Perryville in Hunterdon County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
David Reynolds Tavern/Joseph Van Syckel Residence
Photographed by Alan Edelson, May 17, 2009
1. David Reynolds Tavern Marker
Tavern
-- 1763 --
Joseph Van Syckel
Residence
-- 1839 --
Union Township Historic Site
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1763.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 40° 39.037′ N, 74° 58.24′ W. Marker was in Perryville, New Jersey, in Hunterdon County. It was on Charlestown Road (County Route 635) near Van Sickel Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Willingboro NJ 08046, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in New Jersey’s North Jersey, specifically in Central Jersey, and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It was also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Van Syckel's Tavern (within shouting
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Van Syckles Tavern (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Additional commentary.
1. David Reynolds
David Reynolds opened his tavern in 1763. It was close
Photographed by Alan Edelson, February 2, 2009
2. David Reynolds Tavern - aka Van Syckles Tavern
After the British Parliament passed the Stamp Act of 1765, which meant that the colonists would have to pay more taxes, the farmers in Bethlehem Township formed the "Sons of Liberty." Meetings were held at David Reynolds tavern. Citizens were angry and plans were made to do away with the dreaded Stamp Act.
David Reynolds was angrier than most. He came to America because he couldnt find work in England. Now he could see that England was planning on taxing the American colonists even more.
He was so angry that he started to counterfeit money. His counterfeit press was on the third floor of his tavern, hidden in the side of the chimney where no one could see it. He had windows facing the road so that he could see anyone coming up the road.
Even with his secrecy he was found out. One day he was printing money, when he turned around to see British soldiers standing there. They had put burlap on their horses' hooves and sneaked up the back way. Reynolds never even heard them coming.
The soldiers took him off and hanged him that very day. In those days counterfeiting meant death!
David Reynolds stone tavern stands today on the corner of Charlestown Road and Norton Road in Bethlehem Township. Union Forge, if it were still standing, would be under Spruce Run Reservoir.
— Submitted May 22, 2009.
2. Union Furnace
Allen and Turners, Union Furnace (Spruce Run Furnace) is now located underneath Spruce Run Reservoir. Remnants are still located on NJ Park property. Union Forge (South Branch Forge) is located in High Bridge, NJ. Together all are part of Union Iron Works.
— Submitted August 19, 2012, by William Honachefsky Jr of High Bridge/Clinton Twp, New Jersey.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2009, by Alan Edelson of Union Twsp., New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,627 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on May 22, 2009, by Alan Edelson of Union Twsp., New Jersey. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 18, 2009, by Alan Edelson of Union Twsp., New Jersey. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
