All,
Jessica and I headed out after 3PM today to search for a "Commissioners Stone" on the Burlington County boundary. Actually, there we were looking for two Commissioner Stones about 50 feet apart. These stones from what I found out, and have somewhat surmised, are quite interesting in what they are for. And if these were the same as at least one other along the border, they were placed there in 1854.
The Burlington County border with Ocean and Monmouth County is as I have mentioned before the Keith Line, which was run off in 1687. He had been expected to separate the state into East and West Provinces, but had some compass problems. Eventually, the county of Burlington used his line for it's border.
But the line for some reason is not straight, even though you would think so looking at maps. At various locations along the line it deviates a few degrees. At one location near Bullock that occurs, and two Commissioners Stones about 50 feet apart are reported to be there. I believe at the locations where the line turns, these stones were placed to reflect that.
On our way there we went through Woodmansie and spotted Bill Wasovwich as Bob had recently when he went past there. He was carrying a bucket of water or possibly firewood to his residence. For those of you who don't know who he is, read "The Pine Barrens" by John McPhee.
Our fist stop was the county marker at the intersection in Bullock along the JCRR, to get the GPS coordinates that I have never taken of it. It is leaning more and more, and may one day be knocked over.
From there we started our search for the Commissioner stones, and found one in a hurry. It still has the letter "B" inscribed in it. I was going to dig on the other side to see if the "O" was in it, but decided it did not need to be disturbed by me. A quick search for the other one 50 feet away was discouraging. I will have to return soon to look again.
Notice the letter "B" inscribed in it.
http://www.njpinebarrens.com/teegate/main.php/download/1064-1/IMG_6074.jpg
Guy
Jessica and I headed out after 3PM today to search for a "Commissioners Stone" on the Burlington County boundary. Actually, there we were looking for two Commissioner Stones about 50 feet apart. These stones from what I found out, and have somewhat surmised, are quite interesting in what they are for. And if these were the same as at least one other along the border, they were placed there in 1854.
The Burlington County border with Ocean and Monmouth County is as I have mentioned before the Keith Line, which was run off in 1687. He had been expected to separate the state into East and West Provinces, but had some compass problems. Eventually, the county of Burlington used his line for it's border.
But the line for some reason is not straight, even though you would think so looking at maps. At various locations along the line it deviates a few degrees. At one location near Bullock that occurs, and two Commissioners Stones about 50 feet apart are reported to be there. I believe at the locations where the line turns, these stones were placed to reflect that.
On our way there we went through Woodmansie and spotted Bill Wasovwich as Bob had recently when he went past there. He was carrying a bucket of water or possibly firewood to his residence. For those of you who don't know who he is, read "The Pine Barrens" by John McPhee.
Our fist stop was the county marker at the intersection in Bullock along the JCRR, to get the GPS coordinates that I have never taken of it. It is leaning more and more, and may one day be knocked over.
From there we started our search for the Commissioner stones, and found one in a hurry. It still has the letter "B" inscribed in it. I was going to dig on the other side to see if the "O" was in it, but decided it did not need to be disturbed by me. A quick search for the other one 50 feet away was discouraging. I will have to return soon to look again.
Notice the letter "B" inscribed in it.
http://www.njpinebarrens.com/teegate/main.php/download/1064-1/IMG_6074.jpg
Guy
