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Hi Jeff:
My name is Susan Davison. My husband is a direct descendant of William and Margaret Oliphant Davison and we are also Davison researchers. I like your format on Genforum of different information collected from various Davison researchers on the same person or persons. I have the following additional information I would like to offer.
During the past year, I have been attempting to distinguish between the two original William Davisons arriving to East New Jersey from Scotland in the years 1684 and 1685; one imported by Fullerton and the other imported by Gordon and a William Davison settling in Jamesburg, Middlesex County in 1685 within five to six miles of the William Davison married to Margaret Oliphant who settled in Manalapan Township southwest of the Old Tennent Church.
Note: Robert and Thomas Fullerton were brothers and the Fullertons and Gordons were friends and connected by marriage. I have read that Dr. John Gordon only visited East New Jersey and continued to reside in Scotland. The affairs of Dr. Gordon’s servants in East New Jersey were handled by his brother, Thomas Gordon of New Perth, East Jersey, attorney and land agent. 1699 Thomas Gordon is Secretary of province.
As to the William Davison settling in Jamesburg along the Manalapan Brook across from the Manalapan Lake circa 1685 (which area was also known as Monroe Township, South Amboy Township and South Ward of Perth):
The Jamesburg Historical Society contends that a William W. Davison of Scotland settled in Jamesburg in 1685 on property he obtained from James Johnstone also from Scotland. They do not have a direct source for this in their writings but it is included in all of their writings on the early history of Jamesburg. If this William Davison owned property in 1685, he could not have been one of the William Davison indentured servants as one needed to be a “yeoman” (free man) in order to own property.
History of Union and Middlesex Counties, New Jersey, Chapter CL, Monroe, page 787…”Further inducements were made by the proprietors in 1684, granting fifty acres to each head of a family settling in the province and twenty-five acres for each of the other members of his household. Under this provision, James Johnstone came from Edinburgh…and settled on the southeastern bank of the Manalapan, near Spottswood, and within the present borders of Monroe…A little later William Davison…also from Scotland settled on a tract of land.”
Encyclopedia of New Jersey Edited by Maxine N. Lurie, page 418: “Jamesburg was first settled in the late 1600’s by a Scotsman William Davison in proximity to the Manalapan Brook.”
The History of Monroe Township by Leonard A. Leo, July 14, 1781, refers to a William Davison purchasing the 50 acre James Johnstone tract eight feet from the southeast border of Jamesburg.
Monroe Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey, 1838-1938 by Federal Writers’ Project Works Progress Administration, State of New Jersey, page 11: “The first white settler was James Johnstone, a son of John Johnstone of Ochiltree, Scotland, a member of the Spotswood clan. He built his home between Spotswood and Jamesburg in 1685. The East Jersey proprietors’ offer in 1684 of 50 acres of land to each head of a family and 25 acres to each additional member of the household induced him to import a number of indentured servants. The first settlers along the banks of the Manalapan and Matchaponix were quickly followed by others who, no doubt, were attracted by such glowing letters as that sent by James Johnstone to his brother John in Edinburgh.” Page 13…Among those who came during the latter part of the 17th century were…William Davidson…Thomas Gordon…”
History of Middlesex County, N.J. Vol. II 1664-1920, Wall and Pickersgill, “Chapter XXXI, Townships of Monroe, Madison, Raritan and Cranbury, …William Davison, another Scotsman, located on a tract, part of which is now within the limits of Jamesburg borough. He had many descendants, who did much in improving the land and promoting the agricultural interests in that vicinity.”
The information concerning William Davison’s 50 acre Jamesburg tract conflicts. Some information indicates he purchased the property from Johnstone, other information indicates he settled on the property which could mean, in addition to purchasing and settling, he was granted the 50 acres for settling pursuant to the proprietors’ inducement. If he did settle pursuant to the proprietors’ offer, then he would have been single or not have had any family members with him otherwise he would have received the additional 25 acres for other members of his household.
Note: The years of James Johnstone’s arrival vary between 1684 and 1685. But I believe the correct year to be 1684 for reason of the following: Scottish Colonial Schemes 1620-1686 by George P. Insh: Page 242; “James Johnstone of Spotswoodes {his property in Scotland} Letter to his Brother, John Johnstone, Drugest in Edinburgh. ‘East Jersey the 12th December 1684. Loving Brother: I have taken up a part of my land 9 miles from Amboy and 4 miles from Piscataway and as far from the nearest part of Rariton, on a brook side… Your ever affectionate brother, James Johnstone” The letter is quite lengthy and continues on describing the land and its wealth and obviously states he was here in 1684 by reason of the date. Proprietors of East New Jersey 1682-1702 by John E. Pomfret, page 287: “James Johnstone was in East New Jersey by the fall of 1684. He settled temporarily in the Scots Colony in the Cedar Brook area.” Page 288: “James moved permanently to Monmouth County and had taken up most of his lands south of the Topanemus.” James Johnstone’s brother, John Johnstone, arrived in 1685.
