Rev. John Drake, of Piscataway

https://www.myheritage.com/matchingresult-4b9dd9839664e183641ff7bf3...

brief biography and family

Rev. John Drake was the son of Capt. Francis Drake (1615-1687) and Mary Walker (1625-1688).

John married Rebecca Trotter, daughter of William Trotter (1646-) and Cutbury Gibbs (1631-1667), on July 7 1677 in Piscataway, NJ.

John and Rebecca had fifteen children: John (1678-1758), Francis (1679-1733), Joseph (1681-1758), Benjamin (1683-1763), my 6th great-grandfather Abraham (1685-1763), Sarah (1686-1749), Isaac (1688-1759), Jacob (1690-), Ebenezer (1693-), Ephraim (1694-), Rebecca (1697-1749), Abigail (1699-), Hannah (1699-), Mary (1700-1740), and Elizabeth (1702-).

Although there is no headstone for John, there is a plaque at the church where he is shown as being the first pastor, continuing for fifty years. John also served as a civil magistrate.

vicar of Kirk Smeaton?

links

• https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/13879357/john-drake
• http://www.dougwilson.com/family/reports/fam1058.html
• FamilySearch AFN 2VFC-37
• FamilySearch AFN MRV7-S1

content to clean up

More information can be found at Ringleib's Family Website.

Burial:

Stelton Baptist Church Cemetery

Edison

Middlesex County

New Jersey, USA

Created by: Marvin Hilts

Rev. John Drake - born about 1655, Portsmouth, N.H. He died 1740-41, will proved in Essex Co., NJ. He was a lay preacher in the early days of Piscataway, and upon the organization of the old Piscataway Baptist Church he became its pastor and served in that capacity for more than 50 years (Lee, New Jersey Genealogy, pub. 1910, v.1, p.82). He married Rebecca Trotter of Elizabeth Town, July 7, 1677 (Pisc. Town Records); she was born July 5, 1655, Newbury Mass. He is said to have been married twice more, but the names of the 2nd and 3rd wives are unknown. Rebecca was apparently mother of all his children (T.R.).

Children: (all born Piscataway, N.J.)

a) John b. June 2, 1678 - m. Sarah Compton

b) Francis b. Dec. 23, 1679 - m. Patience _____

c) Samuel b. 1680 - m. Elizabeth Hull

d) Joseph b. Oct 21, 1681 - m. Anne Hull

e) BENJAMIN b. 1683 - m. 1)Mary 2)Hannah

f) Abraham b. Apr. 1685 - m. Deliverance Wooden

g) Sarah b. 1686 - m. _____ Fulson

h) Isaac b. Jan 12, 1687/8 - m. Hannah _____

i) Jacob b. 1690

j) Ebenezer b. July 19, 1693 - m. Anna Dunn

k) Ephraim b. 1694

l) Rebecca b. Nov 21, 1697 - m. Joseph Fitzrandolph

m) Abigail b. May 10, 1699

n) Mary - m. ______ Davis

In a deposition dated April 29, 1707, John Drake gives his age as "about 50 years" (N.J. Arch. 1st ser. v.III p. 218). From N.J. Arch., 1st ser. v. 30:

Notes:

THE WILL OF REV. JOHN DRAKE of Piscataway, New Jersey.

In the Name God Amen the Seventh Day of April in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Forty, I John Drake "sener" (senior) of the County of Essex and Province of New Jersey yeoman being in perfect health and memory thanks be to amighty God therefore and knowing the certaintyof Death therefore Do make and or Dain this my Last will and Testament and firs (first) of all I recommend my Soul into the hands of God that Gave itt (it) and I Recommend my body to the earth to be Buried Decently by my Executors and as touching such good as God hath blest me with I give and Dispose of the same In manner and form as following and first of all I orDain and appoint hat all my Lawfull be paid by my Executors afternamed,

Item I give unto my son Benjamin Drake sixteen pound

" " " " " " Isaac Drake nineteen pound

" " " " " " Abraham Drake sixteen pound

" " " " " " Sammuel Drake Twenty pound

" " " " " daughter Sarah Fullsom seaven (seven) shilling

" " " " " grandson Abraham Drake seaven (seven) pound

" " " " " grandson John Drake six pound

" " " " " grandson Phillip Drake seven pound

" " " " " grandson Gersham Drake seven pound

" I give unto Samul Davis and Thomas Davises Children he had by my daughter Mary Davis five pound Each of them.

