Mary Hartshorne, [Richard, William] was born 14 August 1676 at Portland Poynt, Monmouth County, New Jersey. She was the daughter of Richard Hartshorne and Margaret Carr. Mary grew up at Navesink which her father named "Portland Poynt." Her father had amassed large amounts of land along the river and bay which were purchased from Lenape chiefs. The land was on the bay and the air was fresh from the ocean breeze.

She married Zebulon Clayton before 1698 when their first child was born. Her husband filed his ear mark for their stock the same year. In 1701 the family was in the midst of excitement when Moses Butterworth, accused of piracy, confessed that he had sailed with Captain Kidd from the East Indies to Boston. The Borden’s tried to rescue Butterworth and they also were apprehended. In the courtroom one of the Borden’s tried to assault a constable and both Bordens were wounded. About 100 persons came to the Borden’s assistance and were promptly charged with treason for seizing the Governor, justices and kings attorney. Among those charged was Mary’s husband, Zebulon Clayton.

Our ancestor, Thomas, was born about 1700, followed by John in 1702, Zebulon in 1704, Margaret in 1706 and Sarah Leah in 1709.

In 1722 Zebulon had land dealings in Burlington County, south of Monmouth, in New Jersey. It is not known if the family moved to that area for a time or not. This is the same year that Mary’s father died. Zebulon died about 1744. Thomas and Mary were the executors of his estate. She received ½ part of the estate as long as she remained his widow.