This geocache replaces the original cache now moved to a new location. The friendly park personnel love visitors and the geocache, say hello when you see them!
Historic Walnford contains the farmhouse of Richard Waln, a prosperous Quaker merchant. Richard bought this property in 1772, and work was begun on the house in 1773. He and his wife Elizabeth began living here in 1774.
”Walnford Mill"
As a Quaker, Richard was a pacifist, and refused to take sides in the Revolutionary War. Because of this, Waln was classified as a Tory, and arrested on July 21, 1777. On October 11, he refused to affirm his allegiance to the government.
The Journal of Elizabeth Drinker, a friend and neighbor of the Waln's, provides us with details about what happened to Richard at this time. In her October 22, 1777 entry, she wrote, "... Richard Waln is taken up, and sent to New York. He had his choice of 3 things, either to go to Jail, take ye Test, or go within ye English lines. Ye latter was chosen." [the 'Test' referred to was an Oath of Allegiance]
”Walnford Farmhouse"
Having made the choice to go "within ye English lines," Richard went to Staten Island, in New York. The exact timeline and conditions of Richard Waln's arrest and return are a bit unclear, as illustrated by several later journal entries of Elizabeth Drinker. It also makes clear that when he was in New York, behind enemy lines, he was able to travel back to visit.
”Walnford Farm"
He returned home in August 1778, and was arrested again. He petitioned Governor William Livingston, and was permitted to remain home, promising to be a "good Subject.."
After the war, Richard was known for his efforts as an ardent abolitionist. He was an active member of the New Jersey Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery. In a 1794 letter to then Congressman Elias Boudinot, Waln wrote, "...but how can we expect the Great Ruler of the Universe - who certainly has not abandoned his Work to chance, will smile on our endeavors when we in a most solemn appeal to him have declared that we hold all men to be free and are yet in the horrid practice of keeping them slaves."
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
”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.
nnjc.org & metrogathering.org, & njpatriots.org