Found this on the web........RUNYON-L Archives
From: <Runy@1funplace.com>
Subject: Slaves?
Date: Sun, 03 May 1998 12:12:00 -0400
Hi everyone,
First I would like to thank Mary for sending all that great info!!
As always, the more we learn the more questions we have
> 1789, Sept 3. Runyon, Joseph, of Piscataway, Middlesex Co; will of.
> Wife, Jane, 1 cow, 1 horse, my negro girl named Shalota, a room in my
> house and all furniture she needs...Wife, my negro boy, named Allas.
> Brother, Peter, my negroes, Joe, Sarah and Philis.
According to the literature from East Jersey Olde Towne's mailing we
have:
" The Runyon House represents the wealth and changing needs of
Piscataway's settling families. A typical 18th century Middlesex County
home of an established family, it originally stood at 175 Possumtown
Road. It is said, the House was used to conceal slaves fleeing via the
underground Railroad. The House also reportedly served as a wayside
inn."
The house was built (c.1755-80) by Benjamin (Vincent > Peter > Benjamin)
on the land he inherited from his father Peter.
How does this Joseph fit in here?
One family slave owners & their nearby cousins helping to free slaves?
I wonder if the Underground Railroad story was true. Has anyone seen
mention of it anywhere else? The Will must be accurate, it was written
by Joseph.
Also, I know slaves often took the names of their owners for their own
last name. There may be African-American families with the last name
Run/yon/yan/ion. Has anyone come across any?
Cheers!
archiver.rootsweb.com/th/read/RUNYON/1998-05/0894211920
I have been doing research on her for last 2 years I just found your family name through surfing internet. I would appreciate any information.
I have been doing research on her for last 2 years I just found your family name through surfing internet. I would appreciate any information.
