Homepage | Database | Narratives | Documents | History | Links | Message Board
Posted: 6 Dec 98

• Top


• About this Transcript
• Appointed Sheriff at Upland
• Was John Test a Quaker?
• John Test Jr.
• William Test "hatter"
• Francis Test





• Source for css frames code

 

John Test

1651 - 1706:

The Pioneer Ancestor of the
American Family ^†

By
L. G. Fryburg
(Laura Gertrude Fryburg 1872-?)

---

Test Family in England

The name of Test, spelled Test or Teast, is not a common name in England, and no attempt has been made by the writer to make any extensive search, but we do find in the Early English Friends' Records the name of Test appearing as early as 1654.

The earliest to appear on the Records is that of THOMAS TEST (1622 - 1688) and wife ELIZABETH, of Westminster, who had a daughter ELIZABETH, born 12 mo. 12 d. 1656, and son DANIEL, born 2 mo. 2 d. 1663.^# This Thomas and Elizabeth Test no doubt are the parents of JOHN TEST and FRANCIS TEST who appear later, but these records do not begin until 1654 after the date of birth of John in 1651 and that of Francis about 1653, therefore we would have to look elsewhere for these records.

THOMAS TEST was born in 1622 and died in Parish of Margarets, Westminster, 3 mo. 30 d. 1688, aged 66 years.

DANIEL TEST, son of Thomas, married 12-5-1688/9, MARY BALLARD. The records call him "Glover", and he remains in the Parish of Margarets, Westminster, where records naming him and wife Mary are found.

FRANCIS TEST, Glover, with wife SARAH appear in the Parish of Margarets, Westminster, and their names appear on the Records frequently.

JOHN TEST is called "of Westminster" in the record of death of his infant daughter in 1674, as follows:

Elizabeth Test died 7-19-1674, 3 weeks old St. Martins in the Field, daughter of John, of Westminster, place of Buriel Checkers Alley.

(England Friends Records of Quarterly Meeting of London and Middlesex, 1654-1699. P.H.S. Philadelphia)

(1)

---

John Test married in 1673. The record of the marriage has not been found, but the following is a copy of the Marriage License issued by the Vicar-General, Oct. 14, 1673:

John Test, of Christ Church, Lond., Cordwayner, Bach^r, about 22 and Mrs. Elizabeth Sanders, of St. Martins in the Fields, Midd., Sp^r abt. 22, with consent of her father; at Kensington or Braintford, Midd."

(Harleian Soc. Pub., Vol. 34, p. 103.)^†

The seeming contradiction of "Mrs." and "spinster" was not at all a contradiction at that day. It was a title of respect. "Mrs." or "Mistress" was given to a woman of gentle birth, whether married or single.

John Test was called a cordwayner (or shoemaker) on the Marriage License, but we have no evidence of his ever carrying on the trade, but undoubtedly, according to the ruling of those days that all men be taught a trade, he was taught this one. We find him a few years later referred to as a London merchant. The family was no doubt in good standing and of gentle birth. He is always referred to as Gentleman and called "Mr. Test", the title of respect "Mr." being in that century carefully restricted to gentlemen.

In 1675, John Test, in London, purchased 1000 acres of land in the proposed new settlement in West Jersey in America, and soon after with others sailed to the new land.^#

This is undoubtedly one family, the name Thomas, Daniel, Francis and John are all carried down through the family of John Test.

(2)

---

John Test
1651 - 1706

JOHN TEST, the Pioneer Ancestor to America, arrived in the year of 1675. Some claim he came on the Griffith with John Fenwick, but no records have been found to prove it, while the following claims he came on the Ship Mary that arrived before the John Fenwick ship.

Early Arrivals

A ship called the Mary sailed from London in January, 1675. She had a number of English adventurers aboard; Robert Wade, Richard Whitaker, Roger Pedrick, Richard Johnson, Joseph Brown, JOHN TEST, Robert Windham and family. William Hancock and wife, Isabella. John Butcher, and several others. The vessel had a prosperous voyage and stopped at Fort Elsborg where the following named persons came ashore: Robert Windham and family, John Butcher, Richard Johnson, Hippolite Leferee, and a few others not recorded. The vessel then proceeded up the river as far as Upland where the rest of the passengers landed. ....When the ship returned Robert Wade, Richard Whitaker, William and Isabella Hancock returned with it. When they arrived in England, John Fenwick was nearly ready to sail with his colony, which he accordingly did in the ship "Griffith" which arrived at Fort Elsborg on the 23rd of September, 1675, old style; the vessel came up the Asamhocking Creek, the tenth of October, at the present reckoning of time, and at the foot of what is now known as West Broadway Street the passengers were landed. Then follows list of passengers, but John Test's name is not included in list. [The last sentence appears not to be part of Shourds' comments but rather a comment by Fryburg. However, it appears here exactly as it appears in the text of the Fryburg document.]

This article was written and read before the Historical Society of Salem, N.J., by Thomas Shourds, 1 mo. 27, 1885. The date of year of arriving, 1675, undoubtedly is correct, but the name of the ship is in doubt. While Mr. Shourds may be correct, never-the-less, he gives no authentic reference for his claim, and therefore we have to treat both claims alike and hope that at some future

(3)

---

time some authority may be found which will clear the doubt at present existing.

