Elizabeth Brearley

Birth: Jun. 11, 1745
Death: Aug. 16, 1790

Signer of the US Constitution. Born near Trenton, New Jersey this young lawyer's outspoken passion concerning the independence of the American colonies led to him being arrested by British forces and charged with high treason. Before his trial, however, he was set free by a group of fellow-citizens. In 1776 he participated in New Jersey's convention to draft a new state constitution and joined the state militia where he participated in several Revolutionary War battles eventually achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. In 1779, at the young age of thirty-four, he was appointed chief justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court. He held that position for ten years presiding over several precedent setting cases. In 1787 he was sent to Philadelphia, as one of his state's delegates, to the convention convened to develop a new US constitution. He was an ardent supporter of fellow New Jersey delegate William Paterson and the "New Jersey Plan" developed by him which was designed to protect the rights of the smaller sates. Brearley also served on the committee which decided the term length and powers of the president. Sadly, the young lawyer did not get to see the fruition of his efforts mature. Three years after the convention, and shortly after being appointed a federal district judge, he died at the age of forty-five, prematurely ending his promising career in public service. (bio by: Bigwoo)

Family links:
Spouse:
Elizabeth Higbee Brearley (____ - 1832)*

Children:
David Brearley (____ - 1820)*
Hetty Brearley (1775 - 1819)*

*Calculated relationship

Burial:
Saint Michael's Episcopal Churchyard
Trenton
Mercer County
New Jersey, USA
Plot: David Brearly's grave is in the last row on the left side.It has a smallgreen sign

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Maintained by: Find A Grave
Record added: Mar 15, 1999
Find A Grave Memorial# 4725

Birth: 1775
Death: 1819

age 44 years

Family links:
Parents:
David Brearley (1745 - 1790)
Elizabeth Higbee Brearley (____ - 1832)

Sibling:
David Brearley (____ - 1820)*
Hetty Brearley (1775 - 1819)

*Calculated relationship

Burial:
Saint Michael's Episcopal Churchyard
Trenton
Mercer County
New Jersey, USA

Edit Virtual Cemetery info [?]

Created by: Leigh Miller
Record added: Dec 27, 2009
Find A Grave Memorial# 45855856

Birth: unknown
Death: Nov. 8, 1820
Alabama, USA

age 34 years

Family links:
Parents:
David Brearley (1745 - 1790)
Elizabeth Higbee Brearley (____ - 1832)

Sibling:
David Brearley (____ - 1820)
Hetty Brearley (1775 - 1819)*

*Calculated relationship

Burial:
Saint Michael's Episcopal Churchyard
Trenton
Mercer County
New Jersey, USA

Edit Virtual Cemetery info [?]

Created by: Leigh Miller
Record added: Dec 27, 2009
Find A Grave Memorial# 45856391