There is a log cabin purportedly built by the Davisons on a brook in Jamesburg which cabin is currently encompassed by the James Buckelew mansion that is also the headquarters for the Jamesburg Historical Society. Most of the focus of the Jamesburg Historical Society is on the Buckelews.
From the Jamesburg Historical Society, History As Seen from Lakeview: “By 1734 records show a commercial gristmill and saw mill established on the property. A blacksmith, store and a few dwellings, which served as lodgings for the workers, were added to the settlement. The area was now called Davison's Mills. The settlement was known as Davison's Mills until 1787 when a miller named Ensley took over the operation, and it became Ensley's Mills. In 1789 William Davison's grandson, also named William and his wife, deeded the property to George Rozell for 500 pounds. It now consisted of 8 or 9 acres, saw mill, gristmill, mill houses and several buildings." The deed is dated February 9, 1789, and is recorded in the Middlesex County Clerk's Office, New Brunswick, New Jersey, in Vol. 1, Page 615. The deed gives the name of Mary as William’s wife who signed the deed by her "X" mark. The deed indicates that the mills are along the Manalapan Brook and that William inherited the mill property, but does not indicate the name of the person leaving him the property nor whether that person was even a father, uncle, or brother. There was also a fulling mill on the property.
I am attempting to find the 1734 records referred to above in the hopes that it will contain the first name of the Davison owner and possibly some family names to help pinpoint that Davison owner. There is a deed for land purchased by a Robert Davison in 1727, recorded 1729, for property along the east side of the Manalapan River in the approximate location of the above mentioned Davison’s Mills.
Historical Address delivered by T. Wilton Hill, July 4, 1876, In Honour of the Centennial Celebration of the United States of America at Wigwam Grove, Jamesburg, New Jersey: Page 2, “…1685…At a little later period, William Davison, also from Scotland settled on a tract of land commencing at a point about two hundred feet this side of the residence of Isaac S. Buckelew, extending beyond Daniel R. Shenck’s and including most of the land now spoken of as the Davison district.
My husband is also a descendant of the William and Mary Miller Davison owning the mill property in Jamesburg which was sold by them to Rozell as he has two sets of grandparents who were Davisons marrying Davisons; William Margaret Oliphant Davison descendants marrying Jamesburg Davison descendants. This also obviously makes my husband a descendant of the William Davison settling in Jamesburg in 1685. This connection to the two families is my main reason for trying to distinguish between the above-mentioned three William Davisons.
Some of the researchers who are aware of both the Jamesburg and Manalapan Davison families assert that the Jamesburg Davisons were descendants of the Manalapan Davisons. This may be true for some of the descendants but I have not been able to connect by dates of birth and death these two families as to the earliest Jamesburg Davison settlers. I do believe one reason one William Davison is referred to as carpenter is to distinguish between these two early William Davison settlers living within five to six miles of each other.
As to the William Davison imported by Thomas Fullerton in 1684:
Original Scots Colonists of Early America Supplement 1607-1707 by David Dobson
Davidson, William, an indentured servant imported into East New Jersey by Thomas Fullerton, 10/1684. EJ Deeds, Liber A.fo.187, servant of John Laing in Middlesex County, New Jersey, land grant January 17, 1693. EJ Deeds Liber D.
Laing, John, (D.C. 10 June 1969) formerly of Craigforthie, by 1688 in New Jersey, SRO.SQR Kinnmuch.11.20."
History of Union and Middlesex Counties, New Jersey, Page 607, “City of Perth Amboy…Thomas and Robert Fullerton arrived in October 1684.”
A Dictionary of Scottish Immigrants to the USA by Donald Whyte, page 92: Davison, William to East N.J. 1684 on the Thomas and Benjamin, settled, Freehold, Monmouth County, Carpenter, wife, Margaret; Children: William, John, Robert, George, Andrew and Margaret.
My research has led me to believe that the William Davison arriving from Scotland to East New Jersey as an indentured servant to Thomas Fullerton arrived on the ship The Thomas and Benjamin captained by Thomas Pearson who also owned property in East New Jersey and not the ship Caledonia or the ship the Henry and Francis.
