Nine Generations

John Aers moved with his parents to Woodbridge, New Jersey in 1669.

John received by his father' will 60 acres of farm land in Woodbridge, New Jersey, together with his night of commage and 10 acres of land his father had bought from John Clement. On February 28, 1708, he was admitted to membership in the Presbyterian Church at Woodbridge under the pastorate of Nathaniel Wade. His wife Mary became a member on December 26, 1708. This relationship with the Presbyterian Church may be further indication of the Ayers Scottish origin, at least in the last generations before immigration.

In 1717, John purchased land in Somerset County, New Jersey and within three years had settled at Basking Ridge in Bernard's Township. However, he was undoubtedly among the very early settlers. John was accompanied on this m by all of his children except Thomas who was married and remained in Woodbridge. John and his sons became active and leading men in the Basking Ridge community, especially in the affairs of the Presbyterian Church. In 1731, he conveyed to seven trustees, one of which was his son, Obadiah, one and one-half acres of land in the center of which, surrounded by a grove of trees, stood the church's log meeting house. This primitive structure was superseded in 1747 by a frame building that remained for ninety years. It probably was then replaced by the current building and thus occupies the site of the original building. The site of this land has not been determined since John apparently left few official records while living at Basking Ridge. However, since John owned this church land at one time, it is likely that he donated the acreage from part of the land he owned in Basking Ridge. There is an ancient oak tree currently standing in the church yard that was no doubt part of the grove of trees that surrounded the first log church.

John died intestate in Basking Ridge on October 4, 1732. Letters of administration were granted to Andrew Woodran on November 30, 1732. A tombstone which is in back of, and partly under the Presbyterian Church in Basking Ridge carries this inscription:

Here lies ye body of John Ayers, Esq.

Who departed this life October ye 4th, 1732

In ye 69th year of his age

Both Church and State have suffered loss

Dear friend, by thy decease

(line lost)

To thee but endless peace

Above the skies our friend is fled

Where peace forever reigns

Though for a while among the dead

His sleeping dust remains.