John Hart represented New Jersey at the Continental Congress and signed the Declaration of Independence.
John Hart served on the Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the New Jersey colonial Assembly. He became a judge on the Court of Common Pleas, and was often called "Honest John."
When New Jersey formed a revolutionary assembly (or provincial congress) in 1776 he was elected to it and served as its Vice President. Prior to June 1776, the New Jersey delegation in the First Continental Congress was opposed to independence. As a result, the entire delegation was replaced, and Hart was one of those selected for the Second Continental Congress. He joined in time to vote for and sign the Declaration of Independence.
He served only until August of that year, then was elected Speaker of the newly formed New Jersey General Assembly. He would later take on additional duties as Treasurer of the Council of, President of the Joint Meetings of the New Jersey Congress, and Commissioner of the State Loan Office. Prior to the Battle of Monmouth, Hart invited General George Washington and the Continental Army to encamp on his farm, and his offer was accepted. Twelve thousand men camped on his fields, and on at least one occasion Gen. Washington dined with their host, then had his famous Council of War at the nearby Hunt House.