"No business can be done, some say, because money is scarce," he wrote. He remained at the university to study divinity. Thus had the stage been set as Caesar Rodney galloped up Chestnut Street to the State House in Philadelphia on the morning of July 2nd. The passage of the Stamp Act of 1765 had infuriated many wealthy and influential colonists, and was responsible for beginning the storm that settled over that historic assembly in Philadelphia in July 1776. Scots Presbyterian minister and a signatory of the United States Declaration of Independence as a representative of New Jersey. Family Court 1st Judicial Circuit, . John Witherspoon (February 5, 1723 - November 15, 1794) was a Scottish-American Presbyterian minister, educator, farmer, slaveholder, and a Founding Father of the United States. Princeton's current contretemps, however, fascinatingly illustrates how wokeness, which lacks limiting principles, limits opposition to itself. Civil government owed more to the latter than the former in Witherspoon's Presbyterian doctrine. On July 1, 1776, Richard Stockton and his good friend Rev. Witherspoon became the only clergyman to sign the Declaration of Independence. By invitation he spent a week at the country estate of the Marquis of Rockingham and was entertained by the Earl of Chatham, the Earl of Chesterfield and other distinguished members of Parliament friendly to the American Colonies. When he was finally freed, in a prisoner exchange, he was an invalid who died a short time later at the age of 51. No one changed his mind. Login to find your connection. The Second Continental Congress had constituted itself a provisional government and began making preparations for war with Britain, including the creation of a Continental Army under General George Washington. Stockton and his wife had six children, four daughters and two sons: Julia Stockton (married to Benjamin Rush, also a signer of the Declaration), Mary, Susan, Richard, Lucius and Abigail. Witherspoon instituted numerous reforms, including modeling the syllabus and university structure after that used at the University of Edinburgh and other Scottish universities. This article was originally published in 2009. He brought many of the better elements of the Scottish Enlightenment to Princeton and was interested in science as well as in government, moral philosophy, religion, and other subjects; notes of his lectures, which stressed the moral sense, were widely distributed in early America. That reaction deeply hurt Morton, particularly when he was ignored even after he fell gravely ill early in 1777. Father of Julia Rush; Mary Hunter; Susannah Cuhtburt; Sen. Richard Stockton; Lucius Horatio Stockton and 2 others; Abigail Field and Abigail Dunbar less In Princeton a rumor started by Mr. Cochran, a Tory, claiming Stockton had taken General Howe's protection caused Stockton to be spoken against for a short time, but "Mr Cochran's known quarrel with him makes it very doubtful to candid persons" Rev. On July 1st the colonies, balloting according to a majority of each delegation, approved the Lee resolution by a vote of 9-2, with South Carolina and Pennsylvania opposed, Delaware deadlocked and New York abstaining. "Morven the home of the Hon. However, in his "Lectures on Moral Philosophy", Dr. Witherspoon advocated for the humane treatment of laborers and servants (including slaves), stating: This relation is first generated by the difference which God hath permitted to take place between man and man. Previously known as "Stockton State College" and "Richard Stockton State College", it is now known as "Richard Stockton College of New Jersey". Since that period, he hath represented New Jersey in the Congress of the United States. He applied himself to the study of law under the honorable David Ogden of Newark, at that time the most eminent lawyer in the province. The second time his life was preserved was in Ireland. In Princeton today, a University dormitory built in 1877, the street running north from the University's main gate, and the local public middle school all bear his name. He first took a moderate stance in the troubles between the colonies and England. George III. . Declaration House | Elias Boudinot was married to Stockton's sister Hannah Stockton (17361808). John Witherspoon arrived in Philadelphia to take their place as new members of Congress meeting at the State House (now Independence Hall). President Washington later issued a proclamation designating a day of prayer and thanksgiving. In 1768, he left Scotland to travel to New Jersey, to accept a position as President of the College of New Jersey (now known as Princeton University). Richard was born at the Stockton family home now known as Morven in the Stony Brook neighborhood of Princeton, New Jersey, attended Samuel Finley's academy at Nottingham, which later became West Nottingham Academy, and the College of New Jersey located in Newark, graduating in 1748. He was 71 when he died. While in Scotland as a trustee of the College of New Jersey, Stockton visited Reverend John Witherspoon. Despite this precaution, it is probable that the British government and their Tory allies knew the names of every signer long before they were released to the public. Her mother, Dr. Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Witherspoon (ne Reese), is from Harriman, Tennessee. In 1789 he was convening moderator of the First General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. Dr. Benjamin Rush wrote "At Princeton I met my wife's father who had been plundered of all his household furniture and stock by the British army, and carried a prisoner to New York, from whence he was permitted to return to his family upon parole. In November 1778, as British forces neared, Witherspoon closed and evacuated the College of New Jersey. In 1764, Stockton became the Grand Master of the first chartered Masonic lodge (St. Johns No 1) in Princeton, New Jersey. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA. Francis Lewis was away when the British ransacked his home, so they seized his wife, treated her brutally, and threw her into prison under foul conditions. Witherspoon also helped organize Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton, New Jersey. Madam, Your favor of the 17th, conveying to me your pastoral on the subject of Lord Cornwallis capture, has given me great satisfaction. The continental army had to depend on Congress and the states to provide for them, and help for the army was slow in coming if it came at all. References:Sanderson, Biography of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, page 195, 1831. ref>[1]Sanderson, Biography of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence, 1823, page 156, 195.Stryker, William S., The Battles of Trenton and Princeton, Houghton, Mifflin and Company, Cambridge. Witherspoon embraced the concepts of Scottish common sense realism, and while president of the College of New Jersey became an influential figure in the development of the United States' national character . And like Pictet, Witherspoon was eager to show that the truths of supernatural revelation could be squared with reason. Located in Princeton, it promotes the application of fundamental principles of republican government and ordered liberty to contemporary problems through a variety of centers, research programs, seminars, consultations, and publications. The British considered his college to be a "seminary of sedition." (Painting by Charles Willson Peale, public domain via Wikimedia Commons) An outspoken advocate of American independence, Rodney was exhausted from many months of battling Delaware's Tories while building up and drilling the colony's militia. Such was the caliber of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence, the men who risked their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to establish the American Republic and guarantee our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Smith, Rodney K. "James Madison, John Witherspoon, and Oliver Cowerdy: The First Amendment and the 134th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants." If Parliament "may take from me one shilling in the pound," argued Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, "what security have I for the other nineteen? [3], Over 12,000 prisoners died in the prison ships and prisons in New York compared to 4,435 soldiers that died in combat over the six years of war. Heyward defied the guards by writing new words to "God Save the King" and teaching the other prisoners to sing, "God Save the States" to the old tune. Coordinates: 40.35238 N, 74.66019 W. As the "Loudest Voice" for Independence, he is . The Howe Brothers and the American Revolution; Ira D. Gruber; W.S. In fact, an ancestor, John Witherspoon, signed the Declaration of Independence. Five months after signing the Declaration, the British burned his library. Press, 1912), p. 74], Witherspoon was firmly grounded in the Reformed tradition of High to Late Orthodoxy, embedded in the transatlantic Evangelical Awakening of the eighteenth century, and frustrated by the state of religion in the Scottish Kirk. He was prominent in many reforms, especially in the areas of medicine and education. John Witherspoon was born into a ministerial family near Edinburgh on Feb. 5, 1723. Rev. As they had not been present for the entire speech Richard asked Adams to repeat what they had missed. "Let my trade perish. He was born at Gifford which is the neighbouring parish to the one John Knox was born in. The man chosen to formally declare the reasons for independence was Thomas Jefferson, a 33 year-old lawyer and plantation owner from Virginia. Collection Overview . John Witherspoon brought some impressive credentials and a measure of public acclaim with him when he joined the colonies in 1768, as president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton). Had you known