AN ANCIENT PATENT.
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Shrewsbury township in old Monmouth originally extended to the extreme southern limit of the present county of Ocean. In the year 1749, a portion of the lower part of Shrewsbury was set off and formed into the township of Stafford. The patent creating the township of Stafford is dated March 3d, 1749, and was issued in the reign of George the Second, and is signed by Governor Jonathan Belcher, who was governor of the province of New Jersey from 1757 to 1767. As this patent is the first public official document relating exclusively to the present county of Ocean, it is a matter of gratification to know that it is still in existence and in a good state of preservation. It is on parchment with the great seal of the province attached, the impression of which still shows to good advantage.
On the back of the patent it is endorsed by Register Read as having been recorded in the Secretary's office at Burlington.
It sounds oddly at the present day to read such high sounding titles as are found on the patent: "George 2d, King of Great Britain, France, Ireland, Defender of the Faith," &c., "grants of his especial grace, certain knowledge, and meer motion," &c. And what weighty titles has Governor Belcher! "Captain-General, and Governor-in-Chief, Chancellor, Vice Admiral," &c.
This patent will be deposited in the office of the County Clerk of Ocean County.