Excerpt from A Sketch of the Life Character of John Fenwick

During these excitements. And while this con dition of things existed, John Fenwick was born and reared in their midst. The elements of strife were infused into his education and be regardedmilitary success as the great purpose of life. T he old feudal system as established by tvilliam the Conqueror had not passed away, but. The light of education and free Opinion was loosening its hold upon the people. The divine right of Kings was being questioned and the prerogatives of the Crown better defined. These were steps in the right direc tion and ended in the overthrow of the Government. No man of any decision of character could remain neutral amidst these contests between the people and the King, and John Fenwick found himself on the popular side and in Cromwell's army. He was the second son of Sir William Fenwick, Baronet, who represented the county of Northumberland in the last Parliament under the Commonwealth and one of four brothers, Edward, John, Roger and Ralph. In 1640 Sir William had his residence at Stanton Hall, of Stanton Manor, in the, parish of Horsely, Cumberland, and where he had considerable landed estate. The mother, Elizabeth, was perhaps Of one of the border families, and brought to her husband additional property; increasing his wealth and influence. John was born, A. D. 1618, at Stanton Hall, but the day of the month is not known. In 1636 he was styled Knight and Baronet, and five years after that time he married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Walter Covert, Knight of Slanghan, Sussex. This lady was mother of his children, and from her came the direct and collateral branches in New Jersey. The family was of Saxon origin and. Formed a powerful clan in Northumberland. Their ancient fastnt-ss was in the fennv lands about Stamfordhain a. Small town near the southern boundary Of the Shire l_>etbl'e-named.

During the reign of Henry I (a. D. 1100) the. Head of the house was advanced by the King, and with various changes it was prominent in England for several centuries. In Burke's valuable work on the Extinct and Dormant Baronetcies, reference is made to this name, with much reliable and in teresting information.

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