WASHINGTON LETTER/DAYTON FAMILY ITEMS ON DISPLAY
On Sat. Feb. 19, from 1 to 4 pm, the letter written by Gen. George Washington in Springfield on June 18, 1780 will be on its annual display at the Historic Cannon Ball House, 126 Morris Ave. Springfield. Items of the Jonathan Dayton families will also be part of the display.
We know who George Washington was, but how many residents of Springfield know who Jonathan Dayton was?
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There were several Jonathan Dayton’s in Essex (now Union) County in the late 1700’s to early 1800’s. Two have particular ties to Springfield.
Dr. Jonathan Dayton (b.1702) lived in Elizabeth, formerly Elizabethtown. One of seven children, he married twice and also had a total of seven children. One of the children from his first marriage, was also a Dr. Jonathan Dayton (1730 or 32 to 1778), who came to Springfield. This Jonathan Dayton is the first known resident and possible builder of the Historic Cannon Ball House. When he died in 1778, Rev. James “give‘em Watts, Boys,” Caldwell of the First Presbyterian Church on what is now Morris Ave. in Springfield. This Dr. Dayton is buried with his family in the church’s burial on Taft Avenue, another site of historical significance.
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Another of the senior Jonathan Dayton of Elizabethtown’s children from his second marriage, Col. Elias Dayton, led the 3rd NJ in the Battle of Springfield which occurred around his half-brother, Dr. Jonathan’s, Cannon Ball House. The battle took place on June 23, 1780.
Col. Dayton had a son, another Jonathan, a Col. in the Revolutionary Army and a lawyer. Representing the new state of New Jersey, this Jonathan became the first speaker of the 4th and 5th Congress and the youngest signer of the Constitution. Dayton became involved with Aaron Burr’s treasonous conspiracy, and faced charges which were dropped. He settled in Elizabeth at Boxwood Hall. In 1937, the first regional high school was established in Springfield and is the current Jonathan Dayton High School named for Col. Jonathan. Besides the Washington Letter, Dayton’s Masonic apron will be on display.
Admission to the Cannon Ball House is Adults, $5 each, Children $2 each, families maximum $10. For information call 973-376-4784.
