Rev. Robert Birch

Rev. Robert Birch

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/124166321/robert-birch

Rev. Robert Birch was born 1808 in New York City, the son of "an eminent physician," who died when he was just a child leaving the family without means. He was forced to drop out of school and apprentice in a counting house. Later he was taken influenced by Dr. John Breckinridge and induced by him to resume his studies, eventually graduating from Dickinson College, whereupon he taught classical school at Lancaster and afterwards Savannah.

Theological studies commenced at Andover and were completed at Princeton. After his licensure by the Presbytery of New York he preached for a short time in a hall in Broadway until called to New Brunswick where he was installed as pastor on March 4, 1839. Five months later on August 12, 1839, he married Sarah "Sallie" Alexander Johnson, the widow of Anthony Rutgers (1799-1836), who came to the marriage with her 4 surviving children.

The couple would have two know children:

• Robert DeWitt Birch (1842-1877)
• Margaret Rutgers Birch (1843-1897)

He died before the birth of his second child, passing on September 12, 1842 at the young age 34. His short time with the congregation won for him the high admiration of the people for his many excellent quality both of mid and heart. His remains were laid to rest in the new Presbyterian Cemetery and the spot was marked by a handsome monument erected by the congregation, which sadly has been entirely ruined over the years.

His wife survived him 27 years, passing on April 9, 1869 in New Brunswick, and is believed to be buried here.

His daughter married James Henry Van Rensselaer of Belleville, Essex County, New Jersey and was mother to 6 known children. His son was a chemist and died in Belleville, New Jersey in 1877.