First Generation
1. He died in Oct 1687 at the age of 49 in Cooper's Creek, Waterford Twp., Gloucester Co., West Jersey. 2,4 He had his estate probated on 1 Nov 1687 in Gloucester Co., New Jersey. 2,5 (Most sources on the Howell family referece Tamworth, Warwickshire and Haxelston/Harleston, Stffordshire as residences of the family. Some sources make reference to both towns being in Staffordshire. Tamworth is in Staffordshire. However, it should be noted that the north part and side of the principal street of Tamworth is in Staffordshire, while the southern part of the thoroughfare is in Warwickshire. Haxelston/Harleston is probably a reference to the nearby town of Harlaston.)
Thomas Howell was born in Tamworth, Staffordshire, England about 1638. He married Katherine Thomas about 1659. To this couple were born six children, three boys and three girls. By the time Thomas purchased land in West Jersey in 1677, the family had moved to Haxelston / Harlaston, Staffordshire.
Benjamin Bartlett held one-half of one equal one-hundredth part or share of the right in West Jersey formerly held by Lord Berkeley, of which he conveyed one-fourth interest unto Thomas Howell by deeds dated 31 August and 1 September 1677. Howell thus became the owner of one-eighth of one-hundredth share of the colony of West Jersey. What led Thomas Howell to invest in land in America is unknown. He did decide, however, to see his holdings for himself. [Thomas is recorded as being "of Haxleston in ye County of Stafford.]
On 31 August 1682, along with his sons and daughters, Howell left Deal, England aboard the "Welcome" and arrived at New Castle "on the Delaware" on 27 October. Among the passengers on board the ship was William Penn who was enroute to America to take possession of his land grant. The Howells waited to witness Penn step ashore, then disembarked and proceeded to their new West Jersey home on the north side of Cooper's Creek in Waterford [now Delaware] Township, Gloucester [now Camden] County. [George McCracken, in his Welcome Claimants [p. 258] states the belief that the Howells arrived on the "Bristol Factor."]
The Howell survey was estimated at 650 acres, but may have been somewhat larger. The family erected a dwelling place on the land.
Thomas was chosen to serve on the legislative council that met at Burlington from 2 -15 May 1683 and 5 - 8 September, representing Gloucester. He again served on the legislative assembly in 1685. According to a deed, Howell was a planter. He died at Cooper's Creek in 1687.
The Last Will and Testament of Thomas Howell [proved 1 November 1687]:
"Item: I give unto my son Daniel Howell two hundred acres of land he now lives on at his own dispose after my decease wife a strait line on both sides & the said Daniel Howell to have one hundred acres in the next taking up, if it amounts to so much after my three daughters have had each of them one hundred acres a piece.
"Item: I give unto my son Mordecai Howell the house I now dwell in with two hundred and fifty acres of land where he pleases to take it and also to have two yoke of oxen & one cow and afterwards my stock of cattel and housell goods to be divided between my Son Mordecai Howell and my three daughters equally and allso my Son Mordecai Howell to pay unto my three daughters each of them forty bushell of rye at the end of six yearss and allso I make my sonn Mordecai Howell my full and whole Executor to receive what is due to me & to pay all my debts.
"And also my will is that my housell goodes shall not be removed untill my children heare from my wife whether she will com or not or whether she is dead or alive and if she doth com to have them during her natural life."
The landed estate that Thomas Howell owned at Tamwoth descended to eldest son Daniel and was transferred to brother Mordecai on 8 March 1687.
Thomas' wife, Katherine, did not accompany her family to West Jersey, choosing to remain in England. Mordecai returned to England in 1687 and remained there until 4 April 1689. Mordecai was shown as being "of Tamworth, Co. Warwick, Gent." in Articles of Agreement from 8 March 1687. between Mordecai and Daniel involving their late father's estate. Mordecai Howell brought his mother to America upon his return. Katherine Howell resided in Philadelphia until her death in September or October of 1695.
Katherine Howell's Will:
"In the name of God Amen the seventeenth day of August one thousand six hundred and ninety-five according to the Computation of the Church of England, I Katherine Howell of Philadelphia in the province of Pennsylvania, widow & relict of Thomas Howell Late decesased of west New Jersey being of good & perfect memorie praised be the Lord, do hereby make & ordain this my last will & testament in manner forme following -
"First I bequeath my soull into the hands of God the father hoping in God and through the meritorious death and passion of Jesus Christ his only son our Lord to receive free pardon of all my sins & my bodie to be buried in Christian buriall att the Discresion of my Executor hereafter mentioned.
"Item: I bequeath unto my eldest Lawfull Son Daniel Howell one Shilling and one par of hatyell.
"Item: I bequeath unto my second & Lawfull Son Modacay Howell one shilling.
