Imagine stepping off a ship from Aberdeen in 1683, gazing at the wild shores of East Jersey. This was the reality for hundreds of Scots who crossed the Atlantic to carve out new lives in what became New York and New Jersey. Driven by opportunity, religious freedom, and royal backing, these Scottish settlers in New York and New Jersey laid foundations for communities that still echo their heritage today. From Quaker proprietors to Covenanter exiles, their story blends ambition, hardship, and resilience, influencing the region's trade, faith, and culture.
The East Jersey Scottish Proprietors of 1683
In the early 1680s, a bold venture brought Scotland into the American colonial race. Scottish nobles and Quakers purchased East Jersey, aiming to create a prosperous settlement backed by the highest levels of Scottish government. Key figures included Lord Chancellor James Drummond, 4th Earl of Perth; his brother John Drummond of Lundin (later 1st Earl of Melfort); and George Mackenzie, Lord Tarbat (later 1st Earl of Cromarty).
Robert Barclay, laird of Urie and a prominent Quaker, served as the initial proprietor and governor. He joined forces with families like the Gordons of Cluny, Straloch, and Pitlurg. This group commissioned ships like the Exchange of Stockton, captained by James Peacock, which sailed from Aberdeen on 31 August 1683 with the first wave of settlers.
Over 600 Scots left ports like Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Montrose between 1683 and the early 1690s. They included Quakers, Episcopalians, and Presbyterians, many fleeing persecution. Covenanters, devout Presbyterians who opposed the restoration of bishops under Charles II, were among the transported. Quakers had faced similar hardships for their illegal assemblies.
John Forbes of Aquhorthies, a Quaker imprisoned for attending such gatherings, became one of the first landowners in 1684. He bought property in July 1684 and acquired at least 1,600 more acres through deeds in 1685 and 1686. Forbes developed his lands before returning to Scotland in 1686, appointing Robert Hardy as his agent.
Thomas Gordon, a merchant tied to the elite, emigrated and built a substantial estate. He served on the Board of Proprietors, held public offices including Chief Justice, and baptised his son George in 1683/4 with Lord Haddo as witness. These settlers did not just farm; they sought control over land and commerce.
Perth Amboy: A Scottish Name Endures
The settlement of Perth Amboy honours the Earl of Perth. Named after James Drummond, it became the colony's hub. Proprietors like Barclay organised governance from there, with minute books recording over 40 meetings in London from 1682 to 1683. By 1702, East Jersey merged with West Jersey into a royal colony, but Scots influence lingered as families spread westward.
Albany Scots Traders: Fur Trade Pioneers
Northward in Albany, New York, Scottish traders thrived in the fur trade. From the mid-17th century, Scots from Aberdeen and the northeast connected with Native American networks, exchanging beaver pelts for European goods. Albany, then Fort Orange under Dutch control until 1664, drew enterprising merchants.
Families like the Gordons and Forbes appear in records, leveraging kinship ties back home. These traders operated from posts along the Hudson River, bridging Scottish ports with colonial markets. Their success funded further settlement, blending commerce with cultural exchange. Presbyterian links strengthened as congregations formed, supporting Scots amid Dutch and English rivals.
Presbyterian Congregations: Faith as Anchor
Religion bound these communities. Presbyterian congregations sprang up in Perth Amboy, Woodbridge, and Elizabethtown by the late 1680s. Covenanters brought their strict faith, establishing kirks that became centres for Scottish life. Ministers from Scotland arrived, preaching in Gaelic and Scots dialect.
In New York City, the First Presbyterian Church welcomed Scots after 1710, but roots trace to earlier Jersey arrivals. These churches hosted ceilidhs, weddings, and clan gatherings, preserving traditions. Today, descendants trace ancestry through baptismal records, a boon for genealogy enthusiasts.
Post-Culloden Refugees: A Later Wave
The 1746 Battle of Culloden shattered Jacobite hopes, scattering Highlanders. Many fled to American colonies, including New York and New Jersey. Post-Culloden refugees, often cleared from glens by landlords, sought refuge in ports like Perth Amboy.
By the 1750s and 1760s, ships carried MacDonalds, MacLeods, and Campbells. Some indentured themselves for passage, working farms before gaining freedom. Others joined military units like the Black Watch, fighting in the French and Indian War. Presbyterian ministers aided integration, building on earlier foundations. This wave swelled Scottish numbers, contributing to the Revolutionary War effort.
Daily Life and Challenges
Scottish settlers faced harsh realities. Ships like the Exchange carried over 250 servants in the 1680s, enduring cramped voyages. Upon arrival, they cleared forests, built log homes, and planted oats and barley reminiscent of home. Malaria and harsh winters tested them, yet communal support prevailed.
Women played key roles; records note arrivals by maiden names, highlighting their status. Trade with Native Lenape peoples brought wampum and furs, while Scots introduced whisky distillation and plaid weaving. Legal disputes over land patents filled courts, but proprietors like Gordon resolved many.
- Key crops: Maize adapted from Natives, plus neeps (turnips) and cabbage.
- Tools: Axes from Scotland, shared mills for grinding.
- Defence: Militias against raids, drawing on clan loyalties.
Legacy in Modern New York and New Jersey
The imprint of these Scottish settlers endures. Perth Amboy's Scottish festival revives old tunes. Albany's Presbyterian heritage draws visitors to historic kirks. Place names like Stirling and Glasgow townships nod to homeland.
During the Revolution, Scots split loyalties; some backed King George due to proprietor ties, others joined rebels. Figures like John Witherspoon, a Presbyterian minister from East Jersey stock, signed the Declaration. Explore clan histories at our clans directory to connect your roots.
Genealogists prize East Jersey records, from 1683 arrivals to 18th-century censuses. Visit sites like the Proprietary House in Perth Amboy or Albany's Schuyler Mansion for heritage travel. For deeper dives, check our Scottish-American history articles.
From 1683 proprietors to Culloden exiles, Scottish settlers wove their tartan into the fabric of New York and New Jersey. Their story reminds us how ancestry shapes nations. Whether tracing family trees or planning a trip, their endurance inspires.