" I give unto Mary Davis Daughter of the said Mary Davis Deceased £(pounds) 3.

" I give unto Edward Slater six pound

" I give unto Allirhiah (maybe Allijah?) Skibbo Eight pound

" I give unto Elizabeth Hull Wife of Benjaman Hull Esqr. three pound

" I give unto Filibrates Martain (Martin) the wife of Benjaman Martain £ 3.

" I give unto my daughter in Law Patience Drake ( left blank)

" I give unto my daughter Sarah Drake three pound (Widow of son John)

" I give unto Moses Fitz Randolph Thirty Pound

[probably thermoses who married Rachel, daughter of Benjamin & Sarah (Drake) Hull Rev. John’s granddaughter]

" I give unto Christian bebout five pounds

" I give unto the poor of iscataqua five pounds.

" I will that if any of the above mentioned Legatorys shall be uneasy turbulent or trouble

to my Executors that he or they shall forfit (forfeit) their Respect Leagaies there of which said Leagaies shall be disposed of as the rest of my Estate there after mentioned

" I will that the remainder ofmy Estate if any there be to be Devided Equilly (divide equally) a mongstt my own Children onely my Daughter Sarah Fulson which I give nothing by the seven shilling and I do hearby make apoint (appoint) Constitute and Ordain my well beloved Gransons (grandsons) Sammuel Drake and Jonas Drake And Hannah Drake there (their) mother to be my only and Sole Executors of this my Last Will and Testament Revising Disannulling all other testaments or wills hereto fore By me made in word or writing and this one to be taken for my Last Will and Testament and no other. In Witness where of I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the … (unsure – seem to be missing something; will go to next page)

And the year first above written ( likely year 1740)

Dealed and Delivered and published by the said John Drake to be his Last will and John Drake L.S. Testament in the presents (presence) of us.

James Manning

Grace Manning

David Drake

________________________________________

"I HNNAH Drake wife of Isaac Drake in the Co. (County) of Essex and Province of East New Jersey being nomanated (nominated) and appointed for to be an Excexectrix (executrix0 in the Last Will ad Testament of John Drake late of Piscatwa and Co. of Mdx (Middlesex0 (deceased) Together with my two Sons, Sam and Jonas Drake Excexetors with me of the sd (said) will and Testament above sd (said): and finding myself by age and other inabilities not capable of Performing the offices of an Executor. I hereby resigne all my power up to the Exectors above sd (said) to act and Do in the Offices as well with out me as if I was not appointed: As witness Myhand and seal this 30th day of September 1741"

Witnesses: John Blackford Juner (Jr) her

Jacob Thorp Hanah X Drake (Seal)

Mark

Recorded at Trenton under 1107-G_____________

Sources/Info:

Occasional spelling clarifications & comments provided by Oliver Drake & Daniel Drake

This reformatted copy of the Will is based upon a copy made by Oliver Drake, a noted genealogist & researcher; Oliver Drake’s copy of the will was included In the +80 page Manuscript by Edith Drake Hyde per her Drake Research conducted over several decades (1930-1950’s); published in 1959.

Daniel Francis Perry Drake (also known as Daniel "DUCKY" Drake) obtained this Manuscript via the New Jersey Genealogical Society’s Special Collections located at Rutgers University; in the "Rankin/Drake Collection."

