William Plaskett (d. 1748)

William Plaskett, Quaker mason who immigrated from England to Trenton, New Jersey circa 1732.

ENGLISH ORIGINS (per Patricia Andersen research): Parish records from Whitehaven, Cumberland, England show: “Feb. 17, 1698, William, son of John Plascatt of Whitehaven.” This William would be the right age to be the immigrant. The St. Bees and St. Nicholas parishes of Whitehaven also had Kirkbrides, Lucas, Hutchinson and Biles families - all names connected to William Plaskett in New Jersey.

First documented in New Jersey as witness to indenture, 19 May 1732. On 18 January 1733/34 purchased 12 acres in Trenton from Enoch Anders (recorded as “mason”). Also purchased lot on Asunpink Creek from James Trent, heir of William Trent, 10 June 1734.

Married widow Margaret Lucas Margerum on 25 October 1734 at Falls Quaker meeting house, Bucks County, PA. Marriage witnesses included John Hutchinson and Mahlon Kirkbride.

Active in Chesterfield Monthly Meeting. In 1739 was among trustees for Trenton Quaker meeting house. On 6 September 1745 named councilman when Trenton chartered as free borough town. In 1747 advertised for runaway servant Sarah Davis in Pennsylvania Gazette.

Will made 14 May 1748, proved 16 June 1748. Estate inventory totaled £423.11.0. Named brother John Lucas as executor. Children: William, John, Margaret, Mercy, Mary.