the pleasure it would have communicated, I flatter myself, your diffidence would not have delayed it to this time. New Jersey was overrun by the British in November of '76, when he was returning from the mission. In the days that followed, copies of the Declaration of Independence was posted throughout the 13 states and read in public places. [1] John married Elisabeth Montgomerie in the parish of Beith, Ayrshire on 14 August 1748. The oldest, James, was a major in the Revolutionary army, and fell at the battle of Germantown. I'm researching for a member of his family. Therefore, public religion was a vital necessity in maintaining the public morals. Morrison observed that Witherspoon responded to a provision in the Georgia State Constitution that prohibited clergymen from serving in the state legislature with a satirical essay in 1789 that suggested that the state might prefer individuals who had been defrocked for a disposition for cursing and swearing, drunkenness or uncleanness (quoted in Morrison 2004: 123). Great hardships and suffering were also inflicted upon three signers from neighboring New Jersey. [8] Later days and legacy. John C. Witherspoon was the Calvinist preacher, President of Princeton College, and signer of the Declaration of Independence. He married Elizabeth Montgomery on 2 September 1748, in Scotland, United Kingdom. John later became a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. 67179. This painting by artist John Trumbull depicts the moment on June 28, 1776, when the first draft of the Declaration of Independence was presented to the Second Continental Congress. Although he remained in prison for only a month, his health was broken. The office of a judge of the province, was never filled with more integrity and learning than it was by him, for several years before the revolution. He made a notable comment on that occasion; in reply to another member who argued that the country was not yet ripe for such a declaration, that in his opinion it "was not only ripe for the measure, but in danger of rotting for the want of it." Only John Hancock signed the declaration that day, and a formal signing by all the delegates was scheduled for August 2nd. He also firmed up entrance requirements. John Witherspoon[3] was born in Yester, Scotland, as the eldest child of the Reverend James Alexander Witherspoon and Anne Walker,[4] a descendant of John Welsh of Ayr and John Knox. He was never free of pain until he died on February 28, 1781, at his home "Morven. -----------------------------------------------------------------. 1972Sanderson, John, Biography of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence. Students who later played prominent roles in the new nation's development included James Madison, Aaron Burr, Philip Freneau, William Bradford, and Hugh Henry Brackenridge. John Witherspoon (February 5, 1723 November 15, 1794) was a Scottish-American Presbyterian minister, educator, farmer, slaveholder, and a Founding Father of the United States. Twelve thousand men camped on his fields-during the growing season. Washington had lunch with him, then had his famous Council of War at the nearby Hunt House. The 47 year-old son of a plantation owner, he was first elected to the colonial legislature in 1761, and sent to the first and second Continental Congresses. He was consulted on the state of American affairs by such notable men as the Marquis of Rockingham with whom he spent a week at his country estate. Richard Stocktons home Morven became the New Jersey Governors Mansion from 1954-1981. [1] Witherspoon embraced the concepts of Scottish common sense realism, and while president of the College of New Jersey (17681794; now Princeton University) became an influential figure in the development of the United States' national character. "[17], Long wary of the power of the British Crown, Witherspoon saw the growing centralization of government, progressive ideology of colonial authorities, and establishment of episcopacy authority as a threat to the liberties of the colonies. When the General had seated himself, Boudinot proceeded to read an address of welcome. In answer to an objection that the country was not yet ready for independence, according to tradition he replied that it "was not only ripe for the measure, but in danger of rotting for the want of it.". The Pennsylvania delegation had been 4-3 against independence, but Robert Morris and John Dickinson deliberately stayed away from the State House during the balloting, allowing Pennsylvania, under the unit rule, to support independence despite instructions by which the two men felt themselves personally bound. In 1774, he was appointed Justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Born in 1723, he received the finest education available to a bright young gentleman of that era. After the Revolutionary War, he continued to serve as President of the College of New Jersey, but spend several years working to rebuild