Daniel Drake may be contacted via email: ducky@duckydrake.com or check updated listings via the Internet; www.duckydrake.com or www.ducky@avenuecable.com

1740, April 7. DRAKE, JOHN SEN'R, of Essex Co., yeoman; will of. Children: Benjamin, Isaac, Abraham, Samuel and Sarah Fulson. Grandchildren: Abraham, John, Philip, and Gershom Drake; Samuel, Thomas and Mary Davis, children of dtr Mary dec'd. Dau-in-law Patience Drake. Edward Slater, Allizhiah Skebbo, Elizabeth (wife of Benjamin Hull, Esq), Filiratea (wife of Benjamin Martain), Moses FitzRandolph, Christian Rebout, the poor of Piscataqua. Exrs: grandsons Samuel and Jonas Drake, and their mother, Hannah Drake. Wit: James Manning, Grace Manning, David Drake. Pr. Sept. 29, 1741 Lib. C p. 442

1741, Sept. 30. Hannah Drake, wife of Isaac Drake, renounces the executorship on account of age and other inability. Wit: John Blackford Jr., Jacob Thorp. Inventory, 5 pounds 3 shillings; made by David Sutton.

Note:

Married 1st Rebecca Trotter in 1677. Ref: Early Germans in N.J., Chambers, p. 37. Rebecca was the mother of all of his children although he remarried two times again after her death.

Note:

.His will dated April 7,1740 and probated Sept.29, 1741 names children:

Benjamin, Isssaca, Abraham, Samuel, Sara Fulson,also among the beneficiaries

are "the poor of Piscaaqua (Piscataway)." Archives 1st Series Vol. XXX p.

151.

He was pastor of the Baptist Church at Piscataway, N.J. from 1689 to 1739.

He was also a Civil Magistrat and the most distinguished member of his

family. "Drake, Rev. John 1655-1741. Deputy to General Assembly 1693.

Justice of Peace, Middlesex and Somerset 1709. Ref: Register N.J. Society of

Colonial Dames of America. 1928, p. 343.

Rebecca Trotter, daughter of William Trotter

b. ?

m. Rev. John Drake in 1677

Source:

1. Ref: Early Germans in N.J., Chambers, p. 37.

2. "Drake, Rev. John 1655-1741. Deputy to General Assembly 1693.

Justice of Peace, Middlesex and Somerset 1709. Ref: Register N.J. Society of

Colonial Dames of America. 1928, p. 343.

Rev. John Drake was born in 1655 at Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire, and came to New Jersey when he was still a boy. His first wife, whom he married July 7, 1677, at Elizabethtown, Essex County, New Jersey, was Rebecca Trotter, born July 5, 1655, probably at Woodbridge, Essex County, New Jersey, the daughter of William Trotter and Catherine Cutbury Gibbs. Although John was married three times, Rebecca was the mother of all his 14 children.

He was one of the founders of Piscataway, New Jersey, where he established the First Baptist Church of Piscataway and became famous as its minister, officiating until his great age forced his retirement.

Rev. John Drake owned and farmed land and was reported to be the first ordained Baptist minister in America. He was also a constable, overseer of the poor, and was a delegate to the New Jersey Assembly.

When he died, he left a will showing him living in Essex County, New Jersey. His will, dated April 7, 1740, was proven September 29, 1741. Both Rev. John and Rebecca Trotter Drake, who died in 1702 at Piscataway, were buried in the cemetery of the First Baptist Church of Piscataway.

Children of John and Rebecca: John, Francis, Samuel, Joseph, Benjamin, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Ebenezer, Ephriam, rebecca, Abigail, and Mary.

John was the first Baptist Preacher at Piscataway. He preached from the beginning of the settlement to 1689 when the Reverend Thomas Killingsworth visited them, established a church, and ordained Mr. Drake to be their minister. This gave rise to the tradition, "that Mr. Killingsworth was the first minister of Piscataway, Middletown, and Cohansey." The last is true, but the first minister of Piscataway was Reverend John Drake.

He was ordained the Piscataway pastor in 1689 and continued in the pastorship for 50 years until his death in 1739. John Drake?s descendants were numerous, and respected among the Baptists in the region. They claimed kinship to the famous Sir Francis Drake.

