NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Source: J. Percy Crayon, Rockaway Records of Morris County, N. J. Families, (Rockaway, N.J., Rockaway Publishing Co., 1902)

In the earliest days of Hibernia, probably as early as 1740, not later than 1745, lived one Timothy SOUTHARD. He was unfortunate in the death of his wife, who it is probable was buried at Rockaway. They had one son, an infant at the death of the mother, and also named Timothy. The father sold out his household belongings, not very extensive in those days, and carried his infant in his arms, and was going to make the journey on foot to some of his relatives living at Elizabethtown Point, or to Long Island, where he came from. He stopped for the night at an acquaintance by the name of HEDDEN, then living on the back road between Rockaway and Hibernia, the only road then traveled, at that times perhaps a bridle path, and the family induced him to leave the infant in their care until he should he return in two or three weeks, , which arrangement had been satisfactorily made, and Timothy proceeded on his journey, saying that when he returned the family would be amply repaid for their kindness and trouble, and other arrangements for the keeping of the family of the child satisfactorily made.

He was never heard from again, and it was thought that he had died of grief stricken before he had reached his relatives, as they had never received any tidings from their relative, and a case of misplaced confidence, or intended disappearing was unusual, as the ties of affection were stronger in those days than in this present day and generation.

Young Timothy grew up with the HEDDEN family, and became as one of their large family of children, the hospitality of the early settlers had no boundary however, scanty of provisions or clothing, or close quarters the house provided, there was always room and a welcome for one more. Timothy grew up in these surroundings, married in early life, became a prominent member in the circle of society in those days, was a soldier in the Revolution, returned and died from the effects of his service for the country, a few years near the place where he was "brought up" and was probably buried at Rockaway, though we have no written records to prove the same, we accept it traditionally.

He had quite a large family of children, who became connected with many of the good people of that time and generation. Nancy was born in 1768, married David GORDON, a Revolutionary soldier, soon after the Revolution. He was a son of William, a captain in the army, who was the son of Joshua, a quartermaster in the army. Son, father, and grandfather all doing service at the time. David GORDON served many years, it is said forty, as the "old sexton" of Rockaway. Dr. TUTTLE’s tribute to the "old sexton" brings out the character and duties and life of early days of service. He was born Sept. 23, 1759, and died July 23, 1852. His wife died Feb. 1851, both buried at Rockaway.

Neomi, born Oct. 2, 1772, married Samuel Palmer, of Franklin, Mar. 1791, and died May 20, 1851. Samuel Palmer, was son of Jacob, who came from Long Island and married Phebe LYON and settled at Franklin. Samuel was born at Franklin Nov. 20, 1769, and died there Sept. 28, 1845. Both buried at Rockaway.

Timothy, the third named Timothy, became a prominent citizen of Morris County, and distinguished himself as a school teacher, justice of the peace and lawyer and died near Lake Hopatcong, date not known.

Isaac and Benjamin are on the Rockaway church records as members at an early date, but whether of this family, I am not certain, it is quite certain there were a number of daughters, whose names and records have been handed down to this generation. Who can tell?

Tradition has it that this family of SOUTHARDS who came from Long Island, were related and connected with the family of Abraham SOUTHARD, who came from Long Island and settled at Basking Ridge in 1755. His son, Henry born Oct. 1747, was a Revolutionary soldier, and afterwards a congressman, died June 2, 1842. Samuel L., son of Henry, born at Basking Ridge June 9, 1787, also distinguished himself as senator, secretary of navy, and also many high offices of this State, where he was known as "New Jersey’s favorite son", he died at Fredericksburg, VA, June 26, 1842.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)

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