Scotch Plains in Union County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Frazee Homestead
Circa 1750
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, February 20, 2013
1. Frazee Homestead Marker
British General Cornwallis stopped to ask for bread during the battle of Short Hills, June 26, 1777, and was marked by Betty Frazee’s famous statement “I give you this in fear, not in love.”Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is June 26, 1851.
Location. 40° 36.993′ N, 74° 21.991′ W. Marker is in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, in Union County. Marker is on Raritan Road near Terrill Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1451 Raritan Rd, Scotch Plains NJ 07076, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. “Littell Half Way House” (approx. 0.7 miles away); “Dolbier House” (approx. one mile away); “Terry Well” (approx. one mile away); Homestead Farm at Oak Ridge (approx. 1.3 miles away); Westfield (approx. 2˝ miles away); Plainfield Garden Club (approx. 2˝ miles away); Quaker Meeting House (approx. 2.7 miles away); Downer Well Cap (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Scotch Plains.
Also see . . .
1. The Frazee House Restoration Project
this page online
As the legend holds, after the Battle of Short Hills, General Cornwallis and his troops passed by the house while marching toward the Watchung mountains, located a few miles to the north. Known to the locals as a prolific baker, Aunt Betty was baking bread at the time. Hungry and tired, the troops smelled the bread and Cornwallis approached her stating, "I want the first loaf of bread that next comes from that oven." Betty is said to have replied, “Sir, I give you this bread through fear, not in love.” Evidently impressed by her courage, Cornwallis is said to have stated, “Not a man in my command shall touch a single loaf.”(Submitted on May 20, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
2. Wikipedia entry for the Battle of Short Hills. Excerpt:
The Battle of Short Hills (also known as the Battle of Metuchen Meetinghouse and other names) was a conflict between a Continental Army force commanded by Brigadier General William Alexander, and an opposing British force commanded by Lieutenant General William Howe. The battle took place on June 26, 1777, at Scotch Plains and Edison, New Jersey, during the American Revolutionary War.(Submitted on June 19, 2021, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 17, 2008
2. Marker on Raritan Road
During the Battle of Short Hills, it is believed that Lord Cornwallis was drawn to the Frazee House by the smell of baking bread. After being rebuffed by Betty Frazee, Cornwallis is said to have left without the bread.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 17, 2008
3. Marker at Frazee House
This house and marker is located a short distance from the site of the Battle of Short Hills (or Ash Swamp).
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, February 20, 2013
4. Frazee Homestead
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 17, 2008
5. The Frazee Homestead
The Frazee House is a private residence. At the time of this photo, the house was no longer occupied.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 17, 2008
6. Battle of Short Hills Monument
The Battle of Short Hills Monument is located near the entrance to the Ash Brook Golf Course, not far from the Frazee Homestead.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,583 times since then and 37 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week June 20, 2021. Photos: 1. submitted on February 20, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 2, 3. submitted on May 18, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on February 20, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5, 6. submitted on May 18, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
