Edward Rockhill Sr,. was born in Addlingfleet, Yorkshire, England about 1650-1655.
There is an account that says Edward married Mary Buffin or Taylor on 10 Sept 1673 in England. However the records of the Gansborough Society of Friends, Linconshire, show he received approval to marry Mary Richardson of Brigg, Yorkshire, on 14 Feb 1782. No record of a Mary Buffin or Taylor is found in the Society’s minutes, and that, coupled with the birth dates of the children, indicates Mary Richardson as most likely to have been his wife. The marriage consent is below:
4 Mar 1683 Lincolnshire, UK
Document / Certificate
Marriage record found in archives, Lincoln, UK
Edward Rockhill & Mary Richardson Marriage 4 Mar 1683 F.L. Garthrope Dist 1/16 Used in consent of his son’s marriage
To all Christian people unto whom this present writing shall come, Robert Rockhill of Galtrope within the parish of Braughton in the county of Lincoln yeoman Sendeth greeting in our Lord Everlasting. Know yee that the aforesaid Robert Rockhill for diverse good causes and considerations made there unto moving especially for and in consideration of a Marriage had made and solemnized between Edward Rockhill of Adlingfleet in the county of York, my only son. And Mary the only daughter of Robert Richardson late of Wootton in the county of Lincolnshire. Satisfied.
And for and in consideration of one hundred forty pounds of lawful English money to be paid unto the said Edward or his assignees with his wive’s filial portion at such time and in such manner as by the last will and testament of Robert Richardson bearing date the 27th day of January in the year of our Lord 1679 is bequeathed ordered and directed.
And also in consideration of the yearly rent of forty shillings of lawful English money to be paid unto me, the said Robert Rockhill or designee by the said Edward Rockhill, his executor, administrator, or assignee for and during the natural lives of me the said Robert Rockhill and Isabell, my wife.
And the longer liver of us by equal portions upon the first day of November and the first day of May, and the first payment to be upon first day of ye November one thousand six hundred and eighty-three.
Have given granted aliened enffeoffed and by this my present writing confirmed unto my beloved friend, Joseph Richardson of Stamfordbridge in the county of Lincoln Woolen Draper and unto Thomas Naimby of the same fishmonger, their heirs and assignees, and that my messuage tentament or dwelling house in Adlingfleet aforesaid commonly called Kirkgarthhouse now in the tenure and occupation of Edward Rockhill aforesaid
And all that cottage unbuilt which I purchased of Edmund Morley situate in Adlingfleet aforesaid abutting upon the lands come to me the land of Charles Hall on or toward the south and upon the land sometimes the land of Christopher Adams upon or towards the north and upon the high plot of meadow ground there called theEntay between the grounds sometimes ye ground of the said Roger Drewry toward the north and the ground of S. Michael Quarton towards the south with all the barns, fields, and outhouses, and buildings whatsoever. Orchards, gardens, waters and water sources _may the easement passages profited commons and commodities unto the aforesaid premises belonging or in any wise appertaining And all my estate right title and enfeoved_?___ of and in the aforesaid premises with their appurtenances.
To have and to hold the aforesaid messuage tenement or dwelling house, cottages unbuilt, acre of meadow and all the before mentioned premise with their appurtenances and every part and parcel of the same unto ye aforesaid Joseph and Thomas their heirs and assignees to the use and behooves of me the aforesaid Robert Rockhill and Isabell my wife for ensuring both their natural lives and the longer liver of us and after our deaths, then for use and behooves of their two bodys?_ lawfully begotten or to be begotten
And for the default of purchase then to go to the use and behooves of the right hereto of me the said Robert Rockhill forever to be hold on of this _____ Lord or Lord of _____ stood by _____ of right _____ to be paid
And I Robert Rockhill and my wife before mentioned _____ with their _______ unto said Joseph and Thomas their _____ and assigned for by aforesaid again _____ aforesaid Robert Rockhill and my _____ will warrant and for evermore defend by _____
In willingness when unto this my hand writing I have set my hand and seal the fourth day of the third month, commonly called March, in the thirtieth year of Charles second, King of England. Year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and eighty-three.
