May 30, 2002

INTRODUCTION

Our earliest traceable member of the Irons family begins with a James¹ Irons who first appeared in the year of 1714 when, as a single man, he purchased some land in the town of Shrewsbury, Monmouth County, New Jersey. Most historians and genealogists believe he must have been born about 1690. Who his parents were, or where he was born is not known except that we are most certain that it was not in New Jersey because no Irons’ appear in any early New Jersey records prior to 1714. We do know that he was a Quaker, and that he probably came to New Jersey from either Rhode Island or Long Island, New York where many of the other early New Jersey settlers came from. Edwin Salter in his History of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, N.J. , 1890, p. LXXIII, says “A tradition in the family (Irons) says it descended from a Scotsman who went first to Connecticut and from there to New Jersey and that he had tree sons named Garret, James and John.” While there may be some truth in this, it turns out that Salter is talking about James¹ son, James² Jr., who will be discussed later. James W. Hook (Smith, Grant and Irons Families, 1955, p. 194) also states that his “search of town, county, court, church, and cemetery records of Connecticut (at the Connecticut State Library, Hartford, Conn.) revealed no one of the Irons family anywhere in that state in the 17^th or early 18^th centuries.” To help us answer our question and to better understand our roots, we should first review some of the history of the early colonial period in America.

With the arrival of the Puritans at Massachusetts Bay in 1628-30, the nascent colony quickly grew to become a dominant center of social and economic activity in the New World. The Puritan and Pilgrim-Separatist movements also soon became indistinguishable. Early on (about 1631), political franchise was limited to members of the Puritan’s church. To become a Freeman, one needed certification by the church authorities attesting to one’s good life and adherence to orthodox principles of the church. From the beginning, many inhabitants were disenfranchised by this test. Many children of the early colonists found that they could not satisfy the tests for admission to the church when they grew up. Only children of church members could be baptized and thus a generation arose who were largely excluded from religious and civil privileges. As late as 1676, it is estimated that five sixths of the men in the colony were non-voters because they could not gain admission to the membership in the church. This practice of requiring church membership was not abolished until 1691, when Massachusetts became a Royal Province under a Governor appointed by the Crown.

Many of the Puritans, particularly their leaders, were self righteous intolerant people who viewed themselves as soldiers of god. Though to be fair, we must also understand they lived in a very different time and culture that from our perspective may seem overly harsh and strange. There is even evidence some early colonists where sympathetic to the religious views of others. However, there is also considerable evidence that any deviation from the orthodox Puritan philosophy (particularly with respect to Quakers) was often harshly punished with imprisonment, torture, hanging, or banishment. While this may have had its foundations in philosophical differences, it probably had more to do with the leadership’s desire to maintain a monopoly on political power and control of the colony. Thus we can understand that, prior to 1691, much of the migration from Massachusetts to Rhode Island, New York (Amsterdam), and New Jersey was very much encouraged by the Puritan hegemony.

The northeastern portion of New Jersey that later became Monmouth and Ocean Counties was first settled in about 1664 by Dutch settlers who were late joined by Scottish, and English settlers who came from Long Island (New Amsterdam), Rhode Island, and other parts of New England. Many of these early settlers were Presbyterians, Baptists, and Quakers who were seeking freedom from religious and political oppression by the Puritans who at the time dominated New England.

This early migration was also helped along by the English takeover of New Amsterdam (New York) from the Dutch in August 1664. At the outset of English rule, the governor of New York (Nicolls) assumed his jurisdiction extended to all the territory from New York and the Hudson River west to the Delaware River – the area that would later become known as New Jersey. In an effort to populate the region, Governor Nicolls encouraged settlement in the lands across the bay south and west of New York City. In 1682, the northeastern part of New Jersey was acquired by William Penn and his Quaker friends. At the time, the area was still only very thinly populated (probably less than 500 non-natives in all of Northern New Jersey). In an effort to raise money, Penn soon began offering land for sale at what was probably considered very attractive prices. Thus we also find indications of people from Rhode Island and New England going there on a temporary basis, solely for the purpose of increasing their land holdings and wealth. By 1683, Penn and his associates had divided the area up into several counties, one of which became known as Monmouth. Soon after this, Monmouth County was divided into three principal townships: Freehold, Middletown, and Shrewsbury. In a letter₈ (p. 264; written about 1698/99) to the Bishop of London, a prominent man from there, named Lewis Morris, gave an account (obviously slanted) concerning the state of religion in the Jerseys:

“Freehold was settled from Scotland. About one-half of the inhabitants there are Scotch Presbyterians and sober people. The other part was settled by people from New England and New York who are, generally speaking , of no religion (referring to the Quakers there)… Middletown was settled from New York and New England. It is a large Township. There is no such thing as a church or religion amongst them (which was not true as there had been a Baptist church there for many years). They are, perhaps, the most ignorant and wicked people in the world. Their meetings on Sundays, are at the Public House, where they get their fill of rum, and go to fighting and running of races, which are practices very common, all the Province over. Shrewsbury settled from New England, Rhode Island and New York. There are in it about thirty Quakers of both sexes, and they have a Meeting House. The rest of the people are, generally, of no religion.”

Another account from the same reference₈ (p. 344) says:

“The township of Shrewsbury was undoubtedly first settled by Presbyterians, or rather Congregationalists, from Connecticut, and though there is evidence a church existed at Rumson Neck, the Society of Friends so dominated the religious life of the town that the Presbyterians lost control of town meetings in 1684, and were without a settled pastor.

With this brief background of early New Jersey history, we now return to the question of who our James¹ Irons ancestors were. When studying the Irons family genealogy, one quickly discovers that prior to 1700, the name is relatively rare in early colonial records. Some of this no doubt has to do with the fact that all of these records were recorded by hand and were often kept by people who were barely literate. In most cases, we find that names were spelled phonetically. This resulted in a number of spelling variations including: Hirons, Iyans, Ijons, Ines, Iyons, Iyoerns, and Oyron.

SIMON HIRONS (IRONS)

So far, despite extensive research, this writer has only come across three candidates who could have been predecessors of our James¹ Irons ancestor. The first of these three was a Simon Hirons (Irons) who lived in Kent County Delaware (then part of Pennsylvania) and then served three terms in the Pennsylvania Assembly (1683, 1692, and 1695). It is also believed that he was the same “Symon Iron” who first migrated to Nansemon County, Virginia, in April 1653, and then purchased 400 acres of land the following December in the Isle of Wight County. Simon Irons is thought to have been married twice; the first time being in about 1662 to Dorothy Wells. The second wife, “Perces” we only know about because she is mentioned in Simon’s will. We also don’t know when Dorothy died, however, Talbot County, Maryland, land records indicate she was probably still alive in 1672 and that by that time, they may have had at least four children named Elizabeth, Francis, Susanna, and William. Simon’s wife Dorothy and/or some of these children may have died by 1680 as the St. Jones County census of April 1680 only indicates that four persons were living in the “Hirons” household. A couple of years later, in June 1682, records indicate “Hirons” purchased land on Duck Creek and was also granted another 1,500 acres for his three children (Elizabeth, Francis, and Simon Jr.) by the Kent County court. Simon Irons, Sr. died in 1706. His will dated October 12, 1706 and proved December 16, 1706 mentions his second wife “Perces,” and seven children: Francis, Simon Jr., Robert, William, John, Margaret and an unborn child. From the various land records, we can extrapolate that the son Francis was probably the oldest son having been born some time between 1662 and 1672. The second oldest living son was probably Simon Jr. who was probably born between 1680 and 1682 and the remainder of the children mentioned in the Simon’s (Sr.) will were probably born after 1682.

From the many records pertaining to his large land holdings and his service in the early Pennsylvania Legislature, we can surmise that Simon Hirons (Irons) must have been a fairly well to do and influential man of his time. While it’s possible that he was the father of our James¹ Irons, this writer does not believe it is very probable – mostly because there is never any son named James mentioned in any of the many records pertaining to him. One tantalizing – though doubtful -- possibility is that his oldest son (probably Francis – assuming Francis is a son) may have been the father of James¹. Unfortunately, at present, we don’t know much about the children of Simon Irons. It is certainly a prospect that warrants further research.

EDWARD IRON (IRONS)

The next two possible ancestors of our James¹ Irons were from Massachusetts. Of these two, the first one I will discuss is an Edward Iron (Irons). Very little is known about Edward. He first showed up in the records of Woburn, Massachusetts in 1651 when the court there granted him permission to stay (in Woburn) upon his:

“promise to take some effectual course to send for his wife now in England by the next opportunity, hath liberty granted him by this Court to abide in the Country until the next return of ships from England, and in case such provisions he shall make shall fail, then the forenamed Iron is ordered by this Court to depart out of this Jurisdiction by the next opportunity” (Middlesex County Court Records, Vol. 1, page 22).

