Harvey, Elizabeth Woolman Payne Hunt, 1685-1755

Elizabeth Woolman Payne Hunt Harvey (1685-1755) was a Quaker minister from New Jersey.

Daughter of John and Elizabeth (Borton) Woolman. Born in Northampton Township 3mo. (May) 15, 1685. She was married at the age of 18 to Nathaniel Payne ( -1707) of Mansfield, N.J., son of John "Paine" of Wellingboro', Burlington Co. 9mo (Nov.) 16, 1703. He was a man of property, and probably some years older than Elizabeth Woolman.... The Will of N. Payne was proved May 26, 1707. His wife Elizabeth is made sole heiress, and he mentions but does not name, "children under age." His plantation is at "Mount Pleasant." The condemnation paper of N. Payne for "paying to ye Military Act" was "red in ye Mt'g" 4 of ye 9mo. (November) 1706." He does not appear to have been a very strict member of the Society of Friends. (Burlington M.M. Records. Minutes, Vol. I p. 263.)

Upon the death of her husband Elizabeth Woolman Payne, then but twenty two years of age, promptly married Robert Hunt, also of Mansfield, "at Northampton Meeting House" 4mo (June) 15, 1708. (Burlington Records. Vol. I, p. 291, B'k A, p. 11).... They had at least four children: 1. Robert Jr., born 1709, mar. Abigail Wood, and had a son, John Hunt, (1740-1824) who became the well-known minister, and kept an interesting Journal, (Comly's "Fr'ds Miscellany," Vol. X).... He was an intimate younger cousin of William Hunt and John Woolman. 2. John, born 1711, died 1729. 3. Elizabeth, born 1713, died 1733. Mar. Francis Ellis Jr, 2mo. 18, 1733 and died in same year, leaving a son. 4. Samuel Hunt, born 1715. Robert Hunt Sr. was a very consistent member of the Society of Friends, and his name is in the list of members of Burlington Monthly Meeting who in 11mo. (January), 1704, claim exemption from fighting. (M.M. Recs. Vol. I, p. 227.) The estate of Robert Hunt, April 10, 1716, was administered by his wife, and the inventory of personal property ... is placed at £150, including seventy bushels of wheat at £10,10. (N. J. Archives, Vol. XXXII, p. 248. Deed Book, II, p. 64.)

Two years later, the Burlington Records show that "John Harvey and Elizabeth Hunt declare their intentions of marriage, "ye 8th day of ye 8th Month, 1718." On the third of the next month "they were left to their Liberty to Solemnize their intended Marriage when they shall see Meet to, Save onely that the said Elizabeth take Care to Secure what belong to ye Children of her former Husband, Viz. Robert Hunt, and ye Meeting app. Joshua Fretwell and Thos. Scattergood to assist ye said Elizabeth to accomplish ye same before Marriage with John Harvey." (Burl. M.M. Vol. I. p. 375.)

John and Elizabeth Harvey had five children, — Mary b. 1719; 2. Peter [1721-1771]; 3. John Jr. 1724; 4. Sarah —; 5. Job —. Peter Harvey became a well known minister in his own neighborhood, and his cousin John Woolman wrote the "testimony" on his death, which has often been published. John Harvey, Sr. was an elder. His death occurred 7mo. 5 1754. Elizabeth Harvey, who had long been an acceptable preacher, died at Mansfield 3mo. 27th. 1755. Of her John Smith wrote, "She was wife of John Harvey of Mansfield, in the county of Burlington, New Jersey, and daughter of John Woolman, of said County. An honest, circumspect woman, and a recommended minister for many years." (Manuscript "Lives of Ministers of the Gospel among the People called Quakers", p. 135. At Haverford College. "The Friend", "Phila. Biog. Notices, Vol. XXXI).

Adapted from The Journal and Essays of John Woolman, ed. Amelia M. Gummere (New York: Macmillan company, 1922), 250-251.