Bayonne’s Mansion Uncovers Historic Roots:
Former Home to Benjamin Franklin’s Great Grandson,
Reverend Richard Bache Duane

BAYONNE, N.J., May 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ The strikingly grandiose 6,000 square foot mansion, situated at 105 West 8th St., is one of Hudson County’s undiscovered historic landmarks. Built in 1875, the property was home to Rev. Richard Bache Duane (1823-1875), the great grandson of Benjamin Franklin one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.

The Reverend traces his American roots through his maternal ancestry. Benjamin Franklin and his wife, Deborah Reed, gave birth to a daughter named Sarah “Sally” Franklin. Sarahwas later engaged to England foreigner and businessman Richard Bache in 1767. Some scholars speculate that Bache and Franklin traveled to Bayonne during the American Revolution.

In 1805, Richard and Sally Bache’s daughter, Deborah Bache, married a well-respected Irish American politician and influential lawyer, William John Duane of Pennsylvania. Duane and Sally had eight children, one of which was Richard Bache Duane. In 1833, Duane’s father was appointed Secretary of Treasury under former President Andrew Jackson.

Although little is known of the Reverend, the article published by Bayonne Landmarks, a 1995 publication released by the Bayonne Historical Society, Inc, confirms that he was “highly regarded as both an Episcopal clergyman and as a great grandson of American statesman Benjamin Franklin.”

According to Bayonne Landmarks, the home was built for Rev. Richard Bache Duane, his wife Margaret Anne Tams, and their seven children. The couple purchased the home from a wealthy businessman named, Solon Humphreys, who owned an estate in the local Bayonne area known as “Pepperidge”.

The home’s picturesque Victorian-style exterior elevates a charming grace in its quietly situated downtown neighborhood. Its red concrete slab, brick exterior exquisitely complements the home’s white-gated spacious porch, which wraps around the entire front of the house.

Katherine Sullivan Major, who is the current homeowner of the property, recalls her initial thoughts when she discovered the history behind her home: “I am a history buff, so I loved it. Imagine what it was like in the 1800’s and a house that was built in 1875 that stood the test of time.”

This distinctive property possesses charm and character, two qualities that made Katherine initially attracted to the property: “I purchased it because of the size and character of the home. It was a four-story home with gorgeous views overlooking the Newark Bay…”

After enjoying the home with her children, she is ready to pass on this charming piece of American history to the next family.

For media or press related inquiries, please contact Vicky Llerena at 201-725-3181. To schedule a private viewing of this home, please contact Issa Musharbash at 201-809-9922.

From Broadway World.

Original URL
http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwgeeks/article/Bayonnes-Mansion-Uncovers-Historic-Roots-Former-Home-to-Benjamin-Franklins-Great-Grandson-Reverend-Richard-Bache-Duane-20140521#.U30ojna9Y-p