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The History of the Cape May or South Jersey Corson Families

JOHN CORSON, son of Carsten Jansen

John Corson, it seems, was the eldest son of Carsten Jansen and Barbara, and was born probably not later than 1660, as he married Maria Eliase Daas or Daws about 1680. He baptised a son, Andries, under the date of 23 Jan 1681. This baptism is found in the records of the Flatbush Dutch Reformed Church; the parents were recorded as "Jan Karsten" and "Maria Elias Daas" and the witnesses were Elias Daas (Daws) and Barbara Karsten. Elias Daws was allotted a plot on the Neck meadows of Gravesend in 1672. He had four daughters, Maria, Rebecca, Patience ad Annetje.

An examination of the conveyance records of Gravesend seems to indicate that John Carsten or Corson moved to Cape May County, NJ, before his brother . On 21 Mar 1687-8, he conveyed a half interest in five tracts of land to his brother, Peter. It was no doubt shortly after that time that John Carstensen immigrated to Cape May County, NJ, as he is recorded as a witness in an action in slander and defamation before Burlington Court and offered testimony of 3-4 Jun 1690. (Steven's History of Cape May County, p. 33)

The two brothers, John and Peter Corston or Corson, bought land from Dr. Daniel Coxe, who had formed the West Jersey Society in 1692. On 23 Apr 1695 John was deeded 300 acres and Peter, 400 acres; the cost being 30 pounds and 40 pounds respectively in current money. p.22-24 John purchased land later on also. Being 200 acres of land and marsh of that 250 acres from the Society, 22 Feb 1713-14. Later sold 200 acres to Andrew Cossons, dated 19 Jun 1719 and recorded on 24 Apr 1724. (Liber of Deeds B, p. 185, Cape May Court House)

Very little concerning the life of John has been preserved in the records. He was a farmer by occupation and a man of considerable means. He was commonly referred to as a yeoman. The baptismal records, with the exception of Andrew, were not found, but their identity is well established by the will of John Corson Sr., dated 11 Jan 1721, proved 31 Jul 1728 and recorded in Liber 2, of Wills, Folio 534, Trenton, NJ

John and Maria had the following children:

• 11 Andrew Corson;
• 12 Jacob Corson;
• 13 Hannah Corson;
• 14 John Corson Jr.;
• 15 Martha Corson;

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