Following is the Will of John Drake:

In the Name God Amen the Seventh Day of April in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Forty, I John Drake "sener" (senior) of the County of Essex and Province of New Jersey yeoman being in perfect health and memory thanks be to amighty God therefore and knowing the certaintyof Death therefore Do make and or Dain this my Last will and Testament and firs (first) of all I recommend my Soul into the hands of God that Gave itt (it) and I Recommend my body to the earth to be Buried Decently by my Executors and as touching such good as God hath blest me with I give and Dispose of the same In manner and form as following and first of all I orDain and appoint hat all my Lawfull be paid by my Executors afternamed,

I give unto my son Benjamin Drake sixteen pound

- Isaac Drake nineteen pound- Abraham Drake sixteen pound - Sammuel Drake Twenty pound- daughter Sarah Fullsom seaven (seven) shilling- grandson Abraham Drake seaven (seven) pound- grandson John Drake six pound- grandson Phillip Drake seven pound- grandson Gersham Drake seven pound

I give unto Samul Davis and Thomas Davises Children he had by my daughter Mary Davis five pound Each of them.- I give unto Mary Davis Daughter of the said Mary Davis Deceased £(pounds) 3.- I give unto Edward Slater six pound- I give unto Allirhiah (maybe Allijah?) Skibbo Eight pound- I give unto Elizabeth Hull Wife of Benjaman Hull Esqr. three pound- I give unto Filibrates Martain (Martin) the wife of Benjaman Martain £ 3.- I give unto my daughter in Law Patience Drake ( left blank)- I give unto my daughter Sarah Drake three pound (Widow of son John)- I give unto Moses Fitz Randolph Thirty Pound [probably the moses who married Rachel, daughter of Benjamin & Sarah (Drake) Hull Rev. John?s granddaughter]- I give unto Christian bebout five pounds- I give unto the poor of iscataqua five pounds.

I will that if any of the above mentioned Legatorys shall be uneasy turbulent or troubleto my Executors that he or they shall forfit (forfeit) their Respect Leagaies there of which said Leagaies shall be disposed of as the rest of my Estate there after mentioned

I will that the remainder of my Estate if any there be to be Devided Equilly (divide equally) a mongstt my own Children onely my Daughter Sarah Fulson which I give nothing by the seven shilling and I do hearby make apoint (appoint) Constitute and Ordain my well beloved Gransons (grandsons) Sammuel Drake and Jonas Drake And Hannah Drake there (their) mother to be my only and Sole Executors of this my Last Will and Testament Revising Disannulling all other testaments or wills hereto fore By me made in word or writing and this one to be taken for my Last Will and Testament and no other. In Witness where of I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the ? (unsure ? seem to be missing something; will go to next page)

And the year first above written ( likely year 1740)

Dealed and Delivered and published by the said John Drake to be his Last will and John Drake L.S. Testament in the presents (presence) of us.

James Manning

Grace Manning

David Drake

John along with Hugh Dunn & Edmund Dunham presumably started holding some sort of meetings for religious teaching in Piscataway about 1669 & did so for about 2 yr when a Baptist congragation was organized & John became the 1st pastor (The Beginnings of Three New Jersey Family Lines, Runyon Dunn Drake p 16). P 25 says John b. Portsmouth @ 1655. He pastored over 50 yr.; was member of Assembly 1693; Town Clerk 1695. John may have md. 3rd time & moved to Essex Co., towards end of his life. Will said of Essex, yoeman.

Rev. John Drake, my 7th great-grandfather, was the son of Capt. Francis Drake (1615-1687) and Mary Walker (1625-1688).

John married Rebecca Trotter, daughter of William Trotter (1646-) and Cutbury Gibbs (1631-1667), on July 7 1677 in Piscataway, NJ.

