Gov. Joseph Bloomfield

About

Joseph Bloomfield was born in Woodbridge, New Jersey on October 18, 1753. His education was attained at the Reverend Enoch Green’s School in Deerfield, New Jersey. He went on to study law, was admitted to the bar in 1775, and then established his legal career in Bridgeton, New Jersey. During the Revolutionary War, he first served as captain in the 3^rd New Jersey Regiment; was promoted to the rank of major; and later served as judge advocate of the northern army. He also fought and was wounded in the battle of Brandywine. After resigning his military commission, Bloomfield entered into politics. He served as the registrar of the Admiralty Court from 1779 to 1783; was the attorney general of New Jersey from 1783 to 1792; and served as a Princeton College trustee from 1793 to 1801. Bloomfield first won election to the governorship in 1801, after which John Lambert succeeded him. He was again chosen governor in 1803, winning reelection annually until 1812. During his tenure, the New Jersey Gradual Emancipation Act was approved; and the state militia was restructured. After completing his final term, Bloomfield secured an appointment to serve as brigadier general, a post he held until 1815. From 1817 to 1821 he served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Governor Joseph Bloomfield passed away on October 3, 1823, and was buried in the St. Mary’s Episcopal Churchyard in Burlington, New Jersey.

Source

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 3, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

Biographical Directory of the U.S. Congress

First Baptist Church – Bloomfield, NJ