Thomas Runyon

Thomas married Martha Ann Dunn ca 1698, Piscataway, Middlesex Co. NJ. Martha (daughter of Hugh P. Dunn and Elizabeth Drake) was born 13 Jul 1681, Piscataway, Middlesex Co. NJ; died Aft 1738, Hunterdon Co. NJ. [Group Sheet]

1. Joseph Runyon was born ca 1705, Piscataway, Middlesex Co. NJ; died Aft 1780, Frederick Co. MD.

Notes:

Vincent Runyon's saga reflected the historical forces sweeping both France and England in the seventeenth century. France had long been experienced religious wars between Catholics, who were the majority, and the followers of John Calvin, who became known as Huguenots. The Huguenots were a powerful minority, and they were strong in the southwestern part of the country. La Rochelle, a Protestant stronghold, was not far from the province of Poitou, the home of Rongnion.

Because of his association with the Carterets, who lived on the Isle of Jersey, we assume that Runyon went to the island along with other Huguenots escaping the religious strife in their native land.

Lord Carteret, who had remained loyal to the Stuarts, was rewarded by King Charles II (England) when he was restored to the throne. Charles' brother, the Duke of York, gave what is now New Jersey to Carteret and a fellow loyalist, Lord Berkeley.

Vincent accompanied Gov. Phillip Carteret to Elizabethtown, N.J. It is possible that Runyon came in 1666 because of his marriage date in 1668. (Vincent and Ann Martha Boucher were married on June 28, 1668.)

Runyon was one of the early settlers in Elizabethtown, and prospered. He was successful and in 1671 he was able to purchase property. The following is from that deed of sale: "Francis Barber of Elizabethtown, planter, sells to Vincent Ronyon, 40 rods long by 16 rods wide, on the south side of the house lot of George Pack, fronting on the highway..." Notice the name had already been anglicized, as only three years earlier his marriage license had read "Rongnion."

He was a witness, in Elizabeth in 1671, in the first jury trial held in New Jersey. He worked as a carpenter and buying property in 1677, 154 ½ acres on the Raritan River. He lived at Raritan Landing until 1706, and because of religious difficulty moved to Baptist Community of Piscataway.

Vincent died without a will (Intestate) December, 1713. He left gold, silver, a canoe, silver spoons, etc. He is buried in the Runyan Cemetery in Edison, NJ.

ORRA EUGENE MONNET, "First Settlers of Piscataway, New Jersey", gives much information about Huguenots in general, but specifically about those that came early into New Jersey. His narration of Vincent is quoted."Vincent Rongnion (spelling as on his marriage record) Hugyenot, most strikingly illustrates the French Protestant origins, the religious schism in France, and the expatriation sacrifices, and the struggle for human freedom in a new environment, with a meritorious distinction, which gave vital effect to and influence upon the new civilization in a new world.

He originated in or near the City of Poitiers, in the Province of Ancienne Poitus, France. He came in 1668 to the Isle of Jersey, He first settled in Elizabeth Town where he was a Carpenter; He married Anne Boutcher, alleged English woman. Coming from Herts, England who in reality was Anne Bouchierre, originally French."

The first mention of Vincent this side of the waters is his marriage license given by Phillip (sic) Carteret, the young Governor of New Jersey in 1668. The document is on file in the office of the Secretary of State of New Jersey at Trenton, and reads as follows:

To any of the Justices of the Peace or Ministers of the Province of New Jersey:Whereas I have received information of a mutual agreement between Vincent Rongnion of Portiers, in France, and Ann Boutcher, daughter of John Boutcher , of Hartford in England, to solemnize marriage together, for which they have requested my license, and there appearing to be no lawful impediment for the obstruction thereof, these are to require you or either of you, to join the said Vincent Rongnion and Ann Boutcher in matrimony, and then to pronounce them Man and Wife , and to make record thereof, according to the laws in that behalf provided, for the doing whereof this shall be to you or either of you sufficient warrant.Given under my hand and seal of the Province this 28th. Day of June 1668, and the 20th. Year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles the Second of England, Scotland, Ireland, King Defender of the faith, &c.

Signed Ph.Carteret.This couple were joined in matrimony by me the 17th. Of July, 1668.Signed James Bolton

Name:
Name was also spelled Rungione and was anglicized to Runyon.

Vincent married Ann Martha Boucher 17 Jul 1668, Elizabethtown, Essex Co. NJ. Ann (daughter of John Bouchiere and Jeanne Cleves) was born ca 1650, Hertfordshire, England; died 2 Feb 1736/37, Piscataway, Middlesex Co. NJ; was buried , First Baptist Cemetery, Piscataway, Middlesex NJ. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Name:
The family name was originally Bouchiere, Bouchier, or Boucher. The English pronunciation was Bowsher.

John married Jeanne Cleves 1645, England. Jeanne was born ca 1626, France; died 1667, Piscataway, Middlesex Co. NJ. [Group Sheet]