"Item: I give unto my oldest lawfull Daughter Miriam Johnson wife of Henry Johnson twentie five shillings being the balance of all accounts.
"Item: I bequeath unto my grand daughter Katherine Shout five pounds after my decease to be in James Robinson's hands one year and then to be putt to use for her and paid to her when she cometh to age or marrieth.
"Item: I bequeath to my Son Daniell's daughter Hannah Howell five pounds to be paid within half a yeare to her father Daniell Howell after my decease.
"Item: all the rest of my goods, Leases, Lands, good movables, bills, bonds, sums of monie, and all what soever is in my possession unto my youngest daughter Katharine Robinson wife of James Robinson provided that she pays all my Debts & Legatees.
"I also appoint James Robinson my Lawfull Executor to see this my Last will and testament fullfilled as witness my hand." [proved 4 October 1695.
Although Thomas Howell arrived with the predominately Quaker Penn fleet, it is believed that the Howells were members of the Church of England. Katherine Howell dated her will "according to the computation of the Church of England", not in the manner accepted by the Society of Friends.
(The birthplace of all six children is given here as Tamworth, Warwickshire. Depending on which side of the main street the Howells lived, it could have been Staffordshire.)
Thomas Howell was born in Tamworth, Staffordshire, England about 1638. He married Katherine Thomas about 1659. To this couple were born six children, three boys and three girls. By the time Thomas purchased land in West Jersey in 1677, the family had moved to Haxelston / Harlaston, Staffordshire.
Benjamin Bartlett held one-half of one equal one-hundredth part or share of the right in West Jersey formerly held by Lord Berkeley, of which he conveyed one-fourth interest unto Thomas Howell by deeds dated 31 August and 1 September 1677. Howell thus became the owner of one-eighth of one-hundredth share of the colony of West Jersey. What led Thomas Howell to invest in land in America is unknown. He did decide, however, to see his holdings for himself. [Thomas is recorded as being "of Haxleston in ye County of Stafford.]
On 31 August 1682, along with his sons and daughters, Howell left Deal, England aboard the "Welcome" and arrived at New Castle "on the Delaware" on 27 October. Among the passengers on board the ship was William Penn who was enroute to America to take possession of his land grant. The Howells waited to witness Penn step ashore, then disembarked and proceeded to their new West Jersey home on the north side of Cooper's Creek in Waterford [now Delaware] Township, Gloucester [now Camden] County. [George McCracken, in his Welcome Claimants [p. 258] states the belief that the Howells arrived on the "Bristol Factor."]
The Howell survey was estimated at 650 acres, but may have been somewhat larger. The family erected a dwelling place on the land.
Thomas was chosen to serve on the legislative council that met at Burlington from 2 -15 May 1683 and 5 - 8 September, representing Gloucester. He again served on the legislative assembly in 1685. According to a deed, Howell was a planter. He died at Cooper's Creek in 1687.
The Last Will and Testament of Thomas Howell [proved 1 November 1687]:
"Item: I give unto my son Daniel Howell two hundred acres of land he now lives on at his own dispose after my decease wife a strait line on both sides & the said Daniel Howell to have one hundred acres in the next taking up, if it amounts to so much after my three daughters have had each of them one hundred acres a piece.
"Item: I give unto my son Mordecai Howell the house I now dwell in with two hundred and fifty acres of land where he pleases to take it and also to have two yoke of oxen & one cow and afterwards my stock of cattel and housell goods to be divided between my Son Mordecai Howell and my three daughters equally and allso my Son Mordecai Howell to pay unto my three daughters each of them forty bushell of rye at the end of six yearss and allso I make my sonn Mordecai Howell my full and whole Executor to receive what is due to me & to pay all my debts.
"And also my will is that my housell goodes shall not be removed untill my children heare from my wife whether she will com or not or whether she is dead or alive and if she doth com to have them during her natural life."
The landed estate that Thomas Howell owned at Tamwoth descended to eldest son Daniel and was transferred to brother Mordecai on 8 March 1687.
Thomas' wife, Katherine, did not accompany her family to West Jersey, choosing to remain in England. Mordecai returned to England in 1687 and remained there until 4 April 1689. Mordecai was shown as being "of Tamworth, Co. Warwick, Gent." in Articles of Agreement from 8 March 1687. between Mordecai and Daniel involving their late father's estate. Mordecai Howell brought his mother to America upon his return. Katherine Howell resided in Philadelphia until her death in September or October of 1695.
