1. <Unknown>¹ May was born Abt. 1700.

Notes for <Unknown> May:

Note: A William May, Jr. married Jane Edwards 19 Jun 1731 in Gloucester Co., NJ - no relationship known. Relationship of the William and George identified below based on proximity and close dates of marriage.

A Christian May died in Burlington Co.; his will was dated 1761 (Bk 10, pg. 173)

Children of <Unknown> May are:

3. George² May (<Unknown>¹) was born Bef. 1721. He married Susannah Thompson 24 Jan 1741/42 in Burlington Co., NJ. She was born Bef. 1726.

Notes for George May:

George May purchased a portion of the lands of Edmund Iliff, formerly of Delaware and Philadelphia, in Gloucester Co., NJ in 1749. Included in his purchase were two small dwelling houses and a goodly portion of the present Town Site of Mays Landing. The entire Tract was purchased for 7 pounds. Although May had purchased land locally in 1749, he was still residing in the Upper Precinct of Cape May County between 1758 and 1760, where his neighbors were Capt. Stillwell and Isaac Belangee. On 27 Jan 1760, George May was appointed an agent for the West New Jersey Society, of London, to supervise its interests, and he moved to what became Mays Landing. May was operating a tavern locally in 1767, and was also engaged in other business enterprises.

Excerpted from: 250th Anniversary - Mays Landing (1960)

29 Aug 1754 - The Pennsylvania Gazette, Number 1340:

Run away from the subscriber, living at Egg-Harbour, Gloucester county, the 24th instant, a servant-man named George Hamilton, and says he is a Scotchman, of middle stature, well set: Had on when he went away an ozenbrigs shirt and trowsers, a pair of leggins, no shoes, a felt hat a linen cap, a light brown camblet jacket, without sleevers; it is supposed he broke open a store-house, and took with him about Thirty Pounds worth of goods, viz. Three pieces of silk handkerchiefs, cambrick, worsted stockings one piece of fine calicoe, fine thread, and other goods, two check shirts, and one white ditt. Whoever takes up and secures said servant, so that he may be had again, shall have Six Pounds reward, if he has the above-said goods, and Three Pounds, if not, and reasonable charges, paid by: George May.

Dated 18 July 1768, the New York Gazette or Weekly Post Boy, No. 1333:

To be sold by Jonathan Hampton, of Elizabeth-Town, in New Jersey ...

(among many other parcels)

One Thousand acres at Great Egg-Harbour, Meadow and Swamps. Enquire of Mr. George May near the same. ... for the lands at ... Egg-Harbour, he will expect the whole of the Money in Six Months, or a Year, at farthest.

Dated 27 April 1769, the following notice was made in Philadelphia (dated May 4, The Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 2106)

By virtue of several writs to me directed, on the 19th day of May next, at the late dwelling-house of George May, in the township of Great Egg-Harbour, will be exposed to sale, by public vendue, between the hours of 12 and 5 in the afternoon of said day, the following described tracts and lots of land, meadow and cedar swamp, viz. No. 1, contains 127 acres, on which is a good two story frame dwelling-house and barn, with about 20 acres of cleared land, a grist-mill and saw-mill, in good repair, on a large stream of water, situate on the northerly side of Great Egg-Harbour river, near the head of the tide; within a quarter of a mile from said mills is a very convenient landing, where sea vessels can go and come full freighted. No. 2, is 100 acres of timber land, and includes the abovementioned landing. No. 3, is 101 acres of cedar swamp, about a mile from the above mills, lying on Badcock's creek, which is full of timber. No. 4, is 50 acres of marsh, on the opposite side of the river to the first lot, which is now banked, and makes a good meadow. No. 5, is 50 acres of land and marsh, on the south west side of the river, at a place called the Upper Pine Hammock. No. 6, is 50 acres of cedar swamp, on Gravelly Run, about 3 miles from the said mills. No. 7, is 46 acres of land, and cedar swamp, lying on the said river, including a landing, called Colt's Landing. Also 125 acres of cedar swamp, in two tracts, a few miles from said mills. Throughout the above tracts of land, in many places, is found large quantities of iron ore, and the stream on which the mills are built, being sufficient, it is thought a valuable iron work might be erected there, and its situation would render the exportation of it very convenient. Any person inclining to purchase, may view the premises, by applying to Charles Steelman, or Samuel Snell, near the same. Credit will be given for two thirds of the purchase money, with paying interest. The whole late the real estate of said George May; seized in execution, and to be sold by Samuel Blackwood, Sheriff.

