John Hart: Signer of the Declaration of Independence

GUEST COLUMN

By Stanley Vitello
Most of us are familiar with the celebrated names of our founding fathers —George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton. Underappreciated, but equally praiseworthy, are revolutionary patriots such as Hon. John Hart. He is included among what historian Joseph P. Ellis called "the greatest generation of political talent in American history" (Ellis, 2002).
John Hart, a favorite son of Hopewell, was the son of Edward and Martha Hart. He was born on Nov. 5, 1713 in Hopewell Township (then part of Hunterdon County) where Edward purchased a working farm. Young John was influenced by his father’s work ethic and penchant for public service. The elder Hart served as public assessor, justice of the peace, and leader (captain) of the local militia. Edward was a yeoman — a property owner who performed civic duties. Young John assisted his father in handling quasi-legal matters.
Mr. Hart was a self-made man. He did not receive formal schooling yet attained basic skills in reading, writing and arithmetic through self-study. Mr. Hart remained autodidact throughout his life. Experience was his great teacher. In his later years, Mr. Hart read the law and acquired the title of esquire. The lawyer-businessman was admired by fellow citizens for his common sense, integrity, fairness and business acumen. Above all he was known for his honesty and was hailed as "Honest John." Cleon Hammond (who authored a book about John Hart and once lived in the Hart House) wrote: "As common sense appears to have been the root of his ability, the common touch was surely the supporting stem of his personality."
Benjamin Rush, another signer of the Declaration said Mr. Hart was "a plain, honest, well-meaning farmer, with little education, but with good sense and virtue enough to pursue the true interest of his country."
In 1739, Mr. Hart purchased a 193-acre plantation in the northern part of Hopewell Township, now Hart Avenue in the Borough of Hopewell. Mr. Hart became one of the most prosperous farm and mill owners in Hopewell Township, overseeing 600 acres of land. In 1741 he married his neighbor, Deborah Scudder. They had 13 children. Although a Presbyterian in 1747, Mr. Hart donated a piece of his property to the Old School Baptist Church (West Broad Street), which today still is used for community gatherings. Mr. Hart was drawn to lifelong public affairs in the colony of New Jersey and in the founding of the United States of America. He was regarded as a leading citizen of the community — kind, modest and concerned about the poor. Mr. Hart was not taken to long-winded speeches and petty politics. Instead, Mr. Hart worked tirelessly for the betterment of what became the State of New Jersey and America.
From 1750-1757, Mr. Hart served on the Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the highest township office. From 1761-1777 he was a member of the NJ Colonial Assembly (under British rule) and also served as a judge on the Court of Common Pleas.
An early supporter of the American cause, Mr. Hart opposed the Stamp and Tea Acts. He was chosen a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and voted for Independence on July 2, 1776, the 13th signer. The next day he left Philadelphia to begin his tenure as Speaker of the newly formed NJ General Assembly, the highest elected office in the colonies. Joel Parker, governor of the State of New Jersey said: "John Hart had greater experience in the Colonial and State legislatures of his day than any of his contemporaries. No man exercised greater influence in giving his direction to the public opinion which culminated in independence."
Because of his leadership position in the New Jersey’s General Assembly, Mr. Hart was hunted down by the British and marked a traitor. He was offered a pardon if he reversed his position on independence. Mr. Hart refused. To avoid capture he hid out in "caves" in the nearby Sourland Mountains. During this time, the Hart property was ravaged by British and Hessian troops. Mr. Hart returned to his home to learn that his sickly wife had passed away on Oct. 8, 1776 at the age of 55. Heart-broken, exhausted and after enduring a long illness, John Hart died from kidney stones on May 11, 1179 at the age of 66. Twenty-nine of those years were dedicated to public service.
No patriot endured a greater degree of suffering without any quest for personal gain than John Hart. A monument was erected to mark his gravesite next to the Old School Baptist Church.
The New Jersey Gazette printed this obituary: On Tuesday 11th instant departed this life at his seat in Hopewell, JOHN Hart, Esq. the Representative to the general Assembly for the county of Hunterdon, and late Speaker of the House. He had served in the Assembly for many years under the former government, taken an early and active part in the present revolution and continued to the day he was seized with his last illness to discharge the duties of a faithful and upright patriot in the service of his country in general and the county he represented in particular.
"The universal approbation of his character and conduct among all ranks of people, is the best testimony of his worth, and as it must make his death regrettable and lamented will ensure lasting respect for his memory."
Historians debate whether great men or world forces make history. Hon. John Hart was, indeed, an extraordinary man who lived at an extraordinary time in America. He — like other patriots known and unknown — defended Independence, and "pledged to each other, their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor."
Stanley J. Vitello is professor emeritus, Rutgers University and resident of Hopewell Borough.