JOHN HART (1708-1779). Signer of The Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, public official and politician in Colonial New Jersey who served as a Delegate to the Continental Congress.
Fr. NJ-174. February 20th, 1776, New Jersey, Three Pounds, Plate B, a scarce Revolutionary War issue, Signed by “John Hart” and Samuel How in dark brown ink, Crisp Extremely Fine+. John Hart’s signature has his line flourish below. This note is well printed in red and black on the face, with the reverse in black having a nature print. The note is printed by Issac Collins at Burlington, the paper being watermarked “NEW JERSEY”. This example has light even tone with some scatter tone spots on the reverse, overall crisp and well centered with strong signatures.
John Hart was a leading member of his community. His first public service was a justice of the peace. In 1761 he was elected the New Jersey Assembly, there annually reelected until the assembly was dissolved in 1771. In 1775 he was appointed to the local Committee of Safety, the Committee of Correspondence, and a judge to the Court of Common Pleas.

He was elected to the newly formed Provincial Congress of New Jersey in 1776, and sent as a delegate for New Jersey to the Continental Congress that year.

Hart's property was looted in the course of the Revolutionary War. His Wife died on October 8, 1776. When the area was overrun by the British in November of that year, he was forced to hide for a time. He was engaged in public service throughout the war, twice reelected to the Congress and also serving the Committee of Safety and as Speaker of the New Jersey assembly.

On June 22nd 1778 he invited the American Continental Army to encamp on his farm. George Washington had lunch with him, then had his famous Council of War at the nearby Hunt House. Twelve thousand men camped on his fields-during the growing season. After resting and preparing for battle the troops left on the June 24th, 1778.

John Hart died on Tuesday, May 11th 1779, at the age of 66.