Edward Iron apparently had not secured his wife two years later when the Court granted him liberty "yet to use what more effectual means he may or can to send for his wife from Old England.”

The only other reference this writer has located so far with respect to this Edward Irons is from a query posted by a W.R. Cutter in the NEHG Register, Volume 32, July 1878, pages 342-3. In his query, Mr. Cutter mentions he has in his possession, an early deed dated September 14, 1670 that refers to land owned by Edward Oyron (Iron). He also makes the assertion that this Edward Oyron (Iron) has the distinction of being Woburn’s first town pauper. This last assertion is somewhat supported by more recent transcriptions of grave stones from the old cemetery in Woburn – none of which show any possible variation of the Irons family name.

One person (Toni Lasseter; tonilea@atl.mediaone.net) this writer corresponded with about this Edward Oyron, suggested checking records from the surrounding towns of Burlington, Winchester, Lexington, Billerica or Stoneham based on the possibility that he removed to somewhere near the Woburn area and also because the above towns were once part of the original grant of Mishawum, Charlestown village and what is now Woburn. Toni also suggested checking the book titled "History of Woburn" by Samuel Sewell or Parker Converse (he wasn’t sure of the author).

So far, and unfortunately, this writer has not been able to check the other sources mentioned above by Toni Lasseter. They have been mentioned here mostly for future reference and because they do warrant further investigation. However, based on the available information this writer is of the opinion that this Edward Irons of Woburn probably ended up as a pauper without family or heirs as the 1878 query by Mr. Cutter suggests. Thus we should probably conclude that it is highly unlikely that this Edward Irons is a direct ancestor of our James¹ Irons.

MATTHEW IRONS with notes on BROWNE line

The third possible ancestor of our James¹ Irons was a Matthew Irons (variously spelled Iyans, Ijons, Ines, Ijons, Iyoerns, Oyern etc.), who was probably from₁₃ Roxwell, Essex, England. It is also generally believed that he came to Massachusetts in 1630 with the Winthrop Fleet. Old genealogical papers handed down to this writer from Margaret “Maggie” May Irons-Skipp (b. Feb. 12, 1881 and d. July 31, 1961) refer to a “genealogy by James Savage, written in 1860, that says that the wife of one Matthew Irons (variously spelled (Irons, Iyans and often mistaken for Jones) had several children some of whom settled in such places as Rhode Island, Connecticut, and other New England points. Where Matthew came from is not clear but a family tradition says he was a Scotsman who first went to New England and from there to New Jersey. From this it has been concluded that one of his children – a James Irons lived in or settled at or near Shrewsbury Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey.” We now know that Matthew could not have been James¹ father because he died almost 30 years before James¹ was born. However, as we shall see, it is very possible that James¹ was the son of Matthew’s youngest son, Samuel.

From the many records of the period, we now know that Matthew Irons and Anne Browne (who would later become his wife) were among the approximate 700 Puritan colonists who came to Massachusetts with the Winthrop Fleet during the Spring and Summer of 1630 to found what would become the great city of Boston. Like the Pilgrim-Separatists who preceded them only ten years before, the Winthrop Fleet colonists endured sever hardships during their first years in the New World. It is estimated that about one-third of them (about 200) died by the end of their first winter. A like number are also believed to have returned, in defeat, to England the following year when subsequent ships arrived. Thus of the estimated original 700 Winthrop Fleet colonists, only about 300 survived or remained to make a home in the wilderness of the New World.

Fortunately, many records from Boston’s early colonial period have survived to be studied by modern researchers. Thus, we know quite a bit about Matthew Irons and his family. Matthew Irons was probably born between 1610 and 1615 in England or Scotland. From his will, and inventory of his estate, we also know that he died some time between January 30^th and April 16^th of 1661. We also know that he was a servant of William Colborn – probably when he first came to the New World. On April 20, 1634 he was admitted to Boston Church – a basic requirement for becoming a freeman. This was important because only Freemen could participate in the governing of the colony. On May 25, 1636, Matthew was allowed to take the oath and become a Freeman. The following year, (1637/38, according to Drake₁₀) Matthew was involved in the “Antinomian troubles” when along with 57 other leading citizens he signed a petition in support of a Mr. Wheelright who was ultimately convicted of sedition and banished from Boston for his preaching of religious opinions that diverged from those of the church leaders. For signing the petition, Matthew and the others suffered the indignity of having to give up their arms. Apparently this disgrace was only short lived because in 1637, he also received a grant of land. This is probably the land he left to his children on his death in 1661. Records indicate this land (Lot 21) was located near the corner of South and Summer Streets (which are still in Boston to this day – 365 years later). It was a narrow strip of land that ran between South Street and the shoreline. On one side it was bounded by Lots 19 and 20 belonging to Nicholas Baxter and Edward Browne, and on the other side by Lot 22 belonging to William Leatherland. 1637 is also probably the same year that Matthew married Anne Browne (sister of Edward Browne) as their first child John was born on July 16, 1638. On January 8, 1638, Matthew, Edward Browne (his brother-in-law) and a number of other town men were allotted land along the Muddy river. Another record of interest also shows that on January 29, 1655 he was approved to keep a house of public entertainment (a brewpub by modern terms).

Matthew Irons (born about 1610-1615) died in April 1661 when he was about 45 to 50 years old. Below is a transcription of his last will and testament:

Mathew Irons, of Boston, being very sicke, maketh his last wil. Unto my Eldest sonne John Irons, my old dwelling house in Boston with my barne belonging to the same, with the ground they stand upon, & the peece of ground belonging to the said old house which is the southward division of my Land as it is now fenced in. Unto my sonne Thomas Irons the peece of ground, next to good man Allynes, belonging to the house next to Johns, to the southard, which was my owne proper Land belonging to the old house. Unto my daughters Elizabeth, and Rebecka Irons, and likewise to Samuell, my youngest sonne, the Orchard & brew house & the peece of Land which [was] bought of my brother Browne, next to Goodman Baxters, & the ground at Muddy Reiver, and at Long Island, and doe desire that the aforesaid parcels of land, [&] brewhouse be equally devided amongst them all three aforementioned, and if my sonne, Thomas, his portion be not equall with the three aforementioned, I desire that out o theirs, his portion may be equalized with theirs. For my household stuffe, I desire it may be equally devided amongst them all. My wearing Clothes I give to John Irons, my Eldest Sonne. My Cloake I give to my dau. Rebecka. My fowling peece I give to Eldest Sonne John Irons; and my Muskett and Sword, unto my Sonne, Thomas Irons, when his time of apprenticeship shall be expired. Leiutneant William Hudson and Richard Gridley executors and overseers. [The sons to receive their portions at the age of 21, the daughter at 18 years of age. Provision is made in case of the decease of either, that the property be equally divided among the survivors.]

Mathew X Irons

Witness Richard Knight, John Sanford, who deposed 30 Jan. 1661

Inventory of Mathew Irons’ Estate taken by William Cotton, Thomas Joy & John Viall, 16 April 1661.

From records of land sales (Registry of Suffolk Deeds, Lib. IX p. 416) we know that that the land at “Long Island” referred to in the above will was not on Long Island, New York, but on an island by that name located in Massachusetts Bay.

September 28, 1676; Samuel Irons sold James Brading 3 acres of land on Long Island for six pounds. Samuel Irons of Braintree and his sister Rebecka Thomas and Richard Randoll sell land owned by them on Long Island within the Massachussets Bay in New England containing about 3 acres being bounded northerly and southerly by the sea and easterly by land formerly belonging to Edmund Browne.

Anne (Browne) Irons’ (wife of Matthew) maiden name was Browne. From her husband’s will and other land records we also know that she was probably the sister of Edward (or possibly Edmund) Browne who is the “brother Browne” mentioned in the will. Based on the birth of her first child John (1638) we can assume she was born about 1620, which means she would have been a young girl when she came to the colony. Also, because she was not mentioned in her husbands will, we can assume that she died some time between June 1655 (when her last child was born) and January 1661 when the will was written.

