Edward Antill (attorney) facts for kids

Edward Antill (born March 20, 1658/1659 – died before April 7, 1725) was an important merchant and lawyer in the early history of the Province of New York and the Province of New Jersey. These were American colonies long ago. He was the father of Edward Antill (1701-1770), who owned a large farm and was involved in politics. He was also the grandfather of Lt. Colonel Edward Antill (1742-1789), a soldier who fought in the Continental Army during the Battle of Quebec (1775).

Edward Antill's Early Life and Work

Edward Antill was born on March 20, 1658 or 1659. His birthplace was Richmond in County Surrey, England. He became a successful lawyer and merchant. As a merchant, he imported many goods from the West Indies.

Antill and Colonial Politics

In the 1680s, Edward Antill was not happy with how New York and New Jersey were being governed. These colonies were under the rule of the Dominion of New England. The leader of this government was Sir Edmund Andros.

Antill had strong connections with Jacob Leisler. Leisler later led a rebellion in 1689. This event is known as Leisler's Rebellion. Leisler took control from Andros's deputy, Francis Nicholson. Leisler then asked Antill to join his special council.

However, Antill had to leave the area. He faced arrest because of his support for Leisler. His disagreements with Andros had started years earlier.

Antill's Role in a Famous Trial

In 1677, Andros had accused Philip Carteret of wrongdoing. Carteret was the first governor of New Jersey. Andros wanted Carteret to give up his position as governor. But Carteret refused.

Andros then sent people to Carteret's home. They attacked Carteret and arrested him. Antill was involved in Carteret's trial in some way. Carteret was found not guilty. But the attack caused him lasting health problems. He died in 1682. Antill was very close to Carteret. Later, Antill received a large part of Carteret's widow's estate.

Land Ownership in New Jersey

On November 20, 1686, Edward Antill bought land in the East Jersey colony. He purchased a part of this colony from David Toshack. This land had once belonged to James, Earl of Perth.

Antill was one of the landowners who signed important papers. These papers gave East Jersey back to the English Crown. This happened before Queen Anne joined East Jersey and West Jersey together. They became one Crown colony in 1702.

When Did Edward Antill Die?

We do not know the exact date Edward Antill died. His will was written in 1704. But it was not officially approved until 1725. People think he died when his son Edward (1701–1770) was young. This is because his son was adopted by a man named Giles Shelley. Antill's name stops appearing in legal records around 1704. This suggests he died in or soon after that year.