Katherine Howell's Will:
"In the name of God Amen the seventeenth day of August one thousand six hundred and ninety-five according to the Computation of the Church of England, I Katherine Howell of Philadelphia in the province of Pennsylvania, widow & relict of Thomas Howell Late decesased of west New Jersey being of good & perfect memorie praised be the Lord, do hereby make & ordain this my last will & testament in manner forme following -
"First I bequeath my soull into the hands of God the father hoping in God and through the meritorious death and passion of Jesus Christ his only son our Lord to receive free pardon of all my sins & my bodie to be buried in Christian buriall att the Discresion of my Executor hereafter mentioned.
"Item: I bequeath unto my eldest Lawfull Son Daniel Howell one Shilling and one par of hatyell.
"Item: I bequeath unto my second & Lawfull Son Modacay Howell one shilling.
"Item: I give unto my oldest lawfull Daughter Miriam Johnson wife of Henry Johnson twentie five shillings being the balance of all accounts.
"Item: I bequeath unto my grand daughter Katherine Shout five pounds after my decease to be in James Robinson's hands one year and then to be putt to use for her and paid to her when she cometh to age or marrieth.
"Item: I bequeath to my Son Daniell's daughter Hannah Howell five pounds to be paid within half a yeare to her father Daniell Howell after my decease.
"Item: all the rest of my goods, Leases, Lands, good movables, bills, bonds, sums of monie, and all what soever is in my possession unto my youngest daughter Katharine Robinson wife of James Robinson provided that she pays all my Debts & Legatees.
"I also appoint James Robinson my Lawfull Executor to see this my Last will and testament fullfilled as witness my hand." [proved 4 October 1695.
Although Thomas Howell arrived with the predominately Quaker Penn fleet, it is believed that the Howells were members of the Church of England. Katherine Howell dated her will "according to the computation of the Church of England", not in the manner accepted by the Society of Friends.
(The birthplace of all six children is given here as Tamworth, Warwickshire. Depending on which side of the main street the Howells lived, it could have been Staffordshire.)
Thomas Howell and Katherine Thomas were married in 1659 in Tamworth, Staffordshire, England.2–3,6 [based on birth of eldest child] She died between Sep 1695 and Oct 1695 at the age of 55 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania. 8 She had her estate probated on 4 Oct 1695 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania. 9 Katherine was also known as Katherine Howell.3
Thomas Howell and Katherine Thomas had the following children:
Second Generation
2. He signed a will on 14 Apr 1739 in Solebury Twp., Bucks Co., Pennsylvania. 10 He died in Sep 1739 at the age of 79 in Solebury Twp., Bucks Co., Pennsylvania. 7,11 Daniel had his estate probated on 28 Sep 1739 in Bucks Co., Pennsylvania. 12 Daniel was born in England and died in Solebury Township, Bucks Co., Pennsylvania. He came to West Jersey with his father and siblings aboard the "Welcome" in 1682. He sold his 250 acre Cooper's Creek plantation, "Livewell" to brother Mordecai in 1687.
He then removed to Philadelphia, where he served on the grand jury in 1701. Daniel was listed as "of Philadelphia" in a deed of 29 September 1690. He spent his final years in Solebury Township. On 10 June 1734 he deeded 200 acres of his Amwell Twp., Hunterdon Co., New Jersey property to granddaughter of Elizabeth.
'This Indenture Made the tenth day of June in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and thirty four Between Daniel Howell of the County of Bucks in the Province of Pennsylvania, yeoman, of the one part, and Elizabeth Howell eldest daughter of Daniel Howell late of the township of Amwell in the County of Hunterdon and Western Division of the Province of New Jersey yeo: dec'd of the other part Witnesseth that the said Daniel Howell as well for and in Consideration of the natural love and affection which he hath and beareth towards the said Elizabeth Howell his Grand Daughter as also for the sum of five shillings of good and lawful Money to him in hand paid at and before the Sealing and delivery of these presents by the said Elizabeth Howell the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged he the said Daniel Howell hath given granted bargained sold conveyed and confirmed and by these presents doth give grant bargain sell convey and confirm unto the sd Elizabeth Howel her Hiers and Assigns for ever the just number and quanity of two hundred acres of Land to be had received taken up & surveyed in any part of the Western Division afs'd pursuant to the regulations Customs and Constitutions of the Division for taking up Lands in that Case made use of and provided and which sd two hundred Acres of Land is the same quantity for which the said Daniel Howell obtained a warrent from the Council of Proprietors for sd Western Division which sd Warrant bears date the 9th day of May Anno Domini in part of his Right of one eighth part of a propriety of Land in the sd Western Division which descended to the sd Daniel Howell as eldest son and Heir at Law of his father Thomas Howell late of the sd Western Division yeo: dec'd, who purchased the same of Benjamin Bartlett of Westminister in the County of Middlesex gent: by Indenture of Lease and release dated the last day of August & the first day of September Anno Dom: 1677 and is part of one full and whole propriety of Land by the sd Benjamin Bartlett in partnership with Samuel Coles of London Haberdasher purchased of Edward Billing by Ind'rs of Lease and Release dated the first and second days of March Anno Domini 1676
"In Witness whereof the party first named in these present Indentures have hereunto interchangably put their hands and seals the day and year first above written. Daniel Howell
witnesses: Henry Stewart and Francis Mason
Daniel married Hannah Lakin in 1686 in a ceremony performed at the Philadelphia residence of Isaac Pierson.
