Abraham Ouke

“…Abraham was with the Revolutionary Army when (his father) William made his will in 1778. Young Abraham had been reported missing in action, which may have been the reason his father’s will held the proviso in case his son was dead. According to the Revolutionary War record on file at National Archives, Abraham had enlisted for three years on 23 June 1776, was taken prisoner on 6 October 1777 at White Plains, was returned by the British through exchange on 11 August 1778, when he promptly rejoined the American forces and served until he was discharged 24 August 1779. Since news traveled slowly it may be that his father died without being aware his son Abraham was alive and fighting again with the American Army.

Abraham, only surviving son of William and Neeltie, may be the Abraham Oake of Eastern Precinct, Somerset County, N.J. who died intestate 5 December 1792. Charity Oake and John Bray received letters of administration. (N.J. Wills) The inventory of his estate mentions “in the estate of Abraham Oakey late of New Brunswick, a lot of ground with bark house thereon on the south side of Albany Street worth £60; 21 sides of leather, shoe makers and tanners tools; 5 calf skins, bed and bedding, tables and chairs, trunks, blue chest, andirons and brass tops. Signed by John Voorhies and James Voorhees. (Dept. of Archives, State Library, Trenton, N.J.)”

Source: Untitled lineage of Aucke Janz van Nuys (C. 1621-1698), unknown author, privately printed circa 1950, transcribed by Eligio Gael Rodriguez, May 2016.