We have no record that tells us who her parents were, however, early recordsindicate the Winthrop fleet probably carried as many as five Browne families. In addition, many other people with the Browne name appear on passenger lists from voyages that soon followed the Winthrop fleet. The heads of the five Browne families associated with the Winthrop fleet were Abraham, Edmund, James, John, and Richard. The preceding “Edmund” may be the “Edward” Browne, who shows up in later land records and was also the brother of Anne. There was also a Kellam Browne who on August 26, 1629 was one of the 12 signers (along with John Winthrop) of the “Cambridge Agreement.” This agreement was made in England between Patriarchs of the Puritan community. By signing it, they committed themselves and their families to making the voyage by the spring of 1630. Records indicate only two of the signers didn’t make the voyage. Kellam Browne was one of these two who did make the trip – probably because he died. While it is highly likely there is some family relationship between Anne and Kellam, so far, this writer has not located any records confirming this assumption.

Matthew and Anne Irons also had at least eleven children, most of which died very young. Only five were mentioned in their father’s will which was written on January 30, 1661 – a short time before his death. The children in order of birth were:

(1) John, born in Boston on July 16, 1638, baptized Sept. 30, 1638, and died sometime in 1676.John was married to Elizabeth and they had son named Edmundwho was born January 27, 1674. John was mentioned in his father’s will dated January 30, 1661 and according to James Hook₁, he died in 1676 (Suffolk Co., Mass. Probate Records). Also, according to Hook₁, John may have been the seaman John Irons who joined Master John Winge and another seaman in reporting to the Magistrates of Plymouth Colony, on February 6, 1667, that their ship, the Hopewell, was not seaworthy (Plymouth Colony Records, Vol. IV, p. 171). John may also be the “John Oyne” who is credited (on a payroll list dated August 24, 1676) for service under Captain Daniel Henchman during the 1676 summer campaign against King Philip’s Indians in the Connecticut River Valley.

(2) Elizabeth, born in Boston on February 5, 1641, baptized April 18, 1641, in Boston, and died sometime after January 1661 as she was mentioned in her father’s will. Records also indicate she married Richard Randall.

(3) Thomas, born in Boston on April 18, 1643, baptized Feb. 5 1642/43. Thomas was also mentioned in his father’s will dated January 30, 1661. He was 18 years old at the time and also employed as an apprentice tobacco spinner. On September 19, 1666, he sold the property in Boston that he had inherited from his father for 20 pounds to Phillip Wharton of Boston (Suffolk Deeds, Lib. VI., 130). According to The Report of the Record Commissioners₁₂ on February 29, 1667 he was fined “5 shillings for breking up the towne ground.” In 1674, "Thomas Irons [was] committed to prison to answer for his “procurring Richard Barnhum to publish a marriage between him said Irons and Mary Arnold, the said Irons not having consent of the maid or her parents."During King Philips War (1675/77), Thomas was credited with having served (Aug. 1675) under Captain Daniel Henchman and then later (Sept. 1677) under Captain Scottow at the Black Pointe Garrison.

(4) Rebecca, born in Boston on December 26, 1644, and married Francis Thomas about 1664. Their first child was born about 1665 in Boston. Rebecca was also mentioned in her father’s will. She would have been 17 years old when he died.

(5) Samuel, “youngest son” according to Matthew’s will was born November 1650 and baptized November 24, 1650. He died on September 25, 1691 at age of 40 in Braintree, Massachusetts. Samuel married Sarah Belcher on September 13, 1677 when he was 27 and she was 20. Sarah Belcher was born on April 27, 1656 and died at age of 37 in Braintree, Massachusetts on August 22, 1693. Her parents were John and Sarah Belcher. During King Philips War (1675/77), Samuel is credited (Aug. 1675) with service under Captain Daniel Henchman and then later (June 1676) at the Springfield Garrison. The birth of only one child, a daughter Ruth on November 16, 1678, is shown in the Braintree records. According to James Hook, “there could have been other children including Samuel Irons of Providence, R.I. and James Irons of Monmouth County, N.J. … but no evidence has been found to prove it other than the fact that Samuel of Providence bore the same name and that he named children Samuel and Sarah and that James of New Jersey named his first daughter Sarah.”

(6) Mathias, christened on March 14, 1646/47 in Boston. Died at age of 10 on May 13, 1656 in Boston.

(7) Edward, baptized on February 11, 1648/49 in Boston. His date of death is unknown, however, he was not mentioned in his father's will that was proved 30 Jan 1661. If he was alive, he would have be about 12 years old in 1661.

(8) Anne, baptized February 8, 1651/52 in Boston, and probably died before 1654 at age of 2 or 3 in Boston because other records indicate a second Anne was born into the family on June 6, 1654.

(9) William, Baptized May 1, 1653 in Boston and died at age of 18 months November 1, 1654.

(10) Anne, born June 6, 1654 in Boston and died the following month on July 26, 1654.

(11) Catherine, born June 1, 1655 in Boston and probably died before January 30, 1661 when her father’s will was written. Had she lived, she would have been 5 years old when her father died.

According to Family Group Records, the younger Samuel Irons of Providence, Rhode Island, was born on March 17, 1680 (place unknown) and died in Providence on December 31, 1720. His parents are believed (no documented proof) to have been Samuel Irons and Sarah Belcher of Braintree Massachusetts. He married Sarah Whipple on May 3, 1709 in Providence, Rhode Island. Her parents were Jonathan Whipple and Margaret Angell. Sarah Whipple was born about 1696.

We now return to our original question of who were the parents of our James¹ Irons of Shrewsbury, New Jersey who first appeared there 1714. Could he be a grandson of Edward Irons of Woburn? Extremely doubtful as available information suggests this Irons probably died without heirs. Could he have been a son of Francis Hirons (Irons) from Kent County Delaware? For this theory to work, we will first have to prove that Francis was old enough (born prior to 1670) to be James¹ father. This is possible because from land records, we know that he must have been born between 1662 and 1682. Therefore, it is certainly a possibility that merits further investigation. Finally, what about the sons of Matthew Irons? The oldest son John is out because he died long before James¹ was born. John’s son Edmund is also not a possibility because he would not have been old enough to be James¹ father. It is also very doubtful that Thomas could be our man. First of all, he would have been an old man of 47 years at the time we think James¹ was born. We have no marriage record for him and we do know that as of 1664, he had not married. And, even though we don’t have any death record for him, it is more likely that he died before James¹ was born. Of all the possibilities, Samuel is really our best candidate. Despite the fact that both he and his wife Sarah died relatively young (40 and 37), we do know that they both lived long enough to have produced him. Therefore, it is this writers opinion that, Samuel Irons will ultimately prove to be the father of James¹ Irons of Shrewsbury, New Jersey.

FAMILY I – James¹ Irons with notes on BIRDSALL and BALDWIN families

With all of this historical and speculative background, we now return to the story of our James¹ Irons and his line. As was mentioned before, James¹ Irons first appeared in the year of 1714 when “William Brinley of the Town of Shrewsbury in the county of Monmouth and Province of New Jersey, yeoman, and Elizabeth his wife ”sold to “James Irons of the town and county aforesaid, single man” for “fifteen pounds Silver money of the eastern Division of said province – all that tract of land and meadow scituate lying and being at Manasquan in the said Shrewsbury beginning at Thomas Tiltons corner tree a Red Oak marked on four sides standing on the south Side of the south Branch of the Rock pond – thence along Thomas Tiltons line etc. – together with all and all manner of houses, buildings, fences, fields, improvements, etc.” The deed was signed by William and Elizabeth Brinley and witnessed by Remembrance Lippincott and George Corlis (Liber H-2, p. 308, in Secy. Of State Office, Trenton, N.J.). William Brinley was a Quaker. He married Elizabeth Corleis of Shrewsbury, N.J. on November 26, 1704 (Shrewsbury, N.J. Friends Records).

The deed tells us he was a single man in 1714. However, according to James W. Hook, there were indications he intended to be married soon. However, the first record of him getting married appears on March 4, 1730 when he married Martha Birdsall, daughter of Stephen and Mary (Baldwin) Birdsall, Quakers who originally came to New Jersey from Oyster Bay, New York (Long Island) and first settled at Little Egg Harbor in 1716. Stephen (Steven) Birdsall’s father was Nathan² Birdsall who according to James Hook, was probably the son of Benjamin Birdsall. Mary Powell Bunker in her book “Long Island Genealogies” 1895, suggests that he originally came from New Haven, Connecticut, settling first in the north end of east Hampton, Long Island where he was living in 1657. This writer believes it is more likely that Nathan’s father was a Henry¹ Birdsall who lived in Salem, Massachusetts and died there in about 1649. Henry¹ probably came to Salem when it was first founded or very soon afterwards. Records show he owned lot #71 in the “north Field.” It was a triangular piece of ground about 10 acres in size located along the east edge of the field near the gate. Henry¹, a widower, had a son named Nathan² and daughter named Judith. Judith (born about 1639) married Henry Cook and had ten children. She died on September 11, 1689. The fact that Nathan¹ Birdsall of Oyster Bay named one of his two oldest sons Henry certainly lends more support to the idea that his father was actually the Henry¹ Birdsall of Salem.

