We cherish with veneration the memory of our ancestors, for wisdom and decision of character. They came to seek in America freedom to worship God according to the dictates of their conscience.

The two brothers, John and James Antram, were of the faith called Friends or Quakers. They lived an honorable and upright life; their children following the example set them and for several generations were true to the faith of their fathers. They were married by Friends' or Quaker ceremony and also their children. In some branches that ceremony has been used until the present time.

John Antram brought with him a grant of land or proprietor-right, a copy of which is in this book, and also the oldest deeds of property owned by him. I have other papers and deeds of John Antram, but did not think it needful to publish them. On some of these papers at his signature is found the imprints of the seal, which is found in this book, which is not to be found on any state records in this country. With the help of it we are in hopes to be able to trace our family to the old country, and in so doing may find them as honorable and upright as the two brothers we call our ancestors.

This family is noted for keeping homesteads in the family. John Antram's homestead has been in the family of his oldest son John for six generations, in five of which it has been left from father to son. A part of it is still the homes of two of his descendants; also the property he left his son Thomas is still owned by one of that family. His brother James' homestead I found through records was owned by his descendants for several generations. We shall find it of later dates, and in some other states; the homestead of Caleb Antram, of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, is owned by one of the third generation.

Some may ask why this change of spelling occurs. In all the old papers of John Antram and his sons the name is spelt Antram. Sometimes the "o" is used and sometimes the "u," but never the "i." I suppose there are several reasons why we spell it with "i"; some made the change thinking it the proper way, and others followed this example.

In compiling this book I have spent much time and considerable money in tracing the family, and hope it will give satisfaction. I have divided it in eleven parts. At the beginning these parts represent the seven children of John and the four of James, and have taken each as the family branches, and have followed them to the six generations (when they could be found.) At the end of each branch a blank leaf will be found on which future records can be added. In a work of this kind, embrancing, as it does, several branches, there will be some errors and omissions, so if any have further information concerning any branches of the family, I desire them to communicate their information to me, so that it may be used in future editions.

An old log house which was occupied by John Antram during the first few years he lived on his farm is still standing in the Joseph Antram homestead farm, but as it has been weather-boarded and other buildings have been built against it, it was impossible to get a picture of it that would represent it as it was. It is seventeen feet wide and twenty-eight feet long, and is divided into two rooms, with a loft over them.

This Indenture made The Third Day of the Month called May Anno Domini 1680. And in the Thirty second yeare of the Raigne of King Charles the Second over England ec. Between Jonathan Alderidge of Burlington at Delaware River in West new Jersie in America, Shoemaker and John Antrum of the same place, Shoemaker. That
William Kent, of Bishopsgate Street, London, Cheese Monger. In and by his Indenture of Lease dated the first day of the monethe called may In the yeare 1678 did bargan and sell unto the sd Jonathan Aldridge his heirs and assigns forever the full equall and undivided fourth or quarter part of all that his undivided right of all that undivided Ninetieth part of that undivided Tract of Land called West new Jersie in America. Together with all and every the mines minerals, woods, fishings, hawkings, huntings, fowlings and all other Royalties Governments, fortes, franchises harbors, profits, comodities and hereditaments whatsoever unto the said undevided fourth or quarter part of the said eighth part respectively belonging or appertaining which said eighth part of ninetieth part was granted by William Peachy of Martine Le Grand London, Haberdasher to the said William Kent by Indenture bearing date the twenty fourth day of the month called March which was Anno Dom. 1676 and recorded and entered in the Registry now kept and appointed for the said Province as by the said Indenture Reference thereunto had more fully and largely it doth or may appear. Now witnesseth these presents that the said Jonathan Alderidg for and in Consideration of the sum of Six Pounds and ten Shillings of Lawful English money sterling to him the said Jonathan Alderidg in hand paide by the above said John Antrum at or before the ensealing and Delivery of these presents. The Recpt whereof the said Jonathan Alderidg Doth acknowledge himself to be therewith fully satisfied Contented & paid hath Bargained and sold and by these presents doth bargain and sell unto thesaid John Antrum and to his heirs and assigns forever the aforesaid Indenture with all and singular
& deeds therein expressed to and with the above said full equall & undevided fourth or quarter part of all that the undevided eighth part of all that undevided ninetieth part of that undevided Tract of Land called West new Jersie in America.

In witness whereof the said parties to these presents have Interchangeable sett their hands and seals the day and year first above written.