A Comparison of a New Jersey Patriot and a Loyalist

1. 1 A Comparison of a New Jersey Patriot and a Loyalist

2. 2 William Franklin New Jersey Loyalist

3. 3 Divisions Between NJ Patriots and Loyalists Socio-Economic Considerations Religious Considerations Appointed Members of Royal Government in the Colonies

4. 4 Socio-Economic Considerations William Franklin was born in Philadelphia, son of the illustrious patriot himself, Benjamin Franklin. He went on to become a lawyer and a popular governor of New Jersey. (1763 –1776)

5. 5 William Franklin was considered an aristocrat. He owned a large country estate of 600 acres, a fine wardrobe, and valuable household furnishings. William was married to an English woman and they threw lavish dinner parties at the New Jersey’s governor’s mansion.

6. 6 Does this mean that all NJ Loyalists were wealthy? Probably not. Loyalists came from all classes of society in New Jersey, but it is mainly the wealthy and educated Loyalists who have left records behind.

7. 7 These Records Come From Two Main Sources:  Letters to family and friends. Do not forget that many New Jerseyans of lesser means were illiterate. Many moved to Nova Scotia following the Revolutionary War and did not leave a ‘paper trail.’ Claims filed under the Treaty of Paris. Following the Revolutionary War this treaty allowed British sympathizers to recover property and land confiscated by the new state governments. Poorer Loyalists could not afford to process these type of claims.

8. 8 Religious Considerations  William Franklin, like many New Jersey Loyalists, was a member of the Anglican Church. Most of the patriots were Protestant.

9. 9 Anglican Church in NJ NJ’s Protestant denominations – Congregationalists, Presbyterians, Baptists, Quakers, and the Dutch Reformed – were fairly well established when the Anglicans arrived. New members of the Anglican church tended to be wealthy landowners.

10. 10 The Anglican Church Gains Foothold in NJ

11. 11 Members of Royal Government William Franklin was appointed a royal governor in the colonies in 1763. As such, he was the last royal governor of New Jersey. William Franklin clearly saw his obligations as lying first with the crown that appointed him, and secondly, to the citizens of NJ.

12. 12 What Became of William Franklin? William Franklin felt torn between his loyalty to the people of New Jersey and the British crown. He chose to remain loyal to his king. He was arrested by the NJ Militia in 1776 and sent to prison in Connecticut. In 1778 his father arranged for his release through a prisoner exchange, but not before his wife died back home in New Jersey.

13. 13 Franklin’s Loyalist Activities Continue William Franklin moved to New York City upon his release from prison in 1778. He then founded and presided over an independent political group known as the Associated Loyalists. Following the American victory, Franklin sailed for England in 1782 where he hoped to be paid by the British government for his loyalty during the war. Franklin never returned to America.

14. 14 Immersed in Britain's New American Problem – Exiled Loyalists Franklin worked tirelessly to help former colonists who remained loyal to England recover some of their property and receive compensation. He, however, was dismayed that because England was suspicious of him due to his blood ties to Benjamin Franklin, he himself was not paid very handsomely.

15. 15 What Happened to William Franklin? William Franklin did receive a comfortable pension from the British government. He married again, though his second wife died shortly afterwards. William did not fully reconcile with his father even though Benjamin was in France for long periods after the war. William Franklin died in England in 1813.

16. 16 Richard Stockton A New Jersey Patriot

17. 17 Richard Stockton came from an old and respected family Stockton’s great grandfather came from England about 1670 and resided on a 6,400 acre tract of land in Princeton Socio-Economic Considerations

18. 18 Early Life Richard Stockton was born in Princeton on October 1, 1730, the eldest of John and Abigail (Phillips) Stockton Graduated from the College of New Jersey in 1748 After college he studied law, and was admitted to the bar

19. 19 The Professional Years Enjoyed successful law practice in Princeton, NJ area Visited England in 1776 and 1777 Concerned over tense relations between Great Britain and colonies

20. 20 Religious Considerations Richard Stockton was Protestant He was greatly respected for his religious and moral character

21. 21 Leaves Royal Government – Becomes Patriot Richard Stockton became an outspoken advocate of the colonies Resigned from the Royal Council although he had established many friendships Stockton was selected as one of the delegates to the Congress (which drafted the Declaration of Independence)

22. 22 What Happens to Richard Stockton? On November 30, 1776, British troops pillage New Jersey Stockton goes to prison He is treated very harshly, and is forced to sign an oath of allegiance to England Stockton’s home and library are destroyed

23. 23 Washington Intervenes George Washington arranges for Stockton’s release Exchanged for another prisoner after one month Stockton renounces his oath of allegiance to England and is forgiven by the colonists Stockton’s health was ruined He had lost all his earthly possessions He died in 1781 in Princeton at the age of 51