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Gershom Mott (1822-1884) was a brilliant individual with the heart of a lion. His strict Quaker upbringing; strong European ancestry that stemmed back to William the Conqueror; and character traits like discipline, motivation, and reliability that were inherited from his grandfather, shaped his destiny as a leader. Indeed, his grandfather, John Mott (1734-1804) was a soldier that gallantly demonstrated his military skills on the fields of battle during the French and Indian War and the War of Independence. It was… Read More »The Darkness Holds Nothing Back

Clara Barton was a remarkable individual, whose efforts were challenged on the front lines every day fighting for acceptance, equality, and dignity with courage and compassion. Short in stature but tall in exuberance, she was the personification of the classically flawed super hero that wore a wool shawl rather than a red cape. On a cold Christmas Day in 1821, Clarissa Harlowe Barton was born as the angel that she was destined to become.  As the youngest of five siblings… Read More »Perseverance Dyed in the Wool

By 1765, the Bordentown stage line was well patronized among individuals crossing the terrain of New Jersey. From the days when it took four days to travel from Bordentown to Perth Amboy, now took the same amount of time from Philadelphia to New York City. The small town presented its travelers with a fine array of stabled horses that complimented overnight accommodations that featured food and drink. Although packet boats along the Delaware River offered a safer and more leisurely… Read More »The Winds of Dissension 

Following the end of the Revolutionary War and subsequent years with the implementation of the US Constitution, the adoption of the Bill of Rights, and the creation of political parties, our young republic established the foundations of a prosperous economy that grew steadily and brought extraordinary cultural diversity with the influx of European immigrants. At the end of the 18th century, the revolution of that brought independence was now directed on industry. The newly developed factory system and the ability… Read More »Bordentown: The Dawn of Innovation

Almost a decade had passed since Joseph Borden and other delegates from the colonies met within the walls of the Stamp Act Congress to address concerns over taxes legislated by the British Parliament that affected their liberties. Now, uneasiness loomed as representatives from Virginia met in Williamsburg to discuss the urgency of creating a standing Committee of Correspondence and Inquiry for the purpose of dealing with serious lawful acts and proceedings between their colony and the mother country. In doing… Read More »The American Revolution and the Rhythm of War

In June of 1783, the Revolutionary War with England was drawing to a close. Although America had gained its independence as a self-governing nation, there were numerous revolts instigated by soldiers that did not receive their back pay from the government. As such, the Second Continental Congress and its members, fearing for their safety, moved from Philadelphia to Princeton under the protection of New Jersey officials. Elias Boudinot, the president of the Congress, considered the location because he was a… Read More »The American Revolution: Standing at the Crossroads

The Battle of Saratoga proved to be a major accomplishment for the Continental Army as it persuaded French officials to formalize an alliance of military strength with the American cause against a common foe. Between this mutual relationship and British General John Burgoyne’s disastrous Northern Campaign in New England, it was only a matter of time before the French Fleet would liberate Philadelphia from English occupation. By May of 1778, with the political embarrassment created by these events and the… Read More »The American Revolution in the Arena of War: Part II

The high caliber impact that Gilbert Stuart left on the world of early American art is huge. His name resonates through the halls of well-maintained galleries where oiled portraits of our Founding Fathers and other prominent citizens suspend majestically above polished floors as if the wires were gossamer wings. The expressions on the faces of his subjects are so realistic, that they are often considered by critics as nothing short of astounding. And yet despite his natural ability to achieve… Read More »Bordentown and the Portrait Maker