seals, the ' day and year first aboce mentioned." his Alexander (x) McDonall mark "Sealed, signed and delivered in the presence of Nath Whitwell, Lord Mayor of Dublin." "The within servant arrived at New York in the ship "George and John," June 17, 172S." "Endorsed" August ye 3d, 1728. "There came before me the within men- tioned Alexander Donall and acknowl- edged that he was willing to serve Thomas Horns, of Middleton, according to the tenor of this Indenture." "John Throckmorton." The above is an assignment of Mc- Donall to another employer after his ar- rival in America; legally transacted with his consent, a not uncommon practice, done, for a consideration to a consider- able extent, if not conducted as a regu- lar business. The price of the passage across the Atlantic in 16S6. for a man and wife, was £11.0.0 about $55.00. The reference made to giants, by Roy- al munificence, of large territorial do- mains in America, to favorites and cour- tiers, finds an apt illustration in Nev,- Jersey, when. Marcli 12. lG(i3-4. the Duke of York, afterward James II, of England, received from his brotlier. Charles II, the King, what was known then as New Netherland. extending from St. Croix to the Delaware, and who about the same date. June 23-24, 1664, granted that por- tion of it called Nova Caesarea or New Jersey, in totality, together with "full powers of govcinment." to Sir George Cartaret and Lord John Berkely, who, from loyalty to the cause of the Stuarts, before and uring the Protectorate of Cromwell, had claims upon the Crown, which were liberally recognized, upon the Restoration in 1660. Cartaret retained possession of his moiety, after the sub- sequpnt division, by qumtipartite deed in 1676, but Berkely, (being advanced in years and loosing interest, and hope of future emolument from his province) had in the meantime, viz:— in 1673. sold to John Fenwick. his share, for one thousaiul pounds Stirling. By a singular coincidence, not how- ever unusual, in those epochs, (momeu- tous and benificent) in the affairs of men, when history is made, just at this time, George Fox returned to England, from his noted missionary tour through the American Colonies, bringing the "glad tidings" of religious freedom, and his report of the climate and govern- ments there, had a potent iuflueuce on the sale of lands then offered to pur- chasers in London and elsewhere, as well as, in the exodus from their insular homes, that followed, in due course of time, to the great continent beyond the sea. As the Fenwick-Byllinge movement was comijosed largely of Friends, it is not singular that the most eminent pros- elyte then living— William Ponn— shoulJ become connected with it in various ways; first, as a mediator between Fen- wick and Byllinge, in the dispute as to theii respective shares of the purchase, which, together with a lack of funds, had, for some two years, retarded the enterprise; subsequently, as one of the trustees for the creditors of Byllinge, and finally, as Proprietor of Fenwick's Tenth, becoming thus, still more closely identifed with West Jersey, as well as with the topography and natural re- sources of the Delaware Littoral, de- stined to become the site of the City of Brotherly Love. It would .je interesting, were it possi- ble, to know just when William Penn first conceived the idea of colonizing the Province, which afterward bore his name. His father. Admiral Penn, died in 1670. Two years afterward, about ten years before his first voyage to America, he married Guliclma Maria Springett. When tlie Admiral died, the Crown was indebted to him £16000, which he be- queathed to his son, together with a'n |j anniiitv of £1500. The claim against the Government was settled in 1681, by the grant of what is now Pennsylvania, and shortly after, the founder sailed in the "Welcome." for his new possession. It appears to have been about this time, that his mind was contemplating seriously his grand scheme, as, prior to October 1681, we find him engaged in col- laborating (with the illustrious and un- fortunate Algernon Sidney) certain con- stitutions at his home. I quote part ot a letter germane to this subject, written by him at this time, viz:— "This made me remember the discourse we had to- gether at my house about me drawin.g constitutions, not as proposals, but as iC to the hand." also "upon this thou didst draw a draft, as to the form of govern- ment, gave it to me to read, and we dis- coursed it with considerable argument." The constitution, referred to above, was published in London in 1682. The Sylvan Province that bears the patronymic of the great statesman, legis- lator and philanthropist indellibly stamp- ed on its history, is recognized by all, but the mind insensibly adverts toward the itinerant shoemaker apprentice of Drayton, to the Quaker Colporteur oii liis lonely journey through the wilds of America; we listen to the thrilling story of his wanderings, and cannot but trace to that earnest and intrepid man, that champion of the untrammeled conscience, that protagonist of a faith and creed which now, after the lapse of more than two centuries and a half, remains virile and true, the fons et origo, the source and origin of those occult forces, moral and phy.sical. which culminated in the founding of the imperial state (imperium in imperio)— of Pennsylvania, with its opulent metropolis, situate on the very bluff on the bank of the eDlaware, which, the passengers on the ship "Shields from Hull," sailing up the stream to Bridling- ton, saw December 10, 1677, and exclaimeo" "a fine spot for a town." "God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform." I have alluded to the delay in the de- parture of Fenwick and his colonists, from the date of the purchase in 167:J until the summer of 1675 and stated that it was due to two causes— the contention as to the shares of the Province between him and Byllinge and tlie poverty of the promoters of tlie movement, tlie latter being the greater of the impediments as, although many sales of tracts to those interested, were made fat however ridic- ulously low prices) the leader was un- able to get away, nor would he hav- been for an indefinite period, had it not been for two men who had some money they were willing to loan, on the se- curity of his lauded interest in New Jersey; the menus plaisirs. i e: — the privy purse of Fenwick, like that of many another bold adventurer, being at that time in a state of collapse. These men, whose ■'flltliy lucre" over came the present difficulty were, Jolm Eldridge and Edmund Warner, and this loan on mortgage must have been in the nature of a sale, for, as soon as the legal documents were executed, they also began to sell to lire eager pur- i:Iia.=ers, thirsting ffir cliange.— "Cupidus novarum rerum," lots and iracts of land of any size and in any location desired. These sales became a source of great dissatisfaction in many cases— one ot wliich is included in tliis paper — and sliows hnw Fenwick iesent(>d, what he deemed an intrusion into liis affairs by his quondam benefactors, and which ul- timately caused the discharge of his Sur- veyor General— Richard Hancock. I'^'enwick seems to have had ai5 exag- gerated notion of the subject of his own importance, his assumption of the title of "Lord Proprietor," and liis oath of allegiance, to whicli most of the early colonists subscribed, were certain to get him into trouble. Sir Edmund Andross testified in London, lliat ho rlaimed more autliority in the Province, "than was be- longing to any subject," and his dis- sessions linally compelled the sale, of all his tenth, except one hundreu and fifty thousand acres, to William Penu. Many of the original sales of land, and warrants of surveys, were made to and for pui'cliasers living in certain parts of the City of London, viz— Shadwell, Lyme- liouse in the Parisli of Stepney, White Chappie, county of IMiddlesex, and Steb- onheatli, where James Nevill lived and carried on liis business of a weaver. He was attorney for widow Elizabeth Smitli, of White Chappie, for land on Mon- mouth River — Fenwick's Colony in 167S, viz— "1678, June 21st, Warrent of Survey to James Nevill, of Stebonheath, alias Stepney, county of Middlesex, weaver, as attorney for widow BlizalDeth Smith, of White Chappie, same county, for 500 acres in Alloways Allotment or as near as may be on tlie -N. E. side of Mon- mouth River." (Salem Surveys No. 2.) The above land was sold to the widow Elizabeth Smith or Smythe. by Fenwick. May 5. 1673, before he sailed from Eng- land, viz:— "1675 Fenwick to Elizabeth Smith of the Parish of St. Mary White Capplc, county of Middlesex, widow, for :"00 acres of ffenwick's Colony." (New Jersej' Colonial Documents, Salem No. 1.) .'.nn Craven, widow of "Richard Craven, of Lymeliourse, county of Middlesex, baker, deed," who al.'=^o lived i;i the abovi' precinct, became infected with the con- tagious land fever then raging in Lon- don. She had been left a widow with three little children, viz:— .\nn Craven. Tliomas Craven and Peter Craven, and was apparently a near friend to tl^e willow Elizabetli Smitli. as. when she bought a five hundred lot of John Eld- ridge (both, at the date of the purchase. March 20th, 1676-7, being residents of Shadwell. London,) she stipulated tliat it sliould adjoin tlie widow Elizal>etli Smith's 5(10 acres 'as it runnetli up Mon- mniith River," and when Fenwic-!