For the first time ever, our readers can see the original deed in which John Harrison purchased the land that later became Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Researchers at the Mr. Local History Project are so proud to have published the first ever share of this historic document.
The Mr. Local History project is proud to present the original recorded deed dated June 24, 1717, documenting the purchase of approximately 3,000 acres of land in Somerset County, New Jersey, by John Harrison of Rockie Hill from the Lenape Indian Nowenock. Recorded in the Secretary of State Deeds, Surveys, and Commissions collection, this manuscript is one of the earliest surviving land conveyances for the region that would later become Bernards Township in northern Somerset County.
The deed establishes the legal transfer of the property, identifies the parties involved, describes the boundaries using natural landmarks such as Dead River, the North Branch, Penny Brook, and the Passaic River, and was witnessed by prominent colonial figures, including James Alexander, before being acknowledged by Thomas Gordon. As a primary source created in 1717, it provides invaluable insight into New Jersey’s colonial land system, early Lenape land transactions, and the origins of one of the colony’s most significant early landholdings.
Reading the Deed Over 300 Years Later
On June 24, 1717, a remarkable transaction took place that would help shape the future landscape of Somerset County. On that day, a Lenape man named Nowenock transferred approximately 3,000 acres of land to John Harrison of Rockie Hill, a gentleman and landowner whose name would later become associated with one of New Jersey’s most famous historic homes, Rockingham, George Washington’s final Revolutionary War headquarters.
Unlike later histories that summarize the purchase in only a sentence or two, this original deed allows us to witness the transaction exactly as it was recorded more than three centuries ago. Written in elegant eighteenth-century script, the document not only identifies the buyer and seller but also carefully describes the property’s boundaries using rivers, brooks, marked trees, and swamps that served as the surveyor’s landmarks long before roads or municipal boundaries existed.
The deed records that Harrison paid ten pounds in New Jersey currency for the tract. While that may sound modest today, ten pounds in 1717 represented several months’ wages for many colonists and was a substantial sum in early eighteenth-century New Jersey. More importantly, the payment reflected the legal customs of the period rather than the market value of nearly 3,000 acres. The deed also records that Nowenock affirmed he was the rightful Native owner of the land and possessed the authority to convey it, promising to defend Harrison’s title against any future claims.
In simple terms, the deed says:
The land began where Dead River met the Passaic River. From there, the boundary followed Dead River north to its upper fork, then continued to the headwaters of the North Branch. It crossed east in a straight line to the head of Penny Brook, then followed Penny Brook south until it emptied into the Passaic River. Finally, the boundary followed the Passaic River west back to the starting point where the two rivers met.
In other words, the tract was enclosed by three natural waterways: Dead River on the west, Penny Brook on the east, and the Passaic River on the south, with a straight, surveyed line forming the northern boundary between the North Branch and Penny Brook, which is today called the Harrison Brook.
One of the most intriguing details appears in the opening paragraph, where the purchaser is identified as “John Harrison of Rockie Hill.” This original wording is significant because it directly connects Harrison to the community of Rocky Hill rather than relying on later historical interpretation. It provides contemporary evidence placing Harrison there in 1717, during the very years when the earliest section of what would become Rockingham had already been constructed.
Rather than using surveyed lots or numbered parcels, the deed defines the property by following the natural landscape. The boundaries begin at the junction of the Dead River and the Passaic River, continue to the North Branch, cross to Penny Brook (Harrison Brook), and return along the Passaic. Survey trees marked with the initials “J.H.” are used as permanent monuments, illustrating how colonial surveyors established property lines decades before stone monuments or iron pins became common.
The legal significance of the transaction is further strengthened by the presence of the witnesses. Among them was James Alexander, one of colonial New Jersey’s most influential lawyers, surveyors, and proprietors, whose involvement lends considerable weight to the conveyance. The deed was later acknowledged before Thomas Gordon, a member of His Majesty’s Council for the Province of New Jersey, completing the legal process required for the transfer of ownership.
