Bloomfield, Joseph, 1753-1823

Bloomfield was a lawyer and a soldier in New Jersey. He was educated at the Rev. Enoch Green's Academy. He served as Mayor of Bloomfield (1795-1800), clerk of the state assembly, register of the court of admiralty, and attorney general of New Jersey. In 1801 he was elected governor of the New Jersey legislature over Richard Stockton; re-elected in1804, he served till 1812. As governor, he signed the gradual emancipation act in 1804, which reduced the slave population in New Jersey from six percent in 1800 to eighteen individuals by the year 1860. Also as governor, he requested the prosecutor of Bergen County to acquit Aaron Burr for shooting Alexander Hamilton in their duel at Weehawken. In 1812 president Madison appointed Bloomfield brigadier general in the United States Army. He was also elected twice to Congress, from March 4, 1817, to March 4, 1821.

From the description of Joseph Bloomfield collection, 1794-1813. (Peking University Library). WorldCat record id: 61668896

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