Brevet Captain Jonathan Rhea
Began his service in the Revolutionary War as Ensign in the 2nd Regiment NJ Line 1 Jan 1777. 2nd Lieutenant in the 2nd Regiment New Jersey Line 1 Apr 1778. Lieutenant 1 Jan 1781. Captain by Brevet. Retained in and last served in Cumming’s New Jersey Continental Battalion from Apr 1783. Served to 3 Nov 1783. Born in Monmouth County near Freehold, NJ on 12 Apr 1758 and died in Trenton, NJ on 3 Feb 1815. Colonel in response to the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794. Attorney and member of the Bar 1784. Monmouth County, NJ Clerk 1784. Twice served as Clerk of the Monmouth County Court of Common Pleas. In 1793 he was Clerk of the New Jersey Supreme Court and served to 1803. Presidential Elector in 1796. Quartermaster General of New Jersey 1813- 1815 during the War of 1812. The a founder and the second President of the Trenton Banking Company 1807-1815. Built the old mansion opposite the State House, which was later sold to Charles Bigbee and later went to member Philemon Dickinson. Freemason and member of Trinity Lodge #3 and Warrant Master in 1787. Later member of Trenton Lodge #5 and Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey 1805-1813. Married 1st Maria Mathilda Rutgers. [Sources: M; H; (66); (98); (C); Find A Grave Memorial. Pic: (J); Copy of painting in New Jersey suites at Anderson House.]