The Original Scots Colonists of Early America 1612-1783 by David Dobson. Page 100 #2074, Fullerton, Robert, res. Kinaber, Montrose Angus, sh. 1684, to East N.J. sett. New Caesarea N.J. (Insh250); #2077 Fullerton, Robert, sh. June 1684 from Montrose to East N.J. in Thomas and Benjamin (SRO.E72.16.13)
Biographies: Genealogical History of Duck Creek’s Picturesque Pioneers, Harrison County, West Virginia. William Davison (a carpenter) the immigrant ancestor of the Davisson family of Duck Creek, Harrison County WV, and of Sarah Louise West Moffett, was born in Scotland and came to America as the indentured servant of Thomas Fullerton of New Jersey, arriving on the ship “Thomas and Benjamin” in October, 1684.
Scottish Emigration to Colonial America 1607-1785, by David Dobson, page 49: “Three vessels involved in transporting emigrants from Scotland to East New Jersey between 1683 and 1685 have been positively identified: The Exchange, the Thomas and Benjamin and the Henry and Francis. A fourth ship, the America, is a possibility. Page 50: “The Thomas and Benjamin under Master Thomas Pearson sailed from Montrose to Perth Amboy with emigrants mainly from Angus and the Mearns, including members of leading local families such as Robert and Thomas Fullerton, Charles Gordon and David and James Mudie. The Thomas and Benjamin sailed by way of the north of Scotland and arrived at Perth Amboy on November 5, 1684.”
N.J. Patents, page 64: “Thomas and Benjamin, servants imported from Scotland to East N.J. November 5, 1684, Captain Thomas Pearson used for his own.”
The Minutes of the Board of Proprietors of Eastern Divison of N.J. From 1685-1705:
Page 32, “Captain Thomas Pearson, master of the Thomas and Benjamin secured a patent for importing 15 servants in November, 1684… Thomas Fullerton brought 10 servants and received 300 acres. Page 69, Petition of Captain Thomas Pearson, Master of the ship, Thomas and Benjamin, for land to be laid out to him for 15 servants imported in November 1684, and desires the same may be laid out to him on the South River above Mr. Thomas Fullerton’s land.”
Proprietors of East New Jersey 1682-1702 by John E. Pomfret, page 290: “Thomas Pearson brought his ship Thomas and Benjamin to East New Jersey in the fall of 1684 and thereafter regarded himself as a resident of Perth Amboy. He located the 500 acres to which he was entitled and the 375 acres headlands for the servants he had imported on the South River.”
The ship The Thomas and Benjamin, Captained by Thomas Pearson of Montrose, Scotland, who taking a break from his voyages to European ports, skippered the good ship “Thomas and Benjamin: to “East New Jersey” (New Caesarea) with local families emigrating to the New Continent.
From Scottish Colonial Schemes 1620-1686, by George P. Insh, page 165 and 166: “During the summer of 1684, two ships cleared from the east coast ports {of Scotland} for East New Jersey…The Montrose ship had a long but comparatively uneventful voyage: ‘The passengers did all very well, though we had some very rough gusts, and were very thronged in so small a vessel, being 130 souls, besides seamen of these 27 were woman; 6 or 7 children only. One man…called William Clark, standing carelessly upon the forecastle tumbled over boards and drowned, though a boat was put out and endeavored in vain to save him. Eighteen weeks after leaving Montrose and nine weeks after leaving Killebeg, Ireland, the ship reached the American coast. The first land we discovered was about the middle of Long Island; it appeared at first like trees growing out of the sea. Towards night and anchored in Sandy Hook, N.J.’”
It would appear the Thomas and Benjamin anchored first in Sandy Hook since the ship arrived towards night and then traveled on to Perth Amboy.
Historical Collections of N.J. by Barber and Howe, Page 305; “Sandy Hook is 14 miles from Perth Amboy.” Page 306,”The favorable site of Perth Amboy for a town was early noticed by the agents of the East Jersey proprietors…It is designed to be placed on a neck or point of rich land called Ambo Point lying on Raritan river and pointing to Sandy Hook bay, and near adjacent to the place where ships in that great harbor commonly ride at anchor. Samuel Groome, Proprietor and Surveyor General made an examination of the {Perth Amboy} harbor and sounded the channel all the way to Sandy Hook prior to 1683.” Samuel Groome was instrumental in the laying of Perth Amboy.
Scottish Colonial Schemes by Insh, East New Jersey, page 156: “Samuel Groome, Surveyor-General in East New Jersey is described as “Mariner of Deptford, ”…Since my last, I have now sounded the Channell from Amboy to Sandy Hook, and find it to be a broad and bold Channell, in no place less than three fathom at high water, in ordinary tydes 4, 5 or 6 fathom except in one short place…”
Journal of Court of Common Right & Chancery of East Jersey by Preston W. Edsall:
“The case of the Thomas and Benjamin: The first violation of the staple act to attract Dyre’s attention came, when, in March, 1684/1685, Captain Thomas Pearson put the Thomas and Benjamin into Perth Amboy from Scotland. Besides a legitimate cargo of scotch servants, the vessel was found to have on board 288 pairs of woolen stockings, 288 pairs of gloves and 600 yards of Irish Linen, shipped at Montrose, Scotland and Killebagge, Ireland, and it had not been unloaded in England… The Thomas and Benjamin was found to be in violation of the Staple Act after it arrived.”
