Richard Stockton 1730 – 1781

Biography

Richard Stockton was born on October 1, 1730, in Princeton, New Jersey, where he would spend his entire life in service to his community and nation. A man of considerable intellect and legal acumen, he built a distinguished career as a lawyer and jurist, earning respect for his knowledge of the law and his principled approach to governance. His professional achievements reflected both his dedication to justice and his commitment to the emerging principles of American democracy during a transformative period in the nation’s history.

Throughout his life, Stockton held significant positions of responsibility, serving as both a legislator and jurist. These roles allowed him to shape legal policy and contribute to the development of New Jersey’s governmental structures during the revolutionary era. His work in these capacities demonstrated his deep investment in building institutions that would serve future generations.

Richard Stockton died on February 28, 1781, in his native Princeton at the age of fifty, succumbing to lip and oral cavity carcinoma. He was laid to rest at Stony Brook Meeting House and Cemetery in Princeton, where he remains a part of the community he served with dedication throughout his life.