History of Amwell, (Hunterdon County) New Jersey United States of America

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Charles Pettit, delegate, was born at Amwell, N.J., in 1736, of Huguenot ancestry. He received a good education and married a sister of Joseph Reed, under whom he was commissioned surrogate in 1767, and whom he succeeded as deputy-secretary of the province in 1769. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1770, and was appointed a councillor in 1773. He was secretary to Governor William Franklin, 1772-74, but upon the outbreak of the Revolutionary war resigned his position and joined the patriot cause. He was secretary to Gpv. William Livingston, 1776-78; assistant quartermaster-general of the Continental army, 1778-83; removed to Philadelphia, Pa., in 1783, where he engaged in mercantile business; was a representative in the Pennsylvania legislature, 1783-84, and proposed a plan for funding the state debt, which was adopted. He was a delegate to the Continental congress, 1785-87, and a member of the general convention which met at Harrisburg, Pa., to consider the adoption of the Fedral constitution, which he earnestly advocated. He was a trustee of the University of Pennsylvania, 1791-1802, a member of the American Philosophical society, and president of the Insurance Company of North America, 1796-98 and 1799-1806. He died in Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 4, 1806.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

History of Amwell, (Hunterdon County) New Jersey

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