20. The Patriot Murray farmhouse Traditional Cache

The Murray Farmhouse and Barn are located within Poricy Park. Built circa 1770, it was the home of Joseph Murray, a stonemason who immigrated to New Jersey from Ulster County, Ireland in 1767 with his mother. He married Rebecca Morris, and the couple had  four children, three sons and a daughter.

Joseph Murray was strongly pro-Independence, and he began serving in the Monmouth County militia in 1776. The Murray farmhouse was raided in 1779 by Tories, Americans who remained loyal to the British and sent to prison.

Upon Murry's release in January 1780, he resumed his patriot militia service. His militia was ordered to commandeer horses, Murray is believed to have taken one horse from Marlpit Hall, located about three miles from the Murray Farmhouse. This was the home of Edward Taylor, a devout Tory.

Several months later, on June 8, Joseph was working on his farm when he was shot in the back and then bayonetted by three men. It is believed that these men worked for Edward Taylor, and that they shot Joseph Murray in retaliation for stealing the horse.  

There is a small monument in the field where Joseph is believed to have been killed. Its plaque reads, "On June 8, 1780 at this site, Joseph Murray was murdered by Tories in retaliation for his daring patriot deeds." 

Joseph Murray is buried in the cemetery of Middletown's Old First Church.

This cache is one of "The American Revolution Geo~Trail" caches throughout New Jersey. These program geocaches are hidden at historic locations which have a connection to important New Jersey's American Revolutionary War history. To participate in the optional Geo-Trail, after you find the geocache, locate the secret code and record it into your passport which you will print from the Geo~Trail website. Information at njpatriots.org

The Northern New Jersey Cachers, NNJC is about promoting a quality caching experience in New Jersey. For information on The Northern New Jersey Cachers group you can visit: www.nnjc.org.