Overview
John Hart was a successful New Jersey farmer who became an important political leader during the years leading up to the American Revolution. Hart opposed British tax policies, served in the Provincial Congress, and helped shape New Jersey’s early government. He joined the Continental Congress in June 1776 and signed the Declaration of Independence on August 2. During the war, his property suffered heavy damage, and he was forced into hiding. Poor health ended his public service in 1778, and the state honored him with a monument in 1865.
Personal Facts
- Born: Around 1713, in Hopewell, New Jersey.
- Parents: Edward Hart (father), Martha Hart (mother).
- Spouse: Deborah Scudder (1741).
- Died: May 11, 1779, in Hopewell, New Jersey. He was around 66.
- Buried: Old School Baptist Meeting House Burial Ground, Hopewell, New Jersey.
- Nickname: Honest John.
- Part of: Signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Significance
John Hart is important to American History for his role in the Patriot Cause in New Jersey and his involvement in the American Revolution. As a Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Hart is one of the nation’s Founding Fathers.
Biography
Early Life
John Hart was likely born in Hopewell, New Jersey, around 1713. As a youth, Hart received very little formal schooling, but he became a skilled farmer and acquired a good amount of property over time. His holdings included part ownership in fulling mills at Glen Moore and both grist and fulling mills at Rocky Hill.
AHC Notes
- A fulling mill is a mill that cleans woven cloth, which was a key part of making woolen clothes during the Colonial Era.
- Hart’s father rose to prominence in New Jersey for leading the “Jersey Blues” in the Battle of Quebec (September 13, 1759), where General James Wolfe led British forces to victory.
- The Jersey Blues were a militia regiment established in 1673 to help defend Piscataway, New Jersey, against Native American Indians who carried out raids and attacks in the area. The nickname came from the blue coats the men wore. The regiment still exists as part of the New Jersey National Guard.
Marriage
In 1740, Hart married Deborah Scudder, the daughter of Richard and Hannah Scudder of Ewing, New Jersey. They raised a large family together.
Early Political Career
Hart became a respected man in his community, and he was appointed Justice of the Peace for Hunterdon County in 1755. In 1761, voters elected him to the New Jersey Assembly. He was reelected in 1762 and served in the legislature until it dissolved late in 1771.
Patriot Cause
Hart strongly supported the rights of the people and spoke out against the Stamp Act (1765). In 1768, he supported an address to King George III stating that only the colonies held the right to tax themselves. He also led opposition to providing additional support to British troops in New Jersey, which was required by the Quartering Act (1765).
By July 8, 1774, Hart was serving as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of New Jersey when voters elected him to the First Provincial Congress of New Jersey.
In January 1775, Hart became chairman of the township committees of Hunterdon County. He later joined the Committee of Correspondence and, on August 17, received an appointment to the Committee of Safety.
In the Provincial Congress, Hart helped prepare defense estimates, develop a plan to issue bills of credit, and lead a committee that created a Court of Admiralty.
- During the 1776 sessions, he firmly opposed Governor William Franklin.
- On June 15, 1776, members elected him Vice President of the Provincial Congress.
Declaration of Independence
When the Second Continental Congress started its debates on independence, the New Jersey Provincial Congress supported the measure; however, New Jersey’s delegates in Philadelphia did not.
The Provincial Congress responded by electing new delegates on June 22, 1776, including Hart. He was joined by Abraham Clark, Francis Hopkinson, Richard Stockton, and John Witherspoon.
Hart voted in favor of independence and signed the Declaration of Independence on August 2, 1776.
On October 8, two months after he signed the Declaration, his wife, Deborah, passed away.
New Jersey State Government
Soon after, Hart was elected to the first New Jersey Assembly under the new state constitution and was appointed Speaker. Hart left Philadelphia and returned to New Jersey to take on his new role. His most important work was with the Council of Safety from March 18, 1777, to October 8, 1778.
American Revolutionary War
During the war, both armies moved through his region, and his farm and mills were destroyed. He was forced to hide in the hills near the Sourland Mountains. Only after the American victories at the Battle of Trenton (December 26, 1776) and the Battle of Princeton (January 3, 1777) was he able to return home.
- During the Philadelphia Campaign (1777–1778), Hart invited General George Washington and the Continental Army to camp on his estate.
- They camped there until May 24, 1778, when they left to engage British forces at the Battle of Monmouth (June 28, 1778).
Death
Poor health forced Hart to leave public service in the fall of 1778, and he died the next year. In 1865, the New Jersey Legislature honored his service by ordering a monument built in his memory at Hopewell, New Jersey.
Accomplishments and Milestones
- 1713 — John Hart was born in Hopewell, New Jersey.
- 1761–1771 — Hart served in the New Jersey Legislature.
- 1765 — He opposed the Stamp Act and became active in resistance.
- 1774, July 8 — Hart was sent to the First New Jersey Provincial Congress.
- 1776, June — He was elected to the Second Continental Congress.
- 1776, August 2 — Hart signed the Declaration of Independence
- 1776, August — He was elected to the first New Jersey Assembly and was chosen Speaker.
- 1776–1777 — British forces invaded New Jersey and destroyed Hart’s farm, and Hart and his family fled to avoid capture.
- 1777, March — Hart became Treasurer of the New Jersey Council of Safety and returned as Speaker of the State Assembly.
- 1778, November — He became seriously ill and ended his public service.
- 1779, May 11 — Hart died in Hopewell, New Jersey.
AP US History
Definition
John Hart (1711–1779) — Hart was a New Jersey farmer and local leader who became an important figure in the movement toward American independence. A strong defender of colonial rights, he served in the Provincial Congress, helped guide New Jersey’s early Revolutionary government, and signed the Declaration of Independence. His property suffered during the war, and poor health forced his retirement in 1778.
Alignment
John Hart is part of the following units, topics, and chapters in the AP US History curriculum:
