General Joseph Bloomfield - A Revolutionary Life

by Donald Johnstone Peck

A longtime leader of the New Jersey Society for the Abolition of Slavery, and founder of Thomas Jefferson's Democratic-Republican Party in New Jersey, to this day General Joseph Bloomfield is regarded as Woodbridge, New Jersey's most illustrious citizen. The great-grandson of a founding family of the oldest chartered township in the state, Joseph Bloomfield was both a lawyer and soldier,but his elite background and Revolutionary War service quickly propelled him into political leadership, and in time he was elected governor.

As the narrative of Bloomfield's life unfolds, the reader steps back in time to trying political, religious and social issues faced by the founders of the State of New Jersey and the United States of America. Strongly influenced and driven to action by the religious enthusiasm of the Presbyterian Church and its political agenda based on rights, General Bloomfield served with distinction in George Washington's Flying Camp. During the course of the war he participated in the battles of Trenton,Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth, and endured harsh conditions at both Morristown and Valley Forge.

After a period of indecision, General Bloomfield emerged as one of a few genuine "landed aristocrats" in New Jersey who was willing to join the Jefferson cause, as opposed to the Federalist Party. As governor he used his moral and political leadership to initiate the gradual emancipation of slavery in New Jersey with his signing of the Gradual Emancipation Act of 1804. He later served with distinction in the War of 1812 and was twice elected to the United States House of Representatives.

Endorsements

“Who better to tell the early history of Woodbridge, the state’s oldest township, and one of its illustrious sons, Governor Joseph Bloomfield, than Donald Johnstone Peck, a Woodbridge native? Peck takes us on a lively journey from the first days of Colonial New Jersey through the early years of the nineteenth century. He deftly describes the struggle for independence and the start of the fledgling Republic as he recounts the significant role of New Jersey and many of its residents, including Governor Joseph Bloomfield, in shaping the new nation. I highly recommend this book to everyone who is interested in New Jersey history." – Cate Litvack, President, Advocates for New Jersey History

Specifications

Format: 6" x 9" paperback on permanent paper, printed in the United States
Pages 122, including Acknowledgments, Preface, Foreword, text, bibliography, index, About the Author
Illustrations: 52, including period portraits, engravings, maps
ISBN 10: 1-939995-06-X
ISBN 13: 978-1-939995-06-3
LCCN: 2014952349
Price: $18.95 (Bulk order rates are available upon request)

About the Author

DONALD JOHNSTONE PECK is a long-term preservationist associated with restoring the Montrose School House, Colts Neck, and the Proprietary House, Perth Amboy. Most recently he has been active in the restoration of the buildings, gardens and grounds at Old Stone Cottage, the site of the historic Cutter Farm in Fords, New Jersey. He is the author of many historical articles and monographs, as well as George Washington and the Ghosts of the Revolution in Central New Jersey and An American Journey of Hope: Perth Amboy - The Capital and Port City on Raritan Bay. 

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