\ issuer! a warrant for the survey of a portion of it in 1679, we find tlie location ordered there, and also the name by whicB it was to be known — "Craven's Choice," viz:— "1679, September 7th, Do, same to widow Ann Craven, late of Lymehouse, in the Parish of Stepney, county of Middlesex, England, now of New Salem, N. J., for "00 acres to be called "Craven's Choice," iu Feuwick's Colony, on the North side of and along Alloways Creek, adjoining Smythe's alias Nevill's Plantation. ' (West Jersey Colonial Documents, Salem Deeds, Libere B.) By this deed we know, that the Widow Craven had before the autumn of 1679, safely crossed the ocean, and in imagi- nation can see this brave woman, sur- lounded by her little brood, standing on the deck of the vessel as ft ascended Salem Creek, absorbed in the surround- ing prospect, her heart elate with grati- tude and hope. How long she had been a resident of the Colony we do not surely know, but she had bought a lot of ten acres in New Salem, exactly two years before, and probably had then located there, viz: "1677, September 7th, Do Do. For a sur- vey of 10 acres in New Salem Township for widow Ann Craven." ("Warrent for Samuel Hedge to survey. New Jersey Colonial Documents, Salem Surveys N. 2.) But a more valid reason for the sur- mise that the widow had been for a con- siderable period established t'nere, is the fact, that about this date, i e:— "January, nth mouth 1679-SO," she had not only made another choice, (to which, however, she did not give, but rather surrendered her name) but also had made a marriage settlement upon the object thereof- - Charles Bagley, viz:— "167S-80 nth m 1 Jan.) Marriage settlement, widow Ann Craven (as before) with her husband-to-be, Charles Bagaly, late o? Clirp'anke. Talbott county. Maryland, by v/hich she gives him the forgoing .JOC acres, subject to payments to her chil- dren, Ann Craven, Thomas Craven and Peter Craven." (Salem Deeds Liber B.) We infer from the reference to his former abode, that Bagley was a com- paratively recent arrival in the Salem Tenth, possibly subsequently to that of his intended wife. He seems to have been a pushing individual, impeded by neither diffidence nor illiteracy, the mak- ing of his mark instead of signing his name, showing that he was not em- barrassed by that "dangerous thing" the poet has called "a little knowledge." There is an apparent mercenary mo- tive, on the part of Bagaley in the above transaction, that savors more of modern ethics, than those of over two centuries ago, which offends the moral sense; the trifling guerdon or rather dot bestowed by the prospective bride, augmenting the unpleasing thought. The marriage, (which was preceded by an antinuptial contract for the protec- tion of the three children and which was considered worthy of publication in the New Jersey archives, as an illusti-atioii of the laws then in force, for that pur- pose.) must have been speedily solem- nized, as, about this time we find the t'oliowing abstract, viz: — "1680. September 13th. Minutes of a :-peciaI Court, James Nevill, Wm. Pen- ton, Richard Guy, Edwd Bradway, Edw'd Wade, commis rs "Order grantin;; to Charles Baggily a warrant to Richard Hancock for tlie survey of 200 acres nf land, part of the 5uO acres, which h?s wife in her widowhood had fiom John Eldridge and Edmond Warner." (Salem Surveys No. 2.) "1680, September 16th. Do Do. By order of Court (supra P 14i to Charles Bagley, of 200 acres, ou the North branch of Alloways Creek." (Salem Surveys No. 2.) A few years after the above acquisi- tion. Bagley sold a part of it. which is of interest, as it shows that his first wife, the former widow Ann Craven, was. at that date, still alive, viz:— "1683, June 22d, Deed. Charles Bagley, of AUo- ways Creek, N. J., tanner, to Henry Jennings, of the same place, tailor and wife, Margrett, for 3 acres there, E. grantee, S. AUoways Creek, part of the 500 a lot, bought by Ann Craven, then of Shadwell, widow, now wife of gran- tor, of John Eldridge. of Shadwell, March 20. 