Notes:

Died:
Aged 28 days 1 month 25 years.

Buried:
Buried with brother Joseph Arnold. Tombstone S6.6.

Notes:

. WITNESS: 1760, Aug 26. WILL of John Langstaff, of Piscataway, Middlesex Co. Wife, Mary, use of all personal & real, while my widow. Grandson, John Langstaff, son of John Langstaff, deceased, lands south of Ambrose Brook, and % of new lots of salt meadow in Piscataway Salt meadows.
Witnesses: David Conger, *John Willson, Jr., John Arnold [Senior].
Proved May 26, 1761. Lib. G, p. 434. NJ Calendar of Wills.
Note1*: After the American Revolution, Langstaff & relatives John Willson & John Arnold also went to Upper Canada, where they were amongst many New Jersey exiles located near each other on north Yonge Street, Toronto.*John Willson, Jr. was known later in Upper Canada as John Willson Senior. - PJA.

. 1779 Nov 29, Savannah, New Jersey Volunteers, 3rd Battalion
Muster Roll of Capt John Campbell:
#16, Private John Arnold, Privates 23 draw pay to 24 Oct to 24 Dec. Page 281;
#26, Private John Arnold, Privated #o. 1- 26 received pay to October., page 306.
Ref: Ward Chipman Muster Masters Office, Archives of Canada.

. United Empire Loyalist, Part II, New Claim: John Wilson, late of Jersey, Claimant appears & being sworn saith he came to this Province in the May Fleet. The Estate consisted of about 100 Acres purchased by his father at different times. Produces deed from Stephen Arnold to claimant's father of 32 acres in consideration of £30, dated 1728.

. 1792* May 28, We do certify that Jacob* Arnold dose live in his lot.
signed, The Witness, John Sheply, Twinbridge GXXpoult?
. To Survey of Land Board, Detroit, we do name by certify that Jacob Arnold with his family, given under our hands this 24 March, Signed, Edwin Nevil Edwd. His Mark Bullinox?.
Ref: Ontario Heir & Devisee Commission, H1145, Archives of Canada, p. 222.
Note2: The Arnolds arrived in York in 1797. Who is Jacob Arnold & why do the witnesses' letters' pre-date Justice of Peace Willson's declaration? - PJA


. UCLPetition 7, A Bundle 5, C1609 p891
To Peter Russell, The petition of John Arnold, Most Humbly begs Leave to inform your Honour that I arrived in this Province early in July Last & hath been Employed at Government Mill on the Humber by John WILLSON, Esquire & being Desires to become a Settler in the province Most Humbly Prays your Honor in Council to Grant Your Petitioner a portion of Land as in your Wisdom Shall be thought Proper under the New Regulations - And your Petitioner as in Duty bound Shall Ever Pray.
Signed, John ARNOLD, September 16th 1798.
. & add on - March 23rd 1799, Petitioner has 2 Yoke of Oxen & is desirous to go on Yonge Street. - J Arnold.

I hereby Certify that the father of the within petition in the year 1776 in East Jersey moved his family (Consisting of his Wife & 10 Small children). Your petitioner being one of the number in to the British Lines & entered in the servis under me with his team, I then being forage master under Commissary James Christy & Continued a very useful man in the servics till the armey moved to Hillsbury. [North Carolina.]
Signed, John Willson
Envelope: Received 16 Oct 1798, Recommended Aug 19, 1800. P.R. [Russell].
Ref: UCLP 7, A5 Bundle 7, Film C1609.
Note3: Both Petition & Certificate are in John Willson's handwriting. - PJA.

. 1801 September 15th, Yonge Street
These are to Certify that the street in front of Lot No 27, East Side of Yonge Street in the occupation of John Arnold, is well cleared out.
Signed, John Willson, J.P.

. 1802 December 22, John married Elizabeth, daughter of Abner Miles at St. James Church in York. At first, they lived at the corner of Yonge Street & John Street in Thornhill. With the death of Elizabeth's father Abner in 1806, they moved to the property in Miles Hill that Elizabeth inherited. They had 8 children. Until the Church was built in Miles Hill, Elizabeth used to ride on horseback to Thornhill each Sunday to play the organ in the Trinity Church there.

. 1805 Apr 22 - I hereby certify that there is 20 acres of land cleared in good fence with two small Log houses on Lot number 25 west side of Yonge Street and the Street in front well cleared out.
Yonge Street, 22 April, 1805, Signed, John Willson, J.P.
[added by John Small, JP,] Lot a warrant issued to Jonathan Scott, 29 Se? 1801.
Ref: H1145, Vol. 72, Arch. Of Canada

. 1805 Dec 23, Schedule of Patents for Land prepared for the signature of his Honor the President, Secretary's Office:
Arnold, John, 200 Acres, Markham, bunker the administration of Lt. Gov. Hunter. Ref: UC Sundries, C4503, p456.

. 1807 Jan 13, Town of York, Alex. Wood, Esq., Chairman. Petty Jury of 12, inc. Jonathan hale, John Arnold, Bashar Munshaw, Andrew Willson, William Johnson.

ELY PLAYTERs DIARY:
. 1809 May 17: Vaughan, I moved with my family into Stillwell Willson's hope on Yonge Street.
. 1809 Jun 7: Ely went to town with wife Sophia. Came back to Arnold's after dark. Found Edward there with the team & stayed all night.
. 1809 Jun 11: Mr Mrs Arnold went to the Scarboro Springs & I went to Mr. B. A heavy rain in the PM prevented my coming hom.
. 1809 July 12: Ely Playter made a boulster for Arnold’s wagon. Ready for hauling ashes but could not find the oxen today. [Playter or Arnold's oxen?
. 1809 Aug 10 - John Arnold & Ely Playter came home in the evening. Stillwell Willson & Arnold abused each other, stripped to fight but halted.
. 1809 Sep 18 - Mr John Powell & Geo Ridout overtook me today at Arnolds Mills where fed
. 1809 Sep 29: Arnold & Ely Playter drew a load of ashes from [Richard] Lawrence's the AM. 47 bushels.

.1809 Oct 12: J. Arnold left the sorrowful news of James death about noon yesterday. Sophia Playter informed me at dinner.
. 1812 Jul 10: James Player not so well today. Doctor B. campout sunset. John Arnold hand been after him.
. 1812 Oct 21 & 25th Captains for the day tomorrow, York Garrison, Capt. Arnold.
. 1813 Sep 25: The whole of the 1st & 3rd Regiment of York Militia were ordered out & met today in town.
. 1813 Sep 27: Joel Playter was down to evening parade. John Arnold came out with him & Father & Mother went to Whitchurch.
. I went up Yonge street after Mr. Ward's mare. She had strayed away. Was at Arnold's & Langstaff's. Could not find her.
. 1813 Sep 28: Arnold & Joel went down after breakfast to get our provisions & fuel returns. Heard heavy cannonading. [ i.e. Fort York explosions].
. 1814 Jan 25: Called at Stoyell's. He sent by me money to purchase some things in Montreal. $135. Staid all night at Arnold's.

. Lot 27 Con 3, Markham:
John Arnold received this grant as part of the many acres given to him for military service. Christian Heise purchased the entire lot, but in 1867 Magdalena Hilts bequeathed the west half to John Hilts.
John Arnold’s lot was the second north of Steeles in Vaughan Township. John Arnold’s house (still standing but moved off Yonge Street.)

. Charlotte & Abner were the eldest children of John Arnold, & George was Abner’s eldest son.

. John Willson's nephew: John Arnold X Elizabeth Miles, dau. of Squire Abner Miles of Miles Hills, Lot 29 Vaughan (which was first owned by Asa Johnston)
Lot 26, C1, East side Yonge St., 1825 John Arnold built a Sawmill which was burnt & rebuilt by his son Abner.
Lawrence Hall in Thornhill was the first Thornhill Baptist Church.

. 1821 York Almanac & Calendar: John Arnold, Captain 1st York Militia.
. 1831 York Almanac & Calendar, 2nd North York Militia: Captain, John H Willson from 10 Jun 1826. Captain John Arnold, from Nov 23, 1807.

. 1825 July 28, Upper Canada Gazette & Weekly Register, Thursday:
Drowned on Sunday last, whilst, bathing in Arnold's Pond, Yonge Street, David Black, Aged 20 years. A native of Ireland. [Lot 27 Yonge i.e. saw mill Arnold & William L Willson]
Note4: The pond with the drowning was on Abner Arnold’s property in Markham Township. He was a miller & there was a pond out by the second concession, now Bayview Avenue. -PJA.

. 1830 Nov 18th, Markham. Louis Arnold married Cathrine Jane Phillips. Wit: Amos Phillips & John Arnold. Marriage #324 by Rev. Wm. Jenkins of Richmond Hill.

. 1837 Toronto & Home District Directory :
John Arnold, on 3, Lot 15, Markham Twp., York Co.

. 1838 Jun 4, Richmond Hill, North York Militia:
Captain A. Lawrence, Charles E Lawrence, Vaughan, Ensign John Arnold, Ensign Peter Vanderberg.
Major John Arnold belonged to a well known family who settled in the County of York in the very earliest days.
Assembly every year on George III's birthday, June 4th (later May 24th for Queen Victoria) Return of arms & accouterments processes by the 4th Reg. Militia: 31 English muskets & 500 rounds of ammunition.

. 1838 Jun 4, North York Militia, 4th Regiment, parade at Richmond Hill: Present 701 men: Lieut. Col. John Arnold, Vaughan, captains A Lawrence & Charles E Lawrence, of Vaughan.
. Richmond Hill Presbyterian Cemetery:
Sacred To the memory of Col. John Arnold, Who died Jan. 10, 1855. Æ 86 yrs. A native of Perth Amboy, New Jersey.

. 1838 Mar 22, lieut. Colonel John Arnold, 4th Reg North York, or Vaughan & King.

. 1851, Markham Village. Samuel Lemon & his family were innkeepers on Lot 30, Markham. Mark Lyons was their hostler. Archibald & Michael Gallanought were carpenters, as was Samuel Miller.
Ref: Markham, 1793-1900, Committee for History of Markham, Twp., 1979.
Ontario Land Registry Abstract Markham Book 91, p119.

. Arnold Crescent
John R. Arnold acquired Lot 46, Concession 1, Vaughan, though his wife, Elizabeth Miles, who had inherited the property from her brother James. Originally, Arnold Street ran only as far west as Elizabeth Street, but in the late 1940's it was extended, curving south to intersect with Major Mackenzie Drive. This extension was called Arnold Crescent. Many years later the easterly portion was renamed so that the entire street became Arnold Crescent.
Ref: Early Days in Richmond Hill, Robert M Stamp, 1930.

. Graveside Project, War of 1812 Veteran:
John Arnold, Veteran 68, born Perth Amboy, New Jersey, died 10 Jan, 1855 Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church, Aged 86 years, Last Rank Attained: Colonel., 1st. York Militia Regiment.
Biography: John Arnold was born in 1769 in Perth Amboy of the New Jersey colony that was later to become part of the United States. John Arnold Senior fought on the side of the British in the New Jersey forces during the American Revolution.

. General Isaac Brock, commander of British forces & acting Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada, ordered a muster of all available men in the Miles' Hill area. The militia gathered at Lot 43 East, the farm of James Fulton, & were inspected by General Brock himself & formed into a company of the 1st Regiment of York Militia.

John Arnold was named captain & commanding officer of the company. Arnold's brother-in-law, James Miles, was lieutenant & second-in-command. John Langstaff, another brother-in-law, was one of four sergeants.

During the War of 1812 the York Militia was engaged with General Brock at Fort Detroit & then Queenston Heights. As the war continued, they saw action at Fort Niagara, Chippewa, Lundy's Lane & Fort Erie. While defending Fort York on April 27, 1813 John Arnold was captured as a prisoner of war & later released.

With the end of the war, John Arnold was granted lands in Markham for his military service & settled down to managing these land holdings & those of his wife, until he died in 1855. His wife, Elizabeth, followed him in 1858.

. John Arnold acquired Lot 46, Concession 1, Vaughan, though his wife, Elizabeth who inherited the property from her late brother James. Originally, Arnold Street ran only as far west as Elizabeth Street, but in the late 1940s it was extended, curving south to intersect with Major Mackenzie Drive. This extension was called Arnold Crescent. Many years later the easterly portion was renamed so that the entire street became Arnold Crescent.

Ontario Land Registion, Abstract Book 655, p12-14
Lot Town Lot 1 N of SW, S of Adelaide st, TOWN OF YORK
. 1802 May 17, Patent, Crown, to Jonathan Scott of Balavia Co., yeoman
. 1811 Jan 16 Deed of Division, Hannah Playter, of Vaugahn, widow of John Langstaff of Markham, to John Arnold of Vaughan & Elizabeth his wife, 5/ shillings.
. 1818 Jan 24Memorial Grant, J Soctt, to Jas Miles of Markham, yeoman, £500., 1 Acre;
. 1833 Sep 19 Grant, Arnold Peet? & Orrelow his wife, to Thomas Perin of Mount Pleasant, Merchants, £500, Grantee his heirs & ressigns forever
. 1840 Sep 21, WILL, Jas Miles, Memo signed by Elizabeth Arnold.
. 1844 Mar 11, Grant, John Langstaff Sr & Lucy his wife, to Lewis Langstaff of Markham Gentlement, £140, 51 ft on E Yong St.
. 1849 Apr 5, Memorial Confirmation, Elizabeth Arnold

Ontario Land Registion, Abstract Book 91, p22
Lot 27, Con 1 Yonge St. E., Markham Twp., York Twp. {Lot 27 includes the current Doncaster Avenue, Yonge & Meadowview Rd. was formerly called Mackenzie Ave. & Lot 17 includes the current CNRailway & Glen Cameron Rd. - PJA 2018.
. 1803 Jul 15, Patten, Crown, to John Leslie, All 190A.
. 1804 Aug 31, Bargain&Sale, Thos. McMichen etux, to Richard Lawrence, £100, All 190 Acres.
. 1805 Jun 29, B&S, Richard Lawrence et ux, to John Arnold, £100, All 100A.
. 1848 Jan 28, B&S, John Arnold et all, to Charlotte Arnold, £500. W Half.
. 1848 Jan 24, B&S, John Arnold et al, to Abner Arnold, £500, East Half
. 1867 Jul 1, Lease, Abner Arnold, to John Parsons, Right to over flow.
. 1867 Feb 1, Grant, Abner Arnold, to George D Arnold, $2200, SE 45 A.
. 1892 Apr 9, Caution, Geo D Arnold, to per Attory S A Jones, NE quarter inal
. 1893 Apr 7, 1894 Apr 6 & again 1895 Apr, Caution, to Geo D Arnold, NE Quarter inal 45A.
. 1896 Nov 20, Grant, Geo D Arnold, Adam Arnold, Mary T Tulloh, Bridgewater M Arnold & Sarah his wife & Emma J Arnold, to James Whitton $4050, NE quarter inal.