The Last Will and Testament of Daniel Howell: [proved 28 September 1739]
"In the Name of God Amen the fourteenth day of April Anno Dom: One Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty nine. I Daniel Howell of Solebury County of Bucks and province of Pennsylvania yeoman being sick in body but of good & perfect Memory......
"and my Body to be buried in such place where it shall please my Executors hereafter named to appoint.......
"Imprimus I give & bequeath unto my son Benjamin Howell five shillings to be paid by my Executors after my decease
"Item I give & bequeath unto my son-in-law Job Howell one shilling to be paid by my Executors after my Decease.
"Item I give and bequeath unto William Rittenhuysen of Amwell and Joseph Howell of Bethlehem County of Hunterdon and Western Division of the Province of New Jersey yeomen All my Estate both real and personal in every ways belonging unto me excepting an eighth part of a propritary Right unto and purchased by my father Thomas Howell I will that the said Joseph Howell have it.
"Lastly I nominate & appoint the above sd William Rittenhousen an[d] the above sd Joseph Howell to be my executors of this my Last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.
Daniel Howell
witnesses: Daniel Howell, Edward Milnor, Chris Search"
He then removed to Philadelphia, where he served on the grand jury in 1701. Daniel was listed as "of Philadelphia" in a deed of 29 September 1690. He spent his final years in Solebury Township. On 10 June 1734 he deeded 200 acres of his Amwell Twp., Hunterdon Co., New Jersey property to granddaughter of Elizabeth.
'This Indenture Made the tenth day of June in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and thirty four Between Daniel Howell of the County of Bucks in the Province of Pennsylvania, yeoman, of the one part, and Elizabeth Howell eldest daughter of Daniel Howell late of the township of Amwell in the County of Hunterdon and Western Division of the Province of New Jersey yeo: dec'd of the other part Witnesseth that the said Daniel Howell as well for and in Consideration of the natural love and affection which he hath and beareth towards the said Elizabeth Howell his Grand Daughter as also for the sum of five shillings of good and lawful Money to him in hand paid at and before the Sealing and delivery of these presents by the said Elizabeth Howell the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged he the said Daniel Howell hath given granted bargained sold conveyed and confirmed and by these presents doth give grant bargain sell convey and confirm unto the sd Elizabeth Howel her Hiers and Assigns for ever the just number and quanity of two hundred acres of Land to be had received taken up & surveyed in any part of the Western Division afs'd pursuant to the regulations Customs and Constitutions of the Division for taking up Lands in that Case made use of and provided and which sd two hundred Acres of Land is the same quantity for which the said Daniel Howell obtained a warrent from the Council of Proprietors for sd Western Division which sd Warrant bears date the 9th day of May Anno Domini in part of his Right of one eighth part of a propriety of Land in the sd Western Division which descended to the sd Daniel Howell as eldest son and Heir at Law of his father Thomas Howell late of the sd Western Division yeo: dec'd, who purchased the same of Benjamin Bartlett of Westminister in the County of Middlesex gent: by Indenture of Lease and release dated the last day of August & the first day of September Anno Dom: 1677 and is part of one full and whole propriety of Land by the sd Benjamin Bartlett in partnership with Samuel Coles of London Haberdasher purchased of Edward Billing by Ind'rs of Lease and Release dated the first and second days of March Anno Domini 1676
"In Witness whereof the party first named in these present Indentures have hereunto interchangably put their hands and seals the day and year first above written. Daniel Howell
witnesses: Henry Stewart and Francis Mason
Daniel married Hannah Lakin in 1686 in a ceremony performed at the Philadelphia residence of Isaac Pierson.
The Last Will and Testament of Daniel Howell: [proved 28 September 1739]
"In the Name of God Amen the fourteenth day of April Anno Dom: One Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty nine. I Daniel Howell of Solebury County of Bucks and province of Pennsylvania yeoman being sick in body but of good & perfect Memory......
"and my Body to be buried in such place where it shall please my Executors hereafter named to appoint.......
"Imprimus I give & bequeath unto my son Benjamin Howell five shillings to be paid by my Executors after my decease
"Item I give & bequeath unto my son-in-law Job Howell one shilling to be paid by my Executors after my Decease.