John and Rebecca had fifteen children: John (1678-1758), Francis (1679-1733), Joseph (1681-1758), Benjamin (1683-1763), my 6th great-grandfather Abraham (1685-1763), Sarah (1686-1749), Isaac (1688-1759), Jacob (1690-), Ebenezer (1693-), Ephraim (1694-), Rebecca (1697-1749), Abigail (1699-), Hannah (1699-), Mary (1700-1740), and Elizabeth (1702-).

Although there is no headstone for John, there is a plaque at the church where he is shown as being the first pastor, continuing for fifty years. John also served as a civil magistrate.

More information can be found at Ringleib's Family Website.

Burial:

Stelton Baptist Church Cemetery

Edison

Middlesex County

New Jersey, USA

Created by: Marvin Hilts

Rev. John Drake - born about 1655, Portsmouth, N.H. He died 1740-41, will proved in Essex Co., NJ. He was a lay preacher in the early days of Piscataway, and upon the organization of the old Piscataway Baptist Church he became its pastor and served in that capacity for more than 50 years (Lee, New Jersey Genealogy, pub. 1910, v.1, p.82). He married Rebecca Trotter of Elizabeth Town, July 7, 1677 (Pisc. Town Records); she was born July 5, 1655, Newbury Mass. He is said to have been married twice more, but the names of the 2nd and 3rd wives are unknown. Rebecca was apparently mother of all his children (T.R.).

Children: (all born Piscataway, N.J.)

a) John b. June 2, 1678 - m. Sarah Compton

b) Francis b. Dec. 23, 1679 - m. Patience _____

c) Samuel b. 1680 - m. Elizabeth Hull

d) Joseph b. Oct 21, 1681 - m. Anne Hull

e) BENJAMIN b. 1683 - m. 1)Mary 2)Hannah

f) Abraham b. Apr. 1685 - m. Deliverance Wooden

g) Sarah b. 1686 - m. _____ Fulson

h) Isaac b. Jan 12, 1687/8 - m. Hannah _____

i) Jacob b. 1690

j) Ebenezer b. July 19, 1693 - m. Anna Dunn

k) Ephraim b. 1694

l) Rebecca b. Nov 21, 1697 - m. Joseph Fitzrandolph

m) Abigail b. May 10, 1699

n) Mary - m. ______ Davis

In a deposition dated April 29, 1707, John Drake gives his age as "about 50 years" (N.J. Arch. 1st ser. v.III p. 218). From N.J. Arch., 1st ser. v. 30:

Notes:

THE WILL OF REV. JOHN DRAKE of Piscataway, New Jersey.

In the Name God Amen the Seventh Day of April in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Forty, I John Drake "sener" (senior) of the County of Essex and Province of New Jersey yeoman being in perfect health and memory thanks be to amighty God therefore and knowing the certaintyof Death therefore Do make and or Dain this my Last will and Testament and firs (first) of all I recommend my Soul into the hands of God that Gave itt (it) and I Recommend my body to the earth to be Buried Decently by my Executors and as touching such good as God hath blest me with I give and Dispose of the same In manner and form as following and first of all I orDain and appoint hat all my Lawfull be paid by my Executors afternamed,

Item I give unto my son Benjamin Drake sixteen pound

" " " " " " Isaac Drake nineteen pound

" " " " " " Abraham Drake sixteen pound

" " " " " " Sammuel Drake Twenty pound

" " " " " daughter Sarah Fullsom seaven (seven) shilling

" " " " " grandson Abraham Drake seaven (seven) pound

" " " " " grandson John Drake six pound

" " " " " grandson Phillip Drake seven pound

" " " " " grandson Gersham Drake seven pound

" I give unto Samul Davis and Thomas Davises Children he had by my daughter Mary Davis five pound Each of them.

" I give unto Mary Davis Daughter of the said Mary Davis Deceased £(pounds) 3.

" I give unto Edward Slater six pound

" I give unto Allirhiah (maybe Allijah?) Skibbo Eight pound

" I give unto Elizabeth Hull Wife of Benjaman Hull Esqr. three pound

" I give unto Filibrates Martain (Martin) the wife of Benjaman Martain £ 3.