N.B. - At the same time will be sold, a quantity of West-Jersey rights.

Gloucester, April 27, 1769

[not obvious if only the result of financial diffiulties, or if George died before April 1769]

"This indenture made the 10th day of May, year of our Lord 1760 between George Maye of Great Egg Harbour in the County of Gloucester in the Province of New Jersey Blacksmith of the one part and Richard Somers Jr. of Great Egg Harbor in the County and Province aforesaid surveyor of lands of the other part Witnesseth that the said George Maye of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of 60 pounds Good currant money of West New Jersey to the said George Maye in hand paid by the said Richard Somers Jr. Hath granted bargained and sold unto the said Ridh'd Sommers, his heirs and assigns one Thousand acres of unappropriated Land to be taken up any where in the Western Division where not before legally located --- Two Thousand acres was conveyed to George May by indenture of the seventh of May 1760 by Lewis Johnston as agent and Atty for the West Jersey Society. (signed) George May (signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of Jemima Scull, John May, William Murphy Recorded Mar 24 1773)

9 Apr 1765, will of Charles String of Great Egg Harbor, Gloucester Co.: Executor, friend, George May. Witnesses - John May, David Richman - proved 17 Jan 1771.

"Mays Landing, the shire town of Atlantic County, was founded by George May, who opened a store for the supply of vessels putting into Great Egg Harbor. His house, a gambrel roofed building, one story and a half high, was on the north bank of the river, about ten rods abouve the mouth of Babcock's Creek, fronting on the river. It was standing until about 1830. May was also a blacksmith and ship builder, and built several schooners, some of which engaged in trade with the West Indies."

Absegami: Annals of Eyren Haven and Atlantic City 1609-1904 - Alfred M. Heston: Mays Landing and the Pines 1760 to 1904, p.255-6; printed 1904.

The first time the present name of Mays Landing was used was 8 Aug 1778, when 128 1/2 tierces of Carolina rice and indigo and 1600 bushels of St. Ubes salt were offered for sale at "Mays Landing" by Thomas Leaming and Thomas Sinnickson.

Egg Harbor and Mays landing are 5 miles apart in present day Atlantic County, NJ, about 20 miles west of Atlantic City. Egg Harbor is on an inlet, The Great Egg Harbor River. (George May was a ship's captain or mariner). The town was named after explorer and local dock maker, George May.

Edmund Iliff had build a sawmill and a number of houses on the shores of Badcock's Creek by 1735; the community became known as Ilifftown. He lost his properties due to financial difficulties.

1740 - Captain George May, an agent for the London Company, sailed up the Great Egg Harbor River and found an area rich in oak and pine which was perfect for shipbuilding. He purchased part of Illif's holdings at a sheriff's sale in 1749, and settled at May's landing by 1760, by which time he had been appointed an agent of the West New Jersey Proprietors.

1756 - Captain George May bought land near Babcock Creek and later established a trading post to make supplies available for the settlers and Indians. This trading post helped make Mays Landing a permanent settlement. George May erected a small shipyard about 100 yards west of the mouth of Babcock's Creek along the river. There he built several schooners for West Indian trade. A good part of May's property lay west of Babcock's creek by May was able to salvage Iliff's mill and began working it.

1756 - John Hamilton purchased land about a half mile above May's property on the south side of the Great Egg Harbor River. This village became known as Hamilton.

1767 - May was operating a tavern and store and held title to some 800 acres of land. He was a blacksmith by trade and built several ocean-going ships.

1769 - George May had much of his property offered for sale by the Sheriff (see above).

1778 - Center of town started being recognized as "Mays Landing."

COLONIAL SAILING VESSELS

Whale boats were being built by the early eighteenth century. Then fishing boats were produced. Sloop-rigged craft with two, three or four masts became popular. Gradually, construction shifted from the sloop to the small schooner fitted for lumber and charcoal trade. American ships were now known for their modeling and durability.

The size of vessels was gradually increased from three hundred to eight hundred tons, costing from $3,000 to $7,000. Ships left Mays Landing filled with charcoal and cordwood for calls in New York, Philadelphia, Virginia, the West Indies and South America.