No matter on what ship he came, in 1677 we find John Test, merchant, late of London, now well established in Upland, as the following Notes will show:

The Record of the Court at Upland, in Pennsylvania, 1676 to 1681. (Published for the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1860)

p. 51,     Court at Upland, June 13, 1677.

M^r. John Test brought In Court a certaine man servant named William Still, being a taylor by traede, whome hee the s^d. Test did akowledge to haue sold unto Captⁿ. Edmond Cantwell for the space and tearme of foure Jeares, beginning from the first of aprill Last past; The s^d. William Still declared in Court to bee willing to serve the said Captⁿ. Cantwell the aboves^d. tearme of foure yeares.

p. 68,   Court at Upland Nov. 13, 1677.

John Test p^lt
[i.e., plantiff] Neeles Laersen Def^t.
[i.e., defendant] The P^lt. demands of the def^t. for sundry goods and merchandizes by ye def^t Received of the P^lt. as pr acc^t. produced In Court the sume of one hundered and Eighty six gilders: for w^ch. sume hee humbly Craeves Judgement ag^st. the def^t., with Costs:

The Court haueing heard the debates, of both partees, doe order that Judgement bee Enterred ag^st. the def^t. for the s^d 186 gilders; and as to what the def^t. alledgeth that the p^lt is In contra Indebeted unto the Def^t. sence that the p^lt. will not haue the same deducted The def^ts. action stands open ag^st. the p^lt. for the same;

p. 69-70. Same date

Neeles Laersen p^lt
John Test Def^t
The P^lt. Complains that this def^t hath been Troublesome to his son about knyf, desiers to know the Reason of the same.

The Court heueing heard the debates of both partees; and finding the buisnesse and difference of noe vallue, did order the partees to be frinds and forgive one the other; to w^ch. the partees agreed Neeles Laersen Ingaging to pay the Clercq and sherrifs fees;

p. 79. (Among records entered between the above date, Nov. 13, 1677, and the next meeting of the court, March 12, 1678, is "a List of the Tydable Prsons," i.e., taxable persons, in Upland Jurisdiction, half a dozen small settlements. There were 136 such

(4)

---

taxable men; women were not taxed. Among the seventeen taxed at Upland itself--the other settlements in Upland Jurisdiction being of other names--were

"John Test & Servant       2"

One other man at Upland paid tax for himself and a servant, and still another for himself and a slave. Neeles Laersen, who was in court with John Test, as above, paid for himself and son, the son evidently having attained the age to be taxed.)

p. 87       Court at Upland, March 12, 1677/78 (i.e., 1678).

Up ye Request of John Test & Michill Jzard desiering Liberty & a grant to take up Each 400 acres of Land;

The Co^rt. granted the same They the Peticon^rs. seating & Improoveing s^d Land according to the Regulacons & orders of his Hono^r. ye Governo^r.

Before he left London for America John Test purchased, in 1675, a tract of land in New Jersey, in the region of present Salem. His reason for settling at Upland on the Delaware rather than in New Jersey was presumably that being a merchant he preferred to live in a community already somewhat settled and where he would have opportunity for trade. C.F.C.

p. 90. (Court, Upland, March 12, 1677/78, [i.e., 1678] continued)

Jonas Juriansen Kien apearing in Court did then & there aknowledge & owne a deed of Conveigance & Transport for the makeing ouer for ever until John Test Late of London merch^t. his heirs & assignes, all that the Land housing & appurtenances abovementioned By his Brother Hans Kien the 9th day of this Instant month of march Transported & made ouer unto him the s^d Jonas Juriansen and aknowledged by him the said hans kien this p^rsent Court: Itt being for and In Consideracon of Certayne sume of money by the s^d John Test to him the s^d Jonas Kien In hand paid; alsoe the s^d Jonas by his s^d deed of Conveigance did Transport & Make over unto the said John Test a certayne new Blocqhouse by him the s^d Jonas build on the above mentioned Lott nears ye water syde of ye Creeke afordsaid; wth: all and singular the appurtenances; wch above deed & Conveigance bears date the 11th day of this Instant month of march and was signed sealed & delivered by the sd. Jonas kien in the prsence of Joh: De haes and John addams:

John Test Late of London but now of Delaware merchant appearing in Cort did then & there aknowledge & owne a certayne deed of Conveigance for ye makeing over for Ever unto Marmaduke Randall of London merchant his heirs and assignes abovementioned by Jonas Kien the 11th. of this Instant month of march Transported and made over unto him the said John Test--Itt being for and in consideracon of Certayne sume of money to him the said John Test in hand secured as by the said deed bearing date ye 12th day of this Instant month of march signed, sealed & delivered by the sd John Test to ye use of him ye abovementioned Marmaduke Randall. In the presence of Johannes de haes & John Addams more att Large doth & may appeare.

(By a previous deed from Hans Juriansen Kien to his brother Jonas Juriansen Kien, recited on p. 89, it appears that the

(5)

---

above land was two hundred acres in the town of Upland, "near the Creeke.")

p. 126 (Court, Upland)

Novr. 12. 1678           By vertue of a warrant from the Court att upland.

Layd out for JOHN TEST a tract of Land Called the hopewell of Kent acituate and being on the west side of Delowar River and on the sourth west side of upland Creek Begining att a Corner marked black oak of the Land of Albert Hendricks Called Lemoky standing att the side of the sayd Creek by the mouth of a small Runn from thence Running south west up the said Runn one hundred and thirty and six perches to the head thereof and from the head of the said Runn south west one hundred and fifty and five perches, by a Line of marked trees to a corner marked black oak of the Land of Markers Hookill (now Chichester Creek) from thence west south west by a Line of marked trees Eighty perches to a corner white oak from thence north north west two hundred & sixty and six perches to a corner marked black oak from thence East north East by a Lyne of marked trees twoo hundred ninety and six perches to a corner marked Poplar standing att the side of a small Runn; from thence East South East downe the said Runn twenty and two perches to the main Creek and from thence downe along the said Creek to thee first mentioned black oak containing four hundred Acres of Land surveyed the 27th day of Sept. 1678.
          By mee (signed) Walt: Wharton, Survr.

Novr. ye 12th, 1678

Then was sould by order of the worpp. Court, att upland, by Publicq outcry, unto JOHN TEST a certayne great Boat or siallop Lying att upland & attached by James Sanderline: The sd. boate belonging unto John Edmunds of Chaptank in maryland, was publicqly sould to him ye sd. John Test as ye most bidder, for the sume of six hundred & twenty fyve gilders, to be paid in New Castle att or before ye Laest day of march next wth. Tobb. or wheat att prys Courrant The purchazer was to pay halfe Charges of the vendu master & Cryer etc.

p. 146.     Court at Upland, nov. 25-26, 1679

This day appeared in Court John Test of Upland merchant, whoe declared to assigne Transport and make over free & cleare of all incumbrances, unto Richard friends of waymouth & milcomriges in ye kingdom of England his heirs etc., all that ye sd John Test his plantation or farme Lying and being att upland aforesaid, Containing 200 acres of well cleared woodland; together with all and singular ye dwelling houses outhouses fences orchards & all other itts appurtenances together with ye oxen cows hoggs & sheepe thereon; ....... ..........

p. 146-147.

(The above tract of land was conveyed by Richard Friends' attorney to one Stephen Chambers, record of the transaction following the above transaction. It is stated that there was "at prsent upon ye sd plantation in the Custodie of ye Tennant will: oxle fower oxen three Cows three sowes & twoo yeos

(6)

---

& their Increase." The tenant, William Oxley, was doubtless the same who emigrated in 1677 to the Jersey side of the Delaware, subsequently married Anne Skipwith, the widow of William Goforth, they, William and Anne Skipwith Oxley, being the parents of Mrs. Harmer, whose daughter married a (Thomas) Test. C.F.C.)

p. 148     (same date).

Henry Hastings this day apearing in Court, declared to have sould assigned and set over unto John Test of Upland etc. all his ye sd Henry Hastings Right Tytle and Intrest; to a Certayne parcell or tract of Land; called hastings hope, scituate and being on the west syde of delowar River; a myle above Poetquessink Creek. Begining- ... to ye land of James Sanderlins and Laurens Cock from thence ... etc., Cont. twoo Hundred acres of Land, according to the survey made 10th of October 1678.

(p. 148-151. Nov. 25-26, 1679.
p. 158. Mar. 10, 1680.)       and many other pages record land conveyances to or from John Test, up to 1681, after which date we find him in Philadelphia.

On page 23, of Martin's History of Chester^†, it is noticed that Albert Hendricks of Lamoco, transferred by deed to John Test, of Upland Creek, a tract of land beginning at Robert Wade's marked beech tree, being part of a greater tract conveyed by patent from the Governor, and called Lamoco.

John Test and John Test, Jr., appear, on page 59 of Martin's History of Chester, on a petition to the Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Pennsylvania, for a direct road from Chester to Philadelphia, to lay out the Queen's Road on as direct a line as can be from Darby to the bridge on Chester Creek. See Chester and its Vicinity, by John Hill Martin, 1877.

The Penna. Archives, Vol. 1, 3rd Series, p. 50 yields a notice of a deed whereby on January 31, 1675, Niels Matson grants, bargains and sells a certain parcel of land (described therein) in Upland (now Chester) unto John Test, in fee. The latter by another deed dated June 14, 1676, conveys same in fee to Richard Grey.

---

^†John Hill Martin, Chester and it's Vicinity: Delaware County, in Pennsylvania, (Philadelphia: n.p., 1877).

(7)

---

September 13, 1681, John Test was appointed the First Sheriff at Upland.* In 1682, he moved to Philadelphia, and in 1683 he was appointed Sheriff of the territory embraced in Philadelphia, Chester and Delaware Counties by Governor Markham.
(Pa. Arch. 3rd Ser., Vol. I, p. 617; Vol. Te, p. 27; Cope's MSS. P.H.S.)

John Test is called Merchant but there is nothing to show he was interested in anything except the buying and selling of Land; beside his holdings in Upland, we find numerous deeds in West (New) Jersey as well as in the City of Philadelphia, and although he lived in Philadelphia for some years, he did not hesitate to change his dwelling place a number of times to different parts of Jersey. He apparently would purchase a tract of Land and often lived thereon until he sold or purchased some other tract and move there to improve the same. He owned one tract of 1000 acres on Alloways (Creek) as shown in Book #2, p. 41, of Salem (N.J.) Surveys, and deeds are recorded of his lands in Monmouth, Gloucester and Salem Counties.

In 1685, we read in the Memorial History of Philadelphia (p. 73, Vol. I), "John Test has also finished a Brick House, and a Bake House of Timber."^† (This house was on Chestnut Street.)

3-12mo. 1685. Deed.

John Test and wife Elizabeth of Philadelphia, Pa.
To
Philip Richards of New York.
Convey cert. land between High Street on the northward & Chestnut Street....
Signed     John Test
                Eliizabeth Test

Recorded 13-12mo. 1685.
        (Vol. E.I. #5, p. 185-8, Phila. Co. Deeds)

---

*According to the The Record of the Court at Upland the sheriff in 1677 was Edmond Cantwell. John Test followed Cantwell as sheriff. (The Record of the Court at Upland, p. 46)

^†This statement is from a letter written by Robert Turner in August of 1685. See Albert Cook Myers, ed. Narratives of Early Pennsylvania, West New Jersey, and Delaware: 1630-1707 (New York: Barnes & Noble, Inc., 1953), pp. 270-271.

Myers says that Turner was "one of the wealthiest and most prominent merchants of the Philadelphia of that day...." (p. 273n.)

(8)

---

Elizabeth (Sanders) Test, wife of John, died and was buried in the Philadelphia friends Grounds, 1d. 12mo. 1689.^†

In 1690, John Test married Grace Lippincott, the widow of Jacob Lippincott who was of Shrewsbury, who died 6d. 12mo. (Feb.) 1689/90 [i.e. Feb. 16, 1690 Gregorian date].

Grace Lippincott was the daughter of Emanuel and Elizabeth Wooley. Jacob Lippincott and Grace Wooley were married about 1685 or 1686. Grace Wooley was born in April of 1666. They had but two children, Jacob and Ruth; both died in infancy. Ruth died two weeks after her father.

The marriage of John Test and Grace Lippincott must have been in 1690. We have not found the marriage record, but in 1690 Administration for Jacob Lippincott's estate was granted to John Test and wife of Philadelphia, and John Test of Philadelphia entered his bond as Administrator on 1 February, 1691/2 [i.e., Feb. 11, 1692 Gregorian date]. In the Administration papers granted to John Test, he is referred to as an Innkeeper. (N.J. Arch. Vol. XXI. p. 183; Vol. XXIII, p. 293. Stillwell's Records, Vol. V, p. 425, 434.)

John Test is referred to as an Innkeeper between 1690 and 1695. In a Quit Claim Deed of 15 October, 1703, he is referred to as John Test, Esq. This is about the last entry as of Philadelphia. After this he appears numerous times in New Jersey records and in New Castle, Delaware.

Following are a few abstracts of Deeds,⁺ showing how widely his interests were scattered:

May 12, 1686
Deed to John Test of Red Bank Creek, West Jersey, 150 acres.
(Gloucester Deeds, Vol. 2, p. 97)^#

---

^†William Wade Hinshaw, Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy Vol. II (Ann Arbor, Michigan: Edwards Brothers, Inc., 1938), p. 426

^# William Nelson, ed. Patents and Deeds and Other Early Records of New Jersey: 1664-1703 (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., 1982) p. 657.

⁺It is not clear that the author examined the original deed records of the transactions abstracted here. It is probable that a widely available compilation of the records in abstract form published under the heading of Archives of the State of Jersey was consulted. Citations to that compilation, republished under the title Patents and Deeds, are provided in backets following the author's citation.

(9)

---

Deed 8 day Aug. 1687.
William Rumsey, Atty for John Test
To
Wm. Cooper
Land John Test of Gloucester County, province of East Jersey, Gent.... conveys 500 acres, a part of the 1000 acres .... which he received by deed bearing date 11 d. June 1675, &c. and surveyed ye 26 Day of Aprill, 1687....
(Salem Deeds, Vol. 5, p. 8)
[Patents and Deeds, p. 591]

June 3, 1693.
John Test of Phila. Innholder
to
John Healy, of Jamaica "in ye parts of Am;" Mariner,
Conveys 484 acres on the Northside of Woodbury Creek, &c.
(Gloucester Deeds, Vol. 2, p. 154)
[Patents and Deeds, p. 661]

22 ffebruary 1695.
James Reed of New Castle, Prov. of Penna.
and
John Test of Phila. in ye province of Pennsilvania aforsd. Innholder.
(Basses Bk. of Surveys (N.J.), p. 54)

March 25, 1696. Deed.
Robert Ewer & wife Mary
to
John Test, March. all of Phila.
Conveys Plantation of 860 acres called Willingborough Farm (N.J.)
(Lib. B, Part 2, p. 586, N.J. Deeds)
[Patents and Deeds, p. 495]

Dec. 23, 1699.
John Test in Willingsboro, Burlington Co. (N.J.)
To
John Ward.
Conveys Dwelling house, Mill, Millhouses, etc., and Plantation containing 860 acres. Same received by deed from Robert Ewer & Mary.
( N.J. Deeds, Lib. B, p. 585)
[This one is a mystery-RWT]

Mar. 1, 1702/3. Deed.
To John Test, of Salem. 100 acres.
(N.J. Arch., Vol. XXI, p. 683)

June 16, 1703. Indian Deed
To John Test of Salem Co. Gent.
For a Tract on the main branch of Salem Creek, &c.
(N.J. Arch. Vol. XXI, p. 639)

(10)

---

This is about the last date of deeds in New Jersey. Apparently soon after this he moved to New Castle where he had purchased property in 1695, for here he died in 1706. The following is a copy of his Will.

Will of John Test

In the name of God, Amen. The twenty and first day of the month called July in the year 1706. I, John Test, now of New Castle on Delaware, being weake of body yet of perfect mind and memory doe make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in manner and formes as followoeth, viz:

After my funeral Charges are defrayed and due debts paid As to the Remainder of my Estate I doe give and bequeath as follows: First I doe give unto my son John Test five shillings and the rest or other of my children five shillings to each to be paid by Executrix to each particular when they that be married or att the age of twenty and one years being in full of what any or either of them may Claim as to any part of my Estate Why I doe give and bequeath unto My beloved wife Grace Test all and every part of my Estate both reall and personal all whatt and wheresoever it may be to be holden for her use...

(signed)
John Test
Witnesses: George Hogge, Joseph Griffith, Benja. Lovett.
(Del. Wills, Lib. B, p. 255, Wilmington, Del)

John Bacon and Grace Test, the widow, were married April 6, 1708, at her house at New Castle. (Cope's MSS. Vol, Te, p. 25)

John Bacon and Grace were granted the Administration of the Estate, 3d day January 1709. (N.J. Wills, Vol. A, p. 255)

(11)

---

Was John Test a Quaker?

In a letter written by George Turner, merchant of Philadelphia, and printed in "Narratives of Early Pennsylvania, West New Jersey and Delaware" (p. 270), he says^† John Test was a non-Quaker merchant from London who had probably come over with John Fenwick's Colony in the Griffin in 1675, and to uphold this we must acknowledge we have failed to find where John Test ever was listed as a full member, and nowhere is any Certificate of Removal. But it is true we find him mentioned in connection with the Quakers or Friends and he was born with that birthright, but probably never became a thorough Quaker.

He attended Meetings and took interest in them due probably to the fact that his parents were and he was brought up in that faith and his wife was a Quaker. She was buried as a member in the Quaker Burying Ground, and we find both John and Elizabeth appearing among the Friends repeatedly. One of the earliest records of the Philadelphia Meetings show that at a Meeting held 5d. 4mo. 1683, he made a complaint to the Meeting against another member, and 8d. 9mo. 1685 John and Elizabeth are witnesses in the New Jersey Meeting at the marriage of Henry Tradway and Ann Driver.

Two of the children of John and Grace Test were buried in the Friends Grounds, but listed as "not ffriends", meaning that as they were the children of John and Grace, one of the parents was not, and as Grace was we must think it was John who was not.

Of the children of John Test we have never found a complete list, but the following is supposed to be fairly accurate:

---

^†The attribution of this quotation to George Turner is incorrect. The letter referred to is by Robert Turner. But the "quoted" statement was written by neither George Turner nor Robert Turner. It was written by the editor of the collection of narratives, viz., Albert Cook Myers in a footnote. The correct citation is:

Albert Cook Myers, ed. Narratives of Early Pennsylvania, West New Jersey, and Delaware: 1630-1707 (New York: Barnes & Noble, n.d.) p. 270n.

Myers provides no documentation for his claim.

(12)

---

Children of John and Elizabeth (Sanders) Test:

1. Elizabeth, b. 1674, in England; d. in infancy.

2. John, b. about 1676; d.         1718 in Darby, Pa.
      wife Margaret   _ _ _ _ _ _
      Children: John, Thomas and Margaret.

3. William, b.       d. bet. 1749 and 1752.
      wife Priscilla   _ _ _ _ _ who died 1752.
      Children: Rebecca, Grace, Sarah, Walker,
        Richard, Edward, William Jr.

4. Edward, b.       d. 1759.

5. ELIZABETH TEST, m. 2mo 8 1714, at the Phila. Meeting,
      Arthur Laurie, merch. of Philadelphia.

Children of John and Grace (Wooley) Test:

6. Mary, b.       d. 1692, infant.

7. Francis, b. about 1693;   d. 1762.
m. 12-3-1724, Elizabeth Bacon

8. Richard, b.       d. 1700, infant.

Joseph and Daniel who appear with this group undoubtedly are children of John, but [we] cannot tell where they belong, but probably they are of the first wife. The above list may not be arranged correctly as to birth.

Grace Test, widow of John, married John Bacon in 1708, and after the death of John Bacon, Grace, the widow, married in 1718, Richard Woodnutt, this being her fourth marriage.

(13)

---

Colonial Service

Sept. 13, 1681.

John Test -- Appointed First Sheriff of Upland.

1682.

John Test -- Appointed the First Sheriff of that
Territory which embraces Philadelphia, Chester and
Delaware by Governor Markham.

(Pa. Arch. 2 Ser. Vol. IX, p. 673, 697)

(Cope's MSS. Vol. Te, p. 27, Pa Hist. Soc.)

(14)

---

Second Generation

John Test, Junior
16 _ _ - 1718

John Test, son of John and Elizabeth, was probably born about 1676 or later. We have no record of him until about 1700 when he appears in Darby, Chester County, and by mistake he is referred to as John Test, the Sheriff, who was his father. John Test, Jr., is called Tavern Keeper of Darby, and he no doubt dealt in Liquor quite early, possibly taking over the business of his father who was mentioned as an Innholder between 1690 and 1700. The following notes taken from the History of Delaware gives us about all we know of John Test, Jr.:

After 1704, Tavern Licences were granted by the Governor, and none could apply but such as were recommended by the Court.

John Test was in Darby before this date and received a recommendation, and had kept Tavern earlier. According to a Notice which proves the Court did not in every instance, at once cut short the traffic of liquor by persons whom they could not cordially indorse, it was recommended that he be licenced to sell for six months (Smith, History of Delaware, p. 212)

Another reads:

Selling Rum to the Indians was frequently testified against, but rum was regarded as an article of necessity. It was in general use and was sold by persons in the highest standing.

But the evils resulting from intoxication were too apparent to be passed over lightly and one finds frequent testimonies against drunkeness and friends were particularly urged to avoid all drinking to excess in the approaching harvest. "There is a rather striking leniency of the Justice of the Court in the case of one John Test, who sold liquor without licence, for a licence to sell strong liquour by retail for six months and no longer, in consideration that he now hath liquours lying on his hands, which cannot, without great damage, be vended as is supposed in much less time." Said John Test kept tavern in Darby.
(Proceedings of the Delaware County Historical Society, p. 129)

(15)

---

John Test is called later "Cooper", as follows:

Deed. 6 day of fourth month June ... 1713.

Joseph Wood of New Castle upon the Delaware, Gent. and Francina, his wife

To John Test of Darby in ye County of Chester, Cooper.
Do grant bargain and sell until said John Test all that lott or parsell of Land situate and being in Darby afsd. Beginning at a Mulberry tree standing in another Lott belonging to sd John Test and ... Containing one hundred and twenty three perches of land, part of sd Joseph Wood's tract called Woods Mount.... (Chester Co. Deeds., Vol. D. p. 55)

His death occurred in June, 1718. His Will is as follows:

John Test, Innkeeper, Darby, Chester Co., Pa.
Dated 15 June 1718. Proved June 27, 1718.

Being sick ... wife Margaret to have all Estate during her widowhood.... In case of her intermarry again, Then I give unto her one fourth part, the bal. of Estate be divided between my three children, Thomas Test, John Test and Margaret Test.

(signed) John Test

Inventory dated July 20, 1718, contained among the list
One Servant Girl. Value £ 113..19..00

By John Booth, Owen Owen, and Rich^d Parker.

Filed 8 Jan. 1718/19.
Account 10 June 1719, by Margaret Test.
(Chester Co. Will Bk #1, p. 67)

There are no further records on this family excepting that John Test is not mentioned any further on the records of Chester County.

Thomas Test is listed in 1725 in Chester Township and in 1732 in Whiteland, and Margaret, the widow, is not mentioned after 1719.

(No attempt made to follow up this line any further.)

(16)

---

William Test

William Test, of Salem town and County, hatter by trade, was undoubtedly a son of John Test. We find him associated with Francis Test and other members of this family. He was a witness on [the] marriage certificate of Francis and Francis, Joseph, and Edward Test are on bond as Administrators of his Estate. William Test, Jr., petitioned that Francis Test be appointed his Guardian. That he is a son there is no doubt and most likely by Elizabeth. The date of birth, of course, is lacking. If we had this, it would easily be answered.

His Will was dated Dec. 31, 1749, and proved September 20, 1752, in which he names his wife Priscilla and children:

Rebecca
Grace
Sarah
Walker
Richard
Edward
William

The Executors: wife Priscilla and son Walker Test
Witnesses: John Andrews, Edward Test, George Trenchard.

Priscilla died before the Will was proved.

September 20, 1752. Bond of Francis Test and Edward Test as Adms. with Will annexed, and Joseph Test, fellow Bondsman, All of Salem County, N.J., was presented.

Inventory dated Sept. 22, 1752. Value £ 118..3..8.

July 21, 1756, William Test, Jr., of Salem County, son of William, petitions that Francis Test be appointed his Guardian.
(N. J. Wills, Vol. III, p. 321; N.J. Wills, Lib. 8, p. 315)

(17)

---

Francis Test

Francis Test was the son of John and Grace (Wooley) Test. He was born in Philadelphia about 1700. He appears early as a member in the Salem Friends Meeting. In the early Minutes of the Meeting under the date of

12mo. 29, 1719-20.
Came Francis Test and Rebekah Smart the first time and announced their intentions of marriage.

28d. of 1st mo. 1720. They made the second Announcement.

20d. of 2nd mo. 1720, the marriage was reported.

(Minutes of Salem, N.J. Monthly Meeting, p. 519, 520, and 550.)

The death of Rebeckah (Smart) Test must have occurred the following year, as:

25d. 4mo. 1722, at a Monthly Meeting held at Salem came Francis Test and Mary Butcher and proposed their intentions to marry.

30d. 5mo. 1722, make the second announcement.

27d. 6mo. 1722, the marriage is Reported.

This marriage, like the first, was not of long duration, and the death of Mary (Butcher) Test occurred within a year.

(Minutes of Salem, N.J. Monthly Meeting, pp. 551-553.)

28d. 10mo. 1724. Salem Meeting Came Francis Test and Elizabeth Bacon, and acquainted the friends of their intentions of marriage.

25d. 11mo. 1724. Make the Second Announcement.

22d. 12mo. 1724. Marriage Reported.

The marriage took place in the Salem Meeting and following is a copy of the Marriage Certificate:

(18)

---

3d. 12mo. 1724. Salem Meeting (p. 1)

The first Marriage recorded:

Whereas, FRANCIS TEST of Salem in the province of West New Jersey, weaver, and Elizabeth Bacon of the County of Salem, afforsd, Spinster, Having declared their Intentions of Marriage with Each other before Several Monthly Meetings of ye People of God Called Quakers at Salem aforsd according to ye good Order used amongst them & having Consent of parents & Relations Concerned; their said proposal of Marriage was allowed of by the said Meeting.

Now these are to Certifye whome it may Concern that for the full accomplishing their said Intentions this third day of the twelvth month in ye year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and twenty & four they the sd. Francis Test & Elizabeth Bacon appointed in publick Meeting of ye sd people at Salem afforesd and the Sd Frances Test taking ye sd Elizabeth Bacon by the hand did in Solemn Manner declare that he took her the sd Elizabeth Bacon to be his wife promising to be unto her a loving & faithful Husband until Death Should Seperate them; and then and there in the same Assembly, the sd Elizabeth Bacon did in Like manner Declare that She took the sd Frances Test to be her Husband promising to be unto him a ffaithful & Loving Wife until Death Should Seperate them; and Moreover they the sd Francis Test & Elizabeth (She according to the Custom of Marriage Assuming the Name of her husband) as a further Confirmation thereof did then and there to these presents -- Sett their hands; and wee whose Names are hereunder also Subscribed being present at the Solemnization of the said Marriage and Subscription have as Witnesses thereunto Set our hands ye day and year above written.

	Francis Test
	Elizabeth Test
Margerett Johnston	Grace Woodnut (mother)
Mary Ecten	Richard Woodnut (Step father)
Anne Haynes	Priscilla Wood
John Mason	Richd Wood
George Abbott	Ann Test (sister)
Benja Acton	John Bacon
Richard Haynes	Leah Denn
Isaac Rothnell	John Denn
Benjaman Haynes	Joseph Den
Richard Smith	Edward Test (brother)
Matthew Ranten	Job Bacon
Jno Goodwin	William Test (brother)
William Thompson	Joseph Ware
	John Page

( Penn Historical Society, Salem Monthly Meeting Marriages, Vol. II, p. 1)

(19)

---

The certificate gives us the proof of the members of [the] family better than anything else. The custom of the Friends is that the parents' names follow the name of the couple; then following are the names of brothers, sisters or other relations down the right-hand column; friends sign on the left. And his father being deceased, you find his mother taking her place as his next of kin. This is the last date on which we find Grace mentioned; the date or place of her death we do not know at present.

Francis Test and wife Elizabeth had the following children:

1. Thomas Test	b. 9 mo. 22, 1725
2. Rachel Test	b. 8 mo. 2, 1727
3. Elizabeth Test	b. 12 mo. 18, 1731
4. Benjamin Test	b. 8 mo. 14, 1734
5. John Test	b. 4 mo. 18, 1736
6. Ruth Test	b. 2 mo. 10, 1741
7. Letitia Testb. 11 mo. 20, 1742
8. Francis Test	b. 2 mo. 4, 1744
9. Abner Test	b. 8 mo. 23, 1747

(Salem M.M. Records, pp. 104-105)

Francis Test died in 1762. His will dated 2 mo. 1st, 1762 and proved August 23, 1763, of Alloways, Creek, Salem, names his sons Benjamin, Francis, Abner, Thomas, and John. Daughters Rachel Hellman (Helmon), Elizabeth Haines, Ruth and Letitia Test. Loving wife Elizabeth and son Francis Test, Escrs.

                (signed)
                    Francis Test
Witnesses: Wm Smith, Philip Dennis, Peter Smith.

(Lib. 11 Wills, p. 249, Trenton, N.J.)

(20)

---

Elizabeth (Bacon) Test survived her husband for ten years. She died 2 mo 11 day, 1772. Following is an obituary, published in The Friend (Vol. 35, p. 212).

Elizabeth Test

Elizabeth Test, of Salem, New Jersey, was born about the year 1708, of parents, not members of the religious Society of Friends. When younge in years, she came under the discipline of the Cross of Christ, and being instructed thereby in righteousness, she became convinced of the truth, and in early life was admitted into membership amongst us. Her circumspect life and exemplary conversation brought her into esteem, and she was placed in the Station of an overseer in the Church, in the duties of which she faithfully laboured for a while. Her Divine Master, however, called her to the performance of other services, and conferred a gift in the ministry upon her, which she exercised to the comfort and edification of the church.

She was married to Francis Test to whom she was a faithful wife, regulating her family with frugility and discretion. She was exemplary in plainness, and concerned to bring up her children in the simplicity the Truth calls for; whilst she was a very loving and tender mother, her concern was that her children should know the restraints of a godly education. She was enabled to give them seasonable advice, and was at times concerned to gather them together, that in silence they might wait upon the Lord.

She departed this life Second Mo. 11th, 1772, after a long and sharp spell of sickness, experiencing death to be to her a release from suffering and entrance into everlasting joy. She was aged about sixty-four years.

(21)

---

Edward Test of Salem, N.J., [was] one of the sons of John and Elizabeth Test. He appears on the records with his brothers William and Francis, and was a witness on the marriage certificate of Francis Test. He died in 1759, leaving a son Edward, Jr. (No attempt has been made to continue this branch.)

Elizabeth Test daughter of John and (Elizabeth?) married 2 mo 8, 1714, at the Philadelphia Meeting, Arthur Sawyer, merch. of Philadelphia.

25th 10mo. 1713, M.M. Phila.
Mary Norris and Elizabeth Durborow from the Women's Meeting accompanied Arthur Sawyer and Elizabeth Test, who declared their intentions of marriage with each, it being the first time. Thomas Griffith and Richard Armitt are appointed to Enquire concerning the said Arthur and make report thereof at our next monthly meeting.
(Penn. Genealogical Society, Philadelphia MM Records, Vol. II, 1707-1730, p. 307)

26th 1st mo. 1714
Arthur Sawyer and Elizabeth Test appeared before this meeting, and signified their intentions of taking each other in marriage, it being the second time, and after Enquiry made, things not appearing altogether so well as could be desired of his former concerns, although nothing appears but he is clear from all persons in relation to marriage, his wife being deceased since he came into these parts, therefore the meeting condescends to suffer them to take one another after the good order practiced among us. ....
(Penn. Genealogical Society, Philadelphia MM Records, Vol. II, 1707-1730, pp. 311-312)

Arch St. Meeting 2mo. 8d, 1714.
Arthur Laurie, of Philadelphia, Merchant, and Elizabeth Test of same place, at Philadelphia Meeting House. Wits.: John, Ann, Joseph and Margaret Test. Ab. Stanton and 20 others.
(Penn. Genealogical Society, Record Book A, p. 76; Philadelphia MM. Marriages 1672-1871, p. 56.)

Apparently this was Artuhur Sawyer's (or Laurie's) second marriage, and why the name is first Sawyer and second Laurie, we do not know. From the Minutes of 26th day, 1st mo. 1714, we know

(22)

---

there was some discussion in regard to Arthur, but just what it was we do not know, but which we can find by further search of the Friends Records. Not being interested in particular with this branch of the family, we have made no effort to trace it any further.

Joseph Test (_ _ _ _ - 1758), son of John Test (and probably Grace) was married five times as follows:

1st, 1720 - Ann Jeanes
2nd, 1729 - Sarah Thompson
3rd, 1736 - Rachel Tyler
4th, 1741 - Hannah Darkin
5th, 1754 - Hanna Pledger

(No attempt to follow this line.)

Daniel Test, undoubtedly a son of John (and probably Grace). (No attempt made to follow this line.)

(23)

---

Third Generation

Through Francis & Elizabeth Test

and

Fourth Generation

Through Francis & Mary Test

[no page number]

---

Francis and Elizabeth (Bacon) Test had the following children:

1. Thomas Test,	b. 9-22-1725; died in 1771. He lived in Alloways, in Salem Co., N.J. Wife, Charity.
2. Rachel Test,	b. 8-2-1727; d. married _ _ _ _ Hellman.
3. Elizabeth Test,	b. 12-18-1731; married 5d. 8mo. 1756, Salem Mtg., Richard Haines.
4. Benjamin Test,	b. 8-14-1734. married 11 - 1758 Salem Meeting, Sarah Dunn; married (2) 10-14-1779, Elizabeth (Sloan) Thackery, widow.
5. John Test,	b. 4-18-1736; d. in Gloucester Co., N.J. m. 3mo. 1764, Salem Mtg., Elizabeth Lippincott, daughter of Benjamin.
6. Ruth Test,	b. 2-10-1741; m. 4d. 2mo. 1762, Salem Mtg., John Harris
7. Letitia Test	b. 11-20-1742. m         William Groff.
8. Francis Test, Jr.	b. 2-4-1744; d. 3-14-1832; m. (1) Mar. 9, 1765 (out of Meeting) Mary Morgan. Children: Thomas Test.       Wife Hester _ _ _ _ Rachel Test.       m. William Gibson. Joseph Morgan Test, b. 11-30-1770; d. 9-7-1813; m. 1-20-1795, Ann Derrickson, b. 8-3-1775; d. 4-18-1851 Davis Test Elizabeth Test, b.       m Josiah Andrews. John Test. b.             m 1st, Lydia Duncan (Dungan)       m 2nd, Penelope Sawkins. Mary Hall Test, m. 1st, Joseph Shipley      m. 2nd, Thomas Hunt. Mary (Morgan) Test died about 1815, and Francis Test married (2) Rachel Green, widow. She died in 1834, aged 85 years. Francis Test died 3-14-1832.

(24)

---

Revolutionary Service

Francis Test served as a private, in "Capt. Walton's Troop, Light Dragons", Monmouth Co., N.J.

( Stukers' Rev. Ser., p. 782)

The Command of Capt. Wm. Smith, June 26, 1780.
Francis Test

(MSS. #1472, Salem. Adj. Gen'ls Off., Trenton, N.J.)

(25)

---