"Item I give and bequeath unto William Rittenhuysen of Amwell and Joseph Howell of Bethlehem County of Hunterdon and Western Division of the Province of New Jersey yeomen All my Estate both real and personal in every ways belonging unto me excepting an eighth part of a propritary Right unto and purchased by my father Thomas Howell I will that the said Joseph Howell have it.
"Lastly I nominate & appoint the above sd William Rittenhousen an[d] the above sd Joseph Howell to be my executors of this my Last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.
Daniel Howell
witnesses: Daniel Howell, Edward Milnor, Chris Search"
Daniel Howell and Hannah Lakin were married on 4 Sep 1686 in at the residence of Isaac Pierson, Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.10 She died before 1739 at the age of 82 in probably Bucks Co., Pennsylvania. 13 She was also known as Hannah Howell.10
Daniel Howell and Hannah Lakin had the following children:
3. He died after 1742 at the age of 80 in Chester Co., Pennsylvania.
4.
5. She died in 1691–1695 at the age of 25 in Gloucester Co., New Jersey, British America. 15 She was also known as Priscilla Stiles.9 The Howells arrived in the colonies in 1682. Priscilla's marriage to Robert Stiles would have taken place a year or two later.
Priscilla and Robert Stiles conveyed a portion of the land she inherited from her father to brother Mordecai Howell on 2 November 1690. Priscilla's mother died late in 1695 and did not name Priscilla in her will. Presumably Priscilla died during that five year period.
Priscilla and Robert Stiles conveyed a portion of the land she inherited from her father to brother Mordecai Howell on 2 November 1690. Priscilla's mother died late in 1695 and did not name Priscilla in her will. Presumably Priscilla died during that five year period.
Priscilla Howell and Robert Stiles were married circa 1684 in Prob Gloucester Co, New Jersey, British America.9 He died on 11 Jun 1711–9 Nov 1713 at the age of 49 in Chester Twp., Burlington, New Jersey, British America. 16 Robert and Lucy Stiles emigrated from Staffordshire, England about 1680. The siblings were briefly in Philadelphia before settling in Gloucester Co., New Jersey. Robert married Piscilla Howell and Lucy married John Rudderow.
Robert and Priscilla had two sons and probably a daughter. Robert Jr. [b. est. 1684] married his cousin, Sarah Rudderow [Lucy's daughter]. John [b. est. 1686] died young on 15 February 1695 and was buried in the Friends Burying Ground in Philadelphia. Margaret married [b. est. 1688] Thomas Coles.
Robert Stiles was said to be a master "rosin" maker. He delived "as clear as any gum arabick."
Robert and Priscilla conveyed land to her brother, Mordecai Howell, on 2 November 1690. [This is the last date that Priscilla was known to still be living. She was not named in her mother's will.]
Robert Stiles will was made 2 June 1711 in Chester Twp., Burlington Co., New Jersey. He named his [present] wife Margaret and son Robert, to whom he bequeathed 207 1/2 of the family's 415 acre homestead. Stiles' will was proved on 9 November 1713.
The maiden name of Robert's 2nd wife has not yet been learned.
Various sources offer death dates for Robert Sr. ranging from 1694 to 1728. The NJ Will Abstracts clearly show that he died between June 1711 and November 1713. Likewise, Robert Jr.'s will is included. The will was written 24 December 1728 and the estate inventory was taken 10 March 1728/9. Junior died during that three month span. A son, Isaac, was born after Robert's death.
Robert and Priscilla had two sons and probably a daughter. Robert Jr. [b. est. 1684] married his cousin, Sarah Rudderow [Lucy's daughter]. John [b. est. 1686] died young on 15 February 1695 and was buried in the Friends Burying Ground in Philadelphia. Margaret married [b. est. 1688] Thomas Coles.
Robert Stiles was said to be a master "rosin" maker. He delived "as clear as any gum arabick."
Robert and Priscilla conveyed land to her brother, Mordecai Howell, on 2 November 1690. [This is the last date that Priscilla was known to still be living. She was not named in her mother's will.]
Robert Stiles will was made 2 June 1711 in Chester Twp., Burlington Co., New Jersey. He named his [present] wife Margaret and son Robert, to whom he bequeathed 207 1/2 of the family's 415 acre homestead. Stiles' will was proved on 9 November 1713.
The maiden name of Robert's 2nd wife has not yet been learned.
Various sources offer death dates for Robert Sr. ranging from 1694 to 1728. The NJ Will Abstracts clearly show that he died between June 1711 and November 1713. Likewise, Robert Jr.'s will is included. The will was written 24 December 1728 and the estate inventory was taken 10 March 1728/9. Junior died during that three month span. A son, Isaac, was born after Robert's death.
6.
Katharine Howell and James Robinson were married.9 James Robinson was born in 1667. He died in 1726 at the age of 59.
Third Generation
7. She died before 1739 at the age of 52 in New Jersey. 18
8. He died in Oct 1733 at the age of 45 in Amwell Twp., Hunterdon Co., New Jersey. 18
Daniel Howell and Elsie [Mary?] Reading were married about 1710 in New Jersey.19 She died on 7 Feb 1731/2 at the age of 43 in Amwell Twp., Hunterdon Co., New Jersey. 19 She was also known as Elsie [Mary?] Howell.19
9. He died on 6 Sep 1774 at the age of 79 in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania. 12,18–19
Benjamin Howell and Catharine Papen were married on 19 Jul 1721.12,19 Catharine Papen was also known as Catharine Howell.12,19
10. He died on 5 Feb 1776 at the age of 78 in Kingwood Twp., Hunterdon Co., New Jersey. 18
11. She died from drowning in the well on the tavern property in 1778 at the age of 78 in Rosemont, Hunterdon Co., New Jersey. 19–20 She was also known as Catherine Rittenhouse.21
Catherine Howell and William Rittenhouse were married about 1719 in Cresheim, Upper Germantown, Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania.21 He died about 15 Apr 1767 at the age of 72 in Rosemont, Hunterdon Co., New Jersey. 21 William was born in Cresheim in 1695, the son of Garrett/Gerhard Rittenhouse. Brother Peter inherited the family homestead, so William left Pennsylvania for New Jersey and settled in Hunterdon County about 1719. William went by "Rettinghouse" as was evidenced in 1738 when his name appeared on the list of freeholders who voted for Benjamin Smith for representative to the General Assembly. Several family births are listed under Rettinghouse or Rittinghaus.
On 18 November 1734, Ralph Buck sold 1000 acres of land to William Rittinghuysen. This land consisted of two tracts. The first was 800 acres lying east of Rosemont, which Buck acquired from Revel Elton on 27 February. 1718. The remaining 200 acres were purchased by Buck from Edward Hemp on 22 September. 1710. The tract was bounded partly by the "great road" on one side and by the King's Highway leading from Stockton to Baptistown on the other. ["Traditions of Hunterdon" by John W. Lequear, p. 116-117]
Three years later, William built a stone dwelling house on his farm southeast of Rosemont. In the gable end of the house was a tablet or stone in which he carved the initials "W.C.R., 1737." William opened a tavern that was called the "Crosskeys", after the treasurer's emblem painted on its sign. The settlement was first called Crosskeys, later changed to Rittenhouse [after its first settler], and finally to Rosemont. [Snell's History of Hunterdon and Somerset Cos., p. 376]
William sold 500 acres of his tract to Richard Green of Morris Co. in 1742.
In 1745, Derick Hoagland and Rittenhouse made an exchange of land in order to make a straight boundary between them.
William and Catherine are buried in the Old Private Burying Ground, east of the Prallsville stone quarry, on land that was once part of the Rittenhouse estate. The graves are marked by common fieldstones: W.R. C.R. 1767 1778
The will of William Rittinghuysen of Amwell, Hunterdon Co., drawn 27 August 1761, probated 13 April 1767:
Son William, the land where he lives. Son Peter, the land where he lives, with the sawmill. Son Isaac, five shillings. Son Lot, the plantation where I live, and he is to allow my widow Catherine to live in the house and provide for her. Son Moses, the plantation on which he lives. To my daughter Priscilla's heir, called and known by the name of William Search, 20 shillings. To my widow Catherine, and to my daughters Susannah, Anne, and Hannah, my personal estate.
Executors: Sons William and Peter. Witnesses: Edward Prall, Malikiah Bonham, and Lot Rittinghuysen.
[Note: Isaac only received five shillings from his father. He must have already been operating the inn in Rosemont and it is possible that his father helped set him up in business, thus the small inheritance.]
[RFA Newsletter #13, 6-1995: Along the Kings Highway by Carl N. Shuster]:
In 1744, the Reading, Howell, and Rittenhouse families held 1,696 acres [2.6 square miles.] John Reading obtained 1440 acres along the Delaware in 1704 and left the land to his son John. John deeded tracts to his sons, Joseph and Richard, and to Benjamin Howell [a son of brother-in-law Daniel Howell.] Benjamin Howell's tract included part of the site of present-day Stockton. John Reading established a ferry in the early 1700s opposite one of two Pennsylvania terminals of the Old York Road from Philadelphia. Richard sold his plantation in 1767. This is presumably the same Richard Reading who was in partnership with Edward Prall as a merchant-trader.
A family tragedy also became a historic note in the Rosemont area. According to James P. Snell's "History of Hunterdon and Somerset Counties" [p. 383]:
"The first death of a resident of what is now Rosemont was that of Mrs. Rittenhouse, which was caused by drowning in the well on the old tavern property, now owned by George Hoppock." From the reference to the early time frame it must be assumed that the "Mrs. Rittenhouse" mentioned was Catherine, wife of William. [This is also a curious item due to the fact that William preceded Catherine in death. Unfortunately Snell does not include a date in either of his references to the death.]
