July 1st, 1676 (Old Style) was the date when the English land between the Hudson and Delaware rivers was divided into two colonies. There had been specific land grants, including one to a Mr. Fenwick, but control and governance was not clear so:
“…Quakers William Penn, Gawen Lawrie, Nicholas Lucas and Byllynge became the owners of the rest.’ Since they wished to develop a Quaker colony in ‘Nest Jersey, needed to establish title in view of the Duke‘s failure to recognize Fenwick’s holdings, and wished control of the Delaware River rather than southern Jersey as left by the 1674 boundary, the four latter Quakers arranged to Sign a “Quintipartite Deed” with George Carteret on July l, 1676 to divide New Jersey into East and West Jersey.”*
* According to “The Story of New Jersey’s Civil Boundaries, 1606-1968.”, by John P. Snyder First Edition, Bureau of Geology and Topography Trenton, New Jersey 1969 Reprinted by New Jersey Geological Survey 2004
figure from “The Story of New Jersey’s Civil Boundaries, 1606-1968.” by John P. Syder, NJGS
I believe that we could also celebrate on July 12th, using the New Style calendar.
The Kingston Historical Society congratulates Markus McParland, author of Community Collection for Kingston NJ, a new resource for understanding Kingston, NJ.
On May 27th, 2026, Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission awarded Markus the 2026 Young Historian Award.
The event was captured on YouTube:
Markus McParland of Franklin Township was honored for his incredible contributions to local history, including authoring a comprehensive 570-page book detailing the rich history of the village of Kingston, New Jersey. Beyond his extensive writing and research, Markus is dedicated to giving back to the community through regular lectures at local libraries and historical society events. Along with this prestigious recognition, Markus was awarded a $500 scholarship to support his continued academic pursuits.
He is now a student at Notre Dame High School, in Lawrenceville, NJ.
Markus McParland and his book on Kingston (2023)
PS: In 2023 Markus received the following commendation from Franklin
Township, Somerset County: Markus McParland Commendation Deputy Mayor Anbarasan presented the following commendation: WHEREAS, Markus McParland is currently a resident of Franklin Township and a freshman at Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey; and WHEREAS, Markus reads, writes and speaks fluent Mandarin and is currently training in Taekwondo where he has earned his 2nd degree Black Belt; and WHEREAS, as part of his community project, Markus put together articles, stories and photographs resulting in a published 300+ page book on the history of Kingston, entitled “Community Collection for Kingston, NJ”; NOW, THEREFORE, the Mayor and Council of the Township of Franklin, County of Somerset, State of New Jersey hereby commend and recognize Markus McParland for his exemplary accomplishments and wish him well in his future endeavors.
