Posted by Barry Burley on May 20, 19101 at 20:34:59:
PRO Reference: AO12 Vol: 15 Page: 143
Halifax 23d February 1786
Evidence on the Claim of Rich’d Bowlby late of Sussex County NewJersey
Claimant Sworn
Memorial reads
Says he is a native of England, he came to America 40 years ago and was settled in Sussex County West Jersey and lived there in 1775; he was Justice of the Peace under the British Government.
He exerted himself to support the British Government and to prevent the Americans from training or signing associations until they became too powerful, he was often imprisoned, ill used, threatened, requesting he would Sign their associations. A man drew his hand over one but it was by force.
He joined the British at Penny town in December 1776, he brought 80 Men in with him, all neighbours, - he was offered a Commission but declined it on account of his age. - He recommended Joseph Lee who got a Captain’s Commission given to him and assisted Mr Lee in raising men.
He has remained with the British ever since; he was never in any Employment with the British Government but had Rations & £100 per Annum, he received only half year of this.
(page 144)
Certificate from Brigadier General Courtland Skinner and Chief Justice Frederick Smith to his Lotalty and Property..
Property.........500 acres of Land in Sussex County New Jersey and his Share of surplus Lands as a Proprietor,
Produces a quit Claim of a Tract of Land left by his Father when in England from his Brothers & Sisters.
The original Quantity was 600 and he purchased in 1765, 100 Acres from William Searles in Consideration of £10. - Deed produced. - From these two tracts he sold 139 Acres many years ago.
In February 1775 he bought 41 Acres from Samuel Coleman (Deed produced) in Consideration of £43 Currency. Says he likewise gave him some sheep.
The purchase from Searles was only to secure Possession of his first 600 Acres. - Searles had a Right of Property on 100 Acres of the Original 600 Acres.
He built a good House on this Property many years ago and had cleared near 350 Acres of the Land; it was the best Farm in Sussex County, he values the whole at £5 per Acre Currency. - Says he was offered that price for it ten years before the War by Isaac DeBotte.
He lost the Stock on the Farm and a great Quantity of Grain amounting to £1278..15.. , as per account in his affidavit. - 200 Bushels of Grain were sold by Rebels, - some part of the other was in Stack, some in the ground. - all was sold and taken by the Americans.
(page 145)
Produces Office Copy of a Judgement on an Inquisition against Claimant for joining British Army and Judgement entered in consequence.
Certificate from James Evan Auditor of Accounts that the Real & Personal Estate of Richard Bowlby was Confiscated & Sold in consequence of his joining the Army of Great Britain.
Certificate from William Bond Comm’rs of Sales to his having sold part of the Personal Estate of William Bowlby in July 1778 for £126..6..10. And in March 1779 he sold his Plantation to one Mr Cullogh.
Certificate from the Governor of New Jersey of William Bond being a Commissioner of Sales.
Phillip Marchinton Sworn,
Says he knew Claimant in Philadelphia before the War, he believes he was a true Loyalist. He believes he was one of the first Farmers in this County where he lived.
His Brother likewise lived there, but remained in the County as his Wife & Children were of the Rebel Party, he was a friend of Government. - In 1775 & 1776 he has heard the Claimant declare his attachment to Great Britain. - Believes he is a Man of very good Character.