Father: Hezekiah Bonham, Sr.
Mother: Mary Bishop
Spouse: Hester or Esther Dunn?
m: 1730/1731 - NJ
Child-1: Hester - b: ~1733 - NJ
m: Andrew Willson, Jr. - 22/Dec/1751 - Middletown Twp., Monmouth Co.,
NJ
2: Jeremiah,
Jr. - b: ~1735 - NJ
m: Margaret Cock - 24/May/1758 - Shrewsbury Twp., Monmouth Co., NJ
3: Mary
- b: ~1737 - NJ
m: William Sears - 27/Nov/1758 - Shrewsbury Twp., Monmouth Co., NJ
4: Ann
- b: ~1742 - NJ
m: Obadiah Worthly - 25/Oct/1766 - Shrewsbury Twp., Monmouth Co., NJ
Biographical Details:
It is likely that Jeremiah Bonham was born in either 1706 or 1707 in Maidenhead Township in Burlington (later Hunterdon) County, New Jersey. His father is thought to have been Hezekiah Bonham, Sr., and his mother to have been Mary Bishop Bonham, Hezekiah's putative second wife, but her identity is not definitively known. Similarly, the identity of Jeremiah's wife is uncertain, but according to the work of Howard E. Bonham it is at least possible that she was Hester (or Esther) Dunn, daughter of Benjamin and Hester Martin Dunn. From purely chronological considerations, they would have probably married about 1730 or 1731 or, perhaps, a year or two earlier. Accordingly, it appears that Jeremiah Bonham was living, presumably with his wife, in Hunterdon County in March of 1732 (1733 N. S.) when he was named along with three of his brothers as a debtor to the estate of John Severns of Trenton. This is a probable indication that he became entangled in the larger dispute with Colonel Coxe regarding land titles, i.e., the so-called "Coxe Affair". Within this context, it seems evident that Jeremiah Bonham left Hunterdon County and settled in Shrewsbury Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, before 1739 since he was one of those that made the inventory of the estate of Benjamin Corlis of Shrewsbury in October of that year. Shrewsbury is located approximately fifteen to twenty miles southeast of Piscataway just south of Sandy Hook Bay. He seems to have remained in this locality for the rest of his life and was active in the civil affairs of the community.1,2,3,4 Concomitantly, it is known that there was a congregation of sabbatarian Baptists at Shrewsbury during the eighteenth century (although, it has been reported that they subsequently migrated as a group between 1789 and 1792 to Harrison County, Virginia, now West Virginia, and established the community of New Salem).5 Therefore, it would seem likely that Jeremiah Bonham was a Seventh Day Baptist. In addition, he appears to have been a strong supporter of the Patriot cause during the American Revolution since he was a member of the Committee of Correspondence for Shrewsbury Township.6 The date of Jeremiah's death is not known; however, he was certainly living during the 1780's since his name continued to appear in civil records. Indeed, both he and his son, Jeremiah Bonham, Jr., were listed in tax records for the years 1779, 1780, 1781, 1782, 1784, 1785, 1786, and 1789, but, subsequently, viz., for the years 1794 to 1797, only one Jeremiah Bonham, presumably Jeremiah, Jr., was listed. Therefore, it is a plausible presumption that Jeremiah Bonham, Sr., died in Shrewsbury Township about the year 1790.Source Notes and Citations:
1. Howard Eugene Bonham and Jean Allin, Bonham and Related Family Lines, Bonham Book(s), 5104 Bridlington Ln., Raleigh, NC, 27612, printed by Genie Plus, Bradenton, FL, 1996: pgs. 146-51.
"1739, Oct. 20. Corlis, Benjamin, of Shrewsbury, Monmouth Co., weaver. Int. Inventory was made by Samuel Leonard, John Redford and Jeremiah Bonham."
"1743, Nov. 1. George Williams of Shrewsbury, Monmouth Co., yeoman, will of. ...
Inventory of one thousand, three hundred & eighty-six pounds, 19 shillings and 8 pence, ... . Made by Ephraim Allen, Joseph Corlies, Jacob Corlies, 24 Mar 1744.
Mentions Jeremiah Bonham on list of 'accounts' owed as of 12 Jun 1751. Included also are Richard Stout, Peter Willson, Benj. Stout, Cornelius Compton, Edmund Lefebro and many others."