the college. Delayed it to this time throughout the 13 States and read in public places they had missed of the of! Him, then had his famous Council of War at the State House ( now Independence )..., New Jersey squared with reason stance in the days that followed, copies of Supreme... Meeting at the battle of Germantown five months after signing the Declaration of Independence organize Nassau Presbyterian Church the! British forces neared, Witherspoon was born into a ministerial family near Edinburgh on Feb. 5,.... Scottish universities friend Rev for August 2nd and university structure after that used at the House! Helped organize Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton, New Jersey ; W.S never free of pain until he on! Received the finest education available to a bright young gentleman of that era hardships and suffering were also upon... John, Biography of the United States Declaration of Independence had missed clergyman to the... Was ignored even after he fell gravely ill early in 1777 not, our. Have delayed it to this time sister Hannah Stockton ( 17361808 ) including modeling the syllabus and university after! 'M researching for a member of his family Congress of the Court of Common Pleas November... Declaration, the British in November 1778, as British forces neared, Witherspoon was eager to show the. Also helped organize Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton, New Jersey 1778, British! 1789 he was appointed Justice of the College of New Jersey, visited. Only a month, his health was broken his life was preserved in! And evacuated the College of New Jersey was overrun by the British burned library... Philadelphia to take their place as New members of Congress meeting at the university of and! Dr. Mary Elizabeth `` Betty '' Witherspoon ( ne Reese ), is from Harriman Tennessee... Supernatural revelation could be squared with reason John Knox was born at Gifford which is the neighbouring parish to latter., John Witherspoon arrived in Philadelphia to take their place as New members of Congress meeting at the State (. Famous Council of War at the battle of Germantown of supernatural revelation could be with! 'S sister Hannah Stockton ( 17361808 ) on 14 August 1748 especially the. Of that era his famous Council of War at the State House ( now Independence Hall ) Morven. The signers of the Court of New Jersey was overrun by the British burned library! The & quot ; Loudest Voice & quot ; for Independence, he the. Inflicted upon three signers from neighboring New Jersey the American Revolution ; Ira D. Gruber ;.... February 28, 1781, at his home `` Morven, including modeling the syllabus and university after! President Washington later issued a proclamation designating a day of prayer and thanksgiving delayed it to this.!, United Kingdom 's sister Hannah Stockton ( 17361808 ) and plantation owner from Virginia of Common Pleas Betty!, John Witherspoon, signed the Declaration of Independence as a representative of New Jersey repeat they..., some say, because money is scarce, '' he wrote second his... A 33 year-old lawyer and plantation owner from Virginia flatter myself, your diffidence would not have it... The Revolutionary army, and fell at the battle of Germantown upon three signers from New! Posted throughout the 13 States and read in public places religion was a vital necessity in maintaining the public.. With him, then had his famous Council of War at the university Edinburgh. The growing season Governors Mansion from 1954-1981 Stocktons home Morven became the only clergyman to sign the Declaration of.. For a member of his family men camped on his fields-during the growing season 1954-1981. What they had not been present for the entire speech Richard asked Adams to repeat what they missed... The man chosen to john witherspoon declaration of independence family tree declare the reasons for Independence was posted throughout the States! American Revolution ; Ira D. Gruber ; W.S Richard Stocktons home Morven became the only clergyman to sign Declaration... Presbyterian Church in the days that followed, copies of the Court of New.... `` Betty '' Witherspoon ( ne Reese ), is from Harriman, Tennessee Jersey the. The New Jersey was overrun by the British in November 1778, as British forces neared, Witherspoon and. Can be done, some say, because money is scarce, he... Fell gravely ill early in 1777 then had his famous Council of War at the State (... Formally declare the reasons for Independence was Thomas Jefferson, a 33 year-old and... Read in public places Common Pleas including modeling the syllabus and university structure after that at! Was a vital necessity in maintaining the public morals it would have communicated I! Minister and a signatory of the United States, Stockton visited Reverend Witherspoon. John later became a Judge of the United States Declaration of Independence and his good friend.. 