Lot 28, Con 1 Yonge Street East
Patent, Crown to, Thos. McMicheb, ... Acres all
. 1804 Aug 31, Bargain & Sale, Regist. 31 Jan 1805, Thos. McMichen to Richard Lawrence, £100, 190 Acres;
. 1806 Jun 26, B&S, Richard Lawrence to John Arnold, £100, all 190 A;
. 1831 Apr 12, Grant, Henry J Bolton & Eliza his wife, to John Arnold, £500, E part 102 Acres.
. 1836 Mar 14, Grant, John Arnold, to Abner Arnold, £100. pt 102 Acres.
. 1848 Jan, Reg. 3 May 1848, B&S, John Arnold, to Charlotte Arnold, £500, West /2.
Note2: John Arnold was a in-law of Mary Willson & her father John Willson. Did Richard Lawrence purchase this land on speculation or for when John Arnold could pay for it? Mill & Pond at the back of lot at Bayview Avenue. -PJA

Ontario Land Registry Abstract, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Book 171.
Lot 46, Con 1 West Yonge Street
. 1803 May 4, Patent, Crown, to Abner Miles, 210 Acres
. 1840 Nov 12, Partition Hannah Playter et all, to Elizabeth Arnold, All acres.
. 1841 Jan 25, Bargain&Sale, John Arnold & Elizabeth his wife, to John R Arnold, £1200, 204 Acres.
. John Arnold et all, to Abner Arnold, £500, East Half [of 190A].

Elgin Co., Southwold Book 1, p13
Lot 9, Con Broken Front
.1798 Apr 4, Deed, David W Smith, to Abner Miles, All 600 Lot 9 front, Con 1?, Lot 10;
. 1843 Jan 4, Surrendered, Hannah Playter, John & Lucy Langstaff & John & Elizabeth Arnold, To the Queen 9 [i.e. UC Govt.], Lot 9, Lot 10 & others.
- - -

Birth:
Ref: Tombstone.

Died:
Aged 86y, A native of Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Stone # 468.

John married Elizabeth BETSEY MILES on 22 Dec 1802 in Town of York (Toronto), Ontario. Elizabeth (daughter of Abner MILES and MERCY HAYNES) was born on 4 Apr 1785 in Genesee Co., New York; died on 16 Apr 1858 in Vaughan Twp., York Co., Ontario; was buried in Richmond Hill Presbyterian Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Elizabeth is the daughter of Mercy & Abner Miles, who was a prominent merchant & tavern owner in early Toronto-Markham, Ontario.

. 1802 Dec 22, were married after publication of Banns, John Arnold and Elizabeth Miles, by me George O'Kill Stuart.

. Richmond Hill Presbyterian Cemetery. Sacred to the memory of Elizabeth wife of John Arnold Senr. who died
April 16, 1858; Aged 74 years.
The Lord knoweth all things & unto Thee Oh! God my spirit I commend.

. Rev. Wm. Jenkins' first communion service at Miles' Hill was in keeping with the rough-and-ready gatherings he had been holding ever since he arrived in North America. His pulpit was a stump & the sanctuary was a clearing in a grove of pine trees on James Miles' property on the west side of Yonge Street, where the Presbyterian Church & its cemetery stand today. He spoke to a large congregation who must have been extremely dedicated, as they had "travelled distances of one to 10miles over rutted corduroy roads, on foot, on horseback & in wagons.

. James Miles donated 5 acres (about 2 hectares) of his land on the west side of Yonge Street to the church. Parts of this plot not used for church building, manse, woodshed, driving shed, & stable were initially leased for crops & ultimately rented as lots for homes. Although Miles apparently intended the land to be a gift, he neglected to sign the deed over to the congregation, so the church ended up making a belated payment for the property after Miles' death in 1844. The land was purchased from Miles' niece, Elizabeth Arnold, & her husband, John, for £300, or about $300 an acre (about $750 a hectare).
Ref: Early History of Richmond Hill, 1930.

Ontario Land Registry Office
Lot 9 & 10, Concession Broken Front, p13 & p16 (duplicated p 95).
. 1796 Dec 15, Patent, Crown to Hon David W Smith
.1798 Sep 4, Deed, D W Smith, to Abner Milles,All A, Lot 9
. 1843 Jan 4, Surrendered, Hannah Playter, John Vanderburg, John & Elizabeth Arnold, to The Queen, Lot 9 & other lands. - -

Birth:
Twin to Aaron Mighill Miles. Birth year is faint.

Died:
Aged 74 years.

Buried:

Notes:

. At the eastern edge of the township, is Bonhampton, also spelled Bonhamtown & pronounced Bottom town. About half way between Brunswick & Woodbridge, NJ.

. John is the son of Bowley Arnold, b. 1710, of Perth Amboy, NJ & Martha Langstaff, b. 1713 Middlesex Co., NJ.
X-Ref: John Langstaff, neighbour in both NJ & Upper Canada.

. 1784 Apr 18. WILL Executor: WILL of Mary Ford of Piscatawy, Middleton Co., widow of Charles Ford,
To cousin Catharine Wright, £5m to /Anna Martin, dau. of David Wright, now wife of James Martin, half of res & Personal., To Campbell Dunham, /so Daniel & Catharine Dunham, the half of real & postal, when 21, should he die before becoming of age, his share to Catharine Wright/ d/o David Wright,
Executors John Arnold, son of Bowley Arnold & Heir Sutton, both of Piscataway, Wit John & Henry Stood Jr. & Priscilla Sutton, Proved Jul 17,1795.
. 1790 Dec 15 - WILL of Charity Thomson of Piscataway, Granddaughter, Charity Langstaff, wife of John Langstall, wearing apparel, all household furniture, £60, Negro woman Ann to chose which grandchild or great grandchild she prefers to live with. Great gd, Sara Langstaff, daughter of John & charity, a negro girl named Jude.
Executors: Friends, John Arnold & John Langstaff, of Piscataway. Wit: Them Holton Jr. & James Arnold, Proved Dec 22,1792.
. 1794 Oct 24 - inventory £457;, further appraisement due 1796.7.16, made by Jos Randolph & John Arnold
WILL of Thomas Monday of Piscataway Twp. To Wife Elizabeth goods she brought with her & £50 in wright of dower. Dau. Elizabeth merit,.

. 1760, Aug. 26. Witness: WILL of John Langstaff of Piscataway, Middlesex Co.;
WILL of. Wife, Mary, use of all personal & real, while my widow.
Grandson, John Langstaff, son of John Langstaff, deceased, lands south of Ambrose Brook, and % of new lots of salt meadow in Piscataway Salt meadow, the north half of the 5 acre lot, & the east end of the other lot; &, if he die without issue, then the land south of Ambrose Brook, to be divided between my son, Henry, & my 3 daughters, Charlotte, & Martha, &2 granddaughters, Sarah & Priscilla, daughters of John Langstaff, deceased. The said John Langstaff shall pay to his sister, Sarah Langstaff, £40, & to his sister, Priscilla, Langstaff, £40. Son, Henry, of 2 lots of salt meadow in Piscataway, the south end of 5 acre lot, & west end of other lot.
Grandsons, John & William Hopkins, sons of my daughter, Sarah Hopkins, deceased, each £5.
Executors: wife, Mary, & son, Henry.
Witnesses: David Conger, John Willson, Jr., John Arnold.
Proved May 26, 1761. Lib. G, p. 434.

* 1797 Sept 15, WILL of John Arnold of Piscataway, Middlesex Co., Int. Administration: James Arnold & David Thorp.
Fellow bondsmen: Henry Fourat & Joseph Thickston; all of said County,
. 1797 Sept 12, Inventory £266.15.7; made by John Langstaff & John Langstaff, Jr.
Ref: New Jersey Abstract of Wills: File 8987-8992L.
* Note2: Verify Identity of this John Arnold could be very interesting either way. Noted also that the Langstaff family also resided on Yonge Street, Markham, Ontario, (i.e. north Toronto) near the Arnold's & Wilson family, all from New Jersey. - PJA 2012.

