Richard Hartshorne, was born 1641 in, Hathearne, a small town about four miles from Loughborough in Leicestershire, England. He was the son of William Hartshorne. Richard was baptized in St. Peters Parish, Leicestershire on 24 Octoer 1641.

Richard came to America as early as 1669 and married Margaret Carr 27 April 1670 in Rhode Island. Upon an agreement from his father-in-law he received a partially fenced piece of land. He requested John Hawes to finish the house, make a chimney, a cellar and add a window. The Hartshorne’ took possession of the property a month after their marriage. It was here, as a member of the Society of Friends, that he most likely played host to George Fox. Fox later wrote in his journal of the visit.

By 1674 they had left Rhode Island and had purchased land from Lenape chief Tucus and Vowavapon at Navisink/Navesink meaning "good fishing" by the Lenape Indians. The British referred to it as Highlands, "Portland" because of the similarity to Portland, England with a bay protected by a peninsula. Richard named the place "Portland Poynt" where he held vast land holdings along the river and bay.

Richard wrote to a friend in England in 1675 that he lived very well and had between 30 and 40 head of cows and 7 or 8 horses. He was living in Middletown, New Jersey and spoke of purchasing fish from the Indians. Our ancestor, Mary was born at Portland Poynt the 14^th August 1676.

In 1677 he purchased a fishery at Sandy Hook from the East Jersey Proprietors. Besides his land purchases in Middletown he also purchased several tracts from the East Jersey Proprietors on the Manasquan River in 1685.

He held the office of town clerk of Middletown, was a Justice and a member of the Provincial Assembly and later speaker. In 1683 he declined the office of High Sheriff.

In 1698 at a public town meeting Richard was chosen a deputy along with Benjamin Borden. They were to receive six pounds to bare their charges at assembly. At the same meeting it was agreed that the assembly should raise money for the defense and maintenance of the province.

Richard was a religious as well as industrious person. In 1704 he made a record of his marriage and the dates of birth of his children. He wrote instructions to his children on serving God, caring for their mother and the necessity of government while on earth. He set aside, in his will a place on the property he loved as a burial ground. His will was written on May 14, 1722 where he designated a legacy for the poor of Shrewsbury Monthly Meeting. The will was proven on 22 May 1722.

Children of Richard Hartshorne and Margaret Carr are:

                                       xi. Mercy Hartshorne, born 12 May 1693; married Lawrence Co.