One source says that John was born in Scotland on 14 Feb 1705, acquired land as a young man. At age 26 he married Isabel Dove whose family had also come in 1715 on the Caledonia, a ship that carried hundreds of families from Scotland to America from 1674 to 1715. The remains of the ship were still visible in a river feeding the Raritan Bay as late as 1850.
1762, 14 April: Possibly the John Buckalew of Middlesex Co., NJ, who married Hester Praal of Staten Island on this date. Would be a subsequent marriage for John.
1775, 5 June, Will (probated 6 Sep 1787) [NJ Archives, Vol. 35, p. 63]: Refers to him as a yeoman of Middlesex Co., NJ His children are identified in the will. Left land "...for eldest sons Abraham, James and John. Son Thomas 80 acres of my farm. Son Samuel a farm near Inglishtown of 169 acres. Son Frederick, place where I live, and he is to support my wife. (to) Daughter Priscilla, a negro. Daughter Jane, a wench. Daughter Issable and my three grandchildren, the issue of my daughter Mary deceased, 100 pounds which I have against my son John." It is fascinating that they had come to America to avoid persecution and yet felt no compunction about owning a negro slave and an indentured servant who could be left as property in a will.
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