From Scottish Colonial Schemes 1620-1686, by George P. Insh, page 250: “A letter from Thomas Fullerton, brother to the Laird of Kennaber, to his Brother-in-law Doctor Gordon in Montrose. Elizabethtown 4 January 1685. Dear Brother: By my last a month since, I dated from Amboy, you understand that we came to Sandy Hook 18 weeks after we sailed from Montrose, we were nine weeks at sea from Killebeg in Ireland; we had many cross-winds, what other accidents we met with by the way were worth the telling, but not the writing: blessed be God we all kept our health very well, only one boy fell overboard… Your Affectionate Brother, Tho: Fullerton”
Scottish Colonial Schemes 1620-1686, by George Insh, page 262:Abstract of letter from Robert Fullerton, brother to the Laird of Kinnaber, to Brothers and Sisters, from Amboy, the 6 of November 1684. “Dear Brothers and Sisters, By the Mercies of the Most High, we are safe arrived, after a long Demur by contrary winds: we encountered very happily at first with Long Island and the next day came to an Anchor in New Jersey. The Passengers did all very well though we had some very rough gusts, and were very thronged in so small a vessel, being 130 Souls, besides Sea-men: of these 27 were women, 6 or 7 children only; one man whom I hyred in your house called William Clark standing carelessly upon the Forecastle tumbled over boards, and drowned tho we put out our boat and endeavoured in vain to save him. This countrey pleaseth us very well, and appears to be nothing short of our expectation…I am your affectionate Brother, Robert Fullarton.”
Scottish Colonial Schemes by George Insh, page 274: A letter from Thomas Fullerton, Brother to the Laird of Kinnaber, to John Johnstone, Drugist, in Edinburgh, dated the 9 of March, 1685, from East Jersey. “Loving Commorad, Your Brother and I did write to you about three moneths agoe, wherein we told you that we were 9 weeks at sea, after we parted from Kellebegs in Ireland; we were all very well at sea only we had more stomachs than meat; to prevent which, if you or any other Commorad come this way, it will be prudence to fortifie themselves with good cheese, butter, bisket, cakes and brandie…”Your affectionate Commorad, Thomas Fullerton.
As to William Davison imported by Dr. Gordon in 1685:
I am currently in the process of researching the arrival of this William Davison that is complicated by the fact that I have not yet found the month in 1685 during which he arrived to help determine the correct ship he traveled on. Some Davison family researchers agree with the Davison family legend that William Davison indentured servant of Dr. John Gordon arrived in East New Jersey in 1685 on the Caledonia. While other researchers believe that this William Davison arrived in East New Jersey in 1685 on the Henry and Francis probably due to the fact that William Davison married Margaret Oliphant of the Oliphant family arriving on the Henry and Francis. Both of these ships left Scotland on September 5, 1685. By virtue of a recruitment of Scot of Pitlochie in 1685 that I explain in a later paragraph, I am leaning toward the Henry and Francis as his arrival ship. The ship America also arrived in East New Jersey from Scotland in 1685 as did the ship Blossom.
Historical Miscellany, Woolley of Monmouth County, N.J. “Servants imported into this province by Dr. John Gordone, his attorneys; William Daviesone {Davison} and William Peddie, his servants, Lib. A of Deeds, p. 302, Trenton, N.J.” (By the words “his attorneys” might indicate that Dr. Gordon did not come with these servants but left the handling of it to his attorneys, which I believe was his brother, Thomas.)
Directory of Scottish Settlers in North America 1625-1825, David Dobson, Volume V, page 67 states:
"William Davidson indentured servant imported from Scotland to East New Jersey by Dr. John Gordon during 1685". EJD/A302.
N.J. Patents and Deeds 1664-1703: 1685 Mem. Of servants imported by Dr. John Gordone, vizt. Willliam Daviesone {Davison} and William Peddie.”
Biographical and Genealogical History of Morris County, New Jersey, 1899, page 48: “The Caledonia an unseaworthy old craft that leaked so badly that it was evident expectation that all on board would go down, ere they were out of sight of land. But a competent man was chosen Captain, and by dint of constant bailing a kind of providence brought the ship safely to Perth Amboy, New Jersey, in 1685.” The Caledonia sailed from Scotland.
History of Old Tennent Church, by Reverend Frank R. Symmes, page 13, “This congregation owed its origin to some Scotch people who were cast on the Jersey shore; the vessel Caledonia, in which they sailed, having been stranded on our coast. It is supposed that this ship brought emigrants from Scotland as early as 1685.”
