Guardianship is when a court gives an adult custody of a child and/or the responsibility of managing the child's property. Before women could own property, guardians were appointed for their minor children if their husband died.
Mary Bishop was the daughter of David Bishop and Mary (Marie) Alger born in 1682 or 1683 in Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey.
Her father, David, died when she was an infant in March, 1683/83. Her mother, according to American Marriage Records before 1699, married Charles Gillman on January 9, 1684 in Woodbridge, New Jersey.
In November, 1696 her uncle Jonathan Bishop was named her guardian.
Bonham and Related Family Lines lists her as Hezekiah Bonham's second wife. The author feels there is supporting evidence and included reference to a grave marker in Princeton.
Old Style Calendar
Before 1752 the year began on Lady Day, March 25th,. Dates between January 1st and March 24th were at the end of the year. Old Style (O.S.) and New Style (N.S.) are used to indicate whether the year has been adjusted. Often both dates are used.
Women played an essential role in American society as mothers and homemakers.
New Jersey's first permanent European settlement was in 1660.
Documents Relating to the Colonial History of the State of New Jersey by New Jersey Historical Society, 1901
1683-4 Mar. 10. Bishop, David, of Woodbridge. Administration on the estate of, granted to his widow Mary.
N. J. Archives, XXI., p. 56
1695 Nov. 18. Mary, daughter of David Bishop, dec'd, makes application for the appointment of her uncle, Jonathan Bishop, of Woodbridge, Middlesex Co., as her guardian; granted by And. Hamilton.
1695 Nov. 18. Order of Gov'r Hamilton to the Secretary of the Province, to make out letters of guardianship to Jonathan Bishop, of Woodbridge, whose niece Mary, daughter of David Bishop, has chosen him as her guardian.
