| Birth: | Sep. 7, 1735 | | Death: | Oct. 2, 1780 | 
Revolutionary War Continental Army Officer. Patriot and mapmaker for General George Washington. After he attended classes at the University of Edinburgh, he made a living as an inventor, engineer and surveyor. In 1762 he invented and patented a new pump, for more eficient pumping of water. Around 1770 a company in Northern New Jersey was looking for someone to manage their iron works. He was hired, an arrived at the job located at the present site of the Ringwood Manor, in June 1771. He ran the business successfully. As soon as war was declared between England and the Colonies, he raised his own militia to fight the English, the first such group in Northern New Jersey. He paid for the supplies with his own money. The Continental Congress commissioned him Captain and had him stay in Ringwood, to guard the iron works and army goods that were stored there. George Washington had heard of his skill as a mapmaker and after an interview with him, he had him commissioned by the Continental Congress, Surveyor General. During his tenure, he over saw the making of 250 maps for the Continental Army. He served in this capacity until his untimely death in 1780 from pneumonia. George Washington attended his funeral in Ringwood. (bio by: Richard H.)
Search Amazon for Robert Erskine
Inscription:
"F.R.S. Geographer and Surveyor General to the Army of the United States, son of the Reverend Ralph Erskine, late minister at Dunfermline, Scotland."
| | | Burial:
Ringwood Manor Cemetery
Ringwood
Passaic County
New Jersey, USA |
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Originally Created by: Richard H.
Record added: Mar 11, 2003
Find A Grave Memorial# 7253314 |
|
|
|
Rest in peace, Sir. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. May we always honor the high price you paid for our freedom. God bless you for your dedication to America's independence. You have given us a great nation and a legacy of liberty for all.
-
Sharon
Added: Oct. 2, 2012 |
-
MFPS
Added: Oct. 2, 2012 |
-
Lotten
Added: Oct. 2, 2012 |
| There are 52 more notes not showing...
Click here to view all notes...
| |
|
Do you have a photo to add? Click here |
(4.0 after 27 votes)