In any case, Nathan²(Henry¹), removed to Oyster Bay, Nassau, New York (Long Island) some time before 1667 – probably before 1657 as Mary Powell Bunker suggests – and died there in about 1696. There are many records (second half of 1600’s) of land transactions involving Nathan² and his sons in and around Oyster Bay. From these, we know that he had at least six sons whose names were Steven³ (Stephen), Henry³, Benjamin³, Samuel³, Nathan³ Jr., and William³. Steven³ and Henry³ were probably the two oldest sons as their names are mentioned in one of the earliest deeds dated June 22, 1667. The son Henry³ probably died before 1698 as a deed dated May 24, 1698 in which the brothers divide up land inherited from their father does not mention him. Martha Birdsall’s maiden name is believed to have been Baldwin and her mother’s name Mary Baldwin. Mary’s grandfather was probably a Richard Baldwin who first came to New England in 1638 aboard the good ship Martin. These Baldwins were probably from Aston Clinton, Buckingham, England. Richard’s father Sylvester died during the voyage. Mary was probably born about 1652 at Oyster Bay, New York.

Stephen³ Birdsall (Nathan², Henry¹) was born about 1656 at Long Island N.Y. and died at Little Egg Harbor, N.J. in 1723. He married Mary whose maiden name was probably Baldwin. He removed to Little Egg Harbor with his brother Nathaniel³ in 1713. On February 20, 1723, the brothers Stephen³ and Nathaniel³ Birdsall, along with John Grant and six others were assigned land from the Wetherell warrant, said land being located between Little Egg Harbor and Wadeing River in what is now Bass Township in Burlington County, New Jersey. On February 14, 1726, Nathaniel³ Birdsall’s “conversation” was approved, probably for removal to some other place not stated. He does not appear again in the Little Egg Harbor Friends Records, so we can assume it is probably at about this time that he removed to the jurisdiction of the Shrewsbury Friends Meeting in Monmouth County, N.J. It was at his house there that, on March 4, 1730, the marriage of James Irons and Martha Birdsall, daughter of his brother Stephen³ Birdsall, deceased, occurred.

The Quaker Records of Shrewsbury, N.J. list twenty-seven guests at the wedding, including Nathon, Stephen, and Mary Birdsall (spelled Burchoin by the original transcriber). Stephen is no doubt a cousin or brother of Martha’s. There is also listed Walter, Sarah, Hannah, Maribeth, and Mary Herbert (spelled Harbort). Walter and Sarah are his future in-laws as he later marries their daughter Esther. Thomas Tilton, James’ neighbor is also listed as being present. It should also be noted that the original transcription shows James last name as Grones? (with the question mark). This last point helps provide us with important evidence as to the identity of his first wife. A careful reading of the same Quaker Records, show a James and Mary Grouers (also spelled Gruer, Grouer, and Greuer) in attendance at two Tilton family weddings. The first wedding between Daniel Tilton and Elizabeth Powell occurred on September 6, 1717. The second wedding between William Lawrence and Ester Tilton was held on August 15, 1719. Neither James or Mary Grouers show up in any other records from this source until James Grones marries Martha Buchoin in 1730. Since it doesn’t make much sense that James¹ waited until he was forty years old to marry for the first time, this author is of the opinion that he was probably married to “Mary” shortly after he purchased his land from the Brinleys in 1714. Since there is no record of their marriage in the Quaker Records from Shrewsbury, we can also assume they were probably married elsewhere.

Thus to summarize we have: James¹ Irons, born about 1690. Probably the son of Samuel Irons of Braintree, (son of Matthew of Boston). He died between November 1758 and September 1762; probably in 1761 or 1762. His first marriage was probably sometime between 1714-17 to a woman named Mary whose last name is unknown. No children from this marriage are known of. James¹ Irons was married the second time on March 4, 1730, when he was about 40 years old to Martha Birdsall. Her parents were Stephen (Steven) and Mary (Baldwin) Birdsall. James¹ Irons and his second wife Martha Birdsall are known to have had three children as follows:

(1) Sarah² Irons, born about 1730/31; married John Grant Jr. on or about November 3, 1750. Both were of Monmouth County, N.J.

(2) James² Irons Jr., born about 1731 and died before March 15, 1766 when his estate was inventoried. A marriage license indicates he was married on or about May 23, 1752 to Nelle (Ellen) Longstreet. Both were of Monmouth County, N.J. Administration of his intestate estate was given to his widow Ellen Irons with Garret Longstreet as a fellow bondsman.

(3) Esther² Irons, born 1732 and died April 18, 1803 at the age of 71 (Gravestone in Cedar Grove Cemetery near Toms River, N.J.). It is thought that she may have married Jacob Applegate, who was born 1723 and died October 6, 1818, at the age of 95.

James¹ Irons wife, Martha (Birdsall) died sometime in 1732/33 and, on April 3, 1734, he married Esther Harbort (Herbert). Esther was born January 18, 1710/11. The marriage of Esther and James Irons took place at the house of her parents, Walter and Sarah (Tilton) Harbort. It was a Quaker wedding and among the witnesses, were Walter, Sarah, Henry, and Paul Horbort (Herbert); Tomas and Faith Tilton; Richard and Hannah Gardiner; James Lawrence; David Allen and Marrie Traverrie. No children are indicated from this marriage.

It is probable that Esther Irons, died about 1735/6 because on September 1, 1736 the Shrewsbury Friends records show that a report was made to the monthly meeting that James Irons had married out of unity. This was probably his marriage to Deborah, probably Deborah Brewer, who was mentioned, December 3, 1762, as “Deborah White formerly widow of James Irons” in the settlement of the in intestate estate of James Irons of Shrewsbury. James Irons Jr. “the eldest son” together with William Morton were the administrators of the estate, intestate, of James Irons of “Squam,” meaning Manisquam, with William Brewer of same place as fellow bondsman. In the affidavit of Jacob Dennis, the surrogate who qualified James Irons Jr. and William Morton as executors, both were described as “being people called Quakers.”

Children of James¹ Irons and Deborah Brewer were:

(4) Elizabeth² Irons, born 1738 and died October 29 1808 at the age of 71. A marriage license dated August 7, 1758 indicates she married John Jeffrey who was born January 7, 1729 and died December 23, 1758.

(5) Joyce² Irons, dates of birth and death are unknown. Joyce married John Burnett on July 26, 1763. John Grant signed as surety on the marriage license.

(6) Deborah² Irons, dates of birth and death are unknown. Married at house of her stepfather Thomas White, in Shrewsbury, Monmouth County, N.J., on February 16, 1763 to Isaac Hance who was son of Timothy and Rebecca (Allen) Hance. This was a Quaker marriage indicating that both she and her parents were adherers to that faith.

(7) Ellinnar²Irons, dates of birth and death are unknown. Marriage license dated October 20, 1767, indicates she married Benjamin Smith. Both were of Shrewsbury. The inventory of the estate of Benjamin Smith of Dover Township of Monmouth County, N.J. was made February 16, 1804 by Garret Irons and Benjamin Lawrence and was sworn to by Benjamin, William, and Ichabod Smith, administrators who were, no doubt, sons of the deceased.

(8) John², (John H.) Irons, (Irens) was born between 1740 and 1750. (Federal Census of Chesterfield Twsp. Of Burlington Co., N.J. for 1830). He probably married after December 3, 1762, Rachel White, who was born September 5, 1743. Rachel White was the daughter of Thomas White who mentioned his daughter Rachel Irons in his will dated December 11, 1775 and proved August 11, 1781 (Vol. VI, p. 438, N.J. Abstract of Wills, also Shrewsbury Friends Records). Thomas White’s second wife was Deborah, widow of James¹ Irons, who he married on September 4, 1762. A few months later, on December 3, 1762 Thomas and Deborah White renounced their rights in the administration of the estate of James Irons in favor of James² Irons Jr. and William Morton. Witnesses to this renunciation were Rachel White and Hannah White both of whom were named in the will of Thomas White written December 11, 1775; the first named as Rachel White and the second named as Hannah Harvey. John² H. Irens, probably lived first in Dover Township of Monmouth County and was the John Irons who was charged with being a Royalist during the Revolutionary War and on May 18, 1779, was forced to forfeit his lands by virtue of various acts of the Provincial Congress of New Jersey designed to punish those persons (Tories so called) who “left their homes and joined the British.” There were many such people in east New Jersey and Records show that they were well enough organized to require attention of the Militia who fought battles with them at Colts Neck, Toms River and Cedar Creek Bridge. Some of these Tories removed to Nova Scotia and others to new homes elsewhere. John² Irons who may have been more of a Quaker pacifist than a Tory probably removed farther inland and settled in Chesterfield Township of Burlington County leaving no additional record unless he was the John Irons of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, shown in the 1790 census with one male under 16 and three females in his family.

