John Stockton
John Stockton
1768-1851
John was born into a very prominent family in Princeton, NJ. As a young child during the Revolutionary war, John witnessed his father, Joseph Stockton (1731-1777), become embroiled in the conflict by aligning with the British and being branded a Loyalist. To evade the Continental Army, Joseph abandoned his 500-acre Princeton estate which he inherited from his father, Samuel. He joined a Loyalist regiment and escorted British Colonel Mawhood to New Brunswick following their defeat at the Battle of Princeton. Joseph was killed a few months later while leading a foraging party. Placed on the “Black List,” his estate was confiscated, leaving his widowed wife, Sarah Brearly (1734-1814) and their young son John in a precarious situation. She fled back to PA and her relatives in Lower Makefield!
The intriguing twist in this Stockton family saga involves Joseph Stockton’s first cousin, Richard Stockton (1730-1781). Richard, was born and raised at Morven, Princeton—an estate now listed as a National Historic Landmark. It was built by Jonathan and Richard’s great-grandfather Richard Stockton II (1665-1709) and was willed to Richard upon his father’s death. Unlike his cousin Joseph, who remained loyal to the British crown, Richard took a bold stance for independence by signing the Declaration of Independence and pledging his life, fortune, and honor to the cause. Within months, all three were in jeopardy!
Signing the Declaration was a direct act of defiance against King George III. As British forces advanced through NJ in pursuit of Richard, he and his family made a hasty escape from Morven, burying valuables and leaving their property under the care of their 12-year-old son Richard Jr. They sought refuge in Monmouth County, where Richard Sr. was betrayed by local Tories. He was roused from bed and taken hostage in the middle of the night. He was not just abducted, but dragged naked along a major highway, then clapped into leg irons and tortured. He was arrested and subjected to brutal treatment, including starvation. Under duress, he signed a pledge to “remain in peaceful obedience to his Majesty” in hopes of securing better conditions. He was the only Declaration of Independence signer who recanted his support. General George Washington, a friend of Richard's, intervened upon hearing of his mistreatment and successfully negotiated his release in 1777.
While he was in custody, Morven was taken and occupied by British General Charles Cornwallis and his officers. They burned the library, slashed the wall portraits with bayonets, destroyed the furniture and all personal property. When Richard Sr. returned home, he found Morven in ruins. Once known for his affable nature, he became disheartened and physically weakened. He withdrew from public life and passed away at the young age of 51.
After Richard’s Loyalist cousin Joseph was killed, his wife Sarah and their son John moved to Lower Makefield Township in search of safety and a fresh start. Sarah purchased a small tract of land in what is now the Floral Vale area of Yardley. In 1780 they built a home on their land which still stands today. John grew to become a well-respected horse fancier and veterinary surgeon. He was known for owning some of the finest horses in eastern Pennsylvania, including his prized horse, George Washington. He married Mary Vansant (1773-1844), and together they had 10 children, all born in Lower Makefield Township. Some purchased other farms in the township, including one now part of Yardley Hunt. John and his wife Mary are buried at Slate Hill Cemetery along with several of their descendants. The homestead remained in the Stockton family until the late 1900s.
John married Mary Vansant in 1794. John loved horses and was a veterinary surgeon. He and Mary had 11 children. He died in 1844 and Mary passed away in 1851.
Their children were
- Nancy Ann Stockton Leedom 1793-1883 (Buried in Ohio)
- Joseph Stockton 1796-1871 (Buried in Ohio)
- Sarah Stockton 1810-1888 (Buried at Slate Hill)
- Eliza Stockton 1804-1886 (Buried in Ewing)
- Mary Ann stayed in LMT
- John B Stockton 1812-1882 (Buried in Ewing)
- Charity (?)
- Ellen (?)
- Elijah (?)
- Isaiah Vansant Stockton 1817-1891 (Buried in Slate Hill)
- Eleanor Stockton Hough 1820-1891 (Buried in Ewing)
Their youngest son Isaiah Vansant Stockton married Sarah Thackery. They stayed in LMT and had two children; John B. & Lendrum. Lendrum was quite involved in the LMT community as a School Director.
Isaiah, Sarah and Sarah’s father, Amos Thackery, are all buried here in Slate Hill in the south west corner.