1676-7." (Salem Deeds No. 2.) But in 1688, April 30, the above pur- chase, or another of tlie same size, Is conveyed to Henry Jennings, by deed ot Charles Bagley, alone, wife's nam^ omit- ted, from which we infer she was then nead, viz:— "1688, April 31st. Do. Charles Bagley, of Cesaria River, N. J., planter, to Henry Jennings, of Monmouth River, N. J., tailor and wife, Margrett, for 3 acres on said river, adjoining grantor, (Salem Deeds No. 4) and about the same- date he sells also without co-operation of wife, what appears to have been, the original 300 acres, Ann Craven bought of Eldridge and Warner in 1675, and which she named "Craven's Choice," viz: -"1688, May 1st. Charles Bagley, of West Jersey, planter, to John Smith, of Grun- dell Hill or Monmouth River, Salem county, planter, for 300 acres on said river, along the East side of Jamco Nevill." (Salem De.ls No. 4.) The preceding deeds, besides their in- timation of the death of the original owner of "Craven's Choice," tell us that Charles Bagley had changed his resi- dence from Alloways Creek to Caesaria River, and his occupation of a tanner to that of planter, also that in 1688, some five years after his arrival in Fenwick's Colony. John Smith, afterward of Hed- gefieid, still lived at Grundell Hill, on the northern bank of Alloways Creek, and had not then purchased the estate in Maniiington. with which his name wa.s afterwai'd associated, and wliere he lived for many years before his death. Indeed the latter transaction was not sonsum- mated, until eight years later, viz: "1696, September Sth. Deed. Samuel Hedge, of Salem Town, gentleman, and wife, Ann, to John Smith, late of Grun- dell Hill, on Alloways Creek, Salem county, yeoman, for 1160 acres, the now remaining part of Hedgefield and tract of 200O acres, on Manneton Creek, be- queathed to grantors by John Fenwick." (Salem Deeds No. 6.) But on the same date of the first deed to John Smith, i e:— May 1st, 168S, we find another from Bagley to him, for 503 acres, excepting half a acre, viz:— "Charles Bagley to John Smith, of Grun- dell Hil 1, Monmouth River, alias Allo- ways Creek. 50O acres in Alloways Creek adjoining James Newell's 500 acres. Witnessed by James Nevill and George Deacon. Endorsement on back "Except- ing Vz acre sold to Edward Champneys and Roger Milton." This is signed by both Bagley (his mark) and John Sm'.th and is witnessed by William Hall and Samuel Hedge." Although we are ignorant of the date of the demise of Charles Bagley' s first wife, as well as that of his second mar- riage, we known from the following? deed, that the latter event occurred bo- ore 1687, and that the christian name o his wife, was Elizabeth, vix:— "1686-7, March 10th. Do. Charles Bagley (wife Elizabeth) to William Daniel, both of Chohansey. Salem Tenth, yeomen, for 4 acres near the line of the Township of Greenwich, part of the 100 acre lot bouglit r.f ."o'n .mams." (Srlem Deeds No. 7.) Bagley died in the year 1699, leaving .i widow, Elizabeth, and three minor chil- dren. Jean, Sarah and Charles. He was a Friend (and although as we have stated, destitute of the rudiments of a common school education,) active in im- portant transactions in the Colony, as well as in the affairs of the religious sect to which he belonged. In 16S0, March 25th, he, with m?ny others, signed "The concessions ard agreements of the pro- prietors, freeholders and inhabitants of the Province of West New Jersey in America" and "16S1, seventh month (July) 5th, "Charles Bagley together with George Deacon and John Forrest were requested"—" to go to John Fen- wick and let him know that Friends have taken notice of his careless walking in respect to truth and let Friends know whether he hath a desire to walk mori' circumspectly for time to come." This proceeding appears to confirm the belief, tlvat the Proprietor, at that period w somewhat indifferent regarding religious matters. Charles Bagley passed the latter part of his life at "Chohansey." liaving re- sided there several years preceding the close of Ills active life, as we know he bought land there in the year 1687 his ir.terest in the religious affairs of Friends remaining unabated during his latter years, as indicated by the following deed. vix:— "1693. December 25th. Joseph Brown, of the Town of Greenwich, upon Caesaria River, alias Chohansey River, Salem county, yoeman. to Charles Bag- ley for a lot 50 feet wide on the street and 55 feet long, between grantor's dwelling house and his barn for a meet- ing house and grave yard of the "peopie in scorne called Quaiters who worshipp God in spirit and in truth." (Salem Deeds No. 6.) Are we to infer from the foregoing transaction that the Grantee was one of the founders of Friends IWeeting in Greenwich ? Tlie character of Bagley appears to have been that of a fair, honorable man. and lie faithfully kept his promises and agreements, (made however by due pro- cess of law) in behalf of his step chil- dren, after the death of their mother. As the following document, the latte;- part of which I append, showing the custom then in usage amongst Friends as regards (in case of second marraiges* provision being made for the support of children by a former marital union, re lates to this very case, and is probably the only one extant as regards Fenwick's Colony, it