History of Monmouth County by Franklin Ellis, page 679: “They were Scottish immigrants who set out from their native country in September 1685, in the ship Caledonia.” If this month of September is correct as to the departure of the Caledonia then the ship the Caledonia and the ship Henry and Francis both left Scotland during September 1685. The William Davison arriving in 1685 could have possibly been on either.
History and Genealogy of the Davison, Davisson, Davidson Families (1935) Complied by Arthur Henry Davison, Des Moines, Iowa, indicates the ship the Caledonia as the possible arrival ship of the William Davison imported by Dr. John Gordon in 1685.
I am mentioning the following re David Barclay just as a confirmation of the ship America:
The ship America arriving from Scotland to East N.J. in 1685 (source David Dobson).
Cranbury, N.J. Past and Present by Ruth Berg Walsh, page 401: “Proceedings of N.J. Historical Society, John Barclay of Perth Amboy, In 1685, David Barclay, Jr., sailed from Aberdeen aboard the ship America of Stockton (Captain Vivers, Master) but died at sea in the latter part of August.”
Proprietors of East New Jersey. by John E. Pomfret, page 279: “In August 1685, while bringing a second cargo on the America, David {Barclay} died.”
New Jersey Colonial Documents: “1686-7 March 8. Deed and Power of attorney. Robert BARCLAY, eldest son of David BARCLAY of Ury, Scotland, to his brother John BARCLAY of East Jersey, for his right, title, etc. in and to 1-20 share of the Province, inherited from his brother David BARCLAY, who died at sea on board the America of Stockton, Captain VIVERS master, from Aberdeen to East Jersey, end of August last past; authorizing said brother John to act as land agent etc. in America.”
Another ship arriving from Scotland to New York in 1685 was the Blossom. History of Monmouth County, N.J. by Franklin Ellis, page 79, Early Settlements and Land Titles. “George Keith was a native of Aberdeen, Scotland…secured…the appointment of surveyor-general of East New Jersey… He arrived at New York in the ship ‘Blossom’, Martin, master, in the spring of 1685, and on the 9th of April reported to the Proprietary Council of Perth Amboy…but he was not sworn into his office until the 12th of June following.”
The America and the Blossom also being two ships arriving to America in 1685 from Scotland that could also be the possible arrival ships of the other two William Davisons; i.e. William W. Davison settling in Jamesburg and/or William Davison indentured to Gordon.
The Province of East N.J. 1609-1702 by John E. Pomfret, page 197: “The Henry and Francis left Leith Roads on September 5, 1685, and arrived at Perth Amboy on December 7.”
There is sufficient information on line on the voyage of the Henry and Francis that arrived in East New Jersey December 7,1685 so I did not add that information here.
Source: NEW JERSEY PATENTS AND DEEDS 1664-1703 edited by William Nelson reprinted by Clearfield Company by Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore MD 1997
page 191: a long description of deeds to tracts of land sold to Thomas Gordon which ends with 570 acre in right of headland bought among others of two servants of Dr John Gordon vizt: Wlliam Davidson and William Peddie, page 340 Liber D
N.J. Colonial Documents, East Jersey Deeds, etc., Liber D., pages 190 and 191: “1690 May 24. Confirmation to Thomas Gordon of Amboy Perth of the following tracts vizt: …17. 9 a. in Amboy bounds, on the w. side of and along High St., opposite Gordon’s St; 500 a. of the preceding in right of 1-20 share, the other 570 a. in right of headland, bought of …and of two servants of Dr. John Gordon, vizt. William Peddie and William Davidson.” As previous stated, Dr. Gordon’s brother, handled his East Jersey affairs.
As to the Oliphants:
It is believed by most Davison researchers that Margaret Oliphant, her sister and her parents arrived in East New Jersey in 1685 aboard the ship the Henry and Francis as that is the ship her brother, William Oliphant was aboard as he was being banished to the Americas for being a dissenter/prisoner. William Oliphant’s parents did sign an indenture for themselves and their daughters and it is believed they were also dissenters.
Reverend John Oliphant, illiterate, lost his lands in Scotland due to heavy fines imposed on him by the English for supporting the Presbyterian cause.