"1745, July 23. John Watson's wife, Hope, Henry Van Hook, Jeremiah Bonham, John Leming, Jun'r, and Schenck Job, on their petitions, allowed to be Public House Keepers. [Record of Court of Sessions & Pleas, Freehold, NJ.]"
"1756, March 30. Joseph Eatton of Shrewsbury, Monmouth Co., surgeon; will of. ...
Inventory of 584 pounds and 19 shillings is made by Josiah Holmes and Jeremiah Bonham, 8 May 1761."
"1761, Aug. 19. Mary Wardell of Shrewsbury, Monmouth Co., widow; will of. Jeremiah Bonham was a witness, also David Allen and George White. Will was proved 24 Mar 1762."
"1769, May 25. Joanna Eatton of Shrewsbury, Monmouth Co., widow, will of. ... Witnesses: Jeremiah Bonham, Stephen Wardell and Joseph Leonard. Will was proved 15 Jan 1770. Inventory was made by Jeremiah Bonham and Joseph Allen 2 Jan 1770."
"1777, Sep 16. Richard Tole of Shrewsbury, Monmouth Co.; will of. My only child and son, Joseph, 500 pounds, when 21. Wife, Sarah, all other estate. Executrix: wife Sarah. Witnesses: Joseph Corlies, Jeremiah Bonham, Deborah Corlies. Proved Aug 7 1783."
"1785, Sep 18. Jeremiah Bonham, Deborah Corlies and Joseph Allen, Jr. witnessed the will of Sarah Tole of Shrewsbury, Monmouth Co., widow."
back to bio.2a. Abraham Van Doren Honeyman (ed), New Jersey Archives - First Series (alt. title Calendar of New Jersey Wills, Adminstrations, Etc. Vol. II: 1730-1750), New Jersey Historical Society, Trenton, NJ, The Unionist-Gazette Assoc., Printers, Somerville, NJ, 1913: Vol. 30, pg. 112.
Oct. 20, 1739. "Corlis, Benjamin, of Shrewsbury, Monmouth Co., weaver. Int. Inventory £84.5.0; made by Samuel Leonard, John Redford and Jeremiah Bonham."
Nov. 14, 1739. "Adm'x, Mary Corlis, widow. Joseph Corlis, of Shrewsbury, yeoman, fellow bondsman. Witnessed by Jacob Vardell."b. ibid: Vol. 30, pgs. 530-1.
Nov. 1, 1743. "Williams, George, of Town of Shrewsbury, Monmouth Co., yeoman; will of. Wife, Lydia, one-third of plantation where testator lives and one-fourth of land on Goose Neck, one-third of houses, barns, etc., excepting fulling mill, tools, etc. Eldest son, Obadiah. Second son, George, land, mill, tools, etc., belonging to fulling mill, and grist mill and press, 'which was Obadiah William's,' and which testator bought of the auditors. Third son, Hezekiah, land bought of John Throckmorton at Squaneum; land bought of Thomas Bills on Meteeteeunk Neck; land on Whale Pond Brook, bought from testator's brother Judah, now to John's occupation. Youngest son, Elihu, plantation whereon testator lives, land on Goose Neck. 'The above bequest to his mother-in-law, my wife Lydia being excepted during her widowhood.' To son, Elihu, the fulling mill with the copper press, sheers, etc. Daughter, Hannah, £100. when aged 21 or at marriage. Wife, use of one-third of silver plate. Mullato man to be let or set free at age of 30, etc. Executors---sons George and Hezekiah. Witnesses---Emanuel Wooley, Webley Edwards, Michael Robinson, Jacob Dennis. Proved April 10, 1744. (Webley Edwards and the executors Quakers)."
Mar. 24, 1744. "Inventory (£1,386.19.8) includes mulatto man, £20, and utensils belonging to clother's trade. Made by Ephraim Allen, Joseph Corlies, Jacob Corlies."
Jun. 12, 1751. "Account. Mentions James McCarty, Jacob Corlies, ..., Jeremiah Bonham, ..., Elihu, Hannah and Lydia Williams. James McCarty, the mulatto man, for his freedom due, £20."
back to bio.3a. Abraham Van Doren Honeyman (ed), New Jersey Archives - First Series (alt. title Calendar of New Jersey Wills, Adminstrations, Etc. Vol. IV: 1761-1770), New Jersey Historical Society, Trenton, NJ, The Unionist-Gazette Assoc., Printers, Somerville, NJ, 1928: Vol. 33, pg. 125.