Today, this deed is far more than an old legal document. It is one of the earliest surviving primary sources documenting the settlement of the interior of Somerset County. It captures a moment when Native ownership, colonial expansion, and proprietary land policy intersected, preserving in remarkable detail the origins of a landscape that would eventually include some of New Jersey’s most important Revolutionary War sites. For researchers, genealogists, and historians alike, it offers a rare opportunity to read the very words that marked the beginning of one of the colony’s
The Original Harrison Deed Purchase From Chief Nowenock dated June 24, 1717.
After years of digging, the Mr. Local History research team is the first to publish a digital version of the original Harrison deed purchase from Chief Nowenock, recorded on Jun 24, 1717. This document is probably the most historic document ever seen, highlighting what became known as Basking Ridge and Bernards Township.
Indian Deed To John Harrison
Transcription
This Indenture made ye twenty fourth day of June In ye Third year of ye Reign of George over Great Britaine, France & Ireland King Defender of ye Faith, Annoq: Domini 1717. Between Nowenock Indian In ye Province of New Jersey of ye one part, and John Harrison of Rockie Hill In ye County of Somerset and Province aforesd Gentleman of ye other part Witnesseth yt ye sd Nowenock for & In consideration of ten pound money of New Jersey to him In hand paid by ye sd John Harrison at or before ye Ensealing & Delivery of these presents ye receipt whereof & of Every part & parcell thereof he doth hereby Acknowledge & himselfe therewith to be fully satisfyed & contented & for himselfe his Heirs Executors & Administrators Do acquitt Exonerate & Discharge ye sd John Harrison his Heirs Executors Administrators forever by these presents HAVE given Granted, Bargained, Sold, Released, Enfeoffed & confirmed & By these presents Do Give Grant bargain, sell release Enfeoff & confirm All that Tract of Land Scituate Lying & Being In ye County of Somerset In ye Eastern Division of New Jersey, Scituate between one…
Notes:
1. Original Date: 24 June 1717
2. Grantor: Nowenock (spelled exactly this way in the deed)
3. Grantee: John Harrison of Rockie Hill in ye County of Somerset… Gentleman, this is extremely important because it is the original wording of the deed, not a later archive summary.
4. Consideration: Ten Pounds, New Jersey money
5. Legal Action: The deed uses the classic colonial formula:
“Have given, Granted, Bargained, Sold, Released, Enfeoffed & Confirmed…”
The word Enfeoffed is an old English legal term meaning to convey ownership of freehold land.
Harrison Deed Purchase Pages 2 and 3
Transcription
(Folio 134)
…of ye Branches of Rariton River Beginning at that Place where ye west Branch of Piscatack River known by ye Name of Dead River falls into sd Piscatack River; and from thence running up ye sd Dead River or west Branch to ye fork thereof; thence up ye sd North Branch to ye head spring thereof to A Large white oake tree markt on four sides & with J.H.; thence upon A streight Line running North thirty two degrees East Seven Chains to A Small white oake tree markt on four sides & with J.H. at ye head spring of an other branch of Piscatack River known by ye Name of Penny Brook; thence running down ye sd Penny Brook fourty three Chains to A Beach tree markt on foure sides & with T.H. on ye side of ye Great Swamp; then following ye sd brook as it runs to Piscatack River through ye Swamp to A Small oak tree markt on foure sides & with J.H. at ye meeting of ye sd brook with Piscatack River; thence running down ye sd Piscatack River as it runs to ye Place of beginning, bounded on ye South & West by Dead River, on ye North by ye North & Penny Brooks, and on ye East by Piscatack River Together with All ye woods Trees, Rivers, Rivoletts, ponds, pooles, rills, Waters, feedings, Mines, Mineralls, Quarries, Hawking, Hunting, Fishing, Fowling, Buildings, Profits, Commodities & Hereditaments & Appurtenances whatsoever unto ye sd Tract of Land belonging or in any way Appertaining and All ye Estate, Right, Title, Interest, Possession, Property, Reversion, Claime & Demand of him ye sd Nowenock his…
(Folio 135)
…Heirs & succeeding Indians of In or to ye sd Bargained Tract of Land & premises To Have & To Hold ye sd Tract of Land within ye Bounds & Limits aforesd with All & Every of ye premises & Appurtenances unto ye same belonging unto ye sd John Harrison his Heirs & Assigns forever.
And ye sd Nowenock Indian aforesd for himselfe, his Heirs & Successors Covenant, promise & Agree to & with ye sd John Harrison, his Heirs & Assigns That he ye sd Nowenock is ye true Native Indian owner at ye Ensealing & Delivery of these presents of ye Above Bargained Tract of Land and Appurtenances & yt he ye sd Nowenock hath Power & good Right to Bargain, Sell & Dispose All ye Above Granted premises In manner aforesd.
And yt he ye sd Nowenock will warrant & Defend ye sd John Harrison his Heirs & Assigns In ye peaceable possession & Enjoyment of ye Above Granted Land & premises against All other Indian Claiming or hereafter to claime any Right or Title to ye same.
In Witness whereof ye said parties to these presents have Interchangeably sett Their Hands & Seals ye Day & Year first Above written.
his marke
N (Nowenock)
Sealed & Delivered In ye presence of
Netack [uncertain surname]
James Alexander
Richard Stockton
Memorandum
Memorandum yt on ye 25th of June 1717 James Alexander one of ye hereunto subscribing witnesses came before me Thomas Gordon one of His Majesty’s Council for ye Province of New Jersey who being solemnly Sworn…
Notes
This page is one of the most important parts of the deed because it preserves:
- The complete metes-and-bounds description of the tract.
- The original spellings of Dead River, Penny Brook, and Piscatack River.
- The fact that several survey trees were marked “J.H.”, almost certainly denoting John Harrison.
- The covenant by Nowenock affirming that he was the rightful Native owner with authority to convey the land.
- The signatures (or marks) and witnesses.
Perhaps the most notable witnesses are James Alexander and Richard Stockton.
James Alexander (c. 1691–1756)
One of colonial America’s most influential lawyers, surveyors, and land proprietors. He later became Surveyor General of New Jersey and New York, helped defend freedom of the press in the famous John Peter Zenger trial, and amassed extensive landholdings throughout New Jersey, including in present-day Basking Ridge.
James’ son, William Alexander (1726–1783), better known as Lord Stirling, became a major general in the Continental Army and one of George Washington’s most trusted commanders during the Revolutionary War. He fought at Long Island, Trenton, Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, and was president of General Charles Lee’s court-martial.
Richard Stockton (the Stockton family)
The Stockton family became one of New Jersey’s most prominent colonial dynasties, with extensive landholdings around Princeton. The Richard Stockton who witnessed your 1717 deed appears to have been an early member of that family, although his exact identity has not yet been conclusively established.
John Stockton (1701–1758) was a wealthy Princeton landowner who donated land for the College of New Jersey (later Princeton University). John’s son was Richard Stockton (1730–1781), signer of the Declaration of Independence and one of New Jersey’s most celebrated Founding Fathers.
Harrison Deed Purchase Page 4
Transcription
(Completion of the acknowledgment of the Indian Deed to John Harrison)
Sworn upon ye Holy Evangelist of Almighty God—
did Depose yt he saw ye within Named Nowenock
ye Indian Sign, Seale & Deliver ye within written
Instrument As his Voluntary Act & Deed to ye use
within mentioned Jurat Anno et Die Supra Dict.
Coram me
Thomas Gordon
End of the John Harrison Deed
The deed to John Harrison of Rockie Hill concludes here.
Immediately below begins the next recorded instrument in the deed book.
Notes
This page contains two completely separate records:
The conclusion of the John Harrison deed
The final legal act is the sworn acknowledgment before Thomas Gordon, one of the most important colonial officials in New Jersey. It certifies that:
- Nowenock personally signed (made his mark), sealed, and delivered the deed.
- The conveyance was voluntary.
- The acknowledgment was taken under oath before Thomas Gordon.
This gives the transaction full legal standing under colonial law.
Source New Jersey State Archives, Department of State
Special thanks to Veronica Calder, Supervising Archivist, and to the New Jersey State Archives for all their help in digging.
