Clinton Township Newsletter

2 5 N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 5 C l i n t o n t o w n s h i P h i s t o r i C P r e s e r V a t i o n C o m m i s s i o n "Getting to Know your Township – A Historical Perspective – The Runkle House" B y B i l l B u r i a k One of the oldest structures in Clinton Township, if not the oldest, is The Runkle House. The Runkle House is a small, wooden frame house located on Old Allerton Road behind the car dealership that faces Route 31. The Runkle house is on the opposite side of the road from the Church. For many older houses, the history is well known. For the Runkle House, we don't know too much about the house itself; however, we do have some interesting information on the owner of the house – Adam Runkle. Adam Runkle was of German descent, and it is stated that Adam's ancestry was probably related to the Runkels who lived in the Lahn Valley of Germany in the Middle Ages. It is supposed that when Adam was about sixteen years old, sometime between 1735 and 1745, he emigrated from Germany to America. Nothing much is known about Adam until about 1749, when Adam, already married to Mary Youngblood, is found living with her on his father-in-law's farm in Old Amwell, New Jersey (near Wertsville). Mary was the daughter of John Youngblood, a prosperous farmer. We have some information about John from his estate papers (see link below). Sometime between 1755 and 1765, the Adam Runkle family moved to a farm in Lebanon Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. The deed to this 225 acre property, between Mahlon Kirkbride and his wife Mary, of Makefield, Bucks County, Pennsylvania and Adam "RUNCLE", was dated 15 Dec 1761. A transcription of this deed is found in Fisher's book noted below. Their home still stands near Annandale. Adam and Mary had eight children: 1. Mary RUNKLE; (b.c. 1750, Amwell, Hunterdon County) 2. John RUNKLE; (b. 29 Aug 1752, Amwell) 3. William RUNKLE; (b. 1755) 4. Abraham RUNKLE; (b. 14 Jan 1757) 5. Sarah RUNKLE; (b. 15 Feb 1761) 6. Jacob RUNKLE; (b.c. 1763 or 1764, Annandale, Hunterdon County) 7. Margaret RUNKLE; (b. 1765, Annandale) 8. Adam RUNKLE; (b. 18 Jan 1766, Annandale) Adam died sometime in the Fall of 1800. His will was dated 5 Jul 1791, the inventory of the estate was made 17 Nov 1800 shortly after his death, and the will was probated on 4 Feb 1801. A transcription of this will is found in Fisher's book. Mary survived Adam by about five years, and they were buried side by side on the hill to the north overlooking their home, the graves covered by unmarked flat fieldstones. The information we have on Adam Runkle brings the history of the House and early people of Clinton Township to life. Unfortunately, time has not been kind to the house itself. If you drive by the privately owned house, you will see that it is need of significate repair. Hopes are that one day, the house will be restored and become key part of the history of Clinton Township. Should you have an idea for "Getting to Know your Township – A Historical Perspective" please contact the CTHPC at: 908.735.8800. Acknowledgements and info: http://homepages.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~runkle/1adam.htm John's estate papers. Photo - Taken before 1899. Source: Ben Van D. Fisher, 1899, The Runkle Family, T.A. Wright, Publisher and Printer, New York, bet. pp. 42-43. Excerpted from: Ben Van D. Fisher, 1899, The Runkle Family, T.A. Wright, Publisher and Printer, NY. Thanks to Runkle decedents who provided permission for use of excerpts. a r e y o u r P r e P a r e d t o C a r e f o r a n a g i n g l o V e d o n e ? November is National Family Caregivers Month, as well as the start of the holiday season. Spending time with family celebrating Thanksgiving and preparing for Christmas and Hanukkah just might be the perfect opportunity to have that difficult talk regarding your loved ones' future healthcare needs. There are about 45 million seniors, aged 65 and older, in the U.S. today. By 2030, that number is projected to reach 70 million. At least two- thirds of this population is expected to require long-term care at some point and the vast majority of them – 90% – would prefer to get that care at home. Currently, more than 10 million adult children are providing long- term care for sick or aging parents, dramatically reducing healthcare costs for their families. Nursing home expenses can easily exceed $100,000 a year. By comparison, annual out-of-pocket costs for home healthcare average about $5,500. Before assuming this responsibility, have the following documents in order to help you manage your parents' affairs while ensuring their wishes are honored: • A Durable Power of Attorney authorizing you to conduct business and financial transactions on your parent's behalf. Unlike a regular power of attorney, this document remains in effect even if your parent becomes incapacitated. • A Durable Healthcare or Medical Power of Attorney (a.k.a., healthcare proxy) allowing you to make decisions regarding your parent's medical treatment. • A Living Will outlining your parent's wishes for end-of-life medical treatment. Restrictions on living wills vary by state. Many caregivers are already juggling a full schedule of responsibilities. Fortunately, help is available either through a network of family and friends or through agencies managing home healthcare aides. Be aware, however, that: • Most states require criminal background checks but few require agencies to check criminal records in other states. • Only about half of all states have specific training requirements. • Only 15 states mandate periodic in-home reviews. Before hiring someone, ask questions: Are criminal checks and drug screenings required? What training and/or certification do aides receive? How are assessments and supervision conducted? Remember, also, to take care of yourself so you can continue caring for others. – Victor Rotolo Victor A. Rotolo, a resident of Clinton Township, was named to the list of 2015 NJ Super Lawyers marking the tenth consecutive year. Call The Rotolo Law Firm today: 908.534.7900 to discuss any legal situation confronting you. Your half-hour consultation is free of charge! Their attorneys and staff are ready to serve your legal needs. The Rotolo Law Firm • 502 US 22, Lebanon, NJ 08833. www.rotololawfirm.com "Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. ~ William Arthur Ward

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