Mar. 30. 1756. "Eatton, Joseph, of Shrewsbury, Monmouth Co., surgeon; will of. Wife, Lucy, the improvement of half of my lands. Sons, John and Thomas, lands, and they are to be educated at directions of my brother, Thomas Eatton. Executor---my brother, Thomas Eatton. Witnesses---John Allen, Jr., John Lippincott, Jr., Mary Lippincott. Proved May 6, 1761."
Jun. 1, 1761. "Whereas Joseph Eaton, in his will, appointed his brother, Thomas Eaton, to be his executor, and the said Thomas is removed out of the Province, into the Government of Georgia, now Lucy Eaton, the widow of Joseph, is appointed Adm'x with the will annexed. Fellowbondsman---Joseph Leonard, of said place."
May 8, 1761. "Inventory £584.19.0, made by Josiah Holmes and Jeremiah Bonham."b. ibid.: Vol. 33, pg. 464.
Aug. 19, 1761. "Wardell, Mary, of Shrewsbury, Monmouth Co., widow; will of. Son, Stephen, 5 shillings. Eldest daughter, Esther, my bed and great Bible. Daughter, Sarah, cupboard. Rest to my daughters, Esther, Sarah and Catherine. Executors---my friends and neighbors, Thomas Burden, Jr. and Webley Edwards. Witnesses---Jeremiah Bonham, David Allen, George White. Proved March 24, 1762."
Mar. 24, 1762. "Renunciation by Webley Edwards. Witness---Asher West"c. ibid.: Vol. 33, pg. 125.
May 25, 1769. "Eatton, Joanna, of Shrewsbury, Monmouth Co., widow; will of. Daughter, Margaret Berrien, furniture. Daughter, Joanna Spencer's daughters, all the rest. My negro man may be free, by paying my daughter, Sarah Tole, 40 shillings a year. Executors---daughters, Sarah Tole and Joanna Spencer. Witnesses---Stephen Wardell, Jeremiah Bonham, Joseph Leonard. Proved Jan. 15, 1770."
Jan. 2, 1770. "Inventory £621.11.9, made by Jeremiah Bonham and Joseph Allen."
back to bio.4.. Elmer Tindall Hutchinson (ed), New Jersey Archives - First Series (alt. title Calendar of New Jersey Wills, Adminstrations, Etc. Vol. VI: 1781-1785), New Jersey Historical Society, Trenton, NJ, MacCrellish & Quigley Co., Printers, Trenton, NJ, 1939: Vol. 35, pg. 397.
Sep. 16, 1777. "Tole, Richard, of Shrewsbury, Monmouth Co.; will of. My only child and son, Joseph, £500, when 21. Wife, Sarah, all other estate. Executrix---wife, Sarah. Witnesses---Joseph Corlies, Jeremiah Bonham, Deborah Corlies. Proved Aug. 7, 1783."Sep. 18, 1785. "Tole, Sarah, of Shrewsbury, Monmouth Co., widow; will of. To Richard Tole Hazard and his brother Thomas Hazard, of New York City, the house and lot in Eaton Town, formerly belonging to Humphrey Wady; but their mother, Sarah Hazard, to have the use of it while she lives. Nieces, Elizabeth and Sarah, daughters of John Eaton, a £100 bond due to me from their uncle, Thomas Eaton. Neice, Margaret Chapman, daughter of my sister, Valeria, 1/5 of rest of real and personal estate. Neice, Joanna, daughter of my sister, Lydia, also 1/5. Neices, Valeria and Lydia, daughters of my sister, Elizabeth, 1/5. Sister, Joanna Spencer, 1/5. Sister, Margaret Berrien, 1/5, and after her decease, to her son William, and daughter, Mary. Executors---sister, Margaret Berrien, my neice, Margaret Chapman, (daughter of my sister, Valeria), and Joanna, (daughter of my sister, Lydia). Witnesses---Jeremiah Bonham, Deborah Corlies, Joseph Allen, Jr."
Jun. 28, 1786. "Codicil. Apparel to Executors. Witnesses---Deborah Corlies, Joseph Allen, Jr. Proved July 11, 1786."
Jul. 11, 1786. "Renunciation by Joanna Wardell."
Jul. 3, 1786. "Inventory, £4,371.4.2, made by Richard Lawrence and William Parker."
back to bio.5. Ivor C. Fletcher, The Incredible History of God's True Church, privately published, 17 Larch Way, Patchway, Bristol, BS12 5DL, UK, 1984.
