Signer of the Declaration of Independence. He moved to the area near Hopewell, New Jersey, where he spent the majority of his life. In 1739, he bought a farm there and married his neighbor, Deborah Scudder. They would have 13 children, and with hard work, the family became well to do. He was called "Honest John" by his neighbors because of his integrity and fairness, and he served as a judge for several years. Hart served in the New Jersey Assembly from 1761 to 1771, and as speaker of the Assembly in 1776. He was an early supporter of the American cause and opposed the Stamp Act. In June 1776, New Jersey recalled its delegates to the Second Continental Congress, and appointed new ones, including John Hart. Hart took his seat in Congress on July 1, 1776, and the next day, at the age of 65, voted for independence. Soon afterwards, he returned to his farm in New Jersey. In late 1776, the British Army advanced near Hopewell, and John had just enough time to get his children to relatives, before he could escape himself. Hiding out in caves and sleeping out in the open, he refused the British offer of a pardon if he gave up the patriot cause. After George Washington won the Battle of Princeton, New Jersey, on January 3, 1777, he finally returned to his farm, to find his wife dead and the farm destroyed. He attempted to find his children, but was never able to gather all of them back together again. His health wrecked by his months spent out in the open winter as a fugitive, he died on May 11, 1780.
Signer of the Declaration of Independence. He moved to the area near Hopewell, New Jersey, where he spent the majority of his life. In 1739, he bought a farm there and married his neighbor, Deborah Scudder. They would have 13 children, and with hard work, the family became well to do. He was called "Honest John" by his neighbors because of his integrity and fairness, and he served as a judge for several years. Hart served in the New Jersey Assembly from 1761 to 1771, and as speaker of the Assembly in 1776. He was an early supporter of the American cause and opposed the Stamp Act. In June 1776, New Jersey recalled its delegates to the Second Continental Congress, and appointed new ones, including John Hart. Hart took his seat in Congress on July 1, 1776, and the next day, at the age of 65, voted for independence. Soon afterwards, he returned to his farm in New Jersey. In late 1776, the British Army advanced near Hopewell, and John had just enough time to get his children to relatives, before he could escape himself. Hiding out in caves and sleeping out in the open, he refused the British offer of a pardon if he gave up the patriot cause. After George Washington won the Battle of Princeton, New Jersey, on January 3, 1777, he finally returned to his farm, to find his wife dead and the farm destroyed. He attempted to find his children, but was never able to gather all of them back together again. His health wrecked by his months spent out in the open winter as a fugitive, he died on May 11, 1780.
Bio by: Kit and Morgan Benson
Inscription
A SIGNER OF
THE DECLARATION OF
INDEPENDENCE
FROM NEW JERSEY
Family Members
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Edward Hart
1685–1752
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Martha Furman Hart
1690 – unknown
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Deborah Scudder Hart
1721–1776 (m. 1740)
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Sarah Hart Burrowes
1716 – unknown
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Sarah Hart Wikoff
1741–1821
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Nathaniel Hart
1747–1825
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John Hart
1748 – unknown
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Susannah Hart Polhemus
1750–1832
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Abigail Hart Stout
1754–1832
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Edward Hart
1755–1812
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Daniel Scudder Hart
1762–1848
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Deborah Hart Ott
1765–1838
Flowers
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