" I give unto my daughter in Law Patience Drake ( left blank)

" I give unto my daughter Sarah Drake three pound (Widow of son John)

" I give unto Moses Fitz Randolph Thirty Pound

[probably thermoses who married Rachel, daughter of Benjamin & Sarah (Drake) Hull Rev. John’s granddaughter]

" I give unto Christian bebout five pounds

" I give unto the poor of iscataqua five pounds.

" I will that if any of the above mentioned Legatorys shall be uneasy turbulent or trouble

to my Executors that he or they shall forfit (forfeit) their Respect Leagaies there of which said Leagaies shall be disposed of as the rest of my Estate there after mentioned

" I will that the remainder ofmy Estate if any there be to be Devided Equilly (divide equally) a mongstt my own Children onely my Daughter Sarah Fulson which I give nothing by the seven shilling and I do hearby make apoint (appoint) Constitute and Ordain my well beloved Gransons (grandsons) Sammuel Drake and Jonas Drake And Hannah Drake there (their) mother to be my only and Sole Executors of this my Last Will and Testament Revising Disannulling all other testaments or wills hereto fore By me made in word or writing and this one to be taken for my Last Will and Testament and no other. In Witness where of I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the … (unsure – seem to be missing something; will go to next page)

And the year first above written ( likely year 1740)

Dealed and Delivered and published by the said John Drake to be his Last will and John Drake L.S. Testament in the presents (presence) of us.

James Manning

Grace Manning

David Drake

________________________________________

"I HNNAH Drake wife of Isaac Drake in the Co. (County) of Essex and Province of East New Jersey being nomanated (nominated) and appointed for to be an Excexectrix (executrix0 in the Last Will ad Testament of John Drake late of Piscatwa and Co. of Mdx (Middlesex0 (deceased) Together with my two Sons, Sam and Jonas Drake Excexetors with me of the sd (said) will and Testament above sd (said): and finding myself by age and other inabilities not capable of Performing the offices of an Executor. I hereby resigne all my power up to the Exectors above sd (said) to act and Do in the Offices as well with out me as if I was not appointed: As witness Myhand and seal this 30th day of September 1741"

Witnesses: John Blackford Juner (Jr) her

Jacob Thorp Hanah X Drake (Seal)

Mark

Recorded at Trenton under 1107-G_____________

Sources/Info:

Occasional spelling clarifications & comments provided by Oliver Drake & Daniel Drake

This reformatted copy of the Will is based upon a copy made by Oliver Drake, a noted genealogist & researcher; Oliver Drake’s copy of the will was included In the +80 page Manuscript by Edith Drake Hyde per her Drake Research conducted over several decades (1930-1950’s); published in 1959.

Daniel Francis Perry Drake (also known as Daniel "DUCKY" Drake) obtained this Manuscript via the New Jersey Genealogical Society’s Special Collections located at Rutgers University; in the "Rankin/Drake Collection."

Daniel Drake may be contacted via email: ducky@duckydrake.com or check updated listings via the Internet; www.duckydrake.com or www.ducky@avenuecable.com

1740, April 7. DRAKE, JOHN SEN'R, of Essex Co., yeoman; will of. Children: Benjamin, Isaac, Abraham, Samuel and Sarah Fulson. Grandchildren: Abraham, John, Philip, and Gershom Drake; Samuel, Thomas and Mary Davis, children of dtr Mary dec'd. Dau-in-law Patience Drake. Edward Slater, Allizhiah Skebbo, Elizabeth (wife of Benjamin Hull, Esq), Filiratea (wife of Benjamin Martain), Moses FitzRandolph, Christian Rebout, the poor of Piscataqua. Exrs: grandsons Samuel and Jonas Drake, and their mother, Hannah Drake. Wit: James Manning, Grace Manning, David Drake. Pr. Sept. 29, 1741 Lib. C p. 442

1741, Sept. 30. Hannah Drake, wife of Isaac Drake, renounces the executorship on account of age and other inability. Wit: John Blackford Jr., Jacob Thorp. Inventory, 5 pounds 3 shillings; made by David Sutton.

