John Barclay (New Jersey politician) facts for kids

John Barclay (around 1650 – April 29, 1731) was a Scottish Quaker and a member of the Clan Barclay. He was the younger brother of Robert Barclay. John Barclay held several important government jobs in the East Jersey colony in North America. He also served as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly from 1704 to 1706.

Early Life and Family

Coat of Arms of John Barclay

John Barclay was likely born in Gordonstoun, Moray, Scotland. This is the same place where his older brother was born. He was the second son of Colonel David Barclay of Urie (1580–1660). His mother was Lady Katherine Gordon Barclay (1620–1663).

His father, David Barclay, had served as a soldier under Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. He also navigated the difficult times of the English Civil War. John's grandfather on his mother's side was Sir Robert Gordon, 1st Baronet of Gordonstoun.

Journey to America

John Barclay probably first arrived in East New Jersey around 1682. However, he soon went back to Great Britain in 1683. He carried important letters to the colony's owners, called Proprietors. These letters were from Deputy Governor Thomas Rudyard and Surveyor General Samuel Groom.

Barclay returned to East Jersey in 1684 or 1685. He lived in Elizabethtown and Plainfield for a while. By 1688, he settled down in Perth Amboy, which was an important town in the colony.

John Barclay's Political Roles

In January 1688–89, John Barclay was named Deputy Surveyor General. He worked under George Keith in this role. On April 6, 1692, he took over Keith's job as Surveyor General. He also became the Receiver General at the same time. He officially started these jobs on November 1.

From 1692 to 1693, John Barclay served in the East New Jersey General Assembly. He represented the Town of Perth Amboy. Later, on November 25, 1695, Barclay was appointed Deputy Provincial Secretary and Register. He took over from Thomas Gordon, who had gone back to Great Britain.

On August 6, 1698, he received two more appointments. He became the Register of the Court of Chancery and a Commissioner of the Court of Small Causes. He returned to the Legislature in 1698 and 1699. This time, he represented Middlesex County.

In 1700, Barclay was given even more responsibilities. He was appointed Clerk of the Court of Common Right. He also became Clerk of the Supreme Court and Clerk of the Court of Sessions.

Changes in Government

After the late 1690s, the governments of East and West Jersey faced many problems. They were not working well. Because of this, the owners (Proprietors) of both East and West Jersey gave up their right to govern. They handed control over to Queen Anne.

Queen Anne's government then joined the two colonies together. They became the Province of New Jersey, which was a royal colony. This meant it was directly controlled by the British Crown. This change led to a new system of government. Many politicians in New Jersey tried to gain power during this time.

After the Jerseys were united, John Barclay continued his political career. He represented the Town of Perth Amboy in the New Jersey General Assembly. This was from 1704 to 1706. During his time in the Assembly, he had disagreements with Governor Viscount Cornbury.

One major issue between Barclay and Cornbury was about colonial records. Governor Cornbury wanted to move these important documents. They were held by Barclay and Thomas Gordon. Cornbury wanted Peter Sonmans to take custody of them. This argument became very heated. It ended with Sonmans having Barclay arrested one Sunday as he left church.

Family Life

John Barclay was married to Katherine Rescarrick (around 1661–1703). They had two sons together:

• Rev. Thomas Barclay: He was the father of Andrew Barclay (1719–1775), who became a merchant in New York.
• John Barclay (around 1702–1786): He married Katharine Gordon on June 11, 1725. After Katharine passed away in 1757, having had eleven children, he married Jane Van Dyke in 1763.

John Barclay spent his later years in Perth Amboy, East New Jersey. He passed away there on April 29, 1731.