Plymouth Co. Court Records, Vol. 2, General Sessions of the Peace, Session 9, March 1735/36,
case #6, p. 56, Susanna Washburn of Bridgwater, daughter of Jonathan Washburn of said Town,
Single woman, in court for fornication, “for having…a Bastard Child born of her body some time
within five months.”
Shortly after 1740 brothers John and George McCoy from Bucks Co PA went north up the
Delware River to NJ Frontier. Here they both leased land from Richard Gardner on the
Papakatting Creek where it enters the Wallkill River. At this time this was Morris Co. until 1753
when Sussex Co was created from Morris. John soon married Elisabeth Morris and reared a
family of eight children over the next 50 years and died intestate ca 1801. [Most of data is
primary evidence.] Supporting data indicates that his Brother George McCoy (fur trapper), likely
married Susanna Washburn who likely came to NJ ca 1743-45 with brother Lemuel. Primary
evidence, a Plymouth Co MA courts record states that “a” Susanna dau of Jonathan Washburn
and Rebecca Perry was cited in 1735 record as being unwed and pregnant and soon to have a
baby. A careful search of the records indicates that members of the family left the county and
went west to avoid the scandal and embarrassment and the court charges were apparently
dropped. [Drapers Manuscripts] states that Washburn family records report that Jeremiah
arrived in NJ when he was ca 7-years old. It is likely George McCoy soon married Susanna and
started a family. In the meager NJ records George has been found including a NJ land deed
confirming his lease on the Papakatting Creek. Jeremiah is found witnessing a will and on the
tax records. Here Jeremiah meets and marries Rebecce Devore and starts his family. Just before
the Rev War Jeremiah’s family moves to Ft. Pitt PA-stays here until 1785 and moves again to
Maysville (Limestone) Mason Co. KY. Jeremiah and Arthur Fox were active for years surveying
land. Here Jeremiah raised his family, by two wives. Jeremiah writes his will in 1801 and names
his stepfather George McCoy and wills to his first son George anything that he might receive
from his step father. Jeremiah’s 1806 estate settlement names a James McCoy (could be a half
brother) and other friends and relatives.