The Unheard Stories of People in New Jersey During the American Revolution
Funded by a Project Grant from the NJ Historical Commission (2021-23)
"As a result of geography, and location, the war was fought longer in New Jersey than anywhere else, with more battles (including Trenton, Princeton, and Monmouth) and skirmishes (together estimated at over six hundred), resulting in greater loss of life and property than anywhere else." (Maxine Lurie. Taking Sides in Revolutionary New Jersey, Rutgers Univ. Press, 2022, p.5)
![Picture](/https/njcss.weebly.com/uploads/1/3/0/2/13026706/screenshot-2023-10-08-at-4-13-10-pm_orig.png)
Elizabeth Beatty Fithian, Cumberland County
My husband, a chaplain, died from exposure fighting in the Revolutionary War a few weeks before our first wedding anniversary. My faith had already been tested by the premature death of my father in 1772. I am only 25 years old and I need your advice.
Guillam Demarest, Bergen County
My memory is failing me from hunger as I am held prisoner in the Sugar Prison on Liberty Street in New York City. My father visited me four times this week insisting that I should swear an Oath of Loyalty to the king to secure my release and save my young life. I believe in the Declaration of Independence but our army is losing every battle. Help me with my painful decision.
My Story Documentary Video
Joel Fithian, Cumberland County
I am a dedicated public servant and am fighting in the Continental ?Army. I broke the law when I burned the imported tea from the East India Tea Company in my home town of Greenwich, NJ. Help me to figure out if my family is more important than the fight for liberty and freedom for all Americans.
Theodosia Ford, Morris County
My husband died today of pneumonia following his exhausting walk back to our home in Morristown after the Battle of Princeton. He walked in snow, ice, rain, wind, and bitter cold temperatures. Help me in my loneliness and depression as my two-year old daughter Phoebe and mother-in-law, Hannah, are also sick and facing death.
Samuel Sutphen, Somerset County
My owner's neighbor cut a deal for me to take his place as a substitute in the Continental Army. As an enslaved person I had to consent. I fought in four battles and was shot twice in my leg. After I was released because of my injury, I sold furs and purchased my freedom. Unfortunately, the government denied me a pension for 66 years because there was no 'official' record of my enlistment in the Continental Army. Thanks to Governor Peter Vroom and Mr. Conduit, I began receiving $50 a year at age 94.
John Hunt, Burlington County
My thoughts are in my diary about ending slavery. I am a Quaker and oppose all forms of enslavement. But, how can I convince others in my county who have an economic benefit from enslaved persons that all forms of enslavement are wrong? It is also against what our Declaration of Independence stands for! I need someone's advice.
Annis Boudinot Stockton, Mercer County
The celebration in our home, Morven, on July 4, 1776 is long forgotten. It has been replaced by four years of losing battles, the capture of thousands of Patriot boys and men, and the British less than ten miles from the front entrance of our home on Route 206 in Princeton. My husband is in Baltimore and I fear for our children and the precious documents being kept in our home. Should I stay here and deny everything I believe in or should I flee with my children to central Pennsylvania?
Dr. William Leddel, Morris County