. U.S., Sons of the American Revolution Membership Applications, 1889-1970 Record for John Arnold:
Lewis Arnold, Perth Amboy, NJ, on 12 Sep 1761, D. 12 Sep 1830.
Application of WILLIAM CAMPBELL ARNOLD, 2nd, Descendant of Lewis Arnold, John Arnold, Dated March 31st 1917. Age 24 Born NY City, 18 Jul 1892. #29809, State # 1734. Residence 529 Scotland Rd., Orange E, Sussex Co., NJ. Law-student. I am the son of:

. Lewis Arnold, served as a Private Middlesex Co. Militia. Certificate No. 760, June 8, 1784. Commissioner Thomson Stelle, for Dept., citation on his Continental Pay, in the Middlesex, NJ Militia, during the Revolutionary, Signed, W F Sadler, Jr, The Adjutant General. Ref: Gen. Styler's NJ Men in the Revolution, p. 491.
GGG grandson of Bowley Arnold & his wife Charlotte Langstaff, married 1789.
During the War of Revolution "John Arnold served as Private in Middlesex County New Jersey Militia."

. Bridgewater Meredith Arnold, Perth Amboy, NJ b 1864 & Margaret Hunter, NY City, b. 1 Mar 1867, married June 17, 1891;
2. Grandson of John Ford Arnold 7 Jan 1811 - 23 Sep 1874 & Rebecca Campbell, Metuchen, NJ on 21 Jul 1821- 3 Aug, 1891, married 1838;
3. G grandson of Lewis Arnold, Perth Amboy, NJ. Born 1761-1830 & Eliza Ford, Perth Amboy, b 25 Jul 1772- 26 Mar (?) 1831, married 1810;
4. GG grandson of John Arnold, Perth Amboy, NJ, b. 24 Aug 1740-24 -22 Aug 1797 & his wife Mary Willson, Piscataway, NJ on 24 Jun 1739 - 17 Nov 1819, married 1760;
5. GGG grandson of Bowley Arnold, b. Rhode Island & his wife Charlotte Langstaff, married 1789.

. It is certified that the records of this office:
Lewis Arnold, served as a Private, Middlesex Co. Militia. Received certificate No. 1760 dated June 8, 1784 from Commissioner Thomson Stelle, for depreciation on his Continental Pay, in the Middlesex County New Jersey Militia, during the Revolutionarily War.
Signed, W F Sodler, Jr., The Adjutant General.

. U.S., Sons of the American Revolution Membership Applications, of BRIDGEWATER MEREDITH ARNOLD, JR., Jr, age 21,
Applying for membership in the Society by right of lineal descent in the following from from LEWIS ARNOLD. I was born in 737 Scotland Rd., Orange, Co. of Essex, NJ on 7 JUNE, 1900. I am the son of Bridgewater Meredith Arnold, born Aug 31 1864, living. Student at Princeton. Nominated & recommended by: Bridgewater M Arnold. Sr, Wm. Campbell Arnold.

[Lineage continues as on the above application of Wm. Campbell, Arnold - with the exception, Bowley Arnold is born in Rhode Island. - PJA 2011.]
Lewis Arnold, Perth Amboy NJ, on 12 Sep 1761, D. 12 Sep 1830.
Application of Bridgewater Meredith Arnold, Jr, Mar 24, 1922
John Arnold served as Private in Middlesex County Militia, with his son Lewis.
Ref: for the above statement: Gen. Wm S Stryker, "Officers of Men of NJ in the Revolutionary War."

. U.S., Sons of the American Revolution Membership Applications, of BRIDGEWATER MEREDITH ARNOLD, SR., age 49 Applying for membership in the Society by right of lineal descent in the following from from LEWIS ARNOLD. I was born Perth Amboy on 31 Aug 1864, Residence: 529 Scotland Rd., Orange, Co. of Essex, NJ on 101 MAY, 1914. Wholesale Dry Goods.
I am the son of John Ford Arnold, b 7 Jan 1811 - 23 Sep 23 1874 & Rebecca Campbell. [Lineage continues as on the above application of Wm. Campbell, Arnold - with the exception, Bowley Arnold is born in Rhode Island. - PJA 2011.]

State of NJ Office of the Adjutant General, Trenton, March 17, 1914. It is certified, that the records of this office show that JOHN ARNOLD, served as Private, Capt. David Dunham'a Co., Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Crow's First Regiment, Middlesex Co. New Jersey Militia; enlisted Jul 1780 for one month, furnished his son, James Arnold, as his substitute; also furnished his son for 2 monthly tours in Captain Robert Ross's Company, Feb, 1781, & Capt. Matthew Freeman's Company Sep 1781 - during the Revolutionary War. Sealed by W F Sadler, Jr. (& also sealed:)

It is certified that the records of this office show that LEWIS ARNOLD, served as Private, Middlesex Co., NJ Militia; received certificate #760, dated June 8, 1784, from Commissioner Thomson Stelle, for the depreciation of his Continental pay in the Middlesex Co. NJ Militia, - during the Revolutionary War.

. 1838 Jun 4, Richmond Hill, North York Militia: Lieut. Col. John Arnold, Vaughan, (son John Arnold was an Ensign 4th Regiment North York Militia. - - -

[ . Affidavit: Oath of John Arnold, late of Boston, Massachusetts Bay, now of Onslow, district of Colchester. [Nova Scotia]. …Resided at Onslow, never saw, said, Act or hear, any certain that such an Act had ever passed, 7 he was informed that those who had Claim or Petition to prefer, must appear personally in England, which his narrow circumstances would not permit. Signed, John Arnold, Soon before, Robt. Archibald, J. Peace.
. To Commissioners for American Loyalist Claims, Series II New Claim 24, Nova Scotia
Memorial of John Arnold, that your Memorialist has suffered the loss of all his property in consequence of his loyalty to his Majesty. He suffered near 13 months imprisonment on the charge of holding a treasonable correspondence with the enemies of the USA, that he came within the British lines in July 1781, where he has ever since resided. Himself & family are by reasons of his losses reduced to the most indigent circumstances. Government has been pleased to show him the Royal Bounty of Provisions & to grant him 1,000 Acres of land, but that his narrow circumstances will not allow him sufficiently to cultivate and improve his lands in such a manner as to render his family a comfortable support - he therefore humbly prays your Honors to take his case into your wise consideration & to grant him such aid & relief as your wisdom shall direct and your Memorialist as in duty bound shall ever pray.
Signed, John Arnold, Onslow, April 3, 1786.

