GROWING PEACH TREES
[From Warren History, Volume Four, No. 10, Spring-Fall 2009]


Thanks to a recent contribution by Bill Farrell, we now have in our possession an original handwritten agreement between Daniel Cory and James Ralph that sheds light on agricultural practices in 19th Century Warren Township. Here’s the agreement in full:
 

“Agreement between Daniel Cory of Warren Township, Somerset County, and State of New Jersey, and James Ralph of the township, county and state aforesaid, made this thirteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty. Witnesseth, that the said Daniel Cory, for the consideration hereinafter mentioned, doth for himself, his heirs executors and administrators covenant and agree with the said James Ralph his heirs executors and administrators that he the said Daniel Cory, doth demise, grant and to farm let unto the said James Ralph all that messuage and farm situate lying and being in the township, county and state aforesaid, known as the Isaac Bird farm, containing about twenty two acres, as long as the peach trees, which is to be set out on said farm are in good bearing, and the said James Ralph, agrees to pay for the use of said farm, to set out fifteen hundred or two thousand peach trees on said farm this spring, and to keep up the fences, and to do or pay for all the labor in setting out the peach trees and cultivating them in a good and workmanlike manner, and to pick the peaches, and market them, and give one half the price the peaches brings in the market to the said Daniel Cory. The said Daniel Cory is to pay for the peach trees, and furnish any new rails or posts that is necessary to keep the fences in good order. In witness whereof the parties to these presents have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.” Signed by Daniel Cory and James Ralph, witnessed by Jacob Blimm. 
 



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