Edward Bradway

Edward and Mary Bradway were of the Parish of St Paul, Shadwell, London  when they emigrated with numerous other Quakers to "Fenwick's Colony" in the western part of New Jersey.

They arrived on the ship "Kent" at Raccoon Creek on the 23rd day of the eighth month in 1677, more than a month after they left. With them came their oldest children, Mary, Susannah, and William. After their arrival Hannah and Sarah were born. William was the only male to carry on the name.

"Edward Bradway livinge in the parish of Paul, Shadwell in London transported himselfe with his wife Mary Bradway and two daughters, namely Mary and Susannah Bradway and three servants that is to say William Groome, Francis Burkell and John Alinn in the third month in the year according to the english account 1677 into America who all arrived in the province of West New Jersey the seventh month following. And soe to the place called New Salem, where they did inhabite."

"As the Kent was leaving the Thames, King Charles the 2d. on his pleasure barge, came along side and asked whither they were going, and on being told they were Quakers going to America he gave them his blessing. "

Before coming to this country Edward Bradway purchased one thousand acres of land and a town lot of Fenwick, said lot containing sixteen acres, commencing near the public wharf at the creek, and running up the street a certain distance, and from the line of said street, a northerly course to Fenwick creek. (See deed bearing date of June 6, 1680, Salem Surveys, book 5, page 311, Trenton, N.J.)

In the year 1691, Edward Bradway built on his town lot a large brick house. (It was gutted by fire and restored about 1875 - and torn down about 1965) for size and appearance surpassing any house built prior to that date, and for many years afterward in Salem.

The governor of this state resided in this house some time after the death of Edward Bradway: hence it went under the name of the governor's house for many years afterward. It was also called the Lighthouse, because in earlier times lanterns were displayed from a pole on the roof to guide navigators in the creek.

In 1693, the town of Salem was incorporated into a borough, and the authorities of the town changed the name of Wharf street to Bradway street in honor of Edward Bradway.

He was a prominent member of the Friends' meeting in early times, and appears in public affairs, being chosen a member of the assembly of Salem Tenth in September, 1685. . ." Spouse: Mary Godfrey born circa 1633. Children: Mary, William, Susannah, John (Died Young), Sarah, Hannah.