The 1830 census for Chesterfield Township of Burlington County, N.J. shows John H. Irens (sic), age 80-90, as head of family with one female, age 40-50; one male, age 60-70; one female, age 15-20; one female, age 10-15; one female and one male, age 5-10. Other Irens (sic) in the same township and county in 1830 were George Irens, age 30-40 with wife aged the same, and Elizabeth Irens, age 30-40, and a daughter aged 5-10. The 1840 census lists no family of with the Irens or Irons name. The 1850 census lists Gilbert Irons (sic) in Mansfield, Township of Burlington County, age 33 with wife Mary, age 31, and children, Temperance, age 6, and Richard, age 2. He was probably the son of Edward⁴ Irons.

Probable children of John² (John H. Irens) Irons where:

(1) Samuel³ Irons who married Rebecca Gibbs on January 3, 1798 in Burlington County, N.J. He may have removed to Miami Ohio later.

(2) Job³ Irons

(3) There were probably other children, names unknown.

As a final note regarding James¹ Irons, this writer has also come across the following information that the Ocean County (N.J) Historical Society is has possession of twenty-three early Monmouth (some now present-day Ocean County) deeds and documents that were received as a gift from Pauline S. Miller, Director Emeritus of the OCHS. Three of these documents mention the name of James Irons and most likely pertain to James¹ and/or his son James² Irons.

Deed - Beriah Goddard of Bristol, Massachusetts to James Irons of Middletown, dated January 21, 1739. Lands on Barnegat Beach (Bay Head-Mantoloking area).

Note - Joseph Bartlett of Stafford Township to James Irons and Garret Longstreet, 121 pounds sterling, dated August 15, 1762. Witnesses, Nathan Bartlett and ---- Jones.

Deed - David Curtis to James Irons, dated March 18, 1751 for upland and meadow which David Curtis bought of William Lawrence. High Hill meadow (Mantoloking).

FAMILY II – James² Irons Jr.

James² Irons Jr. (James¹) was born about 1733 and died in Shrewsbury, Monmouth County, N.J. before March 15, 1766 when his estate was inventoried. His marriage license dated May 23, 1752 indicates he was married to Nelle Longstreet. Their marriage license was accompanied by a written declaration of consent signed by her father Gisbert Longstreet which called James² Irons a minor and wrote his daughter’s name as Nelle. The will of her father Gisber (Gilbert) Longstreet of Shrewsbury was dated April 20, 1755 and proved on November 8, 1758. It mentioned his wife Rachel and children Garret, Gisbert, Moyca, Nelle, Rachel and a deceased daughter Jane “alias Onicha.” James¹ Irons Sr. and Garret Scanck were executors of the will with James² Irons Jr. as clerk.

His father-in-law, Gisbert³ Longstreet (Theophilus², Dirck¹) was born about 1710, and died in 1758. He married Rachel Schenck who was baptized on April 2, 1710. She was the daughter of Garret and Nelle (Voorhees) Schenck. She married her second husband, Jacobus Van Dorn, in about 1760. Gisbert³ and Rachel (Schenck) Longstreet lived at Manasquan where they raised seven children who were: (1) Rachel⁴; (2) Garret⁴; (3) Gisbert⁴ ; (4) Moyka⁴; (5) Nelley⁴ (who married James² Irons Jr.; (6) Jane⁴; (7) Elizabeth⁴.

Gisbert Longstreet’s parents were Theophilus² Langstraat (Dirck¹)and his wife Moyka (Mercy) Lane. His mother was the daughter of Gilbert Lane. Theophilus Langstraat (Dirck) was born in Flatlands, Long Island and, died at the farm on the Manasquan River, in old Monmouth County, N.J. about 1741. His wife Moyka died about 1753. They raised a family of ten children; one of whom was Gisbert³.

Gisbert Longstreet’s grandfather was Dirck¹ Langstraat who came to America from Holland in 1657. Dirck¹ Langstraat’s first wife was Catherine Van Siddock and his second wife was Johannah, widow of Johannes Holshart, born Johanna Havens. Dirck¹ Langstraat settled first at Flatlands, Long Island where he had the following children: (1) Richard²; (2) Adrien² or Aaron²; (3) Theophilus² ; (4) Samuel²; (5) Classje².

James² Irons Jr., left no will but administration of his intestate estate was given, on June 16, 1766, to his widow Ellen (sic) with Garret Longstreet as her fellow bondsman, their witnesses being Isaac Hance and Anthony Dennis (File 3195M Superior Court, Trenton, N.J.). Gabriel Woodmansee and John Grant made the inventory of his estate on March 15, 1766. It totaled near 250 pounds and the executor when accepting it signed her name as “Ellen Irons.” John Grant who helped to make the inventory was the decedents brother-in-law (File 2497M Superior Court, Trenton, N.J.).

James² Irons “the eldest son” with William Morton were qualified as administrators of the intestate estate of James¹ Irons the elder, on December 3, 1762 (File 2791M Superior Court Records; also see Vol. IV, p. 214, N.J. Abstract of Wills). They were described in the appointment as “being people called Quakers.”

The fact that James Irons Jr. married Nelle Longstreet, while in his estate papers, his widow used the name “Ellen,” suggests either that she preferred the name “Ellen” to “Nelle” or that he was married twice. Since there is no other evidence of a second marriage, it is probably safe to assume that Nelle and Ellen were the same person.

James² Irons Jr. and Nelle (Ellen) Longstreet had the following children (note this list is probably incomplete):

(1) Rachel³ Irons (James², James¹), was probably born about 1753. A Rachel Irons, “a Friends Child” was reported, May 1771, by the Shrewsbury friends Meeting to have invited discipline and because of the distance from the meeting place she was not interviewed until January 1773. She refused to make amends and was dismissed.

(2) Francis³ Irons (James², James¹), probably a son, was born in about 1755. Francis Irons, a single man, was listed as a land owner in the upper precinct of Cape May County, N.J. in September 1774. He married Eunice Hand of Cape May County on October 5, 1774. His marriage license showed his surety to have been Israel Stites and both men were referred to as “Gentlemen.”

(3) James³ Irons (James², James¹), was born on January 31, 1757 and died on August 29, 1833. He married “Didamia” in about 1782. She was born February 16, 1759 and died on February 4, 1826. Both lie buried in the old Silverton, N.J. Cemetery located about ten miles north of Toms River. See Family III below for children.

(4) Garret³ Irons (James², James¹), born February 14, 1759 and died June 14, 1838. He married Hester Applegate on July 22 or 25, 1784, at Toms River. Hester was born on April 5, 1761 and died April 4, 1847. Both lie buried in the Cedar Grove Cemetery near Toms River. Esther (Hesther) Applegate was a daughter of Jacob Applegate who was born in 1723 and died on October 6, 1818. Her mother’s first name was also Esther.

(5) Gilbert ³ (Gisbert) Irons (James², James¹), probably born about 1760. The “Old House and Storehouse” of Gilbert Irons is mentioned in the deed of James³ Irons to David Miller, dated June 15, 1820; both parties being of Dover Township in Monmouth County, N.J. The land transferred was located on the south side of the south branch of Kettle Creek near Muskete Cove (Deed Book C2, p. 292, Monmouth County, N.J.). It is possible that Gilbert Irons referred to in the deed was the son, Gilbert C. Irons, of James³ Irons. However, the implication is that he was an older man and perhaps a deceased brother of James³.

(6) John³ Irons (James², James¹), was born on March 26, 1766 and died on June 14, 1821. His wife Hannah, daughter of Edward Wilbur, was born in 1768 and died on April 27, 1848. John³ Irons and his wife lie buried in the old Methodist Cemetery at Toms River, N.J.

Except for the youngest son above (John³ Irons) all of the sons listed above, would have been old enough to have fought as regular soldiers or members of the militia during the Revolutionary War. For instance, when the battle of Monmouth occurred on June 28, 1778, the older boys ages would have ranged from 23 to 18. The youngest (John³) would have been 12.

On May 13, 1792, (after the war) the names of John and James Irons appear together on a list of men enrolled at Dover Township, in the 4^th Regiment of the Monmouth County Militia. These two men where probably the brothers listed above.

FAMILY III

James³ Irons (James², James¹), was born on January 31, 1757 and died on August 29, 1833 in Dover Township of Monmouth County, N. J. at the age of 76 years, 6 months, and 29 days. He married “Didamia” in about 1782. Her name is also given as Deddame, Diadamer, Diademia, and Deidamier in various deeds and other documents. She was born on February 16, 1759 and died on February 1, 1782 at the age of 66 years, 11 months, and 15 days. Both lie buried in the old Silverton Cemetery in Silverton, N.J. about six miles north of Toms River. Her gravestone gives her name as “Didamia.” According to some records, her father may have been Joseph Johnson, however, this is not a certain fact. It’s likely that James³ Irons was a Revolutionary War soldier, as he would have been 21 years old when the battle of Monmouth occurred. Also, as mentioned above, he is probably the same James Irons who appears on a list, dated May 13, 1792, of men who enrolled from the Township of Dover, Monmouth County, N.J. to serve in the 4^th Regiment of the Monmouth County, N.J. Militia.

James³ Irons (James², James¹), lived in Dover Township of Monmouth County (now in Ocean County). His plantation was located near Muskete Cove (Mosquito Cove near Silvertown, N.J.) on Kettle Creek near the “place where Gilbert Irons’ old house and store house was.” (Deed Book C2, p. 292, Monmouth County, N.J., dated June 15, 1820) This Gilbert Irons, was either his son, Gilbert C. Irons, or his brother who was then deceased; more likely the latter. Three deeds, dated March 1, 1827, March 27, 1827, and March 1, 1828, show James Irons of Dover Township, Monmouth County deeding land to James Irons Jr., William Irons, and Rachel Halsey with the one to Rachel Halsey mentioning the lots of Mary Ware and Martha Irons (Deed Book P2, pp. 286, 288 and 290, Monmouth Co.) Another deed, dated March 24, 1832, shows James Irons of Dover Township, Monmouth County, selling land to Mary Ware, said property adjoining the lots of Rachel Halsey and Martha Irons “in James Irons Jr.’s line.” (Deed Book K3, p. 165, Monmouth Co.) James Irons Jr., William Irons, Martha Irons, and Rachel Halsey of these deeds were children of James Irons. Mary Ware may have been a child of his daughter Sarah who married Abraham Ware.

Children of and James³ (James², James¹) Didamia Irons were:

(1) James⁴ Irons (James³, James², James¹), was probably born about 1783. He married a woman named Catherine and is thought to have migrated west in about 1835.

(2) Eleanar Irons (James³, James², James¹), was born April 19, 1785 and died May 1, 1818 at the age of 33 years and 12 days (gravestone in Old Silverton, N.J. Cemetery).

(3) Gilbert⁴ C. Irons (James³, James², James¹), was born on February 5, 1787 at New Egypt, Plumstead Township, Monmouth County, N.J. He died on February 17, 1882 at the age of 95 years and 12 days. On March 2, 1809 he married Theresa (Tacy) Johnson who was born November 4, 1790 and died on December 11, 1861 at the age of 71 years, 1 month, and 7 days. Both lie buried in the old Silverton Cemetery at Silverton, N.J. Gilbert⁴ and Theresa (Johnson) had twelve children whose names were: (1) Mary Ann; (2) Sarah; (3) Elizabeth (Betsy); (4) Ivins; (5)Tacy; (6) Deborah; (7) James G.; (8) Hester Ann; (9) Daniel B. (10) Gilbert C. (11) Susannah (Susan); (12) Didamia.

(4) William⁴ (William C.) Irons (James³, James², James¹), born June 16, 1789 and died September 28, 1858 at age of 69 years, 3 months, and 12 days. His first marriage was to Avis Ann Johnson who was born August 3, 1791 and died March20, 1849. His second marriage was to Mary Elizabeth who was born July 17, 1807 and died September 9, 1863 at the age of 56. Children of his first marriage to Avis Ann Johnson were: (1) Joseph; (2) James J.; (3) Didamia; (4) John Cooper; (5) Jacob A.

(5) Sarah⁴ Irons (James³, James², James¹), married Abraham Wire (Ware) on February 4, 1811.

(6) Mary⁴ Irons (James³, James², James¹), was born November 15, 1794 and died December 1, 1872. She married Job Cox who was born 1785 and died October 22, 1865.

(7) John⁴ C. Irons (James³, James², James¹), was born about 1796 and died in 1890. He married Sarah Gant who was born 1797 and died 1871. They are buried in the Old Silverton N.J. Cemetery. The family also lived near Silverton, N.J. He enlisted as a private in the company of Captain James Newell, Colonel Freylinghusen’s Regiment, under General Colfax in the War of 1812, on September 19, 1814 and was honorably discharged at Jersey City, N.J., on December 6, 1814. John and Sarah had at least four children who were: (1) Edwin; (2) Reuben W.; (3) John G.; (4) Eden. See Family IV below for more about John and his family.

(8) Rachel⁴ Irons (James³, James², James¹), was born on March 1, 1806 and died on June 12, 1844. She married David Halsey who was born on January 15, 1806 and died on May 24, 1851. Rachel and David had the following five children: (1) Amanda F; (2) Eliza I; (3) Ann; (4) Mary Ware; (5) Martha Jane. His second wife was a Mary Yetman. They also probably had some children, however, the names are unknown.

(9) Joseph⁴ Irons (James³, James², James¹), shown in the 1840 Federal Census of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, age between 50 and 60, with wife of same age and three sons and three daughters may have been a son of James Irons3, or he may have been a son of Simeon or Simon Irons of the same county shown n the 1790 Federal Census with a family of on male over 16 and three females. Simeon Irons from the Delaware family descended from the Simon Hirons (discussed previously) who lived in Kent County, Delaware during the 1600’s. A John Irons was publisher of the early newspaper in Uniontown, Fayette County, Pennsylvania prior to his death in 1854.

FAMILY IV

John⁴ C. Irons (James³, James², James¹), was born about 1796 and died in 1890. He married Sarah Gant who was born 1797 and died 1871. They are buried in the Old Silverton N.J. Cemetery. The family also lived near Silverton, N.J. He enlisted as a private in the company of Captain James Newell, Colonel Freylinghusen’s Regiment, under General Colfax in the War of 1812, on September 19, 1814 and was honorably discharged at Jersey City, N.J., on December 6, 1814.

John⁴ C. and Sarah (Gant) Irons had at least four children who were:

(1) Edwin⁵ Irons (John⁴ C., James³, James², James¹), was born March 12, 1819 and died September 1, 1892. He married Mary Clayton who was born on June 18, 1820 and died on May 15, 1887. She was the daughter of Miles Clayton. The family lived near Silverton, N.J. Edwin⁵ and Mary had eight children whose names were: (1) Watson⁶; (2) Sarah⁶; (3) John Tilton⁶; (4) Mary Hannah⁶; (5) C. Eleanor⁶; (6) Frank⁶; (7) Annie M.⁶; (8) Eden B.⁶ See Family V below for more details about Edwin’s family.

(2) Reuben⁵ W. Irons (John⁴ C., James³, James², James¹), was born on January 19, 1821 and died on January 25, 1901. He was married to Elizabeth F. Halsey who was born July 5, 1824 and died May 5, 1888 at the age of 63. The family lived near Silverton, N.J. Reuben⁵ and Elizabeth had seven children whose names were: (1) John Hatfield⁶; (2) Charles A.H.⁶; (3) Theodore F.⁶; (4) Mary Elizabeth⁶; (5) Sarah M.⁶; (6) William J.⁶; (7) Charles⁶.

(3) John⁵ G. Irons (John⁴ C., James³, James², James¹), was born about 1822. He shows up in the 1860 census at age 40 and in the 1870 census as age 49 with wife Sarah A. Irons of same age. Their seven children were: (1) David J.⁶; (2) Diademia⁶; (3) Sidney D.⁶; (4) Ann E.⁶; (5) Henry B.⁶; (6) Martha A.⁶; (7) Joseph⁶.

(4) Eden⁵ Irons (John⁴ C., James³, James², James¹), was born 1829 and died 1897. He married Sarah Jane Shinn who was born March 5, 1831 and died on December 1, 1914. She was a daughter of John and Sarah (Randolph) Shinn. Both are buried in old Silverton, N.J. Cemetery. Together, Eden⁵ and Sarah Jane, had at least four children who were: (1) Lewis Randolph⁶; (2) John B.⁶; (3) Reuben⁶; (4) Winfield⁶.

FAMILY V

Edwin⁵ Irons (John⁴ C., James³, James², James¹), was born March 12, 1819 and died September 1, 1892. He married Mary Clayton who was born on June 18, 1820 and died on May 15, 1887. She was the daughter of Miles Clayton. The family lived near Silverton, N.J. Edwin⁵ and Mary had eight children who were:

(1) Watson⁶ Irons (Edwin⁵, John C.⁴, James³, James², James¹), was born on November 23, 1849 and died on December 14, 1921. He married Mary S. Clayton (probably a cousin) who was born on August 22, 22, 1849 and died on October 10, 1933. She was the daughter of David and Rachel Clayton. Watson and Mary S. had a son named Oliver who was born on August 3, 1876 and died on September 28, 1896.

(2) Sarah⁶ Irons (Edwin⁵, John C.⁴, James³, James², James¹), married John William Gant. John was also probably a second cousin. It’s interesting to note that her grandfather John⁴ C. Irons married a Sarah Gant.

(3) John Tilton⁶ Irons (Edwin⁵, John C.⁴, James³, James², James¹), was born September 30, 1846 and died on April 18, 1892.

(4) Mary Hannah⁶ Irons (Edwin⁵, John C.⁴, James³, James², James¹), married David Clayton also probably a cousin.

(5) C. Eleanor⁶ Irons (Edwin⁵, John C.⁴, James³, James², James¹), was born on January 28, 1854 and died on July 13 1924. She married Joseph⁶ Irons a cousin who was born on October 3, 1852 and died on September 13, 1909. Joseph⁶ Irons was a son of Joseph⁵ Irons (William⁴, James³, James², James¹).

(6) Frank⁶ Irons (Edwin⁵, John C.⁴, James³, James², James¹), was born March 2, 1856 and died March 20, 1932. He married Emma Hess. The two of them are buried together in the old Silverton, N.J. Cemetery.

(7) Annie M.⁶ Irons (Edwin⁵, John C.⁴, James³, James², James¹), was born on March 18, 1858 and died on May 14, 1927. She married Edgar Polhemus. The family lived at Manasquam, N.J.

(8) Eden B.⁶ Irons (Edwin⁵, John C.⁴, James³, James², James¹), was born on November 10, 1862 and died on September 26, 1938. He married Elizabeth H. Tice, who was born December 1868 and died on August 30, 1906. She was a daughter of Joseph and Mary Tice. They had several children, (1) Geoffrey S.⁷ Irons, born July 27, 1888 and died August 3, 1888; (2) Infant; (3) Edna Tice⁷ Irons, married Daniel O’Hara; (4) Probably two other children, names unknown.

FAMILY VI

Frank⁶ Irons (Edwin⁵, John C.⁴, James³, James², James¹), was born March 2, 1856 and died March 20, 1932 at the age of 76 in his home following an illness of about five years. According to his obituary, Frank was a wheelwright and carriage builder. He built the first wagon used by coast guard stations to launch and beach their surf boats. His first surf wagon was used in coast guard demonstrations at the World’s Fair that was held at Chicago, in 1892. Following the demonstration, the government placed an order for ten of the wagons to be used at various stations throughout the country. He was survived by his wife, sister Mary Clayton, brother Eden, and five children listed below. Frank married Emma Hess who was born Thanksgiving day at 4AM in English Town, New Jersey. Frank and Emma had at least five children:

(1) Mrs. John Ward; may also be the same as the Mrs. Charles Meuers of Flushing, Long Island who was mentioned in her father’s obituary.

(2) Margaret "Maggie" May was born February 12, 1881 in Tom's River, New Jersey and died July 31, 1961 in her home at 543 Laurel Ave., Pacific Grove. She married Robert Skipp on September 6, 1906 and there is some indication this marriage may have been her second. See FAMILY VIII below for more on this family.

(3) Iantha who married Wesley Garrison of Haddon Heights.

(4) Naomi (pronounced Nome) Hastings married Parker W. Hastings. Naomi and her husband had two daughters and possibly one son named Ellsworth. The daughters names were Ruth and Phillis. The family lived at 1010 N. 32nd Street in 1928 Ruth married Barnum B. Torrence in about 1930. Barnum and Ruth made their first home at 3016 Ninth Ave. North, Billings Montana. Barnum worked as a carpenter. In addition to completing High School in Billings, he also attended State College at Bozeman, Montana and Tabor College in Iowa.

(5) Otto F. (may have also gone by Torrence) Irons of Lakewood, N.J. Otto’s wife may have been named Phyllis.

FAMILY VII

Margaret "Maggie" May⁷ Irons (Frank⁶, Edwin⁵, John C.⁴, James³, James², James¹) was born February 12, 1881 in Tom's River, New Jersey and died July 31, 1961 in her home at 543 Laurel Ave., Pacific Grove, California. Before moving to Pacific Grove, she also lived in Los Gatos, California at 103 University Avenue from about 1950 To 1959. Maggie May was one of the four daughters of Frank and Emma Irons. She graduated from the Tom's River, New Jersey High School in 1899. On September 6, 1906, she married Robert² Skipp Jr. in Trenton New Jersey.

Her granddaughters, remember that Maggie May's parents were not very supportive of the relationship; possibly because she had a high school diploma and he had not gone past the sixth grade. Also, there is some indication that Maggie May had been married prior to her marriage to Robert Skipp because the

birth certificate of her daughter appears (difficult to read) to indicate her maiden name was "McIntosh."

Maggie May⁷ (Irons) and Robert² Skipp Jr. moved to Billings Montana in about 1911 where they lived for awhile at 138 Wyoming Avenue. Maggie May’s sister Naomi had already settled near there with her husband. Later they moved to Shepherd where they lived and operated their ranch until 1938. After 1938 they moved to a ranch which was located seven miles south of McLeod, Montana. They lived there together until 1946 when Robert passed away. On January 8, 1908, their only daughter, Miriam Ruth³ Skipp (Robert², Robert¹) was born. See Family IX below for more on Miriam and her family.

Robert² Skipp Jr. (Robert¹) was born March 31, 1874 in Buffalo, N.Y. and died April 24, 1946 of a ruptured appendix in the Deaconess Hospital of Billings, Montana. His father's name was Robert¹ E. Skipp Sr. His mother’s name was Mary (as she is called in his younger brother Edward’s death notice).

During his life, Robert² Skipp Jr. (Robert¹) had various occupations including, Butcher, Fireman (perhaps on a train), Teamster, Street Construction Foreman, Railroad Brakeman (Pennsylvania RR in Trenton N.J.), Baseball Player (probably just for fun), and Rancher. His grand daughters remember being told that he never got past the sixth grade. They think this was because his father died when he was 11 or 12 years old and when his mother remarried, he left home because he didn't get along with his step-father.

Robert¹ E. Skipp Sr. was born in England about 1845 (possibly near the town of Bocking, Essex County) and came to America about 1873. According to his youngest son’s death notice, his wife’s name was Mary. It is believed that Mary married a second time and took the last name of “Hill” after the death of her first husband Robert¹ Skipp Sr. Letters from her (mentioning her heartbreak over son Edward’s death) to her daughter also indicate that by 1900, she was living in Bocking, Essex County, England. A Mary Hill (who is believed to be Robert¹ Skipp’s widow) died in 1900 at age of 46 and was buried in Bocking Cemetery, Essex County, England. Based of her age at time of death, she would have been born about 1846 and thus about 25 years old when her oldest son, Charles² was born. On June 25, 1880 Robert¹ E. Skipp Sr. applied for U.S. citizenship and on October 20, 1882, he swore the oath of allegiance (at Erie County, New York) and became a citizen of the United States. Joseph Schueler and Joseph Fischer attested to his having been a resident of the U.S. for the preceding five years. Burial records from the Buffalo Cemetery indicate Robert¹ Skipp Sr. died in 1886 and that he is buried in Lot 11, Section E, Grave 126. Cemetery records also indicate that an “Alice Skipp” who died in 1878 is also buried in the same grave. The most reasonable explanation for Alice is that she was a daughter who died young.

Charles² Skipp (Robert¹), is believed to be the oldest of the four siblings, so he was probably born prior to 1871 in England. He also was married twice to two women whose first names were “Lizzie.” The first wife was Lizzie Kate and the second wife’s maiden name is unknown. Charles and Lizzie lived in Bloomfield, N.J. Here is a Tin Type picture taken of Charles and Lizzie Skipp (probably the first one; circa 1900) at Coney Island.