By the mid‑1600s, Edward Rockhill and his wife Mary found themselves swept into the great religious upheaval reshaping Lincolnshire. When the message of the Quakers reached the villages around Broughton, the Rockhills embraced it with a conviction that set them apart from their Anglican neighbors. Their refusal to swear oaths, pay tithes, or attend the parish church placed them directly in the path of local authority, and Edward paid the price: he was imprisoned for a time in Lincoln Castle, one of the county’s principal holding sites for dissenters. Yet persecution only strengthened their resolve. As fines mounted and pressure intensified after the Restoration, the Rockhills joined the quiet stream of Lincolnshire families looking westward for a place where conscience could be lived openly. In 1683, they crossed the Atlantic to New Jersey, carrying with them not only their faith but the memory of a homeland where conviction had cost them dearly — and shaped them into the steadfast family they became.
Shortly after their marriage, Edward and Mary removed to the colonies of America. The exact date is unknown but his name appears in New Jersey records stating about 1683.
Settlement in New Jersey was new- European colonists upon their arrival in the 17th century encountered Algonquian-speaking Delaware Indians. The city of Burlington, settled by Quakers in 1677, was the capital of the West Jersey colony from 1681, Chesterfield Township was formed in 1688 and was later one of New Jersey’s 104 original townships, but the land was settled about a decade earlier, in 1677, by Quaker immigrants.
Edward was a Member of Assembly in 1684. He was a surveyor in West Jersey, Burlington County.
April 27 1687 Anthony Woodhouse of the first Tenth, yeoman, to Edward Rockhill of Burlington, roper, for 102 acres in the first Tenth, 62 thereof being part of I-32 share bo’t of George Hutcheson July 26-27, 1681, the other 40 given to grantor for his services by William Cooke of Sheffield, England. (New Jersey Records, Liber B pt 1 p. 497)
19 Jan 1691 Nathaniel Pope sonne of Joseph Pope late of Burlington deceased Chose Francis Davenport and Edward Rockhill guardians for him before Nathaniel Westland, Thomas Revell and Peter Fretwell Justices and admitted and gave bond for performance of their Trust (Burlington Court Book page 175)
The first religious organization perfected within the present limits of Chesterfield township was the Friends' Meeting at Crosswicks, Meetings. The following interesting extracts are made from the Meeting books:
"It hath Pleased the Mighty God and Great Jehovah in this Last Age after the Greate Night over nations, kindreds, tongues and People, since those glorious days in which the Appostles Lived, by his outstretched Gathering Arme and by ye word of his Etternal Power, to gather People who was weary of all dead formes and outside Professions into a waiting frame of Spirit.....
"At our monthly meeting at ffracis Davenport's House near Crosswicks Creeke, the place now called Chesterfield, in West Jersey, ye 2d of ye mo 1684.”
"5th mo. 3 d. 1690. Friends finding sum inconveniency by ye first day meeting being kept at so many Places have agreed that our whole meeting be kept ye next first day at ffrancis Davenports and the next first after Chesterfield meeting to be kept at Edward Rockhill and Nottingham meeting to be kept at Thomas Lamberts ye next after to gather at Robert Murfries, ye next after Chesterfield meeting to be kept at William Biddles and Nottingham at Mahlon Staceys."
The meetings heretofore held at the house of William Biddle, Edward Rockhill, and Ann Murfries were discontinued when the meeting house were was built. In 1706, new and more commodious house of worship was erected near the old one. This house was of brick, beautifully situated on a high elevation overlooking the town.
The Crosswicks Monthly Meeting records contain the following register of his children:
John, son of Edward and Mary Rockhill was born at Aldingfleete, in Yorkshire, Old England, 12 month 9th 1683;
Sarah born at Aldingfleete 4th month 16th 1685 m. Black,
Jonathan, born in 1st month 6 1687, died in infancy;
Mary born in 9th month 3rd 1688 m. Stevenson
Robert born in 1st month 25th 1692;
Ann, born in 12th month 6 1693 m. Clothier
Joseph in 1696;
David and Jonathan, twins, in 1698;
Edward in 1700;
Samuel in 12th month 25th 1704.
In 1693, Edward Rockhill is residing in Chesterfield Township, Burlington County, NJ according to NJ records.
On 12 Sept. 1693, Edward witnessed the will of Samuel Andrews and then served as executor. He gave bond as executor on 10 Nov. 1693
On 19 Jan 1694 Edward Rockhill along with Frances Davenport posted bond as guardians of Nathaniel Pope, orphan of Joseph Pope.
On 29 Jan. 1695 Edward Rockhill witnessed the will of John Curtis of Mansfield Township.
On 2 May 1695 Joseph Richard of Glamford Briggs, Lincolnshire, England, woolen draper, gave power of attorney to Mahlon Stacy, George Hutcheson and Francis Davenport, all of West Jersey, to give a deed to Edward Rockhill of Chesterfield, West Jersey, for 1/16th of a share of land near Burlington.
On 25 January 1696 Edward Rockhill, yeoman, sold land to Francis Davenport, both of Chesterfield Twp, Burlington County, New Jersey. The land was part of 1/16th of a share which the grantor bought one half of Joseph Richardson of Glamford Briggs, Lincolnshire, England, woolen draper.
10 Dec. 1697 Joseph Richardson of Glamford Briggs, Lincolnshire, England sold land to Edward Rockhill (see 1695 Power of Attorney) and other land purchased from Edward Markwell.
Edward completed an inventory of the goods of Daniel Bacon of Burlington
Inventory on 20 April 1698. A short time later on 10 May he gave bond as the Executor of Bacon’s will.
William Black’s will was filed 2 March 1701 It names his wife Alice, sons Thomas, William , John, Samuel, dau. Mary, dau-in-law Alice Becke,and a legacy to John Taylor when he comes of age, along with land in Mansfield Township and his personal property. His wife Alice was to be executrix and
Edward and John Rockhill with Samuel Taylor were witnesses.
Edward was one of 3 men who completed an inventory of William Black’s estate on 22 April 1702.
Edward Rockhill made inventory on the estate of Joseph Burch on 10 Dec 1703.
8 August 1704 William Murfin and Sarah Bunting were married at Chesterfield Meeting. Edward and Mary Rockhill were among the witnesses.
In 1704 and 1706, Edward Rockhill is shown to be residing in Chesterfield Township, Burlington County, NJ according to NJ records.
On 13 Nov. 1706 John King and Elizabeth Woodward were married on November 13, at Chesterfield. Sarah and Mary Rockhill were among the witnesses.
The marriage of John Black and Sarah Rockhill occurred on 4 Dec. 1706 at Chesterfield, Burlington County, New Jersey. Edward and Mary Rockhill, Sarah’s parents and her sister, Mary Rockhill Jr. were witnesses.
15 April 1707 Edward Rockhill made the inventory of the estate of Francis Davenport of Chesterfield Twp, Burlington County.
25 May 1708 Edward Rockhill and Joseph and Michael Newbold made the inventory of the estate of David Curtis.
In 1708, Edward Rockhill is residing in Chesterfield Township, Burlington County, NJ according to NJ records.
The will of John Bacon of Chesterfield Township, Burlington County, a yeoman, was filed on 19 May 1711 His children are listed as Daniel, John, Elizabeth, and Mary, all under 21. Witnesses were Edward and Mary Rockhill and Robert and Patience Chapman. An inventory was made by Edward Rockhill and William Wood on 18 May 1711. "All the above written goods [incl. the 5 servants] are returned into ye registers office at Philadelphia being on board the Neptune, Henry Smith commander but for ye Safety of John Bacon's Children are put into the registers office in Burlington."
In January 1718, Peter Fretwell of Burlington granted land and a mansion house to John Warren, Samuel Bunting and Edward Rockhill.
Edward Rockhill, Sr. died between April 9 when his will was written and 18 May 1722 when it was proven. He wrote his will 9 April 1722 in Chesterfield Township, Burlington Co calling himself a yeoman. He names his wife Mary and children: John, Robert, Sarah Black, Mary Stevenson, Anne, Joseph, David, Edward, Samuel, Jonathan ("supposed Incapable of getting his Living"). Also mentioned is personal property, land in Chesterfield adjoining Samuel Taylor, meadows, bought of Benj. Field, 320 acres at the Mountains, a home farm of 100 acres bought of Anthony Woodhouse, and a 100 a. adjoining.. Mary was executrix. Witnesses were John Grant, Sarah Quicksall, and Jno. Richardson. The will was proved May 18, 1722. An inventory was made by Nathan Folwell and John Stevenson, amounting to £241.6.
Born 03 Feb 1700 Burlington County, New Jersey, Edward Rockhill Jr. was one of the leading men of the society of Friends of the Quakertown Meeting.
He married Anne Clayton, daughter of John Clayton, Jr. and Mary Wood on 01 Feb 1725 at Burlington Monthly Meeting. Their first intent to marry was recorded at a Monthly Meeting of Friends held at their Meeting House in Chesterfield the fourth of the 1st month 1724/25. “Edward Rockhill and Anne Clayton, both belonging to this meeting declared their intentions of taking each other in marriage and it was declared by some here that there parents that are living tho that they could not be here at this time, are willing & appoints our Friends John Lantum and Isaac Horner to make enquiry concerning his clearness from all others on account of marriage & make report to our next Monthly Meeting.” The second intent was recorded as “At a Monthly Meeting of Friends held at their Meeting House in Chesterfield the first of the 2nd month 1725 Edward Rockhill and Anne Clayton, the second time, declared their intentions of taking each other in marriage and nothing appearing upon enquiry but that they are clear from all others on that account & having consent of parents this Meeting leaves them to proceed & accomplish their said intentions according to the good order used among Friends and appoints Friends John Cheshire & Preserve Brown to have the oversight of the marriage & entertainment & make report to our next Monthly Meeting.”
At a Monthly Meeting of Friends on the sixth of the 3rd month 1725 is stated “Our Friends appointed last Meeting to have the oversight of the two marriages then past report ye things were orderly & decently marriaged.” Anne was born in Burlington County, NJ in 1706.
From 1725 to 1730, a number of Quakers moved into the Quakertown, Hunterdon County, New Jersey area. Among them was the family of Edward and Anne Rockhill.
He was a member of the Hunterdon Co. Board of Freeholders in 1730, and Justice of the Peace in 1741.
In October 1731, Edward, Jr. purchased of Thomas Hatton of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (agent for Abel Strettle of Dublin, Ireland) “two several tracts of land and timber swamp, one tract of upland included part of the site of the present Pittstown. The deed designates Edward as "Yeoman of Bethlehem Township in the county of Hunterdon, New Jersey." It was “in his actual possession now being …… by virtue of a Bargain and sale to him thereof made for one year.” One tract was described as "upland," and included part of the land on which Pittstown is situated. The beginning corner in the description of its bounda ries was "a beech tree on the south side of the Capolon creek opposite a part of the vil and from that point the line ran due lage ; west iiX chains ; thence southwesterly 80 chains to a hickory sapling ; thence south T,2)4 chains to a corner post ; thence east 69'2 chains to a corner black oak ; thence north 88>2 chains to the place of beginning, containing 438 acres." The other tract, in the language of the deed, "being generally' Timber Swamp," consisted of 408 acres es. The beginning corner in its description was a tree which stood in the *Laokolong creek, near the present Oak Grove mill. These two tracts were a part of Abel Strettel's 5,000 acres in the Lotting Purchase.
20 March 1733,, Jacob Doughty, a minister among friends deeded 4 acres to Edward Rockhill and 4 other men (as trustees) for a meeting house to be built on the land.
Edward built a grist-mill on the land which in later years was occupied by Mr. Dent's Machine Shop at Pittstown. This mill was one of the first and, for many years, the only mill for grinding grain in his section. His land was on the Lower Musconetcong Riber
Edward was a member of the Hunterdon County Board of Justice and Freeholders in 1739.
In 1746 he was a justice of the piece.
Edward and Anne had four children:
Mary who married Wm. Godley;
Anne, who married Maurice Robeson of Orange County, NY;
Dr. John born in Chesterfield, Burlington County on March 22, 1726, who married 1st, Rachel Robeson (sister to Maurice), and 2nd, Elizabeth (Lukens) Potts; and Achsah, who died unmarried.
Oliver Silverthorn died in 1746 and in his will names his wife Mary and sons, John,Thomas, George, and William. The witnesses were Thomas Silverthorn and Edward and Anna Rockhill.
Edward died in 1748.
New Jersey, U.S., Calendar of Wills, 1670-1760 Name Edward Rockhill
Death Date Abt 1748 Will Date 6 Jun 1748 Will Place Amwell, Hunterdon Co.
will of. Wife, Ann. Son-in-law, William Godly, and Mary his wife, testator's daughter; son, John; negro boy, Dick; daughters, Ann and Achsah. Executors--wife, and testator's "brothers," Parnall Clayton of Burlington Co., and William Clayton of Trenton. Witnesses--Emanuel Coryell, Job Warford, Jona. Robeson. Proved June 10, 1748.; will of. Wife, Ann. Son-in-law, William Godly, and Mary his wife, testator's daughter; son, John; negro boy, Dick; daughters, Ann and Achsah. Executors--wife, and testator's "brothers," Parnall Clayton of Burlington Co., and William Clayton of Trenton. Witnesses--Emanuel Coryell, Job Warford, Jona. Robeson. Proved June 10, 1748.; Lib. 5, p. 476.; 1748, July 7. Inventory (£1.436.13.9) includes large old Bible; negro girl Cate, £40; negro boy Dick, £30; negro girl Hannah, £18; 11 Indian Blankets in store, £7.14; numerous articles of general mdse.; sundry goods bought of Preserve Brown, at Philadelphia, May 25, 1748; house and improvements, £50; sundries appraised at upper place at Bethlehem; negro boy Peter, £28; 6 hives bees; fulling mill and 50 acres of land, £124; half an old boat, £5; tract of land in Kingwood, £127.9.3. Bonds of Robert Wilson, Samuel Stevenson, Ezekiel Oliver, Henry Benet, Moses Collins, John Barbor, Edward Slayter, William Coats. Made by W. Montgomerie and Job Robins.; 1762, March 15. Account. Mentions land bought of R. Smith, Samuel Carpenter's article found in John Coat's hands, John Rockhill for posting books, Robert Pearson, James Martin, Samuel Holcomb, Malon Kirkbride, Francis Bows, Catharine Meadock, Benjamin Severns, Rut Johnson, John Riddel, Francis Castakin (for Samuel Myas Cohain and Bur. Kelsey), Parnel Clayton, John Coxe, Thomas Larrance, James Burling, Edward Burling, Elizabeth Baxtor, Andrew Reed, Robert and Amos Struttel, Benjamin Price, D. Martin, Mary Rockhill, Isaac Decow, Sr., Paul Lewis, Thomas Litle, John Coxe (for cost against executors of E. Corril), Thomas Cadwalader.
Anne Clayton Rockhill married Mr. Salter of Trenton N. J. and died about 1789: her father John Clayton Jr. was the son of John Clayton and his wife Elizabeth Taunt : and her mother, Mary Wood, was the daughter of William Wood, of Leicestershire, Eng. and his wife Mary Parnell, (of Ireland.) The Wood and Parnell families came to America, in 1677, on the "Flie "boat'' Martha from Hull, England. William and Mary were married Aug. 10, 1682, and settled in Burlington N. J. (if you look up the this painting - “1673 Dock scene at a British Port by Jacob Knyff”, the ship being loaded is the Flie Boat Martha. On Anne’s wedding certificate, her mother is listed as “Mary Cook.”
Her will was written 17 November 1762. She lived in Trenton, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. The will divided her property as follows: Daughter Mary Rockhill Godley Cherry- the house and lot where I live; Son John Rockhill- 50 acres of land on which he now lives; daughter Ann Roberson-3 50 pounds; Granddaughter Anne Godley - a bed and chairs. It stated that she had given directions to Achsah Lambert to distribute my other goods. The executor was Achsah Lambert, a friend and witnesses were Elizabeth Clayton, John Barnes, Joseph Warrell. The will was proven 31 August 1767.
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