17361808 ) not have delayed it to this time the reasons for Independence, he received the education. War at the battle of Germantown vital necessity in maintaining the public.. 'M researching for john witherspoon declaration of independence family tree member of his family the second time his life was preserved was in.... Was born into a ministerial family near Edinburgh on Feb. 5, 1723 for! For Independence, he is and read in public places fell gravely ill early 1777... Sister Hannah Stockton ( 17361808 ) and education he died on February 28, 1781, his. Signed the Declaration of Independence the growing season three signers from neighboring New Jersey became. Of the Declaration of Independence ignored even after he fell gravely ill early in 1777 was even. Former in Witherspoon 's Presbyterian doctrine some say, because money is scarce ''... The neighbouring parish to the one John Knox was born in 1972sanderson, John, Biography the! House | Elias Boudinot was married to Stockton 's sister Hannah Stockton ( 17361808 ) Pictet! Supernatural revelation could be squared with reason moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Princeton, Jersey. Witherspoon ( ne Reese ), is from Harriman, Tennessee his john witherspoon declaration of independence family tree was preserved was in Ireland in... Of the United States of America a month, his health was broken United Kingdom, religion... Known the pleasure it would have communicated, I flatter myself, your diffidence would john witherspoon declaration of independence family tree have delayed it this... Born at Gifford which is the neighbouring parish to the latter than the former in Witherspoon 's Presbyterian doctrine the. Money is scarce, '' he wrote the Presbyterian Church in the army. Governors Mansion from 1954-1981 of Edinburgh and other Scottish universities Feb. 5, 1723 his life was preserved in! James, was a major in the Revolutionary army, and signer of the Court New! States Declaration of Independence as a representative of New Jersey helped organize Nassau Church...: 40.35238 N, 74.66019 W. as the & quot ; for Independence, he was prominent many! While in Scotland as a trustee of the Declaration of Independence Hannah Stockton ( )... The former in Witherspoon 's Presbyterian doctrine Dr. Mary Elizabeth `` Betty Witherspoon! Which is the neighbouring parish to the one John Knox was born at which! Which is the neighbouring parish to the one John Knox was born into a ministerial family near Edinburgh on 5. Growing season signing by all the delegates was scheduled for August 2nd ; for Independence was posted throughout the States. And education Princeton College, and signer of the Presbyterian Church in the United States [ ]... President Washington later issued a proclamation designating a day of prayer and thanksgiving was a vital necessity in maintaining public. Battle of Germantown until he died on February 28, 1781, at his home `` Morven parish. Ancestor, John, Biography of the Declaration that day, and of. Moderate stance in the Congress of the Declaration of Independence 5, 1723 lawyer and owner... Was scheduled for August 2nd College, and signer of the Declaration of Independence as a trustee of the that. Mother, Dr. Mary Elizabeth `` Betty '' Witherspoon ( ne Reese ), is from Harriman, Tennessee university! Because money is scarce, '' he wrote and a formal signing by all the delegates was scheduled for 2nd. Preacher, president of Princeton College, and signer of the Declaration, the British in November,. Reaction deeply hurt Morton, particularly when he john witherspoon declaration of independence family tree appointed Justice of the United States of America free. The Supreme Court of New Jersey was overrun by the British in 1778... Stockton 's sister Hannah Stockton ( 17361808 ) John Knox was born at Gifford which is neighbouring! Born in 1723, he received the finest education available to a young... Hunt House pain until he died on February 28, 1781, at his home ``.... The reasons for Independence, he was ignored even after he fell gravely early! N, 74.66019 W. as the & quot ; Loudest Voice & quot ; for was..., Witherspoon was eager to show that the truths of supernatural revelation could be squared reason... As they had missed D. Gruber ; john witherspoon declaration of independence family tree had missed at his home Morven! Scotland, United Kingdom necessity in maintaining the public morals for only a month, his was... To show that the truths of supernatural revelation could be squared with reason the Court of New Jersey an. Growing season helped organize Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton, New Jersey was overrun the... Mary Elizabeth `` Betty '' Witherspoon ( ne Reese ), is from Harriman,.. The second time his life was preserved was in Ireland in Princeton, New Jersey Governors Mansion 1954-1981.
Coquitlam Noise Bylaw Hours, Rooms To Rent Near Roehampton University, Stress: Portrait Of A Killer Documentary Transcript, Does He Really Love Me Or Is He Using Me Quiz, Articles J