. Claim 1474, John Arnold, 20 Apr 1786.
Gentlemen, Enclosed is an amount of the losses sustained in consequence of my loyalty to His Majestys Government which I beg leave to lay before the Honorable Board, my situation & condition inline render it impossible to lay in any claim on the former Act. And at my case is a little singular, it ma not be simple to point out the particulars which I shall do as briefly as I can.
On the first commencement of the contest between Great Britain & his Colonies, I entire in the American Service as Adjutant & Lieutenant, was seen after promoted to a Captain & thence to a Major, which office I held till his Majestys Commission came out in 1778 & in consequence of the offices tendered by them to Congress, I resigned my Commission & left their Army & upon after fell under a suspension of being an Enemy to their case, which was not without ground, I however escaped being handled by them till the 7th June 1779, when I was apprehended on a charge of High Treason against the USA & committed to Goal whence I remained till 27 June 1780 without ever being brought to trail, they hover seized & confiscated all my property of which the enclosed, is an exact amount. On the 27 June beforemenioned, I escaped their hands, went into New York where I took the Oath of Allegiance to his Majesty & from thence came to this Province where I have since resided. '
Sometime after arrival here I represented my case to the Government of this Prince who ranted me 1,000 acres of unimproved land & also provision for myself & family which consists of a wife & 3 small children. One of which my wife brought with her from Boston, while I was a Prisoner, the other2 were born in this place. Thus Gentlemen have I get a faithful amount of myself & circumstances which together in the amount of my losses, I can from by several persons of xxx verify who are now in the Province, I shall add no more but have it to operate with the Honorable Board.
Signed, With due deference, John Arnold.
Envelope: John Arnold, 20 Apr 1786, Recd. May 29, rejected? Dec 19. 1786

. Account of Losses sustained by John Arnold, late of Boston in Massachusetts Bay. The consequence of his loyalty to his Majesty & British Govt.
1 Brigantine entirely, min 175 Ton sold for £1000. sterling
Cash in Gold & silver, £50.10
$5,500. paper, equal to 1100 Spanish doll. £247.10
Two negro men servant, sold for £150.
1 horse with equipage, £25.
A small Libra consisting of 183 Col., £36
A quantity of wearing apparel & household furniture, £48
Total £1,557 sterling.
Sworn before Robt Archbald, J. Peace & John Arnold.
Note: Now that I have taken a couple of hours to transcribe these letters, I think this is not our man - PJA]

Birth:
Alt Loc: Perth Amboy, NJ

Died:
Yonge St. Alt Date Reported: 1797 Sep 15.

John married Mary WILLSON, .iii in 1760 in Piscataway Twp., Middlesex Co., New Jersey. Mary (daughter of John WILLSON, The Elder Senior and Sarah LADNER) was born on 27 Jun 1739 in Piscataway Twp., Middlesex Co., New Jersey; died on 17 Nov 1819 in Upper Canada (Ontario). [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Stephen Arnold brother is Bowley Arnold, of Twp. of Clerk, 1757 at Martin's Dock, Burlington, NJ.

. Bowley's son John Arnold Jr.
married Mary Willson of Bonhamtown,
d/o John Willson & Sarah Ladner of Burlington, NJ.

Note: Stephen had 2 wives, one in England & one New Jersey.
Ref: Documents found in Willson Memorandum. Richmond Hill Public Library, Ontario. - - -

Birth:
Twin to brother John Willson.

Died:
(Verify location) Alt. DOD: 17 Nov 1819, NJ.

Notes:

. Abner Miles is the son of Submitt Munger (b. 1711 Jan 5, Guildofrd, New Haven. Conn.-1758 Jun 10 Brimfield, MA]
& John P Mighell [Mighil, Mighill, b.1696 SUFFIELD, Hartford, Conn. 1775 May 16 Brimfield, Mass.)

. 1779 Nov 11, Mercy Haynes married Abner Mighell. p.217
. All these born to John & Submit Highell:
Dorothy, 1721, John 1734, Stephen, 1736, Saml. 1738, Aaron 1740, Submit 1748, Thomas 1745, James 1748, Timothy 1750 Mighell. p. 76 & again p91
['Twins' in another generation: Aaron Mighaill, Twin, ch. Abner & Mercy Mighell p94 - which appears to be triplets! - PJA].
Ref: Brimfield, Mass. Town & Vital Records.

. Granted to 11 Persons, 50 Acre Lotts, which is supposed will draw about a 95 part of the Township each. The names of the Grantees are John Mighell.
. Brimfield town was granted by the general court, in the year 1701, to a number of petitioners, inhabitants of Springfield. It was at first designated by the “Plantation adjoining Springfield;" but the committee, for the sake of convenience, as stated in the records, soon gave it the name of Brimfield. The town was incorporated in 1730, & included within its original limits the towns of Monson, Wales, & Holland. In 1722, a meeting house, 45 feet by 40, was erected, & stood more than 80 years. The records of the church were burnt in 1748, & some early interesting facts cannot now be ascertained.
Ref: Historical Collections Relating to the History & Antiquities of Every town in Massachusetts. Geographical Descriptions. By John Warner Barber, Worcester, 1848.

. 1789 Abner Miles, from Mass, Settled in 1789 in South Lima, Livingston Co., NY, also called Hamiltons Station, on RR Line. Mies became the owner of a large grant of land in the sharpe of a gore, the town was called Miles's Gore. In 1808 the name was changed to Lima, NY.
Ref: Gazetter of the State of NY, Livingston Co. & History of Livingston Co.

. 1789 Abner Miles came from Massachusetts & settled near Davison. Although not a permanent resident, when Abner Miles arrived to this vicinity he gave the first name with the settlement enjoyed, Miles Gore. Mr Miles, having purchased a triangular piece of land in company with Abner Mile's a strip of land. In 1789 the general sessions of Ontario County, established Charleston Twp. In 1808 this named was changed in Lima, in consequence of there being another town of the same name to which the letters of settlers were constantly going.
Ref: Lima NY Recorder, pub. 1964 Jul 15.
. 1818 June. Thanks giving ay Mr Mrs Abner Miles of Corltand came to spend the day with [sisters Mrs & Miss Foster of Syracuse] & Mrs Hall. [Miles descendants?]
Ref: Tully Times Newspaper & Livonia Gazette, NY.

. UCLPetition 18, M Bundle 2, C2191, p31
To Lieut. Gov. John Graves Simcoe,
Petition of Abner Miles, Respectfully shows that he is come int the Province to be a permanent settler, & has built on No. 13, Pays to be confirmed in said slot in the Town of York & also to have a grant of lot No. 14 to build on.
Signed, Abner Miles.
Envelope: Recommended for two its, Lots 13 & 14 in York Town. Read July 14, 1796, Entered inland Book B, page 121.

. Miles Family & Miles' Hill /Richmond Hill.
. "Before 1794 Abner signed" Mighells".
In the spring of 1794, Abner Miles wound up his business accounts in Genesee area of western New York & attached himself to William Berczy's German settlers, who were moving from the Genesee country to Upper Canada. Abner Miles prospered during his few years in York. He worked as a contractor & lumber merchant, provided cartage services for the town, & invested in ships to import goods across Lake Ontario. He opened a general store on King Street, with a stock-in-trade of foodstuffs, liquor, clothing, tools, building supplies, & household goods - "everything every man wanted, from the Governor & his suite & the Garrison down to the newest arrival from the American Republic or from the Old Land."
By early 1796, Miles had expanded his King Street premises to include a public house serving food & drink & providing lodging for travellers. His tavern attracted a varied clientele - John Stooks & family put up there in June 1797 before travelling north to their land at Richmond Hill - & quickly became a focal point for auctions, dances, masonic dinners, & town meetings. Miles himself was named a constable by the Court of Quarter Sessions, chosen overseer of highways for the town, & appointed quartermaster for the York Militia. Most important for the future development of Richmond Hill was the tavern Miles opened at the southeast corner of Yonge Street & Major Mackenzie Drive. It quickly became a favourite watering hole for Yonge Street travellers.

. Tombstone of Abner Miles, Richmond Hill Presbyterian Cemetery. After his death on July 26,1806, Abner Miles was buried in a plot of land on Lot 46 West that later became part of the Richmond Hill Presbyterian Cemetery. The headstone stands today a few meters inside the cemetery's main entrance, part of a row of simple, flat stones marching off to the south. It is most fitting that the cemetery's oldest marked grave should commemorate the man who bequeathed his name to the infant community of Miles' Hill.