George May, the founder of Mays Landing, was a blacksmith and shipbuilder. In the mid-18th century, he had opened a store supplying vessels putting into Great Egg Harbor.

http://www.aclink.org/HISTORY/shipbuil.htm

Note: Other early Gloucester Co., NJ marriages:

William May, Jr. married Jane Edwards 19 Jun 1731

Phebe May married Gideon Badcock 14 Nov 1772

Phebe (Scull) May married Peter Wells 5 Nov 1774

Philip May married <Unknown> Shepherd 1 May 1775

Notes for Susannah Thompson:

Dated 27 April 1769, the following notice was made in Philadelphia (dated May 4, The Pennsylvania Gazette, No. 2106)

Captain Thompson, from Dublin, on the 23d ult. about 50 Leagues from our Capes, spoke the Pennsylvania Packet, Captain Falconer, bound to London from this Port. [Could this be the father or brother of Susannah? Could be complete coincidence.]

Note: There was a Thompson Town area of what is now Mays Landing.

Children of George May and Susannah Thompson are:

4. John³ May (George², <Unknown>¹) was born Abt. 1744, and died Bef. 16 Apr 1772 in Gloucester Co., NJ. He married Phebe Scull 07 Jul 1764 in Gloucester Co., NJ, daughter of Philip Scull and Abigail Townsend. She was born 02 Sep 1745, and died 01 Feb 1797.

Notes for John May:

John enlisted in the army and was commissioned a Captain. His daughter lived in Mays landing until 1878.

2 July 1772 will, John May of Gloucester Co., NJ - Adm'x Phebe May, widow. Fellowbondsman, Thomas Champion, both of said Co. 16 Apr 1772. Inventory (pounds) 147.6.1 made by Thomas Champion and Christopher Raape. [One of the dates appears to be wrong]

Notes for Phebe Scull:

Phebe Scull married 2nd Peter Wells of Great Egg Harbour, Gloucester, NJ on 5 Nov 1774, also as Phebe May. Peter Wells' will was proved on 26 Oct 1784. [It is likely that another Phebe May married Gideon Badcock, as this Phebe is known as Phebe May in 1773 when her father wrote his will, and in 1774 when she married Peter Wells.]

Phebe was buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery in Mays Landing, NJ.

One Phebe May married Gideon Badcock 14 Nov 1772; one Gideon Badcock married Rebeckah Townsend on 23 Aug 1768. Abigail Badcock married Daniel Seull (Daniel Scull) 5 Jan 1768. All Gloucester Co., NJ.

Peter Wells' will, dated 12 Sep 1784 proved 26 Oct 1784:

of Great Egg Harbor, Gloucester Co. Son-in-law John May, my plantation on South River, where I live. Son-in-law George May, the plantation on east side of Great Egg Harbor River. Daughter-in-law Sarah May, a bed. Wife, Phebe Wells, use of all household goods and, after her death, to her 2 sons and daughter, John May, George May and Sarah May. Wife to have use of lands. Executrix - wife, Phebe; and Thomas Champion and Ephraim Bates to be overseers. Witnesses - Tunis Probasco, Thomas Stites, Ziba Wescoat. Inventoried 30 Sep 1784, (pounds) 331.10.0, made by Japhet Ireland and Elias Smith.

The will of her father:

10 Aug 1773, Philip Scull, of Great Egg Harbor, Gloucester Co., gentlement: Daughter, Jane Smith, 10 shillings. Daughter, Phebe May, 10 shillings. Daughter, Abigail Scull, some household goods. Son, Philip, a tract of land in Great Egg Harbor, on the east side of Great Egg Harbor River, bounded north by Jonathan Badcock, of 250 acres, but if he die, then to go to his 2 sisters, Phebe May and Abigail Scull. Son, Daniel, 10 shillings. A tract of land, on which Peter Scull lives, and bounded on north side by Nathaniel Champion, to be sold; also a cedar swamp that lies between Elisha Smith and Hezekiah Lee, of 1,100 acres; also a cedar swamp by the Bevar dam. Wife, Elizabeth, some household goods. Son, Philip, my clothing. Executors - Richard Somers and David Scull. Witnesses - Andrew Blackman, Jr., Jonathan Badcock, Mary Ireland. Proved 7 Sep 1773.

21 Aug 1773 Inventory (pounds) 170.0.4, made by Amariah Lake and Japhet Ireland.

1776, Feb. 9 Account by Richard Somers.

Children of John May and Phebe Scull are:

7. Capt. John⁴ May, Jr. (John³, George², <Unknown>¹) died Bef. 05 May 1816. He married Hannah Steelman, daughter of Frederich Steelman and Naomi Edwards. She was born 25 Dec 1774, and died 25 Oct 1801.

Notes for Capt. John May, Jr.:

Probably the John May who was a Captain during the War of 1812, who died intestate in the Upper Township of Cape May County, NJ prior to 5 Aug 1816.

Children of John May and Hannah Steelman are: