Genealogical Notes and Anecdotes: Thomas Saltar (d. 1790) and John Cox (1727

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GENEALOGICAL NOTES AND ANECDOTES

Thomas Saltar (d. 1790) and John Cox (1727 - 1804/05):
The Indenture of 1782 and the Testament of 1785

Court Register, Lincoln County, North Carolina.
B #13, page 92

This indenture made the 23rd day of April ANNO DOMINI 1782 between THOMAS SALTER of the Northern Liberties of the City of Philadelphia, merchant, of the one part and JOHN COX of the County of Middlesex in the state of New Jersey, yeoman, the half brother of the said Thomas Salter and Aaron Coxe, Paul Coxe, Elisha Coxe and Elijah Coxe, the four sons of the said John Cox of the other part, witnesseth

That the said Thomas Salter in consideration as well as of the natural love and affection which he hath and beareth for and towards the said John Coxe and his children and especially those hereinafter named as of their going to and dwelling on the premises and of the sum of five shillings, lawful money, to him at or before the sealing and delivery thereof by the said John Coxe and his said four sons in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hath given, granted, bargained, sold and confirmed and by these presents doth give, grant, bargain, sell, alien, release and confirm unto the said John Coxe, Aaron Coxe, Paul Coxe, Elisha Coxe and Elijah Coxe, in their possession now being by virtue of a bargain and sale to them thereof made by indenture bearing date the next before the date these presents and by the custom of the county originated from the British Statute for transferring of uses into possession, and to their heirs Five full and equal and undivided sixth parts, being Five hundred acres of land and in all that tract or parcel of land situate on the north side of the So. Fork of the Catawba River on the south branch of Fishers Creek in the county of formerly Anson now _________ (Lincoln) in the state of North Carolina.

Beginning at a white oak and runs So, 70' W. 126 poles to a red oak then So. 40' W. 114 poles to a hickory then No. 60' W. 400 poles to a hickory, then No. 25' E. 220 poles to Spanish oak then to the first station containing 600 acres of land being the second described two tracts of land which Peter Harpell of Tenecum Township in the county of Bucks in Pennsylvania, yeoman, by indenture of lease and release bearing date respectively the nineteenth and twentieth days of Feby. 1768 entered in the register's office of Mecklenburgh County of North Carolina before said granted to the same Thomas Salter in fee together with all and singular the ways, woods, water-courses, rights, members and appurtenances whatsoever to the said hereby granted premises belonging or in any wise appertaining and the reversions and the remainders, rents, issues and profits thereof and all the estate, right, title, interest, property, claim and demand whatsoever of him the said Thomas Salter in law, equity or otherwise of and into the hereby granted premises and every part thereof To Have and To Hold the said five full and equal undivided sixth parts being Five hundred acres of and in the said described tract of six hundred acres of land here ditaments and premises hereby granted or mentioned and intended to be given and granted with appurtenances unto sd. John Coxe, Aaron Coxe, Paul Coxe, Elisha Coxe and their heirs forever to and for the uses following, that is to say, to and for the only proper use and behoof of him and the said John Coxe for and during all the term of his natural life and from and immediately after his disease (= decease), then as for and concerning one full equal fifth part thereof, being one hundred acres with appurtenances to and for the only proper use and behoof of the said Aaron Coxe and heirs of his body lawfully to be begotten forever and as for and concerning one other like full equal fifth part thereof with appurtenances to and for the only proper use and behoof of the said Paul Coxe and the heirs of his body lawfully to be begotten forever and as for and concerning one other like full equal fifth part thereof to and for the only proper use and behoof of the sd. Elisha Coxe and the heirs of his body lawfully to be begotten forever and as for and concerning one other like full equal fifth part thereof to and for the only proper use and behoof of the said Elijah Coxe and the heirs of his body lawfully to be begotten forever and as for and concerning the remaining one full equal fifth part thereof being one hundred acres with appurtenances to and for the only proper use and behoof of Rebecca . . . . . (Bonham) the eldest daughter of the said John Coxe for and during all the term of her natural life and from and immediately after her disease (= decease) to and for the only proper use and behoof of the said Eldest sons of her the said Rebecca now living, namely - John and Arnold and the heirs of their bodies respectively lawfully to be begotten forever PROVIDED ALWAYS and it is the express and true meaning and intent of these presents and of the parties to the same that the said John Coxe shall or may at any time during his life by deed or other instrument in writing ascertain by metes and bounds all and all or any parts or One Hundred Acres allotment of his said four sons and eldest daughter in the lands - tenements and premises hereby given and granted and that the sons and daughters to whom any such fifth part shall be limited and ascertained by his or her father shall hold the same accordingly to him and the heirs of his body lawfully to be begotten and to her and to her said two sons and the heirs of their bodies lawfully to be begotten forever as aforesaid and that upon the death of either of them and the said Aaron, Paul, Elisha and Elijah Coxe without such lawful issue aforesaid, or if the descendant leave such issue and such issue die without leaving lawful issue then the fifth allotment and premises hereby given and intended for him or them so dying without such lawful issue shall go to the survivors or survivor of them the said Aaron, Paul, Elisha and Elijah Coxe and the heirs of the body of such survivors or survivor lawfully to be begotten forever and that upon the death of both the said two eldest sons, of the said John Coxe's eldest daughter - Rebecca - without such lawful issue as aforesaid, or if leaving such issue, such issue die without leaving lawful issue, then the fifth part allotment and premises hereby given and intended for them so dying without such lawful issue shall go to her, the said Rebecca and the heirs of her body lawfully to be begotten forever, and in default of such issue then to the use and behoof of the said Aaron, Paul, Elisha and Elijah Coxe and ye survivors of them of the heirs of the body of the said survivors or survivor lawfully to be begotten forever, anything herein before to the contrary thereof in any-wise notwithstanding.

IN WITNESS whereof of the said parties have set their hands and seals herein dated the day and year first above written is sealed and delivered in presence of use (= us).

Rachel Cox) (Signed) Thomas Saltar
Nancy Cox) (Seal)
R. Whitehead)

Lincoln County
July Session 1784

The within Deed was proved in open court and ordered to be registered.
Test. Jo. Dickinson. CC

NORTH CAROLINA
LINCOLN COUNTY

I, J. E. Hoover, Register of Deeds in Lincoln County, N.C., do hereby certify the foregoing a true and correct copy of Deed - Thomas Salter to John Cox et. al., as same is on record in office of the Register of Deeds for Lincoln County, N.C., Book 2, page 679 et -.

WITNESS my hand and seal of said office, this 20th Oct., 1923

(signed) J. E. Hoover
Register of Deeds
Lincoln County, N.C.

The Will and Testament of Thomas Saltar

What appears here is the complete text of the document which was abstracted by John Edwin Stillwell, Historical and Genealogical Miscellany: Early Settlers of New Jersey and Their Descendants, vol. 4 (Baltimore, 1970).

4 October 1785. Will of Thomas Saltar, of Northern Liberties, City of Philadelphia, merchant; proved June 7, 1790.

In the name of God Amen

I Thomas Saltar of the Northern Liberties of the City of Philadelphia merchant being of sound and will disposing mind memory and understanding praised be the Lord for the same Do hereby make my Last Will and Testament in manner following that is to say,

First I Will that all my just debts and funeral Expences be duly paid and satisfied For which and other purposes herein after mentioned I do hereby Nominate and appoint My Nephew Thomas Britton¹ and my good friends Peter Knight Charles Wharton and Richard Whitehead² Executors of this my Last Will and Testament

Item I give unto my Step Brother John Coxe³ now living in North Carolina All my Wearing Apparel to be forwarded to him as soon as Conveniently can be by my said Executors

Item I give and devise unto my Executors herein before nemed and the Survivors and Survivor of them and the Executors of such Survivor all that my Dwelling house wherein I now live with all my Household goods Bedding Furniture and Plate and all the Rents Issues and Profits of all my other Lands Testaments and Hereditaments and all the Interest Income and Proceeds of all my Monies Chattels Rights Rights and Credits whatsoever To hold to them my said Executors and the Survivors or Survivor of them from the day of my decease during all the Term of the Natural Life of my beloved Wife Susanna Saltar⁴ and no longer in trust nevertheless that they my said Executors and the Survivors or Survivor of them do and shall permit and Suffer my said Wife Susanna and all those persons - Now of my Family to continue and dwell in my said Dwelling house all the Term of the Natural life of my said Wife and that they my daid Executors and Trustees do & shall dispose use and employ all the Rents Profits Interest and Income of all the Rest of my said real and personal Estate for and towards the maintenance Cloathing and Support of my said beloved Wife Susanna and the other Persons now living with me in my said Dwelling house in like manner as they now are during all the Term of the Natural Life of her my said Wife Except only my Brother-in-Law Thomas Leaming⁵ who must cloath himself and if the said annual Rents and Income of my said Estate be more than sufficient to provide for and support my said Wife and family as aforesaid that then and in such case they my said Executors and Trustees shall and do employ pay and distribute all the overplus annually to and among my two Sisters Mary Leaming⁶ and Meribah Robbins⁷ now living in New Jersey and such of their Daughters and Sons as or may be then Married and in need thereof and to my Niece Sarah Williamson⁸ in such parts and proportions as to them my said Executors shall seem most just and expedient

Item I do hereby authorize and empower my said Executors or the Survivors or Survivor of them to fulfill all written Agreements under my hand and Seal for bargain and sale of Lands and on Receipt of the Purchase Monies due by proper Deed and Conveyances in the Law to grant and Convey the Premises to the Purchasor or perchasers his her or their Heirs and Assigns forever and better to enable my Executors to pay the several Annuities and Legacies herein after Mentioned and bequeathed and to fulfill in every-respect this my Last Will I do order and direct that all my Lands and real Estate whatsoever not in this my Will particularly devised to my Nephew Thomas Britton and John Leaming and Brother John Coxe in effect shall be disposed of as soon as conveniently can be after my decease and converted into money which Money with all my other ready Monies an hand at my decease shall be placed out and kept at Interest on good Real Security during all the Natural Life of my said Wife and the same used and employed as in this my Will mentioned and directed with respect to the Income and Residue of all my Estate and for that purpose I do hereby authorize and impower my said Executors and the Survivors or Survivor of them of them to bargain and sell all my said Lands and Real Estate not herein after particularly devised by public or private Sale and upon receipt of the purchase monies by proper Deeds & Assurences in the Law to grant Convey the Premises to the Purchasors there of his her or their Heirs and Assigns forever,

Item after the decease of my said beloved Wife Susanna I give unto my Nephew John Britton⁹ Son of my late Sister Hannah Britton¹⁰ the sum of Fifty Pounds to be deducted out of the Debt which he now owes me

Item after the decease of my said Wife I give and devise unto my said Nephew Thomas Britton Son of my said late Sister Hannah all those my said Dwelling house and Lot, and the adjoining House and Lot now in Tenure of Manuel Eyre Esquire Together with the Water Lot Wharf Stores and all other my Possession Situate between Callowhill Street and Pooles Bridge in the Northern Liberties of the City of Philadelphia with the appurtenances to hold to him my said Nephew Thomas Britton his Heirs and Assigns forever Charged and Chargeable nevertheless with the Payment of the Sum of one thousand seven hundred and fifty Pounds payable to his Sister Sarah Williamson or her legal Representatives in four yearly Payments with Interest in Gold or Silver Money and with the Payment of the like principal Sum of one thousand seven hundred and fifty Pounds payable to his Sister Rebecca Fleeson¹¹ or her legal Representatives in four yearly Payments -- with Interest in Gold or Silver money and also with the Payment of an Annuity or yearly Sum of Fifty Spanish Milled Silver Dollars payable to my Negro Boy Tom during the Term of his Natural Life,

Item I give and bequeath unto my said Niece Sarah Williamson in case of her Death all Her Children, the aforesaid Sum of one thousand Seven hundred and fifty Pounds Gold or Silver Money to be paid her in four equal Payments as herein before mentioned with Interest - unto my said Niece Rebecca Fleeson in Case of her Death to all her Children the like full Sum of one thousand seven hundred and fifty Pounds Gold or Silver Money to be paid in four equal annual Payments with Interest as herein before mentioned, and to my said Negro Boy who by Law is become free which freedom I do Confirm, I do give and bequeath the aforesaid Annuity or yearly Sum of Fifty Spanish Silver Milled Dollars to be paid him from the decease of my said Wife during all the term of his Natural Life as herein before mentioned Provided always and I do hereby Will & direct that my said Negro Boy Tom shall not have any right to sell or transfer the said Annuity Nor any part thereof to any Person or Persons whatever but in Case of such Sale or Transfer the same Annuity shall immediately Cease and become extinct

Item after the decease of my said Wife I give and bequeath unto my Sister Mary Leaming an Annuity or yearly Sum of one hundred Pounds to be paid to her by my Executors during all the Term of her Natural Life and after her decease I give to each of her Six Children namely John, Thomas, Ephraim, Hannah, Lucy and Osse the Sum of Three hundred Pounds and to her said Son John his Heirs and Assigns,I give and devise the Lots of Land whereon he now dwells in Upper Freehold Monmouth County New Jersey Containing about Thirty seven acres

Item after the decease of my said wife I give and devise unto my said Brother John Coxe his heirs and Assigns forever all my Lands and Tenements now unsold and Situate in the State of North Carolina with the Appurtenances, And to each of his Ten Children herein after named to wit Aaron, Paul, Elijah, Elisha, Rebecca, Mary, Rachel, Ann, Elizabeth and Susanna the Sum of one hundred Pounds apiece.¹²

Item after the decease of my said Wife I give and bequeath unto my Sister Sarah Leaming¹³ now living with me, An Annuity or yearly Sum of one hundred Pounds to be paid her by my Executors during the Term of her Natural Life, And after her decease I give unto her three Daughters namely Meribah, Rebecca and Sarah the Sum of Three hundred Pounds each and to her Son Isaiah now in Carolina the Sum of Two hundred Pounds,-

Item after the decease of my said Wife I give and bequeath unto my Sister Meribah Robbins Wife of Joseph Robbins an Annuity or yearly Sum of one hundred Pounds to be paid her by my Executors during the Term of her Natural Life and after her decease I give to her five Sons Jacob, Thomas, John, Ezekiel and Samuel, the Sum of Three hundred Pounds each, and to her three married Daughters Priscilla, Sarah and Susanna the like Sum of Three hundred Pounds each, and to her Daughter Rebecca now living with me, the Sum of Four hundred and fifty Pounds, and to her Daughter Mary now living with me the Sum of Three hundred and fifty Pounds,

Item after the decease of my said Wife I give to my Niece Rachel Woolman Wife of Asher Woolman¹⁴ the Sum of Three hundred Pounds-

Item after the decease of my said Wife I give to my Cousin Richard Douglass¹⁵ the Sum of one hundred Pounds,To his Sister Lydia Fifty Pounds To his Brother John Twentyfive Pounds and to his Sister Sarah Twentyfive Pounds-

Item after the decease of my said Wife I give to Mary Chancellor who now lives with me and attends on my said Wife the Sum of Two hundred Pounds

Item after the decease of my said Wife I give unto Jane Brown now Wife of John Brown of Philadelphia-Joiner- the Sum of Twentyfive Pounds-

Item after the decease of my said Wife I give unto My said good friend Richard Whitehead the Sum of one hundred Pounds

Item after the decease of my said Wife I Will and direct that all my Plate Bedding, Household and Kitchen Furniture whatever shall be equally divided among the said Sarah Williamson, Rebecca Fleeson, Rebecca Robbins and Mary Robbins¹⁶ part and share alike as Tenents in Common Except a Chest or Trunk of my Negro Boy Tom and his Bed and Bedding which I bequeath to him

Item in order to Secure to my said Three Sisters their Several Annuities during Life and after their decease respectively to their respective Children the Several Legacies herein before given and intended for them I do hereby Will and Direct that the said Executors after the decease of my said Wife shall and do keep and retain a sufficient Principal Sum to the full amount of said Legacies herein before given to said Children at Interest and Payment of said Annuities the overplus of the Interest which shall yearly remain in the hands of my said Executors I do Will and direct to be divided from time to time among all my several Legatees Children of my said three Sisters or such of them as shall appear most in want thereof during the Life of their said Mothers at the discretion of my Executors

Item for as much a great part of my Estate lays in Public Securities which may fluctuate appreciate or depreciate it is my Will and true Intent and meaning, That after the decease of my said beloved Wife and my said three Sisters Mary Leaming, Sarah Leaming and Meribah Robbins, all the residue of my Estate be it more or less shall go to and be divided among all my Legatees herein before named or their legal Representatives respectively in proportion to the several specific Sums herein before given and bequeathed to them respectively Except the said four Children of my said late Sister Hannah Britton therefore I do hereby Will and direct That if after paying my just Debts and the said several Annuities and Lagacies or Sums herein before mentioned & bequeathed any Surplus or Residue of my Estate shall remain in the Hands of my Executors then and in such time all such Surplus or Residue shall be apportioned and divided to and among all my Legatees herein before named or their legal Representatives in proportion to the several specifique Sums of Money herein before given to their respectively Except- my said late Sister Hannah's four Children John Britton, Thomas Britton, Sarah Williamson and Rebecca Fleeson who are to have no part or share of such Surplusage or Residue, But in Case my Estate shall fall short to pay the said several Legacies and Sums herein before - specifically given then the Deficiency shall be borne by all my said Legatees in like proportion as aforesaid Except only the above named four Children of my late Sister Hannah Britton Provided always and it is my Will that the several Persons of whom my family now Consists shall if they see proper remain in my said Dwelling house and be fed and cloathed out of the Income of my Estate for the space of three months next after my said Wifes decease Except Thomas Leaming who must cloathe himself provided also and I do further Will and direct that in Case any or either of my said Legatees shall be dead at the time when their respective Legacies should take place or be paid then and in such Case the Legacy or Legacies herein before given or intended for such decedent or decedents shall go to the Lawful Issue of such decedent or decedents and for want of such Issue then to the Surviving Brothers and Sisters of such deceased Legatee or Legatees and the legal Representatives of such of his or her then said deceased Legatees Brothers and Sisters as should be then deceased in equal parts, share and share alike such legal Representatives nevertheless only taking the part or share which his her or their deceased Parent would have had if then living, And further That inCase my said Nephew Thomas Britton at the time of my said Wifes decease should refuse or decline to take my said Dwelling Houses and Premises herein before devised to him Charged and Chargeable as aforesaid, or if he shall be then deceased, Then and in such Case or Cases I do Will direct authorize and impower my said Executors or the Survivor of them to sell and dispose of all those my said Dwelling houses Bank and Water Lot stores Wharf and Premises between Callowhill and Pooles Bridge in the Northern Liberties with the appurtenances by public or private sale and by written Deeds and Assurences in the Law to grant and convey the Premises To the Purchaser or Purchasers therof his her or their Heirs and Assigns forever Subject nevertheless to the payment of the said Annuity or yearly Sum of Fifty Silver Dollars payable to my said Negro Boy Tom during his Natural Life and out of the Monies arising from such sale to pay the said two several Principal Sums of one thousand seven hundred and fifty Pounds Gold or Silver Money each unto my said two Nieces Sarah Williamson and Rebecca Fleeson or their legal Representatives respectively as herein before mentioned and after payment of the said two principal sums the remainder of said Purchase Monies to be paid to my said Nephew Thomas Britton or his legal Representatives Anything herein before contained to the Contrary in any wise Notwithstanding Lastly I do hereby revoke all other Wills and Codicils by me heretofore made and published and declared these presents only to be and contain My Last Will and Testament,

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this Tenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty five. -

THOMAS SALTAR [seal]

Signed Sealed published & declared by the Testator Thomas Saltar for and as his Last Will and Testament, Contained on five pages or sides of Paper besides this in the Presence of us who at his Request and in his Presence have here unto subscribed our Names The Words "and John " Leaming between the 13th & 14th Lines of the second page being first interlined, Manuel Eyre, Thos Kinsey Joseph Burn --------------- Thomas Kinsey & Joseph Burn two of the Witnesses to the foregoing Will the former on his Solemn Affirmation and the Latter on Oath do depose declare and say that they were present and saw and heard Thomas Saltar the Testator sign and seal and publish pronounce and declare the same as and for his Last Will and Testament and at the doing thereof he was of sound and disposing Mind Memory and Understanding to the best of their Knowledge and Belief Sworn and affirmed the 7th day of June 1790.

Before Jno. Matthews DY Regr

I Thomas Saltar the Testator within Named Reconsidering my foregoing Last Will and Testament have thought fit to make and hereby do make this Codicil thereto and Alteration as herein after mentioned that is to say, For as much as it hath pleased Almighty God to take out of this Life my Wife Susanna in the said Will named Consequently the Devise in Trust to my Executors with the several Bequests Trusts and Limitations during her Natural Life in my said Will Contained are and shall be all lapsed null and void And as I have since intermarried I do give and bequeath unto my present beloved Wife Sarah Saltar¹⁷ all the Plate and Household furniture which she brought to me at our Intermarriage and also the one equal third part of all my other Plate and household furniture of which one equal third part she shall have the Choice,

Item I do revoke the appointment of my two friends Peter Knight and Charles Wharton as Executors and do appoint my said Wife Sarah Executrix and my Nephew Thomas Britton¹⁸ and my friend Richard Whitehead to be the Executors of my Last Will and Testament

Item I do revoke the Bequest of Fifty Pounds to my Nephew John Britton and instead thereof I give him five Shillings and no more,

Item it is my Will and I do hereby order and direct that my said Executors and the survivor of them shall for and during the term of seven years next after my decease receive and take the Rents Interest Issues and Profits of all those my two Messuages or Tenements Stores Wharf and Lots of ground in the Northern Liberties where I now live and of all other my Lands Tenements and of all my public Securities Monies and personal Estate whatsoever and Wheresoever Except what I have herein before specifically given to my said Wife Sarah and the Real Estate in my said Will specifically devised to my Nephew John Leaming and the Premises in New Jersey whereon My Sister Meribah Robins now dwells and that out of the said Rents Interest Issues and Profits they my said Executors and the Survivor of them during the term aforesaid shall annually pay unto her my beloved Wife Sarah an annuity or yearly sum of Two hundred Pounds unto My Sister Mary Leaming an annuity or yearly sum of Thirty pounds unto my Sister Sarah Leaming an annuity or yearly sum of Thirty Pounds unto my Sister Meribah Robins an annuity or yearly sum of Twenty five Pounds unto my Niece Sarah Williamson an annuity or yearly sum of Thirty Pounds and unto my Niece Rebecca Fleeson an annuity or yearly sum of Thirty Pounds and the overplus use and employ for and towards the payment of all my just debts and in such manner as hereinafter or in my foregoing Last Will mentioned for the disposal of the Residue of my Estate

Item I do revoke the devise & bequest made in my Nephew Thomas Britton of my Dwelling houses Bank and Water Lots Stores Wharves and other possession between Callowhill Street and Pooles Bridge in the Northern Liberties and consequently the Legacies and Sums charged thereon and bequeathed to his two Sisters Sarah Williamson and Rebecca Fleeson respectively, and I do hereby give and devise the same Dwelling Houses Bank and Water Lots Stores Wharves and other possessions between Callowhill Street and Pooles Bridge in the Northern Liberties aforesaid with the appurtenances unto them my said Nephew Thomas Britton and his said two Sisters Sarah Williamson and Rebecca Fleeson their respective Heirs and Assigns in three equal parts as Tenants in Common and not as joint Tenants subject nevertheless to the term of seven years as herein above mentioned in which the Rents and Profits are to be received by my said Executors for the purposes herein before declared and also charged and chargeable with the payment of the Annuity or yearly sum of Fifty Spanish Milled Silver Dollars bequeathed to my Negro Boy Tom during the term of his Natural Life which I do hereby Will and direct to be paid tohim from the day of my decease

Item after my said Wife Sarah hath chosen her one equal third part of my Plate and Household furniture I give and bequeath the remaining two thirds whereof unto my Nieces Sarah Williamson, Rebecca Fleeson, and Rebecca Robins to be equally divided between them part and share alike Except always the Chest or Trunk and the Bed and Bedding which I have given to my said faithfull Negro Boy Tom

Item it is my Will that from and after the experation of the said term of seven years herein before mentioned an annuity or yearly sum of three hundred Pounds shall be paid out of my Estate to her my said beloved Wife during all the term of her Natural Life and from and after the experation of the aforesaid term of seven years my said Sister Mary Leaming shall have and receive out of my Estate an Annuity or yearly sum of Forty Pounds during the term of her natural Life and my said Sister Sarah Leaming a like annuity or yearly sum of Forty Pounds during her Natural Life and my said Sister Meribah Robins an Annuity or yearly sum of Thirty Four Pounds during the term of her Natural Life and I do hereby give and bequeath to her my said Sister Meribah Robins the tract of land and premises in New Jersey whereon she and her husband now dwell To hold during her Natural Life and immediately after her decease the said Land and Premises to be sold by Executors and disposed of as in my foregoing Will mentioned with respect to the residue of my Estate and I do hereby give and bequeath unto my said Wife and my said three Sisters herein before mentioned the said Annuities herein left before specified for them respectively

Item I do hereby revoke the Bequeasts of the several annuities in my foregoing Will made to my said three Sisters Mary Leaming, Sarah Leaming and Meribah Robins respectively and likewise the Bequeasts of the several specific Legacies and sums after their decease in my foregoing Will made to their Sons and Daughters respectively and instead thereof after the decease of my said Sister Mary Leaming I do give to each of her six Children John, Thomas, Ephraim, Hannah, Lucy and Osse the sum of one hundred Pounds apiece and to her said son John and his Heirs I do hereby Confirm the Devise of the Lot of Land in Upper Freehold whereon he dwells and after the decease of my said Sister Sarah Leaming I do give unto her two daughters Meribah and Rebecca the sum of Three hundred Pounds each and to her son Isaiah the sum of one hundred Pounds and to after the decease of my said Sister Meribah Robins I give to her five sons Jacob, Thomas, John, Ezekiel and Samuel the sum of Two hundred Pounds each and to her three Daughters Priscilla Three hundred Pounds and to Sarah Two hundred Pounds and to Susanna the sum of Three hundred Pounds and to her Daughter Rebecca the sum of Five hundred Pounds and to her Daughter Mary the sum of Three hundred and Fifty Pounds -

Item the Devise of Lands in North Carolina to my Brother John Cox is null as I have conveyed the same
since to him -

Item instead of the Legacy of Two hundred Pounds to Mary Chancellor I give to her the sum of Twenty five Pounds only Provided always and it is my Mind and Will that the Child or Boy called Thomas now at nurse at Jacob Morris's shall be maintained Cloathed and Educated out of my Estate until he attains to a proper Age fit to learn a trade and when arrived to such proper Age shall be placed out to a good Trade by my Executors - And I give and bequeath to the said Thomas when he shall have attained to the age of twenty one years the Sum of Five hundred Pounds - Provided also that what I have herein given and bequeathed to my said Wife is in lieu and full satisfaction of all her Dower or thirds in my Estate and not otherwise -

Item I do hereby ratify and Confirm all my foregoing Last Will and Testament Except such parts as are hereby revoked altered supplied and amended and do declare these presents to be a Codicil thereto In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Twenty first day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and Ninety -

Before signing and sealing I have thought proper To add and do bequeath unto my Wifes four Children John, Sarah, Helen and Charles Stewart the sum of one hundred and fifty Pounds apiece to be paid them as soon as Conveniently may be after my just Debts are fully paid at the discretion of my Executors and the Legacy to my friend Richard Whitehead I Will shall be Two Hundred Pounds

Thomas Saltar [his seal and initials]

Signed Sealed published & declared by the testator Thomas Saltar for and as a Codicil to his last Will and Testament in the presence of us The word" or in my foregoing Last Will between the 42nd and 43 lines in the first page, and the words after the decease between the 5th & 6th lines in the third page first interlined, also the interlineations of the legacies of three hundred pounds & two hundred pounds respectively to my Nieces Priscilla & Sarah Robins & the necessary Erasures and the addition after the close or date of this Codicil being all first made before Signing & Sealing

Wm Pollard, Saml Hodgson, Jacob Hoffman - - - - - William Pollard and Samuel Hodgson and Jacob Hoffman Witnesses to the foregoing Codicil on their solemn oaths do depose and say that they were Present saw & heard Thomas Saltar the Testator sign and seal and publish pronounce and declare the same as and for a Codicil to be annexed to his Last Will and Testament and at the doing thereof he was of sound and disposing Mind Memory and understanding to the best of their Knowledge and Belief - Sworn the 7th day of June 1790.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - Before Jno Matthews DY Reg r

The foregoing Will & Codicil being proved Probate was granted unto Sarah Saltar Executrix Thomas Britton and Richard Whitehead Executors in said Testament named being first duly Sworn truely to perform the same Exhibit a true Inventory and render a just and true account when thereto Lawfully Required given under the Seal of office the day and date aforesaid.

Before Geo Campbell Regr

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Wills: Abstracts, Book U: 1787 - 1790: Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania

SALTAR, THOMAS. Northern Liberties. City of Philadelphia. Merchant. October 10, 1785. June 7, 1790. U.513. [Thirteen pages of record]. Estates in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, North Carolina and New Jersey]. Wife: Susanna. Sisters: Sarah Leaming, Mary Leaming, Meribah Robbins [in New Jersey, Wife of Joseph Robbins]. Stepbrother: John Coxe [of North Carolina]. Brother-in-Law: Thomas Leaming. Niece and Nephews: Sarah Williamson and her Children, John Britton [Son of Late Sister Hannah], Rebecca Fleeson and her Children, John, Thomas, Ephraim, Hannah, Lucy and Osse [Children of Sister Mary Leaming], Aaron, Paul, Elijah, Elisha, Rebecca, Mary, Rachel, Anne, Elizabeth and Susanna [10] [Children of Stepbrother John Coxe], Miribah, Rebecca and Sarah [Children of Sister Sarah Leaming], and Isaiah [in North Carolina], Jacob, Thomas, John, Ezekiel, Mary, Samuel, Priscilla, Rebecca, Sarah and Susanna [10] [Children of Sister Meribah Robbins], Rachel [Wife of Asher Woolman]. Negro boy: Tom. Cousins: Richard, Lydia, John and Sarah Douglass. Friends: Mary Chancellor [Attendant of Wife]. Jane [Wife of John Brown]. Richard Whitehead. Exec. and Trustees: Nephew Thomas Britton, Peter Knight, Charles Wharton, Richard Whitehead. Wit: Manuel Eyre, Thomas Kinsey, Joseph Burn. Codicil: Signed May 21, 1790. Wife: [decd.]. Wife: [Remarried] Sarah. Revoke Exec [in Will] Peter Knight and Charles Wharton. Exec: Sarah Salter, Nephew Thomas Britton, Richard Whitehead. Revoking Legacy to Nephews John and Thomas Britton. Sisters: Meribah Robbins, Mary Leaming, Sarah Leaming. Nieces: Sarah Williamson, Rebecca Fleeson. Nephews and Nieces: Thomas Britton, John, Thomas, Ephraim, Hannah, Lucy and Osse [Children of Sister Mary Leaming], Isaiah, Meribah and Rebecca [Children of Sister Sarah Leaming], Priscilla, Susanna, Jacob, Rebecca, Thomas, John, Ezekiel and Samuel [Children of Sister Meribah Robbins]. Brother: John Coxe. Friends: Thomas [Now at Nurse at Jacob Morriss]. Richard Whitehead. Present Wife's four Children: John, Sarah, Helen and Charles Stewart. Wit: William Pollard, Samuel Hodgson, Jacob Hoffman.

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Notes, by the author of this Web site:

1. Thomas Britton: Thomas Britton was among the issue of Hannah Saltar, the sister of Thomas Saltar, and Richard Britton. Other children by this union were: John Britton, born 21 July 1737, in Monmouth County, East Jersey; Sarah Britton, married Jesse Williamson previous to 1785; and Rebecca Britton, married Thomas Fleeson "at the house of Thomas Saltar" on 27 January 1774 [First Baptist Church Marriage Book, Philadelphia, p. 40].

2. Richard Whitehead: Richard Whitehead was a witness to the Indenture of 23 April 1782 by which Thomas Saltar conveyed property in land, in Lincoln County, North Carolina, to John Cox and to his children Aaron Cox, Paul Cox, Elisha Cox, Elijah Coxe, and Rebecca Cox.

3. Step Brother John Coxe: John Cox was born, in Middletown, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America on 1 November 1727 and died in Lincolnton, Lincoln County, North Carolina, about the years 1804 or 1805. He was first married, in New Jersey, to Margaret Morris (1 October 1732 - 15 August 1799) and engendered the following children: Morris Cox, born 24 September 1753, in New Jersey, British North America, married Catherine Hutchinson (11 February 1754 - 14 July 1796) 21 June 1773, in New Jersey, and died 22 April 1804, in or near Lincolnton, North Carolina; Rebecca Cox, born 22 March 1755, in New Jersey, married Absalom Bonham (1739 - 1794), by license dated 8 April 1785, in North Carolina; Aaron Cox, Sr., born 2 October 1757, in New Jersey, married Olly Baker (1760/65 - AFT 1840), by license dated 4 January 1787, in Lincoln County, North Carolina, and died in Lincoln County, North Carolina; Mary Cox, born 14 October 1761, Middletown, New Jersey, British North America, married James Sullivan (1754 - 27 August 1825) about 1790, and died 15 December 1847, in Lincolnton, North Carolina; Paul Cox, born 14 July 1763, in New Jersey, and died in Spartanburg, South Carolina; Rachel Cox, born 3 September 1765, in New Jersey, British North America, married Peter Carson by license dated 5 July 1786, in North Carolina; Nancy Ann(e) Cox, born 19 August 1769, in New Jersey, British North America, married Moses Moore (29 November 1762 - 7 December 1832) by license dated 29 July 1785, in North Carolina, and died 6 September 1847; Elizabeth Cox, born 16 February 1769, in New Jersey, British North America, married Moses Hiram Ferguson (February 1762 - 1845) in 1785, in North Carolina, and died 1844, in Johnson County, Missouri; Elisha Cox, born 6 October 1771, in Lincoln County, North Carolina, British North America, married Margaret Holland (28 January 1774 - 31 Jan 1825) 19 December 1792 (Bible record), and died 28 January 1824, in Lincoln County, North Carolina; Susanna Cox, born 24 March 1773, Lincoln County, North Carolina, British North America, married Peter Carpenter (ABT 1762 - 1845) about 1790; and Elijah Cox, born 17 January 1775, in Lincoln County, North Carolina, British North America, married Jane Huggin(s) by license dated 8 December 1796, in North Carolina, and died in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. After the death of Margaret Morris, John Cox was second married to Mary Carpenter on 27 July 1800.

John Cox and his family migrated from Trenton, New Jersey, to Lincoln County, North Carolina, so it seems, about 1770. The Will of Thomas Saltar omits mention of Morris Cox.

4. Susanna Saltar: According to John Edwin Stillwell, Susanna(h) was the "daughter of Caspar and Eve Ulrich, of Philadelphia, as is set forth in a quit-claim deed, dated May 10, 1763, between Eve Ulrich, of Philadelphia, widow, and relict of Caspar Ulrich, decd., of Philadelphia, and Thomas Saltar and Susannah, his wife, a daughter of the said Caspar and Eve, and Philip Ulrich, of Philadelphia, baker, a son of the same. In the deed, it appeared that Caspar Ulrich left a will bearing date Nov. 22, 1751[Philadelphia deeds, H. 18, p. 183]. Susannah Ulrich was the widow of Thomas Rutter, of Philadelphia, and is so alluded to in her father's will. Her marriage to Thomas Saltar occurred, at Christ Church, Philadelphia, Dec. 23, 1758, and she has been erroneously called Susannah Butler. Upon the death of his wife, Susanna, Thomas Saltar married Sarah Stewart, a widow with four children."

5. Thomas Leaming: Thomas Leaming (ABT 1718, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America - July 1786, Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey) was married to Sarah, Thomas Saltar's sister, BEF 1760. Of this union, the children were: Meribah Leaming, Rebecca Leaming (born in Monmouth County, New Jersey), Sarah Leaming (born in Monmouth County, New Jersey), and Isaiah Leaming (ABT 1762, Upper Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey - BEF 10 December 1807, Leonards Fork of Indian Creek, Lincoln County, North Carolina). Isaiah Leaming resided in "Carolina" as of 1785.

There is reason to believe that this Thomas Leaming was the son of John Leming (Liming, Lyming, Leaming) (ABT 1683, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America - December 1757, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America) and Dinah DeWilde (ABT 1694, Lambeth County Surrey, England - AFT 1 August 1760 and BEF 6 November 1773, Upper Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America), the daughter of John DeWilde (died AFT 30 November 1708 and BEF 28 February 1709) and Unknown UNKNOWN. John Leming and Dianah DeWilde were married, ABT 1714, in New Jersey. It is worth mentioning that Dinah DeWilde, by her father's Will, was the ward of Richard Saltar (died AFT 1728):

WILL of JOHN DEWILDY, of Monmouth County: "finding my-Self much indisposed of body and being under aprehentions ytt my time may be short in this world." Dated "Att Doctors Creek," 30 November 1708. Proved by oath of James Lawrence, witness, to testator's signature, and those of the other witnesses, Wm White and Aron Robins, before Richard Ingoldesby, Esqr, Governor, Burlington, 28 February 1708 [or 1709?]. Directs that, after his funeral expenses are paid, his estate be divided among his creditors: "and if there shall be found Enugh to pay them & any thing to spare ye ouer plush I giue to my Daughter Dinah & whearas my sd Daughter is young and not fitt to be att her one Dispossall I ... make Choice of Mr Anthony Woodward & Richard saltar Esqrs & both of freehol . . . to Be gaurdians to my afforsd Daughter & Do Earnistly Recommend Her to the protection of God . . . and the Conduct of my two frinds . . . Intill She Come off age of twenty years unless she shall marry before ytt time . . . and I pray . . . anthony woodward & Richard Saltar ytt they would take Care yt the profit or Rents of my Real Estate which I haue now made ouer to my sd Daughter By Deed of Gift, bearing Date with this last will . . . Be Imployed towards the bringing up of my sd Daughter . . . ."

JOHN deuwilldy

Witnesses: James Lawrence

william white [his mark]

Aaron Robins [his mark]

The other children of John Leming and Dinah DeWilde were: William Leming (ABT 1715, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America - BEF 10 November 1786, Monmouth County, New Jersey); John Leming (ABT 1716, near Allentown, Upper Freehold Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America - ABT 1792, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania), m. Mary Cox (ABT 1725, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America - BEF 1 March 1787, Chowan County, North Carolina), 4 November 1740, Upper Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America; DeWilde Leming (ABT 1720, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America - February 1760, Burlington, Burlington County, New Jersey, British North America); Henry Leming (ABT 1721, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America - BEF 1820, Logan's Gap, Brown County, Ohio); Keziah Leming (ABT 1724, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America - ?); Dinah Leming (ABT 1726, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America - AFT 1778), m. Jeremiah Veringham, 8 January 1745/46, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America; Sarah Leming (ABT 1728, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America - ?); Mary Leming (ABT 1730, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America -?).

6. Mary Leaming: This half-sister of Thomas Saltar was married to John Leaming (Liming or Leming) [see above, note 5]. Her children were: John Leaming (ABT 1741, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America - AFT 25 February 1799, Nottingham Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania) [M], who resided in Upper Freehold, New Jersey; Thomas Leaming (born ABT 1742), Ephraim Leaming (14 May 1755, Upper Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America - May 1834, Upper Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey) [M]; Hannah Leaming (ABT 1750, Upper Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America - AFT 1785) [F]; Lucy Leaming (ABT 1748, Upper Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America - AFT 1785) [F]; and Ossa Leaming (ABT 1752, Upper Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America - AFT 1785) [F]. On 4 November 1740, as John Edwin Stillwell notes, "There was a Mary Coxe and John Liming who had a marriage license issued in New Jersey. If Mary Coxe is the same as the Mary Leaming whom Thomas Saltar mentions, then she was the half-sister of Thomas Saltar." John Liming (or Leaming or Leming) was born ABT 1716 in near Allentown, Upper Freehold Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey and died ABT 1792 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.

Concerning the marriage of John Liming, the elements of the marriage bond are reproduced in the Genealogical Magazine of New Jersey 19.1, June 1944, p. 24, as follows:

"Nov. 4, 1740. John Liming, Upper Freehold, Monmouth County, weaver, and Mary Coxe, singlewoman, daughter of John Coxe of same, cordwainer."

The eldest son of this marriage, John Leaming, signed his Will on 25 February 1799, at Nottingham Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania. In his Will, he mentions the legacy from Thomas Saltar. It seems, therefore, that the step-father of Thomas Saltar was John Coxe the Cordwainer and that, at a minimum, it may be claimed that the Cordwainer was the father of John Cox (who married Margaret Morris; see above, note 3), Rebecca Cox (who married Joseph Norcross; see below, note 14), and Mary Cox (who married John Leaming). Mary Cox Leaming died in Chowan County, North Carolina before 1 March 1787. On 1 March 1787, John Leaming, the widower of Mary Cox, was married in Edenton, Chowan County, North Carolina to Louise Grogan who seems to have died no later than 1801.

During the 1720s, there was a John Cox (1696 - 1768), in Monmouth County, New Jersey, who had attained his majority by 1717, who was the son of John Cox (ABT 1670, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America - AFT 9 April 1728 and BEF 22 October 1729, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America) and Mary UNKNOWN (died AFT 22 October 1729), and who was himself first married to a Rachel UNKNOWN (died BEF 1 January 1768) and second married to Elizabeth Holman. If this is the same Rachel UNKNOWN who was the widow of the elder Thomas Saltar, the "yeoman of Freehold" whose Will, dated 13 June 1722, was proved 25 April 1723, then Thomas Saltar "the yeoman" was the father of Thomas Saltar, the merchant of Philadelphia and half-brother of John Cox. Rachel UNKNOWN would have been their mother in common.

In his Will, Thomas Saltar "the yeoman" mentions his spouse Rachel, his father and executor Richard Saltar, his daughters Hannah and Deborah, and his son Richard. It is possible that, in this testamentary document, the only children who are mentioned are those already having attained their majority. Thomas Saltar, the merchant of Philadelphia, had attained his majority by 31 May 1731, when he donated 25 acres of land in Freehold to "the Society of People called Baptists." His date of birth, accordingly, must have been previous to 1710 but, perhaps, not much before. It is possible, therefore, that he had not attained his majority by the time Thomas Saltar "the yeoman" signed his Will. Thomas Saltar the merchant, in any case, did have a sister Hannah (see below, note 10). John Edwin Stillwell designated all the offspring of Thomas Saltar "the yeoman," who are named in the Will, as "untraced."

7. Meribah Robbins: This sister of Thomas Saltar was married to Joseph Robbins. According to Thomas Saltar, their children were: Jacob Robbins, Thomas Robbins, John Robbins, Ezekial Robbins, Samuel Robbins, Priscilla Robbins, Sarah Robbins, Susannah Robbins, Rebecca Robbins, and Mary Robbins. Howard Deacon informed John Edwin Stillwell that, to this list of children, the name of Isaiah Robbins should be added. Deacon also verified the name of Mary Robbins.

Joseph Robbins is listed among the patriots of the Lieutenant George Nixon Senior Society, with the descriptive note: "Joseph Robbins Jr., NJ private, b. 1745 Monmouth Co NJ d. 21 May 1790 Allentown NJ m. Meribah Saltar ch John 1767, Ezekial 1769, Samuel Sr 1777, Jacob, Thomas, Isaiah, Priscilla, Sarah, Susanna, Rebecca, Mary. gr James C."

Joseph Robbins, Jr. was not the son - as sometimes has been supposed - of Joseph Robins (12 March 1670/71, Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey, British North America - 6 June 1709, Freehold or Crosswicks, Monmouth County, New Jersey, British North America) and Anna Peck (11 May 1663, Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey, British North America - ?) who were married 3 March 1691/92 in Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey, British North America. He, instead, may have been the son of Joseph Robins (born about 1697), the son of Moses Robins, and thus the grandson of Daniel Robins. Joseph Robins (born about 1697) was married to Sarah Clayton (née Leah). The name of the wife of Joseph Robins, Jr., the son of Joseph Robins (born about 1697) is not known. It is sometimes said, but not proved, that Joseph Robins (born about 1697) was the son of Daniel Robins, Jr.

8. Sarah Williamson: This was Sarah Britton. See note 1 above.

9. John Britton: See note 1 above.

10. Hannah Britton: About Hannah (Saltar) Britton, John Edwin Stillwell cites, in manuscript, the Registry of Members of the First Baptist Church, Philadelphia, as saying "Hannah Saltar was wife to Richard Britton, late of Monmouth County, N. J." This undated entry, which is not a marriage-record, was made by Thos. Allen Glenn. That Hannah Britton was the sister, and not the half-sister, of Thomas Saltar is altogether certain.

Stillwell also refers to the Middletown (New Jersey) Baptist Church Record Book to show that, "In 1733, Hannah Salter, wife of Richard Britton, was a member of the Middletown Baptist Church, with her parents, Ebenezer and Rebecca (Stillwell) Salter." The earliest record at Middletown Baptist Church to which Stillwell referred is dated, in fact, 1 March 1731/32; and, though mentioning Ebenezer, "Rebeckah," and Hannah Saltar, it seems neither to specify that Hannah was the daughter of Ebenezer and "Rebeckah" nor to indicate that she was married to Richard Britton. It is possible that Hannah Saltar was the daughter of Ebenezer and Rebecca (Stillwell) Saltar. It is also possible that she was their niece. As of 1731/32, Hannah Saltar appears to have been unmarried. And the earliest date attributable with certainty to her for childbearing is 21 July 1737, when she was delivered of John Britton. By 4 October 1785, Hannah Saltar Britton was deceased.

Ebenezer Saltar, in 1724, is known to have been residing on Staten Island and to have been married. But, previous to 1731, at the earliest, nothing makes it explicit that he was married to Rebecca Stillwell.

According to John Edwin Stillwell, the last historical reference to Ebenezer Saltar occurs in 1749, when he took an oath in a New Jersey court. After the death of Ebenezer Saltar, Rebecca Stillwell married James Cox, who was born 18 August 1672 and died 24 October 1750. And, because Ebenezer Saltar is indeed last known to have been alive in 1749, the marriage of Rebecca Stillwell and James Cox could not have lasted much more than a year, if even for that long. The union was childless.

James Cox was first married to Ann, maiden name unknown, born 16 January 1672, until her death 25 November 1747. Of this marriage, the offspring were: Mary Alice Cox, born 30 May 1696, in Upper Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey; Thomas Cox, born about 1698 and died 1733/34; James Cox, born 1698 and died 1753; Ann Cox, who died 1747; Elizabeth Cox, born 1700 and died 1796; Rachel Cox; Dorothy Cox; Rebecca Cox; John Cox, born 1710, in Monmouth County, New Jersey, married to Mary Potts (1709 - 15 August 1798), and died 14 May 1788, in Monmouth County, New Jersey; and Joseph Cox, born 18 August 1713 and died 17 April 1801. It is from the tombstone of the John Cox who was born in 1710 and who is buried in Cox's Corner of the Yellow Meeting House graveyard, at Cream Ridge, Monmouth County, New Jersey that the given name of James Cox's first wife is known.

Because, in 1727, Mrs. Ann Cox was a menopausally distinguished 55 years of age, she could not have been the mother of the John Cox who was born in that year and who was the equivocal sibling of Thomas Saltar. She was, however, the mother of a John Cox who was born in 1710 and whose tombstone is the only source for her given name. The John Cox who was born in 1710 had a sister named Rebecca whose dates of birth and death are not known. The John Cox who was born in 1727 appears to have had a sister, also named Rebecca (see below, note 14), who seems to have been his junior by seven years.

11. Rebecca Fleeson: See note 1 above.

12. £100, apiece: The Will of Thomas Saltar omits mention of Morris Cox as also does the Indenture of 23 April 1782.

13. Sarah Leaming: See note 5 above.

14. Niece Rachel Woolman Wife of Asher Woolman: Rebecca COX and Joseph NORCROSS were the parents of Rachel NORCROSS (15 August 1750, Burlington County, New Jersey, British North America - 21 February 1812, Burlington County, New Jersey). Rachel NORCROSS was married to Asher WOOLMAN (27 June 1722, Rancocas, Burlington County, New Jersey, British North America - 12 February 1796, Burlington County, New Jersey) BET 15 February and 13 December 1769 in Burlington County, New Jersey, British North America. Their children were: (1) Beulah WOOLMAN (20 September 1770, Burlington, Burlington County, New Jersey, British North America - AFT 10 March 1801) [F]: m. Joseph BUZBY, 16 April 1794, Ancocas Meeting House, Burlington County; (2) Rebecca WOOLMAN (29 January 1772, Burlington, Burlington County, New Jersey, British North America - 1844, St. Joseph County, Indiana) [F]; (3) Granville WOOLMAN (1 January 1774, Burlington, Burlington, County, New Jersey, British North America - 7 October 1854) [M]: m. Hannah STOKES (1775, British North America - 27 January 1868), 11 February 1795, Ancocas Meeting House, Burlington County, New Jersey; (4) Edith WOOLMAN (20 May 1776, Northampton Township, Burlington County, New Jersey, British North America - 18 November 1850, Rancocas, Burlington County, New Jersey) [F]: m. George HAINES (4 November 1769, Northampton Township, Burlington County, New Jersey, British North America - 27 September 1844, Northampton Township, Burlington County, New Jersey), 13 April 1796, Ancocas Meeting House, Burlington County, New Jersey; (5) Ann WOOLMAN (21 April 1778, Burlington, Burlington County, New Jersey - 27 May 1796, Burlington County, New Jersey) [F]; (6) Elizabeth WOOLMAN (30 March 1780, Burlington, Burlington County, New Jersey - ?) [F]; (7) Rachel Wilson WOOLMAN (Burlington, Burlington County, New Jersey, 18 August 1782 - 30 November 1848, Long Beach, New Jersey) [F]: m. Hudson BUZBY (2 January 1777, Burlington County, New Jersey - ?); (8) Abigail WOOLMAN (8 June 1784, Burlington, Burlington County, New Jersey - 1787) [F]; (9) Hannah WOOLMAN (1 December 1786, Burlington, Burlington County, New Jersey - 1792) [F]; (10) Abigail WOOLMAN (10 October 1789, Burlington, Burlington County, New Jersey - 25 February 1859) [F]; (11) Samuel WOOLMAN (3 November 1793, Burlington, Burlington County, New Jersey - 23 May 1834) [M]; (12) Asher WOOLMAN (7 October 1795, Burlington, Burlington County, New Jersey - 2 January 1866, Rancocas, Burlington County, New Jersey) [M].

Asher WOOLMAN (1722), it should be noted, was the brother of the celebrated John WOOLMAN (19 October 1720, Northhampton Township, Burlington County, New Jersey, British North America - 7 October 1772, York, Yorkshire, England), progenitor of Abolitionism and, therefore, the patriarch of the civil-rights movement. Both were the sons of Samuel WOOLMAN (14 March 1689, Mansfield, Burlington County, New Jersey, British North America - 31 August 1750, Mansfield, Burlington County, New Jersey, British North America) and Elizabeth Hudson BURR (1695, Burlington County, New Jersey, British North America - 8 September 1773, Burlington County, New Jersey, British North America). Samuel WOOLMAN was the grandson of William WOOLMAN (1632, Painswick, Gloucestershire, England - 1692, Burlington, Burlington County, New Jersey, British North America).

Of the self-effacing John WOOLMAN, no portrait was ever made.

Biography of John WOOLMAN.
© 2001 PageWise

Man's ideas of liberty and life have always harbored a conflict of civil law and civil rights. Disobedience of civil law takes place when an individual's conscience interferes with society's rules. Socrates, Plato, Jesus, the Sadducee's and the Pharisee's of Biblical times, all, displayed civil disobedience by going against government, current philosophy, tax collectors and the worship of idols. People are continuing to increase their stand on issues of conscience. Individuals great and small have influenced and inspired enthusiasts for every cause. One such man, perhaps, the most prominent man of his day, was "the earnest Quaker," a man who not only preached brotherhood, but also practiced it. John Woolman, early Quaker abolitionist, devoted much of his life to freeing black slaves through civil disobedience.

The Woolmans came to the new world in 1678. They settled in West New Jersey and were prominent businessmen and substantial landholders by Quaker standards. Woolman, as was his father, was active in politics, business and religion. He achieved the knowledge of reading, surveying, accounting, medicine and the drawing of legal documents without the benefit of conventional schooling. Woolman's life was based on morals of love and conscience. At an early age, he learned the writings of God's word and amplified his interpretation of the Bible into his life. This strong belief in the scripture systematically led him into a life of trying to correct the evils of society. He used his belief in God to justify his defiance of the keeping of slaves. Woolman claimed it a sin to keep slaves; and insisted, "[t]he black men and women in bondage in America must be freed." Woolman believed all life precious and deserving of freedom. As a young boy, he took the freedom of life from another creature and was haunted by it.

On his way to the home of a neighbor, he spied a robin on her nest. Being curious, he approached. The mother robin flew off darting everywhere in protection of her young.

Woolman began throwing rocks at her, eventually, striking and killing her. Excitement--horror--pain--arose in Woolman as he took joy in his marksmanship--shook in fear of the life he took--and hurt for the young that would surely die without the care of their mother. So, he climbed the tree and took the life of the young robins feeling this to be the more merciful measure. For hours, he was unable to think of anything other than the horrifying exploits of the day. Woolman's, convictions bore heavy on all his decisions from that day forward.

Woolman chose the writing of legal documents and merchandising as his career. Hearing the talk of buying and selling men and women, no matter what color, bore heavy on Woolman's mind and he found himself often in prayer for guidance. One day his boss came to him for the writing of a legal document. It involved a slave the shop-owner had sold. This troubled him; but obligated by duty, to his employer, he executed the bill.

Being deeply disturbed in conscience, he revealed to his employer and the buyer "that . . . slavekeeping . . . be a practice inconsistent with the Christian religion.” With this action, Woolman began his gentle, movement for the cause of the Negroes, in the writing of his first essay, "Some Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes." Although this writing would not be published until after his father's death, Woolman began dedicating his life to the cause of the blacks. Days before Woolman's father died, in 1750, he asked his son if he had yet considered submitting his manuscript to the Overseers of the Press. Woolman responded with this statement: "I have all along been deeply affected with the oppression of the poor Negroes, and now at last my concern for them is as great as ever."

Though Woolman at times was not able to perform his duties--he always excused himself in a manner of politeness, respectfulness and consideration of his fellow man. In search of a method to ease his mind, he took to the road with a fellow friend. Woolman felt if he visited other members of the Quaker society, he could make them aware of their disgraceful sins thus helping to ease the pain of the cause he was dedicated to.

Through these travels though he found his heart saddened even more by the number of Friends who kept blacks. Some for labor, some for pleasure and some importing blacks for profit. Feeling distressed of mind they returned home. Soon after his return, home an elderly man, respected in the community, approached Woolman. This man desired Woolman to write his will.

Knowing this man kept slaves, Woolman spoke with him concerning their treatment. The man told him they were to go to his son. Woolman said, "I cannot write thy will without breaking my own peace!" The man accepted and had someone else write it. Some years later, the same man returned with changes to be made in his will. Woolman again spoke to the man and refused to write the will. The man then left, but before going to far returned to Woolman and ordered the blacks freedom written into his will. Woolman agreed and executed the document.

Woolman believed all men, regardless of color or position, are equal in the eyes of God and should be equal in the eyes of man. He also believed no man should support a cause he felt wrong. One evening when approached by a justice of the peace, concerning the paying of taxes, Woolman commented in this manner: "Men put in public stations are intended for good purposes, some to make good laws, others to take care that those laws are not broken. Now if those men thus set apart do not answer the design of their institution, [they are] . . . freely contributing to support them in that capacity [sic] when we certainly know that they are wrong is to strengthen them in a wrong way and tends to make them forget . . . when . . . we are . . . uneasy with the application of money, and in the spirit of meekness suffer distress to be made on our goods rather than to pay actively, this joined with an upright uniform life may tend to put men a thinking about their own public conduct . . . Civil government is an agreement of free men by which they oblige themselves to abide by certain laws as a standard, and to refuse to obey in that case is of like nature as to refuse to do any particular act which we had covenanted to do . . . should a man make such a commitment unto another man to totally obey and said man chose to disobey the law and enjoined you to help, being promised to him would only add "one evil to another; that though by such promise I should be liable to punishment for disobedience, yet to suffer rather than act to me appears most virtuous.""

Woolman considered the matters of civil society to be an infectious pestilence and while some rules approved in civil society and conformable to human policy, so called, are distinguishable from the purity of truth and righteousness . . . it is a time for us to attend diligently to the intent of every chastisement and consider the most deep and inward design of them. Putting aside, the keeping of slaves for any reason was always on Woolman’s mind.

John Woolman wrote three major essays and a journal. The essays are entitled: "Some Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes," "Considerations on Keeping Negroes: Part Second" and "A Plea for the Poor". His journal is simply, "The Journal of John Woolman." He was like Henry David Thoreau, who followed many years later, in that the similarities of their lives and

their strong religious and moral beliefs set the path they would follow through life. One thing Woolman maintained through his life was his religion: When Woolman had outgrown his failing culture and become a sojourner with his family, he held onto something never letting go of it while Thoreau in the end desperately lost because he let go and Woolman held on. To the finish Woolman's religion worked for him, Thoreau's failed.

John Woolman, Quaker, lover of mankind, forgotten by those he rose up so vehemently to protect and fight for, will live on. His work inspired many and found its way into many hands. Some recognize his influence some do not. Some of the civil disobedience actions taking place daily across this land would never have been if it had not been for John Woolman the gentle Quaker. One fact that is clear is Woolman opened the door for today's civil rights movement. This humble man lived, breathed, and shared the love of God and the love for all mankind, red, yellow, white or black. A man who may have moved this country with, as much or more intensity than Martin Luther King, James Baldwin or Jesse Jackson, John Woolman is "A Man for All Souls.”

References:

Burwell, Basil. "A Man for All Souls." American Heritage. New York: American Heritage, Dec. 1971.

Cady, Edwin H. John Woolman: The Mind of the Quaker Saint. New York: Washington Square, 1966.

Marietta, Jack D. The Reformation of American Quakerism, 1748-1783. Philadelphia: U of Pennsylvania P, 1984.

Marty, Martin E. Pilgrims in Their Own Land: 500 Years of Religion in America. Boston: Little, 1984.

Moulton, Phillips P., ed. The Journal and Major Essays of John Woolman. New York: Oxford UP, 1971.

Woolman, John. "The Journal of John Woolman: 1720-1742." Moulton 23-33.

---. "The Journal of John Woolman: 1749-1756." Moulton 44 - 51.

---. "The Journal of John Woolman: 1755-1756." Moulton 90 - 93.

---. "The Journal of John Woolman: 1758-1759." Moulton 104 - 105.

---. "Considerations on Keeping Negroes: Part Second." Moulton 212-13.

Joseph BUZBY and Hudson BUZBY were the sons of Amos BUZBY and Patience SPRINGER.

15. Richard Douglass: Richard Douglass was the son of Richard Douglass, of Monmouth County, New Jersey, who died before 5 June 1782, and of Lydia Saltar. Lydia Saltar was the daughter of John Saltar, born 22 October 1694 and died, in or near Monmouth County, New Jersey, 29 August 1723, and of Elizabeth Lawrence, who died 1741, the daughter of Elisha Lawrence. John Saltar's tombstone stands in the Yellow Meeting House graveyard, at Cream Ridge, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Because he was the uncle of Thomas Saltar, his grandchildren by Richard Douglass and Lydia Saltar, who were married 10 March 1737/40, including the younger Richard Douglass, John Saltar Douglass, Charles Douglass, and Lydia Douglass, were Thomas Saltar's first cousins once removed. Thomas Saltar's Will omits mention of Charles Douglass.

16. Mary Robins: This is Mary Robbins, the daughter of Meribah Robbins. See note 7 above.

17. Sarah: This was Sarah Stewart, a widow and the second wife of Thomas Saltar. Thomas Saltar, as is evident, was married to Mrs. Stewart on some date between 4 October 1785 and 21 May 1790. This marriage was without issue. By her previous marriage, Mrs. Stewart's children were: John Stewart, Sarah Stewart, Helen Stewart, and Charles Stewart. After the death of Thomas Saltar, as Mrs. John Scollay (Anne Lane Scollay of Philadelphia) reported to John Edwin Stillwell, his widow married Thomas Brittain.

18. Thomas Britton: As informative as this document is, nothing in it identifies the parentage either of Thomas Saltar or of John Cox. But, from this document and from the Indenture of 23 April 1782, in which Thomas Saltar calls John Cox his "half brother," there seems to be warrant for the assertion that Thomas Saltar and John Cox had a natural mother in common. In reference to fathers whom they did not have in common, they were also step-brothers. Thomas Saltar, incidentally, is known to have had an aunt, Hannah Bowne Saltar, who was the first wife of Mordecai Lincoln (24 April 1686 - 1736). This Hannah Bowne Saltar and Mordecai Lincoln were the great-great grandparents of Abraham Lincoln, president of the United States.

For proof that Thomas Saltar and John Cox indeed had a natural mother in common, see Note 9 under G0495A: John COX in Descendants of John Cox (1 November 1727 - ABT 1804/05).

For the system of kinship to which John COX (1 November 1727, Middletown, New Jersey - 1804/05, Lincolnton, North Carolina), see Descendants of John Cox (1 November 1727 - ABT 1804/05).

The following material concerning the Northern Liberties Township and the Northern Liberties District is excerpted from from Happenings in ye Olde Philadelphia 1680-1900 by Rudolph J. Walther, 1925, Walther Printing House, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

NORTHERN LIBERTIES

The Liberties was term applied by William Penn to certain tract of land lying north and West of the city. It contained what was called "the liberty land or free lots" because the proprietaries gave to the first purchaser of ground in the colony, according to the extent of their purchaser, a portion of the land within those limits free of price. The original idea of Penn was to lay out a great town of 10,000 acres; but when the commissioners came to survey this space of ground it was found somewhat difficult, and when Penn arrived in 1682 he determined to divide the great town into two parts, one to be called the city and the other the Liberties. The city contained about 1,820 acres. The Liberties extended north of Vine Street to the mouth of Cohoquinoque Creek or Pegg’s Run and up the same so as to go round the lands of Jurian Hartsfelder, which had already been granted away before Penn came to the colony. There were also Swedish, Dutch and English grants of land made before Penn came to be proprietary that had to be respected, so that the Liberty lands were very irregular in their boundaries, and ran by various courses along the Cohocksink, Wissinoming, Tacony, Wingohocking and other streams, and Germantown and Bristol townships, to the Schuylkill, and over the same and out to Cobb’s Creek, and down the same and along the west side of the Schuylkill to a point opposite Vine Street, at the north city line, and along the same to the place of beginning. This survey was made in 1682, and the Liberties contained on the east side of the Schuylkill, 9,161 acres; west side, 7,074 acres; total, 16,235 acres. These liberty lands on the east side of the Schuylkill became a township nearly from the time of survey, and were call the Northern Liberties, while the western Liberties, beyond the Schuylkill, became a portion of the township of Blockely. The territory between the Delaware and Schuylkill was subsequently divided; the western part was called Penn township, and the eastern part was sometimes called the Unincorporated Northern Liberties. Whenever so spoken of, the reference was to that portion of the township which had not been taken up by the formation of districts, and by the time of consolidation the area of the township was very small, the districts of Northern Liberties, Spring Garden, Kensington, Penn, Richmond, and the township of Penn an the boroughs of Aramingo and Bridesburg, having been carved out of it. In 1854 the township or Unincorporated Northern Liberties was the space of land north of Kensington, west of Richmond and Aramingo, and a portion of Frankford, south of a portion of Oxford and Bristol townships, and east of Penn township. A part of it was west of the Frankford Road, and all it was east of Germantown Road.

NORTHERN LIBERTIES DISTRICT

A portion of the township of the Northern Liberties, was first the object of particular care by Act of Assembly of March 9, 1771, which provided for the appointment of persons to regulate streets, direction of buildings, etc. By act of March 30, 1791 the inhabitants of that potion of the Northern Liberties between Vine Street and Pegg’s Run and the middle of Fourth Street and the Delaware River were empowered to elect three commissioners to lay taxes for the purpose of lighting, watching and establishing pumps within those bounds. On March 28, 1803, the Legislature passed an act to incorporate that part of the township of the Northern Liberties lying between the west side of Sixth Street and the Delaware River and between Vine Street and Cohocksink Creek. Under the Consolidation law this district ceased to exist in 1845, and become a part of Philadelphia. The Northern Liberties was principally composed of a tract of land originally called Hartsfield. This was a title given in a patent to the ground granted March 25,1676, before the arrival of William Penn, to Jurian Hartsfelder. It included all the ground bounded by the River Delaware between Coakquenauque (Pegg’s Run) and the Chocksink Creeks, and extended westward about as far as the line of Ridge Road. In the tract was nearly the whole of the ground afterward the Northern Liberties, and a portion of Spring Garden and Penn Districts. Hartsfelder sold a portion of this property in 1679-80 to Hannah Salter, and another portion to Daniel Pegg in 1683-89, he having previously bought Hannah Salter’s interest. William Penn pardoned the whole Hartsfelder tract to Daniel Pegg in 1689.

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Valuable contributions were made to this Web page by Mrs. Susan McAtee, Mrs. Lois Wessel, and Mr. Gary Robins.

RETURN: Antecedents and Descendants of John Cox (1 November 1727 - ABT 1804/05)

RETURN: The Family Cox: Yellow Meeting House [complete list of Cox burials]

GENEALOGICAL NOTES AND ANECDOTES: TABLE OF CONTENTS

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