Note:

Married 1st Rebecca Trotter in 1677. Ref: Early Germans in N.J., Chambers, p. 37. Rebecca was the mother of all of his children although he remarried two times again after her death.

Note:

.His will dated April 7,1740 and probated Sept.29, 1741 names children:

Benjamin, Isssaca, Abraham, Samuel, Sara Fulson,also among the beneficiaries

are "the poor of Piscaaqua (Piscataway)." Archives 1st Series Vol. XXX p.

151.

He was pastor of the Baptist Church at Piscataway, N.J. from 1689 to 1739.

He was also a Civil Magistrat and the most distinguished member of his

family. "Drake, Rev. John 1655-1741. Deputy to General Assembly 1693.

Justice of Peace, Middlesex and Somerset 1709. Ref: Register N.J. Society of

Colonial Dames of America. 1928, p. 343.

Rebecca Trotter, daughter of William Trotter

b. ?

m. Rev. John Drake in 1677

Source:

1. Ref: Early Germans in N.J., Chambers, p. 37.

2. "Drake, Rev. John 1655-1741. Deputy to General Assembly 1693.

Justice of Peace, Middlesex and Somerset 1709. Ref: Register N.J. Society of

Colonial Dames of America. 1928, p. 343.

Rev. John Drake was born in 1655 at Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire, and came to New Jersey when he was still a boy. His first wife, whom he married July 7, 1677, at Elizabethtown, Essex County, New Jersey, was Rebecca Trotter, born July 5, 1655, probably at Woodbridge, Essex County, New Jersey, the daughter of William Trotter and Catherine Cutbury Gibbs. Although John was married three times, Rebecca was the mother of all his 14 children.

He was one of the founders of Piscataway, New Jersey, where he established the First Baptist Church of Piscataway and became famous as its minister, officiating until his great age forced his retirement.

Rev. John Drake owned and farmed land and was reported to be the first ordained Baptist minister in America. He was also a constable, overseer of the poor, and was a delegate to the New Jersey Assembly.

When he died, he left a will showing him living in Essex County, New Jersey. His will, dated April 7, 1740, was proven September 29, 1741. Both Rev. John and Rebecca Trotter Drake, who died in 1702 at Piscataway, were buried in the cemetery of the First Baptist Church of Piscataway.

Children of John and Rebecca: John, Francis, Samuel, Joseph, Benjamin, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Ebenezer, Ephriam, rebecca, Abigail, and Mary.

John was the first Baptist Preacher at Piscataway. He preached from the beginning of the settlement to 1689 when the Reverend Thomas Killingsworth visited them, established a church, and ordained Mr. Drake to be their minister. This gave rise to the tradition, "that Mr. Killingsworth was the first minister of Piscataway, Middletown, and Cohansey." The last is true, but the first minister of Piscataway was Reverend John Drake.

He was ordained the Piscataway pastor in 1689 and continued in the pastorship for 50 years until his death in 1739. John Drake?s descendants were numerous, and respected among the Baptists in the region. They claimed kinship to the famous Sir Francis Drake.

Following is the Will of John Drake:

In the Name God Amen the Seventh Day of April in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Forty, I John Drake "sener" (senior) of the County of Essex and Province of New Jersey yeoman being in perfect health and memory thanks be to amighty God therefore and knowing the certaintyof Death therefore Do make and or Dain this my Last will and Testament and firs (first) of all I recommend my Soul into the hands of God that Gave itt (it) and I Recommend my body to the earth to be Buried Decently by my Executors and as touching such good as God hath blest me with I give and Dispose of the same In manner and form as following and first of all I orDain and appoint hat all my Lawfull be paid by my Executors afternamed,