John Oliphant signed an indenture in Edinburgh, Scotland, on August 19, 1685, in anticipation of being transported to New Jersey, which indenture stated "John Oliphant [residing] in Pencartland [sic], Janet Gilchrist, his wyfe, and Margaret and Janet Oliphants, his two daughters, doeth bind themselves servants to John Hancock, resident in Edinburgh, for the space of four years next after their arrival at the province of East New Jersey in America and the said two daughters obligate them to serve until each of them attains the age of 21 years complete, for which John Hancock is to provide them free passage, bed and board, complete, and all necessaries during their term of indenture. At the completion of 4 years of service, John Hancock is to grant John Oliphant 25 acres of land in America, one cow, 2 sows, and shall plow one acre of land, and give him corn to sow the same with." John Oliphant signed by his mark. (No record has been found to date of the grant of 25 acres to John Oliphant that was promised in the indenture.)
Original Scots Colonists Supplement of 1607-1707 Early America by David Dobson indicates: P.137, Oliphant, John of Pencartland, his wife, Janet Gilchrist and daughters, Margaret and Janet, indentured as servants to John Hancock in Edinburgh for four years in East New Jersey, the daughters until they were 21. (19.8.1685 EJ Deeds Liber A. fo 252.)
Directory of Scottish Settlers in North America 1625-1825 by David Dobson: page 243, “John Oliphant with his wife, Janet Gilchrist and daughters, Margaret and Janet in Pencaitland, East Lothian, indentured as servants for four years in East New Jersey. Daughters until they were 21 to John Hancock in Edinburgh August 19, 1685. (EJD A252)”
John Oliphant’s indenture was signed on August 19, 1685 and the Henry and Francis per Insh’s book, page 178 left Scotland on September 5th, “On 5th September the Henry and Francis cleared from Leith…”
Since the Oliphant’s indenture was signed on August 19, 1685, and the Henry and Francis with their son, William Oliphant on board was leaving September 5, 1685, it is quite possible they were on the same ship even though their names are not found on the partial list of passengers available over the internet. This assumption is supported in Scottish Emigration to Colonial America 1607-1785 by David Dobson, page 50: “On 5 September 1685, the Henry and Francis, under master Richard Hutton, set sail from Leith for East New Jersey with the main body of emigrants on board under the leadership of George Scott of Pitlochie. The passengers formed a heterogeneous group and included people such as John Johnstone, an Edinburgh apothecary; Archibald Riddell, a covenanting minister who had been a prisoner on the Bass Rock; John Oliphant, an indentured servant from Pencaitland; and Dr. William Robertson, a Quaker from Burntisland.”
I am having difficulty setting my mind straight on which Davison was the carpenter; the one on the Thomas and Benjamin or the one on the Henry and Francis or possibly the Caledonia or which of these two Davisons was the one to marry Margaret Oliphant.
According to NJ Marriage records a William Davison and Margaret Oliphant were married married about 1697. If this date is correct, this seems like a long time after their arrival. If the Williams arrived 1684 and 1685, and one of them did not marry Margaret until 1697, that is 13 years after their arrival. I have been trying to ascertain whether or not indentured servants could marry during their indenture. If they could not, this could explain some of the time as to why it was so long after arrival that they married. Williams’ indentures were only for four years but Margaret Oliphant’s indenture was until she reached the age of 21. With all of the dates of birth for her floating around, I have not yet confirmed how old she was at the time of her indenture. The marriage records of the State of New Jersey also show a William Davison married in Monmouth County about 1689 to a Mrs. William Davison. This could also have been the other indentured William or the William settling in Jamesburg.
I am using the following (unless something else more definitive comes to light) as my reference to the approximate age of the William Davison, carpenter, married to Margaret Oliphant as I feel it is most substantial of all the information I have found relating to William’s year of birth. I have not confirmed this, but I hope to at some point. Source: Taylor Genealogy & additional found info.
James Davidson christened October 27, 1652, Old Machar, Aberdeen, Scotland married Janet Cheyne March 21, 1663 at St. Machar’s Cathedral (Old Machar) Old Aberdeen, Scotland. (I have visited this Cathedral in Scotland. A very beautiful old area of the city of Aberdeen. Cathedral, houses, streets all made of stone. My visit time was limited so I did not have the opportunity to thoroughly research the church records.)
Janet was christened August 18, 1651 in Aberdeen, Scotland daughter of George Cheyne and Catherine Inglis. Janet was christened at St. Nick (Possibly Kirk of St. Nicholas, Aberdeen) and name on christening records was spelled “Janot”.
Their son, William, was born on November 29, 1668, in Peterhead, Aberdeen, Scotland. I believe this is the William married to Margaret Oliphant.
Using 1668 as the year of birth for William, he would have been 16 in 1684 if he was the William Davison imported by Fullerton and 17 in 1685 if he was the William Davison imported by Dr. Gordon. Would he have been a skilled carpenter at that time? If his father was not a carpenter, it would depend upon the age of his carpentry apprenticeship which during that time period was usually anytime after the age of 11. If the skills are learned, then it is just the perfecting of the art that comes from working the trade. A young man looking for adventure, eager to work and with a trade was exactly what the proprietors and George Scott of Pitcholie with his Model of Government were looking for as evidenced by the broadsheet of 1684 and the pass given to George Scott in 1685. Was William Davison also a dissenter at that age? It would have depended on his religious up bringing or was he labeled as such down through the years due to his marriage to Margaret Oliphant and the definite fact of her family being dissenters/covenanters and the arrival of many dissenters/covenanters arriving to East New Jersey from Scotland during that time period.
William’s age, Margaret’s age, their indenture obligations and possibly William’s desire to become more established (William purchased his dwelling/plantation in Manalapan southwest of Old Tennent Church April 26,1695) could have added to the 13 years before their marriage provided the approximate marriage date of 1697 is correct.
The proprietors of East New Jersey were anxious for skilled workers to immigrate to America and to this end posted a broadsheet (advertisement) in Scotland asking for skilled laborers to transport to East New Jersey. I do wonder if the William Davison imported by Fullerton answered the 1684 broadsheet and if the William Davison imported by Gordon answered the broadsheet of Scot of Pitlochie published in 1685 in accordance with his plan the Model of the Government of the Province of East New Jersey in America. Since they were both indentured and since the contacts listed in the broadsheets were Fullerton and Gordon.
The William Davison married to Margaret Oliphant was a carpenter, he is identified as carpenter in deeds of conveyance and the inventory taken at the time of his death lists carpenter’s tools. He would have been a greatly needed skilled worker.
As to the broadsheet which is contained in Insh’s book:
“To all Trades-men, husbandmen, servants and others who are willing to transport themselves into the Province of New East Jersey in America, a great part of which belongs to Scots-men, Proprietors thereof: Whereas several noblemen, gentlemen and others who (by undoubted rights derived from his Majesty and his Royal Highness) are interested and concerned in the Province of New East Jersey, lying in the midst of the English Plantation in America, do intend (God-willing) to send several ships thither in May, June, July, ensuing 1684 from Leith, Montrose, Aberdeen and Glasgow…And all tradesmen, servants and others, such as wrights coupers, smiths, masons, millers, shoe-makers, etc., who are willing to go there and are not able to transport themselves, that they shall be carried over free and well maintained in meat and clothes the first four years, only for their service and thereafter they shall have considerable quantities of land, set out to themselves and their heirs for ever upon which they may live at the rate of gentlemen all their lives and their children after them. Their ordinary service will be cutting down of wood with axes and other easie husband-work…At Edinburgh let them apply themselves to the Lord Theasurer-Deput, the Lord Register, Sir John Gordon…at Montross to John Gordon, Doctor of Medicine, John Fullerton of Kinaber and Robert and Thomas Fullertons, his brothers…”
The broadsheet is quite lengthy and lists other towns and persons to contact and also goes on about the wealth of the land as further inducement. The broadsheet indicates departure dates of 1684 that coincide with the William Davison being imported by Thomas Fullerton.
From East Jersey Under the Proprietory Governments by William Whitehead. Of particular interest is the inclusion of George Scot's "The Model of the Government of the Province of East Jersey in America" in its entirety - apparently for the first time since its original printing in 1685. This important work supported the efforts of the Scots proprietors of East Jersey to recruit planters, apprentices, tradesmen, merchants and servants to the New World.
In addition to the prisoners/covenanters Pitlochie was to transport from Scotland to East New Jersey on the Henry and Francis, he received from the Chancellor official approval in the form of a pass; “Permitting and allowing Mr. George Scot of Pitlochie with his Lady, Children and Family; and such other Persons as he shall ingage, to pass from this Kingdom, either by Sea or Land, to any of his Majesties Forreign Plantations…” (Scottish Colonial Schemes by Insh)
Using this pass, Scot of Pitlochie, recruited other Scots to travel with him. The Model of the Government of East New Jersey, page 332 and 333: “It is hereby signified to all who desire this Voyage, That the Henry and Francis of Newcastle, a Ship of 350 Tun and 20 great Guns, Richard Hutton Master, is freighted for the Transportation of these Families and will take in Passengers and Goods at Leith, and Passengers at Montrose, and Aberdeen, and Kirkwa in Orkney, and set sail thence for East-New-Jersey…Such therefore who desire to go Passengers in this Vessel, may apply in time…to Mr. George Scot of Pitlochie, at his Lodging in Baillie Robisons land and at John Johnstone, Drugist at the sign of the Unicorn in Edinburgh to Mr. John Gordon of Colinston Doctor of Physick, at his Lodging in Montrose…”
It could be that the William Davison imported in 1685 by Dr. John Gordon answered this broadsheet securing his indenture for passage to East New Jersey on the Henry and Francis as the date of the broadsheet, his arrival in 1685 and the listing of Dr. John Gordon as a contact all seem to coincide.
In light of the advertised recruitment of Scot of Pitlochie with Dr. John Gordon listed as a contact, I am leaning towards the assumption that the William Davison imported by Gordon arrived on the Henry and Francis in 1685.
Since my husband’s line is combined with two of these three Davison lines starting with two of the early William Davisons arriving from Scotland in close proximity of each other marrying Davisons from both lines and later born descendants not being aware of this fact, I believe that could be what lead to the confusion of which ship the original William Davison arrived on as there would have been two ships and two original William Davisons. If the William Davison imported by Fullerton in 1684 arrived on the Thomas and Benjamin and the William Davison imported by Gordon in 1685 arrived on the Henry and Francis, it is possible the William Davison settling in Jamesburg in 1685 or later was the one arriving on the Caledonia.
In the research of A.H. Davison of Iowa, he asserts that the William Davison imported by Fullerton is probably the ancestor of the Burlington County Davisons; a theory I plan to research. If this proves correct, then the William Davison imported by Gordon would have been the one to marry Margaret Oliphant and settle in Manalapan.
Council of Proprietors Held In Perth Amboy, December 18, 1689, Petition and Request of John Barclay in behalf of four of his servants, viz. Arthur Sympson, John Markeny, John Brown and William Davison for 120 acres for headland adjoining John Barclays land at Bound Brook. Agreed they have warrant to lay out same where desired.” Indentures could be sold or transferred. This could be one of our indentured William Davisons as the year of 1689 is close enough to the expiration of their indentures.
Source: New Jersey Patents and Deeds 1664-1703 edited by William Nelson reprinted by Clearfield Company by Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore MD 1997
Page 191: a long description of deeds to tracts of land sold to Thomas Gordon that ends with 570 acre in right of headland bought among others of two servants of Dr John Gordon vizt: Wlliam Davidson and William Peddie, page 340 Liber D
The William Davison married to Margaret Oliphant and residing in Manalapan Township purchased that tract of land in 1695, adding to it again in 1715. William also bought and sold land prior to these purchases. Another William Davison purchased land adjacent to William and Margaret Oliphant’s land in 1745. We know this was not the same William as William Davison husband to Margaret Oliphant Davison died in 1723. It was most probably a son.
There is a deed dated May 15, 1700 by Samuel Layton and wife, Janet, (sister to Margaret Oliphant Davison,} to William Davison, carpenter, conveying all of Monmouth County fore one half of a tract in said County at Wemcoke along the brook originally belonging to William Oliphant (brother to Janet Layton and Margaret Davison). This is Janet's portion of the property owned by William Oliphant which he willed to his sisters at the time of his death. Page 155, Liber C
Documents Relating to Colonial History of State of N.J. Vol. XXI by William Nelson Deed dated January 30, 1690-1691 "Do. James Johnston to Walter Kerr, both of Monmouth from 100 acres in said Co. near Wemcock Point, W., of William Davison adjoining grantor's farm at Topanemus and along William Oliphant."
Not only is distinguishing between all three of these William Davisons complicated by the fact that two of them were living within close proximity of each other, and had sons with the same names, they both lived on the banks of the Manalapan River. This river runs from the Manalapan Lake in Jamesburg, Middlesex County, into Monmouth County. The river also continues from Manalapan Lake in Jamesburg along where the Davison mill existed in Jamesburg and then unites with the Matchaponix to form the South River. The Manalapan is referred to as the Manalapan River, Manalapan Creek and Manalapan Brook depending upon the wording of the person preparing the earlier deed descriptions.
In a letter addressed to me from Garry Wheeler Stone, Historian at the Monmouth Battlefield State Park, Manalapan, Monmouth County, N.J., dated May 13, 2002 in reference to the plantation and property owned by William and Margaret Oliphant Davison in Manalapan Township, Monmouth County, “Enclosed are three deed abstracts showing Davison lands on the north side of Manalapan Brook, a tributary of the Manalapan River.”
1789 Deed from William and Mary Miller Davison conveying the mill property in Jamesburg, Middlesex County inherited by him to George Rozell, “Beginning…on the east side of the Manalapan Creek.” The Manalapan Lake is located across the street from the Manalapan Creek in Jamesburg.
There is much research yet to be done in distinguishing between these three early William Davisons arriving within a year of one another. I would appreciate any information that could help me. I am still trying to track down the ancestors of the William and Mary Miller Davison who owned the mills in Jamesburg as he is purported to have descended from a Robert Davison who descended from a William Davison possibly the William Davison settling in Jamesburg around 1685. This is a continual work in progress and I attempt to be as accurate as possible. Information can and will change as more and more facts are discovered.
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