S-D-26-David-4

LINE OF JONATHAN DUNHAM OF WOODBRIDGE, NEW JERSEY

FOURTH GENERATION IN AMERICA

26. David-4 Dunham (Nathaniel-3 Dunham, Jonathan-2 Dunham alias Singletary, Richard-1 Singletary) born in Woodbridge, Middlesex , NJ, probably in 1704, [1] died in Elizabethtown, Essex, NJ between 30 April 1771 and 1 September 1772, the dates on which his will was written and proved. [2] He married in Westfield, Union, NJ ca. 1730, Esther Crane, [3] daughter of John and Esther (Williams) Crane of Westfield, NJ. She was born in Westfield and died in Elizabethtown, 1773.

A possible child was James Dunham, b. 1721/2, married Sarah Hedges; see Myers p. 551 for discussion of the fact that he was called “half brother” of John-5 Dunham, and the possibility that he was a child of Esther Crane, and was perhaps adopted by David-4 Dunham. James Dunham was named in the will of his mother, but not named in the will of David-4 Dunham.

This James died 7 June 1796, aged 75 years. James married Sarah (--) Hedges, who died 7 August 1807. She had a daughter, Sarah Hedges, who died 7 Dec. 1820, age 63 years, unmarried. James and Sarah (Hedges) Dunham had at least two children, but these two children died unmarried, without issue. These children were, James who lived at Littell’s Bridge, in Morris Co., NJ, and owned a farm there of upwards of 60 acres. He died 5 May 1790 age 25 years, unmarried and Hannah who d. 9 July 1817 age 54 years, unm. [4]

Littell’s Bridge (sometimes called Smalley’s bridge) is where Stirling Road now crosses the Passaic River.

Will Abstract for David Dunham;

“1771, April 30 Dunham, David, of Elizabeth Town, Essex Co., will of".

"Wife, Esther, all personal estate and use of the real. Son, Joseph, the remainder of the house and land I bought of Abrahan Meeker, lying on the west side of Raway River, and contains 30 acres. Sons, John, Joseph, and David, the remainder of my salt meadow, lying in Raway Meadows, which I bought of Joseph Ogden, Benjamin Williams and Samuel Williams, of 12 acres. Son, David, the remainder of the homestead where I live, when he is 21."

Executors—wife, Esther, and my son, John.

Witnesses—John Blanchard, Richard Stites, John Dehart.

Proved Sept. 1. 1772. Lib. K, p. 459” [5]

Will Abstract for Esther (Crane) Dunham;

“1772, Sept. 3. Dunham, Esther, of Elizabeth Town, Essex Co.; will of".

"Son, James Dunham, my late husband’s apparel. Daughters, Sarah Littell, Abigal Lose and Mary Terrel, the rest of my estate; but Abigal is not to have the care of her part, but my Executors are to deal it out to her as they see fit."

Executors—sons, John Dunham and Abraham Terril.

Witnesses—John Crane, Melyn Miller, John Crane, Jr.

Proved March 2, 1773 Lib. K, p. 542. [6]

Probable Child of Esther Crane:

i. James Dunham, b. 1721/2; d. 7 June 1796.

Children of David-4 Dunham and Esther Crane:

47. ii. John 5 Dunham b. 1731

48. iii. Joseph 5 Dunham b. 1735

49. iv. Sarah 5 Dunham d. in 1818, Henry Co. KY; m. Amos Littell, son of Abrajam Littell. (Sarah is named in her mother’s will), See Littell Families History and Genealogy compiled by Judge Noble K. Littell, Vol. 1 p. 355;[7]

Children of Amos and Sarah (Dunham) Littell;

i. William-6 Littell b.

ii. Rebecca-6 Littell b.

iii. Abraham-6 Littell b.

iv. Polly-6 Littell b.

v. dau. who m. Gaugh

vi. dau. who m. Imel

vii. dau. who m. Loudon

50. v. Abigail 5 Dunham , b. say 1739 (she is named in her mother’s will, m. Cornelieus Lose)

51. vi. Mary/Polly 5 Dunham , b. Westfield, 12 November 1746; d. Rahway, Union, NJ, 8 September 1812; m. in Westfield, 23 September 1763, Abraham Terrill

52. vii. David 5 Dunham b. 18 Dec. 1751 in Westfield

References:

1. Myers, Patty Barthell, Ancestors and Descendants of Lewis Ross Freeman with related families, (Penobscot Press, 1995). p. 551 (she gives 1701-5).

2. Ibid. Will dated 30 April 1771.

3. Myers p. 551.

4. Ibid.

5. Honeyman, A. Van Doren, “Documents relating to the Colonial and Revolutionary History of the State of New Jersey, First Series—Vol. XXXIV, Calendar of New Jersey Wills, Administrations, Etc., Vol. V—1771-1780.”, MacCrellish & Quigley Co., Printers, Trenton, NJ, 1931, p. 153.

6. Ibid.

7. Littell, John, “Family Records or Genealogies of the first Settlers of Passaic Valley (and Vicinity) above Chatham,” 1852, p. 146-7.