Note: According to the RFA Newsletter # 11/12, 6-12-94, William was married twice. The first marriage, about 1720, produced five children: Garret [b. 1721], Abraham [b. 1723], Jacob [b. 1725], William [b. 1729], and Henry R. [b. 1732.]
His second marriage to Catherine Howell begat nine children, at least four of whom were born before 1737. This would make the first marriage unlikely.
The Rittenhouse Burying Ground is accessible from both the John Prall House and Letitia Prall House properties and is near the old Prallsville quarry in Prallsville. The two houses are across the road from the Prallsville Mills complex, Stockton, Hunterdon Co., New Jersey.
On 18 November 1734, Ralph Buck sold 1000 acres of land to William Rittinghuysen. This land consisted of two tracts. The first was 800 acres lying east of Rosemont, which Buck acquired from Revel Elton on 27 February. 1718. The remaining 200 acres were purchased by Buck from Edward Hemp on 22 September. 1710. The tract was bounded partly by the "great road" on one side and by the King's Highway leading from Stockton to Baptistown on the other. ["Traditions of Hunterdon" by John W. Lequear, p. 116-117]
Three years later, William built a stone dwelling house on his farm southeast of Rosemont. In the gable end of the house was a tablet or stone in which he carved the initials "W.C.R., 1737." William opened a tavern that was called the "Crosskeys", after the treasurer's emblem painted on its sign. The settlement was first called Crosskeys, later changed to Rittenhouse [after its first settler], and finally to Rosemont. [Snell's History of Hunterdon and Somerset Cos., p. 376]
William sold 500 acres of his tract to Richard Green of Morris Co. in 1742.
In 1745, Derick Hoagland and Rittenhouse made an exchange of land in order to make a straight boundary between them.
William and Catherine are buried in the Old Private Burying Ground, east of the Prallsville stone quarry, on land that was once part of the Rittenhouse estate. The graves are marked by common fieldstones: W.R. C.R. 1767 1778
The will of William Rittinghuysen of Amwell, Hunterdon Co., drawn 27 August 1761, probated 13 April 1767:
Son William, the land where he lives. Son Peter, the land where he lives, with the sawmill. Son Isaac, five shillings. Son Lot, the plantation where I live, and he is to allow my widow Catherine to live in the house and provide for her. Son Moses, the plantation on which he lives. To my daughter Priscilla's heir, called and known by the name of William Search, 20 shillings. To my widow Catherine, and to my daughters Susannah, Anne, and Hannah, my personal estate.
Executors: Sons William and Peter. Witnesses: Edward Prall, Malikiah Bonham, and Lot Rittinghuysen.
[Note: Isaac only received five shillings from his father. He must have already been operating the inn in Rosemont and it is possible that his father helped set him up in business, thus the small inheritance.]
[RFA Newsletter #13, 6-1995: Along the Kings Highway by Carl N. Shuster]:
In 1744, the Reading, Howell, and Rittenhouse families held 1,696 acres [2.6 square miles.] John Reading obtained 1440 acres along the Delaware in 1704 and left the land to his son John. John deeded tracts to his sons, Joseph and Richard, and to Benjamin Howell [a son of brother-in-law Daniel Howell.] Benjamin Howell's tract included part of the site of present-day Stockton. John Reading established a ferry in the early 1700s opposite one of two Pennsylvania terminals of the Old York Road from Philadelphia. Richard sold his plantation in 1767. This is presumably the same Richard Reading who was in partnership with Edward Prall as a merchant-trader.
A family tragedy also became a historic note in the Rosemont area. According to James P. Snell's "History of Hunterdon and Somerset Counties" [p. 383]:
"The first death of a resident of what is now Rosemont was that of Mrs. Rittenhouse, which was caused by drowning in the well on the old tavern property, now owned by George Hoppock." From the reference to the early time frame it must be assumed that the "Mrs. Rittenhouse" mentioned was Catherine, wife of William. [This is also a curious item due to the fact that William preceded Catherine in death. Unfortunately Snell does not include a date in either of his references to the death.]
Note: According to the RFA Newsletter # 11/12, 6-12-94, William was married twice. The first marriage, about 1720, produced five children: Garret [b. 1721], Abraham [b. 1723], Jacob [b. 1725], William [b. 1729], and Henry R. [b. 1732.]
His second marriage to Catherine Howell begat nine children, at least four of whom were born before 1737. This would make the first marriage unlikely.