"Impoverished and decimated by the Revolutionary War, the Shrewsbury church sold the church building and on September 6, 1789 as a body moved to Woodbridgetown, Pennsylvania, and soon thereafter (1792) to New Salem, Virginia, on land donated by William Fitz Randolph. It is probable that the Shrewsbury emigrants were joined by recruits from Piscataway, New Jersey." (Richard C. Nickels (tr), "The Incredible History of God's True Church", www.giveshare.org/churchhistory/historysdcog/, 1995.)
back to bio.6. Frederick William Ricord and William Nelson (eds), New Jersey Archives - First Series (alt. title Administrations of Governor William Franklin, 1767-1776), New Jersey Historical Society, Trenton, NJ, Daily Advertiser Printing House, Newark, NJ, 1886: Vol. 10, pgs. 666-7.
"Proceedings of the Shrewsbury Committe of Correspondence [from New Jersey Historical Society Manuscripts]. The Shrewsbury Committee met by appointment at the house of Mr. Bonham, 6th October, 1775, and unanimously placed Josiah Holmes in the Chair--- Ordered, that public advertisements be put up for the Officers of the Several districts of this Township to render in the names of all that still retain the province arms contrary to the sense of the advertisement published by the late committee, dated 16th September, 1775, for them to be proceeded against; and also a full account must be taken of all the province arms in this township into whose hands they are, and that he take receipts from all holding them that do train, and that a Copy of this order be served upon the Colonel.
Ordered, that Col. Samuel Breese ask the assessor about his assessment and acquaint the Chairman of the sum of his information.
Whereas the riotous and numerous meetings of negroes at unlicensed houses is pernicious in itself and may be of pernicious consequences; if the Col. is informed of any such meetings he is desired to use his militia, or as many as he finds necessary, to secure the Negroes, and give the names of the deliinquents, to be proceeded against agreeable to Law.
Ordered, that all these proceedings be publicly advertised in two of the most public places in the township.
The business of the day being ended, the Committee adjourned to next Monday week, 16th October, 1775, to meet at Mr. Bonham's. Members present---Josiah Holmes, Jeremiah Bonham, John Little, Cornelius Lane, John Polhemus."
back to bio.
Additional Citations:
6. William Nelson (ed), New Jersey Archives - First Series (alt. title Documents Relating to the Colonial, Revolutionary and Post-revolutionary History of the State of New Jersey, Marriage Records 1665-1800), New Jersey Historical Society, Trenton, NJ, The Press Printing and Pub. Co., Paterson, NJ, 1900: Vol. 22, pgs. 28, 51, 90, 439, & 444.7. op. cit. (A. Honeyman): Vol. 30, pgs. 424-7.
8. Kenn Stryker-Rodda, Revolutionary Census of New Jersey (alt. title An Index, Based on Ratables, of the Inhabitants of New Jersey During the Period of the American Revolution), Polyanthos, Inc., Cottonport, LA, 1972: pg. 21. (cited op. cit. (H. E. Bonham): pg. 151.)
9. Elmer Burt Hazie, Bonham, 1631-1973: letters, quotations, genealogical charts, military records, directory index, privately published, Los Angeles, CA, 1973: pg. 32. (rev. of Emmet Lincoln Smith, Smith-Bonham, 1631-1908, privately published, Chicago, IL, 1911; also Emmet Lincoln Smith, rev. by Elmer Burt Hazie, Bonham, 1631-1959: letters, quotations, genealogical charts, illustrations, military record, directory, privately published, Los Angeles, CA, 1959 & Elmer Burt Hazie, Bonham, 1631-1975: letters, quotations, genealogical charts, military records, directory index, privately published, Los Angeles, CA, 1975.)
10. Olive Barrick Rowland, Genealogical Notes of the Sutton and Rittenhouse Families of Hunterdon County, New Jersey, Garrett & Massie, Pub., Richmond, VA, 1935: pg. 116.
11. Lewis Alexander Platts, "Seventh Day Baptists in America Prior to 1802" in Seventh Day Baptists in Europe and America, American Sabbath Tract Society, Plainfield, NJ, 1910: Vol. 1, pgs. 120-46. (David Hill, www.seventh-day-baptist.org.au/library/books/sdbusa.htm, 1996.)