Agnes² (Harriett) Skipp-Szen (Robert¹) was born May 1, 1872 in England and died May 26, 1962 at the age of 90 in Buffalo, Erie County, N.Y. In 1891, Agnes² Skipp married Herman Szen at Buffalo, N.Y. Herman Szen was born April 1869 in Germany and died on September 7, 1910 at the German Hospital located on Jefferson Street in Buffalo, N.Y. He was a ship’s carpenter with the Empire Ship Company and was living at 85 Cherry Street, Buffalo at the time of his death. His brother-in-law, Edward² Skipp was also living with them at the time. Agnes² and Herman are both buried in Lot 80 section A of the Forest Lawn Cemetery at Buffalo, N.Y. The couple also had two sons named Henry (born August 1892) and Albert (born April 1895). Henry married Roselyn Georger and Albert married Annie (aka Anna) Rooney.

Edward² Skipp (Robert¹), the youngest sibling, was born March 1877 and died on April 15, 1900 at the age of 23 without wife or children. According to his death notice, he was the son of Robert¹ and Mary Skipp. His death notice also indicates he lived at 34 Cherry Street, Buffalo, N.Y. and that he had been a member of the 74^th Regiment, Company D. Edward² is buried next to his father and “Alice” in the Buffalo Cemetery, Lot 11, Section B, grave 127.

Follow this link to see photos of Robert, Edward, Lizzie, Agnes, Henry, and Albert.

Follow this link to see photos of Maggie May, Robert, and their family.

FAMILY VIII

Miriam Ruth³ Skipp (Robert², Robert¹) was born January 8, 1908 and died at the age of 66 on November 10, 1974 as the result of injuries suffered in an automobile accident in Pebble Beach, California. She was very active in her church and the local community and was a very well liked and highly regarded person. Everyone loved her. On June 10, 1926, she graduated from the Billings High School. The next year, she met her husband to be (Ervin A. Levi) while the two of them were attending the Billings Polytechnic Institute at Polytechnic, Montana. A copy of her report card dated June 24, 1927 indicates she was a very good student who received an A in English, B in Home Management, B in Dramatics, A in Basketry, B in Pen and Spelling, B in Dancing and Gym, and an A in Sewing. Miriam was known for her community involvement (President of Quota Club among other things), her love for her family and the great Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts she would provide, and her exemplary garden.

On August 10, 1927, Miriam married Ervin Alvin Deleve (Levi). Miriam's father Robert and Ervin's brother Lawrence were the witnesses mentioned on the marriage license. Ervin was born March 15, 1908 in Buckley, Michigan, and died June 29, 1981 due to a heart attack suffered after hitting a "perfect drive" while playing golf at Laguna Seca golf course in Monterey, County, California. Ervin was a great golfer. He didn't start playing the game seriously until he was in his 50's and in a span of about 20 years, he hit 13 witnessed hole-in-ones (only a very few people can say the same thing). He was dedicated to the game and the local newspaper once published an article about him playing on a rainy day when no one else would play. Ervin also played the Accordion, Electric Organ, and in his later years, he also earned a pilots license.

Ervin Alvin and Miriam Ruth had three children: two daughters and a son. The oldest, a daughter was born in 1929. According to her birth certificate the family was living at 623 N. 26th Street in Billings, Montana. At the time, Ervin's occupation was that of Collection Manager (not an easy job during the "Great Depression"). The second child born was also a daughter born in 1931. The youngest child was son named Robert who was born in 1934 and passed away in XXXX. In 1938, the family moved from Montana to California. They first settled in Alameda then later moved to the area of Saratoga, which was essentially farm country near San Jose, California. Not long after moving to California, the family also changed their name from Levi to Deleve. The reasons for this name change are unclear, however, it is known that Ervin's brother Charles also changed his last name to Deleve.

By the time this was written (December 2000), Ervin and Miriam’s three children, had produced five grandchildren (2 boys and 3 girls; all grown now), who in turn have added five great grandchildren (1 boy and 4 girls) to the family line. Except for Ervin, Miriam, their son Robert (Bobby), and one granddaughter (Janice), all are very much alive, happy, and prospering.

REFERENCES:

1. Smith, Grant and Irons Families of New Jersey’s Shore Counties, Including the Related Families of Willets and Birdsall, compiled by James W. Hook, New Haven, Connecticut, 1955. Pages 174-219.

2. Lawmaking and Legislators in Pennsylvania, A Biographical Dictionary, Vol. One 1682-1709, Craig W. Horle et. al., Published by the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 1991. Pages 434-435.

3. Talbot County Land Records (Delaware), 1665-72, p. 335-38; Scordas, 251 lists Simon, Dorothy, Elizabeth, Francis, Susanna, and William “Irons.” In 1682 Simon Hirons had land granted to his three children, Elizabeth, Francis, and Simon; therefore Susanna and William Irons cannot be identified with certainty. Note: This reference is referred to in item 2 above and may provide further information regarding the children of Simon Irons.

4. The Quaker Records of Shrewsbury, N.J., by J.E. Stillwell, M.D., New York City.

5. History of Christ Church, Shrewsbury, N.J.

6. The Town Book of Old Middletown, N.J.

7. This Old Monmouth of Ours, William S. Horner, published by Moreau Brothers of Freehold, New Jersey, 1932.

8. Old Times in Old Monmouth, Historical Reminiscences of Old Monmouth County, New Jersey, by Edwin Salter and George C. Beekman, published by the Monmouth Democrat, Freehold, N.J. 1887.

9. Query by a W.R. Cutter that was first published in the NEHG Register, Volume 32, July 1878, pages 342-3. Following is the first part of the lengthy query:

I have in my possession a deed – never executed – from John Seers, of Woburn, Mass., dated the 14^th of 9^th mo. 1670, selling for L5. 10s., five acres of land in Woburn, at a place called “pine meddow plaine,” and bounded by land of John Russell east, and by land of Edward Oyron (Iron) west. This Iron is interesting from the fact of his being the first Woburn town pauper. The name is evidently Iron, and not Ivons, as given in Sewall’s history of the town, page 617. I have also a deed of John Johnson, Sen., of the same town, of Lawrence’s lot in Woburn, to Richard Neverds, of Cape Ann, dated March 8, 1687-8. The lot formerly belonged to John Lawrence, of Charlestown, who was then deceased. The deed contains the signature of John Johnson, Sen., and the mark of Bethiah Johnson his wife, and the signatures of James Convers and Henry Somars, as witnesses, both well-known citizens of Woburn. Also have a quit-claim from Jonathan Bacon, of Billerica, to Richard Nevers, of Woburn, A.D. 1708; of “Thomas Kendall, Senr. His Deed of Exchange to Richard Neverds,” A.D. 1708-9, in which the lot of five acres, which formerly belonged to John Seers, at the place called Pine Meadow Plain, is exchanged for four acres of woodlot that formerly belonged to Kendall’s “honored father” Francis Kendall, late of “said Woobourn,” deceased. Iron’s name is Edward “Ioyerns” in this deed. Note: Woburn is less than 10 miles north east of downtown Boston.

10. Drakes History and Antiquities of Boston, pages: 218-30, 235, 341, 798.

11. History of Monmouth County, New Jersey 1664-1920, Volume One, Lewis Historical Publishing Company, Inc. New York and Chicago, 1922. p. 340, 344.

12. Report of the Record of Commissioners, of the City of Boston (first and second parts covering 1660-1701) Boston Records and The Book of Possessions, Rockwell and Churchill, City Printers, 1881/82.

13. Planters of the Commonwealth 1620-1640.

14. Braintree, Mass. town records (see Samuel Irons).

15. Registry of Suffolk Deeds, Lib. IX p. 416

The IRONS Family in America (a genealogy) with notes on the BALDWIN, BIRDSALL and BROWNE families

Contents

FORWARD

INTRODUCTION

MATTHEW IRONS with notes on BROWNE line

FAMILY II – James² Irons Jr.

FAMILY III

FAMILY IV

FAMILY V

FAMILY VI

FAMILY VII

FAMILY VIII

REFERENCES:

DiscoveryVision Genealogy Project

The IRONS Family in America (a genealogy) with notes on the BALDWIN, BIRDSALL and BROWNE families

Contents

FORWARD

INTRODUCTION

MATTHEW IRONS with notes on BROWNE line

FAMILY II – James2 Irons Jr.

FAMILY III

FAMILY IV

FAMILY V

FAMILY VI

FAMILY VII

FAMILY VIII

REFERENCES:

FAMILY II – James² Irons Jr.