Answering a call across two and a half centuries, Benjamin Franklin was guest of honor at a well-attended reading of the Declaration of Independence in Rocky Hill Borough Hall on July 8, just prior to the monthly borough council meeting. Dr. Franklin (portrayed by reenactor Donald Crouthamel of Sellersville, PA, a family friend of borough resident Gina Sciaraffo), smilingly acknowledged the cheers and shouts of “Huzzah!” as he entered the room.

Simon Duryee was born November 30, 1757 of Joost Duryee and Maritie Van Liew. He was baptized Seymen Derye the next year. He grew up on what we know today as Washington Well Farm on what is now Route 518 in Skillman, NJ. He is buried in the Duryee family burying ground at that site. Simon’s early military career remains elusive.

Van Harlingen Historical Society (VHHS) began a project last year to research and identify soldiers who lived in Western Precinct (known as Montgomery Township since 1798). After countless hours of research, VHHS so far has discovered and confirmed 123 previously unknown soldiers (see names below). And there may be dozens more.

Twenty-two-year-old, fifth generation John Van Dike (1709-1777) married Margaretta Barcalo in 1732 and moved to the 230 acres that his father had purchased for him in the Bridgepoint section of Montgomery. He built a house and settled into a life of farming while raising a family.

When we talk about the American Revolution, we usually talk about ideas: liberty, independence, self-government. Sometimes we talk about battles: Lexington, Trenton, Yorktown. But I want to talk about something closer to home.

Peter Van Der Veer was a simple farmer. Born in Flatbush in 1734, he married Janetye Schenck in 1758 and soon settled on the Millstone River/Bedens Brook intersection in Belle Mead to farm and to raise his seven children.

The history of Montgomery is hiding in plain sight! Everywhere you look, you see a reminder of what was here 50, 100, even 200 years ago.