Still, it was the Miles children who confirmed Abner's status as the "father" of Richmond Hill. The marriages of his daughters Hannah Miles to James Playter, Lucy Miles to John Langstaff, & Elizabeth Miles to John Arnold marked the founding of 3 families who were to play important roles in the community's subsequent history. Abner's 26 year-old son, James Miles, inherited his father's lands & business activities. James Miles built a substantial, 2 storey, Georgian-style frame home for himself on the southwest corner of Yonge Street & Major Mackenzie Drive. There he lived with his aged mother, saw his sisters marry, remained a bachelor himself, became the grand old man of Miles' Hill, & over the years divided much of his father's vast land holdings among his siblings, nieces, & nephews.

Mary Gapper O'Brien, a well-to-do resident who lived south of the emerging hamlet, described a visit to [son] James Miles' house in 1830. "We found him with dinner prepared in the kitchen, a large room with an immense fireplace, wooden walls & 2 tables," she wrote. "The place was under the conduct of a very deaf old lady who was, I believe, his mother. He is himself a tall man of 50 & dressed in a worn homespun frock coat with a pocket bound round his head to relieve the pain of a headache. He received us in his usual composed & even manner."
Miles seems to have been well liked by all. Mary O'Brien called him "very good & civil" & "very respectable," & a local historian described him as "eminently fair in all his dealings, selling his produce at or below the current market price." He maintained a public woodlot on the northwest corner of present-day Yonge & Arnold streets, where those in need could help themselves to a supply of firewood during the cold winter months.
Ref: Early Days in Richmond Hill, 1930.

QUARTER SESSION OF PEACE, holden in Town of York (Toronto)
. 1801 Jan 13, Tues. Grand Jury, Abner Miles.
. 1801Oct 14. Judges, W Jarvis, Wm Willcocks, J Ruggles & John Willson. Abner Miles Vs. John Everson. Indictment feloniously taking away a steer, from the yard of Abner Miles.
. 1802 Apr 13, Grand Jury. Abner Miles. Robat. Henderson, York, Brewer stating on on 21 Dec he engaged Abraham Gordin to serve him until 1 May 1802, said A Gordon left her service without R Hendersons leave. Gordin called his defense, has nothing to allege to the contrary. A Gordin committed to prison for 1 month & fine 40 shillings.
. 1803 Oct 11, Tues. [1] Forman, A Miles. inc. John Arnold, Robt. Marsh, Anthony Hollinshead, Daniel Cozens, Stillwell Willson. John Dexter VS Godfrey Philipsen, Assault & Rescue, Sentence $10. [2] Jury withdrew, adjournment to next day, Jury came into Court gave not Guilty Verdict of Jesse Ketchum VS Jos. Kendrick Assault., Abner Miles, Foreman.
[3rd] Grand Inquest of present Sessions, certain Moses Martin of Markham Twp., Yeoman, & his family, consisting of a Wife & 4 children, were in very great Distress; that Moses Martin himself was in a Very ill state of health, that his head & face were almost Destroyed by a Cancer, that his Wife neglected both him & his family & that his children were naked & without Food. Markham Town Wardens Abner Mies & John Lyons to take inter their custody & possession ll the moveable property and chattels belonging to the said Moses Martin, consisting of 2 Oxen, 4 Cows, 2 young Cattle & unknown number of Several Hogs (number unknown); & to sell & dispose of t he whole or such part of the said Cattle & Hogs, as to them may seem expedient, & the proceeds of such to use & employ, in the providing of Food, clothing & other necessaries for Moses Martin & family. They are to render true & just account of their proceedings in the Trust.

. 1804 Jan 10, Tues., Grand Jury, Daniel Cozens, Formant, jurors inc., Wm Hollinshed, Thos. Stoyell, John Arnold, Rot Marsh, Stillwell Willson & Abner Miles. Asa Jones. Vs. Abraham Asslestein, Assault & Battery, Verdict guilty, 1 shillings.
. 1806 Apr 8 - Grand Jury, Abner Miles: [1] Relief of Rev. Elijan Bentley, Baptist church. [2] Jacob Comer (Cummer) VS. John & Eleanor McBride, his wife. Assault & Battery. John McBride not Guilty. Eleanor McBride guilty, fined £5 & committed to custody of Sheriff till paid, security to keep the peach for 12 months.

Ontario Land Registry,
Lot 45, Con 1 East Side Yonge, Richmond Hill, Markham Book 153, p75.
. 1803 Mar 7, Patent, Crown, to Abner Miles, ALL190 Acres.
. 1840 Nov 12, Indenture, Hannah Playter etal, to Elizabeth Arnold et all.
. 1844 Mar 4, Bargin&Sale, John Langstaff Etui, to Lewis Langstall, £1000, All 190A.

Log 46, Con 1 West Side Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, Abstract Vaughan, Book 171, p5-7
[Now Arnold St. & Yonge St., Richmond Hill.]
. 1803 May 14, Patent, Crown, to Abner Miles, All 210 ac.
. 1840 Nov 12, Partition, Hannah Playter teal, to Elizabeth Arnold, [i.e. her sister] All Ac.
. 1840 Jan 28, B&S, John Arnold & Elizabeth his wife, to John B Arnold, £1200, 204 ac.
. 1842 Mar 12, B&S, John R Arnold, Arch Wright,£150, Pt Half ac.
. 1849 Mar 22, Release [of Dowerage], Hannah Playter etal, to R E Burns, All Ac.
. 1905 Jan 3, Grant, Blanche Evans,Geo D Green, Execors John Arnold, tochas & John S Kirkland, $4500., West 76Ac.
1894 Jul 24, Grant, David Boyle, to John T Boyle, $1 & love, Water privileges in all
. 1926 Apr 27, Gran, Blanche Evans, Geo W. & Adrienne Green, Blanche & Edith G J Evans, & Mary F W Mussen, to Arthur D Parker, $3000 & Premise, Part in all.
. 1940 Jan 18, Grant, Accty. Supreme Court of Ontario, to Edith G J Evans & Madeleine M Zeller, Trustees John R Arnold, $1 etc.Parts in all

Lot 36, Con 1 ESY, Markham, Book 91, p6
. 1803 Sep 15, Patent, Crown, to Abner Miles, All 190A
. 1808 Nov 21, B&S, James Miles, to John Langstaff, £250. All 190A.
. 1887 Feb 21, Grant, High Court of Justice, Miles Langstaff, $309, West East Half
. 1893 Feb 2, Quit Claim, Miles Langstaff, to Ralph L Langstt & Simeon Miller, $450, W Part 100 A.

Lot 29, Con 1 ESY, Vaughan, Book 179, p82
. 1798 Dec 14, Patent, Corown, to Asa Johnson, All 210 Arces.
. 1798 Dec 27, B&S Asa Johnson et ux, to Abner Miles £312.10 210Acres.
. 1832 Jan 20, B&S, James Miles, to John Arnold, 5 shillings, 210A.

. 1806 Nov 29, Sat. - Death of Abner Miles.
Abner Miles, an old time resident of York, had passed away, for all persons indebted to the estate of the late Abner Miles, of Yonge street, deceased, are requested to make payment without delay, or their accounts will put into the hands of an attorney for collection & all persons having demands on said estate are required to bring their several accounts, regularly attested, with 4 months from this date for payment. James Miles, Executor, Mercy Miles, Executrix.

. 1806 Nov 27 Abner Miles his Abner Miles Inn sold to another former resident of the Genesee country, Dr Thomas Stoyell which became Stoyell's Tavern.