The Rittenhouse Burying Ground is accessible from both the John Prall House and Letitia Prall House properties and is near the old Prallsville quarry in Prallsville. The two houses are across the road from the Prallsville Mills complex, Stockton, Hunterdon Co., New Jersey.
William Rittenhouse and Catherine Howell had the following children:
Sources:
1. Josiah Granville Leach, Genealogical and Biographical Memorials of the Reading, Howell, Yerkes, Watts, Latham, and Elkins Families (J.B. Lippincott Co., Philadelphia, PA, 1898).
2. Dorothy G. Tuttle, "Thomas Howell," database, FamilySearch, FamilySearch.org (https://familysearch.org/photos/people: accessed 13 June 2017), Thomas Howell.
3. Donna Null Basinger, Compiler: Donna Null Basinger, Clymer Connections: Thomas Howell Family, Location: Ancestry World Tree Project, Url: http://awt.ancestry.com/cgi-bib/igm.cgi?op=REG&db=dbasinger&id=143149 (26 March 2002).
4. Josiah Granville Leach, Genealogical and Biographical Memorials of the Reading, Howell, Yerkes, Watts, Latham, and Elkins Families, p. 139-140.
5. Josiah Granville Leach, Genealogical and Biographical Memorials of the Reading, Howell, Yerkes, Watts, Latham, and Elkins Families, p. 140.
6. Ralph Allison, Howells of England > PA and NJ, Subject: Thomas Howell Fanily, Listserve: GenForum [Howell Family] (2 September 1999, Original Date, 22 December 1998).
7. Compiler: unknown, Ancestral File Family Group Record for Thomas Howell - AFN:958S-N7, Version: 4.19 (9 October 1999).
8. Josiah Granville Leach, Genealogical and Biographical Memorials of the Reading, Howell, Yerkes, Watts, Latham, and Elkins Families, p. 142.
9. Josiah Granville Leach, Genealogical and Biographical Memorials of the Reading, Howell, Yerkes, Watts, Latham, and Elkins Families, p. 143.
10. Josiah Granville Leach, Genealogical and Biographical Memorials of the Reading, Howell, Yerkes, Watts, Latham, and Elkins Families, p. 145.
11. Josiah Granville Leach, Genealogical and Biographical Memorials of the Reading, Howell, Yerkes, Watts, Latham, and Elkins Families, p. 144.
12. Josiah Granville Leach, Genealogical and Biographical Memorials of the Reading, Howell, Yerkes, Watts, Latham, and Elkins Families, p. 146.
13. Compiler: unknown, Ancestral File Family Group Record for Henry Lakin - AFN:19WG-CJK, Version: 4.19 (9 October 1999).
14. Josiah Granville Leach, Genealogical and Biographical Memorials of the Reading, Howell, Yerkes, Watts, Latham, and Elkins Families, 148.
15. Josiah Granville Leach, Genealogical and Biographical Memorials of the Reading, Howell, Yerkes, Watts, Latham, and Elkins Families, 142-143.
16. New Jersey, State Archives, "New Jersey Abstract of Wills," Ancestry, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com: viewed 16 December 2013), Robert Stiles will & probate.
17. Henry Reed Stiles, The Stiles Family in America (Jersey City, NJ: Doan & Pilson, 1895), 631-639; digital images, Archive.org, www.archive.org (https://archive.org/stream/stilesfamilyinam00stil#page/n9/mode/2up : accessed 16 December 2013.
18. Compiler: unknown, Ancestral File Family Group Record for Daniel Howell - AFN:958S-QK, Version: 4.19 (9 October 1999).
19. Carol Reading Morris, Re.: Hunterdon Co. Lookup [Reading and Howell Query], Recipient: Terry Prall, Address: New Jersey, Author E-mail: CarolM8606@aol.com (16 April 1999).
20. James P. Snell, History of Hunterdon and Somerset Counties, New Jersey: with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers (Everts and Peck, Philadelphia, PA, 1881), p. 383.
21. Jim Bridges, Compiler: Jim Bridges, Descendants of William Rittenhouse, Location: Heath's Rittenhouse Family Homepage, Url: http://members.tripod.com/~Heath_Vogel/jbritt.html (29 July 2002).
22. Daniel K. Cassel, A Genea-biographical History of the Rittenhouse Family, Volume 1 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: The Rittenhouse Memorial Association, 1893).
23. Olivia Barrick Rowland, An Ancestral Chart and Handbook: genealogical notes of the Sutton and Rittenhouse families of Hunterdon County, New Jersey: with Mattison, Bonham, Fuller, and Fox connections, and some record of the Barrick and Shepherdfamilies (Garrett & Massey, Richmond, VA, 1935).
24. Robert H. Neitz, "Along the King's Highway," Rittenhouse Family Newsletter 11/12 (12 June 1994): 3-6
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