James Jackson family of Woodbridge NJ and a pirate story
I am pleased to offer a tale of treasure and piracy that involves a Woodbridge branch of the Long Island Jackson line - Pieces-of-Eight. While a bit aside from the usual family research, I find that when genealogy meets history the tale can be both informative and fun.
In this story, a young stepson of James Jackson of Woodbridge by his 2nd wife, Mary FitzRandolph, finds himself ensnarled in piracy in the Carolinas at a time when the family seems to be in dire straits financially. The events are well publicized at the time and are a major basis for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island.
The research also provides us with a few enlightening pieces of genealogical interest to this family. James is found to be a tavernkeeper - probably the same tavern later kept by his son, Charles. James' relationship to his stepchildren, Joseph and Mary, become clearer. And we find evidence of Joseph Thorne Jackson's premature death.
I hope you find the tale to be an enlightening and entertaining diversion from the usual. it is published at http://dougwilson.com/family/feature/treasure.asphttp://dougwilson.com/family/feature/treasure.asp.
Enjoy!
Doug Wilson