is of especial value, and ha.s had its influence, (together with a dec'l showing the dissatisfaction caused, by Richard Hancock's surveys for John Eldiidoe,) in the selection by the writer of the subject of this paper. We have quoted from the Archives, the antinuptual contract between the widow Ann Craven, of "Craveu'.s Choice," and Charles Bagley, late of Choptanke, Talbott county, i>xaryland, and now, in this insirumont, we have the transaction legally consummated which, when stript of the redundant verbiage of the legal phraseology that almost con- ceals it, becomes apparent to an indif- ferent or even an obtuse understanding, viz:— that in the case of the demise of the wife, should he survive her, after his death the property she has transfer- red to him is to go;— "Then to the use and belioofe of the heirs and assigns of hlai the said Charles Uagaley forever; provided that if he, the said Charles Bagaley, heirs exers, administrat rs, or assigns, shall well and truly paye or ^atisfle, or cause to be well and truly payd or satisfied, in sterling money or goods equivalent the sum of eighteen pounds unto Ann Craven when she shall attaine to the age of sixteen years, unto Tlioinas Craven the sum of thirteen pjunds when he shall attaine to the ago of one and twentie years and unto Peter Craven the sum of thirteen pounds when he shall attaine to the age of one and twenty years or within o:ie month aftei- that the said three children of her. the said Ana Craven. Ptie to the presents doe attaine unto their generall ages aforsaid. or if two or any of them attaine (by being survivor) Unto her or his age afoisaid A.;il tha then the Said porc'on or por'cons be not then payd to them twoe or one of them so surviving as aforsaid That then the s.Tid "Craven's Choyce" ai;d three hun- lO dred acres of land, marsh and swampes shall be and enure to the use and behoofe of them the said Thomas Craven, Peter Craceu and Ann Craven, to be divided Amongst them or the Survivor or Sur- vivors of them and to the heirs and assignes of them or the Survivor of them for ever and not otherwise. In witness wliereof she the said Ann Craven hatli hereunto set her hand and scale the 5th day of the eleventh mo th in the year by the English Acct 1679, Etc." Ann Craven." "Sealed, signed and delivered in the presence of Samuel Hedge, Fenwick Adams, Richard Tyndall." (Seal) (Liber B Salem records in office of the Secretary of State, at Trenton, P 18.) Tliis document, a literary curiosity from its quaint diction and obsolete orthography, is, to my mind of greaie, interest as showing what the widow Ann Craven, at the very time of her nuptials, laad most at heart — the welfare of her children— wliich intention being evidently paramount even in that aus picious hour. "Sweet hour all hail ! with envy pale Which Jove himself, might see. And own at least, the nectared feast, Equalled, sweet hour, by thee." in that hour of expectancy, when mar- raige bells were ringing, even then, her nuiternal love and solicitude could not be diverted from her offspring, the chil- dren who liad shared with her the perils of the sea and land, and with whom she now shared her little all, even treasured fields, which had lured her from her foreign home, to be reciprocated, only, by tlie filial affection of their innocent hearts. Nor do I believe tliat the haugh- ty Baron, when he gave a designation Ix'fitting i-ank and power, to his feudal castle or lordly hall, felt half the prid ■ in its title, as did this humble widow, when she gave to her small possession the name of hor proferenco— "Ci'aven's Choyce," neither might the viuyards of Naboth, nor the groves, the torrents, thij orchards and the brooks of Flaccus— "Et. praeceps Anio, ac Tiburni lucus, et uda IJobilibus pomaria rivus" have engendered and retained for them a more enduring charm. In following the course of proceeding in this case, we find that within two years from the change in the social con- dition of their mother for which we have shown such precaution were taken in behalf of the Craven children, legal measure were instituted, viz:— "1687, Au- gust 21. Craven, Thomas, Peter and Ann, children of Robert Craven, whose widow became the wife of Charles Bagley. Testimony before Thomas Olive, Robert Stacye, Mahlon Stacye, Thomas Budd and Thomas Lambert, Commissioners ^ov the Province of New Jersey, given by George Deacon, Richard Guy and John Smith in regard to payments to be made to the three childi-en Craven by Charles Bagley, according to an instrument of 51h day, 11th month 1679." The above abstract, together witn other circumstances recorded in the Ar- chives, awaken a suspicion that Charles Bagley was somewhat remiss or tardy hi conforming with the provisions of the antinuptial contract, the Executors of John Fenwick, a few years later, de- manding an acounting of his proceedings in this important matter, viz: — "16S7 April 12. Wm. Penn, etal. executors of John Fenwick to Charles Bagely dC Caesaria River, N. J., for account of the estate of Richard Craven, of Lymehouse county, of Middlesex, baker, deed., for 500 acres, 300 of wh'ch, near the head of Monmouth River, alias Alloways Creek, af joining Wdow Smith and James Ne- v:ll; 200 acres on the North branch of paid creek" (Salem Deeds No. 4) and as an apparent result, three days after- ward, the following deed was executed, v=z:— "ir87, .'■ pril 15. Deed. Charles Bag- ly. of Caesaria River, N. J., planter, to his son-in-law (step-son) Thomas Craven of the same place, plauter, for 200 acres, near the head of Alloways Creek, ad- joiniug John Smith, of Gruiidell Hill," (Salem Deeds No. 4) also ten years later, about eighteen months before his death, Charles Bagley and wife, Elizabefii, made the following undefined assignment to Peter Craven, viz:— "1697, Oct. 18th assignment by Charles Bag- ley and wife, Elizabeth, to Peter Craven, of Salem county, husbandman of the within tract of land." (Salem Deeds No. G.) No payments nor provision of any kind —for little Ann Craven— are recorded, we must therefore conclude, that she died before she reached the age of sixteen > ears, when the payment of the eighteen pounds, named in the previously quoted contract, became due. The Ann Craven, who married Ben- jamin Ruge, of Salem, March 30th, 1731. was probably a daughter of Thomas Craven, (son of the widow Ann Craven), who died in the year 1721. Beside this daughter Ann, he also left a son Na- hamiah "under age." We cannot, how- ever, trace the male line of the Cravens and have reason for the surmise, that some bearing the surname belonged to another family, as, we know, for moi.' than a century they were prominent citi- zens, in the public affairs of the counts of Salem. I quote from a paper written by Thomas Shoui-ds, and read before th;s Society January 27, 1SS6, entitled, "Our Early Settlers," viz:— "In 1676 the wife of of John Smith, of Amesbury, wrote +0 her sister, Rachel, and her husband, Richard Craven, giving them a descrip- tion of this country and advising them to come to America, which they accord- ingly did and landed at New Castle in 1690 and came to Salem tlie same year. One of their sons settled in the State of Delaware. One of their granddaughters (Rachel Craven) married Joseph, son of Richard and Mary Pledger Woodnutt; they had one son and three daughers, Hannah, one of their daughters, married Samuel Hedge the 4th." If this is correct we are right in our conjecture; but at the date Thomas Craven's will was made— September 13th, 1721— and proved December 23d, 1730, we know three daughters were then living — Elizabeth, Rachell and Ann, and, it is not impossible that his daughter, Rach- el, might have married Joseph Wood- nutt. In the list of letters remaining in the Philadelphia Post Office, published u 1763 in one directed to "John Craven Salem, and in 1S12, Richard Craven was one of the freeholders from Lower Allo- ways Creek, also in 1S2S and 1&29 a Rich- ard Craven was a freeholder from Lower Penn's Neck, and doubtless gave his name,— "Craven's Ferry"— about that time, to the town now known as Peuns- ville. The fact that Charles Bagley appoint- ed Thomas Craven, (together with his wife, Elizabeth,) one of the executors of his will, would indicate a kindly feelius. as well as confidence on the part of tlu former toward the latter, which, how- ever, apparently was not mutual, as Thomas declined the honor, or to use the exact words" refusing to act." Although, the widow Ann Craven de- sired expressly, that her purchase iu Fenwick's Colony.— "Craven's Choyce." sl.ould adjoin that of the widow Eliza- beth Smitli, thus indicating a desire and intention of living near each other there, the two widows did not come to Amer- ica simultaneously. Several years elaps- ing before the latter arrived, long after her former friend and neiglilijr had passed away; as, three years after Ann Craven had married Cliarles Bagley the widow Smith was still residing in Lon- don, as show- by the following deed, viz:— "1683. June 14th. Deed. Widow Elizabeth Smith, of Parish of St. Mary Mat fellon, alias White Chappie, county of Middlesex, to Benjamin East, of Loti- ilon, sugar baker, for 300 acres on Mon- mouth River, alias Alloways Creek, about 5 miles from Salem Town, part of a 500 a lot, granted to her, by John Fenwick, May 5th, 1675." (Salem Deeds No. 3.) The next we hear of her is thirteen yeais later in 1696, when she is in Salem county, as indicated by another deed viz:-"169G. July 31st. Deed. Charles Angelo, of Salem Town, husbandman, lo widow Elizabeth Smith, late of Cristiana Creek, Pennas, now of Salem county, for her life, and after her death, to Pru- dence, wife of Thomas Killiugsworth, of said Town, gentleman, for a house and ten acres of land in said town, between John Paine and the creek, excepting a lot in the town marsh bought of Robert Coffln. May 27th, 1693." (Salem Deeds No. 6.) Tlie Widow Smith made her will two years later— September 28, 169S— and prob- ably died soon after, although the in- ventory of her iK>rsonal estate, which in eluded ••3 gold rings, 1 wedding ring, ? samll £2; made by Thomas Killings- worth and Samuel Hedge, and not ap- praised until December 8th, 1701, mor? than three years later. We do not know her maiden name, but Prudence Killings worth, wife of Tl.omas, was hgr sister, and her "daughter. Prudence, wife of John Vance Millwright" was "sole ex ecutrix." Thomas Killingsworth, Rev. and Hoii. a veiy prominent and influential man in the Colony, died in the year 1705. "Wif<- Prudence sole heiress and execurtix." His personal estate amounted to "£297. 10.0. inclu. books £10, a clock £8, negro girl £25." His w=fe. Prudence, survived him four years, dying in 1709. "Inven- tory of personal estate (£299.2.0 includ- ing plate £1."^, a ff V old books £2, 3 gold rings £3, coined gold and silver £13 a negro girl £25.)" We see from thrt above inventory, that the personal es- tate, had increased in the four years in- tervening between the deaths of herself and husband. £2.2.0 "Prudence Vance sole execurtix and with Joanna Mac- Kgregoiy heiress of the estate." The foregoing data, relating to the Widow Smith, the Killingsworths, the Vances, and MacKgregorys, probably all connected by blood or marriage, shows how sometimes, whole families emigrated and settled near each other in the' Province, and the desire expressed by the widow Ann Craven (already sev- eral times referred to) to have her pur- chase surveyed on land adjoining the widow Elizabeth Smith, while it might not imply an existing relationship, was the cause of considerable contention; the following return of survey, exhibiting. together with other inferences, how, in this particular instance, trouble followed the undefined locations, limits, butts and bounds, of properties sold to EnglisU purchasers, and the hapliazard manner in which they were conveyed, also by its reference to the unsatisfactory relations subsisting between Richard Hancock and John Fenwick, which resulted in the dis- missal of the former, followed by the appointment of Samuel Hedge and sub- sequently of Richard Tyndall as survey- ors General of the Colony, viz:— "1679, September 3d. Return of survey by Richard Hancock of 300 acres intende.l for Ann Craven, of New Salem, widow, deed., who refused to accept the deed viz t in the Township of East Fenwick along the East side of Smythe's planta- tion and Monmouth River." Marguial Note: "Ann Craven, widow, she was to l.ave it by propossall as foUoweth, wch I rr husbands and friends diswiaded her from, as appears from their deeds of set- tlement w ch they never sealed, nor would pay for but accepted of an Ar- bitrarie permit for 500 acres, whereby Rich d Hancock by his illegal warr t 13 well he had surveyed and was pay d him first as appears by his certificate." (West Jersey Records Liber B part 2.) But what have we here ? deed, the or- dinary abbreviation of deceased, dead and husbands— Polyandry ! Death and implied if not actual bigamy ! What as- persions upon the character of a live fe- male and reputable widow. Impossible- tliese unwarranted slanders may readily be disposed of, the former imputation being, under the circumstances, only the necrobiosis, physiological molecular dis- integration, the antithesis of general dis- solution, and conservator of life; somatic death, the final triumph of the grim tyrant, being quite incompatible with the impending rites of Hymen's gentle sway, within the Myrtle groves that shade Cythera's bowers where laughing Venus holds her Court of Love. As regards her former spouse, the bigamous mendacity falls flat, disproven and confuted, by the fact, that the defunct baker, had long been lying prone and lifeless at Lyme- hou&e beyond the sea, his vacant chair as yet unoccupied, even by the aspiring- suitor to the hand of liis incongruous, paradoxical relict, (by casual inadver- tence, living yet dead, a widow unre- leased from matrimonial bonds)— Charles Bagley the officious tanner from Choptanke. E. S. S. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 416 261 4