An American Family History

Mary Oxley Howell was born on January 27, 1723 in Hopewell, Mercer (formerly Hunterdon) County, New Jersey. Her parents were Henry Oxley and Mary Everett.

Mary may have married James Howell. James Howell and Mary's father owned 150 acres in Amwell, Hunterdon County together which could indicate that James was his son-in-law. On April 2, 1744, they signed for the mortgage deed on that 150 acres.

Her husband could also have been John Howell who witnessed several of her father's deeds.

In 1777 according to her father's will she inherited a pewter dish and basin.

Children of Henry Oxley and Mary Everett Everit Oxley Mary Oxley Howell Elizabeth Oxley Hannah Oxley Stephens Henry Oxley Rachel Oxley Clare Oxley John Oxley

Hopewell is currently in Mercer (formerly Hunterdon) County, New Jersey. Mercer County was formed in 1838 from portions of other counties including Hunterdon. Early settlers found that their deeds were worthless and they were forced to repurchase their land or relocate. On April 23, 1715 the settlers who stayed organized Hopewell Baptist Church.

Pewter is an alloy composed mainly of tin, but can include lead. It was used for dishes and utensils. Some colonists suffered lead poisoning from using it. It dents easily and lasted about ten years. It was expensive and wooden dishes were used most often.