A characteristic of a healthy people is their level of thankfulness. Did your July 4th include a backward glance? Your present freedom cost others something. All over Hunterdon County little blue signs record bygone taverns and inns. Patrons gathered there to talk about freedom. Not just talk ˙ action too. I quote: "Bonnell˙s Tavern The first regiment of "Minute Men" (because they could be ready for battle in 60 seconds) in the colonies formed here in 1775." This white building South of Clinton marks their thirst for liberty. Remember ordinary people in Hunterdon who answered liberty˙s call. Passing time makes some seem larger than life. In the process we suspect it was easier for them to attempt brave deeds. John Hart could be a case in point.
His funeral notice read: On Tuesday the 11 th instant, departed this life at his seat in Hopewell,(now part of Mercer County) JOHN HART, Esq. the Representative in General Assembly for the county of Hunterdon, and late Speaker of that House. He had served in the Assembly for many years under the former government, taken an early and active part in the present revolution, and continued to the day he was seized with his last illness to discharge the duties of a faithful and upright patriot in the service of his country in general and the county he represented in particular. The universal approbation of his character and conduct among all ranks of people, is the best testimony of his worth, and as it must make his death regretted and lamented, will ensure lasting respect to his memory.
John, a signer of the Declaration of Independence for New Jersey, was also elected Freeholder for Hunterdon County, named a Justice of the Peace, elected to the provincial Assembly of New Jersey, appointed to the Court of Common Pleas, became the largest landowner in Hopewell township, with over 600 acres, designated one of the officials to sign the new Bill of Credit notes issued as money for the state. He signed 15,583 notes!
He was speaker of the NJ state assembly. 12,000 men of the American army encamped on his farm before the battle of Monmouth. Washington had lunch with John, then had his famous Council of War at the nearby Hunt House. John cast a long shadow in his lifetime. So long that the tales grew exaggerated.
In His Biography Cleon Hammond debunks some myths: "John Hart didn˙t hide for months from the British. They were not in the area but for the few days from December 8th. 1776, when Washington retreated into Pennsylvania, until at most December 26th, when he captured Trenton. They damaged his house and farm, but it was not destroyed. His wife died in October, so the British did not drive him from her side. Most of his children were grown, so he did not lose them. The two minors went to family nearby while he hid, then everything went back to "normal" after a few days. He did not die a "broken man" from losing his family. He died of kidney stones after a long illness- surrounded by family, in his intact home, on his still working large farm."
This devout Presbyterian was instead an ordinary man with a love for God and the community of Hunterdon. I did say Presbyterian, but he was buried in the First Baptist Church Cemetery, Hopewell, NJ. That˙s because he donated to the Baptists, who wanted to build a church in the area, ground from his front meadow. He loved the churches. John˙s was a life governed by the Bible. Our greatest gift to the future is our daily upright lives. What legacy are you passing on to grandchildren yet unborn?