I give unto my son Benjamin Drake sixteen pound

- Isaac Drake nineteen pound- Abraham Drake sixteen pound - Sammuel Drake Twenty pound- daughter Sarah Fullsom seaven (seven) shilling- grandson Abraham Drake seaven (seven) pound- grandson John Drake six pound- grandson Phillip Drake seven pound- grandson Gersham Drake seven pound

I give unto Samul Davis and Thomas Davises Children he had by my daughter Mary Davis five pound Each of them.- I give unto Mary Davis Daughter of the said Mary Davis Deceased £(pounds) 3.- I give unto Edward Slater six pound- I give unto Allirhiah (maybe Allijah?) Skibbo Eight pound- I give unto Elizabeth Hull Wife of Benjaman Hull Esqr. three pound- I give unto Filibrates Martain (Martin) the wife of Benjaman Martain £ 3.- I give unto my daughter in Law Patience Drake ( left blank)- I give unto my daughter Sarah Drake three pound (Widow of son John)- I give unto Moses Fitz Randolph Thirty Pound [probably the moses who married Rachel, daughter of Benjamin & Sarah (Drake) Hull Rev. John?s granddaughter]- I give unto Christian bebout five pounds- I give unto the poor of iscataqua five pounds.

I will that if any of the above mentioned Legatorys shall be uneasy turbulent or troubleto my Executors that he or they shall forfit (forfeit) their Respect Leagaies there of which said Leagaies shall be disposed of as the rest of my Estate there after mentioned

I will that the remainder of my Estate if any there be to be Devided Equilly (divide equally) a mongstt my own Children onely my Daughter Sarah Fulson which I give nothing by the seven shilling and I do hearby make apoint (appoint) Constitute and Ordain my well beloved Gransons (grandsons) Sammuel Drake and Jonas Drake And Hannah Drake there (their) mother to be my only and Sole Executors of this my Last Will and Testament Revising Disannulling all other testaments or wills hereto fore By me made in word or writing and this one to be taken for my Last Will and Testament and no other. In Witness where of I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the ? (unsure ? seem to be missing something; will go to next page)

And the year first above written ( likely year 1740)

Dealed and Delivered and published by the said John Drake to be his Last will and John Drake L.S. Testament in the presents (presence) of us.

James Manning

Grace Manning

David Drake

John along with Hugh Dunn & Edmund Dunham presumably started holding some sort of meetings for religious teaching in Piscataway about 1669 & did so for about 2 yr when a Baptist congragation was organized & John became the 1st pastor (The Beginnings of Three New Jersey Family Lines, Runyon Dunn Drake p 16). P 25 says John b. Portsmouth @ 1655. He pastored over 50 yr.; was member of Assembly 1693; Town Clerk 1695. John may have md. 3rd time & moved to Essex Co., towards end of his life. Will said of Essex, yoeman.

Title: Ancestry.com John E Dellinger Family-marvindellinger@blazingisp.net Text: John along with Hugh Dunn & Edmund Dunham presumably started holding some sort of meetings for religious teaching in Piscataway about 1669 & did so for about 2 yr when a Baptist congragation was organized & John became the 1st pastor (The Beginnings of Three New Jersey Family Lines, Runyon Dunn Drake p 16). P 25 says John b. Portsmouth @ 1655. He pastored over 50 yr.; was member of Assembly 1693; Town Clerk 1695. John may have md. 3rd time & moved to Essex Co., towards end of his life. Will said of Essex, yoeman.

References

• http://awtc.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=marvindellinger&...
• Bonham and related family lines : a family genealogy from the Mayflower to the 1990s. Statement of Responsibility: compiled and authored by Howard E. Bonham ; co-authored by Jean Allin ; edited by Ron Campana. Authors: Bonham, Howard E. (Main Author), Allin, Jean (Added Author). Format: Books/Monographs/Book with Digital Images. Language: English. Publication: Bradenton, Florida : Genie Plus, c1996. http://www.familysearch.org/library/books/idurl/1/240796