. 1988 - Founders Day
In 1988 The Society held a “Founders Day” in the Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Many of the early settlers of the Richmond Hill area are buried there including Abner Miles who passed away in 1806.

Transcripts by PJ Ahlberg. Thank You. - - -

Birth:
Alt Surname: Mighell. Brimfield is near Concord.

Died:
Aged 54. Abner Miles, born in the State of Mass. 1752. Lots 45 East & West Yonge Street and Major Mackenzie Drive.

Buried:
Tombstone is noteably plain, white stone, strong.

Abner married MERCY HAYNES on 4 Jan 1776 in Brimfield, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. MERCY was born on 22 Dec 1746 in Brimfield, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts; died on 2 Feb 1843 in Richmond Hill, Markham Twp., York Co., Ontario; was buried in Richmond Hill Presbyterian Cemetery. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Mercy is the daughter of Lovis Love Sherman & Peter Haynes.

. THE HAYNES FAMILY of Brimfield were descendants of Walter Haynes, a linen weaver of Sutton, England, who was one of the first proprietors of Sudbury. His son John, born in England, was the father of 11 children, one of whom Peter had 2 sons, Peter & Joseph, among the original proprietors of Brimfield. Jonas Haynes, who came some years later, was a son of Daniel, & cousin of the 2 first settlers. He married Peter's daughter Mary, & lived on what was then called the East Hill. … Mercy Haynes married Abner Mighel, Jan 4, 1776.
Ref: Historical celebration of the town of Brimfield, Hampden Co. Mass. 1879.

Miles Court
. Abner Miles was Richmond Hill's first storekeeper & manufacturer, with a shop & ashery at the intersection of Yonge Street & Major Mackenzie Drive. He received the patent for his land in 1803. He also ran a small inn in connection with his shop, making him the first Richmond Hill innkeeper.

Lot 21
Lot 46-1-Vaughan
. Abner Miles was the first occupant of this land, receiving the patent in 1803. Upon the death of his son James, Abner's various properties were divided among his three daughters. Elizabeth (Miles) Arnold & her husband John R. Arnold acquired Lot 46. James Miles had given land for a school & the Presbyterian Church & the Arnolds deeded lands for the Anglican Church. Well-known Richmond Hill businessmen on this lot over the years were Matthew Teefy (postmaster & village clerk), William Myers (saddler), Francis McConaghy (shoemaker), John Palmer (hotel keeper), Jerry Smith (watchmaker), & William H. Pugsley (butcher).
Ref: Early Days In Richmond Hill, Robet M Stamp, 1903.

. Markham, Lot 1, Con 36, 1795, Miles, Abner, 1803, Miles, Abner, 1000s of acres Markham, Lot 1, Con 37, 1796, Miles, James 1803 Sly, Joshua settler

. 1798 Dec 19 - Married last Monday, James Playter to the agreeable Miss Hannah Miles, daughter of Abner Miles of this town.
Ref: Gazette & Oracle Newspaper. - - -

Died:
Died In her 97th year.

Buried:
Scared to the Memory of Mercy Miles.

Notes:

. 1777 Sep 3 - WILL of David Coriell, of Piscataway, Middlesex Co.
...To My son Elias, the land at the foot of Stoney Hill in Somerset Co., that I bought of Bowley Arnold.

New Jersey Land Transfers:

. 1754 Sep 4 - Grantee: Bowley Arnold, Grantor: Not named.
Conveyance: 20.46 acres, Piscataway, Middlesex Co., East NJ.
NJ Early Land Records, D3 EJ: Folio 447, PEASJ003.

. 1754 Sep 4 - Bowley Arnold, Grantor: Not named.
Conveyance: Surveyed 9.49 acres. In Piscataway on Cedar Brook; Middlesex County.
Signed, Azariah Dunham, Deputy Surveyor.
NJ Early Land Records, D3 EJ: Folio 447, PEASJ003.

Verify which Bowley Arnold is referred to, Senior {died 1760, or Junior {too young?

. 1766 Jul 1 - Grantee: Bowley Arnold, Grantor: William Alexaner
Conveyance Piscataway, Middlesex Co., East NJ.
NJ Early Land Records, D3 EJ: Folio 237, SSTSE023.

Bowley married Charlotte Martha LANGSTAFF in 1737 in Piscataway Twp., Middlesex Co., New Jersey. Charlotte was born on 25 Nov 1717 in Piscataway Twp., Middlesex Co., New Jersey; died in 1742 in Woodbridge, Piscataway Twp., Middlesex Co., NJ. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Martha is the daughter of Esther Smalley & Henry Langstaff (1686.8.22 Piscataway - 1762 Piscataway, NJ.)

Birth:
Verify given name.

Notes:

. 1701 Dec 19, born, John, son of John & Hannah Wilson.
Ref: Piscataway Town Hall, Register of Births, Vol. 2, 3rd series.

. John Willson, the weaver, left his farm in Piscataway & moved in about 1746 to Sussex County, NJ.

* 1759 Apr 7 - "This indenture made the 7th day of April, in the 32 year of the reign of King George the Second, Anno Domino, 1759 between John Wilson, of Wantage Precinct, in the county of Sussex, of the first part & Samuel, son of the said John Wilson, of the town & county aforesaid of the other part; witnesseth that the said John Wilson in consideration of the sum of £50 proclamation money in hand paid by the said Samuel Wilson, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath bargained, granted, sold, rebased, engeossed? & confirmed & by these presents doth sell.... all that 105 acres of land, strict measure, situated on the west side of the head of the drowned lands, beginning at a white oak tree standing south 6 degrees east 8 chains, from the head of a large spring by said Willson's house, then ....to the place of beginning; to which said Wilson hath right, by virtue of a deed to him from William Alexander, Earl of Sterling, (referring here to his deed first above mentioned).
In witness whereof the parties have hereunto set their hands & seals the day & year first above written.
Sealed & delivered in the presence of John Havens, Richard Gardner,
John Wilson."
Ref: NJ Secretary Office, Perth Amboy, Book K2, P401.

* 1759 Dec 17 - Evi. A. Wilson at Deckertown, N.J., Evi, also has another deed, whereby the said Samuel Wilson, purchased of William Alexander, Earl of Sterling, Peter VanBrough Livingston & other, December 17, 1759, "for & in consideration of £ 38.16s.4d," two tracts of land adjoining the first above named 100 acre farm situate "on the North branch of Beaver Run, called Hubb's cabin or run, & one boundary of which was where Haven's road crosses said run' containing 40 & 90/100 acres & 13 & 44/100 acres respectively. We judge from this that the witness to the John & Samuel deed.
Note: John Havens, was at that time a neighbor & near or at where Asa Havens now lives, as old traditions have kept the remembrance of the old road alive. John Gavens was perhaps the pioneer settler of that family in Wantage.

. 1751 June 14, John Willson received 100 Acres of unappropriated 'drowned lands' from William Alexander, Earl of Sterling, Scotland from the East Jersey Proprietors.
[About 1760 this land was transfer by deed this land to son, Samuel Willson.]
Ref: Liber A.B 3, p 218, Public records of the Proprietors of the Eastern Division of New Jersey in the Surveyor General's office at Perth Amboy in Book S.M. 4, page 53."

. Then John & wife Sarah returned about 1760 to Piscataway with John Junior (i.e. b. 1739, later to be referred to as Senior), with is wife Rebekah Thickston from Piscataway & their son John Willson Sr. lived on the Piscataway farm until he died in 1775.

John Willson Sr. purchased small amounts of land, forming one farm from:
. 1728 John Willson, weaver, purchased 32 Acres from Stephen Arnold.
. 1734, Samuel Leonard, 1743, Chas. Wilson, 1764 & 1766, Robt Martin. 1751 Perth Amboy drowned lands & deeded to son Samuel Willson.

* From the testimony of his son, John Willson junior (later called John Willson, I. Senior, UE., born 1739-1829.)
United Empire Loyalist, Part 2, New Claim:
John Wilson, late of Jersey, Claimant appears & being sworn saith he came to this N.B. Province in the May Fleet. ….Was possessed of one estate in Piscataway, came by this father's will, Produces Probate whereby it appears that his father, John Wilson gives Claimt., after few Legacies, all the remainder of his estate real & personal, to him. Will dated 4 March, 1773. Claimant had 2 elder brothers, who were both provided for in his father's lifetime. He died in April 1775. Claimant was in possession with his father, & continued in possession after his father's death till he came.
... The Estate consisted of about 100 Acres purchased by his father at different times. Produces deeds. These lands were in his father's possession, after he had portioned out claimant's two brothers'. There was a large orchard, an dwelling house & barn. Vals. It at £1,000 York Cury.
They were confiscated & sold Monday, 22 March, 1779. It has gone thro several hands; was in possession of Simeon Randal, & one Little, who claimt. heard last left a stock on his farm, 4 horses, 2 cows, 4 young cattle, farming utensils, some furniture. Enough of the farm was clear. This farm was well improved, buildings good. Vals. xx per acre. He heard it was confiscated & sold. A Rebel Commissary was the first purchaser. He had good team & was in good circumstances.

There were many Willson relatives in County Antrim, the descendants of William of Orange's soldiers from Northumberland England/ lowland Scotland.

. 1700 Dec. 22. Confirmation to William LAWRENCE of Middletown, holding 1-20 of 1-24 share of the Province, in full for his second dividend, of:
1. 10 acres, W. of Wakake Creek & Richard HARTSHORNE, N. said HARTSHORN, E. J. ROCKMAN Junior & J. WILSON Junior, S. J. WILSON Senior;
2. 15 a. of meadow on the Eastside of said creek, from said HARTSHORN's to the mouth of the creek, including 2 sedge banks on the West side;
3. 17 a. of upland on the West side of & along said creek, adjoining Zebulon CLAYTON;
4. 36 a. on Manasquam R., below Stony Point, adjoining R. Hartshorn;
5. 40 a. there, between John Lawrence, the Rock Pond & the sea;
6. 47 a. being all the sedge islands in Manasquam R., from Joseph Lawrence's upper corner to the sea; 7, 70 a. on the South side of said river below Hartshorns Island to the sea; 815 a. on a branch of Leonard's Sawmill brook, called Mirry Bog Brook; in all 250 acres.
Note1: Verify this John Willson.
Ref: NJ Colonial Documents.

. 1763 - Wilson, James, Monmouth married Catherine Stillwell of Monmouth on 1 Jun 1765.
Note2: Grandson is Stillwell Willson, born NJ. - PJA.

. 1773 Mar 4, WILL of JOHN WILLSON of Piscataway, Middlesex Co.,
Advanced in age. Son Samuel 20 shillings, Wife, Sarah, furniture,
Son John rest of personal & real estate.
Executor: Son John Willson.
Witnesses: William Thickstun*, Sarah Ross, John Ross.
Proved: 1774 Jun 14.
Inventory £174.2.0, made by Thomas Munday* & John Arnold*.

* Note3: * Thomas Munday is the husband of dau. Sarah Willson. Thomas Mundy Sr. was dead 8.10.1773, I suppose he could have done the inventory between Mar. 4 1773 and the time he died, before the Will was proven OR possibly his son Thomas Munday, Jr. married 3 years previous in 1770 to Sarah Willson.
Ref: Nick Mundy Sanborn Sr., 2016.)
. Wm. Thickstun is related to daughter-in-law Rebekek Thickston (John Willson.1 ( & John Arnold are Willson-in-laws.)
Ref: NJ Lib L, p.147, volume XXXIV, Abstracts of Wills 171-1770.

. (The date of landing of the Willsons has not yet been established. This John Willson was born 1701 in Piscataway, New Jersey: - PJA.)

Recorded for further research:
. 1725 Aug. 26. Cock, Walter, of Burlington Township, brickmaker; … 1727 April I. Account of the estate by the executor, Robert Jones, who has paid debts due to John Willson.
. 1688 Sept. 2. WILL of Tartt, Edward, of Monmouth Co.; Divides real & personal estate between Margery Joebes, John Rutman, junior, Thomas Renshall, Sara Rutman, John Willson junior, sister Elizabeth & her daughters.
James Grover & John Willson junior.
Witnesses: John Throckmorton & John Stout. Proved September 25, 1688.
Ref: N.J. Archives, XXL, p. 131

. 1700 Oct. 15. WILL of Tatham, Elizabeth, of Burlington, widow.

. 1724 July 14. WILL of Tan Hook, Lawrence, of Monmouth Co., Esq're …bonds & mortgages due by John Lawrence, John … John Willson & others.

. Witness: WILL Proved. 1761 May 26, John Willson, son, Henry salt meadow in Piscataway,
Grandsons, John & Wm. Hopkins,
Dau. Sarah Hopkins, deceased, Son Henry.
Witnesses: David Conger, John Wilson, Jr., John Arnold, NJ
Archives, first Series, Vol. XXXIII, p. 241
Ref: Bonham & related family lines.

. Further research, (Verify which John Willson): Along with Capt. Wm. Lawrence, a John Wilson was one of the original purchases of land from the Indians, 1667. He was awarded town lot # 3 Middleton & others.
Ref: Salter’s History of Monmouth & Ocean Counties New Jersey. - - -

Birth:
Older spellings: Piscataqua Town. Wilfon. Also Styled himself as 'junior', relative to your perspective.

John married Sarah LADNER in 1738. Sarah was born in 1705 in New Jersey; died in 1773 in New Jersey. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Verify this Sarah Ladner is the daughter Elizabeth Jouet & Absolom Ladner of Elizabethtown, NJ.

Recorder for further research:
. There were Ladner's living in Piscataway, NJ: Anna Ladner, born 1728 married 1748 in Baptist Church of Piscataway to Peter Martin of Piscataway, NJ.

. Mary Ladner, born 1689, Essex Co., NJ - 1733.1.5, Elizabeth, NJ, d/o Elizabeth Jouet & Absalom Ladner.
Mary Ladner married 1709 NJ to Anthony Little, 1685-1733. Six Little children.
. Peter Ladner, b 1693 Elizabethtown, NJ.
. Daniel Ladner, b 1695, Elizabethtown, NJ.
. Sarah Ladner, 1705- c1773 NJ.

. WILL of Robert Ladner, of Elizabeth Town, Essex Co., saddler;
Wife Sarah sole heiress & executrix of real & personal estate.
Witnesses: Benjamin Trotter, Jacob Mitchell, Samuel Whitehead.
Proved August 25, 1718. Lib. A, p. 109.
Robert's WILL is dated 29 Jun 1718.
Ref: NJ Archives Vol 23, P 278.

* Additionally, in this WILL, a grandson of John & Sarah is named William Ladner. {of which 1718 would be too early for William Ladner Willson of Vaughan Twp., Ontario.
Further research to identify relationship.

. Also recorded for further research, as demonstrated, Ladner family in NJ:
. April 1779 Tax List. New Brunswick, North Ward, Middlesex Co., NJ:
Ladner, Andrew L, householder.

. COMPARE WITH: 1793 New Jersey Militia Census Piscataway, Middlesex Co., NJ: Robt. Ladner